Famous Burmese Writers

Pencilo, also known as Eaint Poe Ou, is a prominent Burmese writer and pro-democracy activist. She is widely recognized for her vocal criticism of the Tatmadaw and her advocacy for political reform in Myanmar. Pencilo has been at the forefront of taking up politically sensitive cases against the Burmese military junta and high-ranking generals. Her professional life is dedicated to challenging the status quo and fighting for democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression in Myanmar.

Dr. Maung Maung was a prominent writer and legal scholar in Myanmar. He served as the seventh president of Burma for a brief period in 1988. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the fields of literature and law, earning recognition for his expertise and knowledge. Dr. Maung Maung's professional life was marked by his dedication to intellectual pursuits and his commitment to serving his country through his work as a writer and legal expert.

Sayadaw U Ottama was a prominent figure in the professional world as a Theravada Buddhist monk, author, and a key leader in the Burmese independence movement under British colonial rule. Known for his anti-colonial political activities, he fearlessly fought for the independence of Burma, which resulted in multiple imprisonments by the British government. Through his teachings, writings, and active role in the independence movement, U Ottama left a lasting impact on Burmese society and history.

Thant Myint-U is a Burmese-American historian, writer, and former UN official known for his expertise in Burmese history and politics. He has authored several books, including notable works such as "The River of Lost Footsteps" and "Where China Meets India." Thant Myint-U founded the Yangon Heritage Trust to preserve colonial architecture in Yangon and advocate for urban planning. He currently holds a position as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Christ's College, Cambridge, and serves as a United Nations Special Adviser on Humanitarian Diplomacy.

Mya Than Tint was a highly acclaimed Burmese writer and translator, known for his significant contributions to Burmese literature. Throughout his career, he won the prestigious Myanmar National Literature Award five times, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the craft. His works, both original writings and translated pieces, have left a lasting impact on the literary landscape of Myanmar. Mya Than Tint's professional life was marked by his passion for storytelling and his commitment to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of his country through his literary works.

Tin Tin Win, known by her pen name Ju, is a prominent Burmese novelist celebrated for her portrayal of strong and intelligent female characters in her works. With a focus on women's empowerment and resilience, Ju's writing has resonated with readers both in Myanmar and internationally. Her novels have garnered critical acclaim for their rich storytelling and deep exploration of social and cultural themes. Ju's dedication to highlighting the strength and complexity of women's experiences has established her as a leading voice in Burmese literature.

Journal Kyaw Ma Ma Lay was a prominent Burmese writer known for her authentic portrayals of modern Burmese society. Alongside Ludu Daw Amar, she was among the few female authors in Burma during the 20th century. Her works are highly regarded for their insightful depiction of societal issues and cultural nuances. Ma Ma Lay's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on Burmese literature. Despite her passing in 1982, her legacy continues to inspire and influence writers and readers alike.

Ludu Daw Amar was a prominent dissident writer and journalist based in Mandalay, Burma. She was known for her fearless anti-government stance and radical left-wing journalism. In addition to her activism, she made significant contributions to the exploration and documentation of traditional Burmese arts, theatre, dance, and music. Furthermore, her work in translation, encompassing both fiction and non-fiction pieces from English, added depth and diversity to the literary landscape. Overall, Ludu Daw Amar's professional life was marked by a commitment to free expression and cultural preservation.

Haniel Clark Long was an accomplished American poet, novelist, publisher, and academic. He began his career as a reporter before transitioning to teaching at Carnegie Institute of Technology. Long founded Writers' Editions, a publishing organization focusing on New Mexican authors. Throughout his career, he authored several poetry collections, short stories, and novels, with notable works like Interlinear to Cabeza de Vaca standing out. Long also contributed to the New Mexico Sentinel and left behind a legacy of literary works that continue to be appreciated posthumously.

Myint Myint Khin was a distinguished Burmese medical professor, writer, and advocate for public health and medicine. She held the position of chair of the Department of Medicine at the Institute of Medicine in Mandalay for almost two decades and later worked as a consultant at the World Health Organization. Myint Myint Khin authored a total of 13 books, the majority focusing on public health, with one notable exception being a collection of her English language poetry. She was known for advocating for greater openness, transparency, and women's rights in Myanmar, and also founded a daycare center for elderly physicians in Yangon.