KyawMin Htun

Washington, D.C. | +1 240-486-7210 | kh2138@caa.columbia.edu

Portfolio: www.kh2138.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kh2138

Interview with Nyi Pu Lay — award-winning writer, former political prisoner, and PEN Myanmar President — Washington, DC, Oct 17, 2019. He died in June 2023 while in hiding from a junta arrest warrant over his criticism of the military coup.

COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA & OPERATION LEADER

Award-winning journalist and communications executive with 16+ years of leadership in television, radio, and digital production. Proven track record of launching flagship programs, expanding audiences to millions across platforms, and leading diverse, cross-border teams under high-pressure environments. Recognized with multiple Edward R. Murrow, Burke, New York Festivals, Telly, and Gracie Awards for investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, and newsroom leadership. Master of Public Administration from Columbia University (SIPA).

Skills & Competencies

Strategic Communication & Crisis Management
Digital Storytelling & Multimedia Production (TV, Radio, Web, Podcasts, Social)
OSINT, Digital Forensics & Data Verification
Breaking News & Live Broadcast Operations
SEO, Analytics & Content Strategy
Cross-Functional Leadership & Workforce Planning
Tools: Adobe Creative Cloud, ENPS, Audacity, Pro Tools, Google Suite, AI Content Tools
Languages: Fluent in English & Burmese

Select Accomplishments

Audience Growth & Innovation – Co-founded and scaled RFA Burmese’s digital platforms to 14M Facebook followers and 3M YouTube subscribers, creating one of the largest independent media footprints in Asia.
Award-Winning Journalism – Directed investigative projects recognized with National Edward R. Murrow Awards (2024–2025) and the David Burke Award, producing global-impact reports on human rights, war crimes, and democracy.
Newsroom Management – Produced and hosted high-profile live shows on radio, TV, and social media, fostering informed public discourse with clarity and journalistic rigor.
Cross-Border Leadership & Management – Managed newsrooms across the U.S., China, India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, coordinating coverage of authoritarian regimes, humanitarian crises, and geopolitical conflicts.
Strategic Communications – Represented RFA at U.S. Congressional hearings, Capitol Hill briefings, and international forums, strengthening visibility with policymakers, NGOs, and global media.
Capacity Building – Mentored dozens of young journalists, many of whom now work at major outlets worldwide; led newsroom training in digital forensics, investigative reporting, and multimedia storytelling.

Professional Experience

Deputy Director
Radio Free Asia – Washington, D.C. | 2023 – 2025

Led cross-border editorial and production teams in the U.S. and Asia.
Oversaw editorial strategy for web and social platforms reaching 17M+ users.
Represented RFA in stakeholder engagements including U.S. Congress and USAGM.
Produced award-winning investigative projects using OSINT, digital forensics, and data visualization.
Authored impact reports and enforced journalistic ethics under challenging environments.

Bureau Chief, Myanmar
Radio Free Asia – Yangon, Myanmar | 2018 – 2019

Directed bureau operations, supervising 40+ multilingual staff.
Hosted and produced Myanmar’s first uncensored live call-in radio/TV show.
Managed crisis coverage during national emergencies and defended operations against military legal threats.

Senior Editor & Executive Producer
Radio Free Asia – Washington, D.C. | 2011 – 2023

Launched RFA’s first flagship satellite live TV program.
Produced daily programs and longform documentaries on Southeast Asian affairs.
Directed digital engagement strategy, boosting reach across platforms.
Edited newsletters for offline communities and coordinated regional correspondents.

Broadcaster & Reporter
Radio Free Asia – Washington, D.C. | 2005 – 2011

Reported on assignments in Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Singapore, producing 400+ radio reports and interviews.
Investigated human trafficking in Malaysia, earning the 2010 New York Festivals Bronze Award.

Early Career Roles (2003–2005)

Policy Analyst – The Burma Fund
Program Associate – Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
Program Officer – Columbia University, SIPA

Education

Master of Public Administration (MPA) – Columbia University, SIPA, New York
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Chemistry – University of Mandalay, Myanmar

Certifications & Professional Trainings

Project Management - Google, 2025
Leadership, Exploration, and Discovery – RTDNA, 2023
Coaching Skills for Today’s Leaders – Graduate School USA, 2013
Grassroots Democracy – U.S. Department of State, 2001
Daily News & In-Depth Reporting – ICFJ, 2000

Awards & Recognition

National Edward R Murrow Awards, Digital Category – 2024 & 2025 (Team)
Gracie Award – Environmental Reporting – AWMF, 2024 (Team)
Telly Award – Visual Storytelling – 2023 (Team)
Bronze Award, Human Trafficking Reports – NYF, 2010 (Individual)
Gold Award, Best Ongoing News Story for Cyclone Nargis Coverage – NYF, 2009 (Team)
David Burke Journalism Award, Coverage of Saffron Revolution – USAGM, 2008 (Team)
Gold Award, Saffron Revolution Coverage – NYF, 2008 (Team)

Google Sites

Report abuse