By School of Environment, Resources and Development
April 21, 2025: Shwe Yi Myint Myat is a recent Master’s graduate (December 2024) from the Development Planning, Management, and Innovation (DPMI) program at the Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS), School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) at AIT. Currently engaged in special research at AIT, she has contributed to the study of equity and inclusion in human development for vulnerable groups. Under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen, her research focuses on examining energy access for refugee populations, its impact on human development, and proposing sustainable, inclusive energy solutions for refugees in long-term camps.
Shwe and her advisor, Dr. Lai recently published her first research paper in Energy Research & Social Science, a prestigious Elsevier journal (Q1, IF 6.9, Citescore 14). The study examines how disparities in energy access affect education, health, and livelihood opportunities in Myanmar refugee camps in Thailand. In addition, under Dr. Lai’s guidance, she is currently working on two more research papers that further explore the complex intersections of energy governance, social equity, and development in refugee settings.
Shwe had the honor of presenting her research at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (CRMA) Smart Technology Exhibition (November 18-19, 2024). A defining moment of the event was presenting her research poster to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Her work contributes to ongoing discussions on humanitarian energy access and sustainable development, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive policies that ensure refugees’ basic rights to clean and affordable energy.
Refugees often endure substandard living conditions and lack access to basic human needs such as clean water and energy. While prior research has predominantly focused on fundamental humanitarian needs, there has been scant attention to the specifics of energy access and its influence on human capital within extended refugee situations, especially in countries like Thailand, which have not ratified refugee conventions. This research aims to fill that gap by exploring the energy access among Myanmar refugees and its subsequent effects on human capital within the two studied camps in Thailand, namely Umpiem Mai (UPM) and Ban Mai Nai Soi (BMN).
Energy access in refugee settings is often constrained by multiple factors, including political limitations, economic barriers, and geographic isolation. The study highlights that bridging the energy gap in refugee camps requires a multifaceted approach. Expanding renewable energy initiatives such as solar microgrids, biogas solutions, and improved cookstoves could offer sustainable alternatives while reducing dependency on external aid. Moreover, integrating energy access policies within broader development frameworks can enhance refugees’ self-reliance and foster long-term resilience. As Thailand continues to support displaced communities, collaboration between international organizations, policymakers, and the private sector will be crucial in ensuring inclusive and equitable energy access for all. The study underscores an urgent call to action that energy access should not be a privilege but a necessity that empowers refugees toward a sustainable and dignified future.
This research directly and significantly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The research focuses on energy access, exploring how sustainable and inclusive energy solutions can be implemented for refugee populations.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequality – Addressing energy access among refugees contributes to reducing inequalities by providing equitable opportunities for vulnerable groups and promoting their inclusion in development efforts.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The research contributes to strengthening institutions and policies to ensure that refugee populations have access to essential services, including energy, which is vital for human development and peacebuilding.
This research also indirectly supports several additional goals:
- SDG 1: No Poverty – By examining access to basic needs such as energy among refugees, the research highlights how energy access can help lift vulnerable groups like refugees out of poverty
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Access to reliable and clean energy can improve health outcomes in refugee communities by enabling better healthcare services, improved sanitation, and better living conditions.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Energy access can enhance educational opportunities for refugee populations by supporting better infrastructure, lighting for studying, and access to technology for learning.
This research has been supported by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) scholarship.
