SUM's first advanced interdisciplinary education centre — launched 1 February 2022 to promote human rights, federal democracy, good governance, and sustainability by educating Myanmar's next generation of change-makers.
The Institute of Human Rights and Democratic Governance (IHRDG), Spring University Myanmar (SUM)'s first advanced interdisciplinary education center, was formally launched on February 1st, 2022. Our institution was founded with the aim of promoting human rights, federal democracy, good governance, and sustainability by educating a new generation of change-makers in Myanmar. We believe in transforming our society into a democratic and just one, where individuals of all ages, genders, religions, (dis)abilities, or sexual orientations are treated with respect and dignity. Our focus is on nurturing young professionals who possess the passion and potential to contribute significantly to the development of Myanmar.
Structured 9-month programmes combining academic rigour with practical application.
A holistic understanding of the mechanisms, systems, and players that promote and protect human rights — covering historical and contemporary standards, regimes from different world regions, and applied practice in the Myanmar context. Grounded in research and critical thinking.
Trains young leaders passionate about social development to participate in the reconstruction of Myanmar in their local communities. Designed for graduates moving back into their communities or pursuing postgraduate study in community development.
A holistic understanding of the challenges facing administrators and leaders in the public sector — Myanmar's public-sector structure, budgeting, planning, and governance reform. Emphasises project management, capacity building, and applied research, preparing learners for mid-level management or further study.
Programme details to be confirmed with IHRDG — placeholder course list shown.
6 micro-credentials offered by IHRDG. Sample list — the live catalogue is updated each intake.
The principles, history, and practice of human rights.
How accountable institutions and active citizens sustain democracy.
Myanmar's place in a changing international order.
How societies confront past wrongs and rebuild trust.
A grounding in citizenship and civic responsibility.
Applying rights-based approaches to real-world issues.
We are working on turning IHRDG into a knowledge-sharing hub for Myanmar Studies — using these programmes to promote a culture of high-quality scholarship, research, and writing amongst our students as well as the wider public.
Delivering recent social-science and development research on Myanmar and Southeast Asia, alongside updates on academic events. Guided by human rights, good governance, and sustainable development, it caters to diverse interests through research publications, event announcements, and multimedia content.
Tailored for Myanmar's youth — curated news, analysis reports, scholarships, job opportunities, and upcoming webinars.
Launched in 2022 with support from International IDEA. National and international scholars, analysts, and activists share their latest research on human rights, good governance, and sustainable development. All seminars are recorded and available on the IHRDG YouTube channel.
A co-curricular training programme that runs alongside our regular classes — enabling students to learn more from their courses while preparing them for jobs and postgraduate study.
Bi-weekly workshops on education readiness, professional skill development, and preparation for further studies.
Mental-health counselling, guidance counsellor services, and financial assistance (mobile-internet data stipends and internship grants) for students experiencing hardship.
Pairs experienced volunteers from industry and academia with mentees among our students and alumni.
Established 7 April 2024 — keeping graduates connected to IHRDG and to each other beyond the diploma.
“Foster personal growth and development for our students that empowers them to pursue new opportunities after they leave IHRDG.”
Reach the IHRDG team directly — for course enquiries, partnership proposals, or contributions to the seminar series and journal.