Ideas Over Institutions: How Startups Are Changing the Lives of Myanmar’s Migrants

When the fabric of a nation unravels, it is often the smallest players who make the biggest difference. Myanmar, since the military coup of 2021, has plunged into chaos, leaving its citizens in dire need of escape and opportunity. Over 1.5 million people have been displaced, and countless others are struggling to find safety in neighboring countries. Yet while international organizations and governments wrestle with bureaucracy and limited resources, startups like Issa Compass and Pace Forward are quietly rewriting the script for how displaced individuals can rebuild their lives.

These two startups demonstrate a compelling truth: sometimes, the most transformative solutions come not from institutions but from individuals with bold, life-changing ideas.

Myanmar’s Exodus: The Human Cost of Oppression

Myanmar’s people have been caught in the crossfire of political instability, economic collapse, and violent crackdowns. With no resolution in sight, many have turned their eyes outward, seeking refuge in countries like Thailand. For these migrants, the promise of a stable job, a legal foothold, and a chance to start over outweighs the emotional cost of leaving home.

But migration is far from easy. For decades, international organizations have focused on providing aid to displaced people, yet the bureaucracy and scale of their operations often leave gaps in service. Governments, too, have struggled to meet the demands of vulnerable populations while balancing their own national priorities. It’s here — amid the blind spots of large institutions — that startups like Issa Compass and Pace Forward are having an outsized impact.

Big Change Through Small Teams

Startups are uniquely equipped to solve complex problems because they are agile, innovative, and laser-focused on specific goals. Issa Compass and Pace Forward, though small in scale compared to global organizations, are creating ripple effects by addressing key pain points for Myanmar’s migrants.

Issa Compass simplifies one of the most daunting challenges for displaced people: navigating the legal systems of foreign countries. For Burmese migrants in Thailand, obtaining visas and work permits can feel like an insurmountable barrier. Using technology and customer-centric design, Issa Compass helps individuals and small businesses secure legal work authorization quickly and efficiently. Their newly launched Issa Compass app for iOS is revolutionizing the way migrants and SMEs apply for visas, making the process intuitive and accessible even for those with limited resources.

Meanwhile, Pace Forward tackles another critical barrier: language. For Burmese migrants, the inability to speak Thai or English can lead to isolation and limited job opportunities. Since 2019, Pace Forward has provided personalized language education that enhances communication skills and boosts employability. Their community hub in Bangkok offers group classes and networking events, creating a space where migrants can learn, connect, and grow.

A New Kind of Leadership

What makes these startups so impactful is not just their focus but the vision of their founders. The teams behind Issa Compass and Pace Forward aren’t bound by the red tape or slow-moving processes that often hinder governments and NGOs. Instead, they are driven by the belief that innovative, people-centered solutions can address problems more effectively than massive institutions.

At Issa Compass, co-founders Aaron, Priscilla, and Saks embody this ethos. Aaron, a seasoned entrepreneur with experience advising tech giants like Google and Apple, brings a Silicon Valley mindset to tackling bureaucratic hurdles. Priscilla, with her background in corporate strategy at BCG and foodpanda APAC, adds analytical rigor and a deep understanding of scaling services. Saks, who has a history of founding social enterprises, grounds the startup’s mission in empathy and impact.

Pace Forward, similarly, reflects the passion of its founder Stacie, who believe that language is not just a skill but a gateway to dignity and opportunity. By offering flexible, affordable classes, the startup equips individuals with the tools they need to navigate their new environments and unlock their potential.

The Power of Bold Ideas

Consider the story of Aung, a 30-year-old former factory worker from Myanmar who began his journey to a better future by improving his English with Pace Forward while still in his home country. Recognizing that language skills could unlock new opportunities, he dedicated himself to learning in preparation for the life he aspired to build. When the political and economic turmoil in Myanmar became unbearable, Aung seized the chance to flee to Thailand, where he faced the immense challenge of finding legal work.

Through Issa Compass, his employer was able to swiftly secure a work visa, enabling Aung to start a position at a local electronics firm. Determined to adapt and thrive in his new environment, he turned again to Pace Forward, this time enrolling in Thai language classes at their vibrant community hub in Bangkok.

In just a few months, Aung’s life underwent a remarkable transformation — not because of a sweeping government program, but thanks to the practical, personalized support of two innovative startups committed to empowering individuals like him.

A Lesson for Governments and Institutions

The success of startups like Issa Compass and Pace Forward highlights the limitations of traditional approaches to solving global crises. Governments often prioritize security concerns over human needs, while large organizations can become bogged down in bureaucracy. Startups, by contrast, thrive on efficiency, experimentation, and a willingness to pivot based on immediate feedback.

This is not to diminish the role of governments or international organizations, which remain critical to addressing systemic issues. But it’s a reminder that smaller players — those with the freedom to innovate — can often achieve what larger institutions cannot.

Hope Beyond Borders

The crisis in Myanmar is far from over, and the path for its people remains perilous. Yet the stories of those who’ve successfully rebuilt their lives offer a glimmer of hope. Startups like Issa Compass and Pace Forward prove that bold ideas, executed with precision and compassion, can create real change for individuals facing unimaginable hardship.

For every Hnin and Aung who finds a way forward, the ripple effects extend far beyond their personal success. Their stories inspire others, strengthen communities, and challenge the world to think differently about how to solve complex problems.

Ultimately, the message is clear: while governments and institutions debate policy, it’s the dreamers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are quietly changing lives — one idea at a time.

P.S. Angels and syndicates, I know what you’re thinking: you’d love to write a check and secure a spot on the cap table of these incredible startups. They’ve got it all — market potential, seasoned founders, proven traction, and scalability to spare. But tough luck — they’re not raising and are fully bootstrapped. However, maybe — and I stress, maybe — if you bring a partnership opportunity for a truly transformative, life-changing market, I could make a warm intro. No promises, though. And you’ll have to convince me first.