Michael Aung-Thwin facts for kids

Michael Aung-Thwin (born 1946 – died August 14, 2021) was a Burmese American historian. He was a retired professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He was an expert in the early history of Southeast Asia and Myanmar (formerly Burma).

Early Life and Education

Michael Aung-Thwin was born in Rangoon, Burma in 1946. His mother, Margaret Hope Aung-Thwin, was a university lecturer. She was also a Fulbright scholar, which is a special academic award.

Michael went to Kodaikanal International School in South India. His mother taught at this school. He later earned a bachelor's degree from Doane College in 1969. He then got a master's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1971. Finally, he completed his PhD at the University of Michigan.

Academic Career

Michael Aung-Thwin taught at several universities during his career. These included Elmira College and Kyoto University. He also taught at Northern Illinois University and the National University of Singapore (NUS). His last teaching position was at the University of Hawaii-Manoa.

He was also the Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University. In 2018, he received a special award called the George E. Bogaars endowed professorship at NUS.

Personal Life and Family

Michael Aung-Thwin was married to Maria. They had two children, Maitrii and Amita. His son, Maitrii Aung-Thwin, also became a historian. He is a professor at the National University of Singapore.

Death

Michael Aung-Thwin passed away at his home in Hawaii on August 14, 2021. He had been ill for a long time.