Alumni Outcomes: Hein Htet San

Please introduce yourself

I am Hein Htet San (Stefan), a diaspora urban sketcher. I began the SOAS-Alphawood Asian Art Programme in 2024 with the support of an Alphawood Scholarship. I am originally from Myanmar and am currently based in London.

What were you doing before joining the SOAS-Alphawood Asian Art Programme?

Before joining the programme, I was conducting research on Bagan murals from the 11th - 13th centuries CE, specifically looking at their transmission of knowledge.

What are you doing now, and how would you describe your current role or focus?

I am currently pursuing an MA in History of Art and Archaeology at SOAS, with a focus on modernity and coloniality. Alongside my studies, I volunteer with the Manuscript Collection at the British Library.

Do you have one key achievement or point of pride from your current role that you would like to share?

Securing a further scholarship from the Alphawood Foundation to pursue my MA at SOAS is my most significant recent achievement.

Looking back, what parts of the SOAS-Alphawood Asian Art Programme most directly prepared you for what you’re doing now?

The object handling sessions were vital. They provided direct exposure to objects and allowed me to build connections with experts. Most importantly, they taught me how to handle items correctly, an experience that has become a major asset in my role at the British Library, especially when dealing with manuscripts.

After completing my Independent Study Project (ISP) alongside the final module, I found myself much more confident in my research abilities and eager to pursue further academic work.

Was there a moment — academic or professional — where you realised the SOAS-Alphawood Asian Art Programme had changed how you approached your work or area of specialism?

I previously held Eurocentric approaches and ideas without even being aware of it. This programme taught me to understand indigenous values and introduced me to the concept of ‘multiple modernities,’ which has fundamentally changed my perspective.

What would you say to someone considering the SOAS-Alphawood Asian Art Programme who’s unsure how it translates into real-world outcomes?

This is a unique programme that will change the way you see the world; you will not be the same person once you have finished it. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience academic rigour and practical experience at the same time.

How would you summarise your experience on the SOAS-Alphawood Asian Art Programme and how it prepared you for your current work in one or two sentences?

The SOAS-Alphawood Programme was a huge turning point in my life that paved the way for my career working with institutional collections. Learning from various curators, experts, and scholars was a unique opportunity that brings a deeper level of expertise and confidence to my daily work today.

You can see more of Stefan's work on his Instagram (stefan.xcvii) and his website (stefansketches.co.uk).