Beyond the Bus

Naung Naung Htoo, a dedicated advocate for rural farmers from Yangon, Myanmar, is making strides in agriculture. His participation in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) has not only expanded his understanding of sustainable practices but also deepened his involvement with organizations like the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

The YSEALI is a fellowship between the U.S. government and Southeast Asia to strengthen leadership development and networking through a variety of programs. “International exchanges are an important part of fostering understanding and cooperation between countries,” said Nate Engle, Director of Community Engagement of the MDARD. “…to host young professionals, facilitate learning about things done in the state and in local communities to make places and quality of life better for citizens while offering educational moments so that a YSEALI fellow can take ideas back to their own country and contribute to further development, at home.”

During his time in Michigan, Htoo collaborated with MDARD on climate action strategies, particularly learning about their Climate Next Steps initiative. “These strategies aim to enhance sustainability and reduce agriculture’s environmental impact, offering ideas that could be adapted to my work in Myanmar,” he explained. This hands-on experience has equipped him with valuable insights into balancing agricultural productivity with environmental protection.

It's not just his work with agriculture that stands out—his experience navigating Lansing using CATA has transformed his daily life. “Using the public bus system allowed me to navigate the city without the need for a personal vehicle,” Htoo shared. He found the organized routes and reliable schedules to be a stress-free way to reach meetings and explore local attractions.

Htoo compared his experiences with public transport back home to those in Lansing. “Lansing’s system feels more user-friendly, with clear signage and well-maintained vehicles,” he said, contrasting it with the less structured and often overcrowded buses in Myanmar. “While public transportation is affordable in Myanmar, it can be less reliable and is still developing in many areas.”

Certain CATA routes, particularly those connecting Michigan State University and downtown Lansing, have proven especially useful for him. The Transit app, which tracks schedules and provides real-time updates, has made his experience even smoother. “This technology made my experience with public transportation easier, especially as someone new to Lansing,” Htoo explained.

Using CATA has not only improved his mobility but also enriched his understanding of the Lansing community. “Traveling alongside local residents helped me gain insight into their daily lives and the vibrant culture of the city,” he said. Through these experiences, Naung has come to appreciate the importance of efficient public transport systems in fostering community engagement and sustainability.

Naung Naung Htoo’s journey highlights the impact of accessible transportation on both personal and professional growth. His experience with CATA and MDARD reflects how public transit can empower individuals to explore new environments, connect with communities, and ultimately contribute to meaningful change.