Yangon, Myanmar, May 5, 2026 – Under its ninth call, the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), managed by the Mekong Institute (MI), marked a new milestone with the launch of its first-ever project specifically focused on benefiting persons with disabilities (PWDs), reflecting its commitment to inclusive regional progress.
The project, “Empowering Futures: Sustainable Disability Resource Development in the Mekong Region,” will be implemented by Shwe Minn Tha Foundation Myanmar (SMTF Myanmar), a Yangon-based organization advocating for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of PWDs. The project aims to promote inclusive employment opportunities, vocational skills development, accessibility improvement, and economic empowerment for PWDs across the Mekong region.
At the project launch’s opening session, SMTF Myanmar President Mr. Myat Thu Winn, a PWD himself, spoke about the importance of collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and development partners in generating opportunities and creating accessible and supportive working environments for the disability sector.
Meanwhile, MKCF Director Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta highlighted the importance of regional and business partnerships in supporting sustainable vocational training and employment initiatives for PWDs. He also underscored the growing relevance of AI and emerging technologies in preparing PWDs for future employment opportunities.
GEDSI, or gender equality, disability, and social inclusion, has always been a key consideration embedded across MKCF calls and throughout all phases of project implementation. The launch of the Myanmar disability inclusion initiative represents a further step toward greater inclusivity.
The project will support around 200 persons with disabilities through vocational training and job-matching services across various sectors based on market demand and employment needs. In addition, 25 disability entrepreneurs will receive customized advanced business management training and professional consultation to strengthen enterprise resilience and promote inclusive economic growth.
Following the project launch, a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting was held to discuss policy support mechanisms and opportunities to strengthen inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainable employment systems for PWDs. Participants, including government representatives, business partners, development organizations, and disability advocacy groups, actively exchanged views on implementation strategies, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
For more information, please contact:
Mekong Institute
Email: [email protected]
