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From Myanmar to the Cloud: My Journey into AWS, DevSecOps, and Beyond

How I transitioned from a Java developer in Japan to a cloud solutions architect passionate about DevSecOps and cybersecurity.

From Myanmar to the Cloud: My Journey into AWS, DevSecOps, and Beyond

Hello, I’m Min!

I’m a Cloud Architect, DevSecOps enthusiast, and currently working as a Product Support Specialist at a fully remote global SaaS company that runs on GCP, AWS, and Azure.

Not only am I learning from the product itself, but working across multiple cloud platforms is also helping me sharpen my multi-cloud expertise. Recently, I’ve also developed an interest in FinOps—seeing how organizations balance cost optimization with business strategy has been both eye-opening and inspiring.

Originally from Myanmar, I’ve been living and working in Japan since 2019. In this post, I’m excited to share my professional journey—from humble beginnings in software engineering to building scalable, secure infrastructures in the cloud, and where I see my path going next.


How It All Started

My journey into tech began with a love for problem-solving and a deep curiosity about how systems work.

After moving to Japan in 2019, I started my first job as a Java System Engineer at a local SIer. I gained hands-on experience in:

  • QA engineering
  • Integration testing
  • Development workflows
  • Cloud migration projects

These early experiences sparked my fascination with cloud computing—specifically how it could dramatically improve speed and efficiency in system delivery. That’s when I decided to pivot toward cloud infrastructure.

I explored both Azure and AWS, eventually focusing on AWS. Later, I joined an AWS-specialized cloud integrator where I dove deep into:

  • Latest AWS services
  • DevOps tooling (CI/CD, GitOps)
  • Modern programming stacks

Over time, I realized how critical security had become in every stage of delivery, which led me to embrace DevSecOps as both a practice and a mindset.


Overcoming Challenges

Challenging my first career in a new country and stepping into a highly technical space came with its fair share of challenges:

  • Adapting to a new language and work culture
  • Learning cloud technologies without a formal IT degree
  • Keeping pace with rapid changes in DevOps and cybersecurity

Here’s how I pushed through:

  • Daily study habits: documentation, blogs, hands-on labs
  • Connecting with the global tech community
  • Pursuing certifications to structure and validate my skills

Why I Love Cloud, DevSecOps & FinOps

Cloud technologies continue to transform the way businesses operate. For me, designing secure, scalable, and automated solutions is incredibly rewarding.

But there’s also a business dimension: FinOps. As I work with organizations across multiple clouds, I see how vital it is to optimize cloud spend while still fueling innovation. This balance between technical performance and financial responsibility is where I see exciting opportunities ahead.


Looking Ahead: Cloud x Cybersecurity x FinOps

As AI automates more tasks, cybersecurity is emerging as one of the most crucial fields of the future. I aim to grow into a cloud security architect, combining my DevSecOps background with advanced security frameworks and threat mitigation techniques.

At the same time, I’ll continue exploring FinOps to better understand how technical design choices impact financial outcomes. I believe the future of cloud is not just secure and scalable, but also sustainable—both technologically and financially.

Let’s Connect

Thanks for reading about my journey! If you’re on a similar path or just curious about AWS, DevSecOps, or cybersecurity, feel free to reach out. I’d love to share knowledge and grow together.

📫 LinkedIn
✉️ ari.htethtetmin@gmail.com

Together, let’s build innovative, secure, and impactful technology. 🚀

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.