Dr Kalyar Khine: Inspiring A New Generation Of Women Leaders In Business

As Managing Director of Unique Standard Company, Dr Kalyar Khine has spent over a decade shaping the company’s path in Myanmar’s business world. Her role has demanded both vision and resilience, especially in introducing advanced technology to a market still learning its value. With strong support, she launched technical training and product promotion in 2017. Since then, she has led the company’s growth into especially corrosion prevention system, cathodic protection, pipeline construction, and process piping. Her expertise spans strategy, project leadership, client relations, and team coordination in the oil & gas, and pipeline industries. Below is an excerpt of Dr Kalyar Khine’s exclusive interaction with The Global Women Leader magazine.

Can you share some of the most defining milestones in your professional journey? What key experiences or influences have significantly shaped your leadership style?

Starting my own business stands out as a turning point, driven by a desire for change and the willingness to embrace risk, despite not having a detailed roadmap. There was no grand vision, only a clear intention, which is to succeed. As the business evolved, so did my focus, shifting sharply toward a client-centric model, where every solution was shaped by individual needs. Navigating gender bias in leadership added further depth to my journey. Today, my leadership reflects self-assurance, collaborative spirit, and strategic clarity, anchored by ethics, resilience through challenges, a commitment to learning, and a belief that strong teams drive meaningful impact.

Tell us about Unique Standard Company and what you do as the Managing Director. What are the key areas you focus on as a leader in the company?

Unique Standard Company is an authorized distributor of Premier Coatings from the U.K. and Myanmar, focusing on corrosion prevention technology. We offer tank-based protection system, Petrolatum tape system, Bitumen tape system and etc., for both underground and above-ground pipelines, along with cathodic protection systems supported by HBMs and overseas technicians. We also handle pipeline construction, process piping, and key structures. As the Managing Director, I take care of strategy leadership, financial management, team leadership, and daily operations. My role involves making key decisions and managing risk. I focus on the financial market, team building, motivation, and training on our epic products and services.

What are the main values that guide the way you lead? How do you help Unique Standard Company reach its goals and grow successfully?

My approach to leadership is guided by key fundamental principles, namely ensure effectiveness, inspire the team, and drive long-term success. These include strategic thinking and decision-making, clear vision and purpose, integrity, accountability, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning. At Unique Standard Company, achieving organizational success involves strategic vision, strong partnerships, and operational excellence. Since we focus on prevention technology, our growth depends on market positioning, customer trust, and offering innovative solutions.

Dr kalyar khine leads with vision, resilience, and purpose by blending science, strategy, and heart to redefine leadership in myanmar

What are the main business challenges you face in your role at Unique Standard Company, and how do you deal with them to keep things moving forward?

The main business challenges I face at Unique Standard Company are technical, marketing, and pricing. Many people are not familiar with our product because it is a very advanced technology, so it takes time to explain. The marketing channel is narrow, and pricing is also a challenge. I started taking marketing seriously by building a social cycle with the people in the same field. We share the message that our product is more expensive than China’s but cost-effective for the long term, lasting up to 30 years.

What changes do you expect to see in the future for women in Myanmar’s business world? What can be done to create more balance between men and women in leadership roles?

The future of women's representation in Myanmar’s business world will be shaped by economic, political, and social factors. Women already play a key role in SMEs and family businesses, but challenges like gender bias, access to finance, and lack of fair training still exist. To create gender-balanced leadership, we must address cultural and structural barriers. Opportunities through the digital rise, international support, networking, and advocacy will help. By building an environment that supports women's advancement, we can move toward a more balanced and inclusive business landscape in Myanmar. This is a key strategy for real and lasting change.

DR Kalyar Khine, Managing Director, Unique Standard Company

Dr Kalyar Khine, Managing Director of Unique Standard Company, holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Yangon University and a Master of Engineering in Physics. With over a decade of experience, she brings deep expertise in corrosion prevention, strategic leadership, and project management. Her journey blends academic excellence with hands-on industry innovation.