Nae Win Aung
Originally from Myanmar, Nae led a distinguished career in Intellectual Property in Singapore. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Commercial Law, focusing on researching the intellectual property regulatory system and the data economy to contribute to the development of New Zealand's IP regulatory.
After completing a Master of Science in Management of Technology at the National University of Singapore in 2007, Nae went into a career with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore under the Ministry of Law, serving as Assistant Director for enterprise development and then as a patent examiner.
“In 2019, I took another leap and enrolled in the Singapore University of Social Science for a Master of Intellectual Property and Innovation Management. I then completed the Public Leadership Credential from Harvard Kennedy School in 2022, during which I realized my calling to become an academic.”
I set out to find the perfect fit for my doctoral studies. After thorough research, I was drawn to the University of Auckland for its esteemed reputation as a world-leading research, teaching, and learning institution.
"I'm genuinely grateful for the guidance and support provided by my supervisors, Professor Tana Pistorius, Associate Professor Rob Batty, and Dr Bram Van Wiele from the Business and Law Schools at the University of Auckland. Their expertise spans various types of intellectual property, not only in New Zealand but also in other Commonwealth countries such as Australia, the UK, South Africa, and the European Union.”
Nae built a great rapport with his supervisors, who “extended their personal kindness, helping me settle in New Zealand. This included assisting with visa applications and accommodations for me and my family when we relocated after successfully completing my challenging provisional year of doctoral studies”.
“Throughout my time at the University, I've not only delved deep into my research but also had the opportunity to contribute as a research assistant and graduate teaching assistant. With each day, my motivation to make a difference in academia grows stronger. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me and how I can contribute to shaping New Zealand's IP regulatory system and data economy for the better.”