Expo 2020 Dubai is, no doubt, a mega in everything: from what’s on display and exterior to all those behind-the-curtain management. Having 191 countries in a single compound for one common mission is as exciting and busy as it sounds. But at the same time, there is no way to call it a success without any roadblocks, drawbacks, and head-aching difficulties.

Myanmar Pavilion, like many other pavilions, came in with an ambition to showcase what Myanmar has got to the world with the best dedication and determination. Led by a Myanmar-born entrepreneur and inspirational icon Levi Sap Nei Thang, everything about Myanmar Pavilion was organized and sponsored by “Levi Sap Nei Thang LLC.” 

The to-be-displayed items and symbols of Myanmar culture, history, and people were carefully studied and collected from local businesses across the country for two years. The packaging took over two months and there were also several obstacles for shipping due to the given circumstances and the threat of the pandemic at that time. However, the Myanmar Pavilion Management Team managed to ship them from Yangon International Port to the U.A.E successfully.

However, the challenges did not stop there. The shipping was delayed and took nearly five months in total to arrive at the warehouse of the Expo. Once again, the inadequate manpower and the lack of assistance from the local management team of the Expo hindered the process of transporting cargo from the warehouse to the Pavilion. There were also some damages due to its long maintenance while shipping.

Nevertheless, there was something good in even a hard time. The ASEAN Secretariat offered a hand to the Myanmar Pavilion for inquiring and tracing the cargo and redirected to the right process. With the effort of the Myanmar Pavilion Director, the cargo has finally been delivered to the pavilion 3 days before the opening ceremony and the display would have to be arranged in place within 2 days.

The Myanmar Pavilion Team flew all the way to Dubai to make Myanmar proud and stand out among the world. Despite some delays and hardships that were conditional and out of control, their teamwork, perseverance, and hard work have splendidly paid off. Along with the magic and sparkles of the historical opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai, Myanmar Pavilion is ready to open its doors and hand over the legacy of Myanmar to the visitors as a part of the history. After all, it is a lesson and a story of “If there is a way, there is a way.”