Article

Mission Explore Myanmar: ATOM CEO's Adventure in Mandalay

23 Jun,2023 - Yangon | 1 mins read

Author: Muhammad Ziaullah Siddiqui, Chief Executive Officer at ATOM

In the first week of May, I took advantage of the holidays in Myanmar to visit Mandalay, the country's second-largest city and former royal capital. Despite warnings of hot and dry weather, I proceeded with my plans to explore Mandalay and was rewarded with a memorable trip filled with rich cultural experiences.

The Start of a Fruitful Journey

Upon arriving in Mandalay and on my way to the hotel, I was fascinated by the small vendors selling various fruits, especially the famous Sein Ta Lone (diamond) mangoes. As a mango lover, I could not resist smelling and tasting them.

I was so impressed with the quality and flavours of the mangoes that I ended up buying 20kg of them for myself, friends, family and colleagues! The experience of purchasing the mangoes was topped off by learning that the fruit stall vendor is an ATOM customer. We enjoyed a heartfelt conversation and shared smiles through our love for fruits.

Escape to Pyin Oo Lwin

To beat the heat, I travelled to Pyin Oo Lwin, or formerly referred to as Maymyo. It is a scenic city located around 67km from Mandalay and it is set at 3,500 feet above sea level, offering cooler weather. I had a wonderful time exploring the National Kandawgyi Gardens, December Garden and Farms, Governor's House, and a Chinese temple. I also enjoyed the amazing food and experience dining at a family-styled restaurant.

Meeting the Team

No visit to any place is complete without a market visit and meeting the ATOM team. I met with the team members responsible for managing the northern regions of Myanmar and commended them for their amazing work on the ground.

This trip to Mandalay was memorable in so many ways – the amazing mangoes, visiting scenic locations, exploring parks, gardens and farms, enjoying the local cuisines, and learning about the history of Mandalay.

Throughout the trip, what I appreciated the most was having joyful interactions with people in various parts of Mandalay and experiencing their kind-heartedness and generosity. Above all, I cherished the time spent with my colleagues in Mandalay, and I am grateful for their warm hospitality. I’m looking forward to visiting Mandalay again!

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