Kaung has been our senior system administrator at ATA IT for 18 months. In this Q&A article he explains his role and responsibilities, plus his insights into the skills and qualities that are essential for success in this field, and moving to a new country
What inspired you to work in this industry and how did you get into this role?
My love of solving problems and technology inspired me to become an IT professional. Through my university projects and my first employment as IT system support in the banking Industry, I obtained knowledge and on-hand experience that helped me to land a position as a Linux/Unix system administrator at ATA IT Limited. I was driven to succeed in system administration because of its dynamic character and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies.
Can you describe your typical day as a senior system administrator?
There are both proactive and reactive chores to complete in a typical day. I begin by going over any alerts or occurrences that occurred overnight and ranking them according to urgency. I deal with work orders, support tickets, and ongoing infrastructure tasks throughout the day. Automation plays a crucial role in my constant search for methods to improve productivity and optimize workflows. Additionally, as my team handles and manages urgent issues, we must also be on standby for on-call help.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in this area?
I would suggest to focus your attentions toward gaining a solid foundation in Linux/Unix administration via training, reading blogs, and hand-on experience. Maintain your curiosity, keep picking up new technological abilities, and hone soft skills like problem-solving and communication. Networking and joining relevant online forums can also bring useful for insights and possibilities for advancement.
What are the most significant emerging trends or challenges in IT security?
The emergence of cloud computing, containerization, and microservices architecture are some of the most important new trends in IT security. Although there are many advantages to these technologies, they also bring the new security risks, including managing identities, protecting data, and securing distributed environments. Furthermore, a proactive strategy to security is necessary due to the growing sophistication of cyber threats. This approach should prioritize ongoing monitoring, threat intelligence, and quick incident response.
How was the transition between moving from your home country and starting your first job in Thailand?
Moving from Myanmar to Thailand for my role at ATA IT Limited was relatively smooth, given the cultural similarities. While minor adjustments were necessary, such as understanding different work and communication styles, working in a multicultural environment enriched my personal and professional experience. It has helped me to embrace diversity and foster collaboration, which is integral for my professional growth and success in this new environment.
