By Adelinah Razali
Meet Associate Professor Htwe Htwe Thein – an international business researcher in the School of Management and Marketing. Her work spans across human rights and corporate social responsibility with a special focus on Myanmar. When she’s not untangling ethical dilemmas in high-risk regions, you’ll find her hosting dinner parties, kickboxing and belly dancing! It’s safe to say, she packs a punch.
Describe your research in 3 words
International business. Conflict. Accountability
Tell me briefly about your field of research?
My research focuses on corporate social responsibility and business conduct in conflict zones and fragile contexts, with particular emphasis on Myanmar. I examine how multinational corporations navigate ethical dilemmas in high-risk environments, especially those involving human rights, sanctions, and responsible business practices.
My work bridges international business, human rights, and policy, asking critical questions: How should companies respond when conflicts erupt? What responsibilities do they hold towards workers and communities? How can sanctions and corporate accountability mechanisms protect human rights in unstable regions?
This research is urgent and practical – it directly informs policy decisions made by governments and businesses around the world, including the Australian Parliament, Thai Parliament, the Danish Government, and the U.S government, helping shape more ethical and sustainable approaches to global business.
Research highlight
One of my most impactful research achievements has been influencing Australia’s sanctions policy on Myanmar after the 2021 military coup. Through rigorous research combined and sustained engagement, I’ve been able to turn academic findings into tangible policy outcomes.
A core part of my work is to provide expert advice to policy discussions. I’ve contributed to parliamentary roundtables, held multiple discussions with DFAT officials and MPs, and made submissions to parliamentary inquires.
It’s been humbling to be invited to share my research insights in these policy conversations.
I’m driven by the possibility that research can contribute to respecting human rights and issues around corporate social responsibility. My research also extends globally. I’ve provided expert advice to:
- the Parliament of the Kingdom of Thailand on the Myanmar crisis
- TotalEnergies on their Myanmar operations, contributing to their eventual withdrawal in 2022
- the National Unity Government of Myanmar on sanctions policy
- Danish businesses on human rights due diligence in garment supply chains
- Danish government on humanitarian policies towards Myanmar migrants
Seeing my research contribute to corporate accountability, advocacy and democratic movements is what I’m most proud of.
I also regularly engage with the media. My commentary has reached over 3.67 million people through more than 400 media engagements with outlets including BBC World, CNBC, South China Morning Post, and Voice of America. Being able to share accessible insights for global audiences and amplifying Curtin’s expertise has been especially rewarding.
If you could sit in with any Faculty for a day, which would you pick?
I’d sit in with the Faculty of Humanities, particularly to engage with sociologists.
My research on business and human rights in conflict zones constantly intersects with fundamental sociological questions about power, social movements, and institutional change. I’m especially drawn to how sociologists analyse grassroots activism and civil society – workers organising strikes, communities resisting harmful corporate practices, and diaspora groups pushing for democratic reform. These dynamics sit at the heart of my work on corporate accountability.
Understanding sociological theories and methodologies on social movements, power dynamics, and institutional legitimacy would enrich my research. Some of the most valuable insights come from stepping outside our disciplinary boundaries, and sociology’s focus on society, power and change would push me to see the business issues I study in new ways.
What are your passions/hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy reading, especially books on Buddhism, different cultures, and migrants’ experiences. These stories shape how I navigate belonging, identity, and movement across borders.
I love traveling, cooking, and entertaining. A nice dinner party is my passion – there’s something magical about bonding over food and stories that brings people together.
I’m also a fitness fanatic! Staying active keeps me energized and balanced, which is essential given the intensity of academic life.
What’s a fun fact about you that your colleagues would probably not know?
Many colleagues already know about my love for kickboxing and yoga, but what they probably don’t know is that I was a passionate belly dancer – and even performed at my own wedding! It was an incredibly joyful and empowering art form. The blend of strength, grace, and cultural expression in belly dancing that really resonates with me.
What’s the most valuable things you’ve learnt in your career so far?
I’ve come to believe that research is at its most powerful when rigorous scholarship connects with real-world impact. Early in my career, I focused on publishing in top journals. While that foundation was essential, I’ve learned that the greatest fulfillment for me comes from seeing research shape policy debates, influence business practices, inform media coverage and support communities..
I also find deep fulfillment in teaching. Helping students develop responsible approaches to business and watching them grow into ethical professionals. Knowing they’ll carry those values into the workplaces they lead is incredibly rewarding.
What’s a piece of advice you would give to your fellow colleagues and students?Align your career with your values. Find work that utilise your skills and contributes to something meaningful. Life is too short to spend time on work that doesn’t match with who you are and what you believe in.
This piece was featured in Impact Focus – a quarterly newsletter bringing you the latest in Curtin research. Sign up here to get it delivered straight to your inbox!
