Hseng Zeun R.I.P
Nan Paw Gay editor of Karen News said the death last week of Shan journalist Sai Hseng Zeun aka U Sein Kyi, will be a huge loss, not only to his community, but to ethnic journalism in particular.
“There are not so many ethnic journalists with the experience and commitment that Sai Hseng Zeun had. His death is a huge loss to Shan Herald Agency for News and the ethnic media network, Burma News International. We have lost an important pillar in our journalism community”
Hseng Zeun was a respected journalist, songwriter, singer and defender of ethnic rights. He worked as deputy director of SHAN in Chiang Mai. Sai Hseng Zeun was a talented musician and like many, his career was cut short, many regarded his music talent as second-to-none in Burma. His reporting covered in depth the Shan people’s struggle from suppression at the hands of the Burma military dictatorship.
Sai Hseng Zeun was dedicated to journalism and to ending the suppression of his people. He always went out of his way to help journalist colleagues needing information or contacts in Shan State. He will be missed.
Hseng Zeun died of liver cancer in Chiang Mai last week at the age of 59. Sai Hseng Zeun is survived by his wife and three children. He will be cremated at Wat Pa Pao, a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, later this week.
