Aeint Myat Chel: A jewellery entrepreneur on the MBA

What led you to take the Cambridge MBA?

Twelve years ago, I took a short summer course at Cambridge, and I was inspired by the pursuit of knowledge and innovation that seemed to permeate the whole institution. It ignited curiosity and a profound desire for discovery and continuous knowledge, leaving me searching for a reason to return ever since.

When I learnt about the MBA programme and its strong focus on entrepreneurship and sustainability, everything clicked. It aligned with the next steps that I wanted to take to develop myself further. I am truly grateful that I now have the opportunity to pursue the Cambridge MBA.

Describe the biggest accomplishment in your career so far.

The biggest accomplishment so far has been building my retail jewellery business and my team from the ground up, sustaining and growing it over time, amidst COVID-19 and instabilities.

MG&J Jewellery is a luxury bespoke jewellery brand specialising in high-purity gold and ethically sourced gemstones from Myanmar. We cater to individuals who seek personal, meaningful pieces capturing stories, memories, and emotions. We specialise in crafting bespoke jewellery pieces where every piece is sourced with utmost care and no detail is overlooked. I am proud of the competitive advantages that we have developed over time as we learn continuously, not just about the gemstones and the metals but also about our clients, our own team members and our strengths and weaknesses.

I feel honoured to be providing services of value to an expanding client base across countries and continents. This journey has been profoundly liberating, humbling and empowering, as it has allowed me to forge my own path and nurture my own courage and resilience.

Why did you feel the need to get an MBA within the context of your business/career?

For the last few years, I have been growing my own jewellery line MG&J before deciding to pursue an MBA. Running a business, especially in a developing market like Myanmar, often came down to instincts and resilience rather than structured knowledge.

I joined the Cambridge MBA because I wanted to bridge the gaps in my skills, understand business frameworks, and gain a more strategic perspective on scaling a business sustainably. The MBA programme at Cambridge has allowed me to step back from the daily grind and see my business from a bird’s-eye view, equipping me with structured ways to think about problems I once tackled intuitively. It has also exposed me to a global network, which is invaluable as I look to expand internationally.

What steps are you taking to expand your business – along with your MBA – what are your ambitions within the business?

What truly sets Cambridge apart for me is the endless opportunities for collaboration – whether it’s with the different Colleges, student societies, or through the many events happening across the University of Cambridge. These connections and platforms create fertile ground for businesses like mine to grow, expand, and explore new markets.

One of the things I’m doing is organising a jewellery runway show in collaboration with the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) at Cambridge Judge, showcasing ASEAN-inspired fine jewellery alongside traditional Asian attire. Where else would you find such a dynamic mix of people from diverse industries coming together to create something truly exciting?

For businesses, Cambridge also offers countless opportunities to engage with hallmark events like the MBA Tournament (MBAT) and the iconic University of Cambridge May Ball, providing unique platforms for networking, brand exposure, and meaningful collaboration.

My long-term ambition is to position MG&J Jewelry & Co. as a leading sustainable luxury brand, merging tradition with innovation. The Cambridge MBA has given me the space to explore ideas with classmates from diverse industries, providing fresh perspectives that continuously spark new ideas. The inspiration I draw from readings, classroom discussions, and group projects has been transformative in shaping my business strategies.

How do you feel about being awarded your scholarship?

Being awarded the scholarship is an incredible honour. It not only validates the dedication that I have put into creating a business that provides value but also further reinforces my belief in the potential to create meaningful impact.

I feel inspired to make the most out of this opportunity, knowing that it brings me closer to achieving my goals and creating value for the broader community. I am truly grateful for the support and confidence that this scholarship signifies.

What does Cambridge mean to you?

Cambridge, to me, represents a relentless pursuit of knowledge and the spirit of innovation.

This is where rich history meets forward thinking and innovation. The quest for understanding and discoveries never really ends here.

Something that few people may know about you…

Animal rights is a topic that I think about daily. I believe that how we treat animals, wild or farmed or domesticated, is a reflection of our values as a society.

Advocating for animals’ inherent rights to live free from harm, exploitation and captivity resonates with me strongly. This belief informs many of my choices daily, from the causes I support to how I live my day-to-day life.