He attended Rangoon University where he received a multiple Bachelor degrees in English, politics, and economics,[3] before moving onto Cornell University, where he earned a master's degree in economics.

[6][2] He later led the Research Department at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

[2] In 2011, his appointment as President Thein Sein's chief economic adviser surprised many Burma watchers, as he has a close relationship with Aung San Suu Kyi.

[7][8] In May 2011, U Myint proposed the creation of an independent research center, the Myanmar Development Resource Institute (MDRI), in a paper entitled “Reducing Poverty in Myanmar: The Way Forward,” to combat poverty.

[9] The institute was then founded by U Myint and other advisors to President Thein Sein.