Zomi Music Ministry Leader Earns Advanced Graduate Certificate in Worship Studies
By Zomi Press Staff | June 24, 2026
Beyond News and Views
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JACKSONVILLE, Florida — Man Zen Niiang, a respected Zomi Christian worship leader, educator, and co-founder of Grace Music Institute (GMI) in Yangon, Myanmar, has been awarded the Advanced Graduate Certificate of Worship Studies by the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (IWS) in Jacksonville, Florida.
The certificate was conferred on June 21, 2026, recognizing her successful completion of the academic coursework required for the Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS) program, with the exception of the dissertation component.
Man Zen Niiang is widely known within Christian ministry circles in Myanmar and among the global Zomi community for her commitment to worship education, music ministry, and cultural engagement. Together with her husband, Pastor David Suum, who also holds a doctorate in music, she co-founded Grace Music Institute (GMI) in Yangon. The institution has played a significant role in equipping worship leaders, musicians, and ministry workers across Myanmar and beyond.
Beyond her academic and ministry contributions, Man Zen Niiang is also recognized as a skilled practitioner of traditional Burmese dance. Through her ministry, she has creatively integrated elements of Myanmar’s cultural heritage with Gospel-centered outreach, demonstrating how indigenous cultural expressions can be used as effective tools for Christian witness and discipleship.
The award reflects years of dedication to theological education and worship formation. The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, founded to advance worship renewal and theological reflection, has trained church leaders from around the world in the fields of worship, liturgy, music, and spiritual formation.
In recent years, IWS has expanded its academic partnerships and collaborations. The institution is now affiliated with both Fuller Theological Seminary and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Such partnerships reflect a broader movement in global theological education, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, as institutions increasingly pursue innovative models of cooperation, resource sharing, and academic development.
Church leaders and ministry colleagues have welcomed the recognition as an encouragement not only for Man Zen Niiang personally but also for the wider Zomi Christian community. Her achievement highlights the growing contribution of Zomi believers in the fields of worship studies, theological scholarship, and Christian leadership on the international stage.
In a statement of gratitude shared following the ceremony, Man Zen Niiang expressed appreciation for the prayers and encouragement she received throughout her academic journey.
“I am deeply grateful for your prayerful support and encouragement. Your faithful prayers have sustained and strengthened me throughout this academic and ministry journey.”
As Grace Music Institute continues its mission of nurturing worship leaders and musicians, Man Zen Niiang’s accomplishment serves as a reminder of the value of lifelong learning, faithful service, and the integration of worship, culture, and Gospel ministry for the glory of God.
Photo Captions
- Man Zen Niiang receives the Advanced Graduate Certificate of Worship Studies from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Jacksonville, Florida.
- Graduates gather for a commemorative group photo following the 2026 commencement ceremony.
- Man Zen Niiang poses with faculty members and supporters after the graduation service.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Man Zen Niiang / Institute for Worship Studies (IWS)
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