Nay Pyi Taw January 13
Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by the entourage, inspected West Yangon Technological University in Hlaingthaya Township and West Yangon University in Htantabin Township, Yangon Region, this morning.
West Yangon Technological University
First, the Senior General and party arrived at West Yangon Technological University and were welcomed by Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Myo Thein Kyaw, Rector of the university Dr Kyi Soe and faculty members.
At the community center, the union minister reported on visions, missions, structure of the ministry, Technological University and Computer Science University of Advanced Science and Technology Department and their current situation, and establishment of polytechnic universities that can assess the future situation and broaden academic subjects, the rector on location and brief history of the university, subject-wise student, teaching staff and management staff populations, the existing lecture halls, workshops and classrooms and extension plans, library, indoor and outdoor sports stadiums, hostels, hostel allotment plans for students from provinces, and an official on further development of the university.
In response, the Senior General said plans should be drawn in advance for the university buildings to meet their criteria and they must be completed within the set financial year.
As regards the development of the education sector, the Senior General said colleges must meet their criteria. In the past, students could pursue higher education only in Yangon while the number of institutions of higher learning was low in other places. Hence universities were opened in 14 special zones for the students to pursue higher education, useful for the country.
The government helped the universities that were weak in academic matters to prioritize subjects that are essential for the country. The government sought means to turn computer science universities and technological universities into polytechnic universities that have wider areas of teaching and learning. Discussion must be held with professionals to fulfill the nation’s education needs.
Although Myanmar was a farming-based country, the number of universities that can produce experts in the farming business was low. Hence, discussions were held with officials to open schools that disseminate agricultural and breeding techniques. Likewise, more technological schools were opened to ensure industrial development.
In this way, industries can produce agro-based goods.
Dissemination of polytechnic subject wise is the future vision and it will create human resources for the country. Alumni will have professional skills. Hence, the government is providing teaching aids and buildings. Upgrading of universities and colleges amounts to producing field-wise professionals for future. Teachers must have true professionalism and only the outstanding ones will be chosen for further studies.
University students must be taught to become forward-looking visionaries. Officials responsible for teaching and producing good human resources for the country must make collective efforts and the State will provide necessary support.
The Senior General and party then inspected the construction of a three-story lecture hall and looked into the requirements.
West Yangon University
Next, the Senior General and his party arrived at West Yangon University, where they were warmly welcomed by Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Moe Zaw Tun, University Rector Dr. Khin Thidar, pro-rectors and faculty members. Then, in the main hall of the university, the deputy minister reported on a brief history of Yangon West University, staff organization, academic teaching and matters, teachers’ qualifications, students’ specialized subjects, research activities and progress in the construction of university buildings and IT center rooms.
In response to the briefings, the Senior General said that as education is being encouraged, all school-age children throughout the country should be able to get an education. Education can serve to improve the lives of individuals and their knowledge.
Only through skills and knowledge will there be greater development in various fields.
Therefore, efforts must be made to produce well-educated human resources and shape the country’s future through education.
Surveys have found that there are many weaknesses in education in the country. In addition, it was found that about 85 percent of the country’s population is engaged in ordinary activities.
As a result, the country’s education must be improved. Those who have passed KG + 9 will be able to attend agriculture and industry-based training schools and continue learning according to their respective branches. Those who have successfully completed basic education will be able to continue attending higher universities and colleges according to their respective subjects.
To produce the country’s highly educated people, more universities and colleges are being opened. Teachers working in universities need to have skills according to the relevant subjects they are responsible for. For students to be truly educated, they need to be taught effectively, and when they graduate, they need to be able to think and act according to their respective subjects. The State is providing rewards and support for education staff at their respective levels.
Only when qualified human resources emerge will they be able to contribute to the development of the country and nation building. Instructors need to continuously study to make themselves full of talent and serve the best interest of the country. If an individual’s skills improve, he will be able to enjoy the benefits he deserves to improve his life. It is necessary to make sure that good teachers produce good students and then shape a chain of high-quality education.
Although the country is on the road to democracy, there are weaknesses in respect for the law, which is the basis of democracy, and economic awareness for economic development.
As it is found to be mandatory for students to know about law and economics, the law subject is being taught in all universities to help them understand it. In the same way, basic economic subjects are being taught in order to have knowledge of the economy. The vision is that those who have graduated from university will be able to improve their socioeconomic life and environment.
Therefore, teachers and students alike are urged to make efforts to become educated and to be able to lead their lives comfortably.
After that, the Senior General cordially greeted the attendees, toured the university and the campus, and gave instructions on growing large shade trees such as Gangaw, Seinban and star flower and measures for beautifying and cleanliness.
