A university is not only a fertile ground for nurturing high-quality human resources but also a hub for pioneering technology-based research.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing remarked that universities are not enough to teach arts and science subjects in addition to modern subjects, and these need to conduct research, which can be dubbed as their lifeblood.
A ceremony to inaugurate the 100th anniversary of Mandalay University took place at the venue yesterday morning, attended by Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Commission Secretary and Joint Executive Chief General Ye Win Oo, Commission Member Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, Union Minister for the Ministry 1 of the President’s Office U Tin Aung San, Union Minister for Education Dr Chaw Chaw Sein and Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the ceremony.
The Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar unveiled the stone plaque to mark the centenary celebration of the university and sprinkled scented water on it.
The Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar viewed the progress of renovating the main building of the university damaged by the devastating Mandalay earthquake, a display of documentary photos on the chancellors of the universities and prominent persons in successive eras.
Students from Mandalay University presented the theme song “Centenary celebration of Mandalay University” at the convocation hall.
On the occasion, the Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar delivered a speech, saying that Mandalay University is one of the prominent symbols that honour and uphold the prestige of Mandalay.
Over the course of a century, he recounted that Mandalay University has produced 2,960 doctorate graduates, 11,139 master’s degree holders, 1,607 MRes graduates, 9,172 honours degree recipients, 239 M Phil degree holders, 96,012 bachelor’s degree holders, and 7,060 diploma holders.
He noted that it is a great source of pride that the graduates of Mandalay University, as holders of arts and science degrees, are contributing back to the nation as literary scholars, intellectuals, intelligentsia, prominent figures in various national sectors, and experts in their fields.
He stressed that a university serves not only as a fertile ground for producing high-quality human resources but also as a place where innovative, technology-based research is initiated.
The Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar highlighted that, as the State emphasizes continuous enhancement of agriculture, livestock breeding, and industrial sectors in order to improve the socioeconomic life of the people, universities, colleges, and institutes are playing a key role in producing qualified human resources.
As such, he underscored that universities are not enough to teach arts and science subjects in addition to modern subjects, and these need to conduct research, which can be dubbed as their lifeblood. He continued that it is necessary to promote strong library-based learning, both in conducting research and in teaching and learning activities.
He unveiled that a grand ceremony to pay respect to veteran teachers who had served at Mandalay University will take place. Moreover, documentary photo shows, paper-reading sessions, and research poster shows will be held in commemoration of the centennial anniversary of the university.
He underlined that in order for universities like these to continually pass on knowledge and academic heritage, the responsibility lies not only with the government but also with all relevant authorities and each citizen. Most importantly, the nation must be peaceful and stable, because only in a calm and secure environment, free from disruption and conflict, can education be pursued peacefully.
With knowledge and skills, the Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar pointed out that people will be able to build peace with love for their country and their nation. Therefore, the entire population must be educated and politically aware.
He expressed his strong emphasis that efforts should be made to produce human resources who can compete internationally educated individuals, intellectuals, qualified professionals, experts, and postgraduates and to strive for the development and progress of the nation.
Afterwards, a video clip on the centennial celebration of Mandalay University was screened. The Union Minister for Education presented a commemorative gift to the Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Students from Mandalay and Meiktila Education Degree Colleges performed songs and dances. The Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar presented cash awards for the ceremony to the Union Minister for Education.
The Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar cordially greeted the attendees and visited the exhibition to mark the centennial celebration.
The Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and party enjoyed performances of the Myoma Band of Mandalay.
The centennial celebration of Mandalay University is held on a grand scale in accord with the motto: “A century of excellence, pioneering innovation, enhanced intellectual capacity, and a vision for shaping the future”.
MNA/TTA
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