October 26, 2019

The 19th Research Paper Reading Session of Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science was held on 3 October 2019. Out of 1,044 research papers, the University of Yangon contributed 188 papers with the highest number at the event. Under the category of subjects, 197 papers were concerned with physics, 175 with Myanmar language and 166 with chemistry, however, one with tourism, two with information and technology, 19 with economics and nine with marine science.
As Myanmar is a developing country, it is suggested that the Research and Development (R&D) works at universities and colleges need to emphasize first priority areas and applied research which are directly related with the development of the country.
Only then, the country would enjoy a ‘win-win’ situation in which teachers and post-graduate students of master and doctorate degrees produce their research papers which are very useful for the development of the country.
Example 1: Electricity supply in Myanmar is very low, compared with neighbouring countries. The Ministry of Electricity and energy, private sectors and academic institutions of electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, geology, forestry, agriculture, computer science, economy and social science should find ways to produce more electricity from hydro-power, coal-fired power, diesel, wind power, solar power and nuclear power.
In addition, experts from various subjects need to do research to be able to generate more electricity in appropriate areas after studying how the neighbouring countries established coal-fired power stations with the fewest impacts on health.
Example 2: Education and training programmes for drug-addicted students and children are helpful for the country. For total eradication of narcotic drugs, these programmes should be implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, civil service personnel from Basic Education Department and Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education, private sector, and academic departments of universities such as economy, psychology, chemistry, philosophy, criminal medicine and pharmaceutical departments.
Example 3: Droughts, floods, global warming and cooling effects are occurring in the world due to climate change conditions. Relevant ministries, private sectors and academic departments of universities such as forestry, environmental conservation, agriculture, geology, climatic studies, physics, mathematics, social science and education need to carry out research to alleviate such natural disasters.
The National Education Commission is doing research to balance the ratio of university graduates and employments. University ranking to rate global universities is bases on comparison of their teaching, research, publications and employments.
Therefore, it is recommended that Myanmar universities should work together in research to be able to stand as prestigious academic institutions. (Translated by Aung Khin)