18 February

“Reforms towards a superior education system will be made through better policy and procedures,” said Union Minister for Education Dr Myo Thein Gyi at his meeting with the rector, the pro-rector, faculty members and students of Yandanabon University in Mandalay yesterday.

“In developing human recourses for socioeconomic growth of the country, the institutions of higher learning will serve as the places where graduate intellectuals and intelligentsia are born and brought up,” he said, adding, “Every university, degree college or college should make concerted efforts to improve their standard.” The Union Minister said, “All the issues in connection with departmental management, academic functions including teaching and examinations and financial procedures should be effectively carried out in accordance with the rules and regulations. “Faculty members must meet their students every week, and solve their hardships and challenges. As for the cases that are beyond their capacity, they should seek help from the rector, who also should hold a weekly meeting with them and students to solve the problems. The rector can also put forwards the hardships and challenges, he cannot solve, to the rectors committee and the Ministry of Education.

“Students should be trained to have the mutual respect and understanding amidst the diverse situation, the reading habit, the initiative and creative power and to understand the importance of accountability and responsibility.

“Faculty members should develop their pupils’ abilities in sports, music and culture. They should disseminate the finds of their research programs through the academic journals for the knowledge development of the local people. In every developed country, only the best students are chosen as faculties. Teaching profession must be encouraged as only the best and most qualified teachers can bring out outstanding students.”

He called for inclusive efforts for the institutions of higher learning of Myanmar to catch up with the international counterparts.

Deputy Minister U Win Maw Tun and Chair of Rectors Committee Dr Zaw Wai Soe reported on the continuous reforms of the higher education sector and future programs. The Union Minister and officials answered the questions raised by the participants. Accompanied by officials, the Union Minister also met with faculty members and students of Mandalar Degree Collage, Myanmar Institute of Information Technological and Mandalay University, and discussed education reforms, advantages and disadvantages, means to overcome difficulties and challenges and future programs. Deputy Minister U Win Maw Tun also met with faculty members and students of Mandalay Technological University, Mandalay and Mandalay Foreign Languages University.—MNA (Translated by TMT)