PM urges faculty members to make concerted efforts to possess characteristics of international universities, to produce highly-qualified technicians
Coordination meeting regarding MMU and MAEU held  

Yangon, 23 May - A coordination meeting regarding Myanmar Maritime University of the Ministry of Transport and Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University of the Ministry of Science and Technology was held at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha this morning, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Present on the occasion were Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, rectors of Myanmar Maritime University and Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University, Pro-rectors and officials.

In his address, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said Myanmar Maritime University and Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University were established in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. In three years, tasks including construction of the buildings of both universities, supply of related equipment and teaching aids and financial and academic matters were implemented, he said.

He said Myanmar Maritime University was opened with magnificent buildings in Thilawa in Thanlyin. Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University is being built in Meiktila. Construction of some buildings were completed and some courses were opened there, he added.

He said committees were formed for compilation of curriculum of international standard, appointment of sufficient qualified and well-experienced instructors and supply of modern teaching aids and reference books.

He said tasks on sending faculty members for further studies, cooperation with similar universities and giving part-time lectures at the university by scholars from abroad are being undertaken for producing technicians of international standard.

He said both universities are infant ones and there are much left to be done to become better universities. He spoke of the need for the two ministries which take charge of both universities to make efforts for development of the universities with momentum and for related ministries and committees to provide necessary assistance.

He said the two universities are very important because they will produce technicians needed in building of an industrialized nation in the future. Arrangements have been made for the graduates of the universities to take part in nation-building tasks.

He urged officials and faculty members to make concerted efforts to realize the objectives of the State, to possess the characteristics of international universities, to produce highly-qualified technicians in accord with the universities established by the government with lofty aims.

Next, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on academic and management matters and staff affairs of the university, first phase and second phase constructions, future tasks, dispatching teachers abroad for further study, communication with international organizations, arrangements for upgrading the institute of marine technology into the Myanmar mercantile marine degree college, the institute of aviation technology into the Myanmar civil aviation university, diplomas to be conferred and law matters.

Next, Deputy Ministers for Transport U Pe Than and Col Nyan Tun Aung, Rector of MMU U Thein Tun reported on lecturing of teachers at home and abroad with the use of modern teaching and learning aids for producing outstanding marine technicians and requirements.

After that, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge reported on courses conducted and number of students, academic and management matters, conducting courses for faculty members by guest professors from abroad, fulfilment of modern teaching and learning aids, publications and lab equipment, construction of Myanmar Aerospace University and requirements.

Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung gave a supplementary report.

Next, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Maj-Gen Aung Hlaing of the Ministry of Defence, ministers, deputy ministers and departmental heads gave suggestions on Myanmar Maritime University and Myanmar Aerospace University.

After hearing reports, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attended to the needs and made concluding remarks, saying that according to the reports of officials at different levels it can be assessed that objectives have been fulfilled to a certain extent as Myanmar Maritime University and Myanmar Aerospace University were in existence for about three years.
The two universities were established with the aim of fulfilling the national objectives and in accord with the guidance of the Head of State and subjects contributing to the State as well as to the emergence of an industrial nation are being taught at the institutions. Therefore, officials at different levels are to make continued efforts for the emergence of highly qualified technicians in line with the national objectives.