The training centre was built in 2001 and handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation the following year. Dr Kim told Myanmar Times the facility would assist in agricultural and technological development by educating and motivating outstanding farmers, inspiring a greater appreciation for agriculture and helping to raise living standards in rural communities. Dr Kim said the school sought to develop a spirit of service and sacrifice. "It is necessary for young Myanmar to be aware of the idea of making sacrifices for the benefit of others," he said. The teaching staff at the school includes four South Korean trainers who will spend up to five years in Myanmar. Promising students at the school will be selected for further short-term courses in Seoul. Dr Kim said training programs were also provided in Bangladesh, China, the Philippines and Thailand. More than 800,000 people attended the courses during the post 40 years, he said. Dr Kim said one of the objectives of the school was to provide outstanding farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to take over the training role from the organisation’s South Korean specialists. The inauguration was also attended by the South Korean ambassador, Mr Lee Kyung-Woo, who told Myanmar Times the school was a symbol of cooperation between the two countries. Mr Lee said the school was likely to receive more funding because of the role it would play in developing closer bilateral ties.