Yangon University strives to climb back to world level

Yangon University strives to climb back to world level

By Myint Maung Soe

            Once upon a time Yangon University was one of the most prestigious universities in Southeast Asia and on of the top universities in Asia attracting students from across the region. The environment of the university, the organization structure, teaching and management were top notch and it had produced many a great people for the country as well as for the world. Political leaders such as Bogyoke Aung San and U Nu were its alumni. So was U Thant, the third Secretary-General of the United Nations. Historian Dr Than Tun, historian and librarian U Thaw Kaung winners of Fukuoka Asian Culture Prizes were also alumnis of the university.

            However a university that had produced many great persons for the region and the world had declined gradually to a stage where it became a place that was simply handing out degrees to graduates.

            Attempts were now made to reverse this trend. Physical infrastructures like buildings were being renovated while momentum was increased toward improving the teaching portion. Due to the efforts of all Yangon University’s global ranking climbed to 7,221 in July 2019 from 13,072 in 2016. It was only a few years ago that students were getting flocking back to Yangon University that was deserted for several years. A few years ago a selection of high school students matriculating with top scores starts to study arts and science subjects in the university bringing back life to the deserted university.

            While the teaching standards were raised for select top notch students, arrangements were made to improve the physical infrastructures like building and the surrounding environments. At such time when efforts were made to regain the world class status, centenary of the university is also coming. In other word, Yangon University will soon be a hundred years old university.

            Yangon University is located along the southwestern bank of Inya Lake, the largest lake in the city. It is on the corner of Pyay Road and University Avenue Road in Kamayut Township, north of downtown Yangon. Established on 1 December 1920, Yangon University will be 100 years old by 1 December 2020. Steering Committee on Holding Centenary of Yangon University chaired by the State Counsellor held a meeting in Ministry of Education, Nay Pyi Taw on 10 July 2019 to hold a union level centenary of the university.

            Arrangements were made to conduct a Union level Centenary of Yangon University from 1 December 2019 to December 2020. Prior to holding the centenary, renovation and new constructions were made in the compound of the university. At the moment, the Universities Dhamma Hall more commonly known as University Dhammayone was renovated under the personal management of Deputy Minister for Construction.

            Recreation Centre, Library and Dalbergia Kurzii tree commonly known as Thitpote Tree were the heart of Yangon University. Arrangements were now being made by Yangon Heritage Trust to attach a Blue Plaque to the Thitpote Tree recognizing it as a historical site. A project to attach Blue Plaques to historical sites and heritage buildings in Yangon was conducted by Yangon Heritage Trust with the support of Yangon City Development Committee and donations of donors. World class Student Hub and University Hub will also be constructed around the area surrounding the Recreation Centre, Library and the Thitpote Tree.

            While all round development of Yangon University was being conducted it is important for the university to conduct practical research works that’ll benefit the region and the country. Expansion of practical research works, good teaching and learning programs, local and international education exchange programs is much required. Programs that produce qualified educated youths are also a requirement.

            The coincidence of the centenary and the effort to achieve world status again was a driving force toward future progress and development. As such during the post centenary period after 2020, the university will surely take progressive steps in stages to reach world class recognition that it once had. – translated by Handytips