On January 16, JSPS Bangkok Office organized a program briefing at the University of Yangon, Myanmar. JSPS Bangkok Office implements survey on Myanmar Higher Educational situation in FY2014. When Director and Deputy Director of JSPS Bangkok Office visited the University in July, 2014. They decided to hold JSPS program briefing in January, 2015.
The University of Yangon was established as s an affiliated college of Calcutta University (now Kolkota). The Yangon University Act of 1920 was later promulgated and established Yangon University as the only University in Myanmar. It has since then become the paramount center of higher education in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The University suspended recruitment of undergraduate students since 1988 and was closed most of the 1990s due to the political situation. In 1999 University of Yangon was reorganized as the center for post-graduate studies in Myanmar. Since 2014, the University resumed to recruit undergraduate students.
YU campus
YU library
This time being the first time for JSPS program briefing to be held at the University of Yangon, the event was received remarkable attention from almost 200 researchers and students. News media covered the event with the high interest.
Media interview
Prof. Dr. Aung Thu, Rector, University of Yangon kicked off the session with opening remarks and Prof. Kuniaki Yamashita, Director, and Mr. Daisuke Yamada, Deputy Director of JSPS Bangkok Office explained JSPS’s program menu. Prof. Dr. Aung mentioned that the seminar is a great opportunity for faculty members to know the research grant especially for researchers. He encouraged participants to discuss to promote scientific collaboration and share knowledge with Japan as well.
Opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Aung Thu, Rector, University of Yangon
JSPS brief introduction by Prof. Yamashita
JSPS International Program introduction by Mr. Yamada
The session also featured two speakers from the University of Yangon. They are former JSPS fellows and delivered presentations in Myanmar language.
Dr. Kay Thwe Hlaing, Lecturer, Department of Geography is a former postdoctoral fellow at Mie University. Dr. Kay made a speech about her experiences in japan such as teaching, research in the field survey and in the lab, presentation at the conferences, and publication. She published a large number of international papers during her research in Japan. She also mentioned that the JSPS postdoctoral fellowship program was quite beneficial in Myanmar.
Please download presentation data: Dr. Kay Thwe Hlaing
Lecture by Dr. Kay Thwe Hlaing
Dr. Kay Lwin Tun, Lecturer, Department of Zoology is a former Invitation fellow (long-term) at the University of Tokyo. Dr. Kay delivered the presentation about both application procedure and research experiences. Regarding the application, she mentioned “how to prepare application form.” She explained how to find host researcher, the importance of publications including the information about impact factor, a research plan and an application form in detail. The information is quite helpful when applying. Research experiences and accomplishments were good encouragement for participants to consider to do research in Japan.
Please download presentation data: Dr. Kay Lwin Tun
Lecture by Dr. Kay Lwin Tu
Prof. Dr. Kyaw Naing, Pro-Rector, University of Yangon made a closing remarks. Dr. Kyaw mentioned that the program briefings would contribute to capacity building for researchers and encouraged participants to apply for JSPS programs.
Closing remarks by Prof. Dr. Kyaw Naing, Pro-Rector, University of Yangon
As Myanmar is now rapidly developing, a lot of international companies including Japan rush to Myanmar. JSPS also should contribute to the country through academic support to scientists.
