Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing sends a video speech to the ceremony to mark the 60th Anniversary of the University of Economics under the Ministry of Education on 13 December 2024
Everybody, Mingalaba!
First of all, I would like to extend my best wishes for the health and wellbeing of all the distinguished guests and responsible individuals who attended today's ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of Yangon University of Economics.
This includes officials from the State and regional governments, scholars, rectors and faculty members from universities, students, and invited dignitaries.
Yangon University of Economics, which was established in 1964, celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024. It is a source of pride and joy to be able to commemorate this 60th anniversary with such a grand and vibrant celebration.
Economists play a crucial role in driving the continuous economic development of a country.
The 60-year history of Yangon University of Economics, which has been nurturing such vital economists, is indeed a source of pride.
Looking back at the history of Yangon University of Economics, it can be seen that it was established in the 1923- 1924 academic year as the Faculty of Economics under Yangon University.
Initially, only the subject of Economics was taught. Later, in the 1940-1941 academic year, the subject of Commerce was introduced, followed by Accounting in 1953. By 2024, the Faculty of Economics reached its centennial milestone.
On 7 September 2024, the centennial celebration of the Faculty of Economics
was held.
In 1955, the Department of Economics and in 1956, the Department of Accounting were able to be organized as separate faculties. In addition to these three faculties, the Departments of Psychology, Political Science and History, and Sociology and Social Work were merged to form the Faculty of Social Sciences in 1958.
According to the University Education Law of 1964, the Institute of Economics was established as a separate university on 1 October 1964.
Teaching began on 2 November 1964.
The Institute of Economics became the only university in Myanmar specializing in economic disciplines.
In 1964, due to the integration of four supporting departments—Myanmar Language, English Language, Geography, and Mathematics—there were a total of seven teaching departments.
In 1966, the Department of Research and Management Studies was established at the University of Economics (Hline Campus), which marked the beginning of national research initiatives.
On 5 February 1988, under a new university organizational setup, the core departments were reorganized, with the Applied Economics Department and the former Research and Management Department being restructured as the Department of Management Studies.
In 2021, the Department of Applied Statistics was expanded, bringing the total number of teaching departments to ten.
With the aim of regional economic development, the Monywa University of Economics and the Meiktila University of Economics were established after 1998. As a result, with the addition of these three economics universities, the original University of Economics was renamed Yangon University of Economics.
In the year 2000, the Yangon University of Economics (Ywathagyi Campus) was officially opened, and it has since been joined by two other campuses in Kamayut and Hline, making a total of three university campuses.
At these campuses, various academic programmes are offered, including under graduate, honours, Master's, and PhD courses, as well as post-graduate diploma courses. Degree programmes such as Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Administration, Master's in Economics, Master's in Commerce, Master's in Business Administration, and Diploma in Management and Administration (DMA) have been offered since before 1964. Additionally, PhD courses have been available since the 1998-99 academic year.
In addition, to align with the market economic system being practised in the country, it was observed that in 2001, courses for accounting degrees, business management degrees, development studies degrees, public administration degrees, and demography degrees were introduced. Furthermore, in 2003, the Master’s degree in accounting was launched, and in 2004, the Master’s degree in demography was also offered. In order to fulfill the economic goals of the nation and meet market demands,
the Yangon University of Economics launched the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme in 1995, under the Human Resource Development Programme.
Since then, it has successfully produced 2,920 MBA graduates.
The Master's in Public Administration (MPA) programme was launched in the
year 2000, with a total of 1,631 graduates.
The Master's in Development Studies (MDevS) programme began in 2002,
producing 924 graduates.
The Master's in Banking and Finance (MBF) programme, aimed at systematically developing Myanmar's banking and financial sectors, was started in 2012, and has since graduated 637 MBF individuals.
Since 2017, it has been observed that various master's degree programmes, including Master of Applied Statistics, Master of Marketing Administration, Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Master of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Master's degrees in Insurance Business and Insurance Science, have been expanded and made available.
The Human Resource Development Programme, which began in 1998, has also been able to offer additional training courses, including the Diploma in Development Studies (Dip DS) for university graduates, the Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management (PGDMM), the Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (PGDHRM), and the Postgraduate Diploma in Research Studies (PGDRS).
After successfully completing the university entrance exam, programs such as the Certificate in Business Studies (CBS) and Certificate in Advanced Business Studies (CABS) were introduced to enhance business knowledge and skills. These programs are designed to help individuals improve their understanding of business concepts.
Additionally, those who successfully completed these courses were also given the opportunity to pursue further studies with the Diploma in Business Studies (DBS).
Since 2019, Yangon University of Economics has been offering remote degree programmes under the "One Campus, Two Systems" initiative, providing specialized courses in Economics and Business Management.
In order for the country to develop and progress, it is necessary to widely distribute the economic knowledge needed.
Therefore, as experts from Yangon University of Economics, we have observed the involvement in various programmes and training sessions at institutions such as former workers' college, distance education universities, National Management Degree College, project department, the Auditor-General Office, Civil Services Academy (Lower Myanmar), educational management training schools, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Defence College.
In addition to delivering lectures on relevant subjects, there is also active participation in the supervising and inspecting theses.
As a government, in line with the economic objectives we have adopted, we are working to enhance the nation's economic driving force through MSME businesses to promote exports.
To achieve this, skilled human resources are necessary. Therefore, during the
2022-2023 academic year, the Yangon University of Economics led the initiative to open BA (Economics) degree programmes at 39 universities of arts and science. In the future, graduates with a BA (Economics) degree will be able to use their economic knowledge and perspectives to contribute to the development of their regions and the progress of society.
Since 1964, during a 60-year period, Yangon University of Economics has produced 110 graduates with doctoral degrees, 7,587 with master's degrees,
61,850 with bachelor's degrees, 1,217 with honours degrees, and 7,708 with diploma certificates. Currently, the university is continuing its educational programmes with 4,359 on-campus students and 4,618 distance learning
students enrolled.
Graduates with an MBA from the Universities of Economics are now skilled entrepreneurs in various sectors of the private businesses and are working as senior managers in the field of management. Graduates with an MDevS degree are successfully working in the government sector, private sector, and NGOs and INGOs.
Those with an MBF degree can also be found in senior positions as experts and managers at the Central Bank of Myanmar, government and private banks, and financial organizations.
I would like to express my gratitude and pride as I recognize that graduates of business schools are contributing to the nation's development.
They serve as skilled public servants, private sector employees, and business leaders, making significant contributions in various sectors for the economic and social progress of the country.
Similarly, graduates of Yangon University of Economics are also found to be prominent figures in various fields such as politics, economics, and social affairs. Among the graduates of the university are individuals who hold senior positions in the government, including the President of the country, Union Ministers, Union Auditors General, Central Bank Governors, advisors, Chief Ministers and Ministers of States and Regions, Deputy Ministers, and Directors-General. This is a source of pride and admiration.
In recognition of the 60th anniversary of Yangon University of Economics, which plays a key role in the nation's development, a series of events will be held, including an exhibition of historical photographs showcasing the growth of the university, research paper readings, and research poster presentations. Additionally, a ceremony will be held to honour the distinguished professors and faculty members who have taught over the years, and a grand commemoration event will take place to celebrate this milestone.
The Yangon University of Economics has completed its 60th anniversary and, as a prominent institution, has contributed significantly to the country's economic and social development by nurturing exceptional individuals who excel in various fields.
Moving forward, may it continue to produce knowledgeable and talented generations who value and take pride in their education. I wish for the university to remain permanently steadfast, thriving, and perpetual existence from the celebration of the 60th anniversary and beyond.
Thank you all.