Researchers’ creative capacity key to nation-building, says Senior General

The creative capacities of researchers in their respective fields are truly a powerful force that can greatly contribute to nation-building and national development, said Action President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

The Senior General said so at the opening ceremony of the 25th Arts and Science Research Conference of the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science and Science Fair (2026) held at the University of Yangon yesterday.

In his opening speech, the Senior General said that since the establishment of the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science in 1999, the Academy has organized research conferences to promote the development of arts and science education across universities in Myanmar, and now it has reached its 25th anniversary.

He added that research means carefully studying and discovering knowledge about a subject. Developed countries give high priority to research and invest in it. As Myanmar is a developing country, research in all sectors is very important for national development and national interests. Therefore, there would be success through the review, research, and innovation in each sector. The creative capacities of researchers in their respective fields are truly a powerful force that can greatly contribute to nation-building and national development.

Education is the foundation of the development of the country. It is important to improve knowledge and skills across the country and to develop skilled professionals who can support production and industry. New technologies and innovations are needed for the country to be a modern nation and develop. He stated that education, science and technology are closely connected, and the combination of research and innovations brings a huge impact on a prosperous society.

He also highlighted the need to conserve the cultural values of the country while building a modern and developed nation, keeping abreast with the modern technologies of the 21st century.

He mentioned the national objectives, the need to promote the production of quality products and penetrate into new markets, and exploring modern technologies for MSMEs through research.

He said that research is the lifeblood of universities. Through research, one can become more knowledgeable. New technologies from research should be applied in the industrial sector, and all should make efforts to be reliable and quality universities for the country.

He continued that proper findings through research can build a better society. Countries that invest in research gain long-term benefits. Therefore, the government is supporting universities with research budgets, laboratory equipment, and research centres.

Moreover, the research-based learning system is also used at universities, and it should nurture the students to improve their scope of knowledge and critical thinking skills through various activities such as the cultural event, group activities for environmental conservation, youths’ dialogue and discussion on job opportunities.

At the conference, 312 research papers from 33 different subjects in the arts and sciences will be presented. Awards will be given for the best research and research papers. Selected high-quality papers will be published in research journals.

He then appreciated the local and foreign researchers who read out the papers and made assessments.

He also mentioned the Science Fair that is being held together with the conference, featuring subject exhibitions, science demonstrations, competitions, and AI exhibitions, market fair of different departments, ethnic sports events and fun activities.

He stated that such a science fair will increase students’ interest in science and technology, including AI, nuclear technology, and entrepreneurship.

Research results from the conference and science fair will help the government develop effective policies for different sectors and regions, ensuring the development of the country and national unity.

He continued that science and innovation can benefit the manufacturing sector, job creation and sustainable economic development of the country.

The research from different fields can also benefit food security, cyber security and response to natural disaster such as the security of the citizens, State stability and tranquility and development.

He then highlighted the role of researchers and urged them to participate in nation-building measures actively. After the ceremonial procedures, Union Minister for Education Dr Chaw Chaw Sein presented commemorative gifts to the Acting President.

The Senior General had a documentary photo taken together with the attendees, and observed the galleries of different universities at the event.

The 25th Arts and Science Research Conference of the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science and Science Fair (2026) was held, aiming to improve education level of the country through educational research guidance and encouragement, to award the best research through discussion by encouraging to conduct international-level research for higher education research quality, and to publish selected research papers from the conference in journals. The events will be held until 7 February, and the local and foreign researchers will participate in them.

MNA/KTZH

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