Naypyitaw State Polytechnic Univer­sity was established as one of the coun­try’s top universi­ties, comparable to Yangon University of Technology and Yangon University of Computer Studies.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing unveiled that Polytechnic Uni­versity is an academic institu­tion for students to take up the­oretical and practical study in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, applied science, economics and manage­ment subjects not only in undergraduate courses but also in postgraduate courses to link with on-job training.

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech at the centenary celebration of Myanmar Engineering Education in conjunction with the inauguration of Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University at the university yesterday morning.

Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General recounted that the Engineering Faculty of Yangon University was estab­lished in the 1923-24 academic year to start engineering educa­tion in Myanmar. In the 1924-25 academic year, the faculty turned out 25 Myanmar engineering graduates.

The Senior General stated that, so far, the government has established Naypyitaw State Pol­ytechnic University and seven other Polytechnic Universities, 27 technological universities, 19 uni­versities of computer studies, one Myanmar Aerospace Engineer­ing University and one Myanmar Maritime University, totalling 56 engineering universities.

He disclosed that five more polytechnic universities, together with Naypyitaw State Polytech­nic University, were established in Kengtung, Panglong, Myeik, Dawei, and Maubin.

He added that Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University was established as one of the country’s top universities, com­parable to Yangon University of Technology and Yangon Univer­sity of Computer Studies.

The Senior General ex­plained that Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University is formed with 16 academic departments in­cluding seven engineering major­ing departments, four computer majoring departments and five supporting departments.

Polytechnic University is an academic institution where students can take up theoretical and practical study in science, technology, engineering, mathe­matics, applied science, econom­ics, and management subjects in undergraduate and postgraduate courses, which are linked with on-the-job training.

He continued that these uni­versities aim to give students op­portunities to create real-world projects in cooperation with in­dustries.

Naypyitaw State Polytech­nic University planned to confer seven engineering degrees and two computer science degrees on graduates. It will admit 270 students for engineering subjects and 120 for computer science sub­jects, totalling 390 yearly.

Engineering graduates have to spend five years learning and graduate in computer science, in four years.

Yangon University of Tech­nology was opened in Insein Township in 1961, Mandalay University of Technology in 1991, Defence Services Technological Academy in 1994, Yangon Univer­sity of Computer Studies in 1996, Pyay Technological University in 1998, Myanmar Aerospace Engi­neering University and Myan­mar Maritime University in 2002.

New-generation engineers from Naypyitaw State Polytech­nic University must strive tire­lessly to enhance the university’s reputation and remain compet­itive with engineers from other regional countries.

At the ceremony, SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Myo Thein Kyaw, Union Min­ister for Construction U Myo Thant, Chairman of Myanmar Engineering Council Dr Aung Kyaw Myat and Architect Coun­cil Chairman U Win Zaw cut the ribbon to open the centenary cel­ebration of Myanmar Engineer­ing Education and the Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University.

The Senior General unveiled the statue to mark the cente­nary celebration of Myanmar Engineering Education and the signboard of the university. He scented water on the plaque of the university.

The Senior General and at­tendees viewed a documentary on the history of Myanmar engi­neering education.

The Senior General visited the booths of engineering history, technological booths, and minis­terial and organizational booths.

Also present at the ceremo­ny were Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, council members, Union ministers, union-level dig­nitaries, the Chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council and distinguished guests.

Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University was upgraded from Naypyitaw Technological Uni­versity in accordance with the guidance of the Senior General in order to turn out engineers and computer professionals for nation-building tasks. The uni­versity is facilitated with infra­structures such as lecture halls, practical rooms and workshops in addition to a sports ground and a recreation centre in lush and green environments.

In successive eras, Myan­mar engineers established Bi­luchaung No 2 Lawpita Hydro­power Plant in 1960 to generate 84 megawatts and upgraded it to produce 168 megawatts in 1974. Meanwhile, an ICL-1902S Main­frame computer was installed at the university’s Computer Cen­tre in early 1970.

Myanmar engineers and architects also showed off their brilliant skills in the construction of Nay Pyi Taw, Hluttaw build­ings, Myanmar cultural and ar­chitectural works, the building of Maravijaya Buddha Image in Dekkhinathiri Township, the 8,638 feet long cable-stayed Thanlyin bridge-3 across Bago River and so many works. — MNA/TTA