Centennial Celebrations: Milestones of teaching Geography at University of Yangon

The Centennial Celebrations for Teaching Geography at the University of Yangon was held at the Geography Department for three days from November 1st to 3rd.

The Department of Geography is one of the oldest departments in the University of Yangon. Although it was planned at the University’s foundation in 1920, teaching of geography started only in 1924.

As part of the celebration, the statue of Professor Dr Daw Thin Kyi, the first woman doctorate degree holder from the Clark University, was unveiled. The celebration also included the respect paying to 107 teachers of aged 70 and above. As a contribution for progress of Geography Department, a total of 12 research papers from local speakers and 2 from overseas were submitted, with plans to publish research book. 

Dr Aye Ko, Retired Rector said "I’m really appreciate to attend this centennial anniversary of the Geography Department of Yangon University. I would like to express my sincere thanks for the collective efforts of all faculties of the Geography Departments from the universities across the country for successful holding this anniversary celebrations."

Physical geography, climatology, economic geography, regional geography and practical geography were included in the curriculum initially. Later, geomorphology and human geography were introduced while historical geography and political geography were taught as an Honours class. Later, new fields in geography, such as the geography of Myanmar, urban geography, land use, soils and biogeography were gradually added. As the education system changed, the courses in geography also changed accordingly. With the changing technology, new modern subjects were introduced in the late 1990s.

Dr Zin Nwe Myint, Professor, Yangon University said "I wish for the long term existence of the Geography Department, achieving more progress in teaching and conducting research as well. I also hope to contribute more for the interest of the community and the country as a whole. Successful holding of this anniversary gives us more strength for future achievement."

The PhD programme in geography started in the academic year 1995-1996. And a post-graduate Diploma in GIS was introduced in 1999 as part of the human resource development programme of the University of Yangon. Since then, more than 500 diploma degree holders have completed the diploma course and are now working in different ministries and in the private sector.