Engineering Education: Centennial Celebration and opening of NSPU

The Centennial Celebration of Myanmar Engineering Education took place in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday, in conjunction with the opening ceremony of Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University.

The ceremony was formally opened by ceremonial ribbon cutting, and by unveiling the Commemorative Statue on the Centennial Engineering Education and the Signboard of the Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University. This was followed by sprinkling of scented water on the stone inscription of the Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University.

The ceremony continued with the performance by the new generation engineering students. In his opening speech, Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that the Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University is opened to provide international standard engineering education in science and technological field.

The Prime Minister urged all to make harmonious efforts for development of Myanmar Engineering Education, serving the interest of the nation. The Prime Minister and attendees later viewed the displays of booths on engineering history and technologies by the ministries and organizations.

The Polytechnic University has been opened simultaneously in Keng Tung, Pang Long, Myeik, Dawei and MaUbin along with the opening of Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University. The development of Myanmar engineering and architectures since the times of Pyu and Bagan Era, with references at Beikthano, Hanlin and Sri Kshetra Ancient Towns as well as Ananda, Thabyinu and Dhammayangyi Pagodas, and the world longest U Bein Bridge.

The engineering technologies have been developed during Yadanapon Era with the establishment of factories during 1858 to 1874. The very first degree holder of civil engineer subject from Myanmar emerged in 1866, along with the establishment of Yaw Min Gyi Brick Monastery and Telegraph Service as well as infrastructure works and weapons manufacturing.

After gaining Independence, the Lawpita Hydropower Plant was established in 1960 and the University Computer Center was founded in 1970. Prominent Engineers and Architects have been emerged in successive eras, and their architectural designs can be seen at Yangon City Hall, development of Nay Pyi Taw and Parliamentary Buildings, Maravijaya Buddha Image and Bago River Crossing (Thanlyin) Bridge No.3. Myanmar Engineering Education was initiated in 1923-1924 academic year, with the opening of Engineering Department at Yangon University.

In 1928, the first batch of engineering bachelor degree holders have been turned out with 25 graduates. At present, there are 7 Polytechnic Universities, 27 Technological Universities, 19 Computer Science Universities, one Aviation and Aerospace University and one Maritime University, altogether 56 providing engineering education in Myanmar.