Special Convocation: D.P.A. Honoris Causa conferred to the Acting President

The University of Yangon conferred the Honorary Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A. Honoris Causa) on Acting President, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, at a special convocation ceremony held at the university on Thursday.

Upon the arrival of the Acting President, members of the University’s Governing Council took their seats, followed by a salute to the State Flag.

Union Minister for Education Dr Chaw Chaw Sein then read out the citation, stating that the honorary degree was awarded in recognition of the Acting President’s leadership during Myanmar’s political transition, including his management of political and economic challenges, efforts to maintain stability, promotion of peace and national reconciliation, successful conduct of a multi-party general election, and strengthening of foreign relations.

The citation also highlighted his contributions to economic recovery, education reform, healthcare development, infrastructure improvement, disaster rehabilitation, security, religious affairs, and efforts to combat online financial crimes. It noted that awarding the honorary degree was a source of pride for both the Ministry of Education and the University of Yangon.

The ceremony continued with honorary speeches by professors and officials from the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, St. Petersburg, Altai State Pedagogical University of Russia, Mahidol University of Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology of Viet Nam. They praised Senior General Min Aung Hlaing for his loyalty and service to the nation and its people, as well as his leadership qualities, global political insight, sense of responsibility, and professionalism.

The speakers also acknowledged his role in strengthening Myanmar–Russia relations and stated that the honorary degree recognized his contributions to society, particularly the successful organization of the recent multi-party general election, which is a milestone for national stability and a smooth political transition. They expressed confidence that his experience would benefit future young leaders and scholars, and wished Myanmar lasting peace, stability, and prosperity from 2026 onward.

Then, the Honorary Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A. Honoris Causa) title was conferred to the Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. He later delivered a speech, saying that he was honored to receive the degree and regarded it not only as a personal recognition but also as a milestone for the country’s education sector and a greater responsibility for future nation-building.

He recalled his time as a student at Yangon University in the early 1970s and highlighted the university’s historic role in producing national leaders and intellectuals. He emphasized that education is the foundation of national development and said the government has given priority to reopening schools and universities despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability. He stressed that education should never become a casualty of politics and thanked teachers and education staff for their dedication.

The Acting President noted that improving education quality, expanding vocational and technical training, strengthening science and technology universities, and reducing education gaps in remote areas are key national priorities. He said investment in education is the most valuable investment for the country’s future. He concluded by stating that the University of Yangon will continue to be a pillar of knowledge for Myanmar and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the education sector for long-term national development. From 1921 to 2020, the University of Yangon conferred honorary degrees on a total of 72 recipients, including Buddhist monks, foreign leaders, and distinguished individuals.

The honorary degrees awarded included Honorary Doctor of Literature and Honorary Doctor of Law. Among the recipients were prominent monks Aggamahapandita Bhaddanta Silanandabhivamsa, Bhaddanta Marabhivamsa, and Bhaddanta Nyanissara, who received Honorary Doctor of Literature degrees. International leaders such as Yugoslav President Marshal Tito and Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh were awarded Honorary Doctor of Law degrees.

After the ceremony, the Acting President visited the Universities' Library and viewed the systematic arrangements of books at the library.