Nay Pyi Taw February 5
The opening ceremony of the 25th Silver Jubilee Research Conference and Science Festival (2026) organized by the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science was held this afternoon at the Research and Innovation Center of Yangon University. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, attended the ceremony and delivered an address.
Also in attendance were SSPC member and Prime Minister U Nyo Saw, SSPC Secretary General Ye Win Oo, SSPC members, Union ministers, the Yangon Region Chief Minister, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Yangon Command commander, deputy ministers, the Rector of Yangon University, rectors from invited inter-national universities, honorary professors, professors, senior lecturers, Tatmadaw officers holding Doctor of Science degrees, local and foreign researchers, invited guests, and officials.
First, the Senior General and attendees watched a documentary video about the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science.
In his address, the Senior General said that the ceremony marked the opening of the 25th Silver Jubilee Research Conference and Science Festival organized by the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science under the Ministry of Education.
Since its establishment in 1999, the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science has organized research conferences serving as guiding beacons for the development of arts and science disciplines across universities nationwide, and this year marks its 25th conference, the Silver Jubilee.
He said that research involves systematic inquiry and exploration to gain deep understanding of a subject. Every modern and developed country and organization prioritizes investment in research. As a developing nation, Myanmar urgently needs to conduct research across all sectors and fields to achieve modern development and national interests. Progress and success in any field require review, research, and innovation. The creative capacity of researchers is a genuine force that can significantly contribute to nation-building and development.
Education is the foundation for national development. There-fore, raising knowledge and
skills nationwide and nurturing experts who can support production is vital. New technologies and innovations necessary for national modernization must be discovered and developed.
He noted that the three sectors education, science, and technology are interconnected, and when combined with research and innovation, they generate powerful momentum for societal progress.
Myanmar, with its rich history and cultural heritage, must preserve its national identity and values while keeping pace with 21st-Century technological advancements to build a modern nation. To achieve this, balanced development across all arts and science disciplines is necessary. If scholars and experts in arts and science collaborate, they can effectively contribute to rapid national economic development.
He added that the government is working to modernize agriculture and livestock sectors to achieve national prosperity and food security. Through research, new technologies must be developed to help small, medium, and large enterprises produce high-quality products and expand into new markets. Therefore, research-based skilled workers must be trained through quality technical and vocational education.
Research, he said, is the lifeblood of universities. Through research activities, scholars and students can gain deeper expertise in their respective fields. New technologies derived from research should be applied practically in industrial sectors so that universities become reliable, high-quality institutions for the nation.
He emphasized that research does not stop with a single result but must continue step by step based on initial findings to achieve accurate new discoveries. Re-search outcomes can help shape a better society. It is evident that countries investing effectively in research achieve long-term benefits and national prosperity. Therefore, the government is supporting universities by providing research funding, laboratory equipment, and research centers.
In addition, universities are adopting modern, research-based teaching methods and promoting student development through activities such as cultural festivals showcasing Myanmar’s traditional heritage, environmental conservation group activities, youth dialogues, and discussions on employment opportunities, helping students enhance their know-ledge, critical thinking, and practical skills.
Today, in line with the long-term development goals of the social, economic, and environ-mental sectors, a total of 312 research papers across 33 subjects from various arts and science universities will be presented, with best research and best paper awards to be conferred. It is also reported that high-quality papers by subject from this conference will be compiled and published in research journals.
At this conference, both local and international authors will be present to read and evaluate their papers, and I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all domestic and foreign researchers. I also encourage all participants to actively engage in discussions and share their positive thoughts, ideas, insights, and suggestions.
With great pride, we have observed that the Silver Jubilee Conference is being held in a vibrant manner alongside a science festival. In addition to subject specific exhibitions, scientific displays, and competitions, AI exhibitions are also being showcased. Furthermore, market festivals, ethnic sports festivals, and various recreational events are being organized by the respective subject departments.
Through such science festivals, young students will develop greater interest in science, gain
inspiration to explore new technological innovations, and enhance their scientific knowledge, including in areas such as AI, nuclear technologies, and entrepreneurship.
Based on the evidence-based research findings emerging from the 25th Silver Jubilee Research Conference and Science Festival, the State will be able to formulate and implement policies that benefit relevant sectors and regions, thereby contributing to national development and unity.
From an economic perspective, science and innovation will support the manufacturing sector, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the sustainable development of the national economy.
Research findings across various fields will contribute to citizen security, national stability, and overall development, including in areas such as food security, cybersecurity, and natural disaster response.
University and departmental policies formulated on the basis of ethically conducted research will earn the trust of stakeholders and make a significant contribution to good governance. Therefore, it is hoped that science and research-driven innovation will help build a modern and developed nation.
I would like to call on researchers, as intellectual leaders, to project a positive image of our country internationally, contribute their knowledge and skills across various sectors, and work together to build a peaceful, prosperous, modern, and developed nation grounded in scientific and technological capacity.
The Senior General and other attendees then watched a commemorative song performance marking the opening of the 25th Silver Jubilee Research Conference and Science Festival (2026) organized by the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Scientists.
Then, on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the 25th Silver Jubilee Research Conference and Science Festival (2026), Union Minister for Education Dr. Chaw Chaw Sein, presented a gift to the Senior General.
Following the event, the Senior General and other attendees posed for a group photo to commemorate the occasion.
After the ceremony, the Senior General and other attendees toured the exhibition halls of the 25th Silver Jubilee Research Conference and Science Festival (2026) organized by the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Sciences, showing keen interest and providing guidance based on the officials’ presentations.
The 25th Silver Jubilee Rese-arch Conference and Science Festival (2026) of the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Sciences is being held until February 7, aiming to promote and guide academic research, enhance the country’s academic standards, and encourage international-level research in higher education. The event features high-quality research presentations, paper discussions, best research paper awards, and the compilation and publication of outstanding subject-specific research papers in journals. The conference will also include discussions with both local and international speakers.
