The University of Yangon conferred a variety of honorary degrees on 72 monks, foreign leaders and prominent individuals from 1921 to 2020, including the honorary doctors of literature and law.

A special convocation ceremony to confer the Honorary Doctor of Public Administration (DPA honoris causa) upon Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing took place at the Convocation Hall of the University of Yangon yesterday morning.
After the Senior General took a position on the platform in the convocation hall all attendees paid tributes to the national flag.
Union Minister for Education Dr Chaw Chaw Sein read the capabilities of the Senior General. She said:
The conferment of an honorary doctorate on the Head of State is due to his demonstrated abilities to take the lead in addressing the challenges and difficulties encountered amid the political transition of the country and to manage them systematically and effectively. Throughout each phase of political transformation, he has confronted and resolved political pressures, economic sanctions, domestic peace and national reconciliation efforts, and reforms aimed at aligning with the international community. At the same time, he has also worked to promote the socioeconomic development of the people, maintain national stability and peace, and uphold the rule of law. Amid these challenges, the successful conduct of free and fair general elections, eagerly awaited by the public, stands as a testament to the Head of State’s leadership, marking a historical milestone in Myanmar’s political leadership.
Regarding peace, the government has consistently kept the door to peace open in line with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) framework, and the government, Tatmadaw, and the people have been actively cooperating in national reconciliation and peacemaking efforts. In terms of diplomacy, Myanmar has established cordial relations with major world powers today, including Russia, India, and China, and has been able to protect the country’s national interests while navigating the rivalries among these powerful nations, effectively employing diplomatic engagement strategies.
To revive the national economy, the leaders have endured international economic blockades and guided the implementation of policies aimed at increasing the production of substitute goods, boosting exports to generate higher revenue, and ensuring domestic food security. These efforts reflect the Head of State’s dedication and benevolence to continuously improve the socioeconomic well-being of the people. Recognizing education as a key sector in building a modern nation, during the critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic, measures were taken to reopen basic education schools and higher education universities as usual. Similarly, efforts to enhance educational standards were actively pursued, leading to the establishment of Naypyitaw State Academy and Naypyitaw Polytechnic University, while guidance was provided to expand Polytechnic Universities in regions and states across the country. For the country’s primary economic sectors, such as agriculture and livestock, human resources have been strengthened through the opening and teaching at industrial, agricultural, and livestock high schools. Moreover, special attention has been given to nurturing outstanding young athletes so that a new generation of nationally recognized sports talents can emerge.
Regarding the health sector, a policy of “Nothing is more important than human life” was established, providing guidance to implement projects that improve the health sector and increase the life expectancy of the people. Financial support was also provided to allow the study of modern medical sciences. Similarly, guidance was given for the development of the road and transport sector as well as Myanmar’s railway system. In the area of religion and faith, a remarkable achievement of the Head of State was the construction of the Maravijaya Buddha Image within the Nay Pyi Taw Council area, which stands as a significant religious landmark.
For security and defence, foundations were established to enable the testing, development, and production of modern defence technologies to protect the country and maintain regional stability. Regarding natural disaster management, rapid reconstruction efforts were carried out in areas affected by Cyclone Mocha and Cyclone Nargis. Similarly, reconstruction work following the major Mandalay earthquake was expedited through active guidance and support. Damaged schools and universities were prioritized for repair and restoration. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Mandalay University, the main building of Mandalay University was restored and reconstructed in accordance with its original design.
In addition, efforts have been made to completely eradicate telecom fraud that poses major threats to domestic and international security. The Senior General has demonstrated exceptional dedication and capability across all sectors to ensure the stability of the country’s sovereignty and to build a modern, developed new nation, often sacrificing personal interests for the public good. In recognition of these outstanding contributions to the State and the people, Yangon University has conferred upon the Senior General the Honorary Doctor of Public Administration (DPA honoris causa).
This conferment is a source of pride and joy for both the Ministry of Education and Yangon University.
Director/Principal Professor Andrey Dragomirovich Khlutkov of Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Saint Petersburg and First Vice-Rector Prof essor Kaigorodov Evgeny Vikorovich of Altai State Pedagogical University of the Russian Federation, Vice-President Dr Thatchaveeleelawat of Thailand’s Mahidol University and Vice-President Dr Ly Thein Trang of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology of Vietnam spoke words of honour.
They stated that this honorary degree highlights a milestone in the Head of State’s leadership, marked by personal sacrifice for the public good. One of the greatest achievements was the successful and systematic conduct of the recently held multiparty general elections. This milestone established a strong foundation for stability and peace and assured a smooth transition for the country’s future. Under the guidance of the Head of State, Myanmar has now demonstrated to the international community that it is progressing and flourishing.
The Rector of the Yangon University conferred Honorary Doctor of Public Administration (DPA honoris causa) on the Senior General.
The Senior General delivered a commemorative speech. (The speech of the Senior General is reported)
The Rector of the university delivered a convocation speech. The registrar announced that the speech of the rector must be kept in the archive.
Also, present on the occasion were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, the wife of the Senior General, Commission Member Prime Minister U Nyo Saw and his wife, Commission Secretary General Ye Win Oo and his wife, commission members and their wives, Union ministers and their wives, the Yangon Region chief minister, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, the commander of Yangon Command, deputy ministers, rectors from international universities, professors and distinguished guests.
The University of Yangon conferred a variety of honorary degrees on 72 monks, foreign leaders and prominent individuals from 1921 to 2020, including the honorary doctors of literature and law. Honorary Doctor of Literature degrees were conferred upon members of the Sangha – Aggamaha Pandita Bhaddanta Silananda Bhivamsa, Bhaddanta Mārābhivamsa, and Bhaddanta Nyanissara – and those Honorary Doctor of Law degrees were conferred upon international leaders, namely Yugoslav President Marshal Tito and Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh.
The Senior General visited the University’s Central Library, where officials reported on systematic keeping of ancient books and publications, and arrangements for students to read the books and publications. The Senior General gave necessary guidance and fulfilled the needs. He signed the guest book of the library. — MNA/TTA