TCU’s Delegation Visits Myanmar to Discuss Academic Collaborations with Educational and Research Institutions

Text: Yann-Wei Chern
Photo: Yen-Chung Shang
Translation: J.B. Willis, Steve J. Lin

On January 30-31, 2019, TCU vice president Ingrid Liu led a delegation to Myanmar and visited the University of Medicine 1, Yangon, the University of Medicine 2, Yangon, and the Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar) for more academic collaborations.

The delegation first visited the University of Medicine 2, Yangon, and met with University Rector- Dr. Aye Tun. The two universities discussed future exchange programs for students and faculty members. In addition to meeting school administrators, the delegation also gave public speeches, arranged by Department of Biochemistry chairperson May Pyone Kyaw. Professor May came to TCU last year and had been impressed by TCU’s Silent Mentor Program. After meeting with president Aye Tun, vice president Liu shared TCU’s teaching and research endeavors with local students, and introduced Full English Courses of the Biomedical Sciences Program, which is available for those who plan to come to TCU for pursuing Ph.D. degrees. The students reacted with excitement about it. Pursuing a Ph.D. degree takes great effort, so vice president Liu reminded them that Ph.D. students will face various challenges that will greatly affect their families and careers. She also shared her personal experiences of facing numerous hardships while pursuing her Ph.D. degree, and also inspired them to keep on pursuing their dreams.

Later, they visited the Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar). Vice president Liu introduced TCU’s teaching and research environments and mentioned TCU’s scholarships, which are available for international students who choose to take a full English program. One TCU Ph.D. student, Aye Aye Khine, who is from Myanmar, was referred by the University of Medicine 1, Yangon. Vice president Liu mentioned Aye Aye Khine as an example to encourage local students to break numerous barriers and go overseas for their advanced studies. After completing their studies, they can choose to return and serve in Myanmar. Director of the Institute of Medical Research, Dr.Hlaing Myat Thu anticipated setting up a global program, sending their students overseas for advanced training, and later welcoming these students back to Myanmar with open arms.

On January 31, 2019, the delegation visited the University of Medicine 1, Yangon and met with their Rector- Dr. Zaw Wai Soe. Rector Zaw is also an orthopedic surgeon and has worked with Tzu Chi Foundation on numerous projects. On many occasions, he teamed up with Tzu Chi volunteers in Myanmar to help patients receive medical treatments. Several years ago, during the H1N1 outbreak, he asked Tzu Chi about providing vaccines and medical supplies, and invited Tzu Chi to provide their experiences in helping Myanmar for epidemic prevention. President Zaw was greatly impressed by Tzu Chi’s four missions, namely charity, medicine, education and equanimity; moreover, he was touched by the spirit of Tzu Chi’s four missions which is “giving and asking nothing in return.” Rector Zaw wished to extend collaborations with TCU. He considers research effort a major locomotive for assisting a country to move forward, and thus he wants to enhance Ph.D. students’ research capabilities and presentation skills. Vice president Liu suggested that TCU provide assistance in organizing various workshops in Myanmar, to enhance their teaching and research capabilities, and also work with the University of Medicine-1, Yangon to offer a dual degree program.

Vice president Liu indicated that Myanmar is a friendly Buddhist country, but for a period of time, Myanmar has been bothered by refugee issues that has deterred academic interaction with other countries. UM1 and UM2 are not frequently interacting with Taiwan’s universities. TCU wishes to collaborate with them in the academic arena and nurture their students. Hopefully, students from Myanmar, who are willing, will come to TCU to acquire skills and knowledge in Taiwan, and experience Tzu Chi’s Great Love firsthand. After completing their studies, they can work with their countrymen and people everywhere for a peaceful world.