YANGON, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- With beaming faces, Myanmar's university students wearing white T-shirts were seen happily holding envelopes containing financial support from a Chinese bank on Friday in a seminar hall in Yangon.
The event was a scholarship awarding ceremony held by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Yangon Branch for 100 students from the University of Yangon for the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Among the recipients was Wint Wah Wah Lwin, a 23-year-old third-year honors student majoring in biochemistry. She shared her joy, saying, "This is the first time I've received a scholarship from Bank of China (BOC). It helps reduce my financial burden."
Wint also explained that her family faces many educational expenses, as her sister is studying dental medicine and her younger brother is currently a medical student. "I plan to use this scholarship to prepare for my master's studies next year. It will also ease the financial burden on my parents," she added.
Aung Naing Min, a 20-year-old math major student, also expressed his gratitude. "This is the third year I've received a stipend from the Bank of China. Before this, I had to rely entirely on my family for expenses. The support has been a huge help to me," he said.
Aung Kyaw Kyaw, a 23-year-old third-year honors student studying physics, received the scholarship for the first time. "With this financial award, I will buy the chemicals I need for my project, which is crucial for completing my degree," he said.
He also spoke about his family's financial challenges, explaining that his father is a retired government employee and his mother is a housewife. "This scholarship has significantly reduced my financial difficulties," he added.
Dr. Lin Aung, the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar, said, "The scholarship program not only directly benefits students but also uplifts the socioeconomic conditions of their families and contributes to the country's human resource development."
He also said that education is the foundation of sustainable development for a country and that supporting youth education is essential for the country's future.
Dr. Than Than Win, a deputy director general from the Ministry of Education, said the scholarship program is designed not only to provide financial aid to students in need but also to honor outstanding students.
She also said that the diplomatic relationship between Myanmar and China has been over 70 years, and thanked China for its cooperation in building a better future for the people of Myanmar.
The BOC scholarship ceremony on Friday awarded 75 stipends and 25 scholarships to 100 students from the University of Yangon.
Launched in 2022, the BOC scholarship program continues to provide financial support, stipends, and internship opportunities annually to the students of the University of Yangon. ■
