For the first time since the start of the Gaza war, university students attended in-person classes at a building belonging to the organization Scholars without Borders in Khan Yunis. The organization funds free education and accommodation for students from damaged universities, operating from a structure built with corrugated iron and wooden planks and powered by solar energy.

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From the golden age of short stories up to the present day, Sayama Wah Wah Htin Lin is recognized as one of the prominent writers who has continuously produced short stories without pause. Despite changes in eras and systems, her passion for literature has remained unchanged, and she has consistently written numerous short stories.
This newly published book is a collection of seven selected short stories chosen from among many of her works, presented under the title ‘Khunhnit Sinthwe Kyalsinsu’ stories.
The forewords for this book are written by renowned writers Sayamagyi Ma Sanda and Ma Hnin Phwe. In her foreword, Sayamagyi Ma Sanda notes that Sayama Wah Wah Htin Lin is not a novice writer but one with over forty years of experience, a mature and established author with a strong readership. Although she may not have read all of her works, the ones she has read are memorable. She specifically recalls stories such as ‘Kaung Kalay’ (The Boy) and ‘Ngote Tote’ as particularly striking.
She explains that the characters in Wah Wah Htin Lin’s stories are not extraordinary, wealthy, brilliant, or exceptionally beautiful individuals. And, the plots are not filled with dramatic twists or astonishing events. Instead, they portray ordinary people from everyday life, along with their experiences, struggles, and emotions, written with sincerity and meaningful intention.
Regarding some of the stories included in the book, Poisoned Mother by Her Son serves as a cautionary tale for parents who love their children excessively. Dr Li Li and The One Who Must Bear Punishment Without Being Charged depict the tragic lives of two childhood friends, prompting reflection on karma and its consequences. The Tearful Smile of Cupid reminds readers of the saying, Even a destined king can disappear if ritual is fine.
The Turn portrays a patient wife. Reflected Loving-kindness vividly illustrates the pure and sincere nature of Shwe Ah.
‘Masan Thawlae Mayoe Par Doh Myar Chan Win Hmar’ is my favourite. Within a compound of nearly one acre live fifteen households, each actively going through life, weddings, childbirths, and deaths, unfolding one after another. It feels like watching a panoramic film of life. The story also contains philosophical reflections, making it enjoyable to reread multiple times and deeply appreciate its literary flavour.
Sayamagyi Ma Sanda also says her heartfelt wish as a reader to Sayama Wah Wah Htin Lin, “Please continue to give us such literary enjoyment again. I eagerly await more works and hope my wish will be rewarded.”
Sayamagyi Ma Hnin Phwe also writes the seven magazine stories and novels included in the book cover seven different themes. Each offers a distinct emotional experience to readers, such as provoking thought, providing lessons, inspiring imitation, and bringing joy, making them satisfying and delightful to read.
The readers can read seven stories authored by Sayama Wah Wah Htin Lin: Poisoned Mother by Her Son, The Turn, Masan Thawlae Mayoe Par Doh Myar Chan Win Hmar, Dr Li Li, My Friend, Reflected Loving-Kindness, The One Who Must Bear Punishment Without Being Charged and The Tearful Smile of Cupid.

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This book is the fourth edition of a short story collection by Sayama Khin Khin Htoo. Many young people nowadays only recognize her as a novelist who writes full-length novels. We cannot blame the young readers, as by the time they started reading, the magazine era had ended. Short stories in traditional form have disappeared. Most of the well-known and successful novelists today are those who lived through the golden age of short stories. The fifteen short stories in this book by Sayama Khin Khin Htoo were originally published in magazines at an earlier time.
When publishing collections of her short stories, the author has given them distinctly Myanmar titles such as Thanaka Flower Short Stories, Fresh Betel Leaf, Golden Quid Short Stories, Sanyitwine (top knot with a circular fridge) Short Stories, Pakwatkya (traditional folktales), Zaychin (Market Basket) Short Stories, Elegant Carriage Short Stories, and so on. She seems to title this book as Short Stories Behind Traditional Weaving Shuttles (Yatkam Loom), likewise.
In the foreword, she writes that “I am delighted to have titled this book using the terms and motifs from the rural Upper Myanmar which are close to my heart.”
“In the village where I grew up, nearly every household had a small weaving loom. Wherever you went, you would always hear the rhythmic and repetitive series of the handloom sound. Sitting at the loom, weaving a longyi around their waists, pulling the shuttle back and forth with an appealing sound. The nostalgia of weaving sound, image of village girls and rural life evoked sensory experience connecting to memories of childhood, where the sounds of clucking hens and the clacking of looms are the symbol of Myanmar home and cultural expression of Myanmar people.” Starting this quotation, the author later shared knowledge of Myanmar’s weaving and traditional settings with the readers.
She also gives a remark in the foreword about the inseparable connection between Myanmar women and weaving, with the saying: “Illiterate? The blind. Can’t weave? A loss” was quite profound. Back in the day, women had few educational opportunities. Yet they had to know how to weave at least. The sound of the loom could be heard across the entire village. Once a girl came of age, she would begin her work connected to the loom.
The first short story, titled Twisted Thread, starts with the quotation,
“It’s been quite a few years since our family sold the apartment by the riverbank and moved into the ward of the new town. Yee Htwe’s family had been settling here for over ten years. They arrived when the new town was first established. Since Yee Htwe were old timers in the new town and we were newcomers, we relied on them for everything. Whenever we needed something in the new town, we had to ask Yee Htwe. Back in the riverside apartment, living in a four-story building with forty units, forty households, there were plenty of children to send on errands, plenty of women to run and do things. After moving to the new town, weren’t Yee Htwe’s daughters the only people to make them go somewhere? That’s why we couldn’t avoid getting close to them.”

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The closing ceremony of the Basic Space Technology Summer Course for the basic education level was held on the afternoon of March 31 at the Space Museum (Yangon) in Dagon Township, Kyauktada District, Yangon Region.

The event was attended by Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, Myanmar Space Agency Chief Executive Officer Dr. Soe Myint Maung, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dr. Myo Thant, region government members, course instructors, teachers and students from basic education schools, invited guests, and officials.

First, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein delivered an opening speech, expressing his gratitude to the responsible officials who collaborated to make the course a reality. He stated his belief that the course would serve as a strong foundation for the participating students, equipping them with knowledge applicable to their personal lives and the betterment of the country.

He also expressed his hope that by systematically studying the subjects taught, the students would grow into reliable and valuable citizens capable of serving the nation in the future. Next, the Chief Executive Officer of the Myanmar Space Agency, Dr. Soe Myint Maung, delivered a speech.

Following this, Dr. Soe Myint Maung presented awards to the outstanding students of the Basic Space Technology Summer Course. Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein also handed out awards to the winning students, as well as certificates of honor to those who assisted in organizing the program.

Afterwards, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein and officials cordially greeted the attendees. It was reported that during the four-week course, instructors taught 207 students from basic education schools. The curriculum covered subjects including the application of satellites in scientific and socio-economic sectors, space rockets and satellite launching processes, communication systems between satellites and ground stations, components used in satellite construction, the principles of motion for space objects, and satellite-based Earth observation systems.

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The government of Bangladesh is considering introducing a blended education system, combining online and in-person classes in response to the ongoing global energy crisis. Education Minister shared the development on Tuesday after a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat.

He said discussions are underway at the policy level, and a proposal will soon be placed before the cabinet. Initially, the blended model is being considered for schools, though discussions are ongoing about extending it to colleges. Universities, however, may continue with a different arrangement for now.

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The 11th Indian Education Fair commenced at the India Centre in Yangon on 26 March, with keynote addresses by Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Abhay Thakur, event organizers and various officials.
The fair features ten prestigious private universities from India that hold National Assessment and Accreditation Council-NAAC accreditation and National Institutional Ranking Framework-NIRF rankings. It has already attracted over 400 participants, including educational enthusiasts and students from both state and private schools who have recently completed their matriculation or Grade 12 examinations.
The event provides Myanmar students with access to scholarship opportunities at more than 20 of India’s top universities and colleges, while offering a gateway to a massive academic network comprising over 1,000 universities and 4,200 colleges. Furthermore, the fair highlights the benefits of India’s world-class education system, which is noted for being highly affordable in terms of both tuition fees and living expenses.
In addition to the special scholarships available, the organizers announced that the exhibition will extend beyond Yangon. The fair is scheduled to be held in Mandalay at the Mingalar Mandalay Hotel on 30 March, ensuring that students in Upper Myanmar also have the chance to explore these international academic pathways. — ASH/KZL

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Ashgabat is hosting International Mathematics Olympiad. A total of 640 students from 10 countries are competing for the title of the strongest mathematician.

Participants have arrived from Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Iran, Germany, Hungary, Greece, with the largest delegation representing Turkmenistan. The Olympiad will last for five days, and the winners will be announced on March 28th.

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The 11th Indian Education Fair 2026 is set to take place at the India Centre in Yangon on 27 and 28 March. The event will showcase scholarship opportunities from more than 20 of India’s premier universities and colleges. Specifically designed for Myanmar students who have completed their matriculation or Grade 12 exams, the fair will introduce attendees to a vast academic network comprising over 1,000 universities and 4,200 colleges. It aims to provide a gateway for students to connect with these institutions and explore various higher education pathways. Furthermore, the exhibition will highlight the advantages of India’s world-class education system, which offers high-quality academic standards at affordable tuition rates, complemented by a very reasonable cost of living. In addition to general information, students will have the chance to apply for special scholarship schemes exclusive to this event. Following the sessions in Yangon, the 11th Indian Education Fair 2026 will move to Mandalay, where it will be hosted at the Mingalar Mandalay Hotel on 30 March. — ASH/KZL

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Book Title – Virtue and Wisdom
Author – Aung Thin
Publishing House – Maha
Publication Date – December 2025 (Republished)
Price – K10,000

This week’s pick is a book, Virtue and Wisdom, written by Sayagyi Aung Thin, with a compelling book cover quote: “Only when each individual is good, will the country progress. If everyone is a thief, how can the country develop? Just think about it.” First published in August 1998 by Thint Bawa Publishing House, this book has been reprinted numerous times by various publishing houses, with the latest edition released by Mahar Sarpay.
Sayagyi Aung Thin remained true to his vocation as a teacher and dedicated himself to youth-centric literary works to inspire and empower the hearts and minds of young people. He is renowned for his inspirational literary works; delivering talks, participating in writer-reader discussions, writing literary criticism articles, advocating for the flourishing of literary culture through reading groups for young people, producing non-fiction and creative works on education, ethics, and culture, the present and future lives of young people, and cultivating a bright and vibrant personality. He was truly a guiding star, a great author devoted to the youth. This book is a collection of his talks to younger generations.
He affirmed in a preface that it is true that I have held discussions under the titles Virtue and Wisdom, but I admit that I am not an expert with the right to write on such matters. However, I conducted these discussions with the desire to help the younger generation as well as I could.
Some might be unsatisfactory answers, and some might be a great response during talk shows. Those with great wisdom will forgive them.
One can clearly see some ask weird and random questions, and some ask serious questions. We can also find out what problems are lurking in the hearts of today’s youth through their questions. I urge all readers to try to collectively solve these problems and work together for it.”
In the Q&A section with the youth, readers will encounter numerous questions that can give them a few thoughts.
If you had to choose between virtue and material wealth, which would you choose?
Between adults and youth, who is more responsible for moral decline?
Why is someone highly educated yet considered worthless by society?
Readers will find that Saya Aung Thin gave good answers with humour and precision to the questions on the spot. Furthermore, some serve as a piece of thought.
In summary, Aung Thin’s “Virtue and Wisdom,” a work of inspirational literature, profoundly and effectively examines the importance of morality and education. This book provides detailed guidance on how to build a life of peace and harmony by combining knowledge and moral integrity, how to cultivate honesty and integrity and earn the love and respect of others within society, and how to work with self-confidence in the workplace and social environment. Thus, it is a must-read for aspiring youth and middle-aged adults to build trustworthy and sustainable communities through honesty, responsibility and civic engagement.

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Book Title – Language and Literature, Literature and Language
Author – Maung Khin Min (Danubyu)
Publishing House – Gangaw Wuttyi
Publication Date – March 2026 (1st Edition)
Price – K18,000

This week, we pick a book that makes a definition such as Language serves as the foundation of literature, and literature is the fruit of language.
The book is Language and Literature, Literature and Language by Sayagyi Maung Khin Min (Danubyu). In this book, Sayagyi presents how language and literature are inseparably interconnected and mutually dependent. The book is a collection of more than 50 essays, organized into four main sections-
1. Connection between language and literature – he explains, starting from the importance of grammar, dictionary, Sann, four Alinka treatises, to the connection of modern linguistics and literary criticism.
2. Literary study and Rasa (feeling) – Sayagyi shares his personal insights on how readers experience aesthetic pleasure when reading poetry, plays, prose and novels, and how the behaviours of humans in the literature are vividly portrayed.
3. Culture and ethnic people characteristics- This section examines how Myanmar’s cultural traditions, the languages and literatures of ethnic groups, and unity among the ethnic groups are reflected in literary works.
4. Contemporary literature and memoirs- This section highlights the history of Myanmar magazines such as Myawady, Ngwe Tar Yi and Kalya, and memories of Sayagyi throughout his life in literature.
In the beginning of the book, it reads: “Although one is an expert in four treatises such as grammar, dictionary, Sann and Alinka, and continues his learning, he does not make any thesis. But he will be considered an expert in treatises. If he is not an expert in these four treatises, he will not be considered an expert even if he is well-versed in three Pitaka treatises.”
The final paragraph of Pyo states, “Pyo carries the conclusion. The conclusion of Pyo depicts the life events of the poets and the intention of composing Pyo. Therefore, the conclusion of Pyo is the evidence in studying the biographies of poets. The communication between Wungyi Padetha Raza from the Nyaungyan era and Hanthawady York Min (Maha Dhamma Raza Dipati) is widely presented in Thuza Pyo and Manikat Pyo. Therefore, it is a well-known proof that the later scholars rely on it as a reference. The term Pyo is said to mean pleasing by the experts. Pyos are compositions that are full of pleasing qualities.
This book is highly recommended for those who wish not only to read Myanmar literature superficially but to deeply appreciate its essence and those who want to understand how the rules of language (grammar) shape the beauty of literature (poetic devices). Covering knowledge from classical to modern literature, it serves as an excellent guidebook for students, writers, and literature enthusiasts. Therefore, it is truly a remarkable work that lovers of literature should not miss.

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