In building and developing the nation, the citizens play a central role. There is a large number of citizens who are well-equipped with knowledge, skills, and expertise, and who possess high-level thinking and reasoning abilities. Therefore, the State is actively implementing a comprehensive education system accessible to all, aimed at fostering highly educated individuals and professionals who can contribute to national development and progress.
Literacy among citizens is a crucial factor for the development and progress of a country. The 2024 Population and Housing Census indicated a noticeable improvement in the literacy and school attendance of Myanmar’s citizens. The entire population aged 15 and above secured a literacy rate of 92.1 per cent. Moreover, 56.1 per cent of children are currently attending school, and 34.1 per cent have previously attended school. Those who have never attended school account for 7.2 per cent in urban areas and 11.4 per cent in rural areas.

Non-formal education is a valuable educational programme that provides learning opportunities to those who, for various reasons, have been deprived of the chance to study but still wish to pursue education. From 2016 to 2025, under the administration of the Department of Non-Formal and Lifelong Education, a total of 54,280 children received non-formal primary education, and 1,999 children received non-formal middle school education. Between 2016 and 2023, 123 students who began with non-formal primary education were able to successfully pass the matriculation examination.

Among young people, there are those under the age of 15 who do not continue attending school. According to the 2024 Census Summary Report, the main reasons for not continuing school include family responsibilities or helping with household chores, financial difficulties, the need to work, poor health, lack of interest in studying, marriage, pregnancy, and unsafe travel routes, among others.
Non-formal education learners are provided opportunities to complete the non-formal middle school education programme. In the 2025-2026 academic year, this programme is being implemented in 29 townships with 2,615 students. Moreover, bridge education programmes are being carried out as a national responsibility, enabling learners of non-formal education to transition to formal schooling or to technical and vocational education.
Non-formal education is a valuable educational programme that provides learning opportunities to those who, for various reasons, have been deprived of the chance to study but still wish to pursue education. From 2016 to 2025, under the administration of the Department of Non-Formal and Lifelong Education, a total of 54,280 children received non-formal primary education, and 1,999 children received non-formal middle school education. Between 2016 and 2023, 123 students who began with non-formal primary education were able to successfully pass the matriculation examination.
Therefore, for young people who wish to learn but have been unable to attend school for various reasons, programmes of non-formal education, bridge education, and technical and vocational education enable them to continue learning. By expanding access to these programmes, the nation can better nurture and develop the future “worthy sons and daughters” who will contribute to the country’s future.

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Although digital technology is advancing across multiple sectors of society, more than 2.6 billion people worldwide – most of them women and children – still lack access to digital technology. Therefore, promoting gender equality in digital access is essential to opening new pathways for economic growth, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable development.
In the late 20th century, internet technology experienced rapid development, becoming a major driver of the swift global spread of communication and information technologies. Subsequently, innovations in mobile phones during the 1970s and 1980s, along with the development of social media in the early 21st century, opened a new chapter in communication and information technology. The advancement of these technologies has benefited social and economic sectors more broadly.
In fact, digital technology is inseparable from daily human life and benefits various sectors of society. Therefore, improved access to digital technology is crucial for everyone. Accordingly, not only governments in many countries but also scientists and innovators are considering ways to manage activities aimed at creating better access to digital technology for people in different communities.

Currently, countries around the world, including Myanmar, place strong emphasis on digital education. Many countries are nurturing their citizens to develop strong capacities in cooperation, communication, critical analysis and problem-solving, creativity and innovation, as well as the strengthening of national spirit, as key 21st-century skills and personal competencies. As such, it is essential to create greater access to digital technology for youth, women, and children.

According to the 2024 global report released by DataReportal, more than 5.35 billion people worldwide use the internet, accounting for 92 per cent of the global population. Of these, more than 5.04 billion people use social media, representing 62.3 per cent of the world’s population. On average, users spend two hours and 23 minutes per day on social media. The report shows that the internet can be effectively applied in trade, job creation, and the enhancement of manufacturing. Owing to the growth of online shopping, many countries have been able to secure economic growth.
Currently, countries around the world, including Myanmar, place strong emphasis on digital education. Many countries are nurturing their citizens to develop strong capacities in cooperation, communication, critical analysis and problem-solving, creativity and innovation, as well as the strengthening of national spirit, as key 21st-century skills and personal competencies. As such, it is essential to create greater access to digital technology for youth, women, and children.
As a result, countries that efficiently apply communication technology can achieve rapid development within a short period. As the global community moves toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), countries that fail to keep pace with others in communication and digital technologies will fall behind in development. Hence, not only governments but also youth need to enhance their digital technology knowledge and capacities to build a better society.

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According to Myanmar’s Youth Policy, individuals aged between 15 and 35 are classified as youth. Globally, the United Nations estimates that there are approximately 1.2 billion young people, with 85 per cent residing in developing countries. However, only a small portion of youth worldwide are fully integrated into their communities and have access to essential education and services. Most face significant challenges, including poverty, limited educational and healthcare opportunities, risks of drug abuse and violence, armed conflicts, and scarce employment prospects.
In Myanmar, the Youth Policy was formulated and adopted in November 2017 to provide a strategic framework that supports the positive development of youth across various sectors such as politics, economy, education, society, culture, and development. The policy recognizes that youth and education are inseparable. Through education, young people are nurtured to become capable, well-rounded, and outstanding individuals. To this end, Myanmar implements an annual Human Resource Development Plan to enhance and maximize youth potential.
The theme for International Youth Day (IYD) 2025 is “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.” This theme highlights the crucial role young people play in turning global development goals into concrete actions at the community level. It stresses the importance of youth-led initiatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing beyond them. This year’s IYD also marks the lead-up to the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, a guiding framework that recognizes youth as key drivers in sustainable development and participatory governance. Discussions on this theme will contribute to preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development scheduled in Doha in November.

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ONCE deemed overshadowed by Japanese anime and US animation, Chinese animation is now experiencing a surge in popularity, especially among younger audiences.
With improved storytelling, advanced visual effects, and a seamless integration of traditional Chinese culture, the industry is rapidly gaining recognition at home and abroad.
A recent survey conducted by China Youth Daily among 7,232 university students revealed that 40.64 per cent actively follow popular domestic animation films and series, while 30.35 per cent check for new releases on a weekly basis.
This growing interest is reflected in the success of major box office hits, including “Ne Zha 2,” which grossed over 15.08 billion yuan (about US$2.1 billion) in box office revenue and stormed into the global box office top 5, cementing Chinese animation’s place in the global animation industry.
Most respondents attribute this rise to the ability of Chinese animated works to blend traditional cultural elements with modern cinematic techniques, which 81.1 per cent of surveyed students identified as a key factor in their interest.
Nearly 45 per cent believed that the technology used in Chinese animation is on par with international standards.
Recalling the release of “Chang An” and “Deep Sea”, both widely acclaimed Chinese animated films, Huang Ziyi, a student at Wuhan University, felt as if the poems from her textbooks had come to life. “The adaptations based on history were well-executed and felt authentic, bringing the audience closer to the stories.”
In recent years, driven by both technological advancements and a focus on Chinese cultural storytelling, the quality of Chinese animation has improved significantly. According to the survey, 67.78 per cent of university students shared this view.
“For instance, the movie ‘Chang An’ used AI to recreate the texture of Tang Dynasty architecture, providing a visual representation of poetic imagination. Meanwhile, ‘Ne Zha 2’ reinterpreted a classic myth through the lens of modern family dynamics, proving that technology should ultimately serve cultural expression,” said Chen Yanyu, a Jiangxi University of Technology student.
“I believe Chinese animation can carve out its own space in the industry,” Huang remarked. She noted that while Japanese anime often focuses on youthful romance and American animation emphasizes individual heroism, China has a vast pool of untapped storytelling potential. — Xinhua

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

THE Tokyo government has launched a new dating app for smartphones that uses artificial intelligence to match people who are serious about marriage based on their values.

Tokyo Enmusubi, meaning Tokyo matchmaking, is available for people over 18 who live in or commute to the Japanese capital. Users undergo an online interview upon registration, and they must also submit photo identification and documents proving their income and that they are legally single to ensure security on the platform.

The move is part of broader efforts to boost Japan’s declining birthrate, and the Tokyo metropolitan government aims to provide support to singles and families at various stages in their lives from the initial meeting to marriage, childbirth and child-rearing.

Users can download the app onto their smartphone or access the platform’s website via computer. Registration costs 11,000 yen ($77), and membership is valid for two years. —Kyodo