Feature: Bank of China scholarships alleviate financial pressure of Myanmar students

Students attend the Bank of China - University of Yangon Scholarship Awarding Ceremony in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 25, 2024. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)

YANGON, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- A total of 100 Myanmar students from the University of Yangon have received scholarships provided by the Bank of China (BOC) Yangon Branch for the 2023-24 academic year.

"Some families are not able to support their children's education. So this scholarship program is really helpful to them," Daw Cho Cho, pro-rector of the University of Yangon, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the scholarship awarding ceremony held in the Myanmar capital on Sunday.

"I am really happy for the students who have the opportunity to continue their education with the scholarship," she said.

Students expressed gratitude and relief at the lowered cost of education with the help of the scholarship.

Khun Linn Htut Moe, a 19-year-old student, said: "I come from Kayin state and study political science at the University of Yangon. The grant is really beneficial to my educational path as I am able to take courses and save on college costs."

May Phyu Sin Aung, a junior student majoring in philosophy, said: "Now I don't need to ask my parents for money to enroll in university."

"I can pay by myself with this scholarship. I am really grateful to BOC for supporting Myanmar students as much as possible, especially during this difficult time," she added.

Khaung Htwe, a 19-year-old student of microbiology, told Xinhua that in addition to university fees, "I can also attend other courses I want to attend. The grant is really convenient for me."

The BOC scholarship program, jointly organized with the China Foundation for Rural Development, aims to improve Myanmar's education sector and strengthen China-Myanmar friendship.

It was set up in 2022, providing scholarships to 100 students from the University of Yangon every year.

Participants attend the Bank of China - University of Yangon Scholarship Awarding Ceremony in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 25, 2024. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)

Students receive scholarships during the Bank of China - University of Yangon Scholarship Awarding Ceremony in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 25, 2024. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)

Students receive scholarships during the Bank of China - University of Yangon Scholarship Awarding Ceremony in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 25, 2024. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)