1. Capacity Building for Institutions in Myanmar, CBIM Phase I (2013-2015) and CBIM Phase 2 (2018-2022)

In recent years, rapid and positive changes have occurred in Myanmar, politically, economically, and socially. Strategic plans have cobnsequently been crafted by the government of Myanmar aiming to tackle the challenges and advance the country in all fronts. The fact remains, however, that the implementation of those strategies require quality human resources from various institutions, especially universities and key government agencies that serve as the backbone for a sustainable development of a nation. For a number of key academic institutions and governmental agencies, most of their staff possess Master’s while very limited number receive Ph.D. degree. This fact, along with an urgent need for health professionals to promote better (maternal and child) healthcare. The project aims to provide high-level education, professional training and research skills to qualified citizens of Myanmar. Upon graduation, these individuals will return to serve as driving force in the capacity building of national institutions and advancement of the country. Under collaborative scholarship scheme in which the Norwegain Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided funding of 70% and Mahidol University contributed another 30%, qualified candidates will be recruited and enrolled in graduate study programs at Mahidol University. The Project plan was to provide full scholarships for 30 Master’s and 30 Ph.D recipients in CBIM I and along with 24 Master’s and 8 Ph.D recipients in CBIM 2. Toward the end, the program withnessed 56 Master’s and 30 Ph.D graduates.

2. Mahidol – Norway Capacity Building Initiative for ASEAN, CBIA (2015-2019)

This project shares similar goal with the first one above, accelerating sustainable development of human resource in the beneficiary countries. To get more impact, it was expanded to cover not only Myanmar, but also five ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, plus Nepal. Current education system of the aforementioned countries are unable to produce qualified human resource due to severe shortage of key resources for quality education in different fronts. In such context, assistance aiming to produce a critical mass of scholars and skilled manpower will be of great importance in the journey toward regional peace and sustainability.

Operating the same concept, qualified applicants will be enrolled and studied at Mahidol University. During the period of their study, they are entitled to get financial support, 65% from the Norwegain Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 35% from Mahidol University. Upon the graduation, they required to get back to their hometown, share knowledge and experience, as well as advance the area and service of their educational expertise. The Project plan was to provide full scholarships for 66 Master’s and 40 Ph.D recipients. As the end, the program withnessed 68 Master’s and 33 Ph.D graduates.

The Norwegian Scholarships Projects – Mahidol & Norway Capacity Building for Myanmar and ASEAN Countries proofed to be successful in terms of efficient and transparent management as well as satisfactory expectations of the main donor. Following this, discussion was made to identify the new project in the pipeline. This includes the plan to recruit students to further their studies in the Bachelor and Master’s degree programs, beginning in the academic year 2023.

For more information >> http://www.grad.mahidol.ac.th/norway2015-2016

Picture from >> The “Mahidol – Norway Scholarships: Thank you Reception”

Main indicators of goal achievement:  Number of successful graduates

SDGs Aligned with the Activity:

Primary SDG

• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals (Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development)

Related SDG

• SDG 4 – Quality Education (Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all)

• For more information about the 10 MU Course of SDGs 14 – Quality Education…click here

Sub-SDG

• SDG 17.9 – Enhance SDG Capacity in Development Countries

MU strategy:  Education for Sustainability

Partner:  The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Stakeholders:

1. Mahidol University (14 Faculties, 7 Institutes, and 2 Colleges)

2. Students from Myanmar, Nepal, and 5 ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines)

The Impact Ranking:  Education for the SDGs (27.2%)