A roundtable literary discussion on ‘Developing the Youth Sector through Literature’, to mark the 75th anniversary (diamond jubilee) of the National Literary Awards, was held yesterday at Ruby Hall, Myanmar International Convention Centre I, Nay Pyi Taw.

The event was attended by award-winning literary scholars, the Director General and officials of the Printing and Publishing Department under the Ministry of Information, students from the University for the Development of National Races (Sagaing) and the Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College (Yangon), as well as students from institutes and technical schools, and literature enthusiasts.

During the event, writer Ma Hnin Phway discussed the steps needed to improve the youth sector, emphasizing the importance of youth reading and studying literature to become educated and develop their knowledge. She also highlighted the need to apply the knowledge and understanding gained from literature for the development of the country. Writer Professor Ko Ko Aung spoke about outstanding and world-renowned scientists who have systematically studied literature since childhood, and how science can be harnessed to help develop the country.

Next, author Dr Tin Phone Kyaw discussed the relationship between today’s AI technology and reading, the benefits of AI that can be gained through literature, the challenges regarding the usefulness of AI, interesting insights into AI, and the job opportunities available to young people through studying various subjects on widely used social platforms. Author Palaw Soe Nanthar spoke about the steps needed to improve the personality of young people through literature, the academic subjects essential for the advancing technological era, the ethics and leadership qualities future leaders should possess, the ways to enhance physical and mental health in young people as well as challenges, and the skills necessary for them to become well-rounded and versatile individuals.

Afterwards, writer Dr Maung Thin (Maung Thin-Thapyay) gave a detailed summary of the speeches and discussions by the literary scholars. The attendees asked questions about the development of literature and the youth sector, and the scholars provided thorough clarifications and answers.

Then, the Director General of the Printing and Publishing Department presented honoraria to the distinguished literary scholars who participated in the discussions.

The ceremony to honour the winners of the National Literary Awards was first held in 1948, and this year marks the diamond jubilee. In addition to the ceremony for presenting the National Lifetime Awards for Literary Achievement, the National Literary Awards, and the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award for 2023, a literary discussion dedicated to the development of the youth sector through literature was held to inspire and energize the youth.

MNA/TH

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar