Building of Industrialized Nation Needs Large Number of Highly-Qualified Human Resources
Defence Services Technological Academy Holds 7th Intake Graduation Ceremony

The graduation parade of 7th Intake of Defence Services Technological Academy was held at the parade grounds of DSTA in PyinOoLwin on 24 December 2004, with an address by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe.

In his address, Senior General Than Shwe said:

At this seventh intake of the DSTA, I would like to impart to you what you should know in all seriousness.

You have already been nurtured and trained by the DSTA to become good sons of the nation to discharge the national defence duties as technicians. From now on, you will have to enter the practical field of your profession from the training field, and discharge your duties as junior engineer military leaders.

The 21st Century sees rapid advancement and progress in science and technology. When compared to other areas, development in science and technology experiences more tests and inventions in military hardware and software. And the fact stands witness to the global powers’ dogmatism practices to dominate and manipulate the world for self-interest.

Soon after the regaining of independence, the national unity faced grave deterioration, and the nation saw the lack of peace and tranquility. The agro-based national economy fell below the level of food and other necessities for the growing population in all aspects. At a time when other countries entered the industrial age, our nation lost its way, and was in backwardness, without having any capital for progress. In the end, the political sector of the nation reached beyond the limits of control resulting from the economic slump.

As the national situation worsened to the uncontrollable degree, the Tatmadaw has to take over the State duties. In its endeavours to build up the national economy, which lacked capital then, the Tatmadaw focused on agriculture that has been the original source for national economic development since the past.

In this regard, the Tatmadaw Government has laid down and implemented the economic objective — Development of agriculture as the base and for all-round development of other sectors of economy as well. Thanks to the collective efforts of the Tatmadaw, the Government and the people, clusters of agricultural infrastructures have already been built in all necessary places. More infrastructures will be built in the future also. Because of the energetic efforts to extend sown acreage, increase per acre yield, and introduce new crops species, the nation now is enjoying surplus rice.

As the nation is able to produce enough food for the people, we will have to establish an industrial nation for the prosperity of the national people. But the setting up of an industrialized nation needs a large number of highly-qualified human resources. Hence, the Government has established 24 development zones, the project covering the task to develop human resources simultaneously in the entire nation. The rural development tasks are being attached to the project for development of all regions of the nation. Now, all the nationalities have the opportunity to get access to science and technological studies in their own regions.

In addition, the Government is giving priority to increased generation of electricity for industrial development. In this situation, you will have to strive as the human resources building a developed nation, while striving to further promote the science and technological sectors of the Tatmadaw. As the saying, which goes, “The taller the person, the longer his shade”, the task to build an industrial nation will be swifter and speedier, only if you try to enhance your ability.

As a result of one innovation after another, every new innovation has been superseded by other one. Therefore, you have to try your best to keep pace with this changing process. In the first place, you have to acquire knowledge, and then imitate the new technology and lastly innovate your own.

You will see that the celebrated scientists were those who had succeeded in their translation of their own ideas into practice. You will also find that they were of great diligence and perseverance. Mysterious inventions are the product of perseverance and diligence rather than of strength. This being the case, you have to make a lot of endeavours for the improvement of science and technology in the country.

Now, you have been trained in respect of the military tactics. As a result, you have now become ones ready for battles in defence of the country. This being the case, you have to possess the spirit of willingness to fight and risk your life. Moreover, you have to behave in the manner of leadership. Furthermore, you have to cultivate the spirit of preserving the fine tradition of the 12 novel objectives of the Tatmadaw.

In conclusion, it is incumbent upon all of you to establish yourselves as technocrats responsible for defence of the country, to work hard for the improvement of science and technology of the Tatmadaw and the establishment of a modern armed forces, to establish yourselves as new generation leaders who will preserve the 12 fine traditions of the Tatmadaw at risk of your lives, and to improve the science and technology of the Tatmadaw while lending yourselves to the drive for national development.