he ceremony to present certificates of honour and host a dinner for the 27th Traditional Myanmar Cultural Performing Arts Competition was held at Myanmar International Convention Centre I (MICC I) in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday evening, attended by President U Min Aung Hlaing of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Also present were Vice-Presidents U Nyo Saw and Nan Ni Ni Aye; Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw U Khin Yi and his wife; Speaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw U Aung Lin Dwe; Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services General Ye Win Oo and his wife; Union-level dignitaries, Union ministers and their wives, senior military officers and their wives, the Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council, the Nay Pyi Taw Command Commander, deputy ministers, organizing committee members, regional and state ministers, maestros servicing judges and experts, supervisors, trainers, support personnel, contestants from various regions and states, and other officials.
In his address, the President expressed his pleasure at the successful conclusion of the competition, which upholds the national objective of preserving and promoting Myanmar’s traditional culture. He said the Government, participating veteran artistes and maestros could share in the pride and joy of its achievements.
He noted that the 27th competition had exceeded expectations through Government leadership, the guidance of experienced artists and the enthusiastic participation of young performers. A total of 531 awards were presented, comprising 195 gold medals, 167 silver medals, 165 bronze medals, two consolation prizes and two special prizes.
The President said the State organizes singing, dancing, composition and music competitions annually, enhancing their quality, substance and national significance. He expressed the State’s profound gratitude to the experts and veteran masters whose specialized knowledge and technical contributions had helped fulfil the competitions’ objectives.
He emphasized that the Government was working to build a modern, developed nation capable of standing with dignity in the international community. These efforts included systematically preserving and promoting traditional cultural heritage, social ethics, values and national characteristics through initiatives such as the annual performing arts competitions.
In the 21st century, advances in communications and technology have expanded internet access, while political, economic and cultural influences increasingly cross-national borders. Against this backdrop, artists and responsible officials must work together to strengthen the younger generation’s appreciation of traditional culture and patriotic spirit.
The President cautioned that the possibility of young people neglecting traditional cultural values while following modern trends should not be taken lightly. He urged veteran artists to continue using their talents and expertise to ensure that Myanmar’s traditional cultural heritage flourishes.
He said the competitions had produced valuable outcomes for the nation’s future, including the emergence of talented young artistes capable of carrying forward the artistic traditions handed down by veteran masters. These achievements benefit not only senior and emerging performers but also successive generations and the nation as a whole.
To ensure that the competitions continue to improve and their benefits spread more widely, the President called on veteran artistes to pass on their knowledge, skills and artistic traditions to younger generations with the care and affection of parents.
He reiterated his appreciation to veteran masters, adjudicators and all those who had contributed to the success of the 27th competition. He wished the masters good physical and mental health and long lives, expressing hope that they would continue nurturing Myanmar’s traditional arts and that new generations of artists would emerge to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.
Following the address, the President presented certificates of honour to Alinka Kyaw Swa Daw Shwegu Nan Nwet Nwet, Chairperson representing the Vocal Adjudication Working Group; Alinka Kyaw Swa U Aung Tin Win, Chairman representing the Dance Adjudication Working Group; Alinka Kyaw Swa Dr Maung Maung Latt, Chairman representing the Composition Adjudication Working Group; U Saw Win, Chairman representing the Music Adjudication Working Group; an administrator representing regional and state administrator; a master of ceremonies representing the event’s emcees; and U Phoe Chit, Chairman of the Myanmar Theatrical Association (Central).
Adjudicator Alinka Kyaw Swa Myinmu Maung Naing Moe then delivered a speech of thanks on behalf of the panel of judges.
The President subsequently joined the attendees and contestants for the dinner of honour. Before and during the dinner, artistes from the Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture, Hotels and Tourism, award winners of the competition, ethnic and rural traditional dance troupes, and veteran masters presented songs and dances.
During the entertainment programme, veteran singers Sithu Daw Htar and Tekkatho Le Le took the stage alongside prize-winning young vocalists.
As part of the “Passing the Legacy” programme, theatrical masters U Chan Thar, 68, and Daw Nan Khin Hmway, 62, performed alongside younger artistes Tekkatho Arr Man and Win Thabyay Tun (Culture), as well as Maung Min Kyel Nyan Chan, firstprize winner in the basic education dance competition for ages 15-20 from Kayin State, and Ma Chaw Su Htwe, first-prize winner in the same category from Shan State.
Following the dinner, the President warmly greeted those attending the ceremony.
MNA/ST
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