Myanmar: Historic Graduation at MUAS Marks New Milestones
Myaungmya — March 19, 2025
The Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary (MUAS) made history on Monday, March 17, during its 59th Commencement Program, where 98 graduates were honored. This year’s ceremony was particularly momentous as MUAS conferred its first-ever Master of Arts in Church Ministry (MACM) degrees, marking a new era of academic achievement for the institution.
Of the graduates, 20—including two women—received the MACM degree, reflecting the seminary’s commitment to advanced theological education and leadership training. In another historic first, two Honorary Bachelor’s degrees were conferred, recognizing the recipients’ distinguished service and unwavering dedication to the church.
The fewest in number were the Bachelor of Arts in Religion graduates, with only five males in total, each representing one of the five missions of Myanmar Union Mission (MYUM), including one from Rakhine State, cared for by Yangon Adventist Mission (YAM).
Other graduates included 18 Bachelor of Arts in Education recipients, 8 Bachelor of Elementary Education recipients, and 13 Bachelor of Business Administration graduates—8 with a major in Management and Entrepreneurship and 5 with a major in Accountancy. Additionally, 11 graduates completed the Ministerial Training Course (MTC), designed for those who had previously graduated with other majors but later pursued ministerial training. Two Honorary Degrees were also conferred.
Among those honored were two esteemed leaders of the Adventist Church in Myanmar.
Kenneth H. Suanzanang, now 81 years and four months old, was celebrated for his remarkable 45 years and eight months of devoted service. Throughout his career, he served as a teacher, pastor-evangelist, district pastor, academic principal, Country Director of ADRA Myanmar, administrator for the Yangon Attached District (YAD, now YAM), president of the Upper Myanmar Mission (UMM), and, finally, director of Communication, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL), and Legal Affairs at the MYUM.
Also honored was Saw Muller Kyaw, who will turn 80 on March 21. He retires after a distinguished career in church service, having served as a village school teacher, pastor-teacher, music teacher at MUAS, treasurer at both the mission and union levels, executive secretary, and president of MYUM for two terms totaling ten years of dedicated leadership.
The commencement ceremony was scheduled for 7:00 AM, and participants rose no later than 5:30 AM on March 17. In Myaungmya, dawn broke at 5:53 AM, but the EPC lighting system was irregular, so MUAS relied on a generator. The sun rose at 6:13 AM as usual, but its light was obscured by the thick fog. By 6:30 AM, participants were already lined up for the processional march.
Guests, visitors, parents, and family members were seated in the decorated pews of the Joon Hyun Yoo Chapel. The chapel was extended in 2017 to accommodate the audience for Myanmar’s 115th Anniversary celebration. The extension, built at the east end, formed a large T-shaped building. The spacious platform is positioned at the center of the far eastern end of the new extension.
The north wing was designed to accommodate choirs, participants, public address systems, and LCDs, while the south wing was designated for distinguished guests, visitors, and elderly attendees. Although the hall is not furnished with modern amenities, it serves its purpose well for special occasions.
The college has plans to build a multipurpose auditorium measuring 100 feet by 200 feet, and the foundation has already been laid. However, the project has not progressed further due to prevailing conditions.
The writer observes that a priority should be the construction of a restroom with modern facilities adjacent to the platform, providing separate facilities for gents and ladies. The existing toilets, inconveniently located about 150 feet to the north, lack a roofed walkway.
Dr. Ei Phyu Sin Lay, the second female and youngest doctor in the Adventist Church in Myanmar, is the sponsor for the Class of 2025. She made the necessary prearrangements and conducted three rehearsal sessions. As a result, the program ran smoothly.
Here’s a Summary of the Beautiful Set of Class of 2025 Emblems:
- Theme: “To Glorify God in All We Do”
- Motto: “Being Faithful and Committed to Serve”
- Color: Blue
- Flower: Rose
When Sharon Thein, the pianist for the occasion, played the prelude General Grant’s Grand March, everyone became alert and ready to march. As the processional Clayton’s Grand March began, the procession commenced in an orderly manner: Faculty, Department Chairs, Administrators, and VIP Guests; the Board of Trustees; and 17 flag-bearers representing the Myanmar, seven regions, seven states, the Adventist Church, and MUAS—each holding a flag while dressed in colorful ethnic costumes.
Following them were the candidates for graduation, with Class Officers leading the way, followed by the departments: Religion, Education, Business, MTC Diplomas, and MACM. Next came the Honorary Degree recipients: Kenneth H. Suanzanang, Bachelor of Arts in Religion, and Saw Muller Kyaw, Bachelor of Business Administration, concluded the procession.
Everyone in the hall rose in attention to sing the beloved Myanmar National Anthem, with their right palms placed over their hearts. Following this, welcome remarks were made by Dr. Ei Phyu Sin Lay, Sponsor of the Class of 2025. Aung Thein, Instructor A from the Religion Department, read 1 Corinthians 10:31. The congregation then sang the “MUAS Song,” which uplifted everyone who sang and heard it. The music had the powerful, marching rhythm of a courageous military, ready to march forward. The lyrics are as follows:
Verse 1:
We, the people of this land,
Bring the gospel, hand in hand,
From this College, bold and bright,
Heroes rise to share the light.
Three Angels’ message we proclaim,
To every nation, in Jesus’ name.
Verse 2:
Rise and ready, fields await,
Harvest calls—don’t hesitate.
From this College, strong and true,
Heroes, Heroines, mission-bound crew.
To every corner of the earth,
Spreading hope, proclaiming worth.
Refrain:
Adventist Bible College, brave and strong,
Preparing for the journey, marching on.
To do the work that history demands,
MUAS, to bless our motherland.
With hearts ablaze and faith so grand,
To the ends of the earth, we take our stand.
At the end of the song, Simeon Khin, Chair of the Religion Department, offered the opening prayer. A special number, the “Class Song,” was then rendered by the Class of 2025 (BA Candidates). Myo Zaw Tun, Chair of the Religion Department, introduced the speaker, Pastor Morris Chit, Education Director of MYUM. Pastor Chit spoke on the Class of 2025 theme, “To Glorify God in All We Do” (1 Cor 10:31), urging that in all our thoughts, words, and actions, we should glorify God, showing others, we are His children and followers of Jesus Christ, remaining faithful until death to receive the crown of life (Rev 2:10).
Dr. Ei Phyu Sin Lay then led the Presentation of Appreciation. Sah Mu Paw, Vice President for Academic Administration, announced five graduates who received Outstanding Academic Excellence awards: two Magna Cum Laude—Biak Sian Huai and Naw Eh Hser Moo, president of the Class of 2025—and three Cum Laude—Lal Lun Kim, Thang Sawm Lian, pastor of the Class of 2025, and Vung Deih Kim. Sah Mu Paw also led the Presentation of the Graduates.
The Conferral of Degrees and Diplomas was conducted by Dr. Paul Tanbaunaw, President of the College, assisted by Office Secretaries Thandar Lwin, Man Dik, and Htoo Say Paw. The names of the graduates were presented by Pan Phyu Hmway, Registrar of MUAS
The BA and MTC candidates’ biographies were presented by Pastor Khun Win Ko Ko, VP for Student Administration. The MACM candidates’ biographies were presented by Sah Mu Paw. The Honorary Degree recipients’ biographies were presented by Dr. Connally Hla, VP for HR and PR.
None received applause when their names were called, but when the honorary recipients were announced and their names were called, the audience erupted with loud clapping. After the honorary degrees were conferred, two recipients were allowed to give a 3-minute speech. Ken Suanzanang shared: “Pastor Muller Kyaw and I were proud graduates of the 5th Batch, known as ‘Tatmahar Ngah – Brigade 5,’ though it was only a diploma, I pursued MSA through three sessions, but MYUM could not allow two sessions per year. Despite not having a degree, the Lord granted me several achievements: In 1993, I facilitated the signing of an MoU between the Myanmar Government and ADRA Myanmar. In 2004, I secured US$3,006 from GIEN participants, enabling internet access at every desk in MYUM headquarters. In 2006, 222 souls were baptized via Satellite Evangelism, and 903 more through the ‘Ignite Myanmar Group.’ In 2006, Dr. Alberto Gulfan of the SSD Advisory Council encouraged union directors to follow my example in writing news articles. In 2007, our Church Logo and name, Seventh-day Adventist Church, were registered with the Myanmar Government. In 2009, I received the ‘Award of Merit’ from AWR Headquarters, and in 2011, the ‘Adventist Net Award’ in absentia in Jamaica. I’ve also authored three books, contributed four entries to ESDA, and written many articles. If a non-graduate like me can succeed, why not you graduates? The secret is simple: ‘I burn the midnight oil,’ and I still do.” He encouraged the new graduates.
Pastor Muller Kyaw also shared his journey. “Although I passed the matriculation exam, attending a government college in Myanmar was not an option, as it would have required breaking the Sabbath—against Adventist principles. My only opportunity for further study was at Spicer Memorial College in Pune, India. However, passport and visa challenges, along with financial difficulties, made this impossible. Later, as an associate treasurer of MYUM, I was given the opportunity to study for a BBA at Spicer College but had to return before completing my degree.” Despite this, he later retired after serving as the president of MYUM for ten years. Both Ken and Pastor Muller Kyaw expressed gratitude to the MUAS Board and Faculty for recognizing individuals with potential, even without a college degree.
The College President’s Charge to the Graduates was followed by a response from Naw Eh Hser Moo, President of the Class of 2025. The presentation of the Class Gift—five teak pews valued at MMK 5 million—was led by Phyu Sin Khaing and Thaung Tun Oo, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer of the Class of 2025. Words of thanks were delivered by Solomon Soe, Vice President for Financial Administration of MUAS.
The Litany of Dedication was led by Nancy Tin, Instructor in the Business Department, with a response from the class. Pastor Alvin Po Po Hla, Chair of the College Board, acknowledged Muller Kyaw, Ken Suanzanang, and Naw Eh Hser Moo Paw, President of the Class of 2025, commending their dedication and encouraging the graduates to follow their exemplary commitment. He then offered the Prayer of Dedication. The congregation then sang “To God Be the Glory,” and the speaker, Pastor Chit, gave the Benediction. The pianist played the recessional “Carnival King,” the procession was dismissed, and lunch was served after the group took pictures.
The ceremony was marked by heartfelt speeches, musical performances, and an atmosphere filled with gratitude and recommitment. Many graduates took the opportunity to express their resolve to continue serving God and their communities with renewed dedication.
“This is a historic milestone for MUAS and a celebration of the unwavering commitment of our graduates to the mission of the Adventist Church,” said Pastor Dr. Paul Tanbaunaw, president of MUAS.
The event also featured testimonies from graduates, sharing their journeys of faith, perseverance, and academic success. The presence of alumni, family members, church leaders, and community representatives added a sense of solidarity and encouragement for the graduating class.
The graduates left the ceremony inspired and prepared to embrace new challenges as they move forward in their ministries and careers, determined to make a positive impact throughout Myanmar and beyond.
Prepared by Pastor Kenneth Htang Suanzanang, former Communication Director of MYUM (2003–2008), with approval from Dr. Paul Tanbaunaw, President; Dr. Ei Phyu Sin Lay, Sponsor for the Class of 2025; and Sah Mu Paw, Vice President for Academic Administration. Forwarded to the SSD Department of Communication for a news release by Pastor Teint Saung, Director of Communication, MYUM. Finalized at 8:35 PM on March 22, 2025.