In the grand convocation hall of Yezin Agricultural University, students in their school uniforms eagerly awaited their scholarship awards provided by a Chinese firm for the 2024-25 academic year on Monday.

This scholarship, provided by the Chinese firm Yuntianhua Group, was changing lives and futures, enabling agricultural students to pursue their dreams despite financial challenges.

Yun Wati Mg Mg, a determined 22-year-old agronomy major at Yezin Agricultural University, was one of the students who received the scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year.

Growing up in a large family with her father working as a carpenter and her mother as a housewife, Yun Wati is the only one among her seven siblings to attend university.

"I have two older brothers, two younger brothers, and two younger sisters. My family wanted me to continue my studies, so one of my younger brothers stopped his high school studies. Sometimes, I feel sad for my family, so I strive harder for them," she shared.

"I'm extremely happy to receive this award for outstanding students. It's a moment of great pride for me," she said. The scholarship eased her financial burden, allowing her to focus more on her studies and less on financial worries, she said.

"I achieved top grades in my class, and it led to this scholarship. It motivates me to work even harder in the future," she added.

Yun Wati said that she is interested in agriculture and she dreamed of pursuing a master's and Ph.D. degrees. Additionally, she shared that her goal is to become a university tutor, saying, "I love teaching," with a smile.

Shine Min Htet, a 19-year-old student from a farming background, also benefited from the Yuntianhua scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year. With a sister and no parents, Shine Min Htet passed his matriculation exam from a charity school, which is now supporting him in his university studies.

"With the awards I received, I can cover my hostel fees. As living costs rise, this scholarship reduces my financial burden," he explained.

Without this award, he admitted he might have had to quit school due to financial struggles. "I am passionate about agriculture and eager to share my knowledge with farmers. After graduation, I aim to work with organizations dedicated to farmer education," he said.

For Daw Tin Moh Moh, 45, an assistant lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Engineering, the Yuntianhua scholarship was a life-changing opportunity.

Awarded seven years ago, she pursued a master's degree at Yunnan Agricultural University in China from 2018 to 2023.

"While studying in China, I learned about its history, culture, environment, and lifestyles," she reflected. "I also made friends with students from other countries, and now I can pass on my knowledge to the next generation of agricultural engineers in Myanmar," she added.

Ma Thin Thazin Tun, a 23-year-old research assistant at the Department of Entomology, also spoke of the scholarship's impact on her educational journey. "Receiving this scholarship in 2023 allowed me to focus on my studies without financial worries," she said, adding that it benefited her research projects and educational expenses.

"I'm proud to have been among the top 10 students to receive this award," she said, adding that she aspired to pursue postgraduate studies at Yunnan Agricultural University.

Since 2017, Yuntianhua has awarded scholarships to nearly 400 students from Yezin Agricultural University, including 107 students for the 2024-25 academic year.