MNC Research
Research Unit at MNC
The Mon National College (MNC) Research Unit (MNC-RU) is dedicated to fostering a culture of inquiry, promoting critical thinking and innovation, and training local researchers. The Research Unit aims to empower students of MNC and faculty members from all departments to become active participants in the academic and research communities, and to produce high-quality research at different levels, and to enhance interdisciplinary connections among different academic areas offered in MNC. The Research Unit will advance the understanding of the key issues in the Mon community, and develop the skills to address these, contributing to Monland, Burma and the region.
Objectives of the Research Unit
- Research-based Academic Excellence: To promote research-based academic excellence by conducting high-quality research that (where appropriate) challenges existing assumptions, and produces new knowledge in the fields of Mon studies, multilingual (mother tongue-based) education, community leadership, politics, social science, and
journalism, and the local health care issues. - Student Engagement: To equip MNC’s students with basic research skills, provide them opportunities to be involved in research activities/projects, and encourage students to undertake their own research in the field of their studies.
- Community-Focused Research: To support research projects addressing issues such as education, health, Mon history and culture, politics, leadership, governance, media, environment and development that contribute to the social, economic, and cultural development of the Mon community and beyond, including by collaborating with local
organizations. - Interdisciplinary Research: Promote interdisciplinary research to address complex societal challenges that require expertise from multiple fields, and encourage students and faculty members from different departments to collaborate.
- Faculty Development: To support faculty research endeavors, providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities both for professional growth in their relevant fields and to strengthen departments in regard to research.
- Knowledge Dissemination: To effectively communicate research findings to the broader academic community, policymakers, and the public, promoting evidence-based decision-
making. - Collaboration and Partnerships: To foster collaborations with local, national, and international research institutions and organizations to enhance the impact of research activities.
Programs in the Research Unit of MNC
Currently, the Research Unit at MNC is focusing on the following programs,
1
Research Capacity Building
Build research skills for the students and faculty members. Early stages – with progress through the Luce partnership with CMU, for MNC faculty
research skills training and experience [see below].
2
Faculty research development program
Provide support for different academic departments and faculty members in securing grants, publishing papers, and thriving research collaborations. Some success connecting MMOJ with international resources people.
3
Community-based research program
Partner with local organizations and individual researchers to conduct research projects that address community needs. Under development – e.g. Monland Bird-life Survey [see below].
4
Research Seminar and Conference
Organize seminars and conferences to showcase student and faculty research. Initial stages of discussion early/mid-2025 at Sangkhlaburi?
5
Research grants
Offer small research grants to support students and faculty. Underway – Luce partnership with CMU.
On-Going Research Project at MNC
- In partnership and with the support of the Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD), the MNC’s faculty members are conducting a variety of research projects focusing on federalism, resource governance, and education as part of
- The project, “Bird Survey, Assessing Traditional Forest Use Practices, and Exploring Actionable Forest Conservation Plans in Southern Mon Region, Myanmar,” aims to document the ecological importance of traditional forest practices within the Mon community while addressing the broader challenges of climate change. Activities include researching traditional forest resource use, conducting bird species assessments, and organizing a workshop to develop actionable conservation strategies for the region. The project is funded by the Alumni-led Initiatives and Career Development Fund (APSN), and the grant was awarded to Mi Eai Mon, a faculty member of the Social Science Department of MNC who is the alumnus of the Asia Peacebuilder Scholarship Programme.
Dr. Ashley South (Director of Research Unit)
Ashley South has more than 20 years' experience as an independent author, researcher and consultant. He has a PhD from the Australian National University, and an MSc from SOAS (University of Landon), and is a Research Fellow at Chiang Mai University. To learn more about Ashley and his work,
Cherry Win (Deputy Director of the Research Unit)
Cherry Win is a researcher with experience on youth, peace & security (YPS) issues. She graduated with a Master of Public Administration from Central European University.
