YANGON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's first space-themed art, cartoon and poster competition is being held in Yangon from Feb. 27 to March 1, allowing students to explore space science and technology through creativity and art.

The event aims to encourage students' interest in space science and allow them to express scientific ideas through their artwork, Yan Naing Lin, an assistant lecturer at the Myanmar Space Agency, told Xinhua on Saturday.

The three-day competition is divided into high school, middle school and primary school categories.

"Space technology can help inspire young people. What once seemed distant for Myanmar is now within reach, thanks to technological development," Yan Naing Lin said.

He added that competitions and other space-related activities help young people become more engaged and grow into a strong future generation for the country.

Participants shared their excitement about the competition. Kyawt Yamin Khine, 16, said, "I competed with a poster in the high school category. I studied space on Pinterest and TikTok and combined it with my own ideas."

Ten-year-old Shoon Lae Yee Zaw said, "I have loved painting since I was little, and this competition gave me a chance to learn about space while expressing my ideas through art."

Zaw Naing Min, 17, said, "I enjoyed combining my imagination with what I learned about space. Drawing planets and rockets made learning about science fun."

Parents expressed pride and support for their children. Zin Noe Wai, 34, from Twante township, said she traveled a long distance to support her daughter. "My daughter is very passionate about drawing and wanted to compete, so I let her compete and came here to support her," she said.

The event also features exhibitions in the astronomy, space exploration, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sections, along with a robot dancing show, attracting many visitors and giving students a hands-on experience with science and technology.

Reflecting on the students' experiences, Cho Cho Myat Aung, deputy director general of the Yangon Region Education Office, said, "Students often show less interest when learning about space only through school curricula. However, activities like this competition help them better understand and remember the importance of science and space technology, and how they can benefit the country."

She added that students prepared by studying space topics online, visiting the Space Museum (Yangon), and following space-related news, helping them develop space knowledge.

The competition is jointly organized by the Yangon Region Government, the Myanmar Space Agency and the Ministry of Education. It attracted more than 6,000 students competing, according to the Yangon Region Education Office.