The Burmese Translation Society was formed on August 26, 1947. Its first President was Prime Minister U Nu, who started a Burmese translation job at Judson College (now Yangon University). Its purpose is to translate world culture, literature, education for the Burmese public.
Burma Society noticed that independent Burma need a Burmese Encyclopedia and decided in May 1948 to compile one. Initially, they wanted to translate Sir John Hamilton's encyclopedia into 10 volumes. Shortly after this (in 1949), they stopped direct translation and completed the project with Burmese related articles including facts on the arts and sciences. Volume No. 1 was printed in 1954; the last volume (No. 15) was completed and printed in 1976. After that, yearly volumes of updates are published.
In 1951, a translation with pictures of a history of the years 1900 to 1950 was printed in the Netherlands. Then in 1957, Lu Htu Thekpan, comprising 30 volumes for science technologies, were initiated for publishing. They helped the Ministry of Education with the publication of text books for schools. The Burmese Translation Society not only translating book, but also encouraged many other forms of Burmese culture and literature activities.
The Sarpay Beikhman Manuscript Award was presented to authors for many categories such novel, translation, general literature, general knowledge, short story, poems, and dramas. The prize is awarded annually, and the manuscripts published. In 1963, it was officially re-named the Sarpay Beikhman.