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Established in 1914
Headlines
Culture
- Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing leave for Cambodia to attend 8th ASEAN Summit
- Visitors throng UN Poster Exhibition
Region
- Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue for 16th day
- Kanbawzathadi Palace in Bago inspected
Religion
- Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspects construction of Tikyit coal-burning power station in Pinlaung Township
- Minister inspects industrial zone
- Minister for Agriculture & Irrigation tours Hinthada District
- Commander inspects paddy harvesting in Hlegu
Drug
SPOTLIGHT
Headlines
Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing leave for Cambodia to attend 8th ASEAN Summit
Yangon, 3 Nov - At the invitation of Prime Minister for the Royal Government of Cambodia Samdech Hun Sen, the Myanmar delegation led by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar and Prime Minister Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing left Yangon by special aircraft for Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at 9 am today to attend the First Greater Mekong Sub-region Summit, the Eighth ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN Heads of State/Government and heads of State/Government of the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea Summit and the ASEAN-India Summit to be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from 3 to 5 November 2002.
Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and their wives, the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Yangon Command Commander, ministers, senior military officers, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham and wife and heads of foreign missions, resident representatives of UN agencies and their wives and military and civilian officials.
The Senior General and wife were accompanied by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife Daw San Yon, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, Director-General Lt-Col Pe Nyein of the State Peace and Development Council Office and high-ranking officials of departments concerned.
Visitors throng UN Poster Exhibition
Yangon, 3 Nov - The United Nations Poster Exhibition continued at the Tatmadaw Convention hall on U Wisara Road for the third day today and it was crowded with people.
The United Nations Organization was founded on 24 October in 1945. Its headquarters was built in New York, the United States, with a starting capital of US$ 8.5 million contributed by millionaire Rockelfeller. Then, the world famous architects designed the building and it was constructed at a cost of US$ 65 million. The 39-storey Secretariat is in the shape of a match box. The location of the building was designated as an international site according to the rules.
At the exhibition, the central booth, the booths on UN posters, facts about the UN, portraits of seven secretaries-general, objects donated to the UN by Myanmar and UN-Myanmar cooperation activities are on display. At the central booth, the photographs of State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan shaking hands, Vice-Chairman Vice-Senior General Maung Aye's speech at the 50th UN General Assembly and Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt's meeting with Mr Joseph Verner Reed, Under-Secretary-General of UN are shown.
Exhibits of the booth on the objects donated by Myanmar are the photo of the silver bowl donated to mark the 50th anniversary of the United Nations and the dreplica of the embroidery painting donated to UN headquarters in 1990. Chairman of the work committee for holding the exhibition Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and officials today viewed round the booths and gave necessary instructions to officials. Members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association and social organizations, students and teachers of various township basic education schools, the public and foreigners visited the exhibition today.
Culture
Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue for 16th day
Yangon, 3 Nov - The tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the 16th day at the National Theatre, the National Museum, the Kanbawza Theatre and Padomma Theatre respectively this morning.
Members of Panel of Patrons for Holding the Competitions Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, heads of department, Chairman of the Work Committee for Holding the Competition Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Soe and members, the chairmen of the respective sub-committees and members, doyen artistes, enthusiasts and foreigners visited the singing and instrument playing competitions.
The instrument playing competition of the tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road this morning. Chairperson of Panel of Judges for the competition Assistant Director (Music) of Myanma Radio and Television Daw Tin Tin Mya, Secretary Assistant Engineer Daw May Pyone Khine and members made judgement on the competition.
Ma Za Chi Nay Win of Yangon Division, Ma Nyein Nyein Pyi Sone of Shan State, Ma Theingi Win of Bago Division, Ma Mon Mon Thaw of Kachin State, Ma Su Nanda Kyaw of Mandalay Division, Ma May Su Shin of Kayah State, Ma Myat Su Nyein of Yangon Division, Ma Khin Swe Mya Nyunt of Mandalay Division, Ma Kyu Kyu Khine of Sagaing Division, Ma Thida Moe of Rakhine State, Ma Hnin Hnin Ei of Magway Division, Ma The Myat Soe of Bago Division, Ma Mary Myint Maung of Mon State took part in higher education level (women's) classical music competition, and the competition went into recess.
At 1 pm, the competition continued and Maung Soe Htet Lin of Yangon Division, Maung Pyi Pyo Lin of Taninthayi Division, Maung Wai Yan Min of Bago Division, Maung Myo Ko Ko Lwin of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Sai Thein Myint Tun of Kayin State, Maung Zeya Pyi Phyo of Yangon Division, Maung Zani Win of Mandalay Division, Maung Myo (a) Star of Magway Division, Maung Nyi Nyi Aung of Rakhine State, Maung Aung Kyi Soe of Kachin State and Maung Thant Zaw of Mandalay Division took part in the basic education level (aged 15 to 20) (men's) classical song competition and the competition came to a close.
The amateur level (women's) religious song competitons and basic education level (aged 5 to 10) (men's) old and modern song competitions will be held tomorrow. The Ohzi competition of the tenth Myanma Traditional Culture Performing Arts Competition continued at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street this morning. Leader of Panel of Judges U Sein Ba Maw and members made judgement on the competition. U Ohn Ngwe and group of Mandalay Division, U Aung Hsan Min and group of Ayeyawady Division, U Aung Beda and group and U Sein Win Naing (a) Win Naing Tun and group of Yangon Division, U Sein Kalar and group of Mandalay Division and Chindwin Sane and group of Sagaing Division took part in professional level group-wise Ohzi competition. In the afternoon, the basic education level (aged 15 to 20) group-wise ohzi competition continued at the same venue and Maung Than Kyaw Aye and group of Sagaing Division, Maung Star Bo Htet and group of Yangon Division, Maung Aung Ko Ko Pyu and group of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Myo Min and group of Yangon Division, Maung Aung Hein and group and Maung Aung Naing Win and group of Mandalay Division took part in it.
The amateur level (women's) xylophone contest and basic education level (aged 10 to 15) (men's) xylophone contest will be held at the National Theatre tomorrow. The mandolin contest of the Tenth Traditional Culture Performing Arts Competitions continued at Kanbawza Theatre on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahna Township this morning. U Ta Naw of Mandalay Division, U Tin Ngwe of Kachin State, U Htay Lwin of Sagaing Division, U Win Hlaing of Shan State, U Maung Maung Latt of Kayah State, U Maung Maung Lwin of Yangon Division, U Tun Sein of Mon State, U Hla Sein of Ayeyawady Division, U Lay Naing Tun of Mandalay Division, U Hla Htay of Bago Division, U Tin Ohn of Chin State, Maung Hla Myo of Yangon Division, U Aye Than of Magway Division, U Min Zaw of Taninthayi Division and U Khin Maung Win of Kayin State took part in the amateur level (men's) mandolin contest. Daw Ohnma of Aye-yawady Division and Daw Mya Hnin Yi of Yangon Division participated in amateur level (women's) mandolin contest and the contest went into recess.
In the afternoon, the basic education level (aged 5 to 10) (men's) mandolin contest continued and Maung Nyan Min Tun of Yangon Division, Maung Pyi Sone Pyo of Rakhine State and Maung Mya Moe of Magway Division participated in it. Ma Pyu Hnin Wai of Bogo Division also took part in the the basic education level (aged 5 to 10) (women's) mandolin contest. Leader of Panel of Judges U Nyo Gyi and members supervised the contest. The professional, the higher education and basic education level (aged 10 to 15) mandolin contests will be held at the same venue for the final day tomorrow.
The violin contests of the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Culture Performing Arts Competitions were held at Padonma Theatre in Sangyoung Township this morning. Members of Panel of Judges led by Tayaw U Tin Yi supervised the contest. U Khin Maung Win of Kayin State, Maung Si Thu Aung of Yangon Division, U Aung Koe of Sagaing Division, U Thein Kyaw of Chin State, U Soe Tint of Bago Division, U Tun Lwin of Ayeyawady Division, U Aye Maung of Mandalay Division, U Tin Ohn of Magway Division, U Nyunt Win of Mandalay Division, U Hla Thein of Yangon Division, U Kyaw Aye of Kayah State, U Kyaw Han of Mon State, U Tin Soe of Rakhine State took part in the amateur level (men's) violin contest.
Ma Khine Za Kyi of Rakhine State took part in the amateur level (women's) violin contest while Maung Thant Zaw of Mandalay Division took part in the basic education level (aged 15 to 20) violin contest and the contests went into recess. In the afternoon, Ma Aye Su Mon of Kachin State and Ma Pyu Hnin Nyein of Yangon Division participated in the basic education level (aged 15 to 20) (women's) violin contest while Maung Hset Arka Zaw and Maung Saw Jonathan Min of Yangon Division took part in the basic education level (aged 5 to 10) (men's) violin contest. Ma Naw May Htoo Shein of Kayah State, Ma Khaung Hnaw and Ma Khin Nanda Tun of Yangon Division took part in the the basic education level (aged 5 to 10) (women's) violin contest. Tomorrow, the final day for the completions, the higher education level (women's) individual orchestra contest, the basic education level (aged 10 to 15) (women's) individual orchestra contest and the basic education level (aged 5 to 10) individual orchestra contest will be held.
Kanbawzathadi Palace in Bago inspected
Yangon, 3 Nov - Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, accompanied by responsible personnel, arrived at reconstruction site of King Bayintnaung's Kanbawzathadi Palace in Bago yesterday afternoon where Engineer U Tun Tun Naing of the Public Works reported to him on construction tasks.
Next, Myanmar traditional handicraftsmen briefed him on completion of decoration tasks. Junior Engineer U Htwe Win of Shwethanlwin Highway Co made a report on matters relating to tarring of road, Person-in-Charge U Myat Swe of the Archaeology Department in Bago on land preparation and Person-in-Charge Daw Sanda Khin on greening and beautifying tasks.
The deputy minister then gave instructions on timely completion of the tasks, minimizing of wastage, meeting the set standard and inspected greening tasks, tarring of road and land preparation. The deputy minister spent the night there and this morning he offered Kathina robes to 150 members of the Sangha of Bago Myoma monastery and left there.
Region
Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspects construction of Tikyit coal-burning power station in Pinlaung Township
Yangon, 3 Nov - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence and Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint arrived at the construction site of Tikyit coal-powered power station of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise near Pyintha Village in Pinlaung Township on 1 November.
At the briefing hall, Project Director of MEPE U Myo Lwin reported on construction of coal-burning power station that can generate 120 megawatts and plans for completion of the project in 2003. Managing Director of Eden Co Ltd U Chit Khaing also reported on construction of the station.
Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on completion of the project in time in accord with the set standards. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party then inspected driving piles and laying of foundations. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party then attended the harvesting ceremony of special high yield paddy in Banmauk Village in Lonpyin Village Tract in Pinlaung Township. Chairman of Pinlaung Township Peace and Development Council U Myo Aung reported on areas of the township, cultivation of special high yield paddy, cultivation of 5,605 acres of maize, 830 acres of Pesinngon, 3,873 acres of groundnut, 136 acres of sunflower and conditions on health and education.
Township Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U Sein Win reported on cultivation of paddy and monsoon crops and providing technological assistance to local farmers. Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint said there are 21 townships in Taunggyi Loilem Districts in Shan State (South). Paddy cultivation was carried out in Hsensai and Hopong Townships in Taunggyi District and Lecha Township in Loilem District. This year paddy cultivation was undertaken in every townships in Shan State (South). A total of 1,000 baskets of paddy from 100 acres of farmlands will be produced in the years to come. Two local farmers reported on tasks for special high yield paddy and regional development.
Next, the commander fulfilled the requirements. In his address, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe said in accord with the guidance of Head of State, railroads and motor roads were built for regional development and better transport. As all people in Pinlaung have known, the government made peace with armed groups and is making endeavours for emergence of a modern developed nation. With peace and progress, regional development can be made. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on implementation of five rural development tasks on top priority. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe urged local farmers to boost production in agriculture and livestock breeding. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party observed harvesting of paddy on model farm.
Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected roads along the Pinlaung-Phekhon Road and cultivation of paddy on both sides of the road. They arrived at Moepye reservoir where they were welcomed by Col Thein Swe of Loikaw Station and officials. Officials of the reservoir reported on storage of sufficient water for cultivation and Biluchaung hydel power station. Factory Manager of Lawpita power station U Khin Maung Soe gave supplementary report. The Phekhon Township Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service reported on cultivation of 2,500 acres of summer paddy in 2002-2003 through irrigation and the Dimawhso Township Manager of MAS on increased cultivation of 4,500 acres of summer paddy in 2002-2003.
Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint reported on irrigation from Moebye reservoir to Shan and Kayah States. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on maintenance of the reservoir and proper use of water. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected flow of water into the reservoir. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected the harvesting of paddy on the farm of farmer U Maung Noh in Kontha Village in Loikaw Township. The commander and officials reported on par acre yield and arrangements for cultivation of high yield paddy. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected threshing of paddy. He met departmental officials at the meeting hall in Loikaw. Present were the commander, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun, Deputy Minister for Livestock Breeding U Aung Thein and officials.
Lt-Gen Aung Htwe spoke at length on efforts for local efficiency of rice, use of machines in farming, the government's assistance, educating the farmers to use modern cultivation methods and exceeding the targets of previous year. Then, Chairman of Kayah State Peace and Development Council Col Thein Swe reported on undertakings of agriculture, education, health, economic, rural development and management matters. Kayah State Manager of MAS U Myint Swe reported on 100.33 per cent of paddy cultivation in Kayah State for 2002-2003, 103.2 per cent of maize cultivation, 102.52 per cent of pules & beans cultivation, and 106 per cent of monsoon crops, cultivation of double and mixed cropping in vacant and virgin lands in the state and application of high yield agricultural technology. Superintending Engineer U Zaw Win of Public Works reported on construction works in the state and repair and maintenance of roads and bridges for better transport.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung reported on cultivation of opium-substitute crops, 108.3 per cent sufficiency of rice in the state and arrangements for poppy elimination. Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung reported on community welfare tasks to be carried out and prevention against trafficking women and children in Kayah State. Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein reported on meat and fish sector being undertaken in the state, prevention against illegal smuggling of animals and plans for sufficiency of meat and fish in the state. Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun reported on regional development tasks and future plans.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe said that our country is enrich in natural resources; the country must be built by self-reliant basis; the Head of State gave guidance to implement five rural development tasks for narrowing development gaps among regions in the country; heads of State/Division- and district-level department are urged to carry out management and administration for their regions; all the personnel are to uphold Our Three Main National Causes; and he stressed the need to organize local people in building the modern and developed country. After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe cordially met with departmental officials. They spent night at the Yeiktha in Loikaw.
Minister inspects industrial zone
Yangon, 3 Nov - Person in-charge of South Okkalapa Industrial Zone Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone arrived at South Okkalapa Industrial Zone at noon today, and inspected the assembling of 2-ton Okkala truck by Myanma Vehicle and Industrial Development Co.
At the industrial zone management committee office, the minister met with the committee members and industrialists. They reported to the minister on supervision for systematic use of electricity. The minister gave necessary instructions and fulfilled the requirements for the development of the zone. The South Okkalapa Industrial Zone is now assembling the trucks and jeeps which will be put on sale at reasonable price at the industrial exhibition to be held in Mandalay on January 2003.
Yangon, 3 Nov - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, inspected Panhlaing Sluice Gate and Panhlaing River in Nyaungdon Township yesterday morning. The minister and party viewed paddy plots to be harvested in Thabyu Village-tract of Danubyu Township. The minister heard reports on cultivation of summer and monsoon paddy, double and mixed cropping, pulses and beans, sunflowers and maize, increase in annual cultivation sector and tasks being carried out in the agriculture sector by local farmers and departmental officials and he gave necessary instructions.
Next, the minister inspected quality strain seeds and the paddy fields. In the afternoon, they met industrial entrepreneurs and departmental officials from Hinthada Industrial Zone at the city hall of Hinthada. The minister heard reports on tasks being carried out for industrial development and production of agricultural machinery. The minister gave instructions on production of pumps, threshers and farming equipment. The minister then viewed tapioca mixers, farming equipment and pumps produced from Hinthada Industrial Zone.
Commander inspects paddy harvesting in Hlegu
Yangon, 3 Nov - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, inspected agricultural and development tasks in Hlegu, Yangon North District, and fulfilled the requirements this morning.
First, the commander and party were welcomed at No 1 Agricultural Education Camp in Kyaukgadin Village by Col Myat Thu of No 11 Light Infantry Division and departmental officials, and USDA members. Then, the commander and party viewed the harvesting of monsoon paddy at farmer U Aye Lwin's five acres of paddy field at Kyaukgadu Village. Division Staff Officer of the Settlement and Land Records Department U Naing Win reported on data collection process of crops and plans for production of monsoon paddy per acre yield correctly, Division Deputy Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U Kyi Han on arrangements for timely harvesting of monsoon paddy. The commander gave necessary instructions.
Then, the commander viewed the harvesting of paddy with the aid of harvesting machine. Division Staff Officer U Khun Aye Naing of the Agricultural Mechanization Department reported on facts about the harvesting machine. Afterwards, the commander met local farmers and attended to their needs. Then, the commander viewed the threshing of paddy with the aid of threshing machine and gave necessary instructions. Paddy fields in Kyaukgadin Village were divided into three kinds - the best, fair and poor, and the best paddy field can produce 70.31 baskets per acre.
Then, the commander and party met with the township level departmental officials, USDA members, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, members of Women's Affairs Work Committee and Red Cross Society, and Auxiliary fire brigades at Hlegu Township Peace and Development Council Office. Then, the commander briefed them on cooperation among the departments for development of the township, preparing for cultivation of summer paddy, timely and fully cultivation of winter crops such as peas and beans, and oil crops which can promote the living standard of the farmers.
Then, member of Hlegu Township Peace and Development Council township Police Commander Police Capt Aung Myint reported on undertaking the agricultural and regional development tasks in the township. The commander attended to the needs. Later, the commander and party viewed sanitation works being carried out by Tatmadaw men at Shwe Paukkan Myothit in North Okkalapa Township. At the Industrial Zone Management Committee Office in Shwe Paukkan Myothit, the commander heard the reports presented by Brig-Gen Myo Myint on development tasks of the Myothit being undertaken and attended to the needs.
Religion
Religious Affairs Minister offers Kathina robes to Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha
Yangon, 3 Nov - The 20th Kathina robes offering ceremony to Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha in Bahan Township was held at the Dhamma Beikman of the Yeiktha this morning.
The ceremony was graced by Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Sayadaw Bhaddanta Silavamsa and member Sayadaws, members of Sangha, Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha Maha Kammathanacariya Bhaddanta Sobhana and members of the Sangha.
Also present were Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, invited guests, Chairman of the Yeiktha board of trustees Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja U Ba Ngwe and members, Chairperson of Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha Ponnyethi Women's Association Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Tint and members.
First, the ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. The Shweminwun Saya-daw administered the Eight Precepts to the congregation. Then, members of the Sangha recited Parittas. Afterwards, the minister, the deputy minister, officials and wellwishers presented Kathina robes and offertories to the Sayadaws. Next, the Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained and the ceremony concluded with the three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam ‚iramt Titthatu. After the ceremony, "soon" was offered to members of the Sangha.
Drug
Yangon, 3 Nov -A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and local police force, acting on a tip-off, searched the house of Than Lwin (a) Jet of No 14/Ka on Nighawta road, Pathein, on 22 April and seized 34.01 grams of marijuana.
Athegyi Police Station in Pathein filed Than Lwin (a) Jet, 35, son of U Than Sein, under Section 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
On 30 September, Pathein District Court handed down 14 Years' imprisonment on him under 19/(A).
Similarly, on 21 May morning, a combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and local police force, acting on information, searched the house of Aung Hsan Win (a) Aung Hsan of No 113/Ka, Sabai-2 Street, Yamonna-2 Ward, Dawbon Township, and discovered 81.65 grams of marijuana from his leather bag.
Dawbon Police Station filed Aung Hsan Win (a) Aung Hsan, 37, son of U Kyaw Thein, under 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Yangon East District Court sentenced him to 21 years' in prison under 19/(A) on 30 September.
Key tourism role for airline exec
MAJOR Selvakumar, the chief operating officer of Air Mandalay, is the new chairman of one of the nation’s most significant marketing bodies charged with increasing the country’s tourism image. By a show of hands the Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC) of the Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board elected a new nine-member executive committee chaired by Mr Selvakumar, a Malaysian national, when it met at the Traders Hotel last Thursday. According to the press statement released by MMC, the purpose of the meeting was to elect a new committee for one year and adopt a constitution, which would govern the day to day running of MMC in a transparent and equitable manner. "The first meeting of new executive members will be on October 16 to formulate a plan to promote and market Myanmar," said Mr Selvakumar. The new constitution would provide guidelines for the committee to manage the MMC, and is a clear signal that the marketing committee is finally serious on being expertly organised. Mr Selvakumar’s task comes at crucial time with the Minister of Tourism is stating publicly that it was time for earnest work in a bid to capture one million visitors annually. In his first public statement, Mr Selvakumar’s said his role was to ensure greater awareness about Myanmar’s tourist attractions. Promoting year-round travel, even during the monsoon period, was one of the challenges facing the tourism sector. Referring to the appointment of three Myanmar travel agents to the executive committee, Mr Selva-kumar said: "We want everybody to be involved in the committee, we want all people who have experience or expertise in tourism". Mr Brett Melzer from Balloons Over Bagan was elected as vice chairman, Ms Elly Darley from Inle Princess Resort was elected as secretary and Daw Rita Myint of Taw Win Travel was elected as treasurer. The other executive committee members included Inya Lake hotel’s Mr Suki Singh, Mr Jehan. Wickremesooriya from Kadawgyi Palace Hotel, U Aung Myat Kyaw from Orchestra Travel, U Min Din from Columbus travels and tours, and Traders’ hotel’s Mr Raymond Bragg. The executive members were elected to serve on the committee until the end of 2003, the press statement said. An MMC member, Mr Franz Fisher, the country manager at Diethelm Travel Company welcomed the adoption of a new constitution. "Our company would give the maximum support not only for the MMC but also for UMTA (Union of Myanmar Travel Association)," said Mr Fischer. "But the annual membership fees of US$400 is too high for most small local companies. In my opinion, it should be considerably reduced in order to attract more members," he said. Myanmar Marketing Committee has 30 members from all sections of the tourism industry, including the members of UMTA.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Tour operators, ecologists agree on need to conserve mangrove forests
TOUR operators and ecologists rarely find themselves sitting on the same side of the fence. But as Myanmar prepares for the tourist high season – which accounts for most the 200,000 foreigners who visit each year – ecologists are happy to discover that the tourism sector is among their most vocal supporters, at least on the issue of conserving mangrove forests. Mangrove forests are among the world’s most important ecosystems. They provide a habitat for a diverse range of creatures, act as a filter which helps to keep the sea clean and protect coastal areas from the effects of bad weather. They are also important for the survival of offshore coral reefs. Mangroves are under threat throughout the world and more than half of the forests have been depleted. Myanmar is fortunate to have vast mangrove forests but they are being rapidly thinned. For example, more than 82 per cent of the mangrove forests in Ayeyarwaddy Division were depleted between 1924 and 1999, according to figures from the highly-regarded non-government organisa-tion, the Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation Association, FREDA. Even in areas where they receive government protection, mangrove forests are being destroyed. As a recent report by FREDA noted: "Forest law (can) not over-rule the social and economic needs of the people." Mangrove trees are cut down for fuel and to produce charcoal. Mangroves forests are cleared to make way for paddy fields and, increasingly, shrimp farms. The growth of the shrimp farming industry is a concern for ecologists. They cite Fisheries Department figures which show that the value of shrimp exports for the five months to August 31 rose from almost US$40 million in 2001 to $42.5 million this year. Tourism experts are more worried about the effect of deforestation on the natural beauty and wildlife diversity of coastal areas. Fewer mangrove forests mean fewer dolphins, fewer crocodiles, and fewer birds. Fewer animals means fewer ecotourists. Dr Thomas Bauer, assistant professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, stressed the importance of protecting mangroves during a telephone interview withMyanmar Times last week. "In a world where nature is being pushed back more and more to make way for development and ‘progress’, mangroves, together with their associated ecosystems such as rainforests, must be protected," Dr Bauer said.
He referred to one of Hong Kong’s most successful ecotourism sites, the Mai Po Nature Reserve, where the "migratory birds that make the reserve famous in turn feed on the marine life" sustained by its mangrove forests. Mr Oliver Soe Thet believes that there is enormous potential for developing ecotourism sites along the coast of Rakhine State, an area with which he is familiar through his involvement in the tourism sector. Now with the Treasure Hotel at Ngwe Saung beach, Mr Soe That has also worked at the Bayview Hotel at Ngapoli Beach, further to the west. He said other hotel owners at Ngwe Saung had told him that they had been asked by the government to conserve as many mangrove and coconut trees as possible when developing their projects. "This is an excellent step from the Myanmar government [in terms of] fostering ecotourism of an international standard," he said. Mr Edwin Briels, the marketing and incentive manager at the Exotissimo tour company’s Yangon office, eschews the term ‘ecotourism’. Mr Briels says he prefers the term ‘sustainable tourism’, which he defines as tourism that supports both the environment and traditional ways of life and is the tourist experience that Exotissimo strives to provide. All three echo the advice of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Myanmar Program, which has achieved remarkable success in cooperation with the government in efforts to conserve the forests in the north of the country. The program’s motto is: ‘Protect first and develop later.’ It is a sound principle for ecologists and the tourism industry alike.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Strong Myanmar presence for ‘first ever’ ASEAN trade fair
By Aung Kyaw Tha
AN unprecedented Asean Trade Fair in Bangkok this week will be a first for Myanmar, a Thai embassy official said last week. "This is the first such fair to involve all 10 Asean nations, the first to be hosted by Thailand and the first to include participation by Myanmar," the commercial counsellor at the Thai embassy, Mr Matyawongse Amatyakul, toldMyanmar Times. Nearly 30 Myanmar companies have exhibits at the week-long Asean Trade Fair 2002, which opened on October 14 at the Impact Exhibition Centre at the Muang Thong Thani housing estate in Bangkok’s northern suburbs Most of the companies are involved in the gems, jewellery, furniture and home decoration businesses, Mr Matyawongse said. The aims of the event include promoting Asean products and services on the world market and providing a platform for partnerships among industries in the 10 countries, he said. As well as business exhibits, each Asean country will be represented by a national pavilion, with Myanmar’s featuring a model of a traditional palace. Mr Matyawongse said nearly 800 booths would be featured at the fair, which is being organised by the Thai Commerce Ministry with assistance from the counterpart ministries in the other Asean countries. The fair – a biennual event – will be opened by the Thai Prime Minister, Mr Thaksin Shina-watra, at a ceremony to be attended by Asean commerce ministers. The Myanmar companies taking part in the event include the Ayawaddy (Mandalay), Khine Mingalar, Thurine Ne and Shwe Ingyin gems and jewellery cooperatives, the Than Swe wooden ware and furniture cooperative and the Sun Myanmar (Elephant House) handicrafts company. U Tun Hla Aung from Ayawaddy (Mandalay) Gems and Jewellery cooperative toldMyanmar Timesin telephone interview that 80 Myanmar nationals from the government and private sector would be in Bangkok for the trade fair.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Conserving the nation’s resources WASTE not, want not: This was a lesson that was instilled in me as a child by my mother and as teenager by my monk and mentor at the monastery when I was preparing to enter the monkhood as a novice, which all Myanmar boys of the Buddhist faith are required to do on coming of age. As a child my five siblings and I the eldest, had our meals together on a small round low lacquer table known as adaung-lan which also served as a large dish. Each child had his own portion of food and I remember how as a child we would dig into it boisterously. It was also a strict household rule that the one who finished last was responsible for cleaning up, washing and drying the dish-cum-table. I was the oldest but also the slowest eater, and every time, it fell upon me to wash up. My mother seeing this used to be very irritated and knock me on the head saying I was always the last because "I was wasting time unnecessarily".
When I had to live in the monastery to prepare for my novitiation ceremony, it was the same. All the other boys finished their meal first and here again I was left to wash all the dishes. I used to pile the dishes one on top of the other to take them to the tap for washing. On seeing this one day, my mentor, the monk U Dhamma gave me a good caning and I still remember his admonishment, "The bottom of the dishes have now been smeared with oil and food, so that means you have to use more soap and more water to clean them, and it takes longer which is therefore an unnecessary waste of soap and water". Later as an adult, I realised that in my native village in the dry, hot and water sparse Shwebo District, water and soap were precious items. But most precious of all to both my mother and my mentor was the waste of time. In addition to time, which is irretrievable, we should use wisely and not waste money, property wealth and of course our nations resources. Since the time of our parents and forefathers this lesson in thrift has been passed down to us but how many of us adhere to this maxim. If we did, it would benefit each person, each family and the whole nation as well.
As Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe has exhorted us, we are today in the midst of building and reconstructing a new, modernised and developed nation. So especially with regard to the use of electrical power and fuel he has instructed all heads of departments at all levels to economise in its use. Government departments should be the first to set a good example. To economise on the use of electrical power, we should use the natural light of which we have on inexhaustible supply in our country of sunshine and use artificial light only when necessary. In the production and services sector also we should try to use the absolute minimum. In this way we can then fully meet the needs of our industrial and economic zones. The increased supply and distribution would lead to increased production and this would mean open up job opportunities and also bring down cost of living for the people. More electricity generated would further lessen the need to use diesel oil to run machinery and engines.
Among the countries in Southeast Asia, Myanmar was the first to use hydroelectric power. We were able to build the Lawpita Hydroelectric Power Plant and I still remember how filled with joy and pride we were. Our slogan then was: "We shall build a paradise on earth with electrical power." Electrical energy plays a vital role in the State’s economy, especially in commodity production and the social sector. The expansion of production in the economic sector on the one hand and the rise of the standard of living with better health care and educational facilities on the other, all require a greater supply and distribution of electrical power. To meet these necessary demands, the Government, after 1988, has implemented 26 hydro electrical power projects, and 6 projects for the use of natural gas turbines and recycled waste energy.
So 32 new power plants are now supplying much needed electrical energy. Compared to former figure of the supply of electricity has increased three-fold. But, due to the progress made in industry with new factories and plants in the industrial zones, the expansion in the service sector and the population growth that has led to the setting up of new townships with residential buildings, the supply of electrical power cannot yet fully meet demand. The Government is at present implementing short-term plans for enhancing the economy and it is at work on its Third Five-Year Plan covering the period from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006. It is undertaking development of many aspects of the economy, in agriculture, industry, energy, livestock breeding and fisheries to education and health - right down to the rural areas. In an address made at the opening ceremony of a training and refresher course of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, held at the Pyidaungsu Hall of the People’s Public Relations Unit of Hmawbi, Senior General Than Shwe stated, "In order to meet the demands for electrical power of the various sectors, we have made plans for an additional generation of 2000 megawatts of electricity. This together with the electrical power that is being generated now will bring the total amount of electricity generated to 3000 megawatts."
In accordance with the guidance given by the Head of State, the Ministry of Electrical Power, beginning from 2001-2002 up to the present period of the Third Short-Term Plan, has been implementing medium and large electrical power projects in order to produce a further 2000 megawatts. The ministry is working on 21 projects including hydroelectric plants, natural gas turbines, recycled waste heat turbines, diesel turbines, steam and coal burning turbines. Of the many hydroelectric power plants, the Thahpanseik Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant, near the village of die same name in Kyunhla Township, Shwebo District in Sagaing Division was put into commission on 18th June 2002. It has a generating capacity of 30 megawatts. This protect was undertaken at a cost of 1155 million kyats and 20 million dollars approximately. It took four years to complete construction. There are also other hydroelectric power projects underway such as the Paunglaung (capacity 250 megawatts), Monchaung (75 megawatts), Ye Ywa (780 megawatts), Kyunchaung (60 megawatts), Shweli (400 megawatts), and the Sittaung valley hydroelectric power projects such as the Shwe Kyin, Ye Nwe, Hpyu and Khabaung.
Then a coal burning electrical power plant is being constructed with a capacity of 120 megawatts near Pyinthar village in the Teekyit region of Pinlaung Township in Southern Shall State. It is expected to begin operating about September 2003. The target year of completion of all these numerous projects is 2006, by which time over 3000 megawatts will be generated which will more than meet the electrical power needs of the entire country. The State has indeed invested a large amount of capital to fulfill our needs for electrical power. So it is up to us to use this valuable electrical power supply systematically and economically and this will reap the greatest benefit for people and the State. The cost of these projects come from the public treasury but we also owe a debt of gratitude to the government, which despite limited resources has given priority to the needs of the people. The onus is therefore on us to prevent wasteful use of electrical power not only in government offices and private offices but also in our homes. And if we, the public, see any such wastage, it is up to us to take action to stop it. We should also follow to the letter, the rules and regulations regarding the use of electrical power issued by the authorities concerned. Each citizen should therefore cultivate the habit of economizing on electrical power usage with full awareness that this is the right attitude that will benefit all. We should avoid the selfish attitude which maintains, "so long as we can pay our electrical utility bills why shouldn’t we use electrical power whenever we want" without thought for the greater good. Having said that, there is one other point to take note of.
Some of us are apt to go to the other extreme and misinterpret "systematic and thrifty use" to mean not to use electricity at all. If people are prevented from using electric lights for example, when it is already dark then it would surely have adverse effect on our work. And worst of all it would create misunderstanding and resentment among the people. "Economise on the use of electrical power where possible; let there not be wanton waste" is the motto. In this way each of us will be doing our duty and making valuable contributions to the development of a developed and modernised state.Translator: K.K.H
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
For further information, inqueries may kindly be made to the nearest Myanmar Embassies or Consulates(or ) email tomission.myanmar@ties.itu.int
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