Myanmar News : The New Light of Myanmar

Yearly News Archive:   By Year 2005 YEAR 2004 YEAR 2003 YEAR 2002 YEAR 2001 YEAR 2000 YEAR 1999 YEAR 1998 YEAR

• Headlines
  

• Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of Training of Trainers Programme in the Use of Modern Technology in Teaching English
• Road construction inspected in Bago Division

Regligion

• Ahlodawpyi Sayadaw arrives back from India
• Myanmar Buddhist delegation attends Third  World Buddhism Summit

International Relations

• Delegates to Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on SKRL tour Yangon
• Education Minister receives guests
• Laotian and Korean health delegations leave for home
• Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Project issues press release

Region

• Cetana Evening Classes opens
• Rules of Armed Forces Day Commemorative Painting, Sculpture Competitions announced
• Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee meets
• Entries invited to Armed Forces Day commemorative novel, short story and article competitions
• Cash and kind presented to doyen laterati
• Seminar on Mangrove Reforestation through Community Participation held

Economic

• Thailand Exhibition '2002 opens

• News
  

---

Headlines

Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of Training of Trainers Programme in the Use of Modern Technology in Teaching English

Yangon, 12 Dec - The opening ceremony of the Training of Trainers Programme in the Use of Modern Technology in Teaching English jointly organized by the Departments of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Power House Systems Ltd, New Zealand, was held this morning at Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road here attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, mayor of Yangon City, the deputy ministers, members of Myanmar Education Committee, officials of State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, directors-general and deputy directors-general of the departments under the ministry, rectors, pro rectors, professors, principals, trainees and invited guests also attended the ceremony.

First, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt accepted English language teaching books and books on computer science worth US$ 3,000 presented by Managing Director of Powerhouse Systems Ltd U Dennis Win Thein and presented a certificate of honour to him.

Then, Minister for Education U Than Aung made an opening address. In his address, he said that we are currently implementing the 30-Year Long-Term Education Promotion Plan in both the basic and higher education sectors. The plan consists of 36 programmes. Among the 36 programmes is Programme number 24 which states: For higher education institutions to bring about sound academic atmosphere and knowledge environment and create the right conditions for the establishment of linkages with international education domain.

In addition with the introduction of market-oriented economy, trade with foreign countries and tourism are on the increase. On the other hand, the use of information and communication technology has expanded tremendously. Due to this situation, it is vital that fluency in English be enhanced in Myanmar.

In order to fulfil this need, the Ministry of Education has made arrangements for the upgrading of the teaching and learning of English in the country. Hence, it has become important for English language teachers in Myanmar to be able to teach English using modern technology.

Therefore, with the aim of raising the command of English in the country, the Departments of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Power House Systems of New Zealand signed an MoU to collaborate on this matter. In accordance with this MoU, trainers from abroad will be providing the methodology and the training in the use of computer-assisted language learning materials.

The aim of the course is to provide training in the use of modern teaching technologies to teachers of English of universities, degree colleges, education colleges and high schools and to provide experience in using modern technology in learning English to students of universities, degree colleges, education colleges and high schools.

As the first, the central level training of trainers course attended by 41 professors and heads of English Departments from universities and degree colleges under the Ministry of Education will be held from 10 December to 20 December at the Yangon University of Foreign Languages.

As the second level, the 41 trainees of the training of trainers course will be providing the cascade training of trainer course to 615 teachers of English from universities, degree colleges, education colleges and basic education high schools.

In the cascade courses, the teaching techniques, and New Dynamic English and Dynamic Business English courses will be included. The duration of the course will be 9 weeks, with a total of 110 contact hours and it will be held from 6 January 2003 to 13 March 2003.

It is also planned for the 615 teachers who have attended the cascade courses to conduct a summer course and regular courses for teachers and students from universities, degree colleges, education colleges, and basic education schools. The summer course will last eight weeks, having a total contact hours of 60. It has systematically been arranged to conduct the first regular course for 15 weeks with a total contact hours of 103 and the second regular course for 15 weeks with a total contact hours of 103 . It is estimated that all the three stages of this programme will last 13 months and 37,136 trainees will be trained during this period.

Arrangements have been made for English to be taught effectively through modern techniques by means of computer software at computer training centers in the universities, degree colleges and colleges and basic education schools. It is a programme that will be extensively launched throughout the country. During the training, CD packages will be utilized. New Dynamic English Course and Dynamic Business English Courses will be taught by making use of computers and servers in the universities, degree colleges, education colleges and basic education schools.

At present, English is taught as a compulsory subject from the primary level and the medium of instruction in teaching science and economics for the ninth standard and tenth standard is English. English has also become the medium of instruction in the universities, degree colleges and colleges. English is not only a language to be mastered but also the medium of instruction. Because of this we firmly believe that using modern technology in upgrading the English language proficiency is a programme that is crucial to the needs of the country.

Hence, it is expected that because of the training of the trainers throughout Myanmar, the whole country will become more proficient in English. The extensive and effective use of the English language in the media and academic subjects and also in information and communication technology will be enhanced. We can then keep abreast with the international education field.

In conclusion, I hope all the participants who are English teachers from throughout the country will take advantage of this opportunity provided to learn English through the modern technology and conduct the cascade course extensively and effectively.

Then, President of Dyned International Inc Mr Lance Knowles also made an address and the opening ceremony concluded. A total of 41 trainees of professors and heads of English Departments of the universities and colleges are attending the two-week course.

As the second stage, the professors and heads of English Departments who attended the central level training will provide the cascade training to teachers of the universities, degree colleges and education colleges and basic education schools. As the third stage, those teachers who had attended the cascade courses will also conduct the summer course and regular courses for teachers and students from universities, colleges, education colleges and basic education high schools. All three stages of the teaching English programme with the use of modern technology will last 13 moths from 12 December, 2002, to 9 January 2004.

Road construction inspected in Bago Division

Yangon, 12 Dec - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun arrived at Yenwe Creek bridge construction site on Yangon-Mandalay road yesterday and heard reports on progress in construction of the bridge.

After giving instructions on timely completion of the bridge and supervision for meeting the set standard, the minister inspected the work site.

On arrival at the work site of Taingda bridge construction on Yangon-Mandalay road, the minister heard reports on four-lane extension work of the bridge, conditions of piling work, and earth work for the approach road. The minister gave instructions on set standard and timely completion, adding that necessary construction materials would be provided in accord with the schedule.

Regligion

Ahlodawpyi Sayadaw arrives back from India

Yangon, 12 Dec - Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Maha Saddhamajotikadhaja Agga Maha Saddhamajoitkadhaja Pariyatti Sasanahitadhara Border Areas and Local and Foreign Missionary Ahlodawpyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa left for India on 21 November to carry out the missionary tasks in India.

The Sayadaw, together with Minister of Tripura State Mr Jitendry Chaudry, wellwishers U Myint Soe, MAGPIE Co Ltd (International Airport Garden Restaurant) and wife Daw Hnin Hnin Aye (Shweyi Myintmho Jewellary Shop) of Yangon and local people of the state, on 28 November, consecrated Ahlodawpyi Lawka Tharaphu Pagoda built in the state and hoisted the sacred golden umbrella atop the pagoda, and merits gained were shared.

The minister of the state spoke words of thanks to the Sayadaw for his missionary tasks. The Sayadaw and lay persons arrived back here on 30 November.

Myanmar Buddhist delegation attends Third World Buddhism Summit

Yangon, 12 Dec - The five-member delegation led by Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kesara attended the Third World Buddhism Summit in Phnon Penh, Cambodia, from 5 to 7 December. Members of the delegation were Honorary Professor of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Chancellor of Sitagu World Buddhist University Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Maha Dhamma Kathika Bahujanahitadhara Dr Bhaddanta „anissara, Head of Department of ITBMU Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Dr Bhaddanta Adiccavamsa and Pro-Rector of the University Dr Hla Pe together with Director-General Dr Myo Myint of Religious Affairs Department as secretary of the delegation.

The Myanmar delegation was welcomed at the airport by the Cambodian Palace Affairs Minister and party, officials of the Japanese Buddhist Organization, Myanmar Ambassador to Cambodia U Saw Hla Min and staff of the embassy and officials. The Myanmar delegation was accommodated at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

The Summit was sponsored by the Japanese Buddhist Organization and the Cambodian Government to mark the 80th birthday of the Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk. Also present at the summit were representatives of 15 countries including Cambodia, Japan, Australia, Bhutan, India, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam, representatives of the UN, ambassadors, guests and observers, totalling over 2,000. In the evening, all representatives lit candles in front of the Palace of the King of Cambodia and they prayed for peace.

King Norodom Sihanouk delivered an opening address at the Third World Buddhism Summit. Also present were the representatives, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hum Sen and ministers, ambassadors, representatives of the UN and observers.

At the summit, Bhaddanta Dr Adiccavamsa read out the message sent by Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee of the Union of Myanmar Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita on 6 December. In the afternoon, Sitagu Sayadaw Bhaddanta „anissara discussed world peace and Buddhism, Buddhism education, propagation and promotion of Buddhism and significant role of the Buddhist meditation.

On 7 December, the joint statement was issued by the participants at the round-table discussions. On behalf of the Myanmar delegation, Sitagu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanissara spoke words of thanks. In the evening, Prime Minister Mr Samdech Hum Sen delivered a concluding address. The Myanmar delegation visited ancient and historic buildings in Cambodia on 8 and 9 December and arrived back in Yangon on 10 December evening.

International Relations

Delegates to Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on SKRL tour Yangon

Yangon, 12 Dec - Delegates from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea who attended the Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link, and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat, the Economic and Social Commission of Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and KL Consult, together with responsible personnel of the Ministry of Rail Transportation, visited the Drug Elimination Museum and Myanma Gems Mart today. In the evening, Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin gave a dinner to them on Myat Thanda River Cruiseliner at Nanthida jetty in Yangon.

Education Minister receives guests

Yangon, 12 Dec - Minister for Education U Than Aung received Director of UNESCO Asia and Pacific Cultural Centre of Japan Ms Shibao Tomoko and party at Diamond Jubilee Hall at 3 pm today. They discussed matters related to cooperation in extra curricula activities.

Similarly, Minister U Than Aung received Chairman of Dyned International Inc of USA Mr Lance Knowles and party, and discussed matters related to the training programme using modern technology in teaching English.

  Laotian and Korean health delegations leave for home

Yangon, 12 Dec - The two health delegations led by Health Minister Dr Ponemek Dalaloy of Lao People's Democratic Republic and Health Minister Mr Kin Sung-Ho of the Republic of Korea left here by air at 10 am today.

The delegations were seen off at the Yangon International Airport by Deputy Ministers for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo and Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general of departments under the ministry and officials, Charge d' Affaires ai of LPDR Mr Khamsouay Keodalavong and officials.

Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Project issues press release

Yangon, 12 Dec - The following is the press release issued by the Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Project held in Yangon today.

Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Project
11-12 December 2002, Yangon, Myanmar Press Release

1. The Third Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Project (SKRL) was held in Yangon, Myanmar , on 14-15 May, 2002. The Report of that Meeting including the seven general implementation modalities as measures was considered and adopted at the Fourth Meeting of the Steering Committee of the ASEAN-Mekong Basin Development Cooperation (AMBDC) held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 12-13 June, 2002, and in addition agreed to endorse the four implementation activities to the Fourth Ministerial Meeting on the AMBDC.

2. The Fourth Ministerial Meeting on the AMBDC was held in Siemreap, Cambodia, on 9-10 August, 2002, and regarding the SKRL project the meeting endorsed implementation activities which are to accord highest priority to the 48 km Poipet-Sisophon rail section, to request the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to accelerate its propose technical assistance programme for the above rail section, to undertake further feasibility/project preparation studies for other missing sections and spur lines under IAI Work Plan, for possible technical assistance and funding support from ASEAN dialogue partners and the international/regional organizations and to encourage interested ASEAN member countries to extend co-financing opportunities in implementation of the SKRL Project.

3. The Fourth Ministerial Meeting on AMBDC also agreed the following modalities to move forward the SKRL Project:-
    (a) Establish consortiums to raise funds for each section of the SKRL            
         Project;
    (b) Introduce innovative incentive packages to entice the private sector to
         participate in the project;
    (c) Organize a Workshop to promote SKRL Project of the private sector; and
    (d) Annual Reviews of the implementation of this project to be conducted.

4. In order to expedite the implementation of SKRL project and also to ensure continuity, the Fourth Ministerial Meeting on AMBDC agreed to recommend to assign permanent staff to be responsible for the project. The meeting also agreed on the following revised structure:-
    (a) The Chairman of the Special Working Group on SKRL will be for a period
         of three years and that Malaysia assume the Chairmanship for the next
         three years beginning from January 2003.
    (b) To manage the project efficiency, full time personnel will take charge of
         the day-to-day activities; and
    (c) The scope of the responsibilities of the Working Group will be widen to
         deliberate and discuss possible funding modalities.

5. In light of these recent developments the Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on SKRL was held in Yangon, Myanmar, on 11-12 December, 2002, to review and accelerate SKRL activities.

6. The Meeting was attended by delegates from Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Representatives from Japan, Republic of Korea, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) and KL Consult also attended the meeting. Staff members of the ASEAN secretariat were also present.

7. The Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on SKRL was opened by HE U Pan Aung, Minister for Rail Transportation on December 11, at 9 am in Yangon. In his opening statement the Minister welcomed all the delegates and participants to Myanmar. He recalled that at the Third Special Working Group Meeting, he had requested the delegates to undertake the implementation of SKRL especially the 48km missing link of Poipet-Sisaphon section and he expressed his appreciation to the Fourth Ministerial Meeting on the AMBDC for endorsing it as the highest priority implementation for the rest of missing links and spur lines.

8. The Meeting was held in plenary and was chaired by HE Thura U Thaung Lwin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Rail Transportation, on behalf of HE U Pan Aung, Chairman of the Special Working Group on SKRL. The Chairman in his Opening Statement briefed the Meeting the outcome of the 8th ASEAN Summit and the 4th Ministerial Meeting AMBDC regarding the implementation of the SKRL Project. He emphasized that the project has now gained momentum and urged all member countries and all interested parties to strive their best in search of ways and means especially the financing options to hasten the project implementation.

9. The ASEAN Secretariat briefed the meeting on related decisions and follow up actions on the SKRL Project, highlighting the major decisions and views on SKRL Project at the 8th ASEAN Summit, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 4-6 November 2002. The ASEAN Secretariat reported to the Meeting that the 8th ASEAN Summit welcomed Malaysia's offer to donate part of the rail track, that have been replaced in double-tracking of it's network, for the construction of the missing link of SKRL in Cambodia. At the ASEAN-China Summit, China also confirmed its co-financing towards the completion of SKRL.

10. The ASEAN Secretariat also presented Discussion Papers titled "Moving Forward the Implementation of the SKRL Project-Issues and Recommendations" and "Feasibility Study for the Missing Links and Spur Lines of the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Project in CLMV Countries". The papers discussed several outstanding issues and suggested measures that need to be taken to accelerate the implementation of this flagship project of AMBDC.

11. The member countries briefed the Meeting regarding the implementation status of the SKRL Project within their respective borders.

12. The ESCAP presented a paper titled "Developing the SKRL Infrastructures" in which ESCAP expressed its views in parameters that should be taken into consideration to move forward this project.

13. The Meeting exchanged views on various modalities to hasten the implementation of the project and agreed that the present set including modalities contained in the ASEAN Working Paper is sufficient and to selectively implement the modalities.

The Meeting agreed in principle to implement the following two-pronged action plan involving simultaneous action at the regional/macro level and at the individual country level:-
    (a) Measures at the Regional level to create and enhance project awareness
         by conducting intensive marketing campaign  to   inform potential
         investors other interested parties regarding the opportunities available
         to them in this mega project. The marketing programme would include,   
         convening of high profile seminar information dissemination, establishment
         of a specialized body to take charge of the project and establishment of a 
         multinational consortium.
    (b) Measures at country level which would include developing an innovative
         incentives package for the private sector, policy and procedural reform
         to cut bureaucratic red tape to reduce cost of doing business,
         allocation of Government fund,promotion of SKRL Project at bilateral    
         discussions, reporting mechanism, and political will.

14. The Meeting considered and adopted the Report and concluded with the Chairman's closing statement.

15. The meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN Unity, cordiality and solidarity.

Region

Cetana Evening Classes opens

Yangon, 12 Dec - Under the supervision of Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association, the Cetana Evening Classes of Ahlon Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association in Yangon West District, was opened at Ahlon Hall on Hninzi Road in the township this morning, with an opening address by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Patron of Yangon Division MCWA Supervisory Committee Daw Khin Thet Htay made an opening speech.

Then, wellwishers presented cash for the Evening Classes. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Daw Khin Thet Htay and Lt-Col Kyaw Tint accepted the donations books on various subjects worth K 600,000 by U Sein Myint Aung (Shwe Gangaw), 300 books worth K 541,800 by Dr Bio (Dr Soe Win Oo), K 100,000 by Yangon West District Peace and Development Council, K 100,000 by Ahlon Township Peace and Development Council, K 300,000 by Managing Director U Ko Ko Htoo of Myanma Industrial Port, K 150,000 by Vice Chairman U Aik Tun of AWB, 243 books worth K 121,500 by U Kan Chun (Sanpya Economics), K 130,000 by 13 Township MCWAs in the district, K 110,000 by 11 Ward Peace and Development Councils in the township, K 100,000 by Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association Chairman U Nyein- Daw Ohn Kyin (OK rice), K 100,000 by U Thein Lwin of Toenaya Brokerage, K 100,000 by U Khin Zaw and colleagues, K 100,000 by U Tin Hsan- Dr Htay Htay Nyein (Ace Construction Co Ltd) and K 100,000 by U Thaing Win, Daw Htay Htay Nyunt (BTB Co Ltd) and others totalling K 3,220,800. Then, wellwishers were presented with certificates of honour.

Ahlon Township MCWA Chairperson Daw Khin Mya spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to a close. The evening classes were opened for those who are unable to attend the classes and will sit for the matriculation examination and for those who want to pursue education. The Cetana Evening classes was opened at no 5 BEHS, Ahlon, and 32 teachers will give lessons to 299 students from 6 to 8 pm daily on weekdays.

Rules of Armed Forces Day Commemorative Painting, Sculpture Competitions announced

Yangon, 12 Dec - As a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which falls on 27 March 2003, the subcommittee for the holding of painting and sculpture competitions and exhibition of the work committee for the organizing of poem and arts competitions announced that the painting and sculpture competitions will be held with the following rules.

The painting competition will be divided into six categories the first for pre-primary school level, the second for junior primary school level (kindergarten to second grade), the third for senior primary school level (third grade and fourth grade), the fourth for middle school level (fifth grade to eighth grade), the fifth for high school level (ninth grade to technological and agricultural high schools) and the sixth for open level. There will be only one category in the sculpture competition, the wood sculpture and the plaster sculpture at open level. Anyone may take part in both.

In the painting competition from kindergarten to high school levels, the size of the entry must be 15" x 20", and 20" x 30" for open level. Name, NRC No, class, school, township, date of birth, father's name, address must be expressed on the back of the painting, with three 1.5" x 2"-size photos attached.

For students, the endorsement of the schoolhead is needed. For the sculpture competitions, the height of the entry must not be over 36" and its circumference not longer than 24". At the foot of the sculpture, name, NRC No, date of birth, father's name, address must be shown, with three 1.5" x 2"-size photos attached and send the entry right to Tatmadaw Convention Centre, U Wisara Road, between 1 and 3 March 2003.

All the entries, painting or sculpture, must reflect the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw.

Entries of both open levels should be sent to Secretary, Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central), Pabedan Township, Yangon, not later than 1 March 2003 or to Secretary, Subcommittee for the Holding of Painting and Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, U Wisaya Road, Tatmadaw Conventions Centre, Yangon, between 1 and 3 March 2003. Entries of students all over Myanmar should be sent to Development Division, Education Planning and Training Department, Natmauk Street, Bahan Township, Yangon, not later than 15 February 2003.

Apart from the entries for both competition, other paintings and sculptures may be sent to be displayed at the exhibition to be opened in honour of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Those paintings and sculptures must also featured the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw and should be sent directly to Tatmadaw Convention Centre, U Wisaya Road, between 1 and 5 March 2003.

Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee meets

Yangon, 12 Dec - The 100th meeting of the Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee was held at the head office of Road Transport Administration this afternoon. It was attended by Chairman of the supervisory committee Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo.

Chairman Brig-Gen Maung Nyo made a speech. He said that the supervisory committee has been carrying out educative measures for trishaw and pedestrians. At the same time, actions against the violators of traffic rules were being taken with momentum. According to the statistics, number of traffic accidents decreased in October, 2002. To facilitate the traffic flow in Yangon City , extension works were being carried out in various roads and places. He urged those present to carry out traffic rules enforcement measures with added momentum.

Joint-Secretary of the supervisory committee Commander of Wireless and Traffic Police Force Police Lt-Col Aung Naing and officials of the respective sub-committees reported on tasks implemented in October and November 2002 and traffic rules enforcement measures. The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the chairman of the supervisory committee.

Entries invited to Armed Forces Day commemorative novel, short story and article competitions

Yangon, 12 Dec - The Working Committee for Observance of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literary and Photo Competitions has announced that it will hold a novel, short story and article competitions.

Entries for the novel and short story are to be based on the 12 fine traditions of Tatmadaw and the titles can be given out of own volition. Words must be between 50,000 and 70,000 for the novel and 4,000 and 10,000 for the short story. For the article competition, words must be between 3,000 and 5,000 under the title of "Union Spirit".

Entries must be own creation and must not be prize-winning works in any other competitions. A brief biography and two passport size colour photos of the competitions are to be attached to the entries. Handsome prizes will be presented to all first, second and third prize winners as well as consolation prize winners of all categories. Entries are to be sent to U Ko Ko Htwe, Secretary of the Working Committee for Observance of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literary and Photo Competitions, Myanma Radio and Television, Pyay Road, Yangon, not later than 15 January, 2002.

Cash and kind presented to doyen laterati

Yangon, 12 Dec - Responsible officials of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association including Vice-Chairman U Than Maung (Than Maung), Joint-Secretary U Khin Swe (Shwe Soon Nyo) and Central Executive Committee member Daw Khin Than Win (Kyu Kyu Thin) went to the houses of doyen laterati who could not attend the respect-paying ceremony and presented cash and gifts to them this afternoon.

First, the vice-chairman and party arrived at the house of Sayagyi U Chit Hla Sein (Dagon Nwe Kathit) in Kyauktada Township and presented K 50,000 and gifts and paid respects to him. Then, they went to the houses of Sayagyi Col Hla Aung (Retd) in Bahan Township, Sayagyi U Ko Ko Gyi (Kagyithonelone), Sayagyi U Khin Than (Division Education Officer) (Khin Thein Kyaw), Sayagyi U Hla Maung (U Hla Maung-BA, BL) and Sayagyi Thuriya U Chit Swe Sone (Sein Hmyar) in Tamway Township and presented K 50,000 each and gifts and paid respects to them. They also provided K 50,000 and gifts to the family of late Sayagyi U Aung Thein (Yokeshin Myathman).

Seminar on Mangrove Reforestation through Community Participation held

Yangon, 12 Dec - The Seminar on Mangrove Reforestation through Community Participation, jointly organized by the Forest Department, the Forest Reserve Environment Development and Conservation Association and Action for Mangrove Reforestation, was held at the Head Office of the department in Insein Township this morning.

At the seminar, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun delivered an address. Then, Chairman of Forest Reserve Environment Development and Conservation Association U Sein Maung Wint extended greetings. Next, Adviser to the Ministry of Forestry U Tin Hla presided over the seminar and local and foreign resource persons presented their papers to the seminar. The Seminar will be held tomorrow and altogether 15 papers will be submitted at the seminar.

Economic

Thailand Exhibition '2002 opens

Yangon, 12 Dec - Under the programme to promote economic cooperation between the Union of Myanmar and Thailand and with the permission of the Ministry of Commerce of the Union of Myanmar, the opening of Thailand Exhibition 2002 organized by the Department of Export Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand was held at Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazundaung Road this morning.

It was attended by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Ministers at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel and Lt-Gen Min Thein, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Chairman of the Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retd) and members, deputy ministers, departmental heads, ambassadors and officials of foreign embassies in Yangon, members of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, Director-General of the Department of Export Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand Mr Banphot Hongthong and officials, officials of News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information and guests.

The director-general of the Department of Export Promotion of Thailand made an opening speech. Then, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Director-General U Nyunt Aye of Directorate of Trade and Director-General Mr Banphot Hongthong formally opened the exhibition.

Afterwards, the ministers and those present viewed round the exhibition. Cosmetics and consumer products, machinery, stationery and office automation, household products, construction materials, medicines and chemicals, foodstuff and beverage, packaging materials, decoration materials, clothes and fashions of 113 companies of Thailand are displayed at 130 booths of the exhibition. Trade days are on 12 and 13 December and general public days are on 14 and 15 December.

---