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Headlines

• Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing  to pay State Visit to Bangladesh
• Secretary-1 addresses closing ceremony of Special Refresher Course for Basic Education Teachers held at CICS (Upper Myanmar)

Region

• Secretary-1 attends Annual Conference of MES
• Myanmar Engineering Society holds conference
• Measures for keeping Bagaya jetty clean, pleasant co-ordinated
• Maj-Gen Kyaw Win presents books to ministries
• Cash and kind presented to doyen literati

Education

• Rural dispensary, school buildings opened
• Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe drives stake for new school building of Shwegon BEHS in Kyauktan

Drug

• Stimulant tablets and opium seized

• News
  

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Headlines

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing to pay State Visit to Bangladesh

Yangon, 14 Dec - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing will pay a State Visit to the People's Republic of Bangladesh in the near future.

Poppy farmers have quitted poppy cultivation out of their volition, handed over poppy seeds and dry poppy bulbs Myanmar will continue to make efforts for total eradication of narcotic drugs which posed danger to global people,
tarnished the image of Myanmar people
Secretary-1 addresses closing ceremony of Special Refresher Course for Basic Education Teachers held at CICS (Upper Myanmar)

Yangon, 13 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt left Yangon by Myanma Airways flight this morning and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township, Manalay Division, at 10.15 am.

Then, the Secretary-1 proceeded to Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in PyinOoLwin Township. The closing ceremony of the Special Refresher Course No 16 for Basic Education Teachers was held at Yadana Hall of the CICS (Upper Myanmar) at 11 am today, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt.

First, Myanmar Education Committee Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt delivered an address. He said: for enabling the country and the people to stand tall among international community, it is very important to follow the path that promises national prosperity to the highest degree by employing the methods which ensure national essence. It is the most fundamental national requirement to decide the destiny of our country and our people on our own free will in building up the national strength firmly.

Therefore, the State Peace and Development Council is implementing the tasks to firmly build up the national strength in developing the State; cementing the national economy, vitalizing national consolidation spirit and Union Spirit of the people; and implanting the will in national people to strive for the development of the State with healthy, strong and intelligent spirit.

In accordance with these aims, efforts are being made systematically for the harmonious emergence of national consolidation, development of the State, strong national economy, stalwart and highly-educated human resources. Besides the potential for strengthening the national power by all means, the Government is placing emphasis on the national education system capable of creating long-term national prosperity.

The present national education system is bringing about the advanced science and technology development, nurturing human resources of high quality, striving for literacy of all citizens, promoting national education, and introduction of constant-learning society regardless of age and educational level in the country.

Students are being nurtured, especially from the basic education level, to be imbued not only with the ability essential for facing the challenges of present age and acquiring knowledge and new techniques, but also with the qualities of a good citizen that will benefit the human society, upholding the ethics and social values.

In nurturing individual students according to their hobby, talent, skill and potential to become intelligentsia and intellectuals on whom the State can rely, the previous teacher-centred teaching method has been changed into the student-centred teaching method in which the students themselves study actively. In this way, opportunities and educational environment for achieving success for the students are created. Especially, measures such as upgrading curricula, compilation of new texts and extension of curricula with texts conducive to flourishing of nationalist spirit, etc have been taken harmoniously from basic education level to the higher education level in view of ensuring all-round development of the students, maintaining harmonious relations with society, moral development and enhancing expertise in science and technologies of international standard.

The systematic and practical educational reforms which serve the national interests are carried out successfully in the entire country. As a result, the education sector is achieving success.

As regards the accomplishments in the basic education sector, there were 33,747 schools before 1988. Now the number has increased to 39,999 schools showing the increase of over 6,000 schools in 2002-2003 academic year. In 1988, there were 173,772 basic education teachers and this year there are 220,510 teachers. It shows the increase of over 46,000 teachers. Likewise, there were over 5.2 million basic education students in 1988 and there are over 7.4 million students this year.

To enable the students to pursue middle school education, over 2,400 primary schools have been upgraded to post-primary ones where they can pursue studies up to sixth standard. In border areas, basic education schools are opened extensively. During this 2002-2003 academic year, over 2,500 teachers are teaching over 86,,000 students at 750 schools in border areas. In some places, there were no schools in the past and now many a number of schools have been opened at such places. Hence, within the period from 1987-88 academic year to 2002-2003 academic year, the basic education sector achieved 18.5%of development as regards basic education schools, 26.9% of development as regards teachers and 42.8% of development as regards students. To provide equal educational opportunities in rural and urban areas, e-learning centers are established in various towns. Data broadcasting system is applied. So far, there are 455 e-learning centers all over the country.

To achieve success not only in the basic education sector but also in the higher education sector, universities and colleges are facilitated with modern teaching and learning centers and modern laboratories and workshops. In addition, doctorate courses and post-graduate courses are opened at the universities and institutes. Subject-wise specialized courses are conducted at various universities and colleges. As new universities and colleges are opened and upgraded, the students can pursue higher education studies at their respective regions.

To ensure harmonious development of all the regions in the Union, the 24 special development zones have been established in various States and Divisions. Measures are being taken to enable each of the 24 development zones to have one university, one Government Technical College and one Government Computer College at least.

In the whole country, there were merely 32 universities and colleges in 1988 and now the number has increased to 151. These endeavors are aimed at providing more opportunities to the students for pursuing higher education studies and at producing more and more qualified intellectuals and intelligentsia.

While plans are being implemented for developing basic education and higher education sectors, efforts are being made for enabling all citizens to pursue basic education and for education promotion programmes. In these endeavors, governmental departments, local authorities, social organizations and the local people have participated extensively as a national movement. As a result, development is being achieved in the education sector in the entire country.

Township School Enrolment Days were designated for enabling all school-going children to attend school. The enrolment rate at kindergarten in the 2002-2003 academic year has risen to 93.07 per cent. It was a remarkable achievement in comparison with the school enrolment rate of 70 per cent in the year 1987-88. Similarly, literacy movement is launched all over the country including border areas for adult illiterates and those who have not completed primary level education. There were 78 per cent of adult literacy rate in 1987-88 and now the rate has increased to 91.4 per cent.

Nowadays, in accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, five rural development tasks are being implemented unanimously. These tasks include the task for promoting educational standard of rural people. Only the people with high educational standard will be in a position to promote their socio-economic lives and bring about the development of respective regions. Hence, the basic education teachers who are discharging duties at rural areas are to strive for the education of their students as well as for literacy of local people by joining hands with the local people.

At present, efforts based on the Union Spirit are being made with the outlook of the national unity for development of the State. The Government and the national races are striving together for equitable development of the entire nation including border regions and rural areas with the concept of forging of the national solidarity. In so doing, the border areas development projects, 24 special development zones and rural development tasks have been laid down and are being implemented. Therefore, all teachers will have to participate in lifting up of education standard of the local people and implementation of the regional development tasks for strengthening of national unity whatever role they are in.

Today, some developed countries are making attempts to drive a wedge among national brethren and disintegrate the union through national traitors with the use of media and huge monetary power. In such a time, the national people are to fight the destructive acts with a sense of Union Spirit and nationalism.

While striving for human resource development in rural areas as education leaders, the teachers are to make efforts as good organizers who are capable of further strengthening national unity.

Nowadays, minions of some west bloc, enlisting foreign assistance, are manufacturing fabrications with every intention of creating problems time and again in the border areas where majority of national races reside.

The teachers who are discharging duties in the border areas are to take leading role as a teacher and to cooperate with the committees concerned. They will have to make the local people know the real objectives of the destructive acts and fabrications and to lead them away from enticing of the unscrupulous persons.

The teachers are also to participate in eradication of narcotic drugs, the evil legacy of colonialists in the border. In the process, the teachers are to strive together with the Government in organizing and educating the local people.

Nowadays, the national race leaders and local people are making efforts in unity and drug eradication measures under the leadership of the Government and the project are making significant progress.

The Government with national forces has laid down the 15-year drug elimination plan and are making systematic efforts for enabling the nation to be totally free from drugs in 2014. Significant progress has been made.

The national race groups under the leadership of the Government have been making efforts in cultivating poppy-substitute crops and other economic undertakings for turning Wa and Kokang regions into drug free regions in 2005. Notifications of instructions and orders to ban drug trafficking by respective authorities reflect the firm resolution of the national races. In addition, the four deputy ministers have made field trips for New Destiny Project to ensure implementation of the 15-year drug elimination plan.

In line with the New Destiny Project, the high-ranking officers have made field trips right down to grassroots level and provide agriculture technology and other assistance to poppy growers. The poppy farmers have quitted poppy cultivation of their own volition and handed over poppy seeds and dry poppy bulbs and it was a significant sign.

Therefore, there was a decrease in opium production in Myanmar and the international community acknowledged the decrease of poppy cultivation. Efforts will have to be made for successful implementation of the 15-year drug elimination plan.

The Government in cooperation with local people, UN agencies and neighboring countries is making strenuous efforts to curb the production and trafficking of stimulant tablets which have replaced opium.

Eradication of drug cannot be carried out by one nation alone and it was a common concern. The problem cannot be wiped out by putting a blame on each other. So, the problem can be addressed through cooperation in unity among the three countries, the one which produces raw materials, the one which produces finished materials and the one which is engaged in trafficking the drugs.

The stimulant tablets are produced based on chemical elements which are not in Myanmar. The drugs cannot be produced in Myanmar if the flow of chemical elements into Myanmar are prevented. In this regard, the neighboring countries are cooperating with Myanmar in the fight against the drugs based on understanding.

Myanmar with its own national forces will continue to make efforts for total eradication of the narcotic drugs which pose danger to the global people and tarnish the image of Myanmar people.

The teachers are to organize the local people and convince them the dangers of narcotic drugs while striving for widening the knowledge scope of the local national people of border areas and promoting their educational standard.

Nowadays, the entire people are unitedly striving for enabling the Union to keep abreast with foreign countries and to stand tall as a sovereign and independent nation. As regards the national development and perpetuation of the country, it is important for the national people to possess high educational standard and to be imbued with patriotism and Union Spirit. Hence, the teachers must strive to imbue the students with the love for the nation and the people, the spirit to strive for the development of the nation, the spirit of national unity and solidarity and the Union Spirit while nurturing the students to have education standard of international level and become all-round developed ones.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the teachers
- to collectively take part in implementation of regional development activities for ensuring equitable and harmonious development of all the regions in the country while the Union is peaceful, stable and achieving development with momentum;
-  to organize from the education sector the entire people including the students to get imbued with patriotism, the love for the nation, nationalist spirit and Union Spirit with a view to enabling the Union to stand tall with prestige and integrity among the international communities; and
-  to organize the people to be armed with dynamic nationalistic outlook, consolidated national unity and ardent Union Spirit by convincing them the real objectives of fabrications, accusations and discords of destructive elements relying on external assistance.

Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented the model trainee awards to SAT U Myat Tun Oo (E-21) of the Basic Education High School in Namhsan, Shan State (North) and SAT Daw Than Nyunt (C-79) of BEHS, Homalin, Sagaing Division , deligence awards to JAT U Tin Tun (E-189) of BEHS-19, Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay Division, Headmistress Daw Khin Hla Aye (A-131) of Nyaunggon BEPS in Salin Township Magway Division, and JAT Daw Khin Pyone Kyi (C-47) of Kyawywa BEHS Branch in Kale Township, Sagaing Division.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 presented model hostel awards to the trainees of Hostel-8 of the men's company (1) and the trainees of Hostel-4 of the women's company-5, and course completion certificates for the trainees through the trainee officers and deputy trainee officers.

Then, the Secretary-1 accepted K 50,000 donated by the trainees including K 10,000 each to the funds of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image, Sacred Tooth Relic Pagoda (Mandalay) and renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan, K 5,000 to the Union Solidarity and Development Association, K 5,000 to hail the National Convention, K 10,000 to Zeebingyi Village BEHS Branch and the ceremony came to a close. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the trainees.

Before the commencement of the ceremony, the Secretary-1 heard a report on cultivation of pepper, coffee, seasonal crops and vegetables, arrangements for extended cultivation of crops presented by Rector Col Aung San Win of CICS (Upper Myanmar) and gave necessary instructions at the main hall of the institute.

Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party inspected the trial cultivation of grapes in two-acre plot of the Central Police Training Unit of Myanmar Police Force in PyinOoLwin Township. Principal of the CPTU Police Brig-Gen Win Myaing and officials reported to the Secretary-1 on cultivation of crops on 30.4 acres of land and work being carried out for plantations of 106.66 acres, cultivation of paddy, beans and pulses, corn, grape, seasonal crops, vegetables, perennial and annual crops including thitseint (bellaric Myrobalan) by the training school. The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the trial cultivation of pepper on two-acre plot of the Central Fire Services Training School and heard a report on cultivation of sugarcane, damson, mango, pepper, vegetables, perennial crops and seasonal crops on 176-acre land of the training school. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the plantation of 670 mango trees there.

Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party inspected the tailoring course and baking course of the Domestic Science Training School. Principal of the training school Daw Khin Ohn Myint and officials conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the school.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the pre-primary school of the Social Welfare Department, where headmistress Daw Lwin May Thein and officials conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the school. The Secretary-1 presented snacks to the children.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the plantations of 441 pepper plants and 1,600 coffee trees planted by Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar). Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Mandalay.

The Secretary-1 and party attended the opening ceremony of Sutakarmi Library of PhaungdawU Parahita Monastic Education School in Aungmyaythazan Township, Mandalay in the afternoon.

First, the opening ceremony of the library was held in front of the library. State Peace and Development Council member Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and Mrs Diana formally opened the library. Next, the Secretary-1 unveiled the signboard of the library. Then, the Secretary-1 and party, donors and guests viewed the text books, Myanmar and English version books, and teaching-aids such as videos, CD-Roms and cassette tapes. Afterwards, the ceremony to hand over the library was held at the hall of the library. Library donor Mrs Diana explained the purpose of the donation.

Then, library donors Mrs Diana and Mr Granham Millington handed over the documents related to the library to Director of the Department of Promotion and Propagation of Sasana U Aung Thein Nyunt. Next, U Ko Ko Htwe of Taw Win Co Ltd presented K 3 million worth 600 sets of desk to Director U Aung Thein Nyunt.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 paid homage to Principal Sayadaw Maha Suddhamajotika Bhaddanta Nayaka and Vice Principal Sayadaw Bhaddanta Jotika.

The newly opened Sutakarmi Library was donated by Mrs Diana and Mr Graham Millington (Director of BC) and family of England. The library is 58x35 feet wide two-storeyed building. Books, reading room, self access audio lab and computers and CDs to study the knowledge from Internet are kept on the ground floor of the library. On the upper floor, there is a wide hall to hear the lectures and to hold seminar and meeting.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Myanmar Industrial Exhibition 2003 held at Sinphyukan Ground in Mandalay. At the briefing hall, Chairman of the working committee for organizing the exhibition Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win reported to the Secretary-1 on blue-print of the exhibition, and arrangements to display the 166 booths of industrialists from 18 industrial zones, 72 booths of private entrepreneurs, 72 booths of respective ministries and 89 shops. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions.

Then, the Secretary-1 greeted the industrialists who will display the booths at the exhibition, and inspected the construction works. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 proceeded to Mandalay International Airport. The Secretary-1 and party then left the airport and arrived back in Yangon in the evening.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the construction site of the extension of Yangon International Airport building. Managing Director of Asia World Co Ltd U Tun Myint Naing reported on blue-print of the building to be extended, architecture of the new building and arrangements to extend the apron. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-1 and party left the construction site.

Region

Strength of intellectuals and intelligentsia including engineers and architects plays an important role in nationaldevelopment
Secretary-1 attends Annual Conference of MES

Yangon, 13 Dec - A ceremony to open the Annual Conference of Myanmar Engineering Society was held at Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this morning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office, heads of department, officials of ASEAN nations' embassies in Yangon, officials of ASEAN Engineering Federation, the Chairman of ASEAN Engineers Registration Commission and members, officials of the engineering societies of Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, the Patrons, the Chairman and CEC members of MEA and engineers and architects, the construction entrepreneurs, wellwishers and guests.

In his address, General Khin Nyunt said that the State Peace and Development Council has now been making all-out efforts to enable the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with the global nations and to enhance the living standard of the national people. In doing so, the might of intellectuals and intelligentsia including engineers and architects plays an important role.

The Government is making efforts on self-reliant basis in building the nation, which lagged behind in development due to various reasons into a modern and developed nation to enable it to stand shoulder to shoulder with the nations of the world despite internal and external hindrances. In the process, the Government relies on the strength of national intellectuals and intelligentsia without taking technical and financial assistance from abroad.

Especially, efforts for modernizing and developing the Union are being made with momentum. Endeavors for urban development, better transport, construction of economic infrastructures such as dams, reservoirs, mills and factories, etc, construction of international standard buildings are being carried out. In so doing, the strength of national engineers and architects are mainly relied on. Since taking State responsibilities, the Government has been making efforts for national development without sparing day and night despite obstacles. Engineers and architects like other intellectuals and intelligentsia participated in the endeavors actively. As a result, the Union is achieving development with each passing day.

Network of Union Highways are constructed across the nation for increasing contacts among the national brethren and promoting trade. In the past, the roads were constructed avoiding rivers and creeks. Nowadays, river-crossing major bridges are built spending huge sums of funds. Including the Ayeyawady River (Magway) Bridge which was recently opened, altogether 147 major bridges have been built in the entire country. With the opening the major bridges across River Ayeyawady, those regions which lagged behind development in the past will certainly achieve rapid development and national unity among the brethren will further be strengthened.

Dams and reservoirs which will be beneficial to agriculture, hydel power generation and other social developments, are also being built all over the country. With the development in agriculture, the living standards of peasants and rural populace have also improved. So far, 140 dams and reservoirs have been built in the entire country by the Government within a short period of ten years without taking foreign assistance despite hindrances and obstacles. Thus, the Irrigation Department deservingly won the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Award (2002).

As regards national economic development, the national engineers and architects have contributed much towards the emergence of numerous mechanized farms, agro-based industries, import-substitute industries, modern industrial towns and industrial zones. It shows that engineers and architects are important in bringing about the national development. Especially in constructing residential buildings such as condominiums, housing estates, international business centers, modern banks, department stores, five-star hotels, garden cities, etc, the strength of Myanmar engineers and architects plays an important role. Due to the excellent performance of Myanmar engineers and architects, many international awards in building construction and design drawing have been won. At the prize-presentation ceremony of ASEAN Energy Award held in conjunction with the 20th ASEAN Energy Ministers' Meeting, the Kanbawza Bank Office headquarters won the first prize in appropriate technology. In addition, the Maha Santisukha Monastery also won a prize. This has been due to the mobilization of Myanmar on pressit success under the flag of Myanmar Engineering Society. It is also an impressit achieved in the national development endeavors.

The Myanmar Engineering Society has mobilised over 7,000 engineers and architects. It has possessed a large membership with great efficiency.

The State Peace and Development Council has mobilized the national forces sector-wise and encouraging them to strive for promoting their efficiency and to enthusiastically participate in the socio-economic development of the nation. Efforts to keep the society alive and dynamic will surely contribute towards the self-reliant endeavors for achieving national development. The society is to stand steadfastly as a national force and continue to serve the national interest with its proficiency.

As regards engineering and architecture, there are numerous specialized subjects and the science is wide and deep. It is also advancing day by day and the Myanmar engineers and architects are to strive for keeping pace with the development of the science. ICT, computer technology and electronic technology are progressing day by day and the engineers and architects are to strive for utilizing them most effectively through constant studies and making research and innovations. To bring out intellectuals and intelligentsia in civil aviation and marine technology, the Government has opened the Myanmar Maritime University and Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University. The Myanmar Engineering Society is to take part in striving for bringing up engineers and architects who are capable of designing and building modern sea-going vessels and aircraft. The MES is to preserve the tradition of active participation in national development endeavors and continue to serve the interests of the nation and the people as a national force, he urged.

Myanmar engineers and architects, on their part, are to nurture themselves to become proficient ones capable of serving the national interests; to stand unitedly under the flag of the society and to participate in modernizing and developing the nation, strengthening the national economy and promoting the living standard of national people. In conclusion, he wished for the perpetuation and development of the society. He also wished the engineers and architects to become ones who can enable the Union to keep abreast with international communities through their collective strength, ardent nationalist spirit and proficient skills. He also urged them to actively take part in the endeavours with their qualifications and skills for the speedy emergence of a modern and developed nation.

Next, ASEAN Engineers Register Commission Chairman Mr Choo Kok Beng explained matters on ASEAN engineer registration. Then, cash were donated for the fund of the society. The Ministry of Energy and Yetagun offshore oil project donated US$ 10,000; the Ministry of Mines K 700,000; the Ministry of Construction K 1 million; Vice-Chairman U Aik Tun of Asia Wealth Bank K 75 million for construction of the Association's training centre; and Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association Chairman Dr Khin Shwe and executives K 5.8 million. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt accepted the cash donations and gave away certificates of honour. Then , the opening ceremony of the Conference ended.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the guests. He also posed for a documentary photo together with ASEAN Engineers Register Commission Chairman Mr Choo Kok Beng and party, Myanmar Engineering Society Chairman Dr Pe Win and CEC members.

Myanmar Engineering Society holds conference

Yangon, 13 Dec - Annual Conference (2002) of Myanmar Engineering Society was held at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this morning. It was attended by Patron of Myanmar Engineering Society Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, deputy ministers, patrons of MES, the MES chairman and executive committee members, engineers
and architects.

First, Patron of MES Minister for Construction (Retd) U Khin Maung Yin and Chairman of MES Rector of Yangon Technological University Dr Pe Win made speeches. Then, General-Secretary of MES Pro-rector of YTU Dr Hla Than and Treasurer Head of Department of the Electrical Power Department of YTU Professor Daw Khin Aye Win submitted annual reports of the executive committee and the financial statement respectively and sought the approval of the conference.

Afterwards, a 27-member new executive committee chaired by Managing Director of Supreme Enterprises Ltd Dr Sein Myint was elected. The conference concluded with an address of Chairman-elect Dr Sein Myint of MES in the evening. Before the commencement of the conference, Patron of MES Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi, deputy ministers and the chairman of MES accepted K 103.21 million, US$ 13,000 and FEC 4050 donated towards the funds of MES including K 1.1 million by the Ministry of Electric Power, K 100,000 by the deputy minister for Mines, FEC 3,000 by PT Waagner Biro Co Ltd of Indonesia, K 2.5 million by Ayarmyay Manufacturing Co Ltd, K 1.5 million by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, K 1 million each by Supreme Enterprises Ltd and Myanmar Tractors and Trading Co Ltd, US$ 1,000 by U Win Naing and Myanmar engineers abroad, FEC 1,000 by Myanmar Ivanhoe Copper Co Ltd, US$ 1,000 by Minthami Co Ltd and K 1 million by Myanmar Daewoo Ltd and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Altogether 16 booths of modern engineering technologies, engineering services in Myanmar and equipment arranged by private engineering companies were opened at the conference venue. A paper-reading session to mark the conference is to be held in conjunction with the presentation ceremony of ASEAN Engineer Certificate at the Sedona Hotel tomorrow. 

Measures for keeping Bagaya jetty clean, pleasant co-ordinated

Yangon, 13 Dec - A meeting to co-ordinate measures for keeping Bagaya jetty and coconut and banana market clean and pleasant was held at the Myanma Port Authority office at Bagaya Jetty in Kyimyindine Township at 10.30 am today. Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe attended the meeting and delivered an address.

In delivering an address, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe dealt with extension of roads, keeping the jetty clean and pleasant and measures for ensuring smooth flow of traffic there. Officials concerned reported matters on the jetty and market. The commander then fulfilled the requirements. The meeting then ended with concluding remarks by the commander.

 Maj-Gen Kyaw Win presents books to ministries

Yangon, 13 Dec - A ceremony to hand over the books on various subjects for development of Myanmar education sector to the respective ministries was held at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road at 10 am today.

On behalf of Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence General Khin Nyunt, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win presented the books to the respective ministries.

Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win explained the purpose of the donations and presented the books to the deputy ministers and officials. Then, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, the deputy ministers and departmental heads viewed the books.

At the ceremony, Myanmar Youth Association and People to People group donated 2,707 books; Myanmar Ambassador to Singapore U Hla Than, 218 books and retired Mathematics Professor U Tun Shein, 106 books for Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, senior military officers of the Office of Military Intelligence and departmental officials.

Cash and kind presented to doyen literati

Yangon, 13 Dec - Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice Chairman U Than Maung (Than Maung), Joint Secretary U Khin Swe (Shwe Soon Nyo) and officials of the MWJA this afternoon presented cash and kind to doyen literati who could not attend the respect-paying ceremony.

First, the chairman and party presented K 50,000 and gifts to Sayagyi U Thein Maung (U Thu Kha) who lives in Yankin and now is undergoing medical treatment at No-2 Defence Services Hospital (500-bed).

Then, they went to the houses of Sayagyi U Pe Aung (U Pe Aung, MA, MS), Sayamagyi Daw Khin Than Myint (Khin Than Myint), Sayagyi U Aye Pe (U Aye Pe-Taing Yin May) and Sayagyi Col Saw Myint (Retd) (Hmu Tha Mein) in Yankin Township, Sayagyi U Maung Soe (Pwint Linn) in North Okkalapa Township and Sayagyi U Aung Naing (Moe Aung Naing) in Thingangyun Township. The chairman and party presented K 50,000 each and gifts and paid respects to them.

Education

Rural dispensary, school buildings opened

Yangon, 13 Dec - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel and Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa attended the ceremony to drive stakes for the rural dispensary building in Sethsan Ward in Kyimyindine Township, the completion ceremony of upgrading drinking water tanks, the opening ceremony of the library and the new school building of No 7 Basic Education Primary School in the same ward and the opening ceremony of new school building at BEMS No 1 in Setkalay Ward this morning.

At the auspicious time, the commander, the ministers, the vice-mayor, the Sayadaw and officials drove the stakes at the designated places. Then, the ceremony to mark the completion ceremony of upgrading drinking water tanks in conjunction with the opening ceremony of the library was held in Sethsan Ward. USDA CEC member in-charge of Yangon Division Col Maung Pa, Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and townselder U Tin Nyunt formally opened the library. Then, they inspected the library.

Next, the opening ceremony of the new school building at No 7 BEPS was held. Deputy Director-General U Aye Myint of NO 3 BED (Yangon City), Chairman of Kyimyindine Township Peace and Development Council U Tin Win and Sayadaw Chein Tunt and officials formally opened the school building. The commander unveiled the stone plaque. Afterwards, the ceremony to mark the stake-driving ceremony of the rural dispensary building, the completion ceremony of upgrading drinking water tanks, the opening ceremony of the library and the new school buildings were held at No 7 BEPS in Sethsan Ward.

At the ceremony, the commander, Col Maung Pa and Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein gave speeches. Then, the Sayadaw explained the purpose of the donations.

Next, the Sayadaw handed over documents related to the BEPS No 7 and BEMS No 1 to Deputy Director-General U Aye Myint of No 3 BED. Then, the commander, the minister and the vice-mayor accepted K 26.9 million for BEPS No 7; K 8 million for the rural dispensary and K 17.2 million for BEMS No 1 donated by Sayadaw Chein Tunt; K 4.5 million for four water tanks, K 500,000 for the library and K 700,000 for the generator of BEMS No 1 by YCDC; 1,200 plastic mats worth K 4.2 million for Sethsan and Setkalay wards by Mr Li Chin Chai and wife of Thailand; K 1.8 million for furniture of BEPS No 7 by Mr Jemmy Jeo of Singapore; K 1.1 million for BEPS No 7 by Kyimyindine Township Peace and Development Council; K 1.3 million by Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading; K 200,000 by Mingalar May Women's Entrepreneurs Association, totalling over K 70 million.

Then, Township USDA Secretary U Myint Lwin spoke words of thanks. Also present on the occasion were No 3 Military Region Commander Col Yan Naing Oo, YCDC member U Aung Soe, local authorities, departmental officials, Sayadaw Chein Tunt of Buddha Alinyaung Monastery in Australia and disciples, members of USDA, social organizations, wellwishers and students. Later, they donated provisions to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Visada of Aungmingala Monastery in Sethsan Ward.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe drives stake for new school building of Shwegon BEHS in Kyauktan

Yangon, 13 Dec - The stake-driving ceremony of the new school building of Shwegon Basic Education Primary School, donated by Luk Hing Too Foundation of Hong Kong through Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs, was held at the school in Shwegon Ward in Kyauktan Township at 9 am today.

Member of the Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe drove Mintaing stake at the ceremony.

Adviser to the State Calendar Committee Sayagyi U Kyaw acted as master of ceremonies. First, Managing Director U Tin Hsan of ACE Construction Co Ltd reported on the location and area of the building and designs.

At the auspicious time, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe drove the stake at the designated place. Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs Prof Dr Daw May May Yi, the Yangon Command Commander's wife Yangon Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs member Daw Khin Thet Htay, Director-General U Tin Win of No 3 Basic Education Department (Lower Myanmar), Chairman of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Sein Hlaing, wellwisher Mr Tony Luk and his father Mr Luk Hing Too and his elder brother Mr Henry Luk also drove stakes at the designated places.

After the ceremony, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony.

The school building is located on 1.3 acres of plot. It will house 10 classrooms for 266 students. The wellwishers will spend over K 50 million on the construction tasks. After the ceremony, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party went to Kyaik-hmawwun Pagoda in Kyauktan. They offered flowers, water, lights and incense sticks and paid obeisance to Hsutaungpyay Ngasat Buddha Image. Later, they made cash donations at the pagoda.

Drug

Stimulant tablets and opium seized

Yangon, 13 Dec - A combined team comprising menbers of the local intelligence unit and Lashio Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, inspected Sai Kham Lu in Yadana Street, Ward 10, Lashio, on 23 November and seized 38,800 stimulant tablets on him.

No 1 Lashio Police Station has filed a lawsuit against Sai Kham Lu, 36, son of U San Tha of Ward 10, Lashio, and his accomplice Lauk Lu, 44, son of U Yan Si of the same ward, and Lauk Eai (a) Lauk Hal, who is still at large, of Ward 11, Lashio, under Sections 15/19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

Similarly, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Kawthoung Anti-drug Squad, acting on a tip-off, on 2 December stopped and searched Khin Maung Htwe on Suzuki Motor cycle with number plates 1ga/40769 and seized 130 grams of opium dust. Due to the confession of Khin Maung Htwe the autorities seized another 2.08 kilos of opium dust near his house.

Action is being taken against Khin Maung Hwe, 25, son of U Khin Maung of Minphwathaik Street, Myeik, under Section 15/19(A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

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