Religion
International Relations
Region
Senior General Than Shwe inspects Yeywa Hydel Power Project in Mandalay Division
Yangon, 22 Jan - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, left Yangon by air on 19 January morning and arrived at Mandalay International Airport at 10.45 am.
The Senior General and party helicoptered to Yeywa Hydel Power Project being built on the Myitnge River 31 miles southeast of Mandalay.
At the briefing hall, Senior General Than Shwe heard the report by Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut on the implementation of Yeywa Hydel Power Project, progress in the construction of the diversion tunnel, the main embankment, the separating wall, the ring bund and plans to supply natural pozzolan. Then, Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported that survey work was being carried out in the area between the Ayeyawady and the Chindwin to generate hydel power and explained the possibilities of generating electric power at Shwesaryay, Mawlaik, Homalin and Htamanthi Hydel Power Projects with the use of maps.
Then, Deputy Director-General U Aung Koe Shwe of Hydel Power Department explained that the 2264-foot-long and 433-foot-high roller compacted concrete dam was going to be built of natural pozzolan and cement.
Maj-Gen Tin Htut said the project staff are dutifully implementing the project covering the massive concrete dam. National entrepreneurs are also taking part in the project.
After hearing the reports, Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance that the daily work being carried out sector-wise in the implementation of the project should be systematically recorded so that knowledge and experiences could be handed down to new generations. He also emphasized that hydel power projects must be completed as soon as possible in order to meet electricity need of the State and that it was important to meet the standards.
The Senior General and party then inspected construction of the separating wall, the ring bund and No 1 diversion tunnel.
The plant’s four 195-megawatt turbines will generate 780 megawatts of power.
The Yeywa Hydel Power Plant will be bigger than Lawpita Hydel Power Plant in Kayah State and Paunglaung Hydel Power Plant being built in Pyinmana Township in Mandalay Division.
Senior General Than Shwe, wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing attend graduation dinner of 45th Intake of DSA
Yangon, 22 Jan - The graduation dinner of the 45th Intake of Defence Services Academy was held yesterday in PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Division, attended by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing.
Religion
Senior General Than Shwe and wife pay homage to Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Buddha image
Yangon, 22 Jan - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, paid homage to Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Hsutaungpyi Buddha image at Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Hsutaungpyi Pagoda in PyinOoLwin on 20 January.
Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing offered “soon” fruits, water, flowers and lights to the Buddha image.
Senior General Than Shwe donated cash to Chairman of Pagoda Board of Trustees and signed in the visitor’s book.
On 21 January, Senior General Than Shwe and party paid respects to Nyaungbinai Tawya Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Nandobhasa, 81, and presented offertories to the Sayadaw.
Secretary-1 attends novitiation ceremony at Alodawpyae monastery
Yangon, 22 Jan - An ordination and novitiation ceremony of 10 monks and 300 novices was held at the Alodawpyae monastery in Tamway Township here at 5 pm today.
State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt graced the ceremony by attending it.
First, General Khin Nyunt and party paid obeisance to the Sayadaws and presented offertories. Wellwishers U Min Din and Daw Win Win Aye (a) Ma Gyi, the donors of the ordination and novitiation ceremony for the ten monks and 300 novices, donated K 1 million to the monastery. Wellwishers U Zaw Min Oo and Daw Win Win Htay donated K 1 million to the monastery. General Khin Nyunt accepted the cash donations. Next, General Khin Nyunt performed golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony.
The merti-sharing ceremony will be held tomorrow morning.
Myanmar to host 2004 Fourth World Buddhist Summit in accord with Theravada traditions
Yangon, 22 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt took part in the discussions to host the Fourth World Buddhist Summit in Myanmar at International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University here this afternoon.
He said the First World Buddhist Summit was held in Japan in 1998; the Second in Thailand in 2000; and the Third in Cambodia in 2002. Myanmar has agreed to the Japanese Buddhist Association’s proposal to host the Fourth World Buddhist Summit in 2004. As Myanmar is a pure Theravada Buddhist country, it will host the Summit in accord with the traditions of the Theravada Buddhism.
Collective efforts are required to hold discussions which are solely centred on religious issues based on Theravada Buddhism in line with the aims of the Summit. The task to form the required committees and subcommittees and assignment of duties will have to be systematically carried out, programmes will have to be drawn, and cooperation will have to be made with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and other related ministries to hold the Summit on a grand scale in accord with the aims. Discussions should be centred on seeking means to host the Summit in conformity with the basic principles of the Theravada Buddhism, based on the previous conferences Myanmar had held.
Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin discussed matters relating to previous World Buddhist Summits and Myanmar’s participation at the meetings, and hosting of the Fourth Summit in Myanmar. Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint reported to the meeting on the aims of the Summit, formation of a body of Ovadacariya Sayadaws for the Summit, and other bodies including the leading committee, the working committee and the subcommittees, and work programmes, followed by a general round of discussions. Pro-Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe recounted experiences at the Third Summit in Cambodia. General Khin Nyunt attended to the needs, and also gave suggestions on production of the Summit souvenirs. Also present were Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, the Vice-Mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department.
Yangon, 22 Jan - University Catholic Students and Christian Youth Apostolate (Yangon) hosted New Year’s dinner at the Traders Hotel here at 7 pm yesterday. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Bishop (Youth) Edwin David, the chairperson of the Christian Youth Apostolate (Yangon) and youth members, and guests.
First, master of ceremonies Ma Judith Zelasnkyin extended greetings. Then, Chairperson of Christian Youth Apostolate (Yangon) Ms Geraldine Walliams explained the purpose of the dinner. Youth member May Me Kyaw delivered the new year’s good news. Brig-Gen Aung Ko extended the new year’s greetings. Then, the dinner ended with words of thanks and blessings of Bishop (Youth) Edwin David.
International Relations
Foreign Heads of State send felicitations to Senior General Than Shwe
Yangon, 22 Jan - The following are the messages of felicitations from foreign Heads of State sent to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, on the occasion of the 55th Anniversary Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.
From Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines:
On the auspicious occasion of the 55th Anniversary of the Independence of the Union of Myanmar, I wish to extend to Your Excellency and to the Myanmar nation my deep and most sincere felicitations.
“I wish to take this opportunity to re-affirm to Your Excellency the commitment of the Philippine Government to further strengthen the close ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries and peoples towards the enhancement of peace, stability and prosperity in our region and in the world.”
Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
From Dr Thomas Klestil, President of the Republic of Austria:
On the occasion of the National Day of the Union of Myanmar, I convey to Your Excellency my congratulations. I seize this opportunity to extend to Your Excellency my best wishes for personal wellbeing as well as for a happy future of the people of the Union of Myanmar.
Region
Government striving to promote and propagate Myanmar arts till their fame reaches international level
Secretary-1 attends concluding of course on Myanmar and int'l musical notes
Yangon, 22 Jan - The concluding ceremony of Myanmar and international musical notes course Nos 4-5/2002 and opening ceremony of course No 6/2003 of Myanmar Music Asiayon was held at the building of the Asiayon on Myananda Road in Dagon Myothit, Seikkan Township at 9.30 am today. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended and awarded prizes to the outstanding trainees.
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the mayor and deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, chairmen and executives of Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon, Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon and Myanmar Music Asiayon, course instructors and trainees.
First, new generation musicians opened the ceremony by singing Nagani song composed by Shwedaing Nyunt.
Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt made an address. He said the government has never ignored the task to preserve and promote Myanmar culture and arts. The government is also striving with the conviction that it has the duty to promote and propagate the Myanmar arts till their fame reaches the international level.
The high level culture, arts, literature, costumes, civilization and customs of Myanmar flourished throughout her history countable by years in the thousand. Myanmar can stand in dignity as it has preserved the national character and identity throughout successive eras of history.
The State has been making arrangements to continue to preserve and promote traditions and culture, arts, literature, the costumes, and customs.
In doing so, the Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions are a significant accomplishment.
Annually, sponsored by the State, the competitions are gaining success, and producing new generation artistes year after year to inherit the cultural heritage. The medalists of the competitions can be seen proudly wearing the medals and performing their artistic skills on all occasions including today’s ceremony.
Nowadays, artists and artistes including those of the new generation and the entire people are energetically protecting, preserving and promoting the traditions and culture, arts, literature, traditional mode of dress, and customs with patriotism under the leadership of the State.
The conducting of the courses like these serves as a bridge between the Myanmar music and international music. This can be regardedas a good precedence. Thus, the Myanmar Music Asiayon should continue to conduct the courses. Based on patriotism, the new generation is required to preserve and promote the traditions and culture, arts, literature, Myanma mode of dress and customs. The new generation and the doyen artists and artistes will have to harmoniously relay and promote the cultural heritage. The Myanmar Music Asiayon is required to preserve the cultural heritage and promote it till reaching the international level.
Then, Myanmar Music Asiayon Chairman Accordion U Ohn Kyaw explained the purpose of the course and spoke words of thanks.
Then, the Secretary-1 presented prizes to outstanding trainees Ma Hnin Aye Wai, Maung Sithu Htet Aung, Maung Myo Tun Kyaw and Maung Hein Htoo Zaw who won gold medals at the 10th Myanmar Traditional Performing Arts Competition. Next, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Yangon City Development Committee Chairman Mayor U Ko Lay, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung also presented honorary prizes to gold, silver and bronze medalists who took part in the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions and outstanding trainees who attended the course on Myanmar and International Musical Notes. Then, cash donation was made for Myanmar Music Asiayon. Donations included K 200,000 each by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein and Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung; K 300,000 by Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay; K 300,000 by Diamond Dragon Co; K 100,000 by Kyaw Business Group; K 50,000 each by Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon Chairman U Sein Tin and owner of Yadana Myaing Studio U Chan Hein; K 40,000 by Vocalist Daw Htar and son Zaw Win Htut; 20,000 by trainee of the course Maung Khin Hlaing; K 10,000 by trainee Daw Tin Tin Mar; and K 20,000 by Writer Yuwady Khin Sein Hlaing and daughter Ma Su Mon Kyaw.
MMA Chairman Accordion U Ohn Kyaw, Vice-Chairman Hinthada Myint Ngwe and Secretary Gankawtaw Myo Aung accepted the donations. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 presented gifts to the chairman, vice-chairman and secretary of MMA and the ceremony came to an end.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party went to the workshop on U Ba Lon Gyi Street in Ward-58, Dagon Myothit Seikkan township, where they inspected casting of Maha Bandoola Statute which will be positioned in the park near Myathabeik Pagoda in Malun Village, Upper Minhla Township, Magway Division. Prof U Myint San of the Department of Sculpture, University of Culture (Yangon), reported to the Secretary-1 on casting work. The Secretary-1 then gave necessary instructions.
Later, the Secretary-1 saw over extension of Thaketa Ayeyawon roundabout, earth work and growing of flowering plants. YCDC officials conducted the Secretary-1 round there.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt then gave necessary instructions and left there.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than attends work coord meeting on extensive breeding of broilers
Yangon, 22 Jan - A work coordination meeting on extensive breeding of broilers in Yangon Division took place at the meeting hall of the Livestock, Feedstuff and Dairy Products Enterprise (Head Office) of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Insein Township at 10.30 am yesterday. Chairman of the subcommittee for increased production of meat, fish and prawn Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than addressed the meeting.
In his speech, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said matters related to the consumption of meat at reasonable prices in Yangon Division will be discussed at the meeting; and the daily consumption of broilers in Yangon Division is about 50,000 viss. However, departments and private livestock breeding farms including Yangon Command can produce 35,000 viss per day and the rest 15,000 viss are being bought from other States and Divisions. It is therefore necessary for the departments and private livestock breeding farms including Yangon Command and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to make efforts to produce more broilers to meet the demand in Yangon Division.
Yangon Command should cooperate with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in breeding the broilers; the chicks are to be distributed to private farms at reasonable prices; similarly, the Ministry of Commerce should sell the feedstuff for broilers at fair prices; and through harmonious cooperation of respective departments, the daily broiler demand of 50,000 viss will be satisfied in a short time, he said. Then, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein reported on arrangements for the assistance to be provided by the ministry for the extensive breeding of broilers in Yan-gon Division. Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe also reported on arrangements being made for extensive breeding of broilers at battalions and units under the Yangon Command.
Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and Lt-Gen Maung Bo discussed matters related to the increased production of meat, fish and prawn and the adequate distribution of broilers in Yangon Division.
Then, Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein also reported on arrangements for chicks, eggs and incubators to be provided by the ministry; and Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, on arrangements for supply of feedstuff. Those present at the meeting took part in the discussions.
Afterwards, the meeting came to a close with closing remarks by Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than.
58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literature and Arts Committee meets
Yangon, 22 Jan - The 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literature and Arts Committee held its second coordination meeting at Defence Services Museum this afternoon.
Vice-Chairman of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literature and Arts Committee Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein delivered a speech.
Secretary of the committee General Staff Officer (Grade-I) (Research) Commander Myo Myint Than of the office of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) reported on work undertaken on the resolutions of the previous meeting by work committees.
Next, Chairman of the work committee for holding the literature and photo competition Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein, Chairman of poem and art competition Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Chairman of university, college, institute and basic education schools literature and arts competition Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Chairman of literary, art exhibition, accommodation and reception work committee Vice Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Chairman of work Committee for soldiers code of conduct, extempore talks, prize presentation and finance Vice Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Maung Nyo, Chairman of TV Quiz Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein and Secretary of work committee for computer quiz on Twelve objectives Lt-Col Aung Gyi of the Ministry of Defence reported on work to be undertaken.
Those present took part in the discussions. The meeting came to a close after concluding remarks by Rear-Admiral Soe Thein.
56th Anniversary Union Day Exhibition Sub-committee meets
Yangon, 22 Jan - The work coordination meeting 2/2003 of the 56th Anniversary Union Day Exhibition Sub-committee was held at the head office of the Information and Public Relations Department here this morning. It was attended by Chairman Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein and members of the sub-committee.
First, Brig-Gen Aung Thein made a speech. Then, Secretary of the sub-committee Director U Tun Min of IPRD, and Director-General U Myint Thein Swe and Director Daw Nu Mra Zan of the Department of Cultural Institute explained arrangements for exhibitions on respective states and divisions.
Those present also took part in the discussions, and the meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Chairman.
Pakokku U Ohn Pe Award Fund-raising Supervisory Committee meets
Yangon, 22 Jan - The Fund-raising Supervisory Committee for Pakokku U Ohn Pe Award held a meeting at the Ministry of Information on Bo Aung Kyaw Street this morning.
Present were Chairman of the committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein and members, members of the Outstanding Award Scrutinizing Committee, Pakokku U Ohn Pe and guests.
The deputy minister first made an opening speech. Next, Committee Secretary Director (News) U Hla Tun of News and Periodicals Enterprise explained matters related to holding of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Award presenting ceremony in Yangon.
Then, Chairman of Manuscript Award Scrutinizing Committee U Myo Thant (Maung Su Shin), Treasurer U Mya Maung, Secretary of OASC Director-General of Education Planning and Training Department U Bo Win also took part in the discussions and the meeting came to a close.
Teaching aids presented
At the opening of multimedia classrooms held at the Basic Education High School, Myaing Township in Magaway Division, on 6 January, Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Zaw Min presented K 300,000 for the multimedia classrooms to the school head. Col Zaw Min also presented a computer set, two 25 inch TVs, a video recorder and other teaching aids including CD-ROMs to Letyetma Village BEHS in the township.
Stake-driving of Shwepyiwun Pagoda held in Phyu
The stake-driving ceremony of the Shwepyiwun Datpaungsu Pagoda was held at the pagoda in Mandat on 12 January morning. The pagoda will be built on Aungtheikdhi Hill-lock of Bago Yoma mountain ranges. Htangon Kyaungmagyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Uttara, Phyu Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pañnavamsa and members of the Sangha, wellwishers U Hla Myint-Daw Pyone Yee family and other wellwishers attended the ceremony. The pagoda will be built at a cost of K 20 million at the end of Tabaung month. Wellwishers are invited to make donations through U Hla Myint of Htantabin lane-2, Phyu Township.
Lawkapala Library opened in Taungdwingyi
The opening of Lawkapala Library was held at the prayer hall of PhaungdawU Pagoda in Taungdwingyi, Magway Division, on 13 January afternoon. Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Hla Kyaing made a speech and Chairman of the Library Committee U Aung Zaw Moe explained the purposes of opening the library. Township Peace and Development Council Secretary U Myo Thant, Information and Public Relations Department Deputy Staff Officer U Aye Pe and Author Pe Myint formally opened the library. Wellwishers then donated books and cash to the library through Local Battalion Commander Lt-Col Soe Win and officials.
Hmawby BEHS-1 to pay respects to teachers
The respect-paying ceremony of the Basic Education High School No 1 in Hmawby Township will be held on 30 March (Sunday). Contacts may be made to Ko Kyi Myint (Ph- 620350), Ko Soe Win (Ph-723546), Ko Mya Khaing (Ph- 620215), Ko Kyi Nyunt (Ph- 620415) and Ma Cherry Myint (Ph- 534708).
Tube-well inaugurated in Okpo
Hailing the 55th Anniversary Independence Day, the tube-well, sunk by Okpo Township Development Affairs Department, was opened at Kawaysu Village in the township on 27 December morning. Bago Division (West) Development Affairs Department Director U Kyaw San made a speech and wellwisher U Thein Han and Engineer In-Charge U Aye Min formally opened the tube-well.
Yangon, 22 Jan - With the aim of enabling the public to gain access to advanced technology by means of information technology exchange with companies and organizations in ASEAN countries, the Myanmar Electronic National Level Work Committee and the Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Corporation jointly organized the second Myanmar ICT Week, which went on for the second day today at MICT Park on Hline University Campus in Hline Township. The exhibition was crowded with businessmen who are interested in IT, teachers, employees, students and the public.
The demonstration of the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education on works being carried out with the use of Internet drew the attention of the visitors. The e-Banking booth of Asia Wealth Bank was also packed with the enthusiasts. For the development of IT companies, the AWB is carrying out the ICT Software & Hardware Development Financing. Thanks to its e-banking service, the clients of AWB can check his own accounts balance through his personal computer.
At the annexes 5, 6 and 7 of MICT Park, altogether 198 booths of 64 local companies and 12 foreign companies are displaying services with the use of Internet website of Bagan Cybertech. For the convenience of visitors to MICT Park, buses are plying free of charge from the junction of Insein and Parami Roads as well as from the junction of Pyay and Parami Roads to MICT Park.
Myanmar ICT Week 2003 will be kept open daily free of charge from 9 am to 5 pm till 27 January 2003.
Seminars and workshops held in Myanmar ICT Week
Yangon, 22 Jan - With the aims of exchanging knowledge on information and communication technology among the companies and organizations of ASEAN countries and dissemination of ICT among the people, the second day session of the Second Annual Myanmar ICT Week jointly organized by the Union of Myanmar e-National Task Force and Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Development Corporation continued at the MICT Park on Hline University Campus here today.
Seminar on ICT for Industrial Development was held at the conference hall. Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Thein Tun made a speech. Also present at the seminar were Vice-Chairmen of the e-National Task Force Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win and member of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Aung Myint, Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein, Deputy Minister for Science & Technology Dr Chan Nyein, Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Swe of MICTDC, chairmen and officials of Myanmar Computer Federation and Myanmar Computer Industry Association, officials and others. Chairman of MCF U Thein Oo, Maj Htein Win of Bagan Cybertech and Chairman of Myanmar Computer Scientists' Association U Thaung Tin discussed 'the role of ICT for industrial development', 'ICT infrastructure for industrial development', and ‘e-Market Place for industrial development’ respectively.
In the afternoon session, ICT technicians of Computer University (Yangon) and IT companies discussed matters concerning computer control system, Auto CAD, ICT for textile industries and engineering. Then, ICT technicians of MCC, MIT, ACE, Suntac companies explained the tasks to be carried out with ICT for the industrial development.
Similarly, workshop on e-Procurement was held at 10 am at Room No 205 of the MICT Park. It was attended by Vice-Chairmen of the e-National Task Force U Hlaing Win and U Aung Myint, Chief Executive of Commerce Dot Com Sdn Bhd Dato Mohd Salleh Hj Masdu Ki and party and others. First, Vice-Chariman of e-National Task Force U Aung Myint made a speech. Then, the workshop continued at Room No 102 of the park. Chairman U Tin Win Aung of MCIA spoke on the occasion. Then, Chief Executive of Commerce Dot Com Sdn Bhd Dato Mohd Salleh Hj Masduki discussed matters on e-Procurement with the use of video and Over View. Those present from Malaysia discussed matters on Over View of Malaysia's Electronic Procurement System, Trender, Direct Purchase of Quotation, Project Development and Implementation, and the e-Peroleham Experience and the first day session of the workshop ended.
A business meeting between ICT companies in Yangon and Mandalay and IT entrepreneurs of the companies of the Software Park Thailand was held at 2 pm at Room No 205 of the MICT Park. MICTDC Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Swe and Deputy Director Suwipa Wanasathop of SOT spoke on the occasion. Then, the ICT entrepreneurs and technicians from both sides discussed matters related to ICT and economic cooperation.
Drug
SURA insurgents brutally kill innocent timber workers in Kengtaung-Kenghkam region, Mongnai Township
Yangon, 22 Jan - SURA insurgents with assorted arms came to a timber extraction site of Tun Myat Aung Co Ltd in Kengtaung-Kenghkam region, Mongnai Township, Shan State (South) and fired at the innocent workers of the company, killing twelve and wounding one.
Eight Kayin national mahouts and five workers were employed by the company which extracted timber in the forest in Kengtaung-Kenghkam region in Mongnai Township under the official timber extraction permit. About ten SURA insurgents entered the timber extraction site and fired at the workers at 8.30 am on 18 January 2003. Nine were killed and four others wounded.
Of the wounded, mahout U Saw El Ka Htoo, fled to Konpun Village in Mone Township and got there at noon on 20 January. He informed the company of the incident with the help of people of Konpun and Tong Hong Villages. The Tatmadaw columns helped the remaining wounded workers. According to them, the company was engaged in timber extraction without giving extortion money to the SURA terrorists. So they killed the workers. Three other wounded succumbed to death. U Saw El Ka Htoo is now undergoing treatment at Sao San Htun Hospital in Taunggyi.
Similarly, the SURA terrorists arrested seven innocent workers of a saw mill, seven miles south east of Tong Hong Village in Kengtaung Region and killed them brutally in July 2001.
The SURA terrorists are involving in opium trafficking in border areas, and often bully the national races of their own and commit terrorist acts. Although they committed such acts, they, assuming the name of Shan nationals, are disseminating propaganda in order to get support from foreign countries in collaboration with organizations in the other country. This incident shows that SURA is a terrorist insurgent group.
