Headlines
Senior General Than Shwe inspects Nanmyint Tower construction and upgrading of National Kandawgyi Gardens
Yangon, 23 Jan — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, arrived at PyinOoLwin on 19 January afternoon after inspecting Yeywa Hydel Power Project.
Senior General Than Shwe and party were welcomed at PyinOoLwin by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and the Commandant of PyinOoLwin Station and Commandant Defence Services Academy.
The next morning, the Senior General and party inspected Nanmyint Tower Project in National Kandawgyi Gardens. First of all, minister U Aung Phone briefed the Senior General on the progress of work in building the tower.
Then, at the hall of the project, Minister U Aung Phone explained in detail the measures taken for enabling people to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Gardens and the environs of PyinOoLwin and to hold wedding receptions.
After hearing the reports, the Senior General gave necessary instructions and inspected the scale model of the tower. The Nanmyint Tower is 56 feet in diameter and 215 feet high including the roof. The viewpoint is at the height of 120 feet. The pile-driving ceremony for construction of the Nanmyint Tower was held on 11-6-2002. At present, 80 per cent of the construction works have been completed. Senior General Than Shwe and entourage inspected the construction of Nanmyint Tower. Next, they inspected round the upgrading tasks of National Kandawgyi Gardens by car. Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected the construction of the swimming pool and the club house at the Gardens.
At 10.45 am, the Senior General and party met with local authorities and district and township level departmental personnel at the meeting hall of the Myanmar Survey Training Centre in PyinOoLwin. At the meeting, PyinOoLwin District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Kyaw Kyaw Oo reported matters on area, population, natural resources, cultivated crops, self-sufficiency in rice and edible oil, livestock breeding productions, and endeavours for betterment in economic, regional peace and tranquillity, health, education and transportation of PyinOoLwin. Then, Senior General Than Shwe gave necessary guidance.
The Head of State said that Myanmar is an agro-based country and endeavours for economic development must thus be focused on agriculture and livestock breeding. PyinOoLwin district includes plain and hilly areas endowed with favorable geographical and climatic conditions; efforts must be made for self-sufficiency in rice and edible oil. Moreover, coffee, tea, mulberry and thitseint (balladic myrobalan) can be grown on a commercial scale. It is also necessary to compile facts about untapped agricultural resources in order that they may be put to extensive use. Objective conditions existing in the region are to be exploited most beneficially and at the same time specific characteristics of the region are also to be taken into account and developed.
While agriculture and livestock breeding works in the region are to be further developed, cultivation of promising crops such as coffee, tea and thitseint are also to be expanded. Moreover, PyinOoLwin is located close to the major market of Mandalay, and this geographical advantage should be utilized most beneficially. Only when the region’s economy develops, can the per capita income be increased and the standard of living of the people be improved. As economic development is related with improvement in the education and health sectors, human resource development should be brought about. Hence, the forces of national construction and national defence are to be mobilized and strengthened through harmonious combination of economic and human resource development.
At present, the Government is paying serious attention to development of rural areas, border areas and 24 special development zones with a view to ensuring harmonious development of all the regions in the Union.
Responsible personnel of respective regions should see to it that all the children of school-age go to school and continue their studies till they are at high school and at university or college. Moreover, they should nurture the youth to become intellectuals and intelligentsias the country can rely on. Not only that, they should promote the health sector so that the youth can become healthy citizens.
The development of the entire State depends on that of rural areas, townships, and districts in each and every state and division. Therefore, it is necessary to effectively carry out the five rural developments tasks. Finally, the Senior General urged all those in charge of respective regions to do their duties with farsightedness and goodwill.
After the ceremony, Senior General Than Shwe and party viewed round PyinOoLwin in a motorcade. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, and Lt-Gen Kyaw Win met with military officers, cadets, and other ranks and families in PyinOoLwin Station at Defence Services Academy’s convocation hall on 20 January morning.
Similarly, Secretary of Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung on 20 January morning met with secretaries, executives and members of PyinOoLwin Township and District USDAs at District USDA office. Then, Member of the central organizing committee of the Myanmar War Veterans Organization U Aung Thaung met with members of township WVO. Chairman of township WVO Maj Min Aung (Rtd) reported on tasks being carried out for organizing and economic affairs.
Yangon, 23 Jan — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, left here on board a vessel of Inland Water Transport and arrived at the jetty in Dalla at 7.30 am today.
Then, the Secretary-1 proceeded to Basic Education Primary School in Peikswe Village, Twantay Township by car. They were welcomed there by Headmistress Daw Khin Saw, teachers and students.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected progress in construction of the new school building at the school. Next, they went to Shwehsandaw Pagoda in Twantay where they were welcomed by local authorities, departmental personnel, USDA and social organizations and members of the pagoda board of trustees.
First, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Buddha images at the pagoda. Then, they visited the pagoda and inspected all-round renovation of the pagoda. The cash donation ceremony for all-round renovation of Shwehsandaw Pagoda in Twantay was held at the Meruda Aungmyay Tazaung at the north-west corner of the pagoda at 9 am, attended by Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt.
At the ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein and Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko accepted K 35 million donated by U Htay Khaing of Aungthabye Khaing Co; K 10 million by U Thein Win Zaw-Daw Tin Lat Min and family of Manaw Thida Co Ltd and Shwe Byaing Phyu Co Ltd; K 3 million by U Thein Han of Tokyo Pipe Co Ltd; K 3 million by U Win Kyaw-Daw Khin Mya and family of Kyundaw Ward in Twantay Township; K 2.5 million by the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries and families of Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Development Bank;K 100,000 by Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and family; K 2 million by U Ngwe Thaung and brothers and sisters of Minpaing Ward in Twantay Township; K 1 million by U Kyaw Aung of Benhur Co Ltd; K 1 million by U Ohn Hsaing of New Golden Gate 199 Co Ltd; K 1 million by U Lun-Daw Hsa and family of Bikho Village in Twantay Township; K 500,000 each by Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Ñeyadhamma of Kyongyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Twantay; Daw Tin Myaing of Yangon; U Myint Than of Jonney Brother Co Ltd; U Chan Tha-Dr Than Than Wai of Yangon; U Aung Thein-Daw Khin Lay Oo of Aung Thiha Co Ltd; and U Tin Tun-Daw Khin Pyone Lwin of Bikho Village in Twantay Township; one pair of earring and K 500,000 by U Maung Thein-Daw Khin Aye of North Okkalapa; K 300,000 by Twantay Township and Ward Peace and Development Councils; K 300,000 by family of Lawpan Vassal; K 300,000 by fish pond owner Daw Kyi and family of Shwehlaychaung Village in Twantay Township; K 200,000 by U Pe Hlaw-Daw San Yi of Konwetchaung Village; K 210,000 by member of Sule Pagoda Board of Trustees U Chit Aye-Daw Than Than Swe; K 200,000 each by Daw Hla Nu of Ohnbinsu Ward; and Twantay Township Association (Yangon); K 115,000 by Daw Aye Thin, Daw Hsan Myint, U Shwe Ohn and Daw San Myint of Shwe Ohn Compressor of Hline Township; K 110,000 by U Wayama and family of Minpaing Ward in Twantay Township; K 100,000 by Daw Khin Tint and family of Kungyan ward in Twantay Township; K 200,000 by U Aung Kyaw-Daw Phyu Phyu Win and family of Kyimyindine Township; K 100,000 each by U Kyaw Nyein-Daw Shwe Sein of Kyaikthale Village; U Zaw Win-Daw Kyi Kyi Ohn of Phayagyi Village in Twantay Township; Patron of Twantay Township Association U Khin Maung Gyi-Daw Khin Than Yin; K 200,000 by Patron of Twantay Township Association Daw Tin Tin Ohn (Mawgun Ward Winner-Grade-III) in memory of the late Maj Aungsan Thuriya Aye Cho; K 100,000 by Twantay Township Association executive Daw Le Le Win; K 50,000 by Vice-Chairman U Hla Thein-Daw Hla Tint; K 100,000 each by U Soe Hlaing-Daw Tin Saw of Kungyan Ward; U Myat Phone-Daw Khin Htoo of Aungdawmu Ward in Mandalay; U Nyunt Lwin of Thuwunna; and K 100,000 and one gold ring by Dalla BEHS No 2 Headmistress Daw Mya Mya; K 100,000 and one gold bracelet weighing four ticals by Daw Nyein and Daw Tin Shwe of Thingangyun; K 100,000 by Daw Kyin Aye and son of East Yankin; one gold plate weighing 1.5 ticals by Daw Thein Nyunt and family of Kyundaw Ward in Twantay; K 100,000 each by Daw Tin Kyi and family of Kungyan Ward in Twantay; U Aye One (Daw Tin Hmwe) of A-1 Brokerage of Minpaing Ward in Twantay; U San and family of East Ohbo Ward; U Tun Tun and family of Hsinmin Street in Ahlon Township; U Tin Oo-Daw Kyin and family of Ohbo East Ward; Daw Hnin Yi and family of Ohnbinsu Ward in Twantay; and Daw Tin Shwe (Cho Cafe) of Ohnbinsu Ward in Twantay, totalling K 66,390,000.
Then, the Secretary-1 delivered an address. He said that wellwishers donated cash towards the funds for all-round renovation of ancient and historic Shwehsandaw Pagoda for three times. It is a famous and ancient pagoda in Myanmar. The pagoda is the third highest one in Myanmar.
The technician team inspected it to renovate the body of the pagoda due to the bad weather in previous rainy season. According to the inspection, the pagoda board of trustees, receiving advice of Ovadaçariya Sayadaws of the pagoda made arrangements for renovation of the body of the pagoda, Htidaw, Seinbudaw and Hngetmyatnadaw under the leadership of the State. Sufficient cash donations from wellwishers in various regions were accepted for all-round renovation of the pagoda.
Then, the Secretary-1 spoke words of thanks.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the arrangements for all-round renovation of the Tazaung in which the Htidaw will be kept for public obeisance.
Next, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party went to BEHS in Kanbe Model Village of Twantay Township where they were welcomed by Headmistress Daw Yin Yin Sein, teachers and students.
Afterwards, the General and party inspected completion of the two-storey six-classroom new school building.
Then, they proceeded to Kungyangon BEHS No 2. They then inspected the computer application room, the study room, the computer aided instruction, the audio visual language lab and the electronic media (video) room and skill demonstration of the students.
Next, the ceremony to present exercise books, stationery and teaching aids was held at the hall of the school and then, the Secretary-1 met with departmental officials.
The commander reported on income target of Yangon Division and implementation of the tasks, cultivation and harvest of monsoon paddy, cultivation of summer paddy, pulses and beans and edible oil crops, education, health, roads and bridges and rural development tasks.
Chairman of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Sein Hlaing reported on cultivation of summer and monsoon paddy, pulses and beans and edible oil crops and livestock breeding of fish and sea and fresh water prawn in the district.
Chairman of Kungyangon Township Peace and Development Council U Myo Hset reported on the area and location of the township, population, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, winter crops and groundnut, education, health and upgrading of roads and rural development tasks.
Next, the Secretary-1 presented TV, VCR, a computer set, cassette, teaching aids, exercise books and stationery to Headmaster U San Win of Kungyangon BEHS No 1 and Headmaster of BEHS No 2 U Sein Win.
Then, the General accepted K 500,000 each for Kungyangon BEHS No 1 and No 2 donated by U Htay Khaing of Aungthabye Khaing Co Ltd; K 200,000 each for BEHS No 1 and No 2 by U Kyaw Aung of Benhur Co Ltd; K 100,000 each for BEHS No 1 and BEHS No 2 by U Thein Han of Tokyo Pipe; K 50,000 each for the two by schools U Myint Than of Jonney Brother Co Ltd.
The Secretary-1 said though they are located close to Yangon City, transport is still difficult in some townships in Yangon South District. The State is striving for development of the transport sector including roads and bridges in the whole nation. Thousands of miles long roads and 140 major bridges have been built in the nation. The State has spent large amounts of foreign exchange as well as local currency for the projects.
Dedaye Bridge linking Kungyangon Township in Yangon Division and Dedaye Township in Ayeyawady Division will be commissioned into service soon. Because of the bridge, Twantay, Kawhmu and Kungyangon, the main townships on the road connecting Yangon and Ayeyawady Division, will become developed.
The water transport from Yangon to Pathein take more than 18 hours, but now it takes only three hours to travel to Pathein by car from the city. Better transport will bring business progress to rural and urban areas along the road.
Panhlaing Bridge linking the city and the division is under construction, and plans are under way to build a bridge on Twantay canal. Pyapon Bridge is being built to reach other towns in the division via Pyapon. Over 800 large, medium and small bridges were built on Yangon-Sittway Highway. Now there are six bridges on Ayeyawady River, up from only one, Sagaing Bridge, built over 50 years ago. Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) is under construction at present. Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) will become the longest bridge in Myanmar when completed. Large-scale farms and recreation centres have emerged in the division.
Over 140 dams have been built in Myanmar, which is an agro-based country. The farmers can now grow two to three crops a year. In this regard, the departmental personnel will have to make correct management and efforts with zeal for regional development. Central, state/division, district and township administrative machinery have been set up in the nation. The township administrative bodies play a key role in striving to realize the State’s objectives. Township level officials should make field tours to know the real situation in their area. The State is striving for the development drive to cover the whole nation including the rural areas. Efforts are required to successfully implement the five rural development tasks.
The State has laid down and implemented plans to promote the national education and develop the human resources. The basic and higher education sectors are being extended and upgraded through the harmonious efforts of the State and the people. All should energetically strive for the realization of the State’s goals.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the preparations for construction of a reinforced concrete two-storey building.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to historic Kyeikmonhtaw Pagoda in Kawhmu and inspected the preparations for hoisting the Htidaw atop the pagoda. Then, the Secretary-1 and wellwishers presented cash donations to the funds of the pagoda.
Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party arrived at BEHS in Kawhmu, where they were welcomed by members of Township Peace and Development Council, service personnel and the township Education Officer, members of the School Board of Trustees, Headmaster U Han Thein and teachers and students. The Secretary-1 attended the ceremony to donate exercise books, stationery and teaching aids for the school and to meet with service personnel. Then, Secretary-1 presented TV, Video cassette and a set of computer, a cassette, teaching aid equipment, books and stationery to the headmaster.
Then, township Education Officer U Thet She spoke words of thanks. Secretary-1 accepted cash donation for the school including K 500,000 by U Htay Khaing of Aungthabye Khaing Co Ltd, K 100,000 by U Thein Han of Tokyo Pipe, K 200,000 by U Kyaw Aung of Benhur Co Ltd and K 50,000 by U Myint Than of Jonney Brother Co Ltd.
Then, The Secretary-1 explained the important role of the township administrative machinery, the task of the township bodies and plans to develop the national education and human resources.
The State and the people are making arrangements in harmony to provide furniture and teaching aids to schools. The teachers and the students will have to strive to raise the dignity of their school and to promote the education essence. Teachers will have to make systematic efforts for development of the intellectual level of the students. The students are also required to develop their intellectual skills.
Then, the secretary-1 and party arrived at Natsingon BEHS branch in Kawhmu, where they were welcomed by Headmistress Daw San Yi and teachers and students.
The Secretary-1 gave instructions on construction of the new four apartment two-storey building.
Secretary-1 accepted cash donation for the school including K 100,000 each by U Htay Khaing of Aungthabye Khaing Co Ltd, U Thein Han of Tokyo Pipe and U Kyaw Aung of Benhur Co Ltd. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the BEMS in Phayagyi village, where they were welcomed by Headmistress Daw Khin Ma Ma Aung, teachers and students welcomed them. The Secretary-1 presented medicines and medical equipment for the village. Wellwishers donated cash for the school.
The Secretary-1 and party went to the BEPS in Kyeikthale Village in Twantay Township and cordially greeted those present including Headmaster U Zaw Win, teachers, students and members of social organizations.
The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the afternoon.
International Relations
Commerce Minister receives Chinese guests
Yangon, 23 Jan — Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Vice Chairman Mr Hu Chusheng and party of Chinese Export Commodities Fair of the People’s Republic of China at 10 am today. H & T Minister leaves for Cambodia
Yangon, 23 Jan — Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw left here for Cambodia by air this morning to attend the 6th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, the 2nd ASEAN+ China, Japan and Korea ministers’ meeting and ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF-2003) to be held in Phnom Penh.
The minister was accompanied by Deputy Director of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Myo Lwin.
Kidney transplant to be performed on two patients at DSGH
Yangon, 23 Jan — A kidney surgery team of the Mt Elizabeth Hospital of Singapore and specialists of Medical Services of the Ministry of Defence will cooperate to perform kidney transplant on two patients with kidney complaints at Defence Services General Hospital (1000-bed) on 24 and 25 January.
The Medical Services of the Ministry of Defence in cooperation with kidney specialists of England successfully performed the kidney transplant on five patients for the first time in Myanmar in 1995. Then, the Medical Services together with surgeons of Singapore performed similar transplants on two patients in 1997 and three in 1999. Kidney transplant has been performed on 10 patients so far.
Yangon, 23 Jan — With the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and under the arrangements of Tour Mandalay Co Ltd, Cruiseliner Arion carrying 194 tourists yesterday evening arrived at Bo Aung Kyaw Jetty here and they were welcomed by Managing Director of Myanma Port Authority U Thein Htay, Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services U Htay Aung and departmental officials and responsible personnel of Tour Mandalay Co Ltd.
The tourists toured Yangon the same evening. The next day, dividing them selves into groups, they made a day trip to Bago, Mandalay, Bagan and Inlay.
Region
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe meets with members of WCWAs in Myeik
Yangon, 23 Jan — Leader of the Taninthayi Division Excursion Group member of the Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs and the Myanmar National Work Committee for Women’s Affairs Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and members of the MNWCWA, arrived at Myeik in Taninthayi Division on 21 January afternoon.
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye and the chairman of Taninthayi Division WCWA and members. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party then met with members of Taninthayi Division WCWA at the hall of the guest house of the Command. On the occasion, Group Leader Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe explained the purpose of their visit to the coastal region and then introduced members of the MNWCWA to members of Taninthayi Division WCWA. Next, Chairman of Taninthayi Division WCWA U Maung Maung Win reported on activities being carried out by the committee, followed by a general round of discussions. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe gave instructions, and member of MNCWA Vice-Chairperson of MNWCWA Prof Dr Daw May May Yee reviewed the reports.
Group Leader Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party attended the meeting between MNWCWA and district/township WCWAs in Taninthayi Division at Pale Yadana Hall in Myeik in the afternoon. It was also attended by the commander and his wife, the chairman of Taninthayi Division WCWA and members, members of Myeik/Dawei District and Township WCWAs, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, national races, Dawei traditional cultural troupes, Red Cross and Fire Brigade, War Veterans Organization, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, and teachers and students of Myeik College totalling nearly 600.
Speaking on the occasion, the commander said the Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs was established in 1996 to be of help for development tasks for Myanmar women as well as for nation-building tasks. It can be witnessed that the MNCWA is cooperating with respective departments and social organizations in such sectors as education, economy, culture, prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation young women, environmental protection, and information and communication.
For educational development activities, Taninthayi Division WCWAs at different levels are taking part in the Government’s efforts to implement the national education promotion programme as a constant learning education system. As part of the campaign for the school enrolment day, the WCWA, in cooperation with the MCWA, are also conducting literacy courses for the literacy of women and providing cash assistance, stationery and school uniforms to needy children.
The WCWA also carry out the tasks in health sector for breast feeding, giving nourishment to malnourished children, holding talks on prevention of HIV & AIDS, construction of fly-proof latrines and giving vaccines with the cooperation of the MCWA. The WCWA also cooperates with the organizations concerned in the tasks for prevention of women trafficking and rehabilitation and for that of trafficking in women and children, taking action against human traffickers, and giving talks on difficulties encountered in working in other countries.
As a result, national unity and national forces have been restored and that has become the support for building peaceful, modern and developed nation. The development in every region is unprecedented. The whole mass of women are to be aware of destructive elements within and without the country who are inventing fabrications to cripple the national consolidation.
Under the leadership of the MNWCWA, Taninthayi Division WCWAs at different levels are to strive for the development of the women sector. The commander also expressed his thanks to the visit of the members of the MNWCWA and called for cooperation of local authorities, government organizations and NGOs in the implementation of the directives of MNWCWA.
Later, Group Leader Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, in her speech, said that the State Peace and Development Council is making efforts with added momentum to ensure all-round development of the State. Emphasis is placed on the development of the living standard of national races and border areas by forming a separate ministry. The dreams of those who left the country to work abroad at the thought of seeking fortune turn sour. Officials of WCWAs at different levels are to see that such unnecessary incidents do not occur.
Then, Vice-Chairperson Prof Dr Daw May May Yee explained matters related to the directives given by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and the extended formation of the work committees. Leader of the Health Group Dr Moe Moe Khaing also explained matters relating to development of health and education of the women.
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe gave in detail an account of the trafficking in women and children.
Leader of the Information Subcommittee Daw Mya Mya then reported on the economic and information sector; Leader of the Young Women Subcommittee Daw Khin Myo Myint on the culture and the young women’s sector; and Leader of the Environmental Protection Subcommittee Daw Yin Yin Lay on the women and environmental protection sector.
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe then handed over the medicines and stationery donated by the MNWCWA to Taninthayi Division WCWA to Daw Wei Wei Khaing. After the ceremony, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe cordially greeted the local people who attended the meeting and viewed round the photos of activities on women’s affairs.
Afterwards, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party visited Theindawgyi Hsutaungpyi Pagoda, where she presented cash donation to the fund of the pagoda and left in the evening. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe spent the night at the hall of the guest house of the Command.
Opening of Sub-printing press in Sittway discussed
Yangon, 23 Jan — Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, arrived at Sittway in Rakhine State yesterday.
In meeting with the Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Secretary and officials, the minister said he was there to make arrangements for opening a sub-printing press for the Myanma Alin and the Kyemon dailies, in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State. By opening a sub-printing press in Sittway, people in Rakhine State will have a chance to read the dailies which can be distributed to the villages. So departmental officials are to provide assistance to opening of a sub-printing press as soon as possible.
Then, the PPE Managing Director explained arrangements being made for opening of the press and requirements. Those present also took part in the discussions and the minister attended to the needs.
Then, the minister together with officials inspected the site chosen for construction of the press. He gave instructions and attended to the needs. Then, the minister and party visited the Motion Picture Office there. He gave instruction on presenting the documentary films, that recorded the endeavours for development of rural areas, region and the State, and entertaining films at the various parts of the rural areas. He also spoke of the need for the departmental personnel to offer assistance in doing so.
The minister then inspected the re-transmission station at the Information and Public Relations Office in Sittway and gave instructions. At the hall of IPRD, the minister met staff members of the ministry from Sittway District, Maungtaw District, Thandwe District, Kyauktaw Township, MraukU Township, Minbya Township and Pauktaw Township. He said efforts are to be made for the media to be an active and efficient one. Providing the public with knowledge on health, education, economic and social sectors is the main duty of the ministry and the tasks are to be carried out with goodwill.
Information Technology
Myanmar ICT Week, 2003 continues
Yangon, 23 Jan — The Second Annual Myanmar ICT Week, 2003 continued for the third day at MICT Park on Hline University Campus here today. The exhibition was crowded with entrepreneurs, service personnel, teachers, students and the public who take serious interest in IT.
The Ministry of Information demonstrated the launching of MRTV-3 programmes into Internet, and transmission of newspaper pages to the newspaper sub-printing houses in states and divisions through data broadcasting system at the booth of the ministry. At the booth of the Ministry of Education, the demonstration of transmitting education lessons from the booth to a laboratory of the University of Distance Education using Globe Caster All in One Broadcast Production system attracted the attention of teacher and students.
Asia Wealth Bank, which is also taking part in the exhibition, has made an arrangement for selling computers by installments, and education loans at the least interest rate for needy students at the e-banking booth of the bank. Yoma Bank has also arranged a programme for Yoma Credit Card holders to buy computers on hire purchase system.
Video conferencing with the people around the world was on display at the booth of Bagan Cybertech, and modern communication equipment, and books and discs on information technology of foreign companies including Shin Satellite Public Company, ZTE, and MASTECH and British Council were shown in the respective exhibition booths.
GIS system, remote sensing system and manufacturing automation were shown at the exhibition booth of Suntac Technologies. Visitors purchased the computers and accessories of Queen Star, Modin Web Solutions Co and CE Technology Co Ltd. Students also visited the first Myanmar Cyber Cafe at the exhibition with admission fee. For the convenience of the visitors, buses are plying free of charge from the junctions of Parami Road and Insein Road, and Pyay Road and Parami Road to the park. The Myanmar ICT Week 2003 will be kept open daily free of charge from 9 am to 5 pm till 31 January 2003.
MoU on use of Video Conferencing Product & Soft wares signed
Yangon, 23 Jan — Myanmar Data Com Co Ltd of Myanmar and MSC-Status Company-Multimedia Research Lab Sdn Bhd of Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on use of Video Conferencing Product and Softwares of Mlabs at Government and private organizations in Myanmar at the Room-205 at MICT Park this morning.
U Tin Win Aung gave a speech.
Director U Aung Naing Tun of Data Com Co Ltd and Director Mr Nandanan Unni of MLabs exchanged documents related to the MoU.
Then, Mr Nandanan Unni and officials explained products and softwares of their company.
Yangon, 23 Jan — Marking the first founding anniversary of Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park (MICT Park), the Second Annual Myanmar ICT Week continued in Hline University Campus in Hline Township today and it will be extended till 31 January.
