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ARCHIVES	Saturday, 1 July 2006	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Men of letters to keep Myanmar social norms flourishing by means of literature Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association commences its fourth conference

YANGON, 1 July—The Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association launched its fourth conference at Kyaikkasan Ground here this mor-ning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Also present were Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, the ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the deputy auditor-general, heads of department, officials of social organizations, guests, the chairman of the MWJA and executives, literati, representatives from states and divisions and observers.

The Secretary-1 in his speech said that the literature world is an important sphere for each nation and people as well as a source from which various cultural branches of arts spread out. So, it is fair to say that the literature world is like a mirror that reflects the national culture of a country.

Men of letters are to maintain with pride the images of Myanmar way of thinking, attitude and tenacity that are embodied in the mirror of the Myanmar literature. And they should not let themselves keep out of the historic evidence that in the images are

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way of life, patriotic fervour, nationalistic spirit, cherishing independence, and flourishing Union Spirit. In addition, they are to take necessary steps to keep Myanmar social norms flourishing by means of literature.

Amateur writers, poets, lexicographers, translators and journalists are entering the profession. The important essence of the literary world remained unchanged in successive periods. However, ways of writing are changing, and making progress and now it has reached computer era, after the era of palm-leaf manuscripts and the era of types. So, created works can be stored, copied and published repeatedly most comfortably.

In other words, there have emerged a variety of methods which make it convenient for writing, duplicating and distributing the works. Thanks to the improvement, now is the media era in which literature can be converted into mass media such as moving pictures, music, dramas, photos, and television. With the emergence of branches of media, publishing industry has been on a commercial purpose.

Publication and distribution of books call for investment and technologies. However, there should not be any change in the essence that can be gained through literature. Among the essences that are to be under preservation, traditional culture occupies the first priority. Therefore, literature that achieves a dominant position still stands as a national cultural heritage.

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literature is endowed with fine traditions such as composing, organizing the people through educative position, and contributing towards national interests. Literati and writers are duty-bound to preserve such fine traditions by shouldering the literary duties in harmony in the drive for national development.

Nowadays one country has to deal with other nations. Efforts are to be made for competitions in works of art and thoughts. Writers are to possess the abilities to present Myanmar image among international communities.

Ignoring the path laid down by

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and achievements in nation-building tasks, some big nations with economic, military and technological superiority are undermining them through the media and literature. They are also trying to influence the nation under the pretext of democracy and human rights. The literati need to understand that the unfair acts of the big nations are dangerous to the Union Spirit and independence and sovereignty which all national races had regained sacrificing many lives. They are responsible for creating the works of art objectively, he said.

He said it is clearly seen that the Tatmadaw government is striving not only for the development of physical infrastructures but also for mental development of the people such as the improvement of literature and culture.

The government annually presents manuscript and 14 literary awards to literati. Moreover life-long literary awards are presented to veteran and well-experienced literati. With the advancing mass media, workshops and seminars are held occasionally in the country in cooperation with UN agencies for development of literature and knowledge about intellectual property rights. Preparations are under way for exercising modern laws regarding the development of art in the respective fields.

He pointed out that it is important for literati to create fine works of art for the people. The press scrutiny and registration division under the Ministry of Information is carrying out the functions on publishing.

He said there are now 55,147 rural libraries nationwide. Development of human resources through libraries depends on efforts and goodwill of the writers, he added.

Establishment of libraries and Education for All plan launched by organizations like UN are interrelated. Writers, publishers and readers are to be harmonious in the development of literature that benefits all the people, he said.

He urged the MWJA to strive for the welfare of those of literary world while implementing the tasks on its original functions, dissemination of art of writing, emergence of new generation writers and unity among those of literary world.

With the united strength of those from literary world who are capable of improving Myanmar literature, there will be developed media that can react to any destructive act through constructive act. In addition, through the might of Myanmar literary world, Our Three Main National Causes — non-disintegration of the Union , non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty — can be maintained. And as a result, flourishing and prosperous Myanmar society will emerge.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said MWJA as well as those from literary world are urged to actively participate in the task for building a modern developed democratic nation with discipline flourishing. Later, he wished the success of the conference.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the literati and delegates of states and divisions. The Secretary-1 next viewed the portraits of successive chairmen of MWJA and documentary photos on activities of the association.

MWJA urged to preserve and promote adorable tradition of Myanmar literature Fourth Conference of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association commences

YANGON , 1 July — The first-day session of the Fourth Conference of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association was held at Pyidaungsu Hall of Kyaikkasan Grounds, here, this morning, with an address by Patron of Central Committee for Organizing the Conference Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

It was attended by the chairman of MWJA and CEC members, literati, guests and delegates of States and Divisions and observers.

Vice-Chairman of MWJA U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha) presided over the conference together with members of the panel of chairmen U Nyunt Aung (Maung Thiha-Law), U Tin Tun (Shweli Maung Maung), U Ba Htein (Htila Pho Ba Htein), U Tin Myint (Nay Myo Thant), U Hla Maung Latt (Hsipaw Ko Latt) and U Maung Kyaw Oo (Kyaw Oo-IPRD). Joint-Secretary Dr Tin Tun Oo (Dr Tin Tun Oo) acted as MC.

The MC read out messages of Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, Myan-mar Thabin Asiayon, Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon, Myanmar Sports Writers Federation and Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs’ Association.

Next, Patron of the Central Committee Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan delivered an address. He said that delegates to the 4th Conference of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association are to objectively review the undertakings of the association during the past four years and to adopt future tasks for development of the literary world. He stressed the need for MWJA to serve the national interest, to carry out development of the literary world and to ensure uplift of the living standard of those who are engaged in the literary activities.

As part of the first task, it is necessary to organize the people in undertaking the political, economic and education matters for upholding Our Three Main National Causes based on the Union Spirit. In carrying out the second task, he stressed the need to preserve and develop the adorable tradition of Myanmar literature. In this regard, publishers and printing entrepreneurs are also to produce quality books and periodicals to attract the readers. To enable Myanmar literature to penetrate the world, all are to strive for turning out scholars to smoothly translate works of Myanmar literature into English as well as foreign language fine works into Myanmar . As such, progress can be made in the Myanmar literary world.

With regard to the third task, he said, only when the literary world develops, will living standard of those who are engaged in it improve. WJAs are to assist its members. The tasks of MWJA are wide ranging and subtle. Therefore, the association should have qualified members for performing its tasks successfully. To become the strong and efficient association, executive committees of the association is to be constituted with members of different ages.

He added that it is necessary to organize more WJA members and set up associations in all townships. In raising the funds, MWJA should accept cash donations from wellwishers for undertaking its tasks. In conclusion, the minister urged those present to strive for development of those in the literary world; to forge unity of the association members; to serve the national interest through the literary strength; to enhance the living standard of the members; and to join hands with the Government in uplift of knowledge of the people.

In the afternoon session, Vice-Chairman of MWJA U Than Maung (Than Maung) presided over the meeting together with five members of panel of chairmen, and Daw Khin Than Win, CEC member of MWJA, acted as MC.

Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) read out the brief CEC report, U Khin Maung Tun (Khin Maung Tun-Lanmadaw) the financial report, U Tin Hlaing (Ledwintha Saw Chit) the audit report, and Daw Cho Cho Tin (Ma Sanda) the report on amendment of organizational set-up. The delegates took part in the discussions.

In the evening session, Vice-Chairman of MWJA U Myint Thein (Myint Thein Aung) presided over the meeting together with six members of panel of chairman, and U Myint Kywe, Joint-Secretary of MWJA, acted as MC. The delegates participated in the discussions.

Later, member U Soe Shein (Maung Soe Htaik-Thonze) read out a message of condolence for the late members of MWJA. The delegates to the conference took part in the discussions.

Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairmen U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha) and U Than Maung (Than Maung) presented prizes for performance of literature to respective townships. Later, the wellwishers donated cash to MWJA. And the first day session of the conference was adjourned at 4.30 pm. The wellwishers made cash donation to rural self-reliant libraries and today’s donation amounted to K 4,747,000.

Teachers urged to make efforts for constant emergence of human resources capable of serving interests of State and people Special Refresher Course No 6 for Faculty Members concludes at CICS ( Upper Myanmar )

NAY PYI TAW, 1 July— Special Refresher Course No 6 for Faculty Members concluded at the Yadana Hall of Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in PyinOoLwin Township , Mandalay Division, yesterday morning. On behalf of Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein made a speech on the occasion.

The course conclusion ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister for Hotel and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Kyaw Soe, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Aung Myo Min, Members of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Nyi Tun and U Kyaw Aung, senior military officers, departmental heads, the rector and heads of department of CICS (Upper Myanmar) and course instructors and trainee faculty members. peaking on the occasion, Minister Dr Chan Nyein, on behalf of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, said that in striving for transforming the motherland into a peaceful, modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation all the citizens need to take part in their respective roles with a sense of duty for equitable development of all sectors of the country. However, in an effort for the development of the country, weakness of a single sector may hinder the progress of other sectors, causing a great loss in the future.

That is why, he said, each and every faculty member is to work in view of State’s interest with duty-consciousness and goodwill as an education staff, an academic and a citizen.

If all the people work together for the development of the country based on nationalistic fervour, the bright future will surely await the country.

The government has laid down step-by-step programmes since 1998 so as to address the challenges of science and technology.

According to the national education promotion programmes, the State has created a constant learning society not only for the youth students but also for all the citizens. These programmes are aimed at helping the people have wisdom, correct view and innovate ways and means for the sake of the country. In addition, alongside normal education system, various subjects are being taught to students so as to develop an educational environment in which all branches of study can be learned.

Efforts have been made for the emergence of highly qualified human resources in all spheres and education infrastructures of international level and creating better learning opportunities.

Thanks to combined efforts of those from the education sector including faculty members and the people under the leadership of the government, unprecedented progress has been made in the Myanma education sector.

In the education sector, there were 32 universities and colleges in 1988 and the number of higher learning institutions has now increased to 156 including Myanmar Maritime University , Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University, University of Computer Science , University of Pharmacy and University of Medical Technology .

At present, there have been computer colleges in states and divisions including two universities of computer science for the students to study computer sciences of advanced level. Moreover, every university is facilitated with electronic learning centres, electronic information resource centres and networks that link with colleges while some basic education schools also enjoy the same opportunity.

The emergence of a wide array of subjects in the education sector has helped create a mammoth education infrastructure.

In the past, there were only MA and MSc courses conducted at the universities. There are now MA and MSc courses, M Research Course and Doctorate courses and a large number of students are attending them.

With the emergence of education infrastructures including modern laboratories, electronic information resource centres and e-Libraries coupled with increased number of qualified teachers in the respective fields, remarkable progress has been made in the higher education sector.

It is incumbent upon all the faculty members to create better education system, making better use of the already-achieved good foundations. And based on their qualifications and experiences, all the teachers are to make relentless efforts for development of the education sector.

In conclusion the minister urged teachers to make continued efforts for the constant emergence of human resources capable of serving the interest of the State and the people.

Afterwards, on behalf of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister Dr Chan Nyein presented prizes to outstanding trainees.

Next, the minister accepted K 50,000 donated by trainees for Lawka Chantha Abbhaya Laba Muni Buddha Image, Tooth Relic Pagoda ( Mandalay ), renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan, the Union Solidarity and Development Association and the National Convention and presented certificate of honour.

YANGON, 1 July — Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi inspected the construction of new CNG filling station under the Myanma Petroleum Products Enterprise in Insein Township .

General Manager (CNG) U Thein Htay submitted reports on completion of task and installation of machine parts. The minister urged the officials to complete the construction task ahead of schedule. The minister also looked into installing of CNG cylinders and compressor.

Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi and party proceeded to Filling Station No 0206 in Insein Township and inspected the filling of CNG for the vehicles and cordially conversed with vehicles owners and drivers. The minister also inspected the sale of LNG, its storage and fire prevention measures at LNG Filling Station (Insein).

NAY PYI TAW, 1 July—Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung met with industrialists at home and abroad, who are working in partnership in the Wood Based Industries of Myanma Timber Enterprise at his office here on 30 June.

Also present on the occasion were directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Forestry, industrialists of 14 companies, officials and others.

At the meeting, the minister said that encouragement is being made for the improvement of private economic sector in line with market-oriented economic system; that in the process, the ministry is making all-out efforts for the development of wood based industries; and the industrialists are to try their utmost for national interest and for their own, and to produce value-added wood products that are in high demand.

Afterwards, the industrialists put forward their requirements which were fulfilled by Managing Director U Win Tun of MTE.

YANGON , 1 July — Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Maung Oo received Italian Ambassador Dr Raffaele Miniero and Singaporean Ambassador Mr Chua Hian Kong Robert at the ministry yesterday evening separately.

Present also were Director-General U Zaw Win of Prisons Department, Deputy Director-General U Ye Myint of Bureau of Special Investigation, Police Battalions Control Commander Police Brig-Gen Than Han and Head of Transitional Crime Department Police Colonel Sitt Aye.

YANGON, 1 July — Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein together with officials inspected Yezin Fish Breeding Farm in Pyinmana and gave instructions on breeding of various kinds of fish in dams.

Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries will breed 10,600 fingerlings per acre in the dams around Nay Pyi Taw.

YANGON, 1 July — Patron of Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint viewed private jewellery shops and sales of jade lots through competitive bidding to local and foreign gem merchants at Myanmar Convention Centre on Mindhamma Road in Mayangon Township this afternoon.

The sales of jade lots at the Jade, Gems and Pearl Special Sales 2006 continued yesterday evening. The gem merchants purchased 58 jade lots yesterday.

Likewise, 33 jade lots were sold through competitive bidding from this morning to evening. A total of 198 jade lots were sold in four days.

A total of 2,384 gem merchants — 1,467 from 10 countries and 917 local merchants — are attending the special sales.

YANGON , 1 July — Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung attended the cash donation ceremony for missionary tasks held at the hall of the ministry on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon.

It was also attended by Adviser U Arnt Maung, Director-General U Myo Kyaw of Religious Affairs Department, Pro-Rector (Admin) Dr Myint Kyi of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University , deputy directors-general, directors and wellwishers.

The minister accepted over K 4.7 million donated by wellwishers and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

YANGON, 1 July —Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport held its coordination meeting at the hall of Yangon Command Headquarters yesterday evening with an address by Chairman of Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Yangon Command Commander Brig-Gen Hla Htay Win.

In his address, the Commander explained matters related to collecting reasonable fares of school ferries, running of train on right time for convenient and smooth travelling of students, upgrading of roads, curbing of traffic accidents and supply of fuel.

Heads of departments, registrars and officials of universities and colleges submitted reports on matters related to school ferries and bus lines.

YANGON, 1 July — A ceremony to honour the victorious Myanmar archery team that bagged one gold and three bronze medals in the XXIII SEA Games held in the Philippines took place at Karaweik Palace , here, yesterday evening.

General Secretary of Myanmar Olympic Committee Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik spoke on the occasion.Patron of Myanmar Women’s Sports Federation Dr Daw Nyunt Nyunt Oo presented reward K 5 million to Zaw Win Htaik (Home Affairs) who secured one gold medal in the men’s single recurve event.

Director-General U Thaung Htaik gave K 50,000 each to Kay Thi, Yu Nanda Htaik and Tin Zin Ei who won one bronze medal in the women’s team compound event, and Ye Min Swe and Lin Naing who won one bronze medal in the men’s team compound event.

President of Myanmar Archery Federation U Tint Hsan (ACE Construction) presented K 50,000 each to Nan Mo Hwam, San Yu Htwe and Aung Hnyein who took one bronze medal in the women’s team recurve event, and a manager and seven coaches.