HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION

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WWW.MMTIMES.COM EXCLUSIVE 6
Former Thingangyun township residents protest in downtown Yangon on September 23.

ISSUE 697 | SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Political dialogue will be much more difficult

In an exclusive interview with The Myanmar Times, three visiting members of The Elders discuss the countrys peace process.
FEATURE 14

What lies beneath

Inle Lakes postcard-perfect exterior hides growing tension over the value of tourism and threats to the livelihoods of the Intha people.
BUSINESS 23

Power plants on hold

Construction work on power plants in Yangon capable of generating 300 megawatts has stalled because the government is yet to finalise a power purchasing agreement, companies say.
PROPERTY 28

Land prices set for taxes

Revenue officials will this week begin using fixed rates to calculate taxes on property sales in Yangon as part of government efforts to cool the market.

Connect with us The Myanmar Times

newsroom @myanmartimes.com.mm facebook.com/themyanmartimes @TheMyanmarTimes

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PHOTO: AUNG HTAY HLAING

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Hundreds of former Thingangyun township residents who were evicted in 1990-91 by the military say they plan to launch full-time protests to highlight their appeal for the land to be returned. The residents have staged seven protests to date but say the government has failed to respond to their calls for a fair resolution.

MCM asks court to reject case

Lawyers acting for Myanmar Consolidated Medias foreign partners have asked a judge to throw out a request by majority shareholder Dr Tin Tun Oo to liquidate the company, arguing that the application defies common sense. NEWS 3

2 THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Page 2
THE INSIDER:
Dont burn your mosquito nets just yet... Celebration over a purported new cure for dengue fever last week may have been premature, with claims made by Australian scientist Dr Reynolds being dismissed as a scam. Microbiologist Dr Reynolds issued a press release this week claiming he and his team had developed a product called 98Alive, touting it as a cure for all four strains of dengue fever. Queensland Health, an Australian state department, said the product should be regarded as little more than a herbal supplement. Physicians confirmed that any breakthrough of the sort would have been announced in a peer-reviewed scientific publication, rather than a press release. On the 98Alive website, Dr Reynolds says he donates his time as a professor at Griffith University in Brisbane. A Griffith University spokesman, however, said Dr Reynolds ceased working for the institution in June 2012, and was no longer a professor. For anybody to say its a scam is really quite strange, because all of our work was done under the auspices of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, said Dr Reynolds. Bill Gates wishes he could ctrl+Z the PCs ctrl+alt+del function Microsoft founder Bill Gates made headlines last week when he shed light on the beginnings of the ctrl+alt+del function, and how it was actually a mistake. We couldve had a single button, but the guy who did the IBM keyboard design didnt want to give us our single button, Gates said. David Bradley, the engineer who actually coded the command, says the designers wanted a one-button reboot and originally intended it to be an Easter egg, but his shortcut caught on with the engineering team and they just left it. It was like a five-minute job, he said, I didnt realise I was going to create a cultural icon when I did it.

online editor Kayleigh Long | kayleighelong@gmail.com

The local lowdown & best of the web

Shooting an Elephant In the US, the NBC Sports Network is facing public backlash after airing an episode of the outdoor sports program Under Wild Skies in which a National Rifle Association lobbyist shoots and kills an African elephant. The episode, shot in Botswanas Okavango Delta, features NRA strategist Tony Makris and a hunting guide tracking a bull elephant. Makris spots the elephant and shoots it twice in the face. Somebody got a little cheeky there, Makris says, chuckling as he sets off in pursuit of the not-yet-dead beast. After posing next to the elephants body with his rifle and ammunition, Makris and his guide are shown returning to their lodge to celebrate with champagne. Under Wild Skies is not produced by NBC but is a time buy, in which outside producers pay to air content, similar to an infomercial. LOVEINT or leave it Further light has been shed on the NSAs wide-sweeping surveillance program, and the instances of operatives using their security clearance in order to track the activity of their love interests. NSA officials have claimed there were no more than a handful of cases over the lifespan of the program, but the Wall Street Journal revealed in August they were common enough to garner an Orwellian-sounding intelligence label: LOVEINT. The revelations cast doubt over the NSAs characterisation of the PRISM program as a benign anonymous metadata-sweeping mechanism, and showed the vulnerability of personal information. Some of the justifications provided by the errant NSA staff have emerged, ranging from the plausible (I want to make sure my girlfriend didnt discuss my travel plans) to the potentially creepy (I was searching my ex-girlfriends email address for practice). The Washington Posts Timothy Lee reported seven of the 12 people caught breaching protocol resigned before receiving discipline. The rest were docked pay and security clearances, demoted, or otherwise had their careers negatively affected.

When Myanmar was Burma...

Archival material provided by Pansodan Gallery

This photo, featured on the cover of a 1971 issue of Oh Way journal, was taken in 1938 or 1939 when sci-fi luminary and War of The Worlds author HG Wells (centre, sporting a bow tie) paid a visit to the Yangon University Rowing Club.

Style Statement
Myat Thu Kyaw & Wint Yamone Hlaing for NOW! magazine. Photo: Pyay Han (Colormax)

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News 3

Young chefs cook up a storm in culinary comp

EI EI THU 91.eieithu@gmail.com LOOK out Michelin Myanmar chefs are aiming to reach international culinary standards. In a bid to identify and encourage a generation of kitchen wizards, the Myanmar Chefs Association held its first Yangon Culinary Young Chefs Challenge on September 25 and 26 at Aung San Stadium. Participating in this event will help Myanmar chefs to reach international standards by gaining experience when they compete in other countries, said Oliver Esser Soe Thet, president of the Myanmar Chefs Association and one of the competition judges. Competitors had to prepare a main course for beef, poultry, seafood and pasta; decorate a wedding cake; carve fruit and vegetables; and make bread and pastry, plus two different desserts. Contestants included 58 young chefs, all aged under 25, from 14 top Yangon hotels and restaurants, including Sedona, Traders and Parkroyal. But it was the team from Le Planteur that stole the show, taking out the top prizes in the beef, seafood, pasta and poultry sections. Traders won best dessert, while Parkroyal took out the best pastry section. I prepared for about two months to compete in this challenge. I learned a lot from foreign chefs by participating. They taught us what to do and what not to do, prizewinner Ma Zin Myo Nwe of Le Planteur restaurant told The Myanmar Times. Ma Zin Myo Nwe said she loves cooking and hopes other Myanmar women will be inspired to follow her example. While competing against each other, the young chefs not only showcased their skills but also exchanged views with industry colleagues and networked with international chefs. All participants are qualified professionals ... They need practice to take part in international competitions, but they should create Myanmar traditional food as well as international dishes, said Ko Than Zaw Oo, who was one of the judges. Other judges included Chan Tuck Wai from Singapore, former Ministry of Hotels and Tourism official U Than Lwin and Myanmar Chefs Association deputy leader Daw Thuzar Myint.

Hluttaw to finalise telecoms law this week

SOE THAN LYNN soethanlynn@gmail.com MPs are expected to finalise Myanmars new telecoms law on October 1, the first day of the eighth session of parliament. The Telecommunications Law bill was approved during the seventh session but President U Thein Sein sent it back to the hluttaw with five recommended changes, a member of the Joint Bill Committee said last week. The president also recommended five changes to the Farmers Rights Protection Law and three to the Union Judiciary Law, which were also passed during the seventh session. Secretary U Saw Hla Tun told The Myanmar Times that the committee discussed the presidents proposed changes and released its recommendations to parliamentarians on September 26.

A young chef takes part in the Yangon Culinary Young Chefs Challenge in Yangon on September 26. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

Attempt to shut down MCM is flawed in nature, court hears

Lawyers acting for companys foreign partners ask court to throw out case and force Dr Tin Tun Oo to pay damages
STAFF WRITERS newsroom@myanmartimes.com.mm MYANMAR Consolidated Medias legal team has told a court it strenuously objects to an application by its major shareholder, Dr Tin Tun Oo, to liquidate the firm, which publishes The Myanmar Times. Dr Tin Tun Oo has applied to wind up the company on the grounds that it has failed to repay a US$100,000 loan to him. But at the opening of the hearing in Yangon West Civil Court on September 26, lawyers acting for the companys foreign shareholders, who own 49 percent of MCM, asked the judge to throw the case out and order Dr Tin Tun Oo to pay all costs. In a statement presented to the court, the defence team confirmed that Dr Tin Tun Oo had loaned the company money but said MCM had not been asked to repay it. It said the application to close the company defied common sense. We maintain that they have incorrectly started an action to have a shareholder loan repaid to them, the statement said. We dont deny the loan. We have been paying interest on it for years. My clients have $150,000 on loan to the company as well. We believe their application is flawed in nature and that no notice of demand has been served to repay the loan, nor does any contract exist that defines exactly the terms of the loan. The statement accused Dr Tin Tun

The number of changes President U Thein Sein has proposed to the draft Telecommunications Law

Dr Tin Tun Oo has blocked The Myanmar Times going daily.

Myanmar Consolidated Medias statement to Yangon West Civil Court

Oo of actively working to harm the interests of MCM and its publications. Dr Tin Tun Oo has blocked The Myanmar Times going daily. At the same time he has commenced his own daily newspaper, called Pyi Myanmar Daily. In addition to the statement from

head council U Aung Than Soe, the defence team also provided a series of affidavits from the companys department heads in which they said closing MCM would leave 350 employees jobless and harm the livelihoods of their families. The statement emphasised this point as well. [Dr Tin Tun Oos] actions show a lack of empathy and concern for the hundreds of people that work [at MCM]. The hearing was adjourned after less than 10 minutes. The next session will be held on October 10. Ross Dunkley, the companys managing director and co-founder, said he is confident that the court will find in his favour. Dr Tin Tin Oo could not be reached for comment.

The Joint Bill Committee agrees with most of the presidents remarks except for some proposed amendments to the Telecommunications Law. We cannot give any more detail than that at this point, he said. MPs will likely discuss and vote on the proposed changes when the session opens on October 1. The final version will be enacted within seven days. We will give priority to the three bills that were sent back to Pyidaungsu Hluttaw by the president ... I hope these three laws will be discussed and passed on the first day of the eighth session. Translated by Thiri Min Htun

4 News
A peace activist yells through a megaphone during a march through Yangon on September 21. Photo: Lwin Ko Taik

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Govt aims for political dialogue in early 2014

Dialogue would precede a Pinlon-style peace conference later in 2014, U Aung Min tells groups

WIN KO KO LATT
winkolatt2012@gmail.com

Activists mark peace day in Yangon

WA LONE newsroom@myanmartimes.com.mm INTERNATIONAL Day of Peace was marked in Myanmar for the second consecutive year on September 21 with meetings, marches and calls for reconciliation between different ethnic and religious groups. While a protest march during last years event led to a number of charges being laid against organisers, with the cases still before the courts, this year the event went much more smoothly and even had official support. Minister for the Presidents Office U Aung Min the governments senior peace negotiator and three other ministers joined in celebrations in Yangon. Id like to invite more young people to get involved in our countrys peace process in future, U Aung Min said. In Yangon, almost 500 people representing 60 civil society organisations marched from Sule Pagoda to the Peoples Square as part of a daylong celebration that focused on artistic output on the theme of peace, from poems and paintings to performances and a music concert. Unlike in 2012, they were granted permission by local officials to conduct the march, a move that attracted praise from activists. The celebrations, however, did not detract from the serious concerns over the future of Myanmars conflicts, particularly in Kachin State, where the war is now well into its third year. Participants observed two minutes silence to show their desire for nationwide peace. Daw Khon Ja of the Kachin Peace Network said more than 120,000 people in Kachin State are living in IDP camps as a result of the conflict. She said one-third of the refugees are children, many of whom have missed more than two years of school. They [children] are being in the war, suffering starvation, so its very difficult to get a good environment to learn even though theyve gone to school in the IDP camps, Daw Khon Ja said. Especially the babies born in the camps: They dont know how to live [normally]. If they go back to their home it will take a long time to return to normal. Ko Htay Kywe, an 88 Generation leader, also used the occasion to draw attention to long-running conflicts. Our ancestors, our relationships and our generations are still suffering serious injuries after over six decades of the long civil war, he said. We are proving to the whole world how much our country really needs peace today. We are thirsty for it. Other attendees at the Yangon celebrations said the event was an important means of teaching others about peace and drawing attention to conflicts. I didnt learn about peace when I was a student at school, said Ko Thant Zin Soe from the Yangon Youth Volunteers Network. I only know about it as an adult. The government and civil society groups should educate young students about peace. Coinciding with International Day of Peace, the government signed state- and union-level ceasefire agreements with a number of armed ethnic groups, and moved closer to another round of talks with the Kachin Independence Organisation. International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations in 1981 and first observed in 1982.

POLITICAL dialogue will begin in early 2014 if a proposed nationwide ceasefire is signed at the end of October, the governments chief peace negotiator has told armed ethnic groups. The political dialogue would lead to the holding of a national peace conference sometime in 2014, said U Aung Min, who is also a minister in the Presidents Office. He revealed the time frame for political talks on the first day of a three-day meeting in Taunggyi from September 21 to 23 that was aimed at building trust with armed ethnic groups from Shan, Kayah and Mon states.

Unless we reach a political agreement, we cant hope for peace.

U Sai Nyunt Lwin Shan politician

The government plans to invite all 16 armed ethnic groups to the ceasefire ceremony but has already been forced to delay it once because of resistance from ethnic groups. U Aung Mins comments appear designed to address concerns from some groups that the peace talks could founder after signing the nationwide ceasefire and not proceed to political dialogue. Of the 16 ethnic armed groups, only two the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) and the Ta-aung

National Party are yet to sign a ceasefire agreement. U Aung Min also promised to ensure that the peace process is inclusive and extends beyond high-level agreements between the government and leaders of armed ethnic groups. He said the talks would include all stakeholders, including political parties, parliamentarians, government officials, the military and civil society groups. He also responded to rumours that responsibility for the peace process would be handed over to the parliament if the nationwide ceasefire is signed, describing it as a misunderstanding. Aside from the nationwide ceasefire, the Taunggyi meeting focused mainly on amending the 2008 constitution and the need for a conference to finalise a political settlement between all groups in the mould of the one held at Pinlon in February 1947, which led to Myanmars independence the following year. Observers, including ethnic figures, 88 Generation leader Ko Ko Gyi and lawyer U Ko Ni, highlighted the shortcomings of the 2008 constitution and the need for changes. Unless we reach a political agreement, we cant hope for peace, said U Sai Nyunt Lwin, secretary of the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party. U Aung Min said the discussions would move political dialogue in a positive direction, while U Aung Naing Oo from the Myanmar Peace Center also played up the positives of the talks. Noting that previous peace talks were mainly confined to discussions between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed groups, he said the meeting had included a broad range of stakeholders, including political parties, armed ethnic groups, civil society organisations and more. Translated by Zar Zar Soe

BRIEF
Mitsubishi donates lab tools
Mitsubishi Electrics Myanmar subsidiary has donated laboratory equipment to the Myanmar Maritime University. Peace Myanmar Electric handed over the equipment at a ceremony in Yangon on September 21. This equipment will help students develop their practical skills in the laboratory alongside their theoretical knowledge, said rector U Myat Lwin. This is necessary for nurturing qualified experts at our school. Peace Myanmar Electric marketing director U Khin Maung Myat said the company wanted Myanmar students to have the same opportunities as their peers in other countries. We decided to support the maritime university because their teaching approach is very practical, he said. Shwegu Thitsar

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News 5

Residents slam police over raid on village

HSU HLAING HTUN hsuhlainghtun.mcm@gmail.com PYAE THET PHYO pyaethetphyo87@gmail.com NAY Pyi Taw residents have accused police of acting like terrorists during a nighttime raid on a village that resulted in police being detained and beaten. About 20 armed police entered We Gyi village in Pobbathiri township at around 2am on September 19 to arrest four farmers charged for cutting down trees on land owned by the Ministry of Information. However, angry residents overwhelmed the police and took them captive. They were only freed after police sent a large contingent of reinforcements at about 5am to secure their release. Seven police were beaten in the incident and one remains in hospital. Police say they plan to lay charges against those involved in the incident but residents last week defended their actions, saying the attack on police was prompted by the forces heavy-handed tactics. The police came into our houses like terrorists, said one resident. They handcuffed one person by standing on his neck. They struck his wife in the face when she was shouting. Her blouse and htamein [longyi] were torn when they were pushing each other. They even struck a child in the face. They cant deny they did this. It makes you wonder whether the police are really there to protect the people. A family member of Ko Zaw Latt, one of the targets of the original raid, said residents of We Gyi were still in shock. We are just normal citizens. We are not criminals. I want to know why they treated us like that, what was their reason. At the moment, villagers are in shock and concerned for their future. Police Major Than Win, chief of police in Zeyathiri township, has

Residents gather outside the home of Ko Zaw Latt, one of the targets of the police raid, on September 19. Photo: Supplied

It makes you wonder whether the police are really there to protect the people.
Resident of We Gyi village

instructed police to file three charges against five residents over the conflict. We will just work according to the law. We wont let our personal feelings get in the way, said Police Lieutenant Sein Thaung, head of Kyi Taung Kan police station in Pobbathiri. But more villagers could be charged, said Police Second Lieutenant Win Bo from Pobbathiri township. We plan to question the remaining villagers who have been accused, he said.

He defended the methods used by police in the September 19 arrest. We have a duty to arrest the people who have been charged. Villagers shouldnt attack police. They way they are trying to solve the problem is wrong, he said. If villagers dont want to be arrested they can run away but they shouldnt physically resist arrest. Residents said they are living in fear of a third raid on their homes. Villagers saw and felt terror about the second raid They are concerned that the next raid will be

worse, said one resident. The raid is the result of a dispute between the Ministry of Information and We Gyi village residents over land confiscated by the ministry. The ministry says it has paid compensation but some residents say they have received nothing. The original charges were prompted by some villagers clearing trees from ministry land so that they could farm it. They were subsequently charged under section 6(1) of the Government Property Protection Law. Translated by Thiri Min Htun

6 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Elders call for justice over anti-Muslim violence

EI EI TOE LWIN
eieitoelwin@gmail.com

SENIOR international political leaders have stepped into the row over inter-communal violence in Rakhine State and elsewhere. Former US President Jimmy Carter, accompanied by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari and former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland came to Myanmar last week to talk to senior government officials and political and religious leaders.

Former US president Jimmy Carter. Photo: Boothee

The three are members of The Elders, a group formed by former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela to speak out on major international issues. At a press conference in Yangon last week the three called for the end of impunity for the perpetrators of violence against the Muslim community and for the meaningful realisation of the

right to freedom of religion. This is a very serious problem for the world community, Mr Carter told a press conference at Yangons Strand Hotel on September 26, referring to the inter-communal strife that has left hundreds dead and tens of thousands in displaced persons camps. He called on the government to address the question of citizenship for the Rohingya, who are officially referred to in Myanmar as Bengalis. Its a key test of whether Myanmar is going to honour international standards of human rights, said the former president. During their three-day visit, the Elders met with President U Thein Sein, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Union Election Commission chairman U Tin Aye and other senior officials, as well as political and religious leaders, and representatives of ethnic armed groups. The targeted violence against the Muslim minority in Rakhine State should be halted as a priority, Ms Brundtland said at the press conference. She called for the rights of everybody in Rakhine to food, education and security to be fulfilled regardless of their religion. No one can afford to ignore these senseless, destructive, repeated acts of brutality, she said. In their first visit to Myanmar, the Elders praised the changes that have occurred over the past two years, including political reforms, the release of political prisoners, peace negotiations and the abolition of pre-publication censorship. Myanmar is becoming a more open society, Mr Carter said, but there is still a long way to go.

IN PICTURES

Photo: Kaung Htet

President U Thein Sein poses for a photograph with (from left) former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, former United States President Jimmy Carter and former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, at the presidents residence in Nay Pyi Taw on September 25. The president met the three members of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders who work together for peace and human rights, to discuss the governments efforts toward achieving peace and improving the countrys human rights situation.

EXCLUSIVE

Moving from ceasefire to political agreement much more difficult

EI EI TOE LWIN eieitoelwin@gmail.com VISITING members of The Elders have thrown their support behind the nationwide ceasefire conference proposed by the government. In an exclusive interview with The Myanmar Times on September 26, former US President Jimmy Carter, former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari and former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland also said they expect the military to scale back its role in Myanmar politics. It is generally recognised that in changing to a democratic society the role of the military will also change but it will take time, Mr Ahtisaari said. The trio also called for a comprehensive resolution to Myanmars ethnic conflicts through political dialogue with all stakeholders. They also praised the progress made so far by the governments peace team, led by Minister for the Presidents Office U Aung Min. I was very impressed with the progress [U Aung Min] has made and his plan for the future, Jimmy Carter told The Myanmar Times. We understand that next step will much more difficult, the political dialogue, which might take another year. He highlighted a number of difficult challenges to the peace process, including negotiations over political participation, sharing of natural resources and rehabilitation programs for conflict-affected areas. While they would not comment on the reluctance of some armed ethnic groups to agree to the governments nationwide ceasefire proposal, they said they believed that it was the best approach. Mr Carter said that if the major armed ethnic groups agree to the plan smaller groups will see the wisdom in taking advantage of peace instead of war. Mr Ahtisaari said he expected all ceasefire agreements to be concluded by the end of the year. Its the beginning of a peace process It doesnt come overnight, he said. [But] it is very difficult to address [the concerns of ethnic groups] if they cant actually stop the fighting. They also stressed the importance of Daw Aung San Suu Kyis role in the peace process, despite some expressing doubt that she can win the trust of ethnic leaders. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was an honorary member of The Elders until April 2012, when she was elected to parliament. Mr Ahtisaari said unity and dialogue will be essential to ensure Myanmar does not backslide into conflict. Hopefully everyone can agree to control the ones [who would try to] spoil the positive moment that is taking place in this society. While they did not reach an agreement to play a formal role in Myanmars democratisation process, the three members of tThe Elders said they would do what they can to support reforms. [President U Thein Sein] understands that The Elders are very eager to help in any way we can.

8 News

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True democracy impossible without constitution change

PETER SOE-WYNN newsroom@myanmartimes.com.mm DAW Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, is a graduate of Oxford University in the United Kingdom. She is intelligent, well read a bestselling author, no less and well travelled. Since childhood she has been no stranger to the world of statesmen and world leaders. She is articulate and speaks French, Japanese and English, the latter as fluently as her Burmese, and her speeches, both in Myanmar or on the international stage in either Burmese or English, are impeccable. She can deal with local and foreign media clearly and concisely. She is a woman of integrity who resolutely stood by the people of Myanmar when they needed her in their struggle for a better life, and she has doggedly maintained her principles in the face of psychological and physical attacks on her, her loved ones and her fellow citizens. Very few people of such calibre have appeared in Myanmar. Yet, in drawing up the nations constitution aside from assuring that power lies in the hands of the military for perpetuity the junta which ruled over the past five decades prescribed thinly veiled clauses which, while falling just short of naming her specifically, are aimed at barring Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in particular from holding office as president. The first excuse imposed was that, though she herself maintains her Myanmar citizenship, she was married to an Englishman. Her husband, Michael Aris, was an Oxford don, a very highly respected man of intellect and a supportive partner in the sacrifices they both made for the sake of the Myanmar people. Unfortunately, Dr Aris passed away in 1999, long before his wifes release from house arrest and election to the Myanmar parliament. When his sickness became known he was prevented by the military from visiting his wife. While they offered to allow her to visit him instead, both knew she would not be allowed back into Myanmar, and so refused. It is widely stated that Dr Ariss passing tragic as it was lifted a bar in his wifes bid to be president. Yet the wording of the constitution itself does not actually stipulate that the prohibition no longer applies if the spouse dies. In fact, the question is one of many on which the constitution is vague, meaning those holding the balance of power namely, the military will be the ones left making the final decisions. Daw Suu aside, barring any presidential candidate from marriage to a foreigner is unjustified. Looking around the world to see whether being married to a foreign partner has a detrimental effect on the holding of a high office, we see that it does not. Nor, as a quick survey shows, do voters seem to mind. Rajiv Ghandi, prime minister of India 1984-89, was the grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indias first prime minister who established parliamentary government in India. Rajivs mother, Indira Ghandi, is Jawaharlal Nehrus daughter; she herself was Indian prime minister for three consecutive terms in 1966-77, then again 1984-89. Rajiv Ghandi married Edvige Antonia Albina Maino, better known as Sonia, whom he met while

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THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attends the Forum 2000 Conference in Prague on September 17. Photo: AFP

studying at the University of Cambridge. Sonia was an Italian, born in Lusiana, Italy. When Rajiv Ghandi later became the prime minister of India, the fact that he was married to an Italian was never an issue. After he was assassinated, Sonia became the current president and leader of the Indian Congress Party. She is believed to be the most powerful woman in India today. Nicolas Sarkozy, president of France from 2007 to 2012, divorced his first wife Cecilia, who was French, and married Italian Carla Bruni, who was born in Turin, while in office. The leader of the UKs Liberal Democratic Party, Nick Clegg, is married to Miriam Durantez, who is Spanish. He currently serves as the countrys deputy prime minister.

The basic principle of democracy is that the people vote to elect the best person for the job.
Prince Philip of Great Britain, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was first Prince Philip of Greece. Queen Elizabeth is not only queen of Great Britain but also head of state of members of the Commonwealth of Nations, with unrivalled popularity at home and abroad. Prince Albert of Monaco married Charlene Woodstock of South Africa; his father and predecessor, Prince Rainier, married Grace Kelly of the United States. In the examples above, the respec-

Myanmar Consolidated Media Ltd. www.mmtimes.com Head Office: 379/383 Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Telephone: (01) 253 642, 392 928 Facsimile: (01) 392 706 Mandalay Bureau: Bld Sa/1, Man Mandalar Housing, 35th Street, between 70th and 71st streets, Yan Myo Lone Quarter, Chan Aye Thar San Township. Tel: (02) 65391, 74585. Fax: (02) 24460 Email: mdybranch@myanmartimes.com.mm Nay Pyi Taw Bureau: No. 10/72 Bo Tauk Htein St, Yan Aung (1) Quarter, Nay Pyi Taw-Pyinmana. Tel: (067) 23064, 23065 Email: capitalbureau@myanmartimes.com.mm

tive countries and principalities have not suffered due to a head of state or senior member of government marrying a foreigner; nor have the countries or principalities been undermined. Daw Suus enormous, decades-long popularity shows it does not hold her back here either. There is another impediment restricting her from being eligible for the presidency: Her two sons hold British citizenship. It is important to point out, however, that this is not by choice. Both were Myanmar citizens until 1989, when the military junta stripped them of their status out of spite toward Daw Suu. The UK government granted them British status only to prevent them from becoming stateless. For the current government to continue to punish Daw Suu as a result of the juntas past treatment of her family is absurd. But the most wide-ranging clause written into the constitution that could be used to bar her and for that matter, the vast majority of the people of the country from holding the presidency is that candidates must be well acquainted with military affairs. Without clear guidance on what this means, this could be used to disqualify candidates without a military background at will. This requirement, together with the retention of 25 percent of seats in parliament for serving military personnel, is a travesty of democracy. It is tantamount to trying to deceive not only the people of Myanmar but also the international community as a whole with a thinly veiled attempt to perpetuate military dictatorship. In democracies elsewhere in the world, presidents, prime ministers and heads of state have been lawyers, doctors, professors, writers, businesspeople, trade unionists and so on

and, yes, even former military officers, if the people decide they are the best for the job. The primary requirement for a presidential candidate must be that he or she is a citizen of the country. Beyond this, the people should decide based on the integrity, probity and loyalty of the candidate. In its present form, however, the constitution is a laughing stock among the family of nations. The basic principle of democracy is that people vote to elect the best person for the job: the person with the right kind of political principles, convictions and calibre to represent them. Then, according to the constitution, the peoples elected representatives choose from among themselves the person best suited for the post of the president. Naturally, the political party which wins the greater proportion of the seats in parliament would propose its own leader. But if that party, in 2015, is not allowed to do this freely, the elections will have been for naught. How we constitute the governance of the country will determine whether or not we achieve the kind of society we want. The constitution needs to be redrafted with the welfare of the country in mind, for now and for the future. It must be rewritten by the elected representatives of all ethnic groups of the country, free from the coercive influences of any one section of society. Until the people can choose their president freely, without limitations based on marriage, children with foreign citizenship, or military experience, this democracy can never be truly democratic.
Peter Soe-Wynn served as a paediatrician with the National Health Service in the UK from 1979 and is now retired. He is a supporter of democratic and social change in Myanmar.

www.mmtimes.com

Happy birthday to the Singapore enforcer

ROGER MITTON
roger.mitton@gmail.com

Views
LETTER
Dear editor, I am writing in response to Douglas Longs article published in your September 23 edition (Thandaung opening up? Not quite yet), which provided a useful picture of the confusion that has plagued the relaxation of travel restrictions. I recently visited Thandaung Gyi with relatives from abroad but, unlike your correspondent, experienced few problems. I would suggest that his difficulties stemmed from the fact he rode his bicycle, which is almost certain to set off alarm bells (for no good reason, admittedly); failed to take passport photocopies; and stayed overnight in the town. Or maybe we just picked the right day to attempt the visit and the

News 9

ON September 16, Singapores postindependence hero, Lee Kuan Yew, marked his 90th birthday. He has led an amazing life and though a ruthless old curmudgeon he has always been among the most rewarding interview subjects. After our first joust in 1991, I attended Singapores National Day reception and saw him standing alone in a corner ringed by security men. Taking a deep breath, I strolled over and thanked him for the interview. It had been a good one and Asiaweek had run it as the cover story. Lees eyes narrowed and he gave me a long glacial gaze. To break the silence, I blurted out that I hoped hed been happy with the story. He pounced. Oh? Is that important? Does it matter whether I am happy or unhappy with it? If only words had come from my mouth earthy expletives preferably. But I was flummoxed, my mind swirling. Remind me, what interview was this? he said.

Former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The ruling did not faze Lee. He quickly abolished the right of appeal to the Privy Council and JBJ was gone. Soon afterward, so was I. But not before taking Jeyaretnam to lunch at that bastion of the establishment, the Singapore Cricket Club. Boy, did that feel good. And anyway, Id done three years as a foreign correspondent in Singapore; it was long enough. JBJ died in 2008. And Times winged chariot is hurrying upon Lee. But for now: Happy Birthday, you vicious old coot. I mean it.

police were in a good mood. Nevertheless, the paucity of information made available by the authorities shows an almost complete lack of regard for foreign visitors. Hopefully your article will prompt them to lift their game in this regard as the majority of tourists will not take the risk of visiting places that may or may not be open. This would be a shame, as there are countless destinations like Thandaung Gyi that are of interest to foreigners but still in this grey area. In the case of Thandaung Gyi, the spectacular drive up into the mountain mist makes the trip more than worthwhile. Regards, Ko Sai

Lets hope he goes quickly and painlessly, though that is not the way he treated his opponents.

His wife, a proverbial dragon lady, whom he described as an intellectual equal and soulmate, thankfully moved forward at that moment and I introduced myself to her. She said, You are in a difficult position as a journalist in Singapore, Mr Mitton. If you tell the truth you will get into trouble from my husband; if you dont tell the truth you will get sacked by your editor. Lee cracked a sliver of a smile as if the oracle had spoken, then they turned away, dismissing me like a speck of dust brushed off a sleeve. The dismissal turned out to be not only from their presence that evening but also from Singapore itself; for soon

afterward, the authorities refused to renew my visa, forcing me to leave the country. Still, other interviews were later granted, and in a final long and fruitful session that revolved around the publication of his memoirs, Lee kindly signed a copy of his book for me. On the title page, he wrote, To Roger Mitton, with my best answers to your spiky questions. Lee Kuan Yew. You gotta like the guy. His dragon lady died three years ago and now he is 90 and knocking on heavens door. Lets hope he goes quickly and painlessly, though that is not the way he treated his opponents. They were many and all were cruelly dispatched: His rival Peoples Action Party (PAP) leader Ong Eng Guan, his countrys former president Devan Nair, its former solicitor general Francis Seow, and myriad pesky journalists. None, however, suffered more brutal and malicious torture than the opposition Workers Party leader, Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam. Lee loathed him because JBJ was fearless and refused to be cowed by the PMs thuggery, and because he broke the stranglehold of Lees PAP and won the 1981 Anson by-election. That result was a thunderbolt: It marked the first time since independence that one of Lees men had lost an election. Once in parliament, where it was him against 74 government MPs, Jeyaretnam gave them hell. Lee and his front bench could not take it. Grounds were found to charge JBJ with misreporting party accounts. He was convicted, jailed, deprived of his seat and disbarred from practising law. Undaunted, he appealed to the Privy Council in England, as he was then entitled to do, and his conviction was quashed. The Law Lords ruled that he and a party colleague had suffered a grievous injustice. They have been fined, imprisoned and publicly disgraced for offences of which they are not guilty.

10 News
EXCLUSIVE

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Scars in Meiktila visible, six months on

Disputes over housing and resettlement mean thousands of peopled displaced in March violence continue to languish in temporary relief camps
STAFF WRITERS newsroom@myanmartimes.com.mm A DRIVE through the main street of Meiktila in Mandalay Region reveals few signs the city was the scene of violent clashes six months ago. Shops are open for business, while the main streets bustle with motorcycles and foot traffic. Although calm has returned to the city and local rhythms have been re-established following communal violence between local Buddhist and Muslim factions in March, many residents say they have been unable to move on and rebuild their lives. U Win Myint lost his home to an arson attack during the violent confrontations, which left more than 40 dead and about 12,000 displaced. He now lives in a relief camp located in the District Athletics Stadium near the city, sharing the space with 894 other people made homeless by the violence. I can hear people having night terrors. Some cant sleep. They are afraid to sleep, he said. My family has been living here for six months and we feel we have been neglected. We still dont have homes to go to. U Win Myint, a Muslim who asked that his real name not be used, shares a tiny space measuring 2.5 by 3 metres (about 8 by 10 feet) with his wife and three children, as well as the belongings they saved from the fire. Speaking to The Myanmar Times, U Win Myint, 51, said that while living in the cramped conditions places strain on his family, he sees no end in sight. His youngest son, who is three years old, spent four days in the hospital in June following an outbreak of dengue fever, he said. He got really ill, and when he recovered, this is where he had to return to, said U Win Myint, gesturing to their cramped accommodation in a badminton hall. Before the attack his child was Meiktila district administrator U Tin Maung Soe said the delay in rebuilding homes is partly due to disputes over ownership of the land on which the almost 1600 destroyed homes stood. The majority of victims lost their ownership documents in the fires that raged through the town and the simmering tension between Muslims and Buddhists has complicated rebuilding efforts. How can we return everyone when there are ongoing disputes? U Tin Maung Soe said. Of course I want this to happen as quickly as possible, but we need to plan, and planning takes time. U Tin Maung Soe said building would start first in Chan Aye and Thirimingalar wards but declined to give a time frame. He confirmed the regional government plans to build two-storey apartments rather than the lowcost houses suggested by Mandalay Region attorney general U Ye Aung Myint in April. But U Win Myint said he has not seen any signs of work beginning on homes for the 895 temporary residents in the athletic stadium. What was left of his home in Thirimingalar ward has been bulldozed but U Win Myint said he disagreed with being forced to accept an apartment, as he formerly owned his own land. They have been talking about building apartments, but people dont want multi-storey apartments, he said. They want their blocks of land and their homes back. Rigid rules exasperate the feeling of helplessness shared by many in the stadium, he said. No one wants to live in the camp its so demoralising. Our movements are recorded all the time and we have to request permission to leave the camp just to find work, U Win Myint said. Why do we have a 5:30pm curfew when it is 10pm for the rest of the town? Its so restricting. How can anyone live like this?

Meiktilas Thirimingalar ward, which was badly damaged in March riots, shows few signs of rebuilding. Photo: Staff

bubbly and outgoing, U Win Myint said, but now rarely talks and hides behind his mother when spoken to. My children are still terrified. People are really traumatised but

deputy director U Sa William French said the government plans to provide permanent housing for the displaced people. In April he told The Myanmar Times the project was scheduled for completion within two or three

clashes were the first priority, he said. Roads have been widened to prevent people being trapped in the event of future fires, and drains have been laid along the newly widened roads.

We feel we have been neglected. We still dont have homes to go to.

U Win Myint Muslim resident of Meiktila whose home was destroyed in the March riots

there have been no counselling services that Ive seen or been able to take my children to. Relief and Resettlement Department

months but he now says the timeline is out of his hands. Efforts to clear debris and raze unsafe structures left behind by the

About half of the 8400 long-term displaced have found permanent housing themselves, though 4100 are still in temporary housing, he said.

Forever Group joins foreign donors in journalism school

SANDAR LWIN sdlsandar@gmail.com MEDIA company Forever Group is working with foreign donors to set up a not-for-profit journalism school in Yangon with the backing of the Ministry of Information. Forevers Myanmar Media Development Center (MMDC), which was established in 2009 as the companys in-house training wing and is now a broadcast training centre, will work alongside foreign media groups such as DW Akademie, the training arm of German media organisation Deutsche Welle, on the project. The new centre will offer instruction in all types of journalism, with a print course expected to start early next year. Forever Group director U Khin Maung Htay said the plan for the school is still being developed but Forever plans to step aside when it is up and running so that the centre remains non-profit and independently run. For the long term, the school has to run as a non-profit organisation, he said. Forever Group is just taking the role of initiator before the law for non-profit organisations is enacted. After it is set up Forever will quit [its involvement]. Then the school would be managed by a separate committee or board. Deputy Minister for Information U Ye Htut told The Myanmar Times that the ministry had proposed international donors establish the school and is fully behind the project. He added that the school will help build the capacity of Myanmars media industry and the ministrys role will be only to fulfil the necessities so that the school can open. It is unclear, however, how accessible the journalism programs will be. MMDC currently offers one-month certificate courses and 10-month diploma programs in cooperation with the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development, DW and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, but the diploma programs cost more than K2 million, making them unaffordable for most. U Ye Htut did not respond when asked whether the government planned to monitor and possibly control the price of the programs offered at the school. DW Akademie will coordinate on behalf of the foreign partners, who also include Canal France International of France, International Media Support of Denmark, Fojo Media Institute of Sweden and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), according to DW Akademies Europe and Central Asia division head, Mathis Winkle. He said his organisation is honoured to join Forever Group as well as other international organisations in backing the idea of establishing a journalism school in Myanmar. He said additional Myanmar media-related organisations will be approached in October to consider joining the project. All international partners involved in the project strongly agree that ownership of the project must lie in the hands of Myanmar founders of the school, he added.

www.mmtimes.com

News 11

US clarifies biz reporting system

TIM MCLAUGHLIN
timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com

A charter flight from Japan arrives at Mandalay International Airport on September 18. Photo: Si Thu Lwin

MAI eyes more Japan services from MDY

SI THU LWIN sithulwin.mmtimes@gmail.com MYANMAR Airways International plans to start making regular flights to Japan next year from Mandalay, a company official says. MAI already runs seven charter flights a week between Japan and Mandalay. We are planning a service with scheduled flights because now more people are coming from Japan than ever, said U Zaw Win, of MAIs Mandalay office. The current charter flights service Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Okinawa. In October, the airline will offer a scheduled flight from Mandalay to Gaya in India. There will be a normal flight to Gaya between October and March. Most of the passengers are local, said an MAI official. MAI also offers charter and private services in conjunction with foreign airlines. Translated by Thae Thae Htwe

THE US State Department has issued clarifications to its Responsible Investment Reporting Requirements for companies doing business in Myanmar. Companies that do not adhere to the reporting requirements will be subject to civil and criminal penalties for violation of the US International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the State Department said on September 23. Myanmar has been subject to the IEEPA since 1997 for its large-scale repression of the democratic opposition, according to the US Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control. The penalties were included in a 20-point set of frequently asked questions designed to clarify the Responsible Investment Reporting Requirements. Introduced in May, it is the cornerstone of the Obama administrations policy for transparent economic re-engagement with Myanmar. While the details released last week were not new, they represented

the clearest statement yet by the State Department about how the reporting requirements work. As The Myanmar Times reported last week, the system has been criticised by rights groups for its apparent lack of strong penalties for non-compliant American companies. Lisa Misol, a senior researcher on business and human rights at Human Rights Watch, said that rights groups had lobbied for strong penalties during two public comment periods in 2012. The reporting system requires all US companies with investment over US$500,000 in Myanmar to file annual reports, along with companies that have any investments with staterun Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise. The first reports were posted on the website of the US Embassy in Yangon on July 1. The clarifications to the reporting requirements come as a joint State Department-Treasury delegation visited Myanmar from September 23-27 to assess the impact of the relaxation of US sanctions against Myanmar over the past 18 months. It also gauged the impact of those that remain in place.
An earlier version of this article appearing on The Myanmar Times website incorrectly stated that the penalties announced were new. We regret the error.

Myanmar moves forward on HCFC emissions

MYANMAR is on target for the reduction and eventual phasing out of chemicals that harm the earths ozone layer, the environment minister said last week. The high-level layer of ozone gas helps protect the earth from harmful solar radiation. Speaking at a ceremony to mark the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, Minister for Environmental Conservation and Forestry U Win Tun said the harmful chemicals known as HCFC would be phased out on schedule by 2030. The government started drawing up plans in 2010 to reduce domestic consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) over the next 20 years, with financial and technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme and the UN Industrial Development Organisation. The minister said the plan, which is now complete, would be implemented once the necessary regulations have come into effect. We will train professionals to replace [HCFC] with other technology and substances in refrigerator and air-conditioning manufacturing, U Win Tun said. Myanmar is a signatory to the Vienna Convention for the protection of the ozone layer and signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer and its London Amendment on November 24, 1993. Hsu Hlaing Htun, translated by Zar Zar Soe

12 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Residents seek return to hydro dam site

Forced to move in 2007 for a dam project abandoned earlier this year, hundreds of households are now seeking permission to return

NOE NOE AUNG

noenoeag@gmail.com

MORE than 300 households forced to relocate for a hydropower project on the Chindwin River that has since been cancelled are lobbying for permission to return to their former homes. Residents from Laywayyan and Ta Zone villages in Homalin township were forcibly moved in 2007, three years after the military government signed an agreement with India to build the 1200 megawatt Tamanthi hydropower project in Sagaing Region. However, progress on the project proceeded slowly and in

June the Indian and Myanmar governments pulled out of the project. Those affected are also seeking compensation for the 1400 acres of farmland that they say was confiscated from them and destroyed for the project. The land was used to grow tea, djenkol bean, bananas and seasonal fruits. The villagers were ordered to move to new places about 40 miles [65 kilometres] away from their old villages. The authorities destroyed their farms with bulldozers. Most of the villagers were given just K5000 as compensation for their farms and houses, said Daw Bawi Nu of the Kuki Womens Human Rights Organisation. The villagers are mostly Chin and Shan and struggled to communicate with the Myanmar-speaking authorities when they were evicted.

When the authorities came to our village and told us to move, we asked what we would do and where we would stay instead, said U Aung Htain Lin from Laywayyan village. The authorities told us not to worry and just move. They said building houses would be easy and they would take care of it. But when we

The lives of the villagers were destroyed by this project.

Daw Bawi Nu Kuki Womens Human Rights Organisation

moved out, no one built any houses for us. He said the area where the villages have been relocated lacks fertile land. Whenever we planted crops they always died because the soil is mixed with rocks ... We had to give up farming there, he said. Without our farms we had no income so the women had to do work in the houses of rich people and men had to do timber work, he said. Daw Bawi Nu said that her organisation will demand compensation and permission for the villagers to relocate back to their original homes from the Ministry of Electric Power and Indian government. The lives of the villagers were destroyed by this project. Even if government gives reasonable compensation to them, it will take a long

time for them to get back to normal, she said. Minister for Electric Power U Khin Maung Soe confirmed that both governments agreed to stop the project after a feasibility study had revealed that it would flood a large area and require many people to be resettled. He declined to comment on the governments future plans for Laywayyan and Ta Zone villages, however. We will stop the projects immediately if there are too many downsides for the environment and the people, he said on September 23. However, Indian newspaper Mint reported in June that the Myanmar government had initiated the cancellation of the Tamanthi project, along with another 880MW hydropower project backed by India, because of concerns over its social impact.

Heavy rain doubles number of displaced

AYE SAPAY PHYU ayephyu2006@gmail.com HEAVY rain and flooding over the past week has doubled the number of people in relief camps and forced the government to open 30 new sites to accommodate new arrivals. More than 22,000 people were staying in 75 relief camps in Kachin, Kayin and Shan states and in Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magwe, Mandalay and Sagaing regions as of September 24, Relief and Resettlement Department assistant director U Aung Kyaw said. Just six days earlier, the figure had been 11,000 in 45 camps across six states and regions. U Aung Kyaw said the number of affected households was even higher, with some families continuing to live in their flooded homes, particularly in Ayeyarwady Region. Daw Thida, a resident of Myawady in Kayin State, which was hit by severe flooding in August, said the town faced another less severe bout of flooding in late September. There was flooding in No 2 quarter in Myawaddy. But people did not have to relocate to camps. They stayed in their homes as they were only partially flooded, she said on September 24. The heavy rain over the past
Lewe township residents wade through a swollen creek on September 25. Photo: Win Ko Ko Latt

week has been prompted by a low pressure system in the Bay of Bengal and remnants of a storm in the South China Sea. While no rain records were set last week, Chaungzon in Mon State received more than 11 inches (28 centimetres) in one 24-hour period. Yangons heaviest falls came on September 23, when more than 3 inches (7.6cm) was recorded. A Department of Meteorology and Hydrology official said the strong monsoon conditions meant that the receding of the monsoon could be delayed from its original forecast. The monsoon withdrawal [from central areas] could be delayed to early October, deputy director U Kyaw Lwin Oo said, adding that the monsoon withdrew from northern Myanmar in late September. While the rain is likely to abate in central and upper Myanmar from October 2, meteorologists have forecast more heavy rain and potential flooding for southern parts of the country in the first 10 days of the month. There is likely to be above-average rain in central, delta and southern areas of the country from September 25 to October 8. These areas should prepare for floods, U Tun Lwin, a former director general of the department, posted on his Facebook page on September 25.

One person dies in Lewe floods

WIN KO KO LATT winkolatt2012@gmail.com FLOODING in Lewe township in Nay Pyi Taw has claimed one life and may have destroyed crops in up to 200 farms, local officials say. The floods were caused by torrential rain that began late at night on September 24 and continued into the following morning. The rains caused flooding in Khayankaing, Nyaunggone, Thayetkhone and Sinsape villages, locals said. A 20-year-old man fell into the water and drowned while hunting rats. It happened at 9am, said U Kyaw Naing, head of the Khayankaing village administration office, adding that two others who fell into the swollen waters were rescued. Water from Yonepin creek continued to flow into the village after the rain stopped at 3am, residents said. My 3 acres of paddy are flooded, said Daw Zaw of Sinsape village, which reportedly suffered the worst of the downpour. She said the paddy would be destroyed if the waters did not recede within four or five days.

Displaced by flooding
Source: Relief and Resettlement Department, September 24 KACHIN 478 | 7 SAGAING 5613 | 19 SHAN 123 | O* MANDALAY 6648 | 24 BAGO 1947 | 6 KAYIN 5319 | 14

The number of farms in Lewe potentially affected by the flooding

200

In 2011 my paddy field was destroyed because the water did not go down, she said. About 140 affected villagers were transported to Yanaungmyin Pagoda compound in Lewe township by the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) with the help of about 50 local

members, 60 soldiers, firemen and locals, and provided with food and water, officials said. We have to help by using loudspeakers to evacuate some elderly people because they couldnt hear us, said a Red Cross official. An army captain from Lewe township said the military is responding to the emergency. If people need food and water, we will help them, he said. The flood victims received drinking water from the MRCS, about 300 packets of steamed rice from Magyeegone village and 500 packets of steamed rice and 1500 bottles of drinking water from the Pyinmana branch of the National League for Democracy. The Department of Health plans to disinfect water and conduct an education campaign on the need to boil water for drinking to avoid diarrhoea, an official said. Translated by Thiri Min Htun

MAGWE 1219 | O*

AYEYARWADDY 856 | 5

NUMBER OF DISPLACED PEOPLE RELIEF CAMPS

SHELTERING WITH NEIGHBOURS

TOTAL:

22212 |

75

14 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

FEATURE

At Inle Lake, the tension beneath

KHIN SU WAI
jasminekhin@gmail.com

As beautiful as Inle Lake one of the countrys most popular tourist destinations appears to the thousands who visit each year, re
Experts say commercial floating farms, which grow vegetables on the so-called floating islands of Inle Lake, are the main culprits due to their excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Small-scale farmers also play a role in polluting, though experts caution it is best not to condemn their work but rather to try to persuade them of the need to look after the environment through more careful cultivation. And locals point out that tourism, however many jobs it brings to their area, damages the lake as well. Whoever is responsible, the science bears out Ko Win Zaw Oos worries. Pesticides from agriculture, chemical dyes from textile processing, excess siltation from watershed erosion, the dumping of garbage and waste any of these can pose a threat to an ecosystem. In combination, as at Inle, they wreak havoc. One measurement of the health of a body of water is its pH value. Living things flourish in waters measuring around 7, but will struggle or die in water which is more acidic (below 7), or more alkaline or caustic (above 7). The more the needle sways, in other words, the worse the news for biodiversity. A report released by the Department of Fisheries in February 2012 shows less-than-picture-postcard results: pH values of 9.6 in the central lake; 8.4 in Kaela to the west; 9.1 in Maing Thoak to the northeast; 8.9 in Nang Pan and 9.3 in Inn Paw Khon to the south; 9.0 by the Paung Daw Oo Pagoda. U Mg Mg Pyone, secretary of the Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA), said levels like this mean the water is not safe for consumption. What we proved by monitoring pH levels from 15 different sites is that in some places the water is not drinkable because of too much chemical use nearby, he said. Fish and vegetables especially the areas staple crop, tomatoes showed traces of the same poisonous chemicals found in the water, U Mg Mg Pyone said. And some of these toxins are working their way even further up the food chain, with blood samples from residents showing traces as well. There are two emergent threats to the rich verdant ecology and vibrant biodiversity around the Inle Lake area. One is deterioration of water quality as shown in the high pH levels. The other is depletion of water area. The lake as residents know it seems to be disappearing before their eyes. Water levels during the peak of the hot season, in March and April, were significantly down this year, with just 30 centimetres (1 foot) at the jetty at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. Transportation was disrupted and some villages were cut off entirely. While a similar drop in water levels occurred in 2010, when much of Myanmar was affected by drought, residents say the weather is not the only factor. They also blame the expansion of rice cultivation beside the lake and the continuous building of hotels to cater to the tourist boom. In an attempt to control what happens on the lake, BANCA instituted a project called the Integrated Multistakeholder Ecosystem Approach at Inle Lake Based on Zoning Principles and Integration of Eco-restoration and Agro-farming Practices in August 2011. Co-initiated with the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI), and supported by the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) through the Asia-Pacific Forum for Environment and Development (APFED) program, the project took a multipronged approach to the increasingly obvious environmental problems
An Intha fisherman balances on a longtail boat at Inle Lake. Photo: Boothee

IN January, at an event bringing together about 50 youth from Inle and Yangon, some Yangon youth carried a poster showing a typical Inle scene: a fisherman standing on his long wooden boat, with a conical net in the water and the Shan mountains visible in the background. The picture wasnt so different from many other images of Inle. Located in southern Shan State, the lake is known for its natural beauty and, especially, for the unique relationship between those who live there and the 116-square-kilometre lake. Images like this emphasising the grace of the men and women who work and live on the water are the areas calling card, featuring in nearly every travel guide, tourism write-up and in-flight magazine article published about Myanmar. Visitors from all over the world treat Inle as a must-see Myanmar location, part of a well-travelled loop taking in Shwedagon Pagoda, Mandalays royal palace and Bagans ancient ruins. Like the birds that nest in the area, travellers flock to the area for its unspoiled environment, where ecosystem and economy are balanced as neatly as a leg-rower balances on a boat. For the local contingent, however, the image on the poster told a different story. Ko Win Zaw Oo, leader of a civil society group called Thu Mitta, was one of 50 youth gathering at the Ahtet Laeti Monastery. The natural splendour of the fisherman, the lake and the mountains did not awe him, for he has lived at Inle all his life. What he saw instead were the areas in the background of the picture where oncegreen mountains had been laid bare, the once-dense forest cut and carted away for firewood.

The pH value of water at the centre of Inle Lake; living things flourish in waters measuring around 7.0

9.6

I feel sad about the poster youre carrying, he said, pointing to the sign. For him, the lack of trees on the mountains was a sign of environmental degradation, and the picture for some idyllic of the fisherman emphasised how Inle Lakes traditional custodians the Intha still live in poverty. And how could we solve this? he asked. Are we happy as fishermen? Why have we remained constantly in a state of poverty? This is not a good sign. It shows an alarming situation for the livelihood of the Intha. Ko Win Zaw Oo was expressing a sentiment common among those in the area. For all Inle Lake has been thrust into the tourism spotlight, the attention does not seem to have done much good for either of its main draws. However scenic their lives may appear, the Intha are still dependent on ancient practices to scrape out a meager living. Meanwhile, the oncepristine environment, now damaged by visitors and local mismanagement alike, has become a polluted, shrinking pool, posing a threat to both people and wildlife.

posing a threat to the lake area. Inle Lake was divided into zones, each to be managed by a Village-level Lake Restoration Team (VLRTs). The teams carried out a number of projects, from conducting bird surveys to ensuring legal restrictions on development were properly enforced. They also carried out environmental education programs and demonstrated organic farming practices to farmers to encourage healthier eating and a more inviting atmosphere for tourism. It is estimated that 85 percent of tomato farmers at Inle Lake had used pesticides and chemical fertilisers over the past two decades. Interest in and uptake of organic farming techniques is growing thanks to the efforts of both international and communitybased organisations. One small NGO started by Daw

recovery movement is critical, said U Tun Aung, a Shan State Hluttaw representative from Nyaungshwe, the main urban gateway to Inle Lake. He said the Intha have a responsibility to conserve their native land, and should understand what roles they can play in the process. Some locals, however, say change will not be as simple as it seems. Ko Kyaw Than Htay, a floatinggarden worker from Yay Thar village, earns K1500 a day during farming season. Without chemical fertilisers, he said, the yields are not enough to make cultivation economically viable. U Tin Soe, who works at Shwe Nga Main, a tomato sales broker center, said large-scale farmers would need at least a month to prepare the soil before planting, and using organic compost creates logistical problems in

Are we happy as fishermen? Why have we remained constantly in a state of poverty?

Ko Win Zaw Oo Intha civil society leader

Hnin Hnin Ohn was set up to share worm composting practices with other villagers on the lake to produce organic fertiliser. The weather at Inle Lake is similar to that of Chiang Mai, where people have had good success with worm farming, said Daw Hnin Hnin Ohn. The project has now spread to 20 villages. Such local involvement in the

terms of transportation. Still, the push is on to reform the way local people farm and do business on the lake. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) agreed to fund eight ethnic community-based organisations and local NGOs from July this year to support conservation of the lake. Last year, 12 organisations received similar grants. In all, about 50 community-based organisations

are thought to be actively working to conserve Inle Lakes natural resources. Local reaction to the organisations has been mixed. U Thein Tun, of 42 Min Chaung village tract, said some residents are appreciative of the groups intentions but others believe those from outside dont always understand the local way of life. Some NGOs have made good efforts for us, but some have not. Some NGOs dont understand the Inthas needs, livelihoods and difficulties, he said. One well-intentioned but incomplete development, he said, turned out to be something of a white elephant for villagers. One NGO donated a water tank to the village, but they didnt donate a platform. A villager built it and it cost about 2.5 lakh [K250,000]. This was bad luck for him. Ko Yay Aye, chairman of the ISDA, agreed that NGOs have not involved residents as much as they should. When NGOs took a survey of the lake, they used two locals and eight staff from other places. Thats not the right ratio. Other residents said that calls for the Intha to take responsibility for both the damage to and rehabilitation of the lake are unfair. They point out that the Pa-O, another ethnic minority group, live in the surrounding hills and are also responsible for some of the impact. They also blame hotels and the wider tourism industry for some of the damage. The impact of the growing tourism industry was one focus of a 118-page report Inlay Lake Conservation Project: A Plan for the Future that was

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News 15

h the surface

Activists rescue pregnant woman after 60-metre fall from truck

THAN NAING SOE thennaingsoe@gmail.com ENVIRONMENTAL activists helped stage a dramatic rescue in northern Shan State last week after a woman who was nine months pregnant plunged into a gully after a tyre blowout hurled her from the vehicle in which she was travelling. Ma Aye Aye Moe, 30, of Sakhanthar village, was a passenger in a truck on the road between Hsipaw and Namhsan when the accident occurred on September 22. As the tyre burst, the driver leapt clear and the truck plunged into the gully alongside the road. Ma Aye Aye Moe was left clinging to a tree 60 metres (200 feet) down the slope. After about 15 minutes, a passing vehicle coming from Namhsan stopped to see what had happened. We were coming back from an International Day of Peace ceremony in Zayan village in Namhsan township. We were carryMaung Oo, a member of the Mandalaybased group Green Activities, which is also known as Seinyaungso. Peering over the edge of the road, they saw the wrecked truck far below in the bottom of the gully but at first could see no trace of the passenger. They then spotted her dangling from the tree. Just then a local man arrived, and with his help, they launched their rescue. Scrambling down into the gully, the men reached the woman and cut steps in the steep slope with the hoe to aid in the recovery. Then they secured the woman with the rope and, using a longyi as a stretcher, managed to pull her back up to the road. She was okay except for a back injury and some bleeding. We took her to Namhsan hospital, said Ko Maung Maung Oo. When we made enquiries after coming back to Mandalay, we were told both she and the baby were fine. So we saved two lives.

esidents are grappling with the costs of development

Activists carry a heavily pregnant woman who was rescued on September 22. Photo: Supplied/Ko Maung Maung Oo

ing ropes and a hoe because there was a tree-planting activity, said Ko Maung

Residents call for halt to Dawei economic zone

NOE NOE AUNG
noenoeag@gmail.com

released in November 2012 and developed with funding from the Norwegian government. While the increase in tourism would generate new income in the area, the report said, there was also a serious threat that the net benefits to the regional communities may be offset by environmental costs to the already-stressed lake. Part of the changes may also relate to the increasing number of people living on the lake, a figure now pegged at around 200,000, according to the latest government data. Vice president of Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation Association U Ohn said the area needs stronger support from government partners, such as the departments of forestry,

fisheries and irrigation. The damage has so far done little to deter tourists. Arrivals through the Yangon gateway the main source of visitors to Inle grew more than 50pc in 2012 and are expected to grow at least 30pc this year. But shrinking surface area, declining numbers of native water plants, deteriorating water quality due to poor sanitation, eroding soil in the hillside and delta areas, declining production in floating gardens and health threats to the local population caused by unsafe water are all problems that remain unsolved. And if they arent, it wont only be sharp-eyed residents like Ko Win Zaw Oo who are left wondering whats wrong with the Inle Lake picture.

DAWEI residents are demanding a suspension of work at the huge deep-sea port project, claiming promised compensation has not been paid and work conducted so far has damaged agricultural land. The Dawei-based Tavoyan Womens Union (TWU) distributed a documentary video on September 26 recording the difficulties of the residents. Residents dissatisfaction is growing as their farms and gardens are being destroyed without their knowledge, said U Ye Linn Myint of the Dawei Development Association (DDA). This is why we are asking for the project to be suspended. We want the government to solve the problems first. The more the project grows, the more the residents are unhappy, said Daw Su Su Swe of TWU. Myanmar and Thailand signed an agreement to develop a deep sea port and special economic zone at Dawei in 2010. The original developer, ItalianThai Development, stepped back from the project after struggling to obtain financial backing. The Myanmar and Thai governments have since taken over and are attempting to bring Japan into the project, the first phase

of which is expected to cost around US$10 billion. This first phase will see 12,000 people from six villages forced to move at the end of this years monsoon season, according to TWU. Future development phases will require another 18,000 residents from 13 villages to relocate, the group says.

The new roads theyve built block the waterways for the paddy fields. Now our fields are flooded.
U Aung Myint Resident, Mudoo village

Though the project implementation committee has promised reasonable compensation for the plantations, gardens and farms that will be taken over, residents say so far they have received nothing. The new roads theyve built block the waterways for the paddy fields. Now our fields are flooded after the heavy rain, said U Aung Myint, from Mudoo village. Myel Gyi and Nayin Kyaw villages

face the same problem. Paddy fields in Myel Gyi were flooded and many acres of fields at Nayin Kyaw were covered with stones where the earth was broken for the road-building, he added. Another villager, U Maung Than, said residents are watching their fields day and night to make sure they are not destroyed by the developer. We refused to move from our lands when the authorities asked us. There is evidence that the authorities destroyed the crops of farmers who refused to move, said U Maung Than. The villagers also say local roads were ruined by the passage of heavy plant machinery. When we went to Ital-Thai to ask them to repair the roads they ignored us. Students who have to attend school in other villages cannot go because the roads are ruined. In the end, the villagers had to repair the roads themselves, said U Maung Than. U Ye Linn Myint said the government also needs to be more transparent about the projects status and its major investors. Though Ital-Thai say they have withdrawn from the project, they are still there. And now Japan is reportedly interested. DDA wants the government to solve these problems before the developer changes so that the situation doesnt become even more complicated. Neither the government nor ItalThai could be contacted for comment last week.

16 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Big Zaw returns to Yangon

YAMON PHU THIT yamon89@gmail.com MYANMARs tallest man, Ko Win Zaw Oo, returned home on September 26 after undergoing successful brain surgery in Singapore without which, doctors say, he could have died within two years. After spending more than a month in Singapore, Ko Win Zaw Oo appeared to be in good health as he arrived at Yangon International Airport. He has now stopped growing, said Dr Khin Maung Win, president of the Save Win Zaw Oo group. He will have to take medicine associated with his pituitary gland for his whole life. But this medicine is not expensive and easily accessible, he said at the press conference at the airport. Ko Win Zaw Oo also needs postoperative care, he said. During the seven-hour operation, surgeons removed a pituitary gland tumour diagnosed as carcinoma and a tumour in the hypothalamus through the patients nose. The experts in Singapore estimated that Ko Win Zaw Oo could have died within two years without this treatment, said Dr Khin Maung Win. The operation and treatment will cost more than S$70,000 (US$56,000). Ko Win Zaw Oo is 7 feet and 8 inches (2.33 metres) tall and comes from Htone Pauk Chaing village in Magwe Regions Natmauk township. He left Yangon for treatment in Singapore in mid-August.

Cleared by court, doctor campaigns for licence return

YAMON PHU THIT
yamon89@gmail.com

Ko Win Zaw Oo holds a bouquet of flowers given to him after his arrival at Yangon International Airport on September 26. Photo: Zarni Phyo

AN obstetrician and gynaecologist will appeal to the Myanmar Medical Council to regain her medical licence, which was suspended for five years in June 2012. The appeal follows the decision of Yangons Eastern District Court to dismiss a charge against her for medical error, Dr Mie Mie Thein told a press conference on September 26. Now its time to regain my licence after the court threw out the false accusation, she said. A couple whose child died at a private hospital in North Okkalapa township initiated legal action against her for causing death by

negligence in August 2010. They alleged that Dr Mie Mie Thein was negligent when she delivered the child at 30 weeks by caesarean section as she had miscalculated the due date. The week-old child died on July 8 after being transferred to the childrens ward at North Okkalapa General Hospital. Three years after the incident, the North Okkalapa township court charged Dr Mie Mie Thein with causing death by negligence under section 304(a) of the Penal Code on August 7. However, the Eastern District Court dismissed the charge on September 17. The court decided that the child did not die as a result of premature birth, but because of neonatal sepsis a blood infection that occurs in infants younger than 90 days old. In June 2012, the Myanmar Medical Council (MMC) announced

Dr Mie Mie Thein speaks at a press conference in Yangon on September 26. Photo: Zarni Phyo

that it had revoked Dr Mie Mie Theins medical licence following an investigation. The announcement stated that the medical licence had been suspended because of her miscalculation of the due date, the erroneous decision to perform a caesarean operation, failure to provide proper consultation to the parents before the operation and poor communication. In an interview with The Myanmar Times on January 30, the MMC declined to comment on the case. We dont have the right to disseminate information to the public on why and how action has been taken against a doctor, said former MMC chairman Dr Myo Myint. Dr Mie Mie Thein accused the MMC of failing to conduct the investigation in a transparent manner. They phoned me to come to the office for an investigation without any prior notice. How they investigated the [claims from the family of the patient] is also unclear, she said. The MMC has said that it would consider restoring her licence in light of the courts decision. I have already appealed four times and have had no reply, Dr Mie Mie Thein said. I will apply again and again to regain my reputation. In late 2009, the MMC suspended a surgeon for five years for misdiagnosing dengue haemorrhagic fever at the Bahan-based private medical centre.

www.mmtimes.com
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi speaks to the Myanmar community in Singapore on September 22. Photo: AFP

News 17

Government to expand reach of HIV services

YAMON PHOO THIT
yamon89@gmail.com

NLD leader urges diaspora in Singapore to consider return

THOUSANDS of expatriates living in Singapore gave Daw Aung San Suu Kyi an emotional welcome on September 22 as the democracy icon urged them to consider coming home to help rebuild the impoverished nation. The two-hour event, held on the third day of her visit to the city-state, saw Myanmar nationals working or studying in the wealthy city-state turn up in traditional attire and T-shirts emblazoned with her portrait to hear her speak and to ask questions. The crowd, estimated at 5800 by organisers at the Myanmar Club Singapore, gave Daw Aung San Suu Kyi a prolonged standing ovation as she entered a convention hall. Of course it is an emotional moment for many of us. Today, after seeing The Lady in Singapore for the first time, I feel proud to be [from] Myanmar, said 28-year-old nurse Ma Zaw Lei Win. Student Ko Myat Kaung Min said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi urged her compatriots in Singapore to consider returning home or to find some way to give back to Myanmar. She said everyone is waiting for her to become president before returning to Burma, but that she cannot become president if we dont come back and help, said the 21-year-old, who has permanent residency in Singapore. Ko Zaw Tun Henry, the president of Myanmar Club Singapore, said the 68-year-old Nobel laureate was most concerned about the future plans of Myanmar students in Singaporean universities. In a private meeting with them before her speech, he said she urged them to return home to give back to the mother country after their studies. She said, Dont wait until there are good conditions in Myanmar. You come back and [make the] change, Ko Zaw Tun Henry said. There are no official statistics on the size of the Myanmar diaspora in Singapore, but Ko Zaw Tun Henry said the community is about 150,000-strong. Speaking at another event at the Singapore Management University on September 22, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said she did not wish to impose on affluent and educated Myanmar nationals overseas to return home. It is a matter of choice, she said. I dont blame you because it is quite human and natural to make the most of your own life. AFP

SERVICES for HIV/AIDS sufferers will be decentralised this year to reach more people across the country, a government official said. The decentralisation plan aims to provide HIV care and treatment services such as voluntary blood tests, pre- and post-test counselling and anti-retroviral therapy (ART) to people in remote areas, said Dr Myo Thant, Yangon Region officer of the National AIDS Program (NAP). The services, now available at about 55 sites in big cities, will be extended to regional towns and rural areas. We have a capacity-building program for healthcare providers at each level to expand the services, Dr Myo Thant told the 7th National PLHIV forum on September 23. About 30 new sites will be opened this year, and more than 100 more by 2015. A nationwide expansion of ART sites will get under way this year, Dr Myo Thant said. About 17 new ART sites in general hospitals and seven ART teams will be expanded from this year until 2015. Of the estimated 120,000 people living with HIV who are in need of ART, more than 50,000 people, or about 48 percent, are receiving treatment. NAP is aiming to reach more than 100,000 people, or 85pc, by 2016, to enable them to get treatment.

Some of the funding will come from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria, which will provide more than US$315 million for Myanmars response to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria over the next four years, of which more than half will go toward HIV. Ko Myo Thant Aung, chair of Myanmar Positive Group, said under the current, highly centralised system, patients from rural areas have to spend significant amount of money to seek treatment in urban areas.

The number of new HIV treatment sites that will open over the next two years

130

It was a waste of time, money and energy, he said. So this is a great plan for people living with HIV, but we still have to see how effective it will be. He also warned that some patients prefer to travel from their homes for treatment so they can hide the infection from other members of their community. There are some patients who dare not to reveal to others in their area that they are HIV-positive because they are scared of discrimination. They wont want to take medicine in their home region.

The statue of U Ko Lay is unveiled on September 23. Photo: Khin Su Wai

Mandalay College founder immortalised with statue

KHIN SU WAI jasminekhin@gmail.com A STATUE of Mandalay University founder U Ko Lay has been unveiled at the university, one month after what would have been the noted scholars 100th birthday. The 1.2-metre (4-foot) copper statue was installed on September 23 outside the universitys main building. It cost about K4.5 million to cast, more than half of which was donated by Dae O Sayadaw. U Ko Lay, who in the aftermath of World War II helped to secure tertiary education for generations of Myanmar, passed away in 1993. With U Ko Lay as its inaugural vice chancellor, Mandalay University was established as Mandalay College in 1947. A similar institution had been founded by the colonial administration in 1920 following student protests but closed in 1942 because of the war. U Ko Lay had been undertaking a PhD in London when then-Minister for Education U Razak, one of Myanmars most prominent Muslims, called him back to Myanmar to establish the college. Since then, many students have graduated from the university and achieved renown in various fields, from academia to politics and law, as well as business.

18 News
FEATURE

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

In Yangon, home is where the job is

For many garbage collectors, the job and the accommodation it provides is the only thing keeping them off the streets that theyre keeping clean

SI THU LWIN
sithulwin.mmtimes@gmail.com

A TWO-FOOT-SQUARE red signboard stands next to the entrance of the Tarmwe township compound, the words Authorised Persons Only in white letters. Beyond, people of all ages from toddlers to the elderly walk between 17 row houses, some of which are still being built. The houses 3 metres (10 feet) apart, and 4.8m (16 feet) wide are made of bamboo slats and matting and divided into 12 small rooms. Behind the small, open entrances to the rooms, anywhere from two to eight family members can be found living inside. Built to house employees of Yangon City Development Committees Department of Pollution Control and Cleaning, there are 27 similar compounds across the city. This one near a stadium behind Yuzana Plaza is home to more than 200 workers and their families, most of whom have migrated to Yangon. With few job opportunities in their hometowns and villages, they have uprooted in search of something better. Now, theyre working day or night shifts, gathering household garbage with their carts and hauling it back to dump it into a large bin near Yuzana Plaza. Some wear bright orange jackets marked cleaning, gloves or a face mask but others wear nothing to distinguish themselves. Pedestrians visibly recoil as they walk past the carts, trying not to breath in the unpleasant smell. For their efforts, the workers are paid K2700 a day. But many say the promise of accommodation in Yangon is what encouraged them to take up this work, regardless of the health risks that come with handling trash. I dont want to consider my health - wed face a difficult living otherwise, said Daw Thi Thi Win, 44. She moved here with her family from Mon States Paung township. When her husband developed heart and lung disease and could no longer work, she had few options and had to choose this job. She now collects rubbish on the night shift. I have two sons and they are students. The older is in eighth standard and the younger is in third standard, she said. The most important thing for us is having a place to live. The skyrocketing property prices in Yangons downtown area are well documented. Less well known, however, is

A man and a child stand next to a cart between row houses in Tarmwe township built for Yangon City Development Committee cleaners. Photo: Si Thu Lwin

that rents are rising even in workingclass neighbourhoods, where a typical bamboo house measuring 1200 square feet (20 feet by 60 feet) is at least K20,000 or K30,000 a month. The requirement that six months or one year be paid upfront prices many out of the market. By offering accommodation as

Another resident, whose husband works clearing garbage, agreed that this job was the only way for her family to get by. He chose this job out of consideration for us his family, said Daw Nilar, 59. He doesnt have any education. But by working as a cleaner he

a daily basis, said U Than Lwin Oo, head of the Department of Pollution Control and Cleaning. To house this new workforce it has built compounds in 28 townships 145 houses in all, comprising 1740 rooms with running water and electricity. It plans to upgrade the houses in future

The most important thing for us is to have a place to live.

Daw Thi Thi Win YCDC garbage collector from Tarmwe township

well as employment, YCDC has offered a solution to the two major challenges that low-income households face. I had to choose this job because I had no place to live and I cant afford to rent a house, said Daw Kyi Kyi Khine, 37, from Bago Regions Kawa township.

doesnt need to worry about finding a place for us to live. The arrangement benefits YCDC as well: The city requires more than 2600 staff to handle garbage, but to date has only 900 permanent staff. To fill the rest of the positions, it hires more than 3000 workers on

by adding concrete foundations and replacing the thatch roofs with sheets of corrugated iron. Once or twice a month, authorities from the health department provide medical checkups for workers, and NGOs spray the area against mosquitoes and provide free health education regularly.

The arrangement, however, is not without its difficulties. For a place built to house garbage collectors, the residents of the Tarmwe compound have been having trouble getting their own garbage picked up on time. While the warden of the compound said a truck comes once every three days to clear away the overflowing rubbish bin, residents said it comes only every week or two, or sometimes once a month. Residents have to observe 12 regulations while living there. But these rules, like the collection schedule, seem rather elastic. One rule, for example, forbids smoking inside the homes, something the warden signalled he did not wish to discuss by blowing out a stream of smoke in his office. Still, the collection of workers has turned into a community. When The Myanmar Times visited recently, a group of people were playing with a carom board next to the shared toilet and water tank. Others played a game that involves throwing a marble toward rolled notes placed in a small circle on the ground. While stoves are provided, residents said payday every five days is the only time the smell of cooking competes against the smells of the workday. We cook in the kitchen on the days we draw our wages, said Daw Wa Toke, as she collected rubbish on Bogyoke Aung San Road on a recent monsoon night. Mostly we rely on roadside food. Another resident, Ko Kin, is a new father. As he unloaded rubbish from his cart into the tank, he reflected on the difficult balance he and other workers have struck between shortterm gain and long-term pain. Collecting household rubbish is a kind of public service. I earn income from this job and I dont need to worry about myself and my family. But, he added, as he got ready to head out for one trip, I dont want to have to do this job my whole life. Translated by Thiri Min Htun

www.mmtimes.com

News 19

BRIEFS
KIO, govt to meet in early October
The next round of talks with the Kachin Independence Organisation will be held in Myitkyina at the beginning of October, chief government peace negotiator U Aung Min said last week. He made the comments on September 21, the first day of a three-day meeting in the Shan State capital Taunggyi with armed ethnic groups. Peace facilitator U San Aung said the government is likely to focus discussions on the formation of a joint team to monitor front-line troops, support for people displaced by the conflict and a nationwide ceasefire agreement that the government has proposed be signed at the end of October. While the dates are not yet confirmed, media reports suggested that the talks would likely begin on October 7 or 8. The government and KIO signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994 following decades of conflict but fighting resumed in June 2011, less than three months after President U Thein Sein took power. The conflict has so far displaced almost 100,000 people, of which about 70,000 are in KIO-controlled areas, U San Aung said. Win Ko Ko Latt

Myanmar migrant workers rest in their cabin aboard a trawler at a port in Pattani, southern Thailand, on September 20. Photo: AFP

Committee reaches SEA Games funding target

A committee set up to raise funds for the holding of the Southeast Asian Games from corporate partners has already exceeded its US$2 million target, a government official says. Deputy Minister for Finance U Maung Maung Thein, who is chairman of the governments SEA Games fundraising committee, said almost $3 million has been raised and more is expected to flow in before the games begin on December 11. Currently, we have received $2.69 million for the SEA Games. We are likely to get more contributions from some other companies, said U Maung Maung Thein. The Kanbawza Group of Companies has been the largest donor to date, giving $1 million. Myanmar Brewery, Loi Hein, Panasonic, Samsung and Daw Win Garment Industry have each donated $300,000, while a number of other donors have given $100,000 or less. Along with identifying sponsors and donors, the Fundraising and Awards Committee is also responsible for purchasing vehicles to transport athletes and officials and commissioning a firm to produce the medals for athletes. U Maung Maung Thein said about $1.4 million of the money raised had been used to buy 120 of the 200 buses and cars needed for the games. The committee has also chosen Warzi Printing to produce the gold, silver and bronze medals that will be awarded to athletes. The company was selected through a tender. Shwegu Thitsar, translated by Zar Zar Soe

Confusion as visa talks drag on

BILL OTOOLE
botoole12@gmail.com

DESPITE several weeks of talks, Myanmar and Thailand are yet to agree on a new policy that would allow migrant workers to apply for and renew visas to work in Thailand. Human rights activists say the failure to put in place a new system has left migrants uncertain and vulnerable to further exploitation. The major problem is the policy is not clear here in Bangkok, much less on the border, said Phil Robertson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch and the author of several reports on migrants in Thailand. Under a memorandum of understanding implemented in 2009, migrant workers could stay for a maximum of four years before having to return to Myanmar. When the first round of visas began to expire earlier this year, both migrant groups and employers called for a change to the program so that visas could be extended further. After initially rejecting calls for a new policy, Thailand agreed to bilateral talks with Myanmar on the issue. The two sides signed a new memorandum of understanding in

Bangkok on September 5 under which they agreed to review certain parts of the existing policy with an eye toward suggesting changes at the next meeting. So far no second meeting has been scheduled. Representatives from Myanmars Ministry of Labour could not be reached for comment but Peing Pahp, an alien workers expert at the Thai ministry, said any new labour policy would have to be cleared by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatras cabinet and this is likely to take some time.

I expect the [legal] migration avenues will take a big hit as a result of these problems.
Phil Robertson Human Rights Watch

Sai Kawng, who conducts education and outreach activities in migrant communities in the Chiang Mai area, said he and his activist colleagues are the only ones sharing information with workers, who come mostly from Shan State. The [Thai] government does not go to migrant workers areas and talk about [the new policy], he said. In the absence of solid news on the Thai governments plans for migrant workers, rumours are spreading through communities. In Chiang Mai, Sai Kawng said, migrants are hearing that they will only be allowed to extend their visa for one year, and they will not be allowed to quit their job during that time. He said this means migrants are already growing suspicious of the new system and more likely to choose to stay in the country illegally, even though this leaves them at greater risk of exploitation from criminals and local police. Mr Robertson agreed that poor information dissemination in migrant communities would likely hamper the new system. Rumours abound, facts and clear procedures are hard to find

The fact that this is being handled in such an ad hoc way certainly does not give confidence to migrant workers, he said. I expect the [legal] migration avenues will take a big hit as a result of all these problems, encouraging more people to enter Thailand without documents which is precisely what the Thai government says they didnt want. A source close to the Myanmar government, who asked not to named, said that corrupt officials try to keep migrants ignorant of changes to the law so that they can inflate fees. Another source said he thought the new system, when it arrives, will only be a new vehicle for the endemic corruption that plagued the old system. Sai Kawng said that even while the law is in flux he is still meeting newly arrived migrants who are being sold passports that could soon be invalid when the new system is rolled out. Key agencies the police and employers win when the policy is unsettled and workers are bereft of rights, Mr Robertson said.

20 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Ministry secures end to strike

Hone Shin workers to receive all money owed and the labour ministry will help them secure new jobs

SHWE GU THIT SAR

khaingsabainyein@gmail.com

Lawyer to form party for farmers, workers

PROTECTING the interests of the common man and woman - thats how the leader of the Party for the Defence of Farmers and Workers says he plans to shake up Myanmar politics. The partys 22 founding members, led by Mandalay-based lawyer and politician U Sein Hla, submitted an application to the Union Election Commission on September 24. We set up this party to protect farmers and workers, who are really treated like second-class citizens, U Sein Hla said last week. We can see after 30 months that the presidents poverty reduction programs arent working. We can see that the government is not protecting farmers. In most regions, they are manipulated and mistreated by businesspeople and cronies. The local authorities protect the interests of those people, he said. The partys first major policy measure will be to ensure that local administrators resolve land disputes in a fair and square manner. Most of cronies are thieves and the local officials protect them after taking bribes. If they arent going to protect the farmers, somebody else has to. Thats why I registered this new party. U Sein Hla stood unsuccessfully as an independent candidate in Mandalay in the 2010 general election and in the 2012 byelections. He has been a longtime human rights campaigner, helping people who have suffered injustice get recourse through legal channels. Soe Than Lynn, translated by Thiri Min Htun

WORKERS who walked out when their factorys closure left them without pay have called off their strike after intervention by the regional labour ministry. Negotiations involving the workers, management and ministry staff resulted in the signing of a five-point agreement on September 23. The Yangon Region Ministry of Labour has promised to help the workers find new jobs, said labour minister U Soe Min. Hluttaw representatives Daw Sandar Min and Ko Kyaw Kyaw joined strike leaders in publicising the agreement among the workers at the troubled Hone Shin cold storage factory in Yangons Dagon Seikkan township industrial zone. Under the agreement, which resulted from several hours of talks, Hone Shin, which opened 12 years ago, will shut down permanently. Management has agreed to pay all compensation and outstanding wages; to intercede in favour of arrested strike leaders U Min Min and U Thiha; and to allow workers living in factory accommodation to remain until 6pm on September 26. The workers guarantee not to remove or destroy factory property and to renounce any additional compensation claims. Some members of the 200-strong workforce have been with the factory for 11 years. Workers with service of three years or more will receive five months wages, and those with less than three years service will receive three months wages. The Ministry of Labour will seek new jobs for the workers, said minister U Soe Min. If we hear of any factory in Dagon Seikkan township requiring more

Workers from the Hone Shin factory strike near Yangons Sule Pagoda on September 23. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

workers, our department will inform them, said U Soe Min. Some workers accused the management of planning to reopen the factory under another name but U Soe Min said this was not the case. The factory shut down because of low productivity. We will take action if it reopens in violation of the agreement, he said. The companys management said it had asked the police during the strike not to take action against the workers. The strikers were there without permission, but I negotiated with the head of the industrial zone and the police not to crack down

on them brutally. I also negotiated with the workers the whole night of September 22, said U Thein Hlaing Tun, who did, however, press charges against two of the strike leaders. The agreement ends a series of industrial disputes at the factory, located at the corner of U Chain and U Mya streets in Dagon Seikkan township, that date back to 2011 and focused mostly on workers low pay. Workers at Hone Shin cold storage factory earned a basic wage of K15,000 a month, rising to K20,000 after several years of service. Pay rose to K25,000 after the first strike, and some workers took home as much

as K80,000 including bonuses. But workers say they were docked K5000 for missing one day, and K10,000 for missing three days. The second strike, launched in August, ended on September 4 when the employer accepted the ruling of an arbitration body. But on September 12, the employer backed out of the agreement, saying he would close the factory for three months. This sparked the third strike, when workers demonstrated in front of City Hall. Their demands included paid leave, casual leave and medical leave, and recognition of their labour representatives. Translated By Thiri Min Htun

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. Working with private enterprises in more than 100 countries, we use our capital, expertise, and influence to help eliminate extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. In FY13, our investments climbed to an all-time high of nearly $25 billion, leveraging the power of the private sector to create jobs and tackle the worlds most pressing development challenges. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. IFCs strategy in Myanmar focuses on: (i) strengthening the role of the private sector and in particular MSMEs in creating economic opportunity; (ii) promoting inclusive growth; (iii) supporting the countrys economic reform process; and (iv) addressing Myanmars infrastructure needs. Global Financial Markets is IFCs largest investment group, which is responsible for sourcing executing and supporting investment transactions in projects in the financial sector globally. We are one of the largest investors in the financial sector in emerging markets and are unique for our global perspective, development goals, long-term approach to investments, ability to leverage the resources of the entire World Bank Group, and our commitment to maximizing the value of our portfolio companies through sustained assistance. To strengthen our financial sector investment team in Myanmar, we are seeking an experienced local Associate Investment Officer/ Investment Officer to be based in our Yangon Office. As part of the Myanmar and Mekong team as well as the regional Financial Markets team, the Associate Investment Officer / Investment Officer will lead business development, execute transactions, and actively manage portfolio projects in the financial sector. He/she will establish and maintain strong relationships, at the highest levels, with banks and non-bank financial institutions, investors as well as with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Interested candidates should review the complete job description and selection criteria and apply on-line at http://www.ifc.org/careers and choose vacancy number 132109. Please note that you need to register before submitting your application. The closing date is 16th October 2013. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted.

Ignored by govt, residents prepare for full-time protest

NOE NOE AUNG noenoeag@gmail.com THINGANGYUN township residents calling for the return of land taken from them by the military more than two decades ago say they plan to step up their campaign. More than 200 residents of Mee Gyaung Kan ward protested outside Sule Pagoda on September 23 over the confiscation. We protested seven times but there is no solution yet so we are planning to make a full-time protest [starting] this week, resident U Sein Than told The Myanmar Times on September 25. We are not sure we will get permission for a full-time protest but whatever happens we will continue. We know we can be arrested but we wont stop until we get a resolution. The residents launched their campaign in January and have written more than 10 times to the Yangon Region government; Daw Aung San Suu Kyis Rule of Law, Peace and Stability Committee; the land dispute investigation commission; Senior General Min Aung Hlaing; and President U Thein Sein. by the ministry. Later we got an eviction notice from Yangon City Development Committee This case has no clarity since the beginning, said resident U Kyaw Lwin. The second notice gave them 15 days to move. Some residents were sent to Insein prison because they refused to leave, while the rest had to pay a K4800 relocation fee. The fact the families had to pay for their new land meant it could not be considered compensation for their confiscated blocks, U Kyaw Lwin said. In 1990, K4800 was worth much more than it is today. Not every family could give that much money. Households who couldnt were sent to the outskirts of Bago, while people who gave the money got 1200 square feet of land in East Dagon and North Dagon townships. After residents moved from their homes, the authorities put up signs that read, This land is owned by military. But rather than use the land for military purposes, it was rented out or developed. Some of the lands was rented for agriculture, said U Sein Than, while some was used to build high-rise buildings.

A former resident of Mee Gyaung Kan ward protests on September 23. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

But the authorities have ignored us. Only the rule of law committee sent us a reply acknowledging they had received our letter, U Sein Than said. In 1990-91, No 22 Light Infantry Division confiscated more than 100 acres from thousands of households, who were forcibly relocated to the outskirts of Yangon and Bago. At first we got an eviction notice that we were living on Ministry of Railways land. But most of the families lived on their ancestors land and we had never heard it was owned

www.mmtimes.com

News 21

Tremor a setback for town in recovery

A series of tremors on September 20 damaged homes in Thabeikkyin that were already weakened by a much stronger quake in November 2012
SI THU LWIN sithulwin.mmtimes@gmail.com RECONSTRUCTION of damaged buildings in earthquake-hit Thabeikkyin township, Sagaing Region, suffered a setback last week as fresh tremors inflicted more damage on the town. More than 200 buildings were affected as cracks appeared in the foundations or concrete slabs were detached from walls. The tremors, on September 20, were measured at 4.0, 5.0 and 5.4 on the Richter scale and occurred 129, 97 and 105 kilometres north of an earthquake measuring station in Mandalay, officials said. earthquake struck on November 11, and two 5.0 magnitude earthquakes followed within minutes. This time, the destruction is not so serious. We have drawn up a damage report so we can fulfil the needs, said a spokesperson from the Thabeikkyin township general administration office. The earthquake left cracks in the walls or foundations of 11 pagodas, while a sein phoo daw an ornamented bud embedded with diamonds fell from its mounting at the top of a pagoda. Lesser damage occurred at 11 religious buildings, 204 houses, two administrative buildings, nine schools, a hospital, a civil society office and a library, he added. The third tremor was the strongest, but very brief. If it had been longer, it would have done more damage, said one Thabeikkyin resident, a retired engineer. The quakes triggered a landslide on the bank of the Ayeyarwady River near Thabeikkyin and destroyed nearby houses. It also further damaged those that were already weakened by Novembers earthquake. The last earthquake tilted our house sideways, but it wasnt included in the list of damaged buildings. This time the damage was very severe. We have to live in the forest because we dare not live in our house, said Daw Khin San Yi, 45, said as she

We have to live in the forest because we dare not live in our house.
Daw Khin San Yi Thabeikkyin resident

Sayadaw Seintita of Aung Myin Thar monastery in Thabeikkyin holds a Buddha image damaged in the tremor. Photo: Si Thu Lwin

The quakes hit as workers were repairing the damage caused by a bigger earthquake last November that killed at least 26 people and left hundreds injured. The 6.8 magnitude

reported the damage to the township administration office. The latest tremors will delay reconstruction of the damage caused last November. The schools old building was destroyed in 2012. We started to rebuild it, but the new earthquake

has made a 70-foot-long crack in the foundations. We have to await instructions from our superior before going ahead, said an engineer working on the site. Locals are concerned for their safety. Reconstruction of the monastery was recently completed, but

now cracks have appeared. The recent earthquake also destroyed the arms and chest of the Buddha images which had been repaired only recently. We need donors to fund the repairs. Its a very anxious time, said Sayadaw Seintita of Aung Myin Thar monastery. Translated by Thiri Min Htun

Mandalay officials deport more illegal workers

KHIN SU WAI jasminekhin@gmail.com FOREIGN workers in Mandalay Region who have broken immigration rules are being deported in a crackdown, officials say. In one recent case, a Chinese mining worker was sent home after being involved in an explosion, when it was found that he had been working without authorisation. The explosion, at the mining company Sein Nat in Yamethin district, Mandalay Region, on August 1, resulted in the death of a Chinese mining expert and the injury of another. A subsequent investigation revealed that both were here illegally. Unfortunately, their approval letters arrived only after the explosion. The name of the injured man was placed on the blacklist and he was sent back to China this month after recovering from his injuries, said U Thaung Zaw, head of the immigration department in Mandalay. In two other recent cases, a Chinese man was discovered begging in Mandalay after his passport and personal effects had been stolen. He had reportedly come to Myanmar to find his relatives. Another one was also reduced to begging at Thazi railway station after travelling to Maungdaw in Rakhine State. Meanwhile, two Chinese agricultural workers were deported from Mandalay International airport because they were on the blacklist. In April, about 20 Chinese citizens were accused of running an illegal gold business in Hpakant and deported via Mandalay. Three more cases were reported in May, including one man jailed after a fight in the Mandalay jade market. U Thaung Zaw said there were about 400 to 500 foreign nationals working in Mandalay Region, mostly in mining and manufacturing jobs. About half are Chinese.

CORRIGENDUM
In the Cautionary Notice appearing in this paper of 11th February, 2013, Page-36, the correct name and address of the ownership of Trademarks is as follows:Ipsen Pharma S.A.S. 65 Quai Georges Gorse, Boulogne-Billancourt 92100 France

and

22 THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Business
World Bank powers up Mon State with first loan in decades
AUNG SHIN
koshumgtha@gmail.com Fishermen near Myanmars coast land a catch in this file picture. Photo: AFP

THE World Bank announced a US$140 million low-interest loan to fund a power plant in Mon State, the first domestic investment from the institution since a January deal allowing cleared arrears stemming from 1989.

Its the first international investment since the World Banks re-engagement in Myanmar.
Kanthan Shakar World Bank country manager

The 106 megawatt gas turbine power plant will replace an existing generating facility, producing 2.5 times the electricity with the same amount of fuel, it said. Its the first international investment since the World Banks reengagement in Myanmar and a critical declaration of the World Banks commitment to support the development of Myanmar, said World Bank Myanmar country manager Kanthan Shankar on September 25. The World Bank said the project will meet 5 percent of Myanmars

peak demand and 50pc of the states demand. The 106MW facility will replace existing turbines able to generate 40MW. Myanmar will pay a 0.75pc service charge over the 40-year term of the otherwise interest-free loan. Myanmar had stopped making payments on its debt to the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 1989, resulting in a suspension of lending to the country. However, a deal struck in January 2013 with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation allowed for a bridge loan to repay arrears and allow lending from the World Bank and ADB to begin again to the country. World Bank East Asia Pacific vice president Axel van Trotsenburg said in a release the bank could provide financing, analysis and advice to Myanmars energy sector. We are also working to leverage private sector investment in power generation and distribution, he said. Myanmars transition has tremendous potential to reduce poverty. A more reliable electricity supply will create jobs and improve lives, said Mr Shankar. Meanwhile, the ADB announced a $2.85 million grant to assist Myanmar with developing a long-term energy plan and improving its power grid in a release on September 26. Jong-Inn Kim, lead energy specialist at ADBs Southeast Asia Department, said a master plan will help the country assess its energy needs and provide a roadmap to meet them. The grant funding comes from the Japan Fund for Poverty Relief, the release said. The ADB had similarly halted lending to Myanmar following the countrys 1989 decision to halt loan repayments.

Fishers argue against renewing Thailand deal

MYAT NYEIN AYE myatnyeinaye11092@gmail.com REPRESENTATIVES of Myanmars fishing industry are lining up against renewing a contract to allow Thai firms to trawl in Myanmars waters in return for cash payments. The deal expires in March 2014, but many industry players say the agreements time has passed as it was initially implemented in 2004 to generate revenues in foreign currency during military rule, said an official with Yangon Regions Department of Fisheries. The final decision rests with the government, but Myanmar fishermen certainly dont want the agreement anymore, he said. Myanmar Marine Fisheries Association joint secretary U Aung Than Oo said the government generates US$12 million from the fishing rights annually, but lost a disproportionately large amount of stock in return. He said Thai fishermen often follow unfair practices such as using outlawed nets, cloning ship licence plates and coming in too close to shore. Thats why our waters have lost resources, and we catch fewer fish than in the past, he said, adding the competition disadvantages Myanmar fishers. Thai embassy officials did not return requests for comment. U Khin Maung Aye, deputy minister of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, said the standard catch per unit declined to 80 kilograms an hour this year from 150kg for the same effort a decade ago. The complaints of falling catches are correct, and we will consider how best to deal with it, he said. U Myint Thu, head officer of the fisheries department at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, said the government plans to hold a workshop in Nay Pyi Taw to collect different viewpoints on the agreement with Thailand before submitting a decision for government approval. The deal, first inked in 2004, allows three Thai companies to fish in Myanmar territorial waters, though Jonathan Company gave up its privileges in 2009, leaving Ryuji International and Sandaroon Fishing to continue operating. Under the deal some 62 Thai boats fish outside a line 12 miles (19 kilometres) from Myanmars shores after passing through the Kawthoung checkpoint in Tanintharyi Region though up to 300 boats had previously taken part. Several Thai fishing boats were fined a total of $1.2 million in the 2010-11 fiscal year for circumventing rules, though control over illegal fishing falls to the navy rather than the Department of Fisheries and Livestock. Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann said during a September visit to the Myanmar Fisheries Federation he would support attempts to end the deal with Thailand, adding the government would not lose a significant amount of tax revenue in process. Additional reporting by Jeremy Mullins

BUSINESS EDITOR: Jeremy Mullins | jeremymullins7@gmail.com

23

Microfinance movement
BUSINESS 24

Yangon in tax assessment

PROPERTY 32

Exchange Rates (September 27 close)

Currency
Euro Malaysia Ringitt Singapore Dollar Thai Baht US Dollar

Buying
K1300 K297 K770 K31 K970

Selling
K1310 K300 K775 K31.50 K972

Electricity plant work halts for purchase plan

AUNG SHIN koshumgtha@gmail.com JEREMY MULLINS jeremymullins7@gmail.com WORK on power plants slated to generate some 300 megawatts of electricity in the Yangon area has halted awaiting government approval of a standard power purchasing agreement (PPA) for the industry, according to U Zeya Thura Mon, CEO of power plant developers Myanmar Central Power Company. The construction stoppage comes as Myanmar projects a significant gap between electricity supply and demand, with the four plants together able to add some 7.5 percent to the countrys current capacity of 4012 megawatts, figures from the Ministry of Electric Power (MOEP) show. U Zeya Thura Mon expressed frustration that his firm thought it had an agreement in hand with authorities when it began constructing its plant, only to see the government not offer a PPA as the plant neared completion. for the industry with international support. We should produce an agreement at an international standard, he said. Right now were looking at how it should be handled. Implementing the four projects came with a large degree of risk, and the developers should be compensated appropriately but creating a PPA standard agreement that would work for all future projects as well as the currently stopped plants is important to developing the industry in the years ahead, he said. The Asian Development Bank which supports MOEPs efforts to develop regulations through technical assistance projects told The Myanmar Times that it is natural the government is examining whether the contracts are in the long-term best interest of the country and in line with international practices. It is responsible and prudent for the government to carefully study the terms and conditions of these unsolicited contracts, some of which extend for 30 years, it said. Although U Zeya Thura Mon said his firm had agreed on a tariff with MOEP for the power it generated, he added it is unreasonable for government to subsidise electricity prices by forcing producers to charge less. If the government wants to subsidise prices thats fine, but the market price should be [about] 12 cents a kilowatt hour [kWh], he said, claiming Myanmars current prices of US$0.06 a kWh paid by consumers as far lower than other regional economies. Myanmar consumers are currently charged $0.06 a kWh while the government pays about $0.12 a kWh to producers, in effect subsidising the difference. U Zeya Thura Mon said a price of about $0.12 would strike the right balance between low rates for Myanmar consumers and incentivising investment in the sector, though media reports have indicated some agreements with private power in Myanmar have offered higher rates of $0.13 to $0.15. He said the price for the plant was about $0.035 a kWh without fuel costs, though with fuel the costs of operation rise to about $0.10. He contrasted this rate favourably with those of other regional economies, such as Singapore where power can cost $0.26.

IN PICTURES

An elephant pulls a log in the forests of Bago Region. Forest Products Joint Venture Corporation (FPJVC) which makes use of elephants in its operations received a strong buy rating due to its cash reserves and strong industry relationships, though a planned ban on export of teak logs will test its adaptability, a report from consultancy firm Thura Swiss said. Photo: Douglas Long

If the government wants to subsidise prices thats fine, but the market price should be 12 cents.
U Zeya Thura Mon Myanmar Central Power Company

Japan nears Dawei participation call

AYE THIDAR KYAW
ayethidarkyaw@gmail.com

We brought in [foreign investors], built the project, and we are ready. Everybody agreed on a deal, he said. Then it came time to sign the deal, and nobody signed. He added it is a similar situation for three other plants spearheaded by investors from Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia, who all responded in 2011 to an easing of rules governing foreign investment in the sector as a means to supply much-needed electricity to Myanmar. U Khin Maung Win, MOEP deputy director general, said the delay in producing a PPA for the four plants came as the government attempts to produce a standardised agreement

JAPAN aims to make a decision on the level of its involvement in the Dawei Special Economic Zone project by November, Myanmar officials said. The worlds third-largest economy is mulling possible technical assistance or Official Development Assistance (ODA) support to the SEZ, said U Set Aung, deputy minister for National Planning and Economic Development at the beginning of a September 27 trilateral meeting in Yangon. Japan will declare its role in Dawei at the November meeting of the Joint Coordinating Committee in Nay Pyi Daw, he added. Union Minister U Aye Myint said that Myanmar is looking for reliable partners with technological expertise in order to speed up work on the SEZ. The troubled Tanintharyi Region project was initially spearheaded by Italian-Thai Development Company, but government officials said in August it stepped aside as it ran into funding difficulties, though still operates as a contractor. Dawei has been the result of highlevel negotiations between Myanmar and Thai officials, who have requested Japanese assistance in the SEZ. Dawei would be linked to Bangkok some 350 kilometres (220 miles) away by road, providing the Thai capital with an outlet to the Andaman Sea. The ambitious project is to cover

250 square kilometres, with the first phase projected to cost nearly US$9 billion including a deep-sea port and large industrial estate. U Aye Myint said the SEZ could greatly benefit from Japans participation. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs deputy director general Hidenao Yanagi said the September 27 meeting was an effort for Japanese players to gain information about the project. We have some expertise we can share, as Japan has been involved in similar projects, he said. He pointed to the Map Ta Phut industrial estate on Thailands eastern seaboard as a successful project begun 20 years ago. Map Ta Phut had gone through growing pains as well, but ended up successful, he said.

Myotha park share sale to end

PHYO WAI KYAW pwkyaw@gmail.com THAN NAING SOE thennaingsoe@gmail.com MANDALAY Myotha Industrial Development (MMID) Public Company will halt its share issue in October after raising K126 billion (US$129 million) from 1167 separate investors to date, company director U Aung Win Khaing said. The share issue ended after a predetermined six-month period, though company officials will provide a counter to function as a secondary market matching buyers and sellers, he said. We will issue more shares in the future if the project needs more capital, he said. The firm intends to build an industrial, housing and commercial park in phases in Myingyan district, Mandalay Region. The first phase calls for construction of a port, residential housing and regional roads, aiming for work to be underway by the end of March 2014. Regional hluttaw representatives also want to develop the area, said U Aung Win Khaing. We will never turn back and continue with the project until we reach success. MMID began the share issue in April, selling shares initially at K100,000 then later dropping prices to K10,000 each, and included some 137 farmers who bought in among the 1167 investors. The final project is slated to cover 5930 acres and predicted to cost between $165 and $350 million depending on what phases are built.

We have some expertise we can share, as Japan has been involved in similar projects.
Hidenao Yanagi Japanese official

Thai deputy prime minister Niwattumrong Boosongpaisan said Dawei has so far seen strong cooperation between Myanmar and Thailand, though he said he would like to see Japanese cooperation as well.

24 Business

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Micro lenders eye growth paths

JEREMY MULLINS SU PHYO WIN WORLD Vision is attempting to become the first NGO to obtain a commercial licence for its Microfinance Institution (MFI) arm in Myanmar, as the industry increasingly professionalises, more commercial players enter and rules governing the sector are established. Myanmars MFIs which often have government or NGO roots are looking at ways to borrow larger amounts of capital, receive equity investment and turn profits as large, often foreignfunded commercial MFIs begin setting up shop in the country. World Visions MFI arm currently operates as an NGO, but its managing director Neal Youngquist said it is the first NGO operating domestically to pursue a transformation to a commercial licence. The finance sector in Myanmar is evolving and emerging at the moment, he said. You have to be flexible, as World Vision is doing when it contributes perspective and advice. World Vision aims for its MFI branches to operate as a separate entity under a commercial licence, as it allows for improved internal governance and access to international wholesale lenders, he said. There is no restriction on NGOlicensed MFIs turning a profit, but some insiders say it is more acceptable for image reasons to show profits as a commercially-licensed institution. A commercial licence also clears the way for potential equity investment, while outside support to NGOs is often limited to technical assistance. Myanmar has about 2.8 million MFI clients borrowing some K236 billion (US$242 million), according to a January International Finance Corporation report on the industry. State-owned Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank has the largest domestic small-scale loan portfolio of K84 billion (US$86 million) according to the report, while the UNDPs microfinance arm PACT is the largest NGO player with loans of $29.5 million according to its website. A number of other MFIs operate on NGO licences, including those run by U Win Aung, general manager at supervisory committee Myanmar Microfinance States Enterprise (MMSE), said that no NGO has yet formally applied for a commercial licence, though it is aware World Vision is interested. He added a total of 166 firms have been given microfinance licences following the passing of the Microfinance Law in November 2011. He declined to estimate a time frame for allow World Vision to obtain a commercial licence. Mr Youngquist said World Vision initially had asked to switch its licence from NGO to commercial, but was told this is not possible and it should apply for a new commercial licence. It aims to have this process completed in six months, he said. Although most of the established players in Myanmar are linked to government or NGO entities, a number of foreign firms have recently set up shop. Large Bangladeshi MFI and bank BRAC has begun applying for a licence according to U Win Aung, while Acleda, which is the biggest MFI and among the largest banks in Cambodia, has opened in Yangon. Acleda Myanmar CEO Kim Bunsocheat said it is waiting for Central Bank clarification to also obtain a commercial banking licence along with its current MFI licence, and for other rules to be promulgated on paper as many regulations currently come from word of mouth. We will gradually expand our presence here, he said. Others point to a number of barriers that are currently being addressed by the MMSE regulatory committee. A source said MMSE held a meeting on September 23 with the Ministry of Finance discussing whether to allow domestic MFIs to borrow money from domestic and international lenders, which would allow the MFIs to increase the size of their loan portfolios. MMSE officials could not be reached to confirm the meeting. Sean Turnell, an economics professor at Macquarie University, said prudential regulations are necessary for the microfinance sector and the financial industry as a whole, adding the trick is to get the balance right between regulation that discourages imprudent lending and excessive indebtedness this creates, while not restricting the sectors capabilities. Such a balance is especially difficult to arrive at in Myanmar at this time, since there has been something of a rush of microfinance firms, he said. Historically, and in other countries, dramatic expansions of microfinance have fueled boom and bust episodes that have been greatly destructive of confidence. Mr Turnell also said he is sanguine about the entry of foreign MFIs, and [worries] more about local moneylending operators and the like taking up MFI licences.
MFI INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT 2.8 million 2293 K236 billion K84 billion Borrowers Branches and outlets Total loan portfolio State-owned MADBs portfolio the largest small-scale lender in Myanmar Average outstanding loan size Depositors Total savings at MFIs

Thailands farmers a big test for Yingluck

SUTTINEE YUVEJWATTANA AND SUPUNNABUL SUWANNAKIJ THAILANDS decision to expand subsidies for rice and rubber farmers to quell protests is undermining efforts to control rising debt, even as governments in neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia cut back support programs. The government will pay 21.2 billion baht (US$681 million) directly to rubber farmers bank accounts to offset falling prices, up from 10 billion baht agreed on earlier, after violent clashes between the police and growers demanding subsidies. The administration also promised to buy rice at above-market rates for another crop year, at a cost of 270 billion baht. The payouts may slow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatras plan to balance the budget by 2017 and contain the ratio of debt to gross domestic product that rose to 44.3 percent in June this year from 38.2pc in end-2008. A business sentiment index dropped in July to the lowest level in more than a year and consumer confidence fell to a ninemonth low on concern political risk is rising as the economy weakens. Its a tricky situation, given the demands of the protesters, said Euben Paracuelles, an economist at Nomura Holdings in Singapore. The government doesnt have much more room for subsidies. The risk is the protests could be drawn out and the longer they persist the more they become a concern, especially if they are more disruptive and add to its weak growth outlook. As many as 12,000 farmers blocked roads and railways for two weeks from August 26, stranding thousands of passengers and disrupting traffic in the southern provinces that account for 80pc of the nations rubber output. About 76 police officers were injured and nine vehicles torched in Nakhon Sri Thammarat at the height of the clashes earlier this month. Ms Yingluck said on September 15 that the government and most rubber farmers had agreed on the subsidy amount, prompting many demonstrators to return to their plantations. In Thailand, the worlds largest rubber producer and exporter, prices tumbled 19pc to 83.20 baht ($2.66) a kilogram from 2013s peak of 102.7 baht. Thailand has also spent 675 billion baht since October 2011 on buying rice directly from farmers. The government estimates it lost about 137 billion baht in the 2011 through 2012 crop year as it then sold the grain at a loss. Ms Yinglucks administration earlier this month backtracked on a plan to lower payments after rice farmers threatened to demonstrate on the streets of Bangkok. Rice exports tumbled 35pc last year to 6.95 million tonnes, ending the nations 30-year reign as the worlds largest exporter. With purchases at as much as 50pc above the market rate, the government may lose up to 100 billion baht from 2013 through 2014, according to Capital Economics Ltd. The rice-pledging scheme has set a precedent for other groups, said Steffen Dyck, assistant vice president at Moodys Investors Service in Singapore. The risk is whether the programs will be contained or adjusted in the future. While agriculture accounted for 8.4pc of the nations gross domestic product last year, rural residents make up almost 87pc of the population of 67 million people. Ms Yinglucks party won a parliamentary majority in 2011 elections with support from poorer rural areas in northern Thailand. They try to please voters to keep their popularity, said Somjai Phagaphasvivat, a lecturer at Thammasat University in Bangkok. Bloomberg

Historically ... dramatic expansions of microfinance have fueled boom or bust episodes.
Sean Turnell Economics professor

World Vision, Proximity Design, Save the Children and French NGO Gret. One official at an NGO MFI who declined to be named said World Visions move is being closely followed by the others, who are keen to take part in the advantages the commercial licence brings but do not yet know how the process will unfold. Although transition to a commercial licence has not yet been undertaken by a Myanmar NGO, Mr Youngquist said it has been a common process in much of the world since the 1990s.

K119,763 2.6 million K122 billion

Source: IFCs Microfinance in Myanmar Sector Assessment, January 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., of 2-9 Kanda-Tsukasamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

The Fine Print

Legal & tax insight

Reg. No. 5297/2013

Looking at so many different types of land

WINT THANDAR OO wint@pwplegal.com TIN SEIN tin@pwplegal.com ACCORDING to the Transfer of Immovable Property Restriction Law, foreign-invested companies can lease land only for a short period of up to one year. The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC), however, abolished this limit for foreign investors operating under an MIC permit by virtue of Notification 39/2011 dated September 30, 2011. In the Notification, the upper limit for a lease of land by a foreign-invested company was set at 30 years. The new Foreign Investment Law, in effect since November 2, 2012, further relaxed the rules, allowing the lease of land for an initial period of up to 50 years. The lease may be extended twice for up to 10 years each time. However, the actually permitted lease periods will often be lower as the MIC does not allow leases to last longer than the approved investment period which depends on the category of the business, the industry and the volume of investment. The investor can lease (i) government-owned land, (ii) land owned by a government department or organisation, and (iii) land held by a citizen with the right to lease land or the right to use land. For farming and livestock breeding and related activities, a foreign investor can lease vacant, fallow and virgin land with the prior approval of the Land Management Committee. Government-owned land is land owned by the Union Government or a State or Region Government; and land owned by government departments or organisations is land owned by the government ministries and organisations including the City Development Committees. A person who has the right to lease land is a person who is entitled to lease land in order to carry out any business within an approved period. A person who has the right to use land is a person who has the right to carry out any agricultural or livestock breeding business. These rights require the payment of a land fee to the state. How can foreign investors apply for the right to lease land? No separate application exists. Documents pertaining to the land have to be filed as part of the application for an MIC permit. For privately owned land, the investor has to submit a draft of the lease agreement. The MIC will ask the government of the state or region in which the land is located whether there are any objections to the use of the land. If the application is approved and the MIC permit issued, the foreign investor or a representative of the investment vehicle incorporated in Myanmar and the landlord sign the lease agreement. Not every business can be done everywhere. Manufacturing for instance can only be done in an industrial zone or on land for which there is a Form LaNa-39. This form certifies that the land can be used for residential or industrial purposes. For wood-based industries, War Ta Yar Industrial Zone in Shwe Pyithar township and for metal foundry work Myaung Tagar Iron and Steel Industrial Zone are recommended.
Wint Thandar Oo is a Partner and Tin Sein a Senior Associate at Polastri Wint & Partners Legal & Tax Advisors.

Reg. No. 5298/2013

Reg. No. 5299/2013

Reg. No. 5300/2013 in respect of Intl Class 5: dietetic foods adapted for medical purpose; dietetic drinks adapted for medical purpose; supplements. Intl Class 30: tea; coffee and cocoa; ice; confectionery, bread and buns; ice cream mixes; sherbet mixes; cereal preparations; almond paste; instant confectionery mixes; flour for food; gluten for foods. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 30 September 2013

www.mmtimes.com

Business 25

BRIEFS
Supply management conference changes dates
The Myanmar Supply Chain Management Conference is slated to take place November 4 to 6 in Myanmar, pushed back from its original September 16 to 18 dates. As the only supply chain management conference focused on the country, it works in conjunction with the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Tourism, its organisers Sphere Conferences said in a press release. It aims to provide a platform for senior executives from manufacturing, logistics and supply chain functions to work to expand their networks and establish businesses. Staff Writers

Mazda makes its Myanmar move

AYE NYEIN WIN ayenyeinwin.mcm@gmail.com JAPANESE carmaker Mazda inked a deal with domestic firms Automobile Alliance (AA) and Cycle and Carriage Automobile Myanmar (CCAM) to import its new vehicles to the Myanmar market, though rivals claimed domestic interest in the brand falls below its competitors. With sole distribution rights, the two firms aim to launch sales and sell spare parts through a permanent Yangon showroom to be opened in 2014, though it will open a temporary showroom in Bahan township in November. Mazda is Japanese-made, and we like its technology and design thats why Im interested in importing it, said U Aung Moe Kyaw, managing director of AA and CCAM. However, some dealers shrugged off Mazdas entrance to Myanmar, claiming that though the brand is relatively well known in the country, it sits below Toyota and Nissan in consumer perception. Mazda is not too popular compared with other brands, and imports few vehicles to Myanmar, said used car dealer U Aung Than Win. With little demand for Mazda Demio models, prices for used vehicles often sit around K10 million (US$10,250), he added. AA and CCAM are also the distributors for German brand Mercedes-Benz, and also import Mitsubishi Fuso trucks. U Aung Moe Kyaw said the Myanmar car market is changing and brands are expanding rapidly in the market. Customers are also increasingly purchasing new vehicles, driven partly by a focus on service, he added. We are very attentive to service, and that helps us compete with Toyota and Nissan, he said.

A security guard stands in front of a painting ahead of Christies first mainland China auction Photo: AFP

Foreign banks to be allowed this year, says Central Bank

Rules to gradually allow foreign banks to set up shop in Myanmar will be implemented by the end of the year, though its details are not yet prepared, central bank governor U Kyaw Kyaw Maung said. Central bank staff are currently finishing the Financial Institution law which will lay out how foreign banks are to enter. It will be submitted to the coming parliamentary session, he said. We will consider how to allow foreign banks to enter based on this law, he said. Central bank deputy governor Daw Khin Saw Oo said three new types of foreign banks will be allowed under the revamped rules, including joint ventures, subsidiaries and representative offices. Some 25 representative offices from foreign banks are open in Myanmar. Aye Thidar Kyaw

Christies to China
CHRISTIES held its first independent auction in mainland China with artworks including Picasso and Andy Warhol, marking its full-fledged entry into a market considered a key growth engine for global art sales. Hundreds of people attended the auction on September 26 as more than 40 items from Western masterworks and Asian contemporary art to jewellery, watches and wine went under the hammer to fetch 153 million yuan (US$25 million). Among the highlights, a Picasso painting titled Homme assis and produced in 1969, one of the legendary artists most productive years fetched 9.6 million yuan. Im very happy with the results, with the right place, with the right people, with the right moment, said chief executive Steven Murphy. Christies, which has long operated in Hong Kong, had been organising sales in China since 2005 by authorising a Chinese auction firm to use its international trademark, due to strict regulations on setting up a solely foreign invested auction house. But the firm said in April it had become the first international auction house authorised to operate in mainland China without a local partner. The house now expects to connect Shanghai and therefore mainland China into Christies network which includes New York, London, Paris and Milan, Mr Murphy said,as it unveiled a three-day exhibition of the auction items ahead of the sale. - AFP

Mazda is not too popular compared with other brands.

U Aung Than Win Car Dealer

Govt plans to target smuggling for AFTA

NYAN LYNN AUNG newsroom@myanmartimes.com.mm MYANMAR aims to formalise trade flows and crack down on illegal goods ahead of the ASEAN Free Trade Areas planned 2015 implementation, Minister of Commerce U Win Myint said. Anti-smuggling mobile teams and other efforts have had some success in cutting down Myanmars cross-border commerce flowing outside official channels, he said. We are investigating ways to end illegal trade, he said. However, most of Myanmars imports and exports are still unrecorded. ASEAN Economic Community Affairs Department expert Daw Than Than Lynn said authorities are moving to eradicate illegal trade as it will even

We are investigating ways to end illegal trade.

U Win Myint Minister of Commerce

the playing field between firms and ensure stable prices and qualities for products. Intellectual Property Consultant U Thein Aung said the implementation of the trade area also carries requirements to follow intellectual property rights rules which Myanmar currently does not enforce at a sufficient level.

26 Business
ANALYSIS

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Removing the barriers on the road to business growth

CURTIS CHIN
riverpeakgroup@gmail.com

FOR the nearly four years I had served as US Ambassador to and board member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Myanmar was a bit of a black hole.Little information emerged from the country and what economic data that came out was suspect at best.The road to socialism seemed a road to ruin when it came to economic growth figures. During my time in the post, there would be no new ADB or World Bank lending to Myanmar given its more than a billion dollars of past loans in arrears. US and European sanctions also meant that even small amounts of technical assistance would be opposed by me and representatives of several other Western countries on the ADB board. With the recent lifting or suspension of sanctions and Japans writingoff or providing bridge loans to cover hundreds of millions of dollars of Myanmars debt, the development bankers and aid agencies are back with a vengeance.US President Barack Obama included Myanmar on his first overseas visit since winning re-election last November. No longer restricted by US policy, I too have now travelled throughout the country,focusing first on visiting sites and sights once cut off to sanctions-observing western visitors, from Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon to the traditional fishermen of Inle Lake. I also have sought to begin to build a better understanding of Myanmars most pressing challenges and to think through how the success and failures of development projects in other nations may offer lessons. This will be critical as donor nations and partners begin to map out hundredsof millions of dollars of new assistance to Myanmar a nation that in the near term may well have limited capacity to absorb such help. From hydroelectric investments advanced by Chinese stateowned enterprises to educational reform programs supported by European and Australian aid agencies, efforts to assist Myanmar will be driven by varying motives, whether humanitarian, geopolitical or commercial. They likely will also be of varying qualityand more often than not may be extremely costly to taxpayers back home.With that in mind, it is worth pausing to ask some ques-

tions and garner insight from the experiences of other nations that emerged from decades of isolation. One example is Vietnam. Having resumed operations in 1993 in Vietnam, the ADB has provided more than US$12 billion in loans and assistance for fighting poverty and building Vietnamese infrastructure, after that nation, like Myanmar today, began to reform and open.Billions more have followed.But has such assistance, whether from the ADB, the World Bank or USAID, been successful? That is a critical question to ponder as Myanmars political leaders in power and in opposition ideally come together to move the nation forward even before elections scheduled for 2015. For present and future leaders, it will be important that they too gain a better understanding of the strengths and shortcomings of development assistance, whether for agricultural, transport, energy or financial sector projects. Ultimately, it will be a strong rule of law and the private sector that will drive job creation and economic growth.

2013 ADB country fact sheet on Vietnam, only 66.7pc of projects involving water supply and municipal infrastructure and services, and 69.2pc of agricultural and natural resources projects were deemed successful.Other sectors saw much better success rates, including education and finance. Though comparing Vietnam in the 1993 and Myanmar in 2013 is a bit like comparing apples and oranges, the question remains whehter the next two decades of development for Myanmar will benefit from lessons learned from the past two decades of official development assistance to Vietnam. With elections ahead, and political and economic reforms far from locked in,it will beup to Myanmars people and the nations leaders to shape their own future. There also remain a few persistent questions that I would encourage the nations development partners, as well as Myanmars business, government and civil society leaders to take to heart, regardless of political affiliation. Is Myanmars government bureaucracy fostering or instead

It will be a strong rule of law and the private sector that will drive job creation and economic growth

During my time at the ADB, I saw firsthand how lives were improved across the region, whether by donor-assisted increased access to water and roads in Sri Lanka or through support for rural electrification efforts in Bhutan.But I also saw how ambitious projects, such as privatisation efforts and outsourcingin the power sector in Pakistan,failed in implementation. Less-than-successful projectsunderscored the need for better planning, due diligence, and continued and greater oversight at development partners and within the nations they seek to help. This will also be the case in Myanmar as development partners rush in, often with limited coordination. Indeed, over the last two decades the record of success in ADB projects, according to its own evaluations, has been mixed.In some countries, such as Pakistan, success rates have dropped significantly in a range of sectors. Take again Vietnam as an example. While 82percent of ADB projects that had been evaluated as of December 31, 2012, have been rated successful, according to the

hinderingeconomic growth? The track record of the governments performance is mixed everywhere. Whether in Bangkok or Washington, DC, a real fight against bureaucracy must be less about new organisation charts and more about assessing what works and what does not, and then getting rid of the latter. Its the service quality and not just the size of the bureaucracy that matters. Government jobs should be viewed as neither spoils for victorious parties nor a source of lifetime benefits for those who hold those positions. How are regulations impacting job creation? With large numbers of people employed, or underemployed, in agriculture and expectations growing for higher-paid jobs, this remains one of the most critical questions for countries everywhere. Some level of regulation is essential. Yet, whether in the power industry or agriulture, rules must be consistent and enforced fairly if citizens and outside investors are to have the confidence to create jobs essential for Myanmarsfuture.

When is government intervention appropriate? Governments in Asia have rightly been criticised for seeking to pick winners and losers, often distorting markets and hurting competition. Myanmars large neighbors, China and India, provide numerous examples of intervention gone awry. Too often, however, government interventions and inefficiency can go hand in hand. Policymakers need to ensure such interventions are limited and are there as a last resort. What more can be done to root out corruption? Throughout the world corruption and cronyism go hand-in-hand. The United States is not immune, ranking only 19th least corrupt on Transparency Internationals 2012 Corruption Perception Index, which looks at perceived levels of public sector corruption, with the lower the number the better the ranking. Myanmar continues to rank near the bottom out of more than 175 rated countries and territories, alongside Somalia and North Korea, though data sources are limited.China ranks 80th worst and India 94th when it comes to perceived levels of public corruption. Allegations of favouritism or leniency must be investigated, institutions strengthened and individuals held accountable if people are to have any confidence in the public sector. At the heart of these four simple questions is my view that policymakers and development partners everywhere must commit to tear down new bric walls being built of bureaucracy, regulation, interventionism and corruption. The prescription for economic growth in the worlds developed and developing nations is straightforward: improve the bureaucracy, regulate fairly, intervene rarely and stamp out corruption. Increased sectarianism too must also be addressed.Investment, capital and business confidence and growth will follow. This is also true for Myanmar. What the nation and indeed all of South and Southeast Asia, and perhaps even the United States needs now is to overcome division and discord, and to focus on innovation, infrastructure improvements and a policy environment that will foster the job growth necessary to drive the economy forward. Without question, all the people of Myanmar, regardless of ethnicity or religion,deserve no less than this.
Curtis S.Chin served as US ambassador to the Asian Development Bank from 2007 to 2010. He is managing director of advisory firm RiverPeak Group, LLC.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Myanmar is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the following positions: Sr. Title and level Duty Station Position Deadline Yangon Yangon Yangon Yangon National National National National National 1 October 2013 2 October 2013 4 October 2013 9 October 2013 15 October 2013 1. Programme Officer (Contract Management) (LICA6) 2. Administrative Assistant (Transport Management) (LICA3) 3. Driver (LICA1) 4. Team Assistant (Directors Office) (LICA2)

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5. Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (Data Management) (LICA7) Yangon

The benefit package for the above positions includes an attractive remuneration, 30 days annual leave and 10 holidays per year, medical insurance, learning and development opportunities and a challenging working environment with 200 national and international colleagues. For details please visit UNOPS website https://gprs.unops.org and click on the post you are interested in applying for. All applications must be made through UNOPS E-recruitment system. For Sr.3, applicants are kindly requested to submit by manual application (paper) to HR Unit, UNOPS Myanmar at No. 12(O), Pyithu Lane, 7 Mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon. If you have further queries, please contact 95 1 657 281-7 Ext: 149

www.mmtimes.com

Property 27

Englands coasts to soak up Russians

THE golden beaches of southwest England are set to become the new playground for Russian millionaires after a British estate agent said it had opened a special office in Moscow. Sandbanks in the county of Dorset has been described as the worlds fourth most expensive place to buy real estate, and Lloyds Property Group says it has decided to cash in on growing interest from Russia. We have just opened up a Moscow desk, in the last four or five weeks. We are doing it on the back of sufficient interest coming out of Moscow, said managing director Tom Doyle. The firms office near Sandbanks, a tiny spit of land sticking out into the English channel known for its huge houses and sandy beaches, also has a Russian desk with a Russian-speaking employee, he said. The realtor has shipped around 10,000 brochures to Moscow where they will be placed in upscale hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton, he said, while it also has online portals in Russian to draw in buyers. In recent years wealthy Russians have flooded the property market in and around London, leading it to be dubbed Moscow-on-Thames. But we are trying to convince the Russians that if they want trophy houses, have them in Sandbanks, Mr Doyle said. We are very fortunate here. We have the beaches, we have the two towns of Poole and Bournemouth, we have got two airports, we have the port of Poole, youve got a hydrofoil to the Channel Islands ... We dont need to sell the dream. The dream is already here. Sandbanks is the most expensive place in the world to buy property after New York, London and Tokyo, according to the Daily Mail newspaper. The average house there costs more than 500,000 (US$800,000) but some mansions cost up to 12 million. John Lennon bought a house there for his aunt Mimi, but it has recently become home to football managers and businesspeople. AFP

World Cup white elephant behind bars

Brazil aims for novel solutions to avoid empty stadiums following 2014 World Cup
WITH a record five World Cup titles and a reputation for fostering The Beautiful Game, Brazil should have little difficulty attracting fans to next years tournament. Yet nine months before the big kick off the Latin American powerhouse is already considering the social legacy of the event. And in so doing, the Brazilians are giving a new meaning to the phrase captive audience. It is a concept theyre taking quite literally up in the northern Amazonas state, where last week plans emerged to transform the brand new stadium in the regional capital Manaus into a prisoner processing centre. It is one of the options on the table being proposed to the regional authorities, said a spokesman for the Amazonas state courts system. Seeking to find solutions to overcrowding in state penitentiaries, the scheme is the brainchild of Sabino Marques, a judge who chairs a regional prison monitoring group. I cant see a better site, albeit on a temporary basis, for housing the detainees in Manaus, the Folha de Sao Paulo daily quoted Mr Marques as saying on September 24. A local sambadrome is another candidate to house the new centre but Marques is proposing the 44,000-seat capacity, US$280 million stadium as a viable alternative once it has first staged four World Cup matches. What happens to the swanky stadium after the tournament is not clear as Manaus, a sweltering city of some 2.5 million people, does not have a major football team. The Amazonas state court system has put forward the novel prisoner transit suggestion to a state government currently pondering how to deal with an overcrowded processing system. Until the state resolves the problem [of overcrowding by] constructing new prisons, then it should use these two idle venues, Mr Marques insists clearly considering the stadium as having served its current purpose once the World Cup caravan has moved on. The courts spokesman would not elaborate on other potential post-World Cup uses for the stadium. Although Brazilians overwhelmingly support the World Cup returning to the country for the first time since 1950, as well as the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, they are less happy about the soaring costs of hosting two of the worlds biggest sporting extravaganzas. The World Cup alone is set to produce a bill of $16 billion. Brazilian Football Confederation President Jose Maria Marin said Brazil had to get creative in order to avoid finding itself saddled with white elephant stadiums. That fate befell assorted World Cup and Olympic host cities in the past. Taxpayers in 1976 Olympic hosts Montreal were still picking up the tab for their Big Owe stadium three decades later, while several sites from the 2004 Athens Games now lie unused. AFP

Cost of possible white elephant Manaus football stadium

$280

MILLION

If they want the trophy houses, have them in Sandbanks.

Tom Doyle Lloyds Property Group

There are widespread fears the venue could become a white elephant after next years June 12-July 13 tournament, hence the need to find alternative uses for the ground. Similar fears surround the construction of three other arenas in Brasilia, Cuiaba and Natal, although first division matches held in Brasilia featuring top teams from elsewhere have drawn large crowds.

Hanging on to green space

KRISTIN HOHENADEL PATRICK Blanc is a French botanist and designer who invented the concept of the vertical garden and has been on a quest to green walls across the planet with his plant-based creations for the past 25 years. Last week Mr Blanc inaugurated a new vertical garden blanketing 2700 square feet of an 82-foot-tall wall with 236 different kinds of plants. The plant wall is designed in a verdant wave pattern on a formerly drab southwestfacing Parisian street corner at 83 de la Rue dAboukir in the 2nd arrondissement, or administrative district. He calls it a hymn to biodiversity. This latest project in the heart of Paris is one of 250 vertical gardens that Mr Blanc has conceptualised and built in public and private, indoor and outdoor spaces around the globe. These include the worlds largest vertical garden in Frances Les Clayes sous Bois, and the tallest vertical garden in the world in Sydney, as well as vertical gardens for the new Miami Art Museum building and recent projects in the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Mr Blanc started experimenting with novel ways to make plants thrive without soil and in limited light as a 12-year-old growing up in the Paris suburbs, and he has studied plant growth on expeditions around the world for his work as a researcher with the National Center for Scientific Research in Paris for more than three decades. But he works like a designer, making detailed sketches of each project. And his designs are copyrighted, like works of art. Vertical gardens are built on a solid metal, PVC and non-biodegradable felt frame that prevents damage to walls and allows plants to grow without soil. The gardens have built-in watering systems and require limited maintenance that consists of removing dead leaves or replacing plants that dont flourish. The gardens can thrive over time. When I visited Mr Blancs home during a 2007 interview, a plant wall in his living room had been there for 25 years. The new project was inaugurated during Paris Design Week on September 10. Like every one of Mr Blancs vertical gardens, it provides a grace note of lush plant life in an unexpected place. In fact, every one of Mr Blancs vertical gardens is a revelation, making you wonder why city governments around the world dont use vertical gardens more often when such an elegant solution exists for reintroducing nature into manmade environments. Paris is currently striving to green the city. But the effort includes letting weeds grow in the formerly manicured asphalt and planting more trees. Mr Blancs striking garden was the initiative of a private landlord who wanted to beautify his neighborhood. Of course, as one urban planner pointed out to me, many boring, blank, graffiti-splashed urban walls belong to private citizens, not cities themselves, which tend to own horizontal space like sidewalks and traditional gardens. And then there is the matter of getting people to spend money on what are still often perceived as somewhat radical or luxurious ideas. The cost of a Patrick Blanc-designed vertical garden is about US$65 per square foot plus labour, meaning that the Rue dAboukir project came in at about $175,000. But imitators the world over have found ways to get plants on walls for less; even US home improvement store Lowes sells vertical wall planters to help space- and cash-strapped urban dwellers in need of greenery. Still, its easy to imagine how greener walls could create urban utopias cities the world over. The rooftop garden has had an metropolitan renaissance. Why not a vertical garden revolution? Slate CHECK OUT ONE MANS EFFORTS TO GREEN UP YANGONS LIVING SPACES ON PAGE 45
LOasis dAboukir, a new vertical garden on the side of a residential building in Paris, which was designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc. Photo: Slate

PARIS

28 Property

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Big plans for Hlaing township condos

HTAR HTAR KHIN htar29@gmail.com MYAT NYEIN AYE myatnyeinaye11092@gmail.com WORK on a US$100 million condominium project in Hlaing township will begin this month, developers Capital Diamond Star Group announced last week. The first phase of Gems Garden Condominium contains some 584 apartments in four separate 21-storey towers, and aims to be complete in 36 months, said Ko Soe Thiha Hlaing, general manager of the firms property arm Capital Development. He cited the projects prime location near Hledan junction as a main attraction for the development. The planned second phase of the project is to develop a shopping mall on the site, along with an office tower, while the third phase is more residential housing, he added. The project will come packed with conveniences such as coffee shops and swimming pools, also offering penthouses on the 21st floor, according to Ko Soe Thiha Hlaing.

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

Thai Temple facelift

ICONIC Temple of Dawn on the banks of Bangkoks Chao Phraya River is to undergo a three-year renovation costing around US$4 million, authorities said. Wat Arun, one of the kingdoms most famous landmarks, known for the morning light reflecting off its porcelain-encrusted surfaces, will remain open to visitors during the overhaul. We will not close it all. The repairs will start in some parts only, said Phra Sri Suthi Wethee, a senior monk at the temple. Tourists can still come. We havent closed the big stupa yet. Work on the 19th century central tower will start in 2015, according to Tharapong Srisuchat, a senior official at the Ministry of Culture. We wont put all the scaffolding at the same time or tourists will be disappointed, he said. Mr Tharapong estimated that it will take about a year to renovate the Khmer-style central stupa. AFP

The biz buzz

This simple two-storey house will suit burgeoning entrepreneurs looking to open a shop on the ground floor. It has an excellent commercial location on a busy stretch of Tantumar Road, though the traffic means it is not the home for light sleepers. Commuters also face a bit of a ride each morning; the ideal owner plans to work in

the outskirts, otherwise they have a two hour ride to the city centre if theres traffic. The interior is roomy enough at 1625 square feet, though it contains only two bedrooms, with one on each floor. The kitchen and dining rooms are located to the rear, while there is a separate shrine room. It has plenty of natural light from well-positioned windows, and is nicely decorated, though there is some cosmetic maintenance that requires work. Ei Thae Thae Naing

Location Price Contact

: Tantumar Road, : K550 millions (for sale) : (Mya) Panthakhin Real

Thingangyun township

Estate and General Service Phone : 01 229648, 09 43127288, 09 730 97581

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., of 2-9 Kanda-Tsukasamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

Yangon appraisals fixed for property transaction taxes

MYAT NYEIN AYE
myatnyeinaye11092@gmail.com

Reg. No. 5292/2013

Reg. No. 5293/2013

Reg. No. 5294/2013

Reg. No. 5295/2013 in respect of Intl Class 5: Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations; Diagnostic preparations; Sanitary preparations for medical purposes . Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 30 September 2013

TRANSACTION taxes on Yangon property will become harder to avoid beginning October 1st as authorities complete a city-wide assessment of neighbourhood values, according to Yangon Regional Revenue Department officials. The moves comes in an attempt to combat buyers claiming an artificially low value for their home purchases in order to avoid paying a transaction tax that can run as high as 37 percent, said an department official who requested anonymity. The government thought that it would assess land prices, as it will then make tax paying more fair and equitable, he said. Currently there is little to stop a buyer of, for instance, a K10 billion (US$51 million) property from recording the price to an arbitrary low figure such as K50 million at the Appraisal Department, he said. The department has had challenges creating an appraisal system because of the wide disparity between property values even within the same neighbourhood. We have now assessed land prices depend on the local situation so people can pay fair taxes based on the value of the property, he said. The official added that

many might mistake the tax assessment value with a government-imposed fixed value for the land, but he stressed the government will not regulate buying and selling prices in the market. Government teams visited Yangons neighbourhoods to determine maximum and minimum values for property. The finished report was sent to the Union government, then the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, who signed off on the assessments. Realtors and businesspeople said they were split on the move to assess values to determine property taxes, with some claiming the system is a more equitable way of sharing the tax burden, but others saying it has scared off investment in property. Daw Ei Khine, a broker in Yangons East Dagon township, said rumours tied to the move had scared off potential buyers who must now pay the full transaction taxes. Before the information came out [regarding the tax] I had customers every day, but now I get customers once a week, she said. But Ko Htun Htun, owner of Phoenix real estate agency, said buyers do not need to pay the majority of the transaction tax if they can show the source of the income they are using to buy the property. I think the move wont disturb the property market because most big businessmen can show clean money, he said, adding that even people who could not show clean money and therefore avoid

Several of Yangons recent assessment values displayed on a map of the city. Although dozens of neighbourhoods have been assessed, several examples are presented here for comparison
Kyaik Wine Pagoda Rd Mayangone Tsp K135,000 (per sq ft)

Yangon-Insein Rd Hlaing Tsp K135,000 (per sq ft)

Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd Bahan Tsp K325,000 (per sq ft)

Ayeyar Wun Main Rd Tharketa Tsp K45,000 (per sq ft) Pyay Road Sanchaung Tsp K275,000 (sq ft) Bogyoke Aung San Rd Kyauktada Tsp K240,000 (per sq ft)

Source: Yangons Internal Revenue Department

the full tax were still keen to get a piece of the rising property market. Myanmar Real Estate Services Association general secretary Daw Moh Moh Aung said the current market has slowed particularly in the outskirts because of rumours surrounding the assessment efforts. The market has already recovered after the rules were clarified, and my guess is the

Myanmar property market will be strong until 2015, she said. U Win Sein, owner of a medium-sized farming sector business, said he would have to pay the full tax for Yangon realty investments, as he could not show evidence on paper for the source of capital for his planned property investment. He added the situation is not unusual for businesspeople operating in Myanmar.

www.mmtimes.com

Science & Technology 29

PARIS

Engineers build breakthrough nano-computer

AMERICAN engineers said Wednesday they had built the first computer made entirely of microscopic carbon nanotubes a big step in the quest for faster, ever-smaller electronic devices. While performing only basic functions at speeds likened to a 1950s computer, the tiny machine was hailed as a breakthrough in the search for an alternative to silicon transistors, which control the electricity flow in computer microchips. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are rolled-up, single-layer sheets of carbon atoms tens of thousands can fit into the width of a single human hair. They are pliable and have the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any known material. Silicon is a good semiconductor but cannot be reduced to such a thin layer. Scientists believe the structure of CNTs may make them better at carrying currents thus yielding transistors that are faster, more energy efficient and smaller than silicon but actually building nanotube chips has proved difficult. People have been talking about a new era of carbon nanotube electronics moving beyond silicon, said Stanford engineering professor Subhasish Mitra, who led the research. But there have been few demonstrations of complete digital systems using this exciting technology. Here is the proof. The computer, built in a laboratory at Stanford Universitys School of Engineering, was just a few square millimetres in size and able to perform basic counting and numbersorting functions using 178 transistors each holding between 10 and 200 nanotubes. It runs at 1 kilohertz a processing capacity millions of times weaker than todays computers. The 178-transistor limit was due to the team using a university chip-making facility rather than an industrial process, meaning the computer could in theory be made much bigger and faster, a statement on the study said, published in the journal Nature. The machine ran a basic operating system that allowed it to multitask and swap between the two processes, it added. Mr. Mitra and his team had been able to deal with two inherent shortcomings of CNT transistors: The tubes do not always grow in perfectly straight lines, which means that mispositioned ones can cause a short circuit, while others changed form and could not be switched on and off. The team devised a method to burn up and eliminate the uncontrolled CNTs in a transistor and to bypass mispositioned ones. Though it could take years, the Stanford approach hinted at the possibility of industrialscale production of CNT semiconductors, Naresh Shanbhag, director of a computer chip design consortium, said in a statement issued by the university. AFP

PARIS

Fish fossil yields data on human evolution

THE ancestor of all creatures with jaws and a backbone was not a sleek, shark-like beast but a toothless, armoured fish, said a study Wednesday that rewrites evolutionary history. Scientists said they had found a 419-million-year-old fish fossil in China which disproves the long-held theory that modern animals with bony skeletons (osteichthyans) evolved from a shark-like creature with a frame made of cartilage. The osteichthyan group includes most living fish, humans and other land animals with limbs. It had long been thought that modern-day cartilaginous fish like sharks and rays, which form a sister group to osteichthyans, most closely represent the original jawed ancestor that gave rise to the two animal types. This meant that we osteichthyans would have evolved our bony frames from scratch while the group that includes sharks, rays and ratfish retained their ancestral cartilage skeletons. But the new find of a primordial fish with a complex arrangement of small skull and jaw bones revealed a missing branch on the evolutionary tree and showed that a bony skeleton was in fact the
Entelognathus, a 419-year old armoured fish. Photo: AFP

prototype for all vertebrates, a research team wrote in the journal Nature. This astounding discovery does throw a spanner in the works of some long-held ideas about vertebrate evolution, said study co-author Brian Choo from the Institute of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Palaeoanthropology in Beijing. The implications are clear: Ostheichthyans did not independently acquire their bony skeletons, they simply inherited them from their ancestors -- heavily-armoured fish known as placoderms that are accepted to be the most primitive members of the jawed vertebrate family.

Osteichthyans didnt go through an unarmoured shark-like... stage during their early evolution only to reacquire their bone later on, they simply kept the plates directly from their ... ancestors, said Mr. Choo. This meant that sharks and rays, instead of being the archetypal vertebrates, shed the common ancestors bony plates as they evolved, said the team. The newly discovered creature, dubbed Entelognathus primordialis (meaning primordial complete jaw) was a type of placoderm that lived in the seas of China in the Late Silurian period from about 423 million to 416 million years ago. AFP

Internet providers mull a more competitive future

JEREMY MULLINS jeremymullins7@gmail.com INTERNET Service Providers (ISPs) say they are preparing for competition as the sector liberalises to allow entrants in the future, though insiders say Telenor and Ooredoos emphasis on their mobile rollout may buy fixed-line ISPs some breathing room. With only state-run Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) and Yatanarpon Teleport Company (YPT) currently licensed to provide broadband services though a number of companies operate off their licences the sector is likely to see several ISPs enter the market in the years ahead. William Greenlee, a partner with DFDL law firm, said clarification from the telecoms law and further government notifications will determine to what extent the doors are to be opened for new ISPs, but industry players say they are already preparing for an anticipated influx of market entrants. YTP CEO U Tin Win said that only competition can bring prices down for Myanmars fixed-line broadband internet prices. Competitions good, he said. Of course everybody has to fight for better service with competition, but everybody needs better service. Domestic WiMax provider Redlink currently operates off of YTPs licence, but plans to apply for its own licence and offer other broadband services such as ADSL fiberoptic cables when the process is established, said Redlink vice chairman and co-founder U Thein Than Toe. The firm currently controls about 23 percent market share, compared to over 30pc for both MPT and YTP, he said. Redlink is adding 20 WiMax towers to its existing 40 in Yangon, while opening a number of sales and service offices and offering batterypowered WiMax receivers, with a goal of becoming the largest broadband industry player by March, he said. Were not a competitor for the mobile operators. Were in a different market from them, said U Thein Than Toe. like the regulator to begin the process for awarding ISP licences, as the integrated licences had already been awarded for mobile operators meaning the process could also be begun for ISPs. Although Redlink does not plan to apply for the specific licence allowing it to lay a fibre backbone, it hopes new licensees could construct a backbone network in competition with MPT which would drop bandwith prices and improve connections. This would allow us to sell back to the consumers at a cheaper rate than now, he said. Redlink has begun considering how to finance a planned expansion, though YTP and MPT say they are actively seeking foreign partners. In addition to its ISP business, YTP also claims one of four mobile licences, and is seeking an investor with technical expertise and capital to assist a future expansion of about US$1 billion, said U Tin Win. It hasnt been easy or difficult to attract [an investment partner], he said. Its just like a date. Its easy to date two or three girls, but not easy to choose one to marry. The firm has already looked at two or three foreign telecos, but we have not chosen our bride, he said, declining to name the companies. Sally Austen, a consultant with Herbert Smith Freehills, said a large part of the attraction to winning the telecoms license over entering the market through a partnership with MPT or YPT was the chance to exercise 100pc control over the venture. French operator Orange and Singapores SingTel have claimed interest in MPT after losing out for the licences earlier this year, according to reports, though MPT could not be reached to comment for this article.

ROTTERDAM

Dutch police recruit rodents to fight crime

THE latest species to join Dutch police is hard at work behind the blacked-out windows of a building in Rotterdam: rats learning to sniff out crime and a new forensic future. Derrick, Thomson and Thompson, Magnum and Poirot, all named after fictional detectives, are being groomed to help police not only keep the streets clean but also save time and money. As far as we know were the first in the world to train rats to be used in police investigations, said Mark Wiebes, who heads the Dutch police innovation centre. Each rat costs just 10 euros (around US$13) and can, in theory, be taught to identify any odour, from drugs to gunpowder, while a sniffer dog costs tens of thousands of euros to buy and train. A police dogs training also takes around eight months, although once completed the dogs abilities are far greater than a rats. The rats have been living in a cage inside a small prefab building since late 2011, alongside more grandiose buildings and grounds where police dogs and horses are trained. The rats learn quickly in the darkness the nocturnal rodents prefer. They need barely 10 to 15 days to learn to distinguish a certain smell, the policewoman in charge of the project, Monique Hamerslag, told AFP, lifting Derrick out of his large cage and into a smaller one where he will be put to work. The more boring a rats life is, the better it is at detective work, said Ms. Hamerslag, who also discovered that male rats are better at the job than female rats. Four small metal tea diffusers are tied to the side of the cage, one of which contains gunpowder traces. It takes Derrick, a largish brown-black rat, two seconds to point it out with his whiskered snout. He is rewarded with a click sound and a sunflower seed to nibble on. Detecting gunpowder traces is a particularly useful ability to have when there are several suspects after a shooting. Each laboratory test to identify traces of gunpowder is expensive and takes up to two hours, more for multiple suspects. And while getting fingered by a rat cannot be used in court, it gives forensics a clue as to which clothing they should test first. Dutch police can only hold someone without evidence for a few hours, so the rats can help prevent a guilty suspect being released. Ms. Hamerslag developed the idea in her thesis while studying to join the police, drawing inspiration from an aid group that used rats to sniff out antipersonnel mines in Tanzania. Tests on the rat detectives viability are promising. Mr. Wiebes hopes they can start sniffing out real crime by early next year, although he admits that date may be optimistic. The major problem with rats is their shyness. They are reluctant to be placed in new situations, such as crime scenes where they might be called upon to find a body in a strange building or drugs in a shipping container. Its best to bring the smell to the rats and not the other way round, said Hamerslag. That means we have to take samples and bring them to where the rats live. Police rats will never replace police dogs, she said, but they have different and complimentary skill sets. A dog is a natural predator, and so is not afraid to explore an unfamiliar place, said Wiebes. On the other hand a dog couldnt live like a rat, spending their whole time in a small enclosed space. Hed get bored. AFP

Of course everybody has to fight for better service with competition, but everybody needs better service.
U Tin Win YPT Chief Executive

Mark Robinson, Southeast Asia head of telecoms for Herbert Smith Freehills law firm, said the mobile broadband market will likely be the driver of internet penetration in Myanmar, but added there will be opportunities providing fixed broadband with businesses and urban dwellers looking for faster speeds and more reliable connections. Domestic internet penetration stands around 1pc according to most estimates. ISPs such as Redlink and YTP should be more concerned about competition from newly licensed ISPs in the future than direct competition from Telenor and Ooredoo, according to Mr Robinson. U Thein Than Toe said he would

30 THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

World
LONDON

WORLD EDITOR: Douglas Long | dlong125@gmail.com

AWARAN

Interpol launches hunt for British White Widow

JAMES PHEBY A BRITISH woman dubbed the White Widow was at the centre of a worldwide hunt on September 27 after Interpol issued an international notice for her arrest in the wake of the Kenya shopping mall attack. Samantha Lewthwaite, a 29-yearold Muslim convert, was married to Germaine Lindsay, one of four Islamist suicide bombers who attacked the London transport network on July 7, 2005, killing 52 people. The Interpol red notice issued on September 26 at Kenyas request says the mother-of-three is wanted by Kenya on charges of being in possession of explosives and conspiracy to commit a felony dating back to December 2011. The notice did not specifically mention the deadly four-day mall siege in Nairobi by Somalias al-Qaeda-linked al-Shebab movement. However, it follows widespread media speculation over Ms Lewthwaites possible role in the attack that left 67 victims dead, a toll that was expected to rise as more bodies were discovered. Kenyas foreign minister said a British woman was among the Westgate Mall attackers, although President Uhuru Kenyatta later said the reports could not be confirmed. Interpol issued four colour photographs of Ms Lewthwaite along with the arrest notice. One shows her with long dark hair and pouting at the camera, while the other three show her wearing the Islamic headscarf in various poses. Interpols notice, which requires member states to detain the suspect pending extradition, said Kenyan authorities wanted other member nations to be aware of this danger posed by this woman, not just across the region but also worldwide. It said Ms Lewthwaite had previously only been wanted at the national level for alleged possession of a fraudulently obtained South African passport. Britains Metropolitan Police and Foreign Office refused to comment, saying it was a matter for Interpol and the Kenyan authorities. The global hunt was launched as Kenya on September 26 began burying the victims of the mall massacre by Islamist gunmen, as police pleaded for patience while searchers combed the charred rubble of the devastated complex for dozens still missing. The daughter of a British soldier, Ms Lewthwaite professed herself appalled when her Jamaican-born husband detonated a rucksack full of explosives and blew himself up on a London Underground train at Russell Square station in 2005, killing 26 people. She was pregnant with their second child at the time. I totally condemn and am horrified by the atrocities which occurred in London, she said, describing Mr Lindsay as a good and loving husband and a brilliant father, who showed absolutely no sign of doing this atrocious crime. Ms Lewthwaite had met Mr Lindsay in an internet chat forum when she was 17, having converted to Islam two years earlier. Described as having been a bubbly teenager, Ms Lewthwaite was said by former school friends to have had an ordinary upbringing, first in Northern Ireland and then in the market town of Aylesbury, northwest of London. Britains press has been fascinated by Ms Lewthwaites story, and The Sun on September 27 ran the headline Angel-faced British girl who last night became Worlds Most Wanted across its front-page. The paper also reported that she was being probed by the FBI. Investigations have begun to lift the veil on Ms Lewthwaites shadowy movements since the 2005 London bombings. South Africa said on September 26 that Ms Lewthwaite had gained a South African passport using the assumed identity Natalie Faye Webb and that the document was cancelled in 2011. She had first entered the country in 2008. She was accompanied by her three children, a girl and two boys, who would now be roughly aged between seven and 12. Media reports last week cited credit records as showing that Natalie Faye Webb had at least three addresses in Johannesburg and ran up debts of US$8600. Two neighbours in the leafy Johannesburg suburb of Bromhof said they recognised Ms Lewthwaites picture. Herbie Ullbricht, 69, who lived two houses away from her address named in credit reports, said the woman lived there in 2010 or 2011 with her three children, and she was always dressed from head to toe in a hijab. In mid-September Kenyan authorities accused her of working with another suspected British Islamist, Jermaine Grant, who is on trial in Kenya accused of links to al-Shebab and of plotting attacks. Mr Grant was arrested in December 2011 in the port city of Mombasa with various chemicals, batteries and switches, which prosecutors say he planned to use to make explosives. AFP

Earthquake survivors clear debris in Awaran, Pakistan, on September 25. Photo: AFP

Quake survivors face lon

TENS of thousands of survivors of Pakistans earthquake waited for help in soaring temperatures last week as the death toll rose past 350 and anger grew at the slow pace of government aid. More than 100,000 people made homeless by the 7.7-magnitude quake on September 24 spent their nights in the open or under makeshift shelters as response teams struggled to reach the remote region in the southwestern province of Baluchistan. (8000 square miles) of remote and rugged terrain and infrastructure is extremely limited, with few medical facilities or even roads. The area is also home to Baluch separatist rebels waging a decadelong insurgency. Highlighting the danger from militants, a helicopter carrying the head of the National Disaster Management Authority came under rocket fire in Awaran, though no damage was done and no one was hurt. Hours later paramilitary troops helping the relief effort were fired at with small arms by suspected rebels, around 20km north of Awaran, but there were no casualties, a senior security official said. The quake is Pakistans deadliest since the devastating Kashmir tremor of 2005 that killed 73,000. The toll is expected to rise further as rescue teams dig through the rubble of countless flattened mud-brick homes. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar told parliament huge activity was under way to help those affected, but he admitted teams were struggling to reach some areas even 40 hours after the quake. The army sent troops, medical staff and helicopters to help with rescue efforts, along with 7 tonnes of food and 1 tonne of medicine. The government was preparing to send more than 14,000 tents, Mr Nisar said, and was using a C-130 transport plane to reach difficult areas. In Awaran, around 200 angry survivors demonstrated outside government offices complaining they had not been given food or shelter. Survivors in Gajjar, 120km east of Awaran and where the quake killed at least 108 people, said they were forced to scavenge for food, complaining of a lack of government aid. The government is completely missing and we have not received a single relief item like tents or food, survivor Abdul Razzaq said. Abdul Rasheed, another survivor in nearby Khaliq Abad, said residents

The government is completely missing and we have not received a single relief item like tents or food.
Abdul Razzaq Pakistan earthquake survivor

Deadliest earth
2013 September 24 Pakistan: At least 230 people are killed in a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that strikes Baluchistan Province. July 22 China: At least 95 are killed and more than 1400 injured in twin earthquakes in Gansu Province in northwestern China, magnitudes 5.9 and 5.6. April 20 China: At least 200 people are killed and 13,000 injured when a 6.6-magnitude quake hit Sichuan Province on the edge of the Tibetan plateau. April 16 Iran/Pakistan: A 7.8-magnitude quake centred in Iran leaves one dead there and kills 40 across the border in Pakistans Baluchistan. 2012 November 11 Myanmar: A 6.8-magnitude earthquake leaves 38 dead or missing.

A man reads a newspaper in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 25 as security forces patrol the streets following an attack on the citys Westgate Mall. Photo: AFP

At least 357 people died and 620 others injured, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority said in Quetta on September 27. It said 311 people died in Awaran district, where the quake struck, and 46 were killed in neighbouring Kech district. The sheer scale of the territory involved is daunting the population of Awaran is scattered over more than 21,000 square kilometres

31

Poll monitors accuse Sri Lankan soldiers of voter intimidation

WORLD 33

Syrian entrepreneur profits from selling guns to rebels

WORLD 36

Reunion cancellation a cruel blow to elderly Koreans

WORLD 35

UNITED NATIONS

Deadlock broken on Syria chemical arms

TIM WITCHER THE United States and Russia last week agreed on a draft UN Security Council resolution on destroying Syrias chemical weapons, breaking a prolonged deadlock over the countrys bitter conflict. After the 15-member council held its first talks on the text, diplomats said a vote would soon be held with foreign ministers from the major powers taking part. If agreed, the resolution would be the first passed by the panel on Syria since the civil war started in March 2011. US ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said the new draft resolution was a very significant breakthrough in terms of the Security Council acting finally, potentially, in a united fashion in order to impose binding legal obligations on the Syrian regime for the first time. The draft resolution does not propose immediate measures over a chemical attack in a Damascus suburb a month ago that Ms Power said had been the catalyst for the new unity. But it allows for possible sanctions after a new vote if there are breaches of a disarmament plan. The text says the council decides in event of noncompliance with this resolution, including unauthorised transfer of chemical weapons or any use of chemical weapons by anyone in the Syrian Arab Republic, to impose measures under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. It says the council can consider measures if the world chemical weapons watchdog or UN leader Ban Ki-moon report a breach of a RussiaUS disarmament plan. Chapter VII can allow sanctions or military force. But there would have to be a new vote, and diplomats predicted tough talks to persuade Russia not to use its veto again. Any action would be proportionate to the gravity of the violation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency. European nations had also wanted the resolution to refer the Syrian conflict to the International Criminal Court, but the draft says only that the council expresses strong conviction that those individuals responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria should be held accountable. AFP

NEW YORK

Iran aims for quick nuclear deal

IRAN and major powers agreed in talks on September 26 to reach an agreement on the disputed nuclear program within a year, Irans foreign minister said. Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the talks, which included a landmark encounter with US Secretary of State John Kerry, were very good and substantive. We agreed to jumpstart the process so we could move forward with a view to agreeing first on the parameters of the end game ... and move toward finalising it, hopefully, within a years time, Mr Zarif said. I thought I was too ambitious, bordering on navet, but I saw that some of my colleagues were even more ambitious and wanted to move faster. He said Mr Kerry was very positive and very committal to leading the process himself on the American side. Mr Zarif said that Mr Kerry stated his readiness to lead the discussions to a mutually agreeable solution and I stated President [Hassan] Rouhanis commitment to move the process forward. Mr Zarif was speaking at a forum of the Asia Society and Council on Foreign Relations at the end of an appearance by Mr Rouhani. Mr Rouhani, who earlier spoke of finishing a deal in months, told the forum that he wanted an agreement as soon as possible. Mr Zarif, a US-educated diplomat popular with foreign officials, was tapped by Mr Rouhani after the moderate cleric swept to victory in June presidential elections. Mr Zarifs meeting with Mr Kerry was one of the highest between the United States and Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution overthrew the Western-oriented shah. AFP

ong wait for aid

were raking through rubble to find biscuits to feed their children. I dug out biscuits from the dust from the rubble of my shop and gave it to my children as we have nothing to eat and we are eating raw barley to survive, Mr Rasheed said. At a local madrassa, administrator Hafiz Muhammad Ashraf pointed out a mass grave of 22 female students who were buried in the rubble of the Muslim seminary. Activists of the Baluchistan National Movement, a separatist party, were seen helping the relief effort along with banned charity Jamaat-ud-Dawa, which is blamed for the 2008 Mumbai attacks that left 166 people dead. Temperatures in the arid region were reaching 42 degrees Celsius, and many survivors said they were desperate for some relief from the blistering heat. AFP

BRIEFS
Colon Panama slaps US$1m fine on N Korean ship
The Panama Canal Authority announced on September 26 that it was imposing a US$1 million fine on a North Korean cargo ship caught with an undeclared shipment of Cuban weapons in July. The canal administrator, Jorge Quijano, said the ship was sanctioned because it put our canal and our people at risk to a certain point. The fine was delivered to the freighters captain and owners, he said, adding that the boat is barred from unmooring until they pay at least two-thirds of the penalty, or around $650,000. He said the penalty could change depending on the response of the ships owners, but they have not replied. The Panamanian government said last month that a United Nations report found that the shipment was a violation of UN sanctions against arms transfers to North Koreas communist regime. The ship, the Chong Chon Gang, was intercepted on July 10 as it tried to enter the Panama Canal on suspicion it was carrying drugs. Authorities uncovered 25 containers of military hardware, including two Soviet-era MiG-21 fighter jets, air defence systems, missiles, and command and control vehicles. restricting the trade in illicit small arms, but Russia refused to back the measure. Russia was the only member of the 15-nation body not to support the resolution drawn up by Australia, the councils current president. The measure calls on nations to consider signing a new treaty in conventional arms, as well as for strengthening the implementation of Security Council weapons embargoes and securing arms stockpiles. Russia, which abstained from the vote, said the resolution should have contained provisions against illegal supplies of arms to nonstate groups. Minister Tony Abbott who once described the science behind manmade climate change as absolute crap in a bid to find savings and trim the civil service. Mr Flannery said a huge groundswell of public support for the commission had prompted him to resurrect the watchdog as a publicly funded operation, with donations pouring in at a rate of AUD$1000 (US$940) an hour.

thquakes in Asia since 2010

September 7 China: At least 81 people are killed in a series of earthquakes that hit a remote and mountainous area of southwest China on the border of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. August 11 Iran: Twin earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.3 and 6.4 leave 306 dead and more than 3000 injured near to the city of Tabriz. February 6 Philippines: A 6.7-magnitude quake destroys homes and kills at least 52 on the islands of Negros and Cebu. 2011 October 23 Turkey: An earthquake of 7.2 magnitude rocks eastern Turkey, leaving more than 600 dead and at least 4150 injured. September 18 India/Nepal: A 6.9-magnitude earthquake hits northeastern India, rocking neighbouring Nepal; 110 die. March 24 Myanmar: At least 74 are killed when a 6.8-magnitude earthquake strikes near the border between Thailand and Laos. March 11 Japan: Nearly 18,900 are killed when a tsunami caused by an undersea quake slams into the northeast coast, triggering a nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi atomic plant, magnitude 9.0. 2010 October 25 Indonesia: At least 400 people die after a tsunami triggered by a powerful earthquake of 7.7 magnitude smashes into a remote island chain off western Sumatra. April 14 China: 3000 people are left dead or missing after a 6.9-magnitude quake hits Yushu county in Qinghai Province. March 8 Turkey: A magnitude 6.0 quake kills 42 in Elazig Province. AFP

New York Abbas insists Mideast peace deal must be permanent

Sydney Axed Australian climate watchdog reboots with donations

New York UN passes first resolution on small arms trade

The UN Security Council passed its first resolution on September 26 on

An independent Australian climate change watchdog axed by the countrys new conservative government was resurrected on September 24 as a nonprofit body funded by public donations. Formerly known as the Climate Commission, the rebranded Climate Council will continue public information campaigns about the science of climate change, emissions targets and international action. Make no mistake, were in the middle of a titanic struggle. Indeed, I think that the fight for a clean and safe environmental future is reaching its peak, said Tim Flannery, who previously headed the commission. The resistance and the disinformation just keep growing. Thats why we are here today. The body was dumped by new Prime

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on September 26 demanded that any peace deal with Israel be permanent, calling new US-brokered talks a last chance. Speaking before the UN General Assembly, Mr Abbas urged international pressure to stop Israeli settlement building on Palestinian land. Time is running out, and the window of peace is narrowing and the opportunities are diminishing, he said. The current round of negotiations appears to be a last chance to realise a just peace. Mr Abbas, who has frequently turned to the United Nations to build support, began his speech by voicing pride at being introduced as president of the state of Palestine following a UN vote in November to grant it observer status. Abbas said that the peace process with Israel relaunched after exhaustive missions by US Secretary of State John Kerry needed to result in a permanent peace. AFP

32 World Asia-Pacific BRIEFS

Hanoi Heavy rains kill 36 in Vietnam and Cambodia
Heavy monsoon rains exacerbated by Typhoon Usagi pounded parts of Vietnam and Cambodia last week, killing at least 36 people. Despite not being directly hit by Usagi, parts of Southeast Asia saw a worsening of their annual rainy season as the typhoon barrelled through the Philippines and China. Vietnam was hit by bad weather that inundated fields and villages, with 24 dead and six missing, according to the Flood and Storm Control Department. In Cambodia, officials said low pressure from the typhoon caused heavy rains, swelling the Mekong River and causing floods to sweep across several provinces. At least 12 people died in the deluge, said Keo Vy of the National Disaster Management Committee. Typhoon Usagi killed at least two people in the Philippines and some 25 people in southern China as it swept across the region. Strong winds and torrential rain lashed the Chinese coast after making landfall in Guangdong province northeast of Hong Kong on September 22. Mr Lis father, Li Shuangjiang, a military singer, holds a rank equivalent to general in Chinas army. The case drew widespread scrutiny in the country, where the children of the elite are often seen as living extravagantly or above the law due to their connections. Li Tianyi had previously triggered controversy in 2011 after he and another teenager, both driving expensive cars, attacked a couple who reportedly blocked their passage while the victims child looked on. The other four defendants in the trial were sentenced to between three and 12 years in prison, the court authority said.

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Cambodian opposition threatens general strike

CAMBODIAS opposition on September 25 threatened a nationwide strike to protest strongman premier Hun Sens disputed return to power, as a UN envoy warned the nation was at a crossroads. Sam Rainsy, whose opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) is boycotting parliament, said the country had returned to a oneparty system through a constitutional coup. So the whole country for one day we call for a strike at all factories. All civil servants, all shopkeepers will stop working on that day. This is one possible idea, Mr Sam Rainsy said at a news conference. Cambodias biggest labour organisation quickly threw its weight behind the proposed action. If the opposition holds a strike, the workers will join them, said Chea Mony, president of the Free Trade Union, which has 100,000 members. We want change because there are a lot of injustices and the governments promises to raise workers salaries are empty. Mr Sam Rainsy said further public demonstrations were on the cards unless there is an independent investigation into July elections that the CNRP alleges were marred by widespread vote-rigging. We do not recognise the government, he said. It robbed power from the people.

PHNOM PENH

Seoul S Korean leftist MP charged with rebellion

Beijing China court jails generals son for decade over gang rape

A court sentenced the teenage son of a Chinese general to 10 years in jail for rape on September 26, after his trial threw a spotlight on the lives of Chinas elite. Li Tianyi, 17, and four other men were found guilty of raping a woman in a Beijing hotel in February, Beijing court authorities said on a verified social media account.

South Korean prosecutors on September 26 formally charged a leftist lawmaker with plotting an armed revolt in support of North Korea. United Progressive Party MP Lee Seok-Ki was charged under the tough National Security Law a sweeping piece of legislation enacted in 1948 to guard against espionage and other threats from a belligerent North Korea. The sedition charges levelled against Mr Lee are rarely used, especially against a sitting member of parliament. Prosecutors said they would provide evidence of Mr Lee telling an underground radical group in May to prepare attacks on South Koreas communication lines and railways in case of a war with the North. Mr Lee made his alleged remarks at a time of soaring tensions between North and South Korea. AFP

Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Sam Rainsy speaks during a press conference in Phnom Penh on September 25. Photo: AFP

His comments came a day after the legislature with only MPs from the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) in attendance reappointed Hun Sen for another five-year term as prime minister, extending his nearly three decades in power. The United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, Surya Subedi, expressed deep regret at the decision to open parliament without the opposition, in comments in Geneva on September 24. He slammed indiscriminate and excessive use of force during three days of mass protest in the capital in

mid-September, which saw one protester shot dead and several wounded as security forces clashed with a stonethrowing crowd. Noting further accusations of crackdowns on peaceful protests on September 21 and 22, Mr Subedi urged the authorities, in the strongest possible terms, to refrain from further use of violence. Having seen the authorities, who exercised considerable restraint for weeks, again resorting to old tactics that violate basic civil rights in the past few days, I believe it is clear that Cambodia today stands at a crossroads, said Mr Subedi. AFP

TOKYO

Drop dead blog nets suspension

JAPANS government on September 26 suspended a senior bureaucrat who blogged about the pointlessness of rebuilding tsunami-wrecked towns because they were populated mostly by economically unproductive old people. The 51-year-old career civil servant said coastal areas that were destroyed in March 2011 were almost in ruins even before the disaster, which claimed more than 18,000 lives and turned whole communities to matchwood. Writing anonymously, Hisanori Goto said it was unacceptable for public money to be spent rebuilding ports so that old coots and hags can live off their vested interests in fisheries. Politicians who wont come out with the fair argument that reconstruction is unnecessary might as well die, he wrote. He also captioned a picture of an elderly woman with the words Drop dead. Mr Goto was unmasked after fellow bloggers were outraged by his comments and set about tracking him down, turning up a photograph of him that he had also posted on the web. Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said Mr Goto had been confronted by bosses at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry about the inappropriate comments, which he admitted writing in September 2011. It was an unforgivable act for a national public servant. We think it was extremely regrettable, Mr Suga said. Jiji Press news agency reported Mr Goto had been suspended for two months. AFP

www.mmtimes.com

Asia-Pacific World 33

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that De Rigo S.p.A a company organized under the laws of Italy and having its principal office at Zona Industriale Villanova 12,Longarone (BL), Italy, is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:(Reg: Nos. IV/8256/2010 & IV/8895/2013) in respect of: - Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices Class: 3 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringement whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for De Rigo S.p.A P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th September, 2013

Photo: AFP A policeman removes campaign posters for candidates in the Northern Provincial Council election in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, on September 20.

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that Mr. Supakchai Kiatanant of 77/140 Soi Sukhumvit 46, Prakanong Sub-district, Klongtey District, Bangkok 10500, Thailand is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-

Sri Lankan military accused of harassing Tamil voters

SRI Lankas military harassed and intimidated ethnic minority Tamil voters and candidates during the first-ever local elections in the former warzone, foreign observers confirmed on September 24. The opposition Tamil party won a landslide victory in weekend elections for a regional council in the battle-scarred north, a poll hailed internationally as a step toward ethnic reconciliation after decades of ethnic war. The four-member monitoring team from the Commonwealth said turnout was high for the election at 68 percent despite the militarys efforts at intimidation during campaigning and on polling day. The role of the military in the electoral campaign was consistently described to the mission as a significant obstacle to a credible electoral process, the Commonwealth Secretariat said in a statement. We learned that opposition candidates and their supporters, as well as voters at large, faced instances of intimidation and harassment, and that the freedom to hold campaign meetings and openly interact with the electorate was restricted. The election, the first in the north since semi-autonomous councils were formed in 1987, was held amid international pressure for President Mahinda Rajapaksas government to share power with Tamils four years after the end of the bloody separatist conflict. The statement comes as dozens of world leaders are set to attend a Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Colombo in November, but with a boycott from Canada over human rights concerns. A group of South Asian election monitors said it was dismayed at the armys actions during the election, with residents complaining that plain-clothed army intelligence officers were stationed outside polling booths. On the eve of the September 21 poll, a Tamil candidate was forced to flee after dozens of armed men surrounded her home in Jaffna, the capital of the former northern warzone. I am 101 percent sure the army was involved in that attack, said N Gopalaswami, a former chief election commissioner of India and head of the South Asian monitoring team. The South Asian monitors, who were invited by Sri Lankas election commission for the poll, also noted that the commission should be given wider powers to prevent such abuses. ethnic minority after decades of war. Mr Rajapakses United Peoples Freedom Alliance won just seven seats in a humiliating defeat, as his party has won almost every major election since the separatist war ended in 2009. Tamil Tiger rebels were

COLOMBO

(Reg: Nos. IV/1316/2005 & IV/1432/2006) in respect of :- Whitening cream, moisturizing cream, body lotion, cosmetic use for eyes, cosmetic use for face, cosmetic use for neck, cosmetic use for body, soap, bath cream, facial foam, lip gloss, sun block for face and body Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Mr. Supakchai Kiatanant P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th September, 2013

The role of the military in the electoral campaign was consistently described to the mission as a significant obstacle to a credible electoral process.
Commonwealth Secretariat

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that ROTTAPHARM S.p.A. a company organized under the laws of ITALY and having its principal office at GALLERIA UNIONE 5, 20122 MILANO, ITALY is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: (Reg: Nos. IV/5194/2007 & IV/8888/2013) in respect of:- Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; toilet soaps, soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions, dentifrices in Intl class: 3 Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations; sanitary preparations for medical purposes; dietetic substances adapted for medical use, food for babies; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin; fungicides, herbicides in Intl class: 5 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for ROTTAPHARM S.p.A. P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th September, 2013

The military has denied it was involved in intimidation. Despite the reports of harassment, the Tamil National Alliance won 30 out of the 38 seats in the council, raising hopes of some degree of self-rule for the

crushed by a Sri Lankan military onslaught in 2009, which remains dogged by war crimes allegations. The army maintains a heavy presence throughout the northern region of about 1 million people. AFP

NEW DELHI

India says tainted MPs can stay in office

INDIAS cabinet passed an order on September 24 to undo a Supreme Court ruling that stipulated convicted lawmakers cannot hold elected office in parliament or in state legislatures, the Press Trust of India reported. The cabinet issued an ordinance to prevent disqualification of lawmakers convicted in criminal cases carrying jail terms of at least two years, the national news agency reported, quoting unnamed sources. In a July ruling, the Supreme Court had struck down a provision in the electoral law that protects a convicted lawmaker from being barred from parliament if they have appealed their conviction. The executive decree, passed at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, can become law only if approved by parliament within six months. The Hindustan Times said the executive decree put limited restrictions on tainted federal MPs and state legislators. The lawmakers will not vote or draw salaries till the case is decided, the masscirculation daily said in its online edition after the cabinet meeting. Mr Singhs scandal-tainted government, which must face the electorate in general elections due by next May, has been considerably weakened by a string of corruption scandals involving politicians from his ruling coalition. His Congress party has insisted that the decree is not a backdoor move to muscle through a law to prevent disqualification of tainted lawmakers. It is not a backdoor method It has to have the nod of parliament and it will go before parliament in the very next session, Congress party spokesman PC Chacko told reporters. Two years ago, India was rocked by anticorruption protests led by veteran social activist Anna Hazare, 75, that triggered huge support from millions of middle-class Indians dismayed by what they viewed as the venality of Indias leaders. The Business Standard daily said the ordinance had the backing of all political parties except the communists. Indian political parties have a tendency to disregard the criminal antecedents of politicians in the rough-and-tumble process of forming government and holding on to power. The ordinance could affect the political fate of regional party strongman Lalu Prasad Yadav who is accused in a financial corruption scandal dating back to the 1990s. A verdict is expected in Mr Yadavs trial at the end of the month, but even if he is convicted, he can remain a sitting member of parliament and contest elections. The ruling Congress is hoping that it can count on Mr Yadavs support in general elections due by next May that are expected to result in a coalition government. Without the ordinance, Congress MP Rashid Masood, who was convicted in midSeptember in a separate financial scandal, might also have been forced to quit Sparliament. AFP

www.mmtimes.com

Asia-Pacific World 35

Elderly Koreans distraught as reunions cancelled

LIN CHANG-WON THE cancellation of a reunion for families separated by the Korean War has dealt a devastating blow to elderly Koreans denied a longed-for, and probably final, meeting with surviving relatives. After a painstaking selection process, 96 South Koreans had been set to travel to the Norths Mount Kumgang resort last week for a face-to-face gathering with family members they had not seen for 60 years. It would have been the first mass reunion for three years, but with just days to go, Pyongyang postponed the event, blaming hostility from South Korea. The news shattered the hopes of the chosen participants, whose average age was 83 and many of whom were already in poor health. In an interview before the postponement was announced, Lee Seon-Jong, 81, had said he was so excited about the prospect of meeting his two sisters that he could barely sleep. You cant imagine how much Ive missed them, said Mr Lee, who suffered a stroke several years ago and had a heart operation that left him paralysed on one side. Convinced that the scheduled event at Mount Kumgang would be his last chance, Mr Lee became distraught upon hearing of the Norths decision on September 21. He was so shocked and disappointed he couldnt speak or eat properly, his wife Ko JaeHee said. In the end his condition got so bad he had to be hospitalised. Mr Lee had been on the waiting list for some 20 years before he got the call for the event, which many hoped would mark an improvement in cross-border relations after months of heightened tension. Millions of Koreans were separated by the war, and the vast majority have since died without having any communication at all with surviving relatives. Because the Korean conflict concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, the two Koreas technically remain at war, and direct exchanges of letters, email or telephone calls are prohibited. the initial news that he had been selected for the reunion had been bittersweet. When I was chosen, I also learned that my direct family members my mother, my two sisters were dead, Mr Cheung said. But his 65-year-old nephew was alive, and Mr Cheung had been overjoyed at the prospect of seeing the only son of his brother who had passed away in South Korea several years ago. My expectations were sky high, but now I just feel ... emptied. Its incredibly cruel and disappointing, Mr Cheung said from his home in Korean border island. The meetings are hugely emotional affairs almost traumatic with many of the largely elderly participants breaking down and sobbing as they cling to each other. With so many applying for so few spots, the selection process, which is carried out by the North and South Korean chapters of the Red Cross, has to be brutally practical. For the postponed reunion, South Koreas Red Cross had initially selected 500 potential candidates, with priority given to the elderly and those seeking immediate family members parents, siblings or children. The initial list was then whittled down to around 250, as those who were too infirm to make the journey to Mount Kumgang were ruled out. The North and South then exchanged lists, after which came the equally difficult task of locating those family members with whom the people on the lists had asked to be reunited. In many cases the relatives had simply died, and so the names of the candidates were removed. In the end, 96 South Koreans and 100 North Koreans were given final approval to attend the event, which now may never happen. Heo Jeong-Gu, a South Korean Red Cross official in charge of reunions, said his office had to call each selected candidate, one by one, to confirm the North Korean announcement that the reunion was off. It was awful. Their suffering

SEOUL

My expectations were sky high, but now I just feel ... emptied. Its incredibly cruel and disappointing.
Cheung Hi-Kyung Victim of Korean family reunion cancellation

North Korean Min Soon-Bi, 86, grasps the hand of her younger sister during a family reunion at Mount Kumgang, North Korea, on November 3, 2010. Photo: AFP

Up to 73,000 South Koreans are wait-listed for a chance to take part in one of the reunion events, which select only a few hundred participants at a time. The critical time factor was underlined by the case of Kim Young-Joon, 91, who had been scheduled to meet his North Korean sister and brother in Mount Kumgang. While giving an interview to a South Korean television channel on September 19, Mr Kim suffered a massive heart attack and died. For Cheung Hi-Kyung, 80,

the southeastern city of Daegu. Im not going to give up hope completely, but time is obviously running short. The first reunions in 1985 coincided with a short-lived thaw in North-South relations, but they were discontinued for the next 15 years. A historic inter-Korean summit in 2000 saw the program resumed in earnest, and an estimated 17,000 people have been reunited since then. But the gatherings were suspended again in 2010 following the Norths shelling of a South

is beyond description, Mr Heo said. All our work was rendered obsolete overnight, but our real

concern is for these people. Some family members on our list are in their 90s and could die any time. AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that PASTINA Co., Ltd. of 42/44 Soi Watkhampaeng, Rama 2 Rd., Bangkhunthian, Bangkok 10150, Thailand is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-

SYDNEY

Snake on plane grounds Qantas flight

A TINY snake as slender as a pen forced the grounding of a Japan-bound Qantas flight in the Australian city of Sydney on September 22, stranding hundreds of passengers. The non-venomous reptile, about 20 centimetres (8 inches) long, was found near the doorway of a Boeing 747-400 bound for Tokyo, a Qantas spokesperson said. The snake was taken to quarantine to determine where it came from, she said. The plane had been on the tarmac in Sydney for most of the day on September 22 after completing a flight from Singapore, and the snake was found by air crew before any passengers boarded. It was uncertain where the reptile had come from, but the Department of Agriculture identified it as a Mandarin ratsnake, which is mainly found in Asia. All 370 passengers were booked into hotels overnight, and a replacement flight left Sydney on September 23. It was the second snake incident for Qantas this year. A 3-metre (9-foot) python hitched a ride from the tropical Australian city of Cairns to Papua New Guineas Port Moresby in January. The python had been tucked into the planes wing before takeoff and amazed passengers watched from the window as it engaged in a life-or-death struggle to maintain its grip in fierce winds and subzero temperatures. It was still on the aircraft when it landed in PNG but had died during the journey. A freight pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in northern Australia in April 2012 after a snake slithered from the dashboard of his plane. AFP

(Reg: No. IV/808/2002) in respect of :- Plate, tray, cup or tumbler, bucket, basin, jug or pitcher, canister, flask for keeping water, a vacuum flask for keeping food cold, plastic box, plastic basket. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for PASTINA Co., Ltd. P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th September, 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that EZAKI GLICO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, a company organized under the laws of Japan and having its principal offices at 6-5, Utajima 4-chome, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka, Japan is the owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark:

BEIJING

China bans weapon exports to N Korea

CHINA has banned exports to North Korea of technologies and goods that could be used to make missiles and nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, the government said, as it moves to comply with United Nations resolutions. Beijing, the Norths sole major ally and economic lifeline, has publicly supported sanctions against Pyongyang in the past, though it has come in for criticism from the US and other countries for alleged lax enforcement. China, which has tended to prioritise regional stability in its relations with the North, regularly calls for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. But it has been reluctant to push North Korea too hard over fears it could result in a messy collapse of the regime. Since North Korea conducted its third underground nuclear test in February, however, China has taken a harder stance, with President Xi Jinping telling an international forum in April there should be no tolerance for those who foster chaos, remarks widely interpreted at the time as a criticism of North Korea. The prohibition covers items including components for nuclear explosion devices, certain rocket systems and toxic gas monitoring and testing systems, according to a 236page list released by the Ministry of Commerce and three other government agencies on September 23. [We] are prohibiting exports of the listed dual-use goods and technologies regarding weapons of mass destruction and their means of conveyance to North Korea according to Chinas Foreign Trade Law and in order to execute relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, they said in a separate statement. Dual-use goods and technologies refer to nuclear, chemical and biological as well as missile-related goods and technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. AFP

(Reg: No. IV/8891/2013) in respect of:- Chocolate covered biscuits; biscuits; chocolate; confectionery Class -30 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates For EZAKI GLICO KABUSHIKI KAISHA P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th September, 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTION

N.V. Organon, a company incorporated in The Netherlands, of Kloosterstraat 6, 5349 AB OSS, The Netherlands, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-

36 World International
ALEPPO

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

DURABOLIN
Reg. No. 1485/1997

in respect of Medicines and pharmaceutical preparations for human use (Intl Class 5). Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for N.V. Organon P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 30 September 2013

War means profit for gun shop owner in Syria

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Chrysler Group LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, of 1000 Chrysler Drive, City of Auburn Hills, State of Michigan 48326, United States of America, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-

Reg. No. 3151/1991 in respect of Motor vehicles, parts and accessories thereof . Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Chrysler Group LLC P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 30 September 2013

PLYMOUTH

Abu Mohammad shows a grenade to a customer at his gun shop in Aleppo, Syria, on September 21. Photo: AFP

ANTONIO PAMPLIEGA WHILE most Syrians get poorer with every day of war, Aleppos main gun seller Abu Mohammad is doing just fine by selling firearms, including rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition, and even swords. War is great business, says the northern citys only gun shop owner as he lays several hand grenades out on a counter. I wanted to help the rebels because they had no arms or ammunition, the 39-yearold says, adding that he makes an astonishing 50,000 Syrian pounds (US$370) a day. Mr Mohammad opened his gun store in the rebel-held neighbourhood of Fardos earlier this year after a leg injury cut short a nine-month stint battling alongside the Free Syrian Army. Several weapons are exhibited on the shop walls, including 9mm guns and AK47 assault rifles, one of them silver-plated. Theyre made in Iraq and Russia, and prices range from $1500 to $2000, depending on the quality, says Mr Mohammads 20-year-old son, a rebel fighter who lends a hand in the store. We also have military uniforms, boots, gas masks and walkie-talkies. Most of the material comes from Turkey. Reaching for a 9mm gun, he says he enjoys helping his father out in the shop because he love[s] weapons. Its 4pm and the two men running the family business are busy serving clients. Mohammad Assi, 43, walks in along

with several of his brothers-in-arms. He is looking for ammunition for his rifle. Counting a wad of cash, Mr Assi says he would like to buy a new rifle, but these models arent very good and theyre too expensive. He hands over 15,000 Syrian pounds for 150 rounds.

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., of 2-9 Kanda-Tsukasamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-

We also buy weapons off people who need the money to feed their families.
Abu Mohammad Syrian gun shop owner

Reg. No. 5296/2013 in respect of Intl Class 10: Medical equipment for measuring gas content in expired breath to determine existence of microorganism in human digestive organs; Medical diagnosis equipment for digestive organs; Diagnostic apparatus and instruments. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 30 September 2013

100 pounds for a bullet, the rebel sighs. Ammo is so scarce. Thats why its the most expensive thing to buy. Gun seller Mr Mohammad understands theres a shortage of cash, so hes open to making deals with some of his clients. When the rebels seize an army base, they come to my store and swap weapons for ammunition, he says. Some buyers come in looking for more specialised products, including one who wants a scope that will help locate

snipers. Another walks in holding three swords and shows them to Mr Mohammad, who unsheathes them and inspects them for quality. We also buy weapons off people who need the money to feed their families, Mr Mohammad says. Before the war broke out, there were many people who collected weapons or who held onto them after theyd finished their draft service. They arent going to use them, so they bring them over to me to make some money off them. More than a year after a massive rebel assault on Aleppo once Syrias commercial capital the city is divided into rebeland army-controlled districts. Those who have not fled the city face not only escalating poverty and daily battles in their districts, but also the danger of theft and looting by criminal groups. Im here to buy a gun, says a 65-yearold man who has brought his grandson to Mr Mohammads store. Because of the situation, I prefer to be armed in order to protect my family. The gun seller is also adept at repairing damaged weapons. Laying out a sniper rifle on his work table, he points a laser light through the barrel to check its accuracy. Ive always liked fixing weapons and making them, said Mr Mohammad, who used to work at a weapons factory. Its one of the few things Im good at, he adds with a smile. AFP

BRIEFS
Brasilia Brazil court orders senate to drop super-salaries
A Brazil court on September 25 ordered the senate to suspend all salaries over US$12,500 and to refund nearly $90 million that have been paid in excess wages. An audit by the court found some 464 officials working for the chamber received super-salaries, well above the constitutional limit of around $12,500 a month for public sector employees. We cannot continue with these differentiated wages, with people earning salaries like princes and [other] persons receiving minimum wage of 678 reais ($300), presiding Judge Augusto Nardes said, according to state-run Agencia Brasil. The court gave the senate 30 days to enforce the measure. Senate President Renan Calheiros pledged in a statement the body would immediately implement the reduction in salaries to the constitutional limit.

Rome Livestock a major contributor to global warming: UN

Rome 700 asylum-seekers land in Italy

Livestock farming makes up 14.5 percent of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, the UN food agency said on September 26, proposing solutions like breeding less-flatulent types of cows. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said the methane from livestock every year was equivalent to around 144 million tonnes of oil enough to power the whole of South Africa. The Rome-based agency said that existing methods, including changing animal diets and farming animal feed more efficiently, could reduce emissions by up to 30pc. FAOs report found the biggest source of emissions was in feed production and processing around 45pc of the total while animal gases accounted for around 39pc.

Three boats carrying more than 700 asylum-seekers some of whom were Syrian refugees landed in Italy on September 25, the Coast Guard said. The new arrivals reflected a sharp increase in boats landing with people fleeing conflict-torn parts of the Mediterranean region and the Horn of Africa. Two of the boats arrived on the island of Lampedusa, Italys southernmost point and a major gateway for undocumented migration into the European Union. The first boat had 398 Syrians on board. The second had 111 whose nationality was yet to be determined. The latest arrivals have caused severe overcrowding on the tiny islands temporary migrant centre, which can only house 350 people and was already too full. A third boat, which was spotted by a patrol plane on September 24, arrived in the port of Syracuse in Sicily with around 200 people on board, including 70 children. AFP

www.mmtimes.com
MOSCOW

International World 37

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Anita Dr. Helbig GmbH, a company incorporated in Austria, of Endach 40, A-6332 Kufstein/Tirol, Austria, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-

Reg. No. 14919/2012 in respect of Corsetry, lingerie, bras, swimsuits. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Anita Dr. Helbig GmbH P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 30 September 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., of 2-9 Kanda-Tsukasamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

A Greenpeace activist dressed as a polar bear holds a banner in front of the Arctic Sunrise protest ship in Kola Bay, Russia, on September 24. Photo: AFP

Arctic activists not pirates

STUART WILLIAMS PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin said on September 25 that 30 Greenpeace activists arrested by Russia for a high seas protest against Arctic oil exploration were not pirates but had broken the law, as the authorities questioned the campaigners. Russia has opened a criminal probe into suspected piracy by the four Russian and 26 foreign Greenpeace activists under an article carrying a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison. Mr Putins comments created hopes that the Arctic 30 might not face such severe criminal charges. Police placed the activists in detention centres in Murmansk after they were moved ashore from the groups Dutchflagged vessel. Greenpeace had sent a team of inflatable boats to the Gazprom platform in the Barents Sea on September 18 from its Arctic Sunrise icebreaker to protest the energy giants oil drilling in the pristine environment. Its completely obvious that of course they are not pirates, Mr Putin told an international Arctic forum in the city of Salekhard in his first comments on the highprofile seizure of the Greenpeace vessel. But he noted that formally they tried to seize the platform. It was completely obvious these people violated the norms of international law and got dangerously close to the platform, he said. A spokesman for the Russian Investigative Committee said on September 25 that the current charges might be changed if new evidence emerges. The worlds largest gas company, Gazprom has built up its oil activities in recent years and is the first company to seek to produce oil in the seas of the Russian Arctic. Greenpeace says the project, which aims to start production in 2014, is an ecological disaster waiting to happen due to the poor condition of the Prirazlomnaya oil rig. During the protest, Greenpeace hitched two activists to the side of the rig who tried to scale the platform but eventually slipped into the freezing water and were recovered by the Russian coastguard. Russian security services then seized control of the activists vessel by descending onto the deck from helicopters in a commando-style raid and towed it into Murmansk. After being taken ashore on September 24 for questioning, the activists were put in detention centres where suspects are held before trial. The foreign campaigners are nationals from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Denmark, the United States, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Ukraine, France, Italy, Turkey, Finland, Switzerland, Poland and Sweden. AFP

ABILIFY
Reg. No. 5283/2013

ABILIFY Maintena
Reg. No. 5284/2013

SAMSCA
Reg. No. 5285/2013

PLETAAL
Reg. No. 5286/2013

MUCOSTA
Reg. No. 5287/2013

BUSULFEX
Reg. No. 5288/2013 Reg. No. 5289/2013

MINSK

WASHINGTON

JINARC

Belarus moves potash CEO to house arrest

BELARUS has placed the chief executive of Russian potash giant Uralkali under house arrest, moving him from the prison where he had been held since his controversial arrest in August, his lawyer said on September 26. Vladislav Baumgertner was moved to house arrest in a rented apartment in Minsk under the surveillance of agents from the KGB Belarussian security service, his lawyer Dmitry Goryachko said. He said the transfer from the KGB-run detention centre to the flat took place overnight, and Mr Baumgertners mother was being allowed to visit her son in the rented flat. Mr Baumgertners arrest on suspicion of devising a scheme to enrich himself and other Uralkali executives at the expense of the Belarussian state was slammed by Moscow and risks harming ties between the two ex-Soviet allies. His move to house arrest came ahead of an expected visit to Belarus by President Vladimir Putin, who was to observe joint military exercises with his Belarussian counterpart President Alexander Lukashenko. Belarussian investigators have also charged Suleiman Kerimov, a Russian billionaire tycoon and owner of the Anzhi Makhachkala football club, in the probe. The arrest of Mr Baumgertner came after Uralkali, one of the worlds largest potash producers with a share of about 20 percent of global production, stunned markets by pulling out of a joint venture with the Belarus state potash firm. The arrest of Mr Baumgertner surprised observers, given that the regime of Mr Lukashenko is hugely dependent on cheap energy imports from Russia and Russian credits to keep its economy afloat. The mercurial Mr Lukashenko has needled Russia on occasion with his sometimes maverick behavior, but observers believe the Kremlin prefers him to a pro-Western figure who could steer Minsk toward the European Union. AFP

US, EU bungled Arab Spring strategy: study

THE United States and the European Union lack strategy and influence in countries affected by the Arab Spring despite directing billions of dollars in aid toward the region since 2011, a report said on September 25. The United States and Europe have yet to show the requisite political will or to develop sustainable strategies to help Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Yemen in their democratic transitions more than two years after a wave of popular revolutions toppled decadesold autocracies, the report by the Atlantic Councils Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East said. Faced with the vast amounts of cash the Gulf countries could provide rapidly to the transition countries, some in Washington and Brussels wondered if the United States and the EU even had much to offer, the study added. The reports authors Danya Greenfield, Amy Hawthorne and Rosa Balfour said that in the past year fatigue and frustration more than energy and hope had characterised Washington and Europes dealings with Arab Spring nations. Ms Hawthorne, a former US State Department official, said supporting the Arab Spring was not a priority for the United States despite President Barack Obamas May 2011 speech in which he vowed to provide diplomatic, economic and strategic aid to boost a swift transition to democracy. EU policy had been marked by a mismatch between stated commitments and the will to deliver on them, Ms Balfour said. The EU does not have a strategic vision because the priorities of the member states vary, the report said. Some such as France and the United Kingdom have a stronger focus on security; others such as Spain and Italy focus on mobility and migration; and still others such as Sweden, the Netherlands and Poland are more committed to democratic transition. AFP

ARTEOPTIC
Reg. No. 5290/2013 Reg. No. 5291/2013 in respect of Intl Class 5: Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations; Diagnostic preparations; Sanitary preparations for medical purposes . Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 30 September 2013

UBIT

TRADE MARK CAUTION

PACIFIC FISH PROCESSING CO., LTD. a company incorporated under the laws of Thailand, and having its principal place of business at 27/4 Moo 7, Kaoseng-Jana Road, Koa Roubchang Sub-district, Muang District, Songkhla, 90000 Thailand is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

38 World International
BAIKONUR

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Reg. No. 4/2037/2013 in respect of Class 29: Frozen Fishes, Food prepared from fish. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247-8, 951 375754, Fax: 951 254321 Email: info@untlw.com For: PACIFIC FISH PROCESSING CO., LTD. Dated: 30 September, 2013.

American, two Russians take shortcut to space

VASILY MAXIMOV AN American and two Russians blasted off on September 26 for the International Space Station atop a Soyuz rocket that slashed more than a day off the usual travel time. Michael Hopkins of NASA and Oleg Kotov and Sergei Ryazansky of Russia took off without a hitch from the Baikonur space centre that Moscow leases from Central Asias ex-Soviet republic of Kazakhstan. Everything went according to plan. Everything went as expected, NASAs official flight commentator announced via a web feed after the Soyuz reached orbit about 10 minutes into its flight. The capsule only orbited the Earth four times as opposed to the usual 30 under a technique originally devised in the Soviet era but only adopted on a regular basis in the past year. Scientists and space travellers had long weighed the benefits of such a sprint run. The longer flight allows crew members to get better acclimated to the stresses of space while also testing their physical endurance the ride takes a full 48 hours. The shortcuts were abandoned after a few trial runs by the Soviet Union because one cosmonaut because so violently ill during the voyage that mission control at one point feared for his life. But two such quick trips were successfully completed earlier this year and Russia decided to repeat the experience with a view to making them standard for future travel to the ISS. The latest mission will be highlighted by the expected November 7 stopover on the ISS of a torch left unlit for safety reasons

TRADEMARK CAUTION
GREAT BRANDS LIMITED, a company incorporated in Hong Kong and having its registered office at Room 901-2, Silvercord Tower 1, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, is the owner and proprietor of the following Trademarks:

US astronaut Michael Hopkins (left) and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov attend a press conference on the eve of their launch to the International Space Station at Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on September 24. Photo: AFP

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used during the relay ceremony for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games that Russia will be hosting in the port city of Sochi. The new team joined Russian commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and his two flight engineers Karen Nyberg of NASA and Italian Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency. The four-month stay of those three has been more eventful than they might have liked. Mr Parmitano suffered a scare during a spacewalk on July 16 when his helmet began to fill with an unidentified liquid. I feel that the temperature of the liquid is too cold to be sweat and above all I have the distinct sensation it is increasing in volume, Mr Parmitano later wrote in a gripping present-tense account of the

incident in a post on the European Space Agency website. He described being blinded and suffocated as he struggled to make his way back to the airlock. The Italian said communications were also breaking apart as the water began covering his headphones and he struggled to hear instructions from NASA mission control in Houston. Russia, meanwhile, is struggling to prove to the worlds other space-faring nations that its mostly Soviet-designed systems are reliable enough to continue humanitys conquest of space. The 2011 retirement of the US Space Shuttle program made Soyuz the worlds last remaining manned link with the ISS. AFP

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ROME

DIYARBAKIR

Berlusconis party threatens mass resignation if he is expelled

LAWMAKERS from Silvio Berlusconis party threatened on September 25 to resign en bloc if a senate committee votes to oust the former prime minister from parliament over a tax fraud conviction. The lawmakers threat once again raises tensions within the coalition of Mr Berlusconis People of Freedom (PDL) and its rival centre-left Democratic Party (PD), a government forged after a general election in February failed to give any party a ruling majority. A cross-party senate committee has been set up to decide whether Mr Berlusconi should be stripped of his senate post following the criminal conviction and is due to vote on the issue on October 4. Given its composition, the 23-member senate committee is widely expected to vote for Mr Berlusconis expulsion. On September 25, a proposal put forward at the PDL meeting by former Senate chief Renato Schifani for MPs to resign en bloc was greeted with approval and sustained applause. However, an aide of Mr Berlusconi, Renato Brunetta, said, There was no proposal for mass resignation. We have only asked each parliamentarian to reflect on and decide according to his or her conscience. PD leader Guglielmo Epifani condemned the decision by PDL lawmakers, calling it a proof of irresponsibility for the umpteenth time toward the country. The PDL risks destroying everything and destabilising the actions of the government which is seeking to resolve the problems of the Italian people, said Mr Epifani. According to participants of the PDL meeting, Mr Berlusconi told lawmakers that it has been 55 days that I havent slept. These are the most horrible days of my life, to be thrown out [of parliament] for such a libellous accusation, he reportedly said, adding that he had lost 11 kilos, like the years in prison that they want me subjected to. The lawmakers also quoted Mr Berlusconi saying that the left is rejoicing because it believes that it would have an open path to power now that I have been convicted. Despite the threats from the PDL, Economy Minister Fabrizio Saccomanni played down the risk that the coalition government would collapse. Not one party has the interest to interrupt the cleaning-up of [the public] accounts and a recovery of the economy, he told television channel La Sette. Most experts agree that Mr Berlusconis supporters are unlikely to bring down the government, even though they have repeatedly threatened to do so if their leader is expelled from parliament. Mr Berlusconi in August received his first definitive conviction in decades of legal battles in a landmark supreme court decision that has put Italys political scene on edge once again. AFP

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Inmates escape prison

EIGHTEEN inmates detained for suspected links with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) on September 25 tunnelled their way out of a prison in eastern Turkey, the justice minister said. Four of the fugitives had already been convicted and the remainder were being held, charged with membership of a terrorist organisation, Sadullah Ergin said. The jailbreak sparked a police operation to track down the escaped prisoners after the incident in the Bingol Province. The PKK, listed as a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, took up arms in the Kurdishmajority southeast of Turkey in 1984, sparking a conflict that has claimed about 45,000 lives. Turkey has recently entered into a peace process with the Kurdish rebel movement after months of clandestine negotiations between the PKKs jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan and the Turkish secret service. Mr Ocalan declared a truce in March. But the process has been fragile and Kurdish rebels announced in September they had halted their pullout from Turkey, accusing the government of failing to deliver on the promised reforms to enhance the rights of the estimated 15 million Kurds in the country. AFP

4/3025/2013 (21.3.2013) 4/3021/2013 (20.3.2013) In respect of Aerated water; soft drink; drinks consisting of carbonate; flavor drink; aerated flavor drink; fruit flavored beverage; fruit juices; Citrus flavor fruit juice; mineral water; syrups for mixing beverage; concentrates for making beverage in Class 32. Fraudulent or unauthorised use or actual or colourable imitation of the Marks shall be dealt with according to law. U Than Maung, Advocate For GREAT BRANDS LIMITED, C/o Kelvin Chia Yangon Ltd., #1508-1509, 15th Floor, Sakura Tower, Yangon, The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Dated 30 September 2013 utm@kcyangon.com

Silvio Berlusconi poses at PDL party headquarters in Rome on September 19. Photo; AFP

www.mmtimes.com

International World 39 BRIEFS

Athens Greek police raid neo-Nazi partys offices
Greek police on September 24 raided the offices of neoNazi party Golden Dawn and arrested a police officer amid a major probe on the links between law enforcers and far-right politicians. A 45-year-old officer, who was working as the bodyguard of a Golden Dawn lawmaker, was detained during the raid at party offices in central Greece, a police source said. The officer had been suspended from his duties in September 2012 over suspicions that he had joined a Golden Dawn politician and other neo-Nazis in smashing up the street stalls of migrant peddlers. The links between Golden Dawn and police have come under intense scrutiny in Greece since the fatal stabbing of 34-year-old hip-hop artist Pavlos Fyssas on September 18 by an alleged member of the party.

Citys macabre past brought to surface

ANTHONY FAIOLA IN an open pit near the old Bedlam insane asylum, where the curious once ogled chained lunatics for the price of a shiny coin, the skeletons in Londons closet are climbing to the surface. And dead men do tell tales. Take, for example, one poor soul recently unearthed from a long-lost graveyard in Bedlams back yard a 16th century gentleman who was, perhaps, not so gentle in his day. His chalky skull bares the telltale signs of crude brain surgery. An honest attempt to cure the madness within? Or a joyride of an operation to slake the exotic tastes of doctors at a hospital whose name became synonymous with mayhem? (Bedlam is an archaic variation of its current name, Bethlem Royal Hospital.) Bones, London archaeologist Jay Carver said. They tell us much, but it takes time. We had plague. We had disease. We had Bedlam. We had centuries of overcrowded city. So, yes, we have lots of bones. Bones are part of the mystery being churned up in the tunnels of Londons Crossrail network, Europes largest ongoing construction project, upon which archaeologists are piggybacking for one of the largest excavations into this citys lurid past. Europe, after all, is a neighbourhood steeped in soil and history. And in this neck of the global woods, nothing brings the light of discovery quite like the building of a transit system. In Rome, which makes London look like a rank newcomer, engineers building a subway line have hit major delays after tripping over the likes of a 2nd century auditorium just yards from the Forum. In Cologne, Germany, where a 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) railway is under construction, archaeologists found the remains of a 2000-year-old Roman harbour. In the groaning earth under Istanbul, a new rail tunnel going under the Bosporus ran smack dab into a Byzantine shipwreck. In Thessaloniki, Greeces second-largest metropolis, excavations for a new rail project did not so much hit a brick wall as an entire lost city, some 1800 years old. Today, in the dark recesses of London, much of the focus is on waking the dead. More than 100 archaeologists have

LONDON

Brasilia Brazil territory bans sales of toy guns

Skeletons are part of the mystery being unearthed in the tunnels of Londons new Crossrail network, Europes largest ongoing construction project. Photo: Crossrail

A Brazilian territory is believed to have become the first region in Latin America to ban the sale of toy guns as the country attempts to staunch an epidemic of firearm-related crime. The Federal District, which encompasses the countrys capital Brasilia and various satellite towns, launched the initiative as Brazil moved to tackle its murder rate. With a population of more than 200 million, Brazil recorded 43,000 violent deaths last year, 73 percent from firearms. The initiative to ban the sale and manufacture of toy guns was part of a government program said to be unique in Latin America to protect victims of violence. The program launched a campaign against such toys in Ceilandia, the most violent city within the Federal District. Children were asked to turn over their toy guns in exchange for a book.

fanned out at 40 excavation sites over the length of the US$24 billion Crossrail project, an ambitious line linking points east and west in what is already one of the worlds most dizzyingly vast transit systems. Until the 1970s, archaeologists here say, relatively little emphasis was put on history when building transport tunnels. Many finds, typically discovered in the top 5 metres (16 feet) of soil, were seen as mild curiosities or undesired obstacles. But urban archaeologists planned for half a dozen years for the Crossrail project. They created computer models that examined the 118km network in the light of historical records and ancient maps to target the most tantalising sites for digs. But going underground in a city with a chequered past has not been for the fainthearted. A stones throw from Londons Smithfield meat market, for example, excavation crews in March made an unappetising discovery what is believed to be one of the citys two great graveyards for victims of the 14th centurys Black Death. The victims buried near Smithfield once lived in a cesspool of a city ridden with rats, fleas and open sewers before dying in the first wave of a plague that would depopulate Europe for centuries. Now, their remains are being analysed by British scientists who are attempting to map the DNA of the London plague and establish whether it matches

the strands that brought a horrific early end to millions on the continent. The plague find, however, may as well hail from yesterday compared with other discoveries emerging from the dig sites. In this city that started life as a backwater outpost of the Roman Empire, a days work last week in the financial district yielded a stunning fragment of bright orange pottery at least 1500 years old. Archaeologists have also come a step closer to filling in the map of Roman Londinium, discovering the massive wooden stakes of an old Roman road. It ran along a stream where steel and glass now rise from the earth. Farther east and deeper back in history, diggers found evidence of Mesolithic Londoners who established a 9000-yearold flint factory for making blades. They hunted by the marshy Thames long before the big game in this town became the primal stalking of stocks and bonds, mergers and acquisitions. Yet many of the finds have seemed to only confirm the stereotype of Londoners as living in a capital of the macabre. I guess we really havent changed much, said Alison Telfer, laughing. The archaeologist for the Museum of London was digging in the shadow of the Bethlem Royal Hospital, now run by the National Health Service. We had a crazy past, and wed do it all again. The Washington Post

Harare 81 elephants die of poisoning in Zimbabwe

More than 80 elephants and other animals have died of cyanide poisoning by poachers in Zimbabwes largest game park, wildlife authorities said on September 24. The announcement came after a group of government experts visited Hwange National Park on September 21 to investigate reports of cyanide poisoning. When we left Hwange National Park on September 22, the total number of elephants that had died from cyanide poisoning was 81, said Jerry Gotora, a director of the Zimbabwe Parks Department. More than 25,000 elephants were poached last year, according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The animals tusks are highly sought after for Asias ivory trade. Nine people have been arrested on suspicion of poisoning watering holes in the game park to kill the elephants for their tusks.

Paris Two Britons, three Italians charged over cocaine haul

Two Britons and three Italians were charged on September 24 with smuggling 1.3 tonnes of cocaine worth an estimated US$270 million into Paris on an Air France flight, a judicial source said. The drugs were concealed inside 30 suitcases that were placed on a plane from the Venezuelan capital Caracas to Paris on September 11. Paris judges charged the five men, aged between 26 and 45, with importing and trafficking narcotics in an organised gang, the source said. Venezuelan authorities detained 10 people in connection with the drug bust, including an officer from the anti-drug unit of the Bolivarian National Guard and two National Guard sergeants. According to police sources, the drugs arrived in France on September 11 but were not seized until the 20th, the investigators apparently having allowed time to see who was picking them up. AFP

Women in 15 nations need spouses okay to work

AT least 15 countries give husbands the power to prevent their wives from working, the World Bank said on September 24 in a report on gender equality in business. Many societies have made progress, gradually moving to dismantle ingrained forms of discrimination against women. Yet a great deal remains to be done, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim in the preface to the report. Among 143 countries covered in the report Women, Business and the Law 2014, 15 including Iran, Syria, Bolivia and Gabon give men the right to object to and prevent their wives from taking jobs. In 79 countries, laws restrict the kind of work women can do, the report said. The most extensive restrictions on womens employment are in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the report said. In the Republic of Guinea, it said, a wife can fight her husbands decision in court, but she must prove that it is unjustified in order to have his decision overturned. Many such rules are relics of the past. Vestiges of history remain codified in certain economies simply because legislation such as the Code Napoleon was adopted wholesale and not regularly reviewed or updated, the report said. The notion of head of household, for example, was removed from Frances Civil Code in 1970 but persists in many civil codes throughout West Africa. In Russia, women are banned from 456 professions, including driving farm trucks, conducting freight trains and woodworking. Many of those rules were inherited from the former communist regime of the Soviet Union and were left unchanged. One result, the report said, was that the Russian Federation had a high earnings difference between genders during the transition to a market economy. But at least 29 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Honduras and Senegal, have laws that systematically establish men as family heads, giving them powers over crucial decisions such as where to live, obtaining important documents like passports or opening bank accounts. But the report notes that developed Western countries have also been slow to change their rules. Permission for women to launch their own court cases without their husbands permission came in Spain only in 1981 and in Switzerland in 1984. Progress continues, according to the report. In two years, 48 legal changes increased gender parity in 44 countries, including Ivory Coasts 2013 decision to allow women to work without their husbands permission. On the other hand, Egypt recently moved the other way: In the wake of the countrys revolution and the political rise of Islamic forces, the country removed constitutional guarantees against gender discrimination. AFP

WASHINGTON

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Laboratorio Italiano Biochimico Farmaceutico Lisapharma S.p.A of Via Licinio, 11/13/15, 22036 Erba, Italy, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trade Mark:-

LABORATORIO ITALIANO BIOCHIMICO FARMACEUTICO LISAPHARMA

Reg.No. IV/ 314 /1998 in respect of Class 05: Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary substances; infants and invalids foods; plasters, material for bandaging; material for stopping teeth, dental wax, disinfectants. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorized used of the said Trade Mark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. Khine Khine U, Advocate LL.B, D.B.L, LL.M (UK) For Laboratorio Italiano Biochimico Farmaceutico Lisapharma S.p.A #205/5, Thirimingalar Housing, Strand Rd., Yangon. Dated. September 30, 2013

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THE PULSE EDITOR: MANNY MAUNG manny.maung@gmail.com

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

IT

Transforming

arts & a
T
MANNY MAUNG manny.maung@gmail.com HE Chindwin Chambers on 38th Street may not rank as high on the list of Yangons well-known colonial buildings as The Strand Hotel around the corner does, but River Gallery art curator Gill Pattison says its graceful proportions and high ceilings make it an ideal venue for an art gallery. Shes right: Formerly housing the offices of the Inland Water Transport Department, the Chindwin Chambers building has been newly refurbished to house the River Gallery II, a more spacious extension of the primary space established inside The Strand in 2005. The building is a dramatic example of how old spaces can be converted for modern use without losing their historical appeal and how the tensions and juxtapositions inherent in such reclaimed spaces can provide a vibrant atmosphere for staging and appreciating forward-looking art. sculpture and painting with ease. Despite being one of the countrys most creative young artists, hes better known abroad. No doubt, however, his current show at River Gallery II will help change all that. Aung Ko was born in Pyay in 1980 and studied Fine Art Painting at the University of Culture in Yangon. His work has been exhibited throughout Asia, and was included in the German Goethe Instituts River Scapes IN FLUX show, which toured Hanoi, Saigon, Bangkok and Phnom Penh and will soon head to Jakarta and Manila. After a show last year in Milan in which his work, presented alongside other leading Southeast Asian artists, garnered an overwhelmingly positive reaction Aung Ko has been invited back for a solo show later this year at the same gallery. The exhibition, now being shown at River Gallery II is a preview of that show, with works being put on display in Yangon for just a few days before being shipped to Italy. Italian curator Iola Lenzi says Aung Kos work perfectly captures the intellectual agility of the art work that comes from this region. Like all Southeast Asian practitioners of integrity, Aung Ko is never a slave to medium or technique, but rather carefully identifies the optimum form, medium and expressive genre to support and further his concept.

in Yangon

IN FLUX The movement to preserve heritage buildings to make something new out of something old reflects the equally adventurous manifesto of many in Yangons artistic scene today. More and more artists are seeking to push past traditional concepts of art and challenge the status quo, and with exciting changes happening all around them, these artists are at last finding their audience is able to keep up with their visions. Aung Ko is a conceptual artist who transitions between performance, photography,

WE ARE MOVING As part of the River Gallery exhibition, a number of Aung Kos works will be displayed to showcase his talent in different mediums. One highlight for the Yangon audience is sure to be the We are Moving series of paintings (2012) and sculptures, inspired by the April 2010 bomb blasts during the Thingyan water festival celebrations,which killed nine people and injured 170 in Yangon. Several photographers taking pictures of the scene were arrested

www.mmtimes.com

the pulse 41

architecture
for illegally documenting the event. Defying censorship, Aung Ko recorded on canvas the aftermath of the explosion and the tussle and stampede that followed the attack. The works draw on Aung Kos personal experience his witnessing of crowd panic but while they narrate the fearful atmosphere they are simultaneously distant and unemotional, a starkly objective portrayal of a dark moment in the citys history. As moving as they are, the paintings alone did not satisfy Aung Kos need to depict the fearcharged scene. He embarked on a series of sculptures to render in three dimensions some of the figures he had observed from his balcony. As he usually does, Aung Ko chose the path less taken in selecting his materials. He decided to use fiberglass, a medium not readily used by other Myanmar artists. The laborious process took months first modelling the figures in clay, then creating a plaster cast before coating that with the fiberglass. Aung Kos artwork will be exhibited for just four days before being taken to Milan for his next exhibition. The shows short run ought to be the perfect motivation for all art-lovers to clear their calendar for a visit to River Gallery II both to enjoy the art on display and the equally compelling architecture that frames it. The gallery is also showing larger works by contemporary talents including Zaw Win Pe, Kyee Myint Saw and Ngwe Aung, among others, so there should be something for all tastes. Aung Kos work will be shown October 5-8 at River Gallery II, No 33, 38th streets (around the corner from The Strand). For more information, email rivergalleryart@gmail.com or visit www.rivergallerymyanmar.com
Internationally renowned artist, Aung Ko, will display his fiberglass master pieces at River Gallery II from October 5. Photo: Supplied

42 the pulse local

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

A matter of habit: Finding home and solace in nunneries

ZON PANN PWINT

zonpann08@gmail.com

VEN from outside the little thatched cottage, the chant of the little nuns reciting letters in the Myanmar alphabet could be heard through the walls of bamboo matting. When it rains heavily and the earthen floor is flooded, teaching is suspended and the girls take a nap in the dormitory or stroll around the prayer room. The trainee nuns are orphans, or have been entrusted to the convent by a single parent who cannot cope. If a girl from a single-parent family is founded uncared for, her relatives or neighbours bring her to my convent, said Daw Kinsana Malar, the 48-yearold head nun at Shwe Yadanar charity convent school in Yangon. They come from Shan, Kayin and Rakhine states and the Ayeyarwady delta. Most come from one-parent families. When a father or mother dies, the surviving parent cant look after them alone. So they bring their daughters here, she said. Daw Kinsana Malar has a firm belief that people can come to salvation through religious faith. They are less fortunate because they cant live with their parents for long. When a girl is brought here, I let her take a religious vow, offer tonsure and robes, and raise her in my convent. I believe religion can shape their lives to be better, and embracing a life of prayer helps soften the blow, she said. She and a group of senior nuns founded Shwe Yadanar convent in Shwe Pyi Thar, Yangon township in

Young nuns concentrate during their lessons. Photo: Boothee

2008 and would take in younger girls. I am afraid poor girls are more at risk of exploitation if nobody protects them. I help them avoid the wrong paths, she added. The nuns are also caring for a twoyear-old boy whose mother died young. The boy and his four-year-old sister were abandoned by their alcoholic father. Their grandmother left them in the safe-keeping of nuns, and though only girls may enter the convent, the nuns were happy to look after the boy. When he is grown we will send him to the monastery to become a novice, she said.

The nuns eat two meals a day, at dawn and in the late morning. Breakfast includes rice, fish paste and boiled peas, and the second meal is salad or vegetables. They eat meat once a week. Adult nuns work on the plantation, harvesting the vegetables they grow and cooking for all the nuns. Donors often come and serve lunch with meat to nuns, she said. Some little nuns returned home because they didnt like the food, she added. At night, sweets or palm sugar are served. The number of girls at the convent reached its peak in 2008 when Cyclone

Nargis struck the Ayeyarwady delta. When the cyclone hit, we went to the disaster areas to save children who were unable to pursue their studies because of the destruction of their schools, she said. We admitted girls whose parents had lost their property and could not longer look after them, she said. At that time we admitted about 30 girls under the age of 11 from delta villages in Laputa, she added. I dont force them to become nuns. If the children are happy about entering the convent, we just allow them, said Daw Kinsana Malar.

The convent provides Buddhist teaching, and young nuns beginning their formal education are sent to nearby monastic schools in Shwe Pyi Thar township. In 2013, the convent was officially permitted to open a primary school and started to build thatched cottages in a two-acre plot of land to use as classrooms. I wont hesitate to give them back to their relatives if they are able to bring them up. But their families hardly ever come to see them, she said. I dont intend for them to spend their whole life in the convent. The convent school educates 100 nuns from two to 20 years of age. Young nuns at the primary level study at the convent school and those at the middle and high school levels go to nearby monastic schools. The primary school is not only for nuns in the convent, but also for the children and novices from nearby houses and monasteries in Shwe Pyi Thar. The school provides education, textbooks, school uniforms and school stationery free of charge, she added. Ma Marnita Nyarni, a 23-year-old nun who has been in the convent since she was 13, said, When my parents passed away, I entered the convent. I dont know why I really enjoy life as a nun. I intend to spend the whole life as a nun, she said. She instructs the little nuns in Buddhist teaching. When I go outside the convent, I see young women beautifully dressed and working actively. They are full of fun and I admire them sometimes. At that time, I read books written by venerable monks and my mind turns back to religion again, she said. I believe religion plays an important role in shaping our attitudes and changing our lives for the better.

Photographer donates collection

FIONA MACGREGOR fionamacgregor@hotmail.co.uk A PHOTOGRAPHY collection that documents Myanmars tribal cultures and ethnic diversity is to be donated to the National Museum in Yangon. Richard Diran, who spent almost four decades photographing people from some of the countrys most remote communities, said he is making the donation to introduce people to their neighbours and support national reconciliation efforts. Dirans works capture people in their indigenous forms of dress, many of which are no longer worn or are rapidly disappearing from modern Myanmar. The American photographer said he hopes the collection will serve as a historical record of these vanishing traditions and at the same time encourage greater appreciation for Myanmars cultural diversity. This must be the most ethnically diverse areas on the planet there is nowhere else like it but Id say 99 percent of people living in Rangoon have never seen any of the people [like those] in these photographs, he said. The collection, The Vanishing Tribes of Burma, went on public display for three days on September 28 at Inya Lake Hotels Grand Ballroom. It features 70 portraits of people from more than 40 ethnic groups. He said reforms undertaken by the current government made this the perfect time for the photos to go on display. An exhibition like this would not have been possible two years ago. I wanted to put it on to catalogue [these ethnic groups], said Diran, who worked in Myanmar between 1983 and 2010. I have never seen a [country] change so quickly and its important to get everyone moving forward toward national reconciliation. After the Yangon exhibition, which is sponsored by the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society and will be opened by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the photos will go on tour to Sweden. Diran said he would like to see the collection tour other countries in the future to help raise awareness about Myanmars ethnic minority cultures. A spokeswoman for the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society said, We hope to present both within Burma and beyond, Richards positive vision of the ethnic minorities of Burma. After the event, the entire collection will be donated to the National Museum in Yangon, in order to ensure the preservation of his images for generations to come.

Huge prizes for Mandalay photo comp

SI THU LWIN sithulwin.mmtimes@gmail.com A PHOTOGRAPHY competition in Mandalay will award six titles and prizes worth up to K6.7 million, according to a local government spokesperson in Mandalay Region. The competition, which is open to all amateur photographers, welcomes landscape photos based on the themes of city view, rural scenery, natural beauty, the public and their daily life, Myanmar culture and custom, travel and future hope. Prize money will be divvied up into the categories with an overall first prize set for K500,000. Held in conjunction with the Upper Myanmar Photographic Society and the Mandalay Photographic Society, entrants should submit colour photographs that are 10 by 15 inches in size. Photos should be submitted to the Information and Public Relation district offices by 5pm on October 10. Photos must be taken in the following districts: Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myingyan, Yamethinn, Pyinmana, Nyaung Oo and Meiktila. Translated by Thae Thae Htwe

Photographer Richard Diran says he will donate his collection to the Myanmar public. Photo: Supplied

44 the pulse

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

Japans ageing female divers

M
ANTOINE BOUTHIER IEKO Kitai takes a huge gulp of air as she surfaces from the clear, blue waters of Japans Pacific coast with a large abalone in her hand. The dive with nothing more than a mask does not get any easier for the 70-year old and the pickings get slimmer with every passing year. But she and her fellow divers or ama which roughly translates to sea woman reap the fruits of the sea in a way that has been practised in parts of Japan for thousands of years. Finally, I got one, she says as she climbs aboard the boat and pulls the mask off her weather-beaten face. Kitai is one of a dozen free divers who gathered on a recent sunny day in Shima, Mie prefecture, in western Japan. They chatter loudly from excitement and necessity some have suffered hearing loss because of the high pressures experienced at depth as they rub their masks with a kind of slimy algae to prevent fogging. Some join hands and utter a Shinto prayer for those they have lost, including an 80-year-old who died last year on a dive. Her heart gave out, said one of them. Each has a weight belt around her waist to give a little help when they jump overboard into water up to 20 metres (66 feet) deep. Some are under as long as a minute before they surface again with a shellfish or an urchin. Today, the fishing was better than I thought it would be, said Kitai as she dropped an octopus and several turban shells, a prized shellfish delicacy, into her catch net. In the past you could get as many the profession to men, says professor Yoshitaka Ishihara, director of the Toba Sea-Folk Museum. Now there are almost as many men as women, said Ishihara, whose museum houses skin-diving artifacts dating back 10,000 years. The scant rewards and the high risks have discouraged many young people from taking up the profession, and many fear the tradition could die out when those in their 60s, 70s and 80s pass away. Younger divers who take up the profession find it is not easy. Initially I made virtually nothing, said Satomi Yamamoto, 37, as she grilled sea urchins on the harbour in Shima. But I got better and four years later, I was earning about 100,000 yen a month. Yamamoto is one of a handful of women of her generation who have embraced a way of life they were not born into. I was raised in Osaka and I had always lived in a big city, but I am much happier since coming here seven years ago to join my husband, she said. Yoshitaka Ishihara says as Japan mechanised its fishing and farming, the way of the ama changed a little to keep up. Until 1970, girls started fishing when they were about 16 or 17 and learned from just watching their mother, he said. Now recruits have to undergo a tough initiation and for the first four years have to work with an experienced diver. But despite the shrinking number of creatures in the sea, there is a real camaraderie among the ama of Shiba. We never compete for fish, said the now-retired 83-year-old Yuriko Matsui. If we did, all the shells would have disappeared by now. AFP

A 70-year-old female skin diver reaps the fruits of the sea, living a lifestyle that has been practised in parts of Japan for thousands of years. Photo: Antoine Bouthier

as 40 abalone in a day, but now getting four counts as a good day, said fellow free diver Sumiko Nakagawa, her face lined by her years in the salty water under the beating sun. Pollution and overfishing have taken their toll on abalone, the main source of income for these women, with the creatures population dropping by 90 percent in the last 40 years in Japan. A kilogram (2.2 pounds) of wild

abalone sells for around 8,000 yen (US$80), although most consumed in Japan are now farmed. In 2011 local authorities released young abalone into the ocean in a bid to prop up their numbers. They also ban the use of scuba tanks and limit catches to specimens over 10 centimetres (4 inches) long a size they usually reach around the age of 10. This kind of fishing was once the sole preserve of women, who were

commonly believed to be better at coping with the sometimes-cold water because of a thicker layer of fat under their skin. It was also traditionally done topless, although their most famous cinematic outing in James Bonds 1967 effort You Only Live Twice saw sultry actresses protect their modesty with skimpy bikini tops as they cavorted with Sean Connery. The advent of wetsuits opened

Living well in Myanmar

How high blood pressure keeps a low profile

CHRISTOPH GELSDORF, MD
livingwellmyanmar@gmail.com

HIGH blood pressure, or hypertension, may be the most common illness faced by humans, yet as a global society we remain woefully inadequate in protecting ourselves against it. Simply stated, hypertension means the pressure in your blood vessels is too great, resulting in body organs getting damaged from working too hard to complete their regular function. The primary problem with high blood pressure is that you dont feel it doing damage to your heart, brain and kidneys. The secondary problem is that doctors, national health systems and patients remain inadequately committed to getting hypertension properly evaluated and treated. Hypertension is an easy diagnosis to make. It requires two or more blood pressure readings greater than a systolic of 140 or a diastolic of 90. (Systolic is the pressure experienced by vessels when your heart beats; diastolic is the baseline pressure when your heart is resting.) The procedure for measuring blood pressure is neither painful nor invasive just a cuff that squeezes your arm for a minute. The medicines used for treatment are inexpensive and easily available globally.

Nevertheless, getting people diagnosed, tested and treated for hypertension remains one of our biggest global health challenges. A large research study published this month in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that in a sample of patients from 17 high, middle and low-income countries, only 47 per cent of those with high blood pressure were aware of their condition. Furthermore, just 32pc of patients who knew they had high blood pressure were adequately keeping it under control. While we dont know exactly how common hypertension is in Myanmar estimates range from 21pc to 57pc of people we can safely say that there are far more people inadequately treated for hypertension than are inadequately treated for malaria, tuberculosis and HIV combined. In fact, the World Health Organization has found high blood pressure to be the number one mortality risk factor in our region. I was happy to see that a Health Communication Forum held in Yangon a few months ago called for more local education on hypertension. The participants highlighted the dangers of increasing consumption of salty processed foods, excessive use of tobacco, higher levels of mental stress and weight gain as contributors to the growing epidemic of high blood pressure in Myanmar. It remains to be seen how effective the government and health ministries will be in responding with public health campaigns, food

Getting people diagnosed, tested and treated for hypertension remains one of our biggest global health challenges
safety regulations and the defence of open space for recreation. Regardless of national health campaigns, as an individual you are very much in control of your own destiny as far as hypertension is concerned. Any clinic can effectively screen for high blood pressure, and I recommend anyone older than 13 years should have a blood pressure check every two years. If your pressures are up, the next step will be a physical exam from a good doctor and some simple blood tests to determine the cause of hypertension.

You should then expect a detailed discussion about your own medical history (Do you smoke? Are you overweight? Do you exercise? How much stress are you under? How much salt do you eat), as well as the medical history of your family members (Others with hypertension? Any heart or kidney disease in the family?). The initial treatment for hypertension relates to lifestyle improvement. Reducing salt intake, increasing consumption of vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and perhaps having a drink of alcohol every day are the mainstays. In fact, a combination of these behaviours is usually more effective than any pills manufactured by the pharmaceutical industry. Good lifestyle choices will benefit your entire body everything from keeping you cognitively sharper to reducing your chance of cancer and helping prevent a stroke. Ive noticed that for the right person a little increase in blood pressure can be a motivator toward leading a healthier life that results in a better long-term outlook across disease categories. Of course, lifestyle change can be challenging. Looking for ways to keep salt out of food means finding new spices in your own kitchen and choosing food carefully in restaurants. Adding more vegetables to your meals might be easier. Exercising in a congested city like Yangon means finding a park, a quiet street, a pool or a space in your home that will be

comfortable for you several days per week. As Ive discussed in this column previously, the key to a good exercise habit is choosing something thats fun for you and continuing to do it at a moderate pace over many years. Weight management is a function primarily of calorie intake, and improvement usually means incorporating the dietary habits of the entire family into your personal plan. Finally, the decision to have a drink every day should be made in conjunction with your doctor, as responsible use of alcohol is challenging to say the least. When a healthy lifestyle is insufficient for keeping blood pressure in a safe range, doctors and patients can choose from a range of medications. The decision to start pharmaceutical treatment should not be based on blood pressure alone, but rather on the cumulative risk of a persons susceptibility to heart, brain and kidney disease. Ask your doctor to conduct a Framingham Risk Analysis, which can help you decide whether to start medications and how different treatment choices might affect your risk profile. The potential harms of medication should always be weighed against their anticipated benefits. Christoph Gelsdorf is an American Board of Family Medicine physician who sees patients in Yangon and California. He is an honorary member of the Myanmar Medical Association. Reader thoughts and questions are welcomed.

www.mmtimes.com

the pulse 45

Planting for the future

89-year-old environmentalist says an individual can make all the difference starting by planting trees, one sapling at a time

CHIT SU

AKE an evening stroll through Yangons Sanchaung township and theres a good chance you will see an elderly man, crouched down by the side of the road with a watering can his hand, tending a young sapling. Everyone in the neighbourhood recognises U Kan Nyunt, who for more than half a century has been planting trees in the city in a oneman effort to keep Yangon green and shady. His 89 years show in the wrinkles and lines that crinkle as he smiles, but advancing age is not going to stop him in his endeavours. I will plant trees until I die, he says. A childhood spent in wooded countryside in Hmawbi left him with a passion for trees, and the urban landscape of Yangon seems like a desert to him, he says. During my childhood, I lived in large area of land thickly covered with trees. If someone yelled out you couldnt hear them, he recalls of his first home all those years ago. Now there is a population explosion in Yangon, but people here dont plant trees. Cutting trees is easy for them, but planting is rare. They cut the trees for no reason. They dont know how valuable trees are, he says. Born in Hmawbi in 1924, he was just 13 when he moved to Yangon and found work polishing jade and stitching shoes. During the Second World War, he worked as a nurse. After the war he married and found a job

driving a three-wheeler taxi between Karmaryut and Thaingyizay Market. I started planting trees at that time. I was very hot because I was driving the whole day. I noticed the places without trees and where people had to stand without any shade and those were the places I planted trees. I took the plants and put them in the car and in the evening planted them in vacant places by the roadside. I always carried a watering can, fork, hoe and rake in my car. It was no effort for me, because I have been a keen gardener since I was in Hmawbi. Planting trees is my passion. Planting trees by yourself is not always easy, he says, and sometimes the trees he plants are cut down immediately. In some places, I put seeds and plants in the ground secretly if they are at risk of being destroyed. I feel sad that some people will cut down or break the plants. Most people tell me this is useless and do not think to cooperate with me, but anyway, I will do my best, he says. Last year, U Kan Nyunt was awarded the 2012 The Earth Lover prize from FREDA Myanmar (Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation Association) for planting trees. It was the first time he had received such recognition in a lifetime of planting trees. The Earth Lover award is a prize for the people who plant 1000 trees without self-profit. Last year was the first time it was awarded in Myanmar and it is now expected to be an annual event. I got the award for planting trees, but I only wish that people have ac-

U Kan Nyunt says he has been planting trees around Yangon for the past 50 years. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

cess to the shade of trees. My prize was K150,000 and a statue. I used K100,000 to apply golden paint on a Buddha statue and donated the other K50,000 to the monastery, he said. U Kan Nyunt has four children and lives with his daughter. His daughter said that every day her father does morning worship and plants or waters trees.

None of his children is a tree planter like him, and he says he cannot persuade them to take up the habit because they are too busy working. However he believes there could be benefits to emulating his life style. Planting is my hobby and I think Ive lived a long life because of that hobby, he says looking at his daughter.

U Kan Nyunt says he wishes more people recognised how valuable trees are and planted and cared for them too. Deforestation in the country has been too rapid, he says, and more people should be concerned. I dont want any self-profit and I only feel pleasure as a planter when the trees I plant grow well.

Sobering times for Turkish winemakers as new law takes effect

PHILIPPE ALFROY BLASTED by winds whipped up on the Aegean Sea, the Turkish island of Bozcaada sits close to the ancient city of Troy and has been known since the time of Helen and Paris for one thing: wine. But that may be all about to change. In early September in Bozcaada, another grape harvest was coming to an end, and with the final fruit of the season heading to the pressing room, Mehmet Tanay was feeling gloomy. It will be an average year, the vintner said. Last year he produced 600,000 bottles, but after the introduction of a new law designed to curb the sale and advertising of alcohol in Turkey, Tanay has lowered his expectations. Although deputies voted for the law in May, it only came into force on September 9, a move that Tanay and his fellow winemakers believe threatens their livelihoods and a tradition that stretches back generations. Tanay estimates his business has shrunk by between 5 and 10 percent in the months since the law was passed banning advertising in the We already couldnt advertise on TV but now newspaper advertising is banned too. With these laws we cant communicate. Even a website advertising his vintage is gone, replaced with a black screen. A highly popular wine festival is now a grape festival. As Bozcaada ponders its economic future two-thirds of the islands 2400 people are employed in the wine trade others are worried about losing a part of their identity. Small producers dont want to sell their [vineyards] because its part of their culture and theyre attached to it. Its their heritage, often inherited from their parents and families, said mayor Mustafa Mutay. The islanders want to continue to produce wine and they will fight to be able to do that. That may prove a challenge. Since taking power in 2002, Erdogan and his conservative AKP party have lumbered producers and drinkers with huge tax hikes. Inflation is also a factor, but the price of Turkeys national drink, reki, has risen by a staggering 272pc since 2004, with beer bloating by 218pc and wine by 163pc, according to official statistics. The government raked in 4.6 billion Turkish lira ($2.28 billion) in taxes from alcohol last year, up from three billion lira in 2010. To relieve the pressure on producers, Erdogans administration claims it has helped by boosting wine exports, which winemakers concede is true but say is not enough. These restrictions have to be looked at differently, Tanay said. Too many people depend on this sector. Bozcaadas residents remain optimistic, however, believing that laws and taxes are nothing in the face of many Turks desire for a nice glass of red. People come to Bozcaada for the wine. When they order a drink, its wine, said Mahir, a restaurant owner on the island. Selma Songul, one of his customers, described the law as prohibition. Drinking alcohol is a personal choice. Nobody should control it, she said. And Turks are voting with their wallets by drinking more than ever, it seems. Taxes or no, consumption has jumped from 38 to 60 billion litres a year between 2008 and 2012. AFP

Turkish winemakers fear they will lose their livelihood after a new law curbing the sale and advertising of alcohol came into effect in September. Photo: AFP

press and online, the sale of alcohol in shops between 10pm and 6am, and and any retail near schools and mosques. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has defended the law as a measure to improve the populations health, but critics see it as just his latest attempt to Islamicise Turkey.

During the violent protests that swept the country in June, the law was consistently raised by demonstrators as the spectre of a more hardline Muslim nation they say is sought by Erdogan. We cant have wine tastings, we cant organise events, we cant advertise in newspapers, said Tanay.

46 the pulse tea break

Universal Crossword
Edited by Timothy E. Parker

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

SUDOKU PACIFIC

LIKE A CUCUMBER By Gary Cooper

ACROSS 1 Computer communique 6 Toward the back of the boat 11 Greek letter that looks like a trident 14 Drum accompanying a sitar 15 Bronco-busting affair 16 Inc., in the U.K. 17 Finishing a rigorous workout 19 Feel out of sorts 20 New Mexico art town 21 In a sneaky way 23 Give over to another for safekeeping 27 Most frozen 29 Brings together 30 Hoi follower 31 Triple Crown trio 32 Buggy versions, often 33 Not yet known, on a TV schedule 36 Oceanfront room feature 37 Like some shoulders 38 Read the UPC, e.g. 39 Historical period of time 40 Wails in lamentation 41 Push upward 42 Low A, on a test 44 Goes back to square one 45 Beginning 46 Troops on horseback 47 Quizmaster 48 Impressive rating 49 City encompassing Ipanema 50 Low but sweet lotto prize 57 Dear Yoko subject 58 Make books into movies, say 59 Weird, in a spooky way 60 Musical scale note 61 By its nature 62 Gave everyone a hand? DOWN 1 No need to elaborate 2 He was quoted in the Little Red Book 3 Blood type letters 4 ___ Be There (Jackson 5 classic) 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 18 22 23 24 25 Non-clergy groups Fluorescent bulb filler Sites of abs and lats Bustling commotion Lucky number? Adenoids neighbors Doesnt let on under pressure Elevated walking stick How to stand by? Cant stop henpecking A July baby, perhaps One reason for slowing down Disc jockeys cue How to handle pressure? 26 Cook, as prunes for breakfast 27 Minuscule amounts 28 Attired 30 Indiana state flower 32 Butler of Grace Under Fire 34 More lowbrow, as humor 35 Nervous 37 Nirvana song ___ a Son 38 Its in the can, sometimes 40 What a mob goon threatens to break 41 Like many a mirror perimeter 43 ___ got my eyes on you 44 Indian princess 45 Kind of acid 46 Monte Cristo, par exemple 47 Greek equivalent of Cupid 48 Setting for Heidi 51 Admirers poem 52 Item fitted into a thole 53 Light-horse Harry 54 Tax-deferred savings plan 55 Lorenzos ___ (film) 56 A monarch may be caught in it

DILBERT

BY SCOTT ADAMS

PEANUTS

BY CHARLES SCHULZ

CALVIN AND HOBBES

BY BILL WATTERSON

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Laugh all the way to the bank when you rent this space.
The tea break page is being re-formatted in readiness for our move to a daily cycle. It may look something like this in the future. Our market research shows that a page like this attracts a large number of readers, who loyally read it every day. Ring Khin Thandar Htay our National Sales Director to book this space permanently and laugh all the way to the bank with the extra business coming in your door.

Telephone us now on +951 392 928

www.mmtimes.com

the pulse food and drink 47

PHYOS COOKING ADVENTURE

phyocooking@gmail.com

Simple family feast with Asian style

S a Myanmar person, I sometimes love to eat rice with curry, soup, dips or relish and vegetables. Curry can be si pyan (with a dry, caramelised gravy paste) or si kyan yay kyan (a soupy gravy). This week, I created the si kyan yay kyan, fish dip with blanched vegetables and soup for lunch. I use pla too fish (small mackerel fish) as a main ingredient. They are so cheap at the wet market and some locals call them nga thitar ngar (fish from a tin can). I adapted the Thai style fish dip with pla too but I dont add fish paste to this recipe. The taste of the mackerel is strong enough so I just want to have a simple fish dip. Grill the fish before preparing the dip. It gives a nice aroma. Chin saw kar thee (a tart quince) is used in fish soup to make it have a sour flavour. Most Shan dishes use this dried fruit and it is available in the supermarket. For the curry, I am making a duck egg omelette with su poke ywak (acacia leaves) curry. Su poke ywak has spikes/thorns and a strong smell, but the fresh sprouts are very nice and have a softer smell which end up giving it a savoury flavour. I hope this spicy fish dip and sour soup can warm you up in these heavy, rainy days. THAI STYLE PLA TOO POUNDED FISH DIP (SERVES 6) 2 pla too fish or nga thittar fish 4 cloves fish 4 onions 8-10 green small chillies

Duck egg omelette with su poke ywak curry. Photo: Phyo

4 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon fish sauce PREPARATION Gut and clean the fish. Sprinkle a couple of pinches of salt over the fish and leave for a few minutes. Grill the garlic, onions and green chillies. If you can push a skewer into the onions easily, it means they are ready. The garlic will be ready once the skin is broken and the aroma comes out. The green chillies should be grilled a bit longer until they are dry. If you like, add more green chillies for more heat. Grill the fish on the open fire by adding them in a grill basket or laying them on the grill pan for 3-4 minutes on each side. When the fish is cooked through, cool and then remove the bones. Add grilled onions, garlic and chillies into a handheld blender and blend the ingredients into a mixture. You can also pound them in a mortar and pestle. Add fish flakes and blend them to mix evenly. Add the fish sauce and lime juice and mix them well. You can also add extra fish sauce for saltiness and lime juice for a more sour flavour. Serve with steamed rice and blanched, pickled and fresh vegetables. It is also good as a dip with rice crackers.

DUCK EGG OMELETTE WITH SU POKE YWAK (ACACIA LEAF) CURRY (SERVES 6) 5 duck eggs 1 cups su poke ywak (acacia leaves) 3 onions (finely diced) 4 tomatoes (roughly chopped) 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon fish sauce teaspoon chilli powder PREPARATION Beat the duck egg in one bowl with 1/8 teaspoon of salt and set aside. Pick the fresh and light green leaves/stems from the acacia plant. Wash and drain well. When the leaves are dry, add them

into the duck egg bowl and mix them in well. In a non-stick frying pan, add two tablespoons of vegetable oil and make sure the oil is spread around the pan evenly on a medium heat. When the oil is hot, beat the duck egg and su poke ywat and pour the mixture over the pan evenly. Move the pan around and make sure the egg mixture is spread out around the pan. Then, cover the lid and fry for 2-3 minutes until it is a golden, yellow colour. Lift carefully and turn over. Fry for another 3 minutes or until the omelette is cooked through. Cool down with the lid on and then cut into 2cm cubes. Saut the onions with the leftover oil in the pan. When the onions are caramalised, add chilli powder and tomatoes. Fry for a few more minutes until the tomatoes are dried. Add 1 cups of water, cover and simmer for 10 minutes with a lid. When the onions are dissolved, raise the heat again to medium and let the gravy boil. (If you need more water add another cup of water). Bring the omelette back to the pot and cook for 2 more minutes. Then serve with steamed rice.

PREPARATION Wash the dried chin saw ka thee and soak them in 1 cup of warm water. Then grill the fish skeletons and take the flakes out. Saut the garlic for a minute and then add the fish flakes. Pour the chin saw ka thee, its water and another 1 cups of water to boil. Let the soup boil for another 5 minutes and then garnish with the sliced green chillies. Salt for taste. TIPS FOR THE OMELETTE The omelette should be thick, 1cm in height, so it is best to use a smaller frying pan. To flip the omelette, use a thinner spatula and lift the edge of omelette along the pan slowly. Then move the spatula slowly towards the centre and transfer onto the plate upside down. Bring the plate to the edge of the pan and push the omelette back to the pan carefully. FOODIE QUOTE A gourmet is just a glutton with brains. Phillip H Haberman Jr NEXT WEEK Inspired by Cambodian cuisine prawns and peppercorns

PLA TOO FISH AND CHIN SAW KAR THEE (QUINCE) SOUR SOUP (SERVES 6)
3-4 pla too fish skeleton bones (after filleting the fish) 4-5 pieces dried chin saw kar thee 2 cloves garlic (crushed) teaspoon vegetable oil 2-3 green chillies Salt

Kopitime: Coffee time at Ya Kun cafe

MANNY MAUNG manny.maung@gmail.com WHEREVER you are in the world, there are some traditions that are universal. A tea break in Myanmar, a coffee break in the United States, or kopitime in Singapore help bridge the gap in cultural differences. We all know what is to sit down to a cup of tea or coffee and unwind. While I could never imagine the tea-drinking culture in Myanmar being broken, the invasion of coffee into the mainstream has resulted in a number of Western-style cafs popping up all over Yangon. In contrast, the Ya Kun Family Caf is a Singaporean chain thats proving to be as popular in Myanmar as it is in Singapore and Malaysia. The restaurant, conveniently located in a bustling tourist hotspot on Bogyoke Aung San Road next to the market and underneath the new Parkson building, is already attracting passersby as well as those familiar with the chain. The outdoor dining area provides a great vantage to people-watch and soak up the Yangon city atmosphere. The mosque across the street is a charming backdrop to the hustle and bustle of the street, but it can prove a bit noisy when youre trying to talk and listen.

Wine Review
Carpineto Dogajoolo Tosacano 2011

Nasi lemak istemewa. Photos: Lwin Ko Taik

Villa Girardi Soave Classico 2011

A soft dry red that is quaffable enough to be drunk on its own or with most foods. Lightbodied with hints of strawberries.

Deep yellow and full-bodied, this wine suggest it will taste Riesling. But a crisp finish that balances well with the initial sharpness sets it apart.

Score

7/10
K

Score

7/10
K

17,770

16,700

Tucking into a nasi lemak istemewa (K3700), I definitely felt the international flavours of Yangon. The coconut rice, dried anchovies and sambal and deep-fried chicken tasted like something Id eaten in Malaysia. The Kaya toast (K1100) a toasted sandwich with coconut jam and dollops of cold butter was something like Id tried in Australia. It felt like I had ordered a decadent snack, but the toast was quite light and not at all heavy. The coffee was also decent, coming out in a generous portion and cost just K2200 for a cappuccino. A regular filter coffee is priced at K1000. What I noticed the most about Ya Kun was the staff s commitment to hygiene. The quick-service style is efficient and the food (while most

likely calorie-loaded) was not at all oily. Care was taken in presentation and the bonus for this place is that they provide free Wi-Fi thats connected to the fibre-optic cable network.

R W ED IN E

W W HIT IN E E

Ya Kun
Ya Kun Family Caf, FMI Centre, Ground Floor, 380 Bogyoke Aung San Road, Yangon Ya Kun Coffee and Toast, Junction Square, 2nd Floor, between Pyay Road and Kyun Taw Street, Yangon Food: 7 Drink: 8 Service: 8 Atmosphere: 8 X-factor: 7 Value for money: 7 Total Score:

7.5/10

48 the pulse socialite

PISM graduation ceremony Sony products launch

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

U Tun Shwe and Mg Shin Myat

Joseph Charles

Dr Win Min Thit, Khine Thit Lwin and U Wai Lwin

May Thu Thu Kyaw

Dr Lily H Wong and Daniel Opaki

Wai Thit Lwin

Pe Myint Oo

Yojiro Konuma

JJ Express 2nd year anniversary

Myanmar B2B Management Magazine 1 Year Anniversary

Aunty Phyu, Wai Wai, Ma Ei and U Myint U

U Myit Tar

Ko Ko Naing, Aye Mya Mya Theint and Thawdar Oo

SEA Games theme song award ceremony

Dr. Aung Tun Thet

Soe Hein

Miss Universe tour

Nan Sanda Hla Tun and Myat Ponnami

Raymond

Nweh Yin Win

Sung Thin Par

www.mmtimes.com
Canmake restaurant opening

the pulse socialite 49

NAUM BWAI
hknuambawi@gmail.com

SWAPPING her heels for some sensible shoes, Socialite spent much of the week on her hand phone making plans as she dashed from one soiree to the next. She was off like a rocket starting with the PISM graduation ceremony at Sedona Hotel, followed by dinner at the launch of Hello Japanese food centre on September 18. Socialite bitterly kept her heels off as she dashed around four events the next day, which included the Realm Company opening ceremony at Kyauk Kone township and JJ Express bus lines 2nd anniversary celebrations at the Oriental House. What seemed like all of a sudden for Socialite, it was already September 21 and her calendar was going haywire. She again dashed off to the new restaurant opening of Canmake at Gabar Aye Gamhone Pwint, City Marts New Kitchen Idea demonstration, and attended the 27th Southeast Asia SEA Games theme song award ceremony at Sedona Hotel. She was exhausted toward the end of the week but managed to rouse up some energy and attend the Myanmar B2B Management Magazines 1st anniversary at Traders Hotel on September 22. All that done, she went home so she could chill on the sofa and choose the next pair of shoes for the following weeks events.

Soe Myat Thu Zar

Hello Japanese food centre opening

Moe Myint Soe San

Ko Thaw Tar

May Than Nu

Pa Pa Win Khin

Melody

Ye Min Thu

Mikeal

Soe Hein

Realm company launch ceremony

Aye Aung Linn

Phone Zayya Win and Su Yu Zar Zaw

City Marts New Kitchen Idea

May Zin Soe Htet and Pan Ei Hnin Si

Wai Phyoe

Edwin Siswanto and Stacia Wijaya

Tin Moe Lwin

50 the pulse travel

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES

YANGON TO NAY PYI TAW Flight 6T 401 FMI A1 FMI A1 FMI B1 FMI A1 FMI C1 Days 1 1,2,3,4,5 6 1,2,3,4,5 7 1,2,3,4,5 Dep 7:00 7:30 8:00 11:30 15:30 16:30 Arr 7:55 8:30 9:00 12:30 16:30 17:30 MANDALAY TO YANGON Flight Days Dep Y5 233 Daily 8:10 YH 910 3 8:10 YJ 892 1,2,3,4,5,6 8:30 YH 918 2,3,4 8:20 YH 918 1,5,6,7 8:40 YJ 143/W97143 1,2,3 9:20 6T 402/K7 223 2,3,4,5,6,7 8:55 K7 223 Daily 8:55 W9 201 4,5,6,7 9:10 W9 144 Daily 9:20 W9 201 1,2,3 9:25 Y5 132 3,5,6,7 9:30 6T 402 1 10:00 K7 227 2,4 10:35 K7 627 1,5 10:55 YJ 202 1,2,4 11:30 YJ 762 6 12:35 K7 845 2,4,7 12:50 YJ 202 3 15:30 W9 120 1,3 15:45 YJ 762 1,2,4 16:35 YH 732 6 16:40 YH 732 1,7 16:40 W9 129 4,5,6,7 16:40 YH 728 1,5 16:45 YJ 725/W9 7752 7 16:50 6T 502/K7 225 Daily 16:50 K7 225 Daily 16:50 W9 129 1,2,3 16:55 K7 625 Daily 17:10 YH 732 4 17:10 YH 738 3 17:10 8M 6604 2,4,7 17:20 YH 738 7 17:25 W9 511 2 17:30 W9 252 2 17:35 YH 730 2,4 17:45 YJ 725/W9 7752 5 17:50 YH 730 6 18:00 YANGON TO NYAUNG U Flight Days Dep YH 917 2,3,4 6:00 YH 917 1,5,6,7 6:10 YJ 891 Daily 6:10 6T 401/K7 222 2,3,4,5,6,7 6:30 K7 222 Daily 6:30 YH 909 6 6:30 YJ 143/ W9 7143 1,2,3 7:00 6T 401 1 7:00 YH 731 5 14:30 W9 129 4,5,6,7 14:30 6T 501/K7 224 Daily 14:30 W9 129 1,2,3 14:45 YH 731 1,7 14:30 K7 224 Daily 14:30 YH 731 2,4 15:00 NYAUNG U TO YANGON Arr 9:25 9:35 10:25 10:15 10:45 10:45 10:55 11:00 11:05 10:45 11:20 10:30 12:00 12:00 12:20 12:25 14:00 16:00 17:25 17:10 18:00 18:05 18:45 18:45 18:10 18:15 19:00 19:00 19:00 18:35 19:15 18:35 18:30 18:50 19:35 19:00 19:10 19:15 19:25 Flight YH 910 YH 917 YJ 891 YH 917 YJ 143/W9 7143 YJ 143/W9 7143 K7 222 K7222/6T 401 6T 401 YH 732 YH 732 W9 129 6T 502/K7 225 W9 129 K7 225 YH 732 Days 6 2,3,4 Daily 1,5,6,7 1,2,3 4,5,6,7 Daily 2,3,4,5,6,7 1 5 1,7 Daily Daily 1,2,3 Daily 2,4 Dep 8:05 7:35 7:45 7:45 8:35 8:05 8:05 8:05 9:10 16:50 17:25 17:25 17:40 17:40 17:45 17:55 Arr 9:25 10:15 8:15 10:45 10:45 10:45 11:00 10:55 12:00 18:10 18:45 18:45 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:15 Flight YH 918 YJ 892 YH 918 6T 402/K7223 K7 223 W9 201 YANGON TO MYITKYINA Flight YJ 211 YJ 211 YJ 201 YJ 201 K7 844 W9 251 K7 624 YJ 201 Days 7 5 4 1,2 2,4,7 2 Daily 3 Dep 7:00 7:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 10:30 10:30 11:00 Arr 9:50 9:50 9:50 9:50 11:05 13:25 13:25 13:50 W9 201 YH 738 6T 402 K7 829 W9 120 YJ 762 YJ 762 W9 129 YJ 752/W9 7752 YH 731 YH 731 MYITKYINA TO YANGON Flight YJ 202 YJ 211 YJ 202 K7 625 W9 252 Days 3 5,7 1,2,4 Daily 2 Dep 14:05 10:05 10:05 15:40 16:05 Arr 17:25 13:25 12:55 18:35 19:00 W9 129 YH 731 YH 728 6T 501/K7 224 K7 224 YH 731 YH 738 K7 827 YANGON TO HEHO Arr 7:35 7:45 7:30 7:50 7:50 8:05 8:20 8:55 16:50 17:10 17:20 17:25 17:25 17:25 17:55 Flight YH 917 YH 917 YJ 891 6T 401/K7222 K7 222 YJ 761 6T 401 W9 201 K7 828 W9 201 YJ 751/W9 7751 W9 119 YJ 761 YJ 751/W9 7751 Days 2,3,4 1,5,6,7 1,2,3,4,5,6 2,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 6 1 4,5,6,7 1,3,5 1,2,3 3,7 1,3, 1,2,4 5 Dep 6:00 6:10 6:10 6:30 6:30 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:30 7:45 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:00 Arr 9:05 9:35 9:00 9:30 9:30 8:10 10:35 9:40 8:45 9:55 11:10 11:40 12:10 12:10 Flight 6T 612 6T 612 6T 606 K7 427 6T 608 SIT T WE TO YANGON Days 2,4,7 3,6 5 Daily 1 Dep 12:45 13:15 13:35 14:05 14:15 Arr 14:10 14:40 15:00 15:25 16:15 Flight 6T 611 6T 605 6T 611 K7 426 6T 607 YANGON TO SIT T WE Days 2,4,7 5 3,6 Daily 1 Dep 11:00 11:15 11:30 12:30 12:30 Arr 12:25 13:15 12:55 13:50 13:55 HEHO TO YANGON Days 2,3,4 1,2,3,4,5,6 1,5,6,7 2,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 4,5,6,7 1,2,3 3 1 1,3,5 1,3 1,2,4 6 1,2,3 3 6 5 4,5,6,7 1,7 1,5 Daily Daily 2,4 7 2,6 Dep 9:05 9:15 9:35 9:45 9:45 9:55 10:10 10:25 10:50 13:50 15:00 15:50 11:50 16:10 16:55 15:55 15:55 15:55 15:55 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:25 16:40 17:25 Arr 10:15 10:25 10:45 10:55 11:00 11:05 11:20 18:35 12:00 15:05 17:10 18:00 14:00 19:00 18:05 18:05 18:10 18:45 18:45 18:10 19:00 19:00 19:15 18:50 18:40 YANGON TO THANDWE Flight Days Dep 6T 605 5 11:15 6T 607 1 12:30 THANDWE TO YANGON Flight Days Dep 6T 605 5 12:25 6T 608 1 15:20 Arr 12:10 15:05 YH 737 YH 727 YH 737 K7 826 W9 129 W9 129 6T 501/K7 224 K7 224 YH 731 YH 731 3 1,5 7 2,6 1,2,3 4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 1,5,6,7 2,4 11:00 11:15 11:15 11:45 14:45 14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 15:00 12:25 12:40 12:40 13:00 15:55 15:40 15:40 15:45 15:55 16:25 Flight YH 634 YH 634 K7 320 Flight K7 319 YH 633 YH 633 YANGON TO MYEIK Days Dep Daily 7:00 1,5,7 7:00 3 10:00 MYEIK TO YANGON Days Dep 1,5,7 11:25 3 15:25 Daily 11:30 Arr 9:05 9:15 12:15

NAY PYI TAW TO YANGON Flight FMI A2 FMI A2 FMI B2 FMI A2 FMI C2 Days 1,2,3,4,5 6 1,2,3,4,5 7 1,2,3,4,5 Dep 8:50 10:00 13:00 17:00 18:00 Arr 9:50 11:00 14:00 18:00 19:00

Arr 13:25 17:25 13:35

YANGON TO MANDALAY Flight W9 512 YH 917 YJ 891 YH 917 Y5 234 6T 401/K7222 K7 222 YJ 201 YH 909 K7 626 K7 226 YJ 201 YJ 211 YJ 143/W97143 W9 251 6T 401 YJ 761 W9 201 8M 6603 YJ 751/W9 7751 YJ 761 W9 251 K7 624 YJ 751/W9 7751 YJ 201 YJ 761 YJ 751/W9 7751 YJ 601/W9 76016 YH 729 YH 737 YH 737 YH 727 YH 729 YH 731 W9 129 K7 224 6T 501/K7 224 YH 731 2,4 3 7 1,5 6 1,6,7 1,2,3 Daily Daily 2,4 Days 3 2,3,4 1,2,3,4,5,6 1,5,6,7 Daily 2,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 4 3 1,5 2,4 1,2 5,7 1,2,3 Daily 1 6 1,2,3 2,4,7 3,7 1 2 Daily 7 3 1,2,4 5 Dep 6:00 6:00 6:10 6:10 6:15 6:30 6:30 6:30 6:30 6:45 6:45 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:45 9:00 10:00 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:15 11:15 11:15 14:30 14:45 14:30 14:30 15:00 Arr 8:05 8:20 8:15 8:40 7:30 8:35 8:40 8:25 8:10 8:10 8:10 8:25 8:25 9:05 9:05 9:40 8:55 9:10 10:10 11:55 12:25 11:55 11:55 12:25 12:25 12:55 12:55 12:25 14:00 13:10 13:25 13:25 14:15 16:40 16:40 16:35 16:35 17:10

Arr 15:00 16:15

Domestic Airlines
Air Bagan Ltd. (W9) Air KBZ (K7)
Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102 Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport), Fax: 372983

Air Mandalay (6T)

Tel : (Head Office) 501520, 525488, Fax: 525937. Airport: 533222~3, 09-73152853. Fax: 533223.

Asian Wings (YJ)

Tel: 951 516654, 532253, 09-731-35991~3. Fax: 951 532333

Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)

Tel: 95 9 400446999, 95 9 400447999, Fax: 01 860 4051

Yangon Airways(YH)

Tel: (+95-1) 383 100, 383 107, 700 264, Fax: 652 533.

FMI Air Charter - Sales & Reservations

Tel: (95-1) 240363, 240373 / (+95-9) 421146545

Domestic
6T = Air Mandalay W9 = Air Bagan YJ = Asian Wings K7 = AIR KBZ YH = Yangon Airways FMI = FMI AIR Charter Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines

Subject to change without notice

www.mmtimes.com

the pulse travel 51

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULES

Flights PG 706 8M 335 TG 304 PG 702 TG 302 8M 331 PG 704 Y5 237 TG 306 YANGON TO BANGKOK Days Dep Daily 7:15 1,2,3,4,7 9:00 Daily 9:50 Daily 10:30 Daily 14:55 1,5,6 16:30 Daily 18:20 Daily 18:05 Daily 19:45 Arr 9:30 10:45 11:45 12:25 16:50 18:15 20:15 19:50 21:40 Arr 10:20 19:35 Arr 5:00 12:25 14:40 14:45 16:05 16:05 21:15 Arr 11:50 12:50 16:30 20:00 Arr 21:55 Arr 13:15 15:50 22:15 Arr 16:15 Arr 18:35 18:00 17:35 Arr 16:10 Arr 21:30 MANDALAY TO KUNMING Flights Days Dep MU 2030 Daily 14:40 Flights 8M 336 TG 303 PG 701 TG 301 PG 703 TG 305 8M 332 PG 705 Y5 238 BANGKOK TO YANGON Days Dep 1,2,3,4,5 6:15 Daily 7:55 Daily 8:50 Daily 13:00 Daily 16:45 Daily 17:50 Daily 19:15 Daily 20:15 Daily 21:10 Arr 17:20 Arr 7:00 8:50 9:40 13:45 17:35 18:45 20:00 21:30 21:55 Arr 8:00 17:20 Arr 9:20 10:40 10:40 14:50 15:45 17:05 23:35 Arr 13:15 Arr 8:00 11:15 13:50 14:40 Arr 10:30 16:35 15:50 Arr 9:55 Arr 11:30 13:15 13:55 Arr 18:10 Arr 18:10 DON MUEANG TO MANDALAY Flights Days Dep Arr FD 2760 Daily 10:50 12:15 KUNMING TO MANDALAY Flights Days Dep MU 2029 Daily 13:55 Arr 13:50

International Airlines
Air Asia (FD)
Tel: 251 885, 251 886.

Out on a ledge and high on it

TORONTO

YANGON TO DON MUENG Flights Days Dep FD 2752 Daily 8:30 FD 2754 Daily 17:50 YANGON TO SINGAPORE Flights Days Dep MI 509 1,6 0:25 8M 231 Daily 8:00 Y5 233 Daily 10:10 SQ 997 Daily 10:25 8M 6232 Daily 11:30 3K 586 Daily 11:30 MI 517 Daily 16:40 YANGON TO KUALA LUMPUR Flights Days Dep 8M 501 1,3,6 7:50 AK 1427 Daily 8:30 MH 741 Daily 12:15 MH 743 Daily 15:45 Flights CA 906 YANGON TO BEIJING Days Dep 2,3,4,6,7 14:15

Air Bagan Ltd.(W9) Air China (CA) Air India

DON MUENG TO YANGON Flights Days Dep FD 2751 Daily 7:15 FD 2753 Daily 16:35 Flights SQ 998 3K 585 8M 6231 8M 232 MI 518 Y5 234 MI 520 Flights CA 905 SINGAPORE TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 7:55 Daily 9:10 Daily 9:10 Daily 13:25 Daily 14:20 Daily 15:35 5,7 22:10 BEIJING TO YANGON Days Dep 2,3,4,6,7 8:05

Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102 Tel : 666112, 655882. Tel : 253597~98, 254758. Fax: 248175

ELLEN PERLMAN

Bangkok Airways (PG) Condor (DE)

Tel: 255122, 255 265, Fax: 255119 Tel: + 95 1 -370836 up to 39 (ext : 810)

Dragonair (KA)

Tel: 95-1-255320, 255321, Fax : 255329

Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)

Tel: 95 9 400446999, 95 9 400447999, Fax: 01 860 4051

YANGON TO GAUNGZHOU Flights Days Dep 8M 711 4,7 8:40 CZ 3056 3,6 11:20 CZ 3056 1,5 17:40 Flights CI 7916 Flights MU 2012 MU 2032 CA 906 YANGON TO TAIPEI Days Dep 1,2,3,5,6 10:50 YANGON TO KUNMING Days Dep 1,3 12:20 2,4,5,6,7 14:40 2,3,4,6,7 14:15

KAULA LUMPUR TO YANGON Flights Days Dep AK 1426 Daily 6:55 MH 740 Daily 10:05 8M 502 1,3,6 12:50 MH742 Daily 13:30 GUANGZHOU TO YANGON Flights Days Dep CZ 3055 3,6 8:40 CZ 3055 1,5 14:45 8M 712 4,7 14:15 Flights CI 7915 Flights MU 2011 CA 905 MU 2031 TAIPEI TO YANGON Days Dep 1,2,3,5,6 7:00 KUNMING TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3 8:20 2,3,4,6,7 12:40 2,4,5,6,7 13:30

Malaysia Airlines (MH)

Tel : 387648, 241007 ext : 120, 121, 122 Fax : 241124

Myanmar Airways International(8M)

Tel : 255260, Fax: 255305

Silk Air(MI)

Tel: 255 287~9, Fax: 255 290

Thai Airways (TG)

Tel : 255491~6, Fax : 255223

Vietnam Airlines (VN)

Fax : 255086. Tel 255066/ 255088/ 255068.

Qatar Airways (Temporary Office)

Tel: 01-250388, (ext: 8142, 8210)

YANGON TO CHIANG MAI Flights Days Dep W9 9607 4,7 14:20 Flights VN 956 YANGON TO HANOI Days Dep 1,3,5,6,7 19:10

International
FD & AK = Air Asia TG = Thai Airways 8M = Myanmar Airways International Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines PG = Bangkok Airways MI = Silk Air VN = Vietnam Airline MH = Malaysia Airlines CZ = China Southern CI = China Airlines CA = Air China KA = Dragonair Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines IC = Indian Airlines Limited W9 = Air Bagan 3K = Jet Star AI = Air India QR = Qatar Airways KE = Korea Airlines NH = All Nippon Airways SQ = Singapore Airways DE = Condor Airlines MU=China Eastern Airlines BR = Eva Airlines DE = Condor AI = Air India

CHIANG MAI TO YANGON Flights Days Dep W9 9608 4,7 17:20 Flights VN 957 HANOI TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3,5,6,7 16:35

YANGON TO HO CHI MINH CITY Flights Days Dep Arr VN 942 2,4,7 14:25 17:10 Flights QR 619 YANGON TO DOHA Days Dep 1,4,5 8:15 Arr 11:15

ITH my toes jutting out beyond a ledge high atop the tallest structure in Toronto, I looked down on planes arriving at the nearby airport and the rooftops of the highest buildings in the city. I was tense, yet exhilarated. The day before, Id been sitting in a darkened ballroom contemplating this very moment and feeling woozy. Id read about the EdgeWalk, an urban adventure that takes you on a hands-free walk above the CN Towers revolving restaurant, 116 stories off the ground, and as a travel writer attending a travel conference, I thought that it would make a great story. But all I had to do was think about it and lightheadedness took over. Eighteen hours later, I was in a room at the base of the tower, pulling on a fluorescent orange jumpsuit and a neon yellow harness, having paid a pretty penny not to chicken out of the EdgeWalk. Once wed geared up, the six of us whod signed up for this madness were patted down for contraband. A bobby pin, an earring, a penny. Anything that could be a hazard to pedestrians below. So I was really going to do this. The indecision had lasted through the morning, as I walked to the tower from my hotel. Maybe thered be no spots left? Only six people are allowed up at a time. That would solve my dilemma. After a few more moments of hesitation, I booked it. At the base, my fellow adventurers and I were checked, quadruplechecked and finally approved. Then, heading off in our jumpsuits like astronauts to the launchpad, we followed Steven, our walk master, to the elevator.

We were each hooked up by two ropes to a thick metal rail above our heads that runs around the building. Heavy-duty locking carabiners connected to rings on our harnesses were doubly secured by a plastic strap, on the off chance that we might reach for the locking mechanism in a crazed moment. Off we went, out the door and into the sky, onto a steel-grate ledge that juts out around the structure. Peering down, I could see right through to the ground. Oh, its really high up, jeepers, Steven commented helpfully. A few seconds later, he added, Why dont you take a sneak peek over the edge to check out how high you are? So instead of staying safely in the middle of the ledge, I inched toward the outer edge. Steven instructed us on our first move: toes over Toronto. One at a time we were to walk up to the edge of the ledge and put our toes over it while holding onto the rope in front of us. After that, Steven walked us partway around the building, pointing out city landmarks and, in the far distance, Niagara Falls. The final move was the Titanic pose. This time I went first, leaning forward over the edge with my arms up in the air and the wind in my hair. I stood on my toes for extra drama and felt giddy. Awesome. Nice. Shes looking straight down, too, Steven laughed. When we were all finished, Steven told us that we had just repeated a Guinness World Record for the highest external walk on a building, set here in 2011. And I had just taken a challenge that no one had set for me and proved that I could do it. To whom? It doesnt matter. Bloomberg

HO CHI MINH CITY TO YANGON Flights Days Dep Arr VN 943 2,4,7 11:40 13:25 BANGKOK TO MANDALAY Flights Days Dep TG 781 2,3,5,7 7:25 Flights QR 618 Arr 8:50

YANGON TO PHNOM PENH Flights Days Dep Arr 8M 403 3,6 16:50 19:15 Flights 0Z 770 KE 472 YANGON TO SEOUL Days Dep Arr 4,7 0:35 9:10 Daily 23:35 08:05+1 Arr 06:00

DOHA TO YANGON Days Dep Arr 3,4,7 21:05 07:00+1

YANGON TO HONG KONG Flights Days Dep KA 251 1,2,4,6 01:10 Flights NH 914 Flights AI 228

PHNOM PENH TO YANGON Flights Days Dep Arr 8M 404 3,6 20:15 21:40 Flights KE 471 0Z 769 Flights NH 913 SEOUL TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 18:40 3,6 19:50 TOKYO TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3,6 10:30 Arr 22:30 23:25 Arr 15:30 Arr 23:30 Arr 13:20

YANGON TO TOKYO Days Dep Arr 1,3,6 21:30 06:40+1 YANGON TO KOLKATA Days Dep 1,5 14:05 Arr 15:05 Arr 11:55

MANDALAY TO BANGKOK Flights Days Dep TG 782 2,3,5,7 9:30

HONG KONG TO YANGON Flights Days Dep KA 250 1,3,5,7 21:45 Flights AI 227 KOLKATA TO YANGON Days Dep 1,5 10:35

Subject to change without notice

Day 1 = Monday 2 = Tuesday 3 = Wednesday 4 = Thursday 5 = Friday 6 = Saturday 7 = Sunday

MANDALAY TO DON MUENG Flights Days Dep Arr FD 2761 Daily 12:45 15:00

Canadas tallest building, the CN Tower, offers thrill-chasers a chance to walk 116 stories above the ground. Photo: Wiki Commons

52 the pulse international

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

AQUARIUS | Jan 20 - Feb 18 Experience is not what happens to you, it is what you do with what happens to you. When something is not working, you must persist. Trust your intuition and take a leap of faith. Ask yourself what you have to do to make more happen according to your future plan. A relationship that you make is an investment in seeking a life partner. PISCES | Feb 19 - March 20 A life of reason is not a reflection of the universe, but an expression of your own self. Understand the moral dignity of beauty. Nothing is impossible to work for. True nurturing is learning to enjoy your direction in life and the process of working toward your dream. Dont be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment for everything. ARIES | Mar 21 - Apr 19 You must let love and respect reign in the home. Although a family should work together to aid each other, each person must experience suffering for his or her own deeds. Always aim for the highest living among your kin, like the lotus that stands above its roots in the mud. Nothing is certain except the past. Change yourself in a harmonious manner and you can change everything into something compatible for yourself. TAURUS | Apr 20 - May 20 Keep silence to recommend truth in social relationships this will show your morality. A strong characteristic of a man is intelligence to the willingness to promote right understanding and common interest in the physical and mental wellbeing of mankind. Hope for nothing, fear nothing and you will become free. Learning is good and will beautify your life. GEMINI | May 21 - June 20 No situation is totally hopeless. Never panic in a difficult situation and never be overwhelmed. You should practise simplifying your problems. You should affirm yourself frequently to renew energy and vitality. Keep your mental attitude healthy. Communication is good for your luck and will ensure that your inspiration does not erode. CANCER | Jun 21 - Jul 22 Behave with others as you would with yourself. Trust yourself and fear nothing. The home, with its atmosphere of love and respect, should be a model for the entire world. Love bound with a sympathetic nature is representative of your soul. Start a challenge for prosperity and social position. Turn your talents towards making yourself more interesting within your environment.

WEEKLY PREDICTIONS
LEO | Jul 23 - Aug 22 You can maintain your sense of well-being and avoid taking other peoples problems personally. Dont play out an imaginary confrontation in your mind and dont be justified in your anger. Have patience when waiting in line and never listen to unfair criticism, but do the lions share of the work to become a good leader. Be ready for an emergency. You will have good fortune to be surrounded by relaxed, peaceful and loving people. VIRGO | Aug 23 - Sep 22 Compassion is a sympathetic feeling that you can develop with practice. Dont be hesitant to share your own kindness or generosity with another it will remind you of how deserving you are of kindness. Remember that nothing is more important than your own sense of happiness and inner peace and that of your loved ones. Learn a little more about being patient. LIBRA | Sep 23 - Oct 22 You are experiencing a struggle between the positive and the negative forces, or the forces of darkness and light, and you cannot afford to be slack. You should become more interested in understanding others and less in having other people understand you. Love will become nothing if neither person feels understood. Learn to stop interrupting in conversation and seek first to understand. SCORPIO | Oct 23 - Nov 21 Social battles will pull you away from your tranquil feeling. You will lose your stress-free life but golden experiences and knowledge will make your life great and comfortable according to your abilities and capabilities. Your spiritual inspiration, moral standards and social responsibility will allow you to imagine your love story in the most colourful process. SAGITTARIUS | Nov 22 - Dec 21 Your best friend is he who brings out the best that is within you, said Henry Ford. What your friendship is in social relationships is your framework for success. Try to discover what you have in common outside your job, and be available beyond business hours. Stand up for whats right, not just for whats popular. Say nothing about your emotional suffering but reveal your wishes to contribute something. CAPRICORN | Dec 22 - Jan 19 If you want to develop trust with others, you must be more than competent, you must also be credible and consistent, Winston Churchill said, Its the ability to foretell what will happen tomorrow, next month and next year and to explain afterward why it did not happen. Make sure that what you say is what you do, to make others know what you are capable of. Love is not an easy persuasion.

Miss Universe contestants take part in a traditional Kayin doeyein dance. Photo: Zarni Phyo

Miss Universe
LWIN MAR HTUN

contestants impress youngsters

lwinmarhtun.mcm@gmail.com

ISS Universe Myanmar 2013 contestants have visited an orphanage in Mon State where they performed traditional dances with the children and visited Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, before arranging to take the youngsters to visit Yangon. The 20 women travelled to the Seik Phy Taung Youth Development Centre in Kyaikhito City on September 23 and while they were there discovered the children at the orphanage had never visited Myanmars largest city. When we inquired we found out the orphans from the school

had never been to Yangon so we arranged to take them to the city and we brought them to the Shwedagon Pagoda and Yangon Zoological Garden, said Ma Thein Yu Wai, general manager of Miss Universe Myanmars sponsor, Hello Madam Media Group, which organised the trip in conjunction with the Htoo Foundation. During the womens visit to the orphanage in Mon State, the children performed a Kayin doeyein dance for the contestants who joined in. We learned Kayin doeyein dance last year and we practiced it again a week ago, said Ma Khin Win, one of the children from the school who took part in the dancing. This is the very first time that such beautiful girls visited our school. Im so happy because they danced with us and they were really friendly and sweet, She added, Im ready to perform this dance again, if they come back to our school.

The women brought food to give to the children and later took them to the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda and explained the history of the pagoda to them. I already love the children. When they performed for us I felt happiness and sadness at the same time. I can see in their eyes some of their sadness. But it makes me happy to play with them and give them as much strength as I can, said Emerald Nyein, one of the contestants. On September 24 the group brought about 40 of the children to Yangon for sightseeing. The following day the contestants went to the Yangon Peace Center and the Cancer Foundation to make donations. We will give marks for the contestants on [their participation] in the trip, said Ma Thein Yu Wai. The final Miss Universe Myanmar 2013 contest will be held on October 3 at the National Theatre in Yangon.

Beauty contest embraces third gender

NYEIN EI EI HTWE nyeineieihtwe23@gmail.com A TRANSGENDER woman will represent Myanmar in the Miss International Queen 2013 pageant to be held on October 27 - November 1 in Pattaya, Thailand. Tanya Maung, a 29-year-old ethnic Kayin transgender, has confirmed that she will represent Myanmar in the transgender beauty contest. She told The Myanmar Times, Some of my colleagues thought I should apply, so I decided to try it. Tanya Maung works for an international organisation as a program officer. She has also worked as a volunteer among Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand, helping with education, the promotion of culture, health protection and sharing health knowledge. Tanya Maung sees participation in Miss International Queen as a good chance to address the question of human rights protection for transgender people. In protecting our honour as human beings, gaining more acceptance from society and sharing knowledge about opportunities, this kind of pageant will make us more confident at the international level through representing our country, she said. Ive had many difficulties in my life because my family does not accept me for my life changes. But I was confident in myself before I changed to this gender. Ive thought clearly and analysed the need to stand up in society for the life I lead. We just do our best and show our families reasons to be proud of us, she said. Tanya Maung was born in Hpa-an township, Kayin State, and moved to Thailand in 2007 after graduating from Hpa-an University in order to earn money for her family and to seek new challenges and experiences abroad. Tanya Maung plans to raise questions regarding the rights of the LGBT (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender) community in Myanmar after the contest, and called for more understanding and opportunities for them. Gender discrimination still exists in society. I would like to raise awareness about the activities of my gender, she said. Thirty contestants from more than 20 countries will take part in the beauty competition.

AUNG MYIN KYAW 4th Floor, 113, Thamain Bayan Road, Tarmwe township, Yangon. Tel: 09-731-35632, Email: williameaste@gmail.com

The Essentials
EMBASSIES Australia 88, Strand Road, Yangon. Tel : 251810, 251797, 251798, 251809, 246462, 246463, fax: 246159 Bangladesh 11-B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon. Tel: 515275, 526144, fax: 515273, email: bdootygn@ mptmail.net.mm Brazil 56, Pyay Road, 6th mile, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 507225, 507251, 507482. fax: 507483. email: Administ.yangon@ itamaraty.gov.br. Brunei 17, Kanbawza Avenue, Golden Velly (1), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 566985, 503978, fax: 512854 email: bruneiemb@ bruneiemb.com.mm Cambodia 25 (3B/4B), New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 549609, 540964, fax: 541462, email: RECYANGON @ mptmail.net.mm China 1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 221280, 221281, fax: 227019, 228319 Danmark, No.7, Pyi Thu St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 01 9669520 - 17, Fax 01- 9669516 Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 222886, 222887, email: egye mbyangon@ mptmail. net.mm France 102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 212178, 212520, email: ambaf rance. rangoun@ diplomatie.fr Germany 9, Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 548951, 548952, email: info@rangun. diplo.de India 545-547, Merchant St, Yangon. Tel: 391219, 388412, email: indiaembassy @ mptmail.net.mm Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd, Yangon. Tel: 254465, 254469, 229750, fax: 254468, email: kukygn @ indonesia.com.mm Israel 15, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 515115, fax: 515116, email: info@ yangon.mfa.gov.il Italy 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon. Tel: 527100, 527101, fax: 514565, email: ambyang. mail@ esteri.it Japan 100, Natmauk Rd, Yangon. Tel: 549644-8, 540399, 540400, 540411, 545988, fax: 549643 Embassy of the State of Kuwait Chatrium Hotel, Rm: 416, 418, 420, 422, 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe Tsp, Tel: 544500. North Korea 77C, Shin Saw Pu Rd, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 512642, 510205 South Korea 97 University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 5271424, 515190, fax: 513286, email: myanmar@mofat. go.kr Lao A-1, Diplomatic Quarters, Tawwin Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 222482, fax: 227446, email: Laoembcab@ mptmail. net.mm Malaysia 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 220248, 220249, email: mwkyangon@ mptmail.net.mm Nepal 16, Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon. Tel: 545880, 557168, fax: 549803, email: nepemb @mptmail.net.mm Norway, No.7, Pyi Thu St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles, Mayangone Tsp,Yangon. Tel: 01 9669520 - 17 Fax 01- 9669516 Pakistan A-4, diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Rd, Yangon. Tel: 222881 (Chancery Exchange) fax: 221147, email: pakistan@ myanmar.com.mm Philippines 50, Sayasan Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 558149-151, fax: 558154, email: p.e. yangon@gmail.com Russian 38, Sagawa Road, Yangon. Tel: 241955, 254161, fax: 241953, email: rusinmyan@mptmail .net.mm Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia No.287/289, U Wisara Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. Tel : 01-536153, 516952, fax : 01-516951 Serbia No. 114-A, Inya Rd, P.O.Box No. 943, Yangon. Tel: 515282, 515283, email: serbemb @ yangon.net.mm Singapore 238, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 559001, email: singemb_ ygn@_ sgmfa. gov.sg Sri Lanka 34 Taw Win Road, Yangon. Tel: 222812, fax: 221509, email: slembassy. yangon@gmail.com The Embassy of Switzerland No 11, Kabaung Lane, 5 mile, Pyay Rd, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 534754, 512873, 507089. Fax: 534754, Ext: 110 Thailand 94 Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 226721, 226728, 226824 Turkish Embassy 19AB, Kan Yeik Thar St, Mayangone Tsp,Yangon. Tel : 662992, Fax : 661365 United Kingdom 80 Strand Rd, Yangon. Tel: 370867, 380322, 371852, 371853, 256438, fax: 370866 United States of America 110, University Avenue, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 536509, 535756, Fax: 650306 Vietnam Bldg-72, Thanlwin Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 511305 email: vnemb myr@ cybertech.net.mm UNITED NATIONS ILO Liaison 1-A, Kanbae (Thitsar Rd), Yankin Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-566538, 566539 Fax : 01-566582 IOM 12th Flr, Traders Hotel, 223, Tel: 252560 ext. 5002 UNAIDS 137/1, Thaw Wun Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel : 534498, 504832 UNDCP 11-A, Malikha St, Mayangone tsp. tel: 666903, 664539. fax: 651334. UNDP 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tel: 542910-19. fax: 292739. UNFPA 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tsp. tel: 546029. UNHCR 287, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung tsp. tel: 524022, 524024. fax 524031. UNIAP Rm: 1202, 12 Fl, Traders Hotel.tel: 254852, 254853. UNIC 6, Natmauk St., Bahan, tel: 52910~19 UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders Hotel. P.O. Box 1435, Kyauktada. tel: 375527~32, fax: 375552 email: unicef. yangon@unicef. org, www.unicef.org/myanmar. UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward 7, Mayangone. tel: 01-9666903, 9660556, 9660538, 9660398, 9664539, fax: 651334. email: fo.myanmar@unodc.org www.unodc.org./myanmar/ UNOPS Inya Lake Hotel, 3rd floor, 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 951657281~7. Fax: 657279. UNRC 6, Natmauk Rd, P.O. Box 650, TMWE tel: 542911~19, 292637 (Resident Coordinator), fax: 292739, 544531. WFP 3rd-flr, Inya Lake Hotel, 37, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 657011~6 (6-lines) Ext: 2000. WHO 12A Fl, Traders Hotel. tel:250583. ASEAN Coordinating Of. for the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, 79, Taw Win st, Dagon Tsp. Ph: 225258. FAO Myanma Agriculture Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel: 641672, 641673. fax: 641561.

General Listing
ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS
Hotel Yangon 91/93, 8th Mile Junction, Tel : 01-667708, 667688. Inya Lake Resort Hotel 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 662866. fax: 665537. Golden Hill Towers 24-26, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 558556. ghtower@ mptmail.net.mm. Marina Residence 8, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 6506 51~4. fax: 650630. MiCasa Hotel Apartments 17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp. tel: 650933. fax: 650960. Sakura Residence 9, Inya Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: 525001. fax: 525002. The Grand Mee Ya Hta Executive Residence 372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp. tel 951-256355 (25 lines).

YANGON No. 277, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Corner of 38th Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 391070, 391071. Reservation@391070 (Ext) 1910, 106. Fax : (951) 391375. Email : hotelasiaplaza@gmail.com

Asia Plaza Hotel

No. 205, Corner of Wadan Street & Min Ye Kyaw Swa Road, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon. Myanmar. Tel: (95-1) 212850 ~ 3, 229358 ~ 61, Fax: (95-1) 212854. info@myanmarpandahotel .com http://www. myanmarpandahotel.com PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 250388. fax: 252478. email: enquiry.prygn@ parkroyalhotels.com parkroyalhotels. com.

Avenue 64 Hotel No. 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-8631392, 01 656913-9 Chatrium Hotel 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe. tel: 544500. fax: 544400.

ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS (Nay Pyi Taw)

No.7A, Wingabar Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : (951) 546313, 430245. 09-731-77781~4. Fax : (01) 546313. www.cloverhotel.asia. info@cloverhotel.asia Clover Hotel City Center No. 217, 32nd Street (Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 377720, Fax : 377722 www.clovercitycenter.asia Clover Hotel City Center Plus No. 229, 32nd Street (Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 377975, Fax : 377974
www.clovercitycenterplus.asia

Royal White Elephant Hotel No-11, Kan Street, Hlaing Tsp. Yangon, Myanmar. (+95-1) 500822, 503986. www.rwehotel.com MGM Hotel No (160), Warden Street, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. +95-1-212454~9. www. hotel-mgm.com Savoy Hotel 129, Damazedi Rd, Kamayut tsp. tel: 526289, 526298, Sweet Hotel 73, Damazedi Road, San Chaung Tsp, Ph: 539152 Sedona Hotel Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin. tel: 666900. Strand Hotel 92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377. fax: 289880. Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966. Thamada Hotel 5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon. Tel: 243639, 243640. Traders Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel: 242828. fax: 242838. Winner Inn 42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 503734, 524387. email: reservation@winner innmyanmar.com Yuzana Hotel 130, Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600 Yuzana Garden Hotel 44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, tel : 01-248944

Reservation Office (Yangon) No-123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Tsp Tel : 01-255-819~838 Hotel Ayeyarwady (National Landmark, Zeyar Thiri Tsp, Nay Pyi Taw) Tel : 067-421-903, 09-4920-5016 E-Mail : reservation@ maxhotelsgroup.com

(Nay Pyi Taw)

Confort Inn 4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd & U Wisara Rd, Kamaryut, tel: 525781, 526872

Reservation Office (Yangon) 123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Township Tel : 951- 255 819~838 Royal Kumudra Hotel, (Nay Pyi Taw) Tel : 067- 414 177, 067- 4141 88 E-Mail: reservation@ maxhotelsgroup.com

AIR CONDITION

Emergency Numbers
Ambulance tel: 295133. Fire tel: 191, 252011, 252022. Police emergency tel: 199. Police headquarters tel: 282541, 284764. Red Cross tel:682600, 682368 Traffic Control Branch tel:298651 Department of Post & Telecommunication tel: 591384, 591387. Immigration tel: 286434. Ministry of Education tel:545500m 562390 Ministry of Sports tel: 370604, 370605 Ministry of Communications tel: 067-407037. Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) tel: 067407007. Myanma Post & Tele-communication (Accountant Dept) tel: 254563, 370768. Ministry of Foreign Affairs tel: 067-412009, 067-412344. Ministry of Health tel: 067-411358-9. Yangon City Development Committee tel: 248112. HOSPITALS Central Womens Hospital tel: 221013, 222811. Children Hospital tel: 221421, 222807 Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital tel: 543888. Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) tel: 420096. Workers Hospital tel: 554444, 554455, 554811. Yangon Children Hospital tel: 222807, 222808, 222809. Yangon General Hospital (East) tel: 292835, 292836, 292837. Yangon General Hospital (New) tel: 384493, 384494, 384495, 379109. Yangon General Hospital (West) tel: 222860, 222861, 220416. Yangon General Hospital (YGH) tel: 256112, 256123, 281443, 256131. ELECTRICITY Power Station tel:414235 POST OFFICE General Post Office 39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). tel: 285499. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Yangon International Airport tel: 662811. YANGON PORT Shipping (Coastal vessels) tel: 382722 RAILWAYS Railways information tel: 274027, 202175-8.

No. (356/366), Kyaikkasan Rd, Tamwe Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Ph: 542826, Fax: 545650 Email: reservation@ edenpalacehotel.com

M-22, Shwe Htee Housing, Thamine Station St., Near the Bayint Naung Point, Mayangone Tsp., Yangon Tel : 522763, 522744, 667557. Fax : (95-1) 652174 E-mail : grandpalace@ myanmar.com.mm

The First Air conditioning systems designed to keep you fresh all day Zeya & Associates Co., Ltd. No.437 (A), Pyay Road, Kamayut. P., O 11041 Yangon, Tel: +(95-1) 502016-18, Mandalay- Tel: 02-60933. Nay Pyi Taw- Tel: 067-420778, E-mail : sales.ac@freshaircon. com. URL: http://www. freshaircon.com

ACCOMMODATION LONG TERM

BARS
50th Street 9/13, 50th street-lower, Botataung Tsp. Tel-397160.

No. 12, Pho Sein Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon Tel : (95-1) 209299, 209300, 209343, 209345, 209346 Fax : (95-1) 209344 E-mail : greenhill@ myanmar.com.mm

HAPPY HOMES
REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Tel: 09-7349-4483, 09-4200-56994. E-mail: aahappyhomes@ gmail.com, http://www. happyhomesyangon.com

Green Garden Beer Gallery Mini Zoo, Karaweik Oo-Yin Kabar.

THE MYANMAR TIMES september 30 - october 6, 2013 car rental

Lobby Bar Parkroyal Yangon, Myanmar. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388. Lemon Day Spa No. 96 F, Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 514848, 09-732-08476. E.mail: lemondayspa.2011 @gmail.com No. (6), Lane 2 Botahtaung Pagoda St, Yangon. 01-9010003, 291897. info@venturaoffice.com, www.venturaoffice.com

FASHION & TAILOR

Foam spray Insulation

24 hours Cancer centre No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax : (951) 9 666135

Strand Bar 92, Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: 243377.fax: 243393, sales@thestrand.com.mm www.ghmhotels.com

Fully maintained operating leases (self drive) NEW Left Hand Drive Pickup Trucks Commercials Trucks Refrig. Trucks www.fleet24seven.com
MYANMAR EXECUTIVE LIMOUSINE SERVICE

Cooper Valves

Sein Shwe Tailor, 797 (003-A), Bogyoke Aung San Rd, MAC Tower 2, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Ph: 01-225310, 212943~4 Ext: 146, 147, E-mail: uthetlwin@gmail.com

ENTERTAINMENT
Exotic Alloys for Severe Service, Myanmar Sales Representative mlwin@coopervalves.com www.coopervalves.com

Advertising
WE STARTED THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY IN MYANMAR SINCE 1991

No. 52, Royal Yaw Min Gyi Condo, Room F, Yaw Min Gyi Rd, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 09-425-307-717

Foam Spray Insulation No-410, Ground Fl,Lower Pazuntaung Rd, Pazun taung Tsp, Yangon.Telefax : 01-203743, 09-5007681. Hot Line-09-730-30825.

HOT LINE: 959 - 402 510 003 First Class VIP Limousine Car Rental. Professional English Speaking Drivers. Full Insurance for your Safety and comfortable journey Call us Now for your best choice www.mmels.com

M a r k e t i n g & c o mm u n i c a t i o n s

A d v e r t i s i n g

SAIL Marketing & Communications Suite 403, Danathiha Center 790, Corner of Bogyoke Rd & Wadan Rd, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 211870, 224820, 2301195. Email: admin@ advertising-myanmar.com www.advertising-myanmar. com

Spa Paragon Condo B#Rm-106, Shwe Hinthar Condo, Corner of Pyay Rd & Shwe Hinthar St, 6Mile, Yangon. Tel: 01-507344 Ext: 112, 09-680-8488, 09-526-1642.

Construction

Dance Club & Bar No.94, Ground Floor, Bogalay Zay Street, Botataung Tsp, Yangon.Tel: 392625, 09-500-3591 Email : danceclub. hola@gmail.com
(Except Sunday)

GAS COOKER & Cooker Hoods

Worlds leader in Kitchen Hoods & Hobs Same as Ariston Water Heater. Tel: 251033, 379671, 256622, 647813

24 Hour International Medical Centre @ Victoria Hospital No. 68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile, Mayangon Township, Yangon, Myanmar Tel: + 951 651 238, + 959 495 85 955 Fax: + 959 651 398 24/7 on duty doctor: + 959 492 18 410 Website: www.leo.com.mm One Stop Solution for Quality Health Care

BOOK STORES

coffee machine

Zamil Steel No-5, Pyay Road, 7 miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (95-1) 652502~04. Fax: (95-1) 650306. Email: zamilsteel@ zamilsteel.com.mm MKT Construction 111, 42nd St, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel : 01-245786, 382423, 398191

Engineering
Yangon : A-3, Aung San Stadium (North East Wing), Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel : 245543, 09-73903736, 09-73037772. Mandalay : No.(4) 73rd St, Btw 30th & 31st St, Chan Aye Thar Zan Tsp. Tel : 096803505, 09-449004631.

BEAUTY & MASSAGE

Marina Residence, Yangon Ph: 650651~4, Ext: 109 Beauty Plan, Corner of 77th St & 31st St, Mandalay Ph: 02 72506

150 Dhamazedi Rd., Bahan T/S, Yangon. Tel: 536306, 537805. Room 308, 3rd Flr., Junction Center (Maw Tin), Lanmadaw T/S, Yangon. Tel: 218155, Ext. 1308. 15(B), Departure Lounge, Yangon Intl Airport. 45B, Corner of 26th & 68th Sts., Mandalay. Tel: (02) 66197. Email: yangon@monumentbooks.com MYANMARBOOKCENTRE Nandawun Compound, No. 55, Baho Road, Corner of Baho Road and Ahlone Road, (near Eugenia Restaurant), Ahlone Township. tel: 212 409, 221 271. 214708 fax: 524580. email:info@ myanmarbook.com

illy, Francis Francis, VBM, Brasilia, Rossi, De Longhi Nwe Ta Pin Trading Co., Ltd. Shop C, Building 459 B New University Avenue 01- 555-879, 09-4210-81705 nwetapintrading@gmail.com

One-stop Solution for Sub-station, M&E Work Design, Supply and Install (Hotel, High Rise Building Factory) 193/197, Shu Khin Thar Street, North Okkalapa Industrial Zone, Yangon. Tel: 951-691843~5, 9519690297, Fax: 951-691700 Email: supermega97@ gmail.com. www.supermega-engg.com

Gems & Jewelleries

No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax : (951) 9 666135 Email : info@witoriyahospital.com Website : www.witoriyahosptial.com

communication
NS BlueScope Pte Ltd Diamond Condo Bldg A, Rm 301, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 95 11221343 95 9448018719 email : khin.thu@ bluescopesteel.com www.bluescopesteel.com

Home Furnishing

La Source Beauty Spa (Ygn) 80-A, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 512380, 511252 La Source Beauty Spa (Mdy) No. 13/13, Mya Sandar St, Between 26 x 27 & 62 & 63 St, Chanaye Tharzan Tsp, In ning Mandalay. Ope ugust A Tel : 09-4440-24496. La Source Beauty Spa Sedona Hotel, Room (1004) Tel : 666 900 Ext : (7167) LS Saloon Junction Square, 3rd Floor. Tel : 95-1-527242, Ext : 4001 www.lasourcebeautyspa.com

n oo !! ns ns Mo otio m o Pr

CONSULTING

International Calling Card No.004, Building (B), Ground Floor, Yuzana St, Highway Complex Housing, Kamayut Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-230-4379, 09-731-74871~2 Email : info@vmg.com mm, www.vmgtelecoms.com, www.ytalk.com.mm

FITNESS CENTRE
Ruby & Rare Gems of Myanamar No. 527, New University Ave., Bahan Tsp. Yangon.

22, Pyay Rd, 9 mile, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 660769, 664363.

Duty free

Balance Fitnesss No 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township. Yangon 01-656916, 09 8631392 Email - info@ balancefitnessyangon.com

sales@manawmaya.com.mm www.manawmayagems.com

Tel: 549612, Fax : 545770.

GENERATORS

Bldg-D, Rm (G-12), Pearl Condo, Ground Flr, Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 557448. Ext 814, 09-730-98872.

co working space
Myanmar Research | Consulting | Technology

Shwe Hinthar B 307, 6 1/2 Miles, Pyay Rd., Yangon. Tel: +95 (0)1 654 730 info@thuraswiss.com www.thuraswiss.com

Duty Free Shops Yangon International Airport, Arrival/Departure Tel: 533030 (Ext: 206/155) Office: 17, 2nd street, Hlaing Yadanarmon Housing, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 500143, 500144, 500145.

Co-Working/Event Space Affordable & central projecthubyangon.com 01-1221265.

Life Fitness Bldg A1, Rm No. 001, Shwekabar Housing, Mindhamma Rd, Mayangone Tsp. Yangon. Ph: 01-656511, Fax: 01-656522, Hot line: 0973194684, natraysports@gmail.com

No. 589-592, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein highway Road. Hlaing Tharyar tsp. Tel: 951645178-182, 685199, Fax: 951-645211, 545278. e-mail: mkt-mti@ winstrategic.com.mm

HEALTH SERVICES
No. 20, Ground Floor, Pearl Street, Golden Valley Ward, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel : 09-509 7057, 01220881, 549478 (Ext : 103) Email : realfitnessmyanmar @gmail.com
www.realfitnessmyanmar.com

European Quality & Designs Indoor/ Outdoor Furniture, Hotel Furniture & All kinds of woodworks No. 422, FJVC Centre, Ground Floor, Room No. 4, Strand Road, Botahtaung Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 01-202063-4, 09 509-1673 E-mail: contact@ smartdesignstrading.com www.royalbotania.com, www.alexander-rose.co.uk

98(A), Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 553783, 549152, 09-732-16940, S.B. FURNITURE 09-730-56079. Fax: 542979 Email: asiapacific. myanmar@gmail.com.

S.B. FURNITURE

FLORAL SERVICES

No-001-002, Dagon Tower, Ground Flr, Cor of Kabaraye Pagoda Rd & Shwe Gon Dine Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 544480, 09-730-98872.

FloralService&GiftShop No. 449, New University Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN. Tel: 541217, 559011, 09-860-2292. Market Place By City Mart Tel: 523840~43, 523845~46, Ext: 205. Junction Nay Pyi Taw Tel: 067-421617~18 422012~15, Ext: 235. Res: 067-414813, 09-49209039. Email : eternal@ mptmail.net.mm

INSURANCE
One Stop ENT Center No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax : (951) 9 666135 Email : info@witoriyahospital.com Website : www.witoriyahosptial.com

EXPATRIATE HEALTH INSURANCE Tel: (09) 49 58 02 61 thinthinswe@poe-ma.com

RISK & INSURANCE SOLUTIONS Tel: (09) 40 15 300 73 robert.b@poe-ma.com 24 hours Laboratory & X-ray No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax : (951) 9 666135

Floral Service & Gift Centre 102(A), Dhamazaydi Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142 Summit Parkview Hotel, tel: 211888, 211966 ext. 173 fax: 535376.email: sandy@ sandymyanmar.com.mm.

LEGAL SERVICE
U Min Sein, BSc, RA, CPA.,RL Advocate of the Supreme Court 83/14 Pansodan St, Yangon. tel: 253 273. uminsein@mptmail.net.mm

SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013 THE MYANMAR TIMES MARINE COMMUNICATION & NAVIGATION
Road to Mandalay Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governors Residence 39C, Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 229860 fax: (951) 217361. email: RTMYGN@mptmail.net.mm www.orient-express.com INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI MYANMAR (Pre-K, Primary) 55 (B) Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon, Tel: 01-546097, 546761. imm.myn@gmail.com City Mart (Myaynigone Branch) tel: 510697. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) City Mart (Zawana Branch) tel:564532. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Shwe Mya Yar) tel: 294063. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Chinatown Point) tel: 215560~63. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) City Mart (Junction Maw Tin) tel: 218159. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Marketplace) tel: 523840~43. City Mart (78th Brahch-Mandalay) tel: 02-71467~9. IKON Mart No.332, Pyay Rd, San Chaung. Tel: 535-783, 527705, 501429. Email: sales-ikon@ myanmar.com.mm

Top Marine Show Room No-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597

Schenker (Thai) Ltd. Yangon 59 A, U Lun Maung Street. 7 Mile Pyay Road, MYGN. tel: 667686, 666646.fax: 651250. email: sche nker@mptmail.net.mm.

OFFICE FURNITURE

REAL ESTATE

Kohaku Japanese Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6231

The Emporia Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp. Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6294

SERVICE OFFICE

Open Daily (9am to 6pm) No. 797, MAC Tower II, Rm -4, Ground Flr, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lamadaw Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 212944 Ext: 303 sales.centuremyanmar@ gmail.com www.centure.in.th

Aye Yeik Tha Real Estate Mobile: 09-518 8320, 09-507 4096.

Bo Sun Pat Tower, Bldg 608, Rm 6(B), Cor of Merchant Rd & Bo Sun Pat St, PBDN Tsp. Tel: 377263, 250582, 250032, 09-511-7876, 09-862-4563.

Executive Serviced Offices

www.hinthabusinesscentres.com

RESTAURANTS

22, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel 541997. email: leplanteur@ mptmail.net.mm. http://leplanteur.net

1. WASABI:No.20-B, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa), Tel; 09-4250-20667, 09-503-9139 Myaynigone (City Mart) Yankin Center (City Mart) UnionBarAndGrill 42 Strand Road, Botahtaung, Yangon. Tel: 95 9420 180 214, 95 9420 101 854 www.unionyangon.com, info@unionyangon.com www.facebook.com/ UnionBarAndGrill

Tel : 01-4413410

Real Estate Agent Agent fees is unnecessary Tel : 09 2050107, 09 448026156 robinsawnaing@gmail.com

Good taste & resonable price @Thamada Hotel Tel: 01-243047, 243639-41 Ext: 32

No. (6), Lane 2 Botahtaung Pagoda St, Yangon. 01-9010003, 291897. info@venturaoffice.com, www.venturaoffice.com

G-01, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center). Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 106

TRAVEL AGENTS
Shan Yoma Tours Co.,Ltd www.exploremyanmar.com

WATER SOLUTION

Company Limited

Aekar

Real Estate Agency

Bld-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. email: eko-nr@ myanmar.com.mm Ph: 652391, 09-73108896 Email : realwin2012@ gmail.com Tel : 09-732-02480, 09-501-8250 a drink from paradise... available on Earth @Yangon International Hotel, No.330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 09-421040512

G-05, Marketplace by City Mart. Tel: 01-523840 Ext: 105 No. 5, U Tun Nyein Street, Mayangone T/S, Yangon. Tel : 01-660 612, 011 22 1014, 09 50 89 441 Email : lalchimiste. restaurant@gmail.com

Water Treatement Solution Block (A), Room (G-12), Pearl Condo, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. Hot Line : 09-4500-59000

Asian Trails Tour Ltd 73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 211212, 223262. fax: 211670. email: res@ asiantrails.com.mm

WATER TANK

For House-Seekers Bld-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. email: eko-nr@ myanmar.com.mm Ph: 652391, 09-73108896

with Expert Services In all kinds of Estate Fields yomaestatemm@gmail.com

Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653. No.430(A), Corner of Dhamazedi Rd & Golden Valley Rd, Building(2) Market Place (City Mart), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-523840(Ext-309), 09-73208079. Ocean Center (North Point), Ground Floor, Tel : 09-731-83900 01-8600056 Quality Chinese Dishes with Resonable Price @Marketplace by City Mart. Tel: 01-523840 Ext.109 Delicious Hong Kong Style Food Restaurant G-09, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center). Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 114

PE WATER TANK

Tel : 01-684734, 685823, 09-7307-6589, 4500-48469. theone@yangon.net.mm Car Rental with English Speaking Driver. (Safety and Professional Services). Tel : +95 9 2050107 robinsawnaing@gmail.com

Tel : 09-332 87270 09-4203 18133 (Fees Free)

WATER TREATMENT

REMOVALISTS

PAINT
Worlds No.1 Paints & Coatings Company Relocation Specialist Rm 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 250290, 252313. Mail : info@asiantigersmyanmar.com

No. 372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan T/S, Yangon. Tel : 01-380 398, 01-256 355 (Ext : 3027) Email : zawgyihouse@ myanmar.com.mm

SUPERMARKETS
Capital Hyper Mart 14(E), Min Nandar Road, Dawbon Tsp. Ph: 553136. City Mart (Aung San Branch) tel: 253022, 294765. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (47th St Branch) tel: 200026, 298746. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Junction 8 Branch) tel: 650778. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (FMI City Branch) tel: 682323. City Mart (Yankin Center Branch) tel: 400284. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)

Commercial scale water treatment (Since 1997) Tel: 01-218437~38. H/P: 09-5161431, 09-43126571. 39-B, Thazin Lane, Ahlone.

SCHOOLS

WATER HEATERS

Sole Distributor For the Union of Myanmar Since 1995 Myanmar Golden Rock International Co.,Ltd. #06-01, Bldg (8), Myanmar ICT Park, University Hlaing Campus, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 654810~17.

Crown Worldwide Movers Ltd 790, Rm 702, 7th Flr Danathiha Centre, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lanmadaw. Tel: 223288, 210 670, 227650. ext: 702. Fax: 229212. email: crown worldwide@mptmail.net.mm

Heaven Pizza 38/40, Bo Yar Nyunt St. Yaw Min Gyi Quarter, Dagon Township. Tel: 09-855-1383

Horizon Intl School 25, Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, tel : 541085, 551795, 551796, 450396~7. fax : 543926, email : contact@horizonmyanmar. com, www.horizon.com

The Global leader in Water Heaters A/1, Aung San Stadium East Wing, Upper Pansodan Road. Tel: 01-256705, 399464, 394409, 647812.

TOP MARINE PAINT No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 09-851-5202

PLEASURE CRUISES
Legendary Myanmar Intl Shipping & Logistics Co., Ltd. No-9, Rm (A-4), 3rd Flr, Kyaung St, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 516827, 523653, 516795. Mobile. 09-512-3049. Email: legandarymyr@ mptmail.net .mm www.LMSL-shipping.com

World famous Kobe Beef Near Thuka Kabar Hospital on Pyay Rd, Marlar st, Hlaing Tsp. Tel: +95-1-535072

Indian Fine Dining & Bar Bldg No. 12, Yangon Intl Compound, Ahlone Road. Tel: 01-2302069, 09-43185008, 09-731-60662. sales@corrianderleaf.com

Moby Dick Tours Co., Ltd. Islands Safari in the Mergui Archipelago 5 Days, 7 Days, 9 Days Trips Tel: 95 1 202063, 202064 E-mail: info@islandsafari mergui.com. Website: www. islandsafarimergui.com

Enchanting and Romantic, a Bliss on the Lake 62 D, U Tun Nyein Road, Mayangon Tsp, Yangon Tel. 01 665 516, 660976 Mob. 09-730-30755 operayangon@gmail.com www.operayangon.com

The Ritz Exclusive Lounge Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Ground Floor, Tel: 544500 Ext 6243, 6244

Yangon International School Fully Accredited K-12 International Curriculum with ESL support No.117,Thumingalar Housing, Thingangyun Township, Yangon. Tel: 578171, 573149 www.yismyanmar.net Yangon International School New Early Childhood Center Pan Hlaing Golf Estate Housing & U Tun Nyo Street, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon. Tel: 687701, 687702

Made in Japan Same as Rinnai Gas Cooker and Cooker Hood Showroom Address

Water Heater

VISA & IMMIGRATION

SANITERY WARE

Bath Room Accessories 79-B3/B3, East Shwe Gone Dine, Near SSC Womens Center, Bahan. Tel : 01-401083, 0973011100, 09-73056736 Email : grohe.myanmar@ gmail.com

Get your Visa online for Business and Tourist No need to come to Embassy. #165. 35th Street, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Tel: +951 381200, 204020 travel.evisa@gmail.com

HOW TO GET A FREE AD

FREE
General
Education
children. Let's join us Now! Contact: 09-421037619. IGCSE : For those who are going to take Cambridge IGCSE coming October/ November will be tutored and trained by a professional straight A*s holder with twelve years of teaching experience & an international school graduate. Hp: 09-5139298 MATHEMATICS : If your child (Grade 9 to 10 from YIS , ISM , ISY & Yangon Academy) is difficult to learn in Algebra 1, 2 & Geometry, pls contact : Daw Naing Naing Aung, B.Com (Q) No. (6), Thuketa St, Baukhtaw, Yankin. Ph : 544594, 09-500-4993. SPECIAL for Maths : For Int'l School - Grade IX, X, XI & XII, Geometry, Algebra I & II, Calculus. Tr.Kaung Myat : BE(PE) Ph-09-731-42020. OIEC (LMD) IGCSE results: Eng 90, Maths 92, Pure Maths 92, Chem 91, Phy 93 Hp:09513-9298 IGCSE Foreign & Local Teacher IGCSE/GCE 'O' (all subjects), BCA, SAT, IELTS, TOEFL, Maths Courses, English Courses, Grammar. Ph:09-513-9298. www. facebook.com/ superstarigcse IGCSE, Secondary 2,3,4 Physics, Mathematics B & Pure Mathematics Practice with 20 years old questions. Allow individual or section. Only 5 students for one sectin. Near Heldan Sein Gay Har. Ph: 09-450025213, 524617. OIEC LMD Students attend OIEC only and passed IGCSE/GCE O Exam with all subjects As including A* (all distinctions) at one sitting. Sec 2, 3 & 4 (grade 8, 9 & 10) students also attend IGCSE at only OIEC for one year and passed the exam with all distinctions. Parents/ guardians who enroll their children at OIEC for IGCSE course can come and see the results of past IGCSE/GCE O results. Do you want your child to be one of them? Hp: 09-732-55281 GUIDE for 2nd M.B., B.S Classes 09-517-3808.

BY FAX : 01-254158 BY EMAIL : classified@myanmartimes.com.mm, advertising@myanmartimes.com.mm BY MAIL : 379/383, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Township, Yangon.

HOW TO GET MORE BUSINESS FROM AS LITTLE AS K.5,000.

BUY SPACE ON THESE PAGES CALL: Khin Mon Mon Yi - 01-392676, 392928

Property
am to 10:00 pm. Junction Square Shopping Center and City Mart@ Thamine Junction, Yangon Facebook.com/ NeoCoffeeandFood AMERICAN IDOL (cosmetics) : Now move to Sea Green Tower: 313/323, 8 Flr, 9-C, Corner of Mahabandoola Rd & Bo Aung Kyaw St. Ph: 01-379-828, 09-5400411.

Expert Services
REAL ESTATE AGENT If you're an expatriate needing to find an apartment or house in Yangon, Min Thu can help. He has experience & is very reliable. Call Min Thu on 09-731-38659 or email : thecleverson@ gmail.com AUNG Professional Translation Professional Translation from Myanmar to English and English to Myanmar. For Legal translation, Technological, Diplo matic, Contract, Advertis ing, Movie, Literature, etc. With various services on paper, electronic file, recording & other relevant matters, both regular & express with expert service. 139, 2nd Flr, Bargayar Rd, Sangyoung, Yangon. Ph: 09-732-11907, aung. translation@gmail.com INTERNET Advertising Do you advertise in TV or billboards? Facebook has over 1,000,000,000 users worldwide everyday and 8,000,000 users in Myanmar. We provide Internet advertising services such as advertising in facebook, Google, YouTube, YAHOO!, etc. If you are interested in advertising locally or internationally, pls contact 09-732-55281 MOBILE Container office, Mobile Clinic, Garments on Hanger GOH for Multipack Engineering Services Ltd : (420/422), Rm 301, 3rd Flr, Corner of Strand Rd & Botahtaung Market St, Botahtaung, Tel : 397-974, 299-511, 09- 504- 2810, 09-73021041.

TEACHERS who have got Teaching experience in Singapore, Int'l School (primary & seconday levels) AEIS, PSLE, GCSE, SAT, IELTS, TOEFL, English-Myamar Speaking Class for company, Sayar Bryan, (ME) 09-4200-7 0692. "SCHOLAR Teaching Organization" founded with ME,BE & Master Degree holder with 12 years experience in teaching field. Role and Responsibility: Making the students develop problem solving skills, critical thinking skills and I.Q & E.Q enriching skills, Int'l School (ILBC, Total, MISY, ISY, PISM, Horizon, ISM, network, M, MIS, MLA, ES4E, DSY RV). All grades, All Subjects ..... Singapore MOE Exams (AEIS, S-AEIS, IGCSE, IELTS, TOFEL..Tr.Daniel Caulin : 09-215-0075. Tr.Bryan :09-4200-70692. GIVE your child the best possible start to life at International Montessori Myanmar (English Education Center), Accredited by IMC Bangkok (Since 1991), Our Montessori curriculum includes: Practical Life Exercises, Sensorial Training. Language Development, Mathematics, Cultural Studies, Botany & Zoology, History, Creative Art, Music and Movement, Cooking, Physical Development, Social & Emotional Development, Learning through play, 55(B), Po Sein Rd, Bahan, Tel: 546097, 546761, Email: imm.myn@gmail.com EXPERIENCE SAT English teacher, who can come to home, needed for two International school students. Please contact 09-501-4443, Between 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. IGCSE, Secondary 3, 4 Physics, Maths B, Pure Maths Practice with 15 years old questin. Ph: 09-4500-23213. STUDY HOME for General English (4 skills) Language from Basic.Who want to study home in private time and need study guide only English Grammar for

For Rent
NEW BELTA Saloon Car (Model:2008) with English speaking driver who own his car No. 6F/8728 by monthly payment price 5.5 lakhs Kyats only. Contact : Ms Mya Mya Aung : 09-4200-48040, 09-4015-43732.

LENOVO Yogo 13" Intel Core i5 Ram 4GB S.S.D 128GB Multi Touch Screen (10 Month Warranty Card) Price: 780000. Ph : 09-501-6694 ASUS A42J Intel Core i7 Ram 4GB H.D.D 500GB Garaphic 2GB. Price : 435000. Ph : 09-501-6694 99% NEW SAMSUNG Series 5 Ultra Book Intel Core i5 Ram 8GB H.D.D + SSD Display 13.3 1 Year 6 Month Int'l Warranty. Price : 650000. Ph : 094200-50651. EPSON Slip Printer (include all accessories and cable) Model_ TMU220D. Color- Black. Price:145,000 Ks. 2ply roll paper 20 packs. Ph: 09-503-6050. A REDLINK Wimax CPE to sell with $350,000 kyats. The Wimax Plan is Gold Plus and you can upgrade it later on. Pls contact : 09-503-4797. 99% NEW SAMSUNG Series 5 Ultra Book Intel Core i5 Ram 8GB H.D.D + SSD Display 13.3 1 Year 6 Month Int'l Warranty . Price : 650000. Ph : 094200-50651. SAMSUNG Galaxy S3 White Price : 305000. Ph : 09-501-6694 OLD. POSTAGE Stamps from about (140)countries with over (4000) stamps. Ph: 09-4253-19444 MSI BOARD P4 Dual Core, CPU 3.2 ghz Ram 2 Gb, Hdd 500 GB VGA 512 MB, DVD RW (ASUS) Viewsonic 19 ', UPS Green Tech 650 W. Ph: 09-4211-11780. AUDI A 6, Quattro, 2005, 3, 2 L Gasoline Engine, AWD, Ph: 09-507-3837. BRAND NEW IPAD 2 16GB (Packing) 1 Year Full Apple Warranty. Price: 300000. Ph : 094005-32795. IPHONE 4S 16GB white official unlock Lated Full Paid HD Game/App installed 99% Like new original accessories and packing box (350000 ks) Ph:09-4224-44494.

For Sale /Rent

THANLYIN, Star Ciyt Condo (Pent House): Building A1, Type E. Rm 710 E Pent House (1752 Sqft) MBR (1), Single Room (3) Dinning Room, Living Room . Contract : 09-4293-33333, 01680699, 687376

Language
BZM English language center. English speaking, listening & grammar class. Only 6 students for one section. Students comfortably can learn in the cozy atmosphere classroom with air-conditioning, sophisticated classroom facilities & lecture chairs. 3 to 5 pm, except saturday. 3 days a week for one section. Also allow oneto - one (home tuition). Teacher Zin Mar Myint (got certificate from British council & TKT certificate from cambridge) Ph:094302-6789. Shwe ohn pin villa (new) , Yanshin Rd, Yankin. MCP English Classes (taught by native speakers) Fees: 25000 ks. Duration: 10 weeks per level. Add: 277, BPI Rd, Insein Ph:01646474,646397, 09400534734. email: mcp. lifeskill@gmail.com. (Enroll now for October) TO FOREIGNERS : If you want to learn Myanmar Language at your home. Contact : 09-730-85929. THE GREAT New for Foreigners : We are offering easiest way to learn Myanmar Language at your home.If you would like to learn it,join us Now! we are offering fair fees for you! Contact: 09 -421037619. MYANMAR Language Guide (For Embassy family and others) When you stay in Myanmar, do you want to ask to your children to learn Myanmar language? Call: 09-514-6505 (Christine)

Training
MANAGING Your Emotions Program : 1. Theories of Emotion. 2. Emotional Development. 3. Arousal and Emotion. 4. Emotions and Moods. 5. Love, Passion & Positive Emotions. 6. Emotions as Foundations for Social Behavior. 7. Emotional & Relational Intelligence (ERQ) 8. Controlling Emotions. Duration : 8-Week. Day : Friday & Saturday (6:30-8:00 pm). Fees : 80,000 Ks. Start Date : September 27, 2013. Add : 8, 6th Flr (Right), Chan Thar St, Sanchaung. Ph : 09-5370230, 09-730-02705.

HousingforRent
BAHAN,(1).Near Sedona hotel, 1100 Sqft, 1 MR, 2SR, fully furnish, USD 800. (2).Near Japan Embassy , 1100 Sqft, 1 MR, 2 SR, fully furnish, USD 1600. (3).Near Park Royal hotel, 1200 Sqft, 1 MR, fully furnish, USD 2500.(4).New University avenue Rd, 1500 Sqft, 1 MR, 2 SR, fully furnish, USD 1600. (5).Near Kandawgyi Lake, 20' x 80', 2MR, 1 SR, fully furnish, USD 2500. (6). Golden velly, 2500 Sqft, 2RC, 1 MR, 2 SR, USD 2500. Ph : 09-49214276. MAYANGONE, Double Slab, 4th Flr :131, Cheery St, Thamine, 23' x 48', MBR 1, Single Room 1, Dinning Room. Air Con, Refrigenerator, TV. Ph: 09-429-333333, 01680699, 687376 40 X 60, 2 RC, Typical classic Myanmar style with 2 MB, 2 BR, teak parquet floor, fully furnished with teak furniture, Newly installed wiring & voltage regulator. Bathrooms have heaters. No need to pay agent fee, Ks. 20 lakhs per month, 09 430 83781. BAHAN, (1)University Avenue Condo - 1900 sqft fully furnished (2) University Avenue Condo - 1350 sqft - fully furnished (3)University Avenue Condo - 1200 sqft - fully funished (4) Shwe Ohn Pin Housing - 900 Sqft - fully furnished (5)Mya Thida Housing 2 Storey house (6)Pyin Nya Waddy Condo 1650 sqft. fully furnished. Ph: 09-732-41848, 09860-1042 . YANKIN, Near Yankin Centre, 1450 sqft, Fully furnished, 1 MB, 2 BR, No need to pay agent fee, Ph: 09-430-83781 BAHAN (1) Golden valley, 0.3 acre land, 3 storey building, 6 MBR, ph line, new air conditioners, furnished, generator, big car spacious, nice garden, good view, water 2 lines with purify system, suitable for both office and residence. (2) Kamayut, Inya Rd, 1acre land, tennis coat, big garden, 2 storey building, 4 MBR, 2 storey colonial style house, generator, (3) Sanchaung, Pyay Rd, condo pent house, 3000sqft, 2 MBR, 1 BR, Furnished, Ph line, big

Travel
FUTURE WINGS Travels & Tours Co., Ltd, Akhoon Int'l Trading Co., Ltd. Authorized Money Changer : 25, Konzaydan St, Pabedan Tsp. Ph: 243441, 249189, Email : akhoon.maneychanger @gmail.com FLEET 24Seven : Fully maintained operating leases (self drive). New left hand drive Pickups, Commercials, Trucks & Refrig. Trucks. www. fleet24seven.com NYAN MYINT THU Car Rental Service : Ko Nyan Myint Win Kyi (MD) - 56, Bo Ywe St, Latha, Yangon, Myanmar. Ph : 01-246551, 01-375284. Hp:09-2132778. il:nyanmyintthu1983@ gmail.com, nmt@nyan myintthucarrental. com, colwinkyi@ gmail.com. Web:www. nyanmyintthucarrental. com

balcony, good view, 4 aircons, US $4000 per month, Negotiable price. Ph : 09-507-4241 GOLDEN VALLEY - A luxury modern 3 storey fully furnished house in good quiet locality with a manicured managable garden including pool for relaxing. 4 master bed rooms, 3 rooms with walk-in-wardrobes, 6 A/C and telephone. No brokers. If interested contact 09-541-2499. (1) BAHAN, Pearl Condo, 1500 sq.ft, 4 A/C, Ph, Furn. 15 Lakhs (2) Sanchaung, Makyikyi Condo, 2400 sq.ft, 2MB, 2BR, f.f, 30 Lakhs, (3) Bahan, New University Ave Condo, 2040 sq.ft, Ph, Internet, f.f, 16 Lakhs, (4)Kamayut, 100'x100', RC2 Storey house, 50 Lakhs. Maureen: 09518-8320. BAHAN, (1)Near Japan Embassy, 1100 Sqft, 1 MR, 2 SR, fully furnish 1600 USD. (2).Golden velley, 1RC,4000 Sqft, 1 MR, 2 SR, 2500 USD. (3).Golden velley,Than Lwin Rd, 2RC, 6500 Sqft, 3 MR, 6500 USD. (4).Golden velley, near ISY school, 2 RC,4200 Sqft, 2 MR, 2 SR, 4500 USD. (5).Pearl condo, 1250 Sqft, 1 MR, 2SR, 1546 USD. (6).Kandaw gyi Tower, 1500 Sqft, 1 MR, 2 SR, fully furnish 2500 USD. (7).Near Kandawgyi Park, 1600 Sqft, 2 MR, 1 SR, fully furnish 2000 USD. (8). Near Kan daw gyi hotel, 1000 Sqft, 3 FL,1 MR,2 SR, fully furnish, 800 USD. Ph: 09-4921-4276

HousingforSale
LANDS for sale suitable for making Industrial buildings in large area. Buyers can Contact Us on 09-4500-59037. (There is no pay for Agents & Third party ... Warmly welcome the buyers.

Public Notices
NEW PROGRAM at Wisdom Management Centre : Business Psychology & Management, Level : Advanced Certificate, Duration : 12-Week, Fees : 95,000 Ks. Start Date : October 6, 2013 (Sunday) Day : Sunday (9:00 AM 12:30 PM), Trainer: Dr. Myo Min Oo: Ph.D. (New Orleans), D.Min. (Indiana), M.S.B. (Notre Dame), Professor, Christian Theological Seminary. Principal, Wisdom Management Centre Advisor, Gracious Life Ministry International Training Director, Centre for the Study of Human Development. Contact : Miss Marlar - Program Manager, Wisdom Management Center : 8, (6A), Chan Thar St, San Chaung. Ph: 09- 73002705, 09- 537-0230

General
GUEST Care Hotel : 107(A) Dhamma Zedi Rd, Bahan, Yangon. Tel: 01511118, 526902, 527770. Email: reservations@ guestcarehotel.com. www.guestcarehotel.com COFFEE CIRCLES Coffeehouse & Restaurant. Menu: Excellent Coffee (InHouse Roasting), European & Asian Cuisines, Wines, Cocktails, Bakery & Pastry. Open Daily: 7:00 am to 12:00 midnight. 107(A) Dhamma Zedi Rd, Bahan, Yangon, Tel: 525157, CoffeeCircles@ gmail.com www. theCoffeeCircles. com Facebook.com/ CoffeeCirclesMyanmar NEO Coffee and Food. Menu: Coffee, Bakery & Food. Open Daily: 9:00

Want to Buy
APPLE : Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, iMac, Mac Mini iPhone 5, 4S, 4, iPod 5, 4 iPad 2, 3, 4, Mini Wifi Only & Wifi + 4G, Apple TV, Apple Mouse A.K Mobile Ko Myo San. No 124, 31 St(Middle) Pabedan. Ph: 09-4500-39844. USED Or Brand New Macbook Pro , Macbook Air, iMac, Mac Mini iPad 4 Wifi Only & Wifi + 4G iPhone 5, iPod 5 Samsung S4 HTC One . Ph : 09-501-6694 CHERRY QQ3 (Taxi). Pls contact; 09-4211-31257 WE want to buy Marine Generator operation and maintenance manual books and Marine main engines operation and maintenance manual books(B&W or Yanmar Or UEC , etc..Pls contact 09-518-4314

Want to Rent
SANCHAUNG, Ma Kyee Kyee St, Moe Myint San Condo: 28' x 75' (2100 sq.ft) 2nd flr. 2 MBR, 2 BR, 4 A.C, water heater, furnitures. Price : 23 lakhs. Ph: 09-73027267, 09-730-52266. LANMADAW, 12 St, The whole 8 unit (lift). For hotel, education. Ph: 09-566-1037. NEED SIMPLE HOUSE with at least 4 bedrooms, 2 toilets & if possible, near to public transportation. Occupancy in November. Willing to pay 8 lakhs. Contact Ha Min Shwe at 09-4201-212 65.

For Sale
9% NEW SAMSUNG Series 5 Ultra Book Intel Core i5 Ram 8GB H.D.D + SSD Display 13.3 1 Year 6 Month International Warranty. Price : 650000. Ph : 09-4200-50651 ASUS A42J Intel Core i7 Ram 4GB H.D.D 500GB Garaphic 2GB Price : 435000. Ph : 09-501-6694 SAMSUNG Galaxy S3 LTE (3G/4G LTE Network) 1.5 GHz Processor Quad Core 8MP LED Flash Camera & Camcorder Android 4.1 Jelly Bean 4.8" To u c h s c r e e n - S u p e r AMOLED Plus Display Very good internet speed Brand New. Good Price: 440000 Ks. Negotiable. Ph:09-507-4152.

Want to Buy
WE want to buy about (100 ft x 100 ft), (Need to join ownerself), Ph: 09-566-1037.

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

FREE
Employment
other products, adhesives including water based polymerisocyanate adhesive systems designed for wood to wood, wood to metal & wood to plastic bonding invites motivated & committed individuals to join the company as: (1)Sales Engineer who will work toplan, develop, & coordinate the Myanmarbased sales & marketing of the companys adhesive products and services in Myanmar: Work experience in adhesives, wood, furniture or chemical industry helpful. Degree (preferably in chemistry, engineering, science, business, etc.) from a good university. Sales & marketing experience & aptitude an advantage. Entrepreneurial, indepen dent & possesses outstanding leadership qualities. Businesssavvy and street smart. Exceptionally driven & ambitious. Good command of Japanese, Myanmar and English languages essential. Pls email & submit CV to leinlein79@gmail.com. TOUR & LIMO Services Co is seeking (1) Operations Executive - M/F 1 Post : 3 years relevant experience. Age 25 ~ 35. (2) Operations Assistant - M/F 1 Post : 1 year relevant experience. Age above 20. (3)Marketing Execu tive - M/F 1 Post : 2 years relevant experience. For 1 ~ 3 : Good in spoken & written English. Age 25 ~ 35 years. (4)Drivers - M 5 Posts : 2 years relevant experience. Good in spoken English. Age 25 ~ 40 . Pls contact : 09-5108481. A TOURISM company in Myanmar is looking for (1).Sales & Operations Admin Staff -1 post (2). Contracting Manager - 1 post (3)Sales & Operation Admin Staff - 1 post. Job Responsibilities : Manage Oversee invoicing and payment Follow up with supplier. Adding products for bookings. Identify new products. Cancelling un-required products. Regular monitor invoice & deposit pending. Develop & Implement sales report. Monitor guides, airlines, Other services suppliers information updated. Contracting Manager 1 post : Ensure hotels are re-contracted within the specific deadlines. Identify must-have hotels within a destination & contract where appropriate. Undertake to travel or maintain relationship with hoteliers & operation team. Negotiate addedvalue deals and special offers for GIT/ Series/ Incentive. Advised preferred partner hotels & negotiate the exclusive deals. Regularly monitor competitor pricing. Address and resolve any standard/ service level issue with suppliers. Ensure hotels are inspected & details information updated in factsheet. Monitor hotel tariffs and selling rates. Pls send full resume stating qualification, experience, supporting documents, current and expected salary, a recent passport photo & contact details to adminmyanmar@ phoenixvoyages.com or ph :09-514-9808,09500-5990 before 30th September 2013. A WELL-established company is looking for highly-motivated engineers. Successful candidates will be employed as service engineers for installation & maintenance of advanced medical equipments including CT scanner. Candidates must: Have a Bachelor Degree in Electronic or equivalent. Good command of spoken English. Have good basic knowledge of electronics. Be willing to travel within and abroad Myanmar. Previous working experience is preferable, but not a necessity as the company will provide the necessary training. Pls submit application form along with the C.V & recent photograph to Rm 2-C, Shwe Padauk Condominium, 99/A, Myay Nu St, Sanchaung, Yangon. (within two weeks) PEACE Treasure Co., Ltd is seeking (1) Operational Manager/ Team Leaders - 2 Posts : You will lead a team of Property Management staff in managing a portfolio of properties. 3 years of experience in a managerial positioin handling corporate or private real estate. (2) Sales Representatives 10 Posts : You should be a team player, good computer literacy & knowledge of building system software applications. 1 years sales working experience in Real Estate Industries. Pls submit resume, photo Working Experience, achievement & Position, Language skills, Academic certificates, Recent photo, Last Drawn Salary, Availability, Notice Period to ptyangon@ gmail.com, apnetw@ ymail.com, Tel: 543238, 09-516-4646. MYANMAR Survey Research (MSR) is looking for (1) Inter national Consultant in Yangon: 3 years experience in a research space - ideally social and public policy research; superb data analytical and report writing skills; excellent communication skills and ability to build rapport with people for a range of backgrounds. (2) Chief Accountant - M/F 1 post; CPA or ACCA or other relevant qualification, 5 years experience in accounting & auditing, good English communication skills, computer literate. Pls submit CV with recent photo and relevant documents to #55, Maha Bandoola Garden St, Yangon. Email: msr@ m y a n m a r. c o m . m m within three weeks. MiTA Myanmar @ ISBC Company is seeking Business Analyst - F 3 posts: Any graduate , preferably having Master Degree in Business Administration, Engi neering, English, Economics, Marketing, Management; Age 20 ~ 30, Experience less than 5 years (fresh graduates can also apply). Candidate should be proficient in MS office, internet & email applications, have good knowledge in market research, liaison, data collection, analyzing information, report writing & presentation. Should be able to work independently with minimum supervision & be initiative. Candidate must be fluent in speaking & writing English. Pls email application with CV including contact details to hrm.mm@ mitaservices.com. sg at the earliest possible. Closing date: 30 September 2013. Applications with CV will be evaluated in batches and positions will be filled up on first-come first-served basis. ASIA Language & Business Academy (ALBA) urgently requires a part-time Native English teacher for our pre-KG program. Pls contact: 384055, 376236, 376314. Email: admin@albaedu.com A TOURISM company in Myanmar is looking for (1).Sales & Operation Admin Staff 1 post: Manage Oversea invoicing and payment. Follow up with supplier Adding products for bookings Identify new products. Cancelling un-required products. Regular monitor invoice & deposit pending. Develop and Implement sales report. Monitor guides, airlines, Other services suppliers information updated (2) Contracting Manager 1 post : Ensure hotels are re-contracted within the specific deadlines. Identify must-have hotels within a destination & contract where appropriate. Undertake to travel or maintain relationship with hoteliers & operation team. Negotiate addedvalue deals and special offers for GIT/ Series/ Incentive Advised preferred partner hotels & negotiate the exclusive deals. Regularly monitor competitor pricing. Address & resolve any standard/ service level issue with suppliers. Ensure hotels are inspected & details information updated in factsheet. Monitor hotel tariffs and selling rates. Pls send full resume stating qualification, experience, supporting documents, current & expected salary, a recent passport photo & contact details to adminmyanmar@ phoenixvoyages.com or ph:09-514 -9808 or 09500- 5990 before 30th September 2013. (1).MARKETING Executive (Logistics Division) - F 1 post : Age 25 ~ 35, Any graduate, Good communication in English 4 skills,Computer literate in MS office,Good interpersonal skill, ability to work independently, self motivated , teamwork & co-ordination skill. Must be smart working , energetic & aggressive, Pls summit CV together with working experience, Academic certificates, Recent photo & NRC card to Rm 17, 5th flr, 348/352, Corner of Merchant Rd & Bo Myat Htun St. Botahtaung. Tel:01-9010188~189, or email: marketingone@ sedate.biz , sedate@ cybertech.net.mm. ARYU THUKHA Specialist Hospital, Lashio is seeking suitable person for the following positions. (1).Nurses 3 posts (2)Laboratory technician - 2 posts (3).Radiographer - 2 posts. Requirements : Dip. In Nursing. B.Med. Tech. (Lab technology). B.Med.Tech. (Medical imaging). Interested candidates can enquire at 09-502-6602. A COMPANY with Services (Hotel & Management Projects) in Myanmar is looking for (1)Accountant 1 post (2)Assistant Accountant - 1 post (3)Sales Executive - 1 post (4) Receptionist & Administrative 2 posts (5) General Cleaning - 3 posts (6) Security staffs - 2 posts. Pls send full resume stating qualification, experience, supporting documents, current and expected salary, a recent passport-sized photo and contact details to sboc.yangon@gmail. com or ph : 09-514-9808 or 09-500-5990 before 30th September 2013. WE WANT, There is available for Receptionist position who can speak and understand English well. Prefer who already passed LCCI 1 & 2. Call: 09-4201-00188. CENTURE is one of the leading office furniture providers in Myanmar. We are looking for "Performers", who apply the same standard to their work and who want to enhance their skill and competence. Join us and rise over expectations in a modern & dynamic work ambience. Our Open Positions (English and Computer skill required) (1)Sales Manager - 2 positions M/F Your management experience and sales expertise will advance our performance. (2) Sales Executive - 5 positions M/F Join our Sales Team with your market knowledge & strong customer orientation. Pls forward your application until 30th September 2013 to: Mail mailHRdepartment@ gmail.com Add: Rm 402, 4th Flr, Bldg-C, Dagon Centre, San Chaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 01524611, 514324. I N T E R N AT I O N A L Furnitures from KOREA (ENOB Sofa, Cloth Cabinets, Kitchen Cabinets and Others Furnitures) Company Limited is searching Sales & Marketing Executive : University graduate, 3 years experience in related fields,Age under 40, Must go & promote Hotels, Restaurant & others places, Computer skills & fluent in English. Ph : 09-4210-8 4764. Email : january.snow81@gmail. com REQUIRED urgently in Limited Foreign Company, salary as per experiences & market standard. Designation: Receiptionist : 3 years experience, Age : No bar. Salary: As per market standards. Nationality: Indian(Preferred) / Other with English Speaking & writing skills. Responsibility: To do receptionist duty needfully. Note:The candidate will have good personality , can nicely conversation with phone which coming from customers, from MD,VP& other oversea staff & outsider & can do other receptionist job. Contact details: 09500-2025, 01-371374, 371375, 393227, Email ID: zmtcool@gmail.com, jyoti.b227@gmail.com, jyoti.b227@rediffmail. com NESTLE is the worlds leading Nutrition, Health & Wellness Company is seeking (1)Nutrition Advisor Supervisor : Bachelors Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Doctor, Pharmaceutical or related fields. 3 year experience. Computer & English literacy. Willing to travel (2)Channel Sales Supervisor-NP Myanmar (based in Yangon) :Bachelors Degree in Business Administration or related education degree.3 years experience. Computer literacy & Intermediate English communication skills. (3)Sales Trade Development Manager : Bachelors Degree in Business Administration or relevant educational degree. 5 years experience. Computer literacy & English communication skills. Willing to travel. Pls submit complete detailed resume to Nestle Trading (Thailand) Ltd. (Myanmar Representative Office): Flr 11th Centerpoint Towers, 65 Corner of Sule Pagoda Rd & Merchant St, Kyauktada, Yangon. Ph: 09-73232462 Or email to Email : zinhnaung_a@ nestlemyanmar.com. mm (OR) tztzha@gmail. com EXOTISSIMO Travel is looking for French Tour Operator : Working experience in tourism related field is preferred. Pro-active ,team spirit, good organisational and problem solving skill. Excellent interpersonal skills & communication skills. Strong sales & customer service focus. Possess computer proficiency : Microsoft word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint. Good communication in English & French (Written & Spoken). Pls send a detailed resume with recent photo & other relevant documents to HR Manager at 147, Shwe Gone Dine St, West Shwe Gone Dine Ward, Bahan, Yangon, Email: memecho@ exotissimo.com

Embassy
DIPLOMAT seeks experienced private driver. Must be able to drive RHD/AT and LHD/MT cars. Sufficient command of English a must. Good working conditions. Tel.: 09 514 00022"

UN Positions
IOM Int'l Organization for Migration is seeking (1) Accounting Assistant in Myawaddy, Kayin State: Academic back ground in Business Administration or related field. 2 years of progressive experience. Good in English. Excellent computer skills. (2) Nurse Counsellor in Mawlamyine, Mon State: Diploma/ University degree in Nursing. Valid license to practice is a requirement. Experience in treating HIV patients is favourable. Experience of counselling for clients with intermediate level counselling practice for 1 ~ 2 years. (3) Office Driver in Yangon: Valid driving license. 3 years of experience as a driver with safe driving record. Good knowledge of English. Pls submit CV to IOM Mission in Myanmar, 318-A, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Email: hryangon@iom. int, www.iom.int, Ph: 210588,

Ingo Positions
MEDECINS Sans Frontieres - Holland (AZG) is seeking Deputy HR Coordinator 1 post in Yangon: University Degree. Preferable previous HR experience with MSF or other INGO. 2 years experience in HR and/or administration. Fluent in English. Excellent computer skill. Pls send application letter, CV & passport photo, copy of national ID card, copies of education qualifications & references to: HR Coordinator, MSFHolland (Yangon Coordination Office), 59, Aye Yadanar St, Thirigon Villa, T h i n g a n g y u n , Yangon. or through msfh.myanmar. recruitment@gmail. com, Closing date: October 2nd, 2013. MYANMAR Red Cross Society is seeking (1) Water & Sanitation Officer 1 post in Nay Pyi Taw: University Degree in Water & Sanitation, Civil Engineering or related field. 3 years experience in related community based water & sanitation project. Effective English language skills (2) WatSan Project Coordinator 1 post in Nay Pyi Taw: Relevant University degree. 5 years experience in water, hygiene & sanitation field. For all posts : Computer literacy. Red Cross Volunteers are preferable. Pls send application letter, CV & related documents to Myanmar Red Cross Society Head Office. Yazathingaha Rd, Dekkhinathiri, Nay Pyi Taw. Or mrcshrrecruitment@ gmail.com, Closing date : 4.10.2013. MEDECINS du Monde (MDM) is seeking HIV Medical Doctor 1 post in Yangon: MBBS (with valid medical registration: SAMA). 1 year experience as a medical doctor in the field of HIV. Fluent in English. Good computer skills & clinical skill. Pls submit CV & a cover letter to MDM Yangon Office : 2, Aung Dhama Yeik Tha St, Hlaing, Yangon, Ph: 664352, 660948, Email:

office.mdmmyanmar@ gmail.com MEDECINS du Monde (MDM) is seeking (1) Field Administrator 1 post in Pyapon: University diploma in accounting and general administration. 3 years' experience as administrator with significant financial & human resources responsiblities (minimum of 30 staff). Fluent in English. (2) Medical Advisor 1 post in Kachin and Yangon: MBBS (with valid medical registration: SaMa). Minimum clinical experience 5 years, 3 years experience in HIV/ ART treatment. Fluent in English. Good computer skills, Microsoft Office. Pls submit CV & a cover letter to MDM Country Coordination Office, Yangon : 47B, Po Sein St, Bahan, Yangon, Ph: 542830, 09-731-71002, Email: office.mdmmyanmar@ gmail.com NORWEGIAN Refugee Council is seeking Finance Officer Post in Taunggyi: Bachelor in accounting. 2 ~ 3 years of relevant finance experience. Pls submit CV, including application letter and contact detail of two referees (no other supporting documents are required for this state), clearly indicating the position on your CV to HR Officer, NRC, 68, Than Lwin Rd (Corner with Aung Daw Mu St), Bahan, Yangon or mail to : admin-hr@myanmar. nrc.no with cc to mntun@ myanmar.nrc.no Closing date : 2nd October 2013. SOLIDARITES is seeking HR Officer 1 post in Sittwe, Rakhine State : Any University degree. Fluent in English & Myanmar. Good computer skill in Windows XP/7, MS office 2007/2010. Preferable have the knowledge of Homere software (HR software of Solidarites int'l) acceptable who can learn quickly. Pls submit application (CV, cover letter, references) to : Solidarites Int'l office : 44-A, Tharyarwaddy Lane, Bahan, Yangon or per email: hr.recruitment. mm@gmail.com, cc: to rks.admassist.stw@ solidarites-myanmar. org, Closing date: 11st October, 2013. MYANMAR Red Cross Society is seeking Branch WASH Officer (CBHDP focus on MNCH) 1 post in Falam: University Degree or AGTI. 2 years' experience in Wat San related activities in CBHD. Red Cross Volunteer or Resident in the project areas is preferable. Pls send application letter, CV & related documents to Myanmar Red Cross Society Head Office, Yazathingaha Rd, Dekkhinathiri, Nay Pyi Taw. Or mrcshrrecruitment@ gmail.com MEDECINS du Monde (MDM) is seeking (1) Project Manager -1 post in Hopin, Kachin State: University Degree in any of following specialities: Public Health, Medical Science, Social Work, Public. Administration, Program Management. 3 years experience in NGO's, possibly in Health programs, out of which 2 years in senior management position. Fluent in English. (2) Logistics Supervisor - 1 post in Pyapon: Bachelor or Master Degree. 3 years experience as logistician. Fluency in Myanmar & English. Pls submit CV& a cover letter to MDM Country Coordination Office, Yangon, 47, Po Sein St, Bahan. Ph: 542830, 09-731-71002, Email: office.mdmmyanmar@ gmail.com

Local Positions
WE ARE seeking Accountant - M/F 1 Post : Age above 26 , Good in English, 3 years relevant experience, Able to prepare & handle full set of accounts, Maintain and supervise accounting procedures, Good knowledge of Microsoft Advanced Excel & Accounting Software. (2)Admin/ Accounts Assistant 1 Post : Age above 23, Good in English, 2 years experience, Good organizational skills, Computer literate: MS Word/Excel/Email. Pls contact : 09-506-9346, 09-512-8164. (1)ACCOUNTANT - 1 post: Handle full set of accounts, fix assets & inventory, Prepare monthly management report. Monitor account receivable & payable; perform various reconciliation (bank, company registration), Handle Audit & Tax queries, Process investment and project claims & report.(2) Assistant Accountant 1 post : Handle cash management & account receivable & payable. Prepare monthly management report. (3)Sales Executive1 post : Manage Marketing & Sales of Hotel Management & Business Center Develop and Implement sales plan according to management guideline to accomplish growth targets. (4) Receptionist & Administrative Staff 2 post : Handle incoming calls in a friendly & courteous tone to direct to the personnel/ department Receive and delivers message for department personnels line Provide information about services to guests Monitors phone lines, fax, & extension function. (5)General Cleaning Staffs - 3 posts : Handle office and public area cleaning on day-to-day basis. Knowledge of using cleaning products and equipments. Provide cafeteria services to all office staffs. (6)Security Staff 2 posts : Patrol premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion & ensure safety. Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees & visitors, etc. . Skill on security equipment as CCTV, Access control system. Pls send full resume stating qualification, experience, supporting documents, current and expected salary, a recent passport photo & contact details to sboc.yangon@ gmail.com or ph : 09514-9808, 09-500-5990 before 30th September 2013. TO DO resceptionist duty, We are preferred to Good personality, Any graduate, Who can speak & understand English well. Can nicely converstion to the phone receivine & other receptionist duty. Contact : 09-555054, 554-052, 09-420089100, No : 22, U Chit Mg Housing, U Chit Mg Rd, Tamwe. A LEADING Japanese manufacturer & distributor of, among

Job Wanted
AN EXPERIENCED writer, editor, translator, interpreter with good communication skill and proficient in English 4skills is looking for a full time or part time job stationed in Pyin Oo Lwin. contact at 09-431 97513. mail: maw.san@ gmail.com

58 Sport

THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

I was nailed on a cross for 25 years, says Johnson

CANADIAN sprinter Ben Johnson returned on September 24 to Seouls Olympic Stadium 25 years to the day after the steroid-assisted 100m final victory that destroyed his career and reputation. The runner revisited the site of his stunning triumph and downfall to bring an anti-doping message for a sport still struggling to rid itself of banned substance use. It feels good to be back, Johnson told AFP as he stepped out onto the track where, at 1:30pm on September 24, 1988, he lined up for a 100m final that would become known as the dirtiest race in history. This is where history was made, Johnson said. Some might call it bad history, but I dont see it that way, he added. First out of the blocks in the final, Johnson destroyed a field that included his hated rival Carl Lewis and stormed to victory in a world record time of 9.79 seconds. Three days later he was stripped of his medal, his time and ultimately his career after it was announced that he had tested positive for stanozolol, a banned anabolic steroid. Six of the eight finalists would eventually be implicated in doping scandals, including Lewis, who it was later revealed had tested positive for stimulants at the US Olympic trials. Johnson, 51, has admitted to years of steroid use, but still feels he was unfairly picked out for vilification at a time of widespread drug use in athletics. I was nailed on a cross, and 25 years later Im still being punished, he said. Rapists and murderers get sent to prison, but even they get out eventually. I know what I did was wrong. Rules are rules. But the rules should be the same for all. But politics always plays in sports, he said. Johnsons return to Seoul was the final leg of a global tour as standard bearer of the #ChooseTheRightTrack campaign, which calls for new

SEOUL

Ben Johnson gestures to an audience as he stands next to a 100-meters long anti doping petition at the Seoul Olympic Stadium on September 24, 2013. Photo: AFP

strategies to combat continued drug use in athletics. On September 24 at precisely 1:30pm, Johnson stood at the starting point on Lane 6 his lane in the final and strolled down the track he burned up in 1988. As he walked, two volunteers unrolled in his path a 100-meter long petition with 3700 signatures the campaign has collected over the past month. At the finish line, he recreated the famous finger-raised pose he struck at the moment of victory 25 years ago. Of course I feel remorse, regret, but its not the biggest issue in my life anymore. Ive accepted it and Ive moved forward, he said. The sport has recently been rocked by a string of doping cases, including high-profile athletes such as Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown. The sports world governing body, the IAAF, announced last month that it would impose four-year bans for drug offenders from 2015.

Seven athletes, including one finalist, tested positive for doping at Augusts World Athletics Championships in Moscow. The testing procedures may have got better and more accurate, but the drugs are advancing as well, Johnson said. The campaign is not limited to raising awareness of doping in athletics, but works across the sporting spectrum. Johnson voiced some sympathy for Lance Armstrong, saying the disgraced American cyclist was being singled out, much as he was, in a sport where doping is prevalent. I hope he can get through this, Johnson said. Its going to be tough and he has a long fight ahead of him. Asked what he would change if he could go back 25 years, Johnson said there was no point trying to live in the past. But I still believe I could have won the Olympic Games without any drugs back then, he added. AFP

Tha Pyay Nyo and Pho Thar Gyi fight at the Myanmar-Japan Let Wei Challenge Fight on S

Japanese ch prove worth

KYAW ZIN HLAING kyawzinhlaing91@gmail.com YANMAR and Japanese kickboxers squared off last week in a highly anticipated tournament in Yangon. Though both bouts were filled with action, spectators were disappointed that the hometown fighters were unable to deliver convincing wins, with both matches ending in draws. Nyan Linn Aung fought Fujihara Arashi, while in the main event Tun Tun Min took on challenger Samukawa at the first Myanmar-Japan Let

Wei Challenge Fight on September 21 at Thein Phyu Stadium. Nyan Linn Aung appeared overmatched against a hard-charging Arashi, taking a number of shots in the first and second rounds. As the fight progressed Nyan Linn Aung tried to head-butt Arashi, but he was able to slip most of Nyan Linn Aungs attempts. By the 3rd round, Fujihara was bleeding from two cuts, one on each side of his head. The match ended in a draw, with fight fans applauding the toughness shown by Fujihara. The main event pitted Tun Tun Min against Samukawa. At just 22 there were doubts surrounding the dura-

Match-fixing ring was wo

A FOOTBALL match-fixing ring based in Singapore was the worlds largest and most aggressive such operation, Interpols chief said in remarks published on September 24 after the arrest of the groups suspected mastermind. International Criminal Police Organization Secretary-General Ronald Noble hailed the arrest in Singapore last week of 14 suspects. Im confident that Singapore law enforcement authorities have arrested the mastermind and leader of the worlds most notorious match-fixing syndicate, Noble said in remarks carried by the city-states Today newspaper. It is significant because this syndicate is considered the worlds largest and most aggressive match-fixing syndicate, with tentacles reaching every continent and the mastermind was someone many believed was untouchable, Noble was quoted as saying without mentioning any name. A source has confirmed to AFP that among those arrested was Singaporean businessman Dan Tan, the syndicates suspected head. He and four others are now being held without bail under a tough law designed for criminal gang members. The Straits Times newspaper quoted Noble as saying that the arrests were the result of cooperation between Singapore and Interpols Global Anti-Match-Fixing Task Force. The Interpol chief spoke to the local media after attending a ceremony for the construction of an Interpol complex in Singapore. The European police agency Europol in February said it had smashed a network rigging hundreds of games, including in the Champions League and World Cup qualifiers. Europol said at that time that a

SINGAPORE

IN PICTURES

There was no doubt about it: Pitcher Jason Grilli (39) and catcher Russell Martin (55) of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrate after getting the final out during their September 23 game against the Chicago Cubs, clinching their first playoff berth in 21 years. Photo: AFP

www.mmtimes.com

Sport 59

A bluffers guide to the 27th Southeast Asian Games

27 TH SEA GAMES MYANMAR 2013

SHORINJI KEMPO
FOLLOWING its debut at the Indonesia Games in 2011, shorinji kempo will return once more to the Southeast Asian Games as just one of the eight combat sports or martial arts to be featured. Where does it originate? Arguably born from the embers of Japanese defeat in World War Two, this style of combat was founded by Dshin S, following his experiences in Chinese Manchuria. Operating as an undercover Japanese intelligence officer, Dshin had the opportunity to study kung fu at a Chinese Taoist school and Shaolin temple in the 1930s and 40s. After his countrys defeat he believed that his special combination of Buddhist philosophy, mental and physical training could rebuild the confidence of the demoralised Japanese people. Returning in 1947 to the Japanese town of Tadotsu, shorinji kempo was initially established as a religious practice before becoming available to anyone who wished to improve their balance in mind and body. Whats it all about? Kempo focuses on delivering the training of both soft, passive selfdefence techniques to release oneself from being held against your will and the hard active techniques that include punches, kicks, dodges and blocks. How do you play? The Myanmar Games will see competitions in both the embu (or artistic) format and randori (or free sparring) combat version of this event Embu entails six sections delivered by the kenshi (or kempo participant), who will focus upon producing flawless delivery and style. In the pairs competition one kenshi will first act as an attacker, while the other assumes the role of defender. A set pattern is then acted out before the roles are reversed and the same techniques repeated for the second section of the demonstration. Next the kenshi have the chance to demonstrate their creative flair with a period of free-form counterattacking. The final three sections focus on juho, throws and releases, katame, pinning techniques, and finally kime (or finishing techniques) that focus on striking various nerve points across the body. Randori (or free fighting) is rarely used as a competitive sport. Indeed the existence of a competitive combat format of shorinji kempo upsets many traditionalists who believe this acts in contradiction of the spirit and teachings at the heart of this martial art. Traditionally used solely for the development oftechniques learnt and demonstrated in the Embu format of shorinji kempo. Randori free fighting is considered essential in developing a sense of realism to self-defence training and the ability to react according to the context and the creativity of combat. For full contact Randori head protectors and mitts are worn to reduce risk of injury and the whole thing is supervised by the referee. How do you win? In the Embu categories, the scoring resembles the marks in some gymnastic or dance competitions. Five judges provide gijitsudo (or technical quality marks) out of 10 for each of the six sections delivered before

September 21 at Thein Phyu Stadium in Yangon. Photo: Lwin Ko Taik

hallengers hy foes
bility of Tun Tun Min who has risen quickly through the fighting ranks. Though hailing from Japan, Samukawa, 32, is a familiar name to most Myanmar kickboxing fans. In 2011 he fought two matches in Yangon, drawing with both free weight champions Lone Chaw and Saw Nga Man. Tun Tun Min jumped out to an early advantage, battering Samukawa. But as the rounds wore on Tun Tun Min was unable to ever fully put Samukawa away and allowed the veteran to fight his way back. By the final bell Samukawa had battled back enough to be awarded a draw. Speaking to The Myanmar Times following the fight, Tun Tun Min said that his fight plan was to work fast, but that Samukawas long arms made it difficult to land the punches he needed to score a quick knockout. His reach is longer than mine and that was the biggest problem for me. It prevented me from hitting him like I wanted to. Ye Thway, Tun Tun Mins trainer ,said that Samukawas preparation before the fight gave him an advantage. Samukawa is very tough and has also prepared using modern equipment that helped him to improve stability and skills, so it was hard for Tun Tun Win to knock him down, he said.

Athletes compete at the Five Nations Kempo tournament in Yangon on September 15. Photo: Myanmar Kempo Federation

MATT ROEBUCK
newsroom@myanmartimes.com.mm

pan with nearly 3000 branches, the WSKO suggests it now has national federations or branches in 35 other countries, Myanmar not being among them. The martial art has a strong female following, possibly influenced by the current leader of Shorinji Kempo, the daughter of Dshin S How many medals are available? There will be 18 medals up for grabs this year. Randori competitions are divided into four weight categories across both male and female categories. Embu categories feature medals for male, female and mixed pairs, plus group competitions for four and eight athletes. In total there will be 16 medals on offer. Whats the betting? Outside of Japan, Indonesia is a stronghold for this martial art. The archipelago nation introduced this event last time around and there is no doubt that they must be considered strong contenders for a number of medals. In 2011 they secured eight gold and 16 medals in total. Shorinji kempo also recognises federations in Vietnam, Timor Leste, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia . All but Malaysia added to their medal collection with this sport last time round. Myanmars federation is young and so its competitors are likely to be inexperienced, but they should take encouragement from Bruneis 2011 performance. With a federation only having just being established, Brunei shocked commentators when it managed to secure two silver medals including a mixed group embudemonstration. Where will it all happen? The Kempo will be one of the seven events to be held in Yangon, with the action focusing on National Indoor Stadium. Matt Roebuck is a sports writer and sports development consultant based in Yangon. He is the author of the book The Other Olympics, published in 2012.

In December, Myanmar will welcome athletes from across Southeast Asia to compete in 33 sports during the 27th Southeast Asian Games. Though some have criticised the choice of events, the inclusion of so many regional sports gives this event a flavour that can truly showcase a unique image of the ASEAN region. Over the upcoming weeks well be showcasing sports popular in Southeast Asia. These games may never make it to the Olympics but they will get their moment at the SEA Games. adding an additional 40 marks across a further four categories that relate to their overall impression of the performance. The randori competition is less subjective, although the judging in combat sports often results in upsets, controversy and even protest. In the last games, all competitors were placed in two pools where they fought one another, the victors in these round-robin competitions met in the final to decide gold. What should you be saying? As Dshin S once said, Shorinji Kempo is not a mere sport or martial art. Gassho-rei, the greeting commonly used amongst Buddhist pupils in Japan, is also the salute of the kenshi. Where is it played? According to the World Shorinji Kempo Organisation (WSKO) over 1,500,000 people have participated in the martial art since its conception. Still focused primarily in Ja-

orlds biggest: Interpol

five-country probe had identified 380 suspicious matches targeted by a Singapore-based betting cartel, whose illegal activities stretched to players, referees and officials across the world. Tan, whose full name is Tan Seet Eng, has denied involvement in match-fixing. Why Im suddenly described as a match-fixer, I dont know. Im innocent, he told Singapores The New Paper in 2011 in his only known media interview. Tan, however, has a standing warrant for his arrest issued by Italian investigators over the wide-ranging calcioscommesse, or football betting, scandal, which implicated a swathe of big names and clubs. In May, Tan was also charged in Hungary over the alleged manipulation of 32 games in three countries. Match-fixing has proved a chronic and growing blight on football and it hit the headlines again this month after six men were charged over a multimillion dollar scam in Australian state soccer. In the latest case within Singapore, three Lebanese referees were convicted in June of accepting sexual services in return for fixing future games. The trial of a Singaporean businessman linked to the referees case, 31-year-old Eric Ding Si Yang, is continuing. AFP

Suspicious matches linked to Singapore match-fxing ring .

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60 THE MYANMAR TIMES SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2013

SPORT EDITOR: Tim McLaughlin | timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com

The bluffers guide to the SEA Games

SPORT 58

BRIEFS

London Englands Lee gets record 12-year ban for fixing

Englands Stephen Lee was given a record 12-year ban on September 25 after being found guilty of seven charges of match-fixing, snookers world governing body announced. The 38-year-old Lee, the former world number five, was found guilty by an independent tribunal last week of match-fixing charges relating to matches in 2008 and 2009. Lee was also ordered to pay 38,000 (US$61,000) in costs racked up by tribunal chairman Adam Lewis, one of Englands leading sports lawyers.

Oracle Team USA (left) and Emirates Team New Zealand start the final race of the Americas Cup on September 25 in San Francisco. Photo: AFP

Washington Washington Capitals to host 2015 outdoor game

The Washington Capitals will play host to the National Hockey Leagues annual New Years Day outdoor game in 2015, the league announced last week. The game will be staged on January 1, 2015, against an opponent to be named later at a site yet to be revealed. Baseballs Washington Nationals have a ballpark only a few subway stops from the Capitals home arena and one of the minority shareholders in the NHL clubs ownership group is the owner of the Nationals. Another possible venu is the home stadium of American footballs Washington Redskins, which would offer more potential seats.

Devastated Kiwis lament epic Cup choke

ESPONDENT New Zealanders reluctantly confronted the dreaded choker tag last week after losing the Americas Cup to one of sports most stunning comebacks. Choke on this New Zealand, was the blunt advice on the countrys most popular news website stuff.co.nz after Emirates Team New Zealand lost the regatta 8-9 to Oracle Team USA, despite leading 8-1 last week. It has been labelled the greatest comeback in the history of sport and its hard to disagree, the Fairfax Media site said. Prime Minister John Key tweeted a single word Bugger later describing the loss as gut-wrenching. I think there will be an awful lot of New Zealanders wholl be sitting there with their heads in their hands, he told reporters. The final race played out early morning New Zealand time and thousands gathered at bars and sailing clubs hoping for one last victory against the resurgent Americans. But Philip Gaunt, who watched the entire marathon regatta at Wellingtons Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club, admitted he started the day with little optimism after Oracle relentlessly hacked away at the New Zealanders lead for more than a week. If youre realistic it wasnt a surprise, but Im disappointed that we got so close before losing, he said. Yacht club patrons clapped politely as Oracle finished first, then rose to give Team NZ a standing ovation when they crossed the line 44 seconds later. The defeat was all the more galling for New Zealanders because Oracles skipper Jimmy Spithill hails from their arch-rival Australia, with media across the Tasman Sea rubbing salt into the wound. The Sydney Morning Herald hailed Spithill as the Aussie who sank a nation, while Melbournes Herald Sun said Aussies win miracle Cup for Yanks. Meanwhile, The Guardian credited Oracles British tactician Ben Ainsley with turning around the yachts faltering campaign and pointed out that the winning teams multinational crew contained only two Americans. New Zealands Radio Sports host Mark Richardson said Kiwi fans became emotionally involved as the battle for sailings top prize dragged on, and would need time to get over the loss. We had our chances to win this thing. It was 8-1 ... [Oracle] came back from the dead. They improved their boat, he said. Did we choke? Did they beat us? I think its a little bit of both. Aucklander Trudie McConnochie said Team NZ should not be forced to wear one of sports most unwanted labels. Everybody is using the word choke but I think thats unfair. We lost to a better, faster team, she tweeted. The government contributed NZ$36 million (US$30 million) to Team NZs campaign and Key said after the loss that there was no guarantee it would spend a similar amount for a future Cup tilt. Theres a lot of things you have to consider before you put taxpayers money on the line, he said. Wellington sailing expert Matt Wood said the sporting public should not to blame Team NZ for the loss, saying they produced an error-free performance. It was decided on the technology behind the yachts, he said. We were out-resourced. It was a massive achievement to get where we did, given what we were up against. TV1 commentator Peter Lester also believed the resources that software billionaire Larry Ellison provided the Americans was decisive, saying he poured everything into improving Oracle after the New Zealanders dominated the early races. The bosss toys have won the day, he said in commentary criticised by some on Twitter as sour grapes. Wellington yachtie Gaunt said there was one positive he could take after rising early for weeks to watch the epic race, the longest in the Americas Cup 162-year history: At last Ill be able to have a lie-in now. AFP

AUCKLAND

Detroit Pizza fumble leaves Lions receiver with broken arm

Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson suffered a broken left arm on September 24 in a one-car crash after being distracted by a slice of pizza falling off the front passenger seat. Police said alcohol was not a factor in the early morning accident in which Burlesons car struck the centre wall on Interstate 696. The crash took place as the 32-year-old was driving home after watching an NFL game on September 23 with friends. Burleson has 19 catches for 239 yards in three games, including six receptions for 116 yards in Detroits 27-20 victory last Sunday at Washington. Last season, he played only six games after suffering a broken leg in October.

What makes a good marriage?

New love sets the heart fluttering, weddings feel like a fairytale, honeymoons are a worry-free holiday. But what happens next?
satisfied, she said, laughing. Sometimes we used to quarrel because of some misunderstandings between us, said U Than Tun, looking at his wifes face with a smile, but as I really love my wife, I always give in. For the times love and understanding alone dont cut it, it seems a healthy dose of humour comes in handy. They were married in their early 20s. Now in their 60s, the Khin Mar Cho said, she loved U Than Tun deeply. But so did his mother, which made things difficult for the brand-new bride. My husband is the youngest of his siblings, with four elder sisters, she said. He is the mostloved of all the siblings in his family. So my mother-in-law did not agree with me. That is why I was faced with many difficulties at the beginning of my married life. True love, however, always allowed them to face up to any
A young woman tries a new wedding dress designed by 7 Picture Wedding Fashion in Yangon. Photo: Kaung Htet

Ei Ei Thu
91.eieithu@gmail.com

HEN youre getting married, its easy to get so caught up in arranging the details of the wedding that you forget what a wedding is supposed to be about. But a marriage lasts more than a day. In fact, its meant to last a lifetime. So whats the secret of a successful lifelong union? Daw Khin Mar Cho a veritable expert, after 40 years of happy marriage has the answer down to a science. She says its seven parts love, three parts understanding. Sometimes we misunderstand each other. But then he will coax me [and put me] first so I will be

Whatever kinds of difficulties weve been faced with we still love each other. Daw Khin Mar Cho
couple moved from Ayeyarwady Regions Bogale township in 2008 to Bayintnaung junction in Yangon. But thats not the only transition theyve had to deal with in their decades of wedded life. Before they were married, Daw challenge. Whatever kinds of difficulties weve been faced with as a married couple, we still love each other. So when we clash between us its just for a while. Whatever we are discussing, thats how we can live

with peace and happiness, Daw Khin Mar Cho said. She added, however, that she worries about young couples today and the portrayals of marriage theyre exposed to in the media. She said the influence of Korean TV dramas, which often show separated spouses, and the

changing attitudes in the country generally are leading young people to be less serious about the values of married life. Monogamy is crucial in life so as not to break up a married couple. If they arent interested in one another they will face problems in the future, Daw Khin Mar Cho said. I think today young people dont think about married life deeply so they are not stable in their married lives. She added that stability for a married couple requires both husband and wife to take responsibility. If they support each other considerately, she said, there is no reason they should split up. U Than Tun agreed, saying the importance of understanding and support in a marriage means that marrying for love leads to better, more prosperous matches than arranged marriages. And what about children? After the couple got married and had children, they said, they struggled and worked hard together to achieve the same status as others. They said they raised their children to be well educated and have high standards, and added, with satisfied and delighted faces, that their children had turned out just as theyd hoped. We have only one son and one daughter so we want them to pass through their lives smoothly. We dont expect anything in return from them. But if we are lucky, we can benefit from them, said U Than Tun. He added that, although everyone has to struggle in life, he felt it was because of his family that he could overcome sins and build up a peaceful and delightful life. I can live well like I do now because we live together, with all family members together sharing happiness, health and wealth. The values that lead to a good marriage, it seems, arent all that different from those that lead to a good life.

Phyo Wai Kyaw

pwkyaw@gmail.com

Film actor Htun Ko Ko and model Khin Wint Wah pose for a picture in Myanmar traditional wedding dress in Yangon last week. Photo: Ko Taik

How I popped the question

While brides-to-be tend to take the lead in navigating wedding chaos, the nerve-wracking initial proposal traditionally falls to the prospective groom. Last week, when The Myanmar Times reporter Su Phyo Win asked men in Yangon and in Singapore to share how they proposed, the stories ranged from girl-next-door romances to long-distance loves, from traditional courtships to decidedly more modern methods of wooing
U Myint Ko Ko Aung 33 years old Engineer, Singapore We became lovers with the help of Google Talk. Originally my sister and my now-wife Yu Lay were neighbours. When I came back from Singapore in 2007, I met Yu Lay. I earnestly requested that Yu Lay should get Gtalk and soon we became friends online. Then I told her online that I loved her. She returned the feelings on her birthday. I gave her a necklace with a locket in the shape of a heart. As I had been working in Singapore and she was staying in Yangon, we didnt have a chance to meet in person like other lovers do. But when I pursued Yu Lays love, I wanted her to know I intended to marry her and live with her for life. I wrote letters to her in a diary, and in 2009, after giving her a note from that diary and a ring, I proposed. She told me later she made up her mind as soon as she saw the notes Id written in the diary. We got married in 2010 and are a happy family. U Ye Naing 32 years old Car dealer, Yangon We met at the training courses we attended after our matriculation examination. We were just friends, but at that time there were many boys who liked her, so I was worried and couldnt leave her alone. I wasnt content just to have her as a girlfriend. One day, she was going to Super One shopping centre and she asked me if I wanted a postcard from her. I said,I dont want a postcard. I told her I wanted to marry her. She was surprised. It was unexpected. At that time, rings were not very popular among our circle, but I had still jumped over some usual steps. She didnt give me any reply, but she kept her eye on me for about two years. Then, in 2003, she was hospitalised at Sanpya Hospital. I gave her two postcards and tried once more to win her love. This time she accepted. It was very memorable to have my proposal of marriage accepted at a hospital. U Saw Nyein Latt 37 years old Engineer, Singapore We met one another while attending a diploma course on economics which lasted two years. We became lovers after one year of doing the course together. When I got a job in Singapore in 2008, I was worried about leaving her alone here in Yangon, because she was much younger than me. I wanted to get married before I went so that she could come along with me. On the day I knew for certain I would be going to Singapore I gave her a wedding ring and proposed marriage. She told me to wait one year, which I did. It required a lot of patience, but the next year, in 2009, we agreed and got married.

U Kyaw Nyunt 63 years old Retired civil engineer, Yangon We were from the same town. My parents and her parents knew each other and we visited each others houses quite often. Id liked her ever since we were very young, but we never went through a period of being lovers. I just asked her

U Than Shwe 61years old Proof editor at The Peoples Age journal, Yangon She is the eldest daughter in her family and she is very particular. I really love the kind of mind she has. We first met when I worked as an assistant at my teachers tuition class near her house. After our relationship had gone on for one year her family learned about it. She was a first-year university student at that time, and her family told her to cut off our relationship or they would have her kicked out of school. I asked her what she wanted to be. She said her only wish was to get married to the one she had chosenas her boyfriend. We couldnt part from one another, so we had only one thing to do: to get married. We couldnt tell our parents openly so we got married secretly. As we understand each other from head to toe and had fallen very deeply in love, we didnt need any ring or some special words to propose.

Ko Myo Mg Mg Kyaw 35 years old Manager of Zayyar Tagon Company, Yangon Weve known each other since our matriculation standard. At that time we were just friends. In 2001 we started our relationship. It lasted more than three years without a wedding. We had talked about getting married, and even when and how, but in real life it didnt come out as we planned because of pressure from relatives on both sides. One day, without taking things too seriously, we were on a date around town and we got to the Yangon railway station. The ticket office was announcing two tickets left to Mandalay. I asked my wife, Shall we go to Mandalay together? And she said yes. We didnt stop to think about any of the problems that would follow. We went to Mandalay for two days and hung around. We didnt have enough money, but we borrowed from friends and had the happiest time together, as we had been facing some problems back home in Yangon. After we came back from Mandalay, our parents arranged for us to get married. I didnt propose to her with a ring or anything. But when we fell in love I had told her father I wanted to marry her in the future.

directly if I could marry her. Before proposing I brought back some orchid seeds from Rakhine State. I planted the seeds, intending to give her the flowers when the buds came out. When she came to Yangon, I gave her an orchid and a love letter. The flowers were meant to relay the message that was difficult for me to say verbally. At that time I was over 30, and was nervous about proposing out loud. But we understood each other as we had known each other for so long. She accepted and we got married three months later.

Third year of marriage regarded as the happiest year

The notorious seven-year itch is regarded as a major cause for breaking up the relationships of a majority of married couples. Now, the reasons for these breakups are tiredness, exhaustion in the middle of increasing workloads. A study was done on 2000 married couples. It was found that the fifth year is the toughest year because all the stress comes home to roost. The first year was depicted as a whirlwind by most, whereas the third year of marriage was described as the happiest of all the years. This is because couples resolve earlier issues and settle into a comfortable co-existence. People who were surveyed voted those seven years to be the wall. If these years passed successfully then the way for a long, happy and enduring relationship is paved. The study found half of total people who were questioned regarded their wedding day as one of the happiest days of their life. However, some said that affectionate glow in their relationship appeared to have quickly faded. Nearly one-third confessed that the love in their marriage has reduced ever since the day of their marriage. Amanda McAlister, family lawyer at Slater & Gordon, which carried out the research, said couples should remember that constant efforts are required to make a marriage successful.
The Huffington Post

As villages grow, wedding traditions change

As urbanisation and modernisation sweep the land, traditional village wedding celebrations are falling out of favour with many young couples, who are increasingly opting for less time-consuming but more costly equivalents
slipped directly into the pockets of the groom.) But sometimes those who can afford to will choose not to ask a village head to run the festivities, and instead hire a professional MC from the city. Make-up artists and wedding dresses are sometimes ordered in from the city as well. While more expensive, todays celebrations are usually shorter than those of the past, according to Ko Htay Lwin. In the past, the wedding receptions started at 7am and ended at 11am. We hosted the guests with pickled tea leaf and some sweet snacks at the wedding reception pavilion. After 11am, guests had to go to the wedding feast pavilion, he said. But today village wedding ceremonies finish in the morning.
Villagers from Moe Min Village near Mingun in central Myanmar travel to a wedding in a nearby village. Photo: Si Thu Lwin

Khin Su Wai
jasminekhin@gmail.com

N the day of a wedding in Myanmars rural villages, it used to be that nobody needed to cook lunch. Nobody, that is, except those hosting the wedding. Tradition dictated that everyone in the village could and would stop by, and that everyone who stopped by would be fed. Today, however, wedding celebrations are limited to close friends and relatives only, as villages are now too large for true communal feasting. And food isnt the only part of the celebration to have changed with the times. As in bigger cities, village weddings have become a professionals game. In our village, there are two wedding feast services, said Ko Soe Hlaing, a 49-year-old single man from Le Thit village, home to about 2000 people in Mandalay Regions Myingyan township. One group cooks normal rice and curries while the other group cooks only chicken rice. Ko Htay Thwin, from the same

They dont want to bother

for a wedding ceremony like in the past. Ko Htay Lwin
Speaking of todays newlyweds, Ko Htaw Lwin said, They dont want to bother for a wedding ceremony like in the past. They serve ice cream at the reception. It cost K700,000 to K800,000. If you order ice cream or something else, you dont need to hire workers for cooking or make food, he said. Another tradition on the wane is the sending of supplies for married life such as blankets, pillows and a mosquito net from the grooms home to the brides home on the evening of the wedding ceremony. Some traditions, however, still remain. Couples often still offer coconut, bananas and sweet snacks to the brides elder relatives. And a groom hailing from another village is still expected to bring gifts of money up to K50,000 in total and distribute the funds among the young men of his wifes village. With so many wedding traditions changing, its interesting to see such mandatory gift-givings are among those traditions still being practised today.
Translated by Thiri Min Htun

village, said one of his nieces recently got married. He said the bridegrooms side covered the cost of the wedding ceremony and therefore took the wedding presents and money. It costs K1 million to invite 1000 guests to a wedding feast, he said. In the past, villagers didnt need to worry about hiring a wedding pavilion. Most people

built a temporary shed in front of their house and put two palm leaves at the entrance. If there was no coconut tree at their house, they would simply borrow from their neighbours. Today, however, villagers close to Mandalay sometimes celebrate their wedding at the hall in Kyauk Mee. Those who choose to stay home instead usually hire a wedding

pavilion building service to build them a beautiful pavilion. There are three or four such services in Le Thit village, with about the same number of amplifier rental services, even though the lack of electricity means the amps have to be powered by generators. In the past, the feast itself might have consisted of rice, pork curry, dhal and clear soup. Now, you see a wider range of choices: Some serve hearty meals of chicken rice, or couples on a smaller budget might opt for mohinga or simply tea and snacks. Bringing in caterers also changes the preparations required. No more do family members need to worry about ironing wet napkins or filling bowls on the dining table for guests to wash their hands in. Usually, however, there are enough pots, plates, bowls, kettles and even napkins for the gathering at the local monastery and religious hall. And the head of the village, acting as master of ceremonies, often brings his own silver bowl to collect up the money given to the newlyweds or more accurately to their parents. (Gifts intended for the couple themselves are often

Wedding Bliss
The Myanmar Times Special Feature
Editor: Myo Lwin Sub-editor Mya Kay Khine Soe, Wade Guyitt Cover Photo Ko Taik Cover models Htun Ko Ko and Khin Wint Wah Dress 7-Picture Wedding Dress Marvelous Wedding Planner and Fabric Fashion Writers Nandar Aung, Phyo Wai Kyaw, Khin Su Wai, Nyein Ei Ei Htwe, Lwin Mar Tun, Ei Thae Thae Naing, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Mya Kay Khine Make-up artist Htet (Pop Soul) Desgin and Layout Tin Zaw Htway, Ko Pxyo, Khin Zaw Photographers Kaung Htet, Aung Htay Hlaing, Boothee

For enquiries and feedback: myolwin@myanmartimes.com.mm

Dressing up for the big day

A wedding ring isnt the only important accessory youll want to be sporting when all eyes turn to you. The Myanmar Times' reporter Nuam Bawi presents some of the hottest wedding designs for 2013 to help you look your best in the moment and in the photos youll cherish for years to come
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4. 14 5.

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Dressing Table @ Franzo No (15/ A-5), Pyay Road, A 1, 9 Miles, Mayangon Township, Yangon. Wedding Gown (Western) @ Exposure No. B-6, Aung San Stadium (North Wings), Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon. Wedding Men Dress (Western) @ Exposure No B-6, Aung San Stadium (North Wings), Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon. Child Gown @ Exposure No. B-6, Aung San Stadium (North Wings), Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon. Shoes for Bride @ Exposure No B-6, Aung San Stadium (North Wings), MIngalar Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon. Dress for guest (Myanmar) @ Vivid Dagon Center-2, Top Floor.

Flower @ Sandy Floral No 102-A, Dhamasayti Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. 8. Flower @ Sandy Floral No 102-A, Dhamasayti Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. 9. Flower @ Sandy Floral No 102-A, Dhamasayti Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. 10. Flower @ Sandy Floral No 102-A, Dhamasayti Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. 11. Wedding Dress for Bride (Myanmar ) @ Marvelous No 6-B, Parami Road, Mayangon Township, Yangon. 12. Gaung Paung (Myanmar ) @ Marvelous No 6-B, Parami Road, Mayangon Township, Yangon. 7.

13. Dress for Bridegroom (Myanmar) @ Marvelous No 6-B, Parami Road, Mayangon Township, Yangon. 14. Dress Longyi for Bridegroom (Myanmar) @ Marvelous No 6-B, Parami Road, Mayangon Township, Yangon. 15. Pearl @ Precious Gems & Jewelry Shop No 29, New University Avenue Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. 16. Sapphire @ Precious Gems & Jewelry Shop No 29, New University Avenue Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. 17. Ruby @ Precious Gems & Jewelry Shop No 29, New University Avenue Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. 18. Shoes @ Lily No. 1/6, corner of Sabal Street and 6th Street, Yuzana Plaza, Yangon.

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Spreading the news

Todays bride and groom find themselves competing with their peers before their wedding has even been announced
to introduce distant friends or family to someone they may be meeting for the first time only at the wedding itself. And so more and more information gets packed into the space, including details of careers, places of work and degrees earned by the couple and even their parents. The designs are becoming more complicated as well. Ko Khin Maung Thans family founded Success Invitation Cards Creation in 2011. He thinks of this service as auspicious work. But he also said weddings are changing: Those at the top of their fields who celebrate at Yangons most expensive hotels and venues often spend over K3000 apiece on invitation cards, he said, and look on the cards as an opportunity to spread news of both their wedding and their wealth. Before 2006, people who could afford it used printed cards with gold and silver lettering. But after While at one time cards used pink and gold colours for traditional weddings, now they come in all colours in the rainbow, and even a few that arent. Some choose to match their invitation card with their wedding dress. Its a long process to go from selection to finished product. We take five days for normal design and ten days for standard, Ko Khin Maung Than said. For special design, we take even three weeks. For handmade designs of silk and ribbons, it takes up to one month. When an invitation card comes to a home, guests often look at it and criticise the bride or bridegroom for either being too cheap or too showy. But they also use the card to decide what level of gift is required, which means some influential people are loaded down with expensive invitation cards demanding equally grand gestures in return. If you hold a high-level appointment, you shouldnt use normal invitation cards as you respect your guests, said a 36-yearold man who didnt wish his name to be used. But there is one catch: If you invite a guest who cant manage too much, this invitation will be a burden on them. When planning his wedding, he said, he and his fiance divided their guests into two categories: For youths and normal guests, I gave standard invitation cards, and for my superior officers, I gave special invitation cards. People who are already married agree that wedding celebrations and invitation cards are not as important as living together with their beloved for as long as they both shall live. Those preparing to get married, however, want their weddings to be

Mya Kay Khine

mya.simplefly@gmail.com

EDDING invitations these days arent just designed to spread the news of a happy couples impending nuptials. Theyre also carefully calibrated attempts to advertise the prestige of the affianced pair and their families, not to mention ways of paying respect to and soliciting gifts from their more influential acquaintances. It wasnt always this way. U Aung Than, 62, was married in 1977 and lives in Yangon. In our time, he said, most people didnt compete to hold the greatest wedding. The best invitation cards as are used now didnt exist. Cards opened on one

A woman checks a sample invitation card at a shop in Yangon last month. Photo: KMT

invitation cards, and for my superior officers, I gave special invitation cards. 36-year-old married man
side. There were no pages of words inserted into the middle of the card. These invitation words were put on the inside of the card itself. At one time, people with wealthy relatives used invitation cards. But others, especially in rural areas, often spread the news to their neighbours and friends most of whom already knew both families simply by dropping by their houses bearing small gifts of cigarettes or flowers. For busy urban couples, however, cards are a must. And to cater to that growing demographic, more designs are available now than ever before. Many couples are seeking 2006, fancier cards imported from foreign countries became the norm. There are three kinds of card, said Ko Khin Maung Than, normal design, standard design and special design. Normal design is also known as old design. These would have been the best cards in 2006. Now the latest design, special design, is those after 2012. Normal design cards are printed with spaces ready for the name of the bride and bridegroom. Standard design cards are larger, and use silver and gold lettering. Special design cards are thicker still, and the most expensive even use silk and ribbons.

For youths and normal guests, I gave standard

picture-perfect, even if that means being forced to spend money to keep up with ever-more-elaborate standards of invitation cards before the big day even arrives. But not everyone is caught up in the trend. Most girls want to have the

best wedding, said Ko Myo Myint Aung. He lives in Moegoke and got married in February 2013. My wifes family is more rich [than mine is], but we celebrated our wedding as I wanted. When we got married, we spent more on feeding our guests instead.

South Koreas growing credit problem

Lucy Williamson
South Koreans are spending more than they earn. After decades of strong economic growth, a nation of careful savers has given birth to a credit culture that has been labelled a ticking time bomb. Park Jong-hyun has put on a jacket for his visit to Koreas National Happiness Fund. The thin, shiny material catches the strip lights as he and his wife wait their turn at the counter. About 150,000 people like him have applied to the fund since it opened five months ago a new government initiative designed to help the poorest Koreans manage their debt. But not everyone agrees this kind of debt amnesty is the answer. Its been designed as a one-time solution for those on the lowest incomes and is scheduled to run only for five years, but critics say it will encourage people to default. The schemes general manager, Kwon Young-dae, points to the strict criteria for applications and to the profile of those applying: the average debt of applicants is just over US$10,000, he says, and their average income is less than half that. This isnt about funding lavish lifestyles, he added. The National Happiness Fund was a key campaign pledge of the current South Korean president, Park Geun-hye, who has vowed to tackle growing inequality in the country. Its the most dramatic side of the countrys debt problem, but South Koreas credit culture spreads far beyond its poorest citizens. The pressure to spend money on brand names and high-end consumer goods has spiralled since the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s, even as the economy has slowed. Kim Dae-soon has just gotten married, so he knows all about spending money. Korean weddings are ringed with traditional customs, many of which have acquired a new, modern price-tag. Expected gifts include new suits for all the brides male in-laws and expensive jewellery, accessories and make-up for her in addition to the usual costs of ceremony, reception and honeymoon. Some things about getting married are very stressful here because there are certain standards that need to be met - traditional standards and modern standards, Mr Kim said. Traditional marriage is about the concept of hyo, or respect, and deference to ones parents, but the modern marriage is all about spending money. Its become very commercialised. Mr Kims parents got married in their village, with the help of their neighbours. His wedding and modest rental apartment cost $300,000 - mostly because Koreas unique system of rental deposits means that anyone trying to set up home faces a steep investment. And recent research has found that even in the past three years, the cost of getting married in South Korea has grown by 30pc. BBC

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Most romantic honeymoon getaways

When youre getting married in one of the worlds top travel destinations, why bother looking elsewhere for the honeymoon? It was impossible to choose just five perfect spots, so here are our top six choices for newlyweds looking to get away from it all during their first trip as a married couple
ei thae thae naing
eithaethaenaing@gmail.com

Chaungtha Its one of the most popular beaches in Myanmar, so you may not think that returning to a place youve already been with friends and family is very exotic. But for that first trip with your soul mate, it will feel like a whole new experience. Yangon to Chaungtha by bus takes about six hours, and provides a picturesque view of the hills and small villages along the way. The prices at the resorts are fair compared to other well-known beaches, and you can visit the small villages nearby for souvenirs, local snacks and maybe even some new swimwear. After all, the beach is the real attraction here: You can ride horses and bicycles along the waters edge, go for a swim, then dry off and eat delicious, fresh seafood from the local market while watching the waves roll in. What better way to unwind after tying the knot? Ngwe Saung The road from Yangon forks at Pathein, and if you take the road that doesnt go to Chaungtha youll find yourself at another beach paradise further down the coast, one with even clearer waters. The roads have improved recently and the beach itself boasts several resorts and a small village. Endless white sand beaches are the perfect place for long romantic walks in which you share memories of the wedding and plan for a future together that will seem as wide and inviting as the water before you. And what better time for an excursion to nearby Lovers Island than on your honeymoon? Ngapali Theres no other way to say it: Ngapali in Rakhine State is Myanmars most beautiful beach. A 45-minute flight from Yangon takes you to Thandwe, and from there its just a 5-10 minute drive to reach sea air that will make you feel refreshed just to be breathing it in. The water is the clearest; the sand is the whitest there just isnt any place better to watch the sun setting over the Bay of Bengal. Theres also a fishing village nearby, so dont forget to take a break from soaking up the suns rays to soak up a bit of the local Rakhine culture as well. Inle Why head to water if theres no beach? The answer is that Inle is one of Myanmars most beguiling locales. Its full of tradition and a must-see for all visitors to the country, so if your perfect honeymoon involves more than just relaxing on the sand, it may also be perfect for you. Most villagers the Intha live on wood or bamboo houses built on the lake itself. Their lifestyle is simple and their fishing style rowing their boats by foot is famous. Its a 14-hour trip by car from Yangon, and the water markets are only open during pagoda festivals, so plan your trip carefully. What better way to celebrate the end of the Buddhist Lent period than with an October wedding and subsequent trip to the Phaung Daw Oo pagoda festival following the Thadingyut light festival celebrations? Mandalay A visit to Mandalay is a visit to the place where the last of the Myanmar royalty reigned. What better place to explore with the

Kids and adults play at Chaungtha. Photo: The Myanmar Times

newly crowned king or queen of your own heart? The palace and royal buildings are only some of many must-see landmarks. Youll also want to head out of the city to the U Bein bridge, where you can take pictures or even hire a boat to take you out on the water for a better view of the sunset or sunrise. Back in town, the climb up Mandalay Hill is a steep challenge but will give the two of you plenty of excuses to find a quiet bench to rest, chat and enjoy the panoramic view of the city and your future stretching before you. Bagan If you want to start your married

life by paying respect at pagodas, what better place than Bagan? The most famous ancient city in Myanmar has thousands of them, ranging from awe-inspiring monuments to smaller tributes now nearly overgrown by brush. A horse and cart or, better yet, two bicycles seems the ideal way to explore. Its 11 hours from Yangon by car, but a flight lasts less than an hour. Just remember that, regardless of what the guidebooks recommend atop a pagoda or hundreds of feet up in a hot-air balloon there is no one perfect place from which to see the sunset in Bagan. The fact is, theyre all perfect.

Hotels in Chaungtha await holiday makers and especially newly-weds. Photo: The Myanmar Times

12

When joining hands means crossing cultures

Shakespeare wrote that one should not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments. But what about when two minds hold different beliefs?
and meet at each of our houses before marriage, we have to live in a house [together] after marriage, and the negotiation starts from that time, said Ko Nay. One of the first challenges for Ko Nay and his wife was food. He said he was able to eat only his wifes Shan foods for about six months, but after that he couldnt go without his own familiar food any longer. After six months I couldnt stand it and asked her to cook Burmese curries. Then she ordered them for me every day. I feel sorry for overloading her and making her busier but I also cant eat Shan foods, he said. Though he found no problems The language issue came to the fore when the couple had a son and had to choose whether he should grow up speaking Shan or Myanmar. As we live in Myanmar, my son has to speak well in Burmese, I think. But hes surrounded by Shan [people] and they speak the Shan language. I asked them to speak in Burmese, but they worried for their customs and traditions. We talked about it and finally we made an agreement that they wont use the Shan language in front of me, Ko Nay said. But Ko Nay said it was good luck that their shared religious beliefs present no hurdle for his

Nyein Ei Ei Htwe
nyeineieihtwe23@gmail.com

Film actors drink champagne at a wedding fair in Yangon. Photo: Lwin Maung Maung

VER the course of a marriage, differences of opinion can sometimes drive a wedge between a couple, or even lead to divorce. Thats true even for insignificant matters. When it comes to the larger issues faith, culture, customs, language the challenges can be even greater. For some cross-cultural couples, however, theyre just another everyday part of the joys and struggles of marriage. Ko Nay, a Bamar man whose wife is Shan, lives in Pyin Oo Lwin township in Mandalay Region. He said love alone cant bring together two lives for a successful marriage. He said negotiation is also important. I wont argue that love isnt important for marriage. But we shouldnt forget we have to be patient for the rest of our lives for that love. Though we can date

If you think only you are right, and only your nationality and your customs are important, therell be fights forever. Salai Aung Myint
before marriage, he said that at times listening to the Shan language becomes a challenge. They [his wife and others] speak in the Shan language, Ko Nay said.I could ignore their talking at first but later I became lonely because I cant speak it. family. If that wasnt the case, he said, they would have to deal with that the same way they talk about other issues, large or small. If we were not of the same religion, we would need to discuss it openly. Even if you dont have a very strong belief in religion, you

should discuss it openly before marriage. You can follow whatever your partner wants out of love but after marriage, you have to stay together, he said. Ma Phyo, who is married to an Australian man, agreed with Ko Nay, saying that food and language sometimes present obstacles for a married couple from different backgrounds. I can speak English well but when we quarrel I sometimes cant find an English word to match what I want to say to him. As it is not my mother tongue, I need to choose my words ahead of time, said Ma Phyo. Ma Phyo and her husband were married in 2005. The odd quarrel aside, they said, the two of them along with their two-year-old daughter have a peaceful life together. Ma Phyo believes their shared taste in food is one thing to helps them get along. He can eat Burmese curries with rice and even likes to eat mohinga or salads. But if he doesnt like some curries, he wont ask for them. Me too; when I dont like some of his meals, I dont ask for them again. But we dont complain or criticise each other, Ma Phyo said. In the kitchen or out of it, the habits of East and West can sometimes be totally different. Ma Phyo suggested that couples have to change their thoughts and learn to compromise for a peaceful life even if that means coming to terms with the fact that your partner had an independent life before the two of you met. In our Burmese custom, people used to think the first love will be until the end of life But marriage is the real commitment for life in Western countries, so its not important what happened before they were married. So we shouldnt be jealous of their expartners and shouldnt repeatedly talk what they did in past, Ma Phyo said. Learning to look ahead became especially important with the birth of their daughter, as each partner had to learn the styles of the other as they planned their future together. They [Westerners] are used to speaking out directly from their mind. But our custom is that, before we speak, we need to think and think. So we should look at all situations from both sides and talk openly about what we each want, said Ma Phyo.

These necessities of compromise lead Ma Phyo to believe that respect, patience and mutual understanding are required to build a successful married life. She said you cant marry only out of love if you dont have those things as well. We dont change each other. We have to accept who we are, Ma Phyo said. Salai Aung Myint, a Chin man who works for an NGO, has been married for five months to his Karen wife. He agreed that love is only half of whats importance in cross-cultural marriages. The most important is to keep yourself broad-minded and prepared before marriage. If you are peaceful, accepting and understanding of each other, you dont have to discuss every last detail. But if you think only you are right, and only your nationality and customs are important, therell be fights forever. He said there are many different Chin customs, so letting his wife learn about where he comes from and what he represents is important to him. But he also has to compromise. Sometimes, we have to neglect some of our customs rather than holding on to them forever. I have to understand what she wants to be so we can ask one another for our needs and wants. As we come from different cultures, we need to discuss everything, said Salai Aung Myint. Partners who speak two languages should be prepared to act as interpreters for those who dont, he said. When we visited my hometown, near the Indian border, there was some worry because she cant speak our Chin language. My relatives wanted to speak with her but I needed to translate what they said. Some felt a little sad because they wanted to be close with her. The couple attends both Karen and Chin traditional events, Salai Aung Myint added. Love plays an important part in marriage, but there cant be a fire with only a spark. Mutual understanding and negotiation from both sides will make the perfect and successful marriage life. Its a balance thats important in any marriage, cross-cultural or not. We should listen to our hearts, Salai Aung Myint suggested,but dont forget to accept the decisions of our brains.

13

Need a hand with your big day?

Wedding planners are relatively new in Myanmar, but engaged couples who can afford to are getting help with everything from adding up expenses to slimming down for that one perfect dress
Nandar Aung
nandaraung.mcm@gmail.com

AW Thazin Min Khaing, managing director of the Romantic wedding planner group, has worked as a wedding planner for over two years. Ironically, she says, it wasnt a career she ever planned on. Before I started as a professional I used to help out with my friends wedding ceremonies, she said. From that moment, I become a wedding planner without any notice. Seeing her talents, one of her friends suggested she should take up wedding planning as a career. At that time, I didnt know that I could be [a wedding planner]. First I put an advert in the newspaper. At the end of 2011, I got my first client. A wedding planner is a professional who assists with the design, planning and management of a clients wedding from beginning to end. The planner also has to work with the couple to set a budget, and help out with the complicated documentation and paperwork. While a wedding only lasts a couple of hours, it serves as an important memory for the rest of the wedded couples lives. Accordingly, some couples want every detail to be perfect, and are willing to pay to have someone else take on the worry on their behalf.

Models pose at a wedding fair in Yangon. Photo: Lwin Maung Maung

A top wedding planner from Europe or the United States can earn US$120,000 a year, Daw Thazin Min Khaing says. In Myanmar the industry isnt quite so lucrative, but whether here or abroad, one certainty is that the higher the cost of the wedding, the higher the fee for the wedding planner. Daw Thazin Min Khaing pegs the average price of her clients weddings at somewhere between

K2 million and K5 million, including wedding dress, ballroom, make-up and so on. Her own fees come out to about 10 percent,

usually K200,000 but sometimes up to K500,000. But dont get the impression thats easy money, she says. When the client comes I ask what they want and how their budget is and what they want to do. And then I collect the facts and start planning a detailed checklist. There have been some instances in which brides have asked me how to lose weight. Others have asked me to serve as an usher on their wedding day. She said seating guests she doesnt know is an even trickier task than helping the bride to be comfortable with her appearance on the big day. The usher work is difficult to do for me. As a tradition, Myanmar people like to be welcomed by the people they know. As for me, I like people who know me to welcome me on their wedding day. As wedding planners, we might meet people we dont know and that makes things difficult. But I see some services advertise that they will serve as ushers. She said one foreign wedding tradition that would make seating guests easier hasnt yet caught on here. The RSVP system and a table number put in a wedding ceremony invitation card can solve the seating problem. But In Myanmar the RSVP system is

undeveloped and most invitation cards Ive seen dont show the table number. There are other differences, she said, between planners here and abroad. In foreign countries, the wedding planner sets aside a couple of hours for the client. If the time ends they charges extra as a service fee. But Myanmar planners will give more time for their clients. Still, she said, its the recent influence of foreign experience that has helped establish the role here. Parents used to arrange the wedding by themselves. They used to practise wedding traditions one generation after the next. So some of them didnt accept the wedding planner. They didnt know what the job of a wedding planner is. But by 2012, some Myanmar people who work in foreign countries were coming back to Myanmar and holding their weddings here. They didnt want to come back early [in order to arrange the wedding themselves], so they started to join up with wedding planners. Like weddings themselves, it seems, the job of the wedding planner is a mix of the old and the new. And if youre willing to break with tradition and willing to pay someone to help you do it it might just be for you.

14

All that glitters: Diamonds outshine gold for Chinese brides

nder a black-andwhite framed photo of the New York skyline, a bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne cools in the private bridal salon at Tiffany & Cos flagship Shanghai store, while white roses and love poems set the mood for Chinas Romeo to pop the question to his Juliet. The room, dotted with splashes of the jewellers iconic eggshell blue, has been busy of late, as young Chinese, drawn by the allure of diamonds, increasingly choose the sparkling gems over traditional gold baubles to mark their marriage vows. Chinas diamond market, now the worlds second-largest after the United States, has more than tripled to US$22.8 billion over the last five years, according to data from market research firm Euromonitor, steadily gobbling up market share from gold and far outstripping the growth rate in Chinas 465 billion yuan ($76 billion) jewellery sector. [In China] we now have more and more young people making their declarations and proposal ceremonies within our bridal rooms, said Stephane Lafay, Tiffanys head of Asia Pacific and Japan, who said couples were

attracted to the romantic image of the jewellers well-known little blue box. At the centre of the trend are Chinas 13 million brides each year, who are increasingly demanding diamonds. All along, my husband and I always thought that we would buy a diamond ring, so it never crossed my mind he might not. I think Id have been pretty cross if he hadnt, said Zhou Lijuan, 27, an accountant in a state-owned company in Shanghai, with a 50,000 yuan ($8,200) diamond ring.

including Hong Kong, to the second-largest diamond jewellery market after the United States, according to Bain & Co, and along with India, it is expected to be the main driver of growth for the $72 billion global market. The appeal of diamonds, long linked with wedding bells in Europe and America, hasnt always been so strong in China, where the bride-to-bes family was often responsible for supplying a goldbased dowry of rings, bracelets and other trinkets. In my mums generation,

Chinas 13 million brides each year are increasingly demanding diamonds.

To be sure, gold is still hugely popular in China, both as jewellery and as an investment. The World Gold Council said earlier this year that China was set to challenge Indias position as the worlds top gold consumer, with 2013 demand soaring more than 20 percent to 1000 tonnes. But diamonds have steadily increased as a share of Chinas overall jewellery market, accounting for just under one-third now from one-quarter five years ago, according to Euromonitor. This has propelled Greater China, women were really just interested in gold. The womans family would prepare a gold bracelet themselves, and the mans side would arrange a golden betrothal gift, added Zhou, who got married in 2012. But tastes are changing. Chinas modern consumers have much more exposure to Western culture than their parents, including books, films and television that often involve heroines or romantic leads receiving or wearing a diamond ring. Western films have a kind of
A Chinese couple get married in San Fransisco in the United States. Photo: theknot.com

bridge effect, so when Chandler buys a diamond ring for Monica in Friends, it really left a deep impression, said Lily Cai, 30, a civil servant in Shanghai, referring to the hit US television series. A diamond ring is a symbol of love, and the larger the diamond the deeper the love, she added. She now has a diamond ring from Chinese jewellers Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd which cost

43,000 yuan. The sparkle of Chinas diamond industry has tempted jewellers, miners and dealers alike. Global auction house Sothebys is set to offer a huge white diamond in Hong Kong at the start of October, which would be the most expensive white diamond ever sold at auction if it hits its $28 million lower pre-sale target. From 2006 until now weve seen a threefold increase, close to 200pc of Asian buyers purchasing jewellery worldwide. What theyve really focused on, of course, is diamonds, said Patti Wong, chairman of Sothebys Asia, who added Chinese buyers were showing increasing confidence about snapping up the most expensive gems. De Beers, the largest diamond producer by value and majorityowned by miner Anglo American Plc, sees China as driving growth over the next four years. It has five diamond-focused outlets in China with more set to open this year. The incentive is clear. Tiffanys Lafay said over the last 20 years, the number of people buying diamond engagement rings has risen from less than 1pc to more than 50pc in urban China. More than half of the countrys 1.3 billion population now live in cities. Even traditionally gold-focused jewellers, such as Chinas Chow Tai Fook, are looking to up exposure to diamonds. The worlds biggest jewellery retailer by market value, it recently struck a deal with Russian miner AK Alrosa OAO to ensure its diamond supply. Mainland Chinese are becoming more westernised, so they tend to select diamond rings for their engagement proposal and wedding, said Chow Tai Fooks managing director Kent Wong. China will also be a critical market for Rio Tinto Plcs diamond business, after the worlds No. 3 miner scrapped a planned sale of the unit earlier this year. Rio Tinto has now set up links with Chow Tai Fook, and last week invited 100 jewellery experts in Hong Kong to see its latest diamond haul.
Reuters

15

50 wedding traditions and superstitions

Everyones got a know-it-all in the family: the uncle who spits out World Series stats at the drop of a hat, the sister who can list all the James Bond flicks in reverse chronological order, the reptile-enthusiast cousin. Were proud to be your wedding equivalent here are 50 wedding facts to ponder as you plan your big day
1. Hey, brides, tuck a sugar cube into your glove according to Greek culture, the sugar will sweeten your union. 2. The English believe a spider found in a wedding dress means good luck. Yikes! 3. In English tradition, Wednesday is considered the best day to marry, although Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health. 4. The groom carries the bride across the threshold to bravely protect her from evil spirits lurking below. 5. Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day, according to English folklore. Funny its the most popular day of the week to marry! 6. Ancient Romans studied pig entrails to determine the luckiest time to marry. 7. Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition! 8. For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day. Ouch! 9. Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye. 10. Peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds instead of rice. 11. A Swedish bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to ensure that shell never do without. 12. A Finnish bride traditionally went door-to-door collecting gifts in a pillowcase, accompanied by an older married man who represented long marriage. 13. Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify themselves before their wedding ceremony. 14. In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds home as a symbol of fertility and luck. 15. Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart. 16. About 70 percent of all brides sport the traditional diamond on the fourth finger of their left hand. 17. Priscilla Presleys engagement ring was a whopping 3.5-carat rock surrounded by a detachable row of smaller diamonds. 18. Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the 15th century. 19. In the symbolic language of jewels, a sapphire in a wedding ring means marital happiness. 20. A pearl engagement ring is said to be bad luck because its shape echoes that of a tear. 21. One of historys earliest engagement rings was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. She was two years old at the time. 22. Seventeen tons of gold are made into wedding rings each year in the United States! 23. Snake rings dotted with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands in Victorian England the coils winding into a circle symbolized eternity. 24. Aquamarine represents marital harmony and is said to ensure a long, happy marriage. 25. Queen Victoria started the Western worlds white wedding dress trend in 1840 before then, brides simply wore their best dress. 26. In parts of Asia, wearing robes with embroidered cranes symbolises fidelity for the length of a marriage. 27. Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since. 28. On her wedding day, Grace Kelly wore a dress with a bodice made from beautiful 125-year-old lace. 29. Of course, Jackie Kennedys bridesmaids were far from frumpy. She chose pink silk faille and red satin gowns created by African-American designer Ann Lowe (also the creator of Jackies dress). 30. In Japan, white was always world including Celtic, Hindu and Egyptian weddings the hands of a bride and groom are literally tied together to demonstrate the couples commitment to each other and their new bond as a married couple (giving us the popular phrase tying the knot). 44. The Roman goddess Juno rules over marriage, the hearth, and childbirth, hence the popularity of June weddings. 45. Princess Victoria established the tradition of playing Wagners Bridal Chorus during her wedding processional in 1858. 46. The bride stands to the grooms left during a Christian ceremony, because in bygone days the groom needed his right hand free to fight off other suitors. 47. On average, 7000 couples marry each day in the United States. 48. Valentines Day and New Years Eve are the two busiest marriage days in Las Vegas elopement central! 49. The Catholic tradition of posting the banns to announce a marriage originated as a way to ensure the bride and groom were not related. 50. Stag parties were first held by ancient Spartan soldiers, who kissed their bachelor days goodbye with a raucous party.
Theknot.com

the colour of choice for bridal ensembles long before Queen Victoria popularised it in the Western world. 31. Most expensive wedding ever? The marriage of Sheik Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoums son to Princess Salama in Dubai in May 1981. The price tag? US$44 million. 32. In Korea, brides don bright hues of red and yellow to take their vows. 33. Brides carry or wear something old on their wedding day to symbolise continuity with the past. 34. In Denmark, brides and grooms traditionally cross-dressed to confuse evil spirits! 35. The something blue in a bridal ensemble symbolises purity, fidelity and love. 36. In Egypt, the brides family traditionally does all the cooking for a week after the wedding, so the couple can relax. 37. In South Africa, the parents

of both bride and groom traditionally carried fire from their hearths to light a new fire in the newlyweds hearth. 38. The tradition of a wedding cake comes from ancient Rome, where revellers broke a loaf of bread over a brides head for fertilitys sake. 39. The custom of tiered cakes emerged from a game where the bride and groom attempted to kiss over an ever-higher cake without knocking it over. 40. Queen Victorias wedding cake weighed a whopping 300 pounds. 41. Legend says single women will dream of their future husbands if they sleep with a slice of grooms cake under their pillows. 42. An old wives tale: If the younger of two sisters marries first, the older sister must dance barefoot at the wedding or risk never landing a husband. 43. In many cultures around the

10 facts about Germany

The Financial Cooperation implemented by KfW will support Myanmar in its endeavour of poverty reduction and the development of a prosperous, just and peaceful society