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July 23 - 29, 2012 Myanmar’s first international weekly Volume 32, No. 636 1200 Kyats

YANGON – Bogyoke Aung San and eight other slain independence heroes were honoured at an official ceremony last week that underscored the political changes sweeping the country.

Vice President Dr Sai M a u k K h a m l e d t h e memorial for General Aung San and others killed on July 19, 1947, by political rivals while they were holding a meeting in the Secretariat shortly before independence.

The high-level presence at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum in Yangon marked a departure from recent years when the Yangon mayor was the official representative at low-key ceremonies to mark the anniversary.

In another sign of change, the event was broadcast live on state television.

After the ceremony, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi paid homage at the mausoleum with three baskets of flowers, followed by relatives of the other late independence heroes, as well as diplomats and members of the public.

Later she addressed party

supporters at the National League for Democracy headquarters, calling on youth members to embrace the spirit of the martyrs.

“The martyr spirit is a noble spirit. We should respect the martyr leaders in order to increase the noble spirit of our country,” she said.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also attended the official Martyrs’ Day event in 2011, her first appearance at the remembrance ceremony in nine years.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was only two years old when she lost her father, who is widely hailed as the architect of Myanmar’s liberation from British rule but who died six months before the end of colonial rule.

B o g y o k e A u n g S a n remains a potent symbol of pride in Myanmar, but for years his image was rarely seen in public.

Pictures of the independence leader and his daughter are now widely seen in one of the most visible signs of change under the reformist government. – AFP

Our heroes honouredat Yangonceremony

NEWSUS ‘looking closely’ at import ban waiver > 7

NEWSQuestions over stock exchange timeline > 12-13

Top: Vice President Dr Sai Mauk Kham presents a wreath on behalf of the government at Martyrs’ Mausoleum in Yangon on July 19. Bottom: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the mausoleum. Pics: Kaung Htet

Commentthe MyanMar tiMes

2July 23 - 29, 2012

The Mail Box

Got something to say? We want to hear from you. Address all correspondence to the Editor, The Myanmar Times (English). We endeavour to respond to all correspondence in a timely manner.Email: your.myanmar.times@gmail.com

IN general, governments react to changes in foreign lands based on their own selfish interests, not on whether those changes are inherently good or bad.

That was clearly demonstrated by the differing responses of the world’s superpowers, China and the United States, to the sweeping and sudden reforms in Myanmar.

When President U Thein Sein replaced former Senior General Than Shwe last year, there was profound skepticism in the West, especially in Washington, about whether his reformist moves were sincere.

The US and other formerly rabid Myanmar bashers expressed begrudging encouragement in the “okay, but still could do better” schoolmarmish style.

Taking a different tack, the Chinese expressed unreserved goodwill towards U Thein Sein and his new government. They did that despite grave misgivings about his reforms, and their horror at the decision to suspend work on the giant Myitsone dam on Myanmar’s border with China.

B u t B e i j i n g i s s u e d n o sanctimonious rebukes; instead, it continued doing what it has always done – trading with and investing heavily in its strategically key southern neighbour.

U Thein Sein’s team also went on introducing reforms in their own way and at their own pace, so that it was soon apparent that, despite Western worries, they were indeed sincere.

Last month, the president vowed to introduce a “second wave of reforms”, including a minimum wage law and the privatisation of sections of the education, energy, finance and health sectors.

On the political front, he launched the “second wave” earlier this month by freeing 46 prisoners, including several well-known political dissidents. Indeed, any lack of sincerity came more from the US and other Western nations, which, having promised to reciprocate each reformist step taken by Nay Pyi Taw, instead dallied and hedged.

Last week Washington finally eased some of its remaining sanctions to permit American firms

to invest in Myanmar.Unlike US companies in Ethiopia,

Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and other repressive spots, however, those going into newly democratic Myanmar face daunting hurdles.

They must, for instance, explain their companies’ policies regarding human r ights , corruption, social responsibility and the environment.

Meanwhile, Washington’s ban on imports from Myanmar, which Nay Pyi Taw says is shackling industrial growth and job creation, remains in place. As if that were not bad enough, President Barack Obama even signed an executive order to broaden the remaining sanctions.

Now sanctions encompass actions that weaken reform, violate human rights, instigate ethnic strife, involve arms deals with North Korea, criticise the Chicago White Sox and insufficiently extol basketball. Well, no, not the last two, of course, but really the crabby, half-heartedness of it is deeply vexing, to say the least.

Luckily for Washington, it now appears that the Chinese might shoot themselves in the foot and lose their frontrunner status.

They risk doing that, not by American-style whining about the depth or sincerity of reform, but because they fear U Thein Sein is moving too fast and too broadly.

China’s state media has already warned that democracy may not work for Myanmar.

Last month, the Communist Party-run Global Times asserted that U Thein Sein’s “excessive and hasty” moves towards “Western-style democracy” may be dangerous and “provide chances for all kinds of extremists”.

The article highlighted recent communal clashes in Rakhine State that left many dead and thousands homeless, and it said that such conflicts “may get worse and run out of control” if reforms continue.

Actually, China’s major concern is that full democracy will flower in Myanmar and will become entrenched and successful.

Then, like equally authoritarian Laos and Vietnam, it will face increased pressure to start reforms and democratise itself.

Thus, for equal and opposite reasons, China and the US are pulling Myanmar in opposite directions. If U Thein Sein can keep his cool, he will cannily play them off against each other and reap the benefits from both.

Giants pull Myanmar in different directions

I HAVE a confession to make: I’m a petrol head. I love cars, motorcycles, motorboats and airplanes – basically anything that makes a lot of noise, burns fossil fuel and goes fast.

Before the ministries of railways and commerce announced an import substitution program aimed at removing older vehicles from the road, I was also the proud owner of a 1970s-era Volkswagen Beetle. It was a little rusty and had a very indecisive manual gearbox but I loved it.

However, when the overage car import substitution was announced my wife and I made the decision that “Molly”, as we’d named the car, had to go.

In selling the car we made a small profit, which was far smaller than it might have been if we’d waited a few weeks but substantially more than many people, who effectively lost whatever they paid for their vehicles.

The problem was that some people received advance notice that the program was about to be announced, after which the oldest cars on the road would become valuable commodities. And they used that information ruthlessly to buy older vehicles at the lowest possible prices from people who, like most of us, were unaware of the impending announcement.

It was, in effect, insider trading and it left the mostly poor owners of these old vehicles in a difficult position, having sold what was a vital family asset just days before prices doubled or tripled. The new prices meant that few could afford to buy a replacement vehicle.

Since the first announcement the import substitution program has undergone several small adjustments, been suspended, revived and adjusted again – all within nine months.

A senior private banker told me some months ago that the Central Bank needed to be clear in its decision making and inform the market immediately of its intentions. I feel the same logic needs to apply to the car market: a plan needs to be laid out to the car-buying public so that people can make an informed decision.

It’s clear that the days when

cars would appreciate in value are over – surely a good thing – but buyers are paying a price for outdated thinking. Think here of the people who bought cars from the first few batches of imports – the Toyota Harriers, Mark II sedans and Mitsubishi Pajeros.

Buyers paid up to K50 million (more than US$60,000 at the time) for vehicles that sold in Japan for less than $5500. Since then prices have fallen fast: A 1999 model Toyota Harrier can be bought now for K18 million, while Mark II sedans are sold at showrooms for K16 million and less.

Of course, individual buyers have faired much better than those entrepreneurs who set up car showrooms and imported cars in bulk; some are rumoured to have lost tens of millions of dollars.

Running a business always comes with risks but clear direction from the start would have al lowed everybody to make better decisions. And if I’d known that Molly was safe from being taken off the road by the government – the engine always ran flawlessly – I’d never have sold her because most of the new cars entering the country are utterly boring, hugely overpriced and almost always come with an

expensive-to-repair automatic transmission.

It strikes me that in announcing the different programs the government also made a serious safety error – somewhat ironically, given safety (and environmental) concerns were used to justify taking the old vehicles off the road.

W h i l e o v e r p r i c e d a n d restricted, previous imports were all left-hand drive vehicles, which makes sense given that cars are driven on the right hand side of the road. But Japan, that Mecca for used car purchases, is a right-hand drive market. As a result, more than 99 percent of cars being imported have the driver sitting on the wrong side of the vehicle. This is clearly unsafe.

Add in most drivers’ disdain for road rules, speed limits, seatbelts, headlights and staying in the correct lanes and you have a recipe for disaster. Yet it could all have been so easily avoided by requiring all imported cars be left-hand drive.

The whole import program smacks of policy made on the run, which sends the wrong signal to both domestic and international businesses and is most definitely not what a modern developed nation needs.

Pic: Kaung Htet

Make a plan, stick to it

Dear Editor,

I refer to the article, “Concerns growing with MSG over-use” that was published in the Food and Beverage feature in the June 25 edition of The Myanmar Times. It is a blessing for Myanmar people that such an article is published in the media and the problems here with MSG should be featured much more often, and in many other Myanmar-language publications.

When I studied as a chef in a French fine dining restaurant in 1980 we were told to never put more than 1 tablespoon of MSG for a 50 litre soup, which is equal to 250 portions. But Myanmar restaurants regularly use one teaspoon for a single portion and even in non-cooked salads.

Myanmar is a country rich in vegetables, herbs, meat and fish – it does not need

chemicals in its food.To learn from Dr Sett Paing Lynn Khant

through this article that it’s actually illegal to sell MSG because it was banned in 2000 by the government makes one wonder where the enforcement of such a straightforward rule is.

The Myanmar Chefs Association follows the “healthy food guidelines”, issued by the World Association of Chefs Societies, which stresses that MSG should not be used at all. Many companies around the world state that they do not use MSG in their products and use this pledge as a marketing tool. The Myanmar chefs of yesterday never needed MSG so why should it be used now?

Oliver E Soe ThetPresident, Myanmar Chefs AssociationNgapali Beach – Lilli’s Restaurant

Opinion by Stuart Deed

AsiA Focus

InsIde Cover with Roger Mitton

news3the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

By Victoria Bruce and Juliet Shwe Gaung

THE head of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative said the outcome of his team’s visit to Myanmar last week was “well above expectations”.

The visit included meetings with nine government ministers, almost a dozen civil society organisations, foreign energy firms and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been vocal in her advocacy for greater transparency in Myanmar’s extractive industries.

Mr Jonas Moberg, head of the EITI International Secretariat, said at a press conference on July 17 he was “very encouraged” by the discussions he had during the two-day visit.

The government has on several occasions said it plans to sign up to EITI, w h i c h w o r k s o n t h e principle that companies and governments should disclose payments for natural resources. While it has not yet submitted an application, Mr Moberg said Minister for Industry U Soe Thein had “very strongly” reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing EITI and to ensuring rapid progress in terms of implementation.

He also expressed a “willingness to work with all parties of the society to make sure that this is a good process”, Mr Moberg said.

I f Myanmar fo l lows the EITI standard, the payment figures will be made public through an EITI report, where the tax and royalty payments are independently verified and reconciled, and the people will be in a position to hold the government to account for the management of resources and revenues.

The process is overseen by a multi-stakeholder group of government, companies and civil society.

“The EITI is a tool to be able to better hold the government to account for how it is managing the sector,” said Mr Moberg.

He said transparency is not

an end in itself but a means of improving accountability, fighting corruption, and building trust and confidence in how extractive industries are managed.

Thirty-s ix countr ies are implementing the EITI standard, including Indonesia, East Timor and Mongolia.

“Governments implement this standard and they then commit to work with civil society and the operating companies in ensuring transparency,” he said.

Dr Win Naing, a consultant geologist with Geotecminex Consultants in Singapore, said the government should be applauded for its efforts to foster transparency in the country’s extractive sectors.

He said joining EITI will increase public trust in the government and bring greater benefits for the country from resource extraction.

The EITI mission came just days after the US announced it would relax

a ban on investment , including in the energy sector, and a visit by senior US officials and executives from 38 companies.

“Oil companies Chevron, C o n o c o P h i l l i p s a n d ExxonMobil participated in the Myanmar trip, along with companies in other sectors such as Dell, FedEx, Google, Procter & Gamble and Time Warner. All of them are aware of EITI,” said Dr Win Naing.

Mr Moberg said that the practices of larger international oil and gas and mining companies had improved quite drastically in the past decade. “I think there is a lot of progress made,” he said.

“But we have to continue to work for transparency and make sure everything is public and there are as little possibilities as possible for any black books.

“In many countries we’ve also seen how the EITI started with oil and gas and mining and can expand to other sectors.”

E I T I S e c r e t a r i a t ’ s alternate policy adviser Ms Dyveke Rogan said allocation of revenue from natural resources was the government’s responsibility a n d n o t p a r t o f t h e standard EITI reporting requirements.

“There are countries where the reporting covers some sub-national transfers, such as revenue-sharing agreements between central and regional governments – but this is not part of the minimum requirements,” she said.

She also said that the EITI Secretariat required s ignatories to have a “ f ree space” f or c iv i l society organisations to assess adherence to EITI principles.

“The EITI rules are quite clear on that there needs to be free space for civil society participation and that will be one of the issues the international board will look at when it considers [Myanmar’s] application,” he said.

By Sandar Lwin

AMERICAN corporate giant General Electric plans to open a representative office in Yangon in the wake of the recent suspension of a ban on US investment in Myanmar, a company official said last week.

Stuart Dean, president and chief executive officer of GE’s Southeast Asia arm, said the office would spearhead his company’s push into infrastructure development projects.

“ W e a p p l i e d f o r a representative office in Myanmar. We hope that will be approved soon,” he said at a signing ceremony for sale and purchase contracts between GE Healthcare and two local private hospitals on July 14.

“GE is an infrastructure company and Myanmar needs a lot of infrastructure … so we believe we can play a constructive and helpful role in building that infrastructure with high quality, highly durable infrastructure that makes good economic sense for the people [of Myanmar],” he said.

GE is negotiating a potential investment in the power generation sector wi th the government and is already supplying medical equipment through its authorised dealer, Sea Lion.

“We are working very closely with the Ministry of Electric Power and others in the government to understand what is the best solution to try to provide the power not only in the short term but in the long term,” Mr Dean said.

“We have mobile gas turbines that could be installed very quickly. But

the key is you need gas and you also need to be able to [connect] with the grid. So that is the similar question that the team from GE and the government are working to try to answer,” he said.

The sale and purchase deals were s igned on July 14, just two days after President Obama announced the suspension of an investment ban. A Congress-imposed ban on Myanmar exports to the US remains in place but Mr Dean said “there is nothing that GE wants to do that we cannot do” under the existing sanctions. “I have no opinion on the remaining sanctions because it does not impact on GE,” he added.

Also present at the signing ceremony were members of the US-ASEAN Business Council’s Myanmar Business Mission 2012 and US officials, including undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, Mr Robert Hormats, and undersecretary of commerce for international trade Mr Francisco Sanchez.

During his meeting with the mission, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann urged the US to lift the ban on Myanmar imports to ensure trade was not “one-sided”.

Mr Sanchez said at the July 14 ceremony that bilateral business relations were based on mutual respect and benefit.

“I’m excited about this because in many ways this signing symbolises a new chapter in the relationship between our two countries a n d i n p a r t i c u l a r a commercial relationship. It is a relationship that will be based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. And I hope this is the first of many singings to come,” he said.

US firm GE to open office

in Yangon

Govt gives positive signals on EITI

Mr Jonas Moberg, head of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s International Secretariat, speaks at a press conference in Yangon on July 17. Pic: Boothee

the MyanMar tiMes

4newsJuly 23 - 29, 2012

By Noe Noe Aung

SEVERAL hundred farmers from five villages staged a three-day protest in Mingalardon township last week, a week after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued by-laws that enable the Peaceful Protest Law to be used.

A b o u t 2 0 0 f a r m e r s f r o m Shwenanthar , Ahte lyu and Pyinmapin villages in Mingalardon, Wartayar village in Shwe Pyi Thar township and Myaungtagar village in Hlegu township protested the confiscation of their farmlands from July 14-16.

“We applied for permission to protest under the law at the Mingalardon police station in the second week of July and police allowed us to protest [each day] from 9am to 11am,” said the Peace and Diversity Party’s U Nay Myo Wai, who is assisting farmers in the land dispute.

“ A b o u t 5 0 f a r m e r s f r o m Shwenanthar village protested against the decision of some officials over who has permission to cultivate the [disputed] farmland in Shwenanthar. And other farmers also protested because their farmland was taken without their agreement in earlier years. There are many cases of this happening here,” he said.

U Nay Myo Wai said the objective of the protest was to raise awarness about the difficulties farmers in Myanmar face.

“We reported these cases to the government many times but the responses were not substantial enough for the farmers. So I hope every member of the public knows about the farmers and also hope that the president notices them,” said U Nay Myo Wai.

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Yangon farmers get approval to protest

Farmers from Yangon Region stage a rally in Mingalardon township last week. The protesters received permission for the demonstration under the Peaceful Protest Law. Pic: Kyaw Tun

By Win Ko Ko Latt

THE Tatmadaw has agreed to pay compensation to the owners of more than 500 acres of land it confiscated in northern Shan State in June 2009.

The announcement came following lobbying from a local hluttaw representative, who said the military should give back the land rather than pay compensation.

The Ministry of Home Affairs handed over 1348.62 acres to No 17 Light Infantry Regiment

free of charge in 2009. In a letter to the Hluttaw Office dated June 12, the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) said it would pay compensation for 502.9 acres nationalised following an investigation by the Quartermaster General’s office and North East Command.

However, it was not clear when the military would pay the compensation or how much it would pay per acre.

The inves t igat i on was launched after the Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Hsipaw, U Ye Tun, raised the

plight of the villagers in a letter to the Hluttaw Office dated April 30.

“The land should be given back. They nationalised too much. It is not necessary to take that much,” U Ye Tun said. “The thing that keeps these farmers in high spirits is the saying, ‘Something is better than nothing.’ It is better for them to get something than to lose everything. If you ask them whether they want to sell their land, they will say no. Land prices are skyrocketing.”

T h e l e t t e r f r o m t h e

commander-in-chief’s office sa id the land had been con f i s ca ted because the township Settlement and Land Records Department office had classified it as virgin land. As the land had not been physically inspected to confirm this classification, the nationalisation was approved and the farmers lost their land without any compensation, the letter said. Rumours that the regiment had paid affected farmers K12,000 an acre were not true, according to the letter. – Translated by Thit Lwin

Army to pay compensation for confiscated land in Shan State

By Kyaw Hsu Mon and Toe Wai Aung

A 24-YEAR-OLD woman from Kamaryut township has been charged with fraud after she allegedly used a fake identification card to pass herself off as the daughter of Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann.

Kamaryut township police arrested Ma Myint Thuzar Khine in early July for reportedly holding a fake National Registration Card with the name Dr Shwe Mann Ko Ko. A resident of Shwe Ponenyat Housing in Kamaryut, she also uses the name Ange Lay.

Police are still searching for U Ye Aung, alias Ye Zaw Aung, a 36-year-old resident of Kyeemyindaing township, who they believe

was also involved in the alleged fraud.The scheme was uncovered after Ma

Myint Thuzar Khine allegedly attempted to lease an Inya Road property to Daw Nan Kyawt Lay Khaine, a resident of Bahan township, in late June.

One politician said similar cases of fraud had been relatively common before 1988, particularly by people seeking import licences.

“This is what often happens when someone becomes popular among the people. I remember there were similar cases during the Burma Socialist Program Party era,” said U Kyaw, a Yangon Region Hluttaw representative.

“The [perpetrators would] ask [for a licence] by pretending they were the daughter of famous high ranking officials.

They tried to get good opportunities from some government departments this way.”

A well-known Yangon businessman said he disagreed with those who said the case would damage Thura U Shwe Mann’s reputation.

“Some people are saying it is a disgrace for him because the [woman involved] in this [alleged] case, she was able to get cars, apartments [by pretending to be his daughter]. But I think it’s not unusual for people to try and get benefit by using the name of a famous person,” he said.

Thura U Shwe Mann is a graduate of the Defence Service Academy’s batch 11 and was the third-highest ranking general in the State Peace and Development Council before taking on the role of Pyithu Hluttaw speaker in early 2011.

Woman arrested for posing as speaker’s daughter

newsthe MyanMar tiMes

6July 23 - 29, 2012

By Soe Than Lynn

DAW Aung San Suu Kyi insisted last week she had never used sanctions as a political weapon, after she came under sustained pressure in the Pyithu Hluttaw to lobby the US not to extend a ban on imports from Myanar.

She made the comments to National League for Democracy representatives on the evening of July 16, three days after a proposal to lift all sanctions on Myanmar was submitted and approved by the Pyithu Hluttaw.

“Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said … that political analysts criticised her for using the sanctions as a weapon to push for democratic reforms, and if the sanctions are lifted, she has no weapon to face the government. It is absolutely wrong. She never used sanctions as a weapon, and she has no intention to do so. All representatives need to understand it, and she wants them to tell the right situation to the people,” U Min Thu, the NLD representative for Ottarathiri told The Myanmar Times last week.

The July 13 proposal, submitted by Daw Nan War Nu, the representative for Kunhein, was clearly targeted at Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. “In order to have sanctions on Myanmar lifted, the hluttaw and anyone who has the power to help please negotiate and urge [the US] to ease the sanctions by any means,” the proposal said.

The same evening, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi called US Senator Mitch McConnell to discuss US “interests of Myanmar citizens” on sanctions”, U Min Thu

added.“She made three main

points, I heard. The first one is to get better diplomatic ties between American and Myanmar, the second one is to support to get more acceleration in democratic reforms, and the last one is that to promote the social life and economy of Myanmar citizens,” he said.

Earlier on July 16, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann called on the US Congress not to extend the 2003 Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, which is due to expire on July 26, until to 2015.

“The current easing of sanction is just for American investors, and it is a very one-sided because it is not for Myanmar exports or

currency exchanges for Myanmar investors.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to exhort … hluttaw representatives who are able to do something to get involved and try so that the term of the sanctions on Myanmar is not extended in the interests of the Myanmar people,” the speaker said.

Representatives were again left in no doubt who Thura U Shwe Mann was directing his comments at.

“These phrases refer to a person. Actually, the issue of sanctions is not the responsibility of just Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,” Amyotha Hluttaw representative Dr Aye Maung told The Myanmar Times.

“It is the responsibility

of both [Myanmar and the US]. The side which was given sanctions shows the other side about their loss clearly, and the other side also analysed each case, and should change or relax [sanctions] if it is need. As soon as Myanmar can show obviously the progress of democratic reforms, the US also has a responsibility to stop the sanctions to show appreciation for these reforms.

“These sanctions are related to the coming election in the US. How the current president and his government approach and handle issues in the Asia-Pacific region … are important for the election.” – Translated By Thiri Min Htun

Pyithu Hluttaw pushes NLD leader on sanctions

By Nan Tin Htwe

AN INTERNATIONAL Labour Organisation official has warned that a new labour laws need to be properly enforced, after workers alleged they had been dismissed for participating in fledgling labour organisations.

Mr Ross Wilson, the chief technical advisor on the ILO’s freedom of association project, said last week that “quite a big number” of workers who had been appointed executive members of newly formed labour organisations had been dismissed by their employers, in apparent contravention of the Labour Organisation Law approved by parliament in October 2011. A Labour Dispute Law was also enacted in March.

“They feel that [their dismissal] was related to the labour organisation activities and the law provides protection of all executive members of the labour organisations and their activities. So it’s really important that the law is [properly] enforced,” Mr Wilson told reporters at a press briefing at Traders Hotel on July 19.

He said that workers were also “concerned” that the arbitration body

had not protected them from illegal dismissal, which had been most common at state-run industries.

“It’s the early days of the life of these laws, there is a lot of work to be done so that the laws [work] effectively and freely for all the bodies, particularly the workers,” Mr Wilson said.

He said that 127 labour organisations had been established to date, with the majority in Yangon, Bago and Mandalay regions. The majority are from the manufacturing sector, particularly garments and food processing.

He also said the alleged illegal dismissal of workers showed that many employers were either not aware of their obligations under the new law or were not observing it.

He added that ILO would provide education and training program to employers through the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry as well as executive members of labour organisations.

The press briefing was held shortly after the ILO held a labour workshop at Summit Parkview that was attended by about 300 workers, the deputy director of the Ministry of Labour,

employers and U Thant Zin Oo, the delegate for Myanmar workers at the International Labour Conference in Geneva in June.

Mr Wilson said the workshop “went well” and workers expressed their opinions openly.

“We could provide information to the participants but also got information from participants to us which we can take into account” when organising workshops and training sessions in the future, he said.

The workshop included discussions on the principles of freedom of association, the legal environment and the rights of workers and employers. Other topics included issues related to the registration process for forming labour organisations, negotiation and advocacy groups as well as recent labour disputes, Mr Wilson added.

He said the ILO will implement a series of education and training programs over the next three years and its next workshop would focus on education and training programs, including managing organisations, developing good relations with workers and employers and negotiating and mediating skills.

Workers fired for labour roles, says ILO

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi speaks to reporters following a sessin of parliament in Nay Pyi Taw earlier this month. Pic: Boothee

By May Sandy

SINGAPORE Red Cross will provide S$2.5 million (US$2 million) in cooperation with the Myanmar Red Cross Society for six “direct-impact” projects across Myanmar over the next two years.

The projects include e n h a n c i n g d i g i t a l connectivity for rel ief coordination at MRCS offices across the country for better coordination of disaster response and relief delivery, rolling out a first aid and safety campaign for community leaders and MRCS volunteers over 28 months and lending support to an emergency management fund in the event of disasters.

In Kachin State, the funds will be used to provide school kits for 5370 students living in camps for internally displaced people, while 3000 households in the region will receive two tarpaulins each.

The Red Cross will also oversee the resumption of an emergency ambulance service on the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw highway and construction of a series of first aid stations on the highway.

Daw Shwe Sin Myint, head of the communications division at MRCS, said the projects will begin in September. “We will give the first priority to the first aid post at 115 mile point on the Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon Highway because accidents happen all the time along the road,” she said.

Funding for the projects has come from the S$12 m i l l i o n i n d o n a t i o n s S ingapore Red Cross received for its Myanmar C y c l o n e R e l i e f F u n d following Cyclone Nargis in 2008. Following the disaster, the organisation provided S$7.3 million for the construction of homes, hospitals, schools and an orphanage, as well as emergency aid that included water purification kits, food, medicine, clothes, shelters and boats.

I t i s s t u d y i n g t h e possibility of using the remaining S$2.2 million to provide psychosocial support to IDPs in Kachin State.

“The Singapore Red Cross has carefully chosen projects with lasting impact to reflect the spirit of friendship between our countries, and our hope for a better future. It is a new era for Myanmar and we are glad to be able to contribute in a small way. We remain steadfast in our mission to improve the lives of the vulnerable,” Singapore Red Cross chairman Mr Tee Tua Ba said at the signing ceremony Nay Pyi Taw on July 11.

Singapore Red Cross provides S$2.5m to Myanmar

Military chief to visit India next month

VICE Senior General and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Min Aung Hlaing will make an eight-day visit to India next month, the Times of India reported on July 20.

The military chief will visit from August 1 to 8, the report said, adding that Vice Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to meet India’s defence min-ister, A K Antony, and the three service chiefs – Admi-ral Nirmal Verma, Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne and General Bikram Singh – in New Delhi on August 3.

Vice Senior General Min Aung Hlaing will also visit Buddhist sites in Bodhgaya and be hosted at the Eastern Army Command in Kolkata and other defence establish-ments during the visit.

His trip to India follows Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Myanmar in late May.

– Kyaw Hsu Mon

Daw Suu to travel to US for award dinner

NATIONAL League for De-mocracy leaderDaw Aung San Suu Kyi will travel to the United States in Sep-tember to attend the Atlan-tic Council’s Global Citizen Awards.

On September 21, the council will host its annual award dinner in New York City and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be honoured for “her unwavering devotion to democracy and human rights, serving as an inter-national symbol of freedom and human dignity”, the council said on its website

2011 Global Citizen Award recipient Christine Lagarde, the head of the In-ternational Monetary Fund, will present the award.

The council will also hon-our former US Secretary of State and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Henry Kissinger, former UN high commis-sioner for refugees Sadako Ogata and music produc-er and composer Quincy Jones. – Zaw Win Than

Boat sinks in Bhamo

AT least one person died when a boat capsized at Bhamo in southern Kachin State on the morning of July 20, a Myanmar Red Cross Society official said.

He said MRCS received a report on July 20 that a boat, Myat Min Aung 1, carrying about 80 passen-gers sank near Bhamo Port about 9:10am.

“The boat left Bhamo for Katha in Sagaing Region at 9am. All 52 seats on boat were sold and there were about 25 to 30 people on deck.

He said that the cause of the sinking was report-ed to be machine failure and a full investigation was still being conducted. Myat Min Aung 1 is owned by Shwe Ayeyar Express Boat Association.

– Aye Sapay Phyu

Briefs

news7the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

US ambassador to Myanmar Derek Mitchell speaks at a press conference at the US embassy in Yangon on July 20. Pic: Boothee

US donates $3m for Kachin IDPsBy Zaw Win Than

THE United States government will provide US$3 million in food assistance to displaced people in Kachin and northern Shan states, new US ambassador Derek Mitchell announced on July 20.

The donation to the World Food Program will go through USAID’s Office of Food for Peace, Mr Mitchell said, and comes shortly after a $3 million pledge of humanitarian assistance on July 5.

“With this contribution, WFP will purchase approximately 3400 metric tonnes of rice, which will help feed 55,000 people for six months. WFP will distribute this rice to displaced persons in Kachin and northern Shan States, in government controlled areas

as well as in areas not controlled by the government. As always, our core principle is to provide help where it is needed and to be inclusive in our assistance, providing support to the people of Burma whatever ethnic or religious group,” he said.

He said the US was “serious about increasing our development and humanitarian assistance” and had reopened its USAID mission in April.

The mission “will continue to look for ways to support both immediate needs and longer-term goals in the country, including initiatives to promote civil society and democratic development, health needs, and other efforts in partnership with all relevant actors in this diverse society”, he said.

The press conference was Mr

Mitchell’s first since presenting his credentials to President U Thein Sein in Nay Pyi Taw on July 11. He expressed gratitude to the president and the government for moving so rapidly to confirm his appointment.

“ I k n o w t h i s i s r a t h e r unprecedented and extraordinary, and I want to make sure they know of my – and my government’s – appreciation for their flexibility and responsiveness,” he said.

“It has allowed me to get right to work this past week. As you have heard from press reports, Secretary [of State] Clinton and President U Thein Sein met last Friday (July 13) in Siem Reap. Secretary Clinton underscored US support for the ongoing reform efforts here, and expressed excitement for what lies ahead,” he said.

By Thomas Kean

THE Obama administration is “looking very closely” at issuing a presidential waiver to overturn a US Congress-imposed ban on imports from Myanmar, new United States ambassador to Myanmar Derek Mitchell said last week.

A US Senate committee on July 18 supported extending the ban on imports, contained in the 2003 Burma Freedom and Democracy Act, for an additional three years, while maintaining the government’s right to waive the measure. The extension still needs full approval from Congress.

But during a meeting with local newspaper editors on July 17, Mr Mitchell said the renewal “doesn’t mean that we’re stuck for two or three years”.

“We’re looking very closely at [the import ban] because we understand that it can have an impact on jobs and opportunities very much,” he said.

Issuing the waiver would be dependent on progress on US “areas of concern”, including the release of more prisoners of conscience, ethnic conflict, media reform and clarification of Myanmar’s military relations with North Korea.

“But as [positive progress] continues to occur, I think in the coming weeks and months we’re going to be debating this issue of the import ban,” he said.

“We want to make sure the signal is sent that if things go backwards that we can also go backwards and it will affect the relationship. But if things move forward we have the full authority and flexibility to respond as needed through waivers. So that means last week we waived our investment ban, that’s why all the businesses were here, because things are moving forward.”

The waiver on investment, issued on July 11, has not been without its critics, who argued that the decision was too hasty and had undermined the position of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who on her trip to Europe expressed concern about the lack of transparency at state-run Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).

In a July 15 op-ed in The Washington Post, Michael Green and Daniel Twining said the Obama administration had “rushed this decision through a divided deputies committee of the National Security Council, and ignored strong opposition from key members of Congress opposed to a full-scale repeal of the investment ban”.

“By publicly splitting with Burma’s democratic opposition on such an important issue, the administration will find that Aung San Suu Kyi no longer provides political cover for US policies,” the two former George W Bush administration officials wrote.

“US business and government leaders’ argument that nearly unconstrained investment in Burma’s natural resource sector will

promote human rights and welfare will face skepticism from Burmese democrats who have committed their lives to this cause, and who believe it will not.”

But Mr Mitche l l , whose appointment was confirmed by the US Senate in late June and was accredited in Nay Pyi Taw on July 11, said the NLD had expressed little opposition to the waiver.

“That is a narrative that’s out there, that [Daw Aung San Suu Kyi] has said ‘x’ in Europe and we have now done differently,” he said.

“But also she said this [waiver] is not significant, this is fine, and her spokesperson, Nyan Win, said there is nothing to be disappointed about, they did what they should do. That somehow has gotten lost in all this.

“That’s a free media, it’s not always fair, people can write what they like. When you’re in government and you’re in democracy there are different views and you have to have a thick skin. People will criticise you for various reasons. I think [Michael Green and Daniel Twining] probably believe that.

“I think that people who disagreed with [the decision to issue the waiver] are trying to find a rationale for opposing what we did and putting pressure on us. And that just goes with the territory. But again that’s not to say we do not share their concerns. We do share those concerns but we feel that the way we are going about it is a more constructive way of doing it rather than their approach.”

“We’re not ignorant to the issue of MOGE’s non-transparency and the way they can use those funds for things that are not in the public interest. And we want more transparency and we tried to model that in our sanctions easing for reporting requirements, including specific ones relevant to our interactions with MOGE.”

The transparency requirements outlined in the waiver are “unprecedented anywhere in the world”, Mr Mitchell said.

“We’ve never done this, and we’re not suggesting we even do it again anywhere else. We’re saying that for this context, at this time, given our policy approach for all these years, we think it’s appropriate for our engagement right now here.”

He said he was confident US businesses operating in Myanmar would set a standard for firms from other countries to follow in terms of corporate social responsibility.

“I really believe ... that our businesses do the best in terms of modelling openness, transparency, good governance, benefits for local people, local workers, for local communities, communication with locals. I’m going to be in the embassy overseeing and ensuring our businesses are keeping to that but I have no doubt that our businesses will be partners in what the US government has been doing, which is encouraging reform and progress here.”

US will look at import ban waiver, says ambassador

By Kyaw Hsu Mon

THE Yangon Region Hluttaw will reconvene at the end of July, hluttaw representatives said last week.

The parliament will meet within two or three weeks of a meeting between the Yangon Region government and hluttaw representatives that took place on July 14, said U Kyaw, the representative for Thingangyun 1.

“In the past the hluttaw has been called within two or three weeks of this meeting so I think

the hluttaw will reconvene at the end of this month,” he said.

The hluttaw has been in recess for five months since the third session ended in February.

Dr Nyo Nyo Thin of Bahan 2 said the session might be delayed until a nominee for chief minister is being selected to replace U Myint Swe.

“Although the meeting that we normally do before the hluttaw session has been finished, we can’t say exactly when the hluttaw will reconvene. I think we have to wait until the nominee for the new chief minister for Yangon Region has been named,” she said.

During the July 14 meeting, representatives and government officials discussed various issues and decided which were suitable to be raised in the hluttaw, said U Kyaw.

D r N y o N y o T h i n s a i d representatives also raised some issues that they wanted the regional government to be aware of.

“Some cases should be submitted to the Hluttaw but some should not. We discussed some issues that could be resolved outside the parliament,” she said.

– Translated by Thiri Min Htun

Yangon Hluttaw to convene at end of July

newsthe MyanMar tiMes

8July 23 - 29, 2012

No way home for Kachin IDPsThe fighting in Kachin State that broke out in June 2011 has displaced tens of thousands, and resulted in the deaths of an unkonwn number of soldiers and civilians. Up to 50,000 have sought refuge in areas of Kachin State controlled by the Kachin Independence Organisation. Earlier this month, The Myanmar Times photographer Kaung Htet travelled to Laiza and Mai Ja Yang to document the conditions in IDP camps in these areas.

news9the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

By Nan Tin Htwe

MORE than one year after fighting broke out in Kachin State, displacing more than 50,000 people a n d r e s u l t i n g i n t h e deaths of an unknown number of Tatmadaw and Kach in Independence A r m y s o l d i e r s , K I A deputy commander-in-chief General Gun Maw talked exclusively with The Myanmar Times at the group’s temporary headquarters in Laiza on July 7.

O n D e c e m b e r 1 0 , t h e p r e s i d e n t o r d e r e d t h e Ta t m a d a w t o h a l t i t s offensive against the KIA. But after that the fighting continued.

We know [about the] halting of offensives only from the news. We don’t know exactly whether it was really ordered or not.

The KIO reportedly sent a letter to the government proposing to hold peace talks in April and the government hasn’t responded yet. Is that true?

During the January 18-19 meeting, we gave a proposal letter to U Aung Thaung that included three steps. We have submitted only that proposal and up unt i l now we are trying to discuss it. We have not reached the level of [formal] discussions. We are still trying to see whether [the proposal] will be discussed or how it will be discussed.

Do you think the attitude of the U Thein Sein government t o w a r d s e t h n i c a r m e d groups is different from the former government?

The former governmen2t is directly controlled by the Tatmadaw so its approach was different from the current government. The

way they work is different and their aims are different. The current government is elected … so they have certain rules to follow and duties to perform. I see that the current government is trying to reform and change – and has a willingness to change.

After President U Thein Sein came to power, two ethnic armed groups – the Shan State Army (South) a n d K a r e n N a t i o n a l Liberation Army – signed ceasefire agreements with the government for the first time. Why has the KIA not yet reached an agreement?

Because we told the g o v e r n m e n t t h a t w e cannot accept signing only a ceasefire agreement. It is the KIO’s belief that all the problems originate from politics. If they agree, we want to have political dialogue. If an agreement is all about a ceasefire and cannot go to political dialogue, we worry that that agreement would be useless. So we want to make a strong agreement – not only a ceasefire but an agreement that covers all the factors – as a means o f achiev ing po l i t i ca l dialogue.

If you think the government wants positive changes, why has the conflict lasted more than one year?

T h e r e a r e s o m a n y reasons why the fighting started. The fighting takes place because a decision has been made to fight rather than find a solution through political means. F ight ing needs to be avoided urgently and we need to think to solve [the conflict] politically.

The UN says there are human trafficking problems in IDPs camps. Is this a problem?

I n b o r d e r a r e a s , [trafficking] can happen.

Some are not from camps but crossing borders with their friends or relatives. But there are some people who do it as a business – finding victims in camps. We are trying to control it.

Recently, the UN signed an agreement with the government to prevent underage recrui tment . What are the chances of that program being successful?

The child soldier problem will be solved only when the reasons why there are child soldiers are addressed. On its own, signing an agreement won’t solve the problem. There are many reasons why there are child soldiers. It’s best if they totally disappear but it’s important to reduce the number first.

The 2015 election is a little more than three years away. How much change do you expect that to bring?

T h e 2 0 1 5 e l e c t i o n is very crucial . I f the next government really represents the people and prioritises the will of the people, I think our country will [develop] a lot. Or, if the government that takes power in 2015 cannot put first the people’s affairs, then I think our country will remain the same.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi hasn’t really spoken out about the Kachin conflict yet. What’s your view on that?

She is managing every issue in the country. I’m sure she is waiting for the right time to speak out about the Kachin conflict.

Do you think she has the answer to solving the Kachin conflict?

Even though she is not the answer, we believe that she has ability to lead to an answer to the Kachin conflict.

‘We need to reach a political solution’Leaders of the Kachin Independence Army in Laiza, Kachin State. Pic: Kaung Htet

By Ei Ei Toe Lwin

DEVELOPMENT projects in Kachin State have continued despite ongoing armed conflict in the region, international and local non-government organisations say.

During a recent visit to Kachin State and northern Shan State, The Myanmar Times observed a livelihood and civil society strengthening project funded by the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT), a five-year multi-donor trust established in 2009.

The $1.173 million, three-year project, which runs from March 2011 to December 2013, is implemented by SwissAid in cooperation with four local NGOs in Kachin State and two in Shan State.

The project has seen SwissAid and partners establish farmer field schools and rice banks, provide agricultural production support and microfinance.

“When we started the survey, we realize that farmers have food only for five months a year and the rest of the time they have to buy food by borrowing money. So we want to extend they have food for at least seven months a year,” said Ms Yasmin Padamsee, a communication officers with LIFT.

She said a lot of planned activities had been slowed down because of the conflict in Kachin State, which erupted in June 2011, but activities had continued.

Ms Padamsee said the effects of the fighting had made the livelihood program more important.

“Because of the conflict, there have been additional problems; now people move from their land, are displaced, and maybe farmers couldn’t farm. Therefore, it is very important to provide for them to secure food for longer. [The conflict] slows the progress but at the same time there’s still a lot being done.”

U Sagayaw San, coordinator of Aung Sett Kyar Local Development Organization, said most villagers in the project area were interested in agriculture training and attending the farmer field schools. As well as training, the organisation provides agricultural production supports, including

buffaloes, cattle and direct inputs, to poor farmers in Mogaung township.

“Most of the farmers have land but lack cattle and buffalo. Now farmers can get those cattle from this project so even though the project is not big it makes it much more convenient for them,” said U Sagayaw San.

Lisu Baptist Church Reverend Ngwar Tar, a member of a committee in Nanmatee village, Myitkyina township, that has assisted Kachin Urban and Rural Mission implement its livelihoods project, said that a pig-rearing project had been a success.

“We gave one pigs to 32 households at a cost of K53,000 per pig. We started to give in May 2011 and households that received a pig had to return the money after one year with 2 percent [a month] interest. All households were able to return this money in May so we can continue to support other beneficiaries,” Rev Ngwar Tar said.

But projects in Mogaung and Waingmaw had encountered some difficulties because of the fighting, a member of the Kachin Urban and Rural Mission said.

The unstable situation saw beneficiaries flee their homes and farmland and stay in camps for internally displaced people.

“We planned to implement in 12 villages, but it was not possible in 10 villages and we had to stop our activities because of the conflict. Armed conflict is not happening in the entire region, some places can run and we try to continue to implement the project in other villages. We openly explained our current situation and difficulties to the donor organisations and discussed how we can expand what we’re doing,” coordinator Ko Htwe Aung said.

Some farmers who had been listed to get a buffalo under the project were unable to buy one because of the unstable situation.

“I have 16 acres land but I could not farm for a long time because my buffalos were stolen. I planned to restart my business after I heard I would get a pair of buffalo from this project but couldn’t find any to buy. The roads are not safe and sometimes buffalos are stolen,” said Daw Kaw Jar from Mahaung village in Mogaung.

NGOs continue programs in Kachin, despite fighting

newsthe MyanMar tiMes

10July 23 - 29, 2012

YANGON – Myanmar authorities last week hailed progress in their war on drugs after an unprecedented multi-million dollar seizure at a narcotics factory in eastern Shan state.

Police detained nine suspects with 73 kilograms (161 pounds) of “ice” crystal methamphetamine and 274kg of liquid meth along with drug-making equipment and a pistol during a raid on a house in Laukkai on July 9, state media reported on July 16.

Officials said the haul was worth an estimated US$3.7 million.

“It’s our biggest ice seizure in history. It’s a part of our crackdown on the chemical ingredients and factories,” a senior official at the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

Synthetic drug production and poppy cultivation for opium is prevalent in Myanmar’s remote border areas, where armed ethnic minority rebels have used the profits from narcotics to fund their operations.

President U Thein Sein’s reformist government has signed peace accords with a number of armed groups as part of sweeping reforms since taking power last year. Myanmar has said it aims to eradicate illegal drugs by the end of 2014.

In May the government and Shan rebels together agreed to wipe out drug production in the vast northeastern state.

A drug control official said the recent raid had posed “many difficulties and risks”.

He added : “We have no

experience like this in the past raiding a factory which produces ice and other stimulants.”

– AFP

Suspects line up behind drugs and drug making equipment in Laukkai, eastern Shan State, in this undated photo released by ‘Myanma News Agency’ on July 16. Pic: AFP/MNA

Government announces record drug bust

A SENIOR official from the National Democratic Force last week denied reports that about 15,000 members from Bago Region led by a member named U Aung Myo Win had recently resigned from the party en masse.

The party held a press conference on July 18 to dispel the rumour, which began spreading in late June.

“U Aung Myo Win informed us of his resignation by email. We didn’t get any other resignation letters, either in person or by email,” said U Toe Toe, an NDF member.

The party said that at most 100 members would resign with U Aung Myo Win.

“We only have about 200 members in Bago Region so

it’s not possible for 15,000 [to resign]. That’s just not true,” said U Toe Toe.

He said that the party expects to sign up a significant number of new members in Bago and Ayeyarwady regions and Mon and Kayin States.

“Many people are planning to join the NDF, including a group of 1000 people who are led by the lawyer Lan Pya Kyel U Aye Myint,” he said.

“More than 1000 people signed up on July 12 in Mandalay Region and we’ve got another 2000 applicants there,” he said.

The party says it has from 8000 to 10,000 members across the country. – By Kyaw Hsu Mon and Noe Noe Aung

NDF denies rumour of resignations in Bago

MEMBERS of a 10-party political alliance network met President U Thein Sein last week for two hours and discussed a number of issues, including electoral reform and conflict in Rakhine State.

Thirteen members of the network, which includes five predominantly Myanmar parties and five ethnic parties, met the president on July 18 from 9am to 11am in Nay Pyi Taw, said U Saw Than Myint from the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP).

Among those present were U Thu Wai and Daw Than Than Nu from the Democratic Party (Myanmar), Dr Than Nyein from the National Democratic Force and U Sai Aik Paung from the SNDP.

Each representative raised one point of discussion during the meeting. Dr Than Nyein outlined the parties’ concerns about the first-past-the-post voting system, while other representatives discussed electricity shortages, citizenship laws, the constitution,

conf l i c t in Rakhine State , farmland laws, ethnic literature and government salaries.

U Khin Maung Swe, co-founder of the NDF, said the president was “very pleased” to meet with senior figures from the 10 parties, which all contested the 2010 election.

“He also said that he should have met us earlier … and welcomed more cooperation in the future. He wants to meet the party leaders again in the near future if there is an opportunity to do so,” he said.

The meeting was the president’s first with registered political parties and was arranged by Minister for Industry U Soe Thein and Minister for Railways U Aung Min after they met members of the alliance on July 8.

However, in recent weeks Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann has met the 88 Generation student group, while Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Aung Myint met the chairman of the Modern People Party.

U Thein Sein meets minority party leaders

news11the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

By Shwe Yee Saw Myint

THE government has reiterated its commitment to expanding family planning services, with a Ministry of Health official recently revealing that a budget line for reproductive health items, including contraceptives, was established earlier this year.

The establishment of a dedicated budget for contraceptives in 2012-13 was part of a four-fold increase in the overall health budget, said Dr Theingi Myint, deputy director of the Department of Health.

But she said there are still “funding, coordination and policy gaps” in the family planning sector that needed to be tackled.

Speaking at a conference on family planning in Nay Pyi Taw on July 11, she said there was a significant funding shortfall between demand for family planning services, especially contraceptives, and the resources allocated by the government and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

While the government, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other partners spent about US$2.66 million on procuring and distributing contraceptives in 2012, this was still $3.14 million short of estimated demand, Dr

Theingi Myint said. Nearly 5 percent of all pregnancies

in Myanmar end in abortion, which is mostly illegal. Abortions are particularly common among those aged 15-19, and it is one of the leading causes of death in this age group, she said.

The conference was jointly organised by UNFPA and the United Kingdom’s aid arm, the Department for International Development (DFID). It was held concurrently with a ceremony marking World Population Day. A global campaign to move family planning further up the development agenda and “support the right of women and girls to decide, freely and for themselves, whether, when and how many children they have” was also launched by British Prime Minister David Cameron in London on July 11.

Mr Paul Whittingham, head of the DFID office in Myanmar, said the summit had two main goals: to provide family planning information and services to 260 million women and to meet the contraceptive needs of an additional 120 million women in the world’s poorest countries by 2020.

This is expected to save the lives of 200,000 women and three million infants, he said.

The push to improve access to

family planning in Myanmar is supported by the United Nations and international donors, and the soon to be established $300 million Three Millennium Development Goals (3MDG) Fund is likely to play a key role.

Mr Whittingham said the UK government would contribute £80 million ($124 million) over the next four years to health programs through the 3MDG Fund, which will focus on maternal and child health.

“Through this contribution, the UK will help avert 153,000 unwanted pregnancies and ensure that 57,500 women receive antenatal care visits,” he said. “The London summit will seek pledges to achieve the goals … it’s a very clear, time-bound commitment with a clear target, and that allows all of us to hold our leaders to account … and that can only be a good thing.”

Following the conference, representatives from UNFPA, DFID, non-government organisation Marie Stopes International and the Ministry of Health held a press briefing to reiterate international calls for more concerted and collaborative efforts to satisfy unmet need for voluntary family planning services.

“Family planning or – as termed in Myanmar by the Ministry of

Health – birth spacing is about saving lives and protecting mothers and children from death, ill health, disability and underdevelopment. As a key component of reproductive health, access to birth-spacing information, commodities and services is a fundamental right for every woman and community if they are to develop to their full potential,” said Dr Sid Naing, director for Marie Stopes International in Myanmar.

U N F P A h a s s u p p o r t e d reproductive health programs in Myanmar for the past 30 years in partnership with the Ministry of Health and NGOs and is the country’s main supplier of contraceptives.

“Nearly one-fourth of Myanmar married women of reproductive age would like to practise contraception but do not have the means to do so,” said Mr Mohamed Abdel-Ahad, representative for UNFPA in Myanmar.

Earlier in the day, Vice President Dr Sai Mauk Kham said at a World Population Day ceremony that Myanmar would be “enthusiastically cooperating” with international and Myanmar organisations to not only achieve the health-related Millennium Development Goals but also universal access to reproductive health services by 2015, as targeted

by the International Conference on Population and Development’s plan of action.

He said reproduction health information and services “should be expanded over a wider area of coverage”.

“There is an increasing need to make reproductive health information and services accessible in order to prevent unintended, unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions, which could result in unnecessary deaths and long term disabilities,” the vice president said.

“Adolescent reproduct ive health is one such new area to be addressed.

“It is important to ensure that every child is wanted and every childbirth is safe to lead to smaller and healthy families. Giving women access to contraception enables them to make choices about when to start their families and how many children to have. As it gives them better choice to their lives, they can choose to obtain a job and earn more income for their families.”

Mr Whittingham said the vice president’s statement was “a very clear and honest comment about the challenges that the country faces”.

“I think it shows real determination on the part of this government to address them,” he said.

Significant ‘gaps’ in family planning: govtHealth Ministry estimates $3.14m funding shortfall for contraceptives in 2012 despite new dedicated budget line

By Yhoon Hnin

N O N - P R O F I T g r o u p Tharapa L ibrary has established a mobile library to visit monasteries in Yangon, one of its members said earlier this month.

Golden Literacy Mobile Library was launched at Central Hotel on July 7, said Thapara member Ko Zin Zin. Initially it will visit two monasteries in Yangon Region, Zamu Outshaung and Tayza Yam, and lend 100 books to each per month. The monasteries were selected for the program because they provide free educat ion to orphans and other disadvantaged children, he said.

Students are required to pay a K2000 membership fee and K2000 annual fee to participate in the program. Non-members can read books for free during one of the mobile library’s monthly visits to the monasteries.

Tharapa Library was established in January 2009 and has about 20 volunteer members. Located in Pabedan township, it conducts TOEFL and IELTS test preparation courses each Sunday for a small fee.

It also offers services to students who want to apply to universities or colleges in the United States

The library is located at No 180, first floor, 18th Street, Pabedan township and can be contacted on 09-506-0376.

Tharapa establishes

mobile library

newsthe MyanMar tiMes

12July 23 - 29, 2012

By Thiha Toe

FORMER members of the Free Funeral Service Society (Yangon) plan to form a new civil society group following personal conflicts with the society’s president, former actor U Kyaw Thu.

The group, which calls itself only Civil Society (Yangon), has formed a temporary organising committee to manage the establishment and beginning of operations.

It features many long-serving members of the Free Funeral Service Society (Yangon), including U Win Than and U San Myint.

Other members of the new group include U Aye Than, U Nyunt Tin,

U Thein Win, actor Academy Wai Lu Kyaw, actor Kaung Khant and singer Ringo.

“This civil society [organisation] will have four broad objectives: education support, social support, healthcare and free funeral service,” said U San Myint, a former chairman of the Free Funeral Service Society (Yangon).

“At present we have no permanent location so I can’t say definitely what we will do. We have just started planning and discussing what we will do through the Temporary Organizing Committee,” he said earlier this month.

“We received five Toyota van cars to use for the free funeral service activities and when our

committee has a permanent location and supporters we hope that we can attract some kind and helpful young people who want to work as volunteers.

“At the moment we have about 50 members. When we have more we will begin our work.”

The group is using Sayardaw U Mar Gein Da’s Yadanarpon Yeik Nyein monastic school in Thingangyun township as its temporary office.

While some of members left the Free Funeral Service Society because they disagreed with how it was run, some continue to be members of the society. Established in 2000, the Free Funeral Service Society is widely regarded as a pioneering civil society organisation in Myanmar.

Former free funeral society members found new group

Civil Society (Yangon) sets up temporarily at monastery in Thingangyun tsp

THE government is well behind schedule on its plan to establish a stock exchange by 2015, sources in the sector say, despite assurances from government and Central Bank figures that the target will be met.

Media reports recently suggested that some 22 Myanmar companies had been approached to list on a planned securities exchange.

M r S h i g e t o I n a m i , managing d i rec tor o f M y a n m a r S e c u r i t i e s Exchange Centre (MSEC), a joint venture brokerage b e t w e e n s t a t e - o w n e d Myanmar Economic Bank and Daiwa Institute of Research, told the Wall Street Journal on June 25 that the government was considering setting up two bourses, in Yangon and Mandalay, by 2015.

“Our current mission is to look for appropriate candidates for an initial public offering and to help privatise state-owned firms,” said Mr Inami.

But sources told The Myanmar Times that the government was not on track to have a stock market by 2015, as targeted by a three-phase plan – known as the 17-point roadmap for the development of a capital market – that was unveiled by the Ministry of Finance and Revenue in 2007.

Daiwa and Tokyo Stock Exchange , which has recently become involved in securities development in Myanmar, are also non-committal on the prospect of establishing the two new exchanges, and it is also unclear what role MSEC will play.

Under the government’s 2 0 0 7 r o a d m a p , a n implementation committee, t h e C a p i t a l M a r k e t Development Committee, chaired by the minister for finance and revenue, was formed along with six sub-committees. The aim was to have a functioning capital market to integrate with those in other ASEAN nations as required under the ASEAN Charter.

The roadmap set six tasks under phase one, which was to be implemented in 2008 and 2009, including expanding the issuance of bonds, encouraging the establishment of public companies, coordinating with external organisations to receive technical assistance and arranging training, education and information for the public.

But one member of its sub-committee for the development of a domestic securities market shook his head and laughed when asked about the committee’s progress.

“I even forgot that I was a member of that committee,” the person told The Myanmar Times recently.

However, some also said it would still be possible to meet the 2015 target if the government made a concerted effort to encourage its development. They pointed to several factors that could work in Myanmar’s

favour. These include some solid public companies, particularly First Private Bank and First Myanmar Investment, the desire of several high-profile private companies, such as Loi Hein Group of Companies and Eleven Media Group, to go public, and the already large number of government bonds in circulation.

“In my opinion, Myanmar can expect a moderate-sized capital market within three years if it gives the right incentives. We have that potential but at the same time, lots of things still need to be done. Principally, we need to create a business e n v i r o n m e n t t h a t i s favourable for the formation of public companies. That can only be done by the government,” said U Soe Thein, executive director of MSEC.

The government took some steps to encourage capital markets in the early 1990s and MSEC was established as an over-the-counter market in 1996. More than 20 public companies were soon registered at the Myanmar Investment Commission but the market collapsed shortly afterwards for a number of reasons, primarily the lack of a consistent legal framework. As a result, the military government shifted its focus to other areas and stopped encouraging stock market development.

“ U p t o n o w [ s t o c k market development] goes on government’s policy,” Mr Inami said in a recent interview.

“The financial sector is very conservative. But now it is a new government. Policies have been changed. So I hope to be more [developed],” he said.

Central Bank of Myanmar governor U Than Nyein insisted recently that the roadmap was being followed.

“We have already drawn the roadmap for capital market development, setting a timeframe for the tasks. We are working in accordance with it,” he said.

But many of the tasks due to be completed by 2009 under phase one are still being implemented or are yet to be seriously tackled.

For example, it was only in 2011 that the Ministry of Finance and Revenue began cooperating with the ASEAN Bond Market Initiative program and received technical assistance on bond market development.

Mr Ryota Sugishita, the head of the Japanese consultant team despatched to Myanmar for the ABMI program, said recently that there were a number of weaknesses in the current formula of issuance that were holding back the market’s development.

“Government bonds are issued on a daily basis. That is practical. However, from the investor’s point of view,

Experts question 2015 stock exchange targetIn Depth with Sandar Lwin

Trade Mark CauTionNOTICE is hereby given that aLCaTeL LuCenT, (incorporated as a French “société anonyme”) of 3, avenue octave Gréard, 75007 PariS, France do solemnly and sincerely declare that we are the owners and sole proprietors of the following trade mark in Myanmar.

The said marks are used in respect of ‘Electrotechnical, electromechanical, electrochemical, radioelectric, electromagnetic, optical, electro-optical, optoelectronic, integrated optical and fiber-optical, scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, weighing, measuring, telemetry, control, remote control, regulation, signaling, checking, light-saving and teaching apparatus, instruments, and members; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of data, sound or images ; magnetic and optical data media ; apparatus, instruments and members for generating, calculating, verifying, inputting, storing, converting, processing, taking, transmitting, switching and receiving data, information, signals or messages; apparatus, equipment and installations for communications, telecommunications, telephony, peritelephony, telegraphy, remote computing, telematics, office automation and telecopy; switching systems (apparatus), transmission systems (apparatus); radio links; distress call systems (apparatus); video communications networks, satellite communications networks; automatic telephone systems (apparatus); portable telephones; teletext equipment; videotext terminals; radio mobile apparatus; telecommunications satellites; data processing equipment and computers; computers and microcomputers, electrical and electronic components and members thereof and computer peripherals; modems; printers; computer programs, software, software packages; printed circuits; integrated circuits; microprocessors; electrical, optical, communications and telecommunications conductors, wires, cables and ducts; connectors for electrical, optical, communications and telecommunications conductors, wires, cables and ducts; antennas; wireless telephony pylons; apparatus for protection against electromagnetic impulses and against electromagnetic radiation; apparatus for distributing and/or interrupting electricity; batteries and battery chargers for telecommunications apparatus and equipment; lasers, masers; helium leak detectors; vacuum measurement apparatus; apparatus and machines for detecting and analyzing gas; vapor detectors for use in freeze-drying processes; mass spectrometers (Class 9); Printed matter; instructional and teaching material (except apparatus); pamphlets, newspapers, books, manuals, periodicals and

magazines (Class 16); Services for processing (inputting, updating) information by computers; statistical analysis services in telecommunications matters; audit services in the field of telecommunications; services of making qualified personnel available for performing one-off assignments in particular in engineering, installation and training in the field of telecommunications; computer files management; organization of exhibitions for commercial or advertising purposes (Class 35); Installing, maintaining and repairing apparatus, instruments, members, devices and machines relating to the fields of communications, telecommunications, computing, telematics, office automation, electronics, optics and radio (Class 37); Telecommunications; transmitting and conveying information and data; remote transmission of information or signals; electronic messaging services; rental of apparatus, equipment, machines and installations for communications, telecommunications and telematics; communication by computer terminals; information in telecommunications matters; rental of access time to a database server center; (Class 38); Training services, in particular in telecommunications matters; arranging and conducting of training workshops, colloquiums, conferences, congresses, seminars and symposiums, in particular in telecommunications matters; organization of exhibitions for cultural or educational purposes (Class 41); Evaluation, assessment, research and reporting in scientific and technological matters, namely engineering consulting services; industrial analysis and research services; technical studies, in particular studies on apparatus, instruments, members, devices, equipment, installations and machines relating to the electrotechnical, electronic, computing, telematics, office automation, communications and telecommunications, electrochemical, optical and radio fields; electronic programming services, computer programming services; design and development of computer hardware and software; software rental; software maintenance; designing and hosting web sites; rental of apparatus, equipment, machines and installations for processing information (Class 42)’.

The said trade marks are the subject of Declarations of Ownership recorded with the Registrar of Deeds and Assurances, Yangon, Myanmar, in Book under Nos. iV/5195/2007 and iV/5196/2007 dated august 9, 2007.

Any infringement or colourable imitation thereof or other infringement of the rights of the said corporation will be dealt with according to law.

U Kyi Win Associates for aLCaTeL LuCenT, By its Attorneys-at-LawRemfry & Sagar INDIA Dated: 23rd July, 2012

1. 2.

news13the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

I don’t think it is the best way,” he said. “Myanmar has only three kinds of bonds … I think a [greater] variety of bonds will be more favourable for investors.

“In my opinion, the new formula of [bond] issuance is one of the top priorities [for bond market development],” he said.

Furthermore, almost nothing appears to have been done to educate the public about capital markets or encourage the formation of public companies, with the government virtually ignoring existing public companies in favour of more recently established private firms.

“Local banks are now licensed to offer many new services and banking products. Our public bank hasn’t got any licence – even to open a money change counter or conduct foreign currency transfers – until now,” said Dr Sein Maung, the founder and chairman of First Public Bank.

“We also don’t know what criteria are being considered when issuing licences. I want to know, where is the

encouragement for public companies?”

The second phase of the roadmap, which runs from 2010 to the end of this year, includes five tasks. One of these – enacting a Securities Law and associated rules and regulations – could be completed during the current hluttaw session but may be delayed because of more pressing priorities, such as approving the amended Foreign Investment Law.

T h e o t h e r t a s k s – establishing a Securities Exchange Commission, i s s u i n g s t o c k s a n d shares from state-owned enterprises, developing trading agencies, a repo market and broker-dealer association, and allowing internal and external fund management organisations – are still far from being implemented.

Given how far behind schedule the government is on its roadmap, it is not clear whether stock exchanges can be established in Yangon and Mandalay to link with regional stock markets by the 2015 deadline.

But there has been some

movement forward recently, with President U Thein Sein inviting technical assistance for capital market development during a visit to Japan in April. That invitation led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Central Bank, Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) and Daiwa.

Under the agreement, T S E a n d D a i w a w i l l collectively provide long-term assistance for nurturing the development of a capital market.

At the signing ceremony on May 29, Minister for Finance and Revenue U Hla Tun said the government was committed to the 2015 deadline.

“We are attempting now [to meet the target]. … We shall keep working until reaching the goal,” U Hla Tun said.

“The next step after [signing the memorandum] will be enacting the Securities Law, its by-laws and other rules and regulations, and then organising the necessary institutions. After that, we will first try to create

a culture for the capital market and then for the stock exchange establishment,” he added.

He said the government was behind schedule because of economic sanctions and the multiple exchange rate regime, which it has only recently started to address.

“Mainly, it was because of sanctions. And then the exchange rate difference. If exchange rate unification hadn’t been carried out, we couldn’t have gone down this path. Now … the route has been opened,” he said.

T h e C e n t r a l B a n k governor agreed that there were still many tasks to be completed.

“We will have to do these things simultaneously rather than one by one. After creating the laws and Securities Exchange Commission, there are still many things left to be done, including formation of public companies and securities companies,” U Than Nyein said.

For the Central Bank’s new partners, TSE and Daiwa, the timeframe also appears tight.

“The plan to establish an exchange by 2015 is tight, I think. It is rather difficult for Myanmar side and more difficult for Japan side as well,” Mr Takashi Fukai, president and representative director of Daiwa, told The Myanmar Times.

“We have d iscussed the system that we will work according to. Many necessary institutions are still left to be developed. And we need to ensure that investors are familiar with the environment of capital markets,” he said.

O f f i c i a l s f r o m t h e companies stressed that there had been “no serious negotiations” on establishing the two exchanges.

“We are working together. There is no negotiation, I mean Daiwa and TSE are directed to get together to support Myanmar. There is no serious negotiation [but] we [would] like to work together,” said Mr Shunzo Kayanuma, the director and global communicator of TSE.

O n t h e f u t u r e r o l e of MSEC, he said: “We hope to establish a single exchange. We don’t know the relationship between the new stock exchange and MSEC. We need to find out the best solution how to deal with this. At this no moment, there is no clear picture.”

Mr Inami of MSEC said the speed and manner in which Myanmar progressed towards a stock exchange would be largely up to the government.

“We are not the securities company so we are not [able] to operate the stock exchange, so we invited TSE to support Myanmar together. [Setting up an exchange] is the next step. We will discuss it in the future but at the moment we have no idea. We need to discuss with the Myanmar side on what is the best way for the Myanmar’s future stock exchange,” he said.

TSE president Mr Atsushi Saito said public education was an important step that could not be neglected.

“Firstly we are articulating the legal framework and the training of the staff. Actually, the short term reward for Japan is not our target. I would like to devote ourselves to the development of the people of Myanmar. We are not targeting or aiming for any short-term return on this participation,” Mr Saito told The Myanmar Times recently.

Mr Kayanuma agreed it was important that corners were not cut in an effort to expedite the process.

“The people in Myanmar are expecting to establish a stock exchange by 2015. So we are directed to provide an effort to support for it. At this moment, we are not sure [whether it is possible]. But we are hoping the process can actually be done properly … maybe we can reach our goal in 2015,” he said.

U Serge Pun, chairman and managing agent First Myanmar Investment (FMI), one of the country’s most well-known public companies,

said the government was right to move towards a stock exchange “step by step”.

H e s a i d t h e 2 0 1 5 timeframe was workable if the government made it a priority.

“A capital market cannot be developed within one or two days,” he said. “In the past, the government did not take steps to develop the market, it’s really only starting to do so now. The government has already announced that a securities exchange will be established by 2015 so it has three years to prepare.”

He added that he planned to issue more shares in FMI, which was listed through an initial public offering in 1991, but the details were yet to be finalised.

But interest in stocks and public companies is already running relatively high, fuelled by the expectation of economic growth picking up in Myanmar over the next few years. For consumers, too, the opportunity to invest in something other than property or gold is attractive.

“I will buy shares if reputable public companies are developed. I’m actually waiting for that opportunity because I work for a private company, I can’t run my own business, but I want to put my savings somewhere for later in life,” said Ma Nwe Nwe, who works for a joint venture company.

However, many of the country’s household names – and those likely to have been tapped to list in 2015 – are hardly in need of the capital that a listing would generate.

“I won’t go public for my existing businesses because the capital is adequate,” said U Khin Shwe, chairman of Zaykabar Group of Companies. “But if I decide to expand into new businesses, I’ll consider forming a public company.”

But U Soe Thein from MSEC said there would also need to be a significant change in business culture for Myanmar to have a successful and reliable stock exchange.

“Generally speaking, interest in capital markets is rising. I’m happy about that but members of the business community need to know the standards required for a public company, in terms of accounting, administration, and management. Basically to be familiar with corporate business culture,” he said.

“That’s why I doubt that if we could guarantee the reliability of the so-called public companies … when they come and list.

“We expect to be able to see a moderate-sized market by 2015. For that, pragmatically, I want just 10 strong public companies as soon as possible. That is possible if we get the right incentives.

“Meeting the ASEAN timeframe is important. But even without the ASEAN deadline [of 2015], the need for a capital market is already urgent for the development of the country’s economy.”

Experts question 2015 stock exchange target

Top: A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Above left: Exchange rates are updated by hand at the Myanmar Securities and Exchange Commission office in downtown Yangon. Above right: Pedestrians are reflected on a share price board in Tokyo, Japan. Pics: AFP, Aye Zaw Myo

newsthe MyanMar tiMes

14July 23 - 29, 2012

By Kyaw Hsu Mon and May Sandy

S E V E R A L “ m a j o r companies” have expressed interest in establishing private insurance firms, a senior official from state-run Myanma Insurance said last week.

“Some major companies are interested to get involved in this industry but I can’t give any more details at the moment because we need to take time [to make a detailed policy],” general manager Dr Maung Mg Thein said.

Myanma Insurance has been the sole insurance provider in the country since 1952 but earlier this year the firm announced it would allow private player in the sector.

Three types of licence will be available to private companies: a life insurance licence, general insurance licence and a combined licence.

Those opting for just a life insurance licence will have to show capital of K6 billion,

while companies seeking a general insurance licence need K40 billion.

“ I f t h e y t a k e b o t h insurance licences the company will need to show K46 billion in paid up capital to Myanma Insurance,” Dr Maung Mg Thein said.

Cong lomerates Max M y a n m a r , H t o o a n d Kanbawza are all expected to establish insurance arms.

“We won’t allow foreign i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n i e s yet. We will accept only Myanmar companies,” Dr Maung Mg Thein said.

He added that after the establishment of private c o m p a n i e s M y a n m a Insurance would take on more of an oversight role.

One leading businessman said bids for licences could also come from multiple b u s i n e s s e s t h a t p o o l capital.

“It is quite difficult for an individual to show K46 billion. I have heard that businesspeople with the same interests will get together to show that amount of money,” said U Myat Thin Aung.

Firms eye insurance expansion

By Phyo Wai Kyaw

THE Myanmar Real Estate Services Association in Mandalay has warned brokers against engaging in illegal activities, particularly buying or selling property without proper ownership documentation.

The assoc iat ion put up a notice at Sein Nu Café on 65th Street in Chanmyarthasi township – a common gathering place for brokers – warning that those who buy or sell farmland or fallow land without genuine ownership documents would face legal action.

This practice usually occurs in undeveloped areas on the outskirts of Mandalay where the government is rumoured to be planning a development project.

The association’s notice also said that property owners whose land has been occupied or sold illegally, usually with fake ownership documents, should go to Mandalay City Development Committee’s Set t lement and Land Records Department with supporting documents to receive assistance in re-establishing ownership.

“Actually, it is rare that established real estate brokers are involved in these issues. Mostly it is people who are not from the industry – often casual workers f rom nearby villages or wards. We take care when dealing with each other to avoid legal issues,” a senior member of MRESA (Mandalay) said last week.

M a n d a l a y M a y o r U Aung Moune also met with some real estate agents on July 11 to discuss the issues of farmland and i l legal res idents . According to a report carried in Mandalay City Development Committee’s daily newspaper on July 12, the mayor said at the meeting that MCDC would only build roads and drains in undeveloped areas, such as farmland or fallow land, when it had officially declared those areas would be settled. Only then would it issue ownership documents for urban property.

“Some people play the market to make money. They spread rumours that there will be a new project, like a hotel or industrial zone, in a specific area and then this news shakes up the market, allowing them to make money,” said experienced property broker U Aung Win.

A woman rides past a sign warning against illegal sales of land on the outskirts of Mandalay. Pic: Phyo Wai Kyaw

Association warns brokers over sales

Job VacanciesUK Trade and Investment (UKTI) helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We opened the UKTI office in Yangon on 11 July 2012 to assist UK companies wishing to develop trade and investment links with Myanmar. We are now recruiting staff to join this new small, dynamic UKTI team in the following positions:

• Senior Trade & Investment Manager • Trade & Investment Officer

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit the following links:

http://ukinburma.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/our-embassy/working-for-us/ukti-manager

http://ukinburma.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/our-embassy/working-for-us/ukti-officer

Deadline for submission of applications will be 29 July 2012.

Trade Mark CauTionNOTICE is hereby given that Thai union Manufacturing Company Limited. a company organized under the laws of Thailand and having its principal office at 979/13-16 M. Floor, S.M. Tower, Phaholyothin Road, Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand is the owner and sole proprietor of following trademarks:-

(reg: no. iV/3359/2012)

(reg: no. iV/3360/2012)The above two trademarks are in respect of:-“Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs, milk and milk products, edible oil and fats; all goods in this class, especially packaged tuna, packaged sardines, packaged mackerel, packaged squids, packaged shrimps, packaged clams, packaged crab meats, packaged frozen sea foods, packaged sea foods, fish snack, canned meatball” – Class: 29

Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.

U Kyi Win Associatesfor Thai union Manufacturing Company Limited.P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416Dated: 23rd July, 2012

Trade Mark CauTionNOTICE is hereby given that Thai union Frozen Products Public Company Limited. a company organized under the laws of Thailand and having its principal office at 979/12 M. Floor, S.M. Tower, Phaholyothin Road, Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand is the owner and sole proprietor of following trademarks:-

(reg: no. iV/3370/2012)

(reg: no. iV/3371/2012)The above two trademarks are in respect of:-“Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs, milk and milk products, edible oil and fats; all goods in this class, especially packaged tuna, packaged sardines, packaged mackerel, packaged squids, packaged shrimps, packaged clams, packaged crab meats, packaged frozen sea foods, packaged sea foods, fish snack, canned meatball” – Class: 29

Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.

U Kyi Win Associatesfor Thai union Frozen Products Public Company Limited.P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 23rd July, 2012

news15the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

By Zaw Win Than

A SENIOR rice industry off ic ial has called for greater encouragement of foreign investment in the agriculture sector in a bid to spur national development.

U Ye Min Aung, secretary general of Myanmar Rice I n d u s t r y A s s o c i a t i o n (MRIA), said agricultural development should be prioritised over industrial development as the sector employs about two-thirds of Myanmar’s workforce.

“Agriculture is very important [but] our rural infrastructure is very, very weak. Our previous government did not pay much attention to rural infrastructure but our present government has highlighted significance of rural infrastructure and of course the interests of farmers, who make up nearly 70 percent of our population,” he said at a roundtable program in Malaysia earlier this month.

“We should promote investment in the agricultural sector. For the time being most of the investment coming into Myanmar is resources based, mainly in oil and gas and hydropower. I think we have less than 1pc of foreign direct investment in the agricultural sector,” he said.

Agriculture contributes 35pc of gross domestic product, employs 66pc of the workforce and has strong potential to support poverty alleviation because 70pc of the country’s population l i v e i n r u r a l a r e a s , he said. Of Myanmar’s 4 3 , 2 3 9 r e g i s t e r e d private enterprises, food companies make up 35,827, predominantly rice mills, bean processing mills and oil mills, he said, adding that most of these were small family-run operations.

“ M y a n m a r c a n b e considered one of the main food sources for ASEAN … If we can exploit our potential in the agriculture sector, we can successfully set up agro-based industry,” said U Ye Min Aung, who is also a central executive committee member of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

“[There’s] no need to [prioritise industrialisation] in the short term because industrialisation requires a lot of investment, technology transfer and time to set up. So we have a lot of potential in agriculture and agro-based sectors and we need to utilise and optimise [this potential],” he said.

Other speakers at the one-day program included Dr Bridget Welsh, an associate professor of political science

from Singapore Management University, U Ko Ko Lay, a deputy director in the Ministry of Commerce, Dr Tin Htut, rector of Yezin Agricultural University and U Than Htut, a director of Eden Group of Companies.

Titled “Understand the changes, realising the opportunities”, the July 9 event was held in Kuala Lumpur and organised by Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia to highlight recent political, economic and business developments in Myanmar, touching on current trends and future d irect ions as wel l as challenges and responses.

The event had a strong economic focus, with U Ko Ko Lay, deputy director of the Directorate of Trade’s I n t e r n a t i o n a l T r a d e Promotion Department, touting Myanmar as “a virgin land with abundant natural resources, highly literate population and huge workable labour force”.

“The [foreign] investment law will be amended and more reform measures will continuously take place in the future to build a democratic country. We also hope to receive all kinds of assistance, in all possible ways, such as financial assistance, technology transfer and technical assistance and capacity

building activities to enable … the development of the country,” he said.

ISIS Malaysia chief execut ive Dr Mahani Zainal Abidin said recent developments in Myanmar had been “very much welcomed” by regional and international observers.

“The president has also announced the ‘second wave’ of reform and democratic processes further. The international communities have responded quickly,” she said, adding that the business community had “reacted equally fast”.

“Consequently, Myanmar is now on the radar screen of many governments and businesses,” she said.

U Ye Min Aung said that while Myanmar was “moving towards broader economic reforms and liberalisation” it needed more international support.

“We have no option but to develop our capacity and capability,” he said. “If we fail to do so we will become even more neglected and marginalised than we are at present.

“Myanmar has not yet entered the community o f v i b r a n t b u s i n e s s environments in ASEAN, but there is much potential and opportunities for us to join the club of wealthy ASEAN nations before too long.”

YANGON – The Pyithu Hluttaw agreed last week to discuss amendments to a pair of controversial laws widely used to suppress dissent during the former military government’s rule.

Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann confirmed on July 17 that changes would be considered to the Emergency Provision Act and the colonial-era Unlawful Association Act, after a lawmaker raised the issue in parliament.

Pro-democracy campaig-ners have said the laws have been routinely used to detain dissidents and ethnic rebels. While it is unclear how much support there is in parliament for changing the laws, debating their future is the latest sign of the mood for reform in Myanmar.

T h e w i d e - r a n g i n g association act has been used to punish dissidents communicating with exile organisations and the nation’s myriad ethnic groups – with both declared “unlawful” during the army’s five-decade rule.

Several rebel groups have

recently signed ceasefire deals with the government, prompting the lawmaker pushing the amendments to say the association law jeopardises steps towards peace.

“This act is an obstacle in the peace talk process,” U Thein Nyunt, Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Thingangyun from the New National Democracy Party, said during a session of parliament in Nay Pyi Taw.

“Many ordinary people were taken under this act for sending food, water or meeting with their relatives,” he said.

Echoing his call, Nan Wah Nu, a lawmaker with the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), said “villagers mostly suffered” under the act rather than “insurgent groups”.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Kyaw Zan Myint however dampened hopes for a major shift, saying some parts of the law “are still in accord with the [ethnic unrest] situation and should not be discussed for abolition”. – AFP

By Lwin Mar Htun

MYANMAR’S love affair with beauty competitions took an unusual turn last week with the inaugural Miss Farmer Contest at MCC hall in Yangon.

The July 18 competition was organised by the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and aimed to teach viewers how hard farmers have to work to produce rice.

Ma Wai Wai Lwin from Kawhmu took home the title of Miss Farmer along with the K1 million winner’s cheque, while Ma Khin Thandar Maung of Bago Region was declared first runner up and the second runner up prize went to Ma Su Pyae Soe Lwin of Kayin State.

The competition saw the 24 contestants – a mixture of models and real farmers – ditch the staple attire of fashion competitions – the evening gown – and instead opt for the more modest dress of a farmer. Accessories included bamboo hats in all shapes and sizes, baskets of paddy seeds and home-made rope belts with water bottles attached.

In recognition of the fact that wafer-thin models do not make the best farmers, the judges allowed women of all waist, hip and breast measurements to take part in the competition, and there were no age, education or religious limitations on entrants. The winners were selected not on their beauty but based on a strong and healthy appearance, as well as their ability to answer farming-related questions. While most contestants had no trouble mimicking the actions of farmers on stage, disbursing paddy seeds and transplanting stalks with ease, questions in the vein of how many baskets of seed are needed for an acre of paddy tripped up many a contestant.

The competition was free to enter and UMFCCI paid each of the contestants’ expenses.

First Miss Farmer competition held

Rice industry official touts agriculture FDI in Malaysia

A contestant in the Miss Farmer Contest,

held in Yangon on July 18. Pic: Yadanar

Reps to discuss changes to two controversial laws

Trade Mark CauTionNOTICE is hereby given that MaP PaCiFiC PTe LTd, a company incorporated in the Republic of Singapore and having its registered office at 20 Malacca Street #02-00, Malacca Centre (Raffles Place), Singapore 048979, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trade Mark:

Win ConSuLTinG LiMiTed For MaP PaCiFiC PTe LTd#2D, Rose Condominium, No. 182/194,1st Floor, Botahtaung Pagoda Road,Pazundaung Township, Yangon Region,The Republic of the Union of Myanmar.E-mail: winthin9@myanmar.com.mm winconsult@myanmar.com.mmTel: (951) 245671, 9010343Dated: 23rd July, 2012

(Reg: No. IV/4611/2012)

The said Trade Mark mainly consists of a globe and the words “mappacific” (“map” in dark green colour and “pacific” in light green colour) and “Singapore” (in orange colour) in English letters slightly inclined towards right. The “mappacific” denotes the name of the owner company and “Singapore” denotes the country of incorporation.

The above Trade Mark is used in respect of:-

“Agro-chemical products suchas insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, bio products/pesticides for agriculture use and bio products”.

Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to the existing laws of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

newsthe MyanMar tiMes

16July 23 - 29, 2012

By Thiha Toe

THIRTY Hyundai buses have been imported to replace World War II-era Chevrolets on two suburban bus routes, municipal officials said last week.

Sixteen newly imported buses began operating on the No 31 line on July 4, while another 10 have been allocated to the No 57 line. Four more are expected to commence operations on the latter route soon,” said U Win Zaw, deputy head of the department from Ma Hta Tha, the committee that oversees the city’s bus network.

The No 31 buses begin their route at Parami Road in South Okkalapa and proceed to Mingalar S t r e e t , K y o u k o n e , Tarmwe, Mingalar Market, Pazundaung Market, Sule Pagoda, Lanmadaw San Pya, Bhone Gyi Road, Bogyoke Market and Pazundaung Market before retracing

the original route to Parami Road. The No 57 route starts at Sawbwargyigone in Mingalardon township near Kyauktawgyii Pagoda and ends at Yuzana Garden City in Dagon Seikkan township.

The old Chevrolets that were previously plying the routes were handed over to Road Transport Administration Department in exchange for import permits. Owners of old vehicles who couldn’t afford to import the newer Hyundai buses have received loans from Ayeyarwady Bank to help them, said U Win Zaw.

Forty-one Hyundai buses have been imported to date, with 11 still waiting for permission to operate from Ma Hta Tha. All have been converted to run on compressed natural gas. Most of the remainder are likely to operate on route No 36, which begins in North Dagon and ends at Sule Pagoda.

Hyundai buses replace WWII-era Chevrolets

By Ashok Nigam

MYANMAR is vulnerable to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. The worst natural disaster, Cyclone Nargis, struck on May 2 and 3, 2008: 140,000 people lost their lives and 2.4 million people were severely affected. On October 22, 2010 in Rakhine State, Cyclone Giri left 45 people dead and affected the lives of some 260,000 people.

These and other disasters brought on by nature have caused untold human suffering to the Myanmar people. Thousands upon t h o u s a n d s h a v e h a d to rebuild their lives. In addition to natural disasters, there is conflict in Kachin State and communal tensions in Rakhine State, which have led to the displacement of a large number of people and for which an immediate humanitarian response is needed.

In all humanitarian situations, it is the local communities and state actors that have been the first to respond. Neighbours helped one another, religious groups and community l e a d e r s r e s p o n d e d instantaneously. These were the people, the first heroes of the situation, who had saved lives. Myanmar has learned from these disasters and communities have become even more resilient. Nevertheless communities must be strengthened and supported. The government now recognises where its efforts could be boosted by international assistance.

It is the government that has the pr imary responsibility for its people. The United Nations and the humanitarian community are there to work with the government and the partners on the ground. This is how we work everywhere

in the world and it is how we work in Myanmar. At the same time, humanitarian assistance is guided by principles that ensure assistance is provided by identifying who are the most in need, what their needs are and how best those needs can be met. This means that we deliver assistance independently and in a neutral manner without bias towards any race, religion or conviction.

T h e h u m a n i t a r i a n a s s i s t a n c e t h a t i s delivered by the UN and its partners – national and international non-government organisations and c ivi l soc iety – is transparent and accountable through mechanisms that are recognised by the

government, donors and the recipients of assistance. As a trusted partner, the UN has del ivered both development and humanitarian assistance in Myanmar and in countries throughout the world for many years. The activities of the UN in Myanmar are country-wide and it delivers where it can with what it can. It works with its partners, in government and in civil society, in particular international and national NGOs who are vital for services to reach people.

Between January and May this year alone, 545,000 people across Myanmar received 10,250 tonnes of food, including 8930 tonnes or 178,000 bags of rice, from the UN.

Humanitarian partners are striving to provide assistance to all the victims of the Kachin conflict.

As a contribution to this collective effort, this year alone in Kachin State, UN assistance has been directly provided to as many as 40,000 internally displaced persons, including through nine UN-supported convoys that have delivered food and household items to some 15,000 persons in 13 locations in areas affected by the conflict.

The assistance given to the displaced in Kachin State faces many challenges, brought about by the conflict and also due to weather and geographical conditions and infrastructure. It is highly dependent on the dedicated efforts of the various communities and partners there and who are able to assist the displaced

families in areas that the UN and its partners have been unable to reach.

Communal violence in Rakhine State has resulted in destruction of homes, loss of lives and livelihoods and much human suffering. According to the latest figures from the Rakhine State government, more than 63,000 people remain displaced across Rakhine State. Many more may have been affected and are in need of support. Once again, it is the local community structure that has initially taken care of the displaced a n d t h e d i s t r e s s e d . Donations and offers of assistance from civil society and private individuals h a v e b e e n r e p o r t e d daily in the local media. Humanitarian partners strive to complement these efforts and assist all those in need.

Humanitarian personnel work in the community by building trust. When natural disasters strike, r e s i l i e n c e i n c r e a s e s through communal trust and warmth. Conflict and violence, however, are fueled by mistrust, thereby eroding communit ies . Natural disasters last a few days at most and communities pick up their lives again as resilience becomes stronger. Conflicts and tension can be prolonged. Traumatised communities are weakened. Hatred and mistrust are also fueled by misinformation and rumours. We must provide full transparency of information through every means, including the media, to enhance trust with the victims of crises and the

authorities and also avoid the consequences of misinformation.

Myanmar is playing catch-up with the rest of the world. In a speech on June 20, President U Thein Sein underscored the partnership with

the UN, INGOs and civil society in his plans for the development of Myanmar. The UN and its humanitarian partners stand ready to provide assistance to those in need in accordance with the humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality.

While acts of God are unavoidable, humanitarian disasters brought about by man must not stand in the way of Myanmar’s development and progress towards democracy. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners are here to work with the people of Myanmar, to support what can be achieved by the people, for the people of Myanmar.

(Ashok Nigam is the

United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar.)

Developing Myanmar faces humanitarian challenges

Women in a hospital in Laiza, Kachin State, earlier this month. Pic: Kaung Htet

‘We deliver assistance independently and in a neutral manner without bias

towards any race, religion or conviction.’

Trade Mark CauTionnoTiCe is hereby given that HYundai CorPoraTion a company organized under the laws of Korea (South) and having its principal office at 75, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -

(reg: nos. iV/3048/2009 & iV/4388/2012)in respect of:- “Import-export agencies, advertisement and promotion for corporations, sales promotion, business management and organization consultancy, commercial information agencies, marketing services, sales agency and arranging services for electric tools and equipment for household purposes, sales agency and arranging services for household electric machines and apparatus, sales agency and arranging services for electric heat apparatus and equipment for household purposes, sales agency and arranging services for hand operated tools and implements for kitchens, sales agency and arranging services for hand tools, sales agency and arranging services for photographic machines and apparatus, sales agency and arranging services for batteries and cells, sales agency and arranging services for telecommunication machines and implements, sales agency and arranging services for bath tubs, sales agency and arranging services for heating apparatus and refrigerating machines and apparatus, sales agency and arranging services for solar collectors [heating], sales agency and arranging services for metalworking machines and tools, sales agency and arranging services for lawnmower machines, sales agency and arranging services for tools and apparatus for garden, sales agency and arranging services for tools and equipment for office use, sales agency and arranging services for vending machines, sales agency and arranging services for electronic machines, apparatus and their parts, sales agency and arranging services for security equipment, apparatus and their parts, sales agency and arranging services for lubricating oil” – International Class: 35

Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.

U Kyi Win Associates for HYundai CorPoraTion P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 23rd July, 2012

news17the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

By Zaw Win Than

TRAVEL agents in Yangon say almost all foreign-owned hotels are not only ignoring a ministry-imposed cap on room rates but in some cases even increasing prices further.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism imposed a US$150 limit on standard rooms on June 25 and warned that foreign-owned hotels that failed to abide by the instruction could face difficulties getting visas renewed for expatriate staff or extending property leases. They were also told to provide correct room and occupancy rates to the ministry.

The decision was made after about 30 travel agents sent a letter to the ministry urging it to tackle “profiteering” by foreign-owned hotels in Yangon, after prices tripled in less than a year on the back of strong demand from tourists, delegations and businesses.

Daw Sabei Aung, managing d irector o f Nature Dream Travel and Tour, said the issue was negatively impacting the government’s reform efforts and had earned Myanmar a reputation as one of the most expensive travel destinations in the world.

“As we requested, the ministry issued some instructions on June 25 but still the foreign-owned hotels and local hotels aren’t following the ministry instruction,” she said at a meeting of more than

30 travel agents on July 14 at My Garden Restaurant in Yangon.

“Many visitors are not happy to visit Myanmar because of the high price and the image of Myanmar as a tourist destination has been destroyed.”

On July 17, Minister U Tint Hsan met hoteliers, travel agents and private tourism bodies at Inya Lake Hotel to clarify the room rate instructed released by the ministry.

“The minister clarified that the standard room rate is US$150 for two persons including breakfast and regular facilities. All the hoteliers agreed to that and if they don’t follow the instruction

then action will be taken by the ministry as mentioned earlier,” said U Tin Tun Aung, general secretary of Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA), who attended the meeting.

None of the foreign-owned hotels in Yangon contacted by The Myanmar Times agreed to comment on whether they were complying with the ministry price limits.

But a sales and marketing executive from one well-known hotel in downtown Yangon said her company was still “working on” its pricing.

“It is easy to announce the rules and regulations but it takes time

to change all the prices again on our pamphlets and web pages. But I’m sure we will definitely follow the prices announced by the ministry. We are working on it,” she said. But Daw Sabei Aung said it was simply a matter of greed.

“They are greedy. If they increase the room rate 100 percent, it would be quite ok. But now they increased it 300pc. Obviously they are greedy. I have never seen or heard of any other country where hotel room rates increased so suddenly,” she said.

“For example, Sedona Hotel is managed by Keppl Group. They have many hotels in different countries and in Myanmar we have

Sedona Hotel Yangon and Sedona Hotel Mandalay. If you look at the website, their five-star hotel in Bangkok and here are totally different rates. Why is the rate so much different even though both hotels are same star-level and under the same parent company?”

“If you look at the Traders Hotel website, they set the room rate as US$200 but when they sign a contract with us, the price is $300. I don’t know what to make of this situation. At ParkRoyal Hotel it is the same: they offer us $290 but their website rate is just $155. So I don’t really understand why they are doing this.

“We want reliable contracts and rooms for our clients at reasonable rates.”

Mr Frank Janmaat, general manager of locally owned KMA Hotel Group, which has properties in Bagan, Taungoo and Nay Pyi Taw, agreed that the ongoing high prices were damaging the industry’s reputation.

“The minister announced price caps on certain room types at hotels in Yangon. Although the trade and industry of a country profits from a free market economy, we should think about the long-term effects from the large increase in prices at certain hotels. Certainly there is no or little relation between

the price and the service and facilities offered,” Mr Janmaat said. ”The last thing we want is that Myanmar is to develop a name as an expensive destination,” he said.

Some agents express concern that the disagreement in the industry over room pricing, which has been an issue for most of 2012, would permanently damage relationships between agents and hotels.

“We agents and hotels should work together. Although we complained about foreign-owned hotels in the past few weeks, now even the locally owned hotels have followed the approach of the foreign hotels

and increased their room rates as well. If this situation continues it will make relations between agents and hotels very unpleasant,” said U Soe Thura, managing director from Myanmar Tourex.

“All agents should be united and we will try to urge [reasonable room rates] within the rules and regulations. I think UMTA and the ministry should all work together and find a solution for this situation,” he added.

Daw Sabei Aung agreed that private tourism bodies in Myanmar needed to participate in solving the issue.

“I believe we are working in transparent manner. We informed the Myanmar Tourism Federation (MTF) and UMTA about our gathering so they could attend today’s event. We also informed the ministry. How long do we need to wait for the UMTA to be involved? When will the MTF solve this issue? What follow-up action has the ministry taken after issuing the instructions on pricing last month? Will they take action only after all our businesses have been destroyed? Now Sedona hotel doesn’t accept my bookings. They have also broken the existing contact we had,” she said.

But U Tin Tun Aung said the UMTA had always looked after the interests of its members since it was established more than 10 years ago.

“We have been trying to solve this problem for the past six months,” he said.

Hotels ignoring room rate order: agents

‘We want reliable contracts and rooms for clients at reasonable rates.’

TiMESbusinessthe MyanMar tiMes

19July 23 - 29, 2012

By Aye Thidar Kyaw

CAR prices will fall further once importers figure out how to utilise the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) system, government officials said last week.

ATIGA came into force in May 2010, replacing the Common Effective Preferential Tariff system. According to a notice posted on the Custom’s Department under the Ministry for Commerce’s website on July 16, importers will only be charged a 5 percent Customs duty to import vehicles using the ATIGA system, compared with the existing rate of 30-40pc.

The system can also be extended to countries beyond ASEAN, including Australia, China, India, Japan and South Korea, the notice said.

According to a Custom’s Department official, no importer has used the ATIGA system to import vehicles yet because nobody knows it exists.

The government announced a vehicle import substitution program last September but has since added two other schemes and amended the

original plan several times, ostensibly to reduce prices for buyers.

Ministry for Commerce deputy general manager U Win Myint said using the ATIGA system would further decrease prices.

“When importers apply to bring in cars using the ATIGA system, prices will come down even further,” he said.

“As the different rules and regulations have changed, we’ve aimed to reduce prices,” he added.

He said most car prices had halved since last year.

U Kyaw Nyunt, a trader at Yangon’s Hantharwaddy trading zone, said imported car prices had not fallen substantially in the past two months because the demand for vehicles outside Yangon

had picked up.“Car prices should probably

be lower than they are but people are coming to Yangon from other regions to buy cars who don’t know the market and are paying higher prices,” he said.

“Besides, the latest model cars that can be imported without permits have not arrived in large numbers yet,” he added, referring to an import system announced in May that allows people with foreign currency bank accounts to import cars made between 2007 and 2010.

More than 54,900 vehicles had been submitted to the government for import substitution by mid-June, with 48,919 import licence applications.

Afterwards, the cars sumitted were crushed for scrap metal, including h u n d r e d s o f v i n t a g e Volkswagens and Mercedes Benz cars that could have been sold to private collectors in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.

However, the government earned about US$97.35 million from import taxes collected from the new vehicles, according to the ministry.

Commerce Ministry to keep car prices falling, say officials

By Juliet Shwe Gaung

YANGON’S taxi fleet has increased by more than 132 percent since last year and is set to keep growing, however the increase is dividing opinion on the street, drivers and passengers said last week.

By July 16 more than 14,900 taxis were registered in the city, up 6405 from the end of 2011, according to Yangon Region’s Transport Planning Department.

A department official said additional licences were being issued and there are no plans to limit the numbers in the city.

However, traffic jams have become a feature of daily life, meaning passengers and drivers must spend more time in transit. And increasing competition means drivers are having to work harder to make a profit.

U Tun Kyi, a taxi driver who rents a Myanmar-made Chery Miniwagon with an 800-cubic-centimetre engine from 6am to 6pm, said although the car is fuel efficient, he is unhappy with his job because of heavier traffic.

“The roads are packed these days because of new

car imports,” he said, adding that he has to drive too quickly to earn a profit.

However, heavier traffic is not U Tun Kyi’s only gripe.

“The owner of this car refuses to reduce the daily rental fee or increase the length of time I can use it,” he said.

U Tun Kyi said his 12-hour shift at the wheel costs K15,000 – the same fee charged by owners of compressed natural gas-fuelled (CNG) taxis. Cars

with larger gasoline or diesel engines are rented for about K10,000 a shift.

“I know of other Chery or QQ3 car owners who have reduced the rental fee to K12,000 or increased the shift length by an hour or two. But the owner this car has done neither because he drives the car himself when I hand it back,” he said.

U Win Maung, another taxi driver, said passengers are in a better position to negotiate than the past.

“Passengers have more cabs to choose from and can negotiate harder with drivers,” he said.

“Before I could ask K6000 for a fare to Hlaing Tharyar township [about 22 kilometres] from downtown but now I have to accept K4000 sometimes because another driver with a CNG car will take the fare,” he said.

He said frequent traffic jams means drivers burn more fue l but cannot necessarily ask for higher

fares because others are willing to take the fare instead.

Another taxi driver, U Tun Win, said some passengers are willing to pay a K500 bonus at the end of a journey to compensate the driver for extra time spent in jams.

But he has to work harder to earn a profit.

“If I want to stop and wait for a passenger somewhere busy, usually I find at least two other cars already sitting there,” he said.

U Aung Lwin, who drives a CNG-powered car, said: “Some passengers only want to hire taxis that are driving around, not the ones that sit and wait because they think they will get a better price.”

He added that one of his friends owned a CNG-powered tax i that he substituted for a newer import but is still waiting a f t e r o n e - a n d - a - h a l f months for permission from Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) to put the newer vehicle onto CNG.

A MOGE spokesperson said there are about new 1 1 0 0 c a r s , i n c l u d i n g taxis,which were recently submit ted f or import subst i tut ion and had applied for permission to operate CNG systems in future.

He said 300 applications had already been approved by July 16, with 50 more to be granted in the coming week. Of the 300 approved, 250 are taxis, he added.

He said i t takes at least a month to receive permission because MOGE and the Minister for Energy must sign off conversion applications.

As taxi numbers and traffic increase, drivers suffer

A Chery Miniwagon taxi transports a passenger in downtown Yangon last week. Pic: Ko Taik

More page 20

‘When importers apply to bring in cars using this

system, prices will come down even

further.’

Businessthe MyanMar tiMes

20July 23 - 29, 2012

“We give priority to those who have submitted CNG-run vehicles for import substitution and wish to convert their new cars to CNG,” he said.

Taxi drivers told The Myanmar Times they are anxiously waiting news from the government that new CNG conversions will be allowed because the fuel is considerably cheaper than diesel or gasoline.

A 70 litre tank of CNG costs about K3000 and lasts between 100 and 180 kilometres, depending on the size of the engine. However, a gallon (4.55 litres) of government-rationed gasoline costs K3350 and can power a typical car for 40 to 70km.

Passengers agree the increased number of taxis makes life easier.

Ma Htwe Lay, a 32-year-old businesswoman, said drivers ask for higher fares than in the past but she had more to choose from.

“Taxi drivers regularly complain about traffic and then ask for a higher fare,” she said, adding that she paid K1500 to drive from her house in Sanchaung township to her office downtown 12 months ago.

“Now some drive away if I don’t agree to K2000. But I know I’ll eventually find one who will accept K1500,” she said.

However, 27-year-old accountant Ma Thida said she was willing to pay a higher fare for a vehicle in better condition.

“I have more choice but I don’t like that it takes a lot longer to get places than it used to because of the heavier traffic.”

By Tim Mclaughlin

SUMITOMO Corporation of Japan will open an office in Nay Pyi Taw on August 1, according to a press release issued by the company on July 16.

The office in the capital will be the firm’s second i n M y a n m a r , b e h i n d Yangon.

The company said the ongoing democratition process , coupled with deregulation in Myanmar’s economy, were the driving forces behind its expansion. Their previous interests were in rai lway cars , construction equipment, automobiles and basic chemicals.

The second office location will improve the company’s information gathering abilities, the statement said.

Sumitomo first began doing business in the country in 1954, according t o t h e s t a t e m e n t . I n the recent past, many Japanese companies were

deterred from large-scale investment in Myanmar by US sanctions and an alliance with Washington.

W i t h U S s a n c t i o n s further eased last week, Japan is making a push to catch up for lost time and establish itself alongside Myanmar’s biggest trade and investment partners – Thailand and China.

O n J u l y 1 0 , f e l l o w Japanese trading house Marubeni was awarded a US$3.8 million contract to overhaul the Yawma t h e r m a l p o w e r p l a n t northwest of Yangon.

The contract appears to have sent a signal to other Japanese companies that April’s forgiveness of $3.7 billion of Myanmar’s sovereign debt, as well as visits by high-ranking government and business officials, are beginning to yield positive results in the country.

Sumitomo Corporation was founded in 1919 and currently holds offices in 65 countries, as well as 24 domestic offices in Japan.

Japan’s Sumitomo Corp to open Nay

Pyi Taw office

By Aye Thidar Kyaw

THE Central Bank of Myanmar will allow foreign banks to establish joint ventures with domestic operators in the coming months, a senior bank official said last week.

Commerce Minister U Win Myint said at Myanmar Citizen Bank’s annual general meeting in late June that the government would soon allow foreign banks to operate in Myanmar in some capacity.

A senior Central Bank official in Yangon said he was unable to release further details about the joint venture plan but said the bank intends to boost services provided by domestic banks by encouraging joint ventures. He added that foreign banks would be

allowed to open branches and full service banks in future but not until domestic operators are given time to modernise.

“We cannot open the sector immediately because domestic banks will suffer unless they are ready” for foreign competition, he said.

He added that recent visits by business delegations, i n c l u d i n g o n e b y a n American team on July 16, mentioned the importance of adequate banking and financial networks for potential investors.

H o w e v e r , n o f i r m commitments were made by foreign companies at the meeting, he said.

He added that as the amended Foreign Investment Law is still being reviewed by the hluttaws, the Central Bank had not yet set any

firm rules regarding how much capital foreign firms are required to invest.

About 20 foreign banks from countries such as China , Ind ia , Japan , Vietnam and Thailand, have representative offices in Myanmar.

“When the Central Bank rules are announced, these banks with representative offices will have the best chance [to complete joint ventures] because they have already been here for many years,” he said.

C o - o p e r a t i v e B a n k managing director U Pe Myint said private banks h a v e t o p r e p a r e f o r joint ventures by hiring consultants to provide advice on what they need to do to modernise and boost service capabilities.

“We’ve received a message from the Central Bank about

joint ventures but we don’t know the details. All we can say is that we have no experience with joint ventures involving foreign banks,” he said.

“Our banking system is far behind neighbouring countries in many areas – both technical-and service-based – but joint ventures will offer benefits to both parties,” he said.

He added that joint ventures might not be limited to banks and could extend to the formation of finance companies.

Kanbawza Bank vice president U Than Lwin said he expected that foreign banks would prefer to establish their own operations in Myanmar and would likely be given permission to do so in 2015.

“Joint venture banking is no longer popular in

other countries [and the] government has to open up to individual foreign banks in 2015 when the ASEAN Free Trade Area comes into full effect,” he said.

U Nay Myo Htun, general manager of business and market development at Ayeyarwady Bank, said domestic banks that partner with a foreign company stood to gain experience, technology and added resources.

“When they [foreign banks] come there will be more job opportunities for people and more services for consumers. But there may also be some problems if local banks are gobbled up by foreign ones,” he said.

He added that most domestic banks do not have enough branches open countrywide to satisfy client needs.

CBM prepares for joint ventures

From Page 19

Kanbawza Bank employees at a branch office in downtown Yangon recently. Pic: Kaung Htet

Trade Mark CauTion

klingspor aG, a Company incorporated in Germany, of Huttenstrasse 36, D-35708 Haiger, Germany, is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

reg. no. 1486/1998

reg. no. 819/2006

in respect of “Class 03: Abrasive in liquid, paste and solid form; abrasives in the form of plates; endless strips, discs, cloths, papers or rolls; emery and abrasive papers and cloths; abrasive mops; abrasives and polishing products, all in the form of rods, bars, discs, wheels, hand blocks, finishing papers and cloths, hand plates and polishing corundum apparatuses. Class 07: abrasive grindstones, flap wheels. Class 08: abrasive grindstones”.

kronenFLeXreg. no. 7933/2004

in respect of “Abrasives”.

reg. no. 8277/2006

in respect of “Class 03: Means for cleaning, polishing, scouring; abrasives in liquid, paste and solid form; abrasive preparations; coated abrasives; emery and abrasive paper, fibre and cloth; finishing papers and cloths; non-woven abrasives and abrasive wool; abrasives in the form of plates, endless strips, discs, pads, sheets and rolls; bonded abrasives, also flexible bonded abrasives; sponges with abrasives. Class 07: machines for grinding, cutting, sawing, separating and polishing, as well as parts and accessories thereof, especially supporting discs, adhesion plates, contact wheels, clamping mandrels; machine tools for grinding, cutting, separating and polishing, as well as parts and accessories therefor, especially polishing discs, grinding discs, “cut-off” wheels, grinding stones, grinding wheels and drums and mounted points, grinding mops and flap-wheels, grinding mop-discs and flap-discs; abrasive belts; cartridge rolls and spiral bands or sleeves, flexible bonded abrasive wheels and discs. Class 08: hand operated tools and devices, especially manual tools for grinding, cutting, sharpening and polishing; grindstones; abrasives and polishing products in the form of rods, bars, discs, wheels and hand blocks”.

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 klingspor aGP.O. Box 60, YangonE-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mmDated: 23 July 2012

Business21the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

By Shaun Tandon

WASHINGTON – The United States last week urged Myanmar to ensure transparency and human rights as US companies visited to explore business opportunities just days after lifting an investment ban.

Two senior US officials joined executives of 38 companies on the July 14-15 tour of Myanmar after President Barack Obama on July 12 announced a controversial suspension of US investment including in oil and gas.

Robert Hormats, the under secretary of state in charge of business, met government officials and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and voiced support for the dramatic recent reforms in the long-closed nation, the State Department said on July 16.

M r H o r m a t s s a i d the United States was “committed to working with the government of Burma to improve transparency and anti-corruption efforts, including across state-owned companies such as the Myanma Oil and Gas

Enterprise [MOGE]”, a State Department statement said.

Mr Hormats said US relations with Myanmar would depend on “respecting human rights, including promoting labour rights, protecting the rights of ethnic minorities, and releasing hundreds of remaining political prisoners”, the statement said.

Prominent US lawmakers and human rights advocates,

who had largely backed President Obama’s outreach to Myanmar, criticised his decision to allow US firms to partner with MOGE for fear that the company will set back reforms.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is widely respected i n W a s h i n g t o n , h a d herself warned against Western nations teaming up w i th MOGE unt i l i t agreed to abide by international standards

on transparency.M r H o r m a t s u r g e d

Myanmar to s ign the Extract ive Industr ies Transparency Initiative, a standard for openness on oil and gas that was first announced a decade ago by former British prime minister Tony Blair.

J o n a s M o b e r g , t h e head of the initiative’s international secretariat, visited Myanmar last week

on a separate trip after government officials voiced interest in the standard.

Oil companies Chevron, C o n o c o P h i l l i p s a n d ExxonMobil participated in the Myanmar trip, along with companies in other sectors such as Dell, FedEx, Google, Procter & Gamble and Time Warner.

G e n e r a l E l e c t r i c announced plans to invest in equipment at two hospitals, following Coca-Cola which

said last month it would return to Myanmar.

Anthony Nelson of the U S - A S E A N B u s i n e s s Council, which organised the trip, said firms mostly visited Myanmar to explore future opportunities as the country’s leaders are developing laws to reform the economy.

“Our message there is, really, we would rather see them take their time and

consult with stakeholders and get things right than to try to rush things out, and I think they understand that,” Nelson said by telephone from Yangon.

“Major US companies don’t want to deal with people who are committing major human rights abuses anyway, so I don’t think that’s something that holds us back,” he said.

Companies and some US lawmakers have argued that investment restrictions

only hurt US firms as Asian nations have long invested in Myanmar and the European Union, Australia and Canada have all ended or suspended sanctions.

Separately on July 16, the Abbott Fund, the foundation of Chicago-based health care company Abbott, said it would provide US$1 million over two years to Myanmar for an initiative by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to support women and girls.

The Abbott Fund said that it would fund local groups that have been active even with limited resources in promoting health, education and economic opportunities for women.

“That strength of civil society in Burma is really remarkable and, I think, worthy of support and investment,” said Katherine Pickus, vice president of the Abbott Fund.

“It doesn’t mean that the problems are all going to be solved just with one or two grants. This is about really investing and building a long-term capacity and solutions in the community,” she said.

US in human rights call on biz trip

‘Our message there is, really, we would rather see them take their time and consult with stakeholders and get

things right than to try to rush things out.’

Anthony Nelson of the US-ASEAN Business Council speaks at a press conference in Yangon last week. Pic: Yadanar

By Myat Nyein Aye

GOLD prices hit a five-month high on the back of the rapidly rising US dollar, traders said last week.

In the past month the dollar has climbed from K810 to about K873, a rise of slightly less than 1 percent while gold prices have increased by about 2pc, they said.

Gold prices rose to about K730,000 a tical (0.576 ounces) on July 10 in Yangon and K729,500 in Mandalay, from K720,000 a few days earlier, said U Aung San Win, owner of Aung Thamadi gold shop in Mandalay.

Prices remained virtually unchanged at week later, with gold trading in Yangon for K730,600 on July 20.

However, U Aung San Win said sales were flat.

“People are trying to sell gold back to shops and in the past fortnight we’ve had very few buyers,” he said.

“ T h e g o l d p r i c e i n Myanmar is at its highest po int in f i ve months because the international price is high and the dollar exchange is K873,” said U Zaw Aung, owner of Take Sein gold.

AFP news agency reported that gold was trading at the London Bullion Market for $1584 an ounce on July 20, up from $1570.50 a week earlier.

“Gold sales are already depressed because it ’s rainy season,” U Zaw Aung said.

However, last week’s prices were still short of the K760,000 record reached on February 29. At that time the international price was about $1700 an ounce and the US dollar was trading for about K813, said U Zaw Aung.

Gold on the rise as kyat weakens

Businessthe MyanMar tiMes

22July 23 - 29, 2012

Job watch

By Tim Mclaughlin

INVESTOR Jim Rogers, Chairman of Rogers Holdings, Beeland Interests Inc and co-founder of the Quantum Fund, is bullish on Myanmar’s growth, dubbing it, “probably the best investment opportunity in the world right now”.

Mr Rogers, a fan of long-haul cross-continent journeys, first visited Myanmar in 2001 where he says he fell in love with the country and realised its tremendous untapped potential.

“I saw a disciplined, educated, ambitious workforce,” said Rogers, in a telephone interview, “and vast, vast mineral resources.”

With the easing of Western economic sanctions against Myanmar following from the government’s steps towards democratisation and economic reform, Myanmar has quickly found itself the focus of investors who see it and its 60 million people one of the world’s last unexplored markets.

The money Mr Rogers believes can be made in the near future is rooted in the success the country found before being largely shut-off from the rest of the world.

“In 1962, Burma was the richest country in Asia. Then they closed and [now] it is the poorest. They are doing the same thing China did. In 1978 China, which had been closed, said, ‘Look, this isn’t working’. I have seen this many times in many countries.”

M r R o g e r s s a i d t h e l a c k o f telecommunications, only 4 percent of

the population owns a mobile phone and SIM cards cost more than US$250, an outdated and underfunded healthcare system and a shortage of sufficient hotels for tourists, represent just a fraction of the possibilities.

“Everything,” said Mr Rogers when asked about which sectors appeared prime for investment, “everything has opportunity, you name it. There are staggering opportunities in anything you can think of.”

China is Myanmar’s largest source of foreign investment and has never applied sanctions on its southern neighbour.

Despite these close ties and signs of a cooling Chinese economy, Mr Rogers is not worried about the impact it may have. He cites Myanmar’s position on the economic ground floor as a reason that upward movement is the only direction possible.

“It is starting from ground zero. I can’t think of a better neighbour to have in the 21st century than China,” he said, “I wouldn’t worry about what happens to the rest of the world.”

Mr Rogers, a long time proponent of the agricultural sector, again points to Myanmar’s past success as a reason to be excited for the future. In 1934 it led the world by exporting 3.3 million tonnes of rice.

“Fifty years ago it was the rice basket of Asia and the potential is there again. The sky is the limit,” he said, “Staggering fortunes will be made in agriculture in Myanmar in the next decades.”

The government has set a goal to increase rice exports by almost a fifth, hoping to

reach 1 million tonnes in the 2012-13 fiscal year. The increase is seen as a challenge to Myanmar’s ASEAN counterparts Thailand and Vietnam, which exported 10 million and 7.2 million tonnes in 2011, respectively.

Although new ventures into Myanmar are seen largely as a positive step for the country, some watch groups fear that ongoing ethnic struggles and human rights violations are being overlooked for the sake of business.

The US Campaign for Burma, United to End Genocide and Human Rights Watch widely denounced the US announcement allowing companies to work with Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) on July 13. Opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has criticised MOGE because it lacks, “transparency and accountability at present”.

Mr Rogers disagrees and believes that foreign investment will not only bring with it dearly needed capital for the country, but also more expertise, more competition and a diverse range of view points.

“If you go from 0 human rights to 13 it is better,” said Mr Rogers, “It is better than boycotting and closing the place off. Exposure to the outside world is always better than boycotting.”

With his infectiously enthusiastic outlook and past success, Mr Rogers has undoubtedly set many scrambling to locate Myanmar on the map and he offers some words of advice for those looking to cash in.

“Most people cannot spell Myanmar. They need to educate themselves and find a knowledgeable, local partner.”

‘Staggering fortunes’ possible in Myanmar: Rogers

Cheap imports imperil upper Myanmar’s egg farmersBy Myat Nyein Aye

CHEAP imports from China have left chicken farmers in upper Myanmar facing a bleak future, traders said last week.

U Khin Maung Oo, an egg trader in Monywa in Sagaing Region, said eggs imported from China were undercutting locally grown competition by nearly 18 percent in price.

He said Chinese eggs could be bought for K70 each, while locally grown eggs cost at least K85.

He said regular customers in Sai Taung and Hpakant in Kachin State had stopped buying eggs from Monywa because it was cheaper to buy from China.

“We used to sell between 60 and 100 boxes a day [500 eggs a box]. But six months ago they stopped buying from us because cheaper eggs were being exported from China over the border,” he said.

The eggs are exported to Bhamo and Lwegye in Kachin State from China, said Dr Si Si Brang, chairman of the Myanmar Livestock and Fisheries Federation in Kachin State on July 1.

After the eggs arrive, they are shipped to Myitkyina through Kampaikte, he said.

Dr Si Si Brang said the imports were already killing off local farming – Myitkyina previously housed 150 farms with a total flock of about 150,000 birds but only 30 farms still survive.

“Prices are much lower in China – we estimate they are about K30 an egg. But even once they have been shipped to Myanmar they are only K50 each, and K70 by the time they have reached Myitkyina,” said U Khin Maung Oo.

In addition to being cheaper, the Chinese eggs are also larger, he said.

He said high feed prices kept the cost of domestically producing eggs high because farmers must expend about K58 to produce each egg.

By Soe Sandar Oo

THE ongoing conflict in Kachin State combined with heavy monsoon rains are starving the Mandalay gems market of raw materials, traders said last week.

Traders said mining in Hpakant, Kachin State, ground to a halt in late June as the government battled the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

Mandalay’s Gems Market i n M a h a r a u n g m y a y township is the country’s main clearing house for gems and jade, with most sales done with Chinese businesspeople.

“For the time being, we are dealing with stock that we have in hand because we cannot go to Hpakant to buy any more.

“The reason is bad weather but the government is announced on May 29, before the monsoon arrived, that miners would have to cease operations,” said U Myo Zaw, gems trader at the market.

He added that he believed that while the government told miners to stop work when the rains started, it was actually because the conflict with the KIA meant the army was unable to offer protection.

U Myo Zaw said Hpakant had flooded during the first week of July after the Sama dam, near the Namayan River, had failed.

Some mining companies in Hpakant normally close when the monsoon rains starts because of potential flooding but others on higher ground continue their operations, he said.

He added that o ther additional sources of gems during the wet season are the piles of discarded dirt, sometimes called tailings, that neither the companies nor the government officially allow scavengers to pick over. However, residents still pore over the piles and whisk away small stones, he said.

“It’s very hard to stop people from picking over those piles, so many traders still visit mining towns during the wet months in search of those stones,” he said.

U Kyaw Kyaw, another merchant at the Mandalay market, said: “I will not go to Hpakant in coming months because the rains are very heavy this year and I don’t think it’s safe.” “Kachin State is not under

government control yet,” he said.

There are total more then 500 gems mining companies at Hpakant but most are Chinese firms from either the mainland or Hong Kong that hide behind Myanmar fronts, he added.

Gem broker U Soe Naing said cut stones in the K50-million range were selling well. However, the market for larger and more expensive stones – those priced at K100 million and above – was cool, he said.

U Soe Naing said gem trading was a potentially lucrative enterprise.

“Buying an uncut stone is a little bit like a lottery – if the stone inside is good quality you can make huge profits but you can also be left with nothing,” he said.

Conflict and rain starve Mandalay’s gem market

A worker at Mandalay’s main jade and gem market polishes a stone last week. Pic: Soe Sandar Oo

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Myanmar is seeking qualified local applicants to fill the post of:

Duty Station: Yangon, on mission status to Rakhine State1) Assistant Field Officer (1position) (NOA,LICA)2) Field Associate (GL-6. LICA)(3 positions)3) Programme Associate (1 position)(GL-6, LICA)4) Administrative and (2 positons) Finance Associate (GL-6, LICA)5) Supply Associate (GL-6, LICA), (1position)6) Driver (GL-2 - TA) (1 position)Compensation package: Salary + Daily Allowance at the prevailing rate of the location.with frequent and extended visits to other operational areas.The detailed Terms of Reference for this pos-ition are available on request from UNHCR offices in Yangon, Maungdaw, Mawlamyine, Myeik, Taungoo, Loikaw, Myitkyina and Bh-amo.Closing date: 27.07.2012 www.unhcr.org

Website: www.esearchmyanmar.com

Apply Now!Sales and Marketing manager (pharmaceutical) ♦Brand manager ♦Sales manager ♦Tour operation Manager ♦Tour operation Assistant ♦Tour Sales manager ♦Sales girl - 30 staff (Fresher) ♦Sales boy- 30 staff (Fresher) ♦Engineers (BE/ME/) ♦Accountants ♦Secretary ♦Human Resources Manager ♦

No.851/853, 3rd Floor, Bogyke Aung San Road, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon.Tel: 222963/ 229406/ 229437/ 728261E-mail: esearch@yangon.net.mm

Business23the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

MANDALAY City Development Committee will begin removing some of the billboards around Zegyo Market to make it more attractive for tourists, a city official said last week.

He said the billboards were eyesores

and disrupted views of the market’s clock tower. “We have not asked the owners of existing billboards to remove them but we will not be renewing applications,” he said.

“However, we have not decided how many we will allow at the site or

what size they will be,” he said.“We will release the information

concerning size and numbers when we have made a decision. We’re just emphasising a beautiful part of the city,” the official said.

– Aung Ye Thwin

Billboards adorn the sides of buildings near Mandalay’s

Zegyo Market. Pic: Aung Ye Thwin

Zegyo Market’s billboards to be cleared: MCDC

BANGKOK – PTT Pcl, Thailand’s top energy firm, said on July 17 it planned to invest US$2 billion to $3 billion in projects in Myanmar, including a 150,000-barrel-per-day refinery, coal mines and a power plant, as part of its drive to expand in Southeast Asia.

State-controlled PTT, which aims to invest over $11 billion in 2012-16, is also keen to invest in a petrochemical complex in Vietnam, Nattachat C h a r u c h i n d a , c h i e f operating officer for PTT’s petroleum business, told reporters.

“We are preparing the investment plans for the Myanmar government, which should invo lve around $2 -3 b i l l i on , ” Nattachat said, adding that the planned refinery would help feed a new petrochemical plant to serve growing demand in Myanmar.

Myanmar is opening up more to investment after political and economic changes pushed through by the government that took over from a military junta in March 2011.

PTT, Thailand’s most valuable company, planned to set up a subsidiary, PTT Myanmar, to oversee its investment in the country, where it also wants to have 60 petrol stations within five years, Nattachat said.

PTT aimed to boost the number of its petrol stations in Southeast Asia excluding Thailand to 220 over the next five years from 95 now, he added.

PTT, va lued at $30 billion, runs Thailand’s gas pipeline monopoly and controls more than 30 petroleum, gas exploration, petrochemical and refinery businesses. It is Asia

Pacific’s third-biggest oil and gas firm by market value after PetroChina and Sinopec.

I t s i n v e s t m e n t i n M y a n m a r h a s b e e n spearheaded by 65 percent owned PTT Exploration and Production Pcl (PTTEP), which already has five projects in the country.

On July 16, PTTEP won a battle against Royal Dutch/Shell to take over Cove Energy Plc, which will give it access to the booming East African gas sector.

Western countries have eased sanctions against M y a n m a r t h a t w e r e imposed under the junta and big Western firms are keen to get in.

Companies from Thailand and most other Asian countries had no such constraints but they, too, are stepping up their interest because of the improved investment climate.

P T T ’ s p r o p o s e d investment is among the biggest to be announced and follows plans outlined to Reuters in June by PTTEP to invest more than $2 billion in the country, mostly in gas and deep-sea exploration.

The energy sector has a t t rac ted o ther huge pro jec ts , notab ly two pipelines to take oil and gas to China, due to be completed next year.

The former government provided little information on that deal, which was signed in 2009, but total investment has been put at $6.5 billion, including $3.5 billion for the twin pipelines and $3 billion to develop offshore gas fields.

Natural gas from Myanmar accounts for about 30pc of Thailand’s consumption, mostly used in power generation. – Reuters

PTT to invest up to $3b in Myanmar

Trade Mark CauTionnoTiCe is hereby given that MiCHeLin reCHerCHe eT TeCHniQue S.a. a company organized under the laws of Switzerland and having its principal office at Route Louis-Braille 10, CH-1763 Granges-Paccot, Switzerland is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -

RIKEN (reg: nos. iV/1434/2006 & iV/4387/2012)

in respect of:- “Pneumatic tires, inner tubes and wheels for land vehicles” – Int’l Class: 12

Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.

U Kyi Win Associates for MiCHeLin reCHerCHe eT TeCHniQue S.a.,P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 23rd July, 2012

ProPertythe MyanMar tiMes

24July 23 - 29, 2012

BEIJING – Huang Nubo, the Chinese billionaire whose bid to buy Icelandic land was blocked by the local government last year, says he has secured a deal to lease the property instead, helping him revive his resort project.

A formal investment agreement would be signed “no later than October”, Huang, founder of Beijing Zhongkun Investment Group Co, said in an interview in Beijing on July 16. The leasing price would be about US$1 million lower than the purchase price and be “a bit less” than $7.8 million, Huang said, without elaborating.

T h e g o v e r n m e n t i n Reykjavik in November rejected Beijing Zhongkun Investment’s bid to buy 300 square kilometres (116 square miles) o f land, saying it would be “incompatible” with the law amid opposition to foreign ownership of property. Huang plans to develop a resort and a mountain park in Iceland before investing in neighbouring countries including Denmark and Sweden to build a “Nordic holiday resort platform”, he said.

“The lease agreement is also acceptable and

the final outcome is not bad,” Huang, chairman of Beijing Zhongkun, said in an interview in his office in Beijing. “Our total investment will probably be less than $200 million, but it’s not a small deal there.”

Beijing Zhongkun plans to build a hotel, about 100 villas and a golf course on the 10 square kilometres of “buildable” section that he expects to lease for 40 years with a right to extend the contract by another 40 years, Huang said.

The remaining about 300 square kilometres of land will be developed into a mountain park that provides services like hiking, horseback riding and hang gliding to tourists around the globe, he said.

Sale of the 100 villas, mostly to wealthy Chinese buyers, alone may cover the cost for the project, Huang said, without giving an estimate on the price. He would also set up local businesses to manage related tourism, hotel and real estate operations, in addition to a trading company to import Icelandic seafood for Chinese citizens concerned with safety of local food.

Beijing Zhongkun, set up in 1995, had developed 1.2

million square metres of commercial properties by the end of 2008 that include a 3.5 billion yuan ($549 million) shopping centre in Beijing, according to the company’s website. Huang said he “hopes” to keep cash available between RMB5 billion and RMB6 billion for

investments.P r o p e r t y p r i c e s i n

China, which will remain Zhongkun’s primary market for the next decade, will rise again as its growing popu la t i on dr ives up demand and land prices, Huang said, adding that the government’s home-purchase restrictions will hardly work in reining in prices without adopting “market mechanisms”.

“ T h e u p w a r d t r e n d in urban home prices is unchangeable,” he said. “We hope the prices would rise stably instead of surging like crazy in the past couple of years.”

China’s new home prices rose for the first time in 10 months in June, SouFun Holdings Ltd, the nation’s

biggest real estate website owner, said earlier this month, after some local authorities relaxed property curbs as land-sale revenue dropped. Home prices have fallen 2.2 percent from the peak in August, according to SouFun, after developers cut prices to bolster sales.

While developers are still under pressure to lower prices, room for profits after discounts still remains, Huang said, adding that the companies, having survived a few rounds of government curbs, are now able to “live through the winter”.

“The low tide is over,” he said . “Large scale b a n k r u p t c i e s a m o n g developers, which we feared before, won’t happen.”

– Bloomberg News

WASHINGTON – The Federal Reserve sees only modest growth in the US economy, with the long-depressed housing market as one of the few bright spots on the horizon, a according to a July 18 report.

“Overall economic activity continued to expand at a modest to moderate pace in June and early July,” according to the Fed’s Beige Book report, which will frame the central bank’s policy meeting later this month.

With employment levels improving at only a “tepid pace” , manufactur ing expanding “slowly” and retail sales increasing “slightly”, there is little to no cheer in the regular report.

But one bright spot was the housing market, which was at the epicentre of the financial crisis that plunged the world’s largest economy into recession.

After years that have seen low numbers of house sales, despite low borrowing rates and low prices, the Fed reported the first signs that the market may have hit bottom.

“Housing market reports were largely positive,” the Fed noted.

“Sales and construction levels increased and home inventories declined.

“Demand for l oans , particularly those related to real estate, grew modestly in most [Fed] districts.”

Earlier on July 18, official data showed that construction of homes in the United States rose sharply in June from May to the strongest pace in almost four years.

But the broader picture is far from rosy.

Many investors are looking for the Fed to step in and announce further stimulus at its July 31-August 1 meeting.

They worry that the US economy has reached stall speed, while Europe’s economic crisis, China’s slowdown and US politicians’ inability to tackle the country’s debt could prompt a fresh recession.

I n t w o d a y s o f congressional testimony this week, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke pointed to a gloomy outlook f o r t h e U S e c o n o m y , warning further drops in unemployment would likely prove “frustratingly slow”.

With unemployment stuck above 8 percent – where it has been for more than three years – Bernanke expressed the Fed’s willingness to act if necessary, but gave no hints about concrete action.

But s ince the 2008 economic crisis, the Fed has deployed an arsenal of measures to get the world’s largest economy back on track, but has been left with just a few, unorthodox weapons. – AFP

Fed sees modest US

growth, better

housing

TOKYO – Forget tales of astronomical prices for Japanese real estate – one small farming town is selling plots of land for just US$1.50 a square metre (11 square feet).

Yuni, a town of 5900 people in the middle of the northern island of Hokkaido, is hoping to encourage out-of-towners with the bargain offering, in a bid to boost its dwindling population.

The offer price of 120 yen is just 2 percent of the local going price of 6000 yen, and a tiny fraction of the 21.5 million yen ($272,000) charged for a square metre of earth in Tokyo’s upmarket Ginza district.

“We aim to help people from outside settle in our town, stop the population decline and help the town revitalise itself,” said a posting on the municipality’s website.

Yuni, a one-hour drive from Hokkaido’s main city Sapporo, is selling eight 330-square-metre plots on a former public housing project. Buyers must commit to building a house there and living in it within three years.

About 200 people, mainly from tightly-packed Tokyo and its vicinity, have already enquired about the deal in the two weeks since it was made public, a town official said on July 17. They included a few foreigners, among them a Hong Kong resident.

However, only Japanese nationals or foreigners with permanent residency in Japan are eligible to apply.

“Two Japanese have already applied with formal documents and we have a visitor today to inspect the site,” the official, Yasuhiko Nakamichi, told AFP by telephone.

“We may need to have a lottery after the August 31 deadline. We have rolling hills overlooking rice paddies and the country view is one of our selling points.”

The official said the price had been set to coincide with the 120th anniversary of the founding of the town.

Rent and land prices in Japan’s crowded cities remain among the highest in the world, despite deflationary declines and years of economic lassitude. – AFP

Japanese town sells land for $1.50

Huang’s Iceland plan revisedHuang Nubo, chairman of Beijing Zhongkun Investment Group Co, poses for a photograph in Shanghai, China. Pic: Bloomberg News

ProPerty25the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

By Noe Noe Aung

REAL estate agents say the overpasses being built at several of Yangon’s busiest intersections could boost property prices in the northwestern suburbs by up to 20 percent.

Prices in Hlaing and Insein townships, both of which are expected to benefit from the overpass being built at the Hledan junction by Shwe Taung Development Co, could rise by up to 20pc, said U Zaw Zaw from Unity Real Estate Agency.

“ W h e n t h e H l e d a n overpass is f inished I think there’s a strong chance property prices in townships further away

from the downtown area, such as Hlaing and Insein, will jump,” he said.

“There is not much free land available in those townships as they are mostly developed – the only free land is in Kamaryut within the univers i ty and that’s owned by the government,” he added.

He said property prices in the city are largely governed by proximity to roads that provide quick access to the city centre.

“Although Hlaing and Insein townships are quite central, many people don’t like having to pass through Hledan junction twice a day. If that overpass makes traffic flow better, people will surely be more interested in living in those townships,”

U Zaw Zaw added. The Hledan overpass

starts in front of Diamond Condominium on Pyay Road and ends in front of Kanbawza Bank on Pyay Road.

F i r s t M y a n m a r Investment (FMI) Company is also expected to build a two-tier overpass at the Bayintnaung junction as well as a new bridge to Hlaing Tharyar.

“Prices in Insein are already relatively high but townships such as Hlaing Tharyar are much lower, especially in developments such as Nawaday and FMI city,” he said.

“People like these places but traffic is a problem – it’s too far away. And the congestion at Bayintnaung

junction is terrible. “If these overpasses are

built the traffic would be much easier,” he said.

H e e s t i m a t e d t h a t prime properties along the main roads in Hlaing and Kamaryut townships could fetch up to K500,000 a square foot.

“I can’t give exact figures because the market is quite unstable. But in Insein township it costs at least K100,000 a square foot.

U Soe Wunna, general manager of Kyel Sin Linn Real Estate Agency, said that while overpasses could boost prices in the future, they have not done so yet.

“The new overpasses could change the character of the city and it’s not unusua l f o r proper ty

prices to rise when a new development is completed,” he said.

H a a d d e d t h a t t h e overpass could make the area around Hledan more attractive for businesses.

“Hledan junction and Pyay Road are already good locations and can only benefit from the overpass, so I think restaurant and shop owners will want to set up there,” he said.

U Soe Wunna predicts that prices could rise by 20-30pc.

However, he said some properties directly facing t h e o v e r p a s s m i g h t decrease in value because views would be impeded and noise levels would almost certainly increase.

“Buyers will increasingly

l o o k f o r h o u s e s a t developments such as FMI and Pun Hlaing if traffic problems are solved,” he said.

He added that the boost would not only af fect residential developments.

“Many investors will come soon and there are several industrial zones in Hlaing Tharyar. I f businesspeople invest in these zones, it will increase residential sales values nearby,” he added.

He predicted property prices in Hlaing Tharyar are likely to increase by at least 20pc.

U Soe Wunna said prime land in Insein township and along Pyay Road costs up to K800,000 a square foot.

Road upgrades to boost NW prices: agents

A road workers sweeps dirt off Pyay Road during construction work at the Hledan junction recently. Pic: Ko Taik

teChnologythe MyanMar tiMes

26July 23 - 29, 2012

U Kyi WinRIKEN10 x 2

JAKARTA – The “unique habit” of whale sharks that converge to feed from fishing nets in Indonesia has allowed them to be tagged with low-cost technology usually used on pets, conservationists said on July 17.

Experts in June injected tiny pill-sized radio transmitters beneath the skin of 30 whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay in the eastern province of Papua, conservation group WWF said.

And it was only made possible because the giant animals, which measure up to 45 feet (13.7 metres) but are harmless to humans, were gathered to feed on fish caught in fishermen’s nets, said WWF Indonesia project leader Beny Ahadian Noor.

A YouTube video by Conservation International showing a whale shark sucking fish from a hole in a net in clear blue waters has now attracted more than one million views (www.youtube.com/

watch?v=71FLO_6JJVo).“Radio-frequency identification tags have

been used on pets such as dogs, but this is the first time on whale sharks,” Noor said.

Researchers would usually use a more sophisticated satellite method, at US$4000 a tag. But Noor said each radio tag used in Cenderawasih Bay cost only $4.

“It’s good enough for a start since we have little information about the behaviour of whale sharks here,” he said.

Marine biologist Mark Erdmann, who joined the expedition, said it was “fairly impractical to swim after the giants with a receiver wand under water”.

“What makes this tagging possible in Cenderawasih Bay is the unique habit this population has of aggregating at ... fishing platforms to feast upon the small silverside baitfish that the fishers are catching,” he said. – AFP

Indonesia’s whale sharks tagged

By Leila Macor

T H O U S A N D O A K S , California – Google chief Eric Schmidt declared war on international criminals las t week , vowing to harness technology to battle “illicit networks” around the world.

At a two-day summit i n c l u d i n g I n t e r p o l , government ministers and victims of forced labour and child slavery, Schmidt said the Internet can help fight traffickers of drugs, sex workers and organs.

International police body Interpol used the conference to unveil a pioneering initiative to crack down on trade in fake goods, using an app developed with the help of search giant Google.

“In a connected world, vulnerable people will be safer, trafficking victims can learn their rights, can find opportunities; organ harvesters can be named and brought to justice,” Schmidt said.

“Connection protects us ... together we can use technology to protect the world,” he told the Illicit Networks: Forces in Opposition summit in Thousand Oaks, north of Los Angeles.

Juan Pablo Escobar, the son of infamous former

Colombian drug cartel leader Pablo Escobar, joined the conference via Skype.

“The moment I was the most scared was when I realised my country was using my father’s violent methods to fight him,” he told the summit, which would also hear from Alejandro Proire, interior minister of drug war-torn Mexico.

Indian former child slave

Rani Hong, who is now a UN advisor on child trafficking, wept as she recounted her own story. “I was beaten, I was tortured, we are talking about slavery at seven years old,” she said.

“I was treated as a piece of property to be used to make profit ... I cried and I cried. They told me to shut up and they said I didn’t have a word and nobody would

listen to me.”In one concrete example

of technology fighting crime, the Interpol Global Register initiative aims to track illicit goods by verifying products through security features, using the scanning app.

“Right now in special areas [like] pharmaceuticals, tobacco products and household goods, a consumer doesn’t know what’s fake

and what’s real,” Interpol chief Ronald Noble said.

“We came up with this idea that will allow a consumer or law enforcement or businesses to scan a code and determine whether or not it can be verified as authentic,” he added.

“It becomes green or red. Green means verified, red means not verified.”

Google designed the

application for Android devices, but Interpol plans versions for other platforms, including Apple, Blackberry and Microsoft.

One of the first users of the new system is PharmaSecure, which stamps unique security codes on more than one million packets of pharmaceuticals produced every day in India alone.

Noble explained: “In India what they do is they put unique numbers on packages of pharmaceutical products.

“The goal would be that if the product is supposed to go to country A and it’s somehow in country C, and you scan it, it will come out as non-verified. It means that the consumer should be careful.

“So, the same time it’s being scanned, the country [where it was produced] knows it’s being scanned. So it will be able to map where this illicit traffic goes.”

Schmidt said the global village created by the Internet and technology was a tool that must be harnessed for good.

“The connected community is a stronger community. So today that village will revolt if their mobile devices were seized. That’s how important technology is,” he said. – AFP

Google chief declares war on ‘illicit networks’

Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Google, displays the company’s Nexus Q streaming media player and Nexus 7 Android tablet during the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho on July 12. Pic: AFP

By Win Ko Ko Latt and Htoo Aung

M I N I S T E R f o r Communications, Posts and Telegraphs U Thein Tun said the government needed to learn from the mistakes of other countries when opening up its telecoms sector.

U The in Tun made the comments during an Amyotha Hluttaw session in Nay Pyi Taw on July 9, shortly before a tender seeking an international consultant to review telecoms tenders was placed in state-run newspapers on July 11.

“We have to do [the tender] in line with the law because international firms will come in invest only after they have thoroughly learned the laws in our country,” he said.

He said that even countries that had es tab l i shed

l a w s a n d a d v a n c e d t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s networks had encountered disputes when foreign operators were allowed to invest.

“There are imbalances between national and foreign investors in the telecoms industry in some countries,” he said.

“But the right of ownership cannot be withdrawn once it has been allowed and investment has been made,” U Thein Tun said, adding that the government needed to choose carefully.

He said the government was wary of al lowing a n i m b a l a n c e d telecommunications network to be established that favoured the cities over the countryside.

The Ju ly 11 not i ce called for an experience international consultant

to overview tenders for services concerning mobile telecommunications and internet provision.

I n t e r e s t e d telecommunications tender consultants or firms were asked to contact the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraph’s head office in Nay Pyi Taw by not later than August 1.

The managing director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications (MPT), U Eidi Hla, said in January that the government had received many offers from local and international companies to invest in telephone services. However, MPT had been unable to respond to the tenders because the laws did not allow it, which will change when a new telecommunications law was promulgated. – Translated by Zaw Winn

Govt cautious in telecoms opening

TiMESWORLDthe MyanMar tiMes

27July 23 - 29, 2012

DAMASCUS – Rebels seized control of Syria’s border crossings with Iraq last week on the bloodiest day of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, as China and Russia dismayed the West by blocking UN action against his regime.

The rebel offensive on Syria’s eastern border on July 19 came as the army focused its resources on Damascus, resorting to tank fire in the capital for the first time in its efforts to root out rebel fighters a day after a suicide bombing killed three of Assad’s top aides.

Assad appeared in public for the first time since the bombing, greeting his new defence minister on state television, as he scrambled to shore up his battered prestige.

Meanwhile at the UN in New York, Russia and China used their powers as permanent members of the UN Security Council to block resolutions on Syria for the third time in nine months.

UN-Arab L e a g u e envoy Kofi A n n a n , w h o h a d called on the council to impose “consequences” for the failure to carry out his peace plan for Syria, expressed disappointment that it

had failed to reach agreement.The US condemned the “highly

regrettable decision” of China and Russia to veto the UN resolution, with President Barack Obama’s spokesman Jay Carney warning

of “repercussions... in terms of how they’re viewed by the Syrian

people”.“There’s no doubt that Syria’s

future will not include Bashar al-Assad. His days in power are

numbered,” he warned.Washington said the Security

Council had “utterly failed” on Syria and that it would now work outside of the council to confront Assad’s regime.

The White House also said that without the tougher mandate the vetoed text would have implied, there was no point in retaining UN military observers in Syria to monitor the non-implementation of Annan’s plan by Assad’s government.

Russ ia accused Western governments of seeking a pretext for military intervention.

Iraq’s deputy interior minister said fighters of the rebel Free Syrian Army had seized control of all crossings along the two countries’ border, adding that Baghdad was considering closing the frontier following bloody rebel reprisals against regime troops.

“All the border points between

Iraq and Syria are under the control of the Free Syrian Army,” Adnan al-Assadi told AFP by telephone.

At least 248 people, including 109

civilians, died in fighting on July 19, the highest toll since the turmoil began, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The toll included 93 government troops and 46 militants and deserters, according to the British-based observatory’s head, Rami Abdel Rahman.

The Syrian observatory said rebels had also seized control of a post on the border with Turkey.

The upsurge in fighting sent a new exodus of refugees fleeing across Syria’s borders.

Nearly 19,000 Syrians poured into Lebanon, a security official told AFP in Beirut, while Iraqi officials said thousands of Iraqi refugee families had fled home from Syria.

The Syrian army gave residents 48 hours to leave areas of the capital, where clashes were taking place between security forces and rebels pushing their “Damascus Volcano” offensive.

T h e S y r i a n Observatory said that in the western

district of Mazzeh alone, hundreds of people were on the move, “fearing a large-scale operation by regime troops”. – AFP

An image released by the Syrian opposition’s Shaam News Network on July 17 showing heavy weapons damage in the central city of Homs. Pic: AFP/Shaam News Network

‘There’s no doubt that Syria’s future will not include Bashar al-Assad. His days in power are numbered.’

Rebels advance, Syria on the brink

Images released by the official Syrian News Agency, SANA, of the three senior officials killed in the suicide bombing in Damascus on July 18. They are, from left: crisis cell chief General Hassan Turkmani, Defence Minister General Daoud Rajha and Deputy Defence Minister and former intelligence chief Assef Shawkat, the brother-in-law of President Bashar al-Assad. National security chief General Hisham Ikhtiyar was fatally injured in the blast and died on July 20. Pic: AFP/SANA

LOS ANGELES – Batman movie director Christopher Nolan has lamented the “senseless tragedy’ and “unbearably savage” gunning down of 12 movie goers at a Colorado cinema screening of The Dark Knight Rises on July 20.

The Oscar-nominated maker of three Batman movies said the “innocent” place he calls his “home,” the cinema, had been violated.

“Speaking on behalf of the cast and crew... I would like to express our profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy that has befallen the entire Aurora community,” Nolan said, referring to the town where the killings occurred when a masked, black-clad gunman in full body armour opened fire in the packed

cinema. Chaos erupted when the gunman tossed two tear gas or smoke grenades into the audience at a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises, then gunned down terrified patrons as they scrambled for the exits.

Police arrested the suspect, named as James Holmes, 24, a medical student, outside the cinema.

“This is the act ... of a very deranged mind,” Colorado governor John Hickenlooper told a news conference.

Aurora police chief Dan Oates said Holmes had bought more than six thousand rounds of ammunition and four weapons in the last two months. The ammunition and the weapons had been acquired legally, Oates said.

– AFP

Batman director laments‘savage’ cinema slaughter

PHNOM PENH – Southeast Asian nations vowed on July 20 to work towards a “code of conduct” in the disputed South China Sea, but failed to fully mend a rift that marred a regional meeting the previous week.

Current chair Cambodia announced that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations had agreed on six principles on the sea, where tensions have flared recently with Vietnam and the Phi l ippines accus ing Beijing of increasingly aggressive behaviour.

The statement – which also includes a commitment to respect international laws and the non-use of force to settle disputes – is an attempt to dispel perceptions that the 10-nation bloc is divided over a response to issue.

The Philippines said it was “pleased” with the outcome.

The rift over the territorial disputes with Beijing prevented ASEAN from issuing its customary joint statement at the end of a meeting of foreign

ministers in Phnom Penh on July 13, an unprecedented occurrence in the bloc’s 45-year history.

But signs of discord remained as Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters on July 20 that the points were broadly similar to what was rejected by Vietnam and the Philippines the previous week, and blamed them for the earlier impasse.

“Why did two ASEAN countries absolutely oppose (it) and now they agree with it?” said Hor Namhong.

Diplomats had said a key sticking point previously was a refusal by Cambodia, a close China ally, to mention bilateral disputes in the sea, pitting it against Manila, which wanted a reference to a months-long standoff with Beijing over the Scarborough Shoal.

China claims sovereignty over nearly all of the sea, but ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei have overlapping claims in the area.

The six-point agreement, which

does not give details about specific incidents, follows intense diplomatic efforts by Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, who visited Hanoi and Manila last week before holding talks with Hor Namhong in Phnom Penh on July 19.

Hor Namhong said Natalegawa went to Vietnam and the Philippines “because these two countries caused the problem that led to the failure of issuing a joint communique”.

Natalegawa had said after meeting Hor Namhong on July 19 that ASEAN was “on the cusp” of agreeing a statement of unity over the disputes.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed concern last week that the disputes could escalate.

“Short of a comprehensive resolution, the claimants must do their best to manage and contain the disputes to make sure that it does not escalate or worse, lead to the outbreak of military clashes,” Yudhoyono said in a speech in Jakarta on July 17. – AFP

ASEAN makes progress towards solving rift

worldthe MyanMar tiMes

28July 23 - 29, 2012

LONDON – The head of private security giant G4S agreed under questioning by British lawmakers on July 17 that the firm’s failure to provide enough security guards for the Olympics was “a humiliating shambles”.

Chief executive Nick Buckles said he expected the company would eventually be able to supply 7000 of the 10,000 staff it had promised. An extra 3500 troops have already been drafted in by the British government to plug the gap.

But he insisted that he would not resign over the scandal and said that G4S, one of the world’s biggest security firms, would still claim its £57-million (US$88-million) management fee for the Olympics contract.

Asked by a member of

parliament’s Home Affairs Select Committee whether it was a “humil iating shambles” for G4S, with the Olympics just 10 days away, Buckles replied “I cannot disagree with you”.

He also admitted that the firm had taken on the Olympics contract to boost its reputation rather than for profit, but agreed when the committee suggested that reputation was now “in tatters”.

Amid mounting pressure for him to quit his £830,000-a-year job, Buckles insisted he was the best person to see the contract through.

The staffing shortfall only came to his attention on July 3, Buckles said, adding: “Day by day we started to realise that the pipeline and the people we thought

we were going to be able to deliver we couldn’t.”

He said G4S only raised it with the government on July 11 when it was sure it would not be able to fulfil the contract.

“We have a significant manpower shortage against the plan. Clearly that shortage is going to manifest itself from this day forward until the Games,” he said.

Buckles said G4S had 4200 people working and that the “minimum we can deliver” by the start of the Games on July 27 was 7000. Asked whether he could guarantee they would all turn up he said “I can’t, no”.

It was reported on July 16 that in addition to the military support at least eight police forces have had to deploy extra officers at

Olympic venues throughout Britain –reportedly after employees of G4S failed to turn up to work.

The company, which is set to lose up to £50 million for failing to meet the obligations of its £284 million Olympics contract, has insisted that extra police should only be needed for a few days.

The extra troops pledged by the government earlier this month brought to 17,000 the total number of military personnel arranged for Games security.

Meanwhile nearly half of the British population believe their country is inadequately prepared for the Olympics while many have concerns over security at the Games, a Comres poll suggested. – AFP

Security firm chief admitsLondon Games ‘shambles’

MOSCOW – A grinning multinational crew of three floated through the open hatches of the International Space Station on July 17 to join the trio already on board the experimental science lab spinning around Earth.

The Soyuz capsule carrying NASA’s Sunita Williams and Japan’s Akihiko Hoshide along with the Russian captain Yury Malenchenko had docked to the ISS hours earlier after taking off from Russia’s Baikonur base in Kazakhstan.

A visibly delighted Hoshide came through the hatch first and was warmly embraced by Russian cosmonauts Gennady Padalka and Sergei Revin as well as NASA’s Joseph Acaba – on board since mid-May.

The arrival at the ISS came on the 37th anniversary of the historic docking of the US Apollo and Soviet Soyuz craft in what at the height of the Cold War represented the first vital piece of international cooperation in space.

“It feels great. It is just like a homecoming,” Malenchenko told Russia’s ground control in a traditional live teleconference conducted from the station’s communication centre.

“We can see right away that some things have changed. But (the station) is in great shape and the crew looks great,” said the Russian. “We are happy to be here.”

The full crew will immediately begin a hectic scheduled that includes

preparations for the arrival of two Russian cargo vessels and one each from the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

The head of the Roscosmos space agency said on July 17 that Russia was coming under pressure to give up one of its three reserved seats on the ISS to other international partners whom he did not name.

Agency chief Vladimir Popovkin stressed however that Russia’s underfunded exploration programme intended to keep all its spots despite the financial reward giving one up would bring.

“We have no such desire,” Interfax quoted Popovkin as saying. – AFP

New crew joins trio aboard Space Station

LOS ANGELES – A US man’s self-written obituary, in which he reminisces about the good times – and makes a few confessions, including never having earned the PhD he claimed – has gone viral on the internet.

Val Patterson, 59, who died of throat cancer on July 10, professed his abiding love for his wife and remembered the joy of being young in Utah. But he also admitted to some things he shouldn’t have done.

“As it turns out, I AM the guy who stole the safe from the Motor View Drive Inn back in June, 1971. I could have left that unsaid, but I wanted to get it off my chest,” he said in the obituary in the Salt Lake Tribune.

“Also, I really am NOT a PhD. What happened was that the day I went to pay off my college student loan... the girl working there put my receipt into the wrong stack, and two weeks later a PhD diploma came in the mail.

“I didn’t even graduate, I only had about three years of college credit. In fact, I never did even learn what the letters ‘PhD’ even stood for.”

Patterson descr ibed himself as an “artist , inventor, business man, ribald comedian, husband, brother, son, cat lover, cynic.

“I had a lot of fun,” he wrote.

“It was an honour for me to be friends with some truly great people. I thank you. I’ve had great joy living and playing with my dog, my cats and my parrot.

“But, the one special thing that made my spirit whole, is my long love and friendship with my remarkable wife, my beloved Mary Jane. I loved her more than I have words to express.”

Nonetheless, he said: “My regret is that I felt invincible when young and smoked cigarettes when I knew they were bad for me.

“Now, to make it worse, I have robbed my beloved Mary Jane of a decade or more of the two of us growing old together and laughing at all the thousands of simple things that we have come to enjoy.”

He concluded: “If you knew me or not, dear reader, I am happy you got this far into my letter. I speak as a person who had a great life to look back on.

“If you knew me, remember me in your own way. If you want to live forever, then don’t stop breathing, like I did.”

The online obituary was linked to a memorial video on the website of a local funeral parlour – which crashed on July 17 under the weight of people trying to log on to see more, at one point receiving 100,000 hits a minute. – AFP

At least one regret…and a lot of fun

Major, the world’s oldest orang-utang in captivity, celebrates his 50th birthday on July 17 at the La Boissiere-du-Doree zoo, near Nantes, western France. Pic: AFP

world29the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

WASHINGTON – A drought scour ing the farming heartlands of the United States is the worst for 25 years, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on July 18.

The US is the world’s biggest producer of corn and soybeans and the warning came as some farmers warned they may be forced to harvest crops early to sell the stalks off cheaply as animal feed.

“If I had a rain prayer or a rain dance I could do, I would do it,” Vilsack told reporters after briefing President Barack Obama on the crisis.

Vilsack revealed that 78 percent of US corn and 11pc of soybean crops had been hit, and compared the situation to a 1988 drought that cut production by 20pc and cost the economy tens of billions of dollars.

Vilsack said the intensity of the drought was not as great as in 1988 but 61pc

of the country is affected, a much larger area than 25 years ago.

The secretary said the government had increased the number of territories designated as drought disaster zones, bringing the total to 1297 counties in 29 states, where farmers will be eligible for assistance.

Since June, temperatures have topped 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) for several days in a row in many parts of the central United States.

Farmers are looking at cutting their losses by chopping down fields of half-mature, earless corn to feed the stalks to cattle.

“The jury is still a little bit out on it. We are in that process right now, making that decision,” said Steve Foglesong, who raises cattle and corn in Illinois. “From the road the corn looks green, but there are no ears on it.” – AFP

US farmers weather worst drought in 25 years

PARIS – A third of the world’s adults are physically inactive and a sedentary lifestyle kills about five million people every year, researchers said in the medical journal The Lancet on July 18.

“Roughly three of every 10 individuals aged 15 years or older – about 1.5 billion people – do not reach present physical activity recommendations,” they said in a report that described the problem as a “pandemic.”

The picture for adolescents is even more worrying, with four out of five 13- to 15-year-olds not moving enough, it said.

Physical inactivity was described for the study as failing to do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity f ive times a week, 20 minutes of vigorous activity three times a week, or a combination of the two.

Inactivity increases with age, is higher in women than in men, and more prevalent in high-income countries, the researchers found.

A second study, comparing physical activity levels with population statistics on diseases like diabetes, heart

problems and cancer, said lack of exercise claimed more than 5.3 million of the 57 million deaths worldwide in 2008.

It said inactivity was a risk factor comparable to smoking or obesity.

Lack of exercise causes an estimated six percent of coronary heart disease cases, seven percent of type 2 diabetes (the most common form) and 10pc of breast and colon cancers, it said.

Reducing inactivity by 10pc could eliminate more than half a million deaths every year, the report said, adding that the estimates were conservative.

The human body needs exercise to help the bones, muscles, heart and other organs function optimally, but populations are walking, running and cycling less and less as they spend more time in cars and in front of computers, the investigators said.

The Lancet series called for global efforts to promote physical exercise by improving pedestrian and cyclist safety on city roads, for example, more physical education at school or promoting access to free public exercise spaces.

– AFP

A sedentary lifestyle is deadly, says study

LONDON – Three elderly Kenyans began a court battle on July 16 to win damages from the British government for brutality they claim they suffered at the hands of colonial officials during the 1950s Mau Mau uprising.

The two-week hearing at London’s High Court opened a year after a British judge ruled that Jane Muthoni Mara, Paulo Muoka Nzili and Wambugu Wa Nyingi could sue the government over allegations including castration and torture.

The trio’s lawyers say Nzili was castrated, Nyingi severely beaten and Mara subjected to appalling sexual abuse in detention camps

during the bloody Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule.

“We are pleased that finally our clients will be able to tell the court their story,” their solicitor Martyn Day said ahead of the hearing.

“The British government has thrown everything at these claims in an effort to derail them on technicalities.

“We are confident that justice will be done.”

A fourth c la imant , Ndiku Mutwiwa Mutua, has died since the High Court ruling in July last year that the test case could go ahead.

The British government argues that the claims cannot proceed

because they have been brought outside the legal time limit.

But the Kenyans’ lawyers, who are bringing the claims with the support of the Kenyan government and Kenya Human Rights Commission, argue that it is an exceptional case.

The hearing will have access to an archive of 8000 secret files that were sent back to Britain after Kenya became independent in 1963.

Opening the case for the Kenyans, barrister Richard Hermer said the existence of thousands of official records meant a fair trial was possible, despite the passage of time and the death of some witnesses.

Their lawyers say they want

an apology and a welfare fund to ensure that about 1000 surviving former detainees can have some dignity in their old age.

More than 10,000 people died during the 1952-1960 Mau Mau uprising, with some sources giving much higher estimates of the number killed.

Tens of thousands were detained, including US President Barack Obama’s grandfather.

But when judge Richard McCombe ruled last year that the Kenyans could sue the government, he stressed that he had not found evidence of systematic torture in the Kenyan camps. – AFP

Kenyans sue UK over colonial-era abuses

BURGAS, Bulgaria – A suicide bomber carried out the at tack which killed five Israeli tourists, Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov said on July 19.

It was the deadliest attack on Israelis abroad since 2004.

“The exp los i on was caused by a man who died in the attack and whose identity has not yet been established,” Tsvetanov said at the airport of Burgas, where the attack on a tourist bus occurred the previous day.

The bomber was carrying a fake driving licence from the US state of Michigan, he added.

Witnesses descr ibed how panicked passengers jumped from bus windows and bodies lay strewn on the ground.

“The whole bus went up in flames,” Israeli tourist,

Gal Malka, told Israeli army radio. “

After being told of the attack on July 18, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed arch foe Iran. “Israel will respond f o r c e f u l l y t o I r a n i a n terror,” Netanyahu said. “In the past few months we have seen attempts by Iran to harm Israelis in Thailand, India, Georgia, Kenya, Cyprus and other places.”

US President Barack Obama stopped short of mentioning Iran but slammed what he called a “ b a r b a r i c t e r r o r i s t attack” and reaffirmed his “unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security.”

“The bombing, which c a m e o n t h e 1 8 t h anniversary of an attack on a Jewish community centre in Argentina that killed 85 people, also drew strong condemnation from

France and Britain, as well as from Bulgarian Muslim leaders.

Israel also held Iran r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t h e Argentina attack of 1994. The I s lamic r epub l i c denied the charge and has accused Israel of being behind the assassinations of nuclear scientists and senior military figures in recent years.

The bus was carrying Israelis who had flown in to Burgas, the second largest city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, setting off a fire that spread to another two buses.

Israeli media said many on the flight were young Israe l i schoo l - leavers who were just about to be drafted into the military.

The Black Sea coast has become a popular holiday spot for Israelis, with almost 140,000 visiting the country in 2011. – AFP

Israeli tourists diein attack blamed

on suicide bomber

Withered fields of corn on a farm near Frichton, Indiana, on July 17. The United States is the world’s biggest producer of corn. Pic: AFP

BriefsDubai rejects US version of shooting

DUBAI – Dubai’s police chief has rejected US claims that a navy ship warned Indian fishermen to move away from it in the south-ern Persian Gulf before fir-ing and killing one of them after they failed to heed the order, media reported on July 19.

The “Indian fishermen were not warned to move away by the US Navy,” on July 16, the Khaleej Times quoted General Dahi Khal-fan as saying.

Khalfan criticised the way the US ship had dealt with the incident, saying it had moved into interna-tional waters right after the shooting.

France condemns execution in Texas

PARIS – France last week condemned the execution in Texas of a convict suf-fering from mental disor-ders and repeated calls for a moratorium on the death penalty.

The condemnation on July 19 came soon after the execution by lethal injection of Yokamon Hearn, 34, an African American, who was sentenced to death at age 19 for killing a white man in a carjacking.

The French foreign min-istry said the execution was contrary to international guarantees, including “the non-application of capital punishment to people suf-fering from mental prob-lems.”

Former president lodges appeal

THE HAGUE – Former Liberian president Charles Taylor has appealed against his conviction and 50-year jail sentence for war crimes in Sierra Leone, the inter-national court handling the case said on July 19.

The UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone found Taylor guilty in April of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the country’s 1991-2001 civil war. Sen-tenced the following month, Taylor was the first former head of state to be convicted by an international court since the Nuremberg Nazi trials in 1946.

Hungary arrests suspected Nazi

BUDAPEST – Hungarian authorities detained, ques-tioned and put under house arrest on July 18 a 97-year-old man who tops the Si-mon Wiesenthal Center’s dwindling wanted-list of suspected Nazi war crimi-nals.

Laszlo Csatary has re-jected accusations that he organised the World War II deportation to their deaths of some 16,000 Jews from the ghetto of Kosice in pres-ent-day Slovakia. – AFP

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32July 23 - 29, 2012

WASHINGTON – Besieged when they should be on attack, even the pooh-bahs of the Republican party are imploring their man Mitt Romney to release more of his tax returns.

After weeks of talking about Romney’s finances rather than President Barack Obama’s jobs record, it is time, they say, for the multi-millionaire businessman to take the bat out of Obama’s hand.

But the candidate is not for turning.

“We’re going to put out two years of tax returns,” Romney told the “Fox &

Friends” program on July 15, referring to the 2010 return he has already released and the full 2011 return he has vowed to release before the November 6 election.

But there are some very good reasons why Romney may continue with what to outsiders may seem like Sisyphean resistance.

Despite the heat, “you don’t exactly see the bottom falling out of Romney’s (polling) numbers,” said Bruce Haynes, a long-time Republican operative now with the bipartisan consultancy Purple Strategies.

According to Real Clear Politics’ average of polls, Obama remains marginally ahead in the head-to-head race, but the gap has narrowed in the last few

weeks despite the focus on Romney.

Given this, Haynes said, he would advise Romney not to release his returns, at least not yet.

“He just doesn’t want to feed a machine that seems focused on his personal economic circumstances. That is not the narrative of the campaign that Romney would like to drive.”

There seems little doubt that Romney releasing more returns would provide fodder for those arguing he is out of touch.

At the unlikely end of the scale, Romney could unwittingly provide evidence of legal wrongdoing that could shatter his White House bid.

More likely, it could reveal

that Romney’s effective tax rate is a fraction of that paid by most Americans, thanks to a series of offshore bank accounts and other tax loopholes.

“It could be that he maybe did something that was kind of shady, not in an illegal sense, but got his effective tax

rate very low,” said Martin Sullivan of Tax Analysts.

The structure of Romney’s pay likely means that his remuneration from Bain Capital is taxed as a capital gain, at about 15 percent, rather than as an income tax at more than double the rate.

Romney’s published return shows he paid an effective tax rate of 15pc in 2010, by the pay being taxed as “deferred interest.”

“Let’s say he got his effective tax rate to five percent or might even be zero. That would be damning,” said Sullivan. None of this would be illegal, but it would be “guilt by association.”

Worryingly for the Romney campaign, in key swing states like Ohio nearly 50pc of those

polled believe he is too out of touch to be president.

Returns that show he is “not paying his share” would only fuel that sentiment.

The returns could also reveal details of Bain deals or other investments that are politically difficult to explain.

Whatever the risks, the pressure is mounting on Romney to show his hand.

“This is what the Obama people have been praying for,” former Republican-party chairman, Haley Barbour told the National Review. “He ought to release his returns.”

But in taking the bat out of Obama’s hand, will Romney only to replace it with a larger more punishing version? – AFP

MELBOURNE – According to the United States Federal Reserve, Americans’ net worth has fallen 40 percent since 2007, returning to its 1992 level.

Progress towards recovery will be slow and difficult and the US economy will be weak during the run-up to November’s presidential and congressional elections. Can any incumbent – and especially President Barack Obama – win re-election in such conditions?

To be sure, the blame for America’s malaise lies squarely with Obama’s predecessors: Bill Clinton, for encouraging the Fed to take its eye off financial-market supervision and regulation, and George W. Bush, for his costly wars, which added massively to US government debt. But, come Election Day, many (if not most) Americans are likely to ignore recent history and vote against the incumbent.

Given this, it would not be surprising if Obama and others in his administration

were seeking non-economic issues to energise his campaign. National-security problems in general and the challenge posed by China in particular, may be shaping up as just such issues.

Obama’s foreign and defence policies have been assertive, to say the least, especially in the Middle East and the Pacific. He has sanctioned far more unmanned drone strikes than Bush did; extended the security services’ intrusion into Americans’ privacy; allowed the CIA to continue its rendition program; approved trials of accused terrorists by flawed military tribunals; and has not shut Guantánamo Bay.

Moreover, the US is increasing its troop presence in the Pacific at a time when it already has more military force in the region than all other countries combined. Six aircraft carriers, with their accompanying support vessels – indeed, 60pc of America’s entire navy – are now stationed in the Pacific.

In addition, Obama’s administration has been conducting talks with the Philippines to increase and enhance naval cooperation.

Singapore has been persuaded to host four advanced naval ships. Australia has established a base for US Marines in Darwin and another for unmanned spy planes on the Cocos Islands.

That is not all. In a move that has received little or no publicity, congressional Republicans added a clause to the Defence Appropriation Bill for next year requiring the Obama administration to consult with countries in the Western Pacific about stationing even more forces – including tactical nuclear weapons – in the region. Senator Richard Lugar has advised me that since there has been little or no objection to the amendment from the

White House, he sees no reason why it will not pass the Senate.

At a security conference in Singapore earlier this year, US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta emphasised the American military build-up in the region. Afterwards, he went to Vietnam, allegedly for discussions about the US Navy’s use of Cam Ranh Bay, a major American base during the Vietnam War.

The US, like Australia, denies that all of this adds up to a policy of containment aimed at China. But few in the Western Pacific see it that way.

Panetta’s visit to Vietnam fo l l owed hard on US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Beijing for strategic and economic talks. Those talks seemed to go well, but it is becoming increasingly clear that the US is pursuing a two-track policy: talks, yes, but a build-up and repositioning of US military power in the Pacific just in case.

All of this is happening at a time when China is preparing for a change of leadership. I believe that the political transition will occur smoothly. Others suggest

that it will be – and already is – a difficult period of turmoil and uncertainty.

The Obama administration may believe that toughness directed at China will generate electoral support in the US. During major international incidents or crises, America has seldom voted against an incumbent president. But has he properly reckoned with how provocative his policies are to China?

None of this is meant to suggest that the Pacific region does not need America. But, while America obviously has a significant role to play in the region, the US should have learned by now that its political objectives are unlikely to be achieved by military means.

The Chinese themselves do not want the Americans to leave the Western Pacific, as that would make smaller countries on China’s periphery even more nervous about Chinese power. China is mature enough to understand this; nonetheless, a major US military build-up throughout the region is another matter.

These are dangerous days, not only economically, but

also strategically. We really do need to ask whether Obama is trying to play a China card to shift the electoral scales in his favour. If that is his intention, it is a move fraught with great danger.

Australia should be saying to the US that it will have none of this. I would sooner abrogate the ANZUS Treaty with New Zealand and the US – that is, I would sooner end defence cooperation with the US – than allow nuclear missiles to be sited on Australian territory.

The current Australian government would not take such a step and the opposition would be unlikely to do so as well. But more and more Australians are beginning to question the closeness and wisdom of our strategic ties to the US. Perhaps our best hope for stability and peace lies in China’s refusal to be provoked. The Chinese understand the game being played. I suspect that they will remain on the sidelines during the US election campaign.

– Project Syndicate(Malcolm Fraser is a

former prime minister of Australia).

Obama’s risky China card option

US President Barack Obama. Malcolm Fraser asks if Obama realises how provocative his policies are to China. Pic: AFP

COMMENT by Malcolm Fraser

ANALYSIS by Andrew Beatty

Mitt Romney has good reasons to resist demands to release his tax returns, analysts say. Pic: AFP

Romney comes under pressure over his taxation returns

WASHINGTON – Future US presidential candidates take note: if you feel compelled to break into song to pander to supporters on the campaign trail, it may well cost you.

Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican White House hopeful Mitt Romney found this out to their detriment as their rival campaigns unveiled ads and videos mocking their crooning.

It began on July 14 with team Obama rolling out a TV ad that featured Romney’s earnest, if off-key, rendition of the patriotic standard, America the Beautiful, playing over images of shuttered factories and text charging that Romney helped ship jobs abroad.

The spot flashes quotes onscreen from news agencies depicting Romney as a wealthy businessman and investor who outsourced jobs while at the helm of his private equity firm Bain Capital – and squirrelling away some of his money in offshore havens.

Romney’s campaign pushed back early on July 16 with its own web video, featuring Obama singing the Al Green classic Let’s Stay Together at a fundraiser.

It quoted articles by The New York Times and National Public Radio saying Obama rewarded major donors with key positions, White House perks and access.

“Lots of love for the donor class,” the ad text reads. “What about the middle-class?”

Romney’s video addressed the “political payoffs” of the Obama administration, a new line of attack he hopes will deflect the barrage of criticism by Democrats over his time at Bain and growing pressure, including from some members of his own party, to release more of his tax records.

“When billions upon billions of dollars are given by the Obama administration to the businesses of campaign contributors, that’s a real problem, particularly at a time when the middle-class is really suffering in this country,” Romney told Fox News early on July 16.

“I think it stinks to high heaven.”The Washington Post reports that nearly

US$4 billion in stimulus dollars went to companies with connections to Obama staffers and advisers, but such connections did not have a role in funding decisions.

– AFP

Sour notes on campaign trail

world33the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

1952

Leads campaign of civil disobedience against apartheid, institutionalised since 1948

Opens first black law practice in Johannesburg with Oliver Tambo

Participates in World Cup closing ceremony

2010

Nelson Mandela

1956 With 155 other militants, he is accused of high treason

1943 Joins African National Congress (ANC)

1918 Born July 18 in Transkei

1964 Sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotageand high treason. Sent to maximum-securityjail on Robben Island

1961 Acquitted of high treason, Mandela forms the armed branch of the ANC, which he leads

1962 Sentenced to 5 years for incitement to strike and leaving the country illegally

Firstblack presidentof SouthAfrica

1990 Freed on February 11

1993 Wins Nobel Peace Prize with Frederik de Klerk, the last apartheid president

1999 Retires from the presidency

2004 Announces his retirement from public life

1994 Elected president after the ANC wins South Africa’s first multi-racial elections

S O W E T O , S o u t h Africa – South Africa’s schoolchildren sang happy birthday to Nelson Mandela as he turned 94 on July 18, a day when he asks the world to honour his legacy by performing community service.

The nation’s 12 million schoolchildren began their day with a special birthday song, ringing with the line: “We love you father”.

“As we celebrate his birthday, we remember that he fought for us in the struggle. The struggle was to fight apartheid,” said Kgaugelo Masunhloane, 12, at Batsogile primary school in Soweto.

“He spent 27 years in prison. We would want to say thank you Madiba, and we wish you happy birthday, and many more years to come.”

As expected, Mandela, known fondly by his clan name Madiba, did not make any public appearances, but passed the day quietly with members of his extended family in his village home of Qunu, where he has retired from public life.

H i s g r a n d d a u g h t e r Ndileka Mandela told the Sowetan newspaper ahead of the event that his family would celebrate with a traditional meal of tripe and samp, a corn dish popular in his region of the Eastern Cape, after which he would be presented with a birthday cake.

Former US president Bill Clinton met Mandela at his village home on July 17. A photograph released after the meeting showed Mandela seated in an armchair, his lap covered by a blanket, as he held Clinton’s hand.

Images of the Nobel Peace Prize winner have become rare in recent years since he retired to Qunu. He was last seen in public at the closing ceremony of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.

B u t h e r e t a i n s a n undeniab le ab i l i ty to inspire and for many South Africans remains a symbol of the best of themselves, for leading the nation away from civil war and to a non-racial democracy.

Mandela’s “extraordinary l i f e a n d s t e a d f a s t c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e principles of democracy and reconciliation continues to be a beacon for people of all backgrounds who strive for dignity, justice, and freedom,” said President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.

T h e y d e s c r i b e d h i s personal story as “one o f u n b r e a k a b l e w i l l , unwavering integrity, and abiding humility.”

“By any measure,” the statement read, “Nelson Mandela has changed the arc of history, transforming his country, continent, and the world.”

Obama’s predecessor C l i n t o n s a i d h e w a s honoured to have been in office as Mandela became South Africa’s first black president in 1994.

“When I think about Mandela I always think about someone committed to the future,” he said after leaving Mandela’s home.

“We worked together as presidents and even after we left office we continued w o r k i n g t o g e t h e r t o improve education of the children worldwide in order for them to share the future,” he added. – AFP

An ‘extraordinary’ man turns 94

JERUSALEM – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned last week that Washington would use “all elements of its power” to prevent Iran going nuclear and was working in “close consultation” with Israel over how to do so.

Speaking to reporters on July 17 at the end of a whirlwind 24-hour visit to Jerusalem, Clinton said that Iran not yet decided to curb its nuclear ambitions, and warned that Washington would stop at nothing to prevent it from getting a nuclear bomb.

“We will use all elements of American power to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon,” she said in remarks which carried an implied threat of military action – a course of action never ruled out by Washington.

Due to US efforts to rally the international community to tackle the Iranian nuclear threat, Tehran was “under greater pressure than ever before,” Clinton said, indicating that the Obama administration was “pressing forward in close consultation with Israel.”

“I think it is fair to say we are on the same page at this moment, trying

to figure our way forward to have the maximum impact on affecting the decisions that Iran makes,” Clinton said.

Clinton arrived in Israel late on July 15 at the end of a nine-nation tour, holding talks with top officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

Although Israel has warned a nuclear Iran would pose an existential threat

to the Jewish state and has refused to rule out a military strike on its nuclear facilities, Peres expressed confidence in Washington’s tough stance on Tehran.

“I think the coalition we have built, and the measures you have taken are beginning to have their impact... they are the right start,” he told Clinton.

“We appreciate very much your position. We trust its depth and dedication and determination and we feel partners of this coalition.”

The US diplomat also briefed the Israelis on her talks with Egypt’s new Islamist President Mohamed Morsi and sought to reassure them that the new Cairo administration had reaffirmed support for the peace treaty which she said had “served as a backbone for regional stability for more than three decades.”

There has been some concern in Israel that Morsi, who emerged from the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood, might seek to renegotiate the treaty.

The stalled peace process was also high on the agenda, with Clinton reportedly telling Israel that Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas and

his prime minister Salam Fayyad were the best peace partners Israel could have, the website of Haaretz newspaper reported, quoting an Israeli official at the talks.

She also reportedly pushed Israel to make gestures to strengthen the Palestinian leader, Israeli press reports said.

But ultimately, a return to peace talks would be dependent on “hard work” by the two parties, she told reporters. – AFP

US issues warning to Iranafter talks in Jerusalem

‘We will use all elements of American power to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon.’

ADDIS ABABA – The first woman elected to head the African Union Commission pledged on July 16 to build unity on the continent after a controversial vote in which she unseated the incumbent chair.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, South Africa’s home affairs minister, beat Jean Ping of Gabon in a close election the previous day.

“My election should not be seen as a personal victory but it should be seen as a victory for the African continent in general,” she told reporters.

“We (will) continue to work in a way that tries to build consensus,” said Dlamini-Zuma.

Many participants in the AU summit, which ran over into the early hours of July 17, appeared relieved that a six-month impasse over the continental body’s top job had been broken.

One Western diplomat noted “a definite sense of relief” within the AU after the vote.

But the “very tough and aggressive” campaign waged by the candidates “will leave scars and resentment” he said.

Mac Maharaj, a spokesman for South African President Jacob Zuma – Dlamini-Zuma’s former husband and current boss – said he hoped the new appointment would result in a “more effective” AU.

“The African Union has taken many very good decisions. The problem is to get them implemented,” he told journalists.

Zuma’s office said he was “humbled by the confidence that Africa has showed in the Southern Africa candidate”.

Reaction from the rest of the continent was mixed.

Sudan, whose conflict with South Sudan was a key issue at the two-day summit, said it respected the choice of Dlamini-Zuma.

Kenya, which voted for Ping, said that breaking the deadlock was good for the continent, with Richard Onyonka, an assistant foreign affairs minister, calling the vote “a kind of victory for Africa because we have moved forward.” But he said he disapproved of South Africa’s tactics that caused divisions within the AU. – AFP

New AU chief issuespledge to build unity

TRIPOLI, Libya – Libya’s l ibera l coa l i t ion beat Islamist parties in the first poll since the ouster of Moamer Kadhafi, showed results released on July 17, but it remained unclear who will dominate the next congress.

The National Forces Alliance, a liberal coalition led by wartime prime minister Mahmud Jibril, gained 39 of 80 seats open to parties in the General National Congress, the first elected authority after more than four decades of dictatorship.

T h e J u s t i c e a n d Construction Party, which was launched by Libya’s Mus l im Bro therhood , took only 17 seats. The other party seats went t o a c o n s t e l l a t i o n o f smaller parties, showed the electoral commission’s preliminary figures.

The complete ta l ly , however, does not paint a c lear p icture about who will dominate the incoming congress, where the majority of seats – 120 of 200 – were reserved for individual candidates.

The two leading parties are courting independents and smaller entities in a bid to form a dominant bloc within the congress, where major decisions and legislation require a two-thirds majority to pass.

If liberals do manage to hold sway over the assembly, Libya, unlike neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt whose strongmen were also toppled in last year’s Arab Spring, will

buck the trend of electoral s u c c e s s f o r I s l a m i s t movements.

The NFA coalition brings together some 60 parties and independent figures, led by technocrats who lived abroad and advocate a moderate Islam, economic liberalisation and openness to the West.

NFA leader Jibril, who played a key role drumming up international support for the 2011 revolution that toppled Kadhafi’s regime, has called for all parties to join a national unity dialogue in a bid to form an even broader coalition.

M o h a m m e d S a w a n , head of the Justice and Construction Party, has e x p r e s s e d c o n f i d e n c e that a large number of i n d e p e n d e n t s i n t h e congress will side with Islamists.

At least 30 women secured seats in the congress thanks to a system which obliged parties to alternate on their lists between male and female candidates.

O n l y o n e f e m a l e independent candidate was elected.

In all, women will hold about 16.5 percent of the 200 seats.

The results came 10 days after landmark elections hailed by world leaders.

Libya’s new congress is tasked with appointing a new interim government and steering the country for a roughly one-year transition period, until fresh elections can be held under a new constitution.

– AFP

Liberal bloc leads inLibyan party vote;

final result uncertain

AsiAthe MyanMar tiMes

34July 23 - 29, 2012

BANGKOK – Thailand’s political calm hangs in the balance as Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s ruling Peua Thai party decides whether to defy the nation’s highest court and proceed with an overhaul of a military-influenced constitution.

The Constitutional Court on July 13 called for a referendum before rewriting the charter ratified after a 2006 coup that ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck’s brother. Lawmakers “must take responsibility for their next move” if they proceed with a vote to redraft the constitution, court spokesman Pimon Thammaphitakphong told reporters.

Moving forward without a nationwide vote could “invite more explosive protests from the other side,” said Somjai Phagaphasvivat, a political science lecturer at Thammasat University in Bangkok. “Tensions remain high and this will be the situation for months and years to come.”

The battle over changing the constitution threatens political stability in Southeast Asia’s second-biggest economy, where street protests since 2006 have killed more than 100 people and led to takeovers of the airports and central business district. Thaksin’s allies want to reduce the power of appointed bodies they say are undermining elected governments to serve the interest of royalists who backed the coup.

While the eight judges ruled unanimously that a proposal to create a 99-member assembly to rewrite the constitution did not breach Article 68, which restricts attempts “to overthrow the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State,” they said a complete overhaul would require the consent of Thailand’s 67 million people.

The 2007 constitution “came from a referendum,” Judge Nurak Mapraneet said in the ruling. “So the public should hold another referendum to decide whether they want a new draft. If the parliament wants to amend it, it can do by each article.”

T h e r e f e r e n d u m requirement appears nowhere in Article 291 of the current charter, which grants parliament the right to change the constitution. Yingluck’s party had proposed changing that article to allow for a complete constitution rewrite that would need to be approved in a referendum after it was drafted.

The court’s insistence that a nationwide vote is required before

rewriting the charter amounts to a threat against the government and parliament because the judiciary is asserting powers that are not granted in the constitution, said Kanin Boonsuwan, a law lecturer at Chulalongkorn University who submitted testimony in favour of the amendment.

“ I f the government and parliament yield to this threat, it means this country is not democratic,” Kanin said. “Next time there is no need to have an election. Just let the court be the

ruling party.”The court’s determination

that it has the authority to accept petitions directly from the public instead of solely from the Attorney General, as occurred in this case, also represents an expansion of the court’s powers, Kanin said.

Prosecutors declined to forward the petitions to the Constitutional

Court, saying last month that the amendment process is valid. A committee formed by the previous administration warned the court last month to undertake a “strict interpretation” of the law to maintain public confidence in the judiciary and help prevent violence.

Yingluck campaigned on

changing the constitution to make leaders more accountable to the public before her party’s majority win in elections a year ago and included plans for a drafting assembly in a policy statement. Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung called the ruling “fair” and said Yingluck would decide how to proceed with changing the constitution.

The opposit ion Democrat party views the court’s call for a referendum as binding, said spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut. He warned that proceeding with a vote to rewrite the constitution could lead to more lawsuits and urged the ruling party to focus more on solving economic problems.

“If they go ahead with it, there’s going to be a problem, whether it’s a protest or people filing charges against them again,” Chavanond said. “We don’t want

to see that. Why doesn’t the ruling Pheu Thai party just follow the court’s direction and not stir any conflict?”

Investors cheered the court ruling because it appeared to avert an immediate showdown. Thailand’s SET Index gained 1.4 percent to 1210.29 on July 13, the highest close since May 8, and rose 0.3pc on July 16. The baht

also strengthened after the court ruling.

“The court ruling has helped calm sentiment after fears of violence earlier,” Banthoon Lamsam, chief executive officer and president of Kasikornbank, Thailand’s second biggest by market value, told reporters. “Still, the unclear rules and drafting of new rules remain key questions for Thai society.”

In the coup against Thaksin, the country’s 10th power seizure since an absolute monarchy ended in 1932, the generals discarded the 1997 constitution that mandated a fully elected parliament. A military-appointed assembly wrote a new version that granted generals amnesty for the coup, made it easier to dissolve political parties, and gave judges a role picking members of a half-appointed Senate and other bodies overseeing elected officials. That passed in a nationwide vote in late 2007.

The increased responsibilities for judges followed a speech by King Bhumibol Adulyadej five months before the coup in which he called on them to resolve a pending constitutional crisis. Since then, courts have voided an election won by Thaksin’s party, disbanded two parties linked to him, disqualified about 200 of his allies, sentenced him to jail and seized 46 billion baht (about US$1.45 billion) of his wealth.

King Bhumibol, 84, took the throne in 1946 and serves as head of state. Insulting him can lead to a 15-year jail sentence. Under the constitution, the monarch appoints all the country’s judges.

Thaksin has lived in self-imposed exile since fleeing a 2008 jail sentence stemming from charges brought by a military- appointed panel after the coup. His supporters have denounced the judiciary as biased against the former leader and his allies, and several bills proposed in parliament earlier this year called for a broad amnesty for political crimes that would include the self-exiled billionaire.

The Constitutional Court’s intervention in parliamentary affairs sets “a very dangerous precedent” that

could lead to a “more explosive crisis” in the future, said Chris Baker, a Bangkok-based political analyst and historian who has co-authored several books on Thailand.

“This whole incident has probably shown that Thaksin cannot return too soon,” he said. “This is just a small step in a long process.” – Bloomberg News

Riot police stand guard outside the Constitutional Court in Bangkok on July 13 ahead of its ruling on changes to the constitution. Pic: AFP

ANALYSISby Daniel Ten Kate

Thailand’s controversial constitution

‘… the unclear rules and drafting of new rules remain key questions for Thai society.’

NEW DELHI – Ram Singh, 17, earns just one dollar from the 100 cups of tea he makes each day outside Delhi railway station, but each evening, after packing up, he goes to the bank and deposits nearly half of it.

Singh holds an account at a special bank, run for – and mostly by – Indian street children. The bank keeps what little money they have safe and seeks to instill the idea that savings, however meagre, are important.

Singh is determined to make his work pay a future dividend.

“I ’m smart, but that alone isn’t enough to start

a business.“I save money everyday,

hoping to start something of my own. Someday soon,” he said as he served glasses of India’s ubiquitous, spicy milk tea at a stall near the train station.

T h e C h i l d r e n ’ s Development Khazana (treasure chest) opened its first office in New Delhi in 2001 and has since spread throughout the country and overseas with 300 affiliated branches in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Kyrgyzstan.

Delhi has 12 branches with about 1000 child clients aged between nine and 17.

The brightly painted metal cubicles which serve as teller counters operate in shelters that provide children with free meals and sleeping mats, as well as school classes.

The branches are run almost entirely by and for the children, with account holders electing two volunteer managers from the group every six months.

“Children who make money by begging or selling drugs are not allowed to open an account. This bank is only for children who believe in hard work,” said Karan, a 14-year-old “manager”.

During the day, Karan earns a pittance washing up at wedding banquets or other events. In the evening, he sits at his desk to collect money from his friends and update their pass books.

“Some account holders want to withdraw their money. I ask them why and give it to them if other children approve. Everyone earns five per cent interest on their savings.”

An adult staff member is always present to collect the takings at the end of each day, depositing the cash in a nationalised bank to earn the interest.

Sharon Jacob, from the

rights group Butterflies that set up the bank, said it aimed to give the children a stake in their own future.

“They work in shops as hawkers or porters but they never had a safe place to keep their money. They were always cheated of it or somebody also stole their money,” Jacob said.

“So this is a place where they could keep their money safely and they are also taught life skills, how to manage their finances. They are taught budgeting, they are taught democratic participation,” Jacob said.

Child labour is officially illegal in India but millions

of boys and girls have no choice but to earn a living to support themselves or help their families.

“I ran away from home at the age of 11 after my father beat me for stealing a kitchen appliance,” said Samir, 14, a sweatshop worker who lives in the shelter and has an account in the bank.

“I have saved 4000 rupees (US$70) in the last seven months. It’s a good feeling to have some money. I will buy a shirt and a watch for my father and send it to him to seek his apology.”

“He might forgive me and ask me to come home.”

– AFP

Street children’s bank provides dividend for future

AsiA35the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

SEOUL – North Korea’s young leader has been purging older generals in an attempt to curb the power of the 1.2-million-strong military and potentially open the way for economic reforms, analysts said on July 19.

Kim Jong-Un last week sacked army chief Ri Yong-Ho, 69, and replaced him with a veteran but low-profile field commander, Hyon Yong-Chol, who is believed to be in his early 60s.

Kim Jong-Un, in his late 20s, was also been made “marshal” of North Korea, a title previously held by his late father Kim Jong-Il and his grandfather, the communist country’s founding father, Kim Il-Sung.

The young leader has been removing other aged powerful figures from his father’s era, including former armed forces minister Kim Yong-Chun and U Dong-Chuk who ran the secret police, analysts said.

Ri was appointed chief of the general staff by Kim Jong-Il and played a key role in helping his son take over the reins of the communist dynasty.

But the young Kim seems to have seen the hot-headed heavyweight as an obstacle to his plans to rein in the military, whose power had grown out of all proportion under the Songun, or military-first, policy of his father, analysts said.

The youthful leader also inherited an economy in ruins after decades of Stalinist mismanagement and a malnourished population dependent on foreign food aid.

Educated in the West, Kim Jong-Un is seen as more receptive to undertaking sweeping reforms to open up the crumbling state-directed economy than was his late father.

Cheong Seong-Chang of the Sejong Institute said having tightened his grip on power over the past seven months, Kim Jong-Un was now in a better position “to take measures for economic reform and openness”.

“The measures will be aimed at allowing private profit-seeking activities in commerce and trade and introduce greater incentives to state-controlled businesses and collective farms to increase production,” Cheong said.

In his first public speech in April, Kim Jong-Un said the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea was “firmly resolved” to improve people’s livelihood so that “they don’t have to tighten their belt again”.

China, the North’s main benefactor, has repeatedly urged it to open up and has reportedly started providing economic training for North Korean officials.

K i m K e u n - S i k o f Kyungnam University said Ri’s “symbolic” dismissal came as the leadership was paring down the massive military in favour of the private sector.

“Jong-Un was cementing his control over the military and seeking to return the bloated military to a normal state,” he said.

Cho Han-Bum at the state Korea Institute for National Unification said the North may use Ri as a scapegoat for recent provocative acts as its seeks massive foreign aid to improve its people’s livelihood.

Ri was army chief when the North allegedly sank a South Korean warship in 2010, shelled a South Korean island the same year and conducted a failed long-

range missile test in April this year.

Cho said his departure would set off a sweeping r e s h u f f l e w i t h i n t h e military.

“This is only the beginning. Jong-Un faces a formidable task to sweep aside scores of military generals and officials and fill their posts with young loyalists,” he said.

“Naturally, there will be moans and grumbles. For these veteran soldiers, Jong-

Un is a young baron whose star rose too fast. They don’t feel indebted to him, although they did toward Kim Il-Sung or Kim Jong-Il.”

Cho said securing his grip on the military would be Kim Jong-Un’s priority before he can think about starting on the road to reform.

“Economic reforms seem to be a luxury for the regime. It faces a far bigger, lingering problem of how

to put the restless military under control and avoid any political upheavals in the future,” he said.

The young leader, who lacks his late father’s political shrewdness, relies heavily on his aunt Kim Kyong-Hui and her husband Jang Song-Thaek in ruling the country, Cho and other analysts agreed.

Jang commands the police and spy agencies and serves as first vice chairman of the powerful National Defence Commission chaired by Kim Jong-Un. He is known to be a reformer and is deeply interested in a market-style economy.

Baek Seung-Joo of the Korea Institute for Defence Analyses said Ri’s departure would usher in a remarkable change in the North’s political map, with reform-minded administrators led by Jang winning over military hardliners.

“A favourable atmosphere is being laid in the North for reform and openness,” Baek said. – AFP

TOKYO – Workers at Japan’s crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant removed nuclear fuel on July 18 for the first time since last year’s tsunami-sparked crisis, media said.

Television footage showed dozens of operatives, all wearing white protection suits, atop the heavily damaged building at unit No. 4, extracting a fuel rod with a crane.

The plant’s operator, Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) said earlier the operation was planned for some time this month. The company said two rods, each measuring about four metres (12 feet), were to be taken out of the fuel pool.

The July 18 operation was the first time TEPCO has been able to remove any nuclear material since disaster struck at the plant in March 2011.

Reactors No. 1, 2 and 3 all melted down, but reactor No. 4 was empty when the tsunami crashed ashore. However, a disabled cooling system led to the fuel pool – where both used and unused fuel was kept – boiling.

That resulted in an explosion after a build up of hydrogen inside the reactor building.

“The company will examine the extent of corrosion on the fuel rods, which may have been caused by the sea water that workers had to use to keep the temperature down,” a company spokeswoman said, without confirming the operation took place on July 18 “for nuclear security reasons”.

Television crews used helicopters to film the operation, defying requests from TEPCO.

In another development last week, a second nuclear reactor began working in Japan, the day after its operator was ordered to examine a possible active tectonic fault directly under the plant.

Kansai Electric Power Co (KEPCO), which runs the Oi power plant in the nation’s industrial heartland, said it switched on Unit No. 4 late on July 18 following the restart of Unit No. 3 reactor earlier this month.

Japan’s nuclear watchdog had on July 18 ordered KEPCO to probe claims that the plant lay on one of the many fault lines under Japan.

The restarts at Oi ended two months in which Japan was nuclear-free after reactors throughout the country were shuttered in the aftermath of the Fukushima meltdowns. – AFP

Fuel removed from N-plant

Kim eyes reform in purge of old guard, say analysts

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (right), army chief Ri Yong-Ho (left) and another military officer review a parade in Pyongyang in a file photo taken on April 15. State media said on July 16 that Ri Yong-Ho had been removed from all his posts due to “illness”.

Pic: AFP/KCNA via KNS

BEIJING – China’s President Hu Jintao said on July 19 that Beijing would offer US$20 billion in new loans to Africa, underscoring the Asian powerhouse’s growing links with the resource-rich continent.

The pledge, made at a Beijing forum on China-Africa cooperation, is double the amount Beijing agreed to lend to Africa at the last forum in 2009.

Hu said the loans would focus on supporting infrastructure, manufacturing and the development o f smal l businesses in Africa, although he did not specify what time period they would cover.

“China and Afr ica ’ s des t in i e s a re c l o se ly linked, Chinese and African friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people on both sides,” he said, del ivering an opening address to an audience of African leaders.

“China sincerely supports African countries as they pursue their own development paths, and will sincerely assist African countries in strengthening their ability to develop independently.”

Hu also promised training and scholarships for African professionals and students,

assistance with healthcare and customs and financial support for the African Union.

Beijing’s involvement in Africa began 60 years ago, when Chinese workers arrived to lay railway tracks and roads.

But there has been a surge in investment in the past 15 years as Beijing has sought to tap into Africa’s natural resources and China became the continent’s largest trading partner in 2009.

Trade between the Asian powerhouse and the continent hit a record $166.3 billion last year, from less than $20 billion a decade earlier and up 83 percent on 2009, shows government data.

Africa’s rich natural resources are its main export to China, which needs minerals to fuel its massive economic growth, while the continent’s major imports are mechanical or electrical products.

South African President Jacob Zuma thanked China for treating African countries as “equals”, but he cautioned against allowing an unequal trade relationship to persist in which Africa mainly supplied raw materials.

– AFP

Beijing offers $20b innew loans to Africa

BEIJING – Editors at two outspoken Chinese newspapers have been removed from their posts months before a politically sensitive handover of power in the country, press freedom groups said on July 19.

The publisher and deputy editor of Shanghai’s Oriental Morning Post, Lu Yan and Sun Jian, were reportedly removed on July 18, days after the Guangzhou-based New Express moved its chief editor Lu Fumin to a sister title.

Press freedom groups linked the moves to a tightening of controls on the media ahead of a 10-yearly leadership change in China’s

ruling Communist party that is due to begin later this year.

David Bandurski, who runs the China Media Project at the University of Hong Kong, said Beijing was “especially sensitive” at the moment, although local party officials in Shanghai and the southern province of Guangdong would likely have driven the latest changes.

The Oriental Morning Post is considered one of the country’s more outspoken newspapers, particularly in its coverage of disasters such as last year’s high-speed train crash in eastern China and the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan. – AFP

Editors in China removed

A collapsed house on the bank of the Kumanoue river near Ukiha city in Japan’s southwestern Fukuoka prefecture on July 18 after a typhoon which skirted Kyushu island dumped more rain on an area already struggling to clean up after huge floods. Pic: AFP

‘This is only the beginning.’

AsiAthe MyanMar tiMes

36July 23 - 29, 2012

M A Z A R - I - S H A R I F , Afghanistan – A Taliban bomb attack on July 18 destroyed 22 fuel tankers carrying supplies for NATO forces in Afghanistan, officials said.

A pre-dawn explosion triggered a f ire which engulfed the trucks, parked in the northern province of Samangan overnight on their way from Uzbekistan towards NATO forces in the south, Samangan deputy governor Ghulam Sakhi Baghlani said.

“The f i rst explos ion resulted in a fire which quickly engulfed as many 22 trucks,” he said, adding that three drivers were also injured in the blaze.

NATO was forced to make greater use of more expensive northern supply routes after Pakistan b a n n e d i t s c o n v o y s following a botched US air strike which killed 24 Pakistani soldiers last November.

T a l i b a n i n s u r g e n t s claimed responsibility for the tanker attack, saying several private guards were killed.

P a k i s t a n l i f t e d i t s blockade on NATO supplies earlier this month, but only a few trucks have actually crossed the border.

Owners say they are waiting for compensation and security guarantees in the face of Taliban threats before resuming journeys from the Arabian Sea port of Karachi to the Afghan border. – AFP

Fuel tankersdestroyed inbomb attack

KABUL – British Prime Minister David Cameron warned the Taliban last week that the international community would continue to support the Afghan government after NATO troops pull out in 2014.

Cameron told a news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul on July 19 that a NATO conference in Chicago and a donors conference in Tokyo had recently shown the West’s commitment to the war-torn country.

“I think this sends a very clear message to the Taliban: that you cannot wait this out until foreign forces leave in 2014, because we will be firm friends and supporters of Afghanistan long beyond then.

“So now is the time for everyone to participate in a peaceful political process in Afghanistan.”

Karzai said the peace process was “the most important goal that we pursue”.

Karzai and Cameron were to later meet Raja Pervez Ashraf, the new prime minister of Pakistan, whose intelligence agency Kabul accuses of supporting the Taliban.

C a m e r o n s a i d t h e “terrorists” who were trying to destablise Afghanistan were also trying to destablise Pakistan.

R e l a t i o n s b e t w e e n Afghanistan and Pakistan

have traditionally suffered from distrust and mutual blame for the Taliban violence that plagues both countries.

K a b u l h a s a s k e d Islamabad to assist efforts to broker a peace deal with the Taliban, whose leaders have traditionally had close ties to Pakistan, but the militia has said it broke off contacts with the Americans and refuses to talk to Karzai’s government.

Cameron signed a deal to build an officers’ training

academy model led on Britain’s Sandhurst as Afghan forces take over increasing responsibility for the fight against Taliban insurgents.

On July 18, Cameron visited troops in the southern province of Helmand, where British forces are based.

Britain has about 9500 troops in Afghanistan, making it the second-largest contributor to NATO’s US-led 130,000-strong International Security Assistance Force, which is due to withdraw by

the end of 2014.Asked about reductions

in troop numbers, Cameron said earlier it would be done in “a sensible, ordered, practical way – 9500 to 9000 this year”.

“As Afghan troops take a bigger role we will be able to reduce troop numbers further next year,” he said.

“I don’t want to see some cliff edge. I’m confident we are going to have a staged reduction and deliver a safe and secure situation.”

– AFP

‘You cannot wait this out,’British PM warns Taliban

British Prime Minister David Cameron with British soldiers at Lashkar Gah in southern Helmand province on July 18. Pic: AFP

PHNOM PENH – Cambodia and Thailand pulled hundreds of soldiers out of a disputed border area on July 18, a year after a ruling by the UN’s highest court, replacing them with police and security guards.

The International Court of Justice on July 18 last year ordered the neighbours to demilitarise a strip of land next to the Preah Vihear temple which was the scene of deadly clashes in 2011.

“It’s an appropriate time to implement the ICJ’s verdict,” Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh said during the exit ceremony on the Cambodian side, shown live on television, though he warned that “full peace has not been ensured”.

Nearly 500 Cambodian troops will be redeployed from the zone around the temple but will be replaced by some 250 policemen and 100 guards supposedly employed to preserve the 11th century site.

Yutthasak Sasiprapa, a Thai deputy prime minister responsible for national security, said Bangkok had also pulled back its soldiers and instead deployed border patrol police, also believed to number in their hundreds.

“Thailand and Cambodia are setting up a joint team to work on the terms of reference for Indonesian observers,” he added, referring to a team to be sent by Jakarta to monitor the situation in the 4.6-square-kilometre (1.8-square-mile) disputed area.

In February last year, 10 people were killed in fighting at the Preah Vihear temple site and fresh clashes broke out further west in April 2011, leaving 18 dead.

The ICJ subsequently ruled that both countries should withdraw forces around the 900-year-old Khmer temple.

But the order was held up as neither

country appeared ready to make the first move.

The ICJ decision came after Cambodia launched a bitter legal battle before the court in late April 2011 in which it asked for an interpretation of a 1962 ruling on Preah Vihear.

Thailand does not dispute Cambodia’s ownership of the temple, but both sides claim an adjacent patch of land.

A Thai government spokesman said the withdrawal did not signal a climbdown over the contested land, but was instead a diplomatic compromise to help smooth relations ahead of the 2015 establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community. – AFP

Cambodian, Thai soldiers leave disputed border area

Cambodian troops leave the disputed border area on July 18. Pic: AFP

K U A L A L U M P U R – Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak hit back on July 19 at reform proponents, saying greater liberalism was a threat to the Muslim-majority country as it faces pivotal upcoming elections.

Speaking to more than 10,000 Islamic leaders just days before the Muslim fasting month begins, Najib also said he supported human rights but “within the boundaries set by Islam”, in comments quoted by local media.

“Pluralism, liberalism? All these ‘isms’ are against Islam and it is compulsory for us to fight these,” Najib said, according to news porta l the Malays ian Insider.

Najib must call fresh elections by early next year and his government has come under pressure to reform an electoral system that critics and the political opposition say is biased in the long-ruling party’s favour.

An April rally saw tens of thousands pour into the capital Kuala Lumpur to demand electoral changes.

It ended in chaos after po l i ce and protestors clashed openly in the streets of the capital. Police used tear gas and water cannons

against the protestors, and more than 500 people were arrested.

The next polls are widely expected to be a close contest after the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition suffered its worst election showing against a resurgent opposition in 2008.

Adopting a reformist mantle to woo back voters lost in 2008, Najib has embarked on a series of reforms including repeal of the controversial Internal Security Act, which for d e c a d e s h a d a l l o w e d indefinite detention without trial.

He a lso on July 11 announced plans to repeal the country’s Sedition Act, which has been similarly criticised for being used to curb dissent.

B u t N a j i b f a c e s a balancing act in that he also must appeal to conservative hardliners and Muslims, some of whom are opposed to an increasingly vocal gay rights movement.

Muslim ethnic Malays make up 60 percent of the multi-ethnic country’s 28 million people, but Malaysia also has sizable ethnic Chinese and Indian non-Muslim minorities whose votes are coveted by the ruling coalition. – AFP

Najib warns againstpluralism, liberalism

Manager dies in car plant violence

NEW DELHI – India’s top carmaker Maruti Su-zuki on July 19 suspended production at a plant near New Delhi after a manag-er was burnt to death and scores of others injured in a riot by angry workers.

Maruti said the body of the plant’s personnel man-ager was found after the rampage late on July 18 during which supervisors were attacked and offices set on fire.

Police said at least 88 workers had been arrested and faced possible charges from murder to rioting and arson.

RP thanks China for water project

MANILA – President Be-nigno Aquino on July 17 thanked China for its help to finish a major Philip-pine water project, amid tensions over disputed territory in the South Chi-na Sea.

“We are thankful for the funds provided by China so we could set up this impor-tant project. It is through firm relations with our neighbouring countries that we can speedily solve our problems,” Aquino said in a speech.

The US$123-million project will improve the water supply to 21 million people living in and around Manila.

Sri Lanka arrests 41 boat people

COLOMBO – Sri Lankan authorities on July 18 ar-rested another 41 would-be illegal immigrants heading to Australia in the fourth successful raid in as many days, officials said.

The 37 men and four women were aboard a boat intercepted off the eastern coast on July 17 and had paid large sums to people smugglers, said a navy of-ficial, who asked not to be named.

Three other boats with a total of 192 people have been stopped in the past four days, police say.

14 tiger carcasses seized in Indonesia

JAKARTA – Indonesian police last week seized 14 preserved bodies of critically-endangered Su-matran tigers in a raid on a house near Jakarta, a spokesman said on July 19.

A man was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the illegal wildlife trade during the raid on July 17, the spokesman said, adding that the preserved bodies of 14 tigers, a lion, three leopards, a clouded leopard, three bears and a tapir and a tiger head were seized. – AFP

Briefs

Time out 37The Myanmar Times July 23 - 29, 2012

TROUBLED British rock star Pete Doherty has been thrown out of an exclusive drug treatment centre in Thailand for failing to show he is ready to kick his heroin habit, the clinic said last week.

The Libertines’ former frontman was asked to leave The Cabin — a US$12,000-a-month centre in northern Chiang Mai — after three weeks of treatment.

British press reports said Doherty had been thrown out for disruptive behaviour, claims denied by the centre, which said he was simply not

ready to complete the rehab course and was discharged on July 17.

“ I t i s impo r t an t t o maintain the integrity of the treatment program for the other clients to have a good chance of recovery,” said Alastair Mordey, part of The Cabin’s counselling team.

Doherty cancelled several high-profile gigs to enter The Cabin’s renowned drug addiction courses, which include intensive therapy, meditation and outdoor activities such as white-water rafting. — AFP

Doherty booted from Thailand rehab clinic

By Pinky

MEMBERS of local power-pop group Big Bag on July 19 released a new album titled One Second Sentence under the band name BloodSugar Politik.

The band features the same lineup as Big Bag — vocalist and guitarist Kyar Pauk, drummer VNo, bass player Ye Zaw Myo and guitar player Ko Toe — and the album contains 11 songs with English lyrics and one in Myanmar language.

Kyar Pauk said the band included so many English songs because they wanted international audiences to

become more familiar with music from Myanmar.

“We included one Myanmar song with the title ‘Ba Lote Mar Lae’ [What Will You Do?] because this reflects the current situation in our country. Now that we have more opportunities to do

what we want, we are always hearing people asking and saying ‘what will I do?’ or ‘what do you want to do?’,” he said.

He added that most people he’s talked to have misinterpreted the album’s title.

“They think One Second Sen tence r e fe r s t o a sentence made up of words, but we mean a jail or prison

sentence. The idea is the feeling that you’re in prison for one second,” he said.

Kyar Pauk said all the band members contributed to the songwriting, and the various styles — including punk, electro and indie — reflect the different interests of

the musicians. Some of the English-language songs date all the way back to 2003.

All the lyrics on the album were written by Kyar Pauk, based on his own experiences and his imagination. Subjects range from personal pain to politics.

“Some of the song have two or three meanings, some are nonsense,” Kyar Pauk said.

However, the awesome musical creations will have audiences too busy screaming along and jumping up and down to care too much about the meaning of the songs. The strongly expressed lyrics, combined with the fast and furious music, will surely make hearts beat faster and take listeners on an emotional rollercoaster ride.

Kyar Pauk said the recent political changes in Myanmar have been of great advantage to musicians, who can now express themselves more freely through their songs.

“I was worried about censorship for this album. Fortunately, every song as well as the cover design passed smoothly. I was very surprised about that. The recent changes have been very good for us as musicians,” he said.

Despite the increased freedom of expression, he said he thought the new album would not find a wide local audience because the songs were in English and unfamiliar to fans.

“I think about 60 to70 percent of the people will not accept this album. When we performed as BloodSugar Politik at the French Institute [on June 2], the audience was screaming for Big Bag songs. We didn’t play any, though, because we weren’t performing as Big Bag. And we’ll continue to do whatever we want,” Kyar Pauk said.

“We aren’t expecting anything from this album, but we’re very proud of the outcome since we spent plenty of time putting it together,” he added.

BloodSugar Politik release debut CD

By Zon Pann Pwint

A CEREMONY was held at New Treasure Art Gallery in Yangon on July 17 to show appreciation for the artists who contributed to a project to create a bronze bust of former UN secretary general U Thant.

“Words can’t express how proud I am at the moment,” sculptor U Tin Win told The Myanmar Times at the ceremony.

He started work on the bust on November 11, 2011, and finished on July 15. The completed sculpture weighs 132.8 kilograms (299 pounds) and cost K5 million to make.

“My passion made my work smooth without any trouble,” U Tin Win said.

Another artist, Min Wai Aung, acted as an advisor for U Tin Win throughout the project.

“I am very proud for my friend’s great achievement,” Min Wai Aung said of the sculptor.

“The work was expected to be completed within four months, but after every step was finished those who commissioned the piece wanted to come and see what progress had been

made, so we had to wait for them every step of the way.”

Dr Aung Zaw My int , chairman of the U Thant Libarary Building Executive Committee, said that while U Tin Win was in the process of making the bust, coincidently U Thant’s daughter Daw Aye Aye Than was visiting Yangon.

“She stopped by the studio twice to give advice,” he said.

Immediately after the ceremony on Ju ly 17, preparations were made to transport the sculpture to U Thant’s native town of Pantanaw in the Ayeyarwady delta.

“We originally planned to place the bust in the garden in front of the U Thant Library at the entrance to Pantanaw along the Yangon-Pathein highway, but construction of the library stalled after laying the foundation due to lack of funds,” Dr Aung Zaw Myint said.

“Therefore, the bust will be housed temporarily in Mya Taung Monastery in Pantanaw.”

U Thein Aung, chairman of the Yangon-based Pantanaw Association, said donations for the sculpture and the library came from Sayadaw

U Kumara, the head monk at Mya Taung Monastery, as well as from donors across Myanmar.

The a s soc ia t i on has received just over K15 million in donations, and has spent K5 million on the sculpture and K10 million to lay the library’s foundation. With the coffers nearly depleted, the library project has been temporarily put on hold.

“But we are determined to finish building library by the end of 2012 at any cost, so that the bust can be placed in the garden when it is completed,” U Thein Aung said.

He said U Thant was a “world-famous person” who served as the UN secretary general for two five-year terms, from 1961 to 1971, and “made Myanmar known globally”.

“He also made efforts to protect the world against the outbreak of a third world war. We want to proudly erect the library and his bronze bust in his native town in commemoration of his accomplishments,” he said.

U Thein Aung said another aim of the library and sculpture will be to prompt young people to imitate U Thant’s efforts and good spirit.

“The third purpose is to make the world know that we have a library and a bust of U Thant in his native Pantanaw,” he said.

Dr Aung Zaw Myint said the land on which the library is being built was granted free of charge by the government in August 2011.

“The library will contain a gallery in which U Thant memorabilia will be on display,” he said.

“Before he left Yangon to serve in the UN, he wrote a letter to his pupil U Than, containing a message to sell his house for K3000 because he didn’t have money. He l a te r sent another letter offering to buy his house back but he didn’t buy it. These letters have been preserved by Sayadaw U Kumara and will be displayed when the library is completed.”

At the July 17 ceremony, Sayadaw U Kumara said the completion of the braonze scu lpture marked the realisation of a dream that he has harboured for 20 years: to honour U Thant in his native town.

“U Thant was a virtuous person because he never expressed his anger in a bad way when he got angry,” Sayadaw U Kumara said.

U Thant sculpture bound for Pantanaw

BloodSugar Politik perform at the French Institute in Yangon on June 2. Pic: Zay Yar Lin

Sculptor U Tin Win stands next to his bronze bust of former UN secretary general U Thant at New Treasure Art Gallery in Yangon on July 17. Pic: Boothee

timeout 2the MyanMar tiMes

38July 23 - 29, 2012

By Pinky

LOCAL artist Sandy has released a book about feng shui, a form of Chinese g e o m a n c y a i m e d a t channeling positive energy to help improve the life of the practitioner.

The 170-page Myanmar-language book, titled Feng Shui: Symbols of Good Fortune, also includes a set of 80 cards with pictures of traditional Chinese symbols and objects used in feng shui, which readers are instructed to use to boost good fortune, health, wealth and success.

The 22 chapters cover topics such as explaining feng shui, defining chi (positive energy), and describing objects and symbols that are believed to enhance careers, love and friendship, fame and reputation, and other aspects of life.

The book is presented in brief sections with short sentences, making it very in format ive and user-friendly.

Sandy said she was inspired to write Feng Shui: Symbols of Good Fortune after reading a book of the same title by best-selling Malaysian feng shui expert Lillian Too. The artist added that her interest in the subject was also piqued by her hobby of collecting “amazing and unique objects” whenever she travels.

“I bought a pi yao amulet in Thailand, which raised my interest in feng shui and prompted me to do some internet research on the subject,” she said. Pi yao are mythical, lion-like creatures thought to protect practitioners of feng-shui.

“Myanmar people like to collect objects that they believe bring good fortune, but they don’t really know how and where to keep or use them. For example, if you treat pi yao as living objects that you care for with love, they will be more effective. It is my desire to share such information with my readers,” Sandy said.

The book contains many recommendations for how to place, and how not to place, certain objects in the house and workplace for maximum benefit.

Feng shui uses the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac — such as the snake, rabbit, chicken, horse, dog, cow, tiger and so on — and also assigns special significance to other animals including the cicadas, golden cows and mandarin ducks.

Mythical animals covered in the book include dragons, three-legged money toads, dragon-headed turtles and the unicorn-like ki lin.

Feng Shu i : S ymbo l s of Good Fortune can be purchased at Sapaylawka (5) Bookstore, No 138-140, 1st floor, Mahabandoola Street, Kyauktada township, Yangon. The normal price is K3500, including the book and cards, but it will be available for a special price of K3150 until the end of July.

New bookexploresfeng shui

By Pinky

THE Talents and Models Fashion Day at Taw Win Centre on July 14 delighted the audience with its abundance of fresh new faces.

For those living in Yangon, it is also possibly the year’s best opportunity to catch a glimpse of Myanmar’s virtual South Korean pop stars and divas. Despite a collective lack of experience, the majority of the show’s 84 models strutted along the catwalk with as much finesse as their professional counterparts.

There was a noticeable difference between this year’s show and previous ones.

In 2012 there was a diversity of skin colour, body size and shape. The notorious one-size-fits-all “rule” for models appeared to be far more relaxed – it was a striking new approach that ought to be applauded.

The audience benefitted from the display of a wide variety of fashion styles – some of which were designed to bring out the best in women with a fuller figure than that of the traditional “clothes hanger.”

The show was choreographed in groups of five to seven models, with each group representing a different sponsor whose designs are featured in stores at Taw Win Centre.

As well as showcasing a variety of trendy local labels, the textures, colours and patterns of the fabric complemented the stylists’ choice of hair and make-up particularly well.

Fashion sponsors included Orchid House, Fashion Place, Azreal, Heart Link, Blanco, Berry, Nan Wadi, Cherry, Bangkok Fashion, External, Forever, Dolphin and Iora.

As the hands of the clock struck 3pm, the tunes spun by DJ Paing Pyae became louder, thereby swelling audience numbers to about 100.

Former model-turned-MC Ma Moe had warmed up the audience with characteristic charm and humour; though nothing less would be expected from someone with thousands of MC performances under her slender belt.

After spending two hours backstage having make-up applied while fashionistas scrutinised the final touches of outfits, the models gathered at the wings of the runway displaying varying degrees of composure: Some appeared downright nervous, while others bubbled over with excitement, talking and jostling like teenagers at school.

Yet after emerging from the shadows of the perimeter, the young women transformed into composed professionals. Some were so breathtakingly beautiful they

could easily have been mistaken for supermodels.

T h e a u d i e n c e c h e e r e d enthusiastically when the first five models strutted along the stage then turned on their oh-so-high heels after a brief pout or smile according to how they were dressed: sexy, sweet, demure or elegant.

The photographers were pushing each other around to gain the best vantage point while somehow snapping shots without a half-second pause. A young boy who appeared about five years old seemed to be really enjoying the performance. His mouth was wide open, his eyes were bright and barely blinking and his smile stretched a mile every time a model walked towards the tip of the runway.

It wasn’t only the female models that were making a big impact on the crowd: The ridiculously handsome male models were right on par and drew the loudest screams from the lady-boys in attendance. Some of the girls were stunned into silence by their playboy appearance.

The two-and-a-half-hour long model show held the public’s excitement from beginning to end. Every fashion sponsor appeared highly pleased with the results, which is of course no surprise as it’s likely that it sent sales in Taw Win Centre soaring mid-monsoon season.

Something for everyone at Taw Win Fashion Day

By Zon Pann Pwint

A CEREMONY marking the 48th anniversary of Thakin Kodaw Hmaing’s death will be held in Thiri Hall at Royal Rose Restaurant on Shwegondine Road on July 23, starting at 9am.

The ceremony will include the unveiling of a portrait of Thakin Kodaw Hmaing that was completed by artist U Nyo Win last week.

The portrait is based on a black-and-white photograph taken sometime before 1948 by actor U Tun Wai. The photograph was used to make postcards, which were sold to raise funds to build a mausoleum for Thakin Kodaw Hmaing when he passed away in 1964.

Now the new portrait will also be made into postcards, which will be sold beginning at the July 23 ceremony to raise money for upkeep of Thakin Kodaw Hmaing’s mau so l eum, wh i ch i s located in the southern part of the Shwedagon Pagoda compound.

U Tun Win Nyein, the art editor of Beauty magazine and a spokesperson for the Preserving Mausoleum Association said that Thakin Kodaw Hmaing was buried in a grave next to Supaya Latt, wife of Myanmar’s last monarch, King Thibaw.

“People from the political and literary fields who held deep respect for Thakin Kodaw Hmaing organised the Erecting Mausoleum

C o m m i t t e e t h e s a m e year that he died, and immediately started building it,” he said.

The mauso leum was designed by architect U Kyaw Min, artist U Ohn Lwin and artist U Paw Oo Thett and was completed in 1966.

Four rectangular plates on the building’s façade were engraved with a book, a peacock, a dove, and a hammer and sickle.

U Tun Win Nyein explained that the book symbolised the literary genius of Thakin Kodaw Hmaing, whose plays and prose were filled with social and political commentary.

The peacock symbolised his contribution to Myanmar’s independence movement, while the dove stood for his efforts to build a peaceful nation and world.

The hammer and sickle symbol represents h i s endeavours in support of the oppressed.

“He was always standing on the side of these people and always wishing for the prosperity of workers and farmers,” U Tun Win Nyein said.

He said the committee was renamed the Preserving Mausoleum Association on July 23, 1966, but it has not been officially recognised for nearly 50 years.

“Over past 40 years we have found it difficult to conduct preservation work at the mausoleum, and his family members and friends have been able

to provide only sporadic maintenance,” U Tun Win Nyein said.

He said the mausoleum suffered slight damage from Cyclone Nargis in May 2008. The association immediately started asking permission to conduct repairs, but the request was not granted until last month.

“Roof repairs and painting on the inside of mausoleum started 10 days ago,” he said on July 7.

He added that since the building has been neglected f o r n e a r l y 5 0 y e a r s , restoration will require considerable funding, which is why they will start selling postcards at the July 23 ceremony.

The celebration is expected to be attended well-known people from the fields of politics and literature, who will give speeches in memory of Thakin Kodaw Hmaing, whose real name was U Lun.

Artist U Nyo Win, 72, the son of famous artist U Bayin Kalay, was commissioned to paint Thakin Kodaw Hmaing by the Preserving Mausoleum Association. He started work on July 5.

“The photos they gave me for reference didn’t include the portrait of him sitting with a betel-nut box in front of him, which showed his true nature. I wanted to paint that portrait so they sought out the photograph for me,” U Nyo Win said.

“My father drew the same portrait in 1960s while I was

a student. I remember my father’s masterful artwork, but unfortunately it has been lost without a trace.”

He said he felt proud to paint the portrait and was inspired to make a painting that would be as close as possible to the one he saw when he was young.

“I wanted them to find my father’s lost painting and unveil it at the 48th anniversary celebration, but it seems to have disappeared. There is no trace of its existence at any museums or galleries in Yangon, and no one knows who took at after my father painted it,” he said.

Because of the loss of his father’s artwork, U Nyo Win said he will keep his own painting of Thakin Kodaw Hmaing in his own collection following the ceremony, but will loan it out for special events.

“I would also like to hang onto it because at my age, I have doubts about being able to complete another large painting like this,” he said, but he added that he would donate the painting if an official Thakin Kodaw Hmaing museum opened in the future.

Thakin Kodaw Hmaing was born on March 23, 1876. At the age of 10, he watched as the British sent King Thibaw into exile in India, an event that raised his nationalist spirit.

One of Thakin Kodaw Hmaing’s most famous htika (detailed work of verse) was titled “Boingkauk Htika” (About Boycotting), in which he said Myanmar people should be proud of their own history, language and culture. The piece inspired students to start striking against the colonial administration in the 1920s.

Painting honours life of Thakin

Kodaw Hmaing

Artist U Nyo Win poses in his studio with his portrait of Thakin Kodaw Hmaing. Pic: U Tun Win Nyein

A model strikes a pose at the Talents and Models Fashion Day at Taw Win Centre on July 14. Pic: Thirilu

timeout 3the MyanMar tiMes

39July 23 - 29, 2012

By Cecil Morella

MANILA — On a mock-up stage in a Philippine music studio, single-mum Joanna Talibong is singing for her life.

The former church-choir girl is nervous and struggling to stay in key as she battles through more than a dozen takes of the syrupy Olivia Newton-John ballad “Suddenly”.

If she and keyboard-playing friend Jason Panggoy can get their video-demo right, they stand a chance of securing a series of gigs in South Korea that would enable them to start a long journey out of crushing poverty.

“I did not finish college, so I don’t have many job options. … Overseas I can earn a lot more,” the carpenter’s daughter said during a break from singing at the studio in a rundown quarter of Manila, the country’s capital.

Roughly nine million Filipinos, or 10 percent of the population, work overseas because there are so few job opportunities in their largely impoverished homeland.

While many toil as largely anonymous maids, sailors, construction workers and labourers in foreign countries, tens of thousands also stand under spotlights entertaining crowds as singers and musicians.

From high-class hotel bars in the Middle East to Las Vegas casinos, expat pubs in Asia and luxury cruise liners sailing the Caribbean, Filipinos are often found performing near-perfect cover versions of almost any genre.

Talibong is desperate to join them, or she will be forced back to a bar in a small northern Philippine city where for the past three months she and Panggoy have played to tobacco traders and travelling salesmen for US$3.50 a night.

Adding to her problems is her nine-month-old son, who has a clubbed foot and lives with his grandparents while Talibong pursues her musical career.

Her manager has lined up a six-month booking for Talibong and Panggoy at bars in South Korea that would pay them each $800 a month, and she knows exactly where her first pay cheques would be spent.

“My priority is an operation for my son’s clubbed foot. That’s really my goal. That’s what’s pushing me to work really hard,” said Talibong, who is just 21 years old.

But first the duo’s demo tape — which also includes a Taylor Swift and Matchbox 20 numbers — must pass muster with the artist review board in Seoul, a review process that takes about a month.

Their manager, Wilma Ipil, who has been sending an average of two bands to South Korea every month since 2008, concedes the duo may not get the gig, amid growing competition from other Filipino talents trying to make it overseas.

“Previously, even inexperienced musicians got hired,” said Ipil, who sang in Hong Kong, Thailand and China herself before going into band management. “But now, with the wealth of talent available, promoters have become more discriminating.”

Nevertheless, the demand for Filipino performers overseas is enormous, according to Jackson Gan, the head of the music studio where Talibong is recording her demo.

“Our only competition is ourselves. The whole world knows that if you have a low budget but need quality, you get Filipino talent,” said Gan, who also acts as an agent for other export acts.

Gan estimates between 25,000 and 30,000 Filipino musicians and singers play in 3000 clubs, hotels, cruise ships and restaurants around the world at any one time. The pay generally ranges from $800 to $1500 a month, according to Gan.

He said even Malaysian, Indonesian, Australian and Chinese bands tend to recruit Filipina lead singers.

Gan attributes the success of Filipino performers overseas to the deep

roles music and dance have in local culture.

Singing contests are often the highlights of village fairs and beauty contests, while song and dance are a staple of the most popular national television game shows.

Karaoke is one of the country’s most loved forms of entertainment, with guests at weddings and birthday parties expected to be able to belt out songs behind a microphone to entertain their hosts.

Karaoke is also a mainstay at bars, restaurants and shopping centres.

“Some of my singers were discovered at karaoke joints,” said Gan, a 20-year veteran of the business, whose scouting regimen sees him serving as judge at singing contests in remote villages across the country.

Gan said Philippine musicians are also well-known for their warm audience rapport, a reflection of a general easygoing nature for which Filipinos are famous.

“That is a very important part of the music. It’s not just plain singing,” he said.

However, Gan said most performers have a short shelf-life overseas, particularly the female lead singers who often have to end their foreign sojourns when they have babies or for other family reasons.

And although many can copy perfectly the world’s most popular songs, few cover band members will ever get a recording contract.

But there are some inspirational success stories for those who continue to dream of making it big.

The most famous is Arnel Pineda, who for many years fronted Filipino bands in Manila bars and in Hong Kong.

His big break came in 2007 when members of US rock group Journey were looking for a new lead singer and saw clips of him singing the band’s songs on YouTube.

Pineda was hired soon after an audition in the United States, and his first album fronting the band debuted in the top 10 of the American Billboard Charts. Pineda and Journey continue to perform at sold-out concerts around the world. — AFP

Joanna Talibong (left) sings during a practise session with Jason Panggoy (right) in Manila on June 4.

Philippine musicians sing their way out of poverty

Pic: AFP/Jay Directo

‘The whole world knows that if you have a low

budget but need quality, you get Filipino talent.’

By Jung Ha-Won

SEOUL — News of the arrival of South Korean boy-band JYJ prompted hundreds of fans to camp out on the streets recently to get closer to the trio. But this wasn’t in Seoul or even Tokyo: It was in Lima.

Having taken Asia by storm over the past decade with bubblegum hooks and dance moves infused with military precision, South Korea’s K-pop phenomenon continues to defy language barriers and find fans around the world.

As South Korea continues to export its culture, K-pop’s polished fusion of influences ranging from hip-hop to dubstep is winning a growing number o f pas s ionate followers in Latin America.

JYJ has held sell-out concer t s the re and a Colombian TV station is airing a K-pop talent show.

Latin American fans have posted hundreds of videos on YouTube showing flash mobs emulating K-pop dance moves and urging their favourite stars to visit the continent, despite many not having officially released songs outside Asia.

Promoters are using the power of the internet to lure distant fans and organise concerts in Europe and North and South America.

“Korean acts are not only monitoring but also monetising their Twitter trends, Facebook likes, and YouTube views,” said Bernie Cho, president of DFSB Kollective, a Seoul-based creative agency providing digital media solutions to more than 350 K-pop artists.

“More Korean bands have multilingual members who can sing verses, carry choruses, and conduct interviews in English, Chinese and Japanese. Language is no longer a barrier, it is now the carrier.”

Music videos and footage of the stars’ private lives are posted on Facebook and YouTube — often live or before being released on TV and elsewhere.

“They’ve got the sound r i g h t , t h e y ’ v e g o t a supportive government that invests very heavily into the development of the arts, and they are all very good looking,” said Ruuben van den Heuvel, executive director of GateWay Entertainment, a music consultancy firm. “They’re a complete pop package.”

The popularity of the genre in Asia remains undiminished — 7000 Japanese fans will flock to Seoul this month to “meet” JYJ at a major event that has booked out 3500 hotel rooms around Seoul.

But in Latin America, fans are taking note: JYJ in March performed in both Chile and Peru as part of a world tour of 15 venues including Berlin and Barcelona.

Hundreds camped out for days in Santiago and Lima as they tried to get closer to the trio during their first concerts in the region, said

June Oh, a spokeswoman for the band’s agent C-JeS.

“We were so stunned seeing hundreds of tents lined up in front of the Explanada Sur del Estadio Monumental,” she said, referring to the venue in the Peruvian capital where JYJ performed.

Savvy market ing and production tie-ups have also helped.

JYJ broke away from another K-pop act TVXQ in 2009 and the following year released an English-language album in collaboration with US rap star Kanye West.

“Since then we started to get more fan letters from Latin America and to see more Spanish-language sites [dedicated to JYJ]. Now they are the most active and passionate ones in the band’s global fan base,” Oh said.

She acknowledged that attendance at the concerts — 5000 in Chile and 6000 in Peru — was small compared to the tens of thousands whom JYJ attracts in South Korea or Japan.

“But it’s too early to try to stage such a mega-concert in Latin America,” she said.

JYJ member Kim Junsu has described the response to the Latin American concerts as “utterly surprising, and the most enthusiastic”.

Seoul’s top music talent agency SM Entertainment has held concerts featuring its flagship groups such as the 13-member boy-band Super Junior and the nine-strong Girls’ Generation in Paris, New York and California since 2010.

Colombian TV network Caracol has since April aired a talent show for K-pop fans. Winners were offered a six-day trip to Seoul to meet their idols.

Some 2000 participants from across the country sang and danced to the songs of K-pop bands such as Big Bang and 2NE1, with South Korean boy-band U-KISS acting as a judge by watching video clips.

Song Chang-Woon, PR manager of South Korea’s Ar i rang TV, which has partnered with Caracol, acknowledged K-pop’s popularity in Latin America is still limited to a relatively sma l l c i rc le o f young devotees.

“But our partners in Caracol TV certainly saw potential and wanted to test the market with K-pop Reality,” he said, referring to the show also being aired on South Korea’s Arirang TV station this month.

K-Music, a Colombian music cable channel, has also started to air a K-pop music segment imported from Arirang, Song said.

Typ i c a l K - pop s t a r s — trained since early or mid-teens — offer a mix of good looks, powerful choreography and accessible tunes that give an alternative to Latin America’s music scene, he said.

“The K-pop boom has just landed in Latin America and there’s no way back from here,” Song said. — AFP

K-pop invades Latin America

July 23 - 29, 2012

entertAinment news 40the MyanMar tiMes

Taw Win Centre Readers And Authors Meeting Event

Chilli Footwear Branch Launch

Etude House Cosmetics Lucky Draw

Writer Mg Sein Win

Ko Sithu Aung

Daw Yamin Aye Maung and Ma Su Myat Noe

Ko Oak Soe Maung

Chilli staff members Ma Aye Myint Thu, Ma Shwe Sin and Dr Khin May LinMa Khay Mar

U Ko Ko Htwe Writer Juu

Khine Thazin Ngu Wah Khine Thazin Yu Wah Ma Lily Mr Freddy

U-22 Football Team Special Dinner

Khine Thin Kyi and husband

U-22 footballers A Thin Cho Swe Naw Naw

U Zaw Zaw Dr Sai Sam Tun U Win Lwin Aung, U Soe Moe, Mr Takahashi and Ko Thet

‘Why We Must Save the Ayeyarwady’ Art

Exhibition

Ko Myint Zaw

Ko Lay Lwin

U Myint Maung Kyaw

Aw Pe Kyel

Composer Myint Moe Aung

July 23 - 29, 2012

soCiAlite41the MyanMar tiMes

SOCIALITE started her week at the

opening of a new branch of Chilli lady’s footwear on Parami Road in Mayangone

township on July 11. On the following day, her eyes were caught by the new creations of hair specialists at the Biggest

Hair Show 2012, sponsored by Sunsilk, at Inya Lake Hotel. On July 14 she joined a crowd of Yangon bookworms at a meeting of readers and authors at Taw Win Centre, where several famous writers delivered speeches. The next day

Socialite popped in at the Etude House lucky draw at Inya 1 day spa, and then she continued on to MMDC Training Centre grand opening at Junction Square. She topped off the day at

a special dinner for Myanmar’s U-22 football team at Sedona Hotel.

SOCIALITE WITH NYEIN EI EI HTWE

Nan Myat Phyo Thin

Smile

Ko Wai Lin, Ms Vilaiporn Sirinapapant and Ms Noemi Almo

Ma Wint War Kyaw

M Seng Lu

Sunsilk Biggest Hair Show

MMDC Training Centre Opening

Ko Soe Tun Win, Ko WaiYan Paing, Ko Kyaw Thu Lin and Ko Yan Naing Soe Naung Mr Sim Thang and Ko Swe Hein

Mr Kevin Hee Mr Yang Binyuan U Khin Maung Htay Ma Su Mon Ko Tun Nay Soe

Nan Thuzar

trAvel www.mmtimes.com/2012/flight/flight.pdf

42July 23 - 29, 2012

Air Asia (FD) 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Ground Flr, Parkroyal Hotel, Yangon. Tel: 251 885, 251 886.

Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

Air China (CA)Building (2), corner of Pyay Rd and Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Hotel Yangon,8 miles, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : 666112, 655882.

Air India75, Shwe Bon Thar St, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 253597~98, 254758. Fax: 248175

Bangkok Airways (PG)#0305, 3rd Fl, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 255122, 255 265, Fax: 255119

Malaysia Airlines (MH)335/357, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 387648, 241007 ext : 120, 121, 122 Fax : 241124

Myanmar Airways International(8M) 08-02, Sakura Tower,339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauk-tada Tsp, Ygn.Tel : 255260, Fax: 255305

Silk Air(MI)339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, 2nd Floor, Sakura Tower, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 255 287~9 , Fax: 255 290

Thai Airways (TG)Room No. 1101, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Ygn.Tel : 255491~6 Fax : 255223

Vietnam Airlines (VN)#1702, Sakura Tower 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Fax 255086. Tel 255066/ 255088/ 255068.

International AirlinesAir Bagan Ltd.(W9)56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

Air KBZ (K7)33-49,Corner of Bank Street & Maha Bandoola Garden Street, Kyauktada Tsp,Yangon, MyanmarTel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport)Fax: 372983

Air Mandalay (6T)146, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon Tel : 501520, 525488(Head Office) 720309, 652753,

652754 (Airport Office), Fax: 525 937

Asian Wings (AW)No.34(A-1), Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Township,Yangon.Myanmar.Tel: 951 516654, 532253, 09-731-35991~3.Fax: 951 532333

Yangon Airways(YH)166, MMB Tower, Level 5, Upper Pansodan Rd, Mingalar Taung-nyunt Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (+95-1) 383 100, 383 107, 700 264, Fax: 652 533.

Domestic Airlines

Travels in Italy’s coffee cultureFOR the espresso obsessed like me, visiting Italy is like journeying to Mecca: Caffeine-loving crusaders seek answers by crossing time, language and cultural barriers to visit the drink’s motherland. And although it’s not a sip from an Islamic holy well, this potent secular beverage does transport devotees to a higher plane — if only until the jitters wear off.

Sacred spots are scattered across Italy: Each major city has its own coffee tradition, and limiting myself to one or two would feel as incomplete as sticking to decaf.

Venice’s pin-drop silence at sunrise is interrupted only by singing gondoliers, and the mostly pensive calm that settles on the car-free city reminds me that I’m on a fanatical quest. I try to imagine wandering these narrow alleyways 400 years ago, when coffee first arrived at the ports, along with spices from Arabia and Africa. Venice’s first cafe reportedly opened in the 17th century, although the details of where and when vary.

One of its most venerable, however, remains. Caffe Florian on the Piazza San Marco has been an ornate shrine to espresso and liqueur-drenched desserts since 1720. Gold glints from every indoor surface and is reflected in the crema, the aromatic foam atop the coffee. This is my first sip of the trip, presented without fanfare, and I half expect it to be something of a life-changing revelation.

A revelation it is, though not exactly of the type I’m seeking. The bitterness in this cup implies old beans carelessly brewed; a rubbery aftertaste betrays the robusta, or lower-grade commercial coffee, that infuses the otherwise light, bright espresso. But the sheer nonchalance of the service, contrasted with the opulence of the setting, makes this feel like a secular tourist’s visit to the church of coffee.

T h a n k f u l l y , V e n i c e redeems itself in a less ostentatious locale. Not far from the Jewish ghetto is cafe-cum-roastery Torrefazione Marchi. Snuggled among busy butcher shops and pizzerias, this warm little spot is perpetually crowded with

neighbours and shopkeepers on the move, downing espresso and biscotti before grunting a quick farewell.

A small roasting machine in the back room keeps the baristas in a steady supply of single-origin coffees and custom blends, such as the semi-secret Caffe della Sposa, a mix of beans from eight growing regions. The shot I order (a citrusy Colombian) is speckled with chestnut and mahogany browns, and its sharp fruitiness makes my mouth water. Three sips later and I’m out the door in a flash like the Venetians around me, ready for the next espresso, the next cafe, the next stop on my quest.

Grape and olive devotees have long exalted Tuscany’s wines and oils, establishing Florence in particular as a hub of good taste. The same seemingly applies to espresso: The acidity in those northern coffees mellows into a sweet chocolate cup here, with a toasted nuttiness like the peanut-studded brittle stacked in bakery windows and a silkiness reminiscent of the luscious tableside olive oils.

In Florence I have my first taste of espresso dolce, “sweet coffee”. Roasted, blended and brewed to create a playful balance of sweet and bitter, it epitomises the city’s dualistic culture. Here, designer fashion and ancient statues vie for tourists’ attention in the same piazza, and fine-dining restaurants peacefully coexist with workaday snack bars where five minutes leaning against the counter gets you an espresso and an earful of gossip.

With one foot firmly planted in the past and one in the present, Florence and its coffee represent the changeable Italy, where people and tastes easily adapt to the new while nodding to tradition.

Although there’s nothing especially sweet about the businesslike baristas at Caffe Scudieri, their masterful coffee offsets their tourist-weary scowls. Smooth milk chocolate and almonds are dominant cup flavours, making a lovely straight espresso and, when paired with steamed milk, an indulgent breakfast cappuccino.

DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr

6T = Air Mandalay

W9 = Air Bagan

AW = Asian Wings

K7 = AIR KBZ

YH = Yangon Airways

Subject to change without notice

Domestic

TUE W9 009 08:30 09:30AW 902 08:35 10:00AW 892 08:35 10:306T 402 08:55 10:55YH 910 09:25 10:50W9 011 09:25 11:10YH 812 13:25 14:506T 802 13:30 14:55W9 251 13:35 15:00W9 150 16:20 17:45AW 762 16:35 18:40K7 223 08:55 11:00YH 730 17:20 18:456T 502 17:20 19:25K7 227 10:50 12:15K7 623 18:35 20:05

WED W9 009 08:30 09:30AW 892 08:35 10:306T 332 08:45 10:106T 402 08:55 10:55K7 223 08:55 11:00W9 021 14:10 15:106T 802 15:35 17:00AW 792 16:40 18:45YH 738 17:10 18:35AW 752 17:50 19:156T 502 17:20 19:25K7 623 18:35 20:05

THUR W9 009 08:30 09:30AW 892 08:35 10:306T 332 08:45 10:10AW 902 08:50 10:156T 402 08:55 10:55YH 812 13:10 14:35W9 021 14:10 15:10AW 202 16:00 17:25K7 223 08:55 11:00YH 730 17:15 18:45K7 227 10:50 12:15K7 623 18:35 20:056T 502 17:20 19:25

FRI W9 009 08:30 09:30AW 892 08:35 10:306T 332 08:45 10:10YH 918 08:50 10:456T 402 08:55 10:55K7 223 08:55 11:00W9 251 13:35 15:00AW 212 16:30 17:55YH 731 17:10 19:256T 502 17:20 19:25W9 232 17:35 19:00YH 728 17:45 19:10K7 623 18:35 20:05

SAT 6T 404 08:00 10:05AW 892 08:35 10:306T 402 08:55 10:55W9 011 09:25 11:10W9 262 10:50 12:15YH 812 13:10 14:356T 802 15:35 17:00AW 602 16:40 18:05K7 223 08:55 11:00K7 827 10:45 12:50K7 623 18:35 20:05YH 730 17:15 18:456T 502 17:20 19:25

SUN W9 009 08:30 09:30YH 910 08:35 10:00AW 892 08:35 10:306T 402 08:55 10:55W9 011 09:25 11:10K7 223 08:55 11:00K7 827 10:45 12:50K7 623 18:35 20:05W9 256 11:20 12:45YH 812 13:10 14:356T 802 13:30 14:55AW 212 16:00 17:25YH 738 17:10 18:356T 502 17:20 19:25

YANGON TO NYAUNG UMON W9 143 06:00 07:20

AW 891 06:15 07:35YH 633 06:15 07:506T 401 06:30 07:50YH 917 06:30 08:05K7 222 06:30 07:50

TUE W9 143 06:00 07:20AW 901 06:15 07:35AW 891 06:15 07:356T 401 06:30 07:50YH 917 06:30 08:05K7 222 06:30 07:50

WED W9 143 06:00 07:20

AW 891 06:15 07:35

6T 401 06:30 07:50

K7 222 06:30 07:50

YH 917 06:30 08:05

AW 781 15:00 17:10

THUR AW 891 06:15 07:35W9 009 06:30 07:25AW 901 06:30 07:506T 401 06:30 07:50YH 917 06:30 08:05K7 222 06:30 07:50

FRI AW 891 06:15 07:35

W9 009 06:30 07:25

6T 401 06:30 07:50

YH 917 06:30 08:05

K7 222 06:30 07:50

SAT AW 891 06:15 07:35

6T 403 06:15 08:30

W9 009 06:30 07:25

6T 401 06:30 07:50

YH 917 06:30 08:05

6T 801 10:30 11:50

K7 222 06:30 07:50

SUN W9 143 06:00 07:20

AW 891 06:15 07:35

YH 909 06:15 07:50

W9 009 06:30 07:25

6T 401 06:30 07:50

YH 917 06:30 08:05

K7 222 06:30 07:50

NYAUNG U TO YANGONMON K7 222 08:40 11:45

AW 792 17:50 19:10

W9 109 17:25 18:20

YH 732 17:55 19:15

6T 502 18:05 19:25

TUE YH 910 08:40 10:00

AW 762 17:20 18:40

W9 109 17:25 18:20

AW 792 17:25 18:45

6T 502 18:05 19:25

YH 732 18:10 19:30

WED K7 222 08:40 11:45

W9 109 17:25 18:20

AW 792 17:25 18:45

YH 732 17:55 19:15

6T 502 18:05 19:25

THUR YH 910 08:40 10:00

W9 109 17:25 18:20

YH 732 17:55 19:15

6T 502 18:05 19:25

FRI K7 222 08:40 11:45

W9 109 17:25 18:20

YH 732 17:55 19:15

6T 502 18:05 19:25

SAT YH 910 08:40 10:00

6T 404 08:45 10:05

W9 109 17:25 18:20

YH 732 17:55 19:15

6T 502 18:05 19:25

SUN YH 910 08:40 10:00

W9 109 17:25 18:20

YH 732 17:55 19:15

6T 502 18:05 19:25

YANGON TO MYITKYINAMON W9 255 06:30 09:25

TUE W9 251 06:30 09:25

K7 622 13:30 16:30

WED K7 622 13:30 16:30

THUR AW 201 06:30 09:20

W9 255 06:30 09:25

FRI W9 251 06:30 09:25

SAT K7 622 13:30 16:30

SUN AW 211 06:00 08:50

W9 255 06:30 09:25

K7 622 13:30 16:30

MYITKYINA TO YANGONMON W9 256 09:45 12:40

TUE W9 252 12:05 15:00

K7 623 16:50 19:50

WED K7 623 16:50 19:50

THUR AW 202 09:35 12:25

W9 256 09:45 12:40

FRI W9 252 12:05 15:00

SAT K7 623 16:50 19:50

SUN W9 256 09:45 12:40

K7 623 16:50 19:50

YANGON TO HEHOMON K7 824 12:00 13:15

W9 119 11:00 12:10

AW 761 11:00 12:10

YH 727 11:00 12:25

6T 501 15:00 16:10

YH 731 15:00 16:25

YANGON TO MANDALAYMON AW 891 06:15 08:20

6T 405 06:15 08:20AW 911 06:30 07:556T 401 06:30 08:35K7 222 06:30 08:40W9 011 07:30 08:306T 801 08:30 09:55AW 761 11:00 12:556T 351 11:30 12:55K7 824 12:00 14:05AW 791 14:30 15:55K7 622 14:00 15:256T 501 15:00 17:00

TUE K7 222 06:30 08:40YH 909 06:15 07:556T 405 06:15 08:20AW 891 06:15 08:20AW 901 06:15 08:20W9 251 06:30 07:556T 401 06:30 08:356T 801 08:00 09:25YH 729 11:00 12:40AW 761 11:00 12:55K7 226 07:00 08:25K7 622 14:00 15:256T 501 15:00 17:00

WED AW 891 06:15 08:20AW 911 06:30 07:506T 401 06:30 08:356T 331 07:00 08:25K7 222 06:30 08:406T 801 10:45 12:10AW 751 11:00 12:10YH 737 11:00 13:10K7 824 12:00 14:05K7 622 14:00 15:25W9 261 13:30 14:55AW 791 14:30 16:25YH 731 15:00 17:106T 501 15:00 17:00

THUR YH 909 06:15 07:55AW 891 06:15 08:20AW 901 06:30 08:356T 401 06:30 08:35W9 255 06:30 08:556T 331 07:00 08:25YH 729 10:30 13:30AW 201 11:00 12:55K7 222 06:30 08:40K7 226 07:00 08:256T 501 15:00 17:00YH 731 15:00 17:10K7 622 14:00 15:25

FRI AW 891 06:15 08:20W9 251 06:30 07:556T 401 06:30 08:35YH 917 06:30 08:506T 331 07:00 08:25K7 222 06:30 08:40AW 751 11:00 12:25AW 211 11:00 12:55K7 824 12:00 14:056T 501 15:00 17:00YH 731 15:00 17:10K7 622 14:00 15:25

SAT W9 271 06:00 07:256T 403 06:15 07:40YH 909 06:15 07:55AW 891 06:15 08:20AW 911 06:30 07:506T 401 06:30 07:50YH 729 10:30 13:306T 801 10:45 12:10AW 601 11:30 12:55K7 222 06:30 08:40K7 622 14:00 15:256T 501 15:00 17:00AW 891 16:15 08:20

SUN YH 909 06:15 08:30AW 891 06:15 08:206T 401 06:30 08:35W9 255 06:30 08:55K7 222 06:30 18:406T 801 08:00 09:25AW 211 11:00 12:25AW 751 11:00 12:25K7 622 14:00 15:256T 501 15:00 17:00

MANDALAY TO YANGONMON YH 634 08:35 10:00

AW 892 08:35 10:306T 402 08:55 10:55K7 223 08:55 11:00W9 262 10:50 12:156T 802 13:20 14:45W9 021 14:10 15:10YH 728 16:30 17:55AW 762 16:35 18:00K7 623 18:35 20:056T 502 17:20 19:25

TUE K7 826 13:30 14:45

6T 801 08:00 10:20

W9 115 11:00 12:10

AW 761 11:00 12:10

YH 811 11:15 12:40

6T 501 15:00 16:10

YH 731 15:00 16:25

WED AW 911 06:30 08:40

K7 824 12:00 13:15

W9 119 11:00 12:10

YH 737 11:00 12:25

AW 791 14:30 15:40

6T 501 15:00 16:10

YH 731 15:00 16:25

THUR K7 826 13:30 14:45

AW 761 11:00 12:10

AW 201 11:00 12:10

YH 811 11:00 12:25

W9 109 14:30 15:25

6T 501 15:00 16:10

YH 731 15:00 16:25

K7 224 15:00 17:20

FRI K7 824 12:00 14:05

AW 211 11:00 12:10

W9 109 14:30 15:25

6T 501 15:00 16:10

YH 731 15:00 16:25

SAT K7 826 06:30 07:45

AW 751 11:00 12:10

W9 119 11:00 12:10

YH 811 11:00 12:25

6T 501 15:00 16:10

YH 731 15:00 16:25

SUN K7 826 06:30 07:45

AW SPL 07:30 08:40

AW 751 10:30 11:40

W9 115 11:00 12:10

YH 811 11:00 12:25

6T 501 15:00 16:10

YH 731 15:00 16:25

YH 737 11:00 12:25

HEHO TO YANGONMON W9 143 09:05 10:15

AW 892 09:20 10:30

YH 918 09:35 10:45

W9 011 09:40 10:35

6T 402 09:45 10:55

K7 223 09:45 11:00

AW 792 16:55 19:10

K7 825 17:55 19:10

TUE AW 892 09:20 10:30

YH 918 09:35 10:45

W9 011 09:40 10:35

6T 402 09:45 10:55

W9 116 16:45 17:55

K7 223 09:45 11:00

K7 827 17:30 18:45

WED W9 143 09:05 10:15

AW 892 09:20 10:30

YH 918 09:35 10:45

6T 402 09:45 10:55

K7 223 09:45 11:00

K7 825 17:55 19:10

THUR W9 143 09:05 10:15

AW 892 09:20 10:30

YH 918 09:35 10:45

6T 402 09:45 10:55

K7 223 09:45 11:00

K7 827 17:30 18:45

FRI W9 143 09:05 10:15

AW 892 09:20 10:30

YH 918 09:35 10:45

6T 402 09:45 10:55

K7 223 09:45 11:00

K7 825 17:55 19:10

SAT AW 911 08:55 11:05

W9 143 09:05 10:15

AW 892 09:20 10:30

YH 918 09:35 10:45

6T 402 09:45 10:55

K7 827 11:35 12:50

AW 752 17:15 18:25

K7 223 09:45 11:00

SUN AW SPL 08:55 10:05

AW 892 09:20 10:30

YH 918 09:35 10:45

W9 011 09:40 10:35

6T 402 09:45 10:55

K7 223 09:45 11:00

K7 827 11:35 12:50

AW 752 16:45 17:55

W9 116 16:45 17:55

YH 738 17:20 18:35

YANGON TO SITTWEMON 6T 611 11:15 12:40

W9 309 13:00 14:45

TUE 6T 611 11:15 12:40

W9 309 13:00 14:45

WED 6T 611 09:00 10:25

W9 309 13:00 14:45

THUR 6T 611 11:15 12:40

W9 309 13:00 14:45

FRI 6T 607 11:15 12:40

W9 309 13:00 14:45

K7 426 15:00 16:20

SAT 6T 611 11:15 12:40

W9 309 13:00 14:45

SUN 6T 611 11:15 12:40

W9 309 13:00 14:45

K7 426 15:30 16:50

SITTWE TO YANGONMON 6T 612 12:55 14:20

W9 310 15:00 16:45

TUE 6T 612 12:55 14:20

W9 310 15:00 16:45

WED 6T 612 10:40 12:05

W9 310 15:00 16:45

THUR 6T 612 12:55 14:20

W9 310 15:00 16:45

FRI 6T 608 12:55 14:55

W9 310 15:00 16:45

SAT 6T 612 12:55 14:20

W9 310 15:00 16:45

SUN 6T 612 12:55 14:20

K7 427 17:05 18:25

YANGON TO MYEIKMON K7 319 06:30 08:35

6T 707 11:30 13:30

TUE AW 301 07:00 09:05

K7 319 06:30 08:35

6T 707 11:30 13:30

WED K7 319 06:30 08:35

6T 707 11:30 13:30

THUR K7 319 06:30 08:35

6T 707 11:30 13:30

AW 301 12:45 14:50

FRI AW 301 07:00 09:05

K7 319 06:30 08:35

6T 707 11:30 13:30

SAT K7 319 06:30 08:35

6T 707 08:00 10:00

SUN K7 319 06:30 08:35

6T 707 11:30 13:30

AW 301 12:45 14:50

MYEIK TO YANGONMON K7 320 11:00 13:05

6T 708 15:55 17:55

TUE K7 320 11:00 13:05

6T 708 15:55 17:55

AW 302 17:15 19:20

WED K7 320 11:00 13:05

6T 708 15:55 17:55

THUR AW 302 11:30 13:35K7 320 11:00 13:056T 708 15:55 17:55

FRI K7 320 11:00 13:056T 708 15:55 17:55

SAT K7 320 11:00 13:056T 708 12:25 14:25

SUN K7 320 11:00 13:056T 708 15:55 17:55AW 302 17:15 19:20

I can practically see my reflection in the velvety micro-foam as I sip from my morning cup, watching fashionable Italians emerge from the shadows of the nearby Duomo, the city’s majestic cathedral, from my perch along the marble bar.

The sunny café retains some classic charm from its 1939 beginnings and is perfect for the sweet tooth: Although savoury salads and panini are available, sugar-topped buns and glazed fruit tarts are a better complement to the toothsome espresso and the chic decor.

A short walk from Scudieri is another Florentine café long on both legacy and character. Giubbe Rosse opened on Piazza della Repubblica at the end of the 19th century, its name inspired by the red shirts sported by liberal forces in a national unification campaign. The staff still wears crimson suit jackets in tribute, and at least one barista is liberal – with his smile, if nothing else.

“This is a famous café,” he beams, handing me my espresso. “You know it in America? This is famous Italian coffee!”

Famous, certainly: There’s that familiar rubbery twinge, but the cup retains its mostly dolce personality under heavy copper-flecked crema. No matter that the robusta in the blend pierces a bit, because the cafe itself is so charming: Giubbe Rosse, its walls lined with caricatures, is still an

enduring rendezvous for artists, entertainers, politicos, poets and journalists.

The barista grins as I take my last sip, fixing his attention on the next customer, who bellies up for un caffe corretto, an espresso “corrected” with liqueur. His smile proves that the sweetness of Florence isn’t always limited to its demitasses.

A departure from the tourist-friendly sheen of the cities I’ve left behind, Naples’s cafes are examples of well-oiled human machinery at work: Watching baristas here is like observing fine automobiles pieced together on an assembly line. Not only do the barmen move with complete precision, but their machines are also industrial marvels. Any Neapolitan cafe worth its bulk in beans still cranks out espresso on lever-controlled contraptions, with baristas pulling and releasing the long metal arms in succession so fast that they appear to be piston powered.

And while Naples might not be storybook pretty, like Venice, it seems to give me a sideways smile as I bump against locals, jostling for the perfect spot at the bar.

The historical district’s Caffe Mexico epitomizes order and rhythm. Two nimble baristas dance around one another to attend to a constant flow of customers — taking orders, doling out still or sparkling water, and

pulling espresso shots in one fluid, continuous movement. But this is less ballet than military drill: The bartenders are even decked out in what look like navy whites, complete with gold braid on the shoulders.

The shot I’m handed is all business. The farther south I’ve travelled, the darker the roasts have become, and this espresso is all bittersweet cocoa and cedar smoke, designed to put hair on your chest.

This scene is repeated all over town: stoic baristas pulling and passing shots to bumblebee-busy bar backs who balance multiple demitasse cups whi le simultaneously clearing empties and pouring fresh water for those waiting their turn.

The flow is occasionally interrupted by “to go” orders, when several espressos in tiny takeaway cups are placed on spill-proof trays and whisked off by a delivery person.

As my pilgrimage winds down, the cardinal question remains: Can coffee alone truly capture Italian culture? The individuality that shows itself in the bottoms of the cups I’ve drained suggests not. But even though I can’t expect to learn everything about a people simply by studying their morning stimulants from place to place, at least I’ve been wide awake for the journey.

– The Washington Post

trAvelwww.mmtimes.com/2012/flight/flight.pdf

43July 23 - 29, 2012

Air Asia (FD) 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Ground Flr, Parkroyal Hotel, Yangon. Tel: 251 885, 251 886.

Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

Air China (CA)Building (2), corner of Pyay Rd and Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Hotel Yangon,8 miles, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : 666112, 655882.

Air India75, Shwe Bon Thar St, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 253597~98, 254758. Fax: 248175

Bangkok Airways (PG)#0305, 3rd Fl, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 255122, 255 265, Fax: 255119

Malaysia Airlines (MH)335/357, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 387648, 241007 ext : 120, 121, 122 Fax : 241124

Myanmar Airways International(8M) 08-02, Sakura Tower,339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauk-tada Tsp, Ygn.Tel : 255260, Fax: 255305

Silk Air(MI)339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, 2nd Floor, Sakura Tower, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 255 287~9 , Fax: 255 290

Thai Airways (TG)Room No. 1101, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Ygn.Tel : 255491~6 Fax : 255223

Vietnam Airlines (VN)#1702, Sakura Tower 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Fax 255086. Tel 255066/ 255088/ 255068.

International AirlinesAir Bagan Ltd.(W9)56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

Air KBZ (K7)33-49,Corner of Bank Street & Maha Bandoola Garden Street, Kyauktada Tsp,Yangon, MyanmarTel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport)Fax: 372983

Air Mandalay (6T)146, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon Tel : 501520, 525488(Head Office) 720309, 652753,

652754 (Airport Office), Fax: 525 937

Asian Wings (AW)No.34(A-1), Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Township,Yangon.Myanmar.Tel: 951 516654, 532253, 09-731-35991~3.Fax: 951 532333

Yangon Airways(YH)166, MMB Tower, Level 5, Upper Pansodan Rd, Mingalar Taung-nyunt Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (+95-1) 383 100, 383 107, 700 264, Fax: 652 533.

Domestic Airlines

Travels in Italy’s coffee culture INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULESDAyS Flight Dep Arr DAyS Flight Dep Arr DAyS Flight Dep Arr DAyS Flight Dep Arr

YANGON TO BANGKOK

MON 8M 335 07:35 09:20

FD 3771 08:30 10:15

TG 304 09:50 11:45

PG 702 10:55 12:50

8M 331 16:30 18:15

PG 704 16:40 18:35

FD 3773 17:40 19:25

TG 306 19:45 21:40

TUE 8M 335 07:35 09:20

FD 3771 08:30 10:15

TG 304 09:50 11:45

PG 702 10:55 12:50

8M 331 16:30 18:15

PG 704 16:40 18:35

FD 3773 17:40 19:25

TG 306 19:45 21:40

WED 8M 335 07:35 09:20

FD 3771 08:30 10:15

TG 304 09:50 11:45

PG 702 10:55 12:50

8M 331 16:30 18:15

PG 704 16:40 18:35

FD 3773 17:40 19:25

TG 306 19:45 21:40

THUR 8M 335 07:35 09:20

FD 3771 08:30 10:15

TG 304 09:50 11:45

PG 702 10:55 12:50

8M 331 16:30 18:15

PG 704 16:40 18:35

FD 3773 17:40 19:25

TG 306 19:45 21:40

FRI 8M 335 07:35 09:20

FD 3771 08:30 10:15

TG 304 09:50 11:45

PG 702 10:55 12:50

8M 331 16:30 18:15

PG 704 16:40 18:35

FD 3773 17:40 19:25

TG 306 19:45 21:40

SAT 8M 335 07:35 09:20

FD 3771 08:30 10:15

TG 304 09:50 11:45

PG 702 10:55 12:50

8M 331 16:30 18:15

PG 704 16:40 18:35

FD 3773 17:40 19:25

TG 306 19:45 21:40

SUN 8M 335 07:35 09:20

FD 3771 08:30 10:15

TG 304 09:50 11:45

PG 702 10:55 12:50

8M 331 16:30 18:15

PG 704 16:40 18:35

FD 3773 17:40 19:25

TG 306 19:45 21:40

YANGON TO SINGAPORE

MON 8M 231 07:55 12:25

MI 511 10:10 14:45

8M 6232 11:30 16:05

MI 517 16:40 21:15

TUE 8M 231 07:55 12:25

MI 511 10:10 14:45

8M 233 13:20 17:50

MI 517 16:40 21:15

WED 8M 231 07:55 12:25

MI 511 10:10 14:45

8M 6232 11:30 16:05

MI 517 16:40 21:15

THUR 8M 231 07:55 12:25

MI 511 10:10 14:45

8M 233 13:20 17:50

MI 517 16:40 21:15

FRI 8M 231 07:55 12:25

MI 511 10:10 14:45

8M 6232 11:30 16:05

MI 517 16:40 21:15

SAT 8M 231 07:55 12:25

MI 511 10:10 14:45

8M 6232 11:30 16:05

MI 517 16:40 21:15

SUN 8M 231 07:55 12:25

MI 511 10:10 14:45

8M 233 13:20 17:50

MI 517 16:40 21:15

YANGON TO SIEM REAP

WED 8M 401 08:50 11:25

SAT 8M 401 08:50 11:25

YANGON TO KUALA LUMPUR

MON 8M 501 09:00 13:00

MH 741 12:15 16:30

AK 851 18:50 23:05

TUE 8M 501 09:00 13:00

MH 741 12:15 16:30

AK 851 18:50 23:05

WED 8M 501 09:00 13:00

MH 741 12:15 16:30

AK 851 18:50 23:05

THU MH 741 12:15 16:30

AK 851 18:50 23:05

FRI 8M 501 09:00 13:00

MH 741 12:15 16:30

AK 851 18:50 23:05

SAT 8M 501 09:00 13:00

MH 741 12:15 16:30

AK 851 18:50 23:05

SUN MH 741 12:15 16:30

AK 851 18:50 23:05

YANGON TO GAUNGZHOU

WED CZ 3056 11:20 15:50

THUR 8M 711 08:40 13:15

SAT CZ 3056 11:20 15:50

SUN 8M 711 08:40 13:15

YANGON TO TAIPEI

MON CI 7916 14:00 19:25

WED CI 7916 14:00 19:25

FRI CI 7916 14:00 19:25

YANGON TO KUNMING

TUE CA 906 14:15 17:35

WED CA 906 14:15 17:35

THUR CA 906 14:15 17:35

SAT CA 906 14:15 17:35

SUN CA 906 14:15 17:35

YANGON TO KOLKATA

Mon IC734 13:30 16:40

FRI IC734 13:30 16:40

YANGON TO CHIANG MAI

THUR W9 9607 12:00 13:30

SUN W9 9607 12:00 13:30

YANGON TO HANOI

MON VN 956 19:10 21:30

WED VN 956 19:10 21:30

FRI VN 956 19:10 21:30

SAT VN 956 19:10 21:30

YANGON TO HO CHI MINH

TUE VN 942 14:25 17:10

THUR VN 942 14:25 17:10

SUN VN 942 14:25 17:10

YANGON TO PHNOM PENH

WED 8M 401 15:15 17:40

SAT 8M 401 15:15 17:40

BANGKOK TO YANGON

MON FD 3770 07:10 07:55

TG 303 07:55 08:50

PG 701 09:15 10:05

8M 336 10:40 11:25

PG 703 15:00 15:50

FD 3772 16:25 17:10

TG 305 17:50 18:45

8M 332 19:15 20:00

TUE FD 3770 07:10 07:55

TG 303 07:55 08:50

PG 701 09:15 10:05

8M 336 10:40 11:25

PG 703 15:00 15:50

FD 3772 16:25 17:10

TG 305 17:50 18:45

8M 332 19:15 20:00

WED FD 3770 07:10 07:55

TG 303 07:55 08:50

PG 701 09:15 10:05

8M 336 10:40 11:25

PG 703 15:00 15:50

FD 3772 16:25 17:10

TG 305 17:50 18:45

8M 332 19:15 20:00

THUR FD 3770 07:10 07:55

TG 303 07:55 08:50

PG 701 09:15 10:05

8M 336 10:40 11:25

PG 703 15:00 15:50

FD 3772 16:25 17:10

TG 305 17:50 18:45

8M 332 19:15 20:00

FRI FD 3770 07:10 07:55

TG 303 07:55 08:50

PG 701 09:15 10:05

8M 336 10:40 11:25

FD 3772 16:25 17:10

PG 703 15:00 15:50

TG 305 17:50 18:45

8M 332 19:15 20:00

SAT FD 3770 07:10 07:55

TG 303 07:55 08:50

PG 701 09:15 10:05

8M 336 10:40 11:25

PG 703 15:00 15:50

FD 3772 16:25 17:10

TG 305 17:50 18:45

8M 332 19:15 20:00

SUN FD 3770 07:10 07:55

TG 303 07:55 08:50

PG 701 09:15 10:05

8M 336 10:40 11:25

PG 703 15:00 15:50

FD 3772 16:25 17:10

TG 305 17:50 18:45

8M 332 19:15 20:00

SINGAPORE TO YANGON

MON MI 512 07:55 09:20

8M 6231 09:10 10:40

8M 232 13:25 14:55

MI 518 14:20 15:45

TUE MI 512 07:55 09:20

8M 232 13:25 14:55

MI 518 14:20 15:45

8M 234 18:50 20:20

WED MI 512 07:55 09:20

8M 6231 09:10 10:40

8M 232 13:25 14:55

MI 518 14:20 15:45

THUR MI 512 07:55 09:20

8M 232 13:25 14:55

MI 518 14:20 15:45

MI 520 15:20 16:40

8M 234 18:50 20:20

FRI MI 512 07:55 09:20

8M 6231 09:10 10:40

8M 232 13:25 14:55

MI 518 14:20 15:45

MI 520 15:20 16:40

SAT MI 512 07:55 09:20

8M 6231 09:10 10:40

8M 232 13:25 14:55

MI 518 14:20 15:45

MI 520 15:20 16:40

SUN MI 512 07:55 09:20

8M 232 13:25 14:55

MI 518 14:20 15:45

MI 520 15:20 16:40

8M 234 18:50 20:20

KAULA LUMPUR TO YANGON

MON MH 740 10:05 11:15

8M 502 14:00 15:00

AK 850 15:40 16:45

TUE MH 740 10:05 11:15

8M 502 14:00 15:00

AK 850 15:40 16:45

WED MH 740 10:05 11:15

8M 502 14:00 15:00

AK 850 15:40 16:45

THU MH 740 10:05 11:15

AK 850 15:40 16:45

FRI MH 740 10:05 11:15

8M 502 14:00 15:00

AK 850 15:40 16:45

SAT MH 740 10:05 11:15

8M 502 14:00 15:00

AK 850 15:40 16:45

SUN MH 740 10:05 11:15

AK 850 15:40 16:45

GUANGZHOU TO YANGON

WED CZ 3055 08:50 10:30

THUR 8M 712 14:15 15:50

SAT CZ 3055 08:50 10:30

SUN 8M 712 14:15 15:50

TAIPEI TO YANGON

MON CI 7915 09:55 12:45

WED CI 7915 09:55 12:45

FRI CI 7915 09:55 12:45

KUNMING TO YANGON

TUE CA 905 12:35 13:15

WED CA 905 12:35 13:15

THUR CA 905 12:35 13:15

SAT CA 905 12:35 13:15

SUN CA 905 12:35 13:15

KOLKATA TO YANGON

Mon IC733 10:00 14:55

FRI IC728 15:50 16:40

CHIANG MAI TO YANGON

THUR W9 9608 14:30 15:00

SUN W9 9608 14:30 15:00

HANOI TO YANGON

MON VN 957 16:35 18:10

WED VN 957 16:35 18:10

FRI VN 957 16:35 18:10

SAT VN 957 16:35 18:10

HO CHI MINH TO YANGON

TUE VN 943 11:40 13:25

THUR VN 943 11:40 13:25

SUN VN 943 11:40 13:25

PHNOM PENH TO YANGON

WED 8M 402 18:40 20:05

SAT 8M 402 18:40 20:05

FD & AK = Air AsiaTG = Thai Airways8M = Myanmar Airways InternationalPG = Bangkok AirwaysMI = Silk AirVN = Vietnam AirlineMH = Malaysia AirlinesCZ = China SouthernCI = China AirlinesCA = Air ChinaIC = Indian Airlines LimitedW9 = Air Bagan3K = Jet Star

International

Subject

to change

without

notice

Italy’s coffee drinking culture is a tourist attraction of its own. Pic: Archive

teA BreAkthe MyanMar tiMes

44July 23 - 29, 2012

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18A number of components are required for succeeding in life. One important input is never to think small or provide room for failure. Today is not the day to rest on your laurels. You must try to be fitter than others, not only to survive but also to get ahead. Your efforts must reach new horizons and move constantly into a new future in which love prevails.

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20Social compatibility is essential to make your social relations available and effective. Your creative imagination must be highly developed to make the right decisions that will solve persistent problems and controversies in the world of business. A cosmic obligation to find solutions for every problem presented to you is like an examination that will help you develop a strong and healthy consciousness and soul. Think deeply about affairs of the heart.

Aries March 21 - April 19International businessman Aristotle Onassis once said that “the secret to success is to know something nobody else knows”. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to play a game when you don’t know the rules and objectives, or when you don’t have the skills that you need to be good at the game. Learn more about the people around you, including who they are and what they represent. Make your own luck, and revel in the love of others.

Taurus April 20 - May 20People like, trust and believe those who like them, and they hear only what they understand. Failure is not an accident: You either set yourself up for it, or you risk not understanding that even good people have bad days. Make life worth living through positive conceptions and right action. Change your heart so that you can display inner desires purified by empathy.

Gemini May 21 - June 20Sex is no exception. Know that you are built up by the power of sex and attachment. Healthy sex requires a loving relationship, which is a fundamental resource for living a long life in which you can create beauty for yourself and the rest of the world. Nothing kills joy of life like constant self-criticism and disappointment in yourself. Love yourself, and love other people and animals living in the world.

Cancer June 22 - July 22Understand that everyone must take their place in society on their own terms. Never try to infringe on the privacy of your colleagues, and avoid issuing ultimatums to loved ones when they indicate the need to be free agents. Realistic application is needed because of your tendency to approach life as an affectionate sentimentalist.

Leo July 23 - Aug 22Be enthusiastic and determined in your explorations about different possibilities, and learn to organise the creative efforts of others as they do yours. Guide yourself not to remain negative in family relationship, and speak slowly using clear language. To be a good leader, you must be prepared to shoulder heavy burdens over the long term. Love is a wonderful thing when it is aimed in your direction.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22The world doesn’t care about your anger, which does nothing to change things for the better. Understand that sharing your suffering with others will not help you, nor will it help you get sympathy from those around you. Never stop learning, never stop expressing yourself, and always keep your mind clear in the face of challenges. Love should not be stored up inside; rather, it should be shared with others.

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22This in not the time to be living in silence. Take whatever risks are necessary to make a positive change. Understand the value of old friends and the wonderful experiences you have shared, and use their tactics and your strategies in determining the right course of action. Love will soon return to your orbit. You will soon grow closer to an old acquaintance.

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21Sometimes it’s necessary to remind yourself that all humans are imperfect, including you. Reinforce good behaviour with proper language. You must learn to let people enjoy the freedom to grow at their own pace. Don’t expect others to give you something that you are unwilling to give yourself. Resist the temptation to sever relationships without having a very good reason for doing so.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21Identify which of your actions and attitudes are enabling undesirable behaviour in others. Make the decision right now that you will not give up, nor will you accept treatment that you don’t want. You have the power to start making huge changes in all of your relationships. For now, do not rely on love to show you the way.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19Use your qualifications and persistence to firmly establish your position, use your knowledge to see the situation more clearly, and use your skills to see you way through even the most challenging projects. Don’t neglect the value of social relationships. Doing so will only sap your health and lead to weakness. Boost your perceptions of self-worth by performing good deeds and adding value to those around you.

YOUR STARSBy Astrologer

Aung Myin Kyaw

By Oliver Slow

THERE is nothing I enjoy more than crouching in a plastic chair fitted for a two-year-old, sipping on slightly watered-down beer, a faint, unsavoury stench drifting across my nostrils as confused locals stare at the strange foreigner in their midst. Which is why I love the hundreds of beer stations dotted across Yangon.

If I sound like a miserable, cynical foreigner then you’ve got me all wrong. I genuinely enjoy the gritty life in Yangon’s beer stations and think they offer great insight into life in the city.

Having said that, every now and then I crave something a little more comfortable. Air-conditioning perhaps, chairs whose make-up consists of at least 2 percent of some sort of soft material and, if it is indeed possible, a break from the Holy Trinity of beers in Myanmar — Dagon, Myanmar and Tiger.

Suffice to say, I didn’t find many of those things, but I did come across an interesting mixture of venues across the city that offer a nice alternative to the more crowded spots for a beer and a spot of food.

Space Bar (No 126 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road)

The owners of this trendy bar have got certain elements of the rooftop drinking experience spot on: There are comfortable lounging chairs, flavoured shisha pipes and nice music, and the young crowd is there to have a great time. The icing on the cake is no doubt the glowing ambers of the Shwedagon Pagoda spilling into the sky off in the distance.

However, what the owners haven’t accounted for is the time of year when Yangon experiences a deluge of rain.

The rooftop is made redundant and instead patrons are squeezed into a tiny, dimly lit room that is only illuminated by epilepsy-inducing strobe lights that bombard the bar in two-second bursts like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie.

If the weather is dry though, it’s a terrific spot to enjoy a beer or two with a great view across the city.

The Street (Mya Yeik Nyo Hotel)

“The Street” may seem like a strange name for a venue that is hidden down a tiny, quiet cul-de-sac, but once you arrive at this large, outdoor venue, the reason for the name becomes a little more obvious.

The walls are adorned with a seemingly random mix of road signs from around the world, the DJ churns out tunes from his faux-police box in the corner, and the large outdoor dance floor is painted like a highway — although with the waitresses dressed as air hostesses, you might start wondering whether the highways are actually meant to be landing strips and whether the venue’s designers might have got their transport genres a little mixed up.

There’s a swimming pool down the hill from the dance floor (this was cordoned off during my visit) and up top is a nice rooftop area looking across to the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Back down on the main floor, the layout is a little strange in that the tables are set a long way from each other, making interaction with other tables quite difficult — although once the young crowd gets a few drinks inside them, this doesn’t matter and there is a real party mood.

“This is it,” you think to yourself. “I’ve finally found Yangon’s place for a great

night out.” But then 11pm comes around, the crowd vanishes into thin air, and you are ushered out into the silent street.

Drinks: Myanmar beer (big bottle) K2000; cocktails K3000-K4000; wine K14,000-K20,000 a bottle.

Food: French fries K2000; pork alla lemonade (whatever that is) K3000; tenderloin steak K6000; noodles K2500.

Bar One 4 Gastro Pub (No 14A Kanbawza Road)

Just up the road from Ginki Kids is this new venue that markets itself as a “gastro pub”. Trendy Yangonites — girls in short skirts and high heels, guys in white suit jackets — party away in the corner, adding to the upmarket vibe, although it is the only gastro pub I have ever visited that sells cheese and ham toasties.

The food is really very good though (including the toasties) and well-priced (French fries K2000; pizza K8000), and the friendly staff will even bring a new ice-cold glass every time you order a new drink. Provided you ask nicely.

Big bottles of Myanmar beer cost K1800; cocktails K3500-K4500; and bottle of chardonnay US$20.

Zeal Coffee Lounge and Restaurant (No 99B Myae Nu Street)

On a quiet lane off U Wisara Road, near the old Blazon Centre, is this relaxed bar. Downstairs the atmosphere is constantly chilled and there is a good selection of food, although the mint-flavoured spaghetti bolognaise (K3800) is an acquired taste. Other menu options include fish and chips (K4000), cordon bleu (K4400) and beef burgers (K3500).

On weekends the upstairs area becomes more energetic as a DJ plays lively club

tracks to a handful of locals, but with no dance floor, the whole experience feels a little out of place.

The expected array of drinks is available, including Myanmar beer (K1900); Tiger beer (K2100); glasses of wine (K2000); and cocktails with rum, whisky, gin, vodka and tequila (K3000-K5000).

Ko San Bar (No 18 U Tun Lin Chan Street, Kamaryut township)

Not really new, and more of a café than a bar, this spot just off Insein Road near Yangon University has an extensive cocktail menu (local spirits K800; imported spirits K1600), with a great selection of food and a relaxed atmosphere. The friendly staff seem to do everything with a smile on their faces, and later at night it is frequented by Yangon’s studenty types, lending it more of a trendy feel.

There’s a TV at the end of the bar that shows sports — on my two visits, I was treated to the delights of Scottish football and WWE professional wrestling — although this couldn’t be more inconveniently located if it were turned back-to-front and placed on the ceiling. Variations on salsa music play over the speakers to add to the relaxed atmosphere.

This is not the place to go if you’re looking for a lively party, but there are few places in the city that are better for relaxing with a beer or cocktail and watching Yangon’s eclectic mix of citizens go by.

The food is reasonably priced (delicious chicken Namlan K2000; scrambled eggs K800), while a big bottle of Tiger beer will set you back K1800.

The owners have recently opened a place with the same name on 19th Street in Chinatown.

A member of Zeal Coffee Lounge and Restaurant’s elite team of ace mixologists shakes up a cocktail just for you.

A casual crawl through a few of Yangon’s new bars

Pic:

Boo

thee

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ESTAbLIShED m N C is seeking for energetic and dynamic business Developmentmanager for FMCG and allied products: key Require-ments: Minimum of 6 years or above in an F M C G company. Extensive market knowledge . To be able to come up with a good marketing plan and deliver along

with capability to build up new businesses. Good communication & negotiation skills and knowledge of English. Motivated,self starter and wiling to travel extensively. good pay. Qualification : Graduate or M.B.A/Marketing or Equivalent. Myanmar National. Interested candidates should submit the Resume along with relevant documents to sandarstar@gmail.com or call 09-512-4850.

ALLIgAToR Industry Co., Ltd is seeking (1) Sales manager - M 1 Post : Graduate with DMA, MBA (or) Marketing related education.(2)marketing manager - M 1 Post: Graduate with DMA, MBA (or) Marketing related education. For 1 & 2:Aged above 30, can travel to rural area. Able to use Computer, Internet & Email for routine works and for presentation. 5 years experience in Market-ing is a must. (3) Sales Engineer - M 5 Posts : BE (Mechanical) A.G.T.I, B.Tech. Aged under 30, can travel to rural area. Able to use computer for routine office works. (4) Technical manager - M 1 Post : B.E (Mechani-cal). 5 years experien-ces in Engineering field. Be able to speak & write English. Pls send detailed up-to-date CV with relevant docu-ments, copy of labor registration card, copy

of NRC card, recom-mendation from police force, non-returnable photograph & contact ph to 9, Lion City Bldg., Shwe Marlar Avenue, Bayint Naung Rd, Kamayut,Closing Date: 31-7-2012.

offICE STAff - M/F 2 Posts: Strong communi- cation skills in English. Ability to communicate with Customers and Staff in a professional and efficient manner. Cheerful and outgoing personality. Good computer & organiza-tional skills. Able to work with minimum super-vision. Able to take direction and complete tasks required with accuracy in a timely manner. Willingness to take initiative & enthusiasm in learning and gaining experien-ce. Fast learner. Pls apply with detailed resume, contact details & expected salary to: c i tyv iva@myanmar.com. mm, 162(C), 2nd Thiri Yeik Thar, Lower Kyeemyindine Rd, Ahlone, before 31 July 2012.

wE ARE urgently seeking for (1) Tour operator for international clients & quotations - 2 posts : must have at least 1 year experience in travel agency (2) Sales manager - 1 post. at least 3 years experience. Applicants must have good English skills verbal and written, German is an advan-tage. Pls contact Uniteam Tours & Travel with your CV until 07th August 2012 by e-mail: info@uniteam-travel-tours.com or at office- i22 Pan Hlaing Rd, Sanchaung.

uRgENTLY looking for Air con Electricians 2 post must have at least 3 years related good experience with good attitude. English in spoken and wirtten in necessary. Application letter to No.22, U Chit Mg Housing, Tamwe, Ph: 554054, 554052. Mercury Min Enterprise.

ICE CREAm bAR FC Dessert Bar & Bistro (Yangon Int'l Hotel) & Ice Cream Bar Outlets (1) Junction Mawtin, (2) Junction Zawana, (3) Inya Rd & (4) Junction Square centre (5) City Mart Thamine. manager - M/F (1) Post : Fluent English, Highly educated, 3 years of management experienced in F&B field with HR manage-ment skill, age between 24-35, attractive salary. (1) Supervisor - F 2 posts: fluent English, 2 years experienced in F&B field (2) Kitchen Chef - M 1 post : Asian, Western,Thai (3) Sous Chef - M 2 Posts (4) Kitchen helper - M 4 Posts (5) bartender - M/F 6 Posts (6) Service Staff (good salary) - F 20Posts (7) Accoun‑tants - F 3 Posts CV form, photo, contact ph, address & expected salary to all branches of Ice Cream Bar.

mYANmAR Integrated Port Limited is looking for qualified Personnel Assistant: The basic qualification for this position: University Graduate. English proficiency for speaking/ reading and writing. Good PR skill. Sufficient knowledge and use Note book PC. Duties & Responsibi-lities: Assisting to Port DevelopmentManager. Meeting minutes. Handling visa application & ticketing. Interpreting & translat-ing in English. Applicants should be addressed to MIPL within 2 weeks from advertisement date. No.4, Thilawa Port, Kyauktan , Yangon.

Email: maylwin-mipl @ myanmar.com.mm, msn-mip@myanmar. com.mm

(1) mEChANICAL Engineer - M : Sales & technical support- B.E/ M.E (mechanical). Must have practical & sales knowledge for Air-condition (speciality for water cool/ Air cool Chiller system). Must have at least 5 years experience in above item-b.Good command of English in spoken and written is necessary (Driving experience in preferable). Interesting Benefit program that is negotiable based on achievement. (2) Electrical Engineer - M : Sales & Technical Support- B.E/ M.E (E.P/ E.C). Must have practical & sales knowledge for Genera-tors and Suchronization system, LV - main swithch board, LV electrical parts and accessories, Tools, etc.. No(22). U Chit Mg Housing. Ph: 554052, 554054.

wE are currently seeking Secretary - M 2 posts: Any Graduate. Age 25-30 years. At least 3 years experience in related field. English 4 skills & Good computer skill. Self-confidence. Able to know secretarial procedure. Can work overtime and able to travel. Able to use Email, Internet. HR Department: Victory Myanmar Group Co., Ltd : 216, Bogyoke Aung San Rd., 5th Flr., Botahtaung, Yangon.

VACANCIES in our factories. (1). Accounting manager/ financial controller (2). Shipping manager (3). Translators (4). Office administ-ration officer/ manager (5). garment product‑ion manager (6). warehouse logistics officers (all preferred to be able to speak Cantonese/ Putonghua or English) We pay above the market rate and benefites included. Pls send CV to moelwin999 @ gmail. com

I CARE Medical Group is seeking medical Doctor - F 1 Post : Must have a minimum degree from university M.B.B.S with SA MA registeration. Age 30-35. Good communi-cation in English. 2 years experience at medical field. Must be able to use computer, internet and microsoft application with excellent skills. Pls submit: CV with recent photo, copy of relevant certificates & docu-ments, describe working experience from graduation till present & expected salary. Rm G-07, Ground Flr, Diamond Center, Pyay Rd, Kamayut. Tel: 532438, 532447, 09-513-6584.

Q u a l i f i c a t i o n : university degree in Computer Science/ Computer Engineering or IT related field. Knowledge of software engineering best practices including patterns. Self motivat-ed, Team work & willing to learn a new techno-logy. Fair to good communication skill in English and Japanese would be a plus. (Note: We recruit 50 positions). Job Requirement: Specially (Business Application)- OS: Any kinds of recent version of Unix/ Linux, Windows. DBMS: Oracle, SQL Server. ProgrammingLanguage :Java, JSP, .NET (VB), C/C++, C#). Technology :J2EE, Struts, Spring, iBATIS, Hibernate, Apache, Tomact, Eclipse, .NET Frame-work. Concept :OOP, OOAD, UML. Benefit for Successful Candi-dates: 1. Salary: Competitive. 2. Support

Japanese Language, IT and Business Manner Courses. 3. Professional working conditions. Pls submit CV, References, 2 color passport photos, Certificate & other necessaries documents to the NTT DATA as mentioned address not later than (27-7-2012). Rm 0302, 3rd Flr, Sedona Hotel Business Suite, No.1, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin.

PADoNmAR Restaurant is seeking (1) Receptionist - F 1 Post :Age above 20. Graduate. 1 year experience. Good personality & energetic person. (2) Cashier - F 1 Post : Aged above 20 . Graduate. Good personality. 1 year service cashier & familiar with computer-ized software experien-ce are preferable. (3) Store Keeper - M 1 Post : Aged 30 years. Must have computer data entry experience. 1 year experience. (4) Junior Accountant - F/M) 1 Post : Aged 23 ~ 30 . LCCI I, II. 1 or 2 year experience of Account-ing & computerized system. (5) bar manager - Bar experience 2 years. Age 25 ~ 40 years. For 1 , 2 & 5: Able to understand and speak English. For 1,2, 3 & 5 Will provide food & accommodat-ion. (6) Driver - 1 Post : 3 years experience. Non alcoholic and personal hygiene are essential. Pls apply with update CV form, recent photo, Government labor registration, Copies of related data with NRC to 105/107, Kha Yae Bin Rd, Dagon Tsp, between Pyi Daung Su Yeik Thar (Halpin) Rd & Manawhari Rd/ Ahlone Rd, Ph: 538-895. 09-730-29973.

uRgENT Vacancy: (1) Reservation for hotel flight - F 1 post : 2 years experience in travel agency. (2) Admin & guest relation staff - M/F 1 post : Who can speak English very well, 2 years experience in travel agency. Pls contact AZURE SKY Travel. Rm (02-01) Asia Plaza Complex. Seik-kan Thar St, Kyauktada, Ph: 379304, 703526.

(1) PRoJECT Coordi‑nator - M 3 Post: Bachelor Degree. Computer literate (MS office, Email & Internet). Fluent in English (Foreign language is a plus advantage). Able to travel Yangon Outside Area. (2) Secretary to President (Attractive Salary) - F 2 Posts :Bachelor Degree or Master Degree Holder) Prefer English Major or Abroad Education). Fluent in English. 2 years experience in secretary field & abroad working experience. (3) Invoicing Officer - F 1 Post : B.Com or Diploma in Accounting (LCCI Level 3). Good in English. (4) Assistant Accountant (Attractive Salary) - M 1 Post : Age under 35. B.Com or LCCI level 2 or 3. Must Chinese Speaking (Four skills preferred). 2 years experience. (5) Administrator - M/F 1 Post : Age under 30. Bachelor Degree in Administration or Management. Fluent in English. 2 year experience. (6) Procurement Officer - M/F 1 Post : Age 25 ~ 30. Bachelor Degree. Fluent in English. 2 years expeirence. (7) Safety Officer (Health, Safety & Environment) - M 1 Post : Age 25 ~ 30. Bachelor Degree (Prefer Safety or HSE Certificate Holder). Fluent in English. 2 years experience. (8) operation Assistant - M 1 Post : Any Degree

with F & B background or Diploma in Hospita-lity & Management. Fluent in English. Willing to travel if necessary. 1 year experience. (9) Driver - M 2 Posts : Driving license (black or red). 1 or 2 years experience. Pls send CV, 2 passport photos, copy of NRC card, academic tran-scripts (copy) & testimonial documents to SMART Group of Companies, City Bank Building 4th Flr, Banyardala Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt, Ph: 701593, 09-861-6730, within 2 weeks

hoTEL buSINESS Unit (1). Chief Engineer - M 1 post : Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical). 10 years experiences in hotel property maintenance operations. Ability to manage all engineer-ing & maintenance operations. Good command of English (2).Asst. Chief Engineer - M 5 posts : A degree in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering BE/AGTI/B.Tech (EP/EC). 7 years experience in hotel engineering & mainte-nance operations. Ability to assist Chief Engineer in managing all engineering & maintenance operat-ions,includingmaintain- ing the building, grounds and physical plant with particular attention towards safety, security and asset protection. Strong leadership skill and interpersonal skill &Goodcommunication skill. Must be able to travel for the maintenance of hotels & resorts in other cities. (3).Shift Engineer - M 7 posts : AGTI/B.Tech (EP/EC). 4 years experiences in hotel engineering & mainte-nance operations. Must be able to travel for the maintenance of hotels & resorts in other cities. (4). Account Recei‑vable - F 1 post : Any Graduate with LCCI level 2 or and Myanmar Pls send application with a CV, one recent passport size photo and copy of labor registration Card, NRC card, graduation certificate & other relevant certificate toTreasure Hotels ~ Resorts) Kandawgyi Palace Hotel (Lake View Building), Kan Yeik Tha Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt. not later than (23.7.2012).

ESTAbLIShED local trading company seeking (1) Office Secretary - F 2 Posts: officer secretaries. Must hold a University Degree or equivalent. Fluent in speaking and writing English. Ability to use computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel is essential. Previous work experience, knowledge in accounting & under-standing in client handling would be added assets. (2) Driver - M 1 Post : (preferably age under 40) required for local trading company. Must hold a valid driving license with at least 5

years above experience. Must be able to drive saloons as well as mini trucks. Knowledge in minor repairs would be an added asset. Pls submit a cover letter (for position 1), CV (with detailed work experience), 1 passport photo, copy of NRC and valid driving license (for position 2) together with contact phone number to goodfortune myanmar @ gmail.com or call 296339.

gRACES SPEECh & Drama : We are seeking for a Teacher (More Prefer Native Speaker) for Drama in English, who can teach Drama subject very well and must speak in English. Requirements:Excellent English, Experienced in teaching drama, Preferred College degree in English, self motivated. Pls apply throughannie. san@ graces-studio. net. Enquiry : Annie San, Ph :09-732-48314, 09-730-97836 .

QREShI Restaurant is seeking(1)waiter - 2 post Salary 40000 Working Hour 9:00 ~ 10:00 PM (2)manager - 1 Post Salary 100000 (Uniform & Two meals are provided) Contact : 379311, 09-730-50603

mANAgER ‑ Agency Services Commercial real estate services firm plan to set up subsidiary in Yangon. Offer property facilities and project management; appraisal & valuation; development services; investment manage-ment; and research and consulting. The role encompasses day-to-day responsibility for the management and development of the Agency Services business including recruitment and team development; market data and research collection, & implemen tation of standard processes, procedures & documentation; busi-ness development; client service delivery; financial management (budgets, P&L). Working in conjunction with the Senior Director, Agency Services, the position only for local applicant with fluent spoken and written English, Chinese is a plus, send CV and salary expectation to sdhhenry @gmail.com.

mYANmAR AuTo Corporation is looking for(1). manager (Agricultural B.H.D) Oil-palm plantation experience at least 5 years (2).Assistant manager (Agricultural B.H.D) experience with oil-palm plantation. Ph: 662602 09-493-17989 myanauto@ gmail.com Both positions need to able to live at countryside.

Job WantedoffICE SECRETARY : B .Sc Eng, Age 26 years, Female , 2 years work experience. Contact : candlelight 295 @gmail.com

The Essentials

Emergency Numbers Ambulance tel: 295133. Fire tel: 191, 252011, 252022. Police emergency tel: 199. Police headquarters tel: 282541, 284764. Red Cross tel:682600, 682368Traffic Control Branch tel:298651Department of Post & Telecommunication tel: 591384, 591387.Immigration tel: 286434.Ministry of Education tel:545500m 562390Ministry of Sports tel: 370604, 370605Ministry of Communications tel: 067-407037.Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) tel: 067-407007.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.

HOSPITALSCentral Women’s Hospital tel: 221013, 222811.Children Hospital tel: 221421, 222807Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital tel: 543888.Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) tel: 420096.Worker’s 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.

ELECTRICITYPower Station tel:414235

POST OFFICEGeneral Post Office 39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). tel: 285499.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTYangon International Airport tel: 662811.

YANGON PORTShipping (Coastal vessels) tel: 382722

RAILWAYSRailways information tel: 274027, 202175-8.

UNITED NATIONSILO Liaison Officer Rm (M1212~1220), 12 Fl-A, Traders Hotel. 223, tel: 242 393, 242811. fax: 242594.IOM 12th Flr, Traders Hotel, 223, tel: 252560 ext. 5002UNAIDS Rm: (1223~1231), 12 Fl, Traders Hotel. tel: 252361, 252362, 252498. fax: 252364.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., BHN tel: 52910~19UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders Hotel. P.O. Box 1435, KTDA. tel: 375527~32, fax: 375552 email: unicef.yangon@unicef. org, www.unicef.org/myanmar.UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward 7, MYGN. tel: 666903, 660556, 660538, 660398, 664539, 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: 951-657281~7. 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 Township. Ph: 225258.FAO Myanma Agriculture Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel: 641672, 641673. fax: 641561.

EMBASSIESAustralia 88, Strand Road, Yangon. tel : 251810, 251797, 251798, 251809, 246462, 246463, fax: 246159Bangladesh 11-B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon. tel: 515275, 526144, fax: 515273, email: bdootygn@mptmail.net.mmBrazil 56, Pyay Road, 6th mile, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. tel: 507225, 507251, 507482. fax: 507483. email: Administ.yangon@itamaraty.gov.br.Brunei 317/319, U Wizara Road, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. tel: 526985, 524285, fax: 512854 email: bruneiemb@ bruneiemb.com.mmCambodia 25 (3B/4B), New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 549609, 540964, fax: 541462, email: RECYANGON @mptmail.net.mmChina 1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 221280, 221281, 224025, 224097, 221926, fax: 227019, 228319Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 222886, 222887, fax: 222865, email: egye mbyangon@mptmail. net.mmFrance 102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 212178, 212520, 212523, 212528, 212532, fax: 212527, email: ambaf rance. rangoun@ diplomatie.frGermany 9, Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 548951, 548952, fax: 548899 email: info@rangun. diplo.deIndia 545-547, Merchant Street, Yangon. tel: 391219, 388412, 243972, fax: 254086, 250164, 388414, email: indiaembassy @mptmail.net.mm

Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 254465, 254469, 229750, fax: 254468, email: kukygn @indonesia.com.mmIsrael 15, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. tel: 515115, fax: 515116, email: info@yangon.mfa.gov.ilItaly 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon. tel: 527100, 527101, fax: 514565, email: ambyang.mail@ esteri.itJapan 100, Natmauk Road, Yangon. tel: 549644-8, 540399, 540400, 540411, 545988, fax: 549643Embassy of the State of Kuwait Chatrium Hotel, Rm: No.416, 418, 420, 422, 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe Tsp, Tel: 544500.North Korea 77C, Shin Saw Pu Road, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. tel: 512642, 510205, fax: 510206South Korea 97 University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 527142-4, 515190, fax: 513286, email: myanmar@mofat.go.krLao A-1, Diplomatic Quarters, Tawwin Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. tel: 222482, fax: 227446, email: Laoembcab@mptmail. net.mmMalaysia 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 220248, 220249, 220251, 220230, fax: 221840, email: mwkyangon@mptmail.net.mmNepal 16, Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon. tel: 545880, 557168, fax: 549803, email: nepemb @mptmail.net.mmPakistan A-4, diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Road, 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.comRussian 38, Sagawa Road, Yangon. tel: 241955, 254161, fax: 241953, email: rusinmyan@mptmail .net.mmSerbia No. 114-A, Inya Road, P.O.Box No. 943-Yangon. tel: 515282, 515283, fax: 504274, email: serbemb@ yangon.net.mmSingapore 238, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 559001, fax: 559002, 559922, email: singemb_ ygn@_sgmfa. gov.sgSri Lanka 34 Taw Win Road, Yangon. tel: 222812, fax: 221509, email: slembassy.yangon@gmail.com, info@slembyangon.org, www.slembyangon.orgThailand 94 Pyay Road, Dagon Township, Yangon. tel: 226721, 226728, 226824, fax: 221713United Kingdom 80 Kan-na Road, Yangon. tel: 370867, 380322, 371852, 371853, 256438, 370863, 370864, 370865, fax: 370866United States of America 110, University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Yangon. tel: 536509, 535756, 538038, fax: 650306Vietnam Building No. 72, Thanlwin Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. tel: 511305, fax: 514897, email: vnemb myr@cybertech.net.mmRoyal Embassy of Saudi Arabia No.287/289, U Wisara Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. tel : 01-536153, 516952, fax : 01-516951

General Listing

Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe. tel: 544500. fax: 544400.

Saya Min Thoun Dara Astrologer No(2), Maha Wizaya Pagoda North Stairway, Dagon Tsp. tel: 296184

Chigo No. 216, 38 Street (Upper), Kyauktada Tsp, tel : 373472

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

Lobby BarPARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388.

The First Air conditioning systems designed to keep you fresh all day GUNKUL Engineer supply 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

General 83-91, G-F, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Tsp, tel : 706223, 371906

Green GardenBeer Gallery Mini Zoo, Karaweik Oo-Yin Kabar.

ASTROLOGER

BARS

ACCOMMODATION-HOTELS

AIR CONDITION

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

No.7A, Wingabar Road,Bahan Tsp, Yangon.Tel : (951) 546313, 430245. 09-731-77781~4. Fax : (01) 546313. www.cloverhotel.asia. info@cloverhotel.asia

Confort Inn 4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd & U Wisara Rd, Kamaryut, tel: 525781, 526872Golden Aye Yeik Mon Hotel 4, Padauk Lane, 4th Word, Aye Yeik Mon Housing, Hlaing. tel: 681706.Hotel Yangon No. 91/93, 8th Mile Junction, Mayangone. tel : 01-667708, 667688.Inya Lake Resort Hotel 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 662866. fax: 665537.Orchid Hotel 91, Anawrahta street, Pazundaung Township, Yangon, . Tel: 399930, 399990, 901061~65. E-mail: orchidhotel@myanmar.com.mm.

Panorama Hotel 294-300, Pansodan Street, Kyauktada Tsp. tel: 253077. PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 250388. fax: 252478. email: enquiry.prygn@parkroyalhotels.com Website: parkroyalhotels. com.Savoy Hotel 129, Damazedi Rd, Kamayut tsp. tel: 526289, 526298, Seasons of Yangon Yangon Int’l Airport Compound. tel: 666699.Sweet Hotel 73, Damazedi Road, San Chaung Tsp, Ph: 539152Sedona Hotel Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin. tel: 666900.Strand Hotel 92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377. fax: 289880.

Espace Avenir No 523, Pyay Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: 505213-222.

Charted Certified, Certified Public Accountants. tel: 09-501-0563. drtinlatt@matglobal.com

ACCOMMODATIONLONG TERM

ACCOMMODATION-HOTELS (NAy PyI TAw)

ACCOUNTANTS AND CONSULTANTS

Reservation Office (Yangon)262-264, Pyay Road, Dagon Centre, A# 03-01, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon.Tel: 95-1-501937, 536255, 09-520-0926.The Oasis Hotel (Nay Pyi Taw)Tel: 95-67-422088, 422099

Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966. fax: 227995.Thamada Hotel 5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon. tel: 243639, 243640, 243641. Traders Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel: 242828. fax: 242838.Winner Inn 42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 535205, 524387. email: winnerinnmyanmar @gmail.comYangon YMCA 263, Mahabandoola Rd, Botataung Tsp. tel: 294128,Yuzana Hotel 130, Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600, 543367Yuzana Garden Hotel 44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, tel : 01-248944

INYA1 Resturant & BarNo.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp.Tel: 01-527506email: inyaone@gmail.com www.inya1.com

Tel: 09-7349-4483, 09-4200-56994.E-mail: aahappyhomes@gmail.com, Facebook: happyhomes, Yangon Myanmar.

Happy HomesReal estate & PRoPeRty

ManageMent

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). fax: 951-256360.Yangon City Villa (Residence) Pyay Rd, 8 Mile Junction, MYGN, tel: 513101

the MyanMar tiMes

mt QuiCk guideJuly 23 - 29, 2012

48

Traders Café Traders Hotel, Yangon. #223, Sule Pagoda Rd. Tel: 242828 ext: 6519

The Uranium Dance Studio Pearl condo Bldg (C), 2nd flr, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 09-731-42624, 09-514-0404.

BEAUTY & MASSAGE

Innwa Book StoreNo. 246, Rm.201/301, GF, Pansodan Street (Upper Block), Kyauktada Tsp. Tel. 389838, 243216, 374324, 514387

La Brasserie (International)PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel : 250388.

MYANMAR BOOK CENTRENandawun 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

BOOK STORES

CAFÈS

ADvERTISING

DOMAIN

CHOCOLATE

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

Espace Avenir 523, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Tel : 505214, 505222FIT Club - Rm 101~3, Marina Residence, 8, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Tel : 650634, 650651 Ext:102Parkroyal Fitness & Spa Parkroyal Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 250388.

Mr. BetchangNo.(272), Pyay Rd, DNH Tower, Rm No.(503), 5th flr, Sanchaung Tsp, Tel: 095041216

FITNESS CENTRE

FLORAL SERvICES

ENTERTAINMENT

MHR Business & Management Institute 905, 9th floor, Modern Iron Market(Thanzay Condo) Lanmadaw St. Tel: 707822.NLEC 82 Anawrahta Rd, Corner of 39 St, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel: 250225.

DUTY FREE

CONSTRUCTION

COLD STORAGE

EDUCATION CENTRE

Traders Hotel, 5th Floor Tel: 242828,Ext: Coreana. Sedona Hotel, Mandalay Ground Fl. Tel: 02-36488, Ext: Coreana

BATTERY

Proven Technology Industry Co., Ltd.No. FS 14, Bayintnaung Rd, Shwe Sabai Yeik Mon, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 951-951-701719~20, 527667, 531030, 531041, 530694. Fax: 527667, 531030. http//www.toyobatterymyanmar.com.

ISO 9001:2008 (QMS)

G-A, Ground Floor, Pearl Center, Kabaraye Pagoda Road, Yangon. Tel: 09 500 6880 Email: chocolateheaven.sale@gmail.com

Floral Service & Gift ShopNo. 449, New University Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN. Tel: 541217, 559011, 09-860-2292.Market Place By City MartTel: 523840~43, 523845~46, Ext: 205.Junction Nay Pyi TawTel: 067-421617~18 422012~15, Ext: 235.Res: 067-414813, 09-492-09039. Email : eternal@mptmail.net.mm

24 hours Medical centreNo. 330, Ground Flr, Yangon Int’l Hotel,Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar.24 hour Call Centre : (951) 218 445Clinic : (959) 4921 8159Office : (951) 218 446Fax : (951) 218 389www.leomedicare.com

Piyavate Hospital (Bangkok) Myanmar Represent ative (Head office)Grand Mee Yahta Executive Residences. No.372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, PBDN. Ph: 256355, Ext: 3206. Hotline: 09-7377-7799. Email: piyavate@cnt.com.mm, piyavate.cnt@gmail.com, Website: www.piyavate.com

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

Media & Advertising

LEGAL SERvICE

LANGUAGE

Intuitive Design, Advertising, Interior DecorationCorporate logo/Identity/ Branding, Brochure/ Profile Booklet/ Catalogue/ Billboard, Corporate diary/ email newsletter/ annual reports, Magazine, journal advertisement and 3D presentation and detailed planning for any interior decoration works. Talk to us: (951) 430-897, 553-918 www.medialane.com.au 58B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing, Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon.

PHIH-Specialist Clinic FMI Centre (4th Floor) #380, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Pabedan Tsp. tel: 243 010, 243 012, 243 013

HOME FURNISHING

GAS COOKER & COOKER HOODS

HEALTH SERvICES

GENERATORS

GEMS & JEWELLERIES

Yangon : A-3, Aung San Stadium (North East Wing), Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel : 245543, 09-730-37772.Mandalay : Room No.(B,C) (National Gas), 35th St, Btw 80th & 81st, Chanaye-tharzan Tsp. Tel : 09-680-3505, 02 34455, 36748, 71878.

81, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 548022, 542979, 553783, 09-803-0847, 09-730-56079. Email: asiapacific.myanmar@gmail.com.

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

Acupuncture, Medicine Massage, Foot SpaAdd:No,27(A),Ywa Ma Kyaung Street, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 01-511122, 526765.

Room - 4021, 3rd Floor, Taw Win Centre.Ph: 8600111 (Ext:4021), 09-803-2581.

Inya Day Spa16/2, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 537907, 503375.

Agent Office, 5th Floor, Junction Centre (Maw Tin), Lanmadaw Township, Yangon. Myanmar. Ph: 09-731-56770, 09-511- 7584, Fax: 01-516313, myanmarmeditour@gmail.com

Dance LessonsMon-Fri 12:00 to 23:00. Sat-Sun 10 am to 8 pmFun dancing Friday nights with Filipino musicians4, U Tun Myat St, Tamwe. Tel: 01-541 550

A Little DayspaNo. 475 C, Pyi Road, Kamayut, Yangon. Tel: 09-431-28831.

Lemon Day SpaNo. 96 F, Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 514848, 09-732-08476.E.mail: lemondayspa.2011 @gmail.com

My Way Diamond Condo, Bldg(A), Rm (G-02), Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 52717, 09 51 70528

La Source Beauty Spa80(A), Inya Rd, Kamayut.tel: 512 380, 511 252.Sedona Hotel, Kabar AyePagoda Rd. tel: 666 900

MARINE COMMUNICATION &

NAvIGATION

Top Marine Show RoomNo-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon.Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597

FOAM SPRAY INSULATION

Foam Spray InsulationNo-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazuntaung Road, Pazuntaung Tsp, Yangon.Telefax : 01-203743, 09-730-26245, 09-500-7681. Hot Line-09-730-30825.

Est. 1992 in MyanmarCold Storage Specialist, Solar Hot Water Storage Solutions.Tel: 09-504-2196, 09-731-94828. E-mail: gei.ygn2@gmail.com, glover2812@ gmail.com

The Yangon GYM Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966.Traders Health Club. Level 5, Traders Hotel Yangon#223 Sule Pagoda Rd, Tel: 951 242828 Ext: 6561

ELECTRICAL

Est. 1992 in MyanmarElectrical & Mechanical Contractors, Designers, Consultants.Tel: 09-504-2196, 09-731-94828. E-mail: gei.ygn2@gmail.com, glover2812@ gmail.com

24 hours Cancer centreNo. 330, Yangon International Hotel, Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp,Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 218388, 218292 Fax: (951) 218389

24 hours Laboratory & X-rayNo. 330, Ground Flr, Yangon Int’l Hotel, Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp,Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 218388, (951) 218292 Fax: (951) 218389

INYA1 Resturant & BarNo.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp.Tel: 01-527506email: inyaone@gmail.com www.inya1.com

Cafe de Angel No.24, Baho Rd, Ahlone Tsp. Tel : 703449.

Duty Free Airport Shopping Yangon International AirportArrival/Departure Tel: 662676 (Airport)Office: 17, 2nd street, Hlaing Yadanarmon Housing, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 500143, 500144, 500145.

.biz.mm .per.mm

.com.mm .org.mmNo. (8), Panchan Tower, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 951-516891~3sm@mtg.biz.mm, www.mtg.biz.mm, www.mmnic.biz.mm.

Zamil SteelNo-5, Pyay Road, 7½ miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (95-1) 652502~04. Fax: (95-1) 650306.Email: zamilsteel@zamilsteel.com.mm

Natural Gems of MyanmarNo. 30 (A), Pyay Road (7 mile), Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel: 01-660397, 654398~9. E-mail: spgems.myanmar @gmail.com

HOTEL MANAGEMENT

Hotel Management-Consultants (Singapore)Yangon Office Tel. : 09-516-6400 Email: info@univel.com.sg

Saw Peter Foot Reflexology Oil Massage, Body Massage, Foot Massage.Any time you want at your place. Tel : 09-518-8047.

Winning WayNo. 589-592, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein highway Road. Hlaing Tharyar tsp. Tel: 951-645178-182, 685199, Fax: 951-645211, 545278. e-mail: mkt-mti@ winstrategic.com.mm

From Singapore, one-stop construction serviceNo.22, U Chit Mg Housing, U Chit Mg Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon. Tel: +951554046Fax: +951554048Email: cnqcmyanmar@

gmail.com

English Language Learning CentreNo. 8, Panchan Tower, Dhamazedi Rd, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp., Yangon. Tel: 539581, 539582.nexus@kyaukseinnwe.comwww.nexusmyanmar.comwww.facebook.com/Nexus.English.Language.Learning.Centre

Flora Service & Gift ShopNo.173(B), West Shwegonedaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, YGN. Tel: 09.731 800 30No.75/77, Yaw Min Gyi St. Dagon Tsp, YGN. Tel: 09.431 432 34.Home: 01-577 387, Email: rosanafloral.ygn@gmail.com

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

wE STARTED ThE ADVERTISINgINDuSTRY IN mYANmAR SINCE 1991

mt QuiCk guide49the MyanMar tiMes July 23 - 29, 2012

OFFICE FURNITURE

Htoo Travels 209/c, first flr, Shwe Gonedaing Rd, Bahan. Tel: 548554, 548039.Sun Far Travels & Tours 27, Ground flr, 38th st, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel: 380888.

WEB SERvICES

WATER HEATERS

The Global leader in Water HeatersA/1, Aung San Stadium East Wing, Upper Pansodan Road. Tel: 251033, 09-730-25281.

Road to MandalayMyanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governor’s Residence 39C, Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 229860fax: (951) 217361. email: RTMYGN@mptmail.net.mm www.orient-express.com

Crown WorldwideMovers 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

REMOvALISTS

PLEASURE CRUISES

Water HeaterSame as Rinnai Gas cooker and cooker Hood Showroom Address

Myanmar. Tel: 95-1-535-783, 527705, 501429. Fax: 95-1-527705. Email: sales-ikon@myanmar.com.mmJunction Mawtin Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Cor of Wadan St. Lanmadaw Tsp. Tel:Junction Square Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel:Ocean Supercentre (North Point ), 9th Mile, Mayangone Tsp. Tel: 651 200, 652963.Pick ‘n’ Pay Hyper Market Bldg (A,B,C), (14~16), Shwe Mya Yar Housing, Mya Yar Gone St, Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel: 206001~3, Fax: 9000199Sein Gay Har 44, Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 383812, 379823.Super 1 (Kyaikkasan) 65, Lay Daunt Kan St, Tel: 545871~73Super 1 (Shwe Bonthar) 397, Bogyoke Aung San St, Pabedan. Tel: 250268~29Victoria Shwe Pone Nyet Yeik Mon, Bayint Naung Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. Tel : 515136.

TRAvEL AGENTS

Asian Trails Tour Ltd73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 211212, 223262. fax: 211670. email: res@asiantrails.com.mm

Asia Light 106, Set Yone Rd.tel: 294074, 294083.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)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 Branch) tel: 294063. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (Chinatown Point Branch) tel: 215560~63. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm)City Mart (Junction Maw Tin Branch) tel: 218159. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (Marketplace) tel: 523840~43. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm)City Mart (78th Brahch-Mandalay) tel: 02-71467~9. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm)IKON Mart IKON Trading Co., Ltd. No.332, Pyay Rd, San Chaung P.O (11111), Yangon,

SUPERMARKETS

STEEL CONSTRUCTION

SOLAR SYSTEM

No.35(b), Tatkatho Yeik Mon Housing,New University Avenue, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 951-549451, 557219, 540730. www.yangon-academy.org

World-class Web ServicesTailor-made design, Professional research & writing for Brochure/ Catalogue/e-Commerce website, Customised business web apps, online advertisement and anything online. Talk to us: (951) 430-897, 553-918 www.medialane.com.au 58B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing. Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon.

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

95, Anawrahta Rd. Tel:296552, 293754. 336, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. Tel: 526456.New University Avenue, 551521, 551951, 553896. U Wisara Rd, Tel: 524599, 501976.

Admissions Office:No. 44, Than Lwin Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 535433, 09-850-3073.Email: rviacademygn@rvcentre.com.sg

ISM Int’l School W 22/24, Mya Kan Thar Housing, Hlaing Tsp. tel:530082, 530083.International School Yangon 20, Shwe Taung Kyar St, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 512793.

ILBC IGCSE SCHOOLNo.(34), LaydauntkanRoad, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon.Tel: 542982, 545720,549106,545736,400156Fax: 541040Email: info@ilbc.net.mmwww.ilbcedu.com

ILBC 180, Thunandar 9th Lane, Thumingalar Housing, Thingungyung.tel: 562401.

Horizon Int’l School25, Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, tel : 541085, 551795, 551796, 450396~7. fax : 543926, email : contact@horizonmyanmar.com, www.horizon.com

SCHOOLS

PAINT

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

MMRD Research BLDG C, New Mingalar Market, 10-story BLDG, 8 & 9 flr, Coner of Mill St & Banyardala Rd, Mingalar Taungnyunt Tsp. Tel: 200326, 200846, 201350. Fax: 202425.

MARKET RESEARCH

Moby Dick Tours Co., Ltd.Islands Safari in the Mergui Archipelago4 Days, 6 Days, 8 Days TripsTel: 95 1 202063, 202064E-mail: info@islandsafari mergui.com. Website: www.islandsafarimergui.com

Traders Gourmet CornerLevel 1, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel : 242828 ext : 6503Traders Gallery BarLevel 2, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242 828. ext: 6433Traders Lobby LoungeLevel 1, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242 828. ext: 6456

Tiger Hill Chinese RestaurantChatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6253

The Ritz Exclusive LoungeChatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Ground Floor, Tel: 544500 Ext 6243, 6244

1. WASABI : No.20-B,Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd,Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa),Tel; 666781,09-503-91392. WASABI SUSHI : MarketPlace by City Mart (1st Floor). Tel; 09-430-67440Myaynigone (City Mart)Yankin Center (City Mart)Junction Mawtin (City Mart)

No. 105/107, Kha-Yae-Bin Road. between Pyi Daung Su Yeik Tha (Halpin) and Manawhari Road/Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp. Tel/Fax: 538895, Tel: 09-730-29973, 09-540-9469. padonmar.restaurant@gmail.com. www.myanmar-restaurantpadonmar.com

House of MemoriesPiano Bar & Restaurant Myanmar Cuisine & International Food 290, U Wizara Rd, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. tel: 525 195, 534 242. e-mail: houseofmemories 9@gmail.com

RELOCATION

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

Royal GardenNat Mauk Road, Kandaw Gyi Natural Park, Bahan Tsp. tel: 546202Signature Near U Htaung Bo Round, about Bahan Tsp. tel: 546488, 543387.Summer Palace (Chinese) Restaurant Level 2, Traders Hotel, #223, Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242828. ext:6483Target Bldg B, 1-fl, Rm F-23, Pearl condo. Bahan tsp. Tel: 09-513-5924, 09-504-8750.TG Bar & Restaurant The Grand Mee Ya Hta Executive Residences (2nd Flr), Bogyoke Aung San Rd. Tel: 385101, 256355.

PEB Steel Buildings60 (A), Halpin Road, Yangon. Tel: 01-218223, 218224. Fax: 218224. marketing@pebsteel.com.mm www.pebsteel.com.mm

The Brightest AC CFL Bulb 21, 9th St, Lanmadaw Tsp. Ph: 212243, 216861, 216864. spsolarstation@gmail.com. www.spsolarstation.com

Streamline Education 24, Myasabai Rd, Parami, Myangone Tsp. tel: 662304, 09-500-6916.

Relocation SpecialistRm 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 250290, 252313. Mail : info@asiantigers-myanmar.com

Lunch/Dinner/Catering 555539, 536174

RESTAURANTS

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.

24 hours open.5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon Tsp, inside Thamada Hotel. tel - 243640, 243047, Ext: 32.

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.

Black Canyon Coffee & International Thai Cuisine 330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 0980 21691, 395052. email: blackcanyon@yangon. net.mm.

Legendary Myanmar Int’l 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 .mmwww.LMSL-shipping.com

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.

Feel 164/168, War Tan St, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Ph: 223697, 09 511 8415, 09 50 14288

Western ParkThakhin Mya Park, Ahlone. Tel: 225143YKKO 28, Saya San Road, Bahan Tsp. tel:01-541998

INYA1 Resturant & BarNo.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp.Tel: 01-527506email: inyaone@gmail.com www.inya1.com

Pansweltaw Express Cafe: 228, Ahlone Rd, Ahlone Tsp. Tel: 215363 (1)-Rm-309, 3rd flr, Ocean, East Point Shopping Center, Pazundaung Tsp. Tel: 397900 Ext: 309. (2)–G-Flr, Ocean North Point Shopping Center. Tel:652959, 652960, Ext: 133. www.pansweltaw.com E-mail: pansweltaw@ myanmar.com.mm

Phoenix Court (Chinese)PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388.

Kohaku Japanese RestaurantChatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6231

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

Enchanting and Romantic, a Bliss on the Lake 62 D, U Tun Nyein Road, Mayangon Tsp, YangonTel. 01 665 516, 660976 Mob. 09-4210-34875operayangon@gmail.comwww.operayangon.com

Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653.

Little Tokyo Japanese Fine Dining No.168 (C), Dhamazedi Rd, Bahan Township, Yangon. Ph: 09-731-85168, 09-731-78946

KSSSetyone Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt. tel: 203320.

BangkokPhuketYangon

www.paintfx.asia

sPortthe MyanMar tiMes

50July 23 - 29, 2012

By Shigemi Sato

OGAWA – He’d prefer enlightenment to a medal, but when Japan’s horse-riding Buddhist monk Kenki Sato saddles up for London 2012, he’ll be representing one of the Olympics’ more unusual families.

Shaven-headed Sato, who starts each day with a morning prayer, is following his younger brother Eiken, who also trained as a priest and rode at the Beijing Games. His sister, Tae, 24, is a five-time national showjumping champion.

And his father, Shodo, who heads a 460-year-old temple and adjacent horse-riding club, was a member of Japan’s equestrian team before the 1980 Games in Moscow – only to have his Olympic dream dashed when Japan boycotted.

S h o d o , 6 1 , p a i r e d the d i sparate wor lds o f B u d d h i s m a n d equestrianism after growing up around horses in the mountains of Nagano, where they were still the main mode of transport when he was a child.

H e p r a c t i s e d h o r s e m a n s h i p w h i l e attending a Buddhist university in Tokyo and opened an equestrian park next to the temple in 1979.

Today Kenki Sato is on extended leave from the Myoshoji temple in mountains near Nagano, where his father is the 25th master, to train for London where he will compete in eventing, which combines dressage, cross-country and showjumping.

Among his team-mates is Hiroshi Hoketsu, 71, the oldest competitor in any sport at Beijing 2008, who is entered in the separate dressage category.

They are not strongly tipped to end Japan’s 80-year wait for a second equestrian medal, following Baron Takeichi Nishi’s showjumping gold of 1932. But Sato said the experience would have spiritual value.

“I may learn something as a human being when I encounter various people with different religions and languages abroad,” says the diminutive Sato. “I want to feed it back into my path to Buddhist enlightenment.”

In 2010, Sato claimed t e a m a n d i n d i v i d u a l eventing golds at the Asian Games and finished 35th at the world championships.

His journey to London began at the age of seven, when he started training for competition under his father. “I think it was largely because my father could not become an Olympian,” he said.

But when asked about his disappointment of 1980, the elder Sato is philosophical.

“I don’t dwell on the past,” he said softly.” – AFP

Meditating Buddhist monk saddles up for London

By Mariette le Roux

PARIS – The motto of the Olympics – “Faster, Higher, Stronger” – paints a picture of relentless athletic record-breaking.

But some scientists say sporting records are starting to flatline and one day will become near impossible to beat without drugs, gene splicing or futuristic technology.

The men’s long-jump world record was set in 1991, the men’s pole vault record remains unbroken since 1994 and short-distance swimming’s achievements have actually reversed since the drag-reducing bodysuit was banned in 2010.

“In all sports, what you see is a levelling off,” said Steve Haake, director of Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for Sports Engineering Research.

Records continue to be broken in many sports, but the margins are getting smaller and smaller, he explained.

Geoffroy Berthelot with the INSEP sports institute in Paris looked at a history of Olympic records since the modern Games began in 1896.

He calculates that athletes have reached 99 percent of what is possible within the limits of natural human physiology.

By 2027, half of all 147 sporting events studied will have reached their estimated limits and will not be improved upon by more than 0.05 pc after that, according to Berthelot’s

mathematical estimate.“Sports performances are reaching

a physiological plateau,” he said.Reza Noubary of Bloomsburg

University in Pennsylvania projects

that the men’s 100-metre sprint, seen as the benchmark measure of human acceleration and speed, can only have a top time of 9.4 seconds.

The “data suggests that human speed increases are decelerating and will eventually stop completely,” said Noubary.

But, he cautioned, this prediction is based only on mathematics.

It does not take into account the emergence of exceptional runners such as Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, who currently holds the record with 9.58sec.

“It’s impossible for anybody to predict the magnitude of the freakiness of athletic talent,” said Noubary.

“Bolt, it turns out, is a perfect example as he combines the mechanical advantages of taller men’s bodies with the fast-twitch [muscle] fibres of smaller men.”

If there is an absolute limit to the men’s 100m sprint, many expect it to lie years away, and observers predict an exciting Olympics for London starting on July 27.

“The top 25 average coming into 2012 is already consistently below 10sec so expect fast performances and extreme rivalry,” said Haake, just weeks after Bolt was beaten in a 100m trial by his training partner, Yohan Blake. – AFP

Are athletic records finally reaching their limits?

By Robert Saiget

BEIJING – China rode a wave of success in niche sports to top the Olympic medals table for the first time in 2008 – but now, they’re looking to extend their reach.

Four years ago in Beijing, 38 of the hosts’ 51 titles came in table tennis, badminton, diving, shooting, gymnastics and weightlifting, the six Olympic sports China has long dominated.

But in London, China will look for breakthroughs in other events, including swimming and track and field, as they seek not only to replicate Beijing, but to build on it.

While officials shy away f rom predic t ions , the unspoken aim is not just to stay top of the gold count, but also to win the most medals overall. In 2008, China had 100 medals, to 110 for the United States.

“The Chinese athletes have now had an additional four years of training in the exceptional facilities that were developed to prepare for the 2008 games,” said Rett Larson, of US firm Athletes’ Performance which is working with China.

“Therefore, anyone would expect their medal count be one of the best, possibly the best, performance in 2012. To exceed 51 gold medals and 100 overall would be very special.”

According to state media, China has hired foreign coaches in basketball , swimming, synchronised swimming, fencing, women’s field hockey, track and field, taekwondo and water polo in the build-up to London.

It’s an extension of the model for Beijing, when China’s much-criticised, rigorous sports schools,

which select and groom medal contenders from a young age, were successfully e n h a n c e d b y f o r e i g n expertise.

To improve on Beijing, the Soviet-style sports system has extended its reach to new disciplines, spending big on world-class coaches, new facilities and modern training methods.

Nowhere have such efforts been more apparent than in swimming. National team coach Yao Zhengjie is setting his sights on up to four gold medals in the London pool, four times the number won in Beijing.

Leading the charge will be Sun Yang, who smashed Grant Hackett’s 10-year-old 1500m world record last year and ranks number one in the 400m, 800m and 1500m. No Chinese man has ever won an Olympic swimming title.

“I hope I can become the first Chinese male swimmer to win the Olympic gold,” said Sun, who is among a group of Chinese swimmers who work in Australia with Denis Cotterell, former coach of the legendary Hackett.

Besides Sun, Ye Shiwen, Zhao Jing and Jiao Liuyang won women’s world titles in the 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke and 200m butterfly respectively.

China’s men also appear primed to medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay, while Liu Zige will look to defend her Beijing title in the women’s 200m butterfly.

In athletics, China looked to American doctors to repair the achilles injury which took defending 110m hurdles champion Liu Xiang out of the Beijing Games. Liu also does much of his training in the United States.

In June, he equalled the world record in a wind-aided 12.87 seconds against top competition in Eugene, Oregon, proving he is back in top form.

Bes ides L iu , Zhang Wenxiu is favoured to win gold in the women’s hammer, while Wang Zhen is among the world’s best in the men’s 20km walk.

Athletes’ Performance, which has had success in American football, baseball and European soccer, is a prime example of how China has drafted in help from abroad, and is positive about the country’s prospects.

Larsson, the company’s Be i j ing -based pro jec t manager, said much of the work was concentrating in

athletes’ individual needs and preventing overwork or “blind” training, in which all competitors were given the same drills.

“The Chinese athletes are unrivaled in their dedication to skill training. Each of these athletes lives a life dedicated to becoming the best they can possibly be,” he said. – AFP

China bid to confirm supremacy

Zhang Qingpeng of China (right) lays-up as Tayshaun Prince of the US attempts to block during their men’s basketball match at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Pic: AFP

sPortthe MyanMar tiMes

51July 23 - 29, 2012

PARIS – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on July 19 overturned a life ban imposed by football’s world governing body FIFA against Qatar’s Mohamed B in Hammam, c i t ing “insufficient evidence” to impose the penalty.

But a three-member panel who considered the case stopped short of exonerating the 63-year-old, who was accused of offering cash bribes to buy FIFA delegate votes during campaigning to unseat long-standing president Sepp Blatter last year.

Bin Hammam was banned from football for life in July last year after being accused of trying to buy votes during the FIFA presidential election, but the CAS ruled that the allegations had not been proven.

“The truth has been established after this long procedure and my conscience is clear,” he told AFP in a telephone interview. “It’s not revenge for me [against FIFA], it’s about showing equanimity from my point of view [towards FIFA].”

Bin Hammam was the president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) when he was banned from the sport by FIFA’s Ethics Committee following an investigation that took place behind closed doors at the organisation’s Zurich headquarters.

“I always said that I was innocent during the process,” added Bin Hammam.

“I was sure that when the affair went before an independent body, the truth would come out, and that’s what’s happened.

“I’m very happy because I’ve been able to prove that all the allegations against me were false and were intended to tarnish my reputation.”

Bin Hammam was accused of trying to purchase votes by distributing envelopes

containing US$40,000 in cash to delegates during a Caribbean Football Union (CFU) meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in May 2011.

His subsequent withdrawal from the presidential election saw Sepp Blatter re-elected unopposed for a fourth consecutive term at the head of world football’s governing body.

The Lausanne-based tribunal said in a statement on its website: “The CAS has upheld Mr Bin Hammam’s appeal, annulled the decision rendered by the FIFA Appeal Committee and lifted the life ban imposed on Mr Bin Hammam.”

But it added that the panel “was unable to conclude to its comfortable satisfaction that the charges against Mr Bin Hammam were established” and considered the case “not proven”.

There was no direct ev idence t o l ink B in Hammam with the money’s presence at the CFU meeting, but the panel said it was “possible to infer” that Bin Hammam’s failure to prove the cash’s provenance “might be explained by the fact that it would have confirmed that he was the source”.

The CAS panel said it was “more likely than not that Mr Bin Hammam was the source of the monies that were brought into Trinidad and Tobago”.

The judgment does not mean that Bin Hammam – who helped secure Qatar’s successful bid for the 2022 World Cup – is free to resume footballing activities.

He was provisionally replaced after nine years as president of the AFC pending appeals and on Monday was suspended for a further 30 days over fresh corruption claims after an external audit of AFC financial accounts.

“Going forward, I’ll see with my lawyers. All options are open.” – AFP

Court overturns Bin Hammam FIFA life ban

Former Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohammed bin Hammam at a press conference at AFC house in Kuala Lumpur March 18, 2011. Pic: AFP

Jeremy Lin of the Houston Rockets speaks to the media as he is introduced during a press conference at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on July 19. Pic: AFP

By Mariano Rolando

NEW YORK – New York Knicks fans awoke on July 18 to the headlines none wanted to see: “End of the Lin,” “Lin is Gone” – for many the loss of star point guard Jeremy Lin felt like a betrayal.

The Knicks confirmed la te on Ju ly 17 that they wouldn’t match the Houston Rockets’ three-year, US$25 million offer for the emblematic 23-year-old.

“We’re losing more than one player . He was a symbol of the city,” Jason Gutierrez, a 29-year-old musician, said outside the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

Just six months ago, no one apart from diehard basketball fans had heard of Jeremy Lin and Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni was even considering releasing him before his contract became guaranteed.

An injury to recently-signed guard Baron Davis gave Lin his chance in F e b r u a r y a n d w h a t followed became know as “Linsanity” as the player sparked a seven-game winning streak for a team that had lost 11 of its last 13 games.

Thrilling New York fans with his clutch shooting and passing skil ls , he quickly became a global sensation, especially in Asia as his parents are from Taiwan and he has a grandmother from China.

He became the f irst player in NBA history to

score at least 20 points and pass for seven assists in his first five starts.

He appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated twice and was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People as even casual basketball fans found themselves charmed by a Cinderella story that included a spell sleeping on Knicks team-mate Landry Fields’s couch.

N o w h i s s p a r k l i n g Broadway run is over, but the point guard who took New York by storm says he is excited to launch the next phase of his NBA career with the Houston Rockets.

“Extremely excited and honored to be a Houston Rocket again!!” Lin said on Twitter shortly after his departure to Houston was confirmed.

The Knicks announced their decision less than two hours before a midnight deadline, sparking dismay among fans who couldn’t be l ieve the “Linsane” dream was over.

The Knicks’ Facebook page was littered with criticism.

“Bye bye Knicks ... am not Knicks fan anymore,” Jen-Jung Fan wrote.

The Rockets were one of two teams to cut then-unknown Lin last season.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said that wouldn’t happen again as he welcomed Lin to Houston via Twitter.

“Welcome to Houston @JLin7!” Morey tweeted, adding: “We plan to hang on this time. You will love #RedNation.”

Lin ’ s fate had been the subject of intense s p e c u l a t i o n s i n c e h e became a restricted free agent this month.

He inked an initial offer sheet from Houston, but the Knicks still had the option of keeping him and were widely expected to match the figure from the Rockets.

Knicks star Carmelo Anthony called the offer “ridiculous,” but still said on July 16 he hoped Lin would return.

Team-mate J.R. Smith told Sports Illustrated’s website that if Lin – who has played only 64 games in his NBA career – came back on those terms, it could have led to tension in the Knicks locker room.

Rockets owner Leslie

Alexander made it clear he thinks Lin is worth it.

“We are thrilled to have Jeremy back as part of the Rockets family,” Alexander sa id . “ In h i s l im i t ed opportunity last season, Jeremy showed that he has all the skills to be a great player in this league for many years to come.

“Jeremy is a winner on and off the court and we view him as an important part of our plan to build a championship contender.”

Lin gave a departing message of thanks his former club via twitter.

“ M u c h l o v e a n d thankfulness to the Knicks and New York for your support this past year ... easily the best year of my life #ForeverGrateful.”

– AFP

New York mourns the end of ‘Linsanity’

By Peter Stebbings

HONG KONG – A glut of Premier League sides including Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United are touring Asia this month hoping to cash in on the region’s unquenchable thirst for English football.

QPR and Sunderland are also heading East, meaning a quarter of the Premier League will build up to the new season by jetting off to countries on the other side of the globe and where the searing heat can be punishing.

The clubs will not admit it, but the trips to China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea are less about football and more about the “brand”, in a part of the world where disposable income is rising fast.

It is all a far cry from the pre-seasons of yesteryear, when teams would warm up for a new campaign by spending a few days at an English seaside resort.

United, dethroned by rivals City as Premier League champions last season, have set the benchmark in attracting foreign fans and claim to have 325 million supporters in Asia, with officially endorsed fan clubs across the continent.

A weakened United squad bereft of its Euro 2012 contingent play Didier Drogba’s Shanghai Shenhua on July 25 in a gruelling pre-season that sees them take in South Africa first, followed by China, Norway, Sweden and Germany.

But if it was United that set the trend, the signs are that the rest are catching up – no more so than their city neighbours, whose captain Vincent Kompany said the club had a long-term strategy.

“It’s not like we arrive and say everyone has to become City fans right now,” the Belgian international said last month on a promotional tour to Kuala Lumpur, where the Premier League holders play a Malaysian XI on July 30.

“We want to show ourselves and prove that we’re a better club and hopefully becoming the best club in the world in the next 10 years,” said the defender.

City also take on Arsenal, in Beijing, three days earlier. The Londoners, who are bringing a strong squad, are similarly heading to football-mad Malaysia, and also taking in Hong Kong.

Julian Kam, chief executive of ProEvents, organiser of the Manchester City and Arsenal visits to Malaysia, said that while teams benefited from an immediate financial spin-off, such as increased sales of merchandise, they were mainly looking to build a long-term fan base in Asia.

“For the fans it’s great. It’s right on their doorstep. It only makes sense that they come here and try to consolidate their fan base,” he said.

More than 45,000 tickets have been snapped up for the Arsenal game and

50,000 for City. Both games take place at the 100,000 capacity Bukit Jalil Stadium, with tickets costing between 58 ringgit (US$18) and 388 ringgit.

QPR, now owned by Malaysian budget-airline mogul Tony Fernandes, have firmly set their sights on boosting their profile in the Far East.

The London club swooped for South Korean star Park Ji-Sung from Manchester United last week – a move sceptics said was with at least one eye on the Asian audience – and after a jaunt in Malaysia they go on to Indonesia.

Organisers there expect a sell-out for the July 23 match against Persebaya Surabaya. That already means that the crowd will be bigger than QPR’s average home gate.

“The match will give QPR more exposure and it will attract more fans in Indonesia,” said Abi Hasantoso, spokesman for organisers Indonesia Premier League, adding that QPR already had a large following in the country.

“It is also a golden opportunity for our players to gain experience by playing against one of the best clubs in the Premier League.”

Sunderland travelled to South Korea for the four-team Peace Cup from July 19 to July 22, but interest has been muted, with only about 15,000 tickets sold for their clash with Seongnam.

However, notable absentees from the Asian summer party are Chelsea and Liverpool. – AFP

Premier League finds home from home in Asia

July 23 - 29, 2012

tImESsPORtBy Aung Si Hein

THE Myanmar Olympic Committee (MOC) named SAIL Marketing & Communications its official advertising and sponsorship organisers for the 27th SEA Games in 2013 in a press conference at Sedona Hotel on July 7.

In contrast to the previous host, Indonesia, who only secured an advertising and sponsorship agreement a month before the games started, Myanmar has shown it is keen to secure funding to help improve its preparations ahead of the event.

“I want Myanmar athletes to get sponsorship dollars and get

recognised by the world,” Mr John Handley, chief executive officer of SAIL, said at the press conference.

SAIL approached the Ministry of Sports in February with its offer of managing the games sponsorship and advertising. Myanmar finally accepted the offer after detailed presentations and successive meetings between MOC and SAIL.

MOC stated that it awarded SAIL the contract in appreciation of their ability to produce locally catered products, winning an award for advert of the year for Aphaw (a local condom brand), as well as clear understanding of the needs of foreign companies.

“We believe that SEA Games 2013 has unmatched potential to transform Myanmar. The surge of support and business investment that is set to pour in, coinciding with the SEA Games 2013, makes it a unique platform for national and multinational investment,” said Mr Handley in a press release.

“Because these games represent more than just a sports marketing platform to Myanmar, our recommendation is to market them both nationally and externally not just as an event, but rather as a door into all of the present and future commercial potential that Myanmar can provide to brands.”

The committee stated their intention was not to agree to any exclusive terms with a single agency and thus only signed an MOU with SAIL. They will observe the progress of SAIL within six months while remaining receptive to other agencies.

“We are going to invite tenders as we did not give exclusive rights to SAIL. Other agencies are also welcome if they wish,” U Aye Myint Kyu, Vice President of MOC, said.

Mr Handley said he welcomed the challenge for SAIL but also transparency in the process as the nature of this appointment required a guarantee for any secured sponsorships made

through his company. He said that all sponsorship payments would be paid directly to the committee while he would take a commission fee from the sponsors.

“I like the demand that we must have achieved sponsorship within six months. I will make a difference. So, I have to start working from tomorrow,” Mr Handley said.

Founded by Dr. Khin Khin Kyawt in 1991, SAIL Marketing & Communication is a leading total-communications-advertising agency in Myanmar.

Over the last 20 years, it has launched some of the largest brands in Myanmar such as Myanmar Beer, Close-up, Fair & Lovely, Milo, and Adra.

MOC secure SEA Games advertising deal

By Scott Wilson

M I D D L E S B R O U G H , United Kingdom – Brazil showed Team GB the standard required to win gold at the Olympics as the tournament favourites warmed up for the London Games with a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium on July 20.

First-half goals from T o t t e n h a m H o t s p u r midfielder Sandro and Santos forward Neymar earned the South Americans a deserved friendly success a n d s u g g e s t e d t h a t manager Stuart Pearce has a considerable amount of work to do ahead of Great Britain’s first Olympic fixture against Senegal at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Braz i l ’ s swagger ing display confirmed their status as leading contenders for Olympic gold, the only major honour to have so far eluded the five-time World Cup winners and eight-time Copa America champions.

It was a chastening experience for Pearce and his players in a fixture that was supposed to showcase their qualities ahead of Great

Britain’s first appearance in the Olympic football event since 1960 in Rome.

Pearce said they had been beaten by the favourites for Olympic gold after seeing his side outclassed by Brazil.

“We knew how good Brazil would be,” conceded Pearce, the former England international. “They’re an outstanding side. We now understand the magnitude of the task ahead, because whoever beats Brazil will earn the gold medal.

The creation of the British team has not been without controversy as the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Football Associations had all been vehemently opposed to the move and effectively tried to block their nations’ players from taking part.

T h e r e w a s W e l s h representation in the form of Neil Taylor, Joe Allen, Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy, supplementing the core of a side that was largely made up of English players who had played under Pearce in the Under-21s.

There was no David Beckham though, with the former England skipper having been overlooked as Pearce selected Giggs,

B e l l a m y a n d M i c a h Richards as his three over-age players.

Only one member of Brazil’s 18-strong squad is not a senior international, and the quality at the disposal of head coach Mano Menezes was apparent from the outset at the Riverside.

B r a z i l s h o u l d h a v e claimed the lead as early as the sixth minute, but while long-time Chelsea target Neymar outpaced James Tomkins to reach Leandro Damiao’s flick-on, he blazed a wild shot over the crossbar.

The visitors did not have to wait long to claim the lead though.

Six minutes later, Neymar floated over a bouncing free-kick from the edge of the penalty area and Sandro peeled off at the back post to head home from an acute angle.

Richards saw a header cleared off the line on 15 minutes by Paris Saint-Germain new boy Thiago Silva, but that was to prove a rare positive moment for Team GB amid a barrage of Brazilian attacking.

Brazil went close again when Leandro Damiao

headed Rafael Da Silva’s right-wing cross over the crossbar, but the South Americans deservedly doubled their lead 10 minutes before half-time.

Richards fouled Hulk as he twisted beyond the British back four, and Neymar calmly drilled a powerful penalty beyond

Jason Steele’s right hand.Steele was replaced by

Jack Butland at the interval, and the Birmingham City goalkeeper produced smart saves to deny both Oscar and Leandro Damiao in the opening 10 minutes of the second half.

Bellamy drew an excellent point-blank save from Brazil

goalkeeper Rafael Barbosa, although the Liverpool striker had already been flagged offside, and the hosts at least enjoyed a greater share of possession in the latter stages.

The GB side launch their campaign against Senegal at Manchester United’s Old Trafford on July 26. – AFP

Brazil show Team Great Britain the Olympic gold standard

Great Britain midfielder Tom Cleverley (left) vies for the ball with Brazilian forward Neymar in the London 2012 Olympic games warm up match in Middlesbroughon on July 20.

Pic: AFP

2

By San Tun Aung

The general health status of Myanmar has seen some im-provements over the past 20

years as key health indicators from the year 1990 to 2009 show.

Life expectancy at birth for men and women, infant mortality rate, under-5 mortality rate and maternal mortality ratio have all seen prog-ress under the reduction of state health subsidies and the growth of private-for-profit health services that characterises this period.

The country experienced a sig-nificant change in its health care system following the take over of state power by the military in 1988. The government retreated from the socialist policies instituted after the approval of the 1973 Constitu-tion, introducing a market-oriented economic system, and withdrawing government subsidies significantly in many sectors including public health care. Since then, a private-for-profit health care system has grown significantly and has been fulfilling health needs of the people in paral-lel with the public health system.

In the post-socialist era, people have been able to receive free medi-cal advice at public health facili-ties, but have had to share costs for diagnosis and medicine from their own pockets in many cases.

And yet, the country’s health infrastructure remains backward, especially when compared to Thai-land, its much more economically developed neighbour. Some health indicators are positive, however, with the ratio of physicians per popula-tion in Myanmar comparable to its neighbour. But the overriding impediment to the country’s health care system has been the limited allocation of the state budget on health.

According to WhO World health Statistics (2010), total health expen-ditures in Myanmar came to 2.02 per cent of gross domestic product for the year 2009. The government’s

spending on health accounted for 0.8pc of general government health expenditure and represented 9.72pc of total health expenditures. In terms of purchasing power parity with US dollars, total health ex-penditure and general government health expenditure per capita was 23 and 2 respectively in 2009 (eSCAP 2011).

There were around 871 public hospitals in the country by 2010. The government built a total of 210 new public hospitals over a span of 21 years between 1990 and 2010. The country had approximately 39,060 hospital beds at public facilities. And on average there were 67 hospital beds per 100,000 people at public health facilities.

There were 24,536 total doctors: 9,728 in the public sector and the rest in the private sector (Statisti-cal Year Book 2010 and Myanmar health Statistics 2010). The number of physicians per 1000 people was 0.5 in 2008. This is slightly higher than the 0.3 physicians per 1000

people in Thailand (2004) and 0.2 physicians per 1000 in Cambodia (2008) (eSCAP 2011).

A 2006 report by the Ministry of health indicated the need for drastic health manpower development in the country from 1988 to 2006, while the state run newspaper, Kyemon Daily, recently advertised for the recruitment of 1500 doctors for the public health sector (July 2, 2012).

According to Ministry of health data in 2011, the number of doc-tors increased by more than 50pc from 12,668 to 18,725 while that of nurses climbed by almost 2.5 folds, from 8349 to 19,922. The growth in the number of midwives was also significant, increasing two-fold from 8121 to 16,699.

TradiTional MedicineIn addition to allopathic medi-

cine, there are also 14 traditional medicine hospitals run by the gov-ernment to supplement numerous traditional medicine clinics operated by individuals across the country

(Myanmar health Care System 2011).

The University of Traditional Medicine was established in 2001 and the University of Public health founded in 2007. Basic training on indigenous medicine is now included in the curriculum for undergraduate courses at medical colleges (WhO 2008).

Traditional medical practitioners are trained at public traditional medical institutions. With the es-tablishment of public traditional medical institutions, the quality of traditional medical practitioners is standardised and their licenses regulated.

Traditional medicine plays an im-portant role in the country’s health system. For many urban residents general practitioners are their first contact point, but for rural residents it is the norm for them to go visit a midwife, who is a primary health care giver in most rural areas, or a traditional medical practitioner depending on the type of illness, preference of individuals or avail-ability of health practitioners.

Midwives are deployed at the

peripheral level of interaction with communities to deliver essential primary health care services such as vaccinations, antenatal care, child birth, directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) and home care. These midwives also act as an initial point of referral for sick people to secondary and tertiary medical treatment (NAP 2006).

GoinG privaTehowever, the real impact to health

care provision was the system introduced to supplement the public health sector by the government soon after its assumption of power after 1988.

There were great changes in the quality of health and medical servic-es and people’s accessibility to them when the government introduced the market-oriented economic sys-tem in the country in 1989.

With the introduction of the new economic model, the private-for-profit sector has seen immense growth as people who became wealthier in the ensuing economic environment sought to purchase quality health care, a demand that

An overview of health careThe population of Myanmar in 2009-2010 was estimated at 59.13 million, an increase of 0.75 million over the 2008-2009 figure of 58.38 million, a growth rate of 1.29 percent.

About 70 pc of the population resides in rural areas with the rest urban residents (Statistical Year Book 2010). In 2008, mean density for the whole country was 86 persons per square kilometre, ranging from 666 persons per square kilometre in the Yangon Region – the business capital – to 15 persons per square kilometre in Chin State, the northwestern part of the country.

Myanmar has a young population, with 0-14 year-olds making up about one-third (32.32 pc) of the population, while people over 60 represent only 8.79 pc of the total population. Retirement age for public servants is 60 years.

Male and female sex ratio is 98.91 and 100 (Myanmar Health Statistics 2010).

A patient seeks medical advice at a clinic in Yangon. Pic: Yadanar

3

An overview of health carethe public sector struggled to fulfil.

The few private hospitals and clinics that are equipped with modern equipment and laboratories now play a great role in provid-ing health services. Private sector health care currently accounts for an estimated 70-80pc of ambulatory care but their contribution to public health programs is still very limited (WhO 2008).

In contrast with the private-for-profit health sector, provision of public health services has only seen moderate development and there are quite a few instances in which medicines, medical supplies and medical equipment face shortages at public facilities.

The Myanmar government’s allocation for public health was far lower (until recently) than two of Southeast Asia’s comparable countries. The governments of Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao PDR spent 0.8pc, 9.3pc and 3.7pc respectively on health from total govern-ment expenditures in the year 2009.

The absolute values of per capita expendi-ture in terms of purchasing power parity for these countries come to US$2, $32 and $16 respectively (eSCAP 2011).

Due to the government’s limited funding, public health infrastructure has not been steadily developed, maintained or updated. Its personnel have also been chronically under-resourced as well as hospitals often facing a shortage of commodities and medicines (NAP 2006).

One of the main reasons may be that the government has been undergoing annual budget deficits (Turnell 2011) due to the imple-mentation of numerous public infrastructure projects in combination with the minimal annual revenues it receives.

Public health centres, especially in the periphery of the country, are under-staffed and the workers are under-paid: wage increases have not been able to cope with rising com-modity prices for public health staff to main-tain their existing lifestyle.

Overwork and relatively low remuneration are the two main reasons that sometimes make personnel at public health facilities lose interest in rendering their services. Due to these conditions, there has been a lack of mo-tivation for fresh medical graduates to join the public health service. Only a certain portion of fresh graduates are willing to join the public health sector as many can make more money as private general practitioners.

Because the country can at present turn out many more doctors than it can employ in the public health sector, the old requirement of medical graduates having to serve the govern-ment for three years to get their license is no longer mandatory.

insurance coverAnother factor that hinders the improve-

ment of the health status of people in the country is the absence of a universal health insurance scheme. Only people working at some government departments and interna-tional organisations are entitled to one form of health insurance scheme or another. employ-ees in both the public sector and private sector companies with more than five workers are eligible for the government’s social security system. This scheme was established in the country in 1954. Under it, employees in most occupations are entitled to compulsory insur-ance regardless of the nature of the work in which they are engaged, their job status as permanent or temporary, and irrespective of the amount and form of their remuneration (Statistical Year Book 2010).

however, not all employers, especially those in the private sector, are aware of, or have the

health of their employees insured under the scheme. Furthermore, the plan covers only employees and not their family members. It is for these reasons that the majority of the population are still not covered by any health insurance system.

Therefore, when it comes to health services, it is often the case that the private sector’s share has to be exclusively funded through ‘out-of-pocket’ payments and this imposes a great burden on less fortunate households (NAP 2006). This out-of-pocket payment has become the norm even in public hospitals since the introduction of the market-oriented economy.

In order to help those in need, certain public hospitals have been urged to raise and estab-lish trust funds whose annual interests are used to support the less advantaged in access-ing necessary medicinal support and diagnos-tic services where user charges are mandatory. The total amount of such funds established in hospitals throughout the country was recorded at 5494 million kyat in October 2009 (Myanmar health Statistics 2010).

conclusionIn spite of many adversities, the gen-

eral health standard of the population has improved compared to that of 20 years ago. Women’s life expectancy at birth rose from 60.2 years in 1990 to 65.0 years in 2009 while for men it increased from 57.5 years to 62.1 years over the same period. Infant mortality ratio fell slightly from 47 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 43.4 in 2007 (Myanmar health Sta-tistics 2010). The maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births dropped from 420 in 1990 to 240 in 2008 while births attended by skilled health personnel rose from 46pc in 1990 to 64pc in 2007 (eSCAP 2011).

These successes were attributable to a strong political commitment by the gov-ernment, efficient implementation of pro-grammes by health personnel, especially from the public health sector, and earnest cooperation from UN agencies, international non-governmental organisations and local non-governmental organisations via external funding.

The fact that the government has developed and implemented successive national health plans and specific plans under them in col-laboration with partners may also have been conducive to people’s improved general health status.

The country implemented its health pro-grams under the National health Plan 2006-2010 with health system goals of raising aver-age levels and reducing inequalities, improving its response beyond standard expectations and ensuring fairness in the distribution of financial contributions (WhO 2008).

While the government continued to face international sanctions until very recently, the bulk of funding still came from external sourc-

es for many of its major health programmes. Nevertheless, greater collaboration between

different partners and increased investment from international sources allowed for suc-cessful implementation of such interventions.

A 2004 report from Brussels-based Interna-tional Crisis Group highlighted two important reasons for the success of health programmes in Myanmar: efficiency of health personnel from both public and non-government sec-tors and the relative lack of resources going unaccounted in the course of delivering health services to the target population (ICG 2004). The report specifically mentioned that most of their informants found no evidence of official development assistance funds being siphoned off compared to any other country in the re-gion, even believing it to be significantly less.

The new government has announced a series of reform measures to effect changes in all political, economic and social spheres. But

the most important measures to improve the general health status of the country are both internal and external. The government has suggested further significant increases of state expenditure on health, while donor countries promise increased aid for implementation of new and expanded health programmes for the country.

U hla Tun, Minister for Finance & Revenue, reported to the parliamentary session last Feb-ruary that public budget on health would be raised to 3.0 pc of the total state expenditures in the 2012-2013 financial year against 1.1 pc for the preceding year (Weekly eleven).

Increased spending on health from both internal and external sources and other reform measures to be taken by the govern-ment would greatly improve the government’s objective of uplifting the health status of all citizens.

The Ministry of Health takes charge of services in the prevention, promotion, cure and rehabilitation at all levels through seven departments and hospitals and clinics and other health centres at various levels.

The departments are Department of Health Planning, Department of Health, Department of Medical Science, Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar), Department of Medical Research (Upper Myanmar), Department of Medical Research (Central Myanmar) and Department of Traditional Medicine. Each of the departments is headed by a director-general (Health Infrastructure 2011).

The Department of Medical Sciences is responsible for turning out health personnel through its four medical colleges, two nursing colleges and two colleges of medical technology, two institutions on pharmacy, two dental medicine faculties and 43 nursing and midwifery training schools (NAP 2006).

A child receives a measles innoculation. Pic: MT

4

By Kyaw Hsu Mon

The floor of the entrance pas-sageway of Yangon General hospital was crammed with

people; some lying and even sleep-ing on the floor as if it was their bed, while others sat up chatting with each other.

This was the scene I would see on a daily basis while I spent a week in YGh with two broken legs from a car accident in April.

It was a chance to see first hand the state’s challenges in healthcare, receiving many interesting experi-ences about medical treatments, hospital charges, manners of doctors and lack of hospital apparatuses, as well as hearing many experiences by talking with other patients.

I was admitted to the No 5- 6 ward of the Orthopaedic Department, Trauma Ward in YGh, to undergo an operation for fractures in both my legs.

These wards are one of the few places for fracture patients in the whole country, receiving orthopae-dic problems from all manner of accidents.

As I arrived, I was greeted by the scene of people sitting or sleeping in the corridors of the wards, which, I came to learn, were actually waiting family members of patients. After passing them by, I entered the ward and room I was assigned. I was struck by the poor natural light, electric fans that didn’t work, and hospital beds of different sizes. Some beds were even propped up with bricks underneath.

There was also a bit of a smell in the ward.

Several more family members of patients were sleeping on the floor by their beds. But the ward was full of patients, there was not a single vacant bed for me.

I was then re-admitted to stay in ward number 15 on the top floor of the hospital because of the lack of room in wards 5 and 6. Fortunately number 15 was not as bad.

It was a light, airy room, by being on the top floor, and the beds and fans were in good condition. I was

told these were special rooms given to patients only with approval from a specialist, not for everyone.

There weren’t as many patients here too, so, I have to say, I was able to settle in easier.

The ward was clean and not over-crowded because the head of the ward and five alternative orthopae-dic surgeons visited everyday.

“Before, the floors of most wards were so dirty because cleaning staff didn’t clean up all the mess. Now they clean everyday but we have to tip them,” said a family member of a regular patient from Bahan Town-ship, who asked not to be named.

he also said that patients and their family members had to take

care to observe the temperament of the nurse on duty, as sometimes they would start shouting and use aggressive language.

YGh mainly caters for poorer patients, but also receives those who would prefer to pay private, but required to come due to a police case including car accident. They are then able to pay a tip to receive bet-ter care than the regular patients.

“Because there is no discipline at the lower level you have that kind of situation. People who visit the hos-pital have to pay tip money to the guard of the entry of the ward, and they charge over K1000 a time to see a patient,” he told The Myanmar Times.

“They [authorities] need to figure out how to stop those bad habits, and how to manage the staff. They need to reform even the basic is-sues,” he said.

The main issue revolves on low salaries, with even a junior doctor earning about K100,000 a month, while cleaners get K20,000, and un-able to cover living costs.

My visit to the hospital was during Thingyan (water festival) celebra-tions for Myanmar new year. As it is a holiday, only overtime levels of staff were present and extremely busy, so I had to have my legs treated in the emergency depart-ment before going on to an ortho-paedic ward.

There were over 100 people com-ing into the emergency department on the last day of Thingyan, accord-ing to the doctors on duty. Many were injured from fighting or vehicle accidents like mine.

The numbers of injured were so high that the doctors were constant-ly struggling to treat the patients, according to staff on duty.

“The doctors on duty during the festival are so busy,” said a junior doctor while bandaging the wound of a patient injured in the head. “We have to cover the situation without sufficient medicine or doctors. That is why it is so crowded.”

I wondered how they managed such a system in YGh because it seemed the hospital struggled with many problems.

“If each of our superiors knew the needs of the lower level staff, the state’s reforms in the sector would be noticeable,” he said.

however, Dr Aung Thein htay, an orthopaedic surgeon said that YGh was the only hospital in the country to have complete operations ap-paratus (much of which is acquired through donation), so patients from other clinics and private hospitals get transferred there for emergency operations, adding to the complex-ity.

Although services in YGh are dependent on various charges, it still remains a cheap and comprehensive option for a majority of people.

however, my visit came to a total of K1,000,000, covering everything from operation costs to tip money for the ward guards.

The number of patients given treatment in YGh are countless, and the appearance of the building is certainly showing its age, built in 1899.

As most people rely on YGh for their treatments, it sorely needs greater attention and a focus on reforms to improve all levels of management and service provision in order to live up to its duty as the country’s main health care provider. Certainly a start to address the country’s many health needs.

– TranslaTed by Thiri Min hTun

YGH needs greater attention of reforms

Vendors sell refreshments outside of Yangon General Hospital on Bogyoke Aung San Street. Pic: booThee

GovernMenT hospiTals

Bahan Women’s HospitalNo.32, Bogyoke Museum St, Bahan Tsp.

-554856, 550856

Central Women’s HospitalBaho Road., Lamadaw Tsp. -221013, 222811, 222804-6

Dagon Myo Thit (East) HospitalMin Ye Kyaw Swar St, Ward(122), east DagonTsp. -585195

Dagon Myo Thit (North) HospitalYarza Dayit Rd., east Dagon Tsp. -584071Dagon Myo Thit (South) hospitalPalei Yadanar St, Ward(26), South Dagon Tsp. -590074

Ear, Nose & Throat HospitalBanyar Dala St, Tarmway Tsp. -543888,544000

General Hospital (Hlaing Thar Yar)Nyaung Tone Rd, Near Yone Shae Bus Stop,hlaing Thar Yar Tsp. -645031

General Hospital (Insein)Baho Rd, Nant Thar Gone Ward, Insein Tsp.-640132, 642025, 640523

General Hospital (North Okkalapa)May Darwi Rd, (Sa-Lein) Ward, NorthOkkalapa Tsp. -01699422, 01699423,01699424

General Hospital (Shwe Pyi Thar)Bayint Naung Rd, Shwe Pyi Thar Tsp.– 01611008

Infectious Disease Hospital (Wai Bar Gi)May Darwi Rd, Corner of DhamaThukha St, Wai Bar Gi, NorthOkkalapa Tsp. -01690118

continued on page 8

List of government and private hospitals in Yangon

5

By Yhoon Hnin

The Myanmar Times recently spoke with U Khin Maung Maung, 95-year old former

police commissioner and captain of happy Golfers Club, about old age, health and fulfilment.

Q: despiTe your aGe you are sTill acTive. how do you Main-Tain ThaT?

I do look after my health. I play golf till now but only in modera-tion within limits of my physical strength. Some young people say to me they can’t believe that I can still play and say they will never be able to play golf at the same age. I say don’t let your mind focus on the negatives. Never think of the glass as half empty, instead see it as half full.

Q: whaT do you do To keep healThy?

A: I eat and sleep at the right times and treat other people with a good mind and without jealousy. Good behaviour is very important to maintain a positive lifestyle. Also I don’t drink and I don’t smoke.

Q: whaT abouT MenTal aware-ness?

A: I don’t obsess over anything

that much. As the Buddha says, it is about how to live the middle way, so however good or bad something is, I never overreact. For me whatever it is I accept it and am happy. every-body is born and will die.

Q: buT shouldn’T people enjoy happiness?

A: Its about keeping your mind steady to minimize stress. That is what can lead to happiness and pleasure.

Q: when you were younG, you MusT have had sTressful Mo-MenTs, how did you ManaGe This?

A: I don’t let my mind become frustrated through stress. I try to relieve it by meditating.

I have been doing regular medita-tion since I was 50 years old. I am happy most of the time and a happy mind is more important than a materially richer life. So I solve prob-lems through meditation.

Q: whaT did you dreaM of be-coMinG when you were a child?

A: I wanted to be someone who could provide the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people. The most important thing to live longer is related to having compassion.

Q: whaT are your values in your life?

A: In my life, meditation is very important. I donate things in order to ensure I maintain a good character. This is very important for me, and can be the way to living a healthier life.

Q: so would you say reliGious belief has an effecT on you QualiTy of life and aGe?

A: Religion is the way you live your life and support your mind. All reli-gious faiths direct people to be kind hearted and to have good behaviour.

Q: whaT do you say To Those who suffer “coMpassion fa-TiGue”?

A: everybody is born with greed. We need to control it not to become egotistical. Because of greed, jealou-sy accumulates and we must get rid of this, to minimize it. If we cannot control them, it creates instability.

Q: how abouT MarriaGe, love and faMily?

A: Family is very important for anyone, but family problems can have a negative effect on health. Marriage is a gamble and can be a success or a failure. According to

Myanmar traditional culture, to ensure love and marriage you need to consider all aspects in the family

and work for others. I guess I have been lucky in this.

Secrets of old age

By Su Hlaing Htun

"I hAve no worries for my last mo-ments in life. I had been content throughout my life and now I’m ready for the last journey."

These are the words of Daw htwe Sein, a sprightly 94 year old living in Pyinmana, speaking to the Myanmar Times on the things that have helped her reach such a grand old age.

“every morning, I begin my day reciting the Buddha, the Dhama and the Sangha. I recite it from the morning to night,” she said.

Recalling her life as the wife of a farmer, she said she could look back happily even if it was not a rich one.

“I would say that I’ve lived happily my entire life because my husband was kind to me and my children looked after me well,” said the mother of eight children.

Growing up in a family that

worked in agriculture for genera-tions, it seemed natural that she would marry a man who would do the same. Daw htwe Sein herself became a seamstress alongside her duty as a housewife.

“I could tailor about 20 bodices a day during my youth,” she said.

Although she had eight children, including twins, only two siblings remain, she said, outlasting them all.

She is now living with her daugh-ter and grandchild earning a modest living with a grocery store in their rented home. her daughter, Daw Myint Sein, attributed her mother’s good health to a strict diet.

“She mostly ate vegetables and fish since she was young. And she never suffered any serious disease except a gallstone three years ago. even that has been cured,” said Daw Myint Sein.

her mother’s eyes and ears are

still good but she does suffer from a painful numbness in her body.

“I feel tired and sometimes my hands and legs feel numb. I get hot in my stomach too. I’m getting old,” Daw htwe Sein said.

Nevertheless, she said she has a stubborn streak and insists on tak-ing care of herself.

“I can apply thanaka by myself and still wash my clothes. I don’t want to ask other people to do anything on my behalf,” Daw htwe Sein said.

he last wish in life is to be able to return to living in a house in the country surrounded by many trees like her old farm. It was seized by the government over 20 years ago.

“I am longing for my own house like when I lived near fields and many trees. I still hope to live in such a home before I die,” said the old woman. – TranslaTed by Zar Zar soe

Reflections on a healthy life

U Khin Maung sits at home in Yangon. Pic: Yhoon hnin

Daw Htwe Sein sits in her house in Pyinmana. Pic: Su hlaing hTun

6

By Pinky

ADULT men in Myanmar have enjoyed a long tradition of drinking beer and whiskey

with meals or among friends, but in bars, clubs, and pubs across the country a change is underway.

Women and students, two groups who were previously rare sights in any bar, are driving a significant rise in alcohol consumption. Lo-cals speculate that as Myanmar’s government has eased restrictions and engaged more with the West in recent years these groups are enjoying their new freedoms by en-gaging in a more western-style of celebration. A style which involves drinking heavily.

“The number of alcohol consum-ers are increasing when compared to six or seven years ago” said Ko Kyaw Swar, floor manager of 50th Street Restaurant and Bar in downtown. “Our customers are mostly from 20 to 45 year old working class people. Beers are the best sale of every night.”

Unfortunately, this new trend has led to a rise in diseases and even deaths associated with alcohol.

“When you list down the disad-vantages of alcohol consumption, it will be very long,” Dr Kun Tho told The Myanmar Times.

“heavy consumption raises blood pressure, stomach disorders, and cancers, particularly of the mouth, throat and gullet. And it is also a cause of hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver, impaired development of the brain.”

For women, it can lead to breast cancer and harm unborn children.

For men, it has been known to cause impotence, he said.

According to research, drinking heavily increases your calorie intake and is frequently associated with obesity. Adding three or four units (equivalent to a pint and a half of four percent beer) a day to your usu-al diet would lead to an increase in weight of about 4lbs in four weeks.

Most people believe that only beer can make them gain weight, so they drink wine or whisky instead. When actually, wine, beer, whisky, cider, and spirits are all made by fermenting and distilling the same natural starch and sugar, and high in calories.

Mr Arnold, a 36 year old dance instructor in Yangon, has had a long history with alcohol. “When I was a teenager, I used to drink a lot. Like every day with a group of friends. At that time I felt lazy, tired easily and unhealthy.”

however, Mr Arnold continued drinking until he developed serious problems with his stomach and liver. Today he only drinks occasionally out of concern for his life and his job.

“Dancing is my career.” he said, “If I don’t have a strong body and health, I won’t be able to continue doing it.”

Despite all this, alcohol consump-tion does have some small but no-

table benefits. Moderate consump-tion of alcohol is associated with a decreased risk of cardiac decline, while other benefits include lower risk of diabetes, higher bone mineral density, and reduced risk of arthritis and kidney stones.

“As mentioned earlier, large amounts of alcohol raises blood pressure. On the other hand, small amounts of alcohol provide a lot of advantages for our blood,” said Dr Kun Tho, “such as increasing hDL, decreasing thrombosis, reducing fibrinogen, increasing fibrinolysis, reducing artery spasm from stress and increasing coronary blood flow. So it has a good benefits for fat

people who can easily [contract] the above diseases.”

Small amounts of alcohol can even benefit mental capacity. Studies of people who either drank two pints of beer or two glasses of wine before solving a brain teaser indicate they not only got more questions right, but were able to give correct answers faster than those who answered the questions sober.

In rural areas of Myanmar, there are several ethnic groups who drink alcohol regularly for their health and energy. The Kayah, for example, traditionally drink Kuang Pu, which they personally brew from millet seed and yeast.

“everyone in the village drink [Kuang Pu] every day, especially after work in the evening. There are some people who drink it in the morn-ing before they go to the farm,” said Nan Lao Kham, a businessman who has been to a small village in Kayah State several times.

Nan Lao Kham even saw children as young as five being served the liquor, which some Kayah believe has medicinal value. Nan Lao Kham is not so sure. “What I saw was they still got drunk from drinking too much.”

While this traditional alcohol can be less dangerous than other liquors, it still carries all the same risks. Doctors suggest that men should not drink more than three to four units of alcohol a day while women should not regularly drink more than two to three (equivalent to a 175 ml glass of wine). enjoy-ing alcohol in ways both new and traditional, the priority is always to exercise caution.

Liqour consumption on the rise

By Lwin Mar Htun

MeN and women of all ages wish they could lose weight. Some rely on pills, while others skip meals during the day. While these are popular approaches, doctors like Mee Mee Ko say they do more harm than good.

“It’s not good to use pills to lose weight,” she said. “By taking a pill you can suffer negative ef-fects; because of the pill you will never want to eat, you will become slowly thinner and thinner. At the end you will become weak and suffer from disease easily.”

If you think that cutting out a meal is a way to lose weight, think again. That can be just as bad for your metabolism. Instead, concentrate on eating a diet of healthy food and smaller portions. It’s an easy and effective way to lose weight, all you need is patience.

According to Dr Mee Mee Ko, “eating more veggies, fruits and reducing the amount of rice that contains carbohy-drate will be good for your blood flow. If you reduce the amount of your dinner, you will sleep well. It is good for your stomach and at the same time you can

loss weight too”.Zay Yar Muang struggled with his

weight as he became a teenager, weigh-ing 200 pounds at age 13.

“When I was 13 years old I went to the gym but I was always eating burg-ers and other foods high in calories. So, I couldn’t lose weight and became fat,” he said. “After I finished 10th standard I was 300 pounds, and my mom told me to diet.”

his new diet plan included exercise at the Grand Mee Ya hta hotel Sport Club and smaller, healthier meals. “I eat more veggies and fruits. I drink only water, and my dinner is only fruits such as watermel-on, orange and apple” said Zay Yar Maung.

In two years, he went from 300 back down to 201 pounds. he is living proof that weight loss through proper dieting takes time.

If you are thinking about starting your own diet, try to concentrate on the following foods:

Apples – the pectin found in apples can prevent your body from absorbing too much fat.

Avocados – don’t be afraid to eat avocados, they contain a sugar called mannoheptulose that helps lower insulin

levels to prevent you from storing fat.Broccoli – this veggie is well-known for

its cancer-preventing powers, but with a punch of filling fibre that takes away under 30 calories.

Lean meats like chicken breast or fish like salmon and tuna – these are healthy sources of protein, which is crucial for weight loss. If you’re a vegetarian you can enjoy protein-rich foods like tofu.

Storing too much fat in your body is a big risk for men and women of any age. It makes being active harder and catch-ing diseases easier. But with patience and the right diet, anyone can lose weight.

Choosing healthy ways to lose weight

A bar tender poors cocktails at a bar in Yangon. Pic: Ko TaiK

Supplement pills on display at a convenience store in Yangon. Pic: Yadanar

7

By Naw Say Phaw Waa

The Myanmar Times interviewed Dr Nay Win, a retired professor and former head of the orthopaedic department, to

talk about bone care, traditional medicine, and perceptions of beauty.

whaT are The MosT coMMon bone issues you coMe across?

Mostly bone fractures of elderly people and especially among women. We have patients with broken legs, hip or broken spine, which were caused by a thinning of the bone.

Women normally suffer these diseases after menopause. Their bones are not strong like when they were young. This is because there is a lack of oestrogen after menopause.

Their bones can be easily broken through a minimal injury, for example, even a slip on a staircase can see the femur break.

You don’t need to fall from a palm tree or be in a car accident to break a bone. even minor accidents can cause bone fractures.

When women get older, their spine becomes thinner. Overall height decreases, mainly be-cause of a reduction of bone mass. And bones become easily breakable, with compression fractures of the vertebrae causing pain and reduced mobility. That’s why the bones are not strong anymore. even a slip in the bathroom can break a wrist.

2. why we should look afTer our bones when younG?

Osteoporosis can occur because of genetic inheritance. For example, if your mother has that disease and your aunt also has it, you are sure to have it too. You can’t avoid it if your genes have that sort of disease. however, tak-ing more calcium, doing regular exercise, and not smoking or drinking can help.

even if your genes have that disease, 60 percent of those affected are still unlikely to develop osteoporosis.

3. whaT do you recoMMend doinG when

younG? A well-balanced diet with adequate amounts

of calcium is very important. especially for women who have osteoporosis should take more calcium.

There are not many people in our country taking enough calcium. Normally young adults start to develop their bone mass around 13, 14, 15 years old. So they should start intaking more calcium during that period.

Between 25 and 30 is the best time to save bone mass. Bone mass accumulates the most in this period. But the accumulation of bone mass will not improve if they didn’t eat cal-cium like milk and dairy products since they were young. Some vegetables like sesame also have calcium. And if you can’t eat a lot or can’t drink milk, there are calcium capsules you can take.

5. whaT inTeresTinG incidenTs have you wiTnessed?

I would say bone surgeries are among the most difficult surgeries. We can’t judge only by looking at the external appearance. We can find crushed bone only when we open up. I have been doing bone surgery for many years, but that I never underestimate.

Bone surgeons are also not like other doc-tors as we have to use more equipment than others. We never have enough as they are very expensive.

For broken necks or broken hips, for ex-ample, we need to use specific types of equip-ments. Our country is poor so it is hard to get hold of such devices. If we can’t afford it, we can’t use it. Also we are not open enough to the outside world, which makes it harder to get such devices. however, our priority is to fulfil people’s basic needs as we can.

6. There are a loT of cases involvinG pa-TienTs wiTh bone fracTures visiTinG Tra-diTional Medicine pracTiTioners. whaT would you say are The advanTaGes and disadvanTaGes of ThaT?

Most bones can recast by themselves when

the break is moderate. Bones join more easily and more speedily for children than adults. It doesn’t matter where you go – either to a mon-astery or Chinese doctor or Indian doctor – so long as the bone can be placed in the accurate position. If that is done well then the healing process is natural. But if the broken bones are not placed well or in the correct position, it can create curvatures. For example, if you bandage the break too firmly, it could have negative impact and even end up requiring amputation.

4. whaT are your Tips To MiniMiZe inju-ries or bone fracTures in a car acci-denT?

You can get minor injuries in work but they are generally not serious like a car accident. Injuries from a car accident can include broken skull, broken neck and anywhere on the whole body. I urge people of the benefits of using a seat belt. It has been considered standard prac-tice for a long time now. If you use a seat belt, it reduces your chances of injury in an accident by 50pc. And using a seat belt is not only for drivers but also for the people who sit beside and behind them. Another thing is that trucks meant to carry cargo should not be used as public transport. That is also very dangerous.

7. There are a loT of people who are seekinG cosMeTic bone surGery. is This a safe opTion?

There are many ways to become beautiful

through body modification. A lot of people do it. It can be dangerous by itself though.

each definition of beauty is different. Some people make marks on their back to be beautiful, while others operate on their hip to be more beautiful. Some people have calf surgery to become smaller. Short people inject their bones to get a little taller. It’s all popular today And it is both men and women doing it.

There is always a danger whatever you do. All surgeries have their own side effects … It’s rare to say a surgery is 100 percent success-ful. Sometimes people can make a mistake because they are human beings. If you are thinking of doing it [having surgery], think first.

Before the surgery, doctors also need to explain the potential side effects to the patient. Then the doctors can do the surgery after they have got agreement.

The definition of beauty is complex because it depends only on our own eyes. Beauty is important, but to be healthy is more so. If you are healthy, you are attractive.

8. is Their a final MessaGe you would like To say?

Get treatment as soon as possible or you risk many problems. If you get an injury, it’s very important to see a doctor. If you don’t, the situation can get worse. That’s why everyone should go to the hospital right away if some-thing has happened.

How to care your bones

PARIS – A third of the world’s adults are physically inactive, and the couch potato lifestyle kills about five million people every year, experts said in the medical journal The Lancet on July 18.

"Roughly three of every 10 in-dividuals aged 15 years or older – about 1.5 billion people – do not reach present physical ac-tivity recommendations," they said in a report that described the problem as a "pandemic."

The picture for adolescents is even more worrying, with four out of five 13- to 15-year-olds not moving enough, it said.

Physical inactivity was de-scribed for the study as failing to do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week, 20 minutes of vigorous

activity three times a week, or a combination of the two.

Inactivity increases with age, is higher in women than in men, and more prevalent in high-income countries, the researchers found.

A second study, compar-ing physical activity levels with population statistics on diseases like diabetes, heart problems and cancer, said lack of exercise claimed more than 5.3 million of the 57 million deaths worldwide in 2008.

It said inactivity was a risk factor comparable to smoking or obesity.

Lack of exercise causes an estimated six percent of coro-nary heart disease cases, seven percent of type 2 diabetes (the most common form) and 10 percent of breast and colon

cancers, it said.Reducing inactivity by 10pc

could eliminate more than half a million deaths every year, the report said, add-ing that the estimates were conservative.

The human body needs exercise to help the bones, muscles, heart and other organs function optimally, but populations are walking, run-ning and cycling less and less as they spend more time in cars and in front of comput-ers, the investigators said.

The Lancet series called for global efforts to promote physical exercise by improving pedestrian and cyclist safety on city roads, for example, more physical education at school or promoting access to free public exercise spaces. – afp

Physical inactivity kills 5 million

2012 HEALTH Special FeatureEditors: Myo Lwin, Ben WhiteWriters: San Tun Aung,

Kyaw Hsu Mon, Yhoon Hnin, Su Hlaing Htun, Pinky, Lwin Ma Tun, Naw Say Phaw Waa,

Aung Si Hein, Nuam Bawi, Nyein Ei Ei Htwe

Design and DTP: Tin Zaw Htway, Khin Zaw, Ye Htay, Tha Hlyan,

Photographers: Kaung Htet, Ko Taik, Boothee, Yadanar

For enquires and feedbacksContact:

myolwin@myanmartimes.com.mm

8

By Aung Si Hein

AN elderly man leisurely strolls along the bridge crossing the Bago river on the outskirts of

Yangon, near Yuzana Garden city.Under a grey morning sky that still

contains a few faint flickering stars, he fixes his eyes on the horizon to test his vision, and concentrates on his steady breathing, taking in the remaining sea breeze as it coasts up the river.

U Zaw Win is almost 90 and walks this bridge every morning, most times alone, but often meeting the five other regular walkers he knows well.

“Walking is a good exercise for the whole body and senses. You have to use your eyes for seeing and your nose for breathing the fresh air when you take a walk,” he said.

he attributes his good health and con-tinued fitness to taking regular exercise since his youth.

“When I was an adolescent I played badminton, and then, joining university, I played tennis and swam in the campus

pool. Since then, my sport has been walking.”

Commenting on the peculiarities dividing the generations regarding this hobby, he added, “While seniors like me amble at dawn, young people seem to take pleasure in strolling at dusk.”

he said that walking as a form of exer-cise was not as popular in his youth as it is today, even though cars were few and most had to travel by foot.

To be as fit as U Zaw Win at the same age, the old saying rings true, ‘precaution is better than cure’. even light regular ex-ercise can help stave off some ailments and becoming dependent on a diet of pills. But it is the lifetime of being active and engaging in a number of sports that is his secret.

however, outdoor exercises are not just for keeping fit, they can also improve the mental state.

Ko Ye Paing, who works as a freelance software analyst, jogs around Kandawgyi Lake every morning with his friends.

“I go jogging with my friends in the morning as it is enjoyable and helps

not only my physical health but also my emo-tional energy. It reduces the stress I accumulate from work. After jogging, my mind is refreshed and at its fullest strength to start the day,” Ko Ye Paing said.

he discovered jogging to be a helpful mental boost when at university, finding that it gave him greater concentration in class.

Another all-round out-door exercise easy to do, and which helps improve both physical and mental capacity, is swimming, ac-cording to a Yangon swim-ming club official.

“People should swim for their health. Swimmers hardly have problems with their heart as swimming exercises strengthen the

heart. Most of all, swimming at a young age creates confidence in people in all fields they engage in,” said U Cho Maung, general secretary of Kokaine Swimming Club.

“Moreover, swimming is not a sport only for the elite but for people of all financial levels. Anyone can swim in a lake nearby, or in a stream, at next to no expense,” he said.

Yangon, being the country’s commer-cial hub and former capital, can seem too frenetic at times, filling the hours with seemingly endless obligations. But it can also provide many opportunities to take a moment and engage in outdoor exercise.

Aside from walking or swimming, there are many formal sports that should be developed for public access.

The Myanmar Rowing Federation, for example, gives embassy officials ac-cess to row in Inya Lake, but this would equally benefit extending access for kayaking and rowing to the public so that more people would be enticed into keeping fit.

Exercising help to keep mind and body active By Nuam Bawi

exeRCISe as a lifestyle choice in addition to its health aspect is taking hold in Myan-mar.

For white collar workers, spending the day sat in front of a computer certainly ne-cessitates the need to take up a pastime, compared to the physical nature of blue collar labouring, but the motivation to take up a sport goes beyond health concerns.

Kyaw Soe Win, 29, execu-tive Director at htoo Group of Companies said he started kickboxing to reduce his weight, but also because he enjoyed the sport.

“I do kick boxing to tackle my weight level. Although I went to the gym before, I felt like it didn’t help all that much. So I took up kick box-ing since January this year,” he said, adding that it was be-cause, “I’ve been interested in kickboxing since I was young. When my friend called me to join this class I jumped at the chance.”

When he does the sport, he said he feels more relaxed and can concentrate more in his job.

“It improves my stamina and also helps reduce my weight, but it also improves my personality. Although it doesn’t directly effect my job, it does help me concentrate more on my work after doing exercise,” he said.

he also believes that sports are enjoyable when doing it with friends. It can too easily be boring to do alone, and become a chore.

“I really liked sports since I was young and always tried to do it when I can. When I was young I played football and golf. It’s more enjoyable when you do sports with your friends, as well as being good

for health. If I have to do it alone I always fail to keep it up,” he said.

“These days, I’m too busy with my job so I don’t play golf anymore, but I still play football once a week,” he added.

Jeff Parry, who established Bike World Trading (BWT) Company in 1998 in Myan-mar, distributing Trek brand bicycles, said to The Myanmar Times that cycling is a good form of exercise as it is both enjoyable and with multiple health advantages.

“The health benefits of mountain biking include muscle exercise, cardiovas-cular fitness, helps build body coordination, keeps one mentally alert and can reduce body weight,” he said.

he also said that cycling is particularly good as it had less of a stress impact on the body, in particular knees and ankles that running is hard on.

his exercise schedule includes a morning walk for 30 to an hour 6 days per week and off-road mountain biking on Sunday morning for around 20 miles. he also cycles around Yangon every Friday night between 10pm to midnight.

Mountaing biking particu-larly suits busy executives, he said, as you can pick it up at any age without long term training. It is also included in a number of sports that are beneficial at any age, even older people, such as tennis, golf, trekking and squash.

he said the hope for BWT is for the wider international trend for riding mountain bikes will catch on in Myan-mar, particularly as the roads in general are rough and bro-ken, which suites the hardy construction of a mountain bike.

Sports as lifestyle choice for executive workers

continued from page 3

International Eye Bank (Yangon Eye Hospital)

No.30, Nat Mauk St, Nat MaukWard, Tarmwe Tsp. -01557956,541056, 549638

Jivitadana Sanga HospitalNo.38, Koh Min Koh Chin St,Bo Cho, Bahan Tsp. -01545782

Mental Health Hospital (Yangon)No.164, Taung Ta Loke Ward, east

Dagon Tsp. -01728814

Myanmar Railways Hospitalhlaing River Rd, Zay Gone (east)

Ward, Insein Tsp. -01642446

National Rehabilitation HospitalMin Dhama Rd, Corner of Kyaik Waing Pagoda St, Mayangone Tsp.-01660898

Orthopedic Hospital No.132, hanthawaddy Rd, ThayetTaw (North) Ward, Kyeemyindaing Tsp. -01527087

South Okkalapa Women & Chil-dren Hospital

Myittar St, South Okkalapa Tsp.

-01562522

Thaketa Township General Hospi-tal (Shu Khin Thar)

Shu Khin Thar St, Corner of Ayeyar Wun Rd, Near Thaketa Circle, Ward (7-east), Thaketa Tsp.-01544243

Thingangyun San Pya General Hospital

Kyaikkasan Pagoda St,Thingangyun Tsp. -01579890

Traditional Medicine HospitalNo.90, Ngar htat Kyee Pagoda Rd,Bahan Tsp. -01545763

Tuberculosis HospitalLower Mingalardon Rd, Sint NguWard, Insein Tsp. -01645749

University Hospital (Yangon)No.160, University Avenue Rd,Kamayut Tsp. -01535541

Worker’s HospitalKyaikkasan St, Nat Mauk Ward,Tarmwe Tsp. -01554455

Yangon Children HospitalNo.2, Pyi htaung Su Yeikthar St,Corner of Baho Rd, Pyay (West)

Ward, Dagon Tsp. -01538914

Yangon General Hospital (East) No.262, Merchant St, Botahtaung.01 292835

Yangon General Hospital (New) Bogyoke Aung San St, Corner ofPyay Rd., Lanmadaw Tsp.-01384493

Yangon General Hospital (West) Lower Kyee Myindaing Rd, Corner of Thida St, Thida Ward,Kyeemyindaing Tsp. -01222860

Yangon General Hospital (YGH) Bogyoke Aung San St, Latha Tsp. -01256112

privaTe hospiTals

Academy Specialist Clinic No.335, Lower Kyee Myin Daing Rd, htar Nar Ward, Ahlone Tsp. -01 212890

Asia Royal Cardiac & Medical CareNo.14, Baho Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. -01 538055

BahosiBahosi housing, War Dan St,

Lamadaw Tsp. -01 212932

LumbiniNo.14, Kyan Sit Thar St, hlaingTharyar Tsp. -01645100

Mahar Myaing Medicare CentreNo.308, Pyay Rd, Corner of Myay Nu St, Sanchaung Tsp. -01504927

Shin Pa KuNo.71/73, Banyar Dala St, Corner of Pho Sein Rd, Bahan Tsp. -01549820

Pin Lon No.9/1, Saya San Rd, Infront of Mahar Myaing housing , Ward (27), North Dagon Tsp. -01703301

Pun Hlaing International HospitalPan hlaing St, Pan hlaing Goft estate Avenue, Industrial Zone (6), hlaing Tharyar Tsp. -01684323

Pun Hlaing HospitalNo.380, 4th floor, FMI Shopping Centre, Bogyoke Aung San St, Pabedan Tsp. -01243010

Witoriya HospitalNo.68, Taw Win Rd, 9 Mile,Mayangone Tsp. -01666126

Sakura Medical CentreNo.23, Shin Saw Pu St, Sanchaung Tsp. -01512668

Shwe Gon Dine Specialist Centre (SSC)

No.7, Shwe Gon Dine St, Bahan Tsp. -01544128

Hla Tun Cancer Foundation No.2, Main Rd, U Tun Myat Bus Stop, Lay Daunt Kan, east Dagon Tsp. -01585134

Thukha Gabar Specialist CentreNo.615, Near Mar Lar Bus Stop, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp. -01526329

Green Cross Specialist CentreNo.101, Lan Thit St, Lamadaw Tsp. -01230551

OSC HospitalNo.137, Thu Dahmar Rd, North Okkalapa Tsp. -01656176

Guru Nanak HospitalNo.266, Thein Phyu Rd,Botahtaung Tsp. -01294086.

List of government and private hospitals ....

Tai Chi practitioners exercise at dawn in Kandawgyi park in Yangon. Pic: MT

9

By Kerry Sheridan

WAShINGTON – Thirty years into the AIDS epidemic, a cure remains

elusive but a growing arsenal of drugs could someday help end new infections, the World health Organi-zation’s hIv/AIDS chief says.

The key is figuring out how to best manage the latest advances, Got-tfried hirnschall said in an interview with AFP during a visit to Washing-ton ahead of the International AIDS Conference that began on July 22.

Antiretroviral drugs may reduce the risk of infected people pass-ing on the virus, and may prevent healthy people from becoming in-fected through sex with hIv-positive partners, but the new possibilities have also stirred controversy.

Still, these medications saved about 700,000 lives worldwide in 2010 alone, which experts have described as an extraordinary ac-complishment.

Research breakthroughs and progress in some countries "dem-onstrate that it is possible to really advance significantly in scaling up the response and even start to think about eliminating new infections," hirnschall said.

The world now has 26 antiretro-viral (ARv) drugs on the market and more in the pipeline for treating peo-ple with human immunodeficiency

virus, which has infected 60 million people and killed 25 million since the epidemic first emerged.

"We have a fairly large arsenal of drugs available," hirnschall said, noting that the drugs are better now than they used to be – less toxic, more robust, less likely to trigger resistance and more tolerable – but are still not perfect.

Side effects remain a concern, and officials are carefully monitor-ing the emergence of resistance, with the WhO set to release its first global report on drug resistance in low and middle income countries on July 17.

Recent studies have shown the po-tential benefits of starting treatment early, before the viral load gets too high, as a way to protect an infected person’s health and lower the risk of passing the disease to a partner.

Research on using ARvs as a way to prevent hIv in healthy people – also known as pre-exposure prophy-laxis or PreP – has shown conflicting results, with some promise seen in studies on heterosexual couples and gay men who took the pills faithfully.

however, one major study of African women failed to show any protection from ARvs compared to a placebo and had to be stopped early.

"We see this as probably being a central conversation at the confer-ence – the appropriate initiation for treatment and also how to best

take advantage of antiretrovirals for prevention more broadly speaking," hirnschall said.

A US advisory panel has urged the Food and Drug Administration to ap-prove the first-ever hIv prevention pill, Truvada by Gilead Sciences, for use in some high-risk populations. A decision is expected by mid-Sep-tember.

Truvada is already on the market as a treatment for people with hIv.

But some health care workers fear that the availability of a pill that could reduce the risk of getting hIv may encourage people to stop using condoms and spark a rise in risky sex behaviours.

Others are concerned about the ethics of providing hIv drugs to healthy people, when vast numbers of infected people across the world still do not have access to life-saving treatments.

And some high-risk groups remain difficult to reach, such as sex work-ers and injecting drug users who are often shut out from treatment due to restrictive laws.

"In many countries where they [drug users] constitute the major risk group, they have lower access to treatment," hirnschall said.

"We also know that in many places, men who have sex with men cannot access services in general,

or sex workers by the same token because they are stigmatized, they are criminalized in many countries and it is not easy for them to come forward to be tested and then to ac-cess services."

The WhO is also working up a set of guidelines for administering anti-retrovirals as prevention to healthy people that should be available in time for the conference.

PreP "is a promising approach. We believe it is one that is prob-ably becoming a niche intervention for certain individuals where other preventions may not be accessible or may be difficult to implement," hirnschall said.

"There are very few magic pills. But it might be one additional intervention that we could add to the arsenal of interventions that we have."

hirnschall said he was "very optimistic about the conference," the first to be held in the United States since 1990 and made possible due to the lifting of travel restrictions on hIv positive people by Washington a few years ago.

"We will hear from countries what is happening on the ground," hirn-schall said.

"The challenge is not just to set brave policies but really to have the capacity and resources that it takes to implement those." – afp

Drugs ‘arsenal’ could help end AIDS: WHO

By Nyein Ei Ei Htwe

TheRe is an old Myan-mar proverb that says one can survive with-

out food for seven days but not even half a day without water. While everyone can ap-preciate the wisdom of these words, for many in Myanmar the truth is more compli-cated. In both the city and the countryside, water-borne diseases pose a grave threat to public health.

A retired doctor from Insein Township said that there are many diseases caused by impure water, but the most

dangerous and contagious are typhoid, cholera, dysentery, internal parasites, and polio.

“Those diseases mostly outbreak in rainy season, especially at the moment in May and August, because there is so much flooding in the city,” said the doctor, who declined to give his name.

The retired doctor recalled his own experience commut-ing through flooded streets, “In these days, we need to pass through dirty water, so we need to care [because] there can be hookworms in the water. They can pierce the skin and cause anemia.”

In addition to hookworms,

impure water can contain a host of dangerous bacteria. Many have contracted polio from their drinking water and become permanently para-lyzed as a result. Many more contract dysentery, and can only be saved by a doctor put-ting a puncture in their liver to drain out the toxins.

The doctor said that just having clean drinking water is not enough, citizens should make sure their hands and food are thoroughly washed.

he went on to say that cer-tain groups are more at risk than others.

“Aged people are weak in their resistance so they must

take care in their habits when drinking water, and also for children under five years old.”

For many small children, the damage from water-borne diseases is serious enough to disable them for the rest of their lives. he added that pregnant women often have weaker immune systems

and should also be especially cautious.

Daw Cho Cho Mar, a house-wife who lives in Mandalay, has seen the effects of water-borne disease in her own community.

“My husband is an engi-neer, so he works with dust from bricks and cement on

construction sites. Most work-ers drink the water [on site] which can ... [cause] diseases,” Daw Cho Cho Mar said.

“I prepare for my family only purified water and tell the workers to drink also.”

At first she stuck to bottled water, but two years ago she upgraded to a water-purifying machine.

While there’s some cost involved in maintaining the machine, Daw Cho Cho Mar points out that it’s still cheaper than a year’s supply of bottled water, not to men-tion the piece of mind it gives her.

“If there is a purified ma-chine in our house, there is no doubt ... we can cook, wash and use it as we like safely. That’s why I urge my friends’ families to use it.”

Rainy season adds dangerof water-borne diseases

Children watch as people distribute water in a village in Thongwa township in Yangon Region last month. Pic: Kaung hTeT

A patient rests on her bed at an HIV/AIDS care centre in South Dagon, Yangon. Pic: Kaung hTeT

10

By Katherine Boyle

We know we can save on lip gloss and mascara, but when it comes to

skin, conventional wisdom (and advertisements) tell us to treat our-selves. Those anti-wrinkle creams and sunscreens are great invest-ments, right?

"Investing is such a strange word to use with beauty. It’s not invest-ment. It doesn’t pay back, really," said Linda Wells, editor-in-chief of Allure magazine, who has edited the leading beauty magazine for more than two decades. But if beauty products aren’t investments, should we be splurging?

"It depends what you can afford and how you want to spend your money," Wells said. "Some women will spend US$600 on shoes and buy their makeup from the drugstore. If you buy from a drugstore, you’re not compromising, as long as you know what you’re doing."

But what products should you use? how do you keep your skin healthy? Ms Wells shared her knowledge with us.

— ThinGs expireWith a growing number of dollar

stores in the country, many have become repositories for expired products. If you choose to buy beauty products at discount or dol-lar stores, check the expiration date. "For things like body lotions, you can shake the bottle, and if it slosh-es around like salad dressing, it’s not thick enough," Wells said. Also, don’t buy a container that has been opened or let lotions and moistur-izers sit half-used in a cabinet for years. Once ingredients are exposed to oxygen, they can become useless after a year or two.

— read labelsLook for the ingredients you need

in skin care products. They include green tea, vitamin C, pomegranate and vitamin e. Wells says to look for products that have a high percent-age of the active ingredient. Roc Retinol Correxion is an example of a great buy given its more high-end

active ingredients. ($21, drugstores).

— don’T do iT yourselfIs it ever best to make your own

skin care products? "Why would you want to?" Wells asks. "Progress has been made, and besides feeling crafty, there is no upside to making your own." Some DIY treatments can cause allergic reactions and are most often made in your home, not with machinery designed to make the ingredients penetrate the skin. "It’s a nice ritual, but it won’t help your skin."

— coMbined producTsBeauty counters try to sell you

specialized products. Instead, buy one product that does everything. Wells says you should buy a day cream or moisturizer with active ingredients and a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. (Neutrogena and Gar-nier both have combination mois-turizers with SPF 30). If you plan on going out in the sun, you have to reapply regularly. A combined product saves time and money.

— exfolianTPeople often forget to exfoliate,

and it’s a key part of a healthy skin care regimen. Many contain ingredi-ents that are rough on skin, so Wells

recommends looking for one with synthetic beads or one that has a lactic or glycolic acid included.— sensiTive skin

If you have severely dry, itchy skin, you don’t have to splurge on expensive products. "AmLactin is a great product, but it’s not sexy at all," Wells said. "It doesn’t smell like anything gorgeous. It has a high concentration of lactic acid. I use it in winter, and it repairs the skin barrier." Drugstore products by reputable, doctor-recommended brands such as eucerin are often better for those with acne, eczema or other skin problems. (AmLactin Moisturizing Lotion sells for $15 at drugstores).

— docTors know besTvaseline isn’t the most glamorous

product, but the stuff doctors use works wonders on your skin. Other over-the-counter products can work wonders as well. "Surgeons tell their patients to use Aquaphor after a face-lift," Wells said. "It doesn’t look good under makeup, but if you’re sleeping alone with your cats, watching Bravo, you might put it on." (Aquaphor sells for $9 at drugstores).

— hiGh-Tech proceduresWhen it comes to fancy proce-

dures, Wells makes it clear that everyone is different. "A facial feels really good, but it doesn’t make a visible difference on the skin." While some cosmetic procedures do provide results, the best ones are pricey. As for splurging on facials, it’s wiser to spend on a product you need.

The boTToM lineThere’s no need to splurge on

three-figure creams when repu-table drugstore beauty brands can do the trick. Advances in research mean that lines such as Olay and Neutrogena contain the same qual-ity ingredients found in expensive brands. Also, don’t buy 20 products. A night cream and daytime mois-turizer containing sunscreen will keep your skin healthy.

– The washinGTon posT

Save your skin, and money

PhNOM PeNh – Cambodia closed all kindergartens and primary schools on July 18 to prevent the spread of a killer virus that causes a severe form of hand, foot and mouth disease, the government said.

At least 54 children, most aged under three, have died from the disease since mid-April, out of 61 cases, according to the latest update from the World health Organization (WhO).

The school closure, which affects tens of thousands of pupils, also aims to ease parents’ fears about the outbreak, said Mak vann, secretary of state at Cambodia’s education ministry.

"This is to prevent the spread of the disease," he said. "Parents have voiced concern that the disease could infect their children."

The illness and its high fatality rate initially stumped health experts in Cambodia, but the WhO said last week most victims tested positive for enterovirus 71 (ev-71), which causes a lethal strain of hand, foot and mouth disease and is fairly common in Asia.

The UN health body also found the use of steroids as part of the treat-ment had been shown to worsen the condition of patients with ev-71, whose symptoms include high fever and respiratory problems.

In neighbouring Thailand, 22 schools in the capital had closed after fears of an outbreak, but by July 18 all but three of those had re-opened, according to Bangkok authorities.

hand, foot and mouth disease is contagious and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids or faeces of an infected person. experts say good hygiene is the best form of prevention. – afp

Cambodia shuts schools amid disease fears

A model receives a makover. Pic: MT

A Cambodian girl walks out of a school with her father in Phnom Penh on July 18. Pic: aFP

11

By Jason Samenow

heAT is a silent killer that preys on older adults, people with medical conditions and the frail. In a typi-cal year, it kills more people than any other weather hazard.

The best protection from heat-related illness and death is air conditioning. But when the power goes out during a heat wave, that protection is gone.

Moderate-to-high humidity lev-els will make it feel even warmer. A lack of nighttime cooling can tax the body.

If you live in a multi-level resi-dence and cannot relocate to an air-conditioned environment, sleep on the lowest floor if you have that option.

heat-related deaths are prevent-able, but a lack of air conditioning makes the job more difficult.

People with mobility impair-ments or individuals with mental illness may not recognize the warning signs of heat-related illness and take the appropriate actions.

Caregivers and the community at large play a critical role in helping the most vulnerable.

It is especially important to

check on older adults with preex-isting medical conditions who live alone. If possible, help them get to an air-conditioned environment during the day as well as at night if they are without power.

Also, know the signs and symp-toms of heat-related illness and the appropriate actions to take. If you or someone you know are starting to feel ill due to the heat, get to a cooler place immediately and drink lots of liquids. No alco-holic or caffeinated beverages.

If a cooler place is not available, a cool shower or bath can be help-ful. If a fever has come on — a sign of heat stroke — get emergency medical assistance and take steps to cool down until help arrives.

The dangerous duo of extreme heat and power outages may be-come a recurring challenge.

A recent report from the US en-ergy Department said that extreme heat can increase demand for cool-ing, straining power systems and leading to blackouts.

These circumstances could become more frequent if climate change increases the intensity, frequency and duration of summer heat waves as predicted.

– The washinGTon posT

What to do when faced with a heat wave

By Dennis Thompson

hURRICANeS. earthquakes. Floods. Tornadoes. Tsunamis. Terrorism. War. Predictions

of Rapture and Armageddon.Current events have left adults

reeling as one disaster seems to come hot on the heels of the last with no relent and no apparent end in sight.

Imagine, then, how kids are cop-ing.

“For kids who are worriers, they see this stuff is everywhere,” said Robin Goodman, a clinical psycholo-gist in private practice in New York City and a member of the American Psychological Association. “They think, ‘It can happen to anyone. We could be next.’”

experts say parents need to be aware of the effect that the daily drumbeat of disaster, natural or oth-erwise, can have on children’s sense of security and well-being, and be ready to support kids who need help understanding how these events affect them.

Kids who have grown up in today’s media-saturated environment are

more prone to be affected by news of disaster, said Todd Walker, a psychol-ogist in private practice in Cincinnati and a member of the clinical faculty of the Wright State University School of Professional Psychology.

“even more now than in previous generations, there’s less of a distinc-tion between real life and what you see on Tv,” Walker said. “In this day and age, watching things online or on Tv is just one step removed from the event itself.”

This may be particularly true for preschool children, who aren’t yet media-savvy. “Young kids don’t un-derstand that it’s the same newsreel over and over,” Goodman said of day-long coverage of a particular event. “They think it’s the same event occurring over and over.”

The effect of disaster coverage can be compounded for children who are undergoing emotional trauma in their daily life, Walker said. For example, kids whose parents are fighting and about to divorce are much more likely to be affected by news coverage before, during and after a hurricane or earthquake, like that experienced in the eastern

United States in the past week.“At best, it would be, ‘Uh oh, this

could happen to us,’” he said. “But let’s imagine we’re kids: I’m 6 and you’re 8, we don’t know what is exactly going to happen with our parents and we’re watching [a disas-ter unfolding] on Tv. Our experience will be different than if we had a happy family life.”

Walker and Goodman said the best thing parents can do to reassure their children is to talk with them about the disaster coverage in an honest and straightforward way.

Limit the children’s exposure to media, and consider cutting back yourself. “Don’t be checking the news all the time,” Goodman said.

But also keep in mind that all kids are different. Some kids might actu-ally benefit from watching disaster coverage.

“Sometimes Tv can create a bond-ing experience,” Walker said, using the example of a young boy. “he sees somebody going through a disas-ter and it can actually be calming because he knows he’s not the only person going through a rough time.”

– healThday reporTer

For kids, viewing natural disasters can whip up worries