201335713

PHOTO: AUNG HTAY HLAING
WWW.MMTIMES.COM ISSUE 713 | JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014

1200
Ks.
HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION
Telecom licences inch closer
Posts and Telecoms Department sets end-of-January deadline for new Telecoms Law rules that are needed before licences
can be issued to Telenor and Ooredoo a crucial step in meeting the governments ambitious phone density targets. BUSINESS 24
MORE SETBACKS FOR
HPA-AN PEACE TALKS
NEWS 12
TAX CUT FAILS TO
REV UP CAR MARKET
BUSINESS 25
Is your street
food safe?
New research has found
that one-third of 150 street
food samples collected
in downtown Yangon
contained bacteria that
can lead to food poisoning
and in one-quarter
the levels were deemed
immediately dangerous.
PAGE
10
THE United States and the United
Kingdom have called for an investiga-
tion into a recent outbreak of violence
in Rakhine State that has reportedly
left several people dead.
In a joint statement released by their
embassies on January 17, they said they
were deeply troubled by the violence
in Maungdaw township and particu-
larly disturbed by reports that security
forces used excessive means and thus
perpetrated some of the violence.
We strongly condemn such acts
of violence, which negatively impact
all inhabitants of Rakhine State, the
statement said. We urge the authori-
ties to thoroughly investigate and hold
accountable those responsible for the
violence, whether civilian or security
personnel.
The violence is thought to have
been sparked by police trying to extort
bribes from a Rohingya family in Du
Chee Yar Tan village. After residents
responded by attacking police, secu-
rity forces returned and opened re
on the mob, the reports said.
The embassies said the incident
highlighted the need for the central
and Rakhine State governments to ad-
dress security, rule of law and recon-
ciliation in the state.
Government actions to date have
clearly been insufcient, they said.
Dialogue and rule of law must re-
place violence and lawlessness.
Presidential spokesperson U Ye
Htut said on January 17 that the gov-
ernment had not received reports of
any signicant outbreak of violence in
northern Rakhine State.
THOMAS KEAN
tdkean@gmail.com
US, UK call
for probe
into latest
violence
MORE COVERAGE PAGE 15
2 THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
Page 2
Style
Statement
Times staff deny bribe allegations
An opinion piece published in The
Myanmar Times raised some hackles
last week, with a number of people
posting angry comments to our
Facebook page and sending messages to
the inbox. Some comments were deleted
as a number of them constituted hate
speech.
The opinion piece in question was
penned by Wakar Uddin, a professor at
Pennsylvania State University in the US,
director general of the Arakan Rohingya
Union and founder of The Burmese
Rohingya Association of North America.
The article, entitled The Rohingya:
partners in building a new Myanmar
outlined the issue of citizenship, and
made the case for coexistence through
establishing intercommunal dialogue
and the rule of law. He also addressed
the often-cited allegations of an Islamic
agenda, seeking to allay fears that the
Rohingya are attempting to galvanise a
caliphate from the IDP camps of Rakhine
State. The article received a lot of ak.
One or two fans went so far as to
suggest that the paper is taking bribes
to publish such articles, and that were
wrongly taking advantage of media
freedom by promoting [Rohingya]
people.
Editor Tom Kean described the
allegations as laughable.
Weve also run op-eds with a pro-
Rakhine view and news articles giving
the views of anti-Muslim nationalists,
such as the piece this week on the
Mandalay Sangha conference on January
15, he said. Another Facebook fan
commented that we ought to be called
The Bengali Times which is a novel
idea, but we feel its pertinent to remind
them that word is not in our style guide.
For now, well probably just stick with our
current name.
Yangon climbs regional stability index
Despite the Friday blast that left one dead
and 37 injured, the shutdown in the Thai
capital of Bangkok is still underway with
seven central points in the city occupied
by a rabble of Suthep supporters and
whistle-wielding southerners.
The shutdown of the city began a
day earlier than the stated start date
of Monday, January 13. Pickups full
of protestors, many of which sported
Surat Thani bumper stickers, rolled
in to town. Trafc was at a standstill
in many spots across the city, while
other major roads which are usually
gridlocked were almost car-free.
The crowd gathering outside the
Foreign Affairs Ministry on the morning
of January 13 wailed 90s classic and
Thai karaoke favourite Whats Goin
On? by Four Non Blondes, which
seemed apt given the turmoil now
unfolding is largely driven by an elite
minority in favour of establishing the
ironically-named Peoples Democratic
Reform Committee.
Tears in Golden Valley
With many still reeling from the great
booze crisis of late 2013, which saw
Yangon shelves devoid of imported wines
and forced some to imbibe K1000 anti-
malarial rum, it is with regret that Page 2
must inform you there is a new shortage
at hand: tonic water.
Were reliably informed that the
shortage is unlikely to let up any time
soon, unless demand is sufcient to
warrant in-country production. Bars
and hotels around the city are now
offering ginger ale as a substitute. A
black market has sprung up. Its like
December 2013 all over again.
I just dont know what Im going to
do, said one NGO worker, ghting back
tears.
Nan Khin Zayar
for NOW! magazine.
Photo: Studio HAK
THE INSIDER: The local lowdown & best of the web
online editor Kayleigh Long |
kayleighelong@gmail.com
Page 2
When Myanmar was Burma...
Archival material provided by Pansodan Gallery
70s comic Birds will fly and crocodile will go upstream by artist Lay Htet
and writer Pe Htwe
News 3 www.mmtimes.com NEWS EDITOR: Thomas Kean | tdkean@gmail.com
Monks call for ban on MPs from
non-recognised ethnic groups
THE newly formed Committee for the
Protection of Religion and National-
ity in Mandalay has called for hluttaw
representatives who are not from rec-
ognised ethnic groups to be stripped of
their positions a thinly veiled threat
against a handful of Rohingya MPs
from northern Rakhine State.
The committee, which was formed
by prominent monks in Mandalay on
January 15, also said those holding
temporary identication documents
should be banned from voting in elec-
tions in order to protect the rights of
ethnic groups and citizens. While this
would have the most signicant impact
on the countrys large Rohingya com-
munity, the committee did not mention
the group by name.
The committee issued a set of 10
demands at the meeting along with
the signatures of senior monks from its
Mandalay branch.
Its leaders also called on the govern-
ment to resist international pressure
to amend the 1982 Citizenship Law
and objected to the actions of local
and foreign groups that are giving as-
sistance and abetting races and groups
that are not included in the ofcial list
of ethnic groups. They also announced
plans to draft a law for the protection
of race, religion and language but did
not elaborate.
More than 20,000 people from
across Myanmar attended the event.
Translation by Thiri Min Htun
Monks participate in a sermon at a ceremony to form the Committee for the
Protection of Religion and Nationality in Mandalay on January 15. Photo: Si Thu Lwin
PHYO WAI KYAW
pwkyaw@gmail.com
SI THU LWIN
sithulwin.mmtimes@gmail.com
EI EI TOE LWIN
eieitoelwin@gmail.com
Tension emerges in review committee
THE parliamentary committee set up
to review proposals to revise the 2008
Constitution has decided not to vote on
any of them, but to submit them direct-
ly to the Pyidaungs U Hluttaw for deci-
sion, its secretary announced last week.
The decision by the Union Solidar-
ity and Development Party-dominated
committee has the support of the
National League for Democracy, but
some MPs expressed concern last week
that parliament would get bogged
down considering the large number of
suggestions.
Speaking to reporters on January 15,
committee secretary U Aye Mauk dis-
missed these concerns.
I dont think we need to vote on the
suggestions made by people. We will
put up all suggestions to the Pyidaung-
su Hluttaw so that all 664 representa-
tives can decide, U Aye Mauk said.
The 109-member committee was
set up last July to seek opinions on the
constitution with a view to proposing
amendments. The original deadline
for the committees report has already
been extended from December 31 to
January 31, and almost 300,000 sug-
gestions have been submitted by po-
litical parties, NGOs, legal experts and
government ministries on a wide range
of constitutional issues. The constitu-
tions basic principles and the process
of amending the constitution attracted
the most suggestions.
The committee will sort the sugges-
tions into categories, such as amend-
ments, annulments and additions, after
which members will analyse the sugges-
tions and consolidate them into a form
that can be considered by the hluttaw.
We will put up those suggestions ac-
cording to sectors. The task of our team
is to prepare to propose the draft law,
said U Aye Mauk, a member of the Un-
ion Solidarity and Development Party.
He also suggested that sections of
the constitution that can be amended
without a national referendum should
be prioritised for the benet of the peo-
ple. These sections include Schedule 1
and 2, which outline the responsibilities
of the central and regional governments
respectively.
If we can amend the allocation of
power and resources in a region, people
can benet immediately, U Aye Mauk
said.
The decision has divided members
of the committee, however. A number
of MPs who asked not to be named said
the committees recent meetings have
been marked by regular arguments over
how the suggestions should be sorted.
Some members dont want to take
responsibility for deciding which deci-
sions should be put to the Pyidaungsu
Hluttaw and which should be ignored,
one MP said last week.
Committee member U Tun Aung
Kyaw from the Rakhine Nationalities
Development Party conrmed that
there had been divisions over how the
committee should sort the propos-
als. He said he believed the committee
should vet the suggestions before sub-
mitting them to parliament because
of the large number that have been
submitted.
The committee couldnt decide
what kind of system to use, he said.
Personally I think it will take too long
to discuss all of them in parliament.
The committee is called the consti-
tutional review committee for a reason
it has a duty to conduct a review.
The decision not to vote on sug-
gestions in the committee appears to
have bipartisan support, however, par-
ticularly from the National League for
Democracy.
A number of NLD representatives
said they support the plan because they
are concerned the committee will reject
some proposals outright if they are put
to a vote.
Im not a member of committee but
I think its a good plan. Its unfair to vote
on these suggestions before they are put
to the hluttaw, said NLD Pyithu Hlut-
taw representative U Win Htein.
AS many as 3 million tourists could
visit Myanmar in 2014, the Ministry of
Hotels and Tourism says and in the
process increase demand for already
scarce hotel rooms.
Deputy director U Myint Tun Oo
told The Myanmar Times last week
that the number of visitors to Myanmar
rose from about 1 million to 2 million in
2013 and the ministry expects a similar
rise this year.
He said more open borders and
Myanmars position as chair of ASE-
AN will drive the increase in 2014.
With hundreds of regional meetings
planned, the chairship will attract tens
if not hundreds of thousands of foreign
visitors.
A total of 1.06 million tourists visited
in 2012 and 2.044 million in 2013. This
year, we expect about 3 million to come
to Myanmar, U Myint Tun Oo said.
Of the visitors in 2013, 726,817 came
through the Yangon gateway, up from
554,531 in 2012.
Thailand was the largest source of
arrivals, with 139,770, followed by Chi-
na (90,550) and Japan (68,761).
U Myint Tun Oo said the number of
hotels had increased 17 percent in 2013
but conceded supply would continue to
be an issue for a number of years.
The numbers of hotels in the whole
country was 787 in 2012 and this rose
to 923 hotels by the end of December,
he said.
Meanwhile, the number of licensed
rooms rose 22pc, from 28,291 to 34,546,
with another 10,000 expected to open
in 2014.
While prices for hotel rooms both
new and old remain high, the Min-
istry of Hotels and Tourism has no
plan to intervene and set prices, said
U Myint Tun Oo.
Its difcult to reduce the room fees
because it depends on demand and
supply, he said.
In 2015-16 more foreign investment
is expected, more hotels will open in
Myanmar, so the room prices will be
more in line with international prices.
EI EI THU
91.eieithu@gmail.com
Ministry forecasts three
million tourists this year
Easing the hotel
room squeeze
2010
21,511
Source: Ministry of Hotels and Tourism
*Projected
25,002
28,291
34,546
45,000*
2011 2012 2013 2014
Growth in licensed
hotel rooms, 2010-14
2008 CONSTITUTION
Some members of constitution review body unhappy with decision not to vote on suggestions before submitting them to the hluttaw
MORE ON NEWS 8
4 News THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
No easy solutions to
citys housing crisis
BROKEN bamboo posts, thatch roofs
and matting lie strewn across the
ground between the columns of the
Pan Hlaing Bridge on the Hlaing
Tharyar-Twante Road. The remains
of three small monasteries can also be
seen amid the rubble.
Nearby, a group of around 50 peo-
ple, including a few women and in-
fants, are sitting in a eld, some car-
rying injuries from violent clashes.
Behind them stand dozens of heavily
armed police.
I do not own a house, says one,
a 53-year-old man. I usually rent a
room for my family in Hlaing Tharyar.
But when we saw other people had
moved here, we also came because we
thought it would be cheaper. But then
when I came back here from work, the
police arrested us like this.
A police ofcer interrupts, saying
that they are not arresting anyone.
We just gathered these squatters to
protect them from the angry villag-
ers, he said, adding that nobody was
allowed to speak to them.
But the detained people told a dif-
ferent story. It was not the villagers
who destroyed and burnt their houses,
they said. Rather, a group of people as-
signed by the government to remove
them came and destroyed their homes
in the middle of the night, as they lay
sleeping on January 15.
More than 30 people armed with
knives came to this area around 3am
and started hacking the legs of our
huts. Houses started collapsing and we
had to jump out immediately, said Ma
Thet. There were police behind them,
holding guns, but they said nothing
They didnt say to stop or continue. It
happened so fast we couldnt even beg
them to let us take our belongings.
According to eyewitnesses, the
huts were burned at about 8:30am.
An altercation then broke out between
those destroying the homes and the
squatters, and police red into the air
to stop the clash.
The raid occurred on the second
day of a joint Northern District Police
Force and Yangon City Development
Committee campaign, ordered by the
regional government, to remove squat-
ters from along the Hlaing Tharyar-
Twante Road. Police had closed the
road last week but a Myanmar Times
reporter was able to enter the area by
saying she was travelling to Twante.
The road is home to thousands of
illegal homes - some locals said up to
8000 - which mushroom out from un-
derneath the Pan Hlaing Bridge, which
crosses the Pan Hlaing River about
2 kilometres south of the turnof to
Twante on the Yangon-Pathein Road.
Police said 3000 were cleared on Janu-
ary 15 alone.
Most arrived in the area on De-
cember 25, led by U Kyaw Htet Naing,
the township head of the Democratic
Party (Myanmar). He and two other
people had billed themselves as the
leaders of the squatters.
U Kyaw Htet Naing put up a vi-
nyl sign saying that Hlaing Tharyars
homeless, including those who lost
their homes as a result of a project
to remove illegal homes before the
Southeast Asian Games, could come
and live on the alluvial land around
the Pan Hlaing River. In a township
with grinding poverty and an estimat-
ed 50,000-100,000 living illegally, it is
easy to see how such a large number of
people quickly settled beside the river.
He said that if we wanted to live
on the land we had to buy a census-
like piece of paper, priced at K10,000
each, said Daw Aye Aye said, holding
the paper she bought from him.
Headed Census of squatter fami-
lies who had to move because of the
SEA Games, it says that U Kyaw Htet
Naing and his group will take respon-
sibility for paying the land tax so the
holder of the certicate can live in the
area. It says the project was launched
to reduce poverty but it has now left
the homeless with even more debt.
I borrowed K10,000 at [30 percent
interest a month] to buy that paper
and also borrowed some money to
build this house, dreaming that we
could have our own place, Daw Aye
Aye said, her voice breaking as she
tried to collect her belongings from
the ground. Now everything has
gone. I dont even have a single kyat to
rent a room now.
Nearby residents said some of those
living in the area were not homeless,
and had hoped to capitalise on rising
land prices. But those interviewed for
this article had clearly moved there
out of poverty.
Ma Moe Aye, who also bought the
census form, said she had moved to
the area from a local hostel.
After [Cyclone] Nargis, we lost our
home in Labutta [township] so we
moved to Yangon and lived here. We
had to stay in a hostel and the owner
wouldnt let more than ve people stay
in a single room so we had to rent two
for our family, at K35,000 a month
each, she said. It was really hard for
me to pay the rent every month so I
moved here and became a squatter.
The squatters said they havent
seen U Kyaw Htet Naing and his ac-
complices since ofcials launched
their campaign at the start of last
week. The Myanmar Times called his
phone but it was switched of.
Ive heard that they are running
away, said Daw Aye Aye.
The Democratic Party (Myanmar)
declined to comment last week.
Back in the eld beside the bridge,
a senior police ofcial arrived at about
12:30pm and told the women to move.
He ofered to organise a truck if the
women have trouble taking their be-
longings.
But I dont have anywhere to move
to, an elderly woman interjected.
The ofcer stared at her but gave
no response.
Police guard detained squatters after their homes near the Pan Hlaing Bridge in
Hlaing Tharyar township were destroyed on January 15. Photo: Kaung Htet
Evicted squatters drawn to Pan Hlaing Bridge site by promises from a local politician
NOE NOE
AUNG
noenoeag@gmail.com
FEATURE
KYAT
35,000
The monthly cost for a single room for
up to ve people in a hostel in Hlaing
Tharyar township
ACTIVISTS and farmers involved in
farmland disputes remain behind bars,
despite the government claiming it has
released all political prisoners.
Many of the farmers were jailed for
trespassing after they ploughed elds
that had been conscated from them.
In some areas, particularly Ayeyarwady
Region, these disputes involving doz-
ens of farmers and activists have col-
loquially been referred to as plough
battles.
Though some political prisoners
were released under the presidents
amnesty, activists who were working
for farmers, as well as lots of farmers
who were jailed as a result of plough
battles, are still in prison, said U Thein
Lwin Oo, head of the Farmers Rights
Action group.
Most of those still in prison as a
result of land disputes are from Ay-
eyarwady and Bago regions, includ-
ing Mawlawmyinegyun, Myaungmya,
Pathein, Taungoo, Bago and Tharyar-
wady townships.
The number could be higher than
activists estimate, U Thein Lwin Oo
said, because they have fewer records
of how many from upper Myanmar are
in prison.
When we asked some government
ofcials, they just said these farmers
were charged because of disputes with
others farmers [not with military or
ofcials], that it was not connected to
politics. Maybe thats why farmers were
not included in the amnesty [in early
January].
But we are in discussions with the
88 Generation and National Demo-
cratic Force to seek the release of those
jailed because of farmland disputes.
Ko Aung Myo Kyaw from the Assis-
tance Association for Political Prisoners
(AAPP) said that eight political prison-
ers had been freed in amnesties on
December 31 and January 2 but none
of these were activists who had been
jailed for helping dispossessed farmers.
He said the group considers activists
and farmers jailed in relation to land
disputes to be political prisoners.
According to our list of political
prisoners there are still 43 prison-
ers left in jail, he said. Although the
farmers were jailed for trespassing and
other reasons, the root of their actions
is that their farmland was seized by the
military government, so its reasonable
to consider them political prisoners.
He said the AAPP has submitted the
names of a number of jailed land activ-
ists to the government for release but
they remain behind bars.
The comments from activists con-
trast with those from President U
Thein Sein, who in July pledged to
ee all political prisoners by the end
of 2013. On January 1, he said that goal
had been achieved.
I would also like to inform all of
you that with the aim of national recon-
ciliation together with the hard work of
the Political Prisoners Review Commit-
tee, and in keeping with my promise,
all political prisoners have been freed
by the end of last year, he said in a na-
tiotnal radio address.
But the government is likely to come
under signicant pressure in coming
weeks and months to free activists and
farmers considered prisoners by oppo-
sition groups.
Ko Thein Aung Myint of the Move-
ment for Democracy Current Force said
his organisation is also working to help
jailed farmers.
Whatever the section they are
charged under, these farmers are in
prison because they tried to get their
land back, he said. This is because of
the actions of the past government.
News 5 www.mmtimes.com
Women protest over a land confiscation in Thingangyun township in September. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
Land activists, farmers
overlooked in amnesty
NOE NOE AUNG
noenoeag@gmail.com
The root of their
actions is that their
farmland was seized
by the military
government, so
its reasonable
to consider them
political prisoners.
Ko Aung Myo Kyaw
Assistance Association
for Political Prisoners
Govt wants control over
protests, says USDP rep
A UNION Solidarity and Develop-
ment Party MP pushing for amend-
ments to section 18 of the peaceful
protest law that would keep demon-
strators out of prison says the gov-
ernment is opposed to his proposal
and reform of the law will only be
achieved after a strong struggle.
Thura U Aung Ko, chairman of
the Judicial and Legal Afairs Com-
mittee, said on January 13 he expects
the government will ght against
any changes, as it fears losing con-
trol over demonstrations.
I think we have to struggle [to
approve the amendments] because
the Ministry of Home Afairs ob-
jected to the proposal to amend [the
law] and the administrative body
doesnt want to change it either,
Thura U Aung Ko said. They are
afraid they will have trouble control-
ling demonstrations if they relax
section 18.
He said he expects demonstra-
tions to increase in 2014 and 2015,
particularly if the government can-
not properly resolve complicated
issues such as land-grabbing, viola-
tions of human rights and the lack
of rule of law.
During the eighth session of par-
liment, Thura U Aung Ko submitted
draft amendments to the hluttaw
that would require demonstrators
only to inform ofcials before hold-
ing a protest or march and remove
the possibility of imprisonment for
violations. Under the current law,
demonstrators are required to seek
permission from both the township
police chief and township adminis-
trator, and face up to one year in jail
if found guilty of holding an illegal
demonstration.
Since the law was introduced,
more than 100 people have been
charged or jailed for illegal demon-
strations, complicating President U
Thein Seins eforts to free all politi-
cal prisoners.
While opposition parties, includ-
ing the National League for Democ-
racy, are supportive of amendments,
it is unclear where Thura U Aung
Kos colleagues in the USDP stand.
The party holds enough seats in the
Pyidaungsu Hluttaw to pass amend-
ments, as this would require only a
50 percent majority.
Thura U Aung Ko said last week
that the government had nothing to
fear from relaxing section 18 because
there are many other laws that en-
sure the peace and stability of the
state.
[I] can only assume that [the gov-
ernment] wants to give democracy
and rights to the people step by step.
Although we already have democracy
and [the right to protest] under sec-
tion 354 of the constitution, they are
controlling people with section 18.
He made the comments after U
Aung Zin, the Pyithu Hluttaw rep-
resentative for Pazundaung, asked
if the government had any plan to
relax section 18 as its application
was infringing on the rights of the
people.
Deputy Minister for Home Af-
fairs Brigadier General Kyaw Zan
Myint replied that the decision was
up to the hluttaw.
This law was approved by the
Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, he said. If
it decided to amend the law then
we will follow the decision.
EI EI TOE
LWIN
Ministry of Home Afairs has already objected to proposed changes to section 18
THE Department of Civil Aviation is
planning a third-party assessment of
the ballooning industry in response to
concerns over a decision to allow hot-
air balloons from multiple operators to
y in Bagan without radio communica-
tion equipment.
On December 31, 15 pilots from Bal-
loons Over Bagan responded to the
DCA decision by signing a petition stat-
ing that they believe that pilot to pilot
communication on licensed radios is
an absolute minimum for the contin-
ued aerial safety of Bagan.
The Balloons Over Bagan pilots said
they believe the lack of communica-
tions equipment would constitute an
unnecessary risk to the lives of pas-
sengers and pilots alike, irrespective of
which company they y with.
In December, the DCA distributed
an advisory circular granting approval
for multiple companies to operate in
the same area. Rather than require bal-
loons to have radio equipment so that
they communicate with each other, the
DCA ruled that safety could be main-
tained based on visual contact but with
a limit on the number of balloons. The
advisory runs through to March 31.
Both the DCA and Oriental Balloon-
ing, which launched its rst ights in
Bagan on January 1, have rejected sug-
gestions that safety could be at risk.
Brett Melzer from Balloons Over
Bagan told The Myanmar Times last
week that a constructive meeting with
DCA ofcials earlier this month left
him feeling a lot more positive about
not only the safety concerns but also
the future direction of the industry.
It seems to me [the DCA is] moving
forward with a third-party assessment
that will look at [a range of] issues,
including communication, legislation
and the implications of having multiple
operators in the same area, he said.
That report should be in the public
domain. What were asking for is a to-
tally transparent process.
Founded in 1999, Balloons Over
Bagan has been the countrys only com-
mercial ballooning company for more
than a decade. Myanmars tourism
boom has encouraged a number of new
operators to set up, however, not only
in Bagan but also in Mandalay and Inle
Lake. Four companies are likely to be
ying by late 2014.
Mr Melzer said the radio communi-
cation issue is symptomatic of the sec-
tor opening up quickly and suddenly.
Bagan is a congested, sensitive
and restricted area and were all ying
together, he said. Our point is very
much that safety has to be paramount.
And one of the key aspects of safety is
to ensure that all operators have cor-
rect and adequate communication be-
tween themselves in the air and that all
licences and paperwork ... are legal.
DCA deputy director general U Win
Swe Tun said he was absolutely con-
dent that the decision to allow balloons
to y in Bagan without radio contact
did not compromise safety.
We never grant licences without
doing an assessment. We did the as-
sessments and we allowed them to op-
erate until March 31 with a maximum
20 balloons in one destination, he said.
During this period, we will study
how we should work in the coming sea-
son with a third-party assessment team
from the UK.
I think these companies should
cooperate and share the market rather
than trying to dominate the market
alone. As a regulator, if things are
not going well then we can regulate
accordingly.
The issue should be resolved by the
end of March, when the two companies
hope to have the radios installed. While
they have agreed on a model to import
so their pilots can communicate and
the DCA has provided letters of rec-
ommendation to import the devices,
it is yet to provide a common radio
frequency.
Oriental Ballooning sales manager
Daw Ni Ni Khaing said she does not
believe the lack of devices will pose any
threat to passenger safety in the com-
ing months.
It will take some time to get the
[equipment] and until then the pi-
lots will contact each other visually,
Daw Ni Ni Khaing said. Our British
pilots are holding UK commercial bal-
loon pilot licences and they are very
experienced.
The company was established by
Amata Group in 2013 and received its
Air Operation Certicate from the DCA
in November, following a number of
test ights the previous month. It be-
gan commercial ights in Mandalay on
November 21.
Yangon resident Ma Hnin said she
was pleased with the professional-
ism of Oriental Ballooning staf when
she ew with them at Bagan in early
January.
Based on what I saw I dont think
[the lack of radio communication]
is a major issue, she said. It seems
like this could be a case of one exist-
ing company not wanting a new one
to compete against them at the same
destination.
However, Balloons Over Bagan
insists its opposition to the DCA
circular is not designed to stie
competition.
What were pushing hard for is
that safety takes precedence for eve-
ry commercial operator, Mr Melzer
said. Were all businesspeople and if
were not regulated theres a tenden-
cy to push the limits. Thats why we
need limits, particularly in aviation.
Photo: Supplied
Concerns over recent decision to allow multiple operators without radio communication devices prompts third-party assessment
ZAW WIN THAN THOMAS KEAN
DCA launches balloon sector
review as competition heats up
All red up: whos
who in ballooning
Balloons over Bagan
Established in 1999, it has 11
balloons in operation
Oriental Ballooning
Owned by Amata Group,
it received its operating
certicate in November and
began ights in Mandalay the
same month. Bagan ights
launched on January 1
Golden Express
Expected to begin ights in
Bagan but has not yet
imported balloons or
conducted test ights
Myanmar Phoyin
Like Golden Express, has not
yet begun operations
but is expected to offer
ights at Inle Lake
Govt invites critics to
give input on education
Children sit at their desks in a rural primary school. Photo: Kaung Htet
Research nds high rate of
complications after hysterectomies
A study of more than 300 patients who
underwent a hysterectomy at a Yan-
gon womens hospital found almost
13 percent experienced complications
from the operation.
Of the patients who underwent
surgery at Central Womens Hospital
between July 2009 and June 2010, 38
suffered complications, according to a
research paper presented at the 42
nd

Myanmar Health Research Congress
earlier this month.
Complications the researchers
encountered included post-operative
pyrexia, wound sepsis, chest infec-
tion, urinary tract infection, septice-
mia and even a bowel injury caused
by the operation. Age, weight and the
length of the operation were among
a number of factors researchers
identied that increased the risk of
complications.
Researchers said the chances of
problems occurring could be reduced
by improving pre-, intra- and post-op-
erative care, and using better surgical
equipment. Shwe Yee Saw Myint
GE sponsors training to move
forward infrastructure projects
More than 44 senior government
ofcials last week took part in a ve-
day program aimed at strengthening
leadership development and moving
infrastructure projects forward.
The January 13 to 17 training
program in Nay Pyi Taw was developed
by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public
Policy and sponsored by the philan-
thropic arm of United States conglom-
erate General Electric.
Minister for the Presidents Ofce U
Soe Thein said in a statement that the
training will provide senior govern-
ment ofcials the chance to learn vital
lessons from the region and apply
them to Myanmars further
development.
Participants received training in
infrastructure and economic develop-
ment, power purchase agreements,
infrastructure project risk analysis,
anti-corruption and transparency,
infrastructure project appraisal and
nance, public private partnerships,
and leadership in management and
administration. Thomas Kean
FOLLOWING criticism of a proposed
national education plan, the gov-
ernment has invited educators and
other groups to contribute feedback
before the nal draft is submitted to
parliament.
We cant say were nished yet,
said director general U Zaw Htay of the
Department of Higher Education (Low-
er Myanmar). He vowed to continue
holding discussions until we submit [a
nished draft] to the hluttaw.
The draft proposal for education
reform was made public at Yangon
Universitys Diamond Jubilee Hall on
December 31 by the Educational Pro-
motion Work Committee established
by the Ministry of Education. U Myo
Thein Gyi, director general of the min-
istrys Myanmar Educational Research
Bureau, said the draft was based on a
Comprehensive Education Sector Re-
view (CESR), which was initiated in
August 2012, using additional input
from 18 working groups set up by the
government in October 2013.
But several activist and teacher
groups including the All Burma Fed-
eration of Student Unions (ABFSU)
and the University Teachers Associa-
tion said the proposal lacked trans-
parency and vested too much author-
ity in the central government, rather
than academic institutions.
They also criticised the govern-
ment for not being more consultative
and not releasing the draft for public
feedback.
But during a January 6 follow-up
workshop attended by representatives
from political parties, local and inter-
national NGOs, the University Teach-
ers Association, the ABFSU and the
Myanmar Education Association, the
government reversed its course.
We invite and welcome all people
who can advise and give suggestions
for our education reform, [regardless
of ] who they are or what political par-
ty they are afliated with, U Zaw Htay
said. We will have good discussions in
the future, I think.
U Zaw Myo Hlaing, general secre-
tary of the University Teachers Asso-
ciation, applauded the decision but
said the Educational Promotion Work
Committee should be reaching out to
those already studying reforms. This
includes the National Network of Edu-
cation Reform, which features nine
education-focused groups and is led
by the National League for Democra-
cys Education Network.
Our association is also involved
in education reform programs with
the NNER and we requested that
the government coordinate and dis-
cuss [the draft] with other educa-
tion stakeholders. [On January 6]
they accepted our request so our as-
sociation will try to push for these
groups to discuss this process in the
future.
The NNER, which discussed edu-
cation reform with the Ministry of
Education three times late last year
but has not been asked to assist with
the Educational Promotion Work
Committees draft, said on January 5
that the proposal in its current form
would prohibit freedom of educa-
tion and continue centralized con-
trol over the system.
U Thein Lwin, head of the NNER
and the Education Network, said
that the networks own reform draft
had already been submitted to the
hluttaw. He backed the decision to
bring in more voices but said he was
unsure whether the NNER would
join the process.
We want the draft to be based on
the publics input and not be one-sid-
ed, U Thein Lwin said. But we have
to wait and see what kind of invita-
tion they will make and what kind of
discussions they will have.
Similar discussions on education
reform will take place in each state
and region, according to U Myo
Thein Gyi, and will be combined
into a national plan for parliamen-
tary approval.
EI THAE
THAE NAING
eithaethaenaing@gmail.com
IN BRIEF
We want the draft
to be based on the
publics input and
not be one-sided.
U Thein Lwin
NLD Education Network
Views
Dear editor,
To emphatically comment on record
about my emphatically raised middle
nger (Page 2, MTE#712), it is most em-
phatically meant for people who are:
1. Corrupt in using their power (ah
lwai thon sar . . ..:.)
2. Thieves who stole/are stealing
our resources (kho thar . ..:.)
3. Opportunists using positions or
politics (loke sar . . .:.)
4. Publicity hounds using posi-
tions or politics (pya sar _..:.) and
5. Beggars who used/are using
Myanmars issues to generate funds
for their own pockets (thdaung sar
. .~:. ..:.).
Regards,
Ma Thanegi
Why we need to negotiate a
win-win solution for peace
Traditional bargaining tactics need to be abandoned if the peace process is to maintain its momentum into 2014
LETTER TO EDITOR
Members of the All Burma
Students Democratic
Front attend a ceremony in
Kachin State in November
2013. Photo: Boothee
AUNG
NAING OO
ano@myanmarpeace.org
DURING negotiations, disputants
tend to think of problems more than
they do solutions. In stalemates or
in situations where a possible agree-
ment is not attractive, they tend to
think of competitive advantage, or
seek what is known as the best al-
ternative to a negotiated agreement
their best course of action if talks
fail. Often, willingness to compromise
is construed as a weakness, enticing
an opponent to up the ante.
Likewise, positional bargaining
tactics are used to send a signal to
an intended target that compromise
is not on the table. Although these
are all classic bargaining techniques,
more often than not these tactics
will lead to stalemate or even the
collapse of talks before they really
begin.
In any negotiation, each side
wants to be the winner. This is natu-
ral. Both parties habitually build a
winning strategy based on their
own interests, and framed in the con-
text of their own understanding of
the problem. They then employ some
or all of the diferent strategies above
to ensure they get what they want.
Yet these tactics are inherently
awed, as they do not focus on nd-
ing solutions. They therefore tend to
result in either a win-lose situation,
which can encourage the losing side
to exact revenge in the next round of
negotiations or, even worse, a lose-
lose situation. An integrative win-win
situation is rarely feasible once these
tactics are employed.
These negotiation stances are
usually incompatible with the rela-
tionship-building that is critically im-
portant in every negotiation process.
They do not look beyond the imme-
diate or take into consideration the
possible cost to all sides of a lose-lose
situation or a win-lose situation. This
is why negotiation experts, like those
I studied under at Harvard Universi-
ty, advise integrative bargaining solu-
tions even in one-of negotiations.
The use of traditional bargaining
tactics in Myanmars current peace
negotiations does not bode well for
the countrys future. All sides must
benet from these negotiations. This
is not only about securing agreements
and nding solutions but also about
repairing relationships that have
been damaged as a result of more
than 64 years of armed conict. This
is the key to reconciliation. Failure to
bring about a win-win result one
that builds trust risks condemn-
ing Myanmar to an ongoing cycle of
conict.
It is abundantly clear that negotiat-
ing peace in Myanmar is an extremely
daunting task. There are multiple,
long-neglected and deep-rooted issues
to resolve. Not only are there many
players with shifting alliances, push-
ing and pulling in all directions and
in constantly changing conditions, but
peace is being negotiated as a back-
drop to large and ambitious political,
social and economic reforms.
There are issues arising from the
resource-related war economy and
arms trade that fuel the conict. And
beyond Myanmars borders, there are
the broader geopolitical forces that
may or may not always work in favour
of the peace process in Myanmar.
It is said that negotiations are
all about interests. In Myanmar,
these are highly diverse and it will
be extremely challenging to nd a
convergence.
Taking all this together, it is not
hard to see the potential for the peace
process to get bogged down. We must
be patient, persevere and seek nu-
anced approaches to nd solutions to
this very complex quagmire.
As demonstrating goodwill and
sincerity counts more than anything
else in a negotiation setting like
Myanmar, nothing short of a win-win
solution will spell disaster. All the
stakeholders in the Myanmar peace
process have a shared future and
these negotiations are about build-
ing a country together, as opposed to
pulling it apart. It is also an opportu-
nity to instil a culture of compromise
in this highly polarised society.
Negotiations can often be overshad-
owed by narrow interests. But if Myan-
mars problems are viewed as collective
problems based on collective interests,
it is not hard to believe in the possibili-
ty of collective solutions. It is important
not to lose sight of the destruction and
the lost opportunities that the protract-
ed armed conict has wrought.
We must therefore think not of com-
petitive advantage but of cooperative
spirit. This is the only way to rebuild
the relationships that are needed to
nd real and enduring solutions for all
the peoples of Myanmar.
Aung Naing Oo is associate director
of the peace dialogue program at the
Myanmar Peace Center.
Failure to bring
about a win-
win result risks
condemning
Myanmar to an
ongoing cycle
of conict.
U Thet Lwin Toe, vice president of the
Union of Myanmar Travel Association,
said the forecast of 3 million tourists is
plausible, provided Myanmar contin-
ues to open up its borders to overland
travellers.
The lack of hotel rooms, domes-
tic ight capacity and tour guides are
likely to pose difculties in 2014 but the
government can assist the private sec-
tor by removing red tape, he said.
At the moment, for example, if we
have an issue we need to report to the
ministry it takes many steps and there
are lots of delays, he said. If the gov-
ernment helps the tourism sector and
removes unnecessary rules it will make
it easier for us to manage all of the
tourists.
He said Myanmar should set itself
high arrival targets but focus most of
its attention on attracting high-spend-
ing tourists. It also needs to ensure
visitors feel they are getting value for
money. Private companies shouldnt
just think about short-term prots.
CONTINUED FROM NEWS 3
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Views
Ominous echoes of Myanmar, Thailand
LAST July, Prime Minister Hun Sen
and his Cambodian Peoples Party
narrowly won the nations fth
general election since the era of civil
war and foreign occupation was end-
ed by the 1991 Paris Peace Accords.
The PMs party lost almost two
dozen seats and saw its majority
over the opposition Cambodian
National Rescue Party led by Sam
Rainsy cut from 61 seats to only 11.
It was a brutal vote of no con-
dence in Hun Sens government and
in many countries it would have led
to a change in the partys leadership.
That has not yet happened in
Phnom Penh. What has happened,
though, is that the opposition has
claimed that fraud and vote-rigging
prevented it winning the election
and forming a new government.
Its claims have struck a chord
with a wide cross section of Cambo-
dian society who have taken to the
streets to demonstrate against the
corruption and nepotism that have
marked Hun Sens 28-year rule.
The PMs longevity has been
amazing. His cohorts, including Ne
Win, Margaret Thatcher, Ronald
Reagan, Deng Xiaoping and Ferdi-
nand Marcos, are all dead and gone,
while he goes on and on.
Despite the protests, he still
cannot be counted out, although it
is clear that if another election was
held tomorrow he would almost
certainly lose.
Already, staunch allies like China
are hedging their bets, as shown by
the way Beijings state-controlled
media has suggested holding a ref-
erendum on whether to have a new
election in Cambodia.
And sensing the shift in public
mood, several mega-rich busi-
ness cronies, or oknhas, who were
previously staunch CPP backers,
have now donated funds to Rainsys
CNRP.
Hun Sen, of course, will not go
quietly, and after displaying an
unusual degree of patience toward
the protesters, he is now cracking
down hard.
Last week, his security forces
red on striking garment workers
who want to double their US$80-a-
month wages and who have aligned
themselves with Rainsys side.
Deaths and beatings ensued and
now the workers have returned to
their jobs and the protesters have
shifted from the capital to the prov-
inces before embarking on what they
call a nal push to oust Hun Sen.
As with anti-government demon-
strations in Thailand, it is hard to
predict the outcome, except to say
that it may be worse than what it
replaced.
That is partly because, like the
Thai agitator-in-chief Suthep Thaug-
suban and Myanmars anti-Muslim
fanatic U Wirathu, Cambodias Sam
Rainsy is a xenophobic bigot.
His anti-Vietnamese vitriol recalls
both the persecution of ethnic Vi-
etnamese during Lon Nols military
regime in the 1970s, and Ne Wins
expulsion of ethnic Indians from
Myanmar in the 1960s.
If Cambodian leaders, like those
in Myanmar and Thailand, stoop
to such racist populism, then social
unrest and bloodshed will follow.
It has already led to Meiktila-like
incidents in Phnom Penh, when ca-
fes and shops owned by Vietnamese
were trashed and looted by Rainsy-
aligned mobs earlier this month in
the capitals Pursenchey district.
Rainsy routinely calls Vietnamese
yuon a Khmer perjorative, akin
to other abusive terms like banglas,
chinks and niggers.
His men claim that Hun Sens
government is beholden to Hanoi
and that Cambodians sufer because
Vietnamese steal their jobs and land.
Refuting this charge, the Cambo-
dian Centre for Human Rights said,
Using the Vietnamese as scape-
goats for social and economic issues
facing Cambodia not only distracts
from constructive dialogue on
reform, but potentially jeopardises
the safety of Vietnamese people in
Cambodia.
For displaying such courage, the
centres president, Ou Virak, re-
ceived death threats, and the attacks
on ethnic Vietnamese continue.
So we are torn between the bad
and the ugly. Perhaps the ideal
answer would be for Hun Sen to step
aside and allow the CPP to reform,
and for Rainsy to go back into exile
in France where he belongs.
But neither is likely to happen,
which is why Cambodia, not Thai-
land, may witness worse unrest and
bloodshed in the coming weeks.
Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Sam Rainsy is greeted by supporters at
his partys office in Siem Reap on January 10. Photo: AFP
ROGER
MITTON
roger.mitton@gmail.com
Dry zone
struggle
with food
security
continues
MORE than a quarter of children in
the countrys central dry zone suf-
fer from malnutrition, according
to a new survey conducted by the
World Food Program and Save the
Children in collaboration with the
Department of Rural Development.
The dry zone encompasses western
Mandalay Region, southern Sagaing
Region and all of Magwe Region. The
study was based on interviews con-
ducted there in June and July last year
across 1000 households.
While malnutrition and a lack of
food security plague most rural are-
as, the authors of the report say the
dry zones inhospitable landscape
makes the local populace especially
vulnerable.
The agricultural patterns are
quite diferent from other areas be-
cause of the climate and because of
the poverty, said Nikolai Diotte of
the WFP.
The dry zone falls well behind
national averages in nutrition and
food security, according to UN sta-
tistics (see graphic below). The
causes include poor infrastructure,
a lack of basic health services and
poor diet.
According to the ndings, a
quarter of households have no ac-
cess to toilets, and a third do not
have access to protected wells for
drinking water. Dry zone communi-
ties also often lack both the medi-
cine and food diversity to properly
treat diseases that arise from a lack
of hygiene, such as diarrhoea.
As a result, 27.2 percent of chil-
dren are underweight, and 12pc suf-
fer from acute malnutrition.
While the dry zone is far from
the most underdeveloped or needy
area of the country, the authors said
that in some areas it can take three
days to reach the nearest market to
buy food or medicine in rainy sea-
son, when waterborne diseases are
most rampant.
The WFP representatives said
they hoped to carry out similar
studies in other isolated regions
such as Kachin and Rakhine states.
They also praised the coopera-
tion shown by the governments
Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and
Rural Development in carrying out
the survey.
BILL OTOOLE
botoole12@gmail.com
Govt prepares for permanent residency system
MYANMAR will introduce a per-
manent residency system for for-
eigners in the next 12 months as
part of the governments efforts to
stimulate economic growth, Minis-
ter for Immigration U Khin Yi said
last week.
He told lawmakers on January 15
that the system would be introduced
during the 2014-15 nancial year,
which begins on April 1, for the de-
velopment of the country.
It will help to facilitate more for-
eign direct investment, he said.
Successful permanent residency
applicants will receive a stay permit
of ve years.
The government launched the ini-
tiative two years ago but is still yet to
submit a bill to parliament. U Khin
Yi declined to comment on when the
bill is likely to be submitted.
He said the system will make the
country more attractive to the for-
eign experts and technicians needed
to develop Myanmars economy. It
will also assist Myanmar nationals
who left the country for many rea-
sons and have now taken up citi-
zenship elsewhere to come back and
work in Myanmar.
The minister also told parliament
that the government plans to sign
visa exemption agreements with 16
countries, including all nine ASEAN
members. It will also upgrade the
border crossing with China at Muse
so it can handle foreign visitors.
U Khin Yi also revealed that the
government plans to grant citizen-
ship to 43 people who have re-ap-
plied for Myanmar citizenship.
Noting that the 1982 citizenship
law does not allow dual citizenship,
he said it is possible for those who
have given up their citizenship to
get it back again if the government
deems their request is in the coun-
trys interests.
EI EI TOE LWIN
Children born
with low
birthweight
9%
17.2%
61%
37.1%
83%
64.5%
Children with
diarrhoea treated
with rehydration
salts
Access to
protected
drinking water
National
Dry zone
Dry zone development:
Lagging behind the nation
One-third of street food has
dangerous bacteria: study
NEW research has conrmed what
many of us have already learned the
hard way that consuming Yangons
street food can end in food poisoning,
particularly for those who have not
built up immunity to the many types
of bacteria on ofer.
The ndings highlight the scale of
the citys food hygiene problem: More
than one-third of the 150 samples col-
lected were positive for either Staph-
ylococcus aureas or Bacillus cereus,
two common types of bacteria that
can lead to food poisoning. Almost
one-quarter contained dangerous lev-
els of the bacteria, researchers found.
The results of the research were
released at the 42
nd
Myanmar Health
Research Congress, held at the De-
partment of Medical Research (Lower
Myanmar) from January 6 to 10.
Dr Thaung Hla, deputy director
of the biological toxicology research
division at the National Poison Con-
trol Centre, conducted the research
with three colleagues. The aim was to
pinpoint just how frequently danger-
ous organisms are found in roadside
foods.
Thirty samples from each of the
ve downtown townships were col-
lected and tested. Of the 150 samples,
52, or around 35 percent, contained
either Staphylococcus aureas or Ba-
cillus cereus.
Of the 32 samples with Staphylo-
coccus aureas, 23 had bacteria levels
considered immediately dangerous,
while 14 of the 20 Bacillus cereus
samples were dangerous.
The foods that returned positive
test results included fried rice, sau-
sage, bread, custard and ice cream.
While this research did not focus
on traditional Myanmar foods, such
as roasted meats, steamed sh, dried
sh and djenkol beans, previous re-
search has also found high levels of
toxin bacteria in these products, Dr
Thaung Hla said.
He said the safety of street food
depended mostly on the hygiene of
the person who prepared and sold
it.
It depends on how they prepare
and cook the food and their personal
hygiene. If people want to eat safe
food they should carefully consider
the environment in which it is sold to
see whether it is clean, he said.
The results of the research might
be disturbing but they are not sur-
prising, said Dr Mie Mie Ko, manag-
ing director of health care provider
Mieko. We have a lot of street ven-
dors because they can set up pretty
much anywhere. No one checks how
the quality of their food and their per-
sonal hygiene, she said.
Dr Mie Mie Ko said the two types
of bacteria are normally found on the
skin and in the noses of healthy peo-
ple, indicating they were transmit-
ted to the food by the vendors poor
hygiene.
Infections caused by these bacte-
ria can be treated through the use of
antibiotics but the consequences of
non-treatment can be severe.
If people have high resistance [to
the bacteria] they can defend against
the infection but if they have low re-
sistance the bacteria will cause them
to feel ill. In some cases severe food
poisoning symptoms can be danger-
ous, and people can die if they get too
dehydrated.
Food poisoning due to bacteria is
preventable, Dr Mie Mie Ko said, but
more health education needs to be
given to those who prepare, sell, han-
dle and consume foods.
While the research clearly has
public health implications, U Ko Ko
Zaw, deputy director of the Myanmar
Health Research Department, said it
was unlikely the results would end
up with YCDCs health department,
which is responsible for ensuring
food safety in Yangon.
We do not work together with
those authorities. We cant stop any-
one from selling food that is the
duty of YCDCs health department,
he said. But sometimes researchers
directly contact YCDC and give their
ndings.
The lack of enforcement means it
is generally a case of buyer beware.
Ma Su Su from Bahan township
said she tries to avoid eating street
food because of the frequency with
which it makes her fall ill. It is easy
to see how bacteria could be trans-
mitted through street food, she said,
because vendors do not wear gloves
and wash plates and utensils in dirty
water.
If I want to eat I at least try
to find a clean roadside food stall,
she said. Sometimes I even ask
the sellers to wear gloves but gen-
erally they don t like it when I say
this.
Even street vendors say they are
careful about what they eat. Ma Ei,
who has sold Myanmar salads on
Anawrahta Road for more than
five years, said she only eats at
stalls where vendors wear gloves
and clean their plates properly.
Vendors really need to lift their
standards, she said. Some of the
people around me don t even both-
er to clean their dishes at the end
of the day. They just do it the next
day before they open.
A worker at a streetside food stall in downtown Yangon places fried fish into a bag. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
SHWE
YEE SAW
MYINT
poepwintphyu2011@gmail.com
35%
Samples testing positive for one of two
types of bacteria that can cause food
poisoning
Survey of food for sale in ve downtown townships nds one-quarter contains immediately dangerous levels
Details emerge of
oldest stone inscription
Archaeologists conrmed last week
that a recently discovered inscrip-
tion in Myittha township, Mandalay
Region, is nearly 1000 years old, one
of the earliest known. The 5-foot-9-
inch (1.75-metre) stone tablet records
religious donations by Queen Mahanir-
uddadevaramvihara, wife of King Va-
jribharanadeva, better known as King
Sawlu. It had originally been wrongly
attributed to King Sawlu.
The inscriptions are written in Mon,
Pyu, Pali, and Gone Shan (Tai Khun)
languages, as well as Khom, another
ancient script.
The year of inscription, 415 [circa
1052 AD], is clearly written, U Myint
San told reporters in Mandalay on
January 14.
Researchers say the stone is older
than the Myazedi, Yazakumar and
Gubyaukgyi inscriptions, which date to
1113. Khin Su Wai
IN BRIEF
History made as Bagan hosts
frst major ASEAN meeting
AUSPICIOUS that was how one
senior government ofcial described
Myanmars rst meeting as chair of
ASEAN, after spending the better part
of 17 years largely as an outsider to the
regional bloc.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers Re-
treat, set against the backdrop of his-
toric Bagan, began Nay Pyi Taws year-
long stewardship of ASEAN, with
delegates touching down on January
16. The position at the helm of the
10-nation grouping marks another
step in the nations re-emergence un-
der the government of President U
Thein Sein.
Prior to 2011 Myanmar had been
viewed as the groups black sheep,
bringing unwanted international at-
tention and criticism for its dismal
human rights record under the previ-
ous military government.
Though Minister for Foreign Af-
fairs U Wunna Maung Lwin insisted
that Myanmar has always been an
active member of ASEAN, the coun-
trys participation has been spotty
since it joined in 1997.
Senior General Than Shwe
shunned most ASEAN Summits,
often opting to send the countrys
prime ministers U Khin Nyunt, U
Soe Win and U Thein Sein in his
place. In 2005, Myanmar was forced
to turn down the opportunity to
take the helm of ASEAN the follow-
ing year because of intense interna-
tional pressure over its human rights
record.
Though Myanmar is now head of
the group a responsibility ASEAN
secretary general Le Luong Minh de-
clared historic and has partially
shed its image as a human rights
abuser, the issue still cropped up in
questions directed at government of-
cials on the summits rst day.
U Ye Htut, the deputy minister for
information and spokesperson for
President U Thein Sein, was pressed
twice on the plight of the Rohingya
Muslims at a morning press confer-
ence and on both occasions rejected
the use of the term.
Myanmar people and the govern-
ment do not accept this name Roh-
ingya, U Ye Htut said.
In Myanmar, members of the group
are ofcially known as Bengalis.
He called the ongoing tension
between the Rakhine Buddhist and
Rohingya communities an internal
afair that would not be raised at
ASEAN meetings, though Myanmar,
he said, may accept advice that
suits our country.
U Wunna Maung Lwin echoed
U Ye Htuts position at an evening
brieng. However, the declaration
of the matter as strictly internal
is complicated by recent reports of
Rohingya from Rakhine State be-
ing trafcked through Thailand to
third countries, as well as violence
in Malaysia and Indonesia between
Muslim and Buddhist workers from
Myanmar.
Ofcials were also questioned
on the inuence that China, Myan-
mars largest source of foreign in-
vestment, will exert on the group
in 2014, particularly in relation to
the South China Sea.
U Ye Htut said that Myanmar
viewed China as a friend and not
an obstacle or challenge.
China will play an very impor-
tant role in the stability and security
of the ASEAN region and also the
economic development of the ASE-
AN region, he said.
Four ASEAN members the
Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and
Brunei contest Chinas territorial
claims in the South China Sea. U
Ye Htut said that as chair Myanmar
hopes to resolve some [of these]
regional issues.
In a statement released following
their meeting, the foreign ministers
expressed their concerns on the
recent developments in the South
China Sea and called for an early
conclusion to the Code of Conduct
in the South China Sea.
Representatives from the 10 ASEAN meeting pose for a photo prior to the foreign ministers meeting in Bagan on January 17.
TIM
MCLAUGHLIN
Regional government completes
transport master plan
After a years work, the plan for the
future of Yangon city transport is now
complete, the regional transport minis-
ter has announced.
U Aung Khin said implementation of
short-term projects, until 2018, would
soon begin. The plan also calls for
medium-term changes, until 2025, and
long-term projects until 2035.
We will make observations for the
Thaketa Bridge project, which entails
a transfer of technology from Japan,
said U Aung Khin.
Other projects include upgrad-
ing car parking, and introducing bus
rapid transit and urban mass transit
systems.
The total planning cost was US$16.3
million, said U Tun Aung Thin, general
manager for the Ministry of Rail Trans-
portation for lower Myanmar. Shwegu
Thitsar, translation by Thiri Min Htun
Ceasefre talks
postponed to
late February
PLANNED peace talks between
the government and armed ethnic
groups have been postponed for
a second time and are unlikely to
take place until late February, both
sides have conrmed.
Talks were scheduled for January
24 and 25 in the Kayin State capital
Hpa-an but were delayed at the re-
quest of the armed ethnic groups.
Salai Lian Hmung, a member
of the Nationwide Ceasere Coor-
dination Team, which the groups
formed in November 2013, said
more time was needed to prepare
for the signing of the nationwide
ceasere agreement.
U Hla Maung Shwe, a senior ad-
viser at the Myanmar Peace Center
(MPC), said the governments chief
peace negotiator, Minister for the
Presidents Ofce U Aung Min, had
agreed to the NCCTs request.
I dont really think we should
consider the talks postponed, he
said. This is about building more
condence between the two sides.
The government had hoped to
have the nationwide ceasere signed
by the end of last year. However,
talks in Myitkyina in early Novem-
ber failed to yield any result. The
Hpa-an meeting was then scheduled
for early-to-mid-December but was
pushed back to the middle of Janu-
ary, ostensibly because of difculty
scheduling the meeting around the
Christmas period.
Both sides say the meeting is
likely to take place in early Febru-
ary but no date has been set.
In the coming month, U Aung
Min is expected to meet ethnic
groups several times for informal
talks on some of the more compli-
cated issues, U Hla Maung Shwe
said.
However, as The Myanmar
Times reported last week, both
sides have also agreed to leave
negotiations over military integra-
tion until the political dialogue
stage of negotiations.
Despite the postponement, a
meeting of armed ethnic groups
will go ahead as planned at the
Karen National Unions headquar-
ters in Hlaingbwe township, Kayin
State, on February 20 to 22.
Twenty armed ethnic groups
have been invited to the meeting,
including the United Wa State
Army and the National Demo-
cratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan
State based at Mong La, Salai Lian
Hmung said.
Talks are expected to focus on
a framework for political dialogue
after the nationwide ceasere has
been signed, he said.
Prior to the meeting the NCCT
has been holding talks with ethnic
leaders and other experts in Chi-
ang Mai to draft the framework for
political discussions.
Online
academy
launches
Myanmar
videos
A LEADING United States online edu-
cation institute has translated 100 of its
videos into Myanmar language so that
internet users here can access a world-
class education.
The California-based Khan Acad-
emy is a non-prot organisation that
aims to provide a world-class educa-
tion for anyone, anywhere. More than
6 million users across the world access
Khan Academy websites each month.
However, it says only about 200
people in Myanmar are currently using
its resources, which include a library
of more than 6000 educational videos
and practice exercises in subjects from
basic maths to college-level biology and
art history.
Thanks to the eforts of California-
based Myanmar academic U Nyunt
Than and a team of US- and Myan-
mar-based volunteers with the Khan
Academy Burmese Translation project
(www.khanacademyburmese.org), an
initial 100 videos have already been
translated.
Speaking at the launch in Yangon
on January 12, U Nyunt Than, who is
also chair of the Burmese American
Democratic Alliance, said the videos
and exercises allow pupils to progress
at their own pace.
Along with technology, online
learning is changing how people are
educated, he said. The Khan Academy
functions by analysing [via computer]
the behaviour of users to nd out what
is best for their progress.
He said more translators are needed
to help the project reach its full poten-
tial. Its taken about eight months for
the Burmese translations so far to [be
completed]. We connected with the
University of Berkeleys software engi-
neering department, which built a web
application for translating materials
into Burmese, U Nyunt Than said.
Because of budget restrictions, the
videos have only got Myanmar subtitles
and have not been dubbed.
The project is done by volunteers
who can pick and choose what they
want to translate, he said. Anyone can
translate.
Political think tank
gets broadened remit
THE Myanmar Institute of Strategic
and International Studies has been
re-established as an independent
think tank with a broader remit, the
government says.
The institute, which was estab-
lished in 1992 and overhauled in
January 2013, has been tasked with
studying regional and international
peace- and security-related issues.
Its focus will broaden to include
research and members will begin
submitting papers to the president
and the Ministry of Foreign Afairs
on various issues, Minister for For-
eign Afairs U Wunna Maung Lwin
said last week.
In the past, Myanmar ISIS has
been headed by the minister of for-
eign afairs and members included
director generals from diferent gov-
ernment departments, he said.
But now, with the new govern-
ment, we re-established Myanmar
ISIS as an independent group, he
said at a ceremony on January 11 to
inaugurate the institutes new ofce
in Dagon township.
Myanmar ISIS will also build ties
with foreign think tanks, host con-
ferences and events and participat-
ing in similar events abroad.
The body has 19 members. Head-
ed by retired ambassador U Nyunt
Maung Shein, it also features former
civil servants, prominent scholars,
and senior ofcials from the Nation-
al Defence College and the Directo-
rate of Military Research.
Its ofce, as well as honorariums
for members and salaries for sup-
port staf, will be provided by the
government.
It will also receive nancial and
material assistance from German
non-government organisation Frie-
drich Ebert Stiftung.
WA LONE
walone14@gmail.com
This is about
building more trust
and condence
between both sides.
U Hla Maung Shwe
Myanmar Peace Center
FIONA MACGREGOR
newsroom@mmtimes.com
ZAW WIN THAN
zawwinthan@gmail.com
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Wunna Maung Lwin (right) shares a joke with
members of the Myanmar ISIS think tank on January 11. Photo: Ko Taik
Government agrees to ethnic groups request to
push Hpa-an peace meeting back a second time
Massive ivory haul for
sale in lawless Mong La
A VIBRANT and illegal trade in
ivory is thriving with impunity at
Mong La, a town in a self-adminis-
tered area on the border with China,
an undercover team of wildlife ex-
perts said in a report issued last week.
The team observed more than
3300 pieces of ivory and about 50
raw ivory elephant tusks for sale in
the town, which is popular with Chi-
nese visitors who frequent its many
casinos and karaoke parlours.
Our observations suggest Mong
La may be one of the biggest unreg-
ulated ivory markets in Asia, said
Oxford Brookes University professor
Vincent Nijman, who led the visit to
Mong La.
The team featured representatives
from both the university and wildlife
trade monitoring group TRAFFIC.
The January 13 report said most
of the ivory on display, including
carved hippopotamus teeth, probably
originated in Africa and was then
smuggled into Myanmar.
It is clear that neither Myanmar
nor China are efectively enforcing
[Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species] regulations,
as ivory is evidently moving across
the border, Mr Nijman said in the
report. [As] the market is situated
in Myanmar, it is the responsibil-
ity of Myanmars authorities to take
swift action and close down this illicit
trade.
Though inside Myanmar territory,
Mong La is controlled by the National
Democratic Alliance Army, an ethnic
Chinese group that formed follow-
ing the collapse of the Burma Com-
munist Party in 1989. Its territory in
eastern Shan State is known as Spe-
cial Region 4.
A Ministry of Environmental Con-
servation and Forestry ofcial who
spoke on condition of anonymity
said that this self-administered status
makes it difcult to enforce Myanmar
law.
We need the cooperation of the
administration [to police the town],
the ofcial said. We dont have an of-
ce in that area. It is really hard to
enter the area.
However, the report also criticised
Myanmar for its failure, alongside
Laos and Cambodia, to submit any
information on ivory seizures to the
Elephant Trade Information Sys-
tem, a CITES database managed by
TRAFFIC.
The Ministry of Environmental
Conservation and Forestry ofcial
said Myanmar has never been con-
tacted by ETIS but would be happy to
share information.
We share our information with
the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement
Network, the ofcial said.
Ivory is displayed for sale in a Mong La market. Photo: Supplied/Vincent Nijman
Elephant poaching
deaths rise in 2013
AYE SAPAY PHYU
ayephyu2006@gmail.com
BRIDGET DI CERTO AYE SAPAY PHYU
WILDLIFE conservation ofcials say
hunters killed and tusked at least 14
elephants in the past year.
A spokesperson for the Ministry
of Environmental Conservation and
Forestrys Nature and Wildlife Con-
servation Division said on January
8 that 26 elephants were found dead
in 2013 up from just ve the previ-
ous year with the majority killed for
their ivory.
Elephants die from natural caus-
es or get injured when they are cap-
tured and die later. But they are also
killed for their tusks this is the most
common cause of death, he said.
Most deaths occurred in Ayeyar-
wady and Bago regions, with others
reported in Yangon and Mandalay re-
gion and Rakhine State.
The ofcial said adult elephants
are the main target for hunters.
Full-grown elephants includ-
ing those owned by the government
or privately, as well as those in the
wild were killed for their tusks. The
danger is that we might see all of our
two-tusk [swesone] elephants killed.
The ofcial said the population of
wild elephants in Myanmar has fallen
by about 75 percent in the past four
decades, from about 10,000 animals
to between 2000 and 3000. Another
4382 domesticated elephants are
registered with the Department of
Forestry.
The main factors behind the de-
creasing population are illegal hunt-
ing, land-use changes and habitat
loss, a department survey found.
He said tusks, skins and wild el-
ephants from Kayin and Mon states,
as well as Tanintharyi Region, are
illegally traded to Thailand over the
border.
The ofcial added that expanding
human settlements and elephants
long memories make for a dangerous
mix.
Humans are expanding their set-
tlements, which brings them into
closer contact with elephants, he
said. This leads to more clashes ...
Angry elephants that have lost family
members or have seen them injured
by humans are known to be more ag-
gressive in later encounters.
Elephants are a protected spe-
cies in Myanmar. Under the 1994
conservation law, hunting, killing
or wounding the animals, as well
as possessing, selling, transferring
and exporting body parts without
permission are prohibited. Punish-
ments for breaking the law include a
maximum jail term of seven years, a
K50,000 ne or both.
But most killers and trafckers es-
cape punishment due to a lack of col-
laboration between local ofcials, an
absence of monitoring and full-time
patrols in forests, and weak enforce-
ment in border areas, the ministry
spokesperson said.
Myanmar has ve protected areas
covering nearly 8826 square miles
(22,859 square kilometres). A new
380-square-mile reserve has been
proposed in Bago Region that once
approved will be called the North
Zamari Elephant Protected Area.
Myanmar to steer clear of Cambodia political crisis
MYANMAR will not bow to pressure
and raise the topic of Cambodias in-
ternal strife during ASEAN meetings,
presidential spokesperson U Ye Htut
says.
Civil society groups from across
the region met in Yangon on January
13 to discuss the recent crackdown
on dissent in Cambodia, which has
so far claimed four lives. They urged
Myanmar, as ASEAN chair in 2014, to
pressure Cambodia to stop the bloody
repression of demonstrations and im-
prove conditions for its lowest-paid
workers.
But U Ye Htut, who is also a deputy
minister for information, ruled this
out.
The ASEAN chair cannot interfere
in every domestic issue that arises in
member states, he said by phone on
January 14.
The crisis in Cambodia rolled on
last week with opposition leader Sam
Rainsy being questioned in court about
his role in recent unrest, as thousands
of his supporters rallied outside.
Earlier this month police opened
re on striking garment factory
employees demanding a minimum
wage of US$160 per month.
Security personnel armed with
shields and batons also chased opposi-
tion protesters including monks, wom-
en and children from their rally base
in a park in Phnom Penh.
The government says the rallies were
illegal and has indenitely banned op-
position demonstrations in the capital.
Speaking at Yangons MiCasa Hotel
last week, Thida Khus of the Cambodia
Womens Caucus said 23 human rights
activists and garment workers have
been detained.
What happened in Cambodia
should not happen anywhere, espe-
cially at this time when we are form-
ing [the] ASEAN community, she said.
So we are asking for your support
and endorsement [for] your govern-
ment [to] approach the Cambodian
government for proper treatment of
the workers and the people.
Ma Thet Thet Aung from the 88
Generation said the group supported
the call for Myanmar to intervene.
We condemn [the Cambodian]
governments violent crackdown on the
people of Cambodia who were just ask-
ing for their rights. With AFP
Activists speak at a press conference in Yangon on January 13 calling for action over violence in Cambodia. Photo: Boothee
WA LONE
walone14@gmail.com
Reports of
more deaths
emerge from
Maungdaw
RAKHINE States Muslim commu-
nity has been once again thrust into
the spotlight, with reports emerging
of a fresh wave of violence in north-
ern Maungdaw township.
A number of details of the in-
cident remain unclear, however,
and the government has responded
by saying it does not believe there
has been a signicant outbreak of
violence.
According to a statement from the
Burmese Rohingya Organization of
the UK that corroborated comments
from a Sittwe resident with family in
Maungdaw, police entered the home
of a Rohingya family on January 13 to
extort bribes.
The British Rohingya group alleg-
es that the police sexually assaulted
and murdered the mother living in
the house but U Aung Win, a Rohing-
ya activist in Sittwe, said he was only
aware of their demands for payment.
Both agree that the incident esca-
lated to the point where a group of
residents attacked the police, driving
them from the village and possibly
killing one. Soon after, security forces
comprised of both police and military
personnel arrived on the scene and
began ring into the crowd. BROUK
says seven Rohingya were killed.
In the following days, ethnic Ra-
khine looted and burned the homes
of the Rohingya in the village, ac-
cording to the reports. U Tun Khin
said his contacts in the village told
him that the worst violence was on
January 15, when more than 100
homes were partially or completely
destroyed.
It is also unclear where the large
number of Rohingya men detained
by security forces are being held,
both U Tun Khin said that BROUK
said.
While there are numerous reports
of the violence among news outlets
and advocacy groups, many feature
diferent details that sometimes
conict.
Advocacy group The Arakan Pro-
ject, for example, claimed that the
bodies of Rohingya women and chil-
dren were found dismembered on
the outskirts of the village.
Presidential spokesperson U Ye
Htut, however, doused the reports of
clashes in Rakhine State. Speaking to
The Myanmar Times on the sidelines
of the ASEAN Foreign Minister meet-
ing in Bagan on January 17, he said
the Ministry of Home Afairs had re-
ported that no violence had broken
out.
On January 17 the US embassy in
Yangon also weighed in, saying via
its Twitter account that the US [is]
deeply concerned [regarding] new
violence in Maungdaw, especially re-
ports of excessive use of force by se-
curity ofcials.
Speaking by phone from London,
U Tun Khin said the conicting re-
ports highlight one of the main con-
tributors to the conict: the lack of
access for media to verify reports
coming from the state, particularly in
the tightly controlled northern town-
ships like Maungdaw.
In addition to calling for an im-
partial investigation to bring those
responsible to justice, his group is
calling for better access to the re-
gion for both local and international
media.
U Shwe Maung, the Pyithu Hlut-
taw representative for neighbouring
Buthidaung, agreed a transparent in-
vestigation is needed so we can min-
imise rumours and get to the truth.
Additional reporting by
Timothy McLaughlin
BILL
OTOOLE
botoole12@gmail.com
Sources allege police red on demonstrators but
government says no signicant violence has occurred
Dutch rapist released from Insein
A Dutch man sentenced to 42 years
jail for rape and illegal possession
of antiques was recently freed in an
amnesty and deported.
Antonius Martinus Mria, 69, was
released on January 3. He had been
living in Dagon township in Yangon
and running an antiques business in
Golden Valley when he was arrested
in 2010 for illegal possession of
antiques.
He was given a four-year sentence
and received an additional 10 years
under the anti-human trafcking law.
Authorities then added another two
years under the Forest Law, 15 years
under the Export-Import Law and 11
years for two offences under the Penal
Code, including rape.
Monk busted with drugs
Yangons anti-drug taskforce has
arrested a monk who was allegedly
carrying illicit drugs valued at K10
million. The monk and another man
were arrested in Thingangyun town-
ship on January 5 after police received
a tip-off.
An illicit substance weighing 500
grams wrapped in a plastic bag was
found inside the monks bag, along
with a mobile phone and a Sangha
registration certicate.
The monk was disrobed by local
Sangha ofcials and charged under
anti-drug laws.
Police sergeant beaten by
New Year revellers
A police sergeant was allegedly
beaten by a group of six men early on
New Years Day after he rebuked them
for making too much noise.
Police Sergeant Lwin Oo ap-
proached a group of six men speaking
loudly and playing music in front of
Sein La Yaung Restaurant in Than-
lyin township at about 12:30am on
January 1.
One person allegedly hit him from
behind with a metal stick. The others
then joined in and punched him, hold-
ing his hands. The ofcer was sent
to Thanlyin Hospital for treatment
and six people have been charged
with causing grievous hurt to a civil
servant.
Taxi driver escapes machete robbery
Police have arrested one man and are
hunting two more who held up a taxi
driver at knifepoint on January 2. The
men hired the car on Pyay Road but
pulled the knife on the driver on Na
Nat Taw Road and told him to hand
over his money.
He responded by pulling a sword
on the men, two of whom ed the
car. One man has been charged with
extortion by putting a person in fear
of death or grievous hurt, and faces a
10-year jail term if found guilty.
Escaped convict killed by car
A Yangon man who had been serving
time for gambling was crushed to
death in a trafc accident, one day
after he and another man allegedly
escaped from prison at around 11pm
on January 2.
The deceased man, U Than Win,
43, from South Dagon, had only ve
months remaining on his sentence,
while the other escaped convict, U
Yan Naung Soe Thwin, 34, was set
to be released on January 3 under a
presidential amnesty.
U Yan Naung Soe Thwin told police
that he and U Than Win had been
sleeping on the side of a road in
Hlegu township when U Than Wins
head was crushed by an unidentied
passing car at around 5:30am, police
said.
U Yan Naung Soe Thwin was serv-
ing a ve-year sentence for murder
when he escaped from prison. He now
faces a further two years in jail for his
prison break. Toe Wai Aung
Back to Burma: Australia
does a backflip on name
THE Australian government has re-
verted to using Burma in referring
to the Union of Myanmar in certain
contexts, a Canberra ofcial said last
week.
The government will use the term
Myanmar in communications with
and public statements about the My-
anmar government, but Burma in
other contexts, a Department of For-
eign Afairs and Trade spokesperson
told The Myanmar Times via email.
The spokesperson would not elabo-
rate on why the change had happened
or clarify what exactly constitutes
other contexts.
However, the governments foreign
afairs website had changed all ofcial
references to Burma as of December
2013.
The move reverses Australias
switch from Burma to Myanmar
in 2012 and goes against the interna-
tional trend of adopting the countrys
ofcial name, Myanmar, which was
put in place by the military govern-
ment in 1989.
While the United States continues
to use Burma, last year it deferred
to using Myanmar as a diplomatic
courtesy, according to Secretary of
State John Kerry.
Some European countries and Na-
tional League for Democracy leader
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi continue to
use Burma as a political statement,
arguing that the military government
did not have the right to change the
name because it was not democrati-
cally elected.
Derek Tonkin, chair of the non-
prot Network Myanmar and a for-
mer British ambassador in Southeast
Asia, wrote last week that Australias
move, which comes after a change of
government in September 2013, de-
es logic.
The recent change in Australian
policy, if conrmed, will neither ad-
vance reconciliation between [Daw
Aung San] Suu Kyi and the generals,
nor help Australian national interests,
Mr Tonkin wrote. It is a classic exam-
ple of the folly of politicians succumb-
ing to short-term interest on a wave of
emotion when a cool head, reliability
as a prospective partner and support
for the reform process in Myanmar
should be primary considerations.
The reality is that Myanmar is es-
sential on all matters that count, since
governmental and commercial busi-
ness would otherwise grind to a halt.
But Burma can be used when there is
supposedly nothing at stake.
In 2012, then-Australian Foreign
Minister Bob Carr announced it would
be Australian policy to use Myanmar
in ofcial contexts.
We have moved beyond coercion,
and coercive measures no longer con-
tribute to the reform process, Mr Carr
was quoted by the Sydney Morning
Herald as saying at a press conference
announcing the lifting of sanctions
against Myanmar.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott
speaks at a press conference in
Sydney in December. Photo: AFP
BRIDGET DI
CERTO
CRIME IN BRIEF
Protest planned
over lack of doctors
RESIDENTS in rural Mandalay
Region are upset that their self-
funded hospital has been without
a government-appointed doctor for
more than two months.
Activist Ko Aye Thein said resi-
dents have sent letters to the gov-
ernment asking it to assign doctors
to the hospital but have not re-
ceived a response as of yet. If they
dont hear anything by February 10
he will stage a solo protest, he said.
I will protest in front of Manda-
lay Regions Department of Health
to have doctors at our hospital. I
will apply for permission but will
protest whether we are allowed to
or not, Ko Aye Thein said.
Construction on the hospital
in Thabeikkyins Twin Nge village
began in June 2009, with total
costs estimated at K164.9 mil-
lion (US$168,265). While doctors
were present when it was ofcially
opened in November 2013, they
have not been seen since.
The hospital was built with
local money and labour to have
convenient health care for our lo-
cal people, said Ko Zaw Khin from
Twin Nge.
Forty-three villages depend on
the hospital but because of the lack
of doctors those requiring emer-
gency care must instead travel
more than 32 kilometres (20 miles)
to the nearest township hospital.
They have to give K40,000 if
they hire a vehicle from local so-
cial society to go to the township
hospital, Ko Zaw Khin said. For
other cars they have to pay about
K70,000 The transportation
cost is too much. Translation by
Thiri Min Htun
THAN NAING SOE
thennaingsoe@gmail.com
Action looms
over illegal
land sales in
Pyin Oo Lwin
SUSPECTED squatters in Pyin Oo
Lwin township have been put on no-
tice that the local authorities are pre-
paring to take action against them.
The township administration is de-
manding that residents in the ninth
ward of Nandawon village-tract, near
the entrance to the town of Pyin Oo
Lwin, produce their ownership docu-
ments or face lawsuits.
The townships General Adminis-
tration Department has erected sev-
eral noticeboards in the area warning
residents not to build or install fenc-
ing unless they can prove ownership,
and threatening legal action against
those who cannot.
Ive asked residents to show evi-
dence of ownership. Otherwise we will
sue them, U Myo Lwin Oo, adminis-
trator of Pyin Oo Lwin township, said
last week.
U Ko Gyi who bought a eld in the
No 9 ward seven years ago, said illegal
land sales are out of control. I bought
a plot seven years ago. When I cleared
the land three years later, ofcials
wouldnt let me put up a fence. After
that squatters came and made fences,
he said. We asked the administrator
to stop them but they even built hous-
es. The administrator lost control [of
the issue] and took no efective action
to stop illegal land sales.
These buyers are attracted by the
low price of the illegal land, with
2400-square-foot blocks selling for
K20-50 million, a steep discount on
the K500-1000 million a legal sale
would fetch. They are able to buy the
land because in many cases the real
owners are not present and while
there is no guarantee it will not be
conscated later, the buyers expect the
government will ofer them compen-
sation so they go quietly.
Another documented landowner
said the authorities needed to enforce
the law and ensure all who buy land
pay the proper taxes.
We bought our land and paid
taxes to the government, he said, so
administrators should take action
against people who are living there il-
legally without paying tax.
Another ward resident told The
Myanmar Times that some residents
had bought the land cheap from
agents on the black market, and oth-
ers were migrant workers. Transla-
tion by Zar Zar Soe
SI THU LWIN
sithulwin.mmtimes@gmail.com
NYEIN EI EI HTWE
nyeineieihtwe23@gmail.com
A sign erected by officials in Pyin Oo Lwins Nandawon ward warns against
illegal land sales. Photo: Si Thu Lwin
LONG-STANDING border issues be-
tween Myanmar and India have moved
a step closer to resolution, with par-
liament approving a draft agreement
last week. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on
January 17 unanimously approved a
proposal submitted by Deputy Minister
for Defence Major General Kyaw Nyunt
earlier in the week that will result in
the signing of a border accord.
Agreement between the two coun-
tries could result in progress on im-
proving border security and cracking
down on smuggling, including people
trafcking, as well as establishing the
exact line of the more than 1600-kilo-
metre (1000-mile) frontier. About 165
kilometres (103 miles) of the common
border have yet to be precisely mapped
out, including nine border posts.
The ministry and the Indian gov-
ernment signed a nal draft of the
memorandum of understanding last
May, and the text was submitted to the
hluttaw in December.
The drafts 14 chapters cover such
matters as border patrols, prevention
of terrorism, and suppression of crime
and illegal cross-border trade.
A signed MoU can help both sides
prevent threats of violence across the
border and control human trafcking
and other illegal trade, said Maj Gen
Kyaw Nyunt.
Last year, Indian authorities inves-
tigated complaints that the Tatmadaw
had pitched camps in Manipur region,
across the border from Sagaing Region.
Smuggling of arms and drugs is said to
be rampant in Manipur and Nagaland,
Indias northeast provinces that border
Myanmar.
U Tint Swe, chair of the Myanmar
Centre in Delhi, said he believed the
two countries could successfully settle
the border issues once the agreement
was signed, while the Indian govern-
ment looks forward to better relations
with Myanmar.
The proposal to sign the memoran-
dum was seconded by Amyotha Hlttaw
representative U Hson Dote Kyint.
On January 17, two MPs explained
to hluttaw representatives why they be-
lieved the agreement was essential to
improve development on the troubled
border.
Recently, people demonstrated in
my constituency because some Indians
[crossed] into Myanmar in the Kalay-
Tamu area, said Daw Khin Hmwe
Lwin of Min Kin in Sagaing Region.
There has also been an increase
in drug trafcking even [Myanmar]
government ofcials are involved in it.
Translation by Zar Zar Soe
HLUTTAW representatives have voted
to retain parliamentary oversight pow-
ers in the development of special eco-
nomic zones despite warnings it could
slow down investment inows.
President U Thein Sein returned the
approved draft of the Special Economic
Zone Law to parliament in November
with suggested amendments, which
mostly focused on the requirement
that parliament approve the establish-
ment or upgrading of the zones.
The president said he believed this
would give the legislature too much
inuence in administrative afairs, in
violation of section 11(a) of the consti-
tution, which requires separation of
powers to the extent possible.
After a spirited debate on January
17, MPs voted down the presidents sug-
gested amendments 327 to 174, with
eight MPs abstaining. The bill will now
become law within seven days.
During the discussion, two military
representatives, Lieutenant Colonel Ye
Naing Oo and Major Zin Lin, backed
the presidents suggested change. The
requirement for parliamentary approv-
al could delay the ow of foreign direct
investment, Lt Col Ye Naing Oo said.
He argued that as a central commit-
tee to oversee special economic zones
has already been established there
should be no parliamentary approval
requirement. The committee can do
all necessary things for setting up a
special economic zone, such as issue
rules and regulations, directives and
instructions, Lt Col Ye Naing Oo said.
However, Yangon Region Amyotha
Hluttaw representative U Myat Nyarna
Soe dismissed suggestions that the
clause violated the constitution.
We have the right to decide as rep-
resentatives of the people whether spe-
cial economic zones should be set up or
not, he said. This provision means the
government only needs to get approval
from parliament for setting up a new
zone or upgrading an existing one, not
for the whole process of managing the
zones. So it will not delay the develop-
ment of special economic zones.
Hluttaw approves India border deal
EI EI TOE LWIN
EI EI TOE LWIN
MPs reject SEZ Law change
165
Kilometres of the Myanmar-India land
border that have not yet been mapped
AFTER a 14-year-old girl is sold into a
night of prostitution by an older sister
looking to pay of gambling debts, she
is left traumatised and outcast. Against
her wishes, she is forced to transfer to
another school. Her sister leaves home
and runs away. But the family doesnt
le a complaint or tell the authorities
their daughter was sexually assaulted.
They believe it to be a family afair.
If you dont often hear about such
stories in Myanmar, its not because
theyre not happening its because
theyre covered up.
Despite local prejudice that only
foreigners can be sexual predators,
paedophiles adults who are sexu-
ally attracted to children can come
from any country. And many here are
unaware of, or wilfully ignoring, the
dangers of making children available
to abuse, experts say.
According to a report by Child
Wise, an Australia-based international
child protection charity, more than 1
million children globally have sufered
sexual abuse. Of all prostitution cases,
30.4 percent involve underage girls
and 23.6pc involve underage boys.
This sexual abuse is often facili-
tated by parents, sometimes know-
ingly. The practice of selling children
into faraway jobs puts them at risk of
abuse, and is particularly common in
remote or ethnic areas where family
incomes are too low to support chil-
dren properly or give them opportuni-
ties to prosper in life.
While the pressures are under-
standable, some feel that the decision
to send children away from home at a
young age is made too often, and too
lightly.
On some occasions, parents sell
their children knowing its for pros-
titution, one journalist with exten-
sive experience covering social issues
told The Myanmar Times recently.
And some dont know and believe
the promise of an agent that [sell-
ing them] is for the childs future
prospects.
I think it is an excuse because they
dont want to take responsibility when
they have many children to feed as a
consequence of poverty.
Parents dont protect children, and
society looks down upon such kids
those who, lacking adult protection,
are drawn or forced into prostitution.
Children become victims.
Daw Wah Wah Lin Htun, the
founder of Friendly Child, a local NGO
that advocates for childrens rights,
said that despite government eforts
to combat child abuse and violence,
maltreatment of children remains
a signicant social problem. More
programs are needed to improve
awareness about the perils of child
abuse, whether sexual or otherwise.
With child labour commonplace in
Myanmar, many children are robbed
of their youth before it even begins
something that can haunt them for
the rest of their lives, Daw Wah Wah
Lin Htun said.
I feel unhappy when parents sell
their children or make them house-
maids. But [parents] do not notice the
impact and how the futures of their
children are [afected], she said.
My friend was forced by her
parents to work as a housemaid when
she was 13. She is still downcast and
struggles with feelings of inferiority.
Some say the best way to protect
children is to tackle the underlying
conditions of poverty that too often
leave them vulnerable to abuse. Oth-
ers want to see the laws protecting
children changed.
The United Nations Childrens
Fund is working with the Ministry of
Social Welfare to overhaul Myanmars
Child Law and bring it up to interna-
tional standards.
In October 2013, meanwhile, the
New National Democracy Partys U
Thein Nyunt, the Pyithu Hluttaw rep-
resentative for Yangons Thingangyun,
proposed amending existing legisla-
tion to strengthen punishments for
those convicted of child abuse.
Under the existing 1993 Child Law,
those found guilty of production of
child pornography or the selling of a
child into prostitution face a two-year
jail term, a K10,000 ne or both. Rape
of a child is not mentioned under the
Child Law, but can incur a seven-to-
10-year jail term under section 376 of
the Penal Code.
But of 440 MPs, only 19 voted in
favour of U Thein Nyunts proposal to
impose the death penalty on those con-
victed of raping young children, and a
life sentence on those convicted of rap-
ing someone under 16 years of age.
Gender and Development Initia-
tive executive director Salai Isaac Khen
said the decision not to strengthen
punishments for sexual crimes against
children suggests parliamentarians
lack the capacity to handle the issue
properly.
I am not pro-death penalty, Salai
Isaac Khen said, but I am unhappy
with the hluttaws failure to respond
efectively.
If they are not capable of protect-
ing children from sexual violence in
normal conditions then how can we
raise such issues in situations where
there is armed conict? he asked,
referring to the lack of human rights
protection in the countrys conict
areas.
He said it is essential that the
hluttaw cooperates with legal and
child protection experts to strength-
en mechanisms for protection, par-
ticularly those protecting young girls
against sexual acts.
I dont think that they neglect the
issue, he said, but it might be that
they do not know how to respond to it
well with policy.
Society leaves children at risk of abuse
Children search for rubbish
to resell at a landfill site in
Yangon. Photo: Kaung Htet
FEATURE
Poverty and lack of strong laws to protect children make them vulnerable to abuse, with parents sometimes complicit in their sufering
CHERRY
THEIN
t.cherry6@gmail.com
My friend was forced
by her parents to
work as a housemaid
when she was 13.
She still struggles
with feelings of
inferiority.
Daw Wah Wah Lin Htun
Friendly Child founder
New look for old hotels as rivals roll in
ITS sidewalk teashops crowded with
construction workers and more than
a dozen cranes towering above, the
corner of Kabar Aye Pagoda Road
and Industrial Road 1 by the banks
of Inya Lake has become ground zero
in Yangons increasingly competitive
hospitality arms race.
Between the expansion and reno-
vation of the Sedona Hotel and a
new mixed-use development from
Vietnams Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group
(HAGL), this corner alone represents
more than half a billion dollars of
new foreign investment in the sector.
International hotel chains have
arrived eager to enter the under-sup-
plied market. Yangon has fewer than
2000 hotel rooms of an international
standard, according to hotel and
hospitality real estate advisory Jones
Lang LaSalle, and demand is sharply
increasing along with the amount
hotels can charge desperate visitors.
Myanmar has set a target of at-
tracting more than 3 million arriv-
als in 2015 and 7.5 million visitors
by 2020, and the vast majority of
these are likely to enter the country
through Yangon airport.
Just in the month of December,
Frances Accor doubled the size of its
Myanmar portfolio, announcing it
would oversee three new properties
in partnership with Myat Min Co.
US-based Best Western, meanwhile,
opened its rst hotel shortly before
the New Year and has a property in
Nay Pyi Taw in the pipeline.
For long-established hotels like
Sedona, the new competition means
expansion and upgrades are needed
just to keep up.
When the dark days were upon
us with low occupancy, there was no
money and no incentive to develop
your hotels because nobody was
staying there, said Tony Picon, man-
aging director at real estate services
company Colliers International in
Yangon.
But then when you start to see
people ooding in, as they have in
the past two or three years, rstly
you get more money but you also
want to make your hotel nice ... Ho-
tels are going to charge a high rate
but they know they have to provide
something in return.
HAGLs $440 million complex
has turned a roughly 8-acre swath of
Yangon into what looks like a childs
sandbox, albeit one on a giant scale.
Dump trucks and excavators, many
of them brought in from Vietnam
in February 2013, rumble across the
dusty site day and night, illuminated
by racks of oodlights.
The rst phase of the project,
according to the company, will in-
clude a 480-room luxury hotel and
a 27-storey ofce building. A second
phase of apartments and more ofc-
es is estimated to be nished in 2016.
Across the road, the Sedona, one
of Yangons rst international stand-
tard hotels, is watching its newest
neighbour slowly rise, but is not sit-
ting idly by.
After receiving approval from the
Myanmar Investment Commission
in May 2013, owner Keppel Land
broke ground in October on an $80
million expansion that will add 420
rooms, with an estimated comple-
tion date of 2016.
Simultaneously, the older portion
of the hotel is undergoing a $25 mil-
lion renovation that will see guest
rooms, common areas, and food and
beverage services upgraded, along
with mechanical and electrical sys-
tems, said Ng Ooi Hooi, president of
regional Investments at Keppel.
We believe that the Yangon hotel
market still ofers plenty of opportu-
nities for early movers like Keppel
Land. Sedona Hotel Yangon will re-
main one of the best hotels operating
in Yangon, Mr Ng Ooi Hooi said.
In what is perhaps a bit of keep-
ing up with the Joneses, Sedonas
new wing will top out at 29 storeys,
making it one of the tallest struc-
tures in Yangon when completed
and two storeys taller than HAGLs
hotel.
Sedona is not the only Yangon
mainstay that has realised the need
for expansion and improvement.
Traders Hotel in Yangon, which
opened in 1996, underwent a major
overhaul in 2010.
Not only was there an invest-
ment in hardware, a signicant part
of the work has included training,
developing and grooming local My-
anmar people for the industry as it
grows, Phillip Couvaras, general
manager of Traders Yangon, said of
the upgrade.
An ofce tower being developed
by Shangri-La, which operates Trad-
ers, is under construction adjacent
to the hotel. Mr Couvaras said that
the new tower and the existing hotel
will be linked by a shopping centre.
Just up the road from Traders,
Parkroyal Hotel is undergoing exten-
sive renovations as well. The hotels
rebranded and refurbished restau-
rant, Spice Brasserie, opened to din-
ers at the end of December. Its Chi-
nese restaurant, Phoenix Court, will
re-open this month after also being
overhauled.
Spokesperson Michelle Win said
the hotel is also undertaking exten-
sive renovations to its lobby that are
scheduled for completion this month.
The changes come after its high-
end Orchid Club rooms and accom-
panying business facilities got a
facelift last year.
As with the developments being
undertaken by Traders and Sedona,
Parkroyals upgrades make perfect
sense, Mr Picon said.
These are hotel people and they
will upgrade their hotels when the
time is right. Theyve got the cash
and the reason to do it, because peo-
ple are ooding in. Additional re-
porting by Thomas Kean
A woman walks past a barrier erected to enable renovations to take place at Yangons Parkroyal Hotel. Photo: Thiri
TIM
MCLAUGHLIN
Yangons established high-end hotels expand and remodel as international rms begin to push into the under-supplied market
Hotels are going to
charge a high rate
but they know they
have to provide
something in return.
Tony Picon
Colliers International
ANALYSIS
Business
MYANMAR is ranked 162
nd
out of
178 countries surveyed in the 2014
Index of Economic Freedom, com-
piled by The Heritage Foundation
and the Wall Street Journal and
published January 15.
Hong Kong, for the 20
th
consecu-
tive year, was ranked as having the
most economic freedom. North
Korea came in last in the index, at
178
th
.
Over the 20-year history of the
Index, Burmas progress toward
greater economic freedom has
been patchy and modest, the index
stated. The overall score improve-
ment has been merely 1.4 points,
with gains in trade and monetary
freedoms offset by deteriorations
in four of the 10 economic free-
doms including property rights and
financial freedom, the scores for
which have declined by 20 points
each.
Free economies are those given
a score of 84.1 or higher. Myanmar
is considered a repressed econo-
my, with its 2014 score of 46.5 an
improvement on last years 39.2 but
still below the South and East Asian
regional average of 58.5.
Burma is richly endowed with
natural resources, according to
the index, but government in-
tervention in the economy has
made it one of the worlds poorest
countries.
Freedom from corruption,
property freedom, financial free-
dom, and investment freedom
brought the lowest rankings in
Myanmars score, while labour
freedom, monetary freedom and
fiscal freedom helped the coun-
try improve during the year
2013.
Myanmar
climbs
new index
BRIDGET DI CERTO
bridget.dicerto@gmail.com THE delayed issuance of telecom li-
cences to Norway-based telecommuni-
cations rm Telenor and Qatars Oore-
doo are now expected by the end of
the month, more than a year after the
tender process to select telecommuni-
cations operators began, government
ofcials said.
The government previously prom-
ised to deliver the vital licences by the
end of last year, giving the two opera-
tors clearance to begin developing a
nationwide mobile infrastructure, but
certain provisions to the recently en-
acted Telecommunications Law were
stalled, Posts and Telecommunications
Department (PTD) director U Than
Tun Aung told The Myanmar Times
on January 15.
We are working on nalising
ve applicable rules for the Telecom
Law by the end of January. We have
already negotiated with foreign tel-
ecom operators about applying de-
tailed rules and regulations of the law
so they are able to start their busi-
nesses, he said, adding that the ve
provisions have already been sent to
the Attorney-Generals Ofce. After
we get approval of cabinet, we will is-
sue telecom licences.
Passage of the new rules comes
as the government seeks to liberal-
ise a sector that has until now been
controlled by state operator Myanma
Posts and Telecommunications.
Another PTD director, U Soe Na-
ing, said the department had been un-
able to meet the original deadline due
to the need for ofcial translations
into English as well as a diferences
of opinion that need to be resolved
between the working groups set up to
write the provisions.
We have to examine the diferenc-
es face to face and we have to publish
both English and Myanmar versions
of the law. Because of these factors the
process has been delayed, said U Soe
Naing, adding that despite the delays
the Myanmar Investment Commission
granted investment approval to both
companies on January 8.
Once the operator licences are is-
sued, thousands of communications
towers would be constructed with the
hopes of reaching 80 percent of Myan-
mars population of 60 million by 2015.
As of July, only 7.08 percent of the
country had access to mobile phones,
according to government data. Oore-
doo and Telenor said it would take
six and eight months respectively to
develop an infrastructure and launch
initial services.
Neither rm would comment on
delayed licences after both stated last
month that they expected the govern-
ment to come to a decision before 2014.
We are committed to working
closely with the ministry [Ministry of
Communications and Information
Technology] and the government
of the Republic of the Union of My-
anmar as it institutes a legislative
framework for the telecommunica-
tions industry that is aligned with
international and GSM standards,
Telecom licences delayed until end of January
A man talks on the phone while strolling through downtown Yangon. The government has already failed once on a promise to deliver telecom licences to the winners of
last years international tender. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
AUNG
SHIN
koshumgtha@gmail.com
Still ranks poorly on
nancial freedom
25 BUSINESS EDITOR: Philip Heijmans | pheijmans13@gmail.com
SIX major retail, footwear and gar-
ment industry associations whose
members account for over 90 percent
of garment imports in the US and
Canada have called on the Cambodi-
an government, the Garment Manu-
facturers Association in Cambodia
(GMAC) and unions to resume wage
negotiations. The open letter, dated
January 15, is addressed to Prime
Minister Hun Sen, GMAC general sec-
retary Ken Loo and ve of the unions
at the centre of the ongoing dispute
over the minimum monthly garment
salary.
Our industry is committed to en-
suring that all the products that they
produce, source and sell are manufac-
tured under lawful and humane con-
ditions, the letter stated. In addition
to urging an immediate resumption
of talks, the signatories requested for
the creation of a regularly-scheduled
wage review mechanism, and call on
those involved to end all violence.
These actions will not only pro-
mote both the short and long-term
health and stability of the Cambodian
garment and footwear industries,
but these actions will also enable the
Cambodian garment and footwear
industry to maintain the strong re-
lationships it has with our member
companies, the letter goes on to say.
The six organizations behind the
efort are the Retail Council of Cana-
da, the American Apparel & Footwear
Association, the United States Fash-
ion Industry Association, the Cana-
dian Apparel Federation, the Retail
Industry Leaders Association, and the
National Retail Federation.
The letter comes almost a month
after unions called a nationwide
strike in response to the Labour Ad-
visory Committees announcement
on December 24 that garment sector
wages would rise from $80 to $160
over ve years, instead of taking ef-
fect immediately. The initial rise for
2014 was set at $95, but was raised
to $100 after almost a week of dem-
onstrations.
The Phnom Penh Post
Garment retail associations
urge talks over Cambodia row
IMPORTED car sales in Yangon re-
main poor after a tax reduction last
month for vehicles widely expected to
bring down the cost of most vehicles
was mostly only applied to certain
luxury vehicles, dealers said.
Following several weeks of specu-
lation, the Ministry of Commerce
announced in early December that
insurance and freight (CIF) prices a
signicant proportion of the cost of a
car for both importers and customers
would soon be made public.
As the new CIF prices were widely
expected to be lower, dealers as well as
potential customers have been hold-
ing of on making purchases since
November.
However, the One Stop Service a
Ministry of Commerce body compris-
ing representatives from a number of
departments supervising auto imports
announced on December 24 that CIF
prices were only dropping on certain
types of vehicles.
CIF prices for cars with engines
measuring 1350 cubic centimetres or
less, which make up a vast majority
of cars on the roads, were unafected,
while those with engines measuring
1500-2000cc were slightly reduced
for some models, with a recent-model
2000cc engine vehicle, for example,
dropping from US$8000 to $7000,
and models older than 2009 falling to
$7500.
The car market is not good right
now, said dealer Ko Zaw Wai. This
change [in CIF prices] afects high-
model cars like Mercedes and doesnt
have much efect on cars with 1300cc
engines.
The car market has been silent for
all of December, he continued. This
season is travelling time for people, so
they werent interested in buying cars.
I hope the market will improve after
January, said Ko Zaw Wai.
The biggest CIF price drop came
for luxury cars such as Mercedes-Benz,
where CIF prices fell between $1000
and $3000. But some types of vehicles,
including gas-guzzling Hummer, actu-
ally saw an increase, with CIF prices
rising from $26,000 to $34,000.
Prior to the announcement, deal-
ers and showroom owners lobbied
the ministry to have the new prices
made public as soon as possible as
car buyers decided to wait for the new
CIF prices. Car sales centres resorted
to leaving thousands of vehicles un-
claimed at the ports to avoid paying
customs charges.
Since October 2011, Myanmar has
allowed a ood of newer model im-
ports into the country, replacing an
antiquated eet of vehicles. Most vehi-
cles have entered under two separate
programs: the overage car import sub-
stitution scheme and a separate small
car import program introduced later
to reduce car prices. This capped CIF
prices at $5000 but only for cars with
engines smaller than 1350cc.
The overage import substitution
program allows car owners to hando-
ver their vehicles to the Road Trans-
port Administration Department
(RTAD) in exchange for an import per-
mit that allows the holder to bring in a
newer model vehicle.
Ko Zaw Wai said this method is
usually more popular for owners look-
ing to update their existing vehicles
or those looking to sell unused permits
for up to K10 million.
It also collects so-called auction
cars such as cars impounded by police
or, in some cases, those left unclaimed
in ports for longer than 60 days.
Imported car market remains
idle following tax reduction
Poor sales in recent months resulted in thousands of vehicles being stranded at the ports
Luxury cars are left sitting at a port in Yangon. Photo: Kaung Htet
AYE
NYEIN
WIN
ayenyeinwin.mcm@gmail.com
Telecom licences delayed until end of January
Ooredoos chief executive, Ross Cor-
mack, said in an email last month.
On January 15, 2013, the govern-
ment called for expressions of inter-
est for two telecoms licences. After
shortlisting 12 prequalied compa-
nies and consortiums from 91 appli-
cations, Ooredoo and Telenor were
selected in June.
The Telecommunications Law was
then approved by parliament in Octo-
ber with the requirement that the ve
rules that accompany the law be intro-
duced within 90 days.
Another closely watched issue in
the telecoms sector is the future of two
local providers, MPT and Yatanarpon
Teleport, which are both negotiating
with potential foreign partners.
The two local operators are still
discussing possible partnerships so
they will get their licences only after
the foreign operators, said U Than
Tun Aung.
Those partnerships are considered
essential if the two companies are to
compete with Telenor and Ooredoo,
which are both experienced operators
with global operations, experts said.
In early November, the government
invited three consortiums Frances
Orange Group, Japans KDDI and Sin-
gapores SingTel to submit proposals
for a partnership with MPT. All three
responded prior to the December 5
deadline and were told an announce-
ment would be made on December
18 but the decision was later delayed
without explanation.
MPT ofcials said talks with pro-
spective partners have been continu-
ing since September 2013 but remain
tight-lipped on when an announce-
ment will be made.
We are still discussing our options.
I cant say anything for sure as the
process is still under discussion. You
will know when the ofcial announce-
ment comes out, managing director U
Aung Maw told The Myanmar Times
on January 14.
Yatanarpon, meanwhile, is also in
discussions with a potential foreign
partner, ofcials said. In preparation
for the partnership, the company was
transformed into a public rm last year.
We received permission from
MIC to become a public company on
December 4, said U Tin Win, chief ex-
ecutive ofcer of Yatanarpon Teleport.
We are now evaluating foreign
rms for a partnership. We will ex-
pand our telecom services to cover the
country when we get our licence.
Additional reporting by Philip
Heijmans
A man talks on the phone while strolling through downtown Yangon. The government has already failed once on a promise to deliver telecom licences to the winners of
last years international tender. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
MORE ON BUSINESS 28
PROPERTY 30
Scott market
sellers claim manager
is spying on them
Womens association
a path to international
standards
BUSINESS 28
Exchange Rates (January 17 close)
Currency Buying Selling
Euro
Malaysia Ringitt
Singapore Dollar
Thai Baht
US Dollar
K1332
K284
K772
K29.1
K982
K1350
K304
K782
K30.6
K990
26 Business THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
YEAR IN REVIEW
Path clear to conclude historic
energy block tender in 2014
Myanmars energy sector is ready to reap benets as international rms take the stage following years of reform and a careful tendering process
THE past 12 months could be consid-
ered a watershed year for Myanmars
energy sector, as the oil and gas indus-
try saw unprecedented foreign interest.
Myanmars proven natural gas
reserves, some 7.8 trillion cubic feet,
were revealed at the World Economic
Forum in Nay Pyi Taw in June, but
potentials of 0.42 trillion cubic feet of
natural gas onshore and 10.24 trillion
cubic feet ofshore, as revealed by the
Ministry of Energy in April, are what
global energy rms are after in the
ministrys two block tenders.
The rst tender saw 78 foreign
companies submit letters of interest to
the ministry, which then announced
in October that 10 including British
Virgin Island-registered MPRL E&P,
owned by Myanmar tycoon U Moe
Myint; ONGC Videsh from India; Eni
from Italy; and Malaysias Petronas
Carigali had won the right to ex-
plore 16 blocks.
A Ministry of Energy director, who
requested anonymity because he was
not authorised to speak to the press,
said the dropping of Western sanc-
tions against Myanmar had allowed
the tender to be hotly contested.
This time the tender was most in-
teresting because many international
energy companies participated, he
said. In the past we were only able
to permit companies from China and
Thailand because of sanctions and it
was very hard to attract the global en-
ergy giants. We want these tenders to
be transparent, with no other political
or economic inuence.
Christophe de Margerie, chief ex-
ecutive of French company Total, told
The Myanmar Times last month that
the company welcomed competition
in the sector.
Before we were one of the few for-
eign companies [in Myanmar]. Now
there are others. I would take compe-
tition as good news. We are used to
competition. The re-opening of the
country will increase competition, he
said.
The second tender announced in
April will see the Myanma Oil and Gas
Enterprise (MOGE), a wholy-owned
state enterprise responsible for the
upstream petroleum sub-sector, grant
licences for exploration and produc-
tion activities at 30 ofshore blocks,
including 11 shallow-water and 19
deepwater. For this, 75 international
rms sent letters of interest and 61
were declared in July to be prequali-
ed. An announcement will likely also
come in the coming months.
Banking on the transition into
an international energy market, the
MOGR increased the royalty fee for
exploration of onshore blocks from 10
percent to 12.5pc. Operators must also
repay tax breaks used to import ex-
ploration equipment if and when they
begin commercial production.
The surge in foreign interest also
prompted an explosion in the num-
ber of Myanmar companies registered
with the ministrys Energy Planning
Department (EPD), now with more
than 200 companies registered, up
from fewer than 50 one year ago.
The local companies registered
because it was too easy. Actually there
were no more than ve local compa-
nies in the oil and gas industry in the
past. Most newly registered compa-
nies know nothing about this busi-
ness. The ministry should have proper
rules for registering, said U San Lwin,
a former managing director at the
MOGE.
Mr de Margerie said sanctions had
limited the countrys capacity to speed
up exploration with new scientic and
technological tools. He recommended
that the ministry should try to accel-
erate the bidding process to ensure a
longer production period.
In particular, the ministry should
work to bring new elds online before
existing sites begin to decline, he said.
The sooner the better if you
dont want to lose more time, he said.
Otherwise, you will have to take the
risk of declining before new assets
start, he said.
Last year also saw the discovery of
gas in block M-3, in the Mottama of-
shore area, in August. the MOGE has
been exploring M-3 block since 1980,
with Thailands PTTEP taking over
since 2011.
The government announced the
discovery of gas in M-3, stating only
that natural gas and condensate had
been found. However, commercial
production will not start at the block
until 2018. The ministry added that
gas produced at the site would be
used for domestic power generation.
Myanmars daily demand for natu-
ral gas is 700 million cubic feet, but
only 300 million cubic feet were sup-
plied in 2013. However, the shortfall
is unlikely to be eased any time soon
because existing natural gas supplies
are under contract to Thailand and
China.
2013 also saw the completion of the
multi-billion dollar Myanmar-China
oil and gas pipeline now able to trans-
port 12 billion cubic feet of natural gas
each year from Kyaukpyu in Rakhine
State to Yunnan in China.
The pipeline will transport up to
6.5 trillion cubic feet of gas from Dae-
woos Shwe gas project, of the Rakh-
ine coast. It will also pipe crude oil
produced in the Middle East to China,
bypassing the Straits of Malacca.
Part of Chinas commitments to
Myanmar for the pipeline project in-
cludes building a new oil renery in
central Myanmar. The renery will
have a capacity of 20,000 barrels a
day and will rene oil supplied by the
Myanmar-China pipeline.
Myanmar currently has three ag-
ing oil reneries: one at Kyauk with
capacity of 6000 barrels a day, a sec-
ond at Thanbayagan (25,000 barrels)
and a third at Thanlyin, which is sup-
posed to rene 20,000 barrels a day.
None is able to rene to their stated
maximum.
The investment in oil and gas sec-
tor reached US$14.372 billion in 2013,
according to the Myanmar Investment
Commission.
The sector earns about 20pc of
the countrys revenue, but the pub-
lic and civil society have criticised
the governments lack of transpar-
ency. Transparency is very impor-
tant. This sector should be devel-
oped in the right way, said U San
Lwin.
However, efforts have started to
register Myanmar in the Extractive
Industries Transparency Initiative
(EITI).
I would like to suggest continu-
ing in the way they have changed
this country. Improving transpar-
ency, we strongly support the de-
cision to participate in the EITI
process, which will attract new in-
vestors, said Mr de Margerie. A drilling ship testing for oil and gas off the coast of Myanmar. Photo: Staff
Most newly registered companies know
nothing about this business. The ministry
should have proper rules for registering.
U San Lwin
A Former Managing Director at the MOGE
AUNG
SHIN
koshumgtha@gmail.com
Myanmars on- and offshore blocks to be tendered for exploration this year.
Photo: Supplied
Business 27 www.mmtimes.com
DUE to a late and poor Indian bean
crop this year, local mung bean prices
have increased as much as 60 percent
in some local markets to US$640 per
tonne, according to local exporters.
U Myan Linn, member of the My-
anmar Pulses, Beans and Sesame
Seed Merchants Association, said that
last years pre-harvest prices ranged
anywhere from $400 to 500 per tonne
of mung beans, with prots increas-
ing on poor stocks from India in the
past year.
This month, bean prices are up
because Indias crop came late this
year and it afected local prices, he
said. At the same time, local bean
stocks are low.
Bean prices are heavily dependent
on the Indian market, with more than
70 percent of locally grown beans are
exported to India.
In addition to poor stocks from
abroad, bean prices also increased
due to annual shortages as local crops
arent harvested until mid-February,
said U Myat Soe, central executive
committee member of the Myanmar
Pulses, Beans and Sesame Seeds Mer-
chants Association.
According to commerce ministry
statistics, Myanmar earned about
$912 million in the 2012-2013 scal
by exporting over 1.4 million tonnes
of beans, to India, Singapore, China,
Vietnam and 46 other countries.
Black matpe, green mung, toor
whole and chickpeas are the countrys
most popular bean exports, with most
grown from November to February in
Bago, Yangon, Mandalay, Ayeyarwady
and Sagaing regions.
Bean prices continue to grow
on delayed India harvest
A vendor displays beans at his shop in Bayintnaung Market. Photo: Boothee
MYAT NOE OO
myatnoe.mcm@gmail.com
PARLIAMENT is expected to an-
nounce new tax rates as early as next
month in a bid to raise revenue from
3 to 4 percent of GDP to 4.5pc for the
2014-2015 scal year and to more
than 10pc in future years, ofcials
said.
U Win Myint, a member of par-
liaments Banks and Monetary Af-
fairs Development Committee, said
work was proceeding on revisions
to the existing tax code as a revision
proposal made on January 13 has al-
ready been discussed by the Finance
Ministry and relevant parliamentary
committee.
We can directly discuss these re-
forms in the upper house and hope
to publish [the changes] in February
or May, he said, adding that four
kinds of taxes are being targeted:
commercial, income, stamp duty and
lottery tax.
Those taxes are handled by the
nance ministrys Internal Revenue
Department (IRD).
The new policy will be based on
the idea that everyone should accept
that widening the tax base is good
for democracy, said U Win Myint.
The ministry expects to raise an
additional K2.2 trillion this year, ac-
cording to the state-owned news me-
dia last year.
U Pe Myint, managing director
of the Cooperative Bank, one of the
highest income tax payers for the
2012-2013 scal year, said banks
have gotten better at recording their
transactions, making it easier for the
IRD to levy taxes and trace evasion.
We have to act transparently as
we cannot conceal payments, he
said.
Participants in a taxation seminar
last year suggested that the govern-
ment should rely more on indirect
taxes, such as value-added tax, to cut
down a perception of corruption.
Govt to issue
revised tax
brackets
AYE THIDAR KYAW
ayethidarkyaw@gmail.com
Bankers claim nancial
sector is showing
increased transparency
IN BRIEF
LOTTE and MGS franchised
on Pepsi products
Korean-based Lotte Chilsung and My-
anmar Golden Start (MGS) will produce
and distribute soft drinks, including
Pepsi products, it was announced last
week.
The joint venture agreement was
approved by the Myanmar Investment
Commission on January 15. Lotte will
invest US$81 million for a 70 percent
stake, with 30pc to come from MGS.
The joint venture will operate in 17
major cities throughout Myanmar, the
announcement said. We are going to
start production as soon as possible,
said U Thein Tun, chairperson of
MGS.
Aung Shin
TRILLION
K2.2
Estimated revenues to be earned from
taxes in this scal year
28 Business THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
Australian
Embassy
Tender Notice
The Australian Embassy invites tender bids
for the purchase of assorted used furniture
and electrical goods.
The items can be inspected on 27, 28
and 29 J anuary 2014, between the hours
of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm at the Australian
Embassy Staff Complex Yangon (AESCY)
located at 18 Golden Valley Rd, Bahan
Township, Yangon.
Tender forms can be obtained from the
Maintenance Offcer at the address above
on the day of inspection. The tender will
close on 29 J anuary 2014 at 3:00 pm. Bids
should be placed in the tender box located
at AESCY. Successful bidders will be
contacted on 30 and 31 J anuary. Payments
must be made in USD at the Australian
Embassy before items are collected. Items
can be collected from the AESCY on 3 and
4 February.
Job Vacancy
The Embassy of France (Economic service) is currently
seeking an individual for the position of assistant to the Head
of the Service.
The successful candidate should possess the following
qualifcations
- University graduate
- Excellent profciency in Myanmar and English languages
(writing and speaking), with knowledge of the French
language a bonus
- Effective communication skills
- Secretariat skills
- Computer literate
Candidates should send their CV as quickly as possible to
rangoon@dgtresor.gouv.fr
JOB WATCH
Business Development manager
Marketing manager
Sales and distribution manager
Brand manager
Logistic officer
Medical doctor
Project manager
Sales engineer
Site engineer
Chief Accountant
Accountant
HR Manager
HR Executive
Legal executive
Secretary
Passenger service agent ( airline)
Receptionist
Customer service
No. 851/853 (A/B), 3rd Floor, Room (7/8), Bogyoke Aung San Road,
Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel: (951) 229 437, 09 49 227 773, 09 730 94007
Email: esearch@yangon.net.mm, esearch.myanmar@gmail.com
www.esearchmyanmar.com www.facebook.com/esearchmyanmar
N
E
W

V
A
C
A
N
C
I
E
S

A
P
P
L
Y

N
O
W
!
IN BRIEF
San Francisco
Intel earnings sink as personal
computer era fades
US chip giant Intel last week reported
that its net prot last year sank 13
percent.
Intel said that it made a net prot
of US$9.6 billion on revenue of $52.7
billion as compared with $11 billion in
2012.
We had a solid fourth quarter with
signs of stabilisation in the PC seg-
ment and nancial growth from a year
ago, said Intel chief executive Brian
Krzanich. AFP
CONTINUED FROM BUSINESS 25
The habit of leaving vehicles unclaimed at
port is common, with 8195 vehicles left un-
claimed in Myanmars ports between 2011
and 2013, according to documents of the My-
anma Port Authority, which runs Sule port,
the only one of seven ports nationwide which
is not privately owned.
MPA documents show that at the coun-
trys second-largest port, Myanmar Integrat-
ed Port Limited, 41,025 vehicles were stored
between 2011 and 2013, with all subsequently
being claimed by importers.
But at the countrys largest port, Myan-
mar International Terminal Thilawa, 149,869
vehicles arrived in the same period, with only
143,778 taken out leaving 6091 in storage
and unclaimed.
Nationwide, 231,608 vehicles arrived
in ports between 2011 and 2013, while
223,413 were taken out leaving 8195 ve-
hicles in limbo.
On January 2 the minister of transport, U
Nyan Htun Aung, said the state would keep
406 unclaimed vehicles left in the port for
more than 60 days for its own use.
A further 2123 have been dened as auc-
tion cars, and will be disposed of in coopera-
tion with the Ministry of Commerce and the
Customs Department, according to the MPAs
joint managing director, U Kyaw Myint.
An RTAD ofcial said it will help destroy
some of the abandoned cars, alongside oth-
er vehicles traded in under the substitution
program.
But with rumours now spreading that the
RTAD will extend the range of vehicles that
can be imported with a trade-in permit to
include models made prior to 1996 the cur-
rent earliest model year allowed the market
is again idling, Ko Zaw Wait said.
The customers are waiting for this
change, Ko Zaw Wait said. If RTAD accepts
many cars, car prices will go down.
RTAD denies having received any such in-
struction from Nay Pyi Taw to extend the range
of imports to include pre-1996 vehicles.
IT was a womans negotiation
skills that convinced the gov-
ernment to fund a downtown
ofce tower for a loose consor-
tium of Bogyoke market vendors
who had a big dream, Myanmar
Women Entrepreneurs Asso-
ciation secretary-general Daw
Hnin Wai said.
Sitting inside the Associa-
tions ofce at MWEA Tower on
Shwedagon Pagoda Road, near
the intersection with Yaw Min
Gyi Street, Daw Hnin Wai is also
a woman with big dreams.
As a young 20-something
in the mid-90s, Daw Hnin Wai
launched a language school and
pre-school in Yangon with little
more than a bachelors degree in
English. Not long afterward, she
enrolled in an MBA at the Yangon
Institute of Economics where an
internship opportunity led her to
the ofce she now leads.
It was an opportunity Daw
Hnin Wai grabbed with both
hands, making her mark organ-
ising one of the rst womens
forums with international del-
egates to be held in Yangon.
Women [in Myanmar] do
not have much opportunity to
be exposed to international edu-
cation and practices, she said.
After joining the MWEA as
a member, Daw Hnin Wais rst
trip overseas as a fresh 27-year-
old MBA graduate was a one-
month training session in Israel
in the year 2000.
Can you imagine? she said
of the trip to a country dramati-
cally removed from Myanmar
geographically and culturally.
I was the youngest. Eve-
ryone from Africa and other
countries was so much older
than me. But I had kept more in
touch with technology so I could
make a good presentation, she
said. At this time I didnt have
the language to speak out fruit-
fully, but I knew how to try and
communicate.
Her next adventure was
embarking on a one-year MBA
course in Japan in 2005, an op-
portunity she said was crucial to
gaining a better understanding
of international standards of do-
ing business.
After returning from Japan
in 2006 the rents for her school
and pre-school were increased,
making the venture ultimately
too expensive for her and her
students.
At this time I had to close
the businesses, and I joined the
family business of importing
pharmaceuticals, she said.
However, she continued her
passion for education in head-
ing up the MWEAs education
committee. The committee
provides training opportuni-
ties for members but also has
a philanthropic arm, provid-
ing school stationery, uniforms,
bus fares, lunch tokens, an
umbrella and some pocket
money for children of disad-
vantaged families in semi-urban
areas.
For schools, even public
schools, everything requires a
little bit of money for teachers or
school trips. Thats why we give
a small amount of cash out.
The program has expanded
from 20 students in two areas to
400 students in 11 areas around
Yangon.
Increasingly, younger women
entrepreneurs are interested in
joining the association to take
advantage of the groups connec-
tions with international training
and workshop opportunities,
she said, although young women
entrepreneurs still face the same
challenges of the generation be-
fore them that had to ght to
defeat outdated sexist attitudes
about a womans place in society.
There is a minority who
dont see it that way. There is a
minority who see a woman can
do any job, she said.
In Myanmar there is still
prevalent pay inequality, Daw
Hnin Wai said. A woman doing
the same work as a man will be
paid substantially less.
Most of the outdated views
come from men, who still re-
tain many positions of power in
both urban and rural areas, she
said, adding that the best way
to implement change is to raise
awareness and make the issue
part of the social discussion.
The MWEA runs a regular
radio broadcast on Mandalay
FM to discuss womens issues.
The group has also published
a series of books covering top-
ics like women and psychology
and women and health, and
books targeting social issues
such as domestic abuse and
child abuse.
Women entrepreneurs in-
terested in joining the associa-
tion should contact the ofce
directly.
Womens association a path
to international standards
Daw Hnin Wai. Photo: Bridget Di Certo
BRIDGET DI CERTO
PROFILE
The United Nations Offce for Project Services (UNOPS) in Myanmar is inviting qualifed candidates to apply for
the following positions:
Sr. Title and level Duty Station Position Deadline
1. Assistant to Deputy Programme Director, Yangon National 24 J an 14
Head of Programme Support(HPS) (LICA-3)
2. Monitoring & Evaluation Offcer, HIV/AIDS (LICA-7) Yangon National 22 Jan 14
3. Programme Assistant(LICA-3) Yangon National 24 J an 14
4. Logistic Associate (LICA-4) Yangon National 26 J an 14
5. Logistic Assistant(LICA-3) Yangon National 26 J an 14
6. Vehicle Maintenance Helper(re-advertised) (LICA-1A) Yangon National 27 J an 14
7. Data Quality Assurance Assistant (LICA-3) Yangon National 31 J an 14
8. Equity and Social Inclusion Analyst (LICA-5) Yangon National 04 Feb 14

The beneft package for the above positions includes an attractive remuneration, 30 days annual leave and
10 holidays per year, medical insurance, learning and development opportunities and a challenging working
environment with 250 national and international colleagues.
All applications must be made through the UNOPS E-recruitment System(https://gprs.unops.org) and click on
the post you are interested in applying for.
Business 29 www.mmtimes.com
MALAYSIAN corporate executives
said bribery and corruption were
worsening in the graft-plagued
country, according to a survey, de-
spite government pledges to tackle
graft.
Eighty percent of respondents
said they felt bribery and corrup-
tion had increased between 2010
and 2012, according to the govern-
ment-backed survey conducted by
professional services firm KPMG
and released last week.
The perception that bribery and
corruption were a major prob-
lem for businesses in Malaysia
was shared by 90 percent of those
polled, the survey said.
A whopping 71 percent of re-
spondents also believed that brib-
ery and corruption is an inevitable
cost of doing business, whilst 64
percent believed that business cant
be done in Malaysia without paying
bribes, it added.
KPMG said it received respons-
es from 10 percent of companies
on the Malaysian stock exchange,
which has about 900 listed firms.
Corruption ranging from small
bribes solicited by police to refrain
from issuing traffic tickets to multi-
million dollar contracts awarded
without a transparent tender pro-
cess is routine in Southeast Asias
third-largest economy.
Prime Minister Najib Razak,
whose 57-year-old ruling coalition
was re-elected last May with a re-
duced parliamentary margin due
in part to voter weariness with cor-
ruption, has repeatedly vowed to
crack down on graft since he took
office in 2009.
But critics say little has changed,
and successful prosecutions of
high-profile figures are rare.
On January 13, the government
dropped corruption charges against
the ruling coalitions former trans-
port minister Chan Kong Choy in
relation to the development of a
free trade zone at the countrys
biggest port, after another former
transport minister got off last year.
The acquittals have sparked out-
rage from the opposition.
The projects costs reportedly
ballooned to more than US$1 bil-
lion in one of the countrys biggest
financial scandals.
Abu Kassim Mohamed, head
of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission (MACC), wrote in a
foreword to the KPMG survey that
admittedly, there is still much to
be done to increase confidence in
the governments anti-graft fight.
The MACC is frequently attacked
by the opposition for dragging its
feet on cases involving ruling-coali-
tion figures while aggressively pur-
suing cases linked to government
critics.
AFP
In Malaysia, corruption is
worsening says new survey
Critics say little has changed in the country since the ruling coalition was re-elected last May
KUALA LUMPUR
A whopping 71 percent of respondents also
believed that bribery and corruption is an
inevitable cost of doing business, whilst
64 percent believed that business cant be
done in Malaysia without paying bribes.
KPMG
CHINA Mobile, the countrys big-
gest services provider, last week
started selling Apples iPhone to
its millions of customers nation-
wide, ending a six-year wait in a
key market for the US technology
giant.
The combination of China Mo-
biles existing base of 760 million
customers and its plans to roll out
the worlds largest 4G (fourth gen-
eration) network have the rm and
Apple forecasting a fruitful union
after a long engagement.
China Mobile priced iPhone 5s
roughly the same as competitor
China Unicom, while at ofcial Ap-
ple stores prices for iPhones com-
patible with each of the countrys
networks are identical.
At a China Mobile branch in
downtown Shanghai, university
student Jiang Yong picked up a sil-
ver iPhone 5s he had pre-ordered.
The price does feel a bit high
at rst sight but it is the most ad-
vanced iPhone so far, equipped
with the most up-to-date network,
which is exciting and irresistible,
he told AFP.
In the eastern city of Nanjing,
more than 200 people lined up at
a China Mobile ofce from early
morning to buy iPhones with the
queue stretching 40 metres (131
feet), according to a microblog
posting.
Although analysts see China
Mobile gaining new customers
and Apple adding market share
in Chinas highly competitive
smartphone market, they caution
that the US company trails South
Koreas Samsung as well as Chi-
nese competitors ofering cheaper
phones.
Samsung commanded more
than an 18 percent share of Chinas
smartphone market as of the third
quarter last year, according to Chi-
nese consultancy Analysys Inter-
national, while Apple sat in eighth
place with a 3.5 pc share.
But Apple cannot aford to ignore
the worlds most populous country,
which Apple chief executive ofcer
Tim Cook has forecast will overtake
the United States to be the rms big-
gest market in future.
The iPhone is already sold
through Chinas two other major
telecom rms, 10 Apple stores in
mainland China and a new online
store on Taobao Mall the leading
business-to-consumer marketplace
operated by Alibaba Group.
Smuggled iPhones are also
widely available in China, carried
back from overseas where they are
cheaper and sold openly online and
through small electronics shops.
AFP
Chinas biggest
mobile frm starts
iPhone sales
SHANGHAI
BUSINESS EDITOR: Philip Heijmans | pheijmans13@gmail.com
Property
A NEW locally owned cooperative
bank tasked with helping low-
income customers to buy homes
opened its doors for the first time
following the official launch of its
services on January 11.
The Construction and Housing
Development Bank will offer mort-
gages as well as a range of banking
services such as saving accounts to
its clients, said U Win Zaw, manag-
ing director of the bank.
Most lower-income people
have little chance to buy their own
home because of the lack of lend-
ing organisations. These are the
customers we are focusing on, he
said.
We impose no limits or restric-
tions on lending, so long as our man-
agers believe they can repay the loan
within the term provided, U Win
Zaw told the Myanmar Times, adding
that the bank will operate under the
supervision of the Ministry of Con-
struction after receiving its licence
from the Myanmar Central Bank in
July.
Mortgages will carry 4 percent
interest and could run to a term of
up to 30 years, he said.
The banks low mortgage rates
are only limited to those who do
not already own property however.
Above a certain income threshold,
the bank will offer loans at 13pc,
with a three-year term, U Win Zaw
said.
We cannot give priority to that
kind of customer, or lend to them at
low interest and with a long term.
That would reduce the funds avail-
able for lower-income people, he
said.
The bank, whose headquarters
are in Shwedagon Pagoda Road, has
a home-loans budget of about K100
billion.
Bank offers
mortgages
to the poor
MYAT NYEIN AYE
myatnyeinaye11092@gmail.com
DEFIANT jewellery vendors en-
gaged in a dispute with their land-
lord have accused him of infringing
on their privacy after the manager
of Bogyoke Markets Super Hall in-
stalled dozens of new cameras ear-
lier this month, which stallholders
claim are aimed at them.
There were only a few cam-
eras far from us before, one ten-
ant, Daw Khin Mar Win, said. Now
there are more cameras. But this is
not about safety, but to watch us.
We are not afraid, as we are not do-
ing anything illegal.
Another vendor, who asked not
to be named for fear of consequence,
said the cameras were a violation of
his personal space.
I felt like the cameras were an
attempt to control what I do and it
made me feel very sufocated and
frustrated, he said, adding that they
were installed just the conict be-
tween shopkeepers and the markets
manager worsened.
No one wants to be watched
by cameras all the time. They in-
tentionally xed more cameras to
point at us.
The management of the jewel-
lers hall in the iconic market in
downtown Yangon served vendors
with eviction notices last month,
saying renovations to the prem-
ises were needed. Many vendors
resisted, afraid of losing lucrative
holiday-season business, and some
questioned the right of the company
to evict them.
The Private Super World Cooper-
ative Ltd, whose directors are Daw
Shu Kyi and U Mg Mg Lwin, said it
owns the retail space. The deadline
to vacate has now been extended
to January 31.
Since the original notice was is-
sued last month, about two-thirds
of the shopkeepers have vacated the
hall, though the remaining 30 ven-
dors published a notice in The Mir-
ror newspaper on January 4 chal-
lenging the managers authority to
order the eviction.
On January 8, the managers law-
yer U Chit Ko Ko published a reply
in the same newspaper demand-
ing an apology backed up with a
threat of legal action in case of non-
compliance.
I havent seen any apology,
U Chit Ko Ko told The Myanmar
Times last week. We will take le-
gal action against the shopkeepers.
I am awaiting instructions from
my client.
Daw Yee Yee Swe, a representa-
tive of the Private Super World Co-
operative, declined a request for
interview, saying she was not au-
thorised to speak to the media.
Vendors in the high-end jewel
and gem exhibition hall fear the
eviction is a ruse to remove exist-
ing shopkeepers and raise rents.
We will publish a notice in The
Mirror explaining why we will not
apologise, Golden House jeweller
and Super Hall tenant Daw Khin
Mar Win said.
Tenancy arrangements are re-
newed biannually between retailers
and Daw Shu Kyis agent through an
informal exchange. The agent has
not collected rent for the rst half
of 2014.
Shops at Bogyoke Market have closed in recent weeks as vendors have been embroiled in a heated verbal battle with the shops manager. Photo: Bridget Di Certo
I felt like the
cameras were an
attempt to control
what I do and it
made me feel very
sufocated and
frustrated.
Bogyoke Market vendor
SU PHYO
WIN
suphyo1990@gmail.com
4%
Mortgage rates to be offered by CHDB
to low-income households
Will ofer diferent rates to
those that own homes
Bogyoke market tenants claim
manager is spying on them
No sign of resolve at famed Yangon market as both sides threaten new action in ongoing jewellery hall dispute
31
Eight miles high
Its a bit far from the city centre, but what a place to come
home to: 1530 square feet on the third oor of this newly
constructed building, built by Golden Flower Construction
and featuring a striking exterior design. Just across the
street from Junction 8, you wont have to go far for shopping
then again, when the property comes fully and tastefully
furnished and also includes basic household appliances, you
wont be bringing home anything heavy anyway.
And the inside is just as classy as the wrapping: With one
master bedroom and two single bedrooms, its perfect for a
family or an established couple who love entertaining. The
oor is Korean parquet and the walls are a calming white
though not as calming as the ve air conditioners, the satel-
lite TV facilities and the security guard on duty 24 hours a day.
Ei The The Naing
Location : Prime Rose Condo, 8 mile, Mayangone tsp
Price : K4.5 million (per month to rent)
Contact : Moe Myint Thaw Tar Real Estate and
General Service
Phone : 01 9669061
THE groundbreaking of the
400-hectare Thilawa Special Eco-
nomic Zone (SEZ) last month has
speculative land- owners increasing
property prices by as much as 1000
percent in adjacent areas.
In Thanlyin township, across the
Bago River near the SEZ, property
owners are asking for anywhere be-
tween K10 million to K100 million
for a 40-by-60 foot (12-by-18 metre)
block, up from just K2 million and
K5 million not two months ago, re-
altors said.
Land plot owners in other areas
on the outskirts of Thanlyin town-
ship are also raising their prices. A
plot that is 30 feet by 60 feet, valued
at K400,000 one year ago, is being
put on the market for as much as K4
million today.
U Yan Aung, real estate agent at
Sai Khon Naung, said the marked
increase has been driven largely by
speculation as demand for land in
Thanlyin will remain small while
the SEZ and the 420-acre luxury
housing project, Star City, are still
in the early construction phase.
Although the property prices are
high now, there is no demand, he
said, adding that potential buyers
will likely wait and see how pro-
gress goes on the nearby projects
before moving in.
Once these projects are im-
plemented successfully, the result
will be that Thanlyin real estate
prices will be even higher, he said.
Ma Tharaphy, a resident of Than-
lyin for the past 20 years, said the
increase in prices could be good
news for property owners, but resi-
dents have yet to see the area im-
prove in terms of infrastructure.
There is no electricity, so the
villagers in the [outlying regions] of
the township are not okay, she said.
Residential properties inside
Star City have been selling for about
K250 million (USD$250,000), while
land inside the Thilawa SEZ is
now valued at about K200 million
(US$200,000) per acre since con-
struction began.
SEZ project
driving prices
for land upward
TIN YADANAR HTUN
tinyadanar.mcm@gmail.com
MILLION
K4
Asking price for land plots in outlying
areas of Thanlyin township.
GERMAN researchers have worked
with local conservationists and the
Myanmar government to create a map
showing the countrys ancient histori-
cal buildings.
The urban heritage map, which
has yet to be published, identies 189
heritage buildings, including religious
sites as well as state, commercial and
educational buildings, as well as some
within ethnic communities, accord-
ing to the Yangon City Development
Committee.
Heritage buildings that make up
the unique, authentic character of Yan-
gon are embedded in local communi-
ties and contribute to social cohesion.
We think the time is ripe to set up a
culturally adapted concept of heritage
conservation under transformation,
researchers said in a statement issued
by various institutions including the
Federal Foreign Ofce of Germany and
the University of Cologne.
We have been working ... on the
Yangon Urban Heritage map for the
past two years, said Frauke Krass of
Cologne University, adding that the
map covers 27 townships throughout
Yangon Region.
Calling for more experts on urban
development, Mr Kraas said, Urban
development is not just about plan-
ning. Myanmar needs more architects,
engineers, geographers and regional
development experts who are doing
urban research.
Conservationists roll
out heritage sites map
MYAT NYEIN AYE
myatnyeinaye11092@gmail.com
The list of heritage sites on the map includes Yangons old mosques. Photo:
Boothee
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Now there are more cameras. But this is not about safety, but
to watch us. We are not afraid, as we are not doing anything
illegal. Daw Khin Mar Win, Tenant at Bogyoke Market
Syrian opposition to
decide on peace talks
WORLD 35
HOUSE OF THE WEEK
32 Property THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
ENGINEERING giant JGC Corp
said last week it has won a contract
to help build a Canadian liquefied
natural gas plant in a deal report-
edly worth US$9.4 billion.
JGC said its joint venture with
US-based Fluor Corp was awarded
the tender by Chevron Canada to
design and build the Kitimat LNG
plant in the western province of
British Columbia.
Chevron and Apache Canada
each hold a 50 percent interest in
the proposed plant, which will have
an annual capacity of 11 million
tonnes of LNG, according to a JGC
statement.
Neither JGC nor Fluor an-
nounced financial details of the
contract or when construction
would begin.
Japans leading Nikkei business
daily reported that the site would
process natural gas into its lique-
fied form before it is shipped to
Japan and other markets. It add-
ed that the US$9.43 billion plant
would be Canadas first major LNG
production facility.
LNG shipments could start as
early as 2018, the Nikkei
said.
Resource-poor Japan, the worlds
largest importer of LNG, has in-
creasingly turned to alternative en-
ergy sources after shutting down its
nuclear reactors in response to the
2011 Fukushima atomic disaster.
The deal comes as Japan and its
neighbours look to scrap the so-
called Asian premium.
Asias importers have for years
paid sharply higher LNG prices
than in Europe and North America
because their contracts are often
long-term and linked to oil prices.
The trend has remained intact
despite increasing global produc-
tion of LNG, particularly in the
United States.
AFP
Japan, US will venture to build
brand new Canadian LNG plant
Deal comes as the region looks to get rid of pricey oil premiums that exist on gas imports
BILLION
$9.43
Value of Canadian liqueed natural gas
plant deal
TOKYO
HUNGARY awarded a contract last
week worth nearly US$14 billion to
Russias atomic energy corporation to
more than double production at the EU
nations only nuclear power plant.
The inter-governmental agreement
signed after talks between Hungarys
visiting Prime Minister Viktor Orban
and Russian President Vladimir Putin
is likely to draw criticism both at home
and from EU ofcials because it came
without a formal bidding process.
We value the progress achieved by
your leadership, the conservative Hun-
garian premier told the Russian leader.
In the area of trade, our progress
is unparallelled, and the signature of
these documents should serve as an-
other step in this direction, the Interfax
news agency quoted Orban as saying.
The deal also comes amid increasing
concern in several eastern European
countries and Brussels about undue
reliance for energy on Russia, which en-
joys a dominant position in providing
natural gas to a number of states.
Mr Putin for his part said the deal
would help improve Hungarys energy
independence and help solve issues as-
sociated with energy security.
The head of Russias Rosatom state
atomic energy corporation said Mos-
cow would provide Budapest with a
loan of up to 10 billion euros ($13.7 bil-
lion) for Hungary to boost production
at its Paks facility to 4400 megawatts
from 2000MW.
The loans agreement between our
nance ministries is now in its closing
stages, the Prime business news agency
quoted Rosatom chief Sergei Kiriyenko
as saying.
The Paks plant located about 60
miles (100 kilometres) south of Buda-
pest is responsible for producing 40
percent of the energy consumed in the
former member of the now-defunct
Soviet-led Warsaw Pact.
The facility is operated by Hungarys
state-owned MVM a group that also
imports natural gas from Russian en-
ergy giant Gazprom and would like to
negotiate a price cut.
The Hungarian parliament ap-
proved a decision in 2009 to add two
more reactors to the four already run-
ning at the site.
Frances Areva and US electric com-
pany Westinghouse along with Japa-
nese and South Korean power suppliers
had previously expressed interest in
bidding for a contract of the Hungarian
plants expansion.
But Hungarys Nepszabadsag daily
reported that Russias Rosatom was the
only potential bidder willing to ofer
pre-nancing.
It added that total investments of
13.3 billion euros ($18.2 billion) would
make it by far the biggest project as-
sumed by Hungary since it joined the
European Union in 2004.
The deal with Russia could prove
controversial for Orban because no for-
mal bidding process for the plants ex-
pansion had ever been launched.
Hungary awards
$14 billion nuclear
project to Russia
MOSCOW
JERUSALEM
ISRAELI settlements watchdog
Peace Now has urged the govern-
ment to dismantle an illegal out-
post in the West Bank, after violent
clashes in the area between Jewish
settlers and Palestinians.
Israel must enforce the law and
remove Esh Kodesh, an illegal West
Bank settlement established in vio-
lation of Israeli law, Peace Now
said in a letter to the government, a
copy of which was sent to AFP last
week.
Residents of the outpost in the
northern West Bank near Nablus
had repeatedly attacked neigh-
bouring Palestinians, it said.
On January 14, Palestinians beat
and detained around a dozen set-
tlers from Esh Kodesh who had en-
tered Qusra village south of Nablus,
then released them after negotiat-
ing with Israeli soldiers.
Qusra is just a few miles north of
Esh Kodesh and is the scene of fre-
quent clashes between settlers and
Palestinians.
Esh Kodesh is an outpost that
serves as launching ground for se-
vere unlawful activity, and as such
... it creates severe friction that
causes harm to people and their
property, and therefore heavily bur-
dens the security authorities, Peace
Now said.
After the incident, police placed
seven settlers under house arrest
until January 17 while they investi-
gate why they were in the village in
the first place, police spokesperson
Micky Rosenfeld said. AFP
Israel must
dismantle
settler outpost:
watchdog
IN PICTURES
Panama Canal locks are under construction on January 12. The Grupo Unidos por el Canal
(GUPC) consortium led by Spanish builder Sacyr which includes Italian, Belgian and
Panamanian companies has threatened to suspend the expansion work unless Panama
pays for US$1.6 billion in unforeseen costs. Photo: AFP
Technology 33 www.mmtimes.com
AS the car becomes a connected inter-
net device, the titans of the tech sector
are battling for control of the wheel.
The war is shaping up a lot like the
computer sector, with Google, Apple,
Microsoft and others ghting to be in
control of the vehicles operating sys-
tem to deliver apps, navigation and
other services.
Some of those battles were played
out this week at the Consumer Electron-
ics Show in Las Vegas, which included
a record nine auto manufacturers and
scores of equipment makers, including
software and related tech companies.
People want consumer apps in
their cars, they want to connect to their
smartphones, they want to connect to
the cloud, says Grant Courville, direc-
tor of product management at QNX,
which makes the on-board systems
used in tens of millions of cars.
But the battleeld is wide open be-
cause theres no clear dominant app
ecosystem in automotive, Mr Courville
told AFP from the CES oor.
At CES, Canadian-based QNX un-
veiled a partnership with Qualcomm
to support the chipmakers new auto-
motive platform, which connects to
smartphones and ofers apps for maps,
speech recognition, geolocation and ve-
hicle analytics.
At the same time, Google unveiled a
partnership with General Motors, Audi,
Honda and Hyundai that will bring the
Android mobile system to vehicles in a
new Open Automotive Alliance.
The moves come with Microsoft in
a longstanding partnership with Ford,
and Apple widely expected to expand its
system for connecting the iPhone with
automotive electronics systems.
Carmakers are conicted, said Tim
Tang, an analyst with IDC attending the
Las Vegas expo.
They are trying to decide whether
to build their own systems or partner
with another company. If they partner,
they mitigate a lot of the risk, but they
give a lot away, looking at future servic-
es, like apps, pay-as-you-go insurance.
No one is certain where it is going but
carmakers dont want to be left out. The
car is becoming a mobile accessory.
Mr Tang said a key question for au-
tomakers is whether the cars should
have a dedicated connection or use the
smartphone.
If it is a smartphone model, its easy
to get traction quickly. You dont need to
design the system ve years in advance.
But if it is built into the car you have
some advantages. If the car is stolen, for
example, you can shut it of.
The General Motors division Chev-
rolet said this week it would deploy
fourth generation (4G) internet connec-
tions on several models to help motor-
ists who want to stay connected with
the growing number of apps for auto-
mobiles.
Mazda this week at CES announced
a partnership with the US software rm
OpenCar to launch a new standards-
based app system that allows the on-
board screen to act as a browser and
use a wide range of applications on the
internet.
Paul Boyes, head of telematics and
standards for Seattle-based Open-
Car, said carmakers using the system
would have more control of the apps,
being able to choose those deemed
safe for the road, and be able to draw
from the full internet, not just An-
droid or Apple.
With us, the carmakers are tied to
a browser, not a company, he told AFP.
If you have Apple or Android, you are
married to their system.
QNXs Courville said his rm, a unit
of BlackBerry, is beneting from the
growth in new technologies, because it
can deliver the overall platform which
can interact with Android, Apple and
others.
You need that battle-hardened sys-
tem, he said. Were the market leader
in infotainment.
Even if carmakers want to use a sys-
tem like Android, they still need to inte-
grate into the car a system designed for
smartphones and tablets.
Theres no automotive version of
Android, he said, adding that QNX
is a partner with Apple as well for
automotive.
We provide a framework and plat-
form for automotive that is reliable and
secure. AFP
Tech giants battle over
the future of the car
LAS VEGAS
IN PICTURES
Rosetta, the comet chasing probe launches
from Kourou, French Guiana a decade
ago, it will awake from hibernating on
January 20, 2014. A billion-dollar bet to
prise open the secrets of comets, believed
to be remnants from the very birth of our
star system. Photo: AFP
WorldWORLD EDITOR: Bridget Di Certo | bridget.dicerto@gmail.com
Chadian troops escort civilians eeing violence in the PK12 district of Bangui on January 16. At least seven people were
killed in overnight violence in Bangui, according to a compiled toll from the Red Cross and AFP. Tensions remain high
in the city, where French forces are patrolling in a bid to quell unrest that continues to simmer between Muslim ex-
rebels and the Christian majority.
IN PICTURES

PHOTO: AFP
BANGKOK
Bomb hits Thai protest march
A BOMB blast struck an anti-govern-
ment protest march in the Thai capi-
tal on January 17, wounding at least 28
people, ofcials said, and sending ten-
sions soaring following weeks of mass
opposition rallies.
It is the latest in a series of attacks
by unknown assailants against dem-
onstrators seeking to oust Prime Min-
ister Yingluck Shinawatra.
The protest movement said the
blast happened shortly before rally
leader Suthep Thaugsuban was due to
march past the spot.
The bomb went of about 30 me-
tres [100 feet] from Suthep and then
his bodyguards escorted him back to
a rally stage, spokesperson Akanat
Promphan told AFP.
Television footage showed several
people lying on the ground as am-
bulances rushed away the wounded.
Protesters were seen searching nearby
buildings for the attackers.
Police were investigating what type
of explosive device caused the blast.
An ofcial from the citys Erawan
emergency centre said 28 people were
hurt in the explosion, without giving
details of the injuries.
Ms Yingluck has faced more than
two months of street demonstrations
aimed at forcing her elected govern-
ment from ofce and installing an ap-
pointed body to oversee loosely dened
reforms such as an end to alleged vote-
buying. Eight people have been killed
and hundreds injured in street violence
since the protests began.
There have been a series of drive-
by shootings at rally sites and grenade
attacks on the houses of opposition
politicians that both the demonstra-
tors and the government have blamed
on each other.
Yingluck must take responsibil-
ity, one of the protest leaders, Satit
Wonghnongtaey, said on stage soon
after the blast.
This government, Yingluck and
Red Shirt thugs are creating violence,
he said, referring to a rival pro-govern-
ment protest movement whose rallies
in 2010 were suppressed in a bloody
military crackdown. AFP
A Thai anti-government protester slaps a mocked-up picture of Thai Prime
Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Bangkok on January 16. Photo: AFP
JAPANESE Foreign Minister Fumio
Kishida called on January 16 for sum-
mit talks with China and South Korea
after more than a year of fractious ar-
guments that have prevented any top-
level meetings.
Beijing and Seoul have both re-
fused to meet with conservative Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe, citing what they
say is his lack of remorse for World
War II wrongs and his intention to re-
militarise Japan.
Individual problems that we have
with China and South Korea are the
kind of issues that are difcult to solve
in the short term, Mr Kishida said.
But I wonder if its right to take
the attitude that we should not have
talks because we have issues.
Exactly because there are prob-
lems, political leaders should hold
talks and make eforts to solve them,
shouldnt they? he said.
Mr Abe, Chinas President Xi Jin-
ping and South Korean President Park
Geun-Hye all came to power around
a year ago, but entrenched positions
and growing nationalism in the three
countries has prevented them from
getting together.
Seoul and Beijing were angered by
Mr Abes visit last month to a shrine
in Tokyo that counts 14 senior war
criminals among the 2.5 million souls
it commemorates.
China and South Korea see the
shrine as a symbol of Japans wartime
aggression in Asia.
Mr Abe defended the visit as a
pledge against war and said it was not
aimed at hurting feelings in China and
South Korea.
Two separate territorial disputes
that Beijing and Seoul say have their
roots in Japans early imperial ambi-
tions have also roiled relations.
The diplomatic scrap between
Tokyo and Beijing has increasingly
spilled out onto the world stage, with
dozens of Chinese diplomats penning
op-ed pieces in newspapers around
the world seeking to swing global pub-
lic opinion behind them.
Chinas envoy to the African Union
this week launched an attack on Mr
Abe in a press conference, warning of
the impending resurrection of Japa-
nese militarism and branding the
premier a troublemaker.
Tokyo launched its latest rebuttal
on January 17, with the publication
in the Washington Post of an opinion
piece by Kenichiro Sasae, its ambassa-
dor to the US, in which he said Bei-
jings anachronistic propaganda was
out of step with the world.
Chinas leaders clearly misread
global attitudes, he wrote. It is not
Japan that most of Asia and the inter-
national community worry about; it
is China.
China has quadrupled its military
expenditures, which are hardly trans-
parent, in the past decade. During the
same period, Japan has decreased its
expenditures by 6 percent, he wrote.
The row over uninhabited islands
in the East China Sea continues to
draw signicant attention in foreign
policy circles, with some observers
warning of the danger of an armed
clash and others drawing comparisons
with Sarajevo in 1914, when a localised
act of violence ung an entire conti-
nent into war.
AFP
Japan calls for summits
withChina, S Korea
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Photo: AFP
TOKYO
35
Filipina carer wins
Israels X-Factor
reality show
WORLD 40
Nepali living
goddesses to get
pensions
WORLD 42
Cambodia
opposition in court
over protests
WORLD 38
THE divided Syrian opposition will
meet on January 17 in Istanbul to de-
cide whether to join next weeks land-
mark peace talks, as its Arab and West-
ern allies ratchet up the pressure for it
to attend.
On the eve of the National Coali-
tions meeting, US Secretary of State
John Kerry made a powerful plea to
the exiled group to decide in favour of
the talks to be held in Switzerland on
January 22.
The United States ... urges a posi-
tive vote, Mr Kerry said in a surprise
statement to reporters.
The Syrian people need to be able
to determine the future of their coun-
try. Their voice must be heard, he said.
The peace conference dubbed Gene-
va II is aimed at nding a way to install
a transitional government to help chart
an end to the war, in which 130,000
people have died since March 2011.
But parts of the Syrian opposition
are wary of being drawn into a pro-
cess they fear could result in President
Bashar al-Assad clinging to power.
In November, it had demanded Mr
Assads departure as a condition to
joining talks.
A key bloc in the Coalition, the Syri-
an National Council, has also threatened
to pull out if the General Assembly votes
in favour of attending.
Equally set in their stance, the re-
gime warned on Monday against pre-
conditions for the talks to be held at the
Swiss lakeside city of Montreux.
Any person who seeks precondi-
tions or mistakes their dreams for reali-
ty is leading to the failure of the Geneva
conference before it even starts, Syrian
state media quoted a foreign ministry
source as saying.
Mr Kerry sought to allay the op-
positions fears that the talks would
somehow legitimise Mr Assads regime
and leave him in power, stressing that
the opposition can veto any names put
forward for the transitional governing
body.
Any names put forward for leader-
ship of Syrias transition must, accord-
ing to the terms of Geneva I, ... must
be agreed to by both the opposition and
the regime, he said.
This means that any gure that is
deemed unacceptable by either side,
whether President Assad or a member
of the opposition, cannot be a part of
the future, Mr Kerry added.
British media reported earlier last
week that the United States and Britain
had even threatened to cut support to
the opposition if they failed to send a
delegation to Switzerland.
The US and UK are telling us you
need to go to Geneva, an unnamed
senior ofcial in the Syrian National
Coalition was quoted as saying by the
BBC and the Guardian newspaper.
They are making it very clear that
they will not continue to support us
the way they are doing now and that
we will lose credibility with the inter-
national community if we do not go.
During a previous meeting over a
week ago in Istanbul, the 120 delegates
of the exiled opposition were unable to
decide on a united front for the peace
talks. Going by the animated discus-
sions the last time, the meeting may
go on until Saturday, a member of the
Coalition said. AFP
Chadian troops escort civilians eeing violence in the PK12 district of Bangui on January 16. At least seven people were
killed in overnight violence in Bangui, according to a compiled toll from the Red Cross and AFP. Tensions remain high
in the city, where French forces are patrolling in a bid to quell unrest that continues to simmer between Muslim ex-
rebels and the Christian majority.
ISTANBUL JERUSALEM
Opposition to decide on peace talks
ISRAEL summoned European am-
bassadors on January 17 and accused
them of pro-Palestinian bias damag-
ing to peace prospects, in a tit-for-tat
move after Israeli envoys were called
in over settlement expansion plans.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieber-
man called in the ambassadors of Brit-
ain, France, Italy and Spain to stress
to them that their perpetual one-sided
stance against Israel and in favour of
the Palestinians is unacceptable and
creates the impression they are only
seeking ways to blame Israel, his
spokesperson said.
The foreign minister asked that the
envoys be told Israel is making great
eforts to enable the continued dia-
logue with the Palestinians.
Beyond being biased, unbal-
anced and ignoring the reality on the
ground, the positions held by these
states signicantly harm the possibil-
ity of reaching some sort of agreement
between the sides, a statement said.
Another Israeli ofcial told AFP
that calling in ambassadors for the
same day was a rare move indicative
of the degree of ofence caused.
Last week, Israel announced plans
for some 1800 homes in the West
Bank, including annexed Arab east
Jerusalem, just days after the latest
peace mission by US Secretary of State
John Kerry. EU foreign policy chief
Catherine Ashton had said she was
deeply concerned over the move,
noting settlements were illegal under
international law and constitute an
obstacle to peace.
Israeli ambassadors in London,
Rome and Paris were called in over
the plans on January 16, with the am-
bassador in Madrid summoned for
January 17.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanya-
hu slammed the move as hypocritical.
The EU calls our ambassadors in
because of the construction of a few
houses? When did the EU call in the
Palestinian ambassadors about incite-
ment that calls for Israels destruc-
tion? Mr Netanyahu asked foreign
correspondents last week.
Mr Netanyahu said this imbalance
... pushes peace further away, and
insisted Israels settlement plans, an-
nounced during the nine-month US-
backed peace talks, should not be seen
as counter-productive to the eforts to
reach a deal with the Palestinians.
AFP
Israel summons EU envoys
in settlement protest
The Syrian people
need to be able to
determine the future
of their country.
They must be heard.
John Kerry
US Secretary of State
WASHINGTON
THE mother of a jailed Vietnamese
labour activist appealed on Janu-
ary 16 for the United States to use
a Pacific trade pact as pressure to
end what rights groups call wide-
spread violations.
The mother of Do Thi Minh
Hanh, one of three organisers at a
shoe factory sentenced in 2010 to
up to nine years in prison, said Vi-
etnams authorities were eager to
seal the Trans-Pacic Partnership, an
ambitious trade deal under negotia-
tion among 12 nations including the
United States, Japan and Australia.
This would give a great occasion
for the US to impress on Vietnam the
need to release political prisoners in-
cluding my daughter and to improve
conditions for workers and labour
rights in Vietnam, Tran Thi Ngoc
Minh, told a news conference at the
US Congress.
President Barack Obama has made
the Trans-Pacic Partnership a top pri-
ority, seeing it as a way to solidify US
ties with the dynamic Asia region.
But the deal has met widespread
criticism within his Democratic
Party, where a number of lawmakers
have raised concerns about labour
rights and other issues.
Representative Chris Smith, a
Republican active on human rights,
also voiced concern about the Trans-
Pacic Partnership, saying the Unit-
ed States prematurely eased pressure
before normalising trade relations
with the former war foe.
The TPP, I think, would be a seri-
ous mistake if we, without any kind
of conditionality, say lets trade even
more, Mr Smith said.
Vietnam tightly controls labor
unions and sentenced the three
activists in 2010 on charges of dis-
rupting security.
Ms Minh, who said she ed Vi-
etnam for Austria due to pressure
over her daughters activities, told
reporters that campaigners have
faced physical abuse, which she saw
rst-hand when she earlier took her
daughter to authorities to renew an
ofcial identication card.
They just handcufed her right
there and started beating her in
front of me, causing bruises and
bleeding, she said.
Human rights groups and the
US government say Vietnam has
increasingly repressed domestic
dissent. Amnesty International in
November listed 75 prisoners of con-
science in the authoritarian state.
Vietnam says it is making pro-
gress and in November signed the
United Nations convention against
torture. AFP
Ven. Danh Tol, an ethnic Khmer monk who was imprisoned and tortured for
participating in a peaceful demonstration speaks at Capitol Hill on January 16.
Photo: AFP
Mother of jailedVietnam
activist warns on trade pact
36 World International THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
MANILA
THE Philippines wants to acquire
two more navy ships from the United
States to boost its maritime protection
amid threats from China, the countrys
military chief said on January 15.
The new acquisitions would come
under the fresh US military assistance
announced by US Secretary of State
John Kerry when he visited the Philip-
pines last month, armed forces chief of
staf General Emmanuel Bautista said.
Within the last year, we realised
that there is a real threat out there in
terms of securing, defending our terri-
tory, Gen Bautista told ANC television.
He said that ideally the country
needed about six more frigates to
guard its long coastline efectively.
In fact, we are bidding now for
two frigates. Hopefully we will be able
to acquire them in [a] couple of years,
Gen Bautista said.
He said he has made maritime do-
main awareness and protection a key
concern of his leadership.
The funds used to boost maritime
defence, he said, would come from
the US$40 million military assistance
pledged by Kerry in December.
The Philippines has already ac-
quired two refurbished American frig-
ates in the past two years, and they now
lead patrols in the South China Sea.
The Philippines, a long-time US
military ally, has been locked in an
increasingly tense standof with China
involving disputed reefs and islands in
an area Manila calls the West Philip-
pine Sea.
In 2012, the agship BRP Gregorio
del Pilar, the rst acquired from the
US, confronted Chinese ships on Scar-
borough Shoal, a small outcrop just of
the coast of the countrys main island
of Luzon.
The Chinese eventually gained
control of the outcrop after Manila
backed down. However, the govern-
ment sought UN arbitration to settle
the dispute, a move rejected by China.
Manila has also increasingly looked
to the US for help, and negotiations
are ongoing for an increased rota-
tional presence of American soldiers
in the Philippines as part of Washing-
tons pivot to Asia. AFP
The BRP Ramon Alcaraz, that had been decomissioned by the US Coast Guard
and acquired by Manila, at the former US naval base. Photo: AFP
Philippinesseeks US ships amid
China threat in claims area
INDIAN police carried out raids across
New Delhi on January 16 as they hunt-
ed for a further six men wanted over
the gang-rape of a Danish tourist which
has cast the countrys record on sexual
violence back into the spotlight.
Police announced the arrest of two
homeless men late on January 15 who
are suspected of taking part in the as-
sault and robbery of the 51-year-old vic-
tim on January 14.
The duo, covering their faces to hide
their identify from the waiting media,
appeared in a city court on January 16
afternoon where they were remanded
in custody for three days, the PTI news
agency reported.
The tourist, travelling alone and in
Delhi after visiting the Taj Mahal, had
lost her way as she returned to her ho-
tel in the main backpackers area and
apparently approached a group of men
for directions.
We have already arrested two of
the eight suspects in the case and are
still carrying out raids across difer-
ent locations to nab others, additional
commissioner of Delhi Police Alok Ku-
mar said.
The senior police ofcer said that all
the accused were young men, mostly
vagabonds and that they had assault-
ed the victim for almost three hours at
knife-point.
More than 15 homeless men were
rounded up for questioning on January
15 around the crime scene, a secluded
part of gardens near the New Delhi
railway station.
The arrest of two men has revealed
identities of the other accomplices and
we are looking for them, Mr Kumar
added.
Last month, India marked the rst
anniversary of the death of a student
who was gang-raped on a moving bus
in the capital, in an attack that sent
shockwaves across the nation.
Four men, mostly poor migrants
from states around New Delhi, were
sentenced to death in September for
the attack while a teenager was also
convicted and sentenced to three years.
Despite tougher laws and eforts to
change attitudes to women in Indias
deeply patriarchal society, the number
of reported sex crimes continues to rise.
Under a headline proclaiming
Delhi Shamed Again, the Hindustan
Times newspaper said that the attack
undermined police assurances that the
capital was becoming a safer place for
women.
The sexual assault of a Dan-
ish tourist in the heart of the city has
once again exposed the tall claims of
Delhi Police that they have taken ample
steps to ensure the safety of foreign-
ers, said the newspaper. What is more
shocking in the case is the fact that the
crime spot is barely 400 metres from
the nearest police booth.
Insecurity of women is a national
shame, Anand Kumar, one of the par-
tys leaders, told Indias NDTV network.
It is our acid test and we must
show that we are a government with a
diference.
Several homeless people told AFP
that they had helped police identify one
of the two men to be arrested, saying he
had a history of violence.
In the past we had complained
to police about him, about his abu-
sive behaviour toward us, but our
complaints were ignored ... He was
really aggressive, a homeless teen-
ager said, speaking on condition
of anonymity and showing knife
wounds to a reporter.
There are fears that publicity over a
string of sex attacks on foreign women
will drive down tourist numbers.
Earlier this month a Polish woman
was drugged and raped as she trav-
elled to the Indian capital with her
two-year-old daughter.
A judge last month sentenced three
Nepalese men to 20 years in jail for
the gang-rape of a US tourist in June
while six men were sentenced to life in
prison last July for the gang-rape and
robbery of a Swiss female cyclist who
was on holiday with her partner.
AFP
Indian policemen escort a suspect in the gang-rape of aDanishtourist at the Tis
Hazari Courts in New Delhi on January 16. Photo: AFP
NEW DELHI
Police hunt suspects
inDanishgang-rape
TRADE MARK CAUTION
NOTICE is hereby given that Tabacalera SL a company organized
under the laws of Spain and having its principal offce at C/ Via
de los Poblados, 3-Edifcio 7, Plantas 3 Y 4 Madrid28 Spain is the
owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-
VEGAFINA
(Reg: No. IV/7338/2013)
in respect of:- Tobacco whether manufactured or unmanufactured;
tobacco products; tobacco substitutes, none being for medicinal
or curative purposes; hand rolling tobacco; cigars; cigarettes;
cigarette papers, cigarette tubes, cigarette flters, pocket cigarette
rolling machines, hand held machines for injecting tobacco into
paper tubes; smokers articles and matches. Class: 34
Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or
other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.
U Kyi Win Associates
for Tabacalera SL
P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.
Phone: 372416 Dated: 20
th
January, 2014
TRADE MARK CAUTION
NOTICE is hereby given that Socit Nationale d Exploitation
Industrielle des Tabacs et Allumettes, SASU a company organized
under the laws of France and having its principal offce at 143
boulevard Romain Rolland Paris75014, France is the owner and sole
proprietor of the following trademark:-
NEWS
(Reg: No. IV/7339/2013)
tobacco products; tobacco substitutes, none being for medicinal or
curative purposes; hand rolling tobacco; cigars; cigarettes; cigarette
papers, cigarette tubes, cigarette flters, pocket cigarette rolling
machines, hand held machines for injecting tobacco into paper tubes;
smokers articles and matches. Class: 34
for Socit Nationale d Exploitation Industrielle des Tabacs et
Allumettes, SASU
th
January, 2014
Reg. No. 1799/1998
in respect of Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary preparations;
dietetic substances adapted for medical use, food for babies;
plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental
wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin; fungicides;
herbicides.
Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark
will be dealt with according to law.
Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L
for HISAMITSU PHARMACEUTICAL CO., INC.
P. O. Box 60, Yangon
E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm
Dated: 20 January 2014
TRADE MARK CAUTION
HISAMITSU PHARMACEUTICAL CO., INC., a Japanese
corporation of 408, Tashiro Daikancho, Tosu, Saga, Japan, is the
Owner of the following Trade Mark:-
CAMBODIAS opposition leaders were
questioned in court on January 14
in connection with recent protests
against strongman premier Hun Sen
a case they denounced as politically
motivated.
Prosecutors at Phnom Penh Mu-
nicipal Court spent several hours
grilling Sam Rainsy and his deputy
Kem Sokha about unrest that led to a
bloody police crackdown on striking
garment workers.
No charges have been brought
against them.
The problem is a political one. As
long as there is no political solution
yet, there will be a judicial issue pend-
ing, Mr Rainsy said at a press confer-
ence after the closed-door hearing.
A few thousand opposition
supporters rallied outside of the court to
show their support for the pair, who told
a cheering crowd they would continue
their struggle for justice after alleged
vote fraud in July 2013 elections.
The opposition Cambodia Nation-
al Rescue Party has boycotted par-
liament since the polls, but Mr Hun
Sen appears unfazed by the political
deadlock.
He reiterated on January 14 that he
would not resign, and told the opposi-
tion party to wait for the next election
in ve years time.
Step down? Never. It will be in a
long time, Mr Hun Sen said in a na-
tional radio speech, adding that he
was elected constitutionally.
The 61-year-old premier, who has
ruled for 28 years and has vowed to
stay in power until he is 74, has faced
mounting criticism over his rights re-
cord as well as accusations of excessive
force against demonstrators.
Earlier this month police killed at
least four civilians when they opened
re on striking garment factory em-
ployees demanding a minimum wage
of $160 per month for their work in
an industry which supplies brands in-
cluding Gap, Nike and H&M.
Security personnel armed with
shields and batons also chased oppo-
sition protesters including monks,
women and children from their rally
base in a park in Phnom Penh.
The government says the ral-
lies were illegal and has indenitely
banned opposition demonstrations in
the capital. AFP
CambodiaNational Rescue Party supporters shout slogans at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on January 14. Photo: AFP
PHNOM PENH
SINGAPORE
Cambodian opposition
in court over protests
SINGAPORE on January 15 denied
that a riot last month by some 400
South Asian migrant workers in the
city-state was triggered by discontent
over their wages and living conditions.
In a letter reacting to a New York
Times editorial in late December,
its ambassador to the United States
Ashok Mirpuri said, We will treat our
migrant workers with respect, but will
take rm action against those who
break the law.
Migrant workers do contribute to
our economy. They work legally and
voluntarily. We strive to ensure that
they are fairly treated and properly
paid, he said.
The letter was released by the Sin-
gapore information ministry, which
said the newspaper declined to pub-
lish it.
The New York Times editorial
board on December 27 suggested
that the December 8 riot in a district
known as Little India was caused by
migrant workers frustration over low
wages and poor living conditions.
Mr Mirpuri said the New York
Times ofered scant evidence to sup-
port its assertions on why the work-
ers went on a rampage after they saw
an Indian construction worker struck
and killed by a private bus in the area,
where tens of thousands of them con-
gregate on weekends.
The riot left 39 police ofcers and
emergency responders injured.
A total of 25 vehicles including 16
police cars were also left damaged or
burnt after the fracas, the rst riot in
strictly governed Singapore in more
than 40 years.
More than 50 workers have been
deported while at least 25 Indian na-
tionals are facing rioting charges that
could land them in jail.
The governments preliminary
assessment is that they acted spon-
taneously, triggered by a fatal trafc
accident. In any case, a committee of
inquiry, headed by a retired judge, will
establish denitively the factors that
led to the riot, the ambassador wrote.
Singapore is highly dependent on
foreign labour. Out of its total popu-
lation of 5.4 million, only 3.84 million
are citizens and permanent residents.
Among the foreigners, about
700,000 are work-permit holders em-
ployed in construction and other sec-
tors largely shunned by Singaporeans,
with more than 200,000 others work-
ing as domestic helpers.
The New York Times editorial said
frustration among Singapores un-
appreciated and underpaid migrant
workers has been building in recent
years, and boiled over during the
riot. AFP
Riot-hitSingaporeinsists migrant
workers are treated fairly
Photo: AFP
TRADEMARK CAUTION NOTICE
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having its principal offce at 3-4-2, Kandaogawamachi, Chiyoda-
ku, Tokyo, Japan is the owner and sole proprietor of the following
Trademark :-
APOMIXIS
Reg. Nos. 4/11462/2013
Used in respect of :-
Clothing; Footwear; Walking Shoes; Headgear for wear; Socks and
stockings; Gloves [clothing]; Muffers; Belts [clothing] in Class 25.
Any unauthorized use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent
intentions of the above mark will be dealt with according to law.
Tin Ohnmar Tun & The Law Chambers
Ph: 0973150632
Email:law_chambers@seasiren.com.mm
(For. Mark-i INC, Japan)
Dated. 20
th
January, 2014
TRADE MARK CAUTION
NOTICE is hereby given that Altadis SA a company organized
under the laws of Spain and having its principal offce at C/ Via
de los Poblados, 3-Edifcio 7, Plantas 3 Y 4 Madrid28 Spain is the
owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-
FORTUNA
(Reg: No. IV/7337/2013)
for Altadis SA
th
January, 2014
TRADE MARK CAUTION
NOTICE is hereby given that POLYPLASTICS CO., LTD. a
company organized under the laws of Japan and having its principal
offce at 18-1, Konan2-Chome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan is the
Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademarks: -
DURAFIDE
(Reg: No. IV/9231/2013)
LAPEROS
(Reg: No. IV/9232/2013)
The above two trademarks are in respect of : -
Unprocessed artifcial resins, unprocessed plastics for industrial
use Class: 1
Plastics in the form of flms, sheets, tubes, bars, pellets, blocks
and rods, being for use in manufactureClass:17
Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks
or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.
for POLYPLASTICS CO., LTD.
th
January, 2014
International World 39 www.mmtimes.com
CHINA has criminally detained a
prominent Uighur academic and
outspoken critic of government pol-
icy towards the mostly Muslim mi-
nority for violating the law, it said
on January 16.
Ilham Tohti was taken to an un-
known location by several dozen
police on Janaury 15 along with his
mother, his wife Guzaili Nuer told
AFP, adding that police had cons-
cated their mobile phones and com-
puters.
Chinas Foreign Ministry spokes-
man Hong Lei said that Mr Tohti
had been criminally detained be-
cause he was under suspicion of
committing crimes and violating the
law, suggesting he is likely to face
criminal charges. No details were
provided.
Mr Tohti, 45, is an economist
at a university in Beijing and has
been critical of Chinas policies to-
wards Uighurs, who are concentrat-
ed in the far western region of Xinji-
ang, which is regularly hit by unrest.
Police did not carry out any legal
procedures while forcibly detaining
Mr Tohti in front of his two young
children, his wife said.
I asked (the police) where they
had taken him, but they didnt say a
word, she said.
It had a big impact on my kids,
they have been upset and crying
since last night, now I dont even
have a mobile phone.
Police combed through the family
house, conscating several comput-
ers and other items including phones
and academic writings, she said.
It was not clear what triggered
the police action, but Mr Tohti has
recently expressed fears on his web-
site and in interviews with foreign
media about increased pressure on
Uighurs following a deadly attack in
Beijings Tiananmen Square in Octo-
ber.
Ofcials blamed the attack on
suspects from Xinjiang.
China has for years cracked down
on prominent intellectuals who
speak out on issues deemed sensitive
by the ruling Communist party, in-
cluding the treatment of minorities
and challenges to its grip on power.
Mr Tohti has been detained on
a number of occasions in the past
few years, including for more than a
week in 2009 after his website ran
reports on riots in Xinjiang which
killed around 200 people.
His website, Uighurbiz, was of-
ine on January 16 after it published
a story about his detention.
Mr Tohti, who lectures at the Cen-
tral University for Nationalities in
Beijing, did not answer his personal
phone on January 16 and Beijing po-
lice were not immediately available
for comment.
The vast Xinjiang region, which
borders central Asia, has been hit
by a series of violent clashes in the
past year, which have killed dozens
and which Chinas government has
sometimes blamed on terrorists.
Rights groups and outside schol-
ars say unrest is spawned by cultural
oppression, intrusive security meas-
ures and a wave of immigration by
Chinas Han majority
China heavily restricts reporting
in Xinjiang and it is hard to obtain
independent accounts of events in
the area. AFP
Ilham Tohti pauses before a classroom lecture in Beijing. Photo: AFP
BEIJING JAKARTA
China detains prominent
Uighuracademic
A DRAWN-OUT row between
the Indonesian government and
the mining industry over a mineral
export ban has added to growing
uncertainty in Southeast Asias top
economy ahead of elections, observ-
ers warn.
The ban on the export of unpro-
cessed mineral ores from resource-
rich Indonesia came into efect on
January 12 after ministers agreed at
the 11th hour to concessions follow-
ing sustained lobbying by domestic
and foreign miners.
The government had originally
proposed a blanket ban on the ex-
port of certain raw minerals but
the revised version does not cover
concentrates for the time being,
allowing US giants Freeport Mc-
MoRan and Newmont to continue
to export from their huge copper
mines.
Despite the last-minute tweaks,
the industry is still set to sufer as
exports of key unprocessed ores, no-
tably nickel and bauxite, have been
banned and even minerals granted
concessions will be hit with higher
taxes.
While there was relief that the
policy was not as restrictive as ini-
tially feared, the run-up to the ban
has been criticised as highly chaotic,
afrming the image of Indonesia as
a notoriously difcult place to do
business.
Bill Sullivan, a Jakarta-based law-
yer and mining expert, said the pro-
cess highlighted the shameful fail-
ure of government policy-making
in Indonesia.
This past year has been quite
extraordinary the number of regu-
latory and policy changes, the com-
plete disregard of the interests of
foreign investors. Its just made it so
hard for foreign investors to justify
putting money into Indonesia, he
added.
The export ban is one of a se-
ries of policies, from the banking
to the energy sectors, promoted by
nationalist politicians who argue In-
donesia should do more to stop for-
eigners reaping all the benets from
business opportunities in the fast-
growing economy.
The trend towards such national-
istic policies has only intensied in
recent times as politicians seek to
win votes before parliamentary elec-
tions in April and presidential polls
in July, observers say.
The export ban was rst an-
nounced as part of a 2009 mining
law.
It obliges miners to build smelt-
ers in Indonesia to process mineral
ore to high levels of purity in an ef-
fort to keep more of the prots from
the lucrative industry in the country.
Its implementation was delayed
until 2014 to give time for smelters
to be built.
However, many miners took little
action, betting that Jakarta noto-
rious for backtracking on policies
would not push through a ban
that could cost the government vast
amounts in tax revenues and lead to
huge layofs.
In the event, the government did
water down the policy following
warnings of widespread job losses
and closures in the industry.
But even that was only nally de-
cided on an hour before the ban took
efect and there is still confusion
over the policy several days after it
was implemented, with the govern-
ment yet to release all the details.
Even after the concessions, the
problem has only been kicked down
the road, critics say. The blanket ban
on mineral ore exports has simply
been delayed to 2017 and the threat
of new taxes is looming.
While miners such as Freeport
can export so-called concentrates
partially processed ore of cer-
tain minerals such as copper, they
face higher export taxes which will
increase to up to 60 percent in com-
ing years.
Freeport is liable to pay almost
US$1 billion in 2014 and the amount
could rise to just below $5 billion in
2016 due to the new taxes, an indus-
try source, who declined to be iden-
tied, told AFP.
The impact could also be devas-
tating for nickel and bauxite miners
afected by the ban.
Siswo Awaliyanto, from bauxite
producer Harita Prima Abadi Min-
eral, told AFP the rm would cut
production by up to half this year,
had closed one its three sites and
was mulling laying of at least 25pc
of its 1600 workers.
Despite the industry concerns,
the Indonesian government sees the
ore export ban as a sensible policy to
keep more prots from the mining
industry at home.
I went to China recently and
there I witnessed very high piles of
bauxite, three million tonnes, piled
up on the coast, all raw exports
from Indonesia, Industry Minister
M.S. Hidayat said. This is what we
want to stop.
However, for many miners,
the Indonesian governments ap-
proach remains misguided.
Mansur Geiger, from a copper
and gold exploration rm on the In-
donesian part of Borneo island, told
AFP at a recent protest in Jakarta
against the ban that everyone sup-
ports the grand mission of adding
value to natural resources.
But he added that weve seen
no blueprint for the governments
long-term plans. AFP
Papuan mining workers sing and dance during a rally in Jakarta to protest
the governments new regulation, to ban the mineral export. Photo: AFP
Mineral row brings
business uncertainty
A 47-YEAR-OLD Filipina carer has
won the televised talent show X-Factor
Israel, shooting to fame with her win-
ning rendition of Frank Sinatras My
Way.
Rose Fostanes, the only foreign
contestant on the program, emigrat-
ed to Israel six years ago to work as
a carer for the sick and elderly, be-
fore winning the competition late on
January 14.
Ms Fostaness powerful, soulful
singing voice quickly made her an
audience favourite from her rst audi-
tion for the show, which was hosted
by four celebrity judges and lmed in
studios in the coastal city of Tel Aviv.
Local media sang Ms Fostaness
praises, saying she had put the spot-
light on Israels low-paid migrant
workers, among them tens of thou-
sands of Filipinos who work as carers
or in menial jobs.
Ms Fostanes lives in a crowded
apartment in an area inhabited mostly
by foreign workers in Tel Aviv, and is
saving money to support her family
and girlfriend back home, press re-
ports said.
Her victory came just days after Af-
rican asylum-seekers held mass dem-
onstrations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem,
protesting against the Israeli govern-
ments immigration policy.
Last month, Israels parliament
approved a law which allows illegal
immigrants to be detained for up to
a year without trial in the latest of a
series of measures aimed at cracking
down on immigration.
The rightwing government of
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
has stepped up moves to expel them,
saying they pose a threat to the states
Jewish character. AFP
MORE than 1500 North Koreans ed
to South Korea last year, maintain-
ing a recent fall in the number of es-
capees that coincides with a clamp-
down by new leader Kim Jong-Un.
Five years ago the annual number
of escapees was close to 3000, but
the number dropped sharply after
Mr Kim came to power in December
2011, following the death of his fa-
ther Kim Jong-Il.
The number of North Koreans
eeing to the South most of them
via China slumped to 1502 in 2012,
while last year the gure was slightly
higher at 1516, Seouls unication
ministry said.
Under Kim Jong-Un, the isolated
state tightened border security and
stepped up diplomatic campaigns
to have refugees hiding in China
repatriated.
The majority of refugees secretly
cross the border to China before trav-
elling to a neighbouring Southeast
Asian country, where they arrange to
y on to Seoul for resettlement.
China the Norths sole major
ally typically considers them illegal
economic migrants and repatriates
them despite criticisms from human
rights groups.
Many face severe punishment, in-
cluding torture and a term in a pris-
on camp once they are sent back to
the North, rights monitors say.
A rare repatriation in May of nine
mostly teenage North Koreans ar-
rested in Laos previously consid-
ered a relatively safe transit point
was condemned by South Korea and
the United Nations. In total, about
26,1000 North Korean defectors have
resettled in the South since the end of
the 1950-53 Korean War, mostly after
the great famine in the 1990s. AFP
SEOUL
JERUSALEM TOKYO
1500 N
Koreans
escape in
2013
Rose Fostanes. Photo: AFP
Filipina wins X-Factor

50%
Drop in North Koreans eeing to the
South since Kim Jong-Un took power
in 2011
THE trial began in Japan on Janu-
ary 16 of a former member of Aum
Supreme Truth, 19 years after the
doomsday cult launched a nerve
gas attack on the Tokyo subway that
killed 13 people.
Makoto Hirata, 48, turned him-
self in at a police station two years
ago after spending much of the past
two decades on the run.
He was one of the nal fugitives
who went into hiding after the rush-
hour release of sarin in March 1995,
an episode that sickened thousands
and sowed panic among Tokyos mil-
lions of commuters.
The trial, which is expected to
last around two months, is being
closely followed in Japan, not least
because three senior Aum gures
who are already on death row are ex-
pected to testify, raising hopes they
may provide insight into a crime
that continues to bafe the country.
Although Mr Hirata is not charged
in connection with the subway at-
tack, he is being tried over his alleged
role in the kidnapping of a 68-year-
old man who had sheltered his sister
after she escaped from the cult. The
victim was taken to Aums main com-
mune at the foot of Mount Fuji and
died the next day from what has been
described as tracheal obstruction af-
ter being given an injection. Mr Hira-
ta has denied playing any active role
in the abduction, contending that he
only acted as a lookout. AFP
Trial against subway
cult attacker begins
TRADE MARK CAUTION
3M Company, a Company incorporated in the State of Delaware,
U.S.A., of 3M Center, 2501 Hudson Road, St. Paul, Minnesota
55144, U.S.A., is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-
SCOTCH-BRITE
Reg. No. 3702/1992
in respect of Abrasive scouring pads, non woven webbed material
in sheet form for cleaning and fnishing all types of surfaces.
SCOTCHLITE
Reg. No. 3703/1992
in respect of Light refective material including refective liquids,
light refective coatings, light refective material, light refective
material in sheet form.
SCOTCH
Reg. No. 4286/1992
Reg. No. 4287/1992
in respect of Chemicals used in industry, science and photography;
unprocessed artifcial resins, unprocessed plastics; fre extinguishing
compositions; soldering preparations; tanning substances; adhesive
used in Industry. Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against
rust and against deterioration of wood. Cleaning, polishing,
scouring and abrasive preparations; cosmetics. Lubricants.
Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary preparations; plasters,
materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental
wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin. Small
items of metal hardware. Machines and machine tools. Hand
tools and implements (hand operated); cutlery. Scientific,
electric, photographic, optical, measuring, signaling, checking
(supervision), life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments;
apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound
or images; magnetic data carriers, recording disks; automatic
vending machines; data processing equipment; fre extinguishing
apparatus. Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus
and instruments; artificial limbs, eyes, and teeth; orthopedic
articles; suture materials. Apparatus for lighting, cooking, heating,
ventilation, refrigerating, water supply and sanitary purposes.
Plastic lens for rear vehicle window automotive body trim. Paper,
cardboard and goods made from these materials, not included in
other classes; printed matter; bookbinding materials; stationery;
adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists material;
paint brushes; offce requisites (except furniture); instructional
and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for
packaging (not included in other classes); printers type; printing
blocks. Rubber and goods made from this material and not included
in other classes; plastic in extruded form for use in manufacture;
packing; stopping and insulation materials; fexible pipes; not of
LITTMANN
Reg. No. 5790/2000
in respect of Stethoscopes.
SCOTCH
Reg. No. 9297/2005
in respect of Class 16: Adhesive tapes for household and stationery
use; adhesive tape dispensers for household or stationery use;
bookbinding tapes; paper tapes; food bag and food container marking
tape for freezer use; drafting tape for use with paper drawings; hair
setting tape for use in styling hair; glue for household use; glue
sticks for household and stationery use; and shipping labels. Class
17: Adhesive tapes and adhesive tape dispensers for industrial or
commercial use; duct tapes; electrical tapes; masking tapes; mounting
tapes and adhesive squares for use in affxing signs, posters, pictures,
and objects to most surfaces; strapping tapes; carpet seam tape;
plastic and metal tapes for making repairs; photographic slicing and
repair tape; and refective tapes for use in the safety and automotive
felds.
E S P E
Reg. No. 2797/2006
in respect of Class 5: Dental products namely dental adhesives,
cements, resins, impression material, flling material, restorative
material, sealants, tooth lacquers, dental insulating materials,
anesthetics and disinfectants. Class 10: Dental products namely
dental crowns, bridges, curing lights; dental and orthodontic
appliances, apparatus, instruments and tools; dental laboratory
equipment; automatic mixing device for dental compounds.
Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks
Win Mu Tin, M.A.,H.G.P.,D.B.L.
for 3M Company
P.O. Box 60, Yangon
Dated: 20
th
January, 2014
metal. Animal collars, horse rundown patches. Building materials
(non-metallic). Picture frames; furniture; goods (not included in
other classes) of plastics; goods of wood and substitutes for this
material. Household or kitchen utensils (not of precious metal or
coated therewith); sponges; brushes (except paint brushes); brush-
making materials; articles for cleaning purposes. Raw fbrous
textile materials. Yarns and threads for textile use. Textile and
textile goods not included in other classes. Clothing, footwear,
headgear. Ribbons; hooks and eyes. Carpets, rugs, mats and
matting; wall hangings (non-textile). Playthings; sporting articles
not included in other classes. Advertising and business services.
Financial services. Custom manufacture of electrical connectors.
Education services. Rental services for computer software; custom
design/engineering services for connectors; distributorship services
for auto accessories; designing/producing ornamental emblems,
nameplates.
International World 41 www.mmtimes.com
JAKARTA
PAJU
AN Indonesian maid allegedly tor-
tured in Hong Kong hopes to return
to the city to help in the investigation
against her employer, an ofcial said
on January 15, as more details of her
alleged mistreatment emerged.
Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, 22, was
admitted to hospital in a critical con-
dition in Sragen, on the main Indo-
nesian island of Java, last week after
returning home, claiming she had suf-
fered months of abuse in Hong Kong.
The case has renewed concern
about the treatment of domestic help-
ers in the former British colony follow-
ing recent criticism by rights groups.
Her condition is now improving
and medics hope her injuries will be
healed in two weeks, Dita Indah Sari,
spokeswoman for the Indonesian min-
ister of manpower and transmigra-
tion, told AFP.
Ms Sari, who visited her in hospital
with other ofcials, said that the maid
had sufered psychological trauma
due to the abuse, which left her with
pus-lled wounds on her hands and
legs, and unable to walk.
Ms Sulistyaningsih told us that
she was hit in the head, and two of her
front teeth were broken after she was
punched in the head. She also had a
black eye, the spokesperson said.
She was not given a day of and was
only allowed to call her family once for
four minutes, and her employer still
owes her ve million rupiah (US$420),
Ms Sari added.
Hong Kong police said on January
14 they had launched a criminal inves-
tigation after migrant worker groups
expressed anger at earlier reports that
authorities were not pursuing the case.
Ms Sari said Ms Sulistyaningsih
planned to return to the former Brit-
ish colony when she had recovered to
help in the probe against her employ-
ers simply unacceptable behaviour.
AFP
Maid to
help HK
torture
probe
SOUTH Korean activists launched
thousands of anti-Pyongyang leaets
and Wikipedia-loaded USB keys across
the border on January 15, despite past
North Korean threats to shell the hu-
man scum involved.
Packages oated over the heavily-
militarised border by balloon also con-
tained 1000 United States one dollar
bills and DVDs detailing human rights
abuses in the North.
There is clearly enormous hunger
for outside information in North Ko-
rea, said Thor Halvorssen, president
of the US-based Human Rights Foun-
dation, which supported the event in
the border town of Paju.
USB keys are one of the most pow-
erful tools, because theyre small, can
be hidden and shared easily, and carry
massive amounts of data, he said.
Each of the 1500 USB ash drives
launched on January 15 had been load-
ed with the Korean-language version of
the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia.
The 500,000 anti-North leaets in
the packages were also accompanied
by around 50 tiny transistor radios.
While North Koreans live in what
is probably the most isolated and cen-
sored society on the planet, ranking
last in any media freedom survey, the
country is not a complete IT desert.
Cell phones were introduced
through a joint venture with the Egyp-
tian telecom rm Orascom in 2008,
the same year the state launched a do-
mestic intranet, and some government
bodies have their own websites.
And for all the regimes eforts, the
information barrier erected around
North Korea has, in recent years, be-
gun to lose some of its prophylactic
power.
Smuggled mobile phones from
China allow people near the border
to connect with Chinese servers and
make international calls, while re-
wired TVs and radios allow access to
outside broadcasting.
Unauthorised DVDs, MP3 players
and USB memory sticks have also been
used to bring in everything from news
reports to South Korean TV dramas.
The January 15 balloon launch was
organised by a North Korean defector
group that is particularly vocal in its
criticisms of Pyongyang.
This is aimed at letting North Ko-
rean people know about (leader) Kim
Jong-Uns brutality ... and deliver a
message to North Koreans that now is
time for them to rise up and nish the
dictatorship, said the groups leader
Park Sang-Hak.
South Korean police have enforced
bans on similar launches in the past, cit-
ing concerns from local residents about
possible North Korean retaliation.
While modern technology is in-
creasingly on the side of the activists,
mother nature is a more capricious ally.
Three of the 20 balloon packages
released last week were taken the
wrong way by the wind, and were -
nally recovered by hikers in a park in
the southern suburbs of Seoul, local
police said. AFP
Park Sang-Hak, who heads a group of NorthKorean defectors, releases a balloon
carrying anti-NorthKorealeaflets on January 15. Photo: AFP
Activists launch leafets,
USB keys into N Korea
There is clearly
enormous hunger
for outside
information in
North Korea.
Thor Halvorssen
Human Rights Foundation
A FORMER living goddess from Ne-
pal welcomed news on January 15
that she and other girls who are wor-
shipped until they reach puberty will
get a pension to compensate for their
personal sacrices.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City de-
cided this week that ten former god-
desses, known as Kumaris, will receive
a monthly allowance of 10,000 Nepa-
lese rupees (US$101) beginning in July
and continuing for the next 10 years.
The Kumari lives in a small palace-
temple in Kathmandus ancient Dur-
bar Square and is a major attraction
for foreign tourists. Selection criteria,
which include 32 physical attributes,
are strict.
The council announced the deci-
sion this week in an efort to help the
girls who must retire and move out of
the temple once they reach puberty.
Rashmila Shakya, who in 2008 be-
came the rst former goddess to grad-
uate from college in Nepal, told AFP
the move was the rst step towards
reforming the institution of Kumari.
This is a positive development. It
will denitely help us, although its
not clear if there will be an increase
in the amount in the years ahead, Ms
Shakya said.
Ms Shakya, now a Kathmandu-
based software developer in her early
thirties, lamented the fact that the
decision was not taken during her
tenure and recalled her struggle to
reintegrate into society after she was
dethroned at the age of 10.
It took me some three-four
months to adjust ... I wasnt able to
gure out the lanes in our neighbour-
hood. I struggled even in simple tasks
like talking to people, she recalled.
Prior to her retirement, Ms Shakya
attended just one hour of private
tuition a day, living in isolation in a
small palace and emerging only on
feast days when the Kumari, wearing
ceremonial dress, is paraded through
Kathmandu to be worshipped.
Priests say that to become a Ku-
mari, a girl must have a number of
specic physical attributes such as an
unblemished body, a chest like a lion
and thighs like a deer.
Even if they full all the physical
requirements, aspiring Kumaris must
then prove their bravery by not crying
at the sight of a sacriced bufalo.
The popular tradition, which com-
bines elements of Hinduism and Bud-
dhism, has continued despite the end
of Nepals Shah monarchy in 2008.
In recent years, child rights activ-
ists have called on the government to
reform the institution and ensure that
the girls do not miss out on their edu-
cation while serving as Kumaris.
In a 2008 ruling, Nepals Supreme
Court called for the living goddess to
be educated and Kumaris are now
taught lessons and allowed to sit for
exams inside the palace.
Child rights activist, Gauri Pradhan
told AFP the provision of a monthly al-
lowance was a welcome decision.
There should be a balance be-
tween continuing the tradition and
giving them a semblance of a child-
hood, Mr Pradhan said. AFP
The Kumari, considered a living
goddess inNepal, attends festivities
of the Rato Machindranath chariot
festival. Photo: AFP
KATHMANDU
Nepali former living
goddess gets pension
TRADE MARK CAUTION
Sumitomo Corporation, a Company incorporated in Japan, of
8-11, Harumi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, is the Owner of
the following Trade Mark:-
SAPROL
Reg. No. 8527/2010
in respect of Intl Class 5: Fungicides; pesticides.
for Sumitomo Corporation
TRADE MARK CAUTION
SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD., of 6-9,
3-chome, Wakinohama-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo, Japan,
is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-
GRANDTREK
Reg. No. 3632/1999
in respect of Tires for vehicles (Int. Cl. 12).
for SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
TRADE MARK CAUTION
NOTICE is hereby given that HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
a company organized under the laws of Japan and having its
principal offce at 1-1, Minami-Aoyama 2-chome, Minato-ku,
Tokyo 107-8556 Japan is the owner and sole proprietor of the
following trademark:-
MOBILIO
(Reg: No. IV/12321/2013)
in respect of :- Vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles; and parts and
fttings for the above-mentioned goods Class: 12
for HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
th
January, 2014
TRADE MARK CAUTION
NOTICE is hereby given that Tobamark International S.A
a company organized under the laws of France and having its
principal offce at 7/9 rue du Mont Valrien, 92150 Suresnes,
France is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-
BASTOS
(Reg: No. IV/7340/2013)
for Tobamark International S.A
th
January, 2014
THE PULSE EDITOR: WHITNEY LIGHT light.whitney@gmail.com THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014

G
E
T

Y
O
U
R

F
I
N
G
E R
S

O
N

I
T
Special guest Koyuki Yukihime performs at the comic-con party at Yangons Tatmadaw Hall. Photo: Greg Holland
More
than
human
Yangons 6
th
comic
con offers a stage
for alter-identities
O
n Saturday afternoon,
I stepped into the
convention centre, which
had reached a sweltering
degree. The room was full
of life-size manga, anime and gaming
characters play-ghting, dancing and
excitedly making new friends, all to a
soundtrack of Japanese pop music.
Apart from the dated dcor and
the questionable facilities of the
Tatmadaw Hall, I could have been
in Japan. Was this really Myanmar?
Cosplay (short for costume-play) had
arrived and swept this youth-lled
room into a frenzy.
You might doubt that there are
serious cosplayers in Yangon. But you
would be wrong. Negibose KONDO
has been hosting comic convention
events in Thailand, Cambodia and
Laos since 2004 and in Myanmar
only since 2012. Yet the two-day event
attracted as many as 300 participants,
many dressed as a diferent character
each day and spending between
US$100 and $200 per outt. Held
during the International Food &
Drink Expo 2014, it was the 65
th

cosplay event hosted by Negibose in
Asia and the sixth time it has visited
this city.
Players came from as far as
Singapore and Thailand, but
most people came from Yangon
and Mandalay. There were also
two special guests: Koyuki from
Bangkok and Rain Yee from Siberia,
who treated attendees to a J-pop
performance. The two have become
cosplay famous with fan sites on
worldcosplay.com, curecos.com and
Facebook.
Several song and dance
competitions were held over the
weekend: Runners-up included
Starish, a six-piece group of
performers aged 15 to 21 who could
be described as a mix between
Ziggy Stardust, Sgt Peppers Lonely
Hearts Club Band and some very odd
elements of Japanese pop culture
thrown in for good measure.
Asian cosplay, for the uninitiated,
is a take-of from comic conferences
in the United States that invite comic
book and lm enthusiasts to dress up
as their favorite characters. But while
its roots are in the US, cosplay grew
into a hugely popular and specialised
event in the early 80s in Japan, fuelled
by that countrys culture of anime
and manga cartoons. Some 30 years
later, cosplay remains an underground
phenomenon but has gained an
exponential number of followers via the
internet. Each generation of fans has
delved deeper into the cosplay universe.
For some, its a light-hearted
way of exploring notions of identity
and connecting with like-minded
individuals. For others, as I found out
at the event, it is a way of life so
much so that sometimes a persons
original identity has become buried
by years and years of performing
identities. ZEASonal, who attended
both days in Geisha-inspired get-up,
seemed to deny any human identity.
He spent the weekend solemnly
oating through the crowd with
an ethereal mystique, ofering a
business card here and there and an
opportunity to buy his book.
Upon re-entering the event after
a much needed dose of fresh air,
I realised I was in a room full of
people who had checked their real
identities at the door and strode over
the threshold to be accepted by their
peers as their chosen alter ego.
And although an event like this,
on the surface, is about creativity and
play, in a country such as Myanmar
with its legacy of authoritarian
control, one cant help but wonder
if such reinvention of identity is an
unconscious response to being held
captive under such harsh scrutiny for
50 years.
In any case, as one of Japans
largest cultural exports, cosplay has
found a home in Myanmar. Judging
by the success of this event, its sure
to thrive amongst the countrys
emerging internet generation.
GREG HOLLAND
greg.c.holland@gmail.com
the pulse 45 www.mmtimes.com www.mmtimes.com
1. Hana Yuki wins the anime character contest for her Luka costume.
2. Participants and attendees pose for a photo.
3. A cosplayer practises his sword skills backstage.
4. Thai cosplayer ZEASonal poses with a guitar for fans.
5. Special guest Koyuki Yukihime poses for a selfie with a fan.
6. Cosplayers celebrate onstage at the opening of the event.
7. Rain Yee performs on stage to a crowd of cosplayers.
8. Richard, the lone swordsman, takes a moment backstage. Photo: Greg Holland
1
3
5
7
2
4
6
8
46 the pulse THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
LAST year saw the release of
several albums by actresses and
models who for one reason or
another decided to try their hand
at singing.
The majority of these albums
stuck with a familiar Myanmar
pop music formula: A woman with
a syrupy-sweet voice sings about
love and heartache to the beat of
unremarkable R&B music.
This mould was nally broken
by model-turned-singer Smile,
who last month released her debut
album New Me following a 10-year
absence from the public eye.
The 11-track CD shuns soothing
pop in favour of a louder, more
powerful sound, with backing
music provided by rock band
Boxer. The songs were composed
by Kyar Pauk (Big Bag and
Bloodsugar Politik), Za War, Shwe
Jaw Jaw, V No Tun, Raymond
(Idiots) and Fokker (Wanted).
Some of the tunes on New Me
can be classied as soft rock, while
others have a harder, noisier edge.
But what ties the album together,
and what sets Smile apart from
other female pop stars, is her voice:
It has a denite masculine edge to
it, at times sounding almost like
popular punk singer Kyar Pauk,
who not only wrote songs for the
album but also provided the singer
with voice training.
I grew up listening to Kyar
Pauks music, and his songs have
really stuck in my mind ever since he
started teaching me to use my vocal
power. Hes been a big inuence on
my rst album, Smile said.
Vocal power is a telling
description: While many other
female singers in Myanmar sound
meek and hesitant, Smile projects
her voice with a vigour that cant
be ignored.
Thats not to say everything
is perfect. Smiles voice is strong
within a certain range, but her
versatility is limited: She starts
losing control when the notes get
too low or too high, as in the song
Daughter written by V No Tun.
But she seems to understand
her limitations, and she rarely
strays from her comfort zone.
There isnt a bad song on the
entire album, but it might take
some careful listening to realise
just how good they are. If the
music doesnt grab you right away,
give the CD a few more listens and
the songs will surely grow on you.
Standout tracks include Youll
Know written by Fokker and
Grade 11 by Kyar Pauk. Youll
Know is a slow, melodic but potent
ballad about a girl sufering from
depression after being abandoned
by her boyfriend, while Grade 11
features clangorous hard-rock guitar
and pounding drums.
Lyrically, the songs message is
that teenage love comes and goes,
so its best for young people to
focus on matriculation exams for a
secure future. Not surprisingly, its
on Grade 11 that Smiles vocals
come closest to mimicking her
mentor Kyar Pauk.
Smile said she is amazed by the
huge popularity of New Me among
adolescent girls, a fan base that
in recent years has increasingly
embraced light pop and hip-hop
rather than hard rock.
Maybe Smiles popularity is a
sign that young people are looking
for something new and diferent to
listen to, or maybe theyre attracted
to the image of a strong, sword-
wielding woman as shown on the
CD packaging. Or maybe its just a
really good album with the potential
to appeal to music fans of all ages.
MUSIC REVIEW: NEW ME BY SMILE
Former model showcases
powerful vocals on debut album
NANDAR AUNG
nandaraung.mcm@gmail.com
W
HEN I was a high-
school student 15
years ago, I decided
to sit the nal
exams through
private tuition rather than go to
a government school. So, instead
of travelling two bus stops to No 1
High School Botahtaung, I spent
most of my time during the school
year six stops away, in Yangons
downtown. My classroom was located
in the colonial building marked U
Aung-Khine in the upper block of
Pansodan, and since that time I have
made a bond of friendship with that
street, which still reminds me of
simpler times.
I walked it nearly every day to
get to class, and every time I felt
happy, like I was ying through the
air, announcing to passersby, I come
to downtown independently. Im an
adult now! Wahoo! I never got bored
of the sights I encountered: big old
buildings, books, street stalls, clothing
shops, the crowds of people. Their
memory has stuck with me until now.
Also, I could not stop admiring
a friend who lived in the township
post ofce next to the court building
in the middle block. Her family got
to live there because her mother was
a chief ofcer in the postal service.
Their quaint residence inspired me to
daydream what life would be like if
my parents also had a house or at on
Pansodan. The post ofce was on the
ground oor of a tall and square ve-
story building. To me, it looked like a
cute box made from a pine tree.
In the morning, I took the bus
from home to Pansodan Station at
Merchant Raod. I stopped at Shwe
Hlay Khar, also known as Golden
Staircase Restaurant, for a bowl of
mohinga sh soup with vermicelli
mixed with a lot of chilli powder
and lime juice. The shop was run at
the bottom of a stairwell in an old
colonial building that has since been
replaced with a garish new tower. If
I didnt want to eat there, I would go
straight to my friends apartment at
the post ofce, and we would walk
together for sh soup at Tin Tin
Aye, a shop inside the former Trade
Ofce. That building was destroyed
by a large re about 10 years ago.
Until recently it was empty, but
now another tall building is under
construction there, across from the
May shopping centre.
Class started at 8am in the
morning and nished at 11am, when
we would go to the book shops along
the middle block of Pansodan. Ar
May Eain (Mothers House), next to
the Trade Ofce, was our favorite
bookshop because the owner was so
friendly, joking with students and
encouraging their interests. If the
class was held in the evening, after we
nished we would spend time looking
at the pavement bookstalls. I mostly
bought essay books for high-school. I
have to confess here although I was
interested in reading then, most of
my intention in spending time at the
bookshops was to gain other peoples
admiration. I dont know if it worked,
but it felt great.
Another place we frequented,
trying impress people, was Lokanat
Gallery. We skipped class to go there
and pretend we knew a lot about
art. Not all of these memories are
pleasant. One day we skipped class
and were caught tby a teacher who
was passing by. We received a big
warning in the classroom the next
day just thinking back on that is
enough to help me forget the stress I
face now.
While I used to walk on the street
with my childhood friends, sometimes
I also went there with my family. Dad,
Mum and I would visit in the evening.
We would arrive at Pansodan Station,
and depart from Strand Road. One
of my favorite things to do was eat
samosa salad at one of the roadside
shops in front of the Myanmar Port
Authority ofce in the lower block.
We always chose the Indian mans
shop for our evening snack. One day,
while we were eating our food, seated
on the shops small wood stools, some
YCDC staf turned up unexpectedly
to catch and ne the vendors, whose
shops were technically illegal. As
the men started to haul away chairs,
serving tables and trays laden with
food, our samosa seller made the
fastest movements I have ever seen in
my life. He suddenly lifted his heavy
tray of food and placed it on his head,
folded his stand and placed it under
one arm, stuck a large soup bowl
in his other hand and ran of. We
were so shocked we just sat on our
stools, wondering what to do. Always
I longed for another bowl from that
delicious shop. But my disciplined
mum did not let me overeat. Even
now when I dine at the best places, I
am never as satised as I was eating
that samosa salad.
Now my mum has passed away,
and Ive lost contact with some of
my high-school friends. Many of the
buildings I loved on the street have
also disappeared. But just as my mum
is always in my heart, I still feel a
strong connection with Pansodan.
When I was a young person, I didnt
understand the depth of my gratitude
to my mum. Thoughtful parenting
came to her naturally, because of who
she was. Now as a grown-up, I love
and value her more.
My relationship with Pansodan
Street is also like that. Then I knew
little about its past, its stories or
signicance. Now I know more, and
my interest in it continues to increase.
I am so happy, for example, to nd
out that the National Library and art
gallery, in 1962, was at No 166 and
moved in 1970 to No 24/26, where the
Myanmar Agricultural Development
Bank is now open.
I am so proud that we have this
street in Yangon. Like the French
love their Champs-lyses, I adore
my Pansodan. As I come to know the
histories of the buildings that line it,
I mourn the loss when one is torn
down. They are the valuable ones, the
ones that tell the history of Yangon, of
Myanmar and its people.
Walking Pansodan,
street of my youth
MOH MOH
THAW
mohthaw@gmail.com
Pansodan St by sunset overlooked by the Sakura Tower. Photo: Staff
I day dreamed
about what life
would be like if
my family lived
on Pansodan
Street
Model turned singer, Smile returns
with her debut album New Me
the pulse 47 www.mmtimes.com
A PEAL of bells tinkled on the
Shwedagone Pagoda platform as it
was engulfed in a loud patriotic song:
Nagani, the Red Dragon. The spirited
music oated up from an open rest
house, now a place of historic interest.
It was 1939, and oileld workers from
the midland region, farmers, whole
communities and members of Dobama
Aseayone (We Burmans Association)
had marched 400 miles (640 km) to
Yangon to hold a conference at the
pagoda.
Their demands were modest. One
of them was higher wages for oileld
workers. At that time, British ofcials
earned K15 per day, while a worker
received K1. The strikers wanted to
receive a monthly salary and asked for
the same pay scale as ofcials.
On January 11, 2014, seven-and-a-
half decades after the strike, about 70
descendants and 80 guests gathered
en masse at Shwedagon Pagoda, on the
upper platform, to celebrate a Diamond
Jubilee in memory of their parents who
showed patriotic duty at great personal
risk. Three ageing members of Dobama
Aseayone also attended the jubilee
with the remaining members of their
families. It was the rst time they had
ever held a memorial.
All endeavours to celebrate a
memorial had been silenced for 75
years, said U Aung Naing, 49, son
of Thakhin Hla Kywe, a member of
Dobama Aseayone.
Sparked by labourers at Burma
Oil Company (BOC), the strike swept
the nation into a campaign against
colonialist oppression. It became a
revolution, which appalled the British
government and planted the seeds of
nationalism in peoples minds, inspiring
the independence movement. It was
one of the two largest revolts in the
countrys history. The only one that
compares is 1988, which broke out 50
years later.
During the revolution, the members
added the title Thakhin (Master) in
front of their names, to signify that
they were free men. During colonial
rule, expansionists regarded themselves
as masters and treated the citizens as
slaves. They retain the titles to this day.
The citizens owe them a debt
of gratitude for their services to the
country and its people as liberators
from the oppression of British rule, U
Aung Naing said.
Our memory still lives of them
though no anniversary was held over 75
years to make us remember, said Daw
Nilar, 52, daughter of Thakhin Aung Pe,
another participant in the strike.
The jubilee is the rst time the
families of deceased members have
ever met, U Aung Naing said, noting
that the memorial was meant only to
honour them, with no political purpose.
Only seven members of Dobama
Aseayone remain alive, and only four
members could attend the jubilee. All
are over 90 years old. One of them,
Thakhin San Mya, reminisced about
the time when he joined the strike.
I was an 18-year-old student when
the strike broke out, the 93-year-old
said.
His parents were workers at BOC
and his empathy for the workers
conditions drove him to join Dobama
Aseayone and become one of the
leaders of the strike. The workers
laboured 10-hour days in the oil wells,
received meagre wages and never
received adequate healthcare for the
long exposure to harmful vapours.
Their families lived in narrow barracks
and workers werent entitled to proper
leaves.
It was in 1938 in Chauk township,
Magwe Region, where BOC workers
started to stage a strike, since British
authorities at BOC had neglected their
requests for change. The strike spread
to other oilelds in Yay Nan Chat, Lan
Ywar and Yay Nan Chaung.
I left school to follow the other
members. When we arrived at Lan
Ywar, we held a Workers Day on May
1, Thakhin San Mya said.
His parents were threatened that he
would be red if he continued to take
part in the Workers Day celebration.
My parents asked me not to keep
on, he said. The authorities called me,
too, and said they would give me a job
at BOC if I stopped participating in the
celebration, but I went on.
Thakhin San Mya left home out of
fear that his parents would also get
red if he was found with them.
I continued to battle hard. We
marched from Chauk to Yangon after
an 11-month strike in Magwe Region,
he said.
Ultimately, Thakhin San Mya was
arrested for his involvement in the
strike and he spent three years in Myin
Chan prison in Mandalay Region. Years
after he was freed from the prison, he
became the chairperson of the Farmers
Union and worked there for several
years.
When I devoted myself entirely
to political service, I couldnt earn
any money and I was penniless, said
Thakhin San Mya, who is now living
with his nieces family in Thaketa
township.
The strike ended in 1939, but
workers grievances werent appeased.
Much later, in 1987, the government
issued a K45 note bearing the portrait
of Thakhin Pho Hla Gyi, an oileld
worker who led the march. The public
used the bills for a short time, but
then they were quietly taken out of
circulation and fell into disuse.
This year, in addition to the jubilee
at Shwedagon, another memorial was
held at M3 Food Center. On display
were portraits of those involved in the
strike and newspaper clippings that
had been published at the time.
We can celebrate an 80-year and a
90 -year anniversary, but it is uncertain
that we will see those who participated
in the strike again, because they are
very old, said writer Zin Yaw, son-in-
law of Thakhin Aung Pe.
The curtain fell quickly on the
prolonged and unsuccessful strike,
and the grievances of half-starved
workers went unheard. Yet beyond the
strike feelings of patriotism and justice
continued. Over 20 members from
Dobama Aseayone became part of the
Thirty Comrades the beginning of the
Burma Independence Army that won
freedom from the British.
Honouring the oil strikers,
for rst time in 75 years
ZON PANN PWINT
zonpann08@gmail.com
Flags decorate the 1939 oil strikers memorial at Shwedagon Pagoda.
Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
ART
January 8-February 28 Yangon
Photo Festival. For full program of
workshops, screenings and exhibitions,
visit www.yangonphoto.com
January 18-February 4 Six: New
Myanmar Photography. Witness
Yangon Documentary Arts Space, third
oor, Pyan Hlwar building, 4A Parami
Road.
January 18-25 Mind Food group
show. Nawaday Tharlar Art Gallery,
Room 304, 20/B Yaw Min Gyi Road.
January 18-30 New year breeze photo
exhibition. Nawaday Art Gallery, 27
Nawaday Lane. Artwork by U Zin Blue
and Nay La Minn.
January 20-February 28 Rare
photography exhibition. Embassy of
Italy and Yangon Heritage Trust, rst
oor, 22-24 Pansodan Street. 19
th
-
century photos of Burma from the
collection of Gilles de Flogny.
January 27February 4 Dream 54.
Mandalay Hill Art Gallery, bottom of
Mandalay Hill. 13
th
-anniversary artist
group show.
FILM
Nay Pyi Taw Cinema
47 Ronin 3D. Samurai soldiers seek
vengeance for a warlords brutal
murder of their master. Starring
Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada and
Rinko Kikuchi.
Mingalar 2 Cinema
Paranormal Activity: The Marked
Ones 2D. A young California Latino is
possessed by a malevolent demon.
Starring Katie Featherston, Molly
Ephraim and Micah Sloat.
Shae Shaung Cinema
The Legend of Hercules. The mythical
Greek hero ghts for his rightful
kingdom. Starring Kellen Lutz, Liam
McIntyre and Scott Adkins.
Junction Maw Tin Cineplex
Police Story. Another in the Hong Kong
action crime series. Starring Jackie
Chan and Huang Bo.
Junction Square Cineplex
Police Story.
Tarzan. Tarzan and Jane Porter face
a mercenary army dispatched by an
evil CEO. Starring Kellan Lutz, Robert
Capron, Jaime Ray Newman.
MUSIC
January 25 6pm Saturday Night Live
50
th
anniversary show of the Emperor
Music Group. Myanmar Convention
Centre. Tickets K3000.
January 26 Meet the Guitar Heroes
festival and competition. Myoma
Parade Ground. Featuring Chit San
Maung and 22 other guitar players.
Free.
January 26, 5:30pm Myanmar-Japan
Hip-Hop Concert. Kandawgyi Park.
Featuring Japanese dance troupe
Wrecking Crew Orchestra with Sai Sai
Kham Leng and more. Tickets K6500
at Bo Bo Music Production, City Mart,
Ocean, Mun Thiri, Nobody, Fashion Star
and RUN YGN.
Whats On
Art by Saw Star, at Nawaday Tharlar.
W
ED been on the
road for more than
a month. Wed
ridden from Delhi
to the Nepali border,
right across Nepal and through the
Indian states of Sikkim and West
Bengal to Bhutan. After two weeks
of breathtaking mountain riding, we
were dropping down around the last
few hairpin bends to meet the plains
of India yet again.
The plains would surround us only
for a few more days, however, as we
headed deep into the hilly Northeast.
This part of India is truly a world
apart from the rest of the country.
The Seven Sisters the states of
Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal
Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and
Mizoram are home to a large variety
of tribes that difer hugely from Indias
plains people in terms of language,
religion, appearance, dress and food.
Many of these tribespeople wonder how
they ever got attached to India, and the
region is rife with internal struggles
for some degree of autonomy or full
independence.
Traversing the Brahmaputra
valleys of Assam the landscape
looked familiar, but as we crossed
into Nagaland, bouncing over an old
iron bridge and signing in at a rickety
military checkpoint, it was clear that
we were entering a diferent world.
The roads deteriorated instantly,
thatched huts replaced the brick
houses of Assam, and military
roadblocks and patrols made us feel
we were in occupied territory. We
bumped and rattled over a jungle
track to the town of Mon, the lush
green hills swathed in mist.
But the beautiful scenery could
only temporarily divert us from an
overall feeling of unease. Wed heard
of rebels, drug trafckers and rogue
Indian army units afoot in the region,
and things were not made easier by
the confused, hard stares of the few
people we passed, or the sight of men
casually toting locally made ries on
their shoulders.
First impressions can be deceptive
though, and in fact the next days
brought us into contact with some
of the most open, hospitable and
good-humoured people wed met on
our journey. We passed two nights
with a Naga friend-of-a-friend in
Shiyong Village. And on the day we
had intended to travel from Shiyong
to Kohima, when we struggled and
failed to cover the most abysmal
road we encountered, we were
taken in by an old couple and their
daughter in the tiny hamlet of Tamlu.
They dried our clothes around an
open re, insisted on cooking us a
hearty meal and then shepherded
us into the bed of their absent eldest
son. The next morning we found half
of the village outside ready to give us
a spirited send-of.
As we crossed from Nagaland into
Manipur, we knew that now we really
did have a reason for concern. This
is arguably Indias most restive state,
with regular blockades, hold-ups and
robberies.
Getting to the Myanmar border
at Moreh meant rst we had to drive
down the notorious Highway 39, or
the Highway of Sorrow as the Times
of India likes to call it. A couple of
buses had been held up on this road
the night before, and we hoped that,
given it was now Sunday afternoon,
the bandits might be napping.
As we got closer to the state
capital of Imphal, the army presence
increased. A couple of times we
pulled over to let pass armoured
cars complete with goggled machine
gunner gesturing out of the roof,
evidently escorting some senior
government ofcial or VIP.
We spent one night in Imphal,
which had sufered four bomb blasts
in the two weeks prior to our arrival.
Two more blasts occurred shortly
after we left. The responsibility for
the bombings has been attributed
both to rebel movements ghting for
Manipuri independence and to the
Indian army. Local people told us the
army is eager for civilian casualties it
can blame on the rebels and thereby
undermine support for the nationalist
cause.
But we were in good hands.
Imphals local Eneld gang, the Royal
Riders, had heard about our trip and
ridden to the city limits to escort us
in. Our nerves were not completely
calmed though as it also happened
to be Diwali, the Indian Festival of
Lights, which involves an all-night
blitz of reworks that left us never
quite sure whether the last huge bang
was another roman candle being let
of or a homemade bomb exploding.
The next morning we set of
toward the Indo-Myanmar border.
Closed to independent foreign
travellers for several decades, even
locals are allowed only a day pass
to cross into the town immediately
over the border. With the help of
our employer, wed secured special
permission to cross from the Ministry
of Foreign Afairs in Nay Pyi Taw, and
we eventually persuaded the Indian
army to escort us through their
encampments to the bridge that joins
the two countries.
And so, nally rattling across
our last border, we rode up to the
Myanmar immigration ofcer, who
was immaculately turned out in an
all-white uniform. Mingalabar! he
said, his stern expression breaking
into a broad smile. A very thorough
but friendly immigration and customs
session followed before the local
police escorted us to our hotel for the
night.
The next morning we set of into
uncharted territory, arriving at the
small river-side town of Kalewa. With
our adventurous spirits now reaching
new and unreasonable highs, we
attempted to get the bike on a cargo
boat to head downriver. We were
intercepted by the local constabulary,
however, who insisted that this was
not going to be possible.
The alternative was a 10-hour
rocky, muddy haul to Monywa.
Bumping through rice paddies and
across pristine valleys, we were
greeted by friendly waves and
shouts from the elds. A barefooted
farmer, seeing us pulled up before a
particularly nasty looking quagmire,
gave us a knowing look and then
plunged through the muck to test the
depth for us. He turned to give us the
thumbs up, and continued on his way.
Easy roads led us to Bagan, where
for the second time this trip we felt
jolted by the reappearance of tourism
chartered coaches and souvenir
sellers. On to Nay Pyi Taw, we
ventured onto the new multiple-lane
highway, only to nd that the appeal
of minimal trafc and no obstacles
or potholes wears of rather quickly.
So, as we continued toward Yangon,
we switched to the old road, happily
swerving around ox carts and bicycles
again.
We pushed through the last 50
kilometres to Yangon at sunrise the
next day. Exhilaration, excitement,
disbelief and relief swept over us.
Delhi seemed a world away and yet
wed somehow just connected it with
this city, mile by mile, town by town.
Flying, Yangon to Delhi takes ve
hours. It took us seven weeks to ride
back. Wed driven some 8000km,
passed through four countries,
negotiated ve international border
crossings, survived innumerable
breakdowns and one of us had even
passed a birthday.
We rumbled past the glimmering
Shwedagon Pagoda, Kandawgyi
Lake and the orderly lines of monks
on their morning alms rounds. We
rounded a last corner onto Shwe Bon
Thar Street. We were home.
See more photos and blogging from the
journey at www.ridingtorangoon.com.
Riding to
Rangoon
Great plains: Part 3 of a motorcycle journey
from Delhi to Yangon
ANDY BENFIELD & EMILIE RELL
The road to Monywa. Photo: Andy Benfield and Emilie Rell
Escorted by the Royal Riders of Manipur. Photo: Andy Benfield and Emilie Rell
Entering Nagaland. Photo: Andy Benfield and Emilie Rell
In Nagaland,
the roads
deteriorated,
and military
roadblocks and
patrols made
us feel we were
in occupied
territory.
the pulse 49 www.mmtimes.com
U
P until 100 years ago, the
Kachin residents of the
northern Shan State village
of Kapna were resolutely
animist in their beliefs.
Several visits by Christian missionar-
ies had failed to dissuade them from
making oferings to the spirits in
the way their ancestors had done for
generations.
According to village lore, that
all changed when a Kapna resident
who sufered cataracts was instantly
healed after he stopped honouring
spirits and started praying to the
Christian god. He converted and was
followed not long after by another
villager.
The third convert, a man named
Hkam Leng, was the cousin of the
second villager. Hkam Leng was also
the duwa (headman) of Kapna and
the surrounding region, a title he had
been granted by the regional sabwa,
or ethnic Shan ruler.
Following Duwa Hkam Lengs
conversion, everyone else in the village
abandoned animism and followed his
lead into the Christian faith. Despite
the mass conversions, for decades there
was no church or pastor in Kapna
only a bamboo hut where villagers
gathered to study the Bible.
Duwa Hkam Leng and his
wife Dujan Nang Ja were the
grandparents of my mother-in-
law, Nang Hseng, who was born in
Kapna on July 4, 1943. Years later,
Nang Hseng moved to Yangon,
where she married an ethnic
Rakhine actor and lm director
named Aung Lwin.
In early 1967 Nang Hseng and
Aung Lwin travelled from Yangon
to Kapna for a visit. At that time,
Nang Hseng told me, inhabitants
of this wild, remote region near the
China border would think nothing
of killing a non-Kachin man for the
cultural crime of marrying a Kachin
woman.
In fact, her father asked Aung
Lwin not to come to Kapna, but
the familys high standing in the
community as the descendents
of the earliest Christian converts
overcame any impulse toward
bloodlust, and murder was averted.
Violence arrived in a diferent
form a few months after their
visit, when Chinese and Burmese
communists destroyed Kapna and
other villages in the area. This was
revenge for Myanmar leader Ne Wins
attempt to drive the communists into
China from the border regions and
divert Shan States rice southward to
overcome food shortages in Yangon.
The Chinese-style mansion that
belonged to Duwa Hkam Leng and
Dujan Nang Ja was destroyed in the
attack. It was described to me as a
magnicent structure with a vast,
open courtyard in the centre into
which horses could be ridden through
majestic sliding wood doors. The
tall wood posts that supported the
house survived the razing, but they
were lched by the communists and
used to build a new headquarters in
another village.
Duwa Hkam Leng and his family
ed to Muse, 20 kilometres (12 miles)
west. The original village site is now
deserted nothing is left except the
villagers walnut trees, which locals
harvest to this day.
The communists are long
gone, and Kapna was eventually
re-established at a new site: Its now
on the other side of the mountain
from the original village, and only a
few steps from the China border.
This past Christmas, the residents
of Kapna now a mix of Kachin,
Lisu, Shan and Chinese held a
four-day festival to celebrate the
100
th
anniversary of the regions
abandonment of animism in favour of
Christianity. Honorees Duwa Hkam
Leng and Dujan Nang Ja are now
interred at a twin mausoleum in
the jungle, just uphill from the new
Kapna.
Nang Hseng invited me to attend
the festival with her family. She
assured me that the village was a bit
tamer than in the past, and therefore
I need not fret about possibly being
murdered for having married into a
Kachin family.
What was more worrying was
the security situation. Kapna lies
in an area where the Myanmar
army (Tatmadaw) and the Kachin
Independence Army (KIA) are both
active. The pastor who organised
the festival had asked the Tatmadaw
soldiers to stay away, or at least to
take of their uniforms if they entered
the village during the celebrations.
They seemed to comply I didnt
see anyone in military garb but I
was told that plainclothes soldiers
were lurking around in the forest,
watching.
Where the original Kapna had no
church, the new village boasts two.
During the anniversary celebrations
the bigger one was the site of
numerous Kachin-language sermons
and plenty of hymn and carol singing.
At night, with mountain
temperatures dropping to near
freezing, villagers performed
traditional dances on an outdoor
stage. Before sleep we gathered
around a campre to grill homemade
sticky rice patties.
On Christmas Eve morning I
walked with Nang Hseng and the rest
of the family to the tomb of Duwa
Hkam Leng and Dujan Nang Ja, a
20-minute uphill hike through murky
forest and across lush, sun-drenched
meadows. We brought along a
machete to cut brush from the burial
site, and a few family members set
to work prying caked dirt from the
mausoleum after wed arrived. This
was quickly stopped by a villager who
informed us that the accumulation of
soil on the gravesite was a blessing
perhaps a remnant of the regions
age-old animist beliefs.
Heads were bowed, Kachin-
language prayers were recited,
photographs were taken. Then we
walked back down to Kapna, where
villagers were preparing to celebrate
Christmas the Kachin way: with
singing, dancing and healthy, home-
cooked food.
Growing up in the northeastern
United States, I had always marked
Christmas by exchanging gifts, hanging
ornaments on a fake pine tree and
watching A Charlie Brown Christmas. I
did none of these things in Kapna, but
rarely have I felt so in touch with the
genuine spirit of the season.
Celebrating Christmas in Kapna
Late for Nowhere
Duwa Hkam Leng and Dujan Nang Ja
were among the first Kachin in Kapna
to convert to Christianity. Photo: Nang
Hsengs archive
DOUGLAS
LONG
dlong125@gmail.com
50 the pulse tea break THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
ACROSS
1 Show piece?
4 More adorable
9 Eye problems
14 Scary
exclamation
15 18 or 21, typically
16 Ado
17 Australias
ostrich
18 Engaged in
disorderly play
20 Striped
predator
22 Travel in a
windjammer
23 Bagel spread
26 Chicken
selection
30 Stay clear of
32 Infielders and
outfielders
make them
34 Spy novelist
Deighton
36 Synagogue
scroll
38 Largest island in the
Marianas
39 A Prayer for ___
Meany
41 River through
Alaska
43 Admire amorously
44 Change the
furnishings
45 When pigs fly
47 Laugh-track
sound
48 Non-Christian
priests
51 God-fearing
53 Mast
extensions
55 Problem with
pipes
58 Tennis units
60 Put off till later
61 Used fists
67 Count on both
hands?
68 Loosen, as laces
69 Alpacas relative
70 Curved letter
71 ... with ___
in sight
72 Dr. Seuss title
creature
73 Receiving a pension
(abbr.)
DOWN
1 Assists at a
heist, e.g.
2 Kind of book
or relief
3 Made to have a thicker
skin
4 Fix
5 Sci-fi craft
6 Greek letter
7 Theyre found under
layers
8 Betty Ford Clinic
program, e.g.
9 Anger
10 What U sometimes
means
11 Mayday! signal
12 Common title word
13 Feeling blue
19 Add to the staff
21 Bad place in
Germany
24 Nautical shout
25 Second showing
27 Affleck flick
28 Much in demand
29 Syllables sung while
skipping
31 Roused
33 Mergansers relative
34 Manor master
35 Still-life subjects
37 Hardly a palace
40 Black, along the
Somme
42 Campbell of
Scream
46 Drivers levy
49 Was a gossip
50 Galley notation
52 Godfreys instrument
54 Kind of camera
56 Skein fliers
57 ___ & Young
(accounting firm)
59 Normandy town
61 Games companion
62 Lennons bride
63 4 x 4, briefly
64 Card game winners
cry
65 Dinghy thingie
66 Thurman of Hollywood
Universal Crossword
Edited by Timothy E. Parker
OUGH THERE YOU ARE! By Mary Jersey
SUDOKU PACIFIC
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
DILBERT BY SCOTT ADAMS
PEANUTS BY CHARLES SCHULZ
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the pulse food and drink 51 www.mmtimes.com
PHYOS COOKING ADVENTURE
Easy as a banana split
Variations on an old dessert favorite
phyo.arbidans@gmail.com
M
YANMAR people love
fruit and the banana is
one of our favorites. We
often eat them plain, but
we also use them as an
essential ingredient in sweet snacks
and desserts.
The whole banana plant, in
fact, is very useful. The leaves of
the banana tree can be used for
wrapping foods to steam or grill,
and as placemats for serving. Fresh
and young banana plant stems are
used in one of our favorite soups,
mohinga, which is a pungent sh
curry poured over noodles and
typically eaten for breakfast. Banana
blossoms often turn up in curry or
salads. Thus the sweet fruit of the
banana is but one of several foods
and avours ofered by this versatile
plant.
Here you will also nd several
banana varieties for sale, each with
their own unique properties. There
is the phee gyan, which looks like a
large lady nger. This one is very nice
for eating and intensely avourful. It
is the best to use in sweet desserts.
One of my favourite, simple ways to
prepare this one is to barbecue it in
the skin briey, then serve with a bit
of honey.
The thee hmwe, a banana from
Queensland and the one most
foreigners know, is used in Western-
style desserts. The Rakhine banana
is bigger than the other ones and
has a darker, reddish skin and a rich
avour. The tiny, short and sweet
banana is called the nann tha pu.
You can try diferent varieties
in the recipes below. Ive been
experimenting with new twists on old
desserts. These ones I liked.
SWEET CHILLI BANANA WITH
VANILLA ICE CREAM
SERVES 6
6 bananas
3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
2 oranges
1 lime
cup mint leaves
6 scoops vanilla ice cream
Juice oranges and lime. Combine
juice with sweet chilli sauce in a
non-stick frying pan and simmer
for 2-3 minutes. Stir continuously.
Let cool.
Peel banana and grill for a
few minutes to soften. When the
aroma starts to come out, stop and
let cool.
Scoop ice cream into six glass
bowls. Slice bananas and arrange
on the ice cream. Sprinkle with
sauce and garnish with fresh mint
leaves.
BANANA LAYER CAKE
SERVES 6
6 bananas
1 Swiss roll, sponge cake or jam roll
500ml thickened cream
3 tbsp icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp Nutella (chocolate and
hazelnut cream)
Add thickened cream, icing sugar,
vanilla extract and Nutella to a glass
bowl and beat well until it forms soft
peaks.
Slice cake and arrange in a deep
bowl with a narrow mouth. Choose
a glass bowl that will look attractive
when you present it to your guests.
Spoon cream over the cake. Lay sliced
bananas on top.
Repeat the process again. You
should have at least two sets of layers
in the bowl if you choose one that
isnt too wide. Keep in fridge until
ready to eat.
A light Thai meal in Mandalay satises on a winters day
THOUGH Mandalay is noted for
being the hottest and dustiest
city in Upper Myanmar, it is also
cold in the last months of winter.
And that made this visitor and
her companion lazy about getting
out to the local restaurants. But
Thai Mal Aung was worth the
efort, especially for its light lunch
oferings.
Also famous for its Thai snack
foods, Thai Mal Aung is located on
66
th
Street between 31
st
and 32
nd

streets.
Its a noisier joint than most Thai
restaurants Ive visited before. The
dining hall is large, with Spartan
dcor. Yet as soon as we arrived the
place lled with customers and we
had to hurry to get a spot.
We started of with hin htoke
(K500), pork stufed in a packet
with mixed vegetables and rice
powder and steamed. Unfortunately,
the packet, lled mostly with mixed
vegetables and rice powder and just
a few bits of pork, was pulpier than
we had hoped and lling, too. We
couldnt eat it all and focused on the
dishes to come.
The most delicious was the
famous rice with mixed seafood
(K700). The rice was sticky and
matched well with some root
vegetables. The next dishes we tried
included a curry of steamed beef
ribs (K3000), which were cooked
well, and Thai soup with seafood
(K3500), which reminded me of a
Chinese spicy soup. The latter came
in a huge bowl, though we ordered
the small size.
For dessert, I chose the sagu
ball steamed tapioca lled with
chicken (K600). Though I liked
it, my dining companion could
not stand the fried garlic covering
each ball. We also tried the green
steamed sticky rice with banana. It
was tasty but sweet, and there was
no need to add the sugar that was
sprinkled on the plate.
At the end, the staf presented
us with fresh sliced watermelon
and papaya with shaved ice, but by
then we were full and couldnt even
accept the juices.
Service is quick and prices
are cheap. Other than the pork
packet, we were impressed with the
execution of the menu. Go before
lunch time if you want a choice of
seating.
Thai Mal Aung
66
th
Street, between 31
st
and 32
nd

streets, Mandalay
Food 8
Beverage 7
Service 8
Value for money 10
X-factor 6
Total Score: 7.8/10
NYEIN EI EI HTWE
nyeineieihtwe23@gmail.com
The hin htoke pork packet is filling. Photo: Nyein Ei Ei Htwe
Several varieties of banana can be found at markets throughout Myanmar. Photo: Boo Thee
Steamed pork ribs. Photo: Nyein Ei Ei Htwe.
THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
EC 16
th
anniversary
Pwint Phyu Gems dinner
Lisange showroom opening
N Kairas wedding dinner
St. Michael School ceremony
52 the pulse socialite
U Maung Nyunt and Sein Myint Maw U San Min U Kaung
Gala night dinner (DSTO)
U Kyaw Thuya and Daw Moe Myint Sandar Oo U Pyi Soe Aung and wife U Wunna Maung Lwin
Dr Zaw Lwin
U Htay Hlaing Soe
Wai Lae Lu, War and Nyo
Daw Thitsar Khaing
Khin Lay Nwe Bride and bridegroom
Mr Lee Mr Ji Seong Jang
San Htut
May April Oo, Khine May Soe Tun and
Nan Phyu Thant Lwin Hitachi Air Compressor seminar
Mr Edwin Koh Mr Yoshihiko Tachibana Ko Yan Naing Win Guest
Balance Fitness Center 1
st
anniversary
Junction Cineplex lucky draw
Now How show
Win Hap Choose Winner
www.mmtimes.com the pulse socialite 53
Mingalabar! fans of Socialite. On January 7, she attended the
16
th
anniversary of EC private high school and an awards
ceremony for outstanding students. She cheered winners of
lucky prize draws at Junction Cineplex on January 8. She had
fun at the Now How cosmetic show at Sedona Hotel the same
day. To her great delight, she joined a celebration dinner for
Pwint Phyu Gems on January 9. Saturday was a bit too hectic.
She attended the Paying Homage ceremony for ageing teachers
from St. Michael school at Chatrium Hotel. Also that day she
attended a seminar hosted by Hitachi Air Compressor. January
12 was even busier. She enjoyed the Lucky Winners ceremony
hosted by Win Hap Company in Traders Hotel. She dropped by
the rst anniversary of Balance Fitness Centre on her way to the
rst gala night dinner hosted by the Diplomatic Skills Trainees
Organisation (DSTO) at Peoples Park. She also attended the
Lisange showroom opening on the same day. On January 16,
she attended famous vocalist N Kairas wedding dinner, where
she was thrilled to meet some of her favorite singers.
MOH MOH
THAW
mohthaw@gmail.com
Ms Tassanee Su Myat Noe Kyaw Eaindre Khin
Soe Thu and Ei Thinzar Han
Junction Cineplex staff
Ma Thuzar and guests
Nandar Win and Thuzar Moe Ma Khine Phu
Nyein Su Thar Thiri
M
a
y

M
y
i
n
t

M
o
h
Ko Kyaw Zay Ya Ma Chaw Kalyar, Ko Nay Lin and Ko Kyaw Thet
54 the pulse travel THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES
Domestic
6T = Air Mandalay
W9 = Air Bagan
YJ = Asian Wings
K7 = AIR KBZ
YH = Yangon Airways
FMI = FMI AIR Charter
Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines
Subject to change
without notice
Domestic Airlines
Air Bagan Ltd. (W9)
Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102
Air KBZ (K7)
Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport),
Fax: 372983
Air Mandalay (6T)
Tel : (Head Ofce) 501520, 525488,
Fax: 525937. Airport: 533222~3, 09-73152853.
Fax: 533223.
Asian Wings (YJ)
Tel: 951 516654, 532253, 09-731-35991~3.
Fax: 951 532333
Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)
Tel: 95 9 400446999, 95 9 400447999,
Fax: 01 860 4051
Yangon Airways(YH)
Tel: (+95-1) 383 100, 383 107, 700 264,
Fax: 652 533.
FMI Air Charter - Sales &
Reservations
Tel: (95-1) 240363, 240373 / (+95-9) 421146545
Day
1 = Monday
2 = Tuesday
3 = Wednesday
4 = Thursday
5 = Friday
6 = Saturday
7 = Sunday
YANGON TO NAY PYI TAW
Flight Days Dep Arr
FMI A1 1,2,3,4,5 7:30 8:30
Y5 777 1,2,3,4,6 7:45 8:25
FMI A1 6 8:00 9:00
FMI B1 1,2,3,4,5 11:30 12:30
FMI A1 7 15:30 16:30
FMI C1 1,2,3,4,5 16:30 17:30
NAY PYI TAW TO YANGON
Flight Days Dep Arr
FMI A2 1,2,3,4,5 8:50 9:50
FMI A2 6 10:00 11:00
FMI B2 1,2,3,4,5 13:00 14:00
FMI A2 7 17:00 18:00
Y5 778 1,2,3,4,6 17:30 18:10
FMI C2 1,2,3,4,5 18:00 19:00
YANGON TO MANDALAY
Flight Days Dep Arr
YJ 901 4 6:00 7:25
YH 917 1,3,6,7 6:00 7:40
YH 917 2,4,5 6:00 8:20
YJ 891 Daily 6:00 8:05
YJ 901 1,2,3,5,6,7 6:10 7:35
Y5 234 Daily 6:15 7:30
YH 909 5 6:15 7:55
6T 401 Daily 6:20 8:25
K7 222 Daily 6:30 8:40
K7 626 1,5 6:45 8:10
K7 226 2,4 6:45 8:10
YH 833 2 7:00 8:40
YH 531 3 7:00 8:40
W9 201 Daily 7:30 8:55
8M 6603 2,4,7 9:00 10:10
K7 624 Daily 10:30 11:55
YJ 751/W9 7751 3,5,7 10:30 12:25
YJ 761 1,2,7 10:30 12:25
YJ 602/W9 7602 6 10:30 12:35
YJ 761 4,6 10:45 12:40
YJ 211 5,7 11:00 12:25
YJ 201 1,2,3,4 11:00 12:25
YH 737 3,5 11:00 13:10
YH 729 2,4 11:00 14:00
YH 737 7 11:30 13:40
YH 727 1 11:30 13:40
YH 729 6 11:30 14:30
W9 251 2,5 11:15 12:40
6T 807 7 11:30 12:55
6T 807 1 12:00 13:25
YH 731 7 14:00 16:10
K7 224 Daily 14:30 16:35
W9 129 Daily 15:00 16:55
YH 731 1,2,3,4,5,6 15:00 17:10
6T 501 Daily 15:30 17:30
W9 211 Daily 15:30 16:55
MANDALAY TO YANGON
Flight Days Dep Arr
YJ 901 4 7:40 10:30
YJ 901 1,2,3,6,7 7:50 9:55
Y5 233 Daily 8:10 9:25
YH 918 2,4,5 8:20 10:15
YJ 891 Daily 8:20 10:15
6T 402 Daily 8:45 10:45
K7 223 Daily 8:55 11:00
YH 918 1,3,6,7 9:10 11:05
W9 201 Daily 9:10 11:05
W9 144 Daily 9:20 10:45
Y5 132 3,5,6,7 9:30 10:30
K7 227 2,4 10:35 12:00
K7 627 1,5 10:55 12:20
K7 845 2,4,7 12:50 16:00
YH 738 5 13:10 17:35
6T 808 7 13:15 15:15
6T 808 1 13:45 15:45
YH 730 2,4 14:00 18:55
YH 730 6 14:30 18:15
YJ 212 7 15:00 16:25
YJ 202 1,2,3,4 15:30 16:55
YJ 212 5,7 16:00 17:55
YJ 762 1,2,4,6 16:05 17:30
YJ 762 4,6 16:20 17:45
W9 120 1,3,6 16:30 17:55
K7 225 Daily 16:50 19:00
YH 728 1 17:00 18:25
YJ 752/W9 7752 7 17:00 18:25
W9 129 Daily 17:10 18:35
YH 738 3 17:10 18:35
YH 732 1 17:10 19:15
W9 211 Daily 17:10 19:15
K7 625 Daily 17:10 18:35
8M 6604 2,4,7 17:20 18:30
YH 738 7 17:40 19:05
6T 502 Daily 17:50 19:55
YJ 752/W9 7752 3,5 17:20 18:45
YJ 602/W9 7602 6 17:30 18:55
YANGON TO NYAUNG U
Flight Days Dep Arr
YH 917 2,4,5 6:00 7:35
YH 917 1,3,6,7 6:00 8:25
YJ 891 Daily 6:00 7:20
YJ 901 4 6:00 8:10
YJ 901 1,2,3,5,6,7 6:10 8:20
W9 141 Daily 6:15 7:35
YH 909 1,6,7 6:15 7:50
YH 909 5 6:15 8:40
6T 401 Daily 6:20 7:40
6T 351 1,2,3,4,6,7 6:30 7:50
K7 222 Daily 6:30 7:50
YH 909 2,3,4 6:30 8:05
W9 143 Daily 7:15 8:35
YJ 601/W9 7601 6 10:30 11:50
YH 731 4 13:30 17:20
K7 224 Daily 14:30 17:25
W9 211 Daily 15:30 17:40
YH 731 1,2,3,4,5,6 15:00 17:55
6T 501 Daily 15:30 18:20
NYAUNG U TO YANGON
Flight Days Dep Arr
YH 918 2,4,5 7:35 10:15
YH 918 1,3,6,7 8:25 11:05
YJ 891 Daily 7:35 10:15
W9 141 Daily 7:50 10:40
K7 222 Daily 8:05 11:00
YJ 901 4 8:25 10:30
YJ 901 1,2,3,5,6,7 8:35 9:55
YH 910 1 7:50 9:55
YH 910 2,3,4 8:05 10:10
YH 910 5 8:40 10:00
W9 144 Daily 8:50 10:10
YH 910 6,7 9:40 11:00
6T 351 5 10:50 13:55
K7 225 Daily 17:45 19:00
W9 211 Daily 17:55 19:15
YH 732 1,2,3,4,5,6 17:55 19:15
6T 502 Daily 18:35 19:55
YANGON TO MYITKYINA
Flight Days Dep Arr
YH 833 2 7:00 10:05
YH 831 4,6 7:00 10:15
K7 844 2,4,7 7:30 11:05
K7 624 Daily 10:30 13:25
YJ 211 5 11:00 13:50
YJ 201 1,2,3,4 11:00 13:50
W9 251 2,5 11:15 14:10
MYITKYINA TO YANGON
Flight Days Dep Arr
YH 834 2 10:05 12:55
YH 832 4,6 10:15 13:15
YJ 211 5 14:05 17:55
YJ 202 1,2,3,4 14:05 16:55
K7 625 Daily 15:40 18:35
W9 252 2,5 16:05 19:00
YANGON TO HEHO
Flight Days Dep Arr
YH 917 2,4,5 6:00 9:05
YH 917 1,3,6,7 6:00 9:55
YJ 891 Daily 6:00 8:50
YH 909 1,6,7 6:15 8:45
W9 141 Daily 6:15 8:20
6T 401 Daily 6:20 9:20
YH 909 2,3,4 6:30 9:00
K7 222 Daily 6:30 9:30
6T 351 1,2,3,4,6,7 6:30 8:45
W9 201 Daily 7:30 9:40
K7 828 1,3,5 7:30 8:45
YH 505 2,3,4 10:30 11:55
YJ 751/W9 7751 3,5,7 10:30 11:40
YJ 761 1,2 10:30 11:40
YJ 761 4,6 10:45 11:55
YH 737 3,5,7 11:00 12:25
W9 203 Daily 11:00 12:10
YH 737 7 11:30 12:55
W9 119 1,3,6 11:15 12:25
YH 505 6,7 11:30 12:55
YH 727 1 11:30 12:55
6T 807 7 11:30 13:50
K7 826 2,6 11:45 13:00
6T 807 1 12:00 14:20
YH 731 4 13:30 14:55
YH 731 7 14:00 15:25
K7 224 Daily 14:30 15:45
W9 129 Daily 15:00 16:10
YH 731 1,2,3,4,5,6 15:00 16:25
6T 501 Daily 15:30 16:40
HEHO TO YANGON
Flight Days Dep Arr
W9 141 Daily 8:35 10:40
YH 909 1 8:45 9:55
YH 909 6,7 8:45 11:00
6T 352 Daily 9:00 11:10
YH 909 2,3,4 9:00 10:10
YH 918 2 9:05 10:15
YJ 891 Daily 9:05 10:15
6T 402 Daily 9:35 10:45
K7 223 Daily 9:45 11:00
YH 918 1 9:55 11:05
W9 201 Daily 9:55 11:05
YH 506 2,3,4 11:55 14:00
W9 204 Daily 12:25 13:35
YH 506 6,7 12:55 15:00
K7 829 1,3,5 13:50 15:05
6T 808 7 14:05 15:15
6T 808 1 14:35 15:45
W9 120 1,3,6 15:45 17:55
YH 728 1 16:15 18:25
YH 730 6 17:05 18:15
YH 730 2,4 17:45 18:55
YJ 762 1,2 15:20 17:30
YJ 762 4,6 15:35 17:45
K7 224 Daily 16:00 19:00
YJ 752/W9 7752 7 16:15 18:25
YH 738 5 16:25 17:35
YH 738 3 16:25 18:35
W9 129 Daily 16:25 18:35
YH 731 1,2,3,4,5,6 16:25 18:35
YH 732 7 16:55 18:05
YH 738 7 16:55 19:05
6T 501 Daily 16:55 19:55
K7 827 2,6 17:25 18:40
YANGON TO SIT T WE
Flight Days Dep Arr
YH 511 1 10:30 12:05
YH 511 5 10:30 12:35
6T 605 Daily 11:15 13:15
W9 309 1,3,5,6,7 11:30 12:55
K7 426 Daily 12:30 13:50
6T 611 4,6 14:30 15:55
SIT T WE TO YANGON
Flight Days Dep Arr
YH 512 1 12:05 13:55
YH 512 5 12:35 13:55
6T 606 Daily 13:35 15:00
K7 427 Daily 14:05 15:25
6T 612 4,6 16:15 17:40
YANGON TO MYEIK
Flight Days Dep Arr
K7 319 Daily 7:00 9:05
YH 633 5,7 7:00 9:15
YH 633 3 11:30 13:45
MYEIK TO YANGON
Flight Days Dep Arr
K7 320 Daily 11:30 13:35
YH 634 5,7 11:25 13:25
YH 633 3 13:45 17:25
YANGON TO THANDWE
Flight Days Dep Arr
W9 141 Daily 6:15 9:35
6T 351 1,2,3,4,6,7 6:30 10:00
6T 605 Daily 11:15 12:10
YH 511 5 10:30 11:35
YH 505 2,3,4 10:30 13:10
YH 511 1 10:30 13:05
W9307 2,4 11:30 13:50
W9 309 1,3,5,6,7 11:30 13:50
YH 505 6,7 11:30 14:10
THANDWE TO YANGON
Flight Days Dep Arr
W9 141 Daily 9:50 10:40
6T 632 1,2,3,4,6,7 10:15 11:10
6T 605 Dailys 12:25 15:00
6T 632 5 13:00 13:55
YH 511 5 11:35 13:55
YH 506 2,3,4 13:10 14:00
YH 511 1 13:05 13:55
W9 307 2,4 14:05 14:55
W9 309 1,3,5,6,7 14:05 14:55
YH 506 6,7 14:10 15:00
the pulse travel 55 www.mmtimes.com
G
LENN Rossis recent Avis
car rental had him seeing
double. Literally.
Hed prepaid for a
vehicle in Vienna, Austria,
through Expedia. When he picked up
the car, Avis also swiped his credit
card. Within a week of returning
the vehicle, Rossi, a retired telecom-
munications consultant who lives in
Kelkheim, Germany, saw two charges
for 333 euros (about US$460) on his
MasterCard: one from Expedia and
one from Avis.
Hed been billed twice for the same
car.
I sent my contract and payment
records to both Expedia and Avis but
still have no refund of my double pay-
ment, he said.
Rossis experience is common
in one respect: Small billing errors
happen routinely when youre on the
road a currency conversion error, a
fee added to the nal bill or a room
charge that belongs to another guest.
But in another sense, it isnt. Double
billings are relatively rare. Fortunate-
ly, theyre also relatively easy to x.
Relatively being the operative
word.
Nick Hornberger, a Los Angeles
attorney and expert on credit-card
processing, says that a clear-cut case
in which a customer is charged twice
can be remedied by ling a credit
card dispute. Under the Fair Credit
Billing Act (FCBA), you may challenge
a billing error with your credit card
company, as long as its done in writ-
ing and within 60 days of the credit-
card statement. The card companies
can be very aggressive and really go
to bat for the consumer, Hornberger
said.
But not always. Sometimes, there
are bad guys on the other end of the
transaction who are trying to squeeze
more money out of you, Hornberger
said. And the law also has its limits:
You cant invoke the FCBA if you have
a problem with the quality of a good
or service unless the purchase was
made in your home state or within
100 miles of your billing address.
Even when it applies, the law doesnt
ofer an instant x. The FCBA gives
a creditor up to a month to acknowl-
edge your dispute and up to three
months to credit your account, which
can seem like half an eternity.
Its impossible to anticipate a bill-
ing error. A MasterCard representa-
tive said that the best way to avoid
having to pay twice for the same
product is to monitor your monthly
statements or to check your credit
card account online.
If cardholders identify a purchase
they didnt authorise, they should im-
mediately contact the bank that issued
their card and dispute the charge in
question, said MasterCard spokes-
person Seth Eisen. His company also
ofers a feature called MasterCard Zero
Liability policy, which protects custom-
ers like Rossi against unauthorised and
fraudulent transactions.
Some restrictions apply, though.
An account must be in good standing;
a cardholder has to exercise reason-
able care in safeguarding the card
from any unauthorised use, and may
not have reported two or more unau-
thorised events in the past 12 months,
according to MasterCard.
Youre somewhat likelier to be
hit by a double billing when youve
prepaid for a travel product such as a
rental car or a hotel stay. Thats what
happened to Elaine Barrett when she
paid upfront for a package tour that
included a hotel stay in Chicago.
I handed over the voucher and
everything seemed OK, but when we
received our credit card bill, wed been
charged a walk-in rate for three nights
for the room we had already paid for,
said Barrett, who lives in Sydney.
The dispute wasnt a slam-dunk,
either. Initially, her credit card pro-
vider sided with her but then reversed
its decision, taking the hotels side.
Barrett enlisted the help of her travel
agent who failed to get a refund. Fi-
nally, she contacted Qantas Holidays,
through which shed booked the vaca-
tion, and got her money back.
Companies claim to do their best
to prevent billing errors, particularly
double billings. For example, a site such
as Travelocity has multiple systems that
check for duplicate air reservations. So
if the name eld in the booking match-
es exactly with another booking the
name, ight, date all match we will
reject the booking and have a customer
agent look at it and call the customer
to verify if there are duplicates, said
spokesperson Joel Frey.
But the system has limitations. For
example, Travelocitys systems cant
catch the diference between a John
Doe and a John A Doe.
Orbitz has technology that catches
a duplicate name on the same ight
booking, which can easily happen
when travellers click the book but-
ton twice when making ight reserva-
tions for a group. But it cant catch a
name on the same ight when its a
separate reservation.
Determining what happened to
Rossis booking wasnt easy. Both
Expedia and Avis agreed that the car
rental companys systems inadvertent-
ly billed him in Vienna. Although the
rental took place last July, and Avis in
August acknowledged that a system
error had led to his vouchers not
being accepted, Rossis money hadnt
been refunded by October an almost
three-month wait.
After I contacted Avis to inquire
about his case, a representative told
Rossi that the company had rst
needed to conrm that hed had a
prepaid voucher with Expedia, but
that it had been unable to do so in a
timely manner. It promptly refunded
his 333 euros. The Washington Post
On the road again?
What to do when
youre billed twice
CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT
I f cardhol ders
i denti fy a
purchase they
di dnt authori se,
they shoul d
i mmedi atel y
contact the bank
that i ssued thei r
card and di spute
the charge i n
questi on,
Seth Eisen
MasterCard Spokespoerson
International
FD & AK = Air Asia
TG = Thai Airways
8M = Myanmar Airways International
PG = Bangkok Airways
MI = Silk Air
VN = Vietnam Airline
MH = Malaysia Airlines
CZ = China Southern
CI = China Airlines
CA = Air China
KA = Dragonair
IC = Indian Airlines Limited
W9 = Air Bagan
3K = Jet Star
AI = Air India
QR = Qatar Airways
KE = Korea Airlines
NH = All Nippon Airways
SQ = Singapore Airways
DE = Condor Airlines
MU=China Eastern Airlines
BR = Eva Airlines
DE = Condor
AI = Air India
BG = Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Subject to change
without notice
International Airlines
Air Asia (FD)
Tel: 251 885, 251 886.
Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)
Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102
Air China (CA)
Tel : 666112, 655882.
Air India
Tel : 253597~98, 254758. Fax: 248175
Bangkok Airways (PG)
Tel: 255122, 255 265, Fax: 255119
Condor (DE)
Tel: + 95 1 -370836 up to 39 (ext : 810)
Dragonair (KA)
Tel: 95-1-255320, 255321, Fax : 255329
Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)
Tel: 95 9 400446999, 95 9 400447999,
Fax: 01 860 4051
Malaysia Airlines (MH)
Tel : 387648, 241007 ext : 120, 121, 122 Fax
: 241124
Myanmar Airways International(8M)
Tel : 255260, Fax: 255305
Silk Air(MI)
Tel: 255 287~9, Fax: 255 290
Thai Airways (TG)
Tel : 255491~6, Fax : 255223
Vietnam Airlines (VN)
Fax : 255086. Tel 255066/ 255088/ 255068.
Qatar Airways (Temporary Ofce)
Tel: 01-250388, (ext: 8142, 8210)
Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG)
Tel: 371867~68, Fax: 371869.
Day
1 = Monday
2 = Tuesday
3 = Wednesday
4 = Thursday
5 = Friday
6 = Saturday
7 = Sunday
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULES
YANGONTOBANGKOK
Flights Days Dep Arr
PG 706 Daily 7:15 9:30
8M 335 Daily 8:40 10:25
TG 304 Daily 9:50 11:45
PG 702 Daily 10:30 12:25
TG 302 Daily 14:55 16:50
PG 708 Daily 15:20 17:15
8M 331 Daily 16:30 18:15
PG 704 Daily 18:20 20:15
Y5 237 Daily 18:05 19:50
TG 306 Daily 19:45 21:40
YANGONTODONMUENG
DD 4231 1,3,5,7 8:00 9:45
FD 2752 Daily 8:30 10:20
FD 2756 Daily 12:50 14:40
FD 2754 Daily 17:35 19:25
FD 2758 1,2,3,4 20:55 22:50
YANGONTOSINGAPORE
MI 509/SQ 5019 1,2,6,7 0:25 5:00
8M 231 Daily 8:00 12:25
8M 233 5,6,7 14:00 18:25
Y5 233 Daily 10:10 14:40
SQ 997/MI 5871 Daily 10:25 14:45
3K 586 Daily 11:40 16:20
MI 517/SQ 5017 Daily 16:40 21:15
TR 2827 1,6,7 15:10 19:35
TR 2827 2,3,4,5 17:10 21:35
3K 588 2,3,5 19:30 00:10+1
YANGONTOKUALALUMPUR
8M 501 1,3,5,6 8:55 12:55
AK 1427 Daily 8:30 12:50
MH 741 Daily 12:15 16:30
MH 743 Daily 16:00 20:15
AK 1421 Daily 19:05 23:20
YANGONTOBEIJING
CA 906 2,3,4,6,7 14:15 21:55
YANGONTOGAUNGZHOU
8M 711 2,4,7 8:40 13:15
CZ 3056 3,6 11:35 15:50
CZ 3056 1,5 17:40 22:05
YANGONTOTAIPEI
CI 7916 1,2,3,5,6 10:50 16:15
YANGONTOKUNMING
MU 2012 1,3 12:20 18:20
MU 2032 Daily 14:40 18:00
CA 906 2,3,4,6,7 14:15 17:35
YANGONTOCHIANGMAI
W9 9607 4,7 14:30 16:20
YANGONTOHANOI
VN 956 1,3,5,6,7 19:10 21:30
YANGONTOHOCHIMINHCITY
VN 942 2,4,7 14:25 17:10
YANGONTODOHA
QR 919 Daily 7:30 11:15
YANGONTOPHNOMPENH
8M 403 1,3,6 8:35 12:30
YANGONTOSEOUL
0Z 770 4,7 0:50 8:50
KE 472 Daily 23:35 07:45+1
YANGONTOHONGKONG
KA 251 1,2,4,6 01:10 05:35
YANGONTOTOKYO
NH 914 Daily 22:10 06:45+1
YANGONTOSIEMREAP
8M 401 1,3,6 8:35 10:45
YANGONTOGAYA
8M 601 1,3,5,6 9:00 10:20
YANGONTODHAKA
BG 061 1,4 19:30 20:45
MANDALAYTOBANGKOK
TG 2982 1,2,4,6 9:50 12:00
TG 2984 3,5 19:35 21:45
PG 710 Daily 14:15 16:40
MANDALAYTODONMUENG
FD 2761 Daily 12:50 15:15
MANDALAYTOKUNMING
MU 2030 Daily 14:40 17:20
NAYPYIDAWTOBANGKOK
PG 722 1,2,3,4,5 19:45 22:45
BANGKOKTOYANGON
8M 336 Daily 11:55 12:40
TG 303 Daily 8:00 8:45
PG 701 Daily 8:50 9:40
TG 301 Daily 13:00 13:45
PG 707 Daily 13:40 14:30
PG 703 Daily 16:45 17:35
TG 305 Daily 17:50 18:45
8M 332 Daily 19:20 20:05
PG 705 Daily 20:00 21:15
Y5 238 Daily 21:10 21:55
DONMUENGTOYANGON
DD 4230 1,3,5,7 6:30 7:15
FD 2751 Daily 7:15 8:00
FD 2755 Daily 11:35 12:20
FD 2753 Daily 16:20 17:05
FD 2757 1,2,3,4 19:35 20:25
SINGAPORETOYANGON
SQ 998/MI 5872 Daily 7:55 9:20
3K 585 Daily 9:10 10:40
8M 232 Daily 13:25 14:50
TR 2826 1,6,7 13:10 14:30
MI 518/MI 5018 Daily 14:20 15:45
TR 2826 2,3,4,5 15:00 16:30
Y5 234 Daily 15:35 17:05
3K 587 2,3,5 17:20 18:50
8M 234 5,6,7 19:25 20:50
MI 520/SQ 5020 1,5,6,7 22:10 23:35
BEIJINGTOYANGON
CA 905 2,3,4,6,7 8:05 13:15
KAULALUMPURTOYANGON
AK 1426 Daily 6:55 8:00
MH 740 Daily 10:05 11:15
MH742 Daily 13:50 15:00
8M 502 1,3,5,6 14:00 15:00
AK 1420 Daily 17:20 18:25
GUANGZHOUTOYANGON
CZ 3055 3,6 8:35 10:35
CZ 3055 1,5 14:40 16:40
8M 712 2,4,7 14:15 15:50
TAIPEITOYANGON
CI 7915 1,2,3,5,6 7:00 9:55
KUNMINGTOYANGON
MU 2011 1,3 8:25 11:40
CA 905 2,3,4,6,7 13:00 13:15
MU 2031 Daily 13:30 14:00
CHIANGMAITOYANGON
W9 9608 4,7 17:20 18:10
HANOITOYANGON
VN 957 1,3,5,6,7 16:35 18:10
HOCHIMINHCITYTOYANGON
VN 943 2,4,7 11:40 13:25
DOHATOYANGON
QR 918 Daily 21:15 06:29+1
GAYATOYANGON
8M 602 1,3,5,6 11:20 14:30
PHNOMPENHTOYANGON
8M 404 1,3,6 13:30 14:55
SEOULTOYANGON
KE 471 Daily 18:30 22:30
0Z 769 3,6 19:30 23:40
TOKYOTOYANGON
NH 913 Daily 11:45 17:15
HONGKONGTOYANGON
KA 250 1,3,5,7 21:50 23:45
DHAKATOYANGON
BG 060 1,4 16:15 18:30
BANGKOKTOMANDALAY
TG 2981 1,2,4,6 7:45 9:00
TG 2983 3,5 17:30 18:45
PG 709 Daily 12:05 13:25
DONMUEANGTOMANDALAY
FD 2760 Daily 10:55 12:20
KUNMINGTOMANDALAY
MU 2029 Daily 13:55 13:50
BANGKOKTONAYPYIDAW
PG 721 1,2,3,4,5 17:15 19:15
WEEKLY PREDICTIONS
JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
CANCER | Jun 21 - Jul 22
Yes-men and
Yes-women never
create anything great.
Dedicate yourself to a
social issue to nd
your best self. Do not take the path
of least resistance. Easy times dont
make you a better person. Dont
stress, but challenge yourself to
shine. Act with feeling.
ARIES | Mar 21 - Apr 19
What you see is what you
can be. You should
develop a vision, and be a
person who talks little
but does a lot. Find
strength in your beliefs. Continue
when problems arise or social
interference becomes loud. Your
experience will help you understand
tomorrows big picture and reward you
with emotional health.
CAPRICORN | Dec 22 - Jan 19
The pessimist complains
about the wind while the
optimist expects it to
change, but the leader
adjusts the sails. You
cannot continue to function in a manner
that denies your own beliefs. Know that
those who help people work better are
managers but those who develop better
people are leaders.
LIBRA | Sep 23 - Oct 22
Push the envelope and
refuse to accept anything
remotely close to mediocrity.
Let go of the chains that
have bound you to the
ordinary. Stand up for the best, and
commit to excellence. Get less willing to
listen to negative people. Positive
developments will pull you into a new way
of seeing things. Never fail to meet
appointments.
AUNG MYIN KYAW
4
th
Floor, 113, Thamain Bayan Road, Tarmwe township, Yangon.
Tel: 09-731-35632, Email: williameaste@gmail.com
PISCES | Feb 19 - March 20
Avoid extremes. Mix
the temporal with the
spiritual in such a way
that you enhance your
own peace of mind and
provide solace to others around
you. Your future is in your mind
now. It will be realised through
clear thinking and belief. Expect the
best, and invariably the best will
come to you.
VIRGO | Aug 23 - Sep 22
Earn the gratitude of your
colleagues and family
members. You will nd how
much wisdom is behind you.
You have to learn the art of
spending time alone. Just relax and let
your mind and body shed all its stored
tension. Know that solitude means
avoiding undesirable company and gossip.
To feel love is to enter into moments of
peace as many times as you can.
GEMINI | May 21 - June 20
Remember that we teach
what we know and we
reproduce what we are. Do
not idle and suffer negative
social interference.
Nothing really happens until you move.
Show your genuine self and spread your
goodwill. Business is all about
relationships and creating trust and
love.
SAGITTARIUS | Nov 22 - Dec 21
Draw a picture of what you
think you are. Integrity is
what you really are. Little
profound thought is
required. Integrity will
solidify your reputation and strengthen
your emotional inspiration. Do not base
your actions on being clever but primarily
on being consistent. Initiate positive
changes toward social understanding.
TAURUS | Apr 20 - May 20
Love of money to the
exclusion of everything else
will cause you to become
imbalanced. Learn more
about the law of action and
reaction. The action is your decision, arrived
at through thought. The reaction is the
response of your subconscious mind. Strive
to be optimistic, and you will be happy,
prosperous and successful in love affairs.
SCORPIO | Oct 23 - Nov 21
Time is ticking continuously
and the universe moves in a
rhythm. We are also moved
by time. There is no escape
from moments of dismay
and sadness except to take a period of
relaxation. You will soon nd out that an
upsetting phase contained lessons for
you. Inspire yourself with condence to
enjoy life and love with optimism.
A
MERE two years ago,
it was a rare thing to
see Myanmar artists
featured at one of Asias
curated art fairs. Many
galleries did not see the point,
shrugging of art from Myanmar as
tourist art or too many temples,
exceptions being galleries within
Myanmar and a select few interna-
tionally, including the Karin Weber
Gallery in Hong Kong.
Now the scene has changed.
Myanmar is opening up to
exchange and artists are getting
long-delayed recognition.
As it turns out, much of the
contemporary art coming out
of Myanmar is neither touristy
nor impressionist (albeit those
paintings hold their own merits).
Artists are working in mediums
beyond painting and photography,
such as installation and mixed
media and galleries in Asia and
abroad are predicting a rise in
sales and market value.
Art Stage Singapore, held
January 16-19, is a networking
platform, with the goal of bringing
together the Asian art market in
a cohesive event and publicity
package. In its fourth edition,
the exhibition this year is titled
We Are Asia, and promises a
holistic overview and deeper
understanding of art in Asia. In
fact, it is an art fair held in the
luxurious Marina Bay Sands of
Singapore, made up of curated
gallery shows clearly geared
toward sales. Though there are
a few educational programs, the
goals of Art Stage are to introduce
Asias artistic talent to the world
art market, and Myanmar artists
are among those in line to get
noticed.
Soe Naing has been painting
for over ten years. Little monsters,
creatures, misshapen animals and
gures jump of his hundreds of
canvases with irregular energy.
Controlled though his brush may
be, the characters are messy,
struggling and incomplete. He has
developed his own style, inspired
perhaps by the circles of Burmese
characters and the colours of his
suburban town outside of Yangon.
A new gallery based in the
US, Yone Arts, handpicked him
for Intermission on Stage. Over
four days, he will paint inside a
large container, his marks and
lines revealed to viewers standing
outside. This reverse painting is
the negative space created by the
marks he makes in the blacked-out
box.
The artist describes his work
this way: I start painting without
knowing anything. If the painting
knows that you care about it, it will
oppress you. Act as if the painting
is not important. Sometimes I treat
paintings disrespectfully. I draw
pictures as a rehearsal, erase them,
draw them again with a mind which
accepts the uncertain. I produce
over 100 pieces without knowing
that I am painting ... Every day, I
push my brush on the white paper,
looking for balance between the
dark and the light.
Tun Win Aung and Wah Nu,
heavyweights of the Myanmar
art scene featured last year in
the Guggenheims No Country
travelling exhibition of South and
Southeast Asian art, are also on
exhibit at the Art Stage. They are
represented by Beam Contemporary
Art, a London- and New York-based
gallery focusing mostly on Chinese
contemporary art. Beam recognised
something powerful in the work of
this dynamic artist couple.
Resembling an installation
displayed at the Guggenheim,
the artists have erected a kind of
monument, lit from the inside to
create a glowing efect. On one
adjacent wall hangs a silkscreen
portrait of General Aung San. On
the other, a video screen shows
clips from his last speech. The
couple often works with video
installation, and has created some
successful environmental-awareness
shorts that are more poetry than
documentary. Recently, their work
exudes a more political charge,
using propaganda-like symbolism
to create playful yet reverent ironies
addressing Myanmars complex
recent history.
Talented and resilient though
this small group of artists may be,
are they prepared for the onslaught
of attention and market prices
sure to follow their international
gallery appearances? Paula Tin Nyo
believes so.
As Myanmar artists are given
the opportunity to be seen outside
of the country, particularly in the
West, and alongside artists from
the larger Asian art market, the
value of their works will escape
provincialism and be graded within
the larger context of the global art
market. It is our vision at Yone Arts
that as Myanmar artists are given
the opportunity of international
exposure, both their self-worth
and scal value will increase
exponentially.
Self-worth the artists should
possess regardless, as their work has
developed despite the cold shoulder
of the international art world for
the past 20 years. Monetary value
is the capricious outcome of a
web of decisions by historians,
curators, gallery owners, agents
and collectors. Whatever Art Stage
Singapore may accomplish in terms
of sales, the exposure of the artists
is sure to ofer them inspiration
and new artistic ideas, and the
validation of nally be placed
alongside their contemporaries
in the Southeast and greater Asia
Pacic region.
AQUARIUS | Jan 20 - Feb 18
There is no success without
peace of mind. You must be
sure that the things you do
contribute to other peoples
success, not only your own. A
successful person possesses great
psychological and spiritual understanding.
Whatever your eld of action may be, you
should be aware of the habits of your
subconscious mind. Forget the problems in
your emotional affairs.
LEO | Jul 23 - Aug 22
Know what you need
before you start looking
for change, and dont be
afraid when it comes. The
best way to gain loyalty is
to show care for others through your
words and actions. Unexpected
problems will give you an opportunity
to show your worth in a management
role. You will face an important test of
love. Win it.
The new style
Myanmar artists exhibit at Art Stage Singapore
NATHALIE JOHNSTON
Artist Soe Naing reveals his sketches Art Stage Singapore. Photo: Nathalie Johnston
As Myanmar
artists are given
the opportunity
of international
exposure, their
self-worth and
fiscal value will
increase.
Paula Tin Nyo
Yone Arts
Avenue 64 Hotel
No. 64 (G), Kyitewine
Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp,
Yangon. Tel : 09-8631392,
01 656913-9
Asia Plaza Hotel
YANGON
No. 277, Bogyoke Aung
San Road, Corner of
38
th
Street, Kyauktada
Township, Yangon,
Myanmar.
Tel : (951) 391070, 391071.
Reservation@391070
(Ext) 1910, 106.
Fax : (951) 391375. Email :
hotelasiaplaza@gmail.com
The Essentials
Emergency Numbers
For more information about these listings, Please Contact - classied@myanmartimes.com.mm
Ambulance tel: 295133.
Fire tel: 191, 252011, 252022.
Police emergency tel: 199.
Police headquarters tel: 282541, 284764.
Red Cross tel:682600, 682368
Trafc Control Branch tel:298651
Department of Post & Telecommunication tel: 591384,
591387.
Immigration tel: 286434.
Ministry of Education tel:545500m 562390
Ministry of Sports tel: 370604, 370605
Ministry of Communications tel: 067-407037.
Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) tel: 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.
HOSPITALS
Central Womens Hospital tel: 221013, 222811.
Children Hospital tel: 221421, 222807
Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital tel: 543888.
Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) tel: 420096.
Workers Hospital tel: 554444, 554455, 554811.
Yangon Children Hospital tel: 222807, 222808, 222809.
Yangon General Hospital (East) tel: 292835, 292836, 292837.
Yangon General Hospital (New) tel: 384493, 384494,
384495, 379109.
Yangon General Hospital (West) tel: 222860, 222861,
220416.
Yangon General Hospital (YGH) tel: 256112, 256123,
281443, 256131.
ELECTRICITY
Power Station tel:414235
POST OFFICE
General Post Ofce
39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). tel:
285499.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Yangon International Airport tel: 662811.
YANGON PORT
Shipping (Coastal vessels) tel: 382722
RAILWAYS
Railways information
tel: 274027, 202175-8.
UNITED NATIONS
ILO Liaison 1-A, Kanbae
(Thitsar Rd), Yankin Tsp,
Tel : 01-566538, 566539
IOM 318 (A) Ahlone Rd, Dagon
Tsp, Yangon.Tel 01-210588,
09 73236679, 0973236680,
Email- iomyangon@iom.int
UNAIDS 137/1, Thaw Wun Rd,
Kamayut Tsp.
Tel : 534498, 504832
UNDCP 11-A, Malikha St,
Mayangone tsp.
Tel: 666903, 664539.
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.
UNIAP Rm: 1202, 12 Fl,
Traders Hotel.
Tel: 254852, 254853.
UNIC 6, Natmauk St., Bahan,
tel: 52910~19
UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders
Hotel. P.O. Box 1435,
Kyauktada. Tel: 375527~32,
unicef.yangon@unicef. org,
UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward
7, Mayangone. tel: 01-9666903,
9660556, 9660538, 9660398.
email: fo.myanmar@unodc.org
UNOPS Inya Lake Hotel, 3
rd
oor, 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),
WFP 5 Kan Baw Za St, Shwe
Taung Kyar, (Golden Valley),
Bahan Tsp. Tel : 2305971~6
WHO No. 2, Pyay Rd, 7 Mile,
Mayangone Tsp, Tel : 650405-
6, 650416, 654386-90.
ASEAN Coordinating Of. for
the ASEAN Humanitarian
Task Force, 79, Taw Win st,
Dagon Tsp. Tel: 225258.
FAO Myanma Agriculture
Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel:
641672, 641673.
EMBASSIES
Australia 88, Strand
Road, Yangon. Tel :
251810, 251797, 251798.
Bangladesh 11-B, Than
Lwin Road, Yangon.
Tel: 515275, 526144,
email: bdootygn@
mptmail.net.mm
Brazil 56, Pyay Road,
6
th
mile, Hlaing Tsp,
Yangon. Tel: 507225,
507251. email: Administ.
yangon@itamaraty.gov.br.
Brunei 17, Kanbawza
Avenue, Golden Velly (1),
Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel:
566985, 503978.
email: bruneiemb@
bruneiemb.com.mm
Cambodia 25 (3B/4B),
New University Avenue
Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 549609, 540964.
email: RECYANGON @
mptmail.net.mm
China 1, Pyidaungsu
Yeiktha Road, Yangon.
Tel: 221280, 221281.
Danmark, No.7, Pyi Thu
St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles,
Mayangone Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 01 9669520 - 17.
Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu
Tel: 222886, 222887,
Egyptembassy86@
gmail.com
France 102, Pyidaungsu
Tel: 212178, 212520,
email: ambaf rance.
rangoun@ diplomatie.fr
Germany 9, Bogyoke
Aung San Museum Road,
Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 548951, 548952,
email: info@rangun.
diplo.de
India 545-547, Merchant
St, Yangon.
Tel: 391219, 388412,
email: indiaembassy @
mptmail.net.mm
Indonesia 100,
Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd,
254469, email: kukygn @
indonesia.com.mm
Israel 15, Khabaung
Street, Hlaing Tsp,
Yangon. Tel: 515115, fax:
515116, email: info@
yangon.mfa.gov.il
Italy 3, Inya Myaing Road,
Golden Valley, Yangon.
Tel: 527100, 527101, fax:
514565, email: ambyang.
mail@ esteri.it
Japan 100, Natmauk Rd,
Yangon. Tel: 549644-8,
540399, 540400, 540411,
545988, fax: 549643
Embassy of the State of
Kuwait Chatrium Hotel,
Rm: 416, 418, 420, 422,
40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe
Tsp, Tel: 544500.
North Korea 77C, Shin
Saw Pu Rd, Sanchaung
Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 512642, 510205
South Korea 97
University Avenue, Bahan
Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 527142-
4, 515190, fax: 513286,
email: myanmar@mofat.
go.kr
Lao A-1, Diplomatic
Quarters, Tawwin Road,
Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel:
222482, fax: 227446,
email: Laoembcab@
mptmail. net.mm
Malaysia 82, Pyidaungsu
Tel: 220248, 220249,
email: mwkyangon@
mptmail.net.mm
Nepal 16, Natmauk
Yeiktha, Yangon. Tel:
545880, 557168, fax:
549803, email: nepemb
@mptmail.net.mm
Norway, No.7, Pyi Thu
St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles,
Mayangone Tsp,Yangon.
Tel: 01 9669520 - 17
Fax 01- 9669516
New Zealand No. 43/C,
Inya Myaing Rd, Bahan
Tsp, Yangon.
Tel : 01-2305805
Netherlands Diplomatic
Mission No. 43/C, Inya
Myaing Rd, Bahan Tsp,
Yangon. Tel : 01-2305805
Pakistan A-4, diplomatic
Quarters, Pyay Rd,
Yangon. Tel: 222881
(Chancery Exchange)
Philippines 50, Sayasan
Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 558149-151,Email:
p.e. yangon@gmail.com
Russian 38, Sagawa Rd,
Yangon.
Tel: 241955, 254161,
Royal Embassy of Saudi
Arabia No.287/289, U
Wisara Rd, Sanchaung.
Tel : 01-536153, 516952.
Serbia No. 114-A, Inya
Rd, P.O.Box No. 943,
515283, email: serbemb
@ yangon.net.mm
Singapore 238,
Dhamazedi Road, Bahan
Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 559001,
email: singemb_ ygn@_
sgmfa. gov.sg
Sri Lanka 34 Taw Win
Road, Yangon.
Tel: 222812,
The Embassy of
Switzerland
No 11, Kabaung Lane, 5
mile, Pyay Rd, Hlaing
Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 534754,
512873, 507089.
Fax: 534754, Ext: 110
Thailand 94 Pyay Rd,
Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel:
226721, 226728, 226824
Turkish Embassy
19AB, Kan Yeik Thar St,
Mayangone Tsp,Yangon.
Tel : 662992, Fax : 661365
United Kingdom 80
Strand Rd, Yangon.
Tel: 370867, 380322,
371852, 371853, 256438,
United States of
America 110, University
Avenue, Kamayut Tsp,
535756, Fax: 650306
Vietnam Bldg-72,
Thanlwin Rd, Bahan Tsp,
Yangon. Tel: 511305
General Listing
Chatrium Hotel
40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe.
tel: 544500. fax: 544400.
The First Air conditioning
systems designed to keep
you fresh all day
Zeya & Associates Co., Ltd.
No.437 (A), Pyay Road,
Kamayut. P., O 11041
Yangon, Tel: +(95-1)
502016-18,
Mandalay- Tel: 02-60933.
Nay Pyi Taw- Tel:
067-420778, E-mail :
sales.ac@freshaircon.
com. URL: http://www.
freshaircon.com
ACCOMMODATION-
HOTELS
AIR CONDITION
RESORTS
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, 526872
PARKROYAL Yangon,
Myanmar
33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd,
Dagon tsp.
tel: 250388. fax: 252478.
email: enquiry.prygn@
parkroyalhotels.com
parkroyalhotels. com.
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.
ACCOMMODATION
LONG TERM
ACCOMMODATION-
HOTELS (Nay Pyi Taw)
Tel: 09-7349-4483,
09-4200-56994.
E-mail: aahappyhomes@
gmail.com, http://www.
happyhomesyangon.com
Happy Homes
REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT
MGM Hotel No (160), Warden
Street, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon,
Myanmar. +95-1-212454~9.
www. hotel-mgm.com
Savoy Hotel
129, Damazedi Rd,
Kamayut tsp.
tel: 526289, 526298,
Sedona Hotel
Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd,
Yankin. tel: 666900.
Strand Hotel
92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377.
fax: 289880.
Summit Parkview Hotel
350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon
Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966.
Traders Hotel
223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel:
242828. fax: 242838.
Winner Inn
42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan
Tsp. Tel: 503734, 524387.
email: reservation@winner
innmyanmar.com
Windsor Hotel No.31, Shin
Saw Pu Street, Sanchaung.
Yangon, Myanmar.
Ph: 95-1-511216~8, www.
hotelwindsoryangon.com
Yuzana Hotel
130, Shwegondaing Rd,
Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600
Yuzana Garden Hotel
44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd,
Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp,
tel : 01-248944
No. (356/366), Kyaikkasan
Rd, Tamwe Township,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Ph: 542826, Fax: 545650
Email: reservation@
edenpalacehotel.com
Royal White Elephant Hotel
No-11, Kan Street, Hlaing
Tsp. Yangon, Myanmar.
(+95-1) 500822, 503986.
www.rwehotel.com
Reservation Ofce (Yangon)
Dagon Township
Tel : 951- 255 819~838
Royal Kumudra Hotel,
(Nay Pyi Taw)
Tel : 067- 414 177,
067- 4141 88
E-Mail: reservation@
maxhotelsgroup.com
(Nay Pyi Taw)
M-22, Shwe Htee Housing,
Thamine Station St., Near
the Bayint Naung Point,
Mayangone Tsp., Yangon
Tel : 522763, 522744,
667557. Fax : (95-1) 652174
E-mail : grandpalace@
myanmar.com.mm
No. 12, Pho Sein Road,
Tamwe Township, Yangon
Tel : (95-1) 209299, 209300,
209343, 209345, 209346
Fax : (95-1) 209344
E-mail : greenhill@
myanmar.com.mm
Clover Hotel City Center
No. 217, 32nd Street
(Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 377720, Fax : 377722
www.clovercitycenter.asia
Clover Hotel City Center Plus
No. 229, 32nd Street
(Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 377975, Fax : 377974
www.clovercitycenterplus.asia
Hotel Yangon
91/93, 8
th
Mile Junction,
Tel : 01-667708, 667688.
Inya Lake Resort Hotel
37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd.
tel: 662866. fax: 665537.
Reservation Ofce (Yangon)
Dagon Township.
Tel : 951-255 819-838
Hotel Max
(Chaung Tha Beach)
Tel : 042-423 46-9,
042-421 33.
Email :
maxhotelsreservation@
gmail.com
17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd,
Yankin Tsp.
Tel: 650933. Fax: 650960.
Email : micprm@
myanmar.com.mmwww.
myanmar micasahotel.com
Air Con Sales & Service
No. 2/1, Than Thu Mar
Rd, Thuwunna Junction.
Tel : 09-4224-64130
No.(68), Tawwin Street,
9 Mile, Mayangone
Township, Yangon,
Myanmar.
Hunt line: +95 1 9666 141,
Booking Extension: 7080,
7084, Fax: +95 1 9666 135
E-mail: info@
witoriyahospital.com
Website: www.
victoriahospitalmyanmar.
com, Facebook: https://
www.facebook.com/
WitoriyaGeneralHospital
HOME FURNISHING
GENERATORS
GEMS & JEWELLERIES
22, Pyay Rd, 9 mile,
Mayangone Tsp.
tel: 660769, 664363.
Floral Service & Gift
Centre 102(A), Dhamazaydi
Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142
Summit Parkview Hotel,
tel: 211888, 211966 ext. 173
fax: 535376.email: sandy@
sandymyanmar.com.mm.
FLORAL SERVICES
Floral Service & Gift Shop
No. 449, New University
Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN.
Tel: 541217, 559011,
09-860-2292.
Market Place By City Mart
Tel: 523840~43,
523845~46, Ext: 205.
Junction Nay Pyi Taw
Tel: 067-421617~18
422012~15, Ext: 235.
Res: 067-414813, 09-492-
09039. Email : eternal@
mptmail.net.mm
FITNESS CENTRE
24 Hour International
Medical Centre @
Victoria Hospital
No. 68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile,
Mayangon Township,
Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: + 951 651 238,
+ 959 495 85 955
Fax: + 959 651 398
24/7 on duty doctor:
+ 959 492 18 410
Website: www.leo.com.mm
One Stop Solution for
Quality Health Care
Balance Fitnesss
No 64 (G), Kyitewine
Pagoda Road, Mayangone
Township. Yangon
01-656916, 09 8631392
Email - info@
balancetnessyangon.com
Life Fitness
Bldg A1, Rm No. 001,
Shwekabar Housing,
Mindhamma Rd,
Mayangone Tsp. Yangon.
Ph: 01-656511,
Fax: 01-656522,
Hot line: 0973194684,
natraysports@gmail.com
No. 589-592, Bo Aung
Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein
highway Road. Hlaing
Tharyar tsp. Tel: 951-
645178-182, 685199, Fax:
951-645211, 545278.
e-mail: mkt-mti@
winstrategic.com.mm
Ruby & Rare Gems
of Myanamar
No. 527, New University
Ave., Bahan Tsp. Yangon.
sales@manawmaya.com.mm
www.manawmayagems.com
Tel: 549612, Fax : 545770.
Bldg-D, Rm (G-12), Pearl
Condo, Ground Flr,
Kabaraye Pagoda Rd,
Bahan Tsp. Tel: 557448.
Ext 814, 09-730-98872.
BEAUTY & MASSAGE
ADVERTISING
SAIL Marketing &
Communications
Suite 403, Danathiha Center
790, Corner of Bogyoke Rd
& Wadan Rd, Lanmadaw
Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel: (951) 211870, 224820,
2301195. Email: admin@
advertising-myanmar.com
www.advertising-myanmar.
com
WE STARTED THE ADVERTISING
INDUSTRY IN MYANMAR SINCE 1991
MAR K E T I NG & COMMUNI CAT I ONS
A D V E R T I S I N G
Strand Bar 92, Strand
Rd, Yangon, Myanmar.
tel: 243377.fax: 243393,
sales@thestrand.com.mm
www.ghmhotels.com
Lobby Bar
PARKROYAL Yangon,
Myanmar. 33, Alan Pya
Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp.
tel: 250388.
MYANMAR BOOK CENTRE
Nandawun Compound,
No. 55, Baho Road,
Corner of Baho Road
and Ahlone Road, (near
Eugenia Restaurant),
Ahlone Township. tel:
212 409, 221 271. 214708
fax: 524580. email: info@
myanmarbook.com
COFFEE MACHINE
CAR RENTAL
illy, Francis Francis, VBM,
Brasilia, Rossi, De Longhi
Nwe Ta Pin Trading Co., Ltd.
Shop C, Building 459 B
New University Avenue
01- 555-879, 09-4210-81705
nwetapintrading@gmail.com
150 Dhamazedi Rd.,
Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 536306, 537805.
Email : yangon@
monument-books.com
15(B), Departure Lounge,
Yangon Intl Airport.
#87/2, Crn of 26
th
& 27
th

St, 77
th
St,Chan Aye Thar
Zan Tsp, Mandalay.
Tel : (02) 24880.
BOOK STORES
Lemon Day Spa
No. 96 F, Inya Road,
Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 514848, 09-732-08476.
E.mail: lemondayspa.2011
@gmail.com
No. 52, Royal Yaw Min Gyi
Condo, Room F, Yaw Min
Gyi Rd, Dagon Township,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel: 09-425-307-717
YANGON
La Source Beauty Spa
80-A, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp.
Tel: 512380, 511252
Beauty Bar by La Source
Room (1004), Sedona Hotel,
Tel : 666 900 Ext : (7167)
LS Salon
Junction Square, 3rd Floor.
Tel : 95-1-527242, Ext : 4001
MANDALAY
La Source Beauty Spa
No. 13/13, Mya Sandar St,
Chanaye Tharzan Tsp.
Tel : 09-4440-24496.
www.lasourcebeautyspa.com
No. 20, Ground Floor, Pearl
Street, Golden Valley Ward,
Bahan Township, Yangon.
Tel : 09-509 7057, 01-
220881, 549478 (Ext : 103)
Email : realtnessmyanmar
@gmail.com
www.realtnessmyanmar.com
First Class VIP
Limousine Car Rental.
Professional English
Speaking Drivers.
Full Insurance for
your Safety and
comfortable journey
Call us Now for your
best choice
www.mmels.com
MYANMAR EXECUTIVE
LIMOUSINE SERVICE
HOT LINE:
09 - 402 510 003
01-646 330
Get the Best Pure Natural
Gemstones and Jewellery
No. 44, Inya Road,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 01-2305811, 2305812.
email : info@bestjewels
myanmar.com,
Bestjewelsmyanmar.com
Zamil Steel
No-5, Pyay Road,
7 miles,
Mayangone Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: (95-1) 652502~04.
Fax: (95-1) 650306.
Email: zamilsteel@
zamilsteel.com.mm
24 hours Laboratory &
X-ray
No. (68), Tawwin Street,
9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : (951) 9 666141
Fax : (951) 9 666135
The Lady Gems & Jewellery
No. 7, Inya Rd, Kamayut
Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 01-2305800, 09-8315555
The Lady Gems & Silk
Co operative Business
Centre, Room No (32/41),
New University Avenue Rd,
Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel : 09-5200726
theladygems@gmail.com
www.thelady-gems.com
No. 56, Bo Ywe St,
Latha Tsp, Yangon.
Tel : 01-246551, 375283,
09-2132778, 09-31119195.
Gmail:nyanmyintthu1983@
gmail.com,
Car Rental Service
CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING
Shwe Hinthar B 307, 6 1/2
Miles, Pyay Rd., Yangon.
Tel: +95 (0)1 654 730
info@thuraswiss.com
www.thuraswiss.com
Myanmar Research | Consulting | Technology
Marina Residence, Yangon
Ph: 650651~4, Ext: 109
Beauty Plan, Corner of
77th St & 31st St, Mandalay
Ph: 02 72506
DUTY FREE
Duty Free Shops
Yangon International
Airport, Arrival/Departure
Tel: 533030 (Ext: 206/155)
Ofce: 17, 2
nd
street,
Hlaing Yadanarmon Housing,
Hlaing Township, Yangon.
Tel: 500143, 500144, 500145.
FOAM SPRAY
INSULATION
Foam Spray Insulation
No-410, Ground Fl,Lower
Pazuntaung Rd, Pazun
taung Tsp, Yangon.Telefax
: 01-203743, 09-5007681.
Hot Line-09-730-30825.
The Natural Gems of
Myanmar & Fine Jewellery.
No. 30(A), Pyay Road,
(7 mile), Mayangone Tsp,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 01-660397, 354398-9
E-mail : spgmes.myanmar
@gmail.com
Your Most Reliable
Jeweller
ENTERTAINMENT
No.94, Ground Floor,
Bogalay Zay Street,
Botataung Tsp,
Yangon.Tel: 392625,
09-500-3591
Email : danceclub.
hola@gmail.com
(Except Sunday)
Dance Club & Bar
No-001-002, Dagon Tower,
Ground Flr, Cor of Kabaraye
Pagoda Rd & Shwe Gon
Dine Rd, Bahan Tsp.
Tel: 544480, 09-730-98872.
S.B. FURNI TURE S.B. FURNI TURE
HEALTH SERVICES
98(A), Kaba Aye Pagoda
Road, Bahan Township,
549152, 09-732-16940,
09-730-56079. Fax: 542979
Email: asiapacic.
myanmar@gmail.com.
California Skin Spa
NO 32.B, Inya Myaing
Road, Yangon.
(Off University Road)
Tel : 01-535097,
01-501295. Open Daily :
(10 AM - 8 PM)
california-skinspa.com
californiaskinspaygn2013
@gmail.com
CO WORKING SPACE
No. (6), Lane 2
Botahtaung Pagoda St,
Yangon.
01-9010003, 291897.
info@venturaofce.com,
www.venturaofce.com
DTDC Courier and Cargo
Service (Since 1991)
Yangon. Tel : 01-374457
Mandalay. Tel : 09-431-
34095. www.DTDC.COM,
dtdcyangon@gmail.com
Door to Door Delivery!!!
COURIER SERVICE
ENGINEERING
One-stop Solution for
Sub-station, M&E Work
Design, Supply and
Install (Hotel, High Rise
Building Factory)
193/197, Shu Khin Thar
Street, North Okkalapa
Industrial Zone, Yangon.
Tel: 951-691843~5, 951-
9690297, Fax: 951-691700
Email: supermega97@
gmail.com.
www.supermega-engg.com
FASHION & TAILOR
Sein Shwe Tailor, 797
(003-A), Bogyoke Aung
San Rd, MAC Tower 2,
Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon,
Ph: 01-225310, 212943~4
Ext: 146, 147, E-mail:
uthetlwin@gmail.com
Yangon : A-3, Aung San
Stadium (North East Wing),
Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp.
Tel : 245543, 09-73903736,
09-73037772.
Mandalay : No.(4) 73rd St,
Btw 30th & 31st St, Chan
Aye Thar Zan Tsp. Tel : 09-
6803505, 09-449004631.
GAS COOKER &
COOKER HOODS
Worlds leader in
Kitchen Hoods & Hobs
Same as Ariston Water
Heater. Tel: 251033,
379671, 256622, 647813
GIFT PRODUCT
Sole Distributor of
Red Ginseng from
Korea Ginseng Corporation
Tel: 01-374851, 394360
Stores:Coreana @ Junction
Square / Mawtin, UNIQHAN
@U Wisara Rd;
MBICenter. No.16, 87
th
st.
BARS
50
th
Street
9/13, 50th street-lower,
Botataung Tsp. Tel-397160.
Dent Myanmar
Condo C, Rm 001, Tatkatho
Yeikmon Housing, New
University Avenue Rd,
Bahan. Ph: 09-8615162.
Myittar Oo Eye Hospital
499, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp.
Ph: 09-527381.
Vibhavadi Hospital
Bangkok, Thailand
(Myanmar Branch Ofce)
: 214(A-2) Waizayantar Rd,
Thingangyun Tsp.
Ph: 09-8625086.
GLASS
International Construction
Material Co., Ltd.
No. 60, Sint-Oh-Dan St,
Lower Block, Latha Tsp,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 01-2410292, 243551,
09-431-83689, 09-4480-
33905.
UnionBarAndGrill
42 Strand Road,
Botahtaung, Yangon.
Tel: 95 9420 180 214, 95
9420 101 854
www.unionyangon.com,
info@unionyangon.com
Get your Visa online for
Business and Tourist
No need to come to
Embassy.
#165. 35th Street,
Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: +951 381200, 204020
travel.evisa@gmail.com
VISA & IMMIGRATION
SANITERY WARE
WATER TREATMENT
WEB SERVICE
Wat er Heat er
Made in Japan
Same as Rinnai Gas Cooker
and Cooker Hood
Showroom Address
Capital Hyper Mart
14(E), Min Nandar Road,
Dawbon Tsp. Ph: 553136.
City Mart
(Aung San Branch) tel:
253022, 294765.
City Mart (47
th
St Branch)
tel: 200026, 298746.
City Mart (Junction 8)
tel: 650778.
City Mart (FMI City Branch)
tel: 682323.
City Mart (Yankin Center
Branch) tel: 400284.
City Mart
(Myaynigone Branch)
tel: 510697.
City Mart (Zawana Branch)
tel:564532.
SUPERMARKETS
Commercial scale
water treatment
(Since 1997)
Tel: 01-218437~38.
H/P: 09-5161431,
09-43126571.
39-B, Thazin Lane, Ahlone.
Bath Room Accessories
79-B3/B3, East Shwe
Gone Dine, Near SSC
Womens Center, Bahan.
Tel : 01-401083, 09-
73011100, 09-73056736
PAINT
Open Daily (9am to 6pm)
No. 797, MAC Tower II,
Rm -4, Ground Flr,
Bogyoke Aung San Rd,
Lamadaw Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: (951) 212944 Ext: 303
sales.centuremyanmar@
gmail.com
www.centure.in.th
Sole Distributor
For the Union of
Myanmar Since 1995
Myanmar Golden Rock
International Co.,Ltd.
#06-01, Bldg (8), Myanmar
ICT Park, University Hlaing
Campus, Hlaing Tsp,
Yangon. Tel: 654810~17.
Worlds No.1 Paints &
Coatings Company
Bldg-A2, G-Flr, Shwe
Gabar Housing, Mindama
Rd, Mayangone Tsp,
Yangon. email: eko-nr@
myanmar.com.mm
Ph: 652391, 09-73108896
WATER SOLUTION
SERVICE OFFICE
No. (6), Lane 2
Botahtaung Pagoda St,
Yangon.
01-9010003, 291897.
info@venturaofce.com,
www.venturaofce.com
REAL ESTATE
Real Estate Agent
Agent fees is unnecessary
Tel : 09 2050107,
09 448026156
robinsawnaing@gmail.com
22, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd,
Bahan Tsp. tel 541997.
email: leplanteur@
mptmail.net.mm.
http://leplanteur.net
Good taste & resonable
price
@Thamada Hotel
Tel: 01-243047, 243639-41
Ext: 32
G-01, City Mart (Myay Ni
Gone Center).
Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 106
G-05, Marketplace by
City Mart.
Tel: 01-523840 Ext: 105
1. WASABI : No.20-B,
Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd,
Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa),
Tel; 09-4250-20667,
09-503-9139
Myaynigone (City Mart)
Yankin Center (City Mart)
No. 5, U Tun Nyein
Street, Mayangone T/S,
Yangon.
Tel : 01-660 612, 011 22
1014, 09 50 89 441
Email : lalchimiste.
restaurant@gmail.com
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.
Your Most Reliable &
Friendly Real Estate Agency
Tel : 09-7308848
01-242370, 394053
Road to Mandalay
Myanmar Hotels &
Cruises Ltd. Governors
Residence 39C, Taw Win
Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: (951) 229860
fax: (951) 217361. email:
RTMYGN@mptmail.net.mm
www.orient-express.com
MARINE
COMMUNICATION &
NAVIGATION
Top Marine Show Room
No-385, Ground Floor,
Lower Pazundaung Road,
Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon.
Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597
Schenker (Thai) Ltd.
Yangon 59 A, U Lun
Maung Street. 7 Mile
Pyay Road, MYGN. tel:
667686, 666646.fax:
651250. email: sche
nker@mptmail.net.mm.
No.290-B,U Wisarya
Road,10 Ward, Kamaryut
Township,Yangon.
TEL:(09)259040853
Open daily 11:00~23:00
Produce by Sagittarius
Myanmar Executive Serviced Ofces
www.hinthabusinesscentres.com
Tel : 01-4413410
TRAVEL AGENTS
Shan Yoma Tours Co.,Ltd
www.exploremyanmar.com
Asian Trails Tour Ltd
73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp.
tel: 211212, 223262.
fax: 211670. email: res@
asiantrails.com.mm
Water Treatement Solution
Block (A), Room (G-12),
Pearl Condo, Kabar Aye
Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp.
Hot Line : 09-4500-59000
Aekar
Company Limited
PLEASURE CRUISES
Moby Dick Tours Co., Ltd.
Islands Safari in the Mergui
Archipelago
5 Days, 7 Days, 9 Days Trips
Tel: 95 1 202063, 202064
E-mail: info@islandsafari
mergui.com. Website: www.
islandsafarimergui.com
World famous Kobe Beef
Near Thuka Kabar
Hospital on Pyay Rd,
Marlar st, Hlaing Tsp.
Tel: +95-1-535072
Enchanting and Romantic,
a Bliss on the Lake
62 D, U Tun Nyein Road,
Mayangon Tsp, Yangon
Tel. 01 665 516, 660976
Mob. 09-730-30755
operayangon@gmail.com
www.operayangon.com
Relocation Specialist
Rm 504, M.M.G Tower,
#44/56, Kannar Rd,
Botahtaung Tsp.
Tel: 250290, 252313.
Mail : info@asiantigers-
myanmar.com
Crown Worldwide
Movers Ltd 790, Rm 702,
7
th
Flr Danathiha Centre,
Bogyoke Aung San Rd,
Lanmadaw. Tel: 223288,
210 670, 227650. ext: 702.
Fax: 229212. email: crown
worldwide@mptmail.net.mm
Yangon Intl School
Fully Accredited K-12
International Curriculum
with ESL support
No.117,Thumingalar
Housing, Thingangyun,
Tel: 578171, 573149,
687701, 687702.
Delicious Hong Kong Style
Food Restaurant
G-09, City Mart (Myay Ni
Gone Center).
Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 114
Heaven Pizza
38/40, Bo Yar Nyunt St.
Yaw Min Gyi Quarter,
Dagon Township.
Tel: 09-855-1383
Quality Chinese Dishes
with Resonable Price
@Marketplace by City Mart.
Tel: 01-523840 Ext.109
REMOVALISTS
Legendary Myanmar Intl
Shipping & Logistics Co.,
Ltd.
No-9, Rm (A-4), 3
rd
Flr,
Kyaung St, Myaynigone,
Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 516827, 523653,
516795.
Mobile. 09-512-3049.
Email: legandarymyr@
mptmail.net .mm
www.LMSL-shipping.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
LEGAL SERVICE
Material Co., Ltd.
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 01-2410292, 243551,
09-431-83689, 09-4480-
33905.
TOP MARINE PAINT
No-410, Ground Floor,
Lower Pazundaung Road,
Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon.
Ph: 09-851-5202
Material Co., Ltd.
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 01-2410292, 243551,
09-431-83689, 09-4480-
33905.
WATER PROOFING
OFFICE FURNITURE
For House-Seekers
with Expert Services
In all kinds of Estate Fields
yomaestatemm@gmail.com
Tel : 09-332 87270
09-2541 26615 (Fees Free)
MEDIA & ADVERTISING
Media & Advertising
All the way from
Australia. Design
for advertisement is
not easy, reaching to
target audience is even
harder? We are equipped
with great ideas and
partners in Myanmar to
create corporate logo,
business photography,
stationery design, mobile
advertisement on public
transport and billboard/
magazine ads. Talk to us:
(01) 430-897, (0) 942-000-
4554. www.medialane.
com.au
Real Estate Agency
Email : realwin2012@
gmail.com
Tel : 09-732-02480,
09-501-8250
No.430(A), Corner of
Dhamazedi Rd & Golden
Valley Rd, Building(2)
Market Place (City Mart),
Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel : 01-523840(Ext-309),
09-73208079.
Ocean Center (North
Point), Ground Floor,
Tel : 09-731-83900
01-8600056
Easy access to CBD
Fully furnished facility
Company setup for $1,000
Office available from $360 only
Tel: + 95 1 374851
Email : info@jkmyanmar.com
www.jkmyanmar.com (ENG)
www.3ec.jp/mbic/ (JPN)
Web Services
All the way from Australia.
World-class websites,
come with usability and
responsiveness. Our
works include website,
web apps, e-commerce,
forum, email campaign
and online advertisement.
Plus, were the authorised
reseller for local and
international domain
names. So, put your
worries aside and let us
create the awesomeness
you deserved online.
(01) 430-897, (0) 942-000-
4554. www.medialane.
com.au
Monsoon Restaurant
& Bar 85/87, Thein Byu
Road, Botahtaung Tsp.
Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653.
No. 372, Bogyoke Aung
San Rd, Pabedan T/S,
Yangon. Tel : 01-380 398,
01-256 355 (Ext : 3027)
Email : zawgyihouse@
myanmar.com.mm
WATER HEATERS
The Global leader in
Water Heaters
A/1, Aung San Stadium
East Wing, Upper
Pansodan Road.
Tel: 01-256705, 399464,
394409, 647812.
European Quality
& Designs Indoor/
Outdoor Furniture, Hotel
Furniture & All kinds of
woodworks
No. 422, FJVC Centre,
Ground Floor, Room No. 4,
Strand Road, Botahtaung
Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel: 01-202063-4, 09
509-1673 E-mail: contact@
smartdesignstrading.com
www.royalbotania.com,
www.alexander-rose.co.uk
Bld-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe
Gabar Housing, Mindama
Rd, Mayangone Tsp,
Yangon. email: eko-nr@
myanmar.com.mm
Ph: 652391, 09-73108896
Horizon Intl School
25, Po Sein Road, Bahan
Tsp, tel : 541085, 551795,
551796, 450396~7.
fax : 543926, email :
contact@horizonmyanmar.
com, www.horizon.com
SCHOOLS
Pre School and Primary
years (Ages 2 to 10)
No. 695, Mahabandola
Road, (Between 19th
& Sint Oh Dan Street),
Latha Township, Yangon.
Tel :01-382213, 395816
www.imecedu.com
a drink from paradise...
available on Earth
@Yangon International
Hotel, No.330, Ahlone Rd,
Dagon Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 09-421040512
Singapore Cuisine
Super One Super Market,
Kyaikkasan Branch,
No. 65, Lay Daung Kan Rd,
Man Aung Qtr, Tamwe Tsp,
Yangon. Tel : 01-542371,
09-501-9128
Property General
HOW TO GET A FREE AD
BY FAX : 01-254158
BY EMAIL : classied@myanmartimes.com.mm, advertising@myanmartimes.com.mm
BY MAIL : 379/383, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Township, Yangon.
HOW TO GET MORE BUSINESS FROM
AS LITTLE AS K.5,000.
BUY SPACE ON THESE PAGES
CALL: Khin Mon Mon Yi - 01-392676, 392928
FREE
Rent/ Sale
KAMAYUT, Innya
Myaing Rd, 80' x 80'
land, 2RC, 4 MBR, Fully
furnished, New 7 Aircons,
Generator, Lawn, Ph Line,
US$ 6500 per month. (2)
Innya Rd, 80' x 90' land,
2RC, 4 Master bedroom,
Ph Line, US$ 6000 per
month. Ph: 09-507-4241
PABEDAN, New Condo,
Downtown Near Sule
Pagoda, 3000 Sqft, 3
MBR, 1 Single bedroom
5 Aircons, Bathtub, Teak
foor, nice view, US$
3500 per month. Ph:
09-507-4241.
HousingforRent
BAHAN, (1). Golden
valley ,2 RC,6000 Sqft,
1 MR, 2 SR, 300o USD.
(2). Golden valley , 3
RC, 3375 Sqft, good for
offce,9 Bed room, 6500
USD. (3).Golden valley,2
RC, 4500 Sqft, 2 MR,
2 SR, 4000 USD. (4).
Golden valley, 2 RC, 5300
Sqft, 4 MR, 2 SR,10,000
USD. (5).University
Avenue Rd, 1500 Sqft, 1
MBR, 2 SR, fully furnish
2500 USD. (6).Inya
Rd, 3 RC, 8000 Sqft, 4
MR,good for residence
& offce,12000USD. Ph:
09-4931-4276.
(CONDO For Rent in
University Avenue St),
1MBR, 2SBR, 4AC, Full
Fun:, 1350sq, 16 Lakhs,
Call-01-569448, 09-432-
00669.
(9) MILE condo
Mayangone, (1350sq),
M2, S1, A/C4, Ph 1,
fully furniture - 16 Lakhs,
Contact: 09-432-00669.
WAR Dan St, Lanmadaw,
(25x50), RC 3, S3, Ph,
AC 3, 65 Ls, Ph: 569448.
MYANGONE, Mini Condo,
2
nd
fr, 3 bed room, 1 big
living room, 1 Dinning
room and Kitchen, 3
verandas Full furnished,
2 bath rooms, 3 aircons.
Internet, 50'x40', Quiet,
8mile, Pyay Rd, A-One
Compound. Contact
Ko Thant Zin: 09-730-
69754, 653005.
MAYANGONE, 8
th
Mile,
Primrose Condo 3F
1MBR, 2SBR, Living
Room, 1 Maid Room,
Fully Furnish, Own Car
Parking, Two Elevator,
Security Card System,
Contact: 09-511-1485.
MAYANGONE, 4th Flr,
Thiri Avenue, Taw Win St,
1500 Sqft, Fully furnish,
Yearly Contract. Please
contact to owner direct
Ph: 200581, 09-500-0621
MAYANGONE, 7 mile,
Pyay Rd, Si Daw Gyi
Condo, 3225 sqft, second
fr, 3 MBR with aircons
, hot water and fully
furnished. Kitchen, maid
room, 1524 sqft offce
layout. New building with
lift & 2 private car parking
slot. Suitable for offce
with residential., $6500
/month can also sell
for $8, 80,000. English
speaking 09-512-9655,
Myanmar speaking 09-
732-35432. wincenter.
win@gmail.com. (No
Brokers Please).
(1).CONDO with nice
view 1500 Sqft, 1MBR,
2 Single bedroom, Ph,
24 Hour electricity, Semi-
Furnished, Wooden
foor, 4 Airconditioners,
Newly Renovated, US$
3000 per month, Ph: 09-
4253-11320
BAHAN, (1)ThanLwin
Rd, 70'x90', 3RC, 4
MBR, New and Nice,
Garden, Fully Furnished,
Fully Airconditioners
US$ 6500 per month,
(2) Inya Myaing St,
Golden Valley, 0.7 Acre
land, Big Garden, Ph, 3
MBR, Newly Renovated,
6 Airconditioners,
Swimming pool, Price
(Negotiate), Ph:09-
4253-11320
HLAING, Shew Hin Thar
Condo, 2,181sqft, 2
MBR, 2BR, 1 restroom,
living room, dining room,
maid room.Best location,
near lnya lake on Pyay
Road. Full furniture or
non-furniture negotiable.
$4,500 ~$5,500/month.
Can be paid 2 times /
year. No-broker fee (real
owner)Aceyangon79@
gmail.com. Ph : 09-4313-
2872
MYA YA MON Water
Front Villa, 3 storey
building with full facilities.
Ph: 01-241756, 370334,
09-510-3207.
T H I N G A N G Y U N ,
Kyipwaryay (North)
Drive 25 minutes to
Down Town, 40' x 60',
2 RC, 3 MBR, 2 SR,
3 Aircons, 1 Ph. US$
(1000) per 1 Month.
Only 1 year contract.
Contact :09-508-0880.
m2k20066@gmail.com
(1).NEAR Bogyoke
Market, 2500 sqft, 2
MBR, 1 SR , fully furnish,
3000 USD. (2).Near
Park Royal hotel, 1250
Sqft, 2 MBR, 1 SR, fully
furnish, 2500 USD. (3).
Near Park Royal hotel,
2500 Sqft, 3 MBR, fully
furnish, 4000 USD. Ph:
09-4921-4276.
(1) THUWUNNA, Duplex
for Sale, 2 storeys
building, 40 x 70 ft,
Thuwunna VIP-1, Main
Rd (2) North Oakklapa,
Main Rd (Wai Pon La Rd)
Near Medical School
Shop House, 1200 Sqft,
Hall type, . (3) Yankin,
Shwe Ohn Pin Housing,
900 Sqft. 3 rooms, fully
furnished, Near Sedona
Hotel. Ph:09-732-41848,
09-8601-042.
BAHAN, Golden velly,
(1) near ISY school,
2RC, 2400 sqft, 2 MBR,
2 SR, fully furnish, 4500
USD (2).near City Mark,
2 RC, 5600 sqft , 6 MBR,
fully furnish (10000 USD)
(3). 3 RC, 5000 sqft, 3
MBR, good for offce,
4500 USD. Ph: Ph: 09-
4921-4276.
(1)KYEE MYIN DINE,
Pan Hlaing housing, Pan
Hlaing St, frst fr, 25' x
37', 2BR, 3 Aircon, 1Ph,
1heater, pressure pump,
2 exhaust fans, highly
decoration, 750 Lakhs,
Negotiable, (2)Pazun
Daung, Mahabandoola
Rd, 8th fr, 25'x60', 3BR,
1 Aircon, 800 Lakhs,
Negotiable, Ph-09-4016-
04409.
HousingforSale
LAND & Building for Sales
by owner:- 40' x 60' area
land & Wood Building
Water, Electricity OK
& ready for staying
No.294, South Dagon-
18(B) Aung Min Ga La
St (Concrete Rd) Ph:01
573881, 09-514-8138
Want to Rent
APARTMENT/HOUSE
- Wanted Couple from
Singapore seeks a
clean and comfortable
house or apartment in
quiet neighbourhood -
not more than 9 miles
fromcity - for long term
stay (minimum 1 year)
commencing J anuary/
February 2014. Rental
USD 2,500 per month.
Email to yadana@
victorymyanmar.com or
call 094-5005-3669
Busines
BUSINESS Growth
Consultancy: Helping
Your Business Grow
Faster and Slaughtering
Your Competition. Our
Strategies and Tactics will
upgrade your business to
a whole new level which
you never imagined
possible before. For
further information, pls
visit to www.chawzang.
com and mail to
hawzangconsultancy@
gmail.com.
Computer
COMPUTER SERVICES
: Software services, Web
site services. Ph: 09-
4201-09050.
Education
ENGLISH for Young
learners : Build confden
ce in commu nicating in
English. Build strong
foundation in English
for further education.
Introducing reading with
variety of books. Using
Int'l syllabuses such
as Oxford, Collins &
Cambridge ,etc. Lesson
will be conducted in
English. Taught by
qualifed & internationally
experience teacher.
English for Adults
Speak fuently in various
situations. Improve
your pronunciation and
increase your vocabulary.
Communicate effectively
in everyday situations.
English for social, study,
overseas travel and
work purposes. Teacher
Yamin - Ph:291-679,
292176, 09-250-136695
LITERATURE study for IB
and SAT up to 12 Grade ,
it is right to enjoy reading
classic and persuded
writing ,caritical thinking
and world culture External
students can also be
inquired to sit on SAT.If
you had tried as much
as you can to follow
the lesson and you will
get good experiences
and skill .This program
will help you capability
and fll your luck of
knowledge..Beginners
and Intermediate French
and Spanish can also
be learnt here. U Thant
Zin, ph 09 5035350 , 01
547442 : No 28-3 B ,
Thatipahtan St, Tamwe
TR.KAUNG MYAT : For
International School,
Guide & Lecturer,
Special for Maths,
Geometry, Algebra I&II,
Calculus. Ph:09-731-
42020. geometry500@
gmail.com
STUDY GUIDE and home
visit for LCCI level 1,2
and 3. Ph : 09-4311-0463
NPNG study coach 10th
standard specialist. Ph:
09-2506-96329. Email:
npngfc@gmail.com
"Scholar Teaching
Organization" founded
with ME,BE and Master
Degree holder with 12
years experience in
teaching feld.Role &
Responsibility: Making
the students develop
problem solving skills,
critical thinking skills & I.Q
& E.Q enriching skills, Int'l
school (ILBC, Total, MISY,
ISY, PISM, ISM, network,
CISM, MIS, MLA, ES4E,
DSY, IISY, RV). All
grades, All Subjects .....
Singapore MOE Exams
(AEIS,-AEIS exam), SAT,
IGCSE, IELTS, TOFEL...
Tr.Daniel Caulin : 09-
2150-075, Tr.Bryan :09-
4200-70692.
LCCI, Level I,II &III,
MYOB. Ph : 09-520-
0974.
EDUCATION Guiding
Primary Student for
primary level English,
Maths, Science, Geogra
phy, History, English
Language. gmail:
carol i ne.zi ta@gmai l .
com
FOR IGCSE (Edexcel
& Campridge) &
Secondary level Regular
tuition classes Home
tuition Exampreparation
classes All subjects
available Contact: 09-
508-8683.
TEACHERS who have
got Teaching experience
in Singapore, Intl School
(primary & seconday
levels) AEIS, PSLE,
GCSE, SAT, IELTS,
TOEFL, English-
Myamar speaking class
for company, Sayar
Bryan (ME) 09-4200-7
0692
SPECIAL IGCSE for
Scholarships, English,
Physics, Chemistry,
Math, IELTS; SAT 1 &
2; Teacher Solomon +
3 experts. Ph:09-541-
7781.
ENGLISH CLASSES
For both young learners
& adult, Good foundation
in Grammar, Good
foundation in English,
General English-4 skills,
Business English-4
skills, Vocabulary
enrichment course.
Intensive classes only
& no home visit . Ba
Yint Naung Tower 1,
G Flr, Room - C&D,
Kamaryut, Yangon. Ph:
09-4500- 45 916, gmail:
thewindyhills@gmail.
com.
FOR PRIMARY Student:
English, Maths,
Myanmar, Geography,
History, Science, Social,
English Language. If
you need to coach your
child. Please do contact
at Teacher Caroline :
carol i ne.zi ta@gami l .
com
WANT TO LEARN
English? Learn English
with native speaker! -4
skills, Business English,
IELTS graduation, IELTS
foundation, Custom
Program. We are going
to open our new intake at
2nd December and offer
20,000 kyats Discount.
Contact our Friendly
Customer Service
Offcers for complete
information. Ph: 09-731-
62586, 09-4211-19895,
01-230-5699, 01-230-
5822. Email: info@
edulinkaustralia.com .
Add : Bldg 6, J unction
Square, Kamaryut,
Yangon.
HOME Tution & Guide :
For pre - KG, Primary
& secondary level.
Specialized in Maths &
Biology. Tr. Daw Khin
Swe Win (B.E.H.S
Thuwunna) Rtd. Ph: 09-
730-99679,
Expert Services
SERVICE OFFICE you
can trust. Business
Service for foreign
investors. 905, 9F,
Panchan Tower, Corner
of Dhamazedi Rd &
Bagayar Rd, Sanchaung
Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 01-
503895, Email :yangon_
info@v2m.jp, http://
www.v2m.jp
For Rent
TOYOTA BELTA : 2011
year, 15,000km. almost
new condition. $500 /
month without driver. Car
only. No-broker fee (real
owner) Aceyangon79@
gmail.com. Ph : 09-4313-
2872
For Sale
MACBOOK Pro (2012
Model) Intel Core i5 Ram
4GB, H.D.D 500GB.
Price :920000. Ph:09-
4200-50651
LAPTOP Lenovo Core
i3 Ram 2gb HDD 500
GB like new condition
HP Core i5 (Third
Generation) Ram 4GB
500HDD Graphic 1GB
J ust like new condition
HP Core i3 Third
generation Ram 2GB
HDD 500 Graphic 1GB -
300000 Acer Core2Dua
-170000. Ph: 09-3177-
5707
HUAWEI C8813 ( CDMA
800 MHZ ) Black Colour
with full accessories and
original box . 2 months
used only very good
condition with 2 covers .
Price 75000 Kyats. Ph:
09-7300-4430.
CAR, Mazda RX 8 [ Sport
Type ] [ 2007 Model ] [
pearl white, ] (PS, PW,
AC, SRS, ABS, HDD
TV, Security System,
Cyclone Engine) Ph:
09-3300-2898.
ASUS A45V Blue Colour
Intel Core i5 3rd, Ram
- 4GB H.D.D - 500GB
Graphic 2GB Price-
460000. Ph: 09-4200-
50651
HUAWEI C8813 ( CDMA
800 MHZ ) Black Colour
original box . 2 months
used only very good
condition with 2 covers .
Price 80000 Kyats Ph:
09-730-04430)
SAMSUNG GALAXY
Grand (GT- I9082),
GSM, Metallic Blue
original box . No error
Price 170000 Kyats .
Ph:09-502-8020.
ASUS A45V Blue Colour
Intel Core i5 3rd , Ram
- 4GB H.D.D - 500GB
Graphic - 2GB Price
- 460000. Ph: 09-4200-
50651
ASUS A42J Intel Core
i7, Ram- 4GB H.D.D -
500GB Graphic - 2GBB
Price - 465000. Ph: 09-
4200-50651
(1)MOTHERBOARD -
775 G41 CPU-Pentinum
2.0 GHz RAM- DDR3
2GB HDD-80 GB (SATA)
PSU-500W Monitor-
Acer 18.5 PC 2 No (2)
Motherboard- Asus H61
ME CPU-Pentinum 2.9
GHz RAM- DDR3 2GB
HDD-500 GB (SATA)
PSU-650W Monitor-
AOC 18.5 PC 4 No.
Ph:09-4224-86337
ORIGINAL 3DS
Game Cartridges &
accessories - Spirit
Camrea: The Cursed
Memoir (with box & user
guide booklet) - 20000
Kyats. - Rabbid Rumble
(with box and user guide
booklet) - 20000 Kyats,
- Super Street Fighter
IV: 3D Edition (with box
and user guide booklet)
- 24000 Kyats, Monster
Hunter 3 Ultimate
(with box & user guide
booklet) - 30000 Kyats,
Project X Zone (with box
& user guide booklet) -
30000 Kyats, 3DS Game
Cartridge Holder (24
Slots) - 17000 Kyats,
Circle Pad Pro for 3DS
XL - 30000 Kyats. Prices
are negotiable. Ph: 09-
507-9980"
General
IF you are thinking to
give a book-gift to your
loved ones. Meiji Soe's
"Culture & Beyond -
Myanmar" is a unique
of its king revealing
Myanmar Culture,
Beliefs and Superstitions
in sector by sector
together with photos.
Available at Book Stores
& MCM Ltd. Ph: 253642,
3922928, 392910.
Email: distmgr@
myanmartimes.com.mm
Language
LANGUAGE Profciency:
Effective & Scientifc
way. Tutor, Translator,
Interpreter. (Such
languages : Hindi,
Sanskrit, Bengali, Nepali,
English & Myanmar)
R.S. Verma. B.Sc., (Bot)
Yangon. Email:rs verma.
myanmar@gmail.com.
ph: 09-730-42604.
TEACHING Myanmar
language for foreigners
Near Myay Ni Gone
City Mart, Shin Saw Pu
Pagoda St. Tel: 09 4200
30 782
TEACHING English for
adults Near Myay Ni
Gone City Mart, Shin
Saw Pu Pagoda Street.
09 4200 30 782
FOR FOREIGNERS
Want to learn Myanmar
Speaking at your home?
Contact : 09-517-9125,
09-861-1052
WITHIN 24 hours can
make you confdient
in Myanmar language
speaking and scripts!
Teacher Phyu Phyu
Khin 09-4930-8926,
phyuporcupine@gmail.
com, No.56 I, Thiri Marlar
Lane, 7.5 mile, Pyay
Road, Yangon.
ENGLISH Grammar for
all classes. Ph: 09-541-
3847.
CHINESE for all grades.
Ph: 09-541-3847.
GIVE your child the best
possible start to life at Int'l
Montessori Myanmar
(English Education
Center) Accredited by
IMC Bangkok (Since
1991), Our Montessori
curriculum includes:
Practical Life Exercises,
Sensorial Training,
Language Development,
Mathematics, Cultural
Studies, Botany &
Zoology, History,
Creative Art, Music and
Movement, Cooking
Physical Development,
Social & Emotional
Development, Learning
through play, 55(B),
Po Sein Rd, Bahan,
Yangon, Ph: 546097,
546761, Email: imm.myn
@gmail.com
MYANMAR for
Foreigners, Ph: 09-
2501-50791.
ENGLISH for Adults
&Young Learners 100
% face to face classroom
based lessons, Small
classroom sized, limited
seats, Variety of learning
resources Experienced,
internationally qualifed
teacher who get the best
out of you, whatever your
level. Offer courses that
build your confdence
for practical situations
and improve important
areas such as Speaking
and Listening in English.
English for young
learners : Teacher Yamin
- Ph: (01) 291679, 09-
250-136695.
FOR FOREIGNERS
Want to learn Myanmar
speaking at your home?
Contact : 09-517-9125,
09-861-1052
Training
WISDOM Management
Centre : Abnormal
Psychology Program.
Level: Certificate.
Program Outlines :
1.What is Normal &
Abnormal? Assessing &
Diagnosing Abnormality.
3.Anxiety Disorders
4.Somatoform &
Dissociative Disorders.
5.Mood Disorders 6.
Suicide 7.Schizophrenia
Duration : 12-Week
Day: Tuesday (6:30 ~
8:00 PM) Starting Date:
December 17, 2013.
Fees: New Participant
: 50,000 Ks. Regular
Participant: 45,000
Ks. Add: No.8, 6th Flr
(Right), Chan Thar St,
Sanchaung. Ph:09-537-
0230, 09-730-02705
DECENT Myanmar
Training School Personal
Management & Business
Management Trainings
Basic English Grammar
IELTS preparation English
for Specifc Purpose-
ESP. (1) Spoken English
(2) Business Writing (3)
Business English (4)
English for Marketing
(5) English for HRM (6)
English for Media (7)
English for IT (8) English
for Law (9) English for
Marine Engineering (10)
English for Medicine 29/
B, Rm 7, Myay Nu St,
Myaynigone. Ph:01-512-
467, 09-722-32047.
Travel
NYAN MYINT THU Car
Rental Service : Ko
Nyan Myint Win Kyi (MD)
- 56, Bo Ywe St, Latha,
Yangon, Myanmar. Ph :
01-246551, 01-375284.
ph:09-2132778. email:
nyanmyintthu1983@
gmail.com, nmt@nyan
myi ntthucarrental .
com, colwinkyi@
gmail. com. Web:www.
nyanmyintthucarrental.
com
Want to Buy
USED LAPTOP Core i5
(1 unit )/ Ph : 09-44800-
6520
UN Positions
THE United Nations Offce
on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC) is seeking
for Myanmar Nationals:
National Project
Coordinator (SC-9)
XSPK 26 Project - 1 Post:
Duty Station: Loilen/
Pinlon, Southern Shan
State - Master's Degree
or advance university
degre in Business
Administration, Public
Administration, Eco-
nomics, Political
Sciences, Social
Sciences or related
feld, Minimum 5 years
of relevant experience
in the management
of integrated rural
development projects
such as food security,
livelihood, health.
Fluency in oral and
written English is
essential. Knowledge of
a local working language
of the duty station is
an asset. Candidates
should clearly indicate
the post Title in their
application. Application
must include a cover
letter, current CV, copies
of relevant academic
qualifcation certifcates.,
and a recent passport
sized photograph.
Application should be
address to UNODC, 11-
A, Maylikha Rd, Ward-
7, Mayangone, (or)
UNDP, PO Box (650),
Yangon. Closing Date :
31.1.2014.
Ingo Positions
DanChur chAi d(DCA)
is looking for an
experienced & motivated
person to join our team
of Program Offcers in
Yangon, with frequent
travel to the feld. A
detailed J ob Description
is available on request
from Ms. Hlaing Phyu
Min, Admin & HR
Assistant, hpmi@
dca.dk. The beneft
package for the position
includes competitive
remuneration (the
salary range is 756.000
1.424.430 Kyats/
monthly), annual
bonus, severance pay,
1.25days per month
for annual leave, 15
offcial holidays per
year, personal accident/
medical insurance,
learning & development
opportunities (including
visits to DCA HQ in
Copenhagen and to
DCA Regional Offces
in the region of South
Asia and South East
Asia) and a challenging
and stimulating working
environment. Pls submit
CV, application letter
& contact details of 2
referees with any other
relevant documentation
to HR Unit by email hpmi@
dca.dk & adj@dca.dk
Pls quote reference:
DCA Program Offcer
application. Contract
Duration: 2 years with
possibility of extension
(three months probation
period) Closing Date:
31stJ anuary 2014
MEDECINS du Monde
(MDM) is seeking(1)
Methadone Advisor
1 post in Moegaung,
Kachin State: MBBS
(with valid medical
registration: SAMA).
1 year experience as
a Methadone medical
doctor in the feld of Harm
Reduction. Fluency in
English. Computer skills.
(2)Account 1 post in
Yangon: Bachelor of
Economic (or) Diploma
of Accounting. 2 years
experience. Fluency in
Myanmar & English.
Computer skill. Pls
submit CV & a cover
letter to MDM Country
Coordination Offce in
Yangon. 11(B), Mahar
Myaing St, Sanchaung,
Yangon. Ph: 01-230
4015, 09-731-71002
Or Email: offce.mdm
myanmar@gmail.com
NORWEGIAN Refugee
Council is seeking
Nat i onal Pr oj ect
Coordinator in Yangon:
Strong communication,
interpersonal, analyti
cal & negotiation
skills. Demonstrated
leadership & manage
ment skills. Fluency in
English. 3 ~ 5 years
experience froman int'l
organization. Pls submit
CV, including application
letter & contact detail of
2 referees (No other
supporting documents
are required for this
stage), clearly indicating
which position they are
interested in not later
than 24
th
J anuary 2014
to admin-hr@myanmar.
nrc.no with cc to pmicla@
myanmar.nrc.no or mail
to: HR Offcer, NRC, 68,
Than Lwin Rd (Corner
with Aung Daw Mu St),
Bahan, Yangon.
FONDAZIONE Terre
des hommes Italia
(TDH Italia) is seeking
1 Ci vi l Engi neer:
Bachelor degree in
Civil Engineering or
equivalent. Command
of English. Command
of Microsoft Offce
& Autocad. 2 Work
Supervisors: Qualifed
Surveyor or related
Bachelor degree. Good
knowledge in similar
work experience. Good
knowledge in Computer
literacy, Basic familiairity
with English. Pls
submit application with
completed information
about current job &
expected salary incl.
CV, photo, references by
email or by postal service
to : TDH Italia Main
Offce: 36/A, Inya Myaing
Rd, Bahan, Yangon. Tel:
527563, Email: hr.tdhit.
mya@gmail.com
WORLD VISION
Int'l - Myanmar is
seeking Communi ty
Development Facilita
tor in Palaw, Tanintharyi
Region: University
Degree, Good command
of Myanmar & English.
(2) Design, Monitoring
& Eval uati oi n Faci
l i tator in (Street &
Working Children
Project), Mandalay:
Bachelor Degree. 2
years of progressive
experience. (3)Program
Finance Coordinator
in Thanlyin, Yangon:
Bachelor Degree in
Accounting/ finance
or related subject. 3
years experience. For
all posts : Competent in
use of Microsoft Offce
computer programs
including Word, Excel &
Power Point. Pls submit
resume (clearly identify
the post you apply) by
post to HR Department,
World Vision Int'l -
Myanmar or in person
to application drop-box at
No (18), Shin Saw Pu Rd;
Ahlone, Sanchaung PO
or send to myajobapps@
wvi.org Closign date :
J anuary 24, 2014.
WORLD Vision Int'l -
Myanmar is seeking
(1)Communications
Cooridnator (Re-Open)
in Yangon : University
Degree, Experience in
working development
feld. Good command in
English & can travel. (2)
Design, Monitoring &
Evaluation Facilitator
in Aung Myay Tharzan,
Mandalay : Bachelor
Degree, Competent in
use of Microsoft Offce,
2 years experience,
Good command of
Myanmar & English &
report writing skill. (3)
Area Devel opment
Program Manager 2
posts in Dagon Myothit
(South), Yangon &
Myeik, Tanintharyi
Region: University
Degree, 5 years
experience , Competent
in use of Microsoft Offce,
Excellent command of
Myanmar & English,
Excellent knowledge
in report writing. (4)
Fi el d Account ant
( S t r e n g t h e n i n g
Community & Health
System Project) (Re-
Open) in Kawthaung,
Tanintharyi Region:
University Degree in
Accounting/ Finance
or related subject.
3 years experience.
Working knowledge of
Microsoft Offce, Excel
and good knowledge of
computerize accounting.
Communicate in English
& Myanmar.(5) Field
Supervisor (Street
& Working Children
Project) in Yangon:
University Degree.
3 years experience.
Excellent computer
skills. Good command
of Myanmar & English.
Pls submit resume
(clearly identify the post
you apply) by post to
HR Department, World
Vision Int'l - Myanmar or
in person to application
drop-box at No (18),
Shin Saw Pu Rd; Ahlone,
Sanchaung PO or send
to myajobapps@wvi.org
Closing date J anuary 22,
2014.
WORLD VISION Int'l -
Myanmar is seeking(1)
Program Fi nance
Coordinator 2 posts
in Chauk, Magway &
Mawlamyaing, Mon
State: University Degree
in Accounting/ Finance
or related subject.
3 years experience.
(2) Project Manager
(Myanmar Education
Consortium Project) in
National Offce, Yangon:
University Degree.
Competent in use of
Microsoft Offce. (3)
Zonal Child Protection
Specialist (Re-Open)
in Mawlamyaing, Mon
State: University Degree.
3 years experience in
Child Protection. (4)
Zonal Moni t ori ng
Coor di nator (Re-
Open) in Mawlamyaing,
Mon State: University
Degree, Social Science
or Computer Studies
is preferable. 3 years
experience. Competent
in use of Microsoft Offce
computer programs
including Word, Excel.
Good command of
Myanmar & English
& report writing skill
in English. Pls submit
resume (clearly identify
the post you apply) by
post to HR Department,
World Vision Int'l -
Myanmar or in person
to application drop-box at
No (18), Shin Saw Pu Rd,
Ahlone, Sanchaung PO
or send to myajobapps@
wvi.org Closing date :
J anuary 22, 2014.
HelpAge Int'l in Myanmar
is looking for (1)Project
Manager 1 Post : Based
in Yangon : University
degree, 5 years
experience with INGOs
/ int'l agencies, Excellent
communication skills
(English & Myanmar),
Basic computer skill. (2)
Field Coordinator - 1
Post: Based in Pathein:
University degree, 3
years experience in
community development
project with NGOs,
Good communication
skills in Myanmar
& English, Basic
computer skill. (3) Field
Facilitator/Community
Development Worker
1 Post : in Yangon with
frequent travel to project
locations in Dagon
(East) Tsp) : BEHS
level of education, 3
years community
mobilization/facilitation
work with INGO at the
community level or
equivalent experience.
(4)Township Project
Coordi nator (YWCA)
(Based in Hpa-An)
: University degree,
5 years experience,
2 years experience
supervising/managing
staff, Good report writing
skills, Basic computer
profciency, Ability to
travel & ride a motorbike/
drive. Pls send a Cover
letter & updated CV
including 3 referees to
HR Unit of HelpAge Int'l
: 25 (A/1), New University
Avenue Rd, Bahan, OR
to hr.helpagemyanmar@
gmail.comClosing date :
22nd of J anuary 2014
Local Positions
ACTIVE in Myanmar
since 2005 is seeking
for the position of School
Manager. Candidates
must: Be permanent
residents of Myanmar
or returning to Myanmar
having completed a
course of study and/
or term of related
employment abroad.
Be fuent in written and
spoken Myanmar and
English. Hold a university
degree or higher.
Have at least three
years of management
experience in either
middle management
or at directorial level.
Be IT-literate (Word,
Excel, DTP skills an
advantage). Excellent
communicators with
some knowledge of flm
and/or media. Be driven,
dynamic, creative and
a good team player.
Be able to take on an
international standard
management role.
Another vacancy in our
School management
team for the position
of Trainee Equipment
Manager/ Storekeeper.
Candidates must: Be
permenent residents
of Myanmar. Be fuent
in written and spoken
Myanmar and have some
knowledge of English.
Have some knowledge
of electronic equipment
(knowledge of flm
equipment an advantage
but not required). Hold
a university degree or
similar qualifcation. Be
IT-literate (Word, Excel).
Be a good teamplayer
and communicator
willing to be part of a
growing media resource.
Be will to learn new
skills (position is for a
trainee). This position will
commence with a three-
month probation period
from30 February, 2014,
followed by evaluation
by the School's Director
and Committee, and an
annual contract from 1
J une, 2014. Applicants
should please complete
the enclosed application
form and return it to
Win Naing at the YFS
house, 51E, U Po Tet
Lane, Between Yunan
Barbecue and Chaw
Dwin Gone Point, Kaba
Aye Pagoda Road,
Mayangone Tsp.,
Yangon or via email to
yfs.yfs@googlemail.
com by 30 J anuary
2014. Only shortlisted
applicants will be invited
for an interview.
KELVIN CHIA Yangon
Ltd is a foreign legal
consultancy frm. We
invite motivated and
committed individuals to
join us as (1) Lawyers
who will work on a
variety of corporate &
commercial matters &
transactions in Myanmar.
If you are a Myanmar-
qualifed lawyer with
strong English language
skills, you are invited
to apply to join our
Myanmar practice group.
Myanmar nationals
admitted to intl bars are
also welcome to apply.
Training will be provided.
Applicants may email to
klm@kcyangon.com.
(2) Corporate Affairs
Executive/Assistant
As a corporate affairs
execut i ve/ assi st ant ,
you will be involved with
business development,
networking, market
research & liaison
work. Applicants
should be profcient
in English, energetic
& self-motivated.
All nationalities are
welcome (Myanmar,
J apanese, Korean,
Chinese, Taiwanese,
etc). Pls email to kk@
kcyangon.com
JADE Royal Hotel, Nay Pyi
Taw is currently seeking:
(1) Chief Accountant
1 post: B.Com (CPA,
LCCI Level 3. 5 years
of relevant experiences
in hotel industry. (2)
Senior Accountant 1
post : B.Com or LCCI
Level 3, MYOB. 2 years
experiences. (3) Sales
Manager - 1 post :
University graduate. 5
years experiences in
hotel industry. Very Good
in English & Myanmar.
Computer literate. (4)
Sales Executive - 1 post
: University graduate, 2
years experience in
hotel industry. Very good
communication skill in
English & Myanmar.
Computer literate. Pls
submit application
letter, CV or resume
together with a recent
passport photo, copies of
testimonials, educational
certificates, police
clearance form & NRC
card to No.4, Lawkanat
Housing Complex,
Parami Rd, Hlaing before
on J anuary 31, 2014.
ELITE Int'l School is
seeking (1). English
Teachers (Foreigner)
(2). English Teachers
(Local ) (3). Subject
Teachers (Secondary
& Primary Levels) (4).
Music Teachers (5).
Drawing Teachers
Should you be interested
send your detailed CV to
27, Bayintnaung Main
Rd, Hlaing, Yangon. Ph:
01-531117 Email:elitein
ternationalschool09 @
gmail.com
TYPIST : High school
graduate, Good
keyboard skills & a
decent command of
the English (spelling,
grammar & punctuation)
to produce high quality
documents, Effcient &
pay attention to detail,
Can use computer
software packages,
including Word, Excel &
Power Point, Are a good
communicator, Produce
neat and well-presented
work, Are discreet
much of the information
you will be dealing with
will be confdential. Ph:
134 A, Than Lwin Rd,
Golden Valley Ward 1,
Bahan, (BOX 729 GPO)
Yangon. Ph: 526 180.
NESTLE is seeking (1)
Sales Trade Develop
ment Manager (Base in
Mandalay). Bachelor's
Degree in Business
Administration or
relevant education
degree.5 years' experien
ce, in FMCG is preferable.
(2) Nutrition Advisor
- Yangon/Mandalay/
M a w l a my a i n g .
Bachelor's Degree in
Medical, Food Science,
Food Technology, Nurs
ing, Pharmaceutical or
any Science related
feld. 1 year experience
in Nutrition. (3)
Marketing Executive-
Nestle Professional.
Bachelor's Degree in
Business Administration
or related education
degree. 3 years experien
ce in Marketing. (4)
Agronomist. Bachelor's
Degree in Agriculture. 1
or 2 years experience.
For all posts : Good
command of English
& Computer literacy.
Pls submit complete
detailed resume to
Nestle Myanmar Ltd, Flr
11
th
Centerpoint Towers,
No.65, Corner of Sule
Pagoda Rd and Merchant
St, Kyauktada, Yangon,
Or email to: zinhnaung
a@nestlemyanmar.com.
mm (OR) tztzha@gmail.
com
SEARCHING for serious,
confdent, experienced
taylor (man/woman) for
small bag production.
Good working conditions,
Golden Valley, Yangon.
Contact phone for
details: 09-504-1359
WE ARE seeking, (1)
Executive - M/F 5 Posts
(2) Supervisor - M/F 5
Posts (3) Team Leader-
M/F 5 Posts (4) Service
Engineer - M 5 Posts (5)
Accountant - F 4 Posts
(6) Staff - M/F 20 Posts
(7)Security - M 10 Posts
(8)Express Pilot - M 5
Posts. All candidates
must be; Independent,
well-organized, self-
motivated & team player,
collaborative, hands on &
dynamic personalities,
take ownership of
assigned tasks. Pls
submit fll CV, detailing
skills, knowledge and
experience with recent
color photo & copies of
the testimonials to (20),
9th St, Min Da Ma Rd,
Shwe Ka Bar Housing,
Mayangone. Ph:09-
4004-95380. Email :
hr.greaterman@gmail.
comClosing Date : J an
31, 2014.
MYANMAR' S largest
advertising agency
seeks a Client Service
Representative to
serve customers by
providing agency service
information; managing
client communications;
and coordinating with
management and SAIL
employees to deploy
advertising services.
Requirement : High
English ability. Professio
nal dress. Highly
confident engaging
with foreign clients,
Market know ledge,
Interpersonal skills,
Documentation skills. Pls
apply to: SAIL Marketing
& Communications www.
advertising-myanmar.
com, 790, Bogyoke Rd
and Wadan Rd Junction
Suite 603, Danathiha
Center , Lanmadaw.
Ph:211870, 224820
A C C O U N T A N T S ,
General Clerks,
Marketing & Sales
Persons - M/F : Age
above 30 - Urgent Need
US$ 1,000 /Month, Free
accomodation, Food,
Transport Yearly Bonus,
Local Allowances,
Festival Allowances To
work in Nigeria, Lagos.
25 Myanmar are working
there. No agent fees,
Air Ticket Free, During
Vacation with pay CPA or
ACCA or M.Ba or B.Com
or D.Ma or LCCI or any
Accounting Academic
Good for English
Speaking, Computer
Skill & MYOB & Other
Accounting Package.
Ph:01-573881, 09-514-
8138.
PARKWAY Cancer
Centre is seeking
Medical Doctor - F 1
post : M.B,B.S Graduate
with SA MA registration,
2 years experience in
medical feld, Good com
munication in English,
Must be able to use
computer, internet and
Microsoft application
with excellent skills. We
welcome the candidates
who are trust worthy, self-
motivated with positive
working attitude. Pls
submit: CV with relevant
certifcates, documents,
recommendation letter
attach and documents,
& expected salary. Rm
G-07, G Flr, Diamond
Center, Pyay Rd,
Kamayut. Tel : 532
438, 532 447, 09- 513-
6584, Email : yangon@
canhope.org
SAVOY HOTEL, Yangon
is urgently looking for
(1) Human Resources
Assistant - 1 ~2 years
experience, good English
& good personality (2)
Bar Supervisor - 2 ~
3 years experience,
good English and good
personality (3)Driver -
3 years experience (4)
Security - M 2 post :
2 years experience
(Casual) (5) Door Girl - F
2 post : good personality
(Casual) Application
letter by email to
humanresources@
savoy hotel-yangon.com
or 129, Dhammazedi Rd,
526289. Pls mention
the desire position on
the application letter.
MARKETING STAFF 2
posts medical products
sales experience.
Glorious Light Trading
Co., Ltd Ph--09-201-
2304 , 01-391683
HORIZON Int'l School is
looking for qualifed and
energetic personnel for
the following positions.
All candidates should be
good in communication
and interpersonal skills.
(1).Offce secretary - F
1 post : Age under 30,
Bachelors Degree in any
feld or Diploma in the
relevant feld, Suffcient
work experience in
the related feld, Good
command of English,
Computer literate,
Customer care skills (2).
Receptionist - F 1 post :
Age under 30, Bachelors
Degree in any feld or
Diploma in the relevant
feld, Suffcient work
experience in the related
feld, Good command of
English, Able to handle
phone communication
(3).Driver - M 2 posts :
Age 25 to 50, Can speak
English, Able to drive
any car, Driving license
should be valid, Friendly,
enthusiastic, patient &
punctual. BENEFITS:
Attractive Salary, Lunch
is also provided, An
opportunity to work for
an institution where
students have lots of
outstanding international
achievements, Enhance
ment training. Pls bring
CV along with a copy of
your credentials to 235,
Shukinthar Myo Patt Rd,
TaketaTsp., Yangon.Ph:
450396, 450397, until
J anuary 25th, 2014.
A LEADING Shipping
Company, based
in Singapore with
business activities
in freight forwarding
services is seeking (1).
Management Trainee
(2).Sales Executive:
a degree holder froma
recognized university,
Age above 25; Possess
superior oral & written
as well as strong
interpersonal skills and
exhibit good judgment,
& function with minimal
guidance in a highly
demanding environment;
Able to speak and write
English with profciency;
Able to use computer
effectively and effciently;
Applications will be
accepted until positions
are flled. Pls apply
via email with a recent
photograph to star2013.
collette@gmail.com
our website at www.
meridianshippinggroup.
com.
THE ASAHI Shimbun:
J apanese newspaper
is seeking; Admin and
Reporter (Female) - 1
post : Essential English
skill in writing & speaking,
Age not more than 35,
Please send resume to
asahiyangon@gmail.
com
KELVIN CHIA Yangon
Ltd is a foreign legal
consultancy firm.
We invite motivated
& committed indivi
duals to join us as:
Administrative Execu
tive : Good written &
spoken communication
skills in English.
Mature and capable of
supervising & directing
subordinates. Must be
well-organized, meti
culous, have initiative
& execute instructions
promptly. Some account
ing back ground &
experien ce preferred.
Pls send full resume
stating their current
and expected salaries,
together with a recent
photograph to chw@
kcyangon.com
GOLDEN Spirit Co.,
Ltd is seeking Sales &
Marketi ng Di rector,
Sales & Manager / Asst:
Sales Manager (area
sales & division, Region),
Sales Supervisors
/ Sales Executives,
Negotiation skills, good
& strong knowledge in
sales analysis & reporting
system, implement in
sales plan, management
of sales policy, Target &
achievement. Marketing
Manager / Asst:
Marketi ng Manager,
Marketing Supervisors
/ Marketing Executives,
Brand Manager / Assit:
Brand Manager, Sales
Manager for Modern
Trade Sales Channel,
Able to travel anywhere
in Yangon : Strong
Organizer, High level of
energy and mobility, must
have a desire to improve
operations all the time
previous experience,
preferably in liquor area
good interpersonal &
communications skills
effectively with all level.
Pls send update CV, along
with recent photo, a copy
of labour registration
card, NRC card police
recommendation letter,
family registration
document to 2/D,
Thamada Condo Yaw
mingyi Ward, Dagon Tsp.
Employment
FREE THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
62 Sport THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014
TWO Indian athletes could be forced
to pull out of next months Sochi
Olympics because promised state
funds for kit and equipment have
not been released, Indias Winter
Games chief said Tuesday.
Winter Games Federation of India
(WGFI) president Surendra Singh
Patwal said time was running out for
two of Indias three competitors who
each need about US$7500 to take
part in the Olympics.
We are still awaiting funds from
the government because we do not
have money to buy expensive cloth-
ing and equipment, Patwal told AFP.
Each equipment has to meet
Olympic specications. We do not
get them in India; they have to come
from abroad. Unless the funds come,
we cant even place orders for cloth-
ing and equipment.
Besides, our athletes need time
to train with the new equipment
and there is hardly any time left. We
were due to be in Sochi by February
4 for the Games starting on the 7
th
,
he added.
We do not get sponsors. So un-
less the government gives us funds,
we may have to withdraw at least
two of the three qualiers.
Funding is the latest blow for the
athletes who were earlier this month
deprived of competing under the na-
tional ag in Sochi.
Thakur told AFP that luger Shiva
Keshavan, preparing for his fth
Winter Olympics, was safe since he
has raised money through sponsors
for his equipment.
But the fate of the two other qual-
iers, alpine skier Himanshu Thakur
and cross-country skier Nadeem
Iqbal, rested on getting the money
in time.
We have been told the matter is
being processed, said Thakur. I just
hope they do it fast.
Sports ministry ofcials were not
immediately available for comment.
Last week, the athletes lost all
hope of competing under the ag
in Sochi after the suspended Indian
Olympic Association (IOA) insisted
on holding elections two days after
the Games open.
The IOA last month bowed to
pressure from the International
Olympic Committee to keep tainted
ofcials out of key posts the reason
Indias membership was frozen in
December 2012.
But IOA ofcials rejected a re-
quest from the sports ministry to
hold fresh elections earlier, possibly
at the end of January, so that the
athletes could compete under the
national ag.
The IOC has allowed Indian qual-
iers to participate at Sochi as inde-
pendent athletes under the Olympic
ag. AFP
NEW DELHI SULULTA
Unless the
government gives us
funds, we may have
to withdraw.
Surendra Singh Patwal
Winter Games Federation of India
President
No kit or
equipment
has Indias
athletes
facing exit
ETHIOPIAN running legend Keneni-
sa Bekele already holds two world re-
cords, and now he says he is eyeing a
third this time in the marathon.
Bekele will be the star draw of
the April 6 Paris marathon, just a
week before track rival Mo Farah of
Great Britain makes his own mara-
thon debut in London making
for two back-to-back must-watch
performances.
Both will be hoping to follow in
the footsteps of Ethiopian emper-
or Haile Gebreselassie and others
who have made a successful leap
from the track to the roads, as well
as show they can put up a stif chal-
lenge to the seemingly unstoppable
Kenyans, who typically dominate
the event.
I want to run a world record in
my rst marathon, Bekele told AFP
at his personal training camp set in
the lush hills and thin air above Ad-
dis Ababa.
My dream all the time is to run a
fast time, you know, to be the best.
While the Paris marathon loop is
not considered a potential world re-
cord course unlike Berlin, Chicago,
Rotterdam or London all eyes will
be on how close he can get to Ken-
yan Stanley Biwotts 2:05.11 course
record set two years ago.
If the marathon goes well, if I
am feeling okay, I want to run the
marathon again and again, he said,
viewing the debut as the possible
start of a journey that will end on
the roads of Rio and Olympic glory
in 2016.
Bekele already holds the world
records for the 5000m and 10,000m
set in 2004 and 2005 respectively
and few runners have even come
within spitting distance of those
times ever since.
His career was subsequently hurt
by a lingering calf injury, but his vic-
tory at last years Great North Run
his debut half-marathon signalled
a return to form and provided a wel-
come return of his legendary, devas-
tating kick.
Despite beating Farah in that
race, Bekele has opted not to go
head to head with him in the Lon-
don marathon, choosing instead
to race Paris still one of the top-
tier marathons but a race where
the pressure is likely to be far less
intense.
Paris is a historical place for me.
Its a special place for me. I won so
many races there so Im happy to
run there again, he said.
Bekele said he is currently put-
ting in around 240 kilometres (150
miles) of training per week in prepa-
ration, all at altitude.
If I train well, if I prepare myself
very well ... Im not worried about
anybody. I will just concentrate on
my race to be the best and run fast,
he said, stressing that he was train-
ing as hard for the marathon as he
has done in the past.
Hes also hoping to secure the
same legendary status as national
hero Gebreselassie, arguably the
greatest runner in history, who at
41 is still giving athletes 10 years his
junior a run for their money.
AFP
Bekele aims for marathon record
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Reg. No. 4/14905/2012 Reg. No. 4/14906/2012
Used in respect of:-Medical waste treatment equipment;
current generators; generators of electricity; waste compacting
machines; waste disposals; waste disposers [machines].
(International Class 7)
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those goods from a general merchandise catalogue by mail
order or by means of telecommunications, from a general
merchandise global communications network website, or in
a retail or wholesale outlet; ordering services (for others)
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Tin Ohnmar Tun & The Law Chambers
Ph: 0973150632
Email:law_chambers@seasiren.com.mm
(For.Allen & Gledhill LLP, Singapore)
Dated. 20
th
January, 2014
Sport 63 www.mmtimes.com
MELBOURNE
Extreme heat forces rare
Aussie Open suspension
E
XTREME heat forced or-
ganisers to suspend play for
several hours at the Austral-
ian Open last week, following
days of complaints about in-
humane conditions which left some
players fainting and vomiting.
With temperatures hitting 42 Cel-
sius (107.6 Fahrenheit), ofcials nally
called a halt just before 2pm, hauling
players of courts and closing the roofs
on the two main arenas.
The rare shutdown was the rst in
ve years and follows near-record heat
in Melbourne which buckled tram-
lines and prompted 1000 bushres in
the surrounding state.
The full schedule was due to re-
sume four hours later at 6pm for a
busy evening as players worked their
way through a packed agenda of sec-
ond-round singles matches plus dou-
bles.
But in a bizarre twist, the action
was further delayed by a sudden
downpour which soaked the courts
as the players were getting ready to
return.
Some competitors have been furi-
ous about playing in this weeks oven-
like heat after several fell ill during
their matches. Britains Andy Mur-
ray warned organisers were risking a
tragedy.
Canadas Frank Dancevic said he
hallucinated a vision of cartoon dog
Snoopy before blacking out, and Chi-
nas Peng Shuai vomited and cramped
up during her loss to Kurumi Nara.
Ivan Dodig said he was afraid he
was about to die after sufering severe
cramps and retiring after four sets of
his match against Damir Dzumhur.
Americas Varvara Lepchenko was
the latest victim on Thursday when
she had her pulse and blood-pressure
checked and was rubbed down with
ice by staf during a medical time-out.
Some of the girls cant even talk af-
ter the match or practice, said Polish
fth seed Agnieszka Radwanska.
Maria Sharapova was unlucky
when the halt was announced dur-
ing her third set against Karin Knapp,
meaning she could not come of until
it was over. The third set went to 10-8,
lasting nearly two hours.
Afterward, the Russian star ques-
tioned the policy of making players
nish their sets and said organisers
should be more open about when and
why play will be suspended.
There is no way [of ] getting
around the fact that the conditions
were extremely difcult, and have
been for the last few days, she said.
I mean, I think the question I have
is no one really knows what the limit
is not the players, the trainers them-
selves when you ask them when will
the roof be closed?
Attendances have dropped sharply
since January 13s rst-day record of
47,491. On January 15, the gure was
about a third lower, at 32,911.
Melbourne Parks outdoor stadi-
ums took on the surreal air of wait-
ing rooms on January 16 as spectators
fanned themselves and sucked ice
lollies while waiting for the action to
restart.
Only a small crowd braved the ven-
ues unshaded garden area to watch
the big-screen broadcast of home hope
Thanasi Kokkinakis taking on world
number one Rafael Nadal in the closed
Rod Laver Arena.
Doing physical exercise in this
heat is just unbelievable, said Frances
Alize Cornet. Even for the fans, sitting
in the sun must be terrible.
January 16s temperatures peaked
at 43.4 Celsius in mid-afternoon and
the heat was forecast to reach 44 Cel-
sius on January 17 before dropping
sharply on January 18.
The readings make it one of
Melbournes worst heatwaves,
comparable to 2009 when severe
bushfires in the surrounding state
devoured entire towns, killing 173
people.
The 2009 Australian Open,
when the extreme heat policy was
last enforced, was also the hottest
on record with an average daily
temperature of 34.7 Celsius.
Organisers did not give a re-
sponse when asked to comment on
the players criticisms about the
heat policy. At 9:30pm, after the
rainstorm, the temperature had
dropped to 32 Celsius. AFP
Spectators take a break from the blistering heat. Photo: AFP
Sport
64 THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014 SPORT EDITOR: Tim McLaughlin | timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com
Indian Olympians
left out in the cold
SPORT 62
M
YANMARs national
sport of chinlone will
be included at the 28
th

Southeast Asian Games
in Singapore next year,
the Myanmar Chinlone Federation
says. The 2015 appearance will mark
the second time chinlone has been
included as an ofcial sport in the
Games, after its debut in Myanmar
in December.
Five nations competed in the
chinlone category in Nay Pyi Taw
but Myanmar dominated the event,
winning gold medals in six of eight
available categories. Limited to six
appearances, the home side did
not contest two of the chinlone
competitions, leaving the eld open
for Thailand to take victory.
Chinlone in which a circle of
players keep a woven rattan ball
aloft using their feet shares aspects
of Thailands tepak sekraw and other
regional sports. But some criticised
its inclusion in the 2013 Sea Games,
as its not played outside Myanmar,
and called it a agrant attempt to
boost Myanmars medal count.
But after its successful regional
debut, Singapore has decided to
keep the sport, in which it won one
bronze in the mens non-repetition
event. And with Indonesia and the
Philippines expected to take part
for the rst time, the competition
could be tougher for the competition
favourites in 2015.
Next SEA Games we will increase
the number of competing nations,
said U Pyae Sone Myint, joint
secretary of the Myanmar Chinlone
Federation, as he expressed pride at
having introduced the sport to other
Southeast Asian nations.
He added he was condent
Myanmar would be able to maintain
its dominance in 2015, but warned
its athletes would need to maintain
their perfect discipline.
We helped to introduce nations
such as Singapore to the sport
[before the 2013 SEA Games], he
said.
We respect all our opponents
but they cant beat us because this
sport is our traditional sport. We
are condent we can succeed. They
can study this sport closely, but they
wont beat us.
Chinlone stays in
for next SEA Games
KYAW ZIN HLAING
kyawzinhlaing91@gmail.com
The national team competes at the recent SEA Games in Nay Pyi Taw. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
EMBATTLED New York Yankees third
baseman Alex Rodriguez led a law-
suit against Major League Baseball
and its players union Monday in a bid
to overturn a 162-game doping ban.
The 42-page ling in US District
Court in Manhattan claims arbitrator
Fredric Horowitz showed partiality in
only trimming what had been a 211-
game ban to 162 games plus playofs,
suspending the sports highest-paid
player for the entire 2014 season.
The ban is still the longest doping-
related suspension in major league
history, longer than the 12 players who
admitted wrongdoing in the Biogen-
esis doping scandal, because Major
League Baseball said Rodriguez took
steps to impede the investigation into
his use of banned substances.
Rodriguez, a three-time American
League Most Valuable Player, also says
the Major League Baseball Players As-
sociation (MLBPA) did not fairly rep-
resent him in the arbitration process,
which both the union and the league
say is the nal word on the matter
based on the union agreement with
club owners.
The lawsuit claimed it was harmed
by harassing and unethical investi-
gatory conduct perpetrated by MLB
during its investigation and the union
did not back Rodriguez.
In the face of such overwhelming
wrongdoing by MLB and in response
to Mr. Rodriguezs pleas, MLBPA took
no action to stem MLBs rampant
misconduct with respect to the Bio-
genesis suit, the lawsuit said.
In November, Rodriguez stormed
out of an arbitration session, unhappy
that Major League Baseball commis-
sioner Bud Selig did not have to ap-
pear to be cross-examined over the
leagues investigation ndings and
procedures, including evidence and
testimony from Biogenesis director
Anthony Bosch, whose credibility Rod-
riguez has challenged and who was
also unavailable for cross-examination
by Rodriguezs attorneys in the hear-
ing, a move allowed by Horowitz over
Rodriguezs objections.
Rodriguezs lawsuit claims Selig vio-
lated terms of the union deal in his pur-
suit of Rodriguez, which A-Rod says
was aimed to bring him down to boost
the sports anti-doping reputation.
The lawsuit describes Horowitz as
somewhere between a casual fan and
a junkie when it comes to baseball
and says the arbitrator had personal
incentives to maintain his position
as the neutral arbitrator for all MLB/
MLBPA arbitrations by doing MLBs
bidding.
The complaint also noted Major
League Baseball red arbitrator Shy-
am Das, Horowitzs predecessor, after
he overturned a 50-game suspension
for Milwaukee Brewers outelder
Ryan Braun in 2012.
Das ring sent a clear signal to
future arbitrators that job security is
contingent upon favorable rulings for
MLB, the lawsuit said.
Rodriguezs lawyers say they were
prevented for examining texts pur-
portedly between Rodriguez and
Bosch and accused Horowitz of leak-
ing condential information about the
case to media outlets.
Horowitz, in his ruling, said MLB
produced clear and convincing evi-
dence that Rodriguez took steroids
and human growth hormones and
there was just cause to support the
length of the suspension.
While this length of suspension
may be unprecedented for a MLB
player, so is the misconduct he com-
mitted, Horowitz wrote.
AFP
A-Roid les lawsuit
over 2014 season ban
NEW YORK
While this length of
suspension may be
unprecedented ... so
is the misconduct he
committed.
Fredric Horowitz
Claims arbitrator for US District
Court in Manhattan

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WWW.MMTIMES.COM ISSUE 713 | JANUARY 20 - 26, 2014

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