Acumen Magazine November 2013

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Editors Note
It is hard to say with any certainty what changes the next month will bring. But it is our commitment to try our best to make the readers get the best documentation and analyses of the developments in Myanmar. This South East Asian nation has been undergoing profound and rapid changes in the past couple of years. Still there are several issues that need to be addressed urgently and the crucial thing are the good faith and efforts of all the stakeholders. On top of them is the issue of 2008 Constitution followed by national reconciliation and rule of law. To create an investor- friendly business environment, it is no doubt that political stability is a pre-requisite. The world today is experiencing an ever-greater need for energy. Developed and developing countries are compulsively looking for energy sources worldwide and Myanmar has been an obvious nation rich in natural resources. This issue of Acumen looks at this politically important energy sector in-depth from many different angles including the use, management, transparency, people's rights and federal system of natural resources. It has also discussed how the natural resources are impacting on the peace and constitution of this nation of 60 million people. Myanmar will be busier at least in the next two years. She will be hosting SEA Games in 2014 and taking the Asean chair the following year. Tourism industry will definitely see far better opportunities as well as challenges. This month, we have included an interesting tourism piece called the Trend of Riverine Cruise in Myanmar. It was quite a coincidence that all major competitors in this industry happen to be all women entrepreneurs while women representation has been quite low in other areas including politics. Other interesting stories include How free can Myanmar be?" and Is Myanmar a mysterious country for foreign investors?" among others. We do hope you will enjoy reading this November issue like the previous ones. Thank you! A
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Editorial Board
CEO / Chief Editor Dr. Htet Zan Linn Director Dr. Hein Thu Aung, Tin Tun Kyaw Executive Editor Phyo Wai Editors Hein Zaw, Khin Win, Khaing Minn Nyo Contributors Hein Zaw, Myitmakha, Dr. Tin Maung Kyi, Naing Thit, Mikael Knudsen, Khaing Minn Nyo Cover Hatt Kawt Designers Aung Aung (AN Computer), Thaw Tar Oo Computer Operator Zin Wai Wai Shein Marketing Department January Khine Mon, Naw Keziah, Yadanar, Nan Mo, May Hsu Mo Mo Photographers Aung Kyaw Moe (New Image) Hein Zaw, Khaing Minn Nyo
Advisors
Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet (President's Economic Advisor) Prof. Maw Than (Rector (Ret), Yangon Institute of Economics Yangon) Soe Tint Aung (Special Consultant for Advocacy, PSI Myanmar) Dr. Tun Lwin (Consultant, Myanmar Climate Change Watch,Tun Lwin Foundation) Than Lwin (Deputy Governor (Ret), Central Bank of Myanmar) Tin Zan Kyaw (Principal, Device Business Management Academy) Grace Swe Zin Htaik (Media Advocacy Advisor, PSI Myanmar)
Publisher and Copyright Dr. Htet Zan Linn Printer
Office
No. 24/26, 4B-C, Race Course Condo, South Race Course Street, TAMWE TOWNSHIP, YANGON Tel : (+959) 420033355 66 77 (Hot Line), (+959) 73045140, 49317457, 73143313, (+951) 8603886, 8603887 ~ ~ myanmarb2b@gmail.com ceo@myanmarb2bmagazine.com, management@myanmarb2bmagazine.com, editor@myanmarb2bmagazine.com, marketing@myanmarb2bmagazine.com,
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Voices
United States of America was one of the countries holding sanction on Myanmar for a long time. It will be a miracle that they did not notice that US$11 billion is in the bank.
U Ye Htut Deputy Minister of Information
The mindset of leadership is the determination to serve, not to lead, and it is the determination and the commitment to serve that decides who is the real leader, and not the desire to be a leader.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Chairperson National League for Democracy Party
List of ownership by each governmental official includes house, land, vehicle, jewelry, and money in banks, have to report in sealed envelope to the President.
U Soe Thein Union Minister at President Office
The remaining two years of this Parliamentary term of five years will be up soon. But land issues will remain in the next term of parliament and government. At present, we are trying to be better administration all the issues from previous military government.
U Khine Maung Yi Member of Land Confiscation Investigation Commission
To reform for the development of a country, one or two years is not enough. We are trying hard for democracy transformation in these two years that we never have before. To reach better development, we have to try hard for next four or five years.
U Moe Myint Kyaw Secretary-General Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI)
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Photo Feature
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September 2013
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News in Brief
Japanese airline starts Tokyo - Yangon direct flight
The Japanese major airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), has begun Yangon-Tokyo route since early September, an official said at the Myanmar-Japan Association celebration at Sedona in Yangon. The airline used Boeing 767-300 ER airplane which can carry 202 passengers of which 35 are business class. After 12 years' suspension, ANA was recommencing the regular direct flight between Tokyo and Yangon thrice a week. There are a total of 22 international airlines flying to Myanmar and eight airlines are operating domestically. A
In promoting vocational training sectors, in strengthening the TVET system project aims innovative strategies for vocational training have been tested in practice and incorporated into the reform process of Myanmar's vocational training and education system. To help develop the financial sector, GIZ will offer a loan of 4.5 million Euros (US$5.82 million) to Myanmar small and medium enterprises (SME) realizing that SMEs play a key role of country's sustainable economic development. GIZ believes that SMEs will be able to drive economic growth and social development in Myanmar. Last August, GIZ had a discussion with Myanmar businessmen for technical help of Myanmar tea development and its international market. Now, the GIZ is implementing two projects- Strengthening the TVET System and Financial Sector Development in Myanmar and it will be finished in 2015. A
Committee, said: The conflict is not huge, not a gigantic problem. So there are some problems but I think that they are not insurmountable problems. It can be tackled in due course. That is one part. Another part is that this area is quite immune from those crises." The SEZ is one of the most important investment zones of the country. Thilawa and Dawei SEZs in southern part of the country are well known projects. The government will ensure to be stable and peaceful for investors. The clashes between Bengali Muslims and ethnic Rakhine are under the control of Martial Law but effects of the law impact more than northern part of the state. The Kyauk Phyu SEZ expects to see an initial investment of US$277 million, with the first phase of development due for completion in 2016. The government calls open tenders since last year. A
Government pledges for Kyauk Phyu SEZ security

Myanmar government has been identifying the economic potentials to contribute to the country's economic development and is committed to develop Kyauk Phyu Special Economic Zone in Rakhine State. The SEZ is under the new law including free trade zones, tax incentives and other attractive offers for the investors. Dr. Mg Maung Thein, Deputy Finance Minister and Vice Chairman of the Kyauk Phyu SEZ Bid Evaluation and Awarding
KBZ wins two awards this year
German helps three sectors of Myanmar development
During a visit to Myanmar in February last year, German Federal Minister Niebel announced that German International Cooperation (GIZ) would further expand sustainable economic development in three sectors-promoting vocational training, strengthening the private sector and developing financial sector.
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The Ministry of Finance announced the list of top 100 highest taxpayers in Myanmar on 14 September. Among those, Kanbawza Bank was awarded the highest taxpayer for 2012-2013 financial year. Last June, Kanbawza Group was chosen the Best Corporate Governance award for 2013 by World Finance Magazine for the first time to a Myanmar bank along with AECOM from USA, South Koreabased Samsung, Phillips from the Netherlands and Glaxo Smith Kline from UK. Best Corporate Governance is an annual award given out by World Finance and selection criteria includes the manNovember 2013
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agement quality, the equal treatment on the stakeholders, transparency and honesty and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). KBZ Bank has been operating through 120 branches in Myanmar. Its 121st branch has been opened in Mandalay since 20 September. KBZ Group is not only doing banking but also in other sectors such as construction, garment industry, insurance, oil industry, communication, cement, aviation business and mining under U Aung Ko Win, the Chairperson. A
Myanmar sees investment growth in construction sector
To invest in high-rise building construction, Soilbuild Construction Group Ltd. (SBCG) has inked a contract to provide project management and professional consulting services for construction of 24storey residential towers in Myanmar. Mr Ho Toon Bah, Executive Director of SBCG, said: Myanmar holds enormous potential as the country opens its doors to the rest of the world. We look forward to extending our construction arm in Myanmar and delivering our high standard of professional services to our clients." According to Myanmar officials, there are K 713 billion worth of local investment in construction industries. Myanmar Investment Commission has been inviting more international companies to invest in construction sectors. A
ployees through local job agencies. A consumer said, Most of foods produced in Myanmar and exported from other neighboring countries have no accountability for healthcare and consumer rights. Nestle is an international company. So, I hope that Nestle will value consumer rights depending on the demand from Myanmar consumers." A
Hotel construction in a rush to be ready for Sea Games
Food giant Nestle enters Myanmar groceries market
Realising the need to upgrade Myanmar infrastructure, a number of foreign construction companies has entered Myanmar this year. Last August, a Japanese Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Mr Akihiro Otha met with Myanmar Minister for Construction,U Kyaw Lwin, in Naypyitaw. The Japanese minister pledged to help Thakayta (Pazundaung-Dawbon) bridge construction as Japan-Myanmar friendship-bridge: to give necessary expertise for road safety of Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and construction for housing development. On September 17, in Naypyidaw, the delegation lead by Mr. Shin Hnoto, Deputy Director General from MLIT also had a meeting with Myanmar official from Directorate of Investment and Company Administration to cooperate in construction industries.
The Switzerland-based food giant, Nestle has entered Myanmar groceries market via Thailand. The company has been operating in Thailand for more than 120 years. Nestle Myanmar Co., Ltd. has been formed to tap Myanmar market after getting permission from the DICA (Directorate of Investment and Company Administration) last September. Nestle will produce and market coffee, bottled water, milkshakes and other beverages, breakfast cereals, infant nutritional foods, seasonings, soups and sauces, frozen foods and pet food for Myanmar consumers. Nestle Myanmar is also looking for local marketing and manufacturing em-
The countdown is coming on until the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games (SEA) in Myanmar on 11 December for the first time. To manage the hotel rooms demand by Sea Games participants, Myanmar is in a rush to complete new hotels construction in Nay Pyi Taw in time, according to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. U Htay Aung, Union Minister of Hotels and Tourism, said, Sea Games committee will take full responsibility for players and invited persons" in a meeting with hotel construction personnel in Naypyitaw. They expected 4,200 rooms in 53 new hotels are able to accommodate 3,700 people especially special guests, players, and jurors, team managers as well as other Sea Games tourists. At present, 40 hotels have been completed in the Naypyitaw Hotel Zone, with 13 still under construction, according to the ministry. It is expected that about 1.5 million tourists will visit Myanmar this year. More licenses for the hotel and tourism industries are thus being allowed, to cater to the increase in arrivals. A
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News in Brief
Prospect of two groups' MoU: to Myanmar Economic potential
much potential - its economy to over US$200 billion by 2030, according to a recent report by McKinsey Global Institute. A
eYangon will be ready soon

eYangon is founded since 2012 by the Government of Yangon in the form of PPP (Public-Private Partnership). The policies were laid out by the Government of Yangon and developed by the Private Computer firms who also are the members of Myanmar Computer Industry Association (MCIA). Room No. 219 of Yangon Parliament is used as the head-quarter for eYangon Project. Operations will start on 30 September 2013. eYangon will start by developing a web portal with its own url, www.eyangon.gov.mm. One of the features of Web Portal is creating opportunities for people of Yangon. eYangon Web Portal will provide the services by government agencies, news, announcements and other useful information to people. Generally saying, it started as web presence then later develops step by step through the seamless online web portal stage. International ICT Exhibition will be host in Yangon on 17 October 2013. eYangon Web Portal has plan for Soft Launch' at that exhibition. People can then visit the portal at www.eyangon.gov.mm. As soon as the development stage is completed then it will transferred to Yangon Government. The committee of eYangon is chaired by Chief Minister of Yangon with about 20 members. The project is planned to develop in three stages. At first, Web Portal will provide the information services from Yangon Government ministries, Yangon City Development Committee and any other organizations under Yangon Government. Secondly, the portal is planned to be interactive such as forms fillings, asking
Last October, a Singapore Exchange Main Board Listed Company, Yoma Strategic Holdings Co., Ltd. signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan's largest general trading company, to jointly explore business potential in Myanmar. This MoU makes firmly strong the current operation of two groups and opened the gate of upcoming business potential opportunities in Myanmar. Yoma Stretegic Holdings Ltd. is one of flagship companies of SPA (Serge Pun & Associates) Group together with First Myanmar Investment Co., Ltd. Yoma Strategic has started to operate Mitsubishi's first after sales service centre in Yangon as a first step of alliance with Mitsubishi Corporation. Not only Yoma Strategic but also SPA, it has been the exclusive distributor of Mitsubishi elevators and escalators in Myanmar market since 1998. This alliance with Mitsubishi Corporation will be instrumental to further collaboration between the parties and ensure that our ongoing projects will continue to progress well." Andrew Rickards, Yoma Strategic's chief executive, said. Singapore listed Yoma Strategic has operation in real estate, agriculture, the automotive industry and luxury tourism in Myanmar. Mitsubishi Corporation runs as its global business with more than 60,000 employees in about 90 countries worldwide. Myanmar is on the way of economic, political and social reforms which means
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questions, call for requests, complaints, eCall Center services. Finally, the portal is targeted to serve the online transactional interactive services such as applying license, paying tax, retrieving information by searching through provided databases, Live Updated traffic information and so on. eYangon will act as the platform service for other infrastructure development programme. So, it will support in development of eGovernment systems of Myanmar. eYangon portal will not only serve for the people of Yangon and Myanmar but also to foreigners. It will also serve the inter-governmental department communications. Mr. U Min Oo, Chariman of MCIA, is one of the responsible persons for the development of eYangon. He also mentioned that he cannot confirm the project finishing date as it depends on many factors such as HR and financing issues. It also depends on participation, readiness
of other organizations connecting to eYangon. Digital Yangon 2008 was planned since 2003 by the eGovernment Implementing Committee chaired by the then Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt but suspended in 2005. eYangon is similar to it but updated and adopted to the current technologies. A
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Cover Story
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he world today is experiencing an ever-greater need for energy. De veloped as well as developing countries are scrawbling for energy sources worldwide. Energy fuel supply has now become part of a country's security and national interest. Powerful countries for their own national interests, have now come to adopt various approaches to gain access to global energy sources such as oil, natural gas, hydropower coal, etc., particularly those in smaller countries. Myanmar is unquestionably rich in natural resources ranking number 42 on the International Energy Agency's list of countries rich in natural resources. Unfortunately, however, inept management seems to have made Myanmar one of those countries which, though amply blessed with natural resources, do not achieve as much progress as they should. Following the country's transition from military rule to democracy a growing number of foreign business people have expressed interest in making an investment in Myanmar, mostly in the energy sector. China has the largest share of foreign investment in this country. Chinese companies have been here since the days of the military government.
Rakhine State: Myanmar's Treasure Trove

Natural gas is being extracted in Yetagon, Yadana, Shwe and Zawtika sites. It is sold to Thailand and China. The largest in terms of supply is from Shwe site. Most of the business the people in the Rakhine State do is export business, particularly to neighbouring Bangaladesh and upstream by the Kaladan river to Mizuram in India. The Rakhine state produces agricultural and animal husbandry goods. There are fisheries and sun-dried salt industry by the Bay of Bengal. As regards foreign investment, the state has investors in its 27 off-shore Shwe (means Gold) gas project with China, South Korea and India operating in blocks 1, 2 and 3. To meet the energy needs of
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China, gas from the Gold gas project area is conveyed through the pipeline at Kyaukphyu. Oil purchased from the Middle East and Africa is to be refined at Kyaukphyu and then sent to China's Yunan province through the oil pipeline at the rate of about 200,000 barrels a day. The Gold gas project and the oil pipeline project have some multi-national shareholders: Daewoo International Corp (51 per cent). Mumbai-based OVL (17pc), Myanmar MOGE (15pc), India's GAIL (8.5pc) and Korea's KOGAS (8.5pc). At Kyaykphyu, which is a deep-sea port, a railway track, an airfield and a special economic zone comprising industrial zones are projected to be constructed. The initial investment would be in the order of US$8.3 billion and it would be 89.2 billion for a period of 35 years. The project comprises the construction of a 800 kilometre long railroad from Kyaukphyu to Shweli in China at an estimated cost of US$ 20 billion. It is stipulated in the MOU that the constructions are to be under China's control for 30 years before being handed over to Myanmar. The Rakhine Oil Watch says there is a plan to build a highway between Kyaukphyu and Shweli. India has its own chunk of investment in Myanmar in the form of Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project being carried out by ESSAR under the aegies of the Ministry of External Affairs of India. The Indian government had meant it for the development of its Northeast frontier areas as part of the agreement the two countries signed during Vice Senior General Maung Aye's visit to India in 2008. The project is expected to cost US$200 million and to be completed by 2015. The hydropower projects include the Lay Myo Project and the Tha-htay-chaung project which is still under way. There is an agreement with Vietnam's MYSICO on the extraction of decorative marble from the Nay Pu Taung mountain at Taungup. The project starting in 2013 is expected to produce a total of 7850 metric tons of
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Oil container tanks construction site in Kyauk Phyu to load purified oil and gas to China / Thet Naing Htun
Sittwe port construction site of Kalandan Multimodal Transit Transport Project / Khaing Minn Nyo
Upgradation Sittwe port of Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project / Khaing Minn Nyo
Stand-by position of a ship at Kyauk Phyu sea port construction site / shwe.org
Impact of digging the hills in Ramree Island by CNPCs constructional heavy vehicles / shwe.org
870 kilometers long Pipe line to Yunan / shwe.org
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marble for a period of 25 years. Some foreign companies are said to be doing a feasibility study of Rakhine coastal sand for extraction of titanium. disadvantage against international prices. A Rakhine businessman said This advance sale to China makes the prices less in worth when compared to prices in the next 20 or 30 years''. Though the Chinese companies had assured that their investment in that part of the country would create jobs for the local people, yet what it all results is losses for the people. There have been damages to the natural environment and the ecolocal fishing industry suffers because of restrictions on fishing grounds. The forests that used to serve as natural dike against flooding are all but depleted. All that lack of accountability produces a damaging effect on the social life and human rights of the local people as well as the natural environment. The jobs they give us are manual jobs such as carrying bricks and stones and that only on a short-term basis and
The Curse of Natural Resources?
Every undertaking produces good results as well as bad results. If all parties involved are working together in an open and transparent manner each getting a just and fair share of the benefit there will be a harmonious relationship. Any undertaking that only benefits a certain elite group controlling it while the rest of the stakeholders are left to suffer is simply an unjust and unfair business. A 30 year deal with China on the sale of 12 billion cubic metres of Rakhine offshore natural gas earns Myanmar a yearly income of about US$2 billion. There is yet another income expected as natural gas pipeline passage fees at the rate of $13.81million a year amounting to a total of $ 414.3 million for a 30year period. Crude oil pipeline passage fee one dollar per ton, which Local Fishermens livelihood in Kaladan River, Rakhine State / Khaing Minn Nyo means an income for Myanmar of over $6 million for 22 million tonnes of crude oil for 30 years, according to a system all along the 30 metre wide and low-paid'' said U Maung Aye Naing of report prepared by the Gold gas activists. 870 kilometre long Gold gas pipeline pas- Maday Kyun whose land was taken away It is only natural that an economic sage through such parts of the country as by the local authorities, adding, A conundertaking results either in loss or profit, the Rakhine State, Magwe region, siderable number of our villagers, includbut one has the right to sell or not to sell Mandalay region and Shan State, where ing my son, left for Thailand. From there Myanmar's natural gas sale is of the na- irresponsible earth digging and dumping he'll go on to Malaysia where his brotherture of black market sale, but a country's had occurred. The local people were ren- in-law is staying''. There is a demand by the local natural resources are not to be treated as dered landless and jobless. Marine life is also being threatened with gradual ex- people for necessary corrective action for things to be put on the black market. Myanmar's sale of natural gas is an tinction as a result of underwater detona- damaged social and environmental life of advance sale, which puts the price at a tion in prospecting for natural gas. The the people. The people there consider
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makes or does not make necessary changes in its development programmes. In Alaska, which the US purchased from Russia for $7.2 million the US government managed to exploit its oil resources producing over 21 million barrels of oil and 34 billion cubic feet of natural gas monthly. Alaska receives income from the federal government as land lease charges as well as a proper share of financial gain. The US constitution stipulates that the country's natural resources must be treated as natural heritage belonging to all the US citizens. Income from a sale of natural resources are kept as permanent reserve fund, of which 25 percent is used as investment. From 1982 to 2009 payment by cheque to the people amounted to $17.5 million. In 2008, they recurred $2,000 each. In 2010 Norway, one of the world's top-ten natural gas producers had a total of 2 trillion cubic centimetres of natural gas still untapped. With a view to meeting the economic challenges likely to result from the eventual depletion of its oil reserves, the governMarine Life on Rakhine Coast in Danger of Extinction from Mine Blasts / ment set aside its revnarinjara.com enue from oil and natural gas as a reserve fund its part said it has earmarked $10 million the Rakhine State in Myanmar but also called Norwegian pension fund. There are a number of restrictions on the use and for regional development and two mil- for China as well. lion yearly as compensation for losses and management of that fund to ensure that it damages incurred during the project op- How they use their natural re- is used in an effective way. It can be transferred to the state budget account only eration. But U Tint Htoo Aung of the sources Rakhine National Congress said that the There are many instances of misman- with the approval of Parliament and if authorities concerned are remiss in ful- agement regarding Myanmar's natural re- cannot be used for any personal or prifilling their obligations. sources from the viewpoint of the way vate purpose. Countries the world over have laws Every economic project has its mer- other countries do it. Every country has its and demerits. It is a standard interna- inadequacies or deficiencies. Progress of that curb the indiscriminate extraction of tional practice to weigh them in proper a country varies according to how it natural resources. They have strategies
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their local natural resources not as a blessing but rather as a curse. We do not see any protective measures for the environment in the project'' said U Oo Hla Myint. If that natural gas does make a wreak of a farmer's life it might be taken as something of a curse''. In its web page the Energy Ministry speaks about accountability' and transparency' regarding its implementation of socio economic projects China's CNPC on
balance rather than focusing on the good results alone. The project now under implementation in the Rakhine State has flaws: a case in point is a gas leakage in September with the resultant outbreak of fire; the Chinese people in Kunming themselves took to the street in an anti-pipeline demonstration, and there were also protests by Myanmar people abroad in 2012 and 2013. The entire gas pipeline project is full of challenges not only for
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to cope with the eventual depletion of their natural resources. Their open and transparent style of management ensures that all those involved gets a just and fair share of the profit from the exploitation of natural resources. That contributes a lot to the development of the country.
Natural Resources and Management and Transparency

Natural resources are not a curse. Rather, under open and transparent management, they can be treasures of immense value. That kind of management calls for a good understanding of relevant international management norms. Myanmar has expressed its wish to be a member of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and President U Thein Sein is trying to get it realized. EITI plays a supportive role in the sustainable development of countries rich in natural resources by helping promote financial management public awareness and participation, transparency and accountability regarding how the governments handle the finances of their extractive industries. At present transparency is lacking not just in the Rakhine State alone. The people of the Rakhine State get nothing from the gas sale'' said U Aye Thar Aung. In fact, I don't know how and where those gas sale proceeds are used in Myanmar as a whole. This utter lack of openness is just undesirable''. Countries can gain benefit by acting in conformity with the norms and guidelines set down in the Natural Resources Charter that aims at creating a better understanding between people and their governments, thereby contributing to economic growth.
Lack of equitable distribution of wealth generated by the country's natural resources is said to be one of the causes of civil war. Civil wars hamper progress of a country. Myanmar's protracted civil war is closely related to the sharing of natural resources.
rise to protest among the people of the Rakhine State. The Rakhine political parties and social organizations. Our state, one of the poor in Myanmar producing natural gas that really makes us happy, but the fact that the Rakhine people haven't got any benefit from it to this day makes us feel unfairly treated'' said U Aye Thar Aung, chairman of the Arakan League for Democracy as well as Secretary of CRPP. It is not the Rakhine State alone that is denied their rightful share of the bonanza. The Mon State, that has Mottama offshore projects Yetagon and Yadana has its people suffering losses and damages due to the projects. Mon Democratic Party chairman U Naing Ngwe Thein said, All that have been extracted are sold to Thailand with none of the people benefitting from it''. He added True federal system is the only way to ensure equitable distribution wealth and the rights of the indigenous people. The matter of sharing the natural
Natural Resources and the Rights

Minister for Electrical Power U Khin Maung Soe said in one of the First National Assembly that the natural gas was solely for sale to China and for the development of Central Myanmar not for use in the Rakhine State. That remark gave
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resources brings in the question of the 2008 constitution of the country regarding power sharing and sharing of natural resources. The provisions in the constitution as regards these issues should reflect a fair and just compromise between the central government and the provincial governing bodies.
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offshore natural gas platform in the troll gas field off the west coast of Norway
Natural Resources and the Constitution

The existing constitution was drawn up at the Nyaung Hnapin Convention and approved in a reference. It was preceded by 1947 constitution drawn up by the AFPFL government and the 1974 constitution by the BSPP under U Ne Win Po-
litical parties legal experts and civil societies point out some flaws and loopholes in the constitution. Article 37, for instance, calls for reviewing, it says to the effect that the government is the bona fide owner of all the natural resources that exist in water, air and on land. It also invests the government with the power
to enact laws on exploitation of the country's natural resources. That's just unfair'' commented the Gold gas activists. There are two groups of people with different approaches to amending the constitution. One group wants to do it in Parliament and the other one outside. Mon Democratic Party chairman U Naing Ngwe
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Thein said, There's little chance of success if we do it with the government. We'll do it outside Parliament only when necessary, we'll present it to Parliament'' U Hla Myint, a Rakhine businessman expressed his views, saying It's just not feasible to amend the 2008 constitution. It'd be like trying to alter a rather tight jacket. Just a little alteration here and there won't do. We should do the whole thing over, based on the best model of democracy and federation in the world that suits our country'' Thura U Shwe Mann, Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw said,''We've formed a committee to review the constitution. It'll start working soon. When it will finish its work depends on its effort and the extent of participation by the MPs''. Myannar's current political process consists of several interdependent phases from ceasefire to peace from constitution amendment to a genuine democracy, and from power sharing to a genuine federal union. Federal system will play an important role in deciding on matters of rights for the individual constituent states of the Union.
Sudanese Vice-President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, left, and the Countrys main rebel leader John Garang shake hands after signing the long awaited peace accord / AFP
Natural Resources and Federal System

Now with the democratization efforts going on under President U Thein Sein the people have come to see that federalism does not mean the right of cession. They have begun to demand the right of self-determination, after having been distrustful of the governments that have denied them this right for nearly 60 years. So they are now unanimous in voicing their demand for self-determination. Federal system is best-suited to Myanmar with its eight major ethnic groups. Power sharing is a requisite for a federal system'' said Dr. Tu Ja If provincial governments are allowed to exercise the right of self-determination all the rest of the problems will solve itself''.
Natural Resources and Peace

President U Thein Sein has achieved
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a certain measure of progress in doing what his predecessors failed to do. Some of the armed groups have agreed to a ceasefire as part of their effort to get a political solution to political problems. An all inclusive conference like the historic Pang Long conference is expected. Lack of equitable distribution of wealth generated by the country's natural resources is said to be one of the causes of civil war. Civil wars hamper progress of a country. Myanmar's protracted civil war is closely related to the sharing of natural resources. There are similar cases Sudan for instance, had been engaged in civil war over the question of sharing the oilfields in its southern region until 2005 when both sides signed a peace agreement. Indonesia also had for so many years experienced a similar situation in connection with oil and natural gas until an agreement was reached in 2005. As the examples of the international study regarding with natural resource, fairly ratio allocation to producing region is a tactic to end civil war and implement for peace. 60 years long civil war in
Myanmar is based on the rights because ethnic armed groups and ethnic political parties believe in equality, self-determination and genuine federal union. That is why, fairly ration allocation of natural resource to producing region would be an acknowledgement of trust-building for peace and genuine federal union. In the end, natural resource will run out of the land. By the future plan of some countries for their national security and national interest, at the time they are struggling to own energy from other countries in various ways, it is invaluable Myanmar is full with natural resources. That would be out of question which is called Myanmar Resource Curse'. If it is an administration which is able to guarantee for transparency, fairly ratio allocation, priority for internal sufficient profit - respecting to international standards such as EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative), NRC (Natural Resource Charter), EIA (Environment Impact Assessment), SIA (Social Impact Assessment), FPIC (Free and Prior Informed Consent). A
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The Silent Killer

In September, there was a rampage of news, concerning food dangers in Myanmar. The most serious problem concerned not, as before, imported packed food stuffs from abroad but one traditional food called fish paste, that most Myanmar people have enjoyed for generations. Fish paste (that is boiled into a light gruel) which is an essential dish in most Myanmar's daily meal is very much a Myanmar peoples own product. It is mainly a product of Ayeyawady Region where there are several rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds. Many people were amazed when the Consumer Protection Association of Myanmar in early September announced that urea fertilizer was found in the fish paste sold in the market. In the simple production system where the fish is pounded to pulp and potted in jars, the report said that urea fertilizer was added to make the bones decomposition faster. But in the report submitted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before October it was stated that though urea was found in the sample fish paste sent to be tested it could not confirm if it was the fertilizer up until the time this feature was written on 10 October, it still remains controversial. Whether there is urea fertilizer mixed in the fish paste or not, the news has created suspicion between the consumer and producer. In a case relevant to fish paste
that occurred about four years ago, the FDA had banned ready-made fish paste because dangerous dye was used in making the food. Currently the ratio of chemical substances in basic food stuffs of Myanmar remains high. As dye is used in various cooking stuffs such as chilli powder, turmeric, bamboo-shoots, etc. it is also used with fruits to speed up ripeness. Some have labeled such dangerous foods as silent killers. Due to those chemical induced foods cancer disease is on the rise at an alarming rate and the WHO data said Myanmar is one of the highest cancer rates countries in South East Asia.
social community. Mainly it is said that some goods that arrive through border trade especially goods such as cement, fertilizers are fakes and of low quality. Concerning those goods of low quality, U Win Myint the Union Minister for Commerce himself told the media that There are instances of import of counterfeit fertilizers, counterfeit pesticide and counterfeit liqueur. We are reporting the matter to the president and thinking of how to deal with it".
The right of choice and capability

Myanmar, which has been out of touch with the rest of the world for about 20 years did not get the chance to choose modern products as they like. Myanmar was especially far from reputable western goods that had quality and social accountability. That Myanmar had to mainly import from Asian countries that included neighbours such as China, Thai and Malaysia. And importing, there was legal as well as illegal border trades daily. The matter is mentioned in the Commerce Journal. According to the Union Minister the amount of goods imported from Myawadi border trade between 2012 April 1 to July 31 was worth US$36 million while according to the figures available from Thailand, the amount was $520m. Thus it indicates that the legal and illegal trade difference
Violent life styles

When talking about consumers rights in Myanmar, other than speaking about dangerous foods, it should be mentioned about inconvenient and unqualified services and environment. In this under-developed country, travelling and communication are still difficult. Most citizens commuting daily are frustrated. In Yangon, the business city which has to depend on the bus, because railway service is ineffective and traffic jams are everywhere and every day. The commuters are packed in buses like sardines in a can. That is why the passengers refer to the bus service as stuffed like fish paste'. Goods that lack quality and unsafe work sites are a challenge to the Myanmar
Fish paste which is an essential dish in most Myanmar's daily meal
The ratio of chemical substances in basic food stuffs of Myanmar remains high
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Feature
is over 14 times amounting to $484m more in illegal trade." In illegal border trade most goods are imported from Thailand and China. As they are illegal goods there is no safety or quality warranty for the consumers in Myanmar, especially the illegal goods from China. As they are illegal goods there is no safety or quality warranty for the consumers in Myanmar. Especially illegal goods from China are notorious for their quality. Last year after rumours that sewage oil had been imported from China there is more hearsay that perilous animal oil is getting into the country. Beside the existence of such illegal traffic, the weak inspections of officials seem to be neglecting the danger. In relevant to the matter the parliamentarian Dr Than Win has told the Kamayut media as follows. The Administrators in charge lack transparency. They also lack accountability. And as so too in monitoring. Besides that it also lacks rule of law. I am very much amazed that the government has not viewed this as a national danger and dealt with it effectively. Besides that in Myanmar where business competition is not strong yet some internal business man in their greed have ignored the rights of the consumers. Many Myanmar entrepreneurs who have traditionally assumed that rightful trade is not beneficial have only started to hear about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in recent years. Due to these internal traders cum brokers illegal goods have been able to enter the country. As the Myanmar can produce low quality goods only even the Myanmars themselves avoid the Made in Myanmar' goods as much as they can. Due to low development as there is shortage in technology resource and skill, when void of business ethics, the internal products and services even cannot compete to its flow into a low quality region. Doing business as a crony of the powerful and ignoring the benefit of the consumer is what makes the Myanmars hate the entrepreneur. The other problems is that the Myanmar themselves lack knowledge of consumer rights. Even in buying goods at a store there are very few who look at the items' expire date. Most follow the drift of low price than quality. This is a natural phenomenon that Myanmars who lack health knowledge and suffer low income have to endure. The Myanmar citrzens have become quite used to consuming dyed food stuff and hazardous edible oil.
Inviting opportunities
A person cannot strenghten consumer protection individually, all need to participate. The government organization needs to truely do their job. There is criticism
Travelling is still difficult in Yangon
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A person cannot strenghten consumer protection individually, all need to participate
that though officials declare they have found out it lacks effective penalties. Referring to the condition of official regulation, U Kan Nyunt the former vice-chairman of the Consumer Protection Association of Myanmar has summarized as follows. I don't have to say anything of their findings. What would they do about their findings? How will it be destroyed. There must be transparency in laws and follow ups." Currently the consumer protection law is still at the discussion stage and it is estimated that it could be issued at the beginning of 2014. A solicitor says that though there is no pure consumer protection law in Myanmar there are over 30 relevant laws such as the National Drug Law (1992) and National Food Law (1996). Though there are such laws it is said that they need to be modified to suit the situation of today. Mainly there needs to be strict action taken in safety food measures that are the most dangerous to life. At present, the FDA is functioning with only over a hundred personnel, as criticized, it may lack accountability. Dr Htun Zaw the director of FDA himself has frankly admitted as follows.
Please do not compare the FDA of a least developed country with 60 million people functioning with a work force of only 100 with efficiency of the FDA of a developed country like the US.' As a tradition of transformation period, most people put the blame on the authorities. That attitude can clearly be seen in Myanmar that has been transforming for two years. Most criticisms concerning with the consumers right show that it is directly relevant to the administration in charge. That it is mainly the government's responsibility is quite true to a certain limit. There can be the former regimes ineffective influence such as weak laws, non-performance of present laws ,corruption and weak vitality. But in this transformation time as today, not only the officials but civil societies, media and the entire population should participate together. U Than Maung, an advocate has summarized as follows. In truth, consumer protection is not simply just the government's job. In other countries, the NGOs work. And that NGO needs to be a very strong NGO." In Myanmar the NGO organizations that are active are the consumer Protec-
tion of Myanmar and Myanmar Consumers Union that were formed, respectively in 2012. During the military government's regime the difficulty of forming civilian societies was a hindrance for the consumer protection case. Though the current two organisations are being active as much as they can they need much to disperse within the citizens. The worst fact is the loss of trust between government organizations and civilian organizations. According to interviews, some civilian organizations bellow that the government does not work, while some officials from government organizations view civilian organizations as vile. It can be said that though joint activity between the two have been earnestly called for, there are more accusations than cooperation. It is not a surprise that it is so with Myanmar in the current state of sudden wake up from its long sleep. This matter which cannot be immediately transformed needs a certain amount of time to be achieved. It is especially necessary to educate consumers themselves and the internal businessmen. Though low income is a hindrance for consumer, only when citizens realize consumer rights and subtly make the right choice would suitable protection be possible. One opportunity is that the time when competition will be fierce between foreign direct investment and Asean business community is approaching. At that time of free competition the local entrepreneur will have to head quality standard and for the consumer also there would be many to choose. Gradually goods and services that lack standard quality will certainly be decided by the consumers. As for Myanmar, that has lived a secluded life for decades the present time is a struggle in every factor as there are many challenges faced in the consumer protection factor that is most important for the social life. To overcome those challenges, the country needs good governance in the law enforcement and for the civilian organizations and citizens to be enthusiastically active. A
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Mr Antony, about 30 years of age, from Germany is taking pictures of Shwedagon pagoda looking up to it in amazement. He has never seen such a splendid pagoda before and he has visited Myanmar after hearing that there are a large number of pagodas and other interesting places to hang out. But he definitely was not happy with the room rates in Yangon. It's OK for me to pay hotel fees to stay in it, but the downtown Yangon is rather a long way from here," he said. He continued to explain that he had to stay in a cheap hotel at North Okkalapa Township as the rate of a decent hotel in downtown Yangon was too high although he wanted to be there. The number of international travelers has increased up to four times over that of 2011 in Myanmar. Daw Aung San Su Kyi was released from house arrest in November 2011. Then political prisoners were released. Tourists are entering the country because of such political changes. Certain number of foreign businessmen are here as economic sanctions on Myanmar have been lifted by the US and the EU," said a tour guide in Yangon. The entry of tourists into Myanmar has been dramatically increasing since 2011 and about 1.8 million of tourists have entered the country during the fiscal year 2012-2013 that ended on March 31.The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has forecasted three million will come in 2014/ 2015 fiscal year. Tourist arrivals in Myanmar during this year's open season have increased thanks to political reforms, according to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. The 1.06 million tourists visited the country last year (from January to December). There are over 900,000 foreign visitors who have entered the country from January to August. More than two million arrivals are expected by December," said an official from the Mnistry of Hotels and Tourism adding that such tourism boom is due to permission to enter the country
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through the border checkpoints. That depends on political reforms. The situation is not like before. The number of tourist arrivals has risen not only because of political reforms but also because of allowing them to enter the country via the borders," said the official. Hotels in Myanmar should be prepared to provide better services for many tourists expected to enter the country and the international standard rooms should be developed to accommodate the influx of foreign visitors coming to Myanmar, according to a source from Myanmar Hoteliers Association. Hotel construction is being expanded in major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyitaw and Mawlamyine and the interesting tourist attraction spots such as Bagan-Naung U and Inlay. A two-star floating hotel is under construction in Ayeyarwady River near Mandalay and will be completed by the time of SEA Games to be held from 11 to 22 December in Myanmar, according to construction manager U Lay Myint there. The floating hotel has 70 rooms of which 40 are double rooms, four suites and two meeting rooms. We've given top priority to safety of visitors. Bio tank with recycling system, KTV, Internet, library, sport hall, auto-fire extinguisher and recreation centers will be equipped in this floating hotel," U Lay Myint added. Despite influx of foreign visitors to Myanmar, they are facing some difficulties and one is lack of enough international standard hotels, poor hotel services and expensive rates, a tour guide said. The cost of a visit to Myanmar is higher compared to the cost of a visit to neighboring countries such as Thailand, Lao, Cambodia and Malaysia and the expenses of a ten-day travel to Myanmar are higher than two or three times to neighboring countries, said U Aye Kyaw, Managing Director of Ruby Land Travel Agency of Yangon. Some of the foreign travel agencies become fed up with our country. Some
Visitors are facing some difficulties such as the lack of international standard hotels, poor hotel services and expensive rates.
agents from abroad no longer even advertise Myanmar giving the reasons that their tickets are not in demand even though they have to spend much on advertisement. They say they are afraid that customers may misunderstand them. Customers may think it's a daylight robbery to charge prohibitive cost for a visit to Myanmar if they keep selling tickets at these high costs. In fact customers have to pay such exorbitant prices not because the foreign agents have not raised travel cost a lot but because hotel fees are too expensive here," U Aye Kyaw said. It is said that in other countries in Southeast Asia, a customer can stay in a hotel paying only US$ 10 but Myanmar hoteliers want around at least $80 to at most $250 for a room. Although room charges of most of the hotels in Myanmar and those of the fourstar or five-star hotels in some of the neighboring countries are the same, hotel services here have not caught up with the standards of the services that hotels in those countries are offering, a tour guide said. In Thailand, a customer can stay in a hotel paying only $10 or less than $15 for two-star hotel and about $30 with a swimNovember 2013
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The number of international traveler has increased since 2011
ming pool and buffet breakfast. Although Myanmar hoteliers want around $60 or $70 for a room when their hotels start opening, they can't try to make their services meet the international standards. So, it can be said that tourists' entry rate has risen along with bad reputation," said U Aye Kyaw of the Ruby Land Travel Agency. He advised that Home Stay Service being practiced in some neighboring countries should be applied in Myanmar where there is not enough hotel accommodation in addition to expensive charges for hotels. Home Stay Service means about two or three tourists are lodged at houses, or flats, or condos refurbished and such private home-based accommodations not only may partly fulfill the requirement of hotel rooms but also may be advantageous to reducing charges of hotel rooms, he explained. Full board and lodging may be doing well. But in view of security, supposing that tourists were lodged at a condo, who would deal with the protection of them? Is it sure the government will permit such lodging house? We heard last year
Home Stay Service would be given permission in the area outside Yangon hoping that it could partly fulfill needs of hotel accommodation. We haven't seen it to be shaped up as of today for want of security measures. Such home-based accommodations may be good for tourists, but I think it is unlikely for overnight stays," said U Myo Thant, an assistant manager of Sweet Hotel in Yangon. However, there is no need to concern about safety of tourists who will be lodged at home-based accommodations as tourism police forces have been already formed in Myanmar, said Daw Yin Min Lwin, a tour guide for the last 19 years in Yangon. There are a few criminal cases in our country. So, I think we needn't worry about it. It will be Ok if we all take care of the visitors. I think Home Stay Service will shape up sooner or later," she added. Myanmar has already formed tourism police tasks and female police have been also reinforced among them. The assignment of female tourism police can make tourists safer than before, according to chairman of Bagan Zone of Myanmar Tourist Guides Association. High rate of accommodation charges
and poor services in Myanmar are due to a long term economic sanction imposed on Myanmar once, said an hotelier. As there used to be economic embargoes on trading with our country, we have missed the boat in trading with international community. Hotel room charges are expensive. But I think the rate are reasonable during such transitional period," he said. Hotel fees are high because demand exceeds supply and there are not enough hotels here in spite of influx of foreign visitors to the country, said another hotelier. "Hotel business is a long term investment. Hotel services are totally different from commodity sales. Of course, they should control room charges for the long term. Customers hesitate to visit here on account of the high cost of hotel fees," said a travel agent. Across Myanmar, there are currently 859 hotels, 40 of which are in Naypyitaw, the capital city of Myanmar and 217 are in Yangon, the commercial city, according to figures of Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. Myanmar government has already allowed tourists including Thai people to enter the country with the temporary border-pass
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Peacock Lounge of Treaders Hotel Yangon
Parkroyal Yangon / www.parkroyalhotels.com
permission (TBP) via cross-border checkpoints such as Myawady, Tachileik, Kawthaung and Htikhi, all of which are close to Thailand from the start on 28 August 2013 and 28-day visit TBP and 70-day commercial TBP will be issued. Moreover, the new cross-border checkpoints between Myanmar-China are to be opened as the second border gateway to the country. It is reported that tourists enter the country from Yangon International Airport, or from Mandalay International Airport, or from cross-border checkpoints that have been opened between Myanmar-Thai and
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Myanmar-China. The kinds of foreign visitors to Myanmar vary with foreign independent travelers, package tours, business travelers, visit friends and relatives and other visitors. It is known that many tourists from Taiwan, Japan, France, the US, Germany, the UK, Italy, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia and because most of the foreign travelers here come from European countries and Eastern Asia, those countries are the main market of Myanmar tourism. Myanmar has reportedly made preparation for not only frequent tourists but also foreign visitors who will enter the
country to enjoy 27th SEA Games, which will be hosted in December 11-22 here. The 33 hotels with two-star and fivestar rating in Yangon will be prepared and we've negotiated with the hoteliers. We've done so that foreigners entering the country to participate in SEA Games can stay at reasonable prices," said U Myint Tun Oo from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. As tourism plays a critical role in shaping the trajectory of the transition, hoteliers should be far-sighted businessmen instead of seeing short-term benefits, said a businessman of Yangon. A
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Kyaw Thet, 44, who works for a construction company in Singapore, said he was reluctant to come back to Myanmar. As a construction engineer, he understands well that he should come back to work in his home country though there is rarely skilled workers in Myanmar. We can work for our country and we want to. But the maximum salary that employers can offer for me in comparison with income that I can earn here [Singapore] is one single major thing to consider," he said. It is not strange that most of the educated people working in foreign countries make such comment as many educated young men in Myanmar left for abroad such as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Dubai in late 1990s. It can be said that such brain drain is a great loss for the country during the reconstruction period. There are a lot of challenges that the statesmen are facing in Myanmar, a new democratic country that was once ruled by the military regime for decades. With the progress in some recent sig-
Ooredoo is one of the tender winners for nificant reforms, telecom Network contract the international community including the United States of America ing held in Naypyitaw from 10 to 11 Sepand the European Union has already lifted tember that they had found there were both economic sanction imposed against opportunity and challenges in investing in Myanmar. Myanmar. Myanmar is a suitable country where Recently, Daw Aung San Su Kyi, a representative of Hluttaw [Congress] has, businessmen should invest. On the other during her visit to Singapore, encouraged hand, there are challenges and deterrents all Myanmar people scattered all over the here. So, we should think of how to preworld to come back to work in their coun- pare for overcoming them," he said. Foreigners interested in investing in try Myanmar as has done the President U Thein Sein during his previous visits to Myanmar say that major challenges for inthe United States and the European Union. vesting here are lack of adequate electric For the time being, some foreigners power supply and shortage of skillful workare doing business at a loss and now they ers. Instability of rules and regulations beare considering whether they should invest in Myanmar or not though there are ing practiced at home and prohibitive enough natural resources. The civilian gov- prices of the property are a deterrent to ernment has been implementing reforms those interested in Myanmar. Dr Nyo Nyo Thin, a Hluttaw repreduring the transitional period, which can attract a great number of investors from sentative from Yangon Region said that foreign investments have not yet flooded all over the world if handled properly. CEO Ross Cormack of Ooredoo into the country as expected. They [potential investors] want firm Myanmar, one of the tender winners for telecom network contract said at the meet- laws when they are here to invest as the
High land prices may be a major obstacle to foreign Investors
Shortage of skillful workers is one of the challenges in Myanmar
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U.S Ambassador to Myanmar Derek Mitchell speaks during an event by by Ford Ford in Yangon on April 30 , 2013
Globel gaint is now every where in Myanmar

from a company of Hong Kong. We can't use internet as the power goes out every now and then. Internet connection is so poor that we cannot contact the firm from Hong Kong. So, they are incapable of sending software they have promised us to. This problem affects not only companies at home but also their associate foreign firms," he said. In addition to those obstacles, weakness of legal system and rule of law, administration and judiciary may be other main causes of the inability of foreigners to invest here, some economists say. Furthermore, political situation that will be changed in 2015 are taken into consideration by the potential foreign investors, said U Myint Zaw, one of the executive members of UMFCCI (The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry). They are watching whether or not real reforms will come out in 2015 elections. For the time being, both we and potential foreign investors are playing a match to test the ability of players and the government is taking part in that match as well. It is important to see the facts whether real reformists will be able to lead the government and they will link current progress in reforms with long term reforms. I think foreigners are considering they should invest here depending on these two facts," he said. Economy and development activities will be able to be accelerated and employment opportunity can be created on condition that huge amount of foreign investments have entered the country, Dr. Nyo
ACUMEN 41
first step. And the second, they are concerned that there are not enough infrastructures such as adequate electric power supply, water supply and reasonable land price in our country. Land prices have gone up. Such outrageous land prices may be a major obstacle to them. That's why, our country cannot attract so many foreign investments as expected," she concluded. Although it is true that land prices in Myanmar are prohibitive, that is not a deterrent to foreign investment and as those interested in investing in Myanmar are giants, they will not go back being afraid of land prices, said Mr. Joseph Schapz, an American economic analyst. In my opinion, high land prices are not a problem for giants, but we've found it is obstacle to middle-class firms that want to invest in Myanmar," he added. Although global giants such as CocaCola Company, Ford Car Company and GE Company have entered the country to invest, middle-class firms hesitate to invest
here seeing exorbitant land prices. Lack of international banks linked with global community in managing monetary affairs in Myanmar is a problem for those interested in investing in Myanmar, said U Lu Maw Myint Maung, a rice exporter. Foreign giants are running their business linking with international banks. They do business making a contract with such banks. They can't do business carrying a huge volume of cash in a country where there is no international bank. They may consider that it has no guarantee to deposit their money in the banks at home," he said. Moreover, domestic companies linked with foreign firms running business at home are facing inadequate electricity and very poor internet connection and these poor infrastructure hindering operating business, said a person of the company associated with Japanese firm. We have a contract to get software
yanmar
United Amara Bank (UAB) in Myanmar are now connected to Western Union / Aung Kyaw Moe
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Nyo Thin said. If foreign investments are flooding into the country, there will be many employment opportunities at home. Besides we may be getting familiar with new technology they will bring with them. I say that in theory. But in practice, we haven't seen many foreign investments carrying such employment opportunities have entered the country as all have known," she added. It is said that Myanmar people believe that they can reach technology and employment opportunities provided that foreign investments have entered the country and there are some people at home want to work in foreign firms that will offer a good salary and some scattered all over the world wish to come back to work at home if they have the opportunity of getting a nice salary. I hope foreign investments. Influx of foreign investments can encourage our spirits. There will be many employment opportunities, new high technology if they have entered the country. Moreover, our outlook will be broader. On the other hand, we need to have learnt things required to be able to work in their firms," said a young man learning IT in Yangon. Although Foreign Investment Law was enacted on 2 November 2012 under the new civilian administration, there are some restrictions and exception in this law, according to the analysts on economy and law. Legal experts point out that there are some weaknesses such as calculation of capital brought in by official exchange rate, lack of dispute settlement mechanism, no description on land use policy and less protection in the foreign investment law. Some of the economists say that foreign investments have not entered the country because they are still watching rules and regulations that they focus on rather than the foresaid weaknesses. As foreign firms interested in investing in Myanmar are from different countries, their concern over policy of Myanmar will be different from one another.
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The government should step up the momentum of the state development by providing necessary assistances for foreign investors releasing tax for those who are likely to invest in the sectors that are beneficial to the country in which businessmen at home are incapable of investing, a local businessman said adding that if foreign investments have entered the country, local businessmen will have to compete or cooperate with them.
they are recognized as black list in the United States and the European Union, said Mr. Joseph Schapz, an American economic analyst. As foreign investments can often bring both good and bad, they can be turned into opportunity for the country providing that the government has made preparations for civil projects, rule of law and environmental conservation that can support the development for the country, said U
Myanmar have nurtured some businessmen as National Economic Heroes, they have difficulties in making joint venture with foreign investors since they are recognized asblack list inthe United States and the European Union
Several countries that practice socialist system often nurture local businessmen or cronies called National Economic Hero encouraging them to improve their business and providing them with necessary assistances and the rich man from Russia who has bought Chelsea football club is a National Economic Hero of Russia. Although Myanmar have nurtured some businessmen as National Economic Heroes, they have difficulties in making joint venture with foreign investors since
Myint Zaw of UMFCCI. Foreign investment tax can reinforce revenues of Myanmar and good investments can support the sectors of education and public health, said Mr. Joseph Schapz, the American economic analyst. Analysts conclude that foreign investments will enter Myanmar on condition that there are a stability of economy and politics and rule of law although the government is carrying out political and economic reforms. A
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The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd
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Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: The aim of the talk we have arranged today is to discuss The trend of cruise services'. In fact we can find tourism industry improving gradually in our country. We estimate the number of tourists would be about a million this year. It is estimated to be three million next year. When a lot of tourists come in, the service we can offer to the tourists will include not only the pagodas and religious edifices of our traditional culture but also cruises, a section of tourism industry where extraordinary natural beauty of our country can be shown. So we are going to discuss it. The three persons who are going to discuss with me are Daw Kalayar Moe (Managing Director, Amara Group), Daw Ce Ce Htwe (Managing Director, Aung Su Paing Group Co., Ltd.) and Daw Tint Tint Lwin (Managing Director, Irrawady Princess II River Cruise). It's interesting and cheerful that all the three MD-s are ladies. It is also a sign of the economic development of our country. In doing business, a remarkable thing of our country different from others is that there are many firms headed by ladies. I'm very satisfied with it. It 's also enviable that all the three entrepreneurs handling cruise services are ladies. First of all, may I invite Daw Kalayar Moe of Amara Group to explain how you started your business?
Daw Kalayar Moe: It has been 10 years that we've worked with Amara River Group since 2003. It was a tourism business when we started it. When we gave service for tourism in the rivers like the Ayeyarwady and the Chindwin, including the Yangon River we found demands of tourists from our main market, German market. When we were about to begin the business, there was a ship plying first as Road to Mandalay'. The volume of their business was extensive. We intended to build a cruise ship and run a family business. Then we could start it. When the travel arrangements of the tourists were learnt it was found that theirs were Yangon-Mandalay-Bagan tour, Upper Myitkyina tour and the mountain climbing tour for their interest of risk-taking tours. Similarly, they were also interested in folk concerts of indigenous people. When they went to the Naga festival, the Ayeyarwady and the Chindwin rivers became their interest. Then our interest in this business began when we ourselves went there with the guests to arrange the Naga festival. It was a trip down the Chindwin River. Although we liked the Chindwin, we had difficulties when we transported the tourists there. As we found the Ayeyarwady in a position to support the business like a highway of Myanmar, we started from it. The first ship we started with was Amara River Cruise I'.
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It has a total of seven cabins. We renovated a Myanmar traditional cargo ship in the Ayeyarwady so that it could be used for transportation and the guests could stay and eat on board. In this way we started with a seven-cabin ship. The second ship 'Amara River II' was built during 2008-2009 and launched in 2009. The operation of Boat I and Boat II has gained 10 year experience so far. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Thanks. Ten-year experience is not a small thing. Then could you please present your beginning, Daw Ce Ce Htwe? Daw Ce Ce Htwe: Our major company is Royal Marine Engineering Company'. Aung Su Paing is run as a subsidiary company. The construction and renovation of the ships were started at Sinmalite Dockyard in 1998. The business was carried out under a contract. As we wanted to build a ship of our own, we bought a design of a ship body from Australia and Myanmar engineers of our company built the DORA Luxury Boat' with international standards under the guidance and supervision of Myanmar Dockyard. The construction finished in 2010. Then we started the river cruise in the Yangon River from the 20112012 season. It's only two years now. Royal Irrawady' is a ship built with the standards of Myanmar Dockyard in January, 2013 and it has a capacity of 150 passengers. The first ship, DORA holds only 30 people. As this ship can accommodate 150 people, wedding receptions and dinner parties can be held in the Yangon River. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: May I request Daw Tint Tint Lwin to tell us how you started your business? Daw Tint Tint Lwin: The business has been started since our childhood. Our father owned a small boat at that time. It sometimes carried goods such as timber. Sometimes our family took vacation trips in this ship. I had a natural bent for travelling by ship when I was in my second and third standards at school. I was very happy when I took vacation with my parents during my summer holiday. My father wanted to expand this business but he failed due to various factors and conditions of that time. It's more than 14 or 15 years until now that I've been working as a German language tour guide since the time before the founding of this company. At that time, most of the guests for whom I took responsibility came from Europe. Many of them were Germans and those from Switzerland. When most of these Europeans buy a program, it includes not only a classic tour of visiting pagodas but also adventure, tracking or river cruise. The types they like best are soft tracking and river cruise combined with a partial classic tour. When I worked as a German tour guide in a Swiss company, most of the programs I received were those with a cruise. I hardly had to get off the ship 13 or
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14 years ago. I saw the needs of the guests while travelling by ship. Most of the foreigners wanted to get off the ship and see the daily life of Myanmars taking a partial of time along the river. They wanted to meet people friendly. After working as a tour guide for long, I told the company that I wanted to stop working there and that I was going to establish my own company. Then I first founded a travels and tours company. As I didn't have a large background in Myanmar, I started with a small ship built of teak which I could afford. It's just a day cruise and had no cabins. It plied between Mandalay and Bagan but it had a bar, a souvenir shop and a restaurant on board as luxury items. We made comfortable places for the guests on the ship. As home stays were not allowed at that time, the ship had to take from 8 to 10 hours for sailing between Mandalay and Bagan as a day cruise. The majority of the guests demanded that one or two night-stays on the way would be better. I consulted with my husband about the demand and bought a large cruise ship after working one or two years with a day cruise. There were two ships, Irrawaddy Princess I and II. As Irrawaddy Princess I needed a lot of repair, I took Irrawaddy Princess II. It had 22 cabins. I reserved two rooms for the guide and the tour leader and operated with the remaining 20 cabins. Although Cruise II superficially looked like iron work, all its inte-
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rior was made of teak. I made all the renovation of decoration and all other things in European taste to meet the liking of the guests. Now, nearly all the cabins have been booked until 2016. As we couldn't meet the demand, we built another cruise ship. Now we have three river cruise ships. We operate them by accepting Travels and Tours, other tours and all our agents. As I myself worked as a tour guide, I myself prepare programs, creating events to avoid monotony by putting demonstrations like playing cane ball on the bank on the way between entertainments. Now we have achieved success to a certain extent. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Thanks. Now it is found that you are different from each other as one has ten year experience, another has only short term experience and the third has long term experience. There are still some things I want to know. The Ayeyarwady is a highway and the British were very much interested in the upper parts like Bamaw, Kathar and Myitkyina during the colonial era when we were young. And the next is the Chindwin. But it was long ago. What has not been included in the talk is the Thanlwin River. Its total length is almost like that of the Ayeyarwady. What I'd like you to discuss in the second part is about the service currently offered. The next thing I want to discuss is about the
targets. It is found that only foreign tourism is targeted. I'd like you to discuss whether you have an idea for the domestic market at the time when the economy improves. I'd also like you to discuss route and service. Daw Kalayar Moe: As you have said earlier, our main focus is on tourism. As a service, we especially focus on foreigners who come to visit our country, Myanmar. If people are interested in water-ways, take time for that and choose the water-ways to travel, it is cheerful. Why? They come here out of their way from foreign countries to see the beauties here. To come and see so, they have to travel thousands of miles. It's more than five thousand miles from Germany. Then they have to take more time to go on a cruise here. For example, if their normal fixed time is two weeks, they have to take three weeks for a cruise and if it is three weeks, they have to take four weeks for it. They have to take more time from their timeline. They enjoy the natural environment by going on a cruise, taking more time. They must also spend more money for cruising than for their normal classic tour. Why do they want to cruise by taking more time and spending more money? It is a question all of us should take interest in. They cherish beauty. If Myanmar people value beauty, they can also enjoy these beauties cheaply. It will be beyond measure if Myanmars spend their time in these river cruises. The market will become larger. Sightseeing can be combined with culture. It's the strength of the Ayeyarwady. For example, they can do sightseeing while making a pilgrimage. They can also set a target to go on a family recreation tour. To be able to do so, we need to operate our cruises more extensively than we are doing now. To be able to do so, we will have to increase the investment if it is required in the private sector. But the assistance of the government is also necessary. If these two things are combined, what you said earlier will happen. For example, the Chao Phya River is in Thailand. There is daily cruise in that river. It is for foreigners as well as for local people. In addition they have things like line boats. In Venice in Italy, there are line boats for example. Daily and weekly return tickets are available there. For every day trip to the office, monthly return tickets are also available. Such things are not only in London but also in Paris. They are arranged both for foreigners and for local people. When they are learnt, it is found that all the cruises there are arranged neither only by the government nor only by the private businesses. The government arranges the business by running cruises where they can afford and the private businessmen also make arrangements. Even if such cruises are to be arranged for only one tenth of our 60 million people, how many will our requirement be? We can consider and see how many cruises the government will have to arrange and how many cruises the private sector will have to arrange? It will be beyond measure if the uses and needs increase in this way.
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tourists. It is because the cruises are full of bookings. Local customers make the booking only a month in advance. So no vacancies are left for them and that's why we are unable to accept them. When local customers make the booking, we give them the same price as the tourist service. As we accept local customers, they can see where to conserve the natural environment and what kind of business might work well in which market along the river. There are places along the river where there is no hotel or inn or line boat. But businesses can prosper there. Such places can get sophisticated. One's own children or company staff may gain experience in the villages during the holiday. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Now we've talked about the beginnings, the given service and the need of government assistance. Then I'd like to know what obstacles you have to overcome in striving to survive. Seasons are natural. We can't do anything about it. Apart from the seasons, which part needs government assistance? Where is it needed regarding investment? And we've talked about home stay. What obstacles are there regarding home stay? If this industry is to be run, the obstacles of this industry must be known. If we know something from those who actually do the business, we can submit it to the responsible persons. Daw Kalayar Moe : If I have to talk about the Ayeyarwady again according to my experience, it will be more correct if we say they are difficulties and needs instead of obstacles. The departments concerned issued business licenses to us in accordance with the specifications. We have to get two business licenses from Tourism and Waterways Departments. For example, ships have specifications. Are ships built to these specifications? Service staff and all the technicians who operate the ship including the captain have specified licenses. This business is to be run with the said two specified licenses. There are not only full coNovember 2013
Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: What kinds of service Royal Marine is offering? Could you please discuss, Daw Ce Ce Htwe? Daw Ce Ce Htwe: Our DORA Cruise has only short trips. The cruises we are operating are sightseeing cruise, sunset cruise, morning cruise, dinner cruise and within the day Twante cruise. The capacity of the boat is about 30 and it runs every day. We run the survey trips of international business groups studying along the Yangon River as chartered boats. Royal Irrawaddy is made by targeting events. We launched it in the Yangon River in January, 2013, on account of the demand of the customers. The local market emerged at that time, sir. They emerged as wedding receptions, birthday parties and annual dinners. We will also use it for sightseeing. Many people began to take interest in the Yangon River after we targetted events and local market. Then as they began to hold wedding receptions and recollection events as an unusual thing, we got our local market. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Are there effects if it is during the rainy season? Daw Ce Ce Htwe: Of course, there are. We have to suspend our operations for three months during the rainy season. During the suspension, the ships are docked and maintenance is carried out. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: How are you giving service extensively, Daw Tint Tint Lwin? Daw Tint Tint Lwin: For the time being, the service given to the foreigners is not alone. Sometimes, if local people make the booking, we issue a special rate for their tours. Local people frequently charter the ships. Sometimes, if a banking family of a bank or a factory family charters the ship as a group, we do things like allowing three or four persons to stay in a double cabin unlike foreigners, putting up tents for those who want to sleep on the sun deck, making extra beds in the cabin for the families. We want to give local price to all local people. We want them know these programs extensively. If local people make advance booking, we make it by charter. If they arrange the charter as companies, we give them a special rate as an incentive. We are now presenting unusual programs. We don't let foreigners get off to drink toddy at the villages as we are concerned that they might have diarrhoea. But for local people we prepare such special programs of their liking as letting them have toddy with fried sparrow. Regarding discount, as the period from October to April is the tour season, the tourists have a habit of making the booking six or seven months in advance. It's not true that we don't accept local people because of the
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operation but also encouragement in this respect. And that's why we can run the business. It's an undeniable fact. Our ship is based in Mandalay. We go up until we reach Bamaw. We go down until we reach Bagan. The guests take more interest only in such things. If the ship is chartered, we go up to Salay and Magway. Regular cruises are Mandalay-Bamaw and BamawMandalay-Bagan cruises. An additional cruise is Magway cruise. If you go on a Magway cruise, you will be transported to YangonPyay-Magway by car from Yangon highway. You will have to get on the ship there and go upward to Bagan. Previously as there were no direct flights to Bamaw, we had to transport the guests from Yangon to Mandalay and from Mandalay to Myitkyina and the customers go down by boat or by car to meet each other in Bamaw. Then they go down from Bamaw. Regarding the present problems with update information, waterway maintenance is necessary. Erosion of river banks is changing from year to year according to the nature of rivers. The flow of water also has changes. Those changes are caused by the changes of natural environment. There are also changes of waterways caused by human beings. Although the Ayeyarwady seems great, it has weaknesses too. From our point
of view, it has a specified size like a motor road as it is wide. As a motor road has potholes, the Ayeyarwady also has sandbanks. Potholes on the road are visible. In the waterways are sandbanks and shallows. We can't handle ships at our will. If a ship's draught is three feet, we can sail it only when the depth of water is more than three feet. If the ship runs aground at an invisible shallow, there will be consequences. Ships and boats plying through that passage will be blocked. It is dangerous for them because they can't dodge the place they must dodge. If a bigger ship moved toward us, it is dangerous for us. It is not easy to put a ship to a stop. If the ship is aoil tanker or a log carrier or a cement carrier, the difficulty will be the greatest. It's only one of many difficulties faced in the waterway. There's another difficulty too. For example, let's see a trip between Bamaw and Mandalay. If it is a five day trip, as it is a luxury cruise, food for the clients, their daily excursion and all the services to enable them to reach the specified places in time have already been arranged in a complete program. As the booking of the programs is made by our clients at least two years in advance, we have to issue our tour package two years in advance. Or we have to upload it on our website at once. All
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these things are arranged in advance. It is not easy to change them. How do we adjust it if the waterway reaches this situation? If the trip is from Mandalay to Bamaw, we must find where the guest will go from Bamaw. Does he want to head for Mandalay or Bagan or Ngapali? We have to continue giving service. At that time, we have to co-operate with tour agencies which are also our colleagues. In doing so, if the guest doesn't arrive at the airport at the specified time, there will be no plane there. Previously airlines were very limited, sir. Only Myanmar Airways and Air Bagan were there at that time. Now there are many lines including those which run twice a week. But if the name' Bamaw' is said, the main problem is the importance of reaching the airline in time. Another problem is that when they reach Bamaw, they want to see Myitkyina. Why must they go there by car or by airdespitethe flowing river?" The tourists often argue so. The draught of our ship doesn't allow us to go upstream. The river is narrow and the flow of water is strong in the north of Bamaw. As there are also rocks, our ship can't continue its upstream journey. Previously, arrangements were made to reach there by local boats within a day. But now we can no longer do it. From Bamaw to Myitkyina is a 5 or 6 hour journey. The motor road is also the same. But we make an arrangement to go from Bamaw to Myitkyina and from Myitkyina to Bamaw by air as an alternative. Otherwise we make arrangements to charter a flight depending on the financial situation of our guests. It is a difficulty regarding airlines. The next one is health service. Throug out the history of our ship, the majority of the guests are old-aged and middleaged. As they are pensioners, they have free time. They have also money to spend. We must care for old-aged people. Although they are in good health today, they are not sure to be so the next day. We have experience. A tourist was not well then. The whole body couldn't move. He got a panic attack. At that time, we were told to hire a helicopter. It was because he had fully comprehensive insurance in his native country. A fully comprehensive insurance cover includes carrying him from the place wherever he is to the hospital recognized as the best via an airfield. It has already been paid for taking action within an hour or half an hour. At that time, our ship was moored to a sandbank. We had to call a helicopter to come and fetch him from the sandbank. We had information provided by the Ministry of Tourism. We had telephone numbers to call helicopters in emergency cases. But unfortunately, it coincided with a public holiday and we reached nowhere then. So we wish to get
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such a helicopter service not only for our tour but also for all others. There's one more thing. As we have to promote tourism, we will run the operation as adventure instead of cultural tour. In that case, such a service is vital if some accident happens. It is not easy to build a large airfield but it is possible to build a small helicopter field. As it is the need of only one or two individuals instead of a group of people, the State will have an income if it runs a small helicopter service. If private businessmen do it, they will earn money. It is our actual need and it is also one of the questions raised at every meeting. Another one is miserable. It was a thing we wanted to do for the guests. We wanted to give them necessary service in time but it was sorrowful when it was impossible to do so. That day, we hired a motor boat for a sick guest at once. We made things in the boat comfortable for him as much as possible and sent him to Mandalay. For that purpose, we made preparations about where cars, boats and telephones were available in the towns, nearest towns along the river. If we go to Bamaw, they are the towns like Mandalay and Myitkyina for example. We have addresses and phone numbers of clinics and their available doctors in large cities and we also have contracts made with them. An ambulance is also arranged to come from the nearest place in Mandalay. Then we could make arrangements to carry him from Mandalay to Bangkok via Yangon as soon as possible. The guest survived and things were okay. I'm discussing it as it's one of the precautions tour agencies must take expecting that something may happen some time in the future. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Daw Ce Ce Htwe, you are plying in Yangon River. But still you may have difficulties. Could you please discuss it? Daw Ce Ce Htwe: The difficulty is the shortage of jetties. Some are under repair. Some have already been leased by individuals and we can use only one or two jetties at Botahtaung. If possible, we'd like to have separate jetties which are safe and clean so that passengers can get on and get off the ship free from loading and unloading. We'd like to get this assistance. Another difficulty is the scarcity of inland riverine waterway captains and chief engineers. As skillful captains are getting old now, new generations should be nurtured and produced in a large number. Next difficulty is sandbank formations in the rivers. Near Yangon, foreigners
love to visit villages along Panhlaing River. They are on the other side of Kyimyindaing. As sandbanks formed in Panhlaing River last year, we had to stop all programs beginning from December. There are a few problems in maintaining the waterways in the rivers. The main difficulty is boarding and getting off. Sometimes the passengers have many difficulties when they have to walk across the ships being loaded up with rice bags. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: What are the difficulties you are facing, Daw Tint Tint Lwin? Would you like to give some advice? Daw Tint Tint Lwin: The difficulties are not the ones we are facing in the waterways. The difficulties we are facing now are that Myanmar's economy has become an open economy and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) enter the country. They are incomparably far better than us in terms of financial strength and background. Their finance, their international service, their service on board and their technology are far better than ours. But they have weaknesses too. If local businessmen are provided with financial assistance by the government, we can easily compete against their strengths. They also have weaknesses. They will catch up with local businessmen only after remedying these weaknesses by taking time. It's because local businessmen have worked here for many years and they have experience. They know every part of business in detail. Experience speaks depending on time and circumstance. A person with riverine experience knows more than them. He can easily solve the problems in detail. Presently, foreigners with better technology, finance and facilities must take many years of time to remedy their weaknesses. There are many young skillful technicians and businesspersons in this country. As they have no financial strength, they have to work for those foreigners. If the government knows these professional businesspersons thoroughly and banks can provide them with financial assistance, Myanmar doesn't need many FDI-s. It doesn't mean that the entrance of FDI-s is not good. It's good. Human resources may develop regionally. Poverty may be eradicated gradually. Shortage of job opportunities may be lessened. They will offer good salaries. But there are difficulties between local people and them. Their ships are Five Stars. The number of workers who conform with Five Star standards is very small. In the villages along the river are a lot of young people who cannot continue their education after finishing matriculation and who haven't learnt anything since childhood. They earn their living by working in their parent's traditional farming. If the government takes responsibility, conducts free training courses for all such young people giving them free boarding and produces technicians, it will be conducive to the skilled worker requirement of these FDI-s. It is impossible for the local businesses to pay Five Star level salaries. There are also many requirements to supACUMEN 51
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port them to do so. Presently in Myanmar, river cruise can be operated only from October to April. Sometimes during the rainy season, there are many difficulties because of heavy rains. Sailors have to work only one season for their living. Foreign investors don't pay when there is no work. There are some cases in which they give half pay. We realize these difficulties as we are local businesspersons. We know that they will leave for other jobs if they are given half pay. So we give them full pay. But we make them work on the ship alternatively. It is necessary for those from the cruise to support them sufficiently during the rainy season. It is not true that young people in the villages are lazy. They have no job opportunities and there is also nobody to guide them. If we lead to give them three-orfour- month training courses free of charge, skilled workers will easily be available when FDI-s enter or local companies develop. Another difficulty is that in Myanmar waterways, ships are not convenient to be operated by navigators as in other countries. Waterways change every day. In the rivers, there are signs that show the depth of water. As the waterway changes daily and weekly, the signs are poor. There are cases in which signs of previous week haven't been changed. So ships run aground unnecessarily. In such situations, it is not convenient for local cruises to make phone calls to the nearest station, call a tugboat and pull down the ship or blow the sand or hire a boat to send the guests to the nearest village. Although we have enough lifeboats, they are not comfortable for the guests. It will be convenient if there are nearest small stations along the river. As Daw Kalyar discussed earlier, helicopter service will be better. But now the number of tourists who will enter in one or two years cannot be estimated definitely. As how the situations will change is not known definitely, it may take a long time to do it. But there are ways to solve the current problem. For example, some villages don't have even a nurse. Some have no clinic. If the government assigns at least a first aider or a nurse or a doctor in each village as part of a health care program, we can ask for help in an emergency case. For example, four major cases which commonly occur in places like Pakokku are stroke, heart attack, dehydration or accidents like falling from slipping. When such cases happen, all the managers and sailors have experience and there is at least one person who has completed a relevant training course among them. Although we can give assistance temporarily in such a case, the hospital does not accept the patient because he is a foreigner. There were cases in which we have to come back in a life and death situation. Regarding this, I had many difficulties when I worked as a tour guide and I still have such difficulties now. A woman tourist once suffered from heart attack. It coincided with the time when telephone connections broke down. Only a ship telephone was serviceable. There are weaknesses in communication. As we have to use Chinese-made devices which are easily available, things are not convenient in reality. As a local solution, with the help of sailors, we have acquired the phone numbers of hotels and guest houses of near-by towns, village heads and so on. As another one, we acquired the phone numbers of specialists in Yangon and designed programs to explain the situation to them
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and get their advice. Then we will have to carry the patient via the nearest jetty to Mandalay, Yangon or Bagan as they are entitled to receive treatment only there. It will be very convenient if foreigners are accepted by the hospitals in near-by townships. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: I'm wondering whether all of you have health insurance as companies. Tourists have their own insurances, right. Then do your companies have your insurances when these things happen? Daw Kalyar Moe: We tell our guests to take out fully comprehensive insurance when they left Germany. Insurance here is beginning now. But to talk about the past experience, the insurance didn't cover the guests as there was no government insurance at that time. But we have life insurance for our staff. We do it as a stipulation. I don't know in detail what arrangements our colleagues have made. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: How about you, Daw Ce Ce Htwe? Daw Ce Ce Htwe: We have insurance for the ship and the crew but not for the guests for the time being. It must be done definitely later. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Daw Tint Tint Lwin, are you also the same?
Daw Tint Tint Lwin: Of course, a little similar. Generally, all foreigners have taken out health insurance before they come to Myanmar. But it is necessary to give them assistance from our side. Once there was a crack in the tiling of a bathroom on our ship. A guest tripped over it and cut his foot. When we had his wound treated with some medicine, he was satisfied with our treatment. But another one was not satisfied with our treatment at all. As he had an insurance cover, he can receive a refund for a document from the clinic to which he was brought or for a receipt of his expenses. From our side too, we refunded him his cabin charges as a special arrangement but he didn't accept it. In fact, we need to be ready to respond by taking responsibility because the injury is caused on our ship. Only then, will they be safe on the ship. As the injury was caused due to the weakness of the ship, the ship assumed the responsibility depending on the extent of the injury. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: You mean companies have no insurance although tourists have their own insurance? Daw Tint Tint Lwin: We're going to start now. We'll start taking out all kinds of insurance with Kanbawza Bank. Daw Kalayar Moe: We've already done the part that must be done with the government. There are insurances which will come out in Myanmar as next step. We'll do it with co-operation. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: It's the last one. We must have hopes and dreams for our future. Could you please tell me to what extent you have ideas for your future? Daw Kalayar Moe: Amara River Cruise has two ships and we are now giving service in the Ayeyarwady River. But the Yangon River will be the next and if public transportation develops in the Chindwin River, which is my dream and my great interest, we are willing to go there first and make investments. In the similar way, if we are allowed to say further about how we can offer service in rivers like the Thanlwin and the Mekong, we, the cruise runners, have an idea and a desire to give service with sailing boats in the southern seas of Myanma like the sailing boats you saw in Indonesia as you said earlier. Daw Ce Ce Htwe: We're now studying the market of the ship, Royal Irrawaddy. If the market needs we expect to run daily river cruise in the Yangon River like those of the Chao Phya River in Thailand. As the time we've run the business is not very long, only after studying everything will we proceed to build more ships according to the market requirement.
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Daw Tint Tint Lwin: As you know there are altogether four major rivers. River cruises are overlapping in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River. In fact there are many places where river cruises are required. We can't operate it all by ourselves either. Successful local entrepreneurs haven't reached this business only because they still don't realize it. And river cruise can't be run on the spot. Only those in the tourism field and those in the service field can establish it depending on experience. If entrepreneurs want to extend their business into this field, we are ready to help them by sharing our experience. Presently the place of the worst weakness is Mrauk-U. The ships plying between Sittwe and Mrauk-U along the Kispanady River are low. They are even lower than the local ones. It's not very convenient. They can hold only three passengers. And they are very dangerous too. Inspection is also necessary. Enough life jackets must be available. They must have contact phone numbers for rescue in emergency cases like cyclones. But they have many weaknesses. It is possible to build safe and reliable ships of high standard in that part of the country. Then another wellknown part is Kawthoung. Around the Sellore islands near Myeik are Bushby Islands. Boats are also required there. Another river is Thanlwin waterway. There is a lot of demand in Hpa-an and Mawlamyine. The Thanlwin cruise between Hpa-an and Mawlamyine is very beautiful. It's an unusual thing as only very few foreigners have been there. River cruises should be expanded with a required standard. Then ships of shallow draught should be built in Chindwin River as Daw Kalyar Moe said earlier.
Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: At last the talk means to encourage B2B. While we are changing our layout, I noticed in your discussions connections between a car and a ship and between a ship and a helicopter. Could you please tell me about such performances as B2B? Daw Kalayar Moe: We are not the only one in our operations. All are inter-related. We have our tour agency. We use evening service like Daw Ce Ce Htwe's. We also like it. And we encourage many of such agencies to come out. These are really the needs of Myanmar. In the same way, we and Irrawaddy are colleagues. If they hire us due to their need, we get job and we have to rely upon each other when there are things to discuss regarding the business. We have interest when they expand their business. For example, the choice of clients is vital for us. Although we have these businesses and hotels , if the guest has the name of the hotel he wants to stay in, the name of the boat he wants to take and the name of service he wants to get, we are not reluctant to offer service. We are working for that too. As we are working in the scope of tourism instead of working for our own ship or own hotel, we must go on only in this way. In the same way, such businesses that are related to this business as banking, insurance and health care will gain strength when the government gives support. Private sector seeks and gives jobs to near-by ones. The extent private sector can do and what the government can do are incomparably different. The more effort the government put in it, the more the country will benefit. As we are tourism, we hear all news. When we
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hear it, we want to share it. We want our country to develop in a positive way. Together with this flow of development, as the native businesspersons of the country, we ourselves want to develop too, creating jobs and avoiding the loss of our own business as Daw Tint Tint Lwin discussed earlier. Daw Ce Ce Htwe: As we run short cruises, we have to give lunch on board at places like Twante. In this respect, we make all connections with restaurants. And we also make connections with such services as decoration, model agency and entertainment. In addition, hotels make connections with us for their guests. We also do it. Daw Tint Tint Lwin: I think, presently, experienced businesspersons who are caught in this circle like Daw Kalayar Moe and Daw Ce Ce Htwe, will need to share their experience with other businesspersons. We want to share it with those financially strong businesspersons through B2B. Businesspersons who have skills but no connections can make contact with B2B and contact us at any time to get our experience. As a young person doing business with foreign contacts, I'm ready to share my experience for the emergence of native entrepreneurs, for penetrating international market and for abiding by international laws. So outsiders can rely on B2B magazine. By receiving the assistance of B2B, I'm also ready to share my experience through B2B.
Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Thank you, Daw Kalayar Moe, Daw Ce Ce Htwe and Daw Tint Tint Lwin for participating in this talk by taking time. In fact, if we think on the whole, there's hope in our country. If we think about the development of our country, some people talk about energy sector and some talk about oil sector. On the other side, what we understand is 'tourism' which is in the service sector. As I've said again and again, if we think about tourism which is unusual in Myanmar, what is attractive is 3S, Sea, Sand and Sun. People from the west come to the sea, to the sand and to sun or sunbathe. What is unusual in our country is that we have snow which south-east Asia lacks. Go to Myitkyina and you'll find snow there. Opportunities are the most in tourism. In all the discussions of participants, there is one thing I'm satisfied with. The industry of tourism needs to be large. Only when it is large, will all of them rise. Sometimes, it happens that companies see only their own benefit. People tend to think to divide a pie into many slices. What I want it to be is to be a big pie. The bigger the pie, the bigger the slice you get. Then there's another thing I noticed last. I didn't think of it earlier. What was discussed first is about cruise. Then B2B connection became extensive. I think it involves banking, insurance, airlines, health, education and capacity building. May I conclude thanking all three of you as you could highlight B2B although we are talking about 'River Cruise' in this discussion. A
Acumen Magazine would like to express its special thanks to Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet for leading the discussion and to Daw Kalayar Moe, Daw Ce Ce Htwe and Daw Tint Tint Lwin for participating in the discussion.
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yanmar is in a critical stage of transitional period towards democratization process after five decades ruled of military dictatorship. With firm promises for peaceful transformation, President Thein Sein leads this current miracle reform at home since he took power in March 2011. President Thein Sein had been cheered up by nationwide public for his decision to halt Myit-Sone dam project in Kachin State as a major step to win people's hearts. The hydro-power project becomes a center for political topic on the road to 2015 elections, and the growing of anti-Chinese sentiments will be a trigger for another political trap that will invite a new military coup.
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Now China See Myanmar-NathanMg.pmd
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After two and a half years, Myanmar Spring, which President himself recognized the term as a change in Myanmar, sent a message to the outside world that the change is taking off. Meeting with Nobel Peace Laureate at his presidential palace in Naypyidaw in August 2011 confirmed to the international community that political opening has been started. The international community, especially the United States and the European Union, lifted some sanctions against Myanmar as rewards, but claimed that they will respond actions by actions to the current quasi-civilian regime. Myanmar is now a hot spot for foreign investors and seems as the last frontier of the market in the Southeast Asia, and the transition believes to be a gradual move. Now China Power Investment -CPI expresses that they will not be giving up to build a mega dam in Kachin State and waiting the upcoming general election result with a hope to restart the billion dollar hydro power project that Thein Sein suspended for five years. Wang Qiyue, director of the CPI unfolds a message at an energy investment summit in September that negotiation process with Naypyidaw is taking place at present, the Wall Street Journal reported. "The next incoming government will hopefully do what is best," Wang Qiyue says. However, the CPI hopes to resume the project that postponed for almost two years by offering to renegotiate the contract with Myanmar government over the percentage of the stake. The copper mine in Monywa becomes a case study. Myanmar witnesses a series of sectarian violence across the nation that erupted in western Myanmar, Rakhine State where Chinese oil and gas dual pipeline constructed across the Myanmar to Yunan. The Shwe gas pipeline finished its construction during the sectarian violence for one and half years and started to run the gas to China last August as planned. There were no major protest
against the pipeline, and activists were arrested. A few Myanmar educated understand that the government had been used the anti-Muslim movements to cover up an outrage of public over pipeline project in Rakhine State. Diverting public attention from anti Chinese projects in Myanmar into the sectarian violence against antiMuslim activities, public failed to question over the mega projects that made agreements under Snr. Gen. Than Shwe with China. Now Myit-Sone dam project is an unfinished game in Myanmar, and CPI's persistence makes public fear against the project. Residents in Kachin State noted renewed activity around the proposed Myit-Sone Dam even though the project is officially suspended by the President. CPI says the Chinese would invest at least US $1 billion more for the project if it is restarted. The original US$ 3.6 billion mega project causes financial suffering for CPI during the suspension, and the company eager to renegotiate the contract terms with government. The question is whether the dam project anytime soon restarted after the 2015 elections when the new civilian administration took office. The current administration will hold their public promise until they reached a truce with ethnic troops especially Kachin Independent Organization - KIO. Resources sharing will be the hottest topic in the process of peace talks for power sharing within the union. Another mega hydro power projects with China on the Salween River to produce huge amounts of power electricity is queuing in the line to build after pipeline project and Myit-Sone project
were successfully completed, and the public aware that there are many to come. Myanmar is facing a danger of sectarian violence that Physicians for Human Rights report warned a catastrophic level of violence if "these conditions go unaddressed." The report said there was evidence showing the current regime's role in violence against Muslims in Myanmar. It is a significant fact that government forces were standby near when violent mobs waged wars and attacks in several towns where Muslims were targeted, leaving about 250 deaths. Major projects on natural resources with China designed by former military regime. The current players inherited of legacy and run the show in their own stage for Myanmar Spring. Toward 2015 elections and political slogans will not be undermined the problems ahead. If something goes wrong, Myanmar's fragile transition will end up with another military coup to restart the show again. It is a test for Myanmar in two years. Myanmar is seen by everyone in the world for its beauty and dark-side. Which part will win? A
Nathan Maung is a prominent writer and journalist who was born in Myanmar. He published two historical and geopolitical books on Myanmar in 2012 and 2013 in Yangon. After he left from North Carolina, he is currently working as executive producer of Kamayut Media - the first private independent online television of Myanmar.
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It was Napoleon Bonaparte, the outcast corsican corporal, that later became the emperor of 18th century France, who said a leader is a dealer in hope" and his success vindicates his words. Believing his vision the people enthusiastically followed him and he was raised to the crest of power. Currently in Myanmar, on it's political stage there seem to be players following Bonaparte's philosophy. A lot of Myanmar leaders are scattering hope right and left as if they are scattering popcorn and timsels at a wedding, promising better days and nights and better lives for one and all. How much of their I have a great dream" bombast will become words of honour and how much will fall flat no one knows. To or not to believe them is the dilemma most is facing at the moment. If past performance is supposed to be the gauge of one's ability it certainly is hard to guess who has the quality to make the Myanmar dream come true. Because almost all the current leaders, even those that are labeled as opposition are still tethered to the previous regimes colours. There are very few who can declare they have no stains on them, their reputation is clean. And as for being pure, for people and country, the conduct of the one and only, extraordinary and exceptional Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has been casting doubt in the minds of many for quite some time. Considered a political novice or rather a greenhorn at the beginning of the democracy movement over two decades ago, she seems to have emerged as a maestro who can make the whole world dance to her tune. It can't be denied that she has been the keystone in opening the doors of Myanmar. Her endorsement of the 2010 elected congregation, president as well as the government and the whole lot that makes up the parliament, was what got green lights flashing in the east and west, or rather it may be rightful more to say, in the four corners of earth. Myanmar came to get visitors from rarely heard of places and the flow of visitors in and out, seemed to mean that been to Myanmar was the fad of the day. Let's say Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivers a speech at the National League for Democracy (NLD) headquarters in Yangon on 27 September 2013 / Hein Zaw
been the best sales promoter of Myanmar. She has been able to place Myanmar with all its flaws and defects, blemish and weakness in the top lot. And in doing so and in dealing with all those controversial elements that make up the present structure of Myanmar, she seems to show that in the years in detention she honed the political talent she inherited from her father. And because she has become so can the people assume now, that at least, they have gained a fullfledge proponent they can completely depend on? There are many laws of life that can't be denied and one is that man, survived by adapting to his environment. This is not dragging Darwin and his evolution theory into this discussion but it will be a fallacy to say that his survival of the fittest logic which is rather like a catch all phrase in every matter is not in accord with political situations. To get along with one's surroundings or environment mean need to be able to do the appropriate feature and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been for the past years doing so, in and out of the country. And often her adaptation has seemed to be so much overblown it has made frowns grow on the forehead of political analysts. Seeing her dancing with those whom the people consider the devil and often hearing her sing their tune has made many doubt her sincerity.
But, still, there are those who see her actions as political maneuvers that Myanmar's drastic condition necessitates and points out that as she seems to be, in some situations, straddling the fence, so are those of the regime. And no accusation could be truer than that. The most reverberant sound that has been rising to a crescendo in Myanmar nowadays is the bellow of the people, with the people, to the people' by various bandwagon riders, both of the administration and opponent. Offering the people a mixture of EI dorado and Shangrila to mesmerize them to vote for them in the coming election, their real motive is to get the people by hook or by crook. As the old song Promises, Promises.' it is certainly promises galore. Enough to choke you! Taking all these matters in mind it will be rightful to conclude that all the king's men, the present administration, dissident and army, are doing their best to be seen as a helping hand in reconstructing the humpity-dumpity, here, Myanmar, that had taken a resounding fall. And the people's momentous duty is to be able to foresee the true saviour. At the top there are the four major contenders, i.e, the opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the president U Thein Sein, the house speaker Thura Shwe Mann and the army chief, senior general Min Aung
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Hlaing, standing there like comrades, but all assume that it is just a facade to pacify the country's various dissidents. And observing them one can't ignore a glaring fact. That is of those four, three are those who enjoyed and still are enjoying the prosperity and potentiality of the arms force. Going down to the second or third or fourth rank of leadership, the situation seldom differs. It can be said that the 25 percent army ratio declared in the constitution is of little consequence out in the field, where in reality the army ratio of dominance is 75 percent and in some places more so. In short it can be said that the ruling class of Myanmar mostly comprises former and ex and previous and present servicemen and it can't be denied that whatever differences those may have, true to the motto, birds of a feather stick together,' when required, they are certain to discard their internal friction and stand united against those they consider as their opponent. If as before, if the people end up as their opponent, just accept that god has forsaken them. It was Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India who said that you can judge the growth of a nation by finding out which class of that nation, in a particular period of history, is held in honour and reputed more than the other." And there are also words that seem relevant to the above quote. "The first panacea for a mismanaged nation is inflation of the currency; the second is war. Both bring a temporary prosperity; both bring a permanent ruin. But both are the refuge of political and economic opportunists," said the great American author Ernest Hemingway. Any person who seriously studies
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Impossible is not a word in my dictionary. Meaning any and everything is possible. And it was also his way, when choosing his generals, to give preference to those that are lucky.
country's treasures? Some like to feel that there are possibilities of a better tomorrow in Daw Aung San Suu Kyi strategy but others feel that she hasn't the guts to disrupt the present tranquility of power sharing gained by her endorsement and acceptance of the present government with warts and all. But would the 75 percent veteran stand stock-still and let her carry on movement that is certain to have percussion on their previous activities. And more so would Myanmar's great neighbours, China, India, Bangladesh and Thailand sit back and let a hugh economic opportunity slip out of their hands. Hope is what keeps the world turning round. How it turns and for who it turns and who can counter act its motion for the better of his kind is still a hang-up question. The people may be preparing to cast their lot, in the coming election, with the candidate they prefer. And the way things are going the constitution may be amended to make Daw Aung San Suu Kyi participation valid. But in the after math how much of the Napoleon people's hope will be realized? How long and how democratically free will the people be? That is the question that haunts the Myanmar of today. It was also Napoleon Bonaparte who Myanmar, the country at this phrase, is certain to see whom were those that had been said, Impossible is not a word in my dichonoured in its previous and present pre- tionary." Meaning any and everything is posdicament and who were blessed with the sible. And it was also his way, when choosopportunity to milk the mismanaged nation. ing his generals, to give preference to those So on whom should the people stack their that are lucky. Try as much as the Myanmar may to get a good democratic leader, hope? On whom should the people stack their may be, due to the current situation going hopes, especially when all those that seem on, they may have to fall back to their Budto have the means to pave the people's way dhist philosophy and leave the matter to to paradise are those who had fleeced the fate or luck. A
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This article will address the issues of can compete both on domestic markets and Traditional Management and the skills that internationally. are involved in Change Management. The traditional principles of Myanmar is now facing enormous management can be categorized into the challenges with the country opening up to four major functions of Planning, the outside world economy. This will im- Organizing, Leading and Controlling (The pact the way Myanmar companies do busi- P.O.L.C framework). ness in the future, and in particular raise questions about leaderPlanning Organizing ship and management. It will be necessary to revalue current 1. Vision & Mission 1. Organization Design 1. management styles and see new 2. Strategizing 2. Culture 2. management and leadership 3. Goals & Objectives 3. Social Networks 3. emerge. Organizational transfor4. mation will be necessary to en5. sure that Myanmar companies
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All of these functions require solid management and leadership skills, both on strategic and operational level. Management relationship with Leadership is interesting in as much as it involves some fundamental differences. Some of those differences can be summarized by directly comparing the
Leading
Controlling
Leadership 1. Systems/Processes Decision Making 2. Human Resources Communications Groups/Teams Motivation
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roles of both roles - Managers administer, leaders innovate - Managers ask how and when, leaders ask what and why - Managers focus on systems, leaders focus on people - Managers do things right, leaders do the right things Whatever these differences are, an organization needs both leaders and managers to achieve an effective running of the business. But for most organizations its usually about managing and leading an existing business and try optimize the results of doing business, whatever way it is measured. Financial Rations, Shareholder Value, Market Value Organizational Performance Measures etc. But what happens when an organization need to Change and Innovate? This article will look into the need for adapting the traditional management and leadership functions and skills to deal with changes. What we can refer to as Change Management. Why is change important? If it weren't for changes a manager's job would be relatively easy. Planning, Organizing, Leading and Controlling (P.O.L.C) would be easier because tomorrow would be no different than today. So why do Organizations need to change? Organizations need to change and adapt both for Internal and External reasons. We can evaluate these changes by using the well-known SWOT analysis, which give us a tool to look at the internal factors (Strength, Weakness) and the external factors (Opportunities, Threats). But there are a wide range of tools available to management to access the organization's current competitive position. Some of these are PEST (Political, Economic, Social Demographic, and Technology), EFAS (External Factor Analysis Summary), IFAS (Internal Factors Analysis Summary), Value Chain, Balanced Scorecard, Strategic Canvas, Kaizen, 6
Sigma etc. All of these indicators will help management to evaluate the current competitive position of the company. So if those indicators show that the company is not in an optimal position, it is maybe time for changes and innovation. This is where the traditional management skillsets will be challenged. Change Management requires a whole new set of skills to guide the organization through uncertainty and often fear. Good leadership and good implementation management skills are a must in order to succeed.
The first thing is for management to accept the role they play in organizational change. They act like a kind of catalyst for the change. Like a change agent. After all changes represents ambiguity and uncertainty and can threaten the status quo. So how can managers effectively overcome this resistance to changes? Here are some suggestions: 1. Carefully assess the climate for change Is the organization ready for changes?
Changes can be related to both internal and external factors. It can involve Structure, Technology, Organization, Products, R&D, Marketing and Sales etc. But the common denominator is how does management effectively deal with changes? Changes usually involved increased stress level and uncertainty on the organization. People often tend to react to changes by first reject, being upset, angry until it is accepted and then corporation. It is therefore important that management have a strong change process in place so it can effectively deal with resistance and stress and provide stimulation for changes and innovation. So how can managers develop their Change Management Skills?
Management needs to ask several questions and the more affirmative answers they get the more likely it is that change efforts will succeed. Some questions will involve whether the driver of the changes is powerful enough to effectively deal with resistance. Other questions relate to the senior management's commitment to the change, and their ability to convey the need for change and share it with others in the organization. Some questions will address the vision and the future of the organization and do management have clear SMART objectives in place to evaluate the change effort and reward systems. The management also needs to be clear about if a specific change effort is consistent with other changes going on in the organization. And very importantly is the question about
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risk? Are employees being rewarded for taking risks, being innovative and looking for new and better solutions? Does communication flow both down and up in the organization, and do employees happy and trust the management? These are just some of the many questions management need to ask to effectively manage the change process. 2. There are several ways management can approach and manage the resistance to change. Here are six examples of strategies for dealing with resistance to change: - Education &Communication. This can clear up misunderstanding - Participation which can increase involvement and acceptance - Facilitation and support which is useful when there is a high level of anxiety and fear - Negotiation which is useful when management need to "buy" commitment - Manipulation can be used as an inexpensive and easy way to get support - Coercion as a strategy when a powerful group's support is needed. 3. The final stage of Change Management involves the importance of communication with the employees regarding what support management is able to provide. This must take place both during the time the change is being implemented and after the change is completed. It is important that the organization takes learning from previous changes to avoid making same mistakes. A close study of other organizations Best Practice is also valuable So How Does Organizational Change Happen? We can look at this question by using two kinds of metaphors. There is the so called "calm waters" metaphor which kind of look at the organization as a large ship
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sailing in calm waters. The management (captain and crew) know exactly where they are going because they done it so many times before. Changes are only needed when a sudden storm or brief distraction occur. The other scenario is referred to as the "white-water rapids" metaphor where the organization is like a small raft running down a wild raging river with uninterrupted white-water rapids. On board are people who might never have worked together before and perhaps are unfamiliar with the river (business environment).
an indebt exploration of both the accounts of organizational success that have been provided by noted practitioners, and the accounts that have been provided by academics utilizing a range of empirical and theoretical approaches to research. There are numerous accounts of leaders and managers who have successfully transformed their business and perfected the fine art of Transformational and Change Management. Perhaps one of the most successful is Jack Welch the former CEO of General Electric, who over a period of 20 years increased GE's market
So does every manager face a world of constant and chaotic change? No, not every manager faces such a world. However, the number who doesn't is getting smaller. The stability and predictability of the calm waters metaphor don't really exist. This is very true for the new business environment that Myanmar is now facing. So therefore the need for good Change Management skills is so important now. There will be challenges of personal and professional development that confront those who wish to increase their effectiveness as business leaders. What can managers and leaders do to strengthen their Change Management skills? Well first of all they can undertake
capitalization over 20 fold, from 13 billion $ to 200 billion $. It was through his vision and change management that he guided GE though new times and took opportunity of a changing world. His 7-Point Program for Management by Leadership can be summarized are very simple: 1. Develop a vision for thebusiness 2. Change the culture toachieve the vision 3. Flatten the organization 4. Eliminate bureaucracy 5. Empower individuals 6. Raise quality and efficiency 7. Eliminate boundaries Here are some examples of his messages to other leaders. These messages are applicable for any industry and any market whether a developed western country or emerging markets in Asia, like
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Myanmar. - Business is simple. - Don't make business overly complicated. - Face reality; then act decisively. - Don't be afraid of change. - Change before you have to. - Fight bureaucracy. - Use the brains of your workers. - Discover who has the best ideas, and put those ideas into practice. Jack Welch's transformation of GE is a clear example of a leader creating a story for the future of the organization based on
leadership and organisational success. Although there are some academics who question the claim that leadership is crucial to organisational outcomes, the majority view certainly holds that it is effective leadership that constitutes one of the key competitive advantages for successful organisations. Now let us turn to the many accounts that have been provided by academics utilizing a range of empirical and theoretical approaches to research. These are textbooks with a numerous theories on how to handle Change Management and create a winning organization. There are two books I like to introduce in this article. One is the book Blue Ocean written by W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne. The book talks about the way companies can create a competitive advantage by using the concept of swimming (doing business) in Blue Oceans (create barriers for competitors) as opposed to Red Oceans (where there are a lot of competition)
they studied had no or little relationship to superior business performance. In their opinion what does matter, it turned out, is having a strong grasp of the business basics. Without exception, companies that outperformed their industry peers excelled at what we call the four primary management practices-strategy, execution, culture, and structure. And they supplemented their great skill in those areas with a mastery of any two out of four secondary management practicestalent, innovation, leadership, and mergers and partnerships. So let us ask the question? Are Leaders Born? Or Are They Made? Or Both Many think that Leaders are simply born with the DNA to lead. Many others think that "Leadership" can be learned and grown with proper education and experience. Some others think that it is a combination of the two that breeds the greatest
Red Ocean versus Blue Ocean Strategy

Red Ocean versus the elements of his own 'who I am' story. Welch loves to compete. He knows what it's like to win and lose, and he likes winning better. When he became CEO he began to author a story about GE becoming a winner: he proposed that GE should become the most competitive company on the planet. Jack Welch is just one of many leaders who have successfully transformed their business and even industries. Others have included Carlos Gnosh of Nissan, Sir Richard Branson, Michael Dell, Larry Page and Sergey Brin the founders of Google, Lee Kuan Yew, the charismatic leader of modern Singapore. All of these leaders and many more are a testimony to the theory pointing out the connections between effective Compete in existing market space. Beat the competition. Exploit existing demand. Make the value-cost trade-off. Align the whole system of a firm's activities with its strategic choice of differentiation or low cost. Blue Ocean Strategy Create uncontested market space. Make the competition irrelevant. Create and capture new demand. Break the value-cost trade-off. Align the whole system of a firm's activities in pursuit of differentiationand low cost.
The other book is "What Really Works" by byNitinNohria, William Joyce, and Bruce Roberson. They carefully examined more than 200 well-established management practices as they were employed over a ten-year period by 160 companies to try determining which management practice work best. The conclusion came as a bit of surprise. Most of the management tools and techniques
leaders... What do you think? Whatever the answer is we must accept that the way we manage our business in the future in Myanmar, will change simply due to the new challenges we are facing, both internally and externally. To be truly competitive in the new business environment, Myanmar leaders and managers must adapt and master the art of Change Management. A
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Myanmar army at Ayutthaya went home by two routes. One went east towardsToungoo, They carry only light arms and loads. They were to make rapid march to reach Ava and meet Chinese forces. Another route to home was towards south of Ayuttaya and then towards Dawae. They were slow in their march as they carry heavy loads and weapons such as guns. They would take months on the way From Dawae, they would proceed by sea to Yangon and then sailed up the Ayeyarwaddy river to Ava. An officer in charge of a detachment was found struggling with a load put on beasts of burden. He was from Thin-baunggyin village,(See map) north-west of Ava. He is still called by his native villagers as Thin-baung-gyin Bo'. His soldiers were also equally laden with loads entrusted to each by a Myanmar general. Mostly they were carrying war booty- like guns and arsenals. These they were to deliver at the capital Ava. They also took Thai captives with them. It was a real hardship on the way. There were many untold stories. Both Myanmar soldiers and Thai captives, many were.left behind exhausted or with illness and the heavy loads were piled on the road side. Some joined them later on. Some loads so heavy and unable to carry on, the General decided to abandon them at secret places. Few detachments were purposely left behind to settle new villages near the secret sites. The Myanmar soldiers carefully marked the spot where they hid the treasures. But treacherous jungle covered all the posts and marks in no time with vines and trees and the carnivores prowled the area making it a no-man's-land. With time, treasures were lost but not forgotten and their tales or rumors continued even now, added with myth, magic and makeups. Since then, rumors spread along the road about fabulous treasures hidden at several places in the jungle all along the road to Dawae. In 1933, Thuriya magazine in Yangon published an article about a Yodaya Thike' (Ayutthaya Tressures) by Myo Tha, from 0-loke quarter, Dawae. It says the treasures were left behind by the Myanmar army on its way back home via Dawae. It is reasonable that few 'Thike' really exist and there are secret surveys made from Thai side. Few years ago, a sounding was even made by a Thai Princess visiting Dawae. Coming back by Dawae route, few lucky ones with robust health did reach their home within 3 or 4 months. Those affected by malaria, fatigue and other illness reach Ava after 6 months or so. A lucky one who came home was Thin-baung-gyin Bo' or captain and his soldiers recruited from the villages around. His name was mentioned in a chronicle, the fourth volume of ' Thutho-dita Maha Y arzawin-daw-gyi. On his way back he was to escort a group of Thai plus a load of trophy which his general entrusted him to deliver at Ava. He also carried back three wooden standing Buddha statues
each about three cubits high. Thin-baung-gyin villagers said that he was a pious man, offering flowers to the Buddha images at every camp they rested for a night and always prayed to the Lord that he would behave fairly towards his men and Thai captives he was taking along with him and that the Deva should help all of them to reach their home, Ava safely. And they did. Arriving Ava, he delivered the Thais to the officers concerned plus the war booty both he and his soldiers had carried all the way back. But the three Buddha images, he carefully packed and carried all the way, he took them to his village. His village is far in the interior, now-a-day in Kant-balu township. (See Map) Soon he and his men found themselves warmly welcomed by his native villagers. They all rejoiced more so because he had carried back three standing Buddha statues to worship at the village. Immediately they all carried them to the village monastery. The abbot received them humbly and put them on a high alter. Years passed. Abbots of the village changed one after another. Thin-baung-gyin Bo passed away. But the Thai images remained in the monastery. Since then for over 200 years, the three standing images are here. Miraculously the three images escaped destruction from the Second World War. The villagers believed that the Buddha statues would protect them. When Japanese soldiers came, they did not give any trouble. So the statues were highly revered and respected by the villagers. Again in a hard time under the rule of socialism, all people turned to black market for a survival. Many Buddha images of wood, marble, and bronze and art objects disappeared from everywhere but these statues from this village escaped looting.
Discovery
It has been never observed by any scholar of history and art before. So we can rather say their existence was unknown even to the Myanmar scholars. On 16 July 2013, U Win Maung, a scholar of traditional architecture, and his team visited the village. All village
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monasteries were the centre of social and cultural activities. The team went straight to the only monastery. Here to their surprise and joy, they discovered the three Buddha images. Each is about three cubits high, all in standing posture. In spite of a sign of restoration once or twice like putting on new gold leaves and glass mosaic, the last time being in the last 90 years or so, the three images are found to retain originality. The most prominent are decoration on the chest and a broad cover around the waist and buttock, a common Thai decoration but a very unusual feature in Myanmar standing Buddha images. The Bo (captain) of this village could not have taken the thrones or pedestals on which the statue were standing; he had to leave them behind as the images were most important for him. The pedestals are now a simple block rather than their original truncated triangular shape.
Thai and Myanmar Difference

Regarding the tapering crown, there are two types in Myanmar tradition. 1- Makuda or Magite (Makut in Thai) and 2Tharafu (Saraphu). Makuda has a flat band around the forehead with receding tiers with (5, 7 or 9) of Tamarind leaves as it goes up, topped with a small bulb known as Baung'. Tha-ra-phu has a bulbous base around the forehead with receding bulbous ring as it goes up to end on a spire.
Hand gestures of the Standing Buddha Images in Thinbaung-gyin village
Myanmar Kings rarely used Tharaphu (Saraphu) and so also it was the same on Buddh' s head. Maghite was always the choice both for Buddha and the King. However here in all Thai style Buddha images, only Tharaphu crowns the head. These are found to be 'repelling danger' gesture. In Laos this repelling gestures is popularly known as Phra Bang'.
Phra Bang Image

Tha-ra-phu
When a standing Buddha displays his palm up and another with index pointing towards worshipper, it conveys a meaning You! Don't Worry, Don't Fear' . In other words, it repels danger and gives protection. If two palms are held up, it was known as Double Phra Bang image. This Phra Bang image was so popular and most revered in the whole of South-east Asia. In Laos, Laotian people offer the most profound respect and honor to Phra Bang' image. The whole nation and people
November 2013
Difference of the Makuda and Tharaphu is conspicuous

Very well, the ear piece (a decoration flap behind the ear) is either Myanmar design or Thai. (See figures and King Thibaw's Maghite) Both types are fpound in Myanmar.
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believe that this image would protect them from all dangers. In ancient time, this image was kept in Luang Pra Bang, the northern capital. The capital itself derived its name from this image. Now this sacred mage is kept in Vien Chan, the present capital. Ancient Myanmar documented this capital as Mai Long Kha Bin which derived etymologically from Muang Luang Phra Bang! In conclusion, the standing Buddha images with danger repelling' gestures were still revered in the distant village, deep in the interior of Myanmar, revealing their deep faith and respect
to the religion. What the captain of the village did in the bygone past was a good example that Myanmar soldiers in Ayutthiaya battle respected Buddha images. It was a standing witness against what few Thai scholars wrote in their history books. There are many such examples as we can still find Buddha images with Thai design. These images are now found on high alter in monasteries as the families which revered them generation after generation fmally handed over to abbots. (See two photos of Thai Buddha images.) A
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Dining Out
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International Flight Schedules

D AY S FLIGHT DEP ARRI D AY S FLIGHT DEP ARRI D AY S FLIGHT DEP ARRI
Yangon - Bangkok DAILY TG - 302 TG - 306 TG - 304 PG - 702 PG - 704 PG - 706 8M - 331 8M - 335 14:55 19:45 09:50 10:30 18:20 07:15 16:30 8:20 16:50 21:40 11:45 12:25 20:15 09:30 18:15 10:05
TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
TR - 2826 TR - 2826 TR - 2826 MI - 520 TR - 2826 TR- 2826 MI - 520 TR - 2826
17:00 17:00 17:00 22:10 17:00 13:15 22:10 17:00
18:25 18:25 18:25 23:35 18:25 14:45 23:35 18:25
SUN
8M - 711
8:40
13:15
Guangzhou - Yangon MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN CZ - 3055 8M - 712 CZ - 3055 8M - 712 CZ - 3055 CZ - 3055 8M - 712 14:45 4:15 8:40 4:15 14:45 8:40 4:15 16:35 15:50 10:30 15:50 16:35 10:30 15:50
Yangon - Bangkok DAILY FD - 2752 FD-2756 FD - 2754 08:30 12:15 17:50 10:20 14:05 19:35
Bangkok - Yangon DAILY TG - 301 TG - 303 TG - 305 PG - 701 PG - 703 PG - 705 8M - 332 8M - 336 13:00 07:55 17:50 08:50 16:45 00:15 19:15 11:30 13:45 08:50 18:45 09:40 17:35 21:30 20:00 00:15
Yangon - Phnom Penh WED SAT 8M - 403 8M - 403 16:50 16:50 19:15 19:15
Bangkok - Yangon DAILY FD - 2751 FD - 2755 FD - 2753 07:15 11:10 16:35 08:00 11:45 17:20
Phnom Penh - Yangon WED SAT 8M - 404 8M - 404 20:15 20:15 21:40 21:40
Yangon - Kuala Lumpur Yangon - Singapore DAILY DAILY 8M - 231 8M - 6232 SQ - 997 MI - 517 3K - 586 TR - 2827 MI - 509 TR - 2827 TR - 2827 TR - 2827 TR - 2827 TR - 2827 MI - 509 TR - 2827 08:00 11:30 10:25 06:40 11:30 15:35 00:25 19:05 19:05 19:05 19:05 15:35 00:25 19:05 12:25 16:05 14:45 21:15 16:05 20:05 05:00 23:35 23:35 23:35 23:35 20:05 05:00 23:35 AK - 1427 MH - 741 MH - 743 8M - 501 8M - 501 8M - 501 8:30 12:15 15:45 7:50 7:50 7:50 12:50 16:30 20:00 11:50 11:50 11:50 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT CI CI CI CI CI CI Yangon - Teipei -7916 -7916 -7916 -7916 -7916 -7916 10:50 10:50 10:50 10:50 10:50 10:50 16:15 16:15 16:15 16:15 16:15 16:15
MON WED SAT
MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
Kuala Lumpur - Yangon Teipei - Yangon DAILY AK - 1426 MH - 740 MH - 742 8M - 502 8M - 502 8M - 502 06:55 10:05 13:30 12:50 12:50 12:50 08:00 11:15 14:40 13:50 13:50 13:50 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT CI CI CI CI CI CI -7915 -7915 -7915 -7915 -7915 -7915 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 9:55 9:55 9:55 9:55 9:55 9:55
MON WED SAT
Singapore - Yangon DAILY 8M - 232 8M - 6231 SQ - 998 MI - 518 3K - 585 TR- 2826 13:25 09:10 07:55 14:20 09:20 13:15 14:50 10:40 09:20 15:45 10:45 14:45 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
Yangon - Guangzhou Yangon - Kunming CZ - 3056 8M - 711 CZ - 3056 8M - 711 CZ - 3056 CZ - 3056 17:40 8:40 11:20 8:40 17:40 11:20 22:15 13:15 15:50 13:15 22:15 15:50 MON TUE WED MU - 2012 CA - 906 MU - 2032 CA - 906 MU - 2012 12:20 14:15 14:40 14:15 12:20 18:35 17:35 18:00 17:35 18:35
MON
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D AY S
FLIGHT
DEP
ARRI
D AY S
FLIGHT
DEP
ARRI
D AY S
FLIGHT
DEP
ARRI
THU FRI SAT SUN
CA - 906 MU - 2032 MU - 2032 CA - 906 MU - 2032 CA - 906 MU - 2032
14:15 14:40 14:40 14:15 14:40 14:15 14:40
17:35 18:00 18:00 17:35 18:00 17:35 18:00
Yangon - Hanoi Doha - Yangon MON WED FRI SAT SUN VN VN VN VN VN 956 956 956 956 956 19:10 19:10 19:10 19:10 19:10 21:30 21:30 21:30 21:30 21:30 WED THU SUN QR - 618 QR - 618 QR - 618 21:05 07:00+1 21:05 07:00+1 21:05 07:00+1
Yangon - Tokyo Kunming - Yangon MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MU - 2011 CA - 905 MU - 2031 CA - 905 MU - 2011 CA - 905 MU - 2031 MU - 2031 CA - 905 MU - 2031 CA - 905 MU - 2031 8:20 12:40 13:30 12:40 8:20 12:40 13:30 13:30 12:40 13:30 12:40 13:30 11:30 13:15 13:55 13:15 11:30 13:15 13:55 13:55 13:15 13:55 13:15 13:55 MON WED FRI SAT SUN Hanoi - Yangon DAILY VN VN VN VN VN 957 957 957 957 957 16:35 16:35 16:35 16:35 16:35 18:10 18:10 18:10 18:10 18:10 NH - 914 21:45 PM06:50+1 Tokyo - Yangon DAILY NH - 913 10:30 15:30
Yangon - Hong Kong Yangon - Ho Chi Minh City TUE THU SUN VN - 942 VN - 942 VN - 942 14:25 14:25 14:25 17:10 17:10 17:10 MON TUE THU SAT KA KA KA KA 251 251 251 251 1:10 1:10 1:10 1:10 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00
Ho Chi Minh City- Yangon Yangon - Beijing TUE WED THU FRI SUN CA CA CA CA CA 906 906 906 906 906 14:15 14:15 14:15 14:15 14:15 21:55 21:55 21:55 21:55 21:55 TUE THU SUN VN - 943 VN - 943 VN - 943 11:40 11:40 11:40 13:25 13:25 13:25 MON WED FRI SUN Hong Kong - Yangon KA KA KA KA 250 250 250 250 21:45 21:45 21:45 21:45 23:30 23:30 23:30 23:30
Yangon - Seoul DAILY THU SUN OZ - 770 KE - 472 KE - 472 0:35 9:10 23:35 08:05+1 23:35 08:05+1
Beijing - Yangon TUE WED THU FRI SUN CA CA CA CA CA 905 905 905 905 905 8:05 8:05 8:05 8:05 8:05 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15
Mandalay - Bangkok TUE WED FRI SAT SUN TG-781 TG-781 TG-781 TG-781 TG-781 7:25 7:25 7:25 7:25 7:25 08:50 08:50 08:50 08:50 08:50
Seoul - Yangon DAILY WED SAT OZ - 769 KE - 471 KE - 471 19:50 18:40 18:40 23:25 22:30 22:30
Yangon - Chaing Mai SUN W9 - 9607 14:20 16:10
Bangkok - Mandalay Yangon - Doha MON THU FRI QR - 619 QR - 619 QR - 619 8:15 8:15 8:15 11:15 11:15 11:15 TUE WED FRI SAT SUN TG-782 TG-782 TG-782 TG-782 TG-782 9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30 11:55 11:55 11:55 11:55 11:55
Chaing Mai - Yangon SUN W9 - 9608 17:20 18:10
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Acumen Magazine November 2013

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Acumen Magazine November 2013

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adv.

Publisher and Copyright Dr. Htet Zan Linn Printer

Japanese airline starts Tokyo - Yangon direct flight

Government pledges for Kyauk Phyu SEZ security

KBZ wins two awards this year

German helps three sectors of Myanmar development

Myanmar sees investment growth in construction sector

Hotel construction in a rush to be ready for Sea Games

Food giant Nestle enters Myanmar groceries market

Prospect of two groups' MoU: to Myanmar Economic potential

eYangon will be ready soon

Rakhine State: Myanmar's Treasure Trove

870 kilometers long Pipe line to Yunan / shwe.org

The Curse of Natural Resources?

Natural Resources and Management and Transparency

Natural Resources and the Rights

Natural Resources and the Constitution

Natural Resources and Federal System

Natural Resources and Peace

Warning; Testing Needed.pmd

The Silent Killer

The right of choice and capability

Violent life styles

Fish paste which is an essential dish in most Myanmar's daily meal

Warning; Testing Needed.pmd

Travelling is still difficult in Yangon

Warning; Testing Needed.pmd

A person cannot strenghten consumer protection individually, all need to participate

Warning; Testing Needed.pmd

Hotel Tourism-Myitmakha(next design).pmd

Hotel Tourism-Myitmakha(next design).pmd

Hotel Tourism-Myitmakha(next design).pmd

The number of international traveler has increased since 2011

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Peacock Lounge of Treaders Hotel Yangon

Parkroyal Yangon / www.parkroyalhotels.com

Hotel Tourism-Myitmakha(next design).pmd

High land prices may be a major obstacle to foreign Investors

Shortage of skillful workers is one of the challenges in Myanmar

Globel gaint is now every where in Myanmar

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd

Now China See Myanmar-NathanMg.pmd

Now China See Myanmar-NathanMg.pmd

How Free Can Myanmar Be.pmd

How Free Can Myanmar Be.pmd

How Free Can Myanmar Be.pmd

Leadership 1. Systems/Processes Decision Making 2. Human Resources Communications Groups/Teams Motivation

Red Ocean versus Blue Ocean Strategy

Thai and Myanmar Difference

Hand gestures of the Standing Buddha Images in Thinbaung-gyin village

Phra Bang Image

Difference of the Makuda and Tharaphu is conspicuous

November October 2013