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ISSUE 720 | MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Verdict in journalists defamation case delayed

PHYO WAI KYAW pwkyaw@gmail.com A VERDICT in the defamation case brought against a senior reporter from The Myanmar Times has been delayed for a second time. Ko Si Thu Lwin appeared in Madaya Township Court on March 7 to hear the verdict of his case, which was led over allegations that his coverage of a dispute in Mandalay Region damaged the dignity of electricity department officials. The verdict was originally delayed from February 21 to March 7. It will now be handed down on March 18, according to court officials. Ko Si Thu Lwin wrote a series of articles for The Myanmar Times last year covering a conict over the installation of power lines in Madaya. Residents argued the lines should bypass the town, rather than be run down the main street, for environmental and safety reasons. The controversy was rst reported in the papers Myanmar-language edition on May 24. On May 29, Madaya township electricity engineer U Nyan Htun submitted a complaint to police alleging Ko Si Thu Lwins article contained some words that damaged the dignity of the electricity department and its staff. During an August 22 hearing, U Nyan Htun told the township judge that it was safe to install the power lines down the main street of the town. He said he had worked in accordance with the instructions of his superior.

SHARP EDGE TO DEBATE Gem dealers demand direct export right

BUSINESS 24

UNDER FIRE Senior generals media lockout draws sharp criticism

NEWS 6

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46
PHOTO: BOOTHEE

U Myo Min Htet (left) and U Tin Ko Ko drink to their marriage at Yangons Excel Hotel on March 2. Attended by many members of the LGBT community, the wedding also sparked a public outcry on social media.

Well fight fairly to win 2015 election, says Shwe Mann

Lower House Speaker and USDP Leader says that a defeat would not jeopardise the peace and tranquility of the State.
NEWS 3

2 THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Page 2
THE INSIDER: The local lowdown & best of the web
it would be gauche to suggest consultants with demonstrated expertise in the matter: Indonesia. It would seem the gay couple whose recent union gave way to signicant controversy can breathe a sigh of relief, with Eleven reporting that the police now say they have no intention of investigating or pressing charges. The Voice, 7 Day and Democracy Today all ran with the line that the March 2 ceremony had stirred reactions from Buddhist monks, with online media outlets calling the event illegal and immoral. Had the authorities wanted to rain on their parade, however, section 377 of the Penal Code would have been the relevant legislation under which charges could have been pursued. This section, referred to in the Code as Unnatural Offences (sodomy is referred to euphemistically in Myanmar language as going against nature) reads thus: Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to ne. The law, a relic from British colonial times, reportedly presents signicant problems in terms of gathering evidence and is generally only invoked when a party to the act in question makes a complaint about it. It is not unheard of for a wife to lodge a complaint against her husband if he repeatedly tries to convince her of the merits of going against nature. Most 377-category offences are thrown out of court.

online editor Kayleigh Long | kayleighelong@gmail.com

A commission has been formed to draft two controversial new bills focused on conversion and balancing the increasing population according to The New Light of Myanmar which in its roundabout way refers to the mildly alarming push to, in the very least, signicantly complicate the process for those wishing to secure an interfaith marriage. With the proposed bills for what is being called the Patriotic Act having now received the endorsement of President U Thein Sein, the movement has gained some serious traction since its inception as a campaign spearheaded by monks. Front and centre of the proselytising movement is course, U Wirathu, whose crack teams tireless work on the issue saw over 2 million signatures collected a logistical feat that surely must have earned the admiration of those charged with wrangling data collection operations for the impending census. Among the tasks assigned to the commission is to Seek advice from persons and organizations who are experienced in relevant subjects. One cant help but wonder if

Gotta have faith

Burmese Gays

A feature on traditional boxing from post-war British publication Burma To-Day

Courtesy of Pansodan Gallery

offered readers a tantalising glimpse of what they could expect to see inside: Bullock carts still useful for transporting goods between villages. It transpires that bullock carts are, indeed, still useful for transporting goods and are preferred over motorized vehicles by the sample group of villagers in Meiktila apparently quizzed on the matter. The reasons listed were twofold. The operating costs on an ox cart are lower than that of a car or motorbike. They are also better suited to the roads in rural areas or lack thereof.

Once was Burma...

Every day Im buffering

1970s socialist propaganda magazine Forward. Date unknown.

Deputy Information Minister and prolic Facebook user U Ye Htut posted a YouTube video on his ofcial page last week, accompanied by a somewhat cryptic statement: Something exciting is happening in Myanmar. Whether or not this is true remains to be seen, but the video entitled

HAPPY (We are from Myanmar) appears to be a viral stunt with a local twist, piggybacking on a new single from US artist Pharrell. I say appears to be, because its still buffering and I havent actually watched it yet. The irony of U Ye Htut posting videos as though people would allocate precious bandwidth and time to watching them is rarely lost on his followers, who are often quick to point it out. The length of the video is 3:13 ... it takes 19 minutes to view until the end for me. I am using MPT GSM phone internet. About 16 minutes is wasted because of MPT, commented one Facebook user.

Than Shwe 3D

and is apparently set to enter talks with Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh with a view to collaborating. The ever-cheeky Zarganar told DVB that nding an actor to take on the role of the former dictator shouldnt be too much of an ask as many people in Burma, perhaps unfortunately, bear his likeness. The script for the project is reportedly yet to be eshed out, but one local cinephile said he hopes it will be presented in ashback format, la The Iron Lady starring Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher: long ashbacks interspersed with cut-tos of Than Shwe in his twilight years, shufing around the tunnels of his Nay Pyi Taw bunker. A pointer on the front page of The New Light of Myanmar on March 8

News in brief: Telenor billboard on Sule Pagoda Road a contender for worlds longest Next week: Man laments running
out of business cards at Strand happy hour, describes it as a disaster

Satirist Zarganar is looking to take on the role of assistant director in an upcoming Than Shwe biopic,

Headline of the week

www.mmtimes.com

NEWS EDITOR: Thomas Kean | tdkean@gmail.com

News 3

MSF ban temporary, Rakhine officials say

FIONA MACGREGOR SHWE YEE SAW MYINT newsroom@mmtimes.com THE closure of Mdecins Sans Frontires operations in Rakhine State is only temporary, a government health official has insisted, but a senior state official says it will likely be at least seven months before the aid group is allowed to resume activities in the trouble-hit region. Ministry of Health deputy director general U Soe Lwin Nyein told The Myanmar Times in Sittwe that MSFs expulsion from Rakhine State would not be permanent. However, he said he could not estimate the duration of the ban. Rakhine State Department of Health director U Aye Nyein said the ban was unlikely to be rescinded until October or November. He said fears that this months census would prompt more communal violence had contributed to the decision to evict the organisations staff. The Myanmar Times understands, however, that MSF has not been informed that the ban is temporary, or been offered a date for a possible resumption of services. The group has declined to comment publicly on the situation while negotiations continue, but reports suggest MSF has been instructed to withdraw its staff from Rakhine as soon as possible. There are concerns that the decision to evict the international aid organisation, which has worked in Myanmar for more than 20 years and has more than 600 staff in Rakhine State alone, has potentially put hundreds of patients lives at risk, particularly those with HIV/AIDS or TB who rely on regular access to medicine. UN agencies and major INGOs working in the region say local health organisations lack the facilities and human resources to replace the services provided by MSF. Patients in remote and rural areas, which aid organisations have been serving via mobile clinics, are said to be particularly vulnerable. resume operations in Rakhine if certain conditions, which were not specied, are met. But U Soe Win Nyein insisted the national government fully expects MSF to resume work in the state. [It has been] temporarily suspended. It is not permanent, he said. He added that the Ministry of Health was capable of managing the health needs of the whole community in Rakhine State, adding, We dont need to lose any lives [because of the ban]. The Ministry of Health is taking all the national health services to the community [including the IDPs] The ministry is doing routine health services. Asked why MSF was being pressured by the state government to leave Rakhine immediately, U Aye Nyein said the government fears staff from the organisation, which has been accused by many ethnic Rakhine of favouring the Rohingya, may be attacked if they are not moved out quickly. He said the government is also afraid that its staff could be targeted by Rakhine community groups if it allows MSF to stay. U Aye Nyein said the state government was also concerned about preventing further social conict at the end of [this] month [when] we will start the census [and] we will be talking to both communities, Rakhine and Rohingya. While state and local authorities

We dont need to lose any lives [because of the ban].

U Soe Win Nyein Ministry of Health

Nur Ha Tu holds her baby in the doorway of her hut in the Aung Mingalar ghetto in Sittwe, Rakhine State, on March 5. Photo: Fiona MacGregor

Another key area of concern is the potential shortfall in treatments for the Rohingya Muslim population, many of whom face restrictions on movement that limit their access to the state health system. A government statement released on March 2 indicated that the authorities would consider allowing MSF to

say all arrangements have been made for Myanmars rst census in 30 years, a number of observers have cautioned that the census, particularly its questions on race and religion, could iname tensions in some parts of the country, particularly Rakhine State. After the census is completed, the state government will have negotiations with both communities and [maybe] in October or November MSF will be allowed to return. Whether a temporary shutdown will be enough to satisfy hardline Rakhine community leaders is

unclear. Since the MSF closure was announced, a number of other INGOs and UN agencies in Rakhine State have been the target of online threats. Meanwhile, a watch group of civil society representatives has been established in Sittwe to monitor INGO activities. Asked if the banning of MSF would encourage activists to target other international aid organisations, U Aye Nyein said it depend[ed] on the activities of the organisation. They must have transparency about what they are doing for both communities.

USDP election defeat would not affect peace process

EI EI TOE LWIN eieitoelwin@gmail.com A LOSS by the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party in the 2015 general election would not be a setback for Myanmars peace process or the countrys transition to a democratic state, the partys leader said on March 6. Thura U Shwe Mann told reporters at a press conference in Nay Pyi Taw that regardless of who wins next years election, he believes the peace process will continue unaffected. If we lose, I dont believe there will be an impact on the peace and tranquillity of the state or on moving toward a democratic state, he said. We are trying to hold a free and fair election. If we lose, we will accept the result of the election because thats the democratic practice. The USDP will face its biggest challenger in the main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), but Thura U Shwe Mann said the USDP intends to put up a strong but fair ght. He said he has crossed party lines to work closely with NLD chairperson Daw Aung San Suu Kyi since she entered parliament in 2012. We welcomed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi when she came into parliament. She also accepted the concept of national reconciliation. We have cooperated now to work to realise it, but in the election [the USDP] will ght fairly to win, Thura U Shwe Mann said. Though Myanmar started down a path of reforms three years ago under the government of President U Thein Sein, speculation has remained high that ex-Senior General Than Shwe and people allied with him remain inuential in national politics. Thura U Shwe Mann did not comment on this issue specically, but he did say there are many people active today in Myanmar politics and that almost all are trying to inuence the 2015 election. No matter who wins, Thura U Shwe Mann said, the victorious party must give special attention to national reconciliation and working across political lines. Thura U Shwe Mann also touched on the upcoming national census being carried out by the government with help from the United Nations Population Fund. The census has been widely criticised by ethnic groups and academics who believe it could further widen ethnic divides in the country. Thura U Shwe Mann said the census is needed for the sake of the country and should be carried out according to the deadline set by the government, but he also admitted that the process is not perfect. There will be some problems during the census, but people will suffer if the government doesnt do it, he said. I think the ministries will overcome the problems and will work in the best way possible to make the process a success. We, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, are ready to help the process if they face problems and request help. But he warned that if the census was halted now, it was unclear when the process could be restarted and completed.

4 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Medical gap threatens lives in Rakhine

Residents of the Aung Mingalar IDP camp in Sittwe are already feeling the effects of a government decision to ban MSF from Rakhine State
FIONA MACGREGOR newsroom@mmtimes.com NAZIR Ahmed is dying. It is the rasping, frightened-eyed passing of a man denied even the most basic medical care an undignied and distressing end he is condemned to suffer because his ethnicity means that he is refused fundamental human rights. But Nazir Ahmed is a prisoner in Aung Mingalar ghetto, an enclosed area in the centre of the Rakhine State capital Sittwe where just metres away from bustling town life and tourists sampling the local seafood about 4000 Rohingya Muslims are trapped in an existence of hunger and misery. The Rohingya live here without access to healthcare, education or sufcient food. Armed guards and fear prevent them from leaving. As Nazir Ahmed lies on a thin bamboo mat on the wooden oorboards of his roughly constructed home, his two sons attempt to comfort him by stroking his head and soothing his convulsing limbs. Everyone in the house is aware that there is a state hospital just a few minutes walk away, as well as a team of international healthcare workers nearby who would be happy to help the sick man. But the staff of Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF), the only INGO that had been allowed access to Aung Mingalar and had been treating Mr Ahmed since he suffered a stroke in early January, have been banned from working in the region by Myanmar government. Tensions between the majority ethnic Rakhine and the Rohingya a minority group not recognised by the government are so high these days that, even if they could afford to pay the guards to let them out of Aung Mingalar, many Rohingya fear for their safety at the local Rakhine-run state hospital. People are frightened they will be attacked if they go the hospital, explained one community representative, who said Rakhine hardliners patrol the medical facilitys grounds. He asked not be named for fear of reprisals. Nazir Ahmeds condition started to in emergency cases. Asked how he feels about the MSF ban, U Maung Maung said, Theres a lot of trouble because of the lack of doctors and treatment, and we cannot go out for treatment. I am frightened I will die. The union government is aware of how banning a respected INGO from Myanmar appears on the global stage, especially at a time when the country is doing its best to present itself as a edgling democracy. While officials at the state level seem more concerned with appeasing Rakhine hardliners who demonstrate in the streets and make online threats against international aid workers, those heading up the union governments response appear keen to show they are taking a balanced stance. During a visit to Sittwe State Hospital on March 3, The Myanmar Times witnessed a police chief interviewing a senior medical official regarding allegations that a three-year-old boy who had been brought to the hospital from Aung Mingalar with breathing problems on February 26 had died ve days later due to the mistreatment by medical staff. Police officers were later seen questioning nurses at the hospital. According to the policeman, the allegations had appeared online. Aung Mingalar residents said sources in the hospital reported that, while the doctors there do their best, other medical staff are less than caring toward Rohingya patients. It may or may not have been a coincidence that part of the investigation into the boys death took place in front of journalists. According to U Soe Lwin Nyein, who said he was not aware of the incident but would look into it, the government expected the decision to remove MSF would provoke rumours and allegations, and authorities were ready for [the Rohingya] to test us. Under such circumstances, he suggested, it was important that such claims be properly investigated. While allegations about the boys mistreatment remain unsubstantiated, a European medical professional who visited the hospital around the time of the boys death said he had been shocked by other treatment he had witnessed there. He said he had looked into an operating room and seen nurses sewing up the badly slashed face of an elderly Rohingya woman from an IDP camp. Seeing that they were doing a rough job and using thick sutures, he had asked why they werent using ner thread on a face wound, and offered his own supplies if necessary. The response he received, he said, was that it doesnt matter. She has no money, shes a woman and shes Muslim. In a tacit acknowledgement that Rakhine medical staff might not always be the best people to treat the Rohingya population, and might nd it difficult to work in the IDP camps, U Soe Lwin Nyein said a rapid response team comprising medical staff from other parts of Myanmar was to be drafted into the region. However, he said it was expected to be deployed for only a week or two. With state officials suggesting that it is likely to be at least seven months before MSF will be allowed to resume operations in Rakhine, the future for Rohingya healthcare remains bleak. They will have to go without care or, if they can nd the money, put themselves in the hands of medical staff they do not trust. As The Myanmar Times left Aung Mingalar, village head Shwe Zan Aung made this plea: I would like to ask the union government if they will substitute another INGO to bring us medical treatment. It does not seem too much to ask.

Aung Mingalar resident Rhahim Katu (centre) holds a container that measures an entire days rice rations for her family of nine in Sittwe, Rakhine State, on March 5. Photo: Fiona MacGregor

deteriorate in the days before The Myanmar Times met him in Aung Mingalar on March 5. Three days previously, residents with some medical understanding had urged his family to take him to the hospital in a bid to save his life. But like many in Aung Mingalar, they have no opportunity to work and could not afford the K10,000 required to pay the guards to allow him to leave. Before MSF staff were expelled from Rakhine, they had facilitated the movement of patients who required hospital treatment and had given them the necessary referrals so they could receive treatment at Sittwe General Hospital. By the time enough cash had been raised to get Nazir Ahmed to Sittwe

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General, his family felt it was too late. They said they did not want him to die in a hospital where they believed the Rakhine medical staff would mistreat him because he was Rohingya. We did not want to send him there to die, said his son, Jamal Nasir. He displayed two notebooks with his fathers name and age, 58, written on the front. The notebooks contained Nazir Ahmeds MSF medical notes. The rst date recorded was January 7, 2014. There were no entries after February 28, the date MSF was ordered to cease operations in a move the government said was aimed at preventing further community conict in the region. The decision to evict MSF at the end of last month came amid growing resentment from Rakhine residents who claimed the organisation was giving preferential aid to the Rohingya, and government concerns that the INGOs reports regarding Rohingya patients they had treated following alleged attacks against them were at odds with the authorities accounts. The group had been working in the region for more than 20 years and had 600 staff operating in Rakhine alone, providing vital medical care across the state. They were particularly important in remote communities as well as to those in the IDP camps who had restricted access to state services. INGOs and UN organisations have expressed concern that local health authorities in Rakhine Myanmars second-poorest state do not have the facilities to replicate MSFs services. However, the deputy director general of the Ministry of Health, U Soe Lwin Nyein, has insisted they do and that state health workers will also provide care for those in the Bengali (the term Myanmar officials use to refer to the Rohingya) camps. He has also asserted the ban is temporary, though MSF sources say they have had no conrmation of that. Temporary or otherwise, any reinstatement will come too late for Nazir Ahmed, and very probably for many other vulnerable patients in Rakhine. Five days after the MSF ban had come into effect, as Mr Ahmed lay dying, no one from the Ministry of Health had yet visited Aung Mingalar to ask about the residents medical needs, according to village head Shwe Zan Aung.

In a tiny bamboo hut a few streets away from Mr Ahmeds house, a mother showed off her new baby boy, born the night before without medical assistance. Other mothers soon gathered around to show infants they have given birth to while surviving on the most meagre rations: a tin can full of rice a day to feed a family of nine, a few handfuls of homegrown watercress, and what little extra food they might be able to afford from what is brought into the village by a truck that, after the guards have been paid off, is allowed to leave twice a week to go to a nearby market for supplies. There is little rewood left in the village, so residents have been reduced to cooking over burning rubbish that often produces toxic fumes. Sometimes we just have to eat the leaves from the banana trees, said Zorina Khatu, 45.

Theres a lot of trouble because of the lack of doctors and treatment, and we cannot go out for treatment. I am frightened I will die.
Maung Maung Aung Mingalar IDP camp resident

One young woman appears with twins. They are six weeks old but still tiny. They are lucky: Their grandmother is a traditional midwife. But while the Ministry of Health insists that it can manage vaccinations for all communities without MSFs help, it remains unclear how, when and who will facilitate the provision of polio and other inoculations to these new Aung Mingalar infants. The elderly too fear for their future now that the INGO has been banned. Maung Maung, 63, has diabetes. While village residents say MSF did not usually supply regular diabetes medicines in the area, the INGO was able to do so

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6 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Senior generals press meet descends into farce

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IT should have been an opportunity to build trust between the media and the military. But Senior General Min Aung Hlaings rst press conference has, if anything, cast more suspicion on the militarys commitment to democracy, with journalists being barred from the event and state-controlled media given special treatment. The worst ASEAN-related press conference Ive ever experienced was how one journalist, who has covered ASEAN meetings in Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia since 2009, described the March 5 question-andanswer session following the 11th ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Informal Meeting. We are the ASEAN chair. We need to be more transparent or it will have a serious negative impact on our image, the reporter said. More than 10 reporters, including those from Democratic Voice of Burma, Mizzima and Trade Times, were not allowed to enter, even though they had registered to attend. A colonel told them it was because of seating difficulties in the press room, said Ko Pyae Thet Phyo, a reporter with The Myanmar Times who was also blocked from entering. We were all really angry, he said. We asked how there could be a shortage when we had all pre-registered. Then we saw the state media guys walk into the press room. We asked, Why can they enter and not us? The colonel said it was because they are the state media. Reporters were told on March 3 that they had to register that evening. By the time many found out about the press conference they had already missed the deadline. One of those who registered described the

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing speaks during the ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Informal Meeting on March 5 in Nay Pyi Taw. Photo: Pyae Thet Phyo

form as like answering questions to enlist for cadet training. Journalists were also told that they could only ask questions related to the ASEAN meeting and were ordered to submit them in advance. A reporter allowed into the press conference who asked not to be named said the senior general spoke for barely ve minutes. He answered ve questions, all of which came from state media: Myawady, MRTV and the New Light of Myanmar. Myawady asked the rst question, then handed the microphone to MRTV. When MRTV was done, it was handed to New Light of Myanmar, the reporter said. The event also highlighted the governments failure to introduce proper journalism standards at state newspapers, which churned out pieces about the press conference lauding the militarys achievements. State-run New Light of Myanmar reported on March 6 that more than 40 local and foreign journalists attended the press conference. The Senior General who chaired the 11th ACDFIM answered the questions raised by media persons, it said. The senior general said that

sweeping reforms of the new government brought about by democratisation process which was initiated by Tatmadaw won political achievements in the country and international plaudits, according to the New Light of Myanmar. Myanmar formed with different ethnic minorities is progressing towards a lasting peace, he was quoted as saying. Observers said the press conference highlighted the militarys continued reluctance to adhere to international standards of transparency. We want transparency in every sector of the country and for that it is important that the public have access to news, said U Nyan Win, a spokesperson for the National League for Democracy. Ko Sai Ye Kyaw Swar Myint, cofounder of the Yangon School of Political Science, said the press conference showed the militarys arrogance. Its like they dont need to make any effort to build relations with other [stakeholders] or the public, he said. They think that they dont need to reform because there are no consequences from not reforming.

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CENSUS

News 7

Access to ethnic territory clouds national tally

BILL OTOOLE
botoole12@gmail.com

WITH the census less than a month away, fresh doubts have emerged over the ability of enumerators to collect data in areas controlled by ethnic armed groups. Interviews with representatives from the groups and the Ministry of Immigration and Population reveal that key questions remain over several aspects of the process, including who is eligible to carry out the census and which armed groups will agree to participate. Many ethnic civil society groups have called upon the government to delay or amend the census on the grounds its methodology is awed on the question of ethnicity and could be used to strip minorities of their rights. These same concerns are shared by leaders of several prominent armed groups, who told The Myanmar Times they will limit or completely block efforts to collect data in their territories. U La Nan, a spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Army, said the

85,000
Enumerators to be trained for the census groups executive council has not even been contacted by Nay Pyi Taw about the census and it believes the count is being conducted too soon. He said the KIA does not plan to allow enumerators to collect data within its territory on the Myanmar-China border, which contains about 49,000 displaced people alone. Padoh Mahn Mahn, a spokesperson for the Karen National Union, which is based on the Thai border, said government enumerators would only have limited permission to access areas under the groups control. This will likely not include many of the IDP camps on the Thai border or at its headquarters in Hlaingbwe township. He said the KNU leadership wants to cooperate with the government on the census but is concerned over security and the methodology. In

principal the census is important, he said. [But] we want more consultation and conversation with the government before we can give permission. Other armed groups appear to be on board, however. Lieutenant General Yawd Serk from the Shan State Army-South told The Myanmar Times at the groups headquarters in Loi Tai Leng last month that it planned to cooperate. If the way [the government] does it is transparent and fair we will accept them in SSASouth areas, he said. The United Wa State Army, considered by many to be the most powerful of the ethnic armed groups, made headlines several weeks ago by publically agreeing to cooperate. It will even allow enumerators to arrive several weeks early, according to the government. While there is less than three weeks until the census is due to begin, U Nyi Nyi, the director of the census technical team in Nay Pyi Taw, said he remains condent that the ministry can reach agreements in time. He said he does not believe the groups raising concerns over the process represent the views of the majority of people. When I started [this process] more than three years ago, I said the census was essential for the development or the country, he said. Im a technical person; Im not concerned about politics. Im only interested in the development of the country. Meanwhile, the United Nations Population Fund, which is supporting the process, said in a statement last week that master trainers were given instructions on census procedures in Nay Pyi Taw from February 17-21. Starting last week, those trainers returned to their state capitals to train supervisors, who will in turn train the enumerators. The government expects to have 26,000 supervisors and 85,000 enumerators trained by the end of March. Most are local teachers. U Nyi Nyi said using local enumerators would minimise the potential for conict. In most of the country we dont need security, he said. Most of the school teachers are from their own region, and school teachers are respected persons. However, he said the ministry has not yet decided if Muslims will be allowed to serve as enumerators because of perceptions that they cannot be trusted. Even if we have Muslim enumerators, he said, we need assurance that they will follow protocol.

A Muslim man discusses the holding of the census with officials and EU ambassador to Myanmar Roland Kobia during the EU delegations trip to Rakhine State on January 31. Photo: Si Thu Lwin

Teachers fear census language barrier in northern Rakhine State

SI THU LWIN sithulwin.mmtimes@gmail.com STATE school teachers tasked with carrying out this months census in Muslim-dominated areas of Rakhine State have expressed concern that their lack of knowledge of the local language will hamper data collection. They are also worried by the governments refusal to assign extra security to the restive region while the census is being undertaken from March 30 to April 10. Several teachers assigned to work at schools in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships in northern Rakhine State told The Myanmar Times recently that their schools had posted notices on bulletin boards saying they understand both Rakhine and the language of the local Rohingya Muslims. However, they say this is incorrect and most only speak Myanmar and Rakhine. Just a few [ethnic Rakhine] locals in Buthidaung and Maungdaw know a little of the Bengali language. Most of the rest of the state cant understand it at all, said a male teacher from the Taung Pyaw area of Maungdaw township, who asked not to be named. Im not a local but I was listed as being able to speak Bengali. Most other school teachers are also on the list like me, he said. The government and most Myanmar citizens reject the term Rohingya, insisting that most Muslims in Rakhine State are Bengalis. Because of the lack of contact between the Rakhine and Rohingya communities, few ethnic Rakhine in Maungdaw and Buthidaung can understand the language and most see no need to learn. For teachers, the problem is compounded by the fact that most are assigned to northern Rakhine from other parts of the state. Myanmar is used as the language of instruction in all state schools. Khin Yi said the language barrier could be dealt with through interpreters. Residents say they are also concerned over comments made by U Khin Yi during the same press conference stating that additional security would not be allocated to Rakhine State during the census. He argued that this could intimidate respondents and affect the quality of collected data. Ive heard that school teachers are worried for their security so it would be better to provide increased security for Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathetaung townships, said U Win Thein. [Minister] U Khin Yi has said the government will not provide more security for Rakhine State. So we are worried about security because we dont understand the Bengali language and the state is still in a state of unrest, the primary school teacher said. Despite the concerns from those administering the census, both Rohingya and Rakhine residents said that they are enthusiastic about taking part and hope that it can be conducted smoothly. We will participate in the census so it will be carried out calmly and concluded peacefully, said U Shwe Hla Maw, a Rohingya resident of Sittwe townships Aung Mingalar ward. The census, Myanmars rst in more than three decades, will be conducted with assistance from the United Nations Populations Fund. Translation by Zar Zar Soe

Im not a local but I was listed as being able to speak Bengali. Most other school teachers are also on the list.
Teacher from Maungdaw township

I would say 95 percent of school teachers dont understand Bengali, said U Win Thein, a Rakhine political activist from Maungdaw township. We are not locals. Weve arrived here as our duty. We dont understand the Bengalis language even the local teachers arent familiar with their language, said a primary school teacher from Maungdaw, who also asked not to be named. At a press conference in Yangon on February 10, Minister for Immigration and Population U

8 News
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THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Lieutenant General Myint Soe (left) from the Ministry of Defence speaks during a meeting with armed ethnic groups in Myitkyina on November 4. Photo: Boothee

Why compromise is not a dirty word

Making concessions can be dangerous for leaders, but it can also provide a nation with new opportunities

AUNG NaING Oo
newsroom@mmtimes.com

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

COMPROMISE is controversial but it is often a necessary step to end a long-running, deadly conict. This is how we in Myanmar should view any potential compromise aimed at securing an enduring solution to this countrys armed conict. If we genuinely want to nd a way to bring our country together, we should consider compromise a necessity. But it is not easy; compromises require courage and vision. They can also be negative. A lopsided compromise can be forced on one side. Considering the negative consequences of a possible no-deal situation, a weaker side may have to accept a solution that is not what it considers to be optimal. Compromises are particularly difficult when opposing parties are divided by a lack of belief and trust, and different ways of thinking and interests. Compromises may be humiliating. They may compel someone to shake hands with their arch-rivals when they had sworn never to do so. To admit defeat in this manner can be humiliating. Although shaking hands among former enemies is no longer an obstacle in Myanmar, the idea of a compromise is still construed by some as giving in to the enemy. Leaders can lose power, respect, authority and standing for making compromises. It can weaken their negotiating potential and even have fatal consequences. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was shot dead in November 1995

during a peace march in Tel Aviv. His assassin, Yigal Amir, believed that the prime minister had given too much to the Palestinians in the 1993 Oslo Accord. The agreement lasted only its ve-year mandate. Rabins death perhaps contributed to its demise. Poland presents another example. During a visit to Poland in 2008 at the invitation of the Polish government, my colleague and I were taken, at our request, to Gdansk to meet former Polish President Lech Walesa. I had read about the Polish Solidarity movement and the famous Round Table Talks with the Communist Party. The result of the negotiations was one-sided. One of the key tradeoffs was to hold a free election for 35 percent of seats in the new parliament, while the remaining 65pc were reserved for the Communist Party. The agreement lasted only four years because of the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. Asked how he felt when he made compromises with General Wojciech Jaruzelski, the then-Communist leader and his counterpart across the negotiating table, President Walesa pointed to his abundant grey hair and told me that there were so many problems in Poland at that time they exceeded the number of hairs on his head. For him it was the Hobsons choice: a free choice in which only one option is offered. Poignantly, he said that while he shaking hands with General Jaruzelski, after an agreement was reached following 59 days of negotiating, he had to strongly resist the urge to punch him with his other, free hand. Compromise can split organisations. It can push existing internal tensions within an organisation to the surface like lava erupting from a volcano. Comrades-in-arms can become

foes overnight. And it is often not easy to implement a compromise agreement if it has not been properly concluded. Rather than be resolved, the situation may deteriorate back into conict. Examples of carelessly considered compromise abound around the world. However, compromise is not all bad. It can be a very effective alternative to utter devastation, such as what we see in Syria. It can prevent costly conicts between opposing groups. Through compromise, a deadly armed conict can be transformed from violence into peaceful co-existence, thus creating the climate in which political solutions can then be explored.

A compromise can transform a polity that is ruled by a handful of people into one of plurality and majority rule.

Critically, compromises can bring about a new polity; for example, from a one-party to multi-party system. Poland is the case in point. It was the rst country in Eastern Europe to turn its back on communism and reinstate a multi-party system. It could not have done it without the compromises made in the Round Table Talks. Similarly, a compromise was made between the African National Congress and the Apartheid regime. During the Conference 2000 event in Prague in 1997, I had the chance

to meet former South African President FW De Klerk. I asked him why he made compromises with the ANC. He said it was the right thing to do. I have read somewhere that it was more difficult for De Klerk to make compromises than Mandela. Obviously, compromises did not end South Africas problems but they ended Apartheid rule and put the rainbow nation onto the path to democracy. Compromises can provide new beginnings and thus enable a country the opportunity to rebuild. Even if the old system does not collapse through compromise, it can no longer act with impunity. Other salient aspects, such as limited liberalisation and rule of law, are likely to be introduced. Most importantly, a compromise can transform a polity that is ruled by a handful of people into one of plurality and majority rule. In any compromise, sacrices have to be made. Organisations and leaders must think of the bigger picture rather than narrow or individual interests. They should be mindful of the fact that spoilers often appear just before compromises are reached and that there are pros and cons to consider in all compromises. The situation in Myanmar has now reached a critical moment. We are at a crossroads and have within our reach what might be the last opportunity to unite our nation, end decades of armed hostilities and launch real, sustained political dialogue. At this juncture, all sides should think of compromises not as defeat but as the only way forward.
Aung Naing Oo is associate director of the Peace Dialogue Program at the Myanmar Peace Center.

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LETTER
Dear editor, As a Burmese citizen who suffered under decades of socialist dictatorship I am aghast about the arrival of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Yangon (MTE 719, March 3-9, page 21). This foundation belongs to the socialist party of Germany. In our history we have experienced enough socialism. We do not need any socialist think tank to open shop here. The Burmese Socialist Programme Party and Ne Win have devastated Myanmar, and there is no reason to impose any kind of reformed or improved socialism. What we need is a free market economy with minimal taxes and a limited government. In Germany taxes are over 50 percent, unemployment is over 10pc, immigration is rampant and a socialistic bureaucracy controls peoples lives in many aspects. They would do better to reduce the role of their government and liberate the forces of capitalism than to export an outdated and half-baked ideology. Germany is no role model for us. Myanmar shall aim to follow the examples of capitalist Singapore, Taiwan or South Korea where private entrepreneurship thrives and where people are their own masters, not slaves of a socialist government. We need a leader like Ronald Reagan, Lee Kuan Yew or Margaret Thatcher - not socialists like Erich Honecker or Adolf Hitler. Best regards, Kyaw Shwe

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With his ranting and raving, Gareth misses the real targets
ROGER MITTON
commendably free. Gareths broadside, however, did not only wax indignant about media repression: It was a lock, stock and barrel demolition of every aspect of Hun Sens administration. He opened with the line Cambodias government has been getting away with murder. As always, he was right. Last month, Hun Sen did order his security police to use lethal force against striking garment workers, ve of whom were killed and many others severely injured. However, as I discovered in Phnom Penh last week, despite Gareths tirade being well-founded, many analysts wondered why he chose this moment to issue his splenetic rant. After all, in terms of physical violence, Cambodia is no worse than Thailand or Myanmar or the Philippines, and in terms of political openness, it is hugely ahead of Brunei or Laos or Vietnam. One can only conclude that Gareth dropped his inammatory bombshell at this moment because Cambodia is such an easy hit. He would never, for instance, lash out in that way against Malaysia or Singapore, where authoritarianism, corruption and repression, particularly of foreign workers, continue apace. Gareth raged, For far too long, Hun Sen and his colleagues have been getting away with violence, humanrights abuses, corruption, and media and electoral manipulation without serious internal or external challenge. Replace Hun Sun in that quote with Lee Hsien Loong or Najib Razak and Gareth would not only be equally accurate and truthful, but he would also get a lot more kudos for his selfrighteous outbursts.

News 9

rogermitton@gmail.com

THE former Australian foreign minister Gareth Evans is always simply called Gareth, both by fellow leaders, diplomats and even blokes in the pub who know less about foreign affairs than the average wombat. Part of the reason he has acquired this rst-name familiarity is because he socialises well and can converse easily, and at length, on almost any subject. Frankly, he is a rather conceited windbag, who could have been a Welsh preacher but instead became foreign minister and lectured all of us about the rights and wrongs of the world. Later on, he became head of the prestigious International Crisis Group (ICG) and continued to sermonise to us. Dear Gareth can be excused, however, because he does at least have his heart in the right place; indeed, he is nothing if not a supreme exponent of all that is liberal and politically correct. He demonstrated this to me in 2003 when the ICG held an event in Washington at which Colin Powell, then the United States Secretary of State, extolled the American invasion of Iraq.

Former Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans. Photo: Supplied/Chatham House

Said Powell, glowing with pride, Already, you see Iraqi kids going to school with little satchels on their shoulders just like American kids. He sounded delusional and I recall thinking: Is that what this is all about - the Americanisation of Iraq? Well, Gareth, God bless him, listened politely as he stood next to Powell and then he launched into blistering castigation of that misconceived and utterly stupid war. Of course, he prattled on for too long, blunted the impact of his apt and brave tocsin, and ended up making many in the audience feel like scolded schoolkids. That is what is so annoying about Gareth: He is invariably right, but his sanctimonious sermonising often just irritates the heck out of people.

Hes just done it again. On February 28, he issued an astonishingly hard-hitting condemnation of the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen in Cambodia. While preserving a democratic faade, Gareth said, Hun Sen has ruled, for all practical purposes, as an autocrat, showing scant regard for rights of free expression and association. The barb about free expression was somewhat negated by the fact that Gareths critical missive was happily published in full in all the Cambodian newspapers. In fact, the press in Cambodia is among the most open in the region - yes, there is intimidation, as there is in Brunei, Hong Kong and elsewhere - but by and large it is

Foreign firms boost spending on marketing

ZAW HTIKE
zawhtikemgm1981@gmail.com

POLITICAL reforms during the past several years have resulted in an inux of foreign brands into Myanmar and an accompanying increase in advertising spending, by both overseas companies and domestic businesses seeking to stay competitive in the local market, industry experts said last week. Research by Nielsen MMRD, a joint venture between US-based Nielsen Holdings and Myanmar Marketing Research and Development, indicates that spending on media advertising in Myanmar increased 13 times from 2001 and 2013, from US$11.7 million to $152 million. The majority of growth occurred

between 2010 and 2013, from $57 million to $152 million, boosted in part by political reforms, the entry of more foreign brands into the market and the launch of 24-hour television stations. Daw Sabei Aung, the assistant general manager of Nielsen MMRD, estimated that advertising spending by both local and foreign companies would total at least $200 million in 2014. The spending momentum will increase in 2014, she said. We expect to see a growth rate of 30 to 50 percent as foreign business rms that have already invested in Myanmar try to penetrate the local market with their respective products as quickly as possible using new marketing strategies. The spending gure for 2013 included advertisements in all media as well as on billboards. Sabei Aung said that about 60pc of the spending went into television, 30pc into print

A model poses at an event in Yangon on March 3 to announce the launch of a new car dealership. Photo: Zarni Phyo

media and 10pc into billboards, although the exact gure varied depending on the type of product. In 2013 foreign companies invested $87.5 million in advertising in Myanmar, up from $28.6 million in 2010. During the same period, spending by domestic companies

grew from $28.4 million to $64.4 million. The top ve categories for advertising investment in 2013 across all media were toothbrushes and toothpaste, followed by coffee mix; shampoos and conditioners; facial skincare products; and mobile phone

units and accessories. Although the number of local brands advertising in all media is 8.5 times higher than the number of foreign brands, the latter accounted for 55pc of advertising spending in 2013, according to Nielsen MMRD. Daw Sabei Aung said foreign rms are also using new methods of advertising that locals have never seen before. They can afford to spend a lot on advertisements, and they have knowledge of very creative methods of advertising, she said. Foreign rms rst study the behaviour of local consumers so they can use advertising methods that puts their products in direct touch with consumers. They dont care how much money it costs to do that. While most domestic businesses cannot match the spending of foreign companies, they are resorting to more creative methods of advertising to capture the attention of consumers. U Zaw Zaw, the assistant general manager of the advertising department at the Naing Family Company, which owns Cherry Oo watch shop, said local rms understand what they need to do to compete with foreign companies but cannot always afford to do so. We have a limited budget for advertising, while foreign companies dont care about that and can focus on attracting the consumers attention, he said. But local businesses are also trying to use new methods of advertising. For example, some companies are now using social media for advertising, and my company has a separate budget for that. U Swan Htet, the account manager at Yangon-based Mango Advertising Agency, said the new advertising scene in Myanmar has prompted local businesses to follow current trends in advertising, such as organising special events to promote products. Such below the line methods include special promotions, events and billboards, as differentiated from above the line approaches such as traditional TV, radio and print media ads. Both local and foreign businesses are using below the line methods more than before, especially to penetrate the markets in small towns and rural areas, where they are more effective than above the line ads, U Swan Htet said. He said domestic companies are also starting to follow foreign rms in conducting market research before launching new ad campaigns. Until two years ago, local companies did not care about market data for their advertising, but now they are asking us to collect such data for them, U Swan Htet said.

Creative ads still scarce in Myanmar

ZON PANN PWINT
zonpann08@gmail.com

AMID the clutter of television advertisements showing celebrities dancing and singing, there are a few that stand out for their creativity. Among them is one for hand sanitizer, which features talking hands complete with eyes and mouths bearing the simple message that people can use their hands to express freedom and playfulness. The advertisement is bright, colourful and eye-catching, and it clearly portrays the product being promoted. Unfortunately, such imaginative approaches are rare in Myanmars advertising industry, according to Jim Torres Abril, the creative director at Yangon-based Mango Marketing Services. At the moment, there are only a small number of advertisements on billboards, television and print that I see as being quite creative, he said. Most advertisements I have seen [in Myanmar] use traditional means of communication, but some products are trying to break the rules and create something new. He cited the example of an advertisement showing a man biting the billboard on which he is depicted to highlight some of the features of the product being advertised. It was a funny, nontraditional billboard I found in Myanmar two years ago. It shows that some people are trying to break with tradition, Mr Abril said. He said that while creativity is an important means through which advertisers can speak directly to consumers, the level of creativity and the type of communication depend on the target audiences understanding and knowledge. For example, if the commercial is too creative or merely relies on a twist, the consumer will feel entertained but will not get a clear message. Some advertisements focus more on creativity and amusement and less on the quality of the product. Thats a problem, Mr Abril said. Some consumers look for products for functional purposes, so it needs to be explained directly.

Actress Eaindra Kyaw Zin films a television advertisement for shampoo in 2008. Photo: Douglas Long

Sometimes, too much creativity is not functional. Balancing creativity and functionality is a challenge for advertisers. He said most television and billboard advertisers still prefer the old style of using celebrities who are instantly recognisable to Myanmar audiences. But using celebrities is not always good, he said. When viewers see one of their favourite actresses on a television advertisement, their minds will be occupied by her dancing, not by the product. And if they see the same celebrity on many different advertisements, they will remember the celebrity, not the products. Its a challenge to break free from overuse of celebrities in commercials. He said coffee companies in particular tend to focus their ads on famous faces. I feel thats the easy way to put an ad on a billboard, he said. Such an approach is still very effective in rural areas, where consumers are more likely to try a new product if it is associated with a celebrity whom they admire. Mr Abril added good advertising delivers a promise to consumers and

emphasised that advertisers need to remain truthful about what theyre promoting. If a customer tries a product and doesnt like it, he will change to a different brand and learn the lesson that advertising is not good, he said. There are a lot of advertisements that mislead consumers into believing the product is high-quality. But the advertiser breaks the trust of the consumer and damages the image of the product when the consumer nds out they are lying. They will nd different ways to look for products, like listening to their neigbours or friends. Film director U Aung Ko Latt, who has shot a number of television commercials, said he has become more cautious about choosing his clients ever since someone told him that the product shown in one of his ads was not as good as the advertisement made it seem. Since then, I have become very choosy about the products I shoot ads for. If the product is not goodquality, I wont create the advertisement if Im asked, he said. U Aung Ko Latt lived in Japan in the early 1990s and started shooting ads upon his return to Myanmar in

1995. At that time, TV commercials were limited to showing celebrities dancing to music and planting kisses on the product irrelevant activities that failed to illustrate anything about the product itself. For years, the theme of most advertisements was trapped in a vicious cycle of dancing and kissing the product, U Aung Ko Latt said. In Japan, I learned that the bedrock of advertising is concept. When I arrived back in Myanmar, I was commissioned to create an advertisement using a celebrity. I told the advertiser that I would study the product rst

For years, the theme of most advertisements was trapped in a vicious cycle of dancing and kissing the product.
Aung Ko Latt Film director

and develop a strategy, but the client didnt accept this approach. Subsequently, he was out of work for nearly two years. Fortunately, I was nally commissioned to create a concept-based advertisement for Ajinomoto seasoning powder. At that time the commercial represented a big departure from the conventional approaches of other advertisements, and it met with great success, U Aung Ko Latt said. He said one reason he avoided using celebrities was because they could not make the time commitment necessary to shoot a conceptbased advertisement. I used new faces as more work came in. From the 2000s onward, concept-based advertisements become more popular, but TV ads in their traditional form, like music and dance-based commercials, remain dominant, he said. Film director Win Lwin Htet said Myanmar consumers are becoming increasingly knowledgeable and sophisticated. Most of the television advertisements I see these days are memorable. In the past, the audience didnt even remember what product was being advertised after they saw a commercial. People used to change the channel or turn the page when they saw the same celebrities over and over again, he said. Now the focus is on making sure the audience remembers the product, so we can say the commercial industry is improving. But Mr Abril said he has not seen much development in approaches to advertising during the four years he has spent in Myanmar. But some people are trying, so its a hopeful sign for future, he said. There are a lot of international brands coming in now, and local brands have to compete with them. Its a challenge, and theyre getting competitive. Mr Abril added that the success of a product depends not only on the cleverness of the advertisement but also on good distribution. When I visited Ngapali Beach last month, there werent many foreign brands for sale. The beach is a tourist attraction, but products should be made available where the targets consumers are. Otherwise they risk losing the money they invested in advertising.

www.mmtimes.com
FEATURE

News 13

The Kachin State road-funding fiasco

A plan to get the private sector to pay for the upgrade of a 100-kilometre road in northern Myanmar has caused acrimony and mistrust

newsroom@mmtimes.com

SITHU AUNG MYINT

A 37-TONNE jade boulder found in Hpakant township made headlines recently when it turned out to be a normal stone. But while Hpakant is often in the news, few people know about the nancial mess arising from the redevelopment of Hpakant-Moegaung road. The main personality involved is the Kachin State chief minister but it is also connected to the president. It raises several questions, including how the situation arose and whether there was any abuse of authority or partiality on the part of government officials. During Vice President Sai Mauk Khams visit to Kachin State in August 2013, locals requested that he arrange for the upgrading of the Hpakant-Moegaung road. He subsequently instructed the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Mines to carry out the project. However, chief minister La John Ngan Sai proposed to the president in November that he and the states mining entrepreneurs would take responsibility for repairing the road. The president approved the plan and gave some instructions for the project. The chief minister, however, had presented the idea without discussing it rst with the entrepreneurs. This is where the problems began. The K10 million ultimatum The chief minister invited jade and gem entrepreneurs to a meeting on December 7 to discuss the road project. The chief minister, the deputy minister for mines, and officials from the Ministry of Construction and Kachin government attended the meeting. While there are more than 500 gem companies, only 23 were represented at the meeting. Officials from the head office of the Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association also attended. During the meeting, businesses were asked to contribute K10 million for each mining concession they hold toward the upgrading of the 100-kilometre (60-mile) road. Basically, the more concessions a company holds, the larger their requested contribution. The private sector representatives at the meeting were surprised at the proposal because they have been forced to stop mining activities due to conict between the government and the Kachin Independence Army. Over the past two years, they have not only seen mining stop but also their machinery has been destroyed, their warehouses burned and their excavated stones sto-

Workers dig for jade at a mine in the Seng Tawng quarter of Hpakant in Kachin State. Photo: Kaung Htet

len. Given they have no income, the governments request actually more like a demand was baffling. Another problem is the way the government proposed to calculate their contribution. The concessions they have been awarded are not only for excavating jade. Some are for transporting excavated soil, some are for disposing of the soil and others are for machinery and warehouses. The amount requested is also extremely high. There are more than 16,000 jade mining plots, so the chief minister is seeking to collect K160 billion (US$163.3 million). Unsurprisingly, none of them agreed to the proposal. However, the government pushed on regardless and set the fee at K10 million per concession. It set a deadline of

January 15 for the rst installment of K3.3 million to be paid. State government threats No gem companies have submitted the K3.3 million to the designated bank account. But the issue hasnt stopped there. Fearing the government may revoke their concessions, the Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association, headed by U Tay Za of Htoo Group of Companies, held several meetings to discuss the issue. When no one contributed by January 15, the chief minister told officials from the association to come and meet him. Association representatives met the chief minister on February 13. During the meeting, the entrepreneurs explained the difficulties they faced in paying K10 million for each plot. Instead, they proposed using a Build-Operate-Transfer system for the construction of the road, which is an important artery for many kinds of businesses, including gems and jewellery. They also said the association would take responsibility for the project if it was assigned to do so. However, the chief minister rejected all of their proposals and demanded the money be paid. He said he would lead the project and planned to conduct a tender. One vice chair of the association

Amount mining companies were asked to contribute to the road project

$163

US MILLION

asked whether demanding money from entrepreneurs was in accord with the by-laws or government policy. The minister responded that although it was not, there were several ways in which he could stie the gem and jade industry if the entrepreneurs fail to pay up. He said those who dont pay the rst installment will lose their concessions and will not be given permission to transport jade through the state. The association said it has more than US$30 million raised through a 1pc sales tax, of which $18 million is in the hands of the committee overseeing the holding of the gem emporiums. The chief minister asked for $35 million to be put into the road project. The association objected, saying they didnt know whether this would be possible because the funds are connected to both the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry

of Mines, and have been set aside for the emporium and other projects. The chief minister then asked for $15 million. The latest situation Some entrepreneurs gave submitted complaints about the issue to the president, while others have asked U Ye Tun, the Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Hsipaw, to raise it in parliament, but this has not happened yet. When the gem emporium organising committee asked about it, the Ministry of Mines only gave permission for $2 million to be reallocated to the road project. The Kachin State chief minister dismissed this gesture, complaining that $2 million isnt enough to do anything. Recent reports suggest U Tay Za has met President U Thein Sein to discuss the issue. So far, however, U Tay Za hasnt shared the results of the meeting with other members of the entrepreneurs association. Many people question why Myanmar remains poor despite its wealth of resources. If ever there was a good example to illustrate the answer, it is the tangled nancial dealings behind the reconstruction of the HpakantMoegaung road. Translation by Zar Zar Soe

The chief minister said those who dont pay the rst installment will lose their concessions.

14 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Ayeyarwady maintenance projects near completion

KHIN SU WAI jasminekhin@gmail.com FIVE Ayeyarwady River maintenance projects are scheduled for completion in March, according to Mandalay Region officials working on the projects. The Mandalay Region Department of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems received funding in 2013-14 to repair ve of 14 sections of the Ayeyarwady that are considered in urgent need of maintenance. Even though this budget is meant for 2013-2014 [which ends on March 31] we could only start work in January because we needed to wait for the water level of the Ayeyarwady River to drop, said department head U Win Hlaing. If the work is not carried out, he said, the waterways would be impassable to most river traffic. In some cases the private sector has contributed to the costs of the maintenance. The Mee Thway Taik section was restored with the help of the Mandalay Cargo Association. We just lent our equipment to them ... In the other four sections we paid for the work, said U Win Hlaing said. The department estimates the maintenance will cost about K49.6 million (US$50,600).

Orchid smuggling putting rare species at risk, warn experts

AYE SAPAY PHYU
ayephyu2006@gmail.com

ORCHID raiders are putting entire species of the rare owers at risk, specialists say. For the past 20 years, illegal traders have been looting native wild orchids from the countrys forests. U Saw Lwin, orchidologist and plant tissue culturist, said orchid numbers have fallen signicantly since 1988 because of illegal trading to foreign countries, especially China.

Tonnes of orchids seized by the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division in 2012-13

4.8

Both legal and illegal border trade between Myanmar and China increased after 1988. The Myanmar native orchid is not widely used in traditional medicine here, but orchids have been widely used in

Chinese medicine for centuries. The dendrobium orchid has been exported to Chinese extensively since 1988, he said. In Myanmar, dendrobium orchids are mostly found in Chin, Shan and Kachin states, he said, adding that over-collection has resulted in nearextinction for some species. Others are similarly at risk; the orchid type pazun or nilone was once plentiful in Chin State but has been decimated. Now, you would nd only two plants a day, with luck, U Saw Lwin said. According to the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division of the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry, seven cases of illegal orchid trading were recorded last year. More than 3000 viss, or almost 5 tonnes (one viss equals 1.6 kilograms or 3.6 pounds), of orchids were seized in 2013, mostly in Chin and Shan states. Native wild orchids are protected under the Protection of Wildlife and Protected Areas Law (1994), and those found guilty of removing, collecting or destroying specimens without permission can face ve years in jail, a ne of K30,000 or both. Orchid expert U Nyan Tun, from Taunggyi in southern Shan State, said orchids are also at risk because of deforestation, hillside cultivation and logging. But the main factor is over-collection by humans. Some species, like paphiopedilum

The endangered paphiopedilum orchid. Photo: Supplied

and dendrobium, are only rarely seen these days. Collectors take owers of all ages, and some small plants are rejected by the buyers, he said. I have spoken out against the picking of young plants but its hard to control the collection of wild orchids if people have no other job opportunities. U Saw Lwin agreed poverty reduction is essential for conservation efforts to succeed, but added that conservation itself could generate income. Now more tourists will come for eco-tours, and orchids could be exported through legal channels. Better airline links would also help promote the legitimate orchid business, he said.

U Saw Lwin said Thailand received about US$150 million last year from the export of articially produced orchids, while wild Myanmar orchids collected illegally could fetch from K30,000 to K100,000 a viss, depending on the species. Myanmar has 841 known orchid species. Public awareness should be raised to strengthen control over the illegal orchid trade, U Saw Lwin said, while the development of articial species from parts of original plants could help to reduce pressure on wild populations. Conservation cant be successful without public participation; the government alone cant stop illegal trade over the long border with China.

NLD partners with NGO on laboratory

AYE SAPAY PHYU ayephyu2006@gmail.com NORWEGIAN group the Worldview International Foundation has set up an orchid culture laboratory in Yangon under a joint project with the National League for Democracys Environmental Conservation Committee to preserve rare Myanmar orchids. The laboratory, on Shwegonedaing Road in Bahan township, was opened on February 24. U Aye Lwin, chair of the Worldview Myanmar Royal Orchid, said the laboratory would be used to propagate species on the verge of extinction. We will send half of the propagated orchids to their natural habitats with the collaboration of the Forest Department, he said. Some orchids will be exported and the income will go toward covering the costs of the project. When have also discussed with the Forest Department for CITES permission to export some species, he said, referring to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The project will also aim to improve the livelihoods of local communities in areas where orchids are prevalent. Some local people are involved in the illegal trading of [orchids] for their income. They need to have other ways to earn money, U Aye Lwin said. NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi described the project as most commendable and said Myanmar needed to pay more attention to preserving its natural resources. In our country we have not given due consideration on activities which would destroy our environment and due to our negligence and carelessness we are starting to face the punishment of natural disasters, she said. U Win Myo Thu, managing director of local NGO Ecodev, said orchids are an indication of a healthy forest. If they disappear it is a sign that the environment is degraded.

We have not given due consideration on activities which would destroy our environment.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi NLD leader

I visited Chin State in 2006 and 2007 and saw a lot of orchids had been extracted, propagated by local people and sent to Mandalay to be sold to China, he said. A lot of local people in Chin State rely on collecting orchids because they cant grow crops like in lowland areas. Natural resources are the main source of income for them but, unfortunately, there is no conservation.

www.mmtimes.com

News 15

Monks plan changes to Sangha rules

First all-orders meeting in almost two decades to take place in Yangon from May 11 to 13

Daily Eleven defamation suit thrown out again

MIN THU NAUNG newsroom@mmtimes.com A CONTRIBUTOR to The Myanmar Times has beaten a third defamation charge led by staff from Eleven Media Group, but still faces two additional charges. Yangons Western District Court dismissed Daily Eleven chief reporter U Mann Thu Shanes complaint against U Sithu Aung Myint a weekly columnist for The Myanmar Times and Yangon Times editor-in-chief U Hlaing Bwar on February 26. The article focused on accusations that the government had US$11 billion in foreign accounts and spoke of an unnamed third party attacking [the government] like a dog on someones leg. This is because of the freedom of expression awarded last year. The Bahan Township Court initially dismissed the complaint over the September 25, 2013, article on November 22 on the grounds it was not clear that U Sithu Aung Myint was referring to Eleven Media Group. U Mann Thu Shane requested a revision from the Western District Court, arguing that it was clear that U Sithu Aung Myints writings directly attacked him as he was the only one who covered the foreign reserves issue. The purpose of U Sithu Aung Myints article was to degrade him and his entire media group and it had affected Daily Elevens prestige, U Mann Thu Shane said. But the judge ruled in favour of the initial decision of the township court. The judge stated that people are not interested in who the line was referring to and would only focus on the story and its content. People wont know easily [who is being referred to] or whether only [Daily Eleven] wrote that story, the judge said. Therefore, the court doesnt think the township courts decision is wrong because there is no sufcient evidence that the writing of the accused can hurt the complainant. The case is one of ve defamation suits that Eleven Media Group has led against U Sithu Aung Myint. Two others have already been dismissed. Translation by Thiri Min Htun

AUNG KYAW MIN

newsroom@mmtimes.com

MORE than 2500 members of Myanmars nine recognised Buddhist orders will meet in May to review the rules that the countrys monks must abide by. The 5th All Orders Sangha Meeting, the rst of its kind in almost 19 years, will take place at Maha Pasana Cave at Yangons Kabar Aye Pagoda from May 11 to 13.

The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee should be changed and reformed.
U Nyanissara International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University student

Some sections of Myanmars clergy have drawn criticism from both local and international observers for taking on a prominent role in political affairs, which is currently forbidden under monastic rules. But government officials remain tight-lipped on what changes are likely to result from the meeting. At a recent meeting to discuss details of the 5th All Order Sangha Meeting, Minister for Religious Affairs U San Sint said only that it would seek to amend inappropriate Sangha rules. U Zar Ni Win, deputy director general of the Department of Religious Affairs, agreed that some of

the current rules are defective. Rules will be changed in accordance with the current customs, times and circumstance. Some rules and regulations of the Sangha will be tightened up, while others will be loosened, he said. Suggested changes will be invited from state and region Sangha bodies before the end of March, he said. We will also invite the suggestions from Sangha who propagate [Buddhism] in other countries. He said the meeting aimed to bring about cooperation between the different orders but added that unlawful monks will face action. Penalties for violations of the rules are likely to be increased to reect Myanmars rampant ination, with those currently set at K50 likely to rise to K50,000, he said. Observers said signicant changes were needed to the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, which oversees all monks in Myanmar, as it has been ineffective at resolving disputes and taking action against rule-breaking monks. The Sangha rules are quite perfect. What needs to be amended is the policy for those who are not obedient because [the state committee] cant resolve controversial cases and situations that arises from a failure to follow the rules, said U Nyanissara, a second-year student from the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University. In some cases, the committee has made incorrect judgments ... These cases are normally related to money. The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee should be changed and reformed ... Decisions should be made with the consent of all Sangha through voting, he said. Myanmar has nine Buddhist orders, the largest of which are Thudhamma and Shwekyin. The rst all-orders meeting was convened in 1980, and subsequent meetings were held every ve years to 1995.

Daw Soe sits in a chair at the Chan Mya Thukha aged care facility in Mandalay. She has lived at the home since she was hit by a motorbike and broke her leg last year.. Photo: Than Naing Soe

Mandalay aged care facility to expand

THAN NAING SOE thennaingsoe@gmail.com A MANDALAY social organisation plans to accept more elderly into its care facility in Chan Mya Tharsi township. Chan Mya Thukha currently takes care of 11 elderly women at the facility, at Shwe San Kaing Monastery, but a new building will soon allow it to accept men as well. With support from some donors, we have nearly nished a new annex so we can give accommodation to another 10 men when it is completed. Now we have identied ve people who want to live here, organisation secretary U Hla Aung said. The facility was opened in November 2008. In March 2013 it set up a subsidiary organisation, Akyin Nar Let Myar, to operate the home. Most of its residents are chronically ill and have no relatives to look after them. Of the 11 female residents, ve cant walk and two are blind, while another is deaf. We have no difficulty to take care them. We help them when theyre taking a bath or using the toilet. We are like a family and they look so much happier than when they rst arrived here, said Ma Tin Tin Sein, who helps to look after the residents. Before I arrived here, I lived near Myo Haung station. I lived alone there after my son passed away. My health is not good. At rst I didnt want to come here but Im happy now. Except for the fact I cant walk, my health is good, said resident Daw Tin Kyi. Chan Mya Thukha a social organisation that assists those over 70 years of age who live alone without dependants or supports. It provides each older person with a supply of rice and K5000 a month to help cover living expenses. It also provides blankets, mosquito nets, bed sheets, clothes and other household materials, along with regular healthcare. Translation by Zar Zar Soe

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Allos Therapeutics, Inc., of 11080 Circle Point Road, Suite 430, Westminster, Colorado 80020, United States of America, is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

FOLOTYN
Reg. No. 14745/2013

Reg. No. 14746/2013 in respect of Class 05: Pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of cancer. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Allos Therapeutics, Inc. P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 10 March 2014

www.mmtimes.com

News 19

South Korea bombing monument takes shape

TIM MCLAUGHLIN
timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com

IN PICTURES

President U Thein Sein presses a button to open a new convocation hall at Yezin University of Agriculture in Nay Pyi Taw on March 2. Construction work began on the hall at the Zayarthiri township institute in March 2012. Pyae Thet Phyo

THE government says it is moving ahead with plans to build a memorial to commemorate the victims of the 1983 Martyrs Mausoleum bombing that killed 17 South Korean nationals. The bombing was an assassination attempt on South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan. He was scheduled to take part in a wreathlaying ceremony at the mausoleum on October 9, 1983, when a series of bombs, planted by North Korean agents, ripped through the monument. Chun Doo-hwan had not yet arrived at the site but Deputy Prime Minister Suh Seok-jun, Minister for Foreign Affairs Lee Beom-seok and ambassador to Myanmar Lee Gyecheol were all killed. Other victims included South Korean government officials and a journalist, while four Myanmar journalists were also killed.

Three North Korean agents were identied as the perpetrators of the attack. One was killed in a shootout with Myanmar soldiers, while the other two were captured. One was hanged and the other, Kang Min-chul, was given a life sentence after confessing his connections to Pyongyang. He died in Insein Prison of cancer in 2008. North Korea has never accepted responsibility for the attack, which prompted General Ne Win to sever diplomatic ties immediately. It would be 25 years until a Myanmar foreign minister again visited Pyongyang. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Thant Kyaw said the monument will be constructed along Thwe Sykan Ring Road, beside the

Number of South Korean nationals killed in the 1983 bombing at Martyrs Mausoleum in Yangon

17

entrance to Martyrs Mausoleum, which was built to honour General Aung San and other leaders assassinated in 1947. The new monument will consist of a 1.5-metre-high wall inscribed with the names of the South Korean victims. A rendering of the monument published on March 6 in state-run media showed a black wall set in a small, tree-lined park. Talk of the monument has grown since May 2012 when President Lee Myung-Bak became the rst South Korean head of state to visit Myanmar since the attack. The incident was again in the spotlight in October 2012 when South Koreas Chosun Ilbo newspaper released graphic and previously unpublished photos of the aftermath of the event taken by an official government photographer. An agreement on the monuments construction was signed on December 31, according to U Thant Kyaw. The announcement comes shortly after a visit to Seoul by Myanmars Minister for Foreign Affairs U Wunna Maung Lwin and the signing of a regional development agreement between the two countries in Nay Pyi Taw on March 5.

IN BRIEF
Shwedagon entrance fees to change to kyat
Visitors to Shwedagon pagoda will have to pay the entrance fee in Myanmar kyat instead of US dollars from April 1, the pagoda trustees website has announced. Many tourists pay the $8 fee raised from $5 last October in used or torn notes, which are then hard to exchange with banks. To resolve the problem, the Central Bank of Myanmar recommended that the fee be changed to kyat. It will be K8000. U Tint Naung, managing director of Golden Express Tours, said the policy was positive and should be introduced at other sites. Entrance fees should be in local currency throughout the whole country. More than 60,000 tourists visited Shwedagon in February. Ei Ei Thu

Nyaung Chaungtha income to help build city hall

Income generated by a riverside beach in Ayeyarwady Regions Nyaungdon township will be used to build a new city hall in the town, ofcials say. Known as Nyaung Chaungtha, after the popular beach on the Bay of Bengal, the site has become a popular day trip destination for Yangon residents over the past four years. On March 2, it was formally established by the local government, which has auctioned the right to collect parking and rental fees at the site. U Khin Maung Nyo, secretary of the Nyaungdon City Development Committee, said some of the income will be spent on improving safety at the beach. The rest will go toward the construction of the city hall, which is expected to cost K120 million. The beach is 56 kilometres (35 miles) from Yangon at the conuence of the Ayeyarwady and Pan Hlaing rivers. Shwegu Thitsar

New Yangon tour boat launched

Yangon sightseers now have more options for river cruising, with the launch of a new vessel late last month. Royal Green River Baby, launched by local company Royal Green River on February 27, can take up to 12 passengers and is 12 metres (40 feet) in length. Rosie

22 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Govt keeps just one-third of promises made to MPs

EI EI TOE LWIN eieitoelwin@gmail.com BARELY one-third of government promises to parliament have been realised, according to a parliamentary committee, while in other cases infrastructure projects have been damaged or destroyed because of improper use. Of the 1399 commitments made to parliament to date, only 520, or 37 percent, have been implemented, the Pyithu Hluttaw Governments Guarantees, Pledges and Undertakings Vetting Committee said on March 4. Of the pledges on which the government has taken action, an investigation has found cases where absent government officials, misused infrastructure and disputes between officials and residents have negated the positive benets. Four groups from the committee inspected 32 projects from September 19 to 28 that were the result of government promises made to parliament between the rst and seventh sessions. Of the 11 projects inspected by the rst group, some were compromised by local residents lack of knowledge or disputes between government staff and residents. It is found that some projects were destroyed because residents used them before they were properly completed, group secretary U Than Myint said. For example, vehicles with iron wheels or overloaded vehicles were used on roads or bridges, irrigation canals were illegally opened to water elds and some canals were blocked for shing. The fourth group, which inspected 10 projects, said an assistant doctor assigned to a hospital in Bago Regions Thanatpin township by the Ministry of Health at the request of a member of parliament could not be located when its members visited. There shouldnt be differences between what the government says it has done and what has really happened on the ground, said U Win Than, a spokesperson for the group. Translation by Thiri Min Htun

Ban on non-Yangon cars angers taxi drivers

Owners say they were tricked into buying cars registered outside Yangon Region

Wa talks focus on parliament, census

EI EI TOE LWIN eieitoelwin@gmail.com A RECENT meeting between Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann and Wa leaders was not political in nature, those who attended the meeting said. Talks focused mostly on the role of the parliament and the upcoming census, said U Kyin Wan, a Pyithu Hluttaw representative from the Wa Democratic Party. Currently there has been no political dialogue [between the Wa and] the government. Leaders from the [Wa] special region came and visited because they have never been here. They didnt ask for anything, he said.

AYE NYEIN WIN

ayenyeinwin.mcm@gmail.com

TAXI drivers hoping to work in Yangon with cars registered elsewhere are being threatened with steep nes. They also say they were duped into buying the cars as they were never informed they could not be used in Yangon. City police say under current rules cars registered in other states and regions are not permitted to do business in Yangon. Rarely enforced until recently, the rule was recently reaffirmed by the Yangon Region Supervisory Committee for Traffic Rules Enforcement, which published a public notice in state newspapers on February 14. Most taxi owners affected by the rule say they bought their vehicles from Yangon car sales centres without knowing they could not use them in the city. Cars from other regions are about K1.5 million cheaper than Yangon-registered vehicles but the taxi owners said they were told by showrooms that they would face no problems driving in Yangon. When I bought the car, I didnt know it could only be used as a taxi in other states and regions. The government said nothing about this before. What should I do? We bought the cars with a legal licence, said taxi driver U Kyi Win, who bought a Toyota Probox registered outside Yangon for K9.7 million. He said there are rumours that businesspeople are pushing the government to enforce the rule so they can buy the cars back at a discount,

A taxi driver washes a car registered in Ayeyarwady Region in downtown Yangon last week. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

Members in the Wa delegation that met Thura U Shwe Mann on March 3

Taxis found to be registered outside Yangon during a February 1-20 crackdown

20%

and that many of the cars that ended up in the hands of taxi drivers were actually given to region and state government ministers, who later resold them through sale centres. Drivers who bought cars say the law is pointless and should be changed. Nobody would buy a car with a regional licence if they knew it could not be used in Yangon. Were prepared to pay a reasonable tax, but we want to use our vehicles, said another taxi driver, U Than Aye, who bought a Suzuki Wagon R+ registered in Ayeyarwady Region for K7 million. But traffic police said they plan to enforce the rule, enacted in 1964, despite the complaints. Vehicles registered with the Road Transport Administration Department can be driven legally throughout the country whether the number plate is red or black. But under local by-laws, they cannot register with Yangon City Development Committee to operate the vehicle as a taxi, said Police Lieutenant Win

Lwin from No 2 Deputy Traffic Police Force, Yangon. The rule was put in place, he said, because Yangon authorities do not earn revenue from cars registered outside Yangon Region. They are also concerned about cars registered elsewhere ooding the city and exacerbating its traffic woes. A captain from the traffic police force said a crackdown was conducted from February 1 to 20 and of the 3525 vehicles checked, 704, or 20 percent, were registered in another state or region. Offenders can be ned up to K500,000, a YCDC official said. According to statistics as of January, of the 531,985 vehicles in the country, 351,985 are in Yangon Region. Of the 157,265 commercial vehicles in the country, 109,560 are in Yangon Region. When contacted last week, Road Transport Administration Department officials could not say whether it was possible to change the place of registration to Yangon. Four car showrooms contacted by The Myanmar Times also declined to comment.

Five United Wa State Army (UWSA) leaders visited Nay Pyi Taw and met Thura U Shwe Mann on March 3. Representatives from the Shan State Army-North and the National Democratic Alliance Army, also known as the Mong La group, also participated in the meeting. Thura U Shwe Mann told them he hoped they would participate in the parliament in the future. U Kyin Wan said it was the rst visit to Nay Pyi Taw by representatives of the UWSA, and he believes it will lead to improve relations with the government. In mid-2013, the UWSA called on the government to change the status of the Wa special region from Wa selfadministered region, as it is currently described in the constitution, to Wa self-administered state. The UWSA has also refused to take part in peace talks with other ethnic armed groups, conducting only bilateral talks with the government. It failed to send representatives to ethnic meetings in Laiza in late 2013 and Hlaingbwe earlier this year. Translation by Thiri Min Htun

24 THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Business
EU and Myanmar get set to ink new intl arbitration agreement
BILL OTOOLE botoole12@gmail.com NEGOTIATIONS have begun for an EU investor protection agreement with Myanmar that would imbed international arbitration as the preferential dispute mechanism, although observers said such a clause could ultimately be detrimental for the country. The EU Commission and the Myanmar Ministry of Finance began negotiations for the agreement last week a move that would encourage European investor condence in new Myanmar markets, EU Ambassador Roland Kobia said. By creating legal certainty and predictability for companies, investment protection will help to attract and maintain FDI to underpin Myanmars economy. We hope that this bilateral agreement will be swiftly concluded, Mr Kobia said in an email to The Myanmar Times. The main reason for having an ISDS [investor-state dispute settlement] mechanism is because in many countries international agreements are not directly enforceable in domestic courts and therefore an investor cannot nd relief in domestic court, Mr Kobia said. Investor-state dispute settlements allow a private corporation to sue a state in international arbitration in the event of a trade agreement breach. The mechanism is often a trade prerequisite for multinationals investing in foreign jurisdictions. Negotiations for the investor protection agreement come on the back of the EU including Myanmar on its General System of Preferences last year. The countrys current investment framework leaves some questions unanswered with respect to investor protection, Mr Kobia said. In addition, some events under previous governments of Myanmar (nationalisations, etc) have had a profound negative impact on European companies. Myanmar has already signed seven such agreements with its Asian neighbours and acceded to the New York Convention on international arbitration in 2013, said U Aung Naing Oo, adding that the government would continue enacting investor protection agreements that allowed international arbitration. Pietje Vervest, a fellow at the New York and Netherlands-based social justice NGO Transnational Institute, said the language of such treaties is typically very broad, allowing investors the right to sue the government over any and all policy that will be deemed to hurt their prots. [International arbiters] are usually just a group of three people deciding whats in the public interest, she said, adding the proceedings effectively gave a blank check to big business. Ms Vervest pointed to the ongoing case of Uruguay vs Philip Morris Tobacco, where the cigarette manufacturing giant launched international arbitration proceedings against the South American countrys government over legislation requiring larger health warnings on tobacco products. Likewise, Swedish energy multinational Vattenfall took the German government to international arbitration in 2009 over stricter environmental restrictions on coal powered plants. Both lawsuits were made possible under bilateral trade agreements. Even if the nations win in these disputes, they still lose, said Ms Vervest, pointing out that arbitration battles often require millions from the public budget. According to World Bank data, the average cost of an international arbitration suit is US$8 million, while the total number of cases have increased 35pc since the global nancial crisis hit world markets in 2008. Baker & McKenzie managing partner Christopher Hughes agreed investor-state disputes could be resource intensive and potentially divert muchneeded government resources. However, on balance, given the condence that foreign investors will gain from the availability of investor-state dispute mechanism and the lowering political and regulation change risks in investing in emerging markets, we think that the benets to Myanmar outweigh the potential disadvantages associated with such treaties, Mr Hughes said by email, adding that such arbitration was usually only a last resort for private players. Hence, we do not expect to see a urry of such disputes, said Mr Hughes.

Jewellers dem
SU PHYO WIN suphyo1990@gmail.com BRIDGET DI CERTO bridget.dicerto@gmail.com LOCAL jewellers are calling for the government to privatise their multibillion dollar a year industry and allow for individual traders to export rare commodities directly under a more favourable tariff scheme. Jewellers said that a limitation on exports of raw and polished precious stones to sales at government-run emporiums and selected markets was strangling the sector. We go to the [government-run] exhibitions and only display our products there, but we want to secure bigger contracts for mass production and export, said Daw Thet Thet Khaing, owner of local jeweller, Golden Palace and Forever Gems. Our consumers are spreading all over the world, so it would be better to export our jewels to the place where they can easily buy our products. There is no direct export for any kinds of gemstones raw or polished allowed, she said, adding that other ministries are adapting their export policies in order to promote local businesses. Currently, jewelers are only able to sell their wares to Myanmar residents and to foreign citizens who attend government-sponsored emporiums, which are held no more than three times a

A cargo ship carrying foreign goods arrives at Yangon Port. Photo: Staff

BUSINESS eDiTOR: Philip Heijmans | pheijmans13@gmail.com

25

Chickpea exports to fall on India oversupply

BUSINESS 27

Soaring rents squeezing out Yangon retailers

pROpERTY 30

Exchange Rates (March 7 close)

Currency
Euro Malaysia Ringitt Singapore Dollar Thai Baht US Dollar

Buying
K1345 K290 K765 K29.3 K970

Selling
K1355 K299 K775 K30.5 K973

UK awards new grant to regulate publicprivate partnerships

BILL OTooLE
botoole12@gmail.com

Venders sell precious stones at a makeshift market in Mogoke, Mandalay Region. Photo: Yadana Htun

mand new gems law

year. Buyers at the emporiums are primarily interested in raw stones. They then do the value-added work in their own countries and sell on the stones for 10 to 100 times the purchase price, said Daw Thet Thet Khaing said. It really causes a lot of suffering for jewelers in our country. Daw Thet Thet Khaing, chairperson of Golden Sun Cooperative Ltd jewellers, said that because access to the marketplace is limited, gem dealers are yielding little prot. Just selling raw stones at the emporium is like we are taking a risk ourselves because of the little prot [on raw stones], she said. In 1995 the Myanmar Gemstone Law and bylaw were promulgated, providing for Myanmar nationals to excavate, produce and sell gemstones on the local and international market, but stricter regulations were soon put in place in an effort to curb rampant smuggling. Nevertheless, experts said that such rules did little to stop the problem, while further exacerbating illegal trade problems by limiting export channels so severely. Estimates show that Myanmar produces up to 90 percent of the worlds rubies, with its best quality products, often described as pigeon-blood gems, fetching higher prices than diamonds at some international auctions. Figures from the 2011-2012 scal year recorded 43,185 tonnes of jade and 13.398 million carats of precious stones were recorded through official export channels. Government representatives were unable to provide data to The Myanmar Times on the monetary value of these exports or how much was recouped in tax. Currently, there is a 30 percent commercial tax on all gem exports payable to the government and 10pc retail tax at emporiums. While this gure is low compared to other precious natural commodities such as wood, which is taxed at 100pc, jewelers say the tax is prohibitive to establishing a lucrative export market. Daw Mar Lar Myint, general manager of Zeyar Arrman, Gems, Jade Home Craft Production, said liberalising the MORE ON bUsINEss 28

THE government of the United Kingdom has awarded a US$2 million grant to assist Myanmar in the regulation and management of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the industrial sector, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). According to a statement released last week, Myanmars reform efforts have been undermined by a piecemeal approach to public-private partnerships that would otherwise have yielded more benefits to the economy as a whole. Given the countrys significant development needs, overwhelming private sector interest, and limited government capacity, PPPs have been evaluated on an ad hoc basis,

making it difficult to determine if projects will achieve value for money. Initially, contractors will work with the government in the development of fair, transparent, and balanced terms for private sector investments that serve the public interest as well as training them to identify and develop mutually beneficial public-private partnerships, especially in large-scale power generation projects. The goal of the Technical Assistance team is to create a sustainable regulatory system by 2018. The government urgently needs to take control of this process to be confident that PPPs meet the countrys needs, said Grant Hauber, a specialist with the ADB, which is administering the grant. Private sector involvement in Myanmars development can help promote rapid growth, but projects must be set up and managed properly to ensure theyre successful.

Japan firm to hold global markets seminar in Yangon

TIN YADANAR HTUN yandanar.mcm@gmail.com JAPANS Mizuho Financial Group is to hold a Global Finance Market and Treasury Business Seminar at the Yangon Institute of Economics on March 8 and 10, the groups chief representative Tetsuro Nonaka has announced. We want to share our experience. Although the global market has not yet come to Myanmar, it can develop in the future. Economic development here is rapid, said Mr Nonaka, who said Mizuho has been offering seminars overseas about investing in Myanmar since 2012. If the government allows foreign banks to open in Myanmar, we can lend money to foreign companies, said Mr Nonaka. Mizuho conducts many seminars to educate local banks about the financial markets, which are not well developed here, said Mie Mie Nay Min Win, a senior representative officer.

Poor rice price sees traders snub China

Association announces new 100,000-tonne rice export deal with African countries as well as a new national plan to tackle industry issues
ZAw HTIKE zawhtikemjn1981@gmail.com sU pHYO wIN suphyo1990@gmail.com CURRENCY uctuations have begun cutting into the prots of local rice traders, who are increasingly turning away from Myanmars largest rice buyer, China, in favour of either exploring other foreign markets or storing their stocks until they can get a better price, experts said. With 60 percent of all unprocessed rice exports sent to China, exporters have scaled back on shipments over the past month as the two currencies traders are mostly paid in, the US dollar and the yuan, have depreciated against the kyat, said Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) joint general secretary U Lu Maw Myint Maung. As foreign currency prices [against the Kyat] are lower than those of one month ago, the prot margin for rice traders has become narrower, he said. In February a dollar cost K987, and a yuan K160, though in the rst week of March exchange rates worsened to K966 and K155 respectively. As a result of the high transactional toll as well as unstable price uctuations offered by Chinese importers, many of whom smuggle in rice stocks without paying tariffs in Yunnan province through Shan States Muse border, traders have slowed trade by as much as 28 percent to China and are looking elsewhere to sell their stock, U Thauk Kyar, executive member of Muse Rice Traders Association, told The Myanmar Times. The amount of rice exported to China is now about 2500 tonnes a day and as the yuan has fallen, Myanmar traders are holding off on exporting the rice they have stored in Muse, he said, adding that local traders were bringing as much as 3500 tonnes of rice through the Muse border not even one month ago. Despite demand, traders claim to be making between 15-21pc less on rice export deals and are now receiving just US$320-330 per tonne of 25pc broken rice, compared to as high as $404 one month ago, and $405-415 per tonne of 5pc broken rice, down from $446. When the yuan goes up, so will rice exports to China, said U Myo Tura Aye, a local rice exporter, adding that prices will change again from now until May with the harvest underway. Rice exports for the 2013-14 scal year will likely reach just 1.1 million tonnes for the 2013-14 scal year, falling well short of the 2.1 million tonnes exported last year, Minister of Commerce,U Win Myint said last week. The government had previously set an export goal of 3 million tonnes, though traders had withheld its stock from most buyers in favour of what were better rates coming from illicit traders in China. With few trade partners, China makes up 60pc of rice exports, while 45pc is shipped to Africa and the rest to the EU. Traders fear however that the worst has yet to come as rice prices could be driven down even further when Thailand, the worlds biggest exporter, starts to sell off its vast reserves in the coming months, said MFA chair U Soe Tun. At the present time, I am urging farmers not to sell their paddy rice immediately after it is harvested ... and wait for a better price, he said. In an effort to bolster trade, the MFR last week announced a deal with various African countries, including Ivory Coast and Togo, to export 100,000 tonnes of rice to be shipped this month. In addition, MSF also announced that it would take six months to draw up a national plan for regulating rice harvesting and trading practices in Myanmar in order to create sustainability in the sector. The rice sector is widely distributed across the country. We need to focus on every aspect, starting with farmers and including investments procedure, said MRF secretary-general U Ye Min Aung, adding, that the country needs to begin moving away from a national model focusing only on domestic food security and toward one that would position Myanmar as one of the regions largest traders. Investors nd the current policy confusing and want matters like trade restrictions, taxes, export allowances and insurance cleared up before they take a risk on us, he said.

$320
Current price of per tonne of 25pc broken rice

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Co-Ro Food A/S, a Company incorporated in Denmark, of Ellekaer 1, 3600 Frederikssund, Denmark, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-

26 Business
BUSINESS prOFiLe

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Reg. No. 11625/2013 in respect of Class 29: Fruit pulp; vegetable juices for cooking; fruit jellies. Class 32: Non-alcoholic drinks, mineral and aerated waters, fruit drinks, fruit juices, fruit drink concentrates, syrups and other preparations for making beverages. Class 33: Alcoholic fruit extracts; cider; alcoholic beverages containing fruit. Class 43: Services for providing food and drink. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Co- Ro Food A/S P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 10 March 2014

SUNQUICK

Baker & McKenzie managing partner Christopher Hughes. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

TRADE MARK CAUTION

TRIUMPH INTERNATIONAL AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, a Company incorporated in Germany, of Marsstrasse 40, D-80335 Munchen, Germany, is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

Pushing legal frontiers

World-renowned law rm opens its doors to new opportunities in Myanmar
BRIDGET DI CERTO bridget.dicerto@gmail.com THE latest outpost in Myanmar of one of the largest international law rms was born out of a sense of adventure and despite being small in size, Baker & McKenzie has big plans, managing partner Christopher Hughes said. This is a country in transition and there is optimism that follows that, Mr. Hughs toldThe Myanmar Timesfrom the rms recently opened offices in Yangon. I dont think there are too many places like [Myanmar] right now. From a lawyers point of view, there are very signicant reform efforts going on, he said. Mr Hughes was made partner in the Sydney office three and a half years ago and began turning his mind to where his next venture would lie. Australia is a long way away from a lot of places, he said. One of the drivers for me doing law was to have international experience ... Id always wanted to spend more time living up here. The law reform agenda is ambitious and it is going to take a little while to completely ll in the regulatory framework. Lots of good primary legislation and detail and implementation of that will follow, Mr Hughes said. With an agenda of that size, obviously there is a bit of bandwidth issue. So much is happening and so much happening at once. The logic of the change is very good, but it will take a bit of time. The office currently has two foreign lawyers, including Mr Hughes, and ve Myanmar lawyers who are focusing on the rms intellectual property practice and a commercial and corporate advisory practice mainly working for regional multinationals looking to enter the Myanmar market, he said. [The advisory work] is something we can do for our clients, explain the dynamics of what its like to work here, he said.Some of the doing business indexes and transparency indexes and so on have come out and shown Myanmar is moving in the right direction but it is also at the lower end of those indexes, so while the raw materials and opportunities here are great, the ease of doing business is still a little difficult and part of that is driven by unfamiliarity. People are naturally worried whenever they invest in new jurisdictions around compliance and doing business issues there, he said, adding that navigating the legal framework and currently nancial system of the country were often cause for pause among foreign investors. The reform agenda of the government, particularly in the area of improving and modernising the commercial laws that are going to drive investment here, is very positive, he said, adding that he expected the volume of business to increase dramatically once important infrastructure and legislation was in place.

Reg. No. 4816/1995 in respect of Articles of clothing, including knitted and woven garments, outer-garments and undergarments, stockings, hoisery, articles for sun bathing and beachwear, swimsuits, trunks and sports clothing, lingerie, roll-ons, bodices, corsets, corselettes, girdles, suspender belts and brassieres.

AMOURETTE

Bee Dees
Reg. No. 4817/1995

DOREEN
Reg. No. 4814/1995

MAMABEL
Reg. No. 4824/1995

SLOGGI
Reg. No. 4821/1995 Reg. No. 4822/1995 in respect of Articles of clothing.

TRI-ACTION

The Fine Print

Legal & tax insight

Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for TRIUMPH INTERNATIONAL AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 10 March 2014

In Myanmar, new tax developments to arrive for the next financial year
SEbAsTIAN PAwLITA sebastian@pwplegal.com NAN KHIm KHAm nan@pwplegal.com MARCH 2 saw the publication of the draft 2014 Tax of the Union Law. If the draft becomes law, income and commercial tax rates will be xed by parliament. This is a remarkable change from present-day practice where the tax rates are set by the Ministry of Finance. However, the tax rates contained in the draft are the same as the rates already contained in the various Ministry of Finance notications. The draft greatly compresses the seven schedules of the Commercial Tax Law. If enacted, all services will be subject to commercial tax with the exception of those that are on an exemption list from the Ministry of Finance (still to be published). This is a sweeping change from the present situation where only certain types of services specically listed in schedule 7 to the Commercial Tax Law are taxed. Like all other amendments envisaged in the draft, this new rule is to come into effect on April 1. The draft does not treat trading activities (the purchase of goods in order to resell them) as services any more, but as a separate business activity subject to commercial tax. This has an impact on how input tax can be set off with output tax if special goods such as alcoholic beverages and cigarettes are traded, potentially making them more expensive. Domestic beer manufacturer A purchases raw materials from X, a trader in agricultural products, for 105 (net price 100 plus 5 percent commercial tax). A produces the beer and sells it to wholesaler B for 330 (net price 220 plus 50pc commercial tax). B resells it to supermarket C for 378 (net price 360 plus 5pc commercial tax). C sells the beer to its customers for 505 (net price 481 plus 5pc commercial tax). The sale of the beer by A to B is subject to 50pc commercial tax (instead of the usual 5pc) because beer is classied as a special good. If the draft is enacted, manufacturer A can offset commercial tax paid to X with commercial tax collected from wholesaler B, which is not now possible. However, according to the draft, B cannot offset commercial tax paid to A with commercial tax collected from supermarket C, and the supermarket cannot offset commercial tax paid to B with commercial tax collected from its customers. At present, such offsets are allowed within certain limits. Petrol, diesel oil and jet fuel are not classied as special goods in the draft. The commercial tax rate on the domestic sale by reneries and on imports is consequently reduced from 10pc to 5pc. The draft exempts the import of certain essential goods (in particular agricultural products) from commercial tax. According to the income tax chapter of the draft, 10pc tax shall be levied on income used for purchasing, building or acquiring any xed asset. The meaning of this section is not clear. It would be wonderful if this section were to mean that reinvested prots are to be subject to only 10pc instead of the usual 25pc income tax.
Sebastian and Nan are consultants with Polastri Wint & Partners Legal & Tax Advisors.

www.mmtimes.com

Business 27
SAN FRANcIscO

Chickpea exports set to fall on India oversupply

KYAY MoNE WIN
kyaymonewin@gmail.com

Judge rejects Apple bid to ban Samsung devices

A FEDERAL judge last week rejected Apples request to ban an array of Samsung smartphones and tablets found to have infringed on patents held by the US tech giant. US District Judge Lucy Koh, who oversaw the blockbuster patent trial, nalised the damage award to be paid by the South Korean electronics giant at US$929 million. But in a separate order, the judge denied Apples request to ban 23 Samsung devices, saying there was no evidence that consumer demand was driven by the infringing elements. To persuade the court to grant Apple such an extraordinary injunction to bar such complex devices for incorporating three touchscreen software features Apple bears the burden to prove that these three touchscreen software features drive consumer demand for Samsungs products, the judge wrote. Apple has not met this burden. A jury last year awarded more than $1 billion to Apple for patent infringement, but the judge threw out some of that award and ordered a partial retrial. The nal amount awarded was $929 million. Samsung said in a statement it was pleased with the courts ruling against an injunction and agreed that a few software features alone dont drive consumer demand for Samsung products. But Samsung said it would appeal the damage award, saying it was based on erroneous calculation methods. Apple declined to comment. But in November, after the latest jury award, the company said this case has always been about more than patents and money, and that it was about innovation and the hard work that goes into inventing products that people love. Judge Koh noted that the only new fact is that Samsung represents that no infringing units are currently in the marketplace. She added that Apple presents no evidence that any current Samsung devices incorporate the patented features. As such, it appears that the public interest slightly favours Samsung. AFP

CHICKPEA exports are likely to continue declining this year as demand from India remains at on a supply surplus from the importing country, traders said. The price for chickpeas has dropped 20 percent year-on-year to K40,000 per bag (one bagis the equivalent of 49 kilograms) on supply increases from India, the largest importer of Myanmar chickpeas, said U Thet Tun, owner of Lu Yi Chon Mill in Mandalay. Demand from India for both split and raw seed chickpeas is down and seems unlikely to revive any time soon as their crops are now cheaper than ours, he said, adding that farmers will not make the price of their chickpeas any cheaper as it will make production unprotable. Last year, the price of chickpeas rose to around K50,000 per bag because of a production decline, but prices began decreasing gradually

Fried chickpeas spill out of a paper bag. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

due to the winter-season increase in crops over there, he said. At the beginning of the season in midFebruary, the price of B2 peas was K48,000 a bag and fell by K4000 because of new supply. The price is not likely to rise because new supplies will arrive after

Thingyan even though there is moderate demand from traders for stockpiling, he said. On March 3, the price of B2 was K44,500 a bag, with Mandalay consuming between 2000 and 3000 bags a day, traders said. Translation by Zar Zar Soe

Award to be paid by Samsung to Apple

$929

MILLION

India trade show slated for Yangon

MYAT NOE OO myatnoe.mcm@gmail.com ABOUT 100 India-based companies will participate in INDIA Engineering Sourcing Show 2014 held in Tatmadaw Hall in Yangon, officials said. Running March 13 to 15, the exhibition is being organised with the support of the Ministry of Commerce, the Indian government and a number of Myanmar industrial bodies with the aim of improving business between the two countries, Anupam Shah, chair of Engineering Export Promotional Council India, said last week. With the recent opening of Myanmars economy, the country is slowly being integrated into the global market. It is keen to attract FDI as it gears up to build a modern economy, said Mr Shah.

Indian companies expected to participate in the show

100

The international show, which is also Indias largest display ofengineering products and services, will help participating firms find local partners, not only for importing products from India but also for possible joint ventures, he said. Indian investors were looking at energy, telecommunications and tourism in particular, with possible JVs on the horizon in the agriculture sector, including rice and sugar mills and cotton ginning, he said, as well as a variety of commercial products.

28 Business JOB WATCH

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

PATH is an international, nonprofit organization that currently seeks qualified candidates for Administration & Finance Manager (Tracking code: #5925) in our Yangonbased office. The Administration & Finance Manager will serve as the operations lead for PATHs program in Myanmar, ensuring efficient office financial and administrative systems and processes in compliance with PATH policies and procedures. Responsibilities include monitoring all financial transactions and bank accounts, preparing payroll and monthly financial reports to PATH headquarters, all aspects of office management and logistics, consultant and vendor contracting, and supervision of administration and finance assistant. Knowledge, skills and experience required: A minimum five years' relevant experience with an international organization or NGO including a supervisory role. Bachelors degree in accounting or equivalent; Strong accounting and financial management skills. Excellent word processing and database skills; Proven communication and interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and ability to work effectively in a team; Excellent written and spoken Myanmar and English. For full position description and information on the application process, please visit the jobs section of the PATH website (www.path.org).

IN PICTUREs

Workers unload bananas and coconuts from a boat at a jetty in Yangon. Photo: AFP

cONTINUED fROm bUsINEss 24 export market could help defeat illegal trade of precious stones. We are in Sagaing Region, and it mostly seems that illegal gem trade is occurring on the China-Shweli border, she said. It the government allowed export, and kept tight restrictions at the borders, there will not be as much of an illegal gems trade. The largely unregulated border trade areas are riddled with merchants who smuggle raw jade and gems to countries such as China, Thailand and India, who rene then sell nished goods to international markets. Thailand is very famous for polished rubies and sapphires. China is famous for jade and India is very famous for diamonds. This success is related to their government policies, said Daw Thet Thet Khaing of Golden Palace and Forever Gems. Sanctions [on Myanmar] are lifted and the market is opening up, but we cant open our door and go outside. Internal barriers are huger than external ones. She said barriers were not only legislative, but political. A lack of support to develop the sector with increased training and institutions supporting polishing and

production in-country meant the sector was suffering. To get our products to a world class standard we need market access, technology, nancing and technical assistance, as well as capacity building, she said. To develop SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises] we need to build institutions to fulll the needs to develop our industry or we will leave. U Maung Maung San, owner of Maung Maung San Gems and Jewelry Co Ltd, said local players have repeatedly asked the government to revise the regulations, but to no avail. We have requested to change the policies made by the Ministry of Mining many times,

Business Development manager

TONNES

NEW VACAnCIES APPLY NOW!

Marketing manager Sales and distribution manager Brand manager Logistic officer Medical doctor Project manager Sales engineer Site engineer Chief Accountant Accountant HR Manager HR Executive Legal executive Secretary Passenger service agent ( airline) Receptionist Customer service

43,185
Jade exported legally during the 2011-12 scal year

but its still unchanged, he said. They just allowed exporting wares but not the stones. They said that preventing the export of precious jetwels to other countries helps stop illegal activity. U Win Htein, director general at the Department of Mines, said the government has been debating amendments to the 1995 Myanmar Gemstones Law and associated policies for over a year and welcomes feedback from jeweller associations, though he did not indicate if and the when rules would be revised. The law mentions that the countrys resources are not allowed to go outside the country and are restricted to production and consumption for Myanmar nationals, U Win Htein said of the purpose of the export limitation. As far back as 2006, President U Thein Sein, then-chairperson of the Leading Committee for Development of Myanmar Gems Industries, voiced his desire to see a developed nished gem industry in Myanmar. U Tun Hla Aung, joint secretary general of the Myanmar Gems & Jewelry Entrepreneurs Association, said the 30pc commercial tax was prohibitive to the sector. At government-run emporiums and at the airport the tax for retail sales is only 10pc.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Myanmar is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the following positions: Sr. 1. 2. 3. 4. Title and level Finance Assistant, Reporting (LICA-3) Public Health Officer (Tuberculosis)(LICA-7) Monitoring and Evaluation Officer(Malaria)(LICA-7) Duty Station Yangon Yangon Yangon Position National National National National Deadline 11 March 14 13 March 14 13 March 14 20 March 14

Field Finance Assistant (LICA-3) (vacancy extended) Multiple Duty Station

The benefit package for the above positions includes an attractive remuneration, 30 days annual leave and 10 holidays per year, medical insurance learning and development opportunities and a challenging work environment with 250 national and international colleagues. All applications must be made through the UNOPS E-recruitment System. Please go to https://gprs.unops.org and click on the post that you are interested in applying for. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact UNOPS directly on the numbers below. For any quires please do not hesitate to contact UNOPS at 95 1 657 281-7 Ext: 147

No. 851/853 (A/B), 3rd Floor, Room (7/8), Bogyoke Aung San Road, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 229 437, 09 49 227 773, 09 730 94007 Email: esearch@yangon.net.mm, esearch.myanmar@gmail.com www.esearchmyanmar.com www.facebook.com/esearchmyanmar

www.mmtimes.com
TOKYO

Business 29
cOmment

New female bank head a first for Japan

JAPANS biggest brokerage Nomura Holdings said Wednesday it has chosen a woman to head its banking arm, in what is believed to be a first for the countrys male-dominated financial sector. Chie Shimpo, 48, will next month become president of Nomura Trust and Banking, as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe calls for more women to join the labour force and for companies to bring female employees into the boardroom. None of the nations three biggest banks Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui and Mizuho Financial have top female executives, according to a government survey. In an interview last year with a Japanese business online magazine, Ms Shimpo dismissed her gender as a factor at the office. When Im at work, I dont really think about my gender, she was quoted as saying. Ive never thought I was disadvantaged professionally because Im a woman ... [but] maybe its more correct to say I assimilated into a maledominated workplace. Ms Shimpo, who has an MBA from Stanford University and also graduated from Japans prestigious Waseda University, joined Nomura in 1989. She became an executive officer in 2012 after working in the share trading and bond department. Japanese women are under-represented in business and politics compared to other developed nations. But Mr Abe has pledged to shake up workplace demographics as part of his broader bid to revive the worlds third-largest economy. Most Japanese working women quit after having their first child, according to government data, since long hours and few childcare options often make re-entry into the labour force difficult. AFP

The business case for a gender-smart workplace

KARIN FINKELsTON Vice president IFC, Asia Pacic THE Asia Pacic region has made great strides in female participation in the workforce over the past few decades. But while rising numbers of women are entering the job market, there is a high turnover of female staff and only a handful of women are crashing through the glass ceiling. Why does this matter for Myanmar and the rest of the Asia Pacic? Because if the region wants to rekindle its strong economic growth, create inclusive and shared prosperity and reduce inequality, then capturing and managing the underutilised role of women in the workplace is an obvious way of helping to achieve this. Now is the time to place gender equality and womens empowerment at the centre of Myanmars national development plans. A key way of making sure Myanmar leverages its female talent is to expand the role of the private sector. Many areas offer huge growth potential. There is scope in manufacturing, which employs women in large numbers around the Asia Pacic. Here, McKinsey suggests that Myanmar could transition to more value-added sectors, as Thailand, Malaysia and other Asian economies have done. We know that the private sector already accounts for nine out of 10 jobs in developing countries; theres no reason Myanmar could not reach for this as a development aim. The change would be transformational. Around the world, companies that do little to tap the potential of women are missing the chance to construct long-term sustainable organisations that will better serve their clients, employees and national economies. Make no mistake about it: For rms small and large, attracting and retaining women is not a charitable activity. It makes concrete business sense. Firms that do more to recruit and promote women are already counting the business benets. They access better talent and keep it for longer. They save money by hiring less and retaining productivity from reliable, committed and experienced staff. When it comes to female leadership, the business case for having women at the top, including in the boardroom, is equally strong. Organisations with gender diversity on their boards consistently outperform those without. They earn a quarter more from investments than those with fewer women, according to a recent study by women advocacy group Catalyst. McKinsey, meanwhile, has shown that operating prots are more than 50 percent higher for international rms with higher female representation on their boards. There is a signicant advantage to hiring more women and reaping the benets of their underutilised skills. Harvard Business School studies have found that multi-nationals in South Korea acquired an edge over their local rivals by hiring women as managers something domestic companies were less keen to do. The business gains of recruiting women most notably came at the senior management level. A similar effect was identied in Japan. Let me suggest a few concrete steps that a company can take to enhance productivity and create working conditions that suit women. First, understand the specic challenges facing women at your workplace. Engage your employees in surveys and focus group meetings to nd out whether female workers have children, or elderly family members to care for and ask them what their support systems are in the home. Arrange exit interviews with your outgoing female and male employees and query the reasons for their departure and what the company could have done to retain their services. Collect the input from employees, mine your own data and carry out a combined analysis. Use the information to pinpoint problem areas. The data could highlight departments, or skillsets dominated by men, or women. It could also reveal that women stay longer in their positions lower down the company hierarchy than men. Second, review your human resource policies and systems. Ask yourselves if your company has clear guidelines on non-discrimination. Appraise your recruitment materials to see whether your strategies target men and women equally. Is there zero tolerance internally for sexual harassment? Do your managers know what that means in reality? And evaluate whether you offer training and career development opportunities equally to men and women. Third, map out solutions for everyone. When the only choice on offer for women with responsibilities is to work full-time, or operate in a 24/7 culture, many women may leave the labour market altogether. Or they will seek out more exible, sometimes lower-paid and less secure, employment elsewhere. Be exible about working hours, including start and end times, and offer the choice to jobshare with a co-worker, whether its to accommodate childcare or maternity leave. What works for women also works for men, as we have seen with the introduction of paternity leave in the European Union.
Karin Finkelston is vice president Asia Pacific for IFC, a member of the World Bank Group and the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector.

When Im at work, I dont really think about my gender.

Chie Shimpo Future president of Nomura Tust & Banking

FRANKfURT

Deutsche Telekom eyes further growth in 2014-15

GERMAN telecommunications giant Deutsche Telekom said last week it met its 2013 targets and is counting on business in the United States to boost overall sales this year and next year. We reached our nancial targets for 2013 and building on our successes last year, we plan to invest further in growth, Deutsche Telekom said in a statement. On the bottom line, net prot amounted to 930 million euros (US$1.3 billion) compared with a net loss of 5.353 billion euros the year earlier. Underlying or operating prot declined by 12 percent to $21.7 billion while sales increased by 3.4pc to $80.4 billion. Chief executive Tim Hoettges said revenues were expected to grow slightly in the 2014 nancial year, and at a higher rate in the following year. This growth is mainly attributable to the United States, where T-Mobile US intends to increase the number of customers this year, Mr Hoettges said. At the same time, underlying prot is expected to remain stable in the current year, and to increase in 2015, he added. AFP

Deutsche Telekoms net prot for 2013

$1.3

BILLION

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Best Western International, Inc., an Arizona (U.S.A) Corporation of 6201 North 24th Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85016, United States of America , is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-

Reg. No. 14739/2013 in respect of Spa services. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law.

Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Best Western International, Inc. P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 10 March 2014

30 THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Property
Metal scaffolding taking hold
TIN YADANAR HTUN yadanar.mcm@gmail.com IN a sign of maturing for Myanmars property market, more efficient metal scaffolding is replacing the traditional bamboo scaffolding in development projects in Yangon as buildings get higher and bamboo becomes more expensive, construction experts said. Though it is still common to see partly constructed buildings swathed in a framework of wooden scaffolding poles tied with coconut-bre rope, metal is proving a far safer option for contractors as it is more convenient, longer-lasting and even cheaper, said U Ko Thawdar Swe, a supervisor with local contractor Net Ray company. Metal scaffolding is easy to use and light to transport and it is safer than bamboo. It can be used for exterior painting as well as construction, he said. Erecting wooden scaffolding for a ve-storey, 1200-sq-ft building takes seven workers one week, while removing the scaffolding takes two days, he said, adding that it would require 200 pieces of bamboo to get the job done at a cost of K200 each, plus K30,000 worth of coconut-bre rope and a K150,000 charge. If we buy one set of metal scaffolding, it costs only K30,000, and if we hire it out we ask for only K500 per piece per day with an advance, said Ko Thawdar Swe. With projects getting bigger and modern development standards becoming more of an issue, metal scaffolding is increasingly used in the construction of hotels, condos and buildings higher than six storeys, he said. Bamboo has also become rarer and more expensive. If the bamboo is new, it is safe, but scaffolding can break if it has been used more than three times, he said, adding that metal scaffolding can last up to 30 years if properly maintained. U Min Aung, a supervisor with Yangon-based Kyawe Phyu construction, said that safety is also an issue when determining what kind of scaffolding to use. Many workers are injured or even killed when bamboo scaffolding collapses under them. Metal is preferable, he said. U Than Naing, a contractor with a local development rm said that most workers are not insured and would have to go out of pocket in the event of an accident, something that is difficult on a low salary. If theres an accident, we get no support or life insurance. We just get daily wages, he said.

BUSINESS eDiTOR: Philip Heijmans | pheijmans13@gmail.com

A fruit vender sorts through stock at his Yangon shop. Local shopkeepers admit they are in danger of losing their businesses due to increasing rents. Photo: AFP

Soaring rent is squeezing out retailers in Yangon

mYAT NYEIN AYE mYAT NOE OO

IN BRIEF
Home building pushed US construction spending higher in January despite bad winter weather, government data released last week showed. January construction spending rose 0.1 percent, the Commerce Department said. That surprised analysts, who on average expected it to fall 0.1pc. Residential construction in the private sector led the increase, surging 0.9pc from December. Compared with a year ago, construction spending was up 9.3pc and private spending on home building gained 13.9pc. AFP

Washington Home building lifts US construction spending in January

RETAIL space rents are increasing as much as 50 percent year-on-year, squeezing not only small and medium enterprises, but also big business, out of protable areas in Yangon, local businesses and experts said last week. The rental market in Yangon increases year to year, including for the retail market that faces huge difficulties with rent, said Daw May Zin Soe Htet, marketing manager at City Mart Holdings Co Ltd and City Express convenience stores, adding that the popular supermarket chain had also felt the pinch of rising rents. If the rentals continue growing like this there will be a lot of difficulties for businesses to survive in this market. It will be a deterrent for new retailers. The Myanmar Timespreviously reported that rising rents are threatening traditional retail hubs. In February,retail shop owners at Yangons

Yuzana Plaza said that they have led a letter with parliament complaining that they would likely lose their business if the plaza enforces a substantial increase in rent slated for March. Currently, average downtown rent for a 15 by 12 by 50-foot retail space is between K1 million and K1.5 million per month (US$1000 to $1500), property insiders said. In the popular townships of Botahtaung, Kyauktada, Latha, Pabaedan and Lanmadaw these rents rise as high as K10 million per month for 1250 square foot ground-oor premises. The rent for a convenience store has gone up K500,000 to K1.5 million in just four years, said ABC convenience store chain managing director Daw Wai Thit Lwin. On top of rental expenses, a tenant will have to pay the outtting costs of rented space, a cost that is not recouped from the landlord even for permanent xtures upon vacating of the premises. Daw Wai Thit Lwin said that of the total start-up cost for opening a store, monthly rent accounted for 40pc of the total expenditure. Increasingly foreign companies or

If the rentals continue growing like this there will be a lot of difficulties for businesses to survive in this market.
Daw May Zin Soe Htet Marketing Manager at City Mart Holdings Co Ltd

joint ventures are entering the highend retail space, pushing old tenants out, U Khin Mg Aye from Shwe Kan Myae real estate said. As local businesses are squeezed out of popular downtown locations, retail hubs are forming in Kyauk Myaung, Tarmwe, Sanchaung, Hlaing and Kamaryut where demand has pushed rents up 50pc year-on-year to a K1 million average monthly fee. In South Okkalapa and Thingangyun townships retail rental prices had jumped to K5 million per month on the back of businesses moving out of downtown and ocking to nearby townships. New retailers are worried about investing in the market because of the high rents that mean they cannot spend money on modern shop ttings like air con or CCTV, Ko Min Min Soe senior agent at Mya Pann Thakin Real Estate Agency said. Retail tenants also have to pay lump sum rent upfront upon signing a lease, making it difficult for start-ups to enter the market, Ko Min Min Soe said. Traditional retail space inside markets is also rising as demand from businesses being pushed out of downtown increases. Daw Yandanar, a shop owner in Mingalar Mon Market in the Mingalar Taung Nyunt retail hub, said her rent had risen 200pc in two years. My shop sells kitchen electrical goods and is on the ground oor of the New Mingalar Mon market. When I re-signed my rental contract the rent is now K200,000 per month. It was K100,000 last year and K10,000 before that, she said. Even though the rent

is high, we have to pay to stay here. Last year a group of retailers formed the Myanmar Retailers Association in an effort to provide a vehicle for retailers to protect their rights. We are trying to draft the retailer rights for retails, Daw Win Win Tint, chairperson of the new association toldThe Myanmar Times. Retailer rights are wrapped into the consumer protection law, but are very limited in scope and power, she said. The association has begun work to draft a campaign document geared toward enshrining a more sophisticated set of rights in legislation, she added.

Year-on-year rental price increase experienced by local shopkeepers

50%

As well as being lumped with all shop-tting expenses and being vulnerable to drastic rent hikes upon contract renewal, tenants are also defenceless against eviction. The group is scheduling a member meet this month to discuss eviction threats retailers face as they see their traditional shops slated for demolition, remodelled to office space or repriced with spiraling rents.

QuOte OF the WeeK

New retailers are worried about investing in the market because of the high rents.
Ko Min Min Soe, senior agent at Mya Pann Thakin Real Estate Agency

Former slave hub seeks to become art hub

WORLD 42

YCDC to crack whip on illegal projects

MYAT NYEIN AYE myatnyeinaye11092@gmail.com THE Yangon City Development Committee will tighten its control over construction projects and crack down on developers that do not abide by city regulations, officials said. U Nay Win, deputy director of YCDCs department of engineering, said it will take action against companies that failed building inspections as well as those that do not receive official permits or conform to building standards. Construction companies must have a permit from YCDC before they start their project, while at that time they must agree to use good-quality construction materials. Only then will our city supervising engineers sign the permits, he added, adding that the city will more frequently dispatch inspectors to ensure that the rules are being followed. If they dont maintain good standards and quality in high-rise buildings, we will not issue a residential permit, he said. Township inspectors will go on-site and note in their log books whether the builders are following regulations. Otherwise, YCDC will shut the site down, he said. Speculators are mainly concerned with location, but real people who buy homes to live in care about construction quality, said U Yan Aung, general manager of Seing Khon Naung Real Estate Agency, adding that uninsured buildings are often sold to unsuspecting customers. Modern buildings are generally of good quality, but some of the construction from 1991 and 1992 was not, he said. Many buildings in Tarmwe and Sanchaung townships collapsed in the 1990s. If the new buildings go up on the same site without proper foundations, they will fall down too.

PHNOm PENH
Bayon Temple in Angkor Wats Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo: Philip Heijmans

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

Tourism fuels property prices in Siem Reap

LAND prices in Siem Reap, Cambodia have increased 15 percent yearon-year despite the impact of the global economic crisis elsewhere, realtors said. Sorn Seap, general manager of KEY Real Estate, said that land prices in Siem Reap city in early 2014 now average US$1010 per square metre, but he also noted that while land prices were increasing in the city, they were stable on the outskirts as well. Siem Reap city is small, but the demand for land is high so land prices downtown increase every year, while on the outskirts of the city theyve remained stable, he said. A recent study by KEY Real Estate divided Siem Reap into nine zones. In Zone A, which includes the Pub Street area along the main road, land is priced at between $2300 and $4000 per square metre, and at $1200 to $1700 per square metre on the sub-roads. In Zone B, which extends from the Central Market to National Road 6, prices on the main road range from $1500 to $2300 and from $500 and $1000 per square metre on the sub-roads. In Zone C, which includes the main road in the Angkor night market area, prices range from $950 to $2300 per square metre, and from $300 to $600 on the sub-roads. Zone D stretches from Wat Domnak to Wat Reach Bo via National Road 6, and prices range from $1000 to $2000, and on the sub-roads from between $300 to $800 per square metre. Mr Seap said he is very optimistic about property in Siem Reap. I see the property sector continuing to trend upward in Siem Reap province due to annual economic growth, the ow of investors into the country, and ASEAN Economic Integration in 2015, which will result in a more open local market. Meanwhile, at present the tourism sector is the main catalyst in boosting the prospects of other sectors, in particular the real estate sector, he added. The number of foreign tourists coming to Cambodia grew to around 4.2 million in 2013 compared to around 3.5 million in 2012, an increase of 17.5pc. Total income from the tourism sector in 2013 was about $2.5 billion compared to $2.2 billion in 2012, a 15.5pc year-on-year rise, according to statistics provided by the Ministry of Tourism. The Phnom Penh Post

Go big and go home

THIS large, detached, newly renovated house in its own compound is close to Yangon International Airport on Aung Mingalar Highway, North Okkalapa township. Atop its three storeys is a penthouse. The fully furnished 2475 sq ft home comprises three double bedrooms, ve singles, two living rooms, a dining room and a loggia. Set in its 4800 sq ft compound, surrounded by a high wall, the house also has a carport, eight air conditioners, internet and satellite connections and a power and light meter. Myat Nyein Aye Location : Wai Bar Gi Ward (8), North Okkalapa Township. Price : K 4.5 million a month Contact : Moe Myint Thaw Tar Real Estate Phone : 01-9669062, 9669063

32 Property
JERUsALEm

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

West Bank settlement starts double in 2013

STARTS on new settlement building in the occupied West Bank increased by 123.7 percent last year, Israeli government data showed last week. The release by the Central Bureau of Statistics came hours before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to meet at the White House with US President Barack Obama, who has strongly criticised further settlement construction. We have seen more aggressive settlement construction over the last couple years than weve seen in a very long time, Mr Obama said in an interview with Bloomberg View. If Palestinians come to believe that the possibility of a contiguous sovereign Palestinian state is no longer within reach, then our ability to manage the international fallout is going to be limited. The Palestinians have long viewed Israeli settlement construction as a major obstacle to peace talks, arguing Israel is actively building on land that should be part of their future state. Last weeks data showed work began on 2534 settlement housing units in 2013 compared with 1133 the year before. This announcement conrms that the Israeli government [wants to] expand settlements and destroy any possibilities for peace, senior Palestinian official Jibril Rajub told AFP. Israels government is a settler, aggressor and terrorist government which does not want peace, he said. For its part, Israeli settlement watchdog Peace Now said, Its official, the Netanyahu government is committed to only one thing: building settlements. It shows the lack of commitment to negotiations. Mr Obama is expected to try to persuade Mr Netanyahu to accept a US framework for nal peace talks with the Palestinians, but the Israeli leader has vowed to resist all pressures. Washington brought Israel and the Palestinians back to the negotiating table in July following a three-year hiatus, after the last talks broke down in 2010 over the settlements dispute. Unconrmed reports suggest Washington will demand a partial freeze on construction in isolated settlements outside the major West Bank blocs that Israel hopes to retain in any peace deal. But Mr Netanyahu has pledged not to succumb to pressure for concessions which in his view run contrary to Israels needs. In order to reach an agreement, we must insist on our vital interests. I have proven I do so, in the face of all the pressures and upheavals, and I will continue to do so here as well, he said upon landing in Washington on March 2. One of Mr Netanyahus hardline coalition partners said that Israel would withstand any international repercussions rather than take risks. We do not have to do anything that endangers Israels security, Economy Minister Naftali Bennett, who heads the far-right Jewish Home party, told Israeli army radio in response to Mr Obamas comments. A settlement bloc is an area where clusters of settlements have been established in relatively close proximity to one another, in which the majority of the West Banks 367,000 settlers currently live. Settlement building is illegal under international law. AFP

IN PICTUREs

Workers labour at a construction site as commercial buildings and residentials are seen covered by haze in Ampang, in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Haze shrouded Malaysias capital and its surroundings last week, causing unhealthy air quality due to res from a drought that has led to water rationing. Photo: AFP

Chinese to splurge $39b on homes in Australia

WEALTHY Chinese will pour Aus$44 billion (US$39.4 billion) into Australian real estate over the next seven years, potentially pushing prices in one of the worlds most expensive housing markets even higher, a study said last week. Investment bank Credit Suisse used data from the Foreign Investment Review Board and other government agencies to estimate the amount of Chinese investment in Australian residential property at more than $4.51 billion a year. They purchased $24 billion of Australian housing over the past seven years; we forecast they will purchase $44 billion over the next seven, to 2020, it said. As the Asian powerhouse becomes richer, the ranks of those who could easily afford Australian real estate will swell beyond the current 1.1 million people, with implications for Australian homebuyers, it said. While Australia has some of the most unaffordable housing in the world, further strong Chinese demand can push prices even higher, it said. A generation of Australians are being priced out of the property market. Many face a lifetime of renting. Australia has one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world on a house price to income ratio, while median house prices in Sydney and Melbourne have risen by more than 30 percent since the global financial crisis. Chinese investment is welcomed by the Australian government, although it has become a sensitive issue after rural politicians warned against selling valuable farm and mineral land to foreigners. The Credit Suisse report found that Chinese buyers some of whom are restricted to buying only new homes bought 12 pc of new housing nationally per annum, an amount considered insufficient to drive prices up across Australia. But because they are concentrating their buying in the east coast cities of Sydney and Melbourne where they are acquiring 18pc and 14pc of new supply they were a much more powerful force in these markets, it said. The report said that the emergence of the global property investor meant traditional valuation methods such as the ratio of house price to local income were becoming obsolete. Residents of central London have known this for some time. Many of which are well paid investment bankers but are still struggling to buy in the capital where many of the owners are wealthy individuals from the Middle East, North Africa and other parts of Europe, it said. AFP

SYDNEY

2534
New settlement housing units being built by Israel in the West Bank

IN BRIEF
A row over US$1.6 billion in cost overruns on construction to widen the Panama Canal has been resolved, the parties said last week, ensuring completion of the massive project. The Panama Canal Authority and the consortium Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC) announced a nal agreement in principle after intense talks to resolve a two-month-long standoff. The plan here is that we would enter into commercial operations in January 2016, said Jorge Quijano, the canal administrator. Under the original schedule, the canal expansion was supposed to have been ready this year. AFP

Panama City Deal reached resolving Panama Canal row, construction to begin soon

World Vision International - Myanmar is one of Myanmars most long serving Christian (Global) Humanitarian Organizations. Our commitment is to work with needy communities and to serve the most vulnerable people of Myanmar.

Position : Compensation and Benefits Coordinator (Human Resources Division)

Location : National Office - Yangon Region Supervise all activities related to the HR administration Ensure effective operation all HR services (including, payroll, tax and benefits administration, HRIS information solution, transfers, terminations, employment contract administration and HR administration, job classification, performance increment, and employee relations. Reviews and analyze Compensation, Benefit and Staff Engagement surveys, recommendations to HR Director knowledge, skills and abilities; Bachelor university degree in any discipline, preferably in HR Management, or Business Administration emphasis in HR and Post-Graduate degree Minimum three years of progressively responsible HR Generalist experience, or comparable organization environment of 300+ employees. (Must provide a clean criminal background) Please submit your resume (clearly identify the post you apply) by post to HR Department, World Vision International - Myanmar or in person to application drop-box at No (18), Shin Saw Pu Rd; Ahlone Township, Sanchaung PO or send to myajobapps@wvi.org not later than March 28, 2014. Please visit to www.worldvision.org.mm for more details of World Vision International Myanmar.

www.mmtimes.com
WASHINGTON

Science & Technology 33

Gadget Reviews

Huge new dinosaur in Portugal was predator king: study

A new dinosaur species discovered in Portugal dominated the food chain 150 million years ago the Tyrannosaurus Rex of its time, researchers said March 5. The new species is the largest land predator discovered in Europe and one of the largest worldwide of the Jurassic era, said authors Christophe Hendrickx and Octavio Mateus of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa and Museu da Lourinha. The Torvosaurus gurneyi, like T Rex, was a bipedal carnivore with blade-like teeth more than 4 inches (10 centimetres) in length, they said in a report published in the US journal PLOS ONE. This was clearly a erce predator, Mateus told AFP. Wherever he arrived, he was the owner and master. No one could rival Torvosaurus during the late Jurassic. This is the equivalent of T rex but 80 million years before. The scientists estimate Torvosaurus gurneyi grew up to 33 feet (10 metres) long and weighed some 4 or 5 tonnes. Its skull measured nearly four-feet (115 centimeters) long, smaller than the T Rex; but not by a huge margin. The fossils found in Portugal closely resemble those of a North American dinosaur the Torvosaurus tanneri and indeed at rst the scientists thought the two specimens must be from the same species. But upon closer analysis of the bones, the researchers determined the species must have evolved separately from the two sides of the proto-Atlantic Ocean over a few million years. Mateus said its hard to know how different the two species would have looked when they were living there may have been differences in colouring or behavior that would have easily distinguished them. From the fossil record, the differences are more subtle. The North American species has 11 or more teeth on its upper jaw, compared to fewer than 11 for the Portuguese dinosaur, the researchers explained. And the mouth bones are shaped and structured differently. Discovering such a large predator in this era could really be a game changer in terms of how scientists think of the Jurassic food chain, explained University of Kansas paleontologist David Burnham, who was not involved in the research. Dance Pad for PS2 and PC The Dance Pad can be used with both Playstation and PC. Great for those who want to combine gaming and exercise. Purchase includes a free dance video game. Price: K 28000

X-box Car Steering This model steering-wheel that can be used in X-box 360. The gear and breakpedal accesories make it perfect for serious fans of driving games Price: K 85000

Years ago that the Torvosaurus gurneyi roamed the earth.

150

MILLION

Bluetooth Headset for PS3 A headset that can connect with the PS3 via Bluetooth. Perfect for people who game at home and dont want to disturb house-mates Price: K 25000

These things were living with giant plant-eating dinosaurs, or sauropods, Burnham explained, herbivores too big for other common Jurassic predators, like the allosaurus, to attack. But if the estimates of the new Torvosaurus are right, he said, the carnivore was certainly big and fast enough to catch a small sauropod. The blade-like teeth of Torvosaurus are particularly nasty since they would seem to indicate a slashshred strategy, he added. The new species is also of interest to geologists, because it gives a more detailed picture of land connections between North America and Europe at the time. AFP

Logitech Attack3 Flight Stick for PC It is ight stick that connects with a PCm , it is high quality and easy on the hands. Price: K 38000

PS3 Gun This plastic mock-gun connects to the PS3. Expect awless connection with in-game movement. Price: K 70000

Available : Beno Sony Game Enterprise Ltd., No. 259, Barr Street (Upper Block), Kyauktada Township, Yangon. Phone : 01256417, 098622744

34 THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

World
WASHINGTON
A BABY treated for HIV within hours of birth is free of the virus nearly a year later, in the second case that has raised hopes about early treatment, doctors said last week. The approach mirrored that taken for a Mississippi baby, who has been off treatment for 21 months and still has no detectable virus in her system. The latest research on the two young girls was presented at the annual Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Boston. The newest case involves a Los Angeles baby was born to a mother infected with HIV and who had not been taking her medications, making her at high risk for transmission, said Yvonne Bryson, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Audra Deveikis, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Miller Childrens Hospital Long Beach, where the baby was born, tested the infant and gave her high, treatment-level doses of antiretroviral drugs before even knowing if she was HIV-positive, Bryson told AFP by phone from the conference. The way it works is you test and you treat before you know

WORLD EDITOR: Bridget Di Certo | bridget.dicerto@gmail.com

SIMEROPOL

Second US baby is HIV-free after early treatment

The baby is still being treated with antiretroviral drugs, and researchers are cautious not to udder the word cure

the results because it takes several days to get the results, explained Bryson, a consultant on the case. Treatment started at four hours of age, even earlier than the Mississippi child. Eventually, the tests came back positive for HIV. But by six days of age, the virus was undetectable. The remarkable thing about this particular baby is that the virus disappeared so quickly, said Bryson. The baby is still being treated with antiretroviral drugs, and researchers are cautious not to utter the world cure or even remission just yet. Now aged 11 months, the child is doing well and continues to see doctors while under the care of a foster family. She has no detectable viral load, nothing since six days of age. That is the earliest ever, Bryson said. Once she turns two, doctors may decide to stop suppressive therapy to see if she is in remission, or if the virus would re-

bound. The only way we would know if the baby is in remission is to stop therapy, explained Bryson. Also at the conference, Deborah Persaud of Johns Hopkins University presented the latest on the Mississippi baby, who was given ART at 31 hours of age. Now, the three-year-old is considered in remission from HIV, after drug treatment was stopped 21 months ago and no viral rebound has been observed. Bryson said the Los Angeles team is optimistic that their baby will do just as well. The fact that it was a very fast reduction in the virus to undetectable levels makes us very hopeful that this baby might follow in the footsteps of the Mississippi [case] which is still being followed, said Bryson. We are learning a lot now and it is exciting for the future. There is no known cure for AIDS, which has infected some 70 million people around the world and killed 35 million, according to the World Health Organization. AFP

Pro-Ukrainian activists attend a rally in the center of the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharki

Ukraine faces b Crimea moves

UKRAINE last week faced the threat of breaking apart after Crimeas parliament voted to join Russia in a sharp escalation of the worst East-West security crisis since the Cold War. The powerful speaker of Russias house of parliament said Moscow intended to respect Crimeas historic choice, which both Kievs new Western-backed interim leaders and US President Barack Obama denounced as illegal. If this violation of international law continues, the resolve of the United States and our allies and the international community will remain rm, Obama said after imposing targeted visa bans and setting the stage for wider sanctions against Russia. The White House said Obama then telephoned Russian President Vladimir Putin for an hour to emphasise that Russias actions are in violation of Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Kremlin said Putin tried to calm tensions by stressing that USRussian relations should not be sacriced due to disagreements over individual albeit extremely signicant international problems. The European Union earlier rmed its resolve to impose stiff sanctions on Russia while also vowing to sign an historic trade pact aimed at pulling Kiev out of Moscows orbit before Ukraine holds snap presidential polls on May 25. Yet with Russian forces in effective control of Crimea a predominantly ethnic Russian peninsula roughly the size of Belgium and base of Kremlins Black Sea eet the threat of Ukraines division seemed more real than at any point since Putin got parliamentary approval to use force against ex-Soviet Ukraine. Western allies have been grappling with a response to Putins seeming ambition to recreate vestiges of the Russian empire without regard to the damage this does to Moscows foreign relations or instability it creates. Moscow argues it needs to defend ethnic Russians from coming under attack from ultra-nationalists who have backing from the new pro-EU team in Kiev. Putin has previously denounced the interim leaders rise to power as an unconstitutional coup. The tensions in Ukraine intensied still further when the city council of Sevastopol that houses the Kremlins Black Sea Fleet also resolved to become a subject of the Russian Federation with immediate effect. Crimea is due to hold a local referendum on March 16 on switching to Russian rule a decision welcomed by Russias State Duma speaker Sergei Naryshkin. We will respect the historic choice of the people of Crimea, said the close Putin ally. We support the free and democratic choice of the population of Crimea. The new leaders in Kiev swept to power on the back of three months of protests against a Kremlin-backed regime that left 100 people dead immediately took steps to disband Crimeas parliament. Ukraines interim prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk also appealed for EU powers and the United States to rise to his nations defence. I would like to say to Mr Putin:

IN PICTUREs
A magazine entitled My Pope (Il mio papa) -- billed as the rst weekly in the world dedicated to Pope Francis was launched on March 5 by Silvio Berlusconis publishing group Mondadori. The 60-page gossip-style magazine boasts tantalizing details on the Holy Fathers week and is stuffed full of photographs of the 77-year-old Argentine at work, capturing instants such as the moment his skullcap ew off in the wind or he was hugged by a child who climbed on his papal chair. Photo: AFP

35

N Korean No. 2 resurfaces in state media

worlD 37

Israel offers to help with California drought

worlD 39

Former slave port town invests in African art

WorlD 42

WASHINGTON

Dalai Lama says no problem with gay marriage

ThE celibate Dalai Lama has thrown his considerable moral weight behind gay marriage, condemning homophobia and saying sex was ne as long as it was consensual. The Buddhist monk offered his views on the hot-button social issue during his latest tour of the United States, where he was welcomed last week in Washington by top lawmakers and offered the customary prayer that opens each Senate session. The Dalai Lama, in an interview, said that gay marriage was up to each government and was ultimately individual business. If two people a couple really feel that way is more practical, more sort of satisfaction, both sides fully agree, then okay, he told an online talk show by veteran radio and television host Larry King. The Dalai Lama said though that people should still follow their own religions rules on sexuality. But then for a non-believer, that is up to them. So there are different forms of sex so long [as it is] safe, okay, and [if both people] fully agree, okay, the Dalai Lama said in English. Bully, abuse thats totally wrong. Thats a violation of human rights, he said. The Dalai Lama is Tibets exiled spiritual leader and one of the most prominent leaders in Buddhism. Gay marriage has won growing acceptance in the Western world and Latin America. But no predominantly Buddhist nation allows gay marriage, although several places with Buddhist inuence including Nepal, Taiwan and Vietnam have increasingly debated the issue. The Dalai Lama, who ed his Chinese-ruled homeland for India in 1959 and later won the Nobel Peace Prize, has prided himself on progressive positions and described himself as a feminist. But his past comments on gay rights have occasionally bothered some of his Western audiences. In one of his books, the Dalai Lama, while not explicitly criticizing homosexuality, said that sex should only involve organs intended for sexual intercourse.

The Dalai Lama visits with members of the United States Senate. Photo: AFP

iv as they protest against the Russian aggression in Crimea. Photo: AFP

breakup as to join Russia

Tear down this wall, the wall of intimidation, of military aggression, Yatsenyuk said in an echo of former US President Ronald Reagans 1987 address at the Berlin Wall. Washington announced visa bans on targeted Russians and Ukrainians in the latest in a series of moves by the US administration to punish Moscow for what the White House denounced as Russias ongoing violation of Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. tor Yanukovychs decision to ditch that pact in November in favour of closer ties with Russia sparked the initial wave of protests that led to his regimes downfall and the rise of the new pro-EU government. The EU agreed after six hours of tense discussions to suspend visa and economic talks with Russia a blow for Moscows years-long efforts to win open European travel rights. And they adopted a tough statement demanding Russia enter into negotiations in the next few days to produce results on cooling the crisis threatening travel bans and asset freezes along with the cancellation of an EU-Russia summit in June if not. EU leaders also froze the assets of Yanukovych now living in Russia and his prime minister Mykola Azarov along with 16 other former ministers. Interpol said it was considering a Ukrainian government request to issue an arrest warrant for the deposed head of state. The epicentre of the crisis has been Crimea, a rugged Black Sea peninsula seized by Russia in the 18th century and annexed to Ukraine by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev as a gift in 1954. Obama is pushing terms of a diplomatic solution that would see Russia call back troops to their barracks and accept international observers from the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). But pro-Kremlin gunmen on Thursday stopped a team of 40 military OSCE observers from entering Crimea. AFP

We support the free and democratic choice of the population of Crimea.

Anonymous Putin Supporter

The Dalai Lama, whose meeting on February 21 with President Barack Obama was angrily condemned by China, separately told lawmakers that one of his main goals was preservation of Tibetan culture. Offering advice as a longtime friend of the United States, the Dalai Lama said that he considered the nation to be really a champion of democracy, freedom. These traditional values are, I think, very, very relevant in todays world. After all, you are the leading nation in the free world, So, [show] self-condence, the Dalai Lama said. The Dalai Lama sat between House Speaker John Boehner, who said he wanted to show bipartisan support for the Buddhist monk, and the Republican leaders often bitter rival Nancy Pelosi, a longtime activist on the Tibetan cause. He later met top senators. What is happening in Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world, said Pelosi, the leader of Obamas Democratic Party in the House of Representatives. More than 120 Tibetans have set themselves on re in recent years to protest what they describe as a stiing Chinese control over

their religious, cultural and political freedoms. Obama called for the protection of Tibetans rights in a statement after his meeting with the Dalai Lama. In contrast to his meeting with Obama, which the White House took pains to portray as private, the Dalai Lama was accompanied in his talks at Congress by Lobsang Sangay, who was elected in 2011 as the prime minister of Tibetans in exile. The Dalai Lama told the lawmakers that he had transferred his political role to the elected leader. While the globe-trotting monk has been instrumental in throwing a worldwide spotlight on Tibet, he has increasingly been looking ahead to the future of the movement without him. The Dalai Lama appeared to reect on his own mortality as he served as the guest Senate chaplain. Offering prayers to the Buddha and all other gods, the Dalai Lama recited what he described as my favorite prayer, which he recites daily for inner strength. As long as space remains, as long as sentient beings remain, until then may I too remain to help dispel the misery of the world, he said. AFP

NEW YORK

C Africa in need of peacekeepers: UN

Top UN officials said last week that a peacekeeping mission is essential to stabilise the Central African Republic but there will be no quick x and the cost will be signicant. The nearly 12,000 peacekeepers that UN Security General Ban Ki-moon seeks would be operating in a particularly challenging environment, UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous said at the Security Council. The comments came as the council held its rst discussions the proposal to send some 10,000 soldiers and 1820 police to help restore order in Central African Republic, a country that has descended into chaos and sectarian killing over the past year. All the member states understand the necessity of a peacekeeping operation, but there are questions, nuances over the nature of the threat, said Gerard Araud, Frances envoy to the United Nations, as he left the meeting. The negotiation will be a difcult one, Araud said, because for many countries, the nancial burden of a peacekeeping operation is becoming a real question. UN estimates put the price tag in the hundreds of millions a year, according to Ladsous, who described a exible operation that would be deployed in phases to minimise the cost. Ladsous acknowledged the peacekeeping mission will be costly, but waiting to respond could be even more so, he said, citing the conicts potential negative impact on regional stability including splitting the country and creating a breeding ground for extremists. Given the approximately six months required to get a UN force ready, Ladsous also called for urgently sending rapid and generous nancial support to MISCA the 6,000-strong African Union force already in Central Africa. There are also 2000 French soldiers there. Most of the future UN force is expected to come from the current ranks of MISCA. UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos also pleaded for reinforcements, emphasising that the Central African government has no capacity to stop the spiral of violence. AFP

Obama also authorised freezing the assets of officials involved in ordering Russias military manoeuvres in Crimea. European leaders split between hawkish eastern European states many of which were under Kremlins zone of inuence during the Cold War and big western European powers that want to limit the damage to their economic relations with Russia renewed a commitment to sign an EU association accord with Ukraine by May. Ousted Ukrainian President Vik-

36 World International

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Chinese sue Japan over forced WWII labour

LAwyERs representing former Chinese labourers forced to work in Japanese factories during World War II led a lawsuit on 6 March against the Japanese government and two companies, one of them said. Attorney Pan Guoping told AFP that the legal action was submitted to the Tangshan Peoples Court in Hebei province and seeks 1.8 million yuan ($294,000) in total compensation, with apologies to be made in main Chinese and Japanese media. Among the plaintiffs are three former labourers, as well as family members of nine deceased others, said Pan, who named the companies only broadly as Mitsubishi and Mitsui. Japans Jiji Press in a report identied them as Mitsubishi Materials and Nippon Coke & Engineering, formerly known as Mitsui Mining. Jiji added that if the court accepts the suit it would be the rst time the Japanese government had become involved in litigation in China over the issue of wartime forced labour. Tokyo says such actions are barred by international agreement. The case follows another suit led late last month in Beijing by a group of almost 40 Chinese citizens, including two surviving labourers, demanding compensation and apologies from two Japanese companies. The court has yet to decide whether to accept it, a lawyer involved told AFP. Previous attempts to bring such cases in China have failed. Tens of thousands of Chinese were forcibly sent to Japan to work in factories and mines during World War II to ll a manpower breach arising from Japans massive military mobilisation. Japan had invaded China during the 1930s and the Asian mainland was a major front in the broader global conict. Japanese courts have rejected numerous similar cases led there over the years, with the countrys Supreme Court ruling in 2007 that individual Chinese cannot demand compensation from Japan. The court said China gave up its right to make such claims when the countries normalised relations more than four decades ago. It is our position that the right to seek compensation for war-time damages doesnt exist after issuance of the 1972 Japan-China joint Communique, and because this is a private lawsuit the government declines to comment, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters in Tokyo on Thursday. A clause in the 1972 document that normalised ties between the two countries says: The Government of the Peoples Republic of China declares that in the interest of the friendship between the Chinese and the Japanese peoples, it renounces its demand for war reparation from Japan. The suits come amid steadily worsening relations between Beijing and Tokyo due to a row over disputed islands in the East China Sea controlled by Japan and claimed by China, as well as persistent tensions over how to interpret Japans militarist and colonialist past in Asia. AFP

BEJING

RIO DE JANEIRO

A man walks next to full trash cans on Ipanema beach during a strike by some garbage collectors in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo: AFP

Fearing strikers, Rios Carnival cleaners get police escort

RIo de Janeiros street cleaners pursued their post-Carnival sweep-up under police escort last week after reports they had been threatened by gun-wielding striking colleagues. Mayor Eduardo Paes said most of the citys cleaners had shown up to work this week, despite a strike call, but had been intimidated by an aggressive minority demanding pay rises. The disruption came just after the citys world-famous carnival, which brought out 4 million revellers and left the streets overowing with garbage ahead of this weekends samba school competition. The success -- or otherwise -- of the carnival will be watched particularly carefully this year because Rio is one of the host cities of the 2014 soccer World Cup, and all eyes are on Brazils preparations. Paes said some buses carrying cleaners to Rios famed Sambadrome had been intercepted by men wielding pistols. Streets around the venue have been awash with trash since the weekend. City authorities initially said 300 strikers were being red but Paes said the decision could be overturned if they returned to work. The citys sanitation agency, Comlurb, said it would draft in an unspecied number of reinforcements and vowed to have the streets cleared by Friday. The strikers, who claimed that 70 percent of street cleaners joined their protest, complained not only of poor pay and conditions but also of the extra work caused by Carnival. Their union, however, distanced itself from the strike. Comlurb said last week that a deal had been struck to give 15,000 city cleaners a nine percent raise, while starting dismissal proceedings against the holdouts who downed tools March 8. With bonuses, the deal gives cleaners 1224 reais ($530) a month and overtime benets on Sundays and public holidays. The strikers had demanded 1680 reais. By Thursday, several districts had been cleared, including tourist magnet Copacabana, party district Lapa and the port, Comlurb said, welcoming a great improvement compared with recent days. Nonetheless, the chic beach area of Ipanema remained awash with debris after cleaners from a private company contracted by Comlurb were sent packing by strikers. Some 300 cleaners attended a city-centre demonstration at which they booed the mayor, Comlurb and their union. Ipanema locals griped at the remaining mess. Its not very good for tourism, said barman Alex de Oliveira, 26. But beach worker Jos Rodrigues sympathised: I understand them. They earn very little for the work they do. Chilean tourist Guillermo Mullins moaned: Rio is always dirty, strike or no strike. Its a problem of education and culture and doesnt make you want to come back. AFP

It is our position that the right to seek compensation for war-time damages doesnt exist after issuance of the 1972 JapanChina joint Communique.
Yoshihide Suga Chief Cabinet Secretary

KABUL

NATO airstrike kills 5 Afghan soldiers outside Kabul

A NATO airstrike killed at least ve Afghan soldiers in one of the most devastating incidents of friendly re in the 12-year history of the war in Afghanistan. The troops were killed at an outpost in volatile Logar province, about 50 miles outside Kabul on 6 March according to U.S. and Afghan officials. It remains unclear how the incident occurred, and officials said it was under investigation. There has been no issue in Afghanistan more sensitive than NATO airstrikes, which President Hamid Karzai has long protested as inhumane and ineffective. US military officials have argued that they are a critical component of counterterrorism efforts. The strikes far less frequent than they once were are carried out by both unmanned and manned aircraft. The coalition knows the location of every Afghan outpost, said Abdul Wali, head of the Logar Provincial Council. How can such incidents happen? Western officials were quick to apologise for the airstrike, which occurred before sunrise. In a statement, the U.S.-led International Security Assistance Force said the aircraft was performing reconnaissance for an Afghan operation when it engaged suspected insurgents on a ridge. It was later determined that the suspected insurgents were Afghan National Army soldiers, the statement said. We value the strong relationship with our Afghan partners, and we will determine what actions will be taken to ensure incidents like this do not happen again, the ISAF said. In addition to the fatalities, seven soldiers were wounded, according to provincial spokesman Mohammad Darwish. Afghan soldiers often request US air support during intense reghts with the Taliban, and Afghan military officials credit that assistance with saving the lives of many troops. But the United States also maintains the ability to conduct strikes on its own, often targeting high-level insurgents. This time, according to Logarbased Afghan military spokesperson Mohammad Sadiq, the Afghans did not call in an airstrike. The same day, Qayum Karzai, the presidents brother, announced that he would withdraw his bid for the presidency and support Zalmay Rassoul, now widely thought to be the front-runner in an election scheduled for April. President Karzai told The Washington Post last week that he had been pressuring his brother to leave the race so as to avoid the perception that he backed Qayum Karzais candidacy. But that pressure has given many Afghans the impression that Karzai is trying to clear the way for Rassoul, his former foreign minister. In a news conference, Qayum Karzai did not address his brothers role in ending his campaign. Instead, he spoke in broad terms about Rassouls qualications. I request all respectable religious scholars, tribal elders, youths, sisters and brothers to strongly support Dr. Zalmay Rassoul, he said. But in an interview Sunday, when asked about the pressure exerted by his brother, he said, Sometimes laws and regulations dont apply to families. Washington Post

The coalition knows the location of every Afghan outpost... How can such incidents happen?
Abdul Wali Head of Logar Provincial Council

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SYDNEY SYDNEY

International World 37

Indian police drop sedition charge against cricket fans

PolIcE in northern India said Friday they had dropped sedition charges against a group of Kashmiri students who cheered on Pakistan in a recent cricket match, but they could still face prosecution over the incident. A group of 60 students were suspended from the Swami Vivekanand Subharti University (SVSU) in the town of Meerut and escorted from the campus over what the vice chancellor called unacceptable behaviour after the match. Pakistan beat India in a tense Asia Cup contest and the case has highlighted the sometimes hostile reaction to Indian Kashmiris who often feel a greater sense of loyalty to Muslim-majority Pakistan. The former kingdom in the northern Himalayas is divided between India and Pakistan, but each claims it in full. It has sparked two of the neighbours three wars since independence in 1947. In absence of any evidence to support the charges of sedition ... we shall not probe the complaint in this light, Meerut police chief Omkar Singh told AFP. He said that police were acting on a complaint from the university and the students might still be booked under laws against spreading hatred between castes and communities or causing damage to property. Indian Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah called the sedition charges unacceptably harsh on March 6. Back at their homes in Kashmir, some of the students claimed they were attacked by fellow students who were offended by their celebrations. Just because we supported the Pakistan team, our life and careers have been put at stake, one student, Gulzar Ahmed, told reporters. Pakistan meanwhile has offered to take in the students and give them places at local universities. Since 1989, Indian forces have been ghting militant groups seeking either independence for Kashmir or the merger of the territory with Pakistan, with heavy-handed policing and human rights abuses feeding into local anti-India resentment. AFP

Time running out for Great Barrier Reef

TImE is running out for Australias iconic Great Barrier Reef, with climate change set to wreack irreversible damage by 2030 unless immediate action is taken, marine scientists said March 6. In a report prepared for this months Earth Hour global climate change campaign, University of Queensland reef researcher Ove Hoegh-Guldberg said the world heritage site was at a turning point. If we dont increase our commitment to solve the burgeoning stress from local and global sources, the reef will disappear, he wrote. This is not a hunch or alarmist rhetoric by green activists. It is the conclusion of the worlds most qualied coral reef experts. Hoegh-Guldberg said scientic consensus was that hikes in carbon dioxide and the average global temperature were almost certain to destroy the coral communities of the Great Barrier Reef for hundreds if not thousands of years. It is highly unlikely that coral reefs will survive more than a two degree increase in average global temperature relative to pre-industrial levels, he said. But if the current trajectory of carbon pollution levels continues unchecked, the world is on track for at least three degrees of warming. If we dont act now, the climate change damage caused to our Great Barrier Reef by 2030 will be irreversible. The Great Barrier Reef teems with marine life and will be the focus of Australias Earth Hour a global campaign which encourages individuals and organisations to switch off their lights for one hour on April 29 to raise awareness of climate change. The report comes as the reef, considered one of the most vulnerable places in the world to the impacts of climate change, is at risk of having its status downgraded by the UN cultural organisation UNESCO to world heritage in danger. Despite threats of a downgrade without action on rampant coastal development and water quality, Australia in December approved a massive coal port expansion in the region and associated dumping of dredged waste within the marine parks boundaries. The new report Lights Out for the Reef, written by University of Queensland coral reef biologist Selina Ward, noted that reefs were vulnerable to several different effects of climate change; including rising sea temperatures and increased carbon dioxide in the ocean, which causes acidication. It found the rapid pace of global warming and the slow pace of coral growth meant the reef was unlikely to evolve quickly enough to survive the changes predicted in the next few decades. AFP

This is not a hunch of alarmistrhetoric ... it is the conclusion of the worlds most qualied experts
Ove Hoegh-Gulberg University of Queensland researcher

SEOUL

N Korean No 2 reappears, quashing purge rumours

NoRth Koreas state media published photos Friday of Vice Marshall Choe Ryong-Hae, quashing intense speculation that the man seen as the number two to paramount leader Kim Jong-Un had been purged. The photo showing Choe accompanying Kim on an inspection of an air force unit on March 6 ran on the front page of the ruling Workers Party official newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun. It was Choes rst public appearance since February 16 an unusually long absence for such a senior gure and one which triggered numerous reports that he had been purged. Speculation about changes in the top leadership in Pyongyang has intensied following the execution in December of Kims uncle and political mentor, Jang Song-Thaek. Like Choe now, Jang had been seen as the unofficial number two in the hierarchy when he fell from grace. Reports that Choe had been purged rst surfaced in the South Korean media, which cited sources as saying he had been arrested and detained by the Norths Military Security Command (MSC). This underscores the risks involved in putting out news stories based on wild rumours which are fed by unidentied sources located far away from Pyongyang, Cheong Seong-Chang, a North Korea expert at the Sejong Institute in Seoul said after Choes photo was published. But the closely followed website NK Leadership Watch, noted that Choes reappearance did not necessarily mean the reports of his arrest by the MSC were completely erroneous. In the past, senior cadres have been held by the security services for interrogation intended to serve as a warning to the cadre and his cohort then eventually returned to their former positions, it said. The fact that Choe was not seen at a number of key events in the past three weeks could suggest he has lost his place in Kims inner circle. AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that Kuok Registrations Limited a company organized under the laws of SAMOA and having its principal office at Level 1, Central Bank of Samoa Building, Beach Road, APIA, SAMOA is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-

KERRY
(Reg: No. IV/11590/2013) in respect of :- Class 35: Retail merchandising and marketing services; market price monitoring for others; compilation of information into computer databases; accounting; drawing of statements of accounts; advertising; advertising by mail order; dissemination of advertising material; business management assistance; professional business consultancy; business information; business management and organization consultancy; business research; cost price analysis; computerised compilation of order lists; distribution of samples; efficiency experts; import-export agencies; marketing research; public relations; commercial or industrial management assistance; inventory management; order processing, the bringing together, for the benefit of others, of a variety of goods, enabling customers to conveniently view and purchase those goods from a general merchandise catalogue by mail order or by means of telecommunications, and through a discount store; advisory services relating to customer services; sales promotion for others; business management relating to logistic services; advisory, information and consultancy services relating to all the foregoing; all included in Class 35 Class 39: Messages or merchandise courier services; computerised distribution planning relating to transportation; delivery of goods; delivery of goods by mail order; freight forwarding; freight brokerage; air transport; railway transport; boat transport; road transport; providing transportation and storage warehousing information via global computer networks; arranging travel, transport and information therefor, all provided on-line from a computer database or the Internet; transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement; transport reservation; rental of storage containers; storage information; transportation information; vehicle rental; warehousing; wrapping of goods; in-store transport; placing goods on shelves in-store; advisory, information and consultancy services relating to all the foregoing; location of freight-cars by computer; warehouse management services; all included in Class 39 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Kuok Registrations Limited P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416

Dated: 10th March, 2014

www.mmtimes.com
Sacremento

International World 39

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Orkin Expansion, Inc. a company incorporate in the USA and having its office at 1105 North Market Street, #1106, Wilmington, Delaware 19899, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trade:-

Netanyahu offers to help with US drought

IsRAElI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered to help California weather its drought with water conservation and desalination techniques pioneered by his countrys scientists. Netanyahu signed a memorandum of understanding for joint technology development Wednesday with California Governer Jerry Brown, in a tour through Silicon Valley that also took him to Apple and other computer-related companies. California, I hear, has a big water problem, Netanyahu said in an interview Wednesday on Bloomberg Television. We in Israel dont have a water problem. We use technology to solve it, in recycling, in desalination, in deep drip irrigation and so on. And these technologies could be used by the state of California to eliminate its chronic drought problem. About 74 percent of California, the most populous US state with 38 million people, is gripped by extreme or exceptional drought, the most severe conditions, according to the US Drought Monitor, a federal website. Twenty-six percent of the state mostly in central California is considered exceptionally dry, according to the website, which was updated February 25, before moderate to heavy rains fell on much of the state. Six decades of providing water in a country thats 60 pc desert have made Israel a technological leader in countering drought. Desalination of sea water, reuse of treated sewage for agriculture, software creating an early-warning system for leaks, computerized drip irrigation and careful accounting of every drop have become the norm in Israel, the worlds 40th biggest economy. Speaking to reporters with Netanyahu at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Brown said he welcomes assistance with

Reg.No.IV/ 15104 /2013 in respect of Pest control services. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trade Mark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. Khine Khine U, Advocate LL.B, D.B.L, LL.M (UK) For Orkin Expansion, Inc. #205/5, Thirimingalar Housing, Strand Rd, Yangon. Dated. March 10, 2014

TRADE MARK CAUTION

TBL Licensing LLC, a company formed in the State of Delaware, of 200 Domain Drive, Stratham, New Hampshire 03885, United States of America, is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, last week. Photo: AFP

Percent of California experiencing extreme drought

74%

water technology. Were in the midst of a mega drought, Brown said. Israel has demonstrated how efficient a country can be and this is a great opportunity for collaboration. North of San Diego, Israels IDE Technologies Ltd is helping to build what it says will be the largest seawater desalination plant in the western hemisphere. The facility in Carlsbad, when nished in 2016, will be able to provide 50 million gallons of potable water a day. Three smaller plants already operate in California, and 15 more have been proposed. Israel has been dealing with such conditions throughout its history. The climate has forced the country to go to unusual lengths to lower consumption and raise supply, methods it now uses as a matter of routine. Our rainfall has dropped by half in the 65 years of Israels existence, our population grew 10-fold and our economy grew 70 times, Netanyahu said on Bloomberg TV. How come we dont have a water problem? Because we use technology to solve it.

Reg. No. 726/2001

In Israel, desalination now provides about one-quarter of the countrys water supply. Each of IDEs three plants in Israel provides roughly double the output anticipated from the Carlsbad facility, according to closely held Poseidon Resources Corp, which is developing the $922 million plant with IDE. In reverse-osmosis desalination, the most popular desalination method, treated seawater is sent through a series of ltration membranes that remove salt and other impurities. About half of the seawater becomes drinking water. The rest is returned to the ocean with higher concentrations of salt and other minerals. In Israel, 75 pc of the countrys sewage is recycled, the highest percentage in the world, according to Mekorot, Israels national water company. More than 50 pc of water used in agriculture comes from treated sewage, according to the Israel Water Association. Medjool dates grown in Israel with recycled wastewater are among the most coveted in U.S. food stores. Washington Post

TIMBERLAND
Reg. No. 727/2001 in respect of Polishes, creams, cleaning preparations and other preparations for the care of footwear. Fragrances, cosmetics, toilet preparations, soaps and lotions. Eyeglass frames, eyeglasses, sunglasses, eyeglass cases, eye shades, eyeglass chains, eyeglass cords, protective eye wear and eye wear for sports; protective gloves. Watches and other horological and chronometric instruments; jewelry including jewelry made of precious and non-precious metals; key rings. Books, book covers, appointment books and address books, check book covers (not made of leather), albums, calendars, planners, document holders, portfolios and organizers for stationery; writing instruments, printed matter and stationery items, wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, desk pads, inking pads, writing instrument holders, pencil sharpeners, coin holders, desk organizers, globes, maps and playing cards. Carrying cases, bags, travelling bags and shoulder bags; backpacks and other strap-on packs; luggage, suitcases, attache cases and brief cases; handbags and purses; wallets, credit card cases, key cases, identification tags, portfolios, appointment books, address books and check book covers, all made of leather; travel kits made of leather for toiletries; umbrellas. Furniture, furniture frames, doors for furniture, furniture moldings, bumper guards for furniture, fitted fabric furniture covers; cupboards; drawers; cabinetwork; wood carvings; filing cabinets; coatstands; umbrella stands; fire screens for domestic use; fireplace bellows; infant cradles; cribs; picture frames and picture frame moldings; magazine racks; tea carts; mirrors; cushions; curtain rods, curtain rails and curtain rings; cots; air mattresses for use when camping; sleeping bags; pillows; wood barrels; wood boxes; woodknobs; sign boards; sales and display counters; non-metal ladders; goods (not included in other classes) of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum, and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastic. Footwear; clothing including headgear; gloves and belts; baby buntings. Retail store services; retailing services via a telecommunications network. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A.,H.G.P.,D.B.L. for TBL Licensing LLC P.O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 10 March, 2014

Administrator sought to begin in March 2014 The Pre-Collegiate Program is a 16-month bridging program to help students win scholarships, thrive at university and return home to develop Myanmar. See us on Facebook and at www.precollegiate.org Brief Job Description Take care of all details in the daily running of the Program Manage the administrative side of college applications Participate in selecting new students and faculty members Handle all financial matters Arrange the logistics for all travel Participate in planning institutional development Option of participating in frequent field trips Essential Qualifications Lumbini Academy Fluent in Myanmar and English 2/A Thamardi 4 St. Thingangyun Skill in MS Office and Adobe Kyaikasan Paya Rd off of Yadana Rd Prefer 5 years experience or over age 30 Be proactive as the only admin staff Call Dorothy Guyot at 09 730 79 846 Bachelors degree Send an inquiry letter and a resume to Enjoyment in learning new skills precollegiate@gmail.com Sense of humor

40 World International
KUALA LUMPUR

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

Malaysian oposition leader gets five years for sodomy

A MAlAysIAN court sentenced opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to ve years in jail after overturning his acquittal in 2012 on a sodomy charge, leaving him unable to contest a special state election later this month. The Court of Appeal allowed a stay of the sentence until March 10 and set bail for Anwar at 10,000 ringgit ($3,070), his lawyer Karpal Singh told reporters March 7 outside the court in Putrajaya. Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia and carries a maximum sentence of as many as 20 years in prison. Anwar, 66, told reporters outside the court he would appeal the verdict and his Peoples Justice Party would seek a replacement candidate to stand for the vacant Selangor state seat, with the election to be held March 23. In the short term it means that there will be a vacuum in terms of leadership in the Peoples Justice Party and Anwars Pakatan Rakyat coalition, said James Chin, professor of political science at the Malaysian campus of Australias Monash University. If you take Anwar out, this means that you open up a can of worms. With Anwar there, at least theres more predictability in terms of domestic politics in Malaysia. The court ruling may escalate political tensions in Muslim-majority Malaysia at a time when the government is in a legal tussle with Catholics to prevent them using the word Allah to refer to God in non-Muslim texts. The former deputy prime minister was cleared on Jan. 9, 2012 after Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah ruled there was no evidence to corroborate claims made by a former aide of a sexual encounter in 2008. Court of Appeal Judge Balia Yusof Wahi said last week the trial judge had erred in doubting the integrity of DNA samples the prosecution presented. Malaysia has an independent judiciary and the judges will have reached their verdict only after considering all the evidence in a balanced and objective manner, the government said in an emailed statement Anwar Ibrahim and his legal team have the right to appeal todays decision to the Federal Court. This is a case between two individuals and is a matter for the courts, not the government. The Peoples Justice Party announced in January that Anwar, who holds a seat in the national parliament, would stand for the vacant state seat in Selangor, which in 2012 was the biggest contributor to the countrys gross domestic product. The decision to have Anwar contest reected the partys efforts to speed reform in the state and fend off political attacks by the United Malays National Organisation, the countrys biggest party, Razi Ramli, strategic director of the Peoples Justice Party, said in a statement released January 29. The 2012 acquittal allowed Anwar to lead the opposition in general elections that were held in May 2013.

Supporters of Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim shout slogans outside the court of appeals in. Photo: AFP

Prime Minister Najib Razaks Barisan Nasional coalition won a parliamentary majority, even though it secured just 47 percent of the popular vote. Anwars own party and another made up mainly of ethnic Malays did worse than the previous election in 2008 while his ally, the mostly ethnic-Chinese Democratic Action Party, improved its fortunes. This trial was all about knocking Anwar Ibrahim out of politics, said

Phil Robertson, deputy director of the Asia division at Human Rights Watch. Anwar and his family appear caught in a never-ending nightmare of his political adversaries making. Anwar was former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamads deputy in the late 1990s during the Asian nancial crisis. As nance minister he gave speeches citing Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeters theory of

creative destruction. In the case of Southeast Asia, that meant countries would emerge stronger from the nancial downturn, Anwar said. Mahathir disagreed. In 1998, he red Anwar, pegged the currency and imposed capital controls. Within a month, Anwar was arrested. He spent the next six years in prison on convictions for abuse of power and sodomy. AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Getz Bros. Co. Ltd. of Cassandra Centre, Office 201/2, 2nd Fl, 29, Theklas Lysioti, P.O. Box 5814, CY-3731 Limasol, Cyprus, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trade Marks:-

BEiJING

GETZ PHARMA
Reg.No. IV/7872/2007 Reg.No. IV/9160/2010 Reg.No. IV/ 13499 /2013 in respect of Pharmaceuticals. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorized used of the said Trade Marks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. Khine Khine U, Advocate LL.B, D.B.L, LL.M (UK) For Getz Bros. Co. Ltd. #205/5, Thirimingalar Housing, Strand Rd., Yangon. Dated. March 10, 2014
Xinjiang Communist Party Secretary Zhang Chunxian (middle) and other delegates discuss violence in Xinjiang. Photo: AFP

Reg.No. IV/7873/2007 Reg.No. IV/9159/2010 Reg.No. IV/ 13500 /2013

China defends arrest of Uighur academic

A top official from Chinas restive Xinjiang region said March 6 the evidence against a prominent Uighur academic whose detention has been condemned by Washington was irrefutable. Ilham Tohti, an economist who teaches at the Central University for Nationalities in Beijing, has been a vocal critic of Beijings policies toward his mostly Muslim Uighur minority, who are concentrated in Xinjiang. He has been charged with separatism, which can carry the death penalty. The facts are clear and the evidence is irrefutable, Xinjiang regional government chair Nur Bekri said, according to the official Xinhua news agency. Bekri was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the rubber-stamp National Peoples Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People, ve days after a group of machete-wielding assailants killed 29 people and wounded 143 at Kunming railway station. The attack has been dubbed Chinas 9/11 by state media and ofcials have blamed separatists from Xinjiang. Chinese authorities detained Tohti at his Beijing home in January, charging that he had organised a group with the disguise of his identity, colluded with leaders of overseas East Turkestan separatist forces, and sent followers overseas to engage in separatist activities. The move has drawn condemnation from campaign groups, the United States and European Union. Tohtis wife told AFP in January that police did not follow any legal procedures while forcibly detaining him in front of his two young children. But Bekri defended Chinas handling of the case on Thursday. China is a country ruled by law, he said, according to Xinhua. We will safeguard his legal rights while he is under investigation. During a meeting of the Xinjiang delegation at the NPC, members spoke for more than two hours before the topic of violence was raised and even then, officials appeared hesitant to address it. Bekri said terrorism was antisociety, anti-humanity and anti-civilisation and must be the common enemy of those of every ethnicity in Xinjiang as well as all of China. Violent terrorism cannot represent any ethnicity, and it cannot represent any religion, he said, adding that terrorists have struck in all parts of China and do not distinguish between different ethnicities, man or woman, old or young. AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Acino Pharma AG. a company incorporated in Switzerland and having its office at Birsweg 2, 4253 Liesberg, Switzerland, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trade Mark:-

OPTIPATCH
Reg.No. IV/ 1425 /2014 (Swiss Trademark Registration 646174 dated. 11 June 2013 Priority claim) in respect of Class 5: Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations, plasters, materials for dressings; medical plasters. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorized used of the said Trade Mark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. Khine Khine U, Advocate LL.B, D.B.L, LL.M (UK) For Acino Pharma AG #205/5, Thirimingalar Housing, Strand Rd., Yangon. Dated. March 10, 2014

The facts are clear and the evidence is inrefutable.

Mr. Nur Bekri Xinjiang regional government chair

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that DANIELLE ROCHES a company organized under the laws of France and having its principal office at 11 bis, rue du Colise- 75008 Paris-France is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-

42 World International
OUIDAH

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

TALIKA
(Reg: No. IV/13640/2013) in respect of :- Soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions. Intl Class: 3 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for DANIELLE ROCHES P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416

Dated: 10th March, 2014

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that LOTTE ALUMINIUM CO., LTD. of (Doksan-dong) 88, Beotkkot-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, Republic of KOREA is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark:-

(Reg: No. IV/7989/2013) In respect of:- goods in Classes 07, 09, 11 & 12. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark will be dealt with according to law. U THAN WIN, B.Com, B.L. for LOTTE ALUMINIUM CO., LTD. By its Ageless IP Attorneys & Consultants P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 10th March, 2014

LOTTE

Cameroonian and Nigerian artist Samuel Fosso guides children through an art exhibition . Photo: AFP

Benin town seeks to be African art hub

UNtIl last year, the few tourists who visited the small west African town of Ouidah were likely headed to the Gateway of No Return, a massive monument to the areas bleak history as a slave trading hub. But the town may soon become known for an attraction of an entirely different sort: the rst sub-Saharan Africa museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary African art. The Zinsou Museum, installed in an ornate 100-year-old villa, has attracted 13,000 visitors since its launch in November an impressive tally for an out-of-the-way town in the sparsely visited nation of Benin. The reputation and monetary value of contemporary African art has steadily risen in recent years. Curators and collectors from North America and Europe frequently y in to artistic hubs like Lagos, Nigeria seeking new talent and new work by established names. But for Marie-Celine Zinsou, who spearheaded the creation of the museum, better notoriety for African artists abroad was not enough. While on a trip to Benin with a French based childrens charity in 2005 she wanted to take a group of youths to an art museum. I found that there wasnt any structure to show [the children] work from their own continent, she told AFP. Zinsou, the grandniece of one of Benins rst presidents, secured an investment from her father Lionel, a businessmen with dual French and Benin nationality who previously worked for Frances Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius. The Zinsou foundation opened in 2005 at a building in Benins largest city of Cotonou, where access was free to view both African and foreign art. The foundation attracted 4 million visitors in eight years, mostly students under the age of 15. As it became more established, the Zinsou Foundation began acquiring a diverse collection of contemporary African art, with the goal of opening a permanent museum. Ouidah is a massive archway with two long lines of naked, chained men in bas-relief along the top, to suggest the group is being marched into the Atlantic Ocean. Hundreds of thousands of Africans were believed to have been condemned to slavery from the beach below the archway. The Villa Ajavon in a sense dees that history, having been built by the descendants of slaves who returned from the Brazilian city of Bahia in a style inuenced by both Brazilian and African architecture, said Zinsou. The villa falls along a quiet dirt road lined with run-down bungalows and is just a few hundred metres from the Temple of Pythons, a major centre of voodoo worship which retains powerful inuence in Benin. While the villa needed to be renovated to host a museum, Zinsou said the priority was to preserve its original structure. Air conditioning in the main hall was therefore forbidden so as to not disgure the exterior, so those who wants to see the museums collection must be prepared to sweat. Air circulates through sunlight corridors where the works of leading African artists are on display, including Ethiopias Mickael BetheSelassie, Frederic Bruly-Bouabre of Ivory Coast and Cheri Samba of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Like in Cotonou, the entrance in Ouidah is free and the visitors are typically very young. Eight-year-old Achmine Atindehou said she was on her second visit to the Zinsou Museum and had already grown very condent in her arguably peculiar tastes. I like the drawing Living Memory [by the British-South African artist Bruce Clarke] because it is nice. It is about death, she said. Museum director Claude Aktome said often children come with their school classes and then persuade their parents to bring them back. Romuald Hazoume has exhibited his paintings, sculptures and photographs in London and New York, but became emotional when recalling his rst showing in Benin, the country of his birth. It was the rst time that I saw young people from Benin coming to admire my work, he told AFP. I cried that day. I was so moved. AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that Charmant Inc., a company organized under the laws of Japan and having its principal office at 6-1 Kawasari-Cho, Sabae-City, Fukui Pref., 916-8555 Japan is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-

(Reg. Nos. IV/4281/2003, IV/2566/2008 & IV/5837/2013) in respect of: - Optical apparatus and instruments; spectacles and sunglasses; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods; spectacle frames and sunglasses frames; spectacle cases, sunglasses cases Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Charmant Inc. P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416

It was the rst time I saw young people from Benin coming to admire my work ... I was so moved.
Romuald Hazoume Benini artist

Dated: 10th March, 2014

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Mr. Somkiat Somsakraksanti of 2000/68 Soi Charoenkrung 72, Charoenkrung Road, Watprayakrai, Bangkholaem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark:-

The Villa Ajavon, an expansive cream-coloured home built in 1922 by a Togolese trader, drew Zinsou to Ouidah, a town of 60,000 people some 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Cotonou. When we found out this sublime building was available, we jumped at the chance, said Zinsou. Its style is very symbolic, very specic to this region, she said. The slave trade monument in

(Reg: No. IV/3053/2009) in respect of:- Balloons, toys, dolls, games, block (toys), and all kinds of goods Intl Class: 28 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Mr. Somkiat Somsakraksanti P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon Phone: 372416

Dated: 10th March, 2014

Cameroonian and Nigerian artist Samuel Fosso. Photo: AFP

Get your finger on it

the pulse

A pristine paradise, Myanmars MacLeod Island in the Myeik Archipelago offers adventurous travellers unique dives, treks and a glimpse of a disappearing culture

PASSAGE TO EDEN

By Amaury Lorin

WO opposite temptations gripped me after my rst visit to MacLeod Island (also known as Khayin Khwa Island): jealously keep the secret of its existence, or share it with readers? After a second visit eight months later and several days of intense thought, I decided to pursue the second. Among the new tourist destinations revealed since Myanmars recent political opening after decades of military rule, MacLeod Island is a diamond in the rough among 800 uninhabited islands belonging to the remote and unspoiled Myeik Archipelago in the Andaman Sea, in Myanmars most southern region. Without being emphatic, it is a dazzling and sumptuous surprise. Closed until recently (including to Myanmar people), the labyrinth archipelago leading to it remains tightly controlled by a large military naval base and a very strict regional immigration office. Indeed, the Myeik Archipelago is strategically situated at the crossroads intersection between Myanmar, India (Andaman Islands), Indonesia (Sumatra) and Thailand. The relative difficulty of reaching McLeod Island, though an inconvenience for some tourists (too bad for them), has helped preserve its stunning natural beauty. Flying southwards over tens of kilometers of virgin white-sand beaches from Yangon to Kawthaung (with two stops in Dawei and Myeik) in Tanintharyi Region conrms, if

any doubt was still possible, Myanmars great tourism potential. The charmless port town of Kawthaung is the mainland gateway to McLeod Island. Signboards advising locals to Warmly Welcome and Take Care of Tourists were recently erected on the quay of the citys harbour. A new speedboat will bring you, hair ying loose, to McLeod Island in a couple of hours. On the way, you will see some amazing colourful boats with long lamplights used for calamari shing by night. You can also visit a pearl oyster farm. The magic starts when the boat reduces its speed and approaches McLeod Island. The splendid horseshoe-shaped bay of the island offers an almost troublesome symmetry. Where is the expected resort? Hidden in the lush jungle falling down to the beach, it remains almost invisible until arrival. The feeling that you are Robinson Crusoe setting foot in a tropical paradise gets even stronger as the basic bamboo dock is pulled with a rope up to the pristine beach, where hundreds of hermit crabs run away in every direction. Opened in 2005, Myanmar Andaman Resort is the only man-made construction on the island. The presence of a natural source of fresh water was the most critical piece in the decision to establish a human presence there. This means that MacLeod Islands whole territory, though wild, is virtually at the disposal of visitors. The resort, however, is more a sustainable eco-lodge than a luxury getaway. Dont expect to nd a night club, a gym centre or any hi-tech equipment there. Still, a good balance is reached between authen-

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 10 - 16, 2014 | www.mmtimes.com/thepulse

Photos: Amaury Lorin

The Salone still lead a peaceable semi-nomadic life without any technology, living from dive shing and collecting shells.

ticity and comfort: 22 wooden eco-bungalows (eight 40-square-metre beachfront chalets and 14 26-square-metre cottages behind) are equipped with all that one needs on vacation on such an island. That is to say: not much. Since his arrival to McLeod Island two years ago, Adrian Zdrada, Myanmar Andaman Resorts very talented and receptive 39-year-old sales and marketing director, has successfully saved the island from becoming a second Phuket. The proximity of more than 25 spectacular dive spots, among the nicest ones in the world, is one of MacLeod Islands greatest appeals. Renato Ticozzi, the Italian dive master qualied by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and 45 years of experience, and his Indonesian wife, Lisa, offer underwater explorations in the best conditions, especially through submarine caves, valleys and arches covered with surrealistic purple seaweed. Although dynamite shing has dramatically destroyed the coral, you can dive among colourful banks of cuttlesh, parrot sh, clown sh, angel sh, sea horses, anemones, crab-spiders and sharks. You will discover a submarine fauna specic to these waters at a 25-metre depth, in safety conditions equivalent to the ones in the Maldives or Seychelles. Kayaking around the island and snorkeling are also great despite possibility of very strong streams. For the sportiest visitors, a slippery, muddy and narrow trekking trail through the deep, humid jungle leads to the islands highest point. Fixed ropes on rocks permit ascent of the steepest parts. Bringing a survival knife might

be useful. The 360-degree view of all sides of the island from the 173-metre-high peak, over which majestic eagles y, is spectacular. Lizards, squirrels, butteries and more complete the picture of MacLeod Islands unique eco-reserve, as well as insects (sandy bites can be itchy and painful), snakes, rats and spiders all things that come with access to a genuine tropical island. Some luxury catamarans, cruising through the Andaman Sea from neighbouring Ranong (northern Thailand), are allowed to drop anchor in MacLeod Islands bay and stay there overnight. Their crew sometimes appear at the Myanmar Andaman Resorts bar just before dinnertime. The resort must close during the six-month southwestern monsoon from the end of April (after the Water Festival) until the end of October. Heavy rain, blustery winds and 3-metre swells make the crossing to McLeod Island rough and potentially dangerous during these months. Nature is not, though, the only interest of MacLeod Island. The wide Myeik Archipelago hosts a couple of hundred sea gypsies belonging to the Southeast Asian Salone ethnic group, who migrated from southern China about 4000 years ago on traditional wood-sheltered boats. They still lead a peaceable semi-nomadic life without any technology, living from dive shing and collecting shells. But the maritime existence of this fascinating and traditionally animist group of anthropological interest is endangered today, according to Jacques Ivanoff, a French expert on Salone people who speaks their language. The 2004 tsunami hit the people hard, and the popu-

lation of their last two villages is only about 300. The prestigious German weekly magazine Die Zeit published an article entitled Gold fever at Paradise about McLeod Island last month: Will that sound its death knell? Condential McLeod Island is still an address accessible only to the initiated travellers, off the beaten path and denitely off the highly frequented YangonMandalay-Inle-Bagan tour. Almost no advertising is done to promote it: The fame of the place, spread by word of mouth, is enough to ll the resort several months in advance. Is Myanmars Myeik Archipelago to become the new frontier for Asian tourism, competing with neighbouring Thailand? Millions of international tourists could certainly be welcome there in the near future if these exceptional islands are developed by Myanmars authorities. This prospect, however, does not seem to be an immediate priority. But how long the worlds biggest and wealthiest tour operators will let this miraculously unexploited jewel alone is another very uncertain question. Dont disclose the secret before they nd it!

Amaury Lorin is a French Yangon-based historian, journalist and consultant. He is the author of Nouvelle histoire des colonisations europennes (XIXe-XXe sicles) (France University Press, 2013) and the founder of Myanmar Challenge.

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

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Q & A

Zaw Min Yu speaks

Z
What is your idea of misery? Not to be able to provide to make my family happy. Yeah. For photography, you just sometimes have to take a break, and I go and sweep the leaves and burn them and then I go back and say, Whats going on? Why cant I get it? Then I move the camera an inch and you look again and then you see, thats what I want! Who are your heroes? My hero is John K Chua, my teacher. He started Adphoto, in Makati. I apprenticed with him for six months. He made me who I am. And he has trained so many photographers. He put it on Facebook, like a one-page list of names, and there was one guy who really succeeded, and that was me. John really taught me. What is photography? Its my life. Its about light. Thats the most important thing. If you try to make a photo without light, you get a black image. Ive seen a lot of photographs made here in Burma, and its like there were seven suns. There is only one sun, mate. What drives you? Something challenging. I had to shoot a ring, for instance, made of white and yellow gold and jade and ruby. So white gold has to be white. Yellow has to be yellow. You cannot have the colour contamination of the yellow on the white gold. And when the ruby looks good, the jade looks ugh. But its an $800,000 ring. And no Photoshop. This is challenging. I love it, if it takes the whole day.

yANgoN

An interview with a master photographer

AW Min Yu wants to show you Myanmar at its natural best. The 63-year-old photographers rigorously technical approach to his craft correct lighting and framing, no editing has won him respect as a professional on par with the best anywhere. His obsession with photography is in part bred in the bone. As a son of the A1 Film Company family, known as pioneers of the local industry Zaw Min Yus father, U Tin Yu, made Burmas first colour feature film in the early 1960s, at age 21 he grew up making movies and watching Western films in a private home theatre. After a 24-year career abroad in Australia, Asia and Europe, working for international commercial and editorial clients and publishing numerous books of photography, including several on Myanmar, in 2001 he returned to his native land. He has since established himself as one of the leading photographers of Myanmars hotels, resorts, attractions and people. He was also commissioned to fully document Shwedagon Pagoda: Some images are in a gallery at the pagoda, and a book is forthcoming. The Myanmar Times caught up with Zaw Min Yu at his home in Mayangone, where lives with his wife and their youngest daughter. What is your idea of perfect happiness? At my age, having my family under my wings like a big chicken. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Well, for example, with [my client] Orient-Express, they wanted to appoint a photographer for Asia, and there were two other photographers [on the shortlist]. I think one was English and one Italian, and the GM at the The Governors Residence, which is owned by Orient-Express, he said, Why do you want to appoint one of these guys? Theres a very good photographer in Burma. And it went through a technical process, portfolios and stuff, but I got the job. So I would say Im really proud of being a Burmese and being recognised as somebody in Burma who can do the international standards. Im there. What natural talent do you wish you possessed? People ask a lot, What does it take to be a photographer? You need the drive. I came back from somewhere at 3pm and the way it looked it was like 5pm with a blue mist, and I was like, Wow! I came back to Yangon and I thought, Im going back there. I got up at 3am a week later and drove hours to get back at the right time and get the shot. Click. Got it. For one photo I drove from Yangon to Nyaung Don. Thats the drive you need to get the shot. Some people, their camera is so expensive, and it comes with a manual not because the Japanese have a lot of paper. Read the manual, be the boss. I meet some photographers who want to learn and the first thing I ask is, Who shoots on auto? And they all raise their hands. And I say, You guys are PHD photographers: press-here-dummy photographers. You need to read the manual. What is the most surprising thing youve seen in Myanmar? That Thein Sein took over. Like, is it for real? What is the most beautiful thing youve seen? Shwedagon. I did an interview with French TV one time. They selected 10 people and we were all allowed to choose where we wanted to be interviewed. I said Shwedagon, because

Photo: Supplied
when I was devastated I went to this Bondi Beach near Sydney and it didnt cure me. I said, Im going back to Burma. I told myself my oldest son would be there, my two sisters and Shwedagon. Bondi Beach cannot replace Shwedagon. I always enter from the north entrance, and it calms me down and I can let go of everything. What is the the greatest challenge facing this country? You know, this Ivanhoe copper mines? I used to do the safety, health and environment report [photography] every year and I stayed like seven or 10 days, and there was dust in the air so you couldnt breathe, but the Aussies were so good in the way they maintained the waste and all that. I would do the annual report and they had to show me everything. I did that for seven years. Now the Chinese dont give a shit. The waste is leaking and it destroys the trees, the children are born deformed. The Chinese asked me to do their report this year, for $15,000, but Im not going to do it. And Im not rich. I love this country. What is your most treasured possession? The eye. The way I see things is different. This is one thing you cannot teach. You have it or dont have it. Im fortunate. Its in my blood. I see things as photographs. No need to crop them. Theyre cropped already. What is your favourite motto? My mother used to tell me, Where theres a will, theres a way, and I believe that.

To be a photographer you need the drive. I got up at 3am to get back at the right time and get the shot. For one photo I drove from Yangon to Nyaung Don.
Zaw Min Yu | Photographer

Reports on gay wedding incite public outcry

By Nandar Aung and Zon Pann Pwint
T was an unusual wedding for Yangon. Tin Ko Ko and Myo Min Htet, a gay couple, tied the knot on March 2 at Excel Hotel, to cheers and applause from nearly 100 guests, including many members of the LGBT community, rights groups and family members. The couple walked slowly and smiling down the aisle hand-in-hand, both wearing Myanmar turbans, jackets and double-length paso. The sound of camera flashes filled the air. The blissful moment did not last long. I fear going out [of the house] to attend the office now, Tin Ko Ko said on March 4, just two days after the wedding. The local press coverage of the wedding had helped to fuel public outcry against the marriage. It also helped to attract police attention. On March 3 and 4, their images appeared on the covers of several daily newspapers, including Daily Eleven, which ran the headline, Gay marriage is still controversial in the United States, and will Asia allow it?

MoRe oN Pulse

48
Myo Min Htet (left) and Tin Ko Ko drink to their marriage, on March 2. Photo: Boothee

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

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Against the grain, making the big picture

A returnee to Myanmar, film director Christina Kyi is striving to create a new cinematic image of her country and shake up a stalled industry
By Whitney Light
light.whitney@gmail.com

y A N g o N

From left to right: Hla Yin Kyae, Christina Kyi, Zenn and Nann Wai Wai Htun. Photo: Whitney Light

HRISTINA Kyi is under pressure. Its mid-February and shes been writing seven days a week, hustling to finish the script for Mudras Calling, a narrative feature film thats already seen two months of pre-production. The picture is supposed to start shooting in midMarch, at Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay and Taunggyi, and be in postproduction by mid-April. Thats slow for Myanmar. Its fast in the international world, said Mona Strassburg, Kyis producer at House of Media and Entertainment, a Yangonbased production company. For Kyi, who moved to the United States as a teenager and returned to Myanmar in 2009, the film is a chance to push forward her emerging career as a director. For Strassburg, its a business venture that has the potential to promote the country and the local film industry as a destination for foreign productions. Success, for both, would be carving out even a small path for other local filmmakers to follow. Anything, they said, would be more sophisticated than the current norms of what Strassburg calls uniformly bad pictures. In a country that produces about 900 straight-to-DVD films a year, on shoestring budgets of US$9000 to $15,000, its not unusual for crews without permits to take over streets for a matter of hours; to make films directed without scripts, shot lists, or locations scouted in advance; and to

cast as actors stars who have been pre-selected based on celebrity appeal and connections rather than auditions or fitness for their roles. To Kyi who quickly lists off The Godfather, Gandhi and Blue Valentine as films that opened her eyes to what films could be as a film student at Gibbs School in New York thats no way to make a film. The audiences suspension of disbelief is the main thing, she said in an interview at Traders Hotel, her piercing dark eyes seeming to amplify her decisive voice of a contender. When you watch a Burmese film, you

After an open casting call, Kyis husband, Zenn, will play the male lead, Hla Yin Kyae the female lead and Nann Wai Wai Htun the supporting actress. Recently the three started intensive training with an internationally recognised acting coach, Thierry Bleu, whos also worked with the stars of the forthcoming major picture about Bogyoke Aung San. While its not the most original storyline, Kyi is well aware of that. She said shed rather introduce a film with wide appeal to Myanmar audiences instead of making an experimental flop. A simple, well-shot love story is still

I thought it would be easy to come back, but its not. Some people here think we are from different worlds.
Christina Kyi | Writer and director, Mudras Calling

lose attention because the dialogue is so bad. The actors have the same hair for 100 films. When he cries, he cries the same. When he loves, he loves the same. They have no clue what character they are playing. By contrast, Kyi aims for art. In Mudras Calling, which uses 70 percent English dialogue, a young BurmeseAmerican man visits Myanmar to do research for a masters project about traditional music. He meets a beautiful, proud Myanmar dancer who along with her cheerful sidekick and chaperone accompanies him around the country in his quest to learn about the culture and discover his roots.

quite a leap forward compared with much of whats on offer. Since government censorship has been relaxed, filmmakers today have much more freedom than in the days of the military regime. But right now producers are doing all kinds of movies with girls in short skirts on the dance floor, said Myat Noe, another director whos recently returned to Myanmar, after 15 years in Los Angeles. Theres nothing risky in terms of creativity. Its more like skin flicks. The idea behind Mudras Calling has been germinating for 10 years, since Kyi practised traditional dance for community shows in the United States.

I wanted to promote the country through my dance and music, but at that time we were young and kind of silly, and to promote the country no one even knew about Burma at that time! They would mistake it with Bahamas, she said. Strassburg, who moved to Yangon from the US about a year ago, was looking for a project just like this one. Shed fallen in love with the country soon after arriving and had experience producing a public-access television program for the Burmese community in Los Angeles, where shed seen how crude contemporary Myanmar movies were. The station screened films five days a week. Strassburg figures she watched at least 100. Someone would get stabbed and it would look like someone drew on the lens to suggest blood, she said. Strassburg also felt it important to make something different from the guerrilla-style documentary films that have shown international audiences Myanmar poverty but not much else. A friend introduced Strassburg to Kyi, who made her pitch without even having written a synopsis. A few samples of her recent directing work on small films for Myanmar TV was enough to win Strassburgs confidence, and Kyi got down to writing. The resulting 150-page script is the longest shes done though shes written 90-120 pages before and one of her professors from film school, the Emmynominated script editor Susan Sojourna Collier, agreed to edit it. The writing hasnt been easy, Kyi said, mostly because some of the cultural subjects she wants to cover are difficult to research. For example, there are no libraries in Yangon in which to find the kind of music the film will

feature, she said, and she wants to get it right. So does Strassburg. My fear is that a Burmese person sees it and thinks, Who did this film? They clearly dont know anything about our country. There are other hurdles. Booking the best crew poses a challenge, since they are few and in high demand. And because most local gigs pay so little, people are anxious to get shooting over with quickly no breaks in order to move on to the next set. This is part of the current film cycle Strassburg hopes to help break. Mudras Calling is budgeted at about $40,000, with a plan to book hotels on location in advance and schedule days of rest. On top of this, Kyi and Strassburg both said theyve already weathered a lot of naysaying about the project. I thought it would be easy to come back, but its not. Some people here think we are from different worlds: Ive got an education, so Im not part of them, she said. As such its been difficult to break into a scene where projects are fixed with established directors and actors, with distribution agreements predetermined two to three years in advance. The elder statesmen of the industry, Kyi said, dont respect me as a filmmaker, and its assumed Im a housewife or whatever. She refused to tell me her age, for fear it would taint her standing even more. Entering the final stages of scriptwriting, however, Kyi is taking an optimistic, and aggressive, view of things. I wouldnt be able to write if people were so nice to me. Maybe I wouldnt take it seriously. Now its a big challenge for me, Kyi said. I didnt talk like this before. It changed me.

cOntinueD frOm pulse 46

The article said that police were starting an inquiry into the wedding, and that the newly weds could face a charge under Article 377 of the criminal code, which prohibits intercourse against the order of nature. The maximum sentence is 10 years in prison. However, Tin Ko Ko said on Thursday that they had not been contacted by police. Nonetheless, Colour Rainbow, a gay rights organisation, said that as soon as they saw the reports they started to prepare legal paperwork in defence of the couple. So far, police have told Colour Rainbow that they were not told to investigate by any senior officers, said a representative of the organisation. Still, the inaccurate press reports caused images from the wedding to

spread widely on social networking websites, attracting harsh criticisms from the public and causing the couple fear for their personal safety. In general, marriage between a man and a woman is held in high regard in Myanmar, but most people still hold conservative views against gay marriage. Human rights advocate Aung Zaw Htwe, who attended the wedding, said he was proud of the couple for their bold public appearance. At the wedding, we [the crowd] felt great. For the gay community this is not unusual. In the human world, love is nature and love is blind. Phyo Thit Lu, program coordinator at Colour Rainbow, said that Article 377 oppresses minorities. It makes them live in secret, he said.

On the positive side, he continued, If many more gay marriages are celebrated in Myanmar, the government may think of amending the law. He noted that in fact the recent wedding was not the first gay marriage. A gay and transgendered man married in Mon State three months ago, and their wedding also attracted much public condemnation. According to the National AIDS Program, there are about 240,000 LGBT people living in Myanmar. But only just over 100,000 live openly, said Nay Oo Lwin, program manager at Population Service International. The remaining live in secret because they fear negative responses from parents and friends. They fear societal rejection.

A fraction of the gay community lives openly. Photo: Boothee

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

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Universal Crossword
Edited by Timothy E. Parker

SUDOKU PACIFIC

CLOCK WATCHING By Oliver Klamp

ACROSS 1 End-of-song feature 5 Earthenware containers 10 Hushed Hey, you! 14 ___ out a living (barely scraped by) 15 Fling mightily 16 Arab bigwig 17 Business efficiency technique 20 Jungs feminine personality 21 Argument 22 Siam visitor 25 Negotiators goal 26 Things that Make You Go ___ 29 Bauble 31 Buy as soon as available 35 Yes, captain 36 Works as a stevedore 38 Far from a few 39 Without a second to spare 43 Polynesian food 44 Giraffelike beast 45 Drain, as of resources 46 Equilateral triangle, e.g. 49 You are here symbol 50 Jr. naval officer 51 Decelerate 53 Very common trees 55 Young hula dancers 58 Ready to rock 62 It may be up in the air at an airport 65 General surroundings 66 To repeat ... 67 Like a desert 68 Assume a stooped posture 69 Offer chocolates to, as a dieter 70 Mothers helpers? DOWN 1 Cheese you can crumble 2 Of the same family 3 Prefix meaning half 4 Abnormal swelling 5 How about that! 6 Net-tipping serve 7 The best-___ schemes ... 8 Keep from happening 9 Feels intuitively 10 Irritated by the littlest things 11 Obscene material 12 Half of an argument 13 Hear, as a case 18 Old laundry appliance 19 Pinkie-to-thumb measure 23 Flatbread of India 24 Its mastered in a studio 26 Hispaniola half 27 Mocking birds 28 Urban area, briefly 30 They have four suits 32 Calmness 33 Deprive of courage 34 Henhouse sounds 37 Hit the ice 40 63-gallon cask 41 Australias national gemstone 42 Less flabby 47 Stew or miscellany 48 Like some yogurt 52 Hunk of cheese 54 Tempter of mens souls 55 Electricity carrier 56 Sherman Hemsley sitcom 57 Clothes line 59 Revered leader 60 Ms. Brockovich 61 Certain National League team 62 Indexing aid 63 Any singer behind Gladys Knight 64 Picnic pest

DILBERT

BY SCOTT ADAMS

PEANUTS

BY CHARLES SCHULZ

CALVIN AND HOBBES

BY BILL WATTERSON

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Laugh all the way to the bank when you rent this space.
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the pulse

51

food

GREEN TOMATOES SALSA

Serves 4 4 green tomatoes 1 onion Handful of coriander 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp lime juice Salt to taste Freshly crushed black pepper Dice the tomatoes. Discard seeds. Dice onion and chop coriander finely. For the dressing, combine oil, lime juice, salt and pepper in a small glass jar or bowl. Mix well. Add tomatoes and onion to a salad bowl and pour over dressing. Toss to mix well. Serve with barbecue and seafood.

Make it a party with prawns

Chop and grill veggies and seafood for a simple crowd-pleasing menu

BBQ prawns and grilled corn salsa. Photo: Phyo

Phyos cooking adventure

phyo.arbidans@gmail.com

MEXICAN-FUSION barbecued seafood inspired this weeks dish. While it seems to involve a lot of grilling of this and that, actually it is quite simple. Place everything on the barbie. Keep an eye on it while grilling. Then chop and mix. Its a nice menu for a dinner party. Use fresh prawns, which will be sweeter and more flavourful after plain barbecue cooking. Grill the corn on an open fire to give it a smokier taste. I love grilled corn with a bit of a dark burn on it. The

flavour becomes more intense and complements the other ingredients. Green tomatoes are a bit sour for eating alone, but theyre great for salad and salsa. You dont need a lot of lime juice. Salt will improve the flavour. All very simple, but the final product is a delicacy. BBQ PRAWNS AND CORN SALSA SERVES 4 450-500g tiger prawns 3 medium corn ears 2 bunches asparagus 4 tbsp vegetable oil 2 2 tbsp lime juice 1 tbsp fish sauce

1 tsp sugar 1 medium onion 3 cloves garlic 1 red or green chilli (more for hot and spicy lovers) Handful fresh mint or coriander Cut the legs off the prawns and rinse. Without removing the head, push the tip of some scissors into the back of the head slowly. Then snip the shell carefully along the back of the prawn. Discard the black vein. Peel the corn husks and remove the hairs. Wash and dry the cobs. Snip the crunchy parts of the

asparagus. Wash and dry. Grill the corn on medium heat, on a charcoal or gas stove. Either works. Keep turning the corn over a direct flame to cook them evenly. Then cool and set aside. Grill the asparagus. Turn them to cook evenly. Brushing a little bit of oil on them will make them crunchier and quicker to grill. When corn and asparagus is cooked through, set aside. Cover with aluminum foil. Grill the prawns on an open flame for about 3 minutes, or longer if theyre big. When theyre orange, turn over and grill another 3 minutes. Leave on heat for another

30 seconds, then remove. Cover with aluminum foil. When the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the niblets onto a plate. Dice the onions finely. Cut the chillies in half and discard the seeds, then dice. Crush the garlic. Cut the asparagus into bite-size pieces. For the dressing, combine lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, oil, onion and garlic in a bowl and mix well. Arrange corn and asparagus in a salad bowl and pour over the dressing. Mix well. Garnish with chopped coriander or mint. Lay the prawns on a plate and serve with the salsa.

Restaurant Review

Where the food tastes best after midnight

By Lwin Mar Htun

lwinmarhtun.mcm@gmail.com

HE 365 Caf is

Chefs at 365 Cafe serve up meals 24/7. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

simple in its dcor, but simple at its best comfortable lighting and seating and modern black-and-white dcor. Its also open 24 hours, a rarity in Yangon. My dining companion and I went there in the early evening, when there were few diners in the shop. Id seen it busier in the middle of the afternoon. We chose a table for two in the corner. The waiter promptly delivered our menu, and I ordered the Korean-style BBQ noodles with chicken (K3900) while my friend ordered the hot basil sauce with rice and chicken (K3800) from a long list of menu options. We waited only about five minutes for the food to arrive perhaps alarmingly quick. But the smell and presentation of the dish made me want to dive in. I wasnt disappointed: The noodles were soft and I could taste the sweetness of the chicken soup. The vegetables, not generous but includes carrots and greens, were fresh. Overall, a nice enough dish, but too sweet for me. The basil sauce and chicken was also good, spicy and tasty enough to order another time. Again the presentation was beautiful and colourful with reds and greens and bits of yellow fried egg. Asian, North American and European foods are available at

365, but with some items priced up to K28,000, it struck us as a little expensive given the quality. Most dishes seem thrown together from pre-prepared soups and sauces. Its borderline fast food, but then again thats just the thing which would taste great at 3am. The service is average. R&B songs play on the stereo, not a musical selection well-suited to the shop. Luckily I wasnt annoyed because my thoughts were focused on tasting the food. We were too full for a big dessert, but I ordered yogurt with honey (K1500), and my friend ordered a blueberry smoothie (K2850). These drinks were great, leaving us with a favourable impression of the restaurant. There are also a variety of other cold drinks, coffee, beer and wine on the menu. For a daytime lunch or dinner, you can get better food elsewhere for less, but for a place thats open 24 hours, its pretty good. Go there for a midnight snack after clubbing and the food will seem delicious.

365 Caf
5 Alan Pya Pagoda Street

Restaurant Rating Food Beverage Service Value for money X-factor 7 8 6 6 7

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

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Cosmobeaute press conference

PEP family photo contest

May Than Nu and Ma Sandar

Mr C P Saw and Daw Khin Thet Mon

U Tun Tun

Ko Kyaw Kyaw Tun, Ko Aung Kyaw and Ko Aung Myo Aye

Myanmar Tourism Marketing meet

Total Championship Bee contest

Chu Nu Khin Ko Aung Myo Oo, Ma Mya Myitzu and Ko Zayar Phyo

Ma May Thazin Myint and Ma Phyo Zar Zar Mg

Student

Samsung new shop opening

Ko Zarni Win Htet

Mr John Hann

Ko Oke Soe Maung

Student

PISM graduation ceremony

Ko Aung Pyae Son and Ko Aung Htoo Naing

Mr Joseph Charles

Daw Ei Swe Win

Mr Robin Peter Hamition, Ms Ayesha Kabul and Mr Yacoob Siddique

TCL party

U Tun Win and U Yan Min Shwe

Ma Khin Phyu Shwe

Ma Zin Mar Than

Student

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53

Warehouse History

ZON PANN PWINT

zonpann08@gmail.com

Mingalabar! fans of Socialite. Last week I had a lot of fun at a childrens party and The Myanmar Times staff party. The weather got hotter but it didnt stop me from going out. Socialite kicked off her week on February 27 with Cosmobeaute Myanmar 2014 at Traders Hotel. On February 28, she appeared at the opening of a Samsung store, and then she attended the ALBA annual party at Kandawgyi. The same day, she was at a gathering of members of Myanmar Tourism Marketing at Chatrium Hotel. On March 1, she attended the Championship Bee contest at Total Learning Academy, and then she enjoyed the Times staff party. The next day, she attended the PEP family photo contest.

Ma Ei, Ko Sai, Thurain, Aung Myat Htay

Ko Fuji

ALBA annual party

Students Mr Arash

Dr Maung Win

Ms Nikki and a child

Teacher Thandar

Mr Joel Kearney

Ms Virginia and students

Student

Ko Htway and Ko San Oo

The Myanmar Times Party

Jack

Thiri

Maung Tin

Nan Tin Htwe

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

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DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES

YANGON TO NAy PyI TAW Flight YH 833 FMI A1 Y5 777 FMI A1 FMI B1 FMI A1 FMI C1 Days 2 1,2,3,4,5 1,2,3,4,6 6 1,2,3,4,5 7 1,2,3,4,5 Dep 7:00 7:30 7:45 8:00 11:30 15:30 16:30 Arr 8:10 8:30 8:25 9:00 12:30 16:30 17:30 Y5 233 YJ 901 YJ 891 YH 918 YJ 901 6T 402 YH 918 W9 201 W9 144 Y5 132 NAy PyI TAW TO YANGON Flight FMI A2 FMI A2 YH 834 FMI B2 FMI A2 Y5 778 FMI C2 Days 1,2,3,4,5 6 2 1,2,3,4,5 7 1,2,3,4,6 1,2,3,4,5 Dep 8:50 10:00 13:00 13:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 Arr 9:50 11:00 13:55 14:00 18:00 18:10 19:00 YH 834 YH 832 6T 808 6T 808 YJ 212 YJ 212 YJ 202 YJ 762 YJ 602/W9 7602 W9 120 YANGON TO MANDALAy Flight YH 917 YH 909 YJ 891 YJ 901 YJ 901 YH 917 Y5 234 6T 401 YJ 901 YJ 7143/W9 143 YH 833 YH 831 W9 201 8M 6603 YJ 751/W9 7751 YJ 761 YJ 601/W9 7601 YJ 211 YJ 201 YH 737 YH 727 YH 729 W9 251 YH 729 YJ 003 6T 807 6T 807 W9 129 YH 731 6T 501 W9 211 Days 2 1,3,4,6,7 Daily 2,4,5,6,7 1 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 3 2 2 6 Daily 2,4,7 5,7 1,2,4,6 6 5,7 2,3,4 3,5,7 1 4,6 2,5 2 3 7 1 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Dep 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:10 6:10 6:10 6:15 6:20 6:30 6:50 7:00 7:00 7:30 9:00 10:30 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:00 11:15 11:15 11:15 11:15 11:30 11:30 11:30 12:00 15:00 15:00 15:30 15:30 Arr 7:40 7:40 8:05 7:35 8:15 8:30 7:30 8:25 7:55 8:55 9:10 8:40 8:55 10:10 12:25 12:25 12:50 12:25 12:25 13:25 13:25 14:15 12:40 14:30 12:55 12:55 13:25 16:55 17:10 17:30 16:55 YANGON TO NyAUNG U Flight YJ 891 YH 917 YH 909 YH 909 YH 917 YJ 901 YJ 901 YJ 901 W9 141 6T 401 6T 351 YJ 7143/W9 143 YH 909 W9 143 YJ 601/W9 7601 YH 731 YH 731 W9 211 6T 501 Days Daily 2 1,3,4,6,7 2 1,3,4,5,6,7 1 2,4,5,6,7 2,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,6,7 2 5 Daily 6 1 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Dep 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:10 6:10 6:10 6:10 6:10 6:15 6:20 6:30 6:50 7:00 7:15 10:45 15:00 15:00 15:30 15:30 Arr 7:20 8:25 8:25 7:45 7:45 7:30 8:20 8:40 7:35 7:40 7:50 8:10 8:35 8:35 12:05 17:20 17:55 17:40 18:20 YH 728 YH 738 W9 129 YH 732 W9 211 8M 6604 YJ 752/W9 7752 YH 738 6T 502 YJ 004 YH 730 Daily 3 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 1 Daily 2 Daily Daily 3,5,6,7 2 4,6 7 1 5 7 2,3,4 1,2,4,6 6 1,3,6 1 5 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 2,4,7 5,7 3,7 Daily 3 2 8:10 8:10 8:20 8:30 8:30 8:45 9:10 9:10 9:20 9:30 12:00 12:30 13:15 13:45 15:00 15:00 15:30 16:05 16:05 16:30 16:45 16:50 17:10 17:10 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:25 17:50 18:00 18:15 9:25 10:15 10:15 10:45 9:55 10:45 11:05 11:05 10:45 10:30 13:55 13:55 15:15 15:45 16:25 16:55 16:55 17:30 17:30 17:55 18:10 18:45 18:35 19:15 19:15 18:30 18:45 18:50 19:55 19:25 19:40 Flight YJ 891 YH 917 YH 909 YH 917 W9 141 6T 401 6T 351 W9 201 YJ 751/W9 7751 YJ 761 YH 505 YH 737 YH 727 YH 505 W9 203 W9 119 6T 807 6T 807 W9 129 YH 731 6T 501 YANGON TO HEhO Days Daily 2 2 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,6,7 Daily 5,7 1,2,4,6 3,4,6,7 3,7 1 2 Daily 1,3,6 7 1 Daily Daily Daily Dep 6:00 6:00 6:10 6:10 6:15 6:20 6:30 7:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 11:15 11:15 11:30 11:00 11:15 11:30 12:00 15:00 15:00 15:30 Arr 8:50 9:55 8:40 9:35 8:20 9:20 8:45 9:40 11:40 11:40 11:55 12:40 12:40 12:55 12:10 12:25 13:50 14:20 16:10 16:25 16:40 Flight YH 634 6T 708 MyEIK TO YANGON Days 1,3,5,7 1,3,5,6,7 Dep 11:25 12:10 Arr 13:25 14:10 Flight YH 633 6T 707 Flight YH 511 6T 606 6T 612 MyITKyINA TO YANGON Flight YH 834 YH 832 YJ 202 W9 252 Days 2 4,6 2,3,4 2,5 Dep 10:35 10:35 14:05 16:05 Arr 13:55 13:55 16:55 19:00 Flight YH 511 6T 605 W9 309 6T 611 YANGON TO MyITKyINA Flight YH 833 YH 831 YJ 201 W9 251 Days 2 4,6 2,3,4 2,5 Dep 7:00 7:00 11:00 11:15 Arr 10:35 10:35 13:50 14:10 W9 141 YJ 901 YH 918 YH 910 YJ 901 YH 910 W9 144 YJ 901 YH 910 YJ 7144/W9 144 6T 351 YH 732 W9 211 YH 732 6T 502 Daily 1 2 1,3,4,6,7 2,4,5,6,7 5 Daily 3 2 2 5 2 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 7:50 7:45 8:25 8:25 8:35 8:35 8:50 8:55 9:35 9:55 10:50 17:20 17:55 17:55 18:35 10:40 9:55 11:05 9:45 9:55 9:55 10:10 10:15 10:55 11:15 13:55 18:40 19:15 19:15 19:55 6T 352 YJ 891 YH 918 6T 402 YH 918 W9 201 YH 505 W9 204 YH 505 6T 808 6T 808 W9 120 YJ 762 YJ 212 YH 728 YH 738 W9 129 YH 731 YH 731 6T 501 YH 738 YH 730 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 2 Daily 3,4,6,7 Daily 2 7 1 1,3,6 1,2,4,6 5,7 1 3,7 Daily 2 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 5 4,6 9:00 9:05 9:35 9:35 9:55 9:55 11:55 12:25 12:55 14:05 14:35 15:45 15:20 15:45 16:00 16:40 16:25 16:25 16:25 16:55 17:35 18:00 11:10 10:15 10:45 10:45 11:05 11:05 14:00 13:35 15:00 15:15 15:45 17:55 17:30 16:55 18:10 18:50 18:35 18:40 19:15 19:55 18:45 19:10 ThANDWE TO YANGON Flight W9 141 6T 632 6T 605 6T 632 YH 512 YH 506 W9 307 W9 309 YH 506 Days Daily 1,2,3,4,6,7 Dailys 5 1,5 3,4,6,7 2,4 1,3,5,6,7 2 Dep 9:50 10:15 12:25 13:00 13:05 13:10 14:05 14:05 14:10 Arr 10:40 11:10 15:00 13:55 13:55 14:00 14:55 14:55 15:00 W9307 W9 309 2,4 1,3,5,6,7 11:30 11:30 13:50 13:50

Domestic Airlines
Air Bagan Ltd. (W9) Air KBZ (K7)
Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport), Fax: 372983, Hot Line: 373766

Air Mandalay (6T)

YANGON TO SIT T WE Days 1,5 Daily 1,3,5,6,7 4,6 Dep 10:30 11:15 11:30 14:30 Arr 12:05 13:15 12:55 15:55

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

Asian Wings (YJ)

Tel: 951 515261~264, 512140, 512473, 512640. Fax: 951 532333, 516654

Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)

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

SIT T WE TO yANGON Days 1,5 Daily 4,6 Dep 12:05 13:35 16:15 Arr 13:55 15:00 17:40

Yangon Airways(YH)

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

FMI Air Charter - Sales & Reservations

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

YANGON TO MyEIK Days 1,3,5,7 1,3,5,6,7 Dep 7:00 7:45 Arr 9:15 9:45

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

YANGON TO ThANDWE Flight W9 141 6T 351 YH 511 YH 505 6T 605 YH 505 Days Daily 1,2,3,4,6,7 1,5 3,4,6,7 Daily 2 Dep 6:15 6:30 10:30 10:30 11:15 11:30 Arr 9:35 10:00 13:05 13:10 12:10 14:10

Subject to change without notice

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

MANDALAy TO YANGON Flight YJ 901 YH 909 Days 2,4,5,6,7 1,3,4,6,7 Dep 7:50 7:40 Arr 9:55 9:45

NyAUNG U TO YANGON Flight YJ 891 YH 917 Days Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Dep 7:35 7:45 Arr 10:15 10:45 Flight W9 141 YH 910

HEhO TO YANGON Days Daily 2 Dep 8:35 8:40 Arr 10:40 10:55

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INteRNatioNal FLIGHT SCHEDULES

Flights PG 706 8M 335 TG 304 PG 702 TG 302 PG 708 8M 331 PG 704 Y5 237 TG 306

YANGON TO BANGKOK Days Dep Daily 7:15 Daily 8:40 Daily 9:50 Daily 10:30 Daily 14:55 Daily 15:20 Daily 16:30 Daily 18:20 Daily 18:05 Daily 19:45

Arr 9:30 10:25 11:45 12:25 16:50 17:15 18:15 20:15 19:50 21:40

Flights FD 2761

MANDALAY TO DON MUENG Days Dep Arr Daily 12:50 15:15 MANDALAY TO KUNMING Days Dep Daily 14:40 NAYPYIDAW TO BANGKOK Days Dep 1,2,3,4,5 19:45 BANGKOK TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 11:55 Daily 8:00 Daily 8:50 Daily 13:00 Daily 13:40 Daily 16:45 Daily 17:50 Daily 19:20 Daily 20:00 Daily 21:10 DON MUENG TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 6:30 Daily 7:15 Daily 11:35 Daily 16:20 1,2,3,4 19:35 Daily 19:25 SINGAPORE TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 7:55 Daily 9:10 Daily 13:25 1,6,7 13:10 Daily 14:20 2,3,4,5 15:00 Daily 15:35 2,3,5 17:20 5,6,7 19:25 1,2,6,7 22:10 BEIJING TO YANGON Days Dep 2,3,4,6,7 8:05

Flights TG 2981 TG 2983 PG 709

BANGKOK TO MANDALAY Days Dep 1,2,4,6 7:45 3,5 17:30 Daily 12:05

Arr 9:00 18:45 13:25

Flights MU 2030

Arr 17:20

DON MUEANG TO MANDALAY Flights Days Dep Arr FD 2760 Daily 10:55 12:20
Flights MU 2029 Flights PG 721

ART
MARCH 14 Changing Roles of Women seminar, with a reading of The Roadmap by Daw Ma Thida and a performance of Inside the Dollhouse by The New Yangon Theatre Institute, Institut Franais de Birmanie, 340 Pyay Road, 6pm FEBRUARY 20MARCH 19 Aye Kos solo exhibition, Bahan Art Gallery, 70 Nat Maut Lane (1), Bahan MARCH 9-12 Tin Mar Lin solo exhibition, featuring fish images on acrylic, Lokanat Gallery, first floor, 62, Pansodan Street, Kyauktada, 9am-5pm MARCH 1-15 Win Pe 1 , Beikthano Gallery, 113/3(b) Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan, 9am-5pm

Flights PG 722

Arr 22:45

KUNMING TO MANDALAY Days Dep Daily 13:55 BANGKOK TO NAYPYIDAW Days Dep 1,2,3,4,5 17:15

Arr 13:50 Arr 19:15

YANGON TO DON MUENG Flights Days Dep DD 4231 Daily 8:00 FD 2752 Daily 8:30 FD 2756 Daily 12:50 FD 2754 Daily 17:35 FD 2758 1,2,3,4 20:55 DD 4239 Daily 21:00 YANGON TO SINGAPORE Days Dep 1,2,6,7 0:25 Daily 8:00 5,6,7 14:00 Daily 10:10 Daily 10:25 Daily 11:40 Daily 16:40 1,6,7 15:10 2,3,4,5 17:10 2,3,5 19:30

Arr 9:45 10:20 14:40 19:25 22:50 22:55

Flights MI 509 8M 231 8M 233 Y5 233 SQ 997 3K 586 MI 517 TR 2827 TR 2827 3K 588

Arr 5:00 12:25 18:25 14:40 14:45 16:20 21:15 19:35 21:35 00:10+1

Flights 8M 336 TG 303 PG 701 TG 301 PG 707 PG 703 TG 305 8M 332 PG 705 Y5 238

Arr 12:40 8:45 9:40 13:45 14:30 17:35 18:45 20:05 21:15 21:55

The Four 2 3D. Directed by Gordon Chan and Janet Chun. Four detectives use their unique skills to help Master Zhuge solve crimes and punish criminals.
Mingalar 2 Cinema, at Dagon Center 2, Myaynigone, Sanchaung 3AM Part 2. In 3D. Directed by Patchanon Tummajira, Kirati Nakintanon and Isara Nadee. A short Thai horror film. Shae Shaung Cinema 1, Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Pompeii. In 3D. Directed by Paul WS Anderson. While Mount Vesuvius erupts, a gladiator must save his lover, who is betrothed

manufactured self to help stop a LEGO tyrant from gluing the world together. MARCH 13 Image of Women film screenings and filmmaker discussions. Institut Franais de Birmanie, 340 Pyay Road, 6pm

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

MISC
MARCH 10 Pub quiz, 50th Street Bar, 9/13 50th Street, Botahtaung, 8pm MARCH 11 Social mixer, everyone welcome, Pansodan Gallery, 286 Pansodan Street, Kyauktada, 7-11:30pm MARCH 12 Pub quiz night, Cuba Bar, 66 Yae Kyaw, Pazundaung, 7:30pm

Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)

Arr 7:15 8:00 12:20 17:05 20:25 20:15

Flights DD 4230 FD 2751 FD 2755 FD 2753 FD 2757 DD 4238

Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

Air China (CA) Air India

Tel : 666112, 655882.

Tel : 253597~98, 254758. Fax: 248175

YANGON TO KUALA LUMPUR Flights Days Dep 8M 501 1,3,5,6 8:55 AK 1427 Daily 8:30 MH 741 Daily 12:15 MH 743 Daily 16:00 AK 1421 Daily 19:05 YANGON TO BEIJING Days Dep 2,3,4,6,7 14:15

Arr 12:55 12:50 16:30 20:15 23:20

Flights CA 906

Arr 21:55

Flights SQ 998 3K 585 8M 232 TR 2826 MI 518 TR 2826 Y5 234 3K 587 8M 234 MI 520

Arr 9:20 10:40 14:50 14:30 15:45 16:30 17:05 18:50 20:50 23:35

Bangkok Airways (PG) Condor (DE)

Tel: 255122, 255 265, Fax: 255119

Tel: + 95 1 -370836 up to 39 (ext : 810)

Dragonair (KA)

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

Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)

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

YANGON TO GAUNGZHOU Flights Days Dep 8M 711 2,4,7 8:40 CZ 3056 3,6 11:35 CZ 3056 1,5 17:40 YANGON TO TAIPEI Days Dep 1,2,3,5,6 10:50 YANGON TO KUNMING Days Dep 1,3 12:20 Daily 14:40 2,3,4,6,7 14:15

Arr 13:15 15:50 22:05

Flights CA 905

Arr 13:15

Malaysia Airlines (MH)

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

MUSIC
MARCH 10 Live blues guitar, Mojo Bar, 135 Inya Road, Bahan, 8:30-11:30pm MARCH 12 Pizza and jazz night. Enjoy live music, pizza specials and happy hour cocktails. 50th Street Bar, 9/13 50th Street, Botahtaung, 7-10:30pm MARCH 13 Jazz and cocktails, presented by the International

Flights CI 7916

Arr 16:15

KAULA LUMPUR TO YANGON Flights Days Dep AK 1426 Daily 6:55 MH 740 Daily 10:05 MH742 Daily 13:50 8M 502 1,3,5,6 14:00 AK 1420 Daily 17:20 GUANGZHOU TO YANGON Flights Days Dep CZ 3055 3,6 8:35 CZ 3055 1,5 14:40 8M 712 2,4,7 14:15 TAIPEI TO YANGON Days Dep 1,2,3,5,6 7:00 KUNMING TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3 8:25 2,3,4,6,7 13:00 Daily 13:30

Myanmar Airways International(8M)

Arr 8:00 11:15 15:00 15:00 18:25

Tel : 255260, Fax: 255305

Silk Air(MI)

Tel: 255 287~9, Fax: 255 290

Thai Airways (TG)

Tel : 255491~6, Fax : 255223

Flights MU 2012 MU 2032 CA 906

Arr 18:20 18:00 17:35

Arr 10:35 16:40 15:50

Vietnam Airlines (VN)

Fax : 255086. Tel 255066/ 255088/ 255068.

Qatar Airways (Temporary Ofce)

Tel: 379845, 379843, 379831, Fax: 379730 Tel: 371867~68, Fax: 371869.

YANGON TO CHIANG MAI Flights Days Dep W9 9607 4,7 14:30 YANGON TO HANOI Days Dep 1,3,5,6,7 19:10

Arr 16:20

Flights CI 7915

Arr 9:55

Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG)

Flights VN 956

Arr 21:25

YANGON TO HO CHI MINH CITY Flights Days Dep Arr VN 942 2,4,7 14:25 17:10 YANGON TO DOHA Days Dep Daily 7:30

Flights MU 2011 CA 905 MU 2031

Arr 11:40 13:15 14:00

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

Urbanscape by artist MKM. Photo: Gallery 65

MarcH 10 - 16
Got an event? List it in Whats On! | Email: whatsonmt@gmail.com
Friendship Group. Tickets K25,000 support the IFG. 132 University Avenue Road, 7pm MARCH 14 Friendship Fridays with live classic rock and DJs, 50th Street Bar, 9/13 50th Street, Botahtaung, 8-11:30pm to a corrupt Roman senator. Shae Shaung Cinema 2 3AM Part 2. In 3D. Junction Square Cineplex, Kamayut Jai Ho. Directed by Sohail Khan. An ex-army officer advocates social responsibility among the citizenry and crosses a political family. Mischief Night 2. Directed by Richard Schenkman. A girl with psychosomatic blindness must protect herself and her loved ones from a mysterious intruder. Junction Maw Tin Cineplex, Lanmadaw The Lego Movie. In 3D. Directed by Chris Miller, Phil Lord. An ordinary LEGO figure must summon powers beyond his

Flights QR 619

Arr 11:15

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

Arr 18:10

YANGON TO PHNOM PENH Flights Days Dep 8M 403 1,3,6 8:35 YANGON TO SEOUL Days Dep 4,7 0:50 2,3,4 23:35 YANGON TO HONG KONG Days Dep 1,2,4,6 01:10 YANGON TO TOKYO Days Dep Daily 22:10 YANGON TO SIEM REAP Days Dep 1,3,6 8:35 YANGON TO GAYA Days Dep 1,3,5,6 9:00 YANGON TO DHAKA Days Dep 1,4 19:30

Arr 12:30

Flights VN 957

Arr 18:10

Flights 0Z 770 KE 472

Arr 8:50 07:45+1

HO CHI MINH CITY TO YANGON Flights Days Dep Arr VN 943 2,4,7 11:40 13:25 DOHA TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 21:15 GAYA TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3,5,6 11:20

MARCH 12 Black Party. A gay social mixer for expats and locals. Flamingo Bar, Yangon International Hotel, 330 Ahlone Road, Dagon, 9-11:30pm MARCH 15 Shamrock the Boat , St Patricks Day party cruise with beer, cocktails and snacks from Yangon Bakehouse. Tickets K20,000 at the door. Contact yangonboatparty@ gmail.com. Wardan Jetty Pier, Yangon River, 4pm boat opens, 5:30pm departure MARCH 15 Sewing a New Life discussion on changing local womens lives through entrepreneurship, with fashion event and performance. Institut Franais de Birmanie, 340 Pyay Road, 8pm

Flights QR 618

Arr 06:29+1

Flights KA 251

Arr 05:35

Flights 8M 602

Arr 14:30

FILM
Start times at Mingalar 2, Shae Shaung (1, 2) and Nay Pyi Taw cinemas are 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm. Start times at Junction Square and Maw Tin are 10am, 1pm and 4pm daily and 7pm and 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday. Nay Pyi Taw Cinema, near Sule Pagoda

Flights NH 914

Arr 06:45+1

PHNOM PENH TO YANGON Flights Days Dep 8M 404 1,3,6 13:30 SEOUL TO YANGON Days Dep 2,3,4 18:30 3,6 19:30 TOKYO TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 11:45

Arr 14:55

Flights 8M 401

Arr 10:45

Flights 8M 601

Arr 10:20

Flights KE 471 0Z 769

Arr 22:30 23:40

Flights BG 061

Arr 20:45

Flights NH 913

Arr 17:15

MANDALAY TO BANGKOK Flights Days Dep TG 2982 1,2,4,6 9:50 TG 2984 3,5 19:35 PG 710 Daily 14:15

Arr 12:00 21:45 16:40

HONG KONG TO YANGON Flights Days Dep KA 250 1,3,5,7 21:50 DHAKA TO YANGON Days Dep 1,4 16:15

Subject to change without notice

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

Arr 23:45

Flights BG 060

Arr 18:30

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 10 - 16, 2014

. .. ... .... ..... .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Get your finger on it

LiviNg well iN MyANMAR

MArCH 10 - 16, 2014

AQUARIUS | Jan 20 Feb 18

WEEKLY PReDICTIONS
LeO | July 23 Aug 22 Life never stops teaching us what we already know. Your optimism can somehow change your life for the better, and believing in yourself will help you believe in others. Know that timing is everything and everything comes in its time. Love is something shared not owned. You should keep the relationship both harmonious and balanced. A cordial smile will charm you soon.

Good fortune will make sure your exuberance doesnt get you in trouble. You will require magical imagination and will power to ever get your life off the ground. Accept any social argument that can teach you wisdom and you cannot go wrong with old friends. Know that useful attainments in your minority will procure riches in maturity.

PISCeS | Feb 19 March 20 Always listen to new ideas and love to visit new places. Secrets of nature will unleash your extroverted energy and lead you to spirituality and wisdom. Make sure that in your relationships with Leo and Libra you maintain your sense of self. Encourage yourself to form a bond beyond bonds but never let the love get dull.

VIRgO | Aug 23 Sept 22 Your virtue and gentleness are powerful counters to the strength of destruction. Keep your idea of yourself in mind at all times whenever you are challenged by social interference. Beware of your opponents assurances that everything will be all right. Make sure youre not creatively blocking yourself. Improve your self-image by focusing on your positive aspects.

The geographic distribution of Japanese encephalitis. Photo: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

When should you get the vaccine?

Evaluate your risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis in Myanmar
By Christoph Gelsdorf
ACCINATION questions are one of the most common inquiries I get from newly arrived expatriates. At the same time, finding ways to extend vaccination coverage to the majority of Myanmar citizens is one of the biggest challenges facing the health system. Japanese encephalitis (JE), a disease that is preventable by vaccine, is an example of how the decision to vaccinate on a personal or population-wide basis is not always straightforward. Japanese encephalitis is caused by a virus transmitted to humans by the Culextritaeniorhyncus mosquito. Culex breeds in water pools and flooded rice fields and picks up the virus from pigs and water birds. Both mosquito and virus are present in most Asian countries whether temperate, subtropical or tropical. In climates such as ours in Myanmar, virus transmission tends to increase in the rainy and winter seasons but is possible year-round. There are an estimated 68,000 cases of JE disease per year, most of which occur in children under 15 years old. Unfortunately up to 30 percent of JE cases are fatal while another 30pc result in lifetime neurologic disability such as paralysis, deafness and mental retardation. While the consequences of Japanese encephalitis are severe, when the virus infects humans it only rarely causes actual JE disease. In fact less than 1pc of infected individuals become sick. When disease does occur the initial symptoms arrive about a week after infection and include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and fatigue, all of which occur in many other types of viral sickness such as dengue, malaria and the regular seasonal flu. Most patients simply recover, while just a few progress to severe encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and its dangerous consequences. This late in the disease, treatment options are very limited. Diagnosing JE early is important in order to hospitalise patients and attempt to derail progression of the disease. In the developed world we use a lab test that looks for antibodies in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. However, according to the laboratory in the private hospital in Yangon where I work, in Myanmar lab testing must be sent to Bangkok with a result taking up to 20 days far too long to be useful in treatment decisions. So doctors, public health officials and patients are faced with a disease that rarely occurs despite being a common infection, is difficult to diagnose once symptoms begin (especially in Myanmar) and is usually devastating when it occurs. Also, we have a (camping, hiking, biking, outdoor occupational activities, in particular in areas where flooding irrigation is practised) in rural areas of an endemic region during the transmission season. Japanese encephalitis is currently not part of the Ministry of Health vaccination schedule for Myanmar children. This is likely because of a lack of information on exactly where JE most often occurs, as well as financial constraints, both of which make designing a vaccination strategy difficult. With the near eradication of polio, JE is the leading cause of childhood viral neurological infection and disability in Asia. As a result, Thailand has adopted universal childhood vaccination and seen a drop in JE cases. Different vaccines are available in different countries and are administered once or twice

ARIeS | Mar 21 Apr 19 Dont be in a hurry, or it will be over before it begins. Savour each moment without any question. If you have to do too much too fast it will prove risky and unacceptable. You can be impatient from time to time and are never on a regular ground of stability and tranquility. Your receptive nature may become too susceptible in social and emotional affairs.

LIBRA | Sept 23 Oct 22 How much will today mean to you tomorrow? Do not dwell too deeply on the past and its possibilities. Power (unless it be the power of intellect or virtue) has the greatest attraction for the lowest of natures. The emotional ripple in your heart yearns to create a beautiful dream of love. A compatible nature has a simple heart.

TAURUS | Apr 20 May 20 Sharing a strong optimism, you can open the window for some fresh air on your love that will please both of you. Know that possibilities are endless, if you can pay the price. Never hesitate to take time out of your busy schedule for a special occasion. You will love the excitement of a different activity, but you should try to have a long life of peace and stability. Look and see your rainbow in the distance.

SCORPIO | Oct 23 Nov 21 Keeping your word is everything. Finding the humour in today will get you through tomorrow, and remember that everything cannot happen today. Time is life. All you need is time, and time will show the way that you deserve to go and win. Love of beauty and beauty in the heart will inform intellectual decisions.

GeMINI | May 21 June 20 Be condent and enthusiastic to follow the principles of justice and never change your given promise for a whim. Waiting is the hard part of success, sometimes. Keep a level head at all times and you will do ne. See the value of the free will, and watch each of your actions and each of your words so that they remain harmonious.

SAgITTARIUS | Nov 22 Dec 21 No soul is desolate as long as there is a human being for whom it can feel trust and reverence. Whenever you can show respect for yourself is a success. As soon as you can say for yourself what is sure, and not what some other person has taught you, you will be on your way to being a remarkable person. Friendship and love life must be the entwining of two souls.

In climates such as ours in Myanmar, virus transmission tends to increase in the rainy and winter seasons but is possible yearround.
vaccine that can prevent it. How do we decide who should get it? We know that Japanese encephalitis is endemic in Myanmar and that it occurs mostly in rural areas, although peri-urban cases have been recorded. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that outbreaks have occurred in Shan State and older World Health Organization (WHO) data that I found shows cases in Karen State, Rakhine State and Bago and Yangon regions. Based on this information, the CDC recommends vaccination for long-term travellers and expatriates who will be frequent visitors to rural or agricultural areas. Meanwhile the WHO states, Vaccination is recommended for travellers [and expatriates] with extensive outdoor exposure depending on the formulation. I recommend calling your clinic to ask if a vaccine is available and then making an appointment with your doctor to further explore these issues. Currently it costs approximately US$30 per dose at my clinic in Yangon. Choosing vaccination for you and your family ultimately depends on your socioeconomic access to healthcare services and the degree of Japanese encephalitis exposure created by your lifestyle.

CANCeR | June 21 July 22 Taking things from moment to moment will make it easier. Be wise to accept when you are given something in surprise. Know that the most pleasant things in the world are pleasant thoughts. The great art of life is to have as many of them as possible. Make fewer disruptions in your family, but show strong solidarity with understanding.

CAPRICORN | Dec 22 Jan 19 Every day is not the same without you. Know that timing is essential, from the best day of the week to the best day of the month. Thinking positive thoughts is a ne way to train yourself to be positive. Letting go is allowing life to ow accordingly. Humility is both the source of spiritual peace and a means of union with powers higher than your own.

................................................................... Christoph Gelsdorf is an American Board of Family Medicine physician who has a health clinic in Yangon (www. gelsdorfMD.com). He is a member of the GP Society of the Myanmar Medical Association. Reader inquiries are welcomed.

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

The Essentials
EMBASSIES Australia 88, Strand Road, Yangon. Tel : 251810, 251797, 251798. Bangladesh 11-B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon. Tel: 515275, 526144, email: bdootygn@ mptmail.net.mm Brazil 56, Pyay Road, 6th mile, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 507225, 507251. email: Administ. yangon@itamaraty.gov.br. Brunei 17, Kanbawza Avenue, Golden Velly (1), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 566985, 503978. email: bruneiemb@ bruneiemb.com.mm Cambodia 25 (3B/4B), New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 549609, 540964. email: RECYANGON @ mptmail.net.mm China 1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 221280, 221281. Danmark, No.7, Pyi Thu St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 01 9669520 - 17. Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 222886, 222887, Egyptembassy86@ gmail.com France 102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 212178, 212520, email: ambaf rance. rangoun@ diplomatie.fr Germany 9, Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 548951, 548952, email: info@rangun. diplo.de India 545-547, Merchant St, Yangon. Tel: 391219, 388412, email: indiaembassy @ mptmail.net.mm Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd, Yangon. Tel: 254465, 254469, email: kukygn @ indonesia.com.mm Israel 15, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 515115, fax: 515116, email: info@ yangon.mfa.gov.il Italy 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon. Tel: 527100, 527101, fax: 514565, email: ambyang. mail@ esteri.it Japan 100, Natmauk Rd, Yangon. Tel: 549644-8, 540399, 540400, 540411, 545988, fax: 549643 Kuwait 62-B, Shwe Taung Kyar St, Bahan Tsp. Tel : 01-230-9542, 2309543. Fax : 01-230-5836. Lao A-1, Diplomatic Quarters, Tawwin Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 222482, Fax: 227446, email: Laoembcab@ mptmail. net.mm Malaysia 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 220248, 220249, email: mwkyangon@ mptmail.net.mm Nepal 16, Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon. Tel: 545880, 557168, fax: 549803, email: nepemb @mptmail.net.mm Norway, No.7, Pyi Thu St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles, Mayangone Tsp,Yangon. Tel: 01 9669520 - 17 Fax 01- 9669516 New Zealand No. 43/C, Inya Myaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-2305805 Netherlands Diplomatic Mission No. 43/C, Inya Myaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-2305805 North Korea 77C, Shin Saw Pu Rd, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 512642, 510205 Pakistan A-4, diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Rd, Yangon. Tel: 222881 (Chancery Exchange) Philippines 50, Sayasan Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 558149-151,Email: p.e. yangon@gmail.com Russian 38, Sagawa Rd, Yangon. Tel: 241955, 254161, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia No.287/289, U Wisara Rd, Sanchaung. Tel : 01-536153, 516952. Serbia No. 114-A, Inya Rd, P.O.Box No. 943, Yangon. Tel: 515282, 515283, email: serbemb @ yangon.net.mm Singapore 238, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 559001, email: singemb_ ygn@_ sgmfa. gov.sg South Korea 97 University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 5271424, 515190, fax: 513286, email: myanmar@mofat. go.kr Sri Lanka 34 Taw Win Road, Yangon. Tel: 222812, Switzerland No 11, Kabaung Lane, 5 mile, Pyay Rd, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 534754, 507089. Thailand 94 Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 226721, 226728, 226824 Turkish Embassy 19AB, Kan Yeik Thar St, Mayangone Tsp,Yangon. Tel : 662992, Fax : 661365 United Kingdom 80 Strand Rd, Yangon. Tel: 370867, 380322, 371852, 371853, 256438, United States of America 110, University Avenue, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 536509, 535756, Fax: 650306 Vietnam Bldg-72, Thanlwin Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 511305 UNITED NATIONS ILO Liaison 1-A, Kanbae (Thitsar Rd), Yankin Tsp, Tel : 01-566538, 566539 IOM 318 (A) Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon.Tel 01-210588, 09 73236679, 0973236680, Email- iomyangon@iom.int UNAIDS 137/1, Thaw Wun Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel : 534498, 504832 UNDCP 11-A, Malikha St, Mayangone tsp. Tel: 666903, 664539. UNDP 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tel: 542910-19. fax: 292739. UNFPA 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tsp. tel: 546029. UNHCR 287, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung tsp. Tel: 524022, 524024. UNIAP Rm: 1202, 12 Fl, Traders Hotel. Tel: 254852, 254853. UNIC 6, Natmauk St., Bahan, tel: 52910~19 UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders Hotel. P.O. Box 1435, Kyauktada. Tel: 375527~32, unicef.yangon@unicef. org, UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward 7, Mayangone. tel: 01-9666903, 9660556, 9660538, 9660398. email: fo.myanmar@unodc.org UNOPS Inya Lake Hotel, 3rd oor, 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. Tel: 951657281~7. Fax: 657279. UNRC 6, Natmauk Rd, P.O. Box 650, TMWE Tel: 542911~19, 292637 (Resident Coordinator), WFP 5 Kan Baw Za St, Shwe Taung Kyar, (Golden Valley), Bahan Tsp. Tel : 2305971~6 WHO No. 2, Pyay Rd, 7 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Tel : 6504056, 650416, 654386-90. ASEAN Coordinating Of. for the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, 79, Taw Win st, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 225258. FAO Myanma Agriculture Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel: 641672, 641673.

General Listing
ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS
Green Paradise Hotel 7, Yeik Tha (1) St, Waizayandar Housing, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-566727, 1222635 09-4200-33335, 09-4200-33337. Email : greenparadisehotel myn@gmail.com www.greenparadisemyn. com Hotel Yangon 91/93, 8th Mile Junction, Tel : 01-667708, 667688. Inya Lake Resort Hotel 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 662866. fax: 665537. MGM Hotel No (160), Warden Street, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. +95-1-212454~9. www. hotel-mgm.com

ACCOMMODATION LONG TERM

Golden Hill Towers 24-26, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 558556. ghtower@ mptmail.net.mm.

YANGON No. 277, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Corner of 38th Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 391070, 391071. Reservation@391070 (Ext) 1910, 106. Fax : (951) 391375. Email : hotelasiaplaza@gmail.com Avenue 64 Hotel No. 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-8631392, 01 656913-9 Chatrium Hotel 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe. tel: 544500. fax: 544400.

ASIA PLAZA HOTEL

happy homes
REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Tel: 09-7349-4483, 09-4200-56994. E-mail: aahappyhomes@ gmail.com, http://www. happyhomesyangon.com Marina Residence 8, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 6506 51~4. fax: 650630.

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

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

17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp. Tel: 650933. Fax: 650960. Email : micprm@ myanmar.com.mmwww. myanmar micasahotel.com

ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS (NAY PYI TAW)

(Nay Pyi Taw)

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

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

Royal White Elephant Hotel No-11, Kan Street, Hlaing Tsp. Yangon, Myanmar. (+95-1) 500822, 503986. www.rwehotel.com Savoy Hotel 129, Damazedi Rd, Kamayut tsp. tel: 526289, 526298, Sedona Hotel Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin. tel: 666900. Strand Hotel 92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377. fax: 289880. Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966. Traders Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel: 242828. fax: 242838. Winner Inn 42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 503734, 524387. email: reservation@winner innmyanmar.com Windsor Hotel No.31, Shin Saw Pu Street, Sanchaung. Yangon, Myanmar. Ph: 95-1-511216~8, www. hotelwindsoryangon.com Yuzana Hotel 130, Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600 Yuzana Garden Hotel 44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, tel : 01-248944

RESORTS

For more information about these listings, Please Contact - classied.mcm@gmail.com

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

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

Reservation Ofce (Yangon) 123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Township. Tel : 951-255 819-838 Hotel Max (Chaung Tha Beach) Tel : 042-423 46-9, 042-421 33. Email : maxhotelsreservation@ gmail.com

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

ADVERTISING
WE STARTED THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY IN MYANMAR SINCE 1991

M A R K E T I N G & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

A D V E R T I S I N G

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

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

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014 ADVERTISING & MEDIA

Media Relations, Event Management & Strategic Communications Hotline : 09 730 81 787 Email : tharapa.myanmar @gmail.com

CAR RENTAL
MYANMAR EXECUTIVE LIMOUSINE SERVICE

CO WORKING SPACE

FITNESS CENTRE

GEMS & JEWELLERIES

AIR CONDITION

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

YANGON La Source Beauty Spa 80-A, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 512380, 511252 Beauty Bar by La Source Room (1004), Sedona Hotel, Tel : 666 900 Ext : (7167) LS Salon Junction Square, 3rd Floor. Tel : 95-1-527242, Ext : 4001 MANDALAY La Source Beauty Spa No. 13/13, Mya Sandar St, Chanaye Tharzan Tsp. Tel : 09-4440-24496. www.lasourcebeautyspa.com

HOT LINE: 09 - 402 510 003 01-646 330 First Class VIP Limousine Car Rental. Professional English Speaking Drivers. Full Insurance for your Safety and comfortable journey Call us Now for your best choice www.mmels.com

Dent Myanmar Condo C, Rm 001, Tatkatho Yeikmon Housing, New University Avenue Rd, Bahan. Ph: 09-8615162.

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

DUTY FREE

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

Get the Best Pure Natural Gemstones and Jewellery No. 44, Inya Road, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-2305811, 2305812. email : info@bestjewels myanmar.com, Bestjewelsmyanmar.com

Lemon Day Spa No. 96 F, Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 514848, 09-732-08476. E.mail: lemondayspa.2011 @gmail.com

Car Rental Service No. 56, Bo Ywe St, Latha Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-246551, 375283, 09-2132778, 09-31119195. Gmail:nyanmyintthu1983@ gmail.com,

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

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

Japan-Myanmar Physiotherapy Clinic. Body Only - 7000 Ks Foot Only - 6000 Ks Body & Foot - 12,000 Ks No.285, Bo Aung Kyaw Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. OPEN Daily 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM Tel : 09-8615036

COFFEE MACHINE

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

Air Con Sales & Service No. 2/1, Than Thu Mar Rd, Thuwunna Junction. Tel : 09-4224-64130

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

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

CONSTRUCTION

BOOK STORES
Lobby Bar PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388. Zamil Steel No-5, Pyay Road, 7 miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (95-1) 652502~04. Fax: (95-1) 650306. Email: zamilsteel@ zamilsteel.com.mm

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

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

FLORAL SERVICES

Diamond Palace Jewelry Shop (1) - No. 663/665, Mahar Bandoola Rd, Yangon. Tel : 01-371 944, 371 454, 371 425 Shop (2) - No.1103/1104/ 1105, Ground Fl, Taw Win Center, Yangon. Tel : 01-8600111 ext :1103, 09 49307265 Shop (3) - No.B 020, Ground Fl, Junction Square Shopping Center, Yangon. Tel : 01-527 242 ext : 1081, 09 73203464 Shop (4) Ground Fl, Gamonepwint Shopping Mall, Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, Yangon. Tel : 01-653 653 ext : 8205 09 421763490 info@seinnandaw.com www.seinnandaw.com www.facebook.com/ seinnandaw

24 Hours Laboratory & X-ray, CT, MRI, USG Mammogram, Bone DXA @ Victoria Hospital No. 68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile, Mayangon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 9 666141 Fax: (951) 9 666135

24 Hrs International Clinic Medical and Security Assistance Service @ Victoria Hospital No.68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile, Mayangon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: +951 651 238 +959 495 85 955 Fax: +959 651 398 www.leomedicare.com Myittar Oo Eye Hospital 499, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Ph: 09-527381.

ENTERTAINMENT

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

150 Dhamazedi Rd., Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 536306, 537805. Email : yangon@ monument-books.com 15(B), Departure Lounge, Yangon Intl Airport. #87/2, Crn of 26th & 27th St, 77th St,Chan Aye Thar Zan Tsp, Mandalay. Tel : (02) 24880. MYANMAR BOOK CENTRE Nandawun Compound, No. 55, Baho Road, Corner of Baho Road and Ahlone Road, (near Eugenia Restaurant), Ahlone Township. tel: 212 409, 221 271. 214708 fax: 524580. email: info@ myanmarbook.com

CONSULTING

Myanmar Research | Consulting | Technology

BEAUTY & MASSAGE

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

Learn to dance with social dancing 94, Bogalay Zay St, Botataung T/S, Yangon. Tel : 01-392526, 01-1221738

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

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

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

FASHION & TAILOR

Tel: 549612, Fax : 545770.

COURIER SERVICE
DTDC Courier and Cargo Service (Since 1991) Yangon. Tel : 01-374457 Mandalay. Tel : 09-43134095. www.DTDC.COM, dtdcyangon@gmail.com Door to Door Delivery!!! Sein Shwe Tailor, 797 (003-A), Bogyoke Aung San Rd, MAC Tower 2, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Ph: 01-225310, 212943~4 Ext: 146, 147, E-mail: uthetlwin@gmail.com Floral Service & Gift Centre 102(A), Dhamazaydi Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142 Summit Parkview Hotel, tel: 211888, 211966 ext. 173 fax: 535376.email: sandy@ sandymyanmar.com.mm.

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

The Lady Gems & Jewellery No. 7, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-2305800, 09-8315555

No.(68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Hunt line: +95 1 9666 141, Booking Ext : 7080, 7084. Fax: +95 1 9666 135 Email: info@witoriya hospital.com www.victoriahospital myanmar.com, Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ WitoriyaGeneralHospital

GENERATORS

HOME FURNISHING

FOAM SPRAY INSULATION

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

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

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

GIFT PRODUCT

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

GAS COOKER & COOKER HOODS

Sole Distributor of Red Ginseng from Korea Ginseng Corporation

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

Tel: 01-374851, 394360 Stores:Coreana @ Junction Square / Mawtin, UNIQHAN @U Wisara Rd; MBICenter. No.16, 87th st.

HEALTH SERVICES

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

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

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

S.B. FURNITURE

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

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 10 - 16, 2014 HOUSING

Tel : 01-9000712~13 Ext : 330 09-4200-77039. direct2u@mmrds.com Rentals at Pun Hlaing Service Apartment Homes and Apartments PHGE Sales & Marketing, Hlaing Tharyar Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 951-687 800, 684 013 phgemarketing@gmail.com www.punhlainggolfestate.com

REAL ESTATE
Singapore Cuisine Super One Super Market, Kyaikkasan Branch, No. 65, Lay Daung Kan Rd, Man Aung Qtr, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-542371, 09-501-9128

SANITERY WARE
a drink from paradise... available on Earth @Yangon International Hotel, No.330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 09-421040512 GROHE Bath Room Accessories 79-B3/B3, East Shwe Gone Dine, Near SSC Womens Center, Bahan. Tel : 01-401083, 0973011100, 09-73056736 Made in Japan Same as Rinnai Gas Cooker and Cooker Hood Showroom Address

Water Heater

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

WATER SOLUTION

SERVICE OFFICE
Company Limited

Aekar

MARINE COMMUNICATION & NAVIGATION

Bldg-A2, G-Flr, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. email: eko-nr@ myanmar.com.mm Ph: 652391, 09-73108896

For House-Seekers

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

Tel : 09-332 87270 09-2541 26615 (Fees Free)

No.430(A), Corner of Dhamazedi Rd & Golden Valley Rd, Building(2) Market Place (City Mart), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-523840(Ext-309), 09-73208079.

Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653.

Executive Serviced Ofces

www.hinthabusinesscentres.com

Tel : 01-4413410

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

WATER TREATMENT
Easy access to CBD Fully furnished facility Company setup for $1,000 Office available from $360 only

REMOVALISTS
Top Marine Show Room No-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597 Ocean Center (North Point), Ground Floor, Tel : 09-731-83900 01-8600056

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

MEDIA & ADVERTISING PAINT

Worlds No.1 Paints & Coatings Company

Relocation Specialist Rm 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 250290, 252313. Mail : info@asiantigersmyanmar.com

Quality Chinese Dishes with Resonable Price @Marketplace by City Mart. Tel: 01-523840 Ext.109 Edo Zushi 290-B,U Wisarya Rd, 10 Ward, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel : (09)259040853 Open daily 11:00~23:00

Media & Advertising All the way from Australia. Design for advertisement is not easy, reaching to target audience is even harder? We are equipped with great ideas and partners in Myanmar to create corporate logo, business photography, stationery design, mobile advertisement on public transport and billboard/ magazine ads. Talk to us: (01) 430-897, (0) 942-0004554. www.medialane. com.au

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

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

Delicious Hong Kong Style Food Restaurant G-09, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center). Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 114 UnionBarAndGrill 42 Strand Road, Botahtaung, Yangon. Tel: 95 9420 180 214, 95 9420 101 854 www.unionyangon.com, info@unionyangon.com

Tel: + 95 1 374851 Email : info@jkmyanmar.com www.jkmyanmar.com (ENG) www.3ec.jp/mbic/ (JPN)

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

WEB SERVICE

Swiss Business Ofce Center

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

No. 36-38 (A), Ground Flr, Grand Myay Nu Condo, Myay Nu St, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: +95 (01) 230 60 67~71, Tel: +95 (0) 9 250 294 669 Email: sales@sbocyangon.com www.sboc-yangon.com

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

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

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

1. WASABI : No.20-B, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa), Tel; 09-4250-20667, 09-503-9139 Myaynigone (City Mart) Yankin Center (City Mart)

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

*Web Design *Web Marketing People are searching for YOUR business & services online, stop missing out on all this business, get a website & get it visible ONLINE! Australian web company based in Yangon. Call Today! Alex: 0925 402 5238 email: info@imevolutions. com www.imevolutions.com

STEEL STRUCTURE
Web Services All the way from Australia. World-class websites, come with usability and responsiveness. Our works include website, web apps, e-commerce, forum, email campaign and online advertisement. Plus, were the authorised reseller for local and international domain names. So, put your worries aside and let us create the awesomeness you deserved online. (01) 430-897, (0) 942-0004554. www.medialane. com.au

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

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

PLEASURE CRUISES

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

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

Design, Fabrication, Supply & Erection of Steel Structures Tel : (+95-1) 122 1673 Email : Sales@WECMyanmar.com www.WEC-Myanmar.com

TRAVEL AGENTS

home outdoor ofce Decorum Showroom, 99 Condo, Ground FLoor, Rm (A), Damazedi Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-2504-28700 inof@decorum-mm.com

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

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

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

Pre School and Primary years (Ages 2 to 10) No. 695, Mahabandola Road, (Between 19th & Sint Oh Dan Street), Latha Township, Yangon. Tel :01-382213, 395816 www.imecedu.com

Asian Trails Tour Ltd 73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 211212, 223262. fax: 211670. email: res@ asiantrails.com.mm Shan Yoma Tours Co.,Ltd www.exploremyanmar.com

VISA & IMMIGRATION

RESTAURANTS
Furniture Showroom Blk-90, BB2/A, No.2 High Way Road, Mya Ya Mon Housing, 26 Quarter, South Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-2500-68186 09-4500-41804 Email : sale.desmark@ gmail.com. Road to Mandalay Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governors Residence 39C, Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 229860 fax: (951) 217361. email: RTMYGN@mptmail.net.mm www.orient-express.com

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

WATER HEATERS
Yangon Intl School Fully Accredited K-12 International Curriculum with ESL support No.117,Thumingalar Housing, Thingangyun, Tel: 578171, 573149, 687701, 687702. Get your Visa online for Business and Tourist No need to come to Embassy. #165. 35th Street, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Tel: +951 381200, 204020 travel.evisa@gmail.com

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

G-05, Marketplace by City Mart. Tel: 01-523840 Ext: 105

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

HOW TO GET A FREE AD

FREE
General
Computer Education
Montessori Myanmar (English Education Center). Accredited by IMC Bangkok (Since 1991), Our Montessori curriculum includes: Practical Life Exercises. Sensorial Training. Language Development. Mathematics. Cultural Studies. Botany & Zoology. History. CreativeArt. Music and Movement. Cooking. Physical Development. Social & Emotional Development. Learning through play. 55(B), Po Sein Rd, Bahan, Yangon, Tel: 546097, 546761. Email: imm.myn@gmail. com EngLIsh for Young learners : Build confiden ce in commu nicating in English. Build strong foundation in English for further education. Introducing reading with variety of books. Using Int'l syllabuses such as Oxford, Collins & Cambridge ,etc. Lesson will be conducted in English. Taught by qualified & internationally experience teacher.English for Adults Speak fluently in various situations. Improve your pronunciation and increase your vocabulary. Communicate effectively in everyday situations. English for social, study, overseas travel and work purposes. Teacher Yamin - Ph : 291-679, 292176, 09-250-136695 LITeraTUre study for IB and SAT up to 12 Grade , it is right to enjoy reading classic and persuded writing ,caritical thinking and world culture External students can also be inquired to sit on SAT. If you had tried as much as you can to follow the lesson and you will get good experiences and skill .This program will help you capability and fill your luck of knowledge..Beginners and Intermediate French and Spanish can also be learnt here. U Thant Zin, ph 09 5035350 , 01 547442 : No 28-3 B , Thatipahtan St, Tamwe Tr.KaUng MyaT : For International School, Guide & Lecturer, Special for Maths, Geometry, Algebra I&II, Calculus. Ph:09-731-42020. geometry500@gmail. com STUDy gUIDe and home visit for LCCI level 1,2 and 3. Ph : 09-4311-0463 NPNG study coach 10th standard specialist. Ph: 09-2506-96329. Email: npngfc@gmail.com "SchoLar Teaching Organization" founded with ME,BE and Master Degree holder with 12 years experience in teaching field.Role & Responsibility: Making the students develop problem solving skills, critical thinking skills & I.Q & E.Q enriching skills, Int'l school (ILBC, Total, MISY, ISY, PISM, ISM, network, CISM, MIS, MLA, ES4E, DSY, IISY, RV). All grades, All Subjects Singapore MOE Exams (AEIS,AEIS exam), SAT, IGCSE, IELTS, TOFEL... Tr.Daniel Caulin : 09-2150-075, Tr.Bryan :09-4200-70692. FOR PRIMARY Student: English, Maths, Myanmar, Geography, History, Science, Social, English Language. If you need to coach your child. Please do contact at Teacher Caroline : caroline.zita@ gamil.com

By FAX : 01-254158 By EMAIl : classied.mcm@gmail.com By MAIl : 379/383, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Township, Yangon.

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

BUy spACe ON THESE PAGES CAll: Khin Mon Mon Yi - 01-392676, 392928

Property
Graphic 1GB Just like new condition HP Core i3 Third generation Ram 2GB HDD 500 Graphic 1GB - 300000 Acer Core2Dua -170000. Ph: 09-3177-5707 HUaWeI C8813 (CDMA 800 MHZ) Black Colour with full accessories and original box . 2 months used only very good condition with 2 covers . Price 75000 Kyats. Ph: 09-7300-4430. CAR, Mazda RX 8 [Sport Type] [2007 Model] [pearl white] (PS, PW, AC, SRS, ABS, HDD TV, Security System, Cyclone Engine) Ph: 09-3300-2898.

Rent/Sale
MAYANGONE, Kabaaye Gamone Pwint Condo, Rm 4GH, 4th Flr, 3650 sqft, 3 MBR, 2 BR, 1 line Phone, Full furniture, Hot & Cold water, Teak Parquet Floor. Ph: 401285, 553823, 09-2561-17979, 09531-2027.

Web DeveLoPmenT with Drupal CMS Monday to Friday: 6:00-8:00pm Saturday & Sunday: 8:00-10am/6:00-8:00pm Contact: 09421144937 ComPUTer Services : Software services, Web site services. Ph: 09-420109050.

Expert Services
OWner want to rent (or) sale. Call Maureen: 09518-8320.

For Rent
DaILy (or) hourly Alphard, Mark-X, Crown (2006), Suzuki Car for rent. Maureen: 09-518-8320.

Housing for Rent

KamayUT , Blazon Condo, 2000 sq/ft, 3 Bed, 2 Baths, 5 AC, Internet, Parking, Fully Furnished, Shwedagon Pagoda View. 09-254217560 MAYANGONE , Mini Condo, 2nd Flr, 3 bedrooms, 1 Big livinig room , Dinning Room and Kitchen , 3 warandas, Full Furnitures, 2 bath rooms, 3 air cons, Internet & 50' x 40 ', 8 1/2 Mile U Mg Mg Soe Lane A-1 Compound Yangon Contact , Ko Thant Zin 09-730-69754, 653005 BAHAN, (1)University Avenur Rd, 2000 Sqft, fully furnish, 2 MBR, 1 SR , 3500 USD. (2) Shwe gondine Rd, 1200 Sqft, 1 MBR , good for office , 1200 USD (3) Inyar Rd, 400 Sqft, 2 Flat, good for shop.2700 USD. (4) Near Kandawgyi hotel & City mark, 800 Sqft, 1 MBR, 3 SR , fully furnish 900 USD. Ph: 09-49214276. SANCHAUNG, Near Asia Royal hospital, 1250 Sqft, 1 MBR, 2 SR, 1600 USD. (2)Kamayut, Diamond condo, near Hlae Tan St, 1500 sqft, 2 SR, 1 MBR, fully furnish, 1500 USD. Ph: 09-49214276.

sTUDy Guide: You can be an honor roll student too! Sometimes, Schoolwork is tough, but with a little help you can accomplish great things. I can ensure that you have that extra time and attention you need to succeed academically. I am a qualified tutor, with fourA's inALevels and four years of experience. I tutor students of Grade 5-12, O Levels, A Levels, PreUniversity Level and SAT and SAT Subject Tests. To contact me, please call me at 09-519-0543 and we will set up a meeting to discuss your academic needs. Cindy: 09-519-0543. BA (Eng) Dip in English (YUFL) Int'l school, private school, KG to Primary 4 for Home Guide. Ph: 094200-3613. Igcse, Secondary 2, 3, 4, Physics, Mathematics B & Pure Mathematics, Practice with 20 years old question. Allow individual or section. Only 5 students for one section. Near Hledan Sein Gay Har. Ph: 09-4500-25213, 524617. gIve your child the best possible start to life at International

For Sale
GSM SIM CarD, 09-

Language
LangUage Proficiency: Effective & Scientific way. Tutor/ Translator/ Interpreter. (Such language: Hindi/ Sanskrit/ Bengali/ Nepali/ English & Myanmar), R.S. Verma. B.Sc., (Bot), Yangon. (UFL-English), Yangon. Email: rs verma. myanmar@gmail.com Phone: 09-730-42604, 09-2501-41473.

Travel
GLobaL AsIa Myanmar Travels&TourCo.,Ltd:167, 1st Flr, 38th St (Middle), Kyauktada Tsp, Ph : 391619, 09-430-67325, 09-4925-5980. Email : global asiamyanmar@ gmail.com, www. globalasiamyanmar.com. mm

51........., Ph : 09-250137955. MacbooK Pro (2012 Model ) Intel Core i5 Ram 4GB H.D.D 500GB Mac OS 10.9 + Window 7. Price : 920000. Ph: 094200-50651 LaPToP Lenovo Core i3 Ram 2gb HDD 500 GB like new condition HP Core i5 (Third Generation) Ram 4GB 500HDD

Training
Web Development & Design Training Sat&Sun 1:00pm-3:00pm. Contact: 09-4211-44937

BAHAN, (1) New University Avenue Rd, 3Flr, 1500 sqft, 1MBR, 2BR, Ph, 3A/C, Fully furnished US$ 1500. (2) New University Ave Condo, 1500 sq.ft, 4A/C, 1 Flr, US$ 3500. Maureen: 09-518-8320. (3)New University Avenue Rd, 2 Flr, 2500 sqft, 3MBR, Ph, 4A/C, US$ 1800 Maureen: 09518-8320 OFFIceHUb : Serviced Office, Virtual Office, Business Services, Hot Desking No. 129, 36th Street, KyauktadaTsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: +(95) 1 387947 www. officehubservices,com RoyaL Cherry VILLa, on Mindamma Rd, Compound: 80' x 80' , 2 1/2 storied building, 40' x 60, 4 MBR, 1 BR, 1 living room, party corrider, designed varrandah, 2 common wc, office hall, sun burn room, bar counter, stabalizer, dry & wet kitchen, laundry, water heater, 1 maid room, recreation water pond, 11 CCTVs, PABX 3 line ph with 11 extensions, MATV 3 satellites, 9 Aircon, car garage, 38KVA Disel Generator, one 3 phase power meter & one single phase lighting meter, back up tube well, vertical blinds etc..Rental Fees: 10000USD per month. Ph: 09-514-0334, 094480-23483, 09-8601000 conDo for Rent: 4th Floor, Thiri Avenue, Taw Win Street, 1500 Sq-ft, Fully Furnish, Yearly Contract, Pls contact to owner direct, Ph: 200581, 09-500-0621. hoUse For Rent: Good Location, Nice Houes (2Rc), Fully Furnished, Fully Aircon, Fair Price, Contact Number: 09731-33100, 09-5167655, 09-4200-57735. OFFIce sPace to Let Executive Office Space In the Heart of Yangon. Available in May 2014 5 floors available 5,683.3 ft per floor 84, Pan Hlaing St, Sanchaung, Yangon. For further info: office@ uniteam-yangon.com (1)NeaR UNDP office 1200 Sqft , 1 MBR, 2 SR, fully furnish 1500 USD. (2)Near Taw Win center, 1250 Sqft, 1 MBR, 2 SR, part of furnish, 1500 USD (3) Near Park Royal hotel , 1800 Sqft, 1 MBR, 2 SR, fully furnish , 4500 USD. (4)NearAung San stadium, 1500 Sqft, 1 MBR, 2 SR , part of furnish , 1500 USD. (5) Pansotan St, Myanmar gon yee condo, 1500 Sqft, 1 MBR, 2 SR. part of furnish , 1500 USD. Ph: 09-4921-4276, 094201-14749. (conDo For Rent in University Avenue St), 1MBR, 2SBR, 4AC, Full Fun:, 1350 sqft, 16 Lakhs, Call-01-569448, 09-432-00669. 9 mILe conDo Mayangone, 1350 sqft, M2, S1, A/C4, Ph 1, fully furniture - 16 Lakhs, Contact: 09-432-00669. War Dan St, Lanmadaw, (25x50), RC 3, S3, Ph, AC 3, 65 Ls, Ph: 569448. LanmaDaW 40/46, Lanmadaw 1 St, Ground Floor, Hong Kong Type, 15' x 50'. with yearly contract. Ph : 09-73181708.

CLASSIC STRAND condo. Brand new 3 bed 2 bath. $3250/month. Marble/hardwood fitting, modern layout. Near strand hotel/union bar. jasonwongjp@gmail. com, 09-4211-02223. 6 beD, 4 bath duplex. 3900 sqft, can be used as residence, office or both. bar. jasonwongjp@ gmail.com, 09-421102223. BAHAN , (1)New University Avenue Rd, New Condo, 1500 sqft, f.f US$ 3500 (2)Shwe Taung Gyar Rd, 60' x 60, 2 RC storey, f.f US$ 3500 (3)New University Ave Rd, 2 Flr, 44' x 55' , 3 MBR, Ph, f.f, 25 Lakhs Maureen : 09-518-8320. N/OKKaLar, (1)Thit Sar Rd, RC 3 storey house, US$ 3000 (2)Kamayut, Sanyeiknyein Rd, RC 2 storey house, 35 Lakhs Maureen : 09-518-8320. MYANGONE,MiniCondo, 2nd flr, 3 bed room, 1 big living room, 1 Dinning room and Kitchen, 3 verandas Full furnished, 2 bath rooms, 3 aircons. Internet, 50'x40', Quiet, 8 mile, Pyay Rd, A-One Compound. Contact Ko Thant Zin: 09-73069754, 653005. Mayangone, 8 th Mile, Primrose Condo 3Flr,1MBR, 2SBR, Living Room, 1 Maid Room, Fully Furnish, Own Car Parking, Two Elevator, Security Card System, Contact: 09-511-1485.

Housing for Sale

NORTH Dagon, 37, Near Pyi Htaung Su main Rd, new house RC, ready for stay. Price: Kyat 1500/- lakh - 40 'x 60' land, 23 x 58 house, - 2 bed room, 1 living room, kitchen, bath room, toilet. plaster cornic, Floor tile (finished), - permit land contact: 09-731-52327 owner ThIngangyUn, NearYangon Int'l School (YIS), ILBC Apartment - First Floor (1,200 Sqft) On Thu Min Ga La Main Rd, 1 MBR attached bath room & toilet, 2 SR, Extra Bath Room & Toilet, Kitchen Room,Dining Room, Sitting Room, Near KBZ Bank, City Mart, Market, Schools, Circular Train Station car parking space, Opposite of YIS Teachers' apartments Nice, Peace Location: Ph:09-514-8138, 01573881. RUbber LanDs for Sales (1) Between Bago Hantharwaddy Airport & Main Rd Rubber Lands - 300 Acres (including rubber plants aged 5 years) (2) Near Bago Hantharwaddy Airport Rubber Lands - 60 Acres (including Required Official Documents) Ph:09-4281-93965, 094281-6389 Dagon TSP, Ground Floor, 24' x 50'. No. 66/B, Room - (7/B), Yawmingyi Street, Dagon. Ph : 249196, 249427, 09540-8575. OFFIce sPace, 8000 sqft for sale in MICT park. Large international conglomerates are tenants. 18% yield. Please contact for details. jasonwongjp@ gmail.com AKAMAYUT, At Diamond Condo (A) face to Pyay Rd, Maureen: 09-5188320.

THE MYANMAR TIMES mArCH 10 - 16, 2014

FREE
Employment
Evaluation Officer Possible Duty Station: 1 post based in Bhamo, Kachin State : Experience in database management and data analysis. Experience in development and health programs is an asset. strong computer skills (Windows office package, especially Excel & Access). CV & cover letter only to be sent to: cesviapplication@ gmail.com or hard copies to be sent to, CESVI Country Office - 111A, University Avenue, Kamayut, Yangon. Closing date: 14.3.2014. PLan is seeking Project Officer MNCH & Nutrition : Citizen of Myanmar. 3 years of demonstrated professional experience in MNCH (& preferably) nutrition) development projects & working with THD. Knowledge of MNCH and nutrition national guidelines and concepts. Degree in nursing or midwifery. Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are required to submit a cover letter, CV & details of at least 2 referees via E-mail only to: Myanmar. CO@plan-international. org. Hotel Family with total properties of 4195 hotels all over the world, is seeking: (1). Sales Manager - F 1 Post (2). Reservation Manager - M/F 1 Post (3).Chief Engineer - M 1 Post (4). Security Manager - M 1 Post (5). Reservation Agent - M/F 2 Posts (6). Sales Executive - M/F 1 Post (7).Credit Officer - M/F 1 Post (8).Guest Relations Officer - F 1 Post (9).F&B Supervisor - M 1 Post (10).F&B Cashier - M 2 Posts (11).Bartender - M 1 Post (12).Waiter/ Waitress - M/F 2 Posts (13).Hostess - F 1 Post (14). IT Staff - M 1 Post (15).Canteen Cook - F 1 Post (16).Gardener M 1 Post. Kindly apply before 8 March, 2014 to 12, Pho Sein Rd, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 209 299, 209300 Email: hr@ greenhillhotel.com.mm; admin@greenhillhotel. com.mm (1) MechanIcaL Engineer - 5 Posts, (2) Civil Engineer - 5 Posts - We are seeking for the self energetic and motivated engineers Graduate in Bachelor of Engineering English Literate, Computing skills in Microsoft Office, Auto CAD, willing to travel and stay in remote areas any interested candidates can apply CV with 3 recent photos, Degree Certifiate and othee Qualification Certificate, Labour Card, NRC Card, Recommendation from police station, Family member list to the United Engineering Co., Ltd. Corner of Wayzayantar & Yadanar Rd, Thingangyan Tsp, Tel :571878, 571877, 571321. MeDIcaL OFFIcer Positions for working at MALAYSIA Require ments : Age under 58 , 5 years experienced (apart from Housemanship service) with M.B.,B.S holder. Regcognized Universities with the Malaysian Medical Council (UM 1, UM2 & UMM). Knowledge to Malay language is advantage. Positions are on contract basis for one (1) year from 1/4/2014 to 31/3/2015 . Medical Officer post available for male doctors and (1) post for female doctor. Location: Prisons in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor (MALAYSIA) Salary (after deduction for Tax) will be RM 7,600.00 (Equavalent to around 22 Lakhs) Note: To get all complete information, Pls contact to Dr. Yan : 09-250458803, (he is not Agent) or send email to dockidoc@hotmail.com or call ( +60193577237 ). Second week of March, there will be Interview in Yangon.

Ingo Positions
InT'L Rescue Committee - Myanmar is seeking Operation Officer - 1 post in Loikaw Tsp, Kayah State : University Degree or Diploma in related field and/or related training course. Prior work experience for 2 years (preferably at Int'l Organization). Computer skills in Microsoft Office; Excel & Strong computer skill. Fluent in English. Pls submit a cover letter & CV to the HR Department Closing date : 14th March 2014. Applications will be accepted by email at: MaiMyaMyintZu.Tin@ rescue.org. cesvI is seeking Data

Encoder 1 post based in Pale Tsp, Sagaing Region :Bachelor Degree or Master possibly in Computer or related Computer Studies. Prefer for Local people from Pale Tsp, Sagaing Region. 2 years experience in Microsoft Office, Data Entries & Databases. Fluency in English & Excellent Computer skills. CV & Cover letter only to be sent to: cesviapplication@gmail. com or hard copies to be sent to CESVI Country Office - 111-A, University Avenue, Kamayut, Yangon, Closingd date: 16 March, 2014. cesvI is seeking Monitoring &

Local Positions
BesT WesTern Green Hill Hotel, a member of (Best Western Int'l, Inc.) The Worlds Largest

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT (009/2014) Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a German federal enterprise and offers workable, sustainable and effective solutions in political, economic and social change processes. Most of our work is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). However, GIZ also operates on behalf of other German ministries and public and private bodies in Germany and abroad. GIZ operates throughout Germany and in more than 130 countries worldwide. We have more than 17,000 staff members around the globe, some 70% of whom are employed locally as national personnel. GIZ is operating since October 2012 in Myanmar and is supporting sustainable economic development. The Private Sector Development Project (PSD) aims at strengthening capacities for sustainable private sector development with focus on improved services for SMEs in Myanmar. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Project (TVET) concentrates on sustainably orienting the TVET system towards the needs of the labour market within a dynamic society. The Financial Sector Development Project (FSD) aims at supporting Myanmar stakeholders in creating an inclusive and stable banking sector. For the overall coordination of its activities GIZ is using the GIZ Office Yangon. For the TVET project of in Yangon, GIZ Myanmar is seeking for an appropriate candidate for following Position Location Contract Period : Finance Assistant : Yangon, Myanmar : asap December 2015

Job VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT (010 / 2014) (Junior) National Expert The Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise with worldwide operations. It supports the German Government in international cooperation for sustainable development and in international education work. Most of our activities are commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). GIZ also operates on behalf of other German ministries and other public and private sector clients both in Germany and abroad. These include the governments of other countries, the European Commission, the United Nations and the World Bank. GIZ operates in more than 130 countries. GIZ employs approximately 17,000 staff members worldwide, some 70 % of whom are local personnel. GIZ has been present in Myanmar since 2012 and is expanding its activities in the country aiming at sustainable economic development. The three projects are: 1. Private Sector Development, 2. Technical and Vocational Education and Training, as well as 3. financial sector development. For the project on financial sector development, GIZ is focusing especially on: 1. supporting the Central Bank in their role as regulator and supervisor of the banking sector, 2. supporting the human capacities development in the banking industry, 3. assisting the banking sector to offer appropriate financial services for SME, and 4. supporting the accounting and audit framework in Myanmar The GIZ project on financial sector development is seeking applications from highly motivated professional candidates for the following position : Position Location Contract Period Major Responsibilities : The (Junior) National Expert will report directly to the Head of Project. He will support and assist the GIZ FSD-team to plan and conduct activities with stakeholders and counterparts like Central Bank of Myanmar and the Parliament. His/her major responsibilities include: Planning and coordination of capacity building activities and stakeholder workshops Assisting in the provision of specific technical input and assistance to partner institutions Providing support to other GIZ experts: Desk research, Assisting in impact monitoring and reporting General coordination and support Assist as an interpreter and facilitator during meetings, workshops and conferences Coordinating national and international consultants Minimum requirements: Academic background: Academic degree in Economics/Finance/Business is a must; Working experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience; Sound understanding of the financial and especially banking sector is desirable. International background: International academic and / or work experience is preferred IT-Skills: Confident with MS-Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Internet Language-Skills: Fluent in English and Myanmar language Ability to work in cross cultural setting preferred Teamwork and partner orientation: Strong interpersonal skills and; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, and with high level stakeholders (Government Ministries and Agencies, banks, international donors). Ability to identify partners needs and appropriate solutions; Self-reliance: Ability to act independently with limited supervision. Can-do attitude Quick learner GIZ offers a competitive salary and a social benefits package. Application procedure : Applications are accepted until 30 March 2014, Qualified candidates shall send their application letter along with their non-returnable recent CV and contact detail of two referees to the following address: Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH No 35 (B) / 15 New University Avenue Yangon, Myanmar OR E-Mail: giz-myanmar@giz.de Note: Please mark the application with: Application for Junior National Expert (010 /14). Only short listed candidates will be contacted. : (Junior) National Expert : Yangon : May 2014 until December 2015

A. Responsibilities The finance assistant is responsible for seeing that the service in the programme is provided correctly and in accordance with GIZ financial management and accounting procedures The project assistant performs the following tasks: B. Tasks 1. Financial services The Finance Assistant assists with reconciliation of local subsidies and agreements with national appraisers prepares transfers and checks these before execution makes all payments and transactions (cash and bank) and optimises these ensures that project accounting is according with GIZ rules and regulations ensures that cash handling is in line with GIZ rules and regulation ensures high quality of receipts and vouchers and that all financial documents are valid, accurate and complete in line with GIZ rules and regulations follows up on advance payments and their timely settlement books all voucher in Winpaccs Cash/Bank book calculates private mileage fees and other GIZ income as arising 2. General services The Finance Assistant Supports financial aspects related to house/apartment rentals by GIZ international staff Files all financial documents promptly 3. Other duties/additional tasks The Finance Assistant photocopies and scans documents as needed reports without delay to the person responsible for accounting on all problems in financial administration and compliance with rules is responsible for filing financial administration documents and treating information confidentially performs other duties and tasks at the request of management C. Required qualifications, competences and experience Qualifications diploma or comparable qualification from a commercial academy (accounting) Professional experience at least 2 years professional experience in a comparable position Other knowledge, additional competences in-depth knowledge of accounting software good working knowledge of ITC technologies (related software, phone, fax, email, the internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office) very good command of written and spoken English, ideally a knowledge of German willingness to up skill as required by the tasks to be performed corresponding measures are agreed with management GIZ offers a competitive salary and a social benefits package. Application procedure: Applications are accepted until 17 March 2014, 17.00 Qualified candidates shall send their application letter along with their non-returnable recent CV and contact detail of two referees to the following address: Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH No 35 (B) / 15 New University Avenue Yangon, Myanmar OR E-Mail: giz-myanmar@giz.de Note: Please mark the application with: Application for Project Assistant TVET (005/14). Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

62 Sport

THE MYANMAR TIMES MArCH 10 - 16, 2014

Hodgson impressed by Englands young lions

LONDON

NGLAND manager Roy Hodgson drew encouragement from his younger players performances after seeing his side edge Denmark 1-0 in their nal game before he selects his World Cup squad. Hodgson handed a debut to 18-year-old Southampton left-back Luke Shaw and saw 19-year-old Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling named man of the match in the March 5 friendly at Wembley Stadium. Adam Lallana, 25, and 23-year-old Danny Welbeck also impressed after coming on in the second half, with the former teeing up 24-year-old Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge to head home an 82nd-minute winner. England nished the game with six players aged 25 or under on the pitch and Hodgson believes that their displays against an obdurate Denmark side augur well for the World Cup in Brazil. You couldnt get me to say anything negative about any of the young players on show today [March 5], he said. At one stage we only had Gary Cahill, Joe Hart, Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard who would consider themselves seniors. The others were nding their way, and yet we still didnt give Denmark a sniff at our goal. One player who did not feature was Frank Lampard, but Hodgson dismissed suggestions that either he or his Chelsea teammate Ashley Cole, who gave way for Shaw at half-time, had slipped down the pecking order. Asked if Lampards position in the squad was vulnerable, Hodgson replied, No. No more vulnerable than anybody else. Frank will have to accept [not playing], in the same way that I didnt play Michael Carrick tonight either. As far as Im concerned, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole are two people who are still very much in the reckoning for a place and Ill have to make a decision one day.

Harris hailed hero as Aussies prevail

RYAN Harris was acclaimed on March 5 as one of Australias nest bowlers after spearheading his country to a dramatic late series victory over South Africa in Cape Town. The Australians won the third and nal Test by 245 runs in a nailbiting nish with just 27 balls to spare after a day of epic home resistance. Veteran paceman Harris bowled Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in the space of three balls as Australia won the match as well as the series by two Tests to one. Late-bloomer Ryan Harris entrenched his reputation as one of the nest bowlers seen in Australia since at least the turn of the century by delivering the two wickets Australia needed to win the deciding Test and claim the series, Fairfax Medias Jesse Hogan wrote. The victory ensured that Australias record of never losing a series in the republic remained intact in the seven series since South Africa returned from sporting isolation more than two decades ago. It was also the rst time South Africa, the worlds top-ranked team, have lost a series anywhere since they were defeated by Australia ve years ago. Harris was indeed the hero, coming back for a last bowling spell with 30 balls left. He deed his injury-ridden body to spear a yorker through Dale Steyns defence for one and then two balls later take Morne Morkels wicket, The Australians Peter Lalor said.

SYDNEY

England midfielder Raheem Sterling (white) takes on Denmark midfielder William Kvist (red) during their match at Wembley Stadium in London on March 5. Photo: AFP

Arsenal midelder Jack Wilshere gave England an early moment of alarm when he collapsed in apparent agony after a challenge with Denmark captain Daniel Agger, but Hodgson said he appeared to have escaped serious harm. I was a bit concerned when he went down. It was a nasty one. It was a 50-50 and they both went for it, Hodgson said. I hoped it was a bruise rather than anything more serious, and it

was. Im hoping when he goes back to the Arsenal tomorrow hell be ne. Wilsheres Arsenal team-mate Nicklas Bendtner endured an unrewarding evening at the tip of the Denmark attack and coach Morten Olsen warned him that he will have to leave north London if he is to continue to spearhead the team in their Euro 2016 qualiers. Hes not performing enough. Of course hes not playing [for

Arsenal], but if hes not nding a club and playing, we cannot use him, Olsen said. We saw it at the European Championship in 2012, when he was one of the best strikers, but he has to play every weekend. Olsen also had jocular words of encouragement for England, who will face Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica at the World Cup, signing off his press conference by saying, I wish you good luck. You need it! AFP

It took until the last half-hour of the last session, but Australia nally banished the demons of Adelaide.
Jesse Hogan Fairfax Media reporter

US racer to attempt Indy 500-NASCAR double

US stock car racer Kurt Busch was named last week to drive in the Indianapolis 500, giving him a chance to become the fourth driver to complete a unique one-day double. The 2004 champion of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) will become the fth driver for team owner Michael Andretti at the historic 2.5-mile (4km) Indy oval on the afternoon of May 25. Then the 35-year-old American will take an airplane ride to Charlotte, North Carolina, and return to his regular car in time for the Coca-Cola 600 stock car race that night, the green ag ying only six hours after the Indy 500 begins. This is really to challenge myself within motorsports. It has always been a dream of mine, Busch said. Perhaps I am a bit of an old-school racer, a throwback. I enjoyed the era of drivers racing different cars and testing themselves in other series. It is tough to do now for a variety of factors, but when the opportunity is there, I want to do it. Tony Stewart, co-owner of Buschs NASCAR ride, is the only racer to complete all 1100 miles on the same day, nishing sixth at Indy and third at Charlotte in 2001. The US driver also did the double in 1999. The others to do the double were John Andretti in 1994 and Robby Gordon in 2004. I want to pop-quiz everyone whos done it to learn as much as I can, Busch said. He also wants to learn from IndyCar veteran racer Andretti and his new teammates Canadas James Hinchcliffe, Colombian Carlos Munoz and Americans Marco Andretti and 2012 series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay. Busch tested an IndyCar last May at Indianapolis and passed the mandatory rookie orientation program. That was a whole kid in a candy store moment of experiencing an openwheel car at 220mph, Busch said. You can denitely get a different appreciation for the track and its heritage with an open-wheel car versus a stock car that Ive done the last 15 years there. It got my mind going and my juices owing. The adrenaline and excitement was there and it fuelled the passion to work on the details and turn the dream into a reality. Now here we are. After a May 10 NASCAR night race in Kansas, Busch will go to Indy on May 11 to start testing then juggle Indy 500 qualifying with qualifying and racing at Charlotte. Im really excited to have Kurt come onboard for the Indy 500, Andretti said. He did a great job for us when he tested last year. Hes obviously a natural talent, and we feel he is going to take to the Indy car quickly and have a competitive month with us. AFP

INDIANAPOLIS

Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Haas Automation Chevrolet, makes a pit stop during the CNBC 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on March 2. Photo: AFP

Harris, who nished with 4-32, will head home to have an operation on his knee that he delayed to play this series, he added. The victory gave captain Michael Clarke seven wins from eight Tests following a 5-0 whitewash of England, and moved Australia to second on the International Cricket Council rankings ahead of India. Clarke later tweeted, Not really sure how to describe the last 6 months!!! Thank you to the Aussie Team, Staff, Family, Friends and all of our supporters. @darren_lehmann we did it coach!!!! The Sydney Daily Telegraphs Malcolm Conn said he was concerned that South Africa may repeat its Adelaide great escape of last (southern) summer, when they lasted more than nine hours and kept out 148 overs to nish on 8-248. Hogan added, Australias hopes of claiming victory surged after it removed the two stonewallers of Adelaide in 2012, AB de Villiers and [Faf] Du Plessis, at either end of the second session to ensure the Proteas tail was exposed for the entire last session. It took until the last half-hour of the last session, but Australia nally banished the demons of Adelaide with a stunning victory in Cape Town. AFP

www.mmtimes.com

Sport 63

Myanmar Golf Tour set for re-launch

KyAw ZIN HlAINg kyawzinhlaing91@gmail.com THE nationwide Myanmar Golf Tour is set to return to the links this week after a four-year hiatus. Golfers will tee off on March 13 at the Royal Myanmar Golf Club in Nay Pyi Taw. It will be the rst event since 2010, when the tour was cancelled due to lack of funding. This year golfers will compete in six events on courses in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin and Bagan after ve local banks stepped in as sponsors. We are aiming to appeal to internationally experienced golfers and improve the talent of a new generation of golfers through this competition, said U Chan Han, vice president of the Myanmar Professional Golfers Association, which is organising the tour along with the Myanmar Golf Federation (MGF). Golfers will compete in three divisions professional, amateur and ladies. Each tournament will have a prize purse of K24.6 million. In the professional division, tournament winners will collect K2.5 million for nishing in rst place. K1.5 million and K1.2 million will be awarded to the second and third place nishers, respectively. First place in the amateur division will collect K750,000, with K600,000 for second and K500,000 for third. Ladies will receive K500,000 for a rst place nish, K400,000 for second and K300,000 for third.

Belcher to helm Australias Americas Cup challenger

SYDNEY

LYMPIC champion Mathew Belcher was last week named as skipper of Australias Americas Cup entrant as the country looks to win the prestigious Auld Mug for the rst time since 1983. The 2012 London Games gold medallists appointment was announced along with Team Australias rst boat a new AC45 catamaran on the shores of Sydney Harbour. Americas Cup racing represents a big challenge for Belcher, 31, who is more accustomed to sailing small two-person dinghies than the larger and faster catamarans. Im not alone in doing this, Belcher, who insisted he can successfully balance the twin pressures of skippering an Americas Cup challenger and winning gold again at the 2016 Rio Olympics, said on March 6. A lot of the Australian guys did it last year, including Tom Slingsby and Nathan Outteridge. So Ill use that as guidance. It can be done. Slingsby won Laser class gold at the London Olympics before serving as tactician aboard Oracle Team USA for its come-from-behind Americas Cup victory over Team New Zealand last year, while Outteridge won gold in the 49er skiff with crewmate Iain Jensen.

Team Australias new AC45 catamaran and US yacht Oracle speed over the water during the AC45s first outing on Sydney Harbour on March 6. Photo: AFP

Slingsby agreed that Belcher could be successful in both disciplines. It is a juggling act but I believe Mat will do just ne and hes already ahead of the pack in the Olympic stuff, so I wish him the best, Slingsby said. Belcher is regarded as one of the worlds best sailors, with four 470 class

world titles to go with his London Olympics gold. He won a record 18 successive regattas between 2011 and 2014, with former crewmate Malcolm Page and current partner Will Ryan. The Americas Cup boat and its crew will spend the next few days training with Oracle Team USA, led by Slingsby, in Sydney Harbour. The 35th Americas Cup is due

to be staged in 2017, but a series of challenger events staged around the world in the years beforehand. Australia is trying to win the event for the rst time since its historic 1983 triumph when Australia II, skippered by John Bertrand, defeated Americas Liberty to end the New York Yacht Clubs 132-year stranglehold on the race. AFP

Sport
64 THE MYANMAR TIMES mArCH 10 - 16, 2014

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

Myanmar Golf Tour back after four-year hiatus

SPORT 62

Last-minute Brazil vows to be ready

Despite delays, Brazilian ofcals say the country will be set to host the World Cup in June

RIO DE JANEIRO

RAZIL celebrated wildly after being chosen to host the World Cup, a chance for the sleeping giant of 200 million to show its growing sporting, but also economic, prowess. Seven years on, with just 100 days left till kick-off, the host nation is racing against the clock to be ready for the greatest sporting show on Earth starting June 12. Stadium delays and security concerns fuelled by protests at corruption and poor public facilities have served to dampen the initial enthusiasm both of Brazilians fans and government alike and FIFA. For former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, hosting the extravaganza for the rst time in 64 years was a dream ambition a chance to erase

the nightmare of a 1950 nal loss to Uruguay. But just as importantly he saw it as a chance to project the country onto the forefront of the world stage. Fast-forward to the nal frenetic months of preparations and Brazil is straining every sinew to be ready after FIFA president Sepp Blatter slammed the hosts for starting preparations too late. Brazil has come to realise that they started [preparations] too late. They are the country who are the most delayed since I have been at FIFA, Blatter told Swiss newspaper 24 Hours in early January. Yet they are the only country who have had such a long time seven years to prepare. Half of the 12 stadiums missed FI-

FAs December 31 deadline to be ready and three suffered fatal accidents and ve have still to be delivered. A huge revamp of Brazils chronically saturated airports and transport upgrades has also fallen way behind schedule in a country known for a sunny disposition where things happen late if they happen at all. Add threats of fresh public protests against the cost of staging the event around US$11 billion and there is no shortage of negative headlines for current President Dilma Rousseff in what she hopes is a reelection year. One of the negatives regarding the organization of the World Cup in Brazil is improvisation, says Jose Carlos Marques, professor of Sao Paulo Universitys (Unesp) Sports Observatory. Its a cultural issue to believe that everything can be done at the last minute, without planning, but that all will be resolved through Brazilian hospitality and warmth, Marques told AFP. The protests at the cost of the event have seen marchers chanting there will be no Cup in the streets as they demand more public investment instead in areas such as transport and education. Last year saw more than a million people hit the streets in Brazils biggest demonstrations in a generation. Recent protests have been smaller, albeit sometimes violent. Brazilians dream of their team landing a sixth World Cup triumph on July 13 but public support for the event has fallen from 79 percent in 2008 to 52pc now, a Datafolha poll last week showed. Seeking to counter anarchists such as the Black Bloc grouping who have given recent demonstrations a radical edge, the government hopes to pass legislation banning the wearing of masks at protests. Brasilia says it will send in the

IN PICTURES

Silver and gold: Former Manchester United great Andy Cole (center) holds the Barclays Premier League trophy at Shwedagon Pagoda on March 4. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

army if necessary to keep order and could deploy ninja police-experts in martial arts such as ju-jitsu, a tactic already tested at a recent protest in Sao Paulo. Lulas and Rousseff s Workers Party is hard at work selling a positive image of the World Cup, tweeting under the hashtag #VaiterCopa (there will be a Cup). Given the myriad delays which have accompanied preparations Brazil has nally stepped up the pace. FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke hopes they can cope with the change of gear. We are at 200 kilometres per hour. We are far, far beyond the normal limit speed you can have on a road, said Valcke last month. He cited a lot of things to do, and

we are working full speed. Curitiba was almost axed from the venue list but saved after FIFA accepted it was getting back on track. There also remains work to do at the Sao Paulo stadium that will host the June 12 opening match between Brazil and Croatia, and also Cuiaba. Rousseff and most Brazilians nonetheless are condent the country will be ready come the start of the event. According to the president, what she terms the Cup of Cups will be a sporting event, yes ... but also an opportunity for Brazil to show itself off to the world, to show the strength and vitality of the Brazilian nation, Brazilians happiness to receive all their guests from around the world. AFP

It drives industry; it brings production to a halt. It links remote villages to the modern global village; it leaves families homeless when lands are taken for facilities. It is a jackpot for investors in oil and natural gas; it is a drain for those buying charcoal or firewood. It is a way out of poverty; it's what keeps so many in poverty. its about cleaner sources; its about environmental devastation. Its about long-term investments; its about daily struggles. Its plentiful; it's rare. It's low-cost; its too much to afford.
Energy in Myanmar is a national issue. For too many, however, It's also very personal. No other single topic is as broad or far-reaching. While everyone complains about the insufficient supply, though every attempt to fix the issue higher prices to boost funding, expanding facilities to boost supply seems to bring on further controversies. One thing is certain: The situation is changing every day. The grid is expanding; investment is pouring in; plans are being made. While its impossible to gather comprehensive statistics in such a fast-changing environment, in these pages weve set out to summarise the facts at a glance. And in the pages that follow, we look at how people at all levels of society are working to see their way forward to a brighter future.

A composite image assembled from data acquired by the Suomi NPP satellite in April and October 2012 shows Myanmar and surrounding countries at night. Photo: NASA Earth Observatory/NOAA NGDC

<1% 75% 19% 2030 $44 million

Population of Myanmar with reliable, consistent access to electricity1 Population without any access to electricity at all1 Global population without any access to electricity at all, as of 20091 UN's goal for universal energy access worldwide1 Spending required yearly for Myanmar to reach this goal - 1/10th its GDP1

Electricity generated nationwide, in GWh3

35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 Estimated potential

The grid the developing choice Percentage of population on national grid in 2013 13% Percentage of villages on the grid (4550 of 65,000) 7% lectricity generated that is lost in transmission and distribution due 25%
1 1

to outdated and limited voltage power transmission capacity of existing networks1

8.5% $595 2012 2.45m

Planned growth per year of the national electricity grid, according to national targets1 Estimated cost per household of national grid connection1 Installation of nations rst digital electricity meters, in Nay Pyi Taws Lewe township2 Analogue electricity meters in Myanmar, August 20122

Electrification rates, 2014

National average Mandalay Kayar Nay Pyi Taw Yangon 0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Hydroelectricity the long-term choice Estimated achievable hydroelectric potential realised so far <1% Electricity generated by hydroelectric in 2012, vs 1995 when 50% of 71%
1

electricity was gasred3

20%

Decrease in total generation during dry season, May vs October 20121

Solid fuel the no-other-choice Population depending on solid fuel such as wood, rice husks, 95%
charcoal for cooking and heating1
50% 60% 70%

39% 233 270,000 14 times 9 times

Energy A Myanmar Times special report March 2014 Editors Myo Lwin, Wade Guyitt Sub editor

Global population depending on solid fuel for cooking in 20091 Hours each year an average rural resident spends collecting rewood1 Acres of forest lost each year due to logging exceeding reforestation1 Increase in rewood price in Yangon, 1988-20041 Increase in charcoal price in Yangon, 1998-20041

Consumption by city, 20133, 5

Other 39%

Yangon 45%
Writers Soe Myint, Sandar Lwin, Aung Shin, Mya Kay Khine Soe, Wade Guyitt, Rosie, Myo Lwin, Hein Htet Aung, Aung Kyaw Nyunt For feedback and enquiries wadeguyitt@gmail.com myolwin286@gmail.com Photography Kaung Htet, Boothee, Zarni, Aung Htay Hlaing, Wade Guyitt

Mandalay 16%

Mya Kay Khine Soe Design Khin Zaw, Ko Htway, Zaw Naing Soe Cover photo Aung Htay Hlaing

Oil the crude choice Date Burma exported its rst barrel of oil, making it among the 1853
worlds oldest oil exporters4

53 52 50m

Onshore blocks in Myanmar1 Oshore blocks in Myanmar1 Barrels of known reserves9

Coal the dirtier short-term choice Tonnes of coal produced in 2011, 52% used by industry1 692,000 Natural gas the cleaner short-term choice Nations natural gas production happening at Yadana and Yetagun, 95%
with nearly all being sent to Thailand

$106b $424b

Value of known reserves of 20 trillion cubic feet at current prices10 Value of speculated reserves of 80tcf at current prices10

Nuclear the abandoned choice Agreement with Russia to build nuclear research reactor near 2007
Yangon1

2011

[The program] stopped because it did not have sucient resources and worried that the international community would misunderstand. - Minister for Science and Technology U Aye Myint, to Pyithu Hluttaw, September 232

Off-grid the alternative choice Households in Myanmar dependant on diesel lamps, batteries and 70%
candles for lighting1

$9-12 1 $70-$450 80% $2000

Average household monthly spending on candles and batteries, out of an average monthly income of $401 Months before solar-powered lanterns and torches pay for themselves1 Cost of mini hydro facility to power 50-100 o-grid homes1 Percentage of the estimated 1200 biogas facilities nationwide which are no longer in operation1 Cost of community biogas facility to support 300 houses1

Demonstrators arrange candles into a map of the country around a note saying "Give the whole nation of Myanmar electricity", on May 23, 2012. Photo: Ko Taik

SOURCES
1. Accelerating Energy Access For All In Myanmar, United Nations Development Programme, 2013. Online: http://www.mm.undp.org/content/myanmar/en/home/ library/environment_energy/publication_1/ 2. The Myanmar Times. Online: http://www.mmtimes.com 3. http://www.slideshare.net/VikasSharma128/myanmar-electricity-industrydec2013 4. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_EN_NewEnergyArchitecture_Myanmar_2013.pdf 5. http://www.kpmg.com/MM/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/Documents/ Infrastructure-in-Myanmar-update-29Oct.pdf 6. Electrical Industry of Burma/Myanmar: Online Compendium, 4th edition, April 2012. Online http://en.convdocs.org/docs/index-18543.html?page=167 7. http://www.dvb.no/news/pttep-plans-us3-3-billion-oil-and-gas-investment-in-burmaburma-myanmar/37774 8. http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2013-10/20/content_17046790.htm 9. http://dupress.com/articles/asia-pacic-economic-outlook-february-2014-myanmar 10. http://countingpips.com/forex-news/2014/02/myanmars-untouched-natural-gasreserves/ Photos: Sta, except where noted; 11 AFP

Foreign investment the necessary choice World Banks planned investment in Myanmars power sector $1b 5-year investment, equalling 20% of total expenditure, by Thailand's $3.3b
2

PTTEP, which provides 27% of Thailand's energy7

100 times 22m

Growth projected in industrial power consumption for 2014 in Guanxi, one of 3 provinces in China fed by new 2520km Shwe pipeline from Myanmar8 Tonnes of crude oil heading to China annually via Shwe pipeline, over 10 times the amount staying in Myanmar8

11

Shwe project gas pipelines to China are laid down over Daw-na Mountain in Rakhine State in late 2012. Photo: Ko Taik

What's to come
and what to do in the meantime
Thirty shortlisted bidders mostly from the US, Canada, Europe, India and Australia are in the running for 11 shallow- and 19 deepwater blocks, with winners to be announced any day now. But a deepwater discovery could take 5-7 years, and shallow-water blocks could take 3-5 years. So while additional natural gas reserves will become available, it won't be until 2020-25 or beyond. The shortfall of natural gas in the meantime calls for either orere expedited onshore exploration or for alternative fuels other than natural gas to be developed in order to meet the shortfall. Energy planners will have to give serious consideration to this timeframe when planning the nation's future electricity generation mix.

In the pipeline
A former director general of the Energy Planning Department charts the past and the future of Myanmars oil and natural gas industries
SOE MYINT soemyint108@gmail.com
rilling for oil is a part of Myanmar's heritage. People have searched for oil here and used it as either a preservative or a lubricant since at least the reign of King Min Khwe Chay in Bagan during the 11th century. Until the early 19th century, drilling rights passed down between 24 twinzayo 18 men and 6 women who formed a hereditary monopoly controlling the principal oil-bearing area near Yenangyaung in Magwe Region. But following the establishment of the Burmah Oil Company, a UK company, in 1886, more than a dozen Anglo-Indian, Chinese and Indian companies followed suit. Together, these foreign companies took production away from local control, but also launched a ourishing modern petroleum industry that powered the British empire. In 1954, the then-government became a 33-percent shareholder in the BOC (1954) Co Ltd; in 1961 it acquired a 51pc share; and on January 1, 1963, it bought out the BOCs remaining local assets for K62.5 million. The oil industry became a national heritage industry once more, staffed with and run by Myanmar nationals under the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE). During its heyday from 1963 until 1985-86, the MOGE expanded on the BOC's legacy, employing as many as 15 geological eld parties, 4 gravitymagnetic survey parties, 3 seismic survey parties and 45 drilling outts in the quest to discover new energy sources beneath the nations feet. Natural gas in the mix New discoveries followed: Mann, Htaukshabin/Kanni, Thargyitaung and Kyaykkwet/Letpando in central Myanmar; Pyay, Myanaung and Shwepyitahr; and Payagon, Nyaungdon and Aphyauk in the delta. Production reached heights of 32,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) in 1985, as well as 180 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of natural gas in 1998. But afterward onshore production began to dwindle, with yields measuring only 6000bpd of oil and 60mmcfd of natural gas. The nation needed to look offshore. In the early 1970s, Myanmar invited foreign companies to conduct offshore petroleum exploration and production (E & P). The bid was unsuccessful, so in the 1980s Myanmar went offshore itself. Funded by a loan from Japan, the endeavour led to the 1983 nd of the Yadana natural gas eld. At rst, low initial gas reserves estimates of 2.6 trillion cubic feet (tcf) and changes in government policy retarded the development of Yadana by the MOGE. But in the early 1990s Myanmar again invited foreign companies for E & P both on- and offshore. Offshore discoveries were made of natural gas at Yadana by Total Myanmar E & P, and at Yetagun by Texaco/Premier. Onshore efforts were less successful. A round of petroleum E & P in the early 2000s, however, was another huge success, with nds in the Shwe gas eld by Daewoo, the Zawtika gas eld by PTT and the Aung Thein Kha gas eld by PTT in 2011 (rst yields expected by early 2018). Current prospects Recent calls for on- and offshore E & P saw an inux of international interest, from the USA, Canada, Australia and European nations among others. For onshore, 18 contracts are to be signed with 10 companies, in addition to the existing 11 contracts. For offshore, in addition to 12 contracts for producing gas elds and E & P blocks, several deepwater and shallow-water blocks are to be awarded soon. Opportunities for local companies to become E & P players are now wide open. The future of offshore Myanmar already has three gas elds producing offshore. The Yadana gas eld has reserves of gas-in-place 6.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf) and Total is pursuing the eastern part of the eld. But Yadana is already halfway through its lifespan, having been producing since 1998. Exploration is underway in the satellite areas of the Yetagun gas eld, with gas-in-place reserves of 3.2tcf. Yetagun started its gas export in 2000 and is almost halfway through its eld life. The Shwe gas eld, with gasin-place reserves of 4.5tcf, started commercial gas production in June 2012. The contracted Daily Contract Quantity is 500mmcfd but is still ramping up, producing 200mmcfd. Myanmar is siphoning about 200 mmcfd from Yadana for domestic use and will be taking 100mmcfd when Shwe starts producing 500mmcfd. Yetagun does not have an obligation to supply to the domestic market, according to the Export Sales Gas Agreement. Zawtika, with gas-in-place reserves of 1.2tcf, will soon produce 300mmcfd, one-third of which will be allocated for the domestic market. Aung Thein Kha, with over 1tcf, is scheduled to have its rst gas by 2018, aruond 100mcfd, all for the domestic market. Future offshore potential from existing nds could come from CNOOC's gas discovery at M-10 and MPRLs announcement of a gas nd in Pyithar. Both should yield production around 2020, beyond which Myanmar can likely expect further nds from new shallow-water and deepwater blocks.

Oshore natural gas slated for domestic use

2014: 200 mmcfd from Yadana 100 mmcfd from Zawtika (early 2014) 100 mmcfd from Shwe (late 2014) 100 mmcfd from Aung Thein Kha

2018:

2020: 100 mmcfd from M-10 (must negotiate with CNOOC for early development or relinquish)

The government allows partnerships with foreign companies for onshore and offshore shallowwater blocks, and is not restricting the balance of shares between local and foreign parties. This unprecedented opportunity will allow a few lucky local companies of the more than 160 to carry on Myanmar's national heritage of oil operations, just as the twinzaya families did in the olden days.

The future of onshore From 1963 to 2013. the MOGE's onshore nds amounted to about 1.8b barrels of oil equivalence in the Central Myanmar Basin, the Pyay Embayment and the Delta Basin. Yet production came to just 432mboe, or 24 percent. Recovery factors still have much room for improvement. Efficiency aside, to date the MOGE has identied and investigated some 14 sedimentary provinces onshore with the potential to generate and accumulate petroleum, with more favourable provinces yet to be investigated. And among those investigated, not a single province has yet been comprehensively explored. Many more investigations are yet to be made with more advanced techniques and better drilling technology, which will allow exploration of ultradeep and/or high pressure/high temperature wells. Myanmar already has evidence of huge oil deposits in Yenangyaung, Chauk, Mann and Htaukshabin/ Kanni, as well as signicant onshore natural gas deposits in Payagon, Aphyauk and Nyaungdon. Future oil seekers, armed with geological studies and advanced technologies, are bound to make more discoveries.

U Soe Myint joined the Ministry of Energy as a geologist in 1962. He served as Director General for the Energy Planning Department from 1995 until 2008. He is now Executive Directorof Machinery & Solutions Co Limited and also serves as president of the Myanmar Geosciences Society.

U Aung Kyaw Moe

Vox pop
The buzz over electricity

Electrician, Yankin EPC

U Kyaw Win Hlaing

Engineer, Apex Marine Co

U Wai Lin

Technician, Eskala Hotels otels in Ngwe Saung use generators for power. Most hotels have two generators, as well mechanics ready to repair them. But also villages in Ngwe Saung have individual generators. About one in 20 houses uses a solar panel system. The Fire Department trains hotel sta to prevent res. Some hotels hire trainers from private security companies to train their sta. Hotels drive generators for 24

ost shocks come from service wires and home meter boxes. They can be dangerous if not repaired by skilled mechanics. I have seen ve electricians die during my career. When repairing power lines, the main board should be turned o, to halt the ow, because we cant see when its owing just by looking.

ve served on ships three times, and each time saw beautiful lights in other countries when our ships reached ports. Power is important for a country because most criminal cases occur when it is dark. If lighting is not good enough, crimes can happen more, because criminals love darkness. For crime to be eradicated, power is essential.

One persons trash is anothers electricity

With the help of private companies, Yangon aims to solve two of its biggest problems at once
sdlsandar@gmail.com
OO much garbage, not enough energy Yangons power shortages continue to plague its 4.7 million residents, while the over 1500 tonnes of waste Myanmar's largest city generates each day threatens to overwhelm its landlls. Fortunately, the municipal authority has hit on a way to solve both issues at once: Announced last year, two new waste-to-energy facilities will turn Yangons castoff rubbish into energy for the national grid. It's too early to announce exact start dates, but both projects are currently under construction at two of the city's garbage collection sites. There are several ways of turning waste into energy, but the most popular are methane gas extraction at the landll, to create compressed natural gas (CNG), and heat extraction through incineration, to drive steam turbines and generate electricity. The basic principles of each method are employed in similar ways around the world, though details do vary from plant to plant and most of them are trade secrets. Still, a general survey of each of them can help make sense of just where that electricity is coming from when we ick on the switch. We chose two proposals using different principal methods out of 43 proposal submissions to our waste-to-energy project tender, said U Aung Myint Maw, assistant chief engineer at the Environmental Protection and Cleaning Department, part of Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC). Successful bidders Zeya & Associates Co Ltd will incinerate waste for commercial electricity generation in Dawai Chaung in North Dagon township, while South Koreas Chasson International will build a power plant atHtein Pin in Hlaing Tharyar township and drive it using the Sanitary Landll Method of methane extraction. The rst requirement of the extraction method is a very large hours when theyre crowded with guests, but some hotels shut down the air conditioners during the day when guests go to the beach, to save electricity.

SANDAR LWIN

pit. While the exact measurements for Htein Pin werent available from company officials, who had returned to South Korea and were not able to respond by press time, U Aung Myint Maw said more than half the existing space is available. Htein Pin garbage collection site is 150 acres wide, and 70 acres of this has been used. The pit will be dug in the remaining 80 acres. He added that the biological make-up of most trash here makes it well-suited to the process.

its contract YCDC has to send 800 tonnes of garbage to Htein Pin and 600 tonnes to Dawai Chaung each day. Plastic, which wont break down the way organic waste does, will be handpicked from the mixed rubbish before the waste is dumped into the pit. The plastic will be recycled into polyethylene seeds onsite at a separate special facility. Then the remaining garbage is thrown into the pit and

be seen through the glass wall of the control room. When we have built the plant, we will invite observers and the media to visit, said assistant general manager U Pyi Sone Aung. The contracted 600 tonnes a day will be carried in by YCDC trucks, weighed and then thrown into four pits of around 1000 square metres (10,800 square feet) each. The garbage will be lifted with a hook and transferred to the tank where it will be washed with water

How the proposed waste-to-energy incineration facility will operate at Dawai Chaung, North Dagon township. Photo: Supplied

According to Myanmar peoples eating habits, 78 percent of the garbage is organic. Thats very good for micro-organism proliferation. Without any special treatment, the garbage pile will reach a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit [20 Celsius] and produce methane, U Aung Myint Maw said. First the pit will be covered with a special layer called a Geo Membrane to protect it from polluting groundwater. Then, once the gas-collecting tubes and pipelines are set up along with the processing equipment required for collecting and cleaning leached materials, the process can begin. First of all, the truck-load of garbage is weighed, U Aung Myint Maw said. Weighing the garbage is important because according to cafs use generators. And with condo buildings being nished, we see more demand for big generators. Not small ones, though: A year ago demand was 100 per weekend, but now its only 10. For rural residents, solar electric things are more in demand now, so they dont have to pay for fuel. Currently our business is focused not on generators but on construction machines, because there is more power. By Aung Kyaw Nyunt, translation by Mya Kay Khine

compressed by compactor trucks which drive to and fro across the pile. At a suitable thickness of garbage, a layer of soil is added, and then more garbage, until the pit is lled up layer by layer. Gas is collected as it's produced by the garbage's natural decomposition. When the pit is full, it is covered with a thicker layer of topsoil on top. At this point, its safe for reuse for public re-use, for elds or even golf courses. At Dawai Chaung, in north Yangon, Zeya & Associates Co Ltd, along with partner rm Hyundai Rotem and other international investors, will build two incinerators and electricitygenerating plants. And while many companies claim to be transparent in their operations, this facility plans to take that literally. All the machines and steps can

to remove earth and compost. A huge amount of water is needed and we will use underground water, U Pyi Sone Aung said. The wet garbage is the poured into the incinerators big funnels.

Inside, shaking sieves will separate the trash step by step, as people in Yangon throw away waste without separating items by material rst. For intermediate-level technology, trash needs to be sorted into types, such as bottles, glass, metal, plastic and so on. Later, advanced technology will allow everything to be incinerated together. Even iron can be incinerated," U Pyi Sone Aung said. As the trash is mixed, our partner Korean experts had to seek new procedures to incinerate them. Thats why the cost of the project gets high, up to US$100 million. But the experts said that the wastes power productivity is very good, he said. The raw heat generated will be used to drive a steam turbine generator. Ash, and anything else that cant be burned, will be collected at the end of the process. Ash is about 10 percent of the garbage and we will manage it according to YCDCs instruction, U Pyi Sone Aung said. The dirty water that washed the garbage is treated so its clean and will be released into the nearby stream. The smoke also will be treated with several lters, he said. Once both projects come online, the incineration-driven steam turbines will produce around 15.4 megawatts per hour, while the methane from the decomposing landll will generate about 12MW/ hr for rst year and 10MW/hr in the second and third years. The electricity produced at both will be added to the national grid.

U Zaw Lin Win

Manager, A1 Generators showroom

e used to have more demand for generators but right now the demand is dropping. People dont buy generators if the power is o only one day per week. But lighting shops, photocopy shops and internet

Graffitti on Pyay Road near Parami. Photo: Wade Guyitt

Bright lights, big city

Lacking historic buildings, the capitol makes its statement with lighting instead
Mya Kay Khine
Photographers and the public loved them. I didnt know it at the time, but many lights in the new capital were installed by one company: Krislite, a Singaporean company, which opened an office in Myanmar in 1994 and distributes its products here via Lighting Specialist Co Ltd. As well as selling lighting products to private homes and business, Krislite has partnered with the government on many large-scale projects, particularly in Nay Pyi Taw: the parliament buildings, the SEA Games facilities, Uppatasandi Pagoda, half the roads: these and other well-known sites in the country's capital are lit by Krislites products. To become a great metropolis, there must be not only good roads but also bright lights, says managing director U Kyaw Moe Naing. Nay Pyi Taw is a new city and it is powered in every district and sector. For example, every road is xed with overhead cables and problems wont easily arise. In Nay Pyi Taw, all buildings government offices, hotels, shopping malls are lit up brightly to enhance the beauty of the city. To see Yangons lights at night, the best way is to go down to Yangon River and look from far away. From there you can pick out the lights of hotels, shopping centres, parks and even houses. And brighter than anything else around are the lights of Shwedagon Pagoda thanks to the four yellow-lter oodlights, which cost US$1000 each when Krislite installed them in 2002. U Kyaw Moe Naing said that Krislite is now in talks with Yangon Heritage Trust to help put the spotlight on other famous structures in the city, such as its one-of-a-kind colonial-era buildings. In some places of Yangon
Photo: Supplied Krislite has lit many of Nay Pyi Taw's sites, including the Lotus roundabout (above), parliament (top left) and streets.

mya.simpley@gmail.com
HEN I lived in Nay Pyi Taw in 2007, there was no Water Fountain Garden, no Zoological Gardens, no Safari Park. But there was one thing that made me love it: the lighting. Before 6pm, the sidewalks were like a desert, but once the workday ended the roads were crowded with pedestrians. Things were brightly lit, making everyone feel safe. And the rows and rows of streetlights made for a relaxing sight after a long day.

power is supplied systematically, but many places are not, he says. If the power supply was better in Yangon also, it would be incredibly beautiful. But he adds that to light all of Yangon like Nay Pyi Taw would present special challenges. Starting fresh is not same as repairing. Creating new streets and lighting starts systematically and is very easy. But when repairing a street you can encounter some restrictions. If one road has to be rebuilt, its going to damage surrounding places. We must recognize these issues and study them to understand them fully.

Let there be light at the 38 Street night market

th
dragon.hein@gmail.com
HE electric lights used by the sh, meat and vegetable sellers at Yangons 38th Street market started with one brilliant idea. I began this roughly three years ago, says U Kyaw Kyaw, because I needed to have lights for my restaurant. This is a generator, which he brought and installed near his street stall to promote his business and help his customers see what they were doing after dark, since there was no adequate street lights. Others around him immediately wanted to show off their wares this way also, so since the generator offered enough power to supply a household of four, U Kyaw Kyaw decided to offer electricity to his fellow vendors. He rents about 30 bulbs, and charges K300 for one or a special

HEIN HTET AUNG

Lit by bulbs powered by a nearby generator, customers shop at Yangon's 38th Street market. Photo: Zarni

deal K500 for two. I bring the lightbulbs and then at around 5pm I start to place the wires all over the bazaar. The bulbs hang from two-foot poles he provides. The wire system is safe because I put the wires above the ground, he says. Its very convenient, says Ma Phyo Chit, who sells sh jerky and rents a bulb for her stall. Before Kyaw Kyaw, we just had to use our own battery-powered lightbulbs. In Yangon, it is not easy to use such batteries. U Kyaw Kyaw says his earnings cover the cost of a gallon of fuel K4500, lasting two nights and also allow some prot. His fellow venders agree. Daw Win Mar used to use candles, she says, but they made her vegetables appear dim and didn't show off their true colours. Now, thanks to U Kyaw Kyaws bright idea, her displays gleam just as they should.

What's the state of the sector today? In recent onshore bidding, the government awarded 16 blocks to 12 companies. Now everybody is waiting for the announcement of the winners of the historic offshore bidding rounds. We have big national oil companies (NOCs) and international oil companies (IOCs), all aggressively competing for both shallow-water and deepwater blocks. Bangladesh and India started open bidding after Myanmar, but Im told theyve attracted few international players.This is the time for Myanmar's oil and gas to regain former glory in a big way. In 2009, exploration spending alone was around US$300 million. Last year it was almost $1 billion. With the new wave of investment, we expect the market will grow into the multiple billions, making Myanmar a key regional player in the upstream sector. Yours is one of the few local companies involved in oil and gas business. Can you tell us about competing with fellow nationals as well as foreign giants? Locally, we have a very limited number of players spearheaded by the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE). But we are quite far behind in terms of technology and project management. The only way to catch up is to encourage local companies to form joint ventures with foreign companies, to build capacity and transfer technology and knowhow. Until then, local companies are focussing on less value-added segments such as logistics, catering, local support etc. They compete aggressively, but for less than 5 percent of the market. If Myanmar companies can capture the value-added segments

Not just hype

Ken Tun, CEO of the Myanmar-owned and operated Parami Energy Group, sits down with editor Myo Lwin to give his perspective on the energy rush
of the market, taking up to 30pc, the oil and gas service sectors alone could contribute more than 5pc of GDP as direct income. Norway used a similar strategy, leveraging its oil and gas to boost its global position. What are the pressures right now in the big-money game? To sustain our business, we cannot afford to limit ourselves to Myanmar in the long run. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is not a joke: It is coming. As chair nation of ASEAN in 2013 we need to tell the world we really mean it. Regionally, and globally, if we are not competitive we won't survive. We cannot hide under government protection. We need to rely on ourselves. The stresses come from nding good partners, maintaining good people, training them, and attracting talented people, local or expat. We have to empower manner. I wish to see more people the experienced and the youthful joining national energy management committees (NEMCs) so that we can come up with a robust and sustainable national energy master plan. The government should not delay developing the MOGE into the main vehicle, or hero, for developing the energy sector in Myanmar. Revenues of gas exports should help drive national capacity-building. What is your opinion on the Myitsone dam project? Should it have been halted instead of suspended? Personally, I think the present government delegated the decision because it is a complicated issue with no easy short-term solutions. It started before the current government and it was a bold step by U Thein Seins government to

There are 5 bilateral power grids trading over 2500MW in ASEAN, and 11 bilateral gas pipelines. Asia currently commands 28pc of world GDP, and it will command an estimated 52pc by 2030. More than half the worlds energy demand will come from Asia after 2030. But locally only 30pc of the population has access to grid electricity. Sufficient and reliable electricity is critical for the industrial sector and for foreign

In a recent ranking of generosity among the countries [World Giving Index 2013; available https://www. cafonline.org/publications/2013publications/world-givingindex-2013.aspx], America ranked highest, followed by Myanmar which tied for second place. I believe we can score even better. Myanmar people are famous for giving even when they don't always know what they'll be having for breakfast tomorrow, but Western people score better in term of making their donations sustainable. We need to learn from the West how to donate responsibly and make sure our CSR works benet society in a sustainable way. At Parami Energy, we try to avoid ceremonial donations and don't channel aid through brokers. Instead we engage. We invest heavily in education through our rural monastic schools program where we help rural kids who are the poorest of the poor get an education. We bring access to clean water for hospitals. We also engage in green activities. We are committed to planting 500,000 trees by 2015. That energy enables us to overcome the challenges we are facing now. What would you like to advise foreign energy companies about doing business here responsibly? First of all, Myanmar is not just hype. Myanmar has strong fundamentals for any business to come and invest. But success has two major ingredients. The rst is getting a good local partner who understands the system and the people. The second is thinking long-term and investing in society. Those with long-term views will nd great successes here. Around 90pc of Totals workforce here are locals.Daewoo helps build roads and schools. PTTEP helps people with training and education, and by building schools. Petronas puts Myanmar students through university. There are still lots of opportunities to be CSR role models in Myanmar, such as training local businesses on compliance and ethics. A competent workforce will help you achieve sustainable success.

More than half the world's energy demand will come from Asia after 2030 ... Sufficient and reliable electricity is critical.
them to make good decisions, acquire capabilities through tech transfer and knowhow, and manage joint ventures with world-class companies. We want to build pride in Myanmar for the way it is gaining respect internationally. How will other nations energy needs affect Myanmar? Myanmar is surrounded by energyhungry economies and regional blocs. With Shwes South East Asia Oil & Gas pipelines (SEAOP/SEAGP) to China and the Zawtika project, Myanmar becomes the largest exporter of gas in Southeast Asia, followed by Indonesia. The question is how the country can balance income from exports with energy independence for current and future generations. direct investment (FDI). We should focus on improving efficiency in generation and transmission while at the same time pushing for onshore exploration and development. I also believe privatepublic partnership arrangements will lead to less costly and more effective solutions. We also think the electricity law should be approved as soon as possible in order to address the issues properly. In the longer run, Myanmar can potentially become an electricityexporting country from hydropower and gas-red power generation. What issues need to be addressed urgently? It is important to execute the energy sector reform process inan inclusive, fair and transparent suspend it, given Myanmars great relationship with superpower China. But in this case a very large number of Myanmar people were badly affected, because social and poverty analysis was not done properly. So we need to come up with an agreement that is less one-sided. Now it falls to the environmentalists, professional bodies, multilaterals, various stakeholders and local society to argue the case against the project. I personally think that if the environmental and social costs far exceed the economic benets, any projects should be put under suspension. Can you describe your companys corporate social responsibility (CSR) work and tell us why you do what you do?

Approximate investment in Myanmar in 2013 on energy exploration alone, not counting development

$1

BILLION

Rays of hope

Indigo Energy is a recent startup bent on bringing low-cost electricity to homes in the delta, one solar panel at a time
HEIN HTET AuNg dragon.hein@gmail.com NERGY in Myanmar is often talked about in terms of billions of dollars, but some of the most exciting projects are happening on a smaller scale, where lives are changed in person one by one. While the government works to expand the national grid a massive undertaking, particularly in remote areas some smaller companies are instead focusing on what they call microgrids. By hooking up their houses or villages to sustainable sources of energy generated right in their own backyards, people can enjoy the benets of electricity immediately, without having to wait for the infrastructure of the national grid to reach them. Of course, these microgrids need to be self-sustaining. Thats where eco-friendly solutions from organisations like Indigo Energy come into play. Indigo Energy is a sustainable energy company started in September 2012 by young entrepreneur, engineer and managing director, Allen Himes. Its a small organisation just ve foreign and local employees, plus an intern but together the team members are using their skills to bring electricity to residents in the Ayeyarwady delta. Thanks to their projects, those who would otherwise rely on batteries or rewood are able to use solar power instead, freeing up their time, money and effort for other priorities. Originally from rural Mississippi, Himes a trained electrical engineer was living in Hong Kong when he decided to move to Myanmar. Everyone said its exciting and new, he said, remembering his decision to come. I was reading about Myanmar in the newspaper, and I was like, Ill go check it out and see whats happening. Assessing the country's energy shortfall, Himes originally intended to set up multi-megawattproducing wind power projects to generate electricity. In a country where hydropower and solid fuel generate most of the electricity, and where international money is pouring into lucrative oil and natural gas projects, sustainable resources like wind power are somewhat overlooked, and require relatively unfamiliar technologies for locals. But while the skill set was there, he said, securing the funding proved impossible, especially for such a small start-up company. Wind power for a solo entrepreneur is much more expensive than what we are doing right now. When I came here, I didn't really understand that. He says no matter how good your ideas or intentions are, its the nancial factor that sometimes determines your way forward. "I think I found my way to starting my business when I was reading a book about John D Rockefeller, Himes said, explaining how the famous American oil baron of the late 1800s always bought stock in his own companies, even when others wouldnt. That's the way I look at it. I think if I'm really condent, I should put in my own money. But it was convincing others that proved to be the problem. When you go visit the government, and you say, Hey, I want to do a big project, the rst thing they ask you is, How much money do you have and where does it come from? Being an entrepreneur, the point is that you can't really develop a project for nothing if you didn't bring any investors. Himes hasnt ruled out wind power entirely if I had the right partner then I would denitely be open to it but in the short term he's concentrating on a more affordable option: solar panels. Solar seems a natural t for Myanmar. It brings power access to those not on the grid and homes

can be hooked up quickly. Indigo has so far installed two solar projects, both in villages in the Ayeyarwady delta. The lowcost agreements allow residents to light their homes and charge their phones cheaply, saving them time and effort as well as money that would otherwise be spent on batteries or solid fuel sources a model Indigo hopes to spread. We want to work in the Ayeyarwaddy because we have pretty good relationships so far. We are also interested in Yangon Region, because it's pretty close, and probably upper Myanmar and going to the dry zone area. Is Indigo committing solely to solar? Not at the moment, but I would like to develop hydroelectric energy," Himes said, "because hydro has a couple of issues. One is that in the summer the water goes off, especially in the dry zones. Also we need enough water in the rst place, and many many places don't have water. This is the problem we are having and we need elevation to do that. Listing rocky Chin State as a possibile site for future work, he said the future for sustainable energy remains an uphill struggle. It is denitely possible to develop sustainable energy in Myanmar, but it's denitely not going to be easy. What we nd with the government is that they are quite enthusiastic about the world of electrication, but they don't really know how to help. Data sometimes takes six months to obtain, and that slows progress. There are also technical problems to solve. The team recently made a trip back to the delta to x one of its projects, which was only producing two-tothree hours worth of electricity, instead of the expected ve. Still, villagers are enjoying the new energy source, Himes said. And with Indigo looking to expand to other areas, the future seems bright for all concerned.

No money to burn
Unable to afford electricity, many rely on solid fuels such as charcoal instead
rosie.hanaint@yahoo.com
N the early morning I have to cook for my family, before they go off to work and to school, says Daw Shirley, 69. But if the electricity goes out, how can I do that? In the dark, I have to nd the candles and cant nish the cooking in time. Electricity in Yangon costs too much, Daw Shirley says and thats if its consistent. Usually, especially in the summer,it isnt. If the power goes out when she or anyone else in a country where less than 1 percent of the population receives consistent, reliable electricity is cooking, the halfboiled rice will be ruined. Thats why she chooses something else. Cooking with charcoal is better suited for me, Daw Shirley says. Charcoal wood heated without oxygen so its doesnt burn down costs around K5000 in Yangon for a 10-viss bag (16 kilograms, or 36 pounds). Thats enough to last ROSIE Daw Shirley and her family for more than a month, and costs less than the K9000 or K10,000 she estimates shed need for electricity each month. After cooking, she can also take the leftover hot coals, load them into her charcoal iron and press the familys clothes for the day. But not everyone can afford to buy in bulk. Many buy 1-viss bags instead. Even then, the price depends on what grade of charcoal they are buying. To make up the smaller portions, charcoal sellers break down a 10-viss bag, picking out the best pieces for one price range, the second-best for another, and then nally pouring out the tiny leftover bits to be sold to those who cannot afford larger pieces. Even though I use charcoal I cant buy the high-quality one, says Daw Thandar Moe, 33. So I buy the cheapest one, the lowest standard of charcoal. Its nearly dust. Still, she says, its only K200 or K250 per viss. Some who buy these cheaper bags pour off the water from their rice during cooking, mixing it with the dust to mould it into small bricks. Once it dries, it holds together almost like a new piece. Cooking with the charcoal is less smoky, and its a lower cost for me, says Daw Aye Aye Myint, 47. I have to cook for my children to have the food ready in time for them to go to school. Cooking with the charcoal is very useful and quick for me to cook. For some, neither option works. To be safe from a ow of electric current, you have to buy a good quality stove, said Daw Myint Myint, 55. Electricity is too much for me. Nor can she afford charcoal except on rare occasions, because her grown son has learning disabilities and neither of them can go out to work. Instead, each summer she harvests dried branches from trees that have sprouted on her compound since the previous year. I am cooking with wood, Daw Myint Myint says.

Charcoal sellers in Yangon sort different grades for different prices. Photo: Staff

Gas turbines rise to fight power battle

The government is banking on natural gas-fired power plants to meet the nations immediate needs. Are they up to the challenge?
koshumgtha@gmail.com
AuNg ShIN as you enter the compound itself the noise of the turbines becomes nonstop. The gas turbines are 15 years old, said station superintendent U Khin Maung Myint. We have three gas turbines and one steel turbine in Ahlone. The gas turbines are made in France by Alston, and have an installed capacity of 30MW apiece. They are fueled by Myanmars offshore wells, which feed their voracious appetites with a daily combined supply of 45 million cubic feet (mmcfd) of natural gas, which is divided among the three. U Khin Maung Myint said the facility gets only offshore gas, though he added that onshore gas is actually preferable for generating electricity, for complicated reasons to do with thermal energy. But with most of Myanmar's supply offshore, the country works with what it can get. After the gas turbines have done their work, they emit exhaust which drives the steel turbine. (All the turbines are made of steel, but this is how this secondary turbine is referred to by workers.) Gas turbine facilities generally have at least one steel turbine for every two-to-four gas turbines: the exhaust is considered "free", since it's already served its primary purpose, and by harnessing it, Ahlone generates an additional

AST November the Ministry of Electric Power announced the country would need 2370 megawatts (MW) during the 2014 hot season of March, April and May. "Currently," the ministry said, it produces "only 1655MW in maximum production." With only 26 percent of the country electried; with demand growing by 15 percent each year; and with nationwide consumption estimated to reach 10,000MW in 2020, there's just one question: Where is this electricity going to come from? Currently, Myanmar relies on hydropower plants for 75pc of its electricity. But hydro projects are major undertakings and cannot be completed in only a few short years. Until further hydroelectric dams are ready, the answer has to come from elsewhere. In the short term, two possible sources emerge: natural gas-red power plants and coal-red power plants. And since burning coal is an environmentally destructive act, widely condemned by environmentalists and the public at large, one one option is left: taking Myanmar's vast reserves of natural gas and turning them into the electricity needed to power the country into a new age. Gas-red power plants currently produce something less than one-quarter of total production. But the governments 10 existing gas-red power plants are ageing. While they're under survey for renovatations, and some are either ready or have had deals signed recently for repairs that will increase their output, it's clear that these 10 facilities can't go it alone nor can the government afford to simply build more. At least, not on its own. On March 6 The Myanmar Times visited one of the operational gasred power plants in the Yangon area. There are four governmentowned gas-red facilities nearby: Hlawga, Ywama (Insein), Thaketa and Ahlone. The latter is situated on the riverbank in Ahlone township, next to Strand Road and close to the citys downtown. The compound is quite big: Attached to it is a power transmission station, which sends the electricity generated at the plant out to homes and business. As you approach it you can see smokestacks rising from a distance, as if drilling into the sky;

Photo: Boothee Workers and technicians build parts of a new Toyo-Thai gas turbine power plant in Yangon's Ahlone township last week.

24MW maximum. Still, the aging turbines need proper maintenance to live up to their potential. At the end of last year, minor adjustments were made to the three gas turbines, bringing them up to about 110MW combined. But U Khin Maung Myint said the facility has put in a request for permission to have more maintenance carried out. The turbines, he says, are running all the time, and to keep it operating day and night requires nearly 100 employees working in shifts. Lately, though, the noise of the turbines has been blending with a different noise from the same compound: construction. Next to the government-owned turbines, a new gas-red power plant facility is partly complete at Ahlone. Its being built by ToyoThai, a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development and Toyo Engineering from Japan. Toyo-Thai has been granted a 30-year concession to the land, U Khin Maung Myint said, as part of a BOT (Build, Operate and Transfer agreement with the MOEP, U Khin

Maung Myint said. While the exact details of the power purchasing deal are unclear, the new privately run turbines at Ahlone are being fuelled just like their government-owned neighbours: by natural gas piped in from offshore. The capacity of Toyo-Thai's two turbines they're American-made, a product of General Electric (GE) combines to nearly three times that of their three ageing neighbours. The two turbines generate 84MW of electricity, said a Thai official from the site, adding that another steel turbine with a capacity of 24MW is still under construction. As with all steel turbines, that 24MW will be a bonus: The main prize, the two core turbines, are already in operation. In addition to the Toyo-Thai plant, four more private gas-red plants are set to go up in the Yangon area soon. With a combined US270 million invested by one local and three foreign companies, each has installed capacities of

The government-run gas turbine power plant in Ahlone township has been running for 15 years. Photo: Boothee

300MW. The turbines are currently ready to generate 240MW, but production is waiting on a power purchasing agreement to be worked out with the MOEP. While Ahlones existing gasred power plant belongs to the Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise (MEPE) under the Ministry of Electric Power, the nation's energy needs cross multiple government jurisdictions. We have to negotiate with the MOGE [Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise] for the gas supply. We handle the turbine loading in accordance with the gas supply from the MOGE, said one engineer. And while Ahlone's turbines are working 24/7 to meet the citys aggressive electricity demands, even then, the engineer said over the din, there are periods of slowdown. The electricity production of the turbines depends on the volume of the natural gas supply. Sometimes the volume goes lower due to some problems in the pipeline or at the offshore site. Then the turbines cannot re continuously. Production is stable when the natural gas comes in at a stable volume. In 2013, demand for natural gas for domestic use measured 700mmcfd. But less than half of that 300mmcfd could be supplied. And this year the MOE estimates domestic demand will rise to 425mmcfd. So while new gas turbines facilities have sprung up quickly under government guidance, and while the private facilities offer dramatic improvements in production, whether or not they will be able to bridge the nations energy gap until hydroelectric is ready to take over in the long term will come down to a classic case of economics. While more turbines will expand the potential for cheap, stable electricity, they will be dependent on efficient extraction of natural reserves. An actual boost to the national grid and a resulting decrease on electricity prices, for public, commercial and industrial use will therefore depend on factors further up the pipeline. Will the supply be there? One things for certain: There is no shortage of demand.

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Focus on: Minhla oil fields

A photo essay by Aung Htay Hlaing

HESE photos were taken at Htankhine and Da Hut Pin oil elds in Minhla township, Magwe Region. Private prospectors drill 15 to 300 metres (50 to 1000 feet) below the surface and use a valve system to extract whatever oil they can nd, selling it in 50-gallon (227-litre) drums for K118,000-K180,000 each. Oil wells have operated in the area for more than 100 years, and private contractors continue to ply their trade using old-fashioned methods in spite of giant multinational interests moving into Myanmars energy market. About 100,000 people have moved to Htakhine since it became operational in 2006, while 400,000 have been drawn to Da Htut Pin since it started operations early last year. In both cases, most of the new arrivals are from Mandalay, Magwe and Ayeyarwady regions. They rent land from farm owners who lease up to 100 plots per acre for K500,000-K1.2 million (US$500-$1200) each. Some drillers are losing money, but others say they are doing well. Satellite businesses have also bubbled up alongside the oil, with meat, fruit and vegetable markets, and even KTV and massage parlours, turning brisk prots in these shanty communities.

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