THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

(Friday, 9 January 1998)

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  1. Myanmar Computer Science and Technology Development Council held its 1/98 Meeting
  2. Secretary-1 attends software donation ceremony of CE Technology
  3. Union Solidarity and Development Association gets 2,419 members in Shan State (East)
  4. Cash assistance provided for 20th time to in-service disabled Tatmadawmen
  5. Yoma Bank opens Myenigon, Bayintnaung branches
  6. Minister for Energy receives Vice-President of Total Petroleum South-East Asia
  7. Myanmar Embassy hosts Golden Jubilee Independence Day reception in Bangkok

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(1) Myanmar Computer Science and Technology Development Council held its 1/98 Meeting

YANGON, 8 Jan - Myanmar Computer Science and Technology Development Council held its 1/98 Meeting at the Universities Central Council meeting hall of the Higher Education Department this afternoon with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Computer Science and Technology Development Council Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present at the meeting were Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Ministers at the Office of the Prime Minister Brig-Gen Lun Maung and Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe, Deputy Ministers for Education Dr Than Nyunt and Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Hlaing Win, Director-General of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Pe Nyein and officials, departmental heads, computer experts and entrepreneurs.

Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said the purpose of the meeting was to explain to the computer experts and companies the government's aims and efforts for development and dissemination of computer technology in Myanmar and discuss future programmes.

The State Peace and Development Council, he said, is striving all-out for the nation to emerge peaceful, modern and developed with new conviction.

Today's world is fast developing and it is essential for Myanmar to strive to speed up its development to catch up with the fellow ASEAN members, he pointed out. In endeavoring on self-reliance to achieve the national objective, efforts must be expedited for advancement of modern technology and nurturing sufficient number of technicians within a short time, he said, noting that in making these efforts, computer science and technology play a crucial role and that the world's changes are taking place due to the advanced computer technology.

He said that today, computer technology is making an upward progression considerably in Myanmar and brilliant technicians emerge due to the government's encouragement and assistance.

The government has established the Institute of Computer Science and Technology in Yangon as well as in Mandalay and diploma and masters courses are being opened, he said.

The Secretary-1 also noted that as a result of the government's encouragement to computer companies to open computer schools and undertake other related services, Myanmar computer users have now become friendly with the modern and even the latest software and versions.

He also spoke about the latest inventions and development of computers and computer technology, application of personal computers and computer network and emergence of Internet which is now used as World Wide Web to send multimedia information as well as E-mail.

Internet brings plenty of good results if it is used properly, but unscrupulous use of it gives ill effects, he noted, adding that some Western countries are using Internet to spread dis-information with intent to destabilize some developing countries' political situation and cause difficulties.

Some countries which are using Internet unreason ably are now facing cultural problems, and it is essential for Myanmar people to preserve and adhere to Buddhist ethics and try not to lose their culture, he said.

The Secretary-l pointed out the need to adopt plans to be able to use Internet in proper manner in keeping with the government's political, economic and social objectives.

He also spoke of intellectual development of Myanmar children as a result of installation of computers at their schools and lauded Myanmar technicians for their efforts for development and dissemination of computer technology.

He noted that Myanmar experts and technicians are making a good progress in their endeavours to keep up with the international standard.

He said Computer Technology Development Law was promulgated with a view to developing computer technology on a right track and arrangements are also under way to issue the related rules and procedures in the very near future.

He dealt with the tasks for systematic formation of computer associations and urged computer experts and entrepreneurs to join hands with the government in the endeavours for advancement and proper application of computer technology based on the national objectives.

A general round of discussions followed.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 spoke of the plans to form a central computer organization, computer amateurs association, computer technicians and experts association and computer entrepreneurs association under the supervision of Myanmar Computer Science and Technology Development Council this year.

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(2) Secretary-1 attends software donation ceremony of CE Technology

YANGON, 8 Jan - Chairman of Myanmar Computer Science and Technology Development Council Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin - Nyunt attended the ceremony held to mark the distribution of Myanmar language computer system I Win (Version 1.0) invented by CE Technology and 80 sets of software valued at K 2.4 million at Higher Education Department at 5 pm today.

Present also were Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Ministers at the Office of the Prime Minister Brig-Gen Lun Maung and Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe, Deputy Ministers for Education Dr Than Nyunt and Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Hlaing Win, Director-General of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Pe Nyein and officials, computer expert entrepreneurs and well-wisher Administrative Director of CE Technology U Pyone Maung Maung and members.

First, U Pyone Maung Maung explained about the I Win (Version 1.0) and the donation.

Then, U Pyone Maung Maung and Daw Khin Thida Tun donated 80 sets of I Win (Version 1.0) software valued at K 2.4 million to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt who presented a certificate of honour to them.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1, ministers, deputy ministers and officials viewed the demonstration of I Win (Version 1.0) Software, invented by CE Technology.

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(3) Union Solidarity and Development Association gets 2,419 members in Shan State (East)

YANGON, 8 Jan - A ceremony to submit membership applications of Shan State (East) Union Solidarity and Development Association was held at Town Hall of Kengtung Township on 5 January.

Present were Secretary-General of USDA U Than Aung, EC members of USDA U Thein Nyunt, U Tin Hlaing and U Saw Tun, Secretary of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Han and members, Chairman of Kengtung District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw and members, Chairman of Kengtung Township Peace and Development Council U Myo Nyunt and members, Secretary of Shan State (East) USDA Dr Sai Hse Kaw and EC members, EC members of Kengtung District and Township USDAs and other officials.

First, Dr Sai Hse Kaw explained USDA activities in the area.

Then, Trainee of Nurse Training Course Nang Soe Pale, Wa national Ma Thuza Shu, Director of Development Affairs Department Lt-Col Kyaw San and Additional Head of Shan State Immigration and Population Department U Zaw Min Tun presented 1,148 membership applications to EC member U Thein Nyunt.

Then, Secretary-General U Than Aung delivered an address.

Similar ceremony was held at Aung Myat Hall in Tachilek Township on 6 January.

Present were secretary-general of USDA U Than Aung, EC members of USDA U Thein Nyunt, U Tin Hlaing and U Saw Tun, members of Tachilek District and Township Peace and Development Councils and USDAs and departmental officials.

EC member of USDA U Thein Nyunt accepted the 1,271 membership applications.

Later, Secretary-General U Than Aung spoke on the occasion.

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(4) Cash assistance provided for 20th time to in-service disabled Tatmadawmen

YANGON, 8 Jan - A ceremony to provide cash assistance to the in-service disabled Tatmadawmen by Thanmyanthu Economic Foundation for the 20th time was held at the Yangon City Hall this afternoon.

It was attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council, Chief of the Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo, member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Vice-Chairman of YCDC Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Vice-Quartermaster-General Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and officials, well-wishers and the disabled Tatmadawmen.

Lt-Gen Tin Oo said cash assistance has been provided to altogether 1,186 disabled Tatmadawmen and the Directorate of Defence Services Resettlement is undertaking the management tasks for the Tatmadawmen who sacrificed their limbs when they discharged national defence duties.

He lauded the well-wishers who donated cash generously for the disabled Tatmadawmen.

He said that today, the government is building a peaceful, modern and developed nation upholding Our Three Main National Causes and also implementing the political, economic and social objectives, and he pointed out the duty of the disabled Tatmadawmen to continue to work in respective sectors as much as they can.

Assistance is being provided to those who are still discharging duties, and respective military commands are also providing cash assistance to those who retired, he said.

He also explained the country's political and economic situation.

Later, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Mayor U Ko Lay, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister Col Thaik Tun and Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo spoke.

Lt-Col Win Maung of the Directorate of Resettlement also spoke about the programme to provide cash assistance to the disabled Tatmadawmen.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and officials presented accounts books and cash to the disabled Tatmadawmen.

Later, Swe Myanmar Oil Dregs and Products Trading Co presented cash donations for the disabled Tatmadawmen in Yangon Division through township representatives, and Thanmyanthu Economic Foundation for Mary Chapman's School for the Deaf, Khawochan Blind School and Kyimyindine Blind School through the respective school heads.

Other donations included K 5 million by YCDC, K 100,000 each by Managing Director U Ba Than of Happy Family Industrial Co Ltd and by Daw San San Yu of Super One International Co Ltd, K 130,000 by U Myat Thin Aung-Daw Khin Myint Myint of Aung Aung Enterprise, and K 82,500 and blankets, longyis and shirts valued at K 61,050 by Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Hse (Ngwe Hse) of Mandalay, among others.

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(5) Yoma Bank opens Myenigon, Bayintnaung branches

YANGON, 8 Jan - Yoma Bank Ltd opened Myenigon Branch at 267 A, Pyay Road, Sangyoung Township, at 3.30 pm today.

Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister U Than Shwe, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, heads of State-owned banks, officials of private banks and guests were present.

Minister U Khin Maung Thein indicated the annual progress of the private services after the nation has adopted the market-oriented economic system and made changes and developments.

Banking services should be carried out systematically as the nation has gained many favourable economic foundations including foreign and domestic investments, he pointed out.

Chairman of the bank U Thein Wai also spoke.

Minister U Khin Maung Thein, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun, U Kyaw Kyaw Maung and U Thein Wai formally opened the bank.

They also attended opening of Bayintnaung Branch on Yuzana Street, Bayintnaung Brokerage, Mayangon Township, at 4.30 pm.

U Khin Maung Thein, Brig-Gen Than Tun, U Kyaw Kyaw Maung and U Thein Wai formally opened it.

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(6) Minister for Energy receives Vice-President of Total Petroleum South-East Asia

YANGON, 8 Jan - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi received vice-president of Total Petroleum South-East Asia Mr Jason Goh and party at his office this afternoon.

Present also were Deputy Ministers for Energy U Tin Tun and Brig-Gen Thein Aung, Director-General of Energy Planning Department U Soe Myint and Managing Director of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise U Kyaw Nyein.

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(7) Myanmar Embassy hosts Golden Jubilee Independence Day reception in Bangkok

YANGON, 8 Jan - Myanmar Embassy in Thailand hosted the Golden Jubilee Independence Day reception at Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok on 4 January from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm local time.

Prime Minister of Thailand Mr Chuan Leekpai, Mr Siddhi Savetsila, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Deputy Foreign Minister Mr Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army General Chetta Thanajaro, General Boonsak Kamheangridhirong, Maj-Gen Ronnachai Srisuworanan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Saroj Shavanviraj, senior military and civilian officers of Thailand, ambassadors of ASEAN nations, diplomats of China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Israel, Hungary, Egypt, Czech, Slovak, Russia, Romania, Vatican, Australia, Iraq, Iran, Poland, United States, diplomats of foreign missions in Bangkok, Military Attache of Myanmar to Thailand Lt-Col Kyaw Han and other officials and Myanmar families totaling 750 were present.

Ambassador of Myanmar to Thailand U Hla Maung delivered an address, saying friendly relations between Myanmar and Thailand will continue to thrive forever.

He then wished for the health and happiness of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Culture troupe led by Daw San San Aye of Ministry of Culture of Myanmar entertained the guests with variety of dances.

U Hla Maung presented a souvenir to Mr Chuan.

Monhinga was then served.

The Thai Premier cordially greeted Myanmar families attending the reception.

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