( 1 ) Need to open New Century Resource Centers in states and divisions besides Yangon and Mandalay stressed

Senior General Than Shwe inspects New Century Resource Centre and Centre for Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts

Yangon, 2 Feb - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected the New Century Resource Centre and the Centre for Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts of the Ministry of Education this morning.

At the briefing hall of the New Century Resource Centre, Minister for Education U Than Aung reported to the Senior General on salient points of the Centre, saying that its organizational set-up comprises the exhibition hall where multimedia equipment and application of electronic equipment in education are on show, the exhibition hall where production of multi-media equipment and CD-Roms are on display, centres on training and studies including software engineering, hardware engineering and network engineering, the computer training centre, the language lab and electronic resource centres including e-education learning centre, e-education resource centre and e-library.

At present, CD-Roms, which can be used as teaching aids in teaching most of the subjects at the basic education level and at the institutions of higher learning, have been produced. NCRC is a learning resource centre for anyone regardless of age or education level. The Centre for Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts is a place where vast collections of literary documents of the successive civilizations, stone inscriptions, palm-leaf manuscripts, treatises, newspapers, journals and magazines from the olden days as well as e-library of today can be studied. It can be used as a learning centre vindicating the entire Myanmars' richness in literature.

In line with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, arrangements are under way to set up a New Century Resource Centre and a Centre for Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts in Mandalay in upper Myanmar. Afterwards, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt said NCRC was opened with the aims   to develop highly-qualified human resources required in building a peaceful, pleasant, modern and developed nation, to launch region-wise human resources development programmes, to make Myanmar society a constant learning one, to rent books, CDs, video tapes and cassettes to enable the people from primary education level to research level to study, through audio and visual equipment, education and knowledge whose scopes are getting wider, to study modern equipment relating to computer science and information technology, to obtain other information technology and constancy services, to hold seminars and exhibitions for the public from time to time and to conduct courses.

The objectives of CAMM are to preserve Myanmar traditions and culture, to disseminate knowledge about the flourishing of Myanmar literature of high standard, to enable researchers and the public to study ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, treatises and stone inscriptions, to keep and preserve ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, treatises and stone inscriptions together at one place and to run courses occasionally. He also explained the present functions of the Centres and future plans and salient points of the four-year Special National Education Promotion Programme. In giving guidance, the Senior General said it is required to systematically set up learning centres all over the nation; and step-by-step efforts are to be made to ensure that e-education system is in use at townships, towns and villages.

After opening New Century Resource Centres in Yangon and Mandalay, phase-by-phase plans are to be made to set up such centres in major towns of states and divisions. Arrangements are to be made to implement every education promotion programme covering the entire nation. In all the regions and the states and divisions, there are now opportunities to acquire higher education. The region-wise nurturing of required high-level human resources will accelerate the development of human resources of the nation. The nation has now built good foundations in the education and human resource sectors. If all make efforts with the application of electronic teaching and learning aids and systems, the aim of uplifting the entire people's education will be achieved soon.

As the entire nation is striving to implement the four-year Special National Education Promotion Programme at present, it is required to exert efforts with high momentum to catch up with the trend of international development. The Senior General and party inspected the booths of Winner Computer Group, Service Centre, World Peace International Co Ltd, CE Technology and Maykha Group. During the inspection, the officials also briefed the Senior General and party on computers, electronic equipment, computer science and electronics, practical use of the devices and books about specific subjects. The Senior General and party then inspected the Computer Training Centre, e-Education Training Centre, e-Education Resource Centre and Language Lab.

During the inspection of periodicals on the ground floor at CAMM, they heard a report on newspapers, journals and magazines published from 1872 to 1948 presented by Librarian Daw Tin Phone Nwe of the Universities Central Library. After visiting the Book Reference Centre, they inspected the ancient literature booth, the store room where treatises and palm-leaf manuscripts are kept, the multimedia room and the centre to restore and preserve palm-leaf manuscripts, treatises and books on the first floor. On the second floor, they inspected the store room where palm-leaf manuscripts and treatises are kept. The Senior General gave guidance on systematic preservation of invaluable palm-leaf manuscripts and treatises collected from the various parts of the nation. He left the Centre at noon.

During the inspection, the Senior General was accompanied by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, ministers, Deputy ministers.

On arrival at NCRC at 9 am, the Senior General and party were welcomed by ministers, the Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee the Mayor, deputy ministers for education, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, rectors of universities and degree colleges and teachers.

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( 2 ) Good results achieved in distributing news through Internet

Yangon, 2 Feb-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended coordination meeting on extension of news telecasting and other programmes of Myanma Radio and Television held at the meeting hall of MRTV and gave instructions this afternoon.

First, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung reported on preparations being made for extension of TV news and other programmes, Director-General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay on arrangement being made for production of the programmes, training, administration and requirement, Chief Engineer of MRTV U Tin Wan on technical matters for extension of the programmes. A general round of discussions then followed.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt stressed the need for officials to make efforts as quickly as possible for extension of the programmes so as to widely carry the true and genuine news concerning Myanmar to the countries of the world. As there is weakness in distributing objective news about Myanmar to the world, the false news reports of the western media are flooding the world.

The real news of Myanmar started to spread world-wide as Internet-users are on the increase ever than before and tourists received the real news about Myanmar through the Internet; the news with full essence and objectives are to be widely broadcast. Sophisticated and modern electronic equipment has been provided in order to effectively carry out the tasks to extend news and other programmes as well as the education programmes and the electronic data. It has been found that the broadcasting of electronic facts on education jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Information is successful, and the education programmes have been received at learning centres in various parts of Myanmar.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance with regard to extension of the programmes which are gaining success and electronic data telecasting to towns and villages. He urged officials to cooperate in the tasks in extension of the news and other programmes as the national duties.

Also present on the occasion were Minister and Deputy Minister, officials at the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, the director-general of MTRV and responsible officials.

Secretary-1 inspects progress of work at Mindhamma Hill

Yangon, 2 Feb-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt together with officials arrived at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept at 6.30 pm today.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge, officials of Central Committee for All-round Construction of the Hill and committees concerned, technicians and members of Pagoda Board of Trustees.

First, the Secretary-1 paid homage to the Image and inspected sample of decorative gold frontlet (Thinkyittaw) of the Image. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected progress of work for the Image and gave instructions. Later, the Secretary-1 inspected all-round construction of Mindhamma Hill, gave instructions to the officials and left the Hill in the evening.

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( 3 )  Central Supervisory Committee for Communication Policy holds 16th meeting

Yangon, 2 Feb - The Central Supervisory Committee for Communication Policy held its 16th meeting in the meeting hall of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs. Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo attended the meeting.

Also present were members of the Central Supervisory Committee Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing ,ministers and officials.

Joint Secretary of the Central Supervisory Committee General Staff Officer (Grade I) of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) Lt-Col Hla Thein Swe sought approval for the minutes of the 15th meeting of the committee. Joint Secretary of the Central Supervisory Committee General Staff Officer (Grade I) of the Directorate of Signals Lt-Col Ye Lwin sought approval for decisions pertaining to communication equipment needed for departments and organizations.

Member of the Central Supervisory Committee Minister Brig-Gen Win Tin reported on installation of telephone lines, arrangements to hire GSM mobile phones and installation of auto-telephones at Homein, southern Shan State. Then, member of the Central Supervisory Committee Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on installation of the telephone switchboard for Monywa Industrial Zone, and officials on matters related to communication policy. Afterwards, the Secretary-2 gave instructions.

Secretary-2 attends co-ord meeting on regional development

Yangon, 2 Feb - A coordination meeting on regional development was held in the meeting hall of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs at 3.30 pm today, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

The Secretary-2 said that the government has been making concerted efforts for the development of border and rural areas, and plans have been drawn up and duties assigned, and therefore, the officials are required to carry out these plans emphatically and to supervise the use of allotted budgets. In conclusion, the Secretary-2 urged all to contribute to the discussions. Then, the commander reported on assistance being provided for regional development by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council.

Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun reported on measures being taken by the ministry for the regional development and future tasks, and Deputy Minister U Kyaw Tin on tasks related to development affairs for the development of rural areas. Those present then reported on arrangements made and assistance rendered for the development of border and rural areas by departments concerned. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Secretary-2.

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( 4 ) Ambassador U Linn Myaing presents credentials to Acting President of EU

Yangon, 3 Feb -Ambassador U Linn Myaing, Head of the Mission of the Union of Myanmar to the European Union, presented his Credentials to the Acting President of the Council of the European Union His Excellency Mr Hans Dahlgren at Brussels on 23 January 2001.

Deputy Prime Minister receives foreign guests

Yangon, 2 Feb-Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Chairman of Resource Strategies (Asia) Ltd Mr David Melzer OBE and party at his office this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun and officials.

Minister meets Swiss guests

Yangon, 2 Feb-Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met Mr Karlimhof Wiget of Seatra Co of Switzerland and party at his office this morning. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye and officials.

L & F Minister receives Chinese Ambassador

Yangon, 2 Feb-Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein received Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Mr Liang Dong who had completed his tour of duty in Myanmar, at his office this morning. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein, the directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry and officials.

Minister meets Guardian of Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber

Yangon, 2 Feb-Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin met Guardian of Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber in Kanni, Sri Lanka, Hon Niranjan Wijeratne at his office on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning. They discussed matters related to bilateral religious affairs. Also present at the call were Director-General of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Pro-Rector (Admin) of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe and Head of Office U Maung Maung Myint.

I & P Minister receives UNHCR Resident Representative

Yangon, 2 Feb-Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun received Resident Representative of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Yangon Mr Rajiv Kapur (India) at his office this morning. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung, Director-General of Immigration and National Registration Department Col Maung Htay, officials and Planning Manager of UNHCR U Nyi Nyi.

H&T Minister meets foreign visitor

Yangon, 2 Feb-Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met Managing Director Ms Maria Fong Ltee of Emerald Rose Garden Ltd and party at his office this morning. Also present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Managing Director U Kyi Tun and officials of the ministry.

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( 5 ) Courses for Naval Junior Executive Officers, Naval Junior Engineering Officers conclude

Yangon, 2 Feb- Naval Junior Executive Officer Course Nos 1/2000, 2/2000 and 3/2000 and Naval Junior Engineering Officer Course No 3/2000 concluded at the parade ground of Naval Training Command Headquarters this morning.

On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min delivered an address. At the ceremony, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) inspected the graduating company and other companies and took the salute of the companies.

Afterwards, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min presented Best Student Award to Navy/4015 Sub-Lt Kyaw Soe Lwin, Excellence in Navigation Studies Award to Navy/4016 Sub-Lt Kyaw Thet Naing and Excellence in Naval Weapons and Communications Award to Navy/4020 Sub-Lt Kyaw Kyaw San of the Naval Junior Executive Officer Course No 1/2000, Best Student Award to Navy/4045 Sub-Lt  Myint Soe Than, Excellence in Navigation Studies Award to Navy/4046 Sub-Lt Chan Nyein Kyaw and Excellence in Naval Weapons and Communications Award to Navy/4048 Sub-Lt Kyaw Kyaw Oo of the Naval Junior Executive Officer Course No 2/2000, Best Student Award to Navy /4081 Sub-Lt Ye Myint Kyi, Excellence in Navigation Studies Award to Navy/4087 Sub-Lt Min Zaw Moe and Excellence in Naval Weapons and Communications Award to Navy/4083 Sub-Lt Myint Kyi of the Naval Junior Executive Officer Course No 3/2000 and Best Student Award to Navy/4077 2nd-Lt Aung Soe Ya and Excellence in Naval Mechanical Award to Navy/4074 2nd-Lt Zaw Lin Tun of the Naval Junior Engineer Officer Course No 3/2000.

On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min made a speech.

Then, the certificate presentation ceremony was held in Thiri Maha Zeya Kyaw Htin Hall at the Naval Training Command Headquarters, and acting Commandant of the Headquarters Cmdr Myint Thein presented certificates to the officers. Also present on the occasion were Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than, Military Appointments-General Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe,officers, senior military officers, officers of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy)'s Office, naval region command headquarters, camps and boats, relatives of graduating officers and guests.

UDNR trainees visit factories in Thayawady, Padaung

Yangon, 2 Feb-Altogether 269 trainees of Primary Teachership Course No 33 of University for Development of National Races led by Rector Col Zaw Min Thein, accompanied by Professor Daw Khin Win and supervisor teachers, concluded their tours in Yangon and left here yesterday morning.

At 9.30 am, they arrived at Thayawady Ceramics Plant of Myanma Ceramic Industries in Thayawady. They were welcomed there by Chairman of Thayawady District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ohn Myint, General Manager of MCI U Myint Thaung, officials and employees.

They were briefed on regional development and production process of the factory. Commemorative pennants were then exchanged. Next, Thayawady District Peace and Development Council and eight townships, and MCI presented K 50,000 each to the excursion group. In the afternoon, they arrived at Technical Training School (Sinde) of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries in Padaung Township. They were welcomed there by officials and served with lunch. In the meeting hall of No 1 Farming Equipment Factory, Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Brig-Gen Aung Thein Linn extended greetings. General Manager of the factory U Kyaw Kyaw explained salient points of the factory. The trainees then visited the factory.

Myanmar cultural delegation arrives back from India

Yangon, 2 Feb-The four-member cultural delegation led by Minister for Culture U Win Sein arrived back here from India by air this afternoon, after attending the signing ceremony on cultural cooperation between the two countries at the invitation of Minister of Tourism and Culture of India Mr Shri Ananth Kumar.

The delegation was welcomed back at the airport by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Minister at Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Indian Ambassador Mr Shyam Saran and others. During their stay in India, the delegation signed an agreement on cultural cooperation between the two countries and visited cultural sites, museums and edifices in India. Members of the delegation were Director-General of Archaeology Department U Nyunt Han, Rector of University of Culture (Yangon) U Tin Soe and Rector of University of Culture (Mandalay) U San Win.

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( 6 ) Minister inspects roads, bridges in Mandalay, Sagaing Divisions

Yangon, 2 Feb- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, arrived at No 1/27 Tanga Bridge on Mandalay-Thabeikkyin-Mogok Road on 30 January. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Hsan Win of Bridge Construction Special Group-14 reported on the site chosen for construction of the bridge.

Then, the minister inspected Mandalay-Thabeik-kyin Road and bridges on the road and Thabeikkyin-Tagaung-Shwegu section. On 31 January, the minister and party inspected Shwegu-Zinbon section. Senior Engineer U Aye Naing Tun reported on progress of work and future tasks to the minister. The minister and party inspected completion of Udaungtaung section from 155/0 to 157/4 on Thabeikkyin-Tagaung-Shwegu-Bhamo Road. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Soe Tint reported on progress of work in road construction and arrangements for rebuilding Sinkhan Bridge.

At Shweli Bridge (NgaO), the minister gave instructions on prevention of loss and wastage, supervision and systematic use of machinery. Shweli Bridge (NgaO) is 2,330 feet long including two the approaches. The bridge will be built with reinforced concrete beams and concrete floor. The minister and party then inspected Meza Bridge on Shwebo-Myitkyina Road.

Pile driving ceremony for construction of 12,000-ton dry dock of Myanma Shipyards held

Yangon, 2 Feb-A pile driving ceremony for construction of 12,000-ton dry dock of Myanma Shipyards, Ministry of Transport was held at MS Sinmalaik, in Kamayut Township this morning. It was attended by ministers, deputy ministers, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Lian Dong and embassy staff, head of departments under the ministry, vice-chairman of Shandong Province Agricultural Industry and Commerce Group Corporation of People's Republic of China and officials, officials of Ayon Oo Construction Group and guests.

At the auspicious time, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe formally drove a pile. Then, the minister and Vice-Chairman Mr Zhang Yongsen sprinkled scented water on the pile and performed the rituals of golden and silver showers. Afterwards, the ceremony continued at the pavilion. Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe made a speech. He said; the Head of State, during his inspection tour of Myanma Shipyards, gave guidance to build a dock that is able to repair 12,000 ton vessels and up. Decision was made to build the dry dock for 90 per cent of vessels plying at Yangon harbour range from 12,000 to 13,000 tons at present.

The ministry feels proud that construction work can be started today. This project will have priceless advantages getting new technologies by harmonious cooperation among experts and staff of Myanma Shipyards and Shandong Province Agricultural Industry and Commerce Group Corporation and getting new experiences of repairing large vessels after the project. He also urged the officials to make concerted efforts to finish the project ahead of schedule according to set standards. He also wished the successful completion of the project and long existence of friendship between Union of Myanmar and People's Republic of China at the auspicious time of Chinese New Year. Later, Vice-Chairman Mr Zhang Yongsen of Shandong Province Agricultural Industry and Commerce Group Corporation extended greetings and the ceremony came to an end.

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( 7 ) Refresher Course for Social Welfare Officers ends

Yangon, 2 Feb- Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa delivered an address at the closing ceremony of Refresher Course No 1/2000 for Social Welfare Officers at Social Welfare Training School in Mayangon Township this morning. Also present were Director-General U Sit Myaing of SWD, Director-General U Myint Tun of Relief Department, officials and trainees.

After the ceremony, the minister inspected functions of Disabled Training School (Adult). The minister also inspected Disabled Training School (Children). Then, the minister and party inspected tailoring course and hair style course being conducted by Japan-based Association for AIDS and Relief. At Basic Education Primary School of Kyaikwaing Youth Training School, the minister inspected the mess, bedrooms, water supply and health of the school.

Minister inspects development tasks of Taninthayi Division

Yangon, 2 Feb- Secretary of the Leading Committee for Region-wise Agricultural Sector Development Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung, accompanied by Secretary of Tanintahyi Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Nyo and members of Sub-committee for Agricultural Sector Development in Taninthayi Division, attended the ceremony to give eye drop to fowls, organized by Taninthayi Division Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, at Myeik Police Station yesterday.

Then, the minister inspected International Fish Market and Jetty in the industrial zone of Myeik. Afterwards, the minister inspected cold storage factories, fish powder factories and ice factories in Myeik Industrial Zone and Pahtet Island of Kyunsu Township, and gave necessary instructions. Next, the minister inspected construction of dockyard being built by Pyi Phyo Tun International Co in Pahtaw Pahtet Island. At the dockyard, 700-ton trawlers numbering 20 to 24 can be repaired at the same time.

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