(1) Progress of education sector centre of all development plans under way to lunch open Education system

YANGON, 22 June - Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and  Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt delivered an address at the closing ceremony of the Special Refresher  Course No 44 for Basic Education Teachers at Nawarat Hall of the Central Institute of Civil Service in Hlegu  Township, Yangon Division, at 9 am today.

Also present on the occasion were Ministers, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the Civil Service  Selection and Training Board Chairman, Deputy Ministers, senior military officers, the director-general of the  State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, the rector of the CICS, course instructors, and  trainees.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt said the State Peace and Development Council today is making all-out efforts with  the harmonious participation of the entire people for the perpetuation and consolidation of Myanmar and enabling  the country to keep abreast of the world nations in development; thus, the government is giving priority to the  emergence of qualified human resources which is vital for national progress. As new technologies are coming into  existence with high momentum so also the progress of the information and communication technology is helping
to boost development of other sciences and technologies; thus, the progress of the education sector is the hub of all  the developments.

As the new science and technology are rapidly and extensively dominating all the fields such as education, health,  social, economic, trade, finance and defence sectors, the task to produce qualified human resources which can  overcome the present-day and future challenges has become an essential national requirement. Moreover, the task  to strengthen the national foundation has also become a vital sector as the advancing information and  communication technologies have led to globlalization among the world nations. Some big countries with  economic and technological advancement are trying to widen and deepen the technology gab the gap between the  rich and the poor countries and applying various methods in expanding their global influence; thus, some  developing nations with feeble national spirit are facing deterioration of sovereignty and solidarity under others'  domination, though their independence is not lost .

Myanmar which is striving on self-reliant basis to be on a par with other nations and warding off all the influences  of the big nations has been laying down and implementing the education programmes that will produce qualified  human resources, effectively use the new advancing science and technologies in the world for national interests and effectively vitalize Union Spirit with cultural and national outlook. Concerning the vitality of the qualified human resources, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe said in his address at the conclusion of Myanmar and International Affairs Studies Course 1 of Union Solidarity and Development Association, " It is obvious that today's global economic development is based on human intelligence. Thus, the intellectual power has become a resource of the nation. Only when the intellectual power is invested as capital, can the task to build economic infrastructures and the production sectors be promoted. The highly intelligent human resources will create new
opportunities in their community."

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe also gave guidance on nurturing and producing of qualified human resources as well as human resources required by the respective regions; to utilize information and communication as modern teaching and learning aids in enabling the nation's education sector to be on a par with those of the developed nations of Southeast Asia in the shortest possible time; and to open teaching centres of higher learning where researchers can be conducted.

In accord with the guidance, universities and colleges are being extended and upgraded in all the states and divisions in order to assign duties to the respective ministries to give supervision to the higher learning sector and to enable students to pursue higher education in their own regions. In 2001 there are 125 institutions of higher learning  55 universities, 40 degree colleges and 30 colleges  up from only 32  14 universities, six degree colleges, 11 colleges and one institute Ñ in 1988. As regards the universities and institutes under the Ministry of Education, there were only four universities namely Yangon University, mandalay University, Yangon University of Education and Yangon Institute of Economics in the past. Now the number has increased in 26. Of the 22 universities and institutes that increased, 11 are newly opened ones and the remaining 11 are upgraded from the level of degree
colleges. Under the Ministry of Health, there were only 4 institutes namely Yangon Institute of Medicine-1, Yangon Institute of Medicine-2, mandalay Institute of Medicine and Institute of dental medicine in the past. Today there are 13 institutes including Institute of Nursing, Institute of Paramedical Science, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Primary Health, etc.

Likewise, under the Ministry of Science & Technology, there were one technical institute and colleges in the past. Nowadays, there are three technical institutes and two computer universities. In addition, Government Technical Colleges and Government Computer Colleges are opened in all States and Divisions. Hence, there can now be found 14 Government technical Colleges and 16 Government Computer Colleges in the country. Concerning the doctorate courses, the universities under the Education Ministry are conducting 18 doctorate courses, the Institutes of Medicine, 14 doctorate courses, and technological universities, 15 doctorate courses. Plans are under way to extend the PhD courses.

The Human Resources Development Departments of the institutions of higher learning have conducted 105 courses from 1998 to the end of March 2001; a total of 38,000 trainees have attended the courses. Plans are under way to launch the Open Education System and to introduce electronic teaching aids in the Distance Education sector.

The future goals of the basic education sectors are  for flourishing of an education system which is on a par with those of the international nations; for emergence of human resources which can build and defence the peaceful, developed and modern nation; for emergence of good citizens endowed with the Union Spirit, patriotism and all-round education; to bring out outstanding persons who can bring about progress for the State and the community; and emergence of a constant learning society.

Plans are being made for successful materialization of the goals. The basic education sector is gaining success as the education promotion programmes have been implemented phase by phase within a three-year period. Thus, it can be said that firm foundations have already been laid for the firmness of the basic education sector. The teachers should try to promote the success gained in the sector. Activities such as cent per cent enrolment of school aged children and school enrolment week have been launched nation wide with the participation of education staff, members of humanitarian associations and local authorities.

He then explained the programmes for all the children to complete primary education and to get access to middle education. The programme will lead to end illiteracy among school age children and to enable children to get access to higher education and helping to materialize the national objective  promotion of the education standard of the entire nation. The teachers should serve the national duties of the education sector without fail for the successful implementation of the national aims and for the nation to get abreast with other nations.

Especially, they should nurture their pupils to become outstanding in all fields, to vitalize their Union Spirit, to promote the will to love, conserve and uplift the traditions and culture and to have the spirit of a worthy citizen. All the patriotic citizens wish for the perpetuation of the nation and to see the nation standing tall among the world nations.

The perpetuation of independence and sovereignty requires unyielding spirit and zeal and perseverance of the entire nation people. The Secretary-1 then cited the examples of some nations which lost sovereignty and freedom without loosing independence for they lacked the spirit to ward off the foreign influences despite their material developments. In conclusion, he urged the teachers to strive to implement the education promotion programmes for progress of human resources which are essential for emergence of a new peaceful, pleasant, developed and modern nation for the nation to stand tall among the international community; to organize the entire people including the students to participate in the task to defend the nation with ardent patriotism, Union Spirit and the national spirit; to strive for the emergence of youths endowed with nationalistic fervour and the spirit of Alaungphaya, which is
the true Myanmar spirit.

Then, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt presented model trainee awards to Senior Assistant Teacher U Thaung Htay of Okkan BEHS of Taikkyi Township and SAT Daw Mar Mar Than of Sangyoung BEHS No 2, awards for diligence to SAT U Soe Thein of Myitkyo BEHS of Waw Township and SAT Daw Tin Tin Lay of Dawei BEHS No 2 and Headmistress Daw Tin Tin Win of Okpho BEPS No 3.

Next, the Secretary-1 presented model hostel awards to men's trainees of Hostel No 7 and women's trainees of Hostel No 9. Afterwards, on behalf of the all trainees, two teacher trainees presented K 10,000 for all-round construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image, K 10,000 for construction of Koe Nawin Pagoda at CICS, K 10,000 for construction of the Dhammayon at Koe Nawin Pagoda, K 10,000 for renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan, K 7,500 for the National Convention, K 7,500 for the funds of Union Solidarity and Development Association and K 10,000 for BEPS at CICS, totalling 75,000. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially met trainee teachers and left CICS in the morning.

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(2) Pilot Course No 64 of No 1 Flying Training School concludes 

YANGON, 22 June - The Pilot Course No 64 of the No 1 Flying Training School (Shante) concluded at the Flying  Training Base in Meiktila this morning. On behalf of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief, Chief of Staff  (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe delivered an address at the ceremony. Present on the occasion were Mandalay Division  peace and Development Council Chairman Central Command Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, Advocate General Maj-Gen Thein Soe, Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Maj-Gen San Aung and Brig-Gen. Khin Aung Myint of the Ministry of Defence, No 99 Light Infantry Division Commander Brig-Gen. Htay Oo and senior Tatmadaw officers, Flying Training Base Commandant Col Myat Hein, the Commander of the Air Base and officers, departmental personnel, graduates and their relatives and guests.

Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected the graduating companies, flag bearers company and guards of honour. Then, he took their salute. Next, Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave away Excellent Study Award to Lt Than Htaik Oo (Air-2620), Execellent Pilot Award to Lt Sai Kham Loon (Air-2589) and Model Pilot Award to Lt Htet Naung Tint (Air- 2621).

Afterwards, Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe delivered an address on behalf of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief. In his address, Maj-Gen Myint Swe said the day is very auspicious for the graduates as they are conferred with pilot wings after attending basic and advanced pilot courses as well as for the Air Force to bring out those who will safeguard the air space of the nation.

In building up the Tatmadaw into a strong, capable and modern one, pilots who can efficiently fly modern high-tech aircraft are being nurtured and brought out in accord with the guidance of the Tatmadaw leaders. The graduates are to continue to do necessary practice as co-pilots to become efficient ones for the quantitative and qualitative improvement. In addition to studying flying lessons, they are to strive to become good officers and leaders while abiding by ethics and codes of conduct.

The pilots are to cherish the golden wings conferred upon them and safeguard the motherland. By discharging the assigned duties excellently with the sacrificing spirit, they are to preserve the noble traditions of the Air Force. For a pilot, good health and fitness is fundamental requirement. Thus, they are to constantly keep themselves healthy and fit to be able to efficiently fly their aircraft. As regards health, not only physical health but also mental health is needed. Pilots must possess five basic qualifications namely spirit, discipline, loyalty, unity and three capabilities.

Hence, it is necessary for the pilots to always keep their military, administrative and organizational skills alive and dynamic. Another point is the Union Spirit which is indeed very important. The national peoples have been living together on the same land since time immemorable. All the national peoples are to cherish and love the motherland and make concerted efforts for the national development. To ensure the perpetuation of sovereignty, collective efforts must be made with the base of Union Spirit and patriotism.

The Union Spirit which reflects collective endeavours for the development of the nation and collective safeguarding of the nation must be nurtured and kept alive and dynamic forever. As they are the new generation pilots to safeguard the air space of the nation in the future, they must strive to enhance their observance of aviation discipline and their spirit. In conclusion, he urged the officers to do their best in participating in the building up of a peaceful, modern and developed nation with Union Spirit and patriotism. Then. Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented the wings to the officers.

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(3) Minister for Foreign Affairs leaves for Thailand 

YANGON, 22 June- U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, left here by air this morning to pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, Dr Surakiart Sathirathai. The Minister for Foreign Affairs was seen off at the  Yangon International Airport by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Charge d'Affaires ai of the Thai Embassy Mr Raden Suwannakorn.

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(4)  UMFCCI officials meet Japanese guests

YANGON, 22 June- General-Secretary of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chairman of Garment Training Centre Establishment Coordinating Committee U Zaw Min Win, CEC members and garment entrepreneurs met Acting Representative Mr Hiroyuki Shimamura, Deputy Representative Mr Tetsuya Matsuo of Thailand based Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) and Managing Director Mr Yoshihiro Araki of Yangon Jetro at the office of UMFCCI this morning. They discussed matters relating to establishment of garment training centre and export of the products of Myanma garment enterprises to Japanese markets.

Kokeshi Dolls Exhibition opened 

YANGON, 22 June-The Opening ceremony of Kokeshi Dolls Exhibition organized by the Ministry of Culture and Japan Foundation of Embassy of Japan under the cultural exchange programme took place at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the National Museum on Pyay Road this morning. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Aung Thein, directors-general and deputy directors-general of Department of Cultural Institute, Department of Archaeology and Fine Arts Department, the rector of University of Culture (Yangon), directors and officials, Ambassadors of Foreign Embassies and officials and guests. First, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt delivered a speech. Afterwards, Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Shigeru Tsumori also made a speech.

Then, the deputy minister for Information and the ambassador formally opened the exhibition. After the ceremony, guests viewed wooden dolls and scenery photographs shown at the exhibition. The exhibition will be kept open to the public from 10 am to 4 p.m. till 28 June. Admission is free. The exhibition will be held at the Cultural Museum in Pathein, Ayeyawady Division, from 4 to 8 July.

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(5) Billboards to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking erected in Yangon Division

YANGON, 22 June- Under the leadership of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, ceremonies to erect billboards to hail the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which falls on 26 June were held in Yangon Division this morning. In Mayangon Township, the ceremony to erect the billboard to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was held at Myainghewun Junction at 8 am. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon West District DAC Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein, Chairman of Mayangon Township DAC Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Khin Maung Gyi, members of Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades and local people totalling over
500.

District Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and Township Chairman U Khin Maung Gyi formally opened the billboard. Similarly, the ceremony to erect the billboard to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was held at Hledan Junction, Kamayut Township at 8.15 am today. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon West District DAC Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein, Chairman of Kamayut Township DAC Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Wai Myo Khaing, members of Township Committee for Women's Affairs, MCWA, MANA, USDA, teachers and students, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades and local people totalling over 1,200. Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and U Wai Myo Khaing formally opened the billboard. In Sangyoung Township, the billboard was erected at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Roads at 8.30 am. District Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and Township Chairman U San Win formally opened the billboard. Likewise, the billboard was erected in Mingala Taungnyunt Township at 9 am. Secretary of Yangon East District Peace and Development Council Maj Win Nwe and Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Hla Myint formally opened the billboard.

Minister inspects vegetable patches in Hmawby

YANGON, 22 June-Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, together with directors-general of the departments, inspected vegetable patches, digging of fish ponds, Kyaganzu-Ngazudaung road section and construction of Kyaganzu-Hlegu shot-cut near Kyaganzu Village, Nyaunghnapin Village-tract, Hmawby Township, here, this morning. The minister inspected Kyaganzu-Ngazudaung road section and work carried out for proper drainage on both sides during the rainy season. Then, he inspected earth work being carried out for growing kitchen crops and digging fish ponds. Later, officials reported to the minister on maintenance of the section, progress of road construction in Special Zone 3, vegetable patches of the ministry and digging fish ponds at the briefing hall. The minister next inspected work being carried out at Kyungalay road section, digging drains and left there in the afternoon.

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(6) Mayor inspects paddy cultivation, rice mill, research centre in Uto-kya-in region

YANGON, 22 June- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, accompanied by officials, inspected cultivation of monsoon paddy in Wadaw Gayet area, western part of the production road linking Uto and Kya-in regions in Taikkyi Township this morning. The mayor then inspected 25-ton Rice Mill and gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the mayor inspected the briquette factory and gave instructions on sales of briquettes at the markets at fair prices and production of quality briquettes.

Next, the mayor went to Research Centre for cultivation of paddy and vegetables and inspected reclamation of half an acre each of 200 plots. The mayor gave instructions on digging of drains and preparations for cultivation matters on the model plots.

Hanthawady model agricultural farm inspected

YANGON, 22 June-Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, accompanied by officials, inspected Hanthawady model agricultural farm and Hanthawady saplings nursery camp being undertaken by Parks and Playgrounds Department of YCDC this morning. Deputy Head of PPD U Win Myint and officials of the camp reported on kitchen crop patches for daily sale at the tax-free markets. The vice-mayor left instructions on extended cultivation of seasonal crops and constant sale at the tax-free markets.

Then, he inspected the shops and stalls of Hanthawady tax-free market being undertaken by Markets Department of YCDC, at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Streets, and gave instructions to the officials concerned on systematic supervision in selling of fresh meat, fish and vegetables at reasonable prices, correctness of scales, satisfaction of customers and cleanliness of the surrounding of the market.

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(7)  Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs meets

YANGON, 22 June-The Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs held its coordination meeting (1/2001) at the Office of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement on Swedaw Street in Mayangon Township this morning. It was attended by Chairman of MNCWA Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and committee members, leaders of the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs and guests.

Chairman of MNCWA Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa made an opening speech. Vice-Chairperson of MNWCWA Professor Daw May May Yi read out the message of the chairman. Then, Secretary of MNCWA and MNWCWA Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing reported on progress of work and tasks to be carried out. This was followed by a general round of discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the minister.

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(8) Yangon Division Peace and Development Council holds coord meeting to review undertakings for first four-month period

YANGON, 22 June- Yangon Division Peace and Development Council held the coordination meeting to review undertakings in the first four-months of 2001 and to assign duty for the plans for 2001-2002 fiscal year at the meeting hall of the Yangon Division Peace and Development Council this afternoon. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered an address. Also present at the meeting were Vice-Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Hsan Hsint, division level departmental officials and chairmen of District and Township Peace and Development Councils.

The commander gave instructions on reviewing of strong and weak points of the plans implemented in the first four-monthly period for 2001 and effective implementation of the targeted plans for 2001-2002 fiscal year, cultivation of monsoon paddy to exceed the targeted acres, production of meat, fish and vegetables, security measures, reduction of crimes and tasks to be carried out for development in agriculture and industrial sectors. Yangon Division General Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U San Maung reported on agricultural matters and Director of Yangon Division Planning Department U Shwe on drawing and implementation of plans. Then, the commander gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the commander assigned duties to chairmen of District Peace and Development Councils. for 2001-2002 fiscal year. Then, the commander gave the concluding remarks and the meeting came to an end.
 
Excursion group visits National Defence Museum, USDA headquarters

YANGON, 22 June- At the invitation of Chairman of Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, altogether 50 members of excursion group including members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade from Kyakan Village in Minkin Township, Sagaing Division, arrived at Bayintnaung Transits Centre yesterday morning. The excursion group, accompanied by officials of Department for Development of Border Areas and National Races, visited the Defence Services Museum this morning.

Administrative Officer of the museum Captain Ye Htut Naing and officials conducted the delegation round the museum. The excursion group then visited the National Museum. Assistant Director of Department of Cultural Institute U Htay Myint and officials extended greetings to them. They proceeded to Fire Fighting Training School of Fire Services Department in Mayangon Township in the afternoon. They were welcomed by Deputy Director-General of Fire Services Department U Aung Soe, Director U Zaw Win,  Deputy Director U Tin Aung Aye, Principal of the Training School Assistant Director U Hla Kyi and officials. Principal of the Training School Assistant Director U Hla Kyi extended greetings. Then, the excursion group arrived at the office of USDA  Headquarters at 2 p.m. Head of Office Daw Aye Myint and officials extended greetings to them. Daw Aye Myint
presented gifts to the leader of the delegation. The excursion group then visited Myanmar Red Cross Society. President of MRCS Dr Kyaw Win extended greetings to them. Executive of MRCS Dr Than Swe and officials conducted them round the MRCS.

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(9) Import of Clarias gariepinus (Freshwater catfish) banned

YANGON, 22 June-Fisheries Department of Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, under the Notification No 5/2001, announced today that import, hatching, production, breeding, reproduction, storage and sale of Clarias gariepinus (Freshwater catfish) are banned because they can spoil natural resources and cause extinction of local fish strains. Action will be taken against those who violate the restrictions in the notification according to livestock breeding law.

Tourists arrive by chartered flight 

YANGON, 22 June-The chartered flight Boeing 767 of Qantas Airways of Australia carrying 220 tourists on board arrived at Mandalay International Airport via Hanoi, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, under the arrangement of Exotissimo Travel Co Ltd this afternoon. The tourists were welcomed by officials of the ministry concerned and the Company.

The chartered flight is the first to arrive in Mandalay, and the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism have been making arrangements for arrivals of more chartered flights. The tourists, mostly Australians, will visit Mingun, Amarapura, Sagaing and PyinOoLwin after touring Mandalay. The flight will leave Mandalay for Uzbekistan on 25 June. The officials from the ministry and the Ministry of Transport were providing assistance for the tourists.

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