( 1 ) Secretary-1 hosts dinner in honour of doyen artistes and members of panel of judges

Yangon, 3 Nov- A ceremony to host a dinner for doyen artistes and members of the panel of judges who rendered their services in the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township this evening, attended by Patron of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

 Also present were member of the Panel of Patrons of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of the Leading Committee member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, members of the Panel of Patrons ministers and the Yangon Mayor, Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and members, members of Work Committees and Sub-committees, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, members of the Central Panel of Judges, members of the Panel of Judges from States and Divisions, managers from States and Divisions and guests. U Hla Win and Daw Thida Swe of Myanma Radio and Television acted masters of ceremonies.

The Secretary-1 said the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions have been successfully held. He said doyen artistes actively rendered assistance to the competitions in spite of their old age. The government honoured their goodwill and artistic strength, he added. He said Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions are held every year on a grand scale as part of an effort by the government to preserve and promote the traditional cultural heritage and performing arts and to inculcate a sense of patriotism and nationalism in all citizens, especially in the youth. At a time when information and communication technology has significantly developed, some developed nations have gained an upper hand in every aspect. Therefore, developing nations have to make efforts in order not to lag behind others in the process of international developments and changes, he said.

 Only when continuous efforts can be made for the preservation, promotion and safeguarding of the national culture and characteristics with national awareness, can the dignity of the nation be enhanced. If the people failed to do so, their national characteristics would be lost. If the national culture is lost, national spirit and patriotism will be lost as well and the country will invariably fall into the clutches of other countries. That is why the government is revitalizing and preserving the historical tradition of Myanmar and ancient cultural heritage of high standard. The Secretary-1 spoke at length on excavation and research on the origin of the human race carried out in Pontaung Ponnya region, excavation of ancient cities, efforts for the preservation of traditional culture such as restoration and renovation of pagodas, religious buildings and old palaces, and efforts to make popular ten Myanma traditional arts and crafts among the people.

He added that social and cultural courses are being conducted for spiritual development of the youth especially,the youth of new generation. He also spoke on arrangements for traditional costumes shows and exhibitions, and cultural and social activities included in school curriculua and designed to nurture students according to the all-round education system. Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions play a vital role in promoting the spiritual development of new generation youths in a proper way. Although the government, the artistes and the people are striving to preserve the national culture and traditions, there are some artistes who have failed to resist the penetration of the alien culture, let themselves being carried away in the current trend and taken the wrong path due to the tricks of some businessmen. It is necessary to organize them to get back on the right path of the national cause. Due to the holding of Myanmar traditional cultural performing arts competitions, the youth of today have come to entertain a sense of cherishing traditional culture, cultural mores, patriotism and national pride, and have been able to resist the penetration of the alien culture.

 The successful holding of Myanmar traditional cultural performing arts competitions and the emergence of invaluable good results can be attributed to the active leadership and efforts of doyen artistes. Before the competition began, the doyen artistes went to states and divisions and gave talks and lectures on Myanmar traditional culture. They also gave talks on the competitions on MRTV and Myawady TV, and they provided close supervision for the competitions. As the government is giving encouragement to doyen artistes to take the lead in Myanmar traditional cultural performing arts competitions, the good results of maintaining Myanmar traditional cultural heritage have emerged. The artistes of new generation who are able to accept the artistic heritage to be bequeathed by doyen artistes have emerged.

Drama shows and marionette drama shows, which were almost on the wane, have been able to make a comeback. There have emerged opportunities for the artistes of new generation to gain the artistic heritage of doyen artistes. Artistes, who were previously out of the limelight, have been popular again, and there are favourable conditions which can help promote the artistic talent of the youth of new generation. The Secretary-1 also called on doyen artistes to try their utmost to extend the area of preservation of Myanmar culture, to pass on artistic and literary heritage to the youth of new generation and to further promote the traditional culture. He also urged them to cooperate with the government in striving to ensure that Myanmar traditional culture steeped in history is flourishing forever, that the youth of today respect the national culture and characteristics, that the youth cherish and preserve the traditional culture, and that the penetration of alien culture can be prevented. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said, " May doyen artistes be healthy in body and mind and be able to live for over hundred years. May they be able to bequeath artistic inheritance to the artistes of new generation who will continue to preserve it. May they be able to strive for the success of coming Myanmar traditional cultural performing arts competitions.

 The Secretary-1 presented certificates of honour to elderly doyen artistes, judges, and members of the panel of judges for the Competitions (Central). Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than presented certificates of honour to members of the panel of judges (Central) for song competitions and members from states and divisions. Member of Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Minister for Culture U Win Sein presented certificates of honour to members of the panel of judges (Central) for the dance competitions, and members for the song competitions from states and divisions. Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San presented certificates of honour to members of the panel of judges (Central) for the Maha Janaka Drama competition and members from states and divisions, members of the panel of judges (Central) for the Buridat Drama Marionette Competition and members from states and divisions.

 Member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung presented certificates of honour to members of the panel of judges (Central) for the song composing competitions and members from states and divisions. Member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe presented certificates of honour to members of the panel of judges (Central) for the harp competition and piano competition and members from states and divisions, members of the panel of judges (Central) for the xylophone competition and oboe competition and members from states and divisions. Member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay presented certificates of honour to members of the panel of judges (Central) for the individual saing competition and saing group competition and members from states and divisions.

Vice-Chairman of Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt presented certificates of honour to members of the panel of judges (Central) for the Ozi and Dobat competitions and members from states and divisions, those who opened Myanma traditional cultural courses in states and divisions for the Competitions, team managers from states and divisions and masters of ceremonies. On behalf of members of the panel of judges, member Tekkatho Maung Hsanda of Magway Division spoke words of thanks. Dancer Daw Ahmar Sein and Ma Nan Yin Min Tun of Shan State, who won the second prize for basic education level (aged 10-15) dance competition, entertained those present with dance. Vocalist Daw Yee Yee Thant and U Thein Kyi, who won the first prize for professional level (men's) mandolin competition, entertained those present with the song titled ÒMann Taung Letya ".

 Maung Star Bo Htet and group, who won the first prize for basic education level (aged 10-15) Ozi group competition, presented entertainment to the audience. Pantra U Kyi Lin and Maung Ya Pyi of Yangon Division, who won the first prize for basic education level (aged 15-20) dance competition, entertained those present with dance. Accompanied by vocalists U Tun Shwe and Daw Hta, Sao Htet Shine of Myainggyingu in Kayin State and Ma Aye Theint Theint Kyaw of Kayah State presented duet dance. Artistes presented singing the song to mark the conclusion of the Competitions composed by Gitalulin U Ko Ko, and the ceremony came to an end. The Secretary-1 presented cash awards to new generation artistes, who entertained those present at the ceremony. After the ceremony, a dinner was hosted in honour of artistes and members of the Panel of Judges who contributed to the Competitions.

( 2 ) Judges of Myanmar ASEAN Art Awards leave for home

Yangon, 3 Nov-Three experts of ASEAN countries who acted as members of Myanmar ASEAN Art Awards and two representatives of Philip Morris Companies Group left here for home by air yesterday evening. Myanmar ASEAN Art Awards is sponsored by Philip Morris Companies Group with the support of Office of the Defence Services Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Defence and ASEAN Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They were seen off at the airport by U Sein Myo Myint, U Pagyi Soe Moe and U Min Wai Aung who gave assistance for holding the competition and officials. The three judges Prof Ms Somporn Rodboon of Changmai Art University, Thailand, President Mr Thomas Yeo of Modern Art Society, Singapore and Director Mr Kwok Kian Chow of Singapore Art Museum arrived here on 31 October.

The Panel of Judges comprises the three experts, Artist U Lun Kywe and retired artist of Mandalay Division U Tun Sein of Myanmar selected artists for competition at Traders Hotel on 1 November. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win hosted a dinner in honour of the judges and representatives of Philip Morris Companies Group at Karaweik Palace at 7 pm on 1 November. It was attended by Deputy Chief of Defence Services Intelligence Bureau Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Chairman U Thaung Han and executives of Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Office of the Defence Services Intelligence Bureau, U Sein Myo Myint, U Pagyi Soe Moe and U Min Wai Aung who gave assistance for holding the competition and guests.

The guests viewed traditional dance show of Karaweik Palace Cultural Troupe before the dinner was served. The judges and representatives yesterday visited the Myanmar Gallery of Contemporary Art on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Golden Valley Art Centre in Shwe Taung Gya Ward, Bahan Township, Inya Gallery of Art on Inya Road, New Treasure Art Gallery on Than Lwin Road and Artist Life Art Gallery No 2 on Inya Myaing Road. A total of 65 artists from all over the country were chosen in preliminary selection as first step for Myanmar ASEAN Art Awards. The list of temtatively selected artists will be announced soon.

Third educative youth training camp of Yangon Division MCWA opens

Yangon, Nov 3-A ceremony to open third educative youth training camp sponsored by the Supervisory Committee of Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association under the supervision of MMCWA Supervisory Committee was held at Pyidaungzu Hall of Kyaik-kasan gymnasium here this morning with an opening address by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than.

 It was attended by Vice-Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint and members, Chairperson of MMCWA Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and central executive committee members, Patron of Supervisory Committee of Yangon Division MCWA Daw Marlar Tint and members of panel of patrons, Chairman of the committee Dr Tin Maung Win and members, sponsors of the training and youth delegates from four districts in Yangon Division. First, the commander made a speech.

Then, Chairman of Supervisory Committee of Yangon Division MCWA Dr Tin Maung Win presented a commemorative gift to the commander. Next, Patron of Supervisory Committee of Yangon Division MCWA Daw Marlar Tint presented commemorative gifts to Chairperson of MMCWA Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe. Then, the ceremony came to a close. A total of 38 youth delegates from four districts in Yangon Division are attending the training which will last till November 8.

( 3 ) Commerce Minister receives Malaysian guests

Yangon, 3 Nov - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Chairman of Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Barnas) Co Mr Dato Seri Mohamad Noor Abdul Rahim of Malaysia and party at his office on Strand Road at 1 pm today. Present at the call were Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of the Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials. Managing Director Dr Larry CY Wong of Adviser to Group of Padiberas Nasional Berhad and Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung signed an agreement on trading for the second time.

( 4 )  Merits shared for Maha Padanika Minzani Taikkyaung in Mingala Taungnyunt

Yangon, 3 Nov - A ceremony to share merits gained for Maha Padanika Minzani Taikkyaung constructed at a cost of K 10 million donated by U Nyo Min-Daw Ohn Mar Lwin of Minzani Co and family and others by lay persons was held at the Taikkyaung of Hsutaungpyi Kyaungtaik near Thakayta Bridge on Upper Pazundaung Street, Mingala Taungnyunt Township, this morning.

Present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Aungmyebon-san Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Pan–inda-bhivamsa and member Sayadaws, members of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee, Township Sangha Nayaka Committee and Ward Sangha Nayaka Committee, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister U Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, departmental heads and wellwishers.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from the Vice-Chairman Sayadaw. Members of the Sangha recited Parittas. The minister, the deputy ministers and wellwishers presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Presiding Nayaka of Hsutaungpyi Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Sasanadhaja Siripavara Dhammacariya Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Sumana Nanda delivered a sermon. Then, the merits gained were shared, and the ceremony came to an end.

( 5 ) Lumbini Ingyin saplings planted in Maha Lawka Yanthi Eindawya pagoda in Chanayethazan Township

Yangon, 3 Nov-A ceremony to plant Lumbini Ingyin saplings was held in the precincts of Maha Lawka Yanthi Eindawya pagoda in Chanayethazan Township in Mandalay on 1 November. Present were members of the Sangha led by Joint Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw of Mahwizitayon Kyaung Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Vica-rindabhivamsa, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Mayor of Mandalay Maj-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, senior military officers, Secretary of Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Ohn, departmental officials, social associations, members of Pagoda board of Trustees and guests. Members of Sangha, the commander and officials planted 45 Ingyin saplings at the designated places. After the ceremony, the commander visited Maha Lawka Yanthi Eindawya pagoda.

 The commander attended a ceremony to present K one million to Mandalay Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association Supervisory Committee by Super Taung Co at Division MCWA office. U Win Swe of Super Taung Co presented the donation to member of Division MCWA Supervisory Committee Daw Yin Yin Shwe and U Aung Maw Thein of Gold Roast Co 10 cartons of calcium quaker to Daw Nan Mya Aye. Chairman of Mandalay Division MCWA Supervisory Committee Head of Mandalay Division Health Department Dr Than Tun Oo thanked the donors. The commander also attended a ceremony to recite religious verses at Maha Atula Waiyan (Atumashi) Kyaung-daw in Aungmyethazan Township. The Congregation received the Nine Precepts from Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Masoe-yein Taikthit Sayadaw Bhad-danta Sirinandabhivamsa. The commander supplicated on religious matters.

 The commander and officials presented robes and offertories to the members of the Sangha. The mayor and wife presented offertories to nuns, and the commander and officials gifts to those who participated in the ceremony. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sarindabhivamsa delivered a sermon. Members of wut associations recited metta sutta. The commander visited Hsutaungpyi Pagoda on Mandalay Hill offered lights to the Pagoda, Shwetoemyin Pagoda, Tooth Relic Pagoda (Mandalay) and Nanmyo Hsutaungpyi Pagoda.

( 6 )  Cash donated to MWJA

 Yangon, 3 Nov Ñ Palmist U San Tin Aung (Shwebo), in commemoration of opening of his new office, donated K 100,000 to the funds of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association at the new office at No 290, Pyay Road, Myenigon, Sangyoung Township, this afternoon. Present were MWJA Joint-Secretary U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) and CEC members, doyen writers and invited guests. The palmist explained the purpose of the donation and presented K 100,000 to the Joint-Secretary, who presented a certificate of honour to him. MWJA CEC member Naing Ngant Gonyi Sarpaytaik Chief Editor Lt-Col Ohn Maung (Retd) spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to a close.