( 1 ) Authorities save six ethnic young women from being sent to other country by human trafficking agent

Yangon, 24 Sept - The authorities were able to save six ethnic young women from being sent to the other country by a human trafficking agent on 20 September. The authorities found the six together with a young man at Mandalay International Airport while they were going to board a plane to fly to Tachilek, and then continue to enter the other country from the town.

Officials of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council and Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council and members of Women's Affairs Committees cordially met the six young women, gave words of encouragement, explained the difficulties they would face in the other country, and handed them over to their parents. As they looked suspicious, the authorities inquired them and found that the six young women from Kyaukme and Kutkai townships were deceived by the agent, Sai Thein Aung, with false promise of jobs in Maesai in Yodaya. A native of Khomon village in Kyaukme Township, Sai Thein Aung has worked in Maesai since two years ago.

Officials of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council and Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs met with them on 22 September and explained the dangers for the women working abroad as the existing laws in Myanmar were not able to protect them there. The officials also told them that they would enjoy economic prosperity under peace and security if they choose to work in their own country. Then, the officials handed them over to Shan State (North) Working Committee for Women's Affairs. The members of Shan State (North) Working Committee for Women's Affairs took the six young women to Lashio. On 23 September, officials of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council and Shan State (North) Working Committee for Women's Affairs met with the women, asking them not to make efforts to go abroad for work another time as they could work in Myanmar under protection of the existing laws and the assistance of the State.

The officials then sent back the young women to their parents. Plans are under way to take severe action against Sai Thein Aung for his attempts to deceive and take innocent young women abroad.

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Sagaing Division Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions concludes

Yangon, 24 Sept - A ceremony to present prizes to winners of the tenth Sagaing Division Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions took place at the City Hall in Sagaing on 15 September evening.

The prize winning students of the competitions (basic education level) presented entertainment programmes to the audience. Then, Daw Sao Thidar, wife of the deputy commander, presented the first prize for basic education high school level girls' modern songs contest to Ma Nyein Ei Kyaw; Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Soe Myint, the first prize for BEHS level boys' modern songs contest to Maung Myo Zaw; wife of the commander, the first prize for girls' religious songs contest to Ma Win Cho Oo; and Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing, the special prize for BEHS level classical songs contest to Ma Kyu Kyu Khaing, and the first prize for BEHS level religious songs contest to Maung Bo Bo Lin.

After the ceremony, the commander and those present watched the entertainment programmes presented by the prize winners.

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Commander inspects regional development in Loilem District

Yangon, 24 Sept - Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, accompanied by Brig-Gen Nyunt Hlaing of Loilem Station and officials concerned, arrived at Kholan Village in Namhsan Township on 18 September.

At the briefing hall, the commander met with Senior Engineer of Loilem District U Myint Thet and officials and gave instructions on maintenance and extension of roads including Taunggyi-Tarkaw Road. In the afternoon, the commander proceeded to the office of Myanma Agriculture Service, Kengtaung Station Hospital and Kengtaung Basic Education High School. The commander inspected and fulfilled their requirements.

At 6 pm, the commander arrived at Tarkon Mingalar TatU Monastery and donated offertories to Sayadaw U Kovida. He then supplicated religious matters to the Sayadaw.

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Commander inspects construction of Mawlamyine industrial zone

Yangon, 24 Sept - Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung, arrived at the site of construction for the industrial zone in Mawlamyine Township on 19 September afternoon.

At the briefing hall, Chairman of Mawlamyine District Lt-Col Thaw Zin reported on progress in construction of the industrial zone to the commander. Next, the officials concerned also reported on completion of land allotment in the industrial zone, power supply and use, entrepreneurs' workshops and their services to the commander. After hearing the reports, the commander fulfilled their requirements and inspected round the industrial zone. The commander gave necessary instructions to the officials.

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( 2 ) SEAISA Travelling Seminar

2002 held Yangon, 24 Sept - Under the joint sponsorship of Myanmar Industries Association and South East Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI), the SEAISA Travelling Seminar 2002 was held at the Traders Hotel this morning. Chairman of the MIA U Htein Win made a speech on the occasion. Mr Gary Newby, Mr Takeshi Katayama, Mr Ho Chang-Ching, Mr Mark Flint, Mr Kim Hyo-Hwan, Mr Takeshi Kuwajima and Dr Jeon Song-Woo of the SEAISI presented matters related to iron and steel industries.

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Myanmar delegation leaves for Japan

Yangon, 24 Sept - At the invitation of Myanmar Japan Relations Centre (MJRC), a 20-member delegation of Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association led by Joint-Secretary of the association Daw Hla Wady and Joint-Treasurer Daw Tin Myint left here by air for Japan yesterday evening to attend the Business Messe 2002 to be held in Tokyo, Japan, from 23 to 29 September. The Myanmar delegation will meet with the members of Osaka Chamber of Commerce, Japan Women Association and observe the businesses there.

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UMFCCI President meets Japanese guests

Yangon, 24 Sept - President Mr Takariro Furukawa, Vice-President Mr Mamoru Nakamura, Treasure Mr Yasuteru Akashi and General Secretary Mr Tomohiro Ando of Japan Chamber of Commerce-Yangon (JCCY) called on President U Win Myint of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Vice-President U Win Aung, General Secretary U Zaw Min Win and Central Executive Committee members at UMFCCI Building of 504/506, Merchant Street, this morning. They cordially discussed boosting cooperation between the chambers in the two countries, promotion of investment and commercial tasks and the discussions between executives of the two countries in coming October.

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Chinese guests meet D-G of Directorate of Hotels & Tourism

Yangon, 24 Sept - Visiting Deputy Secretary-General Mr Gutiming and party of Kunming Municipal, Yunnan Province, met with Director-General U Khin Maung Latt of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism this afternoon. They cordially discussed cooperation in tourism services between Myanmar and China.

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Cuban delegation arrives

Yangon, 24 Sept - At the invitation of the Union Solidarity and Development Association a Cuban delegation led by Vice-President Mrs Evangelina Seoane Domingues of Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples of Cuba arrived here this morning.

( 3 ) Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's Shield Chess Tournament opens

Yangon, 24 Sept - A ceremony to open the Commander-in Chief of Defence Services' Shield Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Chess Tournament was held at the Station Gymnasium of South-West Command Headquarters in Pathein Township on 23 September.

On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe delivered an address and formally opened the chess tournament by making the first move in the chess board. Altogether 20 teams representing the Commands, LIDs, Defence Services Navy and Air are taking part in the tournament which will be held up to 4 October.

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Basic martial arts course opened in Shan State

Yangon, 24 Sept - The opening ceremony of the basic martial arts course No 1/2002, organized by the Shan State Prevention of Violence Against Women and Rehabilitation Work Group under the Shan State Working Committee for Women's Affairs, was held at Kyargaung Hall in Taunggyi on 19 September morning.

Patron of the Supervisory Committee for Shan State MCWA Daw Win Win Nu gave a speech. Joint-Secretary of Shan State Prevention of Violence Against Women and Rehabilitation Work Group Deputy Commander of Shan State Police Force Police Lt-Col Tin Thaung explained the purpose of opening the course.

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Midwifery training course concludes in Kayah State

Yangon, 24 Sept - Under the arrangements of the rural health development project, the midwifery training course No 3/2002, co-organized by Kayah State Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department and Health Department, concluded at the city hall in Loikaw, on 18 September morning.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of Regional Working Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races Chairman of Kayah State Peace and Development Council Col Thein Swe, local authorities, departmental officials, social organizations, local national race members, instructors and trainees. At the ceremony, Col Thein Swe gave a speech and Head of Kayah State Health Department Dr Tin Win Kyaw explained matters related to the course.

Then, Kayah State Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Thein Swe presented prizes to the outstanding trainees and Dr Tin Win Kyaw, completion certificates to the trainees. Altogether 52 trainees attended the six-month course.

( 4 ) Rules for 58th Armed Forces Day Poetry competition announced

Yangon, 24 Sept - Honouring of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which falls on March 27, 2003, a poetry competition to be held by the Observance Committee for Poems and Arts Competitions chaired by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu) was anounced today.

Rules are as follows: Competitors are to reflect the objectives of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and fine traditions of the Tatmadaw historical events that featured national characteristics of the Konbaung Era (AD 1824), the Independence Era (from 1948 to 1988) and the State Peace and Development Council Era, religious undertakings, nation-building endeavours, efforts to ensure peace and the drug elimination activities of the State Peace and Development Council. The poem contest is divided into two categories professional one and novice one.

Prize-winners of the Armed Forces Commemorative Day Poem Competitions and the National Motto and Poem Competitions, the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners and the prize-winners (poem) of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award and the National Literary Award winners are to take part in the professional level competitions and those who have never won these prizes and awards are to participate in the novice one. But those who have ever won these prizes and awards, on their own accord, may take part in the professional level. It is needed to send the entry, systematically composed and clearly written on one side of the page and two copies also needed to be sent. The entry must be own creation of the contestants.

Name, pen name, parents' names, educational qualifications, occupation and address are to be sent together with two postcard-size colour photos to Lt-Col Ohn Maung (Retd) (Myinmu Maung Naing Moe), Chief Editor of Naing-Ngan Gonyi Publishing House, No 529/531, Merchant Sarpay Beikman Building, Yangon, not later than 31-1-2003.

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Entries invited to Armed Forces Day Commemorative Photo Competition

Yangon, 24 Sept - The 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literary and Photo Competition Organizing Work Committee has already announced that it will hold photo competitions. The titles of colour photo competitions are "Developing Myanmar" and "Preserving Cultural Heritage" and four entries can be presented for each title. Entries must be print photos by the size of at least 10x12 inches.

Those who won first, second and third prizes in the previous years will be categorized into a separate group and there will be a great chance for new competitors. Data and captions are to be described in a separate sheet of paper and to be attached to the entries. Entries must be own creation and must not be prize-winning works in any other competitions. Handsome prizes will be presented to first, second and third prize-winners as well as consolation prize-winners of each competition. The first, second and third prizes will be presented at the ceremony to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day to be held in Yangon on 27 March while the consolation prizes will be presented at the ceremony to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day to be held at the respective commands.

Entries are to be sent to Director U Tun Min (Information/Public Relations) of Information and Public Relations Department, No 22/24, Pansodan Street, Yangon, not later than 14 February 2003.

( 5 ) Armed Forces Day painting, sculpture competitions to be held

Yangon, 24 Sept - As a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which falls on 27 March 2003, the subcommittee for the holding of painting and sculpture competition and exhibition of the work committee for the organizing of poem and arts competition led by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htila Sitthu) as chairman announced that the painting and sculpture competition will be held with the following rules.

The painting competition will be divided into six categories the first for pre-primary school level, the second for junior primary school level (kindergarten to second grade), the third for senior primary school level (third grade and fourth grade), the fourth for middle school level (fifth grade to eighth grade), the fifth for high school level (ninth grade to technological and agricultural high schools) and the sixth for professional level. There will be only one category in the sculpture competition, the wood sculpture and the plaster sculpture at professional level.

Anyone may take part in both. In the painting competition from kindergarten to high school levels, the size of the entry must be 15" x 20", and 20" x 30" for professional level. Name, NRC No, class, school, township, date of birth, father's name, address must be expressed on the back of the painting, with three 1.5" x 2"-size photos attached. For students, the endorsement of the schoolhead is needed. For the sculpture competition, the height of the entry must not be over 36" and its circumference not longer than 24". At the foot of the sculpture, name, NRC No, date of birth, father's name, address must be shown, with three 1.5" x 2"-size photos attached and send the entry right to Tatmadaw Convention Centre, U Wisaya Road, between 1 and 3 March 2003. All the entries, painting or sculpture, must reflect the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw.

Entries of both professional levels should be sent to Secretary, Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central), Pabedan Township, Yangon, not later than 1 March 2003 or to Secretary, Subcommittee for the Holding of Painting and Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, U Wisaya Road, Tatmadaw Convention Centre, Yangon, between 1 and 3 March 2003. Entries of students all over Myanmar should be sent to Development Division, Education Planning and Training Department, Natmauk Street, Bahan Township, Yangon, not later than 15th February 2003. Apart from the entries for both competition, other paintings and sculptures may be sent to be displayed at the exhibition to be opened in honour of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.

Those paintings and sculptures must also featured the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw and should be sent directly to Tatmadaw Convention Centre, U Wisaya Road, between 1 and 5 March 2003.

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Armed Forces Day military and marching song competitions to be held

Yangon, 24 Sept - As a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which falls on 27 March 2003, the subcommittee for holding of the military and marching song competition of the work committee for the organizing of poem and arts competition led by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htila Sitthu) as chairman announced that military and marching song competitions for the armed forces day will be held.

There will be only one category, professional level, for the military marching song competition, while the military song competition is grouped into two categories, level 1 and level 2. First, second and third prizes as well as consolation prizes will be awarded. Rules of the competitions are as follows: In military marching song competition, any one will be allowed to take part in it as the professional level. In military song competition, there will be two levels level 1 and level 2. For the military marching song competition, songs composed must be based on the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw.

Composers and vocalists are not entitled to compete in level 2 of the military song competition nor those who stood first, second or third in level 2 of last year's military song competition. They are to enter to level 1. Only a song is allowed for individuals or groups. Entry songs must be in accord with military song composing techniques. Military song must be in Myanmar melody and mode as well as in own tune. The time of the song must be from 4 to 6 minutes. There will be a preliminary contest for entry songs with strong vocals and suitable music. Only a song must be recorded on and entry cassette or a reel. A suitable title may be given. Words of the entry song with its ten typed copies and an origin of its music notes must be attached to the cassette or reel. The brief autobiography of the entrant and the singer together with three passport size colour photos must be sent. Those tentatively selected will be informed.

The tentatively selected songs must be re-recorded and are to compete for final. Entry songs should be sent to U Ko Ko Htwe, Secretary, Subcommittee for the Holding of Military and Marching Song Competitions, Myanma Radio and Television, Pyay Road, Yangon, not later than 31 December 2002.

( 6 ) MWJA CEC meeting held

Yangon, 24 Sept - The Central Executive Committee of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association held the meeting No 9/2002 on the second floor of Sarpay Beikman building this afternoon. U Khin Swe (Shwe Sun Nyo) acted as master of ceremonies and Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) gave a speech. Then, Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) reported on implementation of the minutes decided in the meeting No 8/2002.

Next, group leaders reported on their respective sectors and future tasks. Afterwards, those present took part in the discussions. Later, the meeting laid down the future tasks. Then, the chairman gave instructions on holding the 1364 ME Sarsodaw Day ceremony and the ceremony to pay respects to doyen literati on a grand scale. The meeting ended at 2 pm.

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