Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1200
Ks.
63
PHOTO: BOOTHEE
PAGE
Page 2
A local fisherman made a surprising haul from the Hlaing River last week, dragging up a North American alligator gar. The prehistoric-looking 29 beast was sold at market to Nyi Min Htut, who took it home before deciding that the scales on the fish were unusually tough. He sought a professional opinion. I brought the sh to the Fisheries Enterprise because I have never seen a sh like this before, Nyi Min Htut told Eleven Media. General Secretary of Myanmar Fisheries Federation Win Kyaing set about inspecting the creature from the deep, and correctly identified the fish because of the dual row of large teeth in the upper jaw which, along with the elongated snout, resemble an alligator, Eleven reported. The Ministrys Win Kyaing expressed concern at the potential impact the alligator gar could be having on native fish populations. While hailing from North America, alligator gars have been spotted as far aeld as Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Turkmenistan. They are reportedly popular as trophy sh, as well as being considered quite the addition to Japanese private aquariums. The largest alligator gar on record was caught in the Mississippi River in 2011, weighing in at some 148kg and measuring over 2.5m in length.
Pope 2.0
The cover of a 70s audio story tape, Common World, by composer Naing Linn, with Htun Wai, Hla Min Htet and Myo Aung.
Pope Francis delivered his rst World Communication Day message last week, using the occasion to wax lyrical about the internet. This is something truly good, a gift from God, he gushed. The 77-year-old is an avid Twitter user, whose account has garnered some four million (online) followers. The pontiff described the digital highway as a street teeming with people who are often hurting: men and women looking for salvation or hope. In what sounds more like a ringing endorsement for Craigslist than an address by the head of the Catholic Church, he went on to urge people not to isolate themselves from society by seeking salvation online. It is not enough to be passersby on the digital highways Connections need to grow into true encounters, he said.
Thin Zar Nwe Win for NOW! magazine. Photo: Pyae Han ( ColorMax)
Style
Statement
www.mmtimes.com
News 3
WA LONE
walone14@gmail.com
A MEETING of armed ethnic groups at the Karen National Unions headquarters in Hlaingbwe township continued for a sixth day on January 25, with leaders apparently unable to agree on how to proceed with the governments proposed nationwide ceasere agreement. The conference, at Law Khee Lar in the Karen National Liberation Armys Brigade 7 area, opened on January 20 and was expected to run for three days. Talks focused on the draft ceasere that will be discussed at the next peace meeting with the government, which, already twice delayed, is scheduled for Hpa-an in late February. The framework and timeline for political dialogue, which is expected to begin after the nationwide ceasere is signed, was also a topic of lengthy discussions. The groups considered a new draft ceasere proposed by the government peace team with input from the military, parliament and Presidents Office following disagreements at the Myitkyina talks in November.
I would like to urge everyone to grab this opportunity ... without delay.
General Mutu Say Poe Karen National Union chairman
Thailand-based group Fortify Rights reported the number to be about 40, a gure the government denies. U Ye Htut, deputy information minister and government spokesperson, called the reports wholly and totally wrong, while state media singled out reports from AP and Irrawaddy, labelling them groundless. The New Light of Myanmar reported on January 23 that a police patrol searching for Sgt Aung Kyaw Thein was attacked after it approached a shop where about 20 Rohingya men referred to in the report as Bengalis were sitting on the night of January 13. The group soon grew into a 100-strong mob, the government says, which forced the police to retreat. Police returned later with members of a local battalion to nd about 500 had now gathered in the village. They red warning shots to disperse the crowd, the report said. Police are looking for 19 suspects, some of them members of the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), a Bangladesh-based armed group. Of the 19, the report said, 11 had ed to an unnamed neighbouring country where they were attempting to win awards from the RSO for attacking members of the Myanmar Police Force. The report made no mention of civilian deaths or mass arrests of Rohingya males. As reports began to emerge from the area, the United States and United Kingdom issued a joint statement on January 17 calling for a probe into the violence. British Foreign Secretary William Hague took to social media site Twitter on January 23 to say that he was sickened by the reports and that the UK will press for action. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, meanwhile, called on the government to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and urged Myanmar politicians exercise their inuence for the sake of peace, tolerance and community reconciliation MORE ON NEWS 4
4 News
CONTINUED FROM NEWS 3 Secretary general Iyad Ameen Madani said the violence violated the basic rights of the Rohingya Muslims to be protected as citizens and as a minority by their own government. Fortify Rights and Human Rights Watch joined the international community in calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged massacre. The government should end the mass arrests of Muslim men and boys and ensure due process rights for all those detained in areas surrounding the site of recent mass killings of Rohingya, Fortify Rights said in a release. Unfettered access to the area should be granted to humanitarian organisations, independent observers, and national and international media. Human Rights Watch echoed these calls. The denial of access to the area by the authorities is the root cause of the uncertainty over deaths and civilian displacement, said David Mathieson, the groups Myanmar researcher. We know something very bad has happened and continues to happen. The government needs to provide immediate access to humanitarian agencies, the media and independent investigators to establish the facts.
EI EI TOE LWIN
eieitoelwin@gmail.com
PYIDAUNGSU Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann has backed Daw Aung San Suu Kyis call for four-way talks on the 2008 constitution. The government has already rejected the proposal, which would bring together the National League for Democracy leader, U Shwe Mann, President U Thein Sein and Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, on the grounds it would undermine the process underway in parliament. But Thura U Shwe Mann said on January 23 that he supported the idea. I welcome any meeting that can contribute to the development of our country, the speaker said. Ive already told her that I welcome and support it ... If she tries again I will accept the proposal. However, he said he would not intervene to push President U Thein Sein and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to participate as they have the right to decide freely. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has vowed to continue her push for the meeting, which she rst proposed in November. She told reporters on January 13 that she will never give up. I will continue working on this. Among her chief concerns is the eligibility criteria for the presidency, contained in section 59(f ) which currently bars her from the top job because her sons are British citizens. Under proposed changes submitted by the Union Solidarity and Development Party to the parliamentary review committee, the criteria would change slightly but the NLD leader would remain ineligible. Thura U Shwe Mann said he was not opposed to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi becoming president but the
eligibility criteria is not the only focus of the parliamentary review, which is scheduled for completion by the end of January. I will welcome whoever becomes president. I will also welcome Daw Aung San Suu Kyi if she becomes president, he said. But we dont pay particular attention to 59(f ) when we discuss changing the constitution. We are mostly taking into account the sections that do not meet the needs of ethnic groups, such as national reconciliation, self-administration and equality. I cant say what will happen in the hluttaw. We will work according to the desire of the majority
If [Daw Aung San Suu Kyi] tries again I will support the proposal.
Thura U Shwe Mann Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker
and according to the law. He said USDP is willing to cooperate with the NLD and all other parties in the interests of the country but the party will ght hard for victory in the 2015 election. The speaker also said he is happier with his role in parliament than as a military official. At the time of the dissolution of the State Peace and Development Council in March 2011 he was the third-highest ranking general in the military, behind only then-Senior General Than Shwe and Vice Senior General Maung Aye. I worked for freedom and justice under the previous government but there were limitations, he said. Now I can freely decide [how to act].
6 News
SANDAR LWIN
sdlsandar@gmail.com
SOME of the countrys leading political analysts have released a rather bleak prognosis for 2014, arguing that only large doses of optimism and patience will stop the governments reform program falling apart in the face of numerous unresolved problems. They pointed to widespread poverty, anger over land grabbing and rural indebtedness, poisonous religious and racial issues, disputes over the constitution and growing political tension as the 2015 election approaches as potential stumbling blocks for the government. These factors, combined with what they described as the countrys immature democratic mindset, have already created a tense situation that threatens to boil over at any moment. 2014 will be a period of serious tension, said Moe Thee Zon, a former chairman of All Burma Students Democratic Front who recently returned from political exile. We have, in politics, the 2008 [constitution] issue, ceaseres with ethnic armed forces that now appear to be at a stalemate, and issues such as how to manage power sharing and resource sharing demands, he said. And it looks as though there will be no quick solution to the economic problems Another [problematic] issue is land grabbing. The unemployment rate is also 37 percent. When combined these conditions do not bode well for [stability in 2014]. Moe Thee Zon was one of a number of political analysts and formerly exiled politicians who discussed the countrys political developments and challenges for 2014 at a seminar in Yangon on January 10. Organised by the Former Political Prisoner group, it drew about 600 people to Bahans Royal Rose Restaurant. U Ye Naing Aung, a former secretary general of Democratic Party for a New Society, said that the government needed to show a stronger commitment to reform to keep the trajectory on track. I think in some ways the governments political will and commitment to reform is still unclear, the former political prisoner said. For example, the political will
A participant speaks at a meeting of Rakhine people in Yangon in September. The religious conflict in Rakhine State will remain a hot political issue in 2014. Photo: Boothee
in implementing measures for the development of small- and mediumsized enterprises is not strong enough. Then, compare it with the effort that went into hosting the Southeast Asian Games. Given the lack of strong institutions, much continues to depend on political leadership and the countrys decision makers maintaining cooperative relationships. Democratic institutions are still just in their early stages, said analyst U Kyaw Win, who shot to prominence around the 2010 election. In a situation like Myanmars, strong institutions are critical but developing institutions takes time so until that can be achieved, we will have to rely on leadership instead. In particular, farsighted leadership is critically important. But with the challenges come opportunities to show visionary leadership. Progress toward ending the countrys civil wars and resolving constitutional dispute through political dialogue could solidify support for the reform process. The best chance to draw trust is the 2008 constitution issue, U Ye
Naing Aung said. If we can adhere to a common agreement between all political forces on the constitution, optimism about the reform process moving beyond 2015 will increase not only here but also internationally. In July, parliament formed a 109-member committee to review the constitution. The committee has received more than 28,000 submissions, and more than 300,000
Theres a strong chance that the amendments [to the constitution] will not be the ones that the majority of people want.
U Kyaw Win Political commentator
suggestions in total, and is sorting them so they can be put to parliament. At the same time, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is pushing for four-way talks with President U Thein Sein, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann. Missing from this picture are ethnic groups, including non-state armies, who will also have to be brought into the conversation on the countrys future. The government has said it plans to hold a conference of all armed and unarmed political forces, in the spirit of the 1947 Pinlon conference, but getting all these actors to nd common ground will be a tricky task. One thing for sure is that [the 2008 constitution] will be amended by the existing parliament. It will denitely happen, said U Kyaw Win. But theres a strong chance that the amendments they make will not be the ones that the majority of people want and agree are needed. He stressed the importance of a political pact between the reformers on the government side and moderates from the opposition.
The reformers from the old government should be able to control their former colleagues [who are] hardliners, he said. Similarly, the moderates from the opposition can control those holding radical views a peaceful and smooth transitional mechanism could be developed through a political pact along these lines. Without it, there will be much instability. He also cautioned that those who expect all problematic sections of the constitution to be addressed through the current parliamentary review are likely to be disappointed. Likening the situation to using shock therapy on an ill patient, U Kyaw Win said he believed that if the changes are too sudden then Myanmar society will be unable to cope. Everybody knows that the [2008] constitution has many bad points but if we are to be practical we will recognise they cant all be changed at once. The people in power usually make the decisions on strategy and tactics. Those who have no power have to respond according to the decision of the authorities [but] we will gather our strength in parliament for that.
www.mmtimes.com
News 7
A farmer protests the confiscation of land in Yangons East Dagon township in June 2013. Photo: Zarni Phyo
Number of land owership complaints the hluttaw sent to the government for resolution
5858
addressed, he said. But MPs said the governments gures did not bear any resemblance to the situation on the ground. What do you mean the 111 complaints in the Nay Pyi Taw Council area? asked Daw Sandar Min, the Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Zabuthiri, one of eight Nay Pyi Taw townships. There are more than 100 land seizures in my township alone that have not been settled yet. I oppose the [statement] that there are only seven cases left to settle in Nay Pyi Taw because it just doesnt make sense based on what I
have seen, she said. Daw Sandar Min was one of 11 MPs who discussed the deputy ministers presentation. Representatives from Yangon, Sagaing, Ayeyarwady and Tanintharyi regions, and Kachin, Kayin, Kayah and Rakhine states, all complained that the number of land disputes mentioned in U Ohn Thans presentation was less than the gure they submitted to the government. Chairman U Tin Htut said the commission sent 5858 complaints to the president and the government has not explained why it is only trying to resolve 745 complaints, adding that
8 News
Managing Director, Editor-in-Chief MTE & MTM Ross Dunkley rsdunkley@gmail.com Chief Operating Ofcer Wendy Madrigal madrigalmcm@gmail.com EDITORIAL newsroom@mmtimes.com Editor MTE Thomas Kean tdkean@gmail.com Editor MTM Sann Oo sannoo@gmail.com Chief of Staff Zaw Win Than zawwinthan@gmail.com Editor Special Publications Myo Lwin myolwin@myanmartimes.com.mm Features Editor MTE Douglas Long dlong125@gmail.com Business Editor MTE Philip Heijmans pheijmans13@gmail.com World Editor MTE Bridget Di Certo bridget.dicerto@gmail.com The Pulse Editor MTE Whitney Light light.whitney@gmail.com Sport Editor MTE Tim McLaughlin timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com Chief Sub Editor MTM Aye Sapay Phyu Business & Property Editor MTM Tin Moe Aung Timeout Editor MTM Moh Moh Thaw mohthaw@gmail.com MCM BUREAUS Mandalay Bureau Chief Jeremy Mullins News Editors (Mandalay) Khin Su Wai, Phyo Wai Kyaw Admin Manager (Nay Pyi Taw) Hsu Hlaing Htun ONLINE Online Editors Kayleigh Long, Thet Hlaing kayleighelong@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHICS Head of Photographics Kaung Htet Photographers Boothee, Aung Htay Hlaing, Thiri PRODUCTION production@myanmartimes.com.mm Art Directors Tin Zaw Htway, Ko Pxyo Assistant Head of Production Zar Ni MCM PRINTING printing@myanmartimes.com.mm Printing Manager Htay Maung Factory Administrator Aung Kyaw Oo (3) Factory Foreman Tin Win SALES & MARKETING advertising@myanmartimes.com.mm National Sales Director Jesse Gage Deputy National Sales Directors Chan Tha Oo, Nay Myo Oo, Nandar Khine, Nyi Nyi Tun Classieds Manager Khin Mon Mon Yi classied@myanmartimes.com.mm ADMIN, FINANCE & SYSTEMS Chief Financial Ofcer Mon Mon Tha Saing nance@myanmartimes.com.mm HR Khine Su Yin, Han Oo Khin Publisher Dr Tin Tun Oo, Permit No: 04143 Information Technology Manager Kyaw Zay Yar Lin CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Circulation & Distribution Director Stuart Alan Becker distmgr@myanmartimes.com.mm ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Telephone: (01) 253 642, 392 928 Facsimile: (01) 254 158 administration@myanmartimes.com.mm The Myanmar Times is owned by Myanmar Consolidated Media Ltd and printed by MCM Commercial Printing with approval from MCM Ltd and by Shwe Zin Press (0368) with approval from MCM Ltd. The title The Myanmar Times, in either English or Myanmar languages, its associated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the Managing Director of Myanmar Consolidated Media Ltd.
Views
Labourers put in place sections of the Shwegonedaing flyover in Yangons Bahan township in August 2013. Photo: Thiri
MASAHIKO TANAKA
newsroom@mmtimes.com
Myanmar Consolidated Media Ltd. www.mmtimes.com Head Office: 379/383 Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Telephone: (01) 253 642, 392 928 Facsimile: (01) 392 706 Mandalay Bureau: Bld Sa/1, Man Mandalar Housing, 35th Street, between 70th and 71st streets, Yan Myo Lone Quarter, Chan Aye Thar San Township. Tel: (02) 65391, 74585. Fax: (02) 24460 Email: mdybranch@myanmartimes.com.mm Nay Pyi Taw Bureau: No. 10/72 Bo Tauk Htein St, Yan Aung (1) Quarter, Nay Pyi Taw-Pyinmana. Tel: (067) 23064, 23065 Email: capitalbureau@myanmartimes.com.mm
WHEN President U Thein Seins government came to office in March 2011 it set a brisk pace implementing reforms. The political landscape changed completely in a year; freedom from fear was no longer a slogan. Observers were also stunned by the scope and speed of economic reforms. The government began the reform process by allowing more imports of used vehicles and then unied the foreign exchange rates, revamped investment laws, increased the budget allocations for education and health, placed some scal discipline on state economic enterprises and began liberalising the telecoms sector. Today, however, the initial euphoria seems to have given way to a vague feeling that these courageous steps are not paying off. Policymakers and Myanmar citizens had wanted to see a surge in private investment in new factories and services, creating many well-paying jobs. This has not happened. The sudden inux of late-model cars, which initially lifted the spirits of Yangon residents as a symbol of change, has become a source of congestion and annoyance. Did something go wrong? I do not think so. Given where Myanmar started in its reform process, it is not surprising that the sweeping reforms have not led to an instant rush of private investment. After decades of restrictive economic policies, Myanmar cannot regain the full condence of investors overnight. It takes time to overcome other key constraints, especially infrastructure
deciencies and the shortage of welleducated and skilled workers. Examples of growth success, like Japan and South Korea, did not start so quickly either. In Japan, the miracle growth began only in the mid1950s. The destruction of infrastructure and factories was so extensive during World War II that it took a decade to put the conditions in place for the economy to take off, even with a good policy framework. After ghting in the Korean War ended in 1953, South Korea faced a similar challenge. It was only in 1966 that South Korea rst recorded a double-digit GDP growth rate. In their leaner years, however, both Japan and South Korea persisted with the long-term strategy to improve physical and institutional infrastructure and upgrade education; they were rewarded in time. One hopes that Myanmars initial handicap is less serious, and hence vigorous growth will start sooner. Still, Myanmars leaders must be feeling anxious about this situation. Their desire to see faster change, however, could lead to an impulse to make hasty decisions or deviate from the reform course. Where possible, they should accelerate reform measures. But it would be a mistake to compromise the core reform principles or skip careful planning just to achieve quick results. Two examples may illustrate this point. The rst is the new yovers in Yangon. Everyone appreciates the authorities efforts to rapidly ease traffic congestion. Nevertheless, many now realise that the yovers may not have been the best solution. The real solution to meet the expanding transport needs in Yangon is an efficient mass transit system, and technical and nancial resources should be concentrated on designing and building it.
In the meantime, driver training - focusing on, for example, compliance with traffic rules and good driving manners and more effective traffic controls could signicantly mitigate the problems. Building permanent structures like yovers is risky when it is done without rst developing a master road plan for the whole city. The second example comes from the electricity sector. The government seems to rely heavily on the private sector providing solutions to many problems, from power generation to distribution. For a government faced with huge scal gaps, this seems like an attractive option. It may also help
At this critical time, when the countrys long-term direction is being reset, the price of making poor policy choices can be particularly high.
bring quick results. The private sector, however, will tend to cherry-pick commercially attractive projects, such as higher-income urban areas or promising industrial parks. There is a risk that services to rural areas and poor households will be neglected. It is essential that the government rst develops sector policies and an overall investment plan to ensure both economic growth and equitable access to electricity. This will enable the government to identify areas for
private sector involvement more rationally. Such a careful approach may seem slow at rst but will promise more people-centred and sustained growth over time. It might also avoid protests of the kind we have seen recently against the electric tariff hikes, because the government would have a coherent explanation for the rate increases. At this critical time, when the countrys long-term direction is being reset, the price of making poor policy choices can be particularly high. It can stall the reform momentum after a temporary burst; it can also set a country on the wrong trajectory for many years to come. Consider, for example, an electricity sector investment program that neglects rural areas. That would be a tragedy. When I speak with Myanmar colleagues and friends, I cant help but feel that they are profoundly forwardlooking. They are willing to make sacrices today to ensure a better future tomorrow. Having seen several historic opportunities for transformation slip away in the past, they are determined not to waste this one. What they need is not quick results at the expense of poor development prospects in the longer term; they need a clear explanation from their leaders that the right reform choices are being made. We should all be condent that if Myanmar keeps at the reform process, the economy will thrive, perhaps slowly at rst but with growing momentum later. I believe it is possible for Myanmar to replicate the successes of Japan and South Korea. Now is the time for both patience and persistence.
Mr Tanaka is the head of the Japan International Cooperation Agency office in Myanmar.
www.mmtimes.com
Views
joint military exercises, froze trade talks and immigration cooperation, and even limited imports of Australian beef. Malaysian PM Najib was also far from amused when Snowden revealed that his telecommunications had been intercepted by Singapore agents, again working in tandem with their Washington cohorts. Consequently, SBY and Najib want, and need, to kick back a little, if only to deect perceptions they are weak and vacillating leaders. They will not cut Myanmar any slack when they demand that this issue is tabled in ASEAN forums, and a conclusion reached and made public. That conclusion, which will likely chastise Australia, Singapore and the US for spying on friendly ASEAN neighbours, will not be easy for Nay Pyi Taw to nesse as it seeks warmer ties with Washington and the West. Indeed, it will be especially difcult if the US tries to pre-empt such criticism by intimating that perhaps the plight of the Rohingyas is, after all, not just a domestic matter but an international tragedy requiring outside intervention. That would really put Nay Pyi Taw on the spot. In fact, it is already becoming clear that unless the foreign ministry gets its act together rather better than it did last week, Myanmar is going to nd the chair a very hot seat this year.
News 9
roger.mitton@gmail.com
MYANMAR, as this years chair of ASEAN, has insisted that it will not allow the tragedy of the Rohingya people to be discussed at the groups 2014 summit meetings. It is a naive and silly attitude, and given the trans-border context and the violent anti-Islamic dimensions of the problem, it is doomed to failure. Muslim-majority nations like Indonesia and Malaysia will not remain silent as their brothers and sisters are slaughtered in pogroms that the Myanmar government seems unable or unwilling to stop. Indeed, the issue could precipitate a crisis of the sort that occurred two years ago when the then-chair of the association, Cambodia, tried to put the lid on any reference to another similarly sensitive matter. Back then, under pressure from its principal benefactor China, Cambodia
Indonesias Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa (centre) talks with Vietnams Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (left) and ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting in Bagan on January 16. Photo: AFP
refused to include any mention of the sovereignty conicts in the South China Sea between ASEAN claimants and Beijing The decision infuriated the Philippines and Vietnam, who are locked in acrimonious disputes with China over island chains that lie amid lucrative shing grounds, major oil and gas deposits, and strategic sea lanes. As a result, for the rst time in 45
years, no communiqu was issued at the end of an ASEAN summit, and the debacle drew headlines like Cambodia: The wrecker of ASEAN unity. If Myanmar is not careful, it will soon be getting similar treatment. That was abundantly clear from the way press coverage of last weeks summit in Bagan focused heavily on criticism of the decision to block discussion of the Rohingya question.
Once we have a database we can analyse it to identify areas of need and make sure policies are being made based on hard evidence.
Fredrick Okwayo United Nations Population Fund
MYANMAR will conduct a nationwide population and housing census from March 29 to April 10, the rst such survey to be done in the country for 30 years. The census questionnaire consists of 41 questions, starting with asking every household and institution to list the names of everyone who spent the night of March 29. The count will include everyone Myanmar nationals and foreigners included regardless of whether they stayed in a house, hospital, monastery, hotel or elsewhere. U Myint Kyaing, the director general of the Department of Population under the Ministry of Immigration and Population, told The Myanmar Times that the main purpose of the census was to provide accurate and timely information that is crucial to government policymaking, planning and administration. Our department can provide a population number every ve years based on birth and death rates from annual reports, but this is not very accurate. So now we have an information gap, he said. According to government estimates, Myanmars current population is from 50-60 million. Each household in the country numbering more than 12 million will be visited during the 12-day census period. The questionnaire includes questions about gender, age, education, occupation, religion, ethnicity, disabilities, births, deaths, housing, electricity supplies and access to water, said U Win Myint, the national program officer (monitoring and evaluation) at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The UNFPA is providing technical assistance to the government, including help with drafting the questionnaire based on advice from an international technical advisory board. Although some ethnic leaders are asking for changes to be made to the questionnaire, U Win Myint said,
A woman holds her child in Twante in Yangon draft sound policies for the development of
We have no authority to change the questions. We drafted these questions based on international standards and on the 1973 and 1983 censuses in Myanmar. The rst modern census was taken in 1891 during the British colonial period and was repeated every 10 years until 1941. Under U Ne Win, counts were conducted in 1973 and 1983, with the latter coming up with a population gure of about 35.4 million. For this years census, the UNFPA
58.6
US$ MILLION
is providing assistance in mapping households, training interviewers, setting up data processing systems and disseminating the results. We are preparing the best situation for the 2014 census. We held a pilot project one year ahead of the actual census, during which interviewers fanned out across 20 selected
townships across the country, U Win Myint said. The census will require an estimated 100,000 interviewers, while 20,000 secondary teachers will supervise the work of the interviewers. Data will be collected using 15 million questionnaires. The total cost of the census is estimated at US$58.6 million, with the government providing $15 million, the UNFPA $5 million and other international donors the remaining $38.6 million. The nancial support is in place now, U Win Myint said According to the Myanmar Census Project Plan, an advance report will be issued six months after the survey is conducted, and the nal report will be published in the rst quarter of 2015.
dlong125@gmail.com
DOUGLAS LONG
IN 1990 I spent six months living in the small city of Gainesville in north-central Florida. As a 22-year-old college dropout who harboured a robust dedication to slackerdom, I wasnt keen on squandering my days on fulltime work, especially for the paltry minimum wage at the time of US$3.80 an hour. For a couple of months I earned money working for a libertarian farmer who lived just outside the city he needed help skinning goats and moving rocks from one part of his property to another. Then I heard that the US Census Bureau was hiring temporary enumerators to go door to door collecting population data. The hours were exible, and the pay was $6 an hour.
After the short training program, I was assigned an underserved AfricanAmerican neighbourhood near downtown. For the next six weeks I woke up each morning, slung my official Census Bureau bag over my shoulder and made the rounds on my bicycle. One of the rst houses on my list was owned by a 40-something bachelor. When I visited, he was enjoying a front-yard cookout with some friends. The homeowner laughed when I tried to explain, as per my official government training, that the census would help community leaders decide on the allocation of services and infrastructure projects, and would also determine the number of seats in the US
He agreed to answer my questions on the condition that I pile a plate with pork ribs and help myself to a beer from the cooler.
House of Representatives so your voice is heard where it counts the most. Pointing his barbecue-glazed spatula at the road in front of the house, he said, Ive spent my life paying taxes and answering the census, and that road hasnt been paved since I was a kid. The road, a main thoroughfare through the neighbourhood, looked like bomb-cratered highway to hell. Despite his resistance, the man was not belligerent: His point made, he agreed to answer my questions on the condition that I pile a Styrofoam plate with pork ribs and help myself to a beer from the cooler. (This probably went against some federal policy or another, but I was willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. Never let it be said that havent made sacrices for the good of my country.) This encounter was just one example of the way in which my census work became an extended case study in attitudes toward the government among the disenfranchised. In a related manner, as a federal employee I also became a sounding board for various societal and personal concerns among the populace. MORE ON NEWS 12
12 News
CONTINUED FROM NEWS 11 There was the grandmother who complained about crime as she sat on her sofa with a long-barreled shotgun with easy reach of her bony hands. There were many lonely people who didnt seem to be getting much support from anyone, like the elderly man whose breath smelled of alcohol at 10am and who wouldnt let me leave until I picked the image of his younger self from his fading army photos. And nearly every day I was agged down by young African-American men who wanted to know if there were still jobs available with the Census Bureau because there just wasnt any steady work to found in their neighbourhood. What I didnt run into were any conspiracy theorists who thought the data would be used for nefarious purposes. The greatest resistance I faced came from a small crew of dropouts who lived in a compound behind a high wooden wall. It took a fair bit of snooping before I nally found a gate leading into the property. On the other side was a dirt parking lot bordered by trees, and the only vehicle in evidence was a beat-up Volkswagen microbus. The only person I saw was a little girl, maybe 10 years old, who was standing among the trees, watching me. She had blonde, stringy hair and was wearing a cotton peasant dress. I asked if her parents were around. The girl stared silently for a second or two, then turned and trotted barefoot down a dirt path leading into the forest. I followed. She led me to a woodworking shop where a white guy with dreadlocks was handcrafting a percussion instrument destined someday to nd its way into a Deadhead drum circle. I explained why I was there. Without a word, he led me back to the microbus in the parking lot and pointed to a sticker affixed to the bumper: Dont Stand Up and Be Counted: Boycott the 1990 Census. It was a bold statement, but he and his anarcho-hippie cohorts were too easygoing to resist the charms of the Census Man. They eventually abandoned their carefree hostility and answered my questions, even inviting me to leave my bike at their commune the next time I came to the neighbourhood to collect information. (I imagine theyre all high-powered brokers on Wall Street by now.) In retrospect, working for the US Census Bureau wasnt the worst job Ive ever had. As an American who grew up in a town with a population of fewer than 6000 people, more than 90 percent of whom were white, I found that knocking on the doors of strangers in a marginalised neighbourhood brought me into contact with people I otherwise never would have met. It opened my eyes to the brilliant, sometimes heartbreaking diversity of the world, and Ive never stopped exploring it since. Read about travel and culture in Myanmar and elsewhere at Douglas Longs blog Late for Nowhere (latefornowhere.wordpress.com/).
CONTINUED FROM NEWS 10 Education is a key indicator in the UNs Millennium Development Goals, Mr Okwayo said. It is important to know where the country is and if there are people who have never been to school. The census will also examine migration patterns in the country with the goal of building positive policies to prevent overcrowding in cities. In a country like Myanmar, which is predominantly agricultural, there is a lot of migration, he said. To get the stream of movement in the country helps [generate] policies. For example, if people are moving mostly for employment purposes, then there should be satellite cities to curb migration. The census will also look at the
types of houses people live in, the materials used to build houses, and whether there is access to safe drinking water, electricity and latrines. The environment in which a household stays has a lot of impact on the mortality rate, especially for children, Mr Okwayo said. We want to look at this correlation to mortality rates so the government and other development partners can come up with the right policies. He added that the preparation and implementation of the census might even provide a useful roadmap for the process of forging peace between the government and armed ethnic groups. If Wa leaders and government leaders can come together to discuss the census, why cant they come together for other political issues, like sharing of resources?
A child sits in the first myMe classroom bus on January 18. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
children in his homeland the chance to study by bringing the school to them with specially converted buses. Together with a group of friends in the US, he started fundraising and returned to Myanmar in November to conduct a pilot project and get the
Wed aimed for a total of about 60 pupils for this pilot stage, but thats already doubled to around 120.
Tim Aye Hardy myME founder and director
rst myME classroom bus on the road. If the vehicle is the epitome of innovative design the door to the drivers compartment also serves as a white-board, the tables and benches can be easily folded away for less formal sessions and cutely patterned curtains, tinted glass and an insulated roof prevent the vehicle from overheating but the sentiment the project best embodies is hope. myMe was officially launched in Yangon on January 18, four weeks after classes began. So many young people had already signed up for the thrice-weekly sessions in maths, Myanmar and English that the main classes are now taking place in the teashops themselves after they close at 5.30pm. The bus classroom, parked outside, is used for teaching those still learning the most basic aspects of literacy and numeracy. Wed aimed for a total of about 60
www.mmtimes.com
News 13
pupils for this pilot stage, but thats already doubled to around 120, says Mr Aye Hardy. While most of the students are teenagers, this is not always the case. Ko Aye Ko, a 22-year-old bus driver who left school when he was 10, is enrolled in the English classes. Ko Aung Ko Oo, 24, is in the Myanmar class and appreciating the chance to make up for some of the education he missed out on having been sent to work as child. A heavy set man with large, broad features, he appears out of scale to the small desks and benches in the bus as he practises writing numbers in Myanmar. But he is grateful to be there and glad his younger colleagues will not have to reach adulthood unable to read or write, as he did. I left school when I was about seven or eight years old and was 14 when I came to Yangon to work. Ive run into challenges, of course, because I couldnt read and write. I worried that I wouldnt know when people were taking advantage of me. I never even dreamed that Id be able to come back to school, he said. Over in the teashop, Daw Margaret Kim and another volunteer teaching assistant are giving lessons in geometry and rounding up numbers. The concentration of the students is palpable. Despite there being more than 50 in the class, and two different grades taking place simultaneously, everyone pays attention to their own work or helps fellow students. I have been so impressed by how enthusiastic and keen to learn they all are, Margaret says. The thousands of youngsters, mainly boys, who work from early morning to late at night in the countrys popular teashops for as little as US$10 or $20 a month, which is generally sent back to their families, are perhaps the most visible illustration of Myanmars child-labour problems. Unlike Ko Aung Ko Oo, most never get the chance to make up for what they missed out on in their childhood. The children reach the teashops in different ways. Some are already out of school because of poverty and are keen to seek a life in the city and be able to earn money to send home to their families. Others are forced against
14 News
[Thingaza monastery] needs to be repaired as it is the only building left from [the early Mandalay] era.
Tampawaddy U Win Maung Mandalay-based architect
Thingaza Monastery near Mandalays 35th Street. Photo: Kyay Mohn Win
said, but help could soon be on the way. Experts in Mandalay are expecting to get technical assistance from a Japanese university, Kyoto Institute of Technology, which has offered its services to reverse the destructive trend and preserve the citys historical heritage. The institute is partnering with the Mandalay Architectural Association and signed a memorandum of understanding with a state-run technical institute in Yangon earlier this year. Ko Zaw Min Tun helped organise a conference that brought experts from the Japanese university to Myanmar in July. He said he hopes the Japanese experts can help improve the skills of Myanmar archaeologists and architects. [The Japanese experts] know exactly how to conserve old buildings so that they are not damaged in the process, said Ko Zaw Min Tun. They never allow building they want to leave it according to the real situation. Translation by Thiri Min Htun
www.mmtimes.com
News 15
AUSTRALIA has re-established its resident defence attach in Yangon, a position that has been vacant since 1979. Royal Australian Navy Captain Jon Dudley took up the post on January 20. Captain Dudley previously served as defence attach to Thailand and naval attach to Indonesia. Captain Dudleys appointment coincides with the arrival of the warship HMAS Childers, which docked in Yangon on January 20 for a fourday goodwill visit. The visit of HMAS Childers and Cap Dudleys arrival signify our modest but growing defence engagement following political and economic reforms initiated by the government of Myanmar in 2011, Australias acting Minister for Defence Senator George Brandis said in a statement. Australias engagement with the Myanmar military, including this
1979
Year Australia withdrew its defence attach from the embassy in Yangon
visit, allows the Australian Defence Force to reinforce the role of a professional defence force in a modern democracy. The HMAS Childers is the rst Australian warship to visit Myanmar since the HMAS Quiberon in 1959, according to the Australian government. It is stopping en route to the Exercise Milan 2014 naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy.
The Australian ship is far from the first foreign naval vessel to dock in Yangon in recent times. Russian ships docked at Thilawa for a five-day visit in mid-November, while three vessels from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force Training Squadron visited in late September. Ships from India and China also stopped in Yangon during the year.
16 News IN BRIEF
World Wetlands Day to be marked at Moeyingyi
World Wetlands Day will this year be celebrated in Moeyingyi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bago Region, on February 2, the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry has announced. The event will be held worldwide in observance of the campaign to conserve wetlands launched by the 1971 Ramsar Convention, an international conservation agreement. This years theme will be wetlands and agriculture, and will highlight how wetlands can support agricultural practices. Myanmar has 18 wetland sites, including Indawgyi, Inle and Moeyingyi. Aye Sapay Phyu
An ethnic Chin man smokes a pipe in Chin State. Photo: Wa Lone
A Russian ofcer from a visiting ship has been ned K100,000 for illegally staying in a Yangon hotel after a night of heavy drinking. Filonov Drytry, from the MR Lange Land, which docked at Bo Aung Kyaw Port on January 18, was convicted on January 23 for breaking section 4(b) of the Immigration Act. He had been reported missing by his ship on January 21 after failing to return from a visit to downtown Yangon. Police found him the following morning on Bo Aung Kyaw Road as he was returning from MGM Hotel, which he had booked into after a long drinking session. The judge gave him the choice of a ne or one year in jail. He paid the ne and left Myanmar on January 23.
Guns and ammunition have been stolen from a tank regiment in Hmawbi, police say. Two MA guns, 500 9mm bullets and ve MA13 bullets were found to be missing on January 21. Sergeant Thein Aye discovered the locks to the arsenal had been cut about 7am that morning, police said. The thieves also destroyed two doors, one made of steel and the other wood, in their efforts to get to the weapons cache. Toe Wai Aung, translation by Thiri Min Htun
DISCRIMINATION against the Chin ethnic group remained prevalent nationwide last year, the Chin Human Rights Organization said in its annual report last week. The organisations research found Chin pastors, missionaries and Christian families still face various forms of persecution and discrimination, including eviction from their villages, bans on holding worship services and assaults, said spokesperson Salai Bawi Thang. At the moment, it is very difficult to say it is getting better as new incidents where Christians are discriminated or physically attacked based on religion still happen, he said. The report documents a wide variety of what it calls religious-based persecution in 2013. Incidents range from the relatively subtle, such as local governments forcing employees to work through traditional Christian holidays, to more overt acts, such as denying Christian groups access to land and funding from the state. In both the report and an interview with The Myanmar Times, CHRO singled out the Na Ta La
school system as a direct attack on Chin culture. The Na Ta La system, which is an acronym that roughly translates to Border Areas National Races Youth Development Training Schools, is touted by the government as a means of educating children in the poorest local communities. However, CHRO, as well as many other human rights observers, describe the schools as a covert means of promoting Buddhism and proBamar ideology among minority children, especially Chin children. There are almost 800 Chin Na Ta La students in Chin State alone ... Across Burma, there are 29 Na Ta La schools and one-third of Na Ta La students are Chin. The number clearly indicates that Chin children are specically targeted for recruit-
New incidents where Christians are discriminated or physically attacked based on religion still happen.
Salai Bawi Thang Chin Human Rights Organization
ment to the schools, the report said. While the report mainly focuses on religious issues, Salai Bawi Thang said the lack of religious freedom has had much broader consequences for the Chin people. Discrimination against Chin Christians based on religion has serious impacts on economic and political rights as well, he said, including widespread forced portering, forced labour and land conscation and the results of over 60 years of the neglect have directly contributed to poverty in Chin State. The spokesman also pointed out that while Chin Christians account for about 90 percent of Chin States population, only about 14pc of department heads at the state level are Christian, and only 25pc at township level. Community-based organisations and churches are led by Chin leaders and pastors. However, discrimination against Chin Christians to get promoted to higher positions in the military, state government structures and administrative procedures still exists, he said. We urge the government to put an immediate and unconditional end to discrimination and violation based on religion and ethnicity, and to make real, tangible progress on protecting that right in 2014. The Chin State Chief Ministers Office could not be reached for comment.
www.mmtimes.com
News 19
An illegally parked car on Kyauktada townships Bo Aung Kyaw Street is towed by traffic police on January 14. Photo: Ko Taik
700
US DOLLARS
Getting them back has proven extremely difficult. When I heard my vehicles had been sold or pawned, I met the new owners, he said. I found that the fraudster had pawned four of them to one person, but that person then asked me to pay K10 million much more than the K4 million he paid for them so we had to negotiate. Eventually, I informed the police and they took the registration details but in the meantime a number
Cars towed and tickets issued for parking violations in downtown Yangon from November 11 to December 14
3056
From November 11 to December 14, 3056 cars were found to have been parked illegally. Of these, 683 were towed away and parking offence notices were issued to the owners of the remaining 2373. When we nd an illegally parked vehicle, we announce the number of the vehicle [with a loudspeaker]. If the motorist doesnt come and move it, we lock it, a spokesperson said. If the motorist arrives after we have locked it, we give them a parking offence notice. If the owner of the vehicle doesnt turn up, we tow it to a car yard near Shin Saw Pu Road. Translation by Thiri Min Htun
20 News
CRIME IN BRIEF
Man throws stones at NLD ofce
A man has been charged for throwing stones at the National League for Democracys ofce in Mingalar Taung Nyunt and threatening party ofcials. The incident occurred on November 8, 2013, but the alleged offender was only charged on January 18. The man, 33, allegedly swore at and threatened ofcials from the ofces information department. He then threw stones at the signboard at the partys ofce. He will face three charges, including one of criminal intimidation.
Two Myanmar men have been arrested at Yangon International Airport on suspicion of using fake passports. Both arrived from Malaysia on January 18. A 27-year-old man from Sagaing Regions Kalay township and a man, 30, from Bago Regions Gyobingauk township, were arrested. They are being held at a police station in Mingalardon on immigration offences. Toe Wai Aung, translation by Thiri Min Htun
A quick-witted thief has robbed a phone shop in Tarmwe of handsets, cash and top-up cards. The offender apparently saw the cash register open and made off with K778,000 in cash, top-up cards worth K445,000 and 14 handsets valued at around K1.4 million.
The head of the Forestry Department in Taikkyi has uncovered hundreds of illegally harvested teak boards. Acting on a tip-off, local ofcials searched a house in Taikkyis Oappone village on January 18. They found 38 pieces of teak inside the compound and another 265 within 200 metres of the house. The owner ran away when he saw ofcials approaching and has been charged under section 43(a) of the Forestry Act for illegal teak possession.
An 88 Generation member from Kyaukse in Mandalay Region has had his application to stage a peaceful protest rejected by local ofcials. U Ko Ko Lwin had asked for permission to stage a demonstration calling for a clean judiciary, abolition of undemocratic laws and a quick resolution to land disputes. In his application he said about 500 people would march from Aung Chan Thar Wards football eld to the municipal garden at the corner of Court Road, starting from 1pm on January 27. But township ofcials denied the application following a meeting of the township management committee on January 17. Than Naing Soe, translation by Zar Zar Soe
www.mmtimes.com
News 21
Agriculture ministry officials in Mandalay are contesting the decision to return a ministry-owned plot of land on this stretch of Theikpan Road, between 67th and 68th streets, to those who say they are its rightful owners. Photo: Phyo Wai Kyaw
them without compensation. U Kyaw Wai sued U Aung Kyin in 2006 for the return of the lands but
We have called for another check because we want the best for our former department.
U Aung Kyin Former Myanma Agriculture Service manager for Mandalay Region
a Mandalay Region court dismissed the litigation on February 28, 2008. A further appeal to the high court was unsuccessful, the retired Myanma Agriculture Service officials said. But on December 3, 2013, the Presidents Office ordered Mandalay Regions Department of Agriculture to give back the 10 plots in accordance with procedure following a survey of the area. The retired officials have sent the case to a number of government bodies, including the president, since the decision was announced. At rst they lobbied anonymously, without disclosing names, but now they are going public. They have also submitted it to the parliaments land dispute
investigation commission. The deputy minister for agriculture and irrigation and the director general of the Department of Agriculture now know the real situation, said U Aung Kyin. But we dont know yet how senior officials will decide because we are not in direct communication with them. The three men who bought the land could not be reached for comment last week. Translation by Thiri Min Htun
Business
IMF raises GDP outlook to 7.5%
Risks loom though as ination concerns remain
PHILIP HEIJmANS pheijmans13@gmail.com THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised Myanmars economic growth forecast to 7.5 percent for the 2013-14 scal year, up from 6.75pc, due to continued economic reform that includes the loosening of restrictions in the private sector, the Fund has announced. Despite the countrys encouraging macroeconomic situation, the IMF once again warned that gains would be hindered by high ination if steps are not taken to deal with the issue. According to a January 21 statement, Myanmar has benetted from adopting a oating exchange rate and removing exchange restrictions; establishing an autonomous central bank; and signicantly increasing spending on health and education. Financial sector modernisation will require sustained reform efforts over several years, the statement reads. The banking sector is growing and modernising rapidly and will require updated regulations and improved supervision capacity, it continued. Foreign bank participation can play a useful role in accelerating nancial sector development, but a gradual process is needed to minimise risks and to limit additional strain on supervisory resources. It also said that Myanmar would likely achieve reduced credit in the private sector from current high levels to around 30pc by April. At the same time, the scal decit is expected to match the budget target of 5pc of GDP, while falling to 4.5pc in the next scal year on one-off revenues from the issuance of telecommunications licences. MORE ON BUSINESS 24
Illegal cross-border trade with Thailand is ourishing with the support of local ethnic armed groups though
A LACK of government inuence in the Myawaddy area has resulted in rampant illegal smuggling across the Thai border by several ethnic armed groups, officials said. Myawaddy, in Kayin State, is the second-largest legal trading zone for Myanmar, after the Muse-Shwe Liarea along the China border. Although closed from 2010 to 2011 due to instability following a car bomb explosion that killed two people, the Myawaddy area has since returned to normal. But continued conict with ethnic groups in the area has resulted in much of the cross-border commerce being done over 17 illegal border crossings along the Moei River to Mae Sot, Thailand, according to sources. Such activities are being helped by some of the 33 ethnic armed groups in the area, which include the Karen National Union (KNU) and its armed wing, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), officials said. A director in the Ministry of Commerce working at the Myawaddy trading zone, who asked to remain anonymous as he is not authorised to speak to the press, said that these groups have been equated to armed groups for business as thousands of tonnes of rubber, raw materials, low-quality food and consumer products ow over the border.
Military officials check one of several borders in the Myawaddy area used to illegally smuggle goods to and from Thailand. Photo: Khin Zaw Oo
Even though such transactions are untaxed and uncontrolled, he said, the military is unlikely to crack down as it could jeopardise ongoing peace talks with the groups that heavily inuence the area. We heard that the military is going to interfere [with illegal cross-border trade] but they still have many weak points in controlling the area. While the government occasionally threatens to evict squatters, nobody obeys if the area is under the inuence of these groups, he said. They [armed groups] shoot guns into crowded ar-
eas and hold gambling parties, but the military does not interfere. With the military focus on areas where ethnic conicts can occur at any time, such as Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships in northern Rakhine State, the economic result for Myawaddy has been anarchic. It decreases legal competition. In the long run, sovereignty will likely become lost in the area, he said. The problem is not just limited to smuggling over land as fuel pipes are illegally passed through the river, said a director from the Ministry of Com-
merce who works in the Myawaddy Trading Zone. In the rst three-quarters of the 2013-2014 scal year, bilateral trade with Thailand was nearly US$480 million, while exports accounted for about $160 million, according to government data. Officials maintain, however, that the actual gure is several hundred million dollars higher when accounting for illegal trade. That shows there is a lot of illegal trade occurring, an official in the Illegal Trade Prevention Committee said. Following a report in The Myan-
23
Buying
K1333 K280 K765 K28.91 K980
Selling
K1348 K300 K773 K30.41 K984
yawaddy trade
the ministrys mobile team uncovered 850 instances of smuggling of consumer goods and raw materials worth K1.3 billion on the Myawaddy-Yangon highway. The most popular illegally traded items are foodstuffs, frozen meats, construction materials, consumer products, beverages, and even small vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, the committee said. One Myawaddy resident said illegal trading occurs at the unofficial routes around the Moei River every day. Even though we cooperated with the media and published these issues online, they didnt stop, he said. The government should tighten the restrictions. But the Ministry of Commerce ofcial said the government would not investigate offences without military support. Nobody can do anything to them as they have guns, he said. He said that even when trade happens through the legal channels, armed groups are commonly commissioned by traders to step in and convince border officials to accept lesser taxes, though the official denied they do so through bribes. That does not mean the customs officials take bribes or use different policies for different traders, he said. It might be that the group didnt list all the goods they carried. U Shwe Lin, who independently mediates between traders and armed groups, said such arrangements eased trade in situations where the government does not allow certain products to be brought in, such as certain used machinery. When we cannot pay duty on some products, this is only method we have, he said. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Myanmars trade with Thailand is carried on by sea and across three border points, with the Myawaddy zone making up about 80pc of total border trade volume between the two countries.
mar Times last week regarding the illicit border trade, military officers from several of the governments armed forces began investigating illegal passages along Moei River and on January 22 ordered the barring of illegal imports, military officials connected to the investigation said. [The government] ordered that ofcials and other armed groups guard the border crossings to ban traders from using these gates and only let them to cross the bridge linking Myanmar and Thailand, he said. Between November 2011 and 2012,
LOCAL small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are set to receive access to loans worth K20 billion through a new program to be offered by the Central Bank and Small and Medium Industrial Development Bank (SMIDB) this year, an official said. The program, which is geared at fullling a joint mandate by ASEAN to bolster SMEs, comes as an attempt to bring the countries estimated 120,000 to the forefront of business development in Myanmar, U Win Maung, deputy general manager, Central Department of Small and Medium Enterprises Development told The Myanmar Times. We want the program to comply with international norms for lending, he said, adding that the amount could possibly go beyond K20 billion when the program is signed off sometime this year. Small businesses currently depend on loans from SMIDB, which offers an interest rate of 8.5 percent, markedly lower than the 13pc offered by the banks. However, not everybody has access to loans as the SMIDB only offers loans to those in the manufacturing sector, leaving the majority of SMEs without access to funding.
A small business owner packages goods at her shopfront in Yangon. Photo: Staff
7.5%
Interest rate of new loans to be offered to SMEs by several domestic banks this year
SMEs also suffer from banking restrictions on collateral, which must be immovable, while industrialists can only borrow up to 40pc of its value. Low savings rates prevent SMIDB from offering more loans, while it borrows capital from state-owned banks at slim prot margin of about 8pc, according to a source in the bank industry who asked to not be quoted as he is not authorised to speak to the press. But help is on the way. In addition to the K20 billion loan, several domestic banks, including Cooperative Bank, SMIDB, Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank, are slated to begin offering loans to SMEs for as little as 7.5pc interest, said Myanmar Industries Association (MIA) chair U Zaw Min Win. He said that the initiative comes with the assistance of the Japanese government with the goal of launching the service in the next 6 months. They [the Japanese government]
are identifying industries here that could export to Japan, so developing industries such as food processing and electronic products could be of benet to them, he said. Last year, Cambodia-based micronance institution ACLEDA MFI Myanmar Company Ltd announced that is planning to provide K8 billion to SMEs through a new loan program, while the European Investment Bank (EIB) plans to funnel another 30-100 million (US$40-$134 million) per year to SMEs through loans to local banks. In an effort to consolidate efforts to develop SMEs, the Central Department of Small and Medium Enterprises Development will open offices in all states and regions throughout the country this year, said U Win Maung. A Central Bank official said the Myanmar savings ratio was about 17pc of GDP, or about K54 trillion, while only K6 billion was available for loans, far less than the three quarters of the savings rate customarily allowed.
(Reg: Nos. IV/5270/2010 & IV/8315/2013) in respect of :- Perfume, toilet water; gels, salts for the bath and the shower; toilet soaps; body deodorants; cosmetics namely creams, milks, lotions, gels and powders for the face, the body and the hands; sun care preparations; make-up preparations; shampoos; gels, sprays, mousses and balms for the hair styling and hair care; hair lacquers; hair colouring and hair decolorant preparations; permanent waving and curling preparations; essential oils for personal use; dentifrices. Hairdressing salons and beauty parlors. Class: 3 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for LOREAL P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416
LOREAL
A three-wheeled motor vehicle is seen being driven through the streets of Mandalay. Photo: Phyo Wai Kyaw
Withholding tax on interest paid by the company to a non-resident shareholder on account of a shareholder loan
15%
NET-A-PORTER
footwear, jewellery, watches, fashion accessories, textiles, cosmetics, non-medicated toilet preparations, eye wear, carrying cases, leather goods, handbags and all manner of bags; the provision of retail services via a telephone or mobile phone, portable Internet-enabled device, or other telecommunications device in relation to clothing, headgear and footwear, jewellery, watches, fashion accessories, textiles, cosmetics, non-medicated toilet preparations, eye wear, carrying cases, leather goods, handbags and all manner of bags; the provision of retail services by way of direct marketing in connection with clothing, headgear and footwear, jewellery, watches, fashion accessories, textiles, cosmetics, non-medicated toilet preparations, eye wear, carrying cases, leather goods, handbags and all manner of bags; the provision of information and advice in relation to retail services; business management consultancy; provision of advice and assistance in the selection of goods; promotion services through provision of sponsored links to third party websites; advertising and business services; advertising for others. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A.,H.G.P.,D.B.L. for The Net-a-Porter Group Limited P.O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 27 January 2014
cONTINUED FROm BUSINESS 22 This would result in 7.75pc GDP growth for the 2014-15 scal year, the IMF predicts. In order to sustain growth, the IMF suggests the government begins to monetise the decit in order to allay inationary pressures. The international nance institution expects ination to reach 6pc by the end of this scal year, 0.5pc over safe grounding, while the gure will likely continue to grow next year. But challenges remain. Risks to the outlook arise largely from limited macroeconomic management capacity and narrow cushions. Ination remains elevated and there are pressures from rapid money and credit growth, kyat depreciation and possible electricity price hikes, the IMF statement said, adding that international reserves remain low and are vulnerable to shocks. Tax revenues, meanwhile, remain low even though they are growing quickly, the Fund observed. To enable increased spending [tax revenues] should be boosted though broadening the tax base and improving compliance, the IMF said.
www.mmtimes.com
OPINION
Business 25
The problem for investors is that the vast majority of Myanmars most desirable natural resources are located in the ethnicminority-dominated borderlands that surround the country like a horseshoe.
Shops in the new AKK Shopping Mall site of the former Thingangyun mall
150
We signed a contract with YCDC to give the ground and third oors to the former Thingangyun market at no cost to them, said U Thwin Min Htun, director of the development rm that contructed the mall, Aung Kung Kyaw Group. The AKK shopping mall consists of more than 150 shops and contains 4700 square feet (436 square metres) of space on each oor, while the Thingangyun market will have more than 700 shops. The official opening ceremony will take place in the last week of February, said Daw Su Htet Theint Kyaw, managing director of the company.
DAVOS
HEAVYWEIGHTS in the banking world last week debated whether the nancial crisis had turned a real corner, or whether the demons of the past could fast return. Markets are safer, said Douglas Flint, chief executive of Anglo-Asian banking giant HSBC, sitting at a roundtable debate at the World Economic Forum in Davos. It would be extraordinary and a shocking indictment if after six year of a crisis the system wasnt better than it was before the crisis, he said. To Flint, much had been done since the terrifying days of the Lehman Brothers bank collapse in 2008. He said banks today spent more time on regulatory matters than ever before and the industry showed more self regulation than any other, save perhaps the nuclear sector. Regulatory matters, oversight, probably takes minimum of 50 percent of board time and more likely two-thirds of board time, he said. But Paul Singer, head of investment rm
Elliott Management was far more doubtful on the progress made since the crisis and feared that measures taken, especially by central banks, may have created as yet unknown threats.
It would be extraordinary and a shocking indictment if after six year of a crisis the system wasnt better than it was before the crisis.
Douglas Flint chief executive at HSBC
In the past few years, central banks, led by the US Federal Reserve, have pumped unprecedented sums of cash into the world nancial system without having any real understanding of how the policy could play out in the long term, he said. There is no telling whether the unwinding of that policy will be moderately disruptive, not disruptive at all or bring a cascade of intense and brutal changes in the prices of stocks and bonds, he said. Overall economic talk in Davos has shown consensus that recovery in the world economy is underway, but scars of the crisis still remain, especially doubts about the ability of governments to come to the rescue once again. Singer argued that it was global governments who called a halt to the crisis by bailing out the nancial system. Hit by high debt partly brought on by the rescues, the governments this time around may or may not be in a position to save the world once again, he warned. AFP
Business Development manager Marketing manager Sales and distribution manager Brand manager Logistic officer Medical doctor Project manager Sales engineer Site engineer Chief Accountant Accountant HR Manager HR Executive Legal executive Secretary Passenger service agent ( airline) Receptionist Customer service
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Myanmar is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the following positions:
Sr. 1. 2. 3.
Title and level Data Quality Assurance Assistant (LICA-3) Equity and Social Inclusion Analyst (LICA-5) Public Health Analyst (ATM/MNCH), Multiple positions (LICA-6)
The benefit package for the above positions includes an attractive remuneration, 30 days annual leave and 10 holidays per year, medical insurance, learning and development opportunities and a challenging work environment with 250 national and international colleagues. All applications must be made through the UNOPS E-recruitment System. Please go to https://gprs.unops.org and click on the post that you are interested in applying for. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact UNOPS directly on the numbers below.
No. 851/853 (A/B), 3rd Floor, Room (7/8), Bogyoke Aung San Road, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 229 437, 09 49 227 773, 09 730 94007 Email: esearch@yangon.net.mm, esearch.myanmar@gmail.com www.esearchmyanmar.com www.facebook.com/esearchmyanmar
For any quires please do not hesitate to contact UNOPS at 95 1 657 281-7 Ext: 149
DAVOS
DAVOS
President Hassan Rouhani, left, sits next to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22. Photo: AFP
Business and political elite in attendance at last weeks World Economic Forum
2500
ing to persuade oil majors to start planning for a large-scale resumption of investment in the country. Mr Rouhani has had a string of private meetings with senior oil executives here and also met with Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, which is home to Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell. In his speech, Mr Rouhani described the nuclear accord, which limits his countrys ability to enrich uranium and provides for inspections of its facilities, as marking the start of a new phase in relations with the United States. He also said Iran was moving quickly to normalise its relations with neighbouring and European states. But he reiterated Tehrans
stance that it will never give up its right to join some 40 other countries in acquiring the capacity to generate nuclear power and use nuclear technology for other peaceful ends. We have never sought anything other than peaceful use of nuclear technology and we will not accept obstacles being put in the way of our scientic progress, he said. In an apparent reference to Israel, Mr Rouhani said he saw the major impediment to a full nuclear accord as a lack of serious will by other parties or pressure influenced by others. It is a long, winding and difficult road but if we stay serious and have enough will, we can push through and it will benefit Iran,
the West and the whole world. Israel believes Iran remains dangerously close to the capacity to build a nuclear missile which would threaten the Jewish states existence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is also in Davos, on January 23 denounced Mr Rouhanis latest charm offensive as a typical piece of deception. Rouhani has admitted that a decade ago, he deceived the West in order to advance the Iranian nuclear programme, Netanyahu said. He is doing this today as well. The goal of the ayatollahs regime, which is hiding behind Rouhanis smiles, is to ease sanctions without conceding on their programme to produce nuclear weapons. AFP
Property
New projects infringing on Old Bagan
MYat NYEIn AYE
myatnyeinaye11092@gmail.com
GOVERNMENT officials are worried that an increased number of development projects in and around the Old Bagan may soon begin to impact the home to hundreds of iconic temples. Land prices in Bagan began climbing on renewed tourism interest in Bagan following the instalment of a quasi-civilian government three years ago. With the number of visitors to Myanmar doubling in each of the last two years, now to more than 3 million people, land owners in Bagan are selling to developers within in the controlled zone, said U Naing Win, director of Archaeology, National Museum and Libraries Department of Ministry of Culture. This is caused by the rise in property prices, he said, adding that resi-
dents would relocate to the outskirts of the city, overcrowding the area. A few people are just living there in small huts, growing crops. We have to control this now. We dont even allow hotels to be built around the Bagan cultural zones, said U Naing Win. Increased demand for hotel rooms is good for tourism, but bad for the local property market. I think thats what led to the encroachment, said U Naing Win. According to police officials, the number of hotels in Old Bagan reached 77 last year, in increase of just 2 from 2012, but said there are at least seven development projects ongoing. Some new hotels are building in Naung Oo and the Watt Gyi Inn area after the minister of the culture gave the permit that can build three-storey buildings there, the official said, requesting anonymity. In New Bagan, existing hotels are expanding by building an additional 20 to 40 rooms, while others are changing the name, he said. According to the police official,
An aerial view the Aureum Palace Hotel within the Old Bagan area. Photo: Nyan Lynn Aung
the price for land situated in old Bagan has grown from K20 million per 4800 square feet (445 square metres) ve years ago to about K300 million now. A similar plot near Lawka Nandar Pagoda and Thiri Pyitsaya region, meanwhile, could sell for about K500 million.
Old Bagan was one of 46 sites designated in 1998 as a monument zone, ancient zone or protected zone by the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Regions law. After New Bagan was established in the 1990s, residents of Old Bagan were forced to relocate there.
New hotels were allowed only in New Bagan. But NLD member U Khin Maung Nyo said people who sold their land were not encroaching on the protected zones. They are just resettling around New Bagan, not Old Bagan, he said.
IN BRIEF
Quito China planning to partner with Ecuador to fund brand new megarenery worth $10 billion
China will nance most of the costs associated with building a US$10 billion renery in Ecuador, and become a partner in the megaproject, President Rafael Correa said last week. That is just about a done deal. It is tremendous news for the nation, Correa told foreign reporters. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China is due to fund 70 percent of the renery and state oil giant China National Petroleum Corp is set to partner in the deal with Petroecuador and Venezuelas PDVSA. Deputy minister for strategic industries Augusto Espin said the deal is due to be completed in late March. We have the paperwork quite far along, and we are working on the documents to have CNPC in on the Renery of the Pacic, Espin added, referring to the facility already under construction in Manabi. It is expected to open in 2017. We developing countries of course need nancing, and China is the worlds leading nancier, even to the United States, added Correa, a leftist economist by training. Petroecuador currently has a 51pc stake in the renery, with 49pc held by PDVSA. AFP
PHYO WAI KYAW pwkyaw@gmail.com HLAING KYAW SOE hlaingkyawsoe85@gmail.com REAL estate brokers in Mandalay said they are preparing to petition authorities to cut a 37 percent property transaction tax imposed in 2012 following a public invitation by the government for realtors to become more active in policymaking. We have to submit proposals by February 11 relating to property xed standard prices. We will also suggest reducing the 37 percent property transaction tax, said U Wunna Soe of Phoe La Min real estate agency in Mandalay, during a meeting of bro-
kers called to establish the Mandalay Region Real Estate Brokers Association on January 23. The regions deputy nance minister, Dr Linn Aung, met with brokers representatives on January 18 to discuss tax-related difficulties and asked for their suggestions. In August 2012, the government restored the top rate of 37pc for highend property transactions, replacing a rate of 15pc. The move was criticised as a drag on the property market and has resulted in a slew of illicit property transactions. Some Mandalay-based brokers have said that they would prefer to not join the government-backed Myanmar Real Estate Services Asso-
ciation (MRESA) in favour of an independent association. We wrote to the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development in December, and hope to get permission soon. We want to stand on our own, to work effectively for our members, said freelance broker U Winn Sann. The xed prices for Mandalay properties are set by the regional Department of Revenue, based on the size of the plot. Some brokers have said they are out of sync with actual values. In Yangon, the price and the tax payable are calculated on the squarefoot area of the plot. But in Mandalay, the calculation is based on the acreage, said U Wunna Soe.
29
A few people are just living there in small huts, growing crops. We have to control this now. U Naing Win, director of Archaeology, National
Museum and Libraries Department of Ministry of Culture
Property prices in Yangons South Okkalapa township a rip off, say agents
TIn YaDanaR TUn
tinyadanar.mcm@gmail.com
THE price of apartments in South Okkalapa township are being driven up by articial price manipulation from constructor-landowner partnerships, industry players said last week. The practice of razing existing residential dwellings and replacing them with ve storey condo apartments in a constructor-landowner partnership has taken off in the township, but industry players saw the township is becoming increasingly expensive compared to similar neighbouring townships. We build apartments on a plot of 1200 square feet. Much of the land we build on is owned by 60-year grant, said U Ye Naing. At the point of sale, ground-oor apartments can cost up to K10 million more than higher oors. In a contractor-landowner project for a ve storey condo, the landowner gets the second and third oor of the building and the developer gives to the landowner between K1 million to K5 million, plus the cost of relocating for the construction period. The developer gets the other
apartments. If the apartment is built on 2400 square feet, the landowner and the developer get equal numbers of apartments. Developers are often waiting until after construction is completed to sell the apartments, Ma Lat, a real estate agent in the township toldThe Myanmar Times. The apartment price before and after construction is different by about K8 million. Some developers dont sell the apartments when construction starts and sell the apartments later once they have decorated it themselves, she said. The soaring prices in the township were an oddity among neighbouring townships, U Yan Aung, another real estate agent in the area said. If South Okkalapa township is compared with North Dagon, South
Buildings under construction in South Okkalapa township. Photo: Auntg Htay Hlaing
Difference in price for ground oor apartments in South Okkalapa township, compared to other oors.
K10
MILLION
Dagon and Shwe Pyi Thar townships established after 1988, its land price is very high and its development is not very good, he said. Long-term resident Daw Tin Tin Win said she had noticed a sharp in-
crease in the land prices in the last two years. The property price is high obviously in South Okkalapa since 2012. The price of land that used to be K10 million has increased to over K100
million when the constructor-landowner developments began. Later, more contract buildings were built and the apartment price is high although land price is stable Daw Tin Tin Win said.
TOKYO
$579
Amount of new Japanese loan to India that will go toward energy-conservation projects
MILLION
tion projects, including the development of solar power plants and wind farms through an Indian governmentbacked company handling renewable energy projects, the Nikkei said. Japans foreign ministry said the two countries were discussing economic cooperation but nothing has been formally decided yet. Mr Abe, accompanied by a Japanese business delegation, was expected to begin a three-day visit to India last week. Since coming to power in December 2012 Mr Abe has travelled the globe extensively, partly in his role as salesman-in-chief for Japan Inc, but also as he looks to forge and reinforce relationships as a counterweight to the rise of China. AFP
Living in comfort
IDEAL for a quiet family residence in Yankin township, this weeks house has four large bedrooms and plenty of space, including a staff room. The 2000 sq ft, two-storey house, with garage, stands in its own 5980 sq ft compound. The garden is restfully green. The spacious reception rooms are tastefully decorated, and the kitchen and dining rooms are divided by a partition. Seven air conditioners and a land-line phone connection are provided. Ei The The Naing Location : Phyunt Phyoe Aung Housing, Yankin Township. Price Contact Phone : US$6000 : Estate Myanmar : 09 43118787, (per month)
09 73114860
30 Business Property
RIO DE JANEIRO
HAVANA
An aerial picture of the Arena de Baixada stadium under construction in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, on December 14. Photo: AFP
versations we have had with the State Government and the Curitiba city council will produce the desired results, which will not see the city excluded from the Cup. It is estimated that the stadium in Curitiba is 90 percent completed but, like many of the other 11 venues, it has been beset by problems. Back in December work at the stadium was temporarily halted when workers walked off the site in protest at not receiving backpay. As well as fatal accidents at three stadiums Sao Paulo, Brasilia and
Manaus there has been widespread concern at Brazils ability to overcome logistical issues, including a poor transport network and sky-high hotel prices. All 12 venues were supposed to meet a FIFA completion deadline of December 31, but world footballs governing body was forced to drop the date last month after a slew of delays. On January 21, Brazils aviation authority revealed that Fortaleza airport in the north of the country is delaying major renovations until after the World Cup, opting for plan B an improvised tent terminal. AFP
Up until now there were people who had the money, but could not rent through a real estate agency.
Grisel Espinosa Old Havana resident
www.mmtimes.com
AUNG KYAW NYUNT zeezee383@gmail.com COMING soon to an Android handset near you: Myanmar traditional chess, or Sittuyin. Developed by Total Game Play Studio, the game has been available to Myanmar players since January 20, said Ko Myint Kyaw Thu, the studios chief technology officer. This game was designed to provide good performance for gamers, he said, adding that it will soon be adapted for the Mac platform and personal computers. The method of this game is the same as Age of Empires. The militaries you use are those of Myanmar and Thailand, he said. Famous characters are also included in the game for players to select. He added that bonus games include draughts and carom. We put a lot of time into this game because its a traditional game and
we wanted to ensure the best performance. But we were still able to meet our deadline for release, he added. The game can be downloaded for free at Google Play Store. Gamers have the option of playing online against others or taking on the computer in articial intelligence mode but Ko Myint Kyaw Thu warned that the difficulty level has been set high. Myanmar traditional chess is not the same as chess. The opponents can immediately strike each other as soon as play begins, and the value of each piece is high. Total Game Play Studio Company, in cooperation with Zwenexsys Company, recently released another traditional game for Android phones Chinlone. The game was released on October 25 in Android format, with an iOS version put out in November 2013. Total Game Play Studio is now busy working on a game that will allow the player to pilot a trishaw through traffic.
World
BEIJING
IN PICTUREs
People commute through oodwaters in one of Jakartas business district ed their homes in the capital due to ooding that has left ve dead, offic through waist-deep water to reach safer ground. Photo: AFP
BANGKOK
This photo dated September 16, 2012 shows Chinese protesters marching pass theJapanese embassy. Photo: AFP
33
GENEVA
tss on January 22, 2014. More than 30,000 Indonesians have cials said, with people using rubber dinghies and wading
KIEV
A Ukrainian protester wearing a gas mask stands amid burnt tyres and garbage following clashes between pro-EU demonstrators and riot police in Kiev on January 23. Photo: AFP
I feel how tense the atmosphere is. I feel how great the hopes are. It is going to disappoint you.
Vitali Klitschko UDAR Party leader
Reg. No. 1800/1998 in respect of Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary preparations; dietetic substances adapted for medical use, food for babies; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin; fungicides; herbicides. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for HISAMITSU PHARMACEUTICAL CO., INC. P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 27 January 2014
PAIN PATCH
34 World International
SINGAPORE KUALA LUMPUR
Anti Lynas activists are stopped by security guards as they protest against the Australian rare earth plant during an Australia Day celebration event hosted by the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on January 22. Photo: AFP
they found out Lynas was one of the sponsors. We have already stated that Lynas is an unwelcome investment, he told AFP. Its against our principles. Protesters staged several large rallies before the plant opened, saying they feared radioactive waste from it could harm residents and the environment.
Himpunan Hijau has also collected more than one million signatures to shut it down. Efforts to block the plants operation permanently through a court order have so far failed. The Australian miner has insisted the plant is safe, saying any radioactive waste would be lowlevel and safely disposed of. AFP
TRIPOLI
www.mmtimes.com
HANOI
International World 35
Reg. No. 13890/2013 in respect of Intl Class 3: Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; shampoos; hair rinses; hair conditioners; hair lotions; hair tonics; hair bleaches; hair colorants; hair dyes; non-medicated preparations for the care of skin, hair and scalp; hair care agents; hair care preparations; perfumery; essential oils; cosmetics; dentifrices. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Kabushiki Kaisha Kaminomoto Hompo P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 27 January 2014
Defendants, all drugs smugglers, flanked by police attend a two-week long trial held by a local Peoples Court inside a jail in the Northeastern province of Quang Ninh on January 20. Photo: AFP
They also conscated 20 luxury cars and dozens of guns and other weapons during the raid, state media reported. CommunistVietnamhas some of the worlds toughest anti-drug laws. Anyone found guilty of possessing more than 600 grams (21 ounces) of heroin, or more than 20 kilograms of opium, can face the death penalty. Convictions and sentences are usually revealed only by local media, which is strictly under state control. The Golden Triangle region covering part of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar was formerly one of the worlds top producers of opium and heroin but has been overtaken by Afghanistan. After a two-year hiatus in carrying out capital punishment due to problems procuring chemicals for lethal injections,Vietnamexecuted its rst prisoner by the method last August. The country currently now has more than 700 prisoners on death row, according to media reports and an AFP tally.
Many have been sentenced for drug offences including dozens of foreigners -- although it has been decades since a foreign citizen was executed. AlthoughVietnamdoes not release statistics on executions, rights group Amnesty International recorded 86 new death sentences in 2012 while it said ve executions were carried out the previous year. Amnesty said it was dismayed to learn about the sentences, which come on top of recent death sentences handed out in high-prole corruption and embezzlement cases. Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases, without exception, Rupert Abbott, its researcher on Cambodia, Laos andVietnam, told AFP. Rather than continuing to hand down death sentences, theVietnamese authorities should be moving towards abolition, in line with the global trend, he added. Due to problems with both procuring and producing domestically the chemicals required for lethal injections, some lawmakers have called for a return to executions by ring squad. AFP
FAIRFIELD
Reg. No. 8843/2013
Reg. No. 8844/2013 Reg. No. 8845/2013 in respect of Intl Class 35: Franchise services, namely, offering business management assistance in the establishment and operation of hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, recreational and fitness facilities, and retail stores; business management services, namely, management and operation of hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, recreational and fitness facilities, and retail stores for others; business centre services, namely rental of office machines and equipment, photocopying, word-processing and typing services; business management consultation services; providing facilities for the use of office equipment and machinery; business administration services; business meeting planning services. Intl Class 41: Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities; health club services, namely providing instruction and consultation in the field of physical exercise; rental of exercise equipment; providing fitness and exercise facilities; golf club, golf course and golf instruction services; education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities; education and entertainment, namely arranging conferences, organization of exhibitions for cultural or educational purposes; providing facilities for recreation activities; providing facilities and services for swimming pools and water sports; providing tennis facilities, rental of tennis courts and tennis instruction; casino and gaming service; night clubs. Intl Class 43: Hotel services; restaurant, catering, bar and lounge services; resort and lodging services; provision of general purpose facilities for meetings, conferences and exhibitions; provision of banquet and social function facilities for special occasions; and reservation services for hotel accommodations. Intl Class 44: spa services, namely, providing facial, hair, skin and body treatments, manicure and pedicure services, massage services, body waxing services and beauty salon services. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A.,H.G.P.,D.B.L. for Marriott Worldwide Corporation P.O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 27 January 2014
36 World International
SEOUL
Photo: AFP
(Reg: Nos. IV/7063/2010 & IV/10014/2013) in respect of : - Pneumatic or hydraulic machines and instruments, namely, pumps, vacuum pumps, blowers, and compressors; and chemical processing machines and apparatus, namely, presses, agitating machines, mixing or blending machines, granulating machines, reaction vessels, partial condensers, separating machines, dissolving machines, and filtering machines, all for chemical processing Class: 7 General civil engineering works; plumbing; machinery installation; electric works; pump repair and maintenance; repair or maintenance of chemical processing machines and apparatus Class: 37 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Tsurumi Manufacturing Co., Ltd., P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 27th January, 2014
North Korean leaderKimJong-Un (centre) visiting the revolutionary battle site at Mt. Madu in South Pyongan province.
(Reg: No. IV/13643/2013) The above two trademarks are in respect of :- Aerated water; Preparations for making aerated water; Milk of Almonds [beverage]; Non-alcoholic aperitifs; Beer; Beer wort; Non-alcoholic beverages; Preparations for making beverages; Non-alcoholic cider; Non-alcoholic cocktails; Pastilles for effervescing beverage; Powders for effervescing beverage; Essences for making beverage; Non-alcoholic fruit extracts; Non-alcoholic fruit juice beverages; Fruit juices; Non-alcoholic fruit necta; Ginger ale; Ginger beer; Unfermented Grape must; Nonalcoholic Honey-based beverages; Extracts of hops for making beer; Isotonic beverages; Kvass [non-alcoholic beverages]; Lemonades; Preparations for making liqueurs; Lithia water; Malt beer; Malt wort; Peanut milk [soft drink]; Milk of almonds [beverage]; Preparations for making mineral water; Mineral water [beverage]; Must; Orgeat; Sarsaparilla [soft drink]; Seltzer water; Sherbets [beverages]; Soda water; Orange juice beverage; Mandarin Orange juices; Syrups for beverages; Syrups for lemonade; Table waters; Tomato juice [beverages]; Vegetable juices [beverages]; Waters [beverages]; Whey beverages Class: 32 Retail and wholesale store services in the field of waters [beverage]; Retail and wholesale store services in the field of beverages; Retail and wholesale store services in the field of citrus fruit juices [beverages]; Sales promotion for others in the field of selling and purchasing waters [beverages]; Sales promotion for others in the field of selling and purchasing waters [beverages] by Internet; Sales promotion for others in the field of selling and purchasing beverages; Sales promotion for others in the field of selling and purchasing beer; Sales promotion for others in the field of selling and purchasing mineral water; Sales promotion for others in the field of selling and purchasing extracts of citrus fruit; Sales promotion for others in the field of selling and purchasing cooked foods; Import and export agency; Sales arranging of waters [beverages]; Sales arranging of beverages; Sales promotion for others in the field of selling and purchasing cooked foods; Demonstration of goods; Business management of hotels; Advertising agencies Class: 35 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corporation P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 27th January, 2014
PAPEETE
www.mmtimes.com
COLOMBO SYDNEY
International World 37
Marty Natalegawa, minister of Foreign Affairs ofIndonesia, speaks during peace talks of the so-called Geneva II conference in Montreux on January 22. Photo: AFP
bringing asylum-seekers to Australia by sea. Arrival numbers have since dropped dramatically, but the policy which includes turning back boats when it is safe to do so has been received coolly by Jakarta and criticised by refugee advocates. Australia says the incursions were inadvertent but reports have
TRADEMARK CAUTION
Gold Pens (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a company incorporated in Thailand and having its registered office at 59/2 Moo 1 Pinklao Nakhornchaisri Rd., Nakhornchaisri, Nakhornpathom 73120, Thailand is the owner and proprietor of the following Trademark:
38 World International
PHNOM PENH
Reg. No. 4/9928/2013: Reg. Date 10 September 2013 In respect of Black pencils; Colored pencils; refill pencil leads; wax crayons; watercolors; ball pens; oil pastel; poster colours; colouring pens in Class 16. Fraudulent or unauthorised use or actual or colourable imitation of the Mark shall be dealt with according to law. U Than Maung, Advocate For Gold Pens (Thailand) Co., Ltd., C/o Kelvin Chia Yangon Ltd., #1505, 15th Floor Sakura Tower, Yangon, The Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Dated 27 January 2014 utm@kcyangon.com
Cambodian people pray during the 10th anniversary of the death of labour leader Chea Vichea, in Phnom Penh on January 22. Photo: AFP
KETEL ONE
(Reg: No. IV/2492/2010) in respect of goods in Class 33: Alcoholic beverages (except beers). Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark will be dealt with according to law. U THAN WIN, B.Com, B.L. for Double Eagle Brands N.V. By its Attorneys Ageless P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416
Reg. No. 1500/2000 in respect of Coffee, tea, fruit drink, aerated waters and other non-alcoholic drinks. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Pokka Sapporo Food & Beverage Ltd. P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 27 January 2014
SHIMLA
Reg. No. 13865/2013 in respect of Class 05: Pharmaceutical products; dietetic products for children and invalids, dietetic additives; fish oils and derivatives thereof for use as dietary supplements and for pharmaceutical and medical purposes. Class 29: Edible oils and fats; food preparations containing oils and fats. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Merck KGaA P. O. Box 60, Yangon. Email: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 27 January 2014
MAXEPA
Snow leopard, Nita, prowls at the Conservation Breeding Centre in the Himalayan Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park in Darjeeling. Photo: AFP
for use in traditional Chinese medicine. A research centre will also be set up by the state near the Tibet-bordering Spiti Valley considered an important habitat for the mountain cats. It is estimated that there are less than 30 snow leopards left in Himachal Pradesh. The WWF launched a fund-raising campaign earlier this month to build awareness through online media and
improve conservation projects like camera traps and predator-safe pens for livestock. In rare sightings, two snow leopards were caught on cameras late last year in northern Uttarakhand state, springing hope in wildlife conservationists. Wildlife experts in Nepal have been tracking a rare snow leopard since last December using a similar collar with a GPS tracking system. AFP
40 World International
OPINION
Reg. No. 12016/2013 in respect of Class 35: Managing sale business in retail store, Distribute building material products. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for The Siam Cement Public Company Limited P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 27 January 2014
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon observes a display of Auschwitz concentration camp victims shoes. Photo:UN/Pool
(Reg: No. IV/13639/2013) in respect of :- Tobacco, whether manufactured or unmanufactured; smoking tobacco, pipe tobacco, hand rolling tobacco, chewing tobacco, snus tobacco; cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos; substances for smoking sold separately or blended with tobacco, none being for medicinal or curative purposes; snuff; smokers articles included in Class 34; cigarette papers, cigarette tubes and matches. Class: 34 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Japan Tobacco Inc P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 27th January, 2014
PHILLIPS
(Reg: No. IV/11137/2013) in respect of:- Over the counter medicines. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates For Aspen Global Incorporated P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416
Ban Ki-moon walks along the execution railway at Birkenau. Photo: UN/Pool
www.mmtimes.com
WARSAW JERUSALEM
International World 41
A TOPEuropean Union official warned on January 22 that both Israel and the Palestinians would have a price to pay if US-led peace talks collapse. Speaking to reporters in Jerusalem, Lars Faaborg-Andersen, the EUs ambassador to Israel, also rebuffed charges by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thatEuropewas showing a pro-Palestinian bias. And he warned that persistent Israeli construction on land seized during the 1967 Six Day War was fuelling private European moves to boycott products and services linked to the settlements. It is obvious, and we have made it clear to the parties, that there will be a price to pay if these negotiations falter, he said. US Secretary of State John Kerry coaxed the two sides back to the negotiating table in July with the aim of securing an agreement within nine months. But the talks have shown very little visible progress, overshadowed by disagreements on security and a urry of settlement announcements. Since January 1, Israel has pushed ahead with plans for another 2,791 new settler homes in the West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem, sparking a wave of international condemnation. By continuing to build up the settlements at the expense of a peace agree-
ment, Israel was likely to nd itself more and more shunned by theEuropean public, the envoy warned. If Israel were to go down the road of continued settlement expansion and were there not to be any result of the current talks, Im afraid that what will transpire is a situation in which Israel will nd itself increasingly isolated, he said. Not necessarily because of any decisions taken at a governmental level but because of decisions taken by a myriad of private, economic actors, be it companies, pension funds or consumers, who will be choosing other products on the supermarket shelves. Mr Faaborg-Andersen said moves withinEuropeto require separate labelling for goods manufactured in the settlements were gathering pace every time Israel announced a new round of construction. I think it is gaining momentum every time there is a settlement announcement here, and thats one of the reasons why these are very counterproductive, both for the negotiations but also because they dont play in a good way with the public and also the political class inEurope. So far, such initiatives are in place in Britain and Denmark, and Sweden, Finland and the Benelux countries are looking into it, he said. AFP
light.whitney@gmail.com
U
GE T
GERS O FIN N
IT
SEA Games boxing gold medalist Ma Nwe Ni Oos gentle nature belies her wisdom and true grit
YO
Ma Nwe Ni
HAD never ever been happy like that before in my life, the young woman said in tears to the TV announcer after winning gold in the boxing nals of the 27th Southeast Asian Games, held in Myanmar in December. The last time the country hosted the games was 44 years ago, the largest time interval any of the participating countries has endured. It was also the rst time in 50 years that Myanmar won a gold medal in boxing. The moment was overwhelming. Her name is Ma Nwe Ni Oo. She has a round face and her fresh eyes give away her young age, just 20 years. On the TV screen during the games she appeared a rough and tough tomboy, much like her competitors. Off it, her gentle femininity surprises. She speaks softly, and to the interview she wore a delicate blouse with tight blue jeans. Yet as she tells the story of how she came to the SEA Games podium, its clear that years of hardship, training and a remarkable ability to control her mind have brought her to where she is.
In Myanmar, many children drop out of middle school each year as part of the effects of the countrys underdeveloped politics and economy. She was one of them, but it took nothing from her drive to achieve her goals once a life-changing love of boxing entered her life. The oldest daughter in her family, she has ve brothers and sisters. She was born in Phyuu, a town in Taungoo district, Bago region, with a population just over 40,000. She was only in fth grade when she left school to help support her family. Her father, Aung Thet Oo, earned a modest income as a kitchen helper at a local tea shop. Our family is so large that my parents couldnt support our education, she said. She quit school to work at the tea shop, too, as a cleaner. She was 10 years old. It was also through her father that she became introduced to boxing. He is an amateur boxing player who always played in local sports competitions and funfairs in the township. Ma Nwe Ni Oo decided she wanted to be a boxer when she watched her father compete. I admire my father, but my parents and all of my family asked me not to play, since Im a girl, she said. They think its not a suitable game for a woman, since girls in Myanmar culture should stay in the home and not ght. She thought she might never have the chance to play until an incident
convinced her parents to allow her to try. One of her friends, who had been taking free boxing lessons in the town, hit her in the lip, causing it to bleed. I was so angry, I went and attended the free boxing training although all of my family tried to stop me from seeking revenge on her. Im crazy when I box. I always wanted to do it, she said, laughing at how she got her start in the sport. After that, she started training regularly at the local boxing class, run by old boxers from the town. She learned the rules of the game and how to move her feet from U Thant Zin Oo, an amateur from Phyuu, who remains one of her coaches to this day. She studied whenever she had free time from work, she said. The training room wasnt a gym but just an open eld, where sandbags had been strung up in the trees for punching bags. She started learning in 2009 and her rst experience in a competition was during local Independence Day celebrations. She had about 20 days to train for it, but she won and went home with K4000 (about US$5) as a prize. From the township competitions she graduated to regional ghts. There are 14 regions in Myanmar from which national competitors may be drawn. In 2010, after a regional competition, the Myanmar Boxing Federation Sport Training Clubs & Association selected her to train for the 2013 SEA Games.
The selection came as a surprise. I did not expect to compete, because there were six girls they could choose from and they would select only four to compete, she said. Ma Nwe Ni Oo said that life had been difficult up to the point when the Myanmar Boxing Federation selected her. The owner of the tea shop red her and her father because they were absent from work too many times. They always skipped out when there was a boxing competition in Phyuu, she said.
Together her family lived in a wood house. Ma Nwe Ni Oos bedroom was also the living room. Her mother plucked mangoes and tamarinds from the trees in front of their housing compound and sold them in the local marketplace to support the whole family. Ma Nwe Ni Oo sometimes contributed money that she won at boxing competitions, but it was never enough to support her family. We faced hard times when my father and I had no job. But I never
My family asked me not to play. In Myanmar culture, a girl should stay in the home and not fight.
Ma Nwe Ni Oo
www.mmtimes.com
MANDALAY
the pulse 43
i Oo displays the gold medal she won in boxing at the 2013 SEA Games. Photo: Boo Thee
erfly
thought of giving up boxing, she said. I couldnt eat for a whole day when my parents asked me not to play. Her father sympathized with her passion. He loves boxing, he said, but he cant play professionally because hes had no time to study, since his focus has been on being the breadwinner for his family. At rst, I worried she would get injured, Aung Thet Oo said. But when I saw how eager she was to play, I had to let her try. I believed she would be good. In preparation for the SEA Games, she practiced for about seven hours each day and four hours when the weather was hot. As the date of the games approached, her weight was 55 kilos. The boxing federation had prepared her to compete in the 54 kilo category. So, she ran around Thuwana Field in the early mornings in a nal attempt to reduce her weight. It wasnt down, though, so she had to compete in the featherweight category. The competition put her up against ghters from the Philippines and Indonesia, and she competed with Filipino boxer Nesthey Petecio in the nal round. Shed never taken so many injuries than in that ght, Ma Nwe Ni Oo said. I was so excited. It was the rst time Id ever competed with a foreigner. In the match, my hands were just shaking looking at the audiences who were there to cheer me on. It was the hardest ght of her life. On TV, the audience could see Petecio taunt and tease her in the ring. But she stayed in control and fought well. So she was disappointed after the medals had been awarded to hear that rumours were saying shed won the gold medal only because Myanmar was hosting the games. Actually I dont think thats true, she said. I think the people who said that dont understand the game rules. Yes, I was hit many times in the nal match. My eyes and cheek bones got injured. Most of my punches were jabs. Most of her punches were crosses. Its a point competition. And winning depends on points. But she knew she couldnt do anything about the naysaying and has accepted it as part of winning. The gold medal also came with a K40 million (US$40,000) cash prize. She went home to Phyuu and gifted all the money to her family. They dont know yet how they will spend it. Winning that money changed my life. Im so happy because I can support my family well and not worry, she said. In the months ahead she will start training for the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore. For now, though, shes back in Yangon. Ma Nwe Ni Oo is taking a well-deserved rest, living life like a 20-year-old girl.
Contestants in the Miss Beauty Concert in Mandalay, on January 17. Photo: Si Thu Lwin
44 the pulse
Whats On!
ART January 25-February 2 10am-6pm Last Compositions artwork of Melissa Finkenbiner, Pansodan Scene, 2nd oor, 144 Pansodan Street, Yangon January 25-27 9am-6pm 7 Tastes Gallery 65, 65 Yaw Min Gyi Street, Yangon January 20-February 28 19th-century rare photography of Myanmar, Yangon Heritage Trust, rst oor, 22-24 Pansodan Street, Yangon January 27-February 4 Dream 54 13th anniversary show, Mandalay Hill Art Gallery, Mandalay FILM Nay Pyi Taw Cinema Lone Survivor 2D. Based on a true story, four Navy SEALs are ambushed by al-Qaeda operatives in the mountains of Afghanistan, isolated from help and forced to ght their way out. Directed by Peter Berg Rinsch. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch and Emile Hirsch. Top Royal Cinema Lone Survivor 2D Mingalar 2 Cinema The Legend of Hercules 3D.
Shae Shaung Cinema The Legend of Hercules 3D Junction square Cineplex Police Story. Tarzan. MUSIC January 31 7pm PBD Hood 9th Anniversary Show, Flamingo Bar, Yangon International Hotel THEATRE February 1-2 6:30pm Two From Galilee, National Theatre. Directed by Richard Montez (US). Performed in Burmese by Chin amateur actors. Tickets K5000-K10,000 at Man Thiri music studio. Proceeds go to refugees at Hote Laing High School, Chin state.
BOOKS January 27 & 28 Book fair, Myanmar Event Park Hotel, Shin Saw Pu Road. Organized by Reader Channel MRTV-4. MISC January 29 7-9pm Chinese New Year gala dinner, Chatrium Hotel, Yangon January 29 9-11:30pm Black Party mixed gay event, Flamingo Bar, Yangon International Hotel January 29 7-10:30pm Pub quiz and trivia night, Cuba, 66 Yae Kyaw Street, Yangon
NANDAr AuNG nandaraung.mcm@gmail.com WHEN Myanmar marionette artists want to express praise for a performance, they will say that their fellow player was possessed by the Lamaing spirit. The Lamaing is the patron of the theatre in Buddhism, the spirit who could ll an artist with inspiration. This is one of the fascinating facts found in Marionettes of Myanmar (Sarpay Beikman, K6000), a history by Ye Dway, an art writer and one of the nest puppet performers in the nation, who is on a mission to save the art from extinction. The book was awarded First Prize in 2011 by the Sarpay Beikman Institute of Literature, and the author is one of dozens of writers set to attend the Irrawaddy Literary
Festival next month in Mandalay. Several books have been written about Myanmar puppetry and drama in the Burmese language. There are also three famous English-language books: Burmese Puppets, by Noel F. Singer; The Illusion of Life: Burmese Marionettes, by Ma Thanegi; and Burmese Puppetry, by Axel Burns. The thesis of this of this 78-yearold puppeteer with a pair of thick reading glasses, however, is somewhat different. Hes drawn attention to the unique aspects of Myanmar puppetry compared with Indian and Thai traditions. The movement of Myanmar marionettes is different. They move in circles, whereas other theatres move in perpendicular fashion. Most of the people think that Myanmar marionettes imitate Indian and Thai practices. Ive tried to describe the difference, said Ye Dway. In the beginning, puppets had a religious purpose before they became used for entertainment, and it is generally believed they originated in China and India in the Orient and Greece and Italy in the West. But in Myanmar, according to Ye Dway, string puppets were born during the Konbaung dynasty, in the era of King Hsinbhyushin (1763-1776). From then on, improv theatre grew in popularity. It wasnt until the 1920s that the theatre started to decline, partly because of the arrival of foreign cinema as an alternative entertainment. When he was 27, in 1963, Ye Dway learned the art of puppet manipulation from an old puppeteer, Aung Twin, at Tharyarwady. Two years later he attended a three-month modern puppetry training course in Myanmar conducted by two female puppeteers from Czechoslovakia, Eva Boctic Kova and Jana Havlikova. With that training, Ye Dway formed a puppet troupe called Dagon Aung, founded with K1 million and at least 35 players. Between 1965 and 1947, they performed in Upper Myanmar to great acclaim. Today its more difficult to form such a troupe, he said. The theatre is expensive to put on, and groups tend to fall apart when the going gets tough. Now the Myanmar puppet performance situation is almost lost, he said. Young people arent interested in manipulating puppets and they dont get to see performances. The market for the puppet dolls, however, is still good in Yangon and Mandalay. The puppets are collected for dollhouse displays rather than for the stage. The book is full of high-quality illustrations of puppets, costumes and performances. In addition it includes instructions on how to make puppets and costumes and how to build a troupe. Ye Dway documents in detail the four different types of puppet: shadow, glove, rod and string. All can be found across Southeast Asia, but it was only the string puppet that developed in Myanmar to the point of becoming a well-known symbol of cultural heritage. Marionettes of Myanmar is a precious book. Especially for someone who would write their thesis on the subject, or amateur historians, its not to be missed.
46 the pulse
I walked into the Khao San Road with hair a colour that in nature is only ever found on a certain rare breed of Alpaca.
Elsewhere the bottle wouldve legally required a poison symbol. I watched my colour drain away in seconds.
my memory as the kind of shameless septuagenarian style to which one day I may aspire. But when youre paying London prices in SEA, it is surely not too much to hope that when one asks for blonde, one gets blonde. Not tangerine. The hairdresser tried to make it better. But by the time I left the salon, six hours later and US$140 poorer, my roots were still citrus and the ends still (NOW) purple. The progression of time and hair growth cannot be halted. I found myself making a commitment to Myanmar and wanted to seek out a
local hairdresser to prove my delity. All long-term Yangon expats advice told me not to do so. Oh, I only ever go to Hong Kong to get mine done, responded one businesswoman with glossy highlights. It was clear her grooming budget vastly exceeded that of any freelance writer. I found a plethora of salons in my neighbourhood, but I could nd none that looked capable of proving the cynics wrong. Foreign investors might be pouring into the country with indecent haste, but purveyors of hair dye designed for European tresses have yet to notice theres a gap in the market. Still, I thought Id try just a little trim in one of the more modern-looking salons. Cheerfully, the stylist snipped my fringe at an angle reminiscent of the time my 8-year-old sister cut her own hair with the playroom scissors. I decided to delay colour until my next trip out of Myanmar. Perhaps Malaysias hairdressers would prove more adaptive to my styling needs. They told me the dye was organic and gave me an Ipad to play with as they practiced their alchemic artistry. I fell for it to such a degree that I left a massive tip. It was only in the cold light of the next morning that I discovered a near miraculous metamorphosis of my ravaged locks. Fading lilac with auburn roots had been transformed
Continued to page 47
www.mmtimes.com
the pulse 47
MOUNTAIN of more than 1500 art treasures have been gathering dust for many years an apartment of Pansodan Gallery owner and artist Aung Soe Min. Now you can take some home or to the office with you, on loan. Three years ago, I was thinking about how the collection could be made available for viewing. My idea was to put them up for hire. The paintings will get proper preservation, and people can look at the early works of deceased painters, Aung Soe Min said. Currently, the paintings are stored on shelves but not in excellent condition. The masterworks of
painter Ngwe Gaing are losing their charm, while rare pencil sketches by artist Ba Nyan are unlikely to hold viewers spellbound. The dust lays thick on works by 20th-century masters such as Ngwe Gaing, Ba Kyi, Ba Nyan, Maung Saung, San Pe and Ba Yin Galay, as well as canvasses by emerging artists such as Shwe Soe Han. Until now, the paintings have hardly seen the light of day. The germ of Aung Soe Mins idea came from remarking the austere simplicity of the buildings and offices in Yangon, which tend to lack art displays. I nd nothing of any artistic merit on the walls of company, nongovernment or government offices. They are completely lacking of any artwork, said Aung Soe Min, who launched the rst art rental service
on January 12 at Pansodan Scene Gallery, where part of his collection is displayed. Embassy and hotel rooms are decorated with photographs and devoid of paintings. The rental service is a real possibility for them if they dont have a policy to buy artworks, he added. About 1000 original artworks by 20th-century artists and more than 500 paintings by contemporary artists are up for hire. Rent is xed at two to ve percent of the actual cost of the original painting per month and the length of the rental is unlimited. Art lovers will have the option to try out a painting. They might waver in their determination to buy a piece during a short visit to the gallery, Aung Soe Min said. Its difficult to make a quick decision. When it hangs in their house, perhaps the painting isnt as charming as it seemed in the gallery.
into a patchwork pattern of brunette and blonde. What Dylan once satirised in his commentary on female vanity was now manifest upon my head. I had no need for a Leopard Skin Hat (Pillbox or otherwise). My hair had become a feline-esque mottle of brown and axen patches that would be the envy of any creature on the plains of Africa. Whatever it was, it was not Blonde on Blonde. I returned to Myanmar shameheaded. What is undoubtedly a camouage asset on the Savannah is less than desirable on the increasingly sophisticated streets of Yangon. Worse, the effects of so much heavy-handed peroxide application had started to take their toll. Gossamer strands now wafted about my apartment in the air-conditioned breeze before merging into hirsute dust bunnies, a worrisome forerunner of selfinduced, incipient baldness. Then one day salvation seemed within grasp. A discussion on Yangonexpat.com suggested there was a new salon in town that could do a good job of colouring European hair. I had little to lose. I booked an appointment. To be fair to the staff, they spent more than half an hour ascertaining the best way to
achieve the shade I wanted. But while the Myanmar colourist managed to avoid recreating any of the previous multi-hued outrages, she could not achieve an all-over, even tone. Perhaps, given the condition of my hair by then, it would have been beyond anyone. And so this story does not have a happy ending. I cannot provide a map to where you can nd the holy grail of perfect highlights in South East Asia. Nor can I offer a solution to the mystery of why European hair proves so confounding to hairdressers on this side of the globe, where cutting-edge styles can be seen in all the big cities and theres no shortage of local talent. A quick poll of my Asian friends living abroad suggested they do not nd the same problem in reverse, although the number of salons in Western cities that specialise in Afro-Caribbean hairstyles indicates that ethnic diversity poses challenges for hairdressers the world over. But I have learned my lesson. From now on Im taking my hair into my own hands. Its DIY dye jobs for me. At least until the day some enterprising Myanmar hairdresser realises that where there are blondes theres brass to be made and opens a special salon
SUDOKU PACIFIC
DILBERT
BY SCOTT ADAMS
PEANUTS
BY CHARLES SCHULZ
BY BILL WATTERSON
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
Laugh all the way to the bank when you rent this space.
The tea break page is being re-formatted in readiness for our move to a daily cycle. It may look something like this in the future. Our market research shows that a page like this attracts a large number of readers, who loyally read it every day. Ring Marketing Department to book this space permanently and laugh all the way to the bank with the extra business coming in your door.
www.mmtimes.com
phyo.arbidans@gmail.com
VE received suggestions and requests from family, friends and readers of this column for dishes theyd like to know how to cook. Theres also been a lot of requests for tips on where to buy certain ingredients and fresh local produce. So, Ive been chasing a lot of new products and making many experiments in my little kitchen. Among the requests I received, some came from Ross the boss at The Myanmar Times. Hes looking for recipes to pass on to his cook at home. What a great idea! On his list is something thats easy to prepare for a late Sunday morning breakfast. It has to be spicy, fresh and healthy. My Aussie family loves to eat bacon and eggs with poached eggs on the weekend, so I was inspired to try shakshuka, which is an egg and tomato curry of North African origin, where its typically eaten for breakfast. Although the word curry might suggest a laborious task for a Sunday morning, the dish is quite simple, and its spices and chilli should help you get rid of any hangover from a Saturday night spent partying. Ive provided a recipe for a classic shakshuka, as well as a reciped adapted for Myanmar tastes. My family loves egg curry, but my husband always wants his yolks
runny or soft. So I made his poached eggs in Myanmar gravy. Problem solved. ShaKshUKa SERvES 2 1 red capsicum or bell pepper 1 big red chilli (optional) 2 tbsp olive oil 500g tomatoes 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp roasted cumin powder tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp sugar 4 eggs 3 cloves garlic, crushed To blanch tomatoes, slit the tops in cross shape. Cover with water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. When their skins start to burst, drain and cool. Take off all the skins and chop, discarding seeds. Cut peppers into halves and remove seeds. Press at and grill. Keep the skins toward the re so that the pepper itself doesnt burn. When they become soft and tender, remove from re and cool. Peel and discard skins and chop. This can be done a day ahead. Soaked in oil, peppers will last up to 6 days in the fridge. Use a non-stick frying pan that ts four eggs. Add oil to the pan and
500g tomatoes 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp roasted cumin powder tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp masala (Kalarlay Brand) 4 eggs 3 cloves garlic, crushed handful of coriander Blanch and chop tomatoes as per instructions for shakshuka. Discard seeds. Use a non-stick frying pan that ts four eggs. Add oil to pan and heat on medium. Saute onions until translucent. Add spices and garlic and fry for one minute. Add tomato paste and fry for one minute. Add chopped tomatoes and fry until the onions are golden. Add cup water to pan and simmer 15 minutes. When gravy is thickened, make four holes in it and crack an egg into each space. Cover the pan. When egg whites are semi-opaque, remove from heat and serve. Garnish with corianders and serve with rice. FOODIE QUOTE The best poet is the man who delivers our daily bread: the local baker -Pablo Neruda
saute tomato paste one minute. Add spices and garlic. When the aroma comes out, add tomatoes and fry for three minutes. Add peppers. Cover pan and turn the heat down. Simmer 15 minutes. When tomatoes and peppers are soft and thick, make four holes in the sauce. Crack an egg into each space. Cover the pan again. On low-medium heat, cook until eggs are done to your
liking. Serve immediately. Garnish with salt and pepper. Serve with sourdough bread or baquette. Myanmar styLe pOacheD-eGG cUrry SERvES 2 3 onions, nely diced 4 tbsp vegetable oil
Spice Brasserie
Park Royal Hotel, 33 Alan Pya Pagoda St, Yangon Food 8 Beverage 8 Service 9 X-factor 8 Value for money 8 Total Score:
8.2/
10
Four Emus
17,400
Buffet staff at Spice Brasserie. Photo: Boothee
Alinger
Magic On
Sunil Verma
Jagdeep Singh
Make-up store
Stephanie Liu
www.mmtimes.com
Aussie Coffee Products
mohthaw@gmail.com
Mingalabar! fans of Socialite. The weather got cooler this week and Socialite has been enjoying these beautiful days. She attended the Konidin Lucky Draw event on Monday and on Tuesday, she enjoyed the Australian Food Fair at Traders Hotel. She sat in on a press conference for Myanmar International Fashion Week on Wednesday before joyfully attending the Magic On event and opening of a new Sweety Home outlet on Thursday. As she loves to be a social buttery, the more events, the happier she becomes. She dropped by the Lucky Draw event organised by the Power Tree UPS on Friday and visited the Bed Talk furniture fair and opening of a new make-up store the same day. There were ve events on Saturday: Aussie Coffee opened for business, as did Skeyndor Clinic, Myanmar Deitta opened the Six photography exhibition, Myanmore.com hosted a prizegiving ceremony, and formerz Myanmar Times photographer Ko Lwin Maung opened Alter: Space art gallery and photo studio. Sunday she relaxed at home.
John Lwin David Thaung Chit Malikha Soe Htike Aung Mr Tang
Ma Htar
Domestic Airlines
Air Bagan Ltd. (W9) Air KBZ (K7)
Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102 Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport), Fax: 372983
Tel : (Head Ofce) 501520, 525488, Fax: 525937. Airport: 533222~3, 09-73152853. Fax: 533223.
Yangon Airways(YH)
Tel: (+95-1) 383 100, 383 107, 700 264, Fax: 652 533.
Domestic
6T = Air Mandalay W9 = Air Bagan YJ = Asian Wings K7 = AIR KBZ YH = Yangon Airways FMI = FMI AIR Charter Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines
www.mmtimes.com
YANGON TO BANGKOK Days Dep Daily 7:15 Daily 8:40 Daily 9:50 Daily 10:30 Daily 14:55 Daily 15:20 Daily 16:30 Daily 18:20 Daily 18:05 Daily 19:45 YANGON TO DON MUENG Days Dep 1,3,5,7 8:00 Daily 8:30 Daily 12:50 Daily 17:35 1,2,3,4 20:55
Arr 9:30 10:25 11:45 12:25 16:50 17:15 18:15 20:15 19:50 21:40
MANDALAY TO DON MUENG Flights Days Dep FD 2761 Daily 12:50 MANDALAY TO KUNMING Days Dep Daily 14:40
Arr 15:15
BANGKOK TO MANDALAY Days Dep 1,2,4,6 7:45 3,5 17:30 Daily 12:05
Arr 9:00 18:45 13:25 Arr 12:20 Arr 13:50 Arr 19:15
Flights MU 2030
Arr 17:20
NAYPYIDAW TO BANGKOK Flights Days Dep PG 722 1,2,3,4,5 19:45 BANGKOK TO YANGON Flights Days Dep 8M 336 Daily 11:55 TG 303 Daily 8:00 PG 701 Daily 8:50 TG 301 Daily 13:00 PG 707 Daily 13:40 PG 703 Daily 16:45 TG 305 Daily 17:50 8M 332 Daily 19:20 PG 705 Daily 20:00 Y5 238 Daily 21:10 DON MUENG TO YANGON Flights Days Dep DD 4230 1,3,5,7 6:30 FD 2751 Daily 7:15 FD 2755 Daily 11:35 FD 2753 Daily 16:20 FD 2757 1,2,3,4 19:35 SINGAPORE TO YANGON Flights Days Dep SQ 998/MI 5872 Daily 7:55 3K 585 Daily 9:10 8M 232 Daily 13:25 TR 2826 1,6,7 13:10 MI 518/MI 5018 Daily 14:20 TR 2826 2,3,4,5 15:00 Y5 234 Daily 15:35 3K 587 2,3,5 17:20 8M 234 5,6,7 19:25 MI 520/SQ 5020 1,5,6,7 22:10 BEIJING TO YANGON Days Dep 2,3,4,6,7 8:05
Arr 22:45
KUNMING TO MANDALAY Days Dep Daily 13:55 BANGKOK TO NAYPYIDAW Days Dep 1,2,3,4,5 17:15
YANGON TO SINGAPORE Flights Days Dep MI 509/SQ 5019 1,2,6,7 0:25 8M 231 Daily 8:00 8M 233 5,6,7 14:00 Y5 233 Daily 10:10 SQ 997/MI 5871 Daily 10:25 3K 586 Daily 11:40 MI 517/SQ 5017 Daily 16:40 TR 2827 1,6,7 15:10 TR 2827 2,3,4,5 17:10 3K 588 2,3,5 19:30 YANGON TO KUALA LUMPUR Flights Days Dep 8M 501 1,3,5,6 8:55 AK 1427 Daily 8:30 MH 741 Daily 12:15 MH 743 Daily 16:00 AK 1421 Daily 19:05 YANGON TO BEIJING Days Dep 2,3,4,6,7 14:15
Arr 5:00 12:25 18:25 14:40 14:45 16:20 21:15 19:35 21:35 00:10+1
Arr 12:40 8:45 9:40 13:45 14:30 17:35 18:45 20:05 21:15 21:55
International Airlines
Air Asia (FD)
Visitors pray before a statue of Bao Zheng at the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao in Kaifeng. Photo: Yomiuri Shimbun
Tel: 251 885, 251 886.
Flights CA 906
Arr 21:55
Arr 9:20 10:40 14:50 14:30 15:45 16:30 17:05 18:50 20:50 23:35
Dragonair (KA)
YANGON TO GAUNGZHOU Flights Days Dep 8M 711 2,4,7 8:40 CZ 3056 3,6 11:35 CZ 3056 1,5 17:40 YANGON TO TAIPEI Days Dep 1,2,3,5,6 10:50
Flights CA 905
Arr 13:15
KaZUHikO MakiTa
Flights CI 7916
Arr 16:15
KAULA LUMPUR TO YANGON Flights Days Dep AK 1426 Daily 6:55 MH 740 Daily 10:05 MH742 Daily 13:50 8M 502 1,3,5,6 14:00 AK 1420 Daily 17:20 GUANGZHOU TO YANGON Flights Days Dep CZ 3055 3,6 8:35 CZ 3055 1,5 14:40 8M 712 2,4,7 14:15 TAIPEI TO YANGON Days Dep 1,2,3,5,6 7:00 KUNMING TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3 8:25 2,3,4,6,7 13:00 Daily 13:30
Silk Air(MI)
YANGON TO KUNMING Flights Days Dep MU 2012 1,3 12:20 MU 2032 Daily 14:40 CA 906 2,3,4,6,7 14:15 YANGON TO CHIANG MAI Flights Days Dep W9 9607 4,7 14:30 YANGON TO HANOI Days Dep 1,3,5,6,7 19:10
AIFENG, in Henan Province, is one of the oldest cities in China. During the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), the city population exceeded 1 million, and it prospered as both the capital and the worlds largest city at the time. Bao Zheng, who was governor of Kaifeng during Chinas Northern Song Dynasty in the 11th century, has held lasting appeal among Chinese people as an incorruptible hero who championed political justice. At the edge of Bao Gong Lake in the old part of the city, the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao enshrines Bao Zheng, also known as Bao Gong. Although the temple was
Arr 16:20
Flights CI 7915
Arr 9:55
Flights VN 956
Arr 21:30
YANGON TO HO CHI MINH CITY Flights Days Dep VN 942 2,4,7 14:25 YANGON TO DOHA Days Dep Daily 7:30
Arr 17:10
International
FD & AK = Air Asia TG = Thai Airways 8M = Myanmar Airways International Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines PG = Bangkok Airways MI = Silk Air VN = Vietnam Airline MH = Malaysia Airlines CZ = China Southern CI = China Airlines CA = Air China KA = Dragonair Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines IC = Indian Airlines Limited W9 = Air Bagan 3K = Jet Star AI = Air India QR = Qatar Airways KE = Korea Airlines NH = All Nippon Airways SQ = Singapore Airways DE = Condor Airlines MU=China Eastern Airlines BR = Eva Airlines DE = Condor AI = Air India BG = Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Flights QR 919
Arr 11:15
CHIANG MAI TO YANGON Flights Days Dep W9 9608 4,7 17:20 HANOI TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3,5,6,7 16:35
Arr 18:10
YANGON TO PHNOM PENH Flights Days Dep 8M 403 1,3,6 8:35 YANGON TO SEOUL Days Dep 4,7 0:50 Daily 23:35
Arr 12:30
Flights VN 957
Arr 18:10
HO CHI MINH CITY TO YANGON Flights Days Dep VN 943 2,4,7 11:40 DOHA TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 21:15 GAYA TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3,5,6 11:20 PHNOM PENH TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3,6 13:30 SEOUL TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 18:30 3,6 19:30 TOKYO TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 11:45
Arr 13:25
YANGON TO HONG KONG Flights Days Dep KA 251 1,2,4,6 01:10 YANGON TO TOKYO Days Dep Daily 22:10 YANGON TO SIEM REAP Days Dep 1,3,6 8:35 YANGON TO GAYA Days Dep 1,3,5,6 9:00 YANGON TO DHAKA Days Dep 1,4 19:30
Flights QR 918
Arr 06:29+1
Arr 05:35
Flights 8M 602
Arr 14:30
Flights NH 914
Arr 06:45+1
Flights 8M 404
Arr 14:55
Flights 8M 401
Arr 10:45
Flights 8M 601
Arr 10:20
Flights BG 061
Arr 20:45
Flights NH 913
Arr 17:15
MANDALAY TO BANGKOK Flights Days Dep TG 2982 1,2,4,6 9:50 TG 2984 3,5 19:35 PG 710 Daily 14:15
HONG KONG TO YANGON Flights Days Dep KA 250 1,3,5,7 21:50 DHAKA TO YANGON Days Dep 1,4 16:15
Arr 23:45
Flights BG 060
Arr 18:30
stood against cruel bureaucrats in deciding one difficult case after another. This image owes a lot to the inuence of repeatedly broadcast TV dramas about Bao, which were drawn from theatrical plays and novels produced after the governors time. Some are even moving to incorporate Baos spirit into current judicial education. However, Yu Xiaoman, an associate professor at Henan University, cautions that the historical gure Bao does not necessarily accord with the Bao of TV dramas. Bao was excellent in his studies and passed the difficult examination for government service to become a bureaucrat in his 20s, going on to become an elite official and climbing rapidly through the ranks. According to Yu, although Bao was no doubt a man of integrity, there are no historical materials that attest to Bao being the heroic champion of justice that TV drama viewers know. Bao was deied as an ideal public official in the peoples imagination during the Yuan Dynasty, a time when peoples lives were thrown into chaos by a rapidly changing society, Yu said. In the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao, there is a stone monument on which names of previous governors of Kaifeng are inscribed. Where Baos name should be, the text is indented and nearly impossible to make out. This part was worn away by the many people who have touched Baos name to follow his example, said Zhou Xiaoqing, 20, a guide at the temple. Baos deep-seated popularity may reect popular dissatisfaction with corruption among bureaucrats and a nontransparent judiciary. Sun Xiuhua, 76, who claims to pay respect at Baos statue every day without fail, proudly said Bao, who was free from corruption, was the peoples pride in Kaifeng. My guide Zhou shared one small piece of Baos legend. It is said that Bao installed a gate at the rear of one public office to allow people to pass through freely and convey their problems to Bao directly. According to Zhou, entering from a back gate demonstrated open communication between the public and private sectors. It is ironic that entering through the back gate has come to suggest backdoor admissions to schools or using connections to get a job, Zhou said. The sad smile he offered with this explanation brought to mind the stern eyes of Bao looking down on temple visitors. The Yomiuri Shimbun
54 the pulse
Living well in Myanmar
WEEKLY PReDiCTiOnS
LeO | Jul 23 - Aug 22 You will face a nancial problem and you will be under stress. You should try to communicate with old contacts and take responsibility for a new social project. Your life will become easy and comfortable after some emotional risk. Your love life is not peaceful and not easy to change, which requires mutual understanding.
PiSCeS | Feb 19 - March 20 Progress can only come about through change. A change will occur over a period of time and usually out of choice. As you begin your new profession, consider training options and develop other skills and interests. Using leisure time effectively is a sure way to enhance your quality of life. Know that jealous feelings could cause you to lose perspective.
ViRgO | Aug 23 - Sep 22 Forget your mistakes but remember what they taught you, and you will become better tomorrow. Find the secret of your success in a daily agenda. Know that the best time to plant a tree is twenty-ve years ago and the second-best time is today. Understand yourself essentially as an erotic creature, and it wont be difcult to imagine your life as a love story in process.
Shopping for powdered coffee and 3-in-1 mix. Photo: Boo Thee
ARieS | Mar 21 - Apr 19 The quality of your life will come down to the quality of your contribution. Be brave and set no limits on the workings of your imagination. Wipe out every thought of not achieving your objectives, whether they are material or spiritual. Forge your character with enthusiasm and high inspiration through the steel of discipline. Love exists in a zone so different from ordinary time that it is said to be eternal.
LiBRa | Sep 23 - Oct 22 Most training and education doesnt last. You must seek to be a lifelong learner. The golden key of your life is to manage your fear by doing the very thing that frightens you. Believe that a precious treasure can live behind every wall of fear. Whatever is uid, soft and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. Your harmonious nature is sure to win love.
livingwellmyanmar@gmail.com
OCTORS, public health officials and consumers have long wondered about the health risks of coffee. Because coffee is a stimulant, a natural assumption is that drinking too much of it will speed up the bodys metabolic system to the point of causing damage. Interestingly, research hasnt really supported this concern and may in fact suggest the opposite. A recent New England Journal of Medicine article looked at 400,000 people aged 50 to 70 and found that the more coffee people drank, the longer they tended to live. Because of the design of the study we cant tell if the reduced risk of death is specically because of the coffee, or whether there are other things about the lifestyle of coffee drinkers that are actually conferring the benet. The ndings correspond with the general trend of coffee research. Low to moderate consumption (up to 3 cups per day) is associated with decreased risk for heart attack, reduced incidence of Parkinson disease and a small, protective effect against Alzheimer disease, depression and diabetes. Although the data is inconclusive and sometimes conicting, coffee drinking may also be associated with decreased risk of breast, mouth/throat, liver and prostate cancer. In any case, coffee has never been shown to cause any type of cancer. Its unclear why coffee seems to confer a health benet. We know coffee contains antioxidants. Also blood tests of people who have just had coffee show reduced levels of inammation and better insulin sensitivity. However, the specics of where and how the molecules in coffee do good things remain unknown So is there any reason to believe that the people of Myanmar are beneting from all the coffee and
tea that is consumed at streetside shops? Perhaps, but a large proportion of coffee consumed in Myanmar comes from adding hot water to 3-in-1 powder packets that contain coffee, sugar and nondairy creamer. While Im unaware of any health studies that have evaluated the long-term prognosis for people that drink heavy amounts of 3-in1, the product is concerning for several reasons. The proportionally high sugar content in the combo packets may negate some of the benet of coffee by causing rapid spikes in blood sugar. At the same time, nondairy creamers often contain trans-fatty acids, which allow them to be stable at high temperatures but are known to be dangerous for heart health. In fact, food regulatory agencies in developed countries are currently forcing companies to remove trans-fats from food products. Finally, sugar and nondairy creamer may reduce the antioxidant concentrations of a cup of coffee.
The high sugar and transfats content of combo packets may negate some benefits of coffee by causing rapid spikes in blood sugar and endangering heart health.
Even without added fake milk and sugar, drinking coffee comes with some risks. We all know that, in addition to alertness, caffeine can cause anxiety, nervousness, insomnia and irritability. People who drink coffee are more likely to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes. Heavy caffeine intake is known to cause palpitations (a rapid heart beat) in susceptible individuals, although as mentioned there is no known increased risk of heart disease. There is a caffeine withdrawal syndrome that occurs in approximately 50 percent of people who suddenly quit a coffee habit. Typically caffeine withdrawal manifests as headache, fatigue, drowsiness, depressed mood and difficulty concentrating. Also, regular caffeine consumption increases the chance of suffering from migraine headaches (paradoxically, a dose of caffeine delivered in a drink or in a pill can be a moderately effective treatment for a headache). All of the evidence for the benet of coffee comes from observational studies, meaning scientists ask people questions about their behavior and then try to correlate that with health status. This differs from gold standard randomised control trials, in which half the people would be given coffee and the other half would be given fake coffee. Therefore doctors have not reached the point of actively recommending coffee for patients. Nevertheless, it does appear that coffee is good for you. Unfortunately the additional ingredients in 3-in-1 are certainly not benecial and may be harmful. As with many of the public health challenges we face in Myanmar, a strong regulatory agency and consumer awareness will be important in allowing people to safely realise the benets of coffee.
Christoph Gelsdorf is an American Board of Family Medicine physician who has a health clinic in Yangon (www. gelsdorfMD.com). He is a member of the GP Society of the Myanmar Medical Association. Reader inquiries are welcomed.
TaURUS | Apr 20 - May 20 Great men see that the spirit is stronger than material forces. Thoughts rule the world. Always verify your intuitive impressions before acting on them. Learn to balance your intuitive, logical and emotional processes. Create pleasure and a state of love to nd your inner soul and give yourself permission to accept yourself. Know that a picture is worth more than a thousand words.
SCORPiO | Oct 23 - Nov 21 The words you use determine the way you feel, and the language you choose shapes the way you perceive reality. Start to turn your mental wounds into wisdom. Remember that a mistake is only a mistake if you make it twice. The things that irritate, annoy and anger you are entry points into your evolution. They are gifts of growth. Learn more about the value of love and the feelings of the heart.
Gemini | May 21 - June 20 You will come up against social challenges and hurdles. Your travel experience will serve to strengthen your personality and to broaden your mind. Know that the death of dogma is the birth of reality, and experience never errs but your judgment may. Little hints will appear to conrm your progress toward success. The beauty of your personality should be focused before pursuing emotional desire.
SagiTTaRiUS | Nov 22 - Dec 21 One of the deepest needs of a human being is the need to belong. Become passionately interested in other people and get respect by giving your simple respect. Inspire yourself to see the world through a new set of perspectives and step out of the ordinary and into the realm of something special. Fill your days with music, which can introduce you to new ideas. Innovate in the way you run your life.
CanCeR | Jun 21 - Jul 22 To understand everything is to hate nothing and to develop your interests. Hatred comes from dislike and contempt from vanity, and neither suffering is quite within our control. Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty to get in touch with the joy of giving without expecting anything in return. Make the most of your conscience.
CaPRiCORn | Dec 22 - Jan 19 People want to go to work each day with pride in their hearts. You should stand for social responsibility as well as remarkable protability. Learn what you need to do to get the best. Vision is not enough, because it must be combined with venture. You need systems in your days to ensure consistency of results, order and superb outcomes. Open your mind when seeking love.
AUNG MYIN KYAW 4th Floor, 113, Thamain Bayan Road, Tarmwe township, Yangon. Tel: 09-731-35632, Email: williameaste@gmail.com
The Essentials
EMBASSIES Australia 88, Strand Road, Yangon. Tel : 251810, 251797, 251798. Bangladesh 11-B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon. Tel: 515275, 526144, email: bdootygn@ mptmail.net.mm Brazil 56, Pyay Road, 6th mile, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 507225, 507251. email: Administ. yangon@itamaraty.gov.br. Brunei 17, Kanbawza Avenue, Golden Velly (1), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 566985, 503978. email: bruneiemb@ bruneiemb.com.mm Cambodia 25 (3B/4B), New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 549609, 540964. email: RECYANGON @ mptmail.net.mm China 1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 221280, 221281. Danmark, No.7, Pyi Thu St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 01 9669520 - 17. Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 222886, 222887, Egyptembassy86@ gmail.com France 102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 212178, 212520, email: ambaf rance. rangoun@ diplomatie.fr Germany 9, Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 548951, 548952, email: info@rangun. diplo.de India 545-547, Merchant St, Yangon. Tel: 391219, 388412, email: indiaembassy @ mptmail.net.mm Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd, Yangon. Tel: 254465, 254469, email: kukygn @ indonesia.com.mm Israel 15, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 515115, fax: 515116, email: info@ yangon.mfa.gov.il Italy 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon. Tel: 527100, 527101, fax: 514565, email: ambyang. mail@ esteri.it Japan 100, Natmauk Rd, Yangon. Tel: 549644-8, 540399, 540400, 540411, 545988, fax: 549643 Embassy of the State of Kuwait Chatrium Hotel, Rm: 416, 418, 420, 422, 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe Tsp, Tel: 544500. North Korea 77C, Shin Saw Pu Rd, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 512642, 510205 South Korea 97 University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 5271424, 515190, fax: 513286, email: myanmar@mofat. go.kr Lao A-1, Diplomatic Quarters, Tawwin Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 222482, fax: 227446, email: Laoembcab@ mptmail. net.mm Malaysia 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 220248, 220249, email: mwkyangon@ mptmail.net.mm Nepal 16, Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon. Tel: 545880, 557168, fax: 549803, email: nepemb @mptmail.net.mm Norway, No.7, Pyi Thu St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles, Mayangone Tsp,Yangon. Tel: 01 9669520 - 17 Fax 01- 9669516 New Zealand No. 43/C, Inya Myaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-2305805 Netherlands Diplomatic Mission No. 43/C, Inya Myaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-2305805 Pakistan A-4, diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Rd, Yangon. Tel: 222881 (Chancery Exchange) Philippines 50, Sayasan Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 558149-151,Email: p.e. yangon@gmail.com Russian 38, Sagawa Rd, Yangon. Tel: 241955, 254161, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia No.287/289, U Wisara Rd, Sanchaung. Tel : 01-536153, 516952. Serbia No. 114-A, Inya Rd, P.O.Box No. 943, Yangon. Tel: 515282, 515283, email: serbemb @ yangon.net.mm Singapore 238, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 559001, email: singemb_ ygn@_ sgmfa. gov.sg Sri Lanka 34 Taw Win Road, Yangon. Tel: 222812, The Embassy of Switzerland No 11, Kabaung Lane, 5 mile, Pyay Rd, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 534754, 512873, 507089. Fax: 534754, Ext: 110 Thailand 94 Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 226721, 226728, 226824 Turkish Embassy 19AB, Kan Yeik Thar St, Mayangone Tsp,Yangon. Tel : 662992, Fax : 661365 United Kingdom 80 Strand Rd, Yangon. Tel: 370867, 380322, 371852, 371853, 256438, United States of America 110, University Avenue, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 536509, 535756, Fax: 650306 Vietnam Bldg-72, Thanlwin Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 511305 UNITED NATIONS ILO Liaison 1-A, Kanbae (Thitsar Rd), Yankin Tsp, Tel : 01-566538, 566539 IOM 318 (A) Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon.Tel 01-210588, 09 73236679, 0973236680, Email- iomyangon@iom.int UNAIDS 137/1, Thaw Wun Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel : 534498, 504832 UNDCP 11-A, Malikha St, Mayangone tsp. Tel: 666903, 664539. UNDP 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tel: 542910-19. fax: 292739. UNFPA 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tsp. tel: 546029. UNHCR 287, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung tsp. Tel: 524022, 524024. UNIAP Rm: 1202, 12 Fl, Traders Hotel. Tel: 254852, 254853. UNIC 6, Natmauk St., Bahan, tel: 52910~19 UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders Hotel. P.O. Box 1435, Kyauktada. Tel: 375527~32, unicef.yangon@unicef. org, UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward 7, Mayangone. tel: 01-9666903, 9660556, 9660538, 9660398. email: fo.myanmar@unodc.org UNOPS Inya Lake Hotel, 3rd oor, 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. Tel: 951657281~7. Fax: 657279. UNRC 6, Natmauk Rd, P.O. Box 650, TMWE Tel: 542911~19, 292637 (Resident Coordinator), WFP 5 Kan Baw Za St, Shwe Taung Kyar, (Golden Valley), Bahan Tsp. Tel : 2305971~6 WHO No. 2, Pyay Rd, 7 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Tel : 6504056, 650416, 654386-90. ASEAN Coordinating Of. for the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, 79, Taw Win st, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 225258. FAO Myanma Agriculture Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel: 641672, 641673.
General Listing
ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS
Hotel Yangon 91/93, 8th Mile Junction, Tel : 01-667708, 667688. Inya Lake Resort Hotel 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 662866. fax: 665537. Golden Hill Towers 24-26, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 558556. ghtower@ mptmail.net.mm. Marina Residence 8, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 6506 51~4. fax: 650630.
YANGON No. 277, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Corner of 38th Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 391070, 391071. Reservation@391070 (Ext) 1910, 106. Fax : (951) 391375. Email : hotelasiaplaza@gmail.com
Avenue 64 Hotel No. 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-8631392, 01 656913-9 Chatrium Hotel 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe. tel: 544500. fax: 544400.
17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp. Tel: 650933. Fax: 650960. Email : micprm@ myanmar.com.mmwww. myanmar micasahotel.com
No.7A, Wingabar Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : (951) 546313, 430245. 09-731-77781~4. Fax : (01) 546313. www.cloverhotel.asia. info@cloverhotel.asia Clover Hotel City Center No. 217, 32nd Street (Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 377720, Fax : 377722 www.clovercitycenter.asia Clover Hotel City Center Plus No. 229, 32nd Street (Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 377975, Fax : 377974
www.clovercitycenterplus.asia
Royal White Elephant Hotel No-11, Kan Street, Hlaing Tsp. Yangon, Myanmar. (+95-1) 500822, 503986. www.rwehotel.com MGM Hotel No (160), Warden Street, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. +95-1-212454~9. www. hotel-mgm.com Savoy Hotel 129, Damazedi Rd, Kamayut tsp. tel: 526289, 526298, Sedona Hotel Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin. tel: 666900. Strand Hotel 92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377. fax: 289880. Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966. Traders Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel: 242828. fax: 242838. Winner Inn 42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 503734, 524387. email: reservation@winner innmyanmar.com Windsor Hotel No.31, Shin Saw Pu Street, Sanchaung. Yangon, Myanmar. Ph: 95-1-511216~8, www. hotelwindsoryangon.com Yuzana Hotel 130, Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600 Yuzana Garden Hotel 44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, tel : 01-248944
Reservation Ofce (Yangon) 123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Township Tel : 951- 255 819~838 Royal Kumudra Hotel, (Nay Pyi Taw) Tel : 067- 414 177, 067- 4141 88 E-Mail: reservation@ maxhotelsgroup.com
resorts
Eden Hotels & Resorts 23/25, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Golden Valley Ward No. 2, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 01-8603204~7 Fax : 01-8603328 Email : info@edenhotelsand resorts.com
Confort Inn 4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd & U Wisara Rd, Kamaryut, tel: 525781, 526872
Emergency Numbers
Ambulance tel: 295133. Fire tel: 191, 252011, 252022. Police emergency tel: 199. Police headquarters tel: 282541, 284764. Red Cross tel:682600, 682368 Trafc Control Branch tel:298651 Department of Post & Telecommunication tel: 591384, 591387. Immigration tel: 286434. Ministry of Education tel:545500m 562390 Ministry of Sports tel: 370604, 370605 Ministry of Communications tel: 067-407037. Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) tel: 067407007. Myanma Post & Tele-communication (Accountant Dept) tel: 254563, 370768. Ministry of Foreign Affairs tel: 067-412009, 067-412344. Ministry of Health tel: 067-411358-9. Yangon City Development Committee tel: 248112. HOSPITALS Central Womens Hospital tel: 221013, 222811. Children Hospital tel: 221421, 222807 Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital tel: 543888. Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) tel: 420096. Workers Hospital tel: 554444, 554455, 554811. Yangon Children Hospital tel: 222807, 222808, 222809. Yangon General Hospital (East) tel: 292835, 292836, 292837. Yangon General Hospital (New) tel: 384493, 384494, 384495, 379109. Yangon General Hospital (West) tel: 222860, 222861, 220416. Yangon General Hospital (YGH) tel: 256112, 256123, 281443, 256131. ELECTRICITY Power Station tel:414235 POST OFFICE General Post Ofce 39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). tel: 285499. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Yangon International Airport tel: 662811. YANGON PORT Shipping (Coastal vessels) tel: 382722 RAILWAYS Railways information tel: 274027, 202175-8.
No. (356/366), Kyaikkasan Rd, Tamwe Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Ph: 542826, Fax: 545650 Email: reservation@ edenpalacehotel.com
Reservation Ofce (Yangon) 123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Township. Tel : 951-255 819-838 Hotel Max (Chaung Tha Beach) Tel : 042-423 46-9, 042-421 33. Email : maxhotelsreservation@ gmail.com
AIR CONDITION
M-22, Shwe Htee Housing, Thamine Station St., Near the Bayint Naung Point, Mayangone Tsp., Yangon Tel : 522763, 522744, 667557. Fax : (95-1) 652174 E-mail : grandpalace@ myanmar.com.mm
No. 12, Pho Sein Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon Tel : (95-1) 209299, 209300, 209343, 209345, 209346 Fax : (95-1) 209344 E-mail : greenhill@ myanmar.com.mm
Happy Homes
REAL ESTATE & PrOpErTY MANAGEmENT
The First Air conditioning systems designed to keep you fresh all day Zeya & Associates Co., Ltd. No.437 (A), Pyay Road, Kamayut. P., O 11041 Yangon, Tel: +(95-1) 502016-18, Mandalay- Tel: 02-60933. Nay Pyi Taw- Tel: 067-420778, E-mail : sales.ac@freshaircon. com. URL: http://www. freshaircon.com
Air Con Sales & Service No. 2/1, Than Thu Mar Rd, Thuwunna Junction. Tel : 09-4224-64130
CONSULTING
CONSTRUCTION
FITNESS CENTRE
HEALTH SERVICES
Lobby Bar Parkroyal Yangon, Myanmar. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388.
Strand Bar 92, Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: 243377.fax: 243393, sales@thestrand.com.mm www.ghmhotels.com
Yangon La Source Beauty Spa 80-A, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 512380, 511252 Beauty Bar by La Source Room (1004), Sedona Hotel, Tel : 666 900 Ext : (7167) LS Salon Junction Square, 3rd Floor. Tel : 95-1-527242, Ext : 4001 Mandalay La Source Beauty Spa No. 13/13, Mya Sandar St, Chanaye Tharzan Tsp. Tel : 09-4440-24496. www.lasourcebeautyspa.com
Shwe Hinthar B 307, 6 1/2 Miles, Pyay Rd., Yangon. Tel: +95 (0)1 654 730 info@thuraswiss.com www.thuraswiss.com
car rental
MYANMAR EXECUTIVE LIMOUSINE SERVICE
Zamil Steel No-5, Pyay Road, 7 miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (95-1) 652502~04. Fax: (95-1) 650306. Email: zamilsteel@ zamilsteel.com.mm
Balance Fitnesss No 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township. Yangon 01-656916, 09 8631392 Email - info@ balancetnessyangon.com
Advertising
WE STARTED THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY IN MYANMAR SINCE 1991
Lemon Day Spa No. 96 F, Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 514848, 09-732-08476. E.mail: lemondayspa.2011 @gmail.com
HOT LINE: 09 - 402 510 003 01-646 330 First Class VIP Limousine Car Rental. Professional English Speaking Drivers. Full Insurance for your Safety and comfortable journey Call us Now for your best choice www.mmels.com
Duty free
Get the Best Pure Natural Gemstones and Jewellery No. 44, Inya Road, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-2305811, 2305812. email : info@bestjewels myanmar.com, Bestjewelsmyanmar.com
98(A), Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 553783, 549152, 09-732-16940, 09-730-56079. Fax: 542979 Email: asiapacic. myanmar@gmail.com. Dent Myanmar Condo C, Rm 001, Tatkatho Yeikmon Housing, New University Avenue Rd, Bahan. Ph: 09-8615162.
Duty Free Shops Yangon International Airport, Arrival/Departure Tel: 533030 (Ext: 206/155) Ofce: 17, 2nd street, Hlaing Yadanarmon Housing, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 500143, 500144, 500145.
Life Fitness Bldg A1, Rm No. 001, Shwekabar Housing, Mindhamma Rd, Mayangone Tsp. Yangon. Ph: 01-656511, Fax: 01-656522, Hot line: 0973194684, natraysports@gmail.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Car Rental Service No. 56, Bo Ywe St, Latha Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-246551, 375283, 09-2132778, 09-31119195. Gmail:nyanmyintthu1983@ gmail.com,
Dance Club & Bar No.94, Ground Floor, Bogalay Zay Street, Botataung Tsp, Yangon.Tel: 392625, 09-500-3591 Email : danceclub. hola@gmail.com
(Except Sunday)
sales@manawmaya.com.mm www.manawmayagems.com
Ruby & Rare Gems of Myanamar No. 527, New University Ave., Bahan Tsp. Yangon.
24 hours Laboratory & X-ray No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax : (951) 9 666135
M A R K E T I N G & C O mm U N I C A T I O N S
A D V E R T I S I N G
SAIL Marketing & Communications Suite 403, Danathiha Center 790, Corner of Bogyoke Rd & Wadan Rd, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 211870, 224820, 2301195. Email: admin@ advertising-myanmar.com www.advertising-myanmar. com
No. 52, Royal Yaw Min Gyi Condo, Room F, Yaw Min Gyi Rd, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 09-425-307-717
coffee machine
No. 20, Ground Floor, Pearl Street, Golden Valley Ward, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel : 09-509 7057, 01220881, 549478 (Ext : 103) Email : realtnessmyanmar @gmail.com
www.realtnessmyanmar.com
BOOK STORES
FLORAL SERVICES
illy, Francis Francis, VBM, Brasilia, Rossi, De Longhi Nwe Ta Pin Trading Co., Ltd. Shop C, Building 459 B New University Avenue 01- 555-879, 09-4210-81705 nwetapintrading@gmail.com
Engineering
FloralService&GiftShop No. 449, New University Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN. Tel: 541217, 559011, 09-860-2292. Market Place By City Mart Tel: 523840~43, 523845~46, Ext: 205. Junction Nay Pyi Taw Tel: 067-421617~18 422012~15, Ext: 235. Res: 067-414813, 09-49209039. Email : eternal@ mptmail.net.mm
California Skin Spa NO 32.B, Inya Myaing Road, Yangon. (Off University Road) Tel : 01-535097, 01-501295. Open Daily : (10 AM - 8 PM) california-skinspa.com californiaskinspaygn2013 @gmail.com
co working space
No. (6), Lane 2 Botahtaung Pagoda St, Yangon. 01-9010003, 291897. info@venturaofce.com, www.venturaofce.com
One-stop Solution for Sub-station, M&E Work Design, Supply and Install (Hotel, High Rise Building Factory) 193/197, Shu Khin Thar Street, North Okkalapa Industrial Zone, Yangon. Tel: 951-691843~5, 9519690297, Fax: 951-691700 Email: supermega97@ gmail.com. www.supermega-engg.com
The Lady Gems & Jewellery No. 7, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-2305800, 09-8315555 The Lady Gems & Silk Co operative Business Centre, Room No (32/41), New University Avenue Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-5200726 theladygems@gmail.com www.thelady-gems.com Your Most Reliable Jeweller
24 Hour International Medical Centre @ Victoria Hospital No. 68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile, Mayangon Township, Yangon, Myanmar Tel: + 951 651 238, + 959 495 85 955 Fax: + 959 651 398 24/7 on duty doctor: + 959 492 18 410 Website: www.leo.com.mm One Stop Solution for Quality Health Care Myittar Oo Eye Hospital 499, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Ph: 09-527381.
courier Service
DTDC Courier and Cargo Service (Since 1991) Yangon. Tel : 01-374457 Mandalay. Tel : 09-43134095. www.DTDC.COM, dtdcyangon@gmail.com Door to Door Delivery!!! Sein Shwe Tailor, 797 (003-A), Bogyoke Aung San Rd, MAC Tower 2, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Ph: 01-225310, 212943~4 Ext: 146, 147, E-mail: uthetlwin@gmail.com Floral Service & Gift Centre 102(A), Dhamazaydi Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142 Summit Parkview Hotel, tel: 211888, 211966 ext. 173 fax: 535376.email: sandy@ sandymyanmar.com.mm.
The Natural Gems of Myanmar & Fine Jewellery. No. 30(A), Pyay Road, (7 mile), Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-660397, 354398-9 E-mail : spgmes.myanmar @gmail.com
Marina Residence, Yangon Ph: 650651~4, Ext: 109 Beauty Plan, Corner of 77th St & 31st St, Mandalay Ph: 02 72506
GIFT PRODUCT
No.(68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Hunt line: +95 1 9666 141, Booking Extension: 7080, 7084, Fax: +95 1 9666 135 E-mail: info@ witoriyahospital.com Website: www. victoriahospitalmyanmar. com, Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ WitoriyaGeneralHospital Vibhavadi Hospital Bangkok, Thailand (Myanmar Branch Ofce) : 214(A-2) Waizayantar Rd, Thingangyun Tsp. Ph: 09-8625086.
Foam Spray Insulation No-410, Ground Fl,Lower Pazuntaung Rd, Pazun taung Tsp, Yangon.Telefax : 01-203743, 09-5007681. Hot Line-09-730-30825.
Tel: 01-374851, 394360 Stores:Coreana @ Junction Square / Mawtin, UNIQHAN @U Wisara Rd; MBICenter. No.16, 87th st.
Home Furnishing
GENERATORS
Worlds leader in Kitchen Hoods & Hobs Same as Ariston Water Heater. Tel: 251033, 379671, 256622, 647813
No. 589-592, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein highway Road. Hlaing Tharyar tsp. Tel: 951645178-182, 685199, Fax: 951-645211, 545278. e-mail: mkt-mti@ winstrategic.com.mm
GLASS
Bldg-D, Rm (G-12), Pearl Condo, Ground Flr, Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 557448. Ext 814, 09-730-98872.
Yangon : A-3, Aung San Stadium (North East Wing), Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel : 245543, 09-73903736, 09-73037772. Mandalay : No.(4) 73rd St, Btw 30th & 31st St, Chan Aye Thar Zan Tsp. Tel : 096803505, 09-449004631.
International Construction Material Co., Ltd. S.B. FURNITURE No. 60, Sint-Oh-Dan St, Lower Block, Latha Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-2410292, 243551, 09-431-83689, 09-448033905.
S.B. FURNITURE
No-001-002, Dagon Tower, Ground Flr, Cor of Kabaraye Pagoda Rd & Shwe Gon Dine Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 544480, 09-730-98872.
Water Heaters
European Quality & Designs Indoor/ Outdoor Furniture, Hotel Furniture & All kinds of woodworks No. 422, FJVC Centre, Ground Floor, Room No. 4, Strand Road, Botahtaung Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 01-202063-4, 09 509-1673 E-mail: contact@ smartdesignstrading.com www.royalbotania.com, www.alexander-rose.co.uk
Open Daily (9am to 6pm) No. 797, MAC Tower II, Rm -4, Ground Flr, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lamadaw Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 212944 Ext: 303 sales.centuremyanmar@ gmail.com www.centure.in.th
Real Estate Agent Agent fees is unnecessary Tel : 09 2050107, 09 448026156 robinsawnaing@gmail.com
a drink from paradise... available on Earth @Yangon International Hotel, No.330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 09-421040512
Yangon Intl School Fully Accredited K-12 International Curriculum with ESL support No.117,Thumingalar Housing, Thingangyun, Tel: 578171, 573149, 687701, 687702.
The Global leader in Water Heaters A/1, Aung San Stadium East Wing, Upper Pansodan Road. Tel: 01-256705, 399464, 394409, 647812.
service office
For House-Seekers
with Expert Services In all kinds of Estate Fields yomaestatemm@gmail.com
Furniture Showroom Blk-90, BB2/A, No.2 High Way Road, Mya Ya Mon Housing, 26 Quarter, South Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-2500-68186 09-4500-41804 Email : sale.desmark@ gmail.com.
REMOVALISTS
No.430(A), Corner of Dhamazedi Rd & Golden Valley Rd, Building(2) Market Place (City Mart), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-523840(Ext-309), 09-73208079.
Ocean Center (North Point), Ground Floor, Tel : 09-731-83900 01-8600056 Executive Serviced Ofces
www.hinthabusinesscentres.com
Made in Japan Same as Rinnai Gas Cooker and Cooker Hood Showroom Address
Water Heater
WATER PROOFING
Tel : 01-4413410 Delicious Hong Kong Style Food Restaurant G-09, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center). Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 114
Top Marine Show Room No-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597
Bld-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. email: eko-nr@ myanmar.com.mm Ph: 652391, 09-73108896
Media & Advertising All the way from Australia. Design for advertisement is not easy, reaching to target audience is even harder? We are equipped with great ideas and partners in Myanmar to create corporate logo, business photography, stationery design, mobile advertisement on public transport and billboard/ magazine ads. Talk to us: (01) 430-897, (0) 942-0004554. www.medialane. com.au
Legendary Myanmar Intl Shipping & Logistics Co., Ltd. No-9, Rm (A-4), 3rd Flr, Kyaung St, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 516827, 523653, 516795. Mobile. 09-512-3049. Email: legandarymyr@ mptmail.net .mm www.LMSL-shipping.com
Quality Chinese Dishes with Resonable Price @Marketplace by City Mart. Tel: 01-523840 Ext.109
Easy access to CBD Fully furnished facility Company setup for $1,000 Office available from $360 only
International Construction Material Co., Ltd. No. 60, Sint-Oh-Dan St, Lower Block, Latha Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-2410292, 243551, 09-431-83689, 09-448033905.
Heaven Pizza 38/40, Bo Yar Nyunt St. Yaw Min Gyi Quarter, Dagon Township. Tel: 09-855-1383
1. WASABI:No.20-B, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa), Tel; 09-4250-20667, 09-503-9139 Myaynigone (City Mart) Yankin Center (City Mart) UnionBarAndGrill 42 Strand Road, Botahtaung, Yangon. Tel: 95 9420 180 214, 95 9420 101 854 www.unionyangon.com, info@unionyangon.com
Water solution
Company Limited
Aekar
Bldg-A2, G-Flr, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. email: eko-nr@ myanmar.com.mm Ph: 652391, 09-73108896
Relocation Specialist Rm 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 250290, 252313. Mail : info@asiantigersmyanmar.com
World famous Kobe Beef Near Thuka Kabar Hospital on Pyay Rd, Marlar st, Hlaing Tsp. Tel: +95-1-535072
No. 36-38 (A), Ground Flr, Grand Myay Nu Condo, Myay Nu St, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: +95 (01) 230 60 67~71, Tel: +95 (0) 9 250 294 669 Email: sales@sbocyangon.com www.sboc-yangon.com
Water Treatement Solution Block (A), Room (G-12), Pearl Condo, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. Hot Line : 09-4500-59000
Water Treatment
LEGAL SERVICE
U Min Sein, BSc, RA, CPA.,RL Advocate of the Supreme Court 83/14 Pansodan St, Yangon. tel: 253 273. uminsein@mptmail.net.mm Enchanting and Romantic, a Bliss on the Lake 62 D, U Tun Nyein Road, Mayangon Tsp, Yangon Tel. 01 665 516, 660976 Mob. 09-730-30755 operayangon@gmail.com www.operayangon.com No. 5, U Tun Nyein Street, Mayangone T/S, Yangon. Tel : 01-660 612, 011 22 1014, 09 50 89 441 Email : lalchimiste. restaurant@gmail.com No. (6), Lane 2 Botahtaung Pagoda St, Yangon. 01-9010003, 291897. info@venturaofce.com, www.venturaofce.com
Paint
Worlds No.1 Paints & Coatings Company
PLEASURE CRUISES
Crown Worldwide Movers Ltd 790, Rm 702, 7th Flr Danathiha Centre, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lanmadaw. Tel: 223288, 210 670, 227650. ext: 702. Fax: 229212. email: crown worldwide@mptmail.net.mm
Commercial scale water treatment (Since 1997) Tel: 01-218437~38. H/P: 09-5161431, 09-43126571. 39-B, Thazin Lane, Ahlone.
WEB SERVICE
TRAVEL AGENTS
Sole Distributor For the Union of Myanmar Since 1995 Myanmar Golden Rock International Co.,Ltd. #06-01, Bldg (8), Myanmar ICT Park, University Hlaing Campus, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 654810~17.
Moby Dick Tours Co., Ltd. Islands Safari in the Mergui Archipelago 5 Days, 7 Days, 9 Days Trips Tel: 95 1 202063, 202064 E-mail: info@islandsafari mergui.com. Website: www. islandsafarimergui.com
Schenker (Thai) Ltd. Yangon 59 A, U Lun Maung Street. 7 Mile Pyay Road, MYGN. tel: 667686, 666646.fax: 651250. email: sche nker@mptmail.net.mm.
22, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel 541997. email: leplanteur@ mptmail.net.mm. http://leplanteur.net
No. 372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan T/S, Yangon. Tel : 01-380 398, 01-256 355 (Ext : 3027) Email : zawgyihouse@ myanmar.com.mm
Asian Trails Tour Ltd 73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 211212, 223262. fax: 211670. email: res@ asiantrails.com.mm Shan Yoma Tours Co.,Ltd www.exploremyanmar.com
SCHOOLS
G-01, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center). Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 106
SUPERMARKETS
Horizon Intl School 25, Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, tel : 541085, 551795, 551796, 450396~7. fax : 543926, email : contact@horizonmyanmar. com, www.horizon.com Capital Hyper Mart 14(E), Min Nandar Road, Dawbon Tsp. Ph: 553136. City Mart (Aung San) tel: 253022, 294765. City Mart (47th St Branch) tel: 200026, 298746. City Mart (Junction 8) tel: 650778. City Mart (FMI City Branch) tel: 682323. City Mart (Yankin Center Branch) tel: 400284. City Mart (Myaynigone) tel: 510697. City Mart (Zawana Branch) tel:564532.
TOP MARINE PAINT No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 09-851-5202
Road to Mandalay Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governors Residence 39C, Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 229860 fax: (951) 217361. email: RTMYGN@mptmail.net.mm www.orient-express.com
Bo Sun Pat Tower, Bldg 608, Rm 6(B), Cor of Merchant Rd & Bo Sun Pat St, PBDN Tsp. Tel: 377263, 250582, 250032, 09-511-7876, 09-862-4563.
Web Services All the way from Australia. World-class websites, come with usability and responsiveness. Our works include website, web apps, e-commerce, forum, email campaign and online advertisement. Plus, were the authorised reseller for local and international domain names. So, put your worries aside and let us create the awesomeness you deserved online. (01) 430-897, (0) 942-0004554. www.medialane. com.au
RESTAURANTS
International Construction Material Co., Ltd. No. 60, Sint-Oh-Dan St, Lower Block, Latha Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-2410292, 243551, 09-431-83689, 09-448033905.
REAL ESTATE
Good taste & resonable price @Thamada Hotel Tel: 01-243047, 243639-41 Ext: 32 Singapore Cuisine Super One Super Market, Kyaikkasan Branch, No. 65, Lay Daung Kan Rd, Man Aung Qtr, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-542371, 09-501-9128
Your Most Reliable & Friendly Real Estate Agency Tel : 09-7308848 01-242370, 394053
Pre School and Primary years (Ages 2 to 10) No. 695, Mahabandola Road, (Between 19th & Sint Oh Dan Street), Latha Township, Yangon. Tel :01-382213, 395816 www.imecedu.com
Get your Visa online for Business and Tourist No need to come to Embassy. #165. 35th Street, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Tel: +951 381200, 204020 travel.evisa@gmail.com
FREE
Employment
UN Positions
Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Email: hryangon@iom. int, Closing date : 27 January 2014. the Int'l Organization for Migration (IOM) office in Yangon is seeking Security Guard 1 post in Thaton Tsp, Mon State. Interested Organization for Migration (Thaton Sub Office), 9/A, Min Rd (Min Lan), Lake Inn Ward, Thaton Township
By FaX : 01-254158 By Email : classied@myanmartimes.com.mm, advertising@myanmartimes.com.mm By Mail : 379/383, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Township, Yangon.
Property
DCA Program Officer application. Contract Duration: 2 years with possibility of extension (three months probation period) Closing Date: 31stJanuary 2014 (2) Corporate Affairs Executive/Assistant As a corporate affairs executive/assistant, you will be involved with business development, networking, market research & liaison work. Applicants should be proficient in English, energetic & self-motivated. All nationalities are welcome (Myanmar, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, etc). Pls email to kk@ kcyangon.com jade Royal Hotel, Nay Pyi Taw is currently seeking: (1) Chief Accountant 1 post: B.Com (CPA, LCCI Level 3. 5 years of relevant experiences in hotel industry. (2) Senior Accountant 1 post : B.Com or LCCI Level 3, MYOB. 2 years experiences. (3) Sales Manager - 1 post : University graduate. 5 years experiences in hotel industry. Very Good communication skills in English & Myanmar. Computer literate. (4) Sales Executive - 1 post : University graduate, 2 years experience in hotel industry. Very good communication skill in English & Myanmar. Computer literate. Pls submit application letter, CV or resume together with a recent passport photo, copies of testimonials, educational certificates, police clearance form & NRC card to No.4, Lawkanat Housing Complex, Parami Rd, Hlaing before on January 31, 2014. Elite Int'l School is seeking (1). English Teachers (Foreigner) (2). English Teachers (Local ) (3). Subject Teachers (Secondary & Primary Levels) (4). Music Teachers (5). Drawing Teachers Should you be interested send your detailed CV to 27, Bayintnaung Main Rd, Hlaing, Yangon. Ph: 01-531117 Email:elitein ternationalschool09 @ gmail.com Typist : High school graduate, Good key board skills & a decent command of the English (spelling, grammar & punctuation) to produce high quality documents, Efficient & pay attention to detail, Can use computer software packages, including Word, Excel & Power Point, Are a good communicator, Produce neat and well-presented work, Are discreet much of the information you will be dealing with will be confidential. Ph: 134 A, Than Lwin Rd, Golden Valley Ward 1, Bahan, (BOX 729 GPO) Yangon. Ph: 526 180.
the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime (UNODC) is seeking for Myanmar nationals: National Project Coordinator (SC-9) XSPK26 Project - 1 Post in Loilen/ Pinlon, Southern Shan State - Master's Degree or advance university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field, 5 years of relevant experience in the management of integrated rural development projects such as food security, livelihood, health. Fluency in English: Knowledge of a local working language of the duty station is an asset. Candidates should clearly indicate the post title in their application. Application must include a cover letter, current CV, copies of relevant academic qualification certificates, & recent passport photo to UNODC, 11A, Maylikha Rd, Ward-7, Mayangone, Yangon, (or) C/O UNDP, POBox (650), Yangon, Myanmar. Deadline have been extended to 31 January 2014. the Int'l Organization for Migration (IOM) office in Yangon is seeking (1) Human Resources & Administrative Asst: 1 post in Yangon. (2) Project Asst: [Accountability, Equity & Inclusion (AEI)] 1 post in Yangon. (3) Medical Logistician 1 post in Myawaddy, Kayin State. (4) Microscopist Malaria 1 post in Bilin, Mon State. Pls submit an application letter and an updated CV with a maximum length of 3 pages including names and contact details of 3 referees (copies of certificates and further documents are not required at this stage) to Int'l Organization for Migration (IOM), Mission in Myanmar - Yangon Office, 318-A, Ahlone
Ingo Positions
BridgeAsia Japan (BAJ) is seeking Accountant 1 post in Yangon: Degree in business or Accountancy diploma. 4 years experience. Experience in UN/ INGO organization is an asset. High proficiency in English & Myanmar. Computer knowledge related to work. All interested and qualified persons are requested to submit the application with updated CV and passport photo to Administrative Unit, Bridge Asia Japan, Yangon Office, No(9), U Lu Ni St, Kyee Myin Daing Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 2301242, 09732-49618, Email: bajyangon@myanmar. com.mm, bajyangon@ gmail.com Closing date : 31 January, 2014. norwegian Refugee Council is seeking Logistics Assistant in Yangon: Degree or Diploma in related field and/or related training course. Prior work experience in logistics & procurement. Computer literate with strong MS office. Good communication in both Myanmar & English. Pls submit CV, including application letter & contact detail of 2 referees (No other supporting documents are required for this stage), to adminhr@ myanmar.nrc.no with cc to ssc@myanmar.nrc. no mail to: HR Officer, NRC, 68, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan, Yangon. closing date : 2nd February 2014 world Vision Int'l Myanmar is seeking (1) Community Develop ment Facilitator in
Myeik, Tanintharyi Region: University Degree. Working experience in community development. Compe tent in used of Microsoft Word, Excel & Power Point. Good command of Myanmar & English. (2) Program Finance Coordinator (ReOpen) in Tachileik, Shan (East) State: Bachelor University Degree in Acocunting/ Finance or related subject. 3 years experience in the field of finance in commercial or public institutions. Good knowledge of computerize accounting as well as Microsoft Word and Excel. Ability to communicate in English & Myanmar effectively. Pls submit resume (clearly identify the post you apply) by post to HR Department, World Vision Int'l - Myanmar or in person to application drop-box at No (18), Shin Saw Pu Rd; Ahlone, Sanchaung PO or send to myajobaps@wvi.org Closing date January 29, 2014. myanmar Red Cross Society is seeking Water and Sanitation Officer 1 post in MRCS-Nay Pyi Taw and frequently travel to program areas: Myanmar National. University Degree in Water & Sanitation, Civil Engineering or related field. 3 years of experience in related community based water & sanitation project. Effective computer knowledge (MS Office, Internet). Red Cross Volunteers are preferable. Pls send application letter, CV & related documents to Myanmar Red Cross Society Head Office, Yazathingaha Rd, Dekkhinathiri, Nay Pyi Taw. Or mrcshrrecruitment@ gmail.com. cesvi is seeking(1) Junior Field Logistic Officer, 1 post based in Bhamo - Kachin State : Minumum 10th Standard or Diploma (preferably in Computers, Logistics, Public Administration, Business Administration,
Accountancy or related area). Previous sound experience in Logistics with INGO (preferably 2 years). Excellent Computer skills (MS Office). Fluency in English with aptitude in reporting are mandatory. (2)Pharmacist, 1 post based in Bhamo Kachin State: University degree in Pharmacy or Nurse. 1 year experience as Pharmacist or 2 years experience as nurse. Fluency in English & Myanmar, Kachin language is an asset. Basic computer skills (Windows office package, especially Excel & Access). Closing st date : 31 January 2014. CV & Cover letter only to : cesviapplication@gmail. com or hard copies to be sent to Cesvi Country Office - 111-A, University Avenue, Kamaryut, Yangon. field Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, 1 post based in Bhamo - Kachin State: Experience in database management and data analysis. Experience in development & health programs is an asset. Fluency in English & Myanmar. Strong computer skills (Windows office package, especially Excel & Access). : st 31 January 2014. CV & Cover Letter only to be sent to: cesviapplication@gmail. com or hard copies to be sent to Cesvi Country Office - 111-A, University Avenue, Kamayut, Yangon. DanChurchAid (DCA) is looking for Program Officers in Yangon, with frequent travel to the field. A detailed Job Description is available on request from Ms. Hlaing Phyu Min, Admin & HR Assistant, hpmi@ dca.dk. The benefit package for the position includes competitive remuneration (the salary range is 756.000 1.424.430 Kyats/ monthly), annual bonus, severance pay, 1.25days per month for annual leave, 15 official holidays per year, personal accident/ medical insurance, learning & development opportunities (including visits to DCA HQ in Copenhagen & to DCA Regional Offices in the region of South Asia & South East Asia) & a challenging & stimulating working environment. Pls submit CV, application letter & contact details of 2 referees with any other relevant documentation to HR Unit by email hpmi@ dca.dk & adj@dca.dk Pls quote reference:
HousingforRent
CLASSIC STRAND condo. Brand new 3 bed 2 bath. $3250/month. Marble/hardwood fitting, modern layout. Near strand hotel/union bar. jasonwongjp@gmail. com, 09-4211-02223. 6 Bed, 4 bath duplex. 3900 sqft, can be used as residence, office or both. bar. jasonwongjp@ gmail.com, 09-421102223. BAHAN , (1)Golden Velly 2RC, 5700sqft, 2MBR, 2SR .US 4500 (2) Golden velly , near Pearl condo,2RC , 70 x 90, 2MBR, 2SR. US6500 (3) Yankin, Parami St, 2RC, 80 x 60, 4MBR, Fully furnish. US 5500 (4) Parami St, 2RC, 40 x 60, 4MBR,1SR, Fully furnish, US 7000, (5) Moekung Rd, 25 x 80, Hall, US6000. Ph: 0949214276. BAHAN , (1)New University Avenue Rd, New Condo, 1500 sqft, f.f US$ 3500 (2)Shwe Taung Gyar Rd, 60' x 60, 2 RC storey, f.f US$ 3500 (3)New University Ave Rd, 2 Flr, 44' x 55' , 3 MBR, Ph, f.f 25 Lakhs Maureen : 09-518-8320. B/Okkalar, (1)Thit Sar Rd, RC 3 storey house, US$ 3000 (2)Kamayut, Sanyeiknyein Rd, RC 2 storey house, 35 Lakhs Maureen : 09-518-8320. BAHAN, (1). Golden valley, 2 RC,6000 Sqft, 1 MR, 2 SR, 300o USD. (2).Golden valley, 3 RC, 3375 Sqft, good for office, 9 Bed room, 6500 USD. (3).Golden valley, 2 RC, 4500 Sqft, 2 MR, 2 SR, 4000 USD. (4).Golden valley, 2 RC, 5300 Sqft, 4 MR, 2 SR,10,000 USD. (5).University Avenue Rd, 1500 Sqft, 1 MBR, 2 SR, fully furnish 2500 USD. (6).Inya Rd, 3 RC, 8000 Sqft, 4 MR,good for residence & office,12000 USD. Ph: 09-4931-4276. (condo For Rent in University Avenue St), 1MBR, 2SBR, 4AC, Full Fun:, 1350sq, 16 Lakhs, Call-01-569448, 09-43200669. 9 mile condo Mayangone, (1350 sqft), M2, S1, A/C4, Ph 1, fully furniture - 16 Lakhs, Contact: 09-432-00669. war Dan St, Lanmadaw, (25x50), RC 3, S3, Ph, AC 3, 65 Ls, Ph: 569448. MYANGONE,MiniCondo, 2nd flr, 3 bed room, 1 big living room, 1 Dinning room and Kitchen, 3 verandas Full furnished, 2 bath rooms, 3 aircons. Internet, 50'x40', Quiet, 8 mile, Pyay Rd, A-One Compound. Contact Ko Thant Zin: 09-73069754, 653005. Mayangone, 8th Mile, Primrose Condo 3F 1MBR, 2SBR, Living Room, 1 Maid Room, Fully Furnish, Own Car Parking, Two Elevator, Security Card System, Contact: 09-511-1485. MAYANGONE, 4th Flr, Thiri Avenue, Taw Win St, 1500 Sqft, Fully furnish, Yearly Contract. Please contact to owner direct Ph: 200581, 09500-0621 MAYANGONE, 7 mile, Pyay Rd, Si Daw Gyi Condo, 3225 sqft, second flr, 3 MBR with aircons , hot water and fully furnished. Kitchen, maid room, 1524 sqft office layout. New building with lift & 2 private car parking
Local Positions
Savoy Hotel , Yangon is urgently looking for (1) Human Resources Assistant 1 ~ 2 years experience, good English & good personality (2) Guest Relation Manager - 3 ~ 4 years experience, very good English, good personality (3) Bar Supervisor - 2 ~ 3 years experience, good English and good personality (4) Driver 3 years experience (5) Security - M 2 post, 2 years experience (Casual) (6) Door Girl - F 2 post, good personality (Casual) Application letter by email to generalmanager@ savoyhotel-yangon.com or 129, Dhammazedi Rd, Yangon. Tel: 526298, 526289. Pls mention the desire position on the application letter. We are seeking 3 vacancies of the florist for my floral service & gift shop. Female florists urgently required. Please contact : 09-518-5155. Export & Import : (1) Customer Service Manger - F 1 post (2) Export & Import Staff - M/F 3 posts (3) Sales & Marketing M/F 2 posts (4)Custom Clearance M/F- 3 posts (5)Operation (packer)-M 5 posts (6) Senior Accountant -F 1 post (7)Cashier - F 1 post. Travel & Tour : (1).Tour Operation Manager - M/F 1 post (2) Operation Staff - M/F 3 post (3) HR Manager - F 1 post Requirement for Qualification, skill & experiences are as per our conversation. Legendary Myanmar: No,9 A-4 3 Flr Kyaung Lane Myaeni Gone, Ph:01-823653,516-795, 503467 hr. legendary myanmar@gmail.com KELVIN CHIA Yangon Ltd is a foreign legal consultancy firm. We invite motivated and committed individuals to join us as (1) Lawyers who will work on a variety of corporate & commercial matters & transactions in Myanmar. If you are a Myanmarqualified lawyer with strong English language skills, you are invited to apply to join our Myanmar practice group. Myanmar nationals admitted to intl bars are also welcome to apply. Training will be provided. Applicants may email to klm@kcyangon.com.
slot. Suitable for office with residential., $6500 /month can also sell for $8, 80,000. English speaking 09-512-9655, Myanmar speaking 09732-35432. wincenter. win@gmail.com. (No Brokers Please). (1).Condo with nice view 1500 Sqft, 1MBR, 2 Single bedroom, Ph, 24 Hour electricity, SemiFurnished, Wooden floor, 4 Airconditioners, Newly Renovated, US$ 3000 per month, Ph: 094253-11320 BAHAN, (1)ThanLwin Rd, 70'x90', 3RC, 4 MBR, New and Nice, Garden, Fully Furnished, Fully Airconditioners US$ 6500 per month, (2) Inya Myaing St, Golden Valley, 0.7 Acre land, Big Garden, Ph, 3 MBR, Newly Renovated, 6 Airconditioners, Swimming pool, Price (Negotiate), Ph:094253-11320 MYA YA MON Water Front Villa, 3 storey building with full facilities. Ph: 01-241756, 370334, 09-510-3207.
HousingforSale
Office space, 8000 sqft for sale in MICT park. Large international conglomerates are tenants. 18% yield. Please contact for details. jasonwongjp@ gmail.com Classic strand Condominium, 2200 sqft commercial/ residence for sale. 3rd floor, wide open space. 14 ft ceilings. Gym, cafe, facilities. Prime downtown location, close to strand hotel/union bar. jasonwongjp@gmail. com 6 Bed, 4 bath duplex. 3900 sqft, can be used as residence, office or both. $550k USD, negotiable. On Thein Phyu St, very near Monsoon restaurant and around corner of union bar. jasonwongjp@gmail. com Office space, 8000 sqft for sale in MICT park. Easy to rent out to large international conglomerates,18% yield. Pls contact us for details. jasonwongjp@ gmail.com Classic strand Condominium, 2200 sqft commercial/ residence for sale. 3rd floor, wide open space. 14 ft ceilings. Gym, cafe, facilities. Prime downtown location, close to strand hotel/union bar. jasonwongjp@gmail. com Land & Building for Sales by owner:- 40' x 60' area land & Wood Building Water, Electricity OK & ready for staying No.294, South Dagon18(B) Aung Min Ga La St (Concrete Rd) Ph:01 573881, 09-514-8138
Want to Rent
Apartment/House - Wanted Couple from Singapore seeks a clean and comfortable house or apartment in quiet neighbourhood not more than 9 miles from city - for long term stay (minimum 1 year) commencing January/ February 2014. Rental USD 2,500 per month. Email to yadana@ victorymyanmar.com or call 094-5005-3669
60 Sport
LOS ANGELES
BANGKOK
Kobe Bryant watches from the bench as his teammates take on the Chicago Bulls on January 20 in Chicago. Photo: AFP
Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin and Minnesotas Kevin Love. Love overtook Houstons Dwight Howard in the last week of voting. Durant fell shy of overcoming Miami Heat star LeBron James as the top overall vote-getter. James, earning his 10th All-Star nod,
will be joined in the Eastern Conference starting lineup with his Heat teammate Dwyane Wade, who is also slated to make a 10th All-Star appearance. Indianas Paul George, New Yorks Carmelo Anthony and Clevelands Kyrie Irving, complete the Eastern Conference starting lineup. AFP
www.mmtimes.com
Sport 61
BANGKOK
TOKYO
Japanese professional baseball pitcher Masahiro Tanaka of the Rakuten Eagles speaks before press at the Rakuten stadium in Sendai, Japan on January 23. Photo: AFP
tribute to the teams victory. Tanaka, who reportedly has an opt-out clause after four years in the contract, spent seven seasons with Rakuten. He debuted at age 18 and went 99-35 with a 2.30 earned-run average in 175 games while striking out 1,238 batters over 1315 innings. His deal ranks as the fth-highest
for a pitcher in Major League Baseball history, trailing the seven-year deals for Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers at $215 million, Detroits Justin Verlander at $180 million, Seattles Felix Hernandez at $175 million and his new Yankee teammate, C.C. Sabathia, at $161 million. AFP
It was unanimously agreed by all relevant parties to postpone the championship. This is in the best interests of the players, spectators, sponsors
Patrick Feizal Joyce Wolrd Sport Group
LONDON
62 Sport
MELBOURNE
MADRID
IN PICTURES
The Olympic Spirit: Sjinkie Knegt (R) of the Netherlands team gestures to Victor An (L) of Russia, after Russia won the mens 5000m relay nal race of the ISU European Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Dresden, Germany, on January 19 Photo: AFP
ANDRO Rosells threeand-a-half year term in charge of Barcelona came to an end on January 23 as he submitted his resignation as the clubs president. The 49-year-old had come under increasing pressure in recent weeks as he faces legal action, launched by one of the clubs own members, over his role in the signing of Brazilian star Neymar last year. Rosell has routinely insisted that the 21-year-old cost the club 57.1 million euros (US$77 million), but refused to divulge how much money each of the parties to the deal received on condentiality grounds. That led Jordi Cases to launch the case against Rosell last month for not informing the clubs members as to where the money for the transfer had gone. The capture of Neymar was a signicant political coup for Rosell. A former Nike executive in Brazil, Rosell played a key role in bringing two-time World Player of the Year Ronaldinho to the club in 2003 in his role on the board of previous president Joan Laporta. His relationship with Laporta soon broke down, though, as he left along with incoming president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who was then in charge of basketball operations at the club, following irreconcilable disagreements with Laporta in 2005. He returned to the club in 2010, succeeding Laporta by winning by the presidential elections by greatest margin in the clubs history with 65.5 percent of the vote. Given his business links in Brazil, Neymar was the perfect marquee signing for Rosell and he made a move as early as November 2011 to ensure the former Santos
Barcelona club president Sandro Rosell sits at a press conference at club offices on January 23. Photo: AFP
man would end up in Catalonia by agreeing a deal with a business owned by Neymar and his father called N&N to bring the player to Barcelona when his contract expired in 2014. However, as La Liga rivals Real Madrid circled around Neymar last summer, Rosells desperation not to be outdone by Real president Florentino Perez may have signicantly increased the outlay made by the club. According to the court resolution released on Wednesday, Barca paid 40 million euros to N&N for breaking the previous agreement to complete the players signing in 2014 and bringing it forward by a year. That deal ew in the face of Rosells previous economic handling of the Spanish champions. Once elected he quickly set about reducing the clubs huge debt left behind by Laportas reign. A feat he impressively managed, reducing the debt by 100 million euros, whilst maintaining a more than competitive side on the field which won six trophies
www.mmtimes.com
Sport 63
ENYAN distance runner Joseph Gitau Kariuki strode his way to victory for the second consecutive year at the Yoma Yangon International Marathon on January 29, crossing the nish line at Thuwunna Indoor Stadium with a time of 2 hours, 35 minutes and 49 seconds. Second place in the 42-kilometre race was snatched by Myanmar runner Wai Lin Htun, who nished 3 minutes and 7 seconds behind Kariuki. Another local competitor, Soe Naing, nished third in 2 hours, 56 minutes and 6 seconds. Kariuki and Wai Lin Htun had distanced themselves from all the other runners by kilometre 24. As the duo forged ahead, the small knots of fans along the course cheered loudly for Wai Lin Htun, who was easily identiable as a local favourite by virtue of the word Myanmar emblazoned across his shirt. But it was clear that Kariuki was holding back and biding his time, expending excess energy waving at the crowd, calling stray dogs and even, on one or two occasions, playfully jumping after pigeons that ew too close. The crafty Kenyan nally made his move with 5km to go, unleashing a sharp acceleration that left Wai Lin Htun sputtering in his wake. The biggest impediment to Kariukis victory occurred about 1km before the nish, when a breakdown in trafc management forced the runner to
weave through cars that had backed up on the bridge leading to Thuwunna Indoor Stadium. At one point Kariuki slowed to a crawl and appeared uncertain as to whether he was still on the proper course. But he quickly took to the sidewalk and found his way to the nish line. Before this years event, Kariuki who last year won two marathons in Southeast Asia and placed second in another told The Myanmar Times that the Yangon race was his favourite marathon to date. They treat a champion like a champion, and I am humbled by that. I also like the course, the security and the wellmannered fans on the streets. Kariukis only complaint was the rst prize of US$2500, which he said was small for a marathon. The podium in the womens 42km event was dominated by Myanmar runners, led by Myint Myint Aye with a time of 3 hours, 1 minute and 13 seconds. Nilar San came in just 42 seconds later, while third place nisher Thidar Cho nished 9 minutes and 55 seconds behind the winner. The Yoma Yangon International Marathon also included a 21km halfmarathon category: Kenyan Paul Kimani Wambui won the mens race (1:07:28), while the womens eld was led by Mary Wangui Kiguru (1:25:31), also from Kenya. Myanmar runner Phyu War Thet, who nabbed a gold medal in the womens 5000-metre race at last months Southeast Asian Games, came second in the 21km event with a time of 1 hour, 26 minutes and 22 seconds.
Im happy with second place because I didnt have enough time to train for this race. I rested after the SEA Games, so I wasnt at my best level here. Had I been at my peak condition, I could have beaten [Mary Wangui Kiguru], Phyu War Thet said. Holding this race every year is a good idea because it will help develop a new generation of marathon runners. Adrian Mok, managing director of Singapore-based sports event organiser Hivelocity, said he was pleased to see a tremendous jump in the number of people signing up for the race, from 1000 in 2013 to nearly 3000 this year. This is a clear sign to us that the people of Yangon and Myanmar are getting increasingly passionate about running, he said. He said one of the main challenges of planning the race in Yangon was organising the route and the road closures. We had to spend a great amount of time to craft out the best running route without compromising on the safety of our runners. The Yangon City Development Committee, Traffic Police and our counterparts from Yoma Strategic Holdings were particularly helpful in getting the necessary road closures for us, he said. However, due to the limitations in the current infrastructure and resources from the traffic police within certain areas, we could only reduce disruptions to our race routes. Mok added that Hivelocity was committed to improving the race in the future and pushing the marathon to greater heights, an effort that would benet Myanmar.
Runners take part in the Yoma Yangon International Marathon on January 19. Photo: Boothee
Sport
64 THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2014
MPRESSING athletes and technical advisors alike, the 7th ASEAN Paragames drew to an explosive close on Monday night, with reworks and fanfare saluting the achievements of the nearly 2000 athletes that participated. Held in Nay Pyi Taws newly inaugurated Wunna Theidki athletics stadium, the glow-stick touting audience were regaled by three hours of choreographed performances featuring traditional Myanmar instruments and ethnic dancers. The 900-plus medal winners of the 12 competition categories in the paragames paraded to ecstatic applause around the stadium. Facility-wise, this [sports complex] is fantastic. World class, Malaysian technical delegate Irene Chang told The Myanmar Times on the sidelines of the sitting volleyball nal between the womens Myanmar and Indonesia teams. Myanmar has all the equipment required, all the facilities and logistics that can be used to run international events. The only thing they need is to train and educate the local people here about how to organise these sports. They are lacking in technical ability. The people here involved in the paragames are very, very new [to it], said Ms Chang, who also serves as the deputy secretary-general of the Asia Oceania Committee Volleyball for Disabled (AOCVD).
Swimmers dive from the starting blocks at the ASEAN paragames in Nay Pyi Taw. Photo: Pyae Thet Phyo
Ms Chang is a champion of high standards: She compiles and publishes a 10-page daily bulletin for the sitting volleyball teams competing in Nay Pyi Taw. Not only is she proud of her international standards, she is quick to point out Southeast Asias role in creating them. The president [of AOCVD] used to be an Australian and there was no development in Asia, but when the presidency came to Malaysia we saw so much development. In Myanmar, the disabled have long been a forgotten agenda for a government that gives population gures for the group at anywhere between 2 and 10 percent. In neighbouring Thailand that gure is 2.9pc. In Cambodia it is 4pc and in Laos, the WHO puts the gure at 10pc. The relatively high population of disabled people is a similar theme repeated across a region of 11 nations plagued by legacies of war, civil unrest and under-developed medical infrastructure, not always accessible to people living in the regions remote and isolated areas. Because of this state of affairs Ms Chang, and many other technical delegates at the paragames, will stress the importance the games has, not just for the athletes competing, but for all disabled people. Wherever there is a paragames it leaves a great impact on the government and on the public in general, she said. For example, when they did the Beijing paragrames in 2008, it left a real impact in Beijing, and people started to become more aware of their power to empathise and sympathise with disabled people in their community. The tremendous impact hosting the paragames has on the host countrys relationship with its disabled population is not reected in the funding and prominence disabled teams receive, Ms Chang said. A lot of countries, they dont have the budget to send teams to the paragames. Often, unless they are prospective gold medalists, they will not send anyone, she said. A lack of
Athletes from Myanmar and the Philippines compete in wheelchair basketball at the ASEAN paragames in Nay Pyi Taw. Photo: Philip Heijmans
initial government funding means a lack of promotion and awareness and ultimately a lack of sponsors something that greatly hurt the sports, Thai power-lifting team manager Sakhorn Somsoon said. Every country is the same. People dont really understand the paragames because, for example in my country, the sponsorship is very low and so the promotion is very little. But, she said, over the past decade that she has served as team manager for the Thai men and women powerlifters, recognition for the paragames was improving. At the powerlifting meet, Indonesia smashed the previous game record of a 180kg lift in the 80-88kg setting a new mark of 191kg. A small, but ecstatic, crowd cheered on the victory that was televised live on Myanmar national cable television.
We have very hard work in this competition, Ms Somsoon said of paragames powerlifting. Powerlifting comes from here, she said, touching her chest to point to her heart. If you dont love it, you dont want to do it. Its not just training. You will see in every team if there is someone who is new you can see if they have it in their heart. Like other nations delegates, Ms Somsoon applauded the Nay Pyi Taw complex, constructed by local conglomerate Max Myanmar for an unspecied sum of money. The number one [paragames] facilities are in Malaysia I can say these are close. It is very good for a rst time organising the games, the veteran Thai trainer said. They still need more training, she said of both the athletes and referees. I can see by the way they lift they
know how to carry the weight, but they dont understand about the technique. For a rst time effort it is okay. The ASEAN Paragames is modeled after the Paralympics. Athletes in the games are disabled with mobility disabilities, visual disabilities, amputations or cerebal palsy. In Myanmars rst time hosting the games, athletes competed in all 12 sports. Boy M Arbah, a star sitting volleyballer from Thailand, said he and his team were impressed with the Myanmar facilities. While most of his team, which faced the host in the nal, were veterans, he said new members quickly came to love the atmosphere of competing. Come on, take our photo, he called as the team like old hand celebrities quickly posed in formation for the press.