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EXCLUSIVE 6
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PHOTO: AFP
Riding to Rangoon
The second in a three-part series follows an adventurous couple as they slowly make their way from Delhi to Yangon by motorbike, via the Himalayan foothills.
Page 2
THE INSIDER: The local lowdown & best of the web
perhaps one of the largest political gatherings since 2007s Saffron Revolution. One group walked some 800 miles (nearly 1300km) on a 43-day journey from Laiza. At the protest, former political prisoners were invited to have plaster moulds made from their hands. The group organising the project aimed to have 1000 former prisoners hands replicated in order to hold an exhibition. Former prisoners, including some released recently, were allowed to choose the hand position for the cast. While some pointed, pulled peace signs or did a thumbs up, the mould made by Ma Thanegi former assistant to Aung San Suu Kyi and sometime Myanmar Times contributor showed an emphatically raised middle nger.
Cast of characters
Members of the general public, the NLD, the 88 Generation Students and various civil society groupsgathered at Sule in downtown Yangon on January 5, in a demonstration over repressive legislation pertaining to public gatherings and peaceful assembly. Some 2000 people came from far and wide to attend the demonstration
US model Karlie Kloss, perhaps most famous for her runway appearances as a Victorias Secret Angel, recently paid a visit to Myanmar over the New Year, posting pictures to social networking site Instagram throughout her trip. Kloss toured the visitors golden triangle Shwedagon, Bagan and Inle Lake and went on to attain tourist Bingo with photos from her visit, including shots of balloons over Bagan, a pose with a small child, an aerial view of a woman selling sh in a market stall, monks in prayer and the obligatory foot-paddling boat operator on Inle Lake. Kloss also posed for pictures with locals at Shwedagon though it was unclear whether they were aware they were standing next to one of the worlds top-ranked supermodels, or were just surprised to see a 61 woman wandering the pagoda grounds.
The Yangon Region government has banned police from riding motorcycles in Yangons municipal areas, according to a report last week from 7Day Daily news journal.The restrictions came after authorities found members of the police force had been violating trafc rules and driving recklessly in some instances injuring themselves and others. Under President U Thein Sein, the police as well as other government staff including YCDC and Ministry of Electricity employees have been exempted from the citys longstanding motorcycle ban. But a trafc ofcer from Mayangone township said the latter groups were likely to face the same ban soon, according to 7Day. Just how police can crack down on illegal and reckless motorcycle riding while banned from motorcycle use themselves presents a signicant logistical problem. Reportedly lacking enough patrol cars to carry out law enforcement duties, ofcers may soon be forced to ride the bus.
Style
Statement
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News 3
IT was the topic that divided the government and armed ethnic groups during negotiations in Myitkyina in November. But the future of Myanmars army and non-state groups roles within it will be left off the agenda when the two sides meet again later this month, sources say. At an informal meeting between the ethnic groups and the government peace team in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, on December 29, chief government negotiator U Aung Min requested that the federal army proposed by ethnic groups be left off the agenda and only tackled when political dialogue gets underway. The Nationwide Ceasere Coordination Team, which represented armed ethnic groups at the meeting last month, agreed to the request, said team chairman U Naing Han Thar. However, they did not agree to U Aung Mins request that a date be set to sign the nationwide ceasere agreement at the conclusion of the talks. We will only set a date when we have a guarantee of political dialogue, U Naing Han Thar said. The next round of talks will be held in the Kayin State capital, Hpaan, on January 24 and 25. As was the case before the Myitkyina talks, the meeting will be preceded by a gathering of armed ethnic
groups, this time at the Karen National Union headquarters in Hlaingbwe township from January 20 to 22. The 11-member NCCT was formed by ethnic armed group on November 2 at the meeting in Laiza to coordinate discussions with the government on the ceasere. However, it was unable to secure an agreement with the government at the talks in Myitkyina days later because, members said, the Tatmadaw rejected its draft ceasere as it contained references to a federal military. Both sides agreed to hold further discussions, with talks planned for December. However, the meeting was then delayed until January. To avoid misunderstandings during the talks, the NCCT and the government peace team have held a series of informal meetings in Chiang Mai to discuss ways to combine the two ceasere drafts into a single version that can be put forward in Hpaan for approval. U Nyo Ohm Myint from the Myanmar Peace Center said the two sides had reached agreement on 80 percent of the issues to be discussed in Hpaan. Only 20 percent still needs to be discussed further. A further coordination meeting was to be held in Chiang Mai on January 10. While the Hpa-an meeting will focus on the nationwide ceasere, a framework for political dialogue and the holding of that dialogue, he conrmed that federal military issues will not be discussed. Both sides have agreed to discuss these issues, such as the re-unication
Kachin Independence Army soldiers patrol the front line near Laiza in Kachin State in January 2013. Photo: Kaung Htet
and re-integration of [ethnic armies into the] Tatmadaw, in detail during the political dialogue stage, he said. We expect that the [Hpa-an] meeting will result in a single nationwide ceasere draft. U Khun Okkar, general secretary of United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), an umbrella organisation for around a dozen armed ethnic groups, said ethnic groups had taken one step back in order to reach our goals by agreeing to delay talks on the federal army.
U Aung Min persuaded us our [ethnic] goals are difficult to reach if we push too strongly, particularly about the federal military issues, U Khun Okkar said. So we agreed to accept his plan if he gives us a guarantee [that they will be discussed during the] political dialogue. The NCCT and government peace team also agreed to invite National League for Democracy chair Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to attend the Hpa-an meeting as an observer.
4 News
ANALYSIS
THOMAS KEAN
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THE tide appears to have turned for heritage conservation in Yangon, with political support strengthening the campaign to preserve the citys unique character. Just two years ago, solid century-old buildings plastered with red Yangon City Development Committee signs declaring them dangerous and ripe for destruction were coming down at a rapid rate. In the nal months of 2013, however, the efforts of those leading the ght to preserve Yangons historic neighbourhoods appear to have taken hold. Regional and municipal authorities intervened on a number of occasions to halt the demolition of historic buildings or projects out of step with their surroundings, while a new zoning plan was unveiled. Yangon Heritage Trust chair U Thant Myint-U said he is optimistic that the momentum will continue into 2014. I was on the verge of being pessimistic, only because a number of decisions were up in the air and things could have gone either way, he told The Myanmar Times in the trusts
Its become very clear the extent to which the government and YCDC are genuinely committed to urban conservation.
U Thant Myint-U Yangon Heritage Trust
colonial-era office on Pansodan Road, in the heart of downtown Yangon. But its become very clear over the past several weeks the extent to which the government and in particular YCDC are genuinely committed to urban conservation. Theyve taken a number of bold steps in the right direction and all along the way have worked very closely with us. Theyve stood rmly not only against the demolition of heritage buildings but in favour of the protection of Yangons historic cityscape more generally. These halted projects include a proposed 14-storey office building at 555 Merchant Road next to the Indian embassy and a series of highrises along the Yangon waterfront on Strand Road. An application to demolish Gandhi Hall, a century-old threestorey building on the corner of Merchant and Bo Aung Kyaw roads, was also rejected, much to the disappointment of its trustees. In early December, YCDC held public consultations on a proposed zoning plan that would limit the scale of development in downtown, particularly in a new conservation zone bordered by Theinbyu, Lanmadaw and Bogyoke Aung San roads, and the river to the south. This has already had a tangible impact. At the December 25 opening of the June XI serviced apartment project, in the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs complex on Pyay Road, on December 25, developer Youth Force said it had been forced to scale back a planned 14-storey building on the site to six storeys because of zoning restrictions. The lack of public opposition even from inuential businesspeople who have been negatively affected is another indication of the strong political support for preservation. While developers attended the zoning plan consultation meeting and asked questions, for example, none said they were against the plan. Instead, the majority of criticism against the preservation movement has come from ordinary residents affected by halts on demolitions. The Yangon Heritage Trust is work-
Government officials stand at an entrance to the Secretariat building on Bo Aung Kyaw Road. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
ing to shore up support among the broader public and combat criticism that it is an elite movement that ignores the needs of the broader public. In coming months the non-prot will assist authorities with the drafting of a Conservation Law to put in place a legal framework for preservation. When consultations are completed it will be submitted to the Yangon Region Hluttaw for approval. But once the zoning plan is rmly in place and the Conservation Law is in the hands of MPs, the focus will turn toward moving beyond protection and ensuring buildings are put to new uses. A number of studies, mostly funded by the European Union, will be conducted to nd ways of ensuring communities benet from preservation. An inventory of all pre-1960 housing stock is also being undertaken to ensure
the citys older buildings are properly integrated into a more modern city a move that should improve living conditions for all. Public support is critical and we need urgently to understand how different new conservation measures will impact the ordinary residents of the old town, U Thant Myint-U said. Whatever we do, well need to explain options to the public, and we hope to do a lot more advocacy and public outreach work over 2014. U Thant Myint-U said the heritage trust is also intent on seeing the business community as partners rather than opponents. One example is on the Yangon waterfront, where it is already in discussions with Diamond Star, the company that won the contract from Myanmar Port Authority to undertake the high-rise project that has since been halted because of the new zoning
rules. Diamond Star have been a great supporter of Yangon conservation and weve had many discussions with them on the future of the waterfront. What we do need to do though is to reach out to [other] businesspeople and see how best we can work together. A critical challenge is many of the existing laws and regulations that incentivise knocking down and constructing cheaply as opposed to renovating older buildings. Of course the challenges remain enormous, but the steps taken already have been signicant, and the worstcase scenarios, of losing much more of our built heritage have now been avoided. What could be achieved over the coming months could even be a model for other cities in the region. It will certainly help ensure a much brighter future for Yangon.
6 News
EXCLUSIVE
Registration No. 4/10158 That the said trade mark consists of the word(s) INTEL CORE. The above-mentioned trademark is to be used in respect of: Data processing hardware, computers, semiconductors, microprocessors and other semiconductor devices, integrated circuits, computer chipsets, and computer motherboards, software, programmable processors. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
INTEL CORE
Rakhine State chief minister orders investigation into allegations company pumped san
The sand is taken very quickly from the beach but nature needs thousands of years to turn a sea shell into ne white Ngapali beach sand.
Oliver E Soe Thet Former adviser to the government on environmental issues in coastal Rakhine
It added that hotels that build on land they do not own or that is not surveyed by the Settlements and Land Records Department, or take or pump sand from the beach, will face charges. The general manager of Max Myanmars hotel division did not respond to requests for comment last week. U Kyaw Soe Lwin, administrator for Thandwe township, conrmed
Pleasant View Resort is the only hotel that constructed new buildings and followed the legal way of the government, said Mr E Soe Thet. At the northern end of Ngapali beach, for example, one hotel pumped sand [during the whole monsoon] season into their compound to ll in swampland at no cost, he said. Another hotel at Myabin took thousands of tonnes of sand to ll behind a 7-foot-high beachfront reinforced concrete wall. It is not only illegal but shows a lack of any regard for the community and other members of the hospitality industry. He said the actions of the hotels are short-sighted because the loss of Ngapalis ne sand will inevitably harm its image as a luxury destination and ultimately affect visitor numbers. The sand is taken very quickly from the beach but nature needs thousands of years to turn a sea shell into ne white Ngapali beach sand.
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News 7
apali allegations
nd from the beach and illegally built a wall near its hotel
Photos: Supplied to The Myanmar Times show workers loading trucks with sand from Ngapali Beach.
TWO Rohyinga political parties are calling on the government to amend a question on the upcoming national census to recognise the minority Muslim group. They argue that the current version of the census could be used to further erode their already tenuous access to citizenship. Under the proposed census structure, people are able to identify as one of Myanmars 135 formally recognised ethnic groups through simply recording a specic code number. Ethnicities that are unrecognised by the government, such as the Rohingya or Chinese-Myanmar, will be forced to identify as other but will also have the option to self-identify their ethnicity. Members of the National Democratic Party for Development (NDPD) and the Democracy and Human Rights Party (DHRP) last week described the census structure as unacceptable. DHRP president U Kyaw Min said the effect on the Rohyinga community could be ruinous. He argued it could adversely affect its members from obtaining full citizenship under current citizenship laws but did not clearly explain how this could happen.
In the future our status will be like [that of a] foreigner, he said on January 10. U Kyaw Min and U Khin Maung Myint, head of the NDPDs foreign relations committee, said that the Rohingya population in Myanmar which they estimated at 1.5 million, most of whom live in Rakhine State makes the group much more signicant in terms of size than most of those that are officially recognised. We are not asking for anything special. We are asking [for the census to be changed] as a basic right, U Khin Maung Myint said.
Despite the urging of the political parties and the groups sizable population, it seems extremely unlikely that the government will list the Rohyinga as an ethnicity option. Nay Pyi Taw refuses to officially recognise the group, instead referring to its members as Bengalis and characterising them as illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh. NDPD and DHRP leaders said they would take a wait-and-see approach to the issue and have not yet decided whether they will encourage Rohingya to boycott the census if the census is not amended. U Khin Maung Myint said that both parties had on multiple occasions approached the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which is assisting the government with the census, to raise their concerns. He said they were told that the agencys role as technical adviser meant it could not dictate the structure of the census to the government. Speaking to The Myanmar Times last week, a UNFPA spokesperson said people who opt to self-identify will be tallied through a sub-coding process after the census. This will take time to do and the analysis of this will provide important statistical data in terms of the ethnic spread and groupings in the country, as well as giving the opportunity for further research, review and discussion on this, the spokesperson said. The nationwide census will be the rst in 31 years. It is scheduled to take place in March and April.
8 News
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MYANMAR is uniquely rich with an array of cultures, traditions and linguistic attributes. While diversity can be one of this countrys strengths, it has also sowed the seeds of discord for too long. Instead of helping Myanmar become a leader in Asia, it has held the country back, stiing development and creating chronic insecurity for its people. The precise identity and the composition of ethnic minorities in Myanmar have always been quite vague and often arbitrary. Although the government has officially put the number of ethnic minority groups at 135, many have challenged this number and the official list of categories. Some claim they have been left off the list; others say there are too many categories. The citizenship of one particular ethnic group, the Rohingya of which I am a member has been a deeply polarising issue in this country for years. The Rohingya had been recognised in the 1950s. However, the military regime of General Ne Win revoked our citizenship over time after he seized power in 1962. Despite the indigeneity of Rohingya people in Rakhine for several centuries, the question often raised by scholars, analysts, human rights advocates, media, and others is why the citizenship of this population in Rakhine was revoked. The answer to this question must take into account some basic underlying factors, including race and religion, cultural and social attributes, political manipulation, and the rise of local nationalisms in Myanmar. Such factors have put Rakhine State on a collision course over a period of ve decades, causing divisions that affect the peaceful coexistence and advancement of people living in the state. Despite some possible discontent among Rakhine people, it is reasonable to think that all people, including Rohingya and Rakhine people, would prefer a peaceful life over a violent life with no security. The rst question now may be what is causing such an undesired rift between the people living in the state. Clearly one fundamental problem is the lack of rule of law, resulting in a failure to provide adequate security forces that operate fairly and equitably. Both sides have committed violence against the other. No matter who commits the act and who is considered the primary victim, no such violence should be tolerated. When an incident occurs, the alleged perpetrators should be arrested and charged, and accorded due process to consider their guilt. Authorities should not allow violence or other violations of law of any kind to go unaddressed, and accountability must be fairly and equally applied to everyone. Failing to do so will only encourage more violence and anarchy. An alleged Islamic agenda The Rakhine community has expressed fears about the alleged population growth of the Rohingya people, and their alleged goal of Islamicising Rakhine State. They have alleged that the Rohingya are seeking to carve out an autonomous state of their own within Rakhine. They point
government, to verify the presence of Rohingya in Rakhine State and determine if any are illegal immigrants. We also endorse strengthening border controls to build condence on both sides of the border that illegal immigration or other nefarious activities are not occurring in that area. Another allegation is that the rise is due to Rohingya religious and cultural traditions. As elsewhere around the world, if the Rohingya are offered the opportunity to be educated and develop themselves, population growth rates whatever the reality in recent years will almost certainly reect the average. The importance of dialogue There is no reason why the Rohingya cannot integrate themselves into mainstream Myanmar society. A signicantly large population of Rohingya have already adapted to mainstream Myanmar society in their day-to-day life, through the learning of Myanmar language and traditions. The religious faith of a person, whether they are Christian Kachin, Buddhist Rakhine, or Muslim Rohingya, should not be a barrier to peaceful co-existence in modern Myanmar. There are extremist elements in all religions around the globe that nd in religion a tool to manipulate the innocent segment of their respective communities. However, there are also ample means for effectively silencing or marginalising these extremist elements. The key is dialogue. I am condent that dialogue among people of good faith in each community would help to dispel myths that have arisen. It would also help address lingering questions the Rakhine may have about the loyalty and commitment of the Rohingya people to Myanmar and to maintaining Rakhines States unity. In the end, the Rohingya are moderate people who seek basic human rights just like the Rakhine have struggled to achieve for decades so that they can live peacefully as equal citizens while retaining their unique cultural identity. Rohingya people hold strong potential to contribute to the advancement of the newly emerging Myanmar. Developing educational, economic, and social institutions in all parts of Rakhine and beyond will pave the way for national development and provide the foundation for tolerance, mutual respect, reconciliation and peaceful co-existence. Realisation of such a dream is not impossible: Such a situation existed after the independence of Myanmar, particularly in the 1950s and early 1960s. I recognise that it will take time to overcome decades of misunderstanding and mistrust. Those who are already suspicious about the Rohingya will not take us at our word when we say we do not desire autonomy or separation, or that fringe organisations do not represent our true goals and interests. But the solution, on either side, cannot be violence. Solutions to our differences for the interests of peace and stability in Rakhine State and the country can only be found through dialogue. My community is ready to take part in such a dialogue at the soonest opportunity.
Dr Wakar Uddin is a professor at Pennsylvania State University in the United States, director general of the Arakan Rohingya Union, and chairman and founder of The Burmese Rohingya Association of North America. Dr Uddin may be reached at [email protected].
A Rohingya man sits in a mosque in Sittwe township shortly after it was damaged by a Buddhist mob in October 2012. Photo: Kaung Htet
to the unfounded claims and ludicrous manifesto of some insignicant and shady groups as further evidence of such a conspiracy. These fears and allegations are all untrue, and stem from a deep misunderstanding among the Rakhine people about the goals of the Rohingya. I am condent that I speak for the overwhelmingly vast majority of Rohingya when I say categorically that the goal of autonomy within or separatism from Rakhine State, or any other state in Myanmar, is not desired or sought by the Rohingya people. In the 1950s, a small armed group seeking to establish an autonomous district, then known as Mayu Nay Gya Khayaing, did exist among a minority of Rohingya. Such a movement was not unusual in those days. Among the Rakhine themselves were independence movements in years past. But that sentiment is a relic of a different era with no currency or
Eastern heritage centuries ago and it ourished during the days of colonial Burma in what was then known as Arakan State. As a practical matter, however, given the many generations who have made the area their home, the Rohingya people who today reside in the western region of the country are essentially indigenous. Indeed, there is ample evidence in history that Rohingya people have coexisted peacefully with other ethnic groups in Rakhine for centuries. What we dont know can hurt us Although it has been alleged that the Rohingya population has grown rapidly in Rakhine State in recent years, there is no reliable data on population all the various gures presented by different sources are only estimates. Indeed, estimates have been driving the debate for some time; there has been no authoritative official counting for many years. A transparent
In the end, the Rohingya are moderate people who seek basic human rights so they can live peacefully as equal citizens while retaining their unique cultural identity.
relevance to the 21st century desires of my people. The name Rohingya is simply a term to describe my community. It is rooted in our history, and serves to describe cultural and demographic attributes. Historical records suggest the name was applied at least as far back as 1799 and today we consider it important as a measure of respect for our history and heritage. We reject the term Bengali as disrespectful to this identity and to our traditions as proud people with deep roots in Myanmar. From an anthropological point of view, the Rohingya community retains a mixture of cultural, religious, and linguistic attributes with Aryan/ Caucasian roots. The population originated from South Asian and Middle and accurate account is needed. It is possible that the Rohingya population may have been perceived to have grown somewhat faster than other groups because they are conned and concentrated in a particular region in the state, as they are not allowed to travel to other parts of the state or country. By contrast, Rakhine and other groups were allowed to travel or migrate elsewhere. It should also be noted that nearly 1.5 million Rohingya have left Rakhine since 1962 and are now in various parts of the world. A common Rakhine allegation is that the rise in population of Rohingya is due to illegal immigration. There is also no reliable data to support this. We want to see a transparent process, as promised by the Myanmar
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The military, judiciary and palace have refused to intervene openly, forcing the two camps to seek a negotiated solution. That is a tremendous achievement, and while a solution will require sacrice from both sides, eventually matters will be resolved and a new election under a reformed constitution will take place. When it does, it is likely that both puppets, Yingluck and Abhisit, will be gone. Pheu Thai cannot continue with a Shinwatra at the helm; instead, one of the partys better cabinet ministers, perhaps Chaturon Chaisang, will take over. Likewise, the vacillating Abhisit will make way for the more decisive Korn Chatikavanij or Surin Pitsuwan, former nance and foreign ministers, respectively. Additionally, as Pasuk and Baker said, Thaksin can probably never return to Thailand. No future government will commit political hara-kiri by bringing in another amnesty bill and without one, Thaksin must remain overseas. So a genuine two-party system will evolve, with the Shinawatra inuence sidelined and the haughty condescension of the Bangkok elites towards the country masses expunged. And Thailand will emerge into the light.
News 9
THE situation in Bangkok brings to mind the opening words of A Tale of Two Cities, the novel written by Charles Dickens 155 years ago and set during the years leading up to the French Revolution. After all, while it is said that the more things change the more they stay the same, the parallels between those distant times and today are quite astonishing and not a little scary. This is how Dickens began his famous novel: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness... Wisdom and foolishness, light and darkness: He could easily have been evoking the current situation in Thailand when he penned those memorable words. While many Thai analysts do have grounds for predicting a brighter, better future, there are also valid concerns that dark and terrible
conicts may soon occur on a broad scale across the country. Think of the carnage in Rakhine State or Meiktila, or even Syria, being reected in Bangkok. And it could happen. Tragically, many people in Thailands capital have entered, or more precisely have been led by selfinterested Pied Pipers, into a very treacherous corner. They abhor the current Pheu Thai government led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the younger sister of fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was convicted of corruption in 2008 and ed to Dubai. Thaksin, who retains widespread support among poor and middle-class folks outside Bangkok, is assumed by most people to control Yingluck and to effectively still be running the government. Quite likely he is. And there is nothing wrong with political opponents protesting against it, as a minority of the population, largely based in the capital, do. Sadly, however, the protests have turned violent, partly due to some arrogant legislative measures taken by Yingluck and her team, although some would say she was simply being decisive in a Margaret Thatcher style. Either way, when her MPs passed an amnesty bill last November that would have allowed Thaksin to return
Thai protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban greets supporters during a rally in Bangkok on January 7. Photo: AFP
home, it triggered demonstrations in the streets. Unappeased by her wise decision to quickly scrap the amnesty bill, the protesters demanded Yinglucks resignation; instead, she called a general election for February 2. The protesters, who also rejected the election call, are led by Suthep Thaugsuban, a sidekick of opposition Democrat Party leader and former PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, who foolishly decided to boycott the February polls. Abhisit invariably follows Suthep,
who in turn follows orders from his backers among Bangkoks topmost echelons of society, all rabid antiThaksinites. Meanwhile, the army, very wisely, has stayed on the sidelines. Thus it has been wisdom and foolishness, light and darkness, from day to day. And now Sutheps mobs have threatened to shut down Bangkok on January 13. Is there a way out? Actually, there is. As the respected academics Pasuk Phongpaichi and Chris Baker noted,
10 News
LIGGETT DUCAT
BRIDGET DI CERTO
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Reg. No. IV/6218/2000 In respect of - Batteries for cars and Motorcycles; sealed lead-acid batteries Any fraudulent imitation, passing off or unauthorized use or other infringements of the said Trademark shall be deal with according to law. U Myint Lwin, Advocate LL.B, DBL Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs (Cardiff) [email protected] www.mipadvocate.com Ph : 95 1 371990 Date: 13th January, 2014
THE Asian Human Rights Commission has launched an urgent appeal campaign against the conviction of two men based on confessions allegedly obtained through torture. U Kyaw Nyunt, 67, and U Nyunt Tun, 21, were convicted in a Pakokku court in 2012 of stealing a box of gold jewellery the previous year. The men were jailed for 18 months and all of their subsequent appeals have been rejected. According to the commissions case history, U Kyaw Nyunt was tortured so severely after his arrest that he was admitted to a local hospital in Pakokku and later transferred to Mandalay for treatment. U Kyaw Nyunt told the court during his trial that police had strung him up by his bound hands and beat him around the head, breaking a tooth. They also racked an iron bar over his knees, tearing away the skin. U Nyunt Tun was subjected to police beating and was threatened with torture, at which point he confessed, the rights group said in a case le document published on January 7.
U Kyaw Nyunt shows the scars from police torture after his release from prison. Photo: Supplied
The case administrator, plaintiffs and defence lawyer all stated during the proceedings that they had witnessed the injuries U Kyaw Nyunt sustained under torture. In delivering his verdict in the case, the judge acknowledged that U Kyaw Nyunt had been tortured by police. However, the judge said that as U Nyunt Tun had not been tortured, and there was no evidence of him being threatened with torture, his confession the sole evidence in the case was enough to hand down
a guilty verdict for both men. Myanmar is not a party to the international convention against torture, which, among other things, prescribes that a confession obtained under torture or threat of torture cannot be used in court. Torture is also not a criminal offence under Myanmar law. Police are rarely held to account for the abuses committed on detainees in their custody, AHRC said in a background brieng note published on their website.
AGE LIFT
(Reg: Nos. IV/7614/2010 & IV/8909/2013) The above three trademarks are in respect of:- Perfume, toilet water; gels, salts for the bath and the shower not for medical purpose; toilet soaps, body deodorants; cosmetics, creams, milks, lotions, gels and powders for the face, the body and the hands; sun care preparations (cosmetic products); make-up preparations; shampoos; gels, sprays, mousses and balms for hair styling and hair care; hair lacquers; hair colouring and hair decolorant preparations; permanent waving and curling preparations; essential oils for personal use Class:3 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 LOREAL P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416
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News 11
Police Major Than Myint, the head of police in Pyinmana township, tries to stop U Thar Cho from protesting on January 4.
rejecting the protest that U Thar Chos call for elections for Nay Pyi Taw council was in violation of the constitution that particularly drew U Khin Maung Zaws ire. Ko Thar Cho doesnt like the clause in the constitution that says the president shall appoint and assign members of Nay Pyi Taw Council If the application for demonstration is not allowed on these
grounds, how about the protests and talks being held across Myanmar about amending the constitution? All those events will also have to be stopped. Their denial is not realistic. U Thar Cho said he was not afraid to face the section 18 charge, which can carry a one-year jail term. I have made up my mind to face the court regardless of what they
charge me with. Pyinmana police force chief Police Major Than Myint said the authorities had no choice but to charge U Thar Cho for the demonstration. If he stopped [the protest] when we told him to then we wouldnt need to charge him, he said, but he kept on doing it so we have to charge him. Translation by Thiri Min Htun
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Reg. No. 4/6167/2010 (24.8.2010) The above Trademark is being used in relation to the following services: Class 41: Providing online information featuring news, current events, popular culture, editorial commentary and business information; education and entertainment services. By virtue of the registration and extensive use in respect of the aforesaid goods and services around the world, our clients aforementioned Trademarks have acquired international fame, reputation and goodwill and have become exclusively associated with the goods and services of our client and our client alone. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT OUR CLIENT CLAIMS ALL RIGHTS IN RESPECT OF THE AFORESAID TRADEMARKS IN MYANMAR AND WILL INITIATE APPROPRIATE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST ANY PERSON OR PERSONS FOUND TO BE USING THE AFORESAID TRADE MARK OR ANY OTHER TRADE MARK DECEPTIVELY OR CONFUSINGLY SIMILAR THERETO WHICH IS IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF OUR CLIENT. U Than Maung, Advocate Kelvin Chia Yangon Ltd. Room 1505/08/09, Sakura Tower, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Kyauktada Township Yangon, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; [email protected] For Time Inc. By their Attorneys Lall & Sethi Advocates Date 13 January 2014 New Delhi 110 049, India
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Tibetan spiritual leader Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa, offers prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya in India on January 1. Photo: AFP
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News 13
MEMBERS of a disbanded Mandalay shoemaking cooperative have vowed to continue ghting for justice over the governments decision to auction their assets including a piece of land now valued at up to US$1 million. Deputy Minister for Cooperatives U Than Tun was forced to front the Pyithu Hluttaw on October 6 to answer questions about the auction of the assets of the Lotearr Yadanar cooperative submitted by representative U Ye Tun from Hsipaw. U Than Tun told parliament the ministry had disbanded the cooperative in 2011 under its powers in the 1992 cooperative law following an investigation into allegations of corruption by members. The then-Minister for Cooperatives U Aung Kyi oversaw the auction of the cooperatives assets, including a piece of land, in June 2011, raising K300 million. U Than Tun said the ministry had the right to keep the proceeds of the auction because under the 1992 law the assets are not owned by the members. But members dispute the ministrys version of events, saying they never broke any of the cooperatives rules and that if its assets were auctioned the proceeds should have gone to its members. They said the cooperatives problems began when a Ministry of Cooperatives department head, Captain Aung Win, became involved. He then ordered the closing of the cooperative and the auction of its assets, they said.
Lotearr Yadanar members have found another ally in the form of wellknown writer Su Hnget. He said the incident highlighted the need for reform of the legal framework for cooperatives. This Lotearr Yadanar shoemaking cooperative was a real one; they worked collaboratively and earned prots as a result, he said. MP U Ye Tun said he plans to submit more questions about the cooperative and is hopeful that Minister for Cooperatives U Kyaw Hsan will take steps to ensure the dispute is resolved fairly. He said the minister should personally go and explain the ministrys actions to the Lotearr Yadanar members. The Lotearr Yadanar cooperative was formed in 1964, when it was known as Suu Paung Lote Thar.
IN PICTURES
PHOTO: BOOTHEE
Vendors have attacked and injured municipal staff and police who tried to remove them from the entrance of a Yangon market. U Zaw Win, the head of YCDCs Department of Markets, and members of his staff were attacked at around midnight on January 7 outside Patauk Chaung Thiri Mingalar Market in Hlaing township by a group of about 10 people, who threw sticks and stones at them. Seven people were injured and transferred to Yangon General Hospital, while the windscreen of a municipal truck was also broken. Toe Wai Aung
Amount raised from an auction of the assets of the Lotearr Yadanar cooperative in 2011
300
MILLION KYAT
The land is owned by the members who worked hard together for more than 40 years to make it a success. It was bought by collecting money about K250,000 at that time with no help from the government. Now it is worth up to K1 billion. They took it for personal gain without considering the impact on us and our livelihoods, said Lotearr Yadanar member U Tun Khin. He said that while the cooperative system was designed to improve the lives of workers, senior officials in the ministry had misused the law for their own benet. For our successors we will try until the end to nd the truth. These unfair cases should not exist today in Myanmar. Already, while ghting for the truth, 10 members have passed away. I feel there is no rule of law for us, he said.
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TRIKEY
REINNA
DRUM
ROUTE 66
NONSENSE that is how journalists have described the jail term handed down to an Eleven Media Group reporter in the Kayah State capital Loikaw. The three-month sentence has prompted widespread anger in the media community - both inside and outside Myanmar - with journalists staging a protest on January 7 against what they argue is a threat to media freedom. That kind of case would normally result in a ne. Jailing is not necessary. It is nonsense for a reporter to be jailed for trespassing. We consider this act a threat toward the media industry, said U Myint Thein of the Myanmar Journalist Network. The network organised last weeks protest, which saw journalists from a range of media organisations walk from City Hall to the Eleven Media Group office in Tarmwe township, holding signs reading Press freedom is the life of democracy and We dont want threats to the media industry. On December 7, Loikaw township court sentenced Ma Khine Khine Aye Cho, who writes for Eleven under the penname Ma Khine, to three months imprisonment after a local lawyer accused her of trespassing, using abusive language and defamation. The complaint was led after Ma Khine Khine Aye Cho conducted an interview at the lawyers house earlier on October 27. Media reports indicate she is appealing to the Loikaw district court to overturn the verdict. U Myint Thein said a trespassing charge was not warranted because the reporter had been given permission to enter the lawyers house. He also questioned the speed with which the judge reached the verdict. One time a journalist charged an actress for hitting her in public and the judge investigated the case for more than two years, he said,
Journalists take part in a demonstration on January 7 against the jailing of Eleven Media
referring to an incident in 2010 involving actress Htet Htet Moe Oo. The actress was later convicted but received only a small ne. Now a reporter was charged and they
It is nonsense for a reporter to be jailed for trespassing. We consider this act a threat toward the media industry.
U Myint Thein Myanmar Journalist Network
sentenced her to prison within a month. The Myanmar Journalist Network appealed to the government on December 21 to review the sentence but has received no response. The World Association of Newspapers on December 20 wrote to President U Thein Sein expressing its concern at the sentence and calling for an immediate investigation to ensure there has been no political interference or mishandling of the case. We are concerned that this type of punishment sends a chilling effect amongst the Myanmar media, a particularly worrying development ahead of elections in 2015, the group said. Daily Eleven chief editor Ko Wai Phyo said Ma Khine Khine Aye Cho
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News 15
eedom: journalists
had not used abusive language toward the lawyer and had been invited into the lawyers house. However, the lawyer then became upset at her questions, he said. At the demonstration on January 7, Eleven Media Group chief executive officer U Than Htut Aung thanked the journalists who took part. He said the protest was important not only for Ma Khine Khine Aye Chos cause but also for protecting the rights of the media industry, which the people of Myanmar rely on for information. I believe the journalists are protesting not only for Ma Khine but also to protect the rights of citizens to know, to read and criticise the true news, he said. I see this as [a protest for] freedom of journalism as well.
n Mandalay to protest
permission for our procession. After their protest was denied, Ko San Yu Kyaw said Mandalay journalists instead gathered in front of Ohbo Prison on January 7 at 11am. Ko Min Din, a reporter who is from Mandalay, said that despite being unable to protest the journalists had Ma Khine Khine Aye Chos plight is very much on their minds. We prayed for Ma Khine in Loikaw by standing quietly for one minute in front of the prison, Ko Min Din said. Ma Khine Khine Aye Cho is a reporter for the Eleven Media Group based in Kayah State who writes under the name Ma Khine. She was sentenced by a township court in the state capital of Loikaw in midDecember to three months in prison after being charged with defamation, trespass and the use of abusive language. She was charged by police following a complaint led by a Loikawbased lawyer, with whom Ma Khine Khine Aye Cho had got in an argument while conducting an interview in late October. Translation By Thiri Min Htun
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(Reg: No. IV/7343/2013) in respect of:- Tobacco whether manufactured or unmanufactured; tobacco products; tobacco substitutes, none being for medicinal or curative purposes; hand rolling tobacco; cigars; cigarettes; cigarette papers, cigarette tubes, cigarette filters, pocket cigarette rolling machines, hand held machines for injecting tobacco into paper tubes; smokers articles 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 Imperial Tobacco Limited P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416
GOLDEN VIRGINIA
An expert in the martial art form thaing byaung byan conducts a demonstration on January 4 in Mandalay. Photo: Than Naing Soe
last weeks demonstration would encourage young people to take up training. Im glad when I see young peo-
ple protecting this kind of martial art, so that it does not disappear from the world. Translation by Thiri Min Htun
ARCALION
(Reg: No. IV/14735/2013)
CORALAN
(Reg: No.IV/14736/2013) In respect of: Pharmaceutical preparations International class 05 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Nyein Kyaw B.Sc., Dip Engg., R.L., D.B.L. For BIOFARMA Room 007, Inya Lake Hotel 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar Tes: (951) 9662866 E-mail: [email protected] Date: 13th January, 2014
AS part of long-term overhauls to the education system made public in October 2013, a new classroom teaching method involving more interaction between students and teachers is being rolled out nationwide to 2015. Under the child-centred approach (CCA) to learning, students are encouraged to ask questions rather than simply answer them. The method is meant to teach students to explore concepts instead of merely memorising facts, making them more active thinkers but it has also proven hard to introduce
in Myanmar classrooms because of a lack of training and resources, teachers and experts say. Along with early childhood and higher education, CCA was one of several topics discussed by 18 working groups formed in October and brought together by the Ministry of Education at Yangons Diamond Jubilee Hall last month as part of ongoing discussions about national education policy. Naw Joanna Doe, of the CCA working group, said that under the old system children cant ask questions back to the teacher when they dont know something. Also, teachers cant give students practice in learning how to ask. CCA, in contrast, emphasises a childs conception, thinking, innovating and problem-solving, she said. But before children can change their learning styles, teachers need to change
We dont have enough time to teach students with this method because they arent used to being asked these kinds of questions.
Daw Ei Ei Khine High school teacher, Ahlone township
their teaching styles and that means undergoing training themselves, to become more comfortable fostering an open-ended and inquisitive classroom environment. Teacher training for CCA which is primarily being adopted in primary education began in 93 towns in 2012 and 85 towns in 2013, and will continue in 82 towns in both 2014 and 2015. As part of the roll-out, follow-up assessments will be made to determine just how successfully CCA is being embraced in the classroom, Naw Joanna Doe said, and the results will be discussed regularly with local education officials. Early results indicate that both teachers and students are currently very weak in asking questions, she added. U Tun Hla, another CCA working group member, said that when they checked schools that had already started the initiative they found teachers dont know exactly how to teach and use CCA. Teachers say they have also experienced difficulty putting the CCA method into practice in classrooms, with large class sizes making it particularly problematic. Daw Ei Ei Khine from Basic Education High School 4 Ahlone said that CCA will benet students when taught from the start of their educational lives but is challenging to introduce to those already mid-stream. We dont have enough time to teach students with this method because they arent used to being asked these kinds of questions, she said. I think it will be good if the students learn this way starting from when they are young. Each student is not at the same level, so we have to negotiate with all students to make time.
18 News
MARINE erosion is shrinking the delta, an environmental assessment workshop in Yangon heard last month, while the Ayeyarwady River is becoming increasingly clogged with sediment, reducing its ow. About 13 square kilometres (5 square miles) of land along the Ayeyarwady coast are being lost each year a trend that remained steady from 1990 to 2006, according to U Maung Maung Aye, an expert in uvial geomorphology. Natural and manmade changes along the Ayeyarwadys length have also left the river clogged with sediment 330 million tonnes a year, researchers estimate, compared to 261 million tonnes in the 19th century. As a result, U Maung Maung Aye told a workshop last month, the discharge of our mighty Ayeyarwady
Number of square kilometres of land lost to erosion each year in the Ayeywardy delta
13
has signicantly decreased over the past 100 years. A retired rector at the Yangon University of Distance Education, U Maung Maung Aye is now chief adviser at the Myanmar Environment Institute. He said his conclusions were based on a long-term analysis of aerial photos, ground photos and geographical maps. As the river silts up, he said, people living in the delta face greater difficulties earning their living. The chain reaction of damages to the river system will affect agriculture, biodiversity and the ecosystem that locals depend on for their livelihood, he said. Speaking at the workshop, a resident of Kyaw Zan village group, in Ayeyarwady Regions Mawlamyinegyun township, said that one of the branches of the Ayeyarwady River in the delta area, the War Rakhine river, has become heavily silted. War Rakhine river was quite a big river and an important transportation link between Yangon and Kyaw Zan for large ferries over last 50 years, he said. Now the river has silted up and changed to a small creek. Only small boats can pass during summertime. Other small river branches nearby had also dried up, he said. These changes delay the fresh water ow and increase salt intrusion, which affects drinking water and growing summer paddy. He blamed improper disposal of polluted water from rice mills and other local businesses, as well as pesticides and chemical fertilisers from
Fishermen try to push a boat into the sea after repairing it in Ngapudaw township, Ayeyarwady Region. Photo: AFP
farms, for the reduction in volume of the rivers ow. The destruction of mangrove forests in the area had also hastened the degradation of rivers and creeks in the village group, he said. While there are a number of theories, the exact factors in the decline of delta waterways are unclear. U Soe Myint, retired director general of the Ministry of Transports Department of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems, said lack of conservation programs has led to the degradation of the Ayeyarwady River. Water levels have signicantly decreased since 1998, he said, but we dont know why because there
has been no research on it. This lack of study is something U Maung Maung Aye aims to correct. The Ayeyarwady is our national river. It is very important for our country. We can say the history of the country has developed based on that river. But we dont have systematic research and data This is the huge need for our country. Research should take a holistic approach to the whole river basin, U Maung Maung Aye said. He suggested a National Commission for the Development of Ayeyarwady Basin be formed, to bring together experts from various sectors in support of sustainable development along the river.
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News 19
DAW Aung San Suu Kyi has used her Independence Day speech to stress the importance of the militarys involvement in amending the constitution. Some opposition parties, however, have accused her of only focusing on amendments that benet her party and failing to cooperate with other political groups. Speaking at the National League for Democracys head office in Yangon, she said the army should assist efforts to amend the constitution in the interests of national reconciliation. We cant just leave the army behind, she told party members. Amending the constitution is important for the army and its role [in the amendment process] is also very important.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivers a speech during a ceremony to mark Independence Day at the NLD headquarters in Yangon on January 4. Photo: AFP
28,247
Number of submissions received by the parliamentary committee reviewing the 2008 constitution
National Democratic Force in 2010, criticised Daw Aung San Suu Kyis approach to the issue last week. He said she was only pushing for amendments that benet her party. The constitution amendments process is a cooperative process and we cooperate with other parties, he said. But she hasnt cooperated at all with other parties or democratic forces. U Saw Than Kyaw Oo, an adviser to the Kayin Democratic Party, suggested that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is also failing to consider the needs of ethnic communities.
Although I welcome her efforts to change the constitution, I think she should focus not only on removing restrictions to become a president but also to change [sections in order to strengthen] the rights of ethnic communities, he said. To strengthen her campaign for constitutional change, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has also tried to invoke the support of the international community with some success. Standing beside the NLD leader in London, British Prime Minister David Cameron promised to build international pressure for change
20 News
IN BRIEF
Visa-free deal with Philippines begins
A visa exemption agreement between Myanmar and the Philippines has come into effect from January 4. The agreement was signed on December 5, 2013, during President U Thein Seins state visit to the Philippines. Under the agreement, citizens of either country who hold ordinary passports valid for at least six months are exempt from entry, exit and transit visas for up to 14 days. Those who want to stay for more than 14 days have to apply for a visa. Myanmar has secured similar agreements with a number of Southeast Asian countries. A visa exemption deal with Vietnam came into effect on October 26, while an agreement with Cambodia was signed on December 12. Thailand and Indonesia have agreed in principle to the arrangement but the formal signing has not yet taken place. Zaw Win Than
AS part of its duties as chair of ASEAN in 2014, Myanmar will lead debate on reviewing the ASEAN Charter, according to a government official. The charter, which acts as a constitution for the regional bloc, was adopted in November 2007, 40 years after the grouping was established. It came into force on December 15, 2008, after being ratied by all 10 member countries. According to ASEANs website, the charter establishes the blocs legal and institutional framework and codies ASEAN norms, rules and values, serving as a legally binding contract for members. Article 50 of the charter says the document may be reviewed ve years after its entry into force or as
otherwise determined by the ASEAN Summit. As ve years have now passed since the charter became effective, Myanmar will take the initiative in leading a meeting to review it, said U Aung Htoo, a deputy director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ASEAN Affairs Department. We will organise a group at the deputy minister level to assess ASEANs institutions mostly which ones must be shrunk or reduced, U Aung Htoo said, adding that Myanmar also hoped to simplify some of the blocs operating procedures. Some bloc members have expressed an interest in reviewing the ASEAN Charter, including the Philippines, which is pressing to reduce the number of annual ASEAN summits from two to one. Although rumours have swirled about amendments to the charter, no rm decision has yet been made, according to Danny Chian Siong Lee, director of community affairs development at the ASEAN Secretariat. Nor, he said, can Myanmar
act unilaterally, even while it is the chair. There is still no conrmation on the review of the ASEAN Charter. As chair of ASEAN in 2014, Myanmar can suggest starting the review, but from what I understand, all the member states must agree before the exercise can begin, he told The Myanmar Times. Ko Kyaw Lin Oo, a coordinator of the Myanmar Peoples Forum working group, said Myanmar should strengthen the charters human rights provisions. Members should also collaborate with civil society if
All the member states must agree before the exercise can begin.
Danny Chian Sion Lee ASEAN Secretariat
they do push on with the charter review, he said. Yuyun, a human rights activist based in Indonesia, told The Myanmar Times by email that as chair of ASEAN, Myanmar needs to assess the extent to which the commitments of the charter have been implemented so far, such as the dispute settlement mechanism and the ASEAN centrality mechanism aimed at creating more tightly knit bonds between member nations. The priority, Ms Yuyun said, should be to strengthen the Secretariat and facilitate tighter connections among the regional community, as well as build stronger ties between ASEAN nations and other regional and international entities. ASEAN should build its capacity and be empowered to take part in re-shaping the global order of the global community of nations, such as in the area of peace and security, she said. ASEAN member states should transcend nationalism and be mindful of their collective regional and global interests.
BMW
(Reg: No. IV/8904/2013) In respect of:Vehicles, apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water; parts of vehicles; bicycles; motorcycles; automobile accessories in International Class 12, Advertising, business management, business administration, office functions; sales promotion services; retailing of goods (by any means); wholesale services of vehicles and parts thereof in International Class 35, and Building construction, repair, installation services; maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and engines as well as maintenance and repair of parts of the above products; maintenance and repair of bicycles and parts thereof in International Class 37. Any unauthorized use, imitation, infringements, or fraudulent intention of the above trademarks will be dealt with according to law. Moe Mynn Thu (LLB, LLM, MRes) Rouse Myanmar for Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Phone: 1 1222 352 Dated: 13th January, 2014
MINI
22 News
A woman holds a child in Chin State last week. Photo: Wa Lone
IN BRIEF
Tatmadaw ofcers get human rights, transparency training
More than 20 high-ranking Tatmadaw ofcers are receiving training in governance, accountability and human rights from experts from the United Kingdoms Defence Academy. The two-week program, which concludes this week, will also cover civil-military relations, international humanitarian law, and civilian and democratic control of the military, the British embassy said in a statement. In the second week the focus of the training will shift to defence management. Thirty government ofcials are taking part, including 22 Tatmadaw ofcers. The British embassy in Yangons defence attach, Colonel Tony Stern, said the course has been delivered in more than 60 countries over the past 14 years and provides valuable lessons and practical advice to transitional democracies on securityrelated issues. It is intended that developing deeper military-military relations, based on a common appreciation of and adherence to international norms and standards, will assist Burma as it continues its political transformation. The course has started extremely well ... The commitment to learn is clear and it is good to see the exchange of ideas. The instructors and students are learning much from each other. Thomas Kean
SKRUF
(Reg: No. IV/11598/2013) in respect of: - Chemicals for use in the manufacture of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. - Class: 1 Insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and preparations for killing weeds and destroying vermin. Class: 5 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 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 13th January, 2014
SumiPro
Registration No. 4/10157 That the said trade mark consists of the word(s) VPRO. The above mentioned trademark is to be used in respect of : Computers, computer hardware, semiconductors, microprocessors, integrated circuits, computer chipsets, computer motherboards and daughterboards, microcomputers, computer workstations, desktop computers, laptop and notebook computers, servers, computer peripherals, computer software, computer firmware and operating system software, computer and telecommunications networking hardware and software. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
VPRO
(Reg: No. IV/14737/2013) In respect of: - Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations: sanitary preparations for medical purposes; 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 International class 05 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Nyein Kyaw B.Sc., Dip Engg., R.L., D.B.L. For BIOFARMA Room 007, Inya Lake Hotel 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar Tes: (951) 9662866 E-mail: [email protected] Date: 13th January, 2014
COVERAM
Police are urging gold shop owners in Yangon to install closed circuit television systems to prevent theft. Western District police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Win Kyie told a Myanmar Gold Entrepreneurs Association meeting on January 7 that CCTV networks would help to prevent crime. CCTV cameras are necessary at shops to prevent robberies, he said. And if a theft occurs it is much easier to nd the offenders. Lt Col Win Kyie said the number of thefts at gold shops was on the rise. We found that most perpetrators are people who have robbed shops after doing drugs. Some of the criminals carefully studied the shops before they robbed them to ensure they attacked when security was weakest, he said. The meeting was held to educate shop owners about the increasing threat posed by thieves following recent crimes in Mandalay, said association chair U Thu Daw. Maung Kane gold shop in Mandalay was robbed on December 24 by a man who was later found to have been using drugs. Similarly, Kaung Myat gold shop in Mandalay was robbed in 2006 by a robber wielding a fake rie and grenade. Toe Wai Aung and Aung Kyaw Min
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News 23
parliament in late 2013. There are currently two kinds of insurance for farmers, he said. The old system is called crop insurance and requires the insurance company to compensate the farmer based on how much paddy was damaged in a ood or other natural disaster. U Maung Maung Thein said the old
system is a difficult one. But before introducing the new insurance system, U Maung Maung Thein a former general manager of state-run Myanma Insurance said the government needed to undertake more research. He indicated a pilot program might be undertaken before a national roll-out.
The amount of rainfall needs to be xed according to the region ... so [the insurance] needs to be implemented in collaboration with the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. It also needs the governments help. We need to take a year at least to see it as a successful system here. Translation by Thiri Min Htun
24 News
Reg. No. 4/10334/2013 Used in respect of : Chemistry apparatus and instruments: densimeters; densitometers; diagnostic apparatus not for medical purposes; expose meters [light meters]; gauges; hydrometers; hygrometers; measuring apparatus; measuring instruments; meters; monitoring apparatus, electric; precision measuring apparatus; probes for scientific purposes; refractometers; salinometers; testing apparatus not for medical purposes; thermometers, not for medical purposes. (International Class 9) Any imitation, unauthorized use or fraudulent intentions of the above marks will be dealt with the existing laws. Ni Ni Myint (Advocate) LL.B, D.BL, D.ML Tel: 09 512 7756 Email: [email protected] For : Trans Instruments (S) Pte Ltd, Singapore. Dated 13 January, 2014.
the emergency specialist can provide emergency medical care in all aspects, he said. The Australian colleges, in cooperation with the University of Medicine 1, Yangon, will provide a second diploma course to local specialists next February. The candidates who took the course are already specialists. We have to provide the skills training in emergency medicine, Dr Antony Chenhall, an emergency physician of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, told The Myanmar Times.
In 2015, we aim to provide a masters degree in emergency medicine. Those who have nished the diploma course will be the local instructors at the medical universities. The emergency medicine development plan also includes the training of nurses and paramedics, and the health ministry is also planning to establish an emergency ambulance system. Myanmars emergency system is not very modern or well organised, said Dr Chenhall. Not all patients are getting the treatment they need at the right time.
Registration No. 4/10161 That the said trade mark consists of the word (s) ITANIUM . The abovementioned trademark is to be used in respect of: Electronic Security apparatus and surveillance apparatus; computerized telecommunications and networking equipment; computer hardware and software; computer firmware; computers; computer installations; personal digital assistants; integrated circuits; computer chip sets; semiconductor processors; microprocessors; computer memories; operating systems; data processors; central processing units; computer peripherals; storage devices, including flash drives; security systems for computer hardware and software, including firewalls, network access server hardware for creating and maintaining firewalls, virtual private network (vpn) computer hardware and computer server operating software for creating and maintaining firewalls; printed circuits; telecommunications equipment and computer networks; electronic control devices for the interface and control of computers and global computer telecommunications networks with television and cable broadcasts and equipment; apparatus for testing and programming integrated circuits; downloadable electronic publications; structural parts and fittings for all aforesaid goods; instructional manuals sold as a unit with the aforesaid mentioned goods. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
ITANIUM
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FEATURE
News 25
FMCG Career Opportunities We are a multi-national FMCG company in Myanmar. We produce and market our products with high distribution in General and Modern Trade. We are undergoing changes, innovation and expansion to bring the best quality products to Myanmars increasingly sophisticated market. In line with our expansion, we are looking for high caliber individuals to join us as a National Sales Manager and Key Account Manager. National Sales Manager - At least 5 years working experience in FMCG sales preferably with exposure to sales planning & analysis, routing and trade marketing. - Ability to service General Trade distributors, wholesalers and retailers. - Experience in leading a team of sales people stationed at different geographical locations. - Strong entrepreneur spirit and persistent in driving sales to meet the company target. - Willingness to coach, to motivate and to change the mindset of sales team to work effectively and efficiently to achieve higher sales.
AUNG SHIN
[email protected]
- Proficient in English and Myanmar languages. - Proven reliability, honesty and integrity with strong leadership and interpersonal skill. - Willingness to travel extensively throughout Myanmar to continuously service existing customers and to develop new market. - Computer literate. Able to use Microsoft Office (Excel & Powerpoint) effectively. Key Account Manager - At least 3 years working experience in FMCG sales preferably with exposure to sales planning & analysis, promotion planning and trade marketing. - Ability to service hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores. - Able to negotiate and build relationship with modern trade key players. - Understand planograming and able to utilize it to gain extra shelf space to improve market share. - Strong entrepreneur spirit and persistent in driving sales to meet company sales target. - Willingness to coach, to motivate and to change the mindset of modern trade sales team to work effectively and efficiently to achieve 100% service level. - Proficient in English and Myanmar languages. - Proven reliability, honesty and integrity with strong leadership and interpersonal skill. - Computer literate. Able to use Microsoft Office (Excel & Powerpoint) effectively. Interested candidates please e-mail your resume to mmfmcgcareer2014@ gmail.com with recent photograph and expected salary by January 31st, 2014. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for interview.
WHO would like to compete with him? A young, strong-looking man from Fiji steps forward to answer the challenge, issued by a man with prosthetic legs. They pace out the track together and, when the signal is given, they take off. To the surprise of almost everyone, the man with the prosthetic legs crosses the nish line rst. Except one person. The foot-race challenge was initiated by the founder of the Jaipur Foot Foundation, Dr Devendra Raj Mehta, to explain to visiting journalists the organisations history and work. Dr Mehta has his own experience with disability, as he survived a life-threatening road
Number of free prosthetic legs Jaipur Foot Foundation has distributed since its establishment in 1975
1.3
MILLION
accident nearly 40 years ago. One of his legs was crushed in the accident and he only narrowly escaped amputation. As he lay in his hospital bed for ve months recovering from the accident, he pondered the difficulties that disabled people, particularly the underprivileged, face in getting articial limbs.
The experience after that accident prompted him to set up, in 1975, the Jaipur Foot Foundation, which is also known as Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti. Since then the foundation has provide free prosthetic limbs to about 1.3 million people. The aim, he says, is to help people regain their mobility, self-respect and dignity and become self-reliant members of the community. The foundations compound is in central Jaipur, a picturesque pinktoned city loaded with historical treasures. On the day I visited, the reception area was bustling with people some standing, some walking and others sitting on benches. Most had some form of physical disability. The smell of lime, which is one of a number of materials used to make the limbs, lled the air, while the sound of tools in the workshop blended with the voices of those outside. I just arrived today, said a man in the reception area told me. I lost my leg during a bike accident last year. Soon after arriving, Dr Mehta stands in front of us. A good-natured man, he answers every question eagerly, with a big smile. His tone, however, turns serious when he is asked about the foundations budget. We have many difficulties running this large organisation. But fundraising is the main problem for us because every year we get only US$1.5 million. It is only half of our yearly expenses, he said. We receive donations, but more funding is still needed. The foundations budget is comprised of donations from the Indian government, funding from international organisations and pledges from individual donors. Jaipur Foot Foundation says it is one of the worlds largest organisations for handicapped people. People from all over the world come to its 22 branches across India to benet from its services. Most receive prosthetic limbs, but some also undergo surgery: Dr Mehta said more than
7000 operations have been performed since the foundation was set up. The foundation is also famous for spreading articial limb technology all over India. When individuals cannot reach the centre because of their disability, Dr Mehta said the foundation tries to go to them via a mobile service. On the day we arrive, at least 50 patients are awaiting treatment and consultation to t prosthetics for their legs. Up to 100 people come to the centre each day, the majority suffering from injuries sustained in road accidents.
Notice is hereby given that our client, Intel Corporation having a principal office at 2200 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara, California 95052-8119, USA is the owner and the sole proprietor of the following trade mark:-
APPUP
Registration No. 4/10155 That the said trade mark consists of the word(s) APPUP. The above-mentioned trademark is to be used in respect of (list of goods or services): Computer software; computer software for use in searching for , browsing, and purchasing software. Retail store services featuring computer software; providing consumer information in the field of computer software and consumer reviews of computer software. Providing a website featuring information relating to computer software; updating of computer software . Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
The articial limbs made at Jaipur Foot Foundation are of high-quality materials, said Dr Mehta, and allow wearers to sit, run, squat, walk and swim with their new limbs even climb in trees and go cycling. A Jaipur Foot can be used with or without shoes for at least three-and-a-half years. Limbs produced at the compound and its satellite sites can be ready within one to three days. The foundation also provides other mobility aids such as wheelchairs, hand-pedalled tricycles, and crutches. We would like to contribute our kindness and technology in any country, Dr Mehta said. We want to help handicapped people. But we need the help of government and donors supporting the disabled. We are now trying to connect more countries in recent years.
Business
aYE THIDaR kYaW [email protected] PHILIP HEIJMaNS [email protected] OUTDATED policies, uncompetitive premiums and restrictive procedures imposed by the governments Insurance Business Supervisory Board (IBSB) are hindering efforts by newly established insurance rms to nd their feet ahead of a plan to open the market to international rms next year, according to industry sources. Several privately run local insurance rms have opened for business since June last year when 12 companies were granted licences. The opening of the market broke a six-decade monopoly held by state-run Myanma Insurance. But with several international rms waiting to enter the market, local insurers are worried that restrictive policies imposed by the IBSB will make it difficult for them to succeed. As opposed to most international markets, which allow rms to offer competitive prices for their services, the IBSB has predetermined the price of premiums and limited the number of policies private rms can offer to just six, making it difficult for the young local insurers to distinguish themselves from one another, insurers said. They [the IBSB] control everything we do as we cannot alter any policy or be true risk managers as the premiums are all set, said one industry source who asked not to be named out of fear of repercussions. It is going to be very difficult for the insurers to become established with the limited numberof covers we can offer that arealsovery basic and poorly worded,the source said. Given that each company is marketing the same products/premiums, the main differencebetween them is theservice they provide to accompany premiums. While premiums are set, the methods in which they are calculated are also inefficient, industry players said. With regard to motor insurance, the IBSB requires set premiums based on a grading system that lumps the age of the driver and the type of vehicle into general categories, making it impossible, for example, to give a 65-year-old driver and a 90-year-old driver different rates, said Kunio Asaoka, Myanmar chief representative of Japanese-based insurance rm Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance Co Ltd. Moreover, some premiums are set too low and generate losses for insurers, said U Soe Win Thant, general manager of Global World Insurance. Such is the case with snake bite insurance, a popular policy with farmers that generally costs just K500. It needs to be updated to something a bit more, perhaps to K5000, he said. Premiums aside, the regulatory board also requires each of the rms use IBSB-written actuary forms to assess potential clients, though those documents are dated, difficult to understand and sometimes only in English, while essential questions are missing. Some documents such as the
A woman fills out an application to buy insurance at an IKBZ Insurance Co office in Yangon. Photo: Boothee
Because [the insurance market] is young it is still not so sophisticated, as the questionnaires, in ways, are not adequate
Kunio Asaoka Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance
questionnaire forms, are confusing to the customers. These things need to change [for there] to be more trust between customers and the companies, said U Soe Win Thant, adding that such IBSB-issued forms, which insurers are not allowed to alter, are replicated from those in other countries, making some questions redundant. Copies of actuary forms assessing clients for life insurance policies, obtained by The Myanmar Times, show a number of imperative questions about the health of the client are missing, making it difficult for rms to accurately calculate risk. While lung cancer kills nearly 7000
people per year in Myanmar, according to the World Health Organization, the forms do not ask whether a client is a smoker. The forms also fail to ask if the client uses alcohol, or betel nut, or has a record of dangerous driving. To make matters worse, many questions on the forms are poorly worded, incomprehensible and sometimes only in English, creating confusion on both the part of the insurer and customer. It has already created some arguments when the claims appear, U Soe Win Thant said. To get around the problem, several rms have resorted to making their
own questionnaires, a procedure not sanctioned by the IBSB. To be frank, there was no insurance market in Myanmar until last year and so because it is young it is still not so sophisticated, as the questionnaires, in ways, are not adequate and quite primitive, said Mr Asaoka of Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance, adding that it was likely these issues would be ironed out as the sector develops. He said that even if rms were selfregulated, there is still not enough data on Myanmar available for them to properly assess risk, while safety standards are low.
27
Buying
K1332 K286 K771 K29 K982
Selling
K1349 K306 K781 K30 K990
ictive policies
Local insurance rms were required to deposit K46 billion (US$46.66 million) in capital to Myanma Economic Bank in order to establish an operation, an amount rms claim will be difficult to make up in the coming years. In an effort to get an edge in the market, however, rms are reaching into their pockets again by offering to cover certain expenses usually incurred by the clients. Some companies are offering to pay medical check-up expenses that are not included in the policy, so they are competing beyond the legal framework, said Global World Insurances U Soe Win Thant, adding that his rm has generated just K90 million in revenue, or about $91,200, since opening his business seven months ago. That is opposed to state-run Myanma Insurance, who posted earnings of about $47 million in the 2012-13 scal year. Despite these problems, experts agree that these issues will begin to sort themselves out as the market evolves. However given the nascent stage of the market, some insurers argue current premium restrictions are actually conducive to sustainable growth of the sector. It is a sensitive and difficult situation, but in order to let the market grow in a sound manner, it will be necessary to have this kind of policy in place for now, said Mr Asaoka, adding Japan maintained a similar model for the rst 10 years the insurance sector was open as a measure of protecting it from over-competition. Too much free market could lead to decits, he said. Private insurers will also soon be entrusted to offer more services, with plans in the works to increase the number of premiums to 10, up from six currently. If we make the rules too strict, those rms cannot do anything, but if we liberalise it too much, the market will fall down, said U Lwin Oo, assistant general manager of Myanma Insurance, adding that it will be easier to modify the rules once the insurance law is updated this year.
135
Many traffic accidents are not reported and in terms of re insurance, there are no sprinklers in the buildings, so once a re occurs it tends to spread more than in other countries, he said, adding that data issues should start to be addressed with the establishment of an insurance association expected for later this year. U Aye Min Thein, chairman of Insurance Business Supervisory Board, said the issues would be dealt with in time. We plan to liberalize those policies that are out of date and add more services, but we cannot tell exactly when, he said.
Unsanctioned mining practices have left large areas of land damaged in Sagaing Region. Photo: Nobel Gold
28 Business
STRENGTHENED laws and regulations and continued government reform made Myanmar the worlds most improved country for doing business in, UK-based global risk analytics rm Maplecroft found in a report released on January 8. Myanmar last year made progress in tackling corruption, weak rule of law, respect for property rights and controls on corporate governance, the rm said in its annual Legal and Regulatory Environment Risk Atlas for 2014. Despite its growth, the report shows that Myanmar remained the fth riskiest country in the world to do business out of 173, with a rating of extreme a rank worse than civil-war ravaged Syria and the Central African Republic.
While this appears a modest shift in ranking, it has already resulted in signicant improvements for business, and Maplecroft forecasts that if Myanmar sustains its current trajectory it may move out of the extreme risk category in the next 1-3 years, Maplecroft wrote in a press release accompanying the report. Myanmar was ranked the worst country in the world to do business in 2012, then moved up to thirdworst in 2013. Myanmars efforts to strengthen the legal and regulatory environment are laudable, Maplecroft senior analyst Chris Laws said in the release. But, the countrys current lack of effective institutions of governance still raises serious concerns over regulatory enforcement, and it remains a challenging place to do business. The country climbed two positions in 2014 due to the ongoing political and regulatory reforms process that has largely ended international sanctions and boosted
investor condence, the report said. In the past two years, Myanmar has passed 75 new laws, many notably affecting the business community, such as the Myanmar Citizens Investment Law, the Foreign Exchange Management Law and the Central Bank of Myanmar Law, said Kelvin Chias Yangon director Cheah Swee Gim. All of these have been promulgated or updated with the intention of facilitating business and investment in Myanmar, she said. The report evaluates coun-
th
tries across 21 indices in six key areas;:rule of law, corruption risk, corporate governance, regulatory framework, respect for property rights and supply chain labour risk. Grand corruption remains pervasive in Myanmar, while an absence of rule of law and interference in business matters from a wide range of powerful and vested interests, including the military, create a very uneven playing eld for foreign investors, the report says. A new foreign investment law with revised foreign direct investment limits, improved land leasing rules and accession to the New York Convention on recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards also promoted a more predictable business landscape for international investors looking to Myanmar in 2014. Jean Loi, managing partner at VDB-Loi, said that in terms of legal and regulatory framework, Myanmar did not present any higher risk for investors than its Southeast Asian neighbours. There is a raft of new laws being
approved and implemented slowly. Investors can have an entity established in Myanmar within three days, Ms Loi said. It still takes around one to two years in Laos. While the legal and political framework remained the most signicant risk to investors looking to Myanmar, Ms Loi said there were already changes in the pipeline for a rewrite of the income tax law, new value-added taxes and changes to stamp dutys rates. A much-awaited Intellectual Property Law, passage of the Condominium Law, which schedules foreign ownership, and further amendments to the Financial Institutions of Myanmar Law are also in the works for 2014. A continued path of ambitious and determined reform remains the key to reintegrating Myanmar into the global economy, lawyer Cheah Swee Gim said. Myanmars business ecosystem is still in the nascent stages, she said and like many emerging markets, is still experiencing some understandable difficulties.
desk pads and calendar pads, pens, pencils, folders, paperweights, pen and pencil holders, photograph stands, rulers, gift wrap, erasers , markers, crayons, chalk, desk sets, desk organizers, bumper stickers; computer instruction manuals; white papers; printed publications in the area of computers, telecommunications, entertainment, telephony, and wireless communications. Telecommunications via a global networks of computers; multimedia communications and digital communication services, namely, broadcast, transmission, and receipt of interactive and noninteractive audio, video, and digital signals; electronic transmission and receipt of interactive and non-interactive voice, data, images, paging messages, facsimiles, and information; teleconferencing services; videoconferencing services; telecommunications consulting and support services. Educational services; training services; entertainment services; services related to sporting, computer and network gaming, and cultural activities; providing on-line publications in the areas of photography, imaging and related goods and services; education and entertainment services relating to digital imaging via global computer networks including the internet and similar services; providing an archive of digital images on-line , for use by consumers; providing and on-line library of digital images which may be shared by users; photographic archiving and image library services; computerized on-line education and training services; interactive tutorials, courses, how to guides, tips and techniques, expert guidance and advice, and interactive discussions on the purchase, use, care, maintenance, support, upgrading, updating and configuring of computer hardware, computer software, computer networks, teleconferencing and communications goods and services; chat rooms; entertainment and educational services relating to allowing computer users to access, upload, download and create on-line photo albums, electronic postcards, address books, and calendars; providing on-line chat rooms for transmission of messages among computer users concerning photography, imaging and related goods and services; information, advisory and consultancy services relating to the aforesaid including such services provided on-line or via the internet; educational services, conducting classes, seminars, conferencing , and hosting online educational forums in the field of computer and software use, navigation over global computer networks, computer science and technology,
computer management, and distributing course materials in connection therewith; developing and disseminating educational materials designed to increase technology literacy among students; training services in the field of networks, network system design, network operation, network maintenance, network testing, network protocols, network management, and network engineering; training services for network hardware and software; training services in the field of online business solutions; providing customers and technicians with information relating to business and project management. Managed web hosting and network services; providing online access to data storage services; web site hosting and content distribution services; network monitoring services, namely providing information on the operation of computer networks; providing services in the fields of web software customization, user interface design, web site content management and integration; web site development and maintenance; computer and wireless consulting services; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software; computer consulting services; computer custom software and hardware development, design, and consulting services; leasing of computer equipment, namely, computers, computer hardware, peripherals, computer components, computer software, computer printers, and leasing of office furniture; providing on-line publications; designing and developing standards for others in the design and implementation of computer software, computer hardware and telecommunications equipment. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
Registration No. 4/10156 That the said trade mark consists of the word (s) INTEL. The above mentioned trademark is to be used in respect of: Goods and Services for INTEL AND SWIRL DESIGN Electronic security apparatus and surveillance apparatus; computerized telecommunications and networking equipment; computer hardware and software; computer firmware; computers; computer installations; personal digital assistants; integrated circuits; computer chip sets; semiconductor processors; microprocessors; computer memories; operating systems; data processors; central processing units; computer peripherals; storage devices, including flash drives; security systems for computer hardware and software, including firewalls, network access server hardware for creating and maintaining firewalls, virtual private network (vpn) computer hardware and computer server operating software for creating and maintaining firewalls; printed circuits; telecommunications equipment and computer networks; electronic control devices for the interface and control of computers and global computer and telecommunications networks with television and cable broadcasts and equipment; cellular telephones and smart phones; apparatus for testing and programming integrated circuits; downloadable electronic publications; structural parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods; instructional manuals sold as a unit with the aforementioned goods. Binders, bookends, bookmarkers, boxes for pens, calendars, tablets, note cards, self-adhesive pads,
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Local food expo leaves Legal & tax insight consumers with sour taste Researching prospective Organiser faces problems importing foodstuffs in time for show partners imperative to JV
MYaT NOE OO [email protected] THE International Food and Machinery Expo 2014 seemed like a great event for restaurant owners and consumers alike to nd international-quality items for sale last week, but some visitors were left disappointed, saying there were too few new items and even fewer international companies represented. I thought this expo would have new products, but I can buy these products [already] in Yangon. Its the same companies and the same products compared with last years expo, said Ma Ei Mon Htwe, who owns a small restaurant in Yangon and attended the event hoping to nd new goods to promote at her restaurant. While the event attracted hospitality industry investors and business people who were looking for a bargain on restaurantquality appliances, attendees complained that many of the products on offer offered no such discount. I am not interested in this expo, said Ma San San Htwe who attended the event on January 9, the rst day of the four-day expo held at Tatmadaw Hall in Dagon township. It was not only interested buyers who were let down by the expo. Sellers were underwhelmed by transactions. A vendor who also sold items at last years event expressed disappointment with this years lacklustre offerings. I showed [my items] for the rst time in Yangon, said a representative with the TMT Trading Company. I also showed in Mandalay. In Mandalay the sales were brisk, but at this expo, the sales were not good. The International Food and Machinery Expo 2014 advertised that it would show food and kitchen items from Japan, Thailand and Vietnam. A representative from South Koreas SAGA Agp Trading Company said his imported seaweed did not sell as well this year as last year. People in Myanmar like expos that show foreign products, which we do not have in Myanmar, and they like the promotions, said Daw Nilar from SAGA. If the products are not new and you can buy them in Myanmar, the expo will not attract people. U Zarni Maung Maung, managing director of Myanmar Professional Services Co. Ltd, and the organiser of the event, said he had planned to focus more on food, than machinery during this years expo, with ambitions of holding a seminar on wine, but complications regarding the importation of certain products forced him to abandon his plan. Despite the setback, he said, he was happy to see more Myanmar companies participating and offering more items this year than last. There are different companies this year [compared with] last years expo, he said. SEbaSTIaN PaWLITa [email protected] ZINMYO AUNG [email protected] IN sectors where government policy prohibits 100-percent foreign-owned companies, a joint venture may be the only way for outside businesses to invest in Myanmar. But even where this isnt the case, joint ventures are often sound decisions, as they allow access to a local partners market knowhow, decision-maker contacts, and established supply and distribution channels. Conversely, local partners may wish to team up with a foreign investor in order to gain access to technology, know-how, an expanded distribution network and capital. As in all developing countries, however, it is vital to conduct thorough due diligence of the local partner. This is true not only where the joint-venture company takes over an existing business but also where the object is to start a new business together. Due diligence is crucial because, given how underdeveloped the legal framework is, it is often difcult to predict the extent to which contracts can be enforced. An in-depth background check of the partner therefore provides more protection against unpleasant surprises later even more so than the most carefully drafted joint-venture agreement ever could. And of course, the foreign partner should not be surprised if the local partner wants to conduct due diligence on them as well indeed, its probably a good sign. Legal due diligence covers things like shareholder structure, company administration and contractual relationships. While it is possible to run a company check with the Companies Registration Office, the information obtained may not always be complete and up to date. Often, the local partner is the only source of information. Documents that a foreign investor may wish to ask to see include the company registration certicate, the current lists of shareholders and directors, the certicate of registration as importer and exporter, land documents, audited nancial statements and tax returns, labour contracts of key employees, trademark registration certicates, and important contracts with customers and suppliers. Of course, the information that can be unearthed by checking documents is only as reliable as the degree to which the documents accurately and completely describe the facts. A document check can be backed up by interviews with the company owner and key employees, but in a country where transparency has lots of room for improvement, information will often remain sketchy. Ultimately, the main object of legal due diligence is often to nd out whether the local partner adheres to acceptable standards of record-keeping. Often, the emphasis of due diligence is not on the legal but the commercial or ethical side. Foreign investors want to know whether teaming up with a certain partner will bring reputational risks.
Sebastian and Zin Myo are consultants with Polastri Wint & Partners Legal & Tax Advisors.
BEIJING
30 Business
EDITORIAL
JOB WATCH
Job Vacancy
The British Embassy is currently looking to recruit a highly motivated and energetic individual to join our team as a Trade & Investment Manager. For more information and details on how to apply, please visit the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/britishembassy-rangoon/about/recruitment Deadline for submission of applications will be on 21 January 2014.
PaULINE CHIOU
CNN Anchor/Correspondent
Vacancy Announcement
Job Title: Program Officer Job Location: Yangon, with frequent travel to the field Contract Duration: 2 years with possibility of extension (three months probation period) Closing Date: 31stJanuary 2014 DanChurchAid (DCA) is looking for an experienced and motivated person to join our team of Program Officers. A detailed Job Description is available on request from Ms. Hlaing Phyu Min, Admin & HR Assistant, [email protected]. 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 and development opportunities (including visits to DCA HQ in Copenhagen and to DCA Regional Offices in the region of South Asia and South East Asia) and a challenging and stimulating working environment. To Apply Please submit CV, application letter and contact details of two referees with any other relevant documentation to HR Unit by email [email protected] and [email protected] Please quote reference: DCA Program Officer application. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
MOST international sanctions on Myanmar have been lifted and the country is rapidly changing. However, the education system is reforming in ts and starts. For more than two decades, the former military junta suppressed schools and universities fearing more student-led demonstrations. As a result, a lost generation of people (ages 20-40) now makes up a large part of an economy thats playing catch-up to the rest of Asia. Furthermore, their children are going through a school system that is lled with gaps. I had the privilege of moderating an education panel in Yangon last month at the Womens Forum of Myanmar. Member of Parliament Su Su Lwin was on the panel. She says Myanmars 36,000 schools are not making the grade. According to Lwin, many of the schools are using outdated textbooks and teachers who emphasise rote learning. In terms of quality, we have far to go,
MaNILa
N E W VA C A n C I E S A P P LY N O W !
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
Applicants queue up for a job recruitment event for Philippine budget carrier Cebu Pacific, next to a scale model of one of the airlines fleet in Manila. Photo: AFP
for both airlines to join forces and compete more effectively in the regional market, Mr Koay said in a joint statement. We also look forward to achieving greater cost savings from the coordinated operations while providing more travel options and greater convenience for our customers. The joint statement said the alliance would allow Cebu Pacic to target high-growth markets including Australia and India, while Tigerair would be able to y more passengers to other cities in Cebu Pacics network in the Philippines and North Asia. Cebu Pacic said it operates an average of 2200 ights per week with 48 aircraft to 24
international and 33 Philippine cities. The Tigerair group, which also includes Tigerair Singapore, Tigerair Mandala and Tigerair Australia, said it ies to more than 50 destinations across 13 Asia-Pacic countries using 51 aircraft. Instead of folding it into Cebu Pacic, Mr Gokongwei said Tigerair Philippines would operate as a distinct entity for the time being, retaining its existing managers and brand name. It now operates an average of 118 ights per week with ve aircraft to 11 domestic and international destinations from Manila and Clark airports. AFP
IN BRIEF
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Myanmar is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the following positions: Sr. Title and level Duty Station Position Deadline 1. Programme Associate Yangon National 14 Jan 14 2. Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Malaria (LICA-7) Yangon National 14 Jan 14 3. Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Tuberculosis (LICA - 7) Yangon National 15 Jan 14 4 National Malaria Officer (LICA - 7) Yangon National 15 Jan 14 5. Logistics Officer (LICA-7) Yangon National 17 Jan 14 6. Procurement Officer (LICA-7) Yangon National 20 Jan 14 7. Procurement Associate (LICA-4) Yangon National 20 Jan 14 8. Planning and Budget Associate (LICA-4) Yangon National 20 Jan 14 9. Finance Associate (Reporting) (LICA-4) Yangon National 20 Jan 14 10. Vehicle Maintenance Helper(re-advertised) (LICA-1A) Yangon National 27 Jan 14 11. Data Quality Assurance Assistant (LICA-3) Yangon National 31 Jan 14 12. Equity and Social Inclusion Analyst (LICA-5) Yangon National 04 Feb 14 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 working environment with 250 national and international colleagues. All applications must be made through the UNOPS E-recruitment System (https://gprs.unops.org) and click on the post you are interested in applying for.
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: [email protected], [email protected] www.esearchmyanmar.com www.facebook.com/esearchmyanmar
Chinas box ofce takings leaped to US$3.6 billion last year, up 27.5 percent on 2012, as nearly 14 screens were added every day to the worlds secondlargest lm market, state media reported last week. Chinese cinemas raked in 21.77 billion yuan in 2013, the China Daily said, citing the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television. AFP
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Business 31
Reg.No.IV/ 5814 /2000 Reg.No.IV/ 5250 /2007 in respect of Class 25, including external knitwear, in particular pullovers, cotton knitwear in particular summer knitwear, jeans, being articles of clothing, trousers made of velvet, lien or any other material, jackets, jerkins, shirts, suits, packaged clothing, wool coats, overclothing and cloaks, shoes, boots and slippers. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trade Mark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. Khine Khine U, Advocate LL.B, D.B.L, LL.M (UK) For Bencom S.r.l #205/5, Thirimingalar Housing, Strand Rd, Yangon. Dated. January 13, 2014
SISLEY
(Reg: No. IV/11597/2013) in respect of: - Clothing; garters; sock suspenders; suspenders [braces]; waistbands; belts for clothing; clothes for sports; underwear; foundation garments; pajamas; brassieres; girdles; lingerie; pantyhose; socks; tights; sports jerseys; T-shirts. - Class: 25 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 GUNZE LIMITED P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416
IRIS
Registration No. 4/10162 That the said trade mark consists of the word (s) IRIS . The above mentioned trademark is to be used in respect of: Computer hardware; integrated circuits; computer chipsets; graphics cards; HD graphic chipsets. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
Property
JEWELLERY and precious stone vendors have been given until the end of January to vacate their stalls and one week to issue a public apology to the Bogyoke Market Super World owner or face legal action, a lawyer representing the owner said. On December 21, 2013, an informal union of 30 career jewel vendors, established in the Super World hall of Yangons most famous market, published a sharp notice inThe Mirrordeclaring they intended to ignore the blood-red eviction notice that was rst pinned to the back of the hall onDecember 1. The notice requested all shop owners vacate their stands by December 31 so renovations could begin on the popular gold, silver and jewel-smith hall. Decrying the renovations as a maneuvre to evict shop owners, the retailers said in their published notice they could not accept the eviction demand and said they doubted the authenticity of the hall owner that had posted the demand. Without shopkeepers permission, there is no right to renovate, the group wrote. However, the owner, Daw Shu Kyi, through her agent U Mg Mg Lwin and her lawyer U Chit Ko Ko, issued a counter notice inTheMirror on January 8 demanding that the 30 shopkeepers publish an apology undersigned with a list of their names and businesses. They dont have any right to publish in a newspaper a statement saying the present owner has no rights to renovate, U Chit Ko Ko toldThe Myanmar Times. Daw Shu Kyi and U Mg Mg Lwin are directors of The Private Super World Cooperative Ltd, and in their notice claim to have ownership of the retail space. The iconic Bogyoke Market is a state-owned building administered by a government entity that tenders man-
Jewel vendors clear out from their stalls at Yangons Bogyoke Market under the threat of legal action by the markets manager. Photo: Boothee
agement rights of the various halls comprising the structure. Daw Shu Kyi attests she has had these rights to Super World hall, which houses about 60 vendors, since 1999. Tenancy arrangements are renewed biannually between retailers and Daw Shu Kyis agent through an informal exchange of rent money and a receipt, jewellers told The Myanmar Times. However after many of the shopkeepers refused to follow the notice to leave at the end of December, the agent has not collected rent for the rst half of 2014. As of last week, two-thirds of the
vendors had already vacated the hall, leaving dusty display cabinets in their wake. We dont know how long it will take for the renovation and we think it is just a reason to make us move, a shop owner said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of legal retribution. Theres no commitment [from Daw Shy Kyi] to accept us back after the renovation, the vendor said. Longer-term counter tenants said that rental charges for counters in Super World are around US$120-$150 per month, but as high as double that in other areas of the market.
Jewellers who have already vacated the hall have either had to accept the dramatic increase in rent or move to display premises outside of the popular market. The shopkeepers sent a separate letter through Daw Shu Kyis agent, requesting the renovation be conducted over the Thingyan period a common slump period for retailers instead of during the peak season of December to February. We will never apologise and we will not move from our present position, another vendor said, professing to speak for all the remaining shop owners.
We will face the matter legally. If they accept our negotiation we will give the rental charge for this month as we have not yet paid this, the vendor said. Daw Shu Kyis lawyer U Chit Ko Ko said his client had instructed him to wait one week for the apology before taking further legal action. When reporters fromThe Myanmar Timesvisited the hall last week, new security cameras had been installed at various points around the hall and a photographer was asked to leave the premises by a woman who held herself out as an agent of Daw Shu Kyi.
33
We dont know how long it will take for the renovation and we think it is just a reason to make us move
anonymous shop owner at Bogyoke Market
bEIJING
JOHaNNESbURG
The restoration of land to rightful owners is one of the biggest responsibilities you gave the democratic government.
Jacob Zuma President of South Africa
HectARes
13,184
hectares. Land given back to black communities in South Africa as part of the countrys reform policy
apartheid in 1994. The program has been dogged by delays with only 6 percent of land having been transferred to blacks since 1994, fuelling frustrations among the dispossessed. A bill proposing the extension of land claims to the end of 2018 is set to be tabled in parliament. The restoration of land to rightful owners is one of the biggest responsibilities you gave the democratic government, said Zuma. The former owners would continue running the property at a monthly rental fee until January next year while transferring business skills to the new owners. Last year, South Africa marked
redistribute 30pc of white-owned land to blacks by 2014, due to the slow pace of the program. We made a lot of progress, but the work continues, said Mr Zuma. White South Africans around 10 percent of the population still own as much as 80pc of the land. However, the Land Access Movement, a lobby group for the landless, which is unhappy at the pace of land reforms, slammed the deal as a bid to popularise the ANC ahead of elections. I think they are trying to show people that they are committed on land reform, the groups leader Constance Mogale said. AFP
This picture taken on January 7 shows Qiao Shuzhi, left, and his son Qiao Xuan holding a copy of Peoples Daily and Beijing Daily front page of 1979, each with an editorial about Tianyi Inn. Photo: AFP
34 Business Property
BERLIN PaNaMa CITY
It will, de facto, be such that the airport no longer can be opened in 2014
Klaus Wowereit Berlin mayor
to difficulties concerning fire safety, the smoke exhaust systems and construction errors have proven a blow to the capitals image. As one of Germanys biggest construction projects, it has also dented Wowereits popularity amid claims of incompetence and having underestimated the problems linked to the plan. AFP
Spanish Public Works Minister Ana Pastor and Panamas President Ricardo Martinelli speak to the press after holding a meeting in Panama City, on January 6. Photo: AFP
to build new locks for the centuryold canal, which currently welcomes ships carrying up to 5000 containers. The construction group includes Impreglio of Italy, Belgiums Jan de Nul and Constructora Urbana of Panama. The consortium began work on a
third set of locks in 2009 and expects to complete construction in June 2015, already nine months over the contractual date. Work is about 70pc complete. GUPC says it ran into unforeseen costs because the canal authority gave builders the wrong information
regarding the areas geology. The canal authority has countered that the contractors claims lack any foundation and that GUPC must make its complaint in the legal bodies which are outlined in the contract. AFP
RESENDE
IN PICTURES Blue, brown and yellow-painted buildings in the Yau Ma Tei neighbourhood of Hong Kong. Home prices in the southern Chinese city have risen by 120 percent since 2008, and by more than 30pc from their previous peak in 1997, with prices in the luxury market being pushed up by wealthy buyers from mainland China. Photo: AFP
www.mmtimes.com
PaRIS LaS VEGaS
A boy plays with a robot presented by Future Robots during the 2014 International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: AFP
pneumatic actuators so its movements are more uid, said engineer Morgan Roe. We try to avoid having it look robotic. The robot can be used at museums and exhibits, where Thespian
can deliver a soliloquy and direct people. But, at this point, he cant interact in the manner of Apples Siri or Google Now. We are working on it, Mr Roe said. AFP
World
JUBA
GOVERNMENT forces pressed on January 10 with an offensive to wrest back South Sudans main oil hub from rebel forces as Washington voiced fears the nation it helped establish was already collapsing. The worst ghting centred around Bentiu, where forces loyal to former vice president Riek Machar have been holding off the army of President Salva Kiir, leaving the oil town ransacked and emptied of its civilian population. The United Nations, which shelters more than 8000 people at its Bentiu compound, said its mission in South Sudan had cut off military links with the government and was ready to fend off any attack. UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said the outcome of
South Sudan loyalist forces close in on rebel-held oil hub amid border chaos
the battle for Bentiu, capital of Unity state, was unclear and uid. He said there are now more than 60,000 people at UN compounds across South Sudan, half of them in Juba and another 9000 in Bor, the rebel-held capital of Jonglei state. In total, there are now probably more than a quarter-million people displaced by the ghting, UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous said, after brieng the UN Security Council on the crisis. No current gures on a death toll were available, Mr Ladsous added, but he estimated it was very substantially in excess of the 1000 deaths the UN reported just after conict erupted on December 15. An army spokesperson said on January 9 troops loyal to Kiir had closed in on Bentiu. He also reported that combat was raging some 15 kilometres (9 miles) from Bor, the only other major town in rebel hands, around 200 kilometres north of the capital Juba. With peace talks in neighbouring Ethiopia at a deadlock, Washington said South Sudan risked imploding, less than three years after gaining independence from Khartoum in July 2011. AFP
Three children walk through a spontaneous camp for internally displaced persons in Juba on January 9. Photo: AFP
IN PICTURES
PHOTO: AFP
Thousands of African asylum-seekers who long-term detention of illegal immigrants. holding of several hundred in detention
NEW DELHI
Reg. No. 4/8115/2013 Used in respect of:- Rotary Tillers, Parts and Accessories thereof, All kind of Agricultural implements other than hand-operated, Spares and Blades (Parts of Machines) Any unauthorised use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent intentions of the above mark will be dealt with according to the law. Tin Ohnmar Tun & The Law Chambers Ph: 0973150632 Email: [email protected] (For, H KACHARYA & COMPANY, India) Dated: 13th January, 2014
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee gestures during the Valedictory Session of the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014. Photo: AFP
37
SYDNEY
entered Israel illegally via Egypt stage a protest in Tel Aviv on January 5, slamming the Jewish states The demonstrators denounced the refusal of the authorities to grant them refugee status, as well as the centres.
BEIJING
SALEM CABIN
CASTER
(Reg: No. IV/12988/2013) The above four trademarks are in respect of:- Tobacco, whether manufactured or unmanufactured; smoking tobacco, pipe tobacco, hand rolling tobacco, chewing tobacco, snus tobacco; 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 trademarks 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
A cargo ship swept ashore at the height of Super Typhoon Haiyan rests amongst debris and destroyed houses in the coastal city of Tacloban. Photo: AFP
38 World International
JAKARTA BANGKOK
SINGAPORE
A Thai police officer (centre) holds a rifle used to fire tear gas canisters as part of a demonstration of crowd-control techniques on January 7. Photo: AFP
provoke fresh clashes in the hope of triggering a military coup on the pretext of restoring order an accusation the demonstrators deny. Thailand has been periodically shaken by political bloodshed since Ms Yinglucks older brother Thaksin Shinawatra was toppled by royalist generals in a coup seven years ago. The demonstrators, who largely comprise southerners, royalists, middle-class Thais and the urban elite, accuse the billionaire tycoon-turnedpolitician of corruption, and say he controls his sisters government from his self-exile in Dubai. They want an unelected peoples council to run the country to oversee vague reforms, such as an end to alleged vote-buying through populist policies, before new elections are held in around 12 to 18 months.
Yinglucks government still enjoys strong support in the north and northeast of the country and is expected to win the February 2 election if it goes ahead. The recent civil strife is the worst since 2010, when more than 90 people were killed in a bloody military crackdown on pro-Thaksin Red Shirt protests under the previous government. Ex-deputy premier Suthep Thaugsuban was due in court January 8 to face a murder indictment over those deaths, but he asked for another postponement because he is leading the current protests. If he fails to appear again prosecutors will seek an warrant for his arrest, the attorney generals office said, in addition to an existing warrant for insurrection for trying to topple the government. AFP
(Reg. Nos. IV/ 722 /1988, IV/4700/2004 & IV/11594/2013) in respect of:- Shaft: steam turbine parts; stern tube; propeller: sternframe; rudder; rudder stock; turbine blade; runner ; flange; shell rings; tube sheet; roll; rolling mill housing; roll chock; spindle: table rollers; gear; pinion; reformer tube; non-ferrous metal plate; nonferrous metal pipe; non-ferrous metal bar; non-ferrous metal wire; non-ferrous metal forging; compressor; gas expander; turbine; gas engine; high pressure reactor: heat exchanger; valve; refrigerator; rower; vessel; channel box; robot; ultra high pressure machine & equipment; SOx, NOx removal equipment: murcury vapor recover equipment; dust collector; waste water treatment equipment; industrial solid wast incinerator, scrap tire treatment equipment; rotary kiln; pelletizer; crusher; mil; air separator; cooler; vibrating screen; scruber; feeder; metal extrusion press; metal press; rubber press; tire shaping & curing press; tire building machine; mixer; extruder; tire testing machine; molding machine; takeup machine; electric power generator; marking machine for steel plate conveyer; boiler; jet engine; electric
control equipment; vibrator; carrying, car, truck; dryer; cavitator; induction heating machine, distilin plant; air washer; reverse osmosis equipment; welding flux; welding electrode; filler wire; backing material; welding equipment, miscellaneous welding equipment & tool, torch, nozzle, carriage, weaving machine, shovel; hose; drag lines; crane; stationary cram cell; grab dreder; pile driver; pile hammer; wheel loader; bucket wheel excavator; drill, reamer; cutter; broach; end mill; saw; carbide tipped tool; hob; pig iron; billet bloom & ingot slab; steel powder; steel wire rod, steel wire, steel bar; steel plate; sheel; strep; steel tube; steel pipe; slag ballast; steel bolt; steel wire strand; steel wire rope; square column; guard cable; guard rail; guard pipe; rock fall prevention fence; rock fall prevention net; pedestrlan fence; semi-high tension tie rod; fabricate steel bar mat for concrete reinforcement; prefabricated steel bar with hoop & stirrup; hollow steel plate deck; square spiral hoop & stirrup; highway bridge of composite girder; grating; noise dumping sandwich steel; plate; steel acoustic panel & package; sound wall; galvanizing kettle or pot; aluminum and stainless steel pool; bridge; cable works prefabricate pallalel wire stand; cable electrion; plastic covering of cable; bridge construction; arcade construction; aluminum pool construction; cross walk bridge construction: bridge side walk construction; steel acoustical construction; grate floor system construction; boring works by using percussion type boring machine: non-ferrous metal plate; non-ferrous metal sheet; nonferrous metal strip; non-ferrous metal tube; non-ferrous metal pipe; non-ferrous metal rod; non-ferrous metal bar; non-ferrous metal wire; non-ferrous metal casting; nonferrous metal forging; non-ferrous automotive wheel; non-ferrous metal concrete panel; non-ferrous metal colored siding; non-ferrous metal fiting; non-ferrous metal shape; non-ferrous metal rail; non-ferrous metal vapoizer;
non-ferrous metal grass house; non-ferrous metal rack system; non-ferrous metal radar antenna; non-ferrous metal mold case; non-ferrous metal sash, non-ferrous metal curtail wall.
(Reg. Nos. IV/ 904 /1979, IV/4698/2004 & IV/11595/2013) in respect of:- Unwrought and partly wrought common metals and their alloys; anchors; bells; rolled and cast building materials; rails and other metallic materials for railway tracks; chains; cables and wires; metallic pipes and tubes; steel balls ; nails and screws; ores: Machines and machine tools; motors; machine couplings and belting; large size agricultural implements; Scientific, nautical, surveying and electrical apparatus and instruments (including wireless): photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling and checking (supervision) apparatus and instruments Installations for lighting, heating, steam generating, refrigerating drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes Apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water 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 KABUSHIKI KAISHA KOBE SEIKO SHO (trading also as KOBE STEEL, LTD.) P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 13th January, 2014
www.mmtimes.com
DHAKA PHNOM PENH
International World 39
A man helps a woundedCambodian worker during a garment workers protest on January 3. Photo: AFP
BangladeshPrime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks during a press conference after the national election in Dhaka on January 6. Photo: AFP
while pressuring the brands to ensure fair wages and conditions. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy has urged Western clothing companies and consumers to be responsible when buying what he described as blood garments. He urged consumers in the United States and Europe to check if there is any drop of blood in the garment they intend to buy. Hun Sen has overseenCambodias transformation from a nation devastated by the regimes Killing Fields genocide era in the late 1970s into one of Southeast Asias most vibrant economies. The 61-year-old prime minister has ruled for 28 years and vowed to continue until he is 74. His government is regularly accused of ignoring human rights and suppressing political dissent, and the opposition has boycotted parliament since July elections, alleging widespread vote rigging. Hun Sens critics allege that the deadly crackdown on striking workers, some of whom were throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at police,
WASHINGTON
China has reported its rst death from the H7N9 bird u virus in 2014 after a signicant drop-off in fatalities following an outbreak last year. A patient in the southern province of Guangdong died of the disease on Monday, the provincial health authority said on its website on January 7. Ofcial statistics compiled by Chinas health ministry show that by the end of October last year there had been 136 H7N9 cases and 45 deaths in the outbreak which began in February. The H7N9 outbreak began in China in February 2013 and reignited fears that a virus could mutate to become easily transmissible, potentially triggering a pandemic.
Frances Pasteur Institut said on January 7 a new type of bacteria had been found in nutrient bags used by a hospital in the Alps to feed babies intravenously and thought to be responsible for three deaths. The ndings came after the parents of the three newborns, who died on separate days in early December, led criminal complaints for manslaughter. Analyses of several unused IV bags from the batch used to give the newborns nutrients in the hospitals neonatal intensive care ward showed they all contained bacteria. Tests showed it was a type of environmental enterobacteria that was unknown until now and has no name, said Jean-Claude Manuguerra from the Pasteur Institut. AFP
LEIDOS
Registration No. 4/10159 That the said trade mark consists of the word(s) LEIDOS. The above mentioned trademark is used in respect of goods and services: International Class 009; Computers, computer hardware, and peripheral interface equipment; computer programs and software; x-ray, digital imaging, ultrasonic, gamma-ray, and radiographic devices used for inspection, testing, and measurement; radiation detection instrument; health and safety monitoring instruments; automatic identification equipment for tracking railcars and shipments via radio frequency identification tags; radio frequency identification tags; standalone and hand-held readers; programmers; transponder; electronic data logs; transmitters; tsunami detection buoys; automated license plate reading systems; audio and video recorders; optical character resolution inspection systems; intercoms; communications amplifiers and accessories; cable assemblies; radio for unmanned vehicles; global positioning systems; display panels; LCD displays; display terminals; workstations. International Class 035; Management consulting services in the field of supply chain management; business process consulting; and business consultation services in the field of knowledge management and information technology. International Class 041; Computer education training; technical training in fields of troubleshooting of computer hardware and software problems, monitoring of network systems, and providing back-up computer programs and facilities; educational services, namely, conducting classes, conferences, seminars, workshops in the field of security training and environmental and regulatory compliance support; training in the field of spectral imaging, weather forecasting, software development, modeling and simulation technology, customer relationship management, distributed enterprise management, enterprise resource planning, the environment, electronic commerce solutions, health care, imaging, information technology, knowledge management, transportation, aviation, computer hardware, security, computer network design and application development for others, implementing network pages for others. International Class 042; Basic and applied research services in the fields of health, telecommunications, national security, environment, space, transportation, and law enforcement; computer systems integration services; computer systems engineering services; computer and telecommunications network design for others and integration services; engineering services; engineering services
in the field of environmental remediation; technical engineering and consulting support services; business and technical support services, namely, developing technologies for others in the fields of artificial intelligence, spectral imaging, inspections technologies, weather forecasting, software development, data source integration, modeling and simulation technology, biomedical research, contact centers in the nature of network systems for supporting customer interactions via multiple channels and multiple media, customer relationship management, data mining and data warehousing, distributed enterprise management, energy, enterprise resource planning, the environment, ecommerce solutions, health care, imaging, information technology, knowledge management, maritime markets, IT outsourcing, supply chain management, telecommunication, transportation, wireless products and services, aviation and unmanned vehicles, computer hardware, safety and security and transportation, computer network design and application development for others, implementing network web pages for others; integration of computer systems and networks for others; computer software design and development services for others; advanced research and development services for others in the fields of health, telecommunications, national security, energy, environment, space, transportation, law enforcement, and financial services; information systems and website security services; computer hardware development services; registration, transfer, and account management services of domain names for identification of user on a global computer network, management, analysis, maintenance, and warehousing of data in the fields of health, national security, energy, environment, space, transportation, and law enforcement; computer project and program management; new product development services for others; testing and design of new products development services for others; testing and design of new products for others, and business-related policy development for others and public policy development for others in the fields of health, national security, energy, environment, space, transportation, and law enforcement; electronic commerce services, namely, data encryption services, namely, troubleshooting of computer hardware and software problems, monitoring of network systems, and providing back-up computer programs and facilities; consultation in the field of assessing, correcting in managing computer network vulnerabilities and cyber security operations. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
LONDON
www.mmtimes.com
ANKARA
International World 41
LOOK INSIDE
Registration No. 4/10154 That the said trade mark consists of the word(s) LOOK INSIDE. The above mentioned trade mark is to be used in respect of: Electronic security apparatus and surveillance apparatus; computerized telecommunications and networking equipment; computer hardware and soft ware; computer firmware; computers; computer installations; personal digital assistants; integrated circuits; computer chip sets; semiconductor processors; microprocessors; computer memories; operating systems; data processor; central processing units; computer peripherals; storage devices, including flash drives; security systems for computer hardware and software, including firewalls, network access server hardware for creating and maintaining firewalls, virtual private network (vpn) computer hardware and computer server operating software for creating and maintaining firewalls; printed circuits; telecommunications equipment and computer networks; electronic control devices for the interface and control of computers and global computer and telecommunications networks with television and cable broadcasts and equipment; apparatus for testing and programming integrated circuits; downloadable electronic publications; structural parts and fitting for all the aforesaid goods; instructional manuals sold as a unit with the aforementioned goods.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a press conference in Ankara. Photo: AFP
the allegations are true, it means that the government is rotten to the core. The EU, whichTurkeyhas long aspired to join, said the crisis was a cause of concern. We urgeTurkey, as a candidate country committed to the political criteria of accession, including the application of the rule of law, to take all the necessary measures to ensure that allegations of wrongdoing are addressed without discrimination or preference in a transparent and impartial manner, the bloc said in a statement. The government is in charge. We will never let the political and economic stability ofTurkeybe disturbed, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan said. Battling to contain the biggest threat to his 11 years in power, Mr Erdogan has branded the investigation a dirty plot to try to topple his Islamic-rooted government. He and his allies have blamed supporters of a powerful Muslim cleric who lives in exile in the United States but wields considerable inuence inTurkeys judiciary and police. The crisis erupted in December when dozens of leading businessmen and political gures including the sons of three ministers were detained. Mr Erdogan was forced into a major cabinet reshuffle after the three ministers concerned resigned and the
government has since gone on the offensive to root out foes in the police and judiciary. Mr Erdogans critics accuse him of desperately trying to protect cronies caught up in the investigation which has focused on alleged bribery in construction projects and illicit money transfers by a state-owned bank to sanctions-hit Iran. Media reports have said Mr Erdogans son was also set to be rounded up last month but the prosecutor involved was subsequently removed. There are some allegations about the sons of ministers. The court is dealing with this. If there are unlawful actions, corruption or bribery, this will eventually be revealed. But we cannot take allegations as fact, Huseyin Celik, spokesperson for the ruling AKP party, told reporters. In a new twist to the increasingly complex powerplay,Turkeys top judicial body, the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK), said on January 7 it would investigate allegations that the new Istanbul police chief was blocking prosecutors from carrying out further arrests, as well as alleged misconduct by prosecutors. Turkeys nancial markets remain jittery, with the Istanbul stock market down slightly while the dollar rebounded fractionally from an alltime low hit on January 6. AFP
Training services in the fields of networks , computers, software, microprocessors and information technology; entertainment services, organizing exhibitions for computer gaming; providing on-line computer games; providing on-line publications; education services; providing an on-line library of digital images; photographic and image library services; developing and disseminating educational material straining services in the field of online business solutions. Computer network management services; hosting of digital content on the internet; customization of web software, and computer user interface design for others; consulting services; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for enhancing and providing real-time transfer, transmission, reception, processing and digitizing of audio and video graphics information; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for processing, storage, retrieval, transmission, display, input, output, compressing, decompressing, modifying, broadcasting and printout of data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for use in providing multiple user access; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software tools for the facilitation of third party software applications; custom computer software and hardware development, design and consulting services; designing and developing standards for others in the design and implementation of computer software, computer hardware and telecommunications equipment; providing customers and technicians with information relating to computer project management. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
PARIS
42 World International
SEOUL
( Reg: No. IV/ 7283/2007) Trademark: MAMY POKO in Chinese Characters The above two trademarks are in respect of: - Disposable diapers or nappies of paper or cellulose for babies; wetting tissue papers; tissue paper; kitchen paper; disposable paper wipes; stationery; magazines [periodicals]; photograph stands; paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, not included in other classes; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists materials; paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture); instructional and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); printers type; printing blocks.
(Reg: No. IV/4083/2004) in respect of:- Sanitary napkins, panty liners (sanitary), sanitary pants, menstruation tampons, napkins for incontinents, pads for incontinents, pants for incontinents, sanitary masks, absorbent cotton, and deodorants other than for personal use Class: 5 Disposable diapers or nappies for baby, wetting tissue papers, tissue papers Class: 16 Cleaning equipment, toilet utensile, housetraning sheets for pets, pet litters for disposal of animal wastes Class: 21
A placard showing North Korean leader KimJong-Un is set on fire during an anti-North Korea rally marking Mr Kims birthday on January 8. Photo: AFP
(Reg. No. IV/4087/2004) The above 4 trademarks are in respect of: Sanitary napkins, panty liners (sanitary), sanitary pants, menstruation tampons, napkins for incontinents, pads for incontinents, pants for incontinents, sanitary masks, absorbent cotton, and deodorants other than for personal use Class: 5 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Uni-Charm Corporation P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416
chooses to follow his fathers example of standing for parliament. The rubber-stamp assembly usually sits twice a year for a day or two to pass government budgets and approve personnel changes. The last session in April 2013 adopted a special ordinance formalising the countrys position as a nuclear weapons state a status that both South Korea and the United States have vowed not to recognise. We will not accept North Korea as a nuclear state, US Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated Tuesday at a joint press conference in Washington with his South Korean counterpart Yun Byung-Se. The very public purging of Mr Jang amounted to a rare admission of dissent within North Korea and triggered concerns that the regime might try to promote unity by targeting the South. Mr Kerry said an additional 800 US troops would be deployed to South Korea for a nine-month tour from February. We will continue to modernise our capabilities so that we are prepared to
face any threat, he told reporters. The United States already has 28,500 troops in the South. Both countries have rejected overtures from the North about resuming six-party talks on its nuclear program, insisting that Pyongyang must demonstrate some commitment to denuclearisation. Following the execution of Jang Song-Thaek, rumours have swirled around the fate of his wife, and KimJong-Uns aunt, Kim Kyong-Hui a major political operator in her own right. South Koreas Yonhap news agency on January 8 cited a senior government official as saying she was in a critical condition as the result of a heart condition exacerbated by alcoholism. Ms Kim visited Russia between September and October last year for medical treatment, the official said. A leading South Korean newspaper reported Monday that Ms Kim may have already died either of a heart attack or by suicide. She has not been seen in public since September. AFP
WASHINGTON
US denouncesIransrole in Syria
THE United States on January 7 accusedIranof helping brutalise Syria as Secretary of State John Kerry prepared to talk to Russia about Tehrans potential role at a peace conference. Mr Kerry will meet in Paris on January 13 with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss whetherIranshould take part in the conference later this month in Switzerland aimed at ending the nearly three-yearold war in Syria, the State Department said. Russia likeIrana supporter of Syrias embattled President Bashar alAssad supports participation by Tehran. Mr Kerry, who has negotiated a thaw withIranon its disputed nuclear program, earlier said that the clerical regime could play a role in the Syria conference from the sidelines. But UN leader Ban Ki-moon did not includeIranin his invitations to 30 countries and the United States on Tuesday renewed calls forIranto state that it would support a process in which Mr Assad would ultimately step down. At this point,Iranhas done nothing but helped the regime, help bring foreign ghters in, help the regimes efforts to brutalise the Syrian people, State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters. If they wanted to send a message to the world about their seriousness of having a positive outcome, there are steps they could take. Theres no indication that they have any desire or interest in taking any of these steps, she said. Iran, run by Shiite clerics, considers Mr Assad its main Arab ally. Mr Assad, a member of the heterodox Alawite sect, is ghting Sunni rebels who enjoy support from Gulf Arab kingdoms. Iranhas scoffed at Mr Kerrys offer of a sideline role at the peace talks, saying it would only accept offers that respect the countrys honour. Iranlast year elected moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who has reached a breakthrough, but temporary, accord with the United States and other Western powers to freeze sensitive nuclear work. AFP
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JOHANNESBURG
International World 43
MEDTRONIC
Registration No. 4/10160 That the said trade mark consists of the word (s) MEDTRONIC. The above mentioned trademark is to be used in respect of: Surgical and medical apparatus, instruments, devices and implants, and associated therapies. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
Porsche
Registration No. 4/13392/2012 That the above mentioned trademark (Reg.No.4/13391/9226) consists of a shield containing four distinct quadrants, with two adjacent quadrants each bearing stylized antlers against a beaded panel and a combination of solid and beaded panels separated by strips. At the top of the shield is the word PORSCHE. Within the shield and at its centre is a crest bearing a horse rampant against a background with the word STUTTGART in capital letters directly above the horse. And that the above mentioned trademark (Reg. No.4/13392/2012) consists of the word(s) Porsche. That the above mentioned trade marks are to be used in connection with vehicles and their parts as far as included in International Class 12, to be used in any color or combination of colors and claims the exclusive right of trademark by or on behalf of the Company in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademarks and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower Phone: 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
44 World International
SARAJEVO
Registration No. 4/10165 That the said trade mark consists of the word (s) INTEL LOOK INSIDE. The above mentioned trademark is to be used in respect of: Electronic security apparatus and surveillance apparatus ; computerized telecommunications and networking equipment; computer hardware and soft ware; computer firmware; computers; computer installations; personal digital assistants; integrated circuits; computer chip sets; semiconductor processors; microprocessors; computer memories; operating systems; data processor; central processing units; computer peripherals; storage devices, including flash drives; security systems for computer hardware and software, including firewalls, network access server hardware for creating and maintaining firewalls, virtual private network (vpn) computer hardware and computer server operating software for creating and maintaining firewalls; printed circuits; telecommunications equipment and computer networks; electronic control devices for the interface and control of computers and global computer and telecommunications networks with television and cable broadcasts and equipment; apparatus for testing and programming integrated circuits; downloadable electronic publications; structural parts and fitting for all the aforesaid goods; instructional manuals sold as a unit with the aforementioned goods. Training services in the fields of networks , computers, software, microprocessors and information technology; entertainment services, organizing exhibitions for computer gaming; providing on-line computer games; providing on-line publications; education services; providing an on-line library of digital images; photographic and image library services; developing and disseminating educational material straining services in the field of online business solutions. Computer network management services; hosting of digital content on the internet; customization of web software, and computer user interface design for others; consulting services; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for enhancing and providing real-time transfer, transmission, reception, processing and digitizing of audio and video graphics information; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for processing, storage, retrieval, transmission, display, input, output, compressing, decompressing, modifying, broadcasting and printout of data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for use in providing multiple user access; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software tools for the facilitation of third party software applications; custom computer software and hardware development, design, and consulting services; designing and developing standards for others in the design and implementation of computer software, computer hardware and telecommunications equipment; providing customers and technicians with information relating to computer project management. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their above mentioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
A makeshift memorial with a picture of legendary shoecleaner uncle Miso sits on a main street in Sarajevo on January 7. Photo: AFP
could not be convinced to move to a shelter during the shelling. When he was there, we knew that even if the sky fell overnight, we have survived another day of a more than three-year-long siege of Sarajevo, she said. Despite food shortages and poverty during the war years, he always kept treats for Sarajevos stray dogs, which he called his faithful comrades in the streets. In 2009 uncle Miso was awarded a medal for merit by city authorities, as well as a modest apartment and a pension. At the time, he trumpeted the news to his clients and passer-bys, drumming his brushes on a metal box. Now when someone puts a foot on
a metal case in front of me, he often asks why such a legend still polishes shoes, he said in a recent interview. But I say, this job is in my blood and you can only nd me dead in this chair, he said. Thanks to his exuberant personality, Mr Hasani often appeared in lms and TV shows shot in Sarajevo. He proudly kept dozens of news articles, written about him and the famous brush-dance he performed before cleaning the shoes, in a fake-leather bound memory book. There were shoe-cleaners in every street when I started and now, Im the only one. Why? Because I have been brave and people laughed to my jokes, he said in a documentary. AFP
SARAJEVO
INTEL VPRO
Registration No. 4/10163 That the said trade mark consists of the word (s) INTEL VPRO . The above mentioned trademark is to be used in respect of: Computers, computer hardware, semiconductors, microprocessors, integrated circuits, computer chipsets, computer motherboards and daughterboards, microcomputers, computer workstations, desktop computers, laptop and notebook computers, servers, computer peripherals, computer software, computer firmware and operating system software, computer and telecommunications networking hardware and software. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
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DAMASCUS SARAJEVO
International World 45
claimed ISIL had previously executed at least nine prisoners after handcuffing, blindfolding and shooting them in the head. The Coalition denounced these acts, which perpetuate the regimes methods to kill free voice, suppress liberty and violate ... fundamental human rights. Last week, ISIL spokesperson Abu Mohammed al-Adnani issued a deant message, urging ghters to crush them [the rebels] totally and kill the conspiracy at birth. His message came hours after the head of al-QaedasSyrian arm, Al-Nusra Front, urged an end to the ghting. Abu Mohamed al-Jolani warned the ghting risks costing us dearly on the ground if it continues and urged all ghters to give priority to the ght against the regime. The Nusra Front was established in mid-2011 with help from ISILs Iraqi precursor. The Iraqi groups chief later sought to merge with Al-Nusra, but they spurned an alliance and pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda chief Ayman alZawahiri. Since then, they have functioned separately, with Al-Nusra largely neutral in the latest ghting. But the Observatory said Nusra ghters were pressing ISIL in Raqa, to the east of Aleppo. Regime operations continued Wednesday, with the Observatory reporting at least eight people killed in air raids on Tal Rifaat in Aleppo province. Russia blocked a British-drafted UN Security Council statement condemning theSyrian government attacks on the city of Aleppo, diplomats said. AFP
A man walks past a plaque in central Sarajevo at the location where the Archduke of Austria and his wife were assassinated in 1914. Photo: AFP
U
GE T
GERS O FIN N
IT
YO
HANKS to Yangon-based death metal band Last Day of Beethoven, both adults and youth in the city are starting to take a shine to heavy metal music. At the last Jam It, a semi-regular concert series featuring up-andcoming local bands and musicians, the band played strongly enough that even crowd members who didnt know the songs foreigners among them jumped along and waved rowdy and appreciative thumbs up. They were my favorite tonight! yelled audience member Wai Yan, 19. Regarded as one of the most famous bands in the Yangon metal scene, alongside names like Fever 109, Nightmare, Suicide Plan and Darkest Tears from My Heart, Last Day of Beethoven is something special. On stage, the skill of guitarist Pho Zaw is
awesome, a perfect accompaniment to the crushing vocals of Aung Zaw Myat. Drummer Wai Yans beats are fast and ferocious, and the Phoe Kyaws bass provides the heavy core of a great metal song. The four players together on stage appeared to lose themselves in their inspired, thundering noise. In their own world, they blazed through wild and decidedly unpleasant songs. Formed in 2007 by two members, the band tries hard to build their skill and identity, sacricing time and money to learn to really play guitar and sing metal. It took them more than two years of effort to achieve a technique that got any attention from audiences. Even now, the payoff of years of development doesnt seem to amount to something fair, considering how hard theyve tried with some members even going against their families wishes to play this metal music. Metal is noise music, mixed with explosive vocals. At present, Myanmar audiences are mostly attracted to K-Pop and R&B, about the farthest thing from metal one can imagine. Its unsurprising that many people just wont accept metal as a musical genre.
There are so many people who cant accept our music, even though we try harder than most other musicians. Its not very easy to play a metal song, but we can, Pho Zaw, 29, said, relaxing on the sofa in his family home in Kyauk Myoung. Aung Zaw Myat, 26, elaborated. Yes, we try hard, but were cut off from audiences because there are no concerts to play. Its rare to see a metal band play solo in Myanmar. The metal scene lost momentum in 2009. At the end of that year, there were no more metal concerts in Yangon, and metal music went far out of the minds of audiences for a long time. There were few audiences to begin with and fewer organisers. Some bands broke up and some tried to reorganise. Beethoven was one that kept practising, hoping their dreams of fame and a dynamic Myanmar metal scene would someday come true. The dream began when Pho Zaw and Aung Zaw Myat decided to form a band, making a choice then to pursue the sounds of death metal. When I was learning to play the guitar, I already liked metal music, and I decided to do it, said Pho Zaw,
who wears his hair long, down to his shoulder. Last Day of Beethoven was born. The name of the band, in fact, laid out what their objective would be. In Pho Zaws explanation, Beethoven, the composer, wrote pleasant songs for his audiences. But when were on stage, there are no pleasant songs. We bring unpleasant music to the masses. In other words, Beethoven is dead, so get ready to put your earplugs in. In the beginning, however, they were just a vocalist and a guitarist. To get by, they asked for help from players in other metal bands. They played some gigs, but the rst real break came in 2008, with an invitation to play Woodstock, a special concert for death metal bands that was held each year in Kandawgyi Park or another venue in Yangon. It was an important moment since it was the rst time the band had the opportunity to play alongside at least 15 other underground bands. They had been recording songs and working hard. Now they were getting known on the larger music scene. Woodstock was organised by Ko Ye, a metal fan who also owns a
clothing shop by the same name in Lapyaewun Plaza. He organised six underground concerts with the name Woodstock between 2007 and 2011. Ko Ye was a really good producer and he understood us metal bands at that time. We also helped him by giving out yers and selling tickets. We used the family system to put the show together, Aung Zaw Myat said. Before that concert, Ko Ye also helped distribute the bands demo CD to friends and strangers. Almost no one knew Beethoven then. Aung Zaw Myat said he gures thats actually why people showed up curiosity. Around 60 people came to see them. Still, Myanmar audiences havent developed an ear for metal quite yet. Shows are few and far between. Its been almost impossible to get back money invested in putting on a show. Ko Ye gave up organising Woodstock after 2011, and others wont dare put down money on such ventures. If the bands want to connect with audiences, they have to do it with their own money, which isnt easy for young players. Pho Zaw counts himself and the band lucky nonetheless. Although we have really a small audience, the fans
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the pulse 47
YANGON DEATH METAL BAND LAST DAy OF BEETHOVEN WILL ROCK yOUR EARS IF THEy GET THE CHANCE
ethoven
we have show extreme support for us to keep doing this music. And we have a really great time. The band continued to grow. In 2009, drummer Wai Yan met Pho Zaw through some musician friends at music school and became a full-time member. At 20 years old, he is the youngest member of the group. He still attends a private international school in Yangon, and is always practicing drumming at his home studio. Around the same time, bassist Phoe Kyaw, a friend of Pho Zaw, also became a stable member. Ironically, just when they had settled on a complete full-time lineup of players, there seemed hardly ever to be a metal concert in Yangon. So instead of playing gigs, they practised. At least once a week we practised the songs at studio with all members and we were always writing new songs. We dont care if we have few or many in our audience. We have to do something valuable for the people do care about us, Pho Zaw said. In the beginning, most of the bands song lyrics provided a message of dont give up and dont feel too down, which they wanted to communicate to young people. Now they sing mostly about peace. As religious and other conicts have ared in Yangon and the rest of the country, the group sings for harmony between peoples. On a lighter note, they also refer to the conict thats erupted between hip-hop and rock fans. Beethoven is for peace on all fronts. When we started doing this music, some of the young people in our community were living without hope and some were giving up on life. Thats when you can listen to metal: to explode and release these feelings through song. So Im offering a message of dont give up. Life will go on no matter what. I just want to support kids to feel better, said Aung Zaw Myat, who writes all the lyrics. During the past year, Last Day of Beethoven practised at their studio regularly. They last performed on December 6, with other bands at the Jam It concert at Flamingo Bar, located in the compound of the Yangon International Hotel. Jam It concerts bring together little-known bands and local hip-hop groups. For Beethoven, it was the rst time they participated. Jam It has already held a few concerts in Yangon and Mandalay.
We really appreciated performing in that Jam It concert, Pho Zaw said. Ever the musical perfectionist, however, he had just one complaint. We got into some trouble at the sound check. No one seemed to be responsible for it, and we didnt know who to ask. We need to have a sound check. Its very important for us. If not, the music wont be really good. As a general rule, the band wont play without a sound check. There is too much risk that the vocals will become an annoying drone and the music a dissonant blur. The band writes gritty music, and they want you to hear every note. They also want to release an album, something theyve never done in their six years of existence. But the time still isnt right. Instead, theyre working on a compilation with some other groups, though Pho Zaw declined to say who, exactly, because the project is just in the works. Every band wants to release a solo album, but we have to make our music popular with local audiences rst, Pho Zaw said. Until then, the group plans to keep working hard. When the album nally comes out, people will see our efforts.
From top to bottom: Pho Zaw, Aung Zaw Myat and Phoe Kyaw. Photo: Supplied
48 the pulse
Art Review Tasting Myanmar
A painful picturesque
Local artist paints an ode to Yangons disappearing commuter buses ZON PANN PWINt
OMMUTERS in Yangon have much to groan about when it comes to the citys dilapidated Hino and Dyna buses. Their wooden chairs are frail, the oors of the vehicles are often rusted through, and the passengers are tightly packed in. When I was a student, Dyna buses were the only means of transport from my home to school in Botaht township. Every morning, I struggled to nd a place for both my feet. The drivers oored the gas pedal to breakneck speed, causing my heart to beat with fear of accident. The conductors were never sweet. With an impolite manner, they would elbow their way through the passengers to collect our fares. One time, I witnessed a Hino crash, and I often read stories in the papers about deaths caused by reckless Hino drivers at Shwegondine junction. Riding the bus left an indelible imprint on me. I loathed them. So when I saw the paintings of Yangon artist Ye Aung Myat who is among 26 artists featured in the 43rd annual group show at Lokanat Gallery I was surprised to nd my impression of the buses changing and softening. In the artwork, the buses look naturally beautiful, and I wondered how this subject had caught the artists imagination. Famous for his paintings on a wide variety of subjects, Ye Aung Myat, 39, has been a member of Lokanat Gallery since early 2013 and is also a regular commuter. Using his time spent on buses and at stops as inspiration, he has captured the daily lives of commuters in a series that should nd an important place in the artistic record of how life is and was before the economy completely changes and the old buses give way to modern vehicles from Japan and Korea. One of Ye Aung Myats paintings in acrylic illustrates a Hino bus stopped at Sule near City Hall, the bus that regularly runs from Sule to
North Dagon where the artist lives. He takes the Hino when he wants to visit galleries downtown, he said. In the painting, passengers get on the bus and the conductor in blue uniform stands and waits until it is lled with passengers. Every detail is precise. There are rust spots on the back of the car, an extra wheel is xed to the bus, the plate numbers are clear. In the background is the platform shaded by trees and large buildings. I see the commuters everyday lives and they have always interested me. I want to record their lives in my painting, Ye Aung Myat said. I really sympathise with what bus commuters are going through every day. I want to present their difficulties. He also explained that Chevrolet, Dyna and Hino buses have splendid
features compared with the modern buses, which fail to catch his interest. He is not showing any paintings of Chevrolet vehicles, however, though they can still be found in Insein township in Yangon, where they travel short distances within the township. Other paintings feature the Dyna pickup, which is still used in Taungoo town in Bago Region. The Dyna pickup carries large bags and baggage on its roof. His paintings reect the soul and beauty in all he saw around him, said Lokanat gallery manager Aung Myint Tun, who organised the show.
The 43rd annual art exhibition at Lokanat Gallery continues until February 27. No. 62, 1st floor, Pansodan Street, Kyauktada township, Yangon.
responsible for the photos and look. We did it with an Edwardian avour to connote that history, with an Edwardian font and we took elements of Edwardian design but it is distinctly a fun retro look, Carmack says. Its very contemporary but respectful. Both modern and colonial recipes are included in the book. Polkinghorne also had the job of testing all the recipes to make sure they would work in a typical Western kitchen. We worked on the poori puffball recipe a lot, said Polkinghorne. You have to make a very at dough and then when you fry it in the oil a minute its supposed to puff up into a great big ball. Getting that technique right, learning how to do the thickness and the size and the edges, and writing that all down was fabulous. We made quite a few mistakes there but to nally achieve that little puffball was just phenomenal to do. Carmack said he strove for approachability while retaining authenticity with the recipes, adding footnotes with variations instead of changing ingredients. Some are easy, some more complex, but they are not dumbed down or bastardised, Carmack said. We dont want people to feel intimidated thinking that these are ethnic or Asian dishes Ill never make. All of these would work in a Western kitchen. The Phnom Penh Post The Burma Cookbook is available now from Monument Books.
50 the pulse
Riding to Rangoon
Long way across: part two of a motorcycle journey from Delhi to Yangon
FTER we enjoyed a brief stop at the Taj Mahal, the real adventure began as we hit the at, hot and crowded roads of Uttar Pradesh. One of Indias poorest and most troubled states, its home to some 200 million people, and a lot of them seemed to be on the highway. Brightly painted trucks, rickety buses, speeding cars and weaving motorcycles united in a desire to get wherever they were going as quickly as possible, with scant regard for the laws of physics or the basic tenets of road safety. Added to the hazards were dogs, goats, pigs, the odd camel and a few people whod picked the soft tarmac for an afternoon nap. We were navigating this throng on our way toward the Nepal border at Banbasa, which would be the rst of ve international frontiers we had to cross. We planned to traverse Nepal west to east before exiting again into India. Next we would pick our way through Sikkim and West Bengal to reach Bhutan, ride the length of this small mountain kingdom, and
come out again into Indias northeast. Then wed cross the states of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur to reach the Myanmar border. We reached the rst border on the third day of our trip, arriving at a tiny run-down immigration office where two gentlemen in track suits were sipping tea and perusing the morning newspapers. They greeted us with a smile and a yawn and shuffled off to nd some forms for us to ll in. The motorcycle was pretty much ignored, and we were soon waved across. So it seemed that crossing borders might not be so hard after all. The wonderfully quiet Mahendra Highway led us away from the frontier and into the at, green farming belt that characterises this part of Nepal, a vivid contrast with the mountainous north. Its also an area that has seen its fair share of unrest, and we found ourselves weaving through a number of police and army roadblocks as we headed further east. People were friendly, however, and Emilies driving attracted a number of surprised and envious stares from passing ladies making a small but perhaps
important contribution to local female emancipation. Another few days of riding brought us into the Himalayan foothills. The road wound up to the medieval town of Tansen, carving its way along the side of a steep river gorge and through dense jungle and beautiful rural villages. It was at sunset in Tansen that we took in our rst view of the mighty Himalayas, their snowy peaks thrusting up through a layer of low cloud. We hadnt seen another foreigner since leaving the Taj Mahal, so arriving at the backpacker haven of Pokhara came as a bit of a shock: chocolate lassi, dreadlocked foreigners and 100-rupee T-shirts. The tourist presence contrasted with the vocal street marches we pushed through on the outskirts of town, a clear sign that Nepals transition to democracy is far from complete. Our rst really serious driving challenge, however, arose about ten days into the trip. Problems with our bike delayed our journey from Pokhara toward Kathmandu until the afternoon. As a result, we found ourselves riding Nepals most dangerous road in the dark. Buses and trucks careened downhill, their horns blaring and vehicles either blasting full-beam headlights or none at all. Dust clouds choked us as they swept past. Again and again we were pushed into potholes or dangerously close to the precipitous drop to the raging river below. Filthy and exhausted, we arrived in Kathmandu only for Andy to be struck down by food poisoning for a couple days. After this the bike got sick, and as we headed toward the eastern border with India, every day seemed to bring a new mechanical ailment. The suspension broke. The clutch seized up. The battery died. The exhaust pipe fell off. Eventually we crossed the border
back into India and, the next day, started up the old road to Darjeeling. It was a beautiful, clear morning. We wound through an ancient forest, emerging on a hillside blanketed with tea plantations and dotted with stooped and slow-moving women working the elds with wicker baskets strapped to their backs. The crumbling colonial buildings of Darjeeling itself wouldnt have been out of place in Yangon, but as we had experienced several times by now, it still seemed that almost no one had heard of this strange place called Myanmar to which we were heading. Over the next few days Cyclone Phailin obscured the beauty of the Indian state and former independent kingdom of Sikkim and hammered us with incessant rain. Apart from blocking out the mountains, it also turned the already dodgy roads into rivers of mud. The bike still refused to behave, and we found ourselves stumbling again from one repair shop to the next as we tried to make it to the Bhutan border. When we eventually arrived, crossing into Bhutan through a huge ornate archway, the mini-caravan that was waiting for us on the other side was a welcome sight. After weeks of DIY adventure, we now had a guide on another motorcycle, plus a support truck. Bhutan strictly controls tourism and we had spent several months organising to drive our motorcycle through the country. Doing it alone is an absolute no-no as all travellers must be supervised and have their itinerary pre-approved. More changes were immediately apparent. The streets were quieter and cleaner, the buildings adorned with colourful depictions of Buddhist folklore. In a small town square, people ambled and chatted in the morning sun, spinning their handheld prayer wheels. The Land of the Thunder Dragon,
as Bhutan is also known, is truly a place unlike any other on earth. A tiny Himalayan kingdom of less than a million people sandwiched between China and India, its the home of the concept of Gross National Happiness, a place where no tree can be cut down nor any animal killed, where tobacco is banned and all buildings are built in the traditional style, decorated with ejaculating phalluses in reverence to the Divine Madman. The people seem to universally worship their benevolent king, and theres even a national park dedicated to the protection of the yeti. We spent the next 10 days or so winding our way through this pristine wonderland of soaring snow-capped peaks, hidden green valleys and magnicent fortresses and monasteries topped by colourful prayer ags apping in the wind. A highlight was our hike up to the vertiginous Tigers Nest monastery, which clings to the side of a cliff and, as we discovered, was the place where Aung San Suu Kyi received a wedding proposal from her late husband, Michael Aris. As we eventually made our way down and out of the mountains and back toward the plains of India, we knew that the most adventurous parts of the journey now lay immediately ahead in the little-known hill-sand jungles of Northeast India and, beyond them, the Myanmar border.
Look out for the final part of Andy and Emilies adventure in next weeks paper, and see more photos and blogging at http://www.ridingtorangoon.com.
Correction: The first part, Blessed be the Bike, published on January 4, 2014, referred to crossing six borders between Delhi and Yangon. In fact they crossed five.
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Late for Nowhere
the pulse 51
N a cold December morning in northern Shan State, I drove west out of the border town of Muse in a Ford pickup truck along with my wife Pauksi, her mother Nang Hseng, and a few relatives from the Kachin side of the family. We were heading for Namkham, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) away. The rough and narrow road followed the south bank of the Shweli River, which forms a porous boundary with China. Myanmars northern neighbour would have been visible a mere 200 metres to our right had it not been for the murky fog drifting from the water. Until last year, Namkham was closed to foreigners, and even now security remains sketchy. A few months before our visit, ghting in Namkham township between the Myanmar Army (Tatmadaw) and the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S) armed ethnic group had killed at least nine government soldiers. According to a May 9 report on the Irrawaddy website, the skirmish prompted about 1000 villagers to ee from the mountains and take refuge in Namkham town, while others displaced by the ghting sought
shelter in Ruili on the Chinese side of the border. An atmosphere of calm prevailed when we passed through the area last month, and we encountered no checkpoints on our way to visit one of the few Kachin households in Shan-majority Namkham the family of Nang Hsengs 86-year-old aunt, Lathaw Ja Hkawn. Upon our arrival, Lathaw Ja Hkawns family sat us down at an outdoor table for a tasty breakfast of Shan noodles, fried tofu and instant coffee. For dessert, they plied us with homemade ice cream one of the familys small business ventures which was delicious but did nothing to stop us shivering in the frosty winter air. After breakfast, some of us walked to the chaotic town market. My wife bought some blankets, but a relative who had come with us from Muse was victimised by a pickpocket, who lched K60,000 (about US$58) and her national ID card straight out of her purse. She didnt notice anything until she tried to buy a sweater and found her money gone. Our last stop in Namhkam was the hilltop site of a hospital established in the 1920s by a legendary American doctor, Gordon Seagrave. Born in Yangon, Seagrave was the son of Baptist missionaries, and his rst language was Kayin. He moved to the United States at an early age and later earned a medical degree at Johns Hopkins University before returning to Myanmar in 1922 to set up his
hospital in Namhkam. In his uneven but entertaining book Burma Surgeon (1943), Seagrave describes how he built the hospital and the adjoining buildings using stones hauled from the Shweli River, and how he trained ethnic Shan, Kachin and Karen women to be skilled nurses. When the Japanese invaded Myanmar in 1942, the doctor joined the US Army Medical Corps to contribute to the Allied cause. In May of that year, facing imminent defeat at the hands of the Japanese, US General Joseph Vinegar Joe
Stilwell famously declined to y out of Myanmar on the last available military cargo plane. Instead, he led more than 100 of his staff on a 230-kilometre trek to safety in India via the rugged, malarial Chin and Naga hills. Seagrave and his nurses walked out with Stilwell to render medical assistance during the march. They returned to Namkham in 1944, following the Japanese retreat, to re-establish the medical buildings and residences that had been bombed out during the war. Seagrave carried on his practice in Shan State until he died, aged 68, at his own hospital on March 28, 1965. His nurses, active and retired, collected donations to build a monument to the doctor at the nearby church where he was buried. I had read Burma Surgeon earlier in 2013, unaware that I would be visiting the town in December. The hospital is still there and now operates as a rather decrepit government inrmary the local staff had treated the casualties brought in during last Mays ghting between the Tatmadaw and the SSA-S. Until we visited Namkham, I was unaware that my wifes family had any connection with the hospital. As we looked at the buildings, Nang Hseng, a native of the region, commented that she had had her tonsils removed there when she was 11 or 12. Then she told another story that was much more interesting: During
the postwar period, one of her cousins had served at the hospital as a Seagrave-trained Kachin nurse. Not only that, but the eldest of the doctors three sons, Weston, had bought an engagement ring and proposed marriage to this cousin, who declined on the grounds that she was already locked into an arranged relationship and destined to marry a local Kachin man. Weston, who had been born in Namkham, carried the ring in his pocket in the hopes that she would change her mind, but he eventually gave up and moved to the United States. It was only after Westons departure that the nurse realised the enormity of her feelings for him, and to this day she speaks openly about her regret at passing up his marriage proposal. We didnt meet the cousin, who now suffers from poor health, but Nang Hseng showed me a curious family memento: a photograph that Weston had given to the object of his affection. Oddly, Weston had snipped off the left edge, cropping out a person who had been in the photo with him (his left arm is still visible). What remains is the image of a smiling, clean-cut American man sitting on a concrete wall in northern Shan State a place he would soon leave with a broken heart.
Read more about travel and culture in Myanmar at Douglas Longs blog latefornowhere.wordpress.com/.
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.
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VER the Christmas holidays, I made some barbecued chicken with a smokey pineapple sauce, to great acclaim from my guests. Below is that recipe, as well as a vegetarian version, to satisfy all appetites for something grilled. Grilling drumsticks, however, is a bit tricky. The meat isnt evenly distributed on the bone, and you have to check the thick end before you take it from the heat. Also, its a good idea to make a tiny slit in each drumstick before marinating. This way the marinade will seep deeper into the esh and keep it tender and avourful. Small or medium size drumsticks are the easiest to cook. To accompany the chicken, I was
inspired by Burmese avours to make a tomato and a pineapple relish. Very ripe pineapple is best in this recipe otherwise it will turn out too sour. I love to serve drumsticks and wings when I host a barbecue. Your guests can use their hands and eat straight away, so you can get to talking and enjoying your company. You wont have to run around making sure everyone has the right kind and number of utensils. Barbecued bean curd is a tasty vegetarian take on the same thing. Its simple but yummy, and I hope you can add grilling to your repertoire of skills for preparing this versatile but plain food. Frying imparts avour, but with grilling you can let the curd soak up a vibrant marinade.
BBQ ChiCKen SERVES 6 8 drumsticks 2 onions, diced 6 cloves garlic, diced 1 piece (4 cm x 1 cm) fresh ginger, grated 1 big red chilli 1 tsp chilli akes 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp sherry wine/brandy/rum cup BBQ sauce 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp vegetable oil Wash the drumsticks and pat dry with paper towel. Mix onion, garlic and ginger in a food processor, or pound with mortar and pestle. Add vegetable oil, sugar, sherry wine, cinnamon, BBQ sauce and chilli akes. Mix well. Place drumsticks in a large glass bowl and pour over the sauce. Rub the sauce into the drumsticks, and cover with plastic wrap. Keep in fridge
overnight or at least six hours. Grill the chicken on an open re, a gas stove or a charcoal re until meat is cooked through. Turn the drumsticks from time to time and check for doneness when they become golden colour. Serve with lime wedges and salt to taste. Pineapple relish SERVES 6 1 small ripe pineapple 1 onion 3 tbsp coriander, chopped 1 tsp chilli akes (more for spice lovers) 1 tsp lime juice 1 tsp sh sauce Take the peel off the pineapple and discard the black eye. Slice 1.5cm thick, and cut out the core. Grill them for a couple of minutes but stop before theyre falling apart. Before peeling, slice and grill the onion in the same way, then dice. Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Serve with BBQ meat or curd.
BBQ bean CUrD SERVES 6 2 bricks bean curd 1 tbsp soy sauce (Kikkoman) 2 tsp sugar 1 tsp dried onion or fried shallots 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tbsp sesame seeds 1 tbsp chili and garlic sauce, or Shan chilli paste Wash and dry the bean curd. Pat dry with paper towel. Cut into 1cm thick slices. Mix one tablespoon of oil and other ingredients in a glass bowl. (Glass bowls are better than plastic for a clean, pure taste.) Rub the sauce on the bean curd gently and marinate in the fridge for six or seven hours. Grill on an open re until the curd is golden colour. Brush with remaining oil during grilling. FOODIE QUOTE Secrets, especially with cooking, are best shared so that the cuisine lives on. Bo Songvisava
From right to left: BBQ chicken, pineapple relish and BBQ bean curd. Photo: Phyo
A view of the funky open air dining room and bar. Photo: Ume Cafe
in contrast, is sweet but watery. Another weak spot is the drinks selection, despite the presence of what looks like a promising tiki bar. But this seems par for the course in Ngwe Saung. You can have Coke and Myanmar rum or whisky, wine, or the Ume Night, a lip-puckering concoction of rum, lemon, sugar and salt. On the non-alcoholic front are fresh juices and a well-brewed cup of green tea. Aside from these small hitches, Ume Cafs food and atmosphere the staff clearly have a good time here make it a unique, must-try place in the local dining scene.
Ume Caf
Ngwe Saung Beach, opposite Yanomar Oo and Silver View resorts Food 9 Beverage 6 Service 9 X-factor 9 Value for money 7
Total Score:
8/
10
Kajohndet Sangsuban, U Myo Htwe, U Win Myint and U Maung Maung Tin
Paramote Techasopatkul
Attendees
U Tin Hla
U Aung Lwin
Yon Yon
Chaw Yadanar
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MOH MOH THAW
[email protected]
Mingalabar, readers of The Myanmar Times! Socialite had sore feet from running around to all the different social events that she had to attend. On December 30, she dropped in on the opening ceremony of Prome Restaurant at Mya Kan Thar (2) Street on Pyay Road. She managed to relax for two days during New Year celebrations before resuming her social life again toward the end of the week. On January 2, she attended a dinner with Academy Award winners at Sky Star Hotel, and on the following day she attended a press conference for the upcoming Korea Music Festival at Sedona Hotel. On the weekend, she participated in the 18th Paying Homage ceremony for teachers hosted by alumni of Yangon GTI, and then she enjoyed the opening of PRO 1 Home Center. On January 8, she was treated to a healthy cooking demo at the launch of the Wutyee Food House cookbook before attending Sukos 4th anniversary at Traders Hotel.
Minister U Aye Myint Kyu and wife, Indonesian Ambassador and wife
Ma Hnin Su Khine Oo
YANGON TO MyITKyINA Flight Days Dep YH 833 2 7:00 YH 831 4,6 7:00 K7 844 2,4,7 7:30 K7 624 Daily 10:30 YJ 211 5 11:00 YJ 201 1,2,3,4 11:00 W9 251 2,5 11:15 MyITKyINA TO YANGON Flight Days Dep YH 834 2 10:05 YH 832 4,6 10:15 YJ 211 5 14:05 YJ 202 1,2,3,4 14:05 K7 625 Daily 15:40 W9 252 2,5 16:05 YANGON TO HEhO Flight Days Dep YH 917 2,4,5 6:00 YH 917 1,3,6,7 6:00 YJ 891 Daily 6:00 YH 909 1,6,7 6:15 W9 141 Daily 6:15 6T 401 Daily 6:20 YH 909 2,3,4 6:30 K7 222 Daily 6:30 6T 351 1,2,3,4,6,7 6:30 W9 201 Daily 7:30 K7 828 1,3,5 7:30 YH 505 2,3,4 10:30 YJ 751/W9 7751 3,5,7 10:30 YJ 761 1,2 10:30 YJ 761 4,6 10:45 YH 737 3,5,7 11:00 W9 203 Daily 11:00 YH 737 7 11:30 W9 119 1,3,6 11:15 YH 505 6,7 11:30 YH 727 1 11:30 6T 807 7 11:30 K7 826 2,6 11:45 6T 807 1 12:00 YH 731 4 13:30 YH 731 7 14:00 K7 224 Daily 14:30 W9 129 Daily 15:00 YH 731 1,2,3,4,5,6 15:00 6T 501 Daily 15:30 HEhO TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 8:35 1 8:45 6,7 8:45 Daily 9:00
ThANDWE TO YANGON Flight Days Dep W9 141 Daily 9:50 6T 632 1,2,3,4,6,7 10:15 6T 605 Dailys 12:25 6T 632 5 13:00 YH 511 5 11:35 YH 506 2,3,4 13:10 YH 511 1 13:05 W9 307 2,4 14:05 W9 309 1,3,5,6,7 14:05 YH 506 6,7 14:10
Arr 10:40 11:10 15:00 13:55 13:55 14:00 13:55 14:55 14:55 15:00
Arr 7:25 7:40 8:20 8:05 7:35 7:30 7:55 8:25 8:40 8:10 8:10 8:40 8:40 8:55 10:10 11:55 12:25 12:25 12:35 12:40 12:25 12:25 13:10 14:00 13:40 13:40 14:30 12:40 12:55 13:25 16:10 16:35 16:55 17:10 17:30 16:55
Domestic Airlines
Air Bagan Ltd. (W9) Air KBZ (K7)
Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102 Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport), Fax: 372983
YANGON TO NyAUNG U Flight Days Dep YH 917 2,4,5 6:00 YH 917 1,3,6,7 6:00 YJ 891 Daily 6:00 YJ 901 4 6:00 YJ 901 1,2,3,5,6,7 6:10 W9 141 Daily 6:15 YH 909 1,6,7 6:15 YH 909 5 6:15 6T 401 Daily 6:20 6T 351 1,2,3,4,6,7 6:30 K7 222 Daily 6:30 YH 909 2,3,4 6:30 W9 143 Daily 7:15 YJ 601/W9 7601 6 10:30 YH 731 4 13:30 K7 224 Daily 14:30 W9 211 Daily 15:30 YH 731 1,2,3,4,5,6 15:00 6T 501 Daily 15:30 NyAUNG U TO YANGON Flight Days Dep YH 918 2,4,5 7:35 YH 918 1,3,6,7 8:25 YJ 891 Daily 7:35 W9 141 Daily 7:50 K7 222 Daily 8:05 YJ 901 4 8:25 YJ 901 1,2,3,5,6,7 8:35 YH 910 1 7:50 YH 910 2,3,4 8:05 YH 910 5 8:40
Arr 7:35 8:25 7:20 8:10 8:20 7:35 7:50 8:40 7:40 7:50 7:50 8:05 8:35 11:50 17:20 17:25 17:40 17:55 18:20
Arr 10:15 11:05 10:15 10:40 11:00 10:30 9:55 9:55 10:10 10:00
Arr 9:05 9:55 8:50 8:45 8:20 9:20 9:00 9:30 8:45 9:40 8:45 11:55 11:40 11:40 11:55 12:25 12:10 12:55 12:25 12:55 12:55 13:50 13:00 14:20 14:55 15:25 15:45 16:10 16:25 16:40
YANGON TO SIT T WE Flight Days Dep YH 511 1 10:30 YH 511 5 10:30 6T 605 Daily 11:15 W9 309 1,3,5,6,7 11:30 K7 426 Daily 12:30 6T 611 4,6 14:30 SIT T WE TO yANGON Flight Days Dep YH 512 1 12:05 YH 512 5 12:35 6T 606 Daily 13:35 K7 427 Daily 14:05 6T 612 4,6 16:15 YANGON TO MyEIK Days Dep Daily 7:00 5,7 7:00 3 11:30 MyEIK TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 11:30 5,7 11:25 3 13:45
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
YANGON TO ThANDWE Flight Days Dep W9 141 Daily 6:15 6T 351 1,2,3,4,6,7 6:30 6T 605 Daily 11:15 YH 511 5 10:30 YH 505 2,3,4 10:30
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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 Days Dep 1,3,5,7 6:30 Daily 7:15 Daily 11:35 Daily 16:20 1,2,3,4 19:35
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
WASHINGTON
International Airlines
Air Asia (FD)
Tel: 251 885, 251 886.
CathERinE A TRaYwicK
owned by Hahu Indians offers tourists a chance to live out the drama and tension of an illegal border crossing. Called Night Walk, the strange excursion lasts about four hours and takes groups on an imaginary journey through the desert and across the Rio Grande. A dozen or so Hahus act out different roles: fellow migrants in search of work, as well as police on the lookout for border crossers. The park also includes hot springs, kayaking and camp grounds. In IndOnesia, an aUthentiC, Bare-BOnes (and sOmetimes FLOOded) GetaWay Banana Republic village Jakarta, Indonesia Lodging $10 per night Tastelessness: High Travellers looking for a more realistic third-world experience may nd it at Banana Republic, a plantation village minutes outside of Jakarta. Ten dollars per night will get you a room, a mattress and a fan within this interconnected shanty-home complex. Bring your own ashlight if you expect to use the outdoor toilet at night, as well as your own toiletries for the communal shower. If thats not authentic enough for you, the Airbnb posting notes that in December, the oods arrive. Heavy rain causes the river surrounding the village to overow... The rusty roofs leak and leave the homes damp. According to the ad, your $10 will help unclog the river and repair damaged roofs but not before you get the chance to enjoy both. TOUr RiO de JaneirOs LarGest FaveLa With sOme OF its very OWn residents Favela Tourism Workshop Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Tour starting from $30 per person Tastelessness: Moderate to mild A Brazilian company called Exotic Tours was the rst to offer sightseeing tours of Rio de Janeiros biggest slum, Rocinha. In recent years, it began hiring local favela residents to work as guides, an effort that creates a more authentic experience for travellers, and provides some income for members of the community. The company claims that some of the proceeds benet a local school, so tourists can rest assured that theyre doing their part to help Rios urban poor. Be warned, though: Increasing tourism has helped to transform Rocinha from a sprawling shantytown into a semi-developed urban slum, so its perhaps less gritty than the average poverty tourist might prefer. Foreign Policy
Flights CA 906
Arr 21:55
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 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
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
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
In Bloemfontein, South Africa, a mere $82 per night will get you a private shack, made of corrugated tin sheets, so you can experience the charm of living in a postapartheid shantytown, without ever having to set foot in one. Photo: Supplied.
58 the pulse
Living well in Myanmar
WEEKLY PREDictions
LEo | Jul 23 - Aug 22 A goal is a dream with a deadline. If you dont know what you want or where you are going, you will get next to nothing and end up nowhere. Challenge yourself, reect on your personal records and be ready to face new obstacles. Your objectives should specify end results.
AQUaRiUs | Jan 20 - Feb 18 Get acquainted with the riches of your subconscious mind. Do not make a god of money, but lead a balanced life. Stop trying to get something for nothing. You must give to receive. You will be wealthy if you implant the idea of wealth in your subconscious. Love will not help you.
PiscEs | Feb 19 - March 20 Beware of prejudices. Light is good in whatever lamp it is burning, and a star has the same radiance whether it shines from the East or from the West. Seek happiness in all your colleagues and partners. There is much more to liberty than your limited and selsh objectives. Create a congenial environment.
ViRgo | Aug 23 - Sep 22 Know that the values of principle-based decisions and popularity-based decisions differ. Keep your integrity with close friends and colleagues in order to develop trust and loyalty. Make it a golden habit to put what is best for others ahead of what is best for you. From this social position you will experience respect and favor, and your dreams of love will come true.
ARiEs | Mar 21 - Apr 19 Imagination is your most powerful faculty. It shows you what is lovely and good. You are what you picture yourself to be. Avoid conict between your conscious and subconscious. Before going to sleep, imagine the fulllment of your social desires over and over again. Reect tomorrow and count how many times you catch yourself satisfying your need for self-esteem.
The 8-minute workout: Each exercise should be done at maximum intensity for 30 seconds, with 10 seconds of rest between each exercise. Graphic: Ko Htway
LiBRa | Sep 23 - Oct 22 Develop a habit of observing people wherever you are. Controlling your speech will also save you from many ugly situations in life. Ask and welcome profound questions. Good questions lead to excellent answers and greater clarity and clarity is the DNA of authentic success and personal greatness. Let your heart make choices and feel without interference.
CHRISTOPH GELSDORF, MD
OCTORS and health professionals have known for a long time that regular exercise benets health in many ways. From heart disease to brain disease to cancer to mental sharpness, people who maintain an exercise regimen over the years live longer and more vigorous lives. The results are so convincing that research now focuses not on whether exercise is good for you but rather on determining the right amount of exercise, the right type of exercise and why it is that exercise is so benecial. For the last decade or so the standard recommendation has been to aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise (ie: walking) or 90 minutes of vigorous exercise (ie: swimming, biking, running) per week. Health professionals think that ideally exercise should combine aerobic activity that makes your heart and breathing go fast, with muscle strengthening activity that makes your body feel sore. For people with sedentary professional lives, achieving the target amount of exercise requires considerable willpower and setting aside an appropriate amount of time. At my clinics in Yangon and California my patients have been fairly consistent in the excuses they give for not exercising: not enough time, the gym/pool is too expensive, no open space near the home, the streets are not good for biking, exercise is too boring, etc. Because these excuses are so common, interest is rising in nding more
acceptable ways for people to enjoy the benets of exercise. A newer area of research is High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT. Proponents of HIIT are hoping to prove that short bursts of exercise, which require much less time but rigorous effort, are equally benecial to the 30-60 minute exercise routines that are the current standard. Data so far seems to indicate that HIIT achieves increases in metabolic rate resting energy expenditure that are equal to longer workouts. In addition, molecular changes inside muscles appear to be similar in short, highintensity exercise and moderateintensity endurance exercise. An article published earlier this year in the American College of Sports Medicines Health & Fitness Journal, and later covered by The New York Times, suggests a routine for those who may be interested in quick-x activity. The exercises shown in the graphic above are each done at maximum intensity for 30 seconds. Maximum intensity means it should feel quite uncomfortable. Between each exercise you take a 10-second rest that allows for muscle oxygenation. To be effective, the full set of exercises must be completed, making total exercise time just short of 8 minutes. The article authors attempted to design a routine that involves all major muscle groups in a balanced fashion, alternates between opposing muscle groups to maximise recovery time, and switches between high and low heart-rate activities. The advantage of an exercise routine such as this is that its quick. Also it can be done almost anywhere and requires only a wall and a chair. A persons own body weight is used to provide resistance. The challenge is ensuring that you perform the exercises with sufficient
intensity to realise the benet. Because HIIT hasnt been around for very long, we dont know yet whether it will yield the same long-term benets as traditional exercise. We also dont have any objective evidence that adults prefer HIIT over jogging or biking, so it shouldnt be adopted yet as a public health strategy. As a physician, however, Im happy to add this approach to the exercise options I
TaURUs | Apr 20 - May 20 Be ready to seize your moment in social relationships. The most effective way to understand the power of inuence is to think of a time you were touched by a person or an event, when you were at a loss for words. The more effort you put into identifying your potential inuence, the less likely you will be to fall.
ScoRPio | Oct 23 - Nov 21 Always remain aware that, according to the abiding laws of nature, nothing neither good nor bad is going to stay forever. Alertness is a must for your mental performance. Spend time in fresh environments and new atmospheres to enhance your power. Love will be in question.
Data suggests that short bursts of exercise achieve metabolic rate increases equal to longer workouts.
offer to patients. The only effective exercise is the one that you actually do, so if a short high-intensity program means youre more likely to move your body several times per week then HIIT may be for you!
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.
GEMini | May 21 - June 20 Know where you stand. Know and do the things that reward you with high returns. Make the difcult decisions that will make a difference. Realise that people are your most valuable assets, and seek to encourage rather than argue. People do as they see. Regrettably, you tend to forget the high inuence of showing integrity in the home.
SagittaRiUs | Nov 22 - Dec 21 A great person gives no thought to hotly pursuing pleasure and shortcuts to success. When you have integrity you have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Establish a system of values against which all of life is judged. Understand the challenge of trying to change others and yourself for the better. Feel secure and satised in love and stay exible.
CancER | Jun 21 - Jul 22 Listening intently is one of the best ways to honour a person and forge a deep human connection. Business is in so many ways about love, and acclaim will come by doing your job with love. Know your priorities. You must constantly play a bigger game and use your creative talents to do and see more. The love within you is important.
CaPRicoRn | Dec 22 - Jan 19 Attitude is more important than facts, appearance and skill. You must have less to do with position and let your disposition among colleagues and friends bring pleasure. Know that lack of motivation depends on your lack of a plan. Be courageous to take on the right challenges and pay more attention to correcting dishonesty. Love needs sincerity and mutual understanding.
AUNG MYIN KYAW 4th Floor, 113, Thamain Bayan Road, Tarmwe township, Yangon. Tel: 09-731-35632, Email: [email protected]
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. [email protected]. 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, 229750, fax: 254468, 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. [email protected] 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 12th Flr, Traders Hotel, 223, Tel: 252560 ext. 5002 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, Email: unicef.yangon@unicef. org, www.unicef.org/myanmar. UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward 7, Mayangone. tel: 01-9666903, 9660556, 9660538, 9660398. email: [email protected] 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 Ward (2), (Golden Valley), Bahan Tsp. Tel : 2305971~6 (6 lines). 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. fax: 641561.
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 : [email protected]
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. [email protected] 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
Confort Inn 4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd & U Wisara Rd, Kamaryut, tel: 525781, 526872
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
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
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, [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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. [email protected].
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, [email protected]
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. [email protected]
(Except Sunday)
[email protected] www.manawmayagems.com
Ruby & Rare Gems of Myanamar No. 527, New University Ave., Bahan Tsp. Yangon.
One Stop ENT Center No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax : (951) 9 666135 Email : [email protected] Website : www.witoriyahosptial.com
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 [email protected]
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. [email protected], 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 [email protected] www.thelady-gems.com Your Most Reliable Jeweller
24 hours Cancer centre No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon. Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax : (951) 9 666135
24 hours Laboratory & X-ray No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax : (951) 9 666135
courier Service
DTDC Courier and Cargo Service (Since 1991) Yangon. Tel : 01-374457 Mandalay. Tel : 09-43134095. www.DTDC.COM, [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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
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
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.
No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax : (951) 9 666135 Email : [email protected] Website : www.witoriyahosptial.com
GENERATORS
Home Furnishing
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
For House-Seekers 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
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.
Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653.
The Global leader in Water Heaters A/1, Aung San Stadium East Wing, Upper Pansodan Road. Tel: 01-256705, 399464, 394409, 647812.
Bld-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. email: eko-nr@ myanmar.com.mm Ph: 652391, 09-73108896
Top Marine Show Room No-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597
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
Yangon Intl School Fully Accredited K-12 International Curriculum with ESL support No.117,Thumingalar Housing, Thingangyun, Tel: 578171, 573149, 687701, 687702.
Made in Japan Same as Rinnai Gas Cooker and Cooker Hood Showroom Address
Water Heater
WATER PROOFING
Bldg-A2, G-Flr, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. email: eko-nr@ myanmar.com.mm Ph: 652391, 09-73108896
No.290-B,U Wisarya Road,10 Ward, Kamaryut Township,Yangon. TEL:(09)259040853 Open daily 11:00~23:00 Produce by Sagittarius Myanmar
Delicious Hong Kong Style Food Restaurant G-09, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center). Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 114
service office
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.
Tel : 01-4413410 Relocation Specialist Rm 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 250290, 252313. Mail : [email protected] 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, [email protected]
Water solution
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
LEGAL SERVICE
U Min Sein, BSc, RA, CPA.,RL Advocate of the Supreme Court 83/14 Pansodan St, Yangon. tel: 253 273. [email protected]
Heaven Pizza 38/40, Bo Yar Nyunt St. Yaw Min Gyi Quarter, Dagon Township. Tel: 09-855-1383
Easy access to CBD Fully furnished facility Company setup for $1,000 Office available from $360 only
Company Limited
Aekar
Water Treatement Solution Block (A), Room (G-12), Pearl Condo, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. Hot Line : 09-4500-59000
PLEASURE CRUISES
Paint
Worlds No.1 Paints & Coatings Company
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
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 [email protected]
World famous Kobe Beef Near Thuka Kabar Hospital on Pyay Rd, Marlar st, Hlaing Tsp. Tel: +95-1-535072
Water Treatment
Schenker (Thai) Ltd. Yangon 59 A, U Lun Maung Street. 7 Mile Pyay Road, MYGN. tel: 667686, 666646.fax: 651250. email: sche [email protected].
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 [email protected] 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. [email protected]
No. (6), Lane 2 Botahtaung Pagoda St, Yangon. 01-9010003, 291897. [email protected], www.venturaofce.com
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
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
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.
Road to Mandalay Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governors Residence 39C, Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 229860 fax: (951) 217361. email: [email protected] www.orient-express.com
REAL ESTATE
Your Most Reliable & Friendly Real Estate Agency Tel : 09-7308848 01-242370, 394053
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.
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
RESTAURANTS
G-01, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center). Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 106 Good taste & resonable price @Thamada Hotel Tel: 01-243047, 243639-41 Ext: 32
SANITERY WARE
SUPERMARKETS
Capital Hyper Mart 14(E), Min Nandar Road, Dawbon Tsp. Ph: 553136. City Mart (Aung San Branch) 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 Branch) 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
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 Agent Agent fees is unnecessary Tel : 09 2050107, 09 448026156 [email protected]
Bath Room Accessories 79-B3/B3, East Shwe Gone Dine, Near SSC Womens Center, Bahan. Tel : 01-401083, 0973011100, 09-73056736
SCHOOLS
a drink from paradise... available on Earth @Yangon International Hotel, No.330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 09-421040512
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
Horizon Intl School 25, Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, tel : 541085, 551795, 551796, 450396~7. fax : 543926, email : contact@horizonmyanmar. com, www.horizon.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 [email protected]
FREE
General Property
ones. Meiji Soe's "Culture & Beyond - Myanmar" is a unique of its king revealing Myanmar Culture, Beliefs and Superstitions in sector by sector together with photos. Available at Book Stores & MCM Ltd. Ph: 253642, 3922928, 392910. Email: distmgr@ myanmartimes.com.mm
BY FaX : 01-254158 BY EMail : [email protected], [email protected] BY Mail : 379/383, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Township, Yangon.
Employment
Embassy
Embassy of the Republic of Korea is seeking applicants for the posts Researcher & Administrator (F/M) . The applicants must be Fluent in English, computer literate, University degree holder, work experience preference, Excellent Organizational and interpersonal skills, Ability to work under pressure and handle multi-tasks, Good com munication skills and team player, Knowledge in Korean language will be advantaged. Pls send updated CV to No.97, University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Closing date :15 January 2014. or a related field. Excellent in English. 5 years experience in handling administrative & secretarial tasks. Computer literacy. Excellent typing skills in Myanmar. Pls submit a cover letter (referencing the job Announcement No. JA 36-13) accompanied by full resume stating details of educational qualifications & working experience, present income, home & office telephone numbers. Email:kk.lwin@unesco. org; with copy to: adm.bgk@unesco. org, UNESCO Yangon Project Office, UN Bldg 6, Natmauk Rd, Tamwe, Yangon, :22nd of January 2014. We are seeking (1) Programme Liaison Coordinator (PLC) South East (Based at HelpAge Liaison Office in Hpa-an with frequent travel to project locations in Hpa-an, Hpa-pon, Kawkreik and Thandaung) : University degree, 5 years project management including project budget management experience with NGOs, Good report writing skills, Basic computer proficiency. (2) Procurement & logistic officer 1 post : University degree, 3 experience in logistics & supply chain management with INGOs or UN. 3 years experience, Basic computer proficiency, (3) Livelihood Officer - 1 post in Thandaunggyi : University degree, Technical skills & experience in the sustainable livelihoods, small business develop ment, livestock develop ment in the south east of Myanmar essential. 3 years experience,(4) Community Develop ment Officer 3 posts in Thandaunggyi, Hpa-pun and Kawkareik : BEHS level of education, 3 years community mobilization/facilitation work at the community level or equivalent experience. (5)Project Cashier -1 Post based in Thandaunggyi : Bachelors degree in Commerce/Economics /BACT, 2 years experience, Computer skills. For all posts : English, Myanmar & Karen language skills. Pls send a cover letter & CV to the HR Unit of HelpAge Int'l Myanmar Country Office, 25A/1., New University Avenue Rd, Bahan, Yangon Closing date :22 January 2014. OR to hr.helpagemyanmar@ gmail.com Thandaung gyi/ Hpa-pun/ Kawkareik / Dagon (East) are requested to clearly indicate their preferred job location and position. Closing date for Project Cashier post will be on, 15 January 2014. solidarites Int'l (SI) is seeking Translator in Sittwe, Rakhine State: University graduate. Very good reporting skills. Excellent level in English. 2 years experience. Pls submit application (CV, cover letter, references) to the attention of: HR Department Solidarites Int'l/ Or drop application on an envelope to - 44 A, Tharyarwaddy Lane, Bahan, Yangon or per email: hr.recruitment. [email protected], cc: to [email protected]
Business Growth Consultancy: Helping Your Business Grow Faster and Slaughtering Your Competition. Our Strategies and Tactics will upgrade your business to a whole new level which you never imagined possible before. For further information, pls visit to www.chawzang. com and mail to hawzangconsultancy@ gmail.com.
For Sale
ASUS A45V Blue Colour Intel Core i5 3rd, Ram - 4GB H.D.D - 500GB Graphic 2GB Price460000. Ph: 09-420050651 Huawei C8813 ( CDMA 800 MHZ ) Black Colour with full accessories and original box . 2 months used only very good condition with 2 covers . Price 80000 Kyats Ph: 09-730-04430) Samsung Galaxy Grand (GT- I9082), GSM, Metallic Blue with full accessories and original box . No error Price 170000 Kyats . Ph:09-502-8020. ASUS A45V Blue Colour Intel Core i5 3rd , Ram - 4GB H.D.D - 500GB Graphic - 2GB Price - 460000. Ph: 09-420050651 ASUS A42J Intel Core i7, Ram - 4GB H.D.D 500GB Graphic - 2GBB Price - 465000. Ph: 094200-50651 (1)motherboard 775 G41 CPU-Pentinum 2.0 GHz RAM- DDR3 2GB HDD-80 GB (SATA) PSU-500W MonitorAcer 18.5 PC 2 No (2) Motherboard- Asus H61 ME CPU-Pentinum 2.9 GHz RAM- DDR3 2GB HDD-500 GB (SATA) PSU-650W MonitorAOC 18.5 PC 4 No. Ph:09-4224-86337 Original 3DS Game Cartridges & accessories - Spirit Camrea: The Cursed Memoir (with box & user guide booklet) 20000 Kyats. - Rabbid Rumble (with box and user guide booklet) 20000 Kyats, - Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition (with box and user guide booklet) - 24000 Kyats, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (with box & user guide booklet) - 30000 Kyats, Project X Zone (with box & user guide booklet) - 30000 Kyats, 3DS Game Cartridge Holder (24 Slots) - 17000 Kyats, Circle Pad Pro for 3DS XL - 30000 Kyats. Prices are negotiable. Ph: 09-507-9980"
Rent/ Sale
KAMAYUT , Innya Myaing Rd, 80' x 80' land, 2RC, 4 MBR, Fully furnished, New 7 Aircons, Generator, Lawn, Ph Line, US$ 6500 per month. (2) Innya Rd, 80' x 90' land, 2RC, 4 Master bedroom, Ph Line, US$ 6000 per month. Ph: 09-507-4241 PABEDAN, New Condo, Downtown Near Sule Pagoda, 3000 Sqft, 3 MBR, 1 Single bedroom 5 Aircons, Bathtub, Teak floor, nice view, US$ 3500 per month. Ph: 09-507-4241.
Language
Teaching Myanmar language for foreigners Near Myay Ni Gone City Mart, Shin Saw Pu Pagoda St. Tel: 09 4200 30 782 Teaching English for adults Near Myay Ni Gone City Mart, Shin Saw Pu Pagoda Street. 09 4200 30 782 FOR FOREIGNERS Want to learn Myanmar Speaking at your home? Contact : 09-517-9125, 09-861-1052
Computer
Computer Services : Software services, Web site services. Ph: 094201-09050.
Education
Literature study for IB and SAT up to 12 Grade , it is right to enjoy reading classic and persuded writing ,caritical thinking and world culture External students can also be inquired to sit on SAT.If you had tried as much as you can to follow the lesson and you will get good experiences and skill .This program will help you capability and fill your luck of knowledge..Beginners and Intermediate French and Spanish can also be learnt here. U Thant Zin, ph 09 5035350 , 01 547442 : No 28-3 B , Thatipahtan St, Tamwe Tr.Kaung Myat : For International School, Guide & Lecturer, Special for Maths, Geometry, Algebra I&II,Calculus. Ph:09-731-42020 geometry500@gmail. com Study guide and home visit for LCCI level 1,2 and 3. Ph : 09-4311-0463 NPNG study coach 10th standard specialist. Ph: 09-2506-96329. Email: [email protected]
HousingforRent
(condo For Rent in University Avenue St), 1MBR, 2SBR, 4AC, Full Fun:, 1350sq, 18 Lakhs, Call-01-569448, 09-43200669. (9) mile condo Mayangone, (1350sq), M1, S2, A/C4, Ph 1, fully furniture - 16 Lakhs, Contact: 09-432-00669. MYANGONE , Mini Condo, 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: 09-730-69754, 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 slot. Suitable for office with residential., $6500 /month can also sell for $8, 80,000. English speaking 09-512-9655, Myanmar speaking 09732-35432. wincenter. [email protected]. (No Brokers Please). (1).Condo with nice view 1500 Sqft, 1MBR, 2 Single bedroom, Ph, 24 Hour electricity, SemiFurnished, Wooden floor, 4 Airconditioners, Newly Renovated, US$ 3000 per month, Ph: 094253-11320 BAHAN, (1)ThanLwin Rd, 70'x90', 3RC, 4 MBR, New and Nice, Garden, Fully Furnished,
Training
Wisdom Management Centre : Abnormal Psychology Program. Level: Certificate. Program Outlines : 1.What is Normal & Abnormal? Assessing & Diagnosing Abnormality. 3.Anxiety Disorders 4.Somatoform & Dissociative Disorders. 5.Mood Disorders 6. Suicide 7.Schizophrenia Duration : 12-Week Day: Tuesday (6:30 ~ 8:00 PM) Starting Date: December 17, 2013. Fees: New Participant : 50,000 Ks. Regular Participant: 45,000 Ks. Add: No.8, 6th Flr (Right), Chan Thar St, Sanchaung. Ph:09-5370230, 09-730-02705 Decent Myanmar Training School Personal Management & Business Management Trainings Basic English Grammar IELTS preparation English for Specific Purpose-ESP. (1) Spoken English (2) Business Writing (3) Business English (4) English for Marketing (5) English for HRM (6) English for Media (7) English for IT (8) English for Law (9) English for Marine Engineering (10) English for Medicine 29/ B, Rm 7, Myay Nu St, Myaynigone. Ph:01-512467, 09-722-32047.
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 HLAING, Shew Hin Thar Condo, 2,181sqft, 2 MBR, 2BR, 1 restroom, living room, dining room, maid room.Best location, near lnya lake on Pyay Road. Full furniture or non-furniture negotiable. $4,500 ~ $5,500/month. Can be paid 2 times / year. No-broker fee (real owner)Aceyangon79@ gmail.com. Ph : 09-43132872 MYA YA MON Water Front Villa, 3 storey building with full facilities. Ph: 01-241756, 370334, 09-510-3207. T hingangyun , Kyipwaryay (North) Drive 25 minutes to Down Town, 40' x 60', 2 RC, 3 MBR, 2 SR, 3 Aircons, 1 Ph. US$ (1000) per 1 Month. Only 1 year contract. Contact :09-508-0880. [email protected] (1). Near Bogyoke Market, 2500 sqft, 2 MBR, 1 SR , fully furnish, 3000 USD. (2).Near Park Royal hotel, 1250 Sqft, 2 MBR, 1 SR, fully furnish, 2500 USD. (3). Near Park Royal hotel, 2500 Sqft, 3 MBR, fully furnish, 4000 USD. Ph: 09-4921-4276. (1) THUWUNNA, Duplex for Sale, 2 storeys building, 40 x 70 ft, Thuwunna VIP-1, Main Rd (2) North Oakklapa, Main Rd (Wai Pon La Rd) Near Medical School Shop House, 1200 Sqft, Hall type, . (3) Yankin, Shwe Ohn Pin Housing, 900 Sqft. 3 rooms, fully furnished, Near Sedona Hotel. Ph:09-732-41848, 098601-042.
Ingo Positions
world Vision Int'l - Myanmar is seeking (1) Education Quality Specialist (Education Department) Re-Open in National Office, Yangon: University Degree, Computer skill & background in education development is essential. (2) Community Deve lopment Facilitator (ReOpen) in Hlaing Bwe, Kayin State: University Degree, Working experience in community development. Compe tent in used of Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. Good command of Myanmar and English. Must provide a clean criminal background. 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 myajobapps@wvi. org Closing date for 1 : January 14, for 2 : January 15, 2014. HelpAge Int'l in Myanmar is looking for (1)Project Manager 1 Post : Based in Yangon : University degree, 5 years experience with INGOs / international agencies, Excellent communication skills (English & Myanmar), Basic computer skill. (2) Field Coordinator - 1 Post: Based in Pathein: University degree, 3 years experience in community development project with NGOs, Good communication skills in Myanmar & English, Basic computer skill. Pls send a Cover letter & CV to the HR Unit of HelpAge Int'l Myanmar Country Office :25, A/1, New University Avenue Rd, Bahan, Yangon OR email to hr.helpagemyanmar@ gmail.com Closing date
UN Positions
UNICEF Myanmar is seeking Programme Officer (NO-B), based in Sittwe : University Degree in social sciences preferably in medicine or public health. Understanding of Health System Strengthening (HSS), Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI), Maternal & Child Health and Nutrition, Management of Acute Malnutrition, Disease Surveillance and Control, HIV/AIDS control, especially Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMCT), prevention among youth and children affected by AIDS is an asset; Skills in programme planning, monitoring & evaluation; 2 years of experience in programme design, administration, monitor ing & evaluation related field; Awareness of health structures and systems at Union, State, township & village level, Fluency in English and Myanmar; Communication, analytical and training skills; Good knowledge of computer management & applications e.g. Word, Excel, Powerpoint); Ability to work in an int'l & multicultural environ ment; Ability & willingness to frequently travel to the remote areas. Pls send application with updated CV or Personal History form, educational credentials and references to jobs. [email protected] by 17 January 2014. unesco Myanmar Project Office is seeking (1)Administrative Asst : University degree at Bachelor or higher level in public of business administration
For Rent
Toyota belta : 2011 year, 15,000km. almost new condition. $500 / month without driver. Car only. No-broker fee (real owner) Aceyangon79@ gmail.com. Ph : 09-43132872
HousingforSale
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
General
iF you are thinking to give a book-gift to your loved
Travel
NYAN MYINT THU Car Rental Service : Ko Nyan Myint Win Kyi (MD) - 56, Bo Ywe St, Latha, Yangon, Myanmar. Ph : 01-246551, 01-375284. ph:09-2132778. email: nyanmyintthu1983@ gmail.com, nmt@nyan myintthucarrental. com, colwinkyi@ gmail. com. Web:www. nyanmyintthucarrental. com
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
FREE
Employment
personality (3)Driver 3 years experience (4) Security - M 2 post : 2 years experience (Casual) (5) Door Girl - F 2 post : good personality (Casual) Application letter by email to humanresources@ savoy hotel-yangon.com or 129, Dhammazedi Rd, Yangon. Tel: 526298, 526289. Pls mention the desire position on the application letter. Marketing StaFF 2 posts medical products sales experience. Glorious Light Trading Co., Ltd Contacts -092012304 , 01391683 HoriZon Int'l School is looking for qualified and energetic personnel for the following positions. All candidates should be good in communication and interpersonal skills. (1).Office secretary - F 1 post : Age under 30, Bachelors Degree in any field or Diploma in the relevant field, Sufficient work experience in the related field, Good command of English, Computer literate, Customer care skills (2). Receptionist - F 1 post : Age under 30, Bachelors Degree in any field or Diploma in the relevant field, Sufficient work experience in the related field, Good command of English, Able to handle phone communication (3).Driver - M 2 posts : Age 25 to 50, Can speak English, Able to drive any car, Driving license should be valid, Friendly, enthusiastic, patient & punctual. BENEFITS: Attractive Salary, Lunch is also provided, An opportunity to work for an institution where students have lots of outstanding international achievements, Enhance ment training. Pls bring CV along with a copy of your credentials to 235, Shukinthar Myo Patt Rd, TaketaTsp., Yangon.Ph: 450396, 450397, until January 25th, 2014. A Leading Shipping Company, based in Singapore with business activities in freight forwarding services is seeking (1). Management Trainee (2).Sales Executive: a degree holder from a recognized university, Age above 25; Possess superior oral & written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills and exhibit good judgment, & function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment; Able to speak and write English with proficiency; Able to use computer effectively and efficiently; Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Pls apply via email with a recent photograph to star2013. [email protected] our website at www. meridianshippinggroup. com . (1).Guest Relation Manager - F 1 Post : Any graduate, 3 years experience, Good command of English (2).Security Manager - M 1 Post : Any graduate, Age above 35, Computer literate, 5 years experience, Good command of English language (3).Executive Secretary - M/F 1 Post : Any graduate, Competent in MS Excel, Word & Power Point, Internet, Email, 3 years experience, Good command of English (4). Audio Engineer - M 1 Post (5).Receptionist - F 1 Post (6).Guest Relation Officer F 1 Post. Pls apply with full CV/Resume indicating position of interest, qualifications, educational background, employment records and recent photo to HR Dept. Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon : 40, Natmauk Rd , Tamwe, Yangon Closing date : 14.1.2014. Email : [email protected] Ph: 01-544500, 01544500. Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd (RGN port) is seeking for a Sales Executive (Marketing Department). This post will be based in town office ,Sakura tower Yangon, 5 working days a week (Mon to Fri), Office hours 8.45 Am to 5.15 Pm. Qualify personnel with experiences are encouraged to apply. Prefer both command of Chinese and English. Attractive salary and other benefits. Pls send CV to noreen. [email protected] within 7 days of this announcement. The Asahi Shimbun: Japanese newspaper is seeking; Admin and Reporter (Female) - 1 post : Essential English skill in writing & speaking, Age not more than 35, Please send resume to asahiyangon@gmail. com KELVIN CHIA Yangon Ltd is a foreign legal consultancy firm. We invite motivated & committed indivi duals to join us as: Administrative Execu tive : Good written & spoken communication skills in English. Mature and capable of supervising & directing subordinates. Must be well-organized, meti culous, have initiative & execute instructions promptly. Some account ing back ground & experien ce preferred. Pls send full resume stating their current and expected salaries, together with a recent photograph to chw@ kcyangon.com golden Spirit Co., Ltd is seeking Sales & Marketing Director, Sales & Manager / Asst: Sales Manager (area sales & division, Region), Sales Supervisors / Sales Executives, Negotiation skills, good & strong knowledge in sales analysis & reporting system, implement in sales plan, management of sales policy, Target & achievement. Marketing Manager / Asst: Marketing Manager, Marketing Supervisors / Marketing Executives, Brand Manager / Assit: Brand Manager, Sales Manager for Modern Trade Sales Channel, Able to travel anywhere in Yangon : Strong Organizer, High level of energy and mobility, must have a desire to improve operations all the time previous experience, preferably in liquor area good interpersonal & communications skills effectively with all level. Pls send update CV, along with recent photo, a copy of labour registration card, NRC card police recommendation letter, family registration document to 2/D, Thamada Condo Yaw mingyi Ward, Dagon Tsp, Exotissimo Travel Myanmar is seeking(1) Travel Consultant/ Tour Operator - 5 Posts : 2 years experience in Tourism industry with same position, Proactive, team spirit, good organisational & problem solving skill, Strong sales & customer service focus, Computer proficiency, Excellent in English or French (2)HR Executive - 1 post : Preferably minimum Diploma in HRM & above, 1 year of relevant experience, Excellent organizational & time management skill. (Only those with a genuine interest in joining a professional travel company for long-term commitment need apply.) Pls send a detailed resume with recent photo and other relevant documents to HR Manager at No.147, Shwe Gone Dine St, West Shwe Gone Dine Ward, Bahan, Yangon, Email: memecho@ exotissimo.com Bagan Capital is a Hong Kong based investment and advisory firm focused solely on Myanmar investment opportunities. We are looking for a talented researcher to provide the necessary support to our operations : Bachelors degree in a numerate subject, preferably from an international institution. Experience in a foreign environment, gained through education or work in an English speaking environment abroad, or in a foreign company in Myanmar. 3 years experience. Fully bilingual in English & Myanmar. Ability to type rapidly in both languages. Pls email CV to recruitment@ bcfmyanmar.com to apply, stating clearly in the subject of your email that you are Applying for the post of BC researcher Jhpiego is seeking Country Director Myanmar in Yangon: Graduate degree in public health or related field. Fluency in English. Past experience working with Jhpiego and/or a thorough understanding of Jhpiego programming approaches. Pls apply at www.jobs-jhpiego.icims. com We are seeking Mathematics, Account ing, Physics, Biology & Chemistry Teachers for a secondary school in Yangon, Myanmar : Relevant university degree. Strong English skills a requirement. Classroom teaching experience an asset. 2 years teaching experience. History of working or studying abroad an asset. For a full job description, please contact admin@albaedu. com. Pls send application with updated CV or Personal History form, educational credentials and references to Asia Language & Business Academy : 66, Shweda gon Pagoda Rd, Dagon Tsp. Centure Myanmar, a leading office furniture provider in Myanmar, is seeking - Sales manager (1 post) Sales Executive (2 posts) - Marketing Executive (1 post) Showroom manager (1 post) - Showroom Sales (2 posts) - Sales Trainee (2 posts) - Secretary/ Assistance (1 post) - Driver (2 posts). We offer a young and international working atmosphere and search for competent and dedicated employees to grow with our expanding business. Be part of the team and send your application letter and CV to mailhrdepartment@ gmail.com
Local Positions
nestle is seeking (1) Sales Trade Develop ment Manager (Base in Mandalay). Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or relevant education degree.5 years' experien ce, in FMCG is preferable. (2) Nutrition Advisor - Yangon/ Mandalay/ Mawlamyaing. Bachelor's Degree in Medical, Food Science, Food Technology, Nurs ing, Pharmaceutical or any Science related field. 1 year experience in Nutrition. (3) Marketing Executive-Nestle Professional. Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related education degree. 3 years experien ce in Marketing. (4) Agronomist . Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture. 1 or 2 years experience. For all posts : Good command of English & Computer literacy. Pls submit complete detailed resume to Nestle Myanmar Ltd, Flr 11th Centerpoint Towers, No.65, Corner of Sule Pagoda Rd and Merchant St, Kyauktada, Yangon, Or email to: zinhnaung [email protected]. mm (OR) tztzha@gmail. com Searching for serious, confident, experienced taylor (man/woman) for small bag production. Good working conditions, Golden Valley, Yangon. Contact phone for details: 09-504-1359 We are seeking, (1) Executive - M/F 5 Posts (2) Supervisor - M/F 5 Posts (3) Team Leader M/F 5 Posts (4) Service Engineer - M 5 Posts (5) Accountant - F 4 Posts (6) Staff - M/F 20 Posts (7)Security - M 10 Posts (8)Express Pilot - M 5 Posts. All candidates must be; Independent, well-organized, selfmotivated & team player, collaborative, hands on & dynamic personalities, take ownership of assigned tasks. Pls submit fill CV, detailing skills, knowledge and experience with recent color photo & copies of the testimonials to (20), 9th St, Min Da Ma Rd, Shwe Ka Bar Housing, Mayangone. Ph:094004-95380. Email : hr.greaterman@gmail. com Closing Date : Jan 31, 2014. Pls mark applied in front of CV. Myanmar's largest advertising agency seeks a Client Service Representative to serve customers by providing agency service information; managing client communications; and coordinating with management and SAIL employees to deploy advertising services. Requirement : High English ability. Professio nal dress. Highly confident engaging with foreign clients, Market know ledge, Interpersonal skills, Documentation skills. Pls apply to: SAIL Marketing & Communications www. advertising-myanmar. com, 790, Bogyoke Rd and Wadan Rd Junction Suite 603, Danathiha Center , Lanmadaw. Ph:211870, 224820 A ccountants , General Clerks, Marketing & Sales Persons - M/F : Age 30 Years above - Urgent Need US$ 1,000 /Month, Free odation, Food, Transport Yearly Bonus, Local Allowances, Festival Allowances To work in Nigeria, Lagos. 25 Myanmar are working there. No agent fees, Air Ticket Free, During Vacation with pay CPA or ACCA or M.Ba or B.Com or D.Ma or LCCI or any Accounting Academic Good for English Speaking, Computer Skill & MYOB & Other Accounting Package. Ph:01-573881, 09-5148138.
Yangon Film School : Active in Myanmar since 2005, the non-profit organisation Yangon is seeking Storekeeper/ Trainee Equipment Manager. This position will commence with a three-month probation period from 30 January, 2014, Fluent written and spoken Myanmar and have some knowledge of English, Have some knowledge of electronic equipment (knowledge of film equipment an advantage but not required), University degree or similar qualification, IT-literate (Word, Excel), A good team player and communicator willing to be part of a growing media resource, Applicants should please complete the enclosed application form and return it to Win Naing at the YFS house, 51E, U Po Tet Lane, Between Yunan Barbecue & Chaw Dwin Gone Point, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone, Yangon or via email to yfs.yfs@ googlemail.com by 20 January 2014. Parkway Cancer Centre is seeking Medical Doctor - F 1 post : M.B,B.S Graduate with SA MA registration, 2 years experience in medical field, Good com munication in English, Must be able to use computer, internet and Microsoft application with excellent skills. We welcome the candidates who are trust worthy, selfmotivated with positive working attitude. Pls submit: CV with relevant certificates, documents, recommendation letter attach and documents, & expected salary. Rm G-07, G Flr, Diamond Center, Pyay Rd, Kamayut. Tel : 532 438, 532 447, 09- 513- 6584, Email : [email protected] Savoy Hotel, Yangon is urgently looking for (1) Human Resources Assistant - 1 ~ 2 years experience, good English & good personality (2) Bar Supervisor - 2 ~ 3 years experience, good English and good
64 Sport
RIO DE JANEIRO
Brazils Maracan
A
MID piles of rubble which look like the result of a bombardment, random items stick out incongruously an old armchair, a doll, a childs trainer. These ruins were only recently home to families living within a stones throw of Rio s legendary Maracana stadium. But their protests at demolition fell on deaf ears as city authorities doggedly renovate the district before the World Cup circus pitches camp in June. I was asleep when these guys from the town hall knocked on my door and took me away by force I didnt even have time to pick up my identity papers, 33-year-old Weber Garcez told AFP on January 8. Garcez lives in the Favela do Metro slum area just near the Maracana, the temple of Brazilian football which wil host the World Cup nal on July 13. When I got here last night all my belongings were under the rubble left by the town hall bulldozers, said 43-year-old taxi driver Uthant Viana. The December 7 mornings demolition has infuriated local people, who reacted by blocking access to traffic along the Radial Oeste thoroughfare which runs parallel to the Maracana. The stadium has itself undergone a renovation and an expensive one too at more than US$450 million. On the evening of December 7, the protesters again blocked off the avenue and set re to barricades. Lawyer and activist Eloisa Samy, who is offering legal advice to those who have been turfed out of their homes, including a number of children, told AFP no less than 637 families living in the area were forced out of their homes in 2010 and rehoused by city authorities in
THAMES
Nilvaldo Franca looks at a demolished area including his home at Metro favela near Mar
Registration No. 4/10166 That the said trade mark consists of the word(s) INTEL INSIDE & DESIGN. The above mentioned trademark is to be used in respect of (list of goods or services): Computers; notebook computers; laptop computers; portable computers; handheld computers ; personal digital assistants; personal media players; mobile telephones; smart phones; digital cameras; computer workstations; servers; televisions; set-top boxes; computer hardware; computer and telecommunications networking hardware; computer network adaptors, switches, routers and hubs; wireless and wired modems and communication cards and devices; computer firmware for use in operating and maintaining the computer system; computer software; semiconductors; microprocessors; integrated circuits; central processing units; microcomputers; computer chipsets; computer motherboards and daughterboards; computer graphics boards; computer peripherals and electronic apparatus for use with computers; parts, fittings, and testing apparatus for all the aforesaid goods; downloadable electronic publications in the area of computers, telecommunications, telephony, and wireless communications. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their above mentioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
nearby blocks of ats. However, as some 40 houses which remain pending demolition have been left empty they have attracted squatters and today some 15 families live there despite the town hall saying all that remains of the site will be pulled down at the end of January. Local councillor Andre Santos says that all the squatters will be able to nd
shelter with local authoritity help. The mayor came two months ago and promised us a house. I just want a place to sleep with my daughter, says Renata Lopes, a 26-year-old missing all her front teeth. Several of the houses still standing have been plastered with posters showing mayor Eduardo Paes and the slogan, We are looking.
www.mmtimes.com
Sport 65
racana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on January 8 (R). A girl is hugged by her mother at Metro favela (L) Photos: AFP
These people have precious little as it is, and we have wrecked everything and taken everything from them. I want to bring that to the attention of the public authorities. Mayor Eduardo Paes should come here and negotiate, says Samy. Its property speculation they want to build a shopping mall here. The Brazilian people, the poor, have
to make sacrices so everything can be spick and span for the World Cup the dirt is swept under the carpet, says Samy. After making a phone call, Samy reveals some good news the deputy secretary of state for housing has entrusted her with drawing up a report into the situation of each remaining family.
The news draws applause and also cries of we shall resist, we shall resist! Valeria da Silva, a 38-year-old mother of eight children aged between four and 20, was previously housed with her children by the town hall. But we lived like dogs, she says. The youngest two of her brood cling to her as she says she does not
know where she will end up. In June, Brazil was shaken as a million people took to the streets across the giant country to demand better public services and to protest at the multi-billion cost of staging the World Cup - and the Rio Olympics in 2016. Rio state governor Sergio Cabral last year ceded some ground in halting the planned demolition of Rios
crumbling Indian Museum complex adjoining the Maracana after a series of violent demonstrations. Indigenous people and squatters had been camping out in the building for several months protesting at plans to turn it into a mall and Cabral pulled the plug on the development, which is now to be preserved and turned into a cultural centre. AFP
MELBOURNE
HAMILTON
Serena Williams celebrates after defeating Victoria Azarenka in the womens final at the Brisbane International tennis tournament on January 4. Photo: AFP
knowing she needs to start from scratch at Melbourne Park next week. Last year, an injury-hit campaign ended with defeat to young fellow American Sloane Stephens in the quarter-nals.
66 Sport
PARIS
INTEL
Registration No. 4/10164 That the said trade mark consists of the word (s) INTEL. The above mentioned trademark is to be used in respect of: Electronic security apparatus and surveillance apparatus; computerized telecommunications and networking equipment; computer hardware and software; computer firmware; computers; computer installations; personal digital assistants; integrated circuits; computer chip sets; semiconductor processors; microprocessors; computer memories; operating systems; data processors; central processing units; computer peripherals; storage devices, including flash drives; security systems for computer hardware and software, including firewalls, network access server hardware for creating and maintain firewalls, virtual private network (vpn) computer hardware and computer server operating software for creating and maintaining firewalls; printed circuits; telecommunications equipment and computer networks; electronic control devices for the interface and control of computers and global computer and telecommunications networks with television and cable broadcasts and equipment; apparatus for testing and programming integrated circuits; downloadable electronic publications; structural parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods; instructional manuals sold as a unit with the aforementioned goods. Printed matter; namely, publications, books, periodicals, newsletters, magazines, brochures, pamphlets and user manuals related to the computer industry, computer hardware, computer software, computer peripherals, computer components, computer-related services, and/or communications goods and services; instructional matter, teaching aids and manuals; paper; stationary; writing paper; notepads; computer paper; and paper tape and cards for the recordal of computer programs. Our above mentioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon Phone 255055/ 255407 Dated: 13th January, 2014
Jay Gruden speaks at a press conference at Redskins Park on January 9 in Virginia. Photo: AFP
Redskins general manager Bruce Allen said. Fortunately for us the Chargers beat the Bengals and we were able to bring Jay in. Before joining the Bengals in 2011, Gruden spent 2002-2008 as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers under his brother, Jon Gruden, then served stints as a head coach with the developmental United Football Leagues Florida Tuskers and the Arena Football Leagues Orlando Predators, who won two crowns in the indoor gridiron circuit. AFP
NEW DELHI
Invitation To Tender IMG is intending to facilitate English lessons during the year 2014 for three types of students: 18 Trainer of the Myanmar police battalions, who need spoken, technical English oriented on police command language. 30 senior police officers and senior NCOs in the pilot township for Community Policing, who need to be brought from basic or even lower level to good conversation level, tailor made for community policing and investigative questioning. 15 senior officers of HQ-level from very low or basic level to sufficient conversation level on general affairs and special police matters. The training will take place in police facilities. The trainer(s) will have to cover 25 hrs per week for the duration of 12 months. Interested language schools / parties are invited to send a letter of interest in participating in a local restricted procedure. This letter must include a profile of the school and show its capacity/qualifications/ accreditation. Qualified tenderers will be shortlisted. Only the successful tender will be notified. Tenders must be submited to the IMG at the following address and no later than 20th January 2014: IMG-Office ThanLwin Road 78D Golden Valley, BaghanTsp Yangon
www.mmtimes.com
PARIS
Sport 67
ORLD footballs ruling body came under withering re on January 9 following FIFA secretary general Jerome Valckes claim a day earlier that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be played in winter. Valckes assertion was quickly refuted by FIFA but that didnt stop a storm breaking out over the whole affair. And UEFA chief Michel Platini was quick to stick the boot in, accusing the world football governing body of making arbitrary decisions beyond its remit. As Union of European Football Association (UEFA) president, Platini sits on the FIFA Executive Committee, headed by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, but he claimed Valckes comments suggested that body was being bypassed by FIFAs top dogs. At the last Executive Committee meeting in October it was decided that a deep consultation process should be launched throughout football and that no decision would be taken before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Platini told French sports newspaper LEquipe. It was also decided that no-one should speak about this subject until then. Therefore I dont understand why it has been discussed publicly. Two months ago it was Blatter who spoke
FIFA General secretary Jerome Valcke speaks during an interview on December 5, 2013 in Costa do Sauipe, Brazil. Photo: AFP
about it, this time its Valcke, but its a decision to be made by the FIFA Executive Committee. European media were quick to pick up on the internal strife with Italys La Gazzetta dello Sport running the headline: Qatar 2022 chaos: when will it be played? Gazzetta went on to say: Its still
only nine [eight] years away but already Qatar 2022 is the most complicated World Cup in history. One of the problems and not the only one given the union conditions of local [foreign] workers is: when will it be played? Frances LEquipe was no less damning of the conicting noises em-
anating from FIFAs halls. FIFA hit by cold snap, it said, before adding: By announcing a little prematurely the 2022 World Cups displacement to winter, general secretary Jerome Valcke has created a new turmoil in world football. On January 8, the second most powerful man in international football, told Radio France, The dates for the World Cup (in Qatar) will not be June-July. To be honest, I think it will be held between November 15 and January 15 at the latest. FIFA were quick to issue a statement insisting he was merely expressing his personal opinion rather than official policy. But such a move would cause havoc in many European leagues and perhaps the most angered by Valckes words were the English. Oliver Kay, the chief football correspondent for Britains The Times newspaper seemed resigned to the move. It was another careless, premature statement from one of the most powerful men in world football, but it pointed to two inescapable truths, he wrote. Another newspaper, The Daily Mirror, was equally indignant. Switching the World Cup to winter would spark chaos in leagues across the world, including the Premiership
[Premier League], as they struggle to play xtures with games in November, December and January scrapped. Players in England took to social media outlet Twitter to vent their fury. World Cup in mid season #clueless #shambles, wrote West Bromwich Albion and Ireland full-back Steven Reid. It wasnt all doom and gloom, though, as in Spain the Football League president Javier Tebas urged all interested parties to simply roll up their sleeves and make the best of it. Everyone needs to make an effort, but it doesnt seem to me to be particularly serious. Its not that dramatic, he said in an article in El Pais. Everyone has to make concessions so that the World Cup can go to every part of the world. We cant discriminate against one area because their summer temperatures are too high. One of the main concerns over high summer temperatures was for fans who risk being exposed to direct sunlight with temperatures topping 40 Celsius. But Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters Federation in England, says moving the World Cup to winter would also affect fans. It is going to be seriously destructive to English football, and no doubt unpopular with fans. AFP
Sport
68 THE MYANMAR TIMES JANUARY 13 - 19, 2014
ORLD number one Rafael Nadal will attempt to dethrone Novak Djokovic and put a new wave of celebrity coaches to the test when he returns to the Australian Open this week. Nadal missed last years edition during a seven-month injury break with knee trouble before making a stunning comeback to win 10 titles in 2013, including the French Open and US Open. Now the rampant Spaniard will take aim at Djokovics three-year reign at Melbourne Park, the longest of the Open era, and try to avenge his epic six-hour loss to the Serb in the 2012 nal. He also arrives as the only Big Four player without a star coach, after Djokovic and Roger Federer, aping Andy Murrays move in hiring Ivan Lendl, hooked up with Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg respectively. However, with Murray returning
MELBOURNE
Rafael Nadal plays a shot during a practice session ahead of the 2014 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11. Photo: AFP
third straight Melbourne title. It turned out to be the high point of Djokovics year and after losing the Wimbledon and US Open nals, he ceded the top ranking to Nadal at the China Open in September. However, he sent out a message by beating Nadal soundly in the Beijing nal, ending the year with a four-title run culminating in another big win over the Spaniard to take the World Tour Finals in London. Despite this strong nish, Djokovic sprang a surprise by hiring Becker, the German great with little experience of coaching, in a move thought to be aimed at adding more adventure to his game. He is not the only one, with 17-time
Grand Slam champion Federer acquiring the services of childhood hero Edberg as he seeks to extend his stay at the top of mens tennis. Federer, also sporting a new, bigger racquet this year, kicked off the new season by reaching the Brisbane nal, only to be shocked by fellow 30-something Lleyton Hewitt. And with Murray only just returning to action after back surgery, there could be an opportunity for the likes of del Potro, Ferrer, Tomas Berdych or Stanislas Wawrinka. The timing of the years rst Grand Slam, just days into the new season, also makes it unpredictable, with players not always into their rhythm and match tness.
Its difficult because the Australian Open is very early. It would be better to play it a bit later, admitted Nadal. It can be only the second tournament [of the year] that you are competing in, and its one of the most important, so its a bit strange. Japans Kei Nishikori has followed the celebrity trend by hiring Michael Chang, while Richard Gasquet has enlisted two-time French Open winner Sergi Bruguera. Talented but wayward Australian number two Bernard Tomic will be followed closely by home fans, and Wawrinka has shown hes in form by winning last weeks Chennai Open. AFP