ON the auspicious occasion of the New Year “2021”, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all citizens for their good health, well-being and auspiciousness.

Every New Year usually brings new challenges and new opportunities. So, in this New Year also, I believe that there will be new opportunities for all our ethnic national brothers and sisters to work with mutual respect and mutual understanding and friendship in establishing the Democratic Federal Union that we all aspire to.

In this year, may all of us be able to learn good lessons from the experiences of past years.

May all of us be able to collaboratively work to fulfil all the expectations of all ethnic national races. I wish you a prosperous and great New Year 2021, free from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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DEAR esteemed Union born ethnic national brothers and sisters, I extend my good wishes and greetings to all Union born ethnic national brothers and sisters living in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to be blessed with good health and well-being in the auspicious New Year of 2021. In the New Year, all ethnic national brothers and sisters –

May they be able to work in the interest of the country in good health and well-being. May their socio-economic lives be elevated and developed.

May they all be free from the dangers of COVID-19 and be blessed with good health.

May they achieve as soon as possible the “Peace” that they have all been longing for!

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The Universal Periodic Review Working Group will review Myanmar’s third cycle report about human rights on 25 January during its 37th session.

Union Attorney-General U Tun Tun Oo chaired the meeting to choose the departments and officials in response to reviewing the report which was submitted by Myanmar to URP Work Group on 7 October this year. The review session will be attended by the officials from the Permanent Representative of Myanmar Office to the UN Office in Geneva, and the representatives from Myanmar will join the session via videoconferencing.

MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)

PHOTO: MNA

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The Ministry of Education organized a coordination meeting with Hluttaw representatives to discuss drafting the National Education Strategic Plan (2021-2030) yesterday via videoconferencing. At the meeting, Union Minister Dr Myo Thein Gyi said the ministry is working together with the Hluttaw representatives and ethnic people in conducting education reforms according to NESP (2016-2021).

The ministry is also implementing its objectives such as non-discrimination, leaving no one behind, no dropout and rights to learn while ensuring for decent citizens, cooperation, accountability and creation.

The Union Minister also highlighted the cooperation of Hluttaw representatives in raising the budget for education sector while the ministry is fulfilling the needs of teachers, technology and infrastructure in ethnic regions, ethnic language syllabus for Grade 1,2 and 3, plans to distribute the school textbooks for free, the appointment of qualified teachers and encouragement for local ethnic people who conform to the criteria to join the education degree colleges and universities.

He also emphasized the increase of the numbers of students who complete primary, middle and high schools education, more than 1 million high school students for the first time in 2018-2019 academic year, 566,174 students who received high school completion certificates in 2020 and achievement of 6 Honorary Mentions in International Mathematical Olympic between 2016 and 2020.

The Union Minister also discussed the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) 2019 Results, IQ, EQ, upgrade of the syllabus in basic education, technology and vocational sectors for 21st Century Skills and Competencies, teaching techniques, assessment, appointment and transformation of teachers.

He also stressed the Reskilling and Upskilling, Massive Open Online Courses, Massive Open Distance Learning and Myanmar Digital Platform Education (MDPE) of ministry amid COVID-19 pandemic. He continued to say the English Language and ICT skills play a key role in life-long learning. It is crucial to conduct English proficiency courses, ICT courses and management training by using the public budget effectively.

The ministry also emphasizes on Value for money while utilizing the budget in the education sector.

He also highlighted the use of AI, robots, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Automation Technology and Internet of Things in IT era. He expressed the need to reduce the differences to have good job opportunities and quality education while the labour market becomes more intense.

He then explained the Traditional Education System and New Normal Education. He also said it needs to follow the instructions of State Counsellor in learning. He also stressed the importance of cooperation works of Hluttaw MPs and ethnic people, implementation of Master Plan, University Council, Senate and Administrative Boards for University Autonomy, the combination of research and theory to provide employment opportunities for degree holders.

In his concluding remarks, he emphasized the High-Tech Learning for Understanding and Remembering Skills, High-Tough Learning or Face-to-Face Teaching Learning, upgrade of Application, Analysis, Evaluation and Innovation via High-Touch and Blended Learning in the digital era.

Then, the Permanent Secretary of Education and the Directors-General of Basic Education, Technical, Vocational Education and Training discussed their respective sectors.

MNA

(Translated by Khine Thazin Han)

PHOTO: MNA

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The Ministry of Commerce yesterday organized an online event to review its activities and tasks in 2020 and their future plans for 2021.

During the ceremony, Union Minister Dr Than Myint said that from March 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic affected health, economic and job sectors across the world. He added that the COVID-19 crisis also affected Myanmar’s economy, so it is necessary to think about how to remedy economic impacts and future plans.

Amidst many challenges posed by COVID-19 crisis, the Ministry could create the Trade Net 2.0 online platform, by using which importers and exporters can apply for export/import licences online, according to the Union Minister, who said that it is necessary to increase exports, as well as domestic trade, needs to be fast and efficient.

He pointed out that if illegal trade can be eradicated, exports/imports will be increased by a large percentage.

The Union Minister said that the government and private sector need to collaborate in order to strengthen the private sector effectively.

He called on employees of the ministry to pay great attention to policies of the government and strive to improve their capacities so that the ministry will be able to effectively contribute to the economic development of the country.

He said that in addition to the original duties, the ministry is responsible for the development of the private sector and special economic zones, processes related to “Ease of Doing Business”, and the establishment and implementation of the China-Myanmar border economic zone, so officials and staff members of the ministry need to enhance their management skills.

He also called on senior officials to encourage young officials and staff members to study relevant subjects. He said that senior officials need to listen to innovative ideas of young people, and on the other hand, young people need to follow the guidance of senior officials.

The Deputy Minister also delivered a speech, saying that his ministry is the one with the most contacts with the private sector and could provide efficient support to solve their problems.

The participants, including the Union Minister, the Deputy Minister and the Permanent Secretary made discussions and suggestions in the videoconference.

MNA

(Translated by Maung Maung Swe)

PHOTO: MNA

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The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) held its final meeting for the year yesterday via video conference.

The meeting, chaired by Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and Chairman of the MIC U Thaung Tun, was attended by Vice-Chairman Dr Than Myint, Union Minister for Commerce and members of the Commission.

The meeting approved 5 new investments proposals and an increase in capital in 4 existing projects. The approved investments covered the energy, fishery, hotel and services sectors and totalled US$ 138.178 million and K109.204 billion.The projects are expected to create over 4,000 job opportunities. The new projects approved by the MIC include two 30 MW solar power projects in Sagaing Region and a shrimp farm project in Tanintharyi Region.

The solar power projects are in keeping with the commitment made by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to tackle climate change in her address to the virtual Climate Ambition Summit held on 12 December 2020. In her statement, the State Counsellor announced Myanmar’s intention to submit its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) by the end of the year. The NDC will aim to reduce over 243 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by increasing the share of renewable energy to 39% and reducing the net emission from the forestry sector by 25%.

It is learnt that Singapore, People’s Republic of China and Thailand currently head the list of 51 countries/regions investing in Myanmar. Investments in 12 sectors include — 26.11 % in the electricity sector, 26.03 % in the oil and gas sector and 14.58 in the manufacturing sector.

MNA

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A ceremony to hand over the ‘Notice to Proceed’ letter for the integrated domestic gas to power project was held at the Ministry of Electricity and Energy yesterday morning.

The 592 MW power project is invested by Thai-based PTTEP company in Kyaiklat Township in Ayeyawady Region.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister U Win Khaing, Deputy Ministers U Khin Maung Win and Dr Tun Naing, Permanent Secretary U Than Zaw and departmental heads.

CEO of PTTEP Mr Phongsthorn Thavisin and company officials joined the event via videoconferencing.

The Union Minister said that the natural gas from the offshore blocks M-3 (Aung Theinkha project) and M-9 (Zawtika project) would be supplied to the integrated domestic gas to power project with the investment of PTTEP under IPP/BOT system.

The gas from M-3 blocks will be conveyed through 16-inch diameter subsea pipelines for 92-km length, from M-9 block in Taninthayi Region through 26-inch diameter subsea pipelines for 300-km length to Daw Nyein Control Station.

The 26-inch diameter inland pipelines will be used for 70-km length to the receiving station in Kyaiklat Township and 16-inch diameter pipeline for another 6-km length to the 592 MW power station.

The investment value of the project will be about US$2 billion, and it will be implemented in the first six months of 2024 to supply electricity to the development projects in Yangon and Ayeyawady regions and it will be transferred to Myanmar after 20 years of power.

MNA

(Translated by Aung Khin)

PHOTO: MNA

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The National Committee on Social Protection held its 4th meeting at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

Vice President U Myint Swe, in his capacity as the chairman of the committee, delivered a speech at the meeting.

At the meeting, the Vice-President explained that the social protection works can help poverty alleviation and human resources development and that the National Committee on Social Protection was formed with 12 members on 17 May 2018. In furthering the objectives of the national committee, smaller sub-committees have been formed such as working committee, technical support committee, monitoring and evaluation committee as well as task forces as needed by the nature of the work.

He added that more efforts were still needed in social protection works while some progress had been made between the third and fourth meetings and some changes had to be made in the cash assistance programmes due to the unexpected outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New plans of the ‘Financial Support Programmes for Social Protection’ is a component of the COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan, and the Ngwe Bite mobile application was also developed to provide cash assistance to pregnant women to overcome restrictions in social distancing.

He also highlighted the importance of social protection works during the COVID-19 crisis and the needs to modify existing action plans and programmes by learning from recent experiences in order to respond to future pandemics.

The Vice-President also discussed the development of the SMIS – Social Management Information System by the Department of Social Welfare and cooperation in implementing and maintaining the system.

He continued to talk about the cash assistance programme for pregnant women and their children under 2-years of age, which was carried out by the World Bank loan and Union government funds in Ayeyawady Region and Shan State in 2019-2020 FY, and the electronic cash transfer system in Ayeyawady Region, Shan State and Rakhine State.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement is also drafting a strategy on the long-term availability of funding for social protection works and the social assistance law.

The Vice-President also called for the cooperation of relevant ministries and partner organizations in fundraising for social protection works.

Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye, the Vice-Chairman (1) of the committee, discussed the progress of the Social Management Information System, the Myanmar Social Assistance Law (draft), the Social Pension Programme, cash assistance to pregnant women and their children, the implementation of CERP, fundraising and human resource development programmes.

Senior officials from the ministry also reported on the implementation of decisions made in previous meetings.

Union Minister for Labour, Immigration and Population U Thein Swe, Vice-Chairman (2) of the committee, discussed social welfare programmes, insurance for unemployment benefits and assistance to Myanmar migrant workers.

Union Minister for Health and Sports Dr Myint Htwe explained the works of his ministry in social protection.

The members of committee also reported on the social protection works of relevant departments.

Finally, the Vice-President called for implementing the 11 tasks of the committee after which the meeting was concluded.

MNA

(Translated by Aung Khin)

PHOTO: MNA

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UNION Minister for Hotels and Tourism held a videoconference with the Myanmar Tourism Federation and its 11 associate members yesterday.

Union Minister U Ohn Maung made discussions at the virtual meeting which was participated by Deputy Minister U Tin Latt, the directors-general, officials, chairpersons and secretaries of 11 associate members.

At the meeting, the Union Minister said that the Myanmar Tourism Strategic Recovery Roadmap (MTSRR) 2021-2025 will be announced in the next meeting of the National Tourism Development Central Committee.

The roadmap was jointly proposed by the UN World Tourism Organization and the Lux Dev, the Luxembourg Aid and Development Agency, and it has been approved by the Union Government.

The Union Minister also quoted the passage from the speech of State Counsellor at the 1/2020 meeting of National Tourism Development Central Committee to make preparations and give training in COVID Safe Service.

He added that the MoHT would issue the Enchanting Myanmar Health and Safety Protocol (HSP) in line with the directives of Ministry of Health and Sports and the rules of international tourism organizations such as UNWTO and the WTTC. The protocol has also been approved by the Union Government.

In coordination with the Ministry of Health and Sports, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population and the National Skills Standards Authority Myanmar, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is conducting the COVID-19 Safe Service Master Trainer Course and the Inspector Training for Inspection course in Yangon and Mandalay.

The ministry will also allow the ‘Day Trip Flight to Ngapali’, the ‘Day Trip Flight to Bagan’ and the ‘Caravan Tour’ in line with the rules and directives of MoHS after discussions with the relevant ministries, local governments and tourism organizations while searching new sites near Nay Pyi Taw for the rural tourism sector and other destinations under the Heritage & Cultural Tourism, the Nature-Based & Eco-Tourism, the Agriculture & Farming Tourism, the Coastal Inland Water Tourism, the River & Rail Tourism, the Adventure & Sports Tourism, the Gastronomy Tourism, the Caravan Tourism, and the Urban & MICE Tourism.

The chairpersons and secretaries of MTF and 11 associate members reported on their cooperation in COVID-19 prevention Yellow Campaign, implementation of a floating market in Inlay area, the ongoing and future plans for Non-Landing Sightseeing Flight and the River Cruise, the Agriculture & Farming Tourism and making video clips for Myanmar famous foods and loan programmes in this tourism industry.

The senior officials of MoHT also discussed the works of respective departments.

MNA

(Translated by Aung Khin)

Photo: MNA

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UNION Minister for Education Dr Myo Thein Gyi held an online meeting with teachers from the basic education, and the technological and vocational education sectors for drafting the National Education Strategic Plan (NESP) (2021-2030) yesterday morning.

The meeting was also joined by the Deputy Minister, the Permanent Secretary, Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General, teachers and relevant officials.

During the meeting, the Union Minister said that the conventional education system is based on rote learning and focuses only on exam scores. He continued that the “New Normal Education System”, with the advancement of technology, focusses on various technologies including artificial intelligence.

He said that the implementation period of NESP 2 (2021- 2030) had been set to be 10 years in order to be in line with the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP), the 17 goals of the Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs (2016-2030), and OECD’s Future of Education and Skills 2030.

He pointed out that universities and schools need to cooperate with societies, factories and businesses. He added that the curriculum designs need to focus on 21st-century knowledge and skills.

He said that there should be no discrimination in the implementation of NESP (2016-2021). The education system should encourage students to have humanitarian spirit, to perform tasks responsibly and to innovate.

He stressed that appointments of teachers and promotion procedures are based on the Teacher Competency Standards Framework, Career Pathways and Qualification Sheet for ensuring equal opportunities for every teacher.

He said that infrastructures; including staff housing, technological infrastructures and buildings; must be enhanced in schools in ethnic areas.

Speaking on the progress in primary learning outcomes in Myanmar, he said that Myanmar had ranked third out of six Southeast Asian nations in the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Matrix (SEA-PLM).

The Union Minister also highlighted the importance of the English language and ICT not only for students but also for teachers.

The Union Minister also reiterated UNESCO’s “Nine ideas for public action”: (1) Commit to strengthening education as a common good (2) Expand the definition of the right to education so that it addresses the importance of connectivity and access to knowledge and information (3) Value the teaching profession and teacher collaboration (4) Promote students, youth and children’s participation and rights (5) Protect the social spaces provided by schools as we transform education (6) Make free and open source technologies available to teachers and students (7) Ensure scientific literacy within the curriculum (8) Protect domestic and international financing of public education and (9) Advance global solidarity to end current levels of inequality. He urged all stakeholders to work together for the reform of education effectively. The Permanent Secretary, the Director-General of the Department of Basic Education, and other participants also made explanations, discussions and suggestions in the meeting.

MNA

(Translated by Maung Maung Swe)

Photo: MNA

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