Myanmar's ethnic armed groups are edging closer to participating in the planned peace summit at the end of next month. The Union Peace Conference was proposed earlier this year by the country's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in an attempt to bring together all ethnic groups and with the military and the government to lay the foundations for a re-invigorated peace process -- which would in turn lead to creating a democratic and federal state, bringing lasting peace to the country.
Increasing rapprochement between the country's top army chief, Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has raised hopes that the military -- which many ethnic leaders accuse of dragging its feet -- has formed a new working relationship which augurs well for the success of the peace process. (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)
July 26, 2016
Myanmar takes steps towards university autonomy
How is the ongoing reform programme in Myanmar impacting on higher education?
Some of the answers were provided by Kevin MacKenzie, British Council country director there from August 2012 until 1 July this year, during a recent briefing in London.
He arrived 15 months after the military junta was dissolved, during “the early days of the reform agenda”. The election of Aung San Suu Kyi as a member of parliament and an amnesty of political prisoners in 2012 “helped convince sceptics the government was serious”, although it was still dominated by “the same faces without military uniforms”. It was a time of “power cuts, empty roads, taxis with holes in the floor and scarce mobile phones”.
Much has obviously happened over the past four years. Mr MacKenzie mentioned “a notable change in basic infrastructure” and the election of a government led by Ms Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy in 2015, even if three of the main ministries and a quarter of the parliamentary seats are still controlled by the military. (Courtesy of timeshighereducation.com)
Some of the answers were provided by Kevin MacKenzie, British Council country director there from August 2012 until 1 July this year, during a recent briefing in London.
He arrived 15 months after the military junta was dissolved, during “the early days of the reform agenda”. The election of Aung San Suu Kyi as a member of parliament and an amnesty of political prisoners in 2012 “helped convince sceptics the government was serious”, although it was still dominated by “the same faces without military uniforms”. It was a time of “power cuts, empty roads, taxis with holes in the floor and scarce mobile phones”.
Much has obviously happened over the past four years. Mr MacKenzie mentioned “a notable change in basic infrastructure” and the election of a government led by Ms Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy in 2015, even if three of the main ministries and a quarter of the parliamentary seats are still controlled by the military. (Courtesy of timeshighereducation.com)
Latest Oredoo marketing programme under fire
The Myanmar branch of the Qatar-based telecom giant’s Oredoo have been receiving heavy criticism for their latest marketing programme.
Oredoo Myanmar’s latest program, dubbed “Khu Phyay Khu Htaw” – which translates into “Answer now, get rich now”, have also earned a direct order from the xxx to stop the aforementioned programme until further notice the program was illegal; neither there was state permission nor the authorities were informed in advance.
The program involves a multiple choice quiz that Oredoo users can participate in with a daily prize money of Ks 30 lakhs (~US$2,564) per day. Users are charged Ks 200 for agreeing to participate in the quiz and KS 200 thereafter for every SMS sent to the number 777.
The users are given points for every correct answer they get. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Oredoo Myanmar’s latest program, dubbed “Khu Phyay Khu Htaw” – which translates into “Answer now, get rich now”, have also earned a direct order from the xxx to stop the aforementioned programme until further notice the program was illegal; neither there was state permission nor the authorities were informed in advance.
The program involves a multiple choice quiz that Oredoo users can participate in with a daily prize money of Ks 30 lakhs (~US$2,564) per day. Users are charged Ks 200 for agreeing to participate in the quiz and KS 200 thereafter for every SMS sent to the number 777.
The users are given points for every correct answer they get. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
After harsh censorship, Myanmar’s booksellers face new challenges
37th Street, a narrow street in Kyauktada township downtown Yangon, has experienced tremendous cultural and social changes over the last 5 years.
With colourful walls and weather-beaten pavements, several roadside bookstalls have become a living part of this modest street. Every morning from 9 to 11, roadside bookstalls on 37th Street open their door in succession, at the same time peddlers begin to stack books on makeshift shelves or spread them on the road.
Harsh media censorship under the former military regime covered books on various subjects - not only newspapers or political books, but also entertainment, sports, and even the lottery. Yet, since June 2011, with the first effects of political reform, censorship of publications has gradually relaxed. (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
With colourful walls and weather-beaten pavements, several roadside bookstalls have become a living part of this modest street. Every morning from 9 to 11, roadside bookstalls on 37th Street open their door in succession, at the same time peddlers begin to stack books on makeshift shelves or spread them on the road.
Harsh media censorship under the former military regime covered books on various subjects - not only newspapers or political books, but also entertainment, sports, and even the lottery. Yet, since June 2011, with the first effects of political reform, censorship of publications has gradually relaxed. (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
Martyrs’ Day: a wake-up call for reconciliation in Myanmar
For the first time, it was held under a National League for Democracy-backed government. After several decades of absence, it was also the first time the commander-in-chief attended.
And, for the first time since 1988, this Martyrs’ Day people heard the sound of sirens and stood still at 10:37am, when the martyrs were assassinated in 1947. For two minutes, people of all faiths, races and ideologies united under one siren call.
But most importantly, this year’s Martyrs’ Day was a wake-up call for national reconciliation in Myanmar. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
And, for the first time since 1988, this Martyrs’ Day people heard the sound of sirens and stood still at 10:37am, when the martyrs were assassinated in 1947. For two minutes, people of all faiths, races and ideologies united under one siren call.
But most importantly, this year’s Martyrs’ Day was a wake-up call for national reconciliation in Myanmar. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Civil society readies for upcoming Panglong Conference
Civil society groups are gearing up for the so-called 21st-century Panglong Conference, next month’s much-anticipated peace summit.
The National Ethnic Youth Conference, scheduled to be held in Loilin township’s Panglong town from July 27 to 31, will strive to cultivate a sense of unity among Myanmar’s younger generations.
“We aim to discuss the federal union and peace among all ethnic groups,” said Sai Aung Myint Oo, a member of the conference’s coordination committee. “We also expect to talk about unity, friendship and understanding among ethnic youths.” (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
The National Ethnic Youth Conference, scheduled to be held in Loilin township’s Panglong town from July 27 to 31, will strive to cultivate a sense of unity among Myanmar’s younger generations.
“We aim to discuss the federal union and peace among all ethnic groups,” said Sai Aung Myint Oo, a member of the conference’s coordination committee. “We also expect to talk about unity, friendship and understanding among ethnic youths.” (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
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