DOMESTIC NEWS: Local bank staff to get chance to pursue globally recognized financial courses...Religious Affairs Union Minister attends Christmas Dinner...Kayin ethnics join New Year festival at Union National Races Village...Plan underway to open polytechnic schools and institutes...Union Energy Minister on tour of Kyaukpyu Tsp...Minimum wage must set in line with agreement between employers and employees...PyinOoLwin Township Health Dept turns out midwives...Mandalarians participate in mass walk activity...Checkpoint at Muse trade zone should be expanded: trade director...Myanmar to host AFF Championship (Suzuki Cup) 2016...Mandalay District to install new transformers, power lines...Staff families? sports meet marks 22nd anniversary of MCDC...Government, company staff to get driver licences...Production of petrified wood on decrease, freezing market...Rakhine State conducts workshop on human rights for government staff..... EXTERNAL RELATIONS: President U Thein Sein back from Bangkok, meets CP Chairman...Local bank staff to get chance to pursue globally recognized financial courses...Fifth GMS Summit issues joint declaration...Checkpoint at Muse trade zone should be expanded: trade director...Myanmar to host AFF Championship (Suzuki Cup) 2016..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Minimum wages should be a cure rather than a curse" by Kyaw Thura..... ARTICLE: "Let?s Revive the ?Death Railway”" by Khin Myaung Myint