Traditional performing arts competition attracts record entries: A RECORD number of contestants are participating in the Eleventh Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competition being held in Yangon until October 31, an official from the Ministry of Culture said last week.The competition attracted 2445 contestants this year, an increase of about 86 per cent since the event was launched in 1993.?The first Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competition had 284 contestants, but year by year the quantity, as well as the quality, has increased,” the official said... Sanctions and isolation are a ‘lose-lose? strategy for all USA must adopt fresh approach - Govt: THE government has called on the United States to put aside its ?self defeating” policies on Myanmar and adopt a fresh approach aimed at improving bilateral relations... 43-member team for convention: THE State Peace and Development Council has reconstituted a 43-member management committee to assist the work of the National Convention Convening Commission, which has the task of drafting a constitution... New TV channel planned for MRTV: THE government plans to launch a satellite-based television channel early next year in collaboration with Myanmar Forever June company, its managing director, Dr Thein Myint, said last week... Software product to go on show at Swiss event: A MYANMAR company has won an award for an innovative software product that will be displayed at an information and communications technology exhibition in Switzerland in December... Grouping strengthens trade ties with China, India and Japan: BALI, Indonesia ? The Association of Southeast Asian Nations last Wednesday signed wide-ranging deals with China, Japan and India in an attempt to transform economic competitors into partners and to keep the regional peace... Interviews under way for agricultural census: INTERVIEWS have begun with more than four million farmers as part of the biggest and most comprehensive agricultural census since Myanmar gained independence in 1948... Minister highlights nation?s potential for rice production: MYANMAR was fortunate to have the potential to increase rice production to meet increasing demand in the region, the Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, Major-General Nyunt Tun, said earlier this month... Prime Minister outlines teachers? national role: THE Prime Minister, General Khin Nyunt, has called on teachers to play a leading role in the emergence of Myanmar as a modern, democratic state. General Khin Nyunt made the call in an address to a ceremony at the Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road on October 5, World Teachers? Day... MICTDC?s initial public offering to raise K500m: MYANMAR Information and Communication Technology Development Corporation Limited, a Myanmar public company, will make its first public offering this month with the release of 500,000 shares for sale at K1000 a share... Candle sales boom as people celebrate festival of lights: SALES of candles boomed last week ahead of Thadingyut, the annual festival of lights, which was celebrated this year from October 9 to 11. Candles play an integral part of celebrations associated with the festival, one of the most important events on Myanmar?s Buddhist calendar... The challenge of accommodating 100,000 newcomers a year: YANGON?S construction sector is going to be under pressure to build more high-rise residential blocks to help accommodate a fast-growing urban population, according to a senior government official.