Oz help on detecting fake passports: THE Australian government provided training in Yangon last week to enable immigration, customs and police officials to detect fake passports.The two day course, the first of its kind to be held in Myanmar, began last Wednesday and was attended by more than 100 officials from the three departments... Thinking Aloud talks to U Khin Zaw, the president of the Union of Myanmar Travel Association and managing director of the Tour Mandalay Co., Ltd... Up in the cool air, Pyin Oo Lwin real estate soars: A PLEASANT climate and attractive highlands scenery have contributed to the emergence of Pyin Oo Lwin as one of the brightest success stories in Myanmar?s property market, investors and developers said last week.The value of property in Pyin Oo Lwin, 42 miles east of Mandalay, has soared in value during the past 10 years... Donors must be aged at least 18 years - Govt enacts organ transplants law: THE government has enacted a law which allows for the donation of organs for use in transplant operations, a senior Health Department official said last week.Dr Wann Maung, the department?s director general, said the law took effect on February 19 after being approved by the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Senior General Than Shwe... Academics argue sanctions detrimental to US interests: AN international group of scholars argue in a book due to be released that week that sanctions imposed on Myanmar by the United States are detrimental to the interests of both countries.Reconciling Burma/Myanmar: Essays on US Relations with Burma is due to be published on March 3 by an American think tank, the National Bureau of Asian Research... Engineer creates digital delights; The last frontier; Muscle man; Tangible philosophy; Tennis championship ends in defeat for veteran pair: NATIONAL tennis team members Zaw Latt and Tu Maw handed the veteran pair of Khin Maung Win and Thet Lwin a resounding defeat during the men?s doubles final of the National Tennis Championship-2004 last week at the Theinphyu tennis court, in Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township... Pearl production heads for 30-year record: MYANMAR is set to achieve a 30-year record in cultured pearl production for the financial year ending on March 31, the deputy general manager of Myanmar Pearl Enterprises, Major Maung Maung Soe, said last week... Seoul considers fresh funds for ASEAN integration program: THE South Korean government is considering increasing funding for a program aimed at reducing the development gap among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, an ASEAN official said last week... Myanmar, South Korean groups to strengthen ties: THE Myanmar-South Korea Friendship Association and a South Korean counterpart have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening their relationship... Japanese company buys 100 tonnes of buckwheat: MYANMAR has begun exporting 100 tonnes of buckwheat to Japan under a US$230,000 contract between the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs and a Tokyo-based company, Taiyo Pusan... Engineering Society to build new office: MYANMAR Engineering Society (MES) will begin construction its new five-storey office on the compound of MICT Park in Yangon Universities? Hlaing Campus within two months, the society said last week... Yangon rental market improves as property sales remain sluggish: THE Yangon house and apartment rental market has increased slightly due to sluggish property sales over the last year, according to real estate agents.Apartment rentals began to accelerate after the Buddhist lent when people felt free to change their accommodation and when newly-weds began seeking housing... Myanmar and India sign trade MoU: The agreement was signed by the Myanmar India Business Club and the Gawhati-based Federation of Industry and Commerce of the North East Region of India, and it will facilitate border trade and other business contacts between two countries, said U Maung Shwe, president of the Myanmar India Business Club.