[myanmar_information] The New Light of Myanmar (Monday December 16, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Monday December 16, 2002)
---------------------
1. Senior General Than Shwe sends message to Third 
   Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners' 
   Conference
2. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects progress 
   in building Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine)
3. Secretary-1 receives visiting Sports General 
   Bureau D-G 
   Chinese Olympic Committee Chairman and party 
4. Secretary-1 addresses Third Myanmar Traditional 
   Medicine Practitioners' Conference 
5. MEC Chairman General Khin Nyunt presents prizes to
   outstanding students
6. Secretary-1 addresses closing ceremony of the 
   Special Refresher Course for Basic Education 
   Teachers held at CICS (Phaunggyi) 
7. Dry Day inspections carried out
8. Practitioners to produce potent Myanmar 
   traditional medicines in combination with 
   modern scientific techniques Myanmar 
   Traditional Medicine Practitioners' 
   Conference held 
9.  New building of day care nursery 
    in Pandaw Model Village opens
10. Drug traffickers sentenced
--------------------
1. Senior General Than Shwe sends message to Third 
   Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners'
Conference

Yangon, 15 Dec - Following is the message sent by
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Senior General Than Shwe to the Third Myanmar
Traditional Medicine Practitioners' Conference held on
15 December 2002. 

The Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners'
Conference, which has been held with the lofty aims of
further developing the Myanmar traditional medicine
and enabling Myanmar traditional medicine
practitioners to harmoniously strive for health and
fitness of the entire nation with the sense of
oneness, has been held and this is the third. 

In the national drive to develop the Union of Myanmar
to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world nations
with emphasis on the entire national people's
participation, development of human resources enjoying
health and fitness has become an essential national
requirement. 

The Myanmar traditional medical science and the potent
traditional medicines have been playing a pivotal role
in laying down and implementing the national health
programmes covering the whole nation including the
regions located in the far corners of the country in
accord with the requirement. 

Since its existence dating back to the early period of
Myanmar civilization, the scope of the Myanmar
traditional medicine is wide and profound, and it is
still standing tall at present as a heritage handed
down by the traditional medicine scholars and
practitioners of the successive eras. In other words,
it is prominent in the Myanmar society till today as a
wide array of thoroughly and carefully compiled
treatises in the field, and potent medicines and
therapies have been relayed throughout the successive
generations of the traditional medicine physicians. 

In this regard, I would like to urge all the
practitioners in the field to stay away from creating
sectarian differences, while making systematic efforts
directed at preserving the Myanmar traditional
medicine, which is the pure heritage of the nation,
preventing it from declining or extinction, and
developing and encouraging it, and conducting research
designed to produce international level traditional
medicines whose potency will be on a par with that of
western medicines. 

Finding of and giving encouragement to the skilled
traditional medicine practitioners having a wide array
of knowledge on the herbal plants, leaves, fruits,
flowers, roots, beets, marine products, land-based
products and animal products and the branches of the
indigenous medicine which are in a state of
near-extinction, will help realize the national goal -
providing cent per cent health care for the national
races at grassroots. 

The State has been making arrangements for conducting
research to discover more about and use the potent
traditional medicines. In addition, it enacted the
Traditional Medicine Law for the traditional medicines
to meet the set standard and be free from harmful
ingredients, and also the Traditional Medicine Council
Law with the aim of promoting the efficiency of the
practitioners. 

Moreover, the State has successfully opened the
Institute of Traditional Medicine producing diploma
holders for systematic promotion and propagation of
the traditional medicine, and the University of
Traditional Medicine to confer the degree on the
traditional medicine on the graduates. 

Traditional medicine hospitals, dispensaries and
clinics have been extended, and medical teams sent to
villages with the aim of providing health care
services for the people on a national scale with the
use of traditional medicine. The State is also
implementing programmes covering establishment of the
herbal gardens, conservation and growing of herbal
plants, promotion of the potency of the traditional
medicines through scientific research, restoration of
the traditional medicines and therapies and treating
of patients through the combined western medicine and
traditional medicine therapies. 

Moreover, the Myanmar Traditional Medicine
Practitioners' Association has been founded with the
lofty aims of restoring the traditional medicine
treatises, therapies and medicines which are facing
near extinction, applying advanced research methods
for progress of the traditional medicine, giving
health care for the national races through the
practice of it, and enabling the national people to
take part in implementing the health projects of the
State. In this regard, I fully believe that the
Association standing tall as a consolidated national
force will help realize the national objective -
Uplift of health and fitness of the entire nation -
with the help of the traditional medicine. 

In conclusion, I wish success for the Third Myanmar
Traditional Medicine Practitioners' Conference, and
the traditional medicine practitioners to harmoniously
strive for development of traditional medicine and try
to promote and propagate it till reaching the
international level. 

---------

2. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects progress 
   in building Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine)

Necessary measures to be undertaken for development of
economic, education, health, social and transport
sectors in the region

Yangon, 15 Dec - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of
Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior
General Maung Aye, left Yangon on 13 December
afternoon and arrived at Mawlamyine Airport, Mon
State, at 5 pm. 

Then, the Vice-Senior General and party proceeded to
the site of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) construction
project and inspected construction of the pier on
Mawlamyine bank. At the briefing hall, Minister for
Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported to the
Vice-Senior General on facts about the construction of
Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine), progress of work and
availability of fuel, cement and iron bars for the
project. Deputy Superintending Engineers U Myo Chit
and U Ohn Han of Public Works reported on construction
tasks being undertaken for the project on Mawlamyine
and Mottama banks and building of the approach road,
the approach bridge and the lower structures of the
main bridge. 

Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung also
reported on arrangements made for construction of the
railway station in Mawlamyine, bridge construction
works and tasks to be carried out for construction of
the railroad. Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura
Tin Aung Myint Oo reported on supply of cement for the
bridge. After hearing the reports, Vice-Senior General
Maung Aye gave a speech. He said that on completion,
Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) will be the longest one
in Myanmar. The Government continues to build a lot of
big and small bridges for ensuring better transport
and development of the State. In building Thanlwin
Bridge (Mawlamyine), it is necessary to put records on
use of construction materials and heavy machinery,
construction experience and the duration of
construction work. 

Technicians who have much construction experience are
to carry out construction of the bridge meeting the
set standard and norms, keeping the bridge grand and
beautiful and completing the project on time. As the
surrounding areas of Mawlamyine city will be developed
after completion of the bridge, construction tasks are
to be expedited in earnest. Then, Vice-Senior General
Maung Aye inspected the scale model of the bridge.
Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) is located on
Yangon-Mawlamyine-Myeik-Kawthoung Highway. 

The main bridge will be 7,699 feet long and the bridge
including approach bridges will be 11,575 feet in
total length. Thanlwin Bridge (Maw-lamyine) will have
28 feet wide motorway and 14 feet wide railroad. It
has six-foot wide walkways on either side of the
motorway. It will be the rail-cum-road bridge.
Construction of the lower structure of the approach
bridge on Mawlamyine bank has been completed cent per
cent; installation of the concrete beams at the
approach bridge 96 per cent; placing of concrete tiles
86 per cent, building of earth embankment cent per
cent and construction of the lower structure of the
main bridge 68 per cent. On Mottama bank, the
construction of the approach bridge has been completed
cent per cent, installation of concrete beams at the
bridge 51 per cent and placing of concrete tiles 24
per cent. 

On 14 December morning, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye
met with members of Mon State Peace and Development
Council, departmental officials, local authorities of
Thaton and Mawlamyine Districts and 10 townships.
Before Vice-Senior General Maung Aye's meeting, the
ministers, who accompanied him, called on Mon State,
district and township level departmental officials. At
the meeting, Mon State Manager U Sein Win of Myanma
Agriculture Service reported on agriculture sector of
Mon State and Director U Tin Hsan of Irrigation
Department on irrigation tasks being undertaken in Mon
State. Deputy Director U Thet Khaing Oo of Settlement
and Land Records Department reported on reclamation of
vacant and virgin lands in the state and Mon State
Manager U Sit Maung of Myanma Perennial Crops
Enterprise on growing of perennial trees. Minister for
National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha
reported on economic development of the State and
foreign trade relations, contribution of Mon State to
the national economy, economic development of Mon
State and requirements in the state economic sector. 

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt
Tin said that the unseasonal rain could not affect
production of monsoon paddy in the country; and it is
required to effectively extend cultivation of summer
paddy and beans and pulses, edible oil crops and
pepper. At 10 am, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye
arrived at the meeting hall. Commander Brig-Gen Thura
Myint Aung reported on undertakings on production and
services of Mon State in 2002-2003, cultivation of
monsoon and summer paddy and various kinds of crops in
Mon State and development measures. Then, Vice-Senior
General Maung Aye delivered an address. Vice-Senior
General Maung Aye said he and his party came to the
grassroots levels to fulfil the requirements for
region-wise tasks in states and divisions. 

He said the government has been implementing
development projects with the objectives of narrowing
the gap between one region after another in states and
divisions, simultaneous development with greater
momentum in all regions and narrowing the gap between
urban and rural areas. Efforts are to be made for
progress of various regions, while the government is
implementing the border region development project,
development project covered in 24 major development
regions and rural development project harmoniously, he
said. He said only when concerted efforts are to be
made after realizing the objectives of the development
projects, will the entire Union fully develop. 

The main objective is perpetuation and development of
the Union. He said in Mon State national races such as
Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and
Shan people live. Other national races also live in
other states and divisions. He spoke of the need for
all to make endeavours for development of the entire
Union and all regions with the Union Spirit and
fraternity. He said necessary measures are to be
undertaken for development of economic, education,
health, social and transport sectors in the region.

Making field trips to the grassroots levels Officials
are to carry out the tasks for increasing individual
income, pursuing education, promoting health standard,
ending the practice of irregularities and ensuring
community peace and tranquillity with diligence and
concept. He spoke of the need to report on true
situation accurately to superior organizations so that
they would fulfil the requirement and all the regions
would develop with momentum. Vice-Senior General Maung
Aye then cordially greeted departmental officials.
After the ceremony, the Vice-Senior General and party
inspected completion of the approach bridge on
Mawlamyine bank and the site chosen for construction
of Mawlamyine railway station. 

On 13 December evening, USDA Secretary-General U Than
Aung, members of the Secretariat and CEC members, who
accompanied the Vice-Senior General, met with
secretaries, executives and members of Mon State,
Mawlamyine District, Mawlamyine, Chaungson, Mudon and
Thanbyuzayat Township USDAs at Mon State USDA Office.

---------

3. Secretary-1 receives visiting Sports General Bureau
D-G 
   Chinese Olympic Committee Chairman and party 

Yangon, 15 Dec - Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic
Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development
Council General Khin Nyunt received visiting
Director-General of Sports General Bureau Chairman of
China Olympic Committee Mr Yuan Wei Min and party at
Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 5 pm today. 
---------

4. Secretary-1 addresses Third Myanmar Traditional 
   Medicine Practitioners' Conference 

Myanmar now in leading position in traditional
medicine field in South-East Asia region 

State giving priority to systematic development and
dissemination of traditional medicine, regeneration of
effective medicines and therapies till it reaches
international level 

Yangon, 15 Dec - The opening ceremony of the Third
Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners' Conference
was held at Pyidaungsu Hall in Kyaikkasan Sports
Ground, Yangon, at 8 am today. 

First, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein read out
the message sent by Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Senior General Than Shwe. (The
Senior General's message is reported separately). 

At the conference, Chairman of National Health
Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt delivered an
address. 

He said: First, I would like to wish the ministers,
the members of the National Health Committee, the
heads of department, the distinguished guests, the
diplomats, the resident representatives of UN agencies
and all the traditional medicine practitioners
attending the opening ceremony of the Third Myanmar
Traditional Medicine Practitioners' Conference to be
blessed with physical and mental health, and become
the persons who are capable of preserving and
promoting the Myanmar traditional medicine. Successful
holding of the Myanmar Traditional Medicine
Practitioners' Conference annually till the third time
reflects unity of the practitioners themselves adding
new strength to development of the Myanmar traditional
medical science and the Myanmar traditional medicine
world. Flourishing of the Myanmar traditional
medicine, a genuine Myanmar traditional discipline, as
a particular branch of studies is something to be
proud of for the national races of the Union
possessing the spirit of love for the nation and the
race. 

In addition, the Myanmar traditional medicine is a
heritage that has emerged and developed since the very
early period of the history of Myanmar civilization
countable by the years in the thousand. The Myanmar
traditional medicine can stand with dignity as a
discipline till now thanks to the efforts of the
practitioners of the successive eras who have relayed,
invented and restored the various methods of therapies
and treatises recording the art in depth and potent
medicines of the different types all based on
religious teachings, astrological methods and nature,
with inter-body changes and illness as the dominant
factor. 

Because of the potency of the traditional medicine,
Myanmars were renowned throughout the successive eras
as a race enjoying health and fitness and high
intellectual and physical ability thus winning the
respect of the neighbouring countries. But
unfortunately, during the time when the country was
under colonialist subjugation, Myanmar traditional
medicine fell victim to suppression and downgrading
along with all other traditions and culture, heritage
and traditional arts, experiencing a period of decline
and despair close to extinction. Moreover, the habit
of keeping the knowledge on the discipline too
secretive, imparting of the knowledge only to the
descendants, and the method of recording the
discipline that is difficult for the future
generations to interpret them are the factors that
deny its propagation and development, thereby
gradually heading for extinction of the valuable
treatises, effective therapies and potent medicines. 

The decline in the Myanmar traditional medicine had
led to occurrence of a large variety of different
therapies and traditional medicine associations,
resulting in a gradual decline in the effectiveness of
the art of traditional medicine. Thus, the State is
giving priority to the revival of the traditional
medicine in all sectors to promote and propagate it, a
valuable national heritage, and to use it as an
effective tool in carrying out the public health care
services. 

For the traditional medicine to achieve progress and
be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the western
medicine, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has
given the following guidance: 
- to restore the traditional medical science which is
in a state of near extinction, potent medicines and
medicinal plants, and to reinstate skilled
practitioners; 
- to implement programmes for production of the highly
qualified human resources needed for systematic
propagation of the traditional medicine; and 
- to conduct research on and standardize the Myanmar
traditional medicines and therapies to reach the level
acceptable to the world, put on record, and to use
advanced techniques and equipment for its development.


Head of State Senior General Than Shwe also gave
guidance on upgrading the potency of the traditional
medicine drugs, conducting research to invent
traditional medicines that can cure the new diseases
and resurfacing diseases, wider use of potent
medicines and effective therapies. In accord with the
guidance, the State has been giving priority to
systematic development and dissemination of the art
and regeneration of the effective medicines and
therapies till it reaches the international level. At
present, research on and standardization of the
traditional medicines and therapies have been
conducted to see that they are internationally
acceptable. 

As advanced techniques and equipment are being used in
manufacturing traditional drugs, so also research has
been conducted to invent methods and potent drugs that
can cure new diseases. Combination of traditional
medicine and western medicine in giving treatment has
been extended as the method proves to be successful in
curing certain diseases. Production of
highly-qualified experts and physicians in the Myanmar
traditional medical field is included as a sector in
the State's programmes to ensure the traditional
medicine to attain the international level and to
stand tall in the world's medical field. In the past,
the one-year diploma courses in Yangon and Mandalay
and the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Mandalay
produced practitioners holding diploma certificates. 

Now, the University of Traditional Medicine has been
opened in Mandalay, to bring out practitioners holding
the degree in the field. In addition to the subjects
taught on the Myanmar traditional medicine, the
curricula of the university also cover the studies on
the western medicine including anatomy, pathology,
chemistry, biology, and science and research. So, the
university is teaching the students not only to be
well-versed in the wide and delicate Myanmar
traditional medicine, but also in the related
subjects; this is in accordance with the guidance of
the Head of State. Moreover, a student attending
classes at the university will know the basic
requirements in producing potent drugs. 

A graduate from the university who has thoroughly
studied all the subjects taught at the institution
will become a physician famous for his ability to give
effective health care to the people of Myanmar, and
will also help enhance the glory of the university.
Teaching, learning and research methods of the
university will be upgraded continuously till it
becomes an institution standing tall as a model in
Southeast Asia region. The Head of State himself is
constantly giving guidance on progress of the
traditional medicine, and because of the assistance
and encouragement provided by the State, we are
witnessing the development in the entire Myanmar
traditional medicine world including the art of
traditional medicine. 

Now the national races of Myanmar have greater trust
in and are relying more on the developing Myanmar
traditional medicine. In this situation, I would like
to urge the experts and physicians in the field to
strive for the traditional drugs and therapies to meet
the international standard. The people from a large
number of countries are now turning to the indigenous
medicines which are free from side effects and
affordable, because of the high prices and the side
effects involved in the western drugs. At present,
Myanmar is gaining momentum in raising the standard of
the Myanmar traditional medicine, the efficiency of
the practitioners in the field, and the potency of the
drugs, while invigorating the public health care
services through traditional medicine, as originally
planned. 

Due to the encouragement given by the State with the
aim of propagating and developing the Myanmar
traditional medicine, whose foundation is firm and
whose scope is wide, till reaching the international
level, Myanmar is now in the leading position in the
field in the Southeast Asia region. Some of the
regional countries have to study the art of
traditional medicine in Myanmar. However, of the Asian
countries, only the People's Republic of China and the
Republic of India can manufacture the traditional
medicines that have the capacity to compete with the
western drugs. In this respect, Myanmar physicians and
scholars in the field will have to energetically and
harmoniously strive with the State's encouragement for
the traditional medicines to reach the level that is
on a par with the western medicines. 

In doing so, the Myanmar Traditional Medicine
Practitioners Association has been founded as a key
player in striving to achieve the goal. The
traditional medicine practitioners and the legal
experts had collaboratively drafted the constitution
of the Association, and the Association is formed in
accord with the constitution enacted by the Ministry
of Health with the approval of the State. Here, I
would like to request the Association to conduct
research on and regenerate the essence of the
traditional medicine, invaluable medical treatises,
and effective therapies and drugs, with the united
efforts of the physicians as the core force helping
accelerate the task, and the practitioners themselves
to unitedly act under the banner of the Association,
making efforts for standardization and development of
the science and helping it to penetrate the world
nations. 

I would also like to urge the delegates to the
Conference to make coordinations directed at
realization of the aims of the Third Myanmar
Traditional Medicine Practitioners' Conference which
are: 
- provision of health care for the entire nation
through the traditional medicine; 
- for the Myanmar traditional medicine practitioners
to work in unison; 
- development and advancement of the traditional
medicine under the leadership of the National Health
Committee; and 
- formulation of a work programme covering the task to
protect the medicinal plants of Myanmar and therapies.
In conclusion, I would like to urge the traditional
medicine practitioners: 
- to continue to strive for standardization,
development, propagation, advancement and firmness of
the Myanmar traditional medicine, raising of the
qualifications of the traditional medicine physicians
and provision of full public health care through the
effectiveness of the traditional medicines; 
- to harmoniously participate in the research work
applying advanced and scientific methods for emergence
of potent traditional medicines; 
- to make use of the essence of delicate Myanmar
traditional medicine, therapies, invaluable treatises
and potent medicines, and forming it as a national
heritage, through collective efforts; 
- to mobilize the traditional medicine practitioners
to work in unity under the banner of the Association,
which is a consolidated national strength, toward
enhancing the prestige of the traditional medicine and
ensuring its perpetuation; 
- to continue to serve the interest of the nation and
the people through their profession and the power of
the traditional medicine, based on the good results
attained at the Conference. 

After the opening ceremony, the General and party
cordially met with practitioners of the Traditional
Medicine Council and delegates to the conference.

---------

5. MEC Chairman General Khin Nyunt presents prizes to
   outstanding students


Science, arts combinations separately revised for
students to concentrate on specific subjects, to be
international standard curricula and for the students
to be able to choose subjects they like 

Yangon, 15 Dec - A ceremony to present prizes to
outstanding students who passed the 2001-2002 Academic
Year Matriculation Examination was held at Sabei Hall
of No 2 Basic Education High School in Sangyoung
Township, this morning, with an opening address by
Myanmar Education Committee Chairman State Peace and
Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt. 

At the ceremony, sixth graders Ma Yadana Aye Min and
Ma Pyae Mon Thet of No 2 BEHS in Sangyoung acted as
master of ceremonies and co-MC. The students sang
ÒMyanma SchoolÓ to open the ceremony. MEC Chairman
General Khin Nyunt made a speech. He said with a view
to nurturing outstanding intellectuals and
intelligentsia in various fields, the State, relying
on national strength, has laid down and has been
implementing the national education programmes for the
country to be able to keep abreast of the others. 

In so doing, to be able to enjoy the benefits of
advancing science and technology in bringing about the
national economy, systematic arrangements are being
made starting from the basic education sector to
develop highly-qualified human resources, to promote
science and technology, to launch teaching and
learning system based on information technology, and
to promote the national characters and social values
of Myanma society. 

In basic education level, new curricula have been
worked out since1998 to promote quality and morale and
in 2001-2002 academic year, the new curricula was
prescribed for all standards. So, remarkable pass
percentages have been gained in every standard and
school enrollment rate has also increased, he
elaborated. Moreover, science and arts combinations
have already been revised separately for students to
be able to concentrate on specific subjects, to be
international standard curricula and for the students
to be able to choose subjects they like. 

So, from this year onwards, prizes will be given away
to students in science and arts combinations. Today,
altogether 23 outstanding students - 14 science
students and 9 arts students - who sat for the
matriculation examination for the first time and got
positions from first to tenth in the whole Myanmar. 

A total of 485,941 students took the matriculation
examination (2001-2002) and 175,099 ones - 36 per cent
- including 44 six distinction winners and 250 five
distinction winners passed it. The General continued
to say that the outstanding students and those who got
first prizes in respective states and divisions will
be awarded cash and scholarships by the State.
Presenting scholarships and cash awards contributes to
nurturing the refined human resources. Emergence of
outstanding students means the good foundation for the
State to realize the education goal. 

At present, due to the endeavours of the State in
laying down the correct education projects, efforts of
the students, systematic training and teaching of the
teachers and assistance rendered by wellwishers and
members of school board of trustees, significant
success has been achieved in both basic education
sector and higher education sector. To promote skills
in applying IT, under the arrangements of MEC efforts
are being made for using Internet by Bagan Cybertech
at 100 basic education schools. In addition, 40 sets
of VSAT system have already been installed at
departments, universities and degree colleges under
the Ministry of Education. So, research works are
being conducted and information and data are being
collected by surfing the Internet at universities, and
iP Star systems are being installed at education
colleges. 

These are endeavours for new Myanma education system
being made to keep pace with the time. In 2002-2003
academic year, school enrollment activities have been
launched cooperatively by parents, educational
volunteers and social organization members. So, the
number of the schooling children in the previous year
was 4.84 million and the number this year is 4.93
million. Over 2,400 primary schools are upgraded into
post-primary ones because there are more students who
will pursue middle school education. 

As a result, the number of middle school students this
year is 1.918 million, up from 1.724 million in the
previous year. In basic education sector, 39,999 basic
education schools are being opened and the number of
primary students was 6.95 million in 2000-2001
academic year, 7.19 million in 2001-2002 and 7.48
million in 2002-2003. Moreover, 140,000 students are
pursuing education at monastic education schools. So,
it can be said that altogether over 7.62 million
primary students are attending classes this year.
Beginning 2001-2002 academic year, the talented
students training programme was launched at 38 Basic
Education High Schools in 14 townships of 11 states
and divisions where universities exist. 

Altogether 1,075 students - 544 ninth standard
students and 521 tenth standard students - are being
trained under the programme this year. There is at
least one high school in 35 sub-townships constituted
under the rural development programme in accord with
the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe. 

Arrangements are under way for providing learning
opportunities and promoting education in rural areas.
In higher education sector, 740,000 students are
attending under-graduate courses and PhD courses. Up
to the end of June 2002, the Ministry of Education,
the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science and
Technology produced 127 PhD graduates. Research works
of international standard can now be conducted as
books on respective fields, modern laboratories and
modern teaching aids have been provided for promoting
research works at the universities. 

Programmes for teaching of English with the use of
modern technology for professors of universities and
colleges and teachers of basic education schools in
cooperation with Power House Systems Ltd of New
Zealand began on 12 December. Arrangements have been
made for conducting multiplier training courses in the
whole country up to January 2004. For regional
development, 24 special development regions were
designated and universities and colleges were opened.
There are now 151 universities, degree colleges and
colleges. Those who passed the 2002 matriculation
examination can take the first year courses at the
universities and colleges in respective regions in
December this year. 

Tasks for learning opportunity and promotion of
education in rural areas are being undertaken with
greater momentum in both basic and higher education
sectors. The government allotted K 37,850.94 million
for education sector in 2002-2003 academic year and it
also approved US $ 2 million for purchase of science
equipment and electronic media equipment for
universities, colleges and basic education schools
this year. During the past three years US $ 8.5
million was spent on the education sector. At a time
when the government has achieved success in education
sector which is linked with basic education and high
education, outstanding students are to make efforts
based on patriotism to become brilliant,
highly-qualified intellectuals and intelligentsia who
will serve the interest of the State after realizing
the government's all-round development endeavours. 

The Secretary-1 urged the outstanding students to make
continued efforts to become intellectuals and
intelligentsia who will serve the interest of the
State and to safeguard the interest of the nation and
its people with the use of their skill in education,
standing as good sons and daughters of the State who
deserve the honour. In conclusion, he urged the
people, social organizations, wellwishers, teachers to
speed up the momentum of success for development of
human resources and promotion of education to reach
international standard, to participate in 30-year
education plan to produce human resources needed in
building a modern developed nation and the outstanding
students to try to become scholars capable of keeping
abreast of the level of international education. 

Then, the Secretary-1 presented prizes to
six-distinction winner Naw Thitsa Moe Myint of
Anisakhan BEHS in PyinOoLwin Township, who stood first
in the science combination in the entire nation;
six-distinction winner Ma Ei Sanda Nyein of Dagon BEHS
No 1, who stood second; six-distinction winner Maung
Thu Han Htet of Chanayethazan BEHS No 16 and
six-distinction winner Maung Phyo Zaw Hein of Dagon
BEHS No 1, who stood joint third; six-distinction
winner Ma Kyi Nu Win of Kamayut BEHS No 2, who stood
fourth; six-distinction winner Ma Aye Myat Myat Zaw of
Toungoo BEHS No 1 and five-distinction winner Maung
Phone Zaw Soe of PhaungdawU Affiliated BEHS in
Aungmyethazan Township, who tied at fifth place;
five-distinction winner Maung Nay Lin Oo of Dagon BEHS
No 1 who stood sixth; five-distinction winner Ma Nay
Thi Tun of Latha BEHS No 2 who stood seventh;
six-distinction winner Ma Su Phyo Aung of Mogok BEHS
No 1 who stood eighth; six-distinction winners Ma Ei
Thanda Nyein and Ma Khin Moe Hsan of Dagon BEHS No 1
who stood joint ninth; five-distinction winners Ma
Thiri Khin of Latha BEHS No 2 and Maung Min Thet
Khaing of Dagon BEHS No 1 who stood joint tenth;
four-distinction winner Ma Thin Ei San of Zalokma
Affiliated BEHS in Myanaung Township who stood first
in the arts combination in the entire nation;
four-distinction winner Ma Myo Myo of Pathein BEHS No
7 who stood third; two-distinction winner Maung Thiha
Aung of Mingaladon BEHS No 3, fourth;
three-distinction winner Maung Yaza of Thingangyun
BEHS No 3, sixth; three-distinction winner Maung Thet
Maung of Shwelaung BEHS in Wakema Township, seventh;
two-distinction winner Maung Aung Myo Tun of Tagwa
Affiliated BEHS in Myanaung Township, eighth;
two-distinction winner Ma Hay Mar Win of Barkat BEHS
Branch of Hpa-an Township and two-distinction winner
Maung Zaw Min Naing of Thandwe BEHS No 2, joint ninth;
and two-distinction winner Ma Nay Gyi Oo of Kyonpyaw
BEHS, tenth. 

Then, the outstanding students entertained the
audience with song. The schoolgirls of No 2, Basic
Education High School, Sangyoung, and No 1 BEHS, Dagon
Township, presented Yein dances and the students of No
1 BEHS, Dagon Township, No 2 BEPS, Kamayut Township
also entertained the audience with dances. 

Then, the students of No 1 BEHS, Dagon Township, sang
"Pyi Myanmar" song and the ceremony concluded. 

After the ceremony, General Khin Nyunt presented cash
prizes to the students who performed the
entertainment. 

Afterwards, General Khin Nyunt and members posed for a
documentary photo together with the outstanding
students. Then, General Khin Nyunt cordially met with
the prize-winning students and their parents.

---------

6. Secretary-1 addresses closing ceremony of the 
   Special Refresher Course for Basic Education 
   Teachers held at CICS (Phaunggyi) 


Government placing emphasis on national education
system capable of creating long-term national
prosperity

All teachers to participate in promotion of education
standard of the local people and regional development
tasks

Yangon, 15 Dec - The closing ceremony of the Special
Refresher Course No 50 for Basic Education Teachers
was held at Nawarat Hall of the Central Institute of
Civil Service (Phaunggyi), Hlegu township, at 2 pm
today, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar
Education Committee Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt. 

First, MEC Chairman Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt
delivered an address. He said: For enabling the
country and the people to stand tall among
international community, it is very important to
follow the path that promises national prosperity to
the highest degree by employing the methods which
ensure national essence. It is the most fundamental
national requirement to decide the destiny of our
country and our people on our own free will in
building up the national strength firmly. 

Therefore, the State Peace and Development Council is
implementing the tasks to firmly build up the national
strength in developing the State; cementing the
national economy, vitalizing national consolidation
spirit and Union Spirit of the people; and implanting
the will in national people to strive for the
development of the State with healthy, strong and
intelligent spirit. In accordance with these aims,
efforts are being made systematically for the
harmonious emergence of national consolidation,
development of the State, strong national economy,
stalwart and highly-educated human resources. 

Besides the potential for strengthening the national
power by all means, the Government is placing emphasis
on the national education system capable of creating
long-term national prosperity. In nurturing individual
students according to their hobby, talent, skill and
potential to become intelligentsia and intellectuals
on whom the State can rely, the previous teacher
centred teaching method has been changed into the
student-centred teaching method in which the students
themselves study actively. Especially, measures such
as upgrading curricula, compilation of new texts and
extension of curricula with texts conducive to
flourishing of nationalist spirit, etc have been taken
harmoniously from basic education level to the higher
education level in view of ensuring all-round
development of the students, maintaining harmonious
relations with society, moral development and
enhancing expertise in science and technologies of
international standard. 

While plans are being implemented for developing basic
education and higher education sectors, efforts are
being made for enabling all citizens to pursue basic
education and for education promotion programmes. In
these endeavours, governmental departments, local
authorities, social organizations and the local people
have participated extensively as a national movement.
As a result, development is being achieved in the
education sector in the entire country. Township
School Enrolment Days were designated for enabling all
school-going children to attend school. The enrolment
rate at kindergarten in the 2002-2003 academic year
has risen to 93.07 per cent. 

It was a remarkable achievement in comparison with the
school enrolment rate of 70 per cent in the year
1987-88. Similarly, literacy movement is launched all
over the country including border areas for adult
illiterates and those who have not completed primary
level education. There were 78 per cent of adult
literacy rate in 1987-88 and now the rate has
increased to 91.4 per cent in 2000-2001. 

Nowadays, in accordance with the guidance of Head of
State Senior General Than Shwe, five rural development
tasks are being implemented unanimously. These tasks
include the task for promoting educational standard of
rural people. At present, efforts based on the Union
Spirit are being made with the outlook of the national
unity for development of the State. The Government and
the national races are striving together for equitable
development of the entire nation including border
regions and rural areas with the concept of forging of
the national solidarity. In so doing, the border areas
development projects, 24 special development zones and
rural development tasks have been laid down and are
being implemented. Therefore, all teachers will have
to participate in lifting up of education standard of
the local people and implementation of the regional
development tasks for strengthening of national unity
whatever role they are in. 

Today, some developed countries are making attempts to
drive a wedge among national brethren and disintegrate
the union through national traitors with the use of
media and huge monetary power. In such a time, the
national people are to fight the destructive acts with
a sense of Union Spirit and nationalism. While
striving for human resource development in rural areas
as education leaders, the teachers are to make efforts
as good organizers who are capable of further
strengthening national unity.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the teachers 
- to collectively take part in implementation of
regional development activities for ensuring equitable
and harmonious development of all the regions in the
country while the Union is peaceful, stable and
achieving development with momentum; 
- to organize from the education sector the entire
people including the students to get imbued with
patriotism, the love for the nation, nationalist
spirit and Union Spirit with a view to enabling the
Union to stand tall with prestige and integrity among
the international communities; and 
- to organize the people to be armed with dynamic
nationalistic outlook, consolidated national unity and
ardent Union Spirit by convincing them the real
objectives of fabrications, accusations and discords
of destructive elements relying on external
assistance. 

Then, the prize-presentation ceremony followed. The
Secretary-1 presented the trainee model awards to
Headmaster U Myo Myint Thein of No 1 BEPS, Thahtaygon
Village, Waw Township, Bago Division and SAT Daw Yi Yi
Soe of the BEHS, Kungyangon Township, Yangon,
diligence awards to JAT U Maung Hmi of the BEHS,
Kanyutkwin, Phyu Township, Bago and JAT Daw Thaung Yin
of the BEHS, Shwetaung Township, Bago Division and JAT
Daw Aye Kyaing of the No 1 BEHS, Mawlamyinegyun
Township, Ayeyawady Division.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 presented model hostel
awards to the trainees of Hostel-7 of the men's
company (3) and the trainees of Hostel-6 of the
women's company-7, and course completion certificates
for the trainees through the trainee officers and
deputy trainee officers. Then, the Secretary-1
accepted K 100,500 donated by the trainees including K
15,000 each to the funds of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha
Muni Buddha Image, for the Koenawin Pagoda Dhammayon
construction, and renovation of ancient pagodas in
Bagan, K 7700 to hail the National Convention, 7800 to
the fund of the USDA, K 15000 for the post primary
school of CICS, and K 10000 for the BEHS (Phaunggyi). 

Then the ceremony came to a close. After the ceremony,
the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the trainees. 

---------
7. Dry Day inspections carried out

Yangon, 15 Dec - Chairman of Dry Day Supervisory
Committee Minister at the State Peace and Development
Council Office Lt-Gen Min Thein this morning inspected
and supervised discharging of the duty of Dry Day
inspection groups at the respective check points in
Yangon City. Dry Day inspection group formed with
members of Provost Unit and Myanmar Police Force
inspected Dry Day Pass, driver licence, wheel tax of
the Tatmadaw and departmental vehicles and drivers'
wearing of departmental uniforms and observance of
traffic rules today from 6 am to 6 pm. 
____________
8. Practitioners to produce potent Myanmar 
   traditional medicines in combination with 
   modern scientific techniques Myanmar 
   Traditional Medicine Practitioners' Conference held


Yangon, 15 Dec - The morning session of the Third
Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners' Conference
was held at Pyidaunghsu Hall of Kyaikkasan Grounds
here this morning.

Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein presided over the
session together with members of panel of chairmen
members of Traditional Medicine Council senior
practitioners U Nyan Tun, U Nyan Lwin, U Maung Nyan
and U Htay Myint. Master of ceremonies Director
(Research/Development) of TMD Dr Myat Myat Ohn Khin
announced that the conference was valid as all
delegates to second day's session attended it. 

Then, Meeting Chairman Minster Maj-Gen Ket Sein
delivered an address. In his address, Minister Maj-Gen
Ket Sein said that the Myanmar Traditional Medicine
Practitioners' Conference and Traditional Medicine
Exhibition have been held in Yangon two times with the
aim of promoting and flourishing Myanmar Traditional
Medicines. As a result, unity of Myanmar traditional
medicine practitioners of the whole country has been
forged. With the aim of preserving the solidarity and
promoting the Myanmar traditional medicines, the 36th
Meeting of the National Health Committee has passed
the resolution to hold the Third Myanmar Traditional
Medicine Practitioners' Conference and Traditional
Medicine Exhibition from 15 to 26 December on a grand
scale. 

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has always
given guidance on preserving and promoting the
priceless quality and effect of the Myanmar
traditional medicines. Accordingly, means and ways are
to be sought for systematic development of the Myanmar
traditional medicines. The Head of State stressed the
need for traditional medicine practitioners produced
by the traditional medicine insititutions are to be
qualified like those of other medicine universities
and institutes. To produce the qualified medicine
practitioners, the three points modern curricula,
qualified faculty members and fulfilment of teaching
aids are needed. It should not be content with
conventional medicines of the successive eras, the
practitioners are to produce potent Myanma traditional
medicines in combination with modern scientific
techniques. 

In the process, research on new traditional medicines
and therapy and development of traditional medicines
are to be conducted, he stressed. The six common
diseases in Myanmar malaria, TB, hypertension,
diabetes, diarrhoea and dysenteryÑare needed to be
effectively cured by traditional medicines. Efforts
will have to be made to effectively cure the diseases
that cannot be cured by the western medicines. At the
same time, the Traditional Medicine University
(Mandalay) needs to be upgraded into prestigious one
whose standard can win the respect of international
community. The delegates to the conference are to
coordinate the future tasks and present them to the
conference as proposals. In addition, the paper
reading session of the conference will be held on 16
December, at which 22 papers will be presented.
Researches on development of traditional medicines are
to be based on innovation of old methods, he noted. 

At a time when all-round development has been made,
the traditional medicine was making progress, standing
tall with those of international level. Myanmar
traditional medicine ranks top in comparison with
those of ASEAN nations. He urged the practitioners to
make collective efforts for development and
flourishing of traditional medicines, and accept the
guidance in the message of Senior General Than Shwe to
Third Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners'
Conference and the instructions in the address
delivered by Chairman of National Health Committee
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
General Khin Nyunt as work guidance. 

Then, the motions were tabled and seconded and the
morning session went into recess. The afternoon
session began at 12.30 pm. Deputy Minister Professor
Dr Kyaw Myint presided over the session together with
members of the panel of chairmen Professor Dr Thein
Swe, Senior Practitioners U Kyaw Sein, U Nyan Lwin and
U Aung Si. Deputy Director of TMD U Paw Nyein acted as
master of ceremonies. Motions were tabled and
seconded. 

Next, the message of Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Senior General Than Shwe to Third
Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners' Conference
was put on record, and resolutions were made to accept
the guidance in the message as work guidance for
traditional medicine practitioners.
____________
9.  New building of day care nursery 
    in Pandaw Model Village opens

Yangon, 15 Dec - A ceremony to open new building of
day care nursery of Pandaw Model Village Maternal and
Child Welfare Association, donated by Chairman of
National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State
Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and
wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and family, was held at the
school in Pandaw Model Village, Kyauktan Township,
Yangon South District, at 8 am today. 

First, Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay and CEC member of
MMCWA Dr Htay Nwe formally opened the new building.
Then, donor Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe unveiled the
signboard of the building. Afterwards,
Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe explained the
purpose of donation. Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe handed
over the documents related to the new building to
Pandaw Model Village MCWA Chairperson Daw Kyin Hmwe.
Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented gifts
for the day care nursery provided by MMCWA (Central)
through Yangon Division MCWA Supervisory Committee Daw
Khin Thet Htay. Chairman of Dagon International Ltd U
Win Aung donated K 900,000 for the development of
three model villages in Kyauktan Township. 

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted the donation. Then,
Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and MMCWA
members presented gifts to children of the day care
nursery. Next, Kyauktan Township Peace and Development
Council Chairman U Than Aung presented pennants to the
attendants. Later, Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay spoke
words of thanks to the wellwishers. 
______________
10. Drug traffickers sentenced

Yangon, 15 Dec - A combined team comprising numbers of
local intelligence unit and Tachilek Special;
Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, searched the
house of Sine Wide (a) Aik Lon of Tawkawt village in
Tachilek Township at 11 am on 5 July and arrested him
together with 875 stimulant tablets. In concerning
with the case, action was taken against Sine Wide (a)
Aik Lon, 47, son of U Sine Ye under section of 15/19
(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Law by Tachilek Police Station.The Tachilek District
Court, .on 1 November, handed down 20 years'
imprisonment on him under Section 19 (A). 

Similarly, a combined team comprising members of local
intelligent unit and local Police force, acting on
information, searched U Kyin besides the street of
Dietaya village in Phyu Township at 8pm on 28 August
2002 and found 4.899 kilos of marijuana. In connection
with the case, action was taken against U Kyin,57, son
of U Mya Din of Myothit Ward, Zeyawady Township under
Sections of 15/19 (A) I 20 (A) of the Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotropic Substances Law by Phyu Police
Station. The Toungoo District Court , on 27 November ,
handed down 5 years' imprisonment on him under Section
15 and 20 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) to
serve separately.
____________________
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