Tlhe New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 6 January, 2002)

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Tlhe New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 6 January, 2002)
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1. Management Committee for Development of Tourism
   Industry meets
2. Secretary-1 attends merit-sharing ceremony of Sasana
   Mandaing Kyaung in Za South Ward, Thingangyun Township
3. The Myanma Motion Picture Awards (Academy Awards)
   presentation ceremony for year 2000
4. Minister receives Ambassador
5. Women Chapter of MMA holds annual meeting
6. Minister hosts New Year reception for members of diplomatic
   corps in Yangon
7. Myanmar Fisheries Federation meets
8. Independence Day Exhibition goes on
9. Three self-reliance roads put back into service in Khanaungto

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( 1 ) Management Committee for Development of Tourism  Industry meets

Yangon, 5 Jan-The Management Committee for Development of Tourism Industry
held its meeting 1/2002 at the Strand Hotel on Merchant Street here at 1 pm
today, with an address by Chairman of the Committee Secretary-1 of the State
Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

 Also present on the occasion were the ministers, the Mandalay Mayor, the
deputy ministers, the Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee the
Vice-Mayor, members of the committee, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office, departmental heads, officials of the
subcommittees for Development of Tourism Industry, and managing directors of
tour operators.

In his address, the Secretary-1 said that the management committee and the
subcommittees for Development of Tourism Industry have been formed for many
years; there are a lot of tourist attractions in Myanmar from easternmost
part to westernmost part and from southernmost part to northernmost part; for
examples beautiful and interesting mountains capped with ice in the cold
season, rare wildlife and butterflies in northernmost part of Myanmar, and
different kinds of mode of dress, lifestyles and traditions of national races
in Kachin State of the northernmost part are the tourist attractions.

 Inlay and Mongla regions, Mandalay Palace, Mandalay Hill, ancient
monasteries, ancient culture region of Bagan, Popa flat- topped hill, ancient
cities in Taungdwingyi region, Hanthawady Palace of Bago, and Moyungyi Lake,
the rendezvous of various kinds of birds in Shan State, Mandalay Division,
Magway Division, Sagaing Division and Bago Division are tourist destinations.
Myeik archipelago, the natural beauty in Taninthayi Division, is popular
among tourist attractions in the southernmost part of Myanmar, and seaside
resorts and beaches in Myanmar are famous for very clean and beautiful spots.
Although most sites all over Myanmar can attract tourists, implementation of
tasks for tourism development is weak.

A close study of the neighbouring countries shows that arrival of tourists is
increasing year after year. In spite of abundance in favourable conditions in
Myanmar, tourism industry has not developed yet. Ways are to be found for
tourism industry development. All-round efforts are to be made for attracting
tourists. In this regards, efforts are to be made in collaboration with
companies which are engaged in tourism business.

 Advice is to be obtained from the companies and firms. Requirements of
companies are to be fulfilled. As tourism industry is a lucrative one,
tourism development tasks are to be carried out with emphasis. Then, Minister
for Hotel and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin reported on tourist arrivals through
Yangon and border entry points in 2001, foreign exchange income, investment
made in tourism sector, collaborative tasks with ASEAN countries in the
tourism sector and plans made for tourism development.

Afterwards, chairmen of sub-committees for promoting standard of hotels, motel
s and inns, transportation, information, security of tourists, city
development, ancient culture, eco-tourism, easy entry and departure of
tourists, production and distribution of souvenirs and development of
Mandalay region reported on work done for tourism development. Later, those
present and officials of tour operators explained measures undertaken for
tourism development and requirements to be fulfilled. Next, the Secretary-1
fulfilled the needs. He then said, the discussions would give a lot of
support for tourism development. As the department that takes main
responsibility for tourism development is the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism,
practical solutions, collaborative efforts and plans for easy performance of
tasks are to be made for successful implementation of work. In conclusion, he
urged tour operators to make concerted efforts for tourism development for
their own benefit and for the interest of the State and the people. Then, the
meeting came to a close.
___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 attends merit-sharing ceremony of Sasana Mandaing Kyaung in
Za South Ward, Thingangyun Township


Yangon, 5 Jan- A ceremony to share merits for Sasana Mandaing Kyaung was held
at the Kyaung in Za South Ward, Thingangyun Township, Yangon East District,
at 9 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development
Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary of Tipitaka Selection Examination
Committee Presiding Nayaka of Phetpinaing Sarthintaik Saya-daw Agga Maha
Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Gandhamabhi-vamsa, Sasana
Mandaing Kyaung Zabumandaing Saya-daw U Pannavamsa and members of the Sangha,
ministers, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council, heads of department, wellwishers, members of the Union
Solidarity and Development Association and disciples. The congregation
recited Namo Tassa three times.

Then, Sayadaw Bhad-danta Gandhamabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts.
Members of the Sangha recited Parittas. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party
and wellwishers offered provisions to the Sayadaws. Sayadaw Bhaddanta
Gan-dhamabhivamsa delivered a sermon and the congregation shared merits
gained. Then, they recited Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu three times. After
the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Shwenapan Pagoda in
Za South Ward, Thingangyun Township. At the office, members of the Pagoda
Board of Trustees gave a brief account of the pagoda. Then, the Secretary-1
donated cash towards the funds of the pagoda. He signed in the visitors' book
and left the pagoda.
___________________________

( 3 ) Myanmar film industry contributed to the independence struggle of
Myanmar

In producing films, words, styles and mode of dress need to be in consonance
with Myanma culture and traditions

Yangon, 5 Jan- The Myanma Motion Picture Awards (Academy Awards) presentation
ceremony for year 2000 of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of
Information was held at the National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna this
evening, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe.Minister for Information
Maj-Gen Kyi Aung delivered an address and presented Myanma Motion Picture
Awards (Academy Awards) to respective actors and actresses.

Also present on the occasion were ministers and their wives, deputy
ministers, the chairman and members of Myanmar Motion Picture Promotion
Board, members of Motion Picture Censor Board, and Video Censor Board, the
directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises,
executives of Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, Myanmar Writers and Journalists
Association, Myanmar Thabin Asiayon, Myanmar Music Asiayon, Myanmar
Traditional Artistes and Artisans Asiayon, actors who have won Academy
Awards, actors and artistes, technicians, producers, guests and people.

Vocalists presented songs to the accompaniment of Myanma modern music troupe
to the audience beginning 5 pm. Then, the ceremony started at 6 pm. U Win
Aung and Daw Khin San Myint acted as masters of ceremonies.At the ceremony,
Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung delivered an address.

Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung first extended greetings to
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, the
ministers, the deputy ministers, military officers and civilian officials,
heads of department, chairmen and executives of Myanmar Writers and
Journalists Association, Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, Myanmar Thabin
Asiayon and Myanmar Music Asiayon, personnel of non-governmental
organizations, artistes and those present.

Film-lovers spend ample time and much money watching films. This indicates
how much they cherish the artistes. Therefore, all should adopt the attitude
that the more the artistes win the love and encouragement of the people, the
greater the debt of gratitude they owe to the people.

It is for 49 years including Year 2000 that film industry has been encouraged
and promoted. The history of Myanmar film industry shows that there have been
235 films which won various kinds of academy awards since 1952.In the course
of the silver, golden and diamond jubilees of the film industry, the State
presented not only golden statues but also Alinka Kyawswa and Wunna Kyawhtin
titles.
There are 11 Alinka Kyawswa title recipients and 10 Wunna Kyawhtin title
recipients. Alinka Kyawswa title recipients are Shwe Pyi Aye, Saung (Harp) U
Ba Than, Daw Saw Mya Aye Kyi, Myoma Nyein, Shwemann, Tin Maung, Saing
(Myanmar orchestra) U Ba Maung, Saya Sein Wai Hlyan, Saung (Harp) Saya Nyein,
U Han Pa, A-1 U Tin Maung and Sayagyi U Thu Kha.

Wunna Kyawhtin title recipients are U Sein Aung Min, U Sein Mya Maung, U Yan
Naing Soe, U Pho Pa Gyi, U Kennet Sein, U Aung Maung, Daw May Shin, Daw May
Thit, Daw Kyi Kyi Htay and Daw Aung Kyi. Among them, Alinka Kyawswa Sayagyi
Dr U Thu Kha, Wunna Kyawhtin Daw May Shin, Wunna Kyawhtin U Sein Aung Min and
Wunna Kyaw Htin U Sein Mya Maung are still alive.

In 1952 and 1953 when the presentation of academy awards began, the golden
Keinnayi statue, the silvery peacock statue and the bronze lion statue were
presented to the first, second and third prize-winning films respectively.
The golden brooches were presented to the best actor award and the best
actress award.
In 1954, the best director award was presented, and in 1955, the best film
award was given as well. In 1956, the best film photo award was presented,
and the golden Keinnayi statue was given. In 1991, K 20,000 as well as the
golden Keinnayi statue was presented.
As of 1993, the silver star fitted at the golden Keinnayi statue has been
replaced with the golden star. Now ten awards are presented.Moreover, a
social organization presented an award to Myanma doyen artistes. It was
Thurathati statue, which was presented to writer-cum-director Sayagyi U Thu
Kha and writer and actor academy Maung Thin for the film "
Chit-thway-thit-sar" in 1958. That film, an educative film, was created by
Shwewe Thiri Film and Director Sayagyi U Thu Kha on the basis of the novel of
writer-cum-doctor Maung Thin entitled " Yay-tein-nit-chin." As the film had a
novel aim and its presentation was excellent, it could touch the heart of the
people. That film also honoured the act of donating blood.

Like films featuring love, romantic and marriage affairs, the educative films
which serve the interests of the people can give aesthetic taste and win
awards.The film" Be-thu-pyaing-loh-hla-ba-dot-naing" which won the best film
award, the best actor award and the best director award in 1973 proved that
fact.
The duty of Myanma film artistes is to preserve national culture and
character and Myanma styles, to contribute to the flourishing of patriotism
and Union Spirit and to broaden the horizons of the people. All who are
working in the film world of today are to be proud of the fact that Myanma
film industry contributed to the independence struggle of Myanmar.

The duty resting on the shoulders of the new generation is to strive to win
best awards and to be worthy of being awarded in the future of the film
industry which has good traditions. In the course of the Myanma film
industry, the new generation has to take the place of doyen artistes, and
will have to discharge the duty assigned by history. The film industry is a
cultural field where outstanding artistes can emerge.Every race in every
nation has their own cultures. And Myanmar people have their own national
culture and character.

There are two fundamental elements in Myanma culture which has been preserved
so far. They are Hiri and Ottappa, a sense of shame and a sense of fear.
These two elements derived from the teachings of the Buddha. According to the
teachings of the Buddha and tutelage of parents and teachers, the polite and
profound social code of conducts, the mode of dress, demeanour, language,
literature and culture, theatrical show, music, film and traditional arts and
crafts have been flourishing.

Ancient Myanmar people bequeathed a garden of arts comprising literary,
musical, theatrical and film fields where performing arts are flourishing. It
is necessary for contemporary artistes to preserve the heritage " without
letting the stem be covered with leaves." All are to be aware of a
culture-destroying disease. All are to be cognizant of the following facts
with a national outlook: deterioration of theatrical show and mode of dress
leads to that of culture, deterioration of rhyme and rhythm leads to that of
music, and deterioration of writing styles and orthography leads to that of
grammar.

The more attractive an artiste becomes, the greater the size of his or her
audience. Therefore, the artistes' mode of dress and way of speaking are
rapidly infectious to the audience, and so all are to be aware of that fact.
In producing films, words, styles and mode of dress need to be in consonance
with Myanma culture and traditions.

At a time when mass communication systems are spreading fast, the title of a
film and the names of characters are to be chosen carefully so that they
cannot be open to misinterpretation. Words to be used in the film need to be
in consonance with Myanmar tradition and society. Only then will they be
accepted in Myanmar society.

The relations between man and wife, brother and sister, son and mother,
teacher and pupil are very polite in Myanmar society. If the alien styles are
aped, it amounts to neglecting the national culture. Therefore, all in the
cultural field encompassing the film industry need to value and preserve such
Myanma own culture and national character as literature, music, civic duty,
the code of conduct and mentality.

He said there are altogether 201 cinemas and over 32,000 video parlours and
there about 400 million movie-goers and annually. A large number of audience
must be taken into consideration. After their work to earen their living,
millions of movie-goers and viewers enjoy films and videos and take lessons
from them. It was the advantages of watching films that the film lovers
gained. The film artistes came to realize that these advantages were the film
artistesÕ deservedly response to the film lover, he added. He said he would
like to present the situation of Myanma film industry in brief. There are
registered 201 cinemas and 32,283 video parlours in Myanma Motion Picture
Enterprise.

Altogether 136 cinemas and all video parlours are private-owned and they
belong to organizations. Altogether 58 cinemas were hired to private
entrepreneurs in long-term and short-term periods. There are seven cinemas
under MMPE. The cinemas and all video parlours stand Yangon, Mandalay and
other cities and townships in states and divisions throughout the country.
They entertain a large number people. Therefore cinemas, video parlours and
film lovers are basic forces on which film artistes including producers and
directors rely. The film lovers are benefitors of producers, directors,
performers and cinema owners.

The government allowed permission to them economically in accord with the
policy practised. The minister urged them to abide by the laws and rules and
to act according to Myanma culture.

Out of the Myanma films produced, he said, there were a few films such as "
Bo Aung Din", " Ba-wa-than-tha-ya" and "Yadanbon" were famous in film history
and films such as Hsu-htoo-pan, Phyu, Mya-ga-naing, We-ba-gi,
Ja-pant-yin-thway, Myaing-yan-bwe, Thuriya-konma-Ma-hay-thi were screened on
royalty system in abroad, films such as Thu-chit, Nga-ba, Chin-pan-tha-zin,
Ba-wa-than-tha-ya were sold and Akyaw-amaw, the-hsaung-hay-man, Yadanabon,
Doe, Son-yay, Dandayi, Thagyanmoe and Bagan-hmar-tha-deh-la participated in
international film festivals. Myanma Radio and Television present some
episodes of Myanmar films in English in the programmes telecast to world
three times a week Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday for introduction of Myanmar
film. He said altogether 19 films were scrutinized in 1999 and 12 in 2000 and
film audience increased in number after opening of high standard cinemas.
Fifteen films were screened in 1998 and 19 in 1999.

Films that were scrutinized for outstanding awards are, Hna-yauk-ta-ein-mat,
Achit-go-sar-thaw-kein-ga-nan-myar, na-kham-het-ka-da-thwar, Nga-yell-thar,
Machit-tat-thaw-mein-ma Achit ngut-thaw yauk-kya, Achit-thint-thu,
Athee-go-lay-lan-pyit-meh, Maw-ha-myin-pyaing, Ma-mone-lay-ne-nga-pa-li,
Maunk-mu-paing-shin, Kyi-pya-yaung-ne-ga-tive-myar and Tha-mee-shin.
Outstanding awards for the 2000 will be chosen objectively and fairly from
above-mentioned films.

The silver jubilee of Myanma film with Myanma culture and arts was held in
1945 and the golden jubilee in 1970 and the diamond jubilee in 1995. Families
of film are responsible to march to centennial celebration, he added.He urged
film artistes to make efforts for relization of the objectives laid down
unanimously at a ceremony to hold the silver jubilee of Myanma film.

The objectives are: To preserve and safeguard national culture through film,
to contribute toward the dynamism of patriotism among the people, to organize
the people to participate in building of a peaceful, modern developed nation,
to make efforts for promotion of Myanma motion pictures, to hand down
cinematography based in Myanma culture to new generation artistes and to
strive for solidarity among the Myanma film artistes. The outstanding awards
are going to be announced in a moment.

The objectives of presentation of outstanding movie awards are to acknowledge
the outstanding performance of artistes, to try to make efforts for the rest
artistes after emulating the outstanding movie awards and to promote the
standard of Myanma motion picture through their performance.

In conclusion, the minister called for marching to centennial celebration of
Myanma motion picture with unity.Then, award winners of Myanmar Motion
Pictures for 2000 were announced. The Best Cameraman Award went to Than Nyunt
(Pantha) for his performance for the film " Maunt-mu-paing-shin ", the Best
Supporting Actor Award to Aung Khaing for his role in the film "Nga-ye-tha",
the Best Film Award to the film " Nga-ye-tha", the Best Supporting Actress
Award to Khin Than Nu for her role in the film "Tha-me-shin", the Best Film
Director Award to Thiha Tin Soe for the film " Nga-ye-tha ", the Best Actor
Award to Thiha Tin Soe for his performance for the film "Nga-ye-tha", the
Best Actor Award to Yan Aung for his performance in the film
"Maw-ha-myin-pyaing-mya", and the Best Actress Award to Myo Thanda Tun for
her role in the film "Hna-khan-htet-ka-da-thwa".

Some good scenes that helped them win the awards were shown. Afterwards,
Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung presented academy award each and K 100,000 cheque
each supported by Hnin Hnin Khaing Co Ltd Group (VeVe) to the award
winners.Next, the award winners thanked for being presented the awards, and
the ceremony came to an end.After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and wife Dr
Daw Khin Win Shwe cordially greeted the award winners.

__________________________


( 4 ) Minister receives Ambassador

 Yangon, 5 Jan - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Nigerian
Ambassador to Myanmar Prince Ademola Olugbade Aderele at his office on Strand
Road at 4 pm today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for
Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U
Nyunt Aye, Director-General of the Border Trade Department U Nay Win,
Managing Director U Min Hla Aung of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading and
departmental officials.

__________________________

( 5 ) Women Chapter of MMA holds annual meeting

Yangon, 5 Jan - Annual meeting for 2001 of the Women Chapter of Myanmar
Medical Association (Yangon) was held at the Hall-A of the association on
Theinbyu Road in Mingala Taungnyunt Township this morning. It was attended by
Leading Patron of the Women Chapter of MMA (Yangon) Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe,
Chairman of MMA (Central) Professor Dr Myo Myint, Chairperson of the Women
Chapter of MMA (Yangon) Dr Yi Yi Hla and members and female members of MMA.
Chairperson of the Women Chapter of MMA (Yangon) Dr Yi Yi Hla presided over
and addressed the meeting.

 Then, Secretary of the Women Chapter of MMA (Yangon) Dr Khin Mar Aye and Dr
Nyunt Nyunt Than submitted the annual report and the financial statement of
the session respectively and those present approved the report and the
statement. At the second session of the meeting, Leading Patron of the Women
Chapter of MMA (Yangon) Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe addressed the meeting.
Afterwards, new executives were elected and the meeting came to a close.

___________________________

( 6 )  Minister hosts New Year reception for members of diplomatic corps in
Yangon

Yangon, 5 Jan - Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife Daw San Yon
hosted a reception for the diplomatic corps in Yangon to mark the New Year
2002 at the ministry at noon today. The reception was attended by Deputy
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and wife Daw Khin Swe Soe,
directors-general of the departments under the ministry and their wives,
officials, Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Italy Dr Cesare
Capitani and wife, ambassadors of foreign embassies and resident
representatives of the UN agencies and their wives. First, Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Win Aung extended greetings for the New Year 2002. Acting
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Dr Cesare Capitani spoke words of
thanks. Then, Minister U Win Aung and wife hosted a lunch for the guests.

___________________________

( 7 ) Myanmar Fisheries Federation meets

 Yangon, 5 Jan - Myanmar Fisheries Federation held a coordination meeting on
development of fisheries industry at the meeting hall of the Yuzana Hotel
here this morning, attended by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen
Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister U Aung Thein, directors-general and
managing directors of the ministry, executives of the state, division and
district MFFs and marine product dealers. First, Deputy Minister U Aung Thein
made a speech.

 The state, division and district executives discussed matters related to
development of fisheries industry. Chairman of MFF U Htay Myint presented a
supplementry report. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein gave instructions on
the breeding of catfish in cages. Later, Deputy Director-General of the
Fisheries Department U Hla Win and fish breeding technicians reported on
development and management of fisheries industry and foreign trading
activities in the fisheries sector. The deputy minister made concluding
remarks.

___________________________


( 8 )  Independence Day Exhibition goes on

Yangon, 5 Jan- The 54th Anniversary Independence Day Exhibition continued for
the third day at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road from 9 am to 5
pm today. A total of 4,355 members of the Sangha and people including members
of Seikkyi-Khanaungto Township Union Solidarity and Development Association
visited the exhibition.

 At the exhibition, the central booth, the booth on 'Myanmar' the origin of
human beings, the booth on the First Myanmar Empire, the Second Empire and
the Third Empire, the booth on independence struggle and the regaining of
independence, the booth on cherishable Myanmar cultural arts, the booth on
nation-building endeavours, the booth on contemporary Myanmar, the booth on
marching towards a peaceful, modern and developed nation and the booth on
Information Technology are kept open.

Also on display in the central booth are the colour painting of State Peace
and Development Council Chairman Defence Services Commander-in-Chief Senior
General Than Shwe and two posters on dynamism of patriotic spirit on both
sides of the painting of the Senior General. In the booth on 'Myanmar' the
origin of human beings, primate fossils, fossilized vertebrates and
invertebrates and regions where the civilizations of the Stone Age, the
Bronze Age and the Iron Age flourished are also exhibited. Book shops of News
and Periodicals Enterprise, Sarpay Beikman, Innwa and Today Publishing Houses
and World Peace IT Co Ltd sell books on various subjects, VCDs, CDs, video
tapes and CD-ROMs. Visitors purchased books worth K 57,235 today. The
exhibition will be kept open till 11 January.

___________________________

( 9 )  Three self-reliance roads put back into service in Khanaungto

Yangon, 30 Dec- USDA CEC member in-charge of Yangon Division Vice-Chairman of
Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, accompanied by
officials, attended the opening ceremony of three self-reliance roads hailing
the 54th Anniversary Independence Day in Seikkyi-Khanaungto Township this
morning. Then, the vice-mayor hoisted the Shwehtidaw and Seinbudaw atop
Anantazina Maha Atula Pagoda in the compound of Dhammapiti Kyaungtaik. After
the opening ceremony, the vice-mayor and officials inspected 640-foot-long
Zay Road, 460-foot-long Dhammayon Road and a 320-foot-long road leading to
BEPS No 3 in East Khanaungto Ward. The three roads were constructed at a cost
of K 1.1 million provided by YCDC and K 150,000 contributed by Township USDA

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