MYANMAR INFORMATION COMMITTEE
YANGON
Information Sheet
N0.A-0687(I) 10th
November 1998
(1) Secretary-1 Attends Opening of Myanmar-Japan Bilateral Conference on
Information Technology
Cooperation
A ceremony to open Myanmar-Japan Bilateral Conference on Information
Technology Cooperation jointly organized by Myanmar Computer Federation and
Centre of the International Cooperation for Computerization (CICC) of Japan
was held at the International Business Centre on 9 November addressed by
Chairman of Myanmar Computer Science Development Council Secretary-1 of the
State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
He stated that, in working towards the national goal for the emergence of a
peaceful, prosperous, modern and developed Union of Myanmar, the State Peace
and Development Council is relying mainly on the country's internal resources.
A necessary prerequisite for adding momentum to the nation's modernization and
development efforts is a healthy and well educated people. Myanmar has
therefore designated the uplifting of health, fitness and education standards
of the entire nation as one of its social objectives. Towards this end, the
Government has placed special emphasis on the development of knowledge and
skills, correct national outlook as well as the attainment of modern
technology among students, youths and intellectuals. In order to foster human
resources, a new University of Computer Studies for Upper Myanmar was opened
to promote advanced computer technology in addition to the existing
University of Computer Studies in Yangon. An unusually greater number of
students was admitted to undergraduate and post- graduate computer courses in
1997-98 academic year. Such undergraduate diploma courses as Diploma in
Computer Studies and Diploma in Computer Maintenance courses, which were
opened in October 1998, have taken in a substantial number of students.
It is observed that private computer centres have also been conducting
international diploma courses as well as basic computer courses. These
indicate that human resource development, which is the prerequisite for
Information Technology, has been promoted quantitatively and qualitatively. At
the same time, with a view to systematic development of Information Technology
in Myanmar, the Government promulgated Myanmar Computer Science Development
Law on 30 September 1996 and founded the Myanmar Computer Science Development
Council. It has also formed the Myanmar Computer Federation Organizing
Committee for the establishment of subsidiary associations at various levels.
Due to the efforts of the Committee, Myanmar Computer Scientists Association
and Myanmar Computer Industries Association were founded on 17 May 1998, and
Myanmar Computer Enthusiasts Association was founded on 24 July 1998. Based on
these three associations, Myanmar Computer Federation was established on 15
October, 1998. Myanmar Computer Scientists Association and Myanmar Computer
Industries Association have been active in their attempts to disseminate
computer technology. The First Symposium on IT Initiative in Myanmar was held
in Yangon on 29 June 1998, and the Second Symposium was held in Mandalay on 23
October.
These associations, in collaboration with XYBASE Technologies (Malaysia) and
Mastech Co Ltd (Myanmar), held an IT Forum at Yangon's Traders Hotel, as
recently as on October 13. In other words, these successful ventures testify
to the satisfactory and fruitful results of cooperation between the computer
associations, the Computer Federation and the Government in endeavours to
spread and advance computer technology in the country. It is well known that,
in promoting the dissemination of modern technology among students, youths,
intellectuals and the populace, Myanmar is encouraging the transfer of
technology and investment from friendly foreign countries, which have a
positive view on Myanmar .
The cooperation of Japan in today's Conference is a clear example of this
friendly outlook. Furthermore, the Conference will help Myanmar's current
endeavour to formulate the IT Master Plan. In order to develop the country's
Information Technology, Myanmar must work closely together with friendly
nations like Japan, which is well developed in IT, as well as with members of
ASEAN in preparation to carry out IT projects. Japan's IT plan will serve as a
reliable reference when Myanmar's IT Master Plan is drawn. Centre of the
International Cooperation for Computerization (CICC) of Japan, which helped
organize this conference, contacted the Myanmar Computer Federation Organizing
Committee even before the emergence of Myanmar Computer Federation. It helped
acquire CICC scholarships in Information Technology for some members who are
currently studying in Japan. In addition, CICC is offering further
scholarships for the coming year 1999.
It is also learnt that CICC is going to donate 13 high-tech computers to
Myanmar Computer Federation for the Human Resources Development Centre.
Myanmar Computer Federation, which has been expanding contacts with
international organizations, will be admitted as a member to Asian Oceanian
Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) on the occasion of its annual meeting
which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 25 and 26 November, 1998.
President of CICC Mr Takuma Yamamoto also spoke on the occasion. Then,
Chairman of MCF Dr Tin Maung and Executive Director Mr Yamazaki explained how
information technology is important. The conference will commence at the
International Business Centre at 8.30 am on 10 November.
(2) Finance & Revenue Soccer Team to Play in Asian Club Champions Matches
The Ministry of Finance and Revenue soccer team left Yangon by air for Japan
on 8 November to play in the 18th Asian Club Champions' Soccer Matches.
(3) Trade, Economic and Business Related Training for Senior Myanmar
Officials Concludes
The closing session of Trade, Economic and Business Related Training for
Senior Myanmar Officials jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and
Singapore Trade Development Board was held at the Ministry of Commerce on 9
November. The five-day course was attended by 43 trainees.
(4) Cultural Exchange Ceremony between MMCWA and WFWP of Japan
Cultural exchange ceremony jointly sponsored by Myanmar Maternal and Child
Welfare Association and Women's Federation for World Peace of Japan (WFWP) was
held at the multipurpose building of MMCWA in South Okkalapa Township on 9
November. Japanese women team presented Japanese dances and songs.
Demonstration of making paper toy, flower arrangements and setting table for
tea were performed. Chairperson of the WFWP Ms Hokkaido and Ms Shizuoka
donated two weighing machines and cash for MMCWA.
(5) Myanmar Golfer Wins First, Second Prizes in 11th Women's Amateur
Invitational Golf
Myanmar golfer Ma Khin Thu Thu won the first prize in the handicap play and
the second prize in the scratch play with a three-day total of 226 strokes in
the 11th Women's Amateur Invitational Golf Tournament in Puynu City, Gwandong
Province, the People's Republic of China. Ma Khin Thu Thu competed with 68
golfers of the PRC, Singapore, Gernany and Japan at Lotus Hill Golf Course
28-30 October. She also won the first prizes in both handicap and scratch
events last year.
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