The Irrawaddy Magazine |
- Weeks of Fighting Between Rival Armed Groups Continues in Northern Shan
- Hilton Mandalay Offers Stunningly Picturesque Hill Views in the Best Location
- State Counselor Meets Rakhine Investigation Commission to Discuss Work Plan
- Kyat Trade Deregulation Will Aid Govt’s Development Plans: Suu Kyi Adviser
- Scores of Homes Destroyed, Damaged by Storm Surge in Pyapon
- Landscaping Projects in Bagan May Ruin Chances of World Heritage Site Status
- Students Demand Accountability in Electrocution Cases
- Mekong River Body Welcomes Laos’ Decision to Suspend New Dam Projects
- ‘Hijab is Like a Key’: Myanmar Blogger Battles Bias With Beauty Campaign
| Weeks of Fighting Between Rival Armed Groups Continues in Northern Shan Posted: 15 Aug 2018 07:50 AM PDT Mon State — Fighting continues to rage between rival ethnic armed groups in northern Shan State in a conflict that has displaced hundreds of local residents since last month. The Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) joined forces with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) for an offensive against Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) positions in Namtu Township in July. They accuse the RCSS, which is based in the south of the state, of encroaching on their traditional territory. More than 1,000 ethnic Shan and Palaung have fled their villages since the fighting began. The Shan National League for Democracy party helped broker talks between the SSPP and RCSS in Taunggyi, the state capital, on Friday and Saturday so that they might hammer out a ceasefire. But neither side has issued a statement on the meeting since. The party could not be reached for comment. Sao Khun Sai, a political adviser to the RCSS based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, said he heard the meeting went well but did not know the details. TNLA spokesman Major Tar Aike Kyaw said there have been clashes in Namtu nearly every day since the fighting began last month, about 20 in all thus far. Tai Freedom, a media outlet of the RCSS, reported fighting on Monday lasting from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Namtu residents said there was fighting today as well. Ko Myo, a member of the No Borders Rescue Group, a non-governmental organization, said he and his colleagues helped evacuate more than 300 people from Panglong Village to escape the day’s fighting. "They heard fighting outside their village, so they asked us to recuse them. They were afraid to stay in their village," Ko Myo said. More than 500 of the people who fled their homes last month have yet to return and continue to shelter at local monasteries, he added. "The best thing is to negotiate,” Ko Myo said. “Because of the constant fighting, people have many problems.” The fighting has interrupted school for local children and made it difficult for farmers to harvest their crops. Local reporters who have visited the area say much of the fighting has taken place in the villages where fighters are staying. "When the Shan saw the Palaung in a community, they fired artillery into the community where the people stay or they fought each other in the community," said a reporter, who asked to remain anonymous. The RCSS claims it has the right to operate wherever there are ethnic Shan. The SSPP and TNLA say it belongs in the south of Shan State only. The TNLA claims the RCSS also uses its membership in the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with the central government as justification for stationing fighters in the north. The post Weeks of Fighting Between Rival Armed Groups Continues in Northern Shan appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Hilton Mandalay Offers Stunningly Picturesque Hill Views in the Best Location Posted: 15 Aug 2018 07:44 AM PDT YANGON – Hilton Mandalay sits in four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with views of both the stunningly picturesque Mandalay Hill and the Mandalay Royal Palace. This hotel is located in the center of the heart of Myanmar's second largest city. Formerly Sedona Hotel Mandalay, the hotel underwent a rebrand and was re-launched in March this year, now operating as Hilton Mandalay with a full renovation and added luxurious flair in the decoration.  "Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar and is an exciting travel destination with a growing quickly economy. The view from the hotel is beautiful and that was the perfect reason to take over this place as a Hilton hotel," said Mr. Ashok Kapur, Cluster Commercial Director of Hilton Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay and Ngapali. The hotel has just finished renovations in the public areas including the lobby and swimming pool where major style changes have been introduced.  "We finished the renovation process in a lot of public areas and extensive renovations are still ongoing. We are adding a spa and tennis court and will renovate the rooms as well so this is a long-term process but, we promise guests will be satisfied," he said. The hotel Though Mandalay has a lot of hotels, this one has a location which offers probably the most stunning views from its rooms. There are 231 guest rooms of different room types including the deluxe room with garden view option, a prime hill view suite and an executive lounge. It can be found at the intersection of 26th and 66th streets in Mandalay.  Nearby are a number of attractions for travelers including a historical monastery called Shwe Kyaung as well as pagodas like Kuthodaw Pagoda, Sandamuni Pagoda, Eindawya Pagoda, Mahamuni Pagoda. U Bein Bridge and the Chinatown area are not far either. The hotel's design is stylish and modern and the redecorated lobby has a gorgeous elegance to it. When I arrived early in the morning, the staff members were warm and welcoming offering me fresh juice with a friendly smile. I was relaxed and ready to start my weekend exploring Mandalay.  Accommodation The hotel offers upscale accommodation and the room I stayed in was a twin deluxe room with a garden view which costs $105 per night. The room was really spacious and clean with top class furnishings. All the necessary hotel amenities were provided. My room looked directly on to the entrance of the hotel but I still had a stunning view of the moats around Mandalay Palace and Mandalay Hill. The large window flooded my room with plenty of natural light. The room had a mini bar and flat screen television and I could order food any time from the 24-hour room service. The bathroom featured an oversized soaking bathtub. There was no standing shower area. Though wireless internet was said to be available throughout the hotel, the signal was quite weak in my room so when I had to do something important online, I went to the nearby lobby area.  After the nine-hour trip from Yangon to Mandalay, I was so tired and couldn't wait to collapse onto the fluffy, comfortable bed of soft sheets and pillows. Though Yangon is awash in rainy downpours, the weather in Mandalay is hot. However, the air-conditioning in my room was cool and I even needed to wrap myself in a blanket. Facilities The hotel had a huge outdoor swimming pool in a garden setting and there are plenty of cabanas for you to laze on. A bonus of this swimming pool is its cleanliness and that is has no strong chlorine smell. The lifeguard was always near the pool for the safety of the swimmers.  When I went to the swimming pool in the evenings it was busy with a lot of kids and other guests. In fact, over my whole two-day stay at the Hilton the pool was always busy. Despite this, it was a really pretty area and one of the best places in the hotel for taking photos. The 24-hour fitness center located near the swimming pool was quite small and was lacking much training equipment due to the ongoing renovations. The spa was also under renovation as was the tennis court. I noted that after the renovation process, the hotel is bound to be even more inviting. Guests can be picked up from the bus station or airport by hotel transport airport for a fee and it is advised to book in advance. With complimentary bicycle rental, I could explore the numerous sights of the city conveniently. Though the breakfast had an international buffet with a huge variety, I didn't see a traditional food counter when I was there. The pastries were really fresh and their croissants, chocolate filling cake and brown bread were perfect. I also enjoyed the wide range of fresh juices and different types of cheese. Outside diners can have the buffet breakfast for $10. I had my meals at Café Mandalay which is near the lobby and stylishly designed with a live open kitchen and impressive wine wall.  The hotel has a Sunday Family Lunch Buffet plan for $22 per person and this includes the swimming pool access. I enjoyed the vast selection of authentic South East Asian, Western, European and local cuisines so I think it's worth paying that price for the luxury food offerings, especially with swimming pool access. Overall, my two-day stay at the Hilton Mandalay was full of luxurious comforts and memorable moments in a beautiful location despite the ongoing renovation process. The post Hilton Mandalay Offers Stunningly Picturesque Hill Views in the Best Location appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| State Counselor Meets Rakhine Investigation Commission to Discuss Work Plan Posted: 15 Aug 2018 06:59 AM PDT YANGON — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met with a newly appointed commission charged with investigating alleged rights violations in Rakhine State on Wednesday to discuss the body’s work plan and select a secretary. The President’s Office announced the creation of the commission in May, following mounting pressure on the government over its handling of the violence in Rakhine since August 2017, when militant attacks on security posts in the state triggered a military crackdown that has driven some 700,000 Rohingya to Bangladesh. The UN has labeled the military’s operations ethnic cleansing, while the EU and US have imposed sanction on military generals for their alleged roles. International rights groups have been urging the UN to refer the generals to the International Criminal Court. In late July, the President’s Office named the four people to serve on the “commission of enquiry.” They include two international experts — Philippine diplomat Rosario Manalo and former Japanese Ambassador to the UN Kenzo Oshima. The two Myanmar members are U Aung Tun Thet, who also serves as chief coordinator of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine, and U Mya Thein, a former chair of Myanmar's Constitutional Tribunal. “We are going to start our work very quickly,” said U Aung Tun Thet, declining to comment on today’s meeting. Rosario, who will chair the commission, is scheduled to hold a press conference in Naypyitaw on Thursday. “I can’t say more at this stage, and we all agreed that only our chairwoman will speak to the media,” U Aung Tun Thet said. According to a brief statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the commission members discussed the body’s terms of reference. State Counselor’s Office Minister U Kyaw Tin Swe, International Cooperation Minister U Kyaw Tin, national security adviser U Thaung Tun, who also chairs the Myanmar Investment Commission, attended the meeting as well. The post State Counselor Meets Rakhine Investigation Commission to Discuss Work Plan appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Kyat Trade Deregulation Will Aid Govt’s Development Plans: Suu Kyi Adviser Posted: 15 Aug 2018 06:18 AM PDT YANGON—Monday's decision by the central bank to remove the trading band for foreign exchange transactions involving the kyat will make it easier for the government to implement its plans for sustainable development by helping to prevent distortions in the currency's value and reducing its volatility, the Special Economic Consultant to Myanmar's State Counselor said. "Myanmar's exchange rate will now truly reflect demand and supply in the market, allowing it to adjust to better suit the structural adjustment Myanmar's economy needs," Sean Turnell, Special Economic Consultant to State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, told The Irrawaddy. The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) announced on Monday that private banks and exchange counters are no longer required to trade within 0.8 percent of its reference exchange rate, in a move that is expected to ease foreign-exchange (FX) transactions and improve market liquidity flows. The CBM's move has been hailed in some quarters as an important advance in economic deregulation that will make Myanmar a more attractive base for export-focused manufacturers. However, it remains unclear whether the government aims to adopt a fully floating regime or not. According to Turnell, however, that is the government's plan. Under such a system, the rate is set by market forces based on the demand for and supply of foreign and domestic currencies, with no government intervention. "The track record around the world is that a floating exchange rate protects a country from international economic shocks. This is especially important for countries such as Myanmar, which at this point mostly exports commodities, primary products and energy," Turnell said. Some experts hailed the CBM's move, pointing out that its reference rate is based mainly on demand at its daily dollar auctions. When the gap between the CBM's reference exchange rate and market-driven exchange rates grows beyond a certain point, the trading requirement of plus or minus 0.8 percent becomes unrealistic, creating a bottleneck that disrupts FX transactions. The rule also complicates the current account transactions of complying banks, discouraging foreign banks in particular from participating in the interbank FX market. However, other financial market experts criticized the move, saying Myanmar is not ready for a free-floating FX market. They warned that the decision could lead to economic disaster by making it harder to defend the currency from flows of "hot money" from abroad. "Our currency is not mature enough for a floating exchange rate. [The CBM's move] creates an opportunity for those who want to undermine the government politically by manipulating financial markets," said U Than Lwin, a senior adviser at Kanbawzaw Bank and a former deputy governor of the CBM. "We have a big illegal financial market; any group with bad intentions could manipulate the market. [The move] puts the economy at risk," he said. The kyat has depreciated against the dollar since May. Some experts attribute this in part to the mounting trade war between China and the U.S., along with a shortage of foreign currency at home to facilitate imports. The central bank's reference rate on Wednesday was 1,475 kyats/USD. This compares to a purchase rate of 1,495 kyats and a selling rate of 1,503 at private banks. This is the weakest rate for the kyat in more than eight years. Many people blamed the situation on the CBM's policy of removing the FX trading band. However, former Citi Banker Saw Bo Bo said there are many reasons for the dollar's record gain against the kyat, pointing out that the greenback has risen against currencies all over the world. He added that with business activity in Myanmar at a cyclical low due to the rainy season, private banks currently hold excess kyats, while people are buying dollars on the domestic market due to liquidity concerns as the currency strengthens. Responding to the dollar's record level against the kyat, Turnell wrote in a Facebook post that there is a degree of misunderstanding over the kyat's present weakness. He said the current conditions are part of a global story, with the dollar strengthening against all emerging market currencies — and even some rich-world ones — as risk anxieties grow. He added that the fall in the kyat is in line with those of other currencies. At around 10 percent, its decline has been far milder than some, though it is true that it has fallen marginally more than, say, the Indonesian rupiah (down about 8 percent), Indian rupee (also down about 8 percent), and the MCSI emerging market currency index (down about 7 percent). According to Turnell, the kyat has fallen slightly further than some other currencies because Myanmar is a frontier, rather than an emerging, market. Accordingly, the kyat is perceived as less liquid than emerging currencies broadly, and thus carries a higher risk premium. Similarly, the country is regarded as slightly riskier than other countries, further down the political and economic reform track. Myanmar also has slightly higher inflation than some of its peer countries. Turnell pointed out that Myanmar does not have sufficient forex reserves to defend the currency. If it did attempt such a defense, its reserves would rapidly be depleted, which would require it to float the kyat anyway. He added that the government was embracing a floating exchange approach that had proven beneficial to other countries. He raised the example of Australia, saying it was a particularly relevant example of a commodity-producing country for which the adoption of a floating exchange rate had provided sustained economic growth. Saw Bo Bo said the government needed both short- and long-term plans to tackle the domestic dollar shortage and reduce exchange-rate volatility. "The central bank needs to inject more USD into the financial market. It should also ease some foreign currency restrictions for private banks, and find ways to boost the flow of USD from foreign banks [based in Myanmar] into the local market," he said. The post Kyat Trade Deregulation Will Aid Govt's Development Plans: Suu Kyi Adviser appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Scores of Homes Destroyed, Damaged by Storm Surge in Pyapon Posted: 15 Aug 2018 04:25 AM PDT PATHEIN — Nearly 90 houses collapsed and almost 40 others were damaged by a storm surge in several villages in Pyapon Township, Irrawaddy Region on Sunday and Monday. "The tidal surge accompanied by strong winds destroyed 86 houses and damaged 39 others in two days," regional Disaster Management Center director U Than Soe told The Irrawaddy. Local authorities evacuated 673 residents of the villages to safety. "Tides have been higher than normal for the past three months or so. The tides and winds have eroded the bank, causing the houses to collapse. In particular, huts built on the sandbank outside the villages collapsed. There were no casualties or injuries," said lawmaker U Bo Bo Zaw Min of the Irrawaddy Region Parliament. The Pyapon District Disaster Management Center distributed rice and other emergency relief supplies to those affected. It also gave 100,000 kyats each to families whose thatched houses were destroyed and 200,000 kyats each to families who lost wooden houses with corrugated iron roofs, U Than Soe said. "Disasters have become more severe due to climate change. The government is working as hard as it can, but civil society organizations and members of the public also need to cooperate with officials and be prepared; only then can the impacts be minimized," he said. Tidal surges have also damaged houses in Kyaikto and Paung townships in Mon State as well as in Thongwa Township in Yangon. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. The post Scores of Homes Destroyed, Damaged by Storm Surge in Pyapon appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Landscaping Projects in Bagan May Ruin Chances of World Heritage Site Status Posted: 15 Aug 2018 04:19 AM PDT MANDALAY — A lack of transparency in landscaping projects currently underway in Bagan, the archaeological zone in central Myanmar, has raised concerns over the safeguarding of the ancient pagodas and temples. For the landscaping projects, local authorities are planning to plant a Japanese lawn grass, zoysia japonica, at about 17 prominent pagodas and temples, including Dhammayangyi, Sulamani and Mahabodhi pagodas and Tharabha Gate. "We were told that the project is under the supervision of the Nyaung U district administration office. They said they are doing this for the landscape of Bagan, however, they should think about the long-term impact," said Ko Myo Set San, a leader of the local environmental activist group Save Bagan. Locals have cited a lack of transparency in these projects, which is raising concern over the impact they may have on the ancient temples and pagodas, especially since the ground inspection by an official UNESCO expert team is scheduled for mid-September, during which they will assess Bagan's suitability to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They added that there was a series of meetings between local members of the public, local CSOs, government officials and the Department of Archaeology and National Museum for the Bagan region; however, the authorities failed to explain anything about the planting projects. "We made several complaints to the district administration office as well as the department of archaeology, but they have failed to explain this to us or issue any reply," said Ko Myo Set San. Locals have said that since Bagan is located in a dry zone, the grass will need an irrigation system and that moisture from this will affect the strength of the centuries-old pagodas and temples. "We suspect that the administration office is doing these projects just to ruin Bagan's chances of being listed as a World Heritage Site," he said. "If they did really care about Bagan, they wouldn't do these projects because they could affect the conservation of the ancient pagodas." The project at Tharabha Gate is already complete. The ongoing project at Dhammayangyi Pagoda is halfway finished while other temples are still at the tilling stage. Photos have been spread on social media, drawing criticism in recent days. "Japanese lawn grass is not a native plant of Bagan. The authorities should have known about this and now they need to review the project. What will the UNESCO expert team say when they see this?" questioned U Thein Oo, an elder from Bagan, who is involved in a local environment and conservation activist group. "If Bagan's nomination to UNESCO fails due to these projects, the authorities must take full responsibility for this," he added. The Nyaung U district administration office and the Department of Archaeology and National Museum have been out of reach for comment. When The Irrawaddy previously requested comment on the landscaping project at Tharabha Gate, U Aung Aung Kyaw, director the Bagan sub-office of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum said experts' recommendations had been sought on the landscaping project and that they were making efforts to safeguard the ancient monuments. On the other hand, the national project officer at UNESCO's Myanmar office told The Irrawaddy that the office wants to suggest that local authorities not disturb the original atmosphere. "It is hard to comment on what they are doing, as we do not know the exact plan for these landscaping projects. We understand that the authorities want to do good things for Bagan, however, they need to protect the natural scenery that gives an ancient atmosphere for visitors," said Daw Ohnmar Myo, the national project officer at UNESCO's Myanmar office. Since some of the natural drainage systems in Bagan have been ruined by development projects in the past, the UNESCO office said the local authorities also need to improve the drainage system in order to safeguard the foundations of the structures. "Every time it rains, the water can't recede easily in many areas in Bagan and this will affect the foundations of the pagodas in the long term. If there is planting near the pagodas and temples, the drainage needs to be improved first, for it will need water," she explained. "Moreover, it is also important to know what kind of plants they will grow there. The plants should be native plants that are suited to the weather of the area and they also need to make sure the projects will not affect the natural scenery of the region." The post Landscaping Projects in Bagan May Ruin Chances of World Heritage Site Status appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Students Demand Accountability in Electrocution Cases Posted: 15 Aug 2018 02:45 AM PDT YANGON — Students from 13 universities in Yangon Region have sent a petition to the Ministry of Electricity and Energy asking for government accountability regarding recent electrocution cases. The petition signed by 4,500 students during the "No Electric Shock Signature Campaign" was also presented to the electricity, industry and transportation minister and social affairs minister of the Yangon regional government and regional Parliament. Students of the University of Medicine-2 held a press conference on Tuesday at the office of the Myanmar Journalists Network, demanding that justice be served for two students who died from electrocution. Protesters asked that the government reply in 15 days. "We've asked the ministries what they can do about the lack of safety in public areas," said Ko Aung Kaung Maw, a student of the University of Medicine-2, who is also a leader of the signature campaign. On July 13, a 13-year-old boy died by electrocution after stepping on a fallen wire lying in a pool of water on Thanthumar Road in Yangon's South Okkalapa Township. Two weeks later, a student of the University of Medicine-2 met the same fate after he leaned against a wall into which electric current from a neighboring workshop owned by the Ministry of Industry was flowing. In regard to the death of the boy in South Okkalapa Township, the chief executive officer of the Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation U Thant Sain told The Irrawaddy, "The investigation has been completed and the report has been submitted to the [Electricity and Energy] Ministry. "Especially, 400-volt power cables tend to fall down. The rest rarely do. So, we are replacing 400-volt cables in crowded public spaces such as hospitals, schools and markets," he added. Students from the University of Medicine-2 are still haunted by the tragic death of their friend, said student Ko Aung Khant Paing. "We are extremely worried that an overhead power line may fall at any time, especially when it rains and we can't see clearly on the flooded streets," he said. Students from the University of Computer Science, University of Foreign Languages, Yangon University, Dagon University and more also signed the petition in addition to students from the medical and nursing universities. The petition called on the Electricity Ministry to investigate the deaths, provide justice for the two victims, ensure responsibility and accountability, prevent similar incidents in the future, and make regular checks on power lines. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. The post Students Demand Accountability in Electrocution Cases appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Mekong River Body Welcomes Laos’ Decision to Suspend New Dam Projects Posted: 15 Aug 2018 12:05 AM PDT BANGKOK — The Mekong River Commission welcomed on Wednesday a decision by the Laos government to suspend approval of new dams while reviewing all dams currently under construction following the collapse of part of a hydropower project last month. An auxiliary dam, part of the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy power project in the southern province of Attapeu, collapsed on July 23, killing at least 39 people. More than 90 are still missing. The collapse put Laos’ hydropower ambitions in the spotlight and underscored concerns raised by environmental groups. “The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has welcomed the highly applauded and progressive decision…that the country will review all existing and under-construction dams and suspend the consideration of all new hydropower investments considering the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy dam break,” the MRC said on Wednesday. Laos, one of Asia’s poorest countries, hopes to become the “Battery of Southeast Asia” by selling power to neighbors through a series of hydropower dams. The landlocked country sells much of this electricity abroad, which makes up about 30 percent of its exports. Laos had 46 operating hydroelectric power plants in 2017, with 54 more planned or under construction. However, conservation groups warn of the project’s impact on the environment and rural communities that depend on the Mekong. The MRC, an inter-government agency that works with regional governments to manage the resources and development of the Mekong River, said the move by Laos “ushers in a new hope for a more optimal, sustainable and less contentious path for development of one of the greatest rivers in the world.” The post Mekong River Body Welcomes Laos’ Decision to Suspend New Dam Projects appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| ‘Hijab is Like a Key’: Myanmar Blogger Battles Bias With Beauty Campaign Posted: 15 Aug 2018 12:00 AM PDT YANGON — Muslims in Buddhist-majority Myanmar usually keep a low profile for fear of intimidation, but Win Lae Phyu Sin, one of the community’s rare bloggers on beauty care, has gone the other way. The 19-year-old was the center of attraction at a recent launch of beauty products in Yangon, her striking multi-colored makeup offset by a long-sleeved green-and-white gown and matching hijab, a headscarf worn by some Muslim women. “I don’t regret my decision to wear the hijab,” the blogger said. “Our God opens many ways for me. Hijab is like a key for me. I can use it to go where I want to go and do what I want.” Muslims, who make up about 5 percent of the nation of around 50 million, say they have not been able to open new mosques in decades and struggle to rent apartments from Buddhist landlords. Systematic persecution of Muslims is growing in Myanmar, rights groups say, though world attention has focused on its stateless Rohingya Muslims, with the United Nations and aid groups saying more than 700,000 were driven into neighboring Bangladesh after an army crackdown last year. But many Muslims of all ethnicities had been refused national identity documents, and denied access to some places of worship, Burma Human Rights Network said in a report last year. For some of Win Lae Phyu Sin’s students, her tutorials are not merely about applying eyeshadow and highlighter, but also about building confidence and pride in an identity constantly questioned by Buddhist fellow citizens. “I saw her applying makeup while wearing the hijab and it’s amazingly beautiful,” said Hay Mann Aung, 20. “I wanted to be as beautiful as her.” Win Lae Phyu Sin’s effort to impart a cool, chic vibe to the image of Myanmar Muslims, deploying stylish clothes that match her hijabs, elaborate mascara, and eyeshadow layered in bold colors, has drawn admirers. She has 6,000 followers on social media site Facebook and 600 students have attended more than 150 classes on the use of cosmetics run in a makeshift studio. Criticism But her high profile has drawn criticism and even discrimination: A Buddhist woman who enrolled in her class backed out on discovering Win Lae Phyu Sin was Muslim. Some Facebook commenters have attacked her for being too flamboyant and using makeup, which conservative Muslims regard as taboo, but the blogger refuses to let critics waste her time. “When people attack or criticize me outside and online, I choose to ignore them,” she said. “I have a lot of work to do.” Her growing fame, fed by dozens of online makeup tutorials and events at shopping malls, has prompted trips to Myanmar’s second largest city, Mandalay, and she plans to visit Kuala Lumpur, the capital of neighboring Malaysia. Win Lae Phyu Sin started with tutorials on makeup filmed in a bedroom shared with her sister, posting them on Facebook before offering classes. “After I graduated from high school, my boyfriend gave me makeup palettes as a present,” she said. “I didn’t know how to use them, so I Googled it and learned.” But acquiring professional expertise proved too expensive, so Win Lae Phyu Sin came up with the idea of six-hour sessions, aimed at regular “girls like me,” that cost less than $25. A year on, she brings to every lesson two bags packed with eyeliners, brushes and small mirrors for every student. At one recent session, she discussed skin types before handing out bottles of foundation and eyeshadow for students to try. Win Lae Phyu Sin is undeterred by those who denigrate her for being a Muslim and wearing a hijab that exposes the face. “‘Don’t you know you will go to hell if you do that? Why don’t you take off the hijab during shooting?'” she quoted some Facebook critics as asking. But she added, “I will keep on doing this, because this is my passion.” The post ‘Hijab is Like a Key’: Myanmar Blogger Battles Bias With Beauty Campaign appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
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