Saturday, June 24, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Will Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing’s Russia Visit Unlock More Military Cooperation?

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 09:57 PM PDT

At the VI Moscow Conference on International Security organized in April 2017, the Russian deputy defense minister Lt-Gen Alexander Fomin held talks with Rear Admiral Myint Nwe, deputy defense minister of Myanmar. The meeting confirmed commander-in-chief of Myanmar's armed forces Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Russia this month.

Alexander Fomin remarked "we see good prospects of cooperation in military and military-technical fields between the two countries from the upcoming visit of the commander-in-chief of Myanmar".

Alexander Fomin can be said to be a key player in Russia's expansion of military ties with foreign countries in the past few years. He has taken a lead role in Russia's military technical cooperation with international countries—in other words, finding new markets for Russia's military technology.

From 2005 to 2015, he served in the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, and was promoted through the ranks from deputy director to director. In January this year, he was appointed deputy defense minister.

Alexander Fomin reportedly has cordial ties with Myanmar's military. After visits were exchanged between Russian defense minister Sergey K. Shoygu and Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in 2013, Lt-Gen Alexander Fomin visited Myanmar in November of the same year in his capacity as the joint-chairman of the Russia-Myanmar military technical cooperation.

When Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing went to Belarus in November 2014, he made a stopover in Russia for transit, and Alexander Fomin came and met him at the airport. In September 2015, he visited Myanmar again. Whenever he met Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, the discussion focused on the promotion of military ties and military technical cooperation. It can be said that his discussions have achieved certain results.

Since 2011, Myanmar-Russia military relations have gone from strength to strength. After 1988, Myanmar relied on its neighbor China because of sanctions from western countries. Especially, the Tatmadaw came to rely heavily on China for the procurement of weapons. From 1988, when the military staged a coup, to 2000, the Tatmadaw purchased weapons mostly from China, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

According SIPRI data, Tatmadaw spent US$1.63 billion on weapons over this period.

In his book "In the Name of Phauk-Phaw," Maung Aung Myo wrote: "The Tatmadaw was not happy with Chinese weapons …. so the Tatmadaw began to procure more advanced Russia weapons and sent more trainees to Russia in the early of 2000s."

In 2001, the Tatmadaw purchased 12 MiG29B fighter jets from Russia and continued to purchase more and more sophisticated weapons from the country.

From 2001 to 2016, the Tatmadaw mainly purchased weapons from Russia, with the total value of weapons it purchased from Russia during that period even higher than that of weapons bought from China. According to records, the procurement totaled $1.45 billion whereas the procurement from China was just $1.42 billion.

This indicates that Myanmar's military cooperation with Russia increased after 2001. Recently, a Russian company handed over three Yak-130 trainer aircrafts purchased by the Tatmadaw. More aircraft will be transferred in 2018.

Myanmar, which mainly sent trainees to China after 1988, has now sent large numbers of trainees to Russia in recent years.

Author Ludmila Lutz-Auras, quoting the records of Russia's Education Ministry, said there were a total of 4,705 Myanmar citizens learning in Russian universities in the 20 years between 1993 to 2013—the number is the second largest from South East Asia, following Vietnam.

In an interview with state-run Myanma Alinn newspaper published on June 5, Russian Ambassador to Myanmar Nikolay A. Listopadov said around 6,000 Tatmadaw students have graduated from prestigious universities in Russia and some have received post-graduate and doctoral degrees. There are currently around 600 male and female students learning in Russia. It is interesting that the ambassador linked the Tatmadaw's efforts to establish a Standard Army with Russia's scholarship programs.

In November 2013, three Russian naval ships arrived at Yangon to commemorate 65 years of diplomatic ties between Russia and Myanmar. This was the first time Russian naval ships had come to Myanmar in modern history. In May last year, three Russian naval ships visited Yangon again.

The bilateral relations have been further reinforced by agreements signed in the last few years. In November 2014, Myanmar's Parliament approved the agreement between Russia and Myanmar on military intelligence cooperation. Shortly after the National League for Democracy (NLD) assumed office, the Parliament approved an agreement on military cooperation between Russia and Myanmar.

Defense ministers of the two countries signed the agreement in June last year. Though the agreement is mainly about technical transfers and military academic training, it is interesting to see that Myanmar, a country in transition, signed a military agreement with a superpower like Russia.

The Tatmadaw realized in the 2000s that it could not be completely dependent on China regarding international relations, military technology, and weapon procurement, and boosted its ties with Russia. Besides Russia, it also started to establish relations with a number of non-Western countries.  Following political transition, it was free to develop good ties with western countries.

Though the Tatmadaw is currently not able to procure weapons from western countries, it has re-established ties with them and dispatches trainees to the US and the UK on a regular basis. In addition, it has also started to purchase training aircraft from companies from Germany, a member of the EU. Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing addressed the EU Military Committee Meeting held in Brussels last year.

The Tatmadaw's ties with western countries have undeniably improved in the past few years. But it is not without restrictions. Especially, there are still a lot of restrictions in purchasing weapons and military technology. So, countries like Russia are a strategic partner country for Myanmar Tatmadaw to achieve its aim of establishing a "Standard Army." While military relations with western countries depend largely on relations between civilian governments, Myanmar Tatmadaw can engage more independently with Russia without being influenced by the shadow of civilian government.

Meanwhile, with the rising of China in the international arena, Russia has started to acknowledge the importance of the Asia Pacific region. Soviet leader Lenin said: "Let us turn our faces towards Asia. The East will help us conquer the West." And Vladimir Putin now also has growing interest in the East. In particular, South East Asia plays an important part in Russia's Look East approach.

In recent years, Russia's economy, along with the country's arms exports, has declined. The country earned $7.78 billion in 2013 from arms exports, but that amount dropped to $5.10 billion in 2014 and $5.56 billion in 2015. It is mainly because its large customer China has paid greater attention to production of arms at home and its markets in Eastern Europe and the Middle East are slumping. The market in India, which depends on Russia for 75 percent of its weapons, is also in decline. Under such circumstances, Southeast Asian countries, which are competitively building armies, have become new target for Russia.

Military analysts have estimated that Southeast Asia will spend a total of $40 billion on arms and technologies by 2020. Taking a look at Southeast Asian countries' procurement of arms from Russian from 2011 to 2016, Vietnam spent $5.74 billion, Myanmar $1.45 billion, Malaysia $1.30 billion, and Indonesia $1.15 billion. During that period, Myanmar was the second largest buyer of Russian weapons in Southeast Asia after Vietnam.

Renowned Russia military expert Vyacheslav Tseluyko commented that if Russia gains a foothold in Myanmar, it has the potential to penetrate more of the Southeast Asia market including Laos, Indonesia, and even Bangladesh. Therefore, Myanmar can be a strategic market point for Russia, which is eyeing the Southeast Asia market.

As the dynamics of Myanmar's international relations changed along with its political transition, Russia will not easily give up its position in Myanmar after all those years of support for the country in its troubled times. While it is still unclear about the stance and policies of the new civilian government, Russia seemingly has thought of reinforcing its position in Myanmar by maintaining good ties with the Tatmadaw.

Alexander Fomin has said there is good potential for development in military relations and military technical cooperation between the two countries. Currently, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing is on an official visit to Russia. We'll have to wait and see how this visit will unlock new potential in military cooperation between two countries.

Ko Ye is the executive director of the Yangon-based Tagaung Institute of Political Studies, a civil society organization researching civil-military relations and security sector in Myanmar's transition process.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

The post Will Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing's Russia Visit Unlock More Military Cooperation? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Irrawaddy Business Roundup

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 09:49 PM PDT

Sanctions Off the Books, Some Restrictions Remain

The US Department of the Treasury removed sanctions regulations against Myanmar from the code of federal regulations on June 16 in a final move by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to culminate actions taken by the Obama administration in October of last year.

However US financial institutions must still undertake enhanced due diligence when processing financial transactions involving Myanmar because it remains a "jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern" pursuant to section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act, the legal website Lexology noted.

Myanmar businesspersons were removed from the Specially Designated Nationals list last October. But Americans doing business in Myanmar should continue to screen counterparties because they could be designated under other sanctions regimes such as North Korea and narcotics trafficking, according to the report.

Under America's Jade Act, a non-disclosed list of Myanmar military officials and "any other Burmese persons who provide substantial economic and political support" to the military are still subject to a visa ban, and the US Department of State's Directorate of Defense Controls continues to maintain a policy to deny exports of defense articles and services to Myanmar.

Lexology reported that Americans were still "encouraged to remain vigilant when conducting legal business with and in Myanmar due to remaining concerns about corruption, money laundering, and informal banking practices."

Nevertheless, the latest removal of regulations "represents another step in the improving US-Myanmar relations, recognizing Myanmar's democratic advancement, and welcoming it back into the community of nations," the report stated.

Bus Engines Ordered from China

Myanmar has ordered thousands of bus engines from Chinese company Guangxi Yuchai Machinery, a subsidiary of China Yuchai International, the company announced.

Guangxi Yuchai Machinery received an initial order for 2,000 of its YC6G260N heavy-duty natural gas engines to power buses to be used in Yangon's public transportation system.

A further batch of 1,000 of the engines which are compliant with Euro V emission standards is expected to be ordered later, the statement said.

"This order coincides with the Chinese government's One Belt One Road initiative to increase economic cooperation between China and European and Asian countries," it added.

Guangxi Yuchai Machinery has headquarters in Yulin, Guangxi Province and is a leading engine manufacturer in China, making a wide variety of light-, medium- and heavy-duty engines for trucks, buses, passenger vehicles, construction equipment and marine and agriculture applications. It was founded in 1951 and sold 320,424 engines in 2016, according to its website.

Logistics Firm Wins Start-Up Competition

Yangon-based logistics startup Kargo won the Myanmar leg of a global competition for early startups organized on June 21 in the commercial capital. The competition was organized by Seedstars World, a Swiss operation that promotes start-ups in emerging markets.

Kargo will head to Switzerland in April next year to compete with other startups from around 80 countries for a chance to receive up to $1 million in equity investment.

The Yangon firm also received a six-digit investment a month ago from Singapore-based venture capital firm Vulpes Investment Management, DealStreet Asia reported.

Eight startups from Myanmar participated in the pitching session for Seedstars World in Yangon, including agri-mobile app Greenovator; healthcare service Doctor On Call; Agtrade, a market-matching platform for farmers, brokers and traders and Amyanpoh, a delivery solution for e-commerce, DealStreet reported.

Kargo operates a fleet of independent truck drivers and companies for on-demand delivery around the country, with services offered in Yangon, Mandalay, Taunggyi, Pathein, Pyay and Lashio.

Seedstars World works closely with Omidyar Network, AYA Bank, Ooredoo and others in Myanmar. It hopes to establish a long-term presence in the country, according to DealStreet.

Cranes Ordered for Thilawa Port

The Myanmar Port Authority has awarded contracts to a Japanese company for two ship-to-shore cranes and six rubber-tire gantry cranes for a new container terminal being constructed at Thilawa Port, a trade website reported.

The terminal is expected to be completed in the autumn of 2018 and will be able to handle more and larger ships than congested Yangon port, according to the report.

Japan-based Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. won the US$27.3 million contract for the cranes which are due to be delivered late next year.

Thilawa is Myanmar's first special economic zone and formally opened for business in September 2015 as a large-scale joint project between Myanmar and Japan.

Japan's Toyo Construction Co. and JFE Engineering Corporation were awarded contracts early last year to build an 18-hectare container terminal at Thilawa, which is set to become one of the country's key logistics hubs.

Nippon Express, Japan's largest international freight forwarder, opened a new warehouse at the economic zone on June 1.

Global Logistics Firm Opens Office

International logistics and supply chain management firm CEVA has opened a dedicated office in Yangon.

CEVA is owned by US-based venture capitalists Apollo Management, according to its website, and employs 41,000 people in operations all over the world.

The company is offering a full spectrum of air and ocean freight services from Myanmar, where it has also operated freight management services through a partner for five years.

Myanmar has strong growth potential, said CEVA's Mekong area manager Bruno Plantaz.

"In the past, the country infrastructure has always been a limiting and inhibiting factor, but with our global network and more importantly, our experience in emerging markets, especially in the region, we are confident that with our own office and robust IT offerings we can deliver options and solutions to the market and at the same time grow our commercial footprint," Plantaz said in a company release.

China Freezes Myanmar Traders' Accounts

Myanmar authorities were negotiating last week to reopen more than 300 bank accounts of Myanmar nationals frozen by banks in Shweli, Yunnan Province, China, The Irrawaddy reported.

The Myanmar authorities informed Chinese officials that the accounts belonged to Myanmar traders who were not involved in money laundering, gambling or trafficking.

Chinese bank officials said they were still checking the accounts, a Myanmar representative said.

The Chinese embassy in Yangon issued a statement on Monday saying the move was a crackdown on crime and illegal trade, but promised to free legitimate accounts and protect long-term stability with Myanmar. More than a hundred people held a protest march against the closures in Shweli on Friday.

In other media reports, traders said the accounts were mainly held by traders exporting rice and sugar. China is trying to discourage sugar imports and sugar smuggling as domestic sugar mills are facing competition from cheap imports, some reports suggested.

The post The Irrawaddy Business Roundup appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

This Week in Parliament (June 19-23)

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 09:35 PM PDT

Monday (June 19)

In the Lower and Upper Houses, lawmakers discussed regional development tasks in their respective constituencies. The Lower House also discussed the issue of land confiscation.

Tuesday (June 20)

Regarding the government's policy of mid-term debt management until the 2019-20 fiscal year, Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance U Maung Maung Win told the Union Parliament that the government would seek low-interest loans and development policy loans for projects and plans that would support the country's economic policies. As of December 31, Myanmar was nearly US$9 billion in debt, required to pay back US$100-700 million annually until 2053, according to the minister.

Wednesday (June 21)

Lawmaker Daw Khin Sithu of Loikaw Township lamented in the Lower House that children born to Myanmar citizens illegally working in foreign countries are losing their rights, and asked if the government would grant such children Myanmar citizenship.

Union minister for labor, immigration and population U Thein Swe said that the government would grant such children Myanmar citizenship if birth proof can be submitted. He added that his ministry was adopting plans and strategies to issue birth certificates in these cases.

The Parliament approved the proposal of Lewe Township lawmaker U Myo Zaw Oo which urged the Union government to provide crop insurance for farmers across the country.

In the Upper House, U Kyaw Kyaw of Arakan State Constituency (4) urged the government to release all political prisoners behind bars. Deputy Minister Maj-Gen Aung Soe said the government has still no plan to define the terms "political prisoner" and "political offense."

Thursday (June 22)

Lower House lawmakers debated Yekyi Township lawmaker U San Shwe Win's proposal encouraging the Union government to provide universal health coverage for citizens of the country.

In Upper House, regarding the 5 percent taxation on mobile top-ups, Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance U Maung Maung Win said that the government spent 7.455 billion kyats in revenue on the education sector in the 2016-17 fiscal year. The Education Ministry currently provides cash assistance for outstanding graduates and university students with its own funds, and has no plans for the time being to set up a separate fund from mobile top-up taxation to assist impoverished students.

 Friday (June 23)

The Lower House documented Paung Township lawmaker Mi Kon Chan's proposal urging the Union government to review long-term projects permitted under successive government to determine if they are against the interests of people.

Dr. Kyaw Ngwe of Magwe Constituency (10) asked in the Upper House of Parliament whether the government would increase the meal and uniform allowances for midwives, which currently amounts to less than 100 kyats per month. Union minister for health and sports, Dr. Myint Htwe, said that the Union government had already agreed to increase meal allowances to 20,000 kyats per month and uniform allowances to 20,000 kyats per year.

The post This Week in Parliament (June 19-23) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dateline Irrawaddy: Govt ‘Has Done Nothing’ for Independent Ethnic Media

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 09:04 PM PDT

Ye Ni: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy! The role of ethnic media is important in Myanmar, which is a multiethnic country. This week, founder and chief editor of Arakanese media Narinjara News Agency U Khaing Myat Kyaw and ethnic Kachin reporter Ma Nan Lwin Pwint of The Irrawaddy join me to discuss ethnic media. I'm Irrawaddy Burmese editor Ye Ni.

According to the Information Ministry, there are over 885 publications published in ethnic languages either by government agencies or by independent media. Your Narinjara News Agency operated in exile in Bangladesh during the military regime, and returned to Myanmar after private media was allowed under the U Thein Sein government, and it continues operation under the civilian government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. How has your news agency struggled and what challenges has it faced, and is facing, through the past and at present?

Khaing Myat Kyaw: Our news agency was established in Bangladesh's Dhaka in 2001. At that time, we had enormous difficulties in gathering news because there was no phone or internet in Burma. [Reporters] had to come and report in person. We operated our news agency based on such news reports. So, we had real difficulties in gathering news while we were in exile. We were allowed to come back to Myanmar in 2014 under President U Thein Sein's government. Then, it was a lot easier to do reporting in comparison to the past because there is much greater access to internet and mobile phones in Myanmar. Plus, people have more appreciation for the role of media compared to the past. As they understood the benefits brought by the media, they started to cooperate. So, at present, regarding the gathering of news, we can gather it swiftly and contact and interview sources easily. Therefore, it has been easier and more convenient to gather and publish news compared to the past.

YN: Where is your news agency headquartered? Sittwe or Yangon? Is it online-only media or does it publish a journal?

KMK: We don't have a printing press in Sittwe. We publish a journal. So, we have to run an office in Yangon and distribute journals to Arakan State. We also run a weekly TV program called Ethnic Language TV in cooperation with DVB. We also run online media. We have website and a Facebook page. It is more convenient to operate in Yangon because of greater access to electricity here than in Sittwe. Previously, Sittwe did not have access to electricity at all. It has just been one or two years that it has had access to electricity. As you know, as we need to publish news reports quickly, and make sure the news reports reach the people swiftly, we are headquartered in Yangon, which has convenient communications. And we also run a liaison office in Sittwe and have reporters in different places. They gather news and send it to us by phone or email.  So, though we're headquartered in Yangon, we gather news by all means, not only by phone, but also in person and by email, and internet.

YN: As you said, [ethnic areas] don't have electricity like major towns, and in some areas, the educational standards are much lower than those in major towns. You have to gather reporters to run a media outlet. So, Ma Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint, how are reporters gathered in remote towns? And what are the challenges for those wishing to become journalists?

Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint: There are various conflict issues, particularly in Kachin State, such as violations of human rights, and displacement from clashes. So, there is a greater need for reporters in order to make those voices heard. There are many youth [in Kachin State] who want to be journalists to reveal the truth and write about the plight of their people. Their difficulty lies in choosing media outlets to work in. Some of my friends gather those wishing to become journalists and organize basic journalism trainings with the assistance of religious leaders, and they are then trained by senior journalists. It is however quite hard for them to work in ethnic media outlets. There are various challenges both in terms of safety and pay for those working as journalists in ethnic areas. And compared to big news agencies in Yangon, media outlets in ethnic areas cannot take responsibility for the safety of their reporters. But again, if ethnic reporters come to work in Yangon, they have to engage with new people, as it is not their hometown, and have to try harder than others. For instance, they have to rent a house and so on. So, it is hard for ethnic people to pursue journalism careers.

YN: Most of the ethnic regions are experiencing conflicts. So how does the media in ethnic regions operate amid the conflicts between the Burma Army and ethnic armed groups, between ethnic armed organizations themselves and between different ethnic groups?

NLHP: I have a friend, and when clashes recurred in 2011 in Kachin State, there were many people who got into trouble, and he wanted to help them. He decided to help as a reporter since it is difficult for reporters from Yangon to come and gather news in Kachin State because of the language barrier and unfamiliarity with the area. So, he sought the funds from organizations, and established Kachinwaves media. Almost six years after he established it, he still finds it difficult to identify himself as a reporter in conflict zones. Since he lives in the same area, when he comes back from conflict zones and writes reports, he is the only person who has to take responsibility for his report. There is no one who can protect him. Again, as he lives in Kachin [State] and is an ethnic Kachin, he is vulnerable to accusations. It is easy to accuse him of associating with ethnic armed groups and publishing misinformation. So, they have to consider their safety in making reports. Some of my Shan friends work as reporters in northern Shan State. But when they go to gather news from the Burma Army, they are accused of being the spies of ethnic armed groups. In some cases, if reporters get along with ethnic armed groups and it is easy to get news from them, the Burma Army will brand them as propagandists. In some cases, the army threatens to kill the reporters if they come, saying that they are spies.

YN: Ko Khaing Myat Kyaw, Arakan State is a sensitive area. So, what are the difficulties you face in reporting there?

KMK: Yes, there are also clashes in Arakan State between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Tatmadaw. But in covering those clashes, we can only get statements released by AA. And we have to make reports based on those statements. We could never phone and interview the Tatmadaw. So, anyway, those reports are not impartial, but biased. We have to refer to the sources of AA and the reports are therefore one-sided, and Tatmadaw accuses us of being biased toward the rebels. In fact, we don't want to be like that. We do want to make balanced reporting. But we could never ever phone and interview Tatmadaw. So, the Tatmadaw needs to release the correct information in remote areas, especially in ethnic areas. We also have difficulties in gathering news, and we can't get any information from the Arakan State government. As you said, Arakan State is a sensitive area with various problems. Therefore, misinformation can fuel the problems. In particular, no one [in state government] has ever answered about problems in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships. And in case of storm, we need to inform the public immediately. But we could ask no one about the storm Mora. If we have to wait two or three days in such cases, the information will become useless. So, the problem is we have enormous difficulty with our right to information.

YN: The market for ethnic media is small in ethnic regions. And the spending power of ethnic media is also very limited. So, how do they survive?

KMK: The incumbent government said it would promote ethnic media and ethnic languages and culture. But it has only done so for those working in the ministries. For example, it provided cultural assistance for ethnic people working in [the state-run] MRTV and so on. But until today, the government has done nothing for independent [ethnic] news agencies. The former information minister U Ye Htut however discussed and reached some agreements with us for the development of ethnic languages. But the incumbent government still can't materialize it—it will depend on the government's policy. Again, most of the ethnic media have to rely on funds of international NGOs because we don't have the market. We don't have a market in which we can sell between 5,000 to 10,000 copies of newspapers. And we don't get advertisements either. So, every [ethnic] journal is making a loss. So, if we didn't get international assistance, it would be quite hard for ethnic media to survive.

NLHP: People in ethnic areas tend to have greater trust in their local ethnic media because of the language and contact. For example, Kachin people have greater trust in publications published in Kachin language as they can read it themselves. Publications from Yangon can't arrive in a timely way because of poor transportation, and therefore there is a need for the development of ethnic media.  In some western countries, the governments impose taxes related to radio and television, and share it with the media. If the government would do this and help ethnic media, they would be able to operate even if they don't get funds from international organizations.

KMK: Another thing is there is no ethnic radio station or TV channels owned by ethnicities. This is a big gap, I think. So, the government should ensure there are ethnic language-speaking TV channels in ethnic regions like Shan, Chin, Arakan and Mon. It also needs to encourage and enable ethnicities to operate community radio including FM. Only then, will there be a swifter flow of information, and the gap between us will be reduced.

YN: Thank you both for your contributions!

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Friday, June 23, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Outgoing ICRC Head Weighs in On Progress, Challenges in Myanmar

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 08:35 AM PDT

YANGON — Outgoing head of the Myanmar delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Jurg Montani has emphasized progress made in recent months regarding improved humanitarian access to conflict affected areas.

At a press briefing on Thursday at the ICRC office in Yangon, Montani, who is set to finish his four-year duty at the end of June, cited the organization's growing operations in northeastern Myanmar as a success, adding that the organization was now able to work in civilian hospitals in Laiza and Mai Ja Yang in the Kachin Independence Army-controlled areas of Kachin State.

"I think that is the result of the dialogues we have with the Tatmadaw when our president was here. We have good access as well in the northern part of Rakhine, where we were among the first to be operating in the areas most affected by the military operations," he said.

ICRC President Peter Maurer visited Myanmar in May and met with the military's commander-in-chief, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. The two agreed to strengthen the dialogue between the Tatmadaw and ICRC.

In 2016, access to conflict areas in northern Rakhine, Kachin and Shan states was limited by Myanmar Army checkpoints and government policy, leaving displaced people without aid for several months.

The ICRC is engaging with the Tatmadaw's engineering unit, which is leading mine clearance operations from the armed forces' side, as well as non-state armed groups.

Montani said mine clearance operations remain difficult to discuss, as landmines are still being used in northeastern Myanmar. The ICRC is encouraging the government to sign the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines, as it would open the door for further international support and funding for mine clearance.

"I think over the years, we really gained the trust of all stakeholders—be it the civilian government, military, police, non-state armed groups, civil society organizations–which really allows us today to access [more] areas in Myanmar and to do humanitarian operations in Myanmar."

He said it is important that the access continues not only for the ICRC, adding that humanitarian aid plays a role in stabilizing the community and reconciling communities, using Rakhine State as an example.

"This is where we can see that it is possible to achieve longer term stability and peace. For that, we need to be able to work with those communities," Montani said.

The outgoing head said he believes his organization will be beneficial to the National League for Democracy government's peace process, by contributing to the resilience and stability of local populations and by strengthening infrastructure, as well as by addressing the immediate needs created by displacement.

Montani emphasized revisions to Myanmar's outdated prison law concerning the country's detention centers—where health care and medical services are widely reported as inadequate, and prisoners live in overcrowded conditions, alleging various rights violations and corruption. Changes to this law are underway, and Montani described them as a central point on which to build upon the improvement of the prison system as a whole.

"I think the country really needs a modern prison law which will allow the prison department to implement the changes that need to be implemented," he said.

He urged the Myanmar government to look into the judiciary system, including laws and sentencing statutes, as a way to address overcrowding in prisons.

The Ministry of Home Affairs appears to want to reform the prison system, he said, and to implement the ICRC's recommendations based on their findings during visits to detention centers. He added that the organization has seen some improvements because of these visits.

In Rakhine State, the outgoing head said that at community level it is possible to find solutions, and to develop reconciliation and trust between the divided communities there, as the ICRC has several project areas where different groups are interacting, using the same markets and health facilities.

"It's slow progress but this is possible… Some of the very nationalist talk, of course doesn't help the reconciliation," he said. "The two communities lived side by side for a long time… I want to believe it can work again."

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Maung Moe Thu Dances With Colors

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 05:51 AM PDT

In his advanced years, Moe Thu, better known by his penname of Maung Moe Thu, has already become inseparable from his walking stick, but is still dancing—on canvas.

The 80-year-old's solo exhibition "Dancing with Colors" is being held at the Myanmar Art Center Gallery in Chin Chaung Nandaw—Chin Chaung Palace—in Yangon's Bahan Township from June 24-26.

"I used to draw pagodas, stupas and landscapes, but I don't want to draw these now. I only want to draw colors. And I feel free and happy to draw colors," he explained of his recent work.

Since the 1960s, Maung Moe Thu has been a close friend of other pioneers in Myanmar's modern art movement: Win Pe, Paw Oo Thet, Kin Maung Yin, and Ko Shwe Aung Thein. But it was only in 2007 that he started drawing.

"I wanted to make paintings since that time. But they didn't like me drawing," he said, referring to his old friends. "Because I used their paints," he added with a smile. "You couldn't buy paints as you wished at that time. Also, my career was writing and shooting films," said the author of more than 30 translated books, who still writes articles in weeklies.

While working as a writer, publisher, director and scriptwriter, he joined the National League for Democracy when it was established after the 1988 pro-democracy movement. He was later jailed for seven years for his political activities, and his wife passed away while he was behind bars.

His first two pictures after his release in 2000 were a portrait of his wife Ma Amar and a work depicting the small prison cell where he spent so many years.

His third solo exhibition will feature 34 pictures, two feet by three feet in size, each priced at US$400. He held his first and second solo shows entitled "Emotion" in Yangon and Mandalay.

Maung Moe Thu, who is affectionately referred to by many as Bagyi Moe or Uncle Moe, told The Irrawaddy: "Artist Bagyi Thet, master of Paw Oo Thet and Win Pe, said that drawing is a happy thing. I still remember his words. I made these paintings because I'm happy. I believe that the viewers will feel something."

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko

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Myanmar Rock Stars Arrested After Alleged Late-Night Violence

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 05:40 AM PDT

YANGON – Two well-known rock stars, Htoo El Lynn and Cobra, were arrested by police after they allegedly physically assaulted a taxi driver and a woman on the corner of U Wisara and Shwedagon Pagoda roads in Yangon on Thursday night, according to Yangon Police.

The police report stated Soe Hlaing Shein and Nay Lin Thin—the real names of Htoo El Lynn and Cobra, respectively—were swearing at residents when police arrived, and were arrested for possession of an axe.

Local reporter Lumin Thaung Tun said on his Facebook page that the private car of the two singers collided with a taxi near the traffic lights at the junction, prompting the two singers to leave their vehicle and for Htoo El Lynn to smash the windshield of the taxi with an axe from inside his car.

According to the reporter, local Dagon Township residents said a woman who emerged from the taxi was pleading with Cobra to stop the attack after Htoo El Lynn punched the driver in the face.

Htoo El Lynn, who was reportedly very drunk and aggressive, went on to attack the woman.

Locals who attempted to mediate the quarrel were reportedly cursed at by the singers. After police were called they reportedly applauded the officers and chanted "act in line with law."

The Yangon Police statement said they visited the scene after an emergency call from residents and detained two suspects at Dagon Township police station on Thursday night.

The Yangon Police Act Section 30 states that any weapon or material which could be used to commit a crime could be held by police without a warrant and those in possession imprisoned for at least three months, if the person cannot give a reason for the possession.

The police did not see the alleged victims of the crime but have opened a case against the two singers, according to the Friday afternoon statement.

An officer from Dagon Township police station told The Irrawaddy on Friday afternoon that the suspects had appeared in court but he did not know if they were granted bail or not. After a medical examination the pair were found to be drunk.

Some netizens commented under the police statement on Friday that the two singers are known for abusing drugs. Some said they should have been arrested with a harsher charge as possession of an axe is not the same as using it as a weapon.

Both singers came to prominence in the early 2000s: Htoo El Lynn with his debut album Angel Violin and Cobra became well known for his hit singles.

The post Myanmar Rock Stars Arrested After Alleged Late-Night Violence appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Yangon: My City at Breaking Point

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 05:31 AM PDT

These days, I see Yangon floundering before my very eyes.

As a Yangon native, I have seen the transformation of my city alongside Myanmar's metamorphosis from the Socialist era to the military regime to the quasi-civilian government in 2011 to the present democratically elected administration.

While people heartily welcome the latest changes in the country's political landscape, Yangon's people feel uneasy about the unruly urban growth they are now facing. For myself and others, the Yangon we see today is not the city we were once familiar with.

Gone are the wide pavements downtown—the previous government widened the roads, prioritizing cars over people. Gridlocked traffic has become an everyday ritual, causing a dramatic increase in commuting time. Monsoon rains regularly leave parts of our city inundated. Public spaces are being converted into shopping malls, all in the name of urban development.

Yangon, home to 5.2 million residents, has become a truly dysfunctional city after decades of poor management.

Downtown Yangon in 2014. (Photo: The Irrawaddy)

Experts point out that all the aforementioned chaos is the result of a lack of any real planning of urban development by previous governments. The absence of any plan became palpable when the country opened to the outside world in 2012 and the city began its rapid changes.

In the changing urban tide, new buildings mushroomed across the city. With the lack of proper construction guidelines and zoning ordinances at the time, the safety of the buildings was questionable—putting residents' lives at risk in the event of fire or earthquake.

A Yangon City Development Council (YCDC) official told me last year that the municipal body allowed for shoddy building practices in order to "speed up development." When it came to building nine stories and above, he said, a lack of any zoning laws or guidelines meant developers were given permission to construct anything as long as they could find 10 neighbors living around the site that had no objections to the plans.

"If we waited for a zoning law, it would be too late for Yangon's development," he said. I was speechless.

As a result, nearly 4,000 residential condominium units were launched in 2015 alone and YCDC approved 138 new high rises of nine floors or above that same year when the previous government was in power, according to global real estate firm Colliers International.

As more people arrived in Yangon in search of opportunities, population density soared. In some parts of the city, more than 1,000 people lived in one hectare, double the 500 per hectare of one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Bangladesh's Dhaka.

The 2014 Census shows Yangon is home to more than 5.2 million people, about 35 percent of Myanmar's urban population. Given to the development chaos, architects and town planners fear that Yangon is "bursting at its seams." There is no surprise that the city's already dilapidated infrastructure is under stress while residents are suffering from negative social, commercial and health impacts of rampant development.

A road in Yangon inundated after rains in June 2017. (Photo: Thet Tun Naing / The Irrawaddy)

The most palpable daily urban suffering was bestowed upon Yangon in 2013 after the previous government relaxed car import regulations instead of upgrading the city's rundown public transport system. Since then, chronic traffic congestion has become one of the city's trademarks with the majority of Yangon's workforce commuting to offices and businesses in the downtown.

As the roads became more cramped with cars and brawls over parking spaces became increasingly common, the then city authorities slashed the city's spacious pavements to widen the roads and create parking spaces. Now, pedestrians jostle with one another and the myriad hawkers on the city's shrunken sidewalks. Bus stops on the pavement were rendered redundant by the new parking spaces, and commuters now wait for buses in the road. And, drivers still complain of extended journey times caused by the traffic.

Not everyone in the city is turning a blind eye to the issues, however.

Three years ago, urban experts pushed the then government, requesting "urgent action" to rein in unruly urbanization projects that have had negative consequences because of a lack of "systematic urban planning controls" in the city. Their requests fell on deaf ears with the authorities, but raised public awareness of how the city and its residents were suffering.

Shwedagon Pagoda seen among the buildings in Yangon on September 23, 2015. REUTERS

They were the ones who successfully pushed the then government to cancel a controversial international development project near the Shwedagon Pagoda, fearing that the construction project would threaten the strength of the religious structure and would create an eyesore adjacent to a piece of important national heritage.

Yangon is lucky enough to have heritage conservation groups like the Yangon Heritage Trust fighting for our centuries-old colonial buildings, the largest collection in Southeast Asia. The Trust convinced the previous government of the importance of these buildings and persuaded it to keep them safe.

Experts predict a population of 10 million people in Yangon by 2040. The London School of Economics (LSE)'s International Growth Center says it will grow faster than many other urban centers in the region, including Bangkok.

With that projection, Yangon is at a critical juncture—facing rapid social, economic, and environmental changes that cry out for a well-rounded strategic policy response. Bangkok's lack of a development plan and zoning regulation has led to haphazard urban growth. It is not too late for Yangon to learn from Bangkok's mistakes.

The former Irrawaddy Flotilla Company building on Pansodan Road, where several British colonial-era buildings remain. (Photo: Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy)

To make it happen, now is the time for the Yangon Regional Government to put things right. Despite criticism of its poor management of the public bus system reform earlier this year, the government seems committed to making it successful, and is improving the system bit by bit. That kind of willingness is needed to make Yangon livable again. I was informed that the government is now reviewing, upgrading, and drafting policies to harness unruly urban development in the city.

Regional Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein seriously needs to take experts' suggestions into account when it comes to urban planning to make the right judgment for Yangon. His decisions will have an impact on future generations to come. Making decisions is hard, especially when there are many different interested parties and you don't want to hurt anyone. The people's government, however, must act for the good of the majority of the people.

Yangon used to be considered one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia. With proper regulation, planning, and a little effort, experts believe the city could regain its former glory. Of course, it is not just the government's responsibility—we, as residents, should also do our bit to make the most of the city by respecting its streets and keeping them clean. I long to see my Yangon be great again.

The post Yangon: My City at Breaking Point appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Muse Locals Protest Chinese Bank Account Closures

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 05:10 AM PDT

YANGON — More than 100 people in the Shan State-China border town of Muse protested against Chinese banks on Friday for locking them out of their accounts for nearly 10 days, according to local sources.

Chinese authorities confirmed that banks had locked a total 5,000 accounts on June 15 in what they called a crackdown on money laundering, gambling, and crime, in an attempt to increase border trade stability.

Of these accounts, 320 were locked by the China Agriculture Bank, and the rest were locked by the China Construction Bank, said U San Hlaing, the deputy district administrative officer of Muse Township.

The protesters held posters and slogans calling on Chinese banks to reopen their accounts as soon as possible.

Protester Daw Htwe Kyi told The Irrawaddy that she believed nearly 1,000 people in Myanmar were affected by the move, and that authorities from the banks told them that they were preparing to unlock the accounts but that they were not given an exact date when their funds would be accessible.

Chinese bank officers and the deputy governor of Yunnan province told the Myanmar border authorities at a meeting last the weekend that they would reopen the accounts, but they also did not mention when this would occur, according to U San Hlaing.

"From the side of our government, we are working on it. From the side of China, they were also checking when the accounts could be reopened," he said.

Chinese ambassador to Myanmar Yang Shouzheng met with Burmese Interior Ministry police in Naypyidaw on June 22 to discuss the issue.

A statement from the Chinese embassy said that Yang Shouzheng informed Myanmar authorities at the meeting that the crackdown, meant to halt online gambling, was a reasonable response from the Chinese government, and that it would not damage trade relations, or anti-crime initiatives with its southern neighbor.

The statement also said that China aimed to promote border trade stability with Myanmar in order to protect border traders in the region.

The post Muse Locals Protest Chinese Bank Account Closures appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Diver Dies From Injuries in Military Plane Crash Search

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 03:02 AM PDT

YANGON — A diver who was injured in the search for the crashed Y-8 military aircraft died on Thursday evening, according to the Facebook page of the office of the commander-in-chief of Myanmar's military.

U Saw Naing of Ana-Wa-Min diving service from Yangon's Dala Township joined the Tatmadaw in order to find the plane, which crashed in the Andaman Sea on June 7.

However, U Saw Naing and his colleague from the service, U Thant Zin Oo, was placed in an intensive care unit at the military hospital in Yangon's Mingaladon Township after experiencing problems with the change in pressure.

U Thant Zin Oo is still receiving treatment in intensive care. The statement from the commander-in-chief's office expressed condolences for the family of U Saw Naung.

According to initial figures from the Tatmadaw, 122 people—14 crew and 108 military staff traveling with their families—were on board when the plane crashed during its journey from Tanintharyi Region's port town Myeik to Yangon.

Later, military said there were two more children on board, raising the number to 124. Ninety-three bodies have been recovered so far, according to military figures released on Tuesday.

The plane's cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were retrieved on June 18. parts of the aircraft's tail have also been found. The cause of the crash is not yet known.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

The post Diver Dies From Injuries in Military Plane Crash Search appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Sacked Factory Workers Plan Yangon City Hall Protest

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 12:33 AM PDT

YANGON —Workers from a garment factory in Mingaladon Industrial Zone opposing the firing of more than 400 employees this month will protest outside Yangon City Hall on Saturday.

About 1,500 workers of the factory run by Honeys Garment Industry Ltd (1) will join the rally, according to its organizers. The factory workers have been protesting outside the factory since Monday.

The employees said they were sacked after they failed to meet the demands of the Japanese factory's management, which reportedly ordered each employee to make 75 pieces of clothing per hour.

Workers said they toiled for 10 hours each day without breaks in order to meet the demands.

"We had to tailor 750 pieces of garment each per day," said Ma Zin Poe Ei, one of the dismissed workers. "We had to work against time to meet this demand."

The management refused the workers' request to set the rate at 500 and also reduced meal allowances and bonuses, she added. Employees failed to meet the demand because of changes to the design of the garments, she explained, and the dismissals soon followed.

The workers filed a complaint with the Mingaladon Township Industrial Dispute Arbitration Committee, which then intervened, but the management stated it would only return the jobs if the workers could meet the demand.

Some other employees joined the sacked factory workers in their protest outside the workplace this week, but the factory is still in operation.

"We are demanding all the workers get their jobs back. We resort to a protest because it is the only way to make our voices heard," said factory worker Ma Yin Myo Thu.

"In fact, we wanted to stage a protest in front of the Japanese embassy, but the police said that it would impact the friendship between the two countries, so we had to plan the protest in front of the city hall," added Ma Zin Poe Ei.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

The post Sacked Factory Workers Plan Yangon City Hall Protest appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UN Rejects Reports of Myanmar Coordinator’s Removal

Posted: 23 Jun 2017 12:24 AM PDT

YANGON — The UN labeled media reports on UN Resident Coordinator Renata Lok-Dessallien's removal from her post as "false and inaccurate," in a statement released Wednesday, as UN officials confirmed the search for her replacement.

The BBC reported last Tuesday that internal documents prepared for the new UN Secretary General described the Myanmar office as "glaringly dysfunctional" with "strong tensions" between different parts of the UN system and suggested Lok-Dessallien was being moved on for failing to prioritize human rights.

Wednesday's statement, however, said Lok-Dessallien's "performance has been constantly appreciated" and that she will continue in the position "until further notice."

UN information officer U Aye Win told The Irrawaddy on Friday that Lok-Dessallien "remains in the post at the moment."

"A successor has not yet been named," said U Aye Win, adding she would not be leaving "immediately."

U Aye Win told The Irrawaddy last week the position had been advertised, though he refused to comment on the reason behind Lok-Dessallien's departure.

Lok-Dessallien had been criticized for not doing enough regarding human rights abuses in Myanmar. She is three and a half years into the usual five-year tenure as a coordinator.

In November last year she blocked journalists from recording a press conference held after the UN and foreign ambassadors visited Rakhine State amid accusations of human rights abuses by government security forces.

The Canadian citizen began the job in January 2014 and was the first woman to take up the role. She previously worked as resident and humanitarian coordinator in Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China.

The post UN Rejects Reports of Myanmar Coordinator's Removal appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Trump Appoints Policy Specialist on Myanmar to UN Job

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 10:38 PM PDT

YANGON — US President Donald Trump has appointed longtime Myanmar and Asia policy specialist Kelley Currie to be the US representative on the Economic and Social Council of the UN, with the rank of ambassador.

Currie is a senior fellow with the Project 2049 Institute, a think-tank focusing on Asia policy. She was a founder of the institute's Burma Transition Initiative which includes a project to promote the reintegration of former Myanmar political prisoners into society. Chin civil society activist Cheery Zahau is listed on the Project 2049 website as the organization's country program director in Myanmar.

Currie previously held senior policy positions with the US Department of State and worked for the International Republican Institute and other international and non-government organizations, often on rights and policy issues related to Myanmar and Tibet.

She also served as foreign policy adviser for Republican congressman John Porter of Illinois.

In the new appointment with the Trump administration, she will become, in addition, the alternate representative of the US to sessions of the UN General Assembly.

Currie's background as a Republican party-linked advocate for human rights in Myanmar contrasts with an earlier Trump appointment with links to the country.

Last year Trump named former lobbyist Jim Murphy as his political director. Murphy worked with the lobbying firm the DCI Group from 2002 to 2012, first as managing partner and then as president.

The firm was hired in 2002 to work for the then Myanmar military government, with part of its remit to counter allegations that the military was responsible for more than 100 rapes of ethnic minority women. The allegations were made in a report jointly released by the Shan Women's Action Network and the Shan Human Rights Foundation titled "License to Rape" and were vehemently denied by the then government.

Last year, the Daily Beast website reported that Kelley Currie said the report "had enormous significance."

"It was the first, most authoritative report on that," she told the website. "It was so comprehensive—it was so well-researched, to an international standard in terms of human rights research—that it led the State Department to conduct their own investigation of the charges." That probe corroborated the Shan groups' findings.

In 2017, Myanmar is back on the UN's radar in relation to similar allegations of grave human rights abuses. In May the UN named the members of a fact-finding missing to investigate alleged serious abuses, including killings and rape, by security forces in Rakhine State and northern Myanmar. The National League for Democracy-led government has rejected the mission.

"It will not help solve the problems Myanmar is facing in Rakhine State … We are ready to work with the international community on any advice or arrangements should they constitute part of the solution, not part of the problem," ambassador to the UN in Geneva U Htin Lynn said earlier this month.

The UN's Economic and Social Council is focused on international economic and social policies, including international development cooperation. One of its key missions is the promotion of sustainable development.

The post Trump Appoints Policy Specialist on Myanmar to UN Job appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dead Irrawaddy Dolphin Found in Mandalay Region

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 09:43 PM PDT

MANDALAY — Local fishermen found the dead body of an Irrawaddy dolphin near Madaya Township's Thone Sae Pay village in Mandalay Region on Wednesday, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

"After studying the body, we found it was a 30-year-old male with no injuries, so we took the cause of death to be old age," said deputy project manager of WCS U Kyaw Hla Thein, adding that the dolphin probably died a few days before it was discovered.

Local environmental activists, however, blamed the death on electric-shock fishing, a major threat to the endangered species.

"Although there is prohibition of electric-shock fishing, some fishermen are still using the method as the supply of fish is declining in the Irrawaddy River," said U Maung Maung Oo, a member of the Natural Green Society, which is researching Irrawaddy dolphins.

Electric-shock fishing, especially in the Irrawaddy River's protection zone, is prohibited by the Freshwater Fisheries Law, enacted by the Department of Fisheries, and violators face three years in prison or a 300,000 kyats fine.

"To effectively protect this endangered species, the local government should restrict fishing in the Irrawaddy River and stop gold miners polluting the river upstream," said U Maung Maung Oo.

According to WCS, in 2012 there were 86 dolphins. By 2014, however, the population was just 63. In 2015, 58 were counted in the protection zone, which spans from Mandalay to Bhamo.

The population of dolphins was counted as 65 in 2016, despite three dolphins, including a pregnant female, being found dead that year.

A WCS survey in February this year found 69 dolphins in the protection zone. At the end of April, a male dolphin was found dead with injuries on his fins believe to be caused by a boat's propeller.

The post Dead Irrawaddy Dolphin Found in Mandalay Region appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Alternative School Near Inle Reimagines Primary Education

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 07:41 PM PDT

NYAUNG SHWE, Shan State — On a four-acre plot of land in Chaung Sauk village, surrounded by the Shan hills and near one of Myanmar's most popular tourism locales, three bamboo buildings resembling spaceships draw nearly every passerby's attention.

At first glance, these bamboo and earthen structures northeast of Inle Lake could be mistaken for another new hotel or guesthouse. But seesaws and slides in front of the compound reveal that it has been built with children in mind.

Inle Heritage Private School is situated in Chaung Sauk village in Nyaung Shwe Township, Shan State. (Photo: Chanson / The Irrawaddy)

It is the very first private school in Nyaung Shwe—an area known in Shan as Yawnghwe—and is open to any child in the local community, with an affordable price tag and run by the non-profit Inle Heritage Foundation.

The founder of Inle Heritage, Ma Yin Myo Su, is also managing director of two resorts: Inle Princess Resort near Inle Lake and Mrauk-U Princess Resort in Rakhine State, and has been recognized for efforts to preserve her ancestral ethnic Intha traditions and conservation of the natural beauty of Inle Lake. The 45-year-old's most recent contribution concerns an investment in education.

Ma Yin Myo Su, the founder of Inle Heritage Private School, is seen inside a classroom at her school. (Photo: Chanson / The Irrawaddy)

"When I see that there are many babies in the families of my team and in my community, I wanted these children to have a childhood that I wanted myself as a child in this area," said Ma Yin Myo Su, who guided The Irrawaddy's reporters around the Inle Heritage Private School.

She stressed the need to have an alternative school in the area—recognized by the Ministry of Education, but with more activities than typical government-run schools—such as art, sports, storytelling, and innovative and creative talks about the environment, heritage, culture, nature and community.

"I live here. I was born here and I make my living here. So I want to give back in any way that I can, especially when the country is changing," she explained.

In 2012 when Myanmar started allowing private schools, more than 60 schools registered. In the 2016-17 academic year, there were 585 private schools registered with the Ministry of Education, U Kyaw Thu, of the ministry's department of basic education, told The Irrawaddy.

In a time when the private and international school sector is growing rapidly, fees for Myanmar's most expensive international schools can run up to US$2,000 per month, per child. Private schools with a government-drafted curriculum start at around 50,000 kyats ($37) per month.

It took Ma Yin Myo Su and her team one year to complete the construction of the Inle Heritage Private School's first three buildings. The school then launched its first class on June 1. It currently has a total of five classrooms hosting 118 students, from nursery to second grade, and boasts two playgrounds in the compound.

She plans to expand the school to host up to 12 buildings, eventually providing middle and high school education as well. The school's monthly fees are 35,000 kyats ($25) for nursery and kindergarten and 40,000 kyats (US$30) for first and second grades.

Bamboo As A Building Material

The unique architecture of the school is another reason why it stands out from other standard school facilities in Myanmar, which are typically multi-story concrete buildings with limited play space. Yin Myo Su described it as a mix of contemporary and traditional architectural forms that fits into the local culture and remains close to nature.

To have a school that is made up of funky, strange and irregular shapes yet still stands in harmony with the surrounding area and environment inspired Ma Yin Myo Su's fundamental vision to use bamboo as a building material for the project.

The school’s founder Ma Yin Myo Su said she wanted to build a school that was funky, strange and had irregular shapes but was still in harmony with the surrounding area. (Photo: Chanson / The Irrawaddy)

While Asian cultures have been building with bamboo since the 10th century, the medium has become increasingly popular in modern architecture and interior design as a sustainable and cheaper alternative to timber. Its advantage is that it is fast growing and does not contribute to deforestation, Ma Yin Myo Su explained.

"I want children to start thinking about sustainability, from the building itself, up to anything that they can see and imagine," she said. "Whoever is going to build either businesses or schools or clinics or houses, it is possible to build in the most sustainable way possible, and there is alternative material that we could use with what we have around us."

Not only the school’s buildings, but also its facilities are made out of bamboo. (Photo: Chanson / The Irrawaddy)

With proper insecticide treatment, bamboo structures can last several decades. It is non-polluting and, according to architects, arguably more earthquake resistant than cement and timber.

Ma Yin Myo Su also highlighted the school's construction as a chance for her employees to learn how to preserve bamboo and how to treat it so that it is more resistant and durable for longer periods. The project was completed in partnership with Thailand-based architectural and design company Bamboo Family.

 Building Children's Character

The school of five classrooms currently runs with a total of 17 staff including eleven teachers, two academic consultants and the principal.

Being the first private school in the region, one of the challenges it faces are the expectations from parents who want their children to be outstanding students in terms of grades and distinctions, Ko Aung Kyaw Swar, the school's principal told The Irrawaddy.

Ko Aung Kyaw Swar, principal of Inle Heritage Private School, talks to The Irrawaddy on June 19, 2017. (Chanson/ The Irrawaddy)

The principal explained that the school's first ambition is to train children to be morally sound and disciplined persons, while cultivating an attitude of care for the community.

"Education to me is beyond the recognitions of degrees or certificates," he said. "I personally do not [put] a lot of grand visions or objectives on our kids, but I want them to become responsible for themselves on their own and to at least care for their community."

The school’s design is a mix of contemporary and traditional architectural forms that fit in to local culture. (Photo: Chanson / The Irrawaddy)

After only the first two weeks of the school's operation, Ko Aung Kyaw Swar said he was initially afraid that parents would give up on the school and that no children would show up to attend anymore. However, he had received positive feedback from parents that their children had become more independent in their daily lives.

"It's the very, very first step of a long journey and [parents] need to believe in what we are doing, so we also try to closely collaborate with them," he added.

Ma Yin Myo Su also said that she dreams of having a small animal farm and vegetable garden in the school compound where students can learn respect for animals, responsible consumption, and environmentally friendly habits.

"We have to give our children the best education, since they are going to lead our country's next generation one day and decide its future," she said.

Inle Heritage Private School is the first institution of its kind in Nyaung Shwe and Ma Yin Myo Su plans to expand the school to up to 12 buildings, eventually providing high school education. (Photo: Chanson / The Irrawaddy)

The post Alternative School Near Inle Reimagines Primary Education appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Government considers amending Section 66(d) to be bailable offence

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 11:59 AM PDT

Discussions are under way to amend Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law to become a bailable offence, Post and Telecommunications Department, Ministry of Transport and Communications director U Myo Swe told The Myanmar Times.

Hluttaw to debate Inle Lake conservation measures

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 11:55 AM PDT

A proposal to have conservation rules and procedures for the Inle lake, the second largest in Myanmar, has been submitted by U Win Myint Oo (or) U Nay Myo, Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Nyaungshwe, Shan State.

‘Sun Ye’ campaign aims at preventing crime

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 11:52 AM PDT

A crime prevention campaign called Sun Ye operation has been launched in the Yangon Region said Deputy Minister Major General Aung Soe of the Ministry of Home Affairs, on June 21.

Political prisoners given amnesty at right time: deputy minister

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 11:48 AM PDT

Political prisoners have been granted amnesty at the right and appropriate time, said Major General Aung Soe, the Deputy Home Affairs Minister, at the Amyotha Hluttaw session on June 21.

Caves, falls in Pyin Oo Lwin set to become tourist draw

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 11:44 AM PDT

The discovery of a series of limestone caves and waterfalls in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay, by the Sein Lan Pyin Oo Lwin Environmental Conservation Group, has created excitement and interest to make it a potential tourist destination.

Former first president’s son free to enter Myanmar

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 11:40 AM PDT

The Ministry of the State Counsellor's office director-general U Zaw Htay denied rumours on June 21 that the son of the first president of Myanmar Sao Shwe Thaik had been barred from re-entry into Myanmar by the government.

Traders face devastation after China freezes accounts

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 11:36 AM PDT

The Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) in Yunnan province froze more than 100 bank accounts belonging to Myanmar citizens last week for allegedly being linked to online gambling, illegal transfers, illegal deposits and drawings in three provinces, including Inner Mongolia.

UN strongly rejects reports of removal of top official in Myanmar

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 11:33 AM PDT

The United Nations rejected media reports about the reshuffle of Renata Lok-Dessallien, the UN resident coordinator in Myanmar, in a statement issued late Wednesday.

Terrorist camp, tunnel found in Rakhine

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 11:31 AM PDT

A tunnel, guns and a terrorist camp have been found in the Mayu Mountains in the Buthidaung-Maungtaw area, Rakhine State, during a clearance operation on June 20.

Tech transfer clause linked to enactment of IPR law

Posted: 22 Jun 2017 11:30 AM PDT

The inclusion of the technology transfer clause in contracts inked in Myanmar by foreign firms will only take effect after the Intellectual Properties Right (IPR) law is enacted, said Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Planning and Finance U Maung Maung Win.
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