W EE K LY MYANMAR RANKED 161ST FREEST ECONOMY IN THE WORLD ✪6 MYANMAR Focus in MONDAY, February 2, 2015 www.elevenmyanmar.com A weekly publication of The Nation Connectivity promises Consumers stand to benefit from fierce competition in the telecom industry, as prices drop amid expansion of service coverage areas communication. Today, the need is significantly higher, and this comes at a lower price. Moreover, prices will be going down,” said Petter Furberg, CEO of Telenor Myanmar. Voice data now accounts for a significant revenue stream for Telenor, but over time, Internet usage is expected to rise, thanks to the growing number of smartphones, Furberg said. Cormack added that at the start, telecommunications connects job-seekers with new opportunities and links fami- talent already exists. We understand the government’s vision and are just as passionate as they are about bringing the benefits of mobile technology to Myanmar. We are committed to enabling human growth through affordable and easy access to mobile technology. We are more than just a telco. Through creative and innovative solutions, developed in partnership with local people, government and businesses, we offer underserved communities the oppor- THE days when a SIM card could cost as much as US$200 are gone following the liberalisation of the telecom industry, which welcomed two new players – Ooredoo and Telenor– into the country. Three weeks after its service launch on August 15, 2014, Ooredoo Myanmar, based in Qatar, sold 1 million SIM cards. Unveiling its services on September 27, Telenor Myanmar, a Norwegian company, sold 2 million SIM cards, priced as low as Ks 1,500 (US$1.5), in five weeks. Following the emergence of these two foreign telecom providers, Myanma Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) – the state-owned and only service provider until 2014 – recently lowered its service fees. Aside from cheaper service fees, the new telecom players have opened up new communication possibilities within Myanmar and internationally. While MPT’s network is now the most extensive, Ooredoo and Telenor are expanding quickly. As of January 15, 2015, the Qatari firm has covered six regions and three states – Yangon Region, Bago Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, Sagaing Telenor’s service launch has attracted a large number of customers. Region, Ayeyarwady Region, Mon State, Shan lies who are separated by geography. tunity to access vital information and State, and Kayin State. Telenor’s coverservices, such as banking, healthcare age areas this year will cover Mandalay, Mobile communications enables teachers to access learning resources and education via their mobile Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, Magway and while enabling farmers to track market phones,” Cormack noted. Bago. demand, and entrepreneurs to con“Better networks help people do “At the time of our launch, we covnect with new suppliers. Meanwhile, business, get in touch with friends and ered 15 per cent of the overall populayoung talent are eager to deploy family. In time, this will drive economic tion. By the end of last year, we manmobile technology to develop new growth,” Furberg added. aged to expand our network coverage businesses and kick-start social develto 40 per cent. By the end of 2015, we opment. expect to cover 80 per cent of the popOoredoo recently hosted a connectulation. Within five years, we expect to Optimism is high despite challenges ing women conference with the GSM cover 97 per cent of the population,” that the newcomers have yet to overAssociation in Yangon that focused on said Ooredoo Myanmar’s chief execucome. using technology to empower women tive officer Ross Cormack. Telenor’s major challenge lies in the and spur female participation in process or acquiring permits. Myanmar’s tech scene. “It’s a bit difficult in Myanmar to get “We are passionate about inclu“Myanmar is not different from any permits as it’s completely new to sive development, ensuring that this part of the world in terms of need for them,” Furberg said. He estimated that is not centred in urban areas, where ■ Hiccups at the start ■ Growth drivers over 100 applications are needed to get permits for the construction of telecom towers, posing an obstacle for new players, who were obligated to start service within eight months after the licences were awarded in February 2014. He experienced progress in this area, though. The permit-granting process is getting faster and more professional. Moreover, about 100 local companies involved in the construction are becoming familiar with the process and more capable of carrying out their tasks in the speedy way. In 2014, 250 towers were constructed. Telenor aims to construct 250-300 monthly in 2015, but that depends on weather and geographical conditions. “I’m not saying it’s easy. But mostly, things go as planned,” Furberg said. At Ooredoo, in the first couple weeks of construction, the companyfaced a shortage of steel. It became necessary to import steel along with other components that were not available in the country, such as connectors. “The country’s existing infrastructure has required some innovative solutions. Seventy per cent of the population does not have access to electric power, so a large percentage of our towers will need generators,” Cormack added. “There are brown-outs even in the cities, and there isn’t any power at all in most of the rural areas, so you need a mix of green power and diesel. You then need a small army of people to maintain the generators.” The sheer size of the country is another challenge to the new telecom providers. Myanmar is twice the size of the Phillippines, but road connectionsare poor. Off-road tracks are waterlogged during rainy season, and the rain itself slows down construction work. “But all of this is known to the people living in the country, and our great people have been, and continue to be, the biggest asset in helping us navigate ourselves through this,” Cormack noted. MYANMAR ELEVEN Achara Deboonme Khine Kyaw MYANMAR ELEVEN ✪ Continued on Page 4 2 National MYANMAR IN FOCUS, Monday, February 2, 2015 Myanmar starting to veer from the path to democracy: Freedom House Nay Htun Naing MYANMAR ELEVEN THE latest report released by the Freedom House on January 28 says that Myanmar, which has only partly abandoned military rule, began to veer from the path to democracy. The report emphasised that Myanmar’s civil liberties rating declined from 5 to 6 due to restriction on media freedom, including the arrest and imprisonment of a number of journalists. The report also highlighted that journalists and demonstrators faced greater restrictions; the minority continued to suffer from violence and official discrimination and proposed laws as national safeguarding law. Meanwhile, the report said that India, Japan, and Indonesia in the AsiaPacific region went to the polls in 2014, handing their leaders strong mandates through what were largely open and fair electoral processes. But in Thailand, in which the military ousted an elected government, suspended the constitution, and implemented martial law restrictions that drastically rolled back political rights and civil liberties. The annual report scored points from 1 to 7 [good to bad] on political rights and civil liberties in 195 countries around the world and Myanmar scored point 6 on political rights. According to the report, the ranking grade for freedom of political rights in Asean countries such as Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand is No 6; Vietnam and Laos at No 7 and Malaysia and Singapore are No 4; the Philippines is at the No 3 position and Indonesia is at No 2 position and it has the most freedom in political rights among the rest of the Asean countries. Last December, the report of the France-based Reporters Without Borders said Myanmar Media freedom seems to be improving but it is still on its watch list. Meanwhile, Myanmar is on the list of the top 10 worst jailers of journalists in 2014, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, coming in eighth with 10 journalists languishing in jail. Transparency International’s global corruption report said that Myanmar is one of the worst corrupt countries in Asean. Forbes magazine once labelled Myanmar as the hardest place to do business. Military wants ethnic MPs to join charter talks Military members of Parliament have suggested that more MPs representing ethnic minorities and minority political parties should be involved in political dialogues, which will lead to changes in the 2008 Constitution. In the suggestion sent to the Speaker of the House of Nationalities, MP Banyar Aung Moe said, “The sixparty talks will be about amending Section 436. If we can amend the section, it will be easy for the amendments of other sections. If we cannot amend all sections in this parliamentary term, we will continue to do it in the next.” Section 436 demands approval from more than 75 per cent of MPs. Banyar Aung Moe suggested the amendment can be approved by two thirds of representatives. Twenty-five parliamentary seats are now controlled by the military. Earlier, military MPs showed their opposition to the amendments before the 2005 general election. Brig-General Kyaw Lwin Oo said: “Candidates from over 100 ethnic groups cannot be represented in the political dialogue, and it is not respectful to appoint just one representative for all ethnic groups. At least a representative from each of the seven major ethnics groups should be included in the political dialogues.” MP Myint Tun of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) also backed the modification of Section 436. Parliament has so far tried to hold a six-party talks to win supports for the amendment process. President Thein Sein only gave a conditional response to the invitation. Aung San Suu Kyi in Parliament. EMG MYANMAR ELEVEN In his letter to Union Parliament Speaker Thura Shwe Mann, President Thein Sein said, “Such a meeting would be good as long as it represents all people, including civic organisations and political forces.” The meeting would involve the president, the lower house speaker, the upper house speaker, the chairperson of the National League of Democracy (NLD), a representative for all ethnic groups and the commander-in-chief of the defence services in order to discuss amending the constitution to make it more applicable to the current state of affairs in Myanmar. NLD chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi last week renewed the push for the discussion. “We should hold the talks. Whether it is held or not depends on the president. But I want to be clear. I think it should happen sooner rather than later. In a democracy, the government must welcome such discussion,” she said. Myint Tun also said that the talk must take place as soon as possible. “The situation will be better if six leaders discuss the future of the country,” he said. “All seem to accept their instructions. Six-party talks will allow more discussion as there are fewer people to be heard. “The talks would not need to last more than five minutes. The Commander-in-Chief of the defence services would only take 10 minutes to attend the talks. It needs to be held once every week or two. If they want to invite ethnic representatives, they can invite them. But if more people are involved in these political talks, there will be no warmth. It would be better for the country if all parties were friendly. The whole country is expecting it.” Khin Aung Myint, Speaker of House of Nationalities, instructed the MPs to submit the points they want to discuss at the six-party talks before January 24. The Constitutional Review Joint Committee will soon submit a bill to amend the Constitution, after winning supports from 20 per cent of MPs, according to committee secretary Aye Mauk. National MYANMAR IN FOCUS, Monday, February 2, 2015 3 ANALYSIS A pragmatic solution needed to solve rape-murder cases and conclusive. The above-mentioned points show that it is very difficult to adjudicate servicemen for committing offences with the laws related to civilians. It seems that the military is in a position to indirectly (not even directly) adjudicate military personnel for committing crimes. Organisations monitoring rape and murder cases in ethnic areas also view this as an obstacle. What we are sure is that not only the government but also the military are responsible for the case of the slain Kachin women. Both need to help in clearing public doubts. Nay Htun Naing MYANMAR ELEVEN Crime scene Kaungkhar village in Nant Taung village-tract – the area where the tragedy took place – is located between Muse and Monekoe and only 10 miles away from the Muse 105th Mile trade hub. The area is within the reach of the rule of law. It is also located by the tarred road where the military columns Tarnished image The church’s vicinity with the teachers’ house in the red circle. used to pass through. Further, troops from No.503 Infantry Regiment under the North-East Command arrived on the morning of January 19 and spent the night in Kaungkhar Village at the time of the incident. That is why the soldiers from the regiment were suspected. It is usual the military fell under suspicion whenever a rape-and-murder case occurred in ethnic regions since such grisly crime is seldom among the ethnic nationals. There is only one organisation accused by ethnic nationals when such incidents occurred under the title ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ and thus, the military is at the centre of accusations. It is no doubt that the military was near the crime scene. Troops were staying in the houses no more than 200 feet from the crime scene. Moreover, locals said servicemen already stood by for security in hillocks near the church where the crime occurred since the military column arrived. Moreover, such a case was unheard of in Kaungkhar Village until now. Suspects Some locals are also held suspects. Two men reportedly came to stay in a house about 70 feet away from the scene. Yet, given that 30 out of 40 suspects were servicemen, it seems reasonable for ethnic nationals to suspect the military. Women’s League Burma (WBL) – an institution comprised of 13 ethnic female organisations – issued a report ‘If they had hope, they would speak’ which revealed that the military is responsible for several sexual violence cases and gang rapes that occurred in conflict areas. It continued that most of 104 sexual abuses against women and girls happening in the last three years – after the 2010 general election and January 2014 – in ethnic regions were related to the military offences. From January to June last year, WLB released series of reports on military involvement in sexual violence cases in ethnic areas. It said there were 14 gang rapes in those areas within six months. Such cases occurred in Kachin State, northern Shan State, and border states such as Kachin State, Kayah State, Kayin State, Mon State and Chin State. All those states except Kayin State faced cases of sexual violence until 2014, according to WLB. Courts-martial In the 2008 constitution, Section 293 (a) under Chapter (6) ‘Judiciary’ says that Courts-Martial can be formed. Meanwhile, Section 319 states that according to Sub-section (b) of Section 293, the Courts-Martial shall be constituted in accord with the constitution and the other law and shall adjudicate Defence Service personnel. Section 343 under Chapter (7) ‘Defence Services’ also stipulates that in the adjudication of military justice: (a) The Defence Services personnel may be administered in accord with law collectively or singly; (b) The decision of the Commanderin-Chief of the Defence Services is final EMG NOBODY denies that the process to investigate the rape and murders of two Kachin teachers is complicated, especially when it involves public doubt in the Myanmar army. On the night of January 19, two young female volunteers from Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) were brutally raped and killed in Kaungkhar village, Pan Sai Township, Muse District in northern Shan State. The teachers, both 20, were sent there by the KBC, a religious organisation which is influential over Kachin nationals and Kachin Independence Organisation. They are not the first. There were many instances of ethnic women being raped and murdered in conflict regions in the past. Cases of physical assaults were also common. As such, the case concerns not only Kachin nationals but all the ethnicities living in Myanmar. The rapist of a Peruvian woman in Kyaikthiyo faced 43-year jail term. Another culprit of an attempted rape case over an American woman was sentenced to life imprisonment. The proceedings of these cases finished in no time. Both of the offenders faced with the penalties much heavier than their actions. But the case of the two Kachin teachers will be more than an ordinary criminal case, as there are doubts if soldiers were involved. Besides Kachin organisations, civil society organisations have called for a probe into the case. The US Department of State also weighed in and called on Myanmar to bring the perpetrators to justice on January 21. A case has been filed under Section 302 of murder charge at Kyugoke Police Station, Pan Sai Township for the case of two Kachin volunteers. Ten civilians and 30 soldiers from No. 503 Infantry Regiment under the North-East Command were questioned because the women were raped and murdered while the regiment was stationed in the village. Required forensic tests were conducted as well. Still, it is yet to identify the offenders. Raping and killing ethnic women in the ethnic regions has become a tradition. In 1988, rapes and murders of female students reinforced the prodemocracy uprising. The murder of the two Kachin nationals could spark another uproar, given that they were teachers. They came from afar for the education of needy people. When compared with the cases of giving a 43 years’ imprisonment and a life sentence for raping female foreigners, the rape and murder of the two Kachin teachers is far worse. The military is notorious for two things - recruitments of child soldiers and alleged sexual molestation of ethnic women. The military has admitted to the issue of child soldiers and some have been released from service. As a result, criticism of the military for that has reduced. But it has yet to admit to sexual assaults. Ethnic women organisations say with evidence that such cases exist in the country. The issue of the two murdered teachers has something to do with the image of the military. If military personnel were involved in the case, severe and effective action must be taken. It is the issue related to all ethnic people, not Kachin alone. The culprits must be exposed and a pragmatic solution needs to be sought. Punitive action must be taken against whosoever. The case should not become like Par Gyi case - the beating and murder of a freelance journalist where the military was accused to have involved- that could not yield any satisfactory results for the public. Both the government and military have responsibility to expose the perpetrators regardless of whoever has committed. Only when they are brought to justice would the public regain trust. 4 National MYANMAR IN FOCUS, Monday, February 2, 2015 Rakhine students join protest against National Education Law Myo Min Tun, vice chairman of the Rakhine State Student Union. Some critics have pointed out that the education system in Rakhine State has deteriorated MORE than 1,000 Rakhine and that exam results in the students took to the streets last state remain below the national week to protest against the average. National Education Law, ahead Thousands of high-school stuof the discussion between students and residents of dent leaders and the governKyautpadaung Township also ment on Sunday. showed their support for the stuThey plan to continue the dent march, as it reached the protest if the discussion does town on Thursday. The students not yield satisfactory results. were briefly stopped by police The protest, starting at 9am, last week, but the barriers were ended at about 3pm. lifted amid growing public They echoed the four-point resentment. demand that students across “Most students want to carry the country have been demandon the march to Yangon thanks ing since the movement against to public support,” said Thant the law renewed on January 20. Zin, a protester. They ask the authorities to Student leader Min Thwe Thit establish an education system Students from Sittwe Township, Rakhine State, jointly protest against National Education Law. said “The authorities, including that treats all students equally; Minister Aung Min, have threatened to to have ethnic minority languages As students and villagers march Law enacted by the government will use Section 144 against the protesters. included in school curricula; to extend from Mandalay to Yangon, which are lead to centralisation of the education But the march will continue.” compulsory free education to the mid570km in distance, the authorities system. Moreover, the law also curbs Members of Free Funeral Service dle school level; and to allow student agreed last week for a talk. the freedom of students. We hope to Society also joined the protest. unions. “We believe the National Education educate the public about the law,” said EMG Than Hlaing MYANMAR ELEVEN Sittwe ■ MPT’s response Khin MaungTun, general manager of MPT and deputy chief executive officer of MPT-KDDI-Sumitomo joint operations, said MPT has avoided fuelling competition, as this may lead all to failure. “We want to create a win-win situation. As we really want market stability, we remain and retain our dialing price at 35 Ks per minute [while other operators charge 25 Ks per minute],” he said. Yet, MPT does not stand idle. Khin MuangTun added that MPT has executed a series of reforms. For example, the data activation fee, levied on internet access, of Ks 10,000 was waived. In cooperation with SweThahar, since January 12, customers can enjoy better call and SMS rates plus faster internet speed. “We are expanding our network coverage to cover the whole country, and we aim to provide the best service quality through our largest network. At the same time, we are increasing capacity and quality for the benefit of the users,” he said, adding that the telecom industry is just in its infant stage here. Last July, MPT also signed a joint operation agreement with Japanese mobile carrier KDDI Corp and trading house Sumitomo Corp. The joint operations started on September 12. According to Takashi Nagashima, CEO of MPT-KDDI-Sumitomo joint operations, the network improvement plan kicked off on November 6. The capacity of congested 3G sites in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw was expanded. Capacity of those sites is now about 50 per cent higher than before November 6. He added that the capacity and coverage will be boosted nationwide. By the end of March 2015, the number of 3G sites will double. In the Yangon area, the total 3G network capacity will almost triple. MPT is also testing the 3G network technology to allow better data service. “We have planned to accelerate geographic coverage and reach more than 70 per cent by 2016.By mid2015, almost 100 per cent of MPT networks will be covered with 3G,” said Nagashima. “We currently stand as the numberone telecom operator in Myanmar. We are more than willing to maintain our standing in the future. We will try our best to satisfy customers by expansion of coverage and capacity. We cannot say how much we have invested for the joint operations so far,but we are committed to investing US$2 billion over ten years,” he added. ■ Black market Since September, MPT,whose network covers 70 per cent of the country’s area, has sold 5 million SIM cards. Its SIM cards and top-up cards are now available in tens of thousands of points of sales. Ooredoo plans to keep selling more than 1 million SIM cards per month, while Telenor is pumping out 1.5 mil- ered by mobile phone networks. In the uncovered areas, SIM cards are still sold at a premium, as some people still want to be the first,” he said. One of hundreds of telecom towers being built in the past year. ■ Looking ahead MYANMAR ELEVEN ✪ Continued from page 1 lion SIM cards on a monthly basis, which are available at 17,000 vendors. Demand is huge. Telenor sold 521,000 SIM cards on the day of its debut in Yangon. Both Cormack and Furberg are confident that they have enough capacity to satisfy demand, but their SIM cards are still sold at a premium in some parts of the country. Furberg noted that this would soon be over. It took only three years for SIM card prices to fall from $200 to $1.50. “It will take a while to reach out to all who are not used to buying their own SIM cards. Before, due to the high prices, they had to win a lottery to get a SIM card. Meanwhile, the entire area of Myanmar is not yet cov- Noting that competition is always good for customers who have more choices of mobile technology and internet service, Cormack sees immense opportunity. Ooredoo’s 3G network is ready to deliver 4G when the time comes. Ooredoohas set its sights on bridging Myanmar’s gender gap in technology and promoting the female digital economy through a variety of initiatives, including the Connected Women’s Conference in October &Ideabox’s Geek Girls community, which spurs female development in Myanmar’s tech revolution. Looking beyond Myanmar’s towns and cities, this is also about educating people, particularly low income and rural communities, about the benefits of technology, of being connected and of digital inclusion. “We saw a great opportunity to break down the barriers that were preventing people from accessing these services, and getting online,” Cormack said, adding that Ooredoo is materialising the government’s aim to leapfrog their country technologically, socially and economically. “Over a year ago, around 10 per cent of the country’s population was estimated to have mobile-phone access. Ooredoo has committed to making this 97 per cent in five years’ time.” KYAT EXCHANGE BUSINESS US $ Euro ¤ Singapore $ Buy 1,023 1,152 752 Sell 1,032 1,170 764 Source: KBZ Bank 6 MYANMAR IN FOCUS, Monday, February 2, 2015 Myanmar ranked 161st freest economy in world WITH a score of 46.9 in the Heritage Foundation’s “Index of Economic Freedom 2015”, Myanmar needs to improve many areas of its economy to keep up with countries in the region and the world. Myanmar’s score is well below the regional average of 58.8 and the world average of 60.4, ranking it the 161st freest economy in the world. Published in cooperation with Wall Street Journal, the report ranked Myanmar 38th out of 42 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. However, the overall score is a 0.4point improvement over last year. There has been improvement in five of the 10 economic freedoms – including freedom from corruption, labour and monetary. The economy, however, saw substantial decline in control over government spending. “Over the past five years, economic freedom in Burma has advanced by about 9.0 points, the second-best improvement among graded countries. From a low base, Burma has made considerable strides in liberalising its economy and opening itself to the outside world. Gains in eight of the 10 economic freedoms include greater price stability and double-digit improve- ments in labour freedom and investment freedom,” the report said. “Nevertheless, Burma remains a “repressed” economy due to years of state intervention, poor institutional structures, and autarkic investment and financial regimes. To solidify and build on the past half-decade’s gains, the government must continue its reform agenda with particular emphasis on stamping out corruption, enforcing property rights, creating an independent judiciary, and further opening up the economy to the international marketplace,” it added. The report noted that rule of law and protection of property rights are weak. “Judicial decisions are often influenced by government interference, per- Index of Economic Freedom 55 50 Scores MYANMAR ELEVEN 45 40 35 30 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 sonal relationships, or bribes.” Meanwhile, overall tax revenue is less than 5 per cent of gross domestic product, while public expenditure amounted to 27.2 per cent of the domestic economy. Public debt is now around 43 per cent of total domestic output. Due to low tax revenue, the government has limited capacity to spend. Myanmar’s top individual income tax rate is 20 per cent, and its top corporate tax rate is 30 per cent. The report further stated that significant bureaucratic impediments to entrepreneurial activity and economic development persist. The labour market remains underdeveloped, and enforcement of labour codes is ineffective. The informal sector continues to be an important source of employment. While the country showed no change in the score for investment and financial freedom, its trade freedom improved. Myanmar’s average tariff rate is 3.2 per cent though some imports face additional restrictions. “The financial system remains underdeveloped, and the banking sector is dominated by state-owned banks. Most loans are directed to governmentled projects, and access to credit remains very poor,” the report concluded. CHD Bank offers home loans at 13% interest Nilar MYANMAR ELEVEN The Construction and Housing Development Bank is now offering loans to home buyers and builders at 12 per cent interest plus a one per cent service fee. “We are financing both buyers and builders. Savings accounts must be opened at the bank to apply for a 13 per cent interest loan. Some purchasing documentation from both parties [buyers and sellers] is required to get a loan approved,” an official from the bank said. The bank has not put a limit on loan amounts for individual borrowers, but it will consider each borrower’s credit limit. “Those who are building homes can apply for equity loans as well. Property must be used as collateral. Loan terms will be between one and three years. We are not giving out loans to buyers who are purchasing units that are listed as having been developed by the government,” the banker continued. The banker said that they know the financing period seems short, but in the future, when they work together with foreign banks for financial assistance, they promise to provide long-term loans. Roughly Ks 1.5 billion has been lent to borrowers. The CHD bank, directly supervised by the Ministry of Construction, was licensed by the Central Bank of Myanmar last July in accordance with financial rules and regulations. National Trade Portal to be launched online this year MYANMAR ELEVEN A view of the Boaungkyaw Harbour. Both locals and foreigners have reported Myanmar’s trade and tax rules to be difficult to understand. “Ministries have weak cooperation with the private sector. So I welcome the idea of three trade portal. There are some regulations that are hard to EMG To guarantee transparency and clarify the complicated rules and procedures related to trade, a website called National Trade Portal is set to launch at the end of 2015, according to the Ministry of Commerce. “We will provide data regarding exports and imports and taxes, as well as information released by other ministries. It is under mapping now,” said an official from the ministry. The United States Agency for International Development lent expertise to the development of this website. The website is meant to be a onestop source of extensive data regarding tax amounts, tax-free goods, tax exemptions and need updates. The National Trade Portal will be connected to the Asean Trade Portal. “The National Single Window will be connected with the Asean Single Window, and the information will be offered in both English and Myanmar. We’ve gathered the required data for now,” the official added. understand, even for a local businessman. It will also help build mutual trust between the government and the private sector,” said a private business owner. The trade information on the portal website will be shared with the World Trade Organisation in order to ensure transparency. Many believe Myanmar can boost its service sector by offering clearer rules on foreign investments and developing the local business environment. 8 Business MYANMAR IN FOCUS, Monday, February 2, 2015 Red Dot plans nationwide e-top-up service RED Dot Network, a mobile phone service provider in Myanmar, plans to expand the country’s first top-up service nationwide in the near future. Andy Whelan, chief marketing officer, said the firm wanted to become the foremost provider of electronic top-up service and payment solutions in the country. The pioneering system of Red Dot represents the first step by a large retailer in Myanmar to diversify from the old, cumbersome scratch-cards. The new service was initially launched at all branches of Orange Supermarket in Yangon on January 22, allowing users of Ooredoo, Telenor, MPT and MEC devices to top up on mobile phone credit, using a pin number printed on a receipt given at checkout points . "It is very easy. You can just select your top-up card from a E-top-up stand or point of sales and bring it to the check-out counter. It will be scanned and you will be given two receipts - one for the price and the other top-up instructions with a pin code. Then, you can just in type in the pin code to top up," Whelan explained. Currently, the E-top up system supports Ks 5,000 and Ks 10,000 top-up denominations for all kinds of SIM cards in Myanmar, such as MPT, Telenor, Ooredoo, and MEC. Besides, Ks 16,000 and Ks 36,000 denominations for RedLink Internet are also available under E-top up system. Lower denominations (Ks 1,000 and Ks 3,000 top ups) by MPT, Telenor, and Ooredoo will also available soon. An Orange Supermarket staffer demonstates how to use an electronic top-up. EMG Khine Kyaw MYANMAR ELEVEN "We are thrilled to partner with Orange in driving retailers’ adoption of electronic top-up in Myanmar. We have invited retailers of all sizes to join us as we work to revolutionise the top-up process in Myanmar," said Whelan. To him, Red Dot Network has not only developed the technology but also oversaw store installations of the new service and provided trainings to Orange Supermarket staff. Pyae Phyo Latt, merchandising director of Orange Supermarket, said that as the first retailer to offer the service, it is delighted to be able to offer its customers the new top-up experience before it is available at other retail chains in the country. SCG offers overseas internship programme to AEC university students MYANMAR ELEVEN Siam Cement Group (SCG), a leading Asean business conglomerate, has opened registration for the “SCG International Internship Programme, Year 3,” offering students from Myanmar and other Asean countries the opportunity to work in Thailand for the summer of 2015. This year’s Internship Programme will have 41 selected participants from five Asean countries take part in a onemonth internship in Bangkok, Thailand. Ten students will be selected from Myanmar. The programme allows students to enhance their professional knowledge and learn skills through best practices in a dynamic and international work environment in order to develop themselves in preparation for the Asean Economic Community (AEC). Students who participate in the program will not only improve their work competencies and reap the benefits of working in a cross-cultural environment; they will also learn about SCG’s business philosophy, good corporate governance and sustainable development, which has led the Group to achieve business sustainability over the past 100 years. “The SCG International Internship Program is one of SCG’s human resources strategies to prepare for the coming AEC, which aims to create a pool of talent for future business expansion in Asean. The programme was established in 2013, and it is with great honour that we open the programme to more students from Myanmar this year,” said Kiti Madiloggovit, corporate human resources director of SCG. “Myanmar is a key growth market for SCG, and we are delighted to offer development opportunities for Myanmar’s next generation,” he added. The programme is open to Myanmar third-year university students and students pursuing Master’s degrees with a major in or related to Engineering (Mining, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Automation and Control, Chemical, Industrial, Environmental Engineering), Business (Business Administration, Finance, Marketing), Social Science (Psychology, Political Science, Social Studies, Economics) and Law. Applicants should have a good command of English and must be able to participate in the programme in Thailand from June 15 to July 14. Airfare and accommodation costs will be covered, and there will be a daily allowance provided for the duration of the programme. There will also be a certificate of completion given to each participant. “The internship was one of the greatest things that happened in my student life. It was a valuable opportunity for learning and professional development,” said Ei Ei Thu, a participant in 2014. “I met so many wonderful people while gaining real workplace experience and learning about SCG’s products, customer relationships, customer service, digital marketing and e-commerce, which helped improve my competencies and my future career path.” Students will have the opportunity to learn soft skills, such as presentation and teamwork through specialised training and practical projects. Participants are each paired with a senior mentor from SCG, who provides advice and guidance, as well as one-on-one support. The nature of the programme allows students to engage with professionals and other participants with diverse backgrounds from across Asean. Students will also visit SCG’s plants across Thailand. Interested students can find more information at www.facebook.com/ SCGcareer and fill in the application form at http://goo.gl/osP1rr. The deadline is February 14, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted by March 15 for interviews. 10 OPINION MYANMAR IN FOCUS, Monday, February 2, 2015 EDITORIAL Don’t suppress the country’s future E veryone is closely monitoring the situation of student protest against the National Education Law as the era of Thein Sein administration is nearly at its end and people are beginning to feel their high expectations for Myanmar ebb away. Some are concerned about the possibility of an impending uprising, and many fear that the student protesters will face a violent crackdown. The National Education Law is a one-sided document drawn exclusively by the authorities. It restricts the freedom of students to form student unions. Dictators throughout history have oppressed students and prevented them from organising student unions. Students learn about politics through student unions, which strikes fear in dictators who want to prevent student uprisings. In reality, student unions in Myanmar play the important role of training students to cooperate and exchange educational ideas and conduct civil discussions. Students need to practice this sort of cooperation with others in preparation for ultimately taking responsibility for running the country. Moreover, student unions are important because they ensure that students know their rights and obtain the awareness necessary to fight for their rights.Students and student unions have been an important political force since Myanmar’s colonial era. They played a prominent role in opposing the dictatorship of the State Law and Order Revolutionary Council and in the era of 88 uprising. Education can take place peacefully under peaceful conditions. Students cannot learn properly under conditions in which they feel hopeless or stripped of their rights. Thus, who is responsible for the students not accepting their education peacefully? People who blame the student protesters for today’s political tumult should remember that if we do not have student unions or students who are aware of politics, maintaining the benefits of independence will be difficult. We will realise the goals of democracy, and we will remain under dictatorship. The authorities should aware that oppressing students is like oppressing the future of the country. Students who are bright and intelligent understand their rights and will do everything to preserve them. Negotiation is always better than the non-productive confrontation. WHAT OTHERS SAY Asean, China should seek mutual economic benefit on trade and investment not only with China but also with the United States and Officials and executives Europe. of the Association of At this point, however, Southeast Asian Nations what is crucial is China’s agree that there is enornon-economic relations with mous potential to boost Asean, at least with memtrade and investment with bers such as the Philippines regional economic powerand Vietnam. Michael Yeoh, house China but that politico-founder and chief execucal and security issues may tive of the Malaysia-based be a drag to realising it. Asian Strategy and This consensus emerged Leadership Institute, emphain a packed workshop at sised that while prospects Asian Financial Forum 2015 for Asean and its relations in Hong Kong, where delewith China are getting betgates tackled the topic ter, it is very important for “China, Asean and the new both sides address this Silk Road”. Connecting the most critical issue: a peacemassive Chinese economy ful resolution of the South with Asean is a new dynamChina Sea row. ic that will impact the global Yeoh’s suggestion is for economic system. Hong China to show “peace and Kong is positioning itself as goodwill” in November, the bridge between the two referring to the annual leadmarkets, noting that the ers’ meeting of the Apec Asean economy as a trade (Asia Pacific Economic bloc is now its second-bigCooperation) in Manila, gest trading partner (US$96.3 billion in 2014). Malaysia Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, centre, speaks to Asean Foreign Ministers and delegates regarding this maritime dispute. “Connectivity, commuAsean itself was ranked during Asean Foreign Ministers Retreat in Malaysia. The country start its Asean chairmanship in nity and centrality - China the seventh biggest econo2015 with the retreat. should focus on these three my in the world last year. Cs with Asean to boost relations with cooperation between China and South task and everyone at the forum agreed With the integration into the Asean the region,” he added. and Southeast Asia -is touted to be a that help from neighbours, especially Economic Community (AEC), it will be While Asean stands to gain from game-changer, with the potential to China, should be welcomed. Now the fourth biggest in the world by the increased ties with China, the Asian comes China’s New Silk Road project, a alter the regional and global econoend of 2015. China’s trade with Asean economic giant will also benefit from mies. Bank Indonesia deputy governor $40-billion initiative divided into the grew 8 per cent in 2014, faster than the building trade and investment relations Maritime Silk Road (which seeks to link Perry Warjiyo explained how his coun3.4-per cent increase in its trade with with its neighbours. try is getting ready, focusing mainly on various seaports in the region from the rest of the world, according to Xu Regional cooperation has proven to China to Southeast Asia to East Asia all three aspects. The first is to make sure Ningning, executive president of the be beneficial in other parts of the that Indonesia’s economic fundamenthe way to Europe) and the Silk Road China-Asean Business Council. globe. China can choose to be a big tals are strong, with the proper policy Economic Belt (which seeks to signifiBilateral trade with Asean is projected partner of Asean in trade and investcantly strengthen economic and cultur- environment. The second involves to reach $500 billion this year, or a ments rather than a bully, as it is being structural reforms to open investment al trade among the nations along the growth of 10 per cent from last year, pictured in the ongoing maritime terriand trade. Third, Warjiyo said, Silk Road route). and to $1 trillion by 2020. torial dispute with its neighbours. Indonesia is engaging in cooperation The project’s aim - including the Establishing the AEC is a labourious EPA Philippine Daily Inquirer LIFESTYLE 11 MYANMAR IN FOCUS, Monday, February 2, 2015 Remembering Myanmar’s national hero arrest, he went underground. He then went to Amoy, China, to find support MYANMAR is in festive mood this for his cause: Myanmar’s independence month as this year marks the birth cenfrom British rule. He stayed for about tenary of Bogyoke Aung San, which two months in the International falls on February 13, regarded as Settlement there before the Japanese National Children’s Day. took him to Tokyo. A multitude of cultural festivities – After three months in Tokyo, he being staged chiefly by the National returned to his country in 1941 to comLeague for Democracy (NLD) in places municate the plans given by the like Yangon and Natmauk, Aung San’s Japanese to his comrades in Myanmar. birthplace – continue to capture the He went back to Tokyo soon after, takimagination of the public in the run-up ing with him the first batch of young to the big day. men to undergo military training by the If you missed some of these celeBogyoke Aung San Japanese for the purpose of staging an bratory events, don’t fret. Many more insurrection in Myanmar. are still to come. In 1942, he came to In Yangon, a traditional Bangkok to organise the Burma Anyeint performance by the Independence Army with the Aung San Thuriya Hnin Si help of the Japanese. He Anyeint dance troupe on marched into Myanmar along February 9 and 10 at the with the latter as part of an National Theatre. Anyeint is a invasion of the country. Ever since he and his comrades type of slapstick comedy that were in Japan and eventually combines music and dance. It’s became disillusioned with the performed by not just profesJapanese. He even tried to sional comedians, but guest organise an anti-Japanese artists as well like actors, singmovement before he came ers and dancers. In Mandalay, back to Myanmar. the famed Mandalay Marionette He attempted to form an Theater will stage two shows on anti-Japanese Resistance February 10. The Htwe Oo Movement from 1943 and sucMyanmar puppet troupe will ceeded in forming the Antiperform twice on February 11 in Fascist People’s Freedom the same city. Phoe Chit’s dance troupe is to stage a traditional dance performance celebrating Bogyoke League in August 1944. Finally In Natmauk, the Phoe Chit Aung San’s centenary. he led the open general rising dance troupe will perform on against the Japanese militarists on ing “a conspiracy to overthrow the bodies, notably as Editor, ViceFebruary 11 before embarking on a tour March 27, 1945. In September 1945, he Government by force”, according to a President and President of the across the country. Natmauk will also government communique. But he was Rangoon University Students’ Union, host the Human Rights Human Dignity and 10 other colleagues went to Kandy released shortly after. He served also Travelling Film Festival on February 12 and as one of the founders and to conclude a military agreement for on the Working Committee of the Alland 13 at Sutaungpyae Payagyi monasPresident of All-Burma Students’ the amalgamation of the Patriotic Burma Peasants’ League and was one Union. He also served, even as a stutery. These events serve to reinforce Burmese Forces (as the Resistance dent, along with another student repreAung San’s national resonance. Forces were then called) with the of the principal figures initiating the Burma Army under British control. Freedom Bloc of parties and elements Informally referred to as “bogyoke” sentative, on the University Act If Aung San were still alive, he would (general), Aung San was born on interested in the struggle for Amendment Committee appointed by probably regret that Myanmar is still February 13, 1915, in Natmauk, Magwe Myanmar’s freedom, along with Dr Ba the government in 1938 and succeeded not a fully independent country, a point district, into a well-to-do family with a Maw, during 1939-40. in getting the progressive University raised frequently by his daughter Aung He also acted as Secretary of the long pedigree. Act passed by the Burma Legislature. San Suu Kyi. He received primary schooling iniFreedom Bloc until he went underAs a student, he contributed many “Myanmar already regained her tially at the Vernacular High School in ground. In March 1940, he led a Thakin articles to local English and Myanmar independence, but the people are living Natmauk and secondary education at delegation to the Ramgarh Session of publications and served for a time on under oppression, this is why, our the Indian National Congress at the National High School in Yenangyaung. the editorial staff of the “New Burma”, invitation of the latter and visited sever- country is not a sovereign state,” Aung He attended Rangoon University the only Burman-owned and-managed, San Suu Kyi said at a ceremony mark(now the University of Yangon) in 1933 al cities in India including Gaya, nationalist English-language tri-weekly. ing her father’s centenary. and took a degree in English Literature, Benares, Allahabad, Agra, Delhi, In October 1938, he ended his law “If my father were alive, he would be Modern History and Political Science. Peshawar, Khyber Pass, Lahore, studies abruptly and entered national Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Bombay and Later he attended law classes at the politics to pursue the patriotic cause of almost 100 years old. My father died same university. It was during his uniCalcutta. After that trip, he served for a national freedom by joining the when he was hardly 33 years old. We versity days when Aung San developed short time on the Governing Body of Dohbama Asi-ayone (Thakins), at the need to rethink how much we have his interest in politics and became a University College in Yangon as a reptime the only militant and extremely done for the objectives of the indeprominent student leader while doing nationalistic political party in Myanmar. resentative of the Rangoon University pendence. well academically. His political aspiraHe became General Secretary of How much freedom and security Students’ Union while conducting an tions were only to have a profound have we restored? Freedom and securiintensive anti-imperialist, anti-war that party until August 1940 when he ty are always related together,” she campaign in Myanmar. went underground to continue the fight impact on his university life. said. When a warrant was issued for his for Myanmar’s independence. At this As a student leader, he was threatened with expulsion from the university for refusing to reveal the name of the author of the article “Hell Hound At Large”, which criticised a senior University official. This led to the Second University Students’ Strike and the university authorities subsequently retracted their expulsion orders. At the university, he served on various students’ organisations and point, he was anti-British, and staunchly antiimperialist. He became a Thakin (lord or master – a politically motivated title that proclaimed that the Burmese people were the true masters of their country, not the colonial rulers who had usurped the title for their exclusive use). As a Thakin leader, he was arrested and detained in 1939 for being one of those lead- EMG MYANMAR ELEVEN