Acumen September 2013

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description

The Face of Buddhist Peace

Transcript of Acumen September 2013

Page 1: Acumen September 2013

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Editor’s Note

The editorial team at Acumen is proud to inform our readers that it now enters intoa fourth edition at a time when the world is closely watching the developments ofnews and views in Myanmar.

August is a month much remembered among those who witnessed the nationwidepeople’s uprising and brutal clampdown of the military 25 years ago. Thousandsdied on 8 August, 1988 which is why ‘8888’ has become a very sad date in this nationof about 60 million people. After much blood, sweat and tears have been sacrificed,we now have a civilian government but are still being represented by 25 percentmilitary personnel in both Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw (parliament). Moststakeholders agree the 2008 Constitution needs to be changed but questions remainabout how, and to what extent, it will be changed.

Once very secluded, our country has lately been hosting unprecedented numbers

of foreign dignitaries including, in a historic visit, the United States President Barack

Obama last November. We agree that democracy is still in its infancy here and in

rather a sensitive stage. The successful carrying-out of the democratization process

would make Myanmar the best and simplest instance of a successful transition to

democracy in the world. In our cover story, John McGarry mentions that Buddhists

seem to be heading for the trap set by those who wish to turn back to the path of the

previous military regime who worked with extremists to create clashes that are

superficially of a religious and racial nature. This issue of Acumen argues that Buddhism

is a religion of peace and not, as depicted by western media, terror.Acumen would like to point out the crucial role played by media, especially in a

developing country like Myanmar. It would also like to remind western as well as

local media to act responsibly, whatever angle they decide to take. Though still in an

early stage in the publication industry here, Acumen strives to defend the national

interest and national security, just like in all other big democracies in the world. A

CEO / Chief EditorDr. Htet Zan Linn

DirectorDr. Hein Thu Aung, Tin Tun Kyaw

Executive EditorPhyo Wai

EditorsHein Zaw, Khin Win, Khaing Minn Nyo

ContributorsJohn McGarry, Myitmakha, Htay Paing,

Dr. Tin Maung Kyi

DesignersAung Aung (AN Computer), Thaw Tar Oo

Computer OperatorZin Wai Wai Shein

Marketing DepartmentJanuary Khine Mon, Naw Keziah, Yadanar,

Nan Mo, May Hsu Mo Mo

PhotographersDr. Hein Thu Aung, Aung Kyaw Moe (New

Image),Myitmakha, Hein Zaw

Publisher and CopyrightDr. Htet Zan Linn

Printer

Editorial BoardACUMEN

[email protected]

[email protected], [email protected],

[email protected], [email protected],

AdvisorsAdvisorsAdvisorsAdvisorsAdvisorsProf. Dr. Aung Tun Thet Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet (Senior Advisor, UN Resident Coordinator's Office)

Prof. Maw ThanProf. Maw ThanProf. Maw ThanProf. Maw ThanProf. Maw Than (Rector (Ret), Yangon Institute of Economics Yangon)

Soe Tint AungSoe Tint AungSoe Tint AungSoe Tint AungSoe Tint Aung (Special Consultant for Advocacy, PSI Myanmar)

Dr. Tun LwinDr. Tun LwinDr. Tun LwinDr. Tun LwinDr. Tun Lwin (Consultant, Myanmar Climate Change Watch,Tun Lwin Foundation)

Than LwinThan LwinThan LwinThan LwinThan Lwin (Deputy Governor (Ret), Central Bank of Myanmar)

Tin Zan Kyaw Tin Zan Kyaw Tin Zan Kyaw Tin Zan Kyaw Tin Zan Kyaw (Principal, Device Business Management Academy)

Grace Swe Zin HtaikGrace Swe Zin HtaikGrace Swe Zin HtaikGrace Swe Zin HtaikGrace Swe Zin Htaik (Media Advocacy Advisor, PSI Myanmar)

OfficeNo. 24/26, 4B-C, Race Course Condo, South Race Course Street, TAMWE TOWNSHIP, YANGON

Tel : (+959) 420033355 ~ 66 ~ 77 (Hot Line), (+959) 73045140, 49317457, 73143313, (+951) 8603886, 8603887

Masthead.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:01 AM1

Page 13: Acumen September 2013

Editor’s Note

The editorial team at Acumen is proud to inform our readers that it now enters intoa fourth edition at a time when the world is closely watching the developments ofnews and views in Myanmar.

August is a month much remembered among those who witnessed the nationwidepeople’s uprising and brutal clampdown of the military 25 years ago. Thousandsdied on 8 August, 1988 which is why ‘8888’ has become a very sad date in this nationof about 60 million people. After much blood, sweat and tears have been sacrificed,we now have a civilian government but are still being represented by 25 percentmilitary personnel in both Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw (parliament). Moststakeholders agree the 2008 Constitution needs to be changed but questions remainabout how, and to what extent, it will be changed.

Once very secluded, our country has lately been hosting unprecedented numbers

of foreign dignitaries including, in a historic visit, the United States President Barack

Obama last November. We agree that democracy is still in its infancy here and in

rather a sensitive stage. The successful carrying-out of the democratization process

would make Myanmar the best and simplest instance of a successful transition to

democracy in the world. In our cover story, John McGarry mentions that Buddhists

seem to be heading for the trap set by those who wish to turn back to the path of the

previous military regime who worked with extremists to create clashes that are

superficially of a religious and racial nature. This issue of Acumen argues that Buddhism

is a religion of peace and not, as depicted by western media, terror.Acumen would like to point out the crucial role played by media, especially in a

developing country like Myanmar. It would also like to remind western as well as

local media to act responsibly, whatever angle they decide to take. Though still in an

early stage in the publication industry here, Acumen strives to defend the national

interest and national security, just like in all other big democracies in the world. A

CEO / Chief EditorDr. Htet Zan Linn

DirectorDr. Hein Thu Aung, Tin Tun Kyaw

Executive EditorPhyo Wai

EditorsHein Zaw, Khin Win, Khaing Minn Nyo

ContributorsJohn McGarry, Myitmakha, Htay Paing,

Dr. Tin Maung Kyi

DesignersAung Aung (AN Computer), Thaw Tar Oo

Computer OperatorZin Wai Wai Shein

Marketing DepartmentJanuary Khine Mon, Naw Keziah, Yadanar,

Nan Mo, May Hsu Mo Mo

PhotographersDr. Hein Thu Aung, Aung Kyaw Moe (New

Image),Myitmakha, Hein Zaw

Publisher and CopyrightDr. Htet Zan Linn

Printer

Editorial BoardACUMEN

[email protected]

[email protected], [email protected],

[email protected], [email protected],

AdvisorsAdvisorsAdvisorsAdvisorsAdvisorsProf. Dr. Aung Tun Thet Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet (Senior Advisor, UN Resident Coordinator's Office)

Prof. Maw ThanProf. Maw ThanProf. Maw ThanProf. Maw ThanProf. Maw Than (Rector (Ret), Yangon Institute of Economics Yangon)

Soe Tint AungSoe Tint AungSoe Tint AungSoe Tint AungSoe Tint Aung (Special Consultant for Advocacy, PSI Myanmar)

Dr. Tun LwinDr. Tun LwinDr. Tun LwinDr. Tun LwinDr. Tun Lwin (Consultant, Myanmar Climate Change Watch,Tun Lwin Foundation)

Than LwinThan LwinThan LwinThan LwinThan Lwin (Deputy Governor (Ret), Central Bank of Myanmar)

Tin Zan Kyaw Tin Zan Kyaw Tin Zan Kyaw Tin Zan Kyaw Tin Zan Kyaw (Principal, Device Business Management Academy)

Grace Swe Zin HtaikGrace Swe Zin HtaikGrace Swe Zin HtaikGrace Swe Zin HtaikGrace Swe Zin Htaik (Media Advocacy Advisor, PSI Myanmar)

OfficeNo. 24/26, 4B-C, Race Course Condo, South Race Course Street, TAMWE TOWNSHIP, YANGON

Tel : (+959) 420033355 ~ 66 ~ 77 (Hot Line), (+959) 73045140, 49317457, 73143313, (+951) 8603886, 8603887

Masthead.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:01 AM1

ACUMEN ⏐ 11

‘‘We don’t havepolicy to controlmarket price. Atpresent, operatorpermission licensewould be offeredamong foreigncompanies andlocal companieswhich will lead tomarket competition.Later on, the com-petitor companieswill reduce phonecalling cost to-gether.’’

U Thaung Tin

Deputy Minister

Ministry of Communication and

Information Technology

‘‘Corruption effects country’s dignity,national dignity, and also individualdignity of Myanmar. As for young-age democracy in Myanmar, thecorruption is big obstacle for thecountry development, internationaltrust-building and internationalinvestment.”

Dr. Sai Mauk Kham

Vice-President

‘‘They have to examine where the flaws or mistakes in the reform process are and findworkable solutions for national unity, national reconciliation, rules of law and stability,and armed conflict. It’s time to carry out practical reforms rather than blaming eachother.”

Thura U Shwe Mann

Speaker of the Lower House

oicesV “On the topic of communal and religious violence, Iwould like to quote General Aung San as saying thatfreedom of worship is a fundamental right of our citizensand in promoting truthfulness, loving kindness and theright way to live through right actions cannot be adeterrent to progress of our society. But our societymust never tolerate thoughtless, ruthless and abusiveviolent acts in the name of religion.”

U Thein Sein

President

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Beauty of Hlaing River / HT

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Beauty of Hlaing River / HT

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News in Brief

14 ⏐ ACUMEN www.mya n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e . c o m September 2013

News in Brief

14 ⏐ ACUMEN www.mya n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e . c o m

Mercedes steps into Myanmar car marketThe Automobile Alliance Co., Ltd ofMyanmar joined hands with Singapore-listed Jardine Cycle & Carriage (JC&C)Co., Ltd. to import luxury Mercedes Benzcars into Myanmar.

The launch ceremony to MercedesBenz was officially held at Sedona Ho-tel, Yangon on July 26. It has alreadyopened Satellite Workshop on Kaba AyePagoda Road. Mercedes is planning toopen main showroom on Pyi Road andmain workshop in Ywar Ma Kyaung

Road early next year.

U Aung Moe Kyaw from Automobile

Alliance, chairperson of IBTC group, said,

‘‘I am proud to introduce Mercedes-Benz

to Myanmar. I believe that these cars will

be successful in luxury category in

Myanmar."

‘‘We are committed inbringing the best ofMercedes Benz automobiles,direct from Germany withthe deserved quality of careand service by our Germantrained experts. We havegreat aspirations forMercedes Benz in Myanmarand we hope that you willexperience our passion through ourfriendly staff and world-class facilities

and services," according to Mercedes on

its website.

The special models for Myanmar con-

sumers are: A-Class Saloon; B-Class

Sports Tourer; C-Class Saloon Estate,

Coupe; CLA-Class Coupe, CLS-Class

Coupe, Shooting Brake; E-Class Saloon,

Estate, Coupé, Cabriolet; G-Class Cross-Country Vehicle; GL-Class Off-Roaders;

GLK-Class Off-Roaders, M-Class Off-

Roaders(w166), S-Class Saloon; SL-Class

Roadsters; SLK-Class Roadsters; and SLS

AMG Coupe, Roadsters.

For more details , Website:

www.mercedes-benz.com.mm and

Phone: +95 95057045. A

EU and US try to extend their garment manufacturing in Myanmarturing industry, said Daw Khine Khine

Ngwe, secretary of Myanmar GarmentManufacturers Association.

‘‘Just now, a buyer from UK comesto study Myanmar garment manufactur-

ing. And a delegation from UK TradeInvestment has come as well as from theUnited States. Not like previously, they

are now coming to us," said Daw KhineKhine Nwe.

‘‘The situation is getting better. Dew-

hirst Company has started to work to-gether with some local factories. In the

China's Hin Leong Group invests US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sectorChina's Hin Leong Group invests US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sectorChina's Hin Leong Group invests US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sectorChina's Hin Leong Group invests US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sectorChina's Hin Leong Group invests US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sectorChina’s Hin Leong Group has invested

US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sector. True

to raising situation of investment from

foreign countries in Myanmar and

because of local oil demand, an oil

trading company Singapore-based, Hin

Leong Group, has entered into Myanmar

oil trading market to fulfill the rising

demand of consumers in Myanmar. The

group aims to launch in part of

distribution and selling of fuel product

directly to end users.

‘‘A lot of businesses are enteringMyanmar after opening its doors, so its

oil-demand is rising very fast," Lim,

founder of the group, said in an interview

with Reuters.

In Myanmar, Hin Leong Group is oneof the top fuel suppliers, and the company

is planning to build up safety storages

near Yangon region area.

Not only in Myanmar but also in

China, East Timor and Indonesia, the

group planned to invest US$ 400 million

over all in South East Asia.

The first step of its investment would

start to supply kerosene, gasoline, jet fuel

and asphalt in amount of 100,000 cubic

meters of storage in East Timor.

Hin Leong Group was established in

1963 and provides oil trading, bunkering,

lubricants blending, diesel retailing,

logistics support and storage support. A

previous months, they just came to study

and went back, but now the number ofcompanies which would practically invest

in Myanmar are increasing", she continued.Dewhirst is a garment manufactur-

ing company based in United Kingdomsince 1880s and extended its branchesto Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, Cam-

bodia, and Indonesia especially supplyMark & Spencer (M&S) company, a largecompany in UK. Myanmar will be one

of its extended countries in Asia runningfactories with more than 2,000 workers.

Europe and the United States are tryingto invest in Myanmar garment manufac-

News in Brief~.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:04 AM14

ACUMEN ⏐ 15

State-owned telecommunication company PT Telekomunikasi

Indonesia (Telkom), Indonesia's largest telecommunication and

network provider, started to step into Myanmar's International

Network competing tenders in this year, but unluckily as its

first step, it failed in the pre-qualification stage of Telkon ten-

der hold in April. But now, fortunately in this time, it has won

a tender to manage Myanmar's international networks.

‘‘The trust given by the Myanmar government is the result

of our team's hard work on the ground in Myanmar. This will

be an opportunity to show Telkom can be aligned with other

big international operators," Arief Yahya, president director of

state-controlled Telkom, said.

Telkon will develop and modernize Myanmar information

and communications technology service for sustainable progress

and is planning to open representative office in Myanmar - itsprocess of economic, liberalization, would provide businessopportunities, Arief added.

As extension of oversee business of Telkom, the Telkon

also provide services in Hong Kong, East Timor, Australia,Malaysia and Singapore as well as Middle East, and Australia.In East Timor, Telkom is doing proper investment of US$50

million to establish GSM and 3G telecommunications opera-

tions by consumers' demand.Now in Myanmar, GSM Mobile Phone Users are able to

directly apply for internet access by pressing an SMS message

to 133 likely to other ASEAN countries.Not only Indonesia Telkon investment but also Indonesia's

fertilizer investment are looking to penetrate the Myanmar fer-

tilizer market, which has millions of hectares of paddy fieldswith low yields and a lack of fertilizing efforts. A

Indonesia's Telkom wins tender Investment law becomes debatedtopic to revise

Burma/Myanmar Company Act 1914 will be amended by the

confirmation of the parliament on July 23. The reasons to amend

the act are out of date for over 100 years; and discrimination

among investors.

U Kyi Myint, a Parliamentarian representative of Latha

Township, Yangon Region, pointed the differences between;

the ownership of citizens and foreigners and company regis-

tration, in the 1914 act and foreign investment law in 2012.

‘‘Investment law will be revised, but how and what parts to

be amended is not known in detail yet. Many people see for-

eign and citizen investment laws should be combined. But some

disagree with it as they believe that citizens' businesses need

to be protected," an official from the ministry said.

There are two investment laws in Myanmar separate for local

and foreign investment.‘‘In the investment sectors, fairness based on non-discrimi-

nation is important because actually, we don't see the invest-

ment laws are separated like as local and foreign investment

as well as international community including ASEAN coun-tries. But, in Cambodia, land-ownership is a prohibition forforeign investors in their investment law, section VIII. The sec-

tion pointed -apart from land-ownership, no discrimination for

foreign investors' companies in the ownership sectors." Depu-ty Minister U Sat Aung said.

To revise the foreign investment law, it is needed to be:

internationalized standard; be accomplished in developing eco-nomic; upgraded to online system registration; and etc, by thefinancial assistance from ADB (Asian Development Bank) and

technical assistance from international community. A

Myanmar reinstatement in the EU's GSP (Generalised Systemof Preferences) will take effect and apply retrospectively from13 June 2012 and there will be more potentials for investmentin Myanmar.

Myanmar access to EU's GSP was temporarily held in 1997

as a result of practices of forced labour that were identified byInternational Labour Organization.

It is also not so far from US's GSP (Generalised System ofPreferences) because of the negotiation GSP on Myanmar bythe voices of GSP watchers. A

News in Brief~.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:04 AM15

Page 17: Acumen September 2013

News in Brief

14 ⏐ ACUMEN www.mya n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e . c o m September 2013

News in Brief

14 ⏐ ACUMEN www.mya n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e . c o m

Mercedes steps into Myanmar car marketThe Automobile Alliance Co., Ltd ofMyanmar joined hands with Singapore-listed Jardine Cycle & Carriage (JC&C)Co., Ltd. to import luxury Mercedes Benzcars into Myanmar.

The launch ceremony to MercedesBenz was officially held at Sedona Ho-tel, Yangon on July 26. It has alreadyopened Satellite Workshop on Kaba AyePagoda Road. Mercedes is planning toopen main showroom on Pyi Road andmain workshop in Ywar Ma Kyaung

Road early next year.

U Aung Moe Kyaw from Automobile

Alliance, chairperson of IBTC group, said,

‘‘I am proud to introduce Mercedes-Benz

to Myanmar. I believe that these cars will

be successful in luxury category in

Myanmar."

‘‘We are committed inbringing the best ofMercedes Benz automobiles,direct from Germany withthe deserved quality of careand service by our Germantrained experts. We havegreat aspirations forMercedes Benz in Myanmarand we hope that you willexperience our passion through ourfriendly staff and world-class facilities

and services," according to Mercedes on

its website.

The special models for Myanmar con-

sumers are: A-Class Saloon; B-Class

Sports Tourer; C-Class Saloon Estate,

Coupe; CLA-Class Coupe, CLS-Class

Coupe, Shooting Brake; E-Class Saloon,

Estate, Coupé, Cabriolet; G-Class Cross-Country Vehicle; GL-Class Off-Roaders;

GLK-Class Off-Roaders, M-Class Off-

Roaders(w166), S-Class Saloon; SL-Class

Roadsters; SLK-Class Roadsters; and SLS

AMG Coupe, Roadsters.

For more details , Website:

www.mercedes-benz.com.mm and

Phone: +95 95057045. A

EU and US try to extend their garment manufacturing in Myanmarturing industry, said Daw Khine Khine

Ngwe, secretary of Myanmar GarmentManufacturers Association.

‘‘Just now, a buyer from UK comesto study Myanmar garment manufactur-

ing. And a delegation from UK TradeInvestment has come as well as from theUnited States. Not like previously, they

are now coming to us," said Daw KhineKhine Nwe.

‘‘The situation is getting better. Dew-

hirst Company has started to work to-gether with some local factories. In the

China's Hin Leong Group invests US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sectorChina's Hin Leong Group invests US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sectorChina's Hin Leong Group invests US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sectorChina's Hin Leong Group invests US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sectorChina's Hin Leong Group invests US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sectorChina’s Hin Leong Group has invested

US$ 200m in Myanmar oil sector. True

to raising situation of investment from

foreign countries in Myanmar and

because of local oil demand, an oil

trading company Singapore-based, Hin

Leong Group, has entered into Myanmar

oil trading market to fulfill the rising

demand of consumers in Myanmar. The

group aims to launch in part of

distribution and selling of fuel product

directly to end users.

‘‘A lot of businesses are enteringMyanmar after opening its doors, so its

oil-demand is rising very fast," Lim,

founder of the group, said in an interview

with Reuters.

In Myanmar, Hin Leong Group is oneof the top fuel suppliers, and the company

is planning to build up safety storages

near Yangon region area.

Not only in Myanmar but also in

China, East Timor and Indonesia, the

group planned to invest US$ 400 million

over all in South East Asia.

The first step of its investment would

start to supply kerosene, gasoline, jet fuel

and asphalt in amount of 100,000 cubic

meters of storage in East Timor.

Hin Leong Group was established in

1963 and provides oil trading, bunkering,

lubricants blending, diesel retailing,

logistics support and storage support. A

previous months, they just came to study

and went back, but now the number ofcompanies which would practically invest

in Myanmar are increasing", she continued.Dewhirst is a garment manufactur-

ing company based in United Kingdomsince 1880s and extended its branchesto Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, Cam-

bodia, and Indonesia especially supplyMark & Spencer (M&S) company, a largecompany in UK. Myanmar will be one

of its extended countries in Asia runningfactories with more than 2,000 workers.

Europe and the United States are trying

to invest in Myanmar garment manufac-

News in Brief~.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:04 AM14

ACUMEN ⏐ 15

State-owned telecommunication company PT Telekomunikasi

Indonesia (Telkom), Indonesia's largest telecommunication and

network provider, started to step into Myanmar's International

Network competing tenders in this year, but unluckily as its

first step, it failed in the pre-qualification stage of Telkon ten-

der hold in April. But now, fortunately in this time, it has won

a tender to manage Myanmar's international networks.

‘‘The trust given by the Myanmar government is the result

of our team's hard work on the ground in Myanmar. This will

be an opportunity to show Telkom can be aligned with other

big international operators," Arief Yahya, president director of

state-controlled Telkom, said.

Telkon will develop and modernize Myanmar information

and communications technology service for sustainable progress

and is planning to open representative office in Myanmar - itsprocess of economic, liberalization, would provide businessopportunities, Arief added.

As extension of oversee business of Telkom, the Telkon

also provide services in Hong Kong, East Timor, Australia,Malaysia and Singapore as well as Middle East, and Australia.In East Timor, Telkom is doing proper investment of US$50

million to establish GSM and 3G telecommunications opera-

tions by consumers' demand.Now in Myanmar, GSM Mobile Phone Users are able to

directly apply for internet access by pressing an SMS message

to 133 likely to other ASEAN countries.Not only Indonesia Telkon investment but also Indonesia's

fertilizer investment are looking to penetrate the Myanmar fer-

tilizer market, which has millions of hectares of paddy fieldswith low yields and a lack of fertilizing efforts. A

Indonesia's Telkom wins tender Investment law becomes debatedtopic to revise

Burma/Myanmar Company Act 1914 will be amended by the

confirmation of the parliament on July 23. The reasons to amend

the act are out of date for over 100 years; and discrimination

among investors.

U Kyi Myint, a Parliamentarian representative of Latha

Township, Yangon Region, pointed the differences between;

the ownership of citizens and foreigners and company regis-

tration, in the 1914 act and foreign investment law in 2012.

‘‘Investment law will be revised, but how and what parts to

be amended is not known in detail yet. Many people see for-

eign and citizen investment laws should be combined. But some

disagree with it as they believe that citizens' businesses need

to be protected," an official from the ministry said.

There are two investment laws in Myanmar separate for local

and foreign investment.‘‘In the investment sectors, fairness based on non-discrimi-

nation is important because actually, we don't see the invest-

ment laws are separated like as local and foreign investment

as well as international community including ASEAN coun-tries. But, in Cambodia, land-ownership is a prohibition forforeign investors in their investment law, section VIII. The sec-

tion pointed -apart from land-ownership, no discrimination for

foreign investors' companies in the ownership sectors." Depu-ty Minister U Sat Aung said.

To revise the foreign investment law, it is needed to be:

internationalized standard; be accomplished in developing eco-nomic; upgraded to online system registration; and etc, by thefinancial assistance from ADB (Asian Development Bank) and

technical assistance from international community. A

Myanmar reinstatement in the EU's GSP (Generalised Systemof Preferences) will take effect and apply retrospectively from13 June 2012 and there will be more potentials for investmentin Myanmar.

Myanmar access to EU's GSP was temporarily held in 1997

as a result of practices of forced labour that were identified byInternational Labour Organization.

It is also not so far from US's GSP (Generalised System ofPreferences) because of the negotiation GSP on Myanmar bythe voices of GSP watchers. A

News in Brief~.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:04 AM15

Page 18: Acumen September 2013

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Cover Story

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Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:31 AM16

ACUMEN ⏐ 17ACUMEN ⏐ 17

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Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:31 AM16

ACUMEN ⏐ 17ACUMEN ⏐ 17

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Amidst the sounds of adownpour and strongwinds, there came out a

voice, calm and serene: ‘‘It’s necessaryfor all men in the world to have kindconsideration and Metta (Loving-kindness) for each other’’.

That was a Buddhist monkteaching Buddhist ethics to youngstudents at a Buddhist monk-taughtschool.

Myanmar, since the times of itsancient kings, has had Buddhistmonks playing a vital role in the

education of the people including

members of royalty. Chronicles say

teachings by Buddhist monks

contributed to the growth of literacy

rate which was even five times

greater than that of India in 1931.

This work still continues to this day

with over 1,500 monastic schools

teaching and taking care of needy

and orphaned children, all for free.

Buddhist monks are still carrying out

such philanthropic work as well as

activities that help preserve the

Buddha’s teachings.

Cover Story

Morning Alms Round/Flickr

A Buddhist monk teaching Buddhist ethicsto children and novices at a monasticschool. /Aung Kyaw Moe (New Image)

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:32 AM18

ACUMEN ⏐ 19

Buddhism endangeredBuddhism endangeredBuddhism endangeredBuddhism endangeredBuddhism endangeredThe Theravada teachings of the Buddha professed and

practised by the majority of people in Myanmar has its origins

in India in about 500 BC. Siddhattha (which means goal-

accomplished), a prince of royal lineage, spent a life of forest-

dwelling recluse in search of the ultimate realities of humanexistence. Through his own efforts he discovered the Four Noble

Truths and attained Buddhahood. His efforts to teach the

Dhamma encountered tremendous opposition by adherents ofother religious faiths, but he managed to subdue them all throughmetta, not by means of intimidation, nor by coercion nor by

flattery. He taught only the right and proper way that could, if

practised, bring real peace of mind. With the member ofadherents increasing, Buddhism enjoyed widespread popularity.Following the Great Demise or the Passing away into Parinibbana

of the Buddha, Buddhism was passed from one generation ofbhikkus (Buddhist monks) on to the next in an uninterrupted

effort of preservation. The path of preservations, however, hadits own problems : some monks wished to change the originalteachings of the Buddha as they liked, which brought about

two versions namely Mahayana (Great Vehicle) Buddhism andTheravada (School of Elders) Buddhism i.e, the Buddha’s

original doctrine approved and preserved in its pristine

condition by the Thera (Elderly monks). Eventually things came

to a sad pass when Buddhism was compelled to bid farewell

to its land of origin. Chronicles say in 1197 and 1203 Turkish

Muslims devastated a number of Hindu, Jain and Buddhisttemples and monasteries, institutes of learning and libraries;many Buddhist monks were killed. Hindus and Jains, in their

white garbs, could manage to mingle unknown with ordinary

crowds and thereby escape being killed, whereas Buddhistmonks had no way of hiding themselves because of their easilydistinguishable yellow robes and their shaven heads. Buddhist

monks living in their secluded monasteries fell victim to the

attack by Muslim marauders. Some monks, seeing imminentdanger, had fled earlier on to Tibet, China, Korea and Japan,making it possible for the Buddha’s teachings to survive to this

day. Buddhism later spread to Myanmar, Srilanka, Thailand,Cambodia, Lao’s, etc., where generations of Theravada Buddhist

monks have managed to keep Buddhism in its pristine formby studying and practising the basic tenets such as Metta (Loving-kindness) and Khanti (Tolerance).

Hush - Hartwig HKD/Flickr

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:36 AM19

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18 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Amidst the sounds of adownpour and strongwinds, there came out a

voice, calm and serene: ‘‘It’s necessaryfor all men in the world to have kindconsideration and Metta (Loving-kindness) for each other’’.

That was a Buddhist monkteaching Buddhist ethics to youngstudents at a Buddhist monk-taughtschool.

Myanmar, since the times of itsancient kings, has had Buddhistmonks playing a vital role in the

education of the people including

members of royalty. Chronicles say

teachings by Buddhist monks

contributed to the growth of literacy

rate which was even five times

greater than that of India in 1931.

This work still continues to this day

with over 1,500 monastic schools

teaching and taking care of needy

and orphaned children, all for free.

Buddhist monks are still carrying out

such philanthropic work as well as

activities that help preserve the

Buddha’s teachings.

Cover Story

Morning Alms Round/Flickr

A Buddhist monk teaching Buddhist ethicsto children and novices at a monasticschool. /Aung Kyaw Moe (New Image)

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:32 AM18

ACUMEN ⏐ 19

Buddhism endangeredBuddhism endangeredBuddhism endangeredBuddhism endangeredBuddhism endangeredThe Theravada teachings of the Buddha professed and

practised by the majority of people in Myanmar has its origins

in India in about 500 BC. Siddhattha (which means goal-

accomplished), a prince of royal lineage, spent a life of forest-

dwelling recluse in search of the ultimate realities of humanexistence. Through his own efforts he discovered the Four Noble

Truths and attained Buddhahood. His efforts to teach the

Dhamma encountered tremendous opposition by adherents ofother religious faiths, but he managed to subdue them all throughmetta, not by means of intimidation, nor by coercion nor by

flattery. He taught only the right and proper way that could, if

practised, bring real peace of mind. With the member ofadherents increasing, Buddhism enjoyed widespread popularity.Following the Great Demise or the Passing away into Parinibbana

of the Buddha, Buddhism was passed from one generation ofbhikkus (Buddhist monks) on to the next in an uninterrupted

effort of preservation. The path of preservations, however, hadits own problems : some monks wished to change the originalteachings of the Buddha as they liked, which brought about

two versions namely Mahayana (Great Vehicle) Buddhism andTheravada (School of Elders) Buddhism i.e, the Buddha’s

original doctrine approved and preserved in its pristine

condition by the Thera (Elderly monks). Eventually things came

to a sad pass when Buddhism was compelled to bid farewell

to its land of origin. Chronicles say in 1197 and 1203 Turkish

Muslims devastated a number of Hindu, Jain and Buddhisttemples and monasteries, institutes of learning and libraries;many Buddhist monks were killed. Hindus and Jains, in their

white garbs, could manage to mingle unknown with ordinary

crowds and thereby escape being killed, whereas Buddhistmonks had no way of hiding themselves because of their easilydistinguishable yellow robes and their shaven heads. Buddhist

monks living in their secluded monasteries fell victim to the

attack by Muslim marauders. Some monks, seeing imminentdanger, had fled earlier on to Tibet, China, Korea and Japan,making it possible for the Buddha’s teachings to survive to this

day. Buddhism later spread to Myanmar, Srilanka, Thailand,Cambodia, Lao’s, etc., where generations of Theravada Buddhist

monks have managed to keep Buddhism in its pristine formby studying and practising the basic tenets such as Metta (Loving-kindness) and Khanti (Tolerance).

Hush - Hartwig HKD/Flickr

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:36 AM19

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20 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Tricking into a trapTricking into a trapTricking into a trapTricking into a trapTricking into a trapNow, unfortunately, Buddhism is being

misrepresented globally as a terrorist religionand Buddhists as advocates of terrorism. Allthat stemmed from an incident in the RakhineState in which a young woman was raped bya group of Bangalese men (or Rohinjas, assome countries and some human rights activistswould like to call them). It was portrayedwrongly by some foreign media, some humanrights activists and some countries as a conflictbetween Buddhism and Islam. The situationwas exploited by political diehards and those

who wish to revert to the old regime. Whipped

up by them the flare of anger flare up in several

towns, such as Meiktila, Lashio, Okkan and

Bago. Some local people said that every

incident of violence involved groups of

strangers they had not ever before seen in

their respective localities. Government

authorities claimed that there were instigators

behind the scenes but they failed to take any

effective action. This, some say, led to a rapid

spread of violent incidents.Myanmars are traditionally a nationalistic

people. They also have a radical turn of mind,

a temperament forged during their resistance

against the Japanese rule and their struggle

for national independence. I t is that

temperament that some diehards exploited by

fomenting violence among the people of

different faiths by means of stirring up religious

feelings. Thus Myanmar Buddhists were

tricked into the trap, quite unknowingly. Worse

still, they are misrepresented as blood-thirsty

terrorists killing Muslims - an allegation totallyrejected by Venerable U Pannacara, PresidingSayadaw of a monk-taught school in Myintha,

who said, ‘‘Anyone who tortures, destroys and

kills is not a true Buddhist. Terrorism inparticular is diametrically opposed toBuddhism’’.

Every religion has extremists. Those

people, though professedly religious, aredeviators from the tenets of their own religion.It will be illogical to say that a particular

religion is a terrorist religion just because it isthe religion of such extremists. But it isunfortunate that the recent incidents are being

misrepresented as religious or racial conflicts,even as ethnic cleansing.

Cover Story

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:32 AM20

ACUMEN ⏐ 21

Peace is every step -Jean-Marie Hullot/Flickr

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:32 AM21

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20 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Tricking into a trapTricking into a trapTricking into a trapTricking into a trapTricking into a trapNow, unfortunately, Buddhism is being

misrepresented globally as a terrorist religionand Buddhists as advocates of terrorism. Allthat stemmed from an incident in the RakhineState in which a young woman was raped bya group of Bangalese men (or Rohinjas, assome countries and some human rights activistswould like to call them). It was portrayedwrongly by some foreign media, some humanrights activists and some countries as a conflictbetween Buddhism and Islam. The situationwas exploited by political diehards and those

who wish to revert to the old regime. Whipped

up by them the flare of anger flare up in several

towns, such as Meiktila, Lashio, Okkan and

Bago. Some local people said that every

incident of violence involved groups of

strangers they had not ever before seen in

their respective localities. Government

authorities claimed that there were instigators

behind the scenes but they failed to take any

effective action. This, some say, led to a rapid

spread of violent incidents.Myanmars are traditionally a nationalistic

people. They also have a radical turn of mind,

a temperament forged during their resistance

against the Japanese rule and their struggle

for national independence. I t is that

temperament that some diehards exploited by

fomenting violence among the people of

different faiths by means of stirring up religious

feelings. Thus Myanmar Buddhists were

tricked into the trap, quite unknowingly. Worse

still, they are misrepresented as blood-thirsty

terrorists killing Muslims - an allegation totallyrejected by Venerable U Pannacara, PresidingSayadaw of a monk-taught school in Myintha,

who said, ‘‘Anyone who tortures, destroys and

kills is not a true Buddhist. Terrorism inparticular is diametrically opposed toBuddhism’’.

Every religion has extremists. Those

people, though professedly religious, aredeviators from the tenets of their own religion.It will be illogical to say that a particular

religion is a terrorist religion just because it isthe religion of such extremists. But it isunfortunate that the recent incidents are being

misrepresented as religious or racial conflicts,even as ethnic cleansing.

Cover Story

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:32 AM20

ACUMEN ⏐ 21

Peace is every step -Jean-Marie Hullot/Flickr

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:32 AM21

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22 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Cover Story

Waiting for a job offer

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:33 AM22

ACUMEN ⏐ 23

Vicious CycleVicious CycleVicious CycleVicious CycleVicious CycleWhoever they are or whatever their motives are, one thing is certain: they

are trying to slow down the progress of Myanma’s democratization process

which is gathering momentum. Since the civilian government headed by U Thein

Sein came to power in 2011, it has been implementing three programmes of

reform in the fields of politics, economy and peace-making efforts. These

programmes of work are so much inter-related. The success of democratization

depends on the achievement of internal peace that in its turn depends on the

complete cessation of civil war in the country - a condition difficult to achieve

because of a number of factors such as blind patriotism, relatively low levels of

health, economy and education and high unemployment that have been there

under the former repressive military regime as well as the present-day radical

trend. The conflicts in the country are not at all due to religious fanaticism nor toracial hatred. Economic development is an essential factor in resolving theseconflicts. Myanmar, though rich in natural resources and human resources, has

been an isolated country under economic sanction until recently. Foreign

investment plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic development but therehave been problems with projects such as Letpadaung Taung copper miningproject and Myitsone project that can have adverse effect on the natural

environment and that have been of little benefit to the local people. Now, happily,sanctions have been lifted and the FDI law has been in place.

Now Myanmar is in a win-win situation where the country’s natural resourcescombined with cheap labour could be highly profitable both to Myanmar and tothe foreign investors. But political instability in the country could pose a barrier to

prospective investors and this could hinder the country’s development. Lack ofeconomic development would hamper the progress of effort to secure internal

peace as well as the progress of democratization. All this might form a viciouscycle.

The conflicts in the country areThe conflicts in the country areThe conflicts in the country areThe conflicts in the country areThe conflicts in the country are

not at all due to religiousnot at all due to religiousnot at all due to religiousnot at all due to religiousnot at all due to religious

fanaticism nor to racial hatred.fanaticism nor to racial hatred.fanaticism nor to racial hatred.fanaticism nor to racial hatred.fanaticism nor to racial hatred.

economic development is aneconomic development is aneconomic development is aneconomic development is aneconomic development is an

essential factor in resolvingessential factor in resolvingessential factor in resolvingessential factor in resolvingessential factor in resolving

these conflicts .these conflicts .these conflicts .these conflicts .these conflicts .

A boat powers down theAyeyarwady River inMyanmar, which wouldhave been affected bythe Myitsone Dam -International Rivers/Flickr

Cheap human resources

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:33 AM23

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22 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Cover Story

Waiting for a job offer

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:33 AM22

ACUMEN ⏐ 23

Vicious CycleVicious CycleVicious CycleVicious CycleVicious CycleWhoever they are or whatever their motives are, one thing is certain: they

are trying to slow down the progress of Myanma’s democratization process

which is gathering momentum. Since the civilian government headed by U Thein

Sein came to power in 2011, it has been implementing three programmes of

reform in the fields of politics, economy and peace-making efforts. These

programmes of work are so much inter-related. The success of democratization

depends on the achievement of internal peace that in its turn depends on the

complete cessation of civil war in the country - a condition difficult to achieve

because of a number of factors such as blind patriotism, relatively low levels of

health, economy and education and high unemployment that have been there

under the former repressive military regime as well as the present-day radical

trend. The conflicts in the country are not at all due to religious fanaticism nor toracial hatred. Economic development is an essential factor in resolving theseconflicts. Myanmar, though rich in natural resources and human resources, has

been an isolated country under economic sanction until recently. Foreign

investment plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic development but therehave been problems with projects such as Letpadaung Taung copper miningproject and Myitsone project that can have adverse effect on the natural

environment and that have been of little benefit to the local people. Now, happily,sanctions have been lifted and the FDI law has been in place.

Now Myanmar is in a win-win situation where the country’s natural resourcescombined with cheap labour could be highly profitable both to Myanmar and tothe foreign investors. But political instability in the country could pose a barrier to

prospective investors and this could hinder the country’s development. Lack ofeconomic development would hamper the progress of effort to secure internal

peace as well as the progress of democratization. All this might form a viciouscycle.

The conflicts in the country areThe conflicts in the country areThe conflicts in the country areThe conflicts in the country areThe conflicts in the country are

not at all due to religiousnot at all due to religiousnot at all due to religiousnot at all due to religiousnot at all due to religious

fanaticism nor to racial hatred.fanaticism nor to racial hatred.fanaticism nor to racial hatred.fanaticism nor to racial hatred.fanaticism nor to racial hatred.

economic development is aneconomic development is aneconomic development is aneconomic development is aneconomic development is an

essential factor in resolvingessential factor in resolvingessential factor in resolvingessential factor in resolvingessential factor in resolving

these conflicts .these conflicts .these conflicts .these conflicts .these conflicts .

A boat powers down theAyeyarwady River inMyanmar, which wouldhave been affected bythe Myitsone Dam -International Rivers/Flickr

Cheap human resources

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:33 AM23

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24 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Another Round of Nightmare?Another Round of Nightmare?Another Round of Nightmare?Another Round of Nightmare?Another Round of Nightmare?Democracy in Myanmar is now still in

its infancy; it is in a rather sensitive stage.The successful carrying out of thedemocratization process would makeMyanmar the best and simplest instance ofsuccessful transition to democracy in theworld; failure to accomplish it would onlyrender it utterly impossible to get the kind ofopportunity now available.

The present conflicts, according to someviews, are designed to create instability inthe country in order to pave the way for the

military to take over power from the civilian

government. These views are based on the

fact that the country’s constitution has a

provision for the military to take control of

the country as well as the fact that the military

representatives make up 25 percent of the

MPs. It is said that that number of soldiers in

Parliament will be scaled down as in

Indonesian Parliament. But the two armies

are different: the Indonesian army took part

in UN Peace-keeping Missions after the Cold

War, and they have US military training, so

they are democratic-minded, whereas the

Myanmar military had been under a

totalitarian regime for a long time. No one

can say for sure that Myanmar will be like

Indonesia in this repect. But it is not possible

to send the military back to the barracks.

Myanmar is the only country in the world

with armed ethnic conflicts going on.

Minimizing the role of the army would only

throw the country into chaos. The best way,therefore, is to transform authoritarian-

minded military into a democratic-minded

one.Myanmar at present is only at the

introductory stage of democratization. It will

certainly take some time for the army and

the people to get used to democracy andthat is a crucial period of transition. In themeanstime it is imperative for Myanmar

Buddhists to adhere to the Buddha’s Mettaand Khanti teachings and continue to live

peacefully with peoples of other faiths in thecountry with whom they have been livingpeacefully together for a long time now.

Otherwise there is a likelihood of yet anotherround of nightmare. A

Cover Story

Indonesian Army - AKRockefeller/Flickr

Armed Forces Day paradein the Capital Naypyidaw in

Myanmar / Messengernews

The two soldiers areworking together / Flickr

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:33 AM24 adv.pmd 8/10/2013, 2:29 PM11

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24 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Another Round of Nightmare?Another Round of Nightmare?Another Round of Nightmare?Another Round of Nightmare?Another Round of Nightmare?Democracy in Myanmar is now still in

its infancy; it is in a rather sensitive stage.The successful carrying out of thedemocratization process would makeMyanmar the best and simplest instance ofsuccessful transition to democracy in theworld; failure to accomplish it would onlyrender it utterly impossible to get the kind ofopportunity now available.

The present conflicts, according to someviews, are designed to create instability inthe country in order to pave the way for the

military to take over power from the civilian

government. These views are based on the

fact that the country’s constitution has a

provision for the military to take control of

the country as well as the fact that the military

representatives make up 25 percent of the

MPs. It is said that that number of soldiers in

Parliament will be scaled down as in

Indonesian Parliament. But the two armies

are different: the Indonesian army took part

in UN Peace-keeping Missions after the Cold

War, and they have US military training, so

they are democratic-minded, whereas the

Myanmar military had been under a

totalitarian regime for a long time. No one

can say for sure that Myanmar will be like

Indonesia in this repect. But it is not possible

to send the military back to the barracks.

Myanmar is the only country in the world

with armed ethnic conflicts going on.

Minimizing the role of the army would only

throw the country into chaos. The best way,therefore, is to transform authoritarian-

minded military into a democratic-minded

one.Myanmar at present is only at the

introductory stage of democratization. It will

certainly take some time for the army and

the people to get used to democracy andthat is a crucial period of transition. In themeanstime it is imperative for Myanmar

Buddhists to adhere to the Buddha’s Mettaand Khanti teachings and continue to live

peacefully with peoples of other faiths in thecountry with whom they have been livingpeacefully together for a long time now.

Otherwise there is a likelihood of yet anotherround of nightmare. A

Cover Story

Indonesian Army - AKRockefeller/Flickr

Armed Forces Day paradein the Capital Naypyidaw in

Myanmar / Messengernews

The two soldiers areworking together / Flickr

Cover Story-When Buddhists go to the trap.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:33 AM24 adv.pmd 8/10/2013, 2:29 PM11

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26 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

26 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:58 AM26

ACUMEN ⏐ 27ACUMEN ⏐ 27

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:30 AM27

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26 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

26 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:58 AM26

ACUMEN ⏐ 27ACUMEN ⏐ 27

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:30 AM27

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28 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

The inexperienced countryThe inexperienced countryThe inexperienced countryThe inexperienced countryThe inexperienced countryThe establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community

(AEC) agreed at the Asean Leaders Summit held in Bali,Indonesia in 2003 will become a reality on 31 December2015. With the two pillars, i.e. the ASEAN Security Communityand ASEAN Socio-cultural community, the AEC will appearfor regional economic integration between the ten South EastAsian countries by 2020.

Though only two years remain for the process, Myanmarthat has been stuck in a time warp is quite unfamiliar with theprocedure. Though now, on becoming free, workshopmeetings have been held in Myanmar that has neverpreviously heard of AEC, the small number of attendees and

their response in discussions plainly show that they are not

familiar with the subject. The number of attendees to the ‘Pre-

paring Myanmar for Opportunities from Integration in the AEC

and Global Economy' workshop meeting sponsored by

UNESCAP, ITD and DTN from Thailand and held at the UMFCCI

building on 29 and 30 July was unsatisfactory. On the second

day there were only about 60 attendees and of them two-third

were departmental staff. And the business delegates kept

mumble rather than participate enthusiatically in discussions.

In other words, it means it would take quite some time for a

sharing-culture to develop between the Myanmar businessmen.

It is noticeable that the word ‘protection' occurs time and

again in the AEC workshop discussion. Some of the Myanmar

businessmen wanted to know, mainly, what kind of protection

the government will give them. An attendee asked, ‘‘How is the

government going to protect me? We want to know what kind

of protection we need to begin from now so that we don't lose

our competitiveness? ’’ That anxiety is quite natural for those

who have been isolated for nearly 50 years. Thus, now when

the door is opening a crack, all must lend a hand in opening it

wider by mutual dealing.

At one side though the Myanmar government is mention-ing PPP (Private, Public, Partnership) whenever it gets the chance

much is needed for the government and private sector to coop-

erate more than this. Up to now the private sector is doing thesharing concerning AEC. A consultant for a private companythat has been holding AEC workshop meetings has said that

departmental-in-charges have refused requests to attend meet-

ings and has discussed that it would be very beneficial for thepublic if they cooperated. As the government is participating inASEAN Conferences only those officials could precisely utilize

the latest data and agreements.

The origin and goal of AECThe origin and goal of AECThe origin and goal of AECThe origin and goal of AECThe origin and goal of AECIn reality the AEC program started in ASEAN about 15

years ago. The 2020 ASEAN vision is To be a stable, wealthy,highly competitive region, to be an equally developed economic

zone, to be able to lessen poverty and social economy gaps-was

an aim the ASEAN leaders agreed at the 1997 Kuala Lumpur

Summit. That agreement mainly built on the three pillars was

solidified at the 12th ASEAN Summit and agreements were

reached on free movement of Goods, Free flow of services, free

flow of investment and free flow of skilled labour.

The ASEAN, that started with five countries, i.e, Indonesia,

Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand in 1967 and

become an organization of ten in 1997 seem to have aimed to

become a single market like the E.U.

‘‘In the ASEAN leaders opinion, if all the economies of the

ASEAN countries could be grouped together, it will become

the second largest grouping of economies, so they had ideas.’'said Dr. Zaw Oo of Chiang Mai University in a lecture. Beingsituated near the two big power nations, China and India, that

had a population of more than one billion each, ASEAN tried

harder to unite in the future, so it would be an aid to regionalcompetition.

The ASEAN that will become the single market and basic

production region will join with AEC for the region's progress

and to lessen the proverty gaps. At the World Economic Forumheld in Naypyidaw. Ceasar V. Purisima, the finance ministerof the Philippines said, ‘‘Individually, ASEAN countries are small,

but we are stronger together." He added ‘‘We need to comple-ment rather than compete against each other."

Myanmar that will have to accompanyMyanmar that will have to accompanyMyanmar that will have to accompanyMyanmar that will have to accompanyMyanmar that will have to accompanyMyanmar that had been forecasted to be an Asian tiger

The small number of attendees and their response in discus-sions plainly show that they are unfamiliar with the subject.The small number of attendees and their response in discus-sions plainly show that they are unfamiliar with the subject.

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:58 AM28

ACUMEN ⏐ 29

during the 1960s was left behind, in a back-ward state due to

the governments wrong policies. During the later part of the

20th century though Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia

subsequently leapt ahead, up till now Myanmar is desperately

in the least developed countries list of ASEAN that is known

as CIMV in short form. If the country that has risen again with

U Thein Sein's government could use the 2015 reconciliation

as an opportunity the current situation could be left behind. At

the Naypyidaw WEF, group chief executive officer of Air Asia,

Anthony F.Fernendes remarked, ‘‘I believed in ASEAN prob-

ably before ASEAN believed in itself. For me it is the final pieceof the puzzle to get Myanmar into this wonderful group of coun-

tries. It is a very exciting period for us and a great way to

reduce poverty."When competing in equal terms within the region there

are some situational abilities that one has as a rising country.

Firstly, geo-politically Myanmar is strategically placed. It is a

neighbour of China and India, two big powers and also own along coastal boundary. By looking at China and Thailand'sinvestment in the Kyauk Phyu deep-sea port and Dawei deep-

sea port, one could know the value of Myanmar's coastalports. If the Dawei deep - sea port materializes, experts believe

it could cast an influence on Singapore's economy. Secondly,has abundant natural resources. Myanmar's teak and jade isfamous the world over and there is much unused, unexplored

earth and marine resources. Myanmar that is an area 678,500square kilometers wide owns vast agricultural land and cheap

labour force. An extraordinary fact is that the Myanmars are

known as the best English language speaking people in the

region. The final strong point is that Myanmar that has been

acclaimed to be the last frontier market for international

investors stand as an attractive market. The transparency of

the new government and the international standard new

foreign investment law has also appeared distinctly in 2012.

By the lifting of the sanctions of countries like EU and US, the

market of those countries have now again opened and due to

the 2011 leader's open door policy international investors

are specially eyeing Myanmar.Myanmar that has those natural strong points will be

able to sell its products and services freely in a market

enlarged due to AEC opportunities and be more intimate

with organizations, businesses, experts and trade data. Con-cerning Myanmar's AEC opportunity Dr. Mia Mikic, the ARTNeTcoordinator from Trade and Investment Division, UNESCAP

has said, “Opportunity is really good in large market available

for your products, services and to allow you to more people aswell." In the AEC period Myanmar will be able to sell its natu-ral resources in a transparent market and be able to obtain

more investment from Asia and countries from other regions.Dr. Zaw Oo also has a positive opinion about Myanmar andAEC's link and said so.

‘‘This AEC thing is a tension. Tension has more positivitythan pressure. By trying to get all to be inclusive. I think wecould raise the country to a better rank.’’

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:58 AM29

Page 31: Acumen September 2013

28 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

The inexperienced countryThe inexperienced countryThe inexperienced countryThe inexperienced countryThe inexperienced countryThe establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community

(AEC) agreed at the Asean Leaders Summit held in Bali,Indonesia in 2003 will become a reality on 31 December2015. With the two pillars, i.e. the ASEAN Security Communityand ASEAN Socio-cultural community, the AEC will appearfor regional economic integration between the ten South EastAsian countries by 2020.

Though only two years remain for the process, Myanmarthat has been stuck in a time warp is quite unfamiliar with theprocedure. Though now, on becoming free, workshopmeetings have been held in Myanmar that has neverpreviously heard of AEC, the small number of attendees and

their response in discussions plainly show that they are not

familiar with the subject. The number of attendees to the ‘Pre-

paring Myanmar for Opportunities from Integration in the AEC

and Global Economy' workshop meeting sponsored by

UNESCAP, ITD and DTN from Thailand and held at the UMFCCI

building on 29 and 30 July was unsatisfactory. On the second

day there were only about 60 attendees and of them two-third

were departmental staff. And the business delegates kept

mumble rather than participate enthusiatically in discussions.

In other words, it means it would take quite some time for a

sharing-culture to develop between the Myanmar businessmen.

It is noticeable that the word ‘protection' occurs time and

again in the AEC workshop discussion. Some of the Myanmar

businessmen wanted to know, mainly, what kind of protection

the government will give them. An attendee asked, ‘‘How is the

government going to protect me? We want to know what kind

of protection we need to begin from now so that we don't lose

our competitiveness? ’’ That anxiety is quite natural for those

who have been isolated for nearly 50 years. Thus, now when

the door is opening a crack, all must lend a hand in opening it

wider by mutual dealing.

At one side though the Myanmar government is mention-ing PPP (Private, Public, Partnership) whenever it gets the chance

much is needed for the government and private sector to coop-

erate more than this. Up to now the private sector is doing thesharing concerning AEC. A consultant for a private companythat has been holding AEC workshop meetings has said that

departmental-in-charges have refused requests to attend meet-

ings and has discussed that it would be very beneficial for thepublic if they cooperated. As the government is participating inASEAN Conferences only those officials could precisely utilize

the latest data and agreements.

The origin and goal of AECThe origin and goal of AECThe origin and goal of AECThe origin and goal of AECThe origin and goal of AECIn reality the AEC program started in ASEAN about 15

years ago. The 2020 ASEAN vision is To be a stable, wealthy,highly competitive region, to be an equally developed economic

zone, to be able to lessen poverty and social economy gaps-was

an aim the ASEAN leaders agreed at the 1997 Kuala Lumpur

Summit. That agreement mainly built on the three pillars was

solidified at the 12th ASEAN Summit and agreements were

reached on free movement of Goods, Free flow of services, free

flow of investment and free flow of skilled labour.

The ASEAN, that started with five countries, i.e, Indonesia,

Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand in 1967 and

become an organization of ten in 1997 seem to have aimed to

become a single market like the E.U.

‘‘In the ASEAN leaders opinion, if all the economies of the

ASEAN countries could be grouped together, it will become

the second largest grouping of economies, so they had ideas.’'said Dr. Zaw Oo of Chiang Mai University in a lecture. Beingsituated near the two big power nations, China and India, that

had a population of more than one billion each, ASEAN tried

harder to unite in the future, so it would be an aid to regionalcompetition.

The ASEAN that will become the single market and basic

production region will join with AEC for the region's progress

and to lessen the proverty gaps. At the World Economic Forumheld in Naypyidaw. Ceasar V. Purisima, the finance ministerof the Philippines said, ‘‘Individually, ASEAN countries are small,

but we are stronger together." He added ‘‘We need to comple-ment rather than compete against each other."

Myanmar that will have to accompanyMyanmar that will have to accompanyMyanmar that will have to accompanyMyanmar that will have to accompanyMyanmar that will have to accompanyMyanmar that had been forecasted to be an Asian tiger

The small number of attendees and their response in discus-sions plainly show that they are unfamiliar with the subject.The small number of attendees and their response in discus-sions plainly show that they are unfamiliar with the subject.

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:58 AM28

ACUMEN ⏐ 29

during the 1960s was left behind, in a back-ward state due to

the governments wrong policies. During the later part of the

20th century though Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia

subsequently leapt ahead, up till now Myanmar is desperately

in the least developed countries list of ASEAN that is known

as CIMV in short form. If the country that has risen again with

U Thein Sein's government could use the 2015 reconciliation

as an opportunity the current situation could be left behind. At

the Naypyidaw WEF, group chief executive officer of Air Asia,

Anthony F.Fernendes remarked, ‘‘I believed in ASEAN prob-

ably before ASEAN believed in itself. For me it is the final pieceof the puzzle to get Myanmar into this wonderful group of coun-

tries. It is a very exciting period for us and a great way to

reduce poverty."When competing in equal terms within the region there

are some situational abilities that one has as a rising country.

Firstly, geo-politically Myanmar is strategically placed. It is a

neighbour of China and India, two big powers and also own along coastal boundary. By looking at China and Thailand'sinvestment in the Kyauk Phyu deep-sea port and Dawei deep-

sea port, one could know the value of Myanmar's coastalports. If the Dawei deep - sea port materializes, experts believe

it could cast an influence on Singapore's economy. Secondly,has abundant natural resources. Myanmar's teak and jade isfamous the world over and there is much unused, unexplored

earth and marine resources. Myanmar that is an area 678,500square kilometers wide owns vast agricultural land and cheap

labour force. An extraordinary fact is that the Myanmars are

known as the best English language speaking people in the

region. The final strong point is that Myanmar that has been

acclaimed to be the last frontier market for international

investors stand as an attractive market. The transparency of

the new government and the international standard new

foreign investment law has also appeared distinctly in 2012.

By the lifting of the sanctions of countries like EU and US, the

market of those countries have now again opened and due to

the 2011 leader's open door policy international investors

are specially eyeing Myanmar.Myanmar that has those natural strong points will be

able to sell its products and services freely in a market

enlarged due to AEC opportunities and be more intimate

with organizations, businesses, experts and trade data. Con-cerning Myanmar's AEC opportunity Dr. Mia Mikic, the ARTNeTcoordinator from Trade and Investment Division, UNESCAP

has said, “Opportunity is really good in large market available

for your products, services and to allow you to more people aswell." In the AEC period Myanmar will be able to sell its natu-ral resources in a transparent market and be able to obtain

more investment from Asia and countries from other regions.Dr. Zaw Oo also has a positive opinion about Myanmar andAEC's link and said so.

‘‘This AEC thing is a tension. Tension has more positivitythan pressure. By trying to get all to be inclusive. I think wecould raise the country to a better rank.’’

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:58 AM29

Page 32: Acumen September 2013

30 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

As much as the aim of the ASEAN Economic Community is

good and the opportunity is good on the other side there are

challenges. Dr Surim Pitsuwan, the secretary-general of the

community himself has mentioned his fear concerning the in-

fluence of ASEAN regional solidarity.

‘‘It's quite certain that I need to worry of the weak points in

uniting. It won't do to be exited and see the good part only.

There are also weak points. If we can't deal with the gaps, and

differences we will also suffer the consequences of problems

contiguous from member countries." (VOA)

There is a gap between Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia,

Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, the six-nation group that

are ahead and Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, the

four nations that have been left behind. The least developed

countries could be a burden on the remaining countries of

the group and the least developed country with itself wonder

if it could keep up with the others.

Though Myanmar, a CLMV member has some strong

points that were mentioned afore, it has many weak points.

Firstly because the transformation the government began is just

two years old it is not completely clean of the influence of theprevious regime. Though it is said that the whole world was

amazed because the transformation has been so fast, it is hard

to say yet for sure if there has been any change. Mainly it isnoticeable in the business sector. As there has been criticismthat the lives of the grassroots people has not changed it is

clear that more changes are needed. Though a flexible foreign

investment law has appeared, the reason sufficient foreign in-vestment has not come into the country may be due to theinternal conflicts occourring and lax of transparency, some ob-

servers believe. Especially Myanmar's rank 172 in the worldcorruption index, may be a barrier to investment and foreign

partnership, it is feared. The need to clearly define the financefactor which is the main driving force for the economic sectionalso may be a crucial matter. Though subjects like foreign ex-

change has progressed, the local businesses still have to pay up

to 13 percent as interest when borrowing from banks. The five

billion kyats that is loaned with an 8.5 percent interest by the

SMIDB bank is very little in amount. Mainly it's crucially diffi-

culty for the Myanmar SME (small and medium enterprises)

that has 99 percent of all businesses that must compete in the

AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area).

The undeveloped state of the basic infrastructures, such as

communication, roads and bridges, parts and electricity is still a

barrier for foreign businessmen who would push forward. As

all have been started right now, the local businessmen will

have to keep on paying highly in various sectors before 2015.

Especially as the need for electricity is high, in manufacturing

expense the competitors get an upper hand. Another challenge

is that, though there is a large labour force in Myanmar there is

a need for entrepreneurs and many skilled workers to appear.

The reentry of skilled workers who left the mother country in

the previous era, is still low and in senior posts the home

businesses have to depend on the foreigners.

How are you going to march?How are you going to march?How are you going to march?How are you going to march?How are you going to march?As said afore, Myanmar seems to have just come into con-

tact with AEC and AFTA. The experts believe that except thedeveloped six countries and lately emerging Vietnam, the re-

maining countries, i.e, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia will haveto be given a helping hand. Myanmar pre-AEC effort would not

come into life by some casual workshop meetings and a fewawkward participants. One chance is the program that

Myanmar will be the alternate chairman of the ASEAN in 2014.Including the ASEAN summit meeting, over six hundred meet-

ings will have to be held so the infrastructure in certain areasneed to become noticeably developed and ASEAN leaders andleaders of country linked with ASEAN would definitely take

note.For small and medium size business to develop, the gov-

ernment and private business need to practically join hands.

The government needs to create flexibility for a workable envi-

‘‘Individually,ASEAN countriesare small, but weare stronger to-gether.’’

Feature

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:58 AM30

ACUMEN ⏐ 31

ronment and the private sector must build up its competitivecapabilities. The general secretary U Moe Myint Kyaw of theUMFCCI said, ‘‘Of our part we will have to make an effort andof the other part, the government needs to do promotion. Sothat the SMEs grow, so that they worked, there is a need tofacilitate matters and the SME would progress.''

Things needed to prevent will be done on a highly sensi-tive list, if conditions wereset. There will be nothingto worry. But for the pri-vate sector, if the SME don'ttruly make an effort, If theydo not rise properly in thefuture it would be harder;

he continued.

As for resource

speaker Dr.Tang Zhi Min of

the Panyapiwat Institute of

Management in Thailand, at

a lecture, he advised

Myanmar, ‘‘You may deal

with outside world very

quickly.'' Narration, as an

example, that the Chinese

become proficient in busi-

ness by learning from

American migrants he ad-

vised Myanmar not to stay

locked up within the nar-

row boundaries but to get

out of the country and deal

with the world. His advice

commensurate with the

Myanmar's current culture.

Currently most of the

Myanmar businessmen are

talking about competingwith business that wouldenter the country from

other ASEAN counties.

They are still weak to co-operate with them and gettheir advantages.

A Myanmar expert isnot only advising to go joint with foreign companies that enter

Myanmar but especially to enlarge outward bound and to goand work in other ASEAN countries during the ASEAN freetrade period. Though Myanmar is backwards in various ways

it would be very beneficial it could learn from the weak points,strong points of other ASEAN countries.

Though the ten countries that together march are from thesame region, the weak and strong points of each country can-not be exactly the same. For instance, industry economy andservicing business may have strongly developed in countrieslike. Singapore and Thailand, basic economies like agricultureflourish in Myanmar and Lao. That is why if AEC membercountries could go by the standard one is strong in it will bebeneficial to all. Speaking of the way one needs to prepare forthe situation U Moe Myint Kyaw said, ‘‘We can't compete withall. We must work on where are we strong. Then we cancompete. After that we must strive for upgrade of quality thecustomer will accept. If not so, but yet reach a quality grade,then the customers will accept that it is little low compared to

imports but cheaper and

quite useable. If there is no

harm, people will use it. If

it's of low quality, but high

priced, people won't use

it.''

That is right. The My-

anmar businessmen who

is unable to do quality con-

trol must forget his biohaz-

ard manufacturing and ser-

vicing and must try hard

to produce competitive

merchandise of interna-

tional grade. Mainly, ser-

vicing business, that could

be swiftly upgraded and

agriculture, gems, marine

products that has natural

strong points should be gi-

vien preference in the be-

ginning while grades of

manufacturing businesses

could be slowly raised sothat they could competewith foreign products.

On the last day of 2015,

the ten ASEAN countries will start their journey together to dotheir solidarity goal. With those ten countries there maybe thosewith a complete set of oars,those that haven't had a complete

set and those with broken oars. Myanmar who up to now isone of the three four countries without a complete set of oars is

the ASEAN alternate chairman in 2014. It is to face politicaltransformation in 2015, so the challenges it faces is more thanothers. Thus only if that country could correctly summarize its

weak points and strong points and appropriately join in would

the AEC be able to hope for the next tiger of South East Asia. A

The Myanmarbusinessmen whoare unable to doquality controlmust forget hisbiohazardmanufacturingand servicing andmust try hardto producecompetitivemerchandise ofinternationalgrade.

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:59 AM31

Page 33: Acumen September 2013

30 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

As much as the aim of the ASEAN Economic Community is

good and the opportunity is good on the other side there are

challenges. Dr Surim Pitsuwan, the secretary-general of the

community himself has mentioned his fear concerning the in-

fluence of ASEAN regional solidarity.

‘‘It's quite certain that I need to worry of the weak points in

uniting. It won't do to be exited and see the good part only.

There are also weak points. If we can't deal with the gaps, and

differences we will also suffer the consequences of problems

contiguous from member countries." (VOA)

There is a gap between Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia,

Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, the six-nation group that

are ahead and Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, the

four nations that have been left behind. The least developed

countries could be a burden on the remaining countries of

the group and the least developed country with itself wonder

if it could keep up with the others.

Though Myanmar, a CLMV member has some strong

points that were mentioned afore, it has many weak points.

Firstly because the transformation the government began is just

two years old it is not completely clean of the influence of theprevious regime. Though it is said that the whole world was

amazed because the transformation has been so fast, it is hard

to say yet for sure if there has been any change. Mainly it isnoticeable in the business sector. As there has been criticismthat the lives of the grassroots people has not changed it is

clear that more changes are needed. Though a flexible foreign

investment law has appeared, the reason sufficient foreign in-vestment has not come into the country may be due to theinternal conflicts occourring and lax of transparency, some ob-

servers believe. Especially Myanmar's rank 172 in the worldcorruption index, may be a barrier to investment and foreign

partnership, it is feared. The need to clearly define the financefactor which is the main driving force for the economic sectionalso may be a crucial matter. Though subjects like foreign ex-

change has progressed, the local businesses still have to pay up

to 13 percent as interest when borrowing from banks. The five

billion kyats that is loaned with an 8.5 percent interest by the

SMIDB bank is very little in amount. Mainly it's crucially diffi-

culty for the Myanmar SME (small and medium enterprises)

that has 99 percent of all businesses that must compete in the

AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area).

The undeveloped state of the basic infrastructures, such as

communication, roads and bridges, parts and electricity is still a

barrier for foreign businessmen who would push forward. As

all have been started right now, the local businessmen will

have to keep on paying highly in various sectors before 2015.

Especially as the need for electricity is high, in manufacturing

expense the competitors get an upper hand. Another challenge

is that, though there is a large labour force in Myanmar there is

a need for entrepreneurs and many skilled workers to appear.

The reentry of skilled workers who left the mother country in

the previous era, is still low and in senior posts the home

businesses have to depend on the foreigners.

How are you going to march?How are you going to march?How are you going to march?How are you going to march?How are you going to march?As said afore, Myanmar seems to have just come into con-

tact with AEC and AFTA. The experts believe that except thedeveloped six countries and lately emerging Vietnam, the re-

maining countries, i.e, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia will haveto be given a helping hand. Myanmar pre-AEC effort would not

come into life by some casual workshop meetings and a fewawkward participants. One chance is the program that

Myanmar will be the alternate chairman of the ASEAN in 2014.Including the ASEAN summit meeting, over six hundred meet-

ings will have to be held so the infrastructure in certain areasneed to become noticeably developed and ASEAN leaders andleaders of country linked with ASEAN would definitely take

note.For small and medium size business to develop, the gov-

ernment and private business need to practically join hands.

The government needs to create flexibility for a workable envi-

‘‘Individually,ASEAN countriesare small, but weare stronger to-gether.’’

Feature

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:58 AM30

ACUMEN ⏐ 31

ronment and the private sector must build up its competitivecapabilities. The general secretary U Moe Myint Kyaw of theUMFCCI said, ‘‘Of our part we will have to make an effort andof the other part, the government needs to do promotion. Sothat the SMEs grow, so that they worked, there is a need tofacilitate matters and the SME would progress.''

Things needed to prevent will be done on a highly sensi-tive list, if conditions wereset. There will be nothingto worry. But for the pri-vate sector, if the SME don'ttruly make an effort, If theydo not rise properly in thefuture it would be harder;

he continued.

As for resource

speaker Dr.Tang Zhi Min of

the Panyapiwat Institute of

Management in Thailand, at

a lecture, he advised

Myanmar, ‘‘You may deal

with outside world very

quickly.'' Narration, as an

example, that the Chinese

become proficient in busi-

ness by learning from

American migrants he ad-

vised Myanmar not to stay

locked up within the nar-

row boundaries but to get

out of the country and deal

with the world. His advice

commensurate with the

Myanmar's current culture.

Currently most of the

Myanmar businessmen are

talking about competingwith business that wouldenter the country from

other ASEAN counties.

They are still weak to co-operate with them and gettheir advantages.

A Myanmar expert isnot only advising to go joint with foreign companies that enter

Myanmar but especially to enlarge outward bound and to goand work in other ASEAN countries during the ASEAN freetrade period. Though Myanmar is backwards in various ways

it would be very beneficial it could learn from the weak points,strong points of other ASEAN countries.

Though the ten countries that together march are from thesame region, the weak and strong points of each country can-not be exactly the same. For instance, industry economy andservicing business may have strongly developed in countrieslike. Singapore and Thailand, basic economies like agricultureflourish in Myanmar and Lao. That is why if AEC membercountries could go by the standard one is strong in it will bebeneficial to all. Speaking of the way one needs to prepare forthe situation U Moe Myint Kyaw said, ‘‘We can't compete withall. We must work on where are we strong. Then we cancompete. After that we must strive for upgrade of quality thecustomer will accept. If not so, but yet reach a quality grade,then the customers will accept that it is little low compared to

imports but cheaper and

quite useable. If there is no

harm, people will use it. If

it's of low quality, but high

priced, people won't use

it.''

That is right. The My-

anmar businessmen who

is unable to do quality con-

trol must forget his biohaz-

ard manufacturing and ser-

vicing and must try hard

to produce competitive

merchandise of interna-

tional grade. Mainly, ser-

vicing business, that could

be swiftly upgraded and

agriculture, gems, marine

products that has natural

strong points should be gi-

vien preference in the be-

ginning while grades of

manufacturing businesses

could be slowly raised sothat they could competewith foreign products.

On the last day of 2015,

the ten ASEAN countries will start their journey together to dotheir solidarity goal. With those ten countries there maybe thosewith a complete set of oars,those that haven't had a complete

set and those with broken oars. Myanmar who up to now isone of the three four countries without a complete set of oars is

the ASEAN alternate chairman in 2014. It is to face politicaltransformation in 2015, so the challenges it faces is more thanothers. Thus only if that country could correctly summarize its

weak points and strong points and appropriately join in would

the AEC be able to hope for the next tiger of South East Asia. A

The Myanmarbusinessmen whoare unable to doquality controlmust forget hisbiohazardmanufacturingand servicing andmust try hardto producecompetitivemerchandise ofinternationalgrade.

Journey to be taken-HZ.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:59 AM31

Page 34: Acumen September 2013

32 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

32 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

From UMyoLwin-Feature-Myanmar Farmers Striving for Organic Crops .pmd 8/13/2013, 10:48 AM32

ACUMEN ⏐ 33ACUMEN ⏐ 33

From UMyoLwin-Feature-Myanmar Farmers Striving for Organic Crops .pmd 8/13/2013, 10:48 AM33

Page 35: Acumen September 2013

32 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

32 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

From UMyoLwin-Feature-Myanmar Farmers Striving for Organic Crops .pmd 8/13/2013, 10:48 AM32

ACUMEN ⏐ 33ACUMEN ⏐ 33

From UMyoLwin-Feature-Myanmar Farmers Striving for Organic Crops .pmd 8/13/2013, 10:48 AM33

Page 36: Acumen September 2013

34 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

There is a Myanmar saying that lifedepends on knowledge andwealth relies on destiny or fate.

Just as knowledge is power, ignorancehurts human lives. We have to eatsomething to live.

Ko Myint Tun, a farmer at Wetpotevillage in the western part of Pyay Districtof Bago Region, said that he used onlynatural humus for growing crops since2012 after having used chemical pesticideand fertilizer for a decade. “I amextremely shocked at seeing that somefarmers here have died of cancer. Now I

use just natural humus as my ancestors

have done,” he said. In his native Wetpote

village, farmers grow various seasonal

crops such as corn, pumpkin, gourd plants,

cucumber, aubergine, cabbage and

cauliflower, all of which are sent to

Thirimingalar market in Yangon.

Several villages such as Wetpote andBadigon in Pyay District of Bago Regionare the rural areas where 70 percent ofcrops sent to Yangon Region market.KoMyint Tun, a Wetpote resident, hasencountered the soil depreciation becauseof having used chemical pesticide andfertilizer around 2002, his son, also hiscolleague, has suffered from respiratorydisease, and his wife has been undergoingmedical treatment for her chronic illnessfor long, he said. ”We farmers usepesticide without gloves. When we sprayit, we do not use mask not being careful

with the windward side of the plantation.

I think my son and wife have had disease

because of that negligence.

Since then, I have been using natu-

ral manure and fertilizer for growing

crops,” he said adding, “There are some

6 farmers who have died of cancer this

year and some farmers have resumedusing natural humus as they are afraid ofchemical hazard.” There are many farm-ers using chemical pesticide and fertil-izer made in Thailand and China in theircultivation and now some farmers havechange their behaviour by resuming natu-ral humus and manure because they havewitnessed that chemical pesticide andfertilizer have harmed the health of theirfamily members, he explained. “All of usliving in Wetpote village live by cultivat-ing crops. As you may know, we usechemical pesticide and fertilizer bought

on credit from companies. We farmers

have suffered the consequences of them

as we do not know how to use them sys-

tematically,” said Ko Aung Myint a corn

grower of Wetpote village.Farmers use

chemical pesticide and fertilizer sold by

companies without noticing hazard be-

From UMyoLwin-Feature-Myanmar Farmers Striving for Organic Crops .pmd 8/13/2013, 10:49 AM34

ACUMEN ⏐ 35

cause they cannot read instruction andwarning written in Thai and Chinese on

the sacks of pesticide and fertilizer, saidan agricultural official who asked not to

be named.” Farmers use pesticide and fer-tilizer as their content because they do

not know how many amount they aresupposed to use. In addition, they wantto rush plucking crops that have recently

been sprayed with pesticide to send themto the market. So pesticide affects not only

growers but also consumers and thencauses soil depreciation,” he added. Al-

though farmers used natural manure, hu-

mus as their ancestors did in Myanmar,they started using chemical fertilizer af-ter 1970 and they have been using chemi-

cal pesticide and fertilizer banned for

using in neighbouring countries enteringMyanmar market after 1990, say thegrower sources. “Farmers using chemi-

cal pesticide and fertilizer are at risk.Nowadays, you will see rural people morethan urban people in cancer department.

That is due to chemical pesticide and fer-tilizer they have used. They spray crops

with pesticide without proper precautionthrough lack of knowledge,” said the ag-ricultural official.Moreover, as farmer

deliver crops sprayed with pesticide to

the market, customers who have eatencrops with pesticide face some problemswith their health such food poisoning and

diarrhoea.Farmers spray cabbage and

cauliflower with more pesticide since theyare the kinds of crops that are prone tobe infected with insects and consumers

face health problem because farmers rush

From UMyoLwin-Feature-Myanmar Farmers Striving for Organic Crops .pmd 8/13/2013, 10:49 AM35

Page 37: Acumen September 2013

34 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

There is a Myanmar saying that lifedepends on knowledge andwealth relies on destiny or fate.

Just as knowledge is power, ignorancehurts human lives. We have to eatsomething to live.

Ko Myint Tun, a farmer at Wetpotevillage in the western part of Pyay Districtof Bago Region, said that he used onlynatural humus for growing crops since2012 after having used chemical pesticideand fertilizer for a decade. “I amextremely shocked at seeing that somefarmers here have died of cancer. Now I

use just natural humus as my ancestors

have done,” he said. In his native Wetpote

village, farmers grow various seasonal

crops such as corn, pumpkin, gourd plants,

cucumber, aubergine, cabbage and

cauliflower, all of which are sent to

Thirimingalar market in Yangon.

Several villages such as Wetpote andBadigon in Pyay District of Bago Regionare the rural areas where 70 percent ofcrops sent to Yangon Region market.KoMyint Tun, a Wetpote resident, hasencountered the soil depreciation becauseof having used chemical pesticide andfertilizer around 2002, his son, also hiscolleague, has suffered from respiratorydisease, and his wife has been undergoingmedical treatment for her chronic illnessfor long, he said. ”We farmers usepesticide without gloves. When we sprayit, we do not use mask not being careful

with the windward side of the plantation.

I think my son and wife have had disease

because of that negligence.

Since then, I have been using natu-

ral manure and fertilizer for growing

crops,” he said adding, “There are some

6 farmers who have died of cancer this

year and some farmers have resumedusing natural humus as they are afraid ofchemical hazard.” There are many farm-ers using chemical pesticide and fertil-izer made in Thailand and China in theircultivation and now some farmers havechange their behaviour by resuming natu-ral humus and manure because they havewitnessed that chemical pesticide andfertilizer have harmed the health of theirfamily members, he explained. “All of usliving in Wetpote village live by cultivat-ing crops. As you may know, we usechemical pesticide and fertilizer bought

on credit from companies. We farmers

have suffered the consequences of them

as we do not know how to use them sys-

tematically,” said Ko Aung Myint a corn

grower of Wetpote village.Farmers use

chemical pesticide and fertilizer sold by

companies without noticing hazard be-

From UMyoLwin-Feature-Myanmar Farmers Striving for Organic Crops .pmd 8/13/2013, 10:49 AM34

ACUMEN ⏐ 35

cause they cannot read instruction andwarning written in Thai and Chinese on

the sacks of pesticide and fertilizer, saidan agricultural official who asked not to

be named.” Farmers use pesticide and fer-tilizer as their content because they do

not know how many amount they aresupposed to use. In addition, they wantto rush plucking crops that have recently

been sprayed with pesticide to send themto the market. So pesticide affects not only

growers but also consumers and thencauses soil depreciation,” he added. Al-

though farmers used natural manure, hu-

mus as their ancestors did in Myanmar,they started using chemical fertilizer af-ter 1970 and they have been using chemi-

cal pesticide and fertilizer banned for

using in neighbouring countries enteringMyanmar market after 1990, say thegrower sources. “Farmers using chemi-

cal pesticide and fertilizer are at risk.Nowadays, you will see rural people morethan urban people in cancer department.

That is due to chemical pesticide and fer-tilizer they have used. They spray crops

with pesticide without proper precautionthrough lack of knowledge,” said the ag-ricultural official.Moreover, as farmer

deliver crops sprayed with pesticide to

the market, customers who have eatencrops with pesticide face some problemswith their health such food poisoning and

diarrhoea.Farmers spray cabbage and

cauliflower with more pesticide since theyare the kinds of crops that are prone tobe infected with insects and consumers

face health problem because farmers rush

From UMyoLwin-Feature-Myanmar Farmers Striving for Organic Crops .pmd 8/13/2013, 10:49 AM35

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36 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

to sending them to the market instead of

waiting for the pesticide clearance, said

the agricultural official. That almost all

farmers use a great deal of pesticide

impacts on the foreign market, an

exporter said. “Most of the farmers use

too much chemical weed-killers, pesticide

and fertilizer in growing crops for getting

the better yield. They first earned moreincome because of good yield. However,they faced some problems several years

later. When we exported those crops

grown using too much chemical pesticideand fertilizer to foreign countries, thebuyers refused to purchase them on the

grounds that those crops contained

chemical residuals more than the amountthat a man can eat,” explained Ko TinHlaing, a bean exporter. Although

Myanmar bean is exported to India,Bangladesh and China, the news that itcontains chemical residuals affects the

bean market and bean merchants havethus urged farmers to grow organic crops

to hold on their position again in the

market, he said. “Now we conduct

awareness rising to farmers to grow

organic bean and some of them start

growing crops with organic methods as

they have been aware of chemical

hazard,” he added. It is known that

Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation,

Ministry of Commerce and Myanmar Rice& Paddy Merchants Association wouldcheck importing chemical pesticide and

fertilizer. In doing so, checking chemical

pesticide and fertilizer on the road withmobile team, the companies importing,wholesalers and retailers in townships

and farmers growing crops will be

reportedly implemented. “We have heardthat chemical pesticide and fertilizerbanned by international community have

been entering Shan State, Yangon Region,Mandalay Region and Sagaine Regionthrough illegal route. We have scheduled

to check it on those routes. Besides wewill mainly check the pesticide and

fertilizer farmers are currently using in

their plantations,” said a member of the

checking committee. If the exporters of

chemical pesticide and fertilizer are guilty

of having no registration in accordance

with the rule and regulation imposed, That

wil l be sentenced to one year

imprisonment according to MyanmarAgricultural Law, it is said. “Taking action

is good. The authorities should check

every company importing pesticide andfertilizer from abroad to be able to carryout it more effectively. There are even

some companies importing pesticide at

bargain prohibited in Thailand and China.They should be severely taken action,’said the agricultural official. Myanmar

merchants and farmers should makeefforts to come out organic crops and the

organic crop market and then bothconsumers and growers will be free fromthe consequences of crops with chemical

residuals and benefit from organiccrops,he concluded. A

From UMyoLwin-Feature-Myanmar Farmers Striving for Organic Crops .pmd 8/13/2013, 10:50 AM36

Page 39: Acumen September 2013

36 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

to sending them to the market instead of

waiting for the pesticide clearance, said

the agricultural official. That almost all

farmers use a great deal of pesticide

impacts on the foreign market, an

exporter said. “Most of the farmers use

too much chemical weed-killers, pesticide

and fertilizer in growing crops for getting

the better yield. They first earned moreincome because of good yield. However,they faced some problems several years

later. When we exported those crops

grown using too much chemical pesticideand fertilizer to foreign countries, thebuyers refused to purchase them on the

grounds that those crops contained

chemical residuals more than the amountthat a man can eat,” explained Ko TinHlaing, a bean exporter. Although

Myanmar bean is exported to India,Bangladesh and China, the news that itcontains chemical residuals affects the

bean market and bean merchants havethus urged farmers to grow organic crops

to hold on their position again in the

market, he said. “Now we conduct

awareness rising to farmers to grow

organic bean and some of them start

growing crops with organic methods as

they have been aware of chemical

hazard,” he added. It is known that

Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation,Ministry of Commerce and Myanmar Rice

& Paddy Merchants Association would

check importing chemical pesticide andfertilizer. In doing so, checking chemicalpesticide and fertilizer on the road with

mobile team, the companies importing,

wholesalers and retailers in townshipsand farmers growing crops will bereportedly implemented. “We have heard

that chemical pesticide and fertilizerbanned by international community have

been entering Shan State, Yangon Region,Mandalay Region and Sagaine Regionthrough illegal route. We have scheduled

to check it on those routes. Besides wewill mainly check the pesticide and

fertilizer farmers are currently using in

their plantations,” said a member of the

checking committee. If the exporters of

chemical pesticide and fertilizer are guilty

of having no registration in accordance

with the rule and regulation imposed, That

wil l be sentenced to one year

imprisonment according to Myanmar

Agricultural Law, it is said. “Taking actionis good. The authorities should checkevery company importing pesticide and

fertilizer from abroad to be able to carry

out it more effectively. There are evensome companies importing pesticide atbargain prohibited in Thailand and China.

They should be severely taken action,’

said the agricultural official. Myanmarmerchants and farmers should makeefforts to come out organic crops and the

organic crop market and then bothconsumers and growers will be free fromthe consequences of crops with chemical

residuals and benefit from organiccrops,he concluded. A

From UMyoLwin-Feature-Myanmar Farmers Striving for Organic Crops .pmd 8/13/2013, 10:50 AM36 adv.pmd 8/11/2013, 10:16 AM2

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38 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 201338 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m

Feature

September 2013

From Dr.HeinThu-Feature-Beauty of face(MyitmaKha).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:36 AM38

ACUMEN ⏐ 39ACUMEN ⏐ 39

From Dr.HeinThu-Feature-Beauty of face(MyitmaKha).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:36 AM39

Page 41: Acumen September 2013

38 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 201338 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m

Feature

September 2013

From Dr.HeinThu-Feature-Beauty of face(MyitmaKha).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:36 AM38

ACUMEN ⏐ 39ACUMEN ⏐ 39

From Dr.HeinThu-Feature-Beauty of face(MyitmaKha).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:36 AM39

Page 42: Acumen September 2013

40 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Ma Pa Pa said her family has ben using ‘Promina’ make-upfrom Thailand up to now taking the advice of her mother andaunts.

“I use it because it is affordable,” she said.As a worker of the textile industry in No 2 industrial zone

of Hlaingthayar Township, she earns K50,000 a month. Shecannot afford better make-ups available in the cosmetic market.

Not only city girls like her but also many women in otherdistricts can afford only cheaper creams such as Promina andArchie costing about K2,000 to K3,000 a pack, said Daw PhyuWin, a 45-year-old cosmetic distributor for about 20 years.

Those two brands have started penetrating the market since1980 and have since been in a strong position in the domestic

market.

“Grass roots can’t afford expensive foundation cream like

imported make-up costing more than K10,000. The foundation

make-up worth only about K2,000 produced by Cemella is also

gaining ground because of its cheaper prices. As all know it is

the affordable price for low incomers,” Daw Phyu Phyu Win

said.

The women on a salary bracket of K50,000 and K100,000

have to use the cheaper foundation cream costing around K2,000

and the women having a salary between K150,000 and K200,000

use the expensive make-up worth more than K10,000, she added.

As there are not only traditional habits of making up

Thanakha but so many low-income people in Myanmar, it is

only women living in cities such as Yangon and Mandalay that

can use expensive make-up, according to some cosmetic

distributors.

“There are even many girls everyday wearing cream of

bark of tamarind tree because they can’t even afford to pay

something worth about K2,000 and Thanakha in some areas

outside Yangon,” Daw Phyu Phyu Win said.

Accordingly cosmetics costing only K2,000 or K3,000 coming

from Thailand and China are in the strong position of the market

in Myanmar, she added.Myanmar has been a big market for Thai cosmetics

manufacturers.

Thailand is expected to export cosmetics worth US$ 140

million in 2013, according to Kasikorn research paper of KasikornBank in Thailand.

The study says that Myanmar middle-class youths like more

Thai made cosmetics and they have major market shares in

Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Mawlamyine and Myawady.Shampoo, facial foam, toothpaste, skin oil and foundation

are popular items among Thai products, according to the paper.

“Thai cosmetics are not so expensive and their quality isbetter than that of China mades. We cannot expect all Chineseproducts are good. We need to choose carefully which item is

good even if they are of the same brand. The quality of Thaimade cosmetics is consistent,” said Ma Thadi Thait, who opened

a beauty parlour in Thailand in the past when she used certainChinese products.

It has been found that the cosmetic market in Myanmar is

very competitive for Myanmar customers with different tastesand different budgets, says the Kasikorn research paper.

“The wealthy has been using cosmetics made in (South)

Korea among those made in Thailand and China since 2009. By2012 the world-known cosmetics have entered the country,”

said an employee of Sweet Smile beauty salon in Yangon.She explained that after 2010, not only China and Thailand

but also Japan and South Korea have exported cosmetics to

Myanmar.“Cosmetics at reasonable prices from Japan and Korea in

addition to those from Thailand have entered the market. Now

Feature

Thanakha for sale - Hein Zaw

From Dr.HeinThu-Feature-Beauty of face(MyitmaKha).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:36 AM40

ACUMEN ⏐ 41

the fight is between Japan and Korea for the market here,” sheadded.

Cosmetics lower than K20,000 from Singapore, Japan and

Thailand are in demand and some brands such as Loreal, Kaneboand Camella are maintaining their market shares.

The prices of foundation cream such as Loreal, Kanebo

and Kracie have plummeted from K20,000 in 2010 when certainforeign cosmetics were banned, according to the market sources.

With the increase in the number of cosmetics, as the ownersof shops are attracting customers through lucky draws anddiscounts for its members which works, it is said.

“Although some cosmetics are expensive, there arecustomers using them because of their quality and reputation, If

one is a member, one can get an item at a discount,” said Ma

Aye Win Let, a promoter of Seingayhar Supermarket in

downtown Yangon.

Although there are expensive cosmetics for skincare pricedat K20,000 to K100,000 on the market, a few women can usesuch cosmetics, according to market sources.

“Nowadays as make-up is used for not only beauty but also

skincare, both women and men use skincare, day cream andnight cream. But they are elites and most of the people can’tafford such expensive goods,” said Ma Thazin Aye, manager of

one of the cosmetic shops.In studying the consumer behaviour among foundation

make-up users, it is found that the market has a diversity of

users according to their income and knowledge, she said.“If a company wants its products to be a smash hit in

A traditional make up. Myanmar women produce themselves this liquid madeup by special type of wood on a very smoothly surfaced rock. It is very

common for ladies and girls in Myanmar.

From Dr.HeinThu-Feature-Beauty of face(MyitmaKha).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:37 AM41

Page 43: Acumen September 2013

40 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Ma Pa Pa said her family has ben using ‘Promina’ make-upfrom Thailand up to now taking the advice of her mother andaunts.

“I use it because it is affordable,” she said.As a worker of the textile industry in No 2 industrial zone

of Hlaingthayar Township, she earns K50,000 a month. Shecannot afford better make-ups available in the cosmetic market.

Not only city girls like her but also many women in otherdistricts can afford only cheaper creams such as Promina andArchie costing about K2,000 to K3,000 a pack, said Daw PhyuWin, a 45-year-old cosmetic distributor for about 20 years.

Those two brands have started penetrating the market since1980 and have since been in a strong position in the domestic

market.

“Grass roots can’t afford expensive foundation cream like

imported make-up costing more than K10,000. The foundation

make-up worth only about K2,000 produced by Cemella is also

gaining ground because of its cheaper prices. As all know it is

the affordable price for low incomers,” Daw Phyu Phyu Win

said.

The women on a salary bracket of K50,000 and K100,000

have to use the cheaper foundation cream costing around K2,000

and the women having a salary between K150,000 and K200,000

use the expensive make-up worth more than K10,000, she added.

As there are not only traditional habits of making up

Thanakha but so many low-income people in Myanmar, it is

only women living in cities such as Yangon and Mandalay that

can use expensive make-up, according to some cosmetic

distributors.

“There are even many girls everyday wearing cream of

bark of tamarind tree because they can’t even afford to pay

something worth about K2,000 and Thanakha in some areas

outside Yangon,” Daw Phyu Phyu Win said.

Accordingly cosmetics costing only K2,000 or K3,000 coming

from Thailand and China are in the strong position of the market

in Myanmar, she added.Myanmar has been a big market for Thai cosmetics

manufacturers.

Thailand is expected to export cosmetics worth US$ 140

million in 2013, according to Kasikorn research paper of KasikornBank in Thailand.

The study says that Myanmar middle-class youths like more

Thai made cosmetics and they have major market shares in

Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Mawlamyine and Myawady.Shampoo, facial foam, toothpaste, skin oil and foundation

are popular items among Thai products, according to the paper.

“Thai cosmetics are not so expensive and their quality isbetter than that of China mades. We cannot expect all Chineseproducts are good. We need to choose carefully which item is

good even if they are of the same brand. The quality of Thaimade cosmetics is consistent,” said Ma Thadi Thait, who opened

a beauty parlour in Thailand in the past when she used certainChinese products.

It has been found that the cosmetic market in Myanmar is

very competitive for Myanmar customers with different tastesand different budgets, says the Kasikorn research paper.

“The wealthy has been using cosmetics made in (South)

Korea among those made in Thailand and China since 2009. By2012 the world-known cosmetics have entered the country,”

said an employee of Sweet Smile beauty salon in Yangon.She explained that after 2010, not only China and Thailand

but also Japan and South Korea have exported cosmetics to

Myanmar.“Cosmetics at reasonable prices from Japan and Korea in

addition to those from Thailand have entered the market. Now

Feature

Thanakha for sale - Hein Zaw

From Dr.HeinThu-Feature-Beauty of face(MyitmaKha).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:36 AM40

ACUMEN ⏐ 41

the fight is between Japan and Korea for the market here,” sheadded.

Cosmetics lower than K20,000 from Singapore, Japan and

Thailand are in demand and some brands such as Loreal, Kaneboand Camella are maintaining their market shares.

The prices of foundation cream such as Loreal, Kanebo

and Kracie have plummeted from K20,000 in 2010 when certainforeign cosmetics were banned, according to the market sources.

With the increase in the number of cosmetics, as the ownersof shops are attracting customers through lucky draws anddiscounts for its members which works, it is said.

“Although some cosmetics are expensive, there arecustomers using them because of their quality and reputation, If

one is a member, one can get an item at a discount,” said Ma

Aye Win Let, a promoter of Seingayhar Supermarket in

downtown Yangon.

Although there are expensive cosmetics for skincare pricedat K20,000 to K100,000 on the market, a few women can usesuch cosmetics, according to market sources.

“Nowadays as make-up is used for not only beauty but also

skincare, both women and men use skincare, day cream andnight cream. But they are elites and most of the people can’tafford such expensive goods,” said Ma Thazin Aye, manager of

one of the cosmetic shops.In studying the consumer behaviour among foundation

make-up users, it is found that the market has a diversity of

users according to their income and knowledge, she said.“If a company wants its products to be a smash hit in

A traditional make up. Myanmar women produce themselves this liquid madeup by special type of wood on a very smoothly surfaced rock. It is very

common for ladies and girls in Myanmar.

From Dr.HeinThu-Feature-Beauty of face(MyitmaKha).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:37 AM41

Page 44: Acumen September 2013

42 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

Myanmar, it needs to promote

advertisements and sell them at

bargain. Price needs to be affordable.

The cheaper the goods are, the more

customers buy them here. Only a

handful of elite can spend much

money buying expensive well-known

brands,” she added.

The sources of Ohnmar cosmetic

shop in Yangon say that cosmetic

costing only K2,000 or K3,000 per unit

are the hottest.

A cosmetic distributor in Yangon

says that some merchants have

imported low quality cosmetics andthe expired cosmetics at lower price

since there is no one to enforce the

quality checks of the importedcosmetics and standards set for them.

“We have seen certain imported

cosmetic do not meet the quality

standards because the merchantswant to import the low priced goods.Even if customers are suffering from

skin diseases, as they have used poorcosmetics, they are not aware of them.

That is why there should beteams that check the standards ofcosmetics imported to Myanmar,” the

distributor said. A

Grass roots can’t affordexpensive

foundation cream

It has been foundthat the cosmeticmarket inMyanmar is verycompetitive forMyanmarcustomers withdifferent tastes anddifferent budgets.

From Dr.HeinThu-Feature-Beauty of face(MyitmaKha).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:37 AM42

Page 45: Acumen September 2013

42 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Feature

Myanmar, it needs to promote

advertisements and sell them at

bargain. Price needs to be affordable.

The cheaper the goods are, the more

customers buy them here. Only a

handful of elite can spend much

money buying expensive well-known

brands,” she added.

The sources of Ohnmar cosmetic

shop in Yangon say that cosmetic

costing only K2,000 or K3,000 per unit

are the hottest.

A cosmetic distributor in Yangon

says that some merchants have

imported low quality cosmetics andthe expired cosmetics at lower price

since there is no one to enforce the

quality checks of the importedcosmetics and standards set for them.

“We have seen certain imported

cosmetic do not meet the quality

standards because the merchantswant to import the low priced goods.Even if customers are suffering from

skin diseases, as they have used poorcosmetics, they are not aware of them.

That is why there should beteams that check the standards ofcosmetics imported to Myanmar,” the

distributor said. A

Grass roots can’t affordexpensive

foundation cream

It has been foundthat the cosmeticmarket inMyanmar is verycompetitive forMyanmarcustomers withdifferent tastes anddifferent budgets.

From Dr.HeinThu-Feature-Beauty of face(MyitmaKha).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:37 AM42 adv.pmd 8/10/2013, 2:27 PM11

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44 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Interview

44 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:54 AM44

ACUMEN ⏐ 45ACUMEN ⏐ 45

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:54 AM45

Page 47: Acumen September 2013

44 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Interview

44 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:54 AM44

ACUMEN ⏐ 45ACUMEN ⏐ 45

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:54 AM45

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46 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Interview

Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet : Could you please tell me a littleProf. Dr. Aung Tun Thet : Could you please tell me a littleProf. Dr. Aung Tun Thet : Could you please tell me a littleProf. Dr. Aung Tun Thet : Could you please tell me a littleProf. Dr. Aung Tun Thet : Could you please tell me a little

about your background history, which I’d especially like toabout your background history, which I’d especially like toabout your background history, which I’d especially like toabout your background history, which I’d especially like toabout your background history, which I’d especially like to

know? What are the things you have done? What is theirknow? What are the things you have done? What is theirknow? What are the things you have done? What is theirknow? What are the things you have done? What is theirknow? What are the things you have done? What is their

extent? To let the readers know, please tell me beginningextent? To let the readers know, please tell me beginningextent? To let the readers know, please tell me beginningextent? To let the readers know, please tell me beginningextent? To let the readers know, please tell me beginning

from the time you went abroad for the first time.from the time you went abroad for the first time.from the time you went abroad for the first time.from the time you went abroad for the first time.from the time you went abroad for the first time.

Philip Maung : Philip Maung : Philip Maung : Philip Maung : Philip Maung : The time I went abroad for the first time was in1987. When I reached the United States, it was 1989. On arrival,I had no relatives there. There was only a friend of mine there.As that friend was attending U.C.L., he himself was only a student.He met me on my arrival and frankly told me that he could nothelp me much. He also told me to stay in his apartment forthree or four days and then to go on in my own way. That’show I started my life there.

At the beginning, I did whatever job I found. I worked in a

factory, in the Shipping Department and at a gas pump day and

night. It was convenient for me to work at night. Customers are

few at night and I could read at ease as I love reading. It was

20 years ago. I had already read many books of Donald Trump

before I went abroad. I read them because I wanted to be

successful like Donald Trump. Another thing is that I am very

fond of Donald Trump.

As soon as I reached there, the food I ate first was Mc

Donalds as there was no such food in my own country. I also

wanted to know how they were running their foods and tens of

thousands of their outlets. But as I had no capital, real estate

was the first short cut to save money. So I took real estate

license exams while working at night. I worked with real estate

in Los Angeles, California for about three years. My main taskwas saving money. I know myself that I would not work withreal estate in the long term. I was not interested in this job of abroker either. But I saved money quickly and planned to run achain of restaurants. As many new kinds of food came out inCalifornia at that time, Sushi industry became popular first inCalifornia.

In the United States, there are two coasts namely East Coastand West Coast. When it began in the West Coast, nobody startedit in the East Coast. As nobody did it in the middle part of thecountry, I found that opportunity. I personally like Sushi is avery healthy food free of frying or fat. So I thought this kind offood would become popular sometime in the future and I lookedfor a place in East Coast to set up my headquarters. I reached

Charlotte, which is the headquarters of the Bank of America

and second largest city in the United States at that time.

Money was essential to do a business. The town was also

the one I liked. As the town was small, people were more

polite. Their culture was called “Southern Hospitality”. The

culture of the south is very polite. People help one another. The

climate is similar to that of Taunggyi. Competitions were few in

business and that’s why I started to settle there. It was in about

1998. But what I calculated were all wrong. There was no bank

that was willing to talk with me. A good resume was essential

to start a business. I must have a successful history and

experience. As I had nothing of the sort, it was very difficult for

me to get money.

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:54 AM46

ACUMEN ⏐ 47

So I started my business with a computer in the diningroom of my apartment. Then I had to borrow money from others.They were sometimes my friends and sometimes my relatives.They also included credit cards. I had to apply for many creditcards. if one credit card expired in 45 days, I had to repay it bydrawing money from another credit card and if the latter expiredagain, I had to repay it by drawing money from the former. SoI began to realize that financing is important at the beginning ofa business. The first project is the most important. Only aftertwo years, the money began to come out on a regular basis.

Then, did the shop begin in Charlotte? How about the oneThen, did the shop begin in Charlotte? How about the oneThen, did the shop begin in Charlotte? How about the oneThen, did the shop begin in Charlotte? How about the oneThen, did the shop begin in Charlotte? How about the one

which expanded out of your locality?which expanded out of your locality?which expanded out of your locality?which expanded out of your locality?which expanded out of your locality?Getting outside was in my second year. I was expanding

my outlets to other states at that time.

Then, as you were interested in McDonalds, did you franchiseThen, as you were interested in McDonalds, did you franchiseThen, as you were interested in McDonalds, did you franchiseThen, as you were interested in McDonalds, did you franchiseThen, as you were interested in McDonalds, did you franchise

by using McDonalds method in your expansion? Or in whatby using McDonalds method in your expansion? Or in whatby using McDonalds method in your expansion? Or in whatby using McDonalds method in your expansion? Or in whatby using McDonalds method in your expansion? Or in what

style?style?style?style?style?

Ours was not a franchise then. We called it IndependentIndependentIndependentIndependentIndependent

Contractor. Contractor. Contractor. Contractor. Contractor. We are currently running with that system. It is

very similar to franchise. However, we are now processing

franchise. The main reason to become a franchise is that those

abroad are making contact with us all the time. As they want

our outlets, franchise system is easier for us. Though there is no

problem locally, we realize that it must be fully franchised when

it is expanded abroad.

In the Independent Contractor system you’ve said about, howIn the Independent Contractor system you’ve said about, howIn the Independent Contractor system you’ve said about, howIn the Independent Contractor system you’ve said about, howIn the Independent Contractor system you’ve said about, how

do you make arrangements with the person who wants todo you make arrangements with the person who wants todo you make arrangements with the person who wants todo you make arrangements with the person who wants todo you make arrangements with the person who wants to

open a shop?open a shop?open a shop?open a shop?open a shop?We give all training to a person who wants to open an

outlet. We let him use our brand. We train him in all ouroperational manuals. We show him all our techniques and allour recipes. We help them set up outlets with only a smallamount of money.

You teach them all things such as cutting?You teach them all things such as cutting?You teach them all things such as cutting?You teach them all things such as cutting?You teach them all things such as cutting?We train them in everything. Training is very important. In

order to make the products consistent wherever it is, we givetraining through teleconference every six months. Our regionalmanagers are everywhere. They make inspection and if the

products are found to be of low quality, we give training again.

In the Independent Contractor System, how are businessIn the Independent Contractor System, how are businessIn the Independent Contractor System, how are businessIn the Independent Contractor System, how are businessIn the Independent Contractor System, how are business

arrangements made?arrangements made?arrangements made?arrangements made?arrangements made?

They are no longer our employees. An employee has a

regular pay. We give them only benefits. They have become

private businessmen. As they are private businessmen, we give

them necessary support. In franchise system, there are loyalty

fees. We get loyalty fees percentage from the sales. In the

remaining part, they have to invest man power. Normally, we

give all products by the use of credit system. It is not necessary

to have a lot of money to set up a shop. We help them set up

everything and subtract the cost from the sales gradually.

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46 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Interview

Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet : Could you please tell me a littleProf. Dr. Aung Tun Thet : Could you please tell me a littleProf. Dr. Aung Tun Thet : Could you please tell me a littleProf. Dr. Aung Tun Thet : Could you please tell me a littleProf. Dr. Aung Tun Thet : Could you please tell me a little

about your background history, which I’d especially like toabout your background history, which I’d especially like toabout your background history, which I’d especially like toabout your background history, which I’d especially like toabout your background history, which I’d especially like to

know? What are the things you have done? What is theirknow? What are the things you have done? What is theirknow? What are the things you have done? What is theirknow? What are the things you have done? What is theirknow? What are the things you have done? What is their

extent? To let the readers know, please tell me beginningextent? To let the readers know, please tell me beginningextent? To let the readers know, please tell me beginningextent? To let the readers know, please tell me beginningextent? To let the readers know, please tell me beginning

from the time you went abroad for the first time.from the time you went abroad for the first time.from the time you went abroad for the first time.from the time you went abroad for the first time.from the time you went abroad for the first time.

Philip Maung : Philip Maung : Philip Maung : Philip Maung : Philip Maung : The time I went abroad for the first time was in1987. When I reached the United States, it was 1989. On arrival,I had no relatives there. There was only a friend of mine there.As that friend was attending U.C.L., he himself was only a student.He met me on my arrival and frankly told me that he could nothelp me much. He also told me to stay in his apartment forthree or four days and then to go on in my own way. That’show I started my life there.

At the beginning, I did whatever job I found. I worked in a

factory, in the Shipping Department and at a gas pump day and

night. It was convenient for me to work at night. Customers are

few at night and I could read at ease as I love reading. It was

20 years ago. I had already read many books of Donald Trump

before I went abroad. I read them because I wanted to be

successful like Donald Trump. Another thing is that I am very

fond of Donald Trump.

As soon as I reached there, the food I ate first was Mc

Donalds as there was no such food in my own country. I also

wanted to know how they were running their foods and tens of

thousands of their outlets. But as I had no capital, real estate

was the first short cut to save money. So I took real estate

license exams while working at night. I worked with real estate

in Los Angeles, California for about three years. My main taskwas saving money. I know myself that I would not work withreal estate in the long term. I was not interested in this job of abroker either. But I saved money quickly and planned to run achain of restaurants. As many new kinds of food came out inCalifornia at that time, Sushi industry became popular first inCalifornia.

In the United States, there are two coasts namely East Coastand West Coast. When it began in the West Coast, nobody startedit in the East Coast. As nobody did it in the middle part of thecountry, I found that opportunity. I personally like Sushi is avery healthy food free of frying or fat. So I thought this kind offood would become popular sometime in the future and I lookedfor a place in East Coast to set up my headquarters. I reached

Charlotte, which is the headquarters of the Bank of America

and second largest city in the United States at that time.

Money was essential to do a business. The town was also

the one I liked. As the town was small, people were more

polite. Their culture was called “Southern Hospitality”. The

culture of the south is very polite. People help one another. The

climate is similar to that of Taunggyi. Competitions were few in

business and that’s why I started to settle there. It was in about

1998. But what I calculated were all wrong. There was no bank

that was willing to talk with me. A good resume was essential

to start a business. I must have a successful history and

experience. As I had nothing of the sort, it was very difficult for

me to get money.

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:54 AM46

ACUMEN ⏐ 47

So I started my business with a computer in the diningroom of my apartment. Then I had to borrow money from others.They were sometimes my friends and sometimes my relatives.They also included credit cards. I had to apply for many creditcards. if one credit card expired in 45 days, I had to repay it bydrawing money from another credit card and if the latter expiredagain, I had to repay it by drawing money from the former. SoI began to realize that financing is important at the beginning ofa business. The first project is the most important. Only aftertwo years, the money began to come out on a regular basis.

Then, did the shop begin in Charlotte? How about the oneThen, did the shop begin in Charlotte? How about the oneThen, did the shop begin in Charlotte? How about the oneThen, did the shop begin in Charlotte? How about the oneThen, did the shop begin in Charlotte? How about the one

which expanded out of your locality?which expanded out of your locality?which expanded out of your locality?which expanded out of your locality?which expanded out of your locality?Getting outside was in my second year. I was expanding

my outlets to other states at that time.

Then, as you were interested in McDonalds, did you franchiseThen, as you were interested in McDonalds, did you franchiseThen, as you were interested in McDonalds, did you franchiseThen, as you were interested in McDonalds, did you franchiseThen, as you were interested in McDonalds, did you franchise

by using McDonalds method in your expansion? Or in whatby using McDonalds method in your expansion? Or in whatby using McDonalds method in your expansion? Or in whatby using McDonalds method in your expansion? Or in whatby using McDonalds method in your expansion? Or in what

style?style?style?style?style?

Ours was not a franchise then. We called it IndependentIndependentIndependentIndependentIndependent

Contractor. Contractor. Contractor. Contractor. Contractor. We are currently running with that system. It is

very similar to franchise. However, we are now processing

franchise. The main reason to become a franchise is that those

abroad are making contact with us all the time. As they want

our outlets, franchise system is easier for us. Though there is no

problem locally, we realize that it must be fully franchised when

it is expanded abroad.

In the Independent Contractor system you’ve said about, howIn the Independent Contractor system you’ve said about, howIn the Independent Contractor system you’ve said about, howIn the Independent Contractor system you’ve said about, howIn the Independent Contractor system you’ve said about, how

do you make arrangements with the person who wants todo you make arrangements with the person who wants todo you make arrangements with the person who wants todo you make arrangements with the person who wants todo you make arrangements with the person who wants to

open a shop?open a shop?open a shop?open a shop?open a shop?We give all training to a person who wants to open an

outlet. We let him use our brand. We train him in all ouroperational manuals. We show him all our techniques and allour recipes. We help them set up outlets with only a smallamount of money.

You teach them all things such as cutting?You teach them all things such as cutting?You teach them all things such as cutting?You teach them all things such as cutting?You teach them all things such as cutting?We train them in everything. Training is very important. In

order to make the products consistent wherever it is, we givetraining through teleconference every six months. Our regionalmanagers are everywhere. They make inspection and if the

products are found to be of low quality, we give training again.

In the Independent Contractor System, how are businessIn the Independent Contractor System, how are businessIn the Independent Contractor System, how are businessIn the Independent Contractor System, how are businessIn the Independent Contractor System, how are business

arrangements made?arrangements made?arrangements made?arrangements made?arrangements made?

They are no longer our employees. An employee has a

regular pay. We give them only benefits. They have become

private businessmen. As they are private businessmen, we give

them necessary support. In franchise system, there are loyalty

fees. We get loyalty fees percentage from the sales. In the

remaining part, they have to invest man power. Normally, we

give all products by the use of credit system. It is not necessary

to have a lot of money to set up a shop. We help them set up

everything and subtract the cost from the sales gradually.

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:55 AM47

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48 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

When those independent contractors are set up and your brandWhen those independent contractors are set up and your brandWhen those independent contractors are set up and your brandWhen those independent contractors are set up and your brandWhen those independent contractors are set up and your brand

is sold, do their customers make many take-aways?is sold, do their customers make many take-aways?is sold, do their customers make many take-aways?is sold, do their customers make many take-aways?is sold, do their customers make many take-aways?Take-aways are many. There are also eating by sitting.

The customers we target a lot are called “Yuppies”. They areyoung professionals. As they have no time, we focus more on“grab-and-go”.

Are there “Yuppie markets” and “Grab-and-go Markets” only?Are there “Yuppie markets” and “Grab-and-go Markets” only?Are there “Yuppie markets” and “Grab-and-go Markets” only?Are there “Yuppie markets” and “Grab-and-go Markets” only?Are there “Yuppie markets” and “Grab-and-go Markets” only?

How about “Sitting-s”?How about “Sitting-s”?How about “Sitting-s”?How about “Sitting-s”?How about “Sitting-s”?Of course, there are. They are also at the buildings of office

high-rises and airports.

Are they through Independent Contractors?Are they through Independent Contractors?Are they through Independent Contractors?Are they through Independent Contractors?Are they through Independent Contractors?It depends on location too. At such places as airports and

shopping malls in our city, we run them by ourselves. At some

important places, it is better if quality controls itself. The profit

is small. When we give franchise to others, the control generally

falls.

As there are totally more than 400 outlets including independentAs there are totally more than 400 outlets including independentAs there are totally more than 400 outlets including independentAs there are totally more than 400 outlets including independentAs there are totally more than 400 outlets including independent

contractors and distribution outlets, what are the percentagescontractors and distribution outlets, what are the percentagescontractors and distribution outlets, what are the percentagescontractors and distribution outlets, what are the percentagescontractors and distribution outlets, what are the percentages

for independent contractors and self-run outlets in thefor independent contractors and self-run outlets in thefor independent contractors and self-run outlets in thefor independent contractors and self-run outlets in thefor independent contractors and self-run outlets in the

breakdown?breakdown?breakdown?breakdown?breakdown?

The percentages are about 30 percent and 70 percent.

Corporate-owned outlets are 30 percent and those outsourced

to others are 70 percent.

In outsourcing, the major challenge is quality. Do you haveIn outsourcing, the major challenge is quality. Do you haveIn outsourcing, the major challenge is quality. Do you haveIn outsourcing, the major challenge is quality. Do you haveIn outsourcing, the major challenge is quality. Do you have

persons who monitor quality control?persons who monitor quality control?persons who monitor quality control?persons who monitor quality control?persons who monitor quality control?

Of course, we have. In every town, we have our regional

managers and supervisors. They always carry out inspections

to control the quality. That’s why Starbucks was always dubious

when it turned out first. Which is appropriate, franchising or

self-running? Franchising is easy to raise money. Many outlets

can be opened. But the style starbucks chooses is floating shares,

making the company public and expand the business using the

money earned from it. As it runs all its outlets by itself, if cancontrol the quality a little more.

When self-control is conducted, management labour unionWhen self-control is conducted, management labour unionWhen self-control is conducted, management labour unionWhen self-control is conducted, management labour unionWhen self-control is conducted, management labour union

relation is very important. Then, how do you handle it?relation is very important. Then, how do you handle it?relation is very important. Then, how do you handle it?relation is very important. Then, how do you handle it?relation is very important. Then, how do you handle it?

It is the key point for the success of a company. Our cultureis unique. There is a culture that is particularly set only for us.When did we realize it? During the first ten years, we didn’t

realize how important HR is. It was also because I myself didn’tbelieve the core values. I thought many of the values and mission

statements are only PR slogans. Many of the companies don’tdo it practically at all. All of them hang them for show in thelobby. But many people don’t do it in practice.

Normally, a company has about 5 or 6 core values. Wemade it with 11 items at last. We selected those 11 at our own

Interview

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:55 AM48

ACUMEN ⏐ 49

will and everybody must abide by them. These values must befollowed not only at work but also in one’s personal life. Numberone value is service. All our managers are provided with i-phones and PDA-s. They have e-mails too. Cell phone numbersmust be mentioned on every business card including my own.There must be no case in which customers can’t find us.

When the company is very large, it can become acorporation. I am frightened of it very much. After making thecompany very large, we must know how to stay small. So wewant all to be transparent. When someone searches my website,he must see my name, my cell phone number and my e-mailaddress. We don’t like if we are not found. We would like thecustomers call us. Nowadays, many people are talking about“social media”. The words are very sexy but we like the words

“conventional channel” better. I am satisfied with the 5 minutes

during which you and I sit and talk to each other than the 5

minutes during which we talk to each other on the phone. If

you just give me five minutes, I can give you undivided attention.

There is no such thing in social media. Things have their own

ways.

Then, as our core value No. 4 is “open and honest

communication”, I myself must make practice. I stayed inside

my office room before. As my employees rarely dare knock my

door, I came to realize the truth. It was impossible for me to

continue sitting inside my room any more. So I set up a cubicle

on the floor and moved into it. I became the same as they were.

I no longer had a door. As it was an open door policy, their

communication with me became at the same level. So they also

became at ease. And so did I.

One of the key point is to be happy at work. So one of our

values is “generate fun” and another is “work hard, play hard”.

People like these two best. According to a survey conducted on

our employees, people like these two values best. People want

to be happy. If statistics are really examined ...., why do people

take this job? Top three do not include money. It is not because

of money. The main thing is that they want respect. They want

to be happy at work. They want a good communication amongthem. They want a friendly environment. So it includes learningothers by studying the survey.

I learn such companies as Google, Apple and Starbucks

and I also learn their good practices. I learn how they motivatetheir employees and how they make innovations and I set up acinema in our work place. As I read a lot, I want people to read

and I set up a library. I also set up a gymnasium. I invite Yogainstructors. I arrange karaoke nights. We celebrate all the

successful events. We also recognize personal successes achievedoutside the work place. We also organize celebrations, forexample, to recognize those who pass external examinations.

Before specifying “core values”, our manager alone madedecisions on hiring and firing. But now, as we have HR

department, there are two interviews before hiring an employee.

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:55 AM49

Page 51: Acumen September 2013

48 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

When those independent contractors are set up and your brandWhen those independent contractors are set up and your brandWhen those independent contractors are set up and your brandWhen those independent contractors are set up and your brandWhen those independent contractors are set up and your brand

is sold, do their customers make many take-aways?is sold, do their customers make many take-aways?is sold, do their customers make many take-aways?is sold, do their customers make many take-aways?is sold, do their customers make many take-aways?Take-aways are many. There are also eating by sitting.

The customers we target a lot are called “Yuppies”. They areyoung professionals. As they have no time, we focus more on“grab-and-go”.

Are there “Yuppie markets” and “Grab-and-go Markets” only?Are there “Yuppie markets” and “Grab-and-go Markets” only?Are there “Yuppie markets” and “Grab-and-go Markets” only?Are there “Yuppie markets” and “Grab-and-go Markets” only?Are there “Yuppie markets” and “Grab-and-go Markets” only?

How about “Sitting-s”?How about “Sitting-s”?How about “Sitting-s”?How about “Sitting-s”?How about “Sitting-s”?Of course, there are. They are also at the buildings of office

high-rises and airports.

Are they through Independent Contractors?Are they through Independent Contractors?Are they through Independent Contractors?Are they through Independent Contractors?Are they through Independent Contractors?It depends on location too. At such places as airports and

shopping malls in our city, we run them by ourselves. At some

important places, it is better if quality controls itself. The profit

is small. When we give franchise to others, the control generally

falls.

As there are totally more than 400 outlets including independentAs there are totally more than 400 outlets including independentAs there are totally more than 400 outlets including independentAs there are totally more than 400 outlets including independentAs there are totally more than 400 outlets including independent

contractors and distribution outlets, what are the percentagescontractors and distribution outlets, what are the percentagescontractors and distribution outlets, what are the percentagescontractors and distribution outlets, what are the percentagescontractors and distribution outlets, what are the percentages

for independent contractors and self-run outlets in thefor independent contractors and self-run outlets in thefor independent contractors and self-run outlets in thefor independent contractors and self-run outlets in thefor independent contractors and self-run outlets in the

breakdown?breakdown?breakdown?breakdown?breakdown?

The percentages are about 30 percent and 70 percent.

Corporate-owned outlets are 30 percent and those outsourced

to others are 70 percent.

In outsourcing, the major challenge is quality. Do you haveIn outsourcing, the major challenge is quality. Do you haveIn outsourcing, the major challenge is quality. Do you haveIn outsourcing, the major challenge is quality. Do you haveIn outsourcing, the major challenge is quality. Do you have

persons who monitor quality control?persons who monitor quality control?persons who monitor quality control?persons who monitor quality control?persons who monitor quality control?

Of course, we have. In every town, we have our regional

managers and supervisors. They always carry out inspections

to control the quality. That’s why Starbucks was always dubious

when it turned out first. Which is appropriate, franchising or

self-running? Franchising is easy to raise money. Many outlets

can be opened. But the style starbucks chooses is floating shares,

making the company public and expand the business using the

money earned from it. As it runs all its outlets by itself, if cancontrol the quality a little more.

When self-control is conducted, management labour unionWhen self-control is conducted, management labour unionWhen self-control is conducted, management labour unionWhen self-control is conducted, management labour unionWhen self-control is conducted, management labour union

relation is very important. Then, how do you handle it?relation is very important. Then, how do you handle it?relation is very important. Then, how do you handle it?relation is very important. Then, how do you handle it?relation is very important. Then, how do you handle it?

It is the key point for the success of a company. Our cultureis unique. There is a culture that is particularly set only for us.When did we realize it? During the first ten years, we didn’t

realize how important HR is. It was also because I myself didn’tbelieve the core values. I thought many of the values and mission

statements are only PR slogans. Many of the companies don’tdo it practically at all. All of them hang them for show in thelobby. But many people don’t do it in practice.

Normally, a company has about 5 or 6 core values. Wemade it with 11 items at last. We selected those 11 at our own

Interview

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:55 AM48

ACUMEN ⏐ 49

will and everybody must abide by them. These values must befollowed not only at work but also in one’s personal life. Numberone value is service. All our managers are provided with i-phones and PDA-s. They have e-mails too. Cell phone numbersmust be mentioned on every business card including my own.There must be no case in which customers can’t find us.

When the company is very large, it can become acorporation. I am frightened of it very much. After making thecompany very large, we must know how to stay small. So wewant all to be transparent. When someone searches my website,he must see my name, my cell phone number and my e-mailaddress. We don’t like if we are not found. We would like thecustomers call us. Nowadays, many people are talking about“social media”. The words are very sexy but we like the words

“conventional channel” better. I am satisfied with the 5 minutes

during which you and I sit and talk to each other than the 5

minutes during which we talk to each other on the phone. If

you just give me five minutes, I can give you undivided attention.

There is no such thing in social media. Things have their own

ways.

Then, as our core value No. 4 is “open and honest

communication”, I myself must make practice. I stayed inside

my office room before. As my employees rarely dare knock my

door, I came to realize the truth. It was impossible for me to

continue sitting inside my room any more. So I set up a cubicle

on the floor and moved into it. I became the same as they were.

I no longer had a door. As it was an open door policy, their

communication with me became at the same level. So they also

became at ease. And so did I.

One of the key point is to be happy at work. So one of our

values is “generate fun” and another is “work hard, play hard”.

People like these two best. According to a survey conducted on

our employees, people like these two values best. People want

to be happy. If statistics are really examined ...., why do people

take this job? Top three do not include money. It is not because

of money. The main thing is that they want respect. They want

to be happy at work. They want a good communication amongthem. They want a friendly environment. So it includes learningothers by studying the survey.

I learn such companies as Google, Apple and Starbucks

and I also learn their good practices. I learn how they motivatetheir employees and how they make innovations and I set up acinema in our work place. As I read a lot, I want people to read

and I set up a library. I also set up a gymnasium. I invite Yogainstructors. I arrange karaoke nights. We celebrate all the

successful events. We also recognize personal successes achievedoutside the work place. We also organize celebrations, forexample, to recognize those who pass external examinations.

Before specifying “core values”, our manager alone madedecisions on hiring and firing. But now, as we have HR

department, there are two interviews before hiring an employee.

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:55 AM49

Page 52: Acumen September 2013

50 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

The department manager interviews him to find his skill set.

HR sees whether purely HR skill set fits our core values. It

doesn’t matter how talented he is. His skill set may be very

good. His qualifications may be very good. We may know he

can contribute to our work as soon as he joins us. But we

cannot hire him if he does not fit our values. In our way of

making decisions, if there is someone we like, we ask our

receptionist about him when he leaves. How did he deal with

the receptionist? Was he haughty? We won’t hire him if he is

haughty however talented he is. It is more important for us to

hire a person who fits our values. We don’t want our culture

poisoned.

What is the total number of your employees?What is the total number of your employees?What is the total number of your employees?What is the total number of your employees?What is the total number of your employees?About 300 altogether. Actual key people are about 20.

Do you deal with those key people only? How about theDo you deal with those key people only? How about theDo you deal with those key people only? How about theDo you deal with those key people only? How about theDo you deal with those key people only? How about the

employees at the lower levels?employees at the lower levels?employees at the lower levels?employees at the lower levels?employees at the lower levels?

As I am very busy, can’t always deal with those at thelower levels. But I always set my channel open. I talk with

them at the forum which is held every three months. I alsotravel all the time. When I travel, I hold meetings with them. Ihold meetings with those from basic levels. What problems do

they have? Then I have my meals together with them. Theseare my dealings with those from lower levels. The next thing isthat all of them know my cell phone numbers. We have a policy

that calls must be responded within 24 hours. In our values, it is

called “high-speed and high-touch”. If we find no solution within

24 hours, a response must be made. A solution may not be

obtained but a response must be made.

Are there shares and other benefits in addition to normalAre there shares and other benefits in addition to normalAre there shares and other benefits in addition to normalAre there shares and other benefits in addition to normalAre there shares and other benefits in addition to normal

salary and bonus?salary and bonus?salary and bonus?salary and bonus?salary and bonus?

The benefits we offer are generous compared to our

industrial standard. There is a retirement plan there. Normally,

even large companies don’t offer such benefits. Even Fortune

500 Company doesn’t offer like this. They have cut benefits

since 2008. But we increase benefits every year. In our retirement

plan, if an employee deposits a dollar, we also contribute adollar. We make dollar to dollar matching. Some companies

contribute only about a quarter or half a dollar if an employee

deposits a dollar in his account. If an employee deposits US1,000 wd also contribute US1,000. Moreover, there are manycompanies which demand 3 or 4 years of compulsory service.

If an employee leaves the job without completing the compulsory

term, he is entitled to refund the money he deposited but notthe money contributed by the company. We are not like them.We don’t hold the money we have contributed. If someone leaves

his job a day after he has deposited a dollar and we havecontributed a dollar, he can take both his money and our

contribution.We don’t expect to continue hiring an unhappy person. It

will be good neither for him nor for us. If we maintain an

unhappy employee in our hand, if may be a virus for our culture.

Interview

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ACUMEN ⏐ 51

People are no longer happy if they are controlled strictly. Now

we are in the 21st century. Only a few companies like ours

allow things such as the use of Facebook. We allow it. Concerning

with coming in and going out, we used cards to control the

working hours of the office staff in the past. But we have already

quitted it. We quitted it totally. Sometimes, they are late for

work. But I’ve already told everyone one thing. What I always

tell them is to be responsible if they use such things as Facebook.

All the employees are adults. They are no longer youngsters.

They must have conscience to take responsibility for themselves.

People become happy when they are no longer under control.

If they come to work late, they leave late and more work is

done. They also become happier in their work.

Then, if we think of the future, is the growth only in the EastThen, if we think of the future, is the growth only in the EastThen, if we think of the future, is the growth only in the EastThen, if we think of the future, is the growth only in the EastThen, if we think of the future, is the growth only in the East

Coast?Coast?Coast?Coast?Coast?

We are in 30 states and District of Columbia. In both east

and west. From California and Washington to Boston,Massachusetts, spreading out all over east and west.

When they are enquired, many of the Myanmars in New YorkWhen they are enquired, many of the Myanmars in New YorkWhen they are enquired, many of the Myanmars in New YorkWhen they are enquired, many of the Myanmars in New YorkWhen they are enquired, many of the Myanmars in New York

say they sell Sushi. So how many competitors are there?say they sell Sushi. So how many competitors are there?say they sell Sushi. So how many competitors are there?say they sell Sushi. So how many competitors are there?say they sell Sushi. So how many competitors are there?

There are not many competitors. What many Myanmarsare doing is something like franchising. They get outlets fromcompanies like ours. For a company like ours, there are only

about 20 competitors. They are the ones who are doing theirbusiness as a major one. Even among these 20, only 5 or 6 are

running as large firms. The rest who are said to sell Sushi are

those who take outlets from others. They are like the ones who

take outlets from ours.

Today business is no longer pure business and tools andToday business is no longer pure business and tools andToday business is no longer pure business and tools andToday business is no longer pure business and tools andToday business is no longer pure business and tools and

techniques of management come into use. Then whichtechniques of management come into use. Then whichtechniques of management come into use. Then whichtechniques of management come into use. Then whichtechniques of management come into use. Then which

techniques do you think are learnt and applied?techniques do you think are learnt and applied?techniques do you think are learnt and applied?techniques do you think are learnt and applied?techniques do you think are learnt and applied?

Our technique is always making our people think how to

improve service for our customers and employees. The rest

will happen automatically. We spend no money at all for

marketing. It’s also because I don’t believe in marketing. But we

do promotion. Marketing and promotion are a little different.

“Buy this one and if you buy it you will also get that one”. It ispromotion. “Buy one get one” is another thing. They all aregood for consumers. We are No. 1 in TV commercials. But it is

shameful to say that we are the best. It is something like self-

boasting. We contribute more to the benefits of the employeesinstead of spending money there.

Everyone is a marketer and they are the marketing

department. So our employees do marketing through words ofmouth while having meals with friends or relatives. The

customers themselves also do so through words of mouth. It ismore valuable for us. One day, when I went back home, I hadto join a queue for something. The things I was going to buy

were only one or two as I didn’t need to use many. There wasan old woman behind me pushing a big trolley. I told her to

overtake me. She asked me why I said so to spend about 15

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:55 AM51

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50 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

The department manager interviews him to find his skill set.

HR sees whether purely HR skill set fits our core values. It

doesn’t matter how talented he is. His skill set may be very

good. His qualifications may be very good. We may know he

can contribute to our work as soon as he joins us. But we

cannot hire him if he does not fit our values. In our way of

making decisions, if there is someone we like, we ask our

receptionist about him when he leaves. How did he deal with

the receptionist? Was he haughty? We won’t hire him if he is

haughty however talented he is. It is more important for us to

hire a person who fits our values. We don’t want our culture

poisoned.

What is the total number of your employees?What is the total number of your employees?What is the total number of your employees?What is the total number of your employees?What is the total number of your employees?About 300 altogether. Actual key people are about 20.

Do you deal with those key people only? How about theDo you deal with those key people only? How about theDo you deal with those key people only? How about theDo you deal with those key people only? How about theDo you deal with those key people only? How about the

employees at the lower levels?employees at the lower levels?employees at the lower levels?employees at the lower levels?employees at the lower levels?

As I am very busy, can’t always deal with those at thelower levels. But I always set my channel open. I talk with

them at the forum which is held every three months. I alsotravel all the time. When I travel, I hold meetings with them. Ihold meetings with those from basic levels. What problems do

they have? Then I have my meals together with them. Theseare my dealings with those from lower levels. The next thing isthat all of them know my cell phone numbers. We have a policy

that calls must be responded within 24 hours. In our values, it is

called “high-speed and high-touch”. If we find no solution within

24 hours, a response must be made. A solution may not be

obtained but a response must be made.

Are there shares and other benefits in addition to normalAre there shares and other benefits in addition to normalAre there shares and other benefits in addition to normalAre there shares and other benefits in addition to normalAre there shares and other benefits in addition to normal

salary and bonus?salary and bonus?salary and bonus?salary and bonus?salary and bonus?

The benefits we offer are generous compared to our

industrial standard. There is a retirement plan there. Normally,

even large companies don’t offer such benefits. Even Fortune

500 Company doesn’t offer like this. They have cut benefits

since 2008. But we increase benefits every year. In our retirement

plan, if an employee deposits a dollar, we also contribute adollar. We make dollar to dollar matching. Some companies

contribute only about a quarter or half a dollar if an employee

deposits a dollar in his account. If an employee deposits US1,000 wd also contribute US1,000. Moreover, there are manycompanies which demand 3 or 4 years of compulsory service.

If an employee leaves the job without completing the compulsory

term, he is entitled to refund the money he deposited but notthe money contributed by the company. We are not like them.We don’t hold the money we have contributed. If someone leaves

his job a day after he has deposited a dollar and we havecontributed a dollar, he can take both his money and our

contribution.We don’t expect to continue hiring an unhappy person. It

will be good neither for him nor for us. If we maintain an

unhappy employee in our hand, if may be a virus for our culture.

Interview

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:55 AM50

ACUMEN ⏐ 51

People are no longer happy if they are controlled strictly. Now

we are in the 21st century. Only a few companies like ours

allow things such as the use of Facebook. We allow it. Concerning

with coming in and going out, we used cards to control the

working hours of the office staff in the past. But we have already

quitted it. We quitted it totally. Sometimes, they are late for

work. But I’ve already told everyone one thing. What I always

tell them is to be responsible if they use such things as Facebook.

All the employees are adults. They are no longer youngsters.

They must have conscience to take responsibility for themselves.

People become happy when they are no longer under control.

If they come to work late, they leave late and more work is

done. They also become happier in their work.

Then, if we think of the future, is the growth only in the EastThen, if we think of the future, is the growth only in the EastThen, if we think of the future, is the growth only in the EastThen, if we think of the future, is the growth only in the EastThen, if we think of the future, is the growth only in the East

Coast?Coast?Coast?Coast?Coast?

We are in 30 states and District of Columbia. In both east

and west. From California and Washington to Boston,Massachusetts, spreading out all over east and west.

When they are enquired, many of the Myanmars in New YorkWhen they are enquired, many of the Myanmars in New YorkWhen they are enquired, many of the Myanmars in New YorkWhen they are enquired, many of the Myanmars in New YorkWhen they are enquired, many of the Myanmars in New York

say they sell Sushi. So how many competitors are there?say they sell Sushi. So how many competitors are there?say they sell Sushi. So how many competitors are there?say they sell Sushi. So how many competitors are there?say they sell Sushi. So how many competitors are there?

There are not many competitors. What many Myanmarsare doing is something like franchising. They get outlets fromcompanies like ours. For a company like ours, there are only

about 20 competitors. They are the ones who are doing theirbusiness as a major one. Even among these 20, only 5 or 6 are

running as large firms. The rest who are said to sell Sushi are

those who take outlets from others. They are like the ones who

take outlets from ours.

Today business is no longer pure business and tools andToday business is no longer pure business and tools andToday business is no longer pure business and tools andToday business is no longer pure business and tools andToday business is no longer pure business and tools and

techniques of management come into use. Then whichtechniques of management come into use. Then whichtechniques of management come into use. Then whichtechniques of management come into use. Then whichtechniques of management come into use. Then which

techniques do you think are learnt and applied?techniques do you think are learnt and applied?techniques do you think are learnt and applied?techniques do you think are learnt and applied?techniques do you think are learnt and applied?

Our technique is always making our people think how to

improve service for our customers and employees. The rest

will happen automatically. We spend no money at all for

marketing. It’s also because I don’t believe in marketing. But we

do promotion. Marketing and promotion are a little different.

“Buy this one and if you buy it you will also get that one”. It ispromotion. “Buy one get one” is another thing. They all aregood for consumers. We are No. 1 in TV commercials. But it is

shameful to say that we are the best. It is something like self-

boasting. We contribute more to the benefits of the employeesinstead of spending money there.

Everyone is a marketer and they are the marketing

department. So our employees do marketing through words ofmouth while having meals with friends or relatives. The

customers themselves also do so through words of mouth. It ismore valuable for us. One day, when I went back home, I hadto join a queue for something. The things I was going to buy

were only one or two as I didn’t need to use many. There wasan old woman behind me pushing a big trolley. I told her to

overtake me. She asked me why I said so to spend about 15

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:55 AM51

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52 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

minutes more for only one or two things. Saying to overtake

her seemed strange for her. After she finished paying for the

things, both she and the cashier asked me why I did so. I said,“This is a part of our duty.” When I next said, “It is a part of ourcore values. I did what I could whether it is big or small,” she

asked me what company I was working for. I replied I worked

for “Hissho Sushi”. These are our image.After setting our core values, there are many companies

making contact with us. They came to see us. They came and

saw our corporate culture. In our corporate culture, one mustdecorate one’s own cubicle. One has to design one’s own cubicle.I judge the winners and reward them with things such as i-

pads. Therefore people begin to generate creative ideas. It isthe most important to empower them.

What you said recently includes “Given back to community.”What you said recently includes “Given back to community.”What you said recently includes “Given back to community.”What you said recently includes “Given back to community.”What you said recently includes “Given back to community.”

One thing interesting in Myanmar now is “Corporate SocialOne thing interesting in Myanmar now is “Corporate SocialOne thing interesting in Myanmar now is “Corporate SocialOne thing interesting in Myanmar now is “Corporate SocialOne thing interesting in Myanmar now is “Corporate Social

Reponsibility (CSR)”. What else does your company do asReponsibility (CSR)”. What else does your company do asReponsibility (CSR)”. What else does your company do asReponsibility (CSR)”. What else does your company do asReponsibility (CSR)”. What else does your company do as

CSR apart from what you said recently?CSR apart from what you said recently?CSR apart from what you said recently?CSR apart from what you said recently?CSR apart from what you said recently?

It is very important. To have “corporate responsibility” isvery important for companies that enter this part of the region.

Our No. 5 value is “compassionate & humble”. People theremake charity on such religious days as “Thanks giving” and

“Christmas”. They don’t want to go anywhere on such days. It isbecause it is their family time. On such days when there are nopeople, the weather is very cold and the homeless need a lot of

assistance. They need blankets, clothes and so on. We go thereto offer volunteer service on these days. We donate writing

Interview

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:56 AM52

ACUMEN ⏐ 53

Brief History of U Phone Lwin alias Philip MaungBrief History of U Phone Lwin alias Philip MaungBrief History of U Phone Lwin alias Philip MaungBrief History of U Phone Lwin alias Philip MaungBrief History of U Phone Lwin alias Philip Maung

Date of Birth - February, 1967

(Fourth son of six siblings)

Parents - U Ko Lay & Daw Yin May Lwin

Native Place - Yangon, Myanmar

Hobbies - Reading, Swimming, Playing

tennis and golf

Spouse - Daw Pan Myat Win Shwin

Children - Two sons

HISSHO SUSHIHISSHO SUSHIHISSHO SUSHIHISSHO SUSHIHISSHO SUSHI

Commencement of the - 1998

Business

Number of outlets - more than 400

Location of Headquarters - Charlotte, North Carolina

Work Force - Around 300

Website - www.hisshosushi.com,

Twitter - twitter.com/Hissho98,Facebook - facebook.com/

PhilipMaung

paper, ball-pens, pencils etc. to the needy children.The donations we are making are many. We urge

them to promote both as a team and as individuals.As diabetes rate among children is getting very high,we always make donations for research foundations

for it. Then there are also things we are doing for the

refugees from Myanmar. A

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:56 AM53

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52 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

minutes more for only one or two things. Saying to overtake

her seemed strange for her. After she finished paying for the

things, both she and the cashier asked me why I did so. I said,“This is a part of our duty.” When I next said, “It is a part of ourcore values. I did what I could whether it is big or small,” she

asked me what company I was working for. I replied I worked

for “Hissho Sushi”. These are our image.After setting our core values, there are many companies

making contact with us. They came to see us. They came and

saw our corporate culture. In our corporate culture, one mustdecorate one’s own cubicle. One has to design one’s own cubicle.I judge the winners and reward them with things such as i-

pads. Therefore people begin to generate creative ideas. It isthe most important to empower them.

What you said recently includes “Given back to community.”What you said recently includes “Given back to community.”What you said recently includes “Given back to community.”What you said recently includes “Given back to community.”What you said recently includes “Given back to community.”

One thing interesting in Myanmar now is “Corporate SocialOne thing interesting in Myanmar now is “Corporate SocialOne thing interesting in Myanmar now is “Corporate SocialOne thing interesting in Myanmar now is “Corporate SocialOne thing interesting in Myanmar now is “Corporate Social

Reponsibility (CSR)”. What else does your company do asReponsibility (CSR)”. What else does your company do asReponsibility (CSR)”. What else does your company do asReponsibility (CSR)”. What else does your company do asReponsibility (CSR)”. What else does your company do as

CSR apart from what you said recently?CSR apart from what you said recently?CSR apart from what you said recently?CSR apart from what you said recently?CSR apart from what you said recently?

It is very important. To have “corporate responsibility” isvery important for companies that enter this part of the region.

Our No. 5 value is “compassionate & humble”. People theremake charity on such religious days as “Thanks giving” and

“Christmas”. They don’t want to go anywhere on such days. It isbecause it is their family time. On such days when there are nopeople, the weather is very cold and the homeless need a lot of

assistance. They need blankets, clothes and so on. We go thereto offer volunteer service on these days. We donate writing

Interview

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:56 AM52

ACUMEN ⏐ 53

Brief History of U Phone Lwin alias Philip MaungBrief History of U Phone Lwin alias Philip MaungBrief History of U Phone Lwin alias Philip MaungBrief History of U Phone Lwin alias Philip MaungBrief History of U Phone Lwin alias Philip Maung

Date of Birth - February, 1967

(Fourth son of six siblings)

Parents - U Ko Lay & Daw Yin May Lwin

Native Place - Yangon, Myanmar

Hobbies - Reading, Swimming, Playing

tennis and golf

Spouse - Daw Pan Myat Win Shwin

Children - Two sons

HISSHO SUSHIHISSHO SUSHIHISSHO SUSHIHISSHO SUSHIHISSHO SUSHI

Commencement of the - 1998

Business

Number of outlets - more than 400

Location of Headquarters - Charlotte, North Carolina

Work Force - Around 300

Website - www.hisshosushi.com,

Twitter - twitter.com/Hissho98,Facebook - facebook.com/

PhilipMaung

paper, ball-pens, pencils etc. to the needy children.The donations we are making are many. We urge

them to promote both as a team and as individuals.As diabetes rate among children is getting very high,we always make donations for research foundations

for it. Then there are also things we are doing for the

refugees from Myanmar. A

Interview-From 13 Dollars to 400 SUSHI Bars.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:56 AM53

Page 56: Acumen September 2013

adv.pmd 8/10/2013, 2:22 PM11

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adv.pmd 8/10/2013, 2:22 PM11 adv.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:34 AM4

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adv.pmd 8/10/2013, 2:24 PM11

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adv.pmd 8/10/2013, 2:24 PM11 adv.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:27 AM4

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58 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Opinion

58 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:41 AM58

ACUMEN ⏐ 59

Good NewsGood NewsGood NewsGood NewsGood NewsIn June - 2013, five new insurance companies held the

official grand opening ceremony in Yangon. For nearly 50 yearsthis industry was monopolized by the government - ownedinsurance company, namely Myanma Insurance Enterprise.Theopening of the new insurance companies indicates the mostsignificant change made by the new democratic government inorder to liberalize the insurance market in line with the increasingdemand for insurance arising out of the economic progress ofthe country. The insurance industry now will regain glory againwith the new competitors in the market by providing valueadded services for entire satisfaction of the insuring public.Actually Myanmar insurance history dated back to the year

1824 in which the Anglo Burmese War broke out and Burma

lost the battle. And then some British colonialists came into

Burma to operate the insurance business to protect loss of their

wealth and lives. So this industry has been lasting for nearly

190 years in this country.I want to make some contributions in

presenting development insurance business in Myanmar

because I have some working experiences of over 41-years

services in this business alone. So my recollection of past

experiences may make the reader understand more about this

subject.

In Myanmar, books on insurance subjects written either in

English or in Myanmar are very rare.The new era of insurance

will be becoming bright very soon again.However for those

who want to acquire insurance knowledge they should have

easy access to these books of insurance. So I am trying to share

my knowledge and experiences by writing articles or books.

1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . Anglo BurmeseAnglo BurmeseAnglo BurmeseAnglo BurmeseAnglo BurmeseWar (1824)War (1824)War (1824)War (1824)War (1824)In 1824 Anglo Burmese

war broke out, Burma lost the

battle and the lower part of

the country fell under thecolony of the British Empire.Since then many foreign

traders and entrepreneurs

came into Burma, andestablished the businesscompanies. Round about

1845, it was learned that

insurers and underwritersalso entered the country andfound insurance companies

in order to protect the livesand wealth of the foreigners.During the years 1845-1897

nearly 18 underwrit ing

companies were formed and operating insurance business inlower Burma.

2 .2 .2 .2 .2 . During the year 1897 to 1940During the year 1897 to 1940During the year 1897 to 1940During the year 1897 to 1940During the year 1897 to 1940Under the British colonial rule, the number of companies

increased to nearly 110 and these companies were generatingdifferent classes of insurance business all over the whole country.The whole insurance industry was entirely dominated byforeigners nearly for more than 100 years.

3 .3 .3 .3 .3 . The emergence of two BurmeseThe emergence of two BurmeseThe emergence of two BurmeseThe emergence of two BurmeseThe emergence of two BurmesecompaniescompaniescompaniescompaniescompaniesIn 1938, two Burmese owned companies emerged in the

market, they are

A. Burma National Insurance Company,

B. Burma Government Security Insurance Company Ltd.

These above two insurance companies were only

transacting life insurance business in competition with foreign

companies. However as these companies were too small to

compete with giant foreign ones, the whole industry was still

under the control of the foreigners. Among the renowned, famous

and larger foreign companies consisted the following;

4. Foreign Insurance Companies in Myanmar4. Foreign Insurance Companies in Myanmar4. Foreign Insurance Companies in Myanmar4. Foreign Insurance Companies in Myanmar4. Foreign Insurance Companies in MyanmarAfter the independence of Myanmar in 1948 another two

insurance companies owned by Myanmar citizen emerged

again.These two handled general insurance business only. During

those days, different classes of insurance business operated by

many insurance companies both foreign and Myanmar, were

life and non-life business.

Sr .NoSr .NoSr .NoSr .NoSr .No Name of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance Company Year o f Entery in to MyanmarYear o f En tery in to MyanmarYear o f En tery in to MyanmarYear o f En tery in to MyanmarYear o f En tery in to Myanmar

1. The Alliance Insurance Co., Ltd. 18452. The Imperial Insurance Co., Ltd. 1845

3. The Northern Insurance Co., Ltd. 18604. The Royal Insurance Co., Ltd. 1863

5. The Sun Insurance Co., Ltd. 18786. The Liverpool-London & Global Insurance Co., Ltd. 1870

7. The North British &Mercantile Insurance Co., Ltd. 18788. The London & Lancashire Insurance Co., Ltd. 1880

9. The London Insurance Co., Ltd. 188310. Phoenix Assurance Co., Ltd. 1883

11. Atlas Assurance Co., Ltd. 188612. The New Zealand Insurance Co., Ltd. 188913. The Commercial Union Assurance Co., Ltd. 1890

14. The Royal Exchange Assurance 189115. The Scottish Union & National Assurance Co., Ltd. 1891

16. Norwich Union National Assurance Co., Ltd. 189717. Yorkshire Insurance Co., Ltd. 189718. The Caledonian Insurance Co., Ltd. 1897

ACUMEN ⏐ 59

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:41 AM59

Page 61: Acumen September 2013

58 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Opinion

58 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:41 AM58

ACUMEN ⏐ 59

Good NewsGood NewsGood NewsGood NewsGood NewsIn June - 2013, five new insurance companies held the

official grand opening ceremony in Yangon. For nearly 50 yearsthis industry was monopolized by the government - ownedinsurance company, namely Myanma Insurance Enterprise.Theopening of the new insurance companies indicates the mostsignificant change made by the new democratic government inorder to liberalize the insurance market in line with the increasingdemand for insurance arising out of the economic progress ofthe country. The insurance industry now will regain glory againwith the new competitors in the market by providing valueadded services for entire satisfaction of the insuring public.Actually Myanmar insurance history dated back to the year

1824 in which the Anglo Burmese War broke out and Burma

lost the battle. And then some British colonialists came into

Burma to operate the insurance business to protect loss of their

wealth and lives. So this industry has been lasting for nearly

190 years in this country.I want to make some contributions in

presenting development insurance business in Myanmar

because I have some working experiences of over 41-years

services in this business alone. So my recollection of past

experiences may make the reader understand more about this

subject.

In Myanmar, books on insurance subjects written either in

English or in Myanmar are very rare.The new era of insurance

will be becoming bright very soon again.However for those

who want to acquire insurance knowledge they should have

easy access to these books of insurance. So I am trying to share

my knowledge and experiences by writing articles or books.

1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . Anglo BurmeseAnglo BurmeseAnglo BurmeseAnglo BurmeseAnglo BurmeseWar (1824)War (1824)War (1824)War (1824)War (1824)In 1824 Anglo Burmese

war broke out, Burma lost the

battle and the lower part of

the country fell under thecolony of the British Empire.Since then many foreign

traders and entrepreneurs

came into Burma, andestablished the businesscompanies. Round about

1845, it was learned that

insurers and underwritersalso entered the country andfound insurance companies

in order to protect the livesand wealth of the foreigners.During the years 1845-1897

nearly 18 underwrit ing

companies were formed and operating insurance business inlower Burma.

2 .2 .2 .2 .2 . During the year 1897 to 1940During the year 1897 to 1940During the year 1897 to 1940During the year 1897 to 1940During the year 1897 to 1940Under the British colonial rule, the number of companies

increased to nearly 110 and these companies were generatingdifferent classes of insurance business all over the whole country.The whole insurance industry was entirely dominated byforeigners nearly for more than 100 years.

3 .3 .3 .3 .3 . The emergence of two BurmeseThe emergence of two BurmeseThe emergence of two BurmeseThe emergence of two BurmeseThe emergence of two BurmesecompaniescompaniescompaniescompaniescompaniesIn 1938, two Burmese owned companies emerged in the

market, they are

A. Burma National Insurance Company,

B. Burma Government Security Insurance Company Ltd.

These above two insurance companies were only

transacting life insurance business in competition with foreign

companies. However as these companies were too small to

compete with giant foreign ones, the whole industry was still

under the control of the foreigners. Among the renowned, famous

and larger foreign companies consisted the following;

4. Foreign Insurance Companies in Myanmar4. Foreign Insurance Companies in Myanmar4. Foreign Insurance Companies in Myanmar4. Foreign Insurance Companies in Myanmar4. Foreign Insurance Companies in MyanmarAfter the independence of Myanmar in 1948 another two

insurance companies owned by Myanmar citizen emerged

again.These two handled general insurance business only. During

those days, different classes of insurance business operated by

many insurance companies both foreign and Myanmar, were

life and non-life business.

Sr .NoSr .NoSr .NoSr .NoSr .No Name of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance Company Year o f Entery in to MyanmarYear o f En tery in to MyanmarYear o f En tery in to MyanmarYear o f En tery in to MyanmarYear o f En tery in to Myanmar

1. The Alliance Insurance Co., Ltd. 18452. The Imperial Insurance Co., Ltd. 1845

3. The Northern Insurance Co., Ltd. 18604. The Royal Insurance Co., Ltd. 1863

5. The Sun Insurance Co., Ltd. 18786. The Liverpool-London & Global Insurance Co., Ltd. 1870

7. The North British &Mercantile Insurance Co., Ltd. 18788. The London & Lancashire Insurance Co., Ltd. 1880

9. The London Insurance Co., Ltd. 188310. Phoenix Assurance Co., Ltd. 1883

11. Atlas Assurance Co., Ltd. 188612. The New Zealand Insurance Co., Ltd. 188913. The Commercial Union Assurance Co., Ltd. 1890

14. The Royal Exchange Assurance 189115. The Scottish Union & National Assurance Co., Ltd. 1891

16. Norwich Union National Assurance Co., Ltd. 189717. Yorkshire Insurance Co., Ltd. 189718. The Caledonian Insurance Co., Ltd. 1897

ACUMEN ⏐ 59

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:41 AM59

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60 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Opinion

Changes of Insurance industries inChanges of Insurance industries inChanges of Insurance industries inChanges of Insurance industries inChanges of Insurance industries inMyanmarMyanmarMyanmarMyanmarMyanmar

After our country regained her independence in 1948,manychanges were taken place in insurance industry.Firstly the government nationalized the aforesaid Burma NationalInsurance Company and transformed it into ‘’ The UnionInsurance Board in 1952 (UIB) which was fully state owned.This board started only life insurance business for seven yearsin the foreigner’s dominated insurance market to compete them.However after 7 years later, the board underwrote generalinsurance business.

Especially due to the lack of experience, technical knowhowand expertises the state - owned enterprises can’t compete

successfully and the foreign insurance companies were still

dominating the major share of the life and non-life business. At

that time different types of insurance business transacted in themarket are -

1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . Life InsuranceLife InsuranceLife InsuranceLife InsuranceLife Insurance1 . Whole Life Insurance2 . Term Life3 . Endowment Life (with profit)4. Educational Life Insurance Policies5. Group Life Insurance

2 .2 .2 .2 .2 . Non-Life; General BusinessNon-Life; General BusinessNon-Life; General BusinessNon-Life; General BusinessNon-Life; General Business1. Fire Insurance2 . Motor Insurance3 . Marine Hull4. Marine Cargo

5. Engineering Insurance

6. Cash in Safe Insurance

There is a lack of publicawareness about theessence of insurancesystem in Myanmar.

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:42 AM60

ACUMEN ⏐ 61

7. Cash in Transit Insurance8. Public Liability Insurance9. Fidelity Insurance

10. Miscellaneous Insurance11. Reinsurance Business12. Personal Accident

Monopoly of life insuranceMonopoly of life insuranceMonopoly of life insuranceMonopoly of life insuranceMonopoly of life insuranceIn 1959, the government made the significant changes

regarding life business. All the private insurance companieswere prohibited to transact life insurance business. So the stateowned enterprise, ‘’The Union Insurance Board,’’ monopolizedthe entire life insurance business in Myanmar since that year1959.

Everybody knows that Burmese political system was

changed from democratic government to military junta in 1962.

In 1964, the military junta (Revolutionary

Council) abolished all private insurance

companies and there were no longer

competition of private underwriters in

the country since then. The aim of the

ban was to deter the outflow of foreign

exchange to other countries. Before 1964,

there was a very strong agency network

in Myanmar for a long time. In those

days, nearly four thousands agents were

selling different types of insurance

policies in the market.However the whole

insurance agency scheme was abolished

by the government in 1969. Since then,

the popularity of the insurance business

among the public became to faint day by

day and at present the essence of the

insurance business was nearly forgotten

by the younger generation. Ever since I

was a young boy, I heard some of senior

colleagues said that “Buying insurance brings comprehensiveprotection for your complete peace of mind”.

Insurance Schemes For FarmersInsurance Schemes For FarmersInsurance Schemes For FarmersInsurance Schemes For FarmersInsurance Schemes For FarmersUnder the span of Myanma Socialist Program Party, the

socialist government introduced very large insurance schemesthroughout the country especially for farmers in 1980. Theseschemes were mainly implemented by Township Party unitsand it reached the grass root of the country. These four projectswere,

1. Peasant Life Insurance2. Education Insurance3. Old Age Life and Annuity Insurance4. Cattle’s Live Stock Insurance

These big projects were carried out in more than 280

townships all over the country. As our customers are farmers,

living in rural areas, the Myanma Insurance Enterprise’s

employees had to go to the villages to sell the insurance certificate

in cooperation with party carders.

During the reign of SLORC (1988-2010)During the reign of SLORC (1988-2010)During the reign of SLORC (1988-2010)During the reign of SLORC (1988-2010)During the reign of SLORC (1988-2010)The aim of these projects were mainly to give financial

protection against the peasants and their families when they

met the unexpected life events.These projects were successful

and popular among the villagers. When BSPP was terminated

in 1988,so also these projects automatically ceased. During the

reign of the SLORC (1988-2010) some developments were seen

in insurance market. Many new products were introduced and

they are;

A. Oil and Gas Insurance

B. Seaman’s Life Assurance

C. Oversea Worker’s Life Assurance

D. Sport man Insurance

E. Snake Bite Insurance

F. Miner’s Liability Insurance

G. Travelling Insurance

Sr .NoSr .NoSr .NoSr .NoSr .No Name of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance Company Back Ground CompanyBack Ground CompanyBack Ground CompanyBack Ground CompanyBack Ground Company

1. First National Insurance Public Co., Ltd. Htoo Group

2. IKBZ Insurance public Co., Ltd. KBZ Bank3. Young Insurance Global Co., Ltd. Young Auto

4. Capital Life Insurance Co., Ltd. Diamond Star5. Grand Guardian Insurance Public Co., Ltd. ShweTaung Development

6. Global World Insurance Co., Ltd. Asia World7. Excellent Fortune Insurance Co., Ltd. Jade King & Jade Queen8. Aung Thit Sar Oo Insurance Co., Ltd. UMEHL

9. Pillar of Truth Insurance Co., Ltd. Parami Energy10. CB Public Insurance Co., Ltd. CB Bank

11. Aye Yar Myanmar Insurance Co., Ltd. Max12. Aung Myint Mo Min Insurance Co., Ltd. MEC

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:42 AM61

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60 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Opinion

Changes of Insurance industries inChanges of Insurance industries inChanges of Insurance industries inChanges of Insurance industries inChanges of Insurance industries inMyanmarMyanmarMyanmarMyanmarMyanmar

After our country regained her independence in 1948,manychanges were taken place in insurance industry.Firstly the government nationalized the aforesaid Burma NationalInsurance Company and transformed it into ‘’ The UnionInsurance Board in 1952 (UIB) which was fully state owned.This board started only life insurance business for seven yearsin the foreigner’s dominated insurance market to compete them.However after 7 years later, the board underwrote generalinsurance business.

Especially due to the lack of experience, technical knowhowand expertises the state - owned enterprises can’t compete

successfully and the foreign insurance companies were still

dominating the major share of the life and non-life business. At

that time different types of insurance business transacted in themarket are -

1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . Life InsuranceLife InsuranceLife InsuranceLife InsuranceLife Insurance1 . Whole Life Insurance2 . Term Life3 . Endowment Life (with profit)4. Educational Life Insurance Policies5. Group Life Insurance

2 .2 .2 .2 .2 . Non-Life; General BusinessNon-Life; General BusinessNon-Life; General BusinessNon-Life; General BusinessNon-Life; General Business1. Fire Insurance2 . Motor Insurance3 . Marine Hull4. Marine Cargo

5. Engineering Insurance

6. Cash in Safe Insurance

There is a lack of publicawareness about theessence of insurancesystem in Myanmar.

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:42 AM60

ACUMEN ⏐ 61

7. Cash in Transit Insurance8. Public Liability Insurance9. Fidelity Insurance

10. Miscellaneous Insurance11. Reinsurance Business12. Personal Accident

Monopoly of life insuranceMonopoly of life insuranceMonopoly of life insuranceMonopoly of life insuranceMonopoly of life insuranceIn 1959, the government made the significant changes

regarding life business. All the private insurance companieswere prohibited to transact life insurance business. So the stateowned enterprise, ‘’The Union Insurance Board,’’ monopolizedthe entire life insurance business in Myanmar since that year1959.

Everybody knows that Burmese political system was

changed from democratic government to military junta in 1962.

In 1964, the military junta (Revolutionary

Council) abolished all private insurance

companies and there were no longer

competition of private underwriters in

the country since then. The aim of the

ban was to deter the outflow of foreign

exchange to other countries. Before 1964,

there was a very strong agency network

in Myanmar for a long time. In those

days, nearly four thousands agents were

selling different types of insurance

policies in the market.However the whole

insurance agency scheme was abolished

by the government in 1969. Since then,

the popularity of the insurance business

among the public became to faint day by

day and at present the essence of the

insurance business was nearly forgotten

by the younger generation. Ever since I

was a young boy, I heard some of senior

colleagues said that “Buying insurance brings comprehensiveprotection for your complete peace of mind”.

Insurance Schemes For FarmersInsurance Schemes For FarmersInsurance Schemes For FarmersInsurance Schemes For FarmersInsurance Schemes For FarmersUnder the span of Myanma Socialist Program Party, the

socialist government introduced very large insurance schemesthroughout the country especially for farmers in 1980. Theseschemes were mainly implemented by Township Party unitsand it reached the grass root of the country. These four projectswere,

1. Peasant Life Insurance2. Education Insurance3. Old Age Life and Annuity Insurance4. Cattle’s Live Stock Insurance

These big projects were carried out in more than 280

townships all over the country. As our customers are farmers,

living in rural areas, the Myanma Insurance Enterprise’s

employees had to go to the villages to sell the insurance certificate

in cooperation with party carders.

During the reign of SLORC (1988-2010)During the reign of SLORC (1988-2010)During the reign of SLORC (1988-2010)During the reign of SLORC (1988-2010)During the reign of SLORC (1988-2010)The aim of these projects were mainly to give financial

protection against the peasants and their families when they

met the unexpected life events.These projects were successful

and popular among the villagers. When BSPP was terminated

in 1988,so also these projects automatically ceased. During the

reign of the SLORC (1988-2010) some developments were seen

in insurance market. Many new products were introduced and

they are;

A. Oil and Gas Insurance

B. Seaman’s Life Assurance

C. Oversea Worker’s Life Assurance

D. Sport man Insurance

E. Snake Bite Insurance

F. Miner’s Liability Insurance

G. Travelling Insurance

Sr .NoSr .NoSr .NoSr .NoSr .No Name of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance CompanyName of Insurance Company Back Ground CompanyBack Ground CompanyBack Ground CompanyBack Ground CompanyBack Ground Company

1. First National Insurance Public Co., Ltd. Htoo Group

2. IKBZ Insurance public Co., Ltd. KBZ Bank3. Young Insurance Global Co., Ltd. Young Auto

4. Capital Life Insurance Co., Ltd. Diamond Star5. Grand Guardian Insurance Public Co., Ltd. ShweTaung Development

6. Global World Insurance Co., Ltd. Asia World7. Excellent Fortune Insurance Co., Ltd. Jade King & Jade Queen8. Aung Thit Sar Oo Insurance Co., Ltd. UMEHL

9. Pillar of Truth Insurance Co., Ltd. Parami Energy10. CB Public Insurance Co., Ltd. CB Bank

11. Aye Yar Myanmar Insurance Co., Ltd. Max12. Aung Myint Mo Min Insurance Co., Ltd. MEC

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:42 AM61

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62 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

In 1996, the SLORC enacted the new law, “The InsuranceBusiness Law’’ in order to liberalize the state monopolizedinsurance business in Myanmar. Although private sector hadbeen controlled by the government for a long time therehappened a significant change in 1996. In the industry “MyanmarInternational Insurance Co.,” (MMIIC) which was a joint venturecompany between MEC (Myanmar Economics Corporation) andforeign private company emerged and operated all types ofinsurance business. However, this company lasted nearly fiveyears and was forced to abolish by the government in 2002.Since then there were neither rivals nor competitors in themarket again. With the flourishing of democratic changes andreforms into Myanmar, the new government liberalized the

market and ordered the Insurance Business Supervisory Board

to issue licenses for the private entrepreneurs to tract the

insurance business. This is the most important step taken by

the government to liberalize the private insurance sector, which

had been for more than five decades monopolized by the state.

The invitation of applications by the IBSBThe invitation of applications by the IBSBThe invitation of applications by the IBSBThe invitation of applications by the IBSBThe invitation of applications by the IBSBThe Insurance Supervisory Board invited the applications

for business license for formation of new companies on 27 April

2012. It was learned that more than 200 applications were sold

before the closing date 29 June 2012. But only 20 companies

applied for license before the closing date. The Board issued

the notifications on 5 September 2012 that out of 20 companies

applied for were eligible for issue of business permit.

The preliminary eligible companies and their back up

corporation were mentioned below. These back up companies

were very huge and afford to pay the required paid-up capital

amount kyats 46-billion for a composite insurance company.

Among these companies only some companies are public

insurance companies, namely IKBZ, Grand Guardian Insurance

Public Co.,Ltd. and Citizen Bank Public Insurance Co.,Ltd.

However till the end of May 2013, not a single company can

start to launch business operation because they are waiting forthe business licenses to be issued by IBSB. Some journalistsvery recently made criticism for delaying of the operational

launch of that insurance business.

The future for insurance business becomes bright againand very soon, the industry will be booming again with themomentum. The main theme of insurance is to give financial

protection against unexpected losses encountered by the

individuals as well as by corporate. The demand of insurancemay be fulfilled by the supply of 12 companies and at the sametime new job opportunities will be created. The main benefit

gained by the emergences of the new insurance companieswill be that most of the citizens of Myanmar may live in peaceof mind under the umbrella cover of the insurance. Because the

wealth of our people will be financially protected by the insurancesystem and the burden of the cost of medical treatment will

reduced by the medical insuranceand some financial problems to beencountered after retirement in oldage, may also be resolved by enjoyingthe benefits of the endowment lifeinsurance and annuity products. Theseare my optimistic points of views aboutthe emergence of the new companies.However many challenges arewaiting for the entrepreneurs.

Many ChallengesMany ChallengesMany ChallengesMany ChallengesMany ChallengesThe first one is lack of skilled

workforce .The second is lack of ad-

vanced and modern insurance tech-

nology. The third is lack of public

awareness about the essence of in-

surance system. Please allow me to

explain more about the above chal-

lenge faced by these entrepreneurs

who are very eager to venture in the

emerging insurance market. Lack of

skilled workforce is detrimental to

sustainable development of the insur-

ance industry in future. It is worthy to

mention that I have never heard of

any existence of insurance institute

which can foster the work force for

the industry.

The second point is that the

insurance business was introduced by

the British colonialists soon after the

first Anglo Burmese war in 1824.Since

the fall of Burma under the rule of

colonialists. So the insurance systemhas been practicing in Myanmar for

more than 150 years.

To be frank, I have never noticed that any significantchanges were made in this industry. I have been working inthis industry for more than 41 years .According to my experience

, during the reign of previous socialist government , some new

products such as ,farmers insurance, education insurance , lifeinsurance, cattle and live insurance were introduced in themarket ,especially for the rural people. However the launches

of these products were meant only for propaganda for theprestige and reputation of the Myanmar Socialist Program Party.

When the socialist program party was abolished so alsothese products perished. What I want to say here is that ourpeople were financially protected by the life insurance for

adversities in case of lost life for more than 150 years. But thelong term life products are not attractive to the public so only

Opinion

Aung Thisa OoInsurance office

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:42 AM62

ACUMEN ⏐ 63

very few policies were bought by the public .The presentendowment life insurance schemes which now is operating

in Myanmar does not allow does not allow does not allow does not allow does not allow neither profit nor bonus at theend of this policy term for the policy holder. Drawback of theproduct is that policy holder expects to get back some kind of

interest from what he has paid to the insurance company aspremium at the maturity date.

Moreover Myanmar people lost their faith in the insurancesystem and so also it becomes the severe impact for the newinsurance companies because it will take a lot of time in trying

to regain the lost faith of the public. Another very severe impactis the sky rocketed inflation rate which affects the policy holder

when he gets the saved money back as a maturity profit from

this policy.Real value of the money was decreased. So I lost a lot of

money because of buying this life insurance policy. Moreover

I got neither bonus nor profit out of this policy. The worst was

that I did not get any kind of interest for the money. I had paidto the insurance company as a premium.This is the main reasonwhy Myanmar People lost their faith in saving life insurance

products. These are recollection of my past experience andrational views about this present insurance market situation in

Myanmar. A

OpeningCeremony of

Grand GuardianInsurance

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:42 AM63

Page 65: Acumen September 2013

62 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

In 1996, the SLORC enacted the new law, “The InsuranceBusiness Law’’ in order to liberalize the state monopolizedinsurance business in Myanmar. Although private sector hadbeen controlled by the government for a long time therehappened a significant change in 1996. In the industry “MyanmarInternational Insurance Co.,” (MMIIC) which was a joint venturecompany between MEC (Myanmar Economics Corporation) andforeign private company emerged and operated all types ofinsurance business. However, this company lasted nearly fiveyears and was forced to abolish by the government in 2002.Since then there were neither rivals nor competitors in themarket again. With the flourishing of democratic changes andreforms into Myanmar, the new government liberalized the

market and ordered the Insurance Business Supervisory Board

to issue licenses for the private entrepreneurs to tract the

insurance business. This is the most important step taken by

the government to liberalize the private insurance sector, which

had been for more than five decades monopolized by the state.

The invitation of applications by the IBSBThe invitation of applications by the IBSBThe invitation of applications by the IBSBThe invitation of applications by the IBSBThe invitation of applications by the IBSBThe Insurance Supervisory Board invited the applications

for business license for formation of new companies on 27 April

2012. It was learned that more than 200 applications were sold

before the closing date 29 June 2012. But only 20 companies

applied for license before the closing date. The Board issued

the notifications on 5 September 2012 that out of 20 companies

applied for were eligible for issue of business permit.

The preliminary eligible companies and their back up

corporation were mentioned below. These back up companies

were very huge and afford to pay the required paid-up capital

amount kyats 46-billion for a composite insurance company.

Among these companies only some companies are public

insurance companies, namely IKBZ, Grand Guardian Insurance

Public Co.,Ltd. and Citizen Bank Public Insurance Co.,Ltd.

However till the end of May 2013, not a single company can

start to launch business operation because they are waiting forthe business licenses to be issued by IBSB. Some journalistsvery recently made criticism for delaying of the operational

launch of that insurance business.

The future for insurance business becomes bright againand very soon, the industry will be booming again with themomentum. The main theme of insurance is to give financial

protection against unexpected losses encountered by the

individuals as well as by corporate. The demand of insurancemay be fulfilled by the supply of 12 companies and at the sametime new job opportunities will be created. The main benefit

gained by the emergences of the new insurance companieswill be that most of the citizens of Myanmar may live in peaceof mind under the umbrella cover of the insurance. Because the

wealth of our people will be financially protected by the insurancesystem and the burden of the cost of medical treatment will

reduced by the medical insuranceand some financial problems to beencountered after retirement in oldage, may also be resolved by enjoyingthe benefits of the endowment lifeinsurance and annuity products. Theseare my optimistic points of views aboutthe emergence of the new companies.However many challenges arewaiting for the entrepreneurs.

Many ChallengesMany ChallengesMany ChallengesMany ChallengesMany ChallengesThe first one is lack of skilled

workforce .The second is lack of ad-

vanced and modern insurance tech-

nology. The third is lack of public

awareness about the essence of in-

surance system. Please allow me to

explain more about the above chal-

lenge faced by these entrepreneurs

who are very eager to venture in the

emerging insurance market. Lack of

skilled workforce is detrimental to

sustainable development of the insur-

ance industry in future. It is worthy to

mention that I have never heard of

any existence of insurance institute

which can foster the work force for

the industry.

The second point is that the

insurance business was introduced by

the British colonialists soon after the

first Anglo Burmese war in 1824.Since

the fall of Burma under the rule of

colonialists. So the insurance systemhas been practicing in Myanmar for

more than 150 years.

To be frank, I have never noticed that any significantchanges were made in this industry. I have been working inthis industry for more than 41 years .According to my experience

, during the reign of previous socialist government , some new

products such as ,farmers insurance, education insurance , lifeinsurance, cattle and live insurance were introduced in themarket ,especially for the rural people. However the launches

of these products were meant only for propaganda for theprestige and reputation of the Myanmar Socialist Program Party.

When the socialist program party was abolished so alsothese products perished. What I want to say here is that ourpeople were financially protected by the life insurance for

adversities in case of lost life for more than 150 years. But thelong term life products are not attractive to the public so only

Opinion

Aung Thisa OoInsurance office

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:42 AM62

ACUMEN ⏐ 63

very few policies were bought by the public .The presentendowment life insurance schemes which now is operating

in Myanmar does not allow does not allow does not allow does not allow does not allow neither profit nor bonus at theend of this policy term for the policy holder. Drawback of theproduct is that policy holder expects to get back some kind of

interest from what he has paid to the insurance company aspremium at the maturity date.

Moreover Myanmar people lost their faith in the insurancesystem and so also it becomes the severe impact for the newinsurance companies because it will take a lot of time in trying

to regain the lost faith of the public. Another very severe impactis the sky rocketed inflation rate which affects the policy holder

when he gets the saved money back as a maturity profit from

this policy.Real value of the money was decreased. So I lost a lot of

money because of buying this life insurance policy. Moreover

I got neither bonus nor profit out of this policy. The worst was

that I did not get any kind of interest for the money. I had paidto the insurance company as a premium.This is the main reasonwhy Myanmar People lost their faith in saving life insurance

products. These are recollection of my past experience andrational views about this present insurance market situation in

Myanmar. A

OpeningCeremony of

Grand GuardianInsurance

From UMyoLwin-Development of Insurance.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:42 AM63

Page 66: Acumen September 2013

64 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Culture

64 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

From UMyoLwin-Culture-Was Palangan An Old Thai Settlement (U Tin Maung Kyi).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:39 AM64

ACUMEN ⏐ 65ACUMEN ⏐ 65

From UMyoLwin-Culture-Was Palangan An Old Thai Settlement (U Tin Maung Kyi).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:39 AM65

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64 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Culture

64 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

From UMyoLwin-Culture-Was Palangan An Old Thai Settlement (U Tin Maung Kyi).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:39 AM64

ACUMEN ⏐ 65ACUMEN ⏐ 65

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Culture

The village is ‘Sak Khin’ (a patchof millet), the name itself indicatinga subsistent crop in a dry landwithout a canal or water supply.Large man-made water tanksbordering north and south of thevillage insure water supply for thevillage population the whole yearround. Many corrugated iron roofsbetray well-to-do class with a goodincome. In every house, two orthree huge glazed pots withenormous capacity for storing

water are found placed under the

eve. It indicates every house save

rain water. The rain water is good

to brew hot tea for every family.

The houses are all built with

available bamboos and walled

with palm leaves. Cut trunks of

palm trees hollowed out were dish

for dinner (manger) served to the

cattle. The houses are clean mostly

grounded (meaning not built on stilts); so they do not need to

keep cattle under the floor. So the cattle are kept separate away

from their houses.

The village was a small one with about 150 houses,

maintained under a tutorship of a Buddhist monastery. Several

chedis (pagoda), large and small, prove the village prosperity

and contribution to the religion.

Location of the villageLocation of the villageLocation of the villageLocation of the villageLocation of the villageBoth Sakkhin and deserted Phalangan are located in Wan-

dwin township, about 70 miles south from Mandalay. Arriving

at Phaya-su (a village) on motor car road, we turn to west for

about 8 miles. There is one more village on the way. We driveabout 45 minutes on a tract used by carts and cattle.

One must be careful asking about the way- whether the

road or tract ahead would be good. The answer is usually yes

from village folks met on the way, meaning their ‘motor cycle’can run on the road; whether the car can run or not they haveno idea.

Arriving at Sat Khin village, we picked up one village elder.

He got our message ahead one or two days before. We havealso informed our intention and that we will not collect antiquesbut to visit the abandoned Thai settlement-Phalangan.

The Thai SettlementThe Thai SettlementThe Thai SettlementThe Thai SettlementThe Thai SettlementFrom the northen wall of the Sat Khin village, we saw a

Chedi propping up from the tree top. It was Phalangan half amile away. A man about 45 years of age asked us where we

were going. On answering he said he was going in the same

direction and we thanked him as he led us to it across an open

rice field.

His version of the old storyHis version of the old storyHis version of the old storyHis version of the old storyHis version of the old storyMany many years ago, a group of settlers came to this

place with provisions and possessions carried on ‘nine elephants

and nine bullock carts.’ How many persons in the group he was

not sure about but one can estimate from number of elephants

and bullock carts. How many horses, this also he could not say.

They could not grow rice at first as it was a virgin land.

After a few years of hardship, they decided to settle here. And

their new village was now known as Phalangan.

ProbabilityProbabilityProbabilityProbabilityProbabilityThey were Thais coming here after Burenong’s reign. It

was a time of xgaos. To escape this they ran away to northfrom Honsawaddy to settle in a new far-a-way place. They

were supposed to be service-men and their families to a Thaiprincess, Nang Suwun (Suwanna) a sister of Phra Naresuon.

So they decided to settle here at Phalangan. They werestudious fellows and work hard for their survival. In few yearstheir colony grew bigger and started to enjoy peace and

prosperity.It was at this time that a pumpkin style chedi was built for

worshipping. Few generations passed and their past faded into

oblivion.

Map of Palangan (now deserted) Pumpkin Chedi are found in after-Burenaung Peroid 17-18 century. Thisis from abandoned village near Sat-khin.

From UMyoLwin-Culture-Was Palangan An Old Thai Settlement (U Tin Maung Kyi).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:39 AM66

ACUMEN ⏐ 67

Pumpkin type chedi tells their time of settle-Pumpkin type chedi tells their time of settle-Pumpkin type chedi tells their time of settle-Pumpkin type chedi tells their time of settle-Pumpkin type chedi tells their time of settle-mentmentmentmentment

The oldest chedi was a ‘Siamese’ type, as evident from its

height, one and a half higher than its diameter of the base.

Mainly there are two types of chedis. When the height was

equal to the base, it was know as ‘Myanmar type’. Example is

Shwedagon.

Another indicator is a design of the old chedi. It has ‘Kho-

nan’ or corners and the whole chedi is like a cucumber with

different folds. (See photo of old chedi). The type was exactly

like the ones built by two Kings at Ava, Sanay Min (1698-1714)and Taninganwe (1714-33). (See a chedi built by Sanay) It wasalso contemporary to a group “at Han Myint Mo”. (See a chedis

at Hanmyint-mo)

All these Chedis have one thing in common. Their cornersare like a cucumber. These are usually 12 corners counted allaround four corners. The Myanmar call them ‘Kho Nan’ (a small‘Kho Nan’ (a small‘Kho Nan’ (a small‘Kho Nan’ (a small‘Kho Nan’ (a small

cage for the dove).cage for the dove).cage for the dove).cage for the dove).cage for the dove). The Thai call them ‘Sibsong Mun.’

Sibsong Mun were widely found in design of chedis and

palaces since Sukhothai period.

Kho nan Kho nan Kho nan Kho nan Kho nan was found on votive tablets of Pyu period (earlyChristian Era) in Myanmar, according to traditional architect U

Win Maung, but Khonan becoming more popular to decorateregalia, betel containers, on chedis and palaces during Bayint

Naung’s (Buren-nong’s) reign and after.It is difficult to tell which side was earlier in adopting

Khonan design but it is safer to say both countries got the style

Map showing car tract to Sat-Khin and Palangan at Wundwin Township, Mandalay Division.

from ancient India. The Myanmar elaborated 12 corner design

into four categories- Kho-nan, Pon-nan, Maw-yun and Maw-

line. From these available designs, we can estimate their time

of settlement here after Buren-nong or late Nyaung-yan period.

According to elders in the village, the first were Thai settlers!

Probably they came here during the chaos in this period.

Wars in the past were a necessity on both sides and

neighbouring countries. The country usually had a wide space

of arable land and ample source of food, vegetables and meat

but human resource was lacking. For example Chiangmai was

depopulated for several decades because of the wars and Kavila,

new Lord of Chiengmai, decided to fill up the gap by populationbrought form neighboring countries. His policy was now betterknown as ‘Put all the vegetables into a basket.’

So the settlers lived here for a century or so. From time to

time their peaceful settlement was repeatedly joined bynewcomers as well. Naturally the population increased and theland still could provide sufficient food.

New comers and a new revoltNew comers and a new revoltNew comers and a new revoltNew comers and a new revoltNew comers and a new revoltThey were from Mingaung-nora-hta group. He was one of

Alaung Phaya’s generals who fought at the front line in Ayutthaya(1760)

A grudge had been brewed between the King’s son and

him. The general close to the King, spotted a secret love storyof the prince and a concubine who closely attended the King.Knowing this, the prince made a plan to remove him. When the

From UMyoLwin-Culture-Was Palangan An Old Thai Settlement (U Tin Maung Kyi).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:39 AM67

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66 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Culture

The village is ‘Sak Khin’ (a patchof millet), the name itself indicatinga subsistent crop in a dry landwithout a canal or water supply.Large man-made water tanksbordering north and south of thevillage insure water supply for thevillage population the whole yearround. Many corrugated iron roofsbetray well-to-do class with a goodincome. In every house, two orthree huge glazed pots withenormous capacity for storing

water are found placed under the

eve. It indicates every house save

rain water. The rain water is good

to brew hot tea for every family.

The houses are all built with

available bamboos and walled

with palm leaves. Cut trunks of

palm trees hollowed out were dish

for dinner (manger) served to the

cattle. The houses are clean mostly

grounded (meaning not built on stilts); so they do not need to

keep cattle under the floor. So the cattle are kept separate away

from their houses.

The village was a small one with about 150 houses,

maintained under a tutorship of a Buddhist monastery. Several

chedis (pagoda), large and small, prove the village prosperity

and contribution to the religion.

Location of the villageLocation of the villageLocation of the villageLocation of the villageLocation of the villageBoth Sakkhin and deserted Phalangan are located in Wan-

dwin township, about 70 miles south from Mandalay. Arriving

at Phaya-su (a village) on motor car road, we turn to west for

about 8 miles. There is one more village on the way. We driveabout 45 minutes on a tract used by carts and cattle.

One must be careful asking about the way- whether the

road or tract ahead would be good. The answer is usually yes

from village folks met on the way, meaning their ‘motor cycle’can run on the road; whether the car can run or not they haveno idea.

Arriving at Sat Khin village, we picked up one village elder.

He got our message ahead one or two days before. We havealso informed our intention and that we will not collect antiquesbut to visit the abandoned Thai settlement-Phalangan.

The Thai SettlementThe Thai SettlementThe Thai SettlementThe Thai SettlementThe Thai SettlementFrom the northen wall of the Sat Khin village, we saw a

Chedi propping up from the tree top. It was Phalangan half amile away. A man about 45 years of age asked us where we

were going. On answering he said he was going in the same

direction and we thanked him as he led us to it across an open

rice field.

His version of the old storyHis version of the old storyHis version of the old storyHis version of the old storyHis version of the old storyMany many years ago, a group of settlers came to this

place with provisions and possessions carried on ‘nine elephants

and nine bullock carts.’ How many persons in the group he was

not sure about but one can estimate from number of elephants

and bullock carts. How many horses, this also he could not say.

They could not grow rice at first as it was a virgin land.

After a few years of hardship, they decided to settle here. And

their new village was now known as Phalangan.

ProbabilityProbabilityProbabilityProbabilityProbabilityThey were Thais coming here after Burenong’s reign. It

was a time of xgaos. To escape this they ran away to northfrom Honsawaddy to settle in a new far-a-way place. They

were supposed to be service-men and their families to a Thaiprincess, Nang Suwun (Suwanna) a sister of Phra Naresuon.

So they decided to settle here at Phalangan. They werestudious fellows and work hard for their survival. In few yearstheir colony grew bigger and started to enjoy peace and

prosperity.It was at this time that a pumpkin style chedi was built for

worshipping. Few generations passed and their past faded into

oblivion.

Map of Palangan (now deserted) Pumpkin Chedi are found in after-Burenaung Peroid 17-18 century. Thisis from abandoned village near Sat-khin.

From UMyoLwin-Culture-Was Palangan An Old Thai Settlement (U Tin Maung Kyi).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:39 AM66

ACUMEN ⏐ 67

Pumpkin type chedi tells their time of settle-Pumpkin type chedi tells their time of settle-Pumpkin type chedi tells their time of settle-Pumpkin type chedi tells their time of settle-Pumpkin type chedi tells their time of settle-mentmentmentmentment

The oldest chedi was a ‘Siamese’ type, as evident from its

height, one and a half higher than its diameter of the base.

Mainly there are two types of chedis. When the height was

equal to the base, it was know as ‘Myanmar type’. Example is

Shwedagon.

Another indicator is a design of the old chedi. It has ‘Kho-

nan’ or corners and the whole chedi is like a cucumber with

different folds. (See photo of old chedi). The type was exactly

like the ones built by two Kings at Ava, Sanay Min (1698-1714)and Taninganwe (1714-33). (See a chedi built by Sanay) It wasalso contemporary to a group “at Han Myint Mo”. (See a chedis

at Hanmyint-mo)

All these Chedis have one thing in common. Their cornersare like a cucumber. These are usually 12 corners counted allaround four corners. The Myanmar call them ‘Kho Nan’ (a small‘Kho Nan’ (a small‘Kho Nan’ (a small‘Kho Nan’ (a small‘Kho Nan’ (a small

cage for the dove).cage for the dove).cage for the dove).cage for the dove).cage for the dove). The Thai call them ‘Sibsong Mun.’

Sibsong Mun were widely found in design of chedis and

palaces since Sukhothai period.

Kho nan Kho nan Kho nan Kho nan Kho nan was found on votive tablets of Pyu period (earlyChristian Era) in Myanmar, according to traditional architect U

Win Maung, but Khonan becoming more popular to decorateregalia, betel containers, on chedis and palaces during Bayint

Naung’s (Buren-nong’s) reign and after.It is difficult to tell which side was earlier in adopting

Khonan design but it is safer to say both countries got the style

Map showing car tract to Sat-Khin and Palangan at Wundwin Township, Mandalay Division.

from ancient India. The Myanmar elaborated 12 corner design

into four categories- Kho-nan, Pon-nan, Maw-yun and Maw-

line. From these available designs, we can estimate their time

of settlement here after Buren-nong or late Nyaung-yan period.

According to elders in the village, the first were Thai settlers!

Probably they came here during the chaos in this period.

Wars in the past were a necessity on both sides and

neighbouring countries. The country usually had a wide space

of arable land and ample source of food, vegetables and meat

but human resource was lacking. For example Chiangmai was

depopulated for several decades because of the wars and Kavila,

new Lord of Chiengmai, decided to fill up the gap by populationbrought form neighboring countries. His policy was now betterknown as ‘Put all the vegetables into a basket.’

So the settlers lived here for a century or so. From time to

time their peaceful settlement was repeatedly joined bynewcomers as well. Naturally the population increased and theland still could provide sufficient food.

New comers and a new revoltNew comers and a new revoltNew comers and a new revoltNew comers and a new revoltNew comers and a new revoltThey were from Mingaung-nora-hta group. He was one of

Alaung Phaya’s generals who fought at the front line in Ayutthaya(1760)

A grudge had been brewed between the King’s son and

him. The general close to the King, spotted a secret love storyof the prince and a concubine who closely attended the King.Knowing this, the prince made a plan to remove him. When the

From UMyoLwin-Culture-Was Palangan An Old Thai Settlement (U Tin Maung Kyi).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:39 AM67

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68 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

king was mortally wounded at Ayutthaya, all the troops wereordered a hasty retreat. The general was the last to departAyutthaya as he had to cover the rear.

The prince denied food supply to the general on the wayback. The general’s troops came home starving. An open attemptto arrest the general at Toungoo failed. It would be a chapter todescribe his adventure. So the general boldly captured Ava anddeclared himself a King. Nearly a year later he found himselfretreating south. In an attempt to cover his men, he was killed.Many of his soldiers escaped along with their families anddispersed.

One group came and joined with the Thai village here atPalangan. They all merged together after few years.

A new monasteryA new monasteryA new monasteryA new monasteryA new monasteryIt was said the general’s descendants built a pagoda, now

found in one corner of the abandoned monastery. (Someone

had renovated recently, see the pagoda.) They needed a tutor

to guide them in every aspect of their life. A village was not

complete without a monastery. So, they built a monastery here

in a compound walled with bricks.

Years past without any incidents. The area south of

Mandalay was a ‘cavalry area’ providing horse-men to the king’s

service. They were free from tax. When a new tax was imposed

on them, they revolted in 1866 coinciding with the King’s son-

Myin-goon Rebellion.

After that the area was no more peaceful. Many groups

contested for power struggle in the area and it was almost on

man’s land.

The villagers of Phalangan built a new monastery, decorated

with a lot of carvings. Probably the time was in late Konebaung

Kho-nan or A Cage for a DoveThe present monastery at Sat-Khin village

many years ago

A chedi at Han-Myint-Mo

Culture

From UMyoLwin-Culture-Was Palangan An Old Thai Settlement (U Tin Maung Kyi).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:40 AM68

ACUMEN ⏐ 69

or early british colonial time.

When the monastery was completed someone reported that

a palace was being built to raise a flag of resistance. When a

rumor arrived that someone was coming with a force, the leaderand elders of the settlement fled away. The Palangan village

went to disorder and many people moved about half a mile to

the south and the present village Sat Khin was a new settlementsince then.

Present situationPresent situationPresent situationPresent situationPresent situationThe abandoned site Palangan was gradually deserted.

Altogether four Chedis were left to ruin. Jungle had encroached

and engulfed the old site. Later three chedis were renovated bywealthy formers and the one with oldest design (old chedi)found now was nearly crumbling.

No one visited here except cattle herdersherdersherdersherdersherders. But the excellentcarving were a lure to the antique hunters. Many were lost

before the chief abbot from the new village decided to rescuethe art objects. The abbot was wise enough to fore-see thevillage heritage. He made a bold decision - to move all movable

art and antiques to the new village. The rest of the monastery

he moved all and re-built a new monastery close to his. (See

the photos of the two monastery)

He also put up panels panels panels panels panels of wood carvings to the wall of his

monastery and covered up with iron sheets to ensure fromantique hunters.

When we arrived the village on 1 july 2013, the carvingsare still nailed vertically at the wall under the iron sheets.

Hundreds of art objects are in the new monastery and a bookwill be necessary to list them into a catalogue. Under care of

the abbot, all art objects are forgotten in corners dusted in dimlight.

The art objects suggest a period of transition to bothmonarchial and colonial time. The old village folks maintained

their Thai origin. The oldest Chedi indicates a settlement at atime of late 17th century. The villagers also reported that twoseparate groups of Thais, had visited the site about 30 years

ago. A Thai lady in our group is sorry that she cannot claim

herself the first Thai visiting the site! A

Recently renovated PagodaOriginally built by the General’s men

Mythical animals from abandoned monastery.The Jaws reflet colonial influence

Design conserved in the present monastery.Lions and florals are all western.

From UMyoLwin-Culture-Was Palangan An Old Thai Settlement (U Tin Maung Kyi).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:40 AM69

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68 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

king was mortally wounded at Ayutthaya, all the troops wereordered a hasty retreat. The general was the last to departAyutthaya as he had to cover the rear.

The prince denied food supply to the general on the wayback. The general’s troops came home starving. An open attemptto arrest the general at Toungoo failed. It would be a chapter todescribe his adventure. So the general boldly captured Ava anddeclared himself a King. Nearly a year later he found himselfretreating south. In an attempt to cover his men, he was killed.Many of his soldiers escaped along with their families anddispersed.

One group came and joined with the Thai village here atPalangan. They all merged together after few years.

A new monasteryA new monasteryA new monasteryA new monasteryA new monasteryIt was said the general’s descendants built a pagoda, now

found in one corner of the abandoned monastery. (Someone

had renovated recently, see the pagoda.) They needed a tutor

to guide them in every aspect of their life. A village was not

complete without a monastery. So, they built a monastery here

in a compound walled with bricks.

Years past without any incidents. The area south of

Mandalay was a ‘cavalry area’ providing horse-men to the king’s

service. They were free from tax. When a new tax was imposed

on them, they revolted in 1866 coinciding with the King’s son-

Myin-goon Rebellion.

After that the area was no more peaceful. Many groups

contested for power struggle in the area and it was almost on

man’s land.

The villagers of Phalangan built a new monastery, decorated

with a lot of carvings. Probably the time was in late Konebaung

Kho-nan or A Cage for a DoveThe present monastery at Sat-Khin village

many years ago

A chedi at Han-Myint-Mo

Culture

From UMyoLwin-Culture-Was Palangan An Old Thai Settlement (U Tin Maung Kyi).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:40 AM68

ACUMEN ⏐ 69

or early british colonial time.

When the monastery was completed someone reported that

a palace was being built to raise a flag of resistance. When a

rumor arrived that someone was coming with a force, the leaderand elders of the settlement fled away. The Palangan village

went to disorder and many people moved about half a mile to

the south and the present village Sat Khin was a new settlementsince then.

Present situationPresent situationPresent situationPresent situationPresent situationThe abandoned site Palangan was gradually deserted.

Altogether four Chedis were left to ruin. Jungle had encroached

and engulfed the old site. Later three chedis were renovated bywealthy formers and the one with oldest design (old chedi)found now was nearly crumbling.

No one visited here except cattle herdersherdersherdersherdersherders. But the excellentcarving were a lure to the antique hunters. Many were lost

before the chief abbot from the new village decided to rescuethe art objects. The abbot was wise enough to fore-see thevillage heritage. He made a bold decision - to move all movable

art and antiques to the new village. The rest of the monastery

he moved all and re-built a new monastery close to his. (See

the photos of the two monastery)

He also put up panels panels panels panels panels of wood carvings to the wall of his

monastery and covered up with iron sheets to ensure fromantique hunters.

When we arrived the village on 1 july 2013, the carvingsare still nailed vertically at the wall under the iron sheets.

Hundreds of art objects are in the new monastery and a bookwill be necessary to list them into a catalogue. Under care of

the abbot, all art objects are forgotten in corners dusted in dimlight.

The art objects suggest a period of transition to bothmonarchial and colonial time. The old village folks maintained

their Thai origin. The oldest Chedi indicates a settlement at atime of late 17th century. The villagers also reported that twoseparate groups of Thais, had visited the site about 30 years

ago. A Thai lady in our group is sorry that she cannot claim

herself the first Thai visiting the site! A

Recently renovated PagodaOriginally built by the General’s men

Mythical animals from abandoned monastery.The Jaws reflet colonial influence

Design conserved in the present monastery.Lions and florals are all western.

From UMyoLwin-Culture-Was Palangan An Old Thai Settlement (U Tin Maung Kyi).pmd 8/13/2013, 10:40 AM69

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70 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e . c o m September 2013

Dining Out

70 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e . c o m September 2013

From UMyoLwin-Dining Out-50th Street.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:46 AM70

ACUMEN ⏐ 71ACUMEN ⏐ 71

From UMyoLwin-Dining Out-50th Street.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:46 AM71

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70 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e . c o m September 2013

Dining Out

70 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e . c o m September 2013

From UMyoLwin-Dining Out-50th Street.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:46 AM70

ACUMEN ⏐ 71ACUMEN ⏐ 71

From UMyoLwin-Dining Out-50th Street.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:46 AM71

Page 74: Acumen September 2013

adv.pmd 8/10/2013, 2:32 PM11

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adv.pmd 8/10/2013, 2:32 PM11 adv.pmd 8/13/2013, 11:20 AM4

Page 76: Acumen September 2013

Hanoi - Yangon

MON VN - 957 16:35 18:10TUE VN - 1121 06:00 08:00

VN - 943 11:40 13:25VN - 943 11:40 13:35+1

VN - 1197 21:55 23:55WED VN - 957 16:35 18:10THU VN - 1121 06:00 08:00

VN - 943 11:40 13:25VN - 1197 21:55 23:55VN - 943 11:40 13:35+1

FRI VN - 957 16:35 18:10SAT VN - 957 16:35 18:10SUN VN - 957 16:35 18:10

VN - 1121 06:00 08:00VN - 943 11:40 13:25VN - 943 11:40 13:35+1

VN - 1197 21:55 23:55

Yangon - Guangzhou

MON CZ - 3056 17:40 22:10TUE 8M - 711 8:40 13:15WED CZ - 3056 11:20 15:50THU 8M - 711 8:40 13:15FRI CZ - 3056 17:40 22:10SAT CZ - 3056 11:20 15:50SUN 8M - 711 8:40 13:15

Guangzhou - Yangon

MON CZ - 3055 14:45 16:35TUE 8M - 712 14:15 15:50WED CZ - 3055 08:40 10:30THU 8M - 712 14:15 15:50FRI CZ - 3055 14:45 16:35SAT CZ - 3055 09:05 10:30SUN 8M - 712 14:15 15:50

Yangon - Kunming

MON MU - 2032 14:40 17:55TUE CA - 906 14:15 17:35

MU - 2032 14:40 17:55WED CA - 906 14:15 17:35

MU - 2032 14:40 17:55MU - 2012 12:20 18:10

THU CA - 906 14:15 17:35

Singapore - Yangon

DAILY SQ - 998 07:55 09:20MI - 518 14:20 15:458M - 232 13:25 14:50

8M - 6231 08:55 10:25FRI 8M - 234 20:30 21:55

MI - 520 22:10 23:30SAT 8M - 234 20:30 21:55SUN MI - 520 22:10 23:30

8M - 234 20:30 21:55

Yangon - Kuala Lumpur

DAILY MH - 741 12:15 16:30AK - 1421 16:45 21:00AK - 1425 08:30 12:50

MON 8M - 501 07:50 11:50TUE MH - 743 16:55 21:10WED 8M - 501 07:50 11:50FRI MH - 743 16:55 21:10SAT 8M - 501 07:50 11:50SUN MH - 743 16:55 21:10

Kuala Lumpur - Yangon

DAILY MH - 740 10:05 11:15AK - 1420 15:05 16:15AK - 1424 06:55 08:00

MON 8M - 502 12:50 13:50TUE MH - 742 14:45 15:55WED 8M - 502 12:50 13:50FRI MH - 742 14:45 15:55SAT 8M - 502 12:50 13:50SUN MH - 742 14:45 15:55

Yangon - Hanoi

MON VN - 956 19:10 21:30TUE VN - 772 19:00 21:00WED VN - 956 19:10 21:30THU VN - 772 19:00 21:00FRI VN - 956 19:10 21:30SAT VN - 956 19:10 21:30SUN VN - 956 19:10 21:30

VN - 772 19:00 21:00

DDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRI DDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRIDDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRI

Yangon - Bangkok

DAILY TG - 302 14:45 16:40TG - 304 09:50 11:45TG - 306 19:40 21:35PG - 702 10:45 12:40PG - 704 18:20 20:15PG - 706 07:15 09:30

FD - 2752 08:30 10:15FD - 2756 12:15 14:05FD - 2754 17:50 19:358M - 335 09:00 10:458M - 331 16:30 18:15

Bangkok - Yangon

DAILY TG - 301 13:00 13:45TG - 303 07:55 08:50TG - 305 17:50 18:45PG - 701 08:50 09:40PG - 703 16:45 17:35PG - 705 20:15 21:30

FD - 2751 07:15 08:00FD - 2755 11:10 11:45FD - 2753 16:35 17:208M - 336 06:15 07:008M - 332 19:15 20:00

Yangon - Singapore

DAILY SQ - 997 10:25 14:45MI - 517 16:40 21:158M - 231 08:00 12:258M - 335 09:00 15:15

MON MI - 509 00:25 05:008M - 6232 11:30 16:05

TUE MI - 509 00:25 05:008M - 6232 11:15 15:50

WED 8M - 6232 11:30 16:05THU 8M - 6232 11:15 15:50FRI 8M - 6232 11:30 16:05

8M - 233 15:05 19:30SAT MI - 509 00:25 05:00

8M - 6232 11:30 16:058M - 233 15:05 19:30

SUN MI - 509 00:25 05:008M - 233 15:05 19:30

8M - 6232 11:15 15:50

International Flight Schedules

74 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Information-Flight Schedule.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:50 AM74

TG - 313 23:45 00:45+1MON AI - 228 14:05 15:05FRI AI - 228 14:05 15:05

Kolkata - Yangon

DAILY TG - 314 02:00 06:10TG - 301 13:00 13:45TG - 303 07:55 08:50

MON AI - 227 10:35 13:20AI - 233 13:30 18:00

FRI AI - 227 10:35 13:20

Mandalay - Kunming

DAILY MU - 2030 14:40 17:20

Mandalay - Kunming

DAILY MU - 2029 13:55 13:50

Mandalay - Bangkok

DAILY FD - 2761 12:45 15:00MON PG - 710 14:10 16:35TUE TG - 782 09:30 11:55WED PG - 710 14:10 16:35

TG - 782 09:30 11:55FRI PG - 710 14:10 16:35

TG - 782 09:30 11:55SAT TG - 782 09:30 11:55SUN PG - 710 14:10 16:35

TG - 782 09:30 11:55

Mandalay - Bangkok

DAILY FD - 2760 10:50 12:15MON PG - 709 12:00 13:20TUE TG - 781 07:25 08:50WED PG - 709 12:00 13:20

TG - 781 07:25 08:50FRI PG - 709 12:00 13:20

TG - 781 07:25 08:50SAT TG - 781 07:25 08:50SUN PG - 709 12:00 13:20

TG - 781 07:25 08:50

DDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRI DDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRIDDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRI

FRI MU - 2032 14:40 17:55SAT CA - 906 14:15 17:35

MU - 2032 14:40 17:55SUN CA - 906 14:15 17:35

MU - 2032 14:40 17:55

Kunming - Yangon

MON MU - 2031 13:30 14:00TUE CA - 905 13:00 13:15

MU - 2031 13:30 14:00WED CA - 905 13:00 13:15

MU - 2031 13:30 14:00MU - 2011 08:35 11:30

THU CA - 905 13:00 13:15FRI MU - 2031 13:30 14:00SAT CA - 905 13:00 13:15

MU - 2031 13:30 14:00SUN CA - 905 13:00 13:15

MU - 2031 13:30 14:00

Yangon - Teipei

DAILY CI - 7916 10:50 16:10

Teipei - Yangon

DAILY CI - 7915 07:00 09:50

Yangon - Nanning

WED MU - 2012 12:20 16:25SAT MU - 2012 12:20 16:25

Nanning - Yangon

WED MU - 2011 12:20 16:25SAT MU - 2011 12:20 16:25

Yangon - Doha

DAILY QR - 619 08:00 11:45

Doha - Yangon

DAILY QR - 618 21:05 7:35+1

ACUMEN ⏐ 75

Yangon - Seoul

DAILY KE - 472 00:05 08:00+1THU OZ - 770 00:35 09:10SUN OZ - 770 00:35 09:10

Seoul - Yangon

DAILY KE - 471 18:40 22:15WED OZ - 769 19:50 23:25SAT OZ - 769 19:50 23:25

Yangon - Ho Chi Minh

MON VN - 1169 06:00+108:00+1VN - 1169 18:30+110:30+1

TUE VN - 942 14:25 17:10WED VN - 1169 06:00+108:00+1

VN - 1169 18:30+110:30+1THU VN - 942 14:25 17:10SAT VN - 1169 06:00+108:00+1

VN - 1169 18:30+110:30+1SUN VN - 942 14:25 17:10

VN - 1169 06:00+108:00+1VN - 1169 18:30+110:30+1

Ho Chi Minh - Yangon

MON VN - 957 16:35 18:10TUE VN - 943 11:40 13:25WED VN - 957 16:35 18:10THU VN - 943 11:40 13:25SAT VN - 957 16:35 18:10SUN VN - 943 11:40 13:25

VN - 957 16:35 18:10

Yangon - Chiang Mai

THU W - 99607 14:20 16:10SUN W - 99607 14:20 16:10

Chiang Mai - Yangon

THU W - 99608 17:20 18:10SUN W - 99608 17:20 18:10

Yangon - Kolkata

DAILY TG - 306 19:45 21:40

Information-Flight Schedule.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:50 AM75

Page 77: Acumen September 2013

Hanoi - Yangon

MON VN - 957 16:35 18:10TUE VN - 1121 06:00 08:00

VN - 943 11:40 13:25VN - 943 11:40 13:35+1

VN - 1197 21:55 23:55WED VN - 957 16:35 18:10THU VN - 1121 06:00 08:00

VN - 943 11:40 13:25VN - 1197 21:55 23:55VN - 943 11:40 13:35+1

FRI VN - 957 16:35 18:10SAT VN - 957 16:35 18:10SUN VN - 957 16:35 18:10

VN - 1121 06:00 08:00VN - 943 11:40 13:25VN - 943 11:40 13:35+1

VN - 1197 21:55 23:55

Yangon - Guangzhou

MON CZ - 3056 17:40 22:10TUE 8M - 711 8:40 13:15WED CZ - 3056 11:20 15:50THU 8M - 711 8:40 13:15FRI CZ - 3056 17:40 22:10SAT CZ - 3056 11:20 15:50SUN 8M - 711 8:40 13:15

Guangzhou - Yangon

MON CZ - 3055 14:45 16:35TUE 8M - 712 14:15 15:50WED CZ - 3055 08:40 10:30THU 8M - 712 14:15 15:50FRI CZ - 3055 14:45 16:35SAT CZ - 3055 09:05 10:30SUN 8M - 712 14:15 15:50

Yangon - Kunming

MON MU - 2032 14:40 17:55TUE CA - 906 14:15 17:35

MU - 2032 14:40 17:55WED CA - 906 14:15 17:35

MU - 2032 14:40 17:55MU - 2012 12:20 18:10

THU CA - 906 14:15 17:35

Singapore - Yangon

DAILY SQ - 998 07:55 09:20MI - 518 14:20 15:458M - 232 13:25 14:50

8M - 6231 08:55 10:25FRI 8M - 234 20:30 21:55

MI - 520 22:10 23:30SAT 8M - 234 20:30 21:55SUN MI - 520 22:10 23:30

8M - 234 20:30 21:55

Yangon - Kuala Lumpur

DAILY MH - 741 12:15 16:30AK - 1421 16:45 21:00AK - 1425 08:30 12:50

MON 8M - 501 07:50 11:50TUE MH - 743 16:55 21:10WED 8M - 501 07:50 11:50FRI MH - 743 16:55 21:10SAT 8M - 501 07:50 11:50SUN MH - 743 16:55 21:10

Kuala Lumpur - Yangon

DAILY MH - 740 10:05 11:15AK - 1420 15:05 16:15AK - 1424 06:55 08:00

MON 8M - 502 12:50 13:50TUE MH - 742 14:45 15:55WED 8M - 502 12:50 13:50FRI MH - 742 14:45 15:55SAT 8M - 502 12:50 13:50SUN MH - 742 14:45 15:55

Yangon - Hanoi

MON VN - 956 19:10 21:30TUE VN - 772 19:00 21:00WED VN - 956 19:10 21:30THU VN - 772 19:00 21:00FRI VN - 956 19:10 21:30SAT VN - 956 19:10 21:30SUN VN - 956 19:10 21:30

VN - 772 19:00 21:00

DDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRI DDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRIDDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRI

Yangon - Bangkok

DAILY TG - 302 14:45 16:40TG - 304 09:50 11:45TG - 306 19:40 21:35PG - 702 10:45 12:40PG - 704 18:20 20:15PG - 706 07:15 09:30

FD - 2752 08:30 10:15FD - 2756 12:15 14:05FD - 2754 17:50 19:358M - 335 09:00 10:458M - 331 16:30 18:15

Bangkok - Yangon

DAILY TG - 301 13:00 13:45TG - 303 07:55 08:50TG - 305 17:50 18:45PG - 701 08:50 09:40PG - 703 16:45 17:35PG - 705 20:15 21:30

FD - 2751 07:15 08:00FD - 2755 11:10 11:45FD - 2753 16:35 17:208M - 336 06:15 07:008M - 332 19:15 20:00

Yangon - Singapore

DAILY SQ - 997 10:25 14:45MI - 517 16:40 21:158M - 231 08:00 12:258M - 335 09:00 15:15

MON MI - 509 00:25 05:008M - 6232 11:30 16:05

TUE MI - 509 00:25 05:008M - 6232 11:15 15:50

WED 8M - 6232 11:30 16:05THU 8M - 6232 11:15 15:50FRI 8M - 6232 11:30 16:05

8M - 233 15:05 19:30SAT MI - 509 00:25 05:00

8M - 6232 11:30 16:058M - 233 15:05 19:30

SUN MI - 509 00:25 05:008M - 233 15:05 19:30

8M - 6232 11:15 15:50

International Flight Schedules

74 ⏐ ACUMEN w w w. my a n m a r b 2 b m a g a z i n e. c o m September 2013

Information-Flight Schedule.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:50 AM74

TG - 313 23:45 00:45+1MON AI - 228 14:05 15:05FRI AI - 228 14:05 15:05

Kolkata - Yangon

DAILY TG - 314 02:00 06:10TG - 301 13:00 13:45TG - 303 07:55 08:50

MON AI - 227 10:35 13:20AI - 233 13:30 18:00

FRI AI - 227 10:35 13:20

Mandalay - Kunming

DAILY MU - 2030 14:40 17:20

Mandalay - Kunming

DAILY MU - 2029 13:55 13:50

Mandalay - Bangkok

DAILY FD - 2761 12:45 15:00MON PG - 710 14:10 16:35TUE TG - 782 09:30 11:55WED PG - 710 14:10 16:35

TG - 782 09:30 11:55FRI PG - 710 14:10 16:35

TG - 782 09:30 11:55SAT TG - 782 09:30 11:55SUN PG - 710 14:10 16:35

TG - 782 09:30 11:55

Mandalay - Bangkok

DAILY FD - 2760 10:50 12:15MON PG - 709 12:00 13:20TUE TG - 781 07:25 08:50WED PG - 709 12:00 13:20

TG - 781 07:25 08:50FRI PG - 709 12:00 13:20

TG - 781 07:25 08:50SAT TG - 781 07:25 08:50SUN PG - 709 12:00 13:20

TG - 781 07:25 08:50

DDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRI DDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRIDDDDDAAAAAYYYYY SSSSS FLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHTFLIGHT D E PD E PD E PD E PD E P ARRIARRIARRIARRIARRI

FRI MU - 2032 14:40 17:55SAT CA - 906 14:15 17:35

MU - 2032 14:40 17:55SUN CA - 906 14:15 17:35

MU - 2032 14:40 17:55

Kunming - Yangon

MON MU - 2031 13:30 14:00TUE CA - 905 13:00 13:15

MU - 2031 13:30 14:00WED CA - 905 13:00 13:15

MU - 2031 13:30 14:00MU - 2011 08:35 11:30

THU CA - 905 13:00 13:15FRI MU - 2031 13:30 14:00SAT CA - 905 13:00 13:15

MU - 2031 13:30 14:00SUN CA - 905 13:00 13:15

MU - 2031 13:30 14:00

Yangon - Teipei

DAILY CI - 7916 10:50 16:10

Teipei - Yangon

DAILY CI - 7915 07:00 09:50

Yangon - Nanning

WED MU - 2012 12:20 16:25SAT MU - 2012 12:20 16:25

Nanning - Yangon

WED MU - 2011 12:20 16:25SAT MU - 2011 12:20 16:25

Yangon - Doha

DAILY QR - 619 08:00 11:45

Doha - Yangon

DAILY QR - 618 21:05 7:35+1

ACUMEN ⏐ 75

Yangon - Seoul

DAILY KE - 472 00:05 08:00+1THU OZ - 770 00:35 09:10SUN OZ - 770 00:35 09:10

Seoul - Yangon

DAILY KE - 471 18:40 22:15WED OZ - 769 19:50 23:25SAT OZ - 769 19:50 23:25

Yangon - Ho Chi Minh

MON VN - 1169 06:00+108:00+1VN - 1169 18:30+110:30+1

TUE VN - 942 14:25 17:10WED VN - 1169 06:00+108:00+1

VN - 1169 18:30+110:30+1THU VN - 942 14:25 17:10SAT VN - 1169 06:00+108:00+1

VN - 1169 18:30+110:30+1SUN VN - 942 14:25 17:10

VN - 1169 06:00+108:00+1VN - 1169 18:30+110:30+1

Ho Chi Minh - Yangon

MON VN - 957 16:35 18:10TUE VN - 943 11:40 13:25WED VN - 957 16:35 18:10THU VN - 943 11:40 13:25SAT VN - 957 16:35 18:10SUN VN - 943 11:40 13:25

VN - 957 16:35 18:10

Yangon - Chiang Mai

THU W - 99607 14:20 16:10SUN W - 99607 14:20 16:10

Chiang Mai - Yangon

THU W - 99608 17:20 18:10SUN W - 99608 17:20 18:10

Yangon - Kolkata

DAILY TG - 306 19:45 21:40

Information-Flight Schedule.pmd 8/13/2013, 10:50 AM75

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ACUMEN ⏐ 11

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