CBM launches national QR standard MMQR for secure transactions

The Central Bank of Myanmar has developed a national QR standard MMQR, enabling secure and smooth international financial transactions and remittances while keeping abreast with other countries, said the Senior General.
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered an address as mentioned above at the launching ceremony of the national QR standard MMQR held at Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Centre (MICC I) in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that the people can use the MMQR created in line with the specifications of Myanmar national standards as a milestone of key payment system in Myanmar financial sector development.
The Central Bank of Myanmar is a focal organization for promoting the payment system of the country. Therefore, it makes concerted efforts to promote the payment system of the country, operate the system following the international criteria, promote public participation in financial system, ensure the financial transactions and transfers in people’s daily lives to be done in safe and easy ways, reduce cash use and adopt digital payment system more in the country and facilitate the foreign currency transfers in trade, investment and tourism industry of the country.
He continued that regarding the payment system development in Myanmar, the Myanmar Payment Organization, comprising of state-owned and privately-owned banks, was organized in 2011.
Then, the people used the international payment cards in addition to debit cards and credit cards of local banks without physically holding cash. In 2016, the Central Bank of Myanmar established the payment network system, allowing taxpayers to pay large sums of tax via the local banks.

It also needs to create access to financial services for the public residing in certain areas without any banking services while the country sees high mobile phone usage. Therefore, the Central Bank of Myanmar released laws, regulations, directives and orders for mobile banking, internet banking, mobile financial service, mobile pay and merchant acquiring service for up to the grassroots to be able to use digital payment method widely, and it also allowed systematically for government payment and small-scale payment such as electricity pay, tax, salary payment of government employees, insurance fee collection, small loan grants and collections.
Meanwhile, there was a need for a system that enables faster and more efficient connections between banks and mobile financial service providers as per the objectives of the National Payment System Strategy.
Therefore, the MMQR system using the QR code as a national level standard was developed. He then mentioned the benefits of MMQR in making different payments and the need to conduct public awareness programmes on how to make payments via MMQR.
He added that the MMQR can be used in different business sectors for payments like paying tax and electricity bills to the government, tourism industry, salary and pension payout to government employees, small-scale businesses, fuel stations, private hospitals, schools and in selling commodities.
The Central Bank of Myanmar has developed a national level standard MMQR, enabling secure and smooth international financial transactions and remittances while keeping abreast with other countries.
It is also a driving force to develop the digital business infrastructure of the country. With the advancement of technology, it needs to monitor telecom fraud while systematic arrangements are provided.
He appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Central Bank of Myanmar and relevant organizations in the successful development of MMQR and urged concerned personnel to keep working together to develop the payment system and strengthen the financial sector of the country.
Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar Daw Than Than Swe reported on the work processes of the national QR standard MMQR.
After the event, she presented a gift marking the launch of the national QR standard MMQR to the Senior General.
Afterwards, the Senior General posed for a documentary photo alongside attendees and observed the MMQR payment system and the booths displayed at the event. — MNA/KTZH

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

The total travel time, including stops at stations, for the Yangon-Mandalay route will be approximately 11 hours, while the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon route will take about five and a half hours.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications, through Myanmar Railways, is set to launch a new service connecting Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw with modern air-conditioned DEMU trains starting on 28 February. The new train sets, which have been imported from Japan, will be used for the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw (No 7) and Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon (No 8) routes, as well as the Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw (No 28) and Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay (No 27).
The new DEMU trains on the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw route will depart Yangon station at 6 am, reaching Nay Pyi Taw at around 11:30 am. Meanwhile, the air-conditioned trains on the Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon route will leave Nay Pyi Taw at noon and arrive in Yangon at 5:30 pm. The Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw trains will depart from Mandalay station at 6 am and arrive in Nay Pyi Taw at 11 am. The Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay trains will leave Nay Pyi Taw at noon and reach Mandalay at 5 pm.
Each train set will consist of four first-class coaches, two upper-class coaches and a total of six carriages, accommodating 312 passengers on the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw route and 330 passengers on the Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw route. Ticket prices for the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw and Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon routes will be K19,000 for first class, K28,000 for upper class, and K7,000 for ordinary class on the Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw and Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay routes.
Tickets for the entire Yangon-Mandalay route, including both directions will cost K26,000 for first class, and K39,000 for upper class and will be available for purchase three days in advance. Passengers will be able to transfer between the DEMU trains and air-conditioned trains at Nay Pyi Taw station.
Throughout the Yangon-Mandalay route, the trains will stop at Bago, Pyu, Toungoo, Nay Pyi Taw and Thazi stations and the total travel time including stops at stations will be approximately 11 hours. On the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon route, the travel time will be about five hours and a half. — MNA/KZL

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

THE Myanmar Coffee Association announced that the new Coffee Quality Institute-accredited Robusta course, CQI-certified Robusta for Arabica Lovers (Batch 2), will be organized by CQI Lecturer experts and will provide information on new coffee market opportunities.
This course covers the history and biology of Robusta coffee, new Robusta market opportunities, coffee cultivation and production, practices, coffee quality, and other unique features. It is useful for anyone working in the coffee industry, including producers, quality assessors, and coffee lovers.
Throughout the course, market statistics, cultivation and production practices, and coffee quality comparisons with relevant Arabica will be provided. This class aims to introduce Robusta coffee by CQI coffee experts and to help learners understand the potential of Fine Robusta.
The training period is from 10 am to 4 pm on 1-2 March at Myanmar Coffee Exchange Co Ltd, Yangon. The training fee is K700,000 and K650,000 for members. The course includes coffee and cake in the morning, lunch in the afternoon, and coffee and cake in the evening.
Accommodation and travel expenses will have to be covered by the participants. The number of participants is limited and it is on a first-come first-served basis.
Those who wish to attend are requested to register by email at myanmarcoffeexchange@gmail.com or by phone or Viber at 09 784888808, 09 420020869 by 27 February. — MT/ZN

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

NAY PYI TAW February 19

The opening ceremony of Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum (2025) was held at MICC II here this morning, addressed by Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Also present were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, SAC members, union ministers, union level dignitaries, the Nay Pyi Taw Council chair, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, deputy ministers, heads of department, the president and members of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the chair and members of Myanmar Food Processors and Exporters Association, representatives  of affiliated associations, entrepreneurs, officials and invited guests.

In his keynote address, the Senior General said a nation’s economic development is  measured by GDP. Calculation of GDP is based on three major sectors agricultural sector, industrial sector and services sector. In setting up an industrial nation based on agriculture, agricultural raw materials play a pivotal role, while electricity and energy are also important inputs. Hence, the three commissions, industrial development commission, electric and  energy development commission and agriculture development commission, were set up for harmonious advancement of the country’s industrial sector and economy.

Food, clothing and shelter  are the three main components for survival. Of the three, food is an essential and most basic  daily requirement. Distribution of quality food at fair prices  will ensure food sufficiency and accessibility for the public and availability of food that  meets export standards. In this regard,  the government is applying multiple means for the  progress of the internal food production industry.

Emergence of a better economic environment for development of food industry, increase in production of quality and safe food all along the production chain of the industry, assurance of domestic food sufficiency and import-substitution for export market penetration, adoption of new measures for continuous development of food industry, simplification of food industryrelated laws and procedures, and broader distribution of techniques, norms and information are the goals of the forum.The country has an adequate quantity of main  raw  material supply ready for food industry. The total number and percentage of food manufacturing enterprises is highest at 23,887 or 49.63 percent among the registered  private industries.

Of the registered private industries in industrial zones, the number of food production businesses was the highest at 2,004. Of the 49,025 registered MSMEs, those related to the food industry take the top position with a total number of 9,984.

Serious attention must be paid to the food industry whose number is high in the private production and business sectors.

The objective of fostering the growth and success of MSME businesses is to bolster the domestic economy, in other words, to support domestic manufacturing.

In this effort, the primary and essential requirement for manufacturing is raw materials.

Therefore, the policy has been established to prioritize the production of domestic and regional raw materials.Regionally produced agricultural and farming products serve as reliable raw materials.From this point, it will be necessary to take gradual steps to replace imports and boost exports.During the recent MSME exhibition held across various states and regions, numerous positive developments were observed.It is a fact that enhanced product quality and packaging have significantly boosted sales and purchasing power.Therefore, efforts must be made to meet the needs of and support local food businesses that are focused on ensuring domestic consumption and expanding exports.

This is why the Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum is being held today.It is believed that this forum will provide an opportunity to observe, discuss, and exchange insights on the weaknesses, strengths, challenges, and opportunities within the local food industry.

Only through collective efforts to ensure that tasks are carried out efficiently and swiftly can progress be made. Therefore, all are urged to further strengthen government-private sector cooperation, keeping national and public interests at the forefront.

Only through close cooperation between the government and the private sector to meet needs can production and the flow of commodities be improved.It is essential to openly discuss the challenges faced by those working on the ground, identify solutions, and coordinate their implementation.

The key point to remember is that everyone must implement the projects quickly and efficiently, understanding that they are working for the benefit of the country.

Therefore, it is important to encourage and support business owners who are working to improve the country’s economy, while collaborating to develop the nation’s industrial production sector. Business owners are also urged to strive for further development of their manufacturing industries, with a focus on public and national interests.

Following that, a video clip on Myanmar Food Industry Development was shown. Subsequently, U Aye Win, Chairman of the Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, explained the holding of the Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum (2025).

Afterward, U Aye Win, Chairman of the Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and U Aung Shwe, Chairman of the Myanmar Food Processors and Exporters Association, presented the Senior General with a commemorative medal to mark the opening of the Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum (2025).

Following that, the attendees of the ceremony, along with the Senior General, posed for a group photo.

Afterward, the Senior General and the attendees of the ceremony toured the Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum to explore the locally produced food products and exhibits with interest. Then, the Senior General inquired about the presentations made by the officials and provided suggestions on the required measures.

The Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum (2025) will run until February 20. During the forum, sector-specific discussions will take place to foster the development of Myanmar’s food production.

Source: Myawady Web Portal
 

NAY PYI TAW February 19

The CRPH, the NUG, the PDF under their command, which have been designated as  terrorists by the government, and organizations and individuals relating to them are committing acts of terror through various means including mainly targeting and assassinating innocent people including government employees, blowing off and destroying public places and robbing public properties, with the aim of disrupting the government mechanism by undermining the stability of the state and causing fear among the public.

While 100-house administrator U Win Oo, who lived at No. 80 in Aung Tharyar Ward in Chanmyathazi Township in Mandalay Region was sitting in front of Aung Kyaw Soe Betel Shop near his house on 26 January, 2025, two men (still under investigation) on a motorcycle fired two rounds of pistol at him and drove away, resulting in his death of gunshot wound on his throat.

In connection with the incident,  security forces took measures to uncover the criminals and detained Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe, 38 and Min Khant (a.k.a) Gugu, 20, at their  house on 113rd street between 48th  and 49th  roads in Htontone Ward in Chanmyathazi Township together with one 9MM bullet in the morning of 2 February thanks to the cooperation and  tips of people who protest acts of terror.

Following their confessions, Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay, 36, who lived on 113rd street  between 47th  and 48th  roads in Htontone Ward in Chanmyathazi Township, was detained with  four home-made pistols, 17rounds of 9MM pistols, 11 MG1 plastic grenades, one 91  grenade and one Chinese grenade in the same morning.

Following the confessions of Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe, Zaw Zaw Tun (a.k.a) Zaw Thet (a.k.a) Fatty, 28, who lived in Myananda Ward in Palate town, was detained at the  combined checkpoint in Hwehnitgaing Village in Sintgaing Township in the evening of 3 February.

Following the confession of Zaw Zaw Tun (a.k.a) Zaw Thet (a.k.a) Fatty, Tun Tun Myint, 50, who lived in Kywe Napha Village in Sintgaing was detained in the morning of 5 February and Thurain Tun, 26, who lived in Plot 501, Kyunlone Oatshaung Ward in Chanmyathazi Township was detained in the evening of 6 February.

In the case, six male defendants who murdered innocent people in Mandalay Region were detained together with four home-made pistols, 18 rounds of 9mm pistol and 13 assorted grenades.

According to the confessions of the defendants, they became acquaintances with defendant at large Min Thant Kyaw (a.k.a) Win Tun (a.k.a) Phaung Daing and brought and kept four homemade pistols, 31 rounds of 9mm and 15 grenades at the house of Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay to carry out acts of terror under his instructions.

According to the confessions of the arrested defendants,  under the orders of Min Thant Kyaw (a.k.a) Win Htun (a.k.a) Phaung Daing, a member of the MDY PDF terrorist group, they carried out 9 assassinations and 2 bombings targeting innocent civilians in Mandalay and Sintgaing towns after accusing them of being informants.

(a) On April 27, 2024, at a bridge near the entrance of Uyin Gyi Village in Sintgaing Township, two individuals, Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe and Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay, shot and killed an innocent civilian, U Aung Win, using a pistol.

(b) On June 29, in Chanmyathazi Township, at the Thanlyat Hmaw Taung neighborhood, Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win  Soe and Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay shot and killed the 100-house administrator, U Pho Kyaw, while Thurein Htun monitored the situation.

(c) On July 4, in Chanmyathazi Township, at the “Ngwe San Dar” tea shop in Kyun Lone U Shaung neighborhood, Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe and Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay shot and killed the 100-house administrator, U Tin Lin, with Thurein Htun monitoring the situation.

(d) On July 14, in Amarapura Township, at the corner of Bagaya Curve on the Sagaing- Mandalay road in Hmantan neighborhood, Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe and Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay shot and killed the 100-house adminostrator, U Kyaw Sein, from Tha Lay Swa village, using a pistol, while Zaw Zaw Htun (a.k.a) Zaw Thet (a.k.a) Fatty monitored the situation.

(e) On October 13, in Pyigyitagon Township, at the corner of 125th  Street and 62nd  Street in Ward-F, Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe and Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay shot and  killed traffic police officers who were conducting vehicle and traffic inspections, with Zaw  Zaw Htun (a.k.a) Zaw Thet (a.k.a) Fatty monitoring the situation.

(f) On December 6, in Amarapura Township, at the Myitnge neighborhood in Aung Mingalar ward, Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe and Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay shot and killed the 100-house administrator, U Zaw Thura Htun, using a pistol, with Zaw Zaw Htun (a.k.a) Zaw Thet (a.k.a) Fatty monitoring the situation.

(g) On January 1, 2025, in  Myitnge town, Yankin ward, near the ward administrator’s office along the Sagaing-Myitnge road, the ward administrator U Saw Nay Htun was accused of being an informant and was shot and killed by Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe and Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay using a pistol.

(h) On January 15, in Sintgaing town, an innocent civilian, Tun Naing Oo, from Kywe Na Phar (South) Village, was accused of being an informant. Tun Tun Myint paid Ks-50,000 to have him assassinated, and Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe and Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung  Lay carried out the killing using a pistol.

(i) On January 26, in Chanmyathazi Township, Aung Tharyar neighborhood, the 100-house administrator U Win Oo was accused of being an informer and was shot and killed by Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe and Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay using a pistol.

Additionally, according to the confessions of the arrested defendants, under the orders of Min Thant Kyaw (a.k.a) Win Htun (a.k.a) Phaung Daing, a member of the MDY PDF terrorist group, they carried out 2 bombings within Mandalay city:

(a) On July 19, 2024, in Mahaaungmyay Township, at the corner of 62nd Street and 37(A) Street in Maha Myaing (2) neighborhood, Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe and Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay threw a hand grenade at the Mytel office, with Zaw Zaw Htun (a.k.a) Zaw Thet (a.k.a) Fatty monitoring the situation.

(b) On January 12, 2025, in Amarapura Township, at the checkpoint on the Htonbo-Pyin OoLwin road in Sauktawwa village, Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe and Aung Aung (a.k.a) Aung Lay threw a hand grenade, causing injuries to one innocent civilian, with Zaw Zaw Htun (a.k.a) Zaw Thet (a.k.a) Fatty monitoring the situation.

According to the confessions of the arrested defendants, Min Thant Kyaw (a.k.a) Win Htun (a.k.a) Phaung Daing, who remains at large, provided financial support of Ks-1,000,000 per assassination or terrorist act through Kpay. The funds were distributed as follows Ks-300,000 each to Nan Win Soe (a.k.a) Naing Win Soe, Aung Aung(a.k.a) Aung Lay, and Zaw Zaw Htun (a.k.a) Zaw Thet (a.k.a) Fatty, and Ks-100,000 to those who monitored the situation.

Therefore, legal action will continue to be taken against the arrested defendants in accordance with the crimes they have committed. The public is urged to collectively defend against and combat terrorism, and to promptly report any information regarding the hiding places or movements of the suspects to the relevant authorities.

Informants and those who assist in arrests will be rewarded appropriately and confidentially. We appeal to the entire public to cooperate and work together to restore peace and stability to our towns and villages as quickly as possible.

This announcement is hereby issued for public awareness.

Source: Myawady Web Portal
 

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla hosted a dinner in honour of the 78th Anniversary of Union Day 2025 at the square of the City Hall in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday evening.
On their arrival at the square of the Nay Pyi Taw City Hall at 6 pm, the Senior General and his wife were welcomed by SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Thiri Pyanchi Maha Thray Sithu Soe Win and his wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Union ministers and their wives, Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman U Than Tun Oo and his wife.
The Senior General and his wife, and the Vice-Senior General and his wife cordially greeted traditional ethnic cultural troupes from regions and states, chairpersons and representatives from political parties, leaders and representatives from NCA signatory ethnic armed organizations, economic ministers and ethnic affairs ministers from regions and states, MSME businesspersons from regions and states, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, Union ministers, Union-level dignitaries and their wives, SAC members and their wives, the Council Joint Secretary and his wife, the Secretary and his wife.
The Senior General and his wife enjoyed the fireworks display to mark the 78th Anniversary of Union Day 2025. The Senior General and wife had dinner together with the attendees. At the dinner, singers from Myanmar Athan’s modern band performed songs.
After the dinner, the Senior General and his wife enjoyed traditional dance entertainment of artistes from the Fine Arts Department and traditional ethnic cultural troupes at the open-air theatre.
The Senior General and his wife presented the flower basket of honour to the traditional ethnic cultural troupes.
Also present at the dinner were the SAC Secretary and wife, the Joint Secretary and wife, members of SAC and wives, members of SAC Central Advisory Body and wives, retired senior Tatmadaw officers, Union ministers, Union-level dignitaries and their wives, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, deputy ministers, chairmen and representatives from political parties, leaders and representatives from NCA signatory ethnic armed organizations, economic ministers and ethnic affairs ministers from regions and states, MSME businesspersons from regions and states, and ethnic cultural troupes and guests. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

AS its fourth international flight schedule, Myanmar Airways International said a new direct flight from Mandalay Airport to Chiang Mai was launched on 10 February. 

MAI said it is the fourth direct international flight, to provide more options for more convenient travel for passengers, after previous direct flights to Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok-Don Mueang and Novosibirsk from Mandalay. 

The Mandalay-Chiang Mai flight will run on every Monday and Friday weekly, it said. — MT/ ZS

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Union-level MSME Product Exhibition and Competition aim to produce value-added products at home as import-substitute goods and penetrate foreign markets.

A ceremony to open the Union-level MSME Product Exhibition and Competition took place at Tabaung Ground near the Uppatasanti Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Chairman of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Work Committee SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Union Ministers U Win Shein, U Min Naung. U Hla Moe, Dr Charlie Than, Dr Myo Thein Kyaw and Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman U Than Tun Oo cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the expo.
The Senior General pressed the button to inaugurate the expo.
At the opening ceremony, the Senior General and attendees enjoyed the dance performances of traditional cultural troupes with the song in honour of the opening of the expo in commemoration of the 78th Anniversary of Union Day.
The Senior General and his entourage interestingly visited the ministerial booths, and MSME booths of regions and states and asked about matters related to products, discussed work process of relevant products, use of raw materials, manufacturing of products, market shares at home and abroad, requirements of workplaces, and potentials to extend distribution of products domestically and internationally and fulfilled the needs.
In the afternoon, the Senior General viewed round MSME products at the booths of Mandalay Region, Ministry of Information, Business Matching Hall, Myanmar Banks Association, Digital Corner, Myanmar Economic Holding Public Company Limited, Myanmar Economic Corporation, Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Myanmar Traditional Medicine Producers and Medical Entrepreneurs Association and Myanmar Oil Millers Association and asked about production, supply of raw materials, grasping foreign market shars, more distribution of products at home and abroad, and gave guidance. They rode buggies to view round products displayed by small-scale industries and manufacturing cooperative societies.
Also present at the ceremony were Daw Than Than Nwe, wife of the Vice-Senior General, Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, council members and their wives, Union ministers and their wives, Union-level dignitaries and their wives, chief ministers of regions and states and their wives, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, deputy ministers and officials.
The expo will last for five days from 10 to 14 February, at Tabaung Ground, south of Uppatasanti Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw. The expo aims to develop cooperation among MSMEs in regions and states to fulfil requirements for each other in the production chain and analyze strong and weak points, to help businesspersons seek the significant points for manufacturing better quality products at fair prices than others, to encourage successful implementation of the One Region One Product scheme, to continuously enhance products and services of MSMEs, to produce value-added products at home as import-substitute goods and penetrate foreign markets, to further cooperate between MSMEs and local and foreign investors, to honour model product awards to MSMEs and contribute to long-standing of MSME.
The expo features product sales at 96 booths of ministries, regions and states, traditional food stalls of ethnic people, business matching process, technological booths, foreign machinery and products, small-scale industries and manufacturing cooperative societies.
Plans are underway to present digital trophies, certificates of appreciation and cash awards for products to winners in 31 genres in the product competition. Cash award winners can take cash from e-banking through the digital payment system. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing received Indian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the humanitarian leader and peace envoy, at the Credentials Hall of the Office of the SAC Chairman in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.

At the meeting, the Senior General extended greetings, expressing that he warmly welcomed the visit of the Indian Gurudev who has been striving to forge peace worldwide in various ways and means. The Indian Gurudev mentioned that his visit to Myanmar is to provide support in any possible way for the peace and prosperity of the country. It is also an honour and a pleasure to meet and discuss with the State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister. 

They cordially exchanged views on political changes from the post-independence era to date in Myanmar, occurrences of armed conflicts of ethnics due to external instigations from the post-independence era, efforts to restore internal peace in successive eras, democratization process starting from 2011, discharging State responsibilities by Tatmadaw due to voting fraud in the 2020 multiparty democratic general elections, occurrences of terror acts based on unrest triggered by different political ideologies, endeavours of the State Administration Council emphasizing peace and stability of the State and development undertakings, negotiation efforts of the Indian humanitarian leader and peace envoy to restore peace in many countries worldwide, plans of the Indian Gurudev to help Myanmar ensure peace and stability, and Myanmar’s efforts to make preparations to hold a free and fair multiparty democratic general election.

Also, present at the meeting were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council Member Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, Union Ministers U Than Swe and U Tin Oo Lwin. Delegation members accompanied the Indian Gurudev.

The Senior General conducted the Indian Gurudev around the honorary hall where paintings are displayed. MNA/TTA

Source: www.moi.gov.mm

Artistes were urged to uphold national and ethnic interests based on their expertise in the arts through a national spirit for the benefit of the nation and its people.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing underscored that it is necessary to take measures to eliminate the actions carried out through social networks and unethical media that undermine religion, national culture, and unity, mislead young people in their thoughts and beliefs, and weaken the attempts that could harm the nation’s interests.
The Myanmar Motion Pictures Outstanding Award Presentation ceremony for 2024 took place at the Myanmar International Convention Centre I in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday evening, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing who delivered an opening address and awarded the outstanding artistes.
The Senior General and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla viewed the documentary photos bearing motion pictures of outstanding award winners, films and outstanding artistes and technicians from 1952 to 2023 displayed along the entrance to the Jade Hall.
The Senior General opened the ceremony for 2024 by keeping an Academy Statue on the digital machine board.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General delivered an opening address. He said: Myanmar motion pictures, with their rich history spanning over 100 years, have not only entertained the public by providing relaxation and a variety of artistic experiences across different eras but have also played a significant role in reflecting the nation’s important affairs and real situations through art. As a result, it has fulfilled its responsibility to both the country and its people.
Film artistes played a role in inspiring patriotism and unity among ethnic communities during the struggle for independence. Through their artistic talents, they encouraged national spirit, cultural preservation, and solidarity. Even after independence, they continued to contribute to internal peace, national unity, and national development through their artistic endeavours.
Everybody must continuously strive to preserve and document valuable existing national cultural heritage as part of the world’s cultural heritage for all of humanity. For the success of this endeavour, all citizens of Myanmar have to work together and contribute.

The principles conveyed through an art form reflect a nation’s cultural values, making motion pictures an extremely significant medium. As a fusion of art, craftsmanship, and technology, motion pictures possess a profound influence, subtly yet effectively touching the hearts and minds of the people, standing as a powerful form of media and a key instrument of soft power.
All film artistes have to create films that leave a lasting impact on people’s hearts and bring meaningful benefits.
Through artistic expression, they have to aim to raise international awareness of Myanmar and people, fostering deeper connections and understanding seeking to use art as a means to spread knowledge and insights, ensuring that public thoughts and perspectives align with the nation’s progress. Ultimately, these works must initiate collective participation from all citizens in nation-building through powerful and effective artistic works.
As the actions carried out through social networks and unethical media that undermine religion, national culture, and unity, mislead young people in their thoughts and beliefs, and weaken their morale are deliberate attempts that could harm the nation’s interests, it is necessary to take measures to reduce and eliminate them.
Artistes from all arenas have to contribute to the successful implementation of national peace, prosperity, development, and the achievement of goals.
A special request is made to ensure that Myanmar’s traditions and customs do not fade or disappear, to prevent the influence of foreign cultures from overshadowing own culture, and to preserve Myanmar’s cultural identity without losing its essence.
The Senior General also urged all to adapt harmoniously to the changing times while upholding national and ethnic interests based on their expertise in the arts through a national spirit for the benefit of the nation and its people.
Chairman of the Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization Academy U Kyi Soe Tun spoke words of appreciation.
Receptionists of the academy awarding ceremony were introduced to the audiences, and artistes from the MMPO and the National University of Arts and Culture presented a dancing performance with the song titled Myu-hmaung-way-kin.
Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn announced the winners of the Lifetime Awards for Motion Pictures Achievement for 2024.
The Senior General and his wife presented Lifetime Awards for Motion Pictures Achievement to veteran actor U Kyi Soe, veterans Academy director Maung Hnin Moe, Academy Wah Wah Win Shwe and Academy Khin Than Nu who spoke words of appreciation.
At the announcement of Film Academy Awards for the year 2024, the Best film award was handed to the film ‘Chitthuthar Pantapwint Phyitkhehlyin’ produced by Taurus V Production, the Best cinematography award to Kaung Zan from the film ‘Chitthuthar Pantapwint Phyitkhehlyin’, the Best film music award to Di Ra Mo from the film ‘Eainmet Karyan’, the Best Film Sound Award to Aung Myo Myat and Ye Win from the film ‘Mee’, the Best Film Editing Award to Arkar Kyaw from the film ‘Hnaung’, the Best Film Script Award to Aye Thiri Ko from the film ‘Tein Pachi’ and the special award to makeup performer Lon Lon (Linkadipa).
Myanmar Academy Fashion Awards for 2024 were presented to Yan Aung, Soe Moe Kyi, Htet Aung Shine and Nann Su Yati Soe.
The Best Director Award was presented to Win Lwin Htet from film ‘Eainmet Karyan’, the Best Supporting Actress Award to Chuu Lay from the film ‘Bodaw Kin’, the Best Supporting Actor Award to Aye Chan Maung from the film ‘Mee’, the Best Actress Award to Wut Hmon Shwe Yi from the film ‘Tein Pachi’, and the Best Actor Award to Nay Toe from the film ‘Hnaung’.
Union Minister U Maung Maung Ohn and veteran Academy award winner artistes presented gold statues for Academy Award to relevant winners.

During the ceremony, artistes from MMPO, Myanmar Music Association and Myanmar Theatrical Association performed songs and dances.
The Senior General and his wife cordially greeted intellectuals, intelligentsia and artistes from motion picture, literary, theatrical and music arenas.
Also present at the ceremony were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Senior General, the Council Joint Secretary, council members and their wives, union-level dignitaries, Union ministers and their wives, regional and state chief ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, deputy ministers, patrons, the chair and members of MMPO, officials from Myanmar Motion Pictures Assessment Board, Myanmar Theatrical Association, Myanmar Music Association (Central), Myanmar Press Council, Myanmar Comedian’s Association, international organizations and guests.
The Myanmar motion pictures which started in 1920 turn 105 years now. For the sake of improving standard of the Myanmar’s motion pictures, the Myanmar Motion Pictures Assessment Board has been selecting and awarding outstanding artistes and technicians since 1952. This year’s event was the 66th time in 73 years. — MNA/TTA

Source: www.moi.gov.mm