THE Buddha Pujaniya Festival at Zalun Pyidawpyan Pagoda will be held for eight days, from 7 to 14 March 2025, featuring ceremonies and festivities to honour the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, according to U Khin Maung Oo, a member of the Zalun Pyidawpyan Pagoda Board of Trustees. “The Zalun Pyidawpyan Pagoda’s Buddha Pujaniya Festival takes place from the 9th waxing day to the 1st waning day of Taboung. During the festival, we will offer whole-body gold foils and a gold ceiling to the Buddha, as well as alms and rice offerings to members of the Sangha. Additionally, there will be a lively marketplace and entertainment activities,” explained U Khin Maung Oo. — ASH/MKKS

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

State Administration Council Member Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, accompanied by council members, attended the 78th Anniversary Shan State Day in Taunggyi yesterday. 

During the celebration, the Union Minister read the message from SAC Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing for the 78th Shan State Day. Shan State Chief Minister U Aung Aung then delivered a speech. 

SAC member Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae and SAC Members Porel Aung Thein, Dr Ba Shwe, Khun San Lwin, Union Ministers Dr Soe Win, Jeng Phang Naw Taung, Khun Thant Zaw Htoo, Chief Minister U Aung Aung and Eastern Command Commander MajGen Zaw Min Latt inaugurated the ceremony and explored the exhibition booths displaying traditional ethnic cuisines, departmental booths, and MSME booths. 

Afterwards, a ceremony was held at City Hall to award certificates of honour. The Union Minister and SAC members presented outstanding awards for management (first, second and third class) to 44 recipients and outstanding awards for security and rule of law to 12 recipients. 

Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae donated solar panels and basic foodstuff worth K53 million for staff and people of Shan State and Union Minister Jeng Phang Naw Taung donated sports gear to the relevant officials. 

Moreover, the Shan State chief minister presented out standing awards for security and the rule of law (third class) and awards for livestock breeding (first and third classes) and awards for social (first class); and the Shan State chief justice, state ministers and the secretary of the Shan State government presented outstanding awards for social (first, second, third classes) and sports (third class). — MNA/KTZH

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Pilgrimage tour of Cambodian Mohasangharajah to further cement Myanmar-Cambodia friendly relations

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his entourage yesterday evening paid homage to members of the Sangha led by His Holiness Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mohasangharajah Dhipadi Dr Bour Kry who is one of the Adhipati Sayadaws in Cambodia, staying at KMA Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on his pilgrimage tour of Myanmar.
First, the Senior General and party paid homage to the Adhipati Sayadaw of Cambodia and members of the Sangha. The Senior General supplicated propagation of the Sasana, building of the world’s tallest carved sitting marble Buddha image namely the Maravijaya Buddha Image, the pilgrimage tour of the Cambodian Adhipati Sayadaw to further cement friendly relations between the two countries and to promote cooperation in religious affairs, and efforts of Myanmar to ensure continuous propagation of the Theravada Buddhism.
In his speech, Adhipati Sayadaw of Cambodia expressed his pleasure during his pilgrimage tour of Myanmar for homage paid by the SAC Chairman Prime Minister. He stated that Myanmar and Cambodia share the same Theravāda Buddhist faith and are culturally inseparable. He also expressed pride and joy that international monk students are studying at Buddhist universities in Myanmar. He continued that he was pleased to express his joy in revering the Maravijaya Buddha Image, the world’s tallest carved sitting marble Buddha image. He also extended his prayers for the good health and prosperity of the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister, and all the people of Myanmar. Furthermore, he prayed for peace, stability, and prosperity in Myanmar, conveying his loving-kindness and good wishes for the nation.
The Senior General offered a replica of the marble Maravijaya Buddha Image and alms to the Cambodian Sayadaw who returned Dhamma gifts.
On 2 February, the Cambodian Adhipati Sayadaw and his members arrived in Yangon and visited prominent religious edifices and monuments including Shwedagon Pagoda. Yesterday evening, the Sayadaw and his members visited the Upatasanti Pagoda and Maravijaya Buddha Image in Nay Pyi Taw where officials conducted the Sayadaw and party around the Buddha image. During his pilgrimage tour in Myanmar, the Cambodian Adhipati Sayadaw will continue his visits to eminent stupas and temples. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

ON 8 February, the National Library (Yangon) in Pabedan Township, Yangon Region, will hold a children’s library activity programme and a photo exhibition in celebration of Children’s Day, which is observed on 13 February.
This event will be jointly organized by the National Library (Yangon) and the National University of Arts and Culture (Yangon), with the attendance of students from basic education schools in Pabedan Township.
Dr Kay Thi Aye, Director of the National Library (Yangon), shared, “As an introduction to Children’s Day on 13 February, we will organize various activities, including a photo exhibition, storytelling sessions, painting activities, and storytelling and picture contests for children, with prizes awarded to the winners. Additionally, games will be arranged to bring joy to the children”. — ASH/TH

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

CALIFORNIA authorities have culled 119,000 ducks at a Merced County farm after detecting H5N9 bird flu, a strain confirmed for the first time in US poultry, international health officials report.
A new strain of bird flu has been confirmed at a duck farm in California, the first time the variant has been discovered in poultry in the United States, an international agency said.
A report by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), which AFP saw on Tuesday, said “highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N9” had been confirmed in a commercial duck premise in Merced County, California.
“This is the first confirmed case of HPAI H5N9 in poultry in the United States,” said Paris-based WOAH, which monitors animal diseases worldwide.
It said the outbreak, whose origin was unknown, was confirmed on 13 January and all 119,000 poultry at the farm in question had been culled.
The H5N1 strain of bird flu, which is widespread among animals in the United States, was also registered at the farm. US animal health officials were conducting “comprehensive epidemiological investigations” and had increased surveillance in response to the outbreak, the WOAH said.
The emergence of the new strain of bird flu in the United States comes at a time when President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the country from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The US is the largest donor to the United Nations health agency, which coordinates the worldwide response to health emergencies.
Health experts have been sounding the alarm about the potential pandemic threat to humans posed by bird flu, which has been showing signs of mutating as it spreads among cows and infects people in the United States.
They have for months been urging US authorities to increase surveillance and share more information about its bird flu outbreak.
If the US and the WHO no longer cooperate and share critical data, tracking the spread of viruses internationally will be more difficult.
The US withdrawal is “a concern for global health”, the WHO said last week.
Sixty-seven people in the United States have contracted bird flu, one of whom died in early January, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said this week.
These cases were caused by direct exposure to a sick animal and the WHO has stressed that, to date, no human-to-human transmission has been reported. But scientists have raised fears that if a person becomes infected with both bird flu and seasonal flu, the bird flu virus could mutate into a strain that is contagious between humans and potentially trigger a human pandemic._AFP

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

The cultural heritage of a country is often of special interest to international travellers. In the Bagan region and the hilly areas, foreign tourists are accustomed to drinking green tea and tea salad.

Tea has become popular in Asia and is consumed as green tea in Myanmar, China, India, Japan, South Korea, some ASEAN countries, and European nations. Tea leaves are processed both dried and fermented to be used in boiling water for drinking.
Although herbal tea is consumed and used for medicinal purposes in Europe and Asia, Myanmar has been using it for drinking, eating, and medicinal purposes since the Konbaung of Myanmar’s monarchical era. It is noteworthy that Myanmar is the only country where tea is consumed in the form of a salad.
A historical researcher said: “Stone inscription in the Konbaung era shows Myanmar has been using green tea used in boiling water for drinking. The traditional Myanmar Atar Thingyan festival, which is a heritage of Myanmar culture, has been recognized as the first intangible cultural heritage of humanity in Myanmar. If Myanmar’s tea is recognized as a World Cultural Heritage, the value of tea will increase, which is a matter of pride and great joy.”
Tea is primarily planted in hilly regions of Myanmar. The characteristics, colour, texture, aroma, and taste of tea tend to vary depending on the climate and environment. Since the Konbaung era, tea has been a traditional Myanmar meal. Currently, a traditional culture of serving tea salad and green tea to guests is thriving both in urban and rural areas of Myanmar.
Generally, tea can help reduce blood cholesterol levels, lower hypertension, and improve heart health. Its antioxidants may also help prevent certain intestinal diseases to ease tiredness.
The tea leaf salad is consumed with peanuts, sesame, fried shallots, dried shrimp, garlic, and chilli peppers. Moreover, it is also enjoyed with various combinations such as tomato, thinly sliced cabbage, tender papaya leaves and boiled maize.
The cultural heritage of a country is often of special interest to international travellers. In the Bagan region and the hilly areas, foreign tourists are accustomed to drinking green tea and tea salad. By promoting Myanmar’s traditional tea as an integral part of the world’s cultural heritage, there are opportunities to increase production and expand the market, with promising prospects ahead. — Thitsa (MNA)/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

APPLICATIONS, for TOP-J which is scheduled on 9 March 2025 in Yangon and Mandalay, will be accepted starting on 27 January, announced by Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni (MAJA).
The exam fee for all levels is K72,000 and submission of application will be opened on 27 January at 1 pm and closed on 10 February at noon (close on weekends and public holidays). A copy of CSC card and two 3-4 cm photos are required and applications can be sent to MAJA Education Centre in Yangon: 440-B, 14th Zeya Street, Ward 10 in South Okkalapa Township and phone number is 09 428 613 848 and MAJA Mandalay branch- first floor, Building 1, Room 6, 67th street, Mingalar Mandalay in Chanmyathazi Township and phone number is 09 255 162 533.
Recognized by Study in Japan and organized by the Asian Foundation for International Scholarship Interchange, TOP-J is a Japanese language test and very helpful for testing Japanese language skills, university entrance, and major requirements for scholarship and employment. — MT/ZS

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

THE opening ceremony of the funfair and festival market for the Chinese New Year celebration, held yesterday evening on the main road in Latha Township, Yangon, was inaugurated by the chairman of the Kyauktada District Administration Body and officials from Chinese temples, who cut the ribbon and watched a performance of traditional Chinese cultural dances.
The Chinese New Year market features a wide range of cosmetics, consumer goods, and foods, as well as traditional lion and dragon dances, song performances by famous singers, boat rides, children’s playgrounds, and photo opportunities. The market will be held from 25 to 31 January, according to reports. — Ko Ko Zaw-MNA/TH

Source: The Global New  Light of Myanmar

Myanmar seeks to build trustworthy and friendly ties with neighbouring China

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed his aspiration to further strengthen the China-Myanmar relationship and deepen the bond of friendship between the peoples of both nations.
A ceremony to organize the Chinese New Year celebration in the Year of Snake for 2025 took place at the National Indoor Stadium I in Thuwunna in Yangon yesterday afternoon, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla.

The Senior General and his wife were warmly welcomed by Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ms Ma Jia and distinguished guests.
Union Ministers U Tin Oo Lwin, U Min Naung and U Tun Ohn, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, the minister-counsellors of the Chinese Embassy, the patron of Myanmar-China Buddhist and Cultural Exchange Association, officials from the Interfaith Dialogue Group, the chair of Myanmar-China Chamber of Commerce, the chair of Yunnan Social Welfare Association and chairs of other Chinese association cut the ribbon to open the ceremony.
The troupe of eight lions paid respect to the Senior General and his wife and the Chinese Ambassador with towels to mark the Chinese New Year.
The Senior General and the Chinese Ambassador pressed the button to launch the New Year festival.
A Shaolin monk extended the New Year greetings to strengthen China-Myanmar friendly ties. The Senior General, his wife and attendees enjoyed the Shaolin Kung Fu demonstration.
The Senior General and his wife offered Buddha images and a flower basket to the Shaolin monks who returned gifts.
The Senior General, his wife and the Chinese Ambassador posed for documentary photos together with attendees.
The Senior General and his wife presented cash awards to the entertainment troupes.
They visited the Chinese traditional cultural booths from Chinatown and Chinese traditional food booths.
At the dinner to mark the Year of Snake, the Senior General and his wife, and the Chinese Ambassador painted the traditional Chinese lion statue. Then, the traditional Chinese lion dance troupe performed dances.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that it is understood that the snake symbolizes wisdom, strategic transformation, renewal, growth, and deep insight. It is believed that these qualities will enable greater progress and transformation, fulfilling the aspirations of the Chinese people.
Due to centuries-old relations and a long-standing shared border, China and Myanmar have been able to establish strong ties, including kinship-based relationships, strategic cooperative partnerships, and efforts to build a community with shared future benefits. Moving forward, the Senior General expressed his aspiration to further strengthen the China-Myanmar relationship and deepen the bond of friendship between the peoples of both nations.
Regarding Myanmar, it was expressed that due to the implementation of Myanmar-China economic corridor projects, Myanmar attaches importance to collaboration with China for peaceful development and mutual benefits. Myanmar aims to enhance the momentum of ongoing projects with China and continue to establish itself as a trustworthy and friendly neighbouring country to China.
In November of last year, the Senior General recounted that he visited the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of the Chinese government. During the trip, he attended the Mekong Summit and related meetings and held separate discussions with the Chinese Premier and other leaders from ASEAN countries who participated in the event. During discussions, the Chinese Premier reaffirmed the matters previously confirmed during the Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit to Myanmar. These include China’s full support for Myanmar’s internal peace and stability, endorsement of Myanmar’s efforts following the five-point roadmap of the State Administration Council, and assistance concerning the elections. Moreover, discussions emphasized enhancing multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, strengthening China-Myanmar relations, and fostering greater political trust.
It was also highlighted that China’s confirmations and assistance reflect its status as a steadfast friend of Myanmar. Myanmar expressed gratitude to China for its unwavering stance and support.
China firmly supports Myanmar’s independence and sovereignty and values its assistance in promoting stability and peace. Myanmar expresses its gratitude to the Chinese government and all Chinese citizens for their continued support. Moreover, Myanmar requests China’s continued cooperation in its peace processes and efforts toward national development.
Diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China will have reached a milestone of 75 years on 8 June this year. China and Myanmar have supported each other in various matters since the establishment of their diplomatic ties.
Both domestic and international groups do not welcome the friendly and close relations between the two nations and they employ various methods to instigate Myanmar and China. Therefore, the authorities and citizens of both countries must remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding their mutual ties.
In light of this, the people of Myanmar, Chinese-Myanmar associations within Myanmar, Chinese descendants in Myanmar, and Chinese citizens working in Myanmar should collaborate with a sense of patriotism and mutual harmony, living together in unity.
Then, the Senior General and his wife and the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar exchanged commemorative gifts to mark the 2025 Snake Year of the Chinese New Year.
Afterwards, the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar delivered New Year greetings, stating that the Chinese New Year is the most significant festival for the Chinese people and expressing great joy in welcoming the Year of the Snake. Chinese individuals have actively integrated into the larger family of Myanmar, which is home to various ethnic groups, and have become important contributors and participants in Myanmar’s economic and social development, as well as in fostering China-Myanmar friendship. Throughout this year, both nations have maintained positive progress in mutual exchanges and collaborations in various sectors, including culture, tourism, and religious affairs. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar. With the attention and guidance of the leaders of both countries, the comprehensive and strategic partnership between the two nations has yielded fruitful results, fostering new developments and creating numerous opportunities for the development of both peoples.
It is believed that in the coming year, by joining hands, they can continue contributing to the construction of a shared future and a harmonious community for China and Myanmar. Together, they will build a beautiful future for both nations, ensuring mutual development, prosperity, and peace. With this in mind, best wishes are extended for continued growth, harmony, and lasting peace between the two countries.

Afterwards, the Senior General and his wife joined attendees of the ceremony to partake in a dinner reception held in honour of the Chinese New Year.
During the dinner, entertainment was provided by a special cultural and literary performance group from China, including martial arts demonstrations by Shaolin monks. Under the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare, the Myawady Entertainment Troupe and artists showcased dances, musical performances, and songs promoting Sino-Myanmar friendship. Chinese cultural troupes presented traditional Chinese songs and music performances, while external artists entertained with various songs. During the performances, a speech was delivered celebrating Myanmar’s traditional New Year water festival (Thingyan), which was the first to be inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. In recognition of this honour, the Myawady Band performed the Thingyan song “Khit Lay Khit” (Four Eras).
The Senior General, his wife and the Chinese Ambassador presented flower baskets to the Chinese traditional dance troupes from China, the Myawady Entertainment Troupe and artistes.
All participants and artistes sang the theme song “Let all flowers blossom”. After the ceremony, the Senior General and his wife cordially greeted the attendees. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

SINGAPORE has introduced stricter measures to regulate screen use among children in schools and preschools as part of a broader multi-ministry health initiative launched on Tuesday.
From 1 February preschools will enforce updated rules banning screen use for children under 18 months and limiting it to teaching and learning purposes for those aged 18 months to six years, according to a joint statement by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
Educators will also be guided to prioritize “meaningful experiences” over sedentary activities such as prolonged screen time and sitting.
Primary and secondary schools have implemented similar measures, requiring students to store their phones in designated areas during lessons and restricting device use to specific times and locations, such as during recess or after school.
The Ministry of Health has also revised its recommendations for parents, advising less than one hour of screen time per day for children aged three to six and less than two hours for those aged seven to 12, excluding schoolwork. — Xinhua

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar