MORE than 140 of the 1,400 lodgings and food stalls being built to accommodate travellers attending the Mann Shwesettaw Buddha Pujaniya Festival in Minbu (Sagu) Township, Magway Region, have been completed, according to U Aye Ko, Chairman of the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Board of Trustees.
The festival, traditionally held annually, will take place for 75 days, from 2 February to 17 April.
“We have scheduled the Mann Shwesettaw Buddha Pujaniya Festival from 2 February to 17 April. A total of over 140 lodgings have been completed, and we are in the process of constructing more than 600 additional lodgings and 800 food stalls to accommodate the expected influx of visitors from across the country,” U Aye Ko said.
Furthermore, a bridge measuring 12 feet and eight inches wide and 100 feet (approximately 30 metres) long has been constructed to facilitate the easy passage of pilgrims to the Lower Sacred Footprint of the Lord Buddha during the festival.
The Mann Shwesettaw Buddha Pujaniya Festival typically sees the highest number of visitors on Saturdays, Sundays, the full moon day of Tabaung, and during Thingyan (the Myanmar New Year celebrations). During the festival, pilgrims from across the country also visit other popular attractions, including the Mann Chaung Elephant Resort, which features an elephant museum, Myathalun Pagoda in Magway, Sekkaintae Pagoda, Nagabwat Hill, and other notable sites, in addition to the Shwesettaw Buddha Pujaniya Festival. — ASH/MKKS

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Everybody, Mingalaba!

First of all, I would like to extend my greetings and best wishes to all the distinguished guests attending today’s “53rd Myanmar Health Research Congress,” wishing you all peace of mind, good health, and prosperity in every aspect.

The Myanmar Health Re-search Congress has been held for 53 times to conduct health research of Myanmar keeping abreast of other countries.

The first congress was successfully held in 1965. During the early years of the congress, only research papers were submitted. However, starting from the health research congress held in 1991, research poster exhibitions were introduced. From the 2002 congress onwards, subject-wise seminars were also incorporated, making the congresses more impactful and extensive.

Research findings based on solid and reliable results emerging from health-related research congresses are instrumental in formulating modern and appropriate health policies for the nation. They also play a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of healthcare initiatives, ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for everyone, and driving large-scale processes aimed at improving overall public health outcomes.

The theme for the 53rd Myanmar Health Research Congress is reported to be: "Moving forward to a healthy lifestyle and addressing health risk behaviors." It aims to shed light on the growing significance of non-communicable diseases in the current context.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with relevant ministries, effectively implemented measures to prevent, control, and treat diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, with the aim of controlling the rise of non-communicable diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) is working together with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Medical Services, the Department of Human Resources for Health, and the Department of Medical Research under the Ministry of Health. They are conducting the "STEP Survey 2024," a study to assess the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Myanmar.

Especially, it is essential for our people to maintain good basic health and live long, healthy, and resilient lives. To achieve this, it is necessary to promote the selection and consumption of nutritious and health- conscious foods, as well as to encourage health-conscious lifestyles and behaviors. This involves advancing practical health research related to these areas, widely disseminating the findings to the public, and providing knowledge to raise awareness.

Regarding traditional medicine, it is essential to collaborate with senior traditional medicine practitioners and the Department of Traditional Medicine to conduct practical research. This will ensure tangible benefits for the public, strengthen the foundation of our country's traditional medical practices, and enable traditional medicine products to penetrate the inter-national market by generating more reliable and robust re-search-based data.

It is essential to make decisions and formulate health policies based on accurate and reliable research findings. Therefore, researchers conducting these studies must fully under-stand the significance of their findings and consistently adhere to research ethics. This aware-ness and commitment are crucial at all times.

In our country, it is essential to foster a mindset of thoroughly exploring, studying, and con-ducting research before under-taking any activities. This means encouraging the emergence of young people and intellectuals with a passion for research. We need to take action to ensure the development of individuals who are committed to research in accordance with ethical standards. To achieve this, efforts should be made to establish a thriving research culture in the country, with numerous researchers emerging. This includes systematically reorganizing research advisory committees and enhancing the structure of research ethics boards as needed. Such measures are necessary to promote the growth and sustainability of a research-oriented culture.

The organizing committee for the congress has categorized the research papers submitted into three systematic categories: fundamental research papers, applied research papers, and papers on social and healthcare systems. The committee has reviewed and selected these sub-missions to ensure they are suitable for presentation during the congress. It has been planned to present 54 research papers and display 43 posters as part of the event.

It is known that the award selection committee has re-viewed and chosen the best papers and posters from those submitted to this conference, and there are plans to present awards to recognize and honor them appropriately.

In conclusion, I would like to express my best wishes for success in these efforts to conduct research.

-  When conducting health research, prioritize the public's benefit by improving the overall health standards of the people. Focus on basic healthcare improvement, promoting healthy living and nutrition, understanding the nature of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and taking proactive measures for prevention. Increase practical research, traditional medicine studies, and interna-tional research collaborations to advance these goals.

-  The research findings should also be shared with the public in a timely manner through activities such as organizing congresses, publishing research journals, and releasing magazines, in order to inform and alert the public accordingly.

-  Similarly, when the public attends and receives treatment at people’s hospitals, efforts should be made to ensure the provision of care that guarantees mental well-being, patient safety, and high-quality medical services. Practical research activities related to medical treatment and hospital management should be enhanced to achieve these objectives.

-  Through health research activities, may we be able to adopt health policies suitable for our country, ensure that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare, and work towards improving the level of healthcare in our country.

Thank you, all.

EFFORTS are being made to put the ‘culture of Myanmar’s Thanaka’ into UNESCO’s world intangible cultural heritage list, similar to the traditional Myanmar New Year Atar Thingyan festival, according to the Department of Archaeology and National Museum.
The department is making preparations to submit the ‘culture of Myanmar’s Thanaka’ to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO by 31 March 2025, and the Form Compilation Task Force started compiling the proposal to the nomination form (ICH-02) from 15 to 17 January.
Although Myanmar has many intangible cultural heritages, none have yet been listed as part of the World Intangible Cultural Heritage List. However, for over a thousand years, using Myanmar’s Thanaka as the traditional customs and practices have been passed down through generations, and today, the art of Myanmar’s traditional Thanaka remains a significant cultural symbol of the nation and is preserved with care.
Myanmar’s Thanaka was proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list starting in January 2020, as it aligns with the five criteria for designation as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. —ASH/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

THE board of trustees of the Phayathonzu Mountain Monastery in Kyaikto Township, Mon State, announced that a new standing Buddha statue will be built near the sitting Buddha statue, which is the largest in Myanmar and the second largest in the world, located on Phayathonzu Mountain in Kyaikto Township.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the standing Buddha statue and the ceremony to receive teachings from the abbot of the Phayathonzu Mountain Monastery were held on 10 January. The ground-breaking work has already begun.
The sitting Buddha statue and the Maha Bawdi Pagoda have already been placed on Phayathonzu Mountain in Kyaikto Township, and the new standing Buddha statue is going to be 363 feet tall, including its altar. — ASH/TH

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

ARCHAEOLOGISTS of Cambodia's APSARA National Authority (ANA) have completed the restoration of Tower 15 at Phnom Bakheng temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Siem Reap province, said an ANA's news release on Monday. The ruined brick tower, located south of the ancient Phnom Bakheng temple, is more than 1,000 years old. Chhun Ratana, a technical officer from the ANA Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, said that before the restoration, Tower 15 had suf fered significant damage, with its roof and walls nearly collapsing due to age and natural elements. She said during the six-month restoration work, the team undertook extensive repairs to reinforce the walls, ceiling, and floor, while also reorganizing the platform to ensure the tower's stability for centuries to come. "The restoration team is now focused on cleaning the site and removing reno vation materials to prepare for the temple's reopening to visitors," Ratana said. "Additionally, plans are underway to initiate a new project aimed at restoring Tower 14, which is situated adjacent to Tower 15," she added. Phnom Bakheng temple is home to 44 brick towers, and thus far, a portion of the site has undergone structural repairs by the ANA in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund, according to the news release. Built in the late ninth century, Phnom Bakheng temple is one of the major temples in the 401-square-kilometre Angkor Archaeological Park, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1992. — Xinhua

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

MINBU January 12
According to a source close to the pagoda’s board of trustees, the Buddha Pujaniya Festival at the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda will take place from 2 February to 17 April, lasting 75 days.
Around 1,000 lodging huts and 500 food stalls are typically set up annually for the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival. The festival sees its largest crowds on Saturdays, Sundays, the full moon day of Taboung, and during the Thingyan Festival. Approximately 800 huts and 400 food stalls will be constructed to accommodate domestic pilgrims this year. Pilgrims will be allowed to stay overnight during the festival.
Additionally, the Shwesettaw Mann Creek Recreation Camp, which includes an elephant museum, will be open alongside the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival.

Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper

2025 International Conference on Applied Research in Education begins

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing underlined that technology transfer programmes can help industries adopt these innovations while knowledge-sharing initiatives disseminate research findings to relevant organizations, accelerating national development within a short time.
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said so at the opening of the International Conference on Applied Research in Education 2025 at the Myanmar International Convention Centre II in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General underscored that research uncovers new knowledge, discoveries and innovations while validating existing concepts, offering solutions to current challenges and deepening academic insights.
Through research, he continued, new technologies can be introduced to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), helping them expand into new markets. He noted that research and development (R&D) also supports Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by producing a skilled workforce equipped with advanced competencies.
The Senior General expressed his aspiration for the conference to open new opportunities for R&D collaborations, fostering partnerships that drive progress and innovation. He stressed that expanding research activities is essential for developing innovative technologies that drive new product creation.
He added that this year’s conference features keynote speeches from renowned academics and over 100 research paper presentations across five domains: Teacher Education, Arts and Science, Marine and Earth Sciences, MSMEs and TVET, and Natural Language Processing (NLP) and AI Technology.
In conclusion, the Senior General emphasized that it is necessary to encourage everyone to share knowledge, insights and innovative ideas and to collaborate on impactful research projects, with the promotion of evidence-based research initiatives, especially among young researchers, to foster a vibrant research culture through such conferences.

SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council member General Mya Tun Oo, Union Minister for Education Dr Nyunt Pe and Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Myo Thein
Kyaw cut the ribbon to open the ceremony.
Students from Yangon University of Education, universities and education degree colleges performed songs and dances to honour the conference. Also present at the ceremony were SAC members, Union ministers, Union-level dignitaries, ambassadors of foreign missions to Myanmar, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, deputy ministers, rectors and principals, scholars and officials.
In line with the theme of the conference “Navigating the Future: Education, Science and Technology for Brighter and More Prosperous Societies”, 62 scholars and experts from 16 countries and 45 organizations and 40 internal and external experts from the Ministry of Education and relevant ministries and educational organizations will attend the conference and submit six keynote addresses, five special talks and 133 internal and international research papers to the conference. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

MYANMAR nationals won four first prizes in the Muse-Ruili Cross-border Marathon, according to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.
T h e 2 0 2 4 M y a n m a r Muse-China Ruili Cross-border Marathon was held in Ruili on 5 January. A total of 9,029 athletes from countries including China, Myanmar, and the UK participated in the competition, which was categorized into four classes —marathon, half marathon, leisure, and warm and comfortable. In the competition, Myanmar nationals won four first prizes — Maung Myo Min Htet in the full marathon men’s race, Ma Htet Yan Pyae Oo in the full marathon women’s race, Zaw Khaing in the half marathon men’s race, and Ma Aye Aye Thein in the women’s half marathon.
The race started at the museum in Ruili and ended at the same museum after going round the border post 81 at the Palace Gate in Myanmar. The Myanmar participants in this race were also awarded Pauk Phaw awards to further enhance the friendship between the two countries and promote goodwill ties. — Htun Htun/ZN

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Antimicrobial resistance could claim 40 million lives by 2050 if left unchecked, UK Special Envoy on AMR and England’s former chief medical officer, Sally Davies, told the Observer on Sunday.

Antimicrobial resistance(AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses and other types of germs become stronger than the medications used to treat them – creating so-called “superbugs. ”As a result, targeted infections become difficult or impossible to treat.

Speaking to the Observer, Davies described AMR as a growing “antibiotic emergency” that threatens routine medical procedures like surgery and childbirth, and which could become life-threatening.

AMR is responsible for approximately one million deaths annually, but that figure is set to double by 2050, according to Davies. Older populations are particularly vulnerable, with mortality rates for people over 70 increasing by 80 percent since 1990, she added.

Despite efforts to limit antibiotic prescriptions and misuse, about 70 percent of all existing antibiotics are used in livestock globally, creating reservoirs of resistant bacteria.

“We’re essentially throwing antibiotics at cows and chickens and sheep as cheap alternatives to giving them growth promoters or prophylactics to prevent the spread of disease,” Davies said. “If you’ve got intensive farming where a lot of antibiotics are used or a busy hospital that has a poor sewage system, resistant bacteria can get into waterways."

The bacteria evolve quickly, multiplying every 20 minutes, and can travel via winds and rain, further complicating containment. “They also mutate a great deal, and if they do so in the presence of antibiotics and that mutation protects them, these strains will multiply, ” Davies explained to the Observer. RTR

Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper

THE United States’ top government doctor on Friday called for health warnings on alcoholic drinks to highlight that they cause cancer and urged a reassessment of daily consumption limits due to the risks.
Surgeon-General Vivek Murthy said that the connection between alcohol and cancer has been known since the 1980s, with mounting evidence reinforcing the dangers. Yet, mandatory warning labels fail to address the health threat.
“Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer, responsible for about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States,” Murthy said in a statement, emphasizing that this toll exceeds the approximately 13,500 alcohol-related traffic fatalities each year.
“Yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk,” he added, underscoring the urgent need for public education. Introduced in 1988, the existing warning label only states that “women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects” and that “consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems”.
Dr Murthy urged Congress to update alcohol warnings, highlighting its link to seven cancers. Despite this, public awareness remains
low. A 2019 survey showed only 45 per cent of Americans recognized alcohol’s cancer risk. Additionally, 17 per cent of alcohol-related cancer deaths occur in those within recommended drinking limits, suggesting the need for reevaluation. — AFP

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar