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Myanmar Hotelier Association (Yangon Zone) will host Yangon Hotel Expo 2019 in October

By
Aye Chan
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Myanmar Hoteliers Association (Yangon Zone) announced that Yangon Hotel Expo 2019 would be hosted in order to develop more business opportunities in hotel and tourism sectors in Myanmar with the support from Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and the Yangon Region Government. The Press Launch was held at Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel on June 25, 2019. Yangon Hotel Expo 2019 will highlight the past elements of Yangon in the present perspectives under the theme YANGON THEN & NOW.  The Expo was organised by Fill In Co., Ltd.    

Chairman of Myanmar Hoteliers Associations, Tin Myint, said “Yangon Expo 2019 will be a one stop place to promote and exchange business among hoteliers, investors, operators in Yangon.  We are going to invite the international businesses to join through embassies and chambers as well as promoting the event.”

Member of Yangon Regional Government, Karen Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Naw Pan Thinzar Myo said, “Our regional government is committed to develop the Yangon as Smart city to meet international standards.  The remarkable changes can be noticed.  We plan Yangon to be a better place for live, work and play urban city and more than a commercial city. With the better public transportation system, the public places such as park, modern cinema halls, and shopping centers have been built. Yangon will be the commercial hub as well as the better living place to experience for locals and travelers.”

Director of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, Naing Win, said “Our ministry working together with the business to promote the image of Myanmar Tourism Industry. All the local and international businesses from the industry could meet at the expo as well as they can experience the Yangon.”

Yangon Hotel Expo 2019 is a three day event at Myanmar Expo starting from October 18, which will be a platform for both local and international companies in the hotel and tourism industries. Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and related associations will be participated.  The event will highlight curated city tours and others as follows: Taste of Yangon and Hidden Treasure, Forum, Walking Foodie Tour, Getting in touch with Yangon Standards and Cultural Performance.

Myanmar Influenza Information and Update

By
Aye Chan
-

As advised by the Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar, the total number of laboratory-confirmed, seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 cases is 71 as at June 20 2019. This includes three deaths. In this regard, WHO is actively collaborating with the national health authorities to provide all necessary timely support regarding prevention, detection and response to influenza.

 General information about seasonal Influenza

Seasonal influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. Seasonal influenza viruses circulate worldwide and can affect people in any age group. In temperate climates, seasonal epidemics occur mainly during winter while in tropical regions, influenza seasonality is less obvious and epidemics can occur throughout the year. Seasonal influenza is a serious public health problem that can cause severe illness and death in high risk populations. An influenza epidemic can take an economic toll through lost workforce productivity and strained health services. Influenza vaccination is an effective way to prevent disease. Antiviral drugs are available for treatment, though influenza viruses can develop resistance to the drugs.

How do you prevent influenza from spreading?

Influenza is a droplet infection, not airborne, and not highly pathogenic. It can spread quickly between people when an infected person coughs or sneezes, dispersing droplets of the virus into the air. It can also be spread by hands contaminated by the virus. Therefore, frequent hand washing with soap and water as well as cleaning surface is important in prevention. People should cover their mouth and nose, ideally by coughing/sneezing into the sleeve of their shoulder/arm/elbow, or if not with a tissue, then throw the tissue out and wash their hands thoroughly and regularly.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

Vaccination is an effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza virus. Vaccination is especially important to people at higher risk of serious influenza complications, and for people who live with or care for high risk individuals. WHO recommends seasonal influenza vaccination to pregnant women at highest priority including children aged 6-59 months, elderly, individuals with specific chronic medical conditions and health-care workers.

Effectiveness of influenza vaccines

The reported effectiveness of influenza vaccines varies substantially with different factors. For example, it varies with the match between the vaccine strains and prevailing influenza strains. Also, it varies with the severity of infection, i.e. whether it is Influenza-like illness or a laboratory-confirmed infection. 

Is seasonal influenza linked to pandemic flu?

Seasonal influenza outbreaks are caused by small changes in viruses that have already circulated, and to which many people have some immunity. A pandemic occurs when an influenza virus emerges that most people do not have immunity to — because it is different from any previous strain in humans. This may enable a new strain to spread more easily between people. Seasonal influenza viruses may contribute to the emergence of a pandemic virus. Further, once a pandemic virus has been established — as with the pandemic A (H1N1) in the year 2009 — it can become a seasonal virus.

Further information regarding Influenza overall is available at http://www.who.int/influenza/en/

3rd Edition of Myanmar-EU Economic Forum Takes Place in Nay Pyi Taw

By
Aye Chan
-

The Myanmar-EU Economic Forum in Nay Pyi Taw on June 5 2019 was the third edition of EuroCham Myanmar’s annual signature event on advocacy. The forum hosted by EuroCham Myanmar provided a platform for more than 500 business leaders and policy makers from the Union of Myanmar and Europe to interact and debate key business and trade issues. Among the government representatives, the forum welcomed six unions ministers, The deputy speaker of Amyotha Hluttaw, Union Minister of Transport and Commerce, Union Minister of Commerce, Union Minister of Planning and Finance, Union Minister of Hotels and Tourism, Union Auditor General, Chairman of Anti-Corruption Commission, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar, Deputy Minister of Information, Deputy minister of Electricity and Energy, Members of Joint bill committee and senior officials. 

H.E. U Myint Swe, Vice-President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar gave his keynote address, followed by H.E. Kristian Schmidt, European Union Ambassador to Myanmar, Mr Philipp Dupuis, Minister Counsellor, Head of the economic and Trade section, Delegation of the European Union and Dr Myo Thet, Vice President of the Union of Myanmar Federation Chamber of Commerce (UMFCCI).

EuroCham Chairman David Levrat officially opened the forum by delivering the opening speech, followed by a gong ring with Dr Myo Thet, Vice President of UMFCCI. The panel sessions included leading private sector representatives, high-level government officials and key experts from international organisations and academics. The Forum provided an overview of the “Economic Development of Myanmar and current business initiatives” and additionally on “Trade Affairs and European Investment”. The Myanmar-EU Economic Forum also provided the EuroCham Advocacy Groups with the chance to publicly acknowledge the tremendous improvements in business regulations by the government, while pointing out remaining challenges and offering the support of European companies in tackling them.

Key issues in the following sectors have been discussed: Energy, Construction, Healthcare, Logistics, Digital Innovation, Anti-Illicit Trade, Legal and Tax, Agrobusiness, Garment, Automotive and Wine & Spirits. Additionally, two presentations in the framework of the newly launched EuroCham Myanmar Initiative were given. Mr Nicolas Delange, Vice Chair of EuroCham Myanmar, addressed the Air pollution theme, to echo the World Environment day topic. The 2nd presentation was focusing on Respectful and Inclusive workplaces presented by Ms Vicky Bowman, Director of Myanmar Center for Responsible Business. Through this event, European companies acknowledged they would like to see a continued government effort in working constructively on an investment friendly business climate to attract foreign investment, create jobs in Myanmar and assure sustainable and inclusive economic growth. 

His Excellency U Myint Swe spoke of a vision of peace and national reconciliation and the sustainable development of Myanmar, noting the desire to work with partners who share this vision through mutually beneficial investment. Particular mention was given to the garment sector which has undergone considerable growth as a result of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) introduced by the EU. 

“Our constituencies demand that companies operating in the EU know about human rights and labour conditions all along the chain of supply and that they are transparent enough, and the ultimate demand that EU policies promote corporate social responsibility across the production chain.” said Philipp Dupuis, Minister Counsellor, Head of the Economic and Trade section, Delegation of the European Union in his speech.

Myanmar Book Aid and Preservation Foundation (MBAPF) and the US ICT

By
Aye Chan
-

US ICT Council for Myanmar kicked off their Digital Literacy Teachers Training (DLTT) pilot program on June 24 in Yangon with 33 participating secondary school teachers. The DLTT, supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE), aims to equip teachers with essential digital knowledge and skills that align with the capacity-building goals set by the Union Government’s inter-ministerial Digital Economy Development Committee (DEDC).

The program curriculum covers practical, hands-on lessons on accessing information online, the effective use of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers for education purposes, and engagement with online communities and social networks while adhering to behavioural standards. Discussions will also include awareness and critical understanding of issues emerging from access to and use of digital technology.

Khin Mar Swe, Deputy Director General, Yangon Education Office, Ministry of Education, said, “We have collaborated with MBAPF for the development of libraries in schools. We believe that this Digital Literacy training for teachers will contribute to their professional development and help them prepare our youth for the future digital Myanmar.”

The 33 teachers who are taking part in the pilot implementation of DLTT were selected from the following Basic Education High Schools in Yangon: BEHS 1 Dagon, BEHS 1 Lanmadaw, BEHS 2 Bahan, BEHS 2 Dagon, BEHS 2 Kamayut, BEHS 2 Latha, BEHS 2 San Chaung, BEHS 4 Ahlone, BEHS 5 Botahtaung, BEHS 6 Botahtaung and Kamayut BEHS TTC. Following a ‘training of trainers (ToT)’ mentoring model, the digital literacy program aims to enable

teachers to teach basic digital skills to students and to cascade the skills to other teachers. The training will be delivered in Myanmar language by experienced MBAPF trainers.

The US ICT Council for Myanmar, a local industry association made up of American technology

companies, provided funding for the program and is collaborating with DEDC on various training initiatives. “We are delighted to partner with the MBAPF and to support the vision of the MOE and DEDC in empowering Myanmar teachers with new IT skills and knowledge,” said Max Shu Teasdale, Executive Director, US ICT Council for Myanmar.

Myanmar’s “Quantum Leap” Captures the Eye of Global Leaders in U.S. at Meridian Diplomacy Forum

By
Aye Chan
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Myanmar and its “quantum leap” from a cash-based economy to a mobile-first economy took centre stage in discussions at the recent prestigious Meridian Diplomacy Forum in Washington D.C., USA. With public officials from various departments in U.S government in attendance, the forum signified continuous momentum and interest in the cultural, political and economic connections between the U.S. and the five Mekong countries of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The forum also convened global business leaders, academics, and experts, discussing the vast opportunities in Myanmar, including its repositioning globally as a digital and mobile-first economy, and what is needed to attract foreign investment and drive diplomacy with policymakers across the globe. 

Speaking at the event to share Myanmar’s story of accelerated socioeconomic development was Myanmar investment envoy from KBZ Bank Erin Murphy, who later shared, “Myanmar’s growing mobile network and developing financial sector has not only rapidly bridged urban and rural communities across Myanmar, but also established critical connectivity with its Mekong neighbours. This is strengthening the appeal of Myanmar’s sectors to foreign investment and positioning the country for continuous engagement with the United States and leading governments across the world.” 

Along with Erin Murphy, embassies and ambassadors in Washington supported the event as speakers and provided insight into the culture, history, and investment opportunities in the Mekong region. Managing Director of Myanmar Shalom, Sammy Samuels, spoke on a panel discussing the positive impact that in-bound tourism in Myanmar is bringing both economically and socially to the country. Senator Jim Webb spoke favourably of his experience working and engaging in Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, reiterating the importance of the Mekong countries to the United States.

KBZ Bank was a co-sponsor of the event, representing Myanmar’s advancing financial sector and standing as a proud example of the country’s leading institutions driving transformation and accelerating mobile-first development that benefits millions of people. Ms. Erin Murphy added, “KBZ Bank’s vision of 100% financial inclusion in Myanmar goes beyond inclusivity and aspires for true financial connectedness. Achieving this requires the right mindsets, regulatory framework, and social development, including digital and financial literacy. With the increased collaboration between public and private institutions to address these, Myanmar can make a quantum leap and become a true model for development in the region.”

PropertyGuru Myanmar Property Awards Returns for a fifth year with distinguished judges and diverse categories

By
Aye Chan
-

The prestigious PropertyGuru Myanmar Property Awards returns for its fifth annual edition to recognise the country’s finest real estate in various categories, including Best Mixed Use, Best Educational, Best Healthcare, Best Entertainment, Best Rooftop, Best Sporting Facility, Best Smart Building, and Best Township Development. 

Presented by Kohler, the 2019 edition follows the triumphant 2018 gala dinner and awards ceremony, which presented 22 accolades to an elite list of shortlisted developers. The new edition is expected to be the competition’s strongest and most varied yet, with a refreshed independent panel of judges joining to select the year’s top entries and conduct site inspections under the supervision of BDO, one of the world’s largest and award-winning accounting and auditing firms. 

Online nominations are accepted from the general public until Friday, 16 August, at AsiaPropertyAwards.com/Nominations. Eligible entries from authorised representatives of developers can be submitted until 23 August.  The 2019 independent judging panel comprises respected and unbiased experts who have volunteered their time and expertise to the programme, led by new chairperson Tony Picon, Managing Director of New Asia Property Consultants Limited, who has more than a decade’s experience in real estate consultancy around Southeast Asia. “I feel very honoured to be chosen as the chairman of the judging panel of the PropertyGuru Myanmar Property Awards 2019, the most respected industry awards in Myanmar and across Asia,” said Picon at the Awards’ press conference in the Strand Hotel on June 18.

Joining Picon on the panel are fellow new judges: Khin Maung Than, Chairman, Myanmar Real Estate Association, and President, ASEAN Real Estate Network Alliance (ARENA); May Soe Yu, Founder of Creative Fox Design & Build; Richard Moh, Executive Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, and Special Assistant to the Chairman, MAA Group Consulting Engineers; Dr Soe Thein, Principle Design Engineer and Consultant Project Manager; and Zaw Myint Toe, Financial Controller, City Mart Holding Company Ltd. 

Along with the competitive categories, there will be special awards to recognise exemplary initiatives in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Building Communities, Design and Construction, and Sustainable Development. Main category winners in Myanmar will then move on to represent the country at the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final to showcase the achievements and latest properties for investment in the country to serial, high-net worth and cross-border investors. The Grand Final takes place in Bangkok, Thailand in November with participation from more than a dozen property markets from Asia-Pacific.

Yangon Aerodrome Company Limited Enhances Air Links Between Myanmar And India After Successful Roadshow in Kolkata

By
Aye Chan
-

Yangon Aerodrome Company Limited (“YACL”), the operator of Yangon International Airport (“YIA”), successfully concluded its inaugural roadshow in Kolkata on June 14 to enhance air links between Myanmar and India – two countries which enjoy rich historical and cultural ties. The one-day roadshow at the JW Marriot Hotel jointly organized by YACL and Indian airline operator IndiGo attracted participants from the aviation and hospitality industries, including delegates from Myanmar Tourism Marketing. The roadshow was organized after the Myanmar government granted visas-on-arrival to Indian passport holders in 2018. 

Between January and April 2019, 13,906 Indian nationals travelled by air to Myanmar through YIA, 6% more compared to 13,118 in the same period in 2018. Mr. Ho Chee Tong, Chief Executive Officer of YACL, said: “We wish to thank our partners and participants for the successful conclusion of today’s event. Their participation and strong support bode well for the aviation ties between the two countries.” 

“As the busiest air gateway to Myanmar, YIA continues to improve its operations to meet the rising demand for air travel. We look forward to working closely with various stakeholders in the aviation and tourism industries to open up a new horizon of opportunities,” he added. Chairman of Myanmar Tourism Marketing, May Myat Mon Win, said: “Myanmar is considered the last frontier in the South East Asia. Full of mysteries to be discovered. Myanmar can offer many things, everything to everyone.” 

YIA received 6.035 million passengers in 2018. In the first four months of 2019, it handled 2.32 million passengers, a 4.2% increase compared to 2.22 million in the same period last year. Assistant Vice President of Trade Sales at IndiGo, said: “In the last two years, we have been expanding in international markets while continuously enhancing service and operational efficiency. This roadshow has expanded our network and will help us in our expansion plans.”          

Introducing Dulwich College’s International Boarding School – ‘A home away from home’

By
Aye Chan
-

Dulwich College Yangon (DCY), a modern British independent school, is giving a glimpse into its boarding house for students aged between 11 and 15 years, which will be located in the Star City estate less than 200 metres from the school campus.  

Mr Daryl Orchard, Founding Headmaster of Dulwich College Yangon said: ““From its inception, Dulwich College has been a pioneer. In the 21st century we are able to combine our century old heritage with the latest developments in educational research, as well as introducing exciting new initiatives in Myanmar such as the senior school scholarship programme and boarding provision. This is unique in Myanmar – no other school is offering these world class boarding facilities alongside a world class school.” 

With the concept of ‘home away from home’, DCY’s students will enjoy top quality accommodation supported by a dedicated pastoral team, a full time doctor and two experienced house parents. Based on a British Boarding School model, the boys and girls will share the boarding house with other boarding students in group rooms (dormitories) of between 2 and 4 – depending on their age. Boys will be staying in separate accommodation to girls and both will occupy different physical spaces. The boarding house consists of spaces for the students to work, common room for relaxation and extensive activities programme available in the evening and during the weekends.  

The boarding house is opening up for full time boarders (boarding students) who will attend the school full time and only going home for holidays and official breaks; weekly boarders who will stay in the house during the week and going home at the weekend, and also flexi boarders who will stay one or two nights per week depending around the events at school and requirements at home. 

Dulwich College Yangon has planned to open the doors to its brand new boarding facility in August 2019 in Star City estate. DCY’s Star City campus is home to an Olympic sized swimming pool, a training pool, a double sized gym, extensive playing fields and access to a golf course, and downtown Yangon is approximately 30 minutes away.    Mr Adrian Jordan, Head of Boarding of Dulwich College Yangon Star City said: “All the students at Dulwich are given the opportunity to develop new skills and to discover self-reliance. This will be particularly true for the boarders (boarding students) – for them to experience a taste of independence.”

Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship Competition for the First Time

By
Aye Chan
-

Mytel, one of modern and caring telecom operators, had the privilege of supporting MOSWC as a Gold Sponsor in company with Myanmar Ministry of Education and IIG Education Myanmar who organized the event. The national competition, held from January to March, had received a total of 1,193 participants from public and private high schools of 13 states and divisions.

After three months of competition, on June 3 , national awarding ceremony was held at MICT Conference Hall, MICT Park with the presence of Dr. Nay Win Oo, Deputy Director-General, Higher Education Department, Ministry of Education, Min Zayar Hlaing, President of Myanmar Computer Federation, Lin Htet Nyan Htun, Managing Director of IIG Education Myanmar, Nguyen The Nghia, CEO of Mytel and Zaw Min Oo, Chief External Relations Officer of Mytel to congratulate and reward students including three national finalists who made the cut for world final round competition in New York.

Nay Chi Thin from University of Computer Studies, Yangon, Khant Zaw Hein from Dagon University and Sai Lwin Htet Oo from Mandalay Technological University have won 1st place for Microsoft Office Specialist Word, Microsoft Office Specialist Excel and Microsoft Office Specialist Powerpoint respectively and are preparing competently for the world final in July.  “Digital transformation of the country, its economy and society can only achieve with digital education. Mytel believes that promoting country’s education sector through digital pathway is the way to effectively implement the company’s vision. Skilling in a world-class software like Microsoft and other digital tools is important to not just develop one’s potential in an ICT industry but to revolutionize the country’s infrastructure from education standpoint. Mytel will continue its mission in digitizing and making sure the needs are met to make the goal becomes a reality” said, Zaw Min Oo, CERO of Mytel.  A panel of judges recognized the talents of all students participated in the competition and awarded $7,000 for 1st Prize winners, $3,500 for 2nd Prize winners and $1,500 for 3rd Prize winners for each exam category.

The 4th Asia Banking & Fintech and Myanmar Insurance Summits 2019

By
Aye Chan
-

The 4th Emerging Asia Banking & FinTech Summit and the Into Myanmar Insurance Summit 2019 was organized on June 11 at Park Royal Hotel Yangon.  The co-located summits, taking place from June 11 -12, bring together regulators, policy makers , local, regional and international bankers, micro finance institutions (MFIs), fintech industry players and insurance providers to discuss opportunities and challenges, form strategic alliances and action points.  

Opening the 4th Emerging Asia Banking & FinTech Summit, Thant Zin, Director of Financial Regulatory Department, Ministry of Planning and Finance, highlighted the framework that will propel financial transformation in Myanmar. In other sessions, representatives from Ernst & Young, One Connect (Ping An Group), GIZ, Yoma Bank, Myanmar Tourism Bank, Ayeyarwady Bank, United Amara Bank, Wave Money, Pandeeyar and Klareco Communications, among others, addressed and discussed banking and fintech trends, including the various opportunities and challenges.

FinTech has been identified as an effective vehicle to drive true financial inclusion, given the rapid mobile penetration rate in Myanmar. Within the next two years, telcos are expected to cover 90% of the population. This increased data and online access will continue to pave the way for more innovation and opportunities.

Across the hall, the Into Myanmar Insurance Summit 2019 could not have come at a better time. In early April, Myanmar’s government provisionally authorized five multinational insurance companies to establish wholly owned subsidiaries in the country, further liberalizing the non-banking financial sector. Opening the summit, Dr Sandar Oo, Managing Director of Myanma Insurance, Union of Myanmar, who is also Chairperson of the Myanmar Insurance Association, gave an overview of the Myanmar insurance industry and how the new regulations will unlock opportunities for local and foreign companies, as well as individuals.  

By May, the government was expected to select foreign insurers to form joint ventures with local providers under a 35% ownership cap. With insurance providers needing to invest 30% of the $14 million licensing fee in government bonds, this move will provide a boost to Myanmar’s economy and spark further investors’ interests.   

Other participants and speakers include representatives from the Ministry of Planning and Finance, JICA, AIA Group, Manulife, Nippon Life Asia Pacific, MGA Insurance, IKBZ Insurance, First National Insurance, Aung Thitsa Oo Insurance, Galileo Platforms, and Klareco Communications. 

Attending both summits as a speaker, Chelsea Phua, Partner and Head of Technology and FinTech, Klareco Communications, said “Sound business strategies, an understanding of market needs and the ability to communicate these strategies and impact will enable companies in these sectors to ride the momentum. Clear and effective communications to targeted audiences can help these companies build trust with their stakeholders, rise above the competition and become leaders in their fields.”

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