adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:30 PM adv.pmd 12 10/10/2013, 8:07 PM adv.pmd 13 10/10/2013, 8:07 PM adv.pmd 12 10/10/2013, 8:07 PM adv.pmd 13 10/10/2013, 8:07 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:10 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:09 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:10 PM adv.pmd 11 10/11/2013, 12:23 PM adv.pmd 12 10/10/2013, 8:14 PM adv.pmd 13 10/10/2013, 8:15 PM Editor’s Note

It is hard to say with any certainty what changes the next month will bring. But it is our commitment to try our best to make the readers get the best documen- tation and analyses of the developments in Myanmar. This South East Asian nation has been undergoing profound and rapid changes in the past couple of years. Still there are several issues that need to be addressed urgently and the crucial thing are the good faith and efforts of all the stakeholders. On top of them is the issue of 2008 Constitution followed by national reconciliation and rule of law. To create an investor- friendly business environment, it is no doubt that political stability is a pre-requisite. The world today is experiencing an ACUMEN ever-greater need for energy. Developed and developing countries are compul- sively looking for energy sources worldwide and Myanmar has been an obvi- Editorial Board ous nation rich in natural resources. This issue of Acumen looks at this politi- CEO / Chief Editor cally important energy sector in-depth from many different angles including the Dr. Htet Zan Linn

use, management, transparency, people's rights and federal system of natural Director resources. It has also discussed how the natural resources are impacting on the Dr. Hein Thu Aung, Tin Tun Kyaw

peace and constitution of this nation of 60 million people. Myanmar will be Executive Editor busier at least in the next two years. She will be hosting SEA Games in 2014 Phyo Wai and taking the Asean chair the following year. Tourism industry will definitely Editors see far better opportunities as well as challenges. This month, we have included Hein Zaw, Khin Win, Khaing Minn Nyo an interesting tourism piece called the ‘‘Trend of Riverine Cruise in Myanmar’’. Contributors Hein Zaw, Myitmakha, Dr. Tin Maung Kyi, It was quite a coincidence that all major competitors in this industry happen to Naing Thit, Mikael Knudsen, be all women entrepreneurs while women representation has been quite low in Khaing Minn Nyo

other areas including politics. Other interesting stories include ‘‘How free can Cover Myanmar be?" and ‘‘Is Myanmar a mysterious country for foreign investors?" Hatt Kawt among others. We do hope you will enjoy reading this November issue like the Designers previous ones. Aung Aung (AN Computer), Thaw Tar Oo Thank you! A Computer Operator Zin Wai Wai Shein

Marketing Department January Khine Mon, Naw Keziah, Yadanar, Nan Mo, May Hsu Mo Mo

Photographers Aung Kyaw Moe (New Image) Hein Zaw, Khaing Minn Nyo

Advisors Publisher and Copyright Dr. Htet Zan Linn Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet (President's Economic Advisor) Prof. Maw Than (Rector (Ret), Yangon Institute of Economics Yangon) Printer Soe Tint Aung (Special Consultant for Advocacy, PSI Myanmar) Dr. Tun Lwin (Consultant, Myanmar Climate Change Watch,Tun Lwin Foundation) Than Lwin (Deputy Governor (Ret), Central Bank of Myanmar) Tin Zan Kyaw (Principal, Device Business Management Academy) Grace Swe Zin Htaik (Media Advocacy Advisor, PSI Myanmar)

Office No. 24/26, 4B-C, Race Course Condo, South Race Course Street, TAMWE TOWNSHIP, YANGON Tel : (+959) 420033355 66 77 (Hot Line), (+959) 73045140, 49317457, 73143313, (+951) 8603886, 8603887 ~ ~ [email protected] [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],

Masthead.pmd 1 10/11/2013, 12:08 PM ‘‘The mindset of leadership is the determination to serve, Voices not to lead, and it is the determination and the commit- ment to serve that decides who is the real leader, and ‘‘United States of not the desire to be a leader.’’ America was one of the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi countries holding Chairperson sanction on Myanmar for National League for Democracy Party a long time. It will be a miracle that they did not notice that US$11 billion is in the bank.’’ ‘‘List of ownership by each governmental official includes house, land, vehicle, jewelry, and money in banks, have to U Ye Htut report in sealed envelope to the President. ’’ Deputy Minister of Information U Soe Thein Union Minister at President Office

‘‘The remaining two years of this Parliamentary term of five years will be up soon. But land issues will remain in the next term of parliament and government. At present, we are trying to be better administration all the issues from previous military government.’’ U Khine Maung Yi Member of Land Confiscation Investigation Commission

‘‘To reform for the development of a country, one or two years is not enough. We are trying hard for democracy transformation in these two years that we never have before. To reach better development, we have to try hard for next four or five years.’’

U Moe Myint Kyaw Secretary-General Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI)

ACUMEN ⏐ 11

Voices.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 7:49 PM Photo Feature

12 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com September 2013

Photo Feature.pmd 12 10/11/2013, 12:03 PM ACUMEN ⏐ 13

Photo Feature.pmd 13 10/11/2013, 12:03 PM News in Brief

Japanese airline starts In promoting vocational training sec- Committee, said: ‘‘The conflict is not huge, tors, in strengthening the TVET system not a gigantic problem. So there are some Tokyo - Yangon project aims innovative strategies for vo- problems but I think that they are not direct flight cational training have been tested in prac- insurmountable problems. It can be tack- tice and incorporated into the reform pro- led in due course. That is one part. An- cess of Myanmar's vocational training and other part is that this area is quite im- education system. mune from those crises." To help develop the financial sector, The SEZ is one of the most important GIZ will offer a loan of 4.5 million Euros investment zones of the country. Thilawa (US$5.82 million) to Myanmar small and and Dawei SEZs in southern part of the medium enterprises (SME) realizing that country are well known projects. The SMEs play a key role of country's sustain- government will ensure to be stable and able economic development. GIZ believes peaceful for investors. The clashes be- that SMEs will be able to drive economic tween Bengali Muslims and ethnic Ra- The Japanese major airline, All Nippon growth and social development in Myan- khine are under the control of Martial Law Airways (ANA), has begun Yangon-To- mar. but effects of the law impact more than kyo route since early September, an offi- Last August, GIZ had a discussion with northern part of the state. cial said at the Myanmar-Japan Associa- Myanmar businessmen for technical help The Kyauk Phyu SEZ expects to see tion celebration at Sedona in Yangon. of Myanmar tea development and its in- an initial investment of US$277 million, The airline used Boeing 767-300 ER ternational market. Now, the GIZ is imple- with the first phase of development due airplane which can carry 202 passengers menting two projects- Strengthening the for completion in 2016. The government of which 35 are business class. After 12 TVET System and Financial Sector De- calls open tenders since last year. A years' suspension, ANA was recommenc- velopment in Myanmar and it will be fin- ing the regular direct flight between To- ished in 2015. A kyo and Yangon thrice a week. There are a total of 22 international airlines fly- KBZ wins two awards ing to Myanmar and eight airlines are Government pledges this year operating domestically. A for Kyauk Phyu SEZ security German helps three Myanmar government has been identify- sectors of Myanmar ing the economic potentials to contribute development to the country's economic development and is committed to develop Kyauk Phyu Special Economic Zone in Rakhine State. The SEZ is under the new law in- cluding free trade zones, tax incentives The Ministry of Finance announced the and other attractive offers for the inves- list of top 100 highest taxpayers in Myan- tors. mar on 14 September. Among those, Kan- Dr. Mg Maung Thein, Deputy Finance bawza Bank was awarded the highest Minister and Vice Chairman of the Kyauk taxpayer for 2012-2013 financial year. Phyu SEZ Bid Evaluation and Awarding Last June, Kanbawza Group was cho- sen the Best Corporate Governance award During a visit to Myanmar in February for 2013 by World Finance Magazine for last year, German Federal Minister Niebel the first time to a Myanmar bank along announced that German International Co- with AECOM from USA, South Korea- operation (GIZ) would further expand sus- based Samsung, Phillips from the Nether- tainable economic development in three lands and Glaxo Smith Kline from UK. sectors-promoting vocational training, Best Corporate Governance is an an- strengthening the private sector and de- nual award given out by World Finance veloping financial sector. and selection criteria includes the man-

14 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

News in Brief.pmd 14 10/10/2013, 7:40 PM agement quality, the equal treatment on To invest in high-rise building con- ployees through local job agencies. the stakeholders, transparency and hon- struction, Soilbuild Construction Group A consumer said, ‘‘Most of foods pro- esty and Corporate Social Responsibility Ltd. (SBCG) has inked a contract to pro- duced in Myanmar and exported from oth- (CSR). vide project management and professional er neighboring countries have no account- KBZ Bank has been operating through consulting services for construction of 24- ability for healthcare and consumer rights. 120 branches in Myanmar. Its 121st branch storey residential towers in Myanmar. Mr Nestle is an international company. So, I has been opened in Mandalay since 20 Ho Toon Bah, Executive Director of SBCG, hope that Nestle will value consumer rights September. KBZ Group is not only doing said: ‘‘Myanmar holds enormous poten- depending on the demand from Myanmar banking but also in other sectors such as tial as the country opens its doors to the consumers." A construction, garment industry, insurance, rest of the world. We look forward to oil industry, communication, cement, avi- extending our construction arm in Myan- Hotel construction in a ation business and mining under U Aung mar and delivering our high standard of rush to be ready Ko Win, the Chairperson. A professional services to our clients." According to Myanmar officials, there for Sea Games are K 713 billion worth of local invest- ment in construction industries. Myanmar Myanmar sees Investment Commission has been invit- ing more international companies to in- investment growth vest in construction sectors. A in construction sector Food giant Nestle enters Myanmar The countdown is coming on until the groceries market opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games (SEA) in Myanmar on 11 December for the first time. To manage the hotel rooms demand by Sea Games participants, Myanmar is in a rush to com- Realising the need to upgrade Myanmar plete new hotels construction in Nay Pyi infrastructure, a number of foreign con- Taw in time, according to the Ministry of struction companies has entered Myan- Hotels and Tourism. mar this year. U Htay Aung, Union Minister of Ho- Last August, a Japanese Minister for tels and Tourism, said, ‘‘Sea Games com- Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tour- The Switzerland-based food giant, Nestle mittee will take full responsibility for play- ism (MLIT), Mr Akihiro Otha met with has entered Myanmar groceries market via ers and invited persons" in a meeting with Myanmar Minister for Construction,U Thailand. The company has been operat- hotel construction personnel in Naypyitaw. Kyaw Lwin, in Naypyitaw. The Japanese ing in Thailand for more than 120 years. They expected 4,200 rooms in 53 new ho- minister pledged to help Thakayta (Pa- Nestle Myanmar Co., Ltd. has been formed tels are able to accommodate 3,700 peo- zundaung-Dawbon) bridge construction as to tap Myanmar market after getting per- ple especially special guests, players, and Japan-Myanmar friendship-bridge: to give mission from the DICA (Directorate of In- jurors, team managers as well as other Sea necessary expertise for road safety of vestment and Company Administration) Games tourists. Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and con- last September. At present, 40 hotels have been com- struction for housing development. On Nestle will produce and market cof- pleted in the Naypyitaw Hotel Zone, with September 17, in Naypyidaw, the delega- fee, bottled water, milkshakes and other 13 still under construction, according to tion lead by Mr. Shin Hnoto, Deputy Di- beverages, breakfast cereals, infant nutri- the ministry. rector General from MLIT also had a tional foods, seasonings, soups and sauces, It is expected that about 1.5 million meeting with Myanmar official from Di- frozen foods and pet food for Myanmar tourists will visit Myanmar this year. More rectorate of Investment and Company Ad- consumers. licenses for the hotel and tourism indus- ministration to cooperate in construction Nestle Myanmar is also looking for tries are thus being allowed, to cater to industries. local marketing and manufacturing em- the increase in arrivals. A

ACUMEN ⏐ 15

News in Brief.pmd 15 10/10/2013, 7:40 PM News in Brief

Prospect of two groups' much potential - its economy to over questions, call for requests, complaints, US$200 billion by 2030, according to a eCall Center services. Finally, the portal is MoU: to Myanmar recent report by McKinsey Global Insti- targeted to serve the online transactional Economic potential tute. A interactive services such as applying li- cense, paying tax, retrieving information by searching through provided databases, eYangon will be ready Live Updated traffic information and so on. soon eYangon will act as the platform ser- vice for other infrastructure development eYangon is founded since 2012 by the programme. So, it will support in develop- Government of Yangon in the form of PPP ment of eGovernment systems of Myan- (Public-Private Partnership). The policies mar. were laid out by the Government of eYangon portal will not only serve for Yangon and developed by the Private Last October, a Singapore Exchange Main the people of Yangon and Myanmar but Computer firms who also are the mem- Board Listed Company, Yoma Strategic also to foreigners. It will also serve the bers of Myanmar Computer Industry As- Holdings Co., Ltd. signed a MoU (Memo- inter-governmental department communi- sociation (MCIA). randum of Understanding) with Mitsub- cations. Mr. U Min Oo, Chariman of MCIA, Room No. 219 of Yangon Parliament ishi Corporation, Japan's largest general is one of the responsible persons for the is used as the head-quarter for eYangon trading company, to jointly explore busi- development of eYangon. He also men- Project. Operations will start on 30 Sep- ness potential in Myanmar. This MoU tioned that he cannot confirm the project tember 2013. eYangon will start by devel- makes firmly strong the current opera- finishing date as it depends on many fac- oping a web portal with its own url, tion of two groups and opened the gate tors such as HR and financing issues. It www.eyangon.gov.mm. One of the features of upcoming business potential opportu- also depends on participation, readiness of Web Portal is creating opportunities for nities in Myanmar. people of Yangon. Yoma Stretegic Holdings Ltd. is one eYangon Web Portal will provide the of flagship companies of SPA (Serge Pun services by government agencies, news, & Associates) Group together with First announcements and other useful informa- Myanmar Investment Co., Ltd. Yoma Stra- tion to people. Generally saying, it started tegic has started to operate Mitsubishi's as web presence then later develops step first after sales service centre in Yangon by step through the seamless online web as a first step of alliance with Mitsubishi portal stage. Corporation. Not only Yoma Strategic but International ICT Exhibition will be also SPA, it has been the exclusive dis- host in Yangon on 17 October 2013. tributor of Mitsubishi elevators and esca- eYangon Web Portal has plan for ‘Soft lators in Myanmar market since 1998. Launch' at that exhibition. People can then ‘‘This alliance with Mitsubishi Corpo- visit the portal at www.eyangon.gov.mm. ration will be instrumental to further col- As soon as the development stage is laboration between the parties and en- completed then it will transferred to sure that our ongoing projects will con- Yangon Government. The committee of tinue to progress well." Andrew Rickards, eYangon is chaired by Chief Minister of Yoma Strategic's chief executive, said. Yangon with about 20 members. The of other organizations connecting to Singapore listed Yoma Strategic has project is planned to develop in three stag- eYangon. operation in real estate, agriculture, the es. At first, Web Portal will provide the Digital Yangon 2008 was planned since automotive industry and luxury tourism information services from Yangon Govern- 2003 by the eGovernment Implementing in Myanmar. Mitsubishi Corporation runs ment ministries, Yangon City Development Committee chaired by the then Prime Min- as its global business with more than Committee and any other organizations ister General Khin Nyunt but suspended 60,000 employees in about 90 countries under Yangon Government. in 2005. eYangon is similar to it but updat- worldwide. Secondly, the portal is planned to be ed and adopted to the current technolo- Myanmar is on the way of economic, interactive such as forms fillings, asking gies. A political and social reforms which means

16 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

News in Brief.pmd 16 10/10/2013, 7:40 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:16 PM Cover Story

18 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Coverstory.pmd 18 10/10/2013, 8:34 PM ACUMEN ⏐ 19

Coverstory.pmd 19 10/10/2013, 8:34 PM Cover Story

he world today is experiencing an China, gas from the Gold gas project area ever-greater need for energy. De is conveyed through the pipeline at Tveloped as well as developing Kyaukphyu. Oil purchased from the countries are scrawbling for energy Middle East and Africa is to be refined at sources worldwide. Energy fuel supply Kyaukphyu and then sent to China's has now become part of a country's secu- Yunan province through the oil pipeline rity and national interest. Powerful coun- at the rate of about 200,000 barrels a day. tries for their own national interests, have The Gold gas project and the oil pipeline now come to adopt various approaches project have some multi-national share- to gain access to global energy sources holders: Daewoo International Corp (51 such as oil, natural gas, hydropower coal, per cent). Mumbai-based OVL (17pc), etc., particularly those in smaller coun- Myanmar MOGE (15pc), India's GAIL tries. (8.5pc) and Korea's KOGAS (8.5pc). Myanmar is unquestionably rich in At Kyaykphyu, which is a deep-sea natural resources ranking number 42 on port, a railway track, an airfield and a the International Energy Agency's list of special economic zone comprising indus- countries rich in natural resources. Un- trial zones are projected to be constructed. fortunately, however, inept management The initial investment would be in the seems to have made Myanmar one of order of US$8.3 billion and it would be those countries which, though amply 89.2 billion for a period of 35 years. The blessed with natural resources, do not project comprises the construction of a achieve as much progress as they should. 800 kilometre long railroad from Following the country's transition Kyaukphyu to Shweli in China at an es- from military rule to democracy a grow- timated cost of US$ 20 billion. It is stipu- ing number of foreign business people lated in the MOU that the constructions have expressed interest in making an in- are to be under China's control for 30 vestment in Myanmar, mostly in the en- years before being handed over to ergy sector. China has the largest share Myanmar. The Rakhine Oil Watch says of foreign investment in this country. Chi- there is a plan to build a highway be- nese companies have been here since the tween Kyaukphyu and Shweli. days of the military government. India has its own chunk of invest- ment in Myanmar in the form of Kaladan Rakhine State: Myanmar's Multi-modal Transit Transport Project Treasure Trove being carried out by ESSAR under the Natural gas is being extracted in aegies of the Ministry of External Affairs Yetagon, Yadana, Shwe and Zawtika sites. of India. The Indian government had It is sold to Thailand and China. The larg- meant it for the development of its North- est in terms of supply is from Shwe site. east frontier areas as part of the agree- Most of the business the people in the ment the two countries signed during Vice Rakhine State do is export business, par- Senior General Maung Aye's visit to In- ticularly to neighbouring Bangaladesh and dia in 2008. The project is expected to upstream by the Kaladan river to Mizuram cost US$200 million and to be completed in India. The Rakhine state produces ag- by 2015. ricultural and animal husbandry goods. The hydropower projects include the There are fisheries and sun-dried salt in- Lay Myo Project and the Tha-htay-chaung dustry by the Bay of Bengal. project which is still under way. There is As regards foreign investment, the an agreement with Vietnam's MYSICO on state has investors in its 27 off-shore Shwe the extraction of decorative marble from (means Gold) gas project with China, the Nay Pu Taung mountain at Taungup. South Korea and India operating in blocks The project starting in 2013 is expected 1, 2 and 3. To meet the energy needs of to produce a total of 7850 metric tons of

20 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Coverstory.pmd 20 10/10/2013, 7:07 PM Oil container tanks construction site Sittwe port construction site of in Kyauk Phyu to load purified oil Kalandan Multimodal Transit and gas to China / Thet Naing Htun Transport Project / Khaing Minn Nyo

Upgradation Sittwe port of Kaladan Stand-by position of a ship at Kyauk Multimodal Transit Transport Project Phyu sea port construction site / / Khaing Minn Nyo shwe.org

Impact of digging the hills in Ramree Island by CNPC’s construc- tional heavy vehicles / shwe.org

870 kilometers long Pipe line to Yunan / shwe.org ACUMEN ⏐ 21

Coverstory.pmd 21 10/10/2013, 7:08 PM Cover Story

marble for a period of 25 years. Some disadvantage against international prices. local fishing industry suffers because of foreign companies are said to be doing a A Rakhine businessman said ‘‘This ad- restrictions on fishing grounds. The for- feasibility study of Rakhine coastal sand vance sale to China makes the prices less ests that used to serve as natural dike for extraction of titanium. in worth when compared to prices in the against flooding are all but depleted. All next 20 or 30 years''. that lack of accountability produces a The Curse of Natural Re- Though the Chinese companies had damaging effect on the social life and sources? assured that their investment in that part human rights of the local people as well Every undertaking produces good of the country would create jobs for the as the natural environment. results as well as bad results. If all par- local people, yet what it all results is losses ‘‘The jobs they give us are manual ties involved are working together in an for the people. There have been damages jobs such as carrying bricks and stones open and transparent manner each get- to the natural environment and the eco- and that only on a short-term basis and ting a just and fair share of the benefit there will be a harmonious relation- ship. Any undertaking that only benefits a cer- tain elite group control- ling it while the rest of the stakeholders are left to suffer is simply an un- just and unfair business. A 30 year deal with China on the sale of 12 billion cubic metres of Rakhine offshore natural gas earns Myanmar a yearly income of about US$2 billion. There is yet another income expected as natural gas pipeline passage fees at the rate of $13.81million a year amounting to a total of $ 414.3 million for a 30- year period. Crude oil pipeline passage fee one dollar per ton, which means an income for Local Fishermen’s livelihood in Kaladan River, Rakhine State / Khaing Minn Nyo Myanmar of over $6 mil- lion for 22 million tonnes of crude oil for 30 years, according to a system all along the 30 metre wide and low-paid'' said U Maung Aye Naing of report prepared by the Gold gas activists. 870 kilometre long Gold gas pipeline pas- Maday Kyun whose land was taken away It is only natural that an economic sage through such parts of the country as by the local authorities, adding, ‘‘A con- undertaking results either in loss or profit, the Rakhine State, Magwe region, siderable number of our villagers, includ- but one has the right to sell or not to sell Mandalay region and Shan State, where ing my son, left for Thailand. From there Myanmar's natural gas sale is of the na- irresponsible earth digging and dumping he'll go on to Malaysia where his brother- ture of black market sale, but a country's had occurred. The local people were ren- in-law is staying''. natural resources are not to be treated as dered landless and jobless. Marine life is There is a demand by the local things to be put on the black market. also being threatened with gradual ex- people for necessary corrective action for Myanmar's sale of natural gas is an tinction as a result of underwater detona- damaged social and environmental life of advance sale, which puts the price at a tion in prospecting for natural gas. The the people. The people there consider

22 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Coverstory.pmd 22 10/10/2013, 7:08 PM their local natural resources not as a bless- balance rather than focusing on the good makes or does not make necessary ing but rather as a curse. ‘‘We do not see results alone. The project now under changes in its development programmes. any protective measures for the environ- implementation in the Rakhine State has In Alaska, which the US purchased from ment in the project'' said U Oo Hla Myint. flaws: a case in point is a gas leakage in Russia for $7.2 million the US govern- ‘‘If that natural gas does make a wreak of September with the resultant outbreak of ment managed to exploit its oil resources a farmer's life it might be taken as some- fire; the Chinese people in Kunming them- producing over 21 million barrels of oil thing of a curse''. selves took to the street in an anti-pipe- and 34 billion cubic feet of natural gas In its web page the Energy Ministry line demonstration, and there were also monthly. Alaska receives income from the speaks about ‘accountability' and ‘trans- protests by Myanmar people abroad in federal government as land lease charges parency' regarding its implementation of 2012 and 2013. The entire gas pipeline as well as a proper share of financial gain. socio economic projects China's CNPC on project is full of challenges not only for The US constitution stipulates that the country's natural re- sources must be treated as natural heritage be- longing to all the US citi- zens. Income from a sale of natural resources are kept as permanent re- serve fund, of which 25 percent is used as invest- ment. From 1982 to 2009 payment by cheque to the people amounted to $17.5 million. In 2008, they recurred $2,000 each. In 2010 Norway, one of the world's top-ten natu- ral gas producers had a total of 2 trillion cubic centimetres of natural gas still untapped. With a view to meeting the economic challenges likely to result from the eventual depletion of its Marine Life on Rakhine Coast in Danger of Extinction from Mine Blasts / oil reserves, the govern- narinjara.com ment set aside its rev- enue from oil and natu- ral gas as a reserve fund its part said it has earmarked $10 million the Rakhine State in Myanmar but also called Norwegian pension fund. There are for regional development and two mil- for China as well. a number of restrictions on the use and lion yearly as compensation for losses and management of that fund to ensure that it damages incurred during the project op- How they use their natural re- is used in an effective way. It can be trans- eration. But U Tint Htoo Aung of the sources ferred to the state budget account only Rakhine National Congress said that the There are many instances of misman- with the approval of Parliament and if authorities concerned are remiss in ful- agement regarding Myanmar's natural re- cannot be used for any personal or pri- filling their obligations. sources from the viewpoint of the way vate purpose. Every economic project has its mer- other countries do it. Every country has Countries the world over have laws its and demerits. It is a standard interna- inadequacies or deficiencies. Progress of that curb the indiscriminate extraction of tional practice to weigh them in proper a country varies according to how it natural resources. They have strategies

ACUMEN ⏐ 23

Coverstory.pmd 23 10/10/2013, 7:08 PM Cover Story

to cope with the eventual depletion of their Lack of equitable natural resources. Their open and trans- parent style of management ensures that distribution of wealth all those involved gets a just and fair share of the profit from the exploitation of natu- generated by the ral resources. That contributes a lot to the development of the country. country's natural Natural Resources and Manage- resources is said to be ment and Transparency Natural resources are not a curse. one of the causes of Rather, under open and transparent man- agement, they can be treasures of im- civil war. Civil wars mense value. That kind of management calls for a good understanding of relevant hamper progress of a international management norms. Myanmar has expressed its wish to be a country. Myanmar's member of Extractive Industries Trans- parency Initiative (EITI) and President U protracted civil war Thein Sein is trying to get it realized. EITI is closely related to plays a supportive role in the sustainable development of countries rich in natural the sharing of natural resources by helping promote financial management public awareness and par- resources. ticipation, transparency and accountabil- ity regarding how the governments handle the finances of their extractive industries. rise to protest among the people of the At present transparency is lacking not Rakhine State. The Rakhine political par- just in the Rakhine State alone. ‘‘The ties and social organizations. ‘‘Our state, people of the Rakhine State get nothing one of the poor in Myanmar producing from the gas sale'' said U Aye Thar Aung. natural gas that really makes us happy, ‘‘In fact, I don't know how and where those but the fact that the Rakhine people gas sale proceeds are used in Myanmar haven't got any benefit from it to this day as a whole. This utter lack of openness is makes us feel unfairly treated'' said U Aye just undesirable''. Thar Aung, chairman of the Arakan Countries can gain benefit by acting League for Democracy as well as Secre- in conformity with the norms and guide- tary of CRPP. lines set down in the Natural Resources It is not the Rakhine State alone that Charter that aims at creating a better un- is denied their rightful share of the bo- derstanding between people and their nanza. The Mon State, that has Mottama governments, thereby contributing to eco- offshore projects Yetagon and Yadana has nomic growth. its people suffering losses and damages due to the projects. Mon Democratic Party Natural Resources and the chairman U Naing Ngwe Thein said, ‘‘All resources brings in the question of the Rights that have been extracted are sold to Thai- 2008 constitution of the country regard- Minister for Electrical Power U Khin land with none of the people benefitting ing power sharing and sharing of natural Maung Soe said in one of the First Na- from it''. He added ‘‘True federal system resources. The provisions in the constitu- tional Assembly that the natural gas was is the only way to ensure equitable distri- tion as regards these issues should re- solely for sale to China and for the devel- bution wealth and the rights of the indig- flect a fair and just compromise between opment of Central Myanmar not for use enous people. the central government and the provin- in the Rakhine State. That remark gave The matter of sharing the natural cial governing bodies.

24 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Coverstory.pmd 24 10/10/2013, 7:08 PM offshore natural gas platform in the troll gas field off the west coast of Norway

Natural Resources and the Con- litical parties legal experts and civil soci- to enact laws on exploitation of the stitution eties point out some flaws and loopholes country's natural resources. ‘‘That's just The existing constitution was drawn in the constitution. Article 37, for instance, unfair'' commented the Gold gas activists. up at the Nyaung Hnapin Convention and calls for reviewing, it says to the effect There are two groups of people with approved in a reference. It was preceded that the government is the bona fide different approaches to amending the con- by 1947 constitution drawn up by the owner of all the natural resources that stitution. One group wants to do it in Par- AFPFL government and the 1974 consti- exist in water, air and on land. It also liament and the other one outside. Mon tution by the BSPP under U Ne Win Po- invests the government with the power Democratic Party chairman U Naing Ngwe

ACUMEN ⏐ 25

Coverstory.pmd 25 10/10/2013, 7:09 PM Cover Story

Thein said, ‘‘There's little chance of suc- cess if we do it with the government. ‘‘We'll do it outside Parliament only when necessary, we'll present it to Parliament'' U Hla Myint, a Rakhine businessman expressed his views, saying ‘‘It's just not feasible to amend the 2008 constitution. It'd be like trying to alter a rather tight jacket. Just a little alteration here and there won't do. We should do the whole thing over, based on the best model of democ- racy and federation in the world that suits our country'' Thura U Shwe Mann, Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw said,''We've formed a com- mittee to review the constitution. It'll start working soon. When it will finish its work depends on its effort and the extent of Sudanese Vice-President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, participation by the MPs''. left, and the Country’s main rebel leader John Myannar's current political process Garang shake hands after signing the long awaited consists of several interdependent phases peace accord / AFP from ceasefire to peace from constitution amendment to a genuine democracy, and from power sharing to a genuine federal union. Federal system will play an im- a certain measure of progress in doing Myanmar is based on the rights because portant role in deciding on matters of what his predecessors failed to do. Some ethnic armed groups and ethnic political rights for the individual constituent states of the armed groups have agreed to a parties believe in equality, self-determi- of the Union. ceasefire as part of their effort to get a nation and genuine federal union. That is political solution to political problems. An why, fairly ration allocation of natural Natural Resources and Federal all inclusive conference like the historic resource to producing region would be System Pang Long conference is expected. an acknowledgement of trust-building for Now with the democratization efforts Lack of equitable distribution of peace and genuine federal union. going on under President U Thein Sein wealth generated by the country's natu- In the end, natural resource will run the people have come to see that federal- ral resources is said to be one of the causes out of the land. By the future plan of some ism does not mean the right of cession. of civil war. Civil wars hamper progress countries for their national security and They have begun to demand the right of of a country. Myanmar's protracted civil national interest, at the time they are strug- self-determination, after having been dis- war is closely related to the sharing of gling to own energy from other countries trustful of the governments that have de- natural resources. There are similar cases in various ways, it is invaluable Myanmar nied them this right for nearly 60 years. Sudan for instance, had been engaged in is full with natural resources. That would So they are now unanimous in voicing civil war over the question of sharing the be out of question which is called their demand for self-determination. oilfields in its southern region until 2005 ‘Myanmar Resource Curse'. If it is an ad- Federal system is best-suited to when both sides signed a peace agree- ministration which is able to guarantee Myanmar with its eight major ethnic ment. Indonesia also had for so many for transparency, fairly ratio allocation, groups. ‘‘Power sharing is a requisite for years experienced a similar situation in priority for internal sufficient profit - re- a federal system'' said Dr. Tu Ja ‘‘If pro- connection with oil and natural gas until specting to international standards such vincial governments are allowed to exer- an agreement was reached in 2005. as EITI (Extractive Industries Transpar- cise the right of self-determination all the As the examples of the international ency Initiative), NRC (Natural Resource rest of the problems will solve itself''. study regarding with natural resource, Charter), EIA (Environment Impact As- fairly ratio allocation to producing region sessment), SIA (Social Impact Assess- Natural Resources and Peace is a tactic to end civil war and implement ment), FPIC (Free and Prior Informed President U Thein Sein has achieved for peace. 60 years long civil war in Consent). A

26 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Coverstory.pmd 26 10/10/2013, 7:09 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:17 PM Feature

28 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Warning; Testing Needed.pmd 28 10/10/2013, 7:51 PM The Silent Killer that occurred about four years ago, the FDA social community. Mainly it is said that In September, there was a rampage had banned ready-made fish paste because some goods that arrive through border of news, concerning food dangers in dangerous dye was used in making the trade especially goods such as cement, fer- Myanmar. The most serious problem con- food. Currently the ratio of chemical sub- tilizers are fakes and of low quality. Con- cerned not, as before, imported packed food stances in basic food stuffs of Myanmar cerning those goods of low quality, U Win stuffs from abroad but one traditional food remains high. As dye is used in various Myint the Union Minister for Commerce called fish paste, that most Myanmar people cooking stuffs such as chilli powder, tur- himself told the media that ‘‘There are in- have enjoyed for generations. Fish paste meric, bamboo-shoots, etc. it is also used stances of import of counterfeit fertilizers, (that is boiled into a light gruel) which is with fruits to speed up ripeness. counterfeit pesticide and counterfeit liqueur. an essential dish in most Myanmar's daily Some have labeled such dangerous We are reporting the matter to the presi- meal is very much a Myanmar peoples own foods as silent killers. Due to those chemi- dent and thinking of how to deal with it". product. It is mainly a product of cal induced foods cancer disease is on the Ayeyawady Region where there are sev- rise at an alarming rate and the WHO data The right of choice and capa- eral rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds. Many said Myanmar is one of the highest cancer bility people were amazed when the Consumer rates countries in South East Asia. Myanmar, which has been out of touch Protection Association of Myanmar in early with the rest of the world for about 20 September announced that urea fertilizer Violent life styles years did not get the chance to choose was found in the fish paste sold in the When talking about consumers rights modern products as they like. Myanmar market. In the simple production system in Myanmar, other than speaking about was especially far from reputable western where the fish is pounded to pulp and dangerous foods, it should be mentioned goods that had quality and social account- potted in jars, the report said that urea fer- about inconvenient and unqualified services ability. That Myanmar had to mainly im- tilizer was added to make the bones de- and environment. In this under-developed port from Asian countries that included composition faster. But in the report sub- country, travelling and communication are neighbours such as China, Thai and Ma- mitted by the Food and Drug Administra- still difficult. Most citizens commuting daily laysia. And importing, there was legal as tion (FDA) before October it was stated are frustrated. In Yangon, the business city well as illegal border trades daily. The that though urea was found in the sample which has to depend on the bus, because matter is mentioned in the Commerce Jour- fish paste sent to be tested it could not railway service is ineffective and traffic nal. confirm if it was the fertilizer up until the jams are everywhere and every day. The ‘‘According to the Union Minister the time this feature was written on 10 Octo- commuters are packed in buses like sar- amount of goods imported from Myawadi ber, it still remains controversial. dines in a can. That is why the passengers border trade between 2012 April 1 to July Whether there is urea fertilizer mixed refer to the bus service as ‘stuffed like fish 31 was worth US$36 million while accord- in the fish paste or not, the news has cre- paste'. ing to the figures available from Thailand, ated suspicion between the consumer and Goods that lack quality and unsafe the amount was $520m. Thus it indicates producer. In a case relevant to fish paste work sites are a challenge to the Myanmar that the legal and illegal trade difference

Fish paste which is an essential dish in The ratio of chemical substances in most Myanmar's daily meal basic food stuffs of Myanmar remains high

ACUMEN ⏐ 29

Warning; Testing Needed.pmd 29 10/10/2013, 7:51 PM Feature

is over 14 times amounting to $484m more ity. And as so too in monitoring. Besides services even cannot compete to its flow in illegal trade." that it also lacks rule of law. I am very into a low quality region. In illegal border trade most goods are much amazed that the government has not Doing business as a crony of the pow- imported from Thailand and China. As they viewed this as a national danger and dealt erful and ignoring the benefit of the con- are illegal goods there is no safety or qual- with it effectively. sumer is what makes the Myanmars hate ity warranty for the consumers in Myanmar, Besides that in Myanmar where busi- the entrepreneur. especially the illegal goods from China. As ness competition is not strong yet some The other problems is that the they are illegal goods there is no safety or internal business man in their greed have Myanmar themselves lack knowledge of quality warranty for the consumers in ignored the rights of the consumers. Many consumer rights. Even in buying goods at Myanmar. Especially illegal goods from Myanmar entrepreneurs who have tradi- a store there are very few who look at the China are notorious for their quality. Last tionally assumed that rightful trade is not items' expire date. Most follow the drift of year after rumours that sewage oil had beneficial have only started to hear about low price than quality. This is a natural been imported from China there is more Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in phenomenon that Myanmars who lack hearsay that perilous animal oil is getting recent years. Due to these internal traders health knowledge and suffer low income into the country. cum brokers illegal goods have been able have to endure. The Myanmar citrzens Beside the existence of such illegal to enter the country. have become quite used to consuming dyed traffic, the weak inspections of officials As the Myanmar can produce low food stuff and hazardous edible oil. seem to be neglecting the danger. In rel- quality goods only even the Myanmars evant to the matter the parliamentarian Dr themselves avoid the ‘Made in Myanmar' Inviting opportunities Than Win has told the Kamayut media as goods as much as they can. Due to low A person cannot strenghten consumer follows. development as there is shortage in tech- protection individually, all need to partici- The Administrators in charge lack nology resource and skill, when void of pate. The government organization needs transparency. They also lack accountabil- business ethics, the internal products and to truely do their job. There is criticism

Travelling is still difficult in Yangon

30 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Warning; Testing Needed.pmd 30 10/10/2013, 7:51 PM tion of Myanmar and Myanmar Consum- A person cannot strenghten ers Union that were formed, respectively consumer protection individually, in 2012. During the military government's all need to participate regime the difficulty of forming civilian societies was a hindrance for the consumer protection case. Though the current two organisations are being active as much as they can they need much to disperse within the citizens. The worst fact is the loss of trust between government organizations and civilian organizations. According to interviews, some civilian organizations bellow that the government does not work, while some officials from govern- ment organizations view civilian organi- zations as vile. It can be said that though joint activity between the two have been earnestly called for, there are more accu- sations than cooperation. It is not a surprise that it is so with Myanmar in the current state of sudden wake up from its long sleep. This matter that though officials declare they have ‘Please do not compare the FDA of a which cannot be immediately transformed found out it lacks effective penalties. Re- least developed country with 60 million needs a certain amount of time to be ferring to the condition of official regula- people functioning with a work force of achieved. It is especially necessary to edu- tion, U Kan Nyunt the former vice-chair- only 100 with efficiency of the FDA of a cate consumers themselves and the inter- man of the Consumer Protection Associa- developed country like the US.' nal businessmen. Though low income is a tion of Myanmar has summarized as fol- As a tradition of transformation pe- hindrance for consumer, only when citi- lows. riod, most people put the blame on the zens realize consumer rights and subtly ‘‘I don't have to say anything of their authorities. That attitude can clearly be seen make the right choice would suitable pro- findings. What would they do about their in Myanmar that has been transforming tection be possible. One opportunity is that findings? How will it be destroyed. There for two years. Most criticisms concerning the time when competition will be fierce must be transparency in laws and follow with the consumers right show that it is between foreign direct investment and ups." directly relevant to the administration in Asean business community is approach- Currently the consumer protection law charge. That it is mainly the government's ing. At that time of free competition the is still at the discussion stage and it is esti- responsibility is quite true to a certain limit. local entrepreneur will have to head qual- mated that it could be issued at the begin- There can be the former regimes ineffec- ity standard and for the consumer also ning of 2014. A solicitor says that though tive influence such as weak laws, non-per- there would be many to choose. Gradually there is no pure consumer protection law formance of present laws ,corruption and goods and services that lack standard qual- in Myanmar there are over 30 relevant weak vitality. But in this transformation ity will certainly be decided by the con- laws such as the National Drug Law (1992) time as today, not only the officials but sumers. and National Food Law (1996). Though civil societies, media and the entire popu- As for Myanmar, that has lived a se- there are such laws it is said that they lation should participate together. U Than cluded life for decades the present time is need to be modified to suit the situation of Maung, an advocate has summarized as a struggle in every factor as there are many today. Mainly there needs to be strict ac- follows. challenges faced in the consumer protec- tion taken in safety food measures that are ‘‘In truth, consumer protection is not tion factor that is most important for the the most dangerous to life. At present, the simply just the government's job. In other social life. To overcome those challenges, FDA is functioning with only over a hun- countries, the NGOs work. And that NGO the country needs good governance in the dred personnel, as criticized, it may lack ac- needs to be a very strong NGO." law enforcement and for the civilian orga- countability. Dr Htun Zaw the director of FDA In Myanmar the NGO organizations nizations and citizens to be enthusiastically himself has frankly admitted as follows. that are active are the consumer Protec- active. A

ACUMEN ⏐ 31

Warning; Testing Needed.pmd 31 10/10/2013, 7:52 PM Feature

32 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Hotel Tourism-Myitmakha(next design).pmd 32 10/10/2013, 8:53 PM ACUMEN ⏐ 33

Hotel Tourism-Myitmakha(next design).pmd 33 10/10/2013, 8:53 PM Feature

Mr Antony, about 30 years of age, from through the border checkpoints. Germany is taking pictures of Shwedagon ‘‘That depends on political reforms. pagoda looking up to it in amazement. The situation is not like before. The num- Visitors are facing some difficulties He has never seen such a splendid ber of tourist arrivals has risen not only such as the lack of international stan- pagoda before and he has visited Myan- because of political reforms but also be- dard hotels, poor hotel services and mar after hearing that there are a large cause of allowing them to enter the coun- expensive rates. number of pagodas and other interesting try via the borders," said the official. places to hang out. Hotels in Myanmar should be pre- But he definitely was not happy with pared to provide better services for many the room rates in Yangon. tourists expected to enter the country and ‘‘It's OK for me to pay hotel fees to the international standard rooms should stay in it, but the downtown Yangon is be developed to accommodate the influx rather a long way from here," he said. of foreign visitors coming to Myanmar, He continued to explain that he had to according to a source from Myanmar Ho- stay in a cheap hotel at North Okkalapa teliers Association. Township as the rate of a decent hotel in Hotel construction is being expanded downtown Yangon was too high although in major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, he wanted to be there. Naypyitaw and Mawlamyine and the in- The number of international travelers teresting tourist attraction spots such as has increased up to four times over that of Bagan-Naung U and Inlay. 2011 in Myanmar. A two-star floating hotel is under con- ‘‘Daw Aung San Su Kyi was released struction in Ayeyarwady River near Man- from house arrest in November 2011. Then dalay and will be completed by the time agents from abroad no longer even adver- political prisoners were released. Tourists of SEA Games to be held from 11 to 22 tise Myanmar giving the reasons that their are entering the country because of such December in Myanmar, according to con- tickets are not in demand even though they political changes. Certain number of for- struction manager U Lay Myint there. have to spend much on advertisement. eign businessmen are here as economic The floating hotel has 70 rooms of which They say they are afraid that customers sanctions on Myanmar have been lifted by 40 are double rooms, four suites and two may misunderstand them. Customers may the US and the EU," said a tour guide in meeting rooms. think it's a daylight robbery to charge pro- Yangon. ‘‘We've given top priority to safety of hibitive cost for a visit to Myanmar if they The entry of tourists into Myanmar visitors. Bio tank with recycling system, keep selling tickets at these high costs. In has been dramatically increasing since KTV, Internet, library, sport hall, auto-fire fact customers have to pay such exorbi- 2011 and about 1.8 million of tourists have extinguisher and recreation centers will tant prices not because the foreign agents entered the country during the fiscal year be equipped in this floating hotel," U Lay have not raised travel cost a lot but be- 2012-2013 that ended on March 31.The Myint added. cause hotel fees are too expensive here," Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has fore- Despite influx of foreign visitors to U Aye Kyaw said. casted three million will come in 2014/ Myanmar, they are facing some difficulties It is said that in other countries in 2015 fiscal year. and one is lack of enough international Southeast Asia, a customer can stay in a Tourist arrivals in Myanmar during standard hotels, poor hotel services and hotel paying only US$ 10 but Myanmar this year's open season have increased expensive rates, a tour guide said. hoteliers want around at least $80 to at thanks to political reforms, according to The cost of a visit to Myanmar is high- most $250 for a room. the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. er compared to the cost of a visit to neigh- Although room charges of most of the ‘‘The 1.06 million tourists visited the boring countries such as Thailand, Lao, hotels in Myanmar and those of the four- country last year (from January to Decem- Cambodia and Malaysia and the expenses star or five-star hotels in some of the neigh- ber). There are over 900,000 foreign visi- of a ten-day travel to Myanmar are higher boring countries are the same, hotel ser- tors who have entered the country from than two or three times to neighboring vices here have not caught up with the January to August. More than two million countries, said U Aye Kyaw, Managing standards of the services that hotels in those arrivals are expected by December," said Director of Ruby Land Travel Agency of countries are offering, a tour guide said. an official from the Mnistry of Hotels and Yangon. ‘‘In Thailand, a customer can stay in a Tourism adding that such tourism boom is ‘‘Some of the foreign travel agencies hotel paying only $10 or less than $15 for due to permission to enter the country become fed up with our country. Some two-star hotel and about $30 with a swim-

34 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Hotel Tourism-Myitmakha(next design).pmd 34 10/11/2013, 12:06 PM The number of international traveler has increased since 2011

ming pool and buffet breakfast. Although Home Stay Service would be given per- and poor services in Myanmar are due to Myanmar hoteliers want around $60 or mission in the area outside Yangon hop- a long term economic sanction imposed $70 for a room when their hotels start ing that it could partly fulfill needs of hotel on Myanmar once, said an hotelier. opening, they can't try to make their ser- accommodation. We haven't seen it to be ‘‘As there used to be economic em- vices meet the international standards. So, shaped up as of today for want of security bargoes on trading with our country, we it can be said that tourists' entry rate has measures. Such home-based accommoda- have missed the boat in trading with in- risen along with bad reputation," said U tions may be good for tourists, but I think ternational community. Hotel room charg- Aye Kyaw of the Ruby Land Travel Agen- it is unlikely for overnight stays," said U es are expensive. But I think the rate are cy. Myo Thant, an assistant manager of Sweet reasonable during such transitional peri- He advised that Home Stay Service Hotel in Yangon. od," he said. being practiced in some neighboring coun- However, there is no need to concern Hotel fees are high because demand tries should be applied in Myanmar where about safety of tourists who will be lodged exceeds supply and there are not enough there is not enough hotel accommodation at home-based accommodations as tour- hotels here in spite of influx of foreign vis- in addition to expensive charges for ho- ism police forces have been already formed itors to the country, said another hotelier. tels. in Myanmar, said Daw Yin Min Lwin, a "Hotel business is a long term investment. Home Stay Service means about two tour guide for the last 19 years in Yangon. Hotel services are totally different from or three tourists are lodged at houses, or ‘‘There are a few criminal cases in commodity sales. Of course, they should flats, or condos refurbished and such pri- our country. So, I think we needn't worry control room charges for the long term. vate home-based accommodations not only about it. It will be Ok if we all take care of Customers hesitate to visit here on account may partly fulfill the requirement of hotel the visitors. I think Home Stay Service will of the high cost of hotel fees," said a travel rooms but also may be advantageous to shape up sooner or later," she added. agent. reducing charges of hotel rooms, he ex- Myanmar has already formed tourism Across Myanmar, there are currently plained. police tasks and female police have been 859 hotels, 40 of which are in Naypyitaw, ‘‘Full board and lodging may be do- also reinforced among them. the capital city of Myanmar and 217 are in ing well. But in view of security, suppos- The assignment of female tourism Yangon, the commercial city, according to ing that tourists were lodged at a condo, police can make tourists safer than before, figures of Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. who would deal with the protection of according to chairman of Bagan Zone of Myanmar government has already allowed them? Is it sure the government will per- Myanmar Tourist Guides Association. tourists including Thai people to enter the mit such lodging house? We heard last year High rate of accommodation charges country with the temporary border-pass

ACUMEN ⏐ 35

Hotel Tourism-Myitmakha(next design).pmd 35 10/10/2013, 8:54 PM Feature

Peacock Lounge of Treaders Hotel Yangon

Parkroyal Yangon / www.parkroyalhotels.com

permission (TBP) via cross-border check- Myanmar-China. country to enjoy 27th SEA Games, which points such as Myawady, Tachileik, Kaw- The kinds of foreign visitors to Myan- will be hosted in December 11-22 here. thaung and Htikhi, all of which are close mar vary with foreign independent travel- ‘‘The 33 hotels with two-star and five- to Thailand from the start on 28 August ers, package tours, business travelers, visit star rating in Yangon will be prepared and 2013 and 28-day visit TBP and 70-day com- friends and relatives and other visitors. we've negotiated with the hoteliers. We've mercial TBP will be issued. It is known that many tourists from Tai- done so that foreigners entering the coun- Moreover, the new cross-border wan, Japan, France, the US, Germany, the try to participate in SEA Games can stay checkpoints between Myanmar-China are UK, Italy, Thailand, Singapore and Malay- at reasonable prices," said U Myint Tun to be opened as the second border gate- sia and because most of the foreign travel- Oo from the Ministry of Hotels and Tour- way to the country. ers here come from European countries ism. It is reported that tourists enter the and Eastern Asia, those countries are the As tourism plays a critical role in shap- country from Yangon International Airport, main market of Myanmar tourism. ing the trajectory of the transition, hote- or from Mandalay International Airport, or Myanmar has reportedly made prep- liers should be far-sighted businessmen from cross-border checkpoints that have aration for not only frequent tourists but instead of seeing short-term benefits, said been opened between Myanmar-Thai and also foreign visitors who will enter the a businessman of Yangon. A

36 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Hotel Tourism-Myitmakha(next design).pmd 36 10/10/2013, 8:54 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:25 PM Feature

38 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Is Myanmar a Mysterious-Myitmakha.pmd 38 10/10/2013, 7:27 PM ACUMEN ⏐ 39

Is Myanmar a Mysterious-Myitmakha.pmd 39 10/10/2013, 7:27 PM Feature

Kyaw Thet, 44, who works for a construc- nificant reforms, Ooredoo is one of the tender winners for tion companyU in Singapore, said he was the interna- telecom Network contract reluctant to come back to Myanmar. tional commu- As a construction engineer, he under- nity including the United States of America ing held in Naypyitaw from 10 to 11 Sep- stands well that he should come back to and the European Union has already lifted tember that they had found there were both work in his home country though there is economic sanction imposed against opportunity and challenges in investing in rarely skilled workers in Myanmar. Myanmar. Myanmar. ‘‘We can work for our country and Recently, Daw Aung San Su Kyi, a ‘‘Myanmar is a suitable country where we want to. But the maximum salary that representative of Hluttaw [Congress] has, businessmen should invest. On the other employers can offer for me in comparison during her visit to Singapore, encouraged hand, there are challenges and deterrents with income that I can earn here all Myanmar people scattered all over the here. So, we should think of how to pre- [Singapore] is one single major thing to world to come back to work in their coun- pare for overcoming them," he said. consider," he said. try Myanmar as has done the President U Foreigners interested in investing in It is not strange that most of the edu- Thein Sein during his previous visits to Myanmar say that major challenges for in- cated people working in foreign countries the United States and the European Union. vesting here are lack of adequate electric make such comment as many educated For the time being, some foreigners power supply and shortage of skillful work- young men in Myanmar left for abroad such are doing business at a loss and now they ers. as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand are considering whether they should in- Instability of rules and regulations be- and Dubai in late 1990s. vest in Myanmar or not though there are ing practiced at home and prohibitive It can be said that such brain drain is enough natural resources. The civilian gov- prices of the property are a deterrent to a great loss for the country during the re- ernment has been implementing reforms those interested in Myanmar. construction period. during the transitional period, which can Dr Nyo Nyo Thin, a Hluttaw repre- There are a lot of challenges that the attract a great number of investors from sentative from Yangon Region said that statesmen are facing in Myanmar, a new all over the world if handled properly. foreign investments have not yet flooded democratic country that was once ruled CEO Ross Cormack of Ooredoo into the country as expected. by the military regime for decades. Myanmar, one of the tender winners for ‘‘They [potential investors] want firm With the progress in some recent sig- telecom network contract said at the meet- laws when they are here to invest as the

High land prices may be a major Shortage of skillful workers obstacle to foreign Investors isis oneone ofof thethe challengeschallenges inin MyanmarMyanmar

40 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Is Myanmar a Mysterious-Myitmakha.pmd 40 10/13/2013, 2:31 PM U.S Ambassador to Myanmar Derek Mitchell speaks during an event by FordFord Globel gaint is now every where in Yangon on April 30 , 2013 in Myanmar

first step. And the second, they are con- here seeing exorbitant land prices. from a company of Hong Kong. We can't cerned that there are not enough infra- Lack of international banks linked use internet as the power goes out every structures such as adequate electric power with global community in managing mon- now and then. Internet connection is so supply, water supply and reasonable land etary affairs in Myanmar is a problem for poor that we cannot contact the firm from price in our country. Land prices have gone those interested in investing in Myanmar, Hong Kong. So, they are incapable of send- up. Such outrageous land prices may be a said U Lu Maw Myint Maung, a rice ex- ing software they have promised us to. This major obstacle to them. That's why, our porter. problem affects not only companies at country cannot attract so many foreign in- ‘‘Foreign giants are running their busi- home but also their associate foreign firms," vestments as expected," she concluded. ness linking with international banks. They he said. Although it is true that land prices in do business making a contract with such In addition to those obstacles, weak- Myanmar are prohibitive, that is not a de- banks. They can't do business carrying a ness of legal system and rule of law, ad- terrent to foreign investment and as those huge volume of cash in a country where ministration and judiciary may be other interested in investing in Myanmar are gi- there is no international bank. They may main causes of the inability of foreigners ants, they will not go back being afraid of consider that it has no guarantee to de- to invest here, some economists say. land prices, said Mr. Joseph Schapz, an posit their money in the banks at home," Furthermore, political situation that American economic analyst. he said. will be changed in 2015 are taken into ‘‘In my opinion, high land prices are Moreover, domestic companies linked consideration by the potential foreign in- not a problem for giants, but we've found with foreign firms running business at vestors, said U Myint Zaw, one of the ex- it is obstacle to middle-class firms that want home are facing inadequate electricity and ecutive members of UMFCCI (The Union to invest in Myanmar," he added. very poor internet connection and these of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Although global giants such as Coca- poor infrastructure hindering operating Commerce & Industry). Cola Company, Ford Car Company and GE business, said a person of the company ‘‘They are watching whether or not Company have entered the country to in- associated with Japanese firm. real reforms will come out in 2015 elec- vest, middle-class firms hesitate to invest ‘‘We have a contract to get software tions. For the time being, both we and potential foreign investors are playing a match to test the ability of players and the United Amara Bank (UAB) in Myanmar are now government is taking part in that match as yanmar connected to Western Union / Aung Kyaw Moe well. It is important to see the facts whether real reformists will be able to lead the gov- ernment and they will link current progress in reforms with long term reforms. I think foreigners are considering they should in- vest here depending on these two facts," he said. Economy and development activities will be able to be accelerated and employ- ment opportunity can be created on con- dition that huge amount of foreign invest- ments have entered the country, Dr. Nyo

ACUMEN ⏐ 41

Is Myanmar a Mysterious-Myitmakha.pmd 41 10/13/2013, 2:31 PM Feature

Nyo Thin said. The government should step up the they are recognized as black list in the ‘‘If foreign investments are flooding momentum of the state development by United States and the European Union, said into the country, there will be many em- providing necessary assistances for foreign Mr. Joseph Schapz, an American economic ployment opportunities at home. Besides investors releasing tax for those who are analyst. we may be getting familiar with new tech- likely to invest in the sectors that are ben- As foreign investments can often bring nology they will bring with them. I say eficial to the country in which business- both good and bad, they can be turned that in theory. But in practice, we haven't men at home are incapable of investing, a into opportunity for the country providing seen many foreign investments carrying local businessman said adding that if for- that the government has made prepara- such employment opportunities have en- eign investments have entered the coun- tions for civil projects, rule of law and en- tered the country as all have known," she try, local businessmen will have to com- vironmental conservation that can support added. pete or cooperate with them. the development for the country, said U It is said that Myanmar people be- lieve that they can reach technology and employment opportunities provided that foreign investments have entered the coun- try and there are some people at home want to work in foreign firms that will of- fer a good salary and some scattered all Myanmar have nurtured some over the world wish to come back to work at home if they have the opportunity of businessmen as National Economic getting a nice salary. ‘‘I hope foreign investments. Influx of Heroes, they have difficulties foreign investments can encourage our spirits. There will be many employment in making joint venture opportunities, new high technology if they have entered the country. Moreover, our outlook will be broader. On the other hand, with foreign investors since we need to have learnt things required to be able to work in their firms," said a young they are recognized asblack list man learning IT in Yangon. Although Foreign Investment Law inthe United States and was enacted on 2 November 2012 under the new civilian administration, there are the European Union some restrictions and exception in this law, according to the analysts on economy and law. Legal experts point out that there are some weaknesses such as calculation of capital brought in by official exchange rate, Several countries that practice social- Myint Zaw of UMFCCI. lack of dispute settlement mechanism, no ist system often nurture local businessmen Foreign investment tax can reinforce description on land use policy and less or cronies called National Economic Hero revenues of Myanmar and good invest- protection in the foreign investment law. encouraging them to improve their busi- ments can support the sectors of educa- Some of the economists say that for- ness and providing them with necessary tion and public health, said Mr. Joseph eign investments have not entered the assistances and the rich man from Russia Schapz, the American economic analyst. country because they are still watching who has bought Chelsea football club is a Analysts conclude that foreign invest- rules and regulations that they focus on National Economic Hero of Russia. ments will enter Myanmar on condition rather than the foresaid weaknesses. Although Myanmar have nurtured that there are a stability of economy and As foreign firms interested in invest- some businessmen as National Economic politics and rule of law although the gov- ing in Myanmar are from different coun- Heroes, they have difficulties in making ernment is carrying out political and eco- tries, their concern over policy of Myanmar joint venture with foreign investors since nomic reforms. A will be different from one another.

42 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Is Myanmar a Mysterious-Myitmakha.pmd 42 10/10/2013, 7:31 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:23 PM B2B Talk

44 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 44 10/10/2013, 7:46 PM Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: The aim of the talk we have Daw Kalayar Moe: It has been 10 years that we've worked arranged today is to discuss ‘The trend of cruise services'. with Amara River Group since 2003. It was a tourism business In fact we can find tourism industry improving gradually in when we started it. When we gave service for tourism in the our country. We estimate the number of tourists would be rivers like the Ayeyarwady and the Chindwin, including the about a million this year. It is estimated to be three million Yangon River we found demands of tourists from our main next year. When a lot of tourists come in, the service we can market, German market. When we were about to begin the offer to the tourists will include not only the pagodas and business, there was a ship plying first as ‘Road to Mandalay'. religious edifices of our traditional culture but also cruises, a The volume of their business was extensive. We intended to section of tourism industry where extraordinary natural beauty build a cruise ship and run a family business. Then we could of our country can be shown. So we are going to discuss it. start it. When the travel arrangements of the tourists were learnt The three persons who are going to discuss with me are Daw it was found that theirs were Yangon-Mandalay-Bagan tour, Kalayar Moe (Managing Director, Amara Group), Daw Ce Ce Upper Myitkyina tour and the mountain climbing tour for their Htwe (Managing Director, Aung Su Paing Group Co., Ltd.) interest of risk-taking tours. Similarly, they were also inter- and Daw Tint Tint Lwin (Managing Director, Irrawady Prin- ested in folk concerts of indigenous people. When they went to cess II River Cruise). It's interesting and cheerful that all the the Naga festival, the Ayeyarwady and the Chindwin rivers three MD-s are ladies. It is also a sign of the economic devel- became their interest. Then our interest in this business began opment of our country. In doing business, a remarkable thing when we ourselves went there with the guests to arrange the of our country different from others is that there are many Naga festival. It was a trip down the Chindwin River. Although firms headed by ladies. I'm very satisfied with it. It 's also we liked the Chindwin, we had difficulties when we transported enviable that all the three entrepreneurs handling cruise ser- the tourists there. As we found the Ayeyarwady in a position to vices are ladies. First of all, may I invite Daw Kalayar Moe of support the business like a highway of Myanmar, we started Amara Group to explain how you started your business? from it. The first ship we started with was ‘Amara River Cruise I'.

ACUMEN ⏐ 45

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 45 10/10/2013, 7:46 PM B2B Talk

It has a total of seven cabins. We renovated a Myanmar tradi- 14 years ago. I saw the needs of the guests while travelling by tional cargo ship in the Ayeyarwady so that it could be used for ship. Most of the foreigners wanted to get off the ship and see transportation and the guests could stay and eat on board. In the daily life of Myanmars taking a partial of time along the this way we started with a seven-cabin ship. The second ship river. They wanted to meet people friendly. After working as a 'Amara River II' was built during 2008-2009 and launched in tour guide for long, I told the company that I wanted to stop 2009. The operation of Boat I and Boat II has gained 10 year working there and that I was going to establish my own com- experience so far. pany. Then I first founded a travels and tours company. As I didn't have a large background in Myanmar, I started with a Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Thanks. Ten-year experience is small ship built of teak which I could afford. It's just a day not a small thing. Then could you please present your begin- cruise and had no cabins. It plied between Mandalay and Bagan ning, Daw Ce Ce Htwe? but it had a bar, a souvenir shop and a restaurant on board as luxury items. We made comfortable places for the guests on the Daw Ce Ce Htwe: Our major company is ‘Royal Marine Engi- ship. As home stays were not allowed at that time, the ship had neering Company'. Aung Su Paing is run as a subsidiary com- to take from 8 to 10 hours for sailing between Mandalay and pany. The construction and renovation of the ships were started Bagan as a day cruise. The majority of the guests demanded at Sinmalite Dockyard in 1998. The business was carried out that one or two night-stays on the way would be better. I con- under a contract. As we wanted to build a ship of our own, we sulted with my husband about the demand and bought a large bought a design of a ship body from Australia and Myanmar cruise ship after working one or two years with a day cruise. engineers of our company built the ‘DORA Luxury Boat' with There were two ships, Irrawaddy Princess I and II. As Irrawaddy international standards under the guidance and supervision of Princess I needed a lot of repair, I took Irrawaddy Princess II. Myanmar Dockyard. The construction finished in 2010. Then It had 22 cabins. I reserved two rooms for the guide and the we started the river cruise in the Yangon River from the 2011- tour leader and operated with the remaining 20 cabins. Al- 2012 season. It's only two years now. ‘Royal Irrawady' is a ship though Cruise II superficially looked like iron work, all its inte- built with the standards of Myanmar Dockyard in January, 2013 and it has a capacity of 150 passengers. The first ship, DORA holds only 30 people. As this ship can accommodate 150 people, wedding receptions and dinner parties can be held in the Yangon River.

Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: May I request Daw Tint Tint Lwin to tell us how you started your business?

Daw Tint Tint Lwin: The business has been started since our childhood. Our father owned a small boat at that time. It some- times carried goods such as timber. Sometimes our family took vacation trips in this ship. I had a natural bent for travelling by ship when I was in my second and third standards at school. I was very happy when I took vacation with my parents during my summer holiday. My father wanted to expand this business but he failed due to various factors and conditions of that time. It's more than 14 or 15 years until now that I've been working as a German language tour guide since the time before the founding of this company. At that time, most of the guests for whom I took responsibility came from Europe. Many of them were Germans and those from Switzerland. When most of these Europeans buy a program, it includes not only a classic tour of visiting pagodas but also adventure, tracking or river cruise. The types they like best are soft tracking and river cruise com- bined with a partial classic tour. When I worked as a German tour guide in a Swiss company, most of the programs I received were those with a cruise. I hardly had to get off the ship 13 or

46 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 46 10/10/2013, 7:46 PM rior was made of teak. I made all the renovation of decoration targets. It is found that only foreign tourism is targeted. I'd and all other things in European taste to meet the liking of the like you to discuss whether you have an idea for the domestic guests. Now, nearly all the cabins have been booked until 2016. market at the time when the economy improves. I'd also like As we couldn't meet the demand, we built another cruise ship. you to discuss route and service. Now we have three river cruise ships. We operate them by accepting Travels and Tours, other tours and all our agents. As Daw Kalayar Moe: As you have said earlier, our main focus is I myself worked as a tour guide, I myself prepare programs, on tourism. As a service, we especially focus on foreigners who creating events to avoid monotony by putting demonstrations come to visit our country, Myanmar. If people are interested in like playing cane ball on the bank on the way between enter- water-ways, take time for that and choose the water-ways to tainments. Now we have achieved success to a certain extent. travel, it is cheerful. Why? They come here out of their way from foreign countries to see the beauties here. To come and Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Thanks. Now it is found that see so, they have to travel thousands of miles. It's more than you are different from each other as one has ten year experi- five thousand miles from Germany. Then they have to take ence, another has only short term experience and the third more time to go on a cruise here. For example, if their normal has long term experience. There are still some things I want fixed time is two weeks, they have to take three weeks for a to know. The Ayeyarwady is a highway and the British were cruise and if it is three weeks, they have to take four weeks for very much interested in the upper parts like Bamaw, Kathar it. They have to take more time from their timeline. They enjoy and Myitkyina during the colonial era when we were young. the natural environment by going on a cruise, taking more time. And the next is the Chindwin. But it was long ago. What has They must also spend more money for cruising than for their not been included in the talk is the Thanlwin River. Its total normal classic tour. Why do they want to cruise by taking more length is almost like that of the Ayeyarwady. What I'd like time and spending more money? It is a question all of us should you to discuss in the second part is about the service cur- take interest in. They cherish beauty. If Myanmar people value rently offered. The next thing I want to discuss is about the beauty, they can also enjoy these beauties cheaply. It will be beyond measure if Myanmars spend their time in these river cruises. The market will become larger. Sightseeing can be com- bined with culture. It's the strength of the Ayeyarwady. For example, they can do sightseeing while making a pilgrimage. They can also set a target to go on a family recreation tour. To be able to do so, we need to operate our cruises more exten- sively than we are doing now. To be able to do so, we will have to increase the investment if it is required in the private sector. But the assistance of the government is also necessary. If these two things are combined, what you said earlier will happen. For example, the Chao Phya River is in Thailand. There is daily cruise in that river. It is for foreigners as well as for local people. In addition they have things like line boats. In Venice in Italy, there are line boats for example. Daily and weekly return tick- ets are available there. For every day trip to the office, monthly return tickets are also available. Such things are not only in London but also in Paris. They are arranged both for foreigners and for local people. When they are learnt, it is found that all the cruises there are arranged neither only by the government nor only by the private businesses. The government arranges the business by running cruises where they can afford and the private businessmen also make arrangements. Even if such cruises are to be arranged for only one tenth of our 60 million people, how many will our requirement be? We can consider and see how many cruises the government will have to ar- range and how many cruises the private sector will have to arrange? It will be beyond measure if the uses and needs in- crease in this way.

ACUMEN ⏐ 47

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 47 10/10/2013, 7:46 PM B2B Talk

tourists. It is because the cruises are full of bookings. Local Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: What kinds of service Royal customers make the booking only a month in advance. So no Marine is offering? Could you please discuss, Daw Ce Ce Htwe? vacancies are left for them and that's why we are unable to accept them. When local customers make the booking, we give Daw Ce Ce Htwe: Our DORA Cruise has only short trips. The them the same price as the tourist service. As we accept local cruises we are operating are sightseeing cruise, sunset cruise, customers, they can see where to conserve the natural environ- morning cruise, dinner cruise and within the day Twante cruise. ment and what kind of business might work well in which The capacity of the boat is about 30 and it runs every day. We market along the river. There are places along the river where run the survey trips of international business groups studying there is no hotel or inn or line boat. But businesses can prosper along the Yangon River as chartered boats. Royal Irrawaddy is there. Such places can get sophisticated. One's own children or made by targeting events. We launched it in the Yangon River company staff may gain experience in the villages during the in January, 2013, on account of the demand of the customers. holiday. The local market emerged at that time, sir. They emerged as wedding receptions, birthday parties and annual dinners. We Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Now we've talked about the will also use it for sightseeing. Many people began to take in- beginnings, the given service and the need of government terest in the Yangon River after we targetted events and local assistance. Then I'd like to know what obstacles you have to market. Then as they began to hold wedding receptions and overcome in striving to survive. Seasons are natural. We can't recollection events as an unusual thing, we got our local mar- do anything about it. Apart from the seasons, which part needs ket. government assistance? Where is it needed regarding invest- ment? And… we've talked about home stay. What obstacles Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Are there effects if it is during are there regarding home stay? If this industry is to be run, the rainy season? the obstacles of this indus- try must be known. If we Daw Ce Ce Htwe: Of course, there are. We have to suspend our know something from those operations for three months during the rainy season. During the who actually do the busi- suspension, the ships are docked and maintenance is carried ness, we can submit it to the out. responsible persons.

Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: How are you giving service Daw Kalayar Moe : If I have extensively, Daw Tint Tint Lwin? to talk about the Ayeyarwady again according to my ex- Daw Tint Tint Lwin: For the time being, the service given to perience, it will be more the foreigners is not alone. Sometimes, if local people make the correct if we say they are booking, we issue a special rate for their tours. Local people difficulties and needs instead frequently charter the ships. Sometimes, if a banking family of a of obstacles. The departments bank or a factory family charters the ship as a group, we do concerned issued business things like allowing three or four persons to stay in a double licenses to us in accordance cabin unlike foreigners, putting up tents for those who want to with the specifications. We sleep on the sun deck, making extra beds in the cabin for the have to get two business li- families. We want to give local price to all local people. We censes from Tourism and want them know these programs extensively. If local people Waterways Departments. make advance booking, we make it by charter. If they arrange For example, ships have the charter as companies, we give them a special rate as an specifications. Are ships built incentive. We are now presenting unusual programs. We don't to these specifications? Ser- let foreigners get off to drink toddy at the villages as we are vice staff and all the techni- concerned that they might have diarrhoea. But for local people cians who operate the ship we prepare such special programs of their liking as letting them including the captain have have toddy with fried sparrow. Regarding discount, as the pe- specified licenses. This busi- riod from October to April is the tour season, the tourists have ness is to be run with the a habit of making the booking six or seven months in advance. said two specified licenses. It's not true that we don't accept local people because of the There are not only full co-

48 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 48 10/10/2013, 7:46 PM operation but also encouragement in this respect. And that's of view, it has a specified size like a motor road as it is wide. As why we can run the business. It's an undeniable fact. Our ship a motor road has potholes, the Ayeyarwady also has sand- is based in Mandalay. We go up until we reach Bamaw. We go banks. Potholes on the road are visible. In the waterways are down until we reach Bagan. The guests take more interest only sandbanks and shallows. We can't handle ships at our will. If a in such things. If the ship is chartered, we go up to Salay and ship's draught is three feet, we can sail it only when the depth Magway. Regular cruises are Mandalay-Bamaw and Bamaw- of water is more than three feet. If the ship runs aground at an Mandalay-Bagan cruises. An additional cruise is Magway cruise. invisible shallow, there will be consequences. Ships and boats If you go on a Magway cruise, you will be transported to Yangon- plying through that passage will be blocked. It is dangerous for Pyay-Magway by car from Yangon highway. You will have to them because they can't dodge the place they must dodge. If a get on the ship there and go upward to Bagan. Previously as bigger ship moved toward us, it is dangerous for us. It is not there were no direct flights to Bamaw, we had to transport the easy to put a ship to a stop. If the ship is aoil tanker or a log guests from Yangon to Mandalay and from Mandalay to carrier or a cement carrier, the difficulty will be the greatest. Myitkyina and the customers go down by boat or by car to It's only one of many difficulties faced in the waterway. There's meet each other in Bamaw. Then they go down from Bamaw. another difficulty too. For example, let's see a trip between Regarding the present problems with update information, wa- Bamaw and Mandalay. If it is a five day trip, as it is a luxury terway maintenance is necessary. Erosion of river banks is cruise, food for the clients, their daily excursion and all the changing from year to year according to the nature of rivers. services to enable them to reach the specified places in time The flow of water also has changes. Those changes are caused have already been arranged in a complete program. As the by the changes of natural environment. There are also changes booking of the programs is made by our clients at least two of waterways caused by human beings. Although the years in advance, we have to issue our tour package two years Ayeyarwady seems great, it has weaknesses too. From our point in advance. Or we have to upload it on our website at once. All

ACUMEN ⏐ 49

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 49 10/10/2013, 7:47 PM B2B Talk

these things are arranged in advance. It is not easy to change arrangement to go from Bamaw to Myitkyina and from Myitkyina them. How do we adjust it if the waterway reaches this situa- to Bamaw by air as an alternative. Otherwise we make ar- tion? If the trip is from Mandalay to Bamaw, we must find rangements to charter a flight depending on the financial situa- where the guest will go from Bamaw. Does he want to head for tion of our guests. It is a difficulty regarding airlines. Mandalay or Bagan or Ngapali? We have to continue giving The next one is health service. Throug out the history of service. At that time, we have to co-operate with tour agencies our ship, the majority of the guests are old-aged and middle- which are also our colleagues. In doing so, if the guest doesn't aged. As they are pensioners, they have free time. They have arrive at the airport at the specified time, there will be no plane also money to spend. We must care for old-aged people. Al- there. Previously airlines were very limited, sir. Only Myanmar though they are in good health today, they are not sure to be so Airways and Air Bagan were there at that time. Now there are the next day. We have experience. A tourist was not well then. many lines including those which run twice a week. But if the The whole body couldn't move. He got a panic attack. At that name' Bamaw' is said, the main problem is the importance of time, we were told to hire a helicopter. It was because he had reaching the airline in time. Another problem is that when they fully comprehensive insurance in his native country. A fully reach Bamaw, they want to see Myitkyina. ‘‘Why must they go comprehensive insurance cover includes carrying him from the there by car or by airdespitethe flowing river?" The tourists place wherever he is to the hospital recognized as the best via often argue so. The draught of our ship doesn't allow us to go an airfield. It has already been paid for taking action within an upstream. The river is narrow and the flow of water is strong in hour or half an hour. At that time, our ship was moored to a the north of Bamaw. As there are also rocks, our ship can't sandbank. We had to call a helicopter to come and fetch him continue its upstream journey. Previously, arrangements were from the sandbank. We had information provided by the Minis- made to reach there by local boats within a day. But now we try of Tourism. We had telephone numbers to call helicopters can no longer do it. From Bamaw to Myitkyina is a 5 or 6 hour in emergency cases. But unfortunately, it coincided with a pub- journey. The motor road is also the same. But we make an lic holiday and we reached nowhere then. So we wish to get

50 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 50 10/10/2013, 7:47 PM such a helicopter service not only for our tour but also for all love to visit villages along Panhlaing River. They are on the others. There's one more thing. As we have to promote tourism, other side of Kyimyindaing. As sandbanks formed in Panhlaing we will run the operation as adventure instead of cultural tour. River last year, we had to stop all programs beginning from In that case, such a service is vital if some accident happens. It December. There are a few problems in maintaining the water- is not easy to build a large airfield but it is possible to build a ways in the rivers. The main difficulty is boarding and getting small helicopter field. As it is the need of only one or two off. Sometimes the passengers have many difficulties when they individuals instead of a group of people, the State will have an have to walk across the ships being loaded up with rice bags. income if it runs a small helicopter service. If private business- men do it, they will earn money. It is our actual need and it is Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: What are the difficulties you also one of the questions raised at every meeting. are facing, Daw Tint Tint Lwin? Would you like to give some Another one is miserable. It was a thing we wanted to do advice? for the guests. We wanted to give them necessary service in time but it was sorrowful when it was impossible to do so. That Daw Tint Tint Lwin: The difficulties are not the ones we are day, we hired a motor boat for a sick guest at once. We made facing in the waterways. The difficulties we are facing now are things in the boat comfortable for him as much as possible and that Myanmar's economy has become an open economy and sent him to Mandalay. For that purpose, we made preparations Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) enter the country. They are about where cars, boats and telephones were available in the incomparably far better than us in terms of financial strength towns, nearest towns along the river. If we go to Bamaw, they and background. Their finance, their international service, their are the towns like Mandalay and Myitkyina for example. We service on board and their technology are far better than ours. have addresses and phone numbers of clinics and their avail- But they have weaknesses too. If local businessmen are pro- able doctors in large cities and we also have contracts made vided with financial assistance by the government, we can eas- with them. An ambulance is also arranged to come from the ily compete against their strengths. They also have weaknesses. nearest place in Mandalay. Then we could They will catch up with local businessmen only after remedy- make arrangements to carry him from ing these weaknesses by taking time. It's because local busi- Mandalay to Bangkok via Yangon as soon nessmen have worked here for many years and they have ex- as possible. The guest survived and things perience. They know every part of business in detail. Experi- were okay. I'm discussing it as it's one of ence speaks depending on time and circumstance. A person the precautions tour agencies must take with riverine experience knows more than them. He can easily expecting that something may happen some solve the problems in detail. Presently, foreigners with better time in the future. technology, finance and facilities must take many years of time to remedy their weaknesses. There are many young skillful Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Daw Ce Ce technicians and businesspersons in this country. As they have Htwe, you are plying in Yangon River. But no financial strength, they have to work for those foreigners. If still you may have difficulties. Could you the government knows these professional businesspersons thor- please discuss it? oughly and banks can provide them with financial assistance, Myanmar doesn't need many FDI-s. It doesn't mean that the Daw Ce Ce Htwe: The difficulty is the short- entrance of FDI-s is not good. It's good. Human resources may age of jetties. Some are under repair. Some develop regionally. Poverty may be eradicated gradually. Short- have already been leased by individuals and age of job opportunities may be lessened. They will offer good we can use only one or two jetties at salaries. But there are difficulties between local people and them. Botahtaung. If possible, we'd like to have Their ships are Five Stars. The number of workers who con- separate jetties which are safe and clean so form with Five Star standards is very small. In the villages that passengers can get on and get off the along the river are a lot of young people who cannot continue ship free from loading and unloading. We'd their education after finishing matriculation and who haven't like to get this assistance. Another difficulty learnt anything since childhood. They earn their living by is the scarcity of inland riverine waterway working in their parent's traditional farming. If the government captains and chief engineers. As skillful cap- takes responsibility, conducts free training courses for all such tains are getting old now, new generations young people giving them free boarding and produces techni- should be nurtured and produced in a large cians, it will be conducive to the skilled worker requirement of number. Next difficulty is sandbank forma- these FDI-s. It is impossible for the local businesses to pay Five tions in the rivers. Near Yangon, foreigners Star level salaries. There are also many requirements to sup-

ACUMEN ⏐ 51

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 51 10/10/2013, 7:47 PM B2B Talk

port them to do so. Presently in Myanmar, river cruise can be As Daw Kalyar discussed earlier, helicopter service will be operated only from October to April. Sometimes during the rainy better. But now the number of tourists who will enter in one or season, there are many difficulties because of heavy rains. Sail- two years cannot be estimated definitely. As how the situations ors have to work only one season for their living. Foreign in- will change is not known definitely, it may take a long time to vestors don't pay when there is no work. There are some cases do it. But there are ways to solve the current problem. For in which they give half pay. We realize these difficulties as we example, some villages don't have even a nurse. Some have no are local businesspersons. We know that they will leave for clinic. If the government assigns at least a first aider or a nurse other jobs if they are given half pay. So we give them full pay. or a doctor in each village as part of a health care program, we But we make them work on the ship alternatively. It is neces- can ask for help in an emergency case. For example, four major sary for those from the cruise to support them sufficiently dur- cases which commonly occur in places like Pakokku are stroke, ing the rainy season. It is not true that young people in the heart attack, dehydration or accidents like falling from slipping. villages are lazy. They have no job opportunities and there is When such cases happen, all the managers and sailors have also nobody to guide them. If we lead to give them three-or- experience and there is at least one person who has completed four- month training courses free of charge, skilled workers a relevant training course among them. Although we can give will easily be available when FDI-s enter or local companies assistance temporarily in such a case, the hospital does not develop. accept the patient because he is a foreigner. There were cases Another difficulty is that in Myanmar waterways, ships are in which we have to come back in a life and death situation. not convenient to be operated by navigators as in other coun- Regarding this, I had many difficulties when I worked as a tour tries. Waterways change every day. In the rivers, there are guide and I still have such difficulties now. A woman tourist signs that show the depth of water. As the waterway changes once suffered from heart attack. It coincided with the time when daily and weekly, the signs are poor. There are cases in which telephone connections broke down. Only a ship telephone was signs of previous week haven't been changed. So ships run serviceable. There are weaknesses in communication. As we aground unnecessarily. In such situations, it is not convenient have to use Chinese-made devices which are easily available, for local cruises to make phone calls to the nearest station, call things are not convenient in reality. As a local solution, with the a tugboat and pull down the ship or blow the sand or hire a help of sailors, we have acquired the phone numbers of hotels boat to send the guests to the nearest village. Although we have and guest houses of near-by towns, village heads and so on. As enough lifeboats, they are not comfortable for the guests. It will another one, we acquired the phone numbers of specialists in be convenient if there are nearest small stations along the river. Yangon and designed programs to explain the situation to them

52 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 52 10/10/2013, 7:47 PM and get their advice. Then we will have to carry the patient via the nearest jetty to Mandalay, Yangon or Bagan as they are Daw Tint Tint Lwin: Of course, a little similar. Generally, all entitled to receive treatment only there. It will be very conve- foreigners have taken out health insurance before they come to nient if foreigners are accepted by the hospitals in near-by town- Myanmar. But it is necessary to give them assistance from our ships. side. Once there was a crack in the tiling of a bathroom on our ship. A guest tripped over it and cut his foot. When we had his Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: I'm wondering whether all of wound treated with some medicine, he was satisfied with our you have health insurance as companies. Tourists have their treatment. But another one was not satisfied with our treatment own insurances, right. Then do your companies have your at all. As he had an insurance cover, he can receive a refund for insurances when these things happen? a document from the clinic to which he was brought or for a receipt of his expenses. From our side too, we refunded him his Daw Kalyar Moe: We tell our guests to take out fully compre- cabin charges as a special arrangement but he didn't accept it. hensive insurance when they left Germany. Insurance here is In fact, we need to be ready to respond by taking responsibility beginning now. But to talk about the past experience, the insur- because the injury is caused on our ship. Only then, will they be ance didn't cover the guests as there was no government insur- safe on the ship. As the injury was caused due to the weakness ance at that time. But we have life insurance for our staff. We of the ship, the ship assumed the responsibility depending on do it as a stipulation. I don't know in detail what arrangements the extent of the injury. our colleagues have made. Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: You mean companies have no Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: How about you, Daw Ce Ce insurance although tourists have their own insurance? Htwe? Daw Tint Tint Lwin: We're going to start now. We'll start tak- Daw Ce Ce Htwe: We have insurance for the ship and the crew ing out all kinds of insurance with Kanbawza Bank. but not for the guests for the time being. It must be done defi- nitely later. Daw Kalayar Moe: We've already done the part that must be done with the government. There are insurances which will Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Daw Tint Tint Lwin, are you come out in Myanmar as next step. We'll do it with co-opera- also the same? tion.

Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: It's the last one. We must have hopes and dreams for our future. Could you please tell me to what extent you have ideas for your future?

Daw Kalayar Moe: Amara River Cruise has two ships and we are now giving service in the Ayeyarwady River. But the Yangon River will be the next and if public transportation develops in the Chindwin River, which is my dream and my great interest, we are willing to go there first and make investments. In the similar way, if we are allowed to say further about how we can offer service in rivers like the Thanlwin and the Mekong, we, the cruise runners, have an idea and a desire to give service with sailing boats in the southern seas of Myanma like the sailing boats you saw in Indonesia as you said earlier.

Daw Ce Ce Htwe: We're now studying the market of the ship, Royal Irrawaddy. If the market needs we expect to run daily river cruise in the Yangon River like those of the Chao Phya River in Thailand. As the time we've run the business is not very long, only after studying everything will we proceed to build more ships according to the market requirement.

ACUMEN ⏐ 53

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 53 10/10/2013, 7:47 PM B2B Talk

Daw Tint Tint Lwin: As you know there are altogether four Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: At last the talk means to en- major rivers. River cruises are overlapping in Myanmar's courage B2B. While we are changing our layout, I noticed in Ayeyarwady River. In fact there are many places where river your discussions connections between a car and a ship and cruises are required. We can't operate it all by ourselves either. between a ship and a helicopter. Could you please tell me Successful local entrepreneurs haven't reached this business about such performances as B2B? only because they still don't realize it. And river cruise can't be run on the spot. Only those in the tourism field and those in the Daw Kalayar Moe: We are not the only one in our operations. service field can establish it depending on experience. If entre- All are inter-related. We have our tour agency. We use evening preneurs want to extend their business into this field, we are service like Daw Ce Ce Htwe's. We also like it. And we encour- ready to help them by sharing our experience. Presently the age many of such agencies to come out. These are really the place of the worst weakness is Mrauk-U. The ships plying be- needs of Myanmar. In the same way, we and Irrawaddy are tween Sittwe and Mrauk-U along the Kispanady River are low. colleagues. If they hire us due to their need, we get job and we They are even lower than the local ones. It's not very conve- have to rely upon each other when there are things to discuss nient. They can hold only three passengers. And they are very regarding the business. We have interest when they expand dangerous too. Inspection is also necessary. Enough life jackets their business. For example, the choice of clients is vital for us. must be available. They must have contact phone numbers for Although we have these businesses and hotels , if the guest has rescue in emergency cases like cyclones. But they have many the name of the hotel he wants to stay in, the name of the boat weaknesses. It is possible to build safe and reliable ships of he wants to take and the name of service he wants to get, we high standard in that part of the country. Then another well- are not reluctant to offer service. We are working for that too. known part is Kawthoung. Around the Sellore islands near Myeik As we are working in the scope of tourism instead of working are Bushby Islands. Boats are also required there. Another river for our own ship or own hotel, we must go on only in this way. is Thanlwin waterway. There is a lot of demand in Hpa-an and In the same way, such businesses that are related to this busi- Mawlamyine. The Thanlwin cruise between Hpa-an and ness as banking, insurance and health care will gain strength Mawlamyine is very beautiful. It's an unusual thing as only very when the government gives support. Private sector seeks and few foreigners have been there. River cruises should be ex- gives jobs to near-by ones. The extent private sector can do panded with a required standard. Then ships of shallow draught and what the government can do are incomparably different. should be built in Chindwin River as Daw Kalyar Moe said The more effort the government put in it, the more the country earlier. will benefit. As we are tourism, we hear all news. When we

54 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 54 10/10/2013, 7:48 PM hear it, we want to share it. We want our country to develop in Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet: Thank you, Daw Kalayar Moe, a positive way. Together with this flow of development, as the Daw Ce Ce Htwe and Daw Tint Tint Lwin for participating in native businesspersons of the country, we ourselves want to this talk by taking time. In fact, if we think on the whole, develop too, creating jobs and avoiding the loss of our own there's hope in our country. If we think about the develop- business as Daw Tint Tint Lwin discussed earlier. ment of our country, some people talk about energy sector and some talk about oil sector. On the other side, what we Daw Ce Ce Htwe: As we run short cruises, we have to give understand is 'tourism' which is in the service sector. As I've lunch on board at places like Twante. In this respect, we make said again and again, if we think about tourism which is un- all connections with restaurants. And we also make connec- usual in Myanmar, what is attractive is 3S, Sea, Sand and Sun. tions with such services as decoration, model agency and en- People from the west come to the sea, to the sand and to sun tertainment. In addition, hotels make connections with us for or sunbathe. What is unusual in our country is that we have their guests. We also do it. snow which south-east Asia lacks. Go to Myitkyina and you'll find snow there. Opportunities are the most in tourism. In all Daw Tint Tint Lwin: I think, presently, experienced the discussions of participants, there is one thing I'm satisfied businesspersons who are caught in this circle like Daw Kalayar with. The industry of tourism needs to be large. Only when it Moe and Daw Ce Ce Htwe, will need to share their experience is large, will all of them rise. Sometimes, it happens that com- with other businesspersons. We want to share it with those panies see only their own benefit. People tend to think to financially strong businesspersons through B2B. Businesspersons divide a pie into many slices. What I want it to be is to be a who have skills but no connections can make contact with B2B big pie. The bigger the pie, the bigger the slice you get. Then and contact us at any time to get our experience. As a young there's another thing I noticed last. I didn't think of it earlier. person doing business with foreign contacts, I'm ready to share What was discussed first is about cruise. Then B2B connec- my experience for the emergence of native entrepreneurs, for tion became extensive. I think it involves banking, insurance, penetrating international market and for abiding by interna- airlines, health, education and capacity building. May I con- tional laws. So outsiders can rely on B2B magazine. By receiv- clude thanking all three of you as you could highlight B2B ing the assistance of B2B, I'm also ready to share my experi- although we are talking about 'River Cruise' in this discus- ence through B2B. sion. A

Acumen Magazine would like to express its special thanks to Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet for leading the discussion and to Daw Kalayar Moe, Daw Ce Ce Htwe and Daw Tint Tint Lwin for participating in the discussion.

ACUMEN ⏐ 55

The Trend of Cruise Services.pmd 55 10/10/2013, 7:48 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:17 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:18 PM Opinion

yanmar is in a critical stage of transitional period towards democratization process after five decades ruled of military dictatorship. With firm promises Mfor peaceful transformation, President Thein Sein leads this current miracle reform at home since he took power in March 2011. President Thein Sein had been cheered up by nationwide public for his decision to halt Myit-Sone dam project in Kachin State as a major step to win people's hearts. The hydro-power project becomes a center for political topic on the road to 2015 elections, and the growing of anti-Chinese sentiments will be a trigger for another political trap that will invite a new military coup.

58 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Now China See Myanmar-NathanMg.pmd 58 10/10/2013, 7:42 PM After two and a half years, Myanmar against the pipeline, and Spring, which President himself recognized activists were arrested. A the term as a change in Myanmar, sent a few Myanmar educated message to the outside world that the understand that the change is taking off. Meeting with Nobel government had been used Peace Laureate at his presidential palace the anti-Muslim movements in Naypyidaw in August 2011 confirmed to cover up an outrage of to the international community that political public over pipeline project opening has been started. The international in Rakhine State. Diverting community, especially the United States public attention from anti and the European Union, lifted some Chinese projects in sanctions against Myanmar as rewards, but Myanmar into the sectarian claimed that they will respond actions by violence against anti- actions to the current quasi-civilian regime. Muslim activities, public Myanmar is now a hot spot for foreign failed to question over the investors and seems as the last frontier of mega projects that made the market in the Southeast Asia, and the agreements under Snr. Gen. transition believes to be a gradual move. Than Shwe with China. Now China Power Investment -CPI Now Myit-Sone dam expresses that they will not be giving up project is an unfinished to build a mega dam in Kachin State and game in Myanmar, and waiting the upcoming general election CPI's persistence makes public fear against were successfully completed, and the public result with a hope to restart the billion the project. Residents in Kachin State noted aware that there are many to come. dollar hydro power project that Thein Sein renewed activity around the proposed Myanmar is facing a danger of sec- suspended for five years. Myit-Sone Dam even though the project is tarian violence that Physicians for Human Wang Qiyue, director of the CPI officially suspended by the President. CPI Rights report warned a catastrophic level unfolds a message at an energy investment says the Chinese would invest at least US of violence if "these conditions go unad- summit in September that negotiation $1 billion more for the project if it is dressed." The report said there was evi- process with Naypyidaw is taking place at restarted. The original US$ 3.6 billion mega dence showing the current regime's role present, the Wall Street Journal reported. project causes financial suffering for CPI in violence against Muslims in Myanmar. "The next incoming government will during the suspension, and the company It is a significant fact that government forces hopefully do what is best," Wang Qiyue eager to renegotiate the contract terms with were standby near when violent mobs says. However, the CPI hopes to resume government. waged wars and attacks in several towns the project that postponed for almost two The question is whether the dam where Muslims were targeted, leaving years by offering to renegotiate the contract project anytime soon restarted after the about 250 deaths. with Myanmar government over the 2015 elections when the new civilian Major projects on natural resources percentage of the stake. The copper mine administration took office. The current with China designed by former military in Monywa becomes a case study. administration will hold their public regime. The current players inherited of Myanmar witnesses a series of promise until they reached a truce with legacy and run the show in their own stage sectarian violence across the nation that ethnic troops especially Kachin for Myanmar Spring. Toward 2015 erupted in western Myanmar, Rakhine Independent Organization - KIO. Resources elections and political slogans will not be State where Chinese oil and gas dual sharing will be the hottest topic in the undermined the problems ahead. If pipeline constructed across the Myanmar process of peace talks for power sharing something goes wrong, Myanmar's fragile to Yunan. The Shwe gas pipeline finished within the union. Another mega hydro transition will end up with another military its construction during the sectarian power projects with China on the Salween coup to restart the show again. It is a test violence for one and half years and started River to produce huge amounts of power for Myanmar in two years. Myanmar is to run the gas to China last August as electricity is queuing in the line to build seen by everyone in the world for its beauty planned. There were no major protest after pipeline project and Myit-Sone project and dark-side. Which part will win? A Nathan Maung is a prominent writer and journalist who was born in Myanmar. He published two historical and geopolitical books on Myanmar in 2012 and 2013 in Yangon. After he left from North Carolina, he is currently working as executive producer of Kamayut Media - the first private independent online television of Myanmar.

ACUMEN ⏐ 59

Now China See Myanmar-NathanMg.pmd 59 10/10/2013, 7:42 PM Opinion

60 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

How Free Can Myanmar Be.pmd 60 10/10/2013, 7:04 PM It was Napoleon Bonaparte, the outcast cor- sican corporal, that later became the em- peror of 18th century France, who said ‘‘a leader is a dealer in hope" and his success vindicates his words. Believing his vision the people enthusiastically followed him and he was raised to the crest of power. Currently in Myanmar, on it's political stage there seem to be players following Bonaparte's philosophy. A lot of Myanmar leaders are scattering hope right and left as if they are scattering popcorn and timsels at a wedding, promising better days and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivers a speech at the National League nights and better lives for one and all. How forfor DemocracyDemocracy (NLD)(NLD) headquartersheadquarters inin YangonYangon onon much of their ‘‘I have a great dream" bom- 27 September 2013 / Hein Zaw bast will become words of honour and how much will fall flat no one knows. To or not to believe them is the dilemma most is fac- ing at the moment. If past performance is been the best sales promoter of Myanmar. But, still, there are those who see her supposed to be the gauge of one's ability it She has been able to place Myanmar with actions as political maneuvers that Myan- certainly is hard to guess who has the qual- all its flaws and defects, blemish and weak- mar's drastic condition necessitates and ity to make the Myanmar dream come true. ness in the top lot. And in doing so and in points out that as she seems to be, in some Because almost all the current leaders, even dealing with all those controversial elements situations, straddling the fence, so are those those that are labeled as opposition are still that make up the present structure of My- of the regime. And no accusation could be tethered to the previous regimes colours. anmar, she seems to show that in the years truer than that. There are very few who can declare they in detention she honed the political talent The most reverberant sound that has have no stains on them, their reputation is she inherited from her father. And because been rising to a crescendo in Myanmar clean. she has become so can the people assume nowadays is the bellow of the people, with And as for being pure, for people and now, that at least, they have gained a full- the people, to the people' by various band- country, the conduct of the one and only, fledge proponent they can completely de- wagon riders, both of the administration and extraordinary and exceptional Daw Aung pend on? opponent. Offering the people a mixture of San Suu Kyi, has been casting doubt in the There are many laws of life that can't EI dorado and Shangrila to mesmerize them minds of many for quite some time. Consid- be denied and one is that man, survived by to vote for them in the coming election, their ered a political novice or rather a green- adapting to his environment. This is not real motive is to get the people by hook or horn at the beginning of the democracy dragging Darwin and his evolution theory by crook. As the old song ‘Promises, Prom- movement over two decades ago, she seems into this discussion but it will be a fallacy to ises.' it is certainly promises galore. Enough to have emerged as a maestro who can say that his survival of the fittest logic which to choke you! make the whole world dance to her tune. It is rather like a catch all phrase in every Taking all these matters in mind it will can't be denied that she has been the key- matter is not in accord with political situa- be rightful to conclude that all the king's stone in opening the doors of Myanmar. tions. men, the present administration, dissident Her endorsement of the 2010 elected con- To get along with one's surroundings and army, are doing their best to be seen gregation, president as well as the govern- or environment mean need to be able to do as a helping hand in reconstructing the ment and the whole lot that makes up the the appropriate feature and Daw Aung San humpity-dumpity, here, Myanmar, that had parliament, was what got green lights flash- Suu Kyi has been for the past years doing taken a resounding fall. And the people's ing in the east and west, or rather it may be so, in and out of the country. And often her momentous duty is to be able to foresee the rightful more to say, in the four corners of adaptation has seemed to be so much over- true saviour. earth. Myanmar came to get visitors from blown it has made frowns grow on the fore- At the top there are the four major rarely heard of places and the flow of visi- head of political analysts. Seeing her danc- contenders, i.e, the opposition leader Daw tors in and out, seemed to mean that been ing with those whom the people consider Aung San Suu Kyi, the president U Thein to Myanmar was the fad of the day. the devil and often hearing her sing their Sein, the house speaker Thura Shwe Mann Let's say Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has tune has made many doubt her sincerity. and the army chief, senior general Min Aung

ACUMEN ⏐ 61

How Free Can Myanmar Be.pmd 61 10/10/2013, 7:05 PM Opinion

Hlaing, standing there like com- country's treasures? rades, but all assume that it is just ‘‘Impossible is not a word Some like to feel that a facade to pacify the country's there are possibilities of a bet- various dissidents. And observing in my dictionary.’’ Meaning ter tomorrow in Daw Aung San them one can't ignore a glaring Suu Kyi strategy but others feel fact. That is of those four, three any and everything is possible. that she hasn't the guts to dis- are those who enjoyed and still rupt the present tranquility of are enjoying the prosperity and And it was also his way, when power sharing gained by her en- potentiality of the arms force. dorsement and acceptance of Going down to the second choosing his generals, to give the present government with or third or fourth rank of leader- warts and all. ship, the situation seldom differs. preference to those that are But would the 75 per- It can be said that the 25 percent cent veteran stand stock-still and army ratio declared in the consti- lucky. let her carry on movement that tution is of little consequence out is certain to have percussion on in the field, where in reality the their previous activities. And army ratio of dominance is 75 more so would Myanmar's great percent and in some places more neighbours, China, India, Bang- so. In short it can be said that the ladesh and Thailand sit back ruling class of Myanmar mostly and let a hugh economic oppor- comprises former and ex and pre- tunity slip out of their hands. vious and present servicemen and Hope is what keeps the it can't be denied that whatever world turning round. How it differences those may have, true turns and for who it turns and to the motto, ‘birds of a feather who can counter act its motion stick together,' when required, for the better of his kind is still they are certain to discard their a hang-up question. The people internal friction and stand united may be preparing to cast their against those they consider as lot, in the coming election, with their opponent. If as before, if the the candidate they prefer. And people end up as their opponent, the way things are going the just accept that god has forsaken constitution may be amended to them. make Daw Aung San Suu Kyi It was Nehru, the first prime participation valid. But in the minister of independent India after math how much of the Napoleon who said that ‘‘you can judge the people's hope will be realized? growth of a nation by finding out How long and how democrati- which class of that nation, in a cally free will the people be? particular period of history, is held That is the question that haunts in honour and reputed more than the Myanmar of today. the other." Myanmar, the country at this phrase, is cer- It was also Napoleon Bonaparte who And there are also words that seem tain to see whom were those that had been said, ‘‘Impossible is not a word in my dic- relevant to the above quote. "The first pan- honoured in its previous and present pre- tionary." Meaning any and everything is pos- acea for a mismanaged nation is inflation dicament and who were blessed with the sible. And it was also his way, when choos- of the currency; the second is war. Both opportunity to milk the mismanaged nation. ing his generals, to give preference to those bring a temporary prosperity; both bring a So on whom should the people stack their that are lucky. Try as much as the Myan- permanent ruin. But both are the refuge of hope? mar may to get a good democratic leader, political and economic opportunists," said On whom should the people stack their may be, due to the current situation going the great American author Ernest Heming- hopes, especially when all those that seem on, they may have to fall back to their Bud- way. to have the means to pave the people's way dhist philosophy and leave the matter to Any person who seriously studies to paradise are those who had fleeced the fate or luck. A

62 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

How Free Can Myanmar Be.pmd 62 10/11/2013, 12:24 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:25 PM Opinion

This article will address the issues of can compete both on domestic markets and All of these functions require solid Traditional Management and the skills that internationally. management and leadership skills, both on are involved in Change Management. The traditional principles of strategic and operational level. Management Myanmar is now facing enormous management can be categorized into the relationship with Leadership is interesting challenges with the country opening up to four major functions of Planning, in as much as it involves some fundamental the outside world economy. This will im- Organizing, Leading and Controlling (The differences. Some of those differences can pact the way Myanmar companies do busi- P.O.L.C framework). be summarized by directly comparing the ness in the future, and in particu- lar raise questions about leader- ship and management. It will be Planning Organizing Leading Controlling necessary to revalue current 1. Vision & Mission 1. Organization Design 1. Leadership 1. Systems/Processes management styles and see new 2. Strategizing 2. Culture 2. Decision Making 2. Human Resources management and leadership 3. Goals & Objectives 3. Social Networks 3. Communications emerge. Organizational transfor- 4. Groups/Teams mation will be necessary to en- 5. Motivation sure that Myanmar companies

64 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Managing Change-Mikael.pmd 64 10/13/2013, 2:02 PM roles of both roles Sigma etc. All of these indicators will help The first thing is for management to - Managers administer, leaders management to evaluate the current accept the role they play in organizational innovate competitive position of the company. So if change. They act like a kind of catalyst for - Managers ask how and when, those indicators show that the company is the change. Like a change agent. leaders ask what and why not in an optimal position, it is maybe time - Managers focus on systems, leaders for changes and innovation. This is where After all changes represents ambiguity focus on people the traditional management skillsets will and uncertainty and can threaten the - Managers do things right, leaders be challenged. Change Management status quo. So how can managers do the right things requires a whole new set of skills to guide effectively overcome this resistance to Whatever these differences are, an the organization through uncertainty and changes? organization needs both leaders and often fear. Good leadership and good Here are some suggestions: managers to achieve an effective running implementation management skills are a 1. Carefully assess the climate for change of the business. But for most organizations must in order to succeed. Is the organization ready for changes? its usually about managing and leading an existing business and try optimize the results of doing business, whatever way it is measured. Financial Rations, Shareholder Value, Market Value Organizational Performance Measures etc.

But what happens when an organization need to Change and Innovate? This article will look into the need for adapting the traditional management and leadership functions and skills to deal with changes. What we can refer to as Change Management.

Why is change important? If it weren't for changes a manager's job would be relatively easy. Planning, Organizing, Leading and Controlling (P.O.L.C) would Changes can be related to both internal Management needs to ask several questions be easier because tomorrow would be no and external factors. It can involve and the more affirmative answers they get different than today. So why do Structure, Technology, Organization, the more likely it is that change efforts Organizations need to change? Products, R&D, Marketing and Sales etc. will succeed. Organizations need to change and But the common denominator is how does Some questions will involve whether adapt both for Internal and External management effectively deal with the driver of the changes is powerful reasons. We can evaluate these changes changes? enough to effectively deal with resistance. by using the well-known SWOT analysis, Changes usually involved increased Other questions relate to the senior which give us a tool to look at the internal stress level and uncertainty on the management's commitment to the change, factors (Strength, Weakness) and the organization. People often tend to react to and their ability to convey the need for external factors (Opportunities, Threats). changes by first reject, being upset, angry change and share it with others in the But there are a wide range of tools until it is accepted and then corporation. organization. Some questions will address available to management to access the It is therefore important that the vision and the future of the organization organization's current competitive position. management have a strong change process and do management have clear SMART Some of these are PEST (Political, in place so it can effectively deal with objectives in place to evaluate the change Economic, Social Demographic, and resistance and stress and provide effort and reward systems. The Technology), EFAS (External Factor stimulation for changes and innovation. management also needs to be clear about Analysis Summary), IFAS (Internal Factors if a specific change effort is consistent with Analysis Summary), Value Chain, Balanced So how can managers develop their other changes going on in the organization. Scorecard, Strategic Canvas, Kaizen, 6 Change Management Skills? And very importantly is the question about

ACUMEN ⏐ 65

Managing Change-Mikael.pmd 65 10/10/2013, 7:35 PM Opinion

risk? Are employees being rewarded for sailing in calm waters. The management an indebt exploration of both the accounts taking risks, being innovative and looking (captain and crew) know exactly where of organizational success that have been for new and better solutions? Does they are going because they done it so provided by noted practitioners, and the communication flow both down and up in many times before. Changes are only accounts that have been provided by the organization, and do employees happy needed when a sudden storm or brief academics utilizing a range of empirical and trust the management? These are just distraction occur. The other scenario is and theoretical approaches to research. some of the many questions management referred to as the "white-water rapids" There are numerous accounts of need to ask to effectively manage the metaphor where the organization is like a leaders and managers who have change process. small raft running down a wild raging river successfully transformed their business and with uninterrupted white-water rapids. On perfected the fine art of Transformational 2. There are several ways management board are people who might never have and Change Management. Perhaps one of can approach and manage the worked together before and perhaps are the most successful is Jack Welch the resistance to change. Here are six unfamiliar with the river (business former CEO of General Electric, who over examples of strategies for dealing with environment). a period of 20 years increased GE's market resistance to change: - Education &Communication. This can clear up misunderstanding - Participation which can increase involvement and acceptance - Facilitation and support which is useful when there is a high level of anxiety and fear - Negotiation which is useful when management need to "buy" commitment - Manipulation can be used as an inexpensive and easy way to get support - Coercion as a strategy when a powerful group's support is needed.

3. The final stage of Change Management So does every manager face a world of capitalization over 20 fold, from 13 billion involves the importance of constant and chaotic change? $ to 200 billion $. It was through his vision communication with the employees No, not every manager faces such a and change management that he guided regarding what support management world. However, the number who doesn't GE though new times and took opportunity is able to provide. This must take place is getting smaller. The stability and of a changing world. His 7-Point Program both during the time the change is predictability of the calm waters metaphor for Management by Leadership can be being implemented and after the don't really exist. This is very true for the summarized are very simple: change is completed. It is important new business environment that Myanmar 1. Develop a vision for thebusiness that the organization takes learning is now facing. So therefore the need for 2. Change the culture toachieve from previous changes to avoid good Change Management skills is so the vision making same mistakes. A close study important now. 3. Flatten the organization of other organizations Best Practice There will be challenges of personal 4. Eliminate bureaucracy is also valuable and professional development that confront 5. Empower individuals those who wish to increase their 6. Raise quality and efficiency So How Does Organizational Change effectiveness as business leaders. 7. Eliminate boundaries Happen? Here are some examples of his We can look at this question by using What can managers and leaders do to messages to other leaders. These messages two kinds of metaphors. There is the so strengthen their Change Management are applicable for any industry and any called "calm waters" metaphor which kind skills? market whether a developed western of look at the organization as a large ship Well first of all they can undertake country or emerging markets in Asia, like

66 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Managing Change-Mikael.pmd 66 10/10/2013, 7:35 PM Myanmar. leadership and organisational success. they studied had no or little relationship - Business is simple. Although there are some academics who to superior business performance. - Don't make business overly question the claim that leadership is crucial In their opinion what does matter, it complicated. to organisational outcomes, the majority turned out, is having a strong grasp of the - Face reality; then act decisively. view certainly holds that it is effective business basics. Without exception, - Don't be afraid of change. leadership that constitutes one of the key companies that outperformed their industry - Change before you have to. competitive advantages for successful peers excelled at what we call the four - Fight bureaucracy. organisations. primary management practices-strategy, - Use the brains of your workers. Now let us turn to the many accounts execution, culture, and structure. And they - Discover who has the best ideas, that have been provided by academics supplemented their great skill in those and put those ideas into practice. utilizing a range of empirical and areas with a mastery of any two out of Jack Welch's transformation of GE is theoretical approaches to research. four secondary management practices- a clear example of a leader creating a story These are textbooks with a numerous talent, innovation, leadership, and mergers for the future of the organization based on theories on how to handle Change and partnerships. Management and create a winning organization. So let us ask the question? There are two books I like to introduce ‘‘Are Leaders Born? Or Are They in this article. One is the book Blue Ocean Made? Or Both’’ written by W. Chan Kim & Renee Many think that ‘Leaders’ are simply Mauborgne. The book talks about the way born with the DNA to lead. Many others companies can create a competitive think that "Leadership" can be learned and advantage by using the concept of grown with proper education and swimming (doing business) in Blue Oceans experience. (create barriers for competitors) as opposed to Red Oceans (where there are a lot of Some others think that it is a combination competition) of the two that breeds the greatest

Red Ocean versus Blue Ocean Strategy Red Ocean versus Blue Ocean Strategy the elements of his own 'who I am' story. Compete in existing market space. Create uncontested market space. Welch loves to compete. He knows Beat the competition. Make the competition irrelevant. what it's like to win and lose, and he likes Exploit existing demand. Create and capture new demand. winning better. Make the value-cost trade-off. Break the value-cost trade-off. When he became CEO he began to Align the whole system of a firm's Align the whole system of a firm's activities in author a story about GE becoming a winner: he proposed that GE should activities with its strategic choice of pursuit of differentiationand low cost. become the most competitive company on differentiation or low cost. the planet. Jack Welch is just one of many leaders The other book is "What Really leaders... What do you think? who have successfully transformed their Works" by byNitinNohria, William Joyce, Whatever the answer is we must business and even industries. Others have and Bruce Roberson. accept that the way we manage our included Carlos Gnosh of Nissan, Sir They carefully examined more than business in the future in Myanmar, will Richard Branson, Michael Dell, Larry Page 200 well-established management practices change simply due to the new challenges and Sergey Brin the founders of Google, as they were employed over a ten-year we are facing, both internally and Lee Kuan Yew, the charismatic leader of period by 160 companies to try determining externally. To be truly competitive in the modern Singapore. which management practice work best. The new business environment, Myanmar All of these leaders and many more conclusion came as a bit of surprise. Most leaders and managers must adapt and are a testimony to the theory pointing out of the management tools and techniques master the art of Change Management. A the connections between effective

ACUMEN ⏐ 67

Managing Change-Mikael.pmd 67 10/10/2013, 7:35 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:26 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:27 PM Culture

70 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Culture-Buddha Images-Dr.TinMgKyi.pmd 70 10/10/2013, 7:32 PM Myanmar army at Ayutthaya went home by two routes. One each about three cubits high. Thin-baung-gyin villagers said went east towardsToungoo, They carry only light arms and that he was a pious man, offering flowers to the Buddha images loads. They were to make rapid march to reach Ava and meet at every camp they rested for a night and always prayed to the Chinese forces. Lord that he would behave fairly towards his men and Thai Another route to home was towards south of Ayuttaya and captives he was taking along with him and that the Deva should then towards Dawae. They were slow in their march as they help all of them to reach their home, Ava safely. And they did. carry heavy loads and weapons such as guns. They would take Arriving Ava, he delivered the Thais to the officers months on the way From Dawae, they would proceed by sea to concerned plus the war booty both he and his soldiers had Yangon and then sailed up the Ayeyarwaddy river to Ava. carried all the way back. But the three Buddha images, he An officer in charge of a detachment was found struggling carefully packed and carried all the way, he took them to his with a load put on beasts of burden. He was from Thin-baung- village. gyin village,(See map) north-west of Ava. He is still called by His village is far in the interior, now-a-day in Kant-balu his native villagers as ‘Thin-baung-gyin Bo'. township. (See Map) Soon he and his men found themselves His soldiers were also equally laden with loads entrusted warmly welcomed by his native villagers. They all rejoiced to each by a Myanmar general. Mostly they were carrying war more so because he had carried back three standing Buddha booty- like guns and arsenals. These they were to deliver at the statues to worship at the village. capital Ava. They also took Thai captives with them. Immediately they all carried them to the village monastery. It was a real hardship on the way. There were many untold The abbot received them humbly and put them on a high alter. stories. Both Myanmar soldiers and Thai captives, many were.left Years passed. Abbots of the village changed one after behind exhausted or with illness and the heavy loads were another. Thin-baung-gyin Bo passed away. But the Thai images piled on the road side. Some joined them later on. Some loads remained in the monastery. so heavy and unable to carry on, the General decided to abandon Since then for over 200 years, the three standing images them at secret places. Few detachments were purposely left are here. Miraculously the three images escaped destruction behind to settle new villages near the secret sites. from the Second World War. The villagers believed that the The Myanmar soldiers carefully marked the spot where Buddha statues would protect them. When Japanese soldiers they hid the treasures. But treacherous jungle covered all the came, they did not give any trouble. So the statues were highly posts and marks in no time with vines and trees and the revered and respected by the villagers. carnivores prowled the area making it a no-man's-land. With Again in a hard time under the rule of socialism, all people time, treasures were lost but not forgotten and their tales or turned to black market for a survival. Many Buddha images of rumors continued even now, added with myth, magic and make- wood, marble, and bronze and art objects disappeared from ups. everywhere but these statues from this village escaped looting. Since then, rumors spread along the road about fabulous treasures hidden at several places in the jungle all along the road to Dawae. In 1933, Thuriya magazine in Yangon published an article about a ‘Yodaya Thike' (Ayutthaya Tressures) by Myo Tha, from 0-loke quarter, Dawae. It says the treasures were left behind by the Myanmar army on its way back home via Dawae. It is reasonable that few 'Thike' really exist and there are secret surveys made from Thai side. Few years ago, a sounding was even made by a Thai Princess visiting Dawae. Coming back by Dawae route, few lucky ones with robust health did reach their home within 3 or 4 months. Those affected by malaria, fatigue and other illness reach Ava after 6 months or so. A lucky one who came home was ‘Thin-baung-gyin Bo' or captain and his soldiers recruited from the villages around. His Discovery name was mentioned in a chronicle, the fourth volume of ' Thu- It has been never observed by any scholar of history and tho-dita Maha Y arzawin-daw-gyi. art before. So we can rather say their existence was unknown On his way back he was to escort a group of Thai plus a even to the Myanmar scholars. load of trophy which his general entrusted him to deliver at On 16 July 2013, U Win Maung, a scholar of traditional Ava. He also carried back three wooden standing Buddha statues architecture, and his team visited the village. All village ACUMEN ⏐ 71

Culture-Buddha Images-Dr.TinMgKyi.pmd 71 10/10/2013, 7:13 PM Culture

monasteries were the centre of social and cultural activities. The team went straight to the only monastery. Here to their surprise and joy, they discovered the three Buddha images. Each is about three cubits high, all in standing posture. In spite of a sign of restoration once or twice like putting on new gold leaves and glass mosaic, the last time being in the last 90 years or so, the three images are found to retain originality. The most prominent are decoration on the chest and a broad cover around the waist and buttock, a common Thai decoration but a very unusual feature in Myanmar ‘standing’ Buddha images. The ‘Bo’ (captain) of this village could not have taken the thrones or pedestals on which the statue were standing; he had to leave them behind as the images were most important for him. The pedestals are now a simple block rather than their original truncated triangular shape.

Thai and Myanmar Difference Regarding the tapering crown, there are two types in Myanmar tradition. 1- Makuda or Magite (Makut in Thai) and 2- Tharafu (Saraphu). Makuda has a flat band around the forehead with receding tiers with (5, 7 or 9) of Tamarind leaves as it goes up, topped with a small bulb known as ‘Baung'. Tha-ra-phu has a bulbous base around the forehead with receding bulbous ring as it goes up to end on a spire.

Hand gestures of the Standing Buddha Images in Thin- baung-gyin village

Myanmar Kings rarely used Tharaphu (Saraphu) and so also it was the same on Buddh' s head. Maghite was always the choice both for Buddha and the King. However here in all Thai style Buddha images, only Tharaphu crowns the head. These are found to be 'repelling danger' gesture. In Laos this repelling gestures is popularly known as ‘Phra Bang'.

Phra Bang Image When a standing Buddha displays his palm up and another Tha-ra-phu with index pointing towards worshipper, it conveys a meaning ‘‘You! Don't Worry, Don't Fear'’ . In other words, it repels danger and gives protection. Difference of the Makuda and Tharaphu is If two palms are held up, it was known as ‘Double Phra conspicuous Bang’ image. This Phra Bang image was so popular and most Very well, the ear piece (a decoration flap behind the ear) revered in the whole of South-east Asia. is either Myanmar design or Thai. (See figures and King Thibaw's In Laos, Laotian people offer the most profound respect Maghite) Both types are fpound in Myanmar. and honor to ‘Phra Bang' image. The whole nation and people

72 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Culture-Buddha Images-Dr.TinMgKyi.pmd 72 10/10/2013, 7:13 PM believe that this image would protect them from all dangers. In ancient time, this image was kept in Luang Pra Bang, the northern capital. The capital itself derived its name from this image. Now this sacred mage is kept in Vien Chan, the present capital. Ancient Myanmar documented this capital as ‘Mai Long Kha Bin’ which derived etymologically from Muang Luang Phra Bang! In conclusion, the standing Buddha images with ‘danger repelling' gestures were still revered in the distant village, deep in the interior of Myanmar, revealing their deep faith and respect

to the religion. What the captain of the village did in the bygone past was a good example that Myanmar soldiers in Ayutthiaya battle respected Buddha images. It was a standing witness against what few Thai scholars wrote in their history books. There are many such examples as we can still find Buddha images with Thai design. These images are now found on high alter in monasteries as the families which revered them generation after generation fmally handed over to abbots. (See two photos of Thai Buddha images.) A

ACUMEN ⏐ 73

Culture-Buddha Images-Dr.TinMgKyi.pmd 73 10/10/2013, 7:13 PM Dining Out

74 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com NovemberOctober 2013

Dining Out- Marrybrown.pmd 74 10/13/2013, 1:57 PM ACUMEN ⏐ 75

Dining Out- Marrybrown.pmd 75 10/13/2013, 1:57 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:28 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:27 PM International Flight Schedules

DAYS FLIGHT DEP ARRI DAYS FLIGHT DEP ARRI DAYS FLIGHT DEP ARRI

Yangon - Bangkok TUE TR - 2826 17:00 18:25 SUN 8M - 711 8:40 13:15 WED TR - 2826 17:00 18:25 DAILY TG - 302 14:55 16:50 THU TR - 2826 17:00 18:25 Guangzhou - Yangon TG - 306 19:45 21:40 FRI MI - 520 22:10 23:35 TG - 304 09:50 11:45 TR - 2826 17:00 18:25 MON CZ - 3055 14:45 16:35 PG - 702 10:30 12:25 SAT TR- 2826 13:15 14:45 TUE 8M - 712 4:15 15:50 PG - 704 18:20 20:15 SUN MI - 520 22:10 23:35 WED CZ - 3055 8:40 10:30 PG - 706 07:15 09:30 TR - 2826 17:00 18:25 THU 8M - 712 4:15 15:50 8M - 331 16:30 18:15 FRI CZ - 3055 14:45 16:35 8M - 335 8:20 10:05 Yangon - Bangkok SAT CZ - 3055 8:40 10:30 SUN 8M - 712 4:15 15:50 Bangkok - Yangon DAILY FD - 2752 08:30 10:20 FD-2756 12:15 14:05 Yangon - Phnom Penh DAILY TG - 301 13:00 13:45 FD - 2754 17:50 19:35 TG - 303 07:55 08:50 WED 8M - 403 16:50 19:15 TG - 305 17:50 18:45 Bangkok - Yangon SAT 8M - 403 16:50 19:15 PG - 701 08:50 09:40 PG - 703 16:45 17:35 DAILY FD - 2751 07:15 08:00 Phnom Penh - Yangon PG - 705 00:15 21:30 FD - 2755 11:10 11:45 8M - 332 19:15 20:00 FD - 2753 16:35 17:20 WED 8M - 404 20:15 21:40 8M - 336 11:30 00:15 SAT 8M - 404 20:15 21:40 Yangon - Kuala Lumpur Yangon - Singapore Yangon - Teipei DAILY AK - 1427 8:30 12:50 DAILY 8M - 231 08:00 12:25 MH - 741 12:15 16:30 MON CI -7916 10:50 16:15 8M - 6232 11:30 16:05 MH - 743 15:45 20:00 TUE CI -7916 10:50 16:15 SQ - 997 10:25 14:45 MON 8M - 501 7:50 11:50 WED CI -7916 10:50 16:15 MI - 517 06:40 21:15 WED 8M - 501 7:50 11:50 THU CI -7916 10:50 16:15 3K - 586 11:30 16:05 SAT 8M - 501 7:50 11:50 FRI CI -7916 10:50 16:15 MON TR - 2827 15:35 20:05 SAT CI -7916 10:50 16:15 MI - 509 00:25 05:00 Kuala Lumpur - Yangon TUE TR - 2827 19:05 23:35 Teipei - Yangon WED TR - 2827 19:05 23:35 DAILY AK - 1426 06:55 08:00 THU TR - 2827 19:05 23:35 MH - 740 10:05 11:15 MON CI -7915 7:00 9:55 FRI TR - 2827 19:05 23:35 MH - 742 13:30 14:40 TUE CI -7915 7:00 9:55 SAT TR - 2827 15:35 20:05 MON 8M - 502 12:50 13:50 WED CI -7915 7:00 9:55 MI - 509 00:25 05:00 WED 8M - 502 12:50 13:50 THU CI -7915 7:00 9:55 SUN TR - 2827 19:05 23:35 SAT 8M - 502 12:50 13:50 FRI CI -7915 7:00 9:55 SAT CI -7915 7:00 9:55 Singapore - Yangon Yangon - Guangzhou Yangon - Kunming DAILY 8M - 232 13:25 14:50 MON CZ - 3056 17:40 22:15 8M - 6231 09:10 10:40 TUE 8M - 711 8:40 13:15 MON MU - 2012 12:20 18:35 SQ - 998 07:55 09:20 WED CZ - 3056 11:20 15:50 TUE CA - 906 14:15 17:35 MI - 518 14:20 15:45 THU 8M - 711 8:40 13:15 MU - 2032 14:40 18:00 3K - 585 09:20 10:45 FRI CZ - 3056 17:40 22:15 WED CA - 906 14:15 17:35 MON TR- 2826 13:15 14:45 SAT CZ - 3056 11:20 15:50 MU - 2012 12:20 18:35

78 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Flight Schedule.pmd 78 10/13/2013, 1:48 PM DAYS FLIGHT DEP ARRI DAYS FLIGHT DEP ARRI DAYS FLIGHT DEP ARRI

THU CA - 906 14:15 17:35 Yangon - Hanoi MU - 2032 14:40 18:00 Doha - Yangon FRI MU - 2032 14:40 18:00 MON VN - 956 19:10 21:30 SAT CA - 906 14:15 17:35 WED VN - 956 19:10 21:30 WED QR - 618 21:05 07:00+1 MU - 2032 14:40 18:00 FRI VN - 956 19:10 21:30 THU QR - 618 21:05 07:00+1 SUN CA - 906 14:15 17:35 SAT VN - 956 19:10 21:30 SUN QR - 618 21:05 07:00+1 MU - 2032 14:40 18:00 SUN VN - 956 19:10 21:30 Yangon - Tokyo Kunming - Yangon Hanoi - Yangon DAILY NH - 914 21:45 PM06:50+1 MON MU - 2011 8:20 11:30 MON VN - 957 16:35 18:10 TUE CA - 905 12:40 13:15 WED VN - 957 16:35 18:10 Tokyo - Yangon MU - 2031 13:30 13:55 FRI VN - 957 16:35 18:10 WED CA - 905 12:40 13:15 SAT VN - 957 16:35 18:10 DAILY NH - 913 10:30 15:30 MU - 2011 8:20 11:30 SUN VN - 957 16:35 18:10 THU CA - 905 12:40 13:15 Yangon - Hong Kong MU - 2031 13:30 13:55 Yangon - Ho Chi Minh City FRI MU - 2031 13:30 13:55 MON KA - 251 1:10 6:00 SAT CA - 905 12:40 13:15 TUE VN - 942 14:25 17:10 TUE KA - 251 1:10 6:00 MU - 2031 13:30 13:55 THU VN - 942 14:25 17:10 THU KA - 251 1:10 6:00 SUN CA - 905 12:40 13:15 SUN VN - 942 14:25 17:10 SAT KA - 251 1:10 6:00 MU - 2031 13:30 13:55 Ho Chi Minh City- Yangon Yangon - Beijing Hong Kong - Yangon TUE VN - 943 11:40 13:25 TUE CA - 906 14:15 21:55 THU VN - 943 11:40 13:25 MON KA - 250 21:45 23:30 WED CA - 906 14:15 21:55 SUN VN - 943 11:40 13:25 WED KA - 250 21:45 23:30 THU CA - 906 14:15 21:55 FRI KA - 250 21:45 23:30 FRI CA - 906 14:15 21:55 Yangon - Seoul SUN KA - 250 21:45 23:30 SUN CA - 906 14:15 21:55 DAILY OZ - 770 0:35 9:10 Beijing - Yangon THU KE - 472 23:35 08:05+1 Mandalay - Bangkok SUN KE - 472 23:35 08:05+1 TUE CA - 905 8:05 13:15 TUE TG-781 7:25 08:50 WED CA - 905 8:05 13:15 Seoul - Yangon WED TG-781 7:25 08:50 THU CA - 905 8:05 13:15 FRI TG-781 7:25 08:50 FRI CA - 905 8:05 13:15 DAILY OZ - 769 19:50 23:25 SAT TG-781 7:25 08:50 SUN CA - 905 8:05 13:15 SUN TG-781 7:25 08:50 WED KE - 471 18:40 22:30 Yangon - Chaing Mai SAT KE - 471 18:40 22:30 Bangkok - Mandalay SUN W9 - 9607 14:20 16:10 Yangon - Doha TUE TG-782 9:30 11:55 Chaing Mai - Yangon MON QR - 619 8:15 11:15 WED TG-782 9:30 11:55 THU QR - 619 8:15 11:15 FRI TG-782 9:30 11:55 SUN W9 - 9608 17:20 18:10 FRI QR - 619 8:15 11:15 SAT TG-782 9:30 11:55 SUN TG-782 9:30 11:55

ACUMEN ⏐ 79

Flight Schedule.pmd 79 10/13/2013, 1:48 PM 80 ⏐ ACUMEN www.myanmarb2bmagazine.com November 2013

Cartoon.pmd 80 10/10/2013, 7:06 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:29 PM adv.pmd 11 10/10/2013, 8:29 PM