Ywa Thar

YWA Thar means villager in Burmese language. As I was born in a rural village, I could be called ywa thar by peers from cities. I got a chance to attend high school in Mandalay which is Myanmar's second largest city. During my study time, I needed to stay in monastery as there is no relative there. As my parent are not afford, my school fees also sponsored by a rich relative man. In my classroom, most of classmates are ethnic Chinese students and only few Burmese classmates involved as it is A class which is meant for highest grade scorer from middle school leaving exam. All of them are from rich families and able to go famous tuition and put expensive guide at home. For me is exceptionally poor and everybody knows my root.

My classmates used to call me "Yaw Thar" as nick name. To be pessimist, there has been a bit down looking sense in the calling. Nevertheless, I don't mind to be called as it is true. Some would call me another name as "monastery student" that refer to my staying at monastery shelter and taking tuition at monk teacher. Again, never mind as they are alright. As time goes on, they may not even know what is my real name. I tried to study hard and consider it is the best way to counter all assaults I receive. But I have to admit that some close Burmese friends called me affectionately and give me so much kind and help that I really miss while I stay away from home. I can say that I couldn't able to survive without their kindness for long run. I try to be as simple and honest as I can and some of my friends value it and befriended me as their real close friend. My high school journey long only two year to graduate and return home before joining vocational institution.

5 years later, I first return to Mandalay for business trip. This time, I am not coming back the city for study. My colleague and I went there to make site visit for US embassy office. We were sent by our respective companies to make necessary on site survey as their official engineer. We stayed at hotel and I tried to contact my former school friends after finishing my survey. They are surprising to see me back and welcome with open hand. They send me wherever I want to go within town area by their car. They gave me due respect than ever as they realize I have been improving my life as an engineer. They are doing their family business and not attending professional university. They only take art science degree and lead their traditional business. They are happy to see me no longer depend on monastery this time as well as official engineer from a big company from Yangon. However, as usual, they called me "Yaw Thar" when we reunion and I never mind to be called. I even love it as it recall us our school days. I fully realize that my quality won't be changed by calling different name. The most important thing is try to improve our quality and the people's respect will follow. As we all know that respect cannot be created nor destroyed. When we understand it, name doesn't matter at all. 

Aung San Suu Kyi à la Sorbonne 28 JUIN 2012

Vacant the seat you are not worth for

Our people leader, Aung San Su Kyi's European tour would be end today and she will fly back home tomorrow morning. It has been extremely successful for her historic trip out of Myanmar in 24 years time. She have conquered all hearts from where she lands. Every country seem try to show their hospitality toward greeting our lady. She received no less than state head honors by host nations. At the same time, she is getting so many awards that were mostly given to her few years ago. Most fellow citizens are proud of being Myanmar citizen, first in life time, due to her performance on world stage. Most of us are of course proud of her as well. If we are considered normal person, definitely we should be delight to witness her success. As Paris mayor said, she is a woman of peace and love. She is a champion of democracy. She is symbol of hope. She is beacon of freedom. All represent not only Burmese, but all individual person across the world. No wonder she is getting all possible cheers by world's citizen regardless of race, nationality, religious.

However, in contrary, she will face opposite type of welcome by homeland authority. First, the court at homeland has made decision to share her residence to her demanding elder brother who is holding US citizen passport. With the consent of her, her lawyer has filed to argue with the verdict against her home sharing. Now, more freshly, our election control authority issues warning letter to her for using name of Myanmar as former name, Burma in her recent speech in Europe. Given circumstance, she has made all afford to put our citizen head up high being Myanmar. More importantly, she has put our national flag equally put side by side with world's leading nation's flag on stage. Who else has been done the same effort since independence? Our leaders has been shy away from world's community. Even in the regional summit at ASEAN level, our leaders have been placed aside and treated like a not important member. We all feel that sense. Don't know if our leaders feel the same or not. For this reason alone, our people and government should grateful for our lady's commitment. She has continuously asked world to help build our nation in particular education, welfare, health and democratization institution. Who else from cabinet level able to do the same measure like she does. Instead of showing our healt-felt thank towards her effort, our authority is issuing those ill letter and action against her is really embarassing for the nation I think.

Our president keep talking to put aside discrepancy while cooperate on same interest with all parties if it is for the national interest. Sound great. Then why not follow up by lower rank minister level people? With such attitude, it'ld be further away to reach the nation we want to build as a pleasant home. Time is ticking and it has been wasted for half century by adapting wrong system. No time to waste. No room to let brainless leaders rule our country. It is our time to magnify incoming opportunities in order to reduce poverty of our people. Stop arguing and finger pointing at each other. If you want to brought forward old dirty policies, kindly step aside and vacant the seat for other who can do it. Because you are just simply incapable to serve our people with efficient manner.

lost generation thought

MYANMAR pays price for lost generation of educated, titled of an article by ST paper by citing to AP's report. There is self-explanation to prove why say so as well as interview with local educator. Yesternight I watched ASSK's speech at union meeting with Burmese community at Paris. It included Q&A sections to explore people's desire. In response to one question given by audience regarding how to make weak education system back on right track. She always emphasis on this issue wherever she go and make speech at foreign countries. She said, she notices that today generations become smaller in physical as well as struggling with low level education. She shared her view that younger people are physically stronger and enjoy well education than their older generation in well developed nations. It's common to see declining trend in poor countries, especially on those under wrong system or dictatorship.

I am disappointing to read the fact today paper pointed out that Yangon University was once among one of finest university in Asia. No wonder they say so since this university has high quality product like general Aung San and U Thant, former UN secretary among others. However, as they claimed, it become upside down under management of half century long military Junta. A local educator guess it would take Myanmar about 10 years to catch up international level in education system. As we are moving all front, definitely our education won't be left behind. Luckily, our president is more like a scholor than a soldier. I believe his beloving in literature will boost our effort in attention toward overhaul education. It would be a dream come true if our president assign our lady, ASSK, as a minister of Education. Because she would be big bias to western education developed nations to help us in improving our education. With her request, they will happily cooperate in our process and that will reduce the process time considerably. Without expert's help, we won't be going far and more importantly rightly. 

As they said, there is a will, there is a way. We trust in our reform-minded government as they keep changing to shock the world. Our president has pledged the world to produce second wave of reforms sooner. It'll definitely get the world's already existing attention to real collaboration. It's as young as baby stage government, but it has been showing the world how much they have been committed to the process of change at all front line like a mature one. If we keep this momentum for longer run, why not our education able to catch up regional countries' one within a decade. I myself have been a member of lost generation and struggled with chronic education system. Hope this bitter experience won't be repeat to my daughter when the time come for her.

DASSK & Burmese Community Meeting at Paris

Where is my Dad?

ONE fine afternoon, my daughter wake up from day-dreaming and asks her nanny uncle. Where is my Dad, where is my Dad? Uncle show himself and tell her that I'm here, my child. My daughter was very determine not to accept Uncle's answer by replying, No, no, I'm looking for my father from Singapore. Where is he now? She wears slipper by herself and walk out of the room. Uncle with surprise, seeing her doing things. She then step out of the house and look around to look for her Dad. Still cannot find. Then go further out of compound and see left, right, up and down while saying "where is my father", where are you now....'arrrr,,,,just now I see him, where is my Dad from Singapore?". The nanny couple were seeing her sadly and helplessly. 

I am very touch to learn the incident by my sister through mobile. I never thought she would suffer like that as she is younger than two years old now. I tried not to cry while listening my sister's words. From recent visit to Singapore to see parent, she might have recognized who is her real parent in life. We, people, underestimate the power of little child. In fact, they are developing everything amazingly, more than what we all think. People around my daughter said she become different after returning from Singapore visit. Perhaps, she is remembering her parent who suddenly disappear from her sight. She is too young to express her feeling as she cannot speak well. In such scenario, she show her feeling by behavior to surrounding people. Now again, she thinks her dream is real and looking for her Dad of dreaming. She might have though Dad she saw in dream is real. I, as a father of her, am really feeling bad for failing to stand by her. We have paid too much for some dollar here. We have made some invaluable mistake by leaving our little daughter alone. We won't be bear if she knows the true story one day and hate us for doing so. 

Oh my dear, it doesn't mean we don't love you by leaving you alone there with relatives. We're here to pave a smoothest ever life for your ahead. We too really miss you here. You father will come back home in a month time. After that, I promise you to give you quality family time despite your mum cannot accompany me. Life is sometime cruel, dear. It's inevitable and we seek your genuine understanding for that.

Change Jaleous to Joy

CHANGE,,,,,,a mere word. What else to its value? Obama came in world's stage by saying this word during his presidential campaign. "We must change if we really want a better world", a monk is telling to audience in last Saturday dhamma talk show in lion city. He highlighted some incident to emphasis it. He continued to build a common platform to live in all together regardless of races, religions and background. He insisted we have to find out root of problem when conflict come out. He appears try to refer to most recent Myanmar's crisis in handling Rohingya riot on our land.

There are some people who cannot happy with others extremely success. Some people might be our government's some ministers while ASSK represent other end. She is enjoying her European tour to its fullest. She was treated as a rock star wherever she goes. She is greeted by red carpet by some rich and highly developed nations. Her news cover all international medias except her homeland. The world see her champion of democracy, hope of freedom, inspirational woman, iron lady, international stateswoman, etc. But unfortunately, she is merely rated by our so called media authority as a MP from opposition party. The monk said those conflicts mostly come from Hatteras that come from Jealous. We have not to change only political and economy policies but to change our Jealousy mind to Joy if we are suppose to go to a better community. So long as we could not convert such Jealousy to Joy due to other success, we will never find a peaceful world.

The monk was not telling his audience baselessly. He refer to Buddha's words that had been told few thousand years back. He is a famous monk back home. He is not only missionary but never fail to do society welfare activities. He had contributed so many projects some of which even the government cannot afford to do so. Some of them include educational institutions, water supply foundation, rice foundation, free medical organisation, etc. All of them were done by his own fund that he collects from his dhamma talk shows across the world. I was really impressed to learn that he is going to open his 18th hospitals in Myanmar soon and still counting some more in the pipeline. He is considered as a hero monk widely. He is another quality product from Burma. We feel lucky to have such person in our life time. We hope he will continue to enlightern blind authority through the scope of Buddha ways. Hope this time his calling for change for Joy from Jaleous able to reach ears of our authority.

Fighting World

The world become battle ground for some people. Some seem chasing disputes while other try to prevent it. So long as we all don't have a common platform to live in peacefully, such unwanted battles won't end in this world. Syria is currently under spotlight for few months now. Last week shoot down of Turkey's Jet raised world's policing bodies such as UN & NATO's concern and make them intervene. In south china sea, it has been long time dispute among claimant countries. Yesterday, China ship rammed Philippine fishing boat that claim one dead and four still missing. China said it's accident while Philippine claim it sign of bulliness. Anyway this latest incident make already existing tension hotter. My country is not exception when it come to violence. Other than usual ethnic conflicts in northern part of Burma, we got fresh riot between our ethnic Rakhine and stateless Rohingya. The government has shown highest tolerance in the on-going riot to the world. Why are we fighting each other? How do we stop these wars? The truth fact is, with current rate, we need one and half world to feed our people properly. No wonder people keep fighting for new Territory. It is somehow sad to learn that there are some people in this world that has no citizenship. Not only Rohingya but some Burmese who were born in Thailand border refugee camps. There might be some more that I do not notice and aware of other part of world. At the end of the day, as the creek in the poem said, men may come and men may go, but I go on forever. How about our world? Does he adapt the concept of the creek toward fighting people? I am not sure.....

Two Uncles arguing on SBS Bus

Aung San Suu Kyi's Speech at the British Parliament (Burmese Subtitles)

Singapore in brief

This tiny island near the equator with a population of 4.68 million people, the fourth most densely populated country in the world, is currently enjoying high economic growth. Its land area - presently 704 square kilometres - is constantly changing due to land reclamation works and urban renewal. Behind the necessary modernization lies Singaporeans' tenacity in blending their traditions with new influences, and coming together in their shared identity as Singaporeans.

The success and prosperity that Singapore enjoys today has been the product of overcoming countless economic, social and political challenges. As the country ventures into the twenty-first century, new challenges of all sorts lie ahead. First is demographic change. The composition of Singaporean soceity will undergo a major transformation by 2018. Its demographic make-up will be affected by current phenomena, such as declining fertility rates, migration and a rapidly ageing population. Singapore faces a declining fertility rate: the number of babies born has dropped significantly from 52,957 in 1988 to 47,333 in 1977 and about 36,000 in 2007. Many talented citizens are leaving Singapore for other countries such as Australia, while at the same time the number of foreigners taking up Singaporean residency and citizenship has increased substantially. Singapore also has a rapidly ageing population: by 2030, 18 per cent of the population will be aged 65 years and above.

Economic challenges for Singapore abound. As a resource-poor nation, it has no option but to invest in its only resource-people. It must continue to attract foreign investors who have increasingly diversified to cheap-labour countries such as China and Vietnam. Spreading its economic wings beyond the region, for example, to the Middle East, India and Europe, has been a major strategy for the country to sustain its economic growth. At the same time, the problems of a widening income gap and the uneven distribution of wealth within the country as a consequence of globalization need to be addressed.

Political challenges - defined as internal and external tests or threats that concern the government or the system of government - cannot be ignored either. First is the issue of political leadership renewal. The Singapore elite has often complained that the lack of political talents and the vacuum generated by senior and more experienced politicians leaving the scene, if not filled, could lead to a succession crisis. Second are the demands of the younger generation for more space for political expression. The government realizes that it cannot afford to rule with an iron fist when the population is rapidly becoming more educated and when globalization is knocking at the door. Loosening control over the mass media and the opening of alternate media, such as the Internet, will test the government's commitment to political pluralism.

(ref: southeast asia in a new era by Ho Khai Leong)

See as it is

THE Philippine government never failed to tale-broadcast live boxing show whenever their world champion boxer, Manny Pacquiao, is competing to defend his title. All Filipino will be gluing their eyes at nearby TVs when the show come. They know how to honor their big winner. They know how to proud when it come right time. They are really social people and never fail to act when the time right regardless of place where they are. Most recent fight between Manny and challenger from US did and the judges gave Manny a loser and all the world is protesting with the result. Some boxing great even rate it disgrace. Of course, Filipino are crying to learn their superstar lose despite he dominate the fight mostly. They can't accept the result and protesting by telling their opinion to world's media.

Lets see what's happening on the other side of ASEAN family. Of course my country, Myanmar is coming back again on stage due to recent serial reforms. Our lady and nobel laureate Aung San Su Kyi is currently on Europe tour. She is taking several honors at every nation she stops. She is giving variety of speeches at different stages from small scale to huge. Everywhere she goes, people follow crazily regardless of their background. They include politician, musician, sportmanship, nobel laureates, varsity chief, etc. She is breaking records one after another by getting highest possible cheers from audience. Every speech done, she is getting longest ever clapping and standing ovation from audience. What a great scene is it? What a proud moment is it. Yesterday, she got rare honor from Britain by having a speech at webminster hall toward lower and upper parliament house members. I am really surprising to learn her extra-ordinary talented skill. Can imagine how difficult would it be to prepare different speeches for different kind of stage. Also not easy to tackle incoming questions from media men. She never failed to answer all question. Sometime she could even make it joke so that the audience do not feel boring at all. 

She is such an incredible woman and getting all possible highest honors in the world. But sad thing is that she is not good enough for our some leaders to praise. Our government didn't broadcast those high profile events and award winning ceremonies. It is opportunity for our nation to show our younger generation to follow her steps. It's our obligation to honor in any person who excel at something. She is in fact no longer outside parliament person. She already MP in Burma. But our media failed to highlight the news to our people. It clearly show our some leaders have very small hearts. If they don't accept her as a person, they won't reach where they are going to. We have to accept right things in life. No matter it benefit or downgrade to us. Without honest in mind, we can't do great things. We will never achieve great thing with small heart. We must be ambitious while we have to realistic. You don't need to be a hero to show your loyalty to your country. You could be hero by doing simple thing in life. How do we trust in you if you are failing to impress the lady while the whole world is honoring her? It's disgraceful in deed. I hope, she will get a right place in cabinet level sooner than later. 

May our leaders able to see things as it is.

 

No one size fit ALL

MYANMAR's reform-minded civilian government has been shock maker among international community. Nobody, even our hardest critics, has guess of this fast forward. There is a word in English called "leapfrog", which we frequently see on the world's media, especially when they want to show the result of research/findings. World's leaders might have been raise their eyebrow when our people leader, ASSK, reveals her simple ambition that she wants to see Myanmar ahead of ASEAN members. Sound funny to some ears while it can make some step back in deep thought. Why the world has been so much attention on once isolated nation? Perhaps it is former Junta who prefer isolation than integration with outside world.

I have been heard some rumors that there are two nations that wouldn't like to see Burma progress or develop or communicate with the West. Soon after release from prison, Burmese famous joker, Zargana, reconfirm that they are China and Singapore. I am quite cautious to believe in somebody's saying. Recently, I hear the same tone again from my friend who visited republic for first time. He insisted that lion city afraid of us develop because she gained a lot in past at the expense of Burma's broken system. He even claimed that our country would simply overcome republic if we are maintain our right way to progress. Again, I am just listening his view and consider it as another social chatting.

As the whole world witnessing now, our lady has been so successful in her on-going tour in Europe. We, Myanmar citizen, are extremely proud of being same citizen with her, proud of her goodself, proud of our country that never fail to produce world class leaders both in past and present day. Our country is still in least developed nations group, but we have a reason to be proud today. It's definitely because of our lady who has highlighted Burma and put back right track to democratic nation. However, we notice that some ASEAN nations are too silent to express as it is. She is worthy of praise. She represents not only Burma but South East Asia region. But clearly we can see some Jealousy from some nations. This time, I could see the line clearly who are our real friends and who are on the other side.

I disagree with the article of ST when its title suggest that "Myanmar should see Asia rather than Europe". Hope it is not Singapore government's will. Just it is by a merely writer. Why not Europe for us? I see Singapore in so many ways that they are trying to become a metropolitan city like Western developed places. They are being called Switzerland of Asia by some and they seems please with that comment. Their universities are getting higher world's ranking as a result of increasing collaboration with foreign renowned universities. They become regional leader in water technology by the help of Dutch scientist. The SAF has long been relied on US technology to defend their territory properly. Then, saying other nation look at west is not recognized is something dishonest. To me, why should we approach second rated nations while we have a chance to approach world's super power nations like US, Europe and Japan? I never support my government to welcome China and regional companies to come invest in our land. Last time is understandable as we have no choice due to sanction. Now is different and we have to be wise enough in using our valuable resources. 

Since we have to start from scratch, it would be wise to rely on well developed nation's advice rather than a developing nation. Our leader have to believe in effective cooperation between ruling party and opposition. Regardless of who is doing, we have to welcome it if it is good for nation and our people. We should burden all selfish attitude if we want to really develop our nation. There is no one man/lady show in long term. It is totally collective effort. I don't trust in NLD doing alone this huge mission as it look like one lady show party while its most of members are lacking political experience. Its vetaran are so old to go far. It's young member are lacking required experience to handle crisis and oversee problems. We won't get an excellent outcome unless we have perfect combination of all parties. Why not alliance among us regardless of which party is it? We have to be honest and it's the best opportunity to be explored in life. Please do not hindering it, please side if you are unable to capable to flow with the dynamic action. Let other capable person do the mission. People will cheer you if you show your big heart. The world seems so kind to us now and we are not granted for anything. We have to remember that some neighboring countries are not pleasing with our progress and of course there might have been some hardliners who are conservative. We'll definitely overcome those all obstacle only if we are united. Lets make our nation prosper asap.

No Singing Allowed

MY wife was laughing when I tell her that I received a warning letter from department head for singing while doing my job. Despite the letter come with polite manner, I am disgusting to get my first ever complain letter in my life. I even do not notice myself when do I sing during working time. These days in office, task become more than before and hard to find spare time to sing. Perhaps, I would have sung synchronize while working. My wife even didn't believe my saying as she perfectly knows that I can't sing a song completely. Also I am not a music lover and never listen music on the go as well as at home. That's why she is surprising with the fact I am facing yesterday.

As it come in politely, I tried to reply with the same manner. I guess it's because somebody might have complaint to our head as there is clue in the letter statement. But I am pretty center of Myanmar contingent at the office. My left, right and back is fellow citizen colleagues while front is corridor. Just amazing to receive such letter. However, I am not strange to be assault by local workers verbally. I just recall my days in KL, 7 years back in past, I was being scored for making noise atmosphere. She complained that the way I turn box files and the way I hit the keyboard is noisy to her ears. Unfortunately we two needed to work back to back in a compact work station. That time, everybody understands that she, being spinster, never satisfy with other. I could able to cool myself.

However, this time is different as it come by email officially. In fact, there are a lot noisy birds around, mostly are Chinese colleagues. They would talk loudly as they are in the mid of fish-market. They would talk non-sense things during working time, such as about family, cinema, discount outlets, fashion, holiday, gossip about hate senior, etc. Some are enjoying their MP-3 music at the office. Indian colleagues never stop talking on phone as they enjoys cheapest roaming rate to their love ones in homeland. Amid such situation, I am getting such warning is complete joke. However, I tried to reply in polite way as I don't want to create another enemy in the office. I might have been pessimist in this case. I ask myself if I am breaking the limit or not. I wonder if such warning is in line with the policy of our company. Finally I comfort myself by remembering a word told by one famous monk. That is "you will never find justice until you find it". Thanks Singapore for keep teaching me about life.

Races of Myanmar

OFFICIALLY assigned ethnic groups in Myanmar
  Major Group                                                       % Share of Population
                                                                       1983 (Census)     2000 (estimate)

1. Kachin (12 sub-nationalities)                              1.4                    1.4
2. Kayah (9 sub-nationalities)                                 0.4                    0.4
3. Kayin (11 sub-nationalities)                                 6.2                    6.2
4. Chin (53 sub-nationalitites)                                  2.2                    2.0
5. Bamar (9 sub-nationalities)                                  69.0                  66.0
6. Mon (no sub-nationalitites)                                   2.4                    2.6
7. Rakhine (7 sub-nationalities)                                 4.5                    4.2
8. Shan (33 sub-nationalities)                                    8.5                    8.5
9. Others (unspecified & foreign races)                       5.4                    5.7

(source: Government of Burma, Burma 1983 Population Census & 27th edition by office of strategic studies, ministry of defence, May 2001)


Practice of Major Religions in Myanmar (1983 census)
    Faith                                         % share

• Buddhist                                  89.4
• Christian                                    4.9
• Muslim                                       3.9
• Hindu                                         0.5
• Animist and Others                      1.3

(source: Government of Burma, Burma 1983 population census (Rangoon: Immigration and Manpower Department, 1986)

How big Myanmar

WITH a land area of more than 676,000 square kilometres, Myanmar shares over 6,000 kilometres of land border with five states: Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. It has a coastline stretching over 2,200 kilometres. There are mountain ranges in the northwest, north, west and east and in the central region, with two major rivers - the Ayeyarwady and the Thanlwin - running from north to south. Until the early 1990s, the border region had been war zones where drug-traffickers, warlords and insurgent groups challenged the government.

At the end of 2006, Myanmar's estimated population was about 56 million. The urban population was nearly 25 per cent of the total in the year of the last census, 1983. It is now believed to be around 39 per cent.

Myanmar is a multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-religious society. Officially, there are 135 sub-national (ethnic) groups within eight major ethnic communities. The 1983 Census recorded that the Chinese made up 0.7 per cent and the Indians (including Bangladeshis and Pakistanis) around 3 per cent of the total population. The current distribution of the native ethnic groups is believed to be not much different from that in 2000, but there have been unofficial reports of large numbers of migrants entering from Yunnan since the 1990s. This could have more than doubled the Chinese population.

(source: Southeast Asia in a new era)

What's Myanmar

MYANMAR's official name has changed fourth since the country gained independence from Britain on 4 January 1948. The name was then changed from the colonial "Burma" to the "Union of Burma". In March 1974, it became "The Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma". Then, on 18 June 1989, was to the "Union of Myanmar". The latest change, after 2010 general election, was to the "Republic of The Union of Myanmar".

Myanmar's political system has also changed - five times. Upon gaining independence, colonial rule was replaced by a parliamentary democracy. After 2 March 1962, direct military rule was practised. A one-party socialist system was in place from January 1974 until 18 September 1988. The country then reverted to military rule. Two years ago in 2010, multi-parties parliamentary democracy was resumed.

Myanmar is divided into seven states (named after the major non-Bamar ethnic groups that inhabit them) and seven divisions (areas where the Bamar ethnic group is in the majority). These are further subdivided into districts, townships, and wards (in towns) or village tracts (groupings of villages in the countryside). Each state or division has a designated capital. Nay Pyi Taw (meaning abode of Kings) replaced Yangon (former Rangoon) as the national capital in November 2005.

(source: Southeast Asia in a new era)

Moral Value 2

Dear my little daughter, I heard that you don't need to be taught to response questions from adults, particularly regarding your recent Singapore visit to parent. I am really surprised to listen what my sister tells me through phone. In fact, it is enjoyable to learn you are progressing in term of physical and mental. You seem enjoy to say that you have been traveling to Singapore. My sister reveals that you would never hesitate to answer immediately to response to questions such as "where did you go?" where are you coming from?, where is your Dad/Mum? We're glad to know that you are apparent remembering us clearly from the recent a month long oversea trip. The news make your mum to quickly arrange another similar trip here.

At this age, you could remember most of the things, then I am worrying that you would love to live in this island state when you come visit next time. I know this country is nice to live, study and work in. The locals are proud to learn their city as a top most expensive city in Asia, this year recent survey suggests. It's undeniable that the city state is clean and beautiful. The people are enjoying high living standard as their government is good enough to take care their welfare. As you have seen, they have world class infra-structure to make it reliable to public. But there are some odds being here as well, my dear. 

Most recently, there was ugly incident happening on public bus. The young man pushed a 76 years old woman off the bus. What make him to do so? The old woman press the stop button in the last minute. A lot netizens are blaming at him via comments despite he doesn't hear. Later, he apologizes for his action by citing he is depressing from stressful life he face. However it come late and people rate it as an excuses. Here, people are seeing more and more mental problem cases. Last month, a domestic helper put her menstrual blood into the coffee cup of her employer. What a tragic thing is it? Perhaps, she revenge for his abusive toward her in daily basis. Regardless of reason, it's not acceptable. Likewise, few months back, a man put his semen in the water bottle of his female colleague at the office. Don't know what kind of factor push him to do such thing. I rate it mental problem.

There are up-skirt click offense here and there. You may not know what does it mean. An offender (always a man) secretly click a shot upward to get a picture of female's intimacy. Mostly such crime happening on escalators of shopping malls or public places. What could it make them feel to risk the crime. I can't imagine. I see so many old man and women collecting rubbish on the road sides. I don't know why their children are not supporting their parent or relatives. There are more beggar can be found now than few years ago. It's visible now wherever we go even in the developed nation like here. I see it failure of traditional value. Let it be. It won't be end if I tell you about those things I encounter here. I don't want you learn such things here. They are quite opposite from our traditional practice. I sincerely hope, our nation is now on the right path and our education system would receive overhaul treatments by international aided programme. Because we want you to study within mother land so that you could not miss our traditions.

Moral Value

ONE recent local news said that Singapore's teachers are feeling hot due to incoming pressure from parent of students. Why is it so in republic whose educational system is one of the best in the world? Its self-explanatory revealed a story to explain. Student A hit another student B. A school's disciplinary board is taking it into consideration for justice. Student A's mother gave a call to school to express her intention to report police if her son is canned for the offense he did. Sound like warning to school authority. They claimed this trend has been growing in the demanding society. One senior teacher said that today education is considered servicing firm while the parent and students are assuming themselves as a customers. Good / fortunate thing is that MOE is seriously stand by the side of teachers to encourage their professional behavior against any odds that come from society.

I am more and more hearing a saying from Myanmar community here that their children are not taking any form of scoring from parent. They are even dare to say that they would inform police if they are beaten/forced by parent. As a person who has grown up in Buddhist community myself, it is quite shock to learn that. At first, I thought it is just rumor and incorrect. Nothing more but parent try to boast by telling other that their children are studying here. In view of above publish story in local paper, it could be true story among younger generation. Then, where gone Asian value? We Asian people usually value at traditional things. Our religious always teach us to respect each other. Our traditional never fail to teach us how to respect those superiors while to kind inferiors. From the perspective of that view, the current problem with young students here are not acceptable. Perhaps their education is world class, I world not appreciate if their mindset are not right. I think school should teach their students not only to develop IQ but EQ which is soft skill and more useful to survive in stressful life. As a parent of a child myself, I would have to convince my daughter to value our tradition when time come send her school. Hopefully, our school at home land yet to loose traditional value that we cannot find in international schools.

Aung San Suu Kyi arrives in Geneva

I, Immigrant Worker

I AM disappointing to read one opinion article titled "Myanmar's chance to help Rohingya" by assistant editor of Bangkok Post. The writer is quoting some saying by a Rohingya who is staying in Thailand. It's understandable that people have the right to talk what they think is freely regardless of true or false. However, I cannot understand when it come to publish especially in a popular media website like Bangkok Post. The rank, assistant editor, make my surprise even more. As per name, the writer is supposed to be a Thailand national. I am sure that Thailand is facing the similar problem in their southern provinces which are bordering with Muslim country, Malaysia. It seem never end civil war between Muslim ethnic Thailand and Buddhist fellow citizens. She should have sympathize our current violence crisis rather than writing an article which is generated to favor wrong side.

In fact, our case is not the same  with Thailand one because Thailand's case is between their citizens. Ours is local versus illegal immigrant from neighboring Muslim state. As a Buddhist nation, we have a kind heart to respect others regardless of background so long as they are not problem makers. In the current case, Rohinga people are taking advantage from the regional criminal case to get world's notice towards them. Our authority has allowed them to live within our territory. It's good enough for them getting a land to call home. However, they betrayed our honest and sincere cooperation with international community by creating current riot. Sadly, the world media and leading nations is thinking this is problem of 2 ethnic races in Burma as well as different religion. The writer even claims that Myanmar's authority and arm forces are looking at the locals people are burning the houses of Rohingya. No such thing in real condition. Rohingya people are burning Buddhist local's villages. When security forces are controlling, they even would burn their own houses to make situation chaos. It's lucky enough for them that our authority didn't fire at them in the given scenario.

It's totally wrong to comment on things that you don't realize well. It's defensing our land by local Rakhine ethnic race against invaders called stateless Rohingya. We never ever have Rohingya race in our centuries long history. It's definitely just overspill of Bangladesh's population. The Bangladesh has rejected UNHCR's request to accept those fled from Myanmar's current violence. It clearly show that even Muslim country don't want to accept their same religion people. In other word, no country want to accept trouble maker people. I have been working in foreign countries for more than 7 years including Malaysia which is a Muslim state. From my personal experience, our people are widely recognized that peaceful and obedient workers among local employers. Our people never fight in work. Our people never complained to bosses. Our people always respect resident country's law. Malaysian even dislike Muslim foreign workers as they are real threat to their religion and social problem. Because some Muslim workers are taking advantage by making loves with local Muslim women and leave behind without taking responsibilities. This is just one example among others. 

I am now working in another country which has good reputation with law governing. People think this country is strict to live and work in. Some people even rate this country as a nanny state because there are so many do and don't in a daily life. I personally think is those law government make this country getting good reputation and become top nation in the world community. May be it is strict to live in for those who are not considerate. For those who are discipline may call it heaven. I have been here over 4 years and find it nice place to live and work in. I don't think strict law make me irritate to follow. So long as we all have to respect local laws, it's going to be fine with residing country. Likewise, Rohingya should have respected residing country's law and order unless they don't pay tribute to local culture. It's a must and obligation of all residents if they are supposed to get citizen status. I am sure every country in the world will go the same procedue when they are thinking about their immigration policy. In brief, Myanmar don't need to take this chance to help Rohingya since this is bad chance. In fact this behavior could be called a modern terrorist that the whole world against and outrage.

May all citizen and race able to understand to respect their respective country's law and order as it is their obligation.

 

Listen, our tigress roars

MY wife and I were watching WEF2012 speech conducted by our lady couple weeks ago through social media website, YouTube. As usual, the related clicks come down following ASSK's speech video files. As we are chasing our people's leader's action, of course next click is on the forum entitled "Asian women on the way forward" in which our lady is taking center stage flanked by fellow renowned people from their respective sector. Then, we browsed to witness the opening ceremony click which was graced by some ASEAN countries leaders. Our president was originally supposed to attend that forum to explain current economic reform process so we could attract potential investors.

We see the host PM was giving welcoming speeches followed by other leaders who attend the forum. They are Indonesia president, Vietnamese PM & Republic of Laos PM. Thai PM tried to make speech by English. She was looking at the written speech note while speaking to audience. We noted she made two mistakes despite continuous looking at notes. It show how excite to be in front of high profile audience. Later, she requests audience to let her speech by mother language which is Thai in order to give accurate talk. The language was instantly translated to English through ear phones of listening audience. At the same time, the speaker is producing dual sound which English sound is a little bit louder than Thai language.

After host nation PM, it was turned for visiting leaders from Indonesia, Vietnam and Laos. We definitely our own President who cancelled the schedule in very last minute in that section. Every leader is trying to explain their country's plan to attract potential investor across the world. We are surprised to learn that all leaders spoke by their native language rather than international language in world economic forum. Despite their speaking were instantly translated toward English so every attendant able to understand, I personally think it is not impressive for world's investor. No wonder, our leaders have been using translators in communicating with world's leaders. No wonder, English speaking nations are leading the world. Look region, Singapore is top of ASEAN members as it excel in English any other nation. Perhaps, the Philippine is another nation with good English speaking people after Singapore. Other than this two countries, other ASEAN member states are struggling with English skill.

I was thinking who will lead and how will engage when Myanmar was announced as next host country for ASEAN game in 2013. Now I could able to relax with ASSK in Parliament. As long as our cabinet want to assign her, she will perform well to make our citizen proud. Recent WEF 2012 forum speech has highlighted her English language skill, more importantly she talk to media and audience by heart. She don't need any form of notes to speech well in front of world's audience. She has been experience such measure through projector in past when she was invited by world's universities for some lectures. She has shown her leadership talent clearly and now she is going to Europe to ignite her political career. Definitely, she will earn praise from her current tour.

What make her different from other Myanmar leaders is inagurably master of English. Together with the blood of our national hero, she has become remarkable leader who represent not only for ASEAN but Asian. There will be much more to come out of her ability. Lets see what's next click that will reveal her talent. In brief, most matter to become international state-woman is English. I sincerely hope that her popularity will draw our young generation's interest in English language so they can breast with the peers of other countries. If the pace keep going, why not Burma regain popular nation once it had enjoyed? Another sleeping giant in Asia is awaking now. Properly it is not tiger, it might be tigress...

 

East Asia 2012 - Opening Ceremony

Here come our lady

THE lady left Myanmar for European tour today, second time outside Myanmar in 24 years following recent Thailand trip that showed her talent to the world. In deed, we are proud of her when she influence the world news during her first ever foreign trip since 1988. My colleagues and I watched her live telecast speech from WEF 2012 at work via my friend's i-Phone. First time we are apparent to be proud of being Myanmar citizen amid other nationals colleagues at the office. We all agree with her remarkable performance on the way she speaks to world class audience. We even forgot to breath while we look at her straight away speech without seeing any note down. She had really successful trip and became internationally recognized state-woman, without a single doubt.

Within a couple weeks time, she is leaving Yangon for another foreign high profile trip. This time is not a regional trip. She will have a tight schedule during her two weeks long European trip. Tomorrow, she will speech at ILO's annual conference and we can't wait to listen what she is going to speak to the world's audience. Then, she will travel to Oslo, Norway to officially receive her nobel peace price that was given 21 years ago while she was being house arrested. After that, she will continue to Ireland to receive international amnesty's award. Next stop would be her second home, Britain where she lived and studied together with her family few decades ago. Her final stop would be Paris, France in which new president of France will welcome her. I am pretty sure she will make ally good movement for the nation, especially to attract investors who are considerate.

Despite there were some rumors that our lady and government leaders are having some rift from her latest trip, I am convinced that our civilian reformist government leaders will encourage her fully in order to generate advantage by her star power. Without her present, our nation would have been less attractive to international investors and communities. Undoubtedly, she would try her best to gain something special for Myanmar and again I am confident that she will pull the string to explain what the Burma mean and what we could able to offer to the world. Meanwhile, she will inevitably face the harsh questions with regard to current Rohingya Violence in Rakhine State. We believe that she might have prepared the best possible preparation to face all incoming media questions to tame them effectively.

The world is definitely exciting to see her in person again. Come on,,,,,,here is the real Lady, of course from Myanmar which is Asia's rising potential tiger. Grab the chance to welcome.

A land of hospitality

WE Burmese people are naturally genial and peaceful people. There are 7 divisions and 7 states in major across the country. Total 137 races living together in the same land without much problem mean we deserve to be said peaceful people. Our national policy give our people the right to adapt any religious they believe in despite our country is predominantly by Buddhists. As a result of former colonial country, we have some Indian ethnic whose fore-fathers settled in Burma several decades ago while they were brought in by British Army. They are rated local residence by our government and issued IC to them so that they can get citizen right. However, our government have fresh burden to settle in with international community with regard to Rohinga people who are originally came from neighboring country, Bangladesh. Obviously, they are not our race in term of apparent as well as religious. They are just coming to our nation for greener pasture. They have tried to get land on our nation despite several barriers.

They find a weak system which we called corruption in our system and took it advantage to settle on our land by bride to immigration officers, most likely. For those who didn't go through the same patch, have to live within buffer zone created by our government between two nations. Bangladesh don't accept their race while our authority don't recognize them as our citizen. It prompt UN to convene the case by setting up some humanitarian offices there. Since then, they have been able to living on our land. But as the world see now, they are creating problem in our community right now from all possible angle. Our authority has shown tremendous tolerance in handling the violent in this fresh unrest. They seem worsen upon they are being treated properly by our authority. Our newly elected civilian government is showing their willingness to settle the problem in term of diplomatic way.

As a given unrest, our people's anger increase for government's action as our ethnic Rakhine are being killed, their house and villages are being burnt down, their business has been closed, etc. It's understandable if it is the clash between our native races. What upset us most is this is initiated by those visitors who is known as Rohinga in the world. They are acting like a real terrorists. Their actions are similar to the world's terrorist's act toward peace-mission forces. They bullshit our peace restore forces by burning here there even on the day time. We all doubt that there must have been external source that provide them to make this degree of unrest. We hope our government will know the limit and it'll come sooner or later to protect our people's homes and lives. We never intrude other land and we have the right to protect our mother land if there are some invader on our land. Our people will not hesitate to join military to protect our nation if necessary. Terrorists have declared the war to our people now. Lets root terrorists out of our land. I sincerely hope the world will stand by our side as it has suffered it more than enough.

Take Israel Model

LAST time I always read about terrorist violence happened across the world. The middle east, Southern part of Thailand, Indonesia, Africa, Southern part of Philippine, etc. I never thought our native Muslim will not be the same manner of their fellow Muslim from other countries. Sadly, now our country is suffering from the modern Muslim terrorists from Bangladesh. They are internationally known Rohingya ethnic people. We have 137 races in official for the long national history and those Rohingya never part of our family. They started a voice from the recent incident in which some Rohingya were arrested by Indonesia Navy under illegal immigrant law. Our government had clarified to international society that they are not our race. But, under the humanitarian ground, our authority allowed them to stay on a particular places of our Territory. Now it become problem as they are taking advantage from the recent rape-murder case. 

One after another, they are burning our resident's villages. One after another, they are killing our people. One after another, they are setting blaze to our monasteries. They seem do not respect toward our authority who control the area. Knowing our army and police is not dare to shoot at them, their act become more unlawful day by day. The government have put curfew on the state. But the burning exercise and fighting between two religious groups continue. They are testing our government's tolerance extremely. We just don't know why our army this time allow them to do whatever they want to do lawlessly. In this scenario, outside Rohingya organisation from Thailand even sent the letter to UN General Secretary to intervene the case. In the letter, they are accusing our authority for Rohingya Genecide. They claimed there have been 800 to 1000 Rohingya died under current unrest falsely. The news was made in the Nation Media of Thailand. I am really upsetting to learn the news that is totally upside down. We all are seeing our people died by illegal migrants. We all are sadly seeing our people's houses are being burnt by Aliens. We all are seeing Rohingya Muslim people are acting on our soil like terrorists. Our innocent people has been suffering from the current violent and there have been a lot victims who have to stay at relief centers.

Please stop terrorists acting on our soil. Please cease Rohingya killing our people. Please halt Muslim people raping our young girls. Please stop them burning our people's houses. This is really unlawful and totally unacceptable. Tell me if there is any country who tolerance in seeing other peoples behave like that on their own soil. Let me highlight Israel's policy towards terrorist. If you kill one citizen of mine, I'll kill two of  yours. Similarly, Singapore had similar policy as island state is situated amid Muslim States like Malaysia & Indonesia. Singapore is seriously building their army to become advanced technology army to show neighboring countries that if you hurt me, I'll hurt you more despite relatively small. What a good policy is it? What a responsible sound for its citizen? Our authority and army should learn such policies and take similar action whenever they face terrorist violence. Otherwise, it will never end. Let them know that we'll kill two if you kill one of our citizen.

Show Patriotism

REALLY sad to learn there has been unrest in western part of my country, Rakhine State. It all started by a rape-murder case committed by a group of Muslim young people. The victim was a young Buddhist Arakan woman and the case was followed by a mob attack to 10 other Muslim travelers. It apparent became unstoppable when the Muslim people started to burn locals houses in revenge. The government gradually strict the law by opting to adapt curfew in the state after it see local police unable to control the violent. Within a week time, there have been few hundreds houses being burned by Rohingya. In fact, Rohingya take advantage from the violent of locals. The situation become worse from bad when Rohingya step in to make it more complicated for authority to cool down.

We have seen our authority the most tolerance ever to date in handling the case. Unusually, this time, our people are increasingly becoming inpatient toward authority and army for failing to take necessary action. The more we see villages are burnt down, the more our angers arisen. The more we read about casualty news, the more we became in satisfy with authority. We just can't understand why the authority allow illegal migrants doing things that is unlawful. Why our army are seeing Rohinga people are setting our people's home and religious buildings such as monasteries? Why our police are witnessing the Rohinga are killing our ethnic Rakhine? There is apparent no answer but wait and see.

Our people in Rakhine State have been insecure for their lives and homes. They have gone through sleepless night. Some leaders might have over thought of "U" turn from current route of democratization. We don't want democracy if it come at the expense of our ethnic Rakhine people. We don't want anything if it come cost of our people's lives. We don't want the authority that fail to protect the interest of our people. We don't want army that never hesitate to kill our students and monks. We have learned from history that our army is short of tolerance but this time. It's all people's desire to give some secure mode for our ethnic brothers and sisters. It's our common desire to kick the Rohingya out of our country. It is our desire to make this land peaceful and steady. We all believe that we will not achieve that goal with the violent minded people like Rohingya Muslin people. 

No time is testing our unity more than now. It's time to show our national unity to kick out illegal immigrant and prevent our national heritage land. We have recently lost St. Martin Island to Bangladesh and I just can't imagine to lose our Rakhine State to lose to Bangali Rohingya people without firing. Show your patriotism toward nation, beloved army. This is time to regain people's love for you. Otherwise, you will not get the same chance to restore people's trust in you. Thanks for your loyalty.

Man pushes elderly woman off a bus

Suu Kyi visits refugee camp in Thailand

Thanks Singapore

FIRST time in more than 4 years, I get back KL, a city I worked for exactly 3 years in April. This time, I went back for family holiday, not for working. Following a lot problems with our little daughter's health just before departure date, we went KL in excitement with the prospect of seeing back the city I have seen outside my country for first time few years back. Our flying with Airasia plane was better than expectation as a budget career. It's quite punctuate even though it is early morning flight, local time 4:55am. It even took off earlier than schedule as all passengers boarded on time. We landed KL 15 minutes earlier than schedule time. It's good to be getting ahead especially when we travel to a strange place. Otherwise, we don't know what is going to be happen next.

As KL & Singapore are neighboring metropolitan cities, there are big gap between them in term of quality. Perhaps, going under budge title make it even bigger for us. But another strange thing greeted us at arrival. We surprisingly knew that we don't need to fill up immigration arrival form any more in Malaysia by a staff. It was needed by the time we went malacca two years ago. Now M'sia has adapted bio metric system that doesn't need passenger a long queue that they used to previously. It's good point and hassle-free for all tiresome passengers. Thanks Malaysia authority for their innovative effort. Hope our country's authority will learn it from its Malaysia counterparts. 

Hmmm,,,,,frankly, Kuala Lumpur is not so much different from the time of my working about 5 to 7 year back. Buildings I see, people I meet, taxi I hired remain unchanged. As usual, it's going to be difficult unless you speak native bahasa Malaysia language. It is not good for a country who boosted itself as "truely Asia". I am likely to become victim of cabby if I command them by English. They might think tourists are rich enough to be claimed more than as it is. I am disappointing to be cheated by cabby whenever I hired. Luckily, one of my friends help me arrange almost everything including accommodation, genting tickets, sky way tickets, even for KLCC twin tower sky bridge, etc. But I have to hangout around the city ourselves without him sometime when he is working. We take a lot photos wherever we went around city. It's tiresome trip but happy enough as a visitor. Mostly because I am, this time, afford to buy things and foods I want. As I am working in Singapore and earn better currency, it make my spending power better without headache. I would be not more than just a window shopper while I was working in KL before. As I earn little, we just afford to go around and see only. This time, I could spend almost everything I find as I earn better in lion city. I still able to spend when my wallet running out of cash as I still can pay by credit card. 

Thanks Singapore for making me feel like a real tourist during my trip back to KL, Malaysia.

 

Please Change Attitude

Undoubtedly she has shown her talent to the world through WEF 2012 in Bangkok. It made her earn international praise as she has been used to. Previously we all witnessed her telling conference through video projector by several universities cross worldwide. This time, historically she made a speech in person to the eagerly awaited high profile crowd. It's not only success for her goodself but for the image of our country as well as fellow citizens especially for those migrant workers in Thailand. I sincerely hope that her hero status will save our hope alive around the world. The organizer has been pleased with the present of our Lady and they sure won't make this WEF 2012 without her. She is invaluable bias for world's audience. The organizer are not stupid to response their gratitude to our Lady and people by awarding Yangon, as a next year host city.

At the same time, our nobel peace laureate wasted no time in showing her empathy to those inferior citizen who has been few decade in neighbor country soil by visiting little Myanmar town twice as well as refugee camp bordering with Myanmar & Thailand. First time in history, our migrant workers and refugees got touching feeling by an authority of government. It make her win all the hearts of our people regardless of race, religious. She would be perfect delegate/ambassador in the process of national reconciliation which is paramount important in developing our nation currently. Her speech has clear most investors who have intended to come Burma what to expect. In politic, people keep using dirty methods in persuading people. By candid speech to protect FDI's interests, the international investors will give duly respect to our lady as well as nation. At least, they might have known that they can't do anything what they want. Myanmar has a powerful woman to protect its people right which is good for our national image.

Sad thing is that ASSK's success in her first ever foreign trip in 24 years is not recognized by our authority or cabinet leaders. How say so? The domestic government run newspaper are not publishing the lady's success news throughout last week. It's obvious that international media has been chasing after our lady the entire week to make it world's head line news. Just can't understand why not this news is rated important within our country, more precisely by media authority. There must have been internal Jealous among top leaders especially from ruling party. Why can't they optimistic while the lady is hard working for our country? Why can't they happy she is helping them in developing process of our nation? Besides, our president has postponed two time within a week. Is it coincident? Yes if it is for once. Doubt as it come twice within a week. Even Thailand PM has asked her foreign minister to amend ties as she worry strain ties between two countries. Why need to mend if things are considered in order? Our leaders has to show their big heart in cooperation by a person regardless of ruling party or opposition party side. If they keep their hard lining minds, it's going to be some barriers in going to build democratic nation. 

May our leaders able to wise enough to lead the nation and escape our people from poverty.

DASSK Press Conference @ WEF Bangkok

East Asia 2012 - Asian Women as the Way Forward

East Asia 2012 - A Conversation with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi