12 July

Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint received trainees undertaking the Media and Information Literacy Course No.1, conducted by the Information and Public Relations Department, yesterday afternoon at the ministry in Nay Pyi Taw.

During the meeting, the Union Minister said that the course came about due to the requirements of the present time. “It has been designed to provide a better understanding of the current situation for more effective work,” he said.

“It is impossible to survive if one doesn’t adapt to the current situation and do one’s best. Thus, constant study is necessary,” he said.

He also stressed the need to successfully establish community centres in regions and states and to make the best use of the centres.

At the centers housed at the Information and Public Relations Departments in regions and states, talk shows and reading programs are being organized, he said.

Arrangements must be made at the centres to attract people and help them discuss social, economic, and political affairs, said the Union Minister.

He also urged the trainees to attach great importance to accuracy and journalistic ethnics when they write news stories.

“The purpose of the course is to promote critical thinking as to what to believe and what not to believe in news. It is important of making collaborative efforts to attract public interest in elections and to ensure fair elections,” he said.

Then, U Ye Naing, the Director-General of the Information and Public Relations Department, spoke about the projects implemented by the department, gave a report on the Information and Public Relations Departments in the regions and states, and the activities held at community centers, such as talk shows and reading programs, in the regions and states.

Thereafter, the trainees reported the difficulties faced in organizing talk shows and reading programs at the state and regional community centers.

Afterwards, Deputy Minister U Aung Hla Tun and Permanent Secretary U Myo Myint Maung discussed the need for working more closely with other departments and adapting to current developments.

The Union Minister made additional remarks and delivered the concluding speech.

The course is being conducted from 8 to 18 July at the training center at the head quarter of the Information and Public Relations Department. It has been reported that 19 deputy directors of regional and state public relation offices are attending the course. (Translated by Alphonsus)