11 March
The launching of the book on global affairs, compiled by the Myanmar Studies Group, was held at the office of the News and Periodicals Enterprise on Theinbyu Road in Yangon yesterday. Union Minister for Information, Dr. Pe Myint, addressed the ceremony.
In his address, the Union Minister said the development of a country depends on its intellectual development. He added that intellectual development requires researchers to employ subject-wise research made with coordinated efforts, and the findings must be modified through criticisms, suggestions and supplementations.
Also, intellectual development must be supportive of national progress, as it might well produce visions and views that are more realistic, he added.
The Myanmar studies group compiles papers on the affairs of Myanmar and ethnic peoples, and serves as a venue for exchanging ideas about Myanmar’s intellectuals, contacting international researchers, meeting international demands for references on Myanmar and acting as a medium between Myanmar’s researchers and global researchers.
The Union Minister requested the attendees to provide input on ways the intellectual sector can supplement Myanmar’s national development. He invited them to voice the requirements, shortcomings and other aspects of the periodicals and to add in any ideas that will achieve a measure of success.
Next, senior researcher of the group, U Aye Maung Kyaw, gave a brief account of the book, saying that the book came about as a result of MoI’s drive and contribution. He said they received assistance from Singaporeans interested in Myanmar’s affairs and the book includes translations of articles from the US, UK, Asian countries and from around the world.
Fellow senior researcher U Zeya then explained the functions of the group and was followed by a question and answer session.
Global Affairs No 1 features translated versions of internationally renowned articles. It contains information on current global schools of thought, interesting national, economic, political and military affairs, predictions for 2019, and other noteworthy articles.
Afterwards, Monywa Aung Shin, Secretary of NLD (Central) Information Committee, said the book included a large amount of knowledge about the world including global perspectives on Myanmar and articles on China and European affairs.
The ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Information, Hluttaw representatives, literary experts, writers, literature enthusiasts and invited guests.— MNA (Translated by ZHO)
