By Nicholas Coppel, Former Australian Ambassador to Myanmar
ASEAN has been widely criticised for its response to the crisis in Myanmar. Nicholas Coppel argues here that notwithstanding implementation failure, ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus serves as a useful commitment by ASEAN to hold the junta to account.
In April 2021, ASEAN leaders held a special meeting to consider the military coup in Myanmar and agreed on five points of consensus intended to produce a peaceful solution to the violence through constructive dialogue and allow for the provision of humanitarian assistance through ASEAN mechanisms.
Please click here to read full article.
VIDEO: How Melbourne academic Tamas Wells found indie-rock fame in China
Melbourne academic Tamas Wells had a viral hit in China in 2009 and has toured there multiple times since.
Please click the link below for full video.
Appointment of Julie Bishop as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar
06 April 2024
Australia welcomes the United Nations Secretary-General’s appointment of former foreign minister the Hon Julie Bishop as the United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar.
Ms Bishop brings a wealth of experience to the role, and her appointment comes at a critical time as the political, humanitarian and security situation in Myanmar continues to worsen.
The people of Myanmar continue to demonstrate great resolve in the face of unspeakable violence and human rights abuses, and Australia remains resolute in our support for them.
The Special Envoy plays a vital role in sustaining international attention and supporting coordinated efforts towards a peaceful resolution in the interests of the people of Myanmar.
Australia will work closely with Ms Bishop as United Nations Special Envoy, ASEAN and the international community to deploy our collective efforts to build conditions for sustainable peace in the country.
We reiterate our call on the Myanmar regime to cease violence against civilians, release those unjustly detained, allow safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance, and return Myanmar to the path of inclusive democracy.
Media enquiries
- Minister’s office: (02) 6277 7500
- DFAT Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555
https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/media-release/appointment-julie-bishop-united-nations-secretary-generals-special-envoy-myanmar
Myanmar-Australia Visiting Fellowship Program 2024
Call for expressions of interest for a fully funded one-month research fellowship in Australia for a Myanmar academic or researcher
CLOSING DATE: Thursday 29 February 2024
Expression of interest – click the link
Background
The Myanmar Research Network at University of Melbourne in collaboration with the Myanmar Research Centre at Australian National University (ANU) with the generous support from the International Development Research Centre, Canada, invite expressions of interest for a Myanmar scholar/researcher for a fully funded 4-week fellowship in Australia. We are offering two fellowship opportunities in 2024, one in the first half of the year and the other in the second.
The fellowship includes two weeks at University of Melbourne and two weeks at the ANU in Canberra. The goal of the fellowship program is to build deeper connections between University of Melbourne/ANU and Myanmar academics and researchers in the region and catalyze new high quality collaborative research.
Members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.
Expression of interest can be made through this form.
Any questions can be directed to Tamas Wells at University of Melbourne t.wells@unimelb.edu.au
CLOSING DATE: Thursday 29 February 2024
Contact – The Australian National University,Canberra
Myanmar’s Civilian Government Appoints Rohingya Activist as Deputy Minister
By THE IRRAWADDY 1 July 2023
Myanmar’s civilian National Unity Government has appointed the Rohingya activist U Aung Kyaw Moe as its deputy human rights minister.
U Aung Kyaw Moe has been a rights adviser to the ministry for almost two years.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to work more for the country and the people,” he posted on Facebook.
The appointment of a Rohingya to a senior role was welcomed online as a significant move towards equality for religious minorities and the Rohingya, in particular.
Ro Nay San Lwin, co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition, posted on Facebook praising the appointment and calling for more steps towards integration.
The Move Forward Party’s (MFP) triumph in the general election has sparked new hope for political change in the region, as experts expect the ascendance of an MFP-led progressive government will help shift the landscape of international relations in Southeast Asia toward a more liberal democracy.
Please read the full article by clicking this link.
© Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.
The Security Council today called for the immediate end to all forms of violence in Myanmar and urged restraint, the de-escalation of tensions and the release of all prisoners.
Adopting resolution 2669 (2022) (to be issued as document S/RES/2669(2022)) by a vote of 12 in favour to none against, with 3 abstentions (China, India, Russian Federation), the 15-member organ demanded an immediate end to all forms of violence throughout the country and urged restraint and the de-escalation of tensions. It also urged the Myanmar military to immediately release all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Please click the link for full article.
Please click the link for full article.
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar – Fact Sheet [EN/MY]
What is the Myanmar Mechanism?
The Mechanism is a UN entity that was created to promote accountability and justice for the victims and survivors of the most serious international crimes and human rights violations committed in Myanmar since 2011. The Mechanism started its operations at the end of August 2019.
The Mechanism was established by the UN Human Rights Council in September 2018 in response to reports that gross human rights violations amounting to serious international crimes, including in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan states.
It is crucial that evidence of these crimes is collected and preserved to prevent their disappearance, concealment or destruction. This will eventually enable persons who caused so much suffering to be prosecuted and brought to justice.
Please click the link for full article.
Are you a Myanmar researcher or academic interested in a four-week research fellowship in Australia?
Closing date November 14, 2022
In Conversation with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer
Since assuming her current duties, Dr Noeleen Heyzer has engaged stakeholders in Myanmar to understand the challenges and aspirations for a home-grown solution to the country’s crisis and for a just, inclusive and peaceful future. Though the UN General Assembly initially established the Special Envoy’s mandate to address the Rohingya crisis, the challenges facing the Myanmar people have grown in both scope and urgency. Dr Heyzer is now working to facilitate greater political support, internationally and regionally, to address the multiple needs and vulnerabilities in Myanmar that have worsened since the coup in 2021.
Please click the link for full article.
f government, there is scope to reinvigorate Australia’s aid program to focus on the needs of the most marginalised and adopt a human rights based approach (HRBA).Authorities in Myanmar detain Britain’s former ambassador, Vicky Bowman, and her husband
Authorities in Myanmar have detained Britain’s former ambassador to the South-East Asian nation, two people with knowledge of the situation said.
Vicky Bowman, who currently runs the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB), and her husband, Htein Lin, a Burmese artist and former political prisoner, were detained on Wednesday, sources said, asking not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Please click here for full article.
AMI President attended the inaugural ceremony of NUG
Australia Myanmar Institute’s President_Christopher Lamb attended the inaugural ceremony of NUG representative office in Canberra, Australia on 3rd August 2022.
The killings represent a new low point in Myanmar’s human rights record and raise the question, why now?
Exclusive by foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic
Posted Fri 29 Jul 2022 at 1:39am
Senior Australian foreign affairs officials are set to attend the opening of a new “representative office” for Myanmar’s shadow civilian government in Canberra next week, in a sign the Albanese Government is increasingly willing to build political links with the military regime’s opponents.
Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) has announced it will open its own diplomatic mission in a rented house in the inner Canberra suburb of Deakin, around 2 kilometres from Myanmar’s official embassy in Yarralumla.
The NUG’s representative to Australia, Dr Tun-Aung Shwe, told the ABC that supporters in the Myanmar community had donated furniture and equipment for the diplomatic mission, as well as raised money to pay the rent.
Please click the link to read the full article.
Australia is appalled by the execution of four pro-democracy activists in Myanmar and strongly condemns the actions of the Myanmar military regime.The death penalty paradox in Buddhist Myanmar
U Ko Ni’s death had a chilling effect on democratisation, and capital punishment for his killers won’t undo the damage.
On my recent visit to Myanmar, I attended the commemoration ceremony of U Ko Ni, the former lawyer and legal advisor to the National League for Democracy. He was among the most vocal of advocates for constitutional change in Myanmar.
His death and the court case against some of his killers is a reminder of the death penalty paradox in Myanmar. Despite being a majority Buddhist country, Myanmar’s legal system endorses the death penalty for certain offences.
Full article please click here.
Free All Wrongfully Imprisoned; End Capital PunishmentTHIS OPEN LETTER IS EMBARGOED UNTIL SUNDAY 24 APRIL 2022 8.00 AM ICT
MAUNG OAK AWW – 29 APR, 2022
In the cold and dark winter nights, refugees sleep beside the Moei river with no shelter or blankets. Their only resources are donations from regional civil society organisations (CSOs): Myanmar migrant-based community-based organisations (CBOs) in Thailand, Karen region-based CSOs and some Thailand CSOs. Thailand CSOs are sanctioned by the Royal Thai Army, and cooperate with Myanmar’s revolutionary forces such as the KNLA, People’s Defense Force (PDF), and select forces within the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). The international community, on the other hand, has had no concrete plan to help Myanmar refugees and residents struggling with the effects of Tatmadaw attacks in southern Myanmar.
Please click the link for full article.
SBS discussion about spread of COVID 19 in Myanmar with Dr Raymond Tint Way (left) and Paul Komesaroff (right) from 
Australia Myanmar Institute (AMI).
Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB) has published a report on ‘Private Security Companies in Myanmar: A Baseline Study, Human Rights Risk Assessment and Recommendations’.THE AGE
We must take meaningful action in response to the unfolding catastrophe in Myanmar
The announcement on Saturday by Myanmar’s military leaders of an amnesty for 814 prisoners has been widely greeted with scepticism and derision. The regime may have hoped it would be seen as a gesture of conciliation towards its opponents. However, observers have noted that previous amnesties quickly emerged as little more than a means to free up prison space for incoming political prisoners and that thousands of people, including Australia’s Professor Sean Turnell, remain in custody, either without charge or facing what are obviously fabricated allegations.
Please click the link for reading the whole article.
Dr Raymond Tint Way & Professor Paul Komesaroff
Petition to help release Sean Turnell from prison in Myanmar
If you are an Australian citizen, please consider signing this online
petition to the Australian Parliament’s House of Representatives,
calling for a special envoy to be appointed to work towards securing
the release of Sean Turnell from prison in Myanmar. This petition can
be signed here: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN3917
Coffs Harbour Team Myanmar United Win Brisbane Tournament
by News Of The Area – Modern Media – January 19, 2022
COFFS Harbour’s Myanmar community have showcased their football skills by winning an invitational tournament in Brisbane.
Myanmar United won last weekend’s tournament after receiving an invite from the Karenni community of Queensland to participate in their annual 7-a-side competition.
Myanmar United are a team based in Coffs Harbour comprising players from the local Myanmar community.
Myanmar United player John Omtha explained to News Of The Area the importance of the team and football to the Myanmar community of Coffs Harbour.
Please click the link to read the article in details.
PRESS RELEASE_SECURITY COUNCIL_SC/14754
29 DECEMBER 2021
United Nation Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Myanmar
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Abdou Abarry (Niger):
The members of the Security Council condemned the reported killing of at least 35 people, including four children and two staff of Save the Children, in Kayah State on 24 December. They stressed the need to ensure accountability for this act.
The members of the Council called for the immediate cessation of all violence and emphasized the importance of respect for human rights and of ensuring safety of civilians. They stressed the need for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need, and for the full protection, safety and security of humanitarian and medical personnel.
Please click the link for full statement.
Karen women born in Myanmar & Women’s Health Checks
We would like to hear about your care needs
If you were born in Myanmar, aged between 18 and 50 years and you have arrived in Australia under the Humanitarian Visa Program or Women at Risk Program we would like to invite you to tell us your story of what your healthcare needs are in Australia?
The interviews are for research being conducted by:
Ms Natasha Davidson RN at Global and Women’s Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine,
Monash University.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO VOLUNTEER PLEASE CONTACT:
Natasha Davidson on – Natasha.davidson@monash.edu,
Tel: 99030591 or Mob: 0401413827
As a Thank You each study participant will receive a $40 Coles-Myer shopping voucher
Job Advertisement
MYANMAR CAMPAIGN MANAGER – flexible location
Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA
Job description
- Working Remotely/Flexible Locations – 12 months contract
The Myanmar Campaign Network is a network of Australian human rights and aid NGOs, trade unions and Myanmar diaspora organisations working to support the campaign for democracy in Myanmar.
The Myanmar Campaign Network in coordination with Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is seeking a Campaign Manager for a 12 month period.
Please click the link for more details.
Sharing Hope
‘s November Newsletter
Hi
While many villages on the Thai-Burma border are facing the twin challenges of COVID infections and Burmese military activity, and restrictions in Victoria also constrained much of Sharing Hope’s fundraising throughout the year, we’ve got positive updates to share! We’ve had an amazing response to our 10 for 10 campaign, medicines are arriving in remote locations in Karen State, and you’ll be encouraged to read Naw Paw Moo Day’s story on the power of education for Karen communities.
AUSTCHAM MYANMAR
Dear Registered Australians,
The Australian Embassy reissued our Travel Advice for Myanmar on 9 November 2021. We encourage you to continue to monitor the advice and, if you have not done so already, consider registering to receive updates when changes are published.
We also write to draw your attention to the following information on vaccine availability. The following clinics in Yangon will soon begin administering COVID-19 vaccines.
Myanmar Updates Vol1 No3 November 2021 Australia
OPERATION ANAWRAHTA: FUELLING BTHE RESISTANCE
Based on the patterns and tactics used in past Myanmar
military operations, the National Unity Government (NUG) predicted that the junta’s forces would launch major offensives in the stronghold regions of the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) at the end of the monsoon season. As expected, the coup leaders launched a clearance operation codenamed “Operation Anawrahta” in the Sagaing and Magway regions, as well as Chin state in late October, and there are indications that this may be larger than other clearance operations over the last 70 years, which have displaced and destroyed entire communities.
Please read the updates by clicking the link.
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT OF THE 38TH AND 39TH ASEAN SUMMITS
26 October 2021 via videoconference
1. We, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), gathered for the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits on 26 October 2021 under the Chairmanship of Brunei Darussalam. The Summits were chaired by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and convened in accordance with the ASEAN Charter.
Please read the whole statement by clicking the link.
ASEAN has decided not to invite a political representative of Myanmar’s military regime to its annual summit, instead promising to give the seat to a ‘non-political representative’. Former ambassador Nicholas Coppel writes that this modest break with ASEAN’s tradition of non-interference is unlikely to bring about change, but it can help. Please click the link for full article.
Nicholas Coppel | Saturday
Nicholas Coppel, Adjunct Asso Prof at Monash Uni and Australia’s former Ambassador to Myanmar from 2015-18 discusses the coup and how Covid is compounding issues.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:30 — 11.3MB)
IPU leadership meets with Myanmar parliamentarians
IPU President, Mr. Duarte Pacheco and IPU Secretary General, Mr. Martin Chungong met today a group of Myanmar parliamentarians elected in the general election of November 2020 but prevented from taking their seats in the new parliament following the military coup on 1 February 2021.The parliamentarians are part of the newly formed 17-member Committee to Represent the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Union Assembly (CRPH). The CRPH represents some 400 parliamentarians elected in the November elections. Its objective is to carry out parliamentary functions despite the coup, and in circumstances where the parliamentarians are under close watch by the military and police.
May 2021 – Message from the MRCB Director
Myanmar – yesterday, today and a new tomorrow
Following the death of scores of pro-democracy protestors in Myanmar over the weekend, the future of this blighted country looks bleak. But former ambassador Chris Lamb argues the lessons of history and the changes in Myanmar society show the junta can’t win in the long run.
Melbourne Asia Review
Is the Military Coup in Myanmar the death knell of democracy and federalism?
When the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) drove into the capital Naypyidaw in the early hours of 1 February 2021 to seize power, many were taken by surprise. The military had made lightly-veiled threats to this effect, but many within and beyond the country remained hopeful that they would not be carried through.
The coup has major potential consequences for a country that was struggling to emerge from decades of military oppression and conflict. It could crush further progress towards democracy and federalism, and lead to increased violence in ethnic States.
Written by Dr Michael Breen and Dr Anne Decobert
Please click here for full article.
Myanmar vs. Its Generals
Myint-U on the future of the protests, what Beijing wants, and what Washington can do to help.
BY JONATHAN TEPPERMAN | FEBRUARY 18, 2021, 5:27 PM
On Feb. 1, Myanmar’s military staged a coup, overturning the results of the November 2020 elections and throwing the country’s top civilian leaders in jail on spurious charges. Since then, protests and government violence have escalated. To get a sense of what lies ahead, the dynamics driving the conflict, and what outsiders can do to defend Myanmar’s democracy, on Wednesday Foreign Policy’s Jonathan Tepperman interviewed Thant Myint-U—historian, former United Nations peacekeeper, former member of Myanmar’s National Economic and Social Advisory Council, and author, most recently, of The Hidden History of Burma—by email. Their conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Please click here for full article.
We call on security forces to refrain from violence against demonstrators and civilians, who are protesting the overthrow of their legitimate government.Joint statement on the election
January 29, 2021
We affirm our support for Myanmar’s democratic transition and efforts to promote peace, human rights, and development in the country. We look forward to the peaceful convening of the Parliament on Feburary 1 and the election of the President and speakers. Once again, we congratulate the people of Myanmar on their historic participation in the country’s recent general election. We urge the military, and all other parties in the country to adhere to democratic norms, and we oppose any attempt to alter the outcome of the elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition. We support all those who work toward greater democratic freedoms, lasting peace, and inclusive prosperity for the people of Myanmar.
Burmese courses at ANU
Australian National University will offer Burmese 1 and Burmese 3 courses online for Semester 1, 2021.- Burmese language studies for a Minor Degree at ANU are now much easier to access.
- In 2021 this two-year Online course will be linked to Open Universities Australia (OUA).
- OUA’s fees are very reasonable for those who wish to just learn the language.
- This course is also suitable for Myanmar heritage students who have grown up speaking English.
Please click the link for more details.
Myanmar Update 2021: Living with the pandemic
Call for papers
Proposals are due by Monday January 18 2021. The conference is scheduled for 15-17 July 2021 and will be held at the Australian National University in Canberra and streamed online at the University of Yangon.
Please click here for more details.
AMI Annual General Meeting November 2020
The 2020 Annual General Meeting was held via Zoom with 22 members and associate members on 19th November commencing at 5:30PM.
The meeting was opened by May Kyel Winn, the Executive Administrator and handed over to Christopher Lamb, President and Acting Director of AMI.
It closed at 6:15 PM and the Minutes of the Meeting are below:
President and Action Director’s report
Myanmar’s peaceful election was an important milestone in the country’s democratic transition.
Australia will continue to support Myanmar’s progress towards full democracy and encourages the incoming Government of Myanmar to ensure Rohingya people and other ethnic minorities can participate fully in democratic processes. We hope that open and inclusive by-elections will be held at the earliest opportunity in areas where voting was cancelled.
Our support through the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) assisted the preparation and conduct of the election, including supporting COVID-safe polling. Australia worked closely with civil society partners on inclusiveness and voter education focussed on women, youth, people with disabilities, LBGTQI communities and diverse ethnic and religious communities.
Australia is committed to our partnership with Myanmar in the pursuit of economic and social development and equal rights for all.
by Senator the Hon Maris Payne
Myanmar Elections – a comment from former Australian Ambassador
Early results indicate another massive victory for Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party in Myanmar’s 8 November general election. Ninety-one political parties fielded candidates, but the elections were again essentially a first-past-the-post contest between the NLD, identifying with democracy and a change from military rule, and the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), identifying with stability and security. Women constituted only 16% of the candidates. Unlike 2015, when the NLD didn’t field a single Muslim candidate, this year it fielded two.
By Nicholas Coppel
Please click the link for full article.
MLI is very pleased with the opportunity it had to say something about its work in our October seminar, the recording of which can be seen at https://aummi.edu.au/news-and-events/ami-event/monthly-seminar/. Anyone wanting to know more about AMI can get up-to-date information from the attached files and then get onto the MLI mailing list by writing to Gillian Donoghue, Development Officer at the Myanmar Jesuit Mission in Yangon at mynsjdo@gmail.com.
Please click the link to read about Myanmar Journal of Leadership Management.Please click here to read MJM updates.
AustCham Myanmar: Upcoming Webinar
On Thursday 5 November, International Chambers of Commerce in Myanmar are joining together to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and the current business and economic situation. They will also discuss the steps being taken by the Myanmar Government to support economic stability and recovery and avenues for further investment into Myanmar. 
The three very interesting webinars in this list are hosted by the Knowledge for Democracy initiative. Please note that the starting time for each webinar is shown as Canadian Eastern Daylight time and the Australian Eastern Summer Time for each webinar is 0100 the next day. If you would rather see the webinar as a recording you just need to register for each webinar that you want and the K4DM team will send you a 30 minute recording. It’s free.
A study led by the United Nations Development Programme Bangkok Regional Hub as part of and in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Issue-Based Coalition for Building Resilience.
Please click here to download or read the whole report.
THARTHI MYAY FOUNDATION_VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Tharthi Myay Foundation (TMF) is seeking a new Executive Director. TMF is a registered local NGO that supports dozens of local civil society initiatives with small grants, capacity building, gatherings and other means of support. We’re looking for someone with leadership experience (although it does not have to be specifically as an ED); someone who values and has vision for supporting grassroots human rights and social justice movements; and someone who is looking to lead a passionate and hardworking team and help us bring our 3-year old organization into its next phase of development.
2020 has taken so many legends of Burma
Sayagyi John Okell
John William Alan Okell
1934-2020
Written by Dr Mar – Oxford on 04.08.2020
Please click here to read about John Okell.
MCRB Business Integrity Handbook Launch
Please click the link for more details.
Report: How has Myanmar responded to the COVID-19 pandemic?
A very interesting report on Covid-19 response in Myanmar, done in cooperation with AMI’s sponsor friends at Okkar Thiri. The report is written by Patrick Cooke, Asia Regional Editor.
28 Jul 2020
Please click the link for report.
The Rule of Law Integrated Knowledge Approach programme (RIKA) being run by FBA and Justice Base is open for nominations for CSO participants from Mon, Bago, Tanintharyi and Kayin. Please see attached document for details of the programme and how to apply in English and Myanmar Language.
Please click the link for more details.
Myanmar’s COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan
In order to overcome the immediate negative impact of COVID-19, the Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry has issued a comprehensive economic stimulus plan namely “Overcoming as One: COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan-CERP” having 7 Goals, 10 Strategies, 36 Action Plans and 76 Actions, covering a broad range of extraordinary fiscal and monetary measures, combined with a set of human-focused and common-sense policy responses.
Please see the details by clicking the link.
Coronavirus questions answered
An important interview answering coronavirus (COVID-19) questions was published by The New Daily in four parts from 19-22 March. The interview was with AMI Board member Prof Paul Komesaroff. We are publishing the fourth part here because it is equally relevant for Myanmar people. Please click the link for full answer.
AMI MONTHLY SEMINAR 30 MARCH – RELOCATION
Youth voice in Myanmar – how best to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Perspectives after the AMI conference in Myanmar
Call for paper for the AIT-YUE May conference
Call for paper
Towards a sustainable future in Myanmar
Conference at the Yangon University of Economics
30 May 2020
Language: English
Organized by
Association of Development Studies, Myanmar
Yangon University of Economics
Socio-Economic and Gender Resource Institute (SEGRI)
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Supported by
International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada In commemoration of the 100th year anniversary of Yangon University of Economics
Participation: Free of charge Lunch will be served (only for those who registered beforehand)
Australian National University
BURMESE 1
BURMESE 3
The University’sBurmese courses equip students with a solid foundational knowledge of the Burmese language and an awareness of Myanmar’s culture and history. Students will gain knowledge of colloquial style Burmese language skills essential to everyday life at home and in the workplace. Students will also learn the basics of literary Burmese, which will give them a solid in reading skills to approach a wider range of authentic Burmese publications, as well as develop their conversational ability.
From 2020, Burmese 1 and 2 will be taught through Open University Australia only. Burmese 3 and 4 will still be offered through ANU online.
Contact
T 02 6125 3207
W http:asiapacific.anu.edu.au/students/undergrad/languages/burmese-0
Course Convenor
Dr Yuri Takahashi
Disaster Risk Management Delegate
Grade to be confirmed
Date of issue:05-09-2019
Closing date (Geneva time zone):18-09-2019
Duty station:Yangon, MyanmarCountry:MYANMAR
Duty station status: Family Duty Station
Accompanied status: Accompanied
Duration:12 months
Category of Staff: Staff on Loan
Grade: To be determined Vacancy No:IFRC03309
Please click the link for more details.
ASIAN BICULTURALISM IN AUSTRALIA
La Trobe University is currently looking for Asian Australians between the ages of 18-35, and who have at least one parent who was born overseas to participate in our short study!
The experiment is run by a 4th year psychology honours student (Alessandra Galea) and aims to investigate how Asian Australians manage their cultural identities, especially in their relationship with their parents. This study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics committee (humanethics.latrobe.edu.au; application ID: HEC19159).
You will be asked to fill an anonymous online survey which will take no more than 15 minutes of your time. Complete the study and enter the draw to WIN 1 of 12 gift cards worth $50!
Click the following link to complete the study: http://latrobepsy.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6VA4EORz1q7QMjr
View the attached document for further information.
Event Invitation| Yangon| Meet the new AustCham Myanmar CEO and Networking Evening
AustCham Myanmar cordially invites you to a networking evening on Thursday 29 August at the Australian Embassy Staff Complex. This will be a great opportunity to meet with the new CEO of AustCham Myanmar and to connect with other business leaders in the Australia-Myanmar business community.
When: Thursday 29 August, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Australian Embassy Staff Complex, 18 Golden Valley Road, Yangon, Myanmar
Entry Fee: 5000 MMK per person, there will be full cash bar available.
RSVP:mailto:connect@austchammyanmar.com
Registration is mandatory for security reasons, please register by 28 August,2019.
Myanmar grants visa-on-arrival to 6 more countries to boost tourism
YANGON, June 2 (Xinhua) — Myanmar will grant visa-on-arrival to six more countries beginning Oct. 1 as a relaxation of restriction on entry into the country to boost tourism, according to a statement of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.
The six countries are Italy, Spain, Germany, Russia, Switzerland and Australia. Please click here for full article.
FEDERAL SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM 2020 – Apply by 1 July!
Federalism in Myanmar is a very important topical subject and it is good to see that the Institute for Comparative Federalism in Bolzano, northern Italy, is calling for applications for a position of Federal Scholar. Details are at http://www.eurac.edu/en/research/autonomies/sfereg/training/Pages/eurac-federal-scholar.aspx.” Many thanks to Dr Elisabeth Alber of the Institute for bringing this to our attention because of the relevance of the opportunity to Myanmar.”
Call for Papers
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivered an important speech on the country’s economic and investment progress on 29 January 2019 at the Investment Summit held in Yangon. The text is an important statement about Myanmar’s need for investments and the challenges which the government as it seeks them.
Please click the link for her speech.
Photo Credit: Myanmar State Counsellor Office Page
PICTURES OF TRANSITION
Contemporary Paintings from Myanmar
Curated by Dr Charlotte Galloway & Nicholas Coppel
1-15 March 2019
Australia National University
ANU School of Art and Design Gallery
AMI is pleased to inform that AustCham Myanmar have moved to a new office location on February 4, 2019.
Burmese Weights and other animal-shaped weights
Australia National University – ANU Research Centre
Call for applicationsMyanmar studies get intensive
preceding the 2019 Myanmar Update
Time: 9am-5pm
Venue: Seminar Rooms A & B, Australian Centre on China in the World (Building 188), ANU
Australia’s New Ambassador to Myanmar
AMI welcome today’s announcement of Australia’s new Ambassador to Myanmar, and looks forward to working closely with Ambassador Faulkner. We have enjoyed a productive and constructive friendship with the Embassy during Nicholas Coppel’s tenure as Ambassador and join the Minister in thanking him for his great contribution to the bilateral relationship.
Myanmar transformed?Probing change and continuity in contemporary Myanmar
Dear MRC subscribers,
We are delighted to share with you our upcoming Yangon launch of the Myanmar Update volume, ‘Myanmar Transformed? People, Places and Politics’(ISEAS, 2018), next Saturday 10th November 5PM at the Goethe Institute in Yangon.
DESCRIPTION
Asia Pacific Policy Society’s Policy Brief
This podcast done for the Asia Pacific Policy Society’s Policy Brief on 28 October on aspects of the Rohingya crisis will be of interest to many of AMI’s members and followers. It is by Trevor Wilson of ANU, Australia’s Ambassador in Yangon from 2000-03 and a member of the advisory panel for the ANU Myanmar Research Centre.
https://simplecast.com/s/47f55d45
La Trobe Law School/International Legal Studies Research Group seminar
Topic: Deportation of Rohingya People & the International Criminal Court’s Jurisdiction over Myanmar
Presenter: Professor Ridwanul Hoque
Date/Time: Monday 26 November 2018, 1-2pm
Venue: La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus, Social Sciences Building, Level 2, Room SS232 (Moot Court)
Registration and further information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/deportation-of-rohingya-people-the-iccs-jurisdiction-over-myanmar-tickets-51801008210
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi gave an exclusive interview to Japan’s broadcaster NHK on 6 October in which she touches on the Rakhine situation as well as the case of the Reuters journalists.
Come and join this celebration of the 2018 Desmond Tutu Reconciliation Fellow, Dr Zeremariam Fre, celebrating Dr Fre’s work and the remarkable environmental action globally!
Gender & Small Ruminant Livelihoods in the Central Dry Zone
The University of Melbourne, in collaboration with Yezin Agricultural University is researching the role of women and their families in small ruminant (primarily goats and sheep) management and marketing with the aim of improving livestock livelihoods in the Central Dry Zone. This is a four year project commencing in 2019, funded by the Australian Council for International Agricultural Research. The research seeks to understand the social and cultural context of small ruminant farming to ensure development benefits are equitably shared and resilience built against risks to farming.
ACAPS, the Assessment Capacities Project formed by the Norwegian Refugee Council and Save the Children, published this report on the Bago flooding in August-September 2018.
Please click here to read ACAPS’s briefing note about Bago flooding.
Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan
Following drafting which involved all relevant government agencies and a period of public consultation the Ministry of Planning and Finance published the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP9 for 2018-30 at the end of August. It is a comprehensive document which has been welcomed by the United Nations agencies concerned and many other observers. It will be an important guiding document for AMI’s conferences on SDG implementation and is provided now to assist all our future efforts.
Please click here to read the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan 2018.
Graduate Diploma in Leadership
AMI signed MoU with Global Reconciliation
A cooperation Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 29 August 2018 by Global Reconciliation’s Chair Dur-é Dara and AMI’s President Christopher Lamb. Global Reconciliation shares many of AMI’s objectives, particularly in the areas of community engagement, policy development, fundraising, education and research. The two organisations will also work together to facilitate institutional affiliations with universities, institutes, educational and research bodies and other governmental and non-governmental organisations. An important institutional point is that Global Reconciliation, as a Public Benefit Institution (PBI) will now be in a position to receive donations on behalf of AMI and issue a tax deductible receipt to Australian donors. This is a most welcome outcome for AMI, and for GR too, and will consolidate a valuable partnership for the benefit of both organisations.
Australian National University (ANU) – CALL FOR PAPERS
Myanmar Update 2019: Living with Myanmar
Proposals due by 7 September 2018, with the conference to take place at The Australian National University on 15-16 March 2019
The next Myanmar Update conference will be held on Friday, 15 March and Saturday, 16 March 2019 at The Australian National University, Canberra. Hosted by the ANU Myanmar Research Centre, in the College of Asia and the Pacific, the conference has as its theme ‘Living with Myanmar’.
RAKHINE STATE AND THE ROHINGYA CRISIS 
Two announcements were issued in Naypyitaw on 31 May, one concerning the establishment of an independent commission of enquiry “to investigate the violation of human rights and related issues following the terrorist attacks by ARSA”.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2018: AUSTRALIA MYANMAR COOPERATION
The Australia Myanmar Institute (AMI) welcomes International Women’s Day and is proud to join with organisations in Australia and Myanmar celebrating this important day and its message of equality.
MYANMAR STATE COUNSELLOR DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI’S REPORT
Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi reported to the People in Myanmar in Naypyitaw on 12 October 2017.
EXTREME SENTIMENTS FUELED BY SOCIAL MEDIA
The United Nations Security Council in recent weeks has placed new focus on Myanmar through discussions about violence in the country’s western Rakhine state, allegations of “ethnic cleansing” and the exodus of hundreds of thousands of refugees into neighboring Bangladesh.
DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI’S SPEECH ON 19 SEPTEMBER
Myanmar State Counsellor has arranged a diplomatic briefing in Naypyitaw on 19 September 2017 as she could not be able to travel to New York to the United Nations General Assembly.
RAKHINE: MYANMAR OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO THE KOFI ANNAN REPORT
Myanmar State Counsellor Office officially released the Final Report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State on 24 August 2017.
CONGRATULATIONS TO VICTORIAN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AWARDS WINNER_SU HTET ZAW
AMI was very happy and excited to see the honour bestowed on Su Htet Zaw of Latrobe University, and associate member of AMI and a speaker at our seminar in August 2017 on education engagement between Myanmar and Australia.
AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY YANGON 2017-2018 DIRECT AID PROGRAM_CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
We are pleased to advise that applications for the 2017-2018 Direct Aid Program (DAP) are now open.
AUSTCHAM MYANMAR – WEEKLY NEWS
As announced on 14 August 2017 current A-MCC members will soon be represented by a new merged organisation following an agreement to create one Australian Chamber of Commerce based in Yangon. The two Australian business chambers previously registered in Myanmar will soon operate using the following brand, name and logo .