HOUSE OF THE WEEK
Value for money in two-storey Thingangyun house
THIS fully furnished two-storey house in Thingangyun could be considered something of a bargain because it provides loads of space and plenty of features for a relatively low price of K200 million. more
Memorial library opens in Daik-U
May 31 - June 6, 2010
ONE of the largest libraries in the country opened on May 23 in Daik-U, Bago Division, in memory of Daw Khin Myint Myint, the late former president of the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs’ Association and one-time Miss Burma.
The Daw Khin Myint Myint Lumhu Htoochone (Library of Late Social Award Winner Daw Khin Myint Myint) was established by her husband, U Myat Thin Aung, who is the chairman of AA Group of Companies Ltd.
In addition to 6000 books and periodicals, it contains computers, two flatscreen televisions that show local and international channels and will also soon have internet access.
“The purpose of establishing this library is to fulfil the desire of my wife, who died in September last year,” said U Myat Thin Aung. “Before she passed away, she aimed to set up a privately owned library in her native town to promote knowledge and educate people.”
Daw Khin Myint Myint was a renowned philanthropist, whose charitable endeavours won her the Agga Maha Siri Thudhama Thaingi award. She also possessed legendary business savvy, which allowed her to successfully operate rice mills, import Japanese cars and invest in food production.
She died of a heart attack on September 19, 2009, at the age of 66.
Ledwinthar Saw Chit, writer and vice president of the Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, said it could become the largest privately funded library in the nation with further investment.
To do that it would have to eclipse the U Phoe Kyar Library in Hinthada, Ayeyarwady Division, which is believed to be the largest private library in the country with a collection of 8000 books and periodicals.
U Myat Thin Aung said the library cost around K70 million to set up, and that an additional K15 million has been placed in an investment fund to cover staff, utility and maintenance costs
Once the internet connection is active the library will hold IT training classes, he said
“We are scheduled to provide computer training at the library. Classes will cover how to use the internet, how to use email, and other computer training,” said U Myat Thin Aung.
“We have already applied for a licence to install an IP Star internet line. So far, there are only two computers at the library but once we get the internet we are going to set up more.”
The library is open from 9am to 10pm and is situated in the Kandawmingalar Monastic Education School compound. Computer training will be provided to more than 100 orphans and students from the school.
In Myanmar, the majority of private libraries operate with small funds and community participation.
