Yangon, 17 Oct - The opening of India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills (IMCEITS) was held at University of Computer Studies (Yangon) in Hline Township, here, yesterday morning with an address by Prime Minister General Thein Sein.
     It was also attended by ministers, the chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, members of Civil Services Selection and Training Board, the director-general of the Government Office and departmental heads, Minister of State for Commerce and Power Dr Jairam Ramesh of the Republic of India, Indian Ambassador Mr Aloke Sen and Embassy staff, the rector of University of Computer Studies (Yangon), the pro-rector, professors, faculty members and students.
     Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Indian Minister of State Dr Jairam Ramesh formally opened the IMCEITS.
     Next, the Prime Minister and party inspected Data Centre& Server, Computer Lab 1, Class Room 1, Computer lab 2 and Library of the centre.
     Prime Minister General Thein Sein delivered an address at the opening ceremony held at Auditorium in the centre.
     India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills opened today with the assistance of the Indian government has emerged as a fruit of relationship that has been long-lasting between the two nations. Moreover, today is an auspicious day as Myanmar herself will be in a position to grab an opportunity to produce a large number of human resources throughout the nation simultaneously, said the Prime Minister.
     Like in Yangon, 10 other universities including Mandalay and Yadanabon have opened their centres (branches) today allowing the whole nation to disseminate knowledge about IT to the public.
     He said Myanmar and India singed MoU on IT cooperation in 2003, and an agreement on opening of India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills on 12 December 2007. As a result, the centre could be successfully opened today. The aims of establishing the centre with the help of the Indian government are to produce experts in the field of ICT and to apply modern technologies in the sectors of education, health and science and technology in various parts of the nation. The project covers Yangon and Mandalay as the core and 10 other towns as branches.
     In this age of information technology, these IT centres will enable anyone who wants to learn technologies of international standard to learn with the use of modern IT gadgets. Besides, the centres will serve as bridge to link the universities of computer studies and industries where technologies are being employed practically. The Prime Minister added that in the time of the Tatmadaw government, national education promotion programme and human resource development programme are being implemented.
     Holding the concept that education is only the way to address today's challenges of the human society, the State is taking measures to improve the education sector to move with the times through ICT.
     For ensuring equal opportunities for education and development of human resources in the State, 24 special development zones have been established and every zone has opened a university, a technological university and a university of computer studies. Education opportunities have been created for those wishing to pursue higher education and do post-graduate degree courses. Today, the 25 Universities of Computer Studies of the State produces about 6,000 BCSc holders annually.
     The centres opened today with the assistance of the Republic of India will train about 500 students twice a year. So, the State will be able to not only polish the skills of students of the universities of computer studies but also create the opportunity for the people to learn tele medicine and modern technologies in e-learning centres in all regions including rural areas by using the IMCEITS and 10 other Community Information Centres (CIC) sites. Changes in the science and electronic technology have effected the economy, health and social sectors of countries.
     Therefore, IMCEITS which can provide advanced technology to trainees plays an important role in the development of the country.
     Only intellectuals in various fields can help develop the country. IT-based factories are under construction near PyinOoLwin, and there would be job opportunities for youths who received information technology.
     In conclusion, on behalf of the Union of Myanmar, the Prime Minister thanked the Indian government and Minister Dr Ramesh, for providing assistance including satellite equipment, computers and accessories and other assistance worth 100 million rupees. He also urged youth intellectuals to grasp the opportunity to be able to participate in building a modern and developed nation.
     Next, Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Power Dr Jairam Ramesh made a speech.
     Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw explained matters related to enhancement of IT skills in Myanmar.
     Next, Rector of the University of Computer Studies (Yangon) Dr Nilar Thein explained upgrading tasks being carried out by the Ministry of Science and Technology, courses that will be opened at the centre and academic matters.
     Afterwards, Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Power Dr Jairam Ramesh presented needed materials for the centre to Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung.
     The Prime Minister presented gifts to the Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Power and the Indian Ambassador.
     Next, the Indian Minister of State presented a gift to the Prime Minister.