NINE species of tigers live in 13 countries around the world, in cluding the critically endangered Bengal tiger in Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary in Northern Myanmar and the Indonesian tiger in Taninthayi Reserved Forest in Southern Myanmar. 

“It is a source of pride for the country that two tiger species, which are endangered worldwide, are alive and well in the Southern and Northern parts of Myanmar. These rare species are invaluable wildlife for the country. While other countries have bred these species in captivity, the fact that they are naturally found in Myanmar’s protected forests and mountains demonstrates the richness of our biodiversity and ecosystems. Therefore, we must continue to work together to conserve and educate about these tiger species to prevent their extinction. We estimate that there are about 22 Bengal tigers roaming in the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary,” said sanctuary warden U Win Hlaing. Taninthayi Reserved Forest, a tropical monsoon rain forest rich in biodiversity, is home to Indonesian tigers, which were identified through camera traps and are slightly smaller and more colourful than Bengal tigers.

“Tiger species are found in 13 countries worldwide, but in some Southeast Asian countries, they are disappearing. In Myanmar, efforts are underway to preserve tiger population and ensure the survival and prosperity of other biodiversity. Across the country’s forests, only 10 percent of the tiger population in their roaming areas can be found in nature reserves such as Hukawng, Htamanthi, and Taninthayi. According to the National Tiger Action Plan, more than 20 Indonesian tigers survive in the Taninthayi Reserved Forest, with their presence documented through camera traps up to 2024. Community-wide cooperation is essential to combat poaching and the illegal trade of ivory and tiger skins,” said U Nyein Aung, a staff officer of the Taninthayi Reserved Forest. Three-quarters of the world’s tiger population lives in India and Bangladesh, and wildlife experts estimate that about 100 Bengal tigers roam the 10,000-square-kilometre Sundarbans forest, which spans both countries. In line with the slogan ‘Tiger Times Two,’ Myanmar is developing and implementing a national tiger conservation plan to double the global tiger population. Ac cording to a World Bank study, Myanmar could have between 35 and 70 tigers by 2022. On 21 November 2010, Russian President Vladimir Putin and World Bank President Robert Zoellick co-chaired the ‘International Tiger Conservation Forum’ in St Petersburg, Russia. Nine species of tigers are known to inhabit Myanmar, Russia, India, China, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bhutan, Nepal, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Leading figures from prominent media outlets and think tanks across China and the 10 ASEAN member states engaged in extensive discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and other key topics during the China-ASEAN Media and Think Tank Forum held in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
The forum, centered on the theme “Strengthening ASEAN-China Cooperation,” concluded with a joint consensus acknowledging that while the rapid growth of AI presents transformative opportunities, it also introduces uncertain risks and challenges.
The consensus emphasized that media and think tanks should proactively adapt to the ongoing technological revolution, leverage AI’s advantages, and contribute to building a smart future where innovation is coupled with a strong foundation of security.
Pamela Samia, acting executive news editor at the Philippine News Agency, noted that media and think tanks from ASEAN and China must embrace AI, as it greatly improves research capabilities, decision-making processes, and communication efficiency.
Despite this, she stressed the irreplaceable value of human expertise: “AI is merely a tool and can never replace human judgment and critical thinking.”
Veronika S. Saraswati, executive director of the Indonesia China Partnership Studies, said it is vital for ASEAN and Chinese media and think tanks to foster public critical thinking and promote AI systems rooted in local data and Eastern cultural values.
“Through these initiatives, countries in the Global South are expected to regain their voice in the digital realm, ensuring that AI becomes a tool for promoting equity rather than a means of Western dominance,” she said.
Sivanxay Siphankham, deputy director of the Lao News Agency, remarked that AI is instrumental in enhancing information exchange and cooperation between ASEAN and Chinese media. However, he emphasized the need for joint efforts to tackle challenges like misinformation, ensuring AI use remains transparent and human-centered.
Lee Chean Chung, chairman of Malaysia’s Center of Regional Strategic Studies, highlighted that ethical principles, data privacy, and algorithm transparency must form the foundation of AI-related policies. He said, “The mission of AI is to empower humans, not to replace them.”
Thida Tin, director general of the Media Development Department under Myanmar’s Ministry of Information, pointed out that every invention carries both benefits and drawbacks. She said achieving a balance between innovation and ethics is key, and that technological progress should serve all sectors of society while minimizing harm to the environment and vulnerable groups.
The forum, co-hosted by China’s Xinhua News Agency and Malaysia’s Bernama, drew around 260 participants from more than 160 media organizations, think tanks, government bodies, and businesses across China and the ASEAN region.
https://unb.com.bd/category/World/china-asean-media-and-think-tanks-urged-to-embrace-ai-address-its-challenges/157427 

By Ahmad Erwan Othman

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) - ASEAN's swift solidarity and humanitarian support have played a critical role in driving Myanmar's ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the country on March 28, Director-General of the Media Development Department under Myanmar's Ministry of Information, Dr Thida Tin, said.
She extended the people's gratitude to ASEAN member states for their swift response and invaluable support.
"Our government and social organisation are working together to ensure the fastest and the best possible recovery from the natural disaster with all available international assistance. I am convinced that your kind assistance reflects the true hearts of family spirit of the region and the value of our shared civilisation," she said during a plenary session of the ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum, held here on Friday.
The ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof earlier today, with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Xinhua News Agency's Editor-in-Chief Lyu Yansong among those present.
Also in attendance were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Secretary-General of the Communications Ministry Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Bernama's Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama's Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Bernama's Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
Jointly organised by Bernama and Xinhua News Agency under the theme 'Strengthening ASEAN-China Cooperation', the event drew over 200 participants - including influential media leaders, representatives, senior government officials and experts from across the ASEAN region and China to deepen engagement in the ever-evolving media landscape.
On March 28, Myanmar was struck by two powerful earthquakes - a 7.7-magnitude quake in the Sagaing Region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude quake further south - claiming the lives of at least 3,600 people, with thousands of others injured and hundreds more reported missing. However, Thida Tin said that while the people of Myanmar are doing their best to recover from the disaster, more assistance is still needed.
She emphasised that this includes not only urgent search and rescue efforts, but also support for rebuilding communities, restoring livelihoods, and helping people resettle in the long term. Therefore, she added, Myanmar warmly welcomes continued support from the international community for the recovery and reconstruction of earthquake-affected areas.
On April 5, Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, spearheaded the humanitarian mission to Myanmar led by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
During the visit, Mohamad and his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa—who is co- leading the humanitarian mission-were scheduled to meet with the Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and Myanmar's Foreign Minister U Than Shwe in the capital.
On March 30, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Malaysian government would provide RM10 million in humanitarian aid as an initial contribution to Myanmar, which has been severely affected by the natural disaster.
BERNAMA

UNION Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn inspected the construction of pavilions for Ice-water Thingyan and food donation in Nay Pyi Taw Walking Thingyan area yesterday.The Nay Pyi Taw Walking Thingyan of this year will be held to honour the traditional Myanmar Thingyan that was listed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and efforts for Myanma Thanaka to be listed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and it will also feature different events such as applying Thanaka, washing heads and cutting nails of elderly people, free food donation including Myanmar snacks daily.
Two years ago, Nay Pyi Taw Walking Thingyan was held crowdedly, but due to the Mandalay earthquake hit on 28 March, there were losses in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, Sagaing Region, Bago Region, Magway Region, Mandalay Region and Shan State. Therefore, this year Thingyan will be celebrated as a peaceful Thingyan without any dances per the culture.The Union minister then inspected the damage at the IPRD office in Lewe Township and made proper instructions. He also provided the staff with cash and foodstuff. 

He also observed the construction of temporary shelters for the staff at Dekkhinathiri district (training school), access to electricity, water and toilets. He also provided the staff with cash and foodstuffs.

THE Myanmar-China Friendship Association (Central), along with partner groups, donated 19 ticals of gold foils, valued at K47.5 million, to the Shwedagon Pagoda. The donation ceremony took place at the Shwedagon Pagoda on 19 March, according to the Myanmar-China Friendship Association (Central). 
The donation was jointly made by the Myanmar-China Friendship Association (Central), the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Myanmar, the Yangon-Yunnan Association, the Myanmar-Hokkien (Fujian) Chinese National Association, and the Myanmar Cantonese Merchants and Entrepreneurs Association. 
The donation ceremony was attended by Chairman Sayadaw of Yangon Region Dvipitaka Bhaddanta Aggasami, Shwedagon Ovada Cariya Hlayadana Sayadaw, and Shwepyitha Sayadaw. The donors took precepts from the Sayadaws, handed over the gold foils to the board of trustees, and listened to the Dhamma with meritsharing.