IT in Myanmar: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Speech at Barcamp Yangon 2012

Yangon, Myanmar: Barcamp Yangon 2012 was celebrated on 11th and 12th February.  On the first day at the opening ceremony, the invited special guest, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivered a speech to the young people of Myanmar concerning the Information Technology (IT) sector in Myanmar.

She said, “Every profession has its good end and bad side.  Currently, young people from our country, Myanmar, are using technology in a very good way in my opinion.  To make our world a better place, to bring our fellow citizens to a more developed status, I would like to suggest thinking how you could apply this technology in an effective and good way.”

“I like this name, Barcamp, a lot.  Because the basic elements of this word are sharings, public participations, open talk, etc.  Among them I love the idea about sharing in Barcamp.  If someone withholds his or her knowledge without sharing any, it won’t be beneficial for all people.  It is not a good habit.  In Barcamp, people are sharing everything they know to everyone.  This, in my opinion, is the best thing of Barcamp.  As you all know, there is a saying in eastern culture; when a lighted candle share its light to other candles, it will become brighter without the firstly lighted candle loosing its brightness.  Sharing makes our world a brighter place.”  She added.

She also admonished to the young people that “Profession or, wisdom is a light.  But if you use it in wrong way, it will be in total darkness.  If Information Technology is used as a light, in a proper
way, it will bring more benefits to our country, and our life.   Currently our country is far left behind compared to our neighbouring countries.  Information Technology is one of the keys in pushing
our country forward.  Only then, we can become a more developed country in a shorter time. We need more young people from the IT industry for our country.  We are now having the opportunities in information technology which we previously did not even dream of. That’s why I would like to urge you to use it wisely and value it.

“At the same time, while you all are busy with the latest technologies do not forget the past, do not forget the history.  You can walk on the right path only if you know the history of our country.” She added. It has been three times since Barcamp is being held inYangon and this time it is scheduled on 11th and 12th of February.  Among the topics of first day, the discussion about slow internet connection inMyanmar and ways to solve it was the hottest topic, stated in official Barcamp facebook fan page.