Myanmar News Articles: Tycoons, Military Recognized at Presidential Awards

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NAYPYIDAW — Tycoons and the military swept the field at the third annual Presidential Honor Awards on Friday, held to recognize business, society and sporting achievements.

Held at the Myanmar International Convention Center in Naypyidaw, 40 awards were presented to individuals and organizations for "supporting the country's development and sacrificing for society."

Among the awardees were Asia World managing director Tun Myint Naing (also known as Steven Law), Myanma Apex Bank founder Chit Khaing, KBZ Group head Aung Ko Win, and World Treasure Bank chair Aung Myint, who were all recognized as the country's top taxpayers.

The Burma Armed Forces were presented with a Special Recognition Award for their "protection of the people" of Burma. Humanitarian accomplishment awards were presented to 14 residents of Arakan State who saved the lives of passengers during the sinking of the Aung Takun-3 passenger ferry off the coast of Kyaukphyu in March.

Myanmar Red Cross member Moe Kyaw Than, who died after the ambush of a convoy in Laukkai, was recognized posthumously alongside fellow Red Cross workers Zaw Min Htike and Kyaw Zaw Htoo.

"I am so proud of my husband," said Doung Nywe, Moe Kyaw Than's wife. "I am here to receive the award because of his effort. I am feeling a mixture of happiness and sadness at the moment. It will be a hard struggle in the future with our four children but I will try my best."

Aung Ko Win's KBZ Group also received an award for the activities of the Brighter Future Foundation, the conglomerate's charitable arm. The foundation made has provided funds for infrastructure works in areas hit by Cyclone Nargis in 2008 and has helped to repatriate trafficked Burmese migrant workers from abroad.

Burma's national under-20 football team received a sporting award after qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be held in New Zealand from the end of May. The Burma Army and the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry were presented with awards recognizing their protection of forests from illegal logging.