Myanmar Domestic News Updates – May 26, 2025 Morning
๐๐ 1. Ko Htein Lin Accepts the Citizen of Burma Award on Behalf of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
May 25
Radio NUG
It has been reported that Ko Htein Lin, also known as Kim Aris, the youngest son of the public leader and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has accepted the Citizen of Burma Award, which was conferred in honor of his mother.
The 16th annual Citizen of Burma Award ceremony was held on May 24 in Houston, Texas, United States.
Ko Htein Lin expressed deep honor in receiving the 2025 Citizen of Burma Award on behalf of his mother, stating:
“For over thirty years, my mother has been an immensely important leader in the pursuit of Myanmar’s democratic dream. The military regime has imprisoned her, separated her from the people, and attempted to silence her voice. But as I have said before, they cannot imprison her spirit or determination. My mother once said: ‘Never give up on the dream of freedom and democracy.’ This award not only acknowledges her sacrifices but also embodies her vision for a free Myanmar. For that reason, we must continue to speak out and resist—and believe that democracy will be achieved soon.”
It was further stated that the prize money from the award will be used to support the families of unjustly imprisoned political prisoners and to fund the education of young people—a cause that was among Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s dearest concerns.
The award ceremony was attended by key figures including:
- U Aung Kyi Nyunt, Chairman of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH),
- Daw Zin Mar Aung, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, National Unity Government (NUG),
- U Aung Kyaw Moe, Deputy Minister for Human Rights,
- and U Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
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๐๐ 2. NUG Ministry of Education Issues Directive to Temporarily Suspend Interim Education Schools Operating on the Ground
May 25
Radio NUG
The Ministry of Education under the National Unity Government has issued a directive on May 25, instructing all interim education schools operating on the ground—those recognized, affiliated, or partnered with the Ministry—to temporarily suspend operations.
This decision comes amid the ongoing unlawful military occupation, during which the Ministry has worked to ensure children’s right to education is not lost, offering interim education through various methods.
Currently, the military junta continues to commit war crimes against humanity, including daily aerial bombings, shootings with automatic weapons, and artillery shelling of locations with civilian gatherings, such as schools and hospitals.
To prevent loss of life and ensure the safety of children, teachers, and civilians, the Ministry has directed that all basic education schools, higher education institutions, and vocational training schools operating on the ground must pause temporarily while safety protocols and risk mitigation plans are implemented.
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๐๐ 3. Painting Commemorating Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 80th Birthday Purchased for 2 Million Kyats by Donor
May 25
Radio NUG
A commemorative painting titled “Wish for her birthday”, created by artist Susan Chan in honor of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 80th birthday, was recently purchased by a donor for 2 million Kyats.
Proceeds from the sale were donated through the Ministry to support the education of displaced children in Kyaikto Township, according to reports.
The Ministry of Women, Youth and Children’s Affairs has formally acknowledged and expressed appreciation to both the artist and the generous donor for their contribution.
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๐๐ 4. Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank under the NLD Government, U Bo Bo Nge—Currently Imprisoned in Obo Prison, Mandalay—Awarded the Laszlo Z. Bito Prize
May 25
Radio NUG
On May 24, Bard College in the United States announced that U Bo Bo Nge, who served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, has been awarded the Laszlo Z. Bito Prize for Humanitarian Service in recognition of his contributions to humanity.
The award was accepted on his behalf by U Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Ambassador to the United Nations based in the United States. Bard College’s selection committee issued a statement noting:
“This award is presented in recognition of his steadfast commitment and moral courage in continuing to stand as a political prisoner in Myanmar for his fight for democracy and freedom.”
U Bo Bo Nge holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bard College, a Master’s degree in economics from Johns Hopkins University, and a Ph.D. in economics from the United Kingdom. He was appointed Deputy Governor of the Central Bank in 2017 during the NLD administration.
Shanta Devarajan, economic advisor to State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, remarked:
“Dr. Bo Bo Nge, one of Myanmar’s most courageous and impactful economic reformers, has been honored with the Laszlo Z. Bito Award for Humanitarian Service. Of all the people I’ve met, he is one of the most exceptional. His integrity and courage are what keep him resolutely facing hardship inside a Myanmar prison today.”
U Bo Bo Nge also took part in the 1988 pro-democracy uprising, for which he was arrested and imprisoned by the then-military regime. After his release, he left the country and pursued work abroad, earning his advanced degrees from Bard College, Johns Hopkins University, and a UK institution.
He later served as an economic advisor to the NLD party and was appointed Deputy Governor of the Central Bank in July 2017 during the presidency of U Htin Kyaw. During the five-year tenure of the NLD government, Myanmar's GDP grew fivefold, foreign direct investment increased by one-third, and public debt was reduced by half. Though previously hampered by numerous difficulties in conducting international trade payments, Myanmar’s financial system saw improved ease of transactions and the successful implementation of digital payment systems during his time in office. Many merchants have remarked positively on these developments.
However, the junta later accused U Bo Bo Nge of misconduct, citing inadequate oversight of financial transfers involving the American philanthropist George Soros’s Open Society Myanmar, and for depositing Central Bank funds in low-interest banks, allegedly resulting in tax losses. He was charged under two separate cases, including Section 55 of the Anti-Corruption Law, and sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison—12 years for one case and 8 years for the other.
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๐๐ 5. NUG Health Ministry Calls for Participation in the “Safe Hospital, Safe Healthcare” Campaign to Build Secure Medical Facilities
May 25
Radio NUG
To ensure access to safe healthcare services in Myanmar, the Ministry of Health under the National Unity Government (NUG) has issued a call for donations and support for the “Safe Hospital, Safe Healthcare” campaign, which aims to construct secure and resilient hospitals.
Given that hospitals and schools in Myanmar continue to be deliberately targeted in ongoing conflict zones, the campaign seeks to raise funds to build protected healthcare facilities that will safeguard both medical personnel and patients. The initiative is intended to address the severe threats to the safety and accessibility of healthcare services throughout the country.
The campaign has set a fundraising goal of USD 400,000, with the campaign period running from May 24 to June 30.
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๐๐ 6. Education Staff Recruitment for Basic Education Schools in Kokang Special Region (1)
May 25
Radio NUG
The Kokang administrative body has announced that it is recruiting education personnel to serve in basic education schools located within Kokang Special Region (1) for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Beginning in the 2024–2025 academic year, two basic education schools were opened in the region to provide access to education for all school-aged children. There are plans to further expand and open additional schools in the upcoming academic year (2025–2026).
Eligible applicants include teachers who have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), university graduates from any recognized institution, as well as CDM-participating university students. All are invited to apply to serve in these schools.
This news was reported by Radio NUG correspondents Min Sitt Thway and Khur Shel.
#SpringRevolution
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