Acting President opens digital Myanmar Forum in Yatanarbon Myothit, calls for ICT infrastructure upgrade and investment reform

The Digital Myanmar Forum and Exhibition was officially opened in Yatanarbon Myothit by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who currently serves as Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission.

The two-day event, held on February 27 in Yatanarbon Myothit, Pyin Oo Lwin Township, Mandalay Region, brought together government officials, technology experts, and private sector representatives to discuss Myanmar’s digital transformation and technological future.

In his opening address, the Acting President stressed the need to upgrade digital infrastructure and address existing gaps in order to revitalize Yatanarbon Myothit. He said appropriate laws and procedures must be enacted to attract greater investment and ensure long-term, sustainable development.

He acknowledged that although the Yatanarbon Myothit project initially saw operational progress, it did not achieve its full potential due to investment challenges. Nevertheless, he described it as still functioning as a symbolic “Silicon Valley” of Myanmar and emphasized collective efforts to overcome weaknesses and accelerate development.

The Yatanarbon Myothit project was launched in June 2006 and officially inaugurated on December 14, 2007. Spanning more than 10,000 acres, the site was designed as Myanmar’s first and largest ICT hub, strategically located between Mandalay’s hot climate and the cooler highlands of Pyin Oo Lwin. The area was planned to host IT businesses, software companies, incubation centers, education zones, and high-tech industrial facilities with minimal environmental impact.

The Acting President highlighted that Yatanarbon Teleport serves as one of the country’s key internet and communications service centers. The original objectives of the project included promoting ICT sector development, attracting international technology companies and investment, creating job opportunities, and establishing a central hub for research and innovation by Myanmar technologists.

He also noted that nearby technological universities and computer universities could provide skilled human resources through internships and research collaboration.

Referring to the ASEAN Digital Master Plan, he said Myanmar aims to implement initiatives that support an inclusive digital community, a trusted digital ecosystem, an innovative digital economy, a future-ready workforce, and sustainable digital transformation.

He emphasized the importance of expanding affordable internet access to both urban and rural populations, ensuring digital inclusion for women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, strengthening cyber security, combating online financial fraud, and creating a secure and trustworthy digital environment.

In addition, he called for enhanced cross-border digital trade within ASEAN, responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), development of AI safety networks, improvement of digital literacy and workforce skills, production of advanced technology professionals, and the application of digital technology to environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

He noted that as AI technology continues to advance rapidly in 2026, ASEAN countries are prioritizing responsible AI practices and coordinating ethical guidelines to ensure safe deployment. He also pointed out the rising trend of online scams alongside digital expansion and underlined the need for stronger regional information-sharing networks to counter such threats.

The Digital Myanmar Forum and Exhibition, held under the theme “Digital Myanmar: Shaping Myanmar’s Digital Future in the Age of AI,” aims to accelerate digital transformation in public administration and public services, enhance cyber security awareness, strengthen the digital competitiveness of businesses, foster collaboration between technologists and industry, and build a comprehensive digital ecosystem in Myanmar.