Communication and Outreach

ISP – Myanmar publishes the Strategy and Policy Journal (MMRQ), that addresses issues relevant to contemporary Myanmar politics. The MMRQ journal aims for theoretically informed analysis that is also presented in a compelling style of journalistic clarity and readability. A wide range of experts and researchers contribute articles, interviews and book reviews on a variety of topics. Each edition of the journal has a thematic topic. In addition to its thematic focus, MMRQ also has other sections that included special features, perspectives and research findings on issues relevant to Myanmar. ISP-Myanmar secured a license for the publication of the Myanmar Quarterly in 2016 and published the first issue in July 2016. During 2018, ISP expanded the reach of the MMRQ and strengthens the intention of the journal to be a forum for debate and analysis by organizing symposiums in which authors meet readers in order to create space for debate on topical issues for Myanmar. ISP-Myanmar broadcasts the symposiums online and prints its followed-up publications based on the symposium discussions.

Since 2018, ISP has hosted Yaw Mingyi Zayat (Minister Yaw’s Open Pavilion), a TV program by using the airtime of the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB). The program takes its name from a bold, reform-minded intellectual serving as a minister in the court of the king of the 19 th – century Kone Baung dynasty. The length of the show is likely 2 to 3 hours. The discussion will be aired instantly through a web-cast and later be edited and broadcast on DVB. The program also includes a pre-recorded feature story (5 minutes), pre- recorded interviews, a focus group discussion, live online-questions, and interventions from a fact-checking research team that will be aired in the middle of the show to strengthen quality of discussions and its appeal to a broad audience.

The program intends to support the development of democratic competency that is crucial for both the survival and growth of Myanmar’s pluralistic society, which in turns contribute to the nation building undertaking in this multi-ethnic society. The program aims to provide viewers with fundamental civic ideas and basic political knowledge, which goes beyond everyday news headlines and is largely absent in the current political marketplace. Several research findings point out that there is a consistent correlation between political knowledge and political attitudes and behaviors, which indicates that informed citizens are more accepting of democratic norms, such as political tolerance, and more likely to participate in politics through multiple channels. In doing so, ISP has emphasized key issues from meso-and long-term perspectives about Myanmar’s development and to provide an intellectual forum.

In two years since Yaw Min Gyi Zayat was introduced in 2018, there are nine talk show events that ISP-Myanmar has organized.

1. Myanmar 2050
2. Leadership in Times of Crisis : Sleep-Walker or Strategic Entrepreneur
3. Poverty in Society
4. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) : How Can Myanmar Maximize Its National Interest?
5. Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Myanmar
6. Constitutional Departure : Perspectives from the Society
7. Climate Action : More Urgent Than Ever
8. Lessons from Yaw Min Gyi’s Zayat : Is Myanmar Prepared To Meet Future Challenges ?
9. Going Local

ISP-Myanmar special series initiates a special series publication offering a platform for a pool of researchers (research organizations) and CSOs in a collaboration manner to articulate their research and policy proposals in addressing the country’s urgent and pressing issues.

During the time of Covid-19, ISP-Myanmar publishes “ Covid19 and Myanmar” special series in e-book version with free of charge.

Myanmar’s paradigm and narrative against COVID-19 must be comprehensive and integrated that include public health, rule of law, socio-economic justice, and conflict management. This inclusive approach must be formulated with available data and research drawn from international and domestic conditions. Integrated paradigm, its related intervention strategies and policy options are disseminated and advocated in ISP-Myanmar special series publications.