2 Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is active in ICT human resource development in Myanmar and responsible for the management of technical and computer universities. 53 Within MOST, management of computer universities is overseen by the Department of Advanced Science and Technology (DAST). In addition to the 26 computer universities currently in existence in Myanmar, DAST also manages five technological colleges. Yangon Technological University and Mandalay Technological University are designated as “Centres of Excellence”. Through a partnership with the Government of India, DAST also manages the India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of Information Technology Skills (IMCEITS) located in Yangon. Computer Science Development Council The Computer Science Development Council was established in 1996 by the Computer Science Development Law (see Section D below). The Council is responsible for developing policies related to information technology, computer networks, and computer science. The Council is chaired by the Union Minister of MCIT and plays a key role in the development of ICT policy, providing legislative inputs to the Pyithu Hluttaw Transportation, Communication and Construction Committee. The Council is comprised of various ministers and members of Government departments or organisations. 54 Civil society members are not included in the Council’s membership, although it include members in its Executive Committee from the Myanmar Computer Federations (MCF) (see Table 5 below), as a channel for providing subject matter expertise during the legislative process. Under the 1996 Computer Science Development Law the stated duties of the Council include: 55  Setting policy and giving guidance for the “development of computer science in the State” and the development of an ICT network  Supervising and giving guidance with respect to activities of the Federation and other computer-related associations  Prescribing the types of computer software and information which are not permitted to be imported or exported 56  Abolishing any computer association formed or existing or not functioning in conformity with the provisions of the law or the constitution of the relevant association. Other Actors Involved in Myanmar’s ICT Sector Other Actors Involved in Myanmar’s ICT Sector There are a number of other actors and multi-stakeholder bodies relevant to Myanmar’s ICT sector (some of which have been established or supported by the Myanmar 53 See: Modins, “Government and Policy: Ministry of Science and Technology” (last accessed August 2015). 54 See the Myanmar Computer Science Development Law (No.3/96), section 4. 55 Ibid, section 8. 56 Ibid. 58 PAGE CHAPTER 2: ICT GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, POLICIES & LEGAL FRAMEWORK