Ngwe Saung Beach – The ASEAN Virtual Learning Resource Centre (AVLRC) website was soft launched at the 13th Senior Officials Meeting Responsible for Information (SOMRI) in Ngwe Saung Beach, Myanmar. U Ye Htut, Union Minister for Information of Myanmar officiated the soft launch.

Capitalising on new media platforms, the AVLRC is primarily envisioned to become a reference for those studying ASEAN countries or the ASEAN Community. It aims to provide convenient, reliable, and timely information and knowledge about the ASEAN region such as its culture, history, natural and cultural heritage, educational opportunities, news, statistics and travel, among other information.

“The AVLRC will ensure that students who want to know more about the regional community have a ready and accessible source of information consolidated in one online portal,’’ stressed U Tint Swe, Director General of Myanma Radio and Television, Ministry of Information, Myanmar, and Chair of the 13th SOMRI.

With students among its targeted visitors, the AVLRC features two ASEAN initiatives and programmes namely ASEAN Quiz and ASEAN Media Portal. To promote ASEAN studies, the website features a section that makes available ASEAN statistics and educational opportunities in the region and beyond.

The SOMRI has been supporting and providing guidance in the development of the AVLRC. ASEAN sectoral bodies and desk officers have contributed to the content and design of the website.

The AVLRC can be accessed through http://learning.asean.org/. The contents and design of the website are still currently being updated for optimal utilisation. It is one of the prioritised projects of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity.