MYANMAR has won the “Best Team Leader” award for the first time at the Rescue Extrication Challenge of the MIREC & IFCAA Joint Drill 2024 involving nine countries, according to U Thein Tun Oo, Director of the Myanmar Fire Brigade Headquarters.

The event took place in Malaysia from 22 to 24 October, with participation of rescue teams from Macau, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the host Malaysia.

Representing Myanmar, Assistant Director U Kaung Myat Naung from the Myanmar Fire Brigade Headquarters received the “Best Team Leader” award, as confirmed by Director U Thein Tun Oo. He explained that U Kaung Myat Naung earned the award for his effective command at an accident scene, where he made strategic decisions under pressure to minimize harm and ensure timely rescues, contributing to his high score.”

This was Myanmar’s inaugural participation in this type of competition, inspired by the announcement of Malaysia hosting the event last year. A nationwide selection and training process led to the formation of Myanmar’s competitive team. Prior to the competition, the team was under training using ten old vehicles to simulate real-life scenarios.

Winning the “Best Team Leader” award marks Myanmar’s first international success in rescue skills, following a third-place finish by a Myanmar firefighter in an international firefighting and rescue competition held in Singapore in 2023.

To enhance their preparedness, Myanmar conducted a motor vehicle accident rescue training course from 2 to 18 September 2024 at the Zabuthiri Township Fire Station in Nay Pyi Taw. This course involved specialized rescue team members, the Central Fire Services Training School, local units in Nay Pyi Taw, and fire stations along the Yangon-Mandalay expressway. Outstanding trainees were selected to represent Myanmar in the international competition. — ASH/KZL