Industry & MSME Development Minister joins training and discussion on chemical safety and AI

Union Minister for Industry and MSME Development Dr. Charlie Than virtually attended the opening ceremony of the "Occupational Safety and Health Training for Chemical and Related Materials" held at the Chemical Management Center in Insein Township of Yangon Region on Wednesday. In his opening remarks, the Union Minister stated that emphasizing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is essential across all stages of handling chemicals and related materials, including transportation, storage, handling, and disposal. He stressed that identifying hazard levels, proper storage and transport, implementing workplace safety systems, and responding effectively during emergencies are critical. He noted that in preventing chemical hazards, one must focus on the core principle that "prevention before a hazard occurs is more important than solving it after it happens." He emphasized that investing in safety procedures is not an expense, but rather a valuable investment for the long-term sustainability and growth of a business. Also, in the afternoon, the Union Minister virtually attended the "AI Awareness Webinar for MSMEs." Speaking at the webinar, he stated that Artificial Intelligence plays an increasingly vital role in the digital transformation process. He encouraged MSME entrepreneurs to review their business operations and consider how they can leverage AI and digital technology. He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among governmental departments, MSME business owners, and technology experts will build a more robust, technology-driven MSME sector in the country. Following his remarks, experts and attendees engaged in discussions.