My Poem from the commemorative Sar Saung for SPZP-2007
S ingapore-2007. We’ll gladly come. W e’ll puzaw sayas, meet friends, have fun E njoy Swe Daw Yeik Sar Saung, that’s second to none.
D azzling displays, beauty, elegance, grace A h Nyeint, duests, jokes, dances, …, spectacular plays W ill bring back fond memories of the [RIT] Swe Daw Yeik days
Y oung alums bear torches of mentors wise and old E nergetic, international family members — more precious than gold I nnovators, entrepreneurs, …, philanthropists, we are told K nowing how to strike rich and share wealth as opportunities unfold.
Note
In my later posts, I use Swel Daw instead of Swe Daw.
Irrespective of years gone by, my beloved mother and benefactor still remains in my heart. I wrote the poem for Thway Thauk Magazine in May 1964 in memory of my mom who passed away on March 10, 1964.
69ers celebrated the True Golden Jubilee of Graduation on December 14, 2019.
Before the pandemic, they used to meet at least once every month.
Several 69ers have hosted or co-hosted the breakfast, lunch and dinner gatherings. The Mike Khes (Po So Chins) often entertain with live and Karaoke music.
The photos were taken by several 69ers.
Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose)
During my visit to Yangon in January and February 2018, I was host and guest of several 69 gatherings.
69ers in February 2018Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Tin Maung Aye (Accordion), Aye Thein (Volleyball) David Myint Thein (Rowing), Aye Lwin (RIT Magazine)
The restaurant is owned by U Soe Nyunt (Old Paulian, GBNF), who managed to get the “SPHS Honor Roll” after SPHS got hospitalized.
Attendees range from the 30’s and 40’s to 60’s (or more depending on the health and availability). For example, Soe Thein (Peter Myint Maung) has to ask his daughter to drive to the gatherings.
69ers usually book two adjacent rooms and turn them into a single large room for holding the monthly breakfast gatherings.
There are hosts to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries, and sometimes welcome classmates visiting from overseas.
Win Maung (Lake) had to pick up U Okkantha (Uzin Victor Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills) to attend the gatherings.
Those who spend time outside Yangon (e.g. Zau Lai, Myitkyina) have to come a long way to meet, greet and fete with their former classmates.
Several annual gatherings were held at M3.
Tun Tin, Aung Gyi Shwe, Sa Maung Maung, Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
M3
Myint Pe, Kyaw Nyunt, Ma Thaung Htwe, Ma Myint Myint, Saw Yu Tint
The 69ers book around 10 tables. They are provided a stage for the Karaoke and Live Music.
U Tint Lwin (Daniel) can play the lead, rhythm, bass and drums. Saya U Win Mra taught Daniel and his brothers to play guitar, and encouraged them to set up their own band. He is also a vocalist.
U Kyaw Min (Albert) is proud to be called “Elvis”. He has sung in gatherings (with international companies).
U Win Boh (Robert) played in various gatherings in Australia and Myanmar.
Some 69ers (Tin Maung Aye, Than Myaing, Khin Maung Tint, Aye Lwin, Win Lwin, Myo Nyunt, …) were RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins and organizers, but some have given up their hobbies to spend quality time with their loved ones.
“Pho Pho” U Aung Min and “Ah Pho Gyi Tone Kyaw” U Han Sein (GBNF) are some of the regulars at the 69er gatherings.
Crystal Jade
Around SPZP-2012, an ad hoc lunch gathering was held to meet some 69ers from overseas (attending the SPZP-2012).
U Tin Win (Mining) footed the bill.
The attendees (who had bought the lunch tickets) agreed to donate the ticket sales to the 69er Fund.
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF), Sein Myint, Win Maung, Hla Min Ko Shwe, Daniel Tint Lwin, Sein Tun, Ohn Khine (M70), Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet), Aung Min
In 2016, there was an ad hoc breakfast gathering to welcome U Sein Myint and me, and to bid farewell to Daniel.
Westin Park
Daw Myint Myint (C69) hosted a lunch gathering to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
Others
There have been gatherings at may other places including Shwe Bei, Bone Kyaung (or nearby shop), Cafe on Saya San Lann, YTU Assembly Hall, …
After attending the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi visited the SF Bay Area.
The dinner gathering at a sea food restaurant was attended by sayas and alumni. They include :
Percy Lao (part-time Saya)
Dr. San Lin (part-time Saya)
Saya U Kyi Kong Tham (C63)
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)
Victor Wong (King Wong, C66)
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
U Nyan Shein (Henry, C68)
U Hla Min (EC69)
Benny Tan (M70)
Walter Tan (M70)
Patrick Fong (C70)
Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met72)
Maurice Chee (M75)
U Aye Tun (Anthony, M76)
Daw Khin Mya Yee (Sarah, C77)
Daw San San Nyunt (Sandra, M77)
U Khin Maung Tun (T78, President, SDYF)
U Aung Kyaw (Alex Khoo, C81)
U Yu Ket (Edward Saw, EC85)
U Tin Maung Win (C86)
U Tin Oo (M86)
U Nyunt Than (M86)
Welcome back Saya U Aung Khin & Saya U San Tun
Saya UAK & UST
Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto64) was then stationed in Beijing on a UN assignment. He invited his former sayas U Aung Khin and U San Tun to visit him.
After the two sayas returned from the China trip, there was a mini-gathering by the San Francisco Bay Area RIT alumni to welcome them back.
C71 in Nov 2018
The Class of C71 had the November 2018 gathering at Shwe Bei (Golden Duck) on Saya San.
C71 gathering in November 2018
The photos are posted by Daw Lily Tha.
C71 Gathering
Saya U Hla Myint Thein (C69) attended the C71 gathering since his spouse Daw Myint Myint Than is C71.
C71 Gathering
The December 2018 breakfast gathering will be hosted by U Khin Maung Chit.
C73 in Canada
DAG & Dennis
Dennis Mackey (Kyaw Thu, C73) and George Peters (C73) did their final year project at UCC. Their supervisor was Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF).
George moved to Perth, Australia. I met him at the RIT Reunion Dinner in Sydney, Australia in 2006.
Dennis moved to Auckland, New Zealand. He reported about the alumni activities in NZ along with Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF) and Stanley Saw (Myo Lwin, M71).
After retirement, Dennis moved to Canada. In late 2018, he paid respect to Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi.
First HSF Only exam in 1962; Those from Rangoon had to take exams in March & August
Matric Only exam in 1963; My older brother entered Yankin College in 1957 after passing 9th Std (HSF & Matric) exam.
Attended last ever I.Sc(A)
Admitted to 2nd BE in Nov 1964
Graduated with BE (a few with BArch) in 1969
Long After Graduation
First major Reunion in 1999
Anniversary Reunions in 2009, 2014 and 2019
Except for pause during pandemic, Monthly Breakfast Gathering (usually at Taw Win Hnin Si)
Jara, Byadi & Marana
Over 40% are GBNF
Remaining 69ers try to be active physically, mentally & spiritually.
Two are Sayadaws: Ashin Ukkamsa & Ashin Pannagavesaka
Many hosted and/or attended Monthly Breakfast Gatherings.
One gathering had a record of nine hosts.
Gifts — 69er towel, 69er mug, 69er cap, 69er hat, 69er pen, medicine — are given at selected gatherings; Albert & company gave out towels; Millie was represented by her cousin; Kyaw Zin was represented by his elder daughter; Fred gave some gifts via 69ers that visited USA (e.g Kyaw Nyunt)
69er mug69er cap69er cap
Some donated and/ or joined virtually (via Zoom or Messenger).
Will go on Sharing & Charing
until the Last 69er
The following gives an account of 69ers & their gatherings.
Need input, feedback & suggestions to have a comprehensive album.
Donors & Volunteers
Aung Min (M) is Chair of 69er Health Care Fund. He & his team organized 69er events. They have updated Contact List several times.
Aung Min (Right)
Myint Myint, Ivan & Sein Myint are major donors. Others (e.g Mehm Aye Chan) make recurring and lump sum donations.
Myint MyintIvan (Right)Sein Myint (2nd from Right)
There are many unsung heros. Despite having limitations due to an injury at work, Ko Shwe drove long distance to collect donations.
Ko Shwe (3rd from Left)
Others visited 69ers in hospitals & homes (e.g to aid health care or offer Kutho donation).
1964 – 65
About 320 were admitted to 2nd BE in Nov 1964
Most graduated in 1969.
Luyechun program started in 1964 for high school & middle school. The program was expanded in 1965 for Universities & Institutes.
2nd BE (1964 – 65)LYC (Summer of 65)
See also
From BIT to YTU
Luyechun
Memories of a 69er
RIT Days
1966 – 69
Tennis
Inter-Institute Trophy winners
Kyaw Nyunt (M, GBNF)
Than Htay (EE)
…
RIT TennisKyaw Nyunt (2nd from Left)
Badminton
Inter-Institute Trophy winners
Sai Kham Pan (EP) : Burma Selected
Bishnu (EP, GBNF)
Myint Sein (M, GBNF)
…
RIT Badminton 1RIT Badminton 2Sai Kham Pan
Track & Field
Aung Gyi Shwe (EP, GBNF) : Secretary
Margaret (Khin Than Myint Tin)
Myo Nyunt (C) : Joint Secretary — for Henry Khin Maung Lay (T68)
…
Aung Gyi Shwe (Standing Left)Myo Nyunt
Swimming & Water Polo
Htay Aung (M) : Burma Selected; Fifth SEAP Games
Hla Kyaing (M)
Han Sein (C, GBNF)
Jimmy Kyin (T, GBNF)
Sein Myint (EP)
Swan Kong (?)
Win Maung (Lake)
Moe Hein (ChE)
…
Htay AungRIT Crosslake Swimmers
Rowing
Chit Po Po (M, GBNF)
Hla Min (EC) : Treasurer & Vice Captain of RUBC
Sein Myint (EP)
Win Maung (Lake)
Win Naing (Dicky, M, GBNF) : recruited David, Fred, Ohn Mg & Sein Tun
…
Chit Po PoWin Naing (Dicky)Sein Myint, Hla Min, Tin Myint
Table Tennis
Tin Myint (John, M, GBNF) : also Luyechun for 4th BE
Aung Myint (Pet) : Kyant Ba Hone (Cartoon); Tech & Edu Notes
Taing Oke : Yin Maung; National Literary Award
Tin Htut (Harry, M) : Mon Yu
Win Thein Zaw : Wai Lu
…
Kyant Wai Lu
69ers at Inya
Nay Win, Yee Pin, Khin Mg Gyi & Chit Po Po are GBNF
69ers at Inya
See also
Activities
Celebrations
Publications
RIT & Burma Selected
Sports
EE69
See post with annotations by Thein Swe (GBNF, Luyechun for 3rd BE) & me
EE69Ko Shwe (L), Thein Swe (R)
Graduates
Mostly Mech
Aung Thu Yein (E), Kyaw Than (Met?), Nay Win (M), Khin Maung Gyi (M) & Toby (A) are some of the GBNF
Most worked for government and industry. Some joined the Faculty. A few worked for private & family business. Some went overseas.
GradsA69
See also
69er — Memories
Then & Now
How Time Flies
1970 – 1998
There were no formal Reunions.
Most were busy with their work and family.
In the mid 1990s, Danny discussed with some friends about a 69er Reunion.
1999
30th Anniversary of Graduation; See Danny’s post about the event
I started “RIT Alumni Newsletter”; See my posts
Newsletter
2000
First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) in the SF Bay Area : Oct 29 – 30, 2000 ; See posts about SPZP-2000
I was an Organizer & Chief Editor of the special issue of “RIT Alumni Newsletter”
(First) Alumni Appreciation Award received at SPZP-2000; Also given to KMZ (webmaster) & Maurice (core organizer)
Tint Lwin (Danny, M), Tin Myint (John, M), Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel, T), Mg Toung (Tom, EC) & Myo Khin (C) attended SPZP-2000. Danny came from Singapore. John & Mabel live in Union City, California. Tom came from Connecticut. Myo Khin & Winsome (C73) came from Japan.
SPZP-2000 OrganizersSPZP-2000 attendees
2009
40th Anniversary of Graduation; See post for the event
Group photos : Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Textile, Chemical
ElectricalMechCivilTextile & Chemical
2014
50th Anniversary of RIT; See post about the event
Pseudo Golden Jubilee for 69ers
GJ of Admission
2015
Myint Myint (C) hosted a Welcome Lunch Gathering at Western Park for Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T)
Welcome Millie in 2015
Six 69ers at Ivan’s house. Ivan hosted annual RIT-UCC gathering for over a decade. Eventually, MASTAA was established with Ivan as CEO.
2016
(Second) Alumni Appreciation Award at the Birthday Soon Kyway Gathering in August; Organized by Maurice Chee (M75); Most attendees from California
Award 1
(Third) Appreciation Award at NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner in September
Award 2
SPZP-2016
Gathering — Welcome Sein Myint & me; Farewell to Tint Lwin
Gathering
2017
Monthly Gatherings
Ad hoc Gatherings
Annual Gathering
BFG 1
2018
Monthly Gatherings
Ad hoc Gatherings
Annual Gatheting
BFG 2017BFG 2018
2019
Golden Jubilee of Graduation
Home coming for Tin Tin (Ann)
GJ
2020 – 2021
SPZP-2000 canceled due to Pandemic
Several 69ers & family members succumbed to Covid
Gatherings put on hold
2022
December
Tin Shwe
2023
August
September 2023
အလှူရှင်
ဦးငွေထွန်း၊
ဦးတင်ရှိန်၊
ဦးသန်းဝင်း၊
ဦးချမ်းငြိမ်း၊
ဒေါ်ခင်သန်းမြင့်တင်၊
ဦးစောမြင့်နိုင်၊
ဦးဖေဟန်ထွန်း
U Zaw Win (Thailand)
Albert Kyaw Min
Dear RIT 69++friends
ဖိတ်ကြားအပ်ပါတယ်
September breakfast gathering သို့ မပျက်မကွက် ကြွရောက်ကြပါခင်ဗျား။
A solar calendar is based on the orbit of the earth around the sun. Typically, it takes 365.2422 solar days to complete the orbit. A leap year attempts to adjust the calendar by adding an extra day every four years.
A lunar calendar is based on the orbit of the moon around the earth. Typically, it takes 29.6 days to complete a cycle.
A luni-solar calendar is a “hybrid” calendar that uses “lunar” month and “solar” year. The calendars used by Chinese and Vietnamese have 12 months in a year and an extra month in the year in which the Lunar and Solar Calendars are synchronized. The CNY (Chinese New Year) and Tet (Vietnamese New Year) occur in late January or early February.
Julian Calendar Leap year : if a year is divisible by 4
Gregorian Calendar Leap year : if a Century year is divisible by 400 Other years if divisible by 4
Burmese Calendar The Burmese use a Luni-Solar-Socio-Religious Calendar. It is used for social and religious events. There are 12 lunar months with a total of 355 days in a Common Burmese Year. There is a difference of 10 days with a Common Year in the Gregorian Calendar. An inter-calary month named “Second Waso” is usually added every three years to sync again with the Solar Calendar. It is known as “Wah Htutt”. If needed, an additional day is added in “Wah Gyi Htutt”.
DTMAlumni Appreciation Award Appreciation Award from NorCal RIT Alumni Association
Alumni
In Latin, there are four terms : alumnus for “male student” almuna for “female student” alumni for “male students” alumnae for “female students”.
In modern usage, the term “alumni” applies to all students.
Days of Month
According to “Ripley’s Believe it or not”, a graveyard inscription has February 30th.
Grapevine says that Followers of two Carsars took away a day each from February to make July (named after Julius Caesar) and August (named after Augustus Caesar) to have 31 days instead of 30.
February became the shortest month of the calendar year with 28 days. It was given back an extra day on a leap year.
The earth takes about 365.2422 days to revolve round the sun, so the discrepancy became 0.9688 day every four years (or 97 days in 4 centuries).
In Gregorian calendar, a leap year is defined as a non-century year that is divisible by 4, and a century year that is divisible by 400.
Wrote several articles for the 69er Golden Jubilee Magazine RIT Thaing Exhibition RIT Nicknames
Spouse (Mu Aye) is a cousin of Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC69, Australia)
Retired Member of Parliament of Pyitthu Hluttaw Oversaw Committees related to Mining and Natural Resources.
Surprised us at an ad hoc breakfast gathering with Uzin Aung Chaw, Ko Sein Myint, Ko Myint Maung, Ko Win Maung, Ko Shwe, Ko Maung Maung, Ko Myat Soe Lwin …
He is now GBNF
69ers
Kyaw Tint (Min69)
Kyaw Tint
Youngest, smartest and most stubborn among the 14 students in Min69.
Joined the Faculty
Received Masters from Australia.
Prisoner of Conscience.
Wrote an article in the 69er Golden Jubilee magazine.
GBNF #110 Passed away in September 2021
Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)
Khin Kyaw Nyein
RIT Volleyball Selected
Taught/coached female Volleyball players (e.g. Ma Tin Aye, C73)
Also good at Soccer, Dobat & Dancing.
He is GBNF #117 Passed away in January 2022
Khin Maung Gyi (Min69)
One of two Khin Maung Gyi in the Class of 69.
Room mate of Ko Chit Pe (M69, GBNF)
Still have dark hair (hopefully original)
Mech KMG (GBNF) passed away in 2021.
Tin Win (Min69)
Hosted some 69er gatherings.
He was Honorary Consul for Switzerland.
Min69 (GBNF)
Aung Naing (Bahadhur) : Aug 14, 2011, #055, GTI Principal (Taunggyi), Yangon
Chit Htun
Chit Htun : Dec 11, 2011, #058, YIT Lecturer, Yangon
