Blog

Maurice Chee (M75)
by Hla Min

Update : 6th October 2026

Highlights
- Known as Hla Myint Thein at RIT
- Class of M75 — Donated to Class Fund and Mechanical Fund
- Worked in Singapore and USA
- Past President, BAPS
- Founding Member and Treasurer, RIT Alumni International
- Wore Multiple Hats for SPZP-2000 — Co-Chair, Working Committee (SPZP-2000); Financial Controller; Publisher of the Commemorative Issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000
- Founding Member and Past Vice President, NorCal RITAA
- Organizer, SF Bay Area Retiree Luncheon
- Donor and Coordinator, Donation of books to YTU Library
- Seminar, YTU Mechanical Engineering Department
- Wrote “Planning for an engineering career in the US”
Planning for an engineering career in the US

The contents may not be up to date, since this is a re-post of an old article. However, the principles should apply.

Step One

For RIT graduates to become registered professional engineers, they need to take the Engineering-in Training which is an eight-hour exam given by the Department of Consumer Affairs, State of California. The exam is given twice a year. The following is a list of information and guidelines on E-I-T that I have extracted from the web site, http://www.dca.ca.gov.

General

Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) is the first step required under California law towards becoming licensed as a professional engineer.

Certification as a Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) is the first step required under California law towards becoming licensed as a professional land surveyor.

Each applicant must file the application, pay the stated filing fee, and sit for the assigned 8-hour written examination. Persons who pass the written examination will be issued a certificate as either an Engineer-in-Training or a Land Surveyor-in-Training, whichever is appropriate.

Neither U.S. Citizenship nor California residency is required. However, you must provide your social security number or individual taxpayer identification number, or your application will NOT be processed. Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory. U.S. Citizens, if you do not have a social security number you may contact your local United States Social Security Office at 1-800-722-1213 or http://www.ssa.gov/online/forms.html. Non-U.S. citizens without a social security number may request an individual taxpayer identification number from The Department of Treasury (Internal Revenue Service) at (215) 516-4846 or http://www.irs.gov/ind_info/itin.html.

Examination Requirements

EIT applicants must have either completed 3 years of course work in a board-approved engineering curriculum OR have 3 years of engineering-related work experience, and never have been convicted of a crime related to the practice of engineering.

Examination Scope

The EIT examination covers fundamental engineering subjects including mathematics and the basic sciences. The exam has a four-hour morning and four-hour afternoon session. In the morning, all examinees answer the same 120 questions, each worth one point, covering the breadth of knowledge in engineering. In the afternoon session, examinees choose one of the six following subject areas: General, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering. Candidates identify the chosen subject area at the examination.

Each has 60 two-point questions, written to test the depth of knowledge in the selected subject area. The total number of possible points for the morning and afternoon session is 240.

The LSIT examination covers material related to the fundamentals of land surveying. The exam has a four-hour morning and a four-hour afternoon session. In each session all examinees answer 85 questions and all are required.

The total number of possible points for the morning and afternoon sessions is 170.

Both the EIT and LSIT examinations are closed-book examinations. NO REFERENCE MATERIALS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED. Calculators are acceptable, however, any calculating device having a QWERTY keypad arrangement similar to a typewriter or a keyboard will not be allowed for the exam.

How to apply

Submit a completed and signed application form to the Board office in Sacramento, together with a check or money order in the amount of $60 made payable to the “Department of Consumer Affairs”. Self-address and stamp a 4 x 5″ postcard for notification that your application has been received by the Board.

You may provide your own postcard. The card will notify you of the progress/status of your application. It will be mailed to you approximately two weeks after the receipt of your application.

The Board recycles reference manuals from the previous exam. EIT applicants (except renewal applicants) will receive a recycled manual from the Board. Applicants may purchase a new copy of the handbook for $9.95 from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), 1820 Seneca Creek Road, Clemson, South Carolina 29633-1686, (800) 250-3196. It is possible to place an order on the publications page of the NCEES website.

LSIT applicants can purchase, for $9.95, a reference handbook on the Fundamentals of Land Surveying to help them prepare for the examination from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), 1820 Seneca Creek Road, Clemson, SC 29633-1686, (800) 250-3196, or you may order it directly from the publications page on the NCEES website. Your application must be postmarked by the final filing date noted in the exam schedule to be accepted for the next examination. Applications received requiring postage due will not be accepted by our office. Final filing dates will not be extended for those who have their applications returned for insufficient postage.

Your admission notice will be sent approximately 10 days before the exam to the address indicated on your application. Use the Board’s address change affidavit to notify the Board if your address changes after you apply.

Step Two

After passing the E-I-T exam, one needs to obtain four years of experience under the direct supervision of a registered professional engineer (California License). You will need to get four references as part of your application. The registration fee is $175.00 and DCA administers the exam twice a year.

Please contact DCA to obtain the following information:

General References

Professional Engineers Act: Business and Professions Code sections 6700-6799

Professional Land Surveyors Act: Business and Professions Code sections 8700-8805

Rules of the Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors:

California Code of Regulations sections 400 – 474.5

(For print copy of all three above, send $5.00 check, payable to DCA, to:

Attention: Cashier, P O Box 349002, Sacramento, CA 95834-9002. If you are licensed by this Board, you may receive a free copy. Just include your license number with your request)

Professional Engineer Plain Language Pamphlet (.htm)

Professional Land Surveyor Plain Language Pamphlet (.htm)

Professional Land Surveyor Plain Language Pamphlet (.pdf)

EIT/LSIT Examinee Instructions

Professional Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor Examinee Instructions

Special Civil Examination (Seismic & Survey): Reference List

Special Civil Examination (Seismic & Survey): Information for Examinees

Booklet

Traffic Engineer Examination Reference List

Geotechnical Engineer Examination Reference List

Structural Engineer: Special Format Information and Examination Instructions

Structural Engineer: Information for Examinees e_ge00refs.htm

The Eight-Hour Mechanical Engineering Exam format is now all multiple choice.

For information, follow this link to Principles and Practice of Engineering Examinations on the NCEES website.

The Eight-Hour Civil Engineering Exam format is now all multiple choice. The NCEES “Transportation Design Standards” has changed. For information, follow this link to Principles and Practice of Engineering Examinations on the NCEES website.

For information regarding use of codes or standards for any other examination offered by this Board, contact the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying (NCEES). The NCEES toll-free telephone number is: 1-800-250-3196.

Test Plans for California Specific Exams

Geotechnical Engineering Test Plan

Land Surveyor Examination Test Plan

Special Civil Engineering Survey Test Plan

Special Civil Seismic Principles Test Plan

Structural Engineering Test Plan

Traffic Engineering Test Plan

Step Three

Job Opportunity

RIT graduates with E-I-T certification and with no local experience can apply for entry level position as junior engineer with City and County of San Francisco and Bay Area Counties. There are several engineers including myself working for City and County of San Francisco and many hold higher engineering positions. Hin Lok Kung, a 1967 RIT graduate is the manager of the electrical section. Cal-Tran also accepts RIT graduates. U Myat Htoo is a Senior Transportation Engineer with Cal-Tran. Further, job advancement in civil service jobs requires registration as professional engineer. Most RIT graduates start their career with Consulting Engineers as design engineer or designer and many of them obtained their registration through the steps that I have described above. There are several consulting firms with RIT graduates as principal or partner.

Other Options

For those who are single, young, ambitious, academically good and financially sound, we would recommend to follow the footsteps of Mr. Benny Tan (M70) and Dr. Kim Chen aka U Nyo Win (M65) and go for post grad studies. To do so you may need to take the GRE and with good score you may be able to get admission to local universities.

Conclusion

The suggestion mentioned above is based on choosing an engineering career in the A&E industry. As always, career success depends on other factors such as possessing good communication, analytical, and problem solving skills, and a blend of theory and practice in the chosen engineering field.

RIT Alumni International
- Founding Member and Treasurer, RIT Alumni InternationalWore Multiple Hats for SPZP-2000
- Co-Chair, Working Committee (SPZP-2000)
- Financial Controller
- Publisher of the Commemorative Issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000
Hello

The following is [a dramatization of] an event that happened last night (October 20, 2000).

“Hello, is this RIT Alumni International?”

“If you are Burmese, you can speak in Burmese.”

“We’ve landed at SFO. Someone was supposed to pick up at the airport and take him to his house. He’s not here.”

“I’ll come and pick you up at the airport. I’ll ask Ko Hla Min to contact your friend.”

Maurice Chee (M75), co-chair, Organization got the “wake up” call. He rushed to pick up Ko Ye Myint (the caller), his spouse and his father our beloved Sayagyi U Ba Toke.

I tried to reach Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) several times via his cellular phone and voice mail.

“URGENT. Sayagyi will be at Maurice’s house. Please contact Maurice immediately at xxxx”.

A few moments later, Ko Zaw Min called back.

“Ko Ye sent me an e-mail saying that they’ll arrive on 21st [Saturday]. Anyway, give me the phone numbers of Maurice.”

Minutes later, Ko Ye called from Maurice’s house. He was surprised that it was 20th [Friday] albeit late at night. Though he had made international travels, he failed to remember this time that you gain/lose a day by crossing the International Date Line.

Sayagyi spoke to me saying that he’s looking forward to the Reunion. He asked if Dolly Lim (Dr. Thynn Thynn Lynn) was the one who wanted to see him at the Reunion. Sayagyi remembered “Baw Lone” (Kyu Kyu Lin) and her siblings well.

If time permits, Sayagyi may visit Southern California and neighboring states.

Thanks to the various alumni — Saya Allen Htay, Saya U Tin Htut, Ko Zaw Min Nawaday, Ko Philip Mya Thwin — and last but not the least our golden sponsor Ko Maung Maung Than] for inviting Sayagyi over to the US.

Thanks to Ko Ba Thein (Atlanta, Georgia) for his article, “An Apology …”

Thanks to Ko Zaw Min and Chicky for hosting Sayagyi at their new house.

Thanks to Ko Maurice who “saved the day” for Sayagyi.

SF Bay Area Retirees’ Luncheon

Ko Maurice Chee (M75) not only manages the monthly lunch gathering for retirees (sayas and alumni), but also brings prepared food. He cooked Chicken Danbauk.

To some gatherings, he brought Laphet Thoke.

Attendees include :
- Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59) & spouse
- Saya Dr. Nyo Win (M65)
- Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) & spouse
- U King Wong (Victor, C66)
- U Tin Myint (David, M67) & spouse
- U Hla Min (EC69) & spouse
- Walter Tan (M70) & spouse
- Charlie Tseng (EC70) & Diana Tseng (ChE71)
- U Aung Thein (John, M71) & spouse
- Maurice Chee (M75)
- U Aye Tun (Anthony, M76)
By default, the group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at a specified restaurant or mall.

Maurice Chee (M75) is the organizer of the San Francisco Bay Area Retirees’ Lunch Gathering.

For August 2019, he chose the Food Court in Serramonte Mall, Daly City.

The attendees include :
- Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59) and spouse
- Saya U Maung Maung (George Chan, ChE66) and spouse
- King Wong (Victor Wong, C66)
- Stan Liou (M67) and spouse
- U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67) and spouse
- U Hla Min (EC69) and spouse
- Benny Tan (M70)
- Walter Tan (M70) and spouse
- Charlie Tseng (EC70) and spouse Diana Tseng (ChE71)
- Saya U Thein Aung (James K Wu, Met72), spouse Daw San San Nyunt (Sandra, M77) and daughter
- Maurice Chee (M75)
- U Aye Tun (Anthony Ng, M76)
- Guest : Dr. Daisy Saw (Co-founder of ConBro, spouse of Derrick Wu (A62, GBNF)
Aug 2019

Aug

Ko Maurice cooked his specialty Dan Bauk (Birayani) : one set with Lamb and another set with Chicken.

Others brought Fried rice, salad, drinks (Coconut milk, Water), fruits and ”Ah Cho Pwe” desserts.

Tea was free to the clients of “Naan ‘n’ Curry” shop.

There was a Cake to celebrate the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Stan and Lu Lu.

Welcoming KMZ to SF Bay Area

Maurice, Hla Min, KMZ, Benny
October 6, 2026
Habit
by Hla Min

Update : 6th October 2026

Hla Min

Good and Bad Habits
- Good habits allow us to perform things in auto-pilot mode.
- Bad habits (e.g. addiction) are easy to develop, but difficult to quit.
- With patience and practice, we can modify and substitute the bad components in the habit with good ones. The triggers may remain the same, but good actions can yield satisfactory results.
My Experience
- I spent a lot of time playing the Solitaire Card Games. I received a sense of gratification with the awards : Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Perfect.
- I stopped playing Solitaire and spent more time writing and sharing my knowledge and experience via my Posts. I now receive a sense of gratification with the “kind words” by my readers.
Smoking
- My uncle smoke two packs of cigarettes every day. He successfully quit smoking partly due to his doctor’s advice and partly due to his determination to live a long, healthy life. He lived to his 80s.
  It could have been more if he did not have a fall. There was no immediate signs of danger, but he passed away a few days later.
- My teacher tried to quit smoking. His buddies and students offered him cigarettes to keep them company. He also tried the substitution method using Chewing Gums. He added one more addiction. It would take some time before he kicked both habits.
Habitual Kamma
- Habitual Kamma (e.g. meditating every day) is important.
- U Po Sa would recite “Mora Sutta” မောရသုတ် (Daung Min Payeik) before going for a daily morning walk along Inya Road with his friends. Knowing U Po Sa’s habit, the kidnappers waited in the early morning and kidnapped him. U Po Sa got free. Some attributed U Po Sa’s release to Habitual Kamma (e.g. recital of the Mora Sutta).
Books
- “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey is a Best Seller.
- Covey also wrote another book on the Eighth Habit.
- “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg is another Best Seller. Duhigg points out where to “break” the cycle in a habit.
- Many books are available as e-Book and Audio book.
- If one just wants to have teasers or summaries before buying a book, one can subscribe to Blinkist.com
October 6, 2026
Ratana Sutta ရတနာ့သုတ်
by Hla Min

Update : 6th October 2026

Ratana / Yadanar

Ratana means Gem (precious jewel)

Ratana Sutta
- Second Sutta in “Paritta Pali”
- Ashin Ananda recited the Sutta at Vesali
- Assertion of truth
- To overcome three calamities :
  massive losses due to famine,
  diseases, and
  [destructive] weapons
Triple Gems
- Buddha
  The Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Enlightened One
- Dhamma
  Teachings of the Buddha
- Sangha
  Monastic Order of the Buddha; Congregation of [paramatta] monks
Three Refuges
- I take refuge in the Buddha
- I take refuge in the Dhamma
- I take refuge in the Sangha
Sutta

Pali in Burmese script

Sutta 1

Sutta 2

Sutta 3

Sutta 4

Pali Text & English Translation

Sutta 5

Sutta 5

Paritta Pali

Payeik Kyee
October 6, 2026
U Soe Paing — Posts
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

U Soe Paing, U Win Paing (U Wara), Dr. Myo Paing, U Kyaw Paing

Family
- Parents : ICS U Paing & Daw Oo Yin
- Siblings : Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, GBNF), U Kyaw Paing
- Spouse : Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69)
- Children : Two sons & One daughter
- Grandchildren : 3
Education & Work
- He matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in Burma and won the Collegiate Scholarship.
- At the Convocation of 1958, he won two Gold Medals — one for the Highest Total Marks in I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B); and another for Joint Highest Marks in Mathematics for I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
- He received a States Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
- He joined the RIT Electrical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
- He helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe found Universities’ Computer Center. He transferred to UCC as Systems Manager in charge of Systems Division. He later also managed the Operations Division.
- He received M.Sc.(Computer Science) from Southampton University in UK.
- He worked for UNDP Projects in several countries.
Mentor
- He was my mentor at RIT and UCC. He allowed U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and me to co-author Texts, User Guides and Manuals for use at UCC.
HMEE
- He was an early supporter of the HMEE project. He prepared a draft for the HMEE book and handed it to Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) & team. He and U Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 of the HMEE Book and summarized Section 2 of the book.
Posts

Post from March 2011

I went to the University Central Library and managed to get scanned photos from the Engg Student Annual Magazines 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas, students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.

U Sein Hlaing (Prof EE) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L starting 1952-53. Saya U Tin Swe was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team. Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain. U Khin Si (husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile) and U Tin Si (U Khin Si’s brother and tennis doubles partnership that won RU as well as national championships) were members of the Prome hall team.

The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by the Prime Minister at that time U Ba Swe.

In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD, PWC, CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.

I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.

U Ba Than has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.

Post from May 2000

The mention of RIT, BIT, and BOC college in the first newsletter bring back memories of our good old days in Rangoon University. Although we did not graduate from Rangoon University, we had a really great two and a half years there before we went for studies aroad under government scholarship.

Our first year 1956-1957 was in Yankin College. Yankin was a campus of RU for first year science students. It is now Yankin State High School No. XX? Hteedan was for the 1st year arts students. Our second year I.Sc. was at the RU campus itself which we refer to as Main. The Arts students have classes at Judson. That time the new Social Science Building (now Institute of Economics) was completed. We had our second year ISc exams in that new building.

Then it is our 1st year B.Sc. Engineering course at the new Faculty of Engineering in Prome Road (now Institute of Medicine I). We attended for six months till December 1958. That campus was designed and built especially for the Faculty of Engineering. Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Departments were there but Chemical, Textile, etc. were in the old BOC building at the back.

The 1st year classes were from 7 to 9 a.m. for Mathematics. We then have a one hour break and we start the engineering courses at 10 a.m. We usually have a snack during the break at a small cafe between Tagaung and Prome Halls. Those halls were only for engineering students then. The mathematics (Pure & Applied) lecturers were from India hired under contract. We had three engineering courses: Building Materials taught by Mr. Tan Ba Hli (the Dean of Engineering himself). Heat Engines taught by U Aung Khin. Principles of Electrical Engineering taught by U Kyaw Tun. We had EE lab with Ko Htin Paw and Ko Ba Nyunt as lab instructors. We also had engineering drawing with Ko San Hla Aung and Allen Htay (for Chem, Tex, etc.) as instructors.

Those were the days when Rangoon University was one of the best universities in SE Asia and Asia. It also had a really nice campus.

RIT Saya Soccer Team

Reading about the communications from Richard Khoo (Dr. Aung Soe, C61) and seeing the list of Sayas in the 1966-67 handbook brings back memories of our soccer team.

As I remember it was from 1964 to 1968 or 1969. We played against (i) the senior students of different majors Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc. (ii) the sayas at GTI and Natmauk Technical Institute (iii) the Burma Air Force officers.

We also played in the annual tournament for RIT Staff. The staff teams are the Sayas, Workshop staff, Lab staff, Hostel staff and the youth team from the RIT compound.

As I remember (other Sayas & graduates may correct me) these were the people in the team.

Goalkeepers :
- Richard Khoo (Civil)
- Maurice Kyaw Zaw (Chemistry),
- Sein Myint/Ah Sein (Petroleum)
Defenders :
- Ko Maung Maung Than (Textile)
- Ko Aung Soe (Math)
- Ko Aung Hla Tun (Met)
- Ko Sann Tint (Elect)
- Christopher Maung (Civil)
- U Tin Swe (Elect)
- Ko Tin Win (Mech)
Midfielders :
- Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri)
- Desmond Rogers (English)
- Ko Khine Oo (Elect)
- Ko Maung Maung Win (Mech)
- Ko Tin Hlaing II (Mech)
Forwards :
- Ko Pike Htwe (Chemistry)
- Ko Aung (Math)
- Ko Tin Hlaing I (Agri)
- Ko Soe Min (Elect)
- Ko Kyin Soe (Auto)
- myself (Elect)
We rarely practiced but we enjoyed playing the games. We split games with the GTI sayas & the Air Force officers. We beat the Natmauk sayas and we won more than we lost in the RIT staff tournament. But I am sure we lost more than we won against the final year students. Would appreciate comments on this; especially on the names I missed in the team.
October 6, 2026
Payeik Kyee Pali Theik Kha ပရိတ်ကြီးပါဠိသိက္ခာ
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026
- Payeik Kyee ပရိတ်ကြီး aka Paritta Pali ပရိတ္တပါဠိ and Protective Verses Collection of eleven Protective Verses
  is recited in part or full by monks, novices, and lay people.
- Pali ပါဠိ — Language of discourse in Theravada Buddhism
- Theik Kha သိက္ခာ — Practice
- Thamane Kyaw သာမဏေကျော် — Pen name of Sayadaw U Dhammika ဦးဓမ္မိက , who won the prestigious award of Thamane Kyaw (Distinguished novice scholar) in his youth.
- Payeik Kyee Pali Theik Kha
  ပရိတ်ကြီးပါဠိသိက္ခာ — The book discusses Pali terms, phrases & grammar.
Payeik Kyee Pali Theik Kha
- For a comprehensive treatment on Protective Verses, refer to the epic work by “Thabyekan Sayadaw” သပြေကန်ဆရာတော် and a treatise by U Jotalankara ဦးဇောတလင်္ကာရ (Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California, USA).
October 6, 2026
U Soe Paing ဦးစိုးပိုင်
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Memories

UCC Celebration

U Soe Paing

U Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint

U Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint

With U Hla Min & Spouse

U Soe Paing, U & Mrs. Hla Min

Brief Biography

Name: U Soe Paing

Qualification: BS (Stanford), MS (Stanford), MSc. Computer Science (Southampton)

Department: Electrical Communications
Position: Assistant Lecturer, (Jan 1964 to March 1971)
Reason for Leaving: Joined Universities’ Computer Center in April 1971.

Engineering Alumni: Attended First Year Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University from June to December, 1958.
Reason for Leaving: Awarded State Scholarship to study in USA.

Occupation: Data Processing Adviser (Retired)

Organization: United Nations

Updates
- Saya was my mentor at RIT and UCC.
- He offered me and Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC, GBNF) to be his co-authors. We wrote programming texts, manuals and guides.
- Saya was a prime mover to get the “RIT Alumni International Newsletters” and http://www-ex-rit.org started.
- Saya would mention that I am a “Shay Hmi; Nauk Hmi. ရှေ့မှီ၊ နောက်မှီ”
- Sayagadaw added: “Bay Hmi ဘေးမှီ as well’.
- Saya wrote articles for the RIT Newsletter and selected journals & magazines. They can be accessed via SCRIB-D
- He also gave an interview for MASTAA
UCC Gathering at Saya’s House

SP 2

Lovely Couple

SP 3

Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe

SP 4

RIT alumni in Singapore

With U Tu Myint, Daniel Tint Lwin, James Than

With U Tint Swe & Vilma Khaing

Visit to California

With Saya U Tin Mg Nyunt, U & Mrs. Hla Min

With U & Mrs. Tin Mg Nyunt

UCC Gathering at MICT Park

With UCC Alumni

Leaving for UN Assignment

At Mingalardon airport

ICST Pu Zaw Pwe

U Thein Oo, Dr. Pike Tin, Saya U Soe Paing, U Hla Min, Dr. Kyaw Thein
October 6, 2026
U Khin Zaw / K ဦးခင်ဇော်
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026
- Chief Librarian, Rangoon University Library ရန်ကုန်တက္ကသိုလ်စာကြည့်တိုက်
- Founder & Director, Burma Broadcasting Service မြန်မာ့အသံ
- Author : Pen name “K” ကလောင်
- Book — Burma in my Lifetime; စာအုပ် For the Reprint, the Censor Board demanded the Title Change
Book
- Collaboration : For Maung Khwe (Burmese Nursery Rhymes)
Minthuwun, U Khin Zaw, Zawgyi

Family

K 1

K 2

K 3

K 4

K 5

K 6

Music & Translation

Son
October 6, 2026
Gone But Not Forgotten
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Dr. Pe Nyun, U Khin Maung Wint, Dr. Pe Thein, U Tin U

RUBC crew at Independence Day Regatta

U Mya Maung (B. Com, Entrepreneur)

Mya Maung

Dr. Myo San / Freddie (SPHS63, Surgeon)

Freddie Ba San

U Myint Thin (M71)

Myint Thin

U Than Po (M75)
- Composer
- Zat Saya
- Pianist
- Pattala
- Vocalist
Than Po

GBNF for the Class of 69

U Aung Min (M69) reported 146 entries in the GBNF list of the Class of 69. About 320 students entered the first ever 2nd BE. The list includes a few seniors who took sabbatical in their study and ended up as our classmates. Over 40% of our former classmates have passed away.

Four EC69ers have passed away :
- U Kyaw Soe (DCA)
- U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, Schlumberger)
U Aung Thu Yein
- U Chit Tin (MOGE)
U Chit Tin & Maung Kabar
- U Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada)
Due to the decline of health, the 69ers chose to have two Golden Jubilees : the first in 2014 to celebrate the admission to RIT, and the second in December 2019 to celebrate the graduation of most members in 1969.

GBNF for the Class of 70

U Ohn Khine (M70) reported 151 entries in the GBNF list of the Class of 70.

Tommy Shwe, Cho Aye, Peter Pe and Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) were among the Top Ten students from the class. They are now GBNF.

Tommy Shwe

Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein)

Cho Aye

Over 450 students entered the first ever 1st BE.

GBNF from PPBRS

Most of my sayas and sayamas from PPBRS have passed away.

U Kyaw Zaw & Daw Khin Khin Aye

Among my PPBRS classmates, Myo Set (son of actor Tha Gaung Gyi) was the first to pass away. He perished in a car accident. Myint Sein (Veda) and Myat Hla Sein (Movie Tech) are among the recent GBNF from PPBRS.

Myat Hla Sein

GBNF from SPHS

Most of my sayas and sayamas from SPHS have passed away. Sayadaw Beatson (Physics, Boy Scouts) is still active and strong.

SPHS Sayas

Among my SPHS classmates, Min Thaw (Gilbert, SPHS63) is among the early ones to pass away. Dr. Myo San (Freddie), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie), Tin Tun, Maung Maung Kyi, Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi), Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung), Aung Chaw (Victor) are among the GBNF from SPHS63.

Myo San (Freddie)

Maung Maung Kyi

Soon Kyaw by Kyaw Wynn

69er GBNF

The GBNF list maintained by U Aung Min (M69) contains 138 of my RIT classmates. About 20 succumbed to Covid. Some had medical problems.

Khin Maung Win (Sargalay)

GBNF from UCC & ICST

Several of my sayas, colleagues and former students have passed away.

CO Hla Min (Pauk Si) is an early GBNF from UCC. U Aung Zaw, Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, U Maung Maung Lay (Ah Ba), U Aung Myint and U Maung Maung Gyi are among the recent GBNF from UCC.

Dr. Chit Swe & U Aung Zaw

Dr. Tin Maung & Daw Nge Ma Ma Than

U Maung Maung Lay & U Maung Maung Gyi

CO U Hla Min, U Aung Myint, U Aung Zaw

Tone Kyaw တုံးကျော်

One should have Samvegha (sense of urgency) after hearing the sad news. When my namesake Hla Min (Pauk Si, SPHS64, EP70) passed away in his mid-thirties, we were shocked since he seemed strong and did not wear jackets (mandated for UCC employees entering the Computer Room). He would often be seen in sport shirts. He passed away with a few months of being diagnosed with liver problem. The consultant doctor was Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64, IM71). Ko Pauk Si was not a drinker, but other causes inflicted his liver. I became a Tone Kyaw when two government departments where I had given Guest Lectures on Computers and Applications tried to send me “Lwan Thu Pan Khwe” လွမ်းသူ့ပန်းခွေ

U Han Sein (C69) became a Tone Kyaw when the Organizers of the 30th Anniversary of Graduation inadvertently listed him in the GBNF list of the Class of 69. The organizers were unaware that U Han Sein was detained by the authorities after the 8-8-88 event. He resurfaced two decades later with the declaration of Amnesty.

Han Sein

Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63) became a Tone Kyaw when his namesake Saya Dr, Tin Hlaing (formerly of Maritime Studies) passed away. Some alumni had to revoke the wrong announcement.

Dr. Tin Hlaing
October 6, 2026
Seven Siblings
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

ICS U Tin Tut

U Tin Tut
- First Burmese to become ICS by invitation.
- Served as Foreign Minister, Brigadier of a Reserve Army, Journalist and Publisher.
- Perished when a bomb (placed under his car) exploded. There were investigations, but no conclusive results were reported.
- Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint posted photos and articles about his Ba Gyi (e.g. The Empty Tomb).
- “Ba Gyi Aung Nyar Dei” ဘကြီးအောင်ညာတယ် (a famous short story by Minthuwun (Saya U Wun) has implicit references to U Tin Tut.
U Kyaw Myint

U Kyaw Myint
- Barrister, Judge of Supreme Court, Head of Tribunal that tried Galon U Saw, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Politician, Head of private Law firm that defended several people accused by the BSPP government).
- Stood first in Burma from Central with distinctions in all subjects. Sadly, he was expelled from the University of Rangoon for attending his mother’s funeral and earned the ire of the Principal and his father. His saga is recounted in a series of posts by his son Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint.
- Dhamma friend of my beloved parents. They built Dat Paung Zon Aung Min Gaung pagoda and supported “Mon” Sayadaw U Thilawanta.
Brief Bio of U Kyaw Myint

U Myint Thein
- Chief Justice of the Union of Burma
- On March 2, 1962, a Coup D’etat took place. Arrested along the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, several Sawbwas and high ranking officials. During his detainment, he was allowed only one day off to attend the funeral of his spouse Daw Phwa Hmi (an early Burmese female to be called to the Bar in the UK).
- Ambassador to China
- Outstanding author and translator
- Pen name : “MMT” (for Maung Myint Thein). His works were heavily censored.
Dr. Htin Aung

Dr. Htin Aung
- Principal of Rangoon College
- First native Rector of the Rangoon University
- Prolific writer covering history, folklore and several topics
- “Burmese Drama” & “Thirty Burmese Tales” were prescribed texts
Daw Khin Mya Mu
- Lecturer in Burmese
- Thamadu Myo Win (family court judge)
- Expert in Kyauk Sar (stone inscriptions)
- Spouse : Professor U E Maung
- Her handwritten manuscripts were not published due to lack of fonts, and were ultimately lost
Daw Khin Saw Mu

Daw Khin Saw Mu
- Early student of Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin
- Khit San Poet
- Spouse : ICS U Ba Tint
- Children : Daw Khin Saw Tint (RIT English, bilingual writer)
  and U Nay Oke Tint (St. Paul’s, TED-x InyaLake speaker, successful tuition saya, Chair of the Myanmar Board for organizing the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival)
Daw Tin Saw Mu
- Lecturer in English at Rangoon University
October 6, 2026
Parents
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026
- Some are unfortunate to lose one or both parents in their youth.
- Some are fortunate to have one or both parents in their 90’s and beyond.
- A few had a parent over 100.
Mother of Ivan Lee (M69)

Ivan is a Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 & SPZP-2007. He is an early supporter of the first RIT web site. He is a major donor for the 69er Health Care Fund.

He lost his father when he was young. His mother raised the children and also managed to stay healthy beyond the Century mark.

Ivan e-mailed us when his mother turned 100. It had the birthday card sent to his mother from the 43rd US President George W. Bush.

Ivan e-mailed again when his mother turned 101. It had the birthday card sent to his mother from the 44th US President Barack Obama.

We heard sad news from Ivan the following year. His mother passed away at the age of 102. She was alert until the final days. She played two hours of Mah Jong daily.

Let Oo Saya လက်ဦးဆရာ

I am fortunate to have parents who lived beyond 80, but not fortunate enough to have them around to see and appreciate my posts.

My Parents

My beloved mother

She lost her mom a few days after her birth. She made up for her loss by giving her metta (unbounded love) and cetana to the children and grandchildren. She kept a list of all the birthdays and anniversaries, and would be usually the first to wish. Even though she had maids, she would get up early & prepare breakfast for us. She also supervised the homework of her children, nephews and nieces.

I paid homage to her in my Newsletter & Updates for SPZP-2000.

My beloved father

My beloved father

He was a youth when he was given only three months more to live by the then best doctors in Rangoon. He had a Near Death Experience. His younger brothers cried thinking that he had died.

My dad told his brothers : “I was walking happily along a bund when a holy man stopped me and said, “Young man, you have to do sasana work. Do not go beyond this point.” Sensing that I was reluctant to end my walk, the man pushed me.”

Luckily, an indigenous medicine man named “Ga Doke Saya Gyi” treated my dad and even parted some of his medical knowledge.

He built pagodas starting with Dat Paung Zon Aung Min Gaung Pagoda (ဓာတ်ပေါင်းစုံအောင်မင်းခေါင်စေတီ). His photo hangs in the Hall along with his grandparents who who bought the land where the pagoda was built.

He also helped renovate pagodas.

I paid homage to him in my Newsletter & Updates for SPZP-2000.

My parents

My parents

During my school days, they gave me 25 pyas as pocket money. They wanted to make sure that I study hard. They would give bonus prizes only when I excelled in the exams.

They provided us :
- Remington English typewriter
- Olympia Burmese typewriter
- Dictionaries
- Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan (Encyclopedia)
- Reader’s Digest Magazine & Books
- Student’s Companion
- A book for Idioms
- Grammar : Wren and Martin
- King’s English : Fowler & Fowler
- How and Why
- Fun with Mathematics
- Classics Illustrated
- Junior Classics Illustrated
- Bedin : Saya Maukဆရာမောက်
- Palmistry : Cheiro
- History : Second World War
- Sports equipment
- Bicycle
- Scooter
- Car
My Myees

My beloved parents would have smiled to hear my grand daughter say, “Who’s your doctor? What happened?” after I returned from a clinic. She added, “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you. I love you.”

Two lovely grand children

She must have inherited the loving kindness of her great grand parents.

She won the Super Reader and Scholastic Achievement Awards. She loves Swimming, Soccer, Basketball, Singing, Playing music, Dancing and Painting.

My grand son is athletic. He plays competitive Soccer. He loves Cycling, Kung Fu, Basketball, Swimming, Piano and Video Games. He is sociable.

Poem and Song

I would like to share a poem and a variant of a song that I learnt in my youth.

Father (Poem)

Be kind to your father
For when you were young
Who loved you as friendly as he
He caught the first accent
That fell from your tongue
And joined in the heavenly glee.

Be kind to your father
For now he is old
His hair intermingled with grey
His footsteps are feeble
Once fearless and bold
Your father is passing away.

The version that we learned at school use archaic words like Thee, Thou, Thy and Locks. I have replaced them by the current usage : You, You, Your and Hair.

Mother (Song)

M is for the mercy she possesses
O means only that she’s growing old
T is for her tender sweet caresses
H is for her heart of purest gold
E means every thing she’s done to save me
R means right and right she’ll always be

Put them all together
They spell MOTHER
A word that means a world to me.

M is for the million things she gave me
O means that I owe her all I owe
T is for the tears she shed to raise me
H is for the hands that touch and hold
E means every thing she taught me
R means rare and special she’ll always be

Put them all together
They spell MOTHER
A word that means a world to me.

In some countries, there is Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

For us, everyday is Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Parent’s Day.

Dear beloved parents, I’m sure you will be in the good abodes. I want to thank you for your unbounded love and for your belief “Every thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well”.

A1 Centurion
- ဒေါ်ခင်လှဲ့ — lived to 106
- Spouse : U Hla Bu သခင်လှဘူး
- Children : မအောင်စီ၊ A1 သန်းထွဋ်၊ A1 သိန်းထွဋ်၊ အောင်မြင့် / သမန်းကျားကိုမြင့်၊ ဝဏ္ဏ
Mom of Thamankyar

Related Posts
- Father’s Day
- Mother’s Day
October 6, 2026