Rangoon University Boat Club took part in the FEARA (Far Eastern Amateur Rowing Association) Regatta held at Hong Kong in November 1959.
U Tun Shein (Willie, Past Secretary)
Willie (3rd from Right)
He is Ko Lin Tun’s father and U Tin Win’s brother. He represented RUBC mostly as Timing Stroke. He is also a Sculler like U San Maung (Gerald). He won the Senior Novices in 1954 and became RUBC Gold. His Senior Novice crew include M. Hla Min (Mossaji, Gold), Than Nyun (George, Captain & Gold), Sao Hso Holm (Saw bwa lay, son of Arzani Sao San Tun) and Tin Htut (cox, multiple Novice winner, Captain & Gold). Four Golds out of Five members.
U Win Kyi
Win Kyi (4th from Left)
He is the son of Sayama Miss Hong Kong (Amelia Kyi, SPHS), older brother of U Min Kyi, and father of Ko Naymyo Thura. He usually rowed as 3 in 4+ (Coxed Fours) and 7 in 8+ (Coxed Eights).
U Tin Htoon (Past Captain)
Tin Htoon
He rowed as 2 for Ko Jimmy Saw Lwin and Ko Willie Saing in the early days. He later rowed as Timing Stroke and won ARAE trophies :
Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at Calcutta in 1958 with Ko Harry Saing
Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours at Colombo in 1960 with Ko Harry Saing, Ko Victor Htun Shein, Ko Sunny Teng and Ko Sein Htoon.
He was Editor of the 40th Anniversary Issue and Chair of the 90th Anniversary Issue (where I wrote Prelude for each section, and three articles).
His brothers include
Saya U Tin U (Past Captain)
Saya U Ba Than (Green)
Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain)
Saya U Myo Min (Green)
U Thaung Lwin (Past Captain)
Dr. Harry Saing (Htut Saing, Past Captain)
Harry (Right)
He rowed mostly as Bow. In the RUBC Annual Regatta of 1962, he rowed as Timing Stroke with U Win Kyi as 7 to train seven brand new Golds : Myo Tin, Micky Tan (Thein Aung), Htain Lin, Oung Kyaing, Winston Tun Thoung (Mehm Myo Thoung), Myo Myint and Tin Aung (Victor Wu).
He is the elder brother of Dr. Victor Saing (Aye Kyaw).
In the 90th Anniversary Issue, I wrote a tribute to him as a multi-sports athlete and scholar / professional.
U San Maung (Gerald, Past Secretary)
San Maung (Standing Leftmost)
Hevrowed on the Stroke side before specializing in Sculls.
He served as Club Coach along with Ko Harry.
He is the elder brother of Ko Hardy (Yan Shin).
Dr. Hla Min (Eddie)
Eddie (2nd from Left)
He was a Golden Cox.
He later coxed Defense crews.
He served BMH (Mingaladon Base Military Hospital) as Orthopedic Surgeon.
He is a retired Professor of Maths. He studied in Rangoon and France. He wrote about Maths, Education and Vispassana Meditation. He passed away at the age of 81.
He is the only son of two well known writers Saya U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit.
U Khin Maung Latt taught English at Rangoon University and at a private tuition school co-founded by him and U Thein Maung (Htin Lin, National Literary Award Winner). He was the inaugural Chief Editor of WPD (Working People’s Daily).
Daw Khin Myo Chit’s works include “Colorful Burma”, “Heroes of Ancient Bagan” and an award winning short story.
The Centennial of the two writers was celebrated in 2015. (Note: Bogyoke Aung San was also born in 1915).
Family of writers
Parents : U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit
Spouse : Daw Shwe Yi Win
Children : Maung Maung Win (Maung Yit) & Mi Mi Win (Junior Win)
U Khin Maung Latt taught English at Rangoon University and later at his Private Tuition School with U Thein Maung (Htin Lin). He also served as the first Chief Editor of Working People’s Daily.
Daw Khin Myo Chit was active during Burma’s Fight for Independence. She is an award winning author. She published several books about Burmese culture.
Dr. Khin Maung Win received his doctorate from France. After retirement as Professor of Mathematics, he wrote articles covering education and meditation.
Tekkatho Shwe Yee Win’s works appeared in magazines (e.g. Shwe Thway).
Maung Yit (U Maung Maung Win) is a cartoonist and co-founder of Moemaka. Daw May Than Htay taught at SJSU.
Junior Win (Daw Mi Mi Win) is a bilingual author. She won a prize for her book about her paternal grandparents (published for the 100th birthday celebration).
M69ers meet at Royal Rose Restaurant (Taw Win Hnin Si). The restaurant is owned by U Soe Nyunt (Old Paulian, GBNF).
They are joined by classmates from other disciplines. They include Civil (e.g. Ko Han Sein), Chemical (e.g. Ko Albert Kyaw Min), Electrical (e.g. Ko Shwe), Textile (e.g. Saw Yu Tint), Architecture (e.g. Uzin Bobby Myo Tun), …
There are hosts to celebrate events (Birthday, Anniversary, …).
Meeting for 69er Health Care Fund
I was invited to a meeting held at U Aung Min’s house. We had Mohinga.
Welcome gathering
Some gatherings took place at Kandawgyi Western Park. I attended a gathering hosted by Daw Myint Myint (C69) to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
Some gatherings take place the Royal Rose Restaurant. Daw Lin Lin Aung (T69, Singapore) hosted the Breakfast gathering to welcome her former classmates.
30th Anniversary gathering
In 1999, there was a gathering and mini-SPZP to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Graduation. U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) and Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) e-mailed me about the event. I informed the sayas and alumni in a Newsletter (which became known as RIT Alumni International Newsletter).
Sad to note that some organizers for that event (U Kyaw Than, U “NarYi” Sein Win …) are GBNF.
40th Anniversary
In 2009, the group celebrated the 40th Anniversary.
Golden Jubilee
In 2014, the group celebrated the Golden Jubilee (GJ) of Admission to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964.
The true Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) was celebrated in 2019.
Class of 70 and 71
70 & 71
The group is known as the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
The group has held monthly breakfast gathering (usually at Sein Hlyan) for two decades.
The Sein Hlyan restaurant was run by U Han Tun Maung (Old Paulian, GBNF), who was a multi-sports athlete. UHTM was active in Old Paulian’s Association (OPA), Kokkine Swimming Club, Archery, and Equestrian.
Class of 72
M72
M72 group is the most active in the Class of 72. It used to have lots of mini-gatherings.
The group decided to have less mini-gatherings and donate more to the RIT-related projects (such as Library Modernization).
The Group holds an annual Reunion and SPZP, where they invite all the eligible sayas and sayamas who have taught them. The Group also has honorary members from the other disciplines.
Other Class Gatherings
I attended some gatherings
Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 & 65 — invited by Steeve, Benny, Ko Ohn Khine
M72 & friends — invited by Mg Mar Ga, Ko Aung Myaing
M73 in Singapore — invited by John Rao
C75 — invited by Dr. Soe Thein
EC/EP 85 reunion in Bangkok — invited by Edward Saw
Sayadaw was Chief Resident Monk of Birmingham Vihara, UK
He wrote several Dhamma Books.
Book
Subtitle : The Philosophical Psychology of Buddhism
By Sayadaw Rewata Dhamma
Completed : 2004
Last book by Sayadaw
Publisher: Triple Gems Publication
The book is intended for all serious students of the Abhidhamma.
It serves as supplement to Bhikkhu Bodhi’s book “A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma”, and treats various important aspect in more detail – in articular the process of consciousness and matter.
Preface by Sayadaw U Silanandabhivama, Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Yangon
Acknowledgement by Sayadaw Dr. Ottaranyana, Birmingham Buddhist Vihara, UK
Introduction
Chapter I : CONSCIOUSNESS AND ITS FACTORS
CHAPTER II : PROCESS CONSIOUSNESS (CITTA VITHI)
CHAPTER III : MIND-DOOR COGNITIVE PROCESS (MANODVARA VITHI)
CHAPTER IV : ABSORPTION JAVANA IN THE MIND-DOOR PROCESS (APPANA JAVANAVARA MANODVARA VITHI)
Top Matriculates were awarded Collegiate Scholarship. The number of Scholarship winners ranged from 25 to 100 (depending on the year and policy).
Three Brothers
U Ba Than
U Ba Than (St. John’s Dio) won Collegiate Scholarship in 1947.
His younger brother Dr. Myo Tint (TTC) stood 3rd in Burma in 1952 and won Collegiate Scholarship.
His youngest brother U Thaung Lwin (St. Paul’s) stood 16th in 1960 and won Collegiate Scholarship.
1959
SPHS59
1960
SPHS60
1963
SPHS63
In 1963, ten from our class from SPHS received the Collegiate Scholarship of 75 Kyats per month.
After paying 15 Kyats for the school fees, those who attend as day scholars have 60 Kyats to spend.
Sad to note that Dr. Myo San (Freddie Ba San), U Maung Maung Kyi & U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way) are GBNF.
The number of scholarships awarded vary with the scholastic years.
In the mid 1950s, the top 25 students were awarded scholarships of 60 Kyats. There was no tuition fees for attending college.
Changes
In 1960, the top 100 students were awarded scholarships. SPHS had 24 scholarship winners.
In 1963, students from the private schools have to be in the top 40 to be awarded scholarships.
Stipend
In the early days, some medical students were awarded Army Stipend. After graduation, they became commissioned officers.
In the 1960s and the early 1970s, stipends were given to eligible students.
One student who attended Dental College in 1973 said, “I received a monthly stipend of 75 Kyats. I paid 57 Kyats for the hostel fees, and 15 Kyats for the school fees. I use the remaining 3 Kyats for riding buses. The short trips cost five or ten pyas.”
YTU
Scholarships and stipends are being awarded by various organizations to YTU students.
Before the pandemic, NorCal RITAA awarded scholarships to eligible YTU students. A student was typically given $1000 for an academic year.
Note that the purchasing power of Kyat has changed drastically over the years.
Thanks to the Ko Htu’s and Ko Hta’s for making a difference in the lives of selected YTU students.
[Special in 1924] Eligible B. Sc. graduates were admitted to the accelerated program (3 year course).
[Common in the old system] Students who passed the I. Sc. (Intermediate of Science) with Science Option and scored 50+ points in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry were admitted to the four year course.
Short-lived in the Old system
Eligible students who passed the Matriculation were admitted to the special six year course.
Due to resources (logistics …), the students were transferred before they graduated to the default program.
November 1964
Three batches of students were admitted to Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) under the then new Education System.
Third BE
200+ students joined the first ever 3rd BE Class.
Most of them completed their I. Sc.(B) with the Science Option.
There were a few who failed the First Year Engineering class.
Second BE
Hla Min in 2nd BE
320+ students joined the first ever 2nd BE Class.
Most of them completed their I. Sc.(A) with the Science Option.
Hla Min and Taing Oke were admitted as Roll Nos 1 and 2.
First BE
450+ Matriculates joined the first ever 1st BE Class.
Zaw Min and Tommy Shwe were admitted as Roll Nos 1 and 2.
Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA) system was used for admission.
There were students with (a) all Science (b) all Arts (c) Hybrid.
Regional College Era
After finishing two years at a Regional College, eligible students were admitted to 3rd BE classes.
Rector : Rangoon University, Rangoon Arts & Science University and University of Distance Learning
Saya Kha Hall
Saya Kha Hall
Spouse : Daw Khin Soe Tint (Sayama Ruby)
Son : Dr. Oak Soe Kha
Daughters : Maimee Kha, May Thi Kha, Dr. Myat Munn Kha
Sayas Association in Sept 1988
Saya Thutmagga
Oway Magazine
Oway Magazine
Published by Rangoon University Student Union-
Ko Aung San served as Editor
Oway Magazine Committee
Minthuwun
U Wun co-founded Khit San Sar Pay with U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa) & U Thein Han (Zaw Gyi)
Translation Department Head, RU
Lexicographer
Professor of Burmese, RU
Visiting Professor, Osaka University
Minthuwun
Selected Photos
Several were published in RU Centennial Facebook Pages
RU Ah Nu Pyinnya ShinRU ArtistsRU Badge 1RU Badge 2RU Estate 1RU Estate 2Prome Hall SoccerSagaing RoadShwe Bo HallInya HallYadanar Hall Yadanar Hall 1978 Thit Pote 1Thit Pote 2SEAP Games 1969SEAP Games 1961MinthameeSaing Waing 1Saing Waing 2Philosophy (Workers’ College)Table TennisTrack and Field
Jan 19, 1987 · Center for Burma Studies at Northern Illinois University at “DeKalb”.
The Center will have its formal opening on July 29 and 30, 1987. Richard Cooler, the Director of the new Center, will send out the detailed announcement !
I have arranged the key note address by U Nu, the first Prime Minister of Burma for the opening ceremony. U Nu also gave a summer class in “Buddhism” prior to the opening ceremony.
Here is a picture that I took of the group as we toured the Lake Shore one day.
You will notice U Nu (First and Last Prime Minister of the Union of Burma), late Professor Than Tun (History, Visiting Scholar in residence) & Mrs. Than Tun. Also, Burmese Lecturer Saya U Kyaw Hlaing. Dr. Cynthia Htaik is just behind U Nu. I still have some hair on my head! The Standard Oil Building can be seen in the back ground.
Standard Oil Building (Chicago), Illinois, is now known as the Aon Center.
Editor’s Notes (by Hla Min)
Dr. Yan Naing Lwin is Emeritus Professor and Chair of the Physics Department at Western Illinois University (WIU)
U Saw Tun is Head of the Burmese Department at Northern Illinois University (NIU)
