He offered birthday soon kyway to Uzin Okkantha (Victor, Aung Chaw) and treated his former classmates (some of whom have not seen each other for a long time). The attendees include :
Aye Ngwe (Edwin)
Kyaw Win (“Birthday Boy”)
Khin Maung Bo (Alan, EP69)
Hla Min (EC69)
Uzin Okkantha (Aung Chaw, Victor, C69)
Than Win (M69)
Aung Kyi (Arthur)
Tin Tun (M69)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, IM1 70, UK)
SPHS Novice Crew at RUBC
Maung Maung Kyi (Bow, GBNF)
Hla Min (No. 2)
Kyaw Win (No. 3, EE)
Willie Soe Mg (Stroke, GBNF)
Myint Thein (Cox, SPHS 62, B.Com 66, GBNF)
We were all awarded Full Green.
When the schools were closed following the first Anniversary of 7th July, Kyaw Win and Maung Maung Kyi applied for scholarships to study in Germany.
Maung Maung Kyi received Dip Ing in ChE. He worked at Sittaung Paper Mill and PPIC before moving to Wales, UK.
Kyaw Win had a higher calling. He and his friends protested in front of the Burmese Embassy. The higher authorities were alarmed at their movement and recalled back to Burma. Fortunately, he was able to complete his EE in Rangoon.
In the early days, there were no computers in Burma. IBM (International Business Machines) based in the USA and ICL (International Computers Limited) based in the UK had presence in Burma. Both companies were not ready to introduce computers to Burma. They were content with leasing unit-record equipment (calculators, tabulators, …) using punched cards. The managers and their staff were highly paid compared to the Government employees.
In the early sixties, Burma Railways wanted to upgrade to an ICL computer, but the Coup d’etat in 1962 and subsequent restriction of foreign currency exchange & budget planning rules effectively derailed the project.
Dr. Chit Swe
In the mid sixties, Dr. Chit Swe, Head of the Maths Department at the Institute of Economics, proposed the need of a computer for teaching and research to a Dr. Nyi Nyi, Secretary / Deputy Minister of Education. Dr. Nyi Nyi suggested the scope to be extended for a computer to serve the staff and selected students of the Universities and Institutes. Thus, the UCC Project was conceived. It was approved in 1970 with UNDP as the Funding Agency and UNESCO as the Execution Agency.
Dr. Chit Swe later became Professor at Mathematics at RASU (Rangoon Arts and Science University). He offered space at the Mathematics Department for the early volunteers of the UCC Project. He then obtained permission to use Mandalay Hall for use by the UCC Project before the UCC Building could be completed in Thamaing College Campus.
UCC Founders
Dr. Chit Swe, U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) co-founded UCC.
Dr. Chit Swe served as the Founder/Director of UCC. He initiated the academic and training programs. He stressed the importance of technology transfer, leapfrogging technology, knowledge sharing (internally and externally), and challenging the staff and students to try their best.
He requested U Soe Paing (RIT Electrical Engineering) to help design and implement the UCC project. He inquired the mother of Saya U Myo Min (Chartered Accountant working as Systems Analyst at IBM UK) if U Myo Min would be interested to come back to Burma and help with the UCC project. U Soe Paing recruited his friend Saya U Ko Ko Lay (PWD, GBNF) to help with the UCC project in general and with the UCC Building Design and Implementation in particular.
On April 1, 1971, U Soe Paing transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division; U Myo Min joined UCC as Manager of Applications Divison; and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) transferred to UCC as Manager of Operations Division,
I was a member of Generation Zero along with my mentors and U Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), who was the earliest and longest volunteer of the UCC Project.
Dr. Chit Swe retired as Rector of RASU. He moved to Bangkok and Sydney. He passed away in 2019.
U Soe Paing left UCC in the eighties to pursue a career as Technical Adviser and Consultant for the UN projects in several countries.
U Myo Min migrated to USA. He taught briefly at the Nanyang Technical Institute in Singapore. He retired after serving as a Principal for Seagate Technology and Conner.
Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) succeeded Dr. Chit Swe as Director of UCC. During his tenure, the Department of Computer Science (DCS) was established at RASU. U Ko Ko Lay served as Professor and Head of the Department.
Subsequently, the Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) was established with Dr. Tin Maung as Rector. U Ko Ko Lay served as Professor and Head of Information Technology. U Tun Aung Gyaw served as Associate Professor and Head of Hardware Technology. U Hla Min served as Associate Professor and Head of Software Technology. Some sayas from UCC and RASU taught Computational Mathematics.
Courses at UCC
Dr. Chit Swe was Founder/Director of UCC and Professor of Mathematics Department at RASU. He arranged UCC to conduct degree and post-graduate diploma courses under the aegis of the Department of Mathematics, RASU. UCC also conducted training courses for computer users. Dr. Chit Swe was succeeded as Director of UCC by Saya U Tin Maung.
Several distinguished Professors from US, UK and Europe lectured at UCC.
The postgraduate degree and diploma courses given under the aegis of Department of Mathematics include M.Sc. (CS) and DAC (Diploma in Automatic Computing).
UCC Course
The Courses for computer users include
COC (Computer Orientation Course)
CPC (Computer Programming Course)
Elective for Honors and Post-graduate in other disciplines
Intensive training (e.g. for the Population Census Data ProcessinSpecial training (e.g. for those selected as State Scholars)
Planning (e.g. for departments intending to purchase computers)
Teaching & Training
U Aung Zaw
Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and U Hla Min wrote
Introduction to Computers
Introduction to Computer Programming
Lecture Guides
Manuals Books
UCC Gatherings
Over the years, I attended several mini-gatherings and gatherings hosted by UCC sayas and alumni.
Yangon
Saya U Soe Paing regular hosts gatherings (usually dinner meeting) at his house. Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) was my class mate. She also attended CPC course. U Thein Oo, Daw Than Than Tint, Daw Tin May Lwin and several others help organize the gatherings. U Thein Oo, U Htin Kyaw, U Aung Aung and several others provided us transportation to or from Saya Paing’s house.
UCC gathering at U Soe Paing’s house
UCC 40th Anniversary Gathering
The “40th Anniversary of UCC” was the Reunion of Staff, Teachers (Past and Present) and Students. Saya Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) was represented by his spouse and daughter.
There was fun and laughter, music and dances, and good old memories.
Daw Ngwe Tin, Aye Aye Myint and sisters, Maung Myint, who maintained the UCC building rooms were among the attendees.
Among those present at the gathering, U Soe Myint, U Aung Myint, Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, Daw Khin Lay Myint and several others are GBNF.
UCSY Gathering
In January 14, 2018, I attended the 5th UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe as “Generation Zero” representative and the “Most Senior” (not by age). Several attendees started their studies and/or careers at UCC.
Sao Yan Naing, son of Dr. Saw Naing (Wesley, SPHS59), gave me a ride to the Pu Zaw Pwe. He is a nephew of Dr Myo Khin (C70) and a cousin of Soe Lin Maung (UCC).
Sydney in 2006
During my visit to Sydney, Australia in 2006, I met several UCC alumni. Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and Ma Kyawt organized a Reunion and mini-PZP for Saya Dr. F Ba Hli (GBNF) and Saya Dr. Chit Swe. They were helped by U Sein Myint Maung, Daw Khin Aye Mu, U Htay Aung (Victor) and Daw Tin Tin Hlaing to name a few. I met Daw Thanda Htwe and “UCC Pha Yaung Daing”.
U Sein Tin hosted a dinner and also created a short music video.
USA
Dr. Raiful Ahad (Fremont, California), U Khin Zaw (Cupertino, California), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) & Daw Thida Khin (Fremont, California), U Sein Myint (EC76) & Daw Sao Mon Sint (New Jersey), and U Toung (EC69, Connecticut) hosted UCC gatherings (especially to welcome and alumni visiting US).
U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69) hosts an annual joint gathering for UCC and RIT sayas and alumni at his home in New Jersey.
Singapore
U Tin Aung Win (C80), U Zaw Tun and Daw Pale Shein organized buffet gathering. U Aung Aung & Daw Kyin Mya are regulars at the gatherings. U Shein Soe Myint (EC83) is GBNF.
Some (e.g. U Win Latt, Daw Myint Myint Thein) have relocated.
Sojourn in Singapore
Activities
Table Tennis (Ping Pong)
U Thein Oo and U Saung Tin (CSO) are excellent players.
Volleyball
U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), U Kyaw Nyein (GBNF) and U Thein Oo are excellent players. Rafiul Ahad (who was third in Burma in Hurdles) hurt his knee in a volleyball match. Daw Nwe Nwe Win (Judy) is often the sixth member of an all-male team.
Soccer / Football
UCC team played ad hoc match against other teams (in and around Hlaing Campus).
UCC Dobat
U Win Hlaing played the Dobat. Others (e.g. Maung Myint, U Hla Pe) would play Wah Let Khote (bamboo clapper) and Ya Gwin.
Donlaba / Yahan Khan
UCC used to celebrate Thingyan and Su Paung Donlaba.
Dr. Chit Swe, Win Maung, Hla Min, Tun Aung Gyaw, Soe Myint, Khin Maung Aye, Daw Khin Khin Latt
UCC had a Su Paung Donlaba for several years at Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung and other monasteries. The Donlaba monks would be offered Soon at the UCC Thingyan. There would also be Water Throwing and occasionally “Ye Pet Khan” to selected mandats.
Ad Hoc Trips
U Aung Zaw (GBNF) led some trips (e.g. to Maw Tin Zun).
Four Decade Old Photo taken at the Convocation Hall
Ko Win Hlaing
Ko Henry Maung Maung (Census, GBNF)
Ma Kyu Kyu Lwin (GBNF)
Ma Khin Si Thoung (USA)
Ma Khin Khin Win (Five Star Line – USA)
Ma Phyu Phyu Win (Singapore)
Ma Win May Thaung (GBNF)
Ma Tin Tin Yi (Port Authority)
Ma Hla Hla Win (GBNF)
Ko Aung Myint (GBNF)
Ko Soe Myint (Sunlun, M72, GBNF)
GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
Dr. Chit Swe Founder/Director of UCC
U Ko Ko Lay Longest tenured Co-founder of UCC; Professor at DCS and ICST
Dr. Tin Maung Director of UCC; Rector of ICST
Dr. Kyaw Thein Rector of ICST
U Hla Min (SPHS64, EP70) Chief Operator
U Maung Maung Gyi (SPHS64, Phy68) Chief Operator
U Maung Maung Lay (St. Albert’s, Ah Ba) Operator
U Aung Myint (SPHS64, Phy68) Maintenance Engineer, Systems Division
U Soe Myint (M72, DAC) Pro-Rector, ICST
U Shein Soe Myint (EC83, MSc(CS)) Passed away while doing his doctorate in Singapore
U Mya Thein Business Applications Manager; Visiting lecturer at ITBMU (International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University)
The following illustrates “Six degrees of Separation” & “Associative Memory”.
U Sein
Saya U Sein taught Burmese at St. Paul’s High School. His students include U Thet Lwin (Ngwe Hlinne, composer of “Mya Kyun Nyo” song that was sung at the Opening Ceremony of Yar Pyay Ah Kyo)”. The song was first recorded as a “Dat Pya” at Myanmar Ah Than (Burma Broadcasting Service). It was first sung by U Mya Thein and group. It was also sung by the RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins in Singapore (fondly known as the “Pon Chan Chan Group” led by Don Min U Yu Swan).
U Thet Lwin
U Thet Lwin is the maternal uncle of Ko Sein Tin (SPHS68, EC74) who volunteered at UCC while waiting for permission to move to Australia.
U Kyaw Sein (4th in Bottom row)
Saya Sein’s brother-in-law Saya U Kyaw Sein was Class teacher for a different section. He taught us as a relieving saya.
Dr. Soe Win
Saya Sein’s son Saya Dr. Soe Win (SPHS58) stood first in Burma in the Matric exam of 1958. He studied Chemistry Honors at RU and received his doctorate from Imperial College, University of London. He retired as Rector of YUFL.
U Yu Khin & Richard Yu Khin
IFL (Institute of Foreign Languages) was co-founded by Saya U Yu Khin. He and Dr. Daw Phay are parents of Dr. Marie Yu Khin and Dr. Richard Yu Khin. IFL evolved into YUFL.
Dr. Daw Phay was personal physician of my paternal aunt (mother of U Tin U, U Ba Than, Dr. Ruby Win Hlaing, Daw Betty Myint Thwe, Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin & Cho Cho Hlaing).
Ko Richard’s aunt was a close friend of Dr. Ruby.
Ko Richard won a Gold for Yatching at the 2nd SEAP Games with U Maung Maung Lwin (former Burma weight lifting champion, Commodore of Rangoon Sailing Club).
Ko Richard trained along side Ko Tin Maung Ni and swimming stars under the Japanese Swimming Coach Mr. Matsuda.
U Myo Min
At SPHS, Dr. Soe Win was a classmate of my cousin Saya U Myo Min (UCC) and my brother-in-law U Khin Maung Htun (Patron of OPA). During his studies in the UK, Saya received help from U Mya Maung (Amyotha Yoke Shin) and U Myo Min.
Aung Mion, Dr. Soe Win, Daw May Saw Lwin, Nyi Thet Lwin
I met Saya and Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin (MEHS57) during my visit to Myanmar from November 2019 to January 2020. Their elder son Ko Aung Mon attended TTC Practicing School together with my nephews and nieces.The younger son Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin is a surgeon in UK. Nyi Nyi’s daughter Ei Lwin achieved grade 9 in all of the nine subjects that she sat in the recent, 2019, GCSE exams. Following grandpa’s footsteps almost sixty years later!
Robert Sein (SPHS58) stood second in Burma in the Matric exam of 1958. He studied Physics Honors at RU. His classmates include Sayama Daw May Than Nwe (Joyce, spouse of Saya U Thein Lwin), Sayama Daw Khin Swe Aye (Emily, spouse of Saya U Hlwan Moe) and my sister Sayama Daw Khin Than Nwe. I met Ko Robert at the soon kwyay in memory of my brother-in-law.
Ko Robert’s sister (Wendy Sein) was our school mate at the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone. Wendy’s spouse Dr. Thein Htut (RUBC Gold) rowed with our cousins at RUBC. Dr. Thein Htut’s sister Daw Tin Tin Aye was a close friend of my sister.
Daw Myint Myint Tin (Pearl Ba Tin, MEHS58) stood Third in the Matric exam of 1958. Her spouse Dr. Khin Mg Wint (SPHS58) was called “Sargalay” by his Paulian classmates.
Ma Pearl’s brother (Melvyn, U Myo Win, M/Ag65) taught Agricultural Engineering at RIT and at Wagga Wagga University in Australia. He managed the RIT Automobile Club. He rowed as a saya for RIT.
Ko Melvyn’s spouse Ma Noreen Aung Gyaw taught English at RU. Her brothers are H.E. U Nyi Than (spouse of Sayama Toni) and U Tin Aung Win (spouse of Dorothy Kyaw Tun).
Dorothy’s father U Kyaw Tun is a saya of our sayas. Her sister Elizabeth was my classmate at PPBRS.
Sargalay’s sister Audrey was a classmate of my sister-in-law at St. Philomena’s Convent.
Audrey’s spouse Michael Aye was a classmate of my cousins Myint Toe and Kyaw Nyunt Koe at SPHS.
Updates
Several people in the post are now GBNF. Some passed away early. A few passed away recently.
There are several GBNF posts — some by Calendar Year.
Ko Tin Hla (EP 69) passed away on 10th January 2012 of cancer, which has spread over most of his organs, originally started on his lungs. He was suffering from cancer and was operated four months ago.
His funeral will be on the 12th January 2012 at Yae Wai (13.00 hr).
He is the No. 59 on GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) list.
Ko Shwe, Myint Maung. Win Maung, Aung Gyi Shwe, Myint Thein Kabar, and I went and met his family yesterday.
May I remind you to take care of your health.
With Metta and best regards. Aung Min (M 69)
From Ivan Lee (M69)
It is sad news. I was very close with him at the RIT second and third years. I named him Tommy, resident from Myoung-Mya. I met him at the Bassein college first year. He had a younger brother. When his father passed away in Rangoon, I remembered he and I seated together at the front, next to the driver of the funeral car at Rangoon Chinatown. At my RIT 69er welcome party in Yangon in Nov. 2006, that was the last time I saw him.
I am sending my deepest condolence to his family, and wish him be merry whatever he is going to be.
Again, it is an universal rule, we can keep going to lose one after another, will never ever to add any single one more into our network, regardless what, we must regard [and help] one another. And take care of our health, not others assistance, but ourselves desirability.
God bless all of our beloved classmates , alumni, respectful Sayas.
Best regards Ivan Lee USA
From U Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69)
Dear all,
Very sad to hear the demise of him.
Aung K P
From U Sein Myint (EP69)
Dear All,
Very sad to hear from Aung Min regarding Ko Tin Hla from Myoung-Mya. He is very near to Myint Mg (Bu Gyi). We were very near when doing this and that. Kristian Lal also together with him.
Sein Myint (K K Wong)
From U Thein Swe (EP69)
Dear Ko A Min and all,
Well done! Thanks for your annual and, occasional reports [about the ’69er Health Care Fund]. Once a friend is forever the friend. The older we become the more we should recognize our classmates no matter whether alive or deceased, in high or low profile. Please extend my words of thanks to Ko Shwe, Moe Hein, Myo Nyunt, Myint Sein, Kyaw Zin, Myint Thein, etc for their activities regardless of old age.
There are some outstanding classmates of the year 2011 viz: Ivan Lee @ Khin Maung Oo (USA, Kyaukme, M), unnamed classmate from USA,. Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Tx, Germany).
With metta Th Swe
From U Sein Tin (M69)
Dear Ko Aung Min and the rest,
Thank you for your annual report of Health Care Fund and activities. You are right. We are at the sun set time. We need both physical and mental support to each other.
You have done well. I support you.
With regards, Sein Tin [Omega]
Updates
At one time, the Class of 69 had median age of 69 and the GBNF list was 69.
At present the Class of 69 has a median age of 78 / 79 and the GBNF list is 138.
Note that several people in the post — Aung Gyi Shwe, “Kabar” Myint Thein and Thein Swe — are now GBNF.
Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) donated $300 to the 69er Health Care Fund. Per her request, she was listed as a “classmate in the US”. She is the lone female EE graduate in 1969. She migrated to the US. She earlier told the 69ers of her volunteer work for immigrants and/or seniors. She attended the Golden Jubilee Celebration in 2019 and donated $1000.
Sayadaw U Silananda resided at TMC when Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay was undergoing construction.
Activities
TMC conducted long-term meditation retreats and week-end retreats.
TMC held summer classes : one for children and the other for young adults.
TMC published several books (in English and Vietnamese) for Dhamma Dana distribution.
TMC also offered courses via Zoom.
Several activities were suspended during the pandemic.
Pali
Sayadaw Dhammika-bhivamsa (Tharmanay Kyaw) taught Pali courses using selected Suttas to interested yogis to have an appreciation of Buddha’s teachings without delving into the details of Pali grammar.
The course materials were prepared by Som Tu (Director of TMC, Retired Technology Executive) under the guidance of Thamanay Kyaw Sayadaw.
Reference Books
I volunteered as Translator/Interpreter for Meditation Retreats at TMC.
Myat Kyaw & San Lin
P M-E Dictionary
Beelin Sayadaw U Pannadipa (then Resident Sayadaw at TMC, later Padana Nayaka Sayadaw at Panditarama Shwe Taung Gone in Yangon) gave me the book “A Pali Myanmar-English Dictionary of the Noble Words of the Lord Buddha”.
The book was compiled by U Myat Kyaw (Myanmar Sar Ah Phwe) and translated into English by U San Lwin. U San Lwin is the older brother of Dr. Lyn Swe Aye, IM(2).
Buddhist Dictionary
Buddhist Dictionary
TMC gave me “Buddhist Dictionary” by Venerable Nyantiloka.
It is subtitled “Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines”.
The first edition was published in 1946. The third revised and enlarged edition was edited by [Venerable] Nyanaponika in 1970.
Intro to Pali
U Hla Myint (former Sayadaw who had passed several monastic exams) gave me a PDF version of his manuscript “An Introduction to Pali” for study and review.
The book is available as Dhamma Dana distribution from TMC.
He studied Pali under the guidance of Mahagandayone Sayadaw U Janakabhivamsa, U Vijayalankara & U Dhammikabhivamsa (“Thamanay Kyaw”).
He studied English under the guidance of Sayadaw U Panditabhivamsa and with the eminent teachers such as U Aung Myat Thut, U Aye Maung and U Hla Maung.
He has written, translated and edited several books for TMC.
Updates
Sayadaw U Pandita, Sayadaw U Silandabhivamsa and Beelin Sayadaw have passed away.
Some passed away due to old age and natural causes. Sad to learn that many succumbed to the pandemic. See related posts for details (life and achievement …)
Class of 59
U Bo Gyi
Uzin U Bo Gyi (A59) Designer of Daw Khin Kyi Mausoleum
Class of 68
Sayama Daw Mya Mya Than (EP68)
U Zaw Win (Cyril, EP68)
U Saw Win (EP68)
Class of 69
Thein Maung
The GBNF list is maintained by U Aung Min (M69) and his team
So sad and alarming
U Soe Myint Thein (E) : #113
U Tin Shwe (C69) : #112 & spouse
Nan Su Su (T69) : #111 & spouse
Saya U Kyaw Tint (Min69) : #110
U Thein Maung (M69) : #109
Saw Tobias Kittim Ku (A69) : #108
U Aung Gyi Shwe (EP) : #107
U Chit Pe (M69) : #106
U Khin Maung Gyi (M69) : #105
U Soe Win (M69) : #104
U Thein Swe (EP69) : #103
U Tun (Met 69) : #102
U Aung Myint (C) : #101
U Tin Aye (A Rauf, EP69) : #100
U Yi Pin (Mg Mg Kaung, M69) : #99
U Tin Sun (C69) : #98
Class of 70
U Wara
Sayadaw U Wara (U Win Paing, ChE70) : #111
U Win Kyi (Kyar Zan, C, 64 Intake) : #110
U Hla Min (C, 64 Intake, SuperOne) : #109
U Khin Maung Maung (C70) : #108
Ko Soe (M70, Sittang Mill) : #107
U Aung Myint (Eric, C70)
U Min Maung (Mg Mg, MAuto70)
Maung Par (Pet70)
Class of 71
U Kyaw Maung (Min71)
U Ye Gaung (Pet71)
U Hla Min (C71, Intake of 64)
Willie Ko Shwe (SPHS65)
Class of 72
U Ngwe Htun (C72)
U Hla Maung (C72)
U Myo Myint Pe (ChE72)
U Khin Maung Myint (John Tint, M72)
Freda Tin Swe Aye (ChE72)
Tommy Win (66 Intake)
U Pe Aye (66 Intake)
U Than Tun Zan (66 Intake, EP76)
U Soe Myint (Shwe Thwar, M72)
Class of 73
U Ko Ko Gyi (C73)
U Aung San (C73)
U Soe Win (C73)
U Win Kyi (C73)
Class of 74
U Tin Aung (C74)
U Soe Than (C74)
U Kyaw Thaung (C74)
U Myo Thant (C74)
U Maung Maung Myint (C74)
U Aung Htut (C74)
Md Zubai (M74)
Daw Ni Ni Than (M74)
U Nay Win (Tommy, Met74)
U Win Myint (Myeik, ChE74)
U Kyaw Kyaw (M/EP74)
Class of 75 – 79
U Myat Swe (Benedict Sia, M75)
U Aung Kyaw Myint (C77)
U Khine Tin (C77)
Daw May Kyi (EP78)
U Myat Lay (C78)
U Win Maung (C79)
U Win Myint Htay (C79)
U Robin Thet Naing (C79)
U Nyunt Aung (Mn7x)
Daw Kyi Kyi Win (T)
U Than Sin Myint (Met)
Class of 80 – 89
U Soe Naing Aung (C80)
Daw San Myint (C80)
Daw Khin Khin Oo (C80)
U Thar Hlaing (C80)
U Myo Thant (C80)
U Khin Sein (M80)
U Ba Thein (C82)
U Tint Lwin (C82)
U Min Lwin Pe (C83)
U Nay Win (C83)
U Kyi Win (C83)
U Hla Myo Aung (C83)
U Ko Ko Su (EP83)
U Myo Win (C84)
U Tin Maung Myint (C84)
U Tin Win (C84)
U Min Min Soe (C85)
U Tin Oo (C85)
U Tun Thein (C85)
U Toe Aung (C85)
U Soe Lwin (C85)
U Tint Wai (C85)
U Win Nyunt (M86)
U Aung Min (C86)
U Win Sein (C86)
U Latt Myint Naing (C86)
U Kyaw Lin Oo (C87)
Daw San San Myint (C87)
Class of 9O – 99
U Tin Oo (C91)
Dr. Tin Tin Win (C92)
U Than Htay (C92)
U Aung Min (C92)
U Nyan Tun (C94)
U Tin Maung Myint (C95 Jan)
U Tun Zaw (C96)
U Zaw Tun (C96)
U Htay Aung Tint (C98)
U Myo Win / Myo Myo (C98)
U Than Win Tun (Bldg Dip 99)
U Khin Aung Lin (83 Intake)
Class of 2000 – 2009
U Tint Lwin Oo (C03 Apr)
U Ko Ko Aung (C03 Apr)
U Kyaw Naing Thu (C04)
Spouses of Alumni
Spouse of U Aye Thein (EP69)
Spouse of U Hla Shwe (T69)
Spouse of U Thein Swe (EP69)
Spouse of U Yi Pin (M69)
Spouse of Sa Maung Maung (EP69)
Spouse of Daw Aung (ChE79)
Spouse of U Kyaw Sint (T70)
Spouse of U Win Aung (M70)
Spouse of Nan Su Su (T69)
Spouse of U Tin Shwe (C69)
Sayas and Sayamas (From RIT and Other Universities)
U Kyaw Tint (Mining)
U Soe Lwin (Mech)
Daw Khin Saw Tint (Eng)
Dr. Kyaw Win (Pro Rector)
Daw Mya Mya Than (EP)
U Khin Maung Maung (Civil)
Dr. Mi Sandar Mon (Mech)
U Nyunt Yin (Physics)
Dr. Win Thein (Civil)
U Ngwe Tun (Civil)
U Ko Ko Lay (Maths)
Dr. Khin Maung Win (Maths)
Daw Kyin Kyin (Maths)
U Kyin Ko (Maths)
Dr. Zin Aung (Physics)
U Kyaw Tun (ChE & Chem)
Dr. Tin Win (David, Chem)
U Tin Aung Han (Geology)
Robert Thein Tun (YU English)
U Win Maung (DGHE)
Dr. Robert Tun Maung (Rector)
Dr. Mie Mie Thet Thwin (Rector, UCSY)
Daw Khin Ann Mon (ICST)
Dr. Maung Maung Sein (Surgeon)
Relatives & friends
Dr. Myo Tint (Cousin)
Daw Aye May (Cousin)
Daw Maibelle Maw
Daw Thiri Nyunt We (UCC)
U Aung Win (Alex)
Dr. Soe Min Thein (Soe Aung)
U Khin (father of U Soe Myint, UCC, UN)
Daw Khin Pyone Kyi (Mother of Daw Kyi Kyi Aye)
Daw Tin May (Mother of Daw Mi Mi Aung)
Mother of Daw Phyu Phyu Kyaw (UCC)
Brother of U Kyi Shane (M83)
Brother and SIL of Don Min U Yu Swan
Sister and BIL of U Moe Myint (M76) Sister of Daw Moh Moh Han (A77)
Mother, Aunt and Brother of U Hlaing Myint (UCC)
Son of Daw Khin Saw Tint (Eng)
Daughter of Tobias Kittim Ku (A69)
Sister of Daw Khin Toe Myint (Zoo)
Father of Daw Nwe Ni Tun (ICST)
Father of Daw Thin Thu Naing (ICST)
Father of Daw Win Pa Pa Ko (ICST)
Brother of L Shark Moon (C67)
Sister of U Soe Lwin (EC66)
Khamee Khamets of U Soe Lwin (EC66)
Brother of U Aung Win (Owen, M71)
Son of U Khin Zaw (Chem)
Son of U Win Maung (Point)
Father of U Tin Oo (M87)
Uncle, aunt and two cousins of Daw Tin Tin Cho
Brother, cousin and Khameee Khamets of U Win Thein (SLRD)
“Have you ever really had a teacher? One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine? If you are lucky enough to find your way to such teachers, you will always find your way back. Sometimes it is only in your head. Sometimes it is right alongside their beds.”
At the end of his book “Tuesdays with Morrie”, Mitch Albom wrote the above about his teacher, Morrie Schwatz, his professor of sociology in Brandeis. I am sure that Ko Nyunt Thein who asks me to write about Ah Ba will agree that the words can be said of Ah Ba U Hla Myint who passed away yesterday. Like Prof. Schwartz, Ah Ba had or must have seen each and every student that he had taught as “precious things” that he could polish to a “proud shine”.
Ko Nyunt Thein and I are among thousands of doctors who were fortunate to be polished by Ah Ba in many ways. While Ko Nyunt Thein was able to be “alongside” Ah Ba’s bed till the last day of Ah Ba’s life, I can close my eyes, and in my head and in my memories of saya, I know I would never be lost because of what Saya taught me and made me to be who I am .
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May I tell the readers a few anecdotes that would make them understand the various aspects of saya:
“Put their names on HPD list”
“Sister Florence, make sure their names are on the high protein diet list every day. And tell U Gyi Hla, to make sure that they eat”. Sister Florence was his ward sister for many years, U Gyi Hla was responsible for getting the prescribed diets from the hospital kitchen and give it out to each patient . And “their names” meant the names of Ko Myo Myint and myself.
I might have mentioned to some that the two of us literally lived in Ah Ba’s wards from April 1964 onwards, and for myself, from then till November 1970 when I moved to Children’s hospital for my paediatrics training. Saya Bobby, with Ah Ba’s agreement, had given us this little room which used to be the “ECG room” to live in, while we were learning from both of them. Ah Ba asked me one day, coming into the room where I was studying and said,” I should have asked you before. What are you doing for your meals?” I replied, “If we have time, we go to Latha Lan or 19th. Street for food (this was the cheap affordable roadside food eaten by med students and interns)”. “This wouldn’t do!” saya said and turned away calling for Sister. That was how we remained on Wards 5 & 6 High Protein Diet for about three years.
This was in the really good days when there was no “ko htu ko hta” i.e self help or “sa zeit hmya pay” cost sharing as it was now. All the patients’ needs, from linen, mosquito nets, food, medicines were all provided free of charge by the hospital.
And being on HPD, we got a jug of milk, two toasts, two boiled eggs for breakfast, and a meat of our choice together with veggies on the side, either a fruit or a portion of a custard pie as dessert! Talk about eating in style.
The only complaints came from the interns, our seniors: they had to write up the diet sheet every night making sure that the right diet be asked for each patient, by name and bed number. And some literally got “pissed off” (pardon my French!) to have to add our names to the list every night!
Was Saya wrong in doing this? No, saya was just caring for us and making sure that we ate and ate well!!!
“Shit Gyi Kho Par Yae, Ta gar pwint pae bar”
(For goodness sake, please open the door)
This was the time when junior doctors could not afford to own cars. At that time, there were about a dozen doctors senior to me who had already passed the selection examinations and were being trained in RGH. Only Ma Ma Thelma who could drive herself and Ah Ko Thein Han who had a driver, could be in time every day. The other three, Ko Harry, Ko Sein Oo and Ko Ko Hla, posted to our wards came by bus, buses that they had to take after a long walk from where they lived to the bus station on the nearest main roads. And with the erratic bus schedules and crowded buses, they were often just a few minutes late. But, by Ah Ba’s rules, every entrance must be closed and locked by 8.00am. and nobody could enter the ward when Ah Ba did his rounds.
The “shit gyi kho pa yae.. ..” was a common refrain that we could hear from my three elder brothers, making a plea with the ward boy to let them in. And of course, the ward boy would never dare to go against saya’s orders.
Many ploys were tried: going up one story up to the surgical wards and coming down by the stairs pretending to be busy at the other end or returning from a surgical referral; coming up to the way that dead bodies were carried down to the mortuary through the basement; going around towards Lanmadaw, climbed to the X-ray department, got an old X-ray to pretend that you were fetching an urgent X-ray – with Ah Ba, none would work. You got caught by Ah Ba and Ah Ba kept on closing every entrance!
Ko Tin Maung Htun who lived in the AS quarters across the street and for me living in the ward, we escaped the scolding and enjoyed the discomfort of our seniors!
“No, saya, it wasn’t me, it was Shwe Shwe”
One essential duty before Ah Ba saw patients was what we called “the cheroot rounds”. We had many cases of Cor Pulmonale (COPD) cases all the time in the wards. Many were heavy smokers of cheroots. We had to do one round to check their bedside lockers that the cheroots were either not there or at least well hidden.
If by chance, Ah Ba opened the locker and found cheroots, I got a scolding. But I was lucky when Shwe Shwe got posted to us. I only had to say, “I didn’t check saya, it was Shwe Shwe”, Ah Ba would just frowned at us but no scolding! With Ah Ba, Shwe Shwe could get away with anything short of murder!
The same would be for diabetics and their “locker rounds” – nothing of high sugar or carbohydrate content must be found or woes betide the house surgeons to whom the bed had been assigned.
“Saya, it is time for me to change my glasses”
Ah Ba got very upset if we missed physical signs. If he had time, he would thoroughly examine each patient on his rounds and expected all of us to have detected relevant physical signs present. His “favorite thing” was to detect “pericardial rub” which we tended to miss. It happened once to me. I thought I had done well with that patient but when Ah Ba turned to me, handed the earpieces for me to listen, while holding the chest piece where he heard the rub, I knew I was in trouble.
Frowning, he said, “I did not expect that you would miss this, Johnny”.
I was so frightened of being scolded, blurted out, “Saya, it is time for me to change my glasses, at such times, my hearing gets less acute.” Only later I realized that I had given him a ridiculous excuse. He did not say anything. Just said, “When I go back for lunch, come with me.”
I thought I would be in for a “one to one” “monhinga kywae” – we called being scolded as being given mohinga. Instead, on arriving at his house, he pulled open a drawer and gave me a new Littman, so that I could hear well!!!
“Silence ! Johnny is sleeping”
It was just one of those bad days: That admission day, we had so many patients, many coming in very ill. All beds were full and we had to put up what we called “centre beds” i.e. setting up beds between the two lines of regular beds as well as “stretcher cases”, those whom we could not give beds had to be kept on the stretchers on which they were brought in. On top of that I got called away twice to Dufferin to see and bring back two cases of septic abortion with acute renal failure.
By 7.00, having requested Emergency to kindly stop sending patients to us but to wait and send them to the next admitting wards, I laid down for a short nap. But, I must have fallen asleep, because it was past 10.00 when I woke up. Strangely, the wards were very quiet and I could not imagine why. I washed my face, changed clothes and got out. Then I saw the reason why.
Ah Ba had told Sister to close off the passage way, between his office and my little room with trolleys at each end. I was so embarrassed that Saya had also put up two signs on cardboards on the trolleys that said “Silence, Johnny is sleeping” in Burmese!!! Talk about being so priviledged to be treated like his very own little son!
“Rosalind, Johnny is here”
Every Thadingyut, I would go to Ah Ba’s house to pay homage to Ah Ba and Ma Ma. The moment he saw me coming in he would shout, “Rosalind, Johnny is here.” He would not accept anything from me, either expensive or inexpensive, as homage. If I did, he would give it back to me. He preferred that I came empty handed so that Ma Ma could give me a plastic bag containing either white shirts and black material for trousers or later white collarless shirt, a yaw longyi (my favorite) and a length of cloth to make a Burmese jacket.
Only once he accepted: I was leaving Burma and had asked Ko Sein Aung, an artist whose children I looked after, for a painting to give as a farewell present to Ah Ba, especially as I did not know when I might be able to come back to Burma.
I got off the car, carrying this painting wrapped in brown paper. The first thing he said was, “How many times did I tell you not to bring anything for me.” I said, “Saya, I am leaving Burma and do not know when I can come back again. I asked a friend to paint what I would like to say to you for everything that you have done for me.”
I kowtowed and paid homage and handed the wrapped painting to Ah Ba.
He opened it, looked at it and said, “Why this painting?” I replied, “Saya, I were Rahula, you would be Buddha to me”. It was a copy of one of U Ba Kyi’s paintings of Rahula asking for his inheritance from Buddha.
The painting will still be in Saya’s prayer room till now. And like Rahula, I did inherit from my father Ah Ba who as a Buddhist, I revered as being equal to the Enlightened one, inherited not material riches but lessons for life that made me a good person and a good doctor.
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No, Ah Ba did not die yesterday: he lived on in each of us who were his students, now scattered all over the world.
Thane Oke Kyaw-Myint
14 September 2012
Ah ba and meAh Ba, with Marie, Ko Nyunt Thein and me, Jan 2011This is the mural of Buddha and Rahula in my old office in Children’s Hospital. The painting given to Ah Ba is a smaller version of my mural
I would like to invite you for Min Ko & Prudence Waterman’s engagement dinner on 13th January 2018 (Saturday) from 6-8 pm at Winner Inn. Please note in your diary.
Best wishes, Peter & Win Mar
Events related to Peter’s Parents
U Tin U’s 90th Birthday
Min Ko Interviewed his grandfather
Ye Lay brought “Medicine” (Scotch) for his grandfather
Was offered as an Option by the Economics Department, Rangoon University.
Became a separate Department under the Faculty of Social Science
Later became a Department of the Institute of Economics.
Saw William Paw
Professor William Paw
During our University days, Professor William Paw was President of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). As Treasurer, I had to go to his office several times .
The earlier RUBC Presidents were Sir Arthur Eggar (founder), Commodore Than Pe, U Tun Thaung and Sithu U Tin.
He was also President of the RU Sports Council.
Dr. Khin Maung Kyi
He attended Rangoon University as a monk.
He is known for his debates and writings.
He taught at Commerce Department and later headed the Research Department.
He later taught in Malaysia and Singapore. I visited Saya in Singapore to hand over a parcel/present by Saya U Myo Min (UCC).
Dr. Khin Maung Kyawe (Jimmy)
It is his preferred spelling over “Kywe”.
I first met him when my cousin uncle Saya U Than Lwin (Eric, GBNF) took me to the Social Science Library. My uncle taught Economics and also served as Librarian. He would give rides to the sayas including Sayas Jimmy and Dr. Maung Shein.
I met him again in the mid 80’s as Head of BERB (Burma Education Research Bureau). I attended several meetings at BERB.
Dr. Mya Than
Dr. Mya Than & Daw Yee May Kaung
He taught at PBRS before going for postgrad overseas.
His spouse Daw Yee May Kaung is the younger daughter of Sithu U Kaung. She was the last Treasurer of Burma Research Society.
They moved to Singapore and later Thailand.
U Myo Min (UCC)
U Myo Min
He won medals for standing first in I.Com and also in B.Com. (Accounting).
He became a Chartered Account and worked for IBM UK.
Per request from his mother and Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe, he came back to Burma to help with the UCC Project. He co-founded UCC with Sayas Dr. Chit Swe, U Soe Paing and U Ko Ko Lay. He taught classes at the Institute of Economics.
He later taught at Nangyang Technical Institute in Singapore and worked for Seagate Technologies & Connors in California, USA.
U Mya Thein & U Thein Oo
They transferred to UCC as Business Application Programmer/Analyst.
U Mya Thein (GBNF) retired as Manager of Business Applications. He also taught ITBMU.
U Thein is Founder & CEO of Ace Computers.
Commerce Graduate Association
Per request of Ko Kyi Soe and Ko Aung Myin, I helped with a course (Mathematics of Finance & related topics) conducted by Commerce Graduate Association (CGA).
U Chan Min
Uzin Chan Min
He represented Institute of Economics in Rowing and Chinlon.
He was the de facto leader for the Institute of Economics Rowing teams (including former President U Htin Kyaw).
He attended courses at UCC. He worked at EPC and later moved to USA.
After retirement, U Chan Min decided to become a monk. For the transition, he asked me to be a temporary monk with him for a week (or so).
He stays mostly at Dhammananda Vihara in Half Moon Bay, California. Per request from his brother Dr. Patheda Tin (NASA), Uzin spent vassa (waso retreat) at the Chan Myei Yeiktha in Springfield, Illinois.
Some of his former B.Com classmates include U Kun Pe (brother of Dr. Nyi Nyi), U Ohn Myint, U Kyi Khin, U Soe Myint (GBNF) and U Ye Myint (father of Zayanda).
HlaMin 