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  • Book Presents — 2

    Book Presents — 2

    by Hla Min

    Update : 13th November 2026

    From Sagaing Wachet Sayadaw U Lekkhana

    U Lekkhana
    • The Dawn of Wisdom
    • On the practice of Vipassana Satiphatthana
    • Sayadaw spent a Vasa at Tathagatha Meditation Center, San Jose
    • Sayadaw established a clinic and surgery unit at Wachet monastery; Dr. Robin Chan (Albertian64, surgeon in Rome, GBNF) was a donor and volunteer
    • Sayadaw is GBNF

    From Des Rodgers

    Des Rodgers
    • He was my English teacher in 2nd BE at RIT
    • He did graduate studies in UK and Canada
    • His specialty is “English as a Specialty Language (ESL).
    • He mailed me his book from Toronto, Canada. Believe it or not! I received only the cover of the package.
    • He had to mail a book again with insurance.

    From Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint

    Dr. TOKM 1
    Dr. TOKM 2
    • Our parents were Dhamma Friends.
    • He was my senior at St. Paul’s High School, my spouse’s saya at Institute of Medicine (1) and our sons’s doctor at Rangoon Children’s Hospital
    • My cousin sister and nephew worked for his projects (e.g Perinatal Care)
    • He worked for Unicef.
    • He mailed me the book from Canberra, Australia.
    • The book was published by his former students. The book covers his writings as well as articles by his former colleagues, friends and students.
  • Book Presents — 1

    Book Presents — 1

    by Hla Min

    Update : 13th November 2026

    From Sayadaw U Vinaya (Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung)

    The Yogi & Vipassana
    U Vinaya
    • The Yogi & Vipassana
    • Buddhist Meditation : The Sunlun Way
    • Sayadaw U Vinaya is Chief Resident Monk of KabaAye Sunlun Gu Kyaung ကမ္ဘာအေးစွန်းလွန်းဂူကျောင်း
    • Sayadaw passed away in his late 90s.
    U Wara
    • He was succeeded by U Wara / Win Paing (ChE70), who had served as Taik Oke Sayadaw for four decades.
    U Kavi
    Book
    • The Sunlun tradition was started by U Kavi (Myingyan Sunlun Gu Kyaung Sayadaw).

    From Mr. Li Chan (Buddhist Chaplain)

    In the Buddha’s Words
    • In the Buddha’s Words (An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon)
    • Edited and introduced by Bikkhu Bodhi
    • Mr. Li Chan taught at the Summer Dhamma Camp at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California, USA.
    • He gave me the book as a dhamma gift.
    • I was a past VP at TBSA, editor of Dhammanda Newsletter and TBSA website, editor of “Compilation of Sayadaw U Silananda’s dhamma talks (transcribed by Sayadaw U Osadha), editor of three books by Sayadaw U Jotalankara, and Contributing Editor of “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silandabhivamsa”.

    From Sayadaw U Nemeinda

    Milinda
    • Ashin Nemeinda (Taungyi Thein Daung Taik) was a top student at Thamane Kyaw exam. He passed two Tipitaka exams.
    • He taught courses during his visits to California
    • One course covered the book about King Milinda (မိလိန္ဒ မင်း) & Ashin Nagasena (အရှင်နာဂသိန်)

    Dhamma Dana by U Ba Than & Family

    Things that every Buddhist should know
    • The book is a compilation by Dr. Kan Nyunt.
    U Ba Than
    • U Ba Than is Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering at RIT.
    • He offered Birthday Soon Kyway and gave dhamma gifts.

  • Saddhamaransi Sayadaw

    by Hla Min

    Update : 13th November 2026

    Saddhamaransi Sayadaw U Kundala

    Saddhammaransi
    Brief Bio
    • Senior disciple of Mahasi Sayadawgyi
    • Outstanding meditation teacher
    • Made Dhamma Duta missions abroad (until his health forced him to stop going on long, tedious trips).
    • His biography (which covers to the age of 85) and his works can be found in http://www.saddhamaransi.org/

    The Nine Essential Factors Which Strengthen the Indiriya of a Vipassana Meditating Yogi (Volume 1)

    • Author : Ashin Kundalabhivamsa
      Mahasi Nayaka, Kamatthanacariya Sadhhammaramsi Center Sayadaw
    • Translator and Publisher: [Dr. Daw] Khin Mya Mya [Ph.D]
      Singapore; Later relocated to US

    Contents

    • Biography of Sayadaw U Kundalabhivamsa
    • Preface
    • Chapter 1 : The Vipassana Bhavana
    • (a) Vipassana meditation
    • (b) How to note the Kaya
    • …
    • (i) How to note the mind objects
    • Chapter 2 : First Factor Which Strengthen the Indiriya of a Vipassana Meditating Yogi
    • (a) The benefits of Vipassana meditation
    • (b) How difficult it is to have a chance to practise Vipassana meditation
    • (c) The ability of the yogi to direct his mind on the nature of cessation of phenomena
    • Chapter 3 : Second Factor Which Strengthen the Indiriya of a Vipassana Meditating Yogi
    • (a) How to note respectfully and penetratively
    • (b) How to note to be right at the present
    • …
    • (g) How to note to overcome the Upekkha Vedana
    • Chapter 4 : Third Factor Which Strengthen the Indiriya of a Vipassana Meditating Yogi (Part 1)
    • (a) The ability of the yogi to note continuously
    • (b) The first Samphajhana instruction
    • (c) The second Samphajhana instruction
    • (d) The third Samphajhana instruction
    • Chapter 5 : Third Factor Which Strengthen the Indiriya of a Vipassana Meditating Yogi (Part 2)
    • (a) The fourth Samphajhana instruction
    • (b) The fifth Samphajhana instruction
    • (c) The sixth Samphajhana instruction
    • (d) The seventh Samphajhana instruction
    • Chapter 6 : Fourth Factor Which Strengthen the Indiriya of a Vipassana Meditating Yogi
    • (a) The suitable meditation center
    • …
    • (g) The suitable posture
    • Chapter 7 : Fifth Factor Which Strengthen the Indiriya of a Vipassana Meditating Yogi
    • (a) The cuases of his attaining the Samadhi
    • …
    • (d) Two types of individuals whose finding of Dhamma is slow
    • Conclusion
    • Quick reference from Pali to English Language

    Update

    The Chief Disciples of Mahasi Sayadawgyi U Sobhana include

    • U Pandita : Panditarama Sayadaw
    • Ashin Kundalabhivamsa : Saddhammaransi Sayadaw
    • Ashin Janakabhivamsa : Chan Myei Sayadaw
  • Mechanical Engineering

    Mechanical Engineering

    by Hla Min

    Update : 12th November 2026

    Early Professors

    U Aung Khin

    U Aung Khin
    • Professor & Head, Mechanical Engineering
    • Moved to Canada

    U Ba Than

    U Ba Than
    • Retired as Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering
    • Passed away after his 94th birthday

    Sub-departments

    It had two sub-departments:

    • Agricultural Engineering : first headed by U Tin Hlaing (M59, Purdue, GBNF)
    U Tin Hlaing
    • Automobile Engineering : first headed by U San Tun (M59, MIT, GBNF)
    U San Tun

    M69ers

    M69ers participated in the 69er gatherings:

    • 30th Anniversary Gathering in 1999
    • 40th Anniversary Gathering in 2009
    • Golden Jubilee of Admission to RIT in 2014
    • Golden Jubilee of Graduation in 2019

    40th Anniversary Gathering in 2009

    Several group photos were taken at the gathering.

    Several sayas and alumni in the Mechanical Group photo are now GBNF.

    M69ers in 2009
    • Saya S. Kyaw Aye
    • Saya S. Arya
    • Saya U Soe Lwin
    • Saya U Han Tun
    • Yi Pinn (Maung Maung Kaung)
    • Soe Win
    • Myint Sein
    • Khin Maung Gyi
    • Thein Maung
    • Chit Pe
    • Aye Lwin
    • Myint Thein (Kabar)
    • Tin Tun

    Aung Min

    Fred & Aung Min
    • Chair, 69er Health Care Fund
      Maintains the 69er GBNF List
    • Organizer, 69er Gatherings
    • Organizer, Paying respect to Saya U Ba Than around Saya’s birthday (October 2nd).
    • Photo taken at a gathering with Fred Thetgyi (M69)

    Aung Myint

    Aung Myint
    • Taught at RIT and Singapore Polytechnic
    • After retirement, resided mostly in New Zealand

    Aye Lwin (GBNF)

    • Secretary, RIT Annual Magazine
    • Secretary, RIT Mechanical Engineering Association
    • Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles

    Charlie Aung (Chit Aung)

    • MEHS Alumnus
    • Brother : Stanley Aung (EE63)

    Chit Pe (GBNF)

    • Succumbed to COVID

    Chit Po Po (GBNF)

    Chit Po Po
    • Rowed for RIT
    • Harpist

    Daniel (Tint Lwin)

    Daniel
    • Attended SPZPs starting with SPZP-2000 in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA
    • Organizer and Entertainer, Gatherings in Singapore (Thingyan, PZP)
    • Guitarist ad Vocalist
    • Retired Associate Professor, NTU

    David (Myint Thein)

    David
    • Alumnus of St. Columban’s High School, Bhamo
    • Member of RUBC (Cox: Dicky / Win Naing)
    • MOGE

    Dicky Tan (Win Naing, GBNF)

    Dicky
    • Represented RIT in Rowing
    • Passed away in Singapore

    Frederick Thetgyi

    Fred
    • Moved to Philadelphia, USA
    • Attended RIT-UCC Gatherings in New Jersey
    • Drove most of the trip to Canada and East Coast of USA (organized by Ivan)
    • President of MASTAA

    Hla Kyaing

    • Represented RIT in Swimming and Water Polo
    • Had a consulting / contracting firm in the SF Bay Area

    Htay Aung

    Htay Aung
    Crosslake Swimmers
    • Burma Selected in Water Polo (1969 SEAP Games)
    • Secretary, RIT Swimming and Water Polo; Won Gold medal for 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and Crosslake
    • Spouse: Than Than (Asian Games Champion)

    Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo)

    Ivan Lee
    • Life time Platinum for Bridge
    • Major Donor, 69er Health Care Fund
    • Golden Sponsor, SPZP-2000 and SPZP-2007
    • Host, RIT-UCC Gatherings in New Jersey
    • Founder and CEO, MASTAA
    • Organized two trips to Canada to pay respect to Saya U Aung Khin and Saya Dr. Aung Gyi

    Kenny Wong

    • 6th in Burma in the Matriculation of 1963
    • Moved to California
      Worked briefly in Malaysia as Engineer and Missionary

    Khin Maung Aye

    • Pen name: Maung Hmutt

    Khin Maung Gyi (GBNF)

    Khin Maung Gyi
    • Succumbed to Covid

    Khin Maung Lay

    • Need info

    Khin Maung Tin

    • Taught at RIT and Maritime University

    Khin Than Myint Tin (Margaret)

    • Represented RIT in Track and Field
    • RIT Luyechun
    • Spouse : Kyi Win

    Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF)

    Kyaw Nyunt
    • Member of RIT Tennis Team that won the Inter-Institute Trophy

    Kyi Win (Chan Nyein)

    • Spouse : Khin Than Myint Tin

    Kyin Lwin (GBNF)

    • Need info

    Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung)

    • Taught at RIT
    • Seafarer
    • Company/Agency for Seafarers
    • For his 80th birthday, hosted the 69er Breakfast Gathering and donated K10 Lakhs to 69er HCF

    Myat San

    • Need info

    Myint Aung

    • Nickname: Minthagyi

    Myint Sein (GBNF)

    • Member, RIT Badminton Team that won the Inter-Institute Trophy

    Myint Swe

    • Need info

    Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF)

    Kabar
    • Organizer, 69er HCF

    Nay Win (GBNF)

    • Alumnus of PPBRS and MEHS
    • Taught at a Polytechnic in Singapore

    Saw Law La Htwe

    • Need info

    Sein Tun

    • Seafarer

    Sein Win

    • Need info

    Soe Win

    • Need info

    Than Hlaing

    • Need info

    Than Myaing

    • Musician (Violin)

    Than Win

    • Paulian classmate

    Thein Maung (GBNF)

    • Succumbed to Covid

    Tin Aung Win (Oscar)

    • Organizer, HIC Zoom Meeting
    • Photo taken at Graduation with his father

    Tin Htut (Harry)

    • Pen name: Mon Yu
    • Hobbies; Music, Tai Chi

    Tin Htut

    • Seafarer

    Tin Maung Lay (GBNF)

    • Moved to California
    • Worked for assignments in Middle East

    Tin Myint (John T Lee, GBNF)

    Tin Myint
    • Luyechun for 4th BE
    • Represented RIT in Table Tennis
    • Spouse : Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel)

    Tin Shein

    • Represented RIT in Chinlon

    Tin Tun (GBNF)

    Tin Tun
    • Old Paulian (SPHS63)
    • Secretary, RIT Thaing Association
    • Taught to seafarers

    Walter (Ngwe Soe)

    • UTC
    • Guitarist

    Win Htein (GBNF)

    • Helped run his family business (e.g trucking)

    Win Lwin

    Win Lwin
    • Secretary, RIT Hiking and Mountaineering Association
    • Represented RIT in the All Institutes Expedition to Sarameti.

    Ye Kaung

    • Need info

    Yi Pinn (Maung Maung Kaung, GBNF)

    Yi Pinn
    • Entrepreneur in Dawei
    • Spouse succumbed to Covid
    • A year later, he succumbed to Covid

    Garawa

    Paying respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than

    M69ers
  • RU 3

    RU 3

    by Hla Min

    12th November 2026

    Photos

    • It is important to preserve and share old photos.
    • Before the advent of digital cameras and smart phones, it was not simple and cheap to take photos (let alone process them).
    • In my younger days, I had a Box Camera, and later Yashica Mat. Unlike my uncle and a cousin brother who are experts in developing films (in a dark room), I had to pay 25 to 50 pyas per print at a Studio (e.g. Ahuja). Later, there emerged professional photographers (e.g. Maung Maung Nhyat and his brothers) and freelance photographers (e.g. Dat Pone San Aung, Dhatu Kyaw Lynn, Maung Maung Soe).
    • Only those who won contracts had permission to take official photos at the Convocations. It was not compulsory to take and pay for the photos. Some, who did not order the photos, found their photos being displayed as examples of “Do not walk like this” and similar fun messages.
    • In the posts, there are individual photos and group photos (e.g. fresher welcome, farewell, graduation, newspaper clippings). Some have captions and dates. It is sad to note that some photos remind of people that are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
    • In the early days, Color photos had to be sent abroad for processing. Our wedding photos were taken with the color film given to me by my elder brother. They were then sent to a friend who was studying abroad. The color photos faded over time.
    • With the advances in technology, even small children can take reasonably good photos. The photos can be edited (e.g. crop, color-adjusted).
    • Some unscrupulous people have “doctored” photos and presented them as “evidence” of news. One unethical researcher “duplicated” data to “get favorable results”.

    Htein Win

    U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is u-thant-book-2.jpg
    Htein Win
    • Took photos of the Ah Yay Ah Khin (mostly from a saya’s house in the Main Campus).
    • Gave the photos to some friends and to an organization overseas (for storage).
    • With the Pwint Linn era, he was able to get back the archived photos from overseas.
    • Managed to get articles from some of the participants in the Ah Yay Ah Khin.
    • Ko Khin Maung Zaw bought a book from Myanmar and then mailed it to me.
    • In November 2019. I was invited to attend the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Mandalay. I met Ko Htein Win who had a book stall at the Festival. He gave me an autographed copy of the book about 8-8-88.

    Dr. Thwe Oo

    • Shared her memories of growing up (until she matriculated) in the Main Campus.
    • Described the harrowing experience of the “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin” (especially the fear for her father’s safety).
    • Her father Saya U Khin Maung Nyunt (History, Assistant Registrar under Rector Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha and Registrar Sayama Daw Sein Sein) was Warden of Sagaing Hall at the time. Per Sayagyi’s request, he and his Hall Tutors tried to persuade the throng of student protesters — some holding sharp objects — marching on to the Convocation Hall, but to no avail. They had to go along with the crowd and try to minimize the crowd inflicting damage on the Campus property.
    • She fondly remembers her father play tennis with his close friend Joe Ba Maung (Burma Tennis Champion in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles).
    • She also had good rapport with the Swimming Instructors and friends at the University Swimming Pool.
    • Her mother is Sayama Daw Mya Mya Nu (Zoology, fondly known as Mya Lay of the “Lay Sisters”). Her aunts are Tin Lay, May Lay and Than Lay.

    Dr. Nyan Taw

    • Matriculated in 1963 from St. Paul’s High School.
    • RUBC Gold
    • Joined the Zoology Department
    • Did his graduate studies in Marine Biology in Tasmania, Australia.
    • Worked for People’s Pearl and Fisheries Corporation (PPFC)
    • Worked overseas on UN and Government projects.
    • He is happy to see posts about the simple but heroic act in 1941 (before he was born). His mother Daw Marie Hla Taw helped Bogyoke Aung San escape the net of the Police Commissioner who had placed Five Rupee / Kyat reward on Bogyoke. An actress has been selected to portray his mother in the movie about Bogyoke.
  • 1964 Matriculates

    1964 Matriculates

    by Hla Min

    Update : 12th November 2026

    I met three 1964 Matriculates on March 16, 2018 at the gathering hosted by Dr. Zaw Lin (David Chee).

    Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64)

    • He spends time in the UK and Myanmar.
    • He is visiting California.
    • He is a cousin of U Win Maung (EE69er) and Sayama Daw Khin Swe Aye (ChE70).
    • He stood 5th in the Matriculation of 1964 and was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number 2 (based on ILA).

    Dr. Aung Win (Lam Peng Chiong, SPHS64)

    • He is a retired Medical Doctor in Northern California.
    • He was a few marks behind Dr. Cherry Hlaing and Dr. Lyn Aung Thet in the Matriculation of 1964.
    • His ILA score was perfect and was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number 1 (based on ILA).

    Dr. Winnie Tan (SJC64)

    • Spouse of Dr. Aung Win
    • She is a co-founder of the ConBro (Convent and Brother Schools), which meets in San Francisco.
    • Dr. Daisy Saw and Mabel Sha are the other founder members.

    Dr. Ruby

    • She lives in Hong Kong and is visiting her sons in Northern California.
    • She mentioned that her cousin Dr Cherry Hlaing is in the East Coast to attend her daughter’s graduation.

    Dr. Cherry Hlaing (SJC64)

    • She was admitted to IM(1) as Roll Number 1 (with a perfect ILA score).
    • She was selected as Luyechun for Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the summer of 1965.
    • Her grandfather (U Hoke Sein), and her father (U Saw Hlaing) also stood first in Burma. This is a record that is hard to be broken.

    Dr. Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS64)

    • He had distinctions in English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry and had the Joint Highest Marks with Cherry Hlaing.
    • His Burmese was not sufficient to get a perfect ILA .
    • He was an all-round athlete and led the IM(1) team in swimming and water polo.
    • He is a good tennis and chess player.
    • He was selected Lu Ye Chun in a subsequent year.

    Dr. Cho Cho Tin

    • She is the other Matriculate in 1964 with four distinctions.
    • She moved to the UK.

    RIT

    Steeve, Zaw Min, Benny
    • Top Matriculates admitted to RIT in November 1964 include Zaw Min, Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Cho Aye (GBNF), Peter Pe (GBNF) and Thaung Sein / Steeve Kay (GBNF).
    • Yu Beng / Benny Tan later co-chaired SPZP-2000. He and Steeve became Golden Sponsors.
    • Zaw Min and Ohn Khine wrote about “RIT Days (1964 – 70).
    HMEE Book
    HMEE Supplement CD
    • Ohn Khine later volunteered as Moderator of their Intake and was a Contributor for HMEE project.
  • U Ohn Khine

    U Ohn Khine

    by Hla Min

    Update : 12th November 2026

    Ohn Khine & Khin Swe Aye

    Brief Bio

    • Matriculated from St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay
    • Admitted to the first ever 1st BE along with 400+ students in November 1964
    • Joined HIC after graduation

    HMEE

    • Member of HMEE-2012 and HMEE-2018 projects
    • Compiled CD Supplement for HMEE book with U Hla Min (EC69)
    • Translated Section 1 of HMEE book
    • Summarized Section 2 of HMEE book

    Activities

    • Moderator of Googlegroup for 1st BE Intake of 1964
    • Co-author of U Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) for “RIT Days (1964 – 1970)”
    • Organizer, Combined 1st BE Intake of 1964 and 1965
    • Volunteer for SPZP, SDYF and Alumni Association

    Notes

    • Spouse : Sayama Daw Khin Swe Aye / Winnie (ChE70)
    • Daughter : Medical doctor (working in Malaysia)
    • Sister : Sayama Daw Khin Swe Myint (organized Physics Symposium in Mandalay)
    • During my visits to Yangon, he gave me rides to attend SPZP Preparation and HMEE meetings.
    • The Brother at St. Peter’s registered him as “Ohn Gaing”.
      His friends called him “Gaing Gyi”.

    Photos

    • HMEE
      Members
      Meetings
      Book & CD Supplement
    • Gatherings
      Saya U Ba Than’s Soon Kyway
      Welcoming Walter (U Win Htay)
    HMEE Group
    HMEE-2012 Meeting
    HMEE Book
    HMEE Supplement CD
    HMEE-2018 meeting
    HMEE-2018 meeting
    Welcoming Walter (U Win Htay, USA)
    With Walter
    Mechanical Engineering 1970
    With Saya U Ba Than
    With Dr. Win Thein (GBNF)
    Saya U Ba Than’s Soon Kyway
    Birthday Soon Kyway by U Ba Than

  • Rangoon University

    by Hla Min

    Update: 12th November 2026

    Administration

    • RU had a Chancellor (Adipati) and Vice Chancellor.
    • After independence, the Prime Minister of the Union of Burma served as Chancellor. He would attend Convocation and give a speech.
    • The road leading to Convocation Hall is named Chancellor Road.
    • Justice U Bo Gyi served as Vice Chancellor for two terms.
    • A senior Saya (e.g. U Hla Aung, L. Htin Si) served as a Bursar or Registrar

    Faculties

    RU had several Faculties :

    • Science
    • Arts
    • Social Science
    • Engineering
    • Law
    • Medicine
    • Forestry
    • …

    Early Scholars and Sayas

    Dr. Tha Hla
    Dr. Maung Maung Kha
    Dr. Hla Myint
    • Dr. Tha Hla, Dr. Maung Maung Kha, and Dr. Hla Myint were among the early scholars sent to UK to study for their doctorates.
    • They headed Geology, Physics and Economics Departments.
    • They also served as Rector
    U Ba Hli
    • Saya U Ba Hli was the first native Dean of Engineering. He studied in India and UK. He served as Principal and Civil Professor at GTI before he transferred to RU.
    • Saya U Ba Hli is credited with the “Twinning Program” with prestigious universities in the US.
    • Beneficiaries of the program include engineering students (Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun, U Maung Maung Than, U Aung Khin, U Khin Aung Kyi, U Thit, U Soe Paing, U Ko Ko Lay …), sayas (U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Allen Htay, Dr. San Hla Aung, U Htin Paw, U San Tun, U Tin Hlaing … ), and eligible graduates (U Aw Taik Moh …).
    U Yone Mo
    • U Yone Mo studied Honors at RU and engineering in UK.
    • At that time, membership and associate membership of the engineering societies were valued for non-academic positions and jobs.
    • In contrast, a Masters Degree is usually needed to become a Lecturer.
    • Some sayas did a second round of studies to complete their Masters and get promoted to Lecturers.

    Burmese

    • In the early days, there was Oriental Studies Department, but no Burmese Department.
    • Saya U Pe Maung Tin (Pali Scholar) proposed and succeeded in the founding of the Burmese Department at RU. His students : ICS U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa), U Thein Han (Zawgyi) and U Wun (Minthuwun) spearheaded the “Khit San Sar Pay”. We had to study the works of all four in high school (and beyond).
    • Minthuwun’s poems and his classic short story (Bagyi Aung Nyar De) were translated into English by U Ohn Pe (Tet Toe), U Khin Zaw (“K) and fellow scholars, and the collection was published in both Burmese and English.
    • U Pe Maung Tin, U Aye Maung, and U Wun, served as Professor of Burmese Department.
    • U Myo Min (Nwe Soe, Professor of English) was also involved in the Khit San Sar Pay.

    Further Reading

    Details of the early departments and pioneer sayas can be found in the RU Golden Jubilee Magazine, the 90th Anniversary Issues and the RU Centennial publications.

  • From the family of Saya U Myo Win

    From the family of Saya U Myo Win

    by Noreen

    Update : 12th November 2026

    U Myo Win

    Dear friends and former colleagues of the RIT,

    I was overwhelmed by your kind letters of sympathy and messages of condolence. It seemed as though time and distance have rolled away, back to the happy memories of the days gone by when all were young and working together at the RIT.

    2017 has been a very difficult year for the family from the time Ko Myo Win was diagnosed with cancer of the bile duct in February, soon after his return from Yangon. As his cancer was inoperable, he went through eight cycles of Chemo and although it seemed to be responding well initially things started to change as his cancer markers went up and the tumour became resistant to the treatment. He remained positive and fought on, but sadly he lost the battle and passed away peacefully at home on 14 November.

    From the time he was diagnosed with cancer, he had wanted to remain private and would not let us tell anyone of his illness and neither would he let any friend visit him. We respected his wishes and let him have his way.

    My apologies for not being able to respond to your letters individually but I will try and do that in the days ahead. It is in times of grief and sadness that your love and support has helped us through this ordeal.

    I would also like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to my brother Tin Aung Win, sister-in-law Dorothy for their love and support.

    Finally sincere thanks to Ko Hla Min for bringing together the RIT family, friends and colleagues through your forum.

    In appreciation
    Nu Nu Yee (Noreen) Win
    (nunuyee.win@gmail.com)
    Aye, Aung and the rest of the Win Family

  • Tin Maung Lay

    Tin Maung Lay

    by Hla Min

    Update : 11th November 2026

    Tin Maung Lay (2nd from left)

    Soul Mate

    • Ko Tin Maung Lay (M69) found his love Margaret when he visited his former classmate and friend Ko Kyaw Sint (Edward Tai, T69er, Tennis & Soccer, GBNF) in Southern California.
    • She is the younger sister of Elizabeth (GBNF, spouse of U Kyaw Sint) and a cousin of U Tun Aung (Jeffery, EC68, GBNF).

    Long Separation

    • He moved to California, but spent most of his time working abroad — in Europe and Middle East.
    • He came back home only for the breaks.
    • Since they are well off and did not have children, a suggestion to retire was made.

    Final Trip

    • He agreed to retire, but his boss & friend asked him for a final trip to train / handover.
    • He passed away unexpectedly — before he could retire — on a Friday (which was Sabbath & Holiday in the country). His company tried its best to have his body flown back to California.
    • He was a Health Enthusiast and worked out daily. Kyaw Sint was also health conscious. Both were felled by Byadi ဗျာဓိ and Marana မရဏ. May they rest in peace.