Computer Studies in Burma/Myanmar

UCC (Universities’ Computer Center)

It took a long time to design and implement the UCC project. Details can be found in the article “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” by Saya U Soe Paing my mentor at RIT and UCC).

Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) helped Saya Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) found UCC (Universities’ Computer Center). At UCC, our four Sayagyis are addressed as Saya Chit, Saya Paing, Saya Myo and Saya Lay.

Pioneer Project

UCC Project was conceived in the mid-60s when Saya Chit headed the Mathematics Department at the Institute of Economics. The initial scope was to get a grant for a digital computer for IE, but the scope was expanded to cover selected Universities and Institutes.

The UCC Department was launched in 1970 with Saya Chit as Founder/Director and the three sayas as Managers of Computer Systems, Computer Operations and Computer Applications departments.

Academic studies & Training

Computer courses (academic, training, orientation …) were given at UCC under the leadership of Saya Chit (who served a dual role as UCC Director and Mathematics Professor) and the help of visiting Professors (mostly Computer Scientists) from US, UK, Europe …

Saya Dr. Chit Swe

Saya Chit was the founder Director of UCC and Professor of Mathematics at RASU. He later became Rector of RASU.

Saya Chit was succeeded by Saya Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF), who continued and elaborated on Saya Chit’s Vision and Mission.

After retirement from RASU, Saya taught for some time in Bangkok, and migrated to Australia. Saya Chit continued to supervise Burmese/Myanmar doing graduate studies in Australia. He served as Visiting Professor at Macquarie University.

In 2006, we paid respect to Saya Chit and Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (former DG of UBARI, former Natjonal Advisor, UCC Board Member, GBNF) at Saya Zaw’s house with Mohinga and delicacies prepared by Ma Kyawt. Saya gave me his hat. Hope that hat can transfer Saya’s brain and work ethics to yours truly.

Saya Chit was a room mate of Saya U Ba Than during their study days in UK.

DCS (Department of Computer Science)

DCS was established with Saya Lay as Professor, U TAG (EC69) as Associate Professor, and I as Lecturer.

ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology.

ICST was founded in 1988 with Saya DTM as Rector, Saya Lay as Professor, U TAG and I as Associate Professors, and several others as Lecturers.

The 30th Anniversary was celebrated in 2018.

I attended two ICST Reunion & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe held at MICT Park.

UCSY (University of Computer Studies in Yangon)

ICST became UCSY.

UCSY had visiting Professors & Researchers.

One down side is the lack of residential dorms and a relatively long commute for several sayas, sayamas and students.

UCSY Teams competed the ACM Programming Contest.