Alumni Notes

Paying respect

• Paying respect to Sayas is a tradition that is unique to Myanmar.
• The tradition is alive and well.
• There have been seven world wide SPZPs :
  SPZP-2000 (US)
  SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, SPZP-2010 (Singapore)
  SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 (Yangon)
• I was fortunate to be a Core Organizer for SPZP-2000 and a Coordinator for the remaining SPZPs.

Alumni

Many alumni are active in the following:

• SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation)
• RITAA (RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association)
• NorCal RITAA (in the US)
• MES
• MEC
• HMEE-2018

History

• “History of Myanmar Engineering Education” was published in 2012.
• The project’s initiators included Saya U Soe Paing, Sayagyi U Ba Than and several sayas and alumni (See Acknowledgement in the Book)
• Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team compiled the book.
• Ko Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE-2012 book
• The draft for the first two sections were prepared by Saya U Soe Paing and team.
• Ko Ohn Khine translated Section 1 and summarized Section 2. The translations have been revised by Saya U Soe Paing.
• Saya U Aung hla Tun gave the copyright to RITAA.
• HMEE-2018 project is headed by Saya U Aung Hla Tun.
  Project will revise / enhance the HMEE-2012 book.
  Will cover the History of Engineering and Industries.

YTU Library Modernization Project

A decent Library is a requirement of the accreditation of YTU by Asean (and beyond).

Donations — large and small — are coming in.
Thanks to U Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Ma Nan Khin Nwe (83 Intake) and team.

The donors include

• U Khin Maung Tun (T78)
• Dr. Myo Khin (C70) and Daw Mya Nwe (C73)
• Daw Myint Myint (C69)
• Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
• James Shwe (M76) and Annette Shwe (A75)
• NorCal RITAA
• Alumni from Singapore, Australia and New Zealand

Archive

• The Library could have a section to help remember our beloved alma mater, our sayas and alumni activities.
• Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi endorsed Ko Benny Tan’s proposal to archive the mementos.
• Requested class representatives to record gatherings / activities.

Health Care Funds

• “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas”
• “Eye examination and assistance Fund provided by U Khin Maung Tun”.
• Balance of both funds have been handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
• Other funds include 69er HCF, EE69er HCF, and those administered by the classes and groups (e.g. Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65)

Resources

• RIT related Facebook pages
• RIT related Google groups
• hlamin.com

Saya Allen Htay (C58)

• Leader of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group
• Co-founded “RIT Alumni International” which hosted SPZP-2000 and served as President.
• His article “Brother, can you spare US $500?” is a classic.
• Daw Mu Mu Khin hosted a lunch in memory of Saya on December 31, 2017.
• In memory of Saya Allen, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to the YTU library.
  Also sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students.

Golden Sponsors

• U Thaung Sein (Steeve, EC70)
• U Benny Tan (M70)
• U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69)
• U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67)
• U Maung Maung Than (M79)
  
  The five Golden sponsors and other donors made sure U Nyo Win’s Act (requiring the organizers to chip in if SPZP-2000 will not have the minimum number of attendees) will not be needed.

2019

• Completed two decades as Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
• Compiled posts for the Golden Jubilee of 69ers
  Attended both events on December 14, 2019

2020

• Writing and revising posts in hlamin.com
• Request help to transform into digital and/or printed books for posterity