Month: May 2025

  • Rowing Notes 5

    • Old members of Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) are fondly known as Old Crocs (or Crocodiles).
    • They cherish the motto “Row till you are dead” and the RUBC Song “Pull long and steady …”.
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is tin-htoon-6.jpg
    FEARA Regatta
    • During our RUBC days, there was an “Old Members Race” at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas.
    • The contestants range from young Old Members to the iconic Past Champions.
    • Some Old Crocs notably U San Maung (Gerald, GBNF) and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry, GBNF) served as RUBC Coach.
      Dr. Harry Saing usually rowed as Bow, but he led the RUBC crew in 1962 as Timing Stroke and Coach. U Win Kyi (GBNF) rowed as No. 7. Brand new Golds were awarded to Myo Tin, Htain Lin, Winston Tun Thoung, Myo Myint, Micky Tan (GBNF) and Victor Wu (GBNF).
      U San Maung told his mentees (including aspiring Golds) to practice with the Fixed Tub before rowing the boats.
    • Mr. C H Chan (GBNF), U Kyaw Thein (GBNF), U Tin U, Dr. Pe Nyun (GBNF), U Maung Maung Than Tun (GBNF), U Chan Tha (GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htut, Dr. Harry Saing (GBNF), Dr. Than Nyun (George), U Tin Htoon, U Han Tin (GBNF), Dr. Tin Wa, U Sein Htoon, U Thaung Lwin, U Myo Tin and U Zaw Lin are some of the Past Captain & Gold of RUBC.
    RUBC Captains
    • U Tun Shein (Willie), Dr. Donald Chan, Dr. Thein Htut, Dr. Eddie Hla Min, Jimmy Saw Lwin (GBNF), U Tun Aung (George), U Win Kyi (GBNF), U Than Tin (GBNF), Maurice Tun Thoung, Mya Maung (Min Aung), Victor Htun Shein (GBNF), Sunny Teng, G Ko Lay (GBNF), L Than Myint, U Than Soe, U Myo Myint and U Than Htut are some of the RUBC Golds.
    • A list of Captain and/or Gold can be found in the Souvenir Magazines.
    40th Anniversary
    • I was the last Executive Committee member to be elected democratically (and not selected by the higher authorities). I served as Treasurer and Vice Captain, and some “powers to be” prevented me from becoming Captain.
    90th Anniversary
    • I served as Contributing Editor of the Souvenir Magazine for the RUBC 90th Anniversary. I wrote Prelude for each section. I wrote three articles.
    Souvenir Magazine
    • I also donated for reprinting Sir Aurthur Eggar’s autobiography.
    Autobiography
    • The old crocs have their mini-reunions where ever possible. They also share memories of the precious photos (e.g. of U Chan Tha, Jimmy Saw Lwin, …)
    • When RUBC was destroyed due to the ravages of war, the Old Crocs rebuilt the Club and provided physical, financial and spiritual support to the members to compete against the best from neighboring countries.
    • Dr. Htut Saing (Harry) would fully support the RUBC crews competing in the FEARA Regatta in Hong Kong.
    • Sad to note that there was apparently some disjoint between the really young members (who are busy with the competitions) and the really Old Members (especially who travel from abroad to attend the events).
    • Hope YUBC members have better rapport with the Old Crocs.
  • Rowing Notes 4

    Memories

    • When RUBC was destroyed due to the ravages of war, the Old nembers rebuilt the Club and provided physical, financial and spiritual support to the members to compete against the best from neighboring countries.
    Club house
    • During our younger days, there is an “Old Members Race” at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas. Contestants range from young Old Members to Past Champions.
    • Old Crocs have mini-reunions.
    • Some (via their children) share memories.
      U Maung Maung Than Tun (GBNF)
      U Chan Tha (GBNF)
      U Tun Shein
      Jimmy Saw Lwin (GBNF)

    U San Maung / Gerald Sein (GBNF)

    • Past Secretary and RUBC Gold
    • Brothers : Henry, Hardy
    • Would find time from his work as Production Manager of “Amotha Yoke Shin”, and come down to RUBC to mentor the members (especially the aspiring Golds).
    • Mandate “fixed tub” practice for the members

    Dr. Htut Saing / Harry Saing (GBNF)

    • Past Captain and Gold of RUBC
    • Siblings : Sheila, Victor, Shirley
    • Won the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta with U Tin Htoon
    • Won the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo with U Tin Htoon, Sunny Teng , Victor Htun Shein and U Sein Htoon
    ARAE Champions
    • Usually rowed as Bow
    • As an exception, he served as Timing Stroke and Coach for the RUBC Eights in 1962.
      U Win Kyi (RUBC Gold) rowed as No. (7).
      There were seven new Golds in that crew : Myo Tin (William), Htain Linn and Mehm Myo Thaung (Maurice) for the Stroke side, Myo Myint, Oung Kyaing and Thein Aung (Micky Tan) for the Bow side and Tin Aung (Victor Wu, Cox).
    • Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick, Past Secretary and Gold of RUBC) and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry) were Pediatric Surgeons at the Rangoon Children Hospital.
      They operated on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San (conjoined twins)
    • Continued working and teaching in Hong Kong.
    • Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club.
    • Supported RUBC crews in FEARA Regatta at Hong Kong
    • GBNF
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is dr-thein-toe-dr.-harry-saing-1.jpg
    Dr. Harry Saing (on the right)

    U Chan Tha (GBNF)

    • Multi-talented athlete.
    • Represented the University of Rangoon in Rowing and Soccer.
    • Burma Selected in Soccer.
    • Past Captain and Gold of RUBC
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is chan-tha-1.jpg
    U Chan Tha

    Wedding of U Maung Maung Than Tun’s Grand Daughter

    • There was a mini-reunion of Old Crocs (Old Members of Rangoon University Boat Club) in December 12, 2017.
    • Host : Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun (retired Ambassador, Gold, Oldest RUBC Past Captain) and family
    • Event: Wedding of U MMTT’s grand daughter (daughter of U Hla Maw Tun, Past Secretary)
    • Attendees :
      U Tun Shein (Willie, RUBC Gold),
      Dr. Than Nyun (George, Past Captain and Gold),
      U Tin Htoon (A60, Past Captain and Gold).

    Activities

    Many attended the Regattas and the meetings of OMA (Old Members Association)

    • U Tin U (Most senior Past Captain)
    • U Maung Maung Than Tun (Oldest Past Captain)
    • Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain)
    • U Tin Htut (Past Captain)
    • Dr. Than Nyun (Past Captain)
    • U Tin Htoon (Past Captain)
    • Dr. Tin Wa (Past Captain)
    • U Sein Htoon (Past Captain)
    • U Thaung Lwin (Past Captain)
    • U Htaik San (Henry, Past Captain)
    • U Tun Shein (Willie, Past Secretary)
    • Dr. Donald Chan (Gold)
    • U Tun Aung (George, Gold)
    • U Myo Myint (Gold)
    • U Than Htut (Gold)
    • U Thura Thant Zin (Gold)
    • U Thant Kyaw (Gold)
    • U Tin Myint (GBNF)
    • U Tun Mra
    • U Hla Kyi
    • U Hla Myint (Michael)

    Several contributed articles, photos and financial support for printing the 90th Anniversary Issue, and for reprinting Sir Arthur Eggar’s biography.

    Sad to note that there was some disjoint between the really young members (who are busy with the competitions) and the really Old Members (especially who travel from abroad to attend the events).

  • U Maung Maung Than Tun

    U Maung Maung Than Tun (GBNF)
    • Oldest among the surviving Past Captains of RUBC.
    • Retired Ambassador.
    • Founding member of Burma Rowing Federation.
    • He and his younger son Aung Khine is the first Pair of Father-Son who are Captain and Gold of RUBC.
    • His elder son Hla Maw Tun was Gold and Past Secretary of RUBC.
    • He is a few months older than U Tin U, most Senior among the surviving Past Captains.
    • U Tin U is now the Oldest and most Senior among the surviving Past Captains of RUBC.
  • HMEE Meeting in Mar 2012

    Ko Ohn Khine (M70) took me to Saya U Aung Hla Tun’s place on Inya Road to attend the “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar” meeting.

    The book was published in time for SPZP-2012 in December, 2012.

    Ko Ohn Khine and I compiled a CD supplement for the History Book.

    The early supporters for the project include Sayagyi U Ba Than and Saya U Soe Paing.

  • October 9, 2022

    Ceremony

    • Today is the Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut.
      It is known as “Abhidhamma Day”.
      It marks the end of the Buddhist Lent.
    • Pavayana Ceremony (General Assembly of monks) of the San Francisco Bay Area took place this year at Kusalakari monastery at French Camp. 30+ monks (including some from Sri Lankan monasteries took part).

    Attendees

    U Hla Min and spouse

    Some RIT alumni were among the attendees :

    • Kenneth Kay (Class of 66)
    • U Nyan Shein (Henry, C68)
    • Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
    • U Hla Min (EC69)
    • Dr. Myint Thein (M73)
    • Daw Nyo Nyo Win (T73)
    • U Kyaw Lwin (Bobby, Class of 75)
    • U Nyunt Than (M86)
    • U Tin Maung Win (C86)
  • UCC Thingyan

    Su Paung Yahan Khan

    Thingyan (Burmese New Year) was often celebrated by UCC staff and students with “Su Paung Yahan Khan”.

    The Yahan Khan was performed at a selected monastery such as

    • Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung
    • Mo Hnyin Taw Ya
    • Chan Myay Yeiktha

    Resident Monks (UCC Staff and/or Student)

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ucc-donlaba-1.jpg

    Photo was taken in front of the UCC Building in Thamaing College Campus.

    • Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF)
    • U Win Maung
    • U Hla Min
    • U Tun Aung Gyaw
    • U Soe Myint (GBNF)
    • U Khin Maung Aye
    • Daw Khin Khin Latt †††

      U Tun Aung Gyaw (USA), U Khin Maung Aye (Singapore) and U Win Maung (Australia) are now Ph.Ds.

    Soon Kyway

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ucc-donlaba-2.jpg
    • Photo shows the UCC Donlabas with a resident monk from Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung.
    • There were two U Soe Myint at UCC.
    • U Soe Myint (M72) retired as Pro-Rector of ICST.
      He is GBNF.
    • U Soe Myint (KSM) retired from UN.

    Saya U Ko Ko Lay and UCC Belles

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is u-ko-ko-lay-1.jpg
    • Saya U Ko Ko Lay served as Operations Manager and Scientific Applications Manager at UCC. He later served as Professor at the Department of Computer Science (DCS) and the Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST).
      He is GBNF
    • Some UCC Belles worked or taught at UCC, DCS and ICST.
      Some worked for Computer Departments at other organizations (including UN and overseas).
    • Daw Nge Ma Ma Than was a Prisoner of Conscience.
      She is GBNF

    Entertainment

    UCC also had a Dobat Waing organized by U Win Hlaing.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ucc-dobat.jpg

  • Gathering in New Jersey

    Sao Mon Sint (Cindy), Ko Sein Myint, U Soe Paing, Ko Soe Myint
  • RIT-UCC Connection

    • Some sayas and alumni worked or volunteered at UCC.
    • Saya U Sein Win served as Technical Advisor for UCC.
    • Saya Dr. San Tint and Saya U Shwe Hlaing served as External Examiners at UCC.
    • Several sayas and alumni attended courses at UCC.
    • I wrote “Memories of UCC” a few years back.
    • An article was published for the 30th Anniversary of ICST.
    • Sad to note that Saya Dr. Chit Swe, U Aung Zaw, U Soe Myint (M72) and several have passed away.
    Gathering at Dr. Rafiul Ahad’s house
    • The photo was taken at the UCC-RIT Gathering hosted by Dr. Rafiul Ahad (UCC) to welcome Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) to the San Francisco Bay Area.
    • Rafiul is now retired VP of Oracle.
  • UCC Gathering

    UCC Gathering in Cupertino, CA


    U Khin Zaw (UCC) and Daw Wai Wai Tun (Physics) hosted a lunch gathering for U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, SPHS70, EC76, UCC) and family.

    Attendees include

    • Saya U Myo Min (UCC)
    • U Myint Swe (EP74) and Daw San San (EC74)
    • Maurice Chee (M75) and family
    • U Hla Kyi (EC77)
    • U Aung Myint Oo (EC84, UCC)
    • Dr. Rafiul Ahad (SPHS69, UCC) and spouse
    • Dr. Kyaw Tint (Physics)
    • U Thein Naing (Patrick, Physics) and Daw Khin Myo Aung (Physics)
    • U Hla Min (EC69, SPHS63, UCC) and spouse.
    • KMZ’s spouse (Daw Khin Khin Latt) is the daughter of U Soe Myint (Chief Editor, Journalist).
    • U Soe Myint is the elder brother U Soe Win (EC70), U Kyaw Zaw (EC72) and U Khin Zaw (UCC).
    • KMZ is a Microsoft Alumni and resides in Seattle, Washington.
    • KMZ designed http://www.ex-rit.org/ web site and served as its web master.
  • Mechanical Engg Sayas

    U Tin Hlaing

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is rit-hockey.jpg
    • Sayagyi U Aung Khin wrote “A tribute to Saya U Tin Hlaing” for SPZP-2000.
      The article has been re-posted in the newsletter updates and in the RIT Alumni Facebook Pages.
    • Joined Faculty of Engineering in 1959
    • MS from Purdue University
    • Headed the Agricultural Sub-Department under Mechanical Engineering
    • President, Universities Hockey Team

    U Han Tun

    • Joined RIT in 1965

    Dr. Chan Nyein

    • Joined RIT in 1967
    • Ph.D from Imperial College, University of London
    • Retired as Minister of Education

    U Hla Thwin

    • Took five days before the neighbors learned about his demise

    U Myo Win

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is autoclubrit.jpg
    U Myo Win and Auto Club members
    • Joined faculty in 1965
    • Rowed for RIT
    • Contributed articles to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”.
    • Moved to Australia
    • There are GBNF posts containing memories and reflections of his former sayas, colleagues and students.

    U Kyaw Sein

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is seniors-in-singapore.jpg
    U Kyaw Sein and “Oldies in Singapore”
    Pon Tu of UvKyaw Sein
    by Myat Myo Myint
    • Joined faculty in 1965
    • Moderator, RIT-related web site
    • Moved to Singapore
    • Passed away in 2020.

    Miscellaneous

    • U Soe Lwin
    • U Khin Maung
    • S. Arya
    Pon Tu of S Arya
    by Myat Myo Myint