Month: May 2025

Kyaw Tint (Min69)
Sad News in 2021
- Taught at RIT Mining Department
- M.Engg from Australia
- Prisoner of Conscience
- Wrote an article for 69er GJ Magazine
Kyaw Tint

U Aung Min (M69) wrote :

Sad news for RIT69ers

I inform you all with saddened heart that one of our friends, Ko Kyaw Tint (Mining69)(Moscow byan), passed away in the morning of 8 September 2021 at the age of 74 of coronary heart disease. He had been suffering Parkinson’s disease since last four years ago and can’t maneuver properly. May his soul Rest In Peace. GBNF 110 .

U Win Thein Zaw (Min69) wrote:

“ဝမ်းနည်းမှတ်တမ်း”

သူငယ်ချင်းကျော်တင့် B.E(mining ’69)M.Eng Sc.(Qld)Aus.
ကထိက(ငြိမ်း)ရန်ကုန်စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ်၊အသက်(၇၄)နှစ်သည်၊
၈ .၉ .၂၀၂၁ နေ့တွင်ကွယ်လွန်ကြောင်းသိရ၍
မိသားစုနှင့်ထပ်တူဝမ်းနည်းပါကြောင်းနှင့်သုဂတိဘုံသို့ရောက်ပါစေကြောင်း
ဆုတောင်းမေတ္တာပို့သအပ်ပါသည်။

Remarks: Mining ’69ers‌‌
ကျောင်းသား(၁၄)ယောက်ရှိရာသူငယ်ချင်းလေးကျော်တင့်သည်၊
အသက်အငယ်ဆုံးနှင့်ခေါင်းအမာဆုံးဖြစ်ပါသည်၊
မမှန်ဘူးထင်လျင်လုံးဝလက်မခံတတ်ပါ၊
ဘေးလူမည်သူမျှဖြောင်းဖျ၍လည်းမရပါ
၊သူကိုယ်တိုင်လည်းမမှန်တာမလုပ်တတ်သူပေတည်း။

69ers who passed away in 2021
1. Adbul Rauf (Tin Aye, EP)
2. Aung Gyi Shwe (EP)
3. Aung Myint (C)
4. Aung Myint (Pet)
5. Aye Lwin (M)
6. Chit Pe (M)
7. Khin Maung Gyi (M)
8. Kyaw Tint (Min)
9. Maung Tun (Met)
10. Paw Oo, Mehm (E)
11. Soe Myint Thein (E)
12. Soe Win (M)
13. Su Su, Nan (T)
14. Tobias Kittim Ku, Saw (Toby, A)
15. Thein Maung (M)
16. Thein Swe (EP)
17. Tin San (C)
18. Tin Shwe (C)
19. Yee Pin (Maung Maung Kaung, M)
May 16, 2025
De La Salle Brothers
The De La Salle Brothers belong to a Roman Catholic Religious Order.

In Burma, they founded
- St. Patrick’s High School (Moulmein)
- St. Paul’s High School (Rangoon)
- St. Peter’s High School (Mandalay)
- St. Albert’s High School (Maymyo)
- St. Columban’s High School (Bhamo)
- St. Joseph’s High School (Loikaw)
- De La Salle School (Twante)
St. Paul’s High School celebrated its Centennial during our school days and the Sesquicentennial a few years back.

St. Paul’s High School used to have an Honor Roll. It disappeared after the nationalization. It was recovered by U Soe Nyunt (Taw Win Hnin Si, GBNF).

Ko Richard San Tint is credited for the following photo.

The students from St. Paul’s High School stood First in Matriculation examination for the years
1951 George Chapman
1952 Dr. Nyunt Tin
1954 Koon Yin Chu (Phillip)
1958 Dr. Soe Win
1959 Dr. Frankie Ohn (Hla Ngwe Tin)
1963 Dr. Khin Maung U
1965 Bernard Khaw

The Paulians also scored in the Top Five in several years.
1952 Top Two
1956 Joint Third
1958 Top Two
1959 Top Four
1960 6th
1961 2nd
1963 Top Five, 7th and 9th
1964 3rd and 5th
1965 Top three and 5th (two Paulians)

Hla Min stood 7th in Burma in the Matriculation of 1963

Dr. Nyan Taw wrote :

SPHS63 was the best performance in SPHS history having top 5 positions and top 7 positions of the 10 top positions for whole of Burma. We, Paulians are very proud !
May 16, 2025
Compart System and Sayagyi U Ba Toke
Compart System
- The Compart System was flexible.
- There were at least two flavors.
First Type
- During a period, students at the University of Rangoon attended Inter (A) for a year, but they did not have to take the examination.
- They attended Inter (B) for a year.
- They then took the examination for both courses.
Second Type
- For a class (e.g. Inter (B)), a student has two chances to pass, because there was a “main” examination and a “supplementary” examination.
- The first examination was usually held in March. Those who pass all subjects are eligible to apply for stipends and grants.
- Those who pass the minimum (e.g. three subjects) have to re-take the remaining subjects in the supplementary examination, which was usually held in June.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke

Effect of Compart System
- Saya joined the Student Strike and missed the main examination.
- Took all subjects in the supplementary examination and passed.
- Wanted to study engineering at the University of Rangoon, but he would need stipend or grant.
  Since he missed the main examination, he was not eligible to apply for stipend or grant.
- His teachers persuaded him to study Mathematics in Mandalay University.
- Received his Masters (thanks to his mentor) during the War.
- Joined the University of Rangoon.
  Taught Mathematics to the engineering students.
- Served as Professor of Mathematics at RASU before being promoted to Rector at MASU.
- After a few years, he voluntarily asked to be transferred as Professor of Mathematics at RIT.
Life Journey
- U Maung Maung Than (M79) donated a round-trip ticket for a saya from Myanmar to attend SPZP-2000.
  Several sayas and alumni sponsored Saya to attend SPZP-2000.
- Saya is a Phwa Bet Taw of “University of Rangoon” and the “First RU Students’ Strike” in December 1920.
- His life journey can be read in the book by Maung Thin Char (Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe).
May 16, 2025
U Soe Paing
Saya U Soe Paing in SF Bay Area

Brief Bio
- Saya was my mentor at RIT and UCC.
- Saya recruited his students to join UCC.
  Some early students could not wait long for the UCC project to get established.
  A few left for overseas.
- Won Collegiate Scholarship in 1956.
- Won two Medals for I.Sc. (A) and (B) exams.
  Highest total score for both exams combined.
  Highest marks in Mathematics in I.Sc. examination. Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) and another student were co-winners.
- Received a scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
  Saya U Ko Ko Lay (UCC) received a scholarship to study BSCE and MSCE at Stanford University.
- On their return journey to Burma by an ocean liner, Saya U Soe Paing and Saya U Ko Ko Lay were joined by Saya Allen Htay (C58) and Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) who had finished their graduate studies in the US. They spent the evenings playing Bridge. They became close friends.
- Joined the EE Department as Assistant Lecturer.
  Helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe found UCC along with Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay.
- Transferred to UCC as Systems Manager.
- Did his M.Sc. (Computer Science) at the University of Southampton in the UK.
- Retired after working as UN Consultant in several countries.
- Wrote a brief bio for the SPZPs.
- Described more details in his articles about his studies and work at UCC and beyond.
Saya U Soe Paing in Yangon

Saya’s writings and contributions
- Student days at Rangoon University
- RIT Saya Soccer Team
- RIT-UCC Connection
- Three sayas attending SPZP
- “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” and articles can be read from SCRIB-D
- With the help of Sayagyi U Ba Than and Saya U Thaw Kaung, Saya compiled artifacts at the Universities Central Library. Saya prepared a draft version for of HMEE-2012.
- Saya revised the translation by U Ohn Khine (Section One in full, Section Two in Summary).
- Saya hosted several gatherings for RIT-UCC alumni visiting Myanmar.
Saya U Soe Paing in Singapore
May 16, 2025
U Ba Than (GBNF)
U Ba Than 1

U Ba Than 2

Family
- Parents : U Chan Sein & Daw Cheng Ki
- Saya U Ba Than is the second of nine siblings.
- His older brother is Saya U Tin U (C).
- His younger siblings are Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Daw Myint Thwe (Betty),
  Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon (A60),
  Saya U Myo Min (UCC),U Thaung Lwin (EC66) and Daw Cho Cho Hlaing.
Wedding Reception

U Ba Than, Daw Mya Mya and Ye Than

U Ba Than, Lwin Mar Oo, Ye Than, Aung Myo Myint, Ei Khine
- Spouse : Daw Mya Mya (GBNF)
- Son : U Ye Than (Winner Inn)
- Daughter-in-law : Daw Lwin Mar Oo
- Grand children : Ko Aung Myo Myint and Ma Ei Khine
U Ba Than, Dr. Myo Tint, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin, U Tin Htoon, U Tin U

With son’s family

Brief Bio
- Matriculated from St. John’s Diocesan Boys High School and won Collegiate Scholarship in 1947.
- Gold Medal for placing first among the I.Sc. and all Intermediate students in 1948 and 1949.
- Studied Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, University of London.
- Upon return to Burma, he joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer.
- As a requirement for promotion, he studied Masters at Imperial College, University of London.
- Upon his return, he became Lecturer.
- Succeeded Saya U Aung Khin as Professor and Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department.
- Taught at RIT until retirement.
- Per request from Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha (then Interim Dean, Faculty of Engineering), he served as Advisor for the Engineering Library.
- Taught “Strength of Materials” and “Mechanical Drawing” for most years, and “Engineering Mechanics” for a few years.
- Early supporter of the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) project
- Hosted several HMEE meetings at Winner Inn (run by his son, daughter-in-law and grand children).
- Provided precious photos from his albums for display at MES and for inclusion in the HMEE book.
- Arranged with Saya U Thaw Kaung (former Chief Librarian of Rangoon University Central Library) to give access of the Library Archives to Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) and his team. Saya U Soe Paing and team scanned old magazines and documents. Saya U Soe Paing also prepared an initial summary of his findings and handed over to Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team.
- Celebrated his birthdays by offering soon to the sayadaws at monasteries (e.g. Yaw Sayadaw’s Kyaung) and inviting his former colleagues and students to the soon kyway.
- On October 2, 2008, the former students of Sayagyi U Ba Than (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering) was honored with a special Birthday and Garawa ceremony. It was special because it was a Thursday. Sayagyi was born on Thursday, October 2, 1930.
- Per request from his grand children, he wrote memoirs and shared them with the attendees of birthday gathering.
Cousin Brother
- My saya at RIT. Gave me rides to RIT in his white Zephyr. Many thought that he was my uncle.
- He is my cousin. In fact, he is my Double First Cousin. His father is my mom’s older brother. Hid mother is my dad’s older sister.
- Strict teacher. Never received hints or clues from him. Would not even know whether I did well in his subject until I received the official transcript.
Dio Classmates from 1941

Dr. Kyaw Aung and Bohmu Lynn Thein Maung were his classmates in 2nd Standard at Diocesan Boys High School.

U Ba Than, U Tin U (elder brother), Dr. Kyaw Aung and Bohmu Lynn Thein Maung would meet over a monthly lunch (usually at Winner Inn). They would take turns to host the event.

Classmates from 1941

Visit by Dr. San Hla Aung

Saya Dr. San Hla Aung, Saya U Tin Htut, Saya Mao Toon Siong and several other sayas would pay respect to Saya U Ba Than during their visits to Myanmar.

With Dr. San Hla Aung

Memoirs (excerpt)

Saya wrote his memoirs at the request of his grand son. The booklet was given to the attendees at Saya’s birthday in October 2008. Excerpts of Pages 3 – 5 (which described his school days) are shown below.

Excerpts from U Ba Than’s Memoirs

Soon Kyways

Ye Than (son) booked “Yar Thet Pan Annual Soon Kwyay” for his father Saya U Ba Than at Yaw Sayadaw Kyaung.

Saya would invite relatives, former colleagues and students to the Soon Kwyay.

Mementos

For the special Soon Kyway in October 2008, Maung Sein Win (Padeegone) wrote a “Garawa” poem.

Saya provided mementos to the attendees.

Memento from U Ba Than’s 78th birthday

Message from U Ba Than

Attendees

Soon Kwyay 1

Soon Kwyay 2

Soon Kyway 3

Soon Kyway 4

Soon Kwyay 5

Soon Kyway 6

Garawa by former students

Garawa by M69

U Aung Min (M69) organized a mini-PZP for Saya U Ba Than on or around October 2.

Several 69ers would pay respect to Saya.

Saya U Ba Than, U Aung Min, U Tin Shein

69ers

Garawa by M75

M75 members include Maurice Chee (USA), U Win Khaing, U Than Po, U Ye Lin Oo, Daw Mar Mar Yee (Singapore) and U Ohn Win (Australia).

UBT 3

UBT 5

UBT 1

UBT 4

With Maurice Chee (M75)

UBT 6

Medical checkup and treatment in Singapore

U Ba Than in Singapore

SPZPs

Unless there are schedule conflicts, Saya attended all the SPZPs to which he was invited.

He would donate all the Garawa money that he received from the SPZPs.

He enjoys talking to his former colleagues and students.

He would show then albums containing Class Photos.

Paying respect to Sayagyi U Ba Toke

Garawa and SPZP are noble traditions.

Saya U Ba Than would visit Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year to pay his respect. It is a micro-SPZP.

With U Ba Toke
May 16, 2025
U Ba Than (1)
Brief Bio
- Collegiate Scholarship in 1947
- Gold Medal for Highest Score for Combined I.Sc. in 1949
- Alumnus of Imperial College, London University
- Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering
- Siblings : U Tin U, Dr. Daw “Ruby” Win Hlaing, Daw Myint Myint Thwe, Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin, Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
- Spouse : Daw Mya Mya (GBNF)
- Son and Daughter-in-law : U Ye Than, Daw Lwin Mar Oo
- Grandchildren : Ko Aung Myo Myint, Ma Ei Khine
- Celebrated 90th Birthday on October 2, 2020
- U Tin Htoon and Henry Kao compiled a Special “Photo Album Book”
- Give back “Garawa Money” from Saya Pu Zaw Pwes to Charity
- For many years, offered “Birthday Soon Dana” at Yaw Sayadaw’s Monastery
  and invited former colleagues and students to the Soon Kyway
- Early supporter of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) Project
  Held co-ordination meeting to kick off the Project
  Donated Class Photos (and more) for use in the HMEE-2012 Book
Wedding

Family Members

Memoirs

Book Dana

With Sayagyi U Ba Toke

With Dr. Tin Win and U Ohn Khine

Ah Hlu

Message
May 16, 2025
Footballers (2)
Burma Selected

Photo Credit : Aung Khin

U Aye wrote :

This is perhaps one of the earliest photo of Burma selected football teams, around 1952-53.
Suk Bahadur and Mg Aung played in 1952 Inter-divisions and States football tournament.
Suk Bahadur played for Shan States and was recruited by the Army.
Mg Aung played for Tenasserim division and was recruited by the Customs.
The famous forward at that time – Samuel and Customs Captain Hla Kyaing were in the team.
- Aung Khin (Tennessarim, RU, Scored winning goal in Asian Games)
- Aye Maung [Gyi] (Construction)
- Aye Maung [Lay] (Air Force)
- Ba Pu
- Gale (Goalkeeper)
- Gwan Shein (SPED)
- Hla Htay (Irrawaddy, Customs)
- Hla Kyaing (Customs)
- Hla Maung (Goalkeeper, Army)
- Hla Tin (Kee)
- Htoo War
- John Tint (RIT, RU)
- Kenneth Shein (RU, Railways)
- Khin Maung Tun (Goalkeeper, Asian Star)
- Ko Ko Gyi (Tennessarim, Customs)
- Kyaw Min (Goalkeeper turned forward)
- Kyaw Htin (RIT, RU, Construction)
- Maung Aung (Tennessarim, Customs)
- Maung Maung (Navy, Asian Star)
- Maung Maung (RU)
- Maung Maung (Gary, RU, SAMB)
- Maung Pyone
- Nay Win (Collegian, Best Player Award)
- Pe Khin
- Pe Myint
- Ronny D’Mello
- Samuel
- Saw Mya Zin (Goalkeeper, SAMB)
- Saw Perry Dwe
- Saw Thaung Tin (Auro, Goalkeeper)
- Soe Myint (Tennessarim, RU)
- Soe Myint Lwin (RIT, RU, EPC)
- Suk Bahadhur (Shan States, Army, Burma Team Captain, Asian Star)
- Than Soe (Suttee)
- Tin Aung (Goalkeeper, Asian Star)
- Tin Aung Moe
- Tin Han (Railways)
- Tun Kyi (Engineering, RU, Railways)
- Tun Wain (Tennessarim, Customs)
- Vernon Stiles (Tin Tun , Army)
1961 Tennasserim division football team.
Aung Khin (4th from left), Soe Myint (6th from left) standing. They were from Moulmein College. Later both of them played for RU and Burma selected team.

RU First Eleven Football Team

Photos provided by Pearl Shein (Pale, M.Sc. Computer Science)
- Won the Senior Second Division in 1953 – 54
- Team Captain : Tun Kyi
- Members include Collegian Nay Win, Jimmy Sein and Kenneth Shein
- Kenneth Shein played for Railways and Burma Selected.
  He served as Chief Transportation Officer.
  Sadly passed away in 1987.
- Kenneth Shein has five children.
  Khine Min Shein and Nilar Shein live in Yangon.
- Kathleen Shein (Kenneth’s spouse) live in Singapore with Pearl Shein, Yadana Shein and Nyan Min Shein.
U Aye (M62) wrote :

Ko Ko Gyi,Tun Wain, Aung Khin and Soe Myint were former Tenasserim division players.

Ko Ko Gyi was from St. Patrick’s HS. He was one year junior to me. He left school when he was offered a job
at the Customs, to play for Customs football club.

Tun Wain and we attended Moulmein college together in 1956-57. He left the college to join Customs and played for Customs football team.

Aung Khin and Soe Myint were from Moulmein College. Later both of them played for RU and Burma selected team.

Soe Myint was a few years junior to me at St. Patrick’s High School.

Apart from the above list, some Prominent/Burma selected footballers in the early 1950s.

Army
- Ba Shwe (Col)
- Ba Kyu
- Tin Thaung
- Kyaw Thaung
- David Kyaw Zan (Former Tenasserim div. Player)
- Tin Kyi
- Hla Maung, goalkeeper
Customs
- Robert Yin Kyaw (Former Tenasserim div, Captain)
- Maung Aung (Former Tenasserim player)
- Samuel (forward)
- Aukim (Goalkeeper)
- Jimmy Innes ( St Patrick’s HS, Moulmein).
  He played in St. Patrick’s HS team with Jimmy Sein (U Tint Swe),of the victorious Prome Hall football team,
SAMB
- Saw Mya Zin, goal keeper
- Chan Sein
The following footballers also played for RU First Eleven. (in different times)
- Khin Pe Gyi
- Goal keeper Than Shwe
  (before B. Singh arrived)
- Nyi Nyi Lwin
  Joined Navy after graduation later
  Worked in Dept.of Fisheries as Dy. DG
- Maung Pyone (from Mandalay Hall)
  A good volleyball player, he played for Pyapon District.
  Joined Army after graduation.
- Kyi Gwan (from Mandalay Hall)
  He was from Dawei.
- Ngwe Gaing (from Sagaing Hall)
  He was a Burma selected Youth team.
  He was from Morton Lane Judson HS, Moulmein.
Inter State and Division – 1952

The final match was played between Shan State and Sagaing Division. Shan State was led by Suk Bahadur,
Bahadur Lama and another Bahadur. Sagaing Division had an excellent goalkeeper Pho Tha Bay. Many deadly shots from the Shan State were saved by Pho Tha Bay. Shan State won the shield after narrowly beat the Sagaing division. Suk Bahadur was recruited by the Army team and became a legend. Two other Bahadurs and Pho Tha Bay faded out.

Tenasserim division was third,
(If I remember correctly).
May 16, 2025
Footballers (1)
Feedback by U Aye (M62, HIC/FAO/UN (Retired))

Burma Selected
- Aung Khin (RU, Scored winning goal in Asian Games)
- Aye Maung [Gyi] (Construction)
- Aye Maung [Lay] (Air Force)
- Ba Pu
- Gale (Goalkeeper)
- Gwan Shein (SPED)
- Hla Htay (Irrawaddy, Customs)
- Hla Maung (Goalkeeper, Army)
- Hla Tin (Kee)
- Htoo War
- John Tint (Khin Maung Myint, RIT, RU)
- Kenneth Shein (RU, Railways)
- Khin Maung Tun (Goalkeeper, Asian Star)
- Ko Ko Gyi (Tenessarim, Customs)
- Kyaw Min (Goalkeeper turned forward)
- Kyaw Htin (RIT, RU, Construction)
- Maung Maung (Navy, Asian Star)
- Maung Maung (RU)
- Maung Maung (Gary, RU, SAMB)
- Nay Win (Collegian, Best Player Award)
- Pe Khin
- Robert Yin Gyaw
- Saw Mya Zin (Goalkeeper, SAMB)
- Saw Thaung Tin (Auro, Goalkeeper)
- Soe Myint (Tenessarim, RU)
- Soe Myint Lwin (RIT, RU, EPC)
- Suk Bahadhur (Burma Team Captain, Asian Star)
- Than Soe (Suttee)
- Tin Aung (Goalkeeper, Asian Star)
- Tin Aung Moe
- Tin Han (Railways)
- Tin Kyi
- Tun Kyi (Engineering, RU, Railways)
- Tun Wain (Tenessarim, Customs)
- Vernon Stiles (Tin Tun , Army)
1961 Tennasserim division football team.
Aung Khin (4th from left), Soe Myint (6th from left) standing. They were from Moulmein College. Later both of them played for RU and Burma selected team.

RU First Eleven Football Team

Photos provided by Pearl Shein (Pale Shein, M.Sc. Computer Science)
In memory of her father Kenneth Shein
- Won the Senior Second Division in 1953 – 54
- Team Captain : Tun Kyi
- Members include Collegian Nay Win, Jimmy Sein and Kenneth Shein
- Kenneth Shein played for Rangoon University, Railways and Burma Selected.
  He served as Chief Transportation Officer.
  Sadly passed away in 1987.
- Kenneth Shein has five children.
  Khine Min Shein and Nilar Shein live in Yangon.
- Kathleen Shein (Kenneth’s spouse) live in Singapore with Pearl Shein (Pale Shein), Yadana Shein and Nyan Min Shein.
U Aye (M62, HIC/FAO/UN (Retired)) wrote :

Ko Ko Gyi and Tun Wain were former Tenasserim division players.

Ko Ko Gyi was from St. Patrick’s HS. He was one year junior to me. He left school when he was offered a job
at the Customs, to play for Customs football club.

Tun Wain and we attended Moulmein college together in 1956-57. He left the college to join Customs and played for Customs football team.

Apart from the above list, some Prominent/Burma selected footballers in the early 1950s.

Army
- Ba Shwe (Col)
- Ba Kyu
- Tin Thaung
- Kyaw Thaung
- David Kyaw Zan (Former Tenasserim div. Player)
- Tin Kyi
- Hla Maung, goalkeeper
Customs
- Robert Yin Kyaw (Former Tenasserim div, Captain)
- Maung Aung (Former Tenasserim player)
- Samuel (forward)
- Aukim (Goalkeeper)
- Jimmy Innes ( St Patrick’s HS, Moulmein).
  He played in St. Patrick’s HS team with Jimmy Sein (U Tint Swe),of the victorious Prome Hall football team,
SAMB
- Saw Mya Zin, goal keeper
- Chan Sein
The following footballers also played for RU First Eleven. (in different times)
- Khin Pe Gyi
- Goal keeper Than Shwe
  (before B. Singh arrived)
- Nyi Nyi Lwin
  Joined Navy after graduation later
  Worked in Dept.of Fisheries as Dy. DG
- Maung Pyone (from Mandalay Hall)
  A good volleyball player, he played for Pyapon District.
  Joined Army after graduation.
- Kyi Gwan (from Mandalay Hall)
  He was from Dawei.
- Ngwe Gaing (from Sagaing Hall)
  He was a Burma selected Youth team.
  He was from Morton Lane Judson HS, Moulmein.
Inter State and Division – 1952.

The final match was played between Shan State and Sagaing Division. Shan State was led by Suk Bahadur, Bahadur Lama and another Bahadur. Sagaing Division had an excellent goalkeeper Pho Tha Bay. Many deadly shots from the Shan State were saved by Pho Tha Bay. Shan State won the shield after narrowly beat the Sagaing division. Suk Bahadur was recruited by the Army team and became a legend. Two other Bahadurs and Pho Tha Bay faded out.

Tenasserim division was third, (If I remember correctly).

Football World Cup

In 1958 World Cup football tournament, in the final, Brazil played against Sweden. Brazil won by 5-2. In the Brazilian team were Pele, Garincha, Vava and Didi.

Pele, Garincha and Vava continued to play for Brazil in1962 in which Brazil won again, against Czechoslovakia 3-1.

After the world cup in 1958, Didi joined Real Madrid. Although successful, he stayed for only one season. According to the news he had a difficult relation with Di Stefino, the main striker and popular player of Real Madrid.

Prominent Tenessarim football players in the early fifties
- Maung Tin (goalkeeper) from Moulmein
- B. Singh (goalkeeper) from St.Patrick’s HS, Moulmein.
  Became RU goalkeeper. He was my classmate at St. Patrick’s High School
- Maung Aung (left back) was recruited by Customs FC.
  He was from Dawei.
- Lun Tin (right back) was from Dawei
- Pway Ain (Htay Aung), R back.
  Former RU first XI team member.
  After graduation, he went back to Moulmein, played for a local team.
  Selected to represent Tenasserim Division, but he declined.
- Robin L back
- Hoke Yee (L Half), later became Captain of the Tenasserim division football team.
- Robert Yin Kyaw, Captain of the Tenasserim division.
  Recruited by the Customs FC,
  Played for Burma selected team.
- Aung Myint from Dawei
- Yakun, from Dawei
- Ko Ko Gyi, forward, from St. Patrick’s HS, Moulmein.
  He was one year junior to me at St. Pat.
  After his success in Tenasserim division team, he was recruited by Customs FC, became a Burma selected footballer.
  Played alongside with Bahadur, became a legend.
- Saw Ke, right winger, from Moulmein.
- Dupalee from Moulmein.
- David Kyaw Zan, recruited by Army team,
  Played in Yangon first division.
- Tun Wain
  After his success in Tenasserim football team, he was recruited by the Customs FC.
  He was my classmate at Moulmein college.
Some of the Tenasserim selected players were from SE Command, in Moulmein.
- San Ko Win (forward)
- Marlan (forward)
- David Kyaw Zan (left winger), later played with Army team jn first division.
RU footballers

“Five goals Soe Myint” (as he is well known) was a RU selected footballer. He got five goals against the Navy team. He was from Inwa Hall and a good volleyball player, and played as a setter.

Saw Biosonny was a close friend and roommate of Mg Pyone , RU footballer. Biosonny later became a RU goalkeeper together with B.Singh. He was a good volleyball player. He and Mg Pyone played for Pyapon district team.
May 16, 2025
Dr. Aung Gyi (2)

After attending the 2nd year engineering class from June 1952 to September 1952, I went straight to MIT on a state scholarship to continue my studies . Saya U Min Wun and I went together to MIT and joined the academic session, starting from September 1952. We met Dr Freddie Ba Hli at MIT, who was already studying for his Ph.D in electronics or electrical engineering. He was one of the nicest and helpful persons that I have ever met in my life. He gave us briefings and guidance so that we were able to assimilate into the American education system and American way of life without any difficulty He also helped us with our home works when we had some difficulties in the beginning. I am forever grateful to him for his kind help. I am sure U Min Wun feels the same. Saya U Khin Aung Kyi, Saya U Sein Hlaing, U Percy Lao, U Win Htein, U Kyaw Min, Robin Aw, U Kyaw Thein, U Aung Kywe, U Aung Myint and U Sein Hla came to MIT for further studies at a later date. U Percy Lao later became Rangoon City Engineer (water and sanitation), U Win Htein who is an architect became a Rangoon City Building Engineer, and the late U Kyaw Min became a free lance architect [and also taught part-time at the Architecture department for some time]. All these three professionals taught some time at RIT. I do not know what happened to Robin Aw. The late U Kyaw Thein was an engineer at the Construction Corporation and later became a lecturer at the Civil Engineering Department at RIT. U Aung Kywe was a Director (water and sanitation) at the Construction Corporation. U Aung Myint became the Chief Architect at the Construction Corporation. U Sein Hla was an engineer at the Construction Corporation and later became the Registrar at RIT under Rector U Yone Moe. Later more batches of Burmese students came to MIT when I was no longer there. I am describing all these things to point out the fact that the standard of engineering education in Burma at that time was quite good. None of us had to go through the entrance examination to get into MIT. They trusted our grades and our education standard. Maybe the visiting Professor Horwood from MIT was quite impressed with the Faculty of Engineering and put a good word for us to the MIT admission authorities.

I will not go into details of the activities of all the various students’ associations, societies and clubs, as there were so many of them. But I would like to mention briefly about the hostel life, that I had experienced at that time. Every hostel had what we called a social and reading club . There was an adequate room reserved for this club at the ground floor of the hostel. In general, newspapers, popular magazines, a chess board, a carom board and a table tennis were provided so that the hostel students could read, play chess, play carom board, and play table tennis and socialize to get to know each other well. Even without the social and reading club, all the hostel students ended up knowing each other well sooner or later, as they met each other almost everyday at the hostel and at the dining hall. The hostel students were in general well behaved. I hardly saw the Warden or Hall Tutors at Ava Hall and Prome Hall, as there were very few student problems which needed attention of the Warden or Hall Tutors.

Based upon my experience, I feel that these extra-curricular activities and hostel life gave the opportunities to the students to broaden the knowledge of the different parts of Myanmar; and they also created a better understanding of the different culture, food, habit, dresses, dialects etc of the country. Most of the students developed life-long friendships through these activities which contributed to well-beings of these students throughout their lives. Sport activities also taught the students about hard work, cooperation, team work, competition, winning and losing. The extra-curricular activities also triggered, developed and enhanced the hidden talents of some of the students. These activities therefore formed part of the University education of the students, in addition to the education that they received from the classrooms. Another benefit of these activities was the bonding and a better understanding, which developed between the students and the teachers who were involved in these activities.

After getting my Bachelor degree in Cvil Engineering in 1955 and my Master degree in Civil Engineering in 1956 from MIT, I worked for Engineering Companies for a year, which involved both design and fieldwork in engineering construction projects. I then came back to Rangoon in 1957 to join the Civil Engineering Department as an Assistant Lecturer. I was promoted to become a Lecturer in 1958 and became also more or less Head of the Civil Engineering Department. The policy in place at the University of Rangoon under the Ministry of Education at that time stated that a teacher/ any person could become a lecturer / professor only if he/ she had a post graduate degree. Sayagyi U Ba Hli was the Professor of Civil Engineering and Dean of the Faculty at the same time. U Aung Khin was Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, U Sein Hlaing was Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, U Khin Aung Kyi was Head of the Chemical Engineering Department, U Soon Sein was Head of the Mining Engineering Department, U Thit was Head of the Metallurgy Department, and U Maung Maung Than was Head of the Textile Engineering Department. I think Mr Johnson was Head of the Architecture Department. I do not remember who was the Workshop Superintendent at that time. We were quite happy as we had new facilities near the Prome road in addition to the B.O.C College of Engineering building. These new facilities comprised of a tall administrative building (with offices, conference/meeting rooms, library), classrooms, lecture theaters, laboratories , offices for the teaching staff and a small assembly place under the copper dome roof in the corner of the campus. The dome roof looked like a turtle back, and pretty soon this new campus became known as “turtle dome /leik khone” campus. After our arrival from USA, UK etc, the foreign teachers under contract were let go, as we gradually replaced them, except for a few teachers from UK or USA. I could recall Prof. Neale? in Electrical Engineering Department, Mr Redpath and Mr Skelton in Mechanical Engineering Department and Mr Johnson and Mr Nagler in Architecture Department.

As a young teacher I was surprised and pleased to see a few pioneering female engineering students (not more than ten) at the Leik Khone campus. They and their parents overcame the social uneasiness and they decided to study engineering/architecture to become lady engineers /architects. I do not know exactly when they first joined the 1st year engineering class; but It was one of the important turning points in the history of engineering education.

As young teachers, most of us were struggling to learn how to teach effectively at the beginning. I noticed that we were teaching about 15 to 20 hours per week which included lectures, laboratory and drawing classes. The contact hours of learning for the students remained the same as the time when I was an engineering student i.e. about 30 hours per week. The passing grade for the students also remained the same. i.e. 40% for each subject and 50% average for all the subjects combined. The medium of teaching was still in English. The laboratory and workshop facilities were quite good and adequate for the student population that we had. But the library looked quite small when I compared it with the library that they had in MIT, although it had a few good engineering books and journals. I felt that it needed a lot of investment to become a top notch engineering library.

It was with enthusiasm and hope that most of us were busy trying to build up our respective departments and trying to improve the engineering education in general. While we were busy, Professor and Dean U Ba Hli retired some time around 1961, and in place of U Ba Hli we had a succession of temporary Deans, Professor of Chemistry U Po Tha, Professor of Geology Dr Tha Hla, and Professor of Physics Dr Maung Maung Kha for about 6 months. The Faculty of Engineering also had to move to a new campus in Gyogone in 1961. Before our relocation to Gyogone, the Faculty of Engineering was one of the Faculties of the University of Rangoon. The academic and administrative related policy decisions were made by the Senate and Administrative Council of the University of Rangoon respectively so as to maintain and improve the standard of education of all its Faculties, including the Faculty of Engineering.

As you all know, Gyogone campus was built with the aid of Russia; and I understood that the Government of Burma paid back the cost in rice. I do not know whether it was true or not. In any case it was and still is an impressive looking campus. The buildings accommodated classrooms, laboratories and workshop, big assembly hall with a movie projector, library, offices for the administrative and teaching staff,and student hostels. There were also houses for all the staff, dining and kitchen facilities, small medical clinic, and open space for sport activities. All the buildings, houses etc occupied and still occupy a large area in a compound.

May 16, 2025
Memories of UCC (16 – 26)
Memories of UCC (16)

Dr. San Tint (External Examiner, GBNF)
- Graduated in 1961
- Joined the EE (Electrical Engineering) Department as Assistant Lecturer.
- When EE Department formally split into EC and EP Departments, he became Professor of EC (Electrical Communications AKA Electronics Engineering).
- Staunch supporter of the UCC Project.
- Served as External Examiner at UCC.
- Played on the RIT Saya Soccer team with Saya Paing, Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62), and Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt.
- Continued to teach at RIT after retirement.
- Suffered stroke and his right hand was paralyzed.
  Practiced writing with his left hand hoping that he will recover and continue teaching.
- Spent four decades (or so) teaching and passing the torch to the younger generation.
- Ko Hlaing Myint, Saya’s nephew, was with Saya in Saya’s final days.
Memories of UCC (17)

U Tin Swe (Power User, GBNF)
- Was wrongly called as U Tint Swe, U Tin Shwe and U Tin Shwe Gyi.
- Correct name is U Tin Swe.
- Member of the Prome Hall Football (Soccer) team which won the Inter-Hall Soccer Tournament for two consecutive years.
- Graduated in 1953.
- Joined the Electrical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
- Studied for MS at the University of Michigan.
- Upon his return, Saya became a Lecturer.
- Power User at UCC.
- Supervised U Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69) for his Master’s thesis.
- Worked with Power Distribution & Analysis programs.
- Collaborated with his former students including Dr. San Oo (EP67).
- In the early days, there were few Professorships.
- Passed away before the creation of separate EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power) Departments.
Memories of UCC (18)

Dr. Kyaw Thein (GBNF)
- Retired Rector, ICST
- Mentioned at the 5th ICST/UCSY Acariya Pu ZawPwe in 2018 that I was Generation Zero of UCC, Bo Htay was Generation One, and he was Generation Two.
- Was a fledgling tutor in the Mathematics Department in 1963 when we entered I.Sc. (A) class at Leik Khone.
- Top student in his Honors Class (1958 – 1962).
- Held Tutorial for the topics taught by Saya U Khin Zaw, Saya Choudry and Sayama Daw Khin Ma Ma.
- Encouraged me.
  I was top among Science Option students of I.Sc. (A).
- We crossed our paths again when Saya U Tun Aung Gyaw, U Soe Win and I visited Southampton University to see Saya U Soe Paing and U Aung Zaw.
  He was doing his Ph.D in Mathematics specializing on Differentiable Manifold (and related topics).
  He and U Aung Zaw joined us to see Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, and Safari (with wild animals roaming).
- As Saya Chit’s assistant and general hand, I worked on several projects with him and several other Mathematics sayas.
- Became Principal of Sittwe College.
- Succeeded Saya Dr. Tin Maung as Rector of ICST.
U Soe Win
- Graduated with Electrical Communications in 1970.
- Joined UCC as Engineer.
- Sent to UK for ICL training and to US for PDP training.
- He and his team implemented the Burmese font for the Calcomp graph plotter.
- Father : U Thein Maung (“Htin Lin”, winner of National Literary Award)
- Elder brother : U Soe Myint (Chief Editor of several publications, GBNF) is the father of Daw Khin Khin Latt (KMZ’s spouse).
- Younger brothers : U Kyaw Zaw (EC71, GBNF) and U Khin Zaw (KZ).
- Transferred to PTC.
- After retirement, he and his spouse did business (e.g. private tuition school, lodging) in Mawlamyaing (Moulmein).
Memories of UCC (19)

40th Anniversary Of UCC
- The “40th Anniversary of UCC” was the Reunion of Staff, Teachers (Past and Present) and Students.
- Daw Khin Lay Myint (former Secretary and Admin Officer, GBNF) and the Maintenance Crew : Daw Ngwe Tin, Aye Aye Myint, Hla Hla Myint and Maung Myint were among the attendees.
- Saya Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) was represented by Sayagadaw and Saya’s daughter.
- There was fun and laughter, music and dances, and good old memories.
U Soe Myint (GBNF)
- Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1972.
- Joined UCC as Operator.
- Served as Shift Lead
- Expert in Mechanical Drawing and AutoCAD
- Retired as Pro-Rector of ICST.
- Known as Sunlun Kappiya and Soe Myint Gyi
- Came to see me during my visit and shared his knowledge about U Lokanatha and Sayadaw’s financial support to buy the land for Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung.
- Gave me a “Chone Hte” (blanket for monk).
- On the fateful day, he made two trips to the Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung monastery, because he forgot his donation on his first trip. He also visited his nephew and niece who need dialysis. May be because of his karma or because of the trips he tool that day, he passed away around 3 AM.
- Elder sister : Tekkatho Shwe Yi Win (spouse of Saya Dr. Khin Maung Win (Mathematics), mother of Mg Mg Win (Maung Yit) and Mi Mi Win (Junior Win)).
Memories of UCC (20)

Names
- Saya Chit (Dr. Chit Swe, GBNF)
- Saya Paing (U Soe Paing)
- Saya Myo (U Myo Min)
- Saya Lay (U Ko Ko Lay, GBNF)
- Saya DTM (Dr. Tin Maung, GBNF)
- Saya Thein (Dr. Kyaw Thein, GBNF)
- Saya Pyke (Dr. Pyke Tin)
- Saya Zaw (U Aung Zaw)
- Saya Tag (Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw)
- Bo Shoke (U Mya Thein, GBNF)
- Ah Thay Lay (U Thein Oo)
- Pauk Si (Chief Operator U Hla Min)
- Bo Htay (Dr. Mg Mg Htay)
- KMZ (U Khin Mg Zaw)
- Kyein (U Kyaw Nyein, GBNF)
- MMG (U Maung Maung Gyi)
- Mra (U Mra Tun)
- Ah Leong (U Kyaw Zwar)
- Ah Ba (U Mg Mg Lay)
- Dobat Sayagyi (U Win Hlaing)
- Soe Myint Gyi or Sunlun Kappiya (U Soe Myint, GBNF)
- Charlie (U Myint Lwin)
- Joe Thein (U Soe Thein, GBNF)
- Joe Than (Dr. Soe Than)
- Judy (Daw Nwe Nwe Win)
- Ma Nge (Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, GBNF)
- Japan Sayagyi (U Aung Hlaing)
- Ju Ju (Daw Tin May Lwin)
- Bei Gyi (U Sein Myint)
- Sin Gyi (Daw Sao Mon Sint)
- Sammy (U San Myint Thane)
- Boe (U Boe Ba Shan)
- Ma Phyu (Daw Phyu Phyu Win)
- Jaws (U Kyaw Zwa Than)
- K-cube (Daw Khin Khin Kyu)
- KLM (Daw Khin Lay Myint. GBNF)
- KSM (U Soe Myint (Systems))
- Gary (U Sein Myint Maung)
- Mu Mu (Daw Khin Aye Mu)
- AM (U Aung Myint)
- Silver (U Ngwe Soe)
- Byte (U Myint Soe)
- KZ (U Khin Zaw)
- Bo Waing (U Win Myint (1))
- Ah Shay Gyi (U Tin Ohn)
- Toe Toe (Daw Khin Toe Nyein, GBNF)
- Ohn Thee (U Ohn Thwin, GBNF)
Terms
- A : Architecture
- ABAC : Assumption Business And Accounting College
- AI : Artificial Intelligence
- AKA : Also Known As
- BRS : Boundary Road School
- BS : Bachelor of Science
- BSCE : BS in Civil Engineering
- BSEE : BS in Electrical Engineering
- CHM : Computer History Museum
- CO : Chief Operator
- COBOL : Common Business Oriented Language
- CS : Computer Science
- CSE : Computer Science Education
- CSL : Control And Simulation Language
- CSO : Central Statistical Organization
- CT : Computer Technology
- CTK : Children’s Treasury of Knowledge
- DCS : Department Of Computer Science
- DEC : Digital Equipment Corporation
- EC : Electrical Communications
- EE : Electrical Engineering
- EP : Electrical Power
- FILAN : File Analysis
- FORTRAN : Formula Translator
- GBNF : Gone But Not Forgotten
- GEORGE : General Organizational Environment
- GPCP : General Purpose Contouring Package
- IBM : International Business Machines
- ICT : International Calculators And Tabulators
- ICL : International Computers Limited
- ICL ETC : ICL Engineers’ Training Center
- ICST : Institute Of Computer Science And Technology
- ILA : Intelligence Level Aggregate
- IP : Internet Protoocol (or) Intellectual Property
- IT : Information Technology
- M : Mechanical
- MEHS : Methodist English High School
- MIT : Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
- MS : Master of Science
- MSCE: MS in Civil Engineering
- MSEE : MS in Electrical Engineering
- NA : Not Applicable
- OS : Operating System
- PBRS : Private Boundary Road School
- Ph.D : Doctorate In Philosophy
- PLAN : Programming Language For Nineteen Hundred
- PPBRS : Private Primary Boundary Road School
- PZP : Pu Zaw Pwe
- RASU : Rangoon Arts And Science University
- RU : Rangoon University
- RUBC : Rangoon University Boat Club
- RUESU : Rangoon University Engineering Students’ Union
- SPHS : St. Paul’s High School
- SPZP : Saya Pu Zaw Pwe
- TTC : Teachers Training College
- UBARI : Union of Burma Applied Research Institute
- UCC : Universities’ Computer Center
- UCSY : University Of Computer Studies, Yangon
- UN : United Nations
- UNDP : United Nations Development Program
- UNESCO : UN Educational Scientific & Cultural Organization
- UNV : United Nations Volunteer
Memories of UCC (21)

Win Myint

There were three people at UCC named Win Myint.

Win Myint (1)
- AKA Bo Waing and U Win Myint Gyi
- High School Luyechun (Outstanding student) from Myeik (Mergui).
- Was caught off guard when the then new Education System used the controversial ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) to determine the admission to the Universities and Institutes.
  Had to study Philosophy along with others who had “low” ILA scores.
- Instead of using the marks directly, the ILA uses a “distribution” of the marks for each subject and gives a score. The ILA system helped students with “balanced” marks. By having marks in the “top tier” for each subject, a student can get reasonably good score. But a student with “low” marks in one or two subjects (e.g. Burmese and English) would be penalized by the ILA system.
- Philosophy is derived from Phil (love of) and Sophy (Wisdom).
  The highest degree is called Ph.D (Doctorate of Philosophy).
  It is ironic that students with “low” ILA scores were “forced” to major in Philosophy.
- Bo Waing is an exception.
  He was determined to pursue a challenging career.
  Since he wanted to learn and work with computers, he enhanced his typing skills for both English and Burmese.
  It was a requirement for the position of Secretary at the newly formed UCC.
- Grapevine says that Bo Waing’s interview at PSC (Public Services Commission) was fast and smooth. When he said, “I am Bet Thar (or similar meaning ‘I am from Beik (Mergui)’, the PSC Chairman who was from Beik “validated” Bo Waing’s appointment as Secretary.
- Bo Waing not only typed very fast, but he learned Computer Science quickly and proficiently.
  He became a programmer.
  Later Bo Waing joined Winner Computer Group.
  Kudos to Bo Waing for his tenacity and professionalism.
Win Myint (2)
- Majored in Mathematics and received Masters.
- Worked at SLR (Surveyor of Lan Records) Department, before serving as an Applications Programmer at UCC.
- Worked overseas (initially as a UNV [United Nations Volunteer]) and later as a consultant.
Win Myint (3)
- Operated the cyclostyle (Gestener).
- The UCC lecture guides were printed mostly on Sittaung (Sittang) paper and some on the Ye Ni paper.
Notes

Some may remember “Introduction to Computers”, “Introduction to Computer Programming”, and the various User Guides prepared by Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Aung Zaw and me.

Memories of UCC (22)

International Business Machines (IBM)
- IBM designed and implemented System/360.
  360 supposedly refers to the number of degrees in a circle
- It uses the same “architecture” with a common “instruction set”.
- The “high end” models implement the instruction set using the “best available” hardware.
- The “low end” models implement the instruction set using firmware.
- George Blauuw and Frederick Brooks Jr. explain the then “new” concepts (architecture, implementation, realization …) in their reference guides.
- Brooks led the development of both the computer systems S/360 and the operating system OS/360. He wrote a book, “The Mythical Man Month” (which became a classic).
- I attended a lecture at CHM (Computer History Museum) and requested some members of the S/360 development team to autograph the S/360 reference card.
System/370
- IBM introduced System/370 in the 1970’s.
- Gene Amdahl, Architect for System/370, left IBM to form his company and produced Amdahl 470, which is “compatible” with System/370 and supposedly “better” than System/370.
Bidding For UCC Project
- IBM was among the four computer companies that submitted tender for the UCC Project.
- It submitted a model of S/360.
- ICL (International Computers Limited) won the tender.
Memories of UCC (23)

International Computers Limited (ICL)

ICT (International Calculators and Tabulators) evolved into ICL (International Computers Limited).

ICL 1900 Series
- ICL 1900 series cover a range of machines : ICL 1901 to ICL 1907.
- The basic machines have “A” in the name, e.g. ICL 1901A.
- The enhanced machines have “S” in the name, e.g. ICL 1902S (the one used at UCC).
Computer And Peripherals
- The following configuration was used at UCC.
- Some upgrades were made using the budget for “Population Census Data Processing” Project.
- ICL 1902S computer with 2.5 D (dimensional) core memory and a console typewriter
- Two ICL 2101 Card Readers
- ICL 1933 Line Printer
- Two ICL 2802 EDS (Exchangeable Disk Store)
- Each controller controls two EDS 8 disks
- Four ICL 2506 Magnetic Tape 9 track NRZI (Non Return to Zero Inverted)
The computer has piano-like keys for “bootstrapping” and for “testing”.

Some ICL computers use a 5-track Paper Tape Reader. There are pros and cons for using “punched cards” versus “punched paper tape”. Punched cards were used in the early looms and in the Hollerith Machines used for processing US Population Census Data. Hollerith founded a company, which evolved into IBM. Punched paper tape were used in the early transmission systems.

A flat bed CalComp Graph Plotter was added.

Training

Three UCC engineers underwent training at the ICL ETC (ICL Engineering Training Center) in Letchworth, United Kingdom.

ICL provided a “resident” engineer to maintain the computer system and a “resident” programmer/analyst to guide the system programmers and selected application programmers. CalComp provided an on-site training for the graph plotter. Details can be found in the computer articles published by Saya U SoePaing.

Memories of UCC (24)

Operating System For ICL 1900 Series

ICL 1900 series use GEORGE (General Organization Environment) O/S Operating System.

ICL1902S uses GEORGE-2.

Some other computers use GEORGE-3.

Software Packages

ICL1902S comes with several software packages.

Saya Zaw and team install the software and the patches (during the period reserved for them).

PLAN (Programming Language for Nineteen hundred series) is the Assembly Language.

FORTRAN (Formula Translator) and COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) are the programming languages used for scientific computing and business applications.

The language compilers detect for syntax and semantic errors and output a form that can be read by a “consolidator” or “linking loader”.

There are application software packages.
- FILAN (File Analysis) is used for the processing of Population Census data.
- CSL (Control and Simulation Language) is available for Discrete Event Simulation.
- GPCP (General Purpose Contouring Package)
Details can be provided by Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Aung Zaw, U Maung Maung Htay, and U Soe Myint (KSM).

Memories of UCC (25)

Analogy : Teach Fishing Rather Than Give Fish

To help “speed up” the computerization in Burma, Saya Chit mandated the “training and knowledge transfer” component in the UCC project. The component was awarded to Professor Harry D. Huskey (Past ACM President), who taught at University of California Berkeley (UCB) and University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC). Dr, Huskey is a computer pioneer, ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) Fellow, and CHM (Computer History Museum) Fellow. Details can be found in Wikipedia, ACM and CHM.

Dr. Huskey persuaded several top Computer Scientists and Educators to transfer their knowledge and expertise to UCC staff and students.

Learning From The Pioneers And Gurus

The following is a partial list of the experts provided by Dr. Huskey.

Professor Anthony Ralston (SUNY Buffalo & Past President of ACM) lectured on “Structured Programming” , “Structured FORTRAN) …

Professor Peter Wegner (Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island) lectured on “Formal Languages and Automata Theory” …

Dr. Malcolm P. Atkinson (Cambridge University Mathematics & Computer Lab) taught “Programming Languages”, “Data Structures”, …

Professor Forman Acton (Princeton University) lectured using his book, “Programs that almost work” with emphasis on Error Analysis

Professor Michael Stonebraker (UC Berkeley) lectured on RDBMS (Relational DataBase Management System) in general and INGRES (an early language for RDBMS) in particular. Michael Stonebraker, Eugene Wong and Gerald Held designed and implemented INGRES at UCB. They went on to found INGRES and several other DB companies. Stonebraker is currently affiliated with MIT. Stonebraker won the prestigious ACM Turing Award (“Nobel Prize” for Computer Professionals) a few years ago.

Impact Of The Lectures And Courses

Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo, Sai Aung Thurein, JAWS (Ko Kyaw Zwar Than), BEI GYI (Ko Sein Myint), … implemented projects (based on INGRES and other Databases) on ICL 1902S under the supervision of Saya Paing and several other sayas.

Memories of UCC (26)

Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC)

Ken Olson and several other MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) alumni founded DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation). Grape vine says that there was a “protocol” in government departments to “purchase computer”. In order to circumvent that, DEC named their mini-computers as PDP (Programmable Digital Processors). CHM (Computer History Museum) has a PDP-1 on display. Retired DEC engineers “restored” a PDP-1. The exhibit has demos : one for play a “primitive” Space War game, another for “playing” music.

PDP-8 is a 12-bit mini-computer used in many universities of that period.

PDP-11 is a 16-bit mini-computer (that was acquired by UCC).

VT-101 (or similar) terminals became the “new” mode of entering and running programs.

DEC later introduced VAX (Virtual Address eXtended) series.

Gordon Bell was the VAX architect and co-author of the book using CMS (Computer Memory System) and “formal” methods to describe and evaluate computer systems. The artifacts that he collected for the book project were displayed in DEC as BCM (Boston Computer Museum) with Gwen Bell as the Curator. It later became CHM (Computer History Museum) in Mountain View, California.

Docent for CHM

I volunteered as a Docent for CHM for a couple of years. i had to explain to visitors about the early computers (including DEC and VAX machines). A few wanted to know “What is Silicon Valley?” and “What makes SV special?”

Route 66

Some early Computer and Technology companies were founded on or near Route 66 in Boston, Massachusetts. Some factors and people (William Shockley, Frederick Terman) contributed to the birth of “Silicon Valley” in California instead of Massachusetts (which has MIT and Harvard).
May 16, 2025