SDYF — Memories

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

U Khin Maung Tun

Before, during and after SPZP-2012, Saya U Moe Aung floated the idea of Swel Daw Yeik Foundation to help alumni (past, present and future) and to take care of the health of eligible sayas and sayamas.

U Khin Maung Tun (T78) not only seconded the idea but showed his commitment by donating and or pledging Kyat 1500+ Lakhs for SDYF.

• President of SDYF
• Major donor not only for SDYF, but for the Alumni Association
• Donated for SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu and SPZP-2016
• Sponsored Entertainment Program for SPZPs & SDYF events
• Provided Eye Care for eligible RIT sayas and sayama
• Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
• Attended Alumni Gathering in San Francisco Bay Area.
• Sang a song with Saya U Moe Aung (Patron of SDYF) at SPZP-2016
• Also sang the SDYF theme song with the SDYF members
  
  The SDYF theme song is not a transformation of one of Saya’s poems. It was the outcome of a completely new composition. Ko Than Po (M75, Zat Sayagyi) helped with the music injection.

• As SDYF President, he hosted meetings with lunch & entertainment
• Expressed his desire to retire after a couple of terms, but the EC members politely declined.

USA Trip

• U Khin Maung Tun and his spouse attended the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, and the Dinner gathering in San Francisco to welcome Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & visitors from Yangon.

• Gave me a “Htet Linn” bag with indigenous medicine and an MP3 player loaded with dhamma talks.

• He and his family provided “Eye Care” for eligible sayas and sayamas. They balance of the Eye Care Fund has been transferred to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.

Health Care & Financial Aid

The eligibility rules may change depending on the availability of funds, and the number of eligible sayas and sayamas.

SDYF provides medical checkup, but currently it can offer a limited amount (e.g. 4 – 5 Lakhs) of medical expenses per saya per annum.

When a Saya or Sayama passes away, SDYF offers 2 Lakh Kyats to the bereaved family.

SDYF offers 4 Lakh Kyats to eligible sayas and sayamas

• for Hospitalization
• for frequent medical check ups
• for severe loss of mobility

SDYF also considers case-by-case for sayas and sayamas needing financial assistance for health care.

Medical Check up in 2018

SDYF provided medical check up for sayas aged 60 and above.

The program started on Nov 6, 2018 at Grand Hantha Hospital.

Kudos to May Nge and group for their volunteer services.

Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu to the young donors.

Khin Htay Lin and May Nge

Khin Htay Lin (EC93)

She is a Director of Grand Hantha Hospital. She donated (or offered a discount) 25% of the expenses for the medical checkup of eligible RIT sayas and sayamas.

May Nge (May Thet Hlaing)

She is the lead volunteer for the noble task

U Kyaw Sein (M65)

SDYF will provide Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, Singapore) K4 Lakhs annually to take care of his health.

For 2018, Ko Kyaw Moe (M 2001) donated to bring up the total to S$400.

U Ohn Maung (ChE68)

SDYF will provide Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE68, Singapore) K4 Lakhs annually to take care of his health.

Pre-AGM Meeting in 2018

• In 2018 (before the AGM meeting) SDYF Meeting was hosted by U Khin Maung Tun (President) with a sumptuous meal.
• U Tin Latt’s food donation became “take out” by the attendees.
• Discussed preparations for the AGM of SDYF
• Passed resolution to spend K50 lakhs for the medical check up of eligible sayas and sayas
• Discussed the provisional financial support for use in presenting research papers overseas.
• Discussed the “Total Care” program for eligible sayas and sayamas
• U Maung Maung Than (M81) donated K5 lakhs to SDYF.
• U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) received a present (special drinks) from the President.