Outstanding Burmans

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

(1) Aung San

• Born on February 13, 1915.
  February 13 is also known as “Khalay Mya Nay” (Childrens’ Day).
• Zartar name : Htain Lin
• Preferred name : Aung San rhymes with Aung Than (his elder brother).
• Alternate names : Thakin Aung San, Bo Teza
• Spouse : Daw Khin Kyi
• Children : Aung San Oo, Aung San Lin (GBNF), Aung San Suu Kyi
• Received Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Secretary, Rangoon University Students Union
• Editor, Oway Magazine;
  Translated “Invictus”
• Expelled from RU for refusing to disclose the author of “Hell Hound At Large”
• Quit studying for Bachelor of Law (BL) to concentrate on politics
• Architect of Burma’s Independence
• Assassinated on July 19, 1947.
• Public Mourning at Jubilee Hall
• Laid to rest at Mausoleum near Shwe Dagon Pagoda

I wrote the following for Bogyoke Aung San’s Centennial Celebration in the San Francisco Bay Area.

AUNG SAN
(Feb 13, 1915 – July 19, 1947)

AUNG

A — Architect of Burma’s Independence;
He signed the Aung San – Atlee Agreement.
It led to the Nu — Atlee Agreement that gave Independence.

U — University Student Leader;
He served as Chief Editor of the Oway Magazine.
He refused to name the author of “Hell Hound Turned Loose”.
He was expelled, resulting in the 1938 Universities Student Strike.
He translated “Invictus“.

N — National Unity & Solidarity Proponent;
He organized the Panlong (Pinlon) Agreement.
The agreement was signed on February 12, 1947.

G —  Gone but not forgotten;
He was a General, but he promised to step down after Independence.
He was gunned down at the tender age of 32.

SAN

S — Showed leadership & personal sacrifice;
He wore torn uniforms.
He ate Pebyoke and Nanbya.

A — Anti Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL);
He was a Co-founder.

N — National Planning Advocate;
He displayed Nationalism and Patriotism by deeds and not words.

(2) Some Firsts in the History of Burma

Based partly on the compilation of Sayagyi Minthuwun

(1) Sao Shwe Thaik served as the first President of the Union of Burma. Burma gained Independence on January 4, 1948. He was succeeded by Dr. Ba U and Mahn Win Maung. Coup d’etat took place before Sama Duwa Sinwa Naung could take office. Sao Shwe Thaik’s son passed away during the Coup.

(2) U Nu served as the first Prime Minister of the Union of Burma. He was also the last Prime Minister before the fateful Coup d’etat on March 2, 1962.

Dawei U Ba Swe was Prime Minister for some time when U Nu took a break.

(3) Dr. Shaw Loo was the first doctor to study medicine in the West.

(4) Mekkhaya Mintha (Prince) & Mr. Lane translated Dr. Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary into Burmese.

(5) Yaw Mingyi U Pho Hlaing was the first Burmese author to write about Science and Technology.

(6) Arzani U Razak was one of the first to graduate from Ah Myo Tha Kaw Leik (National College). He served as Principal of the National School in Mandalay. He was Minister of Education in Bogyoke Aung San’s Cabinet. He was assassinated on July 19, 1947.

(7) Phan Chet Wun U Shwe Oh was the first Burmese engineer.

(8) Sayadaw U Ottama was the first Political Prisoner in Burma. “U Ottama Pan Chan ဦးဥုတ္တမ ပန်းခြံ” is a park named in his honor.

Sayadaw U Wisara was another famous Political Prisoner. “U Wisara Kyauk Taing ဦးဝိစာရကျောက်တိုင်” was erected in his honor.

(9) Phwa Oo Zun (Mandalay native) was the first Burmese female to perform Social Service for the public. She established the Home for the Aged. Details can be found in Ludu Daw Ah Mar’s book “Mandalay Thar & Mandalay Thu”.

(10) U Nyi Pu (brother of Daw Khin Myint, A1 U Tin Nwe, U Maung Maung Soe and A1 U Tin Maung) was the first leading male actor in a Burmese movie. The siblings and their extended families founded several film companies. U Nyi Pu founded Maha Weikzahto Film. The “Thamankyaw” movie was shot and produced at U Nyi Pu’s studio. The crew consisted of A1 Than Htut (Director), A1 Thein Htut (Cinematographer), Than Win (T70, Author), Toe Nyunt, Ko Myint (Min70), Sai Wunna, Win Hlaing, Myo Thant, Toe Chit, Bo Ba Ko, Min Naung & Nwe Nwe Mu.

(11) London Art U Ohn Maung founded a company to produce Burmese films and served as a Director.

(12) Kyaw Soe won the inaugural award for Best Male Actor.

Note: The awards are known as “Shwe Sin Yoke Su ရွှေစင်ရုပ်ဆု”. The winners prefix their names with “Academy”.

(13) Kyi Kyi Htay won the inaugural award for the Best Female Actor. She won the award several more times.

(14) Aung Tun Lay won the inaugural award for the Best Child Actor.

(15) U Kyauk Lone (U Aung Gyi) won the inaugural award for the Best Male Supporting Actor.

(16) Daw May Nwe won the inaugural award for the Best Female Supporting Actor.

(17) U Thu Kha won the inaugural award for the Best Director. He also wrote, acted and sang. My translation “Still So Young” of his short story was published in the Sunday Supplement of Working People’s Daily. I received K50 for the translation. U Thu Kha received an honorarium of K50 for his short story.

(18) Sein Beda was the first Saing Saya ဆိုင်းဆရာ to perform overseas.

(19) James Hla Kyaw wrote the first Burmese novel “Maung Yin Maung Ma Mae Ma မောင်ရင်မောင်မမယ်မ”.

(20) Independent Daw San was the first Burmese female Journalist.

(21) Dr. Ba Maw was the first Burmese lecturer at the Department of English at the University of Rangoon. He became Adhipati အဓိပတိ during the Japanese Occupation.

(22) Professor U Pe Maung Tin was the first Principal of the University of Rangoon. He was Professor of Oriental Studies (including Pali). He proposed to have a separate Department for Burmese. Three outstanding students — ICS U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa), U Thein Han (Zawgyi) and U Wun (Minthuwun) — founded the “Khit San Sar Pay ခေတ်စမ်းစာပေ” movement.

(23) Tekkatho Tun Naung (BDS, Luyechun) was the first vocalist of the Stereo Khit (Era). Others include Accordion Ohn Kyaw and Min Min Latt. Former performers of BBS Local Talent and Variety Show became professionals.

(24) Mee Bone Byan U Kyaw Yin was the first aerial acrobat to perform stunts from a Hot Air Balloon. He was featured in a text book that we studied in Middle School.

(25) U Kyi built the first robot.

(26) Great Po Sein founded the first Nei Hlei Zat Tha Bin (နယ်လှည့်ဇာတ်သဘင် roving troupe for performing plays). His sons Kenneth Sein and Thet Thet Sein also performed.

(27) Dr. / Sir Mya Bu, who studied in France and Germany, served as the first Burmese Chief Justice of High Court.

(28) U Ba Hli served as first native Dean of Engineering at Rangoon University.

(29) Dr. Tin Hlaing founded the Department of Atomic Energy and served as the first Director General.

(30) U Ba Galay (U Shwe Ta Lay) was the first Burmese Cartoonist.

(31) Sithu U Kaung served as the first President of Burmese History Commission. The History Commission was later merged with the Burmese Language Commission. He is the father of U Thaw Kaung, Dr. Daw Yee May Kaung and Daw Kyi May Kaung.

(32) Dr. Chit Swe is the Computer Pioneer in Burma. He founded the Universities’ Computer Center (UCC) with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF). He served as the Director of UCC in addition to the Maths Professorship. He established the academic and training courses at UCC with the help of Professor Dr. Harry D. Huskey (Past ACM President) and visiting professors from US, US and Europe. He enabled the academic courses at UCC to have degrees conferred by the Department of Mathematics at RASU. He became Rector of RASU. He never lost his passion about UCC and the dissemination of Computer Science and Applications.

(33) Dr. Tin Maung (son of Saya U Kar) succeeded Dr. Chit Swe as Director of UCC. During his tenure, DCS (Department of Computer Science) and ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) were established. U Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) and I were members of “Generation Zero” at UCC. We taught at UCC, DCS and ICST.

(34) U Raschid (also known as M. A. Raschid) served as the first President of Ba Ka Tha (ဗကသ All Burma Students’ Union). He was also President of Ta Ka Ta (တကသ RU Student Union). He served as a Minister in the AFPFL ဖဆပလ Government.

(35) Chit Oo Nyo, a prolific writer, wrote the first book to play “Kyar” (ကျား Checkers).

(36) Hajeema Pyinmana Daw Pu was the first female to win Lu Hmu Htoo Chun Su Pathama Sint (လူမှုထူးချွန်ပထမဆင့် First Class for Distinguished Social Service). She donated for the founding of some hospitals. She is the mother-in-law of Saya U Ba Than Haq (Retired Professor of Geology and Pro-Rector of RASU)

(37) Bohmu (Major) Daw Khin Ohn Mya (also known as writer Mya Marlar) was the first recipient of the Florence Nightingale Award for outstanding Nursing.

(38) U Win Myint (Mandalay) was the first Burmese to donate his body.

(39) U Thant succeeded Daj Hammerjold as UNSG (United Nations Secretary General). He was the Third UNSG and the first UNSG from Asia. He served two terms. “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin” is a sad event in the history of Burma.

(40) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was the first Burmese to receive the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.

Saya Minthuwun (U Wun)

• Retired Professor of Burmese at Rangoon University
• Head of the Translation Department
• Compiler of the Myanmar Abhidan (Burmese Dictionary)
• Co-compiler of the Japanese-Burmese Dictionary
• Visiting Professor of Burma at Osaka University at the invitation of Professor Harada (“Chit Mann Nwe ချစ်မန်းနွယ်”)
• Co-founder of “Khit San Sar Pay”
• Laureate Poet
• Saya is the father of Edgar Wun (U Nyan Soe), Peter Wun (U Htin Kyaw, former President of Myanmar) and Rosalind Wun (Daw Htar Cho)

(3) Pioneers and/or record holders

Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga

I wrote 30+ posts on “Memories of UCC”. A summary was published in the Commemorative Magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of ICST.

Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe founded UCC (Universities’ Computer Center) with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min, and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF). They also led TOSS (Team Of System Specialists), which helped the computerization of various government departments and organizations.

Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) succeeded Dr. Chit Swee as Director of UCC. During his tenure, DCS (Department of Computer Science) and ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) were opened. He served as the Rector of ICST.

U Soe Paing wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” in a computer magazine in Myanmar. It was re-posted in “Mandalay Gazette”, a publication based in Los Angeles.

Burmese Movies

A1 U Tin Nwe is the eldest of the four brothers. He and his youngest brother U Tin Maung founded A1 Film. Several of his descendents are Directors and Actors. His grandchildren include A1 Than Htut, A1 Thein Htut, Thamankyar Ko Myint (Min71) and Sai Wunna.

U Nyi Pu, the second brother, founded his own film company called ” Maha Weikkzado Films”.

U Maung Maung Soe (U Tin Pe), the third brother, founded “Maung Maung Soe Film”. He is the grand father of Ma Pyi Aye (Rosalind, A66) and Ma Khin Than Nu (Glory, EC70).

U Kyaw Zaw (PPBRS) and U Nay Win (British Burma) studied cinematography in US.

U Tin Yu is the son of Daw Khin Myint (eldest daughter of Myanmar Ah Swe founders). For the Yoke Shin Centennial, he gave interviews about his uncles (notably A1 U Tin Maung) and his career (as a cinematographer, assistant director and full-fledged director). Than Win (T70, son-in-law) wrote the novel for Thamankyar.

U Mya Maung (brother in law of U Tin Yu) founded Mya Zaw Films. His children include Peggy Mya Maung, Winnie / Win Mar (Academy winner), Ted / Toe Nyunt (Shwe Gaung Byaung), Rosebelle / Sandar (Academy winner) and Mya Zaw.

Tipitaka Sayadaw

Sayadaw U Vicittacara is the first Burmese to appear in the “Guiness Book of World Records” for his phenomenal memory. Sayadaw recited 8000+ pages of Tipitaka : Vinaya (Monastic rules of conduct), Sutta (Discourses), and Abhidhamma (Ultimate Reality) at the Sixth Buddhist Council held at KabaAye from 1954 – 56.

Lexicographers

• Reverend Judson and his team
• U Tun Nyein
• Dr. Ba Han
• U Ohn Pe (Tet Toe)
• U Hoke Sein (Pali, English, Burmese)
• Minthuwun (Burmese, Japanes)
• Sixth Buddhist Council Team (e.g. Sayadaw U Silananda)

Medical Research

BMRI (Burma Medical Research Institute) was founded by Dr. Mya Tu.

It later became DMR (Directorate of Medical Research)

His successors include Dr. Aung Than Ba Tu, Dr. Khin Maung Tin and Dr. Daw May May Yi.

Details of the early and/or prominent doctors/educators have been written by Saya Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (SPHS60) and Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, SPHS63).

U Ba Hi and his son Dr. Freddie Ba Hli

Sayagyi U Ba Hli was the first native Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University. He also taught Civil Engineering courses. He was the driving force (with the support of Professor Horwood of MIT) behind the “Twinning Program” with prestigious universities in US and UK.

Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (Sc.D from MIT) was the first Director General of UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute). He also taught part-time at the Electrical Engineering Department. Heblater served as a Board Member for UCC.

UN Delegation

Before becoming the 3rd Secretary General of United Nations, U Thant was the Permanent Representative of the Burmese Mission to the UN. He was preceded and succeeded by Mr. James Barrington (ICS and RUBC Gold).

U Thant was the unanimous choice following the Soviet Union’s veto of Dr. Ralph Bunche (prominent Black diplomat), and the USA’s veto of the “Trioka” (proposed by USSR). Burma was a co-founder of the “Non Aligned Movement” to balance the USSR and USA Blocs.

The Permanent Secretary post was later renamed as Ambassador to the United Nations.

Early Native Professors

Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Physics), Dr. Hla Myint (Economics) and Dr. Tha Hla (Geology) did their doctorates in the UK. Upon their return to Burma, they helped replace the non-Burmese (mostly British and some Indian) professors from Rangoon University. They also served as Rector of Rangoon University.

Cartoonists

Prominent cartoonists include U Ba Gyan, U Heng Soon, U Pe Thein, U Aung Shein, U Kyaw San, U Sein, and U Ba Htwe.

RIT Cartoon Box was established by U Myint Pe (M72) under the Patronage of Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C64), Saya U Aung Myint (Pet69, GBNF). Four generations maintained the RIT Cartoon Box.

Cartoons were displayed along U Ba Gyan Street during the Tazaungdaing Festival.

Translation & Adaptation

There have been adaptations as well as “direct translation” of works from English to Burmese.

James Hla Kyaw’s novel was based on the Count of Monte Cristo.

Shwe Oo Daung’s U San Shar and U Thein Maung are the Burmese counterparts of Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson.

Mya Than Tint (BA, BL) & Thakin Ba Thaung are distinguished translators.

Sports

U Zaw Weik was the first Burmese to compete in Olympics as a member of the British Empire team (governing India and Burma). He co-founded the Burma Olympic Council.

U Aung Gyi (flyweight) was the first Burmese weight lifter to set/break an Olympic record.

Some Burmese Champions who competed in the Olympics include Maung Maung Lwin (Yatching), Tin Maung Ni (Swimming), Myee Tone Naw (Track and Field), Thein Myint (Boxing) and 1972 Munich Olympics Soccer Team.

Several students of Rangoon University represented Burma in the First SEAP Games in Bangkok in 1959, and the Second SEAP Games held in Rangoon in December 1961. I have posted a photo provided by Dr. Richard Yu Khin (MEHS61, GBNF) who won a Gold Medal in Yachting.

Tun Mra (4×100 meters relay), Kyaw Mra (hurdles, GBNF) and Soe Mra (Pole vault) won medals at the 2nd SEAP Games. Their younger brothers Win Mra, Maung Maung Mra and Aung Mra also also excellent Pole Vaulters. Kyaw Mra became National Coach for Track and Field.

Education

There have been several “New” Education Systems.

When the Universities which were forced to close following the Anniversary Celebrations in July 1963, the higher authorities decided to reorganize the Rangoon University as a number of autonomous Institutes.

The Faculty of Engineering underwent two name changes: first to BIT (Burma Institute of Technology) in 1961 and then to RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology) in November 1964. The degrees conferred became B.E. and B.Arch under the then new Education System. U Yone Mo became the first Rector of RIT. U Soe Thein became the Registrar.

World wide Saya Pu Zaw Pwe

The first RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in San Francisco, California, USA in October of 2000. I am honored to be a member of the RIT Alumni International that hosted SPZP-2000.

I founded the RIT Alumni International Newsletter and have served as its Editor and Content Provider for 26 years. I have repaid the metta and cetana of my mentors.

There have been seven RIT Grand Reunion and SPZPs (also known as World Wide SPZPs). They are

• SPZP-2000 : USA in October 2000
• SPZP-2002 : Singapore in December 2002
• SPZP-2004 : Yangon in December 2004
• SPZP-2007 : Singapore in April 2007
• SPZP-2010 : Singapore in December 2010
• SPZP-2012 : Yangon at the Gyogone Campus in December 2012 (True Home Coming). The Reunion dinner was held at MICT Park
• SPZP-2016 : Yangon in December 2016. A free All Day Event at the Gyogone Campus with exhibitions, and two stages.

Note : SPZP-2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For SPPZ-2000, I served as Chief Editor for the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”.

For SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010, Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as Chief Editor of the commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung”. He also served as Chief Editor of the commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for Shwe YaDu 2014 and SPZP-2016.

U Saw Lin (C71, GBNF) served as Chief Editor of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for SPZP-2012.

Other special publications for SPZP-2012 are

• HMEE-2012 (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) by Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team. I was a member. U Ohn Khine and I compiled a CD supplement for the book.
• Selected RIT Cartoons by U Myint Pe (M72) and fellow cartoonists

Associations

The Student Unions and most associations were not allowed to function for five or so decades.

With the Pwint Linn Era, some progress was made.

Swel Daw Yeik Foundation

Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF) was founded in 2013 to help the sayas and students — past, present and future — of our beloved alma mater. U Khin Maung Tun is the President and main donor.

SDYF has provided

• Annual Medical Check up of eligible sayas and sayamas
• Limited financial assistance for sayas and sayamas needing (a) hospitalization (b) frequent visits to clinics (c) long term care

SDYF helped with Shwe YaDu Celebrations in December 2014.

RITAA

RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association (RITAA) was founded on March 13, 2016. Since there was a length limitation for naming, BIT (which was technically a renaming of the “Faculty of Engineering” of the University of Rangoon) was left out of the Association’s name.

RITAA became a major sponsor for SPZP-2016.

RITAA is a major force in the implementation of “YTU Library Modernization” Project.

U Myo Aye is the current President. U Tin Latt, who led the Association before the first AGM (Annual General Meeting), is the Vice President.

(4) Burmese Female Scholars

The list is partly based on a special broadcast by BBC, which covered the early Burmese female scholars that studied for their Masters and Doctorates (mostly in the UK and the US). Additional details are provided by friends and relatives (including Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, Dr. Yan Naing Lwin, Dr. Kyaw Tint, Dr. Richard Yu Khin and Uncle U Thein Han).

Masters

• Daw Mya Sein (History)
• Daw Ma Ma Khin (Nutrition)
• Daw Khin Khin Gyi (Education)

Arts

• Dr. Thinn Kyi (Geography) — aunt of Ko Theikdi
• Dr. Thaung Blackmore (History) — aunt of Dr. Richard Yu Khin
• Dr. Yi Yi (History)
• Dr. Khin Hla Han (History) — daughter of Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi)

Education

• Dr. Khin Mya (Education)
• Dr. Saw Yi (Education)
• Dr. K Mya Yi (Education)

Social Science

• Dr. Khin Nyo Nyo (Eco/Commerce)
• Dr. Khin Ohn Thant (Eco/Commerce)
• Dr. Yi Yi Chit Maung (Commerce) — sister of Saya U Tin Htut
• Dr. Kyi May Kaung (Political Economics) — daughter of Sithu U Kaung
• Dr. Khin San Yi (Eco/Commerce)

Political Science, Literature, Library Science & Journalism

• Dr. Emma Ba Yoke Nyunt Han (Political Science)
• Dr. Khin Mya Kyu (Literature)
• Dr. Khin Lay Myint (Literature, French) — daughter of Journal Gyaw Ma Ma Lay
• Dr. Khin Thet Htar (Library Science) — compiled magnum opus of Health Professionals in Burma (with her spouse Saya Dr. Mya Tu)
• Dr. Marjarie Tin Nyo (Journalism) — daughter of Nation U Law Yone

Science

• Dr. Linsday (Zoology)
• Dr. Yi Yi (Botany)
• Dr. Mya Mya Nu (Zoology, Ornithology)
• Dr. Yin Yin Nwe (Geology, Earth Science)
• Dr. Hla Hla Sein (Mathematics)
• Dr. Mya Mya Than (Botany)
• Dr. Khin Mya Mya (Physics)
• Dr. Khin Sein (Botany)

Medicine

• Dr. Khin Khin Kyi (1) (Pharmacology)
• Dr. Khin Khin Kyi (2) (Microbiology)
• Dr. Khin Ma Gyi (Pharmacology)
• Dr. San Yi (Physiology)
• Dr. Marlar Maung (Microbiology)

Some countries offer C.Sc. (Candidate of Science).

Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint added :

Although not doctorates, first in their fields:

Dr. Daw Saw Hsa, FRCS, surgery
Dr. Daw Yin May, FRCS, FRCOG, FRCP (only Burmese Doctor to be conferred fellowships from three different colleges).

Fields of study of medicine:

Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Kyi (pharmacology)
Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Kyi 2 (microbiology)
Dr. Khin Ma Gyi (pharmacology)

Dr. Daw San Yi (physiology)

Dr. Daw Marlar Maung (microbiology) younger sister of Alumnus Khin Maung Maung (Burma Navy) (SPHS 1960)

Prof. Daw Phae (Mrs. Yu Khin) microbiology

Prof. Daw Myint Myint Khin, BA English, FRCP Edin: Professor of Medicine writer and poet, Medical educationalist

Prof. Daw Hla Kyi, FRCOG, MMSA. She was the only OB-GYN with Master of Midwifery of the Society of Apothecaries.

Dr. Yan Naing Lwin wrote :

Daw Hla Hla Sein — who taught Mathematics at RIT and is a sister of Daw Myint Myint Sein (M70) — received M.A in math from University of Indiana, Bloomington, Ind . and Ph.D. in mathematics from University of Illinois , U-C. She passed away about 2 years ago in Pasadena, Ca.

Mimi Aung – received her BS & MS degrees in EE from University of Illinois, U-C. She has been the program manager for NASA Mars helicopter project at JPL – Pasadena.

Doris Chan – received her BS , MS & Ph.D. degrees in EE from University of Illinois, U-C. Currently at BAE systems.

Angel Chan – received her BS in Chemistry & Biology from Western Illinois University Ph.D. in Material Science & MD degrees from University of Illinois, U-C Currently at John Hopkins University

Dr. Kyaw Tint wrote :

Daw May Su, received Master of Science in Nuclear Physics. Based on my conversation with her, I noticed her University was in London, but could not recall the name. She passed away in Northern California several years ago.

There is also another lady named Dr. Khin Mya Mya, PhD in Physics, I think from Australia in 1970s.

Dr. Daw Khin Sein of Botany was my English teacher of proficiency course at IFL. Her high school was in Darjeeling and the PhD was most likely from Britain.

U Thein Han wrote :

Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, MBBS, MRCOG, Mandalay Medical College (spouse of Professor Dr. Pe Thein).

(5) Dr. Chit Swe

• Saya passed away in Sydney, Australia in 2019.
• The following is one of several articles I wrote about Saya.

Still So Young And Passionate: Saya Chit

Saya Chit (Dr. Chit Swe) is 88 years young, but he still has an active mind and has a desire to payback to Myanmar.

Until a few years back, Saya was supervising Burmese students in Australia with their research and theses.

Saya studied at Mandalay University. His contemporaries include Saya Di (Dr. Maung Di) and Tekkatho Phone Naing (U Khin Maung Tint, who supposedly based his characters on his friends).

Saya did his studies at Imperial College (University of London) and the University of Liverpool in the UK.

During his studies at Imperial College, Saya U Ba Than (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering, RIT) was his room mate.

Saya was Head of Mathematics Department at the Institute of Economics when he proposed to the Ministry of Education to acquire a computer for research and teaching. Saya Nyi Nyi requested Saya Chit to extend the scope of his proposal to cover selected universities and institutes. The UCC project was born.

It would take several years before UNDP would approve to fund the UCC project. UNESCO would act as the Executing Agency.

Mandalay Hall

Saya Chit succeeded Saya U Ba Toke as Professor of Mathematics Department at RASU. Saya recruited volunteers to help plan for the implementation of UCC. Saya received permission to use Mandalay Hall as the temporary home for UCC.

Saya Chit, Saya Paing (U Soe Paing), Saya Myo (U Myo Min), Saya Lay (U Ko Ko Lay, GBNF) and several others conducted courses on Computer Fundamentals & Programming, Systems Analysis and Design, and Numerical Methods.

Thamaing College Campus

UCC moved over to Thamaing College Campus as a neighbor to RC2 (Regional College Two). Saya Chit became the Founder and Director of UCC. Saya Paing, Saya Myo and Saya Lay became Managers in charge of Systems Division, Applications Division, and Operations Division.

Note : After reorganization, Applications Division was split into Business Applications Division and Scientific Applications Division.

Saya’s Vision

Saya was a pioneer and an advocate of “Technology Transfer”, “Leapfrogging Technology”, “Knowledge Sharing”, and TOSS (Team of System Specialists).

Saya is modest. During a trip to Chauk Htat Yone (Six Storey Office), the admin would “ignore” Saya Chit and would pay respect to U Myint Oo (his student and volunteer assistant), who was well dressed and was carrying a suitcase.

Saya insisted a Component in the UCC Project Plan to invite the elite Computer Scientists and Practitioners including

(a) two Past Presidents of the prestigious ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) : Professor Harry Huskey (UCSC) and Professor Anthony Ralston (SUNY Buffalo),

(b) a future ACM Turing Award Winner (considered as the Nobel Prize for Computing) : Professor Michael Stonebraker (UCB) to UCC and jump start courses in Computer Science and Applications.

Misconception

Saya thought that I had served as an Editor for a newspaper. I had written articles, poems and translations for Guardian, WPD (Working People’s Daily) newspapers and Forward Magazine.

Upon learning that I was an RIT graduate volunteering for the UCC Project Maung Thaw Ka (Bohmu Ba Thaw, Chief Editor of Forward Magazine, GBNF) suggested that I should join his staff.

In my 3rd BE, editors from NAB (News Agency Burma) headed by Tet Toe (U Ohn Pe, Chief Editor) invited me to join their staff.

My parents supported my hobbies, but they wanted to make sure that I have a good education and a decent job.

I became a writer for Saya’s projects:

• High School Mathematics Curriculum Development
• Children’s Treasury of Knowledge (CTK)
• Planning for computerization of Government Departments
• Team of System Specialists (TOSS).

Saya believed in me and gave the opportunity to take challenges.

Life After UCC

After UCC, Saya served as Rector of RASU, but his passion for his “Dream Child” and his care for his former students never diminished.

After retirement, Saya taught at Assumption University — formerly known as ABAC (Assumption Business and Accounting College) — in Bangkok, Thailand.

Saya later relocated to Sydney, Australia. Several Burmese there completed their doctorates under his supervision.

Reunion With Saya In Australia

In June 2006, I visited Sydney, Australia to attend several gatherings:

• RIT alumni gathering headed by Saya U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) and Saya U Myo Win (Melvin, M65, GBNF)
• UCC alumni gathering at Saya Zaw’s house where we paid homage to Saya Chit and Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (National Planning Adviser & Board Member of UCC)
• Old Paulians gathering at Olympic Park organized by Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe, SPHS66, Geology70)

Saya’s Present

Saya asked me to give a lecture or seminar to interested young people in Sydney. He then presented me with his hat. I hope that Saya’s hat can “transfer” his brilliant thinking into my head.

Visits

In the past years, Saya visited Singapore and Myanmar and shared his wisdom, knowledge and experience.

He has minor health problems, but his mind is sharp as ever.

(6) U Tin Tut & his siblings

Many know about the accomplishments of the four brothers :

• ICS U Tin Tut (First ICS by invitation, former Foreign Minister, Brigadier General of Reserve Army, Journalist)
• U Kyaw Myint (Barrister, former Judge & Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chair of the Tribunal that tried Galon U Saw)
• U Myint Thein (Former Chief Justice of the Union of Burma, former Ambassador to China, author and translator)
• Dr. Htin Aung (former Chancellor of Rangoon University, prolific writer)

Their three sisters had accomplishments of their own.

• Daw Khin Mya Mu (Lecturer in Burmese, family court judge and decipher of stone inscriptions, spouse of Burmese Prof U E Maung)
• Daw Khin Saw Mu (Poet, mother of Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint & U Nay Oke Tint, featured in TEDx talk by U Nay Oke)
• Daw Tin Saw Mu (Lecturer in English)

Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (bi-lingual author) wrote an article about her mother Daw Khin Saw Mu and her aunts.

Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote :

Before independence, Burma had only a High Court and the Supreme Court was in New Delhi. After independence, there was Supreme Court in Burma. My father was High Court Judge during the British rule but became one of the first Supreme Court Judges. Just as the Chief Justice of the Union is considered as equal to the Prime Minister, Supreme Court Judges were equal to cabinet ministers. Both my father and his brother had the Burmese flag on their cars, opened only when they are in the car. All Supreme Court judges and Chief Justice had “Honorable” in front of their names just like with cabinet ministers.

Dr. Htin Aung was the first Burmese to be appointed as Head of Rangoon College. When the College was changed to become a university he became the first Rector of Rangoon University.

U Tin Tut became the first ICS by nomination. After him, candidates had to take an exam to be eligible for ICS training in UK.

A list of ICS appears in the autobiography of U Ba Htay ICS.

(7) U Thant

U Thant succeeded Daj Hammerjold as the Secretary General of the United Nations.

At the Centennial Birthday Celebration for U Thant held in the San Francisco Bay Area, I was a guest speaker.

Ko Tin Maung Thant, U Thant’s son, was a couple of years senior at the Private Primary Boundary Road School. He left the school to join his father (then Permanent Secretary of the Burmese Delegation to the United Nations). Sadly, he passed away unexpectedly during his visit to Burma. His funeral service was grander than that of Commodore Than Pe (Minister of Health and Education), the first member of the Revolutionary Council.

U Thant’s mother told U Thant to study only for two years at the University of Rangoon and then come back and work. He became a Saya at the Pantanaw National School. For accreditation requirements of the school, he asked U Nu to be the Principal. Later, U Nu (leader of AFPFL and Prime Minister) asked U Thant to help the party and the government in various capacities.

U Thant won essay and translation competitions in his youth. He had excellent communication skills (reading, writing, speaking).

In finding a successor to Hammerjold, the two big powers USA and USSR could not agree. USSR refused to accept USA’s candidate. USA refused to accept USSR’s proposal of Troika.

As a compromise, they agreed to have U Thant (who hailed from Burma, a co-founder of the Non-Aligned Movement) as the Interim UNSG. The General Assembly later ratified him as the Third UNSG.

Sad for Burma, only U Aung Tun, Deputy Minister of Education, was at the Mingaladon airport to pay respect to U Thant’s body. He was dismissed.

What followed is another Dark Moment in the History of Burma.

(8) U Ba Kyi

He is an internationally renowned artist. He was a saya at the Institute of Education.

His painting was displayed on the then new Mingalardon International Airport.

He spent 49 days in Sabbath before drawing paintings for “Illustrated History of Buddhism” written by Mahagandayone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa.

The book was published by YMBA (Young Men’s Buddhist Association). The English translation was published as a Supplement.

With permission from YMBA, Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa and his devotees (mostly from the Theravada Buddhist Society of America) printed the book with the contents in both Burmese and English.

An Arts Professor from Standford University wanted to use the book in his course, but unfortunately the book was published for Dhamma Dana (free distribution) and did not have an ISBN.

Saya’s talent was to translate selected Burmese songs into English such that the English version can be sung to the original tune.

He translated and sang “Hne Yauk Hte Nay Chin De နှစ်ယောက်ထဲနေချင်တယ်” composed by Saya Myoma Nyein and made famous by Mar Mar Aye) to the accompaniment on the violin by Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha.

Saya also translated “Kaba Ma Kyei” (National Anthem of the Union of Burma).

Saya translated precisely the chorus of a famous song “Hna yauk hte nay gin de”.

Darling
Only two we will live dear
On the high crest
Of the Mount Everest
And the Sahara Desert
Driest without water
To the North Pole
May be freezing cold
Where the sun will never never grow
With all my heart and soul
Only two darling We will go

He translated the verse while was invigilating.

Dr. Maung Maung Kha used to accompany U Ba Kyi’s vocals with his violin at the functions (mostly at Rangoon University Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin”).

(9) U Thittila

• Sayadaw U Thittila (1896 – 1997) was Ovadacariya to Sangha Maya Nayaka, trustees of renowned pagodas.
• He is an Outstanding teacher and writer.
• He played an important role in reviving Buddhism in India and propagating the study of Abhidhamma.
• He was very modest. He rarely talked about his many achievements.

Achievements

• He was Patamagyaw scholar of all Burma in 1918. He stood first among the 5000+ candidates.
• He was Panyattisasanahita in 1923. He was among the 4 out of 150 entrants who passed the toughest monastic exam.
• He studied Sanskrit in India. He studied English in India and England.
• He lectured in 25+ countries including US, UK, and France.

Translation

He translated Vibhanga (second of the seven Adbhidhamma texts) from Pali to English. It was published by the Pali Text Society (PTS) in 1969 with the title “The Book of Analysis”.

Essential Themes of Buddhist Lectures

Collection of unconnected individual talks given between 1938 and 1983.

• Part 1 : Introductory articles or Talks of Buddhism (10 lectures)
• Part 2 : Talks involving Sila in particular (5 lectures)
• Part 3 : Talks involving Samadhi in particular (12 lectures)
• Part 4 : Talks involving Panna in particular (4 lectures)
• Part 5 : Talks dealing with Buddhism in general (12 lectures)

(10) Family of First in Burma in Matriculation

Four generations (with five members) stood First in Burma in Matriculation.

• U Hoke Sein : Compiler of the Pali-English-Burmese Dictionary
• U Saw Hlaing : Son of U Hoke Sein
• Dr. Cherry Hlaing (Than Than Tin) : Daughter of U Saw Hlaing; Stood first in the Matriculation exam in 1964. She was Luyechun from IM(1).
• Son and Daughter of Dr. Cherry Hlaing