HlaMin

Author: Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

  • Khin Maung Win, Dr.

    Khin Maung Win, Dr.

    by Hla Min

    Update : 31st October 2026

    Khin Maung Latt, Khin Myo Chit, Khin Maung Win

    He is a retired Professor of Maths. He studied in Rangoon and France. He wrote about Maths, Education and Vispassana Meditation. He passed away at the age of 81.

    He is the only son of two well known writers Saya U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit.

    U Khin Maung Latt taught English at Rangoon University and at a private tuition school co-founded by him and U Thein Maung (Htin Lin, National Literary Award Winner). He was the inaugural Chief Editor of WPD (Working People’s Daily).

    Daw Khin Myo Chit’s works include “Colorful Burma”, “Heroes of Ancient Bagan” and an award winning short story.

    The Centennial of the two writers was celebrated in 2015. (Note: Bogyoke Aung San was also born in 1915).

    Family of writers

    • Parents : U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit
    • Spouse : Daw Shwe Yi Win
    • Children : Maung Maung Win (Maung Yit) & Mi Mi Win (Junior Win)

    ဒေါက်တာခင်မောင်ဝင်း (သင်္ချာ)

    အသက် ၈၁ နှစ် ရန်ကုန်အချိန် ဩဂုတ် ၃၊ ည ၁၁ နာရီ ၁၅ ခန့်က ၊ ရန်ကုန်နေအိမ်မှာ ကွယ်လွန်ပါတယ်။

    ဝိုင်းဝန်းကြသူ အားလုံးကို ကျေးဇူးတင်ရှိပါတယ်။

    He’s got a good life and he’s got a good fight.

    သူဘ၀ကိုကောင်းမွန်စွာ နေထိုင်ပြီး ကောင်းမွန်စွာ ရင်ဆိုင်သွားခဲ့ပါတယ်။

    သား – မောင်ရစ် + မေသန်းဌေး

    သမီး – ဂျူနီယာဝင်း

    မြေး – ပွင့်ဖြူနန္ဒာ

    • U Khin Maung Latt taught English at Rangoon University and later at his Private Tuition School with U Thein Maung (Htin Lin). He also served as the first Chief Editor of Working People’s Daily.
    • Daw Khin Myo Chit was active during Burma’s Fight for Independence. She is an award winning author. She published several books about Burmese culture.
    • Dr. Khin Maung Win received his doctorate from France. After retirement as Professor of Mathematics, he wrote articles covering education and meditation.
    • Tekkatho Shwe Yee Win’s works appeared in magazines (e.g. Shwe Thway).
    • Maung Yit (U Maung Maung Win) is a cartoonist and co-founder of Moemaka.
      Daw May Than Htay taught at SJSU.
    • Junior Win (Daw Mi Mi Win) is a bilingual author. She won a prize for her book about her paternal grandparents (published for the 100th birthday celebration).
  • Class Gatherings

    Class Gatherings

    by Hla Min

    Update : 31st October 2026

    Class of 69

    69er GJ

    The Class of 69 has several types of gatherings:

    Monthly breakfast gathering

    M69ers meet at Royal Rose Restaurant (Taw Win Hnin Si). The restaurant is owned by U Soe Nyunt (Old Paulian, GBNF).

    They are joined by classmates from other disciplines. They include Civil (e.g. Ko Han Sein), Chemical (e.g. Ko Albert Kyaw Min), Electrical (e.g. Ko Shwe), Textile (e.g. Saw Yu Tint), Architecture (e.g. Uzin Bobby Myo Tun), …

    There are hosts to celebrate events (Birthday, Anniversary, …).

    Meeting for 69er Health Care Fund

    I was invited to a meeting held at U Aung Min’s house. We had Mohinga.

    Welcome gathering

    Some gatherings took place at Kandawgyi Western Park. I attended a gathering hosted by Daw Myint Myint (C69) to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).

    Some gatherings take place the Royal Rose Restaurant. Daw Lin Lin Aung (T69, Singapore) hosted the Breakfast gathering to welcome her former classmates.

    30th Anniversary gathering

    In 1999, there was a gathering and mini-SPZP to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Graduation. U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) and Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) e-mailed me about the event. I informed the sayas and alumni in a Newsletter (which became known as RIT Alumni International Newsletter).

    Sad to note that some organizers for that event (U Kyaw Than, U “NarYi” Sein Win …) are GBNF.

    40th Anniversary

    In 2009, the group celebrated the 40th Anniversary.

    Golden Jubilee

    In 2014, the group celebrated the Golden Jubilee (GJ) of Admission to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964.

    The true Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) was celebrated in 2019.

    Class of 70 and 71

    70 & 71

    The group is known as the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.

    The group has held monthly breakfast gathering (usually at Sein Hlyan) for two decades.

    The Sein Hlyan restaurant was run by U Han Tun Maung (Old Paulian, GBNF), who was a multi-sports athlete. UHTM was active in Old Paulian’s Association (OPA), Kokkine Swimming Club, Archery, and Equestrian.

    Class of 72

    M72

    M72 group is the most active in the Class of 72. It used to have lots of mini-gatherings.

    The group decided to have less mini-gatherings and donate more to the RIT-related projects (such as Library Modernization).

    The Group holds an annual Reunion and SPZP, where they invite all the eligible sayas and sayamas who have taught them. The Group also has honorary members from the other disciplines.

    Other Class Gatherings

    I attended some gatherings

    • Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 & 65 — invited by Steeve, Benny, Ko Ohn Khine
    • M72 & friends — invited by Mg Mar Ga, Ko Aung Myaing
    • M73 in Singapore — invited by John Rao
    • C75 — invited by Dr. Soe Thein
    • EC/EP 85 reunion in Bangkok — invited by Edward Saw
  • ChE72

    ChE72

    by Hla Min

    Update : 31st October 2026

    Class Photo

    Credit : Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67)

    ChE72

    Six Friends

    Credit : U Tun Shwe (ChE72)

    ChE72 a

    1- Hla Myint , 2 – Khin Mg Win, 3 – Aung Chain, 4 – Aung Myaing, 5 – Htay Kyu, 6 – Tun Shwe

    ChE72 b

    Alumni

    Ko Aung Myaing
    Ma Gyn Yu, Ko Aung Myaing
    Trixie, Ma Gyn Yu, Ko Aung Myaing, Ko Tun Shwe
    Aye Aye Kyaw
    Myo Myint Pe
    • Aung Chain
    • Aung Myaing
    • Aye Aye Kyaw (GBNF)
    • Gyn Yu
    • Hla Myint
    • Htay Kyu
    • Khin Mg Win
    • Myo Myint Pe (GBNF)
    • Tin Lin
    • Tun Shwe
  • Process of Consciousness and Matter

    Process of Consciousness and Matter

    by Hla Min

    Update : 31st October 2026

    Book by Dr. Rewata Dhamma

    Dr. Rewata Dhamma

    • Sayadaw was Chief Resident Monk of Birmingham Vihara, UK
    • He wrote several Dhamma Books.

    Book

    Subtitle : The Philosophical Psychology of Buddhism

    By Sayadaw Rewata Dhamma

    Completed : 2004

    Last book by Sayadaw

    Publisher: Triple Gems Publication

    The book is intended for all serious students of the Abhidhamma.

    It serves as supplement to Bhikkhu Bodhi’s book “A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma”, and treats various important aspect in more detail – in articular the process of consciousness and matter.

    Preface by Sayadaw U Silanandabhivama, Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Yangon

    Acknowledgement by Sayadaw Dr. Ottaranyana, Birmingham Buddhist Vihara, UK

    Introduction

    Chapter I : CONSCIOUSNESS AND ITS FACTORS

    CHAPTER II : PROCESS CONSIOUSNESS (CITTA VITHI)

    CHAPTER III : MIND-DOOR COGNITIVE PROCESS (MANODVARA VITHI)

    CHAPTER IV : ABSORPTION JAVANA IN THE MIND-DOOR PROCESS (APPANA JAVANAVARA MANODVARA VITHI)

    CHAPTER V : PROCESS OF MATTER

  • Scholarship & Stipend

    Scholarship & Stipend

    by Hla Min

    Update : 31st October 2026

    Collegiate Scholarship

    Top Matriculates from St. Paul’s High School
    • Top Matriculates were awarded Collegiate Scholarship. The number of Scholarship winners ranged from 25 to 100 (depending on the year and policy).

    Three Brothers

    U Ba Than
    • U Ba Than (St. John’s Dio) won Collegiate Scholarship in 1947.
    • His younger brother Dr. Myo Tint (TTC) stood 3rd in Burma in 1952 and won Collegiate Scholarship.
    • His youngest brother U Thaung Lwin (St. Paul’s) stood 16th in 1960 and won Collegiate Scholarship.

    1959

    SPHS59

    1960

    SPHS60

    1963

    SPHS63
    • In 1963, ten from our class from SPHS received the Collegiate Scholarship of 75 Kyats per month.
    • After paying 15 Kyats for the school fees, those who attend as day scholars have 60 Kyats to spend.
    • Sad to note that Dr. Myo San (Freddie Ba San), U Maung Maung Kyi & U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way) are GBNF.
    • The number of scholarships awarded vary with the scholastic years.
    • In the mid 1950s, the top 25 students were awarded scholarships of 60 Kyats.
      There was no tuition fees for attending college.

    Changes

    • In 1960, the top 100 students were awarded scholarships. SPHS had 24 scholarship winners.
    • In 1963, students from the private schools have to be in the top 40 to be awarded scholarships.

    Stipend

    • In the early days, some medical students were awarded Army Stipend. After graduation, they became commissioned officers.
    • In the 1960s and the early 1970s, stipends were given to eligible students.
    • One student who attended Dental College in 1973 said, “I received a monthly stipend of 75 Kyats. I paid 57 Kyats for the hostel fees, and 15 Kyats for the school fees. I use the remaining 3 Kyats for riding buses. The short trips cost five or ten pyas.”

    YTU

    • Scholarships and stipends are being awarded by various organizations to YTU students.
    • Before the pandemic, NorCal RITAA awarded scholarships to eligible YTU students. A student was typically given $1000 for an academic year.
    • Note that the purchasing power of Kyat has changed drastically over the years.
    • Thanks to the Ko Htu’s and Ko Hta’s for making a difference in the lives of selected YTU students.
  • Requirements to study Engineering

    Requirements to study Engineering

    by Hla Min

    Update : 31st October 2026

    HMEE

    Early Days

    • [Special in 1924]
      Eligible B. Sc. graduates were admitted to the accelerated program (3 year course).
    • [Common in the old system]
      Students who passed the I. Sc. (Intermediate of Science) with Science Option and scored 50+ points in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry were admitted to the four year course.

    Short-lived in the Old system

    • Eligible students who passed the Matriculation were admitted to the special six year course.
    • Due to resources (logistics …), the students were transferred before they graduated to the default program.

    November 1964

    • Three batches of students were admitted to Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) under the then new Education System.

    Third BE

    • 200+ students joined the first ever 3rd BE Class.
    • Most of them completed their I. Sc.(B) with the Science Option.
    • There were a few who failed the First Year Engineering class.

    Second BE

    Hla Min in 2nd BE
    • 320+ students joined the first ever 2nd BE Class.
    • Most of them completed their I. Sc.(A) with the Science Option.
    • Hla Min and Taing Oke were admitted as Roll Nos 1 and 2.

    First BE

    • 450+ Matriculates joined the first ever 1st BE Class.
    • Zaw Min and Tommy Shwe were admitted as Roll Nos 1 and 2.
    • Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA) system was used for admission.
    • There were students with (a) all Science (b) all Arts (c) Hybrid.

    Regional College Era

    • After finishing two years at a Regional College, eligible students were admitted to 3rd BE classes.
  • Rangoon University

    Rangoon University

    by Hla Min

    Update : 31st October 2026

    Convocation Speech in 1961

    • Prime Minister U Nu (RU Chancellor)
    Speech 1961

    Remembering the Student Life of Ko Aung San

    • Article in RU magazine
    Memories of Aung San

    Dr. Maung Maung Kha

    Saya Kha (Dr. Maung Maung Kha)
    • Longest tenured Rector
    • Rector : Rangoon University, Rangoon Arts & Science University and University of Distance Learning
    • Saya Kha Hall
    Saya Kha Hall
    • Spouse : Daw Khin Soe Tint (Sayama Ruby)
    • Son : Dr. Oak Soe Kha
    • Daughters : Maimee Kha, May Thi Kha, Dr. Myat Munn Kha

    Sayas Association in Sept 1988

    Saya Thutmagga

    Oway Magazine

    Oway Magazine
    • Published by Rangoon University Student Union-
    • Ko Aung San served as Editor
    Oway Magazine Committee

    Minthuwun

    • U Wun co-founded Khit San Sar Pay with U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa) & U Thein Han (Zaw Gyi)
    • Translation Department Head, RU
    • Lexicographer
    • Professor of Burmese, RU
    • Visiting Professor, Osaka University
    Minthuwun

    Selected Photos

    • Several were published in RU Centennial Facebook Pages
    RU Ah Nu Pyinnya Shin
    RU Artists
    RU Badge 1
    RU Badge 2
    RU Estate 1
    RU Estate 2
    Prome Hall Soccer
    Sagaing Road
    Shwe Bo Hall
    Inya Hall
    Yadanar Hall
    Yadanar Hall 1978
    Thit Pote 1
    Thit Pote 2
    SEAP Games 1969
    SEAP Games 1961
    Minthamee
    Saing Waing 1
    Saing Waing 2
    Philosophy (Workers’ College)
    Table Tennis
    Track and Field
  • Center for Burmese Studies at NIU

    Center for Burmese Studies at NIU

    by Dr. Yan Naing Lwin

    Update : 31st October 2026

    NIU

    Jan 19, 1987 · Center for Burma Studies at Northern Illinois University at “DeKalb”.

    The Center will have its formal opening on July 29 and 30, 1987. Richard Cooler, the Director of the new Center, will send out the detailed announcement !

    I have arranged the key note address by U Nu, the first Prime Minister of Burma for the opening ceremony. U Nu also gave a summer class in “Buddhism” prior to the opening ceremony.

    Here is a picture that I took of the group as we toured the Lake Shore one day.

    You will notice U Nu (First and Last Prime Minister of the Union of Burma), late Professor Than Tun (History, Visiting Scholar in residence) & Mrs. Than Tun. Also, Burmese Lecturer Saya U Kyaw Hlaing. Dr. Cynthia Htaik is just behind U Nu. I still have some hair on my head! The Standard Oil Building can be seen in the back ground.

    Standard Oil Building (Chicago), Illinois, is now known as the Aon Center.

    Editor’s Notes (by Hla Min)

    • Dr. Yan Naing Lwin is Emeritus Professor and Chair of the Physics Department at Western Illinois University (WIU)
    • U Saw Tun is Head of the Burmese Department at Northern Illinois University (NIU)
    • U Kyaw Hlaing lives in Southern California
  • March 13

    March 13

    by Hla Min

    Update : 31st October 2026

    1988

    Phone Maw
    • It was a sad and dark day for Burma.
    • It was a milestone in the struggle to restore democracy in the Golden Land.
    • Phone Maw (5th year Chemical Engineering student) was struck by a stray bullet. He passed away.
    Soon Kyaw invitation

    Celebrations

    • March 13 is observed as “Burma Human Rights Day” (e.g. in the City of Berkeley).
    • March 13 is known as “Phone Maw & Soe Naing” Nay နေ့
    • Soon offerings are made in their memory.

    2016

    • RITAA was formed on March 13, 2016

    2018

    • A huge vinyl with the RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association (RITAA) Logo was made available on March 13, 2018.
    • Thanks to Eric Foo for the photo and Mech Ko Lay for the vinyl copy.
    RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association

  • Down Memory Lane

    Down Memory Lane

    by Hla Min

    Update : 31st October 2026

    Jara, Byadi & Marana

    • Affected many Sayas, Sayamas and Alumni.
    • Several are Gone But Not Forgotten
    Saya Allen
    • Allen Htay (C) — RIT Alumni International, SPZP-2000
    Dr. Aung Gyi
    • Dr. Aung Gyi (C, Rector)
    U Aung Hla Tun
    • U Aung Hla Tun (Met) — HMEE
    U Ba Than
    • U Ba Than (M) — Double Dana
    U Ba Toke
    • U Ba Toke (M, MASU Rector)
    Dr. Chit Swe
    • Dr. Chit Swe (UCC Founder)
    H Num Kok
    • H Num Kok (C) — Saya of our sayas
    U Khin Aung Kyi
    • U Khin Aung Kyi (ChE, Rector)
    U Kyaw Tun
    • U Kyaw Tun (EE) — Saya of our sayas
    U Maung Maung Than
    • U Maung Maung Than (T, Rector)
    U San Tun
    • U San Tun (M) — BEA
    EE Sayas
    • EE Sayas — U Sein Hlaing, U Kyaw Tun, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, U Thein Lwin, Dr. San Tint, U Soe Min, U Chin Way, U Nyi Nyi
    • see GBNF posts

    RIT Alumni International

    SF Bay Area Alumni Advisory Group
    Meeting
    • Saya Allen Htay (C58) — President; GBNF
    • Saya Dr. K C Chui (ChE63) — Past President, BEA; Moved to LA
    • Saya Dr. Nyo Win (M65) — Past President, BAPS
    • Saya U Maung Maung / George (ChE66) — (later) President, NorCal RITAA
    • Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) — TBSA; BADA; Co-emcee, SPZP-2000; (later) BOD Chair, NorCal RITAA; GBNF
    • U Hla Min / Lifelong Learner (EC69) — RIT Alumni Newsletter; Messenger
    • Benny Tan (M70) — Past President, BAPS; Co-chair, SPZP-2000; Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZP
    • Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) — Mr. RIT68; Co-emcee, SPZP-2000; (later) Professional Nanny for grandkid
    • Maurice Chee (M75) — Past President, BAPS; Wore multiple hats for SPZP-2000; Book Drive for YTU; (later) VP, NorCal RITAA
    • U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) — Designed and implemented first ex-rit website; Alumnus of Microsoft; Flew in from Seattle & Kirkland, Washington State to attend meetings and gatherings in SF Bay Area
    • Gordon Kaung (M83) — Mechanical Solutions; iNapa Winery (with Lillian); hosted RIT related gatherings; (later) President, NorCal RITAA

    Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70, GBNF)

    Steeve (in the middle)
    • Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs
    • Provided seed money for designing memorabilia to be given to sayas & sayamas attending SPZP-2000, commemorative T-shirts to the organizers and volunteers, and to raise fund by selling the surplus items.
    • Attended SPZPs in USA, Singapore and Yangon.
    With Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein, EC70)
    • Around 2019, he had medical problems. He could not travel far, but continued conducting his business & philanthropy from home.
    • Multiple projects to implement (including writing books), but he finally succumbed to Jara, Byadi & Marana.
    • May he rest in peace.

    Best Friends Forever

    • 69ers meet monthly for breakfast at Taw Win Hnin Sni (Royal Rose).
    • There was a pause during the pandemic. About 20 members passed away (mostly due to Covid).
    • Annual Dinner gatherings at Panda, M3 and U Aung Min’s former office in PWD compound
    • Celebrated Anniversaries in 1999, 2009, 2014 and 2019.
    Pu Zaw Pwe in 2019
    Golden Jubilee of Graduation
    • They have gatherings to welcome 69ers from overseas. e.g. Daw Myint Myint (C69) hosted a lunch gathering at Kandawgyi Westin Park Hotel to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
    • During my visits, U Ohn Khine (M70) gave me rides to SPZP & HMEE-2012 meetings and selected 69er gatherings.
    With 69ers and Ko Ohn Khine (M70)

    SPZP-2016

    • Both the Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and the Alumni Reunion & Entertainment were held at the Gyogone Campus.
    • Free food was provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner to all attendees.
    • Kudos to the Organizers, Sponsors, Donors, Volunteers and Supporters for making SPZP-2000 unique & memorable.
    At SPZP-2016

    All Mech Gathering

    • U Thant Zin (M82, GBNF, son of Saya U Sein Shan) invited me to All-Mechanical Gathering held at Dolphin.
    • U Hla Win and Daw Mar Mar Yee were co-emcee at the event.
    At All Mech Gathering

    Sayas & Sayamas at SPZP

    U Tin U, Daw Khin Swe Aye (Emily), Daw Myint Myint Khaing at SPZP
    • U Tin U matriculated in 1946. He received BSCE from the University of Oregon and MSCE from Yale University. Upon his return, he taught part-time at the Civil Engineering Department at the RU Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon. He is the most Senior Past Captain of RUBC. He is the oldest of nine siblings. Two younger brothers Saya U Ba Than (Gold Medalist in 1948) and Dr. Myo Tint (3rd in Burma in 1952 Matric exam) have passed away.
    U Ba Than (Leftmost)
    • Daw Khin Swe Aye graduated with Physics Honors in 1962 along with Daw May Than Nwe (GBNF) and my elder sister Daw Khin Than Nwe. Sad to learn that she had vision impairment.
    • Daw Myint Myint Khaing is the daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing. She transcribed the interview tapes recorded by her spouse Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) for the book on Sayagyi U Ba Toke and his life journey. Sayagyi gave autographed copies of the book to U Ohn Khine and me. Sayagyi is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the First RU Students’ Strike in 1920. Sayagyi passed away on 2nd December 2020 (a few days short of his Centennial birthday).
    Book about Saya U Ba Toke
    Saya & children