Author: Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

Allen Htay (C58)
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Memories of Saya Allen

SF Bay Area Alumni Group
- He was the Leader of SF Bay Area Group.
Bay Area Alumni
- When the Group founded RIT Alumni International, he served as President.
SPZP-2000 Organizers
- He was a Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. His article “Brother, can you afford $500 and more?” saved the organizers from U Nyo Win’s Act.
- He took me to a BAPS picnic. He demonstrated “Burmese Goodbye” by taking an hour to greet alumni on the way back to his car.
- To avoid monotony, he takes a different route going out and coming back. He did not mind missing an exit; he would simply make a turn at the next one.
- He, Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Ko Ko Aye (GBNF), Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me would meet monthly to have Coffee / Tea & Dosa တိုရှည် and chat.
- Sometimes, Dr. San Lin would come down from Santa Rosa to see Saya U Soe Khaw (GBNF). Saya Allen & I would join them for lunch gathering, which extended until dinner.
- Saya is interested in Comparative Religion & Culture. Saya U Aung’s anecdote mentioned Saya Allen’s visit to a mosque and Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore.
- He supervised the C73 Final Year project, where his two students used the UCC computer.
- Saya survived two Strokes, but succumbed to the one at the MEHS Reunion in Las Vegas. He joined his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin (MEHS57) to the Reunion.
- Saya did not live long enough to see his four grandsons.
- May Saya rest in peace.
Two Sayas

Brief Bio

Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin
- Born in Mandalay, attended St. Joseph English Convent and St. Peter’s Boys’ School in Mandalay and the Methodist High School in Rangoon.
- Graduated B Sc (Engg) in Civil Engineering in 1958 from Rangoon University and joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer in the same year at the invitation of Prof T Ba Hli, then Dean of Engineering.
- Awarded the Burmese Government State Scholarship for study in the United States from 1960 to 1963, and the US Government Fulbright Travel Grant.
- Received the degree of Master of Engineering from Harvard University in 1963, specializing in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.
- Returned to Burma and joined the newly formed Rangoon Institute of Technology in Gyogon.
- Served as Lecturer in Civil Engineering from 1964 to 1975, except from 1966 to 1968 which was spent on advanced study in Hydraulics Engineering in the Netherlands at Delft Technical University under UNESCO assistance program for Burma.
- Immigrated to USA in 1975. Currently working at the California Department of Transportation as Project Engineer.
- Married to Mu Mu Kin in 1971 and have two surviving children, Myo Lynn and Thuzar Kin. Mu Mu works at TIBCO Software Inc in Palo Alto to supplement the family income.
Work Experience:
- Soils Engineer: Mueser Rutledge Wentworth and Johnston, New York, NY, 1975-1978.
- Washington DC Metro Subway Project. Civil Engineer: International Engineering Company, Inc, San Francisco, CA, 1978-1983.
- USAID Bangladesh Fertilizer Warehouses Construction Project.
- Senior Staff Engineer: Morrison Knudsen Corporation, San Francisco, CA, 1984-1996.
- DOE Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project.
- Principal Research Associate: Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 1997.
- DOE Yucca Mountain High Level Radioactive Materials Repository Project.
- Transportation Engineer: California Department of Transportation, Oakland, CA, 1999-.
- Toll Bridge Program- Project Development/Project Controls.
My dear parents gave me birth and brought me up to be a good son. My teachers taught me everything else I know. My land of birth, Myanmar, through the sweat and hard work of its citizens supported and paid for my engineering education and my studies abroad. To each and everyone I am obligated and I give my thanks. For it is narrated in Al-Hadith that one who does not thank one another in this life even for little favors is unworthy to thank the Lord for the big favor.

Updates
- Saya retired twice.
- He was coaxed by his former students to un-retire twice.
- Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) requested Saya to work at the Lawrence Livermore Lab at UC Berkeley.
- Later, Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) requested Saya to work as Consultant for CalTrans.
- He passed away before his final retirement.
- There are four grandchildren.
  One has Allen as the first name. Another has Allen as the middle name.
- Founding member of RIT Alumni International and served as its President.
- Best known for his article, “Brother, can you afford US$500?”
- In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Sayas’ books to YTU Library. She also offered scholarship to eligible YTU students via NorCal RITAA.
- His friends sometimes call him “Htay Bo Htay”
- Enrolled at Harvard University, but also attended some courses at MIT (e.g. “SCHEME” / Lexically scoped Lisp)
- Loves to program his calculator using Reverse Polish Notation
- Per Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, Saya Allen Htay is the eldest of five siblings (three brothers and two sisters). Youngest brother and youngest sister predeceased Younger brother is in Yangon. Younger sister in the US East Coast.
Civil 1958
- Class photo was sent by Saya Allen Htay
- Dr San Hla Aung helped to identify classmates
- U Khin Maung Win (Sidney Chen, GBNF) supplied the photograph.
Class of Civil 58

Sitting: (1) U Pu (2) Dr. Aung Gyi (3) U Min Wun (4) U Ba Hli (5) Mr. Redpath (6) U Ngwe Thein (7) Mr. Eswara (8) Mr. Num Kock

1st Row: (1) Khin Maung (2) Than Aung (3) Htay Aung (4) Khin Maung Lwin (5) Kyaw Tin (6) Win Thein (7) Chit Pe (8) Shwe Tun Maung (9) Win Maung (10) Thein Lwin (11) Tun Yi (12) Than Pe

2nd Row: (1) V. Kumar (2) Kyaw Hoe (3) Allen Htay (4) Ba Hnin Chit (5) Kyaw Mya (6) Kyaw Din (7) Irwin Myaing (8) Chit Aye (9) Maung Maung (10) Nolan Wu (11) Morgan Singar

3rd Row: (1) Patrick George (2) Oscar Shirazee (3) Hla Shwe (4) Aung Par Thein (5) Saw Lwin (6) San Hla Aung (7) Shwe Win (8) Douglas Hoe (9) Sidney Chen

Notes

There was a mini-gathering at SPZP-2000. The attendees include
- Mr. Num Kok (Portland, Oregon, GBNF)
- Dr. Aung Gyi (Ottawa, Canada)
- U Min Wun (Los Angeles, California, GBNF)
- U Allen Htay (Mountain View, California, GBNF)
- Dr. San Hla Aung (New Orleans, Louisiana)
- Mr. Oscar Shirazee (Middle East)
When Sidney Chen’s health was failing, his daughter requested us to let his classmates and friends know that he was eager to regain contact with them. Sadly, he passed away.

Mr. Oscar and U Aye Win Hlaing used to work in Iran many years ago. Mr. Oscar’s spouse is the sister of U Ngwe Zoe (Peter, SPHS57, GBNF).

Due to schedule conflicts, Saya Dr. San Hla Aung could not attend some SPZPs. He retired at the age of 80. He is now free to attend many SPZPs.

Saya Dr. Win Thein (GBNF) succeeded Saya U Min Wun as Professor and Head of the Department. Except for a warning sign from an early Medical check up, Saya was healthy. He finally passed away in Yangon. His sister has donated Saya’s Garawa money to selected Charities.

Brother, can you afford Five Hundred Dollars?

And many weekends spent away from your family as well? If you can then you probably are a member of the RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe organizing committee.

It all began one day several months ago when we met over lunch at Benny Tan’s home in Hillsborough. Ko Hla Min and Ko Khin Maung Zaw among the lunch party had started the RIT Alumni website and were receiving enthusiastic responses. Hearing that the duo were carrying on the project all by themselves we decided to throw in our moral and financial support to assure its survival, realizing that it was providing a needed service for the RIT alumni to locate and communicate with each other. Every one present, ten of us at that time, took out our checkbooks and wrote out one hundred dollars each, with promises of more as needed. We informally called ourselves the RIT Alumni Bay Area Group. I was asked to be the group leader.

After that fateful event we continue to have regular meetings, hosted in turn at the homes of some among group members: Ko Hla Min, Maurice Chee, Ko Myat Htoo, Ko Thein Aung, and most recently Dr Nyo Win. Did I leave out any one? Ah yes! Ko Myint Swe and San San Swe. All the while the membership continues to grow and our objective keeps on changing from support of the website to some vague dream of a future RIT alumni organization on a global scale and finally settled on a plan for RIT Alumni Grand Reunion at the beginning of the 21st Century. Ko Hla Min broached the idea to include Saya Pu Zaw Pwe as part of the Grand Reunion in keeping with the Myanmar custom of honoring one’s teachers. As our plan jelled we got carried away by our own excitement and started talking about holding the reunion before the end of the Year 2000. After all, ending one millennium successfully augers well for success in the next millennium.

Before we fully realized what we were up to we have found an ideal site, the Embassy Suites Hotel conference hall near the San Francisco International Airport, and found ourselves making a commitment for a definite date, 28 October 2000 and a attendance fee of fifty dollars, a modest amount to encourage maximum number of Alumni to participate. The minimum capacity of the conference hall is 200 seats and we were required to make down payment and sign a rental and service agreement based on 200 seats. Our most optimistic estimate at the time was 100 attendees. If the attendance is low that means the Bay Area Group, as the Organizing Committee was not in force at the time, will have to make up the short fall. Which could amount to as much as five thousand dollars, or five hundred dollar from each group member. We hesitated a moment to reflect on what that means to us individually in terms of diminished spending power. But, in the end our attachment to RIT and the engineering profession, our sincere desire to meet the Sayas and class mates from whom we were separated for long over came us. We will accept the risks.

Thus was born the preparations in full swing for the Grand RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Others must tell the rest of the story – of struggles, compromises, and elations along the way and from participants themselves what it means to be present at the defining moment in the history of RIT Alumni.

Allen Htay,
RIT Alumni International – Bay Area Group
RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe Organizing Committee

Appreciation of SPZP-2000

Hello All:

Thanks and Congratulations for a well organized and well executed event. I believe we all went to bed early Sunday night irrespective of the change back to Standard Time (from Daylight Savings Time according to the rule “Spring forward, Fall back”) , and no doubt slept soundly and very happy, knowing full well what happened during the past three days is more than what we dared to dream. I for one took the Monday off and forgot lunch because I woke up so late. But what is one missed lunch!

Allen Htay

____

Dear Ko Maung Maung Than (M79):

Thanks for your note of appreciation for the RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Everybody chipped in: the sayas, organizers, committee members, helpers, supporters like you which we were very fortunate to have, the alumni and general guests and well-wishers. We won’t be able to host an event of this magnitude and importance if any of the components were missing.

Success belongs to everyone.

Thanks again for your generous support

Allen Htay

Remembering Saya Allen Htay

From Saya U Thit

Dear Colleagues and students

I am very sad to hear that Allen Htay passed away.

I have known Allen Htay since the early 1950s when we were both students at Methodist High School, Yegyaw, East Yangon. He was one year junior to me.

We were together again in the late 1950s when we were both Assistant Lecturers at B.O.C. Engineering College. During that time he and I together with Saya Num Kock and Saya U Aung Khin went for an excursion to visit Lawpita Hydroelectric Plant construction site near Loikaw, in Kayah State.

While I was living on the R.I.T. campus in the early 1960s he moved to a house just across the street from us.

I will always remember him coming to our house many times in the evenings for a chat with my family.

The last time I saw him was at the 2004 Saya Puzawpwe in Yangon.

He will be sadly missed by many of his friends and students.

May his soul rest in Peace.

Maung Thit (Metallurgy)
Melbourne, Australia

From the alumni in Australia

By Ko “Henry” Thet Tun

Our sincere and deepest condolences to Saya U Allen Htay & family for the demise of Saya.

From the RIT Alumni Australia & Myanmar Engineering Association of Australia Inc.

From Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) and Daw Lily (T72)

Dear Ko Hla Min,

We are very much saddened by the departure of Saya Allen Htay. Please convey our heartfelt condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. His good nature and kind demeanor will always live in our memory and that of those who loved him.

While we will all miss Saya Allen very much, I hope all his loved ones can find some slight comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended.

Very Sincerely,
Tin Win and Lily.

From Ko Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey)

Dear Ko Hla Min,

Without the RIT Alumnu Updates, I would not have known about the passing of our (me and George Peters) final year thesis supervisor Saya U Allen Htay.

Thank you for your regular as well as supplement updates.

Please convey our deepest condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of great loss and sadness.

Best regards,
Dennis (Kyaw Thu) (C73) and Alice U

Editor’s Notes:
Dennis and Alice have relocated to Canada.

From Saya U Soe Paing and Daw Saw Yu Tint

My friend Allen Htay (GBNF)

Some years ago I wrote an article for the ex-RIT.org about my saya friends at RIT which included Allen Htay.

I met Allen Htay when I joined the 1st Year BSc (Engg) class at the Faculty of Engineering at Leikkhone in 1958 .Ko San Hla Aung was our drawing instructor for the main majors (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), and Allen Htay was the instructor for the rest.

In December1958, I went on State Scholarship to Stanford University. When I returned home after completing my studies, I found myself on the same ship S S Warickshire from Liverpool to Yangon with Allen Htay, Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri Eng) and Ko Ko Lay (UCC). There was also another Myanmar Ko Than Pe, a Chartered Accountant, on the ship. Those days it was customary for the Government to send the returning scholars by ship.

We normally had our meals together seated at the Chief engineer’s table. After dinner we would play bridge to spend the time. Ko Ko Lay partnered with Ko Tin Maung Nyunt and Allen Htay and Ko Than Pe took turns as my partner against them. We played almost every night after dinner and all of us became very good friends.

We got back to Yangon in October 1963. Allen Htay rejoined RIT. I was posted to RIT in January 1964 and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt in March 1964 and so we were together again. When I got married and moved into the RIT staff quarters I was at 16F, Allen Htay at 16E and Ko Tin Maung at 16D. We visited each others house very often. We also became friendly with Allen Htay’s brothers and sisters.

I have attached a photo taken during Thingyan 1966 with Allen Htay (2nd from left) and his youngest brother (extreme right).

I left RIT for UCC and the UN, and Allen Htay and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt went to the United States. All of us met gain in the Bay Area in 1985, 2001 and 2010. I saw Allen Htay at the RIT reunions in 2004 (Yangon), 2007 and 2010 (Singapore).

He could not make it to the 2012 reunion in Yangon because of his health. He was a mild mannered soft spoken gentleman and we will all miss him. May he rest in peace.

Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s Spouse)

“Let me count the ways [to love]” by Elizabeth Browning is a poem present by Ma Ma Mu to Saya Allen.

Donations in Saya Allen’s Memory

In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin
- donated Saya’s books to YTU Library
- provided cabinets for Saya’s books
- sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students
Ko Maurice Chee (M75) coordinated the donation of books.

NorCal RITAA and some volunteer alumni from Yangon coordinated the selection of scholarship recipients.

Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s spouse)

Meeting

Related Posts
- C58
- Civil Engineering
- RIT Alumni International
- RIT Sayas
- SF Bay Area Alumni
- SPZPs
June 5, 2025
Memories Linger On
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Government Exams
- We were Guinea Pigs of the Education System. We had to take the Government Exam four times before entering University. We effectively lost a year of our lives.
7th Std
- Took the last 7th Standard Government exam in 1960. Some SPHS classmates took the 7th Std Exam in the previous year as external candidates.
  They then transferred to other schools. Some passed the Combined HSF & Matric exam. They were admitted to the University two years ahead of us.
9th Std
- Took the HSF Only exam in March 1962. Answered all HSF subjects in Burmese (except English).We studied Yupa Beda ရူပဗေဒ (Physics), Dhatu Beda ဓာတုဗေဒ (Chemistry) and Thin Char သင်္ချာ (Maths) in Burmese. The Yupa Beda text was written by Dr. Maung Maung Kha and U San Tha Aung.
- We had to take the exam with Security Guards patrolling (following the Coup d’etat on March 2, 1962). The exam was cancelled citing that the examination questions were leaked.
- We had to retake the HSF Only exam in August 1962. Chu Pu Thein had the highest score for Physics. After passing Matric, he left to study in Italy. Maung Maung Kyi had the highest score for Chemistry. During the RU closure, he received States Scholarship to study Chemical Engineering (with specialty in Pulp and Paper) at Dresden University, Germany. Upon his return, he worked for Sittaung Paper Mill and PPIC. He moved to Wales, UK. He is now GBNF.
Maung Maung Kyi

10th Std
- Took the Matric Only exam in May 1963. Answered subjects in English (except Burmese). We studied Physics, Chemistry and Maths in English.
- The Physics text was by Sen and Gupta. SPHS library had Physics books by Sears and Zemansky (donated by Ford Foundation and/or Asia Foundation).
- The Chemistry text was by Menon.
- The Maths texts include Algebra (by Hall and Knight), Sequence Geometry and Trigonometry (by Siddon and Hughes).
- Brother Clementian used several Maths Books (e.g. Tutorial Algebra and Study Guides).
- The pass rate was relatively low. In the Matric of 1963, 1263 students passed from the Rangoon Division. The results were published in divisions : First Division (60+ marks average), Second Division (50+ marks average) and Third Division (40+ marks average).
- The results were published in order of merit. It was not easy for students to find out if they had passed the exam and in what Division. It was a nightmare for those who failed the exam.
SPHS 63
- 100 Scholarships were awarded. Those from private schools (e.g. St. Paul’s High School) received Scholarships only if they are among the Top Forty.
- St. Paul’s had Five students in the Top Five,Seven in the Top Ten, Ten in the Top Twenty.
I.Sc (A)
- Took the Science Option for I.Sc.(A) classes that were being offered the Intermediate Colleges.
- Those from Rangoon Division attended the RU Intermediate College known as “Leik Khone”.
- Roll Numbers were based on the last names. Ko Aung Min’s Roll Number was B115. Mine was B116. Ko Than Myaing was B120. We shared lectures and tutorials.
- Citing security reasons following student protests for sad events on 7th July & 8th July in 1962, hostel students were forced to return home.
  Classes with the exception of Medical and Engineering Colleges were suspended until further notice.
- The I.Sc.(A) exam was taken at State High Schools.
Education System
- In November 1964, a new System was introduced. The system of having Faculties under a University was disbanded.
- Most Faculties (Engineering, Medicine, Social Science) became autonomous Institutes with their own Rectors.
- The Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA) was used to decide the admission of Matriculates into the Universities and Institutes. It effectively caused the end of “Freedom to study” where several Top students chose their passion of study : Anthropology, Architecture, Biology, Burmese, Chemistry, Commerce, Economics, Engineering, English, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Law, Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, …
- One High School Luyechun with a low ILA was forced to study Philosophy. Some who had high ILA taking Arts subjects and/or Hybrid Combinations were admitted to the Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT).
Education Ministry
- Colonel Hla Han was the “Pyinnyar Ye Tar Wun Khan” ပညာရေးတာဝန်ခံ (later renamed Minister of Education ပညာရေးဝန်ကြီး). He was among the early LMPs to take the Bridge Course to become MBBS.He succeeded Commodore Than Pe (RUBC President), who was the first Revolutionary Council member to pass away.
- Dr. Nyi Nyi (former Professor of Geology) was the “Pyinnyar Ye Ah Twin Wun” ပညာရေးအတွင်းဝန် (Secretary, later renamed Deputy Minister of Education ပညာရေး ဒု ဝန်ကြီး).
- Controversial rules (ILA, 3 NRC …) caused disruption to the academic and profession careers of several students (e.g. Bernard Khaw who was First in Burma in 1965).
RIT Management
- U Yone Moe (Retired Chief Engineer of Burma Railways) became the first RIT Rector. He started his tenure with Burma Institute of Technology (BIT) as Dean of Engineering, Rangoon University.
- U Soe Thein, former Ta-ka-tha student leader, became RIT Registrar. He later became Director of Higher Education.
- There were eight Engineering Departments: (1) Civil (2) Mechanical (3) Electrical (4) Chemical (5) Textile (6) Mining (7) Metallurgy (8) Architecture.
- There were several supporting Departments: (1) Maths (2) Physics (3) Chemistry (4) English (5) Burmese …
Admission
- In November 1964, three batches of students attended 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes under the New Education System.
- 400+ students were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA). Their backgrounds range from (a) Pure Science (b) Pure Arts (c) Hybrid (some Science and some Arts subjects).
- 300+ students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) exam were admitted to the first ever 2nd BE class. They had attended the Intermediate Colleges (under Rangoon or Mandalay University).
- About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE class. They had attended the Intermediate Colleges (under Rangoon or Mandalay University). There were a few who had taken sabbatical in the old 1st year of Engineering.
- The monthly tuition was 15 kyats — payable as 30 kyats every two months.
- Scholarship winners and stipend holders receive a monthly allowance of 75 kyats — 60 kyats net after paying the tuition.
The Class of 69++
- Of the students admitted to 2nd BE, there were most students in Civil & Mechanical, moderate in Electrical, and much less in Chemical, Textile, Mining, Metallurgy and Architecture.
- Most graduated in 1969. A few left before graduation. Some took sabbatical, and graduated a year or two later.
- The Class of 69 (or 69++) consists of (a) those who entered 2nd BE in 1964 (b) those who graduated in 1969 (c) those who studied a year or more with the above.
30th Anniversary

In 1999, Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel), Ko Sein Myint, Ko Sein Win (“Nar Yee”), and several 69ers organized the reunion for the “30th Anniversary of Graduation” and also a mini-SPZP. Daniel e-mailed me a report. Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice) e-mailed me photos.

Saya U Soe Paing e-mailed me about several mini-gatherings in Yangon (e.g. with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi).

RIT Newsletter
- I started “RIT Alumni (Abroad) Newsletter” to share RIT-related news (such as the mini-gatherings) and solicited contact information (in the form a spread sheet) from interested sayas and alumni.
- I use “RIT” to stand not only for Rangoon Institute of Technology, but to all the engineering faculty, colleges and institutes that precede or succeed it.
- The name was changed to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” to include alumni in Burma and the rest of the world.
RIT Web Site
- Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) designed and implemented the first RIT web site.
- Ivan Lee (Ko Khin Maung Oo, M69), Ko Aung Myint (M69, Singapore) and the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58) provided some financial help to operate the web site.
- “RIT Alumni International” hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
SPZP
- There has been seven world wide SPZPs: SPZP-2000 in USA, SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010 in Singapore, SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 & SPZP-2016 in Yangon.
- Due to COVID-19 pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled .
40th Anniversary

69ers organized the “40th Anniversary of the Graduation” in 2009.

Golden Jubilee of Admission

The “Golden Jubilee of the admission to 2nd BE” was celebrated in 2014, because 69ers were concerned with the declining health of members.

True Golden Jubilee (of Graduation)
- The Pu Zaw Pwe was held at the Assembly Hall in the Gyogone Campus.
- Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) made her first visit back after graduation. She donated to the Event and the 69er Health Care Fund. She also attended the Reunion and Dinner organized by Ko Aung Min at the Compound of his former office.
- Sad to note that several who attended the Golden Jubilee events are now GBNF.
Declining Health of Members

At one time, the Class of 69 had a median age of 69, and the list of GBNF has 69 members.

The symmetry no longer holds. The Class of 69 has a median age of 78, and the list of GBNF has 128 members.

Attendees at the mini-gatherings have decreased. Some could not drive, and had to ask family members or friends to take them to the gatherings. Some had operations, and need time to recover. Some had serious medical problems.

Most are retired or semi-retired. A few did not retire or did not have the chance to retire.
- Ko Tin Maung Lay (M69)’s spouse wanted him to retire, but his boss requested him to perform a meticulous hand-over before retiring.
- He had daily work outs and supposedly had no known major health problems.
- We were sad to learn of his untimely demise in Dubai on a Friday (holiday in the country). His company and colleagues tried extra hard to make sure that his body could be flown back to Southern California, USA.
Comments & Final Thoughts
- Let’s hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.
- U Aung Min (M69), U Shwe (EP69) and team are the core volunteers for the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund).
- Ivan Lee (M69), U Sein Myint (EP69) & Daw Myint Myint (C69) are some of the major donors to HCF.
Saya U Ba Than and U Aung Min

Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) added :

Thank you very much for your write-up about our 1999 “30th Anniversary of Graduation”. Actually. it all started in 1996 when I visited Burma and had dinner with a few of my close friends, including, Ko Shwe, Ko Win Mg, Ko Ye Pinn, Gabar Ko Myint Thein, etc. During dinner somebody mentioned that in 3 years time it would be 30 years since we graduated. Out of the blues I suggested to have a reunion in 1999. Everybody laughed as it was so far away. When I came back to Singapore and told Ko Sein Myint and Dickie they also laughed and told me that I must be crazy to think about so far away. However, time flies and in either late 1998 or early 1999 at Ko Win Htein’s funeral wake, some of our friends remembered the reunion proposal. They quickly formed a committee and organised the very first reunion at ‘Sait Taing Kya Restaurant. After the event I wrote you a report, Alice sent you a few photos and the rest is history.

Ko Ivan Lee (M69) wrote :

Dear Classmates,

Recently rather than optimistic good news, we heard spreading pessimistic health concern news mostly.

It clearly indicates that we are aging higher and health is going down lower and lower.

I can Imagine 5 years from now how many will be terribly survived.

I am kind of depressed that sooner or later we will be meeting THERE.

At this moment all I can express is to wish our classmates who are in sickness to recover ASAP.

Ivan Lee (M69)

Zau Lai (EP69) wrote :

Thank you, Ko Hla Min, for your writings. If it’s not for you there will be no records and history of R I T. I am reading interestingly all your writings all the time. When we all are gone your writing will live on.

Aung Min (M69) added :

So thanks for your recordings.

Appreciations.

Related Posts
- Education Systems
- Memories of 69er, CHM, PBRS, RIT, RUBC, SPHS, SPZP, Toastmasters, UCC
- My Beliefs
- My Dreams
- My Passion
- My Writings
June 5, 2025
SF Bay Area RIT Alumni Group
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

It seemed not long ago
- Standing:
  Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66), U Hla Min (EC69), Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met72), Saya Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65), Saya U Myat Htoo (C68), Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70)
- Seated :
  U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83), Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF), Saya Dr. Tin Aung (K C Chiu, ChE63), Maurice Chee (U Hla Myint Thein, M75)
Founding Members

The San Francisco Bay Area RIT Alumni met at the house of Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70) a couple of times to discuss the formation of “RIT Alumni International” to support the Newsletter and web site, and to consider the holding of a Grand Reunion and SPZP. They served as members of the Working Committee and Steering Committee for SPZP-2000.

Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
- Saya was the leader of the group. He served as President of “RIT Alumni International”, which organized the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000. His classic article, “Brother, can you afford US $500?” was partly responsible for five Golden Sponsors, and the generous donations by sayas and alumni.
- He “retired” three times. His former students (U Thein Aung and U Myat Htoo) coaxed him to un-retire twice.
- Saya did not recover from a debilitating stroke to spend time with his grand children. One grandson had “Allen” as his first name. Another had “Allen” as his middle name.
Saya K C Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63)

Saya K C (Seated 3rd from Left)
- He is the brother of Saya Dr. Aung Soe (C61).
- He is a Past President of BEA.
- After retirement, he relocated to Southern California.
- Saya KC wrote : In early ‘80, Dr. Tin Win was working in Houston and came to the Bay Area on business trip. Dr. Tin Win was visiting me at home while Lily and I were discussing BEA matter. I believed they were meant for each other. The rest is history.
Saya Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65)

Dr. Nyo Win (Seated 3rd from Right)
- He is a Past President of BAPS.
- He was a Core Organizer for SPZP-2000.
- He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA and served as a member BOD (Board of Directors.
- He retired after working in high technology companies in the Silicon Valley and Taiwan.
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)

Saya George (Right)
- He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA and served as the inaugural President.
- He organized a fund raiser for the “Staff Training” component of “YTU Library Modernization”.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)

U Myat Htoo
- He is a Past President of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America) and BADA (Burmese American Democratic Alliance).
- He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA and served three terms as Chair, BOD of NorCal RITAA.
- He was co-emcee of SPZP-2000.
- He plays the ukelele and piano. One of his favorites is a parody of Sai Htee Saing’s song, “Lost Neikban”.
U Hla Min (Life Long Learner, EC69)
- He has completed 26 years as Founder and Chief Editor of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter“.
- He served as Editor and Content Provider of RIT Alumni websites.
- Per suggestion of U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70), he chose to re-tire (re-thread) rather than retire.
- Per suggestion of family members, sayas and friends, he decided to pay back to his alma mater(s): RIT and UCC.
- He wrote 40+ postings of “Memories of UCC” in three days during his vacation to Myanmar.
- He is Owner and Admin of hlamin.com web site and several Facebook groups.
- He broadcast 220+ Educational Videos on selected topics.
Benny Tan (Tan Eu Beng, M70)

SPZP-2000 Orgsnizers
- He succeeded Saya Dr. Nyo Win as President of BAPS.
- He is a successful entrepreneur.
- He is a multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs.
- He designed the banner and mementos for SPZP-2000.
- He is now having quality time with his six grand children and also taking trips and cruises around the world.
Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met72)
- He won Mr. RIT in 1968. His mentor was Commander Maung Maung, who won Mr. Burma in 1947. A few years back, he handed over the “Sa-Lwe” (for Mr. RIT68) to U Wynn Htain Oo (M72).
- He was co-emcee of SPZP-2000.
- He served as Contributing Editor for BAPS Newsletter and as Associate Editor of the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter.
Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, M75)

Maurice (Right)
- He succeeded Benny as President of BAPS.
- He wore multiple hats for SPZP-2000. He was the Co-Chair of the Working Committee (with Benny). He was the Financial Controller. He was the Publisher of the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”. He did the name tags. He also coordinated the culinary experts for the follow-up lunch gathering.
- He is a founding member and Past Vice President of NorCal RITAA.
- In August 2016, he organized the Soon Kway gathering at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay for my birthday and to recognize my volunteer work.
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76)

UCC-RIT gathering
- He belongs to three circles — St. Paul’s High School, RIT and and UCC — like Saya U Soe Paing and me.
- He took the group photo.
- He designed and implemented http://www.ex-rit.org website, which contributed to the planning and implementation of SPZP-2000. Many contributed to “Count down to the Reunion” and “Post Reunion” pages. I wrote 64 posts for “Count down to the Reunion” and 36 posts for “Post Reunion”.
- He was then an eligible bachelor. He worked four 10-hour days and had a three day weekend.
- He designed and implemented the first RIT web site, which was largely responsible for the success of SPZP-2000.
- He promised to have Version 2.0 of the web (with better features).
- Luckily for him, he moved to the challenging and lucrative job at Microsoft, and also became blessed with a wonderful family.
U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon Kaung, M83)

iNapa Winery
- He was the youngest member of the group.
- He founded “Mechanical Solutions” in San Francisco.
- He and his spouse Lillian Kaung (EC83) later set up iNapa Winery and hosted several RIT-related gatherings.
- He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA. He succeeded Saya U Maung Maung as President.
- They also donated Premium Wine bottles for several events (e.g. the Annul Dinner and Summer Picnic for NorCal RITAA, 2005 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles). Their winery survived two fires.
Related Posts
- BAPS
- NorCal RIT Alumni Association
- RIT Alumni International
- RIT Sayas & Alumni
- SPZPs
June 5, 2025
Thein Han
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Uncle & Aunt

U Thein Han & Daw Khin Khin Htway

Uncle
- My youngest maternal uncle
- Matriculated from St. John’s Dio
- Graduated from Rangoon University
- Worked for IBM Burma as System Engineer before moving to USA.
- Still has a good memory
- Has shared some stories.
Aunt
- Younger sister of Dr. Pe Nyun (Pediatric Surgeon)
- Taught Psychology at Rangoon University
- Studied Library Science in USA
- Headed Burmese Section of the Library of Congress
Selected Stories

From March 1, 1929

U Thein Han

It’s been a long journey. I’ve passed the aged barrier of 90. From now on everyday is a bonus for me. My health is the same, no problem. Blood tests results are good. Memory is still sharp. I can drive my car for grocery shopping. I think I will be with you all this year.

I’m living proof that Exercise and Healthy food will keep you in good health and prolong your life. I’ve been doing exercise since I retired in 1994 after I joined HP Senior Center using the Physical Equipment and having lunch at the center. I use light weights (30, 40 lbs) for arm, leg, thigh exercise and walk fast for 1/2 mile (10 minutes) on a Treadmill.

At night before I go to bed, I do Balance exercise 3 times a week given to me by my Physical Therapist.

So Folks, “It’s your life, Exercise, Eat Healthy Food, No Smoking and Drinking, Travel and Enjoy your good life”.

A True Story

When I was working at Montgomery County, Division Of Parking, during my lunch break I took a cab to go to a Chinese Restaurant in Silver Spring [Maryland, USA]. The driver was an African-American from Jamaica. On the way I had a conversation with him and came to know he had a daughter studying at Howard University (African-American University) to be a Lawyer. It happened that my wife was working as a Librarian at Howard University at Washington D.C. so I had a good chat with him. When we arrived at the restaurant I asked him if he had his lunch. He said, “No”. I invited him to have lunch with me. He accepted. I had a long talk with him about Jamaica. After lunch he dropped me at my work.

A few days later while I was walking back from lunch in Silver Spring, it rained heavily. I did not have an umbrella. All of a sudden a car stopped beside me. It was James the Taxi driver that I gave lunch. He told me to hop in and took me to my office. When I asked him, “What is the fare?”, he said, “It’s on the house. No problem”.

When you do a good deed to a person, you will be rewarded back one day with a good deed. This is my true story.

I believe in luck

It was in 1948 during my Rangoon University days I did Nation Newspaper Crossword Puzzle and won 2000 Kyats. At that time the value of Kyat was very good. With the money I won I bought a Jeep costing 3000 Kyats.

My next luck was also during my University days when I went to a movie with my friend Ko Sein Lwin. On the return while I was driving my Jeep with my friend beside me, at the corner of Prome Road and Medical College I, we picked up 800 Kyats which was lying on the Road.

When I arrived in Maryland (USA), I went to Safeway Grocery to buy bread. When I took the bread from the shelf I found $20 on the shelf. It was a great help to me when I was penniless.

Another time was when I was walking on Wheaton Avenue with my son, we found $40 on the street.

During our Burmese Christmas Party I won the door prize which was a Television.

At the Thai King’s Birthday party given by our Thai friend, I won Thai Airways luggage for the door prize.

At our Senior Center I won a Cup as a door prize.

While working at Montgomery County, in 1977, I won 2nd prize of the Maryland Lottery which was $2000, because I hit five numbers out of six numbers. At that time $2000 was a lot of money. The 2nd prize is now one million Dollars.

The 1st prize then was one million Dollars. On 25 August 2018 the 1st prize went up to 522 Million and it was won by 11 employees of a bank because they were lucky.

The 13 Thai Cave Footballers survived because of their luck.

My University friend Billy Wu From Maymyo went back home during a holiday, the UBA Dakota plane crashed due to bad weather, but he was lucky and he survived.

Everyone has luck, but we don’t know when we will be lucky.

My Barber

Ko Aye Pe has been my barber since my University days in 1947 till 1971. He also cut the hair of my two sons. He worked at Varsity Hair Dressing Salon in Bogyoke Aung San Market. We were friends till I left for USA in 1971. He was a kind and obliging person and whenever I travel abroad I brought a shirt for him.

On my first visit back to Myanmar in 2005. I wanted to see him and asked my friend U Hla Soe if he knew Ko Aye Pe’s whereabouts. U Hla Soe told me that he has retired and cuts people hair at his home and gave me his address.

Ko San Aung (Sydney Tin, Ko Pyu) and I took a taxi and went to search for him. We found him living in an apartment near the Old Central Jail behind Medical College 1. He was very happy to see me. He told me he’s retired and he’s working at home and the barber chair that I’m sitting on was given by U Hla Soe. I had a long chat with him and returned back to Winner Inn Hotel.

On my next visit to Myanmar two years later, we went to his apartment but was told by his neighbor that he had moved to Ahlone and gave us the address. We went there and found him living with his niece’s family. When we met him he was BLIND. His niece told him there’s someone to see him but did not tell who we were. I sat down next to him and asked him if he knew who I was. He touched my face with his hand to find out who I was. I then told him that I was Ko Charlie and came back to Myanmar for a visit. When he touched my face with his hand my eyes became wet and I was very sad to see him blind, he must be about 75 years then.

It must have been Cataract which could have been treated and cured, maybe no one told him to see an Eye Doctor or that he may not have the cash for the surgery.

Before we left I gave him Kyats 100,000 for being a good friend who was always willing to cut hair for my kids at home. We then said goodbye to him and returned back to Winner Inn Hotel.

Ko Aye Pe was kind to me when I needed his services and his METTA to me. In return I was able to share what I can with him when he needed it.

Related Posts
- Demonetization
- Stories
June 5, 2025
The (hidden) power of Kabyar
by Tekkatho Moe War & Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)

U Moe Aung (Left)
- Distinguished poet, writer, editor and publisher
- Wrote for newspapers, magazines and journals
- Compiled and published collections of his works
- His mentor was Daung Nwe Swe (Laureate Poet)
- Served as an all-round volunteer for the publication of the Annual Magazine of RUESU (Rangoon University Engineering Students Union).
Chief Editor and/or Publisher
- RIT Annual Magazines
- Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (for RIT EE Association)
- Commemorative issues of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, and SPZP-2010
- Commemorative issues of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Swe YaDu and SPZP-2016
The (hidden) power of Kabyar

Kabyar is animate

But [it’s life is] not just a [fleeting] morn

Kabyar is a weapon

But not for destroying the world

Kabyar is key

For liberation and independence

But not devoid of principles [and morals]

Kabyar has power

Hidden but efficient & effective

Like sharp-pointed spear-head

Can thrust into [the heart of] a power-maniac

Cause trembling, shivering, throbbing & anguished pain

Poem in Burmese by Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung)

Translated by Hla Min

Related Posts
- Poems
- Poetic Art Series
- Publications
- Tekkatho Moe War’s Writings
- Translation
June 4, 2025
64/65 Intake Gathering (Dec 28, 2016)
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Steeve Kay

Designer, Builder, Giver
- Admitted to 1st BE as a top student along with Zaw Min, Tommy Shwe, Cho Aye and Peter Pe.
- Graduated with B.E (Electrical Comminication) in 1970.
- Migrated to USA.
- Received MS from Stanford University and MBA from Pepperdine University.
- Had successful careers as IC Designer, Co-founder & CEO of QTC Management, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist.
Steeve’s Dreams

Dream 1A & 1B

Dream 2 & 3

Special Reunion & PZP
- The Combined 1st BE intake of 64 & 65 hosted annually at least one Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
- Steeve Kay (EC70), Benny Tan (M70) and U Tha Htay (M70) were major Donors / Sponsors.
- In 2006, Steeve requested Benny Tan and me to organize the event on his behalf. Due to his health, he could not travel to Yangon to host the event.
- U Ohn Khine took me to U Win Htay’s office to meet the volunteers / organizers of “Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 & 65”. I asked the group to help realize Steeve’s request. U Win Htay & team agreed to copy the SPZP-2000 DVD & the commemorative issue of the RIT Alumni Newsletter to be provided in the Gift Package.
- We requested U Khin Maung Kay (Mutu) to serve as Master of Ceremonies.
- We requested Benny and Saya U Win Mra (English) to speak
- I gave the Keynote at the event.
- Sayas and Sayamas were offered mementos and Garawa money.
Thant Zin, Ohn Khine, Zaw Win

Special Gathering

U Hla Min and Benny spoke at the event

Greetings

Welcome to this gathering! Today is a special gathering organized by the 64/65 intakes and sponsored by the Steeve and Helen Kay Saya Health Fund. Today’s event complements last month’s 64/65 intake held an Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe and tomorrow’s seventh RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.

Appreciation

In addition to paying our respect to the sayas and sayamas, today we would also like to present to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70) an appreciation award for his continued support. Although Steeve Kay migrated to the US in 1971 to pursue his dreams, he never forgot his roots, his alma mater and his friends. Over the past 17 years, Steeve has made various contributions totaling $200,000. Highlights of those contributions are as follows:

Golden Sponsor for SPZPs

Steeve

As you recall, the first ever RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in the year 2000. It was started by a group of RIT students in San Francisco, among them Ko Benny Tan and me. I remember when I sent out the invitation flyers, we received a $1,000 check from Steeve. Later, he donated $3,000 as seed money to assist with fundraising efforts. Throughout the years, Steeve has supported multiple world-wide reunions and SPZP as a golden sponsor.

Health Care Fund

In June 2005, Steeve set-up a $50,000 Saya Health Care Fund administered by U Win Khaing of MES and his administrative committee. Many saya/sayamas attending today have benefited from that fund. Steeve Kay also helped to set-up a second fund, administered by the 64/65 intakes, as a supplemental retirement fund for the sayas and sayamas.

Kay Family Foundation

In May 2013, Kay Family Foundation, a philanthropic foundation set-up by Steeve Kay, sponsored the MoST (Ministry of Science and Technology) delegation to visit Centers of Excellence in California. The delegation was headed by the late Dr. Ko Ko Oo and Professor Nyi Hla Nge.

2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles

2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles

Last year, in October 2015, Steeve Kay donated $30,000 in matched funds to hold the RIT in Southern California, Los Angeles. During the gathering, he sang a Burmese folk song ‘Shwe Me’ to express his feeling towards Myanmar, the land where he spent his youth growing up.

Health concerns

This year, Steeve Kay’s own health fell ill. We wish him good health. Instead of attending the RIT Grad Reunion himself, he asked Ko Benny to hold a gathering and Pu Zwe Pwe this year. Ko Benny consulted with his classmates and decided that December 28, 2016 – the day preceding the Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe – seemed to be the right time. The classmates, in turn, would like to honor their life-long friend and sponsor of numerous RIT-related activities.

History and Philanthropy of Steeve

The history of Steeve and his philanthropic work should be recorded and preserved for posterity.

Every saya and sayama will be presented with a gift package from Steeve. It will include:
- A short biography of Steeve
- The commemorative issue of the RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
- A two-set DVD of SPZP-2000
- A CD of photos and articles related to SPZP and RIT-related activities
- A monetary gift of K1 lakh for each saya and sayama, and an additional K1 lakh for sayagyis
Agenda

Today’s event covers three parts:
- Paying respect to the sayas and sayamas who taught the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
- A mini-gathering of the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
- Appreciation award to be presented to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70)
Ko Khin Maung Lay will be the emcee.

Selected sayas and alumni will recall Steeve’s work and their importance and impact to the RIT community.
June 4, 2025
Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Dr. Nandamalabhivansa
- Succeeded U Silanandavhivamsa as Rector of ITBMU (International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University).
- Gave courses and sermons.
  Many are available as MP3.
- Taught Abhidhamma in Myanmar and beyond.
- Fundamental Abhidhamma Part I was first taught in 1997 at Maryland, USA. The book was edited by Dr. Khin Maung U (First in Burma in the Matric exam of 1963). The second edition was published by the Center of Buddhist Studies (CBS), Sagaing Hills in 2005.
- Fundamental Abhidhamma Part II was published by the Center of Buddhist Studies (CBS), Sagaing Hills in 2007.
Fundamental Abhidhamma Part I
- By Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa
- First edition : June 1997
- Editor : Dr. Khin Maung U
- Myanmar-Buddhist Meditation Society, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Second, extended edition : January 2005
- revised : November 2005
- Center for Buddhist Studies (CBS), Sagaing Hills, Sagaing, Myanmar
Contents

The History of Abhidhamma

(1) Why is it called Abhidhamma?
(2) Who is the author?
…
(8) The role of Abhidhammattha sangaha
(9) The role of Vibhavani
(10) Ledi Sayadaw
(11) Paramatthadipani, the critic of Vibhavani

Part One

The Fundamental of Abhidhamma

Chapter 1 : Citta
Chapter 2 : Cetasika
Chapter 3 : Rup (Matter)
Chapter 4 : Pikinnaka (Miscellaneous)
Chapter 5 : Vithi : Mental Process

Fundamental Abhidhamma Part II

Part Two
- By Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa
- Version Dec 2007
- Center for Buddhist Studies (CBS)
- Mahadubodhayon Monastery, Sagaing Hills, Sagaing, Myanmar
Contents
- Chapter 5 : Vithi
  Mental Process
- Chapter 6 : Vithimutta
  Passive Mental Process
- Chapter 7 : Paccayasangaha
  Compendium of Causality
- Chapter 8 : Kammatthana Sangaha
  Meditation Subject
Pathan Myat Dethana
- “Pathan Myat Dethana” by Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa (Rector of ITBMU).
- U Ye Sint gave me the book as Dhamma Dana.
June 4, 2025
Visits with Bros. Charles and Felix, July 2007

By Thongwa Kyaw Win

Updated : July 2025

Brother Charles with U Kyaw Win

Yo Salleans, Paulians, and all other BOBs:

This is a belated report of my wife Gandasari’s (“Riri”) and my visits with Brother Charles Everard in Liss (Hampshire, England) and Brother Felix (Albert Gissler) in Illertissen (Germany). Technical and other problems got in the way, delaying this report.

Saturday, 7 July 2007

After attending Dora Than E’s funeral in Oxford, followed by a reception at St. Hugh’s College (Aung San Suu Kyi’s alma mater), our friends Ken & Marion Freeman of Pershore, drove us through the English countryside to Liss, Hampshire. It was a pleasant 2.5-hour drive on uncrowded roadways. (Some of you may recall Aunty Dora as the recording artiste of yesteryear whose professional name was Beelat-pyan Than. She later worked for the United Nations, beginning at its founding in 1948 at Lake Success, New York. Had she survived her final fall, she would have turned 100 on 16 February 2008.)

Clayton Court, the De La Salle Brothers retirement community at Liss, is a beautiful 22-acre estate with gently manicured lawns, gardens, and gorgeous views of the rolling hills. There are three large structures on the gated property. It is a place with spirit, where one’s soul is rejuvenated. The Fratres Scholarum Christianarum, (Christian Brothers), acquired this estate, once owned by a wealthy gentry, in 1974. The other FSC retirement home in England is located in Manchester.

We arrived at Clayton Court about 5:45 P.M. The place was abuzz with staff, volunteers, and neighbors who were preparing for a party for one of the brothers’ 70th birthday. The brothers were in the chapel doing devotions. Becky, a staffer, who was my contact, was most gracious. There was another staffer whose forearms were heavily tattooed. “Were you in the royal navy?” I asked. “Yes,” he said with a glint in his eyes. “I was a cook on the aircraft carrier Ark Royal,” he answered with pride. The two were most welcoming and amiable. From them, I took comfort that the brothers were living and eating well.

When prayers were over, Brother Director Joseph Hendron wheeled Brother Charles out of the chapel. I recognized the former right away even though I had not seen him since 1979 when my De La Salle, and later St. Paul’s classmate, Brother Patrick Minus, and I visited him at the Brothers’ Mother House in Rome. I do not know whether Brother Charles recognized me, but he broke out in a big smile when I greeted him in Burmese. At 89, dementia has diminished much of his memory and affected his speech. I helped him eat some of the goodies that were generously spread out on the table. He uttered a few words in Burmese: “taw bee, …yay ne ne thauk chin de,” (တော်ပြီ။ ရေနည်း နည်း သောက်ချင်တယ် enough.., want to drink a little water), etc. I spent the rest of the afternoon with Brother Charles and the other party goers until the celebrants faded away.

Brother Director Joseph is truly a personification of tremendous love and patience. He was most gracious. He made us feel very welcome. We were accommodated in comfortable guest rooms which commanded beautiful views of the estate.

Sunday, 8 July 2007

Riri and I took a leisurely stroll on the estate as the sun shone over the countryside. At breakfast, I sat on Brother Charles’ left while Brother Joseph occupied the end seat on the right. Both Brother Joseph and I helped Brother Charles with his breakfast. His appetite was good.

Breakfast over, I wheeled Brother Charles back to his room. The room was nicely decorated with Burmese and other memorabilia. There was a large framed photograph of a much younger Brother Charles of his Burma days. (I recall seeing him in 1959 at the Kalaw Railway Station as he hopped on to the steam locomotive. “I always ride in the gaung dwe (locomotive),” he harked, as the train pulled away towards Thazi. He was happy as a lark. (Riri and I were teachers at Kalaw’s Kingswood School that year).

Bidding Brother Charles adieu was difficult. I had known him when we were both young long years ago at a place so far away.

We took leave of Brother Joseph and the other Brothers later that morning. Ken and Marion drove us to Liphook from where we boarded the National Express coach for London’s Victoria Station. (Marion and I began our friendship as pen pals when we were both 16. I was then at Woodstock School in the Himalayan town Mussoorie, India, in 1950).

Brother Charles with U Kyaw Win

Clayton Court, Liss, Hampshire, England

Monday, 9 July 2007

After spending the night in London, we flew to Frankfurt, arriving there in the evening. We bedded down at Hotel Manhattan, conveniently located across the street from the Frankfurt bahnhoff (railway station).

Tuesday, 10 July 2007

The train from Frankfurt took us to Ulm where we changed for Illertissen. It was raining when we got there in the afternoon. We started to walk towards Kolleg der Schulburder. A kind gentleman picked us up along the way and drove us to the Kolleg, sparing us from getting wetter. (He did not speak English. We did not speak German. But the language of the heart transcends all tongues).
Brother Felix, who is known as Brother Albert at the retirement home, was brought out to a waiting room. He walked with the help of a stick, and a walker, alternately. He was as happy to see us as we were to see him. (I had last seen him, and Brother Peter, over thirty years ago, in Germany). His first words were: “You look like your father.” What a compliment!

Once he got warmed up after muttering a few words in German, the talk gushed out. He talked and talked, recalling his days in Burma; as a prisoner in Dehru Dun (India) and Insein Jail; De La Salle, St. Paul’s.Dinner that evening was at a restaurant. When Brother Felix noticed a paunchy man sitting at the next table, he remarked: “Baik pu gyi,” (ဗိုက်ပူကြီး paunchy fellow), a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Because guest accommodations at the Kolleg der Schulbruder were occupied by a visitor from Rome, we lodged at Hotel Vogt for the next two nights.

This was also Riri’s birthday. I snuck out of the hotel quietly and walked the streets of tiny Illertissen in search of a bakery. But it had shut down for the night. I was fortunate to get a cake from a restaurant just as it was closing. With the help of the hotel’s staff, I was able to surprise her.

Wednesday, 11 July 2007

In the morning, we were fetched and taken to Kolleg der Schulbruder where Brother Felix was waiting for us at the breakfast table. But we had just eaten at the hotel. So we nibbled a bit while he ate. After breakfast, he showed us the chapel, grounds, gymnasium, and gardens at the school. There are only lay teachers at the school. The numbers of those entering the FSC are getting thinner and thinner. A section of the campus is partitioned off as a retirement home for the brothers.

A sumptuous lunch prepared by the kitchen staff was served. When he saw the generous fare spread over the table, Brother Felix remarked, “Do they think we are starving?” That was typical of him, wit fully intact.

At 93, Brother Felix is the most senior retiree at the home. He has a comfortable room with an attached bath. “When I die, everything I own can be cleared out of this room in ten minutes,” he said.

After a brief rest, another non-English speaking brother drove us around that charming Bavarian town. Sightseeing ended after visiting the graves of Brothers Fulbert and Peter in the well maintained cemetery. A section of the cemetery is reserved for brothers and priests. The graves were well tended, a profusion of flowers growing on them.

Afterwards, we were driven back to the hotel where a teary Brother Felix hugged and kissed us before he was driven back to the retirement home. “Pray for me,” he asked. “I pray for all the people of Burma,” were his parting words.

Bidding Brother Charles and Brother Felix at their respective retirement homes was very difficult. Brother Felix was only 18 when he left his family and country to go to Burma as a missionary with the (French) Christian Brothers Order of the Roman Catholic Church to serve a lifetime as a teacher. But it gave me joy that I could honor these two teachers in the sunset of their days. “Parting is such sweet sorrow…”

If there is one word that comes to mind which describes these two brothers retirement communities, it is COMPASSION, of which there was an abundance.

Brother Felix at Kolleg der Schulbruder_1, Illertissen, Germany, July 2007

Brother Felix at Kolleg der Schulbruder_3, Illertissen, Germany, July 2007

Brother Felix with U Kyaw Win_1, Illertissen, Germany

Brother Felix with U Kyaw Win_2, Illertissen, Germany

Brother Felix at Kolleg der Schulbruder_2, Illertissen, Germany, July 2007

Brother Felix with Gandasari and U Kyaw Win, Illertissen, Germany, July 2007

U Kyaw Win at Bro. Fulbert’s grave, Illertissen, Germany, July 2007

U Kyaw Win at Bro. Peter’s grave, Illertissen, Germany, July 2007

I thank Margaretha Sudarsih (“Menuk”) for blogging this report for me.

The holy season of Christmas is upon us. May peace, joy, and good health of both body and mind be yours. UPDATE: Brother Charles passed away on 28 December 2007. May “flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

I am yours sincerely, a grateful product of the Christian Brothers schools,

U Kyaw Win
8566 Flagstaff Road
Boulder, CO 80302-9531, USA

June 4, 2025
East Coast Reunion 2009
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

East Coast Reunion

Organizers

The first East Coast Reunion took place in Virginia in 2009.

U Nyein Min (C79), Dr. L Sein Myint (M73) and the alumni in East Coast organized the Reunion.

Attendees

Most attendees were from the East Coast (Virginia, W Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Connecticut).

Some sayas and alumni who are not from the East Coast include
- U Hla Min (EC69) from Northern California
- Saya U Tin Htut (M69) from Southern California
- U San Myint Thane (Sammy, EC79) from Texas
- U Kyaw Than (ex-UBA, GBNF) & Daw Rosemary Than, U Tha Aung (M) & Daw Kinsa Maw Naing (ChE) from Canada
Hosts

During my trip, Dr. L Sein Myint, U Wynn Myint Aung (EC76, GBNF), U Htin Linn (ex-PTC) and my uncle U Thein Han hosted me.

Dr. Win Aung (M62, iNEER) and spouse hosted a dinner for us.

Memories

U Min Han (ChE77) took most of the pictures.

East Coast 8

East Coast 7

East Coast 6

East Coast 5

East Coast 4

East Coast 3

East Coast 2

East Coast 1
June 4, 2025
Tekkatho
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025
- Less than 10 percent passed the Matriculation exam in the early days.
- It was an honor to prefix one’s name with Tekkatho တက္ကသိုလ် or University.
- Khin Nyo wrote: Absolutely right. I think in 1957 only 2% Passed and the total is 20000.
  Even dancer AmarSein was conferred with the title Thekkatho Amar Sein by the Rector Dr Tha Hla.
Tekaktho Moe War (U Moe Aung)

U Moe Aung
- Matriculated from St. John’s Dio.
- EC of RU Kalaung Shin Ah Thin
RU Association
- Editor, RUESU Annual Magazine
RUESU Magazine
- Taught Electrical Engineering at RIT.
EE Sayas

U Moe Aung & U Sein Maung
- Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazine
- Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
- Worked in Singapore
- Chair, SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010
- After retirement, moved back to Myanmar
- Taught refresher courses (e.g. Electrical Saftey) at Electrical Inspectorate.
Publications
- Kept mind alert by writing poems and articles in the weekly publications.
- Distinguished Writer, Poet, Editor and Publisher.
- Editor, RUESU Annual Magazine
- Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazines for more than a decade.
- Chief Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
- Chief Editor, Commemorative issues of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore
- Chief Editor, Commemorative issues of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPZP-2016 in Yangon
- Published Kabyars (one book for solo, another book by RIT poets and another by former EC members of Tekkatho Kalaung Ah Thinn)
- Published book (Collection of articles)
June 4, 2025