Most members enjoy swimming in the Inya Lake after they had finished rowing.
A few members do not know how to swim, but they are confident that the eights and fours will not capsize even if someone “catches a crab”. There were a few instances where the scull and the pairs tripped over, but the non-swimmers felt safe and sound by clinging to the boat.
At one time, Burmese Laungs were loaned by RUBC. They are liable to flip over more than the RUBC boats.
There were two boatmen. U Par Oo was the senior. He and his son Tin Aung sold Than Pa Ya Yay. Ko Mya Hlaing was the junior. He sold Bu Thee Kyaw. They had to maintain the Tub Pairs and Tub Fours, and make patches to the boats and oars.
Before our days, there were many boats that were imported and not so many active members.
Later, due to restrictions for foreign exchange and the increase in active members, some local boats were used for training the novices.
Zeyar Linn added :
Our times 1992-2002, Swimming was prohibited but nowadays it is part of training sessions.
Before the advent of digital cameras and smart phones, it was not simple and cheap to take photos (let alone process them).
Black & White Photos
In my younger days, I had a Box Camera, and later Yashica Mat.
Unlike my uncle and a cousin brother who are experts in developing films (in a dark room), I had to pay 25 to 50 pyas per print at a Studio (e.g. Ahuja).
Photographers
Later, there emerged freelance & professional photographers (e.g. Maung Maung Nhyat & his brothers, Dat Pone San Aung, Dhatu Kyaw Lynn, Maung Maung Soe).
Only those who won contracts had permission to take official photos at the Convocations. It was not compulsory to take and pay for the photos. Some, who did not order the photos, found their photos being displayed as examples of “Do not walk like this” and similar fun messages.
Captions
During our younger days, SPHS had Annual Photo Shoots.
A Group Photo cost One Kyat (without Captions) and K 1.50 (with Captions).
It is not easy to identify people in photos without captions.
In most FB Groups, there are individual photos and group photos (e.g. fresher welcome, farewell, graduation, newspaper clippings). Only a fraction has captions and dates.
Some photos serve as a reminder of those that are Gone But Not Forgotten (GBNF).
Color Photos
In the early days, Color photos had to be sent abroad for processing.
Our wedding photos in 1973 were taken with the color film bought by my elder brother during his trip overseas. The film was sent (for processing ) to a friend who was studying in Australia.
The color photos fade over time.
Advances in Technology
Kodak (an Industry Leader in Film Technology) went bankrupt.
Most phones have one or more cameras. Even children can take reasonably good photos. The photos can be edited (e.g. crop, color-adjusted).
Warning : Some unscrupulous people have doctored photos and presented them as evidence of news.
Htein Win
It took a long time for him to publish books about the Dark Moments in Burma.
First Book
Book 1Book 2
Took photos of the U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin mostly from a saya’s house in the Main Campus. Gave photos to some friends and to an organization overseas (for storage).
With the Pwint Linn era, he was able to get back the archived photos from overseas. Managed to get articles from some of the participants in the Ah Yay Ah Khin. He published the book about the Ah Yay Ah Khin.
Ko Khin Maung Zaw bought a copy of the book from Myanmar and then mailed it to me.
Second Book
In November 2019. I was invited to attend the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Mandalay. Met Ko Htein Win who had a book stall at the Festival. He gave me an autographed copy of the book about 8-8-88.
He offered birthday soon kyway to Uzin Okkantha (Victor, Aung Chaw) and treated his former SPHS63 classmates (some of whom have not seen each other for a long time). The attendees include :
Aye Ngwe (Edwin)
Kyaw Win (“Birthday Boy”)
Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, EP69)
Hla Min (EC69)
Uzin Okkantha (Aung Chaw, Victor, C69)
Than Win (M69)
Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi)
Tin Tun (M69)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, IM1 70, UK)
SPHS Novice Crew at RUBC
Maung Maung Kyi (Bow)
Hla Min (No. 2)
Kyaw Win (No. 3, EE)
Willie Soe Mg (Stroke)
Myint Thein (Cox, SPHS 62, B.Com 66)
We were all awarded Full Green.
When the schools were closed following the first Anniversary of 7th July, Kyaw Win and Maung Maung Kyi applied for scholarships to study in Germany.
Maung Maung Kyi received Dip Ing in ChE with Specislization in Pulp and Paper. He worked at Sittaung Paper Mill and PPIC before moving to Wales, UK.
Kyaw Win had a higher calling. He and his friends protested in front of the Burmese Embassy. The higher authorities were alarmed at their movement and recalled back to Burma. Fortunately, he was able to complete his EE in Rangoon.
GBNF
In alphabetical order
Aung Chaw (Victor Chaw, C69, Ashin Ukkamsa)
Aung Khin
Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi)
Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, EC69, 13th in Burma)
Aung Thwin, Dr.
Freddie Ba San, Dr. (Myo San, 3rd in Burma)
Freddie Sein, Dr.
Gilbert Thaw (Min Thaw, EP)
Maung Maung Aye, Dr.
Maung Maung Kyi (11th in Burma)
Myint Soe (Willie Soe Maung, 1st batch BDS, Stroke in my novice crew)
U Soe Paing, U Win Paing (U Wara), Dr. Myo Paing, U Kyaw Paing
Family
Parents : ICS U Paing & Daw Oo Yin
Siblings : Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, GBNF), U Kyaw Paing
Spouse : Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69)
Children : Two sons & One daughter
Grandchildren : 3
Education & Work
He matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in Burma and won the Collegiate Scholarship.
At the Convocation of 1958, he won two Gold Medals — one for the Highest Total Marks in I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B); and another for Joint Highest Marks in Mathematics for I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
He received a States Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
He joined the RIT Electrical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
He helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe found Universities’ Computer Center. He transferred to UCC as Systems Manager in charge of Systems Division. He later also managed the Operations Division.
He received M.Sc.(Computer Science) from Southampton University in UK.
He worked for UNDP Projects in several countries.
Mentor
He was my mentor at RIT and UCC. He allowed U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and me to co-author Texts, User Guides and Manuals for use at UCC.
HMEE
He was an early supporter of the HMEE project. He prepared a draft for the HMEE book and handed it to Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) & team. He and U Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 of the HMEE Book and summarized Section 2 of the book.
Posts
Post from March 2011
I went to the University Central Library and managed to get scanned photos from the Engg Student Annual Magazines 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas, students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.
U Sein Hlaing (Prof EE) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L starting 1952-53. Saya U Tin Swe was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team. Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain. U Khin Si (husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile) and U Tin Si (U Khin Si’s brother and tennis doubles partnership that won RU as well as national championships) were members of the Prome hall team.
The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by the Prime Minister at that time U Ba Swe.
In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD, PWC, CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.
I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.
U Ba Than has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.
Post from May 2000
The mention of RIT, BIT, and BOC college in the first newsletter bring back memories of our good old days in Rangoon University. Although we did not graduate from Rangoon University, we had a really great two and a half years there before we went for studies aroad under government scholarship.
Our first year 1956-1957 was in Yankin College. Yankin was a campus of RU for first year science students. It is now Yankin State High School No. XX? Hteedan was for the 1st year arts students. Our second year I.Sc. was at the RU campus itself which we refer to as Main. The Arts students have classes at Judson. That time the new Social Science Building (now Institute of Economics) was completed. We had our second year ISc exams in that new building.
Then it is our 1st year B.Sc. Engineering course at the new Faculty of Engineering in Prome Road (now Institute of Medicine I). We attended for six months till December 1958. That campus was designed and built especially for the Faculty of Engineering. Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Departments were there but Chemical, Textile, etc. were in the old BOC building at the back.
The 1st year classes were from 7 to 9 a.m. for Mathematics. We then have a one hour break and we start the engineering courses at 10 a.m. We usually have a snack during the break at a small cafe between Tagaung and Prome Halls. Those halls were only for engineering students then. The mathematics (Pure & Applied) lecturers were from India hired under contract. We had three engineering courses: Building Materials taught by Mr. Tan Ba Hli (the Dean of Engineering himself). Heat Engines taught by U Aung Khin. Principles of Electrical Engineering taught by U Kyaw Tun. We had EE lab with Ko Htin Paw and Ko Ba Nyunt as lab instructors. We also had engineering drawing with Ko San Hla Aung and Allen Htay (for Chem, Tex, etc.) as instructors.
Those were the days when Rangoon University was one of the best universities in SE Asia and Asia. It also had a really nice campus.
RIT Saya Soccer Team
Reading about the communications from Richard Khoo (Dr. Aung Soe, C61) and seeing the list of Sayas in the 1966-67 handbook brings back memories of our soccer team.
As I remember it was from 1964 to 1968 or 1969. We played against (i) the senior students of different majors Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc. (ii) the sayas at GTI and Natmauk Technical Institute (iii) the Burma Air Force officers.
We also played in the annual tournament for RIT Staff. The staff teams are the Sayas, Workshop staff, Lab staff, Hostel staff and the youth team from the RIT compound.
As I remember (other Sayas & graduates may correct me) these were the people in the team.
Goalkeepers :
Richard Khoo (Civil)
Maurice Kyaw Zaw (Chemistry),
Sein Myint/Ah Sein (Petroleum)
Defenders :
Ko Maung Maung Than (Textile)
Ko Aung Soe (Math)
Ko Aung Hla Tun (Met)
Ko Sann Tint (Elect)
Christopher Maung (Civil)
U Tin Swe (Elect)
Ko Tin Win (Mech)
Midfielders :
Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri)
Desmond Rogers (English)
Ko Khine Oo (Elect)
Ko Maung Maung Win (Mech)
Ko Tin Hlaing II (Mech)
Forwards :
Ko Pike Htwe (Chemistry)
Ko Aung (Math)
Ko Tin Hlaing I (Agri)
Ko Soe Min (Elect)
Ko Kyin Soe (Auto)
myself (Elect)
We rarely practiced but we enjoyed playing the games. We split games with the GTI sayas & the Air Force officers. We beat the Natmauk sayas and we won more than we lost in the RIT staff tournament. But I am sure we lost more than we won against the final year students. Would appreciate comments on this; especially on the names I missed in the team.
President : Sayagyi U Ba Hli (Dean of Engineering, University of Rangoon, GBNF)
Honorary Secretary : Saya U Soon Sein (Professor, Mining, GBNF)
Honorary Treasurer : Saya U Tin U (Part time Lecturer, Civil)
U Tin U
U Tin U at SPZP-2012
Highlights
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1946.
Attended Rangoon University before going for studies in the USA.
Represented RUBC in the Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi in 1948 along with Dr. Pe Nyun, Dr. Pe Thein and Khin Maung Wint (Bobby).
1948 Independence Day Regatta
Received BCSE from the University of Oregon and MCSE from Yale University.
Upon his return to Burma, he worked in the industry and taught part-time at the Civil Engineering department.
Past Captain of Rangoon Golf Club
Oldest & Most Senior Past Captain of RUBC
Three Losses
Lost his spouse Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt in November 2019
Lost his elder son Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) in April 2020
Lost his son-in-law U Tin Tun in May 2020
U Tin U & Family U Tin U 3
U Ba Than
U Ba Than
Highlights
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1947, and won the Collegiate Scholarship.
In 1949, he won Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in the Intermediate of Science exam.
RUBC Full Green
Studied Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London University
Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
As a requirement for promotion, he did Masters at Imperial College.
Retired as Professor of Mechanical Engineering.
Mech Engg Sayas
Saya is an early supporter of the HMEE-2012 project. Donated his photo albums. Cooperated with U Thaw Kaung to allow U Soe Paing & team to access the archives of Rangoon University Central Library.
Birthdays
Celebrations
Birthday Soon Kyway
Before the pandemic, he invited colleagues and former students to his Birthday Soon Kyway at Yaw Sayadaw’s Monastery.
U Tin Htoon (A60, younger brother) compiled a Photo Album for Saya’s 90th Birthday
U Ba Than
Donated all of the Garawa Money to various social & religious associations.
Passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.
U Ba Than & Daw Mya MyaU Ba Than & Family
Updates
Four of the nine siblings are members of the 90+ Club like their mother.
U Tin U (eldest) passed away on Aug 19, 2025 — a few weeks after his 96th birthday. He was the most senior Past Captain of RUBC. He was also the oldest Yale University alumni from Burma.
U Ba Than (2nd oldest) passed away after his 94th birthday.
Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby, 3rd) celebrated her 93rd birthday on Aug 31, 2025.
Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, 4th) passed away two months before her 91st birthday.
Ma Ma Mi (Daw Khin Khin Latt) is from Sagaing. She wanted Saya Chit (Dr. ChitSwe) to be a Yahan at a monastery in Sagaing Hills. Some monastery compounds are named after the towns in Irrawaddy Delta.
Ko Myint Oo and I offered to be temporary monks with Saya Chit.
Ordination
There are two phases to become a monk :
(a) Novitiation (ရှင်ပြု Shin Pyu) or “Lower Ordination” to become a “Ko Yin” (ကိုရင် novice)
(b) “Thane Wyn” or “Higher Ordination” in a Sima (သိမ် Thane) to become an Upazin ဥပဇင်း
At least five monks are needed to conduct the “Higher Ordination”.
In Yangon, the ceremony takes 15 – 30 minutes.
The final part is an Exhortation by the Preceptor. As Mentor to the newly ordained monk, the Preceptor shares his knowledge and gives advice.
When the Preceptor learned that Saya Chit is a renowned Professor and the Founder/Director of UCC, he gave “extra” attention by exhorting for “close to three hours”. Sayadaw enjoyed illuminating Saya Chit.
Since I could barely squat, I was “offered” a pillow to rest my knees and I was allowed to “kneel down” on the pillow.
Tourist Guide for a day
After a week of monk hood, we returned to our lay life sans (without) our hair.
Ko Myint Oo is a social animal. He knew two Guides from “Tourist Burma”. At least one of them was new. They had a reasonably tough assignment. They had to guide an American student (in his senior year at a New York University) trying to write a first-hand report about the Buddhist artifacts in Mandalay and Sagaing.
The Guides requested help from Ko Myint Oo. Ko Myint Oo shunted and in a moment I became a volunteer tourist guide explaining (to the best of my knowledge) Buddhism & rites and rituals.
According to a historian from Smithsonian Institution, “There is no single history. There are parallel (often competing) histories.
I volunteered as a Docent for Computer History Museum (CHM) in Moutain View, California.
I was a member of the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) project. Ko Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for the HMEE-2012 book.
Journey
I am continuing on my journey as a Life Long Learner, freelance writer, translator and editor.
I served at the Last Journey for Sayadaw U Silananda and Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo.
Colleges
Those senior to us attended Yankin and Hteedan Colleges.
Leik Khone held engineering classes before the Faculty moved to Gyogone Campus in 1961.
In 1962 and 1963, Leik Khone held I.Sc. classes.
In 1964, Leik Khone started offering 1st MB classes.
Volunteer Service
I have served as a volunteer for five decades.
Infounded “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in 1999 and served as its Chief Editor for 26 years.
I have paid back to UCC and RIT as a messenger and organizer.
My Toastmasters Journey
I joined District 4 of Toastmasters International. When District 4 became too big, it was reorganized into two smaller Districts.
I became a member of District 101.
I completed Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) under the Old System.
DTM 1DTM 2
Mr. Robert Hole
He was the English Editor for RUESU (Rangoon University Engineering Students Union) Annual Magazine. He is the father of Sayama Daw Gilmore Hole (UCC) and uncle of U Percy Maung Maung (classmate of Saya U Soe Paing at St. Paul’s High School and Stanford University).
Saya asked Mr. Robert to write for the “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar”. Mr. Robert asked three weeks.
Sad to say, Mr. Robert did not complete his assignment.
During my visit to Yangon, Gilmore invited UCC alumni to a mini-gathering at her house. We learned from Gilmore that her father had “memory retention problem”.
That is one reason I am sharing my memories before my memory declines.
History
It is appreciated in some countries.
In the USA, there are many museums (with Docents) and historical societies (with Historians).
I volunteered as a Docent at the Computer History Museum (CHM) for a couple of years. I learned that CHM has an “Oral History” Project to record interviews of pioneers, researchers, and notable people. CHM also had live presentations: individuals and/or panels with a moderator.
We understand that there are pressing issues (e.g. rebuilding the alma mater and our beloved motherland to their former glory), but we also need to have historical facts compiled (in writing or in interviews) and preserved.
Passion
A 1000+ mile journey starts with a simple first step. The journey to a printed book or an e-book started with my first Trivia post.
I did not start writing Chronicles or compiling a Knowledge base. I did not have an outline. I was just trying to please my beloved spouse, selected sayas and friends that I would put down my stories (that I heard or learned from Thin Sayas, Myin Sayas and Kyar Sayars) into writing. If the stories can enrich someone’s life, that will be a bonus.
If one has time and energy there are tons of information in the world, but one must be aware that they may be misinformation and materials that not subject to review and proof reading. Thanks to my reviewers, I have managed to keep the typos, inconsistencies and errors quite low. I also learn something new with each comment.
Some friends who are experts or advanced practitioners in astrology said, “You can never really retire. You have a conjunction of Mercury, Venus and Saturn in one Yathi (Rasi) and they are conjunction with Sun in the Tenth House. You will have the benefits as well as disadvantages of those planets. For example, you can never have an easy life and you will be a server of many people. Be careful of your health. If you stay healthy, you will feel pride and happiness to see your work get appreciated.”
The journey will continue as long as I have a reasonably good memory and health.
RU
Rangoon University was opened in December 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as affiliated colleges.
In the mid and late 50’s, the Yankin College and the Hteedan College served the First Year Intermediate classes. The Pure Science, Engineering and Medical students attended Yankin College. The Arts and Social Science students attended Hteedan College.
After completing the I.Sc. classes, the engineering students attended BOC College for their main subjects and took some courses (e.g. Mathematics) at the Main Campus.
Later, the engineering students attended Leik Khone (Dome) and its extensions for their main subjects and spent some time (e.g. workshop) at BOC College.
Leik Khone
Saya U Tin Htut (M60) and U Tin Htoon (A60) were the last batch of Engineering students to attend classes at Leik Khone.
In mid-1963, we attended I.Sc.(A) classes at Leik Khone. Those aspiring to become medical doctors take the “A” option. Those aspiring to become engineers and scientists take the “B” option.
Our teachers for our I.Sc.(A) classes included
Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing (English) — mother of Kinsa Maw-Naing
Daw Khin Kyi Kyi (English)
Daw Po (Burmese) — sayama at the 1965 Inlay Luyechun Camp; retired as Professor of Burmese
U Khin Zaw (Maths) — later headed Maths Department at Worker’s College
Mr. Chowdry (Maths)
Daw Khin Ma Ma (Maths) — Sayama and her spouse U Soe Nyunt taught Maths at DSA
U Min Than Thaung (Physics) — RUBC Gold; retired as Rector of Long Distance Learning
Daw Khin Khin Su (Physics)
Daw Khin Khin Aye (Chemistry)
Gyogone Campus
Russia’s gift for the Gyogone Campus was compensated in rice, since Burma was then known as the “Rice Bowl of Asia“.
Russia provided visiting Lecturers. Some sayas speak reasonably good English. Others (e.g. teaching courses in the Agri sub-department of Mechanical Engineering) needed interpreters to conduct their courses.
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) visited Sayagyi U Ba Than after returning from his post-graduate studies in the USA. He was waiting to join Yezin College. Sayagyi asked him if he would like to join the Agri sub-department. The Agri students were happy with the teaching and practice of Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt. Saya also served as President of RIT Thaing Club.
Most Russian sayas were good chess players. They helped Ko Aung Than and Ko Maung Maung to form the RIT Chess Club. They conducted Lightning Chess tournaments.
Mr. Lazarov rowed as Timing Stroke for the RIT Eights team, which won the Inter-Institute Eights Trophy. The team consisted of L. Than Myint, U Ohn Hlaing (Elmo, GBNF), U Kyaw Lwin (George, GBNF), U Thaung Lwin, U Myo Myint, U Than Htut, U Htain Linn and U Tin Aung (Victor, GBNF).
Name Change
Folklore says the name BIT (Burma Institute of Technology) was changed to RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology), so that engineering schools could be set up at Mandalay. Note that IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) uses IIT for all its campuses, but qualifies it with the Campus name.
Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A 67, GBNF) mentioned that he was a participant and/or witness in the “physical” changing of the names (BIT to RIT) on the building.
Contributions
Many years ago, I asked a journalist how he could write a weekly column. He replied, “As long as one have friends and there are things to see, it’s not difficult to write even daily.”
For more than five decades, I have offered volunteer service to various organizations.
Paying back to RIT
I started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in 1989. I asked at least three times if someone wanted to take over as the volunteer messenger, writer and editor. Even my fiercest critics would not step up. I completed 26 years of my service to my alma mater, mentors and colleagues. The smiles on the faces of my former teachers, and occasional pat on the back by my colleagues give me “second wind” and the energy to “go the extra mile.”
Messenger
For over two decades, I served as a messenger for the RIT sayas, alumni and community.
In the early days, many sayas and alumni provided me with articles, news, and photos.
The idea of getting reconnected electronically and physically was novel. There were several hundred who accessed the first RIT web site designed and maintained by KMZ.
Some traveled a long way (from Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand) to attend the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
Some sayas and alumni became GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten). Some saw a decline in their health.
With the event of social media, the number of RIT related pages grew. There are many silent readers and few active contributors.
Being a messenger is not easy. When an alumni asked me to relay the demise of Ko Victor Win, I double checked before posting the news. Then, someone who is near and dear to Mrs. Victor claimed that Ko Victor was hospitalized, but had not passed away. After some confusion, the sad news was confirmed.
Some sayas and alumni want privacy. They do not want the news of their visits or failing health to be relayed. We have to respect them.
There are many posts by sayas, alumni and friends. I have re-posted only a sample of their works.
As my mentors said, “The message is much more important than the messenger.”
Paying back to UCC
During a visit to Yangon, I spent three days writing “Memories of UCC.” My former student Phyu Phyu Kyaw (USA) called, “You should take time off and enjoy your stay in Burma. You can continue writing when you get back to the USA. I suggest that you should spend two nights and three days in Bagan. She pledged air ticket and hotel stay as Garawa.”
It was my second trip to the ancient city. Things have changed a lot since my quick trip to Bagan and Nyaung Oo many years ago.
I saw tourists taking photographs of the ancient shrines. I saw some driving motor cycles to get around the area and beyond (e.g. to Mount Popa). Some who are short of time take the Package Tour with a tourist guide.
I wrapped up “Memories of UCC” by archiving them in PDF and Word form. I also summarized the long article to a length that can be incorporated into the Special Issue published by UCSY (University of Computer Studies in Yangon).
Sharing Trivia and Knowledge
Upon my return to the USA, I started writing Trivia posts based on what I learned from my Thin Saya, Myin Saya and Kyar Saya.
I was happy when I hit the 100 mark. It was like completing a lap in a long race.
Reviewers and Contributors
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi suggested topics to be covered in the book. Saya wanted us to present the RIT Spirit.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint added memories of his father, uncles and aunts. I knew more about the seven siblings :
U Tin Tut
U Kyaw Myint
U Myint Thein
Dr. Htin Aung
Daw Khin Mya Mu
Daw Khin Saw Mu
Daw Tin Saw Mu
I also learned about Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint’s former students who are Professors and Distinguished Authors.
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, SPHS63, Fourth in Burma in Matriculation) added many entries to the “Names” series. He added the names of medical professionals, artists, writers, and statesmen.
Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63, First in Burma in Matriculation) shared his writings on Medical Research and Dhamma.
U Khin Maung Zaw (SPHS70, EC76) provided feedback for the RIT, UCC and SPHS posts.
U Ohn Khine (St. Peter’s, M70) sent me selected photos from the CD Supplement of HMEE-2012. He maintains the GBNF list of the Class of 70.
U Aung Min (M69) is Chair of the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and a core organizer of the 69er Gatherings. He maintains the GBNF list of the Class of 69.
Dr. Richard Yu Khin (MEHS61, Gold Medalist in 2nd SEAP Games for Yachting, GBNF) wrote about swimmers and the Japanese coach. He also shared photos :
MEHS 61
University Athletes who represented Burma in 2nd SEAP Games.
He has two Facebook pages.
One is about Sailing. He won Gold for Yachting in the 2nd SEAP Games held in Rangoon, Burma.
Another is about his former classmates, neighbors, Economics, …
Toastmasters International
I joined Toastmasters International over a decade to hone my Public Speaking and Leadership skills. Prepared speeches, Impromptu speeches, Listening and evaluation are important in communications.
I completed DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster). I also volunteered as Club Ambassador.
I was a member of five Toastmasters Clubs (not concurrently). Although all clubs follow the general guidelines, they tweak the meeting agenda.
My last club was founded by Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs. Its specialty was to hold a mini “Pitch Practice” on the first meeting of every month and a full Pitch Practice on the middle month of every quarter. One has to state the problem, solution, the differentiators and finally ask for cooperation or funding (as appropriate). All in two minutes or less.
There are currently no Toastmasters clubs in Myanmar. In our younger days, there was a Rotary Club which had a public speaking component.
There have been TEDx talks in Myanmar for three years or so. One organizer is the daughter of U Sann Aung (M74, GBNF).
In 2008, three women set the record by placing First, Second and Third in the “World Championship of Public Speaking”. It has been a decade since there was a woman Champion. The winner and third place winner were from the USA. The runner-up was from China.
In the past few years, the winners were from Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Singapore) and the Middle East.
Awards from District 101
Toastmasters International is based in US.
District 4 (which I joined several years ago) grew too big to warrant splitting into two districts. The clubs mostly north of Highway 101 remained in District 4. The clubs mostly south of Highway 101 fall under District 101.
The following are from the “Fall Conference of District 101 Toastmasters”.
I won four awards.
DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)
Leadership Excellence
Advanced Leader Silver
Triple Crown
Toastmasters Meetings
As an Ambassador for Toastmasters, I attended meetings at several clubs.
Most clubs follow the three part format :
Prepared Speeches
Table Topics (Impromptu Speeches)
Evaluation
Some clubs occasionally have special meetings
Marathon Speeches
Table Topics Only Meeting
Round Robin Evaluation
Themed Meeting
At one club, members wore Halloween costumes. The speeches also cover Halloween (or similar topics).
Halloween themed meeting
The Ambassador is asked to take one or more roles at the meeting.
Speaker
General Evaluator
Speech Evaluator
A report about the visit is provided to the District.
As an incentive, one who makes 10 or more visits is given a pass to attend the “breakfast meeting” on the day following the main Conference.
Toastmasters International
The mission statement reads, “We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.”
It
was founded by a former administrator of YMCA. With headquarters in
California, it has members worldwide. The first international conference
outside of the Americas will be held this August in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. The conference crowns the “World Champion of Public Speaking”.
There
are closed clubs (sponsored by companies and corporations) and open
clubs (with little or no restrictions to join or visit).
One can visit several clubs before deciding to become a member.
In the old system, the communication track consisted of 4 levels (a) CC – Competent Communication (b) ACB – Advanced Communicators Bronze (c) ACS – Advanced Communicators Silver (d) ACG – Advanced Communicators Gold.
HlaMin 