He received M. Sc. (Computer Science) from Southampton University, UK
RASU, UCC, CSO, ABAC
Worked at RASU Maths Department. Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe asked him if he wished to join UCC.
Became Systems Programmer at UCC and did Masters in Computer Science at Southampton University, UK
At UCC, he wrote lecture guides and user manuals with me under the guidance of Saya U Soe Paing (Manager of Systems Division & later also Operations Division).
Known for his humor and satire (e.g Thingyan Sar သင်္ကြန်စာ)
Also wrote Kabyars ကဗျာ and articles.
Taught at UCC and CSO before moving to Thailand.
Ko Myint Oo took him to Assumption University (formerly ABAC) where he was offered a job on the spot.
Sydney
Moved to Sydney, Australia
Continued teaching Computer Science and Applications
UCC gathering hosted by Saya Zaw
Hosted mini-gatherings
In 2006, I attended a gathering to pay respect to Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe and Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli.
Spouse
U Aung Zaw & Daw Kyawt
Daw Kyawt is a culinary expert
She donated her kidney to Saya AZ as a priceless gift.
Books
Dhamma & Bawa
He wrote two books “Dhamma and Bawa” and “Cetana Thi Thar Kan”.
Cetana Thi Thar Kan
I am honored to be a reviewer / editor for both books and a contributor of a section for the second book.
He shared his memories about his sayas (Dr. Chit Swe, U Sein Min, U Tin Hlaing, Dr. Kyaw Thein, Dr. Khin Maung Swe, …).
Laughter is the best medicine — feature in Reader’s Digest
Need less nerves to smile than to frown
A cartoon a day keeps the blues away
Comics & Cartoons have no age boundaries
Comics
During our times, we read
Beano
Dandy
Topper
Beezer
Film Fun
Joke & Humor book(s) : D. S. Saluja had 200+
Annual & Special Edition
Can be bought from book shops like Smart & Mookerdam
BSPP era saw the publication of Shwe Thway & Teza
Early Cartoonists
Published in newspapers, magazines & books
To name a few
Shwe Ta Lay
U Ba Gyan
U Heng Soon
U Aung Shein
U Pe Thein
U Than Kywe
U Ba Htwe
U Kyaw San (“Ka Sa”) …
The “Cartoon Festival” was held in U Ba Gyan Street (around Tazaung Daing).
In the mid 1950s, there was a rift between the two factions of AFPFL. Some cartoonists took sides and a “price war” started. The cartoons, which sold for 60 pyas were then given away at bargain prices (any where between 10 and 50 pyas).
About a decade ago, my spouse paid K10,000 for a copy of “old” cartoons published in the Rangoon Times. Some are political satire.
RIT Cartoon Box
Started by U Myint Pe (M72) & team with the Patronage of Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (“Phone Ko”, C64) and Saya U Aung Myint (Kyant Ba Hone, Pet69)
Myint Pe (Center)
“Phone Ko” was known for his Vietnam cartoons
U Khin Maung Phone Ko
“Kyant Ba Hone” looked like “Nick Kelly”, but the contents are different.
Ko Kyant (3rd from Left)
Maintained by three (or more) generations of Cartoon Boxers
Cartoon Box was “ordered to close” after 1988
History of the Cartoon Box is published in the Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for SPZP-2012
Collection of RIT Cartoons was published in time for SPZP-2012
Pamphlet of RIT Cartoons distributed at Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPZP-2016
Some (e.g. “Aw Pi Kye”) became professional cartoonists and exhibited their works in Myanmar and beyond (e.g. Asian Cartoon Exhibition)
RIT Main Gate was named “U Lu Paw” (at the suggestion of Ko Win Thein (M67))
U Myint Soe (C68, GBNF) & U Myint Thein (M69, GBNF) are fondly called Maung Kabar
Born from my parents U Ba Pu and Daw Aye Kyi in Namtu, Northern Shan States, Burma.
Education
Matriculated in 1949 from Myoma High School in Rangoon.
After passing the 1st year engineering, BOC College of Engineering, Rangoon University in 1952, went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Mass., USA as a State scholar to join the second year engineering classes there.
Was in Dean’s list during the studies in MIT; and obtained B.S.(Civil Engineering) in 1955 and M.S.(Civil Engineering) in 1956.
Work
After working as a junior engineer in Tippetts- Abbett-MacCarthy- Stratton Engineers, New York and Green Engineering Co., Boston for a year, returned to Burma in 1957.
Joined the Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University as an Assistant Lecturer.
Promoted to Lecturer and Head of the Department of Civil Engineering in 1958.
Marriage
Got married to Daw Mya Mya Mue in 1959. (Have a daughter and a son and two grand children from daughter who all live in Canada now.)
Doctorate
Went to the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on Colombo Plan Scholarship in 1963 for further studies. Obtained Ph.D (Civil Engineering) specializing in structural engineering in 1965 from the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
Promotions
Returned to Burma in 1965 and promoted to Professor and Head of Civil Engineering Department in 1966.
Promoted to Rector of Rangoon Institute of Technology in 1971.
UNESCO
Left Burma to join UNESCO as Programme Specialist in Applied Sciences in 1977 in Unesco Regional Office in New Delhi, India.
IDRC
Migrated to Ottawa, Canada to join the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canadian Research funding Agency in Ottawa as an Associate Director in 1981.
Was then assigned to IDRC Regional Office in Singapore as Principal Program Officer from 1989 to 1992.
Was transferred to IDRC Regional Office in New Delhi as Principal Program Officer in 1992.
Was promoted to Regional Representative for IDRC Regional Office in New Delhi in 1995.
Retired from IDRC in June 1997 and now settled down in Nepean, Ontario, Canada with wife.
I look forward to seeing you all soon.
With Metta, Aung Gyi
Updates (by Hla Min)
Welcome dinner for SPZP-2000
U Thein Aung (Met72, Saya) was Associate Editor for the commemorative issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000. He compiled the biographies of the sayas and sayamas attending SPZP-2000. He also served as co-emcee.
Saya has four grandchildren.
I was a guest on two occasions (around SPZPs) hosted by Ko Wai Lwin in Yangon (a) one for Ma Ma Emma’s birthday (b) another for welcoming Sayagyi DAG and other sayas at U Nyan Tun U’s residence.
Met Saya during his trips to California
Asian Heritage Museum
We spent a few nights at Ivan’s house. Saya & Ma Ma were also there to attend the RIT-UCC gathering hosted by Ivan
NJ Gathering
Ko Ivan, Ko Fred, my spouse and I stayed at Saya’s house for two nights in 2015. Thanks.
Saya’s house
iNapa Winery
iNapa 1iNapa 2iNapa 3
Group Photos
With U Moe Aung At PZPBirthday for Daw EmmaThousand Islands FerryWith Ivan and HM
Cambridge University Home club of Sir Arthur Eggar
RBC (Rangoon Boat Club) Exclusive for Europeans and Anglo-Burmese
RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) : Founded in 1923 by Sir Arthur Eggar (Law Professor, RU); He pledged one-third of his salary for the Clubs operation; He donated a Challenge Cup (Pewter and brooches) for the Senior Novices. U Nyo’ s donation to RU Estate helped build the RUBC Club House; U Nyo donated a Challenge Cup (for the Inter-Club Eights)
RUBC
Defense Services Rowing Club Initially from Burma Navy
Marine Youth (Ye Gyaung Lu Nge)
Regattas
Rag Regatta : One day event; Finalists for the Novices race are seeded for Monsoon Regatta
Monsoon Regatta
Annual Regatta
Inter-Varsity, e.g. CURC
ARAE, e.g. Calcutta, Colombo
FEARA, e.g. Hong Kong, Singapore
Challenge Cups
President’s Cup : for Inter-Club Coxed Eights
Prime Minister’s Cup : for Inter-Club Coxed Fours
Commemorative Publications
40th Anniversary Issue (in 1963) : Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon & U Tin Htoon
90th Anniversary Issue (in 2013) : U Tin Htoon (Chair), U Myo Myint (Vice Chair), U Htaik San (Henry, Secretary), U Hla Min (Contributing Editor) …
Sir Arthur’s Autobiography : Reprint funded by selected Old Members
RUBC Old Members
They are fondly known as Old Crocs (or Crocodiles).
When RUBC was destroyed due to the ravages of war, the Old Crocs rebuilt the Club and provided physical, financial and spiritual support to the members to compete against the best from neighboring countries.
During our younger days, there is an “Old Members Race” at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas. The contestants range from young Old Members to the iconic Past Champions.
The Old Crocs have their mini-reunions where ever possible. They also share memories of the precious photos (e.g. of U Chan Tha, Jimmy Saw Lwin, …)
U San Maung(Gerald, GBNF)
Past Secretary & RUBC Gold
Club Coach — He would find time from his work as Production Manager of “Amotha Yoke Shin”, and come down to RUBC to mentor the members (especially the aspiring Golds). He would mandate “fixed tub” practice for the members.
Dr. Htut Saing (Harry, GBNF)
Past Captain & Gold of RUBC
ARAE Champion twice
Won Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta with Tin Htoon (A60)
Won Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo with Tin Htoon (A60), Sunny Teng, Victor Htun Shein (GBNF) and Sein Htoon (M63, Cox)
Usually rowed as Box on the RUBC crews. As an exception, he served as Timing Stroke and Coach for the RUBC Eights in 1962. Win Kyi (RUBC Gold, son of Miss Hong) rowed as No. (7). There were seven new Golds in that crew : Myo Tin (William Hone), Htain Linn & Mehm Myo Thaung (Maurice) for the Stroke side, Myo Myint (EC67), Oung Kyaing & Thein Aung (Micky Tan) for the Bow side and Tin Aung (Victor Wu, Cox).
Dr. Pe Nyun (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) and Dr. Htut Saing were Pediatric surgeons at the Rangoon Children Hospital. They operated on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San.
Continued working and teaching in Hong Kong. He became Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club. He would fully support the RUBC crews competing in the FEARA Regatta in Hong Kong.
Dr. Thein Toe and Dr. Htut Saing
Reunions
U Tin U, U Maung Maung Than Tun, Saya U Tin Htut, Saya Dr. Than Nyunt (George), U Tin Htoon, Dr. Donald Chan, U Tun Shein (Willie), U Tun Aung (George), U Sein Htoon, Dr. Tin Wa, U Myo Myint, U Thura Thant Zin, U Htaik San (Henry), and several Old Crocs attended Regattas (especially the 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC).
Most of them contributed articles, photos and financial support for printing the commemorative issue, and for reprinting Sir Aurthur Eggar’s biography.
Sad to note that there was some disjoint between the really young members (who are busy with the competitions) and the really Old Members (especially who travel from abroad to attend the events).
My Journey
Senior Novices Runner-up (in 1963) Myint Soe (Willie Soe Maung, Stroke, GBNF) Kyaw Wynn (3) Hla Min (2) Maung Maung Kyi (Bow) Myint Thein (Cox)
Honorary Treasurer (1964 – 65)
Vice Captain (1965 – 66)
Contributing Editor for 90th Anniversary Issue (in 2013) Prelude for each section Three articles
Donated for reprint of Sir Arthur’s Autobiography
Memories of RUBC Series in YUBC Old Members Facebook Group
I wrote an article on the Burmese Calendar for the BAPS Newsletter.
Months
January
First month of Gregorian Calendar
Named after Janus, two-faced God (symbolic to bid farewell to the old year and usher in the new year)
Jan 1 : New Year’s Day
Jan 4 : Independence Day in Myanmar
Martin Luther King’s Day in US
Sometimes : Lunar New Year
February
Second month of the Gregorian Calendar
Has 28 days in a Common Year and 29 days in a Leap Year
My poem for Union Day Supplement in WPD
Burma/Myanmar
February 12 : Pyidaungsu Nay (Union Day) is a public holiday in the Union of Burma. Commemorates the signing of the Pinlong Sar Choke (Panglong Agreement) on February 12, 1947.
February 13 : Bogyoke Aung San was born on February 13, 1915. Named Htain Lin. Changed the name to rhyme with that of Aung Than (elder brother). Centennial celebrations for Bogyoke were held in 2015. Feb 13 is also as Khalay Myar Nay (Children’s Day).
Tabodwe Festival (Occasional)
The Full Moon of Tabodwe often falls in February. Two celebrations are held.
Htamane Pwe (Sticky Rice Festival)
Ovada Partimauk Day (Exhortation)
USA
February 14 : Valentine’s Day is not a public holiday, but many people send greeting cards and presents.
Presidents’ Day : In the early days, there were two holidays. One to celebrate George Washington’s birthday and another to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Later a single holiday in February to honor all US Presidents was proposed. Some states continue to celebrate the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln.
Canada
“Family Day” (holiday) is observed on the 2nd Monday of February in Ontario.
Family Day is observed on the 3rd Monday of February in British Columbia.
LunarNew Year
Some countries (including China and Vietnam) observe the Lunar Year.
Lunar New Year occurs at the end of January or the beginning of February. The date is not fixed in the Gregorian Calendar.
It fell in February in 2018 and 2019.
Days
February is the shortest month in the year with 28 days in a Common Year and 29 days in a Leap Year.
A common year has 365 days, while a Solar year has 365.2422 days.
A year which is not a Century year is a Leap Year if it is divisible by 4. The discrepancy of .9688 days is rounded up to a day.
A year which is a Century year is a Leap Year if it is divisible by 400. This ensures that there are 97 leap years in four centuries.
February had 30 days, but one day each was transferred to July (honoring Julius Caesar) and August (honoring Augustus Caesar) to have 31 days in those months (worthy of Roman Emperors). February was left with 28 days.
Ripley’s “Believe it or not” illustrated a grave stone which had February 30.
March
First month of old Roman Calendar
Third month of Gregorian Calendar
Mar 2 : Peasant’s Day was moved from Jan 1 in order to celebrate the Coup D’eat
Phone Maw Day
Burma’s Human Rights Day (celebrated by Berkeley)
Mar 27 : Resistance Day was renamed as Armed Forces Day
First Day of Spring : Persian New Year
April
Second month of old Roman Calendar
Fourth month of Gregorian Calendar
Thingyan : Three or four days of Water Festival
Myanmar New Year
The deadline for filing taxes in the USA is around mid-April
May
Third month of old Roman Calendar
Fifth month of Gregorian Calendar
May 1 : May Day in some countries
May 5 : Cinco de Mayo
Mother’s Day in the US
June
Fourth month old Roman Calendar
Sixth month of Gregorian Calendar
Jun 6 : D Day
Jun 6 : Ah Loke Thamar Ah Yay Ah Khinn
Father’s Day in the US
July
Fifth month of old Roman calendar; Had 30 days
Renamed July in honor of Emperor Julius Caesar and was given an extra day
Seventh month of Gregorian Calendar; Has 31 days
My beloved father was born on 1st July
Jul 4 : Independence Day in the US
Jul 7 : Students’ protest that was brutally crushed
Jul 8 : Demolition of the Rangoon University Student’s Union
Jul 19 : Arzani Nay
Apollo 11 landed in Tranquility Bay on the Moon in July 1969. Neil Armstrong (Mission Commander) & Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin (Lunar Module Pilot) stepped on the Moon. They set up the US Flag. They collected lunar rock samples. Michael Collins (Command Module Pilot) circled around the Moon and waited for the return of the Lunar Module.
My poem “Men on the Moon” was forwarded by USIS to NASA.
The poem was published in the Guardian Daily.
Dark day in July 1947
Nine Arzanis — seven Ministers, a Secretary and a body guard — were gunned down on July 19, 1947. Eight perished that day. Sao San Htun succumbed a day later.
Bogyoke Aung San
Thakin Mya
Deedoke U Ba Cho
Mahn Ba Khine
Mong Pawn Sawbwa Sao San Htun (passed away in the hospital on July 20, 1947)
U Ba Win
U Razak
ICS U Ohn Maung
Yebaw Maung Htwe
There are books & documentaries on the “unsolved mystery”.
Two dark days in July 1962
According to the newspapers, 17 died on July 7, 1962.
Ko Aung Khin, who was stuck by a stray bullet as he was returning home from Rangoon University Boat Club, was listed as the 17th victim.
The revered Student Union was demolished on July 8, 1962.
The celebration of the 7th July in the following year (1963) ended with the closure of Universities (with the exception of Medical & Engineering).
August
Sixth month of old Roman calendar; Had 30 days
Renamed August in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar and was given an extra day.
Eighth month of the Gregorian Calendar; Haas 31 days.
8-8-88 : start of a long struggle to restore Democracy in Myanmar
Anniversaries
There are several birthdays in my extended family.
Two sisters, my grand daughter, several cousins and I are August born.
In August 2016, Maurice Chee (M75) organized a birthday soon kwyay for me at the Dhammananda Vihara in Half Moon Bay, California. The sayas and alumni presented me an Appreciation award.
Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa passed away on August 13 in 2005.
Three of my in-laws : Father-in-law, Mother-in-law and Brother-in-law passed away in August.
Daw Mu Mu Kin (spouse of Saya Allen Htay (C58)), U Myint Swe (EP74, NorCal RITAA) and U Thein Naing (Patrick, La Phet Yay Waing member) are also August born.
One of them hosts an August-born Birthday Party. In August 2018, Patrick and Mie Mie hosted a lunch gathering for the August born at Moss Beach Distillery. They also presented a book for us.
Is 8 lucky?
8-8-88 (August 8, 1988) and the following days mark the hope and then despair of the people longing for the end of the Adhamma Era.
The event was inspired in part by numerologists who remembered the historic event (about Mingyi Yan Naung) in 888 Burmese Era and extrapolated the magic of No. 8 from three 8’s to four 8’s.
Most Chinese think that the number 8 is lucky. For example, Beijing Olympics was opened on 8-8-08 (August 8, 2008).
September
Seventh month of old calendar. “Sept” means Seven.
Ninth month of Gregorian calendar.
Crushed the hopes of Multi-party Democracy in 1988
Occasionally : End of Burmese Buddhist Lent
October
Eighth month of old calendar. “Oct” means Eight
Tenth month of Gregorian calendar
Occasionally : End of Burmese Buddhist Lent (Thadinkyut)
“Deepavali” or “Diwali” celebrations are celebrated around October. Known as the “Festival of Lights”.
“Halloween” occurs every year on October 31 (the day before “All Saint’s Day”). Celebrated with “Trick or Treat” by children & optional “Halloween Costume Party” by adults.
Due to differences in the calendars, the Bolshevik Revolution is [wrongly] referred to as the “October Revolution”.
Ocktoberfest is a festival held in October.
The Annual Pumpkin Festival with the bragging rights to the “heaviest” Pumpkin is held along Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay in Northern California. The traffic is really bad in the area for most of October. The 7-mile strip takes an hour or more during the Festival period.
Dr. Aung Gyi’s birthday is October 1.
U Ba Than’s birthday is October 2. Sayas, former students & friends are invited to his soon kway. 69ers usually offer Garawa at Sayagyi’s place (Winner Inn).
November
Ninth month of old calendar. “Nov” means nine.
Eleventh month of Gregorian calendar.
Anniversary of my beloved parents
Tazaundaing often fall around November
Kathein robe offering often take place in early November. Must be held during one month following the Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut.
November 1st is “All Saints Day”. Preceded by Halloween (which falls on October 31st).
DST (Daylight Savings Time) requires resetting the clock according to “Spring forward. Fall back.” Currently, DST is set back in Fall (Autumn) on the Sunday following Halloween.
The second Tuesday of November is scheduled for US Elections at the various levels. (a) Presidential Elections occur every four years. (b) Mid-term elections occur every two years. House of Representatives serve two year terms. (c) Senators serve six year terms. To ensure continuity in the Senate, the election of the Senators is staggered into three groups.
Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday following Thanksgiving have massive sales. Some companies start their “Black Friday” early in November.
Several English words (e.g. November, Black Friday) have lost their original meaning.
November 11 is celebrated as Veterans Day in the USA.
It is celebrated as Armistice Day in the UK and France.
A hundred years ago, Truce was called between the Allied Forces and Germany. The Truce occurred at 11 AM, marking the event with three 11s.
First World War officially ended a year later with the Versailles Treaty.
Elections in the US (Local races & Resolutions every year, House of Representatives every two years, One third of Senators every two years, President every four years)
Nov 22 : JFK assassinated (Conspiracy Theory survives)
Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the US
December
Tenth month of old Calendar. “Dec” means Ten.
Twelfth & last month of Gregorian Calendar
U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn : dark day in the history of Burma
