HlaMin

Author: Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

  • 1958 and 1959

    Broadcast on December 7, 2020

    Matriculation in 1958

    • Dr. Soe Win (SPHS, Ch, Retired Rector of YUFL) stood First in Burma
      Father : Saya U Sein (SPHS)
      Uncle : Saya U Kyaw Sein (SPHS)
      Spouse : Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin (Ch)
      Sons : U Aung Mon and Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin
    • U Robert Sein (SPHS, Phy) stood Second
      Sister : Dr. Wendy Sein
    • Daw Myint Myint Tin (Pearl Ba Tin, MEHS) stood Third
      Spouse : Dr. Khin Maung Wint (“Sargalay”)
      Brother : U Myo Win (Melvyn)

    ARAE Regatta in Calcutta in 1958

    Dr. Harry Saing (Htut Saing, GBNF, Bow)

    • Pediatric Surgeon
    • Rangoon
    • Hong Kong
    • Multiple Sports Selection
    • RUBC Captain and Gold
    • Burma Hockey
    • Burma Cricket
    • Track and Field
    • Soccer
    • Passed away in Hong Kong

    Tin Htoon (A60, Stroke)

    The RUBC crew won the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs

    Fledgling Sayas in 1958

    Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)

    • Studied MS at Harvard University
    • Also attended courses at nearby MIT
    • Co-founder and President
      RIT Alumni International
    • “Brother, can you afford US$500”
      Article for SPZP-2000

    U Myo Myint Sein (A58)

    • First batch of Architecture Graduates in Burma
    • Studied Masters at the University of Michigan
    • Retired as Professor and Head of Architecture Department

    Dr. San Hla Aung (C58)

    • Had to wait one year after Matriculation, because he was under age.
    • Graduated at the Top of his class.
    • Joined the Civil Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
    • Studied MS at MIT.
    • Promoted to Lecturer.
    • After retirement, moved to USA.
    • Completed Doctorate at Tulane University, New Orleans
    • Retired as Professor of Practice
    • Served as Line Judge at RUBC Regattas
    • President, RIT Swimming
    • President, RIT Rowing
    • Wrote article about his student days for “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”

    U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF)

    • MS from Michigan
    • President, BEA
    • President, TBSA

    U Ba Nyunt (EE58)

    • MS
    • Transferred to MOC
    • Spouse : Daw May Su (Phy)

    Matriculation in 1959

    • Dr. Frankie Ohn (SPHS, Physics) stood First in Burma. Sold his company in Southern California.
      Brothers : U Tin Nyo, Dr. Tin Bo, Dr. Tin Mo, Dr. Tin Wa
    • Dr. Shewan Lee (SPHS, Chemistry) stood Second in Burma.
    • Dr. Than Nwe Aung (SPHS) stood Third in Burma.
    • Rocky (SPHS), younger brother of Koon Yin Chu, was Joint Fourth with U Oo Tha (Mathematics)

    Fledgling Sayas in 1959

    U Tin Hlaing (M59, GBNF)

    • Received MS from Purdue University
    • Head of Agricultural Engineering (Sub-department of Mechanical Engineering)
    • Managed Universities Hockey Team
    • Sadly he could not get access to a Dialysis Machine
      The Passport to have medical treatment abroad was delayed

    U San Tun (M59)

    • Received MS from MIT
    • Head of Automobile Engineering (Sub-department of Mechanical Engineering)
    • Past President, BEA (predecessor of BAPS)
    • Took trip with Sayagyi U Aung Khin to China
      Host : Saya U Kyaw Myint (Auto64) working for UN

    U Myo Kyi (EE59)

    • Most senior (with Dr. Ba Lwin) among the EE sayas that are alive

    Dr. Ba Lwin (EE59)

    • Most senior (with U Myo Kyi) among the EE sayas that are alive

    Dr. Chris Lee (L Tin Htun, EE59)

    • Past President, BASES
    • Worked on Space Shuttle Project

  • Mandalay Gazette

  • Final Year BE results in 1971

    • U Khin Maung Myint (ChE71) and Daw Mai Khin Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71) were among those who graduated from RIT in 1971.
    • They shared the results published in Working People’s Daily
    • The top students include
      Khin Maung Chit (Civil)
      Ne Win (Mechanical)
      Myint Htay (Automobile)
      Ma Nwe (Agriculture)
      Tin Than (Electrical Power)
      Tin Win (Electrical Communications)
      Nwe Ni Wai (Chemical)
      Saw Thant (Mining)
      Win Myint (Petroleum Production)
      Nyan Tun U (Metallurgy)
      Saw Orson (Architecture)
      Aye Aye Myint (Textile)

  • Memories of Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint

    This little book was given to me on 15/10/90, my last day in service. In this little book friends, colleagues, house surgeons and students wrote.

    My House Surgeons and students of IM 2 gave me promises that they would remember me and my teachings and words said on that day. I take the book out often to read and reread what they wrote thinking again of each of them.

    Most of them have become senior consultants, professors and many successful in business. And I rejoice with them of their achievements.

    Only a handful have stayed in touch. But because of this little book I read, reread and and remember each of them. There now a tear on the edge of the book due to my often taking it out and rereading it again and again.

    Just reminiscences of an old man living in the past remembering the times spent as a teacher.

    Hope they still remember me and the promises given to me.

  • ChE 74

    Chemical

  • ChE 72

    Chemical

  • Old Paulian

    An Old Paulian is one who studied at SPHS (St. Paul’s High School).

    An Old Paulian is also a B.O.B (Brothers’ Old Boys, alumnus of a De La Salle School).

    Some Early Paulians

    Some early Old Paulians include

    • ICS U Tin Tut (Minister / Diplomat)
    • U Ba Khin (First in Burma, Renowned Vipassana Teacher)
    • Dr. Ba Than (Rector, IM1)
    • Dr. Ba Han and Dr. Ba Maw
    • U Than Aung (Minister)

    Some Paulians from 1957 – 1965

    Dr. Tin Wa, U Sein Htoon, U Myint Khine (Norman), U Kyi Win (Eddie, GBNF) are some members from the Class of 1957.

    Dr. Soe Win (First in Burma), U Robert Sein (Second in Burma), U Myo Min (UCC), U Khin Maung Tun (GBNF), U Myint Kyu Pe, Dr. Khin Maung Wint, U Tin Win (GBNF) are some members from the Class of 1958.

    Dr. Frankie Ohn (First in Burma), U Nay Oke, U Thein Aung (Micky, GBNF), Dr. Myint Han, U Tin Hlaing are some members from the Class of 1959.

    Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, Dr. Myint Tun (Henry), U Thaung Lwin, U Myo Myint, U Than Htut, Dr. Saw Naing (Henry), Dr. Khin Zaw are some members from the Class of 1960.

    Dr. Robin Ban (Kyaw Win, Second in Burma), Dr. Thein Tun, U Htun Aung Kyaw, U Sein Shwe are some members from the Class of 1961.

    U Myint Thein, U Myint Soe, U Ohn Maung are some members from the Class of 1962.

    Dr. Khin Maung U (First), Dr. Min Oo (Second), Dr. Myo San (Freddie, Third, GBNF), Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, 4th), Dr. Thein Wai (5th), U Hla Min (7th), Dr. Johnny Maung Maung (Aung Kyaw Zaw, 9th), U Maung Maung Kyi (11th), U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, 13th, GBNF), Dr. Frank Gale (Khin Maung Zaw, 17th), Atom Hla, Dr. Htin Aung, Dr. Nyan Taw (Dicky), Dr. Myo Khin, Uzin Ukkamsa (Victor Aung Chaw), U Than Win, D S Saluja, U Myo Nyunt (Harry Kyaw) are some members from the Class of 1963.

    Dr. Aung Win Chiong (3rd), Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice, 5th), U Aung Myint, U Maung Maung Gyi, U Hla Min (CO), U Khin Maung Maung (Alfred, GBNF) are some members from the Class of 1964.

    Bernard Khaw (1st), Winston Sein Maung (2nd, GBNF), Dr. Paing Soe (Freddie, 3rd), Dr. Kyaw Min, U Myint Thin, U Myint Toe, Dr. Tin Maung Maung Than (Edward) are some members from the Class of 1965. They are the last batch of true Old Paulians.

    Mini-gatherings

    Some Classes have mini-gatherings.

    The Class of 1965 and some from the Class of 1963 (e.g. Harry Kyaw and Dicky Taw) meet almost every month. During my visits to Yangon, Dr. Kyaw Min picked me up to attend their mini-gatherings. Ko Than Win took me to the soon offering (organized by Harry, Dicky and Atom) for Saya Uzin Beatson at a restaurant in the “Yin Pyin Daw”.

    Donation Ceremony

    Senior Old Paulians donated to some health workers (from DMR) working on COVID-19 projects (e.g. Swab Collection).

    The photos were sent by Dr. Kyaw Min (Retired Deputy DG, DMR).

    Ko Aung Myint (SPHS64) made educated guesses (e.g. U Nay Oke, Harry “R” Kyaw).

    Ko Myint Toe texted me saying he was wearing a black coat in the second photo.

  • Currency

    • The Union Bank of Burma issued Burmese Currency notes backed by Gold Reserves.
    • The bills were signed by authorities (e.g. Sithu U Kaung, U San Lin).
    • One US dollar traded at 5 – 6 kyats, and one Sterling pound around 12 – 13 kyats.
    Old Receipt

    Old Receipt from 1979

    • The Old Receipt (for 146 Kyats and 50 Pyas) is a testament of the purchasing power in the 70s.
    • It was for a farewell dinner for Saya U Myo Win (M/Ag65) by 25 members of the RIT Automobile Club.

    Decline in the value of the Kyat

    Three rounds of Demonetization, mismanagement, … saw a huge decline in the value of the Kyat.

    Snap shots of the exchange rate :

    • 1 Kyat = 4 (or more) Bahts (Early days)
    • 1 Kyat = 1 Baht (Baht Taik Kyat Taik Khit)
    • 4 (or more Kyats) = 1 Baht
    • Four decades ago, a Palmist friend told me that I would own 10 Lakhs.
      The top prize for the “Aung Bar Lay” Lottery was 1 Lakh.
      A professor’s monthly salary was K1300.
      A lecturer earned 800 – 1200 kyats.
    • A few years back, my friend had to pay 10 Lakhs for a visit to a hospital in Yangon.
    • Another friend had to pay 800+ Lakhs to a hospital in Singapore. Luckily, he had inherited a fortune from his parents.

  • U Sein Win

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ee-sayas-in-the-60s.jpg

    Saya U Sein Win (EE)

    • MS in EE from University of Michigan
    • Taught at RIT
    • Retired as Professor of Electrical Power, YTU
    • After retirement, worked as Consultant
    • Technical Advisor for the UCC Project
    • Line Judge at RUBC Regattas
    • President, RIT Rowing Club
    • President, RIT Swimming Club
    • Swam almost daily
      Even when he was visiting Singapore on business trips.
    • GBNF

    Invitation to SPZP-2000

    • Saya was invited by his former students in the US and Singapore to attend SPZP-2000.
    • He gently declined the offer.
    • Told his students to sponsor EE saya who had not been to the US.
    • Said that he had been to the US for his studies. |
      He was a top student at the University of Michigan, USA.
    • With permission from Saya Allen Htay, we are printing the letter from Saya U Sein Win.

    Saya’s Letter

    Dear Allen & Ko San Hla Aung,

    Long time no see!

    Since I retired in 1993, I have been doing odd jobs. I was a mechanical and electrical supervisor for about 6 months at the FMI shopping center constructing job. Then after the construction phase, I retired, doing nothing, except to drive my youngest daughter to various tuition places.

    For the last two years, I worked part-time again, 3 times a week, from 11:00 a.m to 5 p.m., as a consultant for the maintenance of mechanical and electrical works, as my youngest daughter finished her matriculation classes.

    Since last month, I have another part-time jobs as consultant to a UPS selling company, working on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I am now in Singapore for a week, at the Liebert UPS (USA based Ohio Co.) Co., for servicing and repair of UPSs and am going back [on Tuesday] with one of the company men.

    Since both my jobs are part-time jobs, and I am on company’s expense here, I do not have any leave privileges, etc. and I am sorry I can’t afford to go to USA.

    My eldest daughter and my second daughter are now medical doctors. My youngest is now reading for her first year medical course. I am still living in the same old house near the Inya Lake.

    I hope both of you are healthy as I am now a health buff and tried to stay in health but at this age nobody can say what will happen as I noticed, looking up obituaries of people around my age in the newspaper and see the names of old friends.

    Yours,
    —- auld lang syne—
    Sein Win

    Anecdote

    Saya U Sein Win left his brand new spouse at a Zay (presumably Bogyoke Zay).

    Saya went back to RIT, and had a long discussion with his students.

    The students asked, “How is Sayagadaw?”

    Saya’s reply : “Let’s end the discussion. It’s past time I should have picked her up at the Zay”.

    Uzin Bobby Myo Tun (A69) wrote :

    Classic example of ‘the absent-minded professor!’

    U Aung Myint (UCC) wrote :

    I heard about that from some of the students or from the Lab staffs while I was in EC lab: What I heard was a little different. What I heard was “He parked at Hledan Zay. His wife went for buying. He was waiting inside the car. Suddenly he got an idea of taking hair cut nearby instead of waiting for a long time. After hair cutting he forgot everything and drove the car alone. I don’t know if that is true or not.

  • Dr. Khin Maung Swe

    Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, Retired Professor of Mathematics) passed away on June 7, 2020.

    He was Editor of the Thin Char Journal.

    He wrote a book about Sayagyi U Ba Toke based on his interviews and research.

    He did post graduate studies in the U.K.

    Saya’s spouse Daw Myint Myint Khaing (Mathematics) is the daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing.