HlaMin

Author: Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

  • Sheffield

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Trip to UK

    • In September 2017, I visited United Kingdom. It was my second visit to UK. My first visit was in 1972.

    Hosts

    • My cousin nephew Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) & Daw Win Mar hosted us at their house in Reading (40 miles from London).

    Sheffield

    • Took train to Sheffield to meet Peter’s younger brother Dr. Ye Myint, Daw San San Aye & their daughter Aye Sandar (Dental Surgeon).
    • My cousin sister Dr. Tin Kyi Win & her son Raymond drove to Sheffield to meet us.
    • Enjoyed food cooked by Ye Myint, San San Aye & Tin Kyi Win
    • They also took us to a Thai restaurant for dinner.
    UK 1
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    UK 2
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    UK 3
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    UK 4

    Updates

    • Peter Tun passed away on April 13, 2020. He was an early NIH Doctor to succumb to Covid. See my posts that chronicled his demise.
    • Some time back, Tin Kyi Win passed away peacefully in her sleep.

  • Sept 2017

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Half Moon Bay

    (Sept. 3, 2017)

    HMB Soon Kyway

    Attended Soon kwyay in memory of Uncle U Wah Kyu, father of Maurice Chee (M75).

    U Wah Kyu is the older brother of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF).

    Attendees include

    • Daw Mu Mu Kin — spouse of Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
    • Saya U San Tun (M59) & spouse
    • Saya Kyi Kong Tham (C63)
    • Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)
    • Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A67)
    • U Hla Min (EC69) & spouse
    • Benny Tan (M70)
    • Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) & Daw San San Nyunt (M77)
    • Maurice Chee (M75)

    Saya U Soe Paing & Ma Alice

    • Visited SF Bay Area several times
    • Saya visited Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt in Milpitas on September 5, 2017. They studied in the USA as State Scholars. They shared the long trip back to Burma with Saya Allen Htay & Saya U Ko Ko Lay. They spent the evenings playing Bridge.
    USP & UTMN 1

    We hosted Lunch for the sayas at a restaurant in Fremont.

    USP & UTMN 2

    Updates

    Retirees

    Before the pandemic, Maurice organized monthly Lunch gatherings for SF Bay Area Retirees.

    NorCal RIT AA

    Several sayas and senior alumni cannot attend Dinner gatherings. NorCal RITAA responded by deciding to have Lunch Gathering at San Bruno on August 16, 2025.

  • Maths Sayas

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    U Kar

    (5/Apr/1894 to 21/May/1974)

    • Passed away at the age of 81
    • Taught Mathematics at RU
    • Education Minister in the Caretaker Government
    • Rector, RASU
    • Children : Saya Dr. Tin Maung and Sayama Daw Thein.

    U Aung Hla

    (18/Apr/1896 to 13/Dec/1983)

    • Passed away at the age of 88.
    • Professor of Maths, RU
    • Dean of Arts, RU
    • Accomplished musician
    • Annotated 25 Burmese songs.
    • Spouse : Daw May Than was a nationally known singer.
    • Son : U Mya Than played the lead guitar & piano.

    U Po Thon

    (27/Jul/1899 to 23/Nov/1982)

    • Passed away at the age of 84.
    • Pyinnya Mingyi ပညာမင်းကြီး
    • Supervised & published Maths texts for use in schools.

    U Net

    (15/Jan/1918 to 26/Feb/2003)

    • Passed away at the age of 86.
    • Professor of Maths, MASU
    • Feather of Daw Khin Mar Mar (Physics & UCC) & grandfather of Wunna Ko Ko, webmaster of second RIT web site.

    U Ba Toke

    (26/Dec/1920 to 2/Dec/2020)

    Book
    • Phwa Bet Taw ဖွားဘက်တော် of “Rangoon University” and “First RU Student Boycott” (which is celebrated as “Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay” အမျိုးသားအောင်ပွဲနေ့ )
    • Professor of Maths, RASU
    • Rector, MASU
    • Professor of Maths, RIT
    • Vice Chair of Maths, Assumption University
    • Mandalay University Soccer Selected
    • Chinlon expert
    • Vice chair, RU Sports Council
    • Led the Burmese Olympic team to Tokyo in 1964.
    • Gave interviews (three C-90 tapes) and documents (4 files) to Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char). The book was published in April 2010 & was distributed on Sayagyi’s 90th birthday.

    Updates

    • Many sayas — including those mentioned in the post are GBNF.
    • Other GBNF sayas include Dr. Chit Swe, Dr. Tin Maung, Dr. Saw Tin, Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Tin Hlaing, U Sein Min, U Ko Lay & U Aung Sein

    Posts

    • GBNF
    • Mathematics
    • RU
    • Sayas
    • Universities & Institutes

  • Ma Nge

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Highlights

    Ma Nge
    • Nge Ma Ma Than (ငယ်မမသန်း), Theresa Aung Than
    • Youngest daughter of U Aung Than, elder brother of Bogyoke Aung San
    • Matriculated from MEHS (Methodist English High School).
    • Studied at RASU and UCC
    • Taught at UCC, DCS and ICST
    • Found her soul mate U Myint Swe at UCC
    Ma Nge, Ko Myint Swe & ASSK
    • In the Adhamma era, Ma Nge, Ko Myint Swe & her elder brother became “Prisoners of Conscience”.
    • They later supported former POCs and taught IT to the needy.
    • Her health deteriorated, but her strong spirit never declined. Even in her final days, she commiserated with her former political prisoners.
    Ma Nge 2
    • Passed away at Pinlon Hospital on April 24, 2018 at 12:20 PM
    Obituary

    Posts

    • Computer Science & Technology
    • Memories of UCC
    • Names

  • Photos

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Sayas

    Bro Clementian
    Saya U Sein
    Bro Xavier
    Mr. C Lewis

    Relatives

    Rel 1
    Rel 2
    Rel 3
    Rel 4
    Rel 5
    Rel 6
    Rel 7

    Friends

    Friends 1
    Friends 2
    Friends 3
    Friends 4
    Friends 5
    Friends 6
    Friends 7
    Norcal 1
    NorCal 2
    NorCal 3
    NorCal 4
    NorCal 5

    Let Oo Sayas

    Three Generations

    • My beloved parents
    • My spouse and I
    • My elder son
    With my beloved parents

    St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon

    • De la Salle Brothers
    • Sayas / Male teachers
    • Sayamas / Female Teachers
    SPHS Staff

    Dr. Khin Mg Mg & Dr. Rafiul Ahad

    • Dr. Khin Mg Mg (Physics) : Prof and Chair, Physics & Astronomy, University of Mississippi
    • Dr. Rafiul Ahad (Computer Science) : Retired VP, Oracle USA
    KMM RA 1
    KMM RA 2
    KMM RA 3
    KMM RA 4

    Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt)

    • Fourth in Burma in the Matriculation Exam in 1963
    • Retired Professor, Physiology at Institute of Medicine (1) and (2)
    • Taught at Malaysian University
    VNW 1

  • Photo Album

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    RIT Almni

    Dr. Sann Oo 1
    Dr. Sann Oo 2
    Emma
    NorCal 1
    NorCal 2
    NorCal 3
    NorCal 4

    Let Oo Sayas

    Three Generations

    • My beloved parents
    • My spouse and I
    • My elder son
    With my beloved parents

    St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon

    • De la Salle Brothers
    • Sayas / Male teachers
    • Sayamas / Female Teachers
    SPHS Staff

    Dr. Khin Mg Mg & Dr. Rafiul Ahad

    • Dr. Khin Mg Mg (Physics) : Prof and Chair, Physics & Astronomy, University of Mississippi
    • Dr. Rafiul Ahad (Computer Science) : Retired VP, Oracle USA
    KMM RA 1
    KMM RA 2
    KMM RA 3
    KMM RA 4

    Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt)

    • Fourth in Burma in the Matriculation Exam in 1963
    • Retired Professor, Physiology at Institute of Medicine (1) and (2)
    • Taught at Malaysian University
    VNW 1

  • Poem for SPZP-2000

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    SPZP

    • Combine the first letter of each line to spell “SAYA PU ZAW PWE”
    • The term SAYA PU ZAW PWE was chosen over SAYA GADAW PWE which has religious connotation, so that non-Buddhists can pay respect to their mentors.
    • There have been seven worldwide SPZPs : USA in 2000, Yangon in 2004, 2012 & 2016, Singapore in 2002, 2007 & 2010. I was organizer for SPZP-2000 and facilitator for the rest.

    GBNF

    • Gone But Not Forgotten
    • GBNF for 69ers is maintained by U Aung Min (M69) & team
    • GBNF for 1st BE Intake of 64 (Class of 70) is maintained by U Ohn Khine (M70) & team

    Newsletter

    Poem for SPZP-2000

    S eems like it was only yesterday
    A t our alma mater in a land far away
    Y ou taught us to work, play, laugh, even cry
    A nd coaxed us, forced us to aim for the sky

    P roblems in real life, lab, computation, survey
    U nderstand concepts, design, display, …
    Z eal, zest, ardor, grit, passion to make it “our day”
    A rchitects, engineers, we’ve come here to say
    W e honor your metta, your cetana — we fully can’t repay

    P resently we meet, alum from five decades we greet
    W ith memories true, fond, sweet
    E cstatic yet sad that the GBNF could not join this memorable fete

    Posts

    • Hla Min’s Writings
    • Poetry
    • SPZP-2000 : Cover of RIT Alumni Newsletter
    • SPZP-2000 : Back cover of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung

  • MahaGandayone & U Ba Kyi (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Video Broadcast on January 5, 2010

    Illustrated History of Buddhism

    YMBA

    • The Burmese version of the Book was published by YMBA (Young Men’s Buddhist Association) in 1951.
    Mahagandayone Sayadaw
    • YMBA requested Mahagandayone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa to write a brief “History of Buddhism” and Artist Saya U Ba Kyi to provide illustrations.
    • U Ba Kyi observed eight precepts for 45 days before undertaking the project.
    • In 1953, U Ba Kyi gained international reputation.
    • In 1954, YMBA published an addendum (English translation of Sayadaw’s text in Burmese) for readers who are not conversant in Burmese.

    TBSA

    Illustrated History of Buddhism
    • Dhammananda Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa sought permission from YMBA to reprint the book with descriptions in both Burmese/Myanmar and English.
    • In 1994, the book was printed and published in the US and was distributed by TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America).
    • Several books were left. Some were handed as prizes for the successful participants of the “Summer Dhamma Class / Camp”.

    Missed Opportunity

    • An Arts professor from Stanford University expressed desire to use “The Illustrated History of Buddhism” as a text for his course provided the book can be “ordered” from the University Book Shop.
    • Since the book was meant for dhamma dana, the book had no ISBN (International Standard Book Number) that is used by book shops.

    Miscellaneous

    • There have been some requests to reprint the book.
    • There are probably newer reprints of the book and/or PDF version of Saya U Ba Kyi’s drawings.

    U Ba Kyi

    • Saya translated a verse of the song “Hna yauk hte nay gin de” while invigilating an examination at the Institute of Education.
    • Dr. Maung Maung Kha used to accompany Saya U Ba Kyi’s vocals with his violin at the functions (mostly at Rangoon University Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin).

    Translation of Burmese Song နှစ်ယောက်ထဲနေချင်တယ်

    Darling
    Only two we will live dear
    On the high crest
    Of the Mount Everest
    And the Sahara Desert
    Driest without water
    To the North Pole
    May be freezing cold
    Where the sun will never never grow
    With all my heart and soul
    Only two darling We will go

    YouTube

    @hmin3664

    Channel to access my videos

    Posts

    • Dhamma Books
    • Dr. Maung Maung Kha
    • Translation

  • Speech

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Sayings

    There is a saying, “Speech is silver. Silence golden.”

    It does not mean that we should stay silent all the time.

    If one does not have meaningful things to say, it is better to remain silent rather than rambling or engaging in frivolous talk.

    Duration of speech

    • The length of a speech varies.
    • President Abraham Lincoln was requested to give a “few appropriate remarks” at Gettysburg. His address consisted of ten sentences. It was delivered in less than two minutes (which was not long enough for the official photographer to record the historic moment).
    • Typically, Elevator speeches last 30 – 45 seconds, Impromptu Speech (e.g. Table Topics) last 1 – 2 minutes, Prepared Speeches last 5 – 7 minutes, TED talks lastless than 18 minutes), Keynote speeches last 45 – 60 minutes with Q&A.

    Message

    • It is usually more important than the messenger.
    • The speaker should provide a “take away” or an “action item”.

    Training / Aids

    • I had a book of the 40+ speeches given by notable people (e.g. Winston Churchill).
    • Rotary Club, Kiwani’s Club and Toastmasters International provide guidance and training for communication (Public Speaking and Leadership).
    • I am a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).
    Hla Min (DTM) 1 ko
    Hla Min (DTM) 2
    Toastmaster 1
    Toastmaster 2

    Speeches

    • Inaugural address by Abraham Lincoln
    • John F Kennedy’s speech about Moon Mission
    • Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is known for “The Last Lecture”, where a Professor presents to an audience (e.g. those present for his forthcoming Retirement). Randy Pausch, who was diagnosed with Cancer, gave an up-lifting “The Last Lecture”. It can be viewed on You Tube. It has also been made into a book.
    • Steve Jobs gave a Commencement Speech at Stanford University. It can be viewed on the Internet. In three parts, he connected the dots (e.g. taking a Calligraphy course to the aesthetic Font designs on Apple Computers.

    Posts

    • 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
    • My Educational Videos
    • Public Speaking
    • Toastmaster’s Journey
    • YMCA

  • High Concentration Activity

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    • Also known as HCA
    • Some use the term “In the zone”

    My Moments of HCA

    RUBC (2013)

    90th Anniversary
    • Contributing Editor for the Commemorative issue of the RUBC 90th Anniversary Magazine
    • Proposed to write Prelude for each section
    • HCA lasted less than an hour. I completed the Prelude for all sections.

    UCC and ICST (Jan 2018)

    ICST
    • Attended the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST as a Member of Generation Zero
    • Later gave a guest lecture at UCSY (University of Computer Studies in Yangon).
    • In my desire to pay back to UCC, I wrote 30+ posts on “Memories of UCC” in three days of HCA.
    • Phyu Phyu Kyaw (my former student) told me that I should not be spending too much time in Yangon reminiscing about UCC. She asked, “Would you like to have a two-night three-day vacation at Bagan?”

    Sharing Knowledge / Experience (2018 – Present)

    • After I came back to the USA, I decided to share my memories with my sayas and alumni.
    • My spouse told me that we should pay back to our beloved land, our ancestors and our mentors.
    • Started posting “Trivia” to my Facebook friends. Then opened up to the General Public.
    • Started revising and archiving in my web site: hlamin.com
    • Posted on selected Facebook Pages : RIT Updates, Myanmar, Memories and Fun with Learning
    • I am a
      “Jack of All Trades, and Master of Some”,
      Mini-Dictionary,
      Micro-Google,
      Life long learner,
      Distinguished Toastmaster,
      Amateur historian (former Docent of the Computer History Museum),
      “Sar Pay Chit Thu စာပေချစ်သူ” : freelance writer, editor & translator,
      Volunteer for alumni, religious & social organizations.
    • Depending on my HCA, I have written and/or updated dozens of posts daily.