Saya U Myo Min
- Saya served as Professor of English at Rangoon University and at the Institute of Education.
- Pen name : Nwe Soe
- Supporter of the “Khit San Sar Pay” co-founded by Theikpan Maung Wa, Zawgyi and Minthuwun.
- Authored the “Archway Reader” series
- Children : Patricia, Pamela, Uno, Beauty
Early English Sayas at RU
- Dr. Ba Maw
- [Mr.] Kan Gyi
- [Ms.] E. Kan Gyi
- Daw Thein Nyunt
- Maggie Chin Cheng
- Daw Tin Saw Mu
- Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing
- Daw Khin Kyi Kyi
- U Ohn Khin
- Daw Hla May
Early Honors Students
- U Win Pe (“Mya Zin”)
- Sao Hso Holm (“Sawbwalay”)
- Majorie Law Yone
- U Thaw Kaung
are some of the early First Class Honors in English.
Language of Instruction in Burma
- E. H. S. (English High School), taught subjects in English.
- Vernacular schools taught subjects in Burmese.
- Anglo-Venacular schools taught subjects in English and Burmese.
After Independence, some schools teach English from KG while others teach English from the 5th standard.
High Expectation
The expectations of some examiners of English in the Matriculation examination in the 50’s might have been unreasonably high.
It came as a surprise when top students from SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) failed in English in the Matriculation of 1955. There was no moderation. The Brothers had to coax them to redo the Matriculation. Most later completed Masters from prestigious US universities.
There was another surprise in 1959. One student gained three distinctions but failed in English. Instead of taking only English the following year, he repeated all the subjects and again gained three distinctions. He became a doctor and an outstanding professor.
1963 – 1965
The situation improved over the years.
In 1963, Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS), Dr. Min Oo (Maths, SPHS), Dr. Myo San (Freddie, SPHS, GBNF), and Kenny Wong (M69, MEHS) gained four distinctions (including English). They placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th in Burma. In those days, only a few gained distinction in Burmese.
In 1964, Dr. Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS) gained four distinctions (including English) and tied for raw total score with Dr. Cherry Hlaing (SJC) for first place. Due to a perfect ILA, Dr. Cherry Hlaing was admitted as Roll No. (1) to Institute of Medicine (1).
In 1965, Bernard Khaw (SPHS) placed first in Burma. He scored very high marks (80+) in English. Due to the 3 NRC rule, he could not apply for professional institutes. He took Chemistry at RASU before moving to USA to study Chemical Engineering. After retirement, he became a Pastor.
My English Teachers at SPHS
- Brother Austin (Std X A) mainly used the Carrot
- Brother Xavier (Std IX A and Std VIII A) mainly used the Stick
- Ms Amelia Kyi / Miss Hong Kong (Std VII D and Std VI D) used the Carrot and the Stick
- Mrs. V Boudville (Class teacher for Std. V D)
- Ms. A Benjamin (Class teacher for Std. IV D)
- Relieving Sayas include Mr. Lewis, Mr. Chapman and Mr. Tims
My English Teachers at Rangoon University
- Daw Tinsar Maw-Naing — I.Sc. (A)
- Daw Khin Kyi Kyi — I.Sc. (A)
My English Teachers at RIT
- Des Rodgers was the “main” English saya in 2nd B.E. Saya prides himself as a Scrabble Champion, a “Local Talent” star at BBS, an expert on ESL (English as a Specialty Language), and author of two (or more) books. Saya studied in UK and taught in Canada and on-line (for some time).
- Sao Kan Gyi (GBNF) wrote with the pen name “Khemarat”.
- U Khin (Lucien, now in Taiwan) had dictionaries (Chambers, Jones pronouncing, …) for use in officiating Scrabble games. He also won Scrabble trophies.
- U Win Mra was Burma Pole Vault Champion. He won the “Elvis Presley” contest. He joined the Foreign Service and retired as Myanmar Ambassador to the United Nations. He was Chair of the Myanmar Human Rights Commission.
- Joe Ba Maung (GBNF) was Burma Tennis Champion in Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. He transferred to Burma Railways. He managed the Sports program of Burma Railways. He was a victim of 8-8–88.
- U Kyaw Lwin Hla transferred to UNDP.
- Daw Yin Yin Mya (Terry) was Head of the Department. She moved to Australia.
- Daw Sheila Saing was the Deputy Head. She moved to Thailand.
- Daw Khin Saw Tint (Ann) is a bilingual author. wrote several books in Burmese. Her mother, aunts, uncles and brother are scholars and prominent figures in civil administration.
- Naw Charity Sein U retired as Professor and Head of RIT English.
- Daw Muriel — spouse: U Aung (Alphonso)
- Daw Toni joined her spouse (who retired as Ambassador) overseas.
HlaMin 