Author: Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

Veda
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2026

BARB

With Veda Sayas
- Burma Astro Research Bureau was formed around 1980s.
- Experts on Veda & allied subjects (e.g. Astronomy, Palmistry, Numerology) served as Researchers, Advisors & Teachers
- Courses : Basic & Higher Level
- Subjects : ဂဏိတ၊ ဖလိတ၊ သံဟိတ၊
- BARB published the “Jotisha Veda” Magazine. I wrote articles with my name and two pen names.
- BARB published Veda Calendar.
- Ad-hoc sessions at selected houses for Discussion & Live training sessions by Veda sayas — U Myint Sein, U Khin Aung Bo, U Than Htay, U Myint Lwin & Bogyi Kyaw Zan Hla.
Executive Committee
- U Myaing (President)
  Published Jotisha Veda Magazine
- Dr. Chit Swe (Vice President)
  Pioneer of Computer Systems & Applications in Burma;
  Founder & Director, UCC;
  Rector, RASU; Taught at RU, Thailand & Australia
Dr. Chit Swe
- U Min Wun (Vice President)
  Member, Pyeikkadein Ah Kyan Pay Ah Phwe (ပြက္ခဒိန်အကြံပေးအဖွဲ့ ); Professor, Civil Engineering, RIT; Advisor, Regional College Project; Advisor, Bagan Restoration Project; Consultant, CalTrans
U Min Wun
- U Kyaw Min
  Studied Architecture at MIT;
  Part-time Head of Architecture Department, RIT; Pen name : Pithuka Kyaw Min
- U Aye Win Kyaw
  Lecturer, Civil Engineering, RIT; Taught Astronomy at BARB & MARB; Family suffered Double Tragedy at Pyin Oo Lwin Clinic
U Aye Win Kyaw (Center)
- U Myint Sein
  SPHS64; B.Com (IT) in 1968;
  Ran family business; Principal, BARB : Requested me to provide programs for Vedic Calculations; Founder, IDEA Astrology; Visiting Professor, Taing Yin Say (တိုင်းရင်းဆေး ပညာ School of Indigenous Medicine); Expertise : Medical Astrology
U Myint Sein 1

U Myint Sein 2
- U Nyan Win (Secretary)
- U Tin Aung (Joint Secretary)
  Expertise : Phalita
- U Mya Sein (Treasurer) Engineer
- U Win Pe (Joint Treasurer)
  His ancestors published Myanmar Ephemeris
MARB
- After the demise of key EC members, BARB was reorganized.
- It evolved into Myanmar Astro Research Bureau with U Khin Aung Bo as President.
- MARB lost Saya U Myint Lwin early.
- After U Khin Aung Bo’s demise, U Kyaw Myint became President.
- Dr. Kan Nyunt (Bagyi Kan) is the oldest (but still very active) among the sayas and sayamas.
Dr. Kan Nyunt (Seated Right)

U Myint Sein
- Principal of BARB
- Friend from Primary School
- Requested me to develop programs for Veda calculations and predictions. I supervised two UCC students. Ko Win Latt (UCC) developed Win Horo. Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) developed a Prolog program for prediction.
Ko Win Latt

Ko Zaw Tun (Last Row)
- Visiting Professor at the School of Indigenous Medicine
- Founder, IDEA Astrology
- Passed away peacefully while watching TV at home
- It was good news & bad news for his son, who was back in Yangon to take examination for Master Mariner. He lost his father, but was present at his father’s last journey.
U Aye Win Kyaw
- Saya, Civil Engineering Department, RIT.
- Taught Astronomy at BARB & MARB
- Passed away at a hospital in Pyin Oo Lwin
- His son, who visited Saya, passed away earlier while taking a shower at the hospital.
- Double tragedy for the family.
U Khin Aung Bo
- President of MARB
- B. Ed
- Taught at GTI, BARB & MARB
- Expertise include Thanhita
- Fell backwards while reciting Pathan
- Hospitalized
- Passed away on May 13, 2020 at the age of 80.
U Khin Aung Bo 1

U Khin Aung Bo 2

U Myint Lwin
- Vice President, MARB
- Taught at BARB & MARB
- Expertise include Phalita
- Helped with the early Veda Calendar
- Passed away earliest among three sayas (in the photo)
U Than Htay, U Khin Aung Bo, U Myint Lwin

U Than Htay
- Vice President, MARB
- Taught at BARB & MARB; Published books & notes on တြိစက္ကဇာတာ and ဒသာ
- Expertise include Ganita
- Medical Technologist
U Than Htay 1

U Than Htay 2

U Hla Win
- Vice President, MARB
- Member of “Myanmar Pyeikkdadein Ah Kyan Pay Ah Phwe.”
- Mechanical Engineer & Entrepreneur
- Busy not only with his work, but also with SPZP & HMEE
- Taught Veda courses (e.g. Research)
U Kyaw Myint
- Succeeded U Khin Aung Bo as President, MARB
- Textile Engineer
- Expert on Traditional Medicine
- Associate member, “Myanmar Pyeikkdadein Ah Kyan Pay Ah Phwe.”
U Kyaw Myint (Standing Right)

Dr. Kan Nyunt
- Patron, MARB
- Elder brother of U Kyaw Myint
- Wrote / Translated many articles
Other Sayas
- Dr. Aung Myin Bo
- U Soe Thein
- U Thein Aung
- Daw Mya Mya Aye
- Daw Moe Moe (Venus)
- …
Lunch Gathering

U Soe Thein, U Kyaw Myint, U Hla Min, Dr. Aung Myin Bo
- During my trips to Yangon, MARB Sayas would pick me up. U Hla Win would sometimes pick me up; otherwise, he would send his assistant or another saya.
- I would give a guest lecture.
Guest Lecture
- U Than Htay & U Hla Win were not present at the lunch gathering (shown in the photo) near the old MARB Office.
- Dr. Aung Myin Bo & his spouse picked us up (along with Saya Thae) to the new MARB Office.
- Tarot saya from Thailand (friend of Prophet Myat San) donated air conditioners for use at MARB Office / Training School.
Updates

GBNF
- Several Veda Sayas from BARB and MARB are now GBNF.
- Dr. Chit Swe passed away in Sydney, Australia
- U Min Wun passed away in California, USA
Status
- Win Latt is in Bangkok, Thailand
- Zaw Tun is in Singapore
June 5, 2026
Admirable Couple
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2026

Donors

Daw Myint Myint
- U Htein Win (M66) & Daw Myint Myint (C69) are entrepreneurs and philanthropists.
- They founded Myit Che International Trading Company.
- They donated to RIT-related activities and selected charities.
Proud Supporter
- Regular attendee at the 69er Gatherings $ hosted some.
- Major donor to the 69er Health Care Fund along with Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69) and U Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP69)
- In memory of U Htein Win, she donated K100 Lakhs to the 69er Health Care Fund.
Donation 1

Breakfast Gathering
- Hosted the August Breakfast Gatherings at Royal Rose (Taw Win Hnin Si) Restaurant to celebrate her birthday.
- In August 2018, the co-host was U Soe Thein (Peter)
- In August 2019, the co-host was U Than Oo.
Daw Myint Myint and U Soe Thein

Lunch Gathering

A few years back, she hosted a Lunch Gathering at Western Park Royal, Kandawgyi to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie Hoe, T69, Germany).

Welcome lunch gathering for Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai

Annual Dinner Gathering

69er Annual Dinner was often held at M3.

She sponsored at least one table at Annual Dinner for the past few years.

YTU Library Modernization

In 2017, she donated K100 Lakhs for YTU Library Modernization Project.

Donation 2

Memories
- Civil Group at 40th Anniversary (in 2009)
2009
- Donation to YTU Library Modernization Project; Donation accepted by U Wynn Htain Oo, Nan Khin Nwe & team
Myint 1

Myint 2

Myint 3
- At 69er Monthly Breakfast Gathering; U Aung Min is a core Organizer; Swe Swe Kyaw Zin (daughter of U Kyaw Zin) brought 69er Caps & 69er Hats donated by UKZ
69er BFG
June 5, 2026
U Silananda
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2026

Highlights

U Silananda

Three Abhidhamma Scholars

At Insight Meditation Society
- First Rector, International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
- Trailblazer for the Buddhist monks doing Dhamma Duta missions in the USA and beyond. See the book by Nyaung Kan Aye Sayadaw.
- Ovada Sayadaw and Spirtual Advisor of Monasteries (Dhammanada Vihara, TMC, Abayarama, Mahasi) & Meditation Centers (DMC).
- Lexicographer, Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar Dictionary
- Author — Books (in Burmese & English)
Dependent Origination
- Courses — Fundamentals of Buddhism, Abhidhamma (in Burmese & English), Consecration of Sima, Dhamma Topics & Discussions
Course

CD
- Passed away on August 13, 2005. I was Emcee of the Memorial Service. I accompanied Saya U Myat Htoo (TBSA) and carried the Box of Sayadaw’s ashes to be scattered near the Golden Gate Bridge.
- I was Contributing Editor of the book “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silandabhivamsa”.
Book 1
- Sarah Marks transcribed Sayadaw’s talks on Abdhidhamma. It was published in three volumes.
Abhidhamma
- A Thai devotee published “Paritta Pali and Protective Verses” as a birthday present for Sayadaw.
Paritta
- Sayadaw’s first book “Taya Oo” was reprinted for Sayadaw’s 75th Birthday. It also had Sayadaw’s Biography.
Bio 1

Bio 2

10th Anniversary
- In August 2015, TBSA celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Sayadaw’s demise
- I read Sayadaw’s biography
Remember 1

Remember 2

Remember 3

Remember 4

Last Journey
- Sayadaw (Rector, ITBMU and Chief Resident Monk, Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California) passed away on August 13, 2005.
- I had the honor to serve as Master of Ceremonies at the Services.
- 50+ Theravada monks from Burma, USA, and UK paid respect to Sayadaw.
- U Nandamalabhivamsa (then Pro-Rector, Academic, IMBTU) and Dr. Myint Kyi (then Pro-Rector, Admin, IMBTU) attended the ceremonies as Representatives of IMBTU.
- Devotees mourned that “The sun that rose in the East has set in the West”
- Sayadaw was cremated.
- I had the honor to carry the box containing Sayadaw’s ashes to be scattered from a yacht into the waters near Golden Gate Bridge.
- Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, President of TBSA) led the procession.
- Sayadaw’s last journey is recorded as a 2-set DVD.
Paying Homage

I served as a Contributing Editor and the Committee member for compiling and publishing the book “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda”.

Homage

In August, 2015, the saydaws and devotees of Dhammananda Vihara to celebratethe 10th Anniversary of Sayadaw’s demise. See photos
June 5, 2026
2015 Los Angeles Reunion
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2026

Event

Reunion
- RIT Alumni Reunion was held in Los Angeles in 2015.
Organizers
- Saya Dr. Tin Win : Past President, BASES; Initiator of the Reunion
Saya Dr. Tin Win
- Saya U Tin Htut : Founder & Past President, BASES; Financial Controller
U Tin Htut
- U Khin Maung Lay (Henry) : Past President, BASES; Emcee; Entertainment
U KML (2nd from R), U TTZ (3rd from R)
- U Thura Thant Zin : Past President, BASES; Optional event was Brunch Gathering at the Campus of his Company.
Entertainers & TTZ
- Several alumni and BASES EC members served as Volunteers.
Sponsor

Steeve (KFF Founder)
- Kay Family Foundation (established by Steeve Kay / Thaung Sein EC70) provided a Matching Fund of $30000
Main Event

Dr. Aung Gyi
- Reunion Dinner and Entertainment at Knott’s Berry Farm
- Speech by Sayas & Organizers
- Steeve sang “Shwe Mi”
Attendees 1

Attendees 2

Couple

Posts
- Alumni
- BASES
- Foundations
- Gatherings
- NorCal RITAA
June 5, 2026
U Tin Htut
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2026

Brief Bio

U Tin Htut
- Alumnus of SPHS, RU Faculty of Engineering, Birmingham University & German University
- Joined Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer after graduating in 1960
- His parents needed help to run their business. He complied. Three family members — his father U Chit Maung, his eldest brother U Sein Tin and saya — were taken into custody for several months.
- After completing his Waso at Insein, he rejoined Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer. New Sayas had to join as Instructors.
- Taught Industrial Management. Earlier, the subject was taught by Visiting Lecturers from Faculty of Social Science & Institute of Economics.
Rowing
- Past Captain & Gold of RUBC
- Won Senior Novices twice : as Rower and as Cox of the All Paulian Crew with Tun Shein (Willie), Than Nyun (George), M Hla Min (Moosajee) & Sao Hso Holm (Sawbwa Lay)
- Served as Administrator of YUBC for several years
USA
- Joined Northrop and also helped several alumni to join the company
- Took Sabbatical to work for UN
- Founded BASES with U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David, GBNF). He is a Past President.
- Financial Controller for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
- Helped with SPZP-2000 held in San Francisco.
- Came to SF Bay Area to attend RIT gatherings and to have family reunion with his sisters.
- Hosted me at his new house. Took me to BASES Dinner and La Puente Monastery the following day (where there was a Soon Kwyay followed by Literary Talks).
Donations
- K100 lakhs to YTU Library Modernization Project
- K10 lakhs to SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation)
- Donated to All Mechanical Gathering
Memories
- SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
- 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015 Reunion in Los Angeles

2015 Reunion in Los Angeles
- Donations
Donation

U Tin Htut and U Wynn Htain Oo

U Tin Htut and U Wynn Htain Oo

U Tin Htut
- Singapore
U Tin Htut, U Mg Mg Win, Dr. Tin Win & U Aung Myint

U Tin Htut in Singapore

U Tin Htut in Singapore
- New Zealand
U Tin Htut in NZ
- SF Bay Area
U Tin Htut in SF Bay Area
- RUBC Golds
RUBC Past Captains and/or Gold

Posts
- BASES
- RIT Sayas
- RUBC
- SPZP
June 5, 2026
GBNF 2014
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2026

February 2014
- Daw Helen Lim, 88+ years young passed away. She is the mother of Margaret Lim and Daisy Lim. She is the aunt of Saya U “Charlie” Hla Myint (M 65), U Michael Lim (C74), Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75) and Dr. San Lwin Lin (EC77).
- Daw Kyin Shwe, 98+ years young, passed away at 7 am on February 8, 2014. She is the mother of U Nyunt Tin (M 70, RIT table tennis), Daw May Win Kyi (my primary school classmate), the late Daw Khin Pa Pa (Mrs. Sein Yaung, M 67), and U Nyunt Tun (Khamee khamet of Daw Kyu Kyu Lin).
- U Soe Win Thaw Mechanical 1987 ( 1991 ) passed away on 7th Feb, 2014
Daw Khin Khin Aye

June 2014
- Daw Khin Khin Aye
  Her elder sister Daw Tin Tin Aye founded Private Primary Boundary Road School (PPBRS). She taught at PPBRS and later became the Principal.
  She extended the school to teach Middle School and High School. The school was renamed PBRS. After nationalization, she worked as Township Education Officer for Bahan.
August 2014
- U Maung Maung (T) : 31st Aug 2014
June 4, 2026
Sad News (2011)
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2026

Dear Ko Hla Min and all,
- Here is a sad news for us.
- Ko Yin Kyu (M69, age 67), Mech/Agri RIT 69er passed away today (26th April, 2011) at 8/45 am.
- His funeral will be on 28 April, 2011 at Yae Wai.
- He worked for Public Works (Construction Corporation) as superintending engineer and retired in 2006.
- He died of kidney failure, based on diabetes.
- He had been hospitalized since 3rd April at the Shwegonedine Hospital.
With Metta.
Aung Min (M69)

Comments

Danny (Tint Lwin, M69) wrote :

Dear Ko Aung Min,
So sorry to hear that Ko Yin Kyu has passed away.
Did anybody visit him when was hospitalised?

Ivan (Khin Maung Oo, M69) wrote :

Hi dear classmates:
It is sad, sad sad, we need contribute our Nar Ye fund for his funeral and for supporting his family. It is the best we can do now.
Another suggestion to our dear classmate to evaluate our balancing life.
* The longer we stay, the more this kind of sad news will hear, the less of our classmate counting, so value our relationship and childhood friends.
* Life is short, don’t stretch your exhaustion brain and still-healthy body working. Enough is enough, take the retirement at or before 65 years old.
* You must know exactly to Love YOURSELF, it sounds selfish, but be practical. Don’t lie to yourself , be honest yourself.

Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, ChE69) wrote :

My condolences for the family of Ko Yin Kyu’s family.
Yes I agree totally with Ivan, to cherish our friends and families in our sunset years. At the same time doing good deeds while we can.

69ers who passed away in 2011
- Aung Naing (Bahadhur, Min)
- Chit Htun (Min)
- Yin Kyu (M)
Updates
- As of July 2025, there are 138 members in the 69er GBNF list
June 2, 2026
Win Naing

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2026

Dicky

U Win Naing (Dicky, M69, Singapore) represented RIT in Rowing. He also recruited his classmates (David, Fred, Sein Tun …) and served as their cox.

He also played Badminton.

He had problems with bowel movement. He relied on laxatives and medications.

A 69er suggested him to see another doctor for second opinion.

He was surprised to find out that he had a late stage pancreatic cancer.

He canceled his trip to Yangon to attend a 69er Reunion.

He spent his final months calmly at his home.

He passed away around the Chinese / Lunar New Year.

Due to superstition, only his family members and a few friends were present at his last journey.

* David Myint Thein wrote :

Gone But Not Forgotten, our dear friend as well as our Cox. May your soul rest in peace.

* Daniel Tint Lwin wrote :

May you rest in peace Dickie. We miss you dearly.

June 2, 2026
Retire / Re-tire
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2026

Steeve’s Advice

Steeve
- U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70, GBNF) is a Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs.
- He said, “You should not retire.
  You may re-tire (as in re-threading a tire). We will try to support you and your projects.
Retired

I am retired from working to make ends meet.

Re-tiring
- I am re-tiring as long as my physical and mental health permit.
- Took a few on-line courses (for credit)
  Too taxing and slow
  Opted to audit 100+ courses (covering many subjects)
- Listen to one or more Blinkist every day
- Listen to selected Podcasts every day.
- Ride stationary bike for 30+ minutes every day.
- Write or revise 10+ posts every day.
June 2, 2026
Health Care Funds
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2026

Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund

Steeve Kay
- Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70) did not forget his roots.
- He is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs starting with SPZP-2000.
- He donated US$50,0000 and established the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas” to provide services for Sayas such as
  Funeral expenses, Hospital expenses and Medical check up.
- The implementation was supported by a committee of sayas (e.g U Tun Shwe) and selected alumni (e.g U Win Khaing).
- The balance of the fund was transferred to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
- He set up Charitable Alliance of Burmese Americans (CABA). CABA helped rebuild the houses ravaged by Cyclone Nargis.
- He also established the Kay Family Foundation (KFF). KFF hosted a Myanmar Education Delegation to visit prestigious Universities and Research Institutions in California. KFF provided a Matching Fund of $30000 for the RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles in 2015. The Main event was held at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel.
U Khin Maung Tun Health Care Fund

U Khin Maung Tun (Right)
- U Khin Maung Tun (T78) & family established a Health Care Fund to provide Vision Care for eligible sayas.
- The balance of the fund was transferred to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation

Pon Tu of Saya U Moe Aung
- The idea of SDYF was discussed before, during and after SPZP-2012. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) proposed the idea. He is a Patron of SDYF.
- U Khin Maung Tun donated K1500 Lakhs (or more) to SDYF and related causes. He served as President and hosted monthly lunch meetings.
- SDYF has several objectives.
  They include helping engineering sayas and students — past, present and future, establishing “Saya Geha”, provide financial assistance for SPZPs, Shwe YaDu Celebrations and sellected Projects (e.g. YTU Library Modernization Project).
- SDYF has provided financial support for eligible sayas. It had enhanced the programs that were implemented by the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund” and “U Khin Maung Tun’s family Health Care Fund”.
Eligibility rules and financial support
- The rules may change over time (based on resources).
- Eligible sayas who are hospitalized are provided K4 lakhs.
- Eligible sayas who need to visit medical clinics frequently are considered on a case-by-case basis for financial assistance.
- Eligible sayas are provided Annual Medical Checkup. The facilitators (e.g May Nge and group) provide transportation and lunch.
- Eligible sayas are provided Vision Checkup and followup treatment (e.g. cataract operation).
- Sayas who require medical treatment and long term care are considered on a case-by-case basis for financial assistance. Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) and Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE68, GBNF) were voted at the SDYF meetings for annual financial assistance.
Sample Recipient
- Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE68) required medical treatment and long term care.
- Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF) decided in a meeting to provide annual financial assistance of K4 Lakhs to Saya.
- The facilitators include U Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Saya U Soe Myint (Min83) and U Khin Maung Htwe (who also donated K20,000).
- The total K420,000 was given to Sayagadaw Daw Wai Mon Ohn Maung on 16th October, 2018.
U Ohn Maung 1

U Ohn Maung 2

U Ohn Maung 3

Other Health Care Funds

U Aung Min, Daw Myint Myint …
- 69er HCF (Maintained by U Aung Min and team)
  Donors : Daw Myint Myint, Ivan Lee, U Sein Myint …
- EE69er HCF (Maintained by U Shwe and team)
  Donors : U Sein Myint …
- Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65 HCF
  Donors : Steeve Kay …
- M72 HCF (Organizers : U Wynn Htain Oo …)
- 83 Intake HCF (Organizers : Nan Khin Nwe …)
June 2, 2026