The first ever gathering of RIT Alumni in Singapore took place at NTU Lecture Theatre, Singapore, on 13 April 2001 (Thingyan Eve).
A pamphlet was distributed to all who attended the ceremony full of songs and dances to mark the Burmese new year.
This gathering was also done with the intention to hold a RIT SPZP in Singapore in 2002.
SPZPs in Singapore
Singapore alumni hosted
SPZP-2002 in December 2002
SPZP-2007 in April 2007
SPZP-2010 in December 2010
Monthly Gathering of Seniors
Singapore
U Thein Lwin (EE, GBNF) is an alumnus of Lehigh University, USA. He taught at RIT and Singapore Polytechnic. He is the elder brother of U Myo Myint (ChE from USA), U Kyi Lwin (George, C67), U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) and U Thet Lwin (Henry, EE72).
Daw May Than Nwe (GBNF) stood first in Physics Honors in 1962 and joined the faculty as Assistant Lecturer.
Saya & Sayams passed away within a span of a few months.
U Tu Myint (M) studied Bachelor & Masters in the UK. He supervised the M73 students for the Hovercraft Project. He taught at RIT and Singapore Polytechnic.
U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) was a moderator of Engineering Groups in Facebook.
U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) is Retired Associate Professor of NTU. He helped the alumni to have meetings at NTU.
U Myint Thin (M71, GBNF) is RIT Luyechun. He represented RIT in Rowing. He sponsored Sayagyi U Ba Than to attend SPZP-2007 in Singapore.
U Nyan Win Shwe (M72) is a Past President of the Burma Club. He chaired SPZP-2007.
U Tin Aung Win (M73) attends gatherings in Singapore. He joined U Tint Lwin to meet Saya U Ba Than (when he was visiting Singapore for medical check up).
Oral and Written Historian of my alma mater with the help of sayas, sayamas, and alums who shared their walks down memory lane and precious photos to be published in the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” (1999 – present).
Class of 69
Our Class is unique in the following sense.
Four Government Examinations
Took the last ever 7th Std Government exam in 1960.
Took the first ever 9th Std — High School Final Only Exam — in March 1962. Except for English, we had to answer all subjects in Burmese. Under the tight security imposed by the 17-man Revolutionary Council, we completed the exam.
To our surprise and dismay, the HSF examination for Rangoon Division was annulled. Had given my text books. Had to re-take the HSF exam in August 1962.
Took the 10th Std — Matric (only) Exam — in May 1963. 1263 students from Rangoon. Khin Maung U (SPHS) stood first in the whole of Burma. He was followed by Min Oo (SPHS, 2nd), Myo San (Freddie, SPHS, 3rd, GBNF), Nyunt Wai (Victor, SPHS, 4th), Thein Wai (SPHS, 5th), Kenny Wong (MEHS, 6th) and Hla Min (SPHS, 7th).
SPHS63
SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty. They were awarded Collegiate Scholarship for 75 Kyats a month.
Guinea Pig of Education Systems
The education system wanted us to spend one more year in school before attending the university.
Is it our fate or destiny to serve as guinea pigs of Educators?
I.Sc. (A) at Leik Khone
Attended the last ever I. Sc.(A) classes at “Leik Khone လိပ်ခုံး” on Prome Road. Leik Khone was used by Faculty of Engineering before it moved to Gyogone.
Leik Khone
Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, GBNF), Kyaw Wynn, Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF) and I — joined RUBC. Our crew was Senior Novices Runner-up at the Monsoon Regatta. Earned Full Greens at the end of the season.
Due to security reasons (following the Anniversary protests of 7th July), the Annual Regatta was cancelled, but Sithu U Tin (President, RUBC) decided to hold the Dinner gathering for the 40th Anniversary at Orient Club in Kandawgyi. Souvenir Magazine was compiled by Sithu U Tin (GBNF), U Po Zon (GBNF) and U Tin Htoon.
RUBC 40th Anniversary
Took the last ever I. Sc.(A) exam at the designated high schools.
Most of Rangoon University (except Medical and Engineering Colleges) were suspended following the fateful anniversary celebration of “7th July and the demolition of the historic Rangoon University Students’ Union”.
Those who were a year senior to us in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us. We lost 1.5 precious years.
School Closure
Before the universities reopened, scholarship bids (mostly to Soviet Union and East Bloc nations) were opened to students who are 18+ years old. I did not qualify. Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF) and Kyaw Wynn received scholarship to study Engineering at Dresden University in GDR.
New Education System
The then new “University Education System” replaced the “old” model of Rangoon University with several Faculties : Arts, Science, Social Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law.
The system created institutes such as Rangoon Institute of Technology, Institute of Medicine, Institute of Economics, and Institute of Education.
RASU (Rangoon Arts and Science University) and MASU (Manadalay Arts and Science University) were the core left from the Rangoon University and Mandalay University.
In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to the first ever 1st B.E., 2nd B.E., and 3rd B.E. classes.
RIT Grads (1969 & 1987)
Ma Than Yi (Maubin Ma Shwe Than, EP70) has blogged about her reminiscences of 1st B.E.
Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) and Ko Ohn Khine (M70) have described the academic and extra-curricular activities for ’64 to ’70.
Zaw Min (Standing 2nd from Right)
The list of 400+ students who entered 1st BE has been compiled by Ko Ohn Khine and team. Notable alumni from that class have also been portrayed in their Golden Jubilee Magazine published in November, 2014.
Ohn Khine
The list of 300+ students who entered 2nd BE has been compiled by Ko Aung Min (M69) and team. 69ers had major reunions for 30th Anniversary (in 1999), 40th Anniversary (in 2009), SPZP-2012, Pseudo-Golden Jubilee (for the admission to RIT) in 2014, True Golden Jubilee (for graduation) z& SPZP in December, 2019. Sad to note that more than 40% from the class are GBNF.
Aung Min (Right)
The authorities used I.Sc (A) results to admit students to 2nd B.E. I was at the top of the list followed by Taing Oke and Kenny Wong.
I was selected Luyechun (Outstanding Student) along with Ko Sein Shwe (4th BE), Ko Zaw Min (1st BE), and Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (Margaret, 2nd BE, RIT selected in track and Field). In the summer of 1965, we attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp with Luyechuns from other universities and institutes, and high school.
Luyechun
Several high school Luyechuns (e.g. Ma Pwint Than, Uttam Singh, Ko Aung Win, Ko Win Myint) joined RIT two years later.
Difficult Choices
EE69
Had to decide Major before attending 3rd BE. Civil and Mechanical were the top choices. Many joined RIT faculty after graduation.
80+ students — Ko Thein Swe (GBNF), Ko Khin Maung Win (GBNF), Ko Aung Kyaw Pe, Ko Tun Aung Gyaw, Ko Toung and I — chose to major in Electrical. Joined by some seniors. Some took sabbatical or were hit by the infamous 75% attendance rule, or by the strict moderation (failing a minor subject even though the average was 2.5+)
Had to decide before attending 5th BE. Ratio of EP (Power) to EC (Communication) was 3:1. Rationale was that EP had a reasonably good market with EPC being the chief employer of EP graduates. EC had a limited market with PTC, BBS, DCA, and MOC/MOGE.
Many top students such as Ko Thein Swe, Ko Khin Maung Win and Ko Aung Kyaw Pe chose to major in EP. After graduation, most joined EPC and other corporations.
13 or so students such as Ko Tun Aung Gyaw, Ko Toung and I chose to major in EC. Ma Tin Tin (Ann), the lone female EE student, chose EC. Ko Than Lwin (Henry) joined the faculty. Some worked for DCA, MOC and Schlumberger. A couple migrated to the US.
Universities’ Computer Center
At one Burma Research Conference, Saya U Soe Paing presented a paper on digital computers zand logic. Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) requested Saya U Soe Paing to help him with the UCC project to be submitted to UNDP).
Saya U Soe Paing requested top EC students to join his project. The proposal, vetting, and approval of UNDP projects took a long time; so many students took available jobs.
When the project was finally approved by UNDP, UCC was established at Thamaing College Campus. Dr. Chit Swe became the founder/director. U Soe Paing, U Myo Min, and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), became co-founders and Managers. After volunteering for a considerable time, Ko Tun Aung Gyaw and I joined UCC as the first batch of employees.
UCC
For details, read “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” by U Soe Paing, my interview with Mandalay Gazette and my series of articles “Memories of UCC”.
Mandalay Gazette
Activities
In my Newsletter Updates, I mentioned some of my extra-curricular activities.
Class Representative, Magazine Committee member, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT Electrical Engineering Association.
Last ever elected Treasurer and Vice Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club. Due to the changes in policy, I was denied to become Captain (as originally stipulated by RUBC rules). Higher authorities installed a committee of sayas to oversee RUBC.
As a member of the RIT Rowing team, I attended the “Appreciation” Ceremony by the RIT Sports Council, then chaired by Saya U Maung Maung Than. Applauded the accomplishments of multi-sports athletes such as Ko Aung Khin (M 67), Saw Maung Maung Htwe (Class of 70), Ko Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T 68), and Inter Institute Champions (Badminton, Chinlon, Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weight lifting & Body Building).
Served as EC & editor of RIT English Association. Represented 2nd BE in a debate along with Ko Myo Tun (Bobby), and Ko Khin Maung Win (Roland Thein). The 1st BE team led by Ahmed Soorma won. Received “Rhyming Dictionary” as a prize. Gave my dictionary to Ashin Ananda (Rev. F. Lutvig, Poet Laureate).
Founding member of RIT Chess Association along with the accomplished players like Ko Aung Than, Ko Maung Maung, Ko Thet Lwin (Henry) and visiting Soviet lecturers.
Joined Universities’ Training Corps (UTC) for a while before the schedule conflicts with rowing.
Sai Kyaw Aye (part-time BBS) invited us to learn and sing “Auld Lang Syne” in Shan.
Wrote short notes for “Hset Hmu Thadin Zin” and articles for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung” & “RIT English Bulletin”.
In July 1969, I wrote a poem “Men on the Moon” to honor the Apollo 11 mission. It was published in the Guardian daily newspaper. A copy was sent by Mr. Hall (USIS) to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
In December 1969, Daw Khin Swe Hla asked me to translate a short story “Nge Thay Loe” by Sayagyi U Thu Kha for publishing as the Sunday Supplement for Working People’s Daily (WPD). My translation “Still So Young” earned me 50 kyats. U Thu Ka was given an honorarium of 50 kyats. In those days, 1 US dollar was worth 5 to 6 kyats.
In my Newsletter Updates, I mentioned about my dreams — to get the sayas and alums reconnected electronically and physically, and to repay the metta and cetana of my mentors. U Soe Paing was a driving force, and Ko Khin Maung Zaw worked long weekends to set up http://www.ex-rit.org
Was a saya at UCC, DCS and ICST. Attended the 5th and 6th Arcariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST and UCSY.
I am not a saya at RIT. I was not eligible for the world wide SPZPs.
I was deeply moved when Saya U Moe Aung visited Ko Tin Aung Win’s house after SPZP-2007 and accompanied us to the air port. Before SPZP-2012, Saya gave me two vintage RIT Annual Magazines from his private collection and other gifts.
Dr. Soe Thein (C75), web master & videographer of SPZP-2007, invited me to the Civil Reunion & SPZP. He invited me to the C75 gathering before SPZP-2012.
I had contact with Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72) via Facebook. M72 group (WHO, Ko Myint Pe, …) invited me to join the M72 gathering and mini-SPZP. Event was solemn, because Ko Khin Maung Toe had passed away. “Thamudaya Kyaung” DVD is among my souvenirs.
Smiles from my mentors, and “random acts of kindness” help me burn midnight oil and keep on going the extra mile.
I would like to end by paying tribute to the countless sayas, sayamas, and alums who have kept the RIT Spirit alive and well.
Tribute
The following provide different perspectives of our beloved alma mater.
RIT Annual Magazines Chief Editors include Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) and Saya U Moe Aung. Publishers include U Hla and Saya U Thet Lwin. Limited edition of 23 (or so) RIT Annual Magazines was reprinted for SPZP-2012
Discipline-wide magazines such as “Hlat Sit Sar Saung” (published by the RIT Electrical Engineering Association with Saya U Moe Aung as Chief Editor and Publisher)
Weekly “Hset Hmu Thadin Zin” founded by Ko Win Thein (M 67, GBNF) and associates An alum couple archived several years worth of Hset Hmu Thadin Zin
“Cartoon Box” founded by Ko Myint Pe (M 72) with the patronage of Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (“Phone Ko”, C64, cartoonist for Kye Mon newspaper and several magazines) and Saya U Aung Myint (Pet 69, creator of “Kyant Ba Hone”, GBNF)
Ko Myint Pe & team compiled cartoons from Cartoon Box, Hset Hmu Thadin Zin, and RIT Annual Magazines for the commemorative issue of “RIT Cartoons” for SPZP-2012. Three (or so) generations of Cartoon Box authors set up a booth at SPZP-2012 and autographed books for sale.
HMEE — History of Myanmar Engineering Education by Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) and team. Sayagyi U Ba Than, U Thaw Kaung (Chief Librarian, Rangoon University Central Library), and U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) provided historical photos & documents
The companion CD to the HMEE-2012 Book was compiled by Ko Ohn Khine (M 70) and me
Commemorative web pages for SPZP-2000 include 64 “Count down to the Reunion”, 36 “Post-Reunion” articles, & “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem
Early “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” by me were posted in http://www.ex-rit.org (now dormant)
Subsequent “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” by Ko Hla Min (EC 69) were posted in http://www.rit-alumni.info (now dormant)
RIT-related Facebook Pages Saya U Moe Aung, Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) Ma Than Yi (EP70), Ko Ohn Khine (M70), Ko Saw Lin (C71, GBNF), Ko Myint Pe (M72), Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Ko Khin Maung Lwin (M87)
Commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000″ edited by me & team
Commemorative issues of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 edited & published by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPZP-2016
“Shwe YaDu Magazine” edited by Ko Khin Maung Lay (M70) & team was published in conjunction with the Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of the combined 1st BE intake of ’64 and ’65
“Thamudaya Kyaung (Parts One and Two)” DVD : Based on the poems by Maung Sein Win (Padeegone); Played and sung by Ko Khin Maung Toe (GBNF)
Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint According to Saya U Moe Aung, the term “Swel Daw Yeik” became an official synonym for RIT, its predecessors and successors at the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1970. Ma Mya Than Win (Minthamee) and Ko Myint Pe (Lu Shwin Daw) were members of the Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint.
Gee Ta See Sar (Musical evening) : Ko Kyaw Oo (pianist, GBNF), Ko Yu Swan (Don min), Sayama “Emma” Tin Tin Myint, Ko Kyaw Htin (“Chee Hte Nu Nu Kyaw”), Ko Than Myaing, Ko Tin Maung Aye, Ko Soe Aung and Ko La Min are some of the performers at the early Gee Ta See Sar’s
Saya U Moe Aung, Saya U Thet Lwin, Saya U Saw Tun (“Saw Lu”), Saya Dr. Taing Oke (“Yin Maung”), U Toee Maung, U Than Po (GBNF) are some of the “Zat Saya” and/or composers.
U Thet Lwin‘s compositions include “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo Kun Yeik Kho” (granted a “Dat Pyar” by Burma Broadcasting Service). The song has been sung at the various RIT-related gatherings such as Singapore Thingyan and world-wide SPZPs.The song was sung in the ceremony (on December 1, 2019) to kick off the Rangoon University Centennial Celebration.
Thoughts
Hla Min
To paraphrase the Curator of Smithsonian Museum, “There is no unique history. It is not uncommon to have parallel competing and often contradictory histories of an event.”
Feel free to revise my recollections of my RIT days and my contributions as an informal historian.
U Aung Min (M69) and team maintain the GBNF list for 69ers(2nd BE intake in 1964). Over 40% of the 69ers are GBNF. About 20 members succumbed to Covid.
U Ohn Khine (M70) and team maintain the GBNF list for 1st BE intake in 1964. About 140 members are GBNF.
Saya U Ba Than
Saya U Ba Than is Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering. He was an early supporter of HMEE project. He donated his Garawa money to various charitable associations.
Steeve Kay
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70) is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP. He is Chair of Kay Family Foundation.
Saya U Min Wun
Saya U Min Wun retired as Professor of Civil Engineering. He was a member of the Myanmar Pyet Ka Dein Ah Phwe. He was advisor for the Regional College Project and Pagan Restoration Project. He passed away in California, USA.
U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) and team occasionally published the GBNF list for M72.
Ma Ma Pat
Ma Ma Pat (spouse of Saya U Myo Myint Sein) passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2022. Saya Myo celebrated his 91st birthday on October 1, 2022.
Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt, Dr. Peter Khin Tun
Three family members of U Tin U passed away within a few months. Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (spouse) — November, 2019 Dr. Peter Khin Tun (elder son) — April 2020 U Tin Tun (son-in-law) — May 2020
Saya U Aung Hla Tun, Retired Associate Professor of Metallurgical Engineering passed away in February 2022. He was Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine. He led the History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project. He won the National Literary Award.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF)
U Tun Aung (Jefferey, EC68) is a founding member and past President of BASES. He passed away in October 2021.
U Tun Aung (GBNF)
U Soe Myint Lwin (EP68) played Soccer for Burma, RU & RIT. He was EC of the Burma Women’s Soccer Federation. He passed away in 2017.
Memorial Service for U Soe Myint LwinSoon Kwyay Invitation for U Soe Myint Lwin
I Zeyar Lin (69er) passed away in 2018
I Zeyar Linn (69er)Saya H Num Kok Saya H Num Kok
Saya H Num Kok is a Saya of our Sayas. He passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA in his late 90s.
Saya Allen Htay
Saya Allen Htay (C58) is a founding member and President of RIT Alumni International which hosted SPZP-2000. He passed away in California, USA.
Dr. Win Thein
Saya Dr. Win Thein (C58) retired as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering.
U Khin Maung Win (Sid, C58) passed away in USA. He is a classmate of Sayas Allen Htay, Dr. San Hla Aung and Dr. Win Thein.
Class of Civil 1958Han Sein
U Han Sein (C69) represented RIT in Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and Basketball. He was a Prisoner of Conscience for 17 years.
Benedict Sia
U Myat Swe (Benedict Sia, M75) passed away in Taiwan. He is a life member of Alumni Association. He donated a Shwe YaDu bench.
Aung Gyi Shwe
U Aung Gyi Shwe (EE69er) was Secretary of RIT Track and Field Association. He also played soccer and enjoyed weightlifting.
Aye Lwin
U Aye Lwin (M69) was Secretary of RIT Annual Magazine Committee & RIT Mechanical Engineering Association.
Win Thein
U Win Thein (M67) founded Set Hmu Thadin Zin. He was an Organizer for Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn and several RIT events.
U Khin Maung Myint (John Tint, M72) Burma, RU & RIT passed away in 2020
John Tint
U Thein Lwin (M72) Captain, RIT Soccer passed away in 2022
U Thein LwinKo Thein LwinSoon Kwyay Invitation U Thein LwinM72 GBNF
I pay respect to သင်ဆရာThin Saya, မြင်ဆရာMyin Saya and ကြားဆရာ Kyar Saya.They taught me all I knew.
I would like to thank my mentors who directly or indirectly taught me Communication (Oral and Written) and Languages (English, Burmese, …)
Last but not the least, a million thanks to my “လက်ဦးဆရာများ Let Oo Sayas” (my beloved parents).
My Parents
Learning English
I fondly remember the days that I had to study
Tom Thumb’s Essays
A Student’s Companion
Oxford English Dictionary (OED — various sizes and editions),
Chamber’s Dictionary (used in Scrabble tournaments)
Rhyming Dictionary
Word Power/Vocabulary in six weeks, 21 days, …
Idioms (present from my uncle)
They helped me improve my writing and communication skills.
Thanks to all the authors, who are my implicit teachers.
Still learning (especially during the “Shelter at Home” due to the COVID-19 Pandemic)
Listen to the daily offering by Blinkist.com
Listen to selected podcasts
Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) ဒေါက်တာချစ်ဆွေ
Sayagyi was my mentor at UCC.
He invited over renowned computer scientists led by Professor Harry D. Huskey, Pioneer in Computer Hardware, Software and Teaching and mathematicians (e.g. Professor Frank Harary, Expert in Graph Theory) to Rangoon to hold seminars and to design courses in computer science and applications. Michael Stonebraker (then at UC Berkeley) gave a short course on Ingres (an early Relational Data Base Management System) at UCC. A few years back, he won the prestigious “ACM Turing Award” (which is considered as the equivalent of Nobel Prize in Computing).
He taught us to use CPM/PERT (Critical Path Method / Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) for the various projects.
Saya asked me to assist in several of his projects : translator/ reviewer for CTK (Children’s Treasury of Knowledge), editor for “High School Mathematics”, and TOSS (Team Of System Specialists).
Saya passed away in November 2019, but his Legacy as Pioneer for Computer Systems, Application and Education in Burma will last forever.
Sydney 2006
U Soe Paing(EE, UCC) ဦးစိုးပိုင်
U Soe Paing
My mentor at RIT and UCC
He, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) taught degree and diploma courses in computer science. They also conducted courses in computer programming, computer orientation, to name a few.
The sayas asked me to be their assistant.
Saya also allowed Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and me to co-author texts, guides and manuals used at UCC.
Publications
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Guardian Thanks to U Soe Myint (Chief Editor)
Working People’s Daily (WPD) Thanks to U Ko Lay (Chief Editor) and Daw Khin Swe Hla (Editor)
Forward magazine Thanks to Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Ka, Chief Editor) and U Sein Hla (Editor)
Pan magazine Burmese publication
Veda magazine Published by BARB
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2012 and Shwe YaDu (2014) Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
RUBC magazine Commemorate issue for 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC
RUBC
BAPS Newsletter Contributing Editor
Dhammananda Newsletter Contributing Editor
Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda Contributing Editor
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife Contributor to the Burmese American section of the 3-volume encyclopedia
Encyclopedia
National Foreign Languages Center Language Expert for the Burmese Language Project (Reading and Listening Comprehension)
RIT Alumni International Newsletter Contributing Editor for 26 years
hlamin.com 3000+ articles
Facebook Owner, Admin or Moderator of selected Facebook Groups
VideoBroadcasts Archived in Facebook and my You Tube Channel
Volunteering
I gained experience by volunteering as
Several organizations in Myanmar and USA
EC, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT EE Association
RIT EE Association
Contributing Editor of RIT English Newsletter
Treasurer and Vice Captain of RUBC
Translator / Interpreter at Meditation Retreats
Organizer, SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
Coordinator, World wide SPZPs in Singapore and Myanmar
Docent at the Computer History Museum (at Mountain View, California
Contributing Editor of the materials taught at the Summer Dhamma Camp at Dhammananda Vihara (at Half Moon Bay
Area Governor, Club Coach, Contest Chair, Test Speaker, Club Ambassador at Toastmasters International
Editor of several publications by Sayadaws (e.g. U Jotalankara) and friends (e.g. U Aung Zaw)
Language expert at National Language Center
Administrator and/or Moderator of selected Facebook Pages
Owner and content creator of selected web sites (e.g. hlamin.com)
Parents and Ancestors
Parents
Last but not the least, my heartfelt thanks to my beloved parents and their philanthropic forebears for instilling me the passion to help humanity in general and to my alma mater. They believed that “Any thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well.”
Pay Back ကျေးဇူးဆပ်
My beloved spouse told me that I should pay back to my alma mater, mentors and my beloved land.
She reminded me that I should take care of my health to enjoy quality time with our Life Savers : Chit Sa Noe and Po Lone.
I had paid back to my alma mater RIT where I studied from 1964 – 1969 by volunteering as Messenger and Organizer for 26 years. e.g. For SPZP-2000, I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post_Reunion”.
In 2018, I wrote “Memories of UCC”. I wrote a Summary for the magazine to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ICST.
To commemorate the 19th anniversary (in April 2018) for “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and the 45th wedding anniversary (in June 2018), I wrote several hundred posts covering a variety of topics.
Since then, I have completed 2600+ posts. Revised most of them with feedback provided by my readers including Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor), Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint & U Khin Maung Zaw.
In April/May 2019, I celebrated 20th Anniversary as Founder-Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
In November 2019, I was invited as a Panelist to the 5th ILF (Irrawaddy Literary Festival) held in Mandalay.
In December 2019, I attended the SPZP and Reunion Dinner of RIT 69er’s Golden Jubilee of graduation.
I was invited to attend the 6th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST / UCSY and the Annual mini-gathering of UCC Alumni.
In January 2020, I was invited as a Special Guest for the 2020 PSA (Public Speakers’ Association) Tour to six cities in Upper Myanmar.
I am continuing with adding / revising posts for hlamin.com and share some of them via Facebook pages (e.g. Life Long Learning, RIT Updates, RU Centennial) and my You Tube Channel.
I am a Dreamer. I believe, “If one can dream, others will fulfill.”
Updates
Several of those mentioned in the post are GBNF.
In 2024, NorCal RITAA celebrated the 60th Anniversary of RIT and the Centennial of Myanmar Engineering Education.
Clinical Reviewer and Senior Medical Officer at U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Assistant Professor and Physician at Johns Hopkins University
Associate Professor, Physician at Hahnemann University Hospital
Head, Clinical Research Division at Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health
Clinical demonstrator at Institute of Medicine 1, Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)
Demonstrator, Dept. of Pharmacology at Institute of Medicine 1, Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)
Highlights
Matric 1963
SPHS63OPA DinnerRoll of Honor
Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1963. Stood First in Burma with 100 marks in Maths & Chemistry and 99 points (after a point deduction in review) in Physics. He had Distinction in English in HSF, Matric and I.Sc.(A).
IM(1)
Stood First in every class.
Multiple Luyechun
Postgrad
Due to policy changes for sending State Scholars, he had to do M.Sc. (Med Sc)
Received MD from UNSW.
Completed Fellowships
Activities
Writes KMU Medical Research Reports
Gawpaka at a monastery in Maryland
Wrote and translated articles on Dhamma
Interpreter for Dhamma Talks & Meditation Retreat. Compiled & edited an early version of Abdhidhamma by Dr. Nandamalabhivansa.
Abhidhamma
His spouse Dr. Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Amy) was also a top student in Matric & IM(1). She did DCH.
They have a son and two daughters. Nilar (eldest) is a medical doctor in the USA.
KMU, NNW & young Nilar
Feedback
Dr. Nyan Taw wrote : Our batch Khin Maung U (SPHS 63) to be proud of !
Eddie Shein wrote : Proud of you, Dr. Khin Maung U. I always remember your very good signs of ambitions and success lines on your palms.
Wai Aung wrote : I am proud of you Ko Khin Maung U. You are a genius. Glad you made it to the top.
Ye Htut wrote : Sayar U is my teacher- mentor who was just like a swan who laid a golden egg daily for me when I worked under him at RGH and DMR in 1970s. I never had a day that I did not learn a new lesson or knowledge from him when we were together.
Dr. Khin Maung U wrote : Thank you Johnny (U Hla Min) for your kind portrayal, and to all who commented with support and friendship. I am so fortunate to have good friends throughout St. Paul’s HS and Medical School and also during post-graduate clinical work, and to have good students during my teaching years in IM (1), all of whom helped and supported me in many ways. With some time available in my retirement, I came upon an idea. As a service to medical education in Myanmar, I would post recently published medical articles (not readily available in Myanmar) that friends and colleagues in the medical profession may find useful or applicable to medical care or public health of people in Myanmar. In all these medical posts, I preceded with a simplified summary of the medical journal article so that non-medical persons who read these posts can also understand and be able to apply for their own health care. I hope this activity will provide useful medical or educational information to all who read my medical posts.
Mayrose Wong wrote : Wonderful and Genius Doctor, truly and caring classmate, doing meritorious deeds for Dhamma and Sanghas. He is Awesome.
Eiei Tan wrote : Could not agree more, my dear friend May Rose. We are all extremely proud to be his classmates. He certainly is awesome & ingenious !!!
Kyaw Myint Malia wrote : You make all of us Burmese proud. I was fortunate to meet you again while you were preparing for your MD at the University of NSW where I was an Anatomy tutor. You are my kalyana-mitra truly. Regards to Amy.
Tin Tin Hla wrote : Proud of you and your family.
Kyi Maung wrote: How genius you are ko kmu. I’m always proud of u. I used to tell others that I’m from ko Khin Maung U ‘s batch.
Tin Myint wrote : Proud of you Ko U. You stood Whole of Burma 1st in Matriculation from St Pauls High School.
Ngwe Tun wrote : On behalf of old Paulians, l am proud of you Ko Khin Maung U.
Specialization : Medical Astrology; Visiting Professor at တိုင်းရင်းဆေးပညာကျောင်း
Founder, IDEA Astrology
Now GBNF
Veda Programs
Requested me to develop programs for Veda calculations and predictions. Assigned Ko Win Latt and Ko Zaw Tun.
Ko Win Latt (UCC) developed Win Horo. He later founded a Computer Training School & SysMagic. Currently in Bangkok.
Win Latt
Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) developed a Prolog program for prediction. He later founded a Computer Training School. Moved to Singapore. Gawpaka at Singapore Chan Myei
Zaw Tun
Final Years
I visited U Myint Sein at his house. He showed me the text he had written for the School of Indigenous Medicine, where he was a Visiting Professor. He was fond of Medical Astrology. Several doctors would seek his advice for treating patients.
(Later) He passed away peacefully in his house while watching TV. He had earlier come back from Okkalapa where he had brunch.
Veda & Me
Shared my Veda knowledge to selected Computer Science students
Shared my Computing expertise to selected Veda sayas. Helped BARB sayas & students use programmable calculators and handheld computers.
Became acquainted with Veda sayas : U Khin Aung Bo, U Than Htay, U Myint Lwin, Bogyi Kyaw Zan Hla …
Wrote articles (with three pen names) for Jotisha Veda magazine.
U Myint Sein led discussion groups at selected houses (e.g. U Khin Maung San, Bohmu Thane Myint) over lunch.
Veda Sayas
U Myint Sein
He was Principal at BARB. He later founded IDEA Astrology.
U Than Htay
Zartar
He taught Ganita (ဂဏိတ). He also wrote articles, Lecture Guides & Books. He later co-founded MARB and served as VP. He had health problems. He is now GBNF.
U Myint Lwin
Taught Phalita ဖလိတ at BARB and MARB
Vice President, MARB
Helped compile and publish the Veda Calendar
Passed away several years back
U Khin Aung Bo
Taught Thanhita သံဟိတ at BARB and MARB
President, MARB
Passed away peacefully while praying on May 13, 2020 at the age of 80.
Was relatively strong and healthy despite his love of cigarettes
Graduated with Civil Engineering from RIT in 1970 and joined the Faculty
Developed programs for Astronomy and Astrology
Taught Astronomy at BARB and MARB
Passed away in Pwin Oo Lwin a few years back. Sadly, his son passed away unexpectedly a few days before his demise. It was a Double Tragedy for the family.
MARB (Myanmar Astro Research Bureau)
U Than Htay
Former BARB sayas (U Khin Aung Bo, U Myint Lwin, U Than Htay, U Hla Win, U Kyaw Myint …) founded MARB. U Khin Aung Bo was President. U Myint Lwin & U Than Htay were VP. U Kyaw Myint was Secy. U Hla Win headed the Research Program.
Other MARB sayas include U Thein Aung, U Soe Thein, Dr. Aung Myin Bo.
U Kyaw Myint (T72)
U Kyaw Myint & Dr. Kan Nyunt
Thin Char Luyechun in High School
Studied at BARB. Taught at BARB and MARB
Current President of MARB. Succeeded U Khin Aung Bo.
Also Expert on indigenous medicine.
Youngest of 13 siblings.
Four are alive and well. Saya Saw was good at writing Yee Zar Sar. He was reprimanded by his aunt for supposedly helping a friend to write Yee Zar Sar to give to his cousin. Bagyi Kan is a doctor and Patron of MARB. He translated several Veda texts. U Sein Tun and U Kyaw Myint would pay respect to Saya Saw and Bagyi Kan following the noble tradition.
U Kyaw Myint wrote a long letter to the parents of a classmate & belle presenting why is an invaluable suitor.
U Hla Win (M73)
Core Organizer of RIT Saya Pu Zaw Pwes and activities
Attended DAC
Studied at BARB. Taught at BARB and MARB.
Secretary and/or VP of MARB.
Member of Myanmar Pyeik Ka Dein Ah Phwe.
He used to send me his car and/or a Veda saya to pick me up to visit the old MARB office.
U Soe Thein & U Thein Aung
Studied at BARB
Taught at MARB
Dr. Aung Myin Bo
Not related to U Khin Aung Bo.
Studied Veda from distinguished sayas. Helped them (e.g doing research& writing / refining Veda programs).
Gave me a ride to visit the old and new MARB offices.
Veda Sayas
Updates
The founding members of BARB are now GBNF.
Several sayas from BARB and MARB — U Myint Sein, U Myint Lwin, U Khin Aung Bo and U Than Htay — are GBNF.
In Burma, our beloved land, we treasure “Say Mee Toh” ဆေးမီးတို (Quick remedy). In fact, our forebears used easily available fruits, flowers, and leaves as traditional medicine. Some are taken raw, some are prepared according to a recipe.
Doctor turned Patient
I did private practice at Barr Street (Maha Bandoola Pann Chan Lann မဟာဗန္ဓုလပန်းခြံလမ်း). There are several clinics and hospitals nearby. It is close to 35th Street which is frequently by the members of Yoke Shin Law Ka (ရုပ်ရှင်လောက Movie Community).
For a few months, I served as a doctor at the Waziya Pyazat Yone (ဝဇီရာပြဇာတ်ရုံ Theater for live performances). One day, I abruptly fell sick after being caught in the heavy rain. Thankfully, the Theater staff (who were my patients) gave me medicine. For a moment, the patients had treated their doctor. I will always remember and treasure their kind acts.
Advice
Some doctors give medical advice to patients, but find it hard to take care of themselves. With sunglasses on, they will advice their patients to quit drinking and smoking and not to chew betel.
They may drink claiming for example that “a glass of wine is good for the blood circulation”. I did not refuse when iNapa Winery gave me a bottle of Premium Wine for my birthday.
Mother and My In-laws
My mother passed away in August several years ago. She was 87. I still remember her preparing “Kun Ywet Pyoat Yay ကွမ်းရွက်ပြုတ်ရေ” for me.
My father-in-law who learned indigenous medicine from Kadok Sayagyi (ကတုတ်ဆရာကြီး his life saver) and my mother-in-law had a cabinet of Western and Eastern medicine. They also treated me at times.
HlaMin 