Saya is the son of Saya Kar, who served as Minister of Education in the Caretaker Government.
He joined the Department of Mathematics as Tutor. He went for further studies in UK. Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer.
He succeeded Saya Dr. Chit Swe as Director of UCC.
During his tenure, DCS (Department of Computer Science) was established with Saya U Ko Ko Lay as Professor and Saya U Tun Aung Gyaw as Associate Professor.
In 1987, ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) was established with Saya as Rector.
There were four Departments :
Hardware Technology
Software Technology
Information Systems
Computational Mathematics
U Ko Ko Lay was Professor and Head of Information Systems. U Tun Aung Gyaw was Associate Professor and Head of Hardware Technology. U Hla Min was Associate Professor and Head of Software Technology.
Bachelor degree courses in CS and CT were given. In the first batch, there were 30 CS and 15 CT students.
Saya continued to implement the Vision and Mission set by the UCC Founders, and managed to go further.
Saya did not live long enough to see 26 batches (from ICST and UCSY) host the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on January 14, 2018.
Dr. Kyaw Thein (GBNF)
Dr. Kyaw Thein succeeded Dr. Tin Maung as ICST Rector. He is also known as Saya Thein.
Saya Thein told the attendees of the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw that I (U Hla Min) was Generation Zero, Bo Htay (Dr. Maung Maung Htay) was Generation One, and he was Generation Two.
Saya was a fledgling tutor in the Mathematics Department in 1963. He was a top student in his Honors Class (1958 – 1962). He held Tutorial for the topics taught by Saya U Khin Zaw, Saya Choudry and Sayama Daw Khin Ma Ma in our I.Sc.(A) class at Leik Khone in 1963.
I was top of I.Sc. (A) and joined the first ever 2nd BE class at RIT in Gyogone.
We crossed our paths again when U Tun Aung Gyaw, U Soe Win and I drove down to Southampton University to see Saya U Soe Paing and U Aung Zaw.
Saya was doing his Ph.D. Saya is an expert on Differentiable Manifold (and related topics).
Saya and U Aung Zaw joined us to see Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, and a Safari.
As Saya Chit’s assistant and general hand, I worked on several projects (e.g. High School Mathematics, Children’s Treasury of Knowledge) with the Mathematics sayas.
Saya became Principal of Sittwe College.
Saya succeeded Dr. Tin Maung as Rector of ICST.
Dr. Pyke Tin
Dr. Pyke Tin succeeded Dr. Kyaw Thein as ICST Rector. He is also known as Saya Pyke.
Saya’s name literally “remain on a net”. Saya’s mother had a few miscarriages. When Saya was conceived, his mother wanted to make sure that Saya would be born safe and sound. She performed a Yadaya requiring someone close to her hold a net and catch Saya.
He received his Ph.D from Monash University, Australia. He is an expert on Stochastic Processes and related topics. He served as Reviewer for research papers.
I had the opportunity to audit the “Linear Programming” course by Saya and learn his teaching style.
I also worked with Saya and others (Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Sein Min and U Soe Nyunt) on the “new” High School Mathematics Project.
Several from the Class of 69 : U Hla Min (EC) U Chit Po Po (M, GBNF) U Tin Nwe (“Cowboy”, C, GBNF) Uzin Aung Chaw (Victor, C) U Ngwe Tun (C) U Than Win (M) U Khin Maung Bo (Alan, EP) U Min Thaw (Gilbert, EP, GBNF) U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC, GBNF) U Than Htay (M) D S Saluja (left for Thailand)
Several from the Class of 70 : U La Min (EP) U Hla Min (“Pauk Si:, EP, GBNF) U Han Kyu Pe (A)
Several from the Class of 71 : U Myint Thin (M) U Myint Toe (M) U Myo Lwin (Stanley, M) U Bo Bo Oo (Oscar, M) U Wunna Sithu (EC)
…
OtherAlumni
George Chapman (First in 1951)
Dr. Nyunt Tin (FRCP, First in 1952)
Dr. Harry Wang (Physics, Joint Third in 1956)
Dr. Tin Wa (1957)
Robert Sein (Second in 1958)
U Khin Maung Tun (1958)
U Myint Kyu Pe (1958)
U Tin Win (1958)
Dr. Frankie Ohn (Physics, First in 1959)
U Thein Aung (Micky Tan, 1959)
U Aung San Oo (1959)
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (Sixth in 1960)
Dr. Min Lwin (1960)
Dr. Nyan Win (1960)
Dr. Than Toe (1960)
Dr. Kyaw Win (Robin Ban, Second in 1961)
Natrajan (1961)
U Myint Thein (1962)
Dr. Khin Maung U (First in 1963)
Dr. Min Oo (Maths, Second in 1963)
Dr. Myo San (Freddie Ba San, Third in 1963)
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, Fourth in 1963)
Dr. Thein Wai (Fifth in 1963)
Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Maung Maung, Ninth in 1963)
Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, Seventeenth in 1963)
There were Three Presidents in the Union of Burma.
Sao Shwe Thaik served as the first President of the Union of Burma. Burma gained Independence on January 4, 1948. He was succeeded by Dr. Ba U and Mahn Win Maung.
Coup d’etat took place on March 2, 1962 before Sama Duwa Sinwa Naung could take office.
Sao Shwe Thaik’s son (Mie Mie Thaik) passed away during the Coup.
Prime Minister of the Union of Burma
U Nu
There were five Prime Ministers in the Union of Burma. U Nu (formerly known as Thakin Nu) was Prime Minister three times.
U Nu served as the first Prime Minister of the Union of Burma.
He was also the Third Prime Minister (after a Sabbatical in which Dawei U Ba Swe served as Second Prime Minister)
Bo Ne Win became the Fourth Prime Minister after the Soft Coup in 1958.
U Nu became the Fifth and Last Prime Minister before the fateful Coup d’etat on March 2, 1962.
Medical doctor to study medicine in the West
Dr. Shaw Loo was the first doctor to study medicine in the USA.
Compilers of the English-Burmese Dictionary
Mekkhaya Mintha (Prince) & Mr. Lane translated Dr. Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary into Burmese.
Judson
Subsequent Lexicographers include Dr. Judson, U Tun Nyein, Dr. Ba Han and U Ohn Pe (Tet Toe).
Science and Technology Author
Yaw Mingyi U Pho Hlaing was the first Burmese author to write about Science and Technology.
Ahmyotha Kaw Leik (National College) Graduate
U Razak was the first to graduate from Ah Myo ThaKaw Leik.
Served as Principal of the Ah Myo Tha Kyaung (National School) in Mandalay.
Minister of Education in Bogyoke Aung San’s Cabinet.
Assassinated on July 19, 1947.
Engineer
Phan Chet Wun U Shwe Oh was the first Burmese engineer.
Political prisoner
Sayadaw U Ottama was the first Political Prisoner (Prisoner of Conscience) in Burma. “U Ottama Pan Chan” is a park named in his honor.
Sayadaw U Wisara was another famous Political Prisoner. “U Wisara Kyauk Taing” was erected in his honor.
Social Service Performer
Phwa Oo Zun (Mandalay native) was the first Burmese female to perform Social Service for the public.
Established the Home for the Aged.
Details can be found in Ludu Daw Ah Mar’s book “Mandalay Thar & Mandalay Thu”.
Actor
U Nyi Pu was the First leading male actor in a Burmese movie.
Siblings : Daw Khin Myint, A1 U Tin Nwe, U Maung Maung Soe (U Tin Pe) and A1 U Tin Maung
The siblings and their extended families founded several film companies.
U Nyi Pu founded Maha Weikzahto Film. The “Thamankyaw” movie was shot and produced at U Nyi Pu’s studio. A1 Than Htut and A1 Thein Htut directed the movie based on the script by Than Win (T70). Actors : Toe Nyunt, Ko Myint (Aung Myint, Min71) and Sai Wunna.
Producer and director
London Art U Ohn Maung founded a company to produce Burmese films
Served as Director.
Best Male Actor
Kyaw Soe won the inaugural award for Best Male Actor.
The awards were known as “Shwe Sin Yoke Su”.
The winners prefix their names with “Academy”.
Best Female Actor
Kyi Kyi Htay won the inaugural award for the Best Female Actor.
Won the award several more times.
Best Child Actor
Aung Tun Lay won the inaugural award for the Best Child Actor.
Best Male Supporting Actor
U Kyauk Lone (U Aung Gyi) won the inaugural award for the Best Male Supporting Actor.
Son : Sway Tin (Kyauk Pyar)
Best Female Supporting Actor
Daw May Nwe won the inaugural award for the Best Female Supporting Actor.
Best Director
U Thu Kha won the inaugural award for the Best Director.
Also wrote, acted and sang.
My translation “Still So Young” of U Thu Kha’s short story was published in the Sunday Supplement of Working People’s Daily. I received K50 for the translation. U Thu Kha received an honorarium of K50 for his short story.
Overseas Tour by Saing Saya
Sein Beda was the first Saing Saya to perform overseas.
Novelist
James Hla Kyaw wrote the first Burmese novel “Maung Yin Maung Ma Mae Ma”.
Female journalist
Independent Daw San was the first Burmese female Journalist.
Lecturer at RU English Department
Dr. Ba Maw was the first Burmese lecturer at the Department of English at the University of Rangoon.
Later became Adhipati during the Japanese Occupation.
Principal
U Pe Maung Tin
U Pe Maung Tin was the first Principal of the University of Rangoon.
Professor of Oriental Studies (including Pali).
Proposed to have a separate Department for Burmese.
Three outstanding students — ICS U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa), U Thein Han (Zawgyi) and U Wun (Minthuwun) — founded the “Khit San Sar Pay” movement.
Rector
Dr. Htin Aung
Dr. Htin Aung was the First native Rector of the University of Rangoon
Vice-Chancellor, RU
Ambassador to Ceylon
Author, Historian, Folklorist
Stereo Khit (Era)
Tekkatho Tun Naung (BDS, Luyechun) was the first vocalist of the Stereo Khit (Era).
Others include Accordion Ohn Kyaw and Min Min Latt.
Former performers of BBS Local Talent and Variety Show also became professionals.
Aerial acrobat
Mee Bone Byan U Kyaw Yin was the first aerial acrobat to perform stunts from a Hot Air Balloon.
He was featured in a text book that we studied in Middle School.
Son : Cartoonist U Kyaw San [Ka Sa]
Robotics
U Kyi constructed the first robot.
Roving Troupe
Great Po Sein founded the first Nei Hlei Zat Tha Bin (roving troupe for performing plays).
Sons : Kenneth Sein and Thet Thet Sein also performed
Chief Justice of High Court
Dr. Mya Sir Bu studied in France and Germany
Served as the first Burmese Chief Justice of High Court.
Atomic Energy Commission
Dr. Tin Hlaing founded the Department of Atomic Energy
Served as the first Director General.
Cartoonist
U Ba Galay (U Shwe Ta Lay) was the first Burmese Cartoonist.
History Commission
Sithu U Kaung served as the first President of Burmese History Commission.
Children : U Thaw Kaung, Dr. Yee May Kaung and Daw Kyi May Kaung.
The History Commission was later merged with the Burmese Language Commission.
Computer Systems and Applications
Dr Chit Swe is the Computer Pioneer in Burma.
Saya founded the Universities’ Computer Center (UCC) with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) and served as the Founding Director
Saya established the academic and training courses at UCC with the help of Professor Dr. Harry D. Huskey (Past ACM President) and visiting professors from US, UK and Europe.
Enabled the academic courses at UCC to have degrees conferred by the Department of Mathematics at Rector of Rangoon Arts and Science University.
Became Rector of RASU. He never lost his passion about UCC and the dissemination of Computer Science and Applications.
Dr. Chit Swe was succeeded as Director of UCC by Dr. Tin Maung (Mathematics Lecturer at RASU).
During Dr. Tin Maung’s tenure, the Department of Computer Science (DCS) and the Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) were established.
U Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) and I were members of “Generation Zero” at UCC. We taught at UCC, DCS and ICST.
President of Burma Students’ Union (Ba Ka Tha)
U Raschid (also known as M. A. Raschid) served as the first President of Ba Ka Tha (All Burma Students’ Union). He was also President of Ta Ka Tha (Rangoon University Students’ Union)
Served as a Minister in the AFPFL Government.
Son : Saya Bilal Raschid (Architecture)
Checkers
Chit Oo Nyo, a prolific writer, wrote the first book on how to play “Kyar” (Checkers).
Distinguished Social Service
Hajeema Pyinmana Daw Pu was the first female to win Lu Hmu Htoo Chun Su Pathama Sint (First Class for Distinguished Social Service).
Donated for the founding of some hospitals.
Son-in-law : Saya U Ba Than Haq (Retired Professor of Geology and Pro-Rector of RASU)
Florence Nightingale Award
Major Daw Khin Ohn Mya was the first recipient of the Florence Nightingale Award [for outstanding Nursing].
Pen name : Mya Marlar
Body Donor
U Win Myint (Mandalay) was the first Burmese to donate his body.
United Nations Secretary General
U Thant succeeded Daj Hammerjold as UNSG (United Nations Secretary General).
He was the Third UNSG and the First Asian UNSG
Served two terms
Passed away in 1974
“U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin” (In December 1974) is a sad event in the history of Burma.
Nobel Laureate
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was the first Burmese to receive the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.
Most Entries in Myanmar were compiled by Minthuwun (U Wun)
Retired Professor of Burmese at Rangoon University
Head of the RU Translation Department
Compiler of the Myanmar Abhidan (Burmese Dictionary)
Co-compiler of the Japanese-Burmese Dictionary
Visiting Professor of Burmese at Osaka University at the invitation of Professor Harada (“Chit Mann Nwe”)
Co-founder of “Khit San Sar Pay” with U Thein Han (Zawgyi) and ICS U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa)
Laureate Poet
Children : Edgar Wun (U Nyan Soe), Peter Wun (U Htin Kyaw, former President of Myanmar) and Rosalind Wun (Daw Htar Cho)
Verse from a popular song: “Hna yauk hte nay gin de“
U Ba Kyi
Translation by the late Sayagyi U Ba Kyi [Institute of Education]:
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
Saya translated the verse while invigilating.
Dr. Maung Maung Kha
Saya 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”)
Artist
Saya is an internationally renowned artist.
He took sabbath before drawing paintings for “Illustrated History of Buddhism” written by Mahagandayone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa.
Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) was established in 1987.
Started with four Academic Departments.
Also departments for Administrative and Support.
Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF)
Son of Saya U Kar
Succeeded Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe as Director of Universities Computer Center (UCC)
During his tenure, the Department of Computer Science (DCS) and ICST were established
Retired as Rector of ICST
U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF)
Helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe found UCC along with Saya U Soe Paing and Saya U Myo Min.
Transferred from PWD to UCC as Operations Manager.
Later served as Scientific and Applications Manager.
When the Department of Computer Science (DCS) was established, he served as Professor and Head of the Department.
When ICST opened, he served as Professor and Head of Information Technology Department.
U Tun Aung Gyaw
Most senior volunteer among the “Generation Zero” members who worked on the UCC project before it was finally funded by UNDP and executed by UNESCO
Joined UCC as the first batch of employees.
Succeeded Saya U Soe Paing as Systems Manager
Associate Professor at DCS
Associate Professor and Head of Hardware Technology Department at ICST
He later received his doctorate from UIUC.
U Hla Min
Senior volunteer among the “Generation Zero” members who worked on the UCC project before it was finally funded by UNDP and executed by UNESCO
Joined UCC along with U Tun Aung Gyaw as the first batch of employees
Succeeded Saya U Myo Min as Business Applications Manager.
Lecturer at DCS
Associate Professor and Head of Software Technology Department at ICST
Computational Mathematics Department
Several senior sayas (e.g. Saya Dr. Pyke Tin) taught at the Computational Mathematics Department.
Students from first batch
There were 45 students studying for the CS (Computer Science) and CT (Computer Technology) options for B.Sc.
Thirty students chose to study Computer Science.
Fifteen students chose to study Computer Technology.
The reunion photo was posted by Ma Min Thu.
Sad News in 2017
Cho Mar Nyunt passed away on July 12, 2017.
In her memory, UCS.ICST Alumni in Singapore donated to the Burmese Buddhist Temple (BBT).
The photo and news were posted by Kyaw Zeya.
ICST SPZP in 2018
Saw Yan Naing (son of Dr. Saw Naing and nephew of Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C70)) gave me a ride to the SPZP in January 2018.
The SPZP was held in five batches. As a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”, I covered some milestones of the Introduction of Computers to Burma under the leadership of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe.
Daw Nge Ma Ma Than (Ma Nge, GBNF) attended the SPZP.
ICST/UCSY published a commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of UCC. I wrote “Paying Back to My Alma Mater” (a summary of the 30+ posts about UCC) for the issue.
San Yin Myint (Samantha), one of the organizers for the Pu Zaw Pwe, is a niece of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF) and a cousin of U Hla Myint Thein (Maurice Chee, M75).
ICST SPZP in 2019
Daw Mar Mar Soe gave me a ride to attend the SPZP in December 2019.
Attendees include Saya U Soe Paing, Saya Dr. Kyaw Thein (GBNF), Saya Dr. Pyke Tin, and Saya U Thein Oo.
Heart felt thanks to all those who took care of us during the enjoyable trip to Singapore and Myanmar.
There were several gatherings, mini-gatherings, events and trips.
The list is not exhaustive.
Singapore
UCC
Hosts : Ko Zaw Tun and Ma Kyu Kyu Hlaing
Gatherings with UCC alumni
Dinner hosted by Ma Pale Shein and Ko Ye
Trip hosted by Ko Ngwe Soe (Silver) and Ma Nu Nu Yee (sister of Ko Khin Maung Thwe)
RIT
Lunch Gathering with RIT 69ers
Lunch Gathering with Saya U Tu Myint, 73ers …
Burma
PPBRS / PBRS
Met Monty Myint Swe (PPBRS)
Due to schedule conflict, could not attend the PBRS gatherings
Greeted some in the PBRS FB page
SPHS
With Harry Kyaw, Dicky Taw, Edwin Hara, Victor Nyunt, Than Win, and several more Paulians, offered soon to Uzin Saya Beatson (Physics teacher and Scout Master at SPHS)
Attended wedding of the daughter of Eddie Shein (Aung Kyaw Myint). Met Dr. Min Lwin (SPHS60, Orthopedic Surgeon) and some OP
Attended the Anniversary Lunch of Saya Dr. Soe Win (First in Burma in the Matriculation in 1858, son of Saya Sein, nephew of Saya Kyaw Sein) and Sayama May Saw Lwin at Saya San Shwe Bei. Met Ko Aung Mon (RIT, RU Centennial) and spouse (daughter of H.E. U Khin Maung Yin)
Could not attend the Christmas Eve party of the OP
RIT 69ers
Attended the Golden Jubilee of Graduation of the 69ers and the Reunion Dinner (hosted by Ko Tin Win).
Ma Tin Tin (lone EE female graduate) flew in from San Diego, California, USA and donated USD 1000
Albert Kyaw Min and Danny Tint Lwin led the entertainment session. They miss Robert Win Boh (now in hibernation after recovering twice from Stroke and once from Cancer).
We shared merit with the GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) former classmates and sayas.
Kudos to Ko Aung Min and group for organizing the Golden Jubilee of Graduation of the Class of 69. Thanks to the donors — Ma Myint Myint, Ma Tin Tin, Ivan Lee, Ko Sein Myint, Ko Zau Lai, Fred Thetgyi, Ko TAG, Ko Tin Win, … see Ko Aung Min’s spread sheet — for the successful SPZP (with 30+ sayas and sayamas) and the Reunion Dinner and Entertainment.
RIT Alumni (Other Groups)
Attended Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65 (Class of 70 and 71)
Attended Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of M72 and selected from other disciplines
Attended Indian Lunch hosted by M72
Attended Dinner hosted by Ko Aung Myaing and Ma Gyn Yu
Attended All Mechanical Gathering
Could not attend mini-gathering hosted by Ko Khin Maung Myint (M71)
UCC, ICST and UCSY
Attended Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST and UCSY. Thanks to Mar Mar Soe for the ride. Miss Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (Founder Director of UCC, Pioneer of Computer Education and Application in Burma/ Myanmar) who passed away in November, 2019
Dinner hosted by Saya U Soe Paing and Ma Alice (Saw Yu Tint)
UCC Gathering at MICT Park Would try to be an Annual event
At Tin Moe We (Sweetie)’s apartment
Soon Kyway at Shwe Kyin monastery
Soon Kyway by Ko Hlaing Myint
MARB
MARB Class at the “new” venue
Saya Dr. Aung Myin Bo gave us the ride
Met a guest Saya The from Mandalay
HMEE
HMEE Meeting at the Holy Cross Church
Saya U Aung Hla Tun has published a new book.
Panel at ILF
5th ILF (Irrawaddy Literary Festival)
Held at Hotel Mercure in Mandalay.
Thanks to ILF Board Members for inviting me as a Panelist
Thanks to KK (SMART Group) for the transportation (air and ground travel)
Had a chance to meet outstanding foreign and Myanmar authors at the Festival.
During a break, Ko Thein Htut (ex-UCC) gave a quick tour.
2020 PSA Tour to Upper Burma
Enjoyed the 8-day 6+ cities trip as a guest and volunteer mentor of the 2020 PSA (Professional Speakers Association) tour.
Met 10+ founding members, three knowledge-hungry youngsters, and amicable supporting staff.
Thanks to the Diamond Sponsors (a) SMART Media (b) POINT Sunflower Group See list on brochures, banners and video captions
Thanks to the Golden Sponsors
Thanks to the Organizers (especially the Support Group)
RUBC
Attended the Annual Regatta
Met Old Captains, Old Members and current members
Wrote several posts in YUBC Old Members FB Page
Relatives
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Reunion
House warming
Last Journey of Ma Cherry (Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt, spouse of U Tin U)
HlaMin 