Author: Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

Talk — Luyechun
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on November 14, 2020

Inlay Luyechun in 1965

Introduction
- Luyechun is an award presented by the Ministry of Education to selected “outstanding students“.
- The initial program ran from 1964 to 1988.
- A new program was established a few years back.
- I was selected as RIT Luyechun in the summer of 1965.
- I was invited as a Guest Speaker to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp in the summer of 1988.
Summer of 1964
- The first Luyechun camp was opened at Ngapali in the summer of 1964.
- It was for Luyechuns for 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th standards.
Some Luyechuns
- Ko Win Myint (Mergui, UCC)
- Ko Win Aung (TTC, Mech 70, RIT Swimming and Water Polo)
- Ko Kyaw Zaw (TTC, EC72, GBNF)
- Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw, EP71)
- Ko Oak Soe Kha (IM1, Swimming and Water Polo)
- Ko Aung Myint (Mdy)
- Ko Tin Soe (Ygn, DSA, Attaché)
Summer of 1965
- The second Luyechun camp was opened at Inlay in the summer of 1965.
- For the first time, Luyechuns were selected for the Universities and Institutes.
Staff at Inlay Camp
- U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU)
- Dr. Daw May May Yi (IM2)
- Daw Po (Burmese)
- Dr. Naing Tint San (Med Officer)
- U Khin Aung
- U Khin Maung Htwe
- U Than Tun Aung Hlaing
- Lu Nge Yay Yar / Youth Affairs
Some Luyechuns
- Ma Than Than Tin (Cherry Hlaing, First in Burma in 1964, IM1)
- Ko Khin Maung U (First in Burma in 1963, IM1)
- Ma Anita Aye Pe (IM1)
- Ko Kyaw Sein Koe (IM1, GBNF)
- Ko Thein Win (IM2)
- Ko Soe Aung / Soe Min Thein (IM2)
- Ko Tun Naung (BDS, Stereo)
- Ko Tin Hlaing (MASU, Le Dwin Tha Saw Chit, Literary Awards)
- Ma Khin Aye Myint (RASU)
- Ma Mu Mu Win (RASU)
- Ko Min Oo (Second in Burma in 1963, RASU, Mathematics Professor in Germany and Canada)
- Ko Ye Myint (RASU)
- Ma Khin Aye Than (RASU, GBNF)
- Ko / Maung Aye (RASU, Diplomat)
- Ko Mya Than (RASU)
- Ko Zaw Min (RIT)
- Ko Hla Min (RIT)
- Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (RIT)
- Ko Sein Shwe (RIT)
- …
- They attended the Inlay camp together with the 10th standard Luyechuns.
  Ko Than Sit (Sagaing, Liver Foundation, GBNF)
  Ko Uttam Singh (Myitkyina, RIT, NASA)
  Ko Win Myint (Letpadan, RIT, Bogyoke / Dy Minister)
  Ko Aung Myint (Mandalay)
  Ko Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Myingyan)
  Ko Kyaw Myint (Yamethin)
  Ko Kyaw Myint (Delta)
  Ko Nelson Kaw (Taunggyi)
  Ko Thein Lwin
  Ko Hla Kyaing (Yangon)
  …
- There were two other camps : Rangoon Combined Camp and Ngapali Camp (for the lower classes).
- The staff members from Lu Nge Yay Yar (Youth Affairs) were responsible for the logistics.
- Selected sayas and sayamas took charge of the Luyechuns.
  They include Dr. May May Yi (then at IM(2), later DG of BMRI), Daw Po (later Professor of Burmese), and U Aung Gyi (MASU Maths).
- There was a mishap when one student got injured during a “mandatory” exercise program.
- For this and other reasons, the later Camp Commandants were chosen from Sayagyis (e.g. U Ba Toke).
Front : Than Sitt, Sein Shwe, Min Oo, Nelson Kaw, Kyaw Myint
Back : Soe Aung, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Aung Shwe, Hla Min, U Khin Aung

Front : Than Sitt, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Min Oo
Back : Soe Aung, Kyaw Myint, Sein Shwe, Ye Myint, Hla Min

Front : Hla Min
Back : Aung Myint, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Tin Maung Htwe, Ye Myint, Sein Shwe
- Tekkatho Tun Naung (1st year BDS, madolin) and Ko Sein Shwe (4th BE Mech, dobat, harmonica, flute) were some of the entertainers for the Luyechun concert. U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU) wrote the “Than Gyurt”.
- Ko Tin Hlaing (Le Dwin Thar Saw Chit, 1st year Burmese, MASU) was a notable contributor to the daily pamphlets.
- Some high school Luyechun students later joined RIT. They include Ko Win Myint (later Bogyoke), Ko Aung Win (later Saya), Uttam Singh (later Ph.D working at NASA), Ma Pwint Than (later EPC), …
- The guest lecturers include Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi), Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi, and U Thu Ta (Met and Hydro DG).
- Trips include Lawpita Dam and selected factories and departments.
Miscellaneous
- Htut Kwan
- 7-time winner
- 6-time winner
- …
- 2-time winner
- Association
- Gatherings
- FB Group
- Support new generation of LYC
- Donation for prevention / treatment of COVID
- Database of LYC
- Active members
- GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
Guest Lecturers in 1965
- Dr. Nyi Nyi (Secretary / Dy Minister)
- U Thu Ta (DG, Met and Hydro)
- U Thein Han (Zawgyi)
- …
Guest Lecturers in 1987/88
- U Kyaw Myint (DHE)
- U Hla Min (UCC/DCS/ICST)
- …
Luyechun Association
- A few years back, Luyechun (1964-1988) Association was formed.
  The association meets one or more times a year.
- There have been Annual Dinner Gatherings.
- It has a Facebook group.
- There are “Then and Now” photos of some Luyechuns.
- Some are “Hturt Kwan” (Multiple) Luyechuns.
  Some were selected Luyechun for a consecutive number of years.
  A few won the award six or seven times.
- Some Luyechuns have passed away.
- Dr. Kyaw Sein Koe (IM 1) passed away early.
- H.E. U Myint Thaung and U Myint Thin (M71, RIT) are some Luyechuns who passed away recently.
Another Trip to Inlay in October 1965
- As part of the award, one received a 50% travel discount.
- During the October holidays in 1965, I took on the offer from Ko Aung Kyaw (Peter Pe, SPHS, star in one movie) to join him and Ko Maung Maung Aye (IM(1), GBNF) to visit his cousin doctor in Inn Paw Khone (Inlay village).
- I visited Phaung Daw-U again with a difference (as expressed in my poem).
PHAUNG DAW-U FESTIVAL

Phaung Daw-U, oh Burma’s grandeur
Can truly make our hearts sublime
Its mystic charm and rhymeless splendor
Have firmly stood the test of time

It lies deep in the heart of people
It gives them courage and inspiration
No wonder this festival has no equal
It promises joy and veneration

On board the Karaweik so scintillating
Stood the four images of Lord Buddha
For the Noble Truth are we vindicating?
What lies deep under the completed tour?

But one statue was left behind
Because in writings we do find
That should it ever leave the shrine
There will be thunder and storm
Thus a happy reunion on the morn of the full moon of Thadinkyut

From floating islands the leg rowers came
To take part in the race
With their muscular frame, with might and main
Their oars flashing at a rapid pace

Festivities last all night long
Dances to the company of ozi and gong
Oh, prayers that fill the cool evening air
May loving kindness prevail everywhere

Last Trip to Inlay in January 2020
- I was invited to join the 2020 Professional Speakers Association (PSA) Tour to selected cities in Upper Myanmar.
- Several hotels sponsored part of the tour and/or provided discount rates to the Tour group.
- At the end of the tour, we visited Inlay.
  Two PSA sayas provided a short training course for the employees of the hotel.
August 10, 2025
Talk — Karuna, Mudita, Uppekha
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 11, 2021

Four Byamaso Taya
- Metta
  Unbounded Love / Loving Kindness
- Karuna
  Compassion
- Mudita
  Altruistic Joy or Sympathetic Joy
- Uppekkha
  Equanimity
Karuna
- Pali term
- Rendered as Compassion
- One of the four Bhamaso Taya
- Buddha is called “The Compassionate One”
- Mahayana Buddhists emphasize the importance of Compassion
- Sayadaw U Sobhana (GBNF) had four Indonesian siblings as his students.
  Named one of them Karuna.
  She was present at Sayadaw’s Last Journey.
- U Moe Myint (M76) and several alumni are members of the “Karuna Ah Thinn” in Singapore.
  One activitiy is to help the needy for the Last Journey of their loved one.
- We saw an outpouring of Karuna in the relief efforts for Disaster Recovery (e.g. Cyclone Nargis)
Practicing Karuna
- May suffering ones be suffering-free
- And the fear-struck fearless be
- May the grieving shed all grief
- And all beings find relief
Mudita
- Pali term.
- Rendered as Altruistic Joy or Sympathetic Joy
- One of the four Bhamaso Taya
- One should feel joyful when one hears good news about others.
Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung
- Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) is Chief Editor
- Contributor : Tekkatho Moe War (U Moe Aung)
Upekkha
- Pali term
- Rendered as Neutral [Feeling]
- Also translated as Equanimity
- One of the four Bhamaso Taya
In a loose usage in Burmese, “Upekkha Shu” means “ignore”. It is not representative of the importance of Upekkha, which provides a balance of life and avoids the two extremes stated in the Dhammacakka Sutta

It is non-trivial to sense Upekkha while practicing Vipassana (Insight) Meditation.

Feelings may be be categorized as
- Pleasant Feeling
- Unpleasant Feeling
- Non-Pleasant and Non-Unpleasant Feeling
Upekkha is synonymous with “Non-Pleasant and Non-Unpleasant Feeling”.

Buddhist Dictionary
August 10, 2025
Hack
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

U Hla Min

In the early days of Computing, a Hack is defined to be a “useful and/or beautiful piece of code.”

Hacker
- Some students, who worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Computing Laboratories, preferred working on code rather than attending courses.
- They feel proud of their Hacks and are addressed as Hackers.
- Over time, Unethical Hackers emerged.
- Ethical Hackers also rose to defend against the Unethical Hackers.
- Most people do no know or care about the difference between Ethical and Unethical Hackers.
Ethical Hackers
- They try to break the security of computer systems and applications.
- They propose solutions to defend the possible attacks of Unethical Hackers.
- They are known as White Hats.
Unethical Hackers
- They inflict damage to hardware, software and data systems.
- They may steal and sell sensitive information.
- One study says that it is safer and lucrative to be a Criminal Hacker (also referred to as Cracker) than selling drugs (which can lead to imprisonment and death in some countries).
- The underground business for malware (viruses, Trojan horses, …) is valued at multi-billion dollars.
August 10, 2025
Talk — English Study 2
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 23, 2021

U Hla Min

Courses and/or Tests
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- English as a Specialty Language (ESL)
My English Teachers
- I.Sc.(A)
  Daw Khin Kyi Kyi
  Daw Tinsa Maw Naing
- RIT
  Saya Des Rodgers
  Saya U Khin
  Saya U Win Mra
Some Reference Books
- Idioms
- Proverbs
- How to improve your diction
- Rhyming Dictionary
August 10, 2025
Talk — Three
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 15, 2021

U Hla Min

Numerals
- Hindu-Arablic numeral : 3
- Roman numeral : III
Triple Gems
- Buddha (the Enlightened One)
- Dhamma (His Teachings)
- Sangha (Monastic Order)
Tipitaka (Three Baskets)
- Vinaya (Monastic Rules of Conduct)
- Sutta (Discourses)
- Abhidhamma (Ultimate Reality)
Trinity
- Father
- Son
- Holy Spirit
Most well-known Hindu Gods
- Brahma, the Creator
- Vishnu, the Preserver
- Shiva, the Destroyer
Early NASA Projects
- Mercury : carried only one astronaut
- Gemini : carried two astronauts
- Apollo : carried three astronauts
Apollo Crew
- Mission Commander (e.g. Neil Armstrong for Apollo11)
- Command Module Pilot (e.g. Michael Collins for Apollo11)
- Lunar Module Pilot (e.g. Buzz Aldrin for Apollo11)
Apollo Modules
- Service Module
- Command Module
- Lunar Module
Musical Envelope
- Rise (or attack)
- Sustain
- Fall (or decay)
Prime constituents of an atom
- Electron
- Proton
- Neutron
Persuasion Techniques
- Ethos
- Pathos
- Logos
Typical Toastmasters Meeting
- Prepared Speeches
- Table Topics (Impromptu Speeches)
- Evaluation
Three-valued Logic
- Yes
- No
- Do not care
Essay (and most writings)
- Introduction (or Beginning)
- Body
- Conclusion (or Ending)
Medals
- Gold (for first prize)
- Silver (for second prize)
- Bronze (for third prize)
Measurement of Time
- Hour
- Minute
- Second
Angular Measure
- Degree
- Minute
- Second
Academic Degrees
- Bachelor
- Master
- Doctorate
Some School Types
- Primary School
- Middle School
- High School
August 10, 2025
Numbers
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

U Hla Min

Value of a number

Value of a number in positional notation depends upon the Base or Radix.

In the Decimal system (Base Ten), 1001 has a value of a thousand and one.

In the Binary system (Base Two), 1001 has a value of 9.

Folklore
- “One Thousand and One Nights” (also known as Arabian Nights) is from the Arabic Folklore.
- Scheherazade told 1001 stories to defer her death.
Numerical Palindrome
- A palindrome reads the same forward and backward.
- 101, 1001 and 123454321 are numerical Palindromes.
Ramanujan and the Beauty of numbers

Ramanujan was highly interested in Mathematics and ignored other subjects in College.

Ended up as an employee in a post office.
Bold enough to send his handwritten notes to Professor Hardy (Cambridge University), who sponsored him.

Ramanujan later fell gravely ill.
Professor Hardy went to see him in a hospital. He supposedly told Ramanujan that he rode a taxi cab with 1729 on its license.

Ramanujan replied, “That is an interesting number. It is the smallest number that can be represented as the sum of two cubes in two ways.”

1729 = 729 + 1000 = 9*9*9 + 10*10*10

1729 = 1 + 1728 = 1*1*1 + 12*12*12

Ramanujan’s works are still being studied and refined by Mathematicians.
August 10, 2025
RUESU Magazine
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Tekkatho Moe War

From Saya U Moe Aung

Dear Ko Hla Min,

Thanks to Saya U Soe Paing for his great endeavour in visiting the UCL (Universities’ Central Library) numerous times [in January 2012] to gather and record invaluable information relating to RIT (and BOC college of Engineering as well). And thanks to you for archiving all through your emails and keeping all RITians gelled together.

Only when did Saya U Soe Paing mention Engineering Students’ Magazines, that I happen to recall one Engineering Students’ Magazine in which I was part of it. That was in Academic Year 1960-1961. I was still an Electrical Engineering Student at that time (2nd year, or, by the present calling, 4th year). At Rangoon University (Main University) they had a University Students’ Union (in Burmese, Thud Meg-ga is translated as Union), and we had correspondingly an Engineering Students’ Union as well at our Faculty of Engineering at Leik-Khone (Dome), Prome Road.

At that time I met one Ko Hla Tin (Civil) who was my senior and several years older than me, staying at Prome Hall which was adjacent to Leik Khone, only separated by a fence. He was an avid poet (pen name Kay-tu Win Tint, from Taunggoo) and I used to visit his room at Prome Hall to talk about poems and literature during lunch or break times. I also met one senior (can’t recall his name, I think Ko Sein Hlaing) who was the Secretary of the Students’ Union. After some lively discussions, we decided to issue an Engineering Students’ Union Annual Magazine and they made me the Chief Editor. The Magazine consisted of two sections, Burmese and English, of which Saya U Aung Khin (Mech) was the English Editor.

I still have the 1960-61 issue neatly tucked in a cupboard in Yangon.

Now I remember that Ko Sein Hlaing (EE?) is still in Yangon, helping to look after his grand children, but not in good health. Ko Sein Hlaing’s daughter was my daughter’s very close friend since their childhood days. We met once in Singapore about 12 years back.

Dear Ko Hla Min, this is the time to reminisce and be happy about the good old days and try to fly back with whatever time machine we could get hold of. Time really flies and we should realize that our days are numbered.

Publications
- Saya published “Collection of Poems” :
  some books by himself (e.g. Pearl in My Heart) and some with collaborators (e.g. Swel Daw Poems).
- He also published a collection of articles (e.g. Sea of Men & selected articles)
- During one of my visits to Rangoon, he gave me an autographed copy of his book.
Autographed copy

Cover

Musings by Tekkatho Moe War and Maung Sein Win (Padeegone)
August 10, 2025
Mining Engineering
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Win Thein Zaw (Min69)

Win Thein Zaw
- Pen name : Wai Lu
- Took Optional Burmese in High School
- Wrote several articles for the 69er Golden Jubilee Magazine
  RIT Thaing Exhibition
  RIT Nicknames
- Spouse (Mu Aye) is a cousin of Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC69, Australia)
- Retired Member of Parliament of Pyitthu Hluttaw
  Oversaw Committees related to Mining and Natural Resources.
- Surprised us at an ad hoc breakfast gathering with Uzin Aung Chaw, Ko Sein Myint, Ko Myint Maung, Ko Win Maung, Ko Shwe, Ko Maung Maung, Ko Myat Soe Lwin …
69ers

Kyaw Tint (Min69)

Kyaw Tint
- Youngest, smartest and most stubborn among the 14 students in Min69.
- Joined the Faculty
- Received Masters from Australia.
- Prisoner of Conscience.
- Wrote an article in the 69er Golden Jubilee magazine.
- GBNF #110
  Passed away in September 2021
Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)

Khin Kyaw Nyein
- RIT Volleyball Selected
- Taught/coached female Volleyball players (e.g. Ma Tin Aye, C73)
- Also good at Soccer, Dobat & Dancing.
- He is GBNF #117
  Passed away in January 2022
Khin Maung Gyi (Min69)
- One of two Khin Maung Gyi in the Class of 69.
- Room mate of Ko Chit Pe (M69, GBNF)
- Still have dark hair (hopefully original)
- Mech KMG (GBNF) passed away in 2021.
Tin Win (Min69)
- Hosted some 69er gatherings.
- He was Honorary Consul for Switzerland.
Min69 (GBNF)
- Aung Naing (Bahadhur) : Aug 14, 2011, #055, GTI Principal (Taunggyi), Yangon
Chit Htun
- Chit Htun : Dec 11, 2011, #058, YIT Lecturer, Yangon
- Chit Swe : early GBNF
- Khin Kyaw Nyein : 2022, #117
- Kyaw Soe : #065
- Kyaw Than : Organizer
- Kyaw Tint : Sep 8, 2021, #110, Saya, Prisoner of Conscience
- Myint Kyi : #047
- Myint Swe : early GBNF
Min70

Zaw Winn (Zinyawgyi)
- Heis an organizer of the Combined 1st BE intake of 64 and 65.
  He is a bilingual writer, poet and translator.
Aung Myint (Thamankyar Ko Myint)

Thamankyar
- He is a member of the A1 Family. He is an actor, composer, vocalist, guitarist and production manager. Sad to note that his younger brother Sai Wunna passed away.
Ko Zaw Winn and friends

Mining Engineering
- The first course was given at the BOC College in 1954.
U Soe Khaw (GBNF)

U Soe Khaw
- Received BS from UC Berkeley and MS from Minnesota School of Mines.
- Served as Part-time lecturer and Head of the newly established Mining Department at BOC College.
- Wrote an article for HMEE project.
- After working for the Ministry of Mines and UN projects, he moved to USA.
- Attended SPZP-2000.
- Saya Allen Htay (GBNF) and Dr. San Lin asked me to join a micro-gathering with Saya U Soe Khaw.
  It started before lunch and ended after dinner.
U Soon Sein (GBNF)
- Received MS from Colorado School of Mines.
- Mawgunwin Third Grade.
- Succeeded U Soe Khaw as Head of Department.
- Retired as Professor.
- Spoke to him before SPZP-2000.
  Per advice from his doctors, he declined the invitation to attend SPZP-2000.
August 9, 2025
Talk — Audio Book
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 27, 2021

Books
- Regular Print
- Large Print
- Braille
- e-Book
- Audio Book
- Special hardware and software to “scan and read” books
Audio Books
- Some may be available from Public Libraries
  Early : CDs
- Some may require “Subscription”
  For downloading
- Some may be offered at Discount in a Bundle
  Podcasts
  Book summaries
  Books
  e.g. Premium Subscription to Blinkist
Listeners’ Heaven

https://www.facebook.com/listenersheaven
- Established in November 2020
- Facebook Group
- Provides “Subscription”
- Offerings
  Win Pe
  Minthuwun
  Zat Kyee Hse Bwe
  Selected Novels
  Overview of selected “hot” topics
August 9, 2025
TOKM

by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Book published for his 70th birthday

Memories

Book Presents

Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (SPHS60) receives books from his former students and from his god-children.

He received a book from Professor Dr. Nyunt Thein.

Dr. Nyunt Thein proposed to have some (if not all) of the examinations for MRCP to be held in Burma.

Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote :

Due to Nyunt Thein’s efforts, all parts of the exam are being conducted in Rangoon and Mandalay.

Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote :

I am so fortunate that books written by my former students are either given to me by the authors or bought for me by my niece Hnin Wit Yee or Min Thet Aung.

I got a signed copy of “The Female Voice of Myanmar” by Nilanjana Sengupta, translated into Burmese, by Myae Hmone Lwin. It was given to me by Ma Thida.

The book consist of articles about and by four eminent lady Burmese writers and activists: Ludu Daw Ah Mar, Daw Khin Myo Chit, Daw Aung San Su Kyi and my “daughter writer” Ma Thida (San Gyaung).

Please do not say that I am biased towards my daughter but I read the articles on Daw Ah Mar, Daw Khin Myo Chit and Daw Sung Dan Su Kyi once only but read and reread the articles by and on Ma Thida about three times or more.

Coming from a family whose members were at different times and at different lengths of incarceration by the military government, each article about Ma Thida in prison brought back sad memories of my own family. I had to pause even in the middle of each article as such memories flooded my mind.

From a very young age Ma Thida stand out among her contemporaries . A multifaceted person with deep attitudes and understanding of right and wrong, justice and injustice, tears welled up in my eyes reading what she went through in prison, and had to stop reading after going through some incidents described by her in the book.

I am happy and very proud that she can be what she is now, an activist, feminist, author and running PEN Myanmar and many more.

This book must be read in Burmese as in any other language, much would be lost in translation.

August 9, 2025