Offered Academic & Professional Courses in Computer Science, Computer Technology and Computer Applications
UCC Founders
Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF)
U Soe Paing
U Myo Min
U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF)
Saya Dr. Chit Swe
Saya Chit in 2006
He founded UCC with the help of U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay.
U Soe Paing
U Soe Paing
He was my mentor at RIT and UCC. He contributed news and articles to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”.
He also wrote the draft for the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) book.
U Myo Min
U Myo Min
He was working as Systems Analyst for IBM in UK when Saya Dr. Chit Swe requested him (via Saya Myo’s mother) to help co-found UCC
U Ko Ko Lay
U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF)
He served as Operations Manager and Scientific Applications Manager at UCC, Professor at the Department of Computer Science and at the Institute of Computer Science and Technology.
Still So Young And Passionate: Saya Chit (Dr. Chit Swe)
Even in his late 80’s, Saya had an active mind and a burning desire to payback to Myanmar.
He supervised Burmese students in Australia with their research and theses.
He studied Mathematics at Mandalay University. His contemporaries include Dr. Maung Di and U Khin Maung Tint (Tekkatho Phone Naing).
He did graduate studies at Imperial College (University of London) , Glasgow University and the University of Liverpool in the UK.
During his studies at Imperial College, Saya U Ba Than (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering, RIT, GBNF) was his room mate.
Saya was Head of Mathematics Department at the Institute of Economics when he proposed to the Ministry of Education to acquire a computer for research and teaching. Dr. Nyi Nyi requested saya to extend the scope of his proposal to cover selected universities and institutes. The UCC project was born.
It would take several years before UNDP would approve to fund the UCC project. UNESCO would act as the Executing Agency.
Mandalay Hall
Dr. Chit Swe succeeded U Ba Toke as Professor of Mathematics Department at RASU. He recruited volunteers to help plan for the implementation of UCC. He received permission to use Mandalay Hall as the temporary home for UCC.
Sayas — Dr. Chit Swe, U Soe Paing, U Myo Min, U Ko Ko Lay and several others — conducted courses on Computer Fundamentals & Programming, Systems Analysis and Design, and Numerical Methods.
Thamaing College Campus
UCC moved over to Thamaing College Campus as a neighbor to RC2 (Regional College Two). Dr. Chit Swe became the Founder and Director of UCC. U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay became Managers in charge of Systems Division, Applications Division, and Operations Division.
After reorganization, Applications Division was split into Business Applications Division and Scientific Applications Division.
Saya’s Vision
Saya was a pioneer and an advocate of “Technology Transfer”, “Leapfrogging Technology”, “Knowledge Sharing”, and TOSS (Team of System Specialists).
Saya is modest. During a trip to Chauk Htat Yone (Six Storey Office), the admin would “ignore” him and would pay respect to Ko Myint Oo (his student and volunteer assistant), who was well dressed and was carrying a suitcase.
Saya insisted a Component in the UCC Project Plan to invite the elite Computer Scientists and Practitioners including
(a) two Past Presidents of the prestigious ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) : Professor Harry Huskey (UCSC) and Professor Anthony Ralston (SUNY Buffalo),
(b) a future ACM Turing Award Winner (considered as the Nobel Prize for Computing) : Professor Michael Stonebraker (UCB) to UCC and jump start courses in Computer Science and Applications.
Misconception
Saya thought that I had served as an Editor for a newspaper. I had written articles, poems and translations for Guardian, WPD (Working People’s Daily) newspapers and Forward Magazine.
Upon learning that I was an RIT graduate volunteering for the UCC Project Maung Thaw Ka (Bohmu Ba Thaw, Chief Editor of Forward Magazine, GBNF) suggested that I should join his staff.
In my 3rd BE, editors from NAB (News Agency Burma) headed by Tet Toe (U Ohn Pe, Chief Editor) invited me to join their staff.
My parents supported my hobbies, but they wanted to make sure that I have a good education and a decent job.
I became a writer for Saya’s projects:
High School Mathematics Curriculum Development
Children’s Treasury of Knowledge (CTK)
Planning for computerization of Government Departments
Team of System Specialists (TOSS).
Saya believed in me and gave the opportunity to take challenges.
Life After UCC
After UCC, Saya served as Rector of RASU, but his passion for his “Dream Child” and his care for his former students never diminished.
After retirement, Saya taught at Assumption University — formerly known as ABAC (Assumption Business and Accounting College) — in Bangkok, Thailand.
Saya later relocated to Sydney, Australia and served as Visiting Professor of Macquarie University. Several Burmese completed their doctorates under his supervision.
Reunion With Saya In Australia
In June 2006, I visited Sydney, Australia to attend several gatherings:
RIT alumni gathering headed by Saya U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) and Saya U Myo Win (Melvin, M65, GBNF)
UCC alumni gathering at Saya U Aung Zaw’s house where we paid homage to Saya Dr. Chit Swe and Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (National Planning Adviser & Board Member of UCC)
Old Paulians gathering at Olympic Park organized by Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe, SPHS66, Geology70)
Saya’s Present
Saya asked me to give a lecture or seminar to interested young people in Sydney. He then presented me with his hat. I hope that Saya’s hat can “transfer” his brilliant thinking into my head.
Visits
In the past years, Saya visited Singapore and Myanmar and shared his wisdom, knowledge and experience.
He has minor health problems, but his mind is sharp as ever.
Saya Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF)
Dr. Tin Maung
His father Saya Kar was Minister of Education in the Caretaker Government and Rector of Rangoon University.
Saya 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 U Ko Ko Lay as Professor and U Tun Aung Gyaw as Associate Professor.
In 1987, ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) with Saya as Rector. There were four Departments : (a) Hardware Technology (b) Software Technology (c) Information Systems (d) Computational Mathematics. U Ko Ko Lay was Professor of Information Systems. U Tun Aung Gyaw was Associate Professor for Hardware Technology. I was Associative Professor of Software Technology. Bachelor degree courses in Computer Science (CS) and Computer Technology (CT) were given. In the first batch, there were 30 CS and 15 CT students.
Saya Dr. Tin Maung continued to implement the Vision and Mission set by the UCC Founders, and managed to go further.
He did not live long enough to see 26 batches (from ICST and UCSY) host the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on January 14, 2018. San Yin Myint (Samanta, cousin of Ko Maurice Chee) and her friends posted a “Live” Facebook session of the Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe. Dr. Kyaw Thein (GBNF), Dr. Maung Maung Htay, U Myint Swe, Daw Nwe Nwe Win (Judy) and I gave short speeches at the Pu Zaw Pwe.
Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF)
He matriculated from SPHS in 1956 along with Saya U Soe Paing), U Win Htein (GBNF), Bohmu Percy Maung Maung (GBNF), Saya U Ba Min and U Than Se (Richard, ChE62).
He is the elder brother of U Than Htut (M67, RUBC Gold), Maw (BDS) and Zaw (RUBC Gold, GBNF).
He studied BSCE and MSCE at Stanford University in the US.
He joined PWD as Assistant Engineer.
He was recruited by his friend U Soe Paing to help with the UCC Project in general and the design and implementation of UCC Building in particular.
He transferred to UCC as Operations Division Manager.
He served as Scientific Applications Division Manager.
He received Masters in Systems Engineering from the University of Lancaster, UK.
Professor at the Department of Computer Science (DCS)
Professor of Information Systems (IS) at the Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST)
He enjoyed playing tennis, soccer and volleyball.
He has an excellent command of English
He passed away in the early 1990s.
Dr. San Tint and U Shein Soe Myint (both GBNF)
Dr. San Tint (EE61) was my saya at RIT. He served as External Examiner for Computer Science students at UCC and DCS.
U Shein Soe Myint (EC83) is a classmate of U Thaung Tin (KMD, former Minister) and my cousin nephew U Thar Hlaing. He joined UCC, DCS and ICST as a graduate student, engineer and later saya. He was studying for his doctorate at NUS when he unexpectedly passed away.
The picture was taken at a mini-reunion of RIT & UCC alumni during my visit to Singapore.
Standing : Dr. San Tint (3rd from left), U Shein Soe Myint (5th from left)
Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)
He received Sc.D. (Doctor of Science) from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). At MIT, Saya helped “fresh” scholars including Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Min Wun acclimatize with the environment and studies.
He served as DG (Director General) of UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute) and Advisor for the Ministry of National Planning. He was a supporter of UCC Project and served as a member of the Board of Directors and as an External Examiner for the Computer Science graduates.
Daw Myint Thwe (Saya’s spouse) is the sister of Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Ba Than (M, GBND), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing, Dr Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon (A60), Saya U Myo Min (UCC), U Thaung Lwin (EC66) and Daw Cho Cho Hlaing.
Saya’s children — Ma Tin Tin Hlaing and Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83) — are UCC alumni.
During my visit to Sydney (Australia) in 2006, Saya U Aung Zaw hosted a UCC reunion and mini-PZP (Pu Zaw Pwe) for Saya Dr. F Ba Hli and Saya Dr. Chit Swe. Saya Chit gave me his hat. Ko Tha Hlaing gave me a book “This is Sydney”.
Ko Htay Aung (Victor, EC80) is a nephew of Saya U Sein Hlaing. He is the spouse of Ma Tin Tin Hlaing (Saya FBH’s daughter). Ko Htay Aung and team “programmed” a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) to print Burmese characters on the Cromemco System Three micro-computer. He worked on Burmese Word Processing for Wang Computers. He migrated to Australia. For the past few years, he came back to Yangon to volunteer as an interpreter for the “10-day Mediation Retreat for Foreign Yogis” at the Mahasi Sasana Yeik Tha.
One day, the people on the UCC ferry shouted, “Saya Paing”. To their amazement, ICS U Paing (Saya’s father) came out.
Saya U Soe Paing is the second son of U Paing and Daw Oo Yin (Daughter of Sir Po Tha and Lady Tha).
Golf Champions
Saya and his siblings Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, ChE70) and U Kyaw Paing (Putra Cup Player) are excellent golfers and Champions at RGC (Rangoon Golf Club) and BGC (Burma Golf Club).
St. Paul’s High School
Saya matriculated from SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) in 1956 along with U Ko Ko Lay, U Win Htein, Percy Maung Maung, U Than Se (Richard Khoo), and U Ba Min.
Saya stood 13th in Matriculation and was awarded Collegiate Scholarship.
Rangoon University
Saya won two Gold Medals for excellence in the Intermediate of Science.
He scored the highest marks in the I.Sc. examinations.
He scored the highest marks in Mathematics in I.Sc. along with two other students.
Since the original endowment for the Gold Medals did not cover the rising cost of Gold, Saya’s family had to give K150 for each Gold Medal.
Saya rowed and coxed at RUBC. Saya won prizes including the Inter-Hall Fours.
Stanford University
Saya was selected as a States Scholar to attend Stanford University along with Saya U Ko Ko Lay and Bohmu Percy.
Saya received his BS and MS in EE (Electrical Engineering).
Saya did programming for his studies and also worked part-time as computer operator.
RIT Electrical
Upon his return to Burma, Saya joined the EE Department as Assistant Lecturer. His sponsor supposedly was UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute).
At a research congress held in the Main Campus, Saya presented a paper covering Digital Logic and Circuits,. Dr. Chit Swe was impressed. Through Saya U Nyi Nyi (EE saya, who moved to the UK), Saya Paing gained contact with Saya Chit. The rest is history.
Saya Paing would help Saya Chit with the UCC Project.
It would take a few years before the UCC Project got approved by UN and funded by UNDP.
UCC – RIT Connection
Saya Paing promised Saya Chit to recruit his top students to join the UCC Project, but the long delay of the Project to get funded made the task difficult.
Ko Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), Ko Hla Min (EC69) and Ko Soe Win (EC70) joined UCC as Maintenance Engineers.
Ko Hla Min (Pauk Si, EP70) joined UCC as Chief Operator.
Ko Aung Myint transferred from the RIT EE Laboratory to join UCC as Maintenance Technician.
UCC
Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division. He managed Maintenance Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, System Programmers and Software Librarian (to name a few).
Saya did another Masters (this time in Computer Science) at Southampton University in UK.
Saya would later manage the Operations Division as well.
Saya allowed Ko Aung Zaw and me to co-author Lecture Guides and Training Manuals for use at UCC.
UN
Saya served as Project Manager / Advisor for UN projects in several countries.
For details
For a detailed story of Saya’s life and work at RIT, UCC and overseas as a UN Advisor, read his articles in English and Burmese. They are available in SCRIB_D.
Saya wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga”
Sayagadaw and Classmate
Saya U Soe Paing in CaliforniaSaya U Soe Paing in New Jersey (2018)Saya U Soe Paing in 2009
Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) was my classmate at RIT.
She and Saya Paing have hosted several UCC mini-gatherings at their house.
At one of the gatherings in 2007, Ko Po (U Htin Kyaw, Peter Wun) not only attended the gathering, but gave me a ride back home. He also briefly mentioned about his four-month detention.
After retirement
After retiring from the UN, Saya would visit UK, USA and Singapore to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
During his trips to New Jersey, there would be several UCC-RIT gatherings.
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69) has hosted the annual RIT-UCC gatherings for a decade or so. He would invite Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Ma Ma Emma to stay at his house. The timing is chosen to coincide with Saya Paing’s visit to New Jersey.
Saya is healthy, but he had two operations :
by-pass heart surgery
surgery for the back
Saya meditates and plays golf. Saya stopped both activities when he had a minor ailment (hurting his back and leg). Per advice of Alice’s medical friends (MEHS Alumni), Saya had a surgery in Singapore.
One day, the people on the UCC ferry shouted, “Saya Paing”. To their amazement, ICS U Paing (Saya’s father) came out.
Saya U Soe Paing is the second son of U Paing and Daw Oo Yin (Daughter of Sir Po Tha and Lady Tha).
Golf Champions
Saya and his siblings Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, ChE70) and U Kyaw Paing (Putra Cup Player) are excellent golfers and Champions at RGC (Rangoon Golf Club) and BGC (Burma Golf Club).
St. Paul’s High School
Saya matriculated from SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) in 1956 along with U Ko Ko Lay, U Win Htein, Percy Maung Maung, U Than Se (Richard Khoo), and U Ba Min.
Saya stood 13th in Matriculation and was awarded Collegiate Scholarship.
Rangoon University
Saya won two Gold Medals for excellence in the Intermediate of Science.
He scored the highest marks in the I.Sc. examinations.
He scored the highest marks in Mathematics in I.Sc. along with two other students.
Since the original endowment for the Gold Medals did not cover the rising cost of Gold, Saya’s family had to give K150 for each Gold Medal.
Saya rowed and coxed at RUBC. Saya won prizes including the Inter-Hall Fours.
Stanford University
Saya was selected as a States Scholar to attend Stanford University along with Saya U Ko Ko Lay and Bohmu Percy.
Saya received his BS and MS in EE (Electrical Engineering).
Saya did programming for his studies and also worked part-time as computer operator.
RIT Electrical
Upon his return to Burma, Saya joined the EE Department as Assistant Lecturer. His sponsor supposedly was UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute).
At a research congress held in the Main Campus, Saya presented a paper covering Digital Logic and Circuits,. Dr. Chit Swe was impressed. Through Saya U Nyi Nyi (EE saya, who moved to the UK), Saya Paing gained contact with Saya Chit. The rest is history.
Saya Paing would help Saya Chit with the UCC Project.
It would take a few years before the UCC Project got approved by UN and funded by UNDP.
UCC – RIT Connection
Saya Paing promised Saya Chit to recruit his top students to join the UCC Project, but the long delay of the Project to get funded made the task difficult.
Ko Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), Ko Hla Min (EC69) and Ko Soe Win (EC70) joined UCC as Maintenance Engineers.
Ko Hla Min (Pauk Si, EP70) joined UCC as Chief Operator.
Ko Aung Myint transferred from the RIT EE Laboratory to join UCC as Maintenance Technician.
UCC
Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division. He managed Maintenance Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, System Programmers and Software Librarian (to name a few).
Saya did another Masters (this time in Computer Science) at Southampton University in UK.
Saya would later manage the Operations Division as well.
Saya allowed Ko Aung Zaw and me to co-author Lecture Guides and Training Manuals for use at UCC.
UN
Saya served as Project Manager / Advisor for UN projects in several countries.
For details
For a detailed story of Saya’s life and work at RIT, UCC and overseas as a UN Advisor, read his articles in English and Burmese. They are available in SCRIB_D.
Saya wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga”
Sayagadaw and Classmate
Saya U Soe Paing in CaliforniaSaya U Soe Paing in New Jersey (2018)Saya U Soe Paing in 2009
Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) was my classmate at RIT.
She and Saya Paing have hosted several UCC mini-gatherings at their house.
At one of the gatherings in 2007, Ko Po (U Htin Kyaw, Peter Wun) not only attended the gathering, but gave me a ride back home. He also briefly mentioned about his four-month detention.
After retirement
After retiring from the UN, Saya would visit UK, USA and Singapore to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
During his trips to New Jersey, there would be several UCC-RIT gatherings.
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69) has hosted the annual RIT-UCC gatherings for a decade or so. He would invite Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Ma Ma Emma to stay at his house. The timing is chosen to coincide with Saya Paing’s visit to New Jersey.
Saya had some medical problems. He had a by-pass heart surgery and surgery for the back.
In the early 70s, New Zealand had an intensive technical training program with the Burmese government, namely the NZ Polytechnic sector and our GTI. One direct, international flight to Myitkyina with staff, teaching equipment and machinery was even made accessible to the NZ government. There is no such program that we know of at University level. However, there have been several at professional level with visits by Myanmar engineers and geologists in the Energy (Oil and Gas, Electricity) sector.
Graduate engineers from Myanmar also arrived in New Zealand in the early-to-mid 1970s. Almost all have settled in the North Island, particularly in Auckland, the City of Sails, which is also known as the gateway to NZ, where it is easier to secure jobs and the weather is relatively warmer. Currently, there are 27 alumni; 4 are architects and the rest, engineers. The most senior member graduated in 1967 and the youngest in 2003. Six are female and notably, two of them (both single) who used to live in Auckland are now working in Australia; one is in Perth, Western Australia working in the mining sector. Just as we are particularly proud of these two remarkably enterprising female alumni, we also take pride in our younger members who are pursuing post-graduate studies in their related fields in NZ.
In terms of Myanmar community functions, we are abreast with our counterparts in Australia, North America (USA) and SE Asia (Singapore). It is our engineering alumni who have, for the past 20 years, spearheaded the annual Thingyan celebrations in Auckland, and more recently, championed other socio-cultural events at our Buddhist monasteries. Although we do not have a formal engineering association per se, we have organized and enjoyed several summer get-together picnics in Auckland. On more than one occasion, our members have attended Myanmar Engineers’ gatherings in Sydney, Australia. In February this year, we successfully organized and celebrated our first “Get Together Auckland 2012” for Myanmar Engineers and Professionals. Of the 44 who attended, 4 were from Australia and 2 from Singapore. We envisage and sincerely hope that more RIT alumni will be able to join us in our future get-together.
Received his Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta
Writings
Pen name is Ba Thein (Altanta)
Wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for Singapore SPZPs.
The topics cover
An Apology to Sayagyi U Ba Toke
Saya S. Arya : Some poked fun at his pronunciation; He complained to Sayagyi U Ba Than
An Echo from RIT
Hovercraft : M73 project
IDC Kerosene Stove : Call for donation to SPZP
GBNF Frequency
Spouse
He found his life love in his old school mate Daw Nyo Nyo Win (T73).
They wed around SPZP-2000.
Present
He gave me a book that he bought in Myanmar. The author Kyi Aye (Yamethin) wrote about Minthuwun, U Tin Aye (Shan Pyay), U Thein Pe Myint, and Daw Khin Kyi.
(1) My Apology to Sayagyi U Ba Toke, Sayas & Sayamas of RIT
Sayas and Sayamas are truly the unsung heroes of our lives. For them, it is hard to know the fruits of their formidable efforts. They have made a positive difference to our lives. However, often they are overlooked in nowadays society. Now, due to the invaluable efforts initiated by a group of people, we have a great opportunity to praise show our gratitude.
I have learned that Sayagyi U Ba Toke will come to the Pu Zaw Pwe, 2000. I am writing this article to apologize for my silly act that I did about some 25 years ago at RIT.
An early afternoon in the beginning of a summer at the RIT. My 6 years of study was close to completion. I was waiting for a mathematics class and standing on the breeze-way which connect the second-floors of the Building 1 and Building 2. The sun was shining well, and as usual, the wind was blowing so strong that the yellow leaves were floating in the turbulent air. The “Kha Yay” trees at the end of the Textile Department are swaying back and forth in the gusty winds. They were reminding me of the unstable, impermanent nature of human life.
I was thinking deeply of the future. “I don’t want to leave the RIT yet. I have enjoyed here very much. What I should do? ” I could not find out any decent means to lengthen my happy student-life at RIT.
The next class at 1 p.m. would be “Selected Topics in Mathematics” taught by Sayagyi U Ba Toke at Room 1/3-16. It was a large lecture theater with about 200 foldable seats, located on the third floor, north-east corner of Building 1, adjacent to Chemistry laboratories.
The bell rang and I went into the class. I took a seat in the rear section of the class. In our class, there were about 120 students. There were only 2 female students in the class so that no much reasons for distractions from paying attention to the teachings. However, I was still thinking deep. Through the wide glass window panes, I could see the F-27 Fokker Friendship airplanes flying in and out of the Mingaladon Airport.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke entered into the class, stepped onto the stage, and immediately started to teach. He said, “Today, I am going to teach ‘Functions and Relations’”. I thought it was a boring topic and would not be much useful in the future. My mind was wandering all over the universe.
Sayagyi’s solid profile standing firmly before the students and his commanding voice were dominating the entire class. I was able to see his joy and enthusiasm on his face. Skillfully using the blackboard, he was explaining articulately about the mathematical functions and its indispensable applications to every discipline of engineering.
Sayagyi continued to talk about the ‘Domain and Range’. A friend sitting next to me made an unfavorable comment, “What is this DOMAIN about? For what use?” I supported his comments by a nod. Just a nod. The disrespectful act returned its reactions about 10 years later.
U Ba Toke
I got a rare and invaluable opportunity to pursue further study in the United States. I was taking a course ‘Viscous Flow Theory’ taught by a well-known professor. There were about 30 students from different parts of the world. About half of them were from Germany, Switzerland, and east-European countries. On that day the professor was talking about the Navier Stokes Equation and its solutions. At one point, he talked about using the ‘time-space DOMAINS’ in the numerical methods to solve the second order – nonlinear partial differential equations.
The word ‘DOMAIN’ shocked me like a thunder. Enormous fear pushed out sweats all over my body. I realized that my bad deed had finally rewarded me the bad result. I didn’t know anything about DOMAIN, except its name. Sayagyi U Ba Toke’s solid figure and his distinctive face appeared on my mind. “Yes, obviously, I did a big mistake. Now, at this place, at this time, who would kindly teach me ‘DOMAINS’. In Rangoon, while Sayagyi U Ba Toke was teaching with great and pure ‘Cetana’, I didn’t take it with respect”. I felt an unforgettable remorse. After this incident, although I paid the price for my bad deed by spending long late-night hours for the whole semester with nightmares to understand the subject, I did not do well at the exam.
Now, welcoming the noble occasion “Saya Pu Zaw Pwe of 2000 at San Francisco”, I do apologize for my unintentional bad deeds to all the Sayas and Sayamas who taught me generously with pure ‘Cetana’. Physically, verbally, and mentally, from the deep bottom of my heart, I do beg your kind pardon.
For any failure or obstacle in my studies in the past, present, and future, it is entirely due to my incompetence, NOT because of the teachings of my Sayas and Sayamas at RIT were inferior.
The primary reason why I am surviving today is the invaluable-unparalleled teachings of my Sayas and Sayamas of RIT. I would like to exclaim that “What our Sayas and Sayamas taught at RIT is ‘Absolutely Superior’ to the teachings at all over the other engineering universities in the world.”
Yours Respectfully, Ba Thein Atlanta, GA
(2) Saya S. Arya and Sayagyi U Ba Than
U Ba Than
Under the leadership of Ko Maurice Chee (M75), a group of RIT alumni is planning to honor Ko Hla Min. To keep RIT alumni connected and informed, since 1999 Ko Hla Min has voluntarily tirelessly posted weekly RIT-Updates. While reading his recent RIT-Updates, I remembered an event happened in our third year 1970.
During our six years at RIT, most of Mechanical students have almost never seen laughing or smiles of our Sayagyi U Ba Than and Sayagyi U Aung Khin. In third year Sayagyi U Ba Than taught us a major engineering subject “Strength of Materials”. Then, the typical class format was a 50-minute lecture followed by 50-minute tutorial classes comprised of 30-35 students.
Saya Arya
Saya Arya was one of the tutorial teachers. Since his parents are Indian descendants, Saya Arya’s accent on Strength of Materials terminologies and vocabularies were unique and distinctive.
In the class of 1966-1972 Mechanical, there were some life-is-so-good die-hard native-Rangoon day-students included. They were neither quiet nor strictly-obedient students. Since they were one year senior to us, we learned and inherited a lot of extra-curricular activities, trades, and tricks from them.
One day, news went viral. The event took place in the tutorial class room on the third floor, near the English Department. In the tutorial class, while Saya Arya was writing differential equations on the blackboard, students were teasing and playing each other behind him. One of them threw a ZeeThee to his friend sitting in the front row. It missed him – hit the desk – bounced and hit the blackboard. Without delay, Saya Arya asked the class: “ZeeThee pauk tar Bu Thu Le ?”
One or two students answered promptly: “Bu Thee Booo”.
Saya Arya rushed to Sayagyi U Ba Than’s office. A group of students were summoned and questioned. They explained and appealed. Sayagyi U Ba Than could not hold his straight tight face and broke into laugh. Only a few students would know the exact true story what happened.
After the incident, there were floating quotes in the RIT campus for a while. Questions and Answers. If somebody threw paper-arrows from behind, then asked:
. . . Bu Thoo Le ? . . . . Bu Thee Booo !
It was 46+ years ago. In the evenings and weekends, yells and shouts occasionally roamed on the broad windy empty corridors of RIT. The clocks hanging overhead did not mind. Swel Daw trees were green and thrived and bloomed.
During the Adhamma era, our mother RIT was labelled “The Mother of The Rebels”. Swel Daw trees were also punished. With tears, we heard and read the news. Now, the situations of the mother country have been changed, generally. Mother RIT is welcoming back her sons and daughters coming back from the other side of the world. In this coming December last-week of 2016, mother RIT is going to celebrate Global RIT Reunion.
Last 17 years, in his weekly RIT Updates “Gone But Not Forgotten” (GBNF), U Hla Min has occasionally posted the short bios of RIT alums who have abruptly or unwillingly or unexpectedly left us. Gone with The Wind.
For some of 1960s and 1970s graduates mother RIT born, this Reunion may be the last one to meet and hug their classmates together at this very holy place.
Thanks,
May All You See Broad Smiles Again.
Myint Thein (M 73)
(3) An Echo from RIT
by Maung Ba Thein (Atlanta)
In October 1999, I visited my alma mater, RIT. I was very excited to see the campus totally green covered by grown trees. According to the newspapers, in 1999 the rainfall was the highest in Yangon since 1872, one year after the precipitation data were started to record at Kaba Aye station.
First I went to the main portico. Its splendid 12 columns were standing straight and firm in the morning sun. With dignity, they were still sustaining the weight of huge concrete roof. I suffered a sad feeling of having to leave them behind. I was standing still for a moment on its steps. From there, I saw the windy space right under the ‘Set Hmu Hall’. There used to be Registrar U Hla’s office on the left, a big bulletin board and the library on the right, and in the middle two English newspaper reading-stands (Guardian and Working People’s Daily provided by the registrar’s office). At this place every morning we would stand and explore the outside world’s events during the height of the Vietnam War. It used to be so windy at this place that while reading we had to use our both hands to hold down the newspaper.
I walked to the east of main building. I came across an old green Mazda pickup truck anchored in the car parking lot. It might be at least 35 years old and expired. It took me back to the days at RUBC. This old truck had served us as a ferry to RUBC at Inya Lake from RIT and Thazin Hall (Hlaing Campus), 3 afternoons a week for two years. Sometimes two trips a day. Because of its transportation, we successfully recruited female members to our RIT Rowing Club. At the 1972 RUBC Annual Regatta, RIT Rowing Club competed in full strength including (for the first time) 4 crew of Women’s Eight, breaking our RIT Rowing Club’s tradition of ‘All Guys’.
I walked to the north along the concrete driveway, made a pause between Buildings 1 and 2, and looked up. I saw the corridors where we used to stand, watch, shout, cheer, and laugh. On these corridors, our butts and the floors had kissed each other uncountable times during the rainy seasons.
I continued roaming down the road. The trees were still welcoming me. All were green and had grown well. On my left I could see the Building 2 where Departments of Textile, Electrical, Mining & Petroleum, Physics, and machine shops were located. On my right, in the lower triangular terrain, annexed Buildings 5, 6, 7, and 8 where housed the Architecture, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering Departments were sitting quietly under the blazing sun. I heard a jet flew out of the Mingaladon Airport making a loud roar.
At the Mechanical Engineering Department, I met Saya U Khin Mg Tin and Saya U Kyaw Aye. I was looking for Saya Arya (Strength of Materials) to apologize him. Instead of learning respectfully what he taught in the class, I made jokes with my classmates on his accent. For these silly acts, (in the past, present, everyday, everywhere) I was/am paying the price. Many people hardly understand my speaking. For me – frustrations, arguments, ridicule, shame, unconstrained anger, refusals for the service, etc. You name it. I had it. They were common for me.
At the Metallurgy Department, I met Saya U Tin Mg Nyunt and U Nyunt Htay. We went to the food court. The restaurants ‘Nway-Aye’ and Aung Theik Pan’ were still running. I assumed that the cafe owned by ‘U Chit of Blacksmith’ would be also doing well. In the courtyard the Padauk trees were growing well and providing the patrons a green canopy.
On the other side of the concrete driveway, I could see the soccer-field where we enjoyed crazily in the mud and rain like buffaloes. Our “loyal fans” of the G-Hall might be watching our games or might be suppressing their intense hunger watching the clock for dinner. In reality, they saw us as the reincarnations of the ‘Ah Yee Gyees’ (who faithfully practiced self-torturing exercises to purge their body from Kilesa (mental defilement) of the Bagan era before His Majesty King Anawrahta stripped them off, booted out from their dwellings, and sent to the elephant and horse stalls to pick up the animal-made fertilizers.
The trees had grown so well that I could hardly see our great sisters’ G-Hall. Next I saw were the infirmary and the resident quarter for the faculty and staff.
Then I went to the west of the main building to see the small entrance behind the BPI bus stop on Yangon-Insein Road. On Friday mornings, we used to buy the ‘Set Hmu Thadin Zin’ at this gate. I was surprised to see that the entrance had been widened to about 10 feet.
In our days, it was only about 3 feet wide. Two students could barely pass simultaneously this gate without touching each other. To emphasize the width of the entrance, one of my friends used to brag that “In this RIT campus, there were many female students who were Ma’ Loot Ma’ Kinn Phyit with me”.
I came back to the oval lawn in front of the main portico. There was no water rising into the air at the fountain as it was the same in our days. However, flowers were blooming. I learned that there was a graduation ceremony on that morning for completing a diploma program. I saw some young female students with brand-new crispy dresses moving to and fro in the oval garden. Some of them were standing / sitting / lying on the grass in a variety of postures for the zooming cameras. A great photo-opportunity for them at this age, time, and place. I stood gazing at their agility, youth, and smiles. I was thinking very deeply.
In the south, I could see the dormitories A, B, C, and D Halls sitting quietly at a distance waiting for my visit. Again, my mind took me back to the old days.
Suddenly, I thought I heard – from a 30-year distance – somebody from the top-floor corridor of hostel A-Hall roared like a lion at his highest volume: Ma’ Pyawwww Ma’ Sheee Ja Ne Byoooooooow !
A long echo followed. All residents of A-Hall came out of their rooms and joined their leader’s wake-up call by beating loudly nearby bathing-utensils, pots, and pans. And a trembling noise like a thunder.
Today, welcoming the upcoming noble occasion and recalling the echo and tremble which I used to hear often at RIT, let me hail again. Ma’ Pyaww Ma’ Sheee Ja Ne Byoooow !
We are going to have a once-in-a-life-time gathering at ‘Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and RIT Grand Reunion’ in San Francisco on October 28-29, 2000.
(4) GBNF Frequency
Once, I have learned:
Into the Highlands of The Mind, Let Me Go !
From U Hla Min’s RIT Updates, I read from time to time “Gone But Not Forgotten” (GBNF) news of our RIT brothers and sisters. Recently, I sadly noticed that frequency and recurrence of GBNF news is alarming. Generally, most of us have understood and accepted the occurrence of inevitable death. However, when we face the reality and imminent nearness or arrival of death, it is extremely hard (even to learn GBNF news) for us to cope with. Oh, he/she has gone. He/she did not even say goodbye. Probably, he/she might be so exhausted . . . wrestling tackling and defending the arrival of his/her last breath.
[Yours Truly Falsely (YTF) Notes:] In the not-very-olden days or socialist-shining-glorious days of 1970s of Burma, at funeral wakes and viewings . . friends and relatives used to gather, sit + talk + chew some seeds . . . kind of Kwar-Ce-Hlor or Ney-Gyar-Ce seeds (water melon seeds and sunflower seeds).
YTF doesn’t dare to let anybody near him knows, especially his nephews/nieces or any relatives friends, whenever suffer uncomfortable health problems. Because, YTF have surely noticed that . . .whenever he began just having some intermittent/continuous coughing . . . all of his nephews nieces of near and far associates went out and bought Kwar-Ce-Hlor and Nay-Gyar-Ce . . . make ready, unwaveringly sat and waited . . . anticipating willingly naively for YTF’s demise.
[Confidential, Top secret, bottom Open]. In reality, there may be nobody around him, IF they know YTF = “Naing-gan-jar-pyan RIT Alumni (Return form Abroad, RIT Descendant) has prepared a Will with Nothing for them. They do not know YTF’s regular contributions to Academy Minn Thar Gyi Ko Kyaw Thu + Associates’ Free Funeral Service Society (FFSS).
Am I prepared, Now ? None ! Nothing !
YTF is Still Extremely Greedy.
Wealth under his holy Mattress. Daily counting and re-counting.
At every AM and every PM.
The Guinness Book of World Records might keep my name on top in Greed category.
Yours Truly Falsely, Maung Ba Thein, Atlanta.
Myint Thein, 1973 Mechanical of RIT.
(5) M73 Hovercraft Project
Dear Saya U Kyaw Sein and U Hla Min,
With respect, regarding the Hovercraft built by mechanical RIT students, I would like to supplement a piece of information on Hovercraft of RIT.
I am not aware of any information about the thesis or papers existed before 1973, related to the Hovercraft. This Hovercraft physical-model, based on a lawn mower, was built by a team led by Saya U Tu Myint and a group of 1973 final-year Mechanical students. They include
Ko Hla Win (Mechanical One)
Ko Khin Maung Cho (Lu Ye Chun)
Don D Silver
Saxon Sein
They were among the top students of our class. The Hovercraft was successfully tested in the lake located near the Insein Locomotive yards. Ko Hla Win is now working in Singapore. On those days, many people wished to have a test drive of this craft.
While training hard in Inya Lake – Rangoon University Boat Club, (where we were dreaming under the scorching sun of becoming RUBC golds) sometimes we missed the classes. Ko Hla Win often kindly shared us his lecture-notes, learning, knowledge, and also, of course, his neatly completed solved home works. Our group, senior members of RIT Rowing Club of 1972-73, owe Ko Hla Win and his Hovercraft-group a lot for their precious kindness and help, which also contributed to our successful graduation from RIT.
In Saya U Kyaw Sein’s Facebook RIT photos (one posted by Ko Thura Thant Zin), 1972-73 RIT Rowing Club photo shows our group (none of us were physically big-tall Goliath). Two of our friends have prematurely – permanently left this world. I wish they should have waited to witness the revival of our Mother RIT and Mother country.
[Dr.] Myint Thein (M73)
(6) IDC Keresone Stove
Dear U Hla Min + RIT Brothers + Sisters:
.. who were/are tirelessly offering participating joining efforts, energy and time .. planning organizing implementing SPZP-2012 and Revitalization of our Mother-RIT.
In late 1960s, when I relocated to Rangoon, I used to read in newspapers that .. for kerosene stoves – manufactured by IDC (Industrial Development Corporation), Burma:
“Meeee-Hpo Pyet Yin – Pyitt Ma Htarr Par Ne. Kyune-Daw Arrrr Gyeee Ceit Soe De”. {Don’t leave Your Stove Broken – I am Extremely Annoyed. Advertisement by IDC Yay-Nan-Cee MeeePho}.
Recently, reliable news arrived. Under new Management – new Leaderships – new System .. our Mother-RIT has been re-opened. Naively, I am pleased. NOW, at least we see the dawn. Reclaiming the RIT Glorious status which we have held and enjoyed is not a quick and easy task. However, it is not an impossible dream. If we can realize our Mother-RIT’s recovery within a decade, I would claim “An Unbelievable Success”.
It took more than 60 years of precious intellectual investments for Mother-RIT to attain internationally recognized position and to stand up distinctly among Asia countries .. so that, again, it will take considerable time to successfully regain recover her strength and vigor.
I was not aware of, (also did not believe/accept) that our Mother-RIT was virtually closed. I assumed those news are rumors. I thought, there might have been a few undisclosed issues those I missed and should be aware of. I did not know that although it was a public university, it became a place of OFF-limits .. for general public and her alumni.
Once, at the entrance U Lu Paw gate, surprisingly I was denied – declined to see my alma mater. It was totally unexpected and I was well stranded. Fortunately, an abrupt heavy downpour of Rangoon’s monsoon rain came down in that early morning – (May be sofa couch of our Celestial King (Tha-Gyar-Minn) had abnormally become rigid-firm-tense) .. my former class-mate who was an RIT retired-professor suddenly emerged at the gate. I was very much elated. I strongly believed that savior has answered my call. He bailed me out. And then I was unconditionally allowed to enter and see my Mother-RIT.
My friend-professor gave me a short brisk tour in the rain. I observed the changes from a substantial distance. I saw our old RIT-Clinic which we often-refuge was still active and breathing well in good shape. Also, A – B – C – D – E- F halls for male students and their once always-busy noisy pots and pans .. open dining-hall .. all were still standing up, except no inhabitant. No smoke at-all.
From a distance, in the rain, I saw a pretty big rocket standing-tall in front of G-Hall. May be it was one of the latest RIT defense Surface to Air Missile systems .. promoting guarding our forever-young treasures RIT-Sisters.
Also, RIT football field was under fertile management by Ministry of Agriculture. We used to play in this holy field in non-negotiable mud .. like water-buffaloes .. under heavy rains. I saw all were green under thick vegetation. May be maintenance budget has been cut.
Across the soccer-field, RIT food-court. I was sure it was not a botanical garden. It used to be a pivotal place bee-hive in our days. It looked like an abandoned island ghost town. I did not see any moving-being any moving-species or moving-object in the food-court. It was totally closed and silent. It’s silence recalled a phrase in my mind. A sign posted at the entry of a food-stall. It read: Ya-Nay Ah-Kyway Loane-Wa Ma-Yaung Ber. (Today – Absolutely, No Credit-Sales). May be too-many student-debtors who no longer afford to pay their debts and declared bankrupt and left the school. National economy might be slightly down.
Not to blame anybody. Mother-RIT is 50 plus years old. In a tropical-season .. under intense wet-hot-dry cycle conditions. Her superstructure seems to be normal. Only inevitable normal wear and tear may be. However, if we don’t attend her (care and maintain), she may expire prematurely.
Now, I think, favorable Time and Tide have arrived. I do not know “How long it will be like under this situation?”.
Now, during this High Tide and Wind (impermanent, always changing),
Now, RIT able-bodied Brothers and Sisters are Tirelessly pushing/pulling .. our abandoned grounded Mother-ship RIT .. to get-off the ground .. Tow to the shore .. for immediate essential repairs.
And then . . resume Her Sails . . Her Heads High-Up in the prevailing Wind . . holding a Huge Genuine Smile on Her Face.
While we were Crocodiles, practicing rowing in Inya Lake Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC, often . . we were prompted by the cox’s call, to move our oars forward-ready position,
Come Forward ! ! !
Please, don’t seek advice from your spouse.
Bring your Cash, Check-book or Genuine Cey-Ta-Nar.
Sincere Salutations to all my RIT Brothers and Sisters – – for your enormous efforts,
[Dr.] Myint Thein 1973 Mechanical, RIT. San Francisco, CA.
Saya is the eldest of five siblings. Youngest brother & youngest sister predeceased him. Younger brother is in Yangon. Younger sister in the US East Coast.
Thingyan
Thingyan
C58
Graduated with Civil Engineering in 1958
Classmates : Dr. San Hla Aung, Dr. Win Thein (GBNF), Khin Mg Win (Sid, GBNF), Oscar Sharazee
C58
RIT Saya
Joined Civil Engg Dept as Assistant Lecturer
Masters from Harvard; Also took courses at MIT (e.g. “SCHEME” / Lexically scoped Lisp)
Programmed his calculator using Reverse Polish Notation
Promoted to Lecturer
President, RIT Photography Association
Supervised C73 Final Year project, where his students — Dennis Mackey & George Peters — used UCC computer.
UN Project
Advisor in Bengladesh
SF Bay Area
SF Bay Area Alumni Group
Leader of SF Bay Area Group, which formed “RIT Alumni International”
SF Bay Area Alumni
Founding member & President of RIT Alumni International
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. His article “Brother, can you afford $500 and more?” saved the organizers from U Nyo Win’s Act.
Took me to BAPS picnic. Demonstrated “Burmese Goodbye” by taking an hour to greet alumni on the way back to his car.
To avoid monotony, he took a different route going out and coming back. He did not mind missing an exit; he would simply make a turn at the next one.
He, Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Ko Ko Aye (GBNF), Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me would meet monthly to have Coffee / Tea & Dosa တိုရှည် and chat.
Sometimes, Dr. San Lin would come down from Santa Rosa to see Saya U Soe Khaw (GBNF). Saya Allen & I would join them for lunch gathering, which extended until dinner.
With Dr. San Lin
Saya is interested in Comparative Religion & Culture. Saya U Aung’s anecdote mentioned Saya’s visit to a mosque & Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore.
Saya retired twice.
Was coaxed by his former students to un-retire twice. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) requested him to work at the Lawrence Livermore Lab at UC Berkeley. Later, Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) requested him to work as Consultant for CalTrans.
Passed away before his final retirement.
Health
Survived two Strokes.
Succumbed to the Stroke at the MEHS Reunion in Las Vegas. He accompanied his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin (MEHS57) to the Reunion.
Did not live long enough to see his four grandsons. Two have “Allen” in their names.
May he rest in peace.
Donations
In Saya’s memory, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Sayas’ books to YTU Library. She also offered scholarship to eligible YTU students via NorCal RITAA.
Two Sayas
Brief Bio
Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin
Born in Mandalay, attended St. Joseph English Convent and St. Peter’s Boys’ School in Mandalay and the Methodist High School in Rangoon.
Graduated B Sc (Engg) in Civil Engineering in 1958 from Rangoon University and joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer in the same year at the invitation of Prof T Ba Hli, then Dean of Engineering.
Awarded the Burmese Government State Scholarship for study in the United States from 1960 to 1963, and the US Government Fulbright Travel Grant.
Received the degree of Master of Engineering from Harvard University in 1963, specializing in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.
Returned to Burma and joined the newly formed Rangoon Institute of Technology in Gyogon.
Served as Lecturer in Civil Engineering from 1964 to 1975, except from 1966 to 1968 which was spent on advanced study in Hydraulics Engineering in the Netherlands at Delft Technical University under UNESCO assistance program for Burma.
Immigrated to USA in 1975. Currently working at the California Department of Transportation as Project Engineer.
Married to Mu Mu Kin in 1971 and have two surviving children, Myo Lynn and Thuzar Kin. Mu Mu works at TIBCO Software Inc in Palo Alto to supplement the family income.
Work Experience:
Soils Engineer: Mueser Rutledge Wentworth and Johnston, New York, NY, 1975-1978.
Washington DC Metro Subway Project. Civil Engineer: International Engineering Company, Inc, San Francisco, CA, 1978-1983.
USAID Bangladesh Fertilizer Warehouses Construction Project.
Senior Staff Engineer: Morrison Knudsen Corporation, San Francisco, CA, 1984-1996.
DOE Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project.
Principal Research Associate: Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 1997.
DOE Yucca Mountain High Level Radioactive Materials Repository Project.
Transportation Engineer: California Department of Transportation, Oakland, CA, 1999-.
My dear parents gave me birth and brought me up to be a good son. My teachers taught me everything else I know. My land of birth, Myanmar, through the sweat and hard work of its citizens supported and paid for my engineering education and my studies abroad. To each and everyone I am obligated and I give my thanks. For it is narrated in Al-Hadith that one who does not thank one another in this life even for little favors is unworthy to thank the Lord for the big favor.
Civil 1958
Class photo was sent by Saya Allen
Dr San Hla Aung helped to identify classmates
U Khin Maung Win (Sidney Chen, GBNF) supplied the photograph.
Class of Civil 58
Sitting: (1) U Pu (2) Dr. Aung Gyi (3) U Min Wun (4) U Ba Hli (5) Mr. Redpath (6) U Ngwe Thein (7) Mr. Eswara (8) Mr. Num Kock
1st Row: (1) Khin Maung (2) Than Aung (3) Htay Aung (4) Khin Maung Lwin (5) Kyaw Tin (6) Win Thein (7) Chit Pe (8) Shwe Tun Maung (9) Win Maung (10) Thein Lwin (11) Tun Yi (12) Than Pe
2nd Row: (1) V. Kumar (2) Kyaw Hoe (3) Allen Htay (4) Ba Hnin Chit (5) Kyaw Mya (6) Kyaw Din (7) Irwin Myaing (8) Chit Aye (9) Maung Maung (10) Nolan Wu (11) Morgan Singar
3rd Row: (1) Patrick George (2) Oscar Shirazee (3) Hla Shwe (4) Aung Par Thein (5) Saw Lwin (6) San Hla Aung (7) Shwe Win (8) Douglas Hoe (9) Sidney Chen
Notes
There was a mini-gathering at SPZP-2000. The attendees include
Mr. Num Kok (Portland, Oregon, GBNF)
Dr. Aung Gyi (Ottawa, Canada)
U Min Wun (Los Angeles, California, GBNF)
Allen Htay (Mountain View, California, GBNF)
Dr. San Hla Aung (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Oscar Shirazee (Middle East)
When Sidney Chen’s health was failing, his daughter requested us to let his classmates and friends know that he was eager to regain contact with them. Sadly, he passed away.
Mr. Oscar and U Aye Win Hlaing used to work in Iran many years ago. Mr. Oscar’s spouse is the sister of U Ngwe Zoe (Peter, SPHS57, GBNF).
Due to schedule conflicts, Saya Dr. San Hla Aung could not attend some SPZPs. He retired at the age of 80. He is now free to attend many SPZPs.
Saya Dr. Win Thein (GBNF) succeeded Saya U Min Wun as Professor & Head of the Department. Except for a warning sign from an early Medical check up, he was healthy. He passed away in Yangon. His sister has donated Saya’s Garawa money to selected Charities.
Brother, can you afford Five Hundred Dollars?
And many weekends spent away from your family as well? If you can then you probably are a member of the RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe organizing committee.
It all began one day several months ago when we met over lunch at Benny Tan’s home in Hillsborough. Ko Hla Min and Ko Khin Maung Zaw among the lunch party had started the RIT Alumni website and were receiving enthusiastic responses. Hearing that the duo were carrying on the project all by themselves we decided to throw in our moral and financial support to assure its survival, realizing that it was providing a needed service for the RIT alumni to locate and communicate with each other. Every one present, ten of us at that time, took out our checkbooks and wrote out one hundred dollars each, with promises of more as needed. We informally called ourselves the RIT Alumni Bay Area Group. I was asked to be the group leader.
After that fateful event we continue to have regular meetings, hosted in turn at the homes of some among group members: Ko Hla Min, Maurice Chee, Ko Myat Htoo, Ko Thein Aung, and most recently Dr Nyo Win. Did I leave out any one? Ah yes! Ko Myint Swe and San San Swe. All the while the membership continues to grow and our objective keeps on changing from support of the website to some vague dream of a future RIT alumni organization on a global scale and finally settled on a plan for RIT Alumni Grand Reunion at the beginning of the 21st Century. Ko Hla Min broached the idea to include Saya Pu Zaw Pwe as part of the Grand Reunion in keeping with the Myanmar custom of honoring one’s teachers. As our plan jelled we got carried away by our own excitement and started talking about holding the reunion before the end of the Year 2000. After all, ending one millennium successfully augers well for success in the next millennium.
Before we fully realized what we were up to we have found an ideal site, the Embassy Suites Hotel conference hall near the San Francisco International Airport, and found ourselves making a commitment for a definite date, 28 October 2000 and a attendance fee of fifty dollars, a modest amount to encourage maximum number of Alumni to participate. The minimum capacity of the conference hall is 200 seats and we were required to make down payment and sign a rental and service agreement based on 200 seats. Our most optimistic estimate at the time was 100 attendees. If the attendance is low that means the Bay Area Group, as the Organizing Committee was not in force at the time, will have to make up the short fall. Which could amount to as much as five thousand dollars, or five hundred dollar from each group member. We hesitated a moment to reflect on what that means to us individually in terms of diminished spending power. But, in the end our attachment to RIT and the engineering profession, our sincere desire to meet the Sayas and class mates from whom we were separated for long over came us. We will accept the risks.
Thus was born the preparations in full swing for the Grand RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Others must tell the rest of the story – of struggles, compromises, and elations along the way and from participants themselves what it means to be present at the defining moment in the history of RIT Alumni.
Allen Htay, RIT Alumni International – Bay Area Group RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe Organizing Committee
Appreciation of SPZP-2000
Hello All:
Thanks and Congratulations for a well organized and well executed event. I believe we all went to bed early Sunday night irrespective of the change back to Standard Time (from Daylight Savings Time according to the rule “Spring forward, Fall back”) , and no doubt slept soundly and very happy, knowing full well what happened during the past three days is more than what we dared to dream. I for one took the Monday off and forgot lunch because I woke up so late. But what is one missed lunch!
Allen Htay
____
Dear Ko Maung Maung Than (M79):
Thanks for your note of appreciation for the RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Everybody chipped in: the sayas, organizers, committee members, helpers, supporters like you which we were very fortunate to have, the alumni and general guests and well-wishers. We won’t be able to host an event of this magnitude and importance if any of the components were missing.
Success belongs to everyone.
Thanks again for your generous support
Allen Htay
Remembering Saya Allen Htay
From Saya U Thit
Dear Colleagues and students
I am very sad to hear that Allen Htay passed away.
I have known Allen Htay since the early 1950s when we were both students at Methodist High School, Yegyaw, East Yangon. He was one year junior to me.
We were together again in the late 1950s when we were both Assistant Lecturers at B.O.C. Engineering College. During that time he and I together with Saya Num Kock and Saya U Aung Khin went for an excursion to visit Lawpita Hydroelectric Plant construction site near Loikaw, in Kayah State.
While I was living on the R.I.T. campus in the early 1960s he moved to a house just across the street from us.
I will always remember him coming to our house many times in the evenings for a chat with my family.
The last time I saw him was at the 2004 Saya Puzawpwe in Yangon.
He will be sadly missed by many of his friends and students.
May his soul rest in Peace.
Maung Thit (Metallurgy) Melbourne, Australia
From alumni in Australia
By Ko “Henry” Thet Tun
Our sincere and deepest condolences to Saya U Allen Htay & family for the demise of Saya.
From the RIT Alumni Australia & Myanmar Engineering Association of Australia Inc.
From Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) & Lily (T72)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
We are very much saddened by the departure of Saya Allen Htay. Please convey our heartfelt condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. His good nature and kind demeanor will always live in our memory and that of those who loved him.
While we will all miss Saya Allen very much, I hope all his loved ones can find some slight comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended.
Very Sincerely, Tin Win and Lily.
From Ko Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Without the RIT Alumnu Updates, I would not have known about the passing of our (me and George Peters) final year thesis supervisor Saya U Allen Htay.
Thank you for your regular as well as supplement updates.
Please convey our deepest condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of great loss and sadness.
Best regards, Dennis (Kyaw Thu) (C73) & Alice U
Editor’s Notes: Dennis & Alice moved to Canada.
From Saya U Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint
My friend Allen Htay (GBNF)
Some years ago I wrote an article for the ex-RIT.org about my saya friends at RIT which included Allen Htay.
I met Allen Htay when I joined the 1st Year BSc (Engg) class at the Faculty of Engineering at Leikkhone in 1958 .Ko San Hla Aung was our drawing instructor for the main majors (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), and Allen Htay was the instructor for the rest.
In December1958, I went on State Scholarship to Stanford University. When I returned home after completing my studies, I found myself on the same ship S S Warickshire from Liverpool to Yangon with Allen Htay, Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri Eng) and Ko Ko Lay (UCC). There was also another Myanmar Ko Than Pe, a Chartered Accountant, on the ship. Those days it was customary for the Government to send the returning scholars by ship.
We normally had our meals together seated at the Chief engineer’s table. After dinner we would play bridge to spend the time. Ko Ko Lay partnered with Ko Tin Maung Nyunt and Allen Htay and Ko Than Pe took turns as my partner against them. We played almost every night after dinner and all of us became very good friends.
We got back to Yangon in October 1963. Allen Htay rejoined RIT. I was posted to RIT in January 1964 and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt in March 1964 and so we were together again. When I got married and moved into the RIT staff quarters I was at 16F, Allen Htay at 16E and Ko Tin Maung at 16D. We visited each others house very often. We also became friendly with Allen Htay’s brothers and sisters.
I have attached a photo taken during Thingyan 1966 with Allen Htay (2nd from left) and his youngest brother (extreme right).
I left RIT for UCC and the UN, and Allen Htay and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt went to the United States. All of us met gain in the Bay Area in 1985, 2001 and 2010. I saw Allen Htay at the RIT reunions in 2004 (Yangon), 2007 and 2010 (Singapore).
He could not make it to the 2012 reunion in Yangon because of his health. He was a mild mannered soft spoken gentleman and we will all miss him. May he rest in peace.
Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s Spouse)
“Let me count the ways [to love]” by Elizabeth Browning is a poem present by Ma Ma Mu to Saya Allen.
Donations in Saya Allen’s Memory
In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin
donated Saya’s books to YTU Library
provided cabinets for Saya’s books
sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students
Ko Maurice Chee (M75) coordinated the donation of books.
NorCal RITAA and some volunteer alumni from Yangon coordinated the selection of scholarship recipients.
Less than 10% passed the Matric exam in the early days.
A few (e.g U Ba Khin who stood First in Burma) chose to work instead of attending RU.
It was an honor to prefix one’s name with Tekkatho တက္ကသိုလ် or University.
Khin Nyo wrote: Absolutely right. I think in 1957 only 2% Passed and the total is 20000. Even dancer AmarSein was conferred with the title Thekkatho Amar Sein by the Rector Dr Tha Hla.
Tekaktho Moe War (U Moe Aung)
U Moe Aung
Student Days
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio.
EC, RU Kalaung Ah Thin
RU Association
Editor, RUESU Annual Magazine for 1960 – 61
RUESU Magazine
RIT Days
Electrical Engineering Saya at RIT
EE SayasU Moe Aung & U Sein Maung
Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazine
Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
Co-leader, Swel Daw Yeik Troupe (Ah Nyeint, Htee Yein, Ta Bin Daing Ah Ka) at RU Golden Jubilee in 1970
Singapore Days
Worked in Singapore
Chair, SPZP-2002 & SPZP-2010 (in Singapore)
Editor / Publisher, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010
Organizer, Alumni Activities (e.g Thingyan)
Post Retirement
Moved back to Myanmar
Taught refresher courses (e.g. Electrical Saftey) at Electrical Inspectorate
Kept mind alert by writing poems & articles in weekly publications
Patron, SDYF; Composed & performed SDY Song
Entertainment for SPZP-2012 & SPZP-2016
Publications
Distinguished Writer, Poet, Editor & Publisher
Editor, RUESU Annual Magazine
Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazine for more than a decade
Chief Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
Chief Editor, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010 in Singapore
Chief Editor, Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu in 2014 & SPZP-2016 in Yangon
Kabyars — solo; with RIT poets; with former EC members of RU Kalaung Ah Thinn
Book 1Book 2Book 3Book 4
Books — Collection of articles; Collection of poem
We use GBNF for those who are Gone But Not Forgotten.
Some use RIP (Rest in Peace), BFHA (Bound For Heavenly Abode) and similar terms.
GBNF Posts
GBNF by Calendar Year
GBNF of RIT Sayas
GBNF of RIT Alumni
GBNF of Organizers
GBNF of Sponsors & Donors
GBNF for SPHS
GBNF for UCC
GBNF (General — Sayadaws, Doctors, Family members, Friends)
Some Groups (e.g 69ers, 1st BE Intake of 64) maintain GBNF lists.
Class of 58
Saya U Htin Paw (EE), Saya U Ba Nyunt (EE), Saya Allen Htay (C), Saya Dr. Win Thein (C) & U Khin Maung Win (Sid, C) are some GBNF from the Class
Class of Civil 1958
Saya Allen Htay (C)
Saya Allen Htay
Founding member & President of RIT Alumni International which hosted SPZP-2000.
Passed away in California, USA.
See Posts
Dr. Win Thein (C)
Dr. Win Thein
Retired as Professor & Head of Civil Engineering.
His sister donated Saya’s Garawa money to various charities.
See Posts
Class of 59
U Bo Gyi (C), Saya U Tin Hlaing (M) are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
U Bo Gyi
Class of 60
U Kin Maung Yin (A), Saya Dr. Maung Maung Win (ChE), U Than Tin (M) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
Dr. Maung Maung WinKin Maung Yin
Class of 61
Dr. San Tint (EE), Daw Tin Tin Ohn (T), Dr. Julie Han (T) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
Dr. San Tint
Class of 62
Saya S. Arya (M) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
S Arya
Class of 63
U Myint Lwin (Henry, C), Saya U Soe Lwin (M), U Shwe Kyaw (M), U Soe Min (EE), U Nyi Nyi (EE), U Chin Way (EE) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
EE Sayas
Class of 64
U Than Tun (A), Saya U Win Maung (C) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
Class of 65
Saya U Kyaw Sein (M), Saya U Myo Win (M) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
U Kyaw Sein
Class of 66
U Ne Win Myint (ChE) …
U Saw Lwin has a list of GBNF for C66
See Posts
Ne Win Myint (Center)
Class of 67
Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A), U Win Thein (M), U Kyaw Oo (M), U Aung Myint (M), Saya Dr. Chan Nyein (M), Saya U Tin Maung Oo (M), Daw Nancy (EC), U Myint Kyaw (EC) are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
U Win Thein (M)
Win Thein
Founded Set Hmu Thadin Zin.
Organizer for Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn and several RIT events.
Class of 68
Saya Sai Yee Leik (A), Saya U Myint Soe (C), Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE), U Tun Aung (Jeffrey, EC), U Thein Zaw (Joe, EC), U Soe Myint Lwin (EP), U Saw Win (EE), Daw Mya Mya Than (EP) are some GBNF from the Class
See posts
U Tun Aung (Jefferey, EC)
U Tun Aung (GBNF)
Founding member and past President of BASES.
Passed away on October 5, 2021.
See Posts
U Soe Myint Lwin (EP)
Memorial Service for U Soe Myint LwinSoon Kwyay Invitation for U Soe Myint Lwin
Played Soccer for Burma, RU & RIT.
Was EC of the Burma Women’s Soccer Federation.
Passed away in 2017.
See Posts
69ers
U Aung Min
In November 1964, three Intakes were admitted to RIT.
Most from the 2nd BE Intake graduated in 1969.
They and former classmates — some who left earlier & some who Sabbatical — are called 69ers (or RIT Class of 69++).
69er GBNF
U Aung Min (M69) & team maintain the GBNF list for 69ers.
Over 40% of the 69ers are GBNF.
About 20 members succumbed to Covid.
See posts
U Han Sein (C)
Han Sein
Represented RIT in Swimming, Water Polo, Diving & Basketball.
Prisoner of Conscience for 17 years.
U Aye Lwin (M)
Aye Lwin
Secretary of RIT Annual Magazine Committee & RIT Mechanical Engineering Association.
Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Class of 70
(Intake of 64)
U Ohn Khine
U Ohn Khine (M70) and team maintain the GBNF list the Group.
About 140 members are GBNF.
Four top students from the Intake — Tommy Shwe, Cho Aye, Peter Pe & Steeve Kay — are GBNF
See posts
Class of 71
Did not receive official GBNF list
U Myint Thin (M71), Daw Than Than Yi (T71) are some GBNF from the Class
See posts
Class of 72
M72
Mg Mar Ga occasionally posted the GBNF list.
Kham Shan
Khin Maung Myint (John Tint)
Khin Maung Oo
Khin Maung Tin
Khin Maung Toe
Kyaw Kyaw Aung
Kyaw Kyaw Maw
Kyaw Moe
Kyaw Myint Than
Kyaw San Tun
John Tint
Soe Myint (Phone Gyi)
Soe Myint (Shwe Thwar)
Soe Myint Aung
Soe Than
Tha Tun
See Posts
ChE72
Myo Myint Pe
Aye Aye Kyaw
See posts
EE72
Nyunt Nyunt Yee
Khin Soe
See Posts
Class of 73 – 76
U Khin Maung Aye (M) … from the Class of 73
Sai Aung Thurein (EC), Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP), U Sann Aung (M)… from the Class of 74
U Win Khaing (M), U Than Po (M), U Myat Swe (Benedict) … from the Class of 75
U Aung Myint Thein (C), U Wynn Myint Aung (EC) … from the Class of 76
Sayagyis
Several passed away in their 90s
Some former Head of Departments — U Tha Tun (A), U Min Win (C), Dr. Win Thein (C), Khin Aung Kyi (ChE, Rector), Dr. Maung Maung Win (ChE), U Sein Hlaing (EE), U Sein Win (EP), Dr. San Tint (EC), U Ba Than (M), Dr. Chan Nyein (M), U Thit (Met), Dr. Saw Pru (M), U Soe Khaw (Min), U Soon Sein (Min), U Maung Maung Than (T) — are GBNF
See posts for each Department
Mr. H Num Kok (C)
H Num Kok 1H Num Kok 2
Saya of our Sayas.
Taught Drawing to Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun & U Khin Aung Kyi.
Attended SPZP-2000 and selected PZPs & Reunions
Passed away in his late 90s in Portland, Oregon, USA
See posts
U Ba Toke
U Ba Toke 1U Ba Toke 2
Saya of our Sayas.
Taught Maths to U Ba Than, Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun & U Khin Aung Kyi
Rector of MASU
Voluntarily asked for Transfer to RIT Maths Dept
Associate Dean, Assumption University
Passed away on December 2, 2020 — the day after RU Centennial, but a few days short of his Centennial Birthday on December 26.
See posts
U Ba Than
Saya U Ba Than
Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Early supporter of HMEE project
Annual Birthday Soon Kyway at Yaw Sayadaw’ Kyaung on October 2. Before the pandemic, invited colleagues & former students to the Soon Kyway.
69ers (mostly Mech) paid homage to him annually around his birthday.
Donated Garawa money to charities & associations
Passed away shortly after his 94th birthday
See Posts
U Min Wun
Saya U Min Wun
Retired Professor of Civil Engineering
Member of Myanmar Pyet Ka Dein Ah Kyan Pay Ah Phwe.
Advisor for the Regional College Project & Pagan Restoration Project.
Attended Annual Lunch Gathering of sayas and senior alumni (mostly from Southern California).
Passed away a few days after the “farewell” Lunch Gathering
See Posts
HMEE
HMEE
Team published HMEE book in 2012
Saya U Aung Hla Tun, Ko Aung Moung (M73) and Ko Thant Zin (M82) are now GBNF
See posts
U Aung Hla Tun (Met)
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF)
Retired Associate Professor of Metallurgical Engineering
Passed away in February 2022.
Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazine
Led the History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project.
Won the National Literary Award.
See Posts
Sponsors
There were five Golden Sponsors for SPZP-2000
David Ko (Tin Myint, M67) and Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70) are now GBNF
David Ko (M67)
David
Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000
$3000 for SPZP-2012
Sponsor & Donor for NorCal RITAA
Steeve Kay (EC70)
Steeve Kay
Had successful careers as IC Designer, Founder & CEO of QTC, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP
Chair, Kay Family Foundation
Donated more than $200000 to RIT related activities.
See Posts
Family Members
Ma Ma Pat (GBNF)
Ma Ma Pat
Spouse of Saya U Myo Myint Sein
Passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2022.
The day before, Saya Myo celebrated his 91st birthday.
See Posts
U Tin U’s Family
Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt, Dr. Peter Khin Tun
Three family members passed away within a few months.
Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (spouse) — November, 2019
Dr. Peter Khin Tun (elder son) — April 13, 2020
U Tin Tun (son-in-law) — May 2020
See Posts
Sports
U Soe Myint Lwin (EP68), U Kyaw Sint (T69er), John Tint (M72), U Thein Lwin (M72) are some Soccer Selected who are GBNF
U Han Sein (C69) and U Aung Gyi Shwe (EE69er) are some Multiple Sports Athletes who are GBNF
U Aung Gyi Shwe (EE69er)
Aung Gyi Shwe
Secretary of RIT Track and Field Association.
Played soccer and enjoyed weightlifting.
U Khin Maung Myint (John Tint, M72)
John Tint
Soccer selected for Burma, RU & RIT passed away in 2020
U Kyaw Phone Myint (Victor Kyaw Phyo) passed away in Myanmar.
KPM 2 Kyaw Phone Myint 1
Singapore
Maurice Chee’s mother-in-law passed away in Singapore.
Soon Kyway
Soon kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California, USA in memory of U Wah Kyu (father of Maurice Chee) who passed away four years ago.
Attendees include Saya U San Tun (M59), Walter Tan (M70), Charlie Tseng (EC70), U Aung Thein (John, M72), U Aye Tun (Anthony, M76) and U Khin Zaw (UCC)
NorCal RITAA
Saya U Myat Htoo invited selected sayas and alumni (who were active with RIT-related activities in California) to attend the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner on November 16, 2019.
Gordon Kaung (Past President) has RSVPed and also pledged donation.
U Ba Than
Saya U Ba Than will celebrate his 89th birthday on or around October 2, 2019.
Publications
Original writings are being solicited for the magazine to be published in February 2020 for the Centennial of the founding of Rangoon University. The deadline is mid-October 2019.
Selected old poems will be compiled into a Kabyar Book to commemorate the RU Centennial
Golden Jubilees
Class of 69 (for the GJ of Graduation in 1969)
Class of 75 (for the GJ of Admission to RIT in 1969)
HlaMin 