Chief Resident Monk of A Lo Daw Pyie Monastery in Apache Junction, Arizona.
Published five volumes of Q&A (Questions and Answers) about Buddhism.
Published several other books.
Gave me his books in person (during his visits to the San Francisco Bay Area) and by mail (via United States Postal Service).
Buddha Dhamma Ah Hnit Chote
Bilingual (Myanmar and English) book
Dhamma dana by Dr. U Win (Salinas)
January, 2006
Translation to Myanmar from English By Ashin Kelasa
Buddhism in a Nutshell By Narada Maha Thera
Chapters 1. The Buddha 2. The Dhamma : Is it a Philosophy? 3. Is it a Religion? 4. Is Buddhism an Ethical System? 5. Some salient features of Buddhism 6. Kamma of the law of Moral Causation 7. Re-birth 8. Paticcasamuppada 9. Anatta or Soul-lessness 10. Nibbana 11. The Path to Nibbana
The initial Luyechun program ran from 1964 to 1988.
The Luyechun program was revived a few years back.
1964
Luyechun (Outstanding Student) Program was established in 1964. Eligible students from 7th Standard to 10th Standard were chosen to attend the Ngapali Luyechun Camp.
1964 Luyechuns include Ko Win Aung, Ko Oke Soe Kha (son of Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha) from Rangoon, Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw), Ko Aung Myint (Mandalay), and Ma Mie Mie Khine (Akyab).
1965
Luyechun Program was extended in 1965 for eligible students from Universities and Institutes. There were three Camps
Inlay Camp for high school and university students
Ngapali Camp for middle school students
Combined Camp in Rangoon
I was selected as RIT Luyechun for the Inlay Camp along with Ko Sein Shwe, Ko Zaw Min [Nawaday] and Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (Margaret).
Ko Kyaw Sein Koe (Victor Koe, GBNF), Ma Anita Aye Pe, Ko Khin Maung U and Ma Than Than Tin (Cherry Hlaing) were selected for IM(1).
Ko Tun Naung (GBNF, BDS, Stereo Khit Pioneer), Ko Soe Aung (IM2, elder brother of Ko Soe Myint [GBNF, UCC]), Ko Min Oo (Mathematics), Ko Ye Myint & Ma Khin Aye Than (Chemistry), Ko Myint Thein & Ko Soe Lwin (Physics), and Ko Tin Hlaing (Lay Dwin Thar Saw Chit, Burmese) were some who were selected for their disciplines.
Those from Matriculation include Ko Win Myint (later Bogyoke), Ko Aung Win (later RIT Saya), Uttam Singh (later NASA) and Ma Pwint Than (later EPC). They joined RIT.
Others include : Ko Aung Shwe (brother of Tekkatho Phone Naing), Ko Than Sit (GBNF, Liver Foundation), Ko Aung Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF), Ko Aung Myint, Ko Thein Lwin, Nelson Kaw and Ko Kyaw Myint.
Multiple Luyechun
Several students (e.g. Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Thynn Thynn Lynn, Daw Mie Mie Khine) were selected Luyechun multiple times.
Staff Sayas
Some sayas from Universities and High Schools were chosen to manage the Luyechuns. e.g. U Aung Gyi (MASU), Daw Po (RASU), Dr. May May Yi (GBNF, IM2)
Dr. Min Oo (SPHS63, Mathematics) was selected Luyechun in 1965 and later as a Staff Saya.
Guest Speaker
Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi), Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi and U Thu Ta (Meteorology) were Guest Speakers at the Inlay Luyechun Camp.
Saya U Kyaw Myint (DHE) and I were Guest Speakers at the Nagapali Lu Ye Chun Camp in 1988.
Status
Luyehun project ended in 1988.
A few years back, an Association was formed for Lu Ye Chuns from 1964 to 1988.
The 7th Annual General Meeting was held online in January 2021.
She and her hubby Ko Khin Maung Myint (ChE72) are Organizers of the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65. Rosie said that Saya U Khin Aung Kyi strongly recommended her to accept Ko Khin Maung Myint.
Bilingual author
Editor, Swel Daw Yeik Magazine
She posted a photo taken at the birthday of Than Than Yi (T71, GBNF, USA).
Birthday of Than Than Yi
Three young sayamas
Tin May Soe (ChE70) : She lost her older brothers Ko Myat Soe (C) and Ko Myint Soe (C)
Khin Swe Aye (Winnie Tun, ChE70) : Her older brother Ko Win Maung (“Lake”) is a 69er, who represented RIT in Swimming, Water Polo and Rowing. Her spouse Ko Ohn Khine (M70) gave me rides to attend SPZP and HMEE meetings
Tin Tin Myint (Emma Myint, May Tin, ChE70, Singapore) : She co-founded Dana Sri Lanka (DSL). She is a Model-turned-MaeDaw. She was a swimmer and Minthamee. She and her spouse Don Min Saya Ko Yu Swan (M68) hold Pon Chan Chan gatherings.
The trio are seen at a Chemical Engineering gathering.
Three ChE Sayamas
Thynn Thynn Khaing (Janet Aung, EP70, USA)
She was treasured by young sayas and alumni.
She retired from UN in New York.
She is a proud Grandma.
Her father U Soe Aung (EE48) was Chief Engineer at PWD.
Janet
Ma Than Yi (Maubin Ma Shwe Than, EP71)
She served as Editor for Hlyat Sit Sar Saung published by RIT Electrical Engineering Association. Ko Sann Oo (EP67) was also an Editor. They share the passion for writing & publishing and became love birds.
Her short story was translated into English and published in the WPD (Working People’s Daily).
She blogged about her RIT & G Hall days and also published the book.
She loves “Ma Ma Wa Wa Hla Hla Hta Ka”
Ma Than Yi & Dr. Sann Oo reprinted the Sciene Fiction by Journal Kyaw Tint Swe (Ko Sann Oo’s father). They published a Sci-Fi book by their grandson William. They hosted a dinner at Kone Myint Tha for Saya U Soe Paing, Ko Ohn Khine and me. They gave a tour of their “East & West Parami Hospital” to me and my spouse, and hosted lunch at a Rakkhine cuisine.
Ma Than Yi
Rosy Tin Maung (Tin Myint Oo, May Lin Set Hmu, M70)
She is a bilingual author, poet, and vocalist.
She performed at SPZPs.
She wrote for the Golden Jubilee Magazine for the Intake of 64.
She attended Computer courses at UCC.
Rosy Tin Maung
Nan Khin Nwe (Intake of 83, M92)
She lost three years when RIT closed for three years citing Security Concerns.
She is an organizer and fund raiser for SPZP, SDYF, Alumni Association, her class & group. Her group donated to hospitals and various charities.
Nan Khin Nwe
Memories
Music and Dance Gala
Several Belles perform at RIT events.
Inter-Institute Fours Winning Crew
RIT crew won the Inter-Institute Fours Trophy.
Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn
The Ah Thinn organized Musical evenings and Trips.
Htee Yein at Rangoon University Golden JubileeTazaungdaing
The G-Hall Thu’s offrrrd candles for Tazaungdaing.
Tin Tin (EC69, USA) Thida Swe (Spouse of U Tin Maung Oo)Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel, Basketball)Intake of 64 and 65First female ChE graduateMya Than Win (Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint Minthamee)
Ko Ohn Khine (M70) gave me a ride to the January 2018 meeting.
Attendees
Ko Ohn Khine (M)
Ohn Khine
Moderator, Google Group
Member, HMEE : Compiled CD Supplement for the HMEE book; Translated Section 1 and Paraphrased Section 2 of the book
Organizer of SPZP, SDYF and Alumni Association
Ko Win Aung (M)
Tha Htay, Walter Cheng Lyan, Win Aung, Soe Aung
High school Luyechun from TTC Practicing School) for the Ngapali Shwe Wah Chaung Camp in 1964
RIT selection for Swimming & Water Polo
Secretary of RIT Swimming & Water Polo (in the Final Year)
Has 4 children and 7 grand children
He remembered beating the IM(1) Water Polo Team led by Ko Lynn Aung Thet to get into the Finals, but lost to RASU led by Ko Nanda Kyaw Swa (Burma Champion)
Sai Thein Maung (C)
RIT Goalkeeper for six years (from 1st BE to Final Year)
Track and Field Champion
Ko Zaw Winn (Min)
Bilingual author
Pen name : “Zin Yaw Gyi”
Ko Soe Aung (M/Auto)
Served as Secretary of RIT Ah Nu Pyinna Ah Thin
Wrote several articles including the “Ah Nyeint and Htee Yein at the RU Golden Jubilee”
Ko Khin Maung Than (M)
Served as Secretary of RIT Mechanical Association
Served as Editor of RIT Annual Magazine
Ko Wynn Htay
Provider of space for the monthly meeting
Publisher of the Sar Saung of the group’s Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes
Ko Soe Khine (M)
Helped with the logistics for the Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe
Naw Than Yee
Collector of the “donations” from the attendees and “fines” from the absentees
Ma Lei Lei Chit
RIT selection for Track and Field
Volunteer for the SPZPs
Ma Rosie Tin Mg (Tin Myint Oo)
Poet
Vocalist
Dancer
Ma Kyi Kyi Sein (Bei Oo)
RIT selection for Badminton
Hiking & Mountaineering
Ko Aung Than
Nickname : Saya San
Ko Cho Aye (M, GBNF)
Top student
Hiking and mountaineering
Ko Khin Maung Maung (A)
Organizer, Architecture Gatherings
Absentees
Ko Khin Maung Lay
RIT soccer
Master of Ceremony for the group’s Acariya Puzaw Pwe
Ko Tha Kyaw Zan
He is not an Arakanese (Rakhine)
Ma Victoria Simons
Retired Professor, Metallurgy Department
Daughter of Saya Simons (Workshop Superintendent)
Uncertain
Not sure if the following did not attend the meeting or were among a few late comers
Sayagyi U Ba Than lost his “right arm man” U Aung Moung (M73) in early January, 2018.
Whenever Sayagyi asked for U Aung Moung’s help, he will be at Winner Inn as fast as time and schedule permit.
I met him last year at Winner Inn. He was visiting Sayagyi U Ba Than as well as Daw Win Mar, younger sister of his childhood friend.
U Aung Moung was active in RIT-related activities and in his neighborhood monasteries. The monks voluntarily offered to take part at U Aung Moung’s final journey at Yae Wae. Actions speak louder than words.
Saya U Tun Shwe, Saya U Lin, Saya U Nyunt Htay, U Han Sein, U Tin Tun Aung, U Than Po, U Kyaw Kyaw and several alumni showed last respect to U Aung Moung at Ye Way Crematorium/Cemetery.
U Aye Win Kyaw (C70)
U Aye Win Kyaw & Madan Chand
He passed away in Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo). He earlier lost his son due to a faulty water heater system in the medical clinic where U Aye Win Kyaw was being treated. It was a double tragedy for the family.
U Aye Win Kyaw taught astronomy and astrology at MARB.
Saya Madan Chand (C70)
He passed away in Illinois, USA
Dr. Aung Thwin (SPHS63)
Dr. Aung Thwin
He was a successful OG. He passed away in Southern California. He is the brother of Dr. Khin Khin Thwin (Carmen) and Daw Yee Yee Thwin (Jasmine).
U Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi, SPHS63)
Aung Kyi, Khin Maung Bo and Tin Tun are GBNF
He passed away in Yangon.
U Khin Maung Bo (SPHS63, EP69)
He passed away in Yangon.
U Tin Tun (SPHS63, M69)
He was Joint Secretary of RIT Thaing Association. He taught Naval Architecture. He passed away in Yangon.
U Myint Sein (SPHS64)
U Myint Sein
He is an alumnus of Private Primary Boundary Road School (PPBRS), St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) and the Institute of Economics. He is Past Principal of BARB (Burma Astro Research Bureau), Visiting Lecturer at the Institute of Indigenous Medicine (in Mandalay) and Founder of Idea Astrology.
U Aung Myint (SPHS64)
He joined RIT EE as Lab Technician. He transferred to UCC as Maintainence Technician. He was promoted to Maintenance Engineer. He lost his job after filling in the 1988-related questionnaire. He gave private tuition on PLA. He passed away at his breakfast table.
Three SPHS & UCC alumni — CO U Hla Min (Pauk Si), U Maung Maung Gyi (Henry Than Htay) and U Aung Myint (Sonny) — are GBNF.
U Myint Lwin (Henry Chee, C63)
U Myint Lwin
He was from the Class of 61. He took sabbatical to get married. He is a good vocalist. He passed away in California, USA.
U Myint Thein (Kabar, M69)
U Myint Thein (Kabar)
He was a core organizer of the 69ers. He had medical checkup in Singapore and India, but he passed away in Yangon due to his deteriorating health. He is fondly known as Maung Kabar (a famous cartoon character of our younger days).
U Chit Tin (EC69)
Kabar and Chit Tin
U Chit Tin graduated in 1969 with EC (Electrical Communications). He is the third member of the group to pass away. The other two are U Kyaw Soe (EC69) and U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69).
U Oo Kyaw Hla (EC69)
He passed away in Canada. He is the fourth EC69er to pass away.
Dr. Chan Nyein (M67)
Dr. Chan Nyein
Dr. Chan Nyein (M67) is a retired Minister of Education.
U Saw Lin (C71)
U Saw Lin
He had several medical problems, but he was active as a core organizer of SPZP-2012.
Saya U Tin Swe (EE53)
He played soccer for the Prome Hall team which won the Inter-Hall Trophy for three consecutive years.
Saya H Num Kok (C)
He was a saya of our sayas. He passed away at the tender age of 98 in Oregon, USA.
Saya Allen Htay (C58)
He a founding member and President of RIT Alumni International, which hosted SPZP-2000. Saya’s books were donated to YTU Library by Daw Mu Mu Kin. In saya’s memory, several YTU students have been provided scholarships (with the coordination of NorCal RITAA and volunteers from RITAA).
Shastri
Shastri and mostly 69ers
He received the nickname due to resemblance to the Indian Prime Minister.
Dr. San Tint (EE61)
Dr. San Tint visiting Seattle
He taught at BIT, RIT and YTU. He retired as Professor of Electronic Engineering. He attended SPZP-2000 and took trips to Seattle and New York to have mini-reunion with former students.
Paulians
SPHSSPHS
Aung Khin, Aung Kyi, Aung Thu Yein, Khin Naung Bo, Maung Maung Kyi, Richard Lim and several others are GBNF.
Dr. Saw Tin (Maths)
Dr. Saw Tin
Dicky Tan (Win Naing, M69)
Win Naing (Dicky)
He passed away in Singapore. He represented RIT in Rowing.
U Tin Myint (John Lee, M69)
Tin Myint (John)
He passed away in Union City, California, USA. He represented RIT in Table Tennis. He was selected RIT Luyechun for 4th BE.
U Hla Shwe (T69)
Hla Shwe
He retired as Associate Professor. He passed away in Yangon. He is remembered in “To the Shwe Duo” poem.
U Tin Shwe (EP66)
U Tin Shwe
He taught at RIT and Assumption University in Bangkok. After retirement, he became a monk. He passed away in Yangon. He is remembered in “To the Shwe Duo” poem.
Rangoon University Act of 1920 was enacted on December 1, 1920.
The First RU Student Strike to protest the Act took place of December 5, 1920 (two days earlier than planned because the news leaked to the higher authorities).
2020 two Centennials related to RU.
The Burmese Movie Industry also has a Centennial in 2020. Kye Mon ran a series of articles (e.g. interview with U Tin Yu).
Yar Pyay Ah Kyo
Former EC members of the RU Ka Laung Ah Thinn (1958 – 1962) including Daw Kyu Kyu Thin and Saya U Moe Aung (Tekaktho Moe War) will publish a “Collection of Kabyars” and a commemorative Magazine.
Yar Pyi Ah Kyo kicked off on December 1, 2019with an opening ceremony at the Convocation Hall.
There have exhibitions at the Recreation Center and the RU Central Library.
There were several Fund Raisers for Yar Pyi.
Several individuals and groups have published books.
The Main Committee is still collecting manuscripts.
ADMIN and Rectors in the mid 1960s
Dr. Nyi Nyi (Secretary / Deputy Minister)
U San Tha Aung (Director General of Higher Education)
Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Rector, Rangoon Arts and Science University) Saya earlier served as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Engineering
U Hla Shwe (Rector, Mandalay Arts and Science University)
U Yone Mo (Rector, Rangoon Institute of Technology) Saya formerly served as Dean of Burma Institute of Technology
Dr. Ba Than (Rector, Institute of Medicine (1)) Saya served as Medical Superintendent of RGH during the War
Dr. U E (Rector, Institute of Medicine (2) in Mingaladon)
Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (Rector, Institute of Medicine in Mandalay)
Dr. Aye Hlaing (Rector, Institute of Economics) Later served as Chairman of the Union Bank of Burma
Lt. Col. San Myint (Rector, Institute of Education)
Dental : Dr. Aung Than (Rector)
Vet : U Mya Nyunt (Rector)
Agri : U Than Tun (Rector)
There have been name changes (e.g. Some Institutes are now known as Universities.)
Principals in the Mid 1960s
Workers’ : U Kyaw
Taunggyi : U Khin Maung Tint
Myitkyina : U San
Magwe : U Win Maung later transferred to DHE
Mawlamyaing (Moulmein) : Mehm Thet San later became Deputy Minister
In August 2017, RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association and several donors — including U Khin Maung Tun (President, SDYF), U Tin Oo (EC92), U Aung Myaing (ChE72) and Daw Gyn Yu (ChE72) — honored not only the YTU students but also Computer Science & Technology students for their success in an International Competition.
Dr. Chit Swe, Daw Khin Khin Latt and two youngest sons Dr. Chit Swe & Daw Khin Khin Latt Dr. Chit SweDr. Chit Swe at Pu Zaw PweDr. Chit Swe with UCC alumni in SydneyDr. Chit Swe with UCC Donlaba
Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe is a Pioneer of Computer Systems, Education and Applications in Burma.
He founded Universities’ Computer Center (UCC).
He retired as Rector of Rangoon Arts and Science University (RASU).
He continued teaching and supervising graduate students in Thailand and Australia.
He passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia in November 2019.
Sayagyi’s Family
Sayagadaw Daw Khin Khin Latt,
Five children (Dr. Daw Moe Thu, U Thu Ta, Dr. Kyaw Thu, Dr. Swe Latt, U Chit Khin)
Seven grandchildren and
Three great grand children
Dr. Chit Swe and Daw Khin Khin Latt fondly named their younger sons as Swe Latt and Chit Khin.
Obituary
Soon Kwyay
In memory of Saya, soon kwyay was offered in Sydney, Australia and Pyinmana, Myanmar
Soon Kwyay in SydneySoon Kyway in ElaThanks from the family
Condolences
Hundreds (and may be Thousands) have expressed their sadness for the loss of Sayagyi in the newspapers and in the Facebook pages.
The following is a sampling.
U Ba Than (M.A., Retired Director General, Thuwanna), Saya Chit’s classmate in 1947 at the first I.Sc.(A) class offered at Mandalay University and was a fellow teacher, is saddened by the loss of “Ko Chit Swe”.
Thin Char Mi Thar Su of the University of Yangon is indebted to Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe for his dedication to the dissemination of Mathematics
Myanmar Naing Gan Thin Char Ah Thinn offers condolences to the family members of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (Retired Rector) and Sayagyi U Aung Sein (Retired Associate Professor)
ex-UCC Mi Tha Su (UCC Alumni) expresses their sorrow to the Founder of Computers and Computer Education in Burma. Members from Myanmar and beyond (e.g. Singapore, USA, Australia) can never forget Sayagyi and his passion for transforming his students from good to better and great professionals, educators, researchers, and socially responsible citizens of the world.
U Win Thein (Padamyar Winhtein) has updated Wikipedia to include Saya’s pioneering work.
Saya U Aung Zaw (AZ) spent five decades or so under the tutelage of Saya Chit. He organized mini-PZPs for Saya Chit. I attended one gathering in 2006.
UCSY Facebook page remembers Saya as the pioneer Saya for Computer Education in Burma / Myanmar.
HlaMin 