There were two Sayas named Hunter at the University of Rangoon.
Matthew Hunter taught Physics and Chemistry, and also studied Geology. He served as Principal of Rangoon College. He tried to persuade the student leaders of the 1936 RU Strike. The students explained, “We are not protesting you. We are protesting to have changes to the University Act.” He loved the students very much. Tears fell when he had to bid farewell after retiring from Rangoon University.
Some awards (given out at the early Convocations) are named after “Matthew Hunter”.
Mark Hunter (John Mark Hunter) taught and wrote on English Literature. He was a member of the Commission responsible for the implementation of the Rangoon University Act of 1920. He later served as Professor at RU.
Judson
Andoniram Judson Jr. (1788 – 1850) was the most significant American Baptist Missionary to Burma. His supervisors told him that it would be a tough task. There were a few ABMs before him, but they did not stay long.
Judson and his team (which included some former dhamma teachers) compiled the English-Burmese and Burmese-English Dictionaries (see photos of two editions).
Dictionary 1Dictionary 2
Judson published the Burmese translation of the Bible.
He helped found the association for Baptists.
He is honored by having a church and a college named after him.
In 1920, Judson Collegeand Rangoon College became constituent colleges of the newly established University of Rangoon.
Two buildings for Judson College were donated by the American Baptists.
The Willington Hall was built in memory of two families — the Vintons and the Johnsons — of the Church of Willington for their missionary work in Burma. It was later known as Dagon Hall.
The Benton Hall was donated by Ms. Benton (Treasurer of the Judson Church and/or Judson College). It was later known as Thiri Hall.
Note: Depending on the period, a Hall may house classrooms or may be used as a hostel. There was also a building named North Hall (which later became Shwebo Hall).
Examples of evolution of halls
Mandalay Hall was a Residence Hall.
After the “Dark Days” (7th July and 8th July 1962), several Residence Halls were converted into Admin Offices and/or Classrooms.
Mandalay Hall was a temporary home for the UCC project before moving to Thamaing College Campus.
Geology majors had most of their classes at Mandalay Hall.
G-Hall in the Gyogone Campus initially housed single sayas.
In November 1964, G-Hall became a resident hall for female students. Madan Chand (C70) was inadvertently listed to reside at G-Hall. Lyo Kyin Sein (T69) was inadvertently listed to attend at a men’s Hall (e.g. C-Block)
Burmese
In the early days, several languages (e.g. Pali) were taught by the Department of Oriental Studies.
Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin (Pali and Burmese Scholar) proposed to have a separate Burmese Department.
Sayagyi translated Pali books (e.g. Visuddhi Magga) and Suttas (e.g. Dhammacakka and Anattalekkhana) into English.
ICS U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa), U Thein Han (Zawgyi) and U Wun (Minthuwun) were the early Burmese (Honors) students of Sayagyi. The trio is also known as co-founders of the Khit San Sar Pay movement.
U Sein Tin was a victim of a bungled burglary or the case of mistaken identity.
U Thein Han was offered to do Masters by both the Burmese Department and the English Department, but he chose to study Library Science in the UK. He succeeded U Khin Zaw as Chief Librarian of the Rangoon University Central Library.
U Wun studied Linguistics and Literature in the UK. He headed the Translation Department at the University of Rangoon. He later served as Professor of the Burmese Department, and as Visiting Professor at the University of Osaka at the invitation of Professor Harada (pen name : Chit Mann Nwe). He is the father of U Htin Kyaw (former President).
In December 2019, the Myanmar Sar Htar Na (Burmese Department) unveiled a statue honoring Sayagyi.
Met Daw Tin Tin Myaing (Brenda Pe Maung Tin, Sayagyi’s daughter) at Winner Inn. She attended the unveiling of Sayagyi’s statue. She was also a guest at the Fund Raising Concert for RU Centennial. Two friends mentioned that his spouse (an Old Paulian) passed away in UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some Posts
Per Hlaing Bwa : According to a “Shay Hmi Nauk Hmi” Saya, U Chit was detained for “providing food to the University Student Protesters”. He was questioned repeatedly for the rationale of his work. He wrote, “The students are my benefactors. I therefore need to repay their kindness in times of need.” Finally, a relative with connections managed to secure the release of U Chit. Sadly, he passed away 8 months later. He is an “unsung hero.”
Per Myo Thaik : He witnessed the “Tha Dar Phyu” (later referred to as “Tha Dar Ni”) incident and endured a tear gas bomb. His posts are based not only on his experience (recorded as dairy entries), but also on other sources : Gabriel (Thet Tun) and a post from the on-line forum.
Poems
Yadana Thu
Novem Pink
Min Oo Idw
Memories
Saya U Khin Zaw (Workers’ College)
U Tin Aye
Thann Htutt Aung
Dr. Thwe Oo : Daughter of Saya U Khin Maung Nyunt and Sayama Daw Mya Mya Nu
Dr. Jillian Phyu Maung : Grand daughter of Saya U Aung Khin (Chemistry)
The 5th Acariya PuZaw Pwe of ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) and UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon) was held in January 2018.
Saw Yan Naing (son of Dr. Saw Naing and nephew of Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C70) gave me a ride to the SPZ.
The SPZP was held in five batches. As a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”, I covered some milestones of the Introduction of Computers to Burma under the leadership of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe.
Ma Nge (Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, GBNF) attended the SPZP.
ICST/UCSY published a commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of UCC. I wrote “Paying Back to My Alma Mater” (a summary of the 30+ posts about UCC) for the issue.
San Yin Myint (Samanta), one of the organizers for the Pu Zaw Pwe, is a niece of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF) and a cousin of U Hla Myint Thein (Maurice Chee, M75).
U Soe PaingU Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint U Soe Paing, U & Mrs. Hla Min
Name: U Soe Paing
Qualification: BS (Stanford), MS (Stanford), MSc. Computer Science (Southampton)
Department: Electrical Communications Position: Assistant Lecturer, (Jan 1964 to March 1971) Reason for Leaving: Joined Universities’ Computer Center in April 1971.
Engineering Alumni: Attended First Year Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University from June to December, 1958. Reason for Leaving: Awarded State Scholarship to study in USA.
Occupation: Data Processing Adviser (Retired)
Organization: United Nations
Updates
Saya was my mentor at RIT and UCC.
He offered me and Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC, GBNF) to be his co-authors. We wrote programming texts, manuals and guides.
Saya was a prime mover to get the “RIT Alumni International Newsletters” and http://www-ex-rit.org started.
Saya would mention that I am a “Shay Hmi; Nauk Hmi. ရှေ့မှီ၊ နောက်မှီ”
Sayagadaw added: “Bay Hmi ဘေးမှီ as well’.
Saya wrote articles for the RIT Newsletter and selected journals & magazines. They can be accessed via SCRIB-D
Ripley’s “Believe it or not” named U Khanti Kyauksar (inscriptions) of the Fifth Buddhist Council (Synod) held in Mandalay as the “Largest Book” in the world.
Guinness Bookof World Records
Mingun Sayadaw
The Guinness Book of World Records listed Tipitakadara Sayadaw Ashin Vicittathara as having a phenomenal — the best at that time in 1954.
In the First Buddhist Council, Ashin Upali served as the Reciter of Vinaya (Rules of monastic conduct). Ashin Ananda served as the Reciter of Sutta (Buddha’s Discourses) and Abhidhamma (Ultimate Reality).
In the Sixth Buddhist Council held at KabaAye (World Peace) Pagoda in Rangoon, Burma from 1954 – 1956 Ashin Vicittathara served as the Reciter of Vinaya, Sutta and Abhidhamma. He also recited the selected Commentaries.
Sayadaw could memorize, recall, and give exposition on 8000+ pages of the Buddhist Scriptures known as Tipitaka [“Three Baskets”] : Vinaya, Sutta and Abhidhamma at the second to fifth Tipitakadara examinations. He passed with distinction in both oral and written parts.
Sayadaw served as an examiner for the first Tipikadara examination. Sir U Thwin requested him to take the examination. The rest is history.
In our younger days, Opal was a decent car. But, when one jokingly calls someone “Opal” (or “O Pei အို ပယ်” then one is obsolete (good to be ignored for getting old).
T. O
Technical Obsolescence
Some artifacts can be found only in museums, antique fairs (by die-hard collectors).
Some technologies are disruptive.
Many automobile workers lost their jobs when robotics gradually displaced them. Those, who did not have alternate skills, were hit hard.
Secretaries (experts in shorthand and typing) found that their skills have been marginalized by the word processors, voice-activated systems and similar advanced tools.
Thoughts
On the flip side, I might not have a good memory and a hobby of “connecting the dots” of seemingly diverse topics if I had early access to the wonderful world of Internet, AI, and Gaming.
Slate, Chalk & Talk, Log Table, Slide rule, Multiplication tables (up to 16), Grammar books, Pronouncing Dictionaries, and now hard-to-find artifacts trained us to remember (not rote learning per se, but using visualization and tricks).
Some people thought that I am either “brain damaged” or have an “unusual brain”.
One said, “You can write backwards faster than most of us can write forward”.
A few were not impressed.
A professor said, “You cannot earn money by being an expert in History in general, and History of Computing in particular.”
A manager said, “What is the use of knowing the Trivia (e.g. hobbies, awards) of your fellow workers?”
T.O. required me to unlearn some old skills, and to learn new “latest and the greatest” skills.
Encyclopedia
For me, it’s easy to remember and too hard to forget. I know thousands of names.
After procrastinating for decades, I had a wake up call to dump my Trivia.
I have posted 2500+ articles and 220+ videos in the past few years.
Many events are covered in my posts & Newsletter Updates.
The following are some highlights for 1963 – 2025.
Spent five years studying at RIT.
Have spent 26 years paying back to my alma mater and my mentors.
Thanks to my family members for their support.
1963
Matric Exam
Took Matric Only exam in May
Stood 7th in the whole of Burma. Honored at a ceremony at St. Paul’s High School.
7th in Burma
Won the Collegiate Scholarship of 75 kyats a month
Scholarship Winners
OPA invited us to the Annual Dinner on June 30.
OPA Dinner
A newspaper clipping describing the Dinner is shown below. From R to L : Khin Maung U, Min Oo, Myo San, Nyunt Wai, Thein Wai, me & Maung Maung Kyi
SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten and ten in the Top Twenty in the Matric exam of 1963. Myo San (Freddie, 3rd), Maung Maung Kyi (11th) and Aung Thu Yein (13th) are now GBNF.
All our SPHS teachers except Saya Beatson (Physics, Boy Scout) are GBNF. Saya became a monk.
Inter A
Attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) classes at Leik Khone.
Rowing
Joined Rangoon University Boat Club with fellow Paulians Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF), Kyaw Wynn and Willie Soe Maung (GBNF). Our crew was Runners up for the Senior Novices. We were awarded Full Green.
Citing Security Concerns, the RUBC 40th Anniversary Regatta was canceled. Following the 7th July Anniversary protests, the University courses except Medicine & Engineering were suspended. The hostel students were ordered to return to their homes.
Sithu U Tin (President, GBNF) decided not to cancel the RUBC 40th Anniversary Dinner at Orient Hotel in Kandawgyi. Several members are now GBNF.
1964 – 1969
The I.Sc(A) exam was held at the High Schools.
RIT
2nd BE
Attended first ever 2nd BE class at Rangoon Institute of Technology in November 1964.
I was admitted as the Top student based on the I.Sc(A) exam marks.
Luyechun
Luyechun
Selected Luyechun in 2nd BE. Attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the summer of 1965 along with Ko Sein Shwe, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin and Ko Zaw Min.
The Luyechun program was started in the summer of 1964 with students from 7th to 10th Standards. In 1965, the program also included students from Universities & Institutes.
Some Luyechuns — Kyaw Sein Koe (IM1), Khin Aye Than (Chemistry), Tun Naung (Dental), Than Sit (Sagaing) and Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Myingyan) — are now GBNF.
Associations
Served as Joint Secretary, Secretary & Magazine Committee member of the RIT EE Association
RIT EE Association
Served as the last ever officially elected Treasurer and Vice Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club. The higher authorities abolished the Bye laws and prevented me from becoming RUBC Captain.
Writing
Started free lance writing (article, poem, translation …)
Published the poem “Men on the Moon” in Guardian newspaper in July 1969. USIA sent a copy of the poem to NASA and the astronauts.
Men on the Moon
Graduation
Graduated with B.E (EC).
Of the 13 classmates, 12 graduated. Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin & Oo Kyaw Hla are now GBNF.
EE69
1970 – 1998
Work
UK
Universities’ Computer Center (UCC) : Computer Engineer, Sr. Systems Programmer, Business Application Manager
UCC Course
Department of Computer Science (DCS) : Senior Lecturer
Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) : Associate Professor
Tech Companies in the Silicon Valley : Member, Senior Member & Principal Member of Technical Staff
Publications & Projects
Articles & translations in Guardian, Working Peoples’ Daily (WPD), Forward Magazine, Veda ဝေဒ Magazine, and Pan ပန် Magazine.
Assisted Saya Dr. Chit Swe’s projects including High School Mathematics, Children’s Treasury of Knowledge (CTK), Team of System Specialists (TOSS)
Wrote Computer Science, Programming & Lecture guides and UCC manuals with Saya U Soe Paing and Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF).
U Soe Paing
Per request from U Myint Sein (Principal, BARB), I assigned Ko Win Latt and Ko Zaw Tun Veda projects and supervised them. Their programs are used by Veda sayas, students & practitioners.
With Veda Sayas
1999
Newsletter
Newsletter
Started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”
It started with the news and photos of some gatherings back in Burma. (a) 30th Anniversary of the Graduation of the Class of 69 — reported by Ko Daniel Tint Lwin and Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice) (b) Mini-gathering with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and other sayas and senior alumni — reported by Saya U Soe Paing
2000
SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, USA in October 2000
Commemorative web pages (thanks to KMZ)
Commemorative Issue of the RIT Alumni International Newsletter by me and team
My Poem
64 Countdown to the Reunion posts
36 Post-Reunion posts
2002
SPZP-2002
Second RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung”
by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Reprinted my “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem as Back Cover
2004
SPZP-2004
Third RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
Mild earthquake did not rattle the attendees
2006
Three Gatherings in Sydney
Visited Sydney, Australia to attend three gatherings
RIT Alumni Dinner organized by Saya U Hla Myint, Saya U Myo Win (GBNF) & team
RIT Gathering
UCC Alumni Gathering hosted by Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and Daw Kyawt
UCC Gathering
BOB Gathering at Olympic Park organized by Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe)
2007
SPZP-2007
SPZP-2007
Fourth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed a poem “SWE DAW YEIK”
UCC Gathering
UCC gathering in Yangon hosted by Saya U Soe Paing& Daw Saw Yu Tint
Ko Soe Myint & Ma Nge are now GBNF.
UCC Gathering
2010
SPZP-2010
Fifth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed an article : Sad and short clip — EE sayas
2012
SPZP-2012
SPZP-2012
Sixth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
True “Home Coming” in the Gyogone Campus
Special publication : History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar by Saya U Aung Hla Tun & team (Ko Ohn Khine & I compiled the CD supplement for the book)
Publication: Selected RIT Cartoons
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by U Saw Lin & team
Limited reprints of 23 RIT Annual Magazines
2013
SDYF
SDYF
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Contributions for various projects
Health care for the sayas and sayamas
Soon Kyway
For Golden Jubilee
Gifts from KMZ, Zaw Tun & Kyu Kyu
2014
RIT Shwe YaDu
GJ of Admission
50th Anniversary of the opening of RIT in 1964
Planted 50 Swel Daw Bins
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by Saya U Moe Aung & team (Contributed an article : “Recollections of a 69er”)
Paved Shwe YaDu lane and set up Swel Daw Yeik benches
Translated Saya U Moe Aung’s Shwe YaDu poem
2016
SPZP-2016
RIT/YIT/YTU Alumni Association
Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
10000+ attendees
Free food and fun (all day and all night long)
Platinum Jubilee for the Class of 69
Hosted by some 69ers for their friends (in their sunset)
Appreciation Awards
Soonkway at Half Moon Bay Monastery (organized by U Maurice Chee)
HMB
Received Alumni Appreciation Award from alumni worldwide
Award 1
Annual Dinner by Northern California RIT Alumni Association
NorCal RITAA
Received plaque signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (Chair, BOD), U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, President), and U Thaung Nyunt (Secretary)
Award 2
Gatherings
Attended SPZP-2016 and Platinum Jubilee of the Class of 69
SPZP-2016
2017
Post-SPZP
Attended Post-SPZP2016 Gatherings
DTM
Awards : Distinguished Toastmaster
2018
UCC & ICST
Attended 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY
Memories of UCC : 40+ posts
Trivia : 2000+ posts
Archived and revised posts in hlamin.com
2019
69er GJ
Golden Jubilee of Graduation of the Class of 69
ILF
Panelist, 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
2020
PSA Tour in Jan 2020
After announcement of pandemic in Feb 2020, many social activities were paused.
2021 – 2023
Visits
Short visits (e.g Singapore, Malaysia)
NorCal RITAA
Some social activities were resumed.
2024
Visits
Short visits to Thailand and Laos
Attended EE85 Reunion as Guest of Edward Saw (Yu Ket).
Celebrations
NorCal RITAA celebrated Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma & 60th Anniversary of RIT
Saya U Nyunt Htay, Mg Mar Ga & team organized the recording of video messages of some sayas & sayamas. They can be accessed from YouTube channel & website of NorCal RITAA.
2025 – 2026
Hla Min
Still have good physical & mental health.
Updating posts in my website
Posts for RIT Updates
Posts for Old Paulians
Posts for Old Burma Group
Thanks
My ancestors
My Beloved FatherMy beloved parentsMy parents & Mother-in-law
Compiled for the HMEE Book with အုန်းခိုင် (M70) Ohn Khine
CD
HMEE စာအုပ် ကို RU စာကြည့်တိုက် မှာလှူ Donated HMEE book to Universities Central Library & YTU Library
Book Donation
Highlights
1964 မှာ 2nd BE တက်ခဲ့ Admitted to 2nd BE as Top student (Roll Number One)
2nd BE
လူရည်ချွန် — 1965 Summer (အင်းလေး) Selected Luyechun (Outstanding Student) to the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the Summer of 1965
Luyechun
Organizer, SPZP-2000 First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe Received “Alumni Appreciation Award”
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Received three Alumni Appreciation Awards (a) at SPZP-2000 (b) from worldwide alumni in Aug 2016 (c) from Northern California RIT Alumni Association in Sep 2016
Dreams Jules Verne was a dreamer. Many of his dreams became reality.
Oral & Written History Several sayas have passed away. A few have memory loss. We should at least have Oral History.
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife After submitting sample articles, I was accepted as a contributing author.
Blog It stands for a web log. There are platforms for posting blogs.
Contributors Several sayas, alumni & friends submitted news, photos and articles for my Newsletter and Website.
Dreams
Jules Verne
He dreamed of traveling
to the Moon and back
in a hot air balloon
in a submarine 20000 leagues under the sea
to the center of the earth
around the world in 80 days (a remarkable feat for his time)
He inspired people to transform most of his dreams into reality.
Apollo
In his book, Jules Verne sent three men from a Cape in Florida to orbit the moon, return safely to earth. He used a powerful cannon to achieve the velocity to escape the earth’s atmosphere.
A century later — in December 1968 — Apollo 8 with Frank Borman, James Lovell and Bill Anders made Verne’s dream a reality. The space ship was launched from Cape Canaveral (later renamed Cape Kennedy), which is within striking distance of the spot chosen by Jules Verne.
In July 1969, Apollo 11 with Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin landed in Tranquility Bay on the Moon.
When President John F. Kennedy proclaimed, “Before this decade is out, we will send men to the moon and then bring them back safely to earth”, there was no substantial plan to support his dream.
Verner von Braun, a German rocket scientist (who was captured by the Allied Forces as a Prisoner of War), and his team were given a “level of trust” to work on the NASA project.
It would need baby steps : Mercury, Gemini and Apollo projects to have one, two and three astronauts to man the space ships.
For the Apollo project, it was not clear how to implement the important phase of bringing the astronauts safely back to the earth. e.g. How can a direct hit to the moon cause a safe return to earth?
Folklore said that one engineer scribbled on his lunch bag a “spider” landing on the moon and returning. His dream resulted in the design of the “Lunar Module”. The rest is history.
Book
Take away
If you can dream, others can fulfill [your dream].
My dream two decades ago
I dreamed that I would be able to get the sayas and alumni get reconnected electronically and physically.
In 1999, we established the RIT Alumni Newsletter and the RIT web site (with the expertise of U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76, web master)).
In October 2000, with the help of sponsors and volunteers, the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in San Francisco, California, USA.
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Seven SPZPs (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe’s) have been held : SPZP-2000 (in the US), SPZP-2002 (in Singapore), SPZP-2004 (in Yangon), SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 (in Singapore), SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016 (in Yangon). Due to pandemic, SPZP-2000 was canceled.
My recent dream
My recent dream was to get as many contributors and volunteers to compile an informal story of
Our beloved land
Our ancestors
Our mentors
Pioneers and prime movers (e.g. those who helped build the “Rice Bowl of Asia”)
Laggards and culprits (e.g. those who dragged Burma into the Least Developing Country status)
Unsung heroes (e.g. who tried to overcome the “Adhamma Era” and rebuild the nation into former glory)
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :
Dreaming and creating inspiration for others to be able to fulfill your dreams are two different animals, if you will, by themselves.
I, like many others, have dreams but we do not have your dedication. perseverance and drive to inspire others.
As I have said many times here, my hats off to you, I am very proud to be considered your friend, and informal pupil.
And to your significant other to take care of you/look after you and your sons while you would be deep into these projects. Please convey my regards to Ma Sein Yie.
Oral and Written History
There were some Sayas that were over 90. H Num Kok (C), U Soe Khaw (Mining), U Ba Toke (Maths), U Min Wun (C) and U Ba Than (M) have passed away.
The leading Thet Kyee sayas include U Tin U (C), U Aung Khin (M), Dr. Aung Gyi (Rector, C) and U Myo Myint Sein (A).
Many of our sayas are in their 80s.
While they still have high energy and keen memory, we need volunteers to either formally interview them or to record the conversations.
They can become the artifacts of the Oral History section of an engineering library (preferably the YTU Library).
There can also be a section to archive the Written History.
H Num Kok (GBNF)
Saya H Num Kok
He taught Engineering Drawing to Dr. Aung Gyi and U Min Wun.
He taught Soil Mechanics to the younger Sayas.
He served as President of the RIT Track & Field Association with U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68) as Secretary and U Myo Nyunt (C69) as Joint Secretary.
He served as Line Judge at the RUBC Regattas along with Saya U Sein Win (GBNF) and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung.
He was loved by his former students. They showed up at the Welcome Party in Yangon for Saya a few years ago. Saya took home the banner of the event to his home in Portland, Oregon, USA.
He worked full-time until he turned 80.
He was reasonably healthy in his early 90s.
He passed away at the age of 98.
U Soe Khaw (GBNF)
U Soe Khaw
He was Part-time Lecturer & Head of Mining Engineering at BOC College.
U Soon Sein succeeded him as full-time saya and Head of the Department.
He worked for the Ministry of Mining before heading out for overseas assignment.
After retirement from the United Nations, he migrated to the USA.
He was actively involved in selected monasteries in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF), Saya Dr. San Lin (C62) and I had a Lunch gathering with him. The gathering ended near to a Dinner gathering. The three sayas shared their memories.
He was healthy physically and mentally before his beloved spouse’s demise.
A few years later, he passed away.
He is a cousin of Dr. Htut Saing (Harry, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC, GBNF).
U Ba Toke (GBNF)
U Ba Toke
He is a Phwa Bet Taw of the University of Rangoon and the First RU Students’ Strike in December 1920.
Book
His life journey had been recorded and published by his former student Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char) with the help of Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khine (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khine).
During my visits to Yangon, I paid respect to Saya. He gave me autographed copy of the book.
He was an athlete. He played soccer in his younger days. He headed the Burmese team to Tokyo Olympics.
He used to walk every weekend with his younger Dhamma friends to Shwe Dagon Pagoda.
At the subsequent visits, I found the decline of his health but not his mental acumen.
Saya passed away on December 2, 2020 the day after the RU Centennial, and several days short of his birthday on December 26.
U Tin U
U Tin U
He gave an interview for HMEE-2012 Project.
When the Rangoon University reopened in 1946 (after the war), he attended RU along with Dr. Pe Nyun & Dr. Pe Thein.
Most of his former classmates are GBNF.
He is the Oldest & Most Senior Past Captain of RUBC.
He represented RUBC in the 1948 Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi along with Dr. Pe Nyun, Dr. Pe Thein & U Khin Maung Wint.
He opened the RUBC Centennial Celebrations in December 2023.
He is Past Captain of Rangoon Golf Club. He played golf until his early 80s.
He still enjoys the evenings sitting in the lawn and enjoying Scotch Whiskey.
U Ba Than (GBNF)
U Ba Than
He passed away in early 2024.
His elder brother Saya U Tin U (96 years) is still strong and active.
Some thought that their longevity is due to their genes. Sadly, their father passed away in his 60s after raising nine successful sons and daughters.
Until a period before his demise, Saya remembered most of his former students well.
Several students have seen his photo albums. Many photos were given to MES for display and to HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) for display in the book and the supplemental CD.
He is a proud sponsor of the History project along with U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) and U Thaw Kaung (former Chief Librarian of the Rangoon University Central Library).
He donated almost all of the Garawa money that he received from the SPZPs and his former students.
U Aung Khin
U Aung Khin 1U Aung Khin 2
After retirement as Professor & Head of Mechanical Engineering, he moved to Canada.
He still plays Tennis & Golf.
He does not want to fly long distances.
He is spending quality time with his children and grand children.
Ivan Lee (M69) organized two trips to visit Windsor, Canada and pay respect to Saya.
Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun & U Maung Maung Than
Saya U Min Wun & Saya Dr. Aung Gyi
Dr. Aung Gyi is healthy except for some hearing loss. He attended most SPZPs and Reunions held in the USA, Singapore and Myanmar. He wrote several articles for the RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun (GBNF) and U Maung Maung Than (GBNF) were the initial group of Engineering students sent to study at the prestigious Universities in the USA under the “Twinning Program”.
For some time, U Min Wun (GBNF) could not travel far as he has to take care of his beloved spouse with some health problems. His former students from Myanmar paid respect to Saya in Los Angeles. They also brought Garawa money from the various Civil gatherings in Myanmar. Sadly, he passed away a year ago.
U Maung Maung Than (GBNF) served as Chair of the RIT Sports Council during our days. He played Chinlon. He is also a musician.
HMEE Projects
For the HMEE-2012 Project, we requested the former Heads of the Engineering Departments to write about the history of their departments. The book was published in December 2012.
HMEE 1HMEE 2
The HMEE-2018 Project was established to revise the book published by HMEE-2012 and to provide additional material for the planned two-volume book. However, it did not run into completion partly because of the demise of Saya U Aung Hla Tun and partly because of the calamities.
Sense of urgency
Several sayas have passed away and some sayas have declining physical and mental heath.
We sense that the window for having a comprehensive Written History and Oral History is shrinking.
There is still some time to learn from our sayas and their contemporaries about the different facets of Myanmar Engineering Education.
Their stories can become gems for the Archives.
MEC, MES and RIT Alumni Association can help with the project.
Written History
Several sayas wrote articles and/or notes for
“RIT Alumni International Newsletter” & updates
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Sarsaung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010
The articles can become artifacts of the Written History section of an engineering library (preferably the YTU Library).
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
Encyclopedia
Nine of my articles appear in the Encyclopedia.
The three-volume book was published by ABC-CLIO in 2011. The book was sold for $275.
I received a book for completing eight articles according to the agreement and $10 (for the additional article).
Burmese Americans are covered in Pages 127 to 178 of Volume One.
The Editors decided to merge two of my articles with other authors. Unfortunately, an error introduced by my co-author. On page 150, he mentioned July 22 (instead of July 19) as Martyrs’ Day. The merged article unfortunately was not sent to me for review. The Editors promise to correct the error in subsequent editions.
Folk tales (as told by Saya Dr. Htin Aung and Ludu U Hla) are part of the Folklore.
To read my articles on-line, you should go to “Google Books” and then search “Hla Min“.
Blog
Diary, journal, log, and blog (web log) are ways and means to record one’s experience and thoughts.
Blogging is fun. One can just write down one’s thoughts without caring for academic integrity or historical precision. One does not have to write comprehensive reports. Several readers (mostly SMEs or Subject Matter Experts) point out errors (typos, discrepancies).
Not all media and social media are created equal. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, Facebook is a great way to get connected and reconnected (with long lost friends), but it requires time and energy to navigate the “rolling” and “revolving” posts.
I blog in my Facebook page and then share it with one or more FB pages (mainly “RIT Update”). As time and energy permit, I archive the posts along with the relevant feedback to
hlamin.com (my paid web site)
One does not need an account to read my posts on the web sites.
If you search “Hla Min” on the web, it will return (a) a former colonel (b) a former minister (c) an educator (d) some medical tests & results on HLA (e) some of my works
If you specify “RIT” or “TBSA”, the search engine will return my writings in the Newsletters.
If you go to “Google Books”, then you can find my articles for “Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife”.
On the long run, I hope to post “more complete treatment” of topics. As Dr. Nyunt Wai commented, it is a necessary, important and time consuming step to transform my raw materials into a form presentable as an e-book or printed book. I need volunteers to realize my dream and wishes (of an amateur historian, story teller and life long learner) before my reasonably good memory starts to fade away.
Our grand parents & parents had workers who were non-Buddhists. They gave us sweets (for Diwali), dan bauk (for Id) and presents (for Christmas).
During our younger days, we had classmates who professed different religions. We lived in perfect harmony.
Christians
Saya U Pe Maung Tin
U Pe Maung Tin
He was a Christian, but he helped with the translation of Buddhist texts.
Translated the two sermons (Dhammacakka and Anatta Lekkhana Sutta) into English at the request of U Tha Win (who published the two sermons in Pali, Burmese and English).
Teacher Kywe (PPBRS)
Karen Christian teacher who transformed me into a “life long learner”
My mother asked me to pay respect to her every year.
Rev. Bernard Taylor
SPHS Classmates
SPHS classmate
Missionary to the Philippines
After retirement, came back to Myanmar
Rev. Edwin David
SPHS classmate
GBNF
Priest of St. Mary’s Cathedral
Steeve Kay (EC70)
HM, Steeve & Benny
Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs
Donated $200000+ to RIT-related activities
GBNF
Benny Tan
Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs
Co-chair, SPZP-2000
SPZP
Several RIT alumni are Christians, who embrace SPZPs.
The term Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was chosen over Saya Ga Daw Pwe (which had religious connotation) so that all students can pay back the metta and cetana of their mentors.
Sikhs
D. S. Saluja
D S Saluja
Classmate at SPHS, I.Sc(A) & 2nd BE
Left RIT to form “Rama Enterprise” in Bangkok with his elder brother
Had a mini-reunion twice : the last time in April 2024
A. S. Soni
SPHS classmate
RIT alumni
Surinder Singh (EE69er) — Australia
Uttam Singh (M71) — NASA
Meenu Singh (ChE72) — CS Prof
Jagjit Singh (EE73) — UIUC
Muslims
Arzani U Razak
Arzani
Early Graduate of National College
Principal of National School in Mandalay
Was nominated by several Sayadaws to be Education Minister in Bogyoke Aung San’s Cabinet
Sons : U Tin Myint (RUBC, MOC), U Hla Kyi (helped solve the foundation problem at Shwe Dagon)
U Raschid
Student Leader for RUSU and Ba Ka Tha
Minister
U Khin Maung Latt
Minister
Sons : Khin Maung Gyi (RIT English), Khin Maung Lay (Principal, ILO Training School)
U Pe Khin
Diplomat
Negotiator at Pin Lon Conference
Bohmu Ba Shin
Burma Historical Commission
Paulians
Edward Hla Shwe I and II
RIT Alumni
Saya Allen Htay (C58) : President of RIT Alumni International; SPZP-2000 Organizer
SPZP-2000
U Khin Maung Lay (T68) : Past President of BASES; Organizer & emcee for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
U Thein Ngwe (Ko Thein Tokyo, ChE76) : Co-founder of RITAJsent
RIT Muslim students in 1971
RIT 1971
Men on the Moon
Poem
For the last stanza of my poem “Men on the Moon”, I wrote
“Are we not brothers here on earth? So let us all unite. There will be heaven here on earth If we all cease to fight”.
HlaMin 