The biography was read in commemoration of his 100th birthday (held in Kemmendine).
Sayagyi U Tha Tun was born on 4 October 1899.
He received
B.Sc. degree from Yangon University in 1921
A.A. dip. from London in 1926
F.R.I.B.A. (Fellowship of Institute of British Architects) and A.M.T.P.I. (Associate Member of Town Planning Institute) in 1936
He is the only person who got F.R.I.B.A. as a Myanmar citizen up to date (in 1999). So his degree in full is : B.Sc., A.A.Dip.(London), F.R.I.B.A., A.M.T.P.I.
Back in Myanmar he worked as Executive Engineer (Planning) in National Housing Board and Town & City Development Trust.
From 1941-1945, he worked as City Architect and Government Architect in Public Works Department.
From 1954-58, he taught “History Of Architecture” at the Rangoon University Engineering department.
From 1960-1963, he was Head of Department of Architecture in BIT/RIT.
His works in Yangon include
Medical College 1 in Yangon.
Inya Hall, Thiri Hall,
Many other private houses
[Contributed his labor in] many religious buildings all over Myanmar.
He also won first prize in design competition for the renovation of Shwe Maw Daw Pagoda (Pegu) which was destroyed by an earthquake.
He lived for 75 years and passed away on 13th Sept. 1974 in Yangon.
Whenever he was invited to a meeting or a gathering of Architects, he always tried to attend and used to say his favorite words: “A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER”
Before he died, he sent a message to a meeting of S.S.A. and the following are the excerpts from his message.
” THE ART AND CULTURE REST ON THE FUTURE OF SOCIETY OF STUDENTS ARCHITECTS. I EXHORT TO THE SPIRIT OF S.S.A. TO CREATE A HISTORY AND I RENDER A HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS FOR PROMOTION OF ARCHITECTS IN BURMA”
Sad to inform that Than Myint (’64 first year intake Roll No. 168) had passed away on 23rd January 2013 at Asia Royal Clinic. The funeral was at Ye Way cemetery on 25th January. I knew about his demise from the newspaper. He was a musician and vocalist, and a Burmese Guitar virtuoso.
U San Htay (B. E. Metallurgy)
1973 Batch. Retired Brigadier General passed away on 24 March 2013 in Victoria hospital. His remains were cremated at Yay Way cemetery on 26 March 2013, 2 p.m.
Bohmu Myint Swe (Retd)
BE Civil (78 Batch) passed away on March 22, 2013.
Maung Htay wrote:
I am very upset. I know him. His nick name GiGi. He performed half man and half woman show on RIT concert. We lived in Thamine Hostel together when we are in RIT.
Saya Allen Htay (C58)
Says Allen Htay
From Ben Aye Maung (Htin Myaing, A66)
Dear Muriel,
It is with great sadness to learn that your beloved husband Saya Allen Htay passed away on 19 March 2013. I just found out from the RIT Alumni newsletter.
Please accept my deep & sincere condolences to you & your daughters.
Saya Allen was a gentle kind hearted person as well as a good compassionate teacher. He will be sadly missed by all his friends, colleagues and students.
Please be consoled by the Buddhist philosophy of the Law of impermanence and that we will all have to part with our loved ones one day.
With deep sorrow, Ben Aye Maung
PS The last time we all met together was in happy times at the Bangkok MEHS Reunion in 2008. I still have the group photo which included us & some other friends, that you sent me, which will serve as a fond memory.
From Saya U Min Wun (C)
Today I found out that Saya Allen Htay has recently passed away. I would like to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to Ma Mu and her family.
In 1957 when I taught the Final Year CE class I noticed a group of highly intelligent students and Allen Htay was one of them. When he graduated the next year he was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer together with Ko San Hla Aung and Ko Win Thein.
Allen Htay was later sent abroad to Harvard University to study Soil Mechanics. He then left R.I.T. to work abroad. Later on he joined CalTrans [California Department of Transportation] until he retired due to his illness. The other day one of my RIT colleagues reminded me of the longevity of most of the senior CE staff, beginning from Saya Nam Kock, Dr. Aung Gyi, Dr. San Hla Aung, Dr. Win Thein, Allen Htay, and me. All of us are approaching and/or surpassing 80.
Now one of us is already gone and he’ll be missed.
From Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A 67)
My deepest & sincere condolences to Ma Ma Mu & Family. You will be deeply missed by all of us.
Saya RIP.
Khin Khin Kyu (A 67)
From Saya U Myo Win (Melvyn, M/Ag 65)
Dear Muriel & family,
Please accept our heartfelt deepest condolences and sorrow. Allen is one of our nicest sayas and he is always smiling and a happy person.
He will be greatly missed by all Myanmar engineers.
Myo & Nu Win ( Melvyn Ba Tin & Noreen Aungyaw)
From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L. Tin Htun, EE 59)
Dear Ko Hla Min:
We are greatly saddened to learn about the passing of our beloved friend and colleague Mr. Allen Htay. Please convey our deep condolence and sympathy to all members of his family.
Sincerely, Chris and Pam Lee
From Saya U Nyo Win(M65)
Maurice and All,
Please convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to Allen’s family. Please include me in any and all arrangements for the funeral.
With great sadness, [Saya Dr.] Nyo Win (M 65)
From Saya KCChiu(ChE63)
Hi Maurice,
I am saddened by the bad news. Please convey my condolences to Daw Mu Mu and her family and let me know the funeral arrangement once it is confirmed. Also count me in your arrangement of expressing our grieve. Thank you.
Regards, [Saya] KC Chiu (ChE 63)
From U Saw Linn (C71)
Sad News.
Saya Allen Htay passed away on 19-03-2013.
From U Win Khaing (M75)
Dear U Saw Lin
Pls convey my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family of Saya Allen Htay.
With regards U Win Khaing President MES
From Saya U Moe Aung (EE63)
Saya was a very gentle and soft-spoken person.
Please convey my deepest condolences to his wife Daw Mu Mu Khin and family.
From Sai Tun Aye (Min70)
Very sad to hear this news.
Please convey my condolences to saya’s family.
From U Myint Pe (M72)
Very sad to hear about SAYAR’s news.
From U Aung Kyaw Myat
Deep Condolences to Saya’s Family.
From U Kyaw San Win
He is genius and good teacher for us. We miss him forever. This is life. Please convey our condolences to his bereaved family.
From Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65)
I can still remember Saya’s soft-spoken manner of conducting lectures. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
From Saya U Tin Lin (ChE72)
May you rest in PEACE Saya Allen Htay! My deepest condolence to saya’s family. This is the final journey of our life to pass through one day.
From U Hla Thaung
Very sorry to know that. Saya, may you rest in peace! My deep condolence to Saya’s family.
Attended Hwa Kyone. Sponsored publication of Hwa Kyone Centennial Magazine
Attended GTI briefly
Took Language Courses
Matriculated with Distinctions in Maths, Physics & Chemistry.
Admitted to 1st BE in Nov 1964 with Roll No. 8
Graduated with Electrical Communications in 1970
Moved to USA
Successful careers as IC Designer, CEO of QTC, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Never forgot his Roots, Alma Mater, Mentors & Motherland. He sang “Shwe Mi” at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Special Name
An administrator entered the name as Steeve (instead of Steve). He appreciated the name for being special.
Education
MS from Stanford University
MBA from Pepperdine University
Work & Experience
S 1S 2S 3S 4
Electronics Engineer : Designer of Power IC Chip
Co-founder & CEO, QTC Management : His sister Dr. Lay Kay had patents for processing disability claims & requested Steeve to found QTC.
After private investors showed interest in his company, he retired but continued to lead a multiple-purpose career
Visiting places of the world’s leading religions
Incubating projects of young professionals
Supporting education (e.g. as trustee of UC Irvine & selected Colleges)
Maintaining diverse business portfolio
Helping those in need (via Kay Family Foundation & CABA)
Continue paying back the metta & cetana of his mentors as Golden Sponsor of RIT Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwes, Helen and Steeve Kay Health Care Fund for the RIT Sayas and Sayamas.
From the SPZP-2000 Archives
RIT Poet Laureate Ko Hla Min:
I must admit that I was suffering from a Monday morning “hangover”, having been intoxicated with emotional overdose over the reunion weekend [in October 2000].
Judging from the post-reunion emails I read, I am not alone. What a reunion!
By all measures, it was a success and did satisfy the alumni’s tremendous pent-up desire to reconnect with each other after many decades of separation. The dedication of the members of the organizing committee is second to none.
With the assistance of his lovely wife, Benny Tan devoted practically full-time to this project for several months. I had a first-hand experience to see how meticulous he was when he was designing the RIT T-shirt. It came out a winner!
I do appreciate the sensitivity the organizing committee displayed in making this event non-religious and non-political. Otherwise, it would have been very difficult for me to attend. The only regret is that I failed to locate the whereabouts of my buddy Ko Aung Min of Taunggyi (ME 70). I heard he went to Singapore, but so far my search has ended in “no find”.
Now that the grand reunion is over, everybody is slowly recovering from the “hangover”. The big question is who would go to Singapore in 2002, and how do we go about doing it?
With best regards, Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein)
Sponsor / Host of Gatherings
Steeve (Center) at Benny’s houseSPZP-2012Steeve (Center) in Yangon
SPZPs (starting with SPZP-2000 in US)
40th Anniversary of “Arrival in US”
Celebrating 40th Anniversary of Arrival in USA
Celebrating the Success of QTC
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe(s) for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64
2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015
Special PZP and Reunion in Yangon (after doctors advised against Long Trips)
To coordinate with SPZP-2012 organizers, I visited Yangon in March & December.
March 2012
Host / Transportation : U Ohn Khine (M70) & U Saw Lin (C71, GBNF); Met U Aung (C70), Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71), U Khin Maung Myint (ChE71)
Dinner by U Saw Lin
Preparations for HMEE and SPZP-2012
Received preview copy of RIT Selected Cartoons fom U Saw Lin
Mini-gathering at U Zau Lai (EP69)’s house; Last meeting with U Aung Thu Yein (EC69, GBNF)
Aung Thu Yein
Monthly 69er gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si
Temporary monk at Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung
December2012
SPZP-2012
True “Home Coming” at Gyogone Campus; Thanks to HE U Aye Myint; SPZP-2012
Dinner & Entertainment at MICT Park
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for SPZP-2012
Limited reprint of 23 RIT Annual Magazines
History of Myanmar Engineering Education : HMEE Book & CD Supplement
Selected RIT Cartoons
Exhibits : Cartoon Box, Photos and Paintings
Guest : M72 Gathering; C75 Gathering; Old Paulians’ Gathering
2015
Trip to East Coast (USA) and Canada; See “July 2015” post
Windsor, Canada
RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles; Thanks to Aung Myint Oo (EC84, ex-UCC) & Thida Khin (ex-UCC) for arranging the trip
LA Reunion
2016
All-day SPZP-2016 at Gyogone Campus
Free food : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Entertainment : Two Stages
Cartoon Pamphlet
Bagyee U Myo Myint donated proceeds from the sale of his Paintings
Bagyee Exhibit
Received “Collection of Swel Daw Kabyars” by Saya U Moe Aung, Saya U Aung Myaing, Saya U Nyunt Htay, U Win Myint, U Toe Aung
Book of Poems
2017
Trip to England and Wales : Dr. Khin Tun & spouse Winmar showed us around; They took us to Ogmore-by-the-sea to see my childhood friend Maung Maung Kyi.
2018
ICST/UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe : Transportation by Saw Yan Naing
Posted “Memories of UCC” series
Trip to Bagan : Phyu Phyu Kyaw sponsored the trip
2019
Sojourn in Singapore & Malaysia : Thanks to Ko Zaw Tun & Ma Kyu, Silver & Ma Nu, Ko Ye & Pale, and alumni of UCC & ICST
Gatherings : 69ers, Class of M73, UCC
Fifth Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Mandalay : Thanks to KK
RUBC/YUBC Annual Regatta
Golden Jubilee of Graduation of the 69ers : Organized by the Great Aung Min & team
ICST/UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe : Transportation by Mar Mar Soe
Gatherings : UCC, Paulians, Veda
Guest : Class of 72 Gatherings
2020
PSA (Professional Speakers’ Association)
Guest : 2020 PSA Tour to Upper Myanmar
Restriction : Stay at home
Virtual : RU Centennial
Updates
Several — Dr. Khin Tun, U Maung Maung Kyi, U Aung Myint, Dr. Kyaw Thein — are GBNF.
Due to pandemic, there were restrictions (e.g proof of vaccination & travel insurance in some countries). 18 former classmates — including Han Sein, Yi Pinn, Khin Maung Gyi, Tobias — succumbed to Covid.
Attended Soon kwyay in memory of Uncle U Wah Kyu, father of Maurice Chee (M75).
U Wah Kyu is the older brother of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF).
Attendees include
Daw Mu Mu Kin — spouse of Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
Saya U San Tun (M59) & spouse
Saya Kyi Kong Tham (C63)
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)
Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A67)
U Hla Min (EC69) & spouse
Benny Tan (M70)
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) & Daw San San Nyunt (M77)
Maurice Chee (M75)
Saya U Soe Paing & Ma Alice
Visited SF Bay Area several times
Saya visited Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt in Milpitas on September 5, 2017. They studied in the USA as State Scholars. They shared the long trip back to Burma with Saya Allen Htay & Saya U Ko Ko Lay. They spent the evenings playing Bridge.
USP & UTMN 1
We hosted Lunch for the sayas at a restaurant in Fremont.
USP & UTMN 2
Updates
Retirees
Before the pandemic, Maurice organized monthly Lunch gatherings for SF Bay Area Retirees.
NorCal RIT AA
Several sayas and senior alumni cannot attend Dinner gatherings. NorCal RITAA responded by deciding to have Lunch Gathering at San Bruno on August 16, 2025.
Children : Saya Dr. Tin Maung and Sayama Daw Thein.
U Aung Hla
(18/Apr/1896 to 13/Dec/1983)
Passed away at the age of 88.
Professor of Maths, RU
Dean of Arts, RU
Accomplished musician
Annotated 25 Burmese songs.
Spouse : Daw May Than was a nationally known singer.
Son : U Mya Than played the lead guitar & piano.
U Po Thon
(27/Jul/1899 to 23/Nov/1982)
Passed away at the age of 84.
Pyinnya Mingyi ပညာမင်းကြီး
Supervised & published Maths texts for use in schools.
U Net
(15/Jan/1918 to 26/Feb/2003)
Passed away at the age of 86.
Professor of Maths, MASU
Feather of Daw Khin Mar Mar (Physics & UCC) & grandfather of Wunna Ko Ko, webmaster of second RIT web site.
U Ba Toke
(26/Dec/1920 to 2/Dec/2020)
Book
Phwa Bet Taw ဖွားဘက်တော် of “Rangoon University” and “First RU Student Boycott” (which is celebrated as “Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay” အမျိုးသားအောင်ပွဲနေ့ )
Professor of Maths, RASU
Rector, MASU
Professor of Maths, RIT
Vice Chair of Maths, Assumption University
Mandalay University Soccer Selected
Chinlon expert
Vice chair, RU Sports Council
Led the Burmese Olympic team to Tokyo in 1964.
Gave interviews (three C-90 tapes) and documents (4 files) to Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char). The book was published in April 2010 & was distributed on Sayagyi’s 90th birthday.
Updates
Many sayas — including those mentioned in the post are GBNF.
Other GBNF sayas include Dr. Chit Swe, Dr. Tin Maung, Dr. Saw Tin, Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Tin Hlaing, U Sein Min, U Ko Lay & U Aung Sein
HlaMin 