HlaMin

Author: Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

  • Visits (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Video Broadcast on December 30, 2020

    2012

    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

    December 2012

    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.
    • Only made short trips in 2021 – 2024.

    YouTube Channel

    @hmin3664

    Channel to access my videos

  • Sheffield

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Trip to UK

    • In September 2017, I visited United Kingdom. It was my second visit to UK. My first visit was in 1972.

    Hosts

    • My cousin nephew Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) & Daw Win Mar hosted us at their house in Reading (40 miles from London).

    Sheffield

    • Took train to Sheffield to meet Peter’s younger brother Dr. Ye Myint, Daw San San Aye & their daughter Aye Sandar (Dental Surgeon).
    • My cousin sister Dr. Tin Kyi Win & her son Raymond drove to Sheffield to meet us.
    • Enjoyed food cooked by Ye Myint, San San Aye & Tin Kyi Win
    • They also took us to a Thai restaurant for dinner.
    UK 1
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    UK 2
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    UK 3
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    UK 4

    Updates

    • Peter Tun passed away on April 13, 2020. He was an early NIH Doctor to succumb to Covid. See my posts that chronicled his demise.
    • Some time back, Tin Kyi Win passed away peacefully in her sleep.

  • Sept 2017

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Half Moon Bay

    (Sept. 3, 2017)

    HMB Soon Kyway

    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.

  • Maths Sayas

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    U Kar

    (5/Apr/1894 to 21/May/1974)

    • Passed away at the age of 81
    • Taught Mathematics at RU
    • Education Minister in the Caretaker Government
    • Rector, RASU
    • 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

    Posts

    • GBNF
    • Mathematics
    • RU
    • Sayas
    • Universities & Institutes

  • Photo Album

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    RIT Almni

    Dr. Sann Oo 1
    Dr. Sann Oo 2
    Emma
    NorCal 1
    NorCal 2
    NorCal 3
    NorCal 4

    Let Oo Sayas

    Three Generations

    • My beloved parents
    • My spouse and I
    • My elder son
    With my beloved parents

    St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon

    • De la Salle Brothers
    • Sayas / Male teachers
    • Sayamas / Female Teachers
    SPHS Staff

    Dr. Khin Mg Mg & Dr. Rafiul Ahad

    • Dr. Khin Mg Mg (Physics) : Prof and Chair, Physics & Astronomy, University of Mississippi
    • Dr. Rafiul Ahad (Computer Science) : Retired VP, Oracle USA
    KMM RA 1
    KMM RA 2
    KMM RA 3
    KMM RA 4

    Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt)

    • Fourth in Burma in the Matriculation Exam in 1963
    • Retired Professor, Physiology at Institute of Medicine (1) and (2)
    • Taught at Malaysian University
    VNW 1

  • MahaGandayone & U Ba Kyi (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Video Broadcast on January 5, 2010

    Illustrated History of Buddhism

    YMBA

    • The Burmese version of the Book was published by YMBA (Young Men’s Buddhist Association) in 1951.
    Mahagandayone Sayadaw
    • YMBA requested Mahagandayone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa to write a brief “History of Buddhism” and Artist Saya U Ba Kyi to provide illustrations.
    • U Ba Kyi observed eight precepts for 45 days before undertaking the project.
    • In 1953, U Ba Kyi gained international reputation.
    • In 1954, YMBA published an addendum (English translation of Sayadaw’s text in Burmese) for readers who are not conversant in Burmese.

    TBSA

    Illustrated History of Buddhism
    • Dhammananda Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa sought permission from YMBA to reprint the book with descriptions in both Burmese/Myanmar and English.
    • In 1994, the book was printed and published in the US and was distributed by TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America).
    • Several books were left. Some were handed as prizes for the successful participants of the “Summer Dhamma Class / Camp”.

    Missed Opportunity

    • An Arts professor from Stanford University expressed desire to use “The Illustrated History of Buddhism” as a text for his course provided the book can be “ordered” from the University Book Shop.
    • Since the book was meant for dhamma dana, the book had no ISBN (International Standard Book Number) that is used by book shops.

    Miscellaneous

    • There have been some requests to reprint the book.
    • There are probably newer reprints of the book and/or PDF version of Saya U Ba Kyi’s drawings.

    U Ba Kyi

    • Saya translated a verse of the song “Hna yauk hte nay gin de” while invigilating an examination at the Institute of Education.
    • Dr. Maung Maung Kha used to accompany Saya U Ba Kyi’s vocals with his violin at the functions (mostly at Rangoon University Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin).

    Translation of Burmese Song နှစ်ယောက်ထဲနေချင်တယ်

    Darling
    Only two we will live dear
    On the high crest
    Of the Mount Everest
    And the Sahara Desert
    Driest without water
    To the North Pole
    May be freezing cold
    Where the sun will never never grow
    With all my heart and soul
    Only two darling We will go

    YouTube

    @hmin3664

    Channel to access my videos

    Posts

    • Dhamma Books
    • Dr. Maung Maung Kha
    • Translation

  • Speech

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Sayings

    There is a saying, “Speech is silver. Silence golden.”

    It does not mean that we should stay silent all the time.

    If one does not have meaningful things to say, it is better to remain silent rather than rambling or engaging in frivolous talk.

    Duration of speech

    • The length of a speech varies.
    • President Abraham Lincoln was requested to give a “few appropriate remarks” at Gettysburg. His address consisted of ten sentences. It was delivered in less than two minutes (which was not long enough for the official photographer to record the historic moment).
    • Typically, Elevator speeches last 30 – 45 seconds, Impromptu Speech (e.g. Table Topics) last 1 – 2 minutes, Prepared Speeches last 5 – 7 minutes, TED talks lastless than 18 minutes), Keynote speeches last 45 – 60 minutes with Q&A.

    Message

    • It is usually more important than the messenger.
    • The speaker should provide a “take away” or an “action item”.

    Training / Aids

    • I had a book of the 40+ speeches given by notable people (e.g. Winston Churchill).
    • Rotary Club, Kiwani’s Club and Toastmasters International provide guidance and training for communication (Public Speaking and Leadership).
    • I am a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).
    Hla Min (DTM) 1 ko
    Hla Min (DTM) 2
    Toastmaster 1
    Toastmaster 2

    Speeches

    • Inaugural address by Abraham Lincoln
    • John F Kennedy’s speech about Moon Mission
    • Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is known for “The Last Lecture”, where a Professor presents to an audience (e.g. those present for his forthcoming Retirement). Randy Pausch, who was diagnosed with Cancer, gave an up-lifting “The Last Lecture”. It can be viewed on You Tube. It has also been made into a book.
    • Steve Jobs gave a Commencement Speech at Stanford University. It can be viewed on the Internet. In three parts, he connected the dots (e.g. taking a Calligraphy course to the aesthetic Font designs on Apple Computers.

    Posts

    • 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
    • My Educational Videos
    • Public Speaking
    • Toastmaster’s Journey
    • YMCA

  • High Concentration Activity

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    • Also known as HCA
    • Some use the term “In the zone”

    My Moments of HCA

    RUBC (2013)

    90th Anniversary
    • Contributing Editor for the Commemorative issue of the RUBC 90th Anniversary Magazine
    • Proposed to write Prelude for each section
    • HCA lasted less than an hour. I completed the Prelude for all sections.

    UCC and ICST (Jan 2018)

    ICST
    • Attended the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST as a Member of Generation Zero
    • Later gave a guest lecture at UCSY (University of Computer Studies in Yangon).
    • In my desire to pay back to UCC, I wrote 30+ posts on “Memories of UCC” in three days of HCA.
    • Phyu Phyu Kyaw (my former student) told me that I should not be spending too much time in Yangon reminiscing about UCC. She asked, “Would you like to have a two-night three-day vacation at Bagan?”

    Sharing Knowledge / Experience (2018 – Present)

    • After I came back to the USA, I decided to share my memories with my sayas and alumni.
    • My spouse told me that we should pay back to our beloved land, our ancestors and our mentors.
    • Started posting “Trivia” to my Facebook friends. Then opened up to the General Public.
    • Started revising and archiving in my web site: hlamin.com
    • Posted on selected Facebook Pages : RIT Updates, Myanmar, Memories and Fun with Learning
    • I am a
      “Jack of All Trades, and Master of Some”,
      Mini-Dictionary,
      Micro-Google,
      Life long learner,
      Distinguished Toastmaster,
      Amateur historian (former Docent of the Computer History Museum),
      “Sar Pay Chit Thu စာပေချစ်သူ” : freelance writer, editor & translator,
      Volunteer for alumni, religious & social organizations.
    • Depending on my HCA, I have written and/or updated dozens of posts daily.

  • Parody

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    I Love You Because (Parody by Hla Min)

    • Many years ago, I wrote a parody.
    • “I love you because” (sung by Jim Reeves) was a hit played by Burma Broadcasting Service (BBS).
    • I wrote a light version of the song.
    • I did not have a Home Minister at that time to edit or veto it.

    I love you because (Lyrics)

    I love you
    because you always stand dear
    every time I opened up the door
    You’re always there
    to help me eat my jam dear
    I love you more
    because you never snore.

    No matter
    When you’re sleeping or awake dear
    You’re pretty
    as the craters on the moon
    I love you
    every minute of the hour dear
    Because you said
    You’d cry
    beside my tomb

    I love you
    because my pocket’s lighter
    every time you shop
    around the town
    I love you
    because you’re a great fighter
    But you promised
    you would never
    knock me down

    Take These Chains (Parody by Hla Min)

    • “Take these chains” was a song that was played often by BBS.
    • Thamankyar Ko Myint (Mn70) sang a Burmese song using the tune.
    • I tried to parody the song.

    Take these chains (Lyrics)

    Take these chains from my legs and set me free
    And the rope that ties me to this tree
    If you really pity me
    let me drink a glass of Zee
    Take these chains from my legs and set me free

    I’m charged with murder of a tiny, little flea
    “Cruel” said the judge and he would not hear my plea.
    So, if you really pity me
    let me sip a cup of tea
    Take these chains from my legs and set me free

    Take this scarf from my eyes and let me see
    If your waist still measures twenty three
    When I’m free I’ll marry you
    Even barrel shape will do
    Take these chains from my legs and set me free

    Lost Neikban RIT (Parody by U Myat Htoo)

    U Myat Htoo
    Lost Neikban
    • U Myat Htoo wrote a parody on “Pyauk Sone Nay Thaw Neikban Bon” (the song by Sai Kham Leik and Sai Htee Saing).
    • Played the Ukelele and sang the song at the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, and at NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner.

  • Pearl In My Heart

    by Hla Min & Tekkatho Moe War

    Updated : May 2026

    Saya Moe

    Saya U Moe Aung & Hla Min
    • In February 2015, Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) gave me an autographed copy of his book.
    Autographed copy
    Cover
    Musings by Tekkatho Moe War and Maung Sein Win (Padeegone)

    Updates

    • Saya is feeling the effects of Jara & Byadi.
    • He still writes articles & kabyars daily.
    • Saya authored or co-authored several books.
    Book 1
    Book 2
    Book 3

    Posts

    • Kabyar
    • Poem
    • Publications
    • Tekkatho Moe War