Author: Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

Gone But Not Forgotten
by Hla Min

Updated : 7th October 2026

Dr. Thein Hlyne (Mining)
- Patron, RIT Buddhist Association
- Old Member, RUBC
- Old Johnian
Dr. Thein Hlyne

U Lay Aung (M)
- Patron, RIT Buddhist Association
- Mech Engg Saya at RIT
- Taught at Assumption University (formerly ABAC)
U Lay Aung

Dr. Pe Nyun, U Khin Maung Wint, Dr. Pe Thein, U Tin U
- They represented RUBC at the 1948 Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi.
- Dr. Pe Nyunt — Pediatric Surgeon; Lead, Operation of Ma Nan Soe & Ma Nan San; Passed away in Canada
- U Khin Maung Wint — Colonel
- Dr. Pe Thein — Minister of Health and Education; Professor
- U Tin U — Civil Engineer (expert on Structures & Construction); Past Captain of RUBC & RGC; Passed away after his 96th Birthday
RUBC crew at Independence Day Regatta

U Mya Maung (B. Com, Entrepreneur)
- အမျိုးသားရုပ်ရှင်
- Siblings : U Sein Tin (GBNF), U Mya Maung (GBNF), Saya U Tin Htut (M), Daw Kyi Kyi Chit Maung (GBNF), Daw Si Si Chit Maung, Dr. Yi Yi Chit Maung (Ph.D), Dr. Than Toe (GBNF), Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung (RIT English, UNICEF)
Mya Maung

Dr. Myo San / Freddie (SPHS63, Surgeon)
- Third in Burma in 1963
- Siblings : Freddie Ba San (GBNF), Ivy Ba San, Elsie Ba San
Freddie Ba San

Freddie & Sisters

U Myint Thin (M71)
- Matriculated from SPHS in 1965
- RIT Luyechun
- Passed away in Singapore
- Brother : Dr. Nyan Win (SPHS60)
Myint Thin

Oldies in Singapore

U Than Po (M75)
- Composer
- Zat Saya
- Pianist
- Pattala
- Vocalist
- SPZP Entertainment
Than Po

Musicians

U Than Po, Daw Cho Cho Yin

GBNF for the Class of 69

U Aung Min (M69) and team maintains the GBNF list of the Class of 69.

About 320 students entered the first ever 2nd BE. The list includes a few seniors who took sabbatical in their study and ended up as our classmates.

The GBNF list has 146 members. The photo in this post shows 141.

45% of our former classmates have passed away.

69er GBNF

EC69ers

Six EC69ers have passed away :
- U Kyaw Soe (DCA)
- U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, Schlumberger)
U Aung Thu Yein
- U Chit Tin (MOGE)
U Chit Tin & Maung Kabar
- U Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada)
- Sai Aik Yee (MOGE)
- Mehm Ye Win (PTC)
Two GJs

69ers chose to have two Golden Jubilees (in consideration of the Decline of Health of members) : the first in 2014 to celebrate the admission to RIT, and the second in December 2019 to celebrate the graduation of most members in 1969.

Win Thein Zaw (Min69)

Tint Swe (Zigone)

GBNF for the Class of 70

U Ohn Khine (M70) and team maintains the GBNF list of the 1st BE Intake of 1964 / Class of 70.

Tommy Shwe, Cho Aye, Peter Pe and Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) were among the Top Ten students from the class. They are now GBNF.

Tommy Shwe

Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein)

Cho Aye

Over 450 students entered the first ever 1st BE.

Soe Win (EC70, UCC, PTC) is a recent GBNF.

Soe Win

GBNF from Other classes
- U Than Tun (A65)
- Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65)
- Saya U Myo Win (M65)
- Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66)
- Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67)
- U Tun Aung / Jeffrey (EC68)
- U Soe Myint Lwin (EP68)
- Sayama Daw Mya Mya Than (EP68)
- …
GBNF from PPBRS
- Most of my sayas and sayamas from PPBRS have passed away.
- Daw Khin Khin Aye / Teacher Ah Mar was Principal of PPBRS
U Kyaw Zaw & Daw Khin Khin Aye
- Among my PPBRS classmates, Myo Set (son of actor Tha Gaung Gyi သာဂေါင်ကြီး) was the first to pass away. He perished in a car accident.
- Myint Sein (Veda) and Myat Hla Sein (Movie Tech) are among the recent GBNF from PPBRS.
Myint Sein

Myat Hla Sein

GBNF from SPHS

SPHS Sayas
- Most of my sayas and sayamas from SPHS have passed away.
- Sayadaw Beatson (Physics, Boy Scouts) is a recent GBNF
- Among my SPHS classmates, Min Thaw (Gilbert, SPHS63) is among the early ones to pass away.
- Dr. Myo San (Freddie), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie), Tin Tun, Maung Maung Kyi, Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi), Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung), Aung Chaw (Victor), Aye Ngwe (Edwin Ngwe), Dr. Freddie Sein, Dr. Aung Thwin, Shwe Zan Aung are among the GBNF from SPHS63.
Myo San (Freddie)

Maung Maung Kyi

Soon Kyaw by Kyaw Wynn

69er GBNF
- The GBNF list maintained by U Aung Min (M69) contains 146 of my RIT classmates.
- 18 succumbed to Covid.
- Some had medical problems.
Khin Maung Win (Sargalay)

GBNF from UCC & ICST
- Several of my sayas, colleagues and former students have passed away.
- CO Hla Min (Pauk Si) is an early GBNF from UCC.
- U Aung Zaw, Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, U Maung Maung Lay (Ah Ba), U Aung Myint and U Maung Maung Gyi are among the recent GBNF from UCC.
Dr. Chit Swe & U Aung Zaw

Dr. Tin Maung & Daw Nge Ma Ma Than

U Maung Maung Lay & U Maung Maung Gyi

CO U Hla Min, U Aung Myint, U Aung Zaw

Tone Kyaw တုံးကျော်

One should have Samvegha (sense of urgency) after hearing the sad news. When my namesake Hla Min (Pauk Si, SPHS64, EP70) passed away in his mid-thirties, we were shocked since he seemed strong and did not wear jackets (mandated for UCC employees entering the Computer Room). He would often be seen in sport shirts. He passed away with a few months of being diagnosed with liver problem. The consultant doctor was Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64, IM71). Ko Pauk Si was not a drinker, but other causes inflicted his liver. I became a Tone Kyaw when two government departments where I had given Guest Lectures on Computers and Applications tried to send me “Lwan Thu Pan Khwe” လွမ်းသူ့ပန်းခွေ

U Han Sein (C69) became a Tone Kyaw when the Organizers of the 30th Anniversary of Graduation inadvertently listed him in the GBNF list of the Class of 69. The organizers were unaware that U Han Sein was detained by the authorities after the 8-8-88 event. He resurfaced two decades later with the declaration of Amnesty.

Han Sein

Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63) became a Tone Kyaw when his namesake Saya Dr, Tin Hlaing (formerly of Maritime Studies) passed away. Some alumni had to revoke the wrong announcement.

Dr. Tin Hlaing

Saya U Lin (M66) became a Tone Kyaw when Mg Mar Ga inadvertently announced his demise (instead of Saya U Lay Aung’s death).

U Lin (2nd from Right)
October 6, 2026
Seven Siblings
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

ICS U Tin Tut

U Tin Tut
- First Burmese to become ICS by invitation.
- Served as Foreign Minister, Brigadier of a Reserve Army, Journalist and Publisher.
- Perished when a bomb (placed under his car) exploded. There were investigations, but no conclusive results were reported.
- Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint posted photos and articles about his Ba Gyi (e.g. The Empty Tomb).
- “Ba Gyi Aung Nyar Dei” ဘကြီးအောင်ညာတယ် (a famous short story by Minthuwun (Saya U Wun) has implicit references to U Tin Tut.
U Kyaw Myint

U Kyaw Myint
- Barrister, Judge of Supreme Court, Head of Tribunal that tried Galon U Saw, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Politician, Head of private Law firm that defended several people accused by the BSPP government).
- Stood first in Burma from Central with distinctions in all subjects. Sadly, he was expelled from the University of Rangoon for attending his mother’s funeral and earned the ire of the Principal and his father. His saga is recounted in a series of posts by his son Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint.
- Dhamma friend of my beloved parents. They built Dat Paung Zon Aung Min Gaung pagoda and supported “Mon” Sayadaw U Thilawanta.
Brief Bio of U Kyaw Myint

U Myint Thein
- Chief Justice of the Union of Burma
- On March 2, 1962, a Coup D’etat took place. Arrested along the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, several Sawbwas and high ranking officials. During his detainment, he was allowed only one day off to attend the funeral of his spouse Daw Phwa Hmi (an early Burmese female to be called to the Bar in the UK).
- Ambassador to China
- Outstanding author and translator
- Pen name : “MMT” (for Maung Myint Thein). His works were heavily censored.
Dr. Htin Aung

Dr. Htin Aung
- Principal of Rangoon College
- First native Rector of the Rangoon University
- Prolific writer covering history, folklore and several topics
- “Burmese Drama” & “Thirty Burmese Tales” were prescribed texts
Daw Khin Mya Mu
- Lecturer in Burmese
- Thamadu Myo Win (family court judge)
- Expert in Kyauk Sar (stone inscriptions)
- Spouse : Professor U E Maung
- Her handwritten manuscripts were not published due to lack of fonts, and were ultimately lost
Daw Khin Saw Mu

Daw Khin Saw Mu
- Early student of Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin
- Khit San Poet
- Spouse : ICS U Ba Tint
- Children : Daw Khin Saw Tint (RIT English, bilingual writer)
  and U Nay Oke Tint (St. Paul’s, TED-x InyaLake speaker, successful tuition saya, Chair of the Myanmar Board for organizing the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival)
Daw Tin Saw Mu
- Lecturer in English at Rangoon University
October 6, 2026
Parents
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026
- Some are unfortunate to lose one or both parents in their youth.
- Some are fortunate to have one or both parents in their 90’s and beyond.
- A few had a parent over 100.
Mother of Ivan Lee (M69)

Ivan is a Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 & SPZP-2007. He is an early supporter of the first RIT web site. He is a major donor for the 69er Health Care Fund.

He lost his father when he was young. His mother raised the children and also managed to stay healthy beyond the Century mark.

Ivan e-mailed us when his mother turned 100. It had the birthday card sent to his mother from the 43rd US President George W. Bush.

Ivan e-mailed again when his mother turned 101. It had the birthday card sent to his mother from the 44th US President Barack Obama.

We heard sad news from Ivan the following year. His mother passed away at the age of 102. She was alert until the final days. She played two hours of Mah Jong daily.

Let Oo Saya လက်ဦးဆရာ

I am fortunate to have parents who lived beyond 80, but not fortunate enough to have them around to see and appreciate my posts.

My Parents

My beloved mother

She lost her mom a few days after her birth. She made up for her loss by giving her metta (unbounded love) and cetana to the children and grandchildren. She kept a list of all the birthdays and anniversaries, and would be usually the first to wish. Even though she had maids, she would get up early & prepare breakfast for us. She also supervised the homework of her children, nephews and nieces.

I paid homage to her in my Newsletter & Updates for SPZP-2000.

My beloved father

My beloved father

He was a youth when he was given only three months more to live by the then best doctors in Rangoon. He had a Near Death Experience. His younger brothers cried thinking that he had died.

My dad told his brothers : “I was walking happily along a bund when a holy man stopped me and said, “Young man, you have to do sasana work. Do not go beyond this point.” Sensing that I was reluctant to end my walk, the man pushed me.”

Luckily, an indigenous medicine man named “Ga Doke Saya Gyi” treated my dad and even parted some of his medical knowledge.

He built pagodas starting with Dat Paung Zon Aung Min Gaung Pagoda (ဓာတ်ပေါင်းစုံအောင်မင်းခေါင်စေတီ). His photo hangs in the Hall along with his grandparents who who bought the land where the pagoda was built.

He also helped renovate pagodas.

I paid homage to him in my Newsletter & Updates for SPZP-2000.

My parents

My parents

During my school days, they gave me 25 pyas as pocket money. They wanted to make sure that I study hard. They would give bonus prizes only when I excelled in the exams.

They provided us :
- Remington English typewriter
- Olympia Burmese typewriter
- Dictionaries
- Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan (Encyclopedia)
- Reader’s Digest Magazine & Books
- Student’s Companion
- A book for Idioms
- Grammar : Wren and Martin
- King’s English : Fowler & Fowler
- How and Why
- Fun with Mathematics
- Classics Illustrated
- Junior Classics Illustrated
- Bedin : Saya Maukဆရာမောက်
- Palmistry : Cheiro
- History : Second World War
- Sports equipment
- Bicycle
- Scooter
- Car
My Myees

My beloved parents would have smiled to hear my grand daughter say, “Who’s your doctor? What happened?” after I returned from a clinic. She added, “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you. I love you.”

Two lovely grand children

She must have inherited the loving kindness of her great grand parents.

She won the Super Reader and Scholastic Achievement Awards. She loves Swimming, Soccer, Basketball, Singing, Playing music, Dancing and Painting.

My grand son is athletic. He plays competitive Soccer. He loves Cycling, Kung Fu, Basketball, Swimming, Piano and Video Games. He is sociable.

Poem and Song

I would like to share a poem and a variant of a song that I learnt in my youth.

Father (Poem)

Be kind to your father
For when you were young
Who loved you as friendly as he
He caught the first accent
That fell from your tongue
And joined in the heavenly glee.

Be kind to your father
For now he is old
His hair intermingled with grey
His footsteps are feeble
Once fearless and bold
Your father is passing away.

The version that we learned at school use archaic words like Thee, Thou, Thy and Locks. I have replaced them by the current usage : You, You, Your and Hair.

Mother (Song)

M is for the mercy she possesses
O means only that she’s growing old
T is for her tender sweet caresses
H is for her heart of purest gold
E means every thing she’s done to save me
R means right and right she’ll always be

Put them all together
They spell MOTHER
A word that means a world to me.

M is for the million things she gave me
O means that I owe her all I owe
T is for the tears she shed to raise me
H is for the hands that touch and hold
E means every thing she taught me
R means rare and special she’ll always be

Put them all together
They spell MOTHER
A word that means a world to me.

In some countries, there is Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

For us, everyday is Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Parent’s Day.

Dear beloved parents, I’m sure you will be in the good abodes. I want to thank you for your unbounded love and for your belief “Every thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well”.

A1 Centurion
- ဒေါ်ခင်လှဲ့ — lived to 106
- Spouse : U Hla Bu သခင်လှဘူး
- Children : မအောင်စီ၊ A1 သန်းထွဋ်၊ A1 သိန်းထွဋ်၊ အောင်မြင့် / သမန်းကျားကိုမြင့်၊ ဝဏ္ဏ
Mom of Thamankyar

Related Posts
- Father’s Day
- Mother’s Day
October 6, 2026
GBNF
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Gone But Not Forgotten
- Conventional wisdom says, “Pyauk thor thu shar hlyin tway. Thay thor thu kyar hlyin mae.” ပျောက်သောသူ ရှာလျှင်တွေ့။ သေသောသူ ကြာလျှင်မေ့။ One may find a lost person. One tends to forget those who have passed away.
- Unconventional wisdom says, “We should maintain GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) lists as part of the Written History of our beloved alma mater, our mentors and colleagues.”
- We use GBNF in the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and in my Posts.
  Other posts may provide additional information for the entries in the GBNF (by period or year) posts.
- Others use RIP (Rest in Peace), and BFHA (Bound For Higher Abode)
First RIT Website

U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) set up three GBNF pages on ex-RIT.org web site :
- GBNF for sayas and sayamas
U Ba Hli
- GBNF for alumni
- GBNF for spouses
I used GBNF in the last stanza of my poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” for SPZP-2000. The poem was reprinted as the Back Cover of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2000. It was only reprinted by the Class of 69 and Combined 1st BE intake of 64 and 65.

Poem for SPZP-2000

GBNF by School & Class

GBNF for the Class of 69

U Aung Min (M69) reported 146 entries in the GBNF list of the Class of 69. About 320 students entered the first ever 2nd BE. The list includes a few seniors who took sabbatical in their study and ended up as our classmates. 45% of our former classmates have passed away.

69ers GBNF

Six EC69ers have passed away :
- U Kyaw Soe (DCA)
- U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, Schlumberger)
U Aung Thu Yein
- U Chit Tin (MOGE)
U Chit Tin & Maung Kabar
- U Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada)
- Sai Aik Yee
- Mehm Ye Win
Due to the decline of health, the 69ers chose to have two Golden Jubilees : the first in 2014 to celebrate the admission to RIT, and the second in December 2019 to celebrate the graduation of most members in 1969.

GBNF for the Class of 70

U Ohn Khine (M70) reported 151 entries in the GBNF list of the Class of 70.

Tommy Shwe, Cho Aye, Peter Pe and Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) were among the Top Ten students from the class. They are now GBNF.

Tommy Shwe

Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein)

Cho Aye

Over 450 students entered the first ever 1st BE.

GBNF from PPBRS

Most of my sayas and sayamas from PPBRS have passed away.

U Kyaw Zaw & Daw Khin Khin Aye

Among my PPBRS classmates, Myo Set (son of actor Tha Gaung Gyi) was the first to pass away. He perished in a car accident. Myint Sein (Veda) and Myat Hla Sein (Movie Tech) are among the recent GBNF from PPBRS.

Myat Hla Sein

GBNF from SPHS

Most of my sayas and sayamas from SPHS have passed away. Sayadaw Beatson (Physics, Boy Scouts) is a recent GBNF

SPHS Sayas

Uzin Beatson

Among my SPHS classmates, Min Thaw (Gilbert, SPHS63) is among the early ones to pass away. Dr. Myo San (Freddie), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie), Tin Tun, Maung Maung Kyi, Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi), Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung), Aung Chaw (Victor) are among the GBNF from SPHS63.

Myo San (Freddie)

Maung Maung Kyi

Soon Kyaw by Kyaw Wynn

69er GBNF

The GBNF list maintained by U Aung Min (M69) contains 146 of my RIT classmates. 18 succumbed to Covid. Some had medical problems.

Khin Maung Win (Sargalay)

GBNF from UCC & ICST

Several of my sayas, colleagues and former students have passed away.

CO Hla Min (Pauk Si) is an early GBNF from UCC. U Aung Zaw, Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, U Maung Maung Lay (Ah Ba), U Aung Myint and U Maung Maung Gyi are among the recent GBNF from UCC.

Dr. Chit Swe & U Aung Zaw

Dr. Tin Maung & Daw Nge Ma Ma Than

U Maung Maung Lay & U Maung Maung Gyi

CO U Hla Min, U Aung Myint, U Aung Zaw

Tone Kyaw တုံးကျော်

One should have Samvegha (sense of urgency) after hearing the sad news. When my namesake Hla Min (Pauk Si, SPHS64, EP70) passed away in his mid-thirties, we were shocked since he seemed strong and did not wear jackets (mandated for UCC employees entering the Computer Room). He would often be seen in sport shirts. He passed away with a few months of being diagnosed with liver problem. The consultant doctor was Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64, IM71). Ko Pauk Si was not a drinker, but other causes inflicted his liver. I became a Tone Kyaw when two government departments where I had given Guest Lectures on Computers and Applications tried to send me “Lwan Thu Pan Khwe” လွမ်းသူ့ပန်းခွေ

U Han Sein (C69) became a Tone Kyaw when the Organizers of the 30th Anniversary of Graduation inadvertently listed him in the GBNF list of the Class of 69. The organizers were unaware that U Han Sein was detained by the authorities after the 8-8-88 event. He resurfaced two decades later with the declaration of Amnesty.

Han Sein

Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63) became a Tone Kyaw when his namesake Saya Dr, Tin Hlaing (formerly of Maritime Studies) passed away. Some alumni had to revoke the wrong announcement.

Dr. Tin Hlaing

Saya U Lin (M66) became a Tone Kyaw when Mg Mar Ga inadvertently announced his demise instead of Saya U Lay Aung.

U Lin (2nd from Right)
October 6, 2026
Steeve Kay — Chapman University
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Announcement from Chapman University

Steeve 1

Steeve 2

Steeve 3

Highlights
- Thaung Sein
- 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 1

S 2

S 3

S 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 house

SPZP-2012

Steeve (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)
Special Reunion & PZP
October 6, 2026
Memories of Sagaing စစ်ကိုင်း

by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Dr. Chit Swe

Ma Ma Mi (Daw Khin Khin Latt) is from Sagaing. She wanted Saya Chit (Dr. Chit Swe) to be a Yahan (temporary monk) at a monastery in Sagaing Hills. Some monastery compounds are named after the towns in Irrawaddy Delta.

Ko Myint Oo and I offered to be temporary monks with Saya Chit.

Ordination

There are two phases to become a monk :

(a) Novitiation (ရှင်ပြု Shin Pyu) or “Lower Ordination” to become a “Ko Yin” (ကိုရင် novice)

(b) “Thane Wyn” or “Higher Ordination” in a Sima (သိမ် Thane) to become an Upazin ဥပဇင်း

At least five monks are needed to conduct the “Higher Ordination”.

In Yangon, the ceremony takes 15 – 30 minutes.

The final part is an Exhortation by the Preceptor. As Mentor to the newly ordained monk, the Preceptor shares his knowledge and gives advice.

When the Preceptor learned that Saya Chit is a renowned Professor and the Founder/Director of UCC, he gave “extra” attention by exhorting for “close to three hours”. Sayadaw enjoyed illuminating Saya Chit.

Since I could barely squat, I was “offered” a pillow to rest my knees and I was allowed to “kneel down” on the pillow.

Tourist Guide for a day

After a week of monk hood, we returned to our lay life sans (without) our hair.

Ko Myint Oo is a social animal. He knew two Guides from “Tourist Burma”. At least one of them was new. They had a reasonably tough assignment. They had to guide an American student (in his senior year at a New York University) trying to write a first-hand report about the Buddhist artifacts in Mandalay and Sagaing.

The Guides requested help from Ko Myint Oo. Ko Myint Oo shunted and in a moment I became a volunteer tourist guide explaining (to the best of my knowledge) Buddhism & rites and rituals.

October 6, 2026
Photos — Evolution
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Analog Photos
- Before the advent of digital cameras and smart phones, it was not simple and cheap to take photos (let alone process them).
Black & White Photos
- In my younger days, I had a Box Camera, and later Yashica Mat.
- Unlike my uncle and a cousin brother who are experts in developing films (in a dark room), I had to pay 25 to 50 pyas per print at a Studio (e.g. Ahuja).
Photographers

Sann Aung
- Later, there emerged freelance & professional photographers (e.g. Maung Maung Nhyat & his brothers, Dat Pone San Aung, Dhatu Kyaw Lynn, Maung Maung Soe).
- Only those who won contracts had permission to take official photos at the Convocations. It was not compulsory to take and pay for the photos. Some, who did not order the photos, found their photos being displayed as examples of “Do not walk like this” and similar fun messages.
Captions
- During our younger days, SPHS had Annual Photo Shoots.
- A Group Photo cost One Kyat (without Captions) and K 1.50 (with Captions).
- It is not easy to identify people in photos without captions.
- In most FB Groups, there are individual photos and group photos (e.g. fresher welcome, farewell, graduation, newspaper clippings). Only a fraction has captions and dates.
- Some photos serve as a reminder of those that are Gone But Not Forgotten (GBNF).
Color Photos
- In the early days, Color photos had to be sent abroad for processing.
- Our wedding photos in 1973 were taken with the color film bought by my elder brother during his trip overseas. The film was sent (for processing ) to a friend who was studying in Australia.
- The color photos fade over time.
Advances in Technology
- Kodak (an Industry Leader in Film Technology) went bankrupt.
- Most phones have one or more cameras. Even children can take reasonably good photos. The photos can be edited (e.g. crop, color-adjusted).
- Warning : Some unscrupulous people have doctored photos and presented them as evidence of news.
Htein Win

U Thant Ah Ye Ah Khin

It took a long time for him to publish books about the Dark Moments in Burma.

First Book

Book 2
- Took photos of the U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin mostly from a saya’s house in the Main Campus. Gave photos to some friends and to an organization overseas (for storage).
- With the Pwint Linn era, he was able to get back the archived photos from overseas. Managed to get articles from some of the participants in the Ah Yay Ah Khin. He published the book about the Ah Yay Ah Khin.
- Ko Khin Maung Zaw bought a copy of the book from Myanmar and then mailed it to me.
Second Book
- In November 2019. I was invited to attend the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Mandalay. Met Ko Htein Win who had a book stall at the Festival. He gave me an autographed copy of the book about 8-8-88.
October 6, 2026
Dr. Rimon Than & Maung Maung Kyi
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Maung Maung Kyi

Mg Mg Kyi & Khin May Than

Rimon Than
- Elder son of U Maung Maung Kyi (SPHS63, Chemical Engineering from Dresden University, GBNF) and Daw Khin May Than (ChE72).
- Sad to lose an accomplished “Rescue Team Leader”.
Sad Event

It occurred on February 15, 2013.

Squadron Leader Dr. Rimon Than (Ko Yi Htet), elder son of U Maung Maung Kyi (SPHS 63, RUBC) and Daw Khin May Than (ChE 72) from Wales, passed away during a mountaineering training in Scotland due to an avalanche. He is a squadron leader in Royal Air Force (RAF) and also a doctor and an experienced mountain climber.

See BBC news at

<http://www.bbc.co.uk/…/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-214690…>.

Maung Maung Kyi and Khin May Than were in Yangon at the time. They had to fly back to Wales to attend the funeral service with military honors.

Maung Maung Kyi was my classmate at St. Paul’s High School and I.Sc.(A). We rowed together at RUBC. He studied Chemical Engineering (Pulp & Paper) at Dresden University, Germany. He was a best man at our wedding.

Visit to Wales

In 2017, we visited UK.

My cousin nephew Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, GBNF) drove us to Wales to visit Maung Maung Kyi and Khin May Than at their new home Ogmore-by-the-sea.

Maung Maung Kyi

Updates
- Dr. “Peter” Khin Tun (MRCP, Former Associate Dean of Oxford University) was a victim of Covid-19 and the lax Guidelines of NIH. He passed away on April 13, 2020. The news and TV coverage about the sad story led to reevaluation of procedures and support for NIH doctors and staff combating Covid.
- Maung Maung Kyi passed away peacefully in November 2024. His younger sisters — Dr. Kyi Kyi Hla, Daw Khin Thitsar and Dr. Khin Sabai — performed Soon Kwyay Dana for the 1st Anniversary of Maung Maung Kyi’s demise.
Soon Kyway

Memories

Khin Sabai, Khin May Than & Mg Mg Kyi

Top Matriculates from SPHS 1963

SPHS Std VIII (A)

Mg Mg Kyi 1

Mg Mg Kyi 2
October 6, 2026
GBNF — 2020 (some Covid)
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Sampling of people who passed away in 2020. Some (marked with *) succumbed to COVID
- Asha Bensel : Spouse of U San Lin (C69, GBNF)
- Dr. Aung Than Ba Tu (“ATBT”, BMRI) : succeeded Dr. Mya Tu as DG
- U Aung Thein (John Yeo, M72, US) : passed away in California
- Daw Aye Aye Cho (LA)
- U Ba Toke (Saya of our sayas, 100 years) : passed away in Yangon on Dec 2, 2020 a few days short of his Centennial Birthdayb
- * Daw Brenda Gyi (Maths, UN, US) : passed away in New York
  Fell ill while visiting ailing spouse in hospital; Siblings : Daw Jacqueline Gyi (Maths), U Myint Htwe
- Dr. Dhammapiya (Sayadaw, US, Myanmar) : passed away in California; Chief Resident Sayadaw, Mettananda Vihara, Castro Valley (formerly in Fremont), California; Patron of several religious and educational organizations
- U Han Sein (C69) : passed away in Yangon; Known as “Tone Kyaw Ah Pho Gyi”; RIT Selected for Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and Basketball; Prisoner of Conscience (served 17 years out of the 20 year sentence by Adhamma authorities); Volunteer Photographer for 69er Events
Han Sein
- Daw Hla Hla (Cousin) : passed away in Yangon; Daughter of maternal aunt; Brothers : Dr. Kyaw Sein Koe (GBNF), Dr. Kyaw Nyunt Koe, U Sein Tin, U Kyaw Kyaw Win
- Daw Hla May (Anne, English) : passed away in Yangon
  100 years (or so) young; Spouse : Saya U Ohn Khin (English); Son : H.E Dr. Pe Thet Khin (6-time Luyechun)
- U Khin Aung Bo (BARB, MARB) : passed away in Yangon; Retired Saya; Taught at BARB; President, MARB
U Khin Aung Bo (2nd from Right)
- U Khin Aung Kyi (former RIT Rector) : passed away in Yangon; 7th in Burma in the Matriculation examination of 1949; BS and MS in Chemical Engineering from MIT; Professor and Head, ChE at RIT; Succeeded Dr. Aung Gyi as Rector; Taught at Rengsit University, Bangkok
U Khin Aung Kyin
- Daw Khin Aye Taw Tun (Marina Taw) : passed away in Phillipines; Daughter of U Hla Taw and Daw Marie Hla Taw; Siblings : Daw Mabel Taw, Herman Taw, Daw Chicky Taw, Dr. Nyan Taw (SPHS63)
- U Khin Maung Thein (ex-Minister of MOEE) : passed away in Yangon
- U Khin Maung Win (EP69) : passed away in Yangon; Fondly known as Sargalay, La Da and Galon; Township Selection for Badminton (using experience as Training Partner for Sai Kham Pan, then Burma No 1 in Doubles and No 2 in Singles)
Sargalay / Khin Maung Win
- * Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, MRCP, UK) : passed away in Reading, UK; Son of U Tin U (most senior Past Captain of RUBC) and Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt (ex-BMRI, GBNF); Early casualty to COVID (sadly caused by controversial “Guideline” for the use of PPE); Former Associate Dean, Oxford University; Will awarded FRCP posthumously; I chronicled events from Mid-April to May 2020
Peter / Khin Tun
- * Dr. Ko Ko Thant : passed away in Yangon; EENT Professor
- U Kyaw Hlaing (PBRS) : passed away in Yangon; Brother : U Mya Hlaing (Moderator, FB Group)
- U Kyaw Myint (Bedin) : passed away in Maryland
- U Kyaw Sein (M65, Saya) : passed away in Singapore; Expert : Mechanical Drawing, AutoCAD
- * Dr. Kyaw Thein (Maths) : passed away in Yangon; He
  was our Tutor in I.Sc.(A) in 1963; Ph.D from Southampton University; Taught Political Science in Regional College;
  Former Principal, Sittwe College; Retired Rector, ICST
Dr. Kyaw Thein (Right)
- U Kyi Soe (IC) : passed away in Yangon; Movie Actor; Realtor
- U Myat Hla Sein (PBRS) : passed away in an accident in Yangon; Former Head of Yoke Shin ရုပ်ရှင် / Movie Technology, RC2; Father : U Chin Sein (Shwe Nyar Maung); Sister : Chit Mya Sein
U Myat Hla Sein
- * Dr. Myat Thu Ya (Surgeon) : passed away in Yangon
- U Myint Myat Oo (40+ years young) : passed away in Myanmar; Brother : U Htet Myet Oo
- * Daw Myint Myint Yee : passed away in Myanmar; Spouse : U Myint Lwin (Vice President, MARB, GBNF)
- U Myint Swe (69er) : passed away in Myanmar; Nickname: Bu Thee
- U Myint Thin (M71, Luyechun, RUBC) : passed away in Singapore
U Myint Thin (Left)
- Dr. Myint Win (UK) : passed away in UK; Parents own food shop in SPHS
- * U Ngwe Tun (Civil, Saya) : passed away in Myanmar
  Had a bookshop; Spouse passed away 4 (or so) years ago; Was staying with daughter
U Ngwe Tun
- Daw Ni Ni Than (M74, Sayalay) : passed away in Myanmar
- U Nyunt Soe (SPHS, Swimming National Coach) : passed away;
  Siblings : U Tin Soe (Johnny So Mg, RUBC), U Myint Soe (Willie, SPHS63, RUBC, BDS, GBNF), U Chit Soe and the Soe Sisters (Swimming Champions)
- U Nyunt Win (Chemistry, Saya) — Brothers : Dr. Ohn Kyaw (Chemistry), Dr. Myo Nyunt (Economics); Spouse : Dr. Khin Mar Tun (Chemistry)
- U Ohn Maung : passed away in Myanmar; Son : U Nyunt Than (M86, UCC, BADA, NorCal RITAA)
- Maung Pan Hmway (U Hla Myint) : passed away in Myanmar; Known for Postcard Kabyar
- Daw San Yee : passed away in Myanmar; Mother of Ei Thet (Mrs. Htet Myet Oo)
- Tekkatho Sein Tin (National Literary Award Winner) : passed away in Myanmar
- * Daw Shu Ti : passed away in Yangon; Spouse of Yi Pinn (M69, Dawei)
- Dr. Soe Aung (SPHS66?, UK) : passed away in UK
- U Soe Nyunt (SPHS, Taw Win Hnin Si) : passed away in Yangon; Recovered the SPHS Honor Roll (which disappeared after nationalization); 69er Monthly Gatherings were mostly held at “Royal Rose”
- Daw Swe Swe Win
- Daw Than Than Nwe (Dolly Sein, EP72) : passed away in Yangon; Spouse : U Thein Swe (EP69); Brother : U Ohn Maung (Anthony Sein, ChE68)
- Dr. Thin Thin (82 years young) : passed away in Myanmar; Brother : Saya U Moe Aung (EE)
- U Tin Myint (M, Singapore)
  : Sponsor of YTU student
- U Tin Nyunt (retired Saya, Zoology)
- U Tin Tun : passed away in Yangon in May 2020
  Spouse : Daw Aye Aye Khin
  Brother : Dr. Mg Mg Gyi (SPHS63, GBNF)
- U Tommy (69er, EP) : passed away in Myanmar; Moulmein; Basketball
- U Win Myint Maung (N Jar Thaing, E71 Intake) : passed away in Yangon
- U Win Tin (Chein Hoe, PBRS) : passed away in Yangon; Uncle : U Kyaw Zaw
- U Yan Paing Soe : passed away in Yangon; Ah Nu Pyinnya Shin
- * Dr. Yin Yin Htun (M) : passed away in Yangon; Professsor, YTU
- U Zin Aung (PPFC) : Former colleague of Dr. Nyan Taw (SPHS63)
October 6, 2026
Talk — Myanmar Engg
by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Video Broadcast on January 24, 2021

U Hla Min

History of Myanmar Engineering Education

HMEE Project Members
- HMEE-2012
  Lead Author : Saya U Aung Hla Tun (National Literary Award Winner)
  U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement
HMEE Book

HMEE CD Supplement
- Beginning of Engineering Courses at Rangoon University
- BOC College of Engineering and Mining
- Faculty of Engineering
- Leik Khone
- Burma Institute of Technology (BIT)
- Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT)
- Yangon Institute of Technology (YIT)
- Yangon Technological University (YTU)
- Changes in Education Systems and Names
Early supporters of the Project
- Sayagyi U Ba Than
- Saya U Thaw Kaung
- Saya U Soe Paing (my mentor at RIT and UCC).
U Ba Than

Saya U Soe Paing’s post on March 5, 2011

I went to the University Central Library (UCL) on Tuesday and managed to get scanned photos from the Eng Student Annual Magazines for the academic years 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas and students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.

Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor of Electrical Engineering) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L (Assistant Lecturer) starting 1952-53.

Saya U Tin Swe (Lecturer, EE Department) was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team.

Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain of the football team.

U Khin Si, husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile, and his brother U Tin Si were also members of that victorious team. The brothers were also outstanding tennis players and excelled at the Doubles event. Their partnership won RU as well as national championships.

The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by HE U Ba Swe, Prime Minister at that time.

In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD,PWC,CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.

I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.

Saya U Ba Than (Professor of Mechanical Engineering) has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.

Best wishes
SP (Saya U Soe Paing)

Editor’s notes
- An academic usually spans two years. To save space and time, I had loosely used the end year instead of the start year and end year. Using that notation, Saya U Sein Hlaing is from the Class of 52; Saya U Tin Swe and U Chan Tha are from the Class of 53; U Aw Taik Maw is from the Class of 54.
- In the early days, there were no Instructors (but only Assistant Lecturers) for the Faculty of Engineering. They are Gazetted officers.
- Some of our sayas (Saya Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Min Wun, Saya U Maung Maung Than, Saya U Khin Aung Kyi, Saya U Aung Khin, Saya U Thit, Saya U Thein Lwin, Saya U Soe Paing) applied for “States Scholar” before graduation.
- Some (Saya Allen Htay, Saya Dr San Hla Aung, Saya U Htin Paw, Saya Dr. Ba Lwin, Saya U San Tun, Saya U Tin Hlaing) joined the faculty and were selected to do post-graduate studies.
- Grapevine says that the Halls would aggressively seek outstanding athletes (footballers,…)
- U Chan Tha is also Past Captain and Gold of RUBC Gold. He attended RUBC Regattas (including the 90th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC). I was a contributing editor for the commemorative issue.
- Ko Percy Maung Maung and his younger brother Ko Hugh Maung Maung are old crocs. Ko Percy is a class mate of Saya U Soe Paing at SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) and Stanford University.
- Ma Gilmore Hole, daughter of Mr. Robert Hole, was a sayama at UCC, DCS and ICST. Due to declining health (and some loss of memory), Mr. Robert Hole could not fulfill his promise to write about RUESU and the olden days.
- Saya Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (Emeritus Professor of Physics at Western Illinois University) e-mailed me a copy of the “Burmese state scholars in ’54”. The list was published in one of my early updates. The list includes Saya U Sein Hlaing, Saya U Tin Swe, …
- Ko Benny Tan (M 70) used to have two copies of the “RIT Handbook”. One was loaned indefinitely by an alumni. I published the list of permanent and part-time sayas and sayamas from that handbook in one of early “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” updates.
- Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War, EE) may have old copies of “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”, RIT Annual Magazines, commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saungs for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010, commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazines for Shwe YaDu and SPZP-2016. Saya served as Chief Editor and/or Publisher for the above mentioned publications.
- Saya Charlie Kaw (Tex, GBNF) is believed to have brought along with him the projects of his final year students when he migrated to the USA.
- “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar” was published in time for SPZP-2012. Due to resource constraints, there were inadvertent errors and missing names/captions for the photos. Ko Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 and summarized Section 2 in English. The translations were provided in the companion CD compiled by Ko Ohn Khine and yours truly.
- Saya U Aung Hla Tun (Met, National Literary Award winner) headed the team (see attached photo). Saya feels that the younger generation could/should “correct” the book and enhance it.
Update
- Several members and supporters of HMEE project are GBNF
- Saya U Ba Than (GBNF) hosted the inaugural HMEE meeting
- Saya U Aung Hla Tun, Ko Aung Moung and Ko Thant Zin are GBNF.
- HMEE-2018 was suspended after the demise of Saya U Aung Hla Tun
U Aung Hla Tun
October 6, 2026