Thaung — Aung Bala, Chief Editor of Kyemon; Critic; Number One spared him for a while to prove that journalism was not dead; Speaker at the SF Bay Area talks; Published several books and critiques
Thaung — Younger brother of U Thant; Was with U Than in the final days; Brought back U Thant’s body to Rangoon
Thaung — DSA 1st batch; Ambassador to the US; Minister of Science and Technology; Branded our alma mater as “Thabon Kyaung“
Mother raised the family. She lived to 102 years. Stayed active by playing Mah Jong daily.
Spouse : Ivy (GBNF) — In her memory, Ivan built a school in Kyaukme
Two daughters
Six grandchildren
RIT
Attended I.Sc(A) classes at Pathein.
Admitted to 2nd BE in Nov 1964
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1969
While attending RIT, he had a private business selling Kyauk Me Laphet Chauk
Earned more than enough to pay for hostel fees and car expenses
Moved to USA
USA
Studied Masters in New York
PE (Professional Engineer) for New York and New Jersey
Entrepreneur
Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000
Sponsored Naw Mu Mu Aye to attend SPZP-2007
Major donor for the 69er Health Care Fund
Donated PCs to YTU (via U Nyi Hla Nge)
Life time Platinum for Bridge Competitive Card Game
Play Accordion and Harmonica
Host
For several years, he hosted the annual RIT-UCC Gathering The timing was chosen to coincide with visits by Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing
Trip to Canada
Invited us in 2015. Organized a whirlwind trip to Canada to pay homage to Saya U Aung Khin in Windsor and Saya Dr. Aung Gyi in Napean, Ottawa. Provided car and gas. Drove part of the trip. The major portion of the trip was handled by Fred Thetgyi (M69). Visited Massachusetts (Host : Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw, EC69) and Connecticut (Host : U Toung / Tom, EC69) on the way back.
U Aung Khin Dr. Aung Gyi
In June 2018, he organized another trip to Canada for selected sayas (e.g. Dr. Tin Win, U Aung Myint) and alumni.
Founded MASTAA and served as CEO
Golden Sponsor
On the morning of October 5, 2000, Ivan called me and asked how he can support the “RIT Alumni International” Activities. He earlier donated $360 to cover the hard costs of running the http:/www.ex-rit.org web site for a year.
He had written a check of $1200. He would donate $1000 to the SPZP and $200 to the Alumni General Fund. When I thanked him, he said,
“I’m not donating to your pocket. I’m donating for a good cause. The time you’ve put in definitely much more than $1200. I want you guys to set up a formal organization and a permanent fund”.
He became a Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000. There were five Golden Sponsors:
David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67, GBNF)
Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69)
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70, GBNF)
Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70)
U Maung Maung Than (M79)
Study & Work
Ivan wrote to Daniel Tint Lwin (M69), Saya U Aung Myint (M69) and KMZ (EC76, Web master).
I have been staying at East Brunswick, New Jersey, USA for a long time. EB is a small nice town between New York City (40 miles south) and Philadelphia (60 miles).
I got my MIME in 1976 from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, New York City. I hold both New York State and New Jersey State Professional Engineering (PE) licenses.
Back in 1974, I worked as a nuclear engineer in a Nuclear Power Plant. By 1982, I was working as a senior mechanical engineer at the major chemical/petrochemical plants. I performed planning, scheduling, design, specification, procurement, construction management, client interfacing, trouble shooting, etc. —
In 1988. I purchased the engineering and construction firm where I was chief engineer and operation manager.
In 1992 I purchased a garden apartment with 46 units and established a realty company.
In 1996 I purchased a co-generation power plant which produces power and steam/hot water to the hospitals, but this one was not doing great, so I gave up within two years.
I slowed down my engineering and construction business in 1998. The only business I am working part time is the real estate business. I own two office buildings and two single family houses. I have a beach house at the NJ shore and spend most summer there.
I have two adult daughters. The elder one graduated from Cornell University with Mechanical Engineering Degree and is working as a financial institution at Wall Street in NYC. The younger one graduated from an artist college and is doing photo for Amazon website advertisement in New York City. My wife is from Burma as well. We never returned there, since we immigrated.
I spend my time purchasing/selling stocks daily, managing the real estate business and playing Bridge [a card game]. That is my hobby. I am a Bronze Life Master in ACBL (American Contract Bridge League).
That is my life. I would like to add one more thing. When my wife and I came to USA, all we had was $60 plus $1200 air tickets loan from Pan Am.
Most of our classmates and friends are smart, intelligent, and willing to work. But a few have business mind to motivate or establish their wealth. I will talk with you more if you are interested.
Talking about donation : last year, I proposed to the Myanmar Ambassador in Washington, DC, to donate my engineering documents, books, technical catalogs, etc to Myanmar. The offer was not accepted.
Does RIT have email address? I’d like to email to the staff of RIT. I like to say “Hello” to Naw Mu Mu Aye (T69). I heard she is the Head of Textile Department at RIT.
His Philosophy
In another e-mail, Ivan wrote :
I have helped at least 75 relatives people immigrate to USA. I have sponsored at least 200 relatives, classmate, friends to USA without spending a penny to the lawyer. I had provided air tickets fees, lodging facilities, food, and transportation. I also helped most of them look for suitable jobs for most of them. I also arranged their children to go to school. This is not an easy assignment, need a huge heart to do that. My wife is of tremendous help in doing these projects. It took us more than 10 years on a consistent basis to do the projects.
I donated about $1,000,000 to my childhood school via Ko Aung Myint back in 1991/92. The school has 1000 students. They have named their assembly hall after me.
The message I’d like to offer is “When you are available, you should be able to contribute your assets (including knowledge, money, personal involvement) back to the society”.
He visited Yangon to see his mother, elder sisters and Old Paulians.
His eldest sister, who was taking care of the mother, passed away unexpectedly. The mother followed soon.
U Khin Maung Zaw (“KMZ”, SPHS70, EC76)
KMZ (Right)
Attended St. Paul’s High School
Matriculated in 1970 from No. (6) Botahtaung SHS State High School (name of SPHS after nationalization in 1965)
Due to disturbances, the convocation for KMZ’s class took place in March 1977. For simplicity & consistency), we call his class as “Class of 76”.
Represented All Universities in Hockey and RIT in Rowing.
Hockey
Played as the last defender in the RIT Hockey Team. Many played for the University & All-Institutes Team. He coached Thura Thant Zin (goalkeeper). At RUBC, Thura coached KMZ.
Helped Maung Maung Hnyut & brothers (major players for the Graduation Photos).
Volunteered at UCC. He usually brought an empty lunch box and a spoon. Several friends and some “ah ma gyis” would provide him lunch.
Took courses at UCC, but flatly refused to do some assignments (e.g. COBOL).
Worked in Singapore and then migrated to US. He has been in the Seattle region since his arrival in the US.
KMZ in Seattle
When my company subsidized my vacation trip (for the successful completion of a project), we visited KMZ at his old house. He showed us around (including a day trip to Vancouver, Canada). He showed me his wine cellar. Since I do not drink, I ended up with his concoction (“ginger beer (or similar) with ice cream”).
Founding member of RIT Alumni International
We were lucky when we were planning for SPZP-2000. He was working four 10-hour week with the Technology and Architecture Group of Nordstrom (where he had time & luxury to play with several computer systems).
Accepted the call of Saya U Soe Paing (our mentor at UCC) and me to set up a web site for RIT sayas and alumni.
Designed and implemented the first RIT web site. He was then an eligible bachelor and had a three day weekend. He burned the midnight oil preparing for the SPZP-2000.
Promised SPZP-2000 attendees that he would work on Version 2.0 of the web site. Things changed. Had a wonderful job at Microsoft and also started a wonderful family. A busy schedule at work and at home meant that maintaining and extending the web site would no longer have the top priority. He longer had time for RIT Updates.
Visited SF Bay Area in March 2018 to attend the retirement soon kyway of Maurce Chee (M75). There was a pre-soon kwyay gathering at a Sea Food Restaurant in San Mateo.
Mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar. One is “U Thant Ah Ye Ah Khin” by Htein Win (Photo). The other is a “tran-composition” of Saya Zaw Gyi’s poems about Pagan by Ah May Thar.
After retirement, he is doing forensics on his old desktops and PCs to recover albums, and articles.
Has provided tags and comments for my postings.
KMZ’s visit to SF Bay Area
U Khin Maung Zaw (SPHS71, EE77)
Per KMZ, the “other Khin Maung Zaw” is also from SPHS, 71 batch. He’s an active member & instigator of OPA (Old Paulians Association) as well as RIT Electrical 1971-77 group.
EE77 group donated Kyat 77 Lakhs collected mainly from the group towards the flood victims through Daw Khin Kyi foundation. Amazingly he was able to cajole exactly Kyat 77L to commemorate 1977 batch folks. Sadhu! Sadhu Sadhu!
Interesting enough he and KMZ overlap in several areas, SPHS, RIT including Hockey and Rowing at RIT,
U Khin Maung Zaw (T76)
Per Ko Myat Thein (Adam K Khan, EP76) :
There is another Khin Maung Zaw (whom I called Ngachate tayoke literally meaning Black Chinese because he has dark complexion) Class 76 Textile. We had very good conversations at D9 when we were final year students.
Presidential Fellowship in Teaching Innovation, Lamar University, 2015
Presidential Fellowship in Teaching Innovation, Lamar University, 2014
Presidential Fellowship in Research, Lamar University, 2014
Tim Kendall Memorial Prize, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand, 1991
Pi Tau Sigma, Honors Society of Mechanical Engineers
Ivan Lee (M69, co-Founder and Patron of MASTAA) wrote
Kendrick has been with MASTAA, USA since June 2019.
He was an invaluable member of our team.
He was the heart and soul of our team in promoting Myanmar students who want to study abroad. His information was vital to our organization’s Students Info page. His contribution to MASTAA can be seen on Students Info page at MASTAA.ORG website.
He left his beloved wife Khin Khin Hla and two adult sons. Khin Khin Hla is also an RIT Alumni 1984 B.Engg Civil as well as AIT Alumni 1991 M. Engg Water Resources
The funeral service will take place on January 20, 2021.
Our condolences for this tragic loss and wish Dr. Kendrick Aung, RIP.
Phyu Phyu Kyaw (ex-UCC) wrote :
KTA came & joined us (Methodist English High School / No. 1 Dagon SHS : K Class) when Ye Myat Soe (ex-UCC), his wife Ohnmar Aung (our classmate) & daughter visited Los Angeles in September, 2019.
We had the Class Gathering in Las Vegas. All were from K Class (starting from Lower KG to High School).
KTA was a Top Student since he was young.
Learnt that KTA is a cousin of Ko Aung Zaw Myint (ex-UCC). Both have the nick name “Gaung Gyi”.
Ko Soe Myint (President, MASTAA) wrote :
I will offer Soon and three sets of robes to Sayadaws (in New York) in memory of Dr. Kyaw Than Aung, and share merits with him.
Ko Wint Khin Zaw (Sydney, Australia) wrote :
I felt unjustifiable by the shocking news of a very untimely loss of our AIT contemporary Burmese Engineering Scholar, Prof. Dr Kyaw Than Aung. He was our academic idol and the pride of Burmese students body at the time as the first Burmese Awardee at AIT, the first chess champion and a runner-up table tennis champ. He also helped any Burmese students who found difficulty academically. He was a good friend and one of the smartest Burmese persons I have ever met. I could recall our table tennis games and watching World Cup Soccer matches together at the Student Union parlour. We lost contact since 1990s then a few years ago he and family visited Sydney so we met again as a pleasant reunion. He said he will come again but ….
So long Ko Kyaw Than Aung …
Our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Ma Khin Khin Hla and sons. Our metta and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ko Maw Lin, President of AMA (Association of Myanmar Architects) and Chief Editor of ‘Pyithu Ayay’ journal wrote :
Dr. Kendrick Aung, 60, passed away on 01/13/2021 in Seabrook, TX, USA. He was born on June 5th, 1961 in Yangon, Myanmar to U Than Aung and Daw Nyunt Nyunt. Dr. Kendrick Aung is survived by: his wife, Khin-Khin Hla Aung; sons, Raymond Aung and Andrew Aung; brothers, Dr. Khin Zaw Aung and Dr. Min Zaw Aung; sisters-in-law, Daw Theingi Swe and Dr. Aye Aye Yee, and numerous family members and friends. He earned a Ph.D (Aerospace) from University of Michigan, M.Eng (Energy Tech) from Asian Institute of Technology, B.Eng (Mechanical) from Rangoon Institute of Technology, and matriculated from No. (1) Dagon State High School in Yangon. Dr. Kendrick Aung worked as an Interim Department Chair & Professor for Lamar University located in Beaumont, TX. He had a passion for teaching, books, Chess and loved to travel with family and friends.
There will be a Visitation for Dr. Kendrick on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E Medical Center Blvd Webster, TX 77598. Those wishing to send flowers in Dr. Kendrick Aung’s memory should be directed https://www.kemahflorist.com or by calling 281-532-6933 and having them sent to the Crowder Funeral Home – Webster, TX.
Condolences
Daddy (Ko Ko Gyi) I love you and will miss you forever. Whatever I do, I am thinking you are next to me. you will be always with me in my heart. I greatly appreciated the time we were together. Don’t want to let you go but please go freely. Share all the merit we did with you. Amya-amya-amya, sadu sadu sadu Khin Khin Hla
Dad We love you and miss you, thank you for everything you have done for us and the community. Aung family
We understand that we own nothing in this world. Everything surrounding us are only temporary. Only the love we have in our hearts will remain forever. Those we Love don’t go away, they Walk beside us Every Day. Unseen, Unheard, but Always Near, So Loved, So Missed, So Very Dear. So Thar Thar, you may be gone prematurely, but you are going to be with us forever! Your eldest brother Ko Ko Ni, Ma Theingi & Chan (Khin ZawAung)
Please take care Thar Thar wherever you are Hope to see you again in next life. You left so early…………… Amya-amya-amya Your elder brother Ko Latt (Dr. Min Zaw Aung)
I am totally broken hearted my baby brother. I didn’t know that our last Zoom in December was your way of saying good-bye. Want to remember you as someone who was full of motivation inspiration and a brilliant mind. I am sure you knew that you were very much loved by all of us. . You are in my prayers sweetheart and may you look down from heaven to share the merits. amya amya amya.. thar thar yay Your big sister Ma Ma Aye xxx (Aye Aye Yee)
Though I got to know you very briefly , just for a span of 3 years or so when you came to stay with us, you were like a younger brother that we never had ; for ma ma aye and I. I will not forget you. You will be sadly missed thar thar. Than Than Yee
Compiled information from people close to Dr. Aung and shared it to selected Facebook groups. The original post is archived in my web site hlamin.com and updated periodically. Sad to lose a young all-round (academic, athletic and community services) star who had brightened the lives of many. May Dr. Aung rest in peace. Hla Min (Life Long Learner)
May you be peaceful at much higher realm Ko Kyaw Than Aung. You will be dearly missed by all of us. Our deepest condolences and sympathy to Khin Khin, Raymond and Andrew at Seabrook, Texas and all the bereaved family members elsewhere. With metta Wint Thanda & Tharlon (Wint Khin Zaw)
Our condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Boyce family (Mee Mee)
So sad your early departure my friend (our high school class mate @ Dagon 1) Please accept my sincere condolences to my friend family. You will be missed. Rest in Peach my friend. Sincerely Phyu Phyu Kyaw (Los Angeles)
So sorry for your loss. I know this must be a very difficult and demanding time for you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept my condolences. Ohnmar nyunt (SHS1 Dagon)
So sorry for your loss. I was saddened to hear my friend kyaw Than Aung Passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept my condolences. Ohn Mar Nyunt
I am so sorry and saddened by the news of losing my friend from Dagon 1. Please accept my sincere condolences. I will remember the great time we all had with our childhood friends in Las Vegas in October 2019. Rest In Peace my friend. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Zaw Lwin
Dear Ko Kyaw Than Aung, Recently we met you at San Francisco after the graduation (1983 -Mech). You are talented, honest and having beautiful mind and so lovely. When I heard about you, I was shocked and very sad. Please accept my condolence . Where ever you go, May you be healthy, happy, wealthy, peaceful and attain the highest wisdom! You will be always in our heart! With All the Best Wishes, Kyi Shein (83-Mechanical)
I am grateful to have shared memorable-days with Saya Ko Kyaw Than Aung while studying in RIT and AIT. Will always remember you Saya! Engshwe
It’s so hard saying goodbye to you. Our condolences and prayers to you and your family. You will deeply be missed, rest in peace. Chu family from LA
To Uncle Ken, My heart is heavy, there are no words to describe how sad I am. I still can’t believe that you are no longer here with us, you will always be in our hearts and thoughts. You are like second father to me growing up with Raymond. Thank you for always caring for me and teaching me. You inspired me with all of your achievements. I will always cherish and remember the time that I had with you from growing up as a kid and the family vacations we had together. You are gone too soon.. My family and I will miss you so much, Rest in Peace Stephanie Chu
Dear Aung Family, We are very sorry to hear of the lose of Dr. Aung. He’s a brilliant Professor whom will be missed by many hear at Lamar University. I wish to thank him for sharing his knowledge with my students. Praying for overwhelming peace during this difficult time for all of your family. LU Family and friends
Dr Kendrick Aung We never forget you. Shu & Sue Chin family
No man is an island, Entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manor of thine own Or of thine friend’s were. Each man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee. [John Donne]
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing, he was kind, intelligent, caring and a wonderful colleague who will be missed. Taken far too soon. Love and condolences to the family. Harley Myler
We are all deeply shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news, and are so sorry for wife and sons’ loss. Kendrick’s untimely departure will be felt very keenly by everyone; not least his students, his colleagues , us and all his friends . Kendrick had so much more to give in this life, and such a beautiful family to enjoy. His premature departure is cruel. May Kendrick rest in peace. With our sincere condolences, Kyaw Thu Ya, Jacqueline, Shan and Thazin (London)
You can shed tears that he is gone, Or you can smile because he lived, You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him Or you can be full of the love that you shared, You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he is gone Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on, You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. Khin Sabai
The Department of Computer Science from Lamar University is deeply saddened of the untimely passing of Dr. Aung. He was a dedicated leader who cared about his students and colleagues. Sincere condolences to Dr. Aung’s family and friends. Stefan Andrei
Dr. Aung Family, My condolences on the passing of Dr. Aung. I’ve had the opportunity to work with him at Lamar University for more than 14 years. He was truly an exceptional person, a great colleague, a favorite teacher, and a true friend! Dr. Aung was a founding member of the Office of Undergraduate Research Advisory Council and played an instrumental role in the development of the program at Lamar. He touched so many lives for the good. I’m honored and blessed to have known Ken! He will be missed badly! With deepest sympathy, Kumer Das (University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana)
My condolences to the Aung family on the passing of Ken. He was an exceptional colleague and a genuinely good person who cared for his students. I have fond memories of the many times we met in the dining hall and discussed how our program offerings could be improved. He was taken too early and will be missed a lot. Srinivas Palanki
Dear Dr. Aung: I am blessed to have a great friend and colleague like you! Thank you very much again for all your kindly help and support at Lamar! You will be always be remembered. RIP!! Qiang Xu
No words can describe my great sadness. Dr. Aung had always been a trusted colleague and true friend for the past 17 years. He was such a brilliant and knowledgeable person. I thought we’d have so many more years and so much more time to talk about curriculums, course contents, travelling, martial-art novels and other books … It just ended too early and too suddenly! My deepest sympathies to Dr. Aung’s family. My heart goes out to you all. Jenny Zhou (Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Lamar University)
Rest In Peace Dr. Aung I will miss you Justin Ho (Hung Ho), Lamar University – Mechanical Engineering Student
My condolences to the Dr. Aung’s family. I have had the opportunity to work with him in Mechanical Engineering at Lamar University for 3 years. He was truly a great colleague, a favorite adviser, and an exceptional person who cared for his students and colleagues. I have lots of good memories with him as we met each other in his office where he advised me how my teaching could be improved. He will be deeply missed, rest in peace. Monayem H. Mazumder (Saginaw Valley State University, Saginaw, Michigan)
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Aung’s passing. He was one of my favorite professors and definitely the most generous with his time. Not sure I would have made it through with his help. Tim Dwyer
My most sincere condolences. Much Love and Prayer for the Family! Dr. Aung was a great mentor. As we grieve him let’s also remember to Celebrate his Life! Carlos A. Caballero (Mechanical Engineering, Lamar University – Class of May 2018)
I am at a loss for words with hearing of the passing of Dr. Aung. He was such a great person and a terrific influence for so many at Lamar. He would always take the time to help his students, and he has helped so many to become successful in their endeavors. My deepest condolences to his family and all the Lamar family as well who will truly miss this great man. Eli Clark
6th month of the old Roman calendar had 30 days. It was renamed August in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar and was given an extra day.
August is the 8th month of the Gregorian Calendar. It has 31 days.
Special Days
August 8
8-8-88 Start of a long struggle to restore Democracy in Myanmar
8-8-08 Beijing Olympics
August 13
Sayadaw U Silananda (Rector, IMBTU) passed away on August 13, 2005
My father-in-law passed away five decades ago.
GBNF in August
My spouse lost four of her family members in August.
Her father passed away in his mid-50s.
Her mother passed away in her late-80s.
Her elder brother passed away in his early 50s.
Her nephew passed away in his mid-30s.
Sayadaw U Silananda
Rector, IMBTU Chief Resident Sayadaw of Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California
Sayadaw passed away in his late-70s on August 13, 2005
I was Master of Ceremonies at Sayadaw’s Memorial Service.
I was Committee Member and Contributing Editor for “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda” Book.
Accompanied Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, President, TBSA) carrying the box of Sayadaw’s ashes to be scattered from a yacht into the waters near Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
TBSA
Birthdays in August
Several birthdays in my extended family.
Eldest sister
Younger sister
Grand daughter
Me
Several cousins
Birthday Soon Kwyay in 2016
In August 2016, U Maurice Chee (M75) organized a birthday soon kwyay for me at the Dhammananda Vihara in Half Moon Bay, California.
The sayas and alumni presented me an Appreciation award.
Friends
Daw Mu Mu Khin (spouse of Saya Allen Htay)
U Myint Swe (EP74, NorCal RITAA)
U Thein Naing (Patrick, La Phet Yay Waing member)
They are August-born and also hosted Birthday Parties.
Lunch Gathering in 2018
In August 2018, U Patrick (Thein Naing) and Daw Mie Mie hosted a lunch gathering for the August born at Moss Beach Distillery.
They gave me a best-seller book “The Greater Journey (Americans in Paris)” as birthday present.
Daw Mie Mie translated several short stories of Ah Myothar Pyinnya Wun U Po Kyar. She plans to publish them as a book.
Is 8 lucky or unlucky?
8-8-88 (August 8, 1988) and the following days mark the hope and then despair of the people longing for the end of the Adhamma Era.
Grapevine says that the event was inspired in part by numerologists who remembered the historic event (about Mingyi Yan Naung) in 888 Burmese Era. They extrapolated the magic of No. 8 from three 8’s to four 8’s.
Most Chinese think that the number 8 is lucky.
For example, Beijing Olympics was opened on 8-8-08 (August 8, 2008).
Mahayana Buddhists emphasize the importance of Compassion
Sayadaw U Sobhana (GBNF) had four Indonesian siblings as his students. Named one of them Karuna. She was present at Sayadaw’s Last Journey.
U Moe Myint (M76) and several alumni are members of the “Karuna Ah Thinn” in Singapore. One activitiy is to help the needy for the Last Journey of their loved one.
We saw an outpouring of Karuna in the relief efforts for Disaster Recovery (e.g. Cyclone Nargis)
Practicing Karuna
May suffering ones be suffering-free
And the fear-struck fearless be
May the grieving shed all grief
And all beings find relief
Mudita
Pali term.
Rendered as Altruistic Joy or Sympathetic Joy
One of the four Bhamaso Taya
One should feel joyful when one hears good news about others.
Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung
Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) is Chief Editor
Contributor : Tekkatho Moe War (U Moe Aung)
Mudita Sar Saung
Upekkha
Pali term
Rendered as Neutral [Feeling]
Also translated as Equanimity
One of the four Bhamaso Taya
In a loose usage in Burmese, “Upekkha Shu” means “ignore”. It is not representative of the importance of Upekkha, which provides a balance of life and avoids the two extremes stated in the Dhammacakka Sutta
It is non-trivial to sense Upekkha while practicing Vipassana (Insight) Meditation.
Feelings may be be categorized as
Pleasant Feeling
Unpleasant Feeling
Non-Pleasant and Non-Unpleasant Feeling
Upekkha is synonymous with “Non-Pleasant and Non-Unpleasant Feeling”.
Luyechun is an award presented by the Ministry of Education to selected “outstanding students“.
The initial program ran from 1964 to 1988.
A new program was established a few years back.
I was selected as RIT Luyechun in the summer of 1965.
I was invited as a Guest Speaker to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp in the summer of 1988.
Summer of 1964
The first Luyechun camp was opened at Ngapali in the summer of 1964.
It was for Luyechuns for 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th standards.
Some Luyechuns
Ko Win Myint (Mergui, UCC)
Ko Win Aung (TTC, Mech 70, RIT Swimming and Water Polo)
Ko Kyaw Zaw (TTC, EC72, GBNF)
Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw, EP71)
Ko Oak Soe Kha (IM1, Swimming and Water Polo)
Ko Aung Myint (Mdy)
Ko Tin Soe (Ygn, DSA, Attaché)
Summer of 1965
The second Luyechun camp was opened at Inlay in the summer of 1965.
For the first time, Luyechuns were selected for the Universities and Institutes.
Staff at Inlay Camp
U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU)
Dr. Daw May May Yi (IM2)
Daw Po (Burmese)
Dr. Naing Tint San (Med Officer)
U Khin Aung
U Khin Maung Htwe
U Than Tun Aung Hlaing
Lu Nge Yay Yar / Youth Affairs
Some Luyechuns
Ma Than Than Tin (Cherry Hlaing, First in Burma in 1964, IM1)
Ko Khin Maung U (First in Burma in 1963, IM1)
Ma Anita Aye Pe (IM1)
Ko Kyaw Sein Koe (IM1, GBNF)
Ko Thein Win (IM2)
Ko Soe Aung / Soe Min Thein (IM2)
Ko Tun Naung (BDS, Stereo)
Ko Tin Hlaing (MASU, Le Dwin Tha Saw Chit, Literary Awards)
Ma Khin Aye Myint (RASU)
Ma Mu Mu Win (RASU)
Ko Min Oo (Second in Burma in 1963, RASU, Mathematics Professor in Germany and Canada)
Ko Ye Myint (RASU)
Ma Khin Aye Than (RASU, GBNF)
Ko / Maung Aye (RASU, Diplomat)
Ko Mya Than (RASU)
Ko Zaw Min (RIT)
Ko Hla Min (RIT)
Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (RIT)
Ko Sein Shwe (RIT)
…
They attended the Inlay camp together with the 10th standard Luyechuns. Ko Than Sit (Sagaing, Liver Foundation, GBNF) Ko Uttam Singh (Myitkyina, RIT, NASA) Ko Win Myint (Letpadan, RIT, Bogyoke / Dy Minister) Ko Aung Myint (Mandalay) Ko Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Myingyan) Ko Kyaw Myint (Yamethin) Ko Kyaw Myint (Delta) Ko Nelson Kaw (Taunggyi) Ko Thein Lwin Ko Hla Kyaing (Yangon) …
There were two other camps : Rangoon Combined Camp and Ngapali Camp (for the lower classes).
The staff members from Lu Nge Yay Yar (Youth Affairs) were responsible for the logistics.
Selected sayas and sayamas took charge of the Luyechuns. They include Dr. May May Yi (then at IM(2), later DG of BMRI), Daw Po (later Professor of Burmese), and U Aung Gyi (MASU Maths).
There was a mishap when one student got injured during a “mandatory” exercise program.
For this and other reasons, the later Camp Commandants were chosen from Sayagyis (e.g. U Ba Toke).
Front : Than Sitt, Sein Shwe, Min Oo, Nelson Kaw, Kyaw Myint Back : Soe Aung, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Aung Shwe, Hla Min, U Khin Aung
Front : Than Sitt, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Min Oo Back : Soe Aung, Kyaw Myint, Sein Shwe, Ye Myint, Hla MinFront : Hla Min Back : Aung Myint, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Tin Maung Htwe, Ye Myint, Sein Shwe
Tekkatho Tun Naung (1st year BDS, madolin) and Ko Sein Shwe (4th BE Mech, dobat, harmonica, flute) were some of the entertainers for the Luyechun concert. U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU) wrote the “Than Gyurt”.
Ko Tin Hlaing (Le Dwin Thar Saw Chit, 1st year Burmese, MASU) was a notable contributor to the daily pamphlets.
Some high school Luyechun students later joined RIT. They include Ko Win Myint (later Bogyoke), Ko Aung Win (later Saya), Uttam Singh (later Ph.D working at NASA), Ma Pwint Than (later EPC), …
The guest lecturers include Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi), Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi, and U Thu Ta (Met and Hydro DG).
Trips include Lawpita Dam and selected factories and departments.
Miscellaneous
Htut Kwan
7-time winner
6-time winner
…
2-time winner
Association
Gatherings
FB Group
Support new generation of LYC
Donation for prevention / treatment of COVID
Database of LYC
Active members
GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
Guest Lecturers in 1965
Dr. Nyi Nyi (Secretary / Dy Minister)
U Thu Ta (DG, Met and Hydro)
U Thein Han (Zawgyi)
…
Guest Lecturers in 1987/88
U Kyaw Myint (DHE)
U Hla Min (UCC/DCS/ICST)
…
Luyechun Association
A few years back, Luyechun (1964-1988) Association was formed. The association meets one or more times a year.
There have been Annual Dinner Gatherings.
It has a Facebook group.
There are “Then and Now” photos of some Luyechuns.
Some are “Hturt Kwan” (Multiple) Luyechuns. Some were selected Luyechun for a consecutive number of years. A few won the award six or seven times.
Some Luyechuns have passed away.
Dr. Kyaw Sein Koe (IM 1) passed away early.
H.E. U Myint Thaung and U Myint Thin (M71, RIT) are some Luyechuns who passed away recently.
Another Trip to Inlay in October 1965
As part of the award, one received a 50% travel discount.
During the October holidays in 1965, I took on the offer from Ko Aung Kyaw (Peter Pe, SPHS, star in one movie) to join him and Ko Maung Maung Aye (IM(1), GBNF) to visit his cousin doctor in Inn Paw Khone (Inlay village).
I visited Phaung Daw-U again with a difference (as expressed in my poem).
PHAUNG DAW-U FESTIVAL
Phaung Daw-U, oh Burma’s grandeur Can truly make our hearts sublime Its mystic charm and rhymeless splendor Have firmly stood the test of time
It lies deep in the heart of people It gives them courage and inspiration No wonder this festival has no equal It promises joy and veneration
On board the Karaweik so scintillating Stood the four images of Lord Buddha For the Noble Truth are we vindicating? What lies deep under the completed tour?
But one statue was left behind Because in writings we do find That should it ever leave the shrine There will be thunder and storm Thus a happy reunion on the morn of the full moon of Thadinkyut
From floating islands the leg rowers came To take part in the race With their muscular frame, with might and main Their oars flashing at a rapid pace
Festivities last all night long Dances to the company of ozi and gong Oh, prayers that fill the cool evening air May loving kindness prevail everywhere
Last Trip to Inlay in January 2020
I was invited to join the 2020 Professional Speakers Association (PSA) Tour to selected cities in Upper Myanmar.
Several hotels sponsored part of the tour and/or provided discount rates to the Tour group.
At the end of the tour, we visited Inlay. Two PSA sayas provided a short training course for the employees of the hotel.
MBBS (Rangoon) offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Rangoon University
“Fast track” MBBS for LMP
Medical Branch (of RU) in Mandalay
MBBS (Mandalay)
New Education System Institute of Medicine (1) Institute of Medicine (2) Mandalay Institute of Medicine
MD
Ph.D
Membership MRCP, MRCOG …
Fellowship FRCP, FRCS …
Physicians / Medicine Col Min Sein (Dean) Major Shwe Zan Dr. Maung Gale (Dean) Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (Rector) Dr. U E (Rector) Dr. Hla Myint (Aba) …
Surgeons Dr. Ba Than (Police Surgeon, MS of war-time RGH, Rector) Dr. Pe Nyun (Ped) Dr. Htut Saing (Ped) Dr. Maung Maung Taik(Forensic) Dr. Min Lwin (Ortho) …
