Graduated with Mechanical Engineering from RIT in 1967.
Worked at Sittaung Paper Mill.
Moved to USA. Became a successful Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Co-founded “M & Ko”. Hired several Burmese (including RIT graduates) in the SF Bay Area. Sponsored “Ya-han-khan” (ordination) ceremonies for his employees.
Did not forget his roots. Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000. Donated $3000 to SPZP-2012. Donated to NorCal RITAA and sponsored table for the Annual Dinner.
Donated to the general and building funds of various monasteries in the Bay Area. One was in memory of his spouse Daw Sein Yone.
Played Table uTennis
Built audio equipment to play Vinyl Records with high fidelity
Became a Vegetarian
Retired after Serial Entrepreneurship. Joined the Bay Area Retirees’ monthly lunch gathering.
Passed away on February 22, 2021.
Mavis Ko donated $2000 to NorCal RITAA in David’s memory.
Article fromBAPS Newsletter
Edison Paw wrote the success story of two RIT alumni : David Ko (M68) & Benny Tan (M70)
Thanks to BAPS, Maurice Chee (Past President), Henry Lim (Former Chief Editor) & Edison Paw for permission to reprint the article
David Ko
Mr. David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67) has a successful mechanical components manufacturing firm in Union City. He co-founded the business back in 1978 with a partner from Croatia. The two partners have since expanded their business. With approximately 100 employees, they currently occupy 72,000 sq. feet of space for their warehousing and manufacturing operations. The company is continuously growing at a rate of 5-25% per year. Ninety percent of their employees started out as trainees in their shop. BAPS [and RIT Alumni International] would like to congratulate Mr. Ko for his hard work, his dedication to his employees and his contribution to the community.
Besides his successful business, David and his late wife, Daw Sein Yone, have three wonderful and promising children, two daughters and one son in all. The eldest daughter is working on her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of California at Santa Barbara and is expected to start her internship this year. Their second child is in his second year at the Stanford University Medical School studying for his MD and Ph.D. program. Their third daughter is studying hair design at the Vidal Sassoon Academy.
Mr. Ko emigrated to the U.S with his family in 1973 and they have been living in Fremont since 1976. He worked at the Raychem Company for five years before opening his own business. His interest in machining and tools started early in his life when he read Popular Mechanics and Mechanics Illustrated. He graduated in mechanical engineering [in 1967] from the Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) in Burma. He is one of a few Asian Americans who are not only trained machinists but also professionals in their own right. Inspired by their keen interests in mechanical devices and accessories, they learned, for the most part, on their own and developed their skills. However he had to overcome many obstacles that other minorities and immigrants encounter. In the late seventies, there were few Asian American machinists. David was constantly asked by his customers whether he was a machinist, if he knew how to operate a machine, and where he acquired the skills.
David and his partner continue to thrive in this very cyclical business mainly because they take good care of their employees, re-invest their earnings into their business, re-invent themselves, and expand their business cautiously. Competition in the mechanical components business continues to be fierce because of new improvements in technology. In many ways, David compares technological advances in the machine industry to those of the software industry. Every year new models come on the market. These new products work faster and give you a whole lot of functions and features. Just as David manages his family and nurtures them carefully, he manages to nurture his business relationship with his partner and his employees quite successfully.
David, Congratulations to you and your family!!! You are a role model to everyone! It shows that the United States is truly a land of opportunities. Hard work and perseverance can and do lead to success. David and his company are always looking for trainees.
RIT is known for its cartoonists in general and “Cartoon Box” in particular.
Ko Myint Pe (M72) co-founded “Cartoon Box”. The Patrons were Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C64, “Phone Ko”, Vietnam Cartoons) and Saya U Aung Myint (Pet69, “Kyant Ba Hone”, GBNF).
Khin Maung Phone KoAung Myint
Aw Pi Kyeh (“Mann Bei”) served as Secretary of RIT Cartoonists Association and later as President of Myanmar Cartoonists Association.
The cartoonists compiled a special issue of “Selected RIT Cartoons” for SPZP-2012. They also published Cartoon Brochures for Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPP-2016.
Chancellor
The Rangoon University Act of 1920 stated that roles of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor.
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma is also the Chancellor of Rangoon University.
The road leading to the RU Convocation Hall is called the Chancellor Road.
College, Council (RU Act of 1920)Chancellor (RU Act of 1920)
Prime Minister U Nu gave the Chancellor’s speech at the Convocation of Rangoon University in November / December 1961.
Chancellor Speech (1961)
For a period (especially citing Insecurity), the gates to the Chancellor Road were closed or closely guarded.
The Yar Pyae Ak Kyo (Pre-RU Centennial) began in December, 2019.
Some of the RU Centennial events for took place at the Convocation Hall, Recreation Center and the Universities’ Central Library.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, there were often restrictions. Some events were recorded in the Campus, and broadcast later via Myanmar Ah Than.
Chancellor Road
Coup
Coup d’etat by the 17-man Revolutionary Council took place on March 2, 1962.
Commodore Than Pe (President of RUBC) was appointed Minister of Health and Education. He passed away shortly afterwards.
Colonel Hla Han succeeded Commodore Than Pe as Minister of Health and Education. He became Chair of the Rangoon University Council.
Col. Hla Han
Chou En Lai
The Chinese Prime Minister visited Burma and took part in the ThingyanFestival.
Chou En Lai
Convocation
The Convocation is mostly held at the Convocation Hall.
Exceptions include the ad hoc Convocation ceremonies at Kyaikkasan and Aung San Stadium.
Some graduates had to wait a few years to attend their Convocation.
Convocation HallConvocation 196363 – 64 – 65 at KyaikkasanConvocation 1977
Collegian
He was known as “Pa Pu”, “Nay Dun” and “Nay Win (B.A.)”.
Joined the Navy before attending RU.
Represented RU and Burma in Soccer.
U Chin Sein auditioned him for the leading role of Collegian (movie based on Zawana’s novel). He became known as “Collegian Nay Win”.
Collegian Nay Win
Cross Lake
Swimmers participate in the Cross Lake event held in the Inya Lakes.
The 2000 yard course runs from Dubern Beach to RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club).
Nyunt Nyunt Tin posted a photo of her Gold Medal.
From RIT, the winners included Htay Aung (M69, Burma Selected for Water Polo)
Founding member and first Prime Minister of Israel.
Awarded an honorary degree from Rangoon University.
Diamond Jubilee
RU Diamond Jubilee 1995
The RU Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in 1995.
Dr. Soe Win (IFL), Daw May Saw Lwin (Chemistry), Ko Aung Mon (YIT) and Ko Nyi Thet Lwin (IM1) were staying in the Main Campus, but affiliated with four different Universities and institutes
First Day Cover and Stamps
First Day Cover (RU Diamond Jubilee)50 Pyas Stamp (RU Diamond Jubilee)Two Kyats Stamp (RU Diamond Jubilee)
Rangoon University celebrated its Golden Jubilee in December 1970.
I was a volunteer for the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yay Committee” headed by Saya U Tun Hla Aung (Geography).
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor, Civil Engineering) and Saya U Thet Lwin (Burmese, Institute of Economics) were Chair and Secretary of a Committee. They had a reunion as Rector and Registrar of RIT.
Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins from RIT took part in the Entertainment with Swel Daw Yeik A Nyeint, Tabin Daing A Ka & Htee Yein.
RU Golden JubileeRIT Htee Yein
There are other Golden Jubilees :
GJ of the new Education System introduced in 1964
GJ of Admission to University or Institute
RIT GJ in 2014
GJ of Graduation from University or Institute
69ers GJ in 2019
Geology
Dr. Tha Hla received his doctorate from the UK. He served as Professor of Geology Department. He retired as Rector of the University of Rangoon.
His successors include Dr. Nyi Nyi, U Ba Than Haq and Dr. Maung Thein.
Geology Sayas and Sayamas
Dr. Tha HlaDr. Nyi NyiGeology 1978Dr. Maung Thein
Geology Volleyball
Geology Volleyball
Graduation
RIT Grads
RIT 69ers
Tin Aung Win (M69) & his fatherM69 gradsA69 grads
Graduation Photos
In the early days, some quality photos had to be taken in Studios. The photo (taken at “Bayin Ma”) shows proud parents of a fresh graduate.
Grad 1
It was customary to take photos at the “Full Dress Rehearsal” and in front of the Convocation Hall.
Grad 2
Permits were issued to registered photographers to take photos during the Convocation. Maung Maung Nhyat made a fortune.
Grad 3Grad 4
GeographySayas
Geography Dept
L Dudley Stamp taught at LSE and RU.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi was an early Burmese Sayama to receive a Doctorate from USA. An Alumnus donated Seed Money for her bust.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi
Dr. Maung Htoo : Professor
U Kyaw : Principal, Workers’ College; Rector, Institute of Education; Father of U Myo Nyunt (Harry, OPA) & Daw San San Kyaw (UCC)
U Kyaw
U Win : Received Doctorate from USA; GIS; Water Resource
Sending off Saya U Soe PaingU Myo MinStonehengeSalisbury MICT ParkDr. Chit Swe, Dr. F Ba Hli, U Myo Min, U Aung Zaw, Dr. Kyaw Thein Mg Mg Gyi, KMZ, AMAt Rafiul’s houseAt MICT ParkMICT 2
A summary was published in the Magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of ICST.
Founders
Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe founded Universities’ Computer Center with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min, and Saya U Ko Ko Lay
They led TOSS (Team Of System Specialists), which assisted the computerization of government departments and organizations.
Dr. Chit Swe
Dr. Chit Swe
My mentor at UCC
Alumnus of Mandalay University; Imperial College, London University; University of Glasgow; University of Liverpool
Head of Maths Department at the Institute of Economics when he proposed the UCC project
Became Professor of Maths at RASU and Founder-Director of UCC
Retired as Rector of RASU
Continued teaching and supervising research in Thailand and Australia.
Passed away in Sydney Australia in late 2019.
Obituary
U Soe Paing
U Soe Paing
My mentor at RIT & UCC
Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in the whole of Burma and won Collegiate Scholarship
In the RU Convocation in 1958, he won two medals: one for highest score for combined I.Sc. (A) and I.Sc.(B), and another for joint highest score for Mathematics in combined I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
While attending classes at the Faculty of Engineering, he was awarded a Government Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
In 1964, he joined EE Department at RIT as Assistant Lecturer.
Helped with the UCC Project. In April 1971, Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division.
M.Sc. (CS) from University of Southampton, UK
Wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” in a computer magazine in Myanmar. It was re-posted in “Mandalay Gazette”
Retired from UN after working on UN projects in several countries.
In July 2020, he gave an interview to MASTAA.
U Myo Min
U Myo Min
Matriculated as a top student from SPHS in 1958.
Won a Gold medal in 1960 for standing first among the I.Com students.
Won another Gold medal in 1962 for standing first among the B.Com (Accounting) students.
Chartered Account
Worked for IBM UK
Returned to Burma
Joined UCC as Manager of Applications
Masters in System Engineering from the University of Lancaster, UK
Later worked in Singapore and USA
U Ko Ko Lay
U Ko Ko Lay
Classmate of U Soe Paing at SPHS and Stanford University.
While attending classes at the Faculty of Engineering, he was awarded a Government Scholarship to study BSCE and MSCE at Stanford University.
Joined PWD as an assistant engineer.
Dr. Chit Swe & U Soe Paing recruited him to help with the UCC project.
In April 1971, Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Operations Division
Masters in System Engineering from the University of Lancaster, UK
Later served as Manager for Scientific Applications at UCC, Professor of Computer Science at DCS, and Professor of Information Systems at ICST.
I was requested by his daughter to share memories at the Service.
Service for Tin Myint
Highlights
Born in Taunggyi
Names : Lee Tan Choy, John T Lee, Tin Myint
Selected RIT Luyechun for 4th BE
Played Table Tennis for RIT
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1969
Moved to USA
Spouse : Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel, T69)
John & Mabel
Children : One son, one daughter
Showed Daniel Tint Lwin (M69) around SF Bay Area
Tin Myint & Tint Lwin
Condolences
From Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice)
It was in 2015 at Fremont phonegyi kyaung, I was leaving when he called out “Alice pyan pyee lar?” I nodded and waved him goodbye without realizing that would be my last for him!! Dear Ko Tin Myint may you rest in peace. And Lyo I am so very sorry. Please accept our deepest condolences.
From U Thein Swe (GBNF in 2021)
I remembered, when we stayed in C hostel-hall during RIT days, the tiger-skin (belonging to KoTin Myint) was stolen. Ko Tin Myint did not get angry and continued to boil tea- water.
From U Myo Min
Ko Tan Choy (Ko Tin Myint) is my intimate friend. Rest in peace, my dear.
From U Kyaw Thein
Rest in Peace.
From David Myint Thein
Rest In Peace, Ko Tin Myint. Lyo Kyin Sein was my classmate when we were attending I.Sc (A) at Myitkyina Intermediate College and reached RIT together in 1964. Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family
From Robert Win-Boh
John T Lee @ Ko Tin Myint (M69) came to Benny Tan (M70)’s house to pick me. He took me to halfmoon bay monastery & along the southern coast of S.F on my second last visit to USA in 2009. He was a close friend during RIT days. Rest in peace my friend John TM & deepest condolences to Mable LKS + family from Rob W-B Australia.
From U Han Sein (GBNF in 2020)
RIP.
From Duwa Zau Lai
I am really sorry to hear the news of Ko Tin Myint. I remember that he was a good player of table tennis. His better half Lyo K S is one of our Myitkyina crowd. My sincere condolences to the bereaved family.
From Sai Kyaw Myint
Rest in Peace, Tan Choy. He was my classmate when we were in Taunggyi. Lyo Kyin Sein was my room mate in first (wrong) list in R I T 63-64. Both of they are very close friends of us. I’m so sad to hear it.
From U Aung Min (Chair, 69er HCF)
Sadness, Astonishment, Condolences and Remembrances MIXED UP in my heart. REST IN PEACE Ko Tin Myint (GBNF 80)
Hi friends
It is ALARMING ALARMING ALARMING We have made a record. RIT69ers lost 4 classmates within 66 days.
Take Care
From U Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
Rest in Peace.
From U Kyaw Nyunt
Surprise …… RIP. KTM.
From Naw Mu Mu Aye
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to my friend Lyo and family. May Ko Tin Myint’s soul rest in peace.
From U Kyaw Min Thein
RIP
Update
The GBNF list of 69ers has 146 members (as of September 22, 2026).
