I had the opportunity to serve as Master of Ceremonies at two last journeys. I also spoke at the Memorial Service of selected alumni.
Htay Lwin Nyo
Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1968.
Admitted to 1st BE as a Top student
RIT Luyechun
Graduated with EP in 1974
Luyechun
M.Sc (Computer Science) from UCC
Doctorate in EE from Syracuse University, New York, USA
Last job : Part time Professor of Electrical Engineering at San Jose State University (SJSU), California
Told his friends that he would retire to spend time on his interests (Movie Scripts, Video Games, Vintage Cars, Painting, Cooking, Cryptography). He was a Jack of All Trades & Master of Some.
Demise
Passed away alone at his home
Never missed a class. When he did not show up for a couple of classes, the students requested SJSU authorities to investigate. Finally, the Security team broke into his house & found his dead body.
Sad News
Dean of SJSU EE Department told her students to contact Htay Lwin Nyo’s relatives via Burmese in the San Francisco Bay Area. The sad news was received by members of BAPS & SF Bay Area Alumni Group.
Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) set up the commemorative web pages on the first ex-RIT web site. He also contacted Kyaw Zwar Than (Jaws, UCC alumni, then in Canada).
HLN’s Last Journey
Cremation, Ash Scattering, Soon Kwyay
Burmese Community helped with the Last Journey
I had the privilege to start the trigger for the incinerator
My spouse & I joined Dr. Lyn Swe Aye & Dr. Khin Nyo Thet (GBNF) to scatter the ashes in Santa Cruz
Soon Kwyay was offered at Tathagatha Meditation Center (TMC), San Jose.
The sad saga is described in the BAPS Newsletter, RIT Newsletter & Updates, ex-RIT website and my website.
KMZ wrote : He [HLN] was couple of years senior at SPHS, his younger brother Aung Lwin Nyo was my classmate off-and-on there, at times in different sections. HLN graduated from SPHS [Botataung (6)] the same year as Sein Tin/Johnny Ong. We were adversaries to folks at HLN’s batch (E 1974) at RIT, since we took over the Electrical Students’ Association in 1972, yeah! we were BAD BAD BAD to the bone. We became friends when we met again at UCC, we visited him in San Jose several times, stayed at his apartment couple of times, he was our guide to Yosemite National Park. He visited Seattle, we went all over BC/Canada. He told me in no uncertain terms, that he would not be a friend if and when I got married. He spent time honing his culinary skills, one time he told me he might open a restaurant, he showed his new culinary skills while we were at his place. He taught Chota/Dr. Rafiul his recipe of cooking Moh-Hinn-Ga using canned Sardines. That was in the early ’90s when most of us had our own different recipes. [There was a funny story on this episode of HLN’s Moh-Hinn-Gar story.] Couple of years before his demise, he stopped talking to me. After several calls in as many days, he told me I was the one spreading his death and caused his mother some anxiety. I asked him how he knew it was me, his response was “you are the only one who could say such thing”, my reputation was the culprit. Of course, he got chilled after I told him I would never do that to anyone, let alone to my friends. All I can say over the years is that I really miss him, as we always had colorfully conversations when we talked. Rest In Peace my friend…
Sayadaw U Silananda
Trailblazer
Trail Blazer for the Burmese monks doing Dhamma Duta missions in the USA and beyond
U Silananda
In 1989, per request of the devotees of Mahasi Sayadaw, U Silananda & U Kelasa were left behind in California. U Kelasa later moved to Maryland in the East Coast.
Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA) was established in the SF Bay Area to support Sayadaw U Silananda and resident monks of Dhammanda Vihara.
The Vihara was first located in Daly City. It later moved to Half Moon Bay.
Sayadaw wrote several books in Burmese & English. His first book was reprinted for his Diamond (75th) Birthday along with his Biography (full of achievements).
Sayadaw’s book
Memorial Service
Sayadaw passed away on August 13, 2005. He was 78 years old.
I was VP of TBSA, Editor of Dhammananda Newsletter & TBSA website. I served as Master of Ceremonies at the Memorial Service.
50+ Theravada monks from Burma, USA, and UK attended.
Sayadaw was the First Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University (ITBMU). Two Pro-Rectors — Sayadaw U Nanadamalabhivamsa (Academic) & Dr. Myint Kyi (Admin) — represented the Universityat Sayadaw’s last journey.
Scattering the Ashes
I carried the box containing Sayadaw’s ashes.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, President of TBSA) led the procession.
The ashes were scattered from a yacht into the waters near Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Sayadaw’s last journey was recorded by photographers & videographers.
DVD
Paying Homage
I served as Book Committee member & Contributing Editor for “Paying Homage to Saya U Silanananda”.
Commemorative Book
The 2-set DVD of Saydaw’s last journey was provided as a supplement for the Commemorative book.
10th Anniversary
The 10th Anniversary of Sayadaw’s demise was celebrated in August 2015 at Dhammananda Vihara.
U Osadha and U Hla MinVolunteerDevotees
Eulogy
I had the honor to say kind words about fallen alumni from the SF Bay Area
Darren Lee (M62, GBNF) : He attended Alumni picnic a few months before his demise. He was a classmate of Saya Dr. Tin Win and U Aye (RU & BIT Volleyball).
Henry Chee (U Myint Lwin, C63, GBNF) : He was an organizer for SPZP-2000. He was a vocalist at the Myanmar gatherings.
Henry Chee
John T Lee (U Tin Myint, M69, GBNF) : He represented RIT in Table Tennis. He was selected RIT Luyechun for 4th BE. His spouse Lyo (Mabel, T69) played Basketball. Their daughter (a medical doctor) requested me to share my memories.
John Lee (Tin Myint) & Tint Lwin (Daniel, Singapore)Memorial Service
On July 19, 1947, Bogyoke Aung San & several ministers were gunned down.
Memories of my cousin
Daw Myint Thwe
Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, now GBNF) was born on July 19, 1934.
She was celebrating her birthday on July 19, 1947 when the sad news were announced via the sirens. The birthday celebration was put on hold.
Arzanis
Bogyoke Aung SanArzani Nay
Bogyoke Aung San — Untimely death at the age of 32
Thakin Mya — Minister without Portfolio; “Deputy Prime Minister”; Leader of AFPFL faction
Deedok U Ba Cho — Journalist; Publisher
Mahn Ba Khaing — saved Bogyoke from the British police
Sao San Htun (Mongpawn Sawbwa) — died the following day at the hospital
U Ba Win — Elder brother of Bogyoke; Father of Dr. Sein Win
U Razak — Early graduate from National College; Principal of National School in Mandalay
ICS U Ohn Maung — Was asked to give a presentation on behalf of Saw San Po Thin
Yebaw Ko Htwe — Body guard of U Razak
Absentees & Survivors
Three ministers (U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Nyein & Saw San Po Thin) did not attend the meeting on July 19, 1947.
U Tin Tut became a victim of political assassination shortly after Independence. He was already assigned to be Burmese Ambassador of the United Kingdom.
U Kyaw Nyein and U Ba Swe led Ti Mye (တည်မြဲ Stable AFPFL faction). They lost the No-confidence motion against U Nu and the Thant Shin (သန့်ရှင်း Clean AFPFL faction). The AFPFL split led to Caretaker Government (pseudo Coup d’etat).
Saw San Po Thin was on a tour of duty.
According to Phaw Kaung ဖေါ်ကောင် Ba Nyunt, he could not find U Nu (Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies) at his office.
A few ministers (Pagan U Ba Gyan, U Aung Zan Wai, Pyaw Bwe U Mya …) who were seated at the far side of the meeting table escaped.
U Ba Gyan is the elder brother of U Ba Shan (Secretary of Maths Curriculum Committee). He sat down on the floor but was holding the edge of the table. He had a gunshot wound on a finger.
U Aung Zan Wai was a signer of the Pinlon (Panlong) Agreement.
Pyaw Bwe U Mya’s spouse is a distant cousin of Bogyoke. His plan to have more security at the Secretariat was turned down by Bogyoke.
Bogyoke’s body guards include Natmauk Phone Kyaw (writer) and Bo Tun Hla (Tekkatho Nay Win, writer & actor). Bo Tun Hla and Deputy Secretary U Tin Ohn were in an adjoining room in the Secretariat. Dr. Tin Wa (son of U Tin Ohn) was interviewed by BBC Burmese program.
Family members & relatives of Arzanis
U Aung San Oo, Aung San Lin (GBNF) and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi — children of Bogyoke
Dr. Khin Hla Cho & Daw Khin Myint Cho (UCC) — grand children of Deedok U Ba Cho
Daw Myint Myint Khaing (Maths Sayama) — daughter of Mahn Ba Khaing. She transcribed the tapes for the book about Saya U Ba Toke. Her spouse Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char) interviewed Saya and wrote the book.
Sao Hso Holm & Sao Khai Pha — sons of Sao San Tun. Sao Hso Holm was First Class English Honors and had two Law degrees. He was a regular columnist for WPD Supplement on Modern Burmese Writings. In 1962, the Sawbwas requested his legal services. He was detained by the Revolutionary Council. After serving in the Education Ministry, he and his family migrated to Australia.
Saya Dr. Sein Win (Maths) — son of U Ba Win
U Tin Myint (GBNF) & U Hla Kyi — sons of U Razak. Both are Geologists and Old Members of RUBC.
Saya U Tin Maung Thein (EE), Francis & Saya Dr. Min Myint (Chem) — sons of U Ohn Maung
Daw Nge Ma Ma Than (UCC) — niece of Bogyoke & U Ba Win; She became a Prisoner of Conscience.
Arzani Beikman / Martyrs’ Mausoleum
In our younger days, we walked to Shwe Dagon Pagoda on Saturdays.
We would occasionally stop by at the “Arzani Beikman” (Martyr’s Mausoleum). Nine Oke Gu’s were on display. Four Oke Gus flanked on each side of Bogyoke’s Oke Gu.
Near the Beikman were two more Oke Gu’s : one for ICS U Tin Tut and another for Bo Sein Hman.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint’s article about the “Empty Tomb” mentioned that his Bagyee U Tin Tut was cremated at the special crematorium set up at Kyandaw Cemetery and that his ashes were scattered into a river.
Fast forward.
The “attempted massacre of Chung Doo Wan and his party” was carried out by three North Korean agents.
One set of bombs did not go off and thus spared the lives of the Burmese contingent led by Minister U Aung Kyaw Myint. U Soe Min, Deputy Director of Myanmar Ah Than TV, was hit by shrapnel, but he survived. The award winning Kyemon reporter, who switched duties to cover the event, was killed.
The higher authorities dictated the design of the new Arzani Beikman. No roofs were placed on top of the monolithic “Gu”. Some architects posted about their role in the project.
Several writers noted that the then Number One never attended the ceremonies. A few hinted that he was a member of the Thakin Ba Sein faction of AFPFL and had some grudges for those from the Thakin Mya faction. He banned horse racing for the public and closed the Rangoon Turf Club. He supposedly had fun (e.g. attending derbies) most July in UK.
Protocol change
Over the years, the protocol changed. The families of the fallen leaders were no longer invited to State functions and dinners.
First tier leaders did not attend the Martyrs’ Day functions. Only Second tier leaders showed up as token of duty.
The family members of the Arzanis were not allowed time to pay physical respect. They were given time only to lay the “Lwan Thu Pann Khwe”.
At one time, the public was barred from paying respect, and those who tried were detained.
The Martyr’s day regained importance during the Pwint Linn era,
Articles, books and documentaries
I have read several articles (e.g. by Tekkatho Nay Win).
I read the earlier edition of the book “Who killed Aung San?” by Kin Oung (former Naval Officer living in Australia). His father U Tun Hla Oung arrested Galon U Saw. His father-in-law U Thaung Sein (then Secretary of Insein Prison, later Justice) kept watch of U Saw so that U Saw and his team can be tried by a Special Tribunal headed by U Kyaw Myint (father of Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint).
I saw the BBC’s production titled, “Who REALLY killed Aung San?”
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote: On the BBC Programme, U Kin Oung, was interviewed. He is the author of three editions of “Who killed Aung San”. The fourth edition was more comprehensive as he had access to government documents thanks to freedom of information act. The last version was titled “Eliminate the Elite”.
Kin Oung’s book
Notes
I wrote “AUNG SAN” for Bogyoke’s Centennial in 2015.
Bo Tun Hla (Tekkatho Nay Win, Bogyoke’s PSO) wrote memoirs in the Arzani Nay Supplement.
The articles in Kyemon and several posts on the Internet groups reiterated the values of the fallen leaders.
Thakin Mya was considered as Deputy Prime Minister.
Deedok U Ba Choe was a distinguished journalist and a “Hin Lay Oh”.
Daw Marie Hla Taw drove Bogyoke to Mahn Ba Khaing’s place (preventing Bogyoke’s arrest by the police). Mahn Ba Khaing helped Bogyoke get back to the safe area.
Sao San Htun was hospitalized. He passed away (the following day) on July 20, 1947. There is a hospital in Taunggyi named in his honor.
U Ba Win was a dedicated teacher. He entered politics late to support Bogyoke (his younger brother & former student). His son Dr. Sein Win served as Prime Minister of the Burmese Government in exile.
U Razak (Principal) was highly regarded by staff & students of Amyotha Kyaung (National High School). Several sayadaws from Mandalay nominated him to be Minister of Education.
Ko Htwe (U Razak’s yebaw) was gunned down by the assassins during their exit.
According to Dr. Tin Wa, his father U Tin Ohn was in an adjoining room in the Secretariat. U Ohn Maung (who was in the room earlier) was requested by Bogyoke to make a presentation.
Per Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, gun shots were fired at his father’s house. The family members laid low and were not hurt. U Kyaw Myint was then Head of the tribunal that tried Galon U Saw. It was another episode in the “Who killed Aung San?”
Mounting evidence — from declassified documents — suggest the involvement of several British politicians and officers in the murder of Arzanis.
July 19, 1947 was a Dark Moment in the history of Burma. July 7 and July 8, 1962 would join as Dark Moments in Burma.
In September 2017, we visited the United Kingdom. My previous visit was in 1972.
Wales 1Wales 2Wales 3
Hosts
My cousin nephew Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) and his spouse Daw Win Mar hosted us with sumptuous dinner almost every day. They both loved cooking.
Southern Wales
They also drove us to Southern Wales to visit Maung Maung Kyi (SPHS63) and his spouse Khin May Than (ChE72) at their new house at Ogmore by the sea.
Maung Maung Kyi was a Best Man at my wedding.
We were classmates for Stds VIII(A), IX(A) & X(A)at SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) and I.Sc.(A).
We rowed together at RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). He was Bow. I was No.(2). Kyaw Wynn was No. (3). Myint Soe (Willie Soe Maung) was Timing Stroke. All are SPHS63. Myint Thein (SPHS62) was Cox.
When the Universities were closed following the first Anniversary celebration of 7th July, Maung Maung Kyi & Kyaw Wynn accepted Scholarship to study at Dresden University in Germany.
Wales 4
After his return, Maung Maung Kyi worked for Sittang Paper Mill and PCIC. He found his soul mate. They later moved to Wales.
They lost their beloved son Rimon (Medical doctor, Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force, Leader of the Rescue Team) in an avalanche. They heard the sad news a short time after they had landed in Yangon, and had to hurry back to the UK for their son’s last journey.
After that, Maung Maung Kyi rarely spoke and smiled. Khin May Than walked twice a day along the beach, and painted to ease her aches and pains.
That changed when we visited them.
There’s another reason. They gave their old house to their second son Dr. Khemar Than who had spent time in Japan and came back to see his parents. They meet on most weekends.
President : Sayagyi U Ba Hli (Dean of Engineering, University of Rangoon, GBNF)
Honorary Secretary : Saya U Soon Sein (Professor, Mining, GBNF)
Honorary Treasurer : Saya U Tin U (Part time Lecturer, Civil)
U Tin U
U Tin U at SPZP-2012
Highlights
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1946.
Attended Rangoon University before going for studies in the USA.
Represented RUBC in the Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi in 1948 along with Dr. Pe Nyun, Dr. Pe Thein and Khin Maung Wint (Bobby).
1948 Independence Day Regatta
Received BCSE from the University of Oregon and MCSE from Yale University.
Upon his return to Burma, he worked in the industry and taught part-time at the Civil Engineering department.
Past Captain of Rangoon Golf Club
Oldest & Most Senior Past Captain of RUBC
Three Losses
Lost his spouse Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt in November 2019
Lost his elder son Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) in April 2020
Lost his son-in-law U Tin Tun in May 2020
U Tin U & Family U Tin U 3
U Ba Than
U Ba Than
Highlights
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1947, and won the Collegiate Scholarship.
In 1949, he won Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in the Intermediate of Science exam.
RUBC Full Green
Studied Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London University
Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
As a requirement for promotion, he did Masters at Imperial College.
Retired as Professor of Mechanical Engineering.
Mech Engg Sayas
Saya is an early supporter of the HMEE-2012 project. Donated his photo albums. Cooperated with U Thaw Kaung to allow U Soe Paing & team to access the archives of Rangoon University Central Library.
Birthdays
Celebrations
Birthday Soon Kyway
Before the pandemic, he invited colleagues and former students to his Birthday Soon Kyway at Yaw Sayadaw’s Monastery.
U Tin Htoon (A60, younger brother) compiled a Photo Album for Saya’s 90th Birthday
U Ba Than
Donated all of the Garawa Money to various social & religious associations.
Passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.
U Ba Than & Daw Mya MyaU Ba Than & Family
Updates
Four of the nine siblings are members of the 90+ Club like their mother.
U Tin U (eldest) passed away on Aug 19, 2025 — a few weeks after his 96th birthday. He was the most senior Past Captain of RUBC. He was also the oldest Yale University alumni from Burma.
U Ba Than (2nd oldest) passed away after his 94th birthday.
Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby, 3rd) celebrated her 93rd birthday on Aug 31, 2025.
Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, 4th) passed away two months before her 91st birthday.
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.
Matriculated from Yegyaw Methodist. U Thit was a year senior to him.
Some friends call him “Bo Htay” or “Htay Bo Htay”.
His mother told him not to apply for State Scholarship before graduation.
Civil 1958
C58
Graduated in 1958 with Civil Engineering
Classmates : Dr. San Hla Aung, Dr. Win Thein, Khin Mg Win (Sid), Oscar Sharazee
Saya
Joined Civil Engg Dept as Assistant Lecturer
States Scholar
Received State Scholarship to study in the USA
Masters from Harvard. Also attended some courses at MIT (e.g. “SCHEME” / Lexically scoped Lisp). Programmed his calculator using Reverse Polish Notation
Returned to Burma on an ocean liner with U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Soe Paing and U Ko Ko Lay.
RIT
Promoted to Lecturer
President, RIT Photography Association
Supervised C73 Final Year project, where his students — Dennis Mackey & George Peters — used UCC computer.
UN Project
Advisor in Bengladesh
USA
SF Bay Area
SF Bay Area Alumni Group
Leader of SF Bay Area Group, which formed “RIT Alumni International”
SF Bay Area Alumni
Founding member & President of RIT Alumni International
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. His article “Brother, can you afford $500 and more?” saved the organizers from U Nyo Win’s Act.
BAPS
Took me to BAPS picnic. Demonstrated “Burmese Goodbye” by taking an hour to greet alumni on the way back to his car.
To avoid monotony, he took a different route going out and coming back. He did not mind missing an exit; he would simply make a turn at the next one.
Mini-gatherings
He, Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Ko Ko Aye, Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me would meet monthly to have Coffee / Tea & Dosa တိုရှည် and chat.
Sometimes, Dr. San Lin would come down from Santa Rosa to see Saya U Soe Khaw. Saya Allen & I would join them for lunch gathering, which extended until dinner.
With Dr. San Lin
Interest
He has interest in Comparative Religion & Culture. Saya U Aung’s anecdote mentioned Saya’s visit to a mosque & Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore.
Retire & Un-retire
He retired twice.
Was coaxed by his former students to un-retire twice. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) requested him to work at the Lawrence Livermore Lab at UC Berkeley. Later, Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) requested him to work as Consultant for CalTrans.
Passed away before his final retirement.
Health
Survived two Strokes.
Succumbed to the Stroke at the MEHS Reunion in Las Vegas. He accompanied his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin (MEHS57) to the Reunion.
Did not live long enough to see his four grandsons. Two have “Allen” in their names.
May he rest in peace.
Donations
In Saya’s memory, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Sayas’ books to YTU Library. She also offered scholarship to eligible YTU students via NorCal RITAA.
Two Sayas
Brief Bio
Initial version provided at SPZP-2000
Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin
Born in Mandalay, attended St. Joseph English Convent and St. Peter’s Boys’ School in Mandalay and the Methodist High School in Rangoon.
Graduated B Sc (Engg) in Civil Engineering in 1958 from Rangoon University and joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer in the same year at the invitation of Prof T Ba Hli, then Dean of Engineering.
Awarded the Burmese Government State Scholarship for study in the United States from 1960 to 1963, and the US Government Fulbright Travel Grant.
Received the degree of Master of Engineering from Harvard University in 1963, specializing in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.
Returned to Burma and joined the newly formed Rangoon Institute of Technology in Gyogon.
Served as Lecturer in Civil Engineering from 1964 to 1975, except from 1966 to 1968 which was spent on advanced study in Hydraulics Engineering in the Netherlands at Delft Technical University under UNESCO assistance program for Burma.
Immigrated to USA in 1975. Currently working at the California Department of Transportation as Project Engineer.
Married to Mu Mu Kin in 1971 and have two surviving children, Myo Lynn and Thuzar Kin. Mu Mu works at TIBCO Software Inc in Palo Alto to supplement the family income.
Work Experience
Soils Engineer: Mueser Rutledge Wentworth and Johnston, New York, NY, 1975-1978.
Washington DC Metro Subway Project. Civil Engineer: International Engineering Company, Inc, San Francisco, CA, 1978-1983.
USAID Bangladesh Fertilizer Warehouses Construction Project.
Senior Staff Engineer: Morrison Knudsen Corporation, San Francisco, CA, 1984-1996.
DOE Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project.
Principal Research Associate: Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 1997.
DOE Yucca Mountain High Level Radioactive Materials Repository Project.
Transportation Engineer: California Department of Transportation, Oakland, CA, 1999-.
My dear parents gave me birth and brought me up to be a good son. My teachers taught me everything else I know. My land of birth, Myanmar, through the sweat and hard work of its citizens supported and paid for my engineering education and my studies abroad. To each and everyone I am obligated and I give my thanks. For it is narrated in Al-Hadith that one who does not thank one another in this life even for little favors is unworthy to thank the Lord for the big favor.
Civil 1958 Photo
Submitted by Saya Allen Htay
Dr. San Hla Aung helped to identify classmates
U Khin Maung Win (Sidney Chen) supplied the photo
Class of Civil 58
Sitting: (1) U Pu (2) Dr. Aung Gyi (3) U Min Wun (4) U Ba Hli (5) Mr. Redpath (6) U Ngwe Thein (7) Mr. Eswara (8) Mr. Num Kock
1st Row: (1) Khin Maung (2) Than Aung (3) Htay Aung (4) Khin Maung Lwin (5) Kyaw Tin (6) Win Thein (7) Chit Pe (8) Shwe Tun Maung (9) Win Maung (10) Thein Lwin (11) Tun Yi (12) Than Pe
2nd Row: (1) V. Kumar (2) Kyaw Hoe (3) Allen Htay (4) Ba Hnin Chit (5) Kyaw Mya (6) Kyaw Din (7) Irwin Myaing (8) Chit Aye (9) Maung Maung (10) Nolan Wu (11) Morgan Singar
3rd Row: (1) Patrick George (2) Oscar Shirazee (3) Hla Shwe (4) Aung Par Thein (5) Saw Lwin (6) San Hla Aung (7) Shwe Win (8) Douglas Hoe (9) Sidney Chen
Notes
There was a mini-gathering at SPZP-2000. The attendees include
Mr. Num Kok (Portland, Oregon)
Dr. Aung Gyi (Ottawa, Canada)
U Min Wun (Los Angeles, California)
U Allen Htay (Mountain View, California)
Dr. San Hla Aung (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Mr. Oscar Shirazee (Middle East)
When Sidney Chen’s health was failing, his daughter requested us to let his classmates and friends know that he was eager to regain contact with them. Sadly, he passed away.
Mr. Oscar and U Aye Win Hlaing used to work in Iran many years ago. Mr. Oscar’s spouse is the sister of U Ngwe Zoe (Peter, SPHS57).
Due to schedule conflicts, Saya Dr. San Hla Aung could not attend some SPZPs. He retired at the age of 80. He is now free to attend many SPZPs.
Saya Dr. Win Thein succeeded Saya U Min Wun as Professor and Head of the Department. Except for a warning sign from an early Medical check up, Saya was healthy. He finally passed away in Yangon. His sister has donated Saya’s Garawa money to selected Charities.
Brother, can you afford Five Hundred Dollars?
And many weekends spent away from your family as well? If you can then you probably are a member of the RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe organizing committee.
It all began one day several months ago when we met over lunch at Benny Tan’s home in Hillsborough. Ko Hla Min and Ko Khin Maung Zaw among the lunch party had started the RIT Alumni website and were receiving enthusiastic responses. Hearing that the duo were carrying on the project all by themselves we decided to throw in our moral and financial support to assure its survival, realizing that it was providing a needed service for the RIT alumni to locate and communicate with each other. Every one present, ten of us at that time, took out our checkbooks and wrote out one hundred dollars each, with promises of more as needed. We informally called ourselves the RIT Alumni Bay Area Group. I was asked to be the group leader.
After that fateful event we continue to have regular meetings, hosted in turn at the homes of some among group members: Ko Hla Min, Maurice Chee, Ko Myat Htoo, Ko Thein Aung, and most recently Dr Nyo Win. Did I leave out any one? Ah yes! Ko Myint Swe and San San Swe. All the while the membership continues to grow and our objective keeps on changing from support of the website to some vague dream of a future RIT alumni organization on a global scale and finally settled on a plan for RIT Alumni Grand Reunion at the beginning of the 21st Century. Ko Hla Min broached the idea to include Saya Pu Zaw Pwe as part of the Grand Reunion in keeping with the Myanmar custom of honoring one’s teachers. As our plan jelled we got carried away by our own excitement and started talking about holding the reunion before the end of the Year 2000. After all, ending one millennium successfully augers well for success in the next millennium.
Before we fully realized what we were up to we have found an ideal site, the Embassy Suites Hotel conference hall near the San Francisco International Airport, and found ourselves making a commitment for a definite date, 28 October 2000 and a attendance fee of fifty dollars, a modest amount to encourage maximum number of Alumni to participate. The minimum capacity of the conference hall is 200 seats and we were required to make down payment and sign a rental and service agreement based on 200 seats. Our most optimistic estimate at the time was 100 attendees. If the attendance is low that means the Bay Area Group, as the Organizing Committee was not in force at the time, will have to make up the short fall. Which could amount to as much as five thousand dollars, or five hundred dollar from each group member. We hesitated a moment to reflect on what that means to us individually in terms of diminished spending power. But, in the end our attachment to RIT and the engineering profession, our sincere desire to meet the Sayas and class mates from whom we were separated for long over came us. We will accept the risks.
Thus was born the preparations in full swing for the Grand RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Others must tell the rest of the story – of struggles, compromises, and elations along the way and from participants themselves what it means to be present at the defining moment in the history of RIT Alumni.
Allen Htay, RIT Alumni International – Bay Area Group RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe Organizing Committee
Appreciation of SPZP-2000
Hello All:
Thanks and Congratulations for a well organized and well executed event. I believe we all went to bed early Sunday night irrespective of the change back to Standard Time (from Daylight Savings Time according to the rule “Spring forward, Fall back”) , and no doubt slept soundly and very happy, knowing full well what happened during the past three days is more than what we dared to dream. I for one took the Monday off and forgot lunch because I woke up so late. But what is one missed lunch!
Allen Htay
____
Dear Ko Maung Maung Than (M79):
Thanks for your note of appreciation for the RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Everybody chipped in: the sayas, organizers, committee members, helpers, supporters like you which we were very fortunate to have, the alumni and general guests and well-wishers. We won’t be able to host an event of this magnitude and importance if any of the components were missing.
Success belongs to everyone.
Thanks again for your generous support
Allen Htay
Remembering Saya Allen Htay
From Saya U Thit
Dear Colleagues and students
I am very sad to hear that Allen Htay passed away.
I have known Allen Htay since the early 1950s when we were both students at Methodist High School, Yegyaw, East Yangon. He was one year junior to me.
We were together again in the late 1950s when we were both Assistant Lecturers at B.O.C. Engineering College. During that time he and I together with Saya Num Kock and Saya U Aung Khin went for an excursion to visit Lawpita Hydroelectric Plant construction site near Loikaw, in Kayah State.
While I was living on the R.I.T. campus in the early 1960s he moved to a house just across the street from us.
I will always remember him coming to our house many times in the evenings for a chat with my family.
The last time I saw him was at the 2004 Saya Puzawpwe in Yangon.
He will be sadly missed by many of his friends and students.
May his soul rest in Peace.
Maung Thit (Metallurgy) Melbourne, Australia
From the alumni in Australia
By Ko “Henry” Thet Tun
Our sincere and deepest condolences to Saya U Allen Htay & family for the demise of Saya.
From the RIT Alumni Australia & Myanmar Engineering Association of Australia Inc.
From Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) and Daw Lily (T72)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
We are very much saddened by the departure of Saya Allen Htay. Please convey our heartfelt condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. His good nature and kind demeanor will always live in our memory and that of those who loved him.
While we will all miss Saya Allen very much, I hope all his loved ones can find some slight comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended.
Very Sincerely, Tin Win and Lily.
From Ko Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Without the RIT Alumnu Updates, I would not have known about the passing of our (me and George Peters) final year thesis supervisor Saya U Allen Htay.
Thank you for your regular as well as supplement updates.
Please convey our deepest condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of great loss and sadness.
Best regards, Dennis (Kyaw Thu) (C73) and Alice U
Editor’s Notes: Dennis and Alice have relocated to Canada.
From Saya U Soe Paing and Daw Saw Yu Tint
My friend Allen Htay (GBNF)
Some years ago I wrote an article for the ex-RIT.org about my saya friends at RIT which included Allen Htay.
I met Allen Htay when I joined the 1st Year BSc (Engg) class at the Faculty of Engineering at Leikkhone in 1958 .Ko San Hla Aung was our drawing instructor for the main majors (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), and Allen Htay was the instructor for the rest.
In December1958, I went on State Scholarship to Stanford University. When I returned home after completing my studies, I found myself on the same ship S S Warickshire from Liverpool to Yangon with Allen Htay, Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri Eng) and Ko Ko Lay (UCC). There was also another Myanmar Ko Than Pe, a Chartered Accountant, on the ship. Those days it was customary for the Government to send the returning scholars by ship.
We normally had our meals together seated at the Chief engineer’s table. After dinner we would play bridge to spend the time. Ko Ko Lay partnered with Ko Tin Maung Nyunt and Allen Htay and Ko Than Pe took turns as my partner against them. We played almost every night after dinner and all of us became very good friends.
We got back to Yangon in October 1963. Allen Htay rejoined RIT. I was posted to RIT in January 1964 and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt in March 1964 and so we were together again. When I got married and moved into the RIT staff quarters I was at 16F, Allen Htay at 16E and Ko Tin Maung at 16D. We visited each others house very often. We also became friendly with Allen Htay’s brothers and sisters.
I have attached a photo taken during Thingyan 1966 with Allen Htay (2nd from left) and his youngest brother (extreme right).
I left RIT for UCC and the UN, and Allen Htay and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt went to the United States. All of us met gain in the Bay Area in 1985, 2001 and 2010. I saw Allen Htay at the RIT reunions in 2004 (Yangon), 2007 and 2010 (Singapore).
He could not make it to the 2012 reunion in Yangon because of his health. He was a mild mannered soft spoken gentleman and we will all miss him. May he rest in peace.
Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s Spouse)
“Let me count the ways [to love]” by Elizabeth Browning is a poem present by Ma Ma Mu to Saya Allen.
Donations in Saya Allen’s Memory
In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin
donated Saya’s books to YTU Library
provided cabinets for Saya’s books
sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students
Maurice Chee (M75) coordinated the donation of books.
NorCal RITAA and some volunteer alumni from Yangon coordinated the selection of scholarship recipients.
Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s spouse)MeetingDonation 1Donation 2Donation 3Donation 4Donation 5
Updates
Several sayas and alumni mentioned in the post are GBNF. They include Saya H Num Kok, Saya U Min Wun, Saya Allen Htay, Saya Dr. Win Thein, Saya U Thit, U Khin Maung Win, U Ngwe Zoe.
8th month of the old Roman calendar. Oct means Eight.
10th month of the Gregorian calendar.
It has 31 days.
October 1
Dr. Aung Gyi
Dr. Aung Gyi’s birthday
U Myo Myint Sein
U Myo Myint Sein’s birthday
October 2
U Ba Than
U Ba Than’s birthday. Says offered soon dana for his birthday on or around October 2 at Yaw Sayadaw’s Kyaung. Sayas, former students and friends were invited to the soon kway. 69ers usually offered Garawa at Sayagyi’s place on or around his birthday.
Mini-gathering put on hold due to pandemic in 2020 & 2021. Zoom meetings were held on sayas’s birthday.
In 2020, Saya received 90th Birthday Present. Photo Album Book was compiled by U Tin Htoon and U Htaik San (Henry Kao). DHL Delivery was paid by Saya U Tin Htut
In 2021, Saya received a Photo Card present by U Tin Htoon
October 5
International Teachers’ Day
Celebrated annually since October 5, 1994
Some countries have local Teachers’ Day
Halloween
October 31 (i.e. the day before “All Saint’s Day” which falls on November 1).
Celebrated with “Trick or Treat” by the children and optional “Halloween Costume Party” by young and old adults.
End of Buddhist Lent
Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut usually falls in October.
Phaung daw-u festival (in Inle Lake) is held on the Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut.
Deepavali / Diwali
Celebrated by the Hindus around October.
Known as the “Festival of Lights”.
October Revolution
Due to differences in Julian & Gregorian calendars, the Bolshevik Revolution is wrongly referred to as the “October Revolution”.
Festivals
Ocktoberfest is a festival held in October.
The Annual Pumpkin Festival with the bragging rights to the “heaviest” Pumpkin is held along Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay in Northern California. The traffic is really bad in the area for most of October. The 7-mile strip takes an hour or more during the Festival period.
October 2000
The First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) was held in October 2000.
I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post Reunion” (news & articles) for SPZP-2000 in my Newsletter and the ex-rit.org website.
I wrote a poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE”. It was published in the Commemorative Issue of “RIT Alumni Newsletter”.
Newsletter
October 2021
In October 2021, Covid-19 vaccines were offered. Many had at least one dose. Some had two or three doses (including Booster). However, there were mutations & variations of Covid spreading around the globe.
Phaungdaw-u
Working People’s Daily (WPD) used to publish Supplements.
I wrote “Phaungdaw-u Festival” poem for the Thadinkyut Supplement.
Phaung Daw-u Festival (Poem by Hla Min)
Phaung Daw-u, oh Burma’s grandeur Can truly make our hearts sublime Its mystic charm and rhyme-less 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 r 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
Dennis Mackey (Kyaw Thu, C73) and George Peters (C73) did their final year project at UCC. Their supervisor was Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF).
George moved to Perth, Australia. I met him at the RIT Reunion Dinner in Sydney, Australia in 2006.
Dennis moved to Auckland, New Zealand. He reported about the alumni activities in NZ along with Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF) and Stanley Saw (Myo Lwin, M71).
After retirement, Dennis moved to Canada.
In late 2018, Dennis paid respect to Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi.
EC73
U San Lin (Robert, EC73) and Daw Hla Myint (Marina, EC73)
Robert’s father (Chan Boon Pin) graduated with Mechanical and Engineering Combined Degree from the Faculty of Engineering in 1948 – 49.
Robert studied M.Sc. (Computer Science) at UCC.
He worked in Singapore and the US.
After retirement, he moved to Dallas, Texas to be near his son and grand children.
San Lin
U Htun Aung Kyaw (HAK, EC73)
Htun Aung Kyaw (HAK) and Tun Aung Gyaw (TAG) are variant spellings of the same Burmese name.
Excellent golfer.
Worked for Schlumberger before moving to Sydney, Australia.
M73
Dr. Myint Thein (M73)
Doctorate from Georgia Institute of Technology (aka Georgia Tech) in Atlanta.
Pen name : Ba Thein (Atlanta)
Wrote several articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
Dr. L Sein Myint (M73)
Younger brother of L Than Myint (M63, RUBC Gold)
Doctorate from the UK
Spends time in the US, Myanmar & Australia.
Helped organize the first Alumni Reunion in the East Coast of the US.
U Khin Maung Aye (MEHS67, M73)
Took Applications Option for his M.Sc. (Computer Science).
GBNF.
U Myo Myint (M)
He is from the Class of 73. He took sabbatical and graduated in 1974. He retired as Deputy Chief Engineer of Burma Railways.
He has connections with the Class of 72. His spouse is a cousin of U Myo Myint Pe (ChE72). He shared a dinner table with Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72).
He designed and drew covers for RIT Annual Magazines and the commemorative issues of Swel Daw Yeik Magazines.
He drew Pon Tus of sayas and sayamas, and gave most of them as presents at the SPZPs or RIT gatherings. He sent via Lu Kyone some Pon Tus for the overseas sayas.
He also drew Oil Paintings and sold (or auctioned) them and gave the proceeds to the SPZP funds.
Sample paintings are shown here.
U Hla Win (M)
Veda sayas
He is from the Class of 73. He took sabbatical and graduated in 1975.
Served as Master of Ceremonies for All Mechanical Gathering; Gatherings for the Class of 73, 74 and 75
Core organizer for SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016.
Than Win — Captain of University First Eleven; Director of Sports and Physical Education Department Spouse : Professor Daw Pansy
Than Win (SPHS63, M69) — Myaungmya
Than Win (Henry Wong, SPHS63)
Than Win (PBRS, T70) — Thamankyar novel; Spouse : Zelma
Thane
Thane Myint (PBRS, DSA) — Served in the Air Force, and in the Myanmar Delegation to the UN; Manager of he Myanmar Olympic Team for Seoul Olympics; Parents : Kyaw Zaw, Khin Khin Aye
Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, Dr. (SPHS60, IM1 67, Pediatrician) =- See Posts
Thant
Thant — UN Secretary General
Thant Thaw Kaung, Dr.
Thant Sin, Dr.
Thant Zin — See Post
Thant Zin Ohn
Thaung
Thaung — Boxing
Thaung — Secretary; Brother: Thant
Thaung — Aung Bala, Kyemon
Thaung Aye
Thaung Dan, Bogyoke — BAF
Thaung Han — Artist
Thaung Han (Physics) — RUBC
Thaung Htut — Minister
Thaung Kyaw Nyein — Father: Kyaw Nyein
Thaung Lwin (EC66) — Past Captain and Gold of RUBC
Thein Aung (James K Wu, “Myo Daw”, Met 72) — Mr. RIT in 1968; Founding member of RIT Alumni International; Organizer & Associate Editor of “RIT Alumni Newsletter” for SPZP-2000
Thein Aung (M72)
Thein Han, Dr. (Alexander Sia, IM1 79er)
Thein Han — Zawgy; Co-founded Khit San Sar Pay; Chief Librarian of RU Central Library
Thein Han — Systems Engineer at IBM in Rangoon before moving to the USA
A1 Thein Htut (PBRS) — Actor; Director
Thein Htut, Dr. — RUBC Gold; Parents : Colonel Min Sein, Daw Yin May; Spouse : Wendy
Thein Htut (Physics, RASU)
Thein Htut (EC83) worked for UCC before moving to private industry.
Thein Htut, Dr (Clement) — Saya; Dental
Thein Lwin (Stanley Shwe Gyi, SPHS63)
Thein Lwin (EE, GBNF) — President of RIT Badminton
Thein Lwin (M70, Hluttaw)
Thein Maung, Dr, (EENT)
Thein Maung (M69)
Sai Thein Maung, Sai (C70) — Soccer, Track and Field
Thein Maung (Htin Lin) — Writer; Children: Soe Myint, Soe Win, Kyaw Zaw, Khin Zaw
Thein Oo — Commerce; UCC, MCI, Ace
Thein Oo Po Saw (Ernest Po Saw) — Nuclear Physics, DSA
Thein Tan (C64) — Rector of MTU
Thein Tan, Twante — Vocalist
Thein Tan, Myanmar Pyay — Musician
Thein Tan (UCC)
Thein Tan (Maung Maung Gyi, UCC, GBNF)
Thein Tun, Dr. (SPHS61, EP67) — Doctorate from Australia
Thein Tun, Dr. (IM1)
Thein Tun, Bohmu Dr. (GBNF)
TheinPe — Character in Zawana’s novel Kaw Lwik Jin / Ja Bo
Thein Pe (Thein Pe Myint)– Author and politician
Thein Sein — Former President of Myanmar
Thein Wa, Daw — Owned a bookstore
Thein Wai, Dr. (SPHS63, IM2) stood fifth in Matriculation in 1963; Moved to
Thet
Thet — Vipassana Teacher, Mentor of Sayagyi U Ba Khin
HlaMin 