Graduated with Architecture from RU Faculty of Engineering in 1958
Masters from University of Michigan
Retired Professor of Architecture, RIT
Wrote articles for SPZP and HMEE
Author & Speaker, USA
President, RU ConBro Association
Played Soccer in RU days
U Myo Myint Sein
Good Teacher
I believe in that to be a good teacher one needs to equip oneself to the utmost and to keep ahead of the profession that he loves and adores. Conversation with a number of people outside the teaching profession adheres to the uncommon knowledge that a teacher only needs to prepare his teaching script once only and repeat that throughout his life time! That is a ‘fallacy’, and I have seen many that came into the teaching profession with that kind of an attitude!
Incidentally, I did not join the teaching profession by accident. My freshman year at the Mandalay University, being let loose after a sojourn with the ‘brothers’, at the Catholic School, my freshman class at college appears paradise with beautifully, posh dressed up girls always in the front rows, enticed us to became a little boisterous, whistling and throwing paper ‘rockets’. It was in the chemistry lecture theater that got Dr. Mitra’s attention. He looked up at our group and mumbled a few words and stopped staring at the class. The hall went silent! He then started, “I think a group of boys are not paying attention, I’m sorry to say that I have ‘failed’, please tell me, is it boring?, is it not understandable of what I’m trying say or do you all think that it is just non-sense? Every night I work very hard, to know each of you and think of how I’m going to perform my lecture with the help of the apparatus right here in front of me so that you should not forget what I’m trying to teach you and make you all happy and I repeated to myself that this will be my best lecture!” His last words became very emotional, Head down he began to sob, silently and then he let out “I’m sorry please forgive me, this should not have happened and this will not happen again!”. And he continued with a very, very silent class. Immediately after the class we went to his office and apologized to him of our behavior, of not out of disrespect, just hoping to accrue some pleasure and that we respected him very much and we will never ever do this sort of a thing anymore anywhere. He was happy that we came to see him. In my thoughts ‘I think I want to be a teacher like him’. In the next chemistry class we wrote an apology note to the class, Dr. Mitra glanced at it, cleaned the board, smiled and said thank you.
In ‘Teaching Architecture’, I believe in two things, first equip yourself, next plan a creative highway path for the students to proceed and guide them along to their destinations.
UNDER MY WATCH 1963-1980:
I took over the Department of Architecture in September of 1963. I was shown to my office on the second floor of the main RIT building on the west wing. My office is facing east, located in the center of the west wing, along the corridor. I was introduced to my Department of Architecture by the registrar U Sein Hla, “that’s your Department…!” absent with students at that time and no sign of visible teaching staff per se! Is the Department of Architecture in ‘shambles’? Where is everyone? Almost in the state of disintegration! Disheartened? Not at all, I took it as a great challenge!
It appears that most of the RIT faculty and the registrar himself was aware that I would be joining the RIT Faculty. The TIME magazine’s cover story about my boss MINORU YAMASAKI mentioned that a Burmese architect working on high profile buildings with him. Also in September a write up and a photo of us my boss Yamasaki and I appeared on the front pages of the Yangon news papers. It also mentioned that I will be joining the RIT faculty. I believe they were also very curious of why I came back!
I started to get busy, very busy with the lectures, curriculum, and trying to organize the ‘department!’. Yes there were students, 1st. yr., 2nd.yr and 3rd.yr. Architectural staff?, one Russian lecturer who appears to be conducting the studio courses. Other cognate courses were taught by the Civil, Electrical and Mechanical engineering departments. The other Russian lecturer had left after completing his assignment and we await his replacement while the students are left unattended. I was young and very enthusiastic and accepted the challenge with pride.
As I took on the challenge, ignorant of the political situation of the country and also the administrative challenges, I started to work on refining the curriculum and looking out for recruiting the most important architectural faculty. No one was interested or available locally. Soviet faculty was available on a two year contract, therefore I requested three more to fill the gap. I contacted my good friend Bilal Raschid and he was very willing to help me out as a Part time lecturer. Incidentally after a year I received a letter from my friend in Israel, Hubert Law Yone, a graduate in electrical engineering from Stanford and went to Israel and completed the graduate studies in architecture and working in Tel a Aviv. He wants to join my faculty. I got so excited of having a faculty with diverse knowledge and experience that I straight away requested the ministry to recruit my friend. Nothing happenned for a while and when I put in my queries I was politely told about the “situation’. So I got the message! Don’t rush, study the situation first!.
REFINING & UPGRADING THE CURRICULUM: The Concept of Architectural Education.
The Architecture encompasses many factors. Including: A very creative patronized Art Form combined with Science, Technology, Engineering and the Environment! Therefore in order to meet these basic requirements, a curriculum must be designed to fulfill the demands.
The basic thought on the Architectural studies is to teach and guide the students the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and the Environment, and in the Patronized Art Form, mostly guide the students to think and themselves be in control of what their thoughts are on Spaces and Forms, based on the patrons’/clients’ requirements.
Therefore the Curriculum is grouped into courses: a) Sciences, Engineering and Technology. These courses to be catered by our allied Science and Engineering Departments. b) Environment, Creative Art Form. These courses will be conducted by the Architectural Department plus specialized experts from numerous government/private departments, in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops, studios/lab work and field work.
In our Department of Architecture like in most schools of architecture, final year students must prepare a Thesis and defend his work to the Thesis Jury at the end of the term. This is good and preferred by all students of Architecture and planning all over the world. We all have no doubts that this method for us was very good.
The concept of ‘motivational teaching’, comes into play of how to get students involved in their own learning and making things happen. I revised and changed the curriculum on Theoretical and Planning courses with terminal examination into eliminating the examination system and introduced the seminar/workshop system with a ‘Term Paper’ to be submitted at the mid/end of the course. The whole idea behind this is for the students to understand and perceive the reality of ‘learning’, searching, ‘thinking’, analyzing, ‘using’, and ‘making it happen’. After a few lectures/seminars when the students become acquainted with the course work he/she will submit his/her choice of three topics (in consultation with outside departments) and brief the outline to his/her lecturer. After the approval of the selected topic the student will research/study/analyzed and present the term paper outline, chapter by chapter for interaction with the lecturer and the class. At the end of the term it will be finalized and presented as a final Term Paper. This was a big change and a very successful change! It also keeps the faculty to be updating on all aspects.
THE SIX YEAR CURRICULUM:
The first two years were grouped into two categories. 1. Refinement of language Burmese/English, Basic Science and Elementary Engineering, Lab and Workshop. 2. Tools to be used in the development of Spaces and Forms. That is Sketches, Drawing and Drafting, and Delineation etc.
The mid two years are very crucial years where the student is introduced to be creative and encouraged to develop basic Spaces and Forms based on the two years of their learning. Emphasis is put on applied engineering and technological aspects on simple Forms and Spaces.
The final two years are very important. Basically this will be the final assault to proceed on to the real world of architecture. Forty percent of the fifth year is devoted to completion of all engineering requirements and sixty percent of the time is devoted to studio projects and seminars which are mostly related to each other. In the final year the first term forty percent is devoted Planning and Specifications and sixty percent is devoted to studio projects.
Studio courses: The studios are opened twenty four hours, seven days a week and the students are encouraged to work in the studio as much as possible. This is where the interaction between the faculty and students and students to students plus visiting mentors interact. This inter action is driven by virtue of immense ‘desire’ into acquiring and sharing ideas, thoughts, knowledge and experiences which is most beneficial to all students and the staff.
This is the concept for the six year Architectural curriculum. The details are flexible and are geared towards achieving the best goals.
THE FACULTY:
Under my watch there were five Soviet senior lecturers: Mr. Orzegov, Mr. Dorofeiev, Mr. Rodionov, Mr. Ushakov and Mr. Karakovtsky. All of them were able to communicate in English. They all conducted the studio work, drawing, drafting, delineation and project design. Later on Mr. Bilal Raschid joined our faculty and took over senior students’ studio projects. In the mid sixties I recruited U Kyaw, U Lwin Aung and U Hla Myint, followed by U Kyaw Thein, U Koung Nyunt and U Sai Yee Leik. U San Tun Aung took care of the planning courses & the Artist U Aung Soe took care of the life drawing and the allied art courses as part time lecturers. Later in the early seventies we recruited U Hla Than and Daw Min Thet Mun, followed by U Kyaw Win. This took care of our six year courses for the time being. However there was an urgent need to upgrade the qualifications and knowledge of our local faculty to re place the Soviet staff. Due to financial problems State Scholarships was unavailable and foreign scholarship was hard to come by. However we were able to send U Kyaw to Poland, & U Lwin Aung to Russia for Doctoral programs in planning. U Hla Myint to Australia for Architectural Engineering, U Kyaw Thein design & U Koung Nyunt Landscape to Japan. We were offered a nine months training program from England and Japan in lieu of our requested scholarship for an advanced degree program. We had no choice at that time, so we sent Daw Min Thet Mun for interior design to England and U Kyaw Win woodworking technology to Japan. In the mean time I had recruited U Thein Myint a physics graduate as a Lab Assistant with an inclination to coach him to become an acoustics lecturer. He was sent to England to be trained in acoustical studies and on his return he assisted in teaching acoustical courses.
Later in the mid seventies we recruited U Shwe, U Than Tin Aung followed by U Tin Kyi Hlaing. By the mid seventies all the Soviet Staff have return to their Institutions and our faculty members were back with their Ph. D.s and Masters degrees and we were full ahead with our programs manned by our own scholars.
LIBRARY:
Another basic tool are the books and examples of works by other great architects. It should be readily available in need of time when working in the studio. We organized an architectural library with our volunteer staff and students and set up a library next to the studios. In co-operation with our librarian Daw Myint Myint Khin I signed out all the architectural books for our Arch. library. The honor, respect and credit go to our student librarian Ko Win Myint, he ran the library like a professional gaining great respect from our RIT librarian, staff and students alike. We also had a good collection of color slides of American, European and Soviet modern architectural works. The slides were so good that the Soviet lecturers when returning back on home leave, would borrow the slides to present it in their lectures at their Institutes. I donated many slides and two slide projectors to the library.
PRINTING/PHOTOGRAPHIC/LAB/WOODWORK SHOP:
Printing Lab: We inherited a very old blue printing machine, probably seen the BOC Engineering years. However it is in working order and Mr. Darwood the estate draftsman taught U Kyaw Thoung to operate the machine! Later on we bought a new ozalid printing machine and U Kyaw Thoung became an expert on printing.
Photographic Lab: Mr. Orzegov started the dark room in his house for his personal research work and later on with the Soviet Embassy’s donation a photo lab was created in our department together with printers, enlargers and chemicals all set up with a dark room. This lab became very useful to our students for their term paper and thesis report work. Credit goes to U Koung Nyunt for organizing and running the Lab. Again U Kyaw Thoung became an expert in helping the students in preparation for their term paper and thesis reports.
Woodwork shop: Related to the community college program under the ministry of education, our department was responsible for Arts & Crafts and Woodworking Technology courses to be set up in some of the community colleges where teak wood is abundant. The Japanese Government provided the equipment which was set up at the original canteen building opposite our Department building. It would have been an ideal shop for staff and students to make architectural models. However, service staff was not provided by our ministry therefore we were not able to allow students or staff to operate the machines as it can be very hazardous if not handled appropriately. This project was not successful.
Our Lab Staff: We had a good Lab staff that benefited the students and the staff. They assisted the students in the studio work, in preparation of their term papers, reports and theses, including formatting, typing, printing and binding etc. Without our Lab staff field work would not have been as successful as it was. It became a mobile academic entity planned and organized the transportation including lodging, messing and the learning center on site at the field. Credit goes to our lab staff, led by U Thein Myint, U Kyaw Thoung, Naw Ar Mu Cho, Saw Donald, U Nyi Bu and Saw Yaw Tha.
FIELD WORK:
,Field work is very important for the benefit of the profession. Architecture is dynamic entity, always in motion! As sciences and technology advances architectural design concepts virtually becomes more flexible, adaptable and convertible. Therefore field work and surveys of buildings are the essential part of the profession. The Department of Architecture emphasizes on the importance of field work in the three most crucial areas. (1) The Architectural culture, traditional Spaces and Forms, lifestyles and the arts. (2) Survey and measured drawings of classical buildings. Study/research of their architectural values, needs and usages. Analysis of their work and summary of findings. (3) Exploratory mission, prior to working on a term paper or a thesis project a student embarks on this mission to gather all the crucial aspects of his or her interest in the project. Almost all the studies/research, reports and projects performed by the department of architecture are linked to the work performed in the field.
FACULTY PRACTICE:
Internationally most architectural faculty members are encouraged to practice professionally in their profession. This is to acquaint the students linked to the real world of the profession! In the USA I would estimate 50% of the faculty would obtain a license to practice the profession and would have a limited practice. The others who are not interested in the architectural practice would perform studies/research analysis and publication. The faculty is encouraged to at least engage oneself on an allied work. At one time it was publish or perish! I was on the verge of discussing/encouraging our staff, on the topic of engaging oneself on an allied work or private practice when one day I had a knock on my door. It was the Counselor from the Indonesian Embassy. I was surprised to see a foreigner, an Embassy staff at my door! I was trying to explain to him that we were not permitted to see. Suddenly he smiled and said ‘I have been introduced to you by your Ministry and with their blessing I’m here to request your help!’. I verified. The ministry permitted me to help the Embassy for their projects and allows me to personally accept any remuneration according to international standards. That was my first project, followed by the Australian Embassy and the US AID projects. Since I was permitted to practice, I told my staff that they are welcome to practice as long as they do not neglect their responsibilities. It was a good thing for the students and staff.
ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS AND PROJECTS:
After a few months at the department I was requested by the education ministry, to submit a conceptual proposal for the Rangoon University Student’ Union at its original site. I submitted a model of the building. The discussion was not what I had expected. Security reasons were given not to go ahead. Architecturally, too western! I was too embedded with American thinking that I had forgotten all about ‘Tradition & Architecture’ that I had been working on. That was a good lesson learned! Immediately I embarked on the study/research program on the cultural and architectural background of the country. The study/research by the department was performed by the faculty and most of the times the students were involved. Field work includes, Pyu, Bagan, Mandalay, Mrauk-U. Inlay etc., assisted by the Archeology Department. Measured drawings on Bagan was printed and published. Research papers were read at the Burma Research Conference. ‘The Monastic Institutions of Later Kon-Boung Period’ and The Classical Houses of Myanmar’ were published in the seventies. The Archeology Department provided funds and two monasteries were repaired. Many projects were performed by the Department of Architecture and is listed in the appendix section of this story. However, I should mention three most important projects. 1. The conceptual proposal for The Master Plan of The Legislative Center & The Peoples Park, Yangon. This was a very important project as the Prime Minister U Sein Win, requested that I personally present this project to U Ne Win, Chairman of the Government. It was a very enriching discussion lasted many hours. The next day I was informed that it was approved for construction. 2. The conceptual proposal for the Ministry of Health, Sports Center for Yangon. 3. The Ministry of Education, Extension Education Center Head Office, Yangon. This projects includes: design, construction and turn over to the Rector.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
In any of the extracurricular activities involving architects, the topic always leads to the exchange of thoughts, be it design or culture. The major event of the year would be the annual dinner. Since our student population was not that much we had organized the dinner and entertainment on the lawn of my house. The students organized everything and the whole department, the friends of the students, mentors and friends of the department were mostly invited. In one of the events U Khin Maung Yin, the architect/artist/movie maker volunteered to show his movie ‘Hna-Ma-Let-Shaut_Nay -Lay_Dawt’, a very arty movie. However, in one of the scenes: early misty very quiet morning village scene the pae-byoke the’ with the basket on her head screaming pae-byoke…pae-byoke…pae-byoke the street with the background of huts came into focus and suddenly the background music of Beethoven’s fifth symphony came out with a bang and the music overpowered the whole audience! The audience went silent and a second later a sarcastic laughter and clapping, with a question “what is this”. It was a great lesson for the students, staff and the visitors! Conflict of cultures: scenes of images and sound, lack of coordination, harmony, rhythm and movements. It shows the sensitivities of the students. Every year the students would have a saya puzaw pwe, all together or class by class. It was an occasion that the students will never pass and surprisingly non Buddhist students also took part in the celebration. Association of Student Architects. Chaired by the Head of the Department and run by the student body. ASA was involved in all occasions. One thing that was very beneficial and useful for the senior students mostly fifth and sixth years who took part in the “bull sessions” I use to have in my house. The students and staff would get together one evening in a year and talk about architecture, design, planning and technology! I was surprised that in the late eighties one of the students reminded me of the ‘bull sessions’ we had at RIT. He says that he could never forget how valuable it was for them all along.
SUMMARY:
This is a story of the Architectural education 1963-1980 in a nutshell. I’m sure that there must have been many important episodes that went unnoticed. Also there must have been many many ‘the good & the bad’. However it must have been miniscule.
I’m glad and proud that I took up the challenge and stayed on at RIT for seventeen years!, and I’m proud of our students with numerous divergent interest: student affairs, politics, business, arts & culture, etc., Now most of them are now leaders and have contributed towards the development of the country in planning cities, neighborhoods, communities, estates, buildings, factories, bridges, dams and most important of all is being involved. Some are even in politics as advisors to the government and also to the opposition party. They have made history and we are proud of them. They are teachers, mentors a motivational entity to the next generation of RIT/YTU/MTU/? alumnus. This is the success of the Department of Architecture. Gone but not forgotten are our devoted staff, Dr. Maung Kyaw, U Hla Myint, U Kyaw Thein, U Sai Yee Leik, U Thein Myint and U Kyaw Thoung. As RIT is always in our minds so also will they be.
I was permitted to resign after paying the government K50,000 to the Union Bank Myanmar. I physically left RIT grounds on the 10th of January 1981. Sad to go but still attached to RIT.
Pon Tu of Saya Dr. Aung GyiSaya U Min Wun and Saya Dr. Aung Gyi at the Welcome Dinner for SPZP-2000
Born on 1st October 1931
Except for loss of hearing, he is healthy.
Attended SPZPs, mini-PZPs and micro-PZPs in Canada, USA, Singapore & Myanmar.
Matriculated in 1949
First group of engineering students selected to study at prestigious universities in the USA under the Twinning Program
BS and MS from MIT
Upon return, he joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer.
Promoted to Lecturer & Head of Civil Engineering
Doctorate from University of Alberta
Succeeded U Yone Mo as Rector of RIT in 1971
Left for UN assignment.
Later : moved to Canada
Fondly talks about “the best days of his life at RIT”
DAG 2DAG 3
Contributions
Brief bio for SPZP-2000
Keynote at SPZP-2000 : Talked about Health & Emotional Intelligence
Article covering (a) State Scholarship in the USA (b) experience as Professor and Rector (HMEE book has excerpts from the article)
Introduction to the History of Myanmar Engineering Education ( in Supplement CD of HMEE book)
Coconut Episode (Heard at Saya Allen Htay’s house before SPZP-2000. Transformation of a student from a Coconut thief into a respected 3R teacher. Printed version appeared in “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for a Singapore SPZP.)
Anecdotes on several occasions
Saya and I spent a few days together at Ivan’s house in New Jersey in 2015. Saya would tell us stories from his RIT days.
Ivan, Saya & me
We spent two nights at Saya’s house in Canada during the whirlwind trip hosted by Ivanwith the help of Fred Thetgyi.
At Saya’s house
During my visits to Yangon, I was “Ei Hmyaung” at the gatherings — one for the birthday of Daw Emma and one for welcoming Sayagyis attending SPZP
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) successfully sent Apollo-11 to land men on the moon and bring them safely back to the earth (as envisioned by JFK).
Apollo 11
Neil Armstrong — Civilian Commander; First man on the moon
Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin — Lunar Module Pilot; Second man on the moon
Michael Collins — Command Module Pilot
My Poem
The poem honoring the Apollo 11 Mission was published in the Guardian newspaper.
A copy of the poem was given to Mr. Hall (USIS), who forwarded it to NASA and the astronauts.
Updates
Neil Armstrong became a University Professor
For some time, Buzz Aldrin was depressed for not being the first to set foot on the Moon. He later competed in “Dancing with the Stars”.
Michael Collins reply to interviewers : “The mission needed three astronauts. I am 1/3 of the success.” He wrote a book.
Apollo 13 had a technical problem. The saga was recounted in a book and a movie.
Apollo 17 had a Scientist Astronaut.
A mini-history was published based on the interviews with Astronauts.
Wrote articles, poems, newsletters, translations, study guides and manuals.
9 articles for the Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife. They can be read from Google Books.
Encyclopedia
Broadcast 220 Educational Videos on Facebook and YouTube.
YouTube Channel
History
I love history, encyclopedias, stories and knowledge sharing. My beloved father, relatives, teachers, colleagues, friends, barbers and taxi drivers told me interesting stories. I hope that my posts can supplement the history books and encyclopedias.
I volunteered as a Docent for the CHM (Computer History Museum) for two years.
DTM
I was a member of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering) projects. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I served as contributors and proofreaders. We compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE Book published in 2012.
HMEE BookCD for HMEE Book
Volunteer
I served as Executive Committee member for selected organizations.
I was Treasurer and Vice Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club).
RUBC Magazine
I was Class Representative, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT EE Association.
RIT EE Association
I co-founded RIT Alumni International, which hosted the First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw in San Francisco Bay Area in October 2000.
SF Bay Area Alumni Advisory Group
I volunteered as an Organizer for SPZPs held in USA, Singapore and Yangon.
SPZP-2000
I co-founded NorCal RIT AA and served as BOD (Board of Directors) member.
NorCal RIT AA
I served as Vice President and BOD of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America). I was a Contributing Editor of Dhammanda Newsletter and the book “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda”. I was Master of Ceremonies at the Memorial Service for Sayadaw U Silananda.
TBSA
I belonged to several Toastmasters Clubs. I am a DTM (Distinguished Toastmater). I served as Club Coach, Mentor, Ambassador, Area Director, Contest Chair, Test Speaker and Judge.
Toastmaster
My Dreams
U Hla Min & spouse
Jules Verne said, “If one can dream, others can and will fulfill.”
I have realized my dream of getting the Sayas and Alumni connected physically and electronically. I founded the RIT Alumni (International) Newsletter in April 1999. I served as Content Provider and Editor of the inaugural RIT website designed by U Khin Maung Zaw. They helped the implementation of SPZP-2000 in USA and subsequent SPZPs in Singapore and Yangon.
SPZP-2000Newsletter
My second Dream was to help History projects. I served as a member of the HMEE project. With U Ohn Khine (M70), I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE book published in 2012.
HMEE-2012HMEE Book
My third dream was to celebrate Three Anniversaries in 2024 : (1) Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar (2) 60th Anniversary of RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology (3) Silver Jubilee of RIT Newsletter. With the help of alumni volunteers, we were able to record memories of selected Sayas and publish them.
My spouse, sayas and friends suggested that I should share my knowledge and experience while my physical and mental health are reasonably good. Several sayas, colleagues, classmates and some Junior alumni are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
Request
It takes a lot of time to write, edit and organize posts into quality material that can be transformed into digital and printed books.
I request the collaboration from SME (Subject Matter Experts) and volunteers who share my passion.
World Wide SPZPs (SPZP-2000, SPZP-2002, SPZP-2004, SPZP-2007, SPZP-2010, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016).
The following is a sample of gatherings.
Welcoming Sayas
San Francisco Bay Area Alumni welcomed several sayas. They include
U Ba Toke (Myanmar)
U Num Kok (Oregon)
Dr. Aung Gyi (Napean, Canada)
U Aung Khin (Windsor, Canada)
U Khin Aung Kyi (then in Thailand)
U Soe Paing (then in Myanmar)
U Maung Maung Win (Australia)
Dr. Hla Myint (Mack, Australia)
U Hla Myint (Charlie, Australia)
U Kyaw Myint (then in Beijing)
Dr. San Hla Aung (then in New Orleans)
U Win Kyaw & U Nyunt Htay (after attending 2015 LA Reunion)
CD
2006
Attended the RIT Alumni Dinner in Sydney, Australia. Met Saya U Hla Myint (M65), Saya U Myo Win (M/Ag65), Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70), U Aye Win Hlaing (Abel, La La, EE7x), U Myo Lwin (Stanley Saw, M71), U Htun Aung Kyaw (EC73), U Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey, C73), George Peters (C73), U Thet Htun (Henry, M75), U Wint Khin Zaw (A79), U Htay Aung (EC80), U Sein Win (C80), and several alumni.
Reunion CD
2007
Due to time, resource, and delivery constraints, I do not always get the official CDs. I sometimes get (a) preview versions (b) copy of the “master gold” (c) alternate to the official. It’s better to have something rather than nothing.
Preview CDOfficial CD
2011
The Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65 (aka Class of 70 & 71) had hosted Reunion & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes for almost two decades.
The group usually published booklets at their main events.
Magazine 1Magazine 2
2012
Thanks to U Aye Myint (EP72), SPZP-2012 was a true Home Coming at the Gyogone Campus.
Pu Zaw Pwe was held at YTU.
Reunion Dinner was held at MICT Park.
PZPDinnerOfficial CD
2014
In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes.
RIT 69ers celebrated the pseudo Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of the Admission to RIT) in 2014. Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe was held at the YTU Assembly Hall. Reunion Dinner was held at Panda.
CD 1CD 2
2016
SPZP-2016 : Full day event at Gyogone Campus; Free Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Entertainment
SPZP-2016
Aug 2016 : Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay; Received Alumni Appreciation Award
Birthday Soon KywayAward 1
Sept 2016 : NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner; Received Alumni Appreciation Award
First classes offered in 1924 to two sets of students : B.Sc. graduates for a “compressed” 3-year course and eligible I.Sc. passed for a regular 4-year course. Details can be found in the article by U Hla Maung (1928 grad) for RU Golden Jubilee Magazine in 1970; and the History of Myanmar Engineering Education book published in 2012. The early sayas were British and Indian.
RIT Alumni Newsletter
RIT Alumni Newsletter and ex-rit.org published several articles by Civil alumni & sayas. They include articles by U Aw Taik Moh (C54), Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), Mr. Allen Htay (C58, GBNF), U Myint Khine (C63), Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun, …
Civil Engineering Sayas
U Ba Hli
U Ba Hli
First native Dean of Engineering
Former Professor of Civil Engineering & Principal of GTI
Proposed “Twinning Program” between Faculty of Engineering and prestigious US Universities
U Mya Han
Professor before moving to industry
His company interned & hired Civil Engineers
Dr. Aung Gyi
BS and MS from MIT, and his doctorate from University of Alberta.
Retired as Rector
Gave a key note speech at SPZP-2000 emphasizing the importance of Health and Emotional Intelligence.
I was an Ei Hmyaung at two dinner gatherings in Myanmar given to Saya and Daw Emma.
Hosted us during our visit to Canada.
U Min Wun
Taught Surveying in our 2nd BE class in 1964
Retired as Professor & Head of Civil
BS from MIT; MS from Cornell — Photogrammetry
Founding member & VP of BARB. His expertise include Astronomy and Astrology.
Early supporter of RIT Alumni Newsletter
C58
Saya Allen Htay (GBNF), Saya Dr. San Hla Aung and Saya Dr. Win Thein (GBNF) are C58
AllenHtay
MS from Harvard University
Leader, SF Bay Area Alumni Group
President, RIT Alumni International
Organizer, SPZP-2000)
His article “Brother, can you afford $500?” resulted in Golden Sponsors & Donors for SPZP-2000.
President, RIT Photography Association
Retired & unretired twice in the USA.
Dr. San Hla Aung
MS from MIT
Doctorate from Tulane University
Taught until the age of 80.
Line Judge at RUBC regattas.
President of RIT Rowing
President, RIT Swimming
Dr. Win Thein
Retired as Professor & Head
Several batches of students donated medical expenses for Saya
His sister donated most of the Garawa money to charities in Saya’s memory
C61
Dr. Aung Soe (C61)
Led Practical sessions for our 2nd BE Surveying
Saya soccer team
Attended SPZP-2000
U Myint Lwin (C61)
Younger brother of Saya H Num Kok
Rowed for Engineering
Attended SPZP-2000
C62 – C63
U Tauk Lin — moved to USA
U Kyi (C63) — moved to USA
Kyi Kong Tham (C63) — moved to USA
Christopher Maung
U Tin Maung
U Ngwe Tun (GBNF)
C64
U Thein Tan (C64)
Rowed for Engineering
Retired as Rector of MTU
U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C64)
Phone Ko — famous cartoonist
Patron of RIT Cartoon Box
Dr. Ohn Myint (C64)
Moved to Irrigation
Worked for World Bank
U Win Maung (C64, GBNF)
Organizer, Lanzin Lu Nge
C65 – C68
U Myint Soe (C68, GBNF)
U Myat Htoo (C68) — moved to USA
Organizers
Saya U Hla Myint Thein (C69), Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C70) and U Saw Lin (C71) served as Secretary of the RIT Civil Association.
U Hla Myint Thein entered family business. He is Advisor to Hse Mile Gone monastery.
Dr. Myo Khin and Daw Mya Nwe (C73) donated K100 lakhs for YTU Library Modernization.
U Saw Lin was a Core Organizer for SPZP-2012. He wore multiple hats : Head of Security & Logistics, Chief Editor of commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazine, Coordinator for Reprint of 23 RIT Annual Magazines …
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) served as President of TBSA and BADA. He is a founding member of RIT Alumni international and served as emcee for SPZP-2000. He is also a founding member of Norcal RITAA and Chair of BOD. He wrote, played and sung a parody of “Lost Neikban” at 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
C69ers
Several C69ers joined the faculty. They include U Nyi Hla Nge, Dr. Htin Aung, Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Khin Maung Tint, U Hla Myint, U Hla Myint Thein …
U Nyi Hla Nge — Professor, Rector, Dy. Minister
Dr. Htin Aung — Chinlon selection; Played badminton and soccer; Retired as Professor
Dr. Khin Maung Win — Retired as Associate Professor; Taught in Malaysia
U Khin Maung Tint —- Secretary of RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin; Found a Minthamee as his soul mate
U Hla Myint and U Hla Myint Thein have successful business. They Consult selected monasteries
Daw Myint Myint — Major donor to 69er Health Care Fund & 69er activities; Donated K150 Lakhs to YTU Library Modernization proj
U Han Sein (GBNF) represented RIT in Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Basketball; Sentenced to 20 years by Adhamma authorities; Served 17 years. Since most 69ers were unaware, he was listed as GBNF in the Group’s Address Book (for the 30th Anniversary of Graduation); Became a Tone Kyaw; Succumbed to Covid
GBNF List
GBNF list include Sayas :
Saya H Num Kok
H Num Kok
Allen Htay
Dr. Win Thein
U Ngwe Tun
U Win Maung
U Myint Soe
U Aye Win Kyaw
Madan Chand
U Khin Maung Maung
…
Miscellaneous
Part time sayas include U Tin U, Percy Lao, Dr. San Lin, U Kyaw San (GBNF) …
Burma selected include Kyaw Htin (soccer) …
U Aye Win Kyaw (C70, GBNF) was a founding member and EC of BARB.
U Aung (C70, Maung Aw) was involved in providing help to selected schools.
Madan Chand (C70) was wrongly assigned to G-hall.
Dr. Soe Thein (C75) was organizer and web master for SPZP-2007.
Saya U Ba HliDr. Aung GyiU Min WunSPZP-2000Saya U Tin USaya Allen HtayDr. San Hla Aung Dr. Win Thein
ဦးသစ် (ကွယ်လွန်) U Thit was Head of the Department. He passed away in Melbourne, Australia.
Met 2
ဒေါက်တာစောဖြူ (ကွယ်လွန်) Dr. Saw Pru received Doctorate from Germany. He succeeded Saya U Thit as Head of Department. He passed away in Yangon. Some believe that he was reborn as the son of his nephew U Khin Aung Shwe.
Met 3
ဦးသန်းတင် U Than Tin : He studied in USA. He served as Interim Head of Department. He moved to the USA (East Coast and later to Southern California). We invited him to SPZP-2000, but he could not attend.
ဒေါက်တာခင်မောင်ဝင်း (ကွယ်လွန်) Dr. Khin Maung Win : He taught at Mandalay University and worked at UBARI. He received Doctorate from USA. He served as Head of Department before becoming DG of Technical, Agricultural & Vocational Training. He passed away in Yangon.
Met 4
ဦးအောင်လှထွန်း (ကွယ်လွန်) U Aung Hla Tun : He retired as Associate Professor. He published two books. He won the National Literary Award for the first book. He was Chief Editor for the RIT Annual Magazine. He was the Leader of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) Project. He passed away in Yangon. His former students published a book in his memory.
Met 5
ဦးဖေဝင်း U Pe Win : He was Professor before he became Rector of YTU.
Met 6
Victoria Simon : She retired as Professor.
Met 7
ဦးတင်မောင်ညွန့် U Tin Maung Nyunt : He retired as Professor.
Met 8
ဦးဝင်းကျော် U Win Kyaw : He taught at RIT before moving to the Ministry of Mines. He represented RIT in Rowing. He attended the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles and the gathering hosted by iNapa Winery.
U Win Kyaw 1U Win Kyaw 2
ဦးသိန်းအောင် U Thein Aung : He taught at RIT before moving to the USA. He retired from Lawrence Livermore Lab. He represented RIT in Weightlifting & Body Building. He was Mr. RIT in 1968. His mentor was Bohmu Maung Maung (first Maung Bamar). He is a founding member of RIT Alumni International. He was an organizer and co-emcee at SPZP-2000. He had a reunion with U Win Kyaw & U Nyunt Htay at the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles and the gathering hosted by iNapa Winery.
U Thein AungSPZP-2000Hand over Salwei to Mg Mar Ga
ဦးညွန့်ဌေး U Nyunt Htay : He retired as Associate Professor. He is a poet. He is a contributor to “Poetic Art” Series organized by U Aung Myaing (Okpo Maung Yin Maung) and U Myo Myint (Bagyee Myat Myo Myint). He was Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine and Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung. He attended the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles and the gathering hosted by iNapa Winery. During my visit to Yangon before the pandemic, he hosted a Dinner Gathering for U Ye Myint, U Win Kyaw and me.
HlaMin 