In our younger days, tears would not fall easily even when one is forsaken by a lover.
Later, even when one’s parents passed away (especially untimely), one sensed grief and might shed a few tears.
A few years back (in April, 2013) we told the workers (masons, carpenters, painters …) not to bring their lunch boxes the following day, since we would be offering requisites (robes, medicine, Nawakama, Soon) and that they would have Dan Bauk (Birayani).
The next day, the workers brought their lunch boxes as usual.
Asked “Why?”
They replied, “We want to take back Dan Bauk to feed our children, who have never eaten such delicacy.”
My heart ached (thinking of the hard lives of the workers and their families).
Tears were ready to roll down. (There were Tears of Sorrow followed by Tears of Joy – appreciating the metta and cetana of parents.)
Note for the revised article: Should we substitute Dan Bauk with Two Eggs?
Editor’s Notes
Due to the pandemic, the former Rice Bowl of Asia is facing food shortage.
Due to misdirected policies, the purchasing power of Burmese Currency has declined.
Thanks to Ko Htoo and Ko Hta, many starving families have temporary relief in the form of Food Coupons (e.g by Mg Mar Ga, Shwe Zin Ma and their supporters).
I earlier translated Saya’s article about the K1000 (gratitude gift) by his mother-in-law to purchase a bowl of Khauk Swe.
Feedback
Saya U Moe Aung wrote :
Dear Ko Hla Min
As a matter of fact, I really cherished the article you’ve rendered into English recently. By the way, DanBauk is Briyani or, Birayani, as per your usage above?
On July 19, 1947, Bogyoke Aung San & several ministers were gunned down.
Memories of my cousin
Daw Myint Thwe 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.
We are organizing a milestone birthday (soonkway) and appreciation celebration for our alumni icon U Hla Min at Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA), Half Moon Bay on August 20, 2016 from 9:00AM to 3:00 PM.
I will be sponsoring my signature Indian (Chicken) and Chinese (baby back spare rib ) Dan Pauk, Benny (Mohingar), Saya Maung Maung (samosa), Daw San San Swe (Chin-Paung-Kyaw), Ko Hla Kyi (Bannana Dessert), Ko Gordon Kaung and Lillian Kaung (a tray of desserts).
You are welcome to sponsor, contribute and volunteer to help with the event.
To provide adequate foods, please send in your RSVP to mcmauchee@gmail.com by August 7, 2016.
Please come and join us to celebrate this special day with a mindful and cheerful party and we look forward to seeing you all to show our appreciation to U Hla Min for taking care of RIT newsletter as Chief Editor for the past seventeen years.
Saya U Tin Htut will be flying in from Los Angeles to attend the RIT mini-gathering. Saya was a member of the Organizing Committee for SPZP-2000. He is a co-founder and Past President of BASES.
Event address
Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA) 17450 S. Cabrillo Highway, CA 94019 Half Moon Bay CA 94019 U.S.A Phone: 650-712-9165
I have been asked whether they can bring friends and family members to Ko Hla Min’s birthday celebration at TBSA, Half Moon bay, on August 20, 2016. The answer is Yes, per the Myanmar tradition any ah hlu ah tan is open to all well beings (alumni, non-alumni, friends and dhamma friends of Ko Hla Min).
With metta, Maurice Chee, M75
Appreciation
From Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59)
Dear U Hla Min,
We regret that we will not be able to join the celebration of your birthday at the Theravada Buddhist Society of America on August 20, 2016.
There is no doubt that the attendance will be large and all the Burmese foods will be mouth-watering and delicious. We are sure all the attendees will have a good time and leave the celebration venue with a fond memory.
We admire you for all the good deeds and sacrifices you have been doing over the past decade for the benefits to oversea Burmese immigrants not only in the bay area, Southern California, the United States and over various parts of the world. Keep up the good work!
We expect to meet you at the annual Nor Cal RITAA dinner on September 17,2016. We wish you a happy birthday and our best regards to your beloved Daw Sein Yee.
Sain Fone & Sylvia
From Salim Mayet (M67)
Dear U Hla Min,
Wish you a very happy birthday. I admire you for all the hard work you have been doing for more than a decade to keep us informed about RIT sayagyis, sayamas and other members. Thank you.
Salim Mayet (M 67)
From Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
(a) May I wish to your beloved grand daughter “Grace”.
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE TO COME
No doubt that she will become a smart little adorable girl. My grandson will be two years in coming Sept. He gives us hope and happiness. Each and every movement is interesting and adorable for us. I’m sure you and Ma Sein feel the same.
(b) Many Happy Returns of the Day. Wish you could spend your life per your wish with Dhamma, family and friends.
Have a nice and memorable gathering.
With Metta,
Rosie
From Saya U Khin (Lucien Chen, RIT English, Taipei)
Dear Hla Min,
I have been an ardent “fan” of your RIT Newsletter updates ever since you included me in your mailing list at the suggestion of Des Rodgers many many years ago.
You have made a great contribution to the RIT community by bringing the RIT alumni, sayas and sayamas together through your reports, messages, photos, etc. in the RIT Newsletter and also through your persistent efforts in carrying on the good work against all odds. Who is going to fill your shoes after you retire?
I spent the best years of my life (1964 ~ 1968) at the RIT and I cherish the good old days I had at the RIT with my former colleagues at the English Department such as Saya Desmond Rodgers, Saya U Win Mra, Saya U Joe Ba Maung, Saya Sao Kangyi (deceased), Saya U Kyaw Lwin Hla, Sayama Daw Yin Yin Mya (Terry), Sayama Daw Charity Sein U, Sayama Daw Khin May Lwin (Muriel), Sayama Daw Tin Tin Oo (Toni), Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (Anne), among others; my former colleagues at other engineering departments and non-engineering departments such as Saya U Tin Maung (Civil), Saya U Christopher Maung (Civil), Saya Allen Htay (civil), Saya Dr K.C. Khoo (Chemical), among others; and my former students Tin Tin Myint (Emma), Khin Phyu Latt (Christine), Tin Tin Hla (Su Tin), Sai Kham Sang, Pamela Myo Min, George Lim, among others.
I hope you will have a great time at the birthday party that will be hosted in your honor on August 20th at Half Moon Bay, California, by your former classmates, colleagues, sayas and sayamas.
I shall also be wishing you a happy birthday in absentia from this part of the world, and hope you will have many happy and healthy returns of the day in the years to come.
Sincerely yours, Lucian Chen (Saya U Khin)
From Saya U Tin Htut (M60, Los Angeles)
Yes, I will be glad to join you all in the celebration.
Tin Htut
From Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) and spouse
Dear Ko Hla Min,
See you at the Half Moon Bay Monastery this Saturday.
Thanks for your dedication and untiring effort in keeping us all in touch with alumni all around the world.
Also wishing you the very best on your Birthday and many more to come.
Best regards, George & Eng Eng Chan
From Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70) and Angelina
Dear Ko Hla Min,
You’ve spent years sharing your amazing memories and wonderful writing ability with all of us from RIT, YIT, etc.
I like to thank you for sharing your wonderful RIT spirit and making a positive difference for so many people. Time is the most precious thing and you have generously shared your time and talents with all of us year after amazing year.
Congratulations and all the best to you on your milestone birthday. May you live long, happy and healthy and may all your dreams and wishes come true.
All the best, Benny and Angelina Tan
From Gordon Kaung (M83) and Lillian Kaung (EC83)
Hello Saya Hla Min:
We wish you the happiest of B-days, and many many more to come!
We will bring a bottle of premium iNapaWine for you and ama to enjoy at your B-day (we know ama will definitely enjoy our premium wine to stay healthy, and take good care of you).
With lots of metta, Gordon and Lillian Kaung Wine Maker
From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L Tin Htun, EE59)
Dear Ko Hla Min:
From reading the recent emails in your “Update”, tomorrow will be a great “Happy Birthday Bonanza Party” for you. It will surely be a fun, exciting and memorable event for all attendees.
We wish you a wonderful Happy Birthday and many many more returns.
Best regards, Chris and Pam Lee
U Myint Soe (M79)
He emailed me three photos.
U Soe Thu (C98)
He e-mailed me the Group Photo taken in front of U Silananda Hall at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay.
U Chan Min, who rowed for the Institute of Economics, became a monk at Dhammananda Vihara after his retirement. His crew members include U Htin Kyaw (Peter) and U Soe Thinn. He also attended the computer classes at UCC in Rangoon.
From U Tha Aung (M79) & Daw Kinsa Maw-Naing (ChE79)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Happy Birthday and to say thank you for all your efforts in keeping RIT alumni connected globally. Even though we don’t have much to say, we always follow your updates.
May you have a happy healthy long life and lots of ku-tho.
With metta from Tha Aung & Kinsa
Editor’s notes :
Appreciate your work hosting mini reunions in Canada and for volunteering as SPZP2016 representatives. Sayamagyi Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing was my English teacher in I Sc(A).
From Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67)
Happy Birthday Ko Hla Min and cutie pie!
I appreciate all you hard work and dedication to RIT Alumni newsletter.
Sorry I cannot attend the event.
Thanks for your appreciation
Dear Sayas and Colleagues,
It is truly amazing to be appreciated by sayas and alumni. The following are examples.
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma called from Canada to wish my Cutie Pie and me. They also sponsored “Tohu Thoke တို့ဟူးသုတ်” for the attendees. Sayagyi sent Maurice his congratulatory message for me to be read at the soon kyway gathering. See the following section for details.
Saya U Tin Htut flew in from Southern California.
Ko San Lin (M 87, “Maung Lu Pay”) took time off from work to attend the soon kyway.
Ko Kyaw Myint (M 83) delegated his “Flower shop” to his assistant to attend the soon kyway.
Ko Myint Soe (M79), who recently had knee surgery, requested Ko Aung Myint Oo (EC 84) to give him and his spouse a ride to the soon kyway.
Due to tight multiple schedules, Angelina & Benny Tan (M 70) came in separate cars so that Benny can have more time with his sayas and colleagues.
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M 60) will celebrate his 80th birthday in December. Saya only drive local short distance, so he asked Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) to give him a ride.
Daw Mu Mu Kin, spouse of Saya Allen Htay, had tears in her eyes. She said that Saya would wish to be at the RIT mini-gatherings. She gave me silk neck ties that were bought (but never worn) by Saya. She shares the birthday on August 18 with my Cutie Pie.
Maurice ordered a genericcake to celebrate Daw Mu Mu Kin, Ko Myint Swe (EP 74) and other August born.
Maurice hand crafted a custom “birthday greetings” card with extracts from the birthday greetings from the RIT updates. The messages from Saya Dr. San Hla Aung, Ko Tha Aung & Ma Kinsa Maw-Naing came in too late to be incorporated into the gigantic card.
Maurice spent countless days organizing the event. Following the tradition of his late father Uncle U Wah Kyu, he also prepared custom birayani (dan bauk ဒန်ပေါက်).
Charlie Tseng (EC70) and Diana Tseng (ChE71) ordered two large birthday cakes.
The full list of food donors and sponsors is maintained by Maurice.
Johnson Lim (cousin of Robert San Lin) needs a human walking “cane” (his beloved spouse). They are regular food donors at most events.
Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75) rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She brought “Kyee Oh See Kyet ကြေးအိုးဆီချက်”. She also gave a ride to two Textile grads: Ko Than Htay (T75) and Ma Bibsu (T76).
Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She and Saya U Myo Min fetched Saya U Tin Htut (her elder brother) at the air port and also brought him to the Half Moon Bay monastery.
Gordon Kaung (M 83) and Lillian Kaung (EC 83) drove close to 3 hours from Napa. They also brought a bottle of iNapa Premium wine and desserts.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) spent a decade or so as President of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America) at Half Moon Bay monastery. Today was a sort of “welcome back” for him and Ma Ku (Daw Hnin Maung Maung).
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE 66) is a Past President of NorCal RIT Alumni Association and a founding member of RIT Alumni International. He and Daw Eng Eng (sister of Saya U Myat Thwin, ChE 66) brought samoosa.
There were a few young and not so young alumni at the event. They include Ko Soe Thu (C98) and Ma Thandar.
Saya U Nyo Win (M65) and spouse were caught in the traffic.
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) and Sandra (M76) brought their daughter.
Dr. Myint Thein (M73) talked about his “Htaik Htar ထိပ်ထား” Daw Nyo Nyo Win (T73) and provide examples of “Applied English” (e.g. “air cut” for stroke).
Award
Award
Received appreciation award for helping the sayas and alumni to get connected via the RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates since 1999.
It was the second award from the RIT Community.
I received the first award at SPZP-2000 along with Maurice and KMZ.
Diamond Jubilee (75th Anniversary, 60th for Coronation)
Centennial (100th Anniversary)
Sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary)
Bicentennial (200th Anniversary)
Tricentennial (300th Anniversary)
Golden Jubilee Present from KMZ
Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT)
The Faculty of Engineering was briefly known as Burma Institute of Technology (BIT) after moving to the Gyogone Campus.
In 1964, under the then new Education System, BIT was renamed as RIT.
RIT became an autonomous institute with its own Rector.
SPZP and Alumni Activities
Saya Pu Zaw Pwe is a noble tradition.
I am honored to be a core organizer of the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
I have supported the subsequent SPZPs and several RIT-related projects and activities.
Last Journeys
I am honored to have been a Master of Ceremonies for the Last Journeys of Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo and Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa.
I was also requested to give eulogies.
Jubilees
Rangoon University
It was established in December 1920 with two constituent colleges : Rangoon College and Judson College.
Saya U Pe Maung Tin served as the first native Principal of Rangoon College.
Saya Dr. Htin Aung served as the first native Rector of Rangoon University.
RU Golden Jubilee
The RU Golden Jubilee was celebrated in 1970.
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Thet Lwin are among the core organizers of the RU GJ Celebrations.
I had a minor role as a volunteer for the “Zay Committee”.
RIT Ah Nu Pyinnyashins took part in the Entertainment Program. The “Htee Yein” and “Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint” were attractions. The term “Swel Daw Yiek” became synonymous with RIT and the engineering schools which preceded RIT.
The Commemorative Magazine reprinted Bogyoke Aung San’s translation of “Invictus”. The Magazine also had an account of U Hla Maung, who graduated with B.Sc. (Engg) degree in 1928.
RU Centennial
It was celebrated in 2020.
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) and fellow authors (e.g. Shwe Ku May Hnin) have published “Collections of Poems and Articles” to commemorate RU Centennial.
Myanmar Engineering Education
Engineering Education in Burma started in 1924.
The History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project compiled and published HMEE-2012 in time for SPZP-2012. Saya U Aung Hla Tun was the Team Leader. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the book.
HMEE-2018 is a follow up Project to revise the HMEE-2012 book and publish new material (e.g. History of the Engineering Departments). However, after Saya’s demise, the project is in limbo.
The 90th Anniversary was celebrated in 2014.
The Centennial was celebrated in 2024.
Rangoon Institute of Technology
The New Education System which made RIT an autonomous Institute with was established in November 1964.
Saya U Yone Moe served as the first Rector of RIT. He was succeeded by Saya Dr. Aung Gyi in 1971.
In 1964, there were eight Engineering Departments : (1) Architecture (2) Chemical (3) Civil (4) Electrical (5) Mechanical (6) Metallurgy (7) Mining (8) Textile.
Supporting Departments were established at RIT. They include (1) Burmese (2) Chemistry (3) English (4) Geology (5) Physics.
For some time, there were Visiting Lecturers from USSR and selected Departments of other Universities and Institutes.
RIT was renamed as YIT (Yangon Institute of Technology). YIT in turn became YTU (Yangon Technological University).
The Golden Jubilee was celebrated in 2014.
The 60th Annivrrsary was celebrated in 2024.
RIT Spirit
The sayas and alumni are known for the “RIT Spirit” which survived the brutal crushing in the Adhamma Era.
RIT was considered a Dying Breed. The school was branded as “Thabone Kyaung”. The Swel Daw Bins were banished from the Gyongone Campus. Several equipment were taken away to set up a Military Engineering school at DSA.
The alumni wanted to pay back the metta and cetana of their mentors.
The First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in California, USA in October 2000. I wrote the “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem. It has been reprinted in several RIT-related publications.
The subsequent World Wide SPZPs were held in Singapore (in December 2002, April 2007 and December) and in Yangon (in December 2004, December 2012 and December 2016).
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation was established in 2013.
The Shwe YaDu Celebrations were held in 2014.
RITAA is helping YTU in several ways. It is helping to raise the fund for YTU Library Modernization Project (which is a requirement to get YTU accredited at the Regional level and beyond).
Stories to illustrate the RIT Spirit
I am an amateur historian and a folklorist.
I have a dream to compile stories to illustrate the friendly and indomitable RIT Spirit.
I will use the articles that were contributed to the RIT Alumni Newsletter and Updates.
Sayas and alumni could provide new and old stories (e.g. published in the various Magazines, Sar Saungs, Thadin Zin, Wall Posters, Cartoon Box, Exhibitions).
While we have reasonably good health and memory, we plan to pay back to our alma mater.
My Facebook Pages andWeb sites
I have three kinds of Facebook Pages :
One for my acquaintances
One for family members, relatives and close friends
One for knowledge sharing (e.g. Life Long Learning) and/or archiving my posts
Not all postings are of equal importance. They can be grouped as follows:
News & Updates
SPZP-2012 : Count down and Event
Shwe YaDu Golden Jubilee Celebrations
SPZP-2016
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Alumni Associations in Myanmar & California
History of Myanmar Engineering Education
Memoirs (e.g by U Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) & U Ohn Khine (M70))
Golden Jubilee (GJ) Magazine published by the Class of 70 & 71
69ers
Class Photos
Brief History of the RIT Departments by Sayagyis
Excerpts from the archives of SPZP-2000
Successors of RIT (e.g. YIT, YTU)
Where are they now?
GBNF : Sayas and alums
Hope the postings will be of interest to historians — professional or amateurs.
http://hlamin.com is a paid web site. I have revised many of my posts. Some posts have been merged and enhanced.
SPZP and Alumni Activities
Paying respect to Sayas for their metta and cetana is a tradition that is unique to Burma/Myanmar.
The tradition is alive and well.
There have been SEVEN world wide SPZPs :
SPZP-2000 (US)
SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, SPZP-2010 (Singapore)
SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 (Yangon)
SPZP-2020 (scheduled for December 26, 2020 in Yangon) was canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic
Many alumni are active in the following:
SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation)
RITAA (RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association)
MES (Myanmar Engineering Society)
MEC (Myanmar Engineering Council)
HMEE Projects
“History of Myanmar Engineering Education” was published in time for SPZP-2012.
The project’s initiators included Saya U Soe Paing, Sayagyi U Ba Than and several sayas and alumni. See Acknowledgement in the Book.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) and team (including me) compiled the book.
The draft for the first two sections were prepared by Saya U Soe Paing & team.
U Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 and summarized Section 2. His work have been revised by Saya U Soe Paing.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun suggested that the Book should be revised/updated (e.g. every five years or so).
YTU Library Modernization Project
The project was established as a requirement for the Accreditation of YTU.
Donations — large and small — came in. An alumnus had made monthly donation of One Lakh kyats for over two years.
U Khin Maung Tun (T78), Daw Myint Myint (C69), Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C70) and Daw Mya Nwe (Winsome, C73) and Saya U Tin Htut (M60) donated K100 Lakhs (or more) for the Project.
Thanks to Ma Nan Khin Nwe (83 Intake) and the fund raising team. The team had periodically published the list of donors.
Health Care
There were several HCF (Health Care Funds).
The balance of “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT sayas and sayamas” has been handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
The balance of “U Khin Maung Tun’s family for providing Vision Care to eligible sayas and sayamas” have been handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
SDYF provides limited financial assistance to eligible RIT sayas & sayamas for health care (e.g. hospitalization, frequent visits to clinics).
SDYF also provides Annual Medical and Vision Checkup for eligible sayas & sayamas.
RIT related Facebook pages and web sites
RIT Updates
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association
Google Group for Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
Google Group for RIT Updates
hlamin.com
lmyanmar2021.wordpress.com
SPZ 1SPZ 2
Last Journeys
I had the opportunity to serve as Master of Ceremonies at two last journeys.
The first was for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP 74), part time Professor at San Jose State University. Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) set up the commemorative web pages on http://www.ex-rit.org. I have excerpted some in my Trivia posts.
The second was for Sayadaw U Silanandbhivamsa, Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist University.
I volunteered as Book Committee member and Contributing Editor for “Paying Homage to Saya U Silanananda.
There is a 2-set DVD of Saydaw’s last journey and can be found as a supplement for the Commemorative book.
Simple Joys of Livingand Paying Back
We are deeply honored to the sponsors, donors,volunteers, and well-wishers for the soon kyway on August 20, 2016 at Half Moon Bay monastery.
Special thanks to sayas and alumni near and far who took special time to express their appreciation to the messenger turned amateur historian.
We are simply following the practice of our beloved philanthropic ancestors who donated for the construction and maintenance of hospitals, schools, pagodas, zayats, free dispensaries.
I have donated thousands of hours trying to get the sayas and alumni get connected electronically and physically, and also share my experience as a Life Long Learner.
Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70, Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs) said, “Do not retire. Re-tire.” He mentioned that if we can serve the sayas and alums for two decades, we should be satisfied since RIT is a dying breed.
I have completed 26 years as a founder and editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
Matriculated from St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo in 1964.
Had a very high ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate)
Admitted to the first ever 1st BE as Roll Number One.
Selected RIT Luyechun for the 1965 Summer Camp at Inlay.
His outspoken remarks about the Camp drew the ire of higher authorities.
Graduated with Electrical Power in 1970.
After working in the industry, he moved to the USA.
Studied Electronics in the USA
Added “Nawaday” to his name.
Shared his memories of RIT to the Google group of “the Combined Intake of 1st BE for 1964 and 1965”.
Ko Ohn Khine (M70)
Ohn Khine
Matriculated from St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay in 1964.
Took a combination of Science and Arts subjects
Had good ILA score to be admitted to RIT.
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1970
Worked for Heavy Industries Corporation
Created and maintained the the Google group of “the Combined Intake of 1st BE for 1964 and 1965”.
Volunteer for SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016, HMEE-2012, HMEE-2018, Swel Daw Yeik Foundation and several RIT-related activities.
Gave me rides during my visits to Yangon.
Co-author
Filled the “missing pieces” in Ko Zaw Min’s accounts.
Ko Hla Min (EC69)
Hla Min
Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1963.
Stood 7th in the whole of Burma
Received Collegiate Scholarship
Top in the Science Option of I.Sc.(A) examination
Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964 as Roll Number One.
Selected Luyechun for the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the Summer of 1965
Graduated with Electrical Communications in 1969.
Started the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in 1989 and have maintained it for 26 years.
Administrator or Moderator of selected Facebook pages.
Own web site hlamin.com
Had the honor to edit the draft version of “Memories by Ko Zaw Min Nawaday & Ko Ohn Khine” which was first posted as Google Docs for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
Published the edited document as a series of articles in “RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates”.
Introduction
Intakes in 1964
There were three intakes at the Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) when the new education system started in 1964. Eligible students were admitted to the 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes. They are also known as
Class of ’70 (1st BE Intake in 1964) Matriculates were admitted using the ILA
Class of ’69 (2nd BE Intake in 1964) Those who had passed I.Sc.(A) with Science Option were admitted in order of merit
Class of ’68 (3rd BE Intake in 1964) Those who had passed I.Sc.(B) with Science Option were admitted in order of merit
The RIT Rector was U Yone Mo and the Registrar was U Soe Thein.
The Class of ’70
It comprised of the first year intake students in 1964. There were 494 registered students, of which 67 were female. Most graduated in 1970. Some took sabbatical for a year or two. A few left RIT before graduation. The GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) reached 138 at the end of May 2025.
Matriculates entered the first ever 1st BE classes. ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) was used for the vetting of applicants. In the system, a score of 1 to 20 was assigned to map the marks for each subject. The ILA score (rather than the raw marks) was used to determine the eligibility of the students admitted to an institute.
Under the old education system, matriculates had to attend I.Sc. (A) classes. There were restrictions on the subjects taken at Inter classes to be eligible for Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, etc. For example, one must pass the I.Sc. with at least 50 marks in Maths, Physics and Chemistry to attend the 1st Year Engineering Classes (3rd BE in the new system).
Under the new education system, there were no restrictions on the subjects taken in Matric exam. As such, many students who passed Matric with combined Science and Arts subjects and even those with pure Arts subjects were able to attend RIT. For example, Ko Ohn Khine passed the Matric exam with an odd combination of Maths, Chemistry and Geography.
U Khin Zaw (“K”), Director, Burma Broadcasting Service
U Khin Zaw
Article written in 1958
What is Burmese music like? To ears accustomed only to Western music, ours may at first be a little disconcerting. It may seem more like a medley of spontaneous, unrelated sounds than a careful composition. And its rhythmic patterns may be hard to follow at first hearing. But I think that if you will listen to some of it a few times—and the Burmese Folk and Traditional Music record in the Ethnic Folkways Library offers a good sampling—you will discover that ours is actually a fully developed musical art. Historically, the traditions of Burmese music go back at least fifteen hundred years. For we know from a fascinating description in a Chinese chronicle of the year 802 A.D. that our musical instruments, and compositions for them, were already highly perfected at that time.
To begin with the fundamentals, let us first analyze our Burmese scale. It sounds as though it might have quarter tones and microtones, but actually it does not. It is the same as your European diatonic scale, but with this difference, that the fourth and seventh notes are both “neutral,” so that the succession of notes is different. The makers of our early instruments did not provide for the accidentals in an octave. Yet our music does modulate from the tonic to the dominant—say, from C major to G major—and frequently from the tonic to the subdominant — C major to F major, and back again. But we have no F sharp, or B flat. What we do is to put our F halfway between F natural and F sharp, and our B halfway between B flat and B natural.
Since we do not have the chromatic scale, our music may sound a bit flat to Westerners. Another basic point of difference is its essentially two-dimensional nature. The development of harmony has given Western music enormous depth. Because our instruments were not suitable for harmony, our music has instead developed a complexity of pure melodic patterns. You derive your musical satisfaction from marching in depth with chords. We have to get ours by going in the single file of notes, twisting and turning in graceful patterns. Even our drums play tunes. Thus our putt waing, a circle of tuned drums, is not merely for percussion, but plays a melody itself.
The rhythmic systems of Burmese music may have been determined by the nature of our language, which is not accentual but tonal. Rhythm in English depends largely on differences of emphasis on the syllables in the words and the words in the sentence. Burmese verse depends rather on the schematic arrangement of words with certain sounds recurring at fixed points. This means that timing and caesuras have great importance. In fact, in our singing the caesuras are even more important than the syllables or words in each measure. Often the singer keeps time with a pair of tiny bells and a small clapper in his hand.
The most usual time in our music is a simple duple or a simple quadruple beat. In the duple, the bells and the clapper go alternately. In the quadruple there is a rest on one or the other of the middle beats. No great importance is attached to the variation. In one and the same piece the quadruple may sometimes change into the duple, or become faster or slower. But never must a musician get out of rhythmic time. So far as I am aware, compound time has never been used in our music.
Turning to the instruments which are now most in use, we must give pride of place to the graceful, boat-shaped harp, the thirteen-stringed saung kauk (see Plate 23 in art section). The Burmese orchestra is called a saing. Its ensemble includes the picturesque putt waing, with the player seated in his circle of drums, a circle of gongs (the kyee waing), the big putt ma drum, cymbals, clappers, and wind instruments such as the hnè (like an oboe) and the palwé (a bamboo pipe). The saing accompanies our stage performances (zat pwès), our ritual dances (nat pwès), and others of the many festal occasions that enliven Burmese life.
Even though Buddhist doctrine has sometimes frowned on music as appealing to the senses, we Burmese must be one of the most music-loving peoples in the world. Folk music is very much alive in our villages, where several interesting kinds of drums are especially popular.
The bucolic dohpat (which can be heard on Side II, Band 4 of the Folkways record) presides over village roisterings and goes along with itinerant singers. The pot-shaped ozi, boon companion of the bamboo flute, may be trusted to go off on such a spree of tune and rapid rhythm as to make one’s limbs twitch to dance. The big bongyi (Side II, Band 3) is lord of the paddy fields, where its thundering rhythm eases the toil of those who are transplanting the rice. The byaw drum (Side I, Band 2) has its day in such home ceremonies as our almsgivings and shinpyu head-shavings.
Our classical music is far more elaborate than the instinctive rural drumming and singing, and scholars usually divide it into six main categories, most of which are represented on the Folkways record. But I must not risk tiring you with too many strange names and will say only that these classical compositions are usually songs, ranging in theme and tone from simple lyrics to courtly measures eulogizing the king or the royal city and solemn chants composed in adoration of Lord Buddha.
One of the most important events in the history of Burmese music—and all Burmese culture for that matter— was the second conquest of Siam by King Hsinbyushin in 1767. It is pleasant to think that although our wars with Siam were generally motivated by the Siamese king’s white elephants, we brought back something which was by no means a white elephant to us! Craftsmen, entertainers, musicians, dancers numbering many hundreds were imported from Siam to Burma, and they brought about a vast augmentation of our culture. New life and new forms were infused into our theater, our classical dance style is far closer to that of Siam than, say, to that of India, and a principal type of our classical song, the yodaya (Side I, Band 3 and Side II, Band 8), takes its name from Ayuthia, the old capital of Thailand.
In the years following this Thai “invasion,” there lived a remarkable man named U Sa, a veritable Leonardo da Vinci, who was poet, musician, playwright, soldier, diplomat, and statesman all combined. In a long lifetime, he was constantly creating and adapting new literary, dramatic, and musical forms, and over two hundred of our finest songs are attributed to him. Another important school of classical music comes down to us from the Mons; their beautiful songs were long ago enshrined in a collection called the Mahagita.
Finally, some of the purest and oldest forms of our traditional music are preserved in the propitiatory rituals of rural Nat worship. As Dr. Htin Aung explains in his essay, these spirits from the old animist cults have been welcomed into Buddhism, and the country folk still honor them with wayside shrines, or by hanging a coconut turbaned with a piece of red and white cloth from the king post of the house, to which offerings of fruit or cooked rice are made with music and dancing.
Now what has been happening to Burmese music since the radio and the cinema have vastly magnified the influence of Western music upon us? For my purist taste, far too much! But, to speak for the other side — and I fear they are numerous — let me bring in the views of my much admired and musically learned friend Ko Thant of Mandalay.
Ko Thant is scornful of our Burmese instruments because they lack the precision of the Western ones. But does he stop to consider that, in a sense, their very precision has made a slave of the instrumentalist? Our Burmese players attain extraordinary virtuosity with their crude instruments — making them the slaves — and achieve the most subtle shadings in moving from one note to the next. And because they do not read from a written score, but play entirely from memory, our musicians create the music anew at each playing, with full scope for the expression of personal art.
Ko Thant likes the strict discipline of the Western orchestra and condemns the free-for-all of the Burmese saing. He rails at Sein Beda for tuning a recalcitrant drum in the middle of a concert. Ile does not realize that this really does not matter, that Western music is a compound, whose object is harmonious coalescence, whereas ours is a mixture, the pleasure lying in the artful mixing of sounds. A European listens for the total effect of all, a Burmese for the individual effect of each voice in the orchestra.
In our music, accompaniment to singing does not mean a harmonic background to vocal melody, but a partnership in patterns. In and out of the framework of musical time and melodic direction provided by the instruments, the vocal part weaves another, related pattern and direction. So long as they keep to the framework, both singer and player may embellish and improvise. It is skill in weaving sounds, rather than voice production, which determines the quality of the singer.
Ko Thant maintains that music is an “international language” and that we should allow Western instruments and melodies to overwhelm us so that our musicians may speak the same musical tongue as the rest of the world. But does not this idea stem from a basic misconception of the nature of art? Is not the individual voice the really important thing? And will not the community of world culture be far richer and more stimulating if each regional culture seeks to develop its own traditions?
And since we already have improvisation in our music do we really need Western jazz and popular songs? But perhaps that question has already been answered: we have them. As long ago as 1940, Daw Than E wrote this little sketch on that subject:
An old-fashioned Burmese gentleman was visited by a radio salesman. He settled down expectantly as the set was hooked up; perhaps he would hear the soothing strains of a song from the Mahagita. But what came out shocked him; he looked puzzled. “That’s Johnny, the Burmese yodeller,” explained the salesman, “the public adores Johnny; the new trend in Burmese music, you know. Oh, you’ll hear wonderful things with this set. To give you an idea, there’s Good Morning Tin Tin singing Thama-wa-yama to the tune of John Brown’s Body and Eingyipa to a rumba called Mañana mañana. They have Bei mir bist du schoen and Isle of Capri with Burmese words and even the old favorites like Good King Wenceslas —-that’s a duck of a tune —and Come to the Savior, make no delay . . .” At this point the old Burmese gentleman became unconscious.
Yes, we have been flooded with Hawaiian guitars, hillbilly banjos, and Harlem saxophones. Where will it end? As director of broadcasting in Burma I am trying to fight the menace. There are good modern pieces in the Burmese vein still being produced, and a number of popular songs based on our own folk tunes have become hits. And to preserve our old music—since little of it has been written down—we have been making tapes of the best classical pieces and folk songs.
For certainly our Burmese music is worth preserving, just as Gujarat painting, Khmer architecture, Chinese porcelain, and Mayan sculpture are worth preserving. The tragedy in those cases is that the art of the craftsmen has been lost. We cannot let that happen. We must not hope vainly for the evolution of a style that will be neither Burmese nor Western. Rather, we must go back to the purest traditions of our own music—relearn them, safeguard them, and present them to the world in a way the world can understand. For there is a strange beauty in the remote flowering of Burmese music
The Matriculation Only examination was held in May 1963
In the previous years, the examination was for High School Final and Matriculation (combined). Those who matriculated are eligible to study at the university.
SPHS students were outstanding in the Matriculation of 1963. There were five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten and ten in the Top Twenty. The following were awarded Collegiate Scholarship. Khin Maung U (First) Min Oo (Second) Myo San (Freddie, Third, GBNF) Nyunt Wai (Victor, Fourth) Thein Wai (Fifth) Hla Min (Seventh) Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny, Ninth) Maung Maung Kyi (Eleventh, GBNF), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, Thirteenth, GBNF) Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Seventeenth)
Many events are covered in my posts & Newsletter Updates.
The following are some highlights for 1963 – 2025.
Spent five years studying at RIT.
Have spent 26 years paying back to my alma mater and my mentors.
Thanks to my family members for their support.
1963
Matric Exam
Took Matric Only exam in May
Stood 7th in the whole of Burma. Honored at a ceremony at St. Paul’s High School.
7th in Burma
Won the Collegiate Scholarship of 75 kyats a month
Scholarship Winners
OPA invited us to the Annual Dinner on June 30.
OPA Dinner
A newspaper clipping describing the Dinner is shown below. From R to L : Khin Maung U, Min Oo, Myo San, Nyunt Wai, Thein Wai, me & Maung Maung Kyi
SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten and ten in the Top Twenty in the Matric exam of 1963. Myo San (Freddie, 3rd), Maung Maung Kyi (11th) and Aung Thu Yein (13th) are now GBNF.
All our SPHS teachers except Saya Beatson (Physics, Boy Scout) are GBNF. Saya became a monk.
Inter A
Attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) classes at Leik Khone.
Rowing
Joined Rangoon University Boat Club with fellow Paulians Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF), Kyaw Wynn and Willie Soe Maung (GBNF). Our crew was Runners up for the Senior Novices. We were awarded Full Green.
Citing Security Concerns, the RUBC 40th Anniversary Regatta was canceled. Following the 7th July Anniversary protests, the University courses except Medicine & Engineering were suspended. The hostel students were ordered to return to their homes.
Sithu U Tin (President, GBNF) decided not to cancel the RUBC 40th Anniversary Dinner at Orient Hotel in Kandawgyi. Several members are now GBNF.
1964 – 1969
The I.Sc(A) exam was held at the High Schools.
RIT
2nd BE
Attended first ever 2nd BE class at Rangoon Institute of Technology in November 1964.
I was admitted as the Top student based on the I.Sc(A) exam marks.
Luyechun
Luyechun
Selected Luyechun in 2nd BE. Attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the summer of 1965 along with Ko Sein Shwe, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin and Ko Zaw Min.
The Luyechun program was started in the summer of 1964 with students from 7th to 10th Standards. In 1965, the program also included students from Universities & Institutes.
Some Luyechuns — Kyaw Sein Koe (IM1), Khin Aye Than (Chemistry), Tun Naung (Dental), Than Sit (Sagaing) and Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Myingyan) — are now GBNF.
Associations
Served as Joint Secretary, Secretary & Magazine Committee member of the RIT EE Association
RIT EE Association
Served as the last ever officially elected Treasurer and Vice Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club. The higher authorities abolished the Bye laws and prevented me from becoming RUBC Captain.
Writing
Started free lance writing (article, poem, translation …)
Published the poem “Men on the Moon” in Guardian newspaper in July 1969. USIA sent a copy of the poem to NASA and the astronauts.
Men on the Moon
Graduation
Graduated with B.E (EC).
Of the 13 classmates, 12 graduated. Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin & Oo Kyaw Hla are now GBNF.
EE69
1970 – 1998
Work
UK
Universities’ Computer Center (UCC) : Computer Engineer, Sr. Systems Programmer, Business Application Manager
UCC Course
Department of Computer Science (DCS) : Senior Lecturer
Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) : Associate Professor
Tech Companies in the Silicon Valley : Member, Senior Member & Principal Member of Technical Staff
Publications & Projects
Articles & translations in Guardian, Working Peoples’ Daily (WPD), Forward Magazine, Veda ဝေဒ Magazine, and Pan ပန် Magazine.
Assisted Saya Dr. Chit Swe’s projects including High School Mathematics, Children’s Treasury of Knowledge (CTK), Team of System Specialists (TOSS)
Wrote Computer Science, Programming & Lecture guides and UCC manuals with Saya U Soe Paing and Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF).
U Soe Paing
Per request from U Myint Sein (Principal, BARB), I assigned Ko Win Latt and Ko Zaw Tun Veda projects and supervised them. Their programs are used by Veda sayas, students & practitioners.
With Veda Sayas
1999
Newsletter
Newsletter
Started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”
It started with the news and photos of some gatherings back in Burma. (a) 30th Anniversary of the Graduation of the Class of 69 — reported by Ko Daniel Tint Lwin and Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice) (b) Mini-gathering with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and other sayas and senior alumni — reported by Saya U Soe Paing
2000
SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, USA in October 2000
Commemorative web pages (thanks to KMZ)
Commemorative Issue of the RIT Alumni International Newsletter by me and team
My Poem
64 Countdown to the Reunion posts
36 Post-Reunion posts
2002
SPZP-2002
Second RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung”
by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Reprinted my “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem as Back Cover
2004
SPZP-2004
Third RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
Mild earthquake did not rattle the attendees
2006
Three Gatherings in Sydney
Visited Sydney, Australia to attend three gatherings
RIT Alumni Dinner organized by Saya U Hla Myint, Saya U Myo Win (GBNF) & team
RIT Gathering
UCC Alumni Gathering hosted by Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and Daw Kyawt
UCC Gathering
BOB Gathering at Olympic Park organized by Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe)
2007
SPZP-2007
SPZP-2007
Fourth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed a poem “SWE DAW YEIK”
UCC Gathering
UCC gathering in Yangon hosted by Saya U Soe Paing& Daw Saw Yu Tint
Ko Soe Myint & Ma Nge are now GBNF.
UCC Gathering
2010
SPZP-2010
Fifth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed an article : Sad and short clip — EE sayas
2012
SPZP-2012
SPZP-2012
Sixth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
True “Home Coming” in the Gyogone Campus
Special publication : History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar by Saya U Aung Hla Tun & team (Ko Ohn Khine & I compiled the CD supplement for the book)
Publication: Selected RIT Cartoons
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by U Saw Lin & team
Limited reprints of 23 RIT Annual Magazines
2013
SDYF
SDYF
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Contributions for various projects
Health care for the sayas and sayamas
Soon Kyway
For Golden Jubilee
Gifts from KMZ, Zaw Tun & Kyu Kyu
2014
RIT Shwe YaDu
GJ of Admission
50th Anniversary of the opening of RIT in 1964
Planted 50 Swel Daw Bins
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by Saya U Moe Aung & team (Contributed an article : “Recollections of a 69er”)
Paved Shwe YaDu lane and set up Swel Daw Yeik benches
Translated Saya U Moe Aung’s Shwe YaDu poem
2016
SPZP-2016
RIT/YIT/YTU Alumni Association
Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
10000+ attendees
Free food and fun (all day and all night long)
Platinum Jubilee for the Class of 69
Hosted by some 69ers for their friends (in their sunset)
Appreciation Awards
Soonkway at Half Moon Bay Monastery (organized by U Maurice Chee)
HMB
Received Alumni Appreciation Award from alumni worldwide
Award 1
Annual Dinner by Northern California RIT Alumni Association
NorCal RITAA
Received plaque signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (Chair, BOD), U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, President), and U Thaung Nyunt (Secretary)
Award 2
Gatherings
Attended SPZP-2016 and Platinum Jubilee of the Class of 69
SPZP-2016
2017
Post-SPZP
Attended Post-SPZP2016 Gatherings
DTM
Awards : Distinguished Toastmaster
2018
UCC & ICST
Attended 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY
Memories of UCC : 40+ posts
Trivia : 2000+ posts
Archived and revised posts in hlamin.com
2019
69er GJ
Golden Jubilee of Graduation of the Class of 69
ILF
Panelist, 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
2020
PSA Tour in Jan 2020
After announcement of pandemic in Feb 2020, many social activities were paused.
2021 – 2023
Visits
Short visits (e.g Singapore, Malaysia)
NorCal RITAA
Some social activities were resumed.
2024
Visits
Short visits to Thailand and Laos
Attended EE85 Reunion as Guest of Edward Saw (Yu Ket).
Celebrations
NorCal RITAA celebrated Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma & 60th Anniversary of RIT
Saya U Nyunt Htay, Mg Mar Ga & team organized the recording of video messages of some sayas & sayamas. They can be accessed from YouTube channel & website of NorCal RITAA.
2025 – 2026
Hla Min
Still have good physical & mental health.
Updating posts in my website
Posts for RIT Updates
Posts for Old Paulians
Posts for Old Burma Group
Thanks
My ancestors
My Beloved FatherMy beloved parentsMy parents & Mother-in-law
Fourth of nine siblings : Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Ba Than (M, GBNF), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon (A60), Saya U Myo Min (UCC), U Thaung Lwin (EC66), Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
Daw Myint Thwe (Seated 2nd from Right)
Children : Ma Tin Tin Hlaing (UCC) & Ko Htay Aung (EC80, UCC), Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83, UCC), Min Thet Tun (GBNF)
Seated : U Soe Paing, U Thein Lwin (GBNF), U Tin Swe (GBNF), U Sein Hlaing (Professor, GBNF), U Kyaw Tun (GBNF), U Sein Win (GBNF), U San Tint (GBNF)
Standing : U Soe Min (GBNF), U Chin Way (GBNF), U Win Tin, U Ba Myint, U Nyi Nyi (GBNF), U Moe Aung, U Sein Maung
Studying abroad : U Myo Kyi, U Ba Lwin, U Tin Maung Thein
Absentee: U Khine Oo
U Myo KyiU Ba LwinU Tin Mg Thein
Associated Article
I wrote “A short and sad clip : EE Sayas” for the commemorative issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010. Saya U Moe Aung suggested the title of my article.
Sayagyis & senior sayas
Source : Saya U Myo Kyi (EE59)
U Moe AungSPZP
1. U Kyaw Tun 1950 – 1971 (started teaching at BOC College)
C Ping Lee
2. U C Ping Lee 1950 – 1952 3. U Sein Hlaing 1954 – 1986 4. U Tin Swe 1954 – 1998 5. Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (Part time) 1959 6. U Htin Paw 1958 – 1959 7. U Ba Nyunt 1958 – 1959 8. Dr. A. E. Guile (Colombo Plan) 1959 – 1960 9. U Myo Kyi 1959 – 2002 10. Dr. Ba Lwin 1959 – 1994 11. U L. Tin Htun 1959 – 1960 12. Teoh Chin Koon 1959 – 1960 13. U Sein Win 1960 – 1994 14. Dr. San Tint 1961 – 2002 15. Mr. Zagarosky (Russian) 1962 – 1963 16. Dr. Ba Myint 1963 – 2000 17. U Sein Maung 1963 – 1994 18. U Khine Oo 1963 – 1996 19. Dr. Win Tin 1963 – 1990 20. U Moe Aung 1963 – 1990 21. U Chin Way 1963 – 1968 22. U Soe Min 1963 – 1965 23. U Nyi Nyi 1963 – 1965 24. U Thein Lwin 1964 – 1972 25. U Soe Paing 1964 – 1971 26. U Tin Maung Thein 1965 – 1990 27. U Tin Shwe (Ashin Wi thu ta) 1966 – 1996 28. Daw Mya Mya Than 1968 – 2003 29. U Than Lwin 1970 – 1994 30. U Kyaw Lwin 1970 – 1991 31. U Tin Win 1972 – 1980 32. U Thein Dan 1973 – 1997 33. U Khin Soe 1973 – 1982 34. Daw Khin Aye Win 1973 – 2009 35. Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee 1973 – 2000 36. U Kyaw Aung (U Kyin Phyuu) 1973 – 37. U Aung Than (U Ah Chun) 1973 – 2004 38. Daw Khin Swe Oo 1974 – 2002 39. U Clement Sadhana 1976 – 2010 40. Daw Than Than Win 1976 – 2012 41. Daw Khin Tint 1981 – 2008 42. U Myint Oo 1982 – 1990 43. Daw Khin Ma Ma Soe 1982 – 2008
U Sein MaungU Ba Myint U Khine OoU Soe PaingDaw Mya Mya ThanU Thein DanU Tin Win U Ko Ko KyiDaw Khin Aye Win
Editor’s Notes
U Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan, EC70) is GBNF.
U Ko Ko Kyi (EC72) later worked in Malaysia and Canada.
More EE Sayas (Electronics and Power)
U Win Khaing Moe
U Maung Maung Latt
Daw Lei Lei Yee
Daw Khin Sandar Tun
Daw Khin Lay Wai
Daw Zin Mar Oo
Daw Khaing Khaing Kyaw
Daw Thazin Phyu
Daw Myint Myint Lwin
Daw Lei Lei Win
Daw Thidar Than (1)
Daw Mya Mya Aye
Daw Myint Myint Than
Daw Tin Tin Naing
Daw Sint Sint Win
Daw Thandar Naing
Daw Khin Swe Lwin
Daw Myint Myint Mon
Daw Nilar Aung
U Zaw Min Naing
Daw Moe Nilar
Daw Khin Moe Yee
Daw Kaythi Khaing
Daw Ah Tar Mon
Daw Ni Ni Thein Htay Pe
Daw Thidar Than (2)
U Thein Htay
U Tun Oo
Daw Aye Aye Mar
Daw Ni Ni Win
Daw San Myint Yee
U Aung Naing
Daw Naing Naing Maw
U Ananda
Daw Lei Lei Sein
Daw Min Min Myat
Daw Thi Thi Soe
Daw Mar Mar Lwin
Daw Su Myat Htut
Daw Win Lein Aye
Daw Han Thu Lwin
Daw Yin Yin Htwe
Daw Naing Naing Win
Daw Khin Kyu Kyu Win
Daw Cho Cho Aung
Daw Tin Tin Aye
Daw Ni Mar Nwe Aung
Daw Ei Ei Khin
Daw Kyaaw Khin
U Zaw Min Aung
Daw Aye Thinn Naing
Daw Nwe Ni Aye
U Soe Naing
Daw Phyu Phyu Moe
Daw Marlar Kyaw
Daw Aye Aye Thinn
EE Association (1965 – 66)
EE Association for 1965-66
Seated : Ma Pwint Than, Ma Yi Yi Aung, U Sein Win (Vice President), U Kyaw Tun (President), Ko Shwe Win (Secretary), Ma Mya Mya Than, Ma Mo Mo Yi
Middle row : Ko Thein Swe, Ko Soe Than, U Sein Maung (Auditor), U Soe Paing, U San Tint, U Moe Aung (Treasurer), U Thein Lwin, U Soe Min
Last row : Ko Nyunt Pe, Ko Ye Win, Mehm Ye Win, Ko Kyaw Swe Win, Ko Hla Min, Ko Myo Myint, Ko Hla Thaung, Ko Aung Khin, Ko Soe Win, Ko Tin Than
I served as a EC member.
Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (1965 – 66)
Seated : Ma Mo Mo Yi, Ma Than Yi (Associate Editor), U Moe Aung (Chief Editor), U Kyaw Tun (Patron), Ko Ye Win (Secretary), Ma Yi Yi Aung
Standing : Ko Sann Oo (Associate Editor), Ko Thein Tun, Ko Hla Min, Ko Myo Myint (Associate Editor), Ko Soe Tha, Ko Soe Win, Mehm Ye Win
I served as a member.
Saya U Sein Win (GBNF)
Younger brother of Dr. Tin U (Medical Superintendent, Rangoon Children’s Hospital) and Dr. Saw Lwin.
Top student at the University of Michigan.
His friends called him “Khone Swa Khone Swa” referring to his brisk walking style.
Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering.
When EE Department was reorganized, he served as Professor of EP.
Saya is an absent minded Professor. He married late. One day, he drove Sayagadaw to Bogyoke Market. He taught (or discussed with) his students for quite some time and almost forgot to pick up Sayagadaw. There are variations on this anecdote regarding the place (e.g. Hledan Zay).
He served as Technical Advisor for UCC. He worked closely with U Win Htein (Purdue University, EE at PWD, GBNF) for the design & maintenance of the Electrical Systems (including Motor Alternator, Diesel Generator, Air conditioning) at UCC.
Line Judge at the RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) Regattas.
President, RIT Swimming Association; He stays fit by swimming regularly (even when he was visiting Singapore on a business trip).
He has a vast knowledge. Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) remembers Saya U Sein Win discussing about Civil Engineering and other subjects.
Updates
Several senior sayas — U Kyaw Tun, C Ping Lee, U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, U Thein Lwin, Dr. San Tint, U Soe Min, U Chin Way, U Nyi Nyi, U Tin Shwe, Daw Mya Mya Than, U Kyaw Naing, U Kyaw Lwin, Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee, U Khin Soe — are GBNF.
Some — U Moe Aung, U Tin Win, U Thein Dan — have medical problems.
HlaMin 