I pay respect to သင်ဆရာThin Saya, မြင်ဆရာMyin Saya and ကြားဆရာ Kyar Saya.They taught me all I knew.
I would like to thank my mentors who directly or indirectly taught me Communication (Oral and Written) and Languages (English, Burmese, …)
Last but not the least, a million thanks to my “လက်ဦးဆရာများ Let Oo Sayas” (my beloved parents).
My Parents
Learning English
I fondly remember the days that I had to study
Tom Thumb’s Essays
A Student’s Companion
Oxford English Dictionary (OED — various sizes and editions),
Chamber’s Dictionary (used in Scrabble tournaments)
Rhyming Dictionary
Word Power/Vocabulary in six weeks, 21 days, …
Idioms (present from my uncle)
They helped me improve my writing and communication skills.
Thanks to all the authors, who are my implicit teachers.
Still learning (especially during the “Shelter at Home” due to the COVID-19 Pandemic)
Listen to the daily offering by Blinkist.com
Listen to selected podcasts
Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) ဒေါက်တာချစ်ဆွေ
Sayagyi was my mentor at UCC.
He invited over renowned computer scientists led by Professor Harry D. Huskey, Pioneer in Computer Hardware, Software and Teaching and mathematicians (e.g. Professor Frank Harary, Expert in Graph Theory) to Rangoon to hold seminars and to design courses in computer science and applications. Michael Stonebraker (then at UC Berkeley) gave a short course on Ingres (an early Relational Data Base Management System) at UCC. A few years back, he won the prestigious “ACM Turing Award” (which is considered as the equivalent of Nobel Prize in Computing).
He taught us to use CPM/PERT (Critical Path Method / Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) for the various projects.
Saya asked me to assist in several of his projects : translator/ reviewer for CTK (Children’s Treasury of Knowledge), editor for “High School Mathematics”, and TOSS (Team Of System Specialists).
Saya passed away in November 2019, but his Legacy as Pioneer for Computer Systems, Application and Education in Burma will last forever.
Sydney 2006
U Soe Paing(EE, UCC) ဦးစိုးပိုင်
U Soe Paing
My mentor at RIT and UCC
He, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) taught degree and diploma courses in computer science. They also conducted courses in computer programming, computer orientation, to name a few.
The sayas asked me to be their assistant.
Saya also allowed Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and me to co-author texts, guides and manuals used at UCC.
Publications
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Guardian Thanks to U Soe Myint (Chief Editor)
Working People’s Daily (WPD) Thanks to U Ko Lay (Chief Editor) and Daw Khin Swe Hla (Editor)
Forward magazine Thanks to Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Ka, Chief Editor) and U Sein Hla (Editor)
Pan magazine Burmese publication
Veda magazine Published by BARB
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2012 and Shwe YaDu (2014) Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
RUBC magazine Commemorate issue for 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC
RUBC
BAPS Newsletter Contributing Editor
Dhammananda Newsletter Contributing Editor
Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda Contributing Editor
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife Contributor to the Burmese American section of the 3-volume encyclopedia
Encyclopedia
National Foreign Languages Center Language Expert for the Burmese Language Project (Reading and Listening Comprehension)
RIT Alumni International Newsletter Contributing Editor for 26 years
hlamin.com 3000+ articles
Facebook Owner, Admin or Moderator of selected Facebook Groups
VideoBroadcasts Archived in Facebook and my You Tube Channel
Volunteering
I gained experience by volunteering as
Several organizations in Myanmar and USA
EC, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT EE Association
RIT EE Association
Contributing Editor of RIT English Newsletter
Treasurer and Vice Captain of RUBC
Translator / Interpreter at Meditation Retreats
Organizer, SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
Coordinator, World wide SPZPs in Singapore and Myanmar
Docent at the Computer History Museum (at Mountain View, California
Contributing Editor of the materials taught at the Summer Dhamma Camp at Dhammananda Vihara (at Half Moon Bay
Area Governor, Club Coach, Contest Chair, Test Speaker, Club Ambassador at Toastmasters International
Editor of several publications by Sayadaws (e.g. U Jotalankara) and friends (e.g. U Aung Zaw)
Language expert at National Language Center
Administrator and/or Moderator of selected Facebook Pages
Owner and content creator of selected web sites (e.g. hlamin.com)
Parents and Ancestors
Parents
Last but not the least, my heartfelt thanks to my beloved parents and their philanthropic forebears for instilling me the passion to help humanity in general and to my alma mater. They believed that “Any thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well.”
Pay Back ကျေးဇူးဆပ်
My beloved spouse told me that I should pay back to my alma mater, mentors and my beloved land.
She reminded me that I should take care of my health to enjoy quality time with our Life Savers : Chit Sa Noe and Po Lone.
I had paid back to my alma mater RIT where I studied from 1964 – 1969 by volunteering as Messenger and Organizer for 26 years. e.g. For SPZP-2000, I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post_Reunion”.
In 2018, I wrote “Memories of UCC”. I wrote a Summary for the magazine to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ICST.
To commemorate the 19th anniversary (in April 2018) for “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and the 45th wedding anniversary (in June 2018), I wrote several hundred posts covering a variety of topics.
Since then, I have completed 2600+ posts. Revised most of them with feedback provided by my readers including Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor), Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint & U Khin Maung Zaw.
In April/May 2019, I celebrated 20th Anniversary as Founder-Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
In November 2019, I was invited as a Panelist to the 5th ILF (Irrawaddy Literary Festival) held in Mandalay.
In December 2019, I attended the SPZP and Reunion Dinner of RIT 69er’s Golden Jubilee of graduation.
I was invited to attend the 6th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST / UCSY and the Annual mini-gathering of UCC Alumni.
In January 2020, I was invited as a Special Guest for the 2020 PSA (Public Speakers’ Association) Tour to six cities in Upper Myanmar.
I am continuing with adding / revising posts for hlamin.com and share some of them via Facebook pages (e.g. Life Long Learning, RIT Updates, RU Centennial) and my You Tube Channel.
I am a Dreamer. I believe, “If one can dream, others will fulfill.”
Updates
Several of those mentioned in the post are GBNF.
In 2024, NorCal RITAA celebrated the 60th Anniversary of RIT and the Centennial of Myanmar Engineering Education.
It was on May of 1964 Myanmar Kyats 50 and 100 were ceased to to be legal tender and became worthless by the stroke of U Ne Win’s pen. This made most of the salary workers poor because they lost all their modest savings.
U Aung Khin, Manager of IBM World Trade Corporation (Burma) received a call from the Deputy Director, Ministry of Finance to come see him in regard to IBM machines rented by the Government Departments. U Aung Khin took me along when he went and saw the Deputy Director and we were told to help them with the tabulation of the currencies received from the citizens by using IBM DP Machines.
The government gave the citizens 7 days to surrender the demonetized 50 and 100 Kyat notes to the receiving stations in the villages, Townships and Districts in Myanmar. This gigantic operation was given to U Than Tu, Chief Account Officer of Rangoon Port Authority office. U Than Tu then made University of Rangoon the operation center for this job. It was a 24/7 day and night non-stop operation at the University.
IBM Engineers then had to move IBM DP Machines used by the War Office and National Planning Department to Convocation Building and class rooms. We had to recruit new English typists and train them as operators for 024 and 056 Punch card machines.
The student Recreation Center donated by Fulbright Association, USA was converted into a Dinning Hall for the workers of this operation. Free transportation and meal was provided to workers by the government, IBM’ers were also given meal coupons for breakfast and lunch.
U Aung Khin and I had discussion with U Ba Nyein, Board Member of Union Bank of Burma and U Than Tu in regard to the type of statements they would like to have to enable us to design the IBM Card and to program DP Machines for printing the required statements. The operation was a success and the government received the statements they want.
IBM Data Processing Machines
IBM Accounting Machines used for printing statements by programming the control panel on the side of the machine. These machines were used during the Demonetization of Kyats 100 and 50 notes. The lower machine is a Sorter to sort cards.
He was the first Dean of Engineering at the University of Rangoon. He also served as Professor of Civil Engineering. He is credited for the “Twinning” with the prestigious universities in the USA.
He earlier served as Principal of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) and Professor of Civil Engineering.
The commemorative issue of RIT Alumni International Newsletter for the first RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe paid respect to Sayagyi.
Sayagyi U Aung Khin (former Professor of Mechanical Engineering, and the driving force behind SPZP-2000) wrote an introduction to the special article written by Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (the only child of Sayagyi U Ba Hli).
Saya Dr. F Ba Hli (GBNF)
Dr. F. Ba Hli received his Sc.D. in Electrical Engineering from MIT. He helped Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Sayagyi U Min Wun, who were two of the first undergraduate engineering students from the University of Rangoon to be given State Scholarship as part of the “Twinning” program.
Dr. F. Ba Hli’s spouse Daw Myint Thwe is the sister of Sayagyi U Tin U (C), Sayagyi U Ba Than (M), Dr. Myo Tint (father of Ma Kay (EE93)), U Tin Htoon (A60), Saya U Myo Min (UCC) and U Thaung Lwin (EC66). Note that four are Past Captain and Gold of Rangoon University Boat Club.
Dr. F. Ba Hli has a daughter (Tin Tin Hlaing) and two sons (Tha Hlaing and Min Thet Htoo).
Dr. F Ba Hli
Grand children of U Ba Hli
Ma Tin Tin Hlaing (UCC) is the spouse of Ko Htay Aung (Victor, EC80, UCC, nephew of Saya U Sein Hlaing (EE)).
Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83, UCC) stood joint first with Ko Thaung Tin (KMD, former Deputy Minister) in their final year. He, his father and his paternal grandfather form Three Generation of Burmese engineers who are sayas or alumni.
Min Thet Tun did not smoke or drink, but succumbed to lung cancer. He lamented why some people who drink and smoke lived long.
U Win Tin (Left) took me to several games at Aung San Stadium
Burma Athletic Association (BAA) has a stadium to host
Soccer games
Track and Field
(Later) Indoor games
It was renamed Aung San Stadium to honor Bogyoke Aung San.
Games
League Championship (for First Division teams) : The lowest teams are relegated to the Second Division. They are replaced by the Top Finishers of the Second Division.
Dunlop KnockOut Tournament
Inter State and Division (ISD) Tournament : Shan States won the inaugural tournament in 1952. Suk Bahadur was a star player and later became Captain of the Burma Selected. He was also selected as an Asian All Star.
Stands
My uncle U Win Tin (GBNF) would take me to watch soccer matches.
Watched selected matches (e.g. Dunlop Trophy) & some International matches (e.g. 2nd SEAP Games).
The Northern and Southern Stands cost about fifty pyas. Provided limited scope and vision, but have roofs.
Grand Stand costs about five kyats. Rare treat to watch from the Grand Stand (especially near the center line).
The Open Stand opposite the Grand Stand is a compromise for about K1.50. Had to carry umbrella or wear raincoat for matches during the Rainy Season.
Events
It was the main venue for the SEAP Games hosted by Burma in 1961 and 1969.
We had to march with the Marching Band from St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) to the Aung San stadium to perform Drill as part of the “Education Day” Celebrations. Dennis Stevens (brother of my classmate George Stevens) played the Big Drum. Twin brothers Bo Kyi and Bo Kyi were the drummers. Jerry Hin Hwa, Orlando Thein, Win Maung and Bernard Taylor played selected musical instruments.
Badminton
Burma Selected
Sagaing Kyi Nyunt : Burma Champion in Singles and Doubles; Won medals in SEAP and Asian Games
Sai Kham Pan : No. (2) in Singles; Doubles Champion with Kyi Nyunt; Led RIT to Inter-Institute Championship
Kham Pan
RIT Badminton
RIT Badminton
Myint Kyi (GBNF), Bishnu Shahi (GBNF), Khin Maung Nyo, Tommy Shwe (GBNF) represented RIT in Badminton
RIT Team
Saya U Thein Lwin (EE, GBNF) was President of RIT Badminton Association
RIT won the Inter-Institute Trophy. The team was led by Sai Kham Pan.
Kham Pan would bring back shuttle cocks, which were still good but discarded at the Burma Selected Training Camp, for his hostel mates.
Due to tight schedules for some tournaments overseas, Kham Pan had to take books along to study for the examinations. Had excellent foot work and strong wrists. Needed training partners at RIT. Myint Sein (M69) was his partner in training and competition. Khin Maung Win (Sargalay, EP69) was his reliable training partner; he would be given 10+ bonus points for the 15 point game.
Basketball
RIT, RASU & Burma Selected
U Thein Han (RIT Maths, elder brother of Khin Khin Kyu (A67)) was Burma Selected in his student days.
U Soe Win (EP69, GBNF) was Captain of the RIT Basketball team. Tommy (69er, GBNF) was a member of the team.
Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel Lee, T69) represented RIT in Basketball.
San San Myint (Helen, T69) rooted for the RASU Basketball team & Sam Wu, who played not only for RASU, but also for Black Cat and the Burma Selected. They live in Fremont, California.
Birth of Basketball
Basketball was invented by James Naismith (born in Canada) at YMCA in Massachusetts, USA in 1861.
He later wrote the rules for the game.
Basketball Championships
The Basketball championships include
NCAA Tournament (“March Madness”) : College teams are organized into Four Regions (each with Seeds 1 to 16); The Knock out tournament has First round, Second round, Third round (Sweet sixteen), Quarter finals, Semi finals (Final Four) and Finals.
NBA Post-season (late April to mid June) : Eight teams each from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference are seeded 1 to 8. The tournament consists of First round, Second round (Conference semi-finals), Conference Finals and NBA Finals. Boston Celtics had won the most NBA titles to date. In 2019, Toronto Raptors became the first Canadian team to win the NBA title.
Summer Olympics : 1992 Barcelona Olympics featured the “Dream Team” from US. The team comprised of Larry Bird (Boston Celtics) & Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers) as Captains; Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls; Karl Malone & John Stockton of Utah Jazz; Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks); David Robsinson (San Antonio Spurs); Charles Barkley (Philadelphia 76er); Chris Mullin (Golden State Warriors); Clyde Drexler (Portland Trailblazers) & Christian Laettner (Duke University). Chuck Daley (Detroit Pistons) was the Head Coach. Mike K (Duke University) was an Assistant Coach.
World Championship.
Players
The five-on-five (with five players on each team) is the most common.
The five players are usually called Point Guard (PG), Shooting Guard (SG), Small Forward (SF), Power Forward (PF) and Center (C).
There are variations such as the “Small Ball Lineup” which substitutes a Center with another Guard or Forward.
Back Court
The Back Court is made up of a Point Guard & a Shooting Guard.
Point Guard handles the ball and usually distributes it to open players. Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Steph Curry are some of the well-known Point Guards who helped their teams win multiple NBA titles.
Shooting Guard is an excellent scorer. Michael Jordan led Chicago Bulls to six NBA Championships (with two 3-repeats). Klay Thompson, “Splash Brother” of Steph Curry, is a Shooting Guard and an excellent defender.
Front Court
The Front Court is made up of a Small Forward, a Power Forward & a Center Forward.
Scottie Pippen, as Small Forward, helped Michael Jordan win six Championships.
Kevin Durant, as Small Forward, helped Golden State Warriors win back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. He won Finals MVP award for both years.
Dennis Rodman, rebounding Champion, was Power Forward on three Chicago Bulls Championship teams. He also won two NBA titles with the Detroit Pistons.
Draymond Green, as Power Forward, helped Golden State Warriors win NBA Championships in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022.
Wilt Chamberlain, famed Center, scored 90+ points in a single game.
Bill Russell (Center, Boston Celtics) won 11 NBA titles as player and coach. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) Trophy is named after him.
Techniques
The techniques evolve over the years.
The “Triangle Offense” of the Chicago Bulls gave over to the “Small Line-up” without a “true” center.
3-point shooting from beyond the arc now make or break games.
Some teams play two Centers. Some use three or even four guards at a time.
2025 NBA Finals is being played with two teams, which had not won a Title. Oklahoma City Thunder’s old team was Seattle Supersonics. OKC would not acknowledge the Supersonics Title as its own. Indiana Pacers made to the Finals 25 years ago.
Body Building & Weightlifting
Kaya Bala ကာယဗလ Members
Commander Maung Maung : First Mr. Burma (Maung Bama မောင်ဗမာ)
U Ba Kun (Maung Bama) : became a movie actor
Dr. Kyaw Sein (M65) managed the RIT Weightlifting & Body Building Team.
Thein Aung (Met72) won Mr. RIT in 1968.
Thein Aung
Boxing
Rangoon University Boxing Club
The club was founded (or re-established) by
Myint Khine (Norman, SPHS57, C63)
Tin Wa (SPHS57)
San Aung (Sonny, St. Albert’s 58, formerly SPHS)
Hla Ngwe Tin (Frankie, SPHS59)
and their friends.
Boxing Champions
Myint Khine (Norman, Civil)
Tin Wa (Chemistry)
San Aung (Sonny) — became UBA Senior Pilot
Hla Ngwe Tin (Frankie, Physics Hons)
Myint Thein (RASU Chemistry)
Maung Maung Thaw (RIT Class of 70)
Burma
Kyar Ba Nyein, Thein Myint, Tin Tun and Stanley Majid are some boxers who represented Burma in international competitions (SEAP, Asian Games, Olympics).
“Kyar ကျား” stands for “Tiger” as well as “Checkers”. Per his request, Ludu Daw Ah Mar wrote about Kyar Ba Nyein in her book “Mandalay Thar and Mandalay Thu” but only after Kyar Ba Nyein’s death. Kyar Ba Nyein competed in International competitions and was a certified referee and judge. He founded a club and coached young boxers (which later became champions). He also sponsored Myanmar Let Hway matches.
World
Rocky Marciano is the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion. He inspired Sylvester Stallone to make “Rocky Balboa” movies.
Muhammad Ali won the 1960 Olympics Light Heavyweight title as Cassius Clay Junior. He became “Louisville Lip” for predicting the round in which his opponent will be knocked out. He beat Sonny Liston to become the World Heavyweight Champion. He was stripped off his title for refusing to join the Draft. He was Champion thrice. He had Parkinsonism and ailments attributed to having taken many blows to his head. There are books about “I am the Greatest”. He is known for “Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee” and for lighting the Olympic Torch in 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Gymnastics
U Myint Aung Won several Golds in SEAP
Competition
Men : Individual & Team
Women : Individual & Team
Highlights
Men : Japan, China …
Women : Soviet, USA …
Olga Kolbert
Nadia Commenchi
Simon Biles
Hockey
here are two kinds of Hockey :
Field Hockey
Ice Hockey
Field Hockey
In our younger days, TheinbyuGround was used for Field Hockey.
Suk Bahadur (Captain of the Burma Soccer Team) and Dr. Harry Saing (Htut Saing, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC, Pediatric Surgeon of “Ma Nan Soe – Ma Nan San” fame as Chief Assistant to Dr. Pe Nyun) also excelled at hockey.
Rangoon University and later the All Universities and Institutes had hockey teams.
For some time, India and Pakistan were power houses in hockey. Several nations have overtaken them.
RIT Hockey
According to Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76), he was the last defender of the RIT Hockey team. Ko Thura Thant Zin (RUBC Gold, Past President of BASES, M76) was the goalkeeper.
The photo of some RIT Hockey players in the 70s was provided by KMZ.
Standing L-R: Thein Lwin (EP77-CA/USA), Tin Myint (), Pyo Win (M76), Htay Aung (M76-Aus??), Saya U Tin Hlaing (M), Tin Oo Thein (C7x-Australia), Khin Maung Zaw (EC76-WA/USA), Thein Htun Aung (EC76-CA/USA), ??, Ebrahim Mehta (Met76-NY/USA)
Sitting L-R: Thein Zaw (??), Moe Zaw, Soe Aung (M75-CA/USA), Moosa Mehta (EC73-WA/USA), Win Bo (EC76-TX/USA), Nay Win (EP7?-??), Dudley Moore, Win Aung Nyunt @ Cho Pi (EP76-GBNF)
Ice Hockey
NHL (National Hockey League) is made up of ice hockey teams from US and Canada.
A game is played over three periods of 20 minutes each. A tied game will go into overtime.
At any given time, six players from a team are on the ice. Typically, there is a goalkeeper, two backs, two wings and a center forward. Power plays occur when a player is penalized for a specified period.
The teams vie for Stanley Cup.
Judo
Myint Lwin (Charles) : University, Burma
Tin Maung Aye : University, Burma
Most Champions are from the Army
Rowing
Tin Htoon (S) and Harry Saing (B) won Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta
Tin Htoon (S), Harry Saing (B), Victor Htun Shein (2), Sunny Teng (3) and Sein Htoon (Cox) won Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours at 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo
Phyu Lin, Htaik San & younger generation won medals in FEARA
Sailing
Rangoon Sailing Club
The Club was located in Inya Lakes.
Some members represented Burma in SEAP Games.
Some RUBC Old Members also joined the Sailing Club.
Gold medal winners
U Maung Maung Lwin : Commodore of the Sailing Club; former Weightlifting Champion
Dr. Richard Yu Khin : Also excelled in Swimming
Dr. Khin Thein (Victor Thein Maung)
Dr. Tun Thein (George Thein Maung)
Silver medal winners
U Tin Htoon (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC)
U Hla Khin (Navy)
Leading females
Shirley Thein Maung
Rosie Thein Maung
Editor’s Notes :
Dr. Richard Yu Khin (GBNF) has two Facebook pages. One is exclusively for Sailing.
Soccer
Introduction
Shwe Yoe (Scott, author and teacher) introduced soccer to Diocesan Boys High School.
Some not so young people abroad remember “U Thant (UN Secretary General), and the once “Soccer Power House in South East Asia (and beyond)” when they hear the name “Burma”. Burma won the Asian Games soccer.
Outstanding Footballers
Suk Bahadhur (Asian Selected) : Forward turned Midfielder; Played for Shan States, Army and Burma
MaungMaung (Asian Selected) : Midfielder
Khin Maung Tun (Asian Selected) : Goalkeeper
Tin Aung (Asian Selected) : Goalkeeper
Auro (Customs)
Aung Khin (RU)
Aye Maung (BAF)
Aye Maung (PWD)
Ba Pu (Mandalay)
Chan Tha (RU)
Collegian Nay Win (RU)
Gale (Railways)
Gwan Shein (Army)
Hla Htay (Irrawaddy, Customs)
Hla Tin (Kee)
Htoo War
John Tint (RIT)
Kenneth Shein (RU, Railways)
Ko Ko Gyi (Tenessaarim, Customs)
Kyaw Htin (RIT, PWD)
Kyaw Min (Navy)
Maung Maung (RU)
Pe Khin
Soe Myint (RU)
Soe Myint Lwin (RIT, EPC)
Than Soe (Suttee, Municipal)
Tin Aung Moe
Tin Han (Railways)
Toe Aung (Dio)
Tun Kyi (RU, Railways)
Tun Wain (Tenessarim, Customs)
Vernon Stiles (Tin Tun, Army)
First Division
The First Division matches are played at Aung San Stadium. The teams include Rangoon University, Burma Railways, Customs, Army, Navy and several others. The bottom teams in the League get relegated to Second Division the following year.
Inter State and Division
The Inter State and Division (ISD) Soccer tournament was established in 1952. Shan States with Suk Bahadhur won the inaugural tournament.
Mandalay (with Ba Pu), Tennessarim (with Ko Ko Gyi), Irrawaddy (with Hla Htay) became Contenders and/or Champions. Many players were recruited by the First Division teams and some became Burma Selected.
RU Soccer
For several years, Rangoon University First Eleven competed as a First Division team at the Aung San Stadium.
Saya Nyein (Diocesan Alumni) was RU Coach. He gave an interview to the BERB team for the Diamond Julibee of Rangoon University.
Than Win (Captain of RU football) studied in the US and served as a Director of SPED (Sports and Physical Education Department) or equivalent. His spouse retired as Professor of Botany Department, RU.
Some early players include
Chan Tha : Engineer, Past Captain of RUBC & Captain of the Prome Hall team [mostly engineers]
Tun Kyi (Engineer)
Nay Win, Collegian (Academy winner)
Kenneth Shein : Father of Pale / Pearl
Tint Lwin
U Chan Tha’s team won the Inter-Hall Soccer Trophy for three consecutive years. U Tin Swe (EE53, GBNF) was a star player.
RIT soccer
U Myo Myint Sein (A58) was a well-known soccer player.
Kyaw Sint (Edward, T70) was among the preliminary members for Burma Selected, when his career was cut short by a “vicious tackle” by Tin Han.
Kyaw Htin (C67), Soe Myint Lwin (EP68, GBNF), John Tint, and James Tint played for [youth and/or senior] National Soccer Teams.
Khin Maung Lay (T68), Myo Nyunt (C69), Myint Sein (Jabu), pKhin Maung Lay (Mutu, M70), and Sai Thein Maung (C70) are some who represented RIT in soccer.
Maung Maung (Burma) was RIT Sports Officer.
RIT Saya Soccer Team
by Saya U Soe Paing
Reading about the communications from Richard Khoo (Dr. Aung Soe, C61) and seeing the list of Sayas in the 1966-67 handbook brings back memories of our soccer team.
As I remember it was from 1964 to 1968 or 1969. We played against
the senior students of different majors Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc.
the sayas at GTI and Natmauk Technical Institute
the Burma Air Force officers.
We also played in the annual tournament for RIT Staff. The staff teams are
the Sayas
Workshop staff
Lab staff
Hostel staff and
the youth team from the RIT compound.
As I remember these were the people in the team.
1. Goalkeepers: Richard Khoo (Civil), Maurice Kyaw Zaw (Chemistry), & Sein Myint/Ah Sein (Petroleum)
2. Defenders: Ko Maung Maung Than (Textile), Ko Aung Soe (Math), Ko Aung Hla Tun (Met), Ko Sann Tint (Elect), Christopher Maung (Civil), U Tin Swe (Elect), Ko Tin Win (Mech).
3. Midfielders: Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri), Desmond Rogers (English), Ko Khine Oo (Elect), Ko Maung Maung Win (Mech), Ko Tin Hlaing II (Mech).
4. Forwards: Ko Pike Htwe (Chemistry), Ko Aung (Math), Ko Tin Hlaing I (Agri), Ko Soe Min (Elect), Ko Kyin Soe (Auto) & myself (Elect).
We rarely practiced but we enjoyed playing the games. We split games with the GTI sayas & the Air Force officers. We beat the Natmauk sayas and we won more than we lost in the RIT staff tournament. But I am sure we lost more than we won against the final year students. Would appreciate comments on this; especially on the names I missed in the team.
Soccer Tournaments
Many people in Myanmar follow the World Cup, Premium League, European Cup … in addition to the soccer tournaments (Asian Games, SEA Games, …) in which Myanmar compete.
Swimming
Burma Selected Swimmers / Divers
Aung Khine Cho (Attended UCC)
Aung Than (Freestyle)
Aye Kyaw (Joined Navy)
Chit Soe (became Diplomat)
Derek Lynsdale (Backstroke)
Htay Aung (Swimming, Water Polo)
Maung Kyi (Breaststroke)
Mya Thee (Free style; became Coach)
Nanda Kyaw Zwar (Butterfly)
Nyunt Soe (became Coach)
Oscar Thwin
Philip Smythe (Diving; Moved to Australia)
Richard Yu Khin (excelled in Yachting)
Thet Win (Diving; Became Sports Officer)
Tin Maung Ni (SEAP & Asian Games Gold Medalist; Competed in Olympics)
Willie Huie (Breaststoke)
William Smythe (Diving; Moved to Australia)
Elizabeth Smythe
Marlar Swe
Mary Soe
Polly Ba San
Sally Soe
Sylvia Thwin
Dr. Richard Yu Khin wrote :
I was on the swim team with Tin Maung Ni who is a gentleman. Ten of us were trained by Mr. Matsuda who was on the Japanese national swim team. Mr. Matsuda was manager of a Japanese company in Rangoon. He made us swim six 50 metres sprints, with one minute interval. The time difference for the 1st and 6th sprints — the decline curve should be limited. This was the first time we had scientific training in swimming. Tin Maung Ni was the only Asian, other than Japanese, to win a gold medal in swimming at the Asian Games. The US Embassy provided a goodwill tour of USA for Tin Maung Ni. He is from the Kachin State.
Dr. Richard Yu Khin wrote :
Swimmers trained by Mr. Matsuda in 1959 include Derek Lynsdale (backstroke), Aye Kyaw (Hla Yee Yee’s cousin) and Willie Huie (breast-stroke). A few years ago saw photo of Thet Win at Kokine Swimming Club, and Aung Than who is working as swim coach in Bangkok. Derek Lynsdale’s mother was a Lecturer at Rangoon University who moved to a university in East Africa subsequent to military coup in 1962. Aye Kyaw was Tin Maung Ni’s deputy in the Burma Navy.
Ba Than Nyunt wrote :
(U) Tin Maung Ni won Gold medals not only in SEAP games but also in two successive Asian Games. If my recall is right, he is from Bhan Maw, Kachin State.
Table Tennis
Terms
Table Tennis is also known as “Ping Pong”.
The term “Ping Pong Diplomacy” is used for jump starting the “strained relations” between China and US. The friendly Ping Pong matches preceded the diplomatic talks.
Saya Mao Toon Siong
Saya Mao
Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62) was Burma Champion in both Singles and Doubles.
Competed in the Table Table World Championship held in Beijing in 1961.
Served as Coach of the Burma National Team.
Managed the RIT Table Tennis teams, which won the Inter-Institute Trophy. The Inter-Institute Trophy winners include U Maung Maung (67, Sin Gyi, good Chess player), U Win Myint (EE67), and U Stanislau Lou (M67, see photo).
Taught us Thermodynamics.
Attended SPZP-2016 in Yangon, and also paid respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than. Saya U Tin Htut, Saya U Tin Win (Bago) … also visited Sayagyi that day. Saya said that he would send me a “good” copy of the group photo.
After moving to the US, Saya continued playing Table Tennis.
Ba Wai
Champion in the next generation
Stan Liou
Stan was a member of the Inter-Institute Trophy winning team.
Founding member of NorCal RITAA and served as Chair, BOD (Board of Directors).
Changes
Changes in the equipment (e.g. size of bat, texture [using pimples]) and the rules.
In the early days, most players used the “handshake” grip. Later, players used the “pen holder” grip.
There used to be games of 21 points.The winner is decided over the best of three (or five).
In recent tournaments, the game is shorted to 11 (or so) points. The winner is decided over the best of seven.
Stan Liou
Tennis
Tennis Court
Tennis courts are provided by RU, RIT & Organizations (e.g. at Theinbyu Court).
Some homes have Tennis Courts and often produce good Tennis players at the University and National level.
Outstanding Tennis Players
Joe Ba Maung : National Champion in Singles; National Champion in Mens’s Doubles with Than Lwin; National Champion in Mixed Doubles with Ruby Kha; Taught English at RIT; Transferred to Railways & oversaw the Burma Railways Sports programs
Than Lwin : Succeeded Joe Ba Maung as National Champion
Tin Si & Khin Si
Pe Than Maung
Thein Tun (Robert)
Biak Cin
Maung Maung Lay (Ah Pu Lay)
Than Htut
Aung Htay
Khin Maung Aye
Tin Aung Cho
Mu Mu Khin (Daphne Tha Doke)
Joy Hla Pe
Jacqueline Tun Shwe
Daw Ruby Kha (Mixed Doubles)
RIT Tennis
RIT Tennis
Kyaw Sint (E Tai, T70, GBNF) National Junior Champion in high school. University First Eleven in soccer.
Soe Tha (EC67)
Tun Kyi (M67, GBNF)
Kyaw Nyunt (M69, GBNF)
James Than (70)
Htin Myaing (A66)
Several sayas (Dr. Aung Gyi, U Tin Hlaing, U Tu Myint) played Tennis.
International
The US Tennis Federation sent some players (Stan Smith, Bob Lutz) to Burma to hold Tennis Clinics and Exhibition Matches (with selected Burmese Tennis stars).
Rod Laver (“Rocket”) won two “True” Grand Slams: First time as an Amateur Second time as a Professiona Won all four Grand Slam Tournaments (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open) in the same Calendar year.
Some (e.g. Andre Agassi) won Career Grand Slam.Won the four Tournaments at different times in their career, but not in the same Calendar year.
Pete Sampras has many Wimbledon titles (played on the Grass Court). He has more Grand Slam titles than Andre Agassi, but he never won the French Open (played on the Clay Court).
Novak Djokovic currently holds the World Record for the most Grand Slam titles. He beat the records set by Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal.
“Who is the Greatest Of All Times (GOAT)?” varies with the sports writers and players spanning several generations.
Thaing
It is a generic name for Burmese/Myanmar Martial Arts.
It comprises of
Bando (unarmed combat Thaing)
Banshay (armed combat Thaing).
There are various schools of Thaing.
One famous school was started by Saya U Pyi Thein. He is familiar with the other martial arts. He translated/adapted a book on selected martial arts around the world. An unconventional one is called “Naga Ngway Thaing” where the practitioner “emits” a “horrible” smell that can knock out people.
U Chit Than succeeded U Pyi Thein as head of their Thaing movement.
Some Thaing sayas are experts in other disciplines.
U Po Kyaw Myint was a University Lecturer in Burmese. His pen name is Myan Sar Gon Kyaw Myint.
U Mya Thein is a lawyer. He also starred in the movie “Thadin Kyut Tat Myee” along side Jolly Swe.
U San Maung taught Academy Nyunt Win for “Bando Lugalay Hnit Thuzar”. He also performed stunt in several movies.
U Min Din was a high school Luyechun. He volunteered for the Thaing demos at YTU and other schools.
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) served as President of the RIT Thaing Association. Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) served as Joint Secretary.
There is also a school called “Thaing Byaung Byan” (literally meaning “Reverse Thaing”).
Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63) wrote :
Had a chance to treat “Thaing Byaung Byan” U Maung Lay in Wards 19&20, Yangon Hospital, in the 1970s. Can’t recall his illness. His school of martial arts handle and weapons (e.g., sticks, spears, etc.) in an eccentric manner (i.e., not in a balanced manner, holding one side longer than the other), and by so doing, confuses the usual martial arts fighters.
Track and Field
Once upon a time, Burma was known as a power house of athletics in SEAP games.
Burma placed first in the 2nd SEAP Games held in December 1961 at Rangoon, Burma.
Burma also dominated in the 1969 SEAP Games.
Some competed in the Asian Games and in the Olympics.
Male Track and Field stars
1969 SEAP Games
Kyaw Mra and Kyaw Khin (Hurdles)
Soe Mra and Maung Maung Mra (Pole vault)
Myee Tun Naw : Burma & SEAP Champion for Marathon
Shin Bwe Gan : Burma & SEAP Champion for 5000 and 10000 meters; Runner up in the early Marathons, and eventually ended as a Champion
Jimmy Crampton (SPHS) : Burma & SEAP Champion for 800 m & 1500 m
Soe Win : Won 100m and anchored 4 x 100m relay in 2nd SEAP Games
Sai Thein Maung (RIT) : Sprint (RIT, Inter-Institute)
Female Track and Field stars
Gracie Carr (100m & long jump)
Tin Pu
Khin Htay
Jennifer Tin Lay (Javelin and shot put)
Than Than
Weik Pan (Marathon)
Inter-school Tournaments
In the early days, there were T&F competitions as part of the Annual Sports (e.g. in SPHS), Inter-school Tournaments and Inter-Institute Tournaments. Some (e.g. Jimmy Crampton) went on to shine as Burma Selected. A few (e.g. Kyaw Mra, Kyaw Khin) later chose to become National Coach.
It is sad to learn that many students would not (or could not) give some time to train and excel in sports in addition to being good in their studies.
KMZ wrote :
Jimmy Crampton is an OP, Old Paulian. If my memory serves me one of his running partners was non other than our own Dr. Rafiul Ahad, ex-UCC.
Rafiul was chosen for the preliminary team for Burma. He placed third in the hurdles. His coach was Kyaw Khin (Old Paulian, and Burma Champion in hurdles and 1500m).
Volleyball
Kyaw Nyunt, Tin Maung Swe, Kyaw Han, Than Soe, Tha Din, Ohn Shein : Burma Selected
Ko Aye, Shwe Kyaw : RU & BIT
Orson, Edison, Khin Kyaw Nyein : RIT
Aye Thein, Maung Maung, Myint Maung : RIT EE
Weightlifting
U Zaw Weik : Competed in the Olympics; Co-founded Burma Olympic Committee
U Aung Gyi : World Record in Snatch for Flyweight Division in the early 1970s; Competed in World Championship & Munich Olympics
Dr. Kyaw Sein, Khin Win, Jimmy Kyin, Thein Aung, Ohn Khin : RIT Weightlifting and Body Building
Yachting
U Maung Maung Lwin (SEAP Gold)
Dr. Richard Yu Khin (SEAP Gold)
Dr. Khin Thein / Victor (SEAP Gold)
Dr. Tun Thein / George (SEAP Gold)
Htoo Aung Gyi (SEAP Gold)
U Tin Htoon (SEAP Silver)
U Hla Khin (SEAP Silver)
Dr. Shirley Thein Maung (Burma)
Dr. Rosie Thein Maung (Burma)
All-round Athlete
Memories of Ko Aung Khin
by Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70)
Ko Aung Khin was in his second half of his 5th year class (either Mech or Agri, not sure) when we entered RIT in Nov 1964. One good thing about Hostel life in those days is, your dining table mates were selected for you at random.
I was blessed to be at the same dining table with Ko Aung Khin in the May ‘ 65 semester, when he was starting his final year and I got to know him. Ko Aung Khin played on the RIT B soccer team that year, and in the basketball finals against A&S, at the RC center, we cheered for him.
Again in Nov ’65, I remember cheering him play on the RIT volleyball team against A& S.
Best of all, I was among the few RIT fans sitting in front of the high jump pit at the Universities Sports day January 1966, and we cheered as he out jumped Mg Mg Mra of A & S to take the gold.
Years late, 1975, I saw him again when I went to the tractor repair shop at 9th mile for help in repairing our tractors in our factory. He was the second in command at that place then. Last time I saw him was at the bus stop in Kamayut late 1975. I was rushing to get on the No 8 bus and I heard ” Pyai Pyai Pou “. Turned around and there he was, standing and smiling at me.
I really like to know where Ko Aung Khin is now. Maybe Emma Myint may know. She and Tin May Soe were among the RIT girls taught how to play volleyball by Ko Aung Khin back in 1964/65.
Editor’s Notes :
During our RIT days, Saya U Maung Maung Than (Tex) was Chair of the RIT Sports Council.
RIT Selected were awarded certificates.
I received a certificate for representing RIT in Rowing.
I remember Ko Aung Khin receiving five (or more) certificates. He represented RIT in Track and Field, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and hiking.
Sports & Studies
In the early days, there were several people who were excellent in their studies and in their hobby sports.
For example, Dr. Harry Saing (Htut Saing, Pediatric Surgeon, GBNF) served as Captain of RUBC. He won with U Tin Htoon (A60) the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs in 1958 ARAE (Amateur Rowing Association of the East) Regatta in Calcutta. He won with U Victor Htun Shein, U Sunny Teng, U Tin Htoon (A60) and U Sein Htoon (M63) the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo. He was Burma Selected in Hockey and Cricket, and represented the Faculty of Medicine in T&F and soccer. He assisted Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick San Pe, Pediatric Surgeon, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) for the first ever operation in Burma to separate conjoined twins (Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San). He later taught at the University of Hong Kong, and also served as Patron for the Hong Kong Rowing Club. Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered in the waters near the Hong Kong Rowing Club.
Even in our days, there were several people who were good in sports and studies. Htay Aung (M69), Sai Kham Pan (EP69), Wunna Sithu (EC71), and Victor Aung Myin (M72) are some examples.
Class of 69
Aung Gyi Shwe & Khin Than Myint Tin competed in Track and Field.
Soe Win was Captain of RIT Basketball. Han Sein & Tommy are team members.
Sai Kham Pan was Burma Selected in Badminton. He also led the RIT team to Inter-Institute Championship. Myint Sein & Bishnu are team members.
Htay Aung was Burma Selected in Water Polo. He also led the RIT Swimming & Water Polo teams. Sein Myint, Jimmy Kyin, Win Maung, Hla Kyaing, Swan Kong & Han Sein are team members.
Class of 70
The Class of 70 was represented in RIT and/or Inter-Institute by the following :
Source : Ohn Khine (M70) and Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70)
Sai Thein Maung (100m, Triple Jump, RIT Goalkeeper, organizer of Intake of 64 & 65)
Shein Kee Gae GBNF Track & Field (Long Distance runner)
Saw Mg Mg Htwe Track & Field (still running long distance races)
Oo Myint (Mn) Track & Field
Win Naing Track & Field
Lei Lei Chit (Ch) Track & Field
Nan Khaming (A) Track & Field
Maung Maung Thaw (E) Track & Field, and Boxing
RIT Sports Stars
Aung Khin (M66) is a multiple-sports athlete. He won the Inter-Institute High Jump by beating the Burma selected from RASU. He also represented RIT in soccer, volley ball, basketball and hiking.
Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68) and Victor Aung Myin (M72) are also star athletes.
Sports Coverage
Before the advent of TV and the Internet, one has to follow sports via radio and newspapers.
Won a ticket from my “Morals and Manners” class teacher to see 1960 Rome Olympics Documentary at Thamada (President) Cinema. Armin Harry (Germany) won the 100m and 200m. Rafer Johnson (US) won the Decathlon. Abebe Bikila (Ethiopia) won the Marathon while running bare foot. He would successfully defend his title in 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
I was able to watch the 1972 Munich Olympics on a color TV.
Fast forward. … Usain Bolt retired as the “fastest man”.
Hope we will see well-rounded student athletes in Myanmar again.
Aung Win (C87) wrote :
Jennifer Tin Lay is still working as sport instructor in International School Myanmar near my home. Teachers of Myanmar (mostly female teachers) cannot guide students to do sports activities. Hardly expect again for well-rounded student athletes.No block selected.
Olympics
Origin
Modern Olympics was a revival of the ancient games held every four years at Olympia.
The four year interval is called an Olympiad. The ancient Greeks use Olympiad instead of years when describing dates.
Pierre de Coubertin created the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894.
IOC selects a city or cities to hold the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics. The two Olympics are interlaced.
There were no Olympics in 1940 and 1944. Berlin Olympics was held in 1936. London Olympics was held in 1948.
2020 Olympics scheduled for Tokyo was postponed to July 2021 due to COVID-19.
2024 Olympics was held in Rio de Janerio.
2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles
Drama in the Olympics
Summer Olympics has its share of drama.
Berlin Olympics (1936)
The 1936 Summer Olympics was held in Berlin and was attended by Adolf Hitler (who promoted the supremacy of the Aryan race). Jesse Owens, a black athlete from the USA, won four Gold medals : 100m, 200m, 4 x 100m relay, and Long Jump.
The drama occurred in the Long Jump event. Jesse Owens was having some problems in the Long Jump when the German competitor Lang advised him to leave about six inches gap behind the broad to prevent overstepping and getting disqualified. Jesse took the advice, regained his poise and went on to win the Long Jump Gold. It was a mark of true sportsmanship.
Note : Jesse Owens later “took back” the story. Since there was not much media coverage, there is no proof or disproof.
Munich Olympics (1972)
Mark Spitz (USA) won seven Gold medals in record time in swimming : 100m & 200m Freestyle, 100m & 200m Butterfly, 4 x 100m Freestyle relay, 4 x 200m Freestyle relay, and 4 x 100 Medley relay. Saved energy by skipping the trials of selected relay events.
Olga Kolburt (USSR) was awarded a couple of Perfect Ten in Gymnastics.
Eleven Israeli athletes were kidnapped (shown live on TV) and murdered by Black September. Mossad took several years to track down & decimate Black September.
Boycotts
USA boycotted the 1980 Olympics held in Moscow.
USSR retaliated with a boycott of the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles.
Olympians
Some Olympians went on to have illustrious careers.
Johnny Weissmuller, swimming champion, gained fame as Tarzan in the movies.
Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion, went on to become Mohammad Ali, three time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.
Media Coverage
During my SPHS days, there was no television in Burma.
I received a ticket from Brother Austin as a prize to see the “1960 Rome Olympics” documentary at Thamada (President) cinema.
I was in the UK and was fortunate to see the 1972 Munich Olympics on a Color television.
RU Sports
Sports Council
Rangoon University used to have a Sports Council. It awards Varsity Blue and Half Blue to the selected athletes.
In our days, U Maung Maung Than (T, GBNF) chaired the RIT Sports Committee. Certificates were presented to the RIT sportsmen and sportswomen at the Annual gathering.
RIT Sports
Sports Committee
Chaired by U Maung Maung Than (Tex, GBNF); Later became Rector of YTU
Committee would organize an Annual Dinner where Certificates were awarded to the students who had represented RIT in the various sports.
Received a certificate for Rowing.
Ko Aung Khin (M66) received six certificates.
Inter-Institute Championships
Over the years, RIT won several Inter-Institute Championships. They include
Badminton
Chinlon
Rowing
Soccer
Swimming and Water Polo
Table Tennis
Tennis
Track and Field (Cross Country)
Weight lifting & Body building
News and photos are covered in several of my posts.
World Cup
Started as a challenge between selected European soccer clubs and South American soccer clubs.
Several boycotts in the early years.
Number of entries for World Cup was expanded initially to 16 teams, and later 24 and 32 teams.
There will be 48 teams on or before 2026 World Cup to ensure a larger participation from all continents.
Jules Rimet Trophy
The trophy (named after the founding President) was won outright by Brazil, after winning the World Cup three times in
Sweden (1958) with a youngster named Pele
Chile (1962) with Garrincha — born with deformed feet — joining Pele
Mexico (1970) with Pele as the Best Player
FIFA World Cup Trophy
Trophy which succeeded the Jules Rimet Trophy is handed over to the winner during the presentation. Winner only takes home a replica.
Brazil won the Trophy twice, making it the only nation with five World Cup Titles.
Germany is second with four titles, but got knocked off in World Cup 2018.
Won the World Cup as a player and as a manager
Mario Zagallo (Brazil) : 1958 and 1962 as a player, 1970 as Manager
Franz Beckenbauer (Germany) : 1974 as Captain, 1990 as Manager
Didier Deschamps (France) : 1998 as Captain, 2018 as Manager
Youngest Teenager to score in a Final
Pele (Brazil, 1958) is the youngest teenager to score in a World Cup Final. He was 17 years old.
Youngest Team to win World Cup
Brazil (1970) is the youngest team to win the World Cup
World Cup 2018
France (2018) is the second youngest team to win the World Cup. Mbappe (France, 2018) is the second youngest teenager to score in a World Cup Final. He was 19 years old.
50 players in World Cup 2018 were born or raised in France.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was employed in World Cup 2018.
Team Sports
Soccer is a team sports
Many star players fail to win the World Cup. Puskas (Hungary, 1954) Johan Kruff (Netherlands, 1970) Ronaldo (Portugal) has not won yet
Transformation
Soccer has transformed from a highly offensive game — with Just Fontaine (France) scoring 13 goals to win the Golden Boot — to a mostly defensive game albeit with smart counter-attack game. Henry Kane scored 6 goals in 2018 World Cup. His closest challengers scored 4 goals, and the number of assists was used for the tie-breaker.
In our younger days, most soccer teams used 2-3-5 (two backs, three mid-fielders & five forwards). Then came 3-4-3, 4-2-4, 4-3-3, 4-3-2-1 (with lone striker) and 5-3-2.
Viewing games
We once tried to join a crowd on or near the German Embassy compound showing a movie of the then World Cup match. It is now common to join “watch parties” for interesting matches if one does not want to see on the smart devices and the large screen TVs alone.
U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76, UCC) wrote :
In many sports, the street smart is one of ingredients if you will in addition to the skills and talent, practice and experience to become a successful.
There was an interesting article on the current crops of successful young footballers coming out of Paris suburbs. Many of these suburbs are economically challenge, inhabited by immigrants especially from African nations. Quite a few of these players could not even find their place in the French National Team and ended up playing for one of their parents’ nations.
It is also interested to note that as the many European countries transformed from somewhat monolithic to multi-culture societies their National teams started to reflect this trend.
Bogyoke Aung San 1Bogyoke Aung San 2Bogyoke Aung San 3
Attended Rangoon University and received B.A.
Took Law classes for a year before deciding to engage full time in politics.
Active in the RU Student Union. Served in various capacities (e.g. Secretary in his early days).
Chief Editor of Oway Magazine Expelled for not disclosing the author of “Hell Hound At Large”. His expulsion led to the RU Students’ Strike.
Hell Hound At Large
Translated “Invictus” for Oway Magazine. Reprinted in the RU Golden Jubilee Magazine.
Translation of Invictus
Brutally shot by assassins on 19th July, 1947.
19 July
Bo Aung Kyaw
Bo Aung Kyaw
Victim of the police brutality.
He was posthumously named “Bo Aung Kyaw”.
Sparks Street was renamed “Bo Aung Kyaw Street”.
The following is an article which was first published by Naganiand reprinted in Oway Magazine.
Bo Aung Kyaw
Ba Maung (Sports Officer)
Ba Maung
Under the then new Education System, Sports Officers were appointed for the various Universities and Institutes.
He was Soccer Selected for Burma. Sports Officer for RASU.
Other sports officers included U Thet Win (Diving) for the Institute of Economics and U Maung Maung (Soccer) for Rangoon Institute of Technology.
Badminton
RIT Badminton 1RIT Badminton 2
Saya U Yone Moe (Rector, GBNF)
Saya U Maung Maung Than (Chair, RIT Sports Council, GBNF)
Saya U Thein Lwin (President, RIT Badminton, GBNF)
Sai Kham Pan (Burma Selected, EP69), Ko Myint Sein (M69), Bishnu Shahi (EE69er) and team won the Inter-Institute Trophy
Sai Kham Pan
Sai Kham Pan was Burma Champion in Men’s Doubles and No. (2) in Men’s Singles behind Kyi Nyunt
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) wrote :
There was another national-level badminton player from Textile, couple – if not more, junior to me. He also ran marathons. Unfortunately his name escaped me at this time. We used to hang out together at Sports Officer Ko Maung Maung’s office in those days.
Bagyee Wai Soe & Bagyi Kan Thein
Bagyee Wai Zoe Bagyi Kan Thein
Recreation Center hosted several indoor sports events.
There was a shop that sold post cards and paintings (e.g. by Bagyee Wai Soe)
There was a barber shop opened by Bagyee Kan Thein (an employee of the RU Students Union Building)
B.Com
Bachelor degree offered by the Department of Commerce
The department was under the Faculty of Social Science, which became the Institute of Economics in 1964.
The RU Centennial Pages had photos of Commerce grads.
B Com 1B Com 2
BIT Social and Reading Club
BIT Social and Reading Club
Saya U San Tun (M59) won Gold Medal and joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer. He received Masters from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in the USA.
Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer. Taught at BIT (Burma Institute of Technology) in the Gyogone Campus.
Served as Hall Tutor and as a member of the BIT Social and Reading Club.
Botany
The following is a Badge for the Botany Department at the University of Rangoon.
Botany Badge
Burmese-English Dictionary
Judson’s Burmese-English Dictionary
Reverend Judson and team compiled two dictionaries : Burmese- English Dictionary English-Burmese Dictionary
They also translated the Bible into Burmese
Burmese Calendar
Burmese Calendar
Wrote about the Burmese Calendar in the BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) Newsletter, where I served as Contributing Editor.
Posted enhanced versions of the article in “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and my web site hlamin.com
Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70)
Benny and Angelina Tan
Received the “Let Phount Tat Thar” (Sharpshooter) award twice at UTC (University Training Corps).
After graduating with Mechanical Engineering in 1970, he moved to the USA.
Masters from University of California at Berkeley.
Had successful careers as a Professional Engineer and as an Entrepreneur.
After handing over Tan Enterprise to his son, he is enjoying world wide travel (when granted permission by his six grand children).
Founding member of RIT Alumni International which hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco in October 2000. Designed the SPZP-2000 Banner and Mementos.
Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs along with Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70, GBNF).
His spouse Angelina was his personal Xerographic copier in his RIT days.
He is an alumnus of St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon University, Stanford University and Southampton University.
He taught at RIT Electrical Engineering.
He co-founded UCC. He transferred to UCC as Manager, Systems Division. He later also managed Operations Division.
He is fondly called Saya Paing at UCC.
Saya and Sayagadaw hosted several gatherings for UCC alumni.
He retired from UN after serving as Technical Advisor for several countries.
Currently, he lives in New Jersey, USA.
UCC Alumni
Family
One day, the people on the UCC ferry shouted, “Saya Paing”. To their amazement, ICS U Paing (Saya’s father) came out.
Saya U Soe Paing is the second son of ICS U Paing and Daw Oo Yin (Daughter of Sir Po Tha and Lady Tha).
The Paing Brothers — Dr. Myo Paing (Medical Researcher, SPHS54), Saya U Soe Paing (SPHS56), U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, SPHS64, ChE70) and U Kyaw Paing (SPHS67) are Old Paulians.
They are also excellent golfers and Champions at RGC (Rangoon Golf Club) and BGC (Burma Golf Club). U Kyaw Paing is a Putra Cup Player.
Saya volunteered as a reporter for Golf News. I typed the news. Khin Maung Zaw delivered the news to Guardian and/or WPD.
St. Paul’s High School
Saya matriculated from SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) in 1956 along with U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), U Win Htein (GBNF), Percy Maung Maung (GBNF), U Than Se / Richard Khoo and U Ba Min.
He stood 13th in Matriculation and was awarded Collegiate Scholarship.
Rangoon University
At the 1958 RU Convocation, Saya won two Gold Medals for excellence in the Intermediate of Science.
He scored the highest marks in the I.Sc. examinations.
He scored the highest marks in Mathematics in I.Sc. along with two other students.
Since the original endowment for the Gold Medals did not cover the rising cost of Gold, Saya’s family had to give K150 for each Gold Medal.
He rowed and coxed at RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). He won prizes including the Inter-Hall Fours.
Stanford University
Saya was selected as a States Scholar to attend Stanford University along with Saya U Ko Ko Lay and Bohmu Percy.
Saya received his BS and MS in EE (Electrical Engineering).
Saya did programming for his studies and also worked part-time as computer operator.
RIT Electrical
Upon his return to Burma, Saya joined the EE Department as Assistant Lecturer. His sponsor was UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute).
At a research congress held in the Main Campus, Saya presented a paper covering Digital Logic and Circuits, Dr. Chit Swe was impressed. Through Saya U Nyi Nyi (EE saya, who moved to the UK), Saya Paing gained contact with Saya Chit. The rest is history.
Saya Paing would help Saya Chit with the UCC Project.
It would take a few years before the UCC Project got approved by UN and funded by UNDP.
Saya U Soe Paing in 2009
UCC – RIT Connection
Saya Paing promised Saya Chit to recruit his top students to join the UCC Project, but the long delay of the Project to get funded made the task difficult.
Ko Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), Ko Hla Min (SPHS63, EC69) and Ko Soe Win (EC70) joined UCC as Maintenance Engineers.
Ko Hla Min (Pauk Si, SPHS64, EP70, GBNF) joined UCC as Chief Operator.
Ko Aung Myint (SPHS64, GBNF) transferred from the RIT EE Laboratory to join UCC as Maintenance Technician.
UCC
Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division. He managed Maintenance Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, System Programmers and Software Librarian (to name a few).
He did another Masters (this time in Computer Science) at Southampton University in UK.
He would later manage the Operations Division as well.
Saya allowed Ko Aung Zaw and me to co-author Lecture Guides and Training Manuals for use at UCC.
UN
Saya served as Project Manager / Advisor for UN projects in several countries.
Further Reading
For a detailed story of Saya’s life and work at RIT, UCC and overseas as a UN Advisor, read his articles in English and Burmese. They are available in SCRIB_D.
Saya wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga”
Sayagadaw and Classmate
UCC Gathering at MICT ParkSaya U Soe Paing visiting California
Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, MEHS63, T69) was my classmate at RIT.
She and Saya Paing have hosted several UCC mini-gatherings at their house.
At one of the gatherings in 2007, Ko Po (U Htin Kyaw, Peter Wun) not only attended the gathering, but gave me a ride back home. He also briefly mentioned about his four-month detention.
UCC Gathering
After retirement
Saya U Soe Paing in New Jersey (2018)
After retiring from the UN, Saya would visit UK, USA and Singapore to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
During his trips to New Jersey, there would be several UCC-RIT gatherings.
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69) has hosted the annual RIT-UCC gatherings for a decade or so. He would invite Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Ma Ma Emma to stay at his house. The timing is chosen to coincide with Saya Paing’s visit to New Jersey.
Saya is healthy, but he had two operations : by-pass heart surgery, and surgery for the back
Saya meditates and plays golf. Saya stopped both activities when he had a minor ailment (hurting his back and leg). Per advice of Alice’s medical friends (MEHS Alumni), Saya had a surgery in Singapore.
Saya currently lives in New Jersey, USA.
ICST PZPAt Dr. Rafiul’s house in Fremont Saya, me and my spouse
Rangoon University celebrated its Golden Jubilee in December 1970.
I was a volunteer for the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yay Committee” headed by Saya U Tun Hla Aung (Geography).
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor, Civil Engineering) and Saya U Thet Lwin (Burmese, Institute of Economics) were Chair and Secretary of a Committee. They had a reunion as Rector and Registrar of RIT.
Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins from RIT took part in the Entertainment with Swel Daw Yeik A Nyeint, Tabin Daing A Ka & Htee Yein.
RIT Htee Yein
There are other Golden Jubilees :
GJ of the new Education System introduced in 1964
GJ of Admission to University or Institute
RIT GJ in 2014
GJ of Graduation from University or Institute
69ers GJ in 2019
Geology
Dr. Tha Hla received his doctorate from the UK. He served as Professor of Geology Department. He retired as Rector of the University of Rangoon.
His successors include Dr. Nyi Nyi, U Ba Than Haq and Dr. Maung Thein.
Geology Sayas and Sayamas
Dr. Tha HlaDr. Nyi NyiGeology 1978Dr. Maung Thein
Geology Volleyball
Geology Volleyball
Graduation
RIT Grads
RIT 69ers
Tin Aung Win (M69) & his fatherM69 gradsA69 grads
Graduation Photos
In the early days, some quality photos had to be taken in Studios. The photo (taken at “Bayin Ma”) shows proud parents of a fresh graduate.
Grad 1
It was customary to take photos at the “Full Dress Rehearsal” and in front of the Convocation Hall.
Grad 2
Permits were issued to registered photographers to take photos during the Convocation. Maung Maung Nhyat made a fortune.
Grad 3Grad 4
GeographySayas
Geography Dept
L Dudley Stamp taught at LSE and RU.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi was an early Burmese Sayama to receive a Doctorate from USA. An Alumnus donated Seed Money for her bust.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi
Dr. Maung Htoo : Professor
U Kyaw : Principal, Workers’ College; Rector, Institute of Education; Father of U Myo Nyunt (Harry, OPA) & Daw San San Kyaw (UCC)
U Kyaw
U Win : Received Doctorate from USA; GIS; Water Resource
There are about 3000 articles in my web site hlamin.com
It is difficult if not impossible to revise all the articles.
Note that the events described here mostly cover my journey as a University Student.
Other events (e.g. 1946 to 1970s) are covered in other Posts. I have honored Outstanding Matriculates (e.g. f1951 to 1965) in other Posts.
1963
Guinea Pigs
We took the Matriculation Only examination in 1963.
SPHS63Hla Min (7th Place)
Paulians took 5 places among the Top Five, 7 places among the Top Ten, and 10 places among the Top Twenty.
Khin Maung U (1st)
Min Oo (2nd)
Myo San (3rd, GBNF)
Nyunt Wai (4th)
Thein Wai (5th)
Hla Min (7th)
Johnny Maung Maung (Aung Kyaw Zaw, 9th)
Maung Maung Kyi (11th, GBNF)
Aung Thu Yein (13th, GBNF)
Frank Gale (Khin Maung Zaw, 17th)
We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) class at Leik Khone.
Following the “Anniversary of 7th July, 1962” events, the major parts of Rangion and Mandalay Universities were closed for an unspecified period.
Engineering and Medical Classes were spared at that time.
Subsequently, those who were only one year senior to us in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us (the Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems).
RUBC
We joined Rangoon University Boat Club.
Our Paulians Crew was Runners-up for Senior Novices. Maung Maung Kyi (Bow, GBNF) Hla Min (2) Kyaw Wynn (3) Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, Stroke, GBNF) Myint Thein (Cox, GBNF)
We were awarded Full Green.
Maung Maung KyiKyaw Wynn (2nd from Left)
40th AnniversaryGathering
President Sithu U Tin, Vice President U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon (A60) compiled the Souvenir Magazine for the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC.
Due to Security Concerns, the 40th Anniversary Annual Regatta was cancelled.
Sithu U Tin and the Patrons decided to hold the “40th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC” at a hotel in Kandawgyi.
RUBC 40th Anniversary
Burma Institute of Technology
My elder brother and several of my sayas graduated from the Burma Institute of Technology (BIT) in 1963.
They were from the second batch of BIT.
The degree conferred was B.Sc. (Engg).
1964
Education System
The New Education System was implemented in November, 1964.
Most Faculties of the University of Rangoon became autonomous Institutes with their own Rectors.
The Youth Affairs Department implemented Luyechun (Outstanding Students) Program in the Summer of 1964. Eligible students from 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Standards were chosen to attend the Ngapali Shwe Wah Gyaing Camp in the Summer of 1964.
Rangoon Institute of Technology
RIT Student
In November 1964, three batches of students entered RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology).
400+ were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using the controversial Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA). Ko Zaw Min was admitted as Roll Number One. Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Cho Aye (GBNF), Peter Pe (GBNF) and Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, GBNF) were among the top students.
300+ who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) examination were chosen by merit to attend the first ever 2nd BE. I was admitted as Roll Number One. Taing Oke, Kenny Wong, Tun Aung Gyaw, Tin Tun (GBNF) and Thein Swe (GBNF) were among the top students.
About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE (formerly 1st year Engineering). Tun Aung (Jeffrey, GBNF) was a top student.
RUBC
Elected as Honorary Treasurer of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). I had to report to Professor William Paw (President of RUBC).
I was the last Executive Committee member to be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
Served as Vice Captain the following year.
The higher authorities prevented me from becoming RUBC Captain by discarding the Bye Laws and using their ad-hoc rules (e.g. selecting instead of electing Captain)
Note : My affection for Rowing & RUBC did not wither. I served as Contributing Editor for the RUBC 90th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine.
RUBC Souvenir Magazine
Matriculation
Cherry Hlaing (Than Than Tin, St. John’s Convent) and Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS) had the Joint Highest Marks.
Based on ILA, Cherry would be admitted as Roll Number One to IM(1). She would be selected Luyechun for the Inlay Camp in the summer of 1965. Her grand father U Hoke Sein and her father U Saw Hlaing were also First in Burma. Her two children would also be First in Family. The record of five family members (spanning four generations) standing First in Burma is an enviable record that will not be broken.
Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS64) had four distinctions and the same raw score, but his performance in Burmese gave him a lower ILA than Cherry. He is a Scholar Athlete with proficiency in Swimming, Water Polo, Tennis and Chess. He was selected Luyechun in a subsequent year.
Aung Win Chiong (SPHS64) has the next best raw score. He had a perfect ILA score and was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One.
Maurice Hla Kyi (Min Lwin, SPHS64) had the 5th highest marks. He was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two.
Maurice & Aung Win
1965 – 1969
Matriculationin 1965
Bernard Khaw (SPHS65) had four distinctions (with 80+ marks in English) and stood First in Burma. Due to the revised policy (e.g. 3 NRC requirement), he could not apply for professional courses. He majored in Chemistry before moving to USA. He retired as a Chemical Engineer and Pastor.
Bernard (Center)
Aung Myint (SPHS65) had the second best raw marks. He and his twin brother Maung Aye moved to USA and pursued Ph.D
Winston Sein Maung (SPHS65, GBNF) had the third best raw marks.
Cherry Than Tin had the fourth best raw marks. She was admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (2).
Yi Thwe (SPHS65, GBNF) was admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (1).
Paing Soe (Freddie, SPHS65) had same marks as Yi Thwe. He was admitted as Roll No (2) to MC (1).
Forty four Paulians were admitted to MC in 1965. They are from the Last Batch of True Paulians.
After Nationalization, St. Paul’s High School was renamed as No. (6) Botathaung State High School.
Nationalization
The consequences of the Coup d’etat include
Disappearance of Democracy
Nationalization of industry and schools
Indiscriminate demonetization
Increased censorship
With every turmoil (effecting “National Security”), the universities, institutes and schools were suspended.
After the schools were nationalized, St. Paul’s High School became No. (6) Botathaung State High School. Some Brothers left Burma. A few indigenous Brothers remained in Ady Road. Brother Joseph was ordained as Father Joseph.
Luyechun
The program was extended to include Universitites and Institutes in the Summer of 1965.
I attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Lu Ye Camp in the summer of 1965 along with U Sein Shwe, Daw Khin Than Myint Tin and U Zaw Min Nawaday.
LYC 1LYC 2
MC(1) sent Cherry Hlaing, Khin Maung U, Anita Aye Pe and Kyaw Sein Koe (Victor, GBNF).
RIT
There were eight engineering departments
Architecture
Chemical
Civil
Electrical
Mechanical
Metallurgy
Mining
Textile
Most departments have associations. The RIT Mechanical Engineering Association was active. U Win Thein (M67, GBNF) was a Prime Mover. He co-founded Set Hmu Thadinzin and Mechanical Magazine. He co-organized activities.
The RIT Sports Council was headed by Saya U Maung Maung Than (GBNF). U Maung Maung (Burma Selected in soccer) was Sports Officer. The associations for the various sports was headed by a saya.
Several RIT students were Burma Selected. They include Sai Kham Pan (Badminton) and Htay Aung (Swimming and Water Polo).
Htay Aung
Saya Mao Toon Siong (former Burma Champion) was National Coach for Table Tennis. He also coached the RIT team which won the Inter-Institute Championship.
Saya Mao
Electrical Sayas
EE Sayas
In those days, the Electrical Engineering was headed by Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor and Head).
The senior sayas included U Kyaw Tun (saya of our sayas), U Tin Swe and U Sein Win. All are now GBNF.
There were about 20 sayas. Five were on deputation for further studies abroad.
I wrote “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” for SPZP-2010. Sayas U Thein Lwin and U Nyi Nyi have since passed away.
EC and EP
There were two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power). Per advice in the industry, only a quarter of the students were accepted for EC.
There were 80+ EE students in the beginning. Tin Tin (Anne) was the lone female EE student.
At the end, there were 40+ EE students left.
EE69ers
The EP students outnumbered the EC students 3 by 1. Several bright students played safe by choosing EP (which provided a job guarantee).
We studied EC (Electrical Communications). Twelve of us graduated in 1969.
Four EC69ers — Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin and Oo Kyaw Hla — are now GBNF.
A few years later, EC became Electronics Engineering.
A few decades later, Electronics Engineering and Electrical Power became full-fledged departments.
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :
AFAIK, EC was the hardest and strictest discipline at the RIT in those days as we’ve been told. Some even asked us why we had to go there. Of course, I am not going to mention the easiest discipline there, but we joked like, “they had 109 students and 110 passed the exam”. I do not mean any disrespect to Sayas and friends from other majors!! At times, it made us wonder why were we there for god’s sake. CRAZY TIMES!!! Indeed.
Volunteer
I served as
Treasurer & Vice Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club)
Class Representative, Joint Secretary & Secretary of RITEE (Rangoon Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Association)
Member of Committee for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”
Editor of the Bulletin published by RIT English Association
Member of UTC, Rowing, Scrabble, and Chess Assocations /Clubs
Free lance writer (articles, poems, translations) My poem “Men on the Moon” was sent to NASA by USIS, and it was published in the Guardian newspaper in July 1969
