During the early days of UCC, I was invited to give guest lectures at BMRI (Burma Medical Research Institute).
BMRI later became DMR (Directorate of Medical Research).
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Physiologist, SPHS63) provided details for the Director Generals of Medical Research
Dr. Mya Tu
Dr. Mya Tu (Physiologist) founded Burma Medical Research Institute (BRMI) and served as its Director. Saya passed away at the age of 91 in Australia. Dr. Thein Htut and Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint spoke at the service.
Daw Khin Thet Hta (Jenny) is Saya’s wife. She has a Doctroate in Library Science.
They co-authored “Who’s Who in Health and Medicine in Burma/Myanmar” (Two editions).
There was an attempt to update it, but did not happen.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint e-mailed me a soft copy of “Who’s Who in Heath and Medicine (in Burma/Myanmar)” (Second edition). He referred to the work as Magnum Opus.
Director General
Dr. Aung Than Ba Tu (ATBT, Physician) He is around 90 years of age. He is still active, giving talks and participating in the editorial team of a certain journal.
Dr. ATBT & Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt
Dr. Khin Maung Tin (Physician) He is a specialist for live diseases. In the early days, he headed the University Sanatorium. He is one of the earliest to pass away (Heard it was a heart attack). He is survived by Dr. Daw Htay Kyi, a TB specialist.
Dr. KMT
Dr. May May Yi (Physiologist) She was a Staff at the Luyechun Camp at Inlay Khaung Daing for the summer of 1965.
Dr. May May Yi (Center)
Dr. Myint Lwin
Dr. Than Swe (Microbiologist) After retirement, moved to the USA Stay sharp by training students to take SAT examination
Dr. Paing Soe Was admitted as Roll Number (2) to MC in 1965. He had the same marks as Dr. Yi Thway, who was admitted as Roll Numbe (1). Retired as Deputy Minister of Health.
Sponsors include BADA, BAWA, Citizen of Burma Award, …
Date : September 15, 2018
Time : 5pm – 9+ pm
Place : Swiss Park, Newark, CA
Aw Pi Kyeh
APK 1APK 2
Aw Pi Kyeh (Win Naing) is from the Class of M81. There were three classmates named Win Naing. Michael (Win Naing) later became President of BASES.
As “Mann Bei” မန်းဘဲ he contributed and managed the RIT Cartoon Box.
He served as Secretary of the RIT Cartoon Association.
He spoke about “Made in Myanmar”. He pointed out that his dress is made from neighboring countries. He lamented the loss of countless lives in Cyclone Nargis due to “insufficient knowledge” (e.g. about Disaster Recovery). His talk combines wit, and philosophy.
During his study at Harvard, he proudly spent US$30 to buy a backpack labeled “Made in Myanmar”. His friend bought a similar backpack but labeled “Made in Sri Lanka”. The seam of his back pack broke after a week. Before his return to Myanmar, his friend gave him his backpack. He felt mad, but accepted it. He went on to use the backpack in Myanmar until it got discolored and his spouse asked him to stop using it.
The message is that one not only needs Cetana but also the skills to provide “added advantage”. He gave examples of how others (nations and their companies) used our natural resources and our local talents to create products (and often sell them back at profit).
He also requested those overseas to use “conversion” to understand the “thinking” of those living in Myanmar (possibly most of their lives) as a baby step to help making “Made in Myanmar” proud and reliable.
Min Ko Naing
Min Ko Naing is the pen name of Paw Oo Tun (author, artist, student activist …).
He was a 3rd year student at RASU, when he became a student leader of the 8-8-88 movement.
He visited the San Francisco Bay Area a few years ago and talked about the injustice system and the brutal regimes.
He gave a talk for the SF Bay Area Annual Talks 2018 along with Aw Pi Kyeh.
There were some anecdotes about prison life. One political prisoner begged his prison mates to give him a pain reliever. Most people did not have courage to provide one. One had cetana and courage, but lacked medical knowledge. He gave Buspro to the wailing prisoner, who was relieved of pain forever.
He recounted his observations of the educational and social systems of the countries that he had visited.
He was impressed with some systems which take the nursery children out into the open and teach lessons from nature, and those that allow students to pursue any combination of subjects provided they envision a problem to solve using the mix.
He lamented about how most parents and students in Myanmar prepare at all costs for that “all important Matriculation exam” to pursue two or three high profile professions.
The talk is more suitable for the general audience in Myanmar.
Kudos to the activist turned evangelist for critical thinking and social change.
Dr. Thynn Thynn wrote : Good observations Ko Hla Min…. I think he was trying to convince that the children in Burma deserve the benefits of open education system the children of the expat audience whom he had tried to seek support for the help of expat Burmese youth community to go in to Burma to help or some sort of set an example for those underprivileged kids in side the country. The talk was only half of what he came to say I think.
Dr. Nyunt Wai wrote : Good to know two of you are good friends. Converging point for technical and medical streams?
Trip to Los Angeles
The hosts choose the first talk to be held in Northern California and the final talk to be held in Southern California.
I had the chance to meet Aw Pi Kyeh twice and to meet Min Ko Naing thrice.
U Yu Ket (Edward Saw, EC85) gave me a ride to Los Angeles. Saya U Tin Htut hosted me and took me to two events :
Annual dinner of BASES (as his guest)
La Peunte monastery, which had a festival in the morning and the literary talk by Aw Pi Kyeh and Min Ko Naing in the afternoon.
La Puente Monastery
Saya bought a book and received an autographed copy.
Aw Pi Kyeh told us that he did not drink during the Waso, but that he would resume drinking in a few days (at the end of the Buddhist Lent).
Literary Talk at the YSE Fund raiser
The Youth Society of Education invited two guest speakers at their Fund Raiser.
Myinmu Naing Moe
Myinmu Naing Moe (Ohn Maung) is a poet, vocalist, author and publisher.
He is a National Literary Award winner.
He gave a literary talk on “His life and his Kabyas (Poems)”.
He talked about “Su-Tu-Pyu” paradigm proposed by Sayagyi Minthuwun.
He gave the background of his early school life, the sacrifice of his beloved mother, a story from Buddha’s time, Saya Zawgyi’s poems, and then recited poems.
NAPA (in Northern California) is known for its fine wineries.
Gordon Kaung (M83), founder of Mechanical Solutions, extended his entrepreneurship by co-founding iNapa Winery with his spouse Lillian (EC83).
iNapa Winery has hosted several RIT gatherings.
Gathering in 2015
It was a follow up to the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles to welcome Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma, Saya U Win Kyaw (Met71), Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) and selected guests.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) and Ma Ku / Daw Hnin Maung Maung drove Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma from LA to SF Bay Area.
iNapa Winery hosted lunch and dinner gathering. Ko Thiri Nyunt (Met) played Gordon’s keyboard and sang.
Fundraiser Kyan Yay (Sugar Cane Drink) Htamane Food & Desserts
BAP Booth selling Sugar Cane Drink
Annual Dinner & Entertainment
Trips
Helped 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015 Reunion 12015 Reunion 22015 Reunion 3
Active in Activities sponsored by SCBA (Southern California Burmese Associations)
Notes
Many members are RIT alumni. Some volunteered for SPZP-2000 held in San Francisco.
U Aung Khin (EP68) is Past Vice President
James Shwe (M76) is a Donor and EC.
U Khin Maung Lay (Henry) served as Emcee for BAPS gatherings and 2015 Alumni Reunion. He was Secretary of RIT Track & Field Association. He represented RIT in Soccer, Rowing and T&F. He loves Cooking.
I attended BASES gatherings as Guest of EC and/or Saya U Tin Htut.
Mra Tun (UCC, TAMPS) and Ricky Zaw are guitarists & vocalists. Ricky’s sister is Nyunt Nyunt Zaw (T68, GBNF).
2015 Reunion
NorCal RITAA invited selected BASES EC to the gatherings.
When the Korean War erupted in 1950 with the USA and China as the main protagonists, I was a child [probably too young to comprehend the details], but the interest in the war and its impact intensified as I grew older. Imperial Japan ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945. At the end of the Second World War, USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic) declared war on Japan [supposedly] with the aim of dividing Korea. With the approval of the US, the Soviet Union claimed North of the 38th Parallel. The USA took control of South Korea. Japan conceded defeat and left Korea.
The conflict between the Governments of North Korea and South Korea escalated into a full-scale war. With the backing of the Soviet Union and China, the North Korea army invaded South Korea in June, 1950. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the invasion and passed a resolution to defend South Korea. Twenty one nations (including US) sent forces to defend South Korea.
About two months – in the early phase of the war – South Korean forces suffered losses and had to retreat. Then, the counter attacks of the UN forces were able to “severe” the connections of the North Korean fighting units. In the middle of 1951, China sent forces to aid the North Korean army. UN forces retreated.
I am not trying to describe the Korean War in detail. I want to emphasize the intensive use of man power to engage in traditional combat. Note that there were occasional uses of bombers. During the three years (June 25th 1950 to July 27th 1953), there was a huge number of dead, wounded, POW (prisoners of war), and MIA (missing in action). The following statistics show the ghastly nature of the war. Note that only South Koreans are accounted for “South Korea & the 21 nations sent by UN”.
South Korea 178,426 Dead 566,434 Wounded & POW
North Korea 300,000 (estimate) Dead 303,000 Wounded; 120,000 POW
China 400,000+ (estimate) Dead 486,000 Wounded; 21,000 POW
Civilian Casualty 2.5 million South Koreans 1.5 million North Koreans
(2)
From the list of casualties, we can clearly see the striking amount of dead and wounded for both soldiers and civilians. In particular, China – the most populated nation in the world – is estimated to have 900 thousand dead and wounded. Imagine, how many soldiers China must have sent to help North Korea. The News Media of that time coined the phrase “Sea of men” to describe the Chinese army battling the Korean War. One can envision the mass of fighters as an vast open sea.
We have witnessed two “Sea of men” in our mother land. We saw the first Sea in 1988. We are seeing the second Sea now [in 2015]. The poem “Sea of men” was written in September 1988, but it was censored. One does not need to think twice to guess why I wrote the poem.
SEA OF MEN
Water – drop by drop
countless drops assemble
as a water flow
Water flows – collectively
rushing, hustling, bustling –
transforming into a stream
From streams
to twisting, turning and winding rivers
to the whorl of the sea
Very long and broad – vast expanse
waves – agitated by winds – rise high
with grudge and anger
to put down [intruders]
It’s SACCA (“Thitsar” – Truth of nature)
[Rower] holding an oar
thrusting into the water
hoping to harness the wave, but …
[Helmsman] on board a ship
with engine roaring
hoping to split the wave, but …
Only for a short while
the waves seem to loosen –
with sprinkles and sprouts
turn into vortex with immense power –
stronger than ever
One can never break up determined men
It’s SACCA (“Thitsar” – Truth of nature).
September 23rd, 1988
The current “Sea of men” is not for sending people to fight as in the Korean War. It is SACCA [“Thitsar” – Truth of nature] that people, who had to breathe for a long, long time polluted air and strive in an environment with degradation in economics, health, civics, ethics, and education, WOULD assemble VOLUNTARILY in the hope of breathing pure, clean air once again. Does not one like gentle breeze? Does not one want to enjoy fragrances that are carried by the breeze? Sad to note that some of the drains that are left uncleaned are making the air unfit to breathe. Worse still, the defamatory attacks by some have further degraded the air quality.
As the November, 2015 elections draw close, we see “Sea of men”. People truly want to understand and differentiate the ones who really care to upgrade the quality life of lay people, from those, who tend to ignore the people and care only for their own.
Updates
Saya Moe
Saya had medical problems, but he did not stop writing articles & kabyars.
Kabyar
Thanks Saya for your presents — books, magazines, sar saungs & pasoe
The Group photo shows the Staff and the 2nd, 3rd and Final Year students.
A60
Most of the 2nd Year students graduated in 1960.
U Tin Htoon (A60)
1960 ARAE Regatta
Past Captain & Gold, RUBC.
Won the Union of Burma President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-club Coxed Eights in 1956.
Won the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta with Dr. Harry Saing (GBNF).
Won the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours at the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo, with Dr. Harry Saing (GBNF), Sunny Teng, Victor Htun Shein (GBNF) and Sein Htoon (M63)
Won Silver medal for Yachting at SEAP Games in Bangkok with Hla Khin.
Founded Architects Incorporated with U Bo Gyi (A59, GBNF) & U Aung Kyee Myint (A60). They later joined PWD.
Designed Thiri Pyit Saya hotel in Bagan
Designed Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore
Board Member of Pariyatti Association
Fundraiser & organizer for selected Goenka projects
In 1963, he compiled the Souvenir Magazine for the RUBC 40th Anniversary with Sithu U Tin (President) and U Po Zon (Vice President).
In 2013, he chaired the subcommittee to publish the Souvenir Magazine for the RUBC 90th Anniversary. U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold) was Vice Chair. U Htaik San (Henry Kao, M81, RUBC Gold) was Secretary. U Hla Min (EC69) was Contributing Editor, who wrote Prelude for every section and three feature articles.
Retired after working in Myanmar, Singapore and California (USA)
Co-founder, Triple Gems Publication
Compiled Photo Albums with Htaik San (Henry) for his parents, two elder brothers (U Tin U & U Ba Than) and a nephew (Dr. Peter Tun, who passed away with COVID-19 in UK).
U Aung Kyee Myint (A60)
Founded Architects Incorporated with U Bo Gyi (A59, GBNF) & U Tin Htoon (A60)
Retired Chief Architect of PWD.
U Kin Maung Yin (A60, GBNF)
Part-time saya
Proponent of Modern Art
Movie Director
Koon Yin Chu (Phillip Chu, A60)
First in Burma in Matric exam of 1954 from SPHS
First in the Class of A60
Attended SPZP-2000
Restaurant owner; Good dancer
Chemical
Seven ChE60 graduates
ChE
U Aung Zaw Win (Ch60)
Col. DI/HIC ( Retired)
U Tha Tun Aung (Ch60)
Maj. DI (Retired)
Director HIC (Retired)
Saya Dr. Maung Maung Win (ChE60, GBNF)
Dr. Maung Maung Win
Retired as Professor of Chemical Engineering
Masters from Kansas University and Doctorate from Purdue University
Civil
U Tun Aye (C60)
Amara Hall, volleyball player Captain
He was from Nyaungdon
U Tun Aung (C60)
Secretary of Prome Hall S&R (1958-59)
Prome Hall football team member
U Taik Lwin (C60)
Major, GE (Retired), GBNF
Director, HIC
U Lay Lwin (C60)
Major, GE (Retired)
Director, TSC
Ministry of Industry 2
U Khin Zaw (C60)
Major, GE (Retired)
U Soe Lin (C60)
Construction Corp. (Retired)
U Kan Aye (C60)
Director (Public Works) (Retired)
CC
He was from Moulmein
U Soe Kyaw (C60)
MOC (Retired)
He was from Thaton
U Than Ngwe (C60, GBNF)
CC (Retired)
He was from Mandalay and brother of the late U Than Shwe
U Ba Swe (C60)
Dy. Director ( Water/ Sanitation), Public Works
Per U Aye : Volleyball team mate Prome Hall selection in 1958-59
U Hla Thein (C60)
CC (Retired)
Prome Hall selected footballer.
U Kyaw Htin (C60)
Construction corporation
He was from St.Patrick’s HS, Mawlamyine
U Tin Ohn (C60)
Port Commissioners, Yangon.(Retired)
Went for further study in Australia.
He was from SHS No.1, Mawlamyine.
U Hla Tin (C60)
Irrigation (Retired)
A writer/poet (Kaytu Win Tint), my mentor, senior colleague from Prome Hall, he was in room no. 102, while I (U Aye N62) was in room 108.
He was from Toungoo.
U Hla Thein (C60)
From State HS No,1, Mawlamyine
Ramanya Hall basketball star
Yangon City Development (GNBF)
Electrical
U Mg Mg Myo Nyunt (EE60)
Major (DI) (Retired)
(also known as Ko Than Nyunt at Prome Hall)
President of SPARKS (1958-59)
U Htay Swe (EE60)
He was from St Patrick’s HS. Moulmein. He matriculated the same year with U Aung Tun (DI) .
U Than Htut (EE60)
ECC (Retired)
Passed away while on state scholarship to the US.
U Nyan Tun (EE60)
EPC
He was from SHS No.1, Mawlamyine
U Tun Yee (EE60)
Dy. Director (Electrical), Public Works
Per U Aye : He was from Prome Hall, known for body building, our instructor for body building in his room, 1958-59.
U Soe Thein (EE60)
Attended SPZP-2000 with his brothers Saya Dr. Aung Soe (C61) and Saya Dr. K C Chiu (ChE63)
Mechanical
U Aung Tun (M60)
Major(Retired), Defense Industries (DI)
St. Patrick’s HS, Mawlamyine
Prome Hall selection in football and basketball
U Hla Shwe (M60)
Lt Col (Retired), Defense Industries
U Khin Maung Win (M60)
EE, BPI (Retired)
He was from Morton Lane Judson HS, Moulmein
Nelson Khaing (M60)
Major (DI) (Retired)
Dy. Supdt No.4 HI
U Tun Aung Zaw (M60)
Ministry of Mines
Per U Aye : He was my senior neighbour at Prome Hall in 1958-59), room number 107, while I was in room number 108.
Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
Past Captain & Gold, RUBC
Taught Industrial Management (formerly taught by sayas from Social Science & Institute of Economics)
Co-founder & Past President, BASES
Financial Controller, 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Donated to various RIT-related projects (e.g Library Modernization
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60)
U Tin Maung Nyunt
MS from Virginia Tech
Taught Agricultural Engineering at RIT
President of RIT Thaing
Worked in Thailand & USA.
Donated to Norcal RITAA & YTU Library Modernization Project.
U Than Tin (M60, GBNF)
U Tin Htut & U Than Tin
RUBC Gold
Won the Union of Burma President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Eights in 1956
U Than Sein (M60)
Due to schedule conflict, he could not join the M60 Reunion lunch with U Tin Htut & U Than Tin.
Saya U Tun Shwe (M60)
U Tun Shwe
Patron of RITAA, SDYF and SPZP.
Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles. His host was his cousin U Win Htay (Walter Cheng Lyan, M70).
U Bo Lay (M 60)
EE Mechanical (Retired)
Irrigation Dept.
U Hla Shein (M60)
Asst Lecturer, 1960-61
Moved to CC
Manager, Insein Workshop
Part time lecturer on mechanized construction.
Metallurgy
U Than Shwe (Met60, GBNF)
Lt Col, Defense Industries
MD -Heavy Industries Corp.(HIC)
Minister for Industries
U Kyaw Win (Met60)
Lt Col (Retired), Defense Industries
Public Health
U Maung Maung (Public Health 60)
Major-GE(Retired)
UNICEF (Sierra Leone)
UNICEF(New York)
He was from Morton Lane Judson HS, Mawlamyine
During his assignment in FAO project in Sierra Leone, U Aye met U Maung Maung in Freetown
With Saya U Aung Khin (Former Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering, RIT)
SF Bay Area Alumni Group
He was the Leader of SF Bay Area RIT Alumni Group.
Bay Area Alumni
When the Group founded RIT Alumni International, he served as President.
SPZP-2000 Organizers
He was a Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. His article “Brother, can you afford $500 and more?” saved the organizers from U Nyo Win’s Act.
He took me to a BAPS picnic. He demonstrated “Burmese Goodbye” by taking an hour to greet alumni on the way back to his car.
To avoid monotony, he takes a different route going out and coming back. He did not mind missing an exit; he would simply make a turn at the next one.
He, Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Ko Ko Aye (GBNF), Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me would meet monthly to have Coffee / Tea & Dosa တိုရှည် and chat.
Sometimes, Dr. San Lin would come down from Santa Rosa to see Saya U Soe Khaw (GBNF). Saya Allen & I would join them for lunch gathering, which extended until dinner.
Saya is interested in Comparative Religion & Culture. Saya U Aung’s anecdote mentioned Saya Allen’s visit to a mosque and Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore.
He supervised the C73 Final Year project, where his two students used the UCC computer.
Saya survived two Strokes, but succumbed to the one at the MEHS Reunion in Las Vegas. He joined his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin (MEHS57) to the Reunion.
Saya did not live long enough to see his four grandsons.
May Saya rest in peace.
Two Sayas
Brief Bio
Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin
Born in Mandalay, attended St. Joseph English Convent and St. Peter’s Boys’ School in Mandalay and the Methodist High School in Rangoon.
Graduated B Sc (Engg) in Civil Engineering in 1958 from Rangoon University and joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer in the same year at the invitation of Prof T Ba Hli, then Dean of Engineering.
Awarded the Burmese Government State Scholarship for study in the United States from 1960 to 1963, and the US Government Fulbright Travel Grant.
Received the degree of Master of Engineering from Harvard University in 1963, specializing in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.
Returned to Burma and joined the newly formed Rangoon Institute of Technology in Gyogon.
Served as Lecturer in Civil Engineering from 1964 to 1975, except from 1966 to 1968 which was spent on advanced study in Hydraulics Engineering in the Netherlands at Delft Technical University under UNESCO assistance program for Burma.
Immigrated to USA in 1975. Currently working at the California Department of Transportation as Project Engineer.
Married to Mu Mu Kin in 1971 and have two surviving children, Myo Lynn and Thuzar Kin. Mu Mu works at TIBCO Software Inc in Palo Alto to supplement the family income.
Work Experience:
Soils Engineer: Mueser Rutledge Wentworth and Johnston, New York, NY, 1975-1978.
Washington DC Metro Subway Project. Civil Engineer: International Engineering Company, Inc, San Francisco, CA, 1978-1983.
USAID Bangladesh Fertilizer Warehouses Construction Project.
Senior Staff Engineer: Morrison Knudsen Corporation, San Francisco, CA, 1984-1996.
DOE Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project.
Principal Research Associate: Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 1997.
DOE Yucca Mountain High Level Radioactive Materials Repository Project.
Transportation Engineer: California Department of Transportation, Oakland, CA, 1999-.
My dear parents gave me birth and brought me up to be a good son. My teachers taught me everything else I know. My land of birth, Myanmar, through the sweat and hard work of its citizens supported and paid for my engineering education and my studies abroad. To each and everyone I am obligated and I give my thanks. For it is narrated in Al-Hadith that one who does not thank one another in this life even for little favors is unworthy to thank the Lord for the big favor.
Updates
Saya retired twice.
He was coaxed by his former students to un-retire twice.
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) requested Saya to work at the Lawrence Livermore Lab at UC Berkeley.
Later, Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) requested Saya to work as Consultant for CalTrans.
He passed away before his final retirement.
There are four grandchildren. One has Allen as the first name. Another has Allen as the middle name.
Founding member of RIT Alumni International and served as its President.
Best known for his article, “Brother, can you afford US$500?”
In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Sayas’ books to YTU Library. She also offered scholarship to eligible YTU students via NorCal RITAA.
His friends sometimes call him “Htay Bo Htay”
Enrolled at Harvard University, but also attended some courses at MIT (e.g. “SCHEME” / Lexically scoped Lisp)
Loves to program his calculator using Reverse Polish Notation
Per Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, Saya Allen Htay is the eldest of five siblings (three brothers and two sisters). Youngest brother and youngest sister predeceased Younger brother is in Yangon. Younger sister in the US East Coast.
Civil 1958
Class photo was sent by Saya Allen Htay
Dr San Hla Aung helped to identify classmates
U Khin Maung Win (Sidney Chen, GBNF) supplied the photograph.
Class of Civil 58
Sitting: (1) U Pu (2) Dr. Aung Gyi (3) U Min Wun (4) U Ba Hli (5) Mr. Redpath (6) U Ngwe Thein (7) Mr. Eswara (8) Mr. Num Kock
1st Row: (1) Khin Maung (2) Than Aung (3) Htay Aung (4) Khin Maung Lwin (5) Kyaw Tin (6) Win Thein (7) Chit Pe (8) Shwe Tun Maung (9) Win Maung (10) Thein Lwin (11) Tun Yi (12) Than Pe
2nd Row: (1) V. Kumar (2) Kyaw Hoe (3) Allen Htay (4) Ba Hnin Chit (5) Kyaw Mya (6) Kyaw Din (7) Irwin Myaing (8) Chit Aye (9) Maung Maung (10) Nolan Wu (11) Morgan Singar
3rd Row: (1) Patrick George (2) Oscar Shirazee (3) Hla Shwe (4) Aung Par Thein (5) Saw Lwin (6) San Hla Aung (7) Shwe Win (8) Douglas Hoe (9) Sidney Chen
Notes
There was a mini-gathering at SPZP-2000. The attendees include
Mr. Num Kok (Portland, Oregon, GBNF)
Dr. Aung Gyi (Ottawa, Canada)
U Min Wun (Los Angeles, California, GBNF)
U Allen Htay (Mountain View, California, GBNF)
Dr. San Hla Aung (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Mr. Oscar Shirazee (Middle East)
When Sidney Chen’s health was failing, his daughter requested us to let his classmates and friends know that he was eager to regain contact with them. Sadly, he passed away.
Mr. Oscar and U Aye Win Hlaing used to work in Iran many years ago. Mr. Oscar’s spouse is the sister of U Ngwe Zoe (Peter, SPHS57, GBNF).
Due to schedule conflicts, Saya Dr. San Hla Aung could not attend some SPZPs. He retired at the age of 80. He is now free to attend many SPZPs.
Saya Dr. Win Thein (GBNF) succeeded Saya U Min Wun as Professor and Head of the Department. Except for a warning sign from an early Medical check up, Saya was healthy. He finally passed away in Yangon. His sister has donated Saya’s Garawa money to selected Charities.
Brother, can you afford Five Hundred Dollars?
And many weekends spent away from your family as well? If you can then you probably are a member of the RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe organizing committee.
It all began one day several months ago when we met over lunch at Benny Tan’s home in Hillsborough. Ko Hla Min and Ko Khin Maung Zaw among the lunch party had started the RIT Alumni website and were receiving enthusiastic responses. Hearing that the duo were carrying on the project all by themselves we decided to throw in our moral and financial support to assure its survival, realizing that it was providing a needed service for the RIT alumni to locate and communicate with each other. Every one present, ten of us at that time, took out our checkbooks and wrote out one hundred dollars each, with promises of more as needed. We informally called ourselves the RIT Alumni Bay Area Group. I was asked to be the group leader.
After that fateful event we continue to have regular meetings, hosted in turn at the homes of some among group members: Ko Hla Min, Maurice Chee, Ko Myat Htoo, Ko Thein Aung, and most recently Dr Nyo Win. Did I leave out any one? Ah yes! Ko Myint Swe and San San Swe. All the while the membership continues to grow and our objective keeps on changing from support of the website to some vague dream of a future RIT alumni organization on a global scale and finally settled on a plan for RIT Alumni Grand Reunion at the beginning of the 21st Century. Ko Hla Min broached the idea to include Saya Pu Zaw Pwe as part of the Grand Reunion in keeping with the Myanmar custom of honoring one’s teachers. As our plan jelled we got carried away by our own excitement and started talking about holding the reunion before the end of the Year 2000. After all, ending one millennium successfully augers well for success in the next millennium.
Before we fully realized what we were up to we have found an ideal site, the Embassy Suites Hotel conference hall near the San Francisco International Airport, and found ourselves making a commitment for a definite date, 28 October 2000 and a attendance fee of fifty dollars, a modest amount to encourage maximum number of Alumni to participate. The minimum capacity of the conference hall is 200 seats and we were required to make down payment and sign a rental and service agreement based on 200 seats. Our most optimistic estimate at the time was 100 attendees. If the attendance is low that means the Bay Area Group, as the Organizing Committee was not in force at the time, will have to make up the short fall. Which could amount to as much as five thousand dollars, or five hundred dollar from each group member. We hesitated a moment to reflect on what that means to us individually in terms of diminished spending power. But, in the end our attachment to RIT and the engineering profession, our sincere desire to meet the Sayas and class mates from whom we were separated for long over came us. We will accept the risks.
Thus was born the preparations in full swing for the Grand RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Others must tell the rest of the story – of struggles, compromises, and elations along the way and from participants themselves what it means to be present at the defining moment in the history of RIT Alumni.
Allen Htay, RIT Alumni International – Bay Area Group RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe Organizing Committee
Appreciation of SPZP-2000
Hello All:
Thanks and Congratulations for a well organized and well executed event. I believe we all went to bed early Sunday night irrespective of the change back to Standard Time (from Daylight Savings Time according to the rule “Spring forward, Fall back”) , and no doubt slept soundly and very happy, knowing full well what happened during the past three days is more than what we dared to dream. I for one took the Monday off and forgot lunch because I woke up so late. But what is one missed lunch!
Allen Htay
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Dear Ko Maung Maung Than (M79):
Thanks for your note of appreciation for the RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Everybody chipped in: the sayas, organizers, committee members, helpers, supporters like you which we were very fortunate to have, the alumni and general guests and well-wishers. We won’t be able to host an event of this magnitude and importance if any of the components were missing.
Success belongs to everyone.
Thanks again for your generous support
Allen Htay
Remembering Saya Allen Htay
From Saya U Thit
Dear Colleagues and students
I am very sad to hear that Allen Htay passed away.
I have known Allen Htay since the early 1950s when we were both students at Methodist High School, Yegyaw, East Yangon. He was one year junior to me.
We were together again in the late 1950s when we were both Assistant Lecturers at B.O.C. Engineering College. During that time he and I together with Saya Num Kock and Saya U Aung Khin went for an excursion to visit Lawpita Hydroelectric Plant construction site near Loikaw, in Kayah State.
While I was living on the R.I.T. campus in the early 1960s he moved to a house just across the street from us.
I will always remember him coming to our house many times in the evenings for a chat with my family.
The last time I saw him was at the 2004 Saya Puzawpwe in Yangon.
He will be sadly missed by many of his friends and students.
May his soul rest in Peace.
Maung Thit (Metallurgy) Melbourne, Australia
From the alumni in Australia
By Ko “Henry” Thet Tun
Our sincere and deepest condolences to Saya U Allen Htay & family for the demise of Saya.
From the RIT Alumni Australia & Myanmar Engineering Association of Australia Inc.
From Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) and Daw Lily (T72)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
We are very much saddened by the departure of Saya Allen Htay. Please convey our heartfelt condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. His good nature and kind demeanor will always live in our memory and that of those who loved him.
While we will all miss Saya Allen very much, I hope all his loved ones can find some slight comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended.
Very Sincerely, Tin Win and Lily.
From Ko Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Without the RIT Alumnu Updates, I would not have known about the passing of our (me and George Peters) final year thesis supervisor Saya U Allen Htay.
Thank you for your regular as well as supplement updates.
Please convey our deepest condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of great loss and sadness.
Best regards, Dennis (Kyaw Thu) (C73) and Alice U
Editor’s Notes: Dennis and Alice have relocated to Canada.
From Saya U Soe Paing and Daw Saw Yu Tint
My friend Allen Htay (GBNF)
Some years ago I wrote an article for the ex-RIT.org about my saya friends at RIT which included Allen Htay.
I met Allen Htay when I joined the 1st Year BSc (Engg) class at the Faculty of Engineering at Leikkhone in 1958 .Ko San Hla Aung was our drawing instructor for the main majors (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), and Allen Htay was the instructor for the rest.
In December1958, I went on State Scholarship to Stanford University. When I returned home after completing my studies, I found myself on the same ship S S Warickshire from Liverpool to Yangon with Allen Htay, Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri Eng) and Ko Ko Lay (UCC). There was also another Myanmar Ko Than Pe, a Chartered Accountant, on the ship. Those days it was customary for the Government to send the returning scholars by ship.
We normally had our meals together seated at the Chief engineer’s table. After dinner we would play bridge to spend the time. Ko Ko Lay partnered with Ko Tin Maung Nyunt and Allen Htay and Ko Than Pe took turns as my partner against them. We played almost every night after dinner and all of us became very good friends.
We got back to Yangon in October 1963. Allen Htay rejoined RIT. I was posted to RIT in January 1964 and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt in March 1964 and so we were together again. When I got married and moved into the RIT staff quarters I was at 16F, Allen Htay at 16E and Ko Tin Maung at 16D. We visited each others house very often. We also became friendly with Allen Htay’s brothers and sisters.
I have attached a photo taken during Thingyan 1966 with Allen Htay (2nd from left) and his youngest brother (extreme right).
I left RIT for UCC and the UN, and Allen Htay and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt went to the United States. All of us met gain in the Bay Area in 1985, 2001 and 2010. I saw Allen Htay at the RIT reunions in 2004 (Yangon), 2007 and 2010 (Singapore).
He could not make it to the 2012 reunion in Yangon because of his health. He was a mild mannered soft spoken gentleman and we will all miss him. May he rest in peace.
Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s Spouse)
“Let me count the ways [to love]” by Elizabeth Browning is a poem present by Ma Ma Mu to Saya Allen.
Donations in Saya Allen’s Memory
In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin
donated Saya’s books to YTU Library
provided cabinets for Saya’s books
sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students
Ko Maurice Chee (M75) coordinated the donation of books.
NorCal RITAA and some volunteer alumni from Yangon coordinated the selection of scholarship recipients.
