Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) & Daw Khin Htar Yee (Lily, T72)
Khin Hta Yee (Lily)
Youngest & among the Brightest of his Class
In 1958, won Gold Medal for Joint Highest Maths Marks in combined I.Sc
After graduation, worked briefly in industry before joining Mech Engg Dept.
Taught us “Strength of Materials” (sequel to Sayagyi U Ba Than’s course)
Received Doctorate from Melbourne University
Moved to USA.
Worked for several companies (including Brown & Root in Texas)
Past President & Advisor of BASES
Interviewed by Myanmar Gazette (Southern California)
Ran LA Marathon to raise fund for SPZP-2007
Organized the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Lily was Founding Member & Secretary of BEA (Burmese/Bay-Area Engineering Association)
Saya & Lily were core organizers of 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles (along with Saya U Tin Htut, U Thura Thant Zin and U Khin Maung Lay)
They donated $2500 for the YTU Library Modernization Project
Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
U Tin Htut
Visiting lecturers from the Faculty of Social Science (later Institute of Economics) taught “Industrial Management”.
First Engineering Saya to teach “Industrial Management”
Past Captain & Gold of RUBC
Founded BASES with U Tin Htway (M59) and David Tun Tin (GBNF)
Donated twice — K100 Lakhs first & again K1000 — for YTU Library
Donation
David Tun Tin (GBNF)
Was States Scholar in the USA
Went back to Burma & worked for some time before migrating to the USA
Founded BASES with Saya U Tin Htut and U Tin Htway
Donated $1000 to YTU Library
James Shwe (M76) & Annette Shwe (A75)
James & Annette
Earlier donated towards the expenses of HVAC Design and Implementation.
Donated again $500 for YTU Library.
Helped several alumni by offering internship/job at their company.
Provided scholarship for eligible university students in Myanmar.
Donation
U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68)
Secretary of RIT Track & Field
Represented RIT in Track & Field, Soccer and Rowing.
Past President & Advisor, BASES
Master of Ceremonies for BASES & 2015 LA Reunion
Enjoys singing in Burmese, English & Chinese
Helped several alumni by offering internship/job at his company
Donated $1000 to YTU Library
Donation
U Tin Nwe (C68)
Past President of BASES
Donated $1000 to YTU Library
Donation
Daw Htay Htay Than (EC93) & U Saw Win Aung (C87)
Sarina forwarded my e-mail about SPZP-2000 to Steeve Kay, (EC70, her family friend). Steeve contacted his friend Benny Tan (M70) & offered to be the first Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000.
Sarina and U Saw Win Aung donated $300 to YTU Library.
U Min Lwin (M62)
Classmate of Saya Dr. Tin Win
Donated $1000 to YTU Library
Donation
U Kyaw Sein (Auto68)
Mechanical Engineering Department had two sub-departments: Automobile Engineering & Agricultural Engineering.
U Kyaw Sein donated $1000 to YTU Library.
Donation
Daw May Nwe Yee (Rosie)
Younger sister of Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62)
Faculty member of RIT Chemistry Department
Donated $100 to YTU Library
Donation
Daw Myo Myat Myint (Penny, M70)
Younger sister of Saya Dr. Tin Win and Sayama Rosie
Donated $100 to YTU Library
Donation
U Sonny Kyi (79 Intake)
LA Gathering in 2015
EC member of BASES
Volunteer for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Donation
U Myint Aung
Responded to Saya Dr. Tin Win’s request for helping YTU
Donated $150 to YTU Library
Donation
Other Donations
Via NorCal RITAA
U Thein Tun Aung (Dennis, EP76)
Donated $500 to YTU Library (via U Wynn Htain Oo).
Donated $500 to NorCal RITAA for the YTU Library Modernization Project.
There are many posts about 69ers with varying focus & details. Need help to integrate them.
A69
Aung Khin : worked in Botswana; moved to Seattle, Washington, USA to be near daughters and grand children; Attended Golden Jubilee on December 14, 2019 in Yangon
Kyaw Kyaw : belonged to an elite group who married early
Myo Tun (Bobby) : won essay contests as Errol Than Tun; retired from PWD; he became Ashin Pannagavesaka; was editor of Pa Auk Sayadaw’s books and dhamma librarian at the Mawlamyine Pa Auk Taw Ya; went on dhamma dhuta missions (e.g. to Vietnam).
Tobias K. Ku (Tobi, GBNF) : succumbed to Covid in 2021; daughter passed away earlier to Covid
Thet Htun : moved to Taiwan.
Thwin Thwin Aye MHmi (Olive) : played chinlon with her classmates; Spouse : U Han Zaw; Met them at the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012
Tin Maung Hla (GBNF) : sponsored Abhidhamma books & courses
ChE69
Aung Min Oo
Aung San
Aye Aye Kyu
Ceril Shair (USA?)
Khan Za Lan
Khin Maung Win
Kyaw Minn (Ei Kun, Singapore)
Kyaw Min (Albert) : Guitarist, Vocalist
Moe Hein (Ajala) : Swimming, Water Polo
Myat Tun
Myint Ko
Myint Myint Aye
Myo Min, Mehm
Soe Win
Swe Swe Oo
Taing Oke, Dr. (Japan)
Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, Singapore)
C69
Aung Chaw (Victor, Ashin Okkantha)
Aung Kyaw Nyein (USA)
Aung Myint
Aung Than
Aung Win
Ba Than Chit (Saw Myint Naing)
Han Sein (GBNF) : Swimming. Water Polo, Diving, Basketball, Tone Kyaw
Hla Myint
Hla Myint Thein (Patrick Aye) : Saya, Secy of RIT Civil, Entrepreneur
Htay Aung (Canada)
Htay Myint
Htin Aung, Dr. (Chinlone) : Prof
Khin Aung (Taiwan)
Khin Maung
Khin Maung Aye
Khin Maung Myint
Khin Maung Tint : Saya, Entrepreneur
Khin Maung Win, Dr. (Donald Ba Pe) : Assoc. Prof, Taught in Malaysia
Kyaw Min Thein (Kenneth)
Kyaw Naing (Kyaw Thwin)
Kyaw Thein
Kyaw Tint
Li Li Wai (Lily?)
Maung Kyaw
Myint Aung
Myo Khin, Dr. (Retired Prof at Japanese University)
Myo Nyunt : Jt. Secy of T & F; Soccer
Myo Win
Myo Chit
Myint Myint : Major Donor to 69er HCF, Donated to Library & selected charities
Nyi Hla Nge : Retired Dy Minister
Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
Phone Kyaw (Mandalay)
Phor Daw Khan
Sam Nithang (Samuel, USA) : Saya
Saw Lwin
San Linn
Saw Yan Naing (GBNF)
Sein Tun
Soe Myint
Soe Tint
Than Htwe
Than Oo
Thaung Htay
Thaung Htwe
EE69
Abdul Rauf (GBNF)
Aung Gyi Shwe (GBNF) : Secy of T&F, Soccer, Weightlifting
Aung Kyaw Pe
Aung Than
Aung Thu Yein (GBNF)
Aye Thein : Volleyball
Ba Oak
Bishnu Shahi (GBNF) : Badminton
Chit Tin (GBNF)
Dave Singh Saluja (Thailand)
Hla Min (USA) : Lifelong Learner
Hla Paik
Hla Tun
Khin Maung Hassan (Saudi Arabia)
Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, GBNF)
Khin Maung Soe
Khin Maung Tint
Khin Maung Win (GBNF) : Sargalay turned Lada
Khin Maung Win (Roland Thein)
Krishnan Lal (Australia)
Kyaw Sein (Ashley Woo)
Kyaw Sein (Singapore)
Kyaw Soe (GBNF)
Kyaw Win
Kyaw Zin (Australia?)
Kyi Shwin
Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi)
Kyin Hwet
Maung Toung (Tom, USA)
Maung Kaung
Maung Ko
Maung Maung : Volleyball; Jt Treasurer, EE69er HCF
Maung Shwe : Treasurer, 69er HCF & EE69er HCF
Mehm Paw Oo
Mehm Aung Tin
Min Aung (Hla Thaung)
Min Lwin
Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet)
Myint Maung (Bu)
Myo Aung
Myo Hein
Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada?)
Sai Aik Yee
Sai Kham Pan : Burma Selected in Badminton
Sai Kyaw Aye (?) : Shan language broadcasting
Saw Aung
Saw Edison (Australia) : Volleyball
Saw Lwoi Lwin Thaw (?)
Sein Myint (K K Wong, USA?) : Rowing, Swimming, Water Polo; Major Donor to 69er HCF and EE69er HCF
Soe Myint
Soe Myint Thein
Soe Thein (Peter Myint Maung)
Soe Win (GBNF) : Basketball
Tan Chaung Yin (USA)
Thar Kyaw
Than Hla (Cyril Ba Than)
Than Htay
Than Lwin (Henry) : Saya
Than Myint
Thein Swe (GBNF) : 3rd BE Luyechun
Thein Tun (Michael)
Thet Lwin
Tin Maung Soe (Tommy Ah Nein, GBNF) : Basketball
Tin Oo
Tin Shwe : hosted BFG
Tin Tin (Anne, USA) : Homecoming in 2019
Tun Aung Gyaw, Dr. (USA) : UCC, DCS, ICST; AI
Victor Lwin
Win Boh (Robert Gyi, Australia) : Guitarist, Vocalist
Win Maung (Thailand?) : Rowing, Swimming, Water Polo
Ye Win, Mehm : Secy of RIT EE
Yi Tun
Zau Lai, Duwa : Myitkyina & Yangon
Several GBNF
M69
The list is not exhaustive
Aye Lwin (GBNF) : Secretary of RIT Mechanical Engineering Association; Secretary of RIT Annual Magazine; Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Aung Min : Chair, 69er HCF; Organizer of 69er Activities
Aung Myint : Joined Faculty after graduation; Taught at Singapore Poly; Lives in New Zealand and Singapore
Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung) : Joined Faculty after graduation; Worked at sea before founding his own company
Htay Aung : Outstanding swimmer; Won 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and Cross-lake; Burma selected in water polo for 1969 SEAP Games; Spouse : Than Than (SEAP & Asian Games Champion)
TT & HA
Khin Maung Aye : Joined Defense Industries; Pen name : Maung Hmut
Khin Maung Tin : Joined Faculty after graduation; Taught at RIT & Marine Engineering Institute
Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee) : MS in USA; PE for New York & New Jersey; Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000; Major donor to 69er Health Care Fund; Host for RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey for more than a decade; Founder & CEO of MASTAA
Ivan
Tint Lwin (Daniel) : MS from Canada; Retired as Associate Professor from NTU; Guitarist / Vocalist
Daniel
Met69
Myint Kyi
Maung Tun (GBNF) — Covid
Ohn Kyaw
Sai Aung Win (Mandalay)
Sai Kyaw Myint
Tin Aung
Min69
Aung Win
Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)
Kyaw Tint (GBNF)
Khin Maung Gyi
Mya Win
Tin Maung
Tin Win (Hosted lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012)
Attended SPZPs, mini-PZPs and micro-PZPs in Canada, USA, Singapore & Myanmar.
Matriculated in 1949
First group of engineering students selected to study at prestigious universities in the USA under the Twinning Program
BS and MS from MIT
Upon return, he joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer.
Promoted to Lecturer & Head of Civil Engineering
Doctorate from University of Alberta
Succeeded U Yone Mo as Rector of RIT in 1971
DAG
Left for UN assignment.
Later : moved to Canada
Fondly talks about “the best days of his life at RIT”
DAG 2DAG 3
Contributions
Brief bio for SPZP-2000
Keynote at SPZP-2000 : Talked about Health & Emotional Intelligence
Article covering (a) State Scholarship in the USA (b) experience as Professor and Rector (HMEE book has excerpts from the article)
Introduction to the History of Myanmar Engineering Education ( in Supplement CD of HMEE book)
Coconut Episode (Heard at Saya Allen Htay’s house before SPZP-2000. Transformation of a student from a Coconut thief into a respected 3R teacher. Printed version appeared in “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for a Singapore SPZP.)
Anecdotes on several occasions
Saya and I spent a few days together at Ivan’s house in New Jersey in 2015. Saya would tell us stories from his RIT days.
Ivan, Saya & me
We spent two nights at Saya’s house in Canada during the whirlwind trip hosted by Ivanwith the help of Fred Thetgyi.
At Saya’s house
During my visits to Yangon, I was “Ei Hmyaung” at the gatherings — one for the birthday of Daw Emma and one for welcoming Sayagyis attending SPZP
World Wide SPZPs (SPZP-2000, SPZP-2002, SPZP-2004, SPZP-2007, SPZP-2010, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016).
The following is a glimpse of some gatherings.
Welcoming Sayas
San Francisco Bay Area Alumni welcomed several sayas. They include
U Ba Toke (Myanmar)
U Num Kok (Oregon)
Dr. Aung Gyi (Napean, Canada)
U Aung Khin (Windsor, Canada)
U Khin Aung Kyi (then in Thailand)
U Soe Paing (then in Myanmar)
U Maung Maung Win (Australia)
Dr. Hla Myint (Mack, Australia)
U Hla Myint (Charlie, Australia)
U Kyaw Myint (then in Beijing)
Dr. San Hla Aung (then in New Orleans)
U Win Kyaw & U Nyunt Htay (after attending 2015 LA Reunion)
CD
2006
Attended the RIT Alumni Dinner in Sydney, Australia. Met Saya U Hla Myint (M65), Saya U Myo Win (M/Ag65), Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70), U Aye Win Hlaing (Abel, La La, EE7x), U Myo Lwin (Stanley Saw, M71), U Htun Aung Kyaw (EC73), U Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey, C73), George Peters (C73), U Thet Htun (Henry, M75), U Wint Khin Zaw (A79), U Htay Aung (EC80), U Sein Win (C80), and several alumni.
Reunion CD
2007
Due to time, resource, and delivery constraints, I do not always get the official CDs. I sometimes get (a) preview versions (b) copy of the “master gold” (c) alternate to the official. It’s better to have something rather than nothing.
Preview CDOfficial CD
2011
The Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65 (aka Class of 70 & 71) had hosted Reunion & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes for almost two decades.
The group usually published booklets at their main events.
Magazine 1Magazine 2
2012
Thanks to U Aye Myint (EP72), SPZP-2012 was a true Home Coming at the Gyogone Campus.
Pu Zaw Pwe was held at YTU.
Reunion Dinner was held at MICT Park.
PZPDinnerOfficial CD
2014
In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes.
RIT 69ers celebrated the pseudo Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of the Admission to RIT) in 2014. Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe was held at the YTU Assembly Hall. Reunion Dinner was held at Panda.
CD 1CD 2
2016
SPZP-2016 : Full day event at Gyogone Campus; Free Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Entertainment
SPZP-2016
Aug 2016 : Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay; Received Alumni Appreciation Award
Birthday Soon KywayAward 1
Sept 2016 : NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner; Received Alumni Appreciation Award
Albert Kyaw Min wrote : The Oldies of RIT 64′ (Second BE) intake, 69’++ Luncheon Gathering at Feel Restaurant sponsored by Danny who arrived yesterday (November 28, 2015) from Singapore. Over 50 classmates gathered .
Emma (Tin Tin Myint) wrote : Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times
Albert, Danny & Robert are the Guitarists. Have not heard from Robert.
U Win Kyi (GBNF)
U Aung Min wrote : Funeral service of Ko Win Kyi (GBNF 87) from The Mirror 30/11/18
U Kyaw Oo wrote : U Win Kyi was my roommate in Delft, the Netherlands.
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
Started school at an early age. I was not enthusiastic.
My mother said something magical happened one day She thanked Teacher Kywe, a Karen Christian with a warm soul & the skill to transform a normal kid like me into a life long learner.
For several years, my mother asked me to visit Teacher Kywe and pay respect to her. It was an early Micro-SPZP. Her eyes were filled with pride as she introduced her former student to her current students.
SPZP
Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP) transcends religion.
Some said that RIT was a dying breed, but there were several who wanted to keep the RIT Spirit alive & well. They wanted to have sayas & alumni get reconnected electronically via Internet, and physically via Pu Zaw Pwes.
SF Bay Area Alumni Group
RIT Alumni International was formed by the San Francisco Bay Area Group (and KMZ) with the objective to host the First RIT Alumni Reunion & SPZP in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
The term SPZP was chosen over Saya Gadaw Pwe — which had religious connotation — to allow sponsors & alumni who profess different religions to pay back to their mentors for their metta and cetana.
I am honored to be a member of the team that organized SPZP-2000, and SPZPs in Singapore (2002, 2007 & 2010) and Myanmar (2004, 2012 & 2016).
Singapore has a large number of alumni. Its proximity to Myanmar eased the task of inviting sayas to attend SPZPs.
SPZP-2012 was the first true Home Coming. Thanks to U Aye Myint (EP72), who did not forget his alma mater.
U Aye Myint
SPZP-2016 was the first to have a full day event at the Gyogone Campus. RITAA, Sponsors and Donors provided free food & entertainment.
RITAA
The smiles from our beloved sayas and sayamas, and occasional “slap on my back” from my former colleagues, classmates and give me “second wind” even after being a volunteer messenger for 26 years.
KMZ (Right)
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :
The official name of these “Reunions” was one of the many discussions at the very early days of first Reunion committee members under the leadership of Saya Allen Htay. All of us were aware that the “Saya Gadaw Pwe” could somehow be restrictive where you would have many intakes and graduation classes spanning several decades not to mention people transcending various religions.
SPZP, Saya Pu Zaw Pwe, was officially adopted. It turned out well, and was adopted by the consecutive Reunions.
SAYA PU ZAW PWE (Poem)
Poem in Newsletter
S eems like it was only yesterday A t our alma mater in a land far away Y ou taught us to work, play, laugh, even cry A nd coaxed us, forced us to aim for the sky
P roblems in real life, lab, computation, survey U nderstand concepts, design, display, …
Z eal, zest, ardor, grit, passion to make it “our day” A rchitects, engineers, we’ve come here to say W e honor your metta, your cetana — we fully can’t repay
P resently we meet, alum from five decades we greet W ith memories true, fond, sweet E cstatic yet sad that the GBNF could not join this memorable fete
My poem was published on the front page of the commemorative issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Saya U Moe Aung & team reprinted my poem on the back cover of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002 hosted by Singapore alumni.
SPZP-2000 in the USA
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Organizers
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76, web master) copied the names/tags from the very first posting from his album.
Sitting L-R: Saya U Mya Htoo (Civil 68), U Benny Tan (Mech 70), Saya KC Chiu (Chem 63), U Hla Min (EC 69) Editor Extraordinaire, Saya U Allen Htay (Civil 58) GNBF, Saya U Nyo Win (Mech 65), Saya U Tin Htut (Mech 60), Saya George Maung Maung (Chem 66), Daw San San Nyunt @ Mrs. Thein Aung (Mech 76)
Standing L-R: U Soe Aung (Mech 75), U Gordon Kaung (Mech 83), , U Myint Swe (EP 74), U Anthony Ng (Mech 76), U Phillip Mya Thwin (EP 75), U Maurice Chee (Mech 75), U Thura Thant Zin (Mech 76), Sayalay U Thein Aung (Met 72), U Myint Lwin @ Henry Chee (Civil 63), Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76), Daw Yi Yi Khaing @ Audrey Wong (Civil 84), Daw San San @ Mrs Myint Swe (EC74)
All of them, except KMZ, live in cities across Northern & Southern California. KMZ lives in a city near Seattle, Washington State.
Golden Sponsors
We appreciate the cetana of the following alumni who felt that the RIT Alumni International should have activities beyond the First ever RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.
They are honored as “Golden Sponsors” of SPZP-2000.
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70, Southern California) : Donated $1000 initially and later gave an additional $1800.
Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69, New Jersey) : Donated $1200 for the General Fund of RIT Alumni International and for SPZP-2000. Earlier donated $360 for one year’s operating expense of the ex-rit.or web site
David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67, Northern California) : Donated $1000 for SPZP-2000
Benny Tan (Tan Eu Beng, M70, Northern California) : Donated in cash and kind. Designed the memorabilia (Banner, Mug, Calculator/Clock & Tee-shirt). Since he had gift shops, he obtained most memorabilia from his vendors at discount prices.
U Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas) : Donated a Round-trip ticket to Myanmar. By popular acclaim, the ticket was given to Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
Updates
Steeve Kay
Steeve 1Steeve 2
Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs.
Established the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas. In 2019, the balance of the Fund was handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
Founded Kay Family Foundation. KFF sponsored a delegation from Myanmar to visit Universities & Research Institutions in California. KFF provided a matching fund of $30000 for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
LA 2015
Donated $200,000+ over the years to RIT-related activities.
Sponsored the Centennial Publication of Hwa Kyone School.
He is now GBNF
Ivan Lee
Ivan‘s house in NJWith Saya Dr. Aung GyiWith Saya U Aung Khin
Hosted the annual RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey
Sayas at NJ Gathering
Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2007 Sponsored Naw Mu Mu Aye to attend the SPZP
Co-founded MASTAA. Was CEO
David Ko
David
Donated US $3000 to SPZP-2012
DonationAppreciation
Sponsored Dinner Tables at NorCal RITAA Dinner
He is now GBNF
Benny Tan
Benny 1Benny 2Mug
Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs
For SPZP-2000, he used Steeve’s donation as seed money to raise funds. He designed memorabilia to give to sayas, sayamas and selected organizers / volunteers. Some memorabilia were put on sale for attendees at SPZP-2000.
U Maung Maung Than
Could not attend SPZP-2000, but he comunicated with Saya Allen Htay
Supported Saya Dr. Tin Win’s “Run LA Marathon to raise fund for SPZP-2007”
Sponsors for Sayagyi U Ba Toke
U Ba Toke
U Maung Maung Than donated the round trip ticket
U Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) hosted Sayagyi and son U Ye Myint (EP72) at his new house in Hayward, California.
Saya Allen Htay, Saya U Tin Htut, Saya Mao Toon Siong and several sayas and alumni took care of Sayagyi’s stay.
SPZP-2000 : By The Numbers
One
SPZP-2000 : First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP
One round-trip ticket for a saya from Myanmar to attend SPZP-2000. By popular acclaim, Sayagyi U Ba Toke was invited.
Two
Sayas of our sayas
U Num Kok
U Ba Toke
Former RIT Rectors
Dr. Aung Gyi
U Khin Aung Kyi
Major events
Dinner/meeting on Oct 28, 2000
Lunch/picnic on Oct 29, 2000
Organizing Committees
Working Committee : Chaired by Benny Tan and Maurice Chee
Steering Committee (Mostly Sayas)
Three
Outstanding Member Awards
Ko Hla Min (EC69) for the pioneering work of RIT Alumni International website & Editor of RIT Alumni Newsletter
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) for the design, implementation, maintenance & enhancements to http://www.ex-rit.org
Ko Hla Myint Thein (Maurice Chee, M75) Treasurer, Financial Controller & Publisher of RIT Alumni Newsletter
Four
Four intensive months of preparation by the Organizing Committee
Five
Golden Sponsors for SPZP-2000
Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein, EC 70)
Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70)
Ivan Lee (Ko Khin Maung Oo, M69)
Ko Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas)
David Ko (Ko Tin Myint, M67)
Six
Number of years spent at the engineering colleges & institutes by most attendees
Seven
Seven unforgettable hours (5 – 12 pm) at the Reunion and SPZP
Seven sleepless nights per week by Maurice, Benny, …
Eight
Countries represented by the attendees
United States
Canada
Myanmar
Thailand
Singapore
Japan
Australia
New Zealand
Major disciplines at RIT
Civil
Mechanical
Electrical
Mining
Textile
Chemical
Metallurgy
Architecture
36
Number of “Post-Reunion” articles written by Hla Min for SPZP-2000
64
Number of “Count down to the Reunion” articles written by Hla Min for SPZP-2000
100
Number of articles written by Hla Min for SPZP-2000
Singapore SPZPs
SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2012 hosted by the Singapore alums were grander with a huge turn out at main events, publication of the commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saungs by Saya U Moe Aung & teams, first-rate entertainment by the famous Swel Daw Yiek Ah Nyeint and the young-at-heart (“never grow old”) singers and dancers.
SPZP-2002
Saya Moe
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) was Chair. He was also Chief Editor of the Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung.
Websites
Saya Dr. Soe Thein (C75) was a core organizer. He & his team maintained two web sites
One for alumni in Singapore
One for Civil Engineers in Singapore
Singapore Alumni web site contained info for SPZP-2002.
SINGAPORE-2002 Ex-RIT Reunion Dinner Program
7 December 2002 (Saturday)
The second web site contains info for resident and visiting Civil Engineering sayas. Some sayas would stay at the hotels provided by the SPZP-2000 Organizers. Some sayas might stay with their former colleagues or students. The contact info is helpful for arranging gatherings and tours.
Civil Sayas’ Address & Contact Number in Singapore
Organizers
The Second RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was hosted by the sayas and alums in Singapore.
Saya U Moe Aung (Chair), Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing, Sayama Daw “Emma” Tin Tin Myint, Saya U Aung, Saya U Tin Lin, and Saya Dr. Dr. Soe Thein are some core members of SPZP-2002.
The RIT gathering at the Thingyan festival and musical gala at NTU helped with the planning and implementation of SPZP-2002.
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung
SWEL DAW YEIK SAR SAUNG for SPZP-2002 (Singapore).
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) & team published the commemorative issue.
They reprinted my poem (first published in the web pages of http://www.ex-rit and the commemorative newsletter). Thanks.
“Don Min” U Yu Swan, U Moe Myint, Daw Moh Moh Han, U Myint San (“Tet Lu”), U Aung Kyaw Myint (“ko Ba Kyaw”) and many other talented Geeta Ah Nu Pyinnar Shins helped with the entertainment for SPZP-2002.
SPZP-2007
U Nyan Win Shwe (Chair)
Saya U Moe Aung (Chief Editor of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung)
See “SPZP-2007 Diary”
SPZP-2010
Saya U Moe Aung (Chair; Chief Editor of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung)
Yangon SPZPs
SPZP-2004 was held in Yangon, but not at the Gyogone campus. The Tsuanami-related tremors did not deter the sayas and alums from attending SPZP-2004.
SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016 were held at the Gyogone Campus.
SPZP-2012 was the first True Home Coming
SPZP-2016 was the Free All Day Event
SPZP-2004 in Yangon
The following appeared in the ReUnion 2004 Home Page
RIT Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe – 2004 Yangon, Myanmar 26th December 2004
Morning : Saya Pu Zaw Pwe
Date : Sunday, December 26, 2004 Time : 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am Place : Myanmar Convention Center (MCC)
Evening : Dinner & Entertainment
Date : Sunday, December 26, 2004 Time : 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Place : Dusit Inya Lake Hotel
Pu Zaw Pwe Office & Contact
Office : United Engineering Co Ltd Corner of Wayzayantar Road & Yadana Road Thingangyun Township 11071 Yangon MYANMAR
Contact : U Zaw Min (Mechanical 1975) U Hla Win (Mechanical 1975)
The Third RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was hosted by the sayas and alums in Myanmar. U Win Khaing (M 75) & his team (U Zaw Min, U Hla Win) formed the core of the Yangon-2004 SPZP Organizers. An earthquake that morning did not deter the attendees.
SPZP-2012
Tears of Joy
SPZP-2012Attendees
When alums learned that SPZP-2012 will be held at their alma mater (which had been largely neglected and turned into dilapidated building with bushes around), tears of joy fell.
When alums learned that the Stage-3 cancer survivor “Seik Kyi” (Cartoon Myint Pe) and his fellow cartoonists will revive the Cartoon Box, and also publish a collection of “RIT cartoons” (at a modest price of K1500), they was laughter and echoes of “walking down memory lane”.
When alums learned that the multiple ICU visitor Ko Saw Lin (C71) would head not only the main preparation committee of SPZP-2012, but also publish the 350+ page commemorative SWEL DAW YEIK MAGAZINE, reprint limited copies of the 23 vintage RIT Annual magazines, their spirits became high.
When alums learned that Sayagyi U Ba Than, Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team would take the first (scoped but important) step to compile the “History of University Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar”, the importance and uniqueness of SPZP-2012 became evident.
Homage at SPZP-2012
December 30, 2012 saw several Union ministers and deputy ministers sitting on the lawn alongside the alums and paying respect to the sayas and sayamas for their “Arcariya” virtues (irrespective of age and experience). That day saw sayas, sayamas, and alums endure the hot sun to bask in the glory and memories of the hey days. That day saw the re-emergence of RIT glory and the close bond of alums spanning five or more decades.
SPZP-2012 will go down in engineering history as one of the historic and memorable events (which many had feared would not see in their life time).
Thanks to the unsung heroes for carrying on the noble tradition.
SPZP-2016
SPZP-2016U LinBag for attendees
All-Day Free Event was held at the Gyogone Campus.
Free food for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in the morning.
Reunion Dinner & Entertainment took place in the evening.
Updates
Effects of Jara, Byadi & Marana are noticable
Several sayas — U Ba Toke, U Num Kok, U Ba Than, U Khin Aung Kyi, U Min Wun — are now GBNF
Some sponsors — Steeve Kay, David Ko — are now GBNF
Some organizers — Saya Allen Htay, U Win Khaing, U Saw Lin — are now GBNF
SPZP-2020 was canceled due to the pandemic
Some PZPs are conducted online
At some PZPs, attendees pay homage while standing. Sayas remain seated at their tables (do not have to go on stage).
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
Took United Airlines from San Francisco International airport
Flight was delayed for more than two hours because the computer system was down
Our plane was diverted to Syracuse airport in New York to refuel and to wait there until Newark (New Jersey) airport — which had experienced traffic congestion — could handle the incoming flights
Ivan Lee (M69) was aware of the flight delay. He picked us up at the airport.
He would be our host & trip coordinator.
Selected events from the trip are described below.
July 10, 2015
On the road to NYC
Ivan took us — Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Daw Emma, my spouse & me— on a New York tour.
We felt like “honored guests” because New York City was lined up with fans — young and old — of the US women’s soccer team which won the World Championship for the third time.
July 11, 2015
NJ GatheringSix 69ers & Two Sayas
Ivan hosted a gathering in honor of Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC).
Ivan had hosted the RIT-UCC gathering for several years.
Attendees include Richard Than Se (ChE62, classmate of U Soe Paing), Fred Thegyi (M69), U Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69), U Toung (Tom, EC69), U Sein Myint (EC76, UCC), Daw Sao Mon Sint (Cindy, UCC), U Mya Aung (UCC), U Soe Myint (UCC) and Ivan’s relatives (who displayed their culinary skills).
There were six 69ers at the gathering.
July 13, 2015 (Windsor, Canada)
Windsor Breakfast
Sayagyi U Aung Khin was delighted to see his former students — Ivan Lee & Fred Thetgyi — drive a long way to pay respect to him.
Ivan provided his Mercedes & gas for the trip.
Fred drove most of the way to let Ivan have a light load. Fred also took photos of the trip.
Sayagyi allowed my spouse & I to spend the night at his guest room.
Sayagyi prepared “pe kyaw” and “mohinga” for breakfast the next morning for the four of us. He also gave mementos.
July 14 – 15, 2015 (Napean, Canada)
NapeanThousand Islsnds
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi hosted his former students for two days.
Showed us around Toronto
Took us to the Thousand Islands
July 16 -17, 2015 (Massachusetts)
MITU TAG & Daw KMM
Despite being busy working on two projects, U Tun Aung Gyaw took two days off to host his former classmates.
He took us to MIT & Harvard.
It has become a tradition to touch the “shining” shoe of Harvard’s statue (and make a wish). Fred touched with one hand and made a wish on behalf of his grand kid. Ivan touched with both hands (saying he need to make a wish on behalf of his six grand children).
July 18 – 19, 2015 (Connecticut)
Library
U Toung (Tom) & Daw Khin Myint (Kim) were our hosts for the Connecticut leg of our trip.
A photo was taken by Fred in front of one of the 30+ libraries at Yale University.
Another photo was taken by a waitress (who has a “FRED” tattoo on her arm in honor of her dad) at Table (10) of Frank Pepe’s pizza. Photos of the then young Bill Clinton, who frequented the pizza place, can be seen on the wall. She then checked Fred’s ID and agreed to have a picture together.
Pizza
Miscellaneous
On the way to Windsor, Canada we stopped to see Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. On a previous trip, I had seen Niagara Falls from the US side. Many say that the view from the Canadian side is better.
The speed limit in Canada was lower than that of US. The GPS had some hiccup inside Canada. We ended up late arriving at Sayagyi U Aung Khin’s house.
We just drove around Toronto on our way to Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi’s house. We prefer to be early than late.
U Tun Aung Gyaw lives in Shrewbury (about 50 miles from Boston). He was working on multiple projects.
Tom lives in Trumbull, Connecticut. He is retired. He often flew to Hong Kong to see his son & grandchild.
As a side trip, Fred took us to Pennsylvania (where he lives) & Maryland. We visited Liberty Bell & selected places. U Thein Han is my sole remaining uncle. He lives in Maryland.
Ivan had two PEs (from New Jersey and New York). He owns some real estate. He loves to cook. He plays accordion and harmonica. He is a Life time Platinum member of US Bridge Association. He is a Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000 and SPZP-2007. He is a major donor to the 69er Health Care Fund.
HlaMin 