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 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.
In the beginning, there was no RIT and of course no BEs. There was only the BOC College [of Engineering], Rangoon University. Saya Ba Hli was the Dean of Engineering. The degree conferred was B.Sc. (Engg).
Saya Allen Htay remembers that the Dean wanted every engineering student to attend at least one common course with his/her senior batch. Thus, by the time one graduates, everyone will be familiar with three batches: one’s own, one senior, and one junior.
Then, for a brief period, there was BIT (B for Burma). In anticipation for the opening of more engineering institutes the name was changed to RIT R for Rangoon).
Feedback (by Saya Dr. Aung Soe): In the summer of 1961 BIT/RIT was born. It was also the time that I started my teaching career.
Several years back, RIT became YIT (Y for Yangon). Now, there’s an MIT (M for Mandalay) and an engineering branch of DSA. The latest name for RIT is YTU (Yangon Technological University).
It’s been a looong time since I had to sit at the last row [according to the seating plan — you cannot take the exams unless you have 75% attendance] of the “Surveying” course taught by Saya U Min Wun; the field work was supervised by Saya U Aung Soe. I noticed that I could no longer read the blackboard and became “four eyes”.
I started compiling a list of RIT alumni and ex-faculty after I received emails from Saya U Soe Paing (from UK, after his four month visit to Burma). See “Saya’s corner”.
I received encouraging words. Better still, a lot of people including Saya K C Chiu (ChE63), Saya U Myat Htoo (C68), Ko Aung Khin (EP68), Ko Tint Lwin (Danny, M69), Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69), Lei Lei Myaing (Amy, T70), Than Than Yi (T71). Saya Ko Thein Aung (James, Met 72), Ko San Lin (Robert, (EC 73), Ko Maurice Chee (M75), Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76), Ko Hla Kyi (EC77), Ko San Myint Thane (Sammy, EC79), Ko Aung Win Myint (Kevin, EC80), Ko Aung Myint Oo (EC84), Ko Yu Ket (Edward, EC85), Ko Nyunt Than (M86) contributed to the list. They have also become the de facto class reps.
On most Internet newsgroups, there are 20 – 100 readers for every writer. In our case, we have more contributors and active readers who provide useful feedback. The list has grown to 250+, and still growing.
I gained (or re-gained) contact with my Sayas (including Sayagyi U Min Wun and Saya Dr. Aung Soe), classmates, and schoolmates. Also, I learned that there have been semi-reunions and reunions in California, Singapore, Sydney, and Yangon.
I hope this newsletter will serve as a starting point for a “Virtual (world-wide) reunion” and also bring back fond memories. Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myat Htoo and Ko Tint Lwin (Danny) have promised to write in the forthcoming newsletters.
Feedback: The list has grown, within a day, to 280+.
SAYA’S CORNER
From UK, Saya U Soe Paing (EC) writes: During our recent visit to Burma, I saw Ko Tin Htut in Rangoon. He told us that Dr Aung Gyi would be visiting Burma. We managed to contact Dr Aung Gyi and we had a small get together at our house. The following came. Dr Aung Gyi and Ma Emma, Dr Khin Maung Win (Metallurgy) and Margaret, Ko Kyin Soe & Chit Chit, Ko Sein Win (Electrical Power), Soe Min (my classmate and ex Instructor in RIT) and Dr. Than Htaike (Chemical Engineering). Han Tin (Rector of the Institute of Education) was also there.
Played golf with Ko Maung Maung Than. He is now the advisor at the DSA Engineering college in Maymyo. They have appointed retired RIT sayas. S. Arya is one of them and I met him in town. Also saw Ko Thein Lwin in Rangoon and Ko Tu Myint & Myitzu in Singapore.
From Singapore, Saya U Tu Myint (Mech) writes: Thanks for the info. Nice to talk about the good old days. I think it’s a good idea to keep Old RIT Colleagues informed, especially when we are getting old. Awaiting for more news. Perhaps scan in some photos.
From Los Angeles (California), Sayagyi U Min Wun (Civil) writes: Ko Hla Min, what a surprise to get in touch with you again after such a long time. Sorry for this late response. My pc was disconnected from the Network after Y2K Remediation. Anyhow, my name has already been included in the Ex-RIT listing. Thanks for the long list. Please keep in touch.
From Chicago (Illinois), Saya Dr. Aung Soe (Civil) writes: Ko Hla Min: Thanks for the list. U Chin Way from LA passed away a few years ago. Aung Myint Thwin, one of my students, is in Singapore. I was told Aye Win Kyaw, ex civil staff, is also in Singapore. … Thanks for the photo [of the RIT Sayas; photo credit: Saw Yu Tint (Alice)]. With certainty I can name the followings: U Ba Than, U Sein Win, U San Tint, U Tin Maung
Saya U Soe Paing (EC) adds: Here are the names of the RIT Sayas in the picture:
Front row L to R: Ko Kyaw Thein(C) {picture not really clear}, Ko Shwe Yi (Tex), Ko Myo Kyi (E), Ko Sann Tint (E), Ko Sein Win (E), U Ba Than (M), U Sein Shan (Math), Ko Khin Maung (M), Ko Kyin Soe (Auto/Mech), Ko Ba Myint (E).
Back row L to R: Christopher Maung (C), S. Arya (M), U Kyaw (A), Ko Phone Myint (Workshop), Ko Soe Minn (E), Ko Tin Maung (C), Ko S. Kyaw Aye (M), Ko Han Tun (M), Ko Kyaw Sein I (M), Ko Kyi (M), Ko Soe Lwin (M), Ko Tin Win(C), Ko Kyaw Win (Mining or Petroleum).
ALUMNI NOTES
From Danville (California), Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) writes: I would like to make a proposition that I hope you will agree. Why don’t we organize an “Old RIT Colleagues/Graduates” get-together sometime in this Summer? Saya Allen Htay and myself were talking about it a couple of weeks ago. Actually, we have done a similar gathering of Civil Engineers in San Francisco about twelve years ago while Dr. Aung Gyi and Mama Emma were visiting us. I think it’s about time to have a gathering for RIT graduates of all principles. My suggestion is to do it in San Francisco since I think it has a biggest concentration of RIT graduates. We could ask U Nyo Win and Maurice Chee for their help. This is just my thought.
From Japan, Saya Dr. Myo Khin (Ci70) writes: You have done a great job for the RIT old boys and teachers. I’ve been in Japan for ten years already and doing the same job as teaching at the University. This coming October 1999, I will be attending the ACI fall convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Please say hello to all our friends and Sayas in the states.
From Singapore, Ko Tint Lwin (Danny) (M69) writes: We had a great 30th re-union of our 1969 RIT Graduates in Rangoon, Burma on Feb. 20, 1999. About 120 of the graduates and about 30 lecturers attended. We really had a great time. The organizers told us that starting from year 2000, our 1969 graduates would have a re-union dinner every last Saturday in December every year. That’s a good idea and we can pass the word around and we could try to plan our holidays accordingly.
From UK, Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) adds: There was a saya ga daw pwe (paying respects to the teachers) by the 1969 RIT graduates. We have pictures of the sayas and of course the RIT graduates.
From Benicia (California), Saya Ko Thein Aung (Met72) writes: I am so glad to read the message about our old teachers get together party in Burma. KC Chiu (ex-faculty, Chem), brother of Dr Aung Soe (C), had actively organized Dr Aung Gyi’s welcome party back in 1986 in Bay area and Saya U Aung Khin party last year. He is a founding member of BEA (Burmese Engineers Association) and also a Past President. He is preparing a list to send it to you.
From Vallejo (California), Saya Dr. KC Chiu (ChE63) writes: Ko Hla Min: I am impressed by the list you have assembled. I would like to suggest the followings: – delete the name of the deceased alumni – delete the Type column and use an * to identify ex-faculty – list the official name and put the name used in RIT as alias – except for some sayas, confirm the year of graduation from RIT (include BOC college, BIT, etc.) Attached is a list of RIT alumni in the US that come to my mind. Naturally, it will have some repeat in your list. We used to have an old list of RIT alumni in the bay area, I will try to find it. Thanks.
From UK, Ko Nyunt Aung (C73) writes: Dear U Hla Min, Thank you for sending me the list. It will be more helpful if you can provide us with more detail (i.e. full address, telephone nos & email address) so we can contact to those we knew. I do not know about the rest, but I am willing to include me details.
From Daly City (California), Gordon Kaung (M83) writes: I heard that you are compiling the e-mail info. of former RIT colleagues. It is very good idea and a clever way to keep in-touch one another. We can also discuss via e-mail to do good for our former school RIT including donating technical books and so on.
From Potomac (Maryland), Lei Lei Myaing (T70) writes: Special thanks to Ko Johnny for the compiling all information. I had the opportunity to take Sayas U Khin Maung Win and U Maung Maung Than sightseeing in Washington, D.C. when they visited the U.S. a few years ago. I also met Saya U Min Wun at a friend’s place in Virginia. Saya looked the same as before! I enjoyed seeing the former RIT list growing and getting to see the Sayas’ picture that Alice and Saya U Soe Paing sent. I am fortunate to see my former Textile and Chemical engineer friends whenever I visit Rangoon; the last gathering was at the Bon-Kyaung restaurant in Kokine. I also happened to bump into Alice at the Mingaladon airport!
Gone but not forgotten (GBNF)
Faculty U Sein Hlaing (Professor, Electrical) U Chin Way (Electrical) Alumni Ko Kyaw Oo (Mech 67) Duga Raj (Civil 68)
With metta, Hla Min
Editor’s Note:
I have completed 20 years as a volunteer editor of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter & Updates”. While I still have a reasonably good memory and good health, I am sharing my experience, knowledge and memories (especially of the Good Old Days). My postings can be found in (a) e-mails (b) Lifelonglearning140.wordpress.com (web site) (c) hlamin.com (web site) (d) RIT-update@Googlegroups (d) FB pages for (i) RIT Updates (ii) Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (iii) NorCal RITAA (iv) RIT69ers (v) Team Old School IT (vi) PBRS Group Special thanks to my family members who wholehearted support “Paying Back to my Alma Mater”.
We are organizing a milestone birthday (soonkway) and appreciation celebration for our alumni icon U Hla Min at Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA), Half Moon Bay on August 20, 2016 from 9:00AM to 3:00 PM.
I will be sponsoring my signature Indian (Chicken) and Chinese (baby back spare rib ) Dan Pauk, Benny (Mohingar), Saya Maung Maung (samosa), Daw San San Swe (Chin-Paung-Kyaw), Ko Hla Kyi (Bannana Dessert), Ko Gordon Kaung and Lillian Kaung (a tray of desserts).
You are welcome to sponsor, contribute and volunteer to help with the event.
To provide adequate foods, please send in your RSVP to mcmauchee@gmail.com by August 7, 2016.
Please come and join us to celebrate this special day with a mindful and cheerful party and we look forward to seeing you all to show our appreciation to U Hla Min for taking care of RIT newsletter as Chief Editor for the past seventeen years.
Saya U Tin Htut will be flying in from Los Angeles to attend the RIT mini-gathering. Saya was a member of the Organizing Committee for SPZP-2000. He is a co-founder and Past President of BASES.
Event address
Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA) 17450 S. Cabrillo Highway, CA 94019 Half Moon Bay CA 94019 U.S.A Phone: 650-712-9165
I have been asked whether they can bring friends and family members to Ko Hla Min’s birthday celebration at TBSA, Half Moon bay, on August 20, 2016. The answer is Yes, per the Myanmar tradition any ah hlu ah tan is open to all well beings (alumni, non-alumni, friends and dhamma friends of Ko Hla Min).
With metta, Maurice Chee, M75
Appreciation
From Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59)
Dear U Hla Min,
We regret that we will not be able to join the celebration of your birthday at the Theravada Buddhist Society of America on August 20, 2016.
There is no doubt that the attendance will be large and all the Burmese foods will be mouth-watering and delicious. We are sure all the attendees will have a good time and leave the celebration venue with a fond memory.
We admire you for all the good deeds and sacrifices you have been doing over the past decade for the benefits to oversea Burmese immigrants not only in the bay area, Southern California, the United States and over various parts of the world. Keep up the good work!
We expect to meet you at the annual Nor Cal RITAA dinner on September 17,2016. We wish you a happy birthday and our best regards to your beloved Daw Sein Yee.
Sain Fone & Sylvia
From Salim Mayet (M67)
Dear U Hla Min,
Wish you a very happy birthday. I admire you for all the hard work you have been doing for more than a decade to keep us informed about RIT sayagyis, sayamas and other members. Thank you.
Salim Mayet (M 67)
From Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
(a) May I wish to your beloved grand daughter “Grace”.
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE TO COME
No doubt that she will become a smart little adorable girl. My grandson will be two years in coming Sept. He gives us hope and happiness. Each and every movement is interesting and adorable for us. I’m sure you and Ma Sein feel the same.
(b) Many Happy Returns of the Day. Wish you could spend your life per your wish with Dhamma, family and friends.
Have a nice and memorable gathering.
With Metta,
Rosie
From Saya U Khin (Lucien Chen, RIT English, Taipei)
Dear Hla Min,
I have been an ardent “fan” of your RIT Newsletter updates ever since you included me in your mailing list at the suggestion of Des Rodgers many many years ago.
You have made a great contribution to the RIT community by bringing the RIT alumni, sayas and sayamas together through your reports, messages, photos, etc. in the RIT Newsletter and also through your persistent efforts in carrying on the good work against all odds. Who is going to fill your shoes after you retire?
I spent the best years of my life (1964 ~ 1968) at the RIT and I cherish the good old days I had at the RIT with my former colleagues at the English Department such as Saya Desmond Rodgers, Saya U Win Mra, Saya U Joe Ba Maung, Saya Sao Kangyi (deceased), Saya U Kyaw Lwin Hla, Sayama Daw Yin Yin Mya (Terry), Sayama Daw Charity Sein U, Sayama Daw Khin May Lwin (Muriel), Sayama Daw Tin Tin Oo (Toni), Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (Anne), among others; my former colleagues at other engineering departments and non-engineering departments such as Saya U Tin Maung (Civil), Saya U Christopher Maung (Civil), Saya Allen Htay (civil), Saya Dr K.C. Khoo (Chemical), among others; and my former students Tin Tin Myint (Emma), Khin Phyu Latt (Christine), Tin Tin Hla (Su Tin), Sai Kham Sang, Pamela Myo Min, George Lim, among others.
I hope you will have a great time at the birthday party that will be hosted in your honor on August 20th at Half Moon Bay, California, by your former classmates, colleagues, sayas and sayamas.
I shall also be wishing you a happy birthday in absentia from this part of the world, and hope you will have many happy and healthy returns of the day in the years to come.
Sincerely yours, Lucian Chen (Saya U Khin)
From Saya U Tin Htut (M60, Los Angeles)
Yes, I will be glad to join you all in the celebration.
Tin Htut
From Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) and spouse
Dear Ko Hla Min,
See you at the Half Moon Bay Monastery this Saturday.
Thanks for your dedication and untiring effort in keeping us all in touch with alumni all around the world.
Also wishing you the very best on your Birthday and many more to come.
Best regards, George & Eng Eng Chan
From Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70) and Angelina
Dear Ko Hla Min,
You’ve spent years sharing your amazing memories and wonderful writing ability with all of us from RIT, YIT, etc.
I like to thank you for sharing your wonderful RIT spirit and making a positive difference for so many people. Time is the most precious thing and you have generously shared your time and talents with all of us year after amazing year.
Congratulations and all the best to you on your milestone birthday. May you live long, happy and healthy and may all your dreams and wishes come true.
All the best, Benny and Angelina Tan
From Gordon Kaung (M83) and Lillian Kaung (EC83)
Hello Saya Hla Min:
We wish you the happiest of B-days, and many many more to come!
We will bring a bottle of premium iNapaWine for you and ama to enjoy at your B-day (we know ama will definitely enjoy our premium wine to stay healthy, and take good care of you).
With lots of metta, Gordon and Lillian Kaung Wine Maker
From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L Tin Htun, EE59)
Dear Ko Hla Min:
From reading the recent emails in your “Update”, tomorrow will be a great “Happy Birthday Bonanza Party” for you. It will surely be a fun, exciting and memorable event for all attendees.
We wish you a wonderful Happy Birthday and many many more returns.
Best regards, Chris and Pam Lee
U Myint Soe (M79)
He emailed me three photos.
U Soe Thu (C98)
He e-mailed me the Group Photo taken in front of U Silananda Hall at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay.
U Chan Min, who rowed for the Institute of Economics, became a monk at Dhammananda Vihara after his retirement. His crew members include U Htin Kyaw (Peter) and U Soe Thinn. He also attended the computer classes at UCC in Rangoon.
From U Tha Aung (M79) & Daw Kinsa Maw-Naing (ChE79)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Happy Birthday and to say thank you for all your efforts in keeping RIT alumni connected globally. Even though we don’t have much to say, we always follow your updates.
May you have a happy healthy long life and lots of ku-tho.
With metta from Tha Aung & Kinsa
Editor’s notes :
Appreciate your work hosting mini reunions in Canada and for volunteering as SPZP2016 representatives. Sayamagyi Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing was my English teacher in I Sc(A).
From Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67)
Happy Birthday Ko Hla Min and cutie pie!
I appreciate all you hard work and dedication to RIT Alumni newsletter.
Sorry I cannot attend the event.
Thanks for your appreciation
Dear Sayas and Colleagues,
It is truly amazing to be appreciated by sayas and alumni. The following are examples.
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma called from Canada to wish my Cutie Pie and me. They also sponsored “Tohu Thoke တို့ဟူးသုတ်” for the attendees. Sayagyi sent Maurice his congratulatory message for me to be read at the soon kyway gathering. See the following section for details.
Saya U Tin Htut flew in from Southern California.
Ko San Lin (M 87, “Maung Lu Pay”) took time off from work to attend the soon kyway.
Ko Kyaw Myint (M 83) delegated his “Flower shop” to his assistant to attend the soon kyway.
Ko Myint Soe (M79), who recently had knee surgery, requested Ko Aung Myint Oo (EC 84) to give him and his spouse a ride to the soon kyway.
Due to tight multiple schedules, Angelina & Benny Tan (M 70) came in separate cars so that Benny can have more time with his sayas and colleagues.
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M 60) will celebrate his 80th birthday in December. Saya only drive local short distance, so he asked Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) to give him a ride.
Daw Mu Mu Kin, spouse of Saya Allen Htay, had tears in her eyes. She said that Saya would wish to be at the RIT mini-gatherings. She gave me silk neck ties that were bought (but never worn) by Saya. She shares the birthday on August 18 with my Cutie Pie.
Maurice ordered a genericcake to celebrate Daw Mu Mu Kin, Ko Myint Swe (EP 74) and other August born.
Maurice hand crafted a custom “birthday greetings” card with extracts from the birthday greetings from the RIT updates. The messages from Saya Dr. San Hla Aung, Ko Tha Aung & Ma Kinsa Maw-Naing came in too late to be incorporated into the gigantic card.
Maurice spent countless days organizing the event. Following the tradition of his late father Uncle U Wah Kyu, he also prepared custom birayani (dan bauk ဒန်ပေါက်).
Charlie Tseng (EC70) and Diana Tseng (ChE71) ordered two large birthday cakes.
The full list of food donors and sponsors is maintained by Maurice.
Johnson Lim (cousin of Robert San Lin) needs a human walking “cane” (his beloved spouse). They are regular food donors at most events.
Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75) rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She brought “Kyee Oh See Kyet ကြေးအိုးဆီချက်”. She also gave a ride to two Textile grads: Ko Than Htay (T75) and Ma Bibsu (T76).
Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She and Saya U Myo Min fetched Saya U Tin Htut (her elder brother) at the air port and also brought him to the Half Moon Bay monastery.
Gordon Kaung (M 83) and Lillian Kaung (EC 83) drove close to 3 hours from Napa. They also brought a bottle of iNapa Premium wine and desserts.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) spent a decade or so as President of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America) at Half Moon Bay monastery. Today was a sort of “welcome back” for him and Ma Ku (Daw Hnin Maung Maung).
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE 66) is a Past President of NorCal RIT Alumni Association and a founding member of RIT Alumni International. He and Daw Eng Eng (sister of Saya U Myat Thwin, ChE 66) brought samoosa.
There were a few young and not so young alumni at the event. They include Ko Soe Thu (C98) and Ma Thandar.
Saya U Nyo Win (M65) and spouse were caught in the traffic.
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) and Sandra (M76) brought their daughter.
Dr. Myint Thein (M73) talked about his “Htaik Htar ထိပ်ထား” Daw Nyo Nyo Win (T73) and provide examples of “Applied English” (e.g. “air cut” for stroke).
Award
Award
Received appreciation award for helping the sayas and alumni to get connected via the RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates since 1999.
It was the second award from the RIT Community.
I received the first award at SPZP-2000 along with Maurice and KMZ.
A summary was published in the Magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of ICST.
Founders
Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe founded Universities’ Computer Center with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min, and Saya U Ko Ko Lay
They led TOSS (Team Of System Specialists), which assisted the computerization of government departments and organizations.
Dr. Chit Swe
Dr. Chit Swe
My mentor at UCC
Alumnus of Mandalay University; Imperial College, London University; University of Glasgow; University of Liverpool
Head of Maths Department at the Institute of Economics when he proposed the UCC project
Became Professor of Maths at RASU and Founder-Director of UCC
Retired as Rector of RASU
Continued teaching and supervising research in Thailand and Australia.
Passed away in Sydney Australia in late 2019.
Obituary
U Soe Paing
U Soe Paing
My mentor at RIT & UCC
Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in the whole of Burma and won Collegiate Scholarship
In the RU Convocation in 1958, he won two medals: one for highest score for combined I.Sc. (A) and I.Sc.(B), and another for joint highest score for Mathematics in combined I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
While attending classes at the Faculty of Engineering, he was awarded a Government Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
In 1964, he joined EE Department at RIT as Assistant Lecturer.
Helped with the UCC Project. In April 1971, Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division.
M.Sc. (CS) from University of Southampton, UK
Wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” in a computer magazine in Myanmar. It was re-posted in “Mandalay Gazette”
Retired from UN after working on UN projects in several countries.
In July 2020, he gave an interview to MASTAA.
U Myo Min
U Myo Min
Matriculated as a top student from SPHS in 1958.
Won a Gold medal in 1960 for standing first among the I.Com students.
Won another Gold medal in 1962 for standing first among the B.Com (Accounting) students.
Chartered Account
Worked for IBM UK
Returned to Burma
Joined UCC as Manager of Applications
Masters in System Engineering from the University of Lancaster, UK
Later worked in Singapore and USA
U Ko Ko Lay
U Ko Ko Lay
Classmate of U Soe Paing at SPHS and Stanford University.
While attending classes at the Faculty of Engineering, he was awarded a Government Scholarship to study BSCE and MSCE at Stanford University.
Joined PWD as an assistant engineer.
Dr. Chit Swe & U Soe Paing recruited him to help with the UCC project.
In April 1971, Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Operations Division
Masters in System Engineering from the University of Lancaster, UK
Later served as Manager for Scientific Applications at UCC, Professor of Computer Science at DCS, and Professor of Information Systems at ICST.
There were two Sayas named Hunter at the University of Rangoon.
Matthew Hunter taught Physics and Chemistry, and also studied Geology. He served as Principal of Rangoon College. He tried to persuade the student leaders of the 1936 RU Strike. The students explained, “We are not protesting you. We are protesting to have changes to the University Act.” He loved the students very much. Tears fell when he had to bid farewell after retiring from Rangoon University.
Some awards (given out at the early Convocations) are named after “Matthew Hunter”.
Mark Hunter (John Mark Hunter) taught and wrote on English Literature. He was a member of the Commission responsible for the implementation of the Rangoon University Act of 1920. He later served as Professor at RU.
Judson
Andoniram Judson Jr. (1788 – 1850) was the most significant American Baptist Missionary to Burma. His supervisors told him that it would be a tough task. There were a few ABMs before him, but they did not stay long.
Judson and his team (which included some former dhamma teachers) compiled the English-Burmese and Burmese-English Dictionaries (see photos of two editions).
Dictionary 1Dictionary 2
Judson published the Burmese translation of the Bible.
He helped found the association for Baptists.
He is honored by having a church and a college named after him.
In 1920, Judson Collegeand Rangoon College became constituent colleges of the newly established University of Rangoon.
Two buildings for Judson College were donated by the American Baptists.
The Willington Hall was built in memory of two families — the Vintons and the Johnsons — of the Church of Willington for their missionary work in Burma. It was later known as Dagon Hall.
The Benton Hall was donated by Ms. Benton (Treasurer of the Judson Church and/or Judson College). It was later known as Thiri Hall.
Note: Depending on the period, a Hall may house classrooms or may be used as a hostel. There was also a building named North Hall (which later became Shwebo Hall).
Examples of evolution of halls
Mandalay Hall was a Residence Hall.
After the “Dark Days” (7th July and 8th July 1962), several Residence Halls were converted into Admin Offices and/or Classrooms.
Mandalay Hall was a temporary home for the UCC project before moving to Thamaing College Campus.
Geology majors had most of their classes at Mandalay Hall.
G-Hall in the Gyogone Campus initially housed single sayas.
In November 1964, G-Hall became a resident hall for female students. Madan Chand (C70) was inadvertently listed to reside at G-Hall. Lyo Kyin Sein (T69) was inadvertently listed to attend at a men’s Hall (e.g. C-Block)
Burmese
In the early days, several languages (e.g. Pali) were taught by the Department of Oriental Studies.
Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin (Pali and Burmese Scholar) proposed to have a separate Burmese Department.
Sayagyi translated Pali books (e.g. Visuddhi Magga) and Suttas (e.g. Dhammacakka and Anattalekkhana) into English.
ICS U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa), U Thein Han (Zawgyi) and U Wun (Minthuwun) were the early Burmese (Honors) students of Sayagyi. The trio is also known as co-founders of the Khit San Sar Pay movement.
U Sein Tin was a victim of a bungled burglary or the case of mistaken identity.
U Thein Han was offered to do Masters by both the Burmese Department and the English Department, but he chose to study Library Science in the UK. He succeeded U Khin Zaw as Chief Librarian of the Rangoon University Central Library.
U Wun studied Linguistics and Literature in the UK. He headed the Translation Department at the University of Rangoon. He later served as Professor of the Burmese Department, and as Visiting Professor at the University of Osaka at the invitation of Professor Harada (pen name : Chit Mann Nwe). He is the father of U Htin Kyaw (former President).
In December 2019, the Myanmar Sar Htar Na (Burmese Department) unveiled a statue honoring Sayagyi.
Met Daw Tin Tin Myaing (Brenda Pe Maung Tin, Sayagyi’s daughter) at Winner Inn. She attended the unveiling of Sayagyi’s statue. She was also a guest at the Fund Raising Concert for RU Centennial. Two friends mentioned that his spouse (an Old Paulian) passed away in UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some Posts
Per Hlaing Bwa : According to a “Shay Hmi Nauk Hmi” Saya, U Chit was detained for “providing food to the University Student Protesters”. He was questioned repeatedly for the rationale of his work. He wrote, “The students are my benefactors. I therefore need to repay their kindness in times of need.” Finally, a relative with connections managed to secure the release of U Chit. Sadly, he passed away 8 months later. He is an “unsung hero.”
Per Myo Thaik : He witnessed the “Tha Dar Phyu” (later referred to as “Tha Dar Ni”) incident and endured a tear gas bomb. His posts are based not only on his experience (recorded as dairy entries), but also on other sources : Gabriel (Thet Tun) and a post from the on-line forum.
Poems
Yadana Thu
Novem Pink
Min Oo Idw
Memories
Saya U Khin Zaw (Workers’ College)
U Tin Aye
Thann Htutt Aung
Dr. Thwe Oo : Daughter of Saya U Khin Maung Nyunt and Sayama Daw Mya Mya Nu
Dr. Jillian Phyu Maung : Grand daughter of Saya U Aung Khin (Chemistry)
The Matriculation Only examination was held in May 1963
In the previous years, the examination was for High School Final and Matriculation (combined). Those who matriculated are eligible to study at the university.
SPHS students were outstanding in the Matriculation of 1963. There were five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten and ten in the Top Twenty. The following were awarded Collegiate Scholarship. Khin Maung U (First) Min Oo (Second) Myo San (Freddie, Third, GBNF) Nyunt Wai (Victor, Fourth) Thein Wai (Fifth) Hla Min (Seventh) Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny, Ninth) Maung Maung Kyi (Eleventh, GBNF), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, Thirteenth, GBNF) Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Seventeenth)
Fourth of nine siblings : Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Ba Than (M, GBNF), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon (A60), Saya U Myo Min (UCC), U Thaung Lwin (EC66), Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
Daw Myint Thwe (Seated 2nd from Right)
Children : Ma Tin Tin Hlaing (UCC) & Ko Htay Aung (EC80, UCC), Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83, UCC), Min Thet Tun (GBNF)
HlaMin 