Author: Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

  • 2017

    2017

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Breakfast Gathering at Crystal Jade

    At Crystal Jade

    Welcome

    • Some 69ers hosted a breakfast gathering at “Crystal Jade” to welcome Ko Sein Myint (EP69, Singapore) and me.

    Farewell

    • They bade farewell to Ko Tint Lwin (M69), who had to go back to Singapore to take care of his elder brother Saya U Thein Lwin (EE) and Sayama Daw May Than Nwe (Joyce).

    Transportation

    • Ko Ohn Khine (M70 took me to the breakfast gathering.
    • During my visits, he also took me to meetings for SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 & “History of Myanmar Engineering Education (HMEE)” Project.

    Attendees

    • Ko Shwe
    • Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel)
    • Ko Sein Tun
    • Ko Ohn Khine
    • Ko Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet)
    • Ko Aung Min
    • Ko Myint Thein (Kabar)
    • Ko Sein Myint
    • Ko Win Maung (“Lake”)
    • Ko Aung Min — Chair of the 69er HCF and a core organizer for 69er gatherings.

    Breakfast at Taw Win Hnin Si

    • 69ers hold a monthly breakfast gathering at “Royal Rose Restaurant (Taw Win Hnin Si တော်ဝင်နှင်းဆီ)”.
    • Ko Aung Min (M69) & team gave me two mementos: a sports jacket and a Tee shirt with the 69er Logo.
    • Major donors to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and the 69er Annual Dinner were also given commemorative Tee shirts.
    • Orders for the sports jacket and Tee shirt were taken from interested 69ers.
    • The group photo shows
    At Taw Win Hnin Si

    L to R : Ko Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Ko Ngwe Soe (Walter), Ko Myint Thein (Kabar), Ko Hla Min, Ko Tin Maung Aye, Ko Win Lwin, Ko Tin Tun

    EE69er breakfast gathering

    EE69er Gathering

    The group photo shows :

    • Standing : Ko Maung Maung, Ko Thein Swe, Ko Shwe
    • Seated : Ko Hla Min, Ko Than Hla (Cyril)
    • Ko Shwe is Treasurer for the 69er HCF and the EE 69er HCF.
    • Ko Maung Maung played volleyball at RIT. He is Joint Treasurer of the EE 69er HCF.

    At Winner Inn

    Winner Inn
    • The photo was taken at Winner Inn.
    • Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) came to pay respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than.

    Sayagyi U Ba Toke

    U Ba Toke
    • The photo was taken at Sayagyi U Ba Toke’s house.
    • Daw Thynn Thynn (Pansy, ChE74, daughter of Sayagyi) sent a car to Winner Inn to pick up Saya U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut (M60) and me.
    • U Ba Than pays respect to Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year.
    • Sayagyi U Ba Toke is a “Phwa Bet” of Rangoon University and the First RU Students’ Strike in December 1920.
    • Sayagyi has eight children (of which two passed away), many grandchildren and some great grand children.

    At Dhammananda Vihara

    Half Moon Bay
    • Ko Sein Myint’s daughter and son-in-law offered soon to the resident monks of the Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay (in Northern California, USA) for the first birthday of their daughter.
    • Ko Sein Myint has five children and four grand children.
    • Attendees include Ko Tin Myint (John Lee, M69) and Ma Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel Lee, T69).

    Updates

    U Ba Toke, U Ba Than, U Thein Lwin, Daw May Than Nwe, Kabar, Ko Thein Swe & Ko Tin Myint are now GBNF.

  • RUBC Magazines

    RUBC Magazines

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    RUBC

    Sir Arthur Eggar

    Rangoon University Boat Club was founded by Law Professor Sir Arthur Eggar in 1923.

    He provided a third of the salary for the operation of RUBC.

    1963

    I joined RUBC in 1963 along with my SPHS classmates : Maung Maung Kyi, Kyaw Wynn and Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe).

    For security reasons, the Annual Regatta for the 40th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC was cancelled.

    Sithu U Tin, President of RUBC, gave the go-ahead to celebrate the 40th Anniversary with a dinner gathering at a hotel in Kandawgyi.

    Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon & U Tin Htoon compiled the Souvenir Issue for the 40th Anniversary.

    2013

    Magazine
    Committee

    I served as a Contributing Editor of the Souvenir Issue for the 90th Anniversary of RUBC.

    U Tin Htoon (Chair), U Myo Myint (Vice-Chair), U Htaik San (Henry Kao, Secretary) and the members are shown in the Group Photo.

    I wrote Preludes for the sections, and three articles.

  • Uniform

    Uniform

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Meaning & Usage

    • It may mean “one form”.
    • One may study Uniform Distribution in Probability & Statistics.
    • Some schools may mandate their students to wear uniform on specified days (and may be every day).
    • Bogyoke Aung San and U Thant had a debate on Uniform during their University days.

    SPHS

    SPHS Uniform

    During our younger days, we had to perform drill at the School Sports and at the Aung San Stadium for specified events (e.g. Education Day Celebration). We had to dress up in uniform.

    The full uniform consisted of

    • Kakki pants
    • Long sleeved white shirt
    • Necktie
    • Badge
    • Coat
    SPHS Blazer & Badge

    Burmese Dress for Males

    • Pasoe ပုဆိုး (or Longyi လုံခြည်)
    • Taik Pon တိုက်ပုံ
    • Gaung Baung ခေါင်းပေါင်း

    The formal dress may be worn at functions (e.g. Award Presentation Ceremony).

    U Nu

    PPBRS Concert

    Sailor
    • Aung Myint (later Thamankyar Ko Myint) & Toe Nyunt were wearing Sailor uniform

    Engineering College

    C58

    Sayagyi U Ba Hli is seen in photos wearing a uniform.

    U Ba Hli

    UTC

    Those joining UTC (Universities’ Training Corps) were two sets of old uniforms. Most prefer to buy or order their own.

    UTC

    RUBC

    Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) awards Half Green, Full Green and Gold. RUBC specifies Dress Code for the award winners.

    RUBC 1
    RUBC 2

    Graduation

    The Admin, Staff and graduates dress up in specified uniforms (e.g gown & cap)

    USA Sports

    In the USA, sports team have at least two sets of uniforms: one for playing at Home, and another for playing away.

  • Yangon Times

    Yangon Times

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    True Home Coming in 2012

    World wide Saya Pu Zaw Pwes held in

    • California, USA in October 2000
    • Singapore in 2002, 2007 and 2010
    • Yangon in 2004 and 2012

    SPZP-2012 was held at the Gyogone Campus.

    It was a True Home Coming for the Alumni.

    Yangon Times Coverage

    Among the newspapers in Myanmar, Yangon Times proudly covered SPZP-2012 reminding the readers that it was the first time in four decades or so that the higher authorities permitted the RIT SPZP to be held at the Gyogone Campus.

    Pictures speak louder than words.

    Thanks to Sayagyi U Ba Than and U Ohn Khine (M70) for providing me copies of the Yangon Times.

    Capacity crowd at SPZP-2012
    Sayas (including Speakers)
    Aging sayas with indomitable spirit
    H.E. U Aye Myint never forgot his alma mater
    H.E. U Aye Myint was transferred to another Ministry before he could pay back fully to the Alma Mater and the Engineering Community

    Updates

    • SPZP-2016 was held at the Gyogone Campus. Free breakfast, lunch & dinner.
    • SPZP-2020 was canceled due to the pandemic.

    Posts

    • Newspapers & Magazines
    • Noble Tradition
    • SPZP
  • Chit Htun

    Chit Htun

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Sad News

    Dear friends,

    Ko Chit Htun (Mining) passed away at the age of 68 on 19 December 2011 (Monday). His funeral will be on 23rd December, 2011 at Yae Wai at 2 pm. He was a lecturer at YIT.

    Chit Htun

    We are going to meet his family this evening.

    With Metta,
    Aung Min ( M69 )

    Comments

    U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M 69) wrote :

    So sad to hear that Ko Chit Htun has passed away. Please send my deepest condolences to his family.

    U Aung Myint (M 69) wrote :

    Hi Danny,
    I met Ko Aung Min online yesterday just after he had sent out sad news to us. When I asked Ko Aung Min to send our condolences to Ko Chit Htun’s bereaved family, he mentioned to me that he’d donate Ks 100,000 from 69ers fund. Besides, Ko AM said he would go there in a few minutes when we were online.
    By the way, Ko Chit Htun, Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Mg), Kyaw Tint, Ko Taing Ok and I were together at ThaMine College hostels looking after RIT 1st yr students. I still remember him as a very jovial person. I believe Ko Chit Htun will now rest in peace.

    69ers GBNF (2011)

    • Aung Naing (Bahadhur, Min)
    • Chit Htun (Min)
    • Yin Kyu (M)

    Posts

    • 69ers
    • Gone But Not Forgotten
    • Mining Engineering
  • Soe Myint Lwin

    Soe Myint Lwin

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    4th in Last Row
    Obituary
    Soe Myint Lwin
    • Executive Committee member of the RIT Electrical Engineering Association.
    • Graduated from RIT in 1968 with B.E (EP).
    • Joined EPC (Electric Power Corporation) and retired as DyCE (Deputy Chief Engineer).
    • Played soccer for RIT, All Universities & Institutes, Electric Power Corporation (EPC) and Burma.
    • Passed away at the age of 72.
    • Cousin of Daw Thuzar (actress & spouse of Jeffery Tun Aung).

    U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EP76) wrote :

    I believe he left EPC as DyCE. Upon retirement he was active in football [soccer], became Technical Director/Team Leader with the Football federation. For all his efforts, he was awarded “Excellent Performance in Social Field (Third Class)” in January 2008.

    Posts

    • Awards
    • Electrical Engineering
    • GBNF
    • RIT
    • Soccer
  • Memories of U Silananda

    Memories of U Silananda

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    U Silananda
    • First Rector of ITBMU (International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University)
    • Passed away on August 13, 2005.
    • I served as Master of Ceremony at the Service.
    • I carried the Box of his Ashes and accompanied Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, President of TBSA) for the Scattering of the Ashes near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.

    Publication

    • Book in memory of U Silananda
    • I was a member of the Committee & Contributing Editor
    Book

    August 30, 2015

    • Attended 10th Anniversary of Sayadaw U Silananda’s demise
    • Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay
    Invitation

    Ceremony

    C 1
    C 2
    C 3
    C 4
    C 5
    C6
    C 7
    C 8
    C 9
    C 10

    Posts

    • Abhidhamma
    • Dhamma Publications
    • Sayadaws
    • Trail blazers
    • TBSA
  • SPZP-2004

    SPZP-2004

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Highlights

    • U Win Khaing (M75, GBNF) and his team (U Zaw Min, U Hla Win, …) are core Organizers of SPZP-2004.
    Hla Win (Right)
    • The event took place on December 26, 2004.
    • An earthquake that morning did not deter the attendees.

    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

    Contacts :

    U Zaw Min (Mechanical 1975)
    U Hla Win (Mechanical 1975)
    Hotline : 571321/ 571877/ 571990/ 571995
    Fax : 571288

    Website :

    http://www.sayapzpygn.com/

    Email : zawmin@uegroup.com.mm

    SPZPs in Yangon

    • December 2004 — Third world wide SPZP
    • December 2012 — Sixth world wide SPZP
    • December 2016 — Seventh world wide SPZP
    • Due to the pandemic, the world wide SPZP scheduled for December 2020 was canceled

    Posts

    • Alumni Worldwide
    • Gatherings
    • M75
    • Noble Tradition
    • Pu Zaw Pwe
  • Young at heart

    Young at heart

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Belles

    Former Models

    Some are Mae Daw မယ်တော်

    • Daw Than Yi (Maubin Ma Shwe Than) : Author, Publisher, Editor for Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
    • Daw Khin Myat Swe : Spouse & supporter of Tekkatho Moe War
    • Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie Gyi) : Editor of Swel Daw Yeik magazine
    • Daw Tin Myint Oo (Rosie Tin Maung) : Bilingual author, Vocalist
    • Daw Cho Cho Tin (Ma Sandar) : National Literary Award, Lifetime Achievement Award

    Memories

    Rosie Tin Maung
    Rosie Gyi
    Ma Than Yi
    Ma Sandar
  • March 13

    by Hla Min

    Updated: June 2025

    1988

    Phone Maw
    • It was a sad and dark day.
    • It was a milestone in the struggle to restore democracy in our beloved land.
    • Phone Maw was struck by a stray bullet. He passed away.
    Soon Kyaw invitation

    Celebrations

    • March 13 is observed as “Burma Human Rights Day” (e.g. in the City of Berkeley).
    • March 13 is known as “Phone Maw & Soe Naing” Nay.
    • Soon offerings are made in their memory.

    2016

    • RITAA was formed on March 13, 2016

    2018

    • A huge vinyl with the RITAA Logo was made available on March 13, 2018. Thanks to Ko Eric Foo for the photo and Mech Ko Lay for the vinyl copy.