U Hla Moe (Dawei) was Cox of the Senior Novices Winning Crew : U Than Soe (M63, RUBC Gold), U Yin Maung, U Chit Swe and Dr. Byron Law Yone (GBNF).
U Ba Than (Fitness Teacher, Palmistry Expert) warned him (who was planning a trip home before coming back to Rangoon to become a temporary monk) of an impending danger.
He replied, “I had an accident that left scars on my face. It is safe to go on the Schooner owned by my father”.
The Schooner sunk at sea. A rescue ship eventually saved three crew members, who reported that U Hla Moe was helping others before they lost sight of him.
Thanks to Saya U Soe Paing for his great endeavour in visiting the UCL (Universities’ Central Library) numerous times [in January 2012] to gather and record invaluable information relating to RIT (and BOC college of Engineering as well). And thanks to you for archiving all through your emails and keeping all RITians gelled together.
Only when did Saya U Soe Paing mention Engineering Students’ Magazines, that I happen to recall one Engineering Students’ Magazine in which I was part of it. That was in Academic Year 1960-1961. I was still an Electrical Engineering Student at that time (2nd year, or, by the present calling, 4th year). At Rangoon University (Main University) they had a University Students’ Union (in Burmese, Thud Meg-ga is translated as Union), and we had correspondingly an Engineering Students’ Union as well at our Faculty of Engineering at Leik-Khone (Dome), Prome Road.
At that time I met one Ko Hla Tin (Civil) who was my senior and several years older than me, staying at Prome Hall which was adjacent to Leik Khone, only separated by a fence. He was an avid poet (pen name Kay-tu Win Tint, from Taunggoo) and I used to visit his room at Prome Hall to talk about poems and literature during lunch or break times. I also met one senior (can’t recall his name, I think Ko Sein Hlaing) who was the Secretary of the Students’ Union. After some lively discussions, we decided to issue an Engineering Students’ Union Annual Magazine and they made me the Chief Editor. The Magazine consisted of two sections, Burmese and English, of which Saya U Aung Khin (Mech) was the English Editor.
I still have the 1960-61 issue neatly tucked in a cupboard in Yangon.
Now I remember that Ko Sein Hlaing (EE?) is still in Yangon, helping to look after his grand children, but not in good health. Ko Sein Hlaing’s daughter was my daughter’s very close friend since their childhood days. We met once in Singapore about 12 years back.
Dear Ko Hla Min, this is the time to reminisce and be happy about the good old days and try to fly back with whatever time machine we could get hold of. Time really flies and we should realize that our days are numbered.
Publications
Saya published “Collection of Poems” : some books by himself (e.g. Pearl in My Heart) and some with collaborators (e.g. Swel Daw Poems).
He also published a collection of articles (e.g. Sea of Men & selected articles)
During one of my visits to Rangoon, he gave me an autographed copy of his book.
Autographed copyCoverMusings by Tekkatho Moe War and Maung Sein Win (Padeegone)
My Classmate for VIII(A), IX(A), X(A) and I.Sc.(A)
SPHS Std. VIII A
My Crew mate at RUBC
Best Man at my Wedding
Guinea Pigs
Our elders entered Rangoon University after passing the combined HSF & Matric examination
Had to take first ever HSF Only exam in 1962. All subjects except English were taken in Burmese.
Had to take the Matric Only exam in 1963
Kamma probably decided that we would not be in the RU Campus on the fateful 7th July, 1962.
HSF in 1962
Scored the highest marks in Chemistry in the first ever HSF Only exam in 1962
Matric in 1963
Gained distinctions in Chemistry & Maths, and barely missed in Physics.
Was a natural in Chemistry. Badly wanted to have distinction in Physics. Had to take some time during the Physics test to go to the rest room due to a minor illness.
Nevertheless, he stood 11th in the whole of Burma and won the Collegiate Scholarship of 75 Kyats a month.
Matriculation 1963
I.Sc. (A) / RUBC
Rowed as Bow in our SPHS Novice Crew. Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, first batch BDS, GBNF) was Stroke. Kyaw Wynn was No. (3). I was No. (2). Myint Thein (SPHS62, GBNF) was Cox.
We were Senior Novice Runner-up
Awarded Full Green
School Closure
Studied at Leik Khone College for a few months before the Revolutionary Council & Government shut down most Universities and Colleges except Engineering and Medicine.
The government wanted to quash the protests of the 7th July Anniversary.
Kamma probably decided that we should lose some more precious years of our lives and graduate 2.5 years later than those who were a year senior to us in High School.
Study in GDR
No one knew when the Universities would reopen.
Taking no chances, he & Kyaw Wynn accepted admission to study at Dresden University, GDR.
Studied Chemical Engineering with specialization in Pulp & Paper Technology.
Return to Burma
Was a Best Man at our Wedding in June, 1973.
Joined PPIC and worked on “Pulp and Paper” related projects.
Met Daw Khin May Than (ChE72), raised a family and later moved to Wales, UK.
Wales
Both sons became Medical doctors.
Rimon, the elder son, became a Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He led Rescue Teams.
Rimon perished in an avalanche. RAF notified Maung Maung Kyi & Khin May Than who were on the way to visit Myanmar. They received the sad news a short time after landing in Yangon. They had to hurry back to UK for their son’s last journey.
After that, he rarely spoke and smiled. Khin May Than painted and took walks twice a day to ease the aches and pains. They decided to move to Ogmore-by-the-sea.
Gave their old house to their second son, a medical doctor who had spent time in Japan and had come back to see the parents.
Trip to England and Wales
In September 2017, we visited the UK. My previous visit was in 1972.
My cousin nephew Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, GBNF) and his spouse Daw Win Mar hosted us with sumptuous dinner almost every day. Both loved cooking. Also drove us to Southern Wales to visit Maung Maung Kyi and Khin May Than at Ogmore-by-the-sea
The short but memorable reunion brought back smiles to Maung Maung Kyi.
Ogmore 1Ogmore 2
Updates
SPHS63
Three of the Collegiate Scholarship winners from SPHS63 are GBNF. Myo San (Freddie, 3rd in Burma), Maung Maung Kyi (11th) & Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, 13th).
RUBC Crew
Three crew mates are GBNF. Myint Soe (Willie Soe Maung, Stroke), Myint Thein (Cox) & Maung Maung Kyi (Bow).
Dr. Peter Tun
Passed away on April 13, 2020. He succumbed to Covid. See posts about him & Peter Tun Award.
Have spent 26 years (from 1999) paying back to my alma mater & my mentors
Thanks to my family members for their support.
1963
SPHS63
Received award given by SPHS for passing Matriculation (7th in Burma) Won Collegiate Scholarship
7th in Matriculation examination of 1963
Attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone
Senior Novices Runner-up at RUBC Monsoon Regatta with Willie Soe Maung (Stroke, GBNF), Kyaw Wynn (3), Maung Maung Kyi (Bow, GBNF) & Myint Thein (Cox, GBNF)
Attended RUBC 40th Anniversary Dinner hosted by Sithu U Tin (President, GBNF) at Kandawgyi
Received Full Green
1964 – 1969
Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964 as the Top Student
2nd BE
Selected RIT Luyechun in the Summer of 1965 and attended the LYC Camp at Inlay Khaung Daing.
Luyechun
Joint Secretary, Secretary & Magazine Committee, RIT EE Association
RIT EE
Treasurer and Vice Captain, RUBC
Editor, Newsletter published by RIT English Association
Started free lance writing (article, poem, translation …)
My poem “Men on the Moon” was published in the Guardian in July 1969
Poem
1970 – 1998
Generation Zero member of UCC (Universities’ Comouter Center) Hardware & Software Engineer Senior Systems Programmer Manager, Business Applications
UCC
Senior Lecturer, Computer Science, DCS (Department of Computer Science)
Associate Professor, Software Technology, ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology)
Worked for several high tech companies in Silicon Valley
1999
NewsletterChief Editor, RIT Alumni Newsletter
Started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”
It started with the news and photos of some gatherings back in Burma. (a) 30th Anniversary of the Graduation of the Class of 69 [reported by Ko Daniel Tint Lwin and Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice). (b) Mini-gathering with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and other sayas and senior alumni (reported by Saya U Soe Paing)
2000
SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000 First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, USA Core Organizer
Content Provider & Editor for the First RIT Web Site designed and implemented y KMZ / Khin Maung Zaw (EC76)
Special Web Pages for SPZP-2000
Commemorative Issue of the Newsletter for SPZP-2000 Chief Editor) Composed “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem
64 Countdown to the Reunion posts
36 Post-Reunion posts
2002
SPZP-2002 Second RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team Reprinted my “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem as Back Cover
2004
SPZP-2004 Third RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
Mild earthquake did not rattle the attendees
2007
SPZP-2007 Fourth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team Contributed a poem “SWE DAW YEIK”
2010
SPZP-2010 Fifth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team Contributed an article “Sad and short clip — EE sayas”
2012
SPZP-2012 Sixth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon Traveled twice (in March and December) to help with the SPZP
True “Home Coming” in the Gyogone Campus
With Steeve Kay (Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs)
Special publication : History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar by Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team. Ko Ohn Khine (M70) and I prepared the supplemental CD for the book.
Special publication: Selected RIT Cartoons
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by U Saw Lin and team
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by Saya U Moe Aung and team; I wrote an article “Recollections of a 69er”
Memories of a 69er (published in Swel Daw Yeik Magazine in 2014)
Paved Shwe YaDu lane and set up Swel Daw Yeik benches
Translated Saya U Moe Aung’s Shwe YaDu poem
2016
RIT/YIT/YTU Alumni Association Life Member
SPZP-2016 Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
10000+ attendees
Free food and fun (all day and all night long)
Platinum Jubilee for the Class of 69 Hosted by some 69ers for their friends (in their sunset)
Alumni Appreciation Award (received for the second time)
Soonkway at Half Moon Bay Monastery (organized by U Maurice Chee) Received Alumni Appreciation Award from alumni worldwide
Annual Dinner by Northern California RIT Alumni Association Received plaque signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (Chair, BOD), U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, President), and U Thaung Nyunt (Secretary)
Alumni Appreciation Award(received for the third time)
Attended SPZP-2016 and Platinum Jubilee of the Class of 69
SPZP-2016
2017
Attended Post-SPZP2016 Gatherings
Award Distinguished Toastmaster
DTM
2018
Memories of UCC 40+ posts
Trivia : 1000+ posts (on going) Several readers said that the posts are more than Trivia
Archived newsletters and posts in my website hlamin.com
2019
Panelist, 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
ILF
Golden Jubilee, RIT 69ers
GJ
Attended several gatherings and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes
2020
Invited to join the PSA 2020 Tour to Upper Burma
Broadcast Short talks (Videos) Archived in Facebook and Youtube
Moderator & Contributor RU Centennial Facebook Group
2021 – 2023
Due to pandemic, outdoor activities were put on hold
Overseas travel required certificate of Covid vaccine
Revise articles
Write new articles
Short Trips to Singapore, Thailand & Laos
2024 – present
In 2024, we celebrated (a) Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar (b) 60th Anniversary of RIT (c) Silver Jubilee of RIT Alumni Newsletter
In 2025, updating posts.
My educational videos can be accessed from YouTube. Search for @hmin3664
WPD and Loke Tha Pyi Thu Nayt Zin (လုပ်သားပြည်သူ့နေ့စဉ်) were two newspapers introduced by the Revolutionary Council & Government.
Chief Editors of WPD
U Khin Maung Latt was appointed as the first Chief Editor. He later resigned when Number One asked him if he wanted to be an Ambassador. Daw Khin Myo Chit replied, “Ko Latt can go back to teaching”.
U Khin Maung Latt, Daw Khin Myo Chit and young Khin Maung Win (later Dr.)
U Than Saw succeeded U Khin Maung Latt as Chief Editor. U Soe Myint, Assistant Editor, became U Than Saw’s son-in-law. U Soe Myint later became Chief Editor of Guardian.
G. Ko Lay (RUBC Gold), son of “Motley” Ko Ko, was Chief Editor at the time when I wrote poems and translations for WPD.
Sunday Supplement
The Sunday Supplement published translations by well known authors and scholars such as
MMT (U Myint Thein, Former Chief Justice, Former Ambassador)
Tet Toe (U Ohn Pe, Lexicographer)
ZMT (U Zaw Myint Thein, Former ambassador)
Sao Hso Holm (English Honors First Class, LLM, Former Sawbwa, Son of Arzani Mong Pawn Sabwa)
I was the exception.
Daw Khin Swe Hla, who wanted to encourage aspiring writers, requested me to translate “Nge Thay Loe” (short story by Saya U Thu Kha).
My translation “Still So Young” earned Fifty Kyats.
Maung Hlaing Phyo is one of my pen names.
Saya U Thu Kha was given remuneration of Fifty Kyats.
HlaMin 