BAPS is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was founded as a merger of BEA (comprising of senior engineers) and BASTS (comprising of young engineers, scientists and technologists).
Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF), Saya U San Tun (M59) and Saya Dr. K C Chiu (ChE63) served as President of Bay Area Burmese Engineers Association (BEA).
Burmese American Science and Technology Society (BASTS) was founded by young engineers and scientists (mostly graduates from USA). Some are children of RIT alumni. They include
Daniel Maung/Mao — son of Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62)
Eugene and Jonathan Shu — sons of U Aung Khin (James Shu, M70, GBNF)
With the approval of Sayagyi U Aung Khin, BEA and BASTS merged to become Burmese American Professionals Society (BAPS).
BAPS
I am a Life Member of BAPS.
I served as Contributing Editor for BAPS Newsletter.
BAPS Presidents
Saya U Nyo Win (M65)
Benny Tan (M70)
Maurice Chee (M75)
Edison Paw
Roger Sha
Daniel Mao
Edison, Roger and Daniel are founding members of BASTS.
BAPS Newsletter
Chief Editor : Henry Lim
Editors : U Thein Aung, Jane Wang
Contributing Editors : Linda Khaw, U Hla Min, Edison Paw, Mike Yin
Table of Contents (Sample)
Article on Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo
I wrote an article for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74, ex-UCC).
I had the honor to start the incinerator, and later to throw the ashes in the Santa Cruz waters.
The End of a Sad Saga
The weather was exceptionally beautiful this morning — not only in the Silicon Valley where we live and work, but also over the hills along Highway 17, and even in the coastal area around Santa Cruz. There were no fogs, mists, or clouds.
I am not an early bird, but I woke up really early this morning to prepare for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo’s final journey — the scattering of his ashes from a 35 foot trawler motor yacht, DESTINY.
On Saturday, 10th June, 2000, Dr. Khin Nyo Thet and Dr. Lyn Swe Aye had retrieved the cremated remains of HLN from Oak Hill Funeral Home (OHFH). OHFH had packed and sealed HLN’s ashes in a sturdy, shining metal box (in compliance with postal regulations). With the approval of HLN’s family members in Yangon, Myanmar, we decided to give HLN a sea burial.
RIT Alumni International had earlier sent an advance check of $75 to Captain Pete Petersen, skipper of DESTINY. In his brochure, Captain Petersen clearly stated that “inclement weather will result in a rescheduling”. We do not want high winds to prolong the sad saga. The unusually fine weather, according to Dr. Lyn Swe Aye, must be Htay Lwin Nyo’s kusala (kutho or meritorious deeds) and the well wishing of numerous friends and colleagues. We all agree.
Dr. Khin Nyo Thet had asked me to be at her house not later than 7:30 a.m. She was surprised but delighted when I showed up barely a few minutes after 7 AM. “It’s better to be early than late”, she said and gave me a cup of coffee and some biscuits [that looked and tasted like those way back in Burma]. Dr. Lyn Swe Aye had come back from his early biking round.
There was virtually no traffic on the way to Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. To cut the story short, DESTINY took off at 5 mph. There were no swells. More than a mile into the ocean waters, the Captain set the gears to neutral. Dr. Khin Nyo Thet scattered Htay Lwin Nyo’s ashes into the ocean waters. There were tears in her eyes. There was also relief knowing that she had done her best to give the last rites to Htay Lwin Nyo. We shared our merits once more to Htay Lwin Nyo.
The round trip took about 50 minutes or so. It was the finale of a sad saga.
Thanks to all those who endured with us. May Htay Lwin Nyo rest in peace.
Honoring U Nyo Win, Ko Benny and Ko Henry
On November 9, 2000, there was a special dinner at Ming’s seafood restaurant in Sunset, San Francisco to honor Saya U Nyo Win (M65), out-going president of BAPS and to welcome Ko Benny Tan (M70), the in-coming president. There were 30+ attendees. Saya U Nyo Win was presented a plaque in recognition of his leadership and services to BAPS.
A plaque was also awarded to Henry Lim (RIT Alumni) for his services as Editor of the BAPS newsletter. It grew from a 4 pager to a 20 pager.
BEA to BAPS
The first ever RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP did not happen out of the blue. One of the first seeds was sown with the founding of Burmese Engineers Association (BEA). The presidents Saya U Htin Paw (EE58), Saya U San Tun (M59) and Saya U KC Chiu (ChE63) — with the able support of Daw Khin Hta Yee (Lily Win, T72) — organized mini-reunions and reunions in the Bay Area. At the welcome party for Saya U Aung Khin, the idea of merging BEA with a younger association BASTS to become BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) was proposed and overwhelmingly approved.
BAPS Picnic to RIT Alumni International
At one of the BAPS picnics, several EC members — Saya Allen Htay, Saya U Nyo Win, Saya KC Chiu, Saya U Maung Maung, Ko Benny Tan, Ko Maurice Chee, — held an impromptu meeting with me and asked how they could support Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) and me regarding the ex-rit web site in general and other activities [such as Grand Reunion] in general.
Later, at Ko Benny’s house, the Bay Area Alumni Group was formed. The rest is history.
U Nyo Win
According to the bye-laws of BAPS, a President can serve for at most two terms. Saya U Nyo Win served two terms. Saya also chaired the meetings by the Organizing Committee of the RIT Reunion and SPZP. His colorful meeting minutes are enjoyable to read.
He is an outstanding writer and an excellent speech giver. Saya wears two hats: BAPS for the Bay Area activities and RIT Alumni International for activities related to his alma mater world-wide. Our kudos to you, Saya.
After Dinner
We went to Ko Aye Tun (Anthony Ng, M76)’s house, which is within walking distance from the restaurant. A preview of the raw / semi-edited copy of the video taken at the RIT Reunion dinner and SPZP took place. The 2+ hour footage caught several viewers by surprise. The “Waing gyi putt putt du way way” dance — started by Diana (Myint Myint Sein, M70) and Richard Chao (Htin Aung, M70) — was joined by Saya U Khin Aung Kyi, Saya U Min Wun, and several alums.
It was close to two o’clock in the morning when I got back home.
Henry Lim (Aung Myint)
Attended Rangoon Institute of Technology, but left for USA before graduation.
Writer and Publisher
Served as Chief Editor of the BAPS Newsletter.
Associate Editor of the commemorative issue of the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000.
Published “Shwe (Golden) Padauk” Magazine in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was a bi-lingual (Burmese and English) magazine.
For a short while, he published “Du Yin Thee (Durian)” Magazine in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was a ti-lingual (Burmese, English and Chinese) a magazine.
Had a medical problem that needed a kidney transplant. Doctors advised him to slow down and take care of his health.
Stopped the publications.
Fast forward. Had a successful transplant, and is now happily retired.
Sayadaw U Silananda resided at TMC when Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay was undergoing construction.
Activities
Several activities were suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some activities (e.g. Daily Chanting) were done on-line.
Conducts about six long-term meditation retreats per year.
Offers two week-end retreats for months when there are no long-term retreats.
Holds summer classes : one for children and the other for young adults.
Published several books for Dhamma Dana distribution.
Pali
For the past few years, Sayadaw Dhammika-bhivamsa (Tharmanay Kyaw) taught Pali courses using selected Suttas to interested yogis to have an appreciation of Buddha’s teachings without delving into the details of Pali grammar.
The course materials were prepared by Som Tu (Director of TMC, Retired executive in Technology) under the guidance of Thamanay Kyaw Sayadaw.
Reference Books
I volunteered as Translator/Interpreter for Meditation Retreats at TMC.
Myat Kyaw & San Lin
P M-E Dictionary
Beelin Sayadaw U Pannadipa (then Resident Sayadaw at TMC, later Padana Nayaka Sayadaw at Panditarama Shwe Taung Gone in Yangon) gave me the book “A Pali Myanmar-English Dictionary of the Noble Words of the Lord Buddha”.
The book was compiled by U Myat Kyaw (Myanmar Sar Ah Phwe) and translated into English by U San Lwin. U San Lwin is the older brother of Dr. Lyn Swe Aye, IM(2).
Buddhist Dictionary
Buddhist Dictionary
TMC gave me the book “Buddhist Dictionary” by [Venerable] Nyantiloka.
It is subtitled “Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines”.
The first edition was published in 1946.
The third revised and enlarged edition was edited by [Venerable] Nyanaponika in 1970.
Intro to Pali
U Hla Myint (former Sayadaw who had completed Dhammacariya and several monastic exams) gave me a PDF version of his manuscript “An Introduction to Pali” for study and review.
The book is available as Dhamma Dana distribution from TMC.
He studied Pali under the guidance of Mahagandayone Sayadaw U Jananabhivamsa (one of the greatest Pali scholars in the 20th century) and with the outstanding teachers U Vijaya-lankara and U Dhamika-bhivamsa (with pen name “Thamanay Kyaw”).
He studied English under the guidance of Sayadaw U Pandita-bhivamsa and with the eminent teachers such as U Aung Myat Thut, U Aye Maung and U Hla Maung.
He has written, translated and edited several books for TMC.
Updates
Sayadaw U Silananda and Beelin Sayadaw have passed away.
During his RIT days, he was known as Hla Myint Thein.
Per advice from his paternal uncle Saya U Win Kyaing, he took Mechanical Engineering.
Graduated in 1975.
Singapore & USA
Worked in Singapore before moving to USA.
Activities
Founding member of RIT Alumni International, which organized the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP.
Wore multiple hats at SPZP-2000
Co-Chair of the Working Committee (with Benny Tan)
Financial Controller
Logistics Chief
Publisher of commemorative issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter
Past President of BAPS. During his tenure, he used his culinary skills to host lunch meetings. His ancestors ran a top rated restaurant. He learned the recipe for Dan Bauk from his father, and has improved it. He would use different meat for his Dan Bauk.
Founding member & Past VP of NorCal RIT Alumni Association
Gave a seminar (e.g. on PE) at Mechanical Engineering Department, YTU
Donated books. Helped others (Daw Mu Mu Kin & Victor Wong) to donate books to YTU
With the help of some YTU sayas, he helped find eligible recipients for the scholarship offered by Daw Mu Mu Kin.
Mg Mar Ga wrote:
တကယ်အားကိုးရတဲ့ကျောင်းတော်သားပါ
Updates
Lost his father in September 2015
Lost his mother-in-law in September 2019
Memories
SF Bay Area Alumni
Meetings & Gatherings at Benny’s house
Welcome Sayas & Alumni to the SF Bay Area
SF Bay Area AlumniGathering at Benny’s houseGathering 2Gathering 3Gathering 4
SPZP-2000
Co-Chair, Working Committee
Several Subcommittees
SPZP-2000
M75
Reunion & fundraiser in Yangon
M75
Saya U Ba Than
Paid respect to Saya at Winner Inn
With Saya U Ba Than
Reunion of SPZP Organizers
KMZ visiting from Washington State
Benny enjoying retirement after three successful careers
Sea Food Restaurant
SF Bay Area Soon Kwyay
Hayward Kyaung (picture)
Also, Half Moon Bay Kyaung (for Maurice’s retirement, Kuto dana for Maurice’s dad)
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68), Chair of BOD (Board of Directors) and Daw Hnin Maung Maung (“Ma Ku”) hosted the face-to-face meeting on September 23, 2018.
The face-to-face meeting is usually held every quarter.
The next meeting will be held in early November by U Nyunt Than (M86), Joint Secretary and Daw Htwe Htwe to prepare for the AGM (Annual General Meeting), where the election of the EC (Executive Committee) and BOD will take place.
Activities
One activity of NorCal RITAA is to provide scholarship (some prefer the terms stipend, grant and financial aid) to eligible YTU students.
Last year four YTU students were offered $1000 for a year and three YTU students were offered $500 for a year.
The current recipients should reapply the following years if (a) they have maintained good grades (b) they still need financial assistance.
U San Lin (M87) and family have pledged to support for one student a maximum of six years until graduation.
U San Lin (Rightmost)
Daw Mu Mu Kin, spouse of Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) has supported two students. She has pledged to support one student for the following year.
Daw Mu Mu Kin
U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83) and Daw Lillian Kaung (EC83), owners of iNapa Wine, have pledged to support one student for the following year.
Gordon & Lillian
Donations
U Thein Tun Aung (Dennis, EP76) donated $600 to the NorCal RITAA Scholarship fund.
Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (Bawlone, T75) donated $300 to the NorCal RITAA Scholarship fund.
Daw Khin Mya Yee (Sarah, C77) donated $200 to the NorCal RITAA General Fund.
King Wong (Victor, C66) donated $100 to the YTU Library Project via NorCal RITAA.
Saya Dr. Nyo Win (M65) donated $50 at the NorCal RITAA Summer Picnic.
NorCal RITAA presented appreciation award (plaque, certificate) to the major donors.
The list of donors is maintained by U Ko Ko Zin (M84), Treasurer.
Updates
Saya U Maung Maung (ChE66), Gordon Kaung (M83) & U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) are Past Presidents.
U Tin Maung Win (C86) is the President.
Stan Liou (M67) is Past Chair of BOD.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) has been Chair of BOD for several terms.
During the pandemic, several activities were put on hold.
In 2023, activities resumed with the Annual Dinner.
2023
In 2024, NorCal RITAA celebrated the Centennial of Engg Education in Burma, and the 60th Anniversary of RIT. It also revamped the website.
Several sayas and senior alumni mentioned the difficulty of attending Dinner Gatherings.
NorCal RITAA will hold a special Lunch Gathering on August 16, 2025. The entertainment program will feature Tu Tu & Zayanda. The educational program will feature two Speakers.
The account about the Association of Engineers in Burma after World War was told by Saya U Tin U and recorded by Saya U Ba Than.
The Association was re-instituted about 1955-56.
President : Sayagyi U Ba Hli (Dean of Engineering, University of Rangoon)
Honorary Secretary : Saya U Soon Sein (Professor, Mining)
Honorary Treasurer : Saya U Tin U (Part time Lecturer, Civil)
U Tin U
U Tin U
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1946.
Attended Rangoon University before going for studies in the USA.
Captain & Gold of Rangoon University Boat Club in 1948. Represented RUBC in the Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi in 1948 along with Dr. Pe Nyun, Dr. Pe Thein and Khin Maung Wint (Bobby).
Received BCSE from the University of Oregon and MCSE from Yale University.
Upon his return to Burma, he worked in the industry and taught part-time at the Civil Engineering department.
Past Captain of Rangoon Golf Club
Oldest & Most Senior Past Captain of RUBC
Retired as Advisor of PWD Group.
U Ba Than
U Ba Than
1947 : Matriculated from St. John’s Dio and won Collegiate Scholarship.
1949 : Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in the Intermediate of Science exam
RUBC Full Green
Studied Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London University
Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
As a requirement for promotion, he did his Masters at Imperial College
Retired as Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Early supporter of HMEE-2012 project. Donated his photo albums. Requested U Thaw Kaung to allow U Soe Paing & team to access the archives of Rangoon University Central Library.
Before the pandemic, he invited former colleagues and students to his Birthday Soon Kyaw at Yaw Sayadaw’s Monastery.
He donated back all of the Garawa Money to various social and religious associations.
He is now GBNF.
Updates
HMEE book was published in December 2012. Copies of the book were donated to Universities’ Central Library and YTU Library.
U Tin U lost his spouse Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt in November 2019, his elder son Dr. Peter Khin Tun in April 2020 and his son-in-law U Tin Tun in May 2030. He will celebrate his 96th birthday on August 3, 2025.
U Ba Than passed away after his 94th birthday in 2024.
Specialization : Medical Astrology; Visiting Professor at တိုင်းရင်းဆေးပညာကျောင်း
Founder, IDEA Astrology
Now GBNF
Veda Programs
Requested me to develop programs for Veda calculations and predictions. Assigned Ko Win Latt and Ko Zaw Tun.
Ko Win Latt (UCC) developed Win Horo. He later founded a Computer Training School & SysMagic. Currently in Bangkok.
Win Latt
Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) developed a Prolog program for prediction. He later founded a Computer Training School. Moved to Singapore. Gawpaka at Singapore Chan Myei
Zaw Tun
Final Years
I visited U Myint Sein at his house. He showed me the text he had written for the School of Indigenous Medicine, where he was a Visiting Professor. He was fond of Medical Astrology. Several doctors would seek his advice for treating patients.
(Later) He passed away peacefully in his house while watching TV. He had earlier come back from Okkalapa where he had brunch.
Veda & Me
Shared my Veda knowledge to selected Computer Science students
Shared my Computing expertise to selected Veda sayas. Helped BARB sayas & students use programmable calculators and handheld computers.
Became acquainted with Veda sayas : U Khin Aung Bo, U Than Htay, U Myint Lwin, Bogyi Kyaw Zan Hla …
Wrote articles (with three pen names) for Jotisha Veda magazine.
U Myint Sein led discussion groups at selected houses (e.g. U Khin Maung San, Bohmu Thane Myint) over lunch.
Veda Sayas
U Myint Sein
He was Principal at BARB. He later founded IDEA Astrology.
U Than Htay
Zartar
He taught Ganita (ဂဏိတ). He also wrote articles, Lecture Guides & Books. He later co-founded MARB and served as VP. He had health problems. He is now GBNF.
U Myint Lwin
Taught Phalita ဖလိတ at BARB and MARB
Vice President, MARB
Helped compile and publish the Veda Calendar
Passed away several years back
U Khin Aung Bo
Taught Thanhita သံဟိတ at BARB and MARB
President, MARB
Passed away peacefully while praying on May 13, 2020 at the age of 80.
Was relatively strong and healthy despite his love of cigarettes
Graduated with Civil Engineering from RIT in 1970 and joined the Faculty
Developed programs for Astronomy and Astrology
Taught Astronomy at BARB and MARB
Passed away in Pwin Oo Lwin a few years back. Sadly, his son passed away unexpectedly a few days before his demise. It was a Double Tragedy for the family.
MARB (Myanmar Astro Research Bureau)
U Than Htay
Former BARB sayas (U Khin Aung Bo, U Myint Lwin, U Than Htay, U Hla Win, U Kyaw Myint …) founded MARB. U Khin Aung Bo was President. U Myint Lwin & U Than Htay were VP. U Kyaw Myint was Secy. U Hla Win headed the Research Program.
Other MARB sayas include U Thein Aung, U Soe Thein, Dr. Aung Myin Bo.
U Kyaw Myint (T72)
U Kyaw Myint & Dr. Kan Nyunt
Thin Char Luyechun in High School
Studied at BARB. Taught at BARB and MARB
Current President of MARB. Succeeded U Khin Aung Bo.
Also Expert on indigenous medicine.
Youngest of 13 siblings.
Four are alive and well. Saya Saw was good at writing Yee Zar Sar. He was reprimanded by his aunt for supposedly helping a friend to write Yee Zar Sar to give to his cousin. Bagyi Kan is a doctor and Patron of MARB. He translated several Veda texts. U Sein Tun and U Kyaw Myint would pay respect to Saya Saw and Bagyi Kan following the noble tradition.
U Kyaw Myint wrote a long letter to the parents of a classmate & belle presenting why is an invaluable suitor.
U Hla Win (M73)
Core Organizer of RIT Saya Pu Zaw Pwes and activities
Attended DAC
Studied at BARB. Taught at BARB and MARB.
Secretary and/or VP of MARB.
Member of Myanmar Pyeik Ka Dein Ah Phwe.
He used to send me his car and/or a Veda saya to pick me up to visit the old MARB office.
U Soe Thein & U Thein Aung
Studied at BARB
Taught at MARB
Dr. Aung Myin Bo
Not related to U Khin Aung Bo.
Studied Veda from distinguished sayas. Helped them (e.g doing research& writing / refining Veda programs).
Gave me a ride to visit the old and new MARB offices.
Veda Sayas
Updates
The founding members of BARB are now GBNF.
Several sayas from BARB and MARB — U Myint Sein, U Myint Lwin, U Khin Aung Bo and U Than Htay — are GBNF.
In the dining hall, there is an album about Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa’s early years in the US (e.g. meditation retreat at a church, dhamma classes at a Zen Buddhism Temple).
There are also photos about the Summer Camp for children and young adults.
There are two cabinets of books: one for dhamma dana distribution, and another for sale.
Newsletter
The “Dhamma Bell Newsletter” was edited by volunteers (U Theikdi & Maureen O’Brien).
It was published quarterly.
It featured dhamma talks given at TMC and also recipes (e.g. vegetarian spring rolls).
Sayadaws
Panditarama Sayadaw
Panditarama Sayadaw
Sayadawgyi conducted Annual Meditation Retreats.
Later, he assigned Sayadaws to conduct the Retreats on his behalf.
Beelin Sayadaw
Beelin Sayadaw
Spent over a decade as Chief Resident Sayadaw at TMC
Back in Myanmar, Sayadaw resided at Hse Mile Gone and Panditarama
Passed away on June 18, 2025.
TMC will have a ceremony on July 19, 2025 starting at 2 PM to honor Beelin Sayadaw.
U Dhammika (Tharmane Kyaw Sayadaw)
Sayadaw taught Pali courses at TMC
He wrote “Pali Sikkha ပါဠိသိက္ခာ” (Practicing Pali) texts.
HlaMin 