Category: Association

RIT Alumni & Associations
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

RIT Alumni helped establish the following Associations in California :

BEA

Burmese / Bay Area Engineers Association
- Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF) was a founding member of BEA & served as the First President. He was President of TBSA. He wrote articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter & SPZP-2000.
U Htin Paw
- Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59) succeeded U Htin Paw as President. He invited us to his birthday party & his son’s wedding reception. He had a Stroke. He is recuperating.
U San Tun
- Saya K C Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63) succeeded U San Tun as President. He proposed the idea of forming BEA with sayas and alumni in the SF Bay Area. Lily (T73) agreed to be Secretary.
K C (Right)

Lily (Seated, Center)
- BEA merged with BASTS into BAPS.
BAPS

Burmese American Professional Society
- Saya U Nyo Win (Dr. K H Chen, M65) served as the first President of BAPS. He also served as Editor of BAPS Newsletter.
U Nyo Win (2nd)
- Benny Tan (Tan Yu/Eu Beng, M70) succeeded U Nyo Win as President
Benny
- Maurice Chee (U Hla Myint Thein, M75) succeeded Benny Tan as President
Maurice (Seated Right)
- The Three became founding members of RIT Alumni International and Core Organizers for SPZP-2000.
BASES

Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists
- Saya U Tin Htut (M60), U Tin Htway (M59) and U “David” Tun Tin founded BASES. They adapted the BAPS bye-laws and added the needs for those in Southern California.
U Tin Htut
- Several sayas and alumni served President, VP, Secretary, Advisor & EC member. They include U Tin Htway (M59), Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L Tin Htun, EE59), Saya U Tin Htut (M60), Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62), U Tun Aung (Jefferey, EC68), U Aung Khin (EP68), U Tin Nwe (Milton, C68), U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68), U Thura Thant Zin (M76) & U Win Naing (Michael, M81)
Thura

RIT Alumni International

SF Bay Area Alumni Group
- Founded by the SF Bay Area Alumni Group led by Saya Allen Htay.
SF Bay Area Alumni
- To host SPZP-2000
- To support RIT Alumni Newsletter (founded by U Hla Min, EC69), and the first RIT website (designed & implemented by U Khin Maung Zaw, EC76).
U Hla Min
- Saya Allen served as President.
- Maurice served as Treasurer. He and Benny chaired the Working Committee for SPZP-2000. They wore multiple hats for SPZP-2000.
- Founding members included Saya Allen (C58), Saya K (ChE63), Saya Nyo (M65), Saya George (ChE66), Saya Myat Htoo (C68), Hla Min (EC69), Benny (M70), Saya Thein Aung (Met72), Maurice (M75), KMZ (EC76) and Gordon (M83).
SPZP-2000 Organizers
- Several more sayas and alumni (including BAPS and BASES members) volunteered for SPZP-2000.
Norcal RITAA
- Founded to continue the Vision & Mission of RIT Alumni International.
NorCal RITAA
- Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) served as the first President. Successors : Gordon Kaung (M83), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) and U Tin Maung Win (C76)
Saya U Maung Maung
- Stan Liou (M67) served as first Chair of BOD (Board of Directors). Successor : Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
YTU Library
- Activities: Financial support for children of alumni in Norcal & for eligible YTU students; Support for YTU Library Modernization; Annual Dinner and/or Picnic; Coordinated with BASES for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Posts
- Alumni Worldwide
- Associations
- Gatherings
- RITAA
- SPZP
June 25, 2025
NorCal RITAA & SoCal Guests
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025
- The main photo was from the Dinner.
- Other photos cover various times & events.
David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67, GBNF)

David Ko
- Entrepreneur
- Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000.
- Donated $3000 to SPZP-2012.
- Supported Norcal RITAA. Sponsored a table at the Annual Dinner to invite selected sayas & alumni from Southern California
Saya U Myo Myint Sein (A58)

NorCal RITAA Dinner

Saya Myo
- First batch of Architecture graduates
- Masters from Michigan University
- Professor at RIT
- Published books on Architecture
- President of RU ConBro association. He and his brothers attended De La Salle Schools.
- Played Soccer
Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62)

Dr. Tin Win
- Matriculated from St. John’s Dio.
- Won a Gold Medal in 1958 for Joint Highest Score in Maths in I.Sc (both years)
- Youngest in the Class of M62
- Doctorate from Melbourne University
- Past President of BASES
- Core Organizer for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Daw Khin Htar Yee (Lily, T72)

Lily (Rightmost)
- Founding member & Secretary of BEA
- Spouse and supporter of Saya Dr. Tin Win & his projects; Financial support for eligible students; Fundraiser for SPZP-2007 by running the LA Marathon
- Organizer, 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
U Thura Thant Zin (M76)

Thura (Seated Right)
- Goalkeeper for All Universities & Institutes’ Hockey Team
- RUBC Gold with Dat Pon Sann Aung (GBNF), Win Khaing (GBNF) & Phyo
- Past President of BASES
- Organizer, SPZP-2000
- Organizer, 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)

Saya George
- Founding member of RIT Alumni International
- Organizer, SPZP-2000
- Founding member & First President of Norcal RITAA
- Fundraiser for the Training Component of YTU Library Modernization project
Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A67)

Ann (2nd from Right)
- Supporter of RIT Alumni international & Norcal RITAA
- Classmates include Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (GBNF) and U Tun Thein.
- Brother : Saya U Thein Han (Maths, Burma selected in Basketball)
Notes
- BASES invited alumuni from Norcal to attend Annual Dinner. One was hosted by U Tin Htway (M59, co-founder).
  Most others were held at restaurants.
Posts
- Alumni
- BASES
- Gatherings
- NorCal RITAA
- RIT Sayas
June 22, 2025
BASES
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Background
- Name suggested by U Tun Aung (Jeffery, EC68, GBNF)
U Tun Aung
- Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists
- Southern California, USA
Founders
- Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
U Tin Htut
- U Tin Htway (M59)
- U Tun Tin (David, GBNF)
Past Presidents
- U Tin Htut
- U Tin Htway
- U Tun Tin
- U Tun Aung ( Jefferey, EC68, GBNF)
- Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62)
Dr. Tin Win
- Saya Dr. Chris Lee (EE59)
- U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68)
- U Tin Nwe (Milton, C68)
- U Thura Thant Zin (M76)
U Thura Thant Zin 1

U Thura Thant Zin 2

With Dance Troupe
- John Huntley
Activities
- Fundraiser
  Kyan Yay (Sugar Cane Drink)
  Htamane
  Food & Desserts
BAP Booth selling Sugar Cane Drink
- Annual Dinner & Entertainment
- Trips
- Helped 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015 Reunion 1

2015 Reunion 2

2015 Reunion 3
- Active in Activities sponsored by SCBA (Southern California Burmese Associations)
Notes
- Many members are RIT alumni. Some volunteered for SPZP-2000 held in San Francisco.
- U Aung Khin (EP68) is Past Vice President
- James Shwe (M76) is a Donor and EC.
- U Khin Maung Lay (Henry) served as Emcee for BAPS gatherings and 2015 Alumni Reunion. He was Secretary of RIT Track & Field Association. He represented RIT in Soccer, Rowing and T&F. He loves Cooking.
- I attended BASES gatherings as Guest of EC and/or Saya U Tin Htut.
- Mra Tun (UCC, TAMPS) and Ricky Zaw are guitarists & vocalists. Ricky’s sister is Nyunt Nyunt Zaw (T68, GBNF).
2015 Reunion
- NorCal RITAA invited selected BASES EC to the gatherings.
NorCal RITAA Dinner

Posts
- Alumni
- Associations
- Fund Raising
- Gatherings
June 20, 2025
Memories of U Tin Htut
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Brief Bio
- Alumnus of SPHS, RU Faculty of Engineering, Birmingham University & German University
- Joined Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer after graduating in 1960
- His parents needed help to run their business. He complied. Three family members — his father U Chit Maung, his eldest brother U Sein Tin and saya — were taken into custody for several months.
- After completing his Waso at Insein, he rejoined Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer. New Sayas had to join as Instructors.
- Taught Industrial Management. Earlier, the subject was taught by Visiting Lecturers from Faculty of Social Science & Institute of Economics.
Rowing
- Past Captain & Gold of RUBC
- Won Senior Novices twice : as Rower and as Cox of the All Paulian Crew with Tun Shein (Willie), Than Nyun (George), M Hla Min (Moosajee) & Sao Hso Holm (Sawbwa Lay)
- Served as Administrator of YUBC for several years
USA
- Joined Northrop and also helped several alumni to join the company
- Took Sabbatical to work for UN
- Founded BASES with U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David, GBNF). He is a Past President.
- Financial Controller for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
- Helped with SPZP-2000 held in San Francisco.
- Came to SF Bay Area to attend RIT gatherings and to have family reunion with his sisters.
- Hosted me at his new house. Took me to BASES Dinner and La Puente Monastery the following day (where there was a Soon Kwyay followed by Literary Talks).
Donations
- K100 lakhs to YTU Library Modernization Project
- K10 lakhs to SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation)
- Donated to All Mechanical Gathering
Memories
- SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
- 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015 Reunion in Los Angeles

2015 Reunion in Los Angeles
- Donations
Donation

U Tin Htut and U Wynn Htain Oo

U Tin Htut
- Singapore
U Tin Htut, U Mg Mg Win, Dr. Tin Win & U Aung Myint

U Tin Htut in Singapore

U Tin Htut in Singapore
- New Zealand
U Tin Htut in NZ
- SF Bay Area
U Tin Htut in SF Bay Area
- RUBC Golds
RUBC Past Captains and/or Gold

Posts
- BASES
- RIT Sayas
- RUBC
- SPZP
June 20, 2025
Head of Associations
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Only the early days (60s & 70s) are covered.

RIT Sports Council
- U Maung Maung Than (Chair)
U Mg Mg Than

Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn
- U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
- U Saw Tun (Saw Lu)
- Dr. Kyaw Sein
Automobile Club
- U Maung Maung Win
- U Myo Win
Badminton
- U Thein Lwin
Buddhist Association
- Dr. Thein Hlyne
- U Lin
Cartoonists
- U Khin Maung Phone Ko
- U Aung Myint (Kyant Ba Hone)
Chinlon
- U Maung Maung Than (?)
Hockey
- U Tin Hlaing
Photography
- Allen Htay
Rowing
- U Sein Win
- Dr. San Hla Aung
- U Tin Htut
Scrabble
- Des Rodgers
- U Khin
Swimming / Water Polo
- U Sein Win
- Dr. San Hla Aung
- U Hla Myint (Charlie)
Table Tennis
- Mao Toon Siong
Tennis
- U Tin Hlaing
- U Tu Myint (?)
Thaing
- U Tin Maung Nyunt
Track and Field
- H Num Kok
Weightlifting / Body building
- Dr. Kyaw Sein
June 7, 2025
RITAA
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Ban of Associations
- Coup D’etat on March 2, 1962 ended Democracy in Burma.
- There were two dark days in July 1962. July 7th saw the violent techniques for handling protests. July 8th saw the demolition of the revered Rangoon University Student Union.
- All parties (except BSPP) and organizations were banned.
Alumni Associations
- For several decades, there was no alumni associations at the Universities and Institutes in Myanmar.
- The “Pwint Linn” era saw the first True Home Coming and SPZP in December 2012.
- Shwe YaDu celebrations were held jubilantly in 2014.
Preparation
- A critical mass to form RITAA (RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association) was reached in March 2016.
- The Interim Committee headed by U Tin Latt (M85, President) was formed in time to host the SPZP-2016. The Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and the Reunion Dinner were held at the Gyogone Campus. The all-day event provided free food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- The Committee prepared the Bye Laws and RITAA was registered on June 29, 2017.
AGM
- The invitation for the Annual General Meeting to elect the Executive Committee members for the 2018 – 2020 term was posted in the Kyemon newspaper on August 4, 2018.
Invitation
- The AGM was held successfully on September 29, 2018.
- The new EC members span three or so decades.
RITAA AGM
- U Wynn Htain Oo (M72, Patron) was exuberant after fulfilling his promise to hand over the torch to the young and not so young.
WHO
- The oldies will continue to support key projects and share their experience.
Membership

Please try to help your alma mater in any way you can be
- Member
  Life membership : K60000
  Annual membership : K12000
- Executive Committee member
- Patron
- Donor
- Volunteer
RITAA Report (Gist)
- The Alumni Association is a requirement to get YTU accredited.
- First step to establish RITAA started in March 2016 with the help of YTU Management and the Organizers of Shwe YaDu Celebration
- Drafting and approval of Bye Law
- Implementation Committee
- Interaction with MEC
- Visit by evaluators from Asian Pacific Engineering Association
- Role in SPZP-2006 Planning and Implementation
- Registration
- Criteria for the accreditation of Post graduate courses
- 2018 Graduates to be assessed by Asia Pacific Engineering Association
- Fund raising for YTU Library Modernization
- Travel grant for staff to undergo Library Training in Singapore
- Trying to fulfill requirements for Accreditation
- Financial aid for eligible YTU students
- Teacher’s Corner for recreation
- Finding donors to support RIT athletic associations
- Finding donors to support Maker Space of YTU Student Union
June 7, 2025
SDYF — Memories
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

U Khin Maung Tun

U Moe Aung and U Khin Maung Tun

Before, during and after SPZP-2012, Saya U Moe Aung floated the idea of Swel Daw Yeik Foundation to help alumni (past, present and future) and to take care of the health of eligible sayas and sayamas.

U Khin Maung Tun (T78) not only seconded the idea but showed his commitment by donating and or pledging Kyat 1500+ Lakhs for SDYF.
- President of SDYF
- Major donor not only for SDYF, but for the Alumni Association
- Donated for SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu and SPZP-2016
- Sponsored Entertainment Program for SPZPs & SDYF events
- Provided Eye Care for eligible RIT sayas and sayama
- Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
- Attended Alumni Gathering in San Francisco Bay Area.
- Sang a song with Saya U Moe Aung (Patron of SDYF) at SPZP-2016
- Also sang the SDYF theme song with the SDYF members
  
  The SDYF theme song is not a transformation of one of Saya’s poems. It was the outcome of a completely new composition. Ko Than Po (M75, Zat Sayagyi) helped with the music injection.
- As SDYF President, he hosted meetings with lunch & entertainment
- Expressed his desire to retire after a couple of terms, but the EC members politely declined.
USA Trip
- U Khin Maung Tun and his spouse attended the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, and the Dinner gathering in San Francisco to welcome Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & visitors from Yangon.
Gathering at sea food restaurant to welcome Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi
- Gave me a “Htet Linn” bag with indigenous medicine and an MP3 player loaded with dhamma talks.
- He and his family provided “Eye Care” for eligible sayas and sayamas. They balance of the Eye Care Fund has been transferred to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
Health Care & Financial Aid

The eligibility rules may change depending on the availability of funds, and the number of eligible sayas and sayamas.

SDYF provides medical checkup, but currently it can offer a limited amount (e.g. 4 – 5 Lakhs) of medical expenses per saya per annum.

When a Saya or Sayama passes away, SDYF offers 2 Lakh Kyats to the bereaved family.

SDYF offers 4 Lakh Kyats to eligible sayas and sayamas
- for Hospitalization
- for frequent medical check ups
- for severe loss of mobility
SDYF also considers case-by-case for sayas and sayamas needing financial assistance for health care.

Medical Check up in 2018

SDYF provided medical check up for sayas aged 60 and above.

May Nge and Sayas

The program started on Nov 6, 2018 at Grand Hantha Hospital.

Kudos to May Nge and group for their volunteer services.

Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu to the young donors.

Khin Htay Lin and May Nge

Khin Htay Lin and May Nge

Khin Htay Lin (EC93)

She is a Director of Grand Hantha Hospital. She donated (or offered a discount) 25% of the expenses for the medical checkup of eligible RIT sayas and sayamas.

May Nge (May Thet Hlaing)

She is the lead volunteer for the noble task

U Kyaw Sein (M65)

SDYF will provide Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, Singapore) K4 Lakhs annually to take care of his health.

For 2018, Ko Kyaw Moe (M 2001) donated to bring up the total to S$400.

U Ohn Maung (ChE68)

SDYF will provide Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE68, Singapore) K4 Lakhs annually to take care of his health.

Pre-AGM Meeting in 2018
- In 2018 (before the AGM meeting) SDYF Meeting was hosted by U Khin Maung Tun (President) with a sumptuous meal.
- U Tin Latt’s food donation became “take out” by the attendees.
- Discussed preparations for the AGM of SDYF
- Passed resolution to spend K50 lakhs for the medical check up of eligible sayas and sayas
- Discussed the provisional financial support for use in presenting research papers overseas.
- Discussed the “Total Care” program for eligible sayas and sayamas
- U Maung Maung Than (M81) donated K5 lakhs to SDYF.
- U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) received a present (special drinks) from the President.
June 6, 2025
Organization
by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025
- There are various types of organizations.
Non-profit
- There are non-profit organizations. That does not mean that the employees are all unpaid volunteers.
- In the USA, non-profit organizations are classified by the IRS tax code. The organizations have to comply with the Federal and State regulations. If one donates to a non-profit organization with 501 (c) (3), part or all of the donation is tax deductible.
Types
- There are for-profit organizations.
- Business organizations may be known as companies or corporations. The companies may be privately or publicly held. Some (e,g LLC) have Limited Liability.
- NGO is a Non-government organization.
- HMO is a Health Maintenance Organization.
- There are Religious, Social, Educational, Political and Sports organizations.
Structure
- The structure for organizations may vary.
  For example, an organization might have
  (a) Immediate Past President : to help the incoming team
  (b) President : for the current term
  (c) President-Elect (to be President in the next term) : to allow for continuity in the operations.
NorCal RITAA

NorCal RITAA
- It is a non-profit organization with 501 (c) (3).
- Donations are tax-deductible.
May 25, 2025
Profiles
- HMEE stands for History of Myanmar Engineering Education project. At one meeting, Saya U Aung Hla Tun requested U Ohn Khine (M70) to co-ordinate with me in getting the profiles of successful alumni in the USA.
- Many years ago, Edison Paw wrote about some BAPS members. They include U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67, GBNF) and Benny Tan (M70).
- In the RIT Alumni International Newsletter, we posted some articles about U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70, GBNF) and U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69).
  There were also biographies of some sayas and sayamas, but they need to be updated.
  We welcome readers to enhance existing profiles or submit new profiles.
U Aung Hla Tun

Benny Tan
May 24, 2025
Myanmar Community
by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

There are many Myanmar Communities around the world.

OMC

One Myanmar Community (OMC) is based in Union City, Northern California. Its main activity and fund raiser is the Annual Thingyan Festival held in May (for logistic reasons). A “Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe” co-hosted by TDS (Theravada Dhamma Society) is an integral component of the Festival. There are sumptuous food and a plethora of entertainment by the young and the old, and from near and far (some from Myanmar).

Activities

OMC has helped the Myanmar Community in many ways. The following is a sample :
- Fund raising for “Flood Relief” Programs in Myanmar
- Co-hosting San Francisco Bay Area Literary Talks
- Language Classes (Myanmar, English Japanese, Korean)
- Dance Classes (e.g. by Thida Win (Moe Nat Thuzar))
- Musical Evenings (e.g. by Gita Hmu Tin Ko Ko)
- Fitness Program (e.g. Yoga)
- Preparation Classes (DMV license, Citizenship)
- Knowledge sharing (Medical insurance, Study grant)
- Meeting with Myanmar Ambassador and Consul General of Los Angeles
- Highlight Myanmar Culture in selected Bay Area Events (e.g. Asian Heritage)
May 24, 2025