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.
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 Angeles2015 Reunion in Los Angeles
Donations
DonationU Tin Htut and U Wynn Htain OoU Tin Htut and U Wynn Htain OoU Tin Htut
Singapore
U Tin Htut, U Mg Mg Win, Dr. Tin Win & U Aung MyintU Tin Htut in SingaporeU Tin Htut in Singapore
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
TMC conducted long-term meditation retreats and week-end retreats.
TMC held summer classes : one for children and the other for young adults.
TMC published several books (in English and Vietnamese) for Dhamma Dana distribution.
TMC also offered courses via Zoom.
Several activities were suspended during the pandemic.
Pali
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 Technology Executive) 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 “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 passed 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 Janakabhivamsa, U Vijayalankara & U Dhammikabhivamsa (“Thamanay Kyaw”).
He studied English under the guidance of Sayadaw U Panditabhivamsa 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 Pandita, Sayadaw U Silandabhivamsa and Beelin Sayadaw have passed away.
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
An 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.
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
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.
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.
HlaMin 