Category: Association

• R.U. Society of Electrical Engineering Students
• BSCE
• Association of Engineers in Burma after the Second World War
• RITAA
• Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF)
• Burmese American Professional Society (BAPS)
• RIT Alumni International
• NorCal RITAA
• Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists (BASES)
• Myanmar Engineering Society (MES)
• RIT Buddhist Association
• Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)
• Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC)

R.U. Society of Electrical Engineering Students

Executive Committee (1960 – 61)

Burmese Society of Civil Engineers

Working Committee (Founded 1959)


Association of Engineers in Burma after the Second World War

The account was retold by Saya U Tin U and recorded by Saya U Ba Than.

• 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)

RITAA

Overview

During the Adhamma Era, many associations (especially student and alumni organizations) were not allowed.

With the dawning of the Pwint Linn Era, RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association was allowed to register, but many alumni were not aware of the association and its objectives. Only a few (mostly members of the “80000 YaThay”) actively participated in the formative events. There was virtually no fund to operate.

Then, things started to click.

• Space for the Alumni Association was provided by YTU
• Donations — large and small — were received (mostly for the YTU Library Modernization Project which is a requirement for the Accreditation)
• Membership (Life membership for K60000) grew.
• Saya’s Corner was established.
• Staff and Volunteers helped with the regular and ad hoc projects
• Young alumni came forward to help with the leadership

Post AGM

RITAA (formally known as RIT-YIT-YTU RIT Alumni Association) has conducted the AGM (Annual General Meeting). The Interim Committee headed by U Tin Latt (M85) is to be congratulated for the work being done.

The AGM elected U Myo Aye (M94) as President for the term 2018 – 2020.

Swel Daw Yeik Foundation

SDYF provides Annual Medical Check up for eligible sayas and sayamas.

SDYF also provides some financial assistance to eligible sayas and sayamas.

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.

U Khin Maung Tun is the President and major donor of SDYF.

Burmese American Professional Society (BAPS)

With the approval of Sayagyi U Aung Khin, BEA (mostly RIT alumni) and BASTS (younger engineers and scientists) merged to become BAPS.

Saya U Nyo Win (M65), Benny Tan (M70) and Maurice Chee (M75) served as President of BAPS.

U Aung Myint (Henry Lim) served as Chief Editor of BAPS Newsletter.

Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) was Burmese Language Editor.

They would volunteers as Editor of the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000.

I served as Contributor for BAPS Newsletter and as Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter.

RIT Alumni International

The Association was formed by members of the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58) with the main objective to host the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in 2000.

There are several posts about SPZPs.

NorCal RITAA

The Association was formed to revive the RIT-related activities in Northern California.

• Scholarship for eligible children of Alumni attending a US University
• Scholarship for eligible students attending YTU
• Training Component of the YTU Library Modernization Project
• Additional donation for the YTU Library Modernization Project

Past Presidents : Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66), U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83)

President : U Aung Myint Oo (EC84)

Past Chair of BOD : Stan Liou (M67)

Chair of BOD : Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)

Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists (BASES)

The Association was founded by Saya U Tin Htut (M60), U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David).

It is based in Southern California.

Past Presidents : Saya U Tin Htut, U Tin Htway, U Tun Tin, Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62), Saya Dr. Chris Lee (M59), U Khin Maung Lay (T68), U Thura Thant Zin (M76)

President : U Tin Nwe (Milton Sein, C68)

Myanmar Engineering Society (MES)

Myanmar Engineering Society is a Non-Profit Organization. It is not an Alumni Association, but several sayas and alumni served as EC members.

Past Presidents : Dr. Sein Myint, Saya U Nyi Hla Nge, U Than Myint, U Han Zaw, U Win Khine

RIT Buddhist Association

Some sayas served as Patrons of the RIT Buddhist Association. Some alumni served as EC members.

• Saya Dr. Thein Hlyne
• Saya U Sein Maung (EE63)
• Saya U Lin (M66)
• Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66, GBNF)
• Saya U Soe Myint (Min83)
• U Kyi Twe (A70)
• U Myint Soe (M79)
• U Sein Win (C80)
• U Maung Maung Lay

The Association’s activities include

• Kathein robe offering
• Library of Buddhist books
• Ovada of sayas and sayamas

Books

The RIT Buddhist Association published two books for SPZP-2012.

• Collection of the Ovada (Exhortations) of the sayas and sayamas [mostly Professor and/or Head of Departments or their representatives] given at the “Arcariya Pu Zaw Pwes” at RIT/YIT.
• History and the activities of the RIT Buddhist Association. Contributors include Saya Dr. Thein Hlyne, Saya U Sein Maung, Saya U Linn. Saya U Soe Myint, and several EC members (notably U Maung Maung Lay and spouse).

Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)

TBSA was formed to support the Dhammananda Vihara and its activities.

During a Dhamma Duta mission in 1979, Mahasi Sayadawgyi agreed to leave two sayadaws to carry out the missionary work in the US.

Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa’s life and accomplishments have been recorded in the

• Dhammananda Newsletters
• TBSA website
• Commemorative book (“Maw Gun Win Sar Saung”)
• DVDs about Sayadaw’s “Last Journey” and his lifelong achievements (including the first Rectorship of IMBTU).

TBSA hosts several events every year.

• Htamane Pwe and Ovada Patimauk Ceremony
• Myanmar New Year (Thingyan Festival)
• Full Moon Day of May (Thrice Blessed Day)
• Waso robe offering
• Thadinkyut Festival
• Tazaungdaing Festival
• Monthly weekend retrea
• Long term retreats
• Summer Dhamma Camp for youths

Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC)

I was a volunteer Translator/Interpreter for Meditation Retreats at Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC).

TMC provided several books as Dhamma Dana.

• Uniform may stand for “one form”.
• In Statistics, Uniform Distribution is a type of data distribution.
• During their university days, Bogyoke Aung San and U Thant had a debate on Uniform.

Dress Codes

• A uniform could specify
  (a) short or long pants (e.g. Kakki)
  (b) shirt (e.g. long sleeved white shirt)
  (c) optional : Necktie, Coat, Badge
• The optional items may be worn at formal functions (e.g. Award Presentation Ceremony).
  

Burmese Dress

Burmese dress for males

• Pasoe / Longyi
• [Collarless] Shirt
• Taik Pon
• Optional : Gaung Baung

St. Paul’s High School

• Some schools may mandate their students to wear uniform on specified days (and may be every day).
• 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.

UTC

• Those joining UTC (Universities’ Training Corps) are given two sets of [usually old] uniforms.
• Most prefer to buy or order their own.

Faculty of Engineering

• U Ba Hli (first native Dean of Engineering) is seen in photos wearing a uniform.

Rangoon University Boat Club

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

USA Sports

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

Brief History

• Burmese Engineers Association
• Founded in the SF Bay Area : Saya K C Chiu discussed the idea with several sayas and alumni.
• Later merged with BASTS (Burmese American Science and Technology Society) to become BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society)

Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF)

• Inaugural President of BEA
• Wrote a series of articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter
  engineering student
  engineering saya
  States Scholar
  engineer in Burma and USA
• Won two Gold Medals
  His family had to subsidize K150 for each Gold Medal
• Joined RIT Electrical Engineering Department after graduation in 1958 along with U Ba Nyunt
• Received MSEE from Michigan University
• Upon return to Burma, worked for UBARI (which provided the Scholarship) and taught part time at EE Department. Later transferred to EI (Electrical Inspectorate).
• Past President of TBSA
  Attended SPZP-2000, but had to leave early due to his spouse’s health.

Saya U San Tun (M59)

• U San Tun lost his spouse unexpectedly, but was lucky to find Daw Sylvia to take care of him and his children.
• U San Tun and Saya U Aung Khin visited China at the request of Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto64)
• U San Tun invited us to his birthday, the wedding of his son, and to his home.
• U San Tun is a regular attendee of SF Bay Area Retirees’ Lunch gatherings.
• Photos

• Also known as Sain Fone Wong
• Past President of BEA
• Won Gold Medal
  Met another Gold Medalist Dorothy Tham (GBNF, sister of Saya Kyi Kong Tham (C63)). They have a daughter and a son.
• Joined RIT Mechanical Engineering Department after graduation in 1959
• Received MS from MIT
• Served as Head of Automobile Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical)

Saya Dr. K C Chiu (ChE63)

• Also known as U Tin Aung
• Brother of Saya Dr. Aung Soe (C61)
• Co-founder and Past President of BEA
• Organizer for SPZP-2000
• After retirement, he moved from San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles

Lily Win (T72)

• Also known as Khin Htar Yee
• Co-founder and Past Secretary of BEA
• Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) was in SF Bay Area on a business trip from Texas. He met his soul mate Lily (presumably at a BEA meeting with KC).

SPZP-2000

• Former Officers of BEA and BAPS were honored.

Notes

• U Htin Paw is the father of Dr. Barry Paw (GBNF), elder brother of U Tun Thein (A67) and maternal uncle of Robert Hla Thein (M72).
• Dr. Barry Paw (MD, PhD, Researcher) passed away on the return flight from Australia to USA. He went to pay respect to his maternal aunt, but unexpectedly had to arrange the last journey for his aunt’s spouse.
• U Htin Paw donated $2000 to Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay in memory of Dr. Julie Han (T61, GBNF, Past VP and Fundraiser of TBSA).

• U San Tun lost his spouse unexpectedly, but was lucky to find Daw Sylvia to take care of him and his children.
• U San Tun and Saya U Aung Khin visited China at the request of Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto64)
• U San Tun invited us to his birthday, the wedding of his son, and to his home.
• U San Tun is a regular attendee of SF Bay Area Retirees’ Lunch gatherings.

Background Info

• Burmese American Professional Society

• Merger of BEA (Burmese Engineers Association) and BASTS (Burmese American Science and Technology Society)

Past Presidents

• Saya Dr. Nyo Win (M65)

• Benny Tan (M70)

• Maurice Chee (M75)
• Roger Sha
• Daniel Maung
• Edison Paw

Activities

• BAPS Newsletter : Ko Henry Lim served as Chief Editor; I was a Contributing Editor

• Picnic
• Dinner
• Seminar / Workshop
• Helped with the Final Journey of Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74, UCC, Syracuse University).

Notes

• Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) took us to a BAPS picnic to meet members who wanted to support the ex-rit website. He demonstrated the “Burmese Farewell” by taking a long time to get back to the car.

• Daniel is the son of Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62, Burma Champion & National Coach in Table Tennis).
• Edison wrote about David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67, GBNF) and Benny Tan in “Profile of BAPS Member” section of BAPS Newsletter
• BAPS honored Dr. Nyo Win and Henry Lim (U Aung Myint, Chief Editor of BAPS Newsletter) at the Appreciation Dinner.
• Ko Henry left RIT before graduation. He volunteered as Associate Editor along with Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) for the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
• Ko Maurice displayed his Culinary Expertise during his Tenure as BAPS President. He also organized Workshops.

• Col. Hla Oung was Patron of the Burma Hiking and Mountaineering Association.
• Universities, Institutes and Government Departments have their H&M Clubs.
• U Shein (SLR) and Ko Henry Wan (SPHS59) are some of the evangelists / active members.
• Ko Win Lwin (M69) served as Secretary of RIT H&M Club. He and Ko Cho Aye (M70, GBNF) joined the All Universities Expedition to Saramti (Mt. Victoria). The photos are provided by Ko Win Lwin.

• Kyi Kyi Sein (Bei Oo, T70) and others also represented RIT in the Hiking contests.
• Three third year BE students Ko Zaw Min, Ko Han Tha Myint and Ko Sein Win trekked 300+ miles. The story was quoted as a 600+ mile journey in the Burmese newspaper.

• Ko Zaw Min (EP70) has written posts about his stay at RIT from 1964 to 1970. He covers education, extracurricular activities (soccer, boxing, rowing, UTC, hiking, track and field, debates, Pwes).

U Yu Ket (Edward Saw, EC85, Treasurer of NorCal RITAA) ordered two sets of pens for distribution to alumni (member, donor, volunteer, supporter …).

Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu.

The ones shown here has “NorCal RIT Alumni” logo.

The ones to be given to the alumni in Yangon has “RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni” logo.

Feedback

• U Yu Ket served as Auditor.
  He is currently Treasurer.

The English section of BBS (Burma Broadcasting Service) had a program for Local Talents.

• A typical session is allocated 15 minutes.
• An individual or a group can sing or play about five songs.
• A typical remuneration is 45 Kyats per session.

Groups and Individuals

• Dream Makers (Reggie Ba Oo, Eddie Ba Oo, …)
• Immanuel Four (Members of the Immanuel Church)
• LPJ (Love Peace and Joy) (Victor Khin Nyo, Thein Tan, …)
• Playboy (Thann Naing, Tommy Kyaw Naing, Kyaw Naing, …)
• TAMPS (Tin Aung, Austin Xavier, Mra Tun, Pierpont Morgan and Sydney Sann Aung)
• Shamrock Boys (Nyi Nyi and Myint Soe)
• Win Sisters (Joyce Win [Nwe Yin Win], Hilda Win)
• Super Star (Peter Ba Thein, Han Ngwe Tun [Raymond], …)
• The Wild Ones (Paw brothers, …)
• Victor Ohn Maung
• Ricky Zaw
• Andrew Kong
• Saya Des Rodgers

Some people (e.g. Thein Tan, Reggie Ba Oo) played on more than one group.

A few own a set of Guitars (Lead, Rhythm, Bass, Steel, Hawaiian, 12 String, …), Percussion, Keyboard.

Several later turned professional.

• A group’s health depends upon its members.
  
• Active members help the group grow by posting interesting, informative and often nostalgic articles and photos, by providing facts and data in the comments, by sharing selected posts and last but not the least inviting their friends to join the group.

• “To err is human”
  The accuracy of posts is enhanced by readers who report discrepancies, errors and omissions.

Netiquette
(Etiquette when using networks)

• No spam and advertising
• No link to irrelevant sites
• No flames
  e.g. avoid calling names
• Be courteous
  e.g. disagree diplomatically