Started as Option of Economics Department in the Faculty of Social Science
Became a separate department
Later : department in the Institute of Economics
Sayas
Saw William Paw : Professor and Head of Department; Chair, Rangoon University Sports Council; Succeeded Sithu U Tin as President of RUBC; During my tenure as Treasurer of RUBC, I had to see him frequently.
Dr. Khin Maung Kyi : Attended RU as a monk. Known for his debates and writings. Taught at Commerce Department and later headed the Research Department. Performed Research in Malaysia & Singapore. During my visit to Singapore, I had to see Saya and gave him the package presented by Saya U Myo Min (UCC)
Dr. Khin Maung Kyawe (Jimmy) : Became DG of BERB. First met him when my uncle Saya U Than Lwin (Eric) took me to the Social Science Library. Uncle Eric taught Economics and also served as Librarian. He would give rides to the sayas including Saya Jimmy.
U Maw Than : Auditor General. Used APL in his studies.
Dr. Mya Than taught and/or did research at the Institute of Economics, Singapore and Thailand. Before going for further studies, he taught at PBRS (Private Boundary Road School). Spouse : Daw Kyi May Kaung
Daw Yi Yi Myint and Daw Hla Myint : Attended UCC courses prior to their studies in the USA
U Mya Thein (GBNF) : Transferred to UCC as Business Application Programmer/Analyst. Retired as Manager of Business Applications at UCC. Also taught at ITBMU.
U Thein Oo : Transferred to UCC as Business Application Programmer/Analyst. Taught at UCC, DCS and ICST. Co-founder, MCI. Founder, Ace
U Khin Nyo : RUBC; Became Registrar, Mawlamyine College / University
Alumni
U Myo Min : First in I.Com in 1960; First in B.Com (Accounting) in 1962; Chartered Accountant (UK); Systems Analyst (IBM UK); Per request from his mother and Dr. Chit Swe, he came back to Burma to help co-found UCC. In April 1971, he joined UCC as Manager of Business Applications. Taught classes at UCC and the Institute of Economics. Moved to Singapore and then to USA. Passed Thingyo examination.
Dr. Yi Yi Chit Maung : First in B.Com (Management) in 1962; Studied in Canada; Retired in USA
U Kyi Soe : Secretary, CGA (Commerce Graduate Association); Rowed for Eco; Attended UCC; Worked for MOC
Uzin Kondannadhaja (“George” Chan Min) was the de facto leader for the Institute of Economic Rowing teams (including Htin Kyaw and Soe Thin). Worked for EPC and found soul mate (Engineer). Attended courses at UCC. Moved to the USA. After retirement, he decided to become a monk. For the transition, he asked me to be a temporary monk with him for a week. He resides at Dhammananda Vihara in Half Moon Bay, California. Per request from his brother Dr. Patheda Tin, he spent one vassa at the Chan Myei Yeiktha in Springfield, Illinois.
U Kun Pe, U Kyi Khin and U Ohn Myint : Classmates of Uzin Chan Min; Accountant / Auditor; Volunteer for social and religious organizations in SF Bay Area
U Than Maung Maung : Worked for UCC and TSC; Moved to the US
General
Per request of Ko Kyi Soe, I taught Mathematics of Finance & related topics at a course conducted by CGA
I succeeded U Myo Min as Business Application Manager at UCC
Note : Comments in italics are provided by Hla Min.
I have written many articles on the History of Computerization in Myanmar. ** Most can be read from SCRIB-D.
However many people have not read them. MASTAA has requested me do an interview. ** It is tentatively planned for July 19, 2020 (at 10 PM. EST). It will be morning in Yangon, Myanmar.
Facts are very important because there are some people who want to twist them to their advantage. Especially since the project was very successful in introducing computers and computer education in the country.
I was with the project right from its inception. ** Sad to report that Saya Dr. Chit Swe and U Ko Ko Lay have passed away.
I would like to go over the facts.
When and how I got involved in UCC Computer project
Took programming and DP courses at Stanford University.
Around 1962, there was no CS Department or CS courses. ** Professor George Forsythe later founded and Chaired the CS Department at Standford.
Computer programming was given by Mathematics Department as part of Numerical Analysis
Introduction to Data Processing was given by Industrial Engineering Dept
Worked as part time computer operator for the Stanford Computation Center.
Joined Electrical Engineering Department, RIT as Assistant Lecturer in January 1964, RIT was closed. As part of the staff development program, I gave lectures to Elect Engg staff on computers and programming.
Ko Nyi Nyi (Instructor in Elect Eng Dept) told Dr Chit Swe, Head of Maths Dept at the Institute of Economics who was preparing to start a project with the assistance of the UN to install a computer.
Dr Chit Swe and U Hla Myint (Maths Dept) came to recruit me to assist them in the computer project.
Immediately agreed and joined the project preparation team.
Ko Nyi Nyi and Dr. Than Htaik (Chem Eng Dept) also joined the team.
At that time Unit Record Machines using punched cards (both IBM and ICL) were used in Burma by the Railways, Central Economics and Statistics Department (CSED), Records Office Burma Army.
At one point all the Unit Record Machines were centralized in one place (Burma Machines Corporation??) and then decentralized again. ** Per U Thein Han, IBM unit record machines were used in the first Demonatization. The machines were set up in Rangoon University (e.g. Convocation Hall).
Burma Railways wanted to replace their Unit Record Machines with a computer and was requesting funds from the government. ** However, the nationalization followed by tight control of foreign exchange caused the request to be denied.
Preparation for the UCC project(1965 – 70)
The UNDP in Yangon and the Goverment agreed to explore the possibility of having a UNDP funded UNESCO executed project of installing a computer at the Institute of Economics.
In 1965 Dr Abou Taleb from Egypt visited Burma at the Institute of Economics for one month as a UNESCO consultant on the formulation of the project. He had discussions with the project team, the concerned persons at the Directorate of Higher Education and other government departments, UNDP personnel and managers of IBM (** U Aung Khin) and ICL (** U Kyaw Tha).
Dr Abou Taleb prepared a report that was submitted to the UNESCO and UNDP.
Around 1968 UNDP mission composed of Professor Owens of Columbia University and Mr Talbot of UNDP HQs came to Burma (Institute of Economics) to write a project proposal for the UNDP/UNESCO Computer Project. The mission had discussions with the project team, the concerned persons at Higher Education and other government departments, UNDP personnel and managers of IBM and ICL.
The report and the project proposal were submitted to UNDP, UNESCO and the Government.
It was agreed to implement the UNDP funded, UNESCO executed Computer project.
The project document for the UNDP/UNESCO Universities’ Computer Center Project was signed in 1970.
Preparation for the establishment of UCC
In 1969 the project preparation team office moved to the Maths Department, RASU.
The Government decided to establish the Universities’ Computer Center directly under the Department of Higher Education.
A new building was to be constructed for the Center on the Hlaing Campus.
The project preparation team started to develop the organizational structure, budget, as well as the design for the building.
Ko Tun Aung Gyaw (UTAG) joined the project preparation team.
A temporary office / room was given to the project preparation team on the 3rd /top floor of the RASU Maths Dept. The Maths department still provided the logistics support. Saya U Maung Maung Tin of the RASU Maths Department was extremely helpful to the project preparation team.
The UCC organization structure consists of the Director at its head advised by the Board of Management. Under the Director are three technical divisions: Operations, Systems, Applications and an Administrative Support Section. One Manager heads each division.
Operations division consists of the Computer Operations section and the Data Preparation section.
Systems Division consists of the Systems Hardware section and the Systems Software section.
Applications Division consists of the Scientific Applications section and the Business Applications section.
The UCC organization structure was approved by the government and the Board of Management was formed.
Dr. Chit Swe was appointed Director of UCC in addition to his duties as Professor.
The Board of Management was formed with Dr Nyi Nyi, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education as Chairman and Dr. Chit Swe as Secretary. The members include U Thet Tun, DG of CSED; U Win Pe, Research Dept, Planning; U Nyunt Maung, Dy Director, Finance; Dr Khin Maung Kyi, Inst of Economics, Dr Aung Gyi, RIT; etc
The UCC building on Hlaing Campus was to be designed and built by the Public Works Corporation. It was designed by the Chief Architect U Aung Myint. The team also met my high school and Stanford friend Ko Ko Lay who was a structural engineer there.
Ko Myo Min returned from the UK after studying as a Charted Accountant and working (** as Systems Analyst) at IBM UK.
Ko Ko Lay, Ko Myo Min and other volunteers joined the project preparation team. The volunteers are Ko Win Myint (Gyi) etc.
The three managers were recruited.
I transferred to UCC from RIT as Systems Engineer/Manager of the Systems Division of UCC on April 1971.
Ko Ko Lay transferred from Public Works/Construction Corporation as Manager of the UCC Operations Division.
Ko Myo Min joined as Manager of the Applications Division.
1st April 1971 is considered as the start of UCC.
The first batch of other staff were recruited and appointed. UTAG and Johnny Hla Min joined as Maintenance Engineers.
UCC was given a temporary office on the third floor of the Mandalay Hall.
The project preparation team organized courses in computers, programming and applications for the staff of Universities and government departments.
Choice of the computer
In October 1970, Dr Chit Swe went to UNESCO, Paris to participate in the selection of the computer for the project.
ICL 1900 series was chosen over IBM.
IBM was only willing to supply the IBM 360 and not the recently introduced IBM 370.
Dr Chit Swe then went on to London for discussions with ICL. ICL gave a more powerful version 1902S for the same price.
Installation of the Computer and start of UCC
In 1972 UCC moved to its new building on Thamaing Campus.
The site preparation for the computer and environmental equipment started.
A firm from the UK was subcontracted by ICL to do the site preparation.
The ICL 1902S computer was delivered and moved into the computer room to start the installation process.
ICL resident Maintenance Engineer Gaber Khalef (Egypt) and the ICL resident Software Expert Ian Shearer (UK) arrived and took up their responsibilities.
Acceptance trials for the ICL 1902S started on 25 February 1973, and formally completed on 8 March.
Professor Huskey arrived on 4 March and took part in the acceptance of the ICL 1902S.
The original UCC organization was meant to be minimal and mainly for a one shift per day start.
However due to the Census and more than expected use, volunters were paid minimum salary wages (which can be authorized by the Director) used to do the required support work.
Computer Use
The Board of Management decided to process the 1973 Population Census on the UCC computer.
Training of the Census Programmers conducted at UCC.
Alic Heinrici (UK, the ICL FILAN (ICL Census Tabulation system)) expert came from September to November to train Census and UCC Programmers in FILAN to be used in Census Tabulation.
The processing of the Burma Population Census started in May 1974.
The data entry was done in the Census Dept (old Rowe Co. Building) with over 100 rented keypunches from IBM.
The morning shift (8:00am – 4:00pm) was reserved for UCC. The evening shift (4:00pm – 12:00am) and night shift (12:00am-8:00am) were reserved for Census processing. At the start the Census processing did not take the two shifts.
Saturdays were reserved for Maintenance and the center was closed on Sundays.
ICL experts and UCC senior staff designed the Census Processing System containing Sequence and Completeness check (PLAN), Consistency checks (FORTRAN), Tabulation (FILAN).
UCC staff also supervised the processing.
Burma Railways, Central Economics and Statistics Department (CSED)/(CSO), Records Office Burma Army (ROBA) converted some of their Unit Record Machines applications on to the computer. Railways passenger and goods statistics; CSED Health and Trade Statistics; ROBA Miltary records.
RIT final year students implemented projects. Civil Engg: Structural Engineering, Astronomical Calculations, Electrical: Power System Analysis, Electronic Circuit Analysis.
Computer Education
The project preparation team organized courses in computers, programming and applications for the staff of Universities and government departments. (1971)
Preparations start for the MSc Computer Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Automatic Computing (DAC) to be given under the Mathematics Department, RASU. (1973)
Start of the MSc Computer Science and DAC courses. (1974)
There were three options under the MSc course : Computer Systems, Computer Oriented Operations Research Techniques and Computational Mathematics. Coursework plus dissertation/thesis.
DAC course was 2 years part-time from 7:00 am to 9:00 am.
Entrance Aptitude Tests for all applicants meeting the University requirements for post graduate studies.
The six months part time course (the predecessor to the full time 4 months course ) was started for the staff of the government departments and universities in 1976. It consisted of Introduction to Programming with FORTRAN, Mathematics and Statistics, COBOL Programming, Systems Analysis & Design.
The UCC Staff and visiting experts taught most of the courses. However Maths sayas helped out in the MSc and DAC courses. U Hla Myint and Dr Kyaw Nyunt in Computational Mathematics; U Soe Nyunt and Dr Pike Tin in OR courses.
Paid and unpaid volunteers were expected to attend the courses according to their ability and wishes.
Expert Services
The University of California at Santa Cruz(UCSC) was given the expert subcontract under the project. Professor Harry D. Huskey Chairman of the Department of Computer Science at UCSC and the well known pioneer in computers (in the development of the first electronic computer ENIAC at the University of Pennslyvania) was the coordinator of the contract. ** He co-authored the first Computer Handbook. His students include Nickaus Wirth (inventor of Pascal and Modula). He is a Past President of ACM and a Fellow of ACM, IEEE and CHM.
The UCSC expert subcontract was to provide four long term (4x12m) experts and a few short term (1m) experts, in addition to yearly visits by Professor Huskey.
Long Term Experts : Mr Sheldon Bachus (Systems Analysis & Design, 1973) Dr. Malcolm Atkinson (Computer Science Expert, 1974) Dr. Paul Keogh (Operations Research Expert, 1974) Mr. Bjorn Hustaad (Simulation, 1977)
Short Term Experts : World renowned people able to visit and give lectures for one month.
Professor Anthony Ralston Professor and Head of the Computer Science Department of the State University of New York (SUNY) in Buffalo, NY USA , and Past President of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) came as a one month short term expert in Computer Science. He introduced Structured Programming to UCC, Burma and even to the long term expert in Computer Science. (1975).
Professor Foreman Acton of Princeton University, Princeton NJ USA came as a one month short term expert in Numerical Analysis and conducted training courses .(1975)
Professor Peter Wegner of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island came as a one month short term expert in Computer Science and conducted training courses in Automata Theory.(1975)
Professor Wilde of Stanford University, Operations Research (1976)
Professor Leon Lasdon of University of Michigan, Operations Research (1976).
Professor Michael Stonebraker, University of California (Berkeley), INGRES Relational Database, Database 1977)
UN Experts
Dr. Shafeek Saleeb(Egypt) arrived to take up his assignment as Chief Technical Adviser of the UCC project. (1974)
Mr. Jan Rademaker (Netherlands) arrived to take up his assignment as an associate expert in Computer Applications under the UCC project. (1975)
Further Development
More memory, 2 disk drives and card reader supplemented by the Census project.
For scientific and engineering applications a flat bed Calcomp plotter was acquired.
For teaching purposes Professor Huskey advised to get an on line time sharing mini computer system like most American Universities. A PDP-11/70 mini computer system was acquired.
Prof Huskey also lectured on micro processors and micro computers. UCC decided to get a microcomputer for trying out. Chose Cromemco (** System Three). Very good except for the 8” disk drive problems. A lot of experience gained.
Government relaxed on buying microcomputers for the govt departments. Many acquired Cromemco and started their applications on microcomputers.
Since UCC is to be used mainly for training the Board proposed the establishment of a National Computer Center for use by government departments.
A summary was published in the Magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of ICST.
Founders
Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe founded Universities’ Computer Center with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min, and Saya U Ko Ko Lay
They led TOSS (Team Of System Specialists), which assisted the computerization of government departments and organizations.
Dr. Chit Swe
Dr. Chit Swe
My mentor at UCC
Alumnus of Mandalay University; Imperial College, London University; University of Glasgow; University of Liverpool
Head of Maths Department at the Institute of Economics when he proposed the UCC project
Became Professor of Maths at RASU and Founder-Director of UCC
Retired as Rector of RASU
Continued teaching and supervising research in Thailand and Australia.
Passed away in Sydney Australia in late 2019.
Obituary
U Soe Paing
U Soe Paing
My mentor at RIT & UCC
Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in the whole of Burma and won Collegiate Scholarship
In the RU Convocation in 1958, he won two medals: one for highest score for combined I.Sc. (A) and I.Sc.(B), and another for joint highest score for Mathematics in combined I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
While attending classes at the Faculty of Engineering, he was awarded a Government Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
In 1964, he joined EE Department at RIT as Assistant Lecturer.
Helped with the UCC Project. In April 1971, Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division.
M.Sc. (CS) from University of Southampton, UK
Wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” in a computer magazine in Myanmar. It was re-posted in “Mandalay Gazette”
Retired from UN after working on UN projects in several countries.
In July 2020, he gave an interview to MASTAA.
U Myo Min
U Myo Min
Matriculated as a top student from SPHS in 1958.
Won a Gold medal in 1960 for standing first among the I.Com students.
Won another Gold medal in 1962 for standing first among the B.Com (Accounting) students.
Chartered Account
Worked for IBM UK
Returned to Burma
Joined UCC as Manager of Applications
Masters in System Engineering from the University of Lancaster, UK
Later worked in Singapore and USA
U Ko Ko Lay
U Ko Ko Lay
Classmate of U Soe Paing at SPHS and Stanford University.
While attending classes at the Faculty of Engineering, he was awarded a Government Scholarship to study BSCE and MSCE at Stanford University.
Joined PWD as an assistant engineer.
Dr. Chit Swe & U Soe Paing recruited him to help with the UCC project.
In April 1971, Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Operations Division
Masters in System Engineering from the University of Lancaster, UK
Later served as Manager for Scientific Applications at UCC, Professor of Computer Science at DCS, and Professor of Information Systems at ICST.
To coordinate with SPZP-2012 organizers, I visited Yangon in March & December.
March 2012
Host / Transportation : U Ohn Khine (M70) & U Saw Lin (C71, GBNF); Met U Aung (C70), Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71), U Khin Maung Myint (ChE71)
Dinner by U Saw Lin
Preparations for HMEE and SPZP-2012
Received preview copy of RIT Selected Cartoons fom U Saw Lin
Mini-gathering at U Zau Lai (EP69)’s house; Last meeting with U Aung Thu Yein (EC69, GBNF)
Aung Thu Yein
Monthly 69er gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si
Temporary monk at Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung
December2012
SPZP-2012
True “Home Coming” at Gyogone Campus; Thanks to HE U Aye Myint; SPZP-2012
Dinner & Entertainment at MICT Park
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for SPZP-2012
Limited reprint of 23 RIT Annual Magazines
History of Myanmar Engineering Education : HMEE Book & CD Supplement
Selected RIT Cartoons
Exhibits : Cartoon Box, Photos and Paintings
Guest : M72 Gathering; C75 Gathering; Old Paulians’ Gathering
2015
Trip to East Coast (USA) and Canada; See “July 2015” post
Windsor, Canada
RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles; Thanks to Aung Myint Oo (EC84, ex-UCC) & Thida Khin (ex-UCC) for arranging the trip
LA Reunion
2016
All-day SPZP-2016 at Gyogone Campus
Free food : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Entertainment : Two Stages
Cartoon Pamphlet
Bagyee U Myo Myint donated proceeds from the sale of his Paintings
Bagyee Exhibit
Received “Collection of Swel Daw Kabyars” by Saya U Moe Aung, Saya U Aung Myaing, Saya U Nyunt Htay, U Win Myint, U Toe Aung
Book of Poems
2017
Trip to England and Wales : Dr. Khin Tun & spouse Winmar showed us around; They took us to Ogmore-by-the-sea to see my childhood friend Maung Maung Kyi.
2018
ICST/UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe : Transportation by Saw Yan Naing
Posted “Memories of UCC” series
Trip to Bagan : Phyu Phyu Kyaw sponsored the trip
2019
Sojourn in Singapore & Malaysia : Thanks to Ko Zaw Tun & Ma Kyu, Silver & Ma Nu, Ko Ye & Pale, and alumni of UCC & ICST
Gatherings : 69ers, Class of M73, UCC
Fifth Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Mandalay : Thanks to KK
RUBC/YUBC Annual Regatta
Golden Jubilee of Graduation of the 69ers : Organized by the Great Aung Min & team
ICST/UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe : Transportation by Mar Mar Soe
Gatherings : UCC, Paulians, Veda
Guest : Class of 72 Gatherings
2020
PSA (Professional Speakers’ Association)
Guest : 2020 PSA Tour to Upper Myanmar
Restriction : Stay at home
Virtual : RU Centennial
Updates
Several — Dr. Khin Tun, U Maung Maung Kyi, U Aung Myint, Dr. Kyaw Thein — are GBNF.
Due to pandemic, there were restrictions (e.g proof of vaccination & travel insurance in some countries). 18 former classmates — including Han Sein, Yi Pinn, Khin Maung Gyi, Tobias — succumbed to Covid.
Unconventional wisdom says, “We should maintain GBNF lists as part of the Written History of our beloved alma mater, our mentors and colleagues.
GBNF stands for Gone But Not Forgotten သွားနှင့်ပေမဲ့ မမေ့သင့်ပါ။
We use GBNF in the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and in my Posts.
Other posts may provide additional information for the entries in this post.
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) set up three GBNF pages on ex-RIT.org web site :
GBNF for sayas and sayamas
GBNF for alumni
GBNF for spouses
I used it in the last stanza of my poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE”.
Several classes maintain their GBNF list.
GBNF for the Class of 69
U Aung Min (M69) and team maintain the GBNF list of the Class of 69. About 320 students entered the first ever 2nd BE. The list includes a few seniors who took sabbatical in their study and ended up as our classmates. Several of our former classmates have passed away. Due to the decline of health, the 69ers chose to have two Golden Jubilees : the first in 2014 to celebrate the admission to RIT, and the second in December 2019 to celebrate the graduation of most members [in 1969].
GBNF for the Class of 70
U Ohn Khine (M70) and team maintain the GBNF list of the Class of 70. Over 400 students entered the first ever 1st BE.
My Classmates
Among my Primary School classmates, Myo Set (son of actor Tha Gaung Gyi) was the first to pass away. He perished in a car accident.
Among my High School classmates, Min Thaw (Gilbert, SPHS63) was among the early ones to pass away. Dr.Myo San (Freddie, SPHS) is the most recent to pass away.
Tone Kyaw
One should have Samvegha (sense of urgency) after hearing the sad news. When my name sake Hla Min (Pauk Si, SPHS64, EP70) passed away in his mid-thirties, we were shocked since he seemed strong and did not wear jackets (mandated for UCC employees entering the Computer Room). He would often be seen in sport shirts. He passed away with a few months of being diagnosed with liver problem. The consultant doctor was Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64, IM71). Ko Pauk Si was not a drinker, but other causes inflicted his liver. I became a Tone Kyaw when two government departments where I had given Guest Lectures on Computers and Applications tried to send me “Lwan Thu Pan Khwe“.
U Han Sein (C69) became a Tone Kyaw when the Organizers of the 30th Anniversary of Graduation inadvertently listed him in the GBNF list of the Class of 69. The organizers were unaware that U Han Sein was detained by the authorities after the 8-8-88 event. He resurfaced two decades later with the declaration of Amnesty.
Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63) became a Tone Kyaw when his namesake Saya Dr, Tin Hlaing (formerly of Maritime Studies) passed away. Some alumni had to revoke the wrong announcement.
GBNF
If you have additional information (e.g. Date of demise), please provide comments
Deans and Rectors
U Ba Hli (Dean)
Dr. Htin Aung (Interim Dean)
Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Interim Dean)
U Po Tha (Interim Dean)
U Yone Moe (Rector)
U Maung Maung Than (Rector)
U Aung Than (Rector)
U Khin Aung Kyi (Rector)
Architecture
U Tha Tun (Part-time)
U Kyaw Min (Part-time)
Sai Yee Leik
Civil
U Allen Htay
U Aye Win Kyaw
U Myint Soe
U Kyaw San (Part-time)
Chemical
U Khin Aung Kyi
Dr. Maung Maung Win
Daw Than Than (Chemistry)
Electrical
Dr. F Ba Hi (Part-time)
U Kyaw Tun
C. Ping Lee
U Sein Hlaing
U Tin Swe
U Sein Win
U Thein Lwin
Dr. San Tint
U Soe Min
U Chin Way
U Tin Shwe
U Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan)
Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee
English
Sao Kan Gyi
Joe Ba Maung
Mechanical
Dr. Chan Nyein
U Han Tun
U Khin Maung
U Kyaw Sein
U Myo Win
U Thein Tun Aung
U Tin Hlaing
Metallurgy
Dr. Khin Maung Win
U Thit
Mining
U Soe Khaw (Part-time)
U Soon Sein
U Win Kyaing
Physics
U Hlwan Moe
Daw May Than Nwe
Daw Nyein
U Saw Hlaing
Textile
U Hla Shwe
U Shwe Yi
UCC
Dr. Chit Swe
Dr. Tin Maung
U Ko Ko Lay
U Hla Min (CO)
U Mya Thein
U Kyaw Nyein
U Maung Maung Lay
U Maung Maung Gyi
U Aung Myint
U Soe Myint
U Soe Thein
U Win Naing
U Shein Soe Myint
U Aung Aung Thein
U Ba Than Aye (Myo Myint Lay)
U Thein Tan
U Myint Aung
U Win Htein (PWD) : managed electrical systems at UCC
Daw Nge Ma Ma Than
Daw Aye Aye Kyi
Daw Win May Thoung
Daw Hla Hla Win
Daw Khin Toe Nyein
Daw Khin Mya Swe
Daw Thida Aung
Daw Kyu Kyu Lwin
Daw Khin Lay Myint
PBRS
U Kyaw Zaw
Daw Khin Khin Aye
U Tin Maung Thant
U Kyaw Min
U Myint Sein
U Myat Hla Sein
U Khin Maung San
SPHS
Saya U Sein
Saya D’Cruz (Australia)
Brother Clementian
Brother Austin (Malaysia)
Brother Felix (Germany)
Ms. A Benjamin
Mrs. V. Boudville
Miss Hong Kong (Amelia Kyi)
Saya U Pe Tin
Saya U Nge
Saya U Kyaw Sein
Saya U Nyunt Maung
Doctors
Aung Khin
Aung Khin Sint
Aung Than Ba Tu
Aung Thwin
Betty Chu
Freddie Sein
Harry Saing (Htut Saing)
Htut Kyaw Win
Khin Than Nu, Daw
Khin Tun (Peter)
Kyaw Win
Min Aung
Mya Thein
Mya Tu
Myo San (Freddie)
P R Mohan
Nyunt Win (Eddie)
Thein Toe
Yi Thway
2000
Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74) : Jun 2000
2005
Dr. Mohan
Dr. Mohan
2006
U Sein Shan
Saya U Sein Shan (RIT Maths) : 17th Oct 2006
2010
U Thein Tun Aung
Saya U Thein Tun Aung (M) : Nov 2010 (See Post)
2011
U Naing Win
U Naing Win (M70) passed away in Yangon in January, 2011. His spouse Polly Win (Polly Ba San) represented Burma in swimming. I met her at A Lo Daw Pyie Kyaung, Apache Junction, Arizona.
U Chit Po Po (M69, GBNF)
Ko Chit Po Po is an expert at playing Burmese Harp.
I met Zeyar Po, Ko CPP’s son, in Sydney in 2006 along with his maternal uncle Ko Stanley Saw.
Ko Chit Po Po represented RIT in rowing along with Ko Aung Lwin (Jasper Wu, Canada), Ko Aung Tun Oo (Dennis Smithers, Australia), Ko Wunna Sithu (US) and me.
U Win Boh (Robert, EC69) wrote :
It is with my great sadness, to inform you that our close friend Ko Chit Po Po (M69, beloved husband of Dr. Daisy Saw) passed away at Asia-Taw Win Private Hospital YGN on 15 Jan 2011 Saturday early morning.
I have phoned his brother-in-Law Stanley Saw (M71) in New Zealand to convey our 69ers’ condolence.
His daughter Thiri Po in Sydney will be leaving soon to YGN for funeral.
Kindly pass on this message to Ko Chit Po Po’s friends far and near.
U Thein Swe (EP69) wrote :
It is sad news. Ko Chit Po Po (M69, ex-irrigation, tall and smiling Yangonite) passed away.
He and his brother (Dr ?) U Chit Ko Ko were close friends of my spouse’s brothers.
Before he went back to Yangon he stayed in Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand, etc. After he quit Irrigation Dept he ran an engineering (medium sized) company of Installation and Services for Air-cons and refrigerators, etc. in Lanmadaw Township.
He was a friendly classmate.
Unwillingly or in sadness we have to lose another friend.
U Tin Myint (John, M69) wrote :
It is a shock to me in hearing the sad news of Ko Chit Po Po, who was a very close friend, co-worker and also my lunch mate in the Irrigation Department at 81/2 mile workshop location.
He and I and another classmate rode the same Mazda car to work and coming back from work everyday.
He and I ate our lunch everyday.
I still remember vividly that during lunch time, after opened his lunch box and discovered fried shrimps, he would offered me his jumbo shrimps and skipped his lunch.
I enjoyed shrimps while he had no interest in shrimps.
He and I usually had one e-mail/year with exception of having two e-mails the most.
This year I received his e-mail once and I tried to have more e-mails and more info from him.
Now I received this sad news.
U Aung Thu Yein (EC69) wrote :
Our Colleague/Comrade/Friend – Chit Po Po,
We will miss you.
Just talking about you a few days ago.
Why so fast?
Why so sudden !!!
True Friends – Their Top 10 Characteristics (By Martin Sawdon)
When you forget the song in your heart, a friend is someone who sings it back to you. (Helen Steiner)
A friend’s support is unconditional: when the going gets tough a friend is right there beside you.
A friend has seen you at your worst and loves you even so.
A friend is someone with whom you can share secrets in confidence.
You can phone a friend for help even in the middle of the night.
A friend is honest with you, deflates your ego and inflates your Self.
A friend shares your sense of humor, provides nourishment and inspiration for the mind.
A friend is drawn to you not for what you are but who you are.
When you share your wildest dreams, a friend is someone who replies, quote, How can I help? unquote.
Thinking about Needs and Values, once you have recognized those Needs which,satisfied, enable you to be the best person you possibly can be, a friend will help you get them met.
U Sein Tin (“Omega”, Pathein, M 69) wrote :
We are feeling very sorry like you.
Our ages are at the sunset.
So take care of our health first and last.
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M 69) wrote :
Dr. Daisy Saw and family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
We will remember him forever.
Daw Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, ChE69) wrote :
I have a photo, which was taken at our gathering on 17 March 2010 by 69ers for KCPP’s visit to Singapore.
We were all very happy to meet him then!!
2012
U Thein Han
Thein Han (E) : 18th May 2012
U Han Tun
Saya U Han Tun (M) passed away on September, 2012.
Per his request, the body was donated to MC2.
U Kyaw Sint
Kyaw Sint (Edward Tai) (Tex 70, SPHS 63) is the beloved husband of Dolly Kamdar, father of Marlar and Noel, grandfather of three.
He passed away on November 29, 2012 at 6:58 pm.
He is the brother-in-law of Malcolm, Margaret (Tin Mg Lay [M 69]), Jannette, Ruby, and Pearl.
U Khin Maung Toe
Nationally acclaimed vocalist
Produced Thamudaya Kyaung 1 and 2
Passed away in Singapore
U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, EC69, GBNF)
Collegiate Scholarship Winners from SPHS in 1963
SPHS 63 (Aung Thuyein is second from right)
The group photo shows :
Standing (L to R) :
Hla Min (7th)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, 17th)
Nyunt Wai (Victor, 4th)
Thein Wai (5th)
Maung Maung Kyi (11th)
Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, 13th)
Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny, 9th)
Seated (L to R) :
Min Oo (Kenneth, 2nd)
Khin Maung U (George, 1st)
Myo San (Freddie, 3rd)
Best Friends
Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, SPHS63, EC69, GBNF) is the younger brother of Dr. Thet Htar Way (GBNF).
He read notes to his best friend Nyunt Wai (Victor), who fell sick before the Matriculation examination.
Nyunt Wai stood 4th in the Matriculation examination. Aung Thu Yein stood 13th. Both won the Collegiate Scholarships of K75 per month along with eight of their classmates.
Studies and Career
He was one of the eleven students who graduated with EC (Electrical Communications) degree in 1969.
He is seen third from right in the back row of the Group Photo taken in 2009 (30th Anniversary of Graduation).
F Block Soccer Team
He played soccer for the F Block team. He can be seen third from left in the back row. Sad to note that Myint Thein (Kabar, M69, 2nd from left) and Tun Oo Khine (EP69, rightmost) are GBNF.
He worked at MOC and Schlumberger.
Smoking and Drinking
Before attending RIT, he was a non-smoker and a non-drinker.
He claimed that he started smoking at RIT to warn off mosquitoes in the rest room of the hostel.
He accompanied some of his hostel friends to celebrate with drinks after taking the mid-term and final examinations.
Farewell
During one of my visits to Yangon in 2012, Zau Lai picked me up first and then Brownie.
Brownie jumped into the car without changing into new clothes and without locking his home and gate. He trusted people.
Due to his medical conditions, his doctor has advised him to stop smoking and drinking.
Seeing his long lost friends and with the persuasion of Duwa Zau Lai, Brownie found an excuse to take a drink “just one more time”.
Last Days
The Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Royal Rose (Taw Win Hnin Si) had bad news. We learned that Aung Thu Yein had slipped and fell a his home. His son (a medical doctor) rushed him to the RGH Neurological Ward.
After the gathering, several of us visited the RGH Neurological Ward.
I spent a few days as a temporary monk at Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung with U Wara (Win Paing, ChE70) as my preceptor.
The 69ers learned about the demise of Aung Thu Yein, but they chose not to inform me and disrupt my meditation practice at the monastery.
GBNF
Among the eleven EC69ers, Ko Kyaw Soe was the first to pass away.
Ko Aung Thu Yein became the second to pass away.
Ko Chit Tin became the third to pass away.
May they all rest in peace.
2013
Than Myint(’64 Intake, Ah Nu Pyinnyashin)
Dear Friends,
Sad to inform that Than Myint (’64 first year intake Roll No. 168) had passed away on 23rd January 2013 at Asia Royal Clinic. The funeral was at Ye Way cemetery on 25th January. I knew about his demise from the newspaper. He was a musician and vocalist, and a Burmese Guitar virtuoso.
U San Htay (B. E. Metallurgy) 1973 Batch. Retired Brigadier General passed away on 24 March 2013 in Victoria hospital. His remains were cremated at Yayway cemetery on 26 March 2013, 2 p.m.
Bohmu Myint Swe (Retd) BE Civil (78 Batch) passed away on March 22, 2013.
Maung Htay wrote:
I am very upset. I know him. His nick name GiGi. He performed half man and half woman show on RIT concert. We lived in Thamine Hostel together when we are in RIT.
Saya Allen Htay
Condolences from Ko Ben Aye Maung (Htin Myaing, A66)
Dear Muriel,
It is with great sadness to learn that your beloved husband Saya Allen Htay passed away on 19 March 2013. I just found out from the RIT Alumni newsletter.
Please accept my deep & sincere condolences to you & your daughters.
Saya Allen was a gentle kind hearted person as well as a good compassionate teacher. He will be sadly missed by all his friends, colleagues and students.
Please be consoled by the Buddhist philosophy of the Law of impermanence and that we will all have to part with our loved ones one day.
With deep sorrow, Ben Aye Maung
PS The last time we all met together was in happy times at the Bangkok MEHS Reunion in 2008. I still have the group photo which included us & some other friends, that you sent me, which will serve as a fond memory.
Condolences from Saya U Min Wun (C)
Today I found out that Saya Allen Htay has recently passed away. I would like to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to Ma Mu and her family.
In 1957 when I taught the Final Year CE class I noticed a group of highly intelligent students and Allen Htay was one of them. When he graduated the next year he was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer together with Ko San Hla Aung and Ko Win Thein.
Allen Htay was later sent abroad to Harvard University to study Soil Mechanics. He then left R.I.T. to work abroad. Later on he joined CalTrans [California Department of Transportation] until he retired due to his illness. The other day one of my RIT colleagues reminded me of the longevity of most of the senior CE staff, beginning from Saya Nam Kock, Dr. Aung Gyi, Dr. San Hla Aung, Dr. Win Thein, Allen Htay, and me. All of us are approaching and/or surpassing 80.
Now one of us is already gone and he’ll be missed.
From Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A 67)
My deepest & sincere condolences to Ma Ma Mu & Family. You will be deeply missed by all of us.
Saya RIP.
Khin Khin Kyu (A 67)
From Saya U Myo Win (Melvyn, M/Ag 65)
Dear Muriel & family,
Please accept our heartfelt deepest condolences and sorrow. Allen is one of our nicest sayas and he is always smiling and a happy person.
He will be greatly missed by all Myanmar engineers.
Myo & Nu Win ( Melvyn Ba Tin & Noreen Aungyaw)
From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L. Tin Htun, EE 59)
Dear Ko Hla Min:
We are greatly saddened to learn about the passing of our beloved friend and colleague Mr. Allen Htay. Please convey our deep condolence and sympathy to all members of his family.
Sincerely, Chris and Pam Lee
From Saya U Nyo Win
Maurice and All,
Please convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to Allen’s family. Please include me in any and all arrangements for the funeral.
With great sadness, [Saya Dr.] Nyo Win (M 65)
(9) From Saya KC
Hi Maurice,
I am saddened by the bad news. Please convey my condolences to Daw Mu Mu and her family and let me know the funeral arrangement once it is confirmed. Also count me in your arrangement of expressing our grieve. Thank you.
Regards, [Saya] KC Chiu (ChE 63)
Saw Linn (C71) wrote :
Sad News.
Saya Allen Htay passed away on 19-03-2013.
Win Khaing (M75) wrote :
Dear U Saw Lin
Pls convey my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family of Saya Allen Htay.
With regards U Win Khaing President MES
U Moe Aung wrote :
Saya was a very gentle and soft-spoken person.
Please convey my deepest condolences to his wife Daw Mu Mu Khin and family.
Tunaye Sai wrote :
Very sad to hear this news.
Please convey my condolences to saya’s family.
Myint Pe wrote :
Very sad to hear about SA YAR’s news.
Aung Kyaw Myat wrote :
Deep Condolences to Saya’s Family.
U Kyaw San Win wrote :
He is genius and good teacher for us. We miss him forever. This is life. Please convey our condolences to his bereaved family.
U Kyaw Sein wrote :
I can still remember Saya’s soft-spoken manner of conducting lectures. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
Tin Lin wrote :
May you rest in PEACE Saya Allen Htay! My deepest condolence to saya’s family. This is the final journey of our life to pass through one day.
Hla Thaung wrote :
Very sorry to know that. Saya, may you rest in peace! My deep condolence to Saya’s family.
2014
U Maung Maung (T) : 31st Aug 2014
In February 2014, Daw Helen Lim, 88+ years young passed away. She is the mother of Margaret Lim and Daisy Lim. She is the aunt of Saya U “Charlie” Hla Myint (M 65), U Michael Lim (C74), Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75) and Dr. San Lwin Lin (EC77) .
Another matriarch Daw Kyin Shwe, 98+ years young, passed away at 7 am on February 8, 2014. She is the mother of U Nyunt Tin (M 70, RIT table tennis), Daw May Win Kyi (my primary school classmate), the late Daw Khin Pa Pa (Mrs. Sein Yaung, M 67), and U Nyunt Tun (Kha mee kha met of Daw Kyu Kyu Lin).
2015
Sein Sein (T) : 19th Feb 2015
Myat Soe (Myint Soe, E) : 22nd Mar 2015
Myo Thaw : May 2015
Chit Khin (A) : 23rd June, 2015
Htike Nyan (E) : 26th Oct 2015
Nay Win (M69)
Win Naing (Dicky, M69)
2016
Aung Law Ha (Min) : 30th Jan 2016
John Krasu : Mar 2016
Aye Than (E) : 25th Apr 2016
Khin Maung Pun (Pet) : Oct 2016
Dr. Daw Khin Than Nu, mother of U Win Htut
2017
U Boon Pin : 19th Mar 2017
Dr. Aung Thwin (Alfred, SPHS63, USA) : Mar 2017
Kyaw Swe Thet (M)
Saya U Myo Win (Melvyn, M65, Australia)
U Aung Myint (M67, USA)
U Tin Myint (M69, USA)
U Myint Thein (Kabar, M69)
U Chit Tin (EC69)
Saya U Thein Lwin (EE, Singapore)
Sayama Daw May Than Nwe (Phy, Singapore)
Dr. Myo San (Freddie, SPHS63)
U Myint Sein (Bobby, SPHS64)
Saw Yan Naing (C68) : 3rd Dec 2017
U Boon Pin
U Boon Pin
U Boon Pin
U Boon Bin (Class of 48/49), father of Ko San Lin (Robert, EC73) and uncle of Ko Johnson Lim, Chan passed away peacefully in Taiwan on March 19, 2017.
U Myo Win
RIT Automobile Club
Saya U Myo Win (Melvyn, M65, Australia) rowed for RIT. He co-managed the RIT Auto Club. He and Saya U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) oversaw the RIT Gathering in Sydney in 2006 (and more).
U Aung Myint
U Aung Myint (M67, US) worked with U Win Thein (M67, GBNF) on “Set Hmu Thadin Zin” and Mechanical Magazine. He passed away in Northern California, USA.
U Myint Thein
Yet Lei Invitation for Kabar
U Myint Thein (Kabar, M69) was a Core organizer from the Class of 69. He found his health deteriorating while doing medical check up and treatment in Singapore, India and Yangon. He passed away on 24th Oct 2017
U Chit Tin
U Chit Tin (EC69) moved back to Yangon after working in Singapore for several years. There were only eleven who graduated with EC (Elecctrical Communications) in 1969. Three are now GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten). U Kyaw Soe, U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie) and U Chit Tin have left us.
U Chit Tin (EC69, Nyaung Oo) succumbed to liver cancer on (9 November, 2017) 1:30 pm at his home. Per his wish, the services were performed the same day.
Two Fallen Comrades (Ko Chit Tin and Ko Myint Thein)
Ko Chit Tin and Ko Myint Thein (Kabar) are remembered by their 69er classmates. They passed away within five weeks.
From Ashin Pannagavesaka
GBNF. We are also bound to follow our dear friends, sooner or later.
From David Myint Thein
We can’t say when, but, definitely, we have to follow Maung Kabar and Bo Chit one day.
From Tobias Ku
Just a matter if time. Sooner or later we’ll be seeing each other again. Come heaven or hell. RIP KCT.
From Zau Lai
What will be will be. After 20 years the most we all (RIT 69ers) will be gone. From dust to dust. Care one another while we are still here on this earth. My father and my mother were gone. I also must be gone when the time comes. I have no plan to say “No”.
From Ngwe Tun Tun
It is a universal truth my friend KAGS. We must follow this path now and then. From Ko Thein Swe (EP69)
We (Saw Aung (Rakhine), Zaw Win M69, Nyaung Oo, now Thailand, Ko Chit Tin and I) were together studying in I.Sc A in Mandalay university before joining RIT.
From Ko Aung Khin (EP68)
Please convey my condolences to the family of U Chit Tin.
From Ko Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69)
Very sad to hear the demise of our friend, Ko Chit Tin. It was a shocking news.
From Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69)
To meet, to love and to part, c’est la vie!!!
So my dear friends do send me flowers when I leave.
From Ko Aung Myint (M69)
Saddened to hear the demise of our friend Ko Chit Tin. I met him a few times in Singapore when he was working there.
My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.
U Saw Yan Naing
U Saw Yan Naing (Bo Bo, C69) was a room mate of Ko Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) at RIT. Both were from Meikhtila. After graduation, he moved to Mandalay. We had not seen him after graduation. He married a cousin of Ko Tun Aung Gyaw.
U Tin Myint
U Tin Myint (L. Tan Choy, John T Lee, M69, USA) matriculated from Taunggyi. He was Luyecun for 4th BE. He represented RIT in Table Tennis. He married Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel, T69), who played basketball for RIT. They settled in Union City, California. Their daughter (a medical doctor) asked me to give a short address at the funeral service of Ko Tin Myint.
Dr. Myo San
Dr. Myo San (Freddie Ba San, SPHS63, IM1 70) stood 3rd in Burma in the Matriculation of 1963. He became a surgeon, but had to take early retirement.
U Myint Sein
U Myint Sein attended Private Primary Boundary Road School (PPBRS) before moving to St. Paul’s High School (SPHS). He matriculated in 1964 and studied B.Com at the Institute of Economics (IE). He is a cousin brother of U Nyunt Tin (M70, RIT Table Tennis).
He served as Principal of BARB (Burma Astro Research Bureau). He taught Medical Astrology at the School of Indigenous Medicine (Taing Yin Saya Pyinnya) in Mandalay. He later founded “Idea Astrology”.
He is GBNF.
Daw Than Than
Sayama Daw Than Than (Chemisty) is the spouse of Saya U Khin Maung Myint (Chemistry, GBNF) and the mother of Ko Wynn Myint Aung (EC76). She was healthy, but unexpectedly succumbed to pneumonia. She passed away exactly one year after her younger son died.
U Kyaw Zaw
U Kyaw Zaw is the spouse of Sayama Daw Khin Khin Aye (Past Principal, Boundary Road School). He was States Scholar in the early 50s. He studied Motion Pictures (technology …) in the USA. He is the father of Bohmu Thane Myint (spouse of Ma Khin Than Nu (Glory, EC70)).
Dr. Barry Paw
Dr. Barry Paw (MD, Ph.D) is the only child of Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF, Past President of BEA, Past President of TBSA). He is a nephew of U Tun Thein (A67) and a cousin of Ko Robert Hla Thein (M72). Dr. Barry is Harvard medical school Professor, Boston children Hospital co founder. He succumbed to a heart attack.on Dec 29 in Denver when he flew back from Australia after visiting his aunt and her spouse who passed away unexpectedly. Dr. Barry had to arrange the funeral services of his uncle.
2018
U Maung Maung Swe : Jan 2018
U Than Naing (Saya Gyi) : 29th Jan 2018
U Maung Maung Than (M) : 8th Jul 2018
Saya H Num Kok (C, USA) : 12th Jul 2018
U Cho Aye (M70) : 7th Aug 2018
U Thein Htun (M) : 29th Aug 2018
U Aye Kyaw : 12th Oct 2018
Daw Khin Than Win (T70) : 3rd Sep 2018
U Hla Moe (U Kyin Sein, Phy) : 4th Nov 2018
U Khin Kyaw (SPHS 70/EP 76/ex-YCDC) : 18th Dec 2018
Dr. Daw Kyin Yee, spouse of Saya U Kyaw Myint (M64) : Dec 2018
U Ne Win Myint (Victor, ChE66, USA)
Darren Lee (M62, USA)
U Kyaw Min Than
U Nyunt Than (M86) wrote :
Our classmate Daw Khin Htwe Yee (M86) passed away on Jan 6th., 2018.
Myanmar Community in SF Bay Area
Two members from the Myanmar Community in the San Francisco Bay Area lost their beloved ones.
Ms. Yasmin Vanya, Secretary of Burmese American Women’s Alliance (BAWA), lost her beloved mother. Yasmin is a cousin of Saya Bilal Raschid (C56, Architect).
U Maung Maung Latt, President of Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA) lost his beloved wife. He was elected as MP of Beelin Constituency in the 1990 elections.
U Kyaw Min Than
U Kyaw Min Than is the younger brother of Saya Dr. U Win (USA).
To coordinate with SPZP-2012 organizers, I visited Yangon in March & December.
March 2012
Host / Transportation : U Ohn Khine (M70) & U Saw Lin (C71, GBNF); Met U Aung (C70), Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71), U Khin Maung Myint (ChE71)
Dinner by U Saw Lin
Preparations for HMEE and SPZP-2012
Received preview copy of RIT Selected Cartoons fom U Saw Lin
Mini-gathering at U Zau Lai (EP69)’s house; Last meeting with U Aung Thu Yein (EC69, GBNF)
Aung Thu Yein
Monthly 69er gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si
Temporary monk at Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung
December2012
SPZP-2012
True “Home Coming” at Gyogone Campus; Thanks to HE U Aye Myint; SPZP-2012
Dinner & Entertainment at MICT Park
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for SPZP-2012
Limited reprint of 23 RIT Annual Magazines
History of Myanmar Engineering Education : HMEE Book & CD Supplement
Selected RIT Cartoons
Exhibits : Cartoon Box, Photos and Paintings
Guest : M72 Gathering; C75 Gathering; Old Paulians’ Gathering
2015
Trip to East Coast (USA) and Canada; See “July 2015” post
Windsor, Canada
RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles; Thanks to Aung Myint Oo (EC84, ex-UCC) & Thida Khin (ex-UCC) for arranging the trip
LA Reunion
2016
All-day SPZP-2016 at Gyogone Campus
Free food : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Entertainment : Two Stages
Cartoon Pamphlet
Bagyee U Myo Myint donated proceeds from the sale of his Paintings
Bagyee Exhibit
Received “Collection of Swel Daw Kabyars” by Saya U Moe Aung, Saya U Aung Myaing, Saya U Nyunt Htay, U Win Myint, U Toe Aung
Book of Poems
2017
Trip to England and Wales : Dr. Khin Tun & spouse Winmar showed us around; They took us to Ogmore-by-the-sea to see my childhood friend Maung Maung Kyi.
2018
ICST/UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe : Transportation by Saw Yan Naing
Posted “Memories of UCC” series
Trip to Bagan : Phyu Phyu Kyaw sponsored the trip
2019
Sojourn in Singapore & Malaysia : Thanks to Ko Zaw Tun & Ma Kyu, Silver & Ma Nu, Ko Ye & Pale, and alumni of UCC & ICST
Gatherings : 69ers, Class of M73, UCC
Fifth Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Mandalay : Thanks to KK
RUBC/YUBC Annual Regatta
Golden Jubilee of Graduation of the 69ers : Organized by the Great Aung Min & team
ICST/UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe : Transportation by Mar Mar Soe
Gatherings : UCC, Paulians, Veda
Guest : Class of 72 Gatherings
2020
PSA (Professional Speakers’ Association)
Guest : 2020 PSA Tour to Upper Myanmar
Restriction : Stay at home
Virtual : RU Centennial
Updates
Several — Dr. Khin Tun, U Maung Maung Kyi, U Aung Myint, Dr. Kyaw Thein — are GBNF.
Due to pandemic, there were restrictions (e.g proof of vaccination & travel insurance in some countries). 18 former classmates — including Han Sein, Yi Pinn, Khin Maung Gyi, Tobias — succumbed to Covid.
The Burmese version of the Book was published by YMBA (Young Men’s Buddhist Association) in 1951.
Mahagandayone Sayadaw
YMBA requested Mahagandayone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa to write a brief “History of Buddhism” and Artist Saya U Ba Kyi to provide illustrations.
U Ba Kyi observed eight precepts for 45 days before undertaking the project.
In 1953, U Ba Kyi gained international reputation.
In 1954, YMBA published an addendum (English translation of Sayadaw’s text in Burmese) for readers who are not conversant in Burmese.
TBSA
Illustrated History of Buddhism
Dhammananda Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa sought permission from YMBA to reprint the book with descriptions in both Burmese/Myanmar and English.
In 1994, the book was printed and published in the US and was distributed by TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America).
Several books were left. Some were handed as prizes for the successful participants of the “Summer Dhamma Class / Camp”.
Missed Opportunity
An Arts professor from Stanford University expressed desire to use “The Illustrated History of Buddhism” as a text for his course provided the book can be “ordered” from the University Book Shop.
Since the book was meant for dhamma dana, the book had no ISBN (International Standard Book Number) that is used by book shops.
Miscellaneous
There have been some requests to reprint the book.
There are probably newer reprints of the book and/or PDF version of Saya U Ba Kyi’s drawings.
U Ba Kyi
Saya translated a verse of the song “Hna yauk hte nay gin de” while invigilating an examination at the Institute of Education.
Dr. Maung Maung Kha used to accompany Saya U Ba Kyi’s vocals with his violin at the functions (mostly at Rangoon University Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin).
Translation of Burmese Song နှစ်ယောက်ထဲနေချင်တယ်
Darling Only two we will live dear On the high crest Of the Mount Everest And the Sahara Desert Driest without water To the North Pole May be freezing cold Where the sun will never never grow With all my heart and soul Only two darling We will go
The success of a company or a product often requires complementary skills.
Three examples are provided.
Microsoft
Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, passed away at the age of 65. He had the technical expertise.
Bill Gates had the business acumen to turn Paul Allen’s ideas into products.
The two were complementary.
Apple
Steve Wozniak is fondly called Woz (Wizard of Oz). He built the microcomputer and wanted to give it free to the members of the Home Brew Computer Club. After retiring from Apple, he returned to school under an assumed name.
Steve Jobs had the business acumen and persuaded Woz to form Apple Computers.
The two were complementary.
Music
Oscar Hammerstein wrote beautiful lyrics.
Richard Rodgers was a talented composer.
The two were complementary. They combined their talents to produce hits for Broadway Musicals and Hollywood Movies. Their works include “Oklahoma”, “Sound of Music”, “South Pacific” and “My Fair Lady”.
A summary was published in the Magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of ICST.
Founders
Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe founded Universities’ Computer Center with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min, and Saya U Ko Ko Lay
They led TOSS (Team Of System Specialists), which assisted the computerization of government departments and organizations.
Dr. Chit Swe
Dr. Chit Swe
My mentor at UCC
Alumnus of Mandalay University; Imperial College, London University; University of Glasgow; University of Liverpool
Head of Maths Department at the Institute of Economics when he proposed the UCC project
Became Professor of Maths at RASU and Founder-Director of UCC
Retired as Rector of RASU
Continued teaching and supervising research in Thailand and Australia.
Passed away in Sydney Australia in late 2019.
Obituary
U Soe Paing
U Soe Paing
My mentor at RIT & UCC
Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in the whole of Burma and won Collegiate Scholarship
In the RU Convocation in 1958, he won two medals: one for highest score for combined I.Sc. (A) and I.Sc.(B), and another for joint highest score for Mathematics in combined I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
While attending classes at the Faculty of Engineering, he was awarded a Government Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
In 1964, he joined EE Department at RIT as Assistant Lecturer.
Helped with the UCC Project. In April 1971, Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division.
M.Sc. (CS) from University of Southampton, UK
Wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” in a computer magazine in Myanmar. It was re-posted in “Mandalay Gazette”
Retired from UN after working on UN projects in several countries.
In July 2020, he gave an interview to MASTAA.
U Myo Min
U Myo Min
Matriculated as a top student from SPHS in 1958.
Won a Gold medal in 1960 for standing first among the I.Com students.
Won another Gold medal in 1962 for standing first among the B.Com (Accounting) students.
Chartered Account
Worked for IBM UK
Returned to Burma
Joined UCC as Manager of Applications
Masters in System Engineering from the University of Lancaster, UK
Later worked in Singapore and USA
U Ko Ko Lay
U Ko Ko Lay
Classmate of U Soe Paing at SPHS and Stanford University.
While attending classes at the Faculty of Engineering, he was awarded a Government Scholarship to study BSCE and MSCE at Stanford University.
Joined PWD as an assistant engineer.
Dr. Chit Swe & U Soe Paing recruited him to help with the UCC project.
In April 1971, Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Operations Division
Masters in System Engineering from the University of Lancaster, UK
Later served as Manager for Scientific Applications at UCC, Professor of Computer Science at DCS, and Professor of Information Systems at ICST.
HlaMin 