Category: Broadcast

by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Video Broadcast on January 24, 2021

History of Myanmar Engineering Education

• HMEE-2012
  Lead Author : Saya U Aung Hla Tun (National Literary Award Winner)
  U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement

• Beginning of Engineering Courses at Rangoon University
• BOC College of Engineering and Mining
• Faculty of Engineering
• Leik Khone
• Burma Institute of Technology (BIT)
• Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT)
• Yangon Institute of Technology (YIT)
• Yangon Technological University (YTU)
• Changes in Education Systems and Names

Early supporters of the Project

• Sayagyi U Ba Than
• Saya U Thaw Kaung
• Saya U Soe Paing (my mentor at RIT and UCC).

Saya U Soe Paing’s post on March 5, 2011

I went to the University Central Library (UCL) on Tuesday and managed to get scanned photos from the Eng Student Annual Magazines for the academic years 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas and students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.

Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor of Electrical Engineering) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L (Assistant Lecturer) starting 1952-53.

Saya U Tin Swe (Lecturer, EE Department) was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team.

Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain of the football team.

U Khin Si, husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile, and his brother U Tin Si were also members of that victorious team. The brothers were also outstanding tennis players and excelled at the Doubles event. Their partnership won RU as well as national championships.

The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by HE U Ba Swe, Prime Minister at that time.

In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD,PWC,CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.

I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.

Saya U Ba Than (Professor of Mechanical Engineering) has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.

Best wishes
SP (Saya U Soe Paing)

Editor’s notes

• An academic usually spans two years. To save space and time, I had loosely used the end year instead of the start year and end year. Using that notation, Saya U Sein Hlaing is from the Class of 52; Saya U Tin Swe and U Chan Tha are from the Class of 53; U Aw Taik Maw is from the Class of 54.
• In the early days, there were no Instructors (but only Assistant Lecturers) for the Faculty of Engineering. They are Gazetted officers.
• Some of our sayas (Saya Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Min Wun, Saya U Maung Maung Than, Saya U Khin Aung Kyi, Saya U Aung Khin, Saya U Thit, Saya U Thein Lwin, Saya U Soe Paing) applied for “States Scholar” before graduation.
• Some (Saya Allen Htay, Saya Dr San Hla Aung, Saya U Htin Paw, Saya Dr. Ba Lwin, Saya U San Tun, Saya U Tin Hlaing) joined the faculty and were selected to do post-graduate studies.
• Grapevine says that the Halls would aggressively seek outstanding athletes (footballers,…)
• U Chan Tha is also Past Captain and Gold of RUBC Gold. He attended RUBC Regattas (including the 90th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC). I was a contributing editor for the commemorative issue.
• Ko Percy Maung Maung and his younger brother Ko Hugh Maung Maung are old crocs. Ko Percy is a class mate of Saya U Soe Paing at SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) and Stanford University.
• Ma Gilmore Hole, daughter of Mr. Robert Hole, was a sayama at UCC, DCS and ICST. Due to declining health (and some loss of memory), Mr. Robert Hole could not fulfill his promise to write about RUESU and the olden days.
• Saya Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (Emeritus Professor of Physics at Western Illinois University) e-mailed me a copy of the “Burmese state scholars in ’54”. The list was published in one of my early updates. The list includes Saya U Sein Hlaing, Saya U Tin Swe, …
• Ko Benny Tan (M 70) used to have two copies of the “RIT Handbook”. One was loaned indefinitely by an alumni. I published the list of permanent and part-time sayas and sayamas from that handbook in one of early “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” updates.
• Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War, EE) may have old copies of “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”, RIT Annual Magazines, commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saungs for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010, commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazines for Shwe YaDu and SPZP-2016. Saya served as Chief Editor and/or Publisher for the above mentioned publications.
• Saya Charlie Kaw (Tex, GBNF) is believed to have brought along with him the projects of his final year students when he migrated to the USA.
• “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar” was published in time for SPZP-2012. Due to resource constraints, there were inadvertent errors and missing names/captions for the photos. Ko Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 and summarized Section 2 in English. The translations were provided in the companion CD compiled by Ko Ohn Khine and yours truly.
• Saya U Aung Hla Tun (Met, National Literary Award winner) headed the team (see attached photo). Saya feels that the younger generation could/should “correct” the book and enhance it.

Update

• Several members and supporters of HMEE project are GBNF
• Saya U Ba Than (GBNF) hosted the inaugural HMEE meeting
• Saya U Aung Hla Tun, Ko Aung Moung and Ko Thant Zin are GBNF.
• HMEE-2018 was suspended after the demise of Saya U Aung Hla Tun

by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Video Broadcast on January 6, 2021

Introduction

• Crossword Puzzle
  Various levels of complexity
• Lexicon
  Card Game
• Anagram
  Making new words and phrases from the given word
  e.g. North, South, East and West can be transformed into Thorn, Shout, Seat and Stew
• Jumbled Words
  Feature of a newspaper column
• Scrabble

Scrabble

• Scrabble is a board game.
• A game can be played by two to four players.
• There are a specified number of tiles.
• Each tile holds a letter worth one to ten points, or a “blank” (similar to a “joker” or a “wild card” in card games).

Rules

• The word must appear in the official set of dictionaries (e.g. Chamber’s Dictionary, Jone’s Pronouncing Dictionary).
• A player can challenge the validity of a word.
  He or she will forfeit a turn if the challenge is unsuccessful.
• A bonus of 50 points is given for a word formed with all seven tiles. e.g. MAJESTY
• In some contests, adding “s” to a singular to make it plural is disallowed.

Scrabble Tournaments

In our younger days, Scrabble tournaments were held by

• Guardian Newspaper
  P. (Paul) Aung Khin (Editor, “Dawlay’s Circle”) was a host.
  There was a “Tiger” Scrabble team with U Tin Shwe, U Ba U and their friend. One of the Tigers joined Saya Des Rodgers to play Doubles.
• RIT Scrabble Club : Saya Des and Saya U Khin were hosts.
• YMCA : Known for the Chess Champions (e.g. Saya Dawson).
  Hosted Scrabble tournaments.

Saya Des Rodgers won several trophies. Most of the English sayas (e.g. U Khin) and sayamas (e.g. Daw Toni) played Scrabble along with the students such as Ko Myo Tun (Bobby) and Ko Khin Maung Win (Roland). Civil Engineering sayas (e.g. U Tin Win) also frequent the English Department for Scrabble sessions and tournaments.

Saya U Khin has Chamber’s Dictionary and Jone’s Pronouncing Dictionary on his desk for use in the challenges.

Update of RIT Scrabble Players

• Saya Des moved to UK and then Canada.
• Saya U Khin moved to Taiwan.
• Sayama Toni joined her husband U Nyi Than (who retired as Ambassador).
  After his demise, Sayama moved back to Yangon.
  She attends and/or host gatherings (sumptuous food and Scrabble) in Yangon.
• Bobby is now Ashin Pannagavesaka (Former Dhamma Librarian, Pa Auk Tawya monastery in Mawlamyine). Bobby mentioned that Paul requested him to be a judge at the Guardian Scrabble tournaments, so he could not participate.
• Roland retired after working for an Embassy in Yangon.

by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Video Broadcast

Disciples of Mingun Narada Sayadaw

• Mahasi Sayadaw မဟာစည်

• Taung Pu Lu Sayadaw တောင်ပုလု

Disciples of Mahasi Sayadaw

• Panditarama Sayadaw

• Saddamaramsi Sayadaw
• Chan Myei Sayadaw U Janakabhivamsa

• Dhammananda Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa

• Kheippa Bein Nyaw (Vietnamese)

Dhamma Lineage of Ledi Sayadaw

• Saya Thet
• U Ba Khin

• S N Goenka

Fundamentals of Vipassana Meditation

• Primary Author : Mahasi Sayadaw
• Translator : Maung Tha Noe
• Editor : Sayadaw U Silananda

• Original Publisher : Dhammachakka Meditation Center, 1991
• Republished with other articles : Tathagata Meditation Center

Other articles included the book

(1) “Instructions to Meditation Practice” by Mahasi Sayadaw
(2) “Benefits of Walking Meditation” by Sayadaw U Silananda
(3) “Guidance for Yogis at Interview” by Sayadaw U Pandita
(4) “An Interview with Mahasi Sayadaw” by Thamanaykyaw, translated by U Hla Myint

by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Video Broadcast on January 8, 2021

Introduction

• Private Boundary Road School
  Daw Ku Paw, Daw Kywe, Daw Yi Yi, Daw Khin Khin Aye
• St. Paul’s High School
  Ms. A Benjamin, Mrs. V Boudville, Ms. Amelia Kyi (Miss Hong Kong), Brother Xavier, Brother Austin
• I.Sc. (A)
  Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing, Daw Khin Khin Kyi
• 2nd BE
  Mr. Des Rodgers (Primary), Sao Kan Gyi, U Khin, U Win Mra

Saya Des

Saya Des

• Our main English Teacher in our 2nd BE Class in 1964 – 65.
• Chief Editor of the RIT English Association Newsletter.
• Core organizer of debates (in English) between 1st BE and 2nd BE students.
  e.g. “Money is the Root of All Evils”
          “Are we happier than our forefathers?”
• Played on the RIT Saya soccer team.
• Accomplished musician : guitarist and vocalist, a regular on the BBS Variety Show.
  Would often play with Saya U Win Mra (Burma’s Elvis Presley in his younger days).
• Won Singles and Doubles tournaments in Scrabble.
  Held at Guardian, YMCA and RIT.

• Did post-graduate studies in the UK.
• Moved to Canada.
• Taught “English as a Specialty Language” and other English courses.
• Set up a consultancy firm
• Published a book on English words that have been “selected” from contemporary news media and magazines. I helped catch some typos (which would go into an amendment).
• Conducted on-line courses to students (mostly outside Canada).
• Published two books.

• The first book selected words from the contemporary publications (news media and magazines), provided definitions and usage.
  Synonyms and antonyms are given.
• Sent his book by air mail.
  Sadly, I received only the envelope. So he sent a second time using registered/insured option. The mailing costs are prohibitive. Cost more than the sales price of the book.
• E-mailed back typos in the book to Saya. They will be corrected in a future edition.

Related Posts

• Memories of PBRS
• Memories of SPHS
• Articles on RIT English
  by Saya Des
• RIT English Sayas and Sayamas
  by Saya U Khin
• Scrabble
• RIT Saya Soccer Team
  by Saya U Soe Paing

by Hla Min

Updated : 6th October 2026

Video Broadcast

In December 1920, there were three significant events.

• On December 1, 1920, Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College and Judson College as the constituent colleges. The colleges are also known by other names (e.g. Government College, Baptist College)
• On December 5, 1920, the First RU Students’ Strike took place. They protested the 1920 Rangoon University Act as too narrow and restrictive.
• On December 26, 1920, Saya U Ba Toke was born as a Phwa Bet Taw of the above two.

Rangoon University (RU)

• Initially had three Faculties and eight departments (including Law)
• Initially had six professors
• RU gradually extended its offerings (beyond Science and Arts)
• The opening of engineering classes was planned around 1923 and executed in 1924.
• In 1927, the first batch of engineering students (who had Bachelors degree) graduated with the “accelerated courses” option.
• In 1928, the second batch of engineering students (who joined after finishing the I.Sc.) graduated.
• RU was closed from 1942 to 45.
  RU Silver Jubilee was celebrated much later (and without high key).
• RU celebrated the Golden Jubilee (GJ) in 1970. Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor of Civil Engineering) and U Thet Lwin (Burmese saya at the Institute of Economics) were some of the GJ organizers. The RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins took part in the GJ Entertainment Program as “Swel Daw Yeik Troupe“.
  The term “Swel Daw Yeik” became synonymous with RIT [its predecessors and its successors]. Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint (စွယ်တော်ရိပ်အငြိမ့် with Minthamees မင်းသမီး and Lu Shwin Daws လူရွှင်တော်), Htee Yein (ထီးယိမ်း RIT Belles with colorful Parasols) and Da Bin Daing Ah Ka (တပင်တိုင်အက) were hits at the GJ celebration.
  I was a volunteer member of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Hta Yay” subcommittee headed by Saya U Hla Tun Aung (Geography). Those who applied for stalls and/or stage included Actor Maung Maung Tar (promoting his make up) and the then amateur band “Playboys” requesting a high stage (for security concerns).
  
• RU celebrated the Diamond Jubilee in 1995.
  
• RU celebrated the “Yar Pyie Ah Kyo” in December 2019. The opening song was “Mya Kyun Nyo” composed by Maung Ngwe Hlinne (Saya U Thet Lwin).
  
• RU Centennial Celebrations were planned for November and December of 2020.
  Due to the pandemic, many events were held virtually.
  Kyemon and Myanar Ah Lin newspapers featured articles about RU. The TV stations featured interviews, songs …

First RU Students’ Strike

• Eleven “senior” students led the Boycott of the Rangoon University Act of 1920.
• They were unhappy with the restrictions of the RU Act and decided to hold a boycott (strike) on December 7, 1920.
• Due to a news leak, the protests were moved to December 5, 1920.
• The strike resulted in the establishment of Amyotha Kyaung (National Schools) and Amyotha Kaw Leik (National College). The event is celebrated as Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay (National Day).
  The Burmese date (10th Waning day of Tazaungmon) is used for the Celebration.
• Arzani U Razak was an early graduate of the National College. He served as Principal of a National School in Mandalay. He became Minister of Education in Bogyoke Aung San’s cabinet.
• Prime Minister U Nu, United Nations Secretary General U Thant and Ahmyotha Pyinnya Wun / Educator / Writer U Po Kyar are notable sayas from the National Schools.
• The boycott was responsible for the amendments to the RU Act. e.g. opening of schools for engineering and medicine,
• A pillar was set up on Shwe Dagon Pagoda in memory of the Boycott.

Sayagyi U Ba Toke (Dec 26, 1920 – Dec 2, 2020)

• He is one of the oldest and senior sayas. Some senior sayas (e.g. Daw Hla May / Anne Sine) passed away in early 2020.
• Received A.M (Master of Arts in Mathematics) from Harvard University.
• Served as Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer and Professor of Mathematics at RU and RASU.
• Promoted to Rector, MASU.
• With his own volition, he transferred to RIT as Professor of (Engineering) Mathematics.
• As a Saya of engineering sayas (e.g. Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Khin Aung Kyi), he was invited to attend SPZP-2000 and give a speech.
• Saya attended all SPZPs except SPZP-2002 (which he had to forgo due to Sayagadaw’s health).
• Played Chinlon and Soccer.
• Co-chair of RU Sports Council
  Managed the Soccer program.
• Headed the Burmese delegation to the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
• Until his 80s, Saya was active
  (e.g. walk to Shwe Dagon Pagoda with his dhamma friends).
• In his 90s, Saya had physical limitations, but his mental faculty was strong as ever.
• Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) interviewed Saya.
  Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing) transcribed the tapes. The book covering Sayagyi’s Life Journey was published by the RU Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.
• Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy.

Two Sayagyis

• Pu Zaw Pwe (PZP) — paying homage to mentors — is a noble tradition. They are also known as Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
• There have been micro-PZPs, mini-PZPs and grand PZPs.
• Saya U Ba Than (born on October 2, 1930) usually visits and pay homage to his saya Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year.

Paying homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke

• During my visits to Yangon, I paid homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
• On one visit, Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy of “Life Journey of Mathematics Professor Sayagyi U Ba Toke”.
  The book was written by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) based on his interviews with Sayagyi U Ba Toke. It also covers the early Thin Char Sayagyis. The book was published by Rangoon University Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.

• In January 2017, Pansy Ba Toke (Thynn Thynn, ChE 74) asked her son-in-law and daughter to pick up Sayagyi U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut and me at Winner Inn to see her father Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
  Sayagyi had some problems with mobility and vision, but his mind remains crisp and clear.
• Pansy was a member of the Swel Daw Yeik “Htee Yein” at the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee in 1970.She has offered transportation to the Sayas who want to visit her father.
• Sayagyi sometimes defer celebrating his birthday so that his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren — far and near — could join the celebration.
• Sayagyi is pre-deceased by
  his beloved spouse, his second son (Soe Win, 6th out of his 8 children) and his second daughter (Kitty, 3rd out of his 8 children)

by Hla Min

Updated : 5th October 2026

Video Broadcast on November 14, 2020

Introduction

• Luyechun is an award presented by the Ministry of Education to selected “outstanding students“.
• The initial program ran from 1964 to 1988.
• A new program was established a few years back.
• I was selected as RIT Luyechun in the summer of 1965.
• I was invited as a Guest Speaker to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp in the summer of 1988.

Summer of 1964

• The first Luyechun camp was opened at Ngapali in the summer of 1964.
• It was for Luyechuns for 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th standards.

Some Luyechuns

• Ko Win Myint (Mergui, UCC)
• Ko Win Aung (TTC, Mech 70, RIT Swimming and Water Polo)
• Ko Kyaw Zaw (TTC, EC72, GBNF)
• Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw, EP71)
• Ko Oak Soe Kha (IM1, Swimming and Water Polo)
• Ko Aung Myint (Mdy)
• Ko Tin Soe (Ygn, DSA, Attaché)

Summer of 1965

• The second Luyechun camp was opened at Inlay in the summer of 1965.
• For the first time, Luyechuns were selected for the Universities and Institutes.

Staff at Inlay Camp

• U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU)
• Dr. Daw May May Yi (IM2)
• Daw Po (Burmese)
• Dr. Naing Tint San (Med Officer)
• U Khin Aung
• U Khin Maung Htwe
• U Than Tun Aung Hlaing
• Lu Nge Yay Yar / Youth Affairs

Some Luyechuns

• Ma Than Than Tin (Cherry Hlaing, First in Burma in 1964, IM1)
• Ko Khin Maung U (First in Burma in 1963, IM1)
• Ma Anita Aye Pe (IM1)
• Ko Kyaw Sein Koe (IM1, GBNF)
• Ko Thein Win (IM2)
• Ko Soe Aung / Soe Min Thein (IM2)
• Ko Tun Naung (BDS, Stereo)
• Ko Tin Hlaing (MASU, Le Dwin Tha Saw Chit, Literary Awards)
• Ma Khin Aye Myint (RASU)
• Ma Mu Mu Win (RASU)
• Ko Min Oo (Second in Burma in 1963, RASU, Mathematics Professor in Germany and Canada)
• Ko Ye Myint (RASU)
• Ma Khin Aye Than (RASU, GBNF)
• Ko / Maung Aye (RASU, Diplomat)
• Ko Mya Than (RASU)
• Ko Zaw Min (RIT)
• Ko Hla Min (RIT)
• Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (RIT)
• Ko Sein Shwe (RIT)
• …

• They attended the Inlay camp together with the 10th standard Luyechuns.
  Ko Than Sit (Sagaing, Liver Foundation, GBNF)
  Ko Uttam Singh (Myitkyina, RIT, NASA)
  Ko Win Myint (Letpadan, RIT, Bogyoke / Dy Minister)
  Ko Aung Myint (Mandalay)
  Ko Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Myingyan)
  Ko Kyaw Myint (Yamethin)
  Ko Kyaw Myint (Delta)
  Ko Nelson Kaw (Taunggyi)
  Ko Thein Lwin
  Ko Hla Kyaing (Yangon)
  …
  
• There were two other camps : Rangoon Combined Camp and Ngapali Camp (for the lower classes).

• The staff members from Lu Nge Yay Yar (Youth Affairs) were responsible for the logistics.
  
• Selected sayas and sayamas took charge of the Luyechuns.
  They include Dr. May May Yi (then at IM(2), later DG of BMRI), Daw Po (later Professor of Burmese), and U Aung Gyi (MASU Maths).
  
• There was a mishap when one student got injured during a “mandatory” exercise program.
• For this and other reasons, the later Camp Commandants were chosen from Sayagyis (e.g. U Ba Toke).

Front : Than Sitt, Sein Shwe, Min Oo, Nelson Kaw, Kyaw Myint
Back : Soe Aung, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Aung Shwe, Hla Min, U Khin Aung

• Tekkatho Tun Naung (1st year BDS, madolin) and Ko Sein Shwe (4th BE Mech, dobat, harmonica, flute) were some of the entertainers for the Luyechun concert. U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU) wrote the “Than Gyurt”.
• Ko Tin Hlaing (Le Dwin Thar Saw Chit, 1st year Burmese, MASU) was a notable contributor to the daily pamphlets.

• Some high school Luyechun students later joined RIT. They include Ko Win Myint (later Bogyoke), Ko Aung Win (later Saya), Uttam Singh (later Ph.D working at NASA), Ma Pwint Than (later EPC), …

• The guest lecturers include Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi), Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi, and U Thu Ta (Met and Hydro DG).

• Trips include Lawpita Dam and selected factories and departments.

Miscellaneous

• Htut Kwan
• 7-time winner
• 6-time winner
• …
• 2-time winner

• Association
• Gatherings
• FB Group
• Support new generation of LYC
• Donation for prevention / treatment of COVID
• Database of LYC
• Active members
• GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)

Guest Lecturers in 1965

• Dr. Nyi Nyi (Secretary / Dy Minister)
• U Thu Ta (DG, Met and Hydro)
• U Thein Han (Zawgyi)
• …

Guest Lecturers in 1987/88

• U Kyaw Myint (DHE)
• U Hla Min (UCC/DCS/ICST)
• …

Luyechun Association

• A few years back, Luyechun (1964-1988) Association was formed.
  The association meets one or more times a year.
• There have been Annual Dinner Gatherings.
• It has a Facebook group.
• There are “Then and Now” photos of some Luyechuns.
  
• Some are “Hturt Kwan” (Multiple) Luyechuns.
  Some were selected Luyechun for a consecutive number of years.
  A few won the award six or seven times.

• Some Luyechuns have passed away.
• Dr. Kyaw Sein Koe (IM 1) passed away early.
• H.E. U Myint Thaung and U Myint Thin (M71, RIT) are some Luyechuns who passed away recently.

Another Trip to Inlay in October 1965

• As part of the award, one received a 50% travel discount.
• During the October holidays in 1965, I took on the offer from Ko Aung Kyaw (Peter Pe, SPHS, star in one movie) to join him and Ko Maung Maung Aye (IM(1), GBNF) to visit his cousin doctor in Inn Paw Khone (Inlay village).
• I visited Phaung Daw-U again with a difference (as expressed in my poem).

PHAUNG DAW-U FESTIVAL

Phaung Daw-U, oh Burma’s grandeur
Can truly make our hearts sublime
Its mystic charm and rhymeless splendor
Have firmly stood the test of time

It lies deep in the heart of people
It gives them courage and inspiration
No wonder this festival has no equal
It promises joy and veneration

On board the Karaweik so scintillating
Stood the four images of Lord Buddha
For the Noble Truth are we vindicating?
What lies deep under the completed tour?

But one statue was left behind
Because in writings we do find
That should it ever leave the shrine
There will be thunder and storm
Thus a happy reunion on the morn of the full moon of Thadinkyut

From floating islands the leg rowers came
To take part in the race
With their muscular frame, with might and main
Their oars flashing at a rapid pace

Festivities last all night long
Dances to the company of ozi and gong
Oh, prayers that fill the cool evening air
May loving kindness prevail everywhere

Last Trip to Inlay in January 2020

• I was invited to join the 2020 Professional Speakers Association (PSA) Tour to selected cities in Upper Myanmar.
• Several hotels sponsored part of the tour and/or provided discount rates to the Tour group.
• At the end of the tour, we visited Inlay.
  Two PSA sayas provided a short training course for the employees of the hotel.

by Hla Min

Updated : 5th October 2026

Video Broadcast on January 31, 2021

• LMP (Licensed Medical Practitioner)
• MBBS (Calcutta)
• MBBS (Rangoon) offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Rangoon University
• “Fast track” MBBS for LMP
• Medical Branch (of RU) in Mandalay
• MBBS (Mandalay)
• New Education System
  Institute of Medicine (1)
  Institute of Medicine (2)
  Mandalay Institute of Medicine
• MD
• Ph.D
• Membership
  MRCP, MRCOG …
• Fellowship
  FRCP, FRCS …
• Physicians / Medicine
  Col Min Sein (Dean)
  Major Shwe Zan
  Dr. Maung Gale (Dean)
  Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (Rector)
  Dr. U E (Rector)
  Dr. Hla Myint (Aba)
  …
• Surgeons
  Dr. Ba Than (Police Surgeon, MS of war-time RGH, Rector)
  Dr. Pe Nyun (Ped)
  Dr. Htut Saing (Ped)
  Dr. Maung Maung Taik(Forensic)
  Dr. Min Lwin (Ortho)
  …
  
  
  

by Hla Min

Updated : 5th October 2026

Video Broadcast on October 4, 2020

Rowing in Myanmar

• Laung (7 paddlers of more)
• Leg rowers (of Inlay)

Rowing Clubs

• Cambridge University
  Home club of Sir Arthur Eggar
• RBC (Rangoon Boat Club)
  Exclusive for Europeans and Anglo-Burmese
• RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) : Founded in 1923 by Sir Arthur Eggar (Law Professor, RU); He pledged one-third of his salary for the Clubs operation; He donated a Challenge Cup (Pewter and brooches) for the Senior Novices. U Nyo’ s donation to RU Estate helped build the RUBC Club House; U Nyo donated a Challenge Cup (for the Inter-Club Eights)

• Defense Services Rowing Club
  Initially from Burma Navy
• Marine Youth (Ye Gyaung Lu Nge)

Regattas

• Rag Regatta : One day event;
  Finalists for the Novices race are seeded for Monsoon Regatta
• Monsoon Regatta
• Annual Regatta
• Inter-Varsity, e.g. CURC
• ARAE, e.g. Calcutta, Colombo
• FEARA, e.g. Hong Kong, Singapore

Challenge Cups

• President’s Cup : for Inter-Club Coxed Eights
• Prime Minister’s Cup : for Inter-Club Coxed Fours

Commemorative Publications

• 40th Anniversary Issue (in 1963) : Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon
  & U Tin Htoon
• 90th Anniversary Issue (in 2013) : U Tin Htoon (Chair), U Myo Myint (Vice Chair), U Htaik San (Henry, Secretary), U Hla Min (Contributing Editor) …
• Sir Arthur’s Autobiography : Reprint funded by selected Old Members

RUBC Old Members

They are fondly known as Old Crocs (or Crocodiles).

When RUBC was destroyed due to the ravages of war, the Old Crocs rebuilt the Club and provided physical, financial and spiritual support to the members to compete against the best from neighboring countries.

During our younger days, there is an “Old Members Race” at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas. The contestants range from young Old Members to the iconic Past Champions.

The Old Crocs have their mini-reunions where ever possible. They also share memories of the precious photos (e.g. of U Chan Tha, Jimmy Saw Lwin, …)

U San Maung (Gerald, GBNF)

• Past Secretary & RUBC Gold
• Club Coach — He would find time from his work as Production Manager of “Amotha Yoke Shin”, and come down to RUBC to mentor the members (especially the aspiring Golds). He would mandate “fixed tub” practice for the members.

Dr. Htut Saing (Harry, GBNF)

• Past Captain & Gold of RUBC
• ARAE Champion twice
• Won Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta with Tin Htoon (A60)
• Won Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo with Tin Htoon (A60), Sunny Teng, Victor Htun Shein (GBNF) and Sein Htoon (M63, Cox)
• Usually rowed as Box on the RUBC crews. As an exception, he served as Timing Stroke and Coach for the RUBC Eights in 1962. Win Kyi (RUBC Gold, son of Miss Hong) rowed as No. (7). There were seven new Golds in that crew : Myo Tin (William Hone), Htain Linn & Mehm Myo Thaung (Maurice) for the Stroke side, Myo Myint (EC67), Oung Kyaing & Thein Aung (Micky Tan) for the Bow side and Tin Aung (Victor Wu, Cox).
• Dr. Pe Nyun (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) and Dr. Htut Saing were Pediatric surgeons at the Rangoon Children Hospital. They operated on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San.
• Continued working and teaching in Hong Kong. He became Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club. He would fully support the RUBC crews competing in the FEARA Regatta in Hong Kong.

Reunions

U Tin U, U Maung Maung Than Tun, Saya U Tin Htut, Saya Dr. Than Nyunt (George), U Tin Htoon, Dr. Donald Chan, U Tun Shein (Willie), U Tun Aung (George), U Sein Htoon, Dr. Tin Wa, U Myo Myint, U Thura Thant Zin, U Htaik San (Henry), and several Old Crocs attended Regattas (especially the 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC).

Most of them contributed articles, photos and financial support for printing the commemorative issue, and for reprinting Sir Aurthur Eggar’s biography.

Sad to note that there was some disjoint between the really young members (who are busy with the competitions) and the really Old Members (especially who travel from abroad to attend the events).

My Journey

• Senior Novices Runner-up (in 1963)
  Myint Soe (Willie Soe Maung, Stroke, GBNF)
  Kyaw Wynn (3)
  Hla Min (2)
  Maung Maung Kyi (Bow, GBNF)
  Myint Thein (Cox, GBNF)
• Honorary Treasurer (1964 – 65)
• Vice Captain (1965 – 66)
• Contributing Editor for 90th Anniversary Issue (in 2013)
  Prelude for each section
  Three articles
• Donated for reprint of Sir Arthur’s Autobiography
• Memories of RUBC
  Series in YUBC Old Members Facebook Group