Several factors (e.g. Terman, Shockley) led to the birth of Silicon Valley.
Terman
Professor [later Dean] Frederick Terman joined Stanford University instead of the more established ones in the East (e.g. MIT) because of his health.
He is known for
encouraging his students such as Hewlett,Packard and the Varian brothers to become entrepreneurs
leasing land owned by the University to the fledgling companies
making agreements with the companies to hire his students and/or send employees to attend courses at the University.
The entrepreneurship (initiated by Professor Terman) lives on.
HP,Yahoo, Google and several other companies were founded by Stanford alumni.
Shockley
William Shockley (Nobel Prize winner for co-inventing the transistor) moved to California and and set up “Shockley Labs”.
He was brilliant but eccentric. He was not so good at nurturing his employees.
The “Traitorous Eight (including Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore)” left the company to join Fairchild semiconductors.
Noyce and Moore later co-founded Intel (Integrated Electronics) with Andy Grove.
Some Thoughts
In the early days of computing, manufacturers of magnetic devices (core memory, tapes, disks and drums) than silicon [dioxide based] devices.
Some said that “Magnetic Valley” might be a more appropriated name than “Silicon Valley”.
Harvard, MIT, and Cornell produced early computers (e.g. Mark I) and disciplines (e.g. Time sharing system, AI Lab, Computer Graphics, Machine Vision).
Their alumni also founded computer companies along Boston Route 66.
Could the East Coast have its Silicon Valley?
DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) hosted the Boston Computer Museum.
Over the years, several cities and counties claim to be part of the Silicon Valley.
What defines the Culture of Silicon Valley? Start up / innovation? Moving around companies?
Swimmers trained by Mr. Matsuda in 1959 include Derek Lynsdale (backstroke), Aye Kyaw (Hla Yee Yee’s cousin) and Willie Huie (breast-stroke). A few years ago saw photo of Thet Win at Kokine Swimming Club, and Aung Than who is working as swim coach in Bangkok. Derek Lynsdale’s mother was a Lecturer at Rangoon University who moved to a university in East Africa subsequent to military coup in 1962. Aye Kyaw was Tin Maung Ni’s deputy in the Burma Navy.
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) Sir Arthur pledged one-third of his salary for the Clubs operation Sir Arthur 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)
RUBC
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 Challenge Cup For Inter-Club Coxed Eights
Prime Minister’s Challenge 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 Kao, Secretary) U Hla Min (Contributing Editor) …
Sir Arthur Eggar’s Autobiography Reprint funded by selected Old Members
Old Members
Old members of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) 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(GBNF)
U San Maung (Gerald Sein, GBNF) is a Past Secretary and RUBC Gold. He is the elder brother of U Yan Shin (Hardy). 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)
Dr. Htut Saing (Harry Saing, GBNF) is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC. He was ARAE Champion twice :
the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta with U Tin Htoon (A60)
the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo with U Tin Htoon (A60), Sunny Teng (relocated to Canada), Victor Htun Shein (GBNF) and U Sein Htoon (M63, Cox)
He usually rowed as Box on the RUBC crews. As an exception, he served as Timing Stroke and Coach for the RUBC Eights in 1962. U Win Kyi (RUBC Gold, son of Miss Hong Kong (Ms. Amelia Kyi) rowed as No. (7). There were seven new Golds in that crew : Myo Tin (William Hone), Htain Linn and Mehm Myo Thaung (Maurice) for the Stroke side, Myo Myint (EC67), Oung Kyaing and Thein Aung (Micky Tan) for the Bow side and Tin Aung (Victor Wu, Cox).
Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry) are Pediatric surgeons at the Rangoon Children Hospital. They are known for operating on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San.
Dr. Htut Saing 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.
Dr. Thein Toe and Dr. Htut Saing
Reunion
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) Myint Thein (Cox)
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
Named after a place called Badminton, where the game flourished
Players
Rudy Hartono (Indonesia)
Competitive players from Malaysia (especially Doubles)
Saya U Yu Khin (Dean, Chair, RU Sports Council)
Saya U Thein Lwin (EE, President, RIT Badminton)
Maung Hla (RU, 2nd SEAP Games)
Sagaing Kyi Nyunt (Burma, SEAP, Bronze in Asian Games)
Sai Kham Pan (2nd in Singles, 1st in Doubles, Burma Selected) Star of RIT team that won Inter-Institute Trophy
U Myint Kyi (RIT)
Bishnu Shahi (RIT)
U Aye (M62) wrote :
Myint Tun from Prome Hall ( 1958-59) was a third year B. Arch student. He was runners up in the National Championship, was a Burma selected player in Badminton. He later joined GE. He was one of my senior colleagues at Prome Hall. He was in room 94, while I was in room 108.
Saya is an early native Professor of Mathematics at the University of Rangoon.
Wrote musical notes for Burmese songs.
Spouse : Daw May Than (distinguished vocalist)
Son : Mya Than (Lead Guitarist)
U Kar
Senior lecturer of Mathematics at the University of Rangoon
Served as Minister of Education in the Caretaker Government
Later, Rector of the University of Rangoon
Sons : Dr. Thein Maung (EENT), Dr. Tin Maung (UCC, DCS, ICST).
U Ba Toke
U Ba Toke
Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the First RU Student Strike in December 1920.
Studied at Mandalay University and Harvard University.
Joined the faculty at the University of Rangoon
Taught Mathematics to Science and Engineering students
Professor of Mathematics at RASU
Rector at MASU.
Voluntarily requested transfer to RIT as Professor of Mathematics.
Camp Commander of a Lu Ye Camp
Member of the RU Sports Council
Leader of the Burma Olympic Team.
His life journey is recorded in the book by Maung Thin Char (Dr. Khin Maung Swe).
Passed away on December 2, 2020.
Dr. Chit Swe
Dr. Chit Swe
Studied at Mandalay University, University of London (for B.Sc. Special), University of Glasgow (for M.Sc.) and University of Liverpool (for Ph.D. In Mathematical Statistics).
Founded Universities’ Computer Center (UCC) with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF).
During the planning stage, the volunteers of the UCC project had to use some rooms at the Department of Mathematics in RASU, and conducted orientation and training courses at Mandalay Hall.
Allowed me to work on several of his projects : High School Mathematics, Children’s Treasury of Knowledge (CTK) and Team of System Specialists (TOSS).
Passed away in Sydney Australia in November 2019
Rangoon Institute of Technology
Mathematics teachers at RIT include
U Aung (Alphoso)
U Hla Myint
U Hlaing Oo
Daw Khin Lay Myint
Daw Khin Nwe Yee
Daw Khine Nyan
U Ko Gyi
Daw Myint Nyan
U Sein Shan (Lecturer and Head of the RIT Mathematics)
U Shwe Hlaing (Chemical Engineer, Mathematician, Taught Engineering Mechanics)
U Thein Han (Burma Basketball Selected)
U Tun Shein
Note : There are many sayas who taught Mathematics at RIT after we graduated.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke (GBNF, Professor)
Daw Myint Myint (GBNF, Head of Department)
Dr. Saw Tin (GBNF, Head of Department)
Mandalay University
U Net (Professor) Daughter : Khin Ma Mar Grand son : Wunna Ko Ko
Dr. Ba Kyi He and Saya Chit were two sayas with Maths doctorates in the mid 1960s
U Ba Min (SPHS56) Masters at the University of California at Berkeley Taught Mathematics and Astronomy at RASU and MASU Due to medical reasons, he resigned when he was transferred to Myitkyina College Opened a shop in Mandalay Zay Cho. One day, some Japanese students visited their shop. They were surprised that U Ba Min was a classmate of their professor. They took photos to show them to their professor.
Sayas from various Departments
Met several sayas from RASU (Rangoon Arts and Science University and its affiliated Colleges), Institute of Education, Institute of Economics, BERB (Burma Education Research Bureau) and worked with some of them. They include
U Aung Sein Holds the record for highest marks in Honors exam Brother : Dr. Maung Di
U Hla Myint
Daw Khin Ma Ma Spouse : U Soe Nyunt
Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char) Spouse : Myint Myint Khaing
Dr. Khin Maung Win
U Ko Lay
Dr. Kyaw Nyunt
Dr. Kyaw Thein
U Maung Maung Tin
Dr. Min Oo (SPHS63) Second in the Matriculation examination in 1963 Lu Ye Chun in 1965 Later a Staff saya at a Lu Ye Chun Camp Received two doctorates in Mathematics from Germany Taught in Canada, Germany and as Visiting Professor in USA.
Daw Myint Myint
Daw Myint Myint Khaing Father : Arzani Mahan Ba Khaing Spouse : Dr. Khin Maung Swe
Dr. Pyke Tin
Dr. Saw Tin
U Sein Min
Dr. Sein Win (Doctorate from Germany) Father : Arzani U Ba Win
U Sein Win (Astronomy)
U Soe Min
U Soe Naing
U Soe Nyunt Spouse : Khin Ma Ma
Dr. Thein Myint
U Tin Hlaing
Dr. Zaw Win (from Nyaung Oo) Second in the Matriculation examination in the early 70s. Doctorate from the same school as Min Oo.
Curriculum Committee
Members of the Mathematics Curriculum Committee include
U Ba Shan
U Myint Than
U Myint Thein (now Dr.)
U Kyaw Soe (now Dr.)
U Yan Naing
UCC Connection
U Aung Zaw Transferred to UCC as Systems Programmer. MSc (Computer Science), University of Southampton in the UK. Training at the University of California at Santa Cruz Taught at UCC before moving to CSO Taught at Assumption University in Bangkok and in Sydney, Australia Wrote two books : “Bawa and Dhamma” and “Cetana Thi Thar Kan“.
ICST Rectors
Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) Succeeded Dr, Chit Swe as Director of UCC. During his tenure, DCS and ICST were established. First Rector of ICST
Dr. Kyaw Thein (GBNF) Conducted tutorial classes for our I.Sc.(A) class. Succeeded Dr. Tin Maung as Rector.
Dr. Pyke Tin Taught Computational Mathematics at ICST. Succeeded Dr. Kyaw Thein as Rector of ICST.
Magazine and Book
Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char, GBNF) and U Soe Naing (Geometry and Puzzles) were Editors and/or Publishers of the Thin Char Sar Saung.
Dr. Khin Maung Swe interviewed Sayagyi U Ba Toke and wrote a book about Sayagyi’s life journey.
His spouse Daw Myint Myint Khaing (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khainf) transcribed the interviews.
The book was sponsored by the RU Thin Char Mi Thar Su and was published to commemorate Sayagyi’s 90th birthday.
Mercury Project for single astronaut We Seven (book by the seven astronauts) The Right Stuff (book and movie)
Gemini Project for two astronauts
Apollo Project for three astronauts
Apollo 1 Fire due to electrical system failure caused the deaths of three astronauts) Needed time to rethink safety measures
Apollo 6 and Apollo 7 after the program restarted
Apollo 8 Orbit the moon and return to earth in December 1968
Apollo 9 Tested the start/stop of Lunar Module engine
Apollo 10 Flew Lunar Module to a specified height above the moon
Apollo 11 Landing on the Moon in July 1969 Neil Armstrong (Mission Commander) Michael Collins (Command Module Pilot) Buzz Aldrin (Lunar Module Pilot) My poem sent to NASA Also published in the Guardian newspaper
Apollo 12 Longer stay on the Moon
Apollo 13 Power failure in Command Module Devised plan to use the power from Lunar Module to return safely to Earth Movie
Apollo 14, Apollo 15, Apollo 16, Apollo 17 Use of rover Extensive collection of lunar rocks One Geologist/Astronaut
Lawrence Dudley Stamp Served as Professor of Geology and Professor of Geography at Rangoon University.
Dr. Tha Hla Professor Of Geology Rector of Rangoon University Retired from UN Anecdotes Defending his protege for States Scholar Two incidents with Director Thar Du (Censor Board, Academy Award) Led students by example (Protests, Ajala) Equal treatment to his visitor (Pro, Anti) Provided drinks (whiskey …) to those who heeded his “guidelines on drinking”
Dr. Nyi Nyi Deputy Minister of Education Supported UCC Project Established the then new Education System (including some controversial issues such as ILA) Author (Ok Aw) Retired from UN
U Ba Than Haq Pro Rector, RASU RU Sports Council
Dr. Maung Thein Professor Told students (e.g. Soe Myint) about applying for courses at UCC Invited Soe Myint and me to give lecture / seminar during the vacation at MASU Some sayas were not delighted with the idea Invited UCC to give a short course on Computers at RASU
U Ba Maw Senior Lecturer He and his students discovered items related to Ramapithicus Higher authorities “warned” him for letting a young US researcher take photos of Ramapithicus and reporting in a US magazine
Miscellaneous
Minor subject for early Civil Engineering students
Option for early Science Scholars
Diploma in Applied Geology (DAG)
Specialization in Gems
NASA astronauts (especially for the Lunar Missions) had to study Geology
Apollo 17 had Dr. H Schmidt (Geologist/ Astronaut, later became a US Senator)
An essay for a test / competition may have a length limitation (e.g. maximum number of words)
Presentation style can vary
Descriptive
Narrative
Argumentative (Logical reasoning)
Abstract
I once wrote “My life as a fighter bomber” (trying to bomb the Nazi forces).
Politically Correct?
One writer (some attributed to Sir Winston Churchill) wrote:
An essay should be like a lady’s skirt Long enough to cover the subject Short enough to be interesting
In the early days, there was no “political correctness” and “gender sensitivity”.
To lighten the atmosphere, I quoted the tongue-in-cheek definition described above in the “Count Down to the Union” series for SPZP-2000.
A brilliant Sayama Lay (with a foreign doctorate) accused that I was irresponsible and had made fun of women.
Ashin Pannagaveska (Bobby, Myo Tun, A69) wrote :
I remember my sixth standard English teacher, our beloved Headmaster Mr.(later Reverend) Booth’s wife, entered me and a few others into the Essay Writing Competition held by the St. John’s Diocesan Boys’ School + St. Mary’s Diocesan Girls’ School Association. I chose the topic “A Visit to the Zoo” and, to my surprise, won the first prize in the middle school category! Two hardback books, one on Quotations and the other on Synonyms, were awarded in a ceremony held at the Judson Church on Prome Road.Pleasant and proud memories!Another vivid memory is of the essay I chose to write in the GCE ’O’ level English Language exam paper taken at Clifton College in the UK in 1960. The title chosen was “A Book or a Film Read or Seen Recently”. I had a great time writing on my favorite author John Steinbeck’s “Sweet Thursday”, which incidentally, I’ve read at least six or seven times since then!
“Chamber’s Cyclopaedia” was one of the earliest encyclopedias. It covered 40+ subjects.
In our younger days, we had “Pear’s Soap” and “Pear’s Cyclopaedia”. The company was probably building its brand name by supporting the publication of an encyclopedia.
Encyclopedia Britannica
My uncle had a set of “Encyclopedia Britannica”. It covers many topics written by SME (Subject Matter Experts). Yearly supplements were published. The final supplement came out a couple of years ago. There will no longer be printed editions. There will only be on-line subscription.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is a collection of encyclopedias in multiple languages.
The English edition of the Wikipedia is the largest.
The accuracy of the Wikipedia is comparable to that of the “Encyclopedia” thanks to the countless volunteer contributors and editors.
I was a volunteer to correct discrepancies (mostly entries on Burmese/Myanmar). For example, a young author wrote that St. Paul’s High School was the first among the De La Salle Schools in Burma. He was unaware that St. Patrick’s High School in Mawlamyaing was the first (and was established a few months earlier than St. Paul’s).
No Absolute Perfection
There is a slight chance that there are errors in an encyclopedia (or an equivalent “book of knowledge”). One author was unaware that Rajiv Gandhi was the elder son of Indira Gandhi. He was a pilot and entered politics only when his younger brother Sanjay Gandhi (touted as Indira’s confidante and successor) died in a plane crash.
Collaboration
The advent of Internet and the rise of “Collaborative Work” have lowered the time and cost to maintain encyclopedias.
A few years back, I received a call to submit entries to “Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife”. I emailed to the editors that I was willing to help them on the Burmese section. They sent me four samples and asked me to send back one short article (not exceeding 500 words and with two or more references) on a chosen Head Word (e.g. Burmese American Festivals). They reviewed my article and accepted me. The remuneration was $10. I replied that I would like to have a copy of the 2-volume encyclopedia. A deal was struck. They would give me the encyclopedia if I submit at least 8 articles. Nine articles were accepted. Two articles were merged with the work of other authors. One author was a Burmese College Professor. Another was probably a graduate student, who inserted the wrong date for Martyr’s Day. The Editors promised to correct his error in another edition. I received a 3-volume encyclopedia (initially projected to be 2-volume) and an additional $10.
Google Books
Some are not aware of “Google Books”.
If one goes to “Google Books” and search for my name, one can find the nine articles.
Burmese Encyclopedia
In my younger days, my parents bought me “Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan” (Burmese Encyclopedia).
I heard that the “Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan” is under re-development with the help of SME (Subject Matter Experts).
HlaMin 