HlaMin

Category: Broadcast

  • Talk — MahaGandayone & U Ba Kyi

    Talk — MahaGandayone & U Ba Kyi

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 2026

    Video Broadcast on January 5, 2010

    Illustrated History of Buddhism

    YMBA

    • 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 မဟာဂန္ဓာရုံဆရာတော် to write a brief “History of Buddhism” and Artist Saya U Ba Kyi ဦးဗကြည်to 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

    YouTube

    @hmin3664

    Channel to access my videos

    Posts

    • Dhamma Books
    • Dr. Maung Maung Kha
    • Translation
  • Talk — UCC

    Talk — UCC

    by Hla Min

    Update : September 2026

    Video Broadcast

    YouTube Channel
    • Wrote 40+ posts on “Memories of UCC”.
    • 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.
    • He is GBNF.

    Posts

    • Computer Science, Technology and Applications
    • Computing Pioneers in Burma
    • Memories of UCC — Series of articles
    • Paying back to my alma mater
    • UCC Founders
    • @hmin3664 — to access my videos
    YouTube Channel for my videos
  • MASTAA — Interview

    MASTAA — Interview

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 2026

    MASTAA

    • Myanmar American Science and Technology Alumni Association
    • Based in East Coast, USA
    • Published several interviews
    U Soe Paing
    U Soe Paing, U & Mrs. Hla Min

    U Soe Paing

    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.

    Updates

    MASAA recorded & broadcast interviews by

    • Dr. Aung Gyi
    • Dr. San Hla Aung
    • U Soe Paing

    Posts

    • Associations
    • Interviews
    • Memories of UCC
    • Paing Brothers
  • Talk — Commerce

    Talk — Commerce

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 2026

    Video Broadcast on October 14, 2020

    YouTube Channel for my Videos

    Introduction

    • 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
    • Chambers of Commerce :
      Burmese, Chinese, Indian
    • e-Commerce
    • B2B : Business to Business
    • eBMS : e-Business Management System
    • @hmin3664
  • 1975

    1975

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Video Broadcast on December 18, 2020

    RIT Graduates

    • Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, M75) : Past President, BAPS; Founding member & Financial Controller, RIT Alumni International; Co-chair, Working Committee, SPZP-2000; Founding member & Past Vice President, NorCal RITAA; Donor and organizer, Books to YTU Library; Seminar, YTU Mechanical Engineering Department
    Maurice
    • Than Po (M75) : Luyechun;
      Zat Saya, Yangon SPZPs; Musician : Piano, Pattala
      Composer
    Than Po
    • Win Khaing (M75) : RUBC Gold; Past President, MES; Union Minister; Organizer, SPZP-2004 and SPZP-2012
    M75
    • Ye Lin Oo (M75) : Retired after teaching in Brunei; Co-Organizer, M75
    • Mar Mar Yee (M75) : Member of Htee Yein in 1970 (RU Golden Jubilee); Minthamee, Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint;
      Vocalist; Master of Ceremony, M75 & All Mechanical Gathering
    Mar Mar Yee
    • Soe Aung (M75) : Senior in marriage to class mates
    • Ohn Win (Raymond, M75) :
      Bragged about the number of children & grand children;
      Sisters : Joyce Win (Nwe Yin Win), Hilda Win
    • Dr. Soe Thein (C75) : Web master and organizer for SPZP-2007 & Singapore Civil Alumni; Invited me to join Civil Gathering in Singapore & C75 dinner in Yangon
    • Annette Shwe (Annette Shain, A75) : Spouse — James Shwe (Jimmy Hla Shwe, M76); Provided internship for Myanmar graduates (before they could pursue studies and/or work permanently); Stipend for eligible YTU students; Donation to YTU Library; Donation to “Prevent starvation” project

    UCC/RASU Graduates

    • M.Sc. (Computer Science) First Batch : Ko Win Naing (Maths 73, Science Scholar) & Ko Khin Maung Aye (M73) are now GBNF
    • DAC First Batch
  • 1973

    1973

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Video Broadcast on December 16, 2020

    Some Graduates in 1973

    Doctors

    • Dr. Ba Han
    • Dr. Than Aung
    • Dr. Myint Htwe

    Engineers

    • Dr. Myint Thein (M73)
      Doctorate from Georgia Tech, Atlanta, USA
    Myint Thein
    • Dr. L Sein Myint (M73)
      Doctorate from UK
      Worked in UK, USA, Malaysia and Myanmar
    • U Hla Win (M73)
      Roll Number 1 in most classes
      Member of Hovercraft Project
    • HE U Khin Maung Cho (M73)
      Member of Hovercraft Project
    • John Rao (M73)
      English Editor, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2007
      Organizer, M73 er Monthly Gathering in Singapore (with Saya U Tu Myint)
    • Hovercraft Project Members (M73)
      Supervisor : U Tu Myint
      Six members
      Interview with media a few years back (arranged by Saya U Moe Aung)
    • U Khin Maung Aye (M73, GBNF)
      First batch Masters student at UCC
    • U Htun Aung Kyaw (HAK, EC73)
      First batch Masters student at UCC
      Moved to Australia
    • U San Lin (Robert, EC73)
      First batch Masters student at UCC
      Moved to Singapore and USA
    • U Kyaw Lin (C73, GBNF)
      Organizer, All Civil Reunion and SPZP
    • U Nyunt Htay (Met73)
      Retired Associate Professor
      High School Luyechun
      Poet
      Chief Editor, Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung

    RASU

    • U Win Naing (Maths, Science Scholar, GBNF)
      First batch Masters student at UCC
    • U Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing (Physics, Science Scholar)
      SMART Group of Companies
      Award winning author
      President, Professional Speakers Association
    • Dr. Khin Maung Maung (Physics)
      Chair, Department of Physics & Astronomy, Mississippi University
      Co-organizer, International Physics Conference in Mandalay
    • Dr. Rafiul Ahad (Physics)
      Preliminary selection for Burma Team for Hurdles
      First batch Masters student at UCC
      Post graduate studies in CS at AIT and USC
      Retired VP, Oracle Cloud Computing

    Computer Courses in 1973

    Thanks to Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (Founder/Director of UCC, Maths Professor at RASU), the following degree courses was offered

    • M.Sc.(CS)
      Conducted at UCC
      Degree conferred by Maths Department of RASU
    • DAC
      Part-time two year course
      Post-graduate Diploma in Automatic Computing offered by Maths Department of RASU
  • Olympics

    Olympics

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 12, 2021

    U Hla Min

    Origins

    Modern Olympics was a revival of the ancient games held every four years at Olympia.

    The four year interval is called an Olympiad. The ancient Greeks use Olympiad instead of years when describing dates.

    Pierre de Coubertin created the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894.

    IOC selects a city or cities to hold the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics. The two Olympics are interlaced.

    Drama in the Olympics

    Summer Olympics has its share of drama.

    Berlin (1936)

    The 1936 Summer Olympics was held in Berlin and was attended by Adolf Hitler (who promoted the supremacy of the Aryan race). Jesse Owens, a black athlete from the USA, won four Gold medals : 100m, 200m, 4 x 100m relay, and Long Jump.

    The drama occurred in the Long Jump event. Jesse Owens was having some problems in the Long Jump when the German competitor Lang supposedly advised him to leave about six inches gap behind the broad to prevent overstepping and getting disqualified. Jesse took the advice, regained his poise and went on to win the Long Jump Gold.

    Munich (1972)

    1972 Olympics in Munich saw both good and bad.

    Mark Spitz (USA) won seven Gold medals in swimming : 100m & 200m Freestyle, 100m & 200m Butterfly, 4 x 100m Freestyle relay, 4 x 200m Freestyle relay, and 4 x 100 Medley relay. He saved energy by not competing in the trials for selected relay events.

    Olga Kolburt (USSR) was awarded a couple of Perfect Ten in Gymnastics.

    Eleven Israeli athletes were kidnapped (shown live on TV) and murdered by Black September. Mossad took several years to track down and decimate Black September.

    Boycotts (1980 & 1984)

    USA boycotted the 1980 Olympics held in Moscow.

    USSR retaliated with a boycott of the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles.

    Olympians

    Some went on to have illustrious careers.

    Johnny Weissmuller, swimming champion, gained fame as Tarzan in the movies.

    Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion, went on to become Mohammad Ali, three time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

    Media Coverage

    During my SPHS days, there was no television in Burma. I received a ticket from Brother Austin as a prize to see the “1960 Rome Olympics” documentary at Thamada (President) cinema.

    I was in the UK and was fortunate to see the 1972 Munich Olympics on a Color television.

    2020 Olympics

    The games were postponed due to the pandemic.

    Some Burmese Olympians

    • Kyar Ba Nyein (Boxing)
    • Thein Myint (Boxing)
    • Tin Tun (Boxing)
    • 1972 Burma Team (Soccer)
    • Tin Maung Ni (Swimming)
    • Weik Pan (Female Marathon)
    • Zaw Weik (Weightlifting)
    • Aung Gyi (Weightlifting)

    YouTube Channel

    @hmin3664

    Channel to view my videos
  • 1971

    1971

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Video Broadcast on December 14, 2020

    UCC

    Dr. Chit Swe
    • Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) : Founder / Director; Also, Professor of Mathematics, RASU
    U Soe Paing
    • U Soe Paing : Manager of Systems Division; Transferred from RIT
    U Ko Ko Lay
    • U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) : Manager of Operations Division; Transferred from PWD
    U Myo Min
    • U Myo Min : Manager of Applications Division; Chartered Accountant;
      Systems Analyst at IBM (UK);
      Came back at the request of his mother and Saya Chit to help with the UCC Project
    U Tun Aung Gyaw
    • U Tun Aung Gyaw : Engineer, Systems Division
    U Hla Min
    • U Hla Min (Systems) : Engineer, Systems Division
    CO U Hla Min (Top row 2nd from Right)
    • U Hla Min (“Pauk Si”) : Chief Operator
    • See “Memories of UCC“
    • See “UCC Sayas“

    RIT Graduates in 1971

    Rosie Gyi (Center), Ma Sandar (Right)
    • Cho Cho Tin (Ma Sandar) : A71
      Literary Award Winning Author; Wrote “G-Hall Thu”
      Spouse : San Maung (A)
    • Khin Maung Myint & Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie Gyi) : both ChE71; Members, Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
    Saw Lin, KMM, RG
    • Saw Lin (GBNF) : C71; MES (VP, Technical Publications Manager); Core Organizer, SPZP-2012; Chief Editor, Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for SPZP-2012; Reprinted 23 RIT Annual Magazines; Provided transportation and welcome dinner
    Win Myint (Left)
    • Win Myint : C71; High School Luyechun; Author; Brigadier General; Dy. Minister
    • Wunna Sithu : EC71; Rowed for Marine Youth, RIT and RUBC;
      Swimming & Water Polo
    Ma Pwint Than
    • Ma Pwint Than : EP71; Twice High School Luyechun; RIT EE Association
    Myint Thin (Standing Rightmost)
    • Myint Thin (GBNF) : M71; RIT Luyechun; RIT Rowing Selection (with Khin Maung Myint, Myint Than, Win Kyaw); Sponsor of U Ba Than to SPZP-2007; Friends : Myint Toe, Aung Win (Owen), Bo Bo Oo (Oscar), Soe Khine, Michael Aye, Uttam Singh
    • See “Class of 1971“
    • See “Combined 1st BE Intake of 1964 and 1965“
  • Textile Engineering

    Textile Engineering

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 1, 2021

    Discipline

    • Design and production of fabrics
      Natural
      Synthetic
    • Current offerings in universities include a multi-disciplinary program (e.g. Textile, Chemical and more)

    Textile Sayas

    U Maung Maung Than (GBNF)

    U Maung Maung Than
    • Matriculated in 1949
    • States scholar to study undergraduate and graduate degrees in Textile Engineering
    • Alumnus of Clemson University
    • Former Professor, Textile
    • Former Rector, YTU
    • Former DG
    • Chair, RIT Sports Council
    • Expertise : Chinlon, Harp

    U Shwe Yee (GBNF)

    • Early graduate
    • Former Professor, Textile
    • Daughter-in-law : Writer, speaker

    U Hla Shwe (T69, GBNF)

    • Former Associate Professor, Textile
    • Resisted “pressure” from Adhamma Authorities
      e.g. end class teaching and pay respect to “visiting” Taing Hmu
    • Received donations from former colleagues and students and some unknown alumni for his Medical / Health Care
    • Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) wrote about him and U Tin Shwe (EP66) in “Shwe Hnit Shwe”; I translated the poem as “To the Shwe Duo”

    Female Engineers

    • The First batch include Sayama Amy, Sayama Julie, Daw Yin Yin Kyi and Daw Mi Mi Lay
    • The Second batch : Daw Khin Than Nwe (Margaret)

    Daw Tin Tin Ohn (Amy Thwin, T61, GBNF)

    • Joined Faculty upon graduation
    • Father : U Thwin (Principal, Boundary Road Technical School)

    Dr. Julie Han (T61, GBNF)

    • Joined Faculty upon graduation
    • Attended SPZP-2000 and provided a brief bio
    • Former Vice President, Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA); Led fund raising to establish Dhammananda Vihara
    • Upon her demise, Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, former TBSA President) donated $2000 to Dhammananda Vihara in her memory

    Daw Yin Yin Kyi (T61)

    • Worked in industry
    • Met her twice : in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Sydney, Australia
    • Spouse : U Aung Gyi (Simon, ChE62)

    Naw Mu Mu Aye (T69)

    • Former Professor, Textile

    Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69)

    • Worked in industry
    • She and Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) hosted gatherings for UCC alumni visiting Yangon
    • She and Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) sent photos and reports of the “30th Anniversary of Graduation of the Class of 69”.
      They are partly responsible for Yours Truly to started the RIT Alumni International Newsletter in 1999.

    Miscellaneous

    • Jimmy Kyin (T69, GBNF)
      Represented RIT in Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Weightlifting and Body Building)
    • Hla Tun (T69, GBNF) fondly known as Japun Gyi
      Spouse : Dolly Gale / Ma Swe
    • Textile factories before Nationalization (and the decline of economy) include
      Khit Ah Kyaik Nylon : Parents of Saya U Tin Htut (M60) and Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung (Eng)
      Hun Tha Aye Nylon : Parents of Daw Than Than Yi (T61) and Dat Pone Sann Aung (M74)
      Fabric display and sales by celebrities on trains (Yangon – Mandalay lines)
    • Various kinds of fabrics
      Including those used by NASA astronauts
    • Modern technology
      Computers, Automation, Nanotechnology …
    • Poem in memory of Saya U Hla Shwe (T69)and U Tin Shwe (EP66)

    “To The Shwe Duo”
    by Tekkatho Moe War

    Translated by Hla Min

    SHWE duo
    Blossom in unison
    Disappear together
    Free from complaint
    Even with thin breath
    Showed mark [of courage and wisdom]
    Never ever wavered …
    Pressed by burden
    At the awaited turn [of journey’s end]
    Body — inheritance [from previous lives]
    Succumbs [to failing health]
    Yet, “Wei-nyin” is fresh, alive and hovering.

    • @hmin3664
    YouTube Channel for my videos
  • 1972

    1972

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Video Broadcast

    Some RIT Graduates

    M72
    • Victor Aung Myin (M) : Scholar Athlete
    Cross Country Event Winners
    • Wynn Htain Oo (M) : Fund raiser and Organizer
    • Nyan Win Shwe (M) : Chair of SPZP-2007
    • Myint Pe (M) : Lu Shwin Daw, Cartoonist, MES
    • Win Myint (M) : Poet
    • Ko Ko Kyi (EC) : Luyechun, Saya
    • Aung Myaing (ChE) : Poet, Saya
    • Ma Gyn Yu (ChE) : Fund raiser
    • Kyaw Myint (T) : President of MARB, Indigenous Medicine
    • Thein Aung (Met) : Mr. RIT, Co-emcee of SPZP-2000

    Munich Olympics

    • Gymnastics : Olga Kolbert (USSR) got Perfect Tens
    • Swimming : Mark Sptiz (USA) won Seven Gold Medals with Seven World Records —
      100 m (Freestyle), 100 m (Butterfly), 200 m (Freestyle), 200 m (Butterfly), 4 x 100 m Freestyle Relay, 4 x 200 m Freestyle Relay, 4 x 100m Medley Relay
    • Soccer : Burma won a match in the first round, but lost to the power houses
    • Dark Moment :
      11 Israeli athletes were taken hostage and killed by “Black September”

    UCC

    • Several posts were filled after approval from PSC
    • UCC Courses in Computer Systems & Applications
    • State scholars for Academic Studies in UK
    • UCC Engineers sent to ICL ETC, Letchworth, UK
    • UCC was helped by unpaid and minimum-wage Volunteers
    • @hmin3664
    YouTube channel for my videos