U Kyaw Phone Myint (Victor Kyaw Phyo) passed away in Myanmar.
KPM 2 Kyaw Phone Myint 1
Singapore
Maurice Chee’s mother-in-law passed away in Singapore.
Soon Kyway
Soon kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California, USA in memory of U Wah Kyu (father of Maurice Chee) who passed away four years ago.
Attendees include Saya U San Tun (M59), Walter Tan (M70), Charlie Tseng (EC70), U Aung Thein (John, M72), U Aye Tun (Anthony, M76) and U Khin Zaw (UCC)
NorCal RITAA
Saya U Myat Htoo invited selected sayas and alumni (who were active with RIT-related activities in California) to attend the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner on November 16, 2019.
Gordon Kaung (Past President) has RSVPed and also pledged donation.
U Ba Than
Saya U Ba Than will celebrate his 89th birthday on or around October 2, 2019.
Publications
Original writings are being solicited for the magazine to be published in February 2020 for the Centennial of the founding of Rangoon University. The deadline is mid-October 2019.
Selected old poems will be compiled into a Kabyar Book to commemorate the RU Centennial
Golden Jubilees
Class of 69 (for the GJ of Graduation in 1969)
Class of 75 (for the GJ of Admission to RIT in 1969)
Last 7th Std Government exam : We took it in March
Elections
Caretaker Government finally held Elections.
Pyidaung Su Party (former “Clean AFPFL“) led by U Nu won by a land slide. The victory would be short lived.
U Nu
1961
Education
Last HSF & Matric (Combined) exam
First batch of Female Engg Graduates : Tin Tin Ohn (Amy), Julie Han, Yin Yin Kyi, Mi Mi Lay (all Textile) & Pauline Reynolds (ChE)
Faculty of Engineering moved to Gyogone Campus. Also called Burma Institute of Technology (BIT)
SEAP Games
Burma hosted the Second SEAP (South East Asia Peninsular) Games in December.
Burma dominated most events and placed first.
About 20 RU students represented Burma.
2nd SEAP Games
1962
Education
First “Matric Only” exam
First “HSF Only” exam : We (from Rangoon Division) had to take the exam in March & again in August
Coup d’etat
On March 2, a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat. President Mahn Win Maung, Prime Minister U Nu & Cabinet Ministers, Sao Shwe Thaik & Sawbwas, and several high-level Government employees were detained.
SamaDuwa Sinwa Naung (President-elect) did not become President.
Sama Duwa
Per Kyemon U Thaung, seven Revolutionary Council members were not aware of the major decisions.
Brigadier General T. Clift (Air Force) resigned. He was succeeded by Col Thaung Dan (who became Brigadier General). Several senior Air Force personnel were appointed Ambassadors or Military Attache to pave way for younger officers.
Commodore Than Pe (Navy) passed away. He was Minister for Health & Education. Commander Thaung Tin (who became Commodore) succeeded CTP as Chief of Navy. Col Hla Han became Minister for Health &Education.
Col Chit Myaing was the last original Revolutionary Council member to pass away. He served as Ambassador to Yugoslavia and UK before moving to USA.
Tin Maung Thant (son of U Thant) passed away during his visit to Burma. The funeral cortège was larger that of Commodore Than Pe.
The usage of “Tar Wun Khan” was later changed back to “Minister”.
Dark Days in July
7th July : 17 official victims
8th July : Demolition of RUSU Building
1963
Education
Matric exam : We took it in May
SPHS has five students in Top Five, seven in Top Ten, and ten in Top Twenty
SPHS63
Last batch for General Honors program
1964
Education
New Education System
Most Faculties became autonomous Institutes with Rectors.
RASU & MASU offered Major
Admission to RIT
In Nov 1964, three batches of students were admitted to RIT
Matriculated were admitted to 1st BE based on Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA)
Those who passed I.Sc(A) were admitted 2nd BE based on marks.
Those who passed I.Sc(B) were admitted to 3rd BE based on marks.
Luyechun
Shwe Wa Gyaing Camp in Ngapali
Students from 7th to 10th Std were selected as Luyechun
1965
Education
On April 1, private schools were nationalized.
SPHS became No. 6 Botathaung State High School. Non-native De La Salle brothers left Burma. e.g Bro Austin to Malaysia, Bro Felix to Germany, Bro Charles to UK
Luyechun
Khaung Daing Camp in Inlay
Program extended to Universities & Institutes
RIT : Sein Shwe, Hla Min, Zaw Min, Khin Than Myint Tin
IM(1) : Kyaw Sein Koe, Anita Aye Pe, Khin Maung U, Cherry Hlaing
Decline of Economy
After detaining prominent members of Pyidaung Su (formerly Clean AFPFL) and new AFPFL (formerly Stable AFPFL), the Revolutionary Council & government sought help from left-wing Gurus (e.g. U Chit Hlaing who threw in Buddhist terms into “Burmese Way to Socialism” & U Ba Nyein who proposed indiscriminate Nationalization.
Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) was formed with core cadres. It later opened up membership for Ah Yan Party Win (Associate member). Party membership became a requirement for important positions.
Free Economy was replaced by rations (e.g. half a can of Condensed Milk per family) using the “Si Sar Oke”. It created a Black Market and the rising cost of living.
The Demonetization crippled the Industry and even had ripple effect on University students. Hostel students, whose money had been demonetized, had to be given free rides to return home.
Per Dr. Nyan Taw (SPHS63) : Both my father U Hla Taw (retired Chief of UMP/ DIG) and my mother Daw Marie Hla Taw together with Col Chit Yaing, Chief Justice U Myint Thein, DIG U Tin MaungMaung and DIG U Khin Maung Maung were taken away by MI (Military Intelligence) in 1964. My parents were released in 1967.
Changes in Education
Bachelor Degrees
Education
Law
NRC rule
Enforced for Professional Courses
Bernard Khaw (First in Burma in the Matric of 1965) had to study Chemistry. He moved to USA and studied Chemical Engineering.
Chu Pu Thein (who scored highest marks in Physics in the first ever HSF Only exam in 1962) moved to Italy
Many had to study in RASU. Chemistry students had very high marks and/or ILA.
A medical student was expelled after he was “found out to be not 3 NRC.”
A few students who had been admitted to RASU because of 3 NRC were allowed to study medicine. They lost a year, but not their dreams.
Names
There was discrimination against students having foreign names.
Two families. They were cousins. Those who retained non-Burmese names were admitted to RASU. Those with Burmese names were allowed to study professional degrees.
Security Concerns
Shortage of rice (never heard before in the “Rice Bowl of Asia”) was transformed into “Tayoke Bamar Ah Yay Ah Khin”. Grapevine says that a lorry strategically placed “Beggars” around Rangoon.
1969
Men on the Moon
Poem
Apollo 11 landed on the moon on July 20, 1969.
My poem “Men on the Moon” was forwarded by Mr. Hall (USIS) to NASA.
The poem was also published in the Guardian daily newspaper.
69ers
Most of us graduated with BE. A few with BArch.
EE69ers
SEAP Games
Burma hosted the Fifth SEAP Games in December 1969. There were riots in the Thamaing College Campus which held some events (e.g. Boxing).
Placard bearers for 5th SEAP Games
News & Censorship
Nation newspaper was the first to be closed (by orders of the higher authorities). U Law Yone was detained. He later moved to Thailand and published the “Nation”. He eventually moved to the USA.
Finally, there were only four Burmese and two English newspapers. They published the news vetted and/or translated by News Agency Burma.
The two new newspapers were Loketha Pyithu Nay Zin and Working Peoples’ Daily (WPD).
The then Number One chose Shwe Oo Daung and U Khin Maung Latt as Chief Editors of “Loketha Pyithu Nay Zin” and Working People’s Daily (WPD) and promised them full authority. Some time later, U Khin Maung Latt was asked, “Do you want to be an Ambassador?” Daw Khin Myo Chit stepped in and said, “Ko Latt will go back teaching at his school”.
Selection of Sayas and State Scholars
In the days of our teachers, the Dean & Professors had the say to select and appoint assistant lecturers, and to select bright students to apply for State Scholarship to study at the prestigious universities in the USA and UK.
Later, the Public Service Commission (PSC) was established to vet candidates for most positions.
Some engineers and architects had to join government departments as “Work Charge” while waiting to get permanent positions approved by PSC.
Sponsors include BADA, BAWA, Citizen of Burma Award, …
Date : September 15, 2018
Time : 5pm – 9+ pm
Place : Swiss Park, Newark, CA
Aw Pi Kyeh
APK 1APK 2
Aw Pi Kyeh (Win Naing) is from the Class of M81. There were three classmates named Win Naing. Michael (Win Naing) later became President of BASES.
As “Mann Bei” မန်းဘဲ he contributed and managed the RIT Cartoon Box.
He served as Secretary of the RIT Cartoon Association.
He spoke about “Made in Myanmar”. He pointed out that his dress is made from neighboring countries. He lamented the loss of countless lives in Cyclone Nargis due to “insufficient knowledge” (e.g. about Disaster Recovery). His talk combines wit, and philosophy.
During his study at Harvard, he proudly spent US$30 to buy a backpack labeled “Made in Myanmar”. His friend bought a similar backpack but labeled “Made in Sri Lanka”. The seam of his back pack broke after a week. Before his return to Myanmar, his friend gave him his backpack. He felt mad, but accepted it. He went on to use the backpack in Myanmar until it got discolored and his spouse asked him to stop using it.
The message is that one not only needs Cetana but also the skills to provide “added advantage”. He gave examples of how others (nations and their companies) used our natural resources and our local talents to create products (and often sell them back at profit).
He also requested those overseas to use “conversion” to understand the “thinking” of those living in Myanmar (possibly most of their lives) as a baby step to help making “Made in Myanmar” proud and reliable.
Min Ko Naing
Min Ko Naing is the pen name of Paw Oo Tun (author, artist, student activist …).
He was a 3rd year student at RASU, when he became a student leader of the 8-8-88 movement.
He visited the San Francisco Bay Area a few years ago and talked about the injustice system and the brutal regimes.
He gave a talk for the SF Bay Area Annual Talks 2018 along with Aw Pi Kyeh.
There were some anecdotes about prison life. One political prisoner begged his prison mates to give him a pain reliever. Most people did not have courage to provide one. One had cetana and courage, but lacked medical knowledge. He gave Buspro to the wailing prisoner, who was relieved of pain forever.
He recounted his observations of the educational and social systems of the countries that he had visited.
He was impressed with some systems which take the nursery children out into the open and teach lessons from nature, and those that allow students to pursue any combination of subjects provided they envision a problem to solve using the mix.
He lamented about how most parents and students in Myanmar prepare at all costs for that “all important Matriculation exam” to pursue two or three high profile professions.
The talk is more suitable for the general audience in Myanmar.
Kudos to the activist turned evangelist for critical thinking and social change.
Dr. Thynn Thynn wrote : Good observations Ko Hla Min…. I think he was trying to convince that the children in Burma deserve the benefits of open education system the children of the expat audience whom he had tried to seek support for the help of expat Burmese youth community to go in to Burma to help or some sort of set an example for those underprivileged kids in side the country. The talk was only half of what he came to say I think.
Dr. Nyunt Wai wrote : Good to know two of you are good friends. Converging point for technical and medical streams?
Trip to Los Angeles
The hosts choose the first talk to be held in Northern California and the final talk to be held in Southern California.
I had the chance to meet Aw Pi Kyeh twice and to meet Min Ko Naing thrice.
U Yu Ket (Edward Saw, EC85) gave me a ride to Los Angeles. Saya U Tin Htut hosted me and took me to two events :
Annual dinner of BASES (as his guest)
La Peunte monastery, which had a festival in the morning and the literary talk by Aw Pi Kyeh and Min Ko Naing in the afternoon.
La Puente Monastery
Saya bought a book and received an autographed copy.
Aw Pi Kyeh told us that he did not drink during the Waso, but that he would resume drinking in a few days (at the end of the Buddhist Lent).
Literary Talk at the YSE Fund raiser
The Youth Society of Education invited two guest speakers at their Fund Raiser.
Myinmu Naing Moe
Myinmu Naing Moe (Ohn Maung) is a poet, vocalist, author and publisher.
He is a National Literary Award winner.
He gave a literary talk on “His life and his Kabyas (Poems)”.
He talked about “Su-Tu-Pyu” paradigm proposed by Sayagyi Minthuwun.
He gave the background of his early school life, the sacrifice of his beloved mother, a story from Buddha’s time, Saya Zawgyi’s poems, and then recited poems.
He matriculated from St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo.
He was admitted with Roll Number One to the first ever 1st BE in November 1964.
He graduated with Electrical Power in 1970.
He worked for HIC briefly and Ceramics Corporation.
He moved to USA, did his MS and worked in the Electronics Industry until retirement.
Activities and Achievements
He was selected as RIT Luyechun in the Summer of 1965 to attend Inlay Khaung Daing Camp.
He wrote a long article about “RIT Days 1964 – 1970”. U Ohn Khine (M70) added details and posted in the Google Group for the 1st BE Intake. I added the article and published it in RIT Alumni Newsletter.
He hosted Sayagyi U Ba Toke (who was invited to attend SPZP-2000 by his former students) at his new house in Hayward California.
He played Soccer for his Block, Class and EE department (mainly as Goalkeeper).
He was EC of Hostel Committe, Burmese Association, Maths Association, EE Association, English Association, Track & Field Association, RIT Magazine Committee.
Notes
He made waves when he complained about mismanagement at the Luyechun Camp. Later Camp Commandants were sayas (including Sayagyi U Ba Toke).
He added Nawaday to his name to minimize name conflicts (which are common for Burmese names).
Ko Ye Myint (son of Sayagyi U Ba Toke) and Ko Nyunt Maung San were Best Men at his wedding.
Ko Naing Win (GBNF) asked Ko Zaw Min to accompany him to a Cinema with his girlfriend and another (who became Ko ZM’s soul mate).
He had a short temper. He was given a stern warning for hitting a student (who instigated him). It appeared in a report requested by the father (DIG of Police) of his girlfriend, but …
He competed in the English Debate between 1st year and 2nd year classes. He won as a 1st year student. He lost as a 2nd year student.
He was a preliminary selection for the RIT crew at RUBC.
He hiked to Rakkhine with Ko Han Tha Myint and Ko Sein Win. It was reported in the newspapers.
He lived and worked in New York and California. After retirement, he moved to Las Vegas.
U Ohn Khine (M70) took me to the meeting of the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
Relayed Steeve’s request for a special Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
Asked help to prepare material for the Gift package to be given at the PZP.
SPZP-2000 was recorded on a 3-hour tape. I had it converted to a set of two DVDs. U Win Htay & team copied the DVDs to be given to the sayas.
I was Chief Editor for the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni International Newsletter for SPZP-2000. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) & Henry Lim (Alumnus, Editor of BAPS Newsletter) were Associate Editors. Maurice Chee (M75) was Publisher. U Win Htay & team printed copies of the Newsletter to be given to the sayas.
Female members of the Combined Intake (e.g. Mai Khin Nyunt) agreed to take care of preparing monetary gifts. Every saya and sayama will receive One Lakh Kyats. Selected sayagyis will receive Two Lakh Kyats.
Event
Speakers
U Hla Min & Benny spoke at the Special Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe hosted by Steeve
I was the key note speaker.
Benny spoke on behalf of the alumni.
U Win Mra spoke on behalf of the sayas and sayamas.
Attendees
Reserve tables had to be used to accommodate the large number of attendees
In addition to those from the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65, those who had volunteered for the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas” were also invited
Key Note Address
Welcome to this gathering!
Today is a special gathering organized by the 64/65 intakes and sponsored by the “Steeve and Helen Kay Saya Health Fund”.
Today’s event complements last month’s 64/65 intake held an Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe and tomorrow’s seventh RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.
In addition to paying our respect to the sayas and sayamas, today we would also like to present to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70) an appreciation award for his continued support.
Although Steeve migrated to the US in 1971 to pursue his dreams, he never forgot his roots, his alma mater and his friends.
Over the past 17 years, Steeve has made various contributions totaling $200,000.
Highlights of those contributions are as follows:
SPZP-2000
As you recall, the first ever RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in the year 2000.
It was started by a group of RIT students in San Francisco, among them Ko Benny Tan and me.
I remember when I sent out the invitation flyers, we received a $1,000 check from Ko Thaung Sein.
Later, he donated $3,000 as seed money to assist with fundraising efforts.
Throughout the years, Steeve has supported multiple world-wide reunions and SPZP as a Golden Sponsor.
Health Care Fund
In June 2005, Steeve set-up a $50,000 Saya Health Care Fund administered by U Win Khaing of MES and his administrative committee.
Many saya/sayamas attending today have benefited from that fund.
Steeve also helped to set-up a second fund, administered by the 64/65 intakes, as a supplemental retirement fund for the sayas and sayamas.
MoST Delegation to the US
In May 2013, Kay Family Foundation, a philanthropic foundation set-up by Steeve Kay, sponsored the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) delegation to visit Centers of Excellence in California.
The delegation was headed by the late Dr. Ko Ko Oo and Professor Nyi Hla Nge.
Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles in 2015
Last year, in October 2015, Steeve Kay donated $30,000 in matched funds to hold the RIT in Southern California, Los Angeles.
During the gathering, he sang a Burmese folk song ‘Shwe Me’ to express his feeling towards Myanmar, the land where he spent his youth growing up.
Health Concerns
This year, Steeve Kay’s own health fell ill.
We wish him good health. Instead of attending the RIT Grad Reunion himself, he asked Ko Benny to hold a gathering and Pu Zwe Pwe this year.
Ko Benny consulted with his classmates and decided that December 28, 2016 – the day preceding the Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe – seemed to be the right time.
The classmates, in turn, would like to honor their life-long friend and sponsor of numerous RIT-related activities.
The history of Steeve and his philanthropic work should be recorded and preserved for posterity.
Every saya and sayama will be presented with a gift package from Steeve.
Gift Package
Short biography of Steeve
Commemorative issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
Two-set DVD of SPZP-2000
CD of photos and articles from SPZP and RIT-related activities
Monetary gift for each saya and sayama
Event in Three Parts
Today’s event covers three parts:
Paying respect to the sayas and sayamas who taught the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
Mini-gathering of the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
Appreciation award to be presented to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve)
Ko Khin Maung Lay will be the emcee.
Selected sayas and alumni will recall Steeve’s work and their importance and impact to the RIT community.
2015 Reunion in Los AngelesHla Min, Steeve, Benny
Updates
Steeve had remission for some time.
He finally passed away.
He did not complete writing his experiences and thoughts.
Saya Pu Zaw Pwe is a noble Burmese tradition to pay respect to mentors.
RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
Micro-SPZP
Started school at an early age. I was not enthusiastic.
My mother said something. magical happened one day. She thanked Teacher Kywe, a Karen Christian with a warm soul & the skill to transform a normal kid like me into a life long learner.
For several years, my mother asked me to visit Teacher Kywe and pay respect to her. It was an early Micro-SPZP. Her eyes were filled with pride as she introduced her former student to her current students.
SPZP
Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP) transcends religion.
Some said that RIT was a dying breed, but there were several who wanted to keep the RIT Spirit alive & well. They wanted to have sayas & alumni get reconnected electronically via Internet, and physically via Pu Zaw Pwes.
SF Bay Area Alumni Group
RIT Alumni International was formed by the San Francisco Bay Area Group (and KMZ) with the objective to host the First RIT Alumni Reunion & SPZP in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
The term SPZP was chosen over Saya Gadaw Pwe — which had religious connotation — to allow sponsors & alumni who profess different religions to pay back to their mentors for their metta and cetana.
I am honored to be a member of the team that organized SPZP-2000, and SPZPs in Singapore (2002, 2007 & 2010) and Myanmar (2004, 2012 & 2016).
Singapore has a large number of alumni. Its proximity to Myanmar eased the task of inviting sayas to attend SPZPs.
SPZP-2012 was the first true Home Coming. Thanks to U Aye Myint (EP72), who did not forget his alma mater.
U Aye Myint
SPZP-2016 was the first to have a full day event at the Gyogone Campus. RITAA, Sponsors and Donors provided free food & entertainment.
RITAA
The smiles from our beloved sayas and sayamas, and occasional “slap on my back” from my former colleagues, classmates and give me “second wind” even after being a volunteer messenger for 26 years.
KMZ (Right)
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :
The official name of these “Reunions” was one of the many discussions at the very early days of first Reunion committee members under the leadership of Saya Allen Htay. All of us were aware that the “Saya Gadaw Pwe” could somehow be restrictive where you would have many intakes and graduation classes spanning several decades not to mention people transcending various religions.
SPZP, Saya Pu Zaw Pwe, was officially adopted. It turned out well, and was adopted by the consecutive Reunions.
SAYA PU ZAW PWE (Poem)
Poem in Newsletter
S eems like it was only yesterday A t our alma mater in a land far away Y ou taught us to work, play, laugh, even cry A nd coaxed us, forced us to aim for the sky
P roblems in real life, lab, computation, survey U nderstand concepts, design, display, …
Z eal, zest, ardor, grit, passion to make it “our day” A rchitects, engineers, we’ve come here to say W e honor your metta, your cetana — we fully can’t repay
P resently we meet, alum from five decades we greet W ith memories true, fond, sweet E cstatic yet sad that the GBNF could not join this memorable fete
My poem was published on the front page of the commemorative issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Saya U Moe Aung & team reprinted my poem on the back cover of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002 hosted by Singapore alumni.
SPZP-2000 in the USA
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Organizers
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76, web master) copied the names/tags from the very first posting from his album.
Sitting L-R: Saya U Mya Htoo (Civil 68), U Benny Tan (Mech 70), Saya KC Chiu (Chem 63), U Hla Min (EC 69) Editor Extraordinaire, Saya U Allen Htay (Civil 58) GNBF, Saya U Nyo Win (Mech 65), Saya U Tin Htut (Mech 60), Saya George Maung Maung (Chem 66), Daw San San Nyunt @ Mrs. Thein Aung (Mech 76)
Standing L-R: U Soe Aung (Mech 75), U Gordon Kaung (Mech 83), , U Myint Swe (EP 74), U Anthony Ng (Mech 76), U Phillip Mya Thwin (EP 75), U Maurice Chee (Mech 75), U Thura Thant Zin (Mech 76), Sayalay U Thein Aung (Met 72), U Myint Lwin @ Henry Chee (Civil 63), Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76), Daw Yi Yi Khaing @ Audrey Wong (Civil 84), Daw San San @ Mrs Myint Swe (EC74)
All of them, except KMZ, live in cities across Northern & Southern California. KMZ lives in a city near Seattle, Washington State.
Golden Sponsors
We appreciate the cetana of the following alumni who felt that the RIT Alumni International should have activities beyond the First ever RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.
They are honored as “Golden Sponsors” of SPZP-2000.
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70, Southern California) : Donated $1000 initially and later gave an additional $1800.
Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69, New Jersey) : Donated $1200 for the General Fund of RIT Alumni International and for SPZP-2000. Earlier donated $360 for one year’s operating expense of the ex-rit.or web site
David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67, Northern California) : Donated $1000 for SPZP-2000
Benny Tan (Tan Eu Beng, M70, Northern California) : Donated in cash and kind. Designed the memorabilia (Banner, Mug, Calculator/Clock & Tee-shirt). Since he had gift shops, he obtained most memorabilia from his vendors at discount prices.
U Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas) : Donated a Round-trip ticket to Myanmar. By popular acclaim, the ticket was given to Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
Updates
Steeve Kay
Steeve 1Steeve 2
Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs.
Established the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas. In 2019, the balance of the Fund was handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
Founded Kay Family Foundation. KFF sponsored a delegation from Myanmar to visit Universities & Research Institutions in California. KFF provided a matching fund of $30000 for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
LA 2015
Donated $200,000+ over the years to RIT-related activities.
Sponsored the Centennial Publication of Hwa Kyone School.
He is now GBNF
Ivan Lee
Ivan‘s house in NJWith Saya Dr. Aung GyiWith Saya U Aung Khin
Hosted the annual RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey
Sayas at NJ Gathering
Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2007 Sponsored Naw Mu Mu Aye to attend the SPZP
Co-founded MASTAA. Was CEO
David Ko
David
Donated US $3000 to SPZP-2012
DonationAppreciation
Sponsored Dinner Tables at NorCal RITAA Dinner
He is now GBNF
Benny Tan
Benny 1Benny 2Mug
Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs
For SPZP-2000, he used Steeve’s donation as seed money to raise funds. He designed memorabilia to give to sayas, sayamas and selected organizers / volunteers. Some memorabilia were put on sale for attendees at SPZP-2000.
U Maung Maung Than
Could not attend SPZP-2000, but he comunicated with Saya Allen Htay
Supported Saya Dr. Tin Win’s “Run LA Marathon to raise fund for SPZP-2007”
Sponsors for Sayagyi U Ba Toke
U Ba Toke
U Maung Maung Than donated the round trip ticket
U Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) hosted Sayagyi and son U Ye Myint (EP72) at his new house in Hayward, California.
Saya Allen Htay, Saya U Tin Htut, Saya Mao Toon Siong and several sayas and alumni took care of Sayagyi’s stay.
SPZP-2000 : By The Numbers
One
SPZP-2000 : First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP
One round-trip ticket for a saya from Myanmar to attend SPZP-2000. By popular acclaim, Sayagyi U Ba Toke was invited.
Two
Sayas of our sayas
U Num Kok
U Ba Toke
Former RIT Rectors
Dr. Aung Gyi
U Khin Aung Kyi
Major events
Dinner/meeting on Oct 28, 2000
Lunch/picnic on Oct 29, 2000
Organizing Committees
Working Committee : Chaired by Benny Tan and Maurice Chee
Steering Committee (Mostly Sayas)
Three
Outstanding Member Awards
Ko Hla Min (EC69) for the pioneering work of RIT Alumni International website & Editor of RIT Alumni Newsletter
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) for the design, implementation, maintenance & enhancements to http://www.ex-rit.org
Ko Hla Myint Thein (Maurice Chee, M75) Treasurer, Financial Controller & Publisher of RIT Alumni Newsletter
Four
Four intensive months of preparation by the Organizing Committee
Five
Golden Sponsors for SPZP-2000
Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein, EC 70)
Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70)
Ivan Lee (Ko Khin Maung Oo, M69)
Ko Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas)
David Ko (Ko Tin Myint, M67)
Six
Number of years spent at the engineering colleges & institutes by most attendees
Seven
Seven unforgettable hours (5 – 12 pm) at the Reunion and SPZP
Seven sleepless nights per week by Maurice, Benny, …
Eight
Countries represented by the attendees
United States
Canada
Myanmar
Thailand
Singapore
Japan
Australia
New Zealand
Major disciplines at RIT
Civil
Mechanical
Electrical
Mining
Textile
Chemical
Metallurgy
Architecture
36
Number of “Post-Reunion” articles written by Hla Min for SPZP-2000
64
Number of “Count down to the Reunion” articles written by Hla Min for SPZP-2000
100
Number of articles written by Hla Min for SPZP-2000
Singapore SPZPs
SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2012 hosted by the Singapore alums were grander with a huge turn out at main events, publication of the commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saungs by Saya U Moe Aung & teams, first-rate entertainment by the famous Swel Daw Yiek Ah Nyeint and the young-at-heart (“never grow old”) singers and dancers.
SPZP-2002
Saya Moe
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) was Chair. He was also Chief Editor of the Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung.
Websites
Saya Dr. Soe Thein (C75) was a core organizer. He & his team maintained two web sites
One for alumni in Singapore
One for Civil Engineers in Singapore
Singapore Alumni web site contained info for SPZP-2002.
SINGAPORE-2002 Ex-RIT Reunion Dinner Program
7 December 2002 (Saturday)
The second web site contains info for resident and visiting Civil Engineering sayas. Some sayas would stay at the hotels provided by the SPZP-2000 Organizers. Some sayas might stay with their former colleagues or students. The contact info is helpful for arranging gatherings and tours.
Civil Sayas’ Address & Contact Number in Singapore
Organizers
The Second RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was hosted by the sayas and alums in Singapore.
Saya U Moe Aung (Chair), Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing, Sayama Daw “Emma” Tin Tin Myint, Saya U Aung, Saya U Tin Lin, and Saya Dr. Dr. Soe Thein are some core members of SPZP-2002.
The RIT gathering at the Thingyan festival and musical gala at NTU helped with the planning and implementation of SPZP-2002.
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung
SWEL DAW YEIK SAR SAUNG for SPZP-2002 (Singapore).
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) & team published the commemorative issue.
They reprinted my poem (first published in the web pages of http://www.ex-rit and the commemorative newsletter). Thanks.
“Don Min” U Yu Swan, U Moe Myint, Daw Moh Moh Han, U Myint San (“Tet Lu”), U Aung Kyaw Myint (“ko Ba Kyaw”) and many other talented Geeta Ah Nu Pyinnar Shins helped with the entertainment for SPZP-2002.
SPZP-2007
U Nyan Win Shwe (Chair)
Saya U Moe Aung (Chief Editor of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung)
See “SPZP-2007 Diary”
SPZP-2010
Saya U Moe Aung (Chair; Chief Editor of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung)
Yangon SPZPs
SPZP-2004 was held in Yangon, but not at the Gyogone campus. The Tsuanami-related tremors did not deter the sayas and alums from attending SPZP-2004.
SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016 were held at the Gyogone Campus.
SPZP-2012 was the first True Home Coming
SPZP-2016 was the Free All Day Event
SPZP-2004 in Yangon
The following appeared in the ReUnion 2004 Home Page
RIT Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe – 2004 Yangon, Myanmar 26th December 2004
Morning : Saya Pu Zaw Pwe
Date : Sunday, December 26, 2004 Time : 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am Place : Myanmar Convention Center (MCC)
Evening : Dinner & Entertainment
Date : Sunday, December 26, 2004 Time : 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Place : Dusit Inya Lake Hotel
Pu Zaw Pwe Office & Contact
Office : United Engineering Co Ltd Corner of Wayzayantar Road & Yadana Road Thingangyun Township 11071 Yangon MYANMAR
Contact : U Zaw Min (Mechanical 1975) U Hla Win (Mechanical 1975)
The Third RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was hosted by the sayas and alums in Myanmar. U Win Khaing (M 75) & his team (U Zaw Min, U Hla Win) formed the core of the Yangon-2004 SPZP Organizers. An earthquake that morning did not deter the attendees.
SPZP-2012
Tears of Joy
SPZP-2012Attendees
When alums learned that SPZP-2012 will be held at their alma mater (which had been largely neglected and turned into dilapidated building with bushes around), tears of joy fell.
When alums learned that the Stage-3 cancer survivor “Seik Kyi” (Cartoon Myint Pe) and his fellow cartoonists will revive the Cartoon Box, and also publish a collection of “RIT cartoons” (at a modest price of K1500), they was laughter and echoes of “walking down memory lane”.
When alums learned that the multiple ICU visitor Ko Saw Lin (C71) would head not only the main preparation committee of SPZP-2012, but also publish the 350+ page commemorative SWEL DAW YEIK MAGAZINE, reprint limited copies of the 23 vintage RIT Annual magazines, their spirits became high.
When alums learned that Sayagyi U Ba Than, Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team would take the first (scoped but important) step to compile the “History of University Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar”, the importance and uniqueness of SPZP-2012 became evident.
Homage at SPZP-2012
December 30, 2012 saw several Union ministers and deputy ministers sitting on the lawn alongside the alums and paying respect to the sayas and sayamas for their “Arcariya” virtues (irrespective of age and experience). That day saw sayas, sayamas, and alums endure the hot sun to bask in the glory and memories of the hey days. That day saw the re-emergence of RIT glory and the close bond of alums spanning five or more decades.
SPZP-2012 will go down in engineering history as one of the historic and memorable events (which many had feared would not see in their life time).
Thanks to the unsung heroes for carrying on the noble tradition.
SPZP-2016
SPZP-2016U LinBag for attendees
All-Day Free Event was held at the Gyogone Campus.
Free food for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in the morning.
Reunion Dinner & Entertainment took place in the evening.
Updates
Effects of Jara, Byadi & Marana are noticable
Several sayas — U Ba Toke, U Num Kok, U Ba Than, U Khin Aung Kyi, U Min Wun — are now GBNF
Some sponsors — Steeve Kay, David Ko — are now GBNF
Some organizers — Saya Allen Htay, U Win Khaing, U Saw Lin — are now GBNF
SPZP-2020 was canceled due to the pandemic
Some PZPs are conducted online
At some PZPs, attendees pay homage while standing. Sayas remain seated at their tables (do not have to go on stage).
HlaMin 