After attending the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi visited the SF Bay Area.
The dinner gathering at a sea food restaurant was attended by sayas and alumni. They include :
Percy Lao (part-time Saya)
Dr. San Lin (part-time Saya)
Saya U Kyi Kong Tham (C63)
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)
Victor Wong (King Wong, C66)
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
U Nyan Shein (Henry, C68)
U Hla Min (EC69)
Benny Tan (M70)
Walter Tan (M70)
Patrick Fong (C70)
Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met72)
Maurice Chee (M75)
U Aye Tun (Anthony, M76)
Daw Khin Mya Yee (Sarah, C77)
Daw San San Nyunt (Sandra, M77)
U Khin Maung Tun (T78, President, SDYF)
U Aung Kyaw (Alex Khoo, C81)
U Yu Ket (Edward Saw, EC85)
U Tin Maung Win (C86)
U Tin Oo (M86)
U Nyunt Than (M86)
Welcome back Saya U Aung Khin & Saya U San Tun
Saya UAK & UST
Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto64) was then stationed in Beijing on a UN assignment. He invited his former sayas U Aung Khin and U San Tun to visit him.
After the two sayas returned from the China trip, there was a mini-gathering by the San Francisco Bay Area RIT alumni to welcome them back.
C71 in Nov 2018
The Class of C71 had the November 2018 gathering at Shwe Bei (Golden Duck) on Saya San.
C71 gathering in November 2018
The photos are posted by Daw Lily Tha.
C71 Gathering
Saya U Hla Myint Thein (C69) attended the C71 gathering since his spouse Daw Myint Myint Than is C71.
C71 Gathering
The December 2018 breakfast gathering will be hosted by U Khin Maung Chit.
C73 in Canada
DAG & Dennis
Dennis Mackey (Kyaw Thu, C73) and George Peters (C73) did their final year project at UCC. Their supervisor was Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF).
George moved to Perth, Australia. I met him at the RIT Reunion Dinner in Sydney, Australia in 2006.
Dennis moved to Auckland, New Zealand. He reported about the alumni activities in NZ along with Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF) and Stanley Saw (Myo Lwin, M71).
After retirement, Dennis moved to Canada. In late 2018, he paid respect to Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi.
There has been seven world world Saya Pu Zaw Pwes.
USA SPZP
SPZP-2000 OrgsnizersSayas at SPZP-2000
The First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in the USA in October 2000.
Host : RIT Alumni International
Working Committee : Benny, Maurice & team
Steering Committee : Mostly Sayas
Golden Sponsors : David Ko (M67), Ivan Lee (M69), Steeve Kay (EC70), Benny Tan (M70), Mg Mg Than (M79)
Ex-RIT website had Special Pages for SPZP-2000
I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post-Reunion”.
Special issue of “RIT Alumni Newsletter”
Newsletter
Brief Bio of Sayagyis & selected Sayas
Souvenirs : Kyauk Si Bagyee, Banner, Mug, T-shirt, Calendar/Clock
Singapore SPZP
Singapore sayas & alumni hosted
SPZP-2002 in December 2002
SPZP-2002
SPZP-2007 in April 2007 ; Singapore was Backup for SPZP-2006 (with Yangon as Host); Due to change in Political Climate, Yangon could not host SPZP-2006.
SPZP-2010 in December 2010.
U Moe Aung
Saya Moe
Tekkatho Moe War
Chair of SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010
Chief Editor of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for all three Singapore SPZPs
U Nyan Win Shwe
M72
Chair of SPZP-2007
See Posts
Gatherings in Singapore
SPZP-2007 Diary
Yangon SPZP
Yangon hosted
SPZP-2004
SPZP-2012
SPZP-2016.
All SPZPs were in December.
Note : Yangon could not host SPZP-2006 due to the political climate and so requested Singapore to host SPZP-2007.
SPZP-2004
Yangon was hosting a Conference for Engineers from ASEAN countries
SPZP-2004 was allowed to complement the Conference
Yangon could not host SPZP-2006 due to the political climate and so requested Singapore to host SPZP-2007
SPZP-2012 : True Home Coming
SPZP-2012 brought tears of joy. Many have given up the hope of seeing their beloved alma mater rise again from the trampling of the Adhamma Regime. HE U Aye Myint (EP72) paved the way to have the True Home Coming (Reunion and SPZP) at the Gyogone Campus.
SPZP-2016
First SPZP to be held all day at the Gyogone Campus.
Thanks to sponsors and donors of SPZP-2016, free food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) was offered to all attendees.
(2) 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Main event : Reunion Dinner & Entertainment at Knott’s Berry Farm
Optional event : Brunch at a compound of U Thura Thant Zin’s company; Interview of selected attendees
Organizers
Organizers include Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62), Saya U Tin Htut (M60), U Thura Thant Zin (M76) & U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68).
Dr. Aung Gyi
Sponsors include Steeve Kay, (U Thaung Sein, EC70) and Kay Family Foundation (KFF), which provided a matching fund of US$30,000.
Steeve
Attendees include Sayas and Alumni from USA, Myanmar, and Japan.
Attendees
Entertainers include Saya U Myat Htoo, U Khin Maung Lay, Daw Mya Than Win (Golden Jubilee Swel Daw Yeik Minthamee), U Thaung Sein (singing “Shwe Mi”), May Win Maung, and Ni Ni Win Shwe.
Four Attendees
Photo : George Wong (LA) L to R : Ni Ni Win Shwe, Dr. Naing Naing Aung (Met), May Win Maung, Ko Thein Ngwe (RITAJ)
(3) SF Bay Area Dinner Gathering in 2015
Welcoming Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi
After attending the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi visited the SF Bay Area. The dinner gathering at a sea food restaurant was attended by sayas and alumni.
They include :
Percy Lao (part-time Saya)
Dr. San Lin (part-time Saya)
Saya U Kyi Kong Tham (C63)
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)
Victor Wong (King Wong, C66)
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
U Nyan Shein (Henry, C68)
U Hla Min (EC69)
Benny Tan (M70)
Walter Tan (M70)
Patrick Fong (C70)
Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met72)
Maurice Chee (M75)
U Aye Tun (Anthony, M76)
Daw Khin Mya Yee (Sarah, C77)
Daw San San Nyunt (Sandra, M77)
U Khin Maung Tun (T78, President, SDYF)
U Aung Kyaw (Alex Khoo, C81)
U Yu Ket (Edward Saw, EC85)
U Tin Maung Win (C86)
U Tin Oo (M86)
U Nyunt Than (M86)
(4) Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65 Reunion and PZP in 2018
The Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65 (most of them graduated in 1970 and 1971) hosted the Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on November 24, 2018 at the Assembly Hall of Gyogone Campus.
It was the 20th time for the group. The invitation is shown below.
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe
(5) International Tipitaka Chanting
The International Tipitaka Chanting Council was established in 2006, B.E. 2550
It has organized Annual Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony at/under the Sacred Bodhi Tree.
In 2013, the 9th Annual International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony was held at/under the Sacred Bodhi Tree from December 2nd – 13th, 2013. Sangha, devotees, and volunteers from ten countries participated.
It was the second consecutive year that the Sangha from Myanmar undertook the task as main organizer.
In 2014, the First International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony in America Dedicated to World Peace and Inner Harmony was held on October 9, 10 and 11, 2014 at Allston Way, Berkley, California.
U Jotalankara, Chief Resident Monk, Dhammananda Vihara was requested to take part and also give a speech. I edited Sayadaw’s speech.
(6) TEDx Yangon
By Thiri Thant Mon (Organizer)
Even if you impact one person – it’s worth it.
I heard this from a veteran TEDx organiser. He said it was about seeing the light of understanding, the light of passion shine in people’s eyes. Last Saturday, 6 October 2018, we hosted our third TEDx event. As I scanned the audience from backstage, those flickers of light told me – hey, it was worth it!
When I started my TEDx journey, I thought I will do it for three years – enough for the movement to gain some momentum. In the weeks leading up to each event, I am convinced I am crazy. I have a demanding career, two young children, responsibilities from other philanthropic projects I support. So many balls in the air that I cannot drop and TEDx takes so much time and effort.
I started TEDx because of my passion for knowledge and freedom of ideas, the desire to stimulate positive conversations in Myanmar. To give a literal stage for ideas that people have not heard before. And because deep down, I believe it matters to our society.
Along the way, I gained something unexpected. I discovered amazing people who became great friends. My fellow team members – present and past – who are as crazy as I am to give time, so much of it, and pour passion and professionalism into our endeavor. Our awe-inspiringly brave speakers. Our enthusiastic volunteers. Patrons offering support. TEDsters and TEDxers, a global community of dreamers who are doers, liberals who are realists. My tribe.
People who know me best know that I am a passionate individual. They also tell me they have never seen me more happy and passionate than when I talk about TEDx. My eyes light up and my face glows.
It is the flicker in my own eyes and the impact TEDx Yangon has on me, that makes it all worth it. Bring on year four!
Sayama Daw Tin Tin Myint (Emma, ChE69) wrote :
Thiri Thant Mon is the daughter of U Sann Aung (USA Photo, M74). She is the niece of Sayama Emma and Daw Than Than Yi (T71, GBNF).
(7) Min Ko Naing’s Talk
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 twice.
The first time, he talked about the injustice system and the brutal regimes.
The second time, he & Aw Pi Kye were Speakers for the SF Bay Area Annual Talks 2018.
Anecdote
A political prisoner begged his prison mates to give him a pain reliever.
Most people did not have courage to provide one.
One had cetana & courage, but lacked medical knowledge. He gave Buspro to the wailing prisoner, who was relieved of pain forever.
Edu & Social Systems
He recounted his observations of the educational & 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 & students in Myanmar prepare at all costs for that “all important Matric exam” to pursue two or three high profile professions.
Feedback from a Senior
The talk is more suitable for the general audience in Myanmar.
Kudos to the activist turned “evangelist for critical thinking and social change”.
Updates
Pandemic caused the cancellation of SPZP-2020.
SPZP-2016 will be remembered for the All Day Event at Gyogone Campus with Free Food for Breakfast, Lunch & Gathering.
Several Sayas and Alumni — including Organizers & Sponsors — are GBNF.
Some Sayas & Alumni have medical problems — decline in physical & mental health. They cannot travel far. They cannot sit for a long period. They can trip or fall with serious consequences.
Several top students from the 1st BE Intake in 1964 are GBNF. Tommy Shwe (Badminton) & Peter Pe (Swimming & Water Polo) passed away unexpectedly. Cho Aye (Hiking, Group Organizer) and Steeve Kay (Multiple Golden Sponsor) had medical problems.
Over 40% of 69ers are GBNF.
I was Interpreter for some of Beelin Sayadaw’s dhamma talks at TMC. I visited him at Hse Mile Gone & Panditarama. He recently passed away.
U Nay Oke (St. Paul’s) talked about Two Poets at TEDx-InyaLake.
I met Aw Pi Kye twice during his trip to the USA with Min Ko Naing. First in Fremont at the start of their trip. Second in Los Angeles at the tail end of their trip. APK was delighted that the End of the Buddhist Lent was near, and that he would be able to drink alcohol freely again (since Waso).
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).
Took United Airlines from San Francisco International airport
Flight was delayed for more than two hours because the computer system was down
Our plane was diverted to Syracuse airport in New York to refuel and to wait there until Newark (New Jersey) airport — which had experienced traffic congestion — could handle the incoming flights
Ivan Lee (M69) was aware of the flight delay. He picked us up at the airport.
He would be our host & trip coordinator.
Selected events from the trip are described below.
July 10, 2015
On the road to NYC
Ivan took us — Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Daw Emma, my spouse & me— on a New York tour.
We felt like “honored guests” because New York City was lined up with fans — young and old — of the US women’s soccer team which won the World Championship for the third time.
July 11, 2015
NJ GatheringSix 69ers & Two Sayas
Ivan hosted a gathering in honor of Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC).
Ivan had hosted the RIT-UCC gathering for several years.
Attendees include Richard Than Se (ChE62, classmate of U Soe Paing), Fred Thegyi (M69), U Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69), U Toung (Tom, EC69), U Sein Myint (EC76, UCC), Daw Sao Mon Sint (Cindy, UCC), U Mya Aung (UCC), U Soe Myint (UCC) and Ivan’s relatives (who displayed their culinary skills).
There were six 69ers at the gathering.
July 13, 2015 (Windsor, Canada)
Windsor Breakfast
Sayagyi U Aung Khin was delighted to see his former students — Ivan Lee & Fred Thetgyi — drive a long way to pay respect to him.
Ivan provided his Mercedes & gas for the trip.
Fred drove most of the way to let Ivan have a light load. Fred also took photos of the trip.
Sayagyi allowed my spouse & I to spend the night at his guest room.
Sayagyi prepared “pe kyaw” and “mohinga” for breakfast the next morning for the four of us. He also gave mementos.
July 14 – 15, 2015 (Napean, Canada)
NapeanThousand Islsnds
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi hosted his former students for two days.
Showed us around Toronto
Took us to the Thousand Islands
July 16 -17, 2015 (Massachusetts)
MITU TAG & Daw KMM
Despite being busy working on two projects, U Tun Aung Gyaw took two days off to host his former classmates.
He took us to MIT & Harvard.
It has become a tradition to touch the “shining” shoe of Harvard’s statue (and make a wish). Fred touched with one hand and made a wish on behalf of his grand kid. Ivan touched with both hands (saying he need to make a wish on behalf of his six grand children).
July 18 – 19, 2015 (Connecticut)
Library
U Toung (Tom) & Daw Khin Myint (Kim) were our hosts for the Connecticut leg of our trip.
A photo was taken by Fred in front of one of the 30+ libraries at Yale University.
Another photo was taken by a waitress (who has a “FRED” tattoo on her arm in honor of her dad) at Table (10) of Frank Pepe’s pizza. Photos of the then young Bill Clinton, who frequented the pizza place, can be seen on the wall. She then checked Fred’s ID and agreed to have a picture together.
Pizza
Miscellaneous
On the way to Windsor, Canada we stopped to see Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. On a previous trip, I had seen Niagara Falls from the US side. Many say that the view from the Canadian side is better.
The speed limit in Canada was lower than that of US. The GPS had some hiccup inside Canada. We ended up late arriving at Sayagyi U Aung Khin’s house.
We just drove around Toronto on our way to Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi’s house. We prefer to be early than late.
U Tun Aung Gyaw lives in Shrewbury (about 50 miles from Boston). He was working on multiple projects.
Tom lives in Trumbull, Connecticut. He is retired. He often flew to Hong Kong to see his son & grandchild.
As a side trip, Fred took us to Pennsylvania (where he lives) & Maryland. We visited Liberty Bell & selected places. U Thein Han is my sole remaining uncle. He lives in Maryland.
Ivan had two PEs (from New Jersey and New York). He owns some real estate. He loves to cook. He plays accordion and harmonica. He is a Life time Platinum member of US Bridge Association. He is a Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000 and SPZP-2007. He is a major donor to the 69er Health Care Fund.
Took United Airlines from San Francisco International airport
Flight was delayed for more than two hours because the computer system was down
Our plane was diverted to Syracuse airport in New York to refuel and to wait there until Newark (New Jersey) airport — which had experienced traffic congestion — could handle the incoming flights
Ivan Lee (M69) was aware of the flight delay. He picked us up at the airport.
He would be our host & trip coordinator.
Selected events from the trip are described below.
July 10
On the road to NYC
Ivan took us — Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Daw Emma, my spouse & me— on a New York tour.
We felt like “honored guests” because New York City was lined up with fans — young and old — of the US women’s soccer team which won the World Championship for the third time.
July 11
NJ GatheringSix 69ers & Two Sayas
Ivan hosted a gathering in honor of Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC).
Ivan had hosted the RIT-UCC gathering for several years.
Attendees include Richard Than Se (ChE62, classmate of U Soe Paing), Fred Thegyi (M69), U Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69), U Toung (Tom, EC69), U Sein Myint (EC76, UCC), Daw Sao Mon Sint (Cindy, UCC), U Mya Aung (UCC), U Soe Myint (UCC) and Ivan’s relatives (who displayed their culinary skills).
There were six 69ers at the gathering.
July 13 (Windsor)
Windsor Breakfast
Sayagyi U Aung Khin was delighted to see his former students — Ivan Lee & Fred Thetgyi — drive a long way to pay respect to him.
Ivan provided his Mercedes & gas for the trip.
Fred drove most of the way to let Ivan have a light load. Fred also took photos of the trip.
Sayagyi allowed my spouse & I to spend the night at his guest room.
Sayagyi prepared “pe kyaw ပဲကြော်” and “mohinga မုန့်ဟင်းခါး” for breakfast the next morning for the four of us. He also gave mementos.
July 14 & 15 (Napean)
NapeanThousand Islsnds
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi hosted his former students for two days.
Showed us around Toronto
Took us to the Thousand Islands
July 16 & 17 (Massachusetts)
Despite being busy working on two projects, U Tun Aung Gyaw took two days off to host his former classmates.
Took us to MIT and Harvard.
It has become a tradition to touch the “shining” shoe of Harvard’s statue (and make a wish).
Fred touched with one hand and made a wish on behalf of his grand kid.
MIT
Ivan touched with both hands saying he needed to make a wish on behalf of his six grand children.
Dinner
July 18 & 19 (Connecticut)
U Toung (Tom) and Daw Khin Myint (Kim) were our hosts for the Connecticut leg of our trip.
A photo was taken by Fred in front of one of the 30+ libraries at Yale University.
Another photo was taken by a waitress (who has a “FRED” tattoo on her arm in honor of her father) at Table (10) of Frank Pepe’s pizza. Photos of the then young Bill Clinton, who frequented the pizza place, can be seen on the wall. She checked Fred’s ID & agreed to have a picture together.
YalePizza
Miscellaneous
On the way to Windsor, we stopped to see Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. On a previous trip, I had seen Niagara Falls from the US side. Many say that the view from the Canadian side is better.
Niagara
The speed limit in Canada was lower than that of US. Ivan’s GPS had some hiccup inside Canada. We ended up late arriving at Sayagyi’s U Aung Khin house.
We just drove around Toronto on our way to Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi’s house. We prefer to be early than late.
U TAG lives in Shrewbury about 50 miles from Boston. He was working on multiple projects.
Tom lives in Trumbull, Connecticut. He is retired. He spends time in Hong Kong with his son & grandchild.
As a side trip, Fred took us to Pennsylvania & Maryland. He lives in Philadelphia. We visited Liberty Bell & selected places. U Thein Han is my sole remaining uncle. He lives in Maryland.
Ivan had two PEs (from New Jersey and New York). He owns some real estate. He loves to cook. He plays accordion and harmonica. He is a Life time Gold member of US Bridge Association. He is a Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000 and SPZP-2007. He is a major donor to the 69er Health Care Fund.
Thura Thant Zin : RUBC Gold; RU Hockey; Past President, BASES; Organizer, 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Thura
Phyo Wai Win : RUBC Gold; RU Hockey
All Uni Hockey
Electrical
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) : RU Hockey; RIT Rowing; ex-UCC; RIT Alumni International; SPZP-2000 Organizer; Designed & implemented First ex-rit web site; Microsoft alum
Khin Maung Zaw visiting San Francisco
Myat Thein (Adam Khan) : RIT Rowing; RU Hockey
Wynn Myint Aung (GBNF) : ex-UCC; Aerospace / Federal Aviation
HlaMin 