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
On July 19, 1947, Bogyoke Aung San & several ministers were gunned down.
Memories of my cousin
Daw Myint Thwe
Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, now GBNF) was born on July 19, 1934.
She was celebrating her birthday on July 19, 1947 when the sad news were announced via the sirens. The birthday celebration was put on hold.
Arzanis
Bogyoke Aung SanArzani Nay
Bogyoke Aung San — Untimely death at the age of 32
Thakin Mya — Minister without Portfolio; “Deputy Prime Minister”; Leader of AFPFL faction
Deedok U Ba Cho — Journalist; Publisher
Mahn Ba Khaing — saved Bogyoke from the British police
Sao San Htun (Mongpawn Sawbwa) — died the following day at the hospital
U Ba Win — Elder brother of Bogyoke; Father of Dr. Sein Win
U Razak — Early graduate from National College; Principal of National School in Mandalay
ICS U Ohn Maung — Was asked to give a presentation on behalf of Saw San Po Thin
Yebaw Ko Htwe — Body guard of U Razak
Absentees & Survivors
Three ministers (U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Nyein & Saw San Po Thin) did not attend the meeting on July 19, 1947.
U Tin Tut became a victim of political assassination shortly after Independence. He was already assigned to be Burmese Ambassador of the United Kingdom.
U Kyaw Nyein and U Ba Swe led Ti Mye (တည်မြဲ Stable AFPFL faction). They lost the No-confidence motion against U Nu and the Thant Shin (သန့်ရှင်း Clean AFPFL faction). The AFPFL split led to Caretaker Government (pseudo Coup d’etat).
Saw San Po Thin was on a tour of duty.
According to Phaw Kaung ဖေါ်ကောင် Ba Nyunt, he could not find U Nu (Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies) at his office.
A few ministers (Pagan U Ba Gyan, U Aung Zan Wai, Pyaw Bwe U Mya …) who were seated at the far side of the meeting table escaped.
U Ba Gyan is the elder brother of U Ba Shan (Secretary of Maths Curriculum Committee). He sat down on the floor but was holding the edge of the table. He had a gunshot wound on a finger.
U Aung Zan Wai was a signer of the Pinlon (Panlong) Agreement.
Pyaw Bwe U Mya’s spouse is a distant cousin of Bogyoke. His plan to have more security at the Secretariat was turned down by Bogyoke.
Bogyoke’s body guards include Natmauk Phone Kyaw (writer) and Bo Tun Hla (Tekkatho Nay Win, writer & actor). Bo Tun Hla and Deputy Secretary U Tin Ohn were in an adjoining room in the Secretariat. Dr. Tin Wa (son of U Tin Ohn) was interviewed by BBC Burmese program.
Family members & relatives of Arzanis
U Aung San Oo, Aung San Lin (GBNF) and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi — children of Bogyoke
Dr. Khin Hla Cho & Daw Khin Myint Cho (UCC) — grand children of Deedok U Ba Cho
Daw Myint Myint Khaing (Maths Sayama) — daughter of Mahn Ba Khaing. She transcribed the tapes for the book about Saya U Ba Toke. Her spouse Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char) interviewed Saya and wrote the book.
Sao Hso Holm & Sao Khai Pha — sons of Sao San Tun. Sao Hso Holm was First Class English Honors and had two Law degrees. He was a regular columnist for WPD Supplement on Modern Burmese Writings. In 1962, the Sawbwas requested his legal services. He was detained by the Revolutionary Council. After serving in the Education Ministry, he and his family migrated to Australia.
Saya Dr. Sein Win (Maths) — son of U Ba Win
U Tin Myint (GBNF) & U Hla Kyi — sons of U Razak. Both are Geologists and Old Members of RUBC.
Saya U Tin Maung Thein (EE), Francis & Saya Dr. Min Myint (Chem) — sons of U Ohn Maung
Daw Nge Ma Ma Than (UCC) — niece of Bogyoke & U Ba Win; She became a Prisoner of Conscience.
Arzani Beikman / Martyrs’ Mausoleum
In our younger days, we walked to Shwe Dagon Pagoda on Saturdays.
We would occasionally stop by at the “Arzani Beikman” (Martyr’s Mausoleum). Nine Oke Gu’s were on display. Four Oke Gus flanked on each side of Bogyoke’s Oke Gu.
Near the Beikman were two more Oke Gu’s : one for ICS U Tin Tut and another for Bo Sein Hman.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint’s article about the “Empty Tomb” mentioned that his Bagyee U Tin Tut was cremated at the special crematorium set up at Kyandaw Cemetery and that his ashes were scattered into a river.
Fast forward.
The “attempted massacre of Chung Doo Wan and his party” was carried out by three North Korean agents.
One set of bombs did not go off and thus spared the lives of the Burmese contingent led by Minister U Aung Kyaw Myint. U Soe Min, Deputy Director of Myanmar Ah Than TV, was hit by shrapnel, but he survived. The award winning Kyemon reporter, who switched duties to cover the event, was killed.
The higher authorities dictated the design of the new Arzani Beikman. No roofs were placed on top of the monolithic “Gu”. Some architects posted about their role in the project.
Several writers noted that the then Number One never attended the ceremonies. A few hinted that he was a member of the Thakin Ba Sein faction of AFPFL and had some grudges for those from the Thakin Mya faction. He banned horse racing for the public and closed the Rangoon Turf Club. He supposedly had fun (e.g. attending derbies) most July in UK.
Protocol change
Over the years, the protocol changed. The families of the fallen leaders were no longer invited to State functions and dinners.
First tier leaders did not attend the Martyrs’ Day functions. Only Second tier leaders showed up as token of duty.
The family members of the Arzanis were not allowed time to pay physical respect. They were given time only to lay the “Lwan Thu Pann Khwe”.
At one time, the public was barred from paying respect, and those who tried were detained.
The Martyr’s day regained importance during the Pwint Linn era,
Articles, books and documentaries
I have read several articles (e.g. by Tekkatho Nay Win).
I read the earlier edition of the book “Who killed Aung San?” by Kin Oung (former Naval Officer living in Australia). His father U Tun Hla Oung arrested Galon U Saw. His father-in-law U Thaung Sein (then Secretary of Insein Prison, later Justice) kept watch of U Saw so that U Saw and his team can be tried by a Special Tribunal headed by U Kyaw Myint (father of Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint).
I saw the BBC’s production titled, “Who REALLY killed Aung San?”
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote: On the BBC Programme, U Kin Oung, was interviewed. He is the author of three editions of “Who killed Aung San”. The fourth edition was more comprehensive as he had access to government documents thanks to freedom of information act. The last version was titled “Eliminate the Elite”.
Kin Oung’s book
Notes
I wrote “AUNG SAN” for Bogyoke’s Centennial in 2015.
Bo Tun Hla (Tekkatho Nay Win, Bogyoke’s PSO) wrote memoirs in the Arzani Nay Supplement.
The articles in Kyemon and several posts on the Internet groups reiterated the values of the fallen leaders.
Thakin Mya was considered as Deputy Prime Minister.
Deedok U Ba Choe was a distinguished journalist and a “Hin Lay Oh”.
Daw Marie Hla Taw drove Bogyoke to Mahn Ba Khaing’s place (preventing Bogyoke’s arrest by the police). Mahn Ba Khaing helped Bogyoke get back to the safe area.
Sao San Htun was hospitalized. He passed away (the following day) on July 20, 1947. There is a hospital in Taunggyi named in his honor.
U Ba Win was a dedicated teacher. He entered politics late to support Bogyoke (his younger brother & former student). His son Dr. Sein Win served as Prime Minister of the Burmese Government in exile.
U Razak (Principal) was highly regarded by staff & students of Amyotha Kyaung (National High School). Several sayadaws from Mandalay nominated him to be Minister of Education.
Ko Htwe (U Razak’s yebaw) was gunned down by the assassins during their exit.
According to Dr. Tin Wa, his father U Tin Ohn was in an adjoining room in the Secretariat. U Ohn Maung (who was in the room earlier) was requested by Bogyoke to make a presentation.
Per Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, gun shots were fired at his father’s house. The family members laid low and were not hurt. U Kyaw Myint was then Head of the tribunal that tried Galon U Saw. It was another episode in the “Who killed Aung San?”
Mounting evidence — from declassified documents — suggest the involvement of several British politicians and officers in the murder of Arzanis.
July 19, 1947 was a Dark Moment in the history of Burma. July 7 and July 8, 1962 would join as Dark Moments in Burma.
Wanted her daughters — Hazel, Olive & May — to have experience like her at the Inya Hall.
Hazel & May spent a year at Inya Hall as room mates. Olive had to stay at the Hall for medical students.
Fund raiser
Danced three roles in the fund raiser for the Tekkatho Dhammayone. Her cousin Saya U Lu Pe Win (Pali and Kyauksar Scholar) directed the play. The rehearsal was assisted by U Nyi Pu (First male actor in a Burmese movie).
Play
Was honored at the Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe (Paying homage to the elders) held at the Tekkatho Dhammayone.
Her account was published in the Golden Jubilee Sar Saung of Inya Hall.
A1 Film
Myanmar Ah Swe Film evolved into A1 Film.
A1 U Tin Nwe & his family are known as Producers, Directors & Actors.
U Nyi Pu founded Maha Weikzardo Film.
U Tin Pe (Maung Maung Soe) founded Maung Maung Soe Film.
A1 U Tin Maung acted alongside May Shin and other lead female actors before becoming a Director/Actor.
Daw Khin Myint’s son U Tin Yu & son-in-law U Mya Maung are Director & Producer.
Feedback
Thit Yine (alumnus of Yegyaw Methodist) wrote : Dr. Hla Shwe (Boon Chiong) stood First in the Matriculation examination of 1953 from Yegyaw Methodist, and that his class mate Ohn Khin stood Second. Yegyaw Methodist was well known before the Nationalization of schools.
Thit Yine and Ko Ko shared the names of sayas (e.g. U Aung Myint, U Khin Zaw, U Ko Lay) who taught in the late 50s and early 60s.
Po Shwe Kyu wrote : Credit to Saya Hla Min as being the most prolific writer in this group, and his archives and chronicles will be of greatest help to coming generations. Drs. Hla Shwe & Tin Maung returned to Burma around 1962-63. I don’t know Dr Hla Shwe but Dr. Tin Maung also resided at the Chummery during my short stay there. Chummery is a “Saya Lu Pyo Saung”.
Myo Thaik wrote : Sayama Daw Khin Aye passed away last year. His cousin uncle Dr. Myint Thein won a Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in Chemistry in the I.Sc. examination, and later became the first Myanmar to received Ph.D in Nuclear Chemistry in the USA. He is currently staying with his son in Texas. He also wrote about “A Che A Nay Kaung” and “Ma Khan Chin Seik” that led him and his uncle cousin Dr. Win Naing to pursue their dreams to have doctorates.
Myo Thaik wrote : Dr. Hla Shwe is Emeritus Professor, East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylvannia, and then moved to California.
First in Burma
I knew that several SPHS students stood First in Burma in the Matric exam. They include
U Ba Khin (Vipassana teacher, first native Auditor General)
George Chapman (SPHS51)
Dr. Nyunt Tin (SPHS52)
Koon Yin Chu (Phillip, SPHS54)
Dr. Soe Win (SPHS58)
Dr. Frankie Ohn (SPHS59
Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63)
Bernard Khaw (SPHS65)
I was aware that students from other schools also scored Top in the some years.
St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay
Methodist English High School (MEHS)
St. John’s Convent
Yegyaw Mthodist
Sacred Heart
Thanks to those who provided additional info and/or corrections
GBNF & Tone Kyaw
I have to be very careful in specifying persons as GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
There are at least three Tone Kyaw (person believed to have died) including me.
When my name sake CO U Hla Min (Chief Operator at UCC, who appeared healthier than me) passed away in his mid-30s, two Training Departments (from Co-op and Trade) inquired UCC where they could send a “Lwan Thu Pann Kway” (wreath) for me. My former class mate Moe Hein (Ajala with an extremely loud voice) was surprised when he saw me at the Kyandaw Cemetery. He said, “I have taken a day off to come here. I wondered why your brother did not tell that you had passed away.” I became a Tone Kyaw.
U Han Sein (C69, Ah Pho Gyi) was sentenced to 20 years for his alleged involvement in 8-8-88. His classmates, who were organizing the 30th Reunion of Graduation, inadvertently listed him as GBNF. He became a Tone Kyaw. He was released after 16 years (with the Amnesty Proclamation), but sadly, his family had been broken. He recently celebrated his 10 years of regained freedom.
When Dr. Tin Hlaing (Marine Technology) passed away in Singapore, some RIT inadvertently sent condolences to Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63), who became a Tone Kyaw.
Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo Kun Yeik Kho
The song was first recorded as a “Dat Pya” at Myanmar Ah Than (Burma Broadcasting Service). It was first sung by U Mya Thein and group. U Thet Lwin received 100 Kyats for his composition, and he treated his fellow Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins.
In a TV interview, Saya played the song.
The song has been sung in many events including the SPZPs (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe) of RIT Alumni.
The Singapore “Pon Chan Chan Group” led by Don Min U Yu Swan recorded the song.
The song was also sung at the Ceremony on December 1, 2019 to kick off the RU Centennial.
The various versions can be listened from the Facebook Posts and You Tube.
Land marks
Thit Pope Pinn is recognized by the Yangon Heritage Society.
The tree was there even before the founding of the University of Rangoon, and it survived Cyclone Nargis.
A few readers expressed displeasure to see the wired fences and the inexplicable disappearance of landmarks.
The Convocation Hall is another land mark.
Eons ago, the Prime Minister of the Union of Burma served as Chancellor of the University of Rangoon, and also delivered “Commencement Speech” at the graduation.
I posted the program of the 1958 Convocation which listed about 30 prize winners (Gold Medals, Silver Medals and Books).
U Soe Paing, my mentor at RIT and UCC, received two Gold medals (after paying 150 Kyats for each Gold Medal, because the original endowments no longer covered the “rising cost” of Gold for the Medals). He had the highest score for I.Sc. (A) and (B) combined. He had the joint highest Maths score for I.Sc. exams — with two other students.
In 1962, Dr. Myint Tun (Henry Cho Tun) won the Gold Medal for the highest score for I.Sc.(A) and (B) combined. U Myat Thwin (ChE66) beat him by one point for the highest score in Mathematics for I.Sc.(A) and (B) combined.
Autograph
Ma Chit Swe (Hazel Kyaw Zaw’s mother) was a Junior I.A. (Intermediate of Arts) student in 1936. Hazel has posted her mother’s autograph.
Daw Hla Myint, a close friend of Hazel’s mom, wrote a lovely poem. Many were unaware of her talent. She had to leave the University before graduation to get married to U Tu Maung. Saya U Tu Myint (Winston Tu Maung) was our saya at RIT and later taught at Singapore Polytechnic until retirement. Dr. Hla Maung (Ronald Tu Maung, MEHS65) moved to the UK. Her siblings include Dr. Pe Nyun (Pediatric Surgeon, who led the operation of conjoined twins Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San), Dr. Pe Thein (Professor and Retired Minister), Daw Ivy San Pe and Daw Flora San Pe.
He hosted two gatherings for Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Daw Emma. Saya attended SPZP-2012 & SPZP-2016 in Yangon.
The first was in 2013 (a few days after SPZP-2012).
The second was in 2016.
Jan 2013
He hosted a Birthday Gathering for Daw Emma Gyi.
Daw Emma Gyi’s birthday in Jan 2013
Dec 2016
In 2016, Ko Wai Lwin hosted a dinner for the Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and several other sayas at Ko Nyan Tun U’s residence.
Ko Nyan Tun U, Ko Khin Maung Kyaw, Ko Ye Chit Pe, Ko Ohn Khine and Ko Tun Aung are retired. Ko Kyaw Lwin and Ko Win Myint were in charge of the Ministry of Construction.
Ko Win Myint (later Bogyoke) was a 10th standard Luyechun at the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in 1965. Ko Win Myint said that Ko Sein Shwe (M67, 4th year Luyechun from RIT, group leader and musician) inspired him to join RIT. Ko Win Myint has published some books.
Ma Pwint Than, spouse of Ko Htun Aung (“Aung Daung”), was also a 10th standard Luyechun. Later, at SPZP-2016, I met Ko Htun Aung, his close friend Ko Hmaing (author, GBNF) and Ma Pwint Than at the gallery of the famous Bagyee Saya Ko Myo Myint.
Saya U Tin Htut donated K10 lakhs to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation on January 3rd, 2017.
Saya U Moe Aung accepted the donation.
Present at the ceremony were several Executive Committee members of SDYF. Photo (L to R) : Sayama Daw Khin Sandar Tun, U Hla Min, U Wynn Htain Oo, Saya U Tin Htut, Saya U Moe Aung (Patron, SDYF), U Myint Pe and U Tin Latt
September and October 2017
Sayagyi U Ba Than
M75U Ba Than
M75
M75 paid respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than on September 25, 2017.
H.E. U Win Khaing, U Tin Soe, U Than Po, U Hla Win, U Ye Lin Oo, U Zaw Min … attended the birthday celebration ceremony and received blessing from sayagyi.
The group handed over garawa birthday gifts of K750000, USD$350 and SGD$300 to sayagyi.
69ers
69ers
The Class of 69 (mostly M69) paid respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than on October 1, 2017.
U Aung Min, U Tin Shein (Chinlon), … attended the birthday celebration ceremony and received blessing from sayagyi.
The group handed over garawa birthday gifts that they had collected before and on the monthly breakfast gathering held earlier that day.
Sayagyi usually performs dana with the “garawa” money he received for his birthday and for attending the SPZPs and mini-SPZPs.
Sayagyi has supported various charitable associations (for the needy, the sick, the blind, the deaf and dumb, old people, “Nar Ye” …).
On or around October 2 every year, Sayagyi offered “soon kwyay” at a monastery.
Soon kwyay was held on October 2, 2017 at YAW SAYADAW’s monastery . It was attended by sayas, alumni, relatives and friends.
Became monk after retirement and spent several vassa.
Dr. Lwin Aung (Center)
U Bo Gyi (A59, GBNF)
Assisted Saya Mr. O Nagler for the design of the RU Recreation Center.
Pianist
Modeling expert
Co-founder of Architects Incorporated.
After Nationalization, moved to PWD.
Architect of Daw Khin Kyi Mausoleum.
Became monk after retirement from PWD.
U Bo Gyi
Civil
U Kyaw Sein (Bran Dev, C59)
EE Irrigation (Sedawgyi project).
RU team forward. From Mandalay. Prome hall.
U Htay Aung(C59)
Prome hall soccer forward. He was transferred from Tagaung hall.
U Hla Baw(C59)
Prome hall S& R President
Mechanical
Saya U San Tun (M59, GBNF)
Mechanical Engineering 1959 U San Tun 1U San Tun 2 U San Tun 3 U San Tun 4
Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong) graduated with B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rangoon in 1959. He passed with distinctions and won a Gold Medalist. At the convocation, he met Dorothy Tham (a female Gold Medalist from a different faculty). They became friends and later tied the knot.
He joined the Mechanical Engineering Department as an Assistant Lecturer.
He was awarded a States Scholarship to pursue graduate studies at MIT, USA. He received Masters from MIT, USA in 1962.
Upon his return, he taught at BIT and also served as a Hall Tutor.
He was promoted to Lecturer in 1964. He headed the Automobile Engineering (Sub-department of the Mechanical Engineering)
He relocated to California, USA in 1968.
From 1968 – 1974 he worked as a Contract Engineer, Cone Company, Burlingame, California
1974 – 1999 Bechtel Corporation, San Francisco, California (Retired in August 1999 after 25 years service).
Saya served as President of BEA. He succeeded Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF)
Saya passed away in California on December 12, 2025 at 10:30 am
U Tin Hlaing(M59, GBNF)
U Tin Hlaing
Joined the Faculty as Assistant Lecturer
MS from Purdue University.
Promoted to Lecturer.
Head of Agricultural Engineering (Sub-department of Mechanical Engineering)
Manager of All Universities and Institutes Hockey Team.
Played Tennis and Soccer
Passed away untimely since he could not get access to the Dialysis Machines at BMH and also could not get Passport and Visa in time to have medical treatment abroad.
U Tin Htway (M59)
Co-founder of BASES
U Tin Win (M59, Bei, Bago)
Assistant Lecturer
Left to run family business
M. Krishna(M59)
Assistant Lecturer
Moved to India and later to USA.
Attended SPZP-2000.
U Ohn Khin(M59, GBNF)
Lt Col. DI (Retired)
MD TC1
Tagaung hall.
U Win Tin(M59, GBNF)
BG DI (Retired)
Minister for Finance and Revenue
Minister for Post and Telecoms
Ramanya hall.
U Hla Aye(M59, GBNF)
EE Irrigation
Later FAO/UN Project Engineer in Laos.
RU football team Captain.
Prome hall and Moulmein district volleyball team Captain
Most twins share the same birthday (Day, Month, Year). An exception occurs when one twin is born before midnight and the other is born after. Another exception occurs when one twin is born on New Year’s Eve and the other is born on New Year.
February 29 born
Do they celebrate only in Leap Years? Do they celebrate every year on February 28 or March 1st?
Same Month
If there are more than 13 people, then at least two must share the Month in their birthdays. It follows the Pigeon Hole Principle.
Same Month and Day
If there are more than 30 people, then there is a high likelihood that at least two share the Day and the Month in their birthdays. It follows from Probability and Statistics.
Distribution
In a group, the birthdays are not equally distributed. For instance, my two sisters and I are August born. There are seven siblings.
Freebie
Some restaurants do not charge the Birthday Person (Boy, Girl) if there are three more persons in the group. They will ask and verify the ID.
Happy Birthday
“Happy Birthday” song is one of the most played songs. In the early days, the song received a lot of royalties. It is now in the free public domain.
Different Calendars
Some celebrate their birthday twice : using the Gregorian Calendar and the Myanmar luni-solar Calendar.
Many universities have “Alumni Relations Department” and “Alumni Association“.
They have personnel to reach out to alumni and hold alumni events.
Notable and successful alumni support their alma mater in various ways. e.g. establish new Departments, Chairs, Research facilities, Mentoring programs, Internships
Sad story
After the fateful Coup D’etat in 1962, all organizations (except BSPP and related ones) were banned.
The practice continued to the Adhamma Era, when our alma mater was branded as “Thabon Kyaung” and the Swel Daw Bins were destroyed.
Perseverance
With the dawning of the Pwint Linn Era, steps were taken to bring back the alma mater to former glory.
In February 2016, U Wynn Htain Oo, U Tin Latt and U Than Htay proposed to U Aye Myint (then Rector of YTU) the establishment of an alumni association. The Rector gladly agreed.
A core group helped with the registration of RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association.
Issues
Many alumni were not aware of the association and its objectives
Only a few (mostly members of the “80000 YaThay”) actively participated in the formative events
There was virtually no fund to operate (let alone assist the alma mater)
Help and Resolution
Then, things started to click
An office space for the Alumni Association was provided by YTU
The association received nice Logo and Banner.
Donations — large and small — were received (mostly for the YTU Library Modernization Project which is a requirement for the Accreditation). Donations were received from well-wishers (who are not alumni).
Membership grew by leaps and bounds. Even alumni overseas joined the association. Currently, Life membership costs K60000.
Saya’s Corner was established. Wheel chairs are available (especially for use by Sayagyis attending SPZPs).
Staff and Volunteers helped with the regular and ad hoc projects (such as clean-up).
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) was attended by alumni spanning three (or so) decades. Several young alumni came forward to take leadership roles.
The association helped with YTU Library Modernization Project, z”Honoring matriculates of alumni” and the vetting of YTU students applying for financial aid.
It is on this day 23rd April 1958 that I got married to my wife Khin Khin Htway (Flora) at the Strand Hotel. We stayed two nights with her parents and left for our honeymoon to Tokyo, Japan.
April 25, 1958
We arrived Tokyo 0n the 25th and was met at the airport by Mr Fonseka, Ceylon (now Siri Lanka) Ambassador to Japan. He was was a friend of my wife father when he was Ceylon Ambassador to Burma. He took us to a restaurant for lunch and later dropped us at a Hotel near the Imperial Palace.
April 26, 1958
The next day we took the high speed bullet train to Osaka to visit Mr Fukutomi who is a friend and was once an IBM Engineer in Burma. He lived in Takarazuka, a suburb of Osaka. He took us to see the famous Takarazuka Kabuki show performed by women artists only, the men parts were also performed by ladies and not a single men was involved in it.
Trips
We stayed one night in Osaka and then left for our trip to Kyoto, Nara,Yokohama, and Kamakura where there is a Huge BUDDHA sitting statue, it is also a popular beach resort and returned to Tokyo.
Back to Tokyo
In Tokyo we saw a modern topless show at Asakusa Theatre, did some shopping at Diamaru Department store and took a stroll on GINZA street.
We left Japan after three weeks of our memorable honeymoon in Japan.
Hong Kong
From Tokyo we flew to Hong Kong, we stayed at at the famous Peninsular Hotel on Kowloon side where the airport is.
One day while shopping in Hong Kong we met four Burmese gentlemen on the street and they were Executive Members of Rangoon Turf Club, they were in Hong Kong at the invitation of Hong Kong Turf Club. One of them, U Chit Khaing saw my wife in her longyi and came to talk to us, he then invited us for a cruise on the Hong Kong Harbour which the Hong Kong Turf Club had arranged for them in the evening. The cruise was during sunset and it was a beautiful ride relaxing on the boat, breathing the fresh air of Hong Kong Harbour and watching the colored lights of Skyscrapers opened one by one, twinkling on the hill. We returned to Rangoon the next day.
Blessed to be together for a long time
It is now more than six decades since our honeymoon in Japan and we are fortunate to be still together and is able to take care of each other.
HlaMin 