“Taw Hlan Yay Nay” (တော်လှန်ရေးနေ့ Resistance Day) is celebrated in March. The resistance officially started on March 27, 1945. Bohmu Ba Htoo had started the resistance earlier, but it was made to look like a random sporadic act of defiance. The town which housed the early military training school was named “Ba Htoo Myo ဗထူးမြို့”
“Lut Latt Yay Nay” (လွတ်လပ်ရေးနေ့ Independence Day) is celebrated in January. The Union Jack was lowered and the Union Flag was flown on January 4, 1948. The time 4:20 AM may have been suggested by an astrologer.
Many civilians and armed personnel put their lives on the line in their support for a Democratic and Independent Union of Burma.
Saying “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
Forward Magazine
My poem “To the fallen warrior” was published in Forward Magazine.
Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Ka) was Chief Editor.
U Sein Hla was Assistant Editor.
I received Fifteen Kyats for my poem.
The artist who illustrated my poem received Fifty Kyats.
The Phaundaw-u Festival
Phaungdaw-u Festival
I wrote a poem “The Phaungdaw-u Festival” for the Thadinkyut Supplement of Working People’s Daily (WPD).
I visited Inlay Lake four times.
My first visit was in the summer of 1965 as Tekkatho Luyechun for the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp.
My second visit was in October, 1965. I accompanied Ko Aung Kyaw (Peter Pe, SPHS, Movie Star) and Ko MaungMaung Aye (SPHS, IM1, GBNF) to Inlay and Taunggyi. Peter’s cousins (including a medical doctor) live in In Paw Khone in Inlay. Peter’s uncle U Maung Maung Latt was Ah Mat Choke (အမတ်ချုပ်) in Taunggyi. We saw first hand the famous Phaungdaw-u Festival.
My third visit was in the mid 2010s. We took a tour package (air travel, hotel, car & boat) to Inlay. We stayed at a hotel in Inlay and then visited selected places in a chartered boat. We were sad to see the declining state of Inlay (e.g. water level). We spent some time in Taunggyi and the nearby cave in Ho Pone.
My fourth visit was in January 2020 as the final leg of the Professional Speakers Association’s tour.
The Ngapali Beach
The Ngapali Beach
My poem “The Ngapali Beach” was published in the Forward Magazine on March 2, 1970.
I received fifteen kyats for my poem.
The illustrator received fifty kyats.
Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Kha) was Chief Editor.
U Sein Hla was Assistant Editor.
Visits
My first visit was during my student days. My cousin and friends stayed at the Bungalow owned by U Tha Gyaw Wai and managed by my uncle. At a nearby bungalow was a movie crew by Amyotha Yoke Shin အမျိုးသားရုပ်ရှင် with U San Maung (Gerald, RUBC Gold and Coach). Ko Gerald asked me if I would be interested to join them on the way back via Taung Goke. We were hosted by a cinema owner. He offered the movie audience a free show if they could translate the Burmese titles into English. One submission was “Fly away bitter bird” (Pyan Lay dei Nget Khar ပျံလေတဲ့ငှက်ခါး)
My second visit was with my beloved spouse and two young sons. We stayed at the Bungalow owned by Amyotha Yoke Shin and managed by U Mya Maung (elder brother of Saya U Tin Htut).
My third visit was as Guest Lecturer for the Ngapali Luyechun Camp. I spent some time chatting with other Guest Lecturers including Saya U Kyaw Myint (Director of Higher Education, former Professor of Physics at Mandalay).
Hantha Aye Nylon — the parents of Than Than Yee (T71) and Sann Aung (M74) — also owned a Bungalow.
The Hotel and Tourist Corporation built the first hotel in Ngapali.
I know a few people who have taken almost yearly trips to Ngapali.
Our Unity
Our Unity
My poem “Our Unity” was published in WPD (Working People’s Daily) for Pyidaung Su Nay (Union Day). It was written as a dream.
Hlaing Phyo is one of my pen names.
I received fifteen kyats for my poem.
G Ko Lay (RUBC Gold) was Chief Editor of WPD. His spouse : Daw Nyunt Nyunt Win (Physics, RASU Registrar)
Former Chief Editors of WPD include U Khin Maung Latt (father of Saya Dr. Khin Maung Win, grand father of Maung Yit and Junior Win) and U Than Saw (grand father of KMZ’s spouse).
Tekkatho Moe War wrote : This is really an amazing verse to read, especially for a poetry lover, be it in any language, so to speak.
Updates
Several are GBNF. They include Bohmu Ba Thaw, U Ko Lay, U Mya Maung, U San Maung, U Khin Maung Latt, U Than Saw, Than Than Yi & Sann Aung
We are organizing a milestone birthday (soonkway) and appreciation celebration for our alumni icon U Hla Min at Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA), Half Moon Bay on August 20, 2016 from 9:00AM to 3:00 PM.
I will be sponsoring my signature Indian (Chicken) and Chinese (baby back spare rib ) Dan Pauk, Benny (Mohingar), Saya Maung Maung (samosa), Daw San San Swe (Chin-Paung-Kyaw), Ko Hla Kyi (Bannana Dessert), Ko Gordon Kaung and Lillian Kaung (a tray of desserts).
You are welcome to sponsor, contribute and volunteer to help with the event.
To provide adequate foods, please send in your RSVP to mcmauchee@gmail.com by August 7, 2016.
Please come and join us to celebrate this special day with a mindful and cheerful party and we look forward to seeing you all to show our appreciation to U Hla Min for taking care of RIT newsletter as Chief Editor for the past seventeen years.
Saya U Tin Htut will be flying in from Los Angeles to attend the RIT mini-gathering. Saya was a member of the Organizing Committee for SPZP-2000. He is a co-founder and Past President of BASES.
Event address
Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA) 17450 S. Cabrillo Highway, CA 94019 Half Moon Bay CA 94019 U.S.A Phone: 650-712-9165
I have been asked whether they can bring friends and family members to Ko Hla Min’s birthday celebration at TBSA, Half Moon bay, on August 20, 2016. The answer is Yes, per the Myanmar tradition any ah hlu ah tan is open to all well beings (alumni, non-alumni, friends and dhamma friends of Ko Hla Min).
With metta, Maurice Chee, M75
Appreciation
From Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59)
Dear U Hla Min,
We regret that we will not be able to join the celebration of your birthday at the Theravada Buddhist Society of America on August 20, 2016.
There is no doubt that the attendance will be large and all the Burmese foods will be mouth-watering and delicious. We are sure all the attendees will have a good time and leave the celebration venue with a fond memory.
We admire you for all the good deeds and sacrifices you have been doing over the past decade for the benefits to oversea Burmese immigrants not only in the bay area, Southern California, the United States and over various parts of the world. Keep up the good work!
We expect to meet you at the annual Nor Cal RITAA dinner on September 17,2016. We wish you a happy birthday and our best regards to your beloved Daw Sein Yee.
Sain Fone & Sylvia
From Salim Mayet (M67)
Dear U Hla Min,
Wish you a very happy birthday. I admire you for all the hard work you have been doing for more than a decade to keep us informed about RIT sayagyis, sayamas and other members. Thank you.
Salim Mayet (M 67)
From Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
(a) May I wish to your beloved grand daughter “Grace”.
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE TO COME
No doubt that she will become a smart little adorable girl. My grandson will be two years in coming Sept. He gives us hope and happiness. Each and every movement is interesting and adorable for us. I’m sure you and Ma Sein feel the same.
(b) Many Happy Returns of the Day. Wish you could spend your life per your wish with Dhamma, family and friends.
Have a nice and memorable gathering.
With Metta,
Rosie
From Saya U Khin (Lucien Chen, RIT English, Taipei)
Dear Hla Min,
I have been an ardent “fan” of your RIT Newsletter updates ever since you included me in your mailing list at the suggestion of Des Rodgers many many years ago.
You have made a great contribution to the RIT community by bringing the RIT alumni, sayas and sayamas together through your reports, messages, photos, etc. in the RIT Newsletter and also through your persistent efforts in carrying on the good work against all odds. Who is going to fill your shoes after you retire?
I spent the best years of my life (1964 ~ 1968) at the RIT and I cherish the good old days I had at the RIT with my former colleagues at the English Department such as Saya Desmond Rodgers, Saya U Win Mra, Saya U Joe Ba Maung, Saya Sao Kangyi (deceased), Saya U Kyaw Lwin Hla, Sayama Daw Yin Yin Mya (Terry), Sayama Daw Charity Sein U, Sayama Daw Khin May Lwin (Muriel), Sayama Daw Tin Tin Oo (Toni), Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (Anne), among others; my former colleagues at other engineering departments and non-engineering departments such as Saya U Tin Maung (Civil), Saya U Christopher Maung (Civil), Saya Allen Htay (civil), Saya Dr K.C. Khoo (Chemical), among others; and my former students Tin Tin Myint (Emma), Khin Phyu Latt (Christine), Tin Tin Hla (Su Tin), Sai Kham Sang, Pamela Myo Min, George Lim, among others.
I hope you will have a great time at the birthday party that will be hosted in your honor on August 20th at Half Moon Bay, California, by your former classmates, colleagues, sayas and sayamas.
I shall also be wishing you a happy birthday in absentia from this part of the world, and hope you will have many happy and healthy returns of the day in the years to come.
Sincerely yours, Lucian Chen (Saya U Khin)
From Saya U Tin Htut (M60, Los Angeles)
Yes, I will be glad to join you all in the celebration.
Tin Htut
From Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) and spouse
Dear Ko Hla Min,
See you at the Half Moon Bay Monastery this Saturday.
Thanks for your dedication and untiring effort in keeping us all in touch with alumni all around the world.
Also wishing you the very best on your Birthday and many more to come.
Best regards, George & Eng Eng Chan
From Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70) and Angelina
Dear Ko Hla Min,
You’ve spent years sharing your amazing memories and wonderful writing ability with all of us from RIT, YIT, etc.
I like to thank you for sharing your wonderful RIT spirit and making a positive difference for so many people. Time is the most precious thing and you have generously shared your time and talents with all of us year after amazing year.
Congratulations and all the best to you on your milestone birthday. May you live long, happy and healthy and may all your dreams and wishes come true.
All the best, Benny and Angelina Tan
From Gordon Kaung (M83) and Lillian Kaung (EC83)
Hello Saya Hla Min:
We wish you the happiest of B-days, and many many more to come!
We will bring a bottle of premium iNapaWine for you and ama to enjoy at your B-day (we know ama will definitely enjoy our premium wine to stay healthy, and take good care of you).
With lots of metta, Gordon and Lillian Kaung Wine Maker
From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L Tin Htun, EE59)
Dear Ko Hla Min:
From reading the recent emails in your “Update”, tomorrow will be a great “Happy Birthday Bonanza Party” for you. It will surely be a fun, exciting and memorable event for all attendees.
We wish you a wonderful Happy Birthday and many many more returns.
Best regards, Chris and Pam Lee
U Myint Soe (M79)
He emailed me three photos.
U Soe Thu (C98)
He e-mailed me the Group Photo taken in front of U Silananda Hall at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay.
U Chan Min, who rowed for the Institute of Economics, became a monk at Dhammananda Vihara after his retirement. His crew members include U Htin Kyaw (Peter) and U Soe Thinn. He also attended the computer classes at UCC in Rangoon.
From U Tha Aung (M79) & Daw Kinsa Maw-Naing (ChE79)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Happy Birthday and to say thank you for all your efforts in keeping RIT alumni connected globally. Even though we don’t have much to say, we always follow your updates.
May you have a happy healthy long life and lots of ku-tho.
With metta from Tha Aung & Kinsa
Editor’s notes :
Appreciate your work hosting mini reunions in Canada and for volunteering as SPZP2016 representatives. Sayamagyi Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing was my English teacher in I Sc(A).
From Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67)
Happy Birthday Ko Hla Min and cutie pie!
I appreciate all you hard work and dedication to RIT Alumni newsletter.
Sorry I cannot attend the event.
Thanks for your appreciation
Dear Sayas and Colleagues,
It is truly amazing to be appreciated by sayas and alumni. The following are examples.
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma called from Canada to wish my Cutie Pie and me. They also sponsored “Tohu Thoke တို့ဟူးသုတ်” for the attendees. Sayagyi sent Maurice his congratulatory message for me to be read at the soon kyway gathering. See the following section for details.
Saya U Tin Htut flew in from Southern California.
Ko San Lin (M 87, “Maung Lu Pay”) took time off from work to attend the soon kyway.
Ko Kyaw Myint (M 83) delegated his “Flower shop” to his assistant to attend the soon kyway.
Ko Myint Soe (M79), who recently had knee surgery, requested Ko Aung Myint Oo (EC 84) to give him and his spouse a ride to the soon kyway.
Due to tight multiple schedules, Angelina & Benny Tan (M 70) came in separate cars so that Benny can have more time with his sayas and colleagues.
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M 60) will celebrate his 80th birthday in December. Saya only drive local short distance, so he asked Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) to give him a ride.
Daw Mu Mu Kin, spouse of Saya Allen Htay, had tears in her eyes. She said that Saya would wish to be at the RIT mini-gatherings. She gave me silk neck ties that were bought (but never worn) by Saya. She shares the birthday on August 18 with my Cutie Pie.
Maurice ordered a genericcake to celebrate Daw Mu Mu Kin, Ko Myint Swe (EP 74) and other August born.
Maurice hand crafted a custom “birthday greetings” card with extracts from the birthday greetings from the RIT updates. The messages from Saya Dr. San Hla Aung, Ko Tha Aung & Ma Kinsa Maw-Naing came in too late to be incorporated into the gigantic card.
Maurice spent countless days organizing the event. Following the tradition of his late father Uncle U Wah Kyu, he also prepared custom birayani (dan bauk ဒန်ပေါက်).
Charlie Tseng (EC70) and Diana Tseng (ChE71) ordered two large birthday cakes.
The full list of food donors and sponsors is maintained by Maurice.
Johnson Lim (cousin of Robert San Lin) needs a human walking “cane” (his beloved spouse). They are regular food donors at most events.
Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75) rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She brought “Kyee Oh See Kyet ကြေးအိုးဆီချက်”. She also gave a ride to two Textile grads: Ko Than Htay (T75) and Ma Bibsu (T76).
Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She and Saya U Myo Min fetched Saya U Tin Htut (her elder brother) at the air port and also brought him to the Half Moon Bay monastery.
Gordon Kaung (M 83) and Lillian Kaung (EC 83) drove close to 3 hours from Napa. They also brought a bottle of iNapa Premium wine and desserts.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) spent a decade or so as President of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America) at Half Moon Bay monastery. Today was a sort of “welcome back” for him and Ma Ku (Daw Hnin Maung Maung).
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE 66) is a Past President of NorCal RIT Alumni Association and a founding member of RIT Alumni International. He and Daw Eng Eng (sister of Saya U Myat Thwin, ChE 66) brought samoosa.
There were a few young and not so young alumni at the event. They include Ko Soe Thu (C98) and Ma Thandar.
Saya U Nyo Win (M65) and spouse were caught in the traffic.
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) and Sandra (M76) brought their daughter.
Dr. Myint Thein (M73) talked about his “Htaik Htar ထိပ်ထား” Daw Nyo Nyo Win (T73) and provide examples of “Applied English” (e.g. “air cut” for stroke).
Award
Award
Received appreciation award for helping the sayas and alumni to get connected via the RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates since 1999.
It was the second award from the RIT Community.
I received the first award at SPZP-2000 along with Maurice and KMZ.
Diamond Jubilee (75th Anniversary, 60th for Coronation)
Centennial (100th Anniversary)
Sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary)
Bicentennial (200th Anniversary)
Tricentennial (300th Anniversary)
Golden Jubilee Present from KMZ
Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT)
The Faculty of Engineering was briefly known as Burma Institute of Technology (BIT) after moving to the Gyogone Campus.
In 1964, under the then new Education System, BIT was renamed as RIT.
RIT became an autonomous institute with its own Rector.
SPZP and Alumni Activities
Saya Pu Zaw Pwe is a noble tradition.
I am honored to be a core organizer of the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
I have supported the subsequent SPZPs and several RIT-related projects and activities.
Last Journeys
I am honored to have been a Master of Ceremonies for the Last Journeys of Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo and Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa.
I was also requested to give eulogies.
Jubilees
Rangoon University
It was established in December 1920 with two constituent colleges : Rangoon College and Judson College.
Saya U Pe Maung Tin served as the first native Principal of Rangoon College.
Saya Dr. Htin Aung served as the first native Rector of Rangoon University.
RU Golden Jubilee
The RU Golden Jubilee was celebrated in 1970.
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Thet Lwin are among the core organizers of the RU GJ Celebrations.
I had a minor role as a volunteer for the “Zay Committee”.
RIT Ah Nu Pyinnyashins took part in the Entertainment Program. The “Htee Yein” and “Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint” were attractions. The term “Swel Daw Yiek” became synonymous with RIT and the engineering schools which preceded RIT.
The Commemorative Magazine reprinted Bogyoke Aung San’s translation of “Invictus”. The Magazine also had an account of U Hla Maung, who graduated with B.Sc. (Engg) degree in 1928.
RU Centennial
It was celebrated in 2020.
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) and fellow authors (e.g. Shwe Ku May Hnin) have published “Collections of Poems and Articles” to commemorate RU Centennial.
Myanmar Engineering Education
Engineering Education in Burma started in 1924.
The History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project compiled and published HMEE-2012 in time for SPZP-2012. Saya U Aung Hla Tun was the Team Leader. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the book.
HMEE-2018 is a follow up Project to revise the HMEE-2012 book and publish new material (e.g. History of the Engineering Departments). However, after Saya’s demise, the project is in limbo.
The 90th Anniversary was celebrated in 2014.
The Centennial was celebrated in 2024.
Rangoon Institute of Technology
The New Education System which made RIT an autonomous Institute with was established in November 1964.
Saya U Yone Moe served as the first Rector of RIT. He was succeeded by Saya Dr. Aung Gyi in 1971.
In 1964, there were eight Engineering Departments : (1) Architecture (2) Chemical (3) Civil (4) Electrical (5) Mechanical (6) Metallurgy (7) Mining (8) Textile.
Supporting Departments were established at RIT. They include (1) Burmese (2) Chemistry (3) English (4) Geology (5) Physics.
For some time, there were Visiting Lecturers from USSR and selected Departments of other Universities and Institutes.
RIT was renamed as YIT (Yangon Institute of Technology). YIT in turn became YTU (Yangon Technological University).
The Golden Jubilee was celebrated in 2014.
The 60th Annivrrsary was celebrated in 2024.
RIT Spirit
The sayas and alumni are known for the “RIT Spirit” which survived the brutal crushing in the Adhamma Era.
RIT was considered a Dying Breed. The school was branded as “Thabone Kyaung”. The Swel Daw Bins were banished from the Gyongone Campus. Several equipment were taken away to set up a Military Engineering school at DSA.
The alumni wanted to pay back the metta and cetana of their mentors.
The First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in California, USA in October 2000. I wrote the “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem. It has been reprinted in several RIT-related publications.
The subsequent World Wide SPZPs were held in Singapore (in December 2002, April 2007 and December) and in Yangon (in December 2004, December 2012 and December 2016).
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation was established in 2013.
The Shwe YaDu Celebrations were held in 2014.
RITAA is helping YTU in several ways. It is helping to raise the fund for YTU Library Modernization Project (which is a requirement to get YTU accredited at the Regional level and beyond).
Stories to illustrate the RIT Spirit
I am an amateur historian and a folklorist.
I have a dream to compile stories to illustrate the friendly and indomitable RIT Spirit.
I will use the articles that were contributed to the RIT Alumni Newsletter and Updates.
Sayas and alumni could provide new and old stories (e.g. published in the various Magazines, Sar Saungs, Thadin Zin, Wall Posters, Cartoon Box, Exhibitions).
While we have reasonably good health and memory, we plan to pay back to our alma mater.
My Facebook Pages andWeb sites
I have three kinds of Facebook Pages :
One for my acquaintances
One for family members, relatives and close friends
One for knowledge sharing (e.g. Life Long Learning) and/or archiving my posts
Not all postings are of equal importance. They can be grouped as follows:
News & Updates
SPZP-2012 : Count down and Event
Shwe YaDu Golden Jubilee Celebrations
SPZP-2016
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Alumni Associations in Myanmar & California
History of Myanmar Engineering Education
Memoirs (e.g by U Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) & U Ohn Khine (M70))
Golden Jubilee (GJ) Magazine published by the Class of 70 & 71
69ers
Class Photos
Brief History of the RIT Departments by Sayagyis
Excerpts from the archives of SPZP-2000
Successors of RIT (e.g. YIT, YTU)
Where are they now?
GBNF : Sayas and alums
Hope the postings will be of interest to historians — professional or amateurs.
http://hlamin.com is a paid web site. I have revised many of my posts. Some posts have been merged and enhanced.
SPZP and Alumni Activities
Paying respect to Sayas for their metta and cetana is a tradition that is unique to Burma/Myanmar.
The tradition is alive and well.
There have been SEVEN world wide SPZPs :
SPZP-2000 (US)
SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, SPZP-2010 (Singapore)
SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 (Yangon)
SPZP-2020 (scheduled for December 26, 2020 in Yangon) was canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic
Many alumni are active in the following:
SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation)
RITAA (RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association)
MES (Myanmar Engineering Society)
MEC (Myanmar Engineering Council)
HMEE Projects
“History of Myanmar Engineering Education” was published in time for SPZP-2012.
The project’s initiators included Saya U Soe Paing, Sayagyi U Ba Than and several sayas and alumni. See Acknowledgement in the Book.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) and team (including me) compiled the book.
The draft for the first two sections were prepared by Saya U Soe Paing & team.
U Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 and summarized Section 2. His work have been revised by Saya U Soe Paing.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun suggested that the Book should be revised/updated (e.g. every five years or so).
YTU Library Modernization Project
The project was established as a requirement for the Accreditation of YTU.
Donations — large and small — came in. An alumnus had made monthly donation of One Lakh kyats for over two years.
U Khin Maung Tun (T78), Daw Myint Myint (C69), Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C70) and Daw Mya Nwe (Winsome, C73) and Saya U Tin Htut (M60) donated K100 Lakhs (or more) for the Project.
Thanks to Ma Nan Khin Nwe (83 Intake) and the fund raising team. The team had periodically published the list of donors.
Health Care
There were several HCF (Health Care Funds).
The balance of “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT sayas and sayamas” has been handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
The balance of “U Khin Maung Tun’s family for providing Vision Care to eligible sayas and sayamas” have been handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
SDYF provides limited financial assistance to eligible RIT sayas & sayamas for health care (e.g. hospitalization, frequent visits to clinics).
SDYF also provides Annual Medical and Vision Checkup for eligible sayas & sayamas.
RIT related Facebook pages and web sites
RIT Updates
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association
Google Group for Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
Google Group for RIT Updates
hlamin.com
lmyanmar2021.wordpress.com
SPZ 1SPZ 2
Last Journeys
I had the opportunity to serve as Master of Ceremonies at two last journeys.
The first was for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP 74), part time Professor at San Jose State University. Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) set up the commemorative web pages on http://www.ex-rit.org. I have excerpted some in my Trivia posts.
The second was for Sayadaw U Silanandbhivamsa, Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist University.
I volunteered as Book Committee member and Contributing Editor for “Paying Homage to Saya U Silanananda.
There is a 2-set DVD of Saydaw’s last journey and can be found as a supplement for the Commemorative book.
Simple Joys of Livingand Paying Back
We are deeply honored to the sponsors, donors,volunteers, and well-wishers for the soon kyway on August 20, 2016 at Half Moon Bay monastery.
Special thanks to sayas and alumni near and far who took special time to express their appreciation to the messenger turned amateur historian.
We are simply following the practice of our beloved philanthropic ancestors who donated for the construction and maintenance of hospitals, schools, pagodas, zayats, free dispensaries.
I have donated thousands of hours trying to get the sayas and alumni get connected electronically and physically, and also share my experience as a Life Long Learner.
Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70, Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs) said, “Do not retire. Re-tire.” He mentioned that if we can serve the sayas and alums for two decades, we should be satisfied since RIT is a dying breed.
I have completed 26 years as a founder and editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
Dr. Khin Maung Zaw / Frank, Dr. Myo San / Freddie, Dr. Khin Maung U / George, Dr. Nyunt Nyunt Wai / Amy, Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint / Johnny Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint Dr. Sann Oo, Daw Than Yi / Maubin Ma Shwe Than Friends 4Friends 5Friends 6Nyunt Maung San, Tin Tin Myint / Emma Norcal 1NorCal 2NorCal 3NorCal 4NorCal 5
Let Oo Sayas
Three Generations
My beloved parents
My spouse and I
My elder son
With my beloved parents
St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon
De la Salle Brothers
Sayas / Male teachers
Sayamas / Female Teachers
SPHS Staff
Dr. Khin Mg Mg & Dr. Rafiul Ahad
Dr. Khin Mg Mg (Physics) : Prof and Chair, Physics & Astronomy, University of Mississippi
Dr. Rafiul Ahad (Computer Science) : Retired VP, Oracle USA
KMM RA 1KMM RA 2KMM RA 3KMM RA 4
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt)
Fourth in Burma in the Matriculation Exam in 1963
Retired Professor, Physiology at Institute of Medicine (1) and (2)
Gathering 2Dr. Khin Maung Zaw / Frank, Dr. Myo San / Freddie, Dr. Khin Maung U / George, Dr. Nyunt Nyunt Wai / Amy, Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint / Johnny Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint Dr. Sann Oo, Daw Than Yi / Maubin Ma Shwe Than Friends 4Friends 5Friends 6Nyunt Maung San, Tin Tin Myint / Emma Norcal 1NorCal 2NorCal 3NorCal 4NorCal 5
Let Oo Sayas
Three Generations
My beloved parents
My spouse and I
My elder son
With my beloved parents
St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon
De la Salle Brothers
Sayas / Male teachers
Sayamas / Female Teachers
SPHS Staff
Dr. Khin Mg Mg & Dr. Rafiul Ahad
Dr. Khin Mg Mg (Physics) : Prof and Chair, Physics & Astronomy, University of Mississippi
Dr. Rafiul Ahad (Computer Science) : Retired VP, Oracle USA
KMM RA 1KMM RA 2KMM RA 3KMM RA 4
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt)
Fourth in Burma in the Matriculation Exam in 1963
Retired Professor, Physiology at Institute of Medicine (1) and (2)
Dr. Khin Maung Zaw / Frank, Dr. Myo San / Freddie, Dr. Khin Maung U / George, Dr. Nyunt Nyunt Wai / Amy, Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint / Johnny Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint Dr. Sann Oo, Daw Than Yi / Maubin Ma Shwe Than Friends 4Friends 5Friends 6Nyunt Maung San, Tin Tin Myint / Emma Norcal 1NorCal 2NorCal 3NorCal 4NorCal 5
Let Oo Sayas
Three Generations
My beloved parents
My spouse and I
My elder son
With my beloved parents
St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon
De la Salle Brothers
Sayas / Male teachers
Sayamas / Female Teachers
SPHS Staff
Dr. Khin Mg Mg & Dr. Rafiul Ahad
Dr. Khin Mg Mg (Physics) : Prof and Chair, Physics & Astronomy, University of Mississippi
Dr. Rafiul Ahad (Computer Science) : Retired VP, Oracle USA
KMM RA 1KMM RA 2KMM RA 3KMM RA 4
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt)
Fourth in Burma in the Matriculation Exam in 1963
Retired Professor, Physiology at Institute of Medicine (1) and (2)
In April 1999, I started sharing news of selected Alumni and Gatherings via e-mail.
It was called RIT Alumni (Abroad) Newsletter.
Several readers suggested a more inclusive name : RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
Special Issue for
SPZP-2000
Page 1 of Special Issue
In October 2000, the First RIT Alumni Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) was held in the San Francisco Bay Area.
We published a Special Issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Editors
I was the Chief Editor. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) and Henry Lim (U Aung Myint) were Editors.
I wrote “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem and the Editorial.
Authors authors
Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)
Saya U Aung Khin
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
Saya Dr. Nyo Win (M65)
Saya U Myo Win (M/Ag65, GBNF)
Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF)
U Hla Min (EC69)
Benny Tan (M70)
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72)
Dr. Myint Thein (M73)
Maurice Chee (M75)
U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76)
Contents
Page 2 of Special IssuePage 3 of Special IssuePage 4 of Special IssuePage 5 of Special IssuePage 6 of Special IssuePage 7 of Special IssuePage 8 of Special IssuePage 9 of Special IssuePage 10 of Special IssuePage 11 of Special IssuePage 12 of Special IssuePage 13 of Special IssuePage 14 of Special IssuePage 15 of Special IssuePage 16 of Special Issue
Archives
U Khin Maung Zaw archived the early newsletters in ex-rit org website.
U Wunna Ko Ko archived the later newsletters in RitAlumniInfo website.
Both websites are no longer active.
Contributing Editor
I volunteered as a Contributing Editor for the following newsletters
RIT English Association Newsletter
BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) Newsletter
Dhammananda Newsletter published by TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America)
Wrote articles, poems, newsletters, translations, study guides and manuals.
9 articles for the Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife. They can be read from Google Books.
Broadcast 220 Educational Videos on Facebook and YouTube.
History
I love history, encyclopedias, stories and knowledge sharing. My beloved father, relatives, teachers, colleagues, friends, barbers and taxi drivers told me interesting stories. I hope that my posts can supplement the history books and encyclopedias.
I volunteered as a Docent for the CHM (Computer History Museum) for two years.
I was a member of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering) projects. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I served as contributors and proofreaders. We compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE Book published in 2012.
Volunteer
I served as Executive Committee member for selected organizations.
I was Treasurer and Vice Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club).
I was Class Representative, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT EE Association.
I co-founded RIT Alumni International, which hosted the First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw in San Francisco Bay Area in October 2000.
I volunteered as an Organizer for SPZPs held in USA, Singapore and Yangon.
I co-founded NorCal RIT AA and served as BOD (Board of Directors) member.
I served as Vice President and BOD of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America). I was a Contributing Editor of Dhammanda Newsletter and the book “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda”. I was Master of Ceremonies at the Memorial Service for Sayadaw U Silananda.
I belonged to several Toastmasters Clubs. I am a DTM (Distinguished Toastmater). I served as Club Coach, Mentor, Ambassador, Area Director, Contest Chair, Test Speaker and Judge.
My Dreams
U Hla Min & spouse
Jules Verne said, “If one can dream, others can and will fulfill.”
I have realized my dream of getting the Sayas and Alumni connected physically and electronically. I founded the RIT Alumni (International) Newsletter in April 1999. I served as Content Provider and Editor of the inaugural RIT website designed by U Khin Maung Zaw. They helped the implementation of SPZP-2000 in USA and subsequent SPZPs in Singapore and Yangon.
SPZP-2000RIT Alumni Newsletter
My second Dream was to help History projects. I served as a member of the HMEE project. With U Ohn Khine (M70), I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE book published in 2012.
HMEE-2012HMEE Book
My third dream was to celebrate Three Anniversaries in 2024 : (1) Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar (2) 60th Anniversary of RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology (3) Silver Jubilee of RIT Newsletter. With the help of alumni volunteers, we were able to record memories of selected Sayas and publish them.
My spouse, sayas and friends suggested that I should share my knowledge and experience while my physical and mental health are reasonably good. Several sayas, colleagues, classmates and some Junior alumni are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
Request
It takes a lot of time to write, edit and organize posts into quality material that can be transformed into digital and printed books.
I request the collaboration from SME (Subject Matter Experts) and volunteers who share my passion.
HlaMin 