HlaMin

Category: Hla Min

  • Notes 5

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Mar 2026

    Jubilees

    • Silver Jubilee (25th Anniversary)
    • Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary)
    • 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 and Web 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.

    I have two web sites.

    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
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is spz-01.jpg
    SPZ 1
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is spz-02.jpg
    SPZ 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 Living and 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.

  • Three Refuges

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    For the First time

    I take Refuge in the Buddha (the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Fully Enlightened One).

    I take Refuge in the Dhamma (Teachings of the Buddha — the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Fully Enlightened One).

    I take Refuge in the Sangha (Monastic Order of the Buddha — the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Fully Enlightened One).

    For the Second time

    For the Second time, I take Refuge in the Buddha (the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Fully Enlightened One).

    For the Second time, I take Refuge in the Dhamma (Teachings of the Buddha — the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Fully Enlightened One).

    For the Second time, I take Refuge in the Sangha (Monastic Order of the Buddha — the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Fully Enlightened One).

    For the Third time

    For the Third time, I take Refuge in the Buddha (the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Fully Enlightened One).

    For the Third time, I take Refuge in the Dhamma (Teachings of the Buddha — the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Fully Enlightened One).

    For the Third time, I take Refuge in the Sangha (Monastic Order of the Buddha — the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Fully Enlightened One).

  • Rosie Mai Khin Nyunt

    Updated : Feb 2026

    W1
    W2
    W3
    W4
    W5
    W6
    W7
    W8
    W9
    W10

  • University Days (1963 – 69)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)
    • There are about 3000 articles in my web site hlamin.com
    • It is difficult if not impossible to revise all the articles.
    • Note that the events described here mostly cover my journey as a University Student.
    • Other events (e.g. 1946 to 1970s) are covered in other Posts. I have honored Outstanding Matriculates (e.g. f1951 to 1965) in other Posts.

    1963

    Guinea Pigs

    We took the Matriculation Only examination in 1963.

    SPHS63
    Hla Min (7th Place)

    Paulians took 5 places among the Top Five, 7 places among the Top Ten, and 10 places among the Top Twenty.

    • Khin Maung U (1st)
    • Min Oo (2nd)
    • Myo San (3rd, GBNF)
    • Nyunt Wai (4th)
    • Thein Wai (5th)
    • Hla Min (7th)
    • Johnny Maung Maung (Aung Kyaw Zaw, 9th)
    • Maung Maung Kyi (11th, GBNF)
    • Aung Thu Yein (13th, GBNF)
    • Frank Gale (Khin Maung Zaw, 17th)

    We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) class at Leik Khone.

    Following the “Anniversary of 7th July, 1962” events, the major parts of Rangion and Mandalay Universities were closed for an unspecified period.

    Engineering and Medical Classes were spared at that time.

    Subsequently, those who were only one year senior to us in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us (the Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems).

    RUBC

    We joined Rangoon University Boat Club.

    Our Paulians Crew was Runners-up for Senior Novices.
    Maung Maung Kyi (Bow, GBNF)
    Hla Min (2)
    Kyaw Wynn (3)
    Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, Stroke, GBNF)
    Myint Thein (Cox, GBNF)

    We were awarded Full Green.

    Maung Maung Kyi
    Kyaw Wynn (2nd from Left)

    40th Anniversary Gathering

    • President Sithu U Tin, Vice President U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon (A60) compiled the Souvenir Magazine for the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC.
    • Due to Security Concerns, the 40th Anniversary Annual Regatta was cancelled.
    • Sithu U Tin and the Patrons decided to hold the “40th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC” at a hotel in Kandawgyi.
    RUBC 40th Anniversary

    Burma Institute of Technology

    • My elder brother and several of my sayas graduated from the Burma Institute of Technology (BIT) in 1963.
    • They were from the second batch of BIT.
    • The degree conferred was B.Sc. (Engg).

    1964

    Education System

    • The New Education System was implemented in November, 1964.
    • Most Faculties of the University of Rangoon became autonomous Institutes with their own Rectors.
    • The Youth Affairs Department implemented Luyechun (Outstanding Students) Program in the Summer of 1964. Eligible students from 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Standards were chosen to attend the Ngapali Shwe Wah Gyaing Camp in the Summer of 1964.

    Rangoon Institute of Technology

    RIT Student

    In November 1964, three batches of students entered RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology).

    • 400+ were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using the controversial Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA). Ko Zaw Min was admitted as Roll Number One. Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Cho Aye (GBNF), Peter Pe (GBNF) and Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, GBNF) were among the top students.
    • 300+ who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) examination were chosen by merit to attend the first ever 2nd BE. I was admitted as Roll Number One. Taing Oke, Kenny Wong, Tun Aung Gyaw, Tin Tun (GBNF) and Thein Swe (GBNF) were among the top students.
    • About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE (formerly 1st year Engineering). Tun Aung (Jeffrey, GBNF) was a top student.

    RUBC

    • Elected as Honorary Treasurer of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). I had to report to Professor William Paw (President of RUBC).
    • I was the last Executive Committee member to be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
    • Served as Vice Captain the following year.
    • The higher authorities prevented me from becoming RUBC Captain by discarding the Bye Laws and using their ad-hoc rules (e.g. selecting instead of electing Captain)
    • Note : My affection for Rowing & RUBC did not wither. I served as Contributing Editor for the RUBC 90th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine.
    RUBC Souvenir Magazine

    Matriculation

    • Cherry Hlaing (Than Than Tin, St. John’s Convent) and Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS) had the Joint Highest Marks.
    • Based on ILA, Cherry would be admitted as Roll Number One to IM(1). She would be selected Luyechun for the Inlay Camp in the summer of 1965. Her grand father U Hoke Sein and her father U Saw Hlaing were also First in Burma. Her two children would also be First in Family. The record of five family members (spanning four generations) standing First in Burma is an enviable record that will not be broken.
    • Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS64) had four distinctions and the same raw score, but his performance in Burmese gave him a lower ILA than Cherry. He is a Scholar Athlete with proficiency in Swimming, Water Polo, Tennis and Chess. He was selected Luyechun in a subsequent year.
    • Aung Win Chiong (SPHS64) has the next best raw score. He had a perfect ILA score and was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One.
    • Maurice Hla Kyi (Min Lwin, SPHS64) had the 5th highest marks. He was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two.
    Maurice & Aung Win

    1965 – 1969

    Matriculation in 1965

    • Bernard Khaw (SPHS65) had four distinctions (with 80+ marks in English) and stood First in Burma. Due to the revised policy (e.g. 3 NRC requirement), he could not apply for professional courses.
      He majored in Chemistry before moving to USA. He retired as a Chemical Engineer and Pastor.
    Bernard (Center)
    • Aung Myint (SPHS65) had the second best raw marks. He and his twin brother Maung Aye moved to USA and pursued Ph.D
    • Winston Sein Maung (SPHS65, GBNF) had the third best raw marks.
    • Cherry Than Tin had the fourth best raw marks. She was admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (2).
    • Yi Thwe (SPHS65, GBNF) was admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (1).
    • Paing Soe (Freddie, SPHS65) had same marks as Yi Thwe.
      He was admitted as Roll No (2) to MC (1).
    • Forty four Paulians were admitted to MC in 1965. They are from the Last Batch of True Paulians.
    • After Nationalization, St. Paul’s High School was renamed as No. (6) Botathaung State High School.

    Nationalization

    The consequences of the Coup d’etat include

    • Disappearance of Democracy
    • Nationalization of industry and schools
    • Indiscriminate demonetization
    • Increased censorship
    • With every turmoil (effecting “National Security”), the universities, institutes and schools were suspended.

    After the schools were nationalized, St. Paul’s High School became No. (6) Botathaung State High School. Some Brothers left Burma. A few indigenous Brothers remained in Ady Road. Brother Joseph was ordained as Father Joseph.

    Luyechun

    • The program was extended to include Universitites and Institutes in the Summer of 1965.
    • I attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Lu Ye Camp in the summer of 1965 along with U Sein Shwe, Daw Khin Than Myint Tin and U Zaw Min Nawaday.
    LYC 1
    LYC 2
    • MC(1) sent Cherry Hlaing, Khin Maung U, Anita Aye Pe and Kyaw Sein Koe (Victor, GBNF).

    RIT

    There were eight engineering departments

    • Architecture
    • Chemical
    • Civil
    • Electrical
    • Mechanical
    • Metallurgy
    • Mining
    • Textile

    Most departments have associations. The RIT Mechanical Engineering Association was active. U Win Thein (M67, GBNF) was a Prime Mover. He co-founded Set Hmu Thadinzin and Mechanical Magazine. He co-organized activities.

    The RIT Sports Council was headed by Saya U Maung Maung Than (GBNF). U Maung Maung (Burma Selected in soccer) was Sports Officer. The associations for the various sports was headed by a saya.

    Several RIT students were Burma Selected. They include Sai Kham Pan (Badminton) and Htay Aung (Swimming and Water Polo).

    Htay Aung

    Saya Mao Toon Siong (former Burma Champion) was National Coach for Table Tennis. He also coached the RIT team which won the Inter-Institute Championship.

    Saya Mao

    Electrical Sayas

    EE Sayas
    • In those days, the Electrical Engineering was headed by Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor and Head).
    • The senior sayas included U Kyaw Tun (saya of our sayas), U Tin Swe and U Sein Win. All are now GBNF.
    • There were about 20 sayas. Five were on deputation for further studies abroad.
    • I wrote “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” for SPZP-2010. Sayas U Thein Lwin and U Nyi Nyi have since passed away.

    EC and EP

    There were two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power). Per advice in the industry, only a quarter of the students were accepted for EC.

    • There were 80+ EE students in the beginning. Tin Tin (Anne) was the lone female EE student.
    • At the end, there were 40+ EE students left.
    EE69ers
    • The EP students outnumbered the EC students 3 by 1. Several bright students played safe by choosing EP (which provided a job guarantee).
    • We studied EC (Electrical Communications). Twelve of us graduated in 1969.
    • Four EC69ers — Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin and Oo Kyaw Hla — are now GBNF.
    • A few years later, EC became Electronics Engineering.
    • A few decades later, Electronics Engineering and Electrical Power became full-fledged departments.

    Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :

    AFAIK, EC was the hardest and strictest discipline at the RIT in those days as we’ve been told. Some even asked us why we had to go there. Of course, I am not going to mention the easiest discipline there, but we joked like, “they had 109 students and 110 passed the exam”. I do not mean any disrespect to Sayas and friends from other majors!! At times, it made us wonder why were we there for god’s sake. CRAZY TIMES!!! Indeed.

    Volunteer

    I served as

    • Treasurer & Vice Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club)
    • Class Representative, Joint Secretary & Secretary of RITEE (Rangoon Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Association)
    • Member of Committee for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”
    • Editor of the Bulletin published by RIT English Association
    • Member of UTC, Rowing, Scrabble, and Chess Assocations /Clubs
    • Free lance writer (articles, poems, translations)
      My poem “Men on the Moon” was sent to NASA by USIS, and it was published in the Guardian newspaper in July 1969
    Men on the Moon

    Update

    SPZP-2000

    SPZP-2000
    Award 1
    Award 2
    DTM 1
    DTM 2

  • Photos — Old and New

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    U Tin Gyi’s Family

    My cousin nephew Myo Kyawswar processed some old photos.

    Sisters 1 (original)
    Sisters 2 (processed)

    The seven sisters :

    • Laura Tin Gyi
    • Sarah Tin Gyi
    • Nora Tin Gyi
    • Icy Tin Gyi / Daw Khin Swe Hla
    • Margaret Tin Gyi
    • Olga Tin Gyi
    • Cherry Tin Gyi / Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt
    Wedding 1 (original)
    Wedding 2 (processed)

    Myint Swe & San San

    • Myint Swe (EP74)
    • San San Swe (EF74)
    Swe

    U Sein Mg & U Moe Aung

    • Saya U Sein Mg (EE63)
    • Saya U Moe Aung (EE63)
    Electrical Sayas

  • Philadelphia 2015

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    Frederick Thetgyi (M69) hosted the trip to Philadelphia.

    P 1
    P 2
    P 3
    P 4
    P 5
    P 6
    P 7
    P 8
    P 9

  • Down Memory Lane

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    Baby Shower

    Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and Ko Myint Swe attended the Baby Shower for our daughter-in-law.

    U Tin Mg Nyunt

    We now have a grand daughter and a grand son.

    My beloved mom

    She is holding my elder son.

    The photo shows

    • a son of my elder brother
    • two sons of my eldest sister
    • a son and a daughter of my elder sister
    GM with six grand kids

    Thingyan

    Burma celebrates the Burmese New Year in mid-April. Thingyan is the associated Water Festival.

    For logistics, the San Francisco Bay Area celebrates Thingyan in May.

    Thingyan

    Uncle U Thein Han

    He is my mom’s youngest brother. He worked for IBM Burma before moving to the USA.

    We visited him in Maryland in 2015.

    Sadly, he passed away on Sept 29, 2025. He was 96+ years old.

    Uncle U Thein Han 1

    My aunt taught Psychology at Rangoon University. She studied Library Science in the USA. She retired as Head of the Burmese Collection at the Library of Congress.

    Uncle U Thein Han 2

    Their elder son is a medical doctor in Texas. Their younger son is a Civil Engineer in Maryland.

    Uncle U Thein Han 3

    Eulogy

    Eulogy 1
    Eulogy 2
    Eulogy 3
    Eulogy 4
    Eulogy 5
    Eulogy 6

    My Photos

    They were taken in

    • Rangoon, Burma
    • Mt. Fuji
    • USA
    • Half Moon Bay, California
    HM 1
    HM 2
    HM 3
    Dhamma Volunteers

  • Photo Album (1)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    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 1
    KMM RA 2
    KMM RA 3
    KMM 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)
    • Taught at Malaysian University
    VNW 1

  • Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    Pillars of Learning

    • Learning to know
    • Learning to do
    • Learning to be
    • Learning to live

    Daily Habit

    • Learn new things
    • Listen to Blinkist & podcasts
    • Write or update posts in Facebook and this website.

    Public Speaking & Leadership

    Hla Min
    • Distinguished Toastmater
    • Club Coach, Mentor, Guest Speaker, Trainer, Ambassador, Contest Chair, Test Speaker, Evaluator
    DTM

    Facebook Groups

    Owner / Admin

    • RIT Updates
    • Life Long Learning
    • Memories
    • Myanmar

    Past Contributor / Moderator

    • Buddhism Q&A
    • PBRS
    • Rangoon University Centennial
    • RUBC
    • SPHS
    • UCC
    • Old Burma

    Pay back to

    • Alma Mater
    • Ancestors
    • Mentors
    • Engineering & Computing Communities
    Appreciation Award
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ncritaa-award.jpg
    Appreciation Award from Northern California RIT Alumni Association

    Alma Mater

    • Private Primary Boundary Road School
    • St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon
    SPHS
    • Rangoon University
    • Rangoon Institute of Technology
    RIT
    • Universities Computer Center
    • Rice University

    Lecture / Teach

    • Universities Computer Center
    UCC
    • Department of Computer Science
    • Institute of Computer Science and Technology
    ICST
    • Guest lectures at Government Departments, Training Schools, Luyechun Camp, BARB, MARB

    Mentors

    Parents
    • Parents
    • Teachers — Thin Saya, Myin Saya and Kyar Saya
    • Helped me develop passion for Lifelong Learning, Sharing of Knowledge & Expertise.

    Ancestors

    • Philanthropists
    • Donated schools & books, hospitals & medicine, and buildings (Pagoda, Tazaung, Zayat, Shelter).
    • I am trying to emulate their philanthropy by sharing my knowledge & expertise.

    Sharing Knowledge & Expertise

    Jack of All Trades; Master of Some

    Proponent of Youth Leadership

    Sharing Knowledge & Expertise gained as

    • Software Engineer / Craftsman
    • Consultant
    • Distinguished Toastmaster
    • Author & Blogger
    • Translator & Interpreter
    • Editor of newsletters & books
    • Folklorist & Historian

    Recording history of our beloved land

    • Love history
    HMEE Team
    HMEE Book
    • Was Member of “History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project”. U Ohn Khine (M70) & I compiled CD supplement for HMEE book.
    • Was Docent at the “Computer History Museum” in Mountain View, California, USA.
    CHM
    • Published 2500+ posts
    • Broadcast 220 Short Talks from August 2020 to February 2021. Can be viewed using @hmin3664 on YouTube
    YouTube Channel for my videos
    • Hope that my posts &videos will be helpful to scholars and historians in Myanmar and beyond.

    Wrote articles, reviews, poems & translations for

    • National Foreign Language Center at University of Maryland, College Park : Burmese Language Lessons (Listening and Reading)
    • Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
      ABC-CIO Press : Can access my articles from Google Books.
    Encyclopedia
    • MoeMaKa : Online Publication
    • RIT Alumni Newsletter : from April 1999 – present
    RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
    • Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung : Poems for SPZP-2002 & 2007; Article in SPZP-2010
    SDY Sar Saung for SPZP-2002
    • Swel Daw Yeik Magazine : Article for Shwe Yadu 2014
    SDY Magazine for Shwe YaDu 2014
    • History of Myanmar Engineering Education : U Ohn Khine (M70) & I compiled CD Supplement for HMEE Book
    CD for HMEE Book
    • BAPS Newsletter : Contributing Editor
    BAPS Newsletter
    • Dhammananda Newsletter : Contributing Editor for Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California & Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)
    Dhammananda Newsletter
    • Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silanandabhimvama : Contributing Editor & Member of Publications Committee
    Homage to U Silananda
    • Rangoon University Boat Club : Contributing Editor for 90th Anniversary Issue
    RUBC Magazine
    • Guardian Newspaper : Poems (e.g. Men on the Moon); Articles (e.g. Computers and Applications) in English
    Men on the Moon
    • Working People’s Daily (WPD) :
      Poems (e.g. Phaung daw-u Festival); Translation (e.g. Still So Young) in English
    Phaungdaw-u Festval
    • Forward Magazine : Poems (e.g. To the Fallen Warrior) in English
    To the Fallen Warrior
    • Veda Magazine (ဝေဒ) : Articles for Burma Astro Research Bureau
    • Pan Magazine (ပန်) : Articles in Burmese
    • High School Mathematics Project : Member of Editorial Team
    • Team of System Specialists :
      Computer Education & Application
    • Set Hmu Thadin Zin (စက်မှုသတင်းစဉ်) : Short notes
    • Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (လျှပ်စစ်စာစောင်) : Article for RIT EE

    I have volunteered for

    • Computer History Museum
    • History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project
    • Toastmasters International
    • SF Bay Area ACM Chapter
    • 2010 Census Count Committee
    • RIT Alumni International
    • NorCal RIT Alumni Association
    • Tathagata Meditation Center
    • Theravada Buddhist Society of America
    Souvenirs

    Dream Big or Small

    “If one person can dream, others will fulfill”

    The saying is attributed to Jules Verne who dreamed & wrote about space ships, submarines, and travel around the globe.

    My Earlier Dream

    SPZP-2000

    Was to connect or re-connect Sayas, Colleagues & Friends physically and electronically.

    We successfully organized the First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco, California in October 2000.

    Six more World-wide Reunion and SPZP took place. Singapore in 2002, 2007 & 2010. Yangon in 2004, 2012 & 2016. Due to pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled.

    Started RIT Alumni International Newsletter in April 1999.

    Served as Content Provider & Editor for ex-RIT websites : first one by KMZ (UKhin Maung Zaw, now retired from Microsoft) and second one by Wunna Ko Ko (then at SAS).

    Both ex-RIT websites are now inactive.

    My Later Dream

    Was to record Oral & Written History of our Alma Mater and our Beloved Land.

    Set up hlamin.com (to archive old posts, add new posts and revise selected posts).

    Requested SPZP-2000 Organizers, interested sayas & alumni to record gatherings.

    Requested Subject Matter Experts & interested readers to review and enhance selected posts.

  • GBNF — 2025

    GBNF — 2025

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Dec 2025

    U San Tun

    • M59
    • Masters from MIT
    • Former Head, Automobile Engg (Sub-dept of Mech Engg), RIT
    • Past President, BEA
    • Passed away in California (Dec 2025)
    U San Tun

    U Tin U

    U Tin U & Siblings

    Dr. U Win

    Geography

    Obituary for U Win

    Dhamma Friends

    Daw Aye Aye Lyn

    Daw Aye Aye Lyn

    U Kyi Toe

    • Spouse : Daw Than Nyein
    • Children : Su Kyi & Kyi Phyu

    Musicians

    Victor Khin Nyo

    VKN 1
    VKN 2
    Obituary