Category: Hla Min

  • My Awards & Presents

    My Awards & Presents

    by Hla Min

    Updates : September 2026

    Awards

    • Collegiate Scholarship (1963)
    • Luyechun (1965)
    • Appreciation (October 2000)
    • Appreciation (August 2016)
    • Appreciation (September 2016)
    • Distinguished Toastmaster (2017)

    August 2016

    Birthday Soon Kway

    Award 1
    • Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay in August 2016.
    • He prepared electronic & hard copy of the birthday wishes.
    • Another set was for attendees, who had not sent wishes by e-mail.
    • Thanks to the sayas, colleagues and friends for a memorable gathering.

    Appreciation from Sayas and Alumni in US and Canada

    Award 2
    • Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend the soonkyway, but he requested Ko Maurice to donate a food dish for him & his family. Sayagyi’s message was read by Ko Maurice.
    • Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the appreciation award at Half Moon Bay soonkwyay and gathering (August 2016).

    September 2016

    Alumni Appreciation Award from NorCalRITAA

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    Award 3

    The award was signed by

    • Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair, BOD)
    • Gordon Kaung (M83, President)
    • U Thaung Nyunt (M87, Secretary)
    Award 4

    Saya U Myat Htoo presented the award to me at the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner, 2016.

    From SPHS in 1963

    Collegiate Scholarship winners from SPHS in 1963

    There were five Paulians in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.

    SPHS63
    7th in Burma
    • Khin Maung U (Retired from FDA, USA) – 1st
    • Min Oo (Retired Maths Professor from McMasters University, Canada) – 2nd
    • Myo San (Freddie, Surgeon, GBNF) – 3rd
    • Nyunt Wai (Victor, Professor, IM & Malaysia) – 4th
    • Thein Wai (Migrated to USA after graduation) – 5th
    • Hla Min (Lifelong Learner, Retired Software Engineer) – 7th
    • Aung Kyaw Zaw (Cardiologist) – 9th
    • Maung Maung Kyi (Dip Ing, Retiree in Wales, GBNF) – 11th
    • Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69, GBNF) – 13th
    • Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Retired Doctor in UK) – 17th
    • Three are GBNF

    Luyechun

    Summer of 1965

    • Attended Inlay Khaung Daing Camp
    LYC
    LYC 1
    LYC 2

    From Toastmasters International

    Awards

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    Toastmasters
    DTM 1
    • CC (Competent Communicator)
    • ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze)
    • ACS (Advanced Communicator Silver)
    • ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold)
    • CL (Competent Leader)
    • ALB (Advanced Leader Bronze)
    • ALS (Advanced Leader Silver)
    • DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)
    • Triple Crown
    DTM 2

    I served as

    • Club Officer
    • Area Governor
    • Club Coach
    • Contest Chair
    • Ambassador
    • Guest Speaker
    • Test Speaker
    • Team Builder (for Excellent Leadership)

    From my Life Savers

    Coffee mug with photos

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    Coffee Mug

    My beloved grandchildren gave me a present for Grand Father’s Day.

    Drawings

    On several occasions

    Book Presents

    For editing and proof reading

    I edited or proof-read books by

    • Sayadaws (U Silananda, U Jotalankara)
    U Jotalankara
    • Sayas (Saya Des Rodgers)
    • Friends (Saya U Aung Zaw)
    Dhamma & Bawa
    • They provided me copies of their books.

    From colleagues and friends

    I also received copies from others. They include

    • “Myanmar in my life-time”
      Book by BBS U Khin Zaw
      air mailed from Australia by U Wint Khin Zaw
    Book by K
    • Book honoring Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint
      air mailed from Australia by Dr. TOKM
    Book by TOKM
    Dhamma Q&A
    • Centennial for U Khin Maung Latt & Daw Khin Myo Chit
      Two books given by Junior Win, twin sister of Maung Yit
    • Books by U Ye Sint (former Editor of Dhammanda Newsletter)
      His works
      Pathan Dethana (Dhamma Dana by his siblings)
    • U Kesala (Chief Resident monk, Alodaw Pyie Monastery in Arizona)
      Dhamma Q&A
      Several other books
    • “Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho”
      Book by Shwe Ku May Hnin
      Given to me at the San Francisco Bay Area Talk
    Book by Shwe Ku May Hnin
    • Books by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
      Collection of Poems
      Collection of Articles
    Book by Tekkatho Moe War
    • Book by Saya U Nyunt Htay
      Collection of Swel Daw Poems
    Book by RIT Poets
    • Books by Nyan Oo Maung
      Currently known as “Mudita Shwe Kyaung” Sayadaw U Nyanika
    • Books by various sayadaws in the Bay Area & beyond
      U Dhammapiya
      U Gosita
      Dhamma Bheri Sayadaw
      Aung San Tat Oo Sayadaw
      Thamanay Kyaw
    • Books by Dr. San Oo, Daw Than Yi & family
    • “Yahandar and Poke Ko Htoo Myar”
      Book by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing
      (in the 80’s for translating several of his “Dhamma Duta” articles)
    • Books by Sayawun Tin Shwe
      Given by his daughter Tyn Tyn Aye during her UCC studies
    • U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar.
      U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin
      Collection Bagan poems (by Zawgyi, translated by Ah May Thar).
    • Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt believes in a “revolving library”. Gave me several books that he enjoyed reading.
    • 8-8-88
      Book by Dat Pone Htein Win
      Given at 5th ILF in Mandalay
    • Books by Members of Professional Spakers Association (PSA)
      Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing
      Kaythri Kyaw
      …

    Magazines

    Editor for “90th Anniversary Issue of the Founding of RUBC” (2013)

    Wrote poems and articles for

    • RIT Alumni International Newsletter (for SPZP-2000)
    • “Swel Daw Yeik Sarsaung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010
    • “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu”

    U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for HMEE-2012.

    CDs

    Received raw and formal CDs and DVDs for the various RIT Gatherings.

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  • SPZP-2012

    SPZP-2012

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 2026

    SPZP-2012

    2012 နှစ် ဆရာပူဇော်ပွဲ

    • SPZP-2000 was held in USA
    • SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010 were held in Singapore
    • SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 & SPZP-2016 were held in Yangon

    ပွင့်လင်းခေတ် — First True Home Coming

    SPZP-2012
    • SPZP-2012 was held at Gyogone Campus ကြို့ကုန်း ကျောင်းဝင်း
    • U Aye Myint (EP72) did not forget his alma mater. He helped realize the Home Coming.

    1964 က ပထမနှစ် ကျောင်းသား သုံးယောက်

    ဦးသောင်းစိန် (Steeve Kay, EC70)

    Steeve
    • Admitted to 1st BE as a top student in Nov 1964
    • Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs
    • Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
    • Kay Family Foundation
    • Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas
    • Donated $200000 + to RIT projects
    • He is now GBNF

    ဦးချိုလင်း (Yu Beng, Benny Tan, M70)

    Benny
    • Admitted to 1st BE in Nov 1964
    • Entrepreneur
    • Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs
    • Co-chair of SPZP 2000

    ဦးအုန်းခိုင် (Ohn Khine, M70)

    Ohn Khine
    • Admitted to 1st BE in Nov 1964
    • Organizer for SPZP & SDYF
    • CD Supplement for HMEE book
    • Co-author of “RIT Days 1964 – 1970”

    1964 က ဒုတိယနှစ်ကျောင်းသား

    ဦးလှမင်း (Hla Min, EC69)

    Hla Min
    • Admitted to 2nd BE as a top student in Nov 1964
    • Lifelong Learner
    • RIT Alumni Newsletter and Updates (1999 – present)
    • Organizer for SPZPs
    • CD Supplement for HMEE book
    • Admin & Moderator of selected FB pages and website

    Posts

    • Alumni
    • Gatherings
    • Noble Tradition
    • Paying back to our alma mater
  • Three Anniversaries in 2024

    Three Anniversaries in 2024

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 2026

    2024 — နှစ်ပတ်လည် သုံးခု

    Centennial of Engineering Education in မြန်မာပြည်

    * 1924 — RU တွင် မြို့ပြအင်ဂျင်နီယာ သင်တန်း ဖွင့်လှစ် Civil Engineering class was offered at Engineering Department, Rangoon University

    * B.Sc ဘွဲ့ ရ ကျောင်းသား များ နဲ့

    I.Sc အောင် ကျောင်းသား များ

    ကို စီစစ် လက်ခံ

    60th Anniversary of RIT

    * 1964 — တက္ကသိုလ် များ reorganize

    * ရန်ကုန်စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ် Rangoon Institute of Technology

    ပါမောက္ခချုပ် — ဦးရုံးမို U Yone Mo (Rector)

    * ပထမနှစ် သင်တန်း — တက္ကသိုလ်ဝင်စာမေးပွဲ အောင် တွေကို ILA နဲ့ရွေး 1st BE

    * ဒုတိယနှစ် သင်တန်း — I.Sc(A) အောင်တွေကို အမှတ်နဲ့ရွေး 2nd BE

    * တတိယနှစ် သင်တန်း — I.Sc(B) အောင်တွေကို အမှတ် နဲ့ ရွေး 3rd BE

    Silver Jubilee of RIT Alumni Newsletter

    * 1999 — ရန်ကုန်စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ် ကျောင်းသား ဟောင်းများ အတွက် သတင်း၊ ဓာတ်ပုံ၊ ဆောင်းပါး

    * Founder / Editor: လှမင်း Hla Min

    Newsletter

    Contributions of U Hla Min

    အဖွဲ့ဝင် Member

    မြန်မာနိုင်ငံ အင်ဂျင်နီယာ ပညာရေးသမိုင်း HMEE

    HMEE Book

    CD Supplement

    Compiled for the HMEE Book with အုန်းခိုင် (M70) Ohn Khine

    CD

    HMEE စာအုပ် ကို RU စာကြည့်တိုက် မှာလှူ
    Donated HMEE book to Universities Central Library & YTU Library

    Book Donation

    Highlights

    • 1964 မှာ 2nd BE တက်ခဲ့
      Admitted to 2nd BE as Top student (Roll Number One)
    2nd BE
    • လူရည်ချွန် — 1965 Summer (အင်းလေး)
      Selected Luyechun (Outstanding Student) to the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the Summer of 1965
    Luyechun
    • Organizer, SPZP-2000
      First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe
      Received “Alumni Appreciation Award”
    SPZP-2000 Organizers
    • Received three Alumni Appreciation Awards (a) at SPZP-2000 (b) from worldwide alumni in Aug 2016 (c) from Northern California RIT Alumni Association in Sep 2016
    Award 1
    NorCal RITAA
    Award 2
  • My Wishes & Dreams

    My Wishes & Dreams

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 2026

    Wishes

    • Author
    • Bilingual Writer
    • Computer Scientist & Technologist
    • Contributor to an encyclopedia
    • Disseminator of Knowledge
    • Editor
    • Educator / Teacher
    • Historian
    • Interpreter
    • Jack of All Trades & Master of Some
    • Lifelong Learner
    • Mentor / Motivator
    • Newsletter Editor & Publisher
    • Organizer
    • Poet
    • Prime mover
    • Public Speaker
    • Story Teller
    • Translator
    • Volunteer

    I treasure

    • Sacca (truth)
    • Metta (loving kindness)
    • Karuna (compassion)
    • Mudita (altruistic joy)
    • Upphekkha (equanimity)
    • Sila (morality)
    • Samadhi (concentration)
    • Panna (wisdom)

    Dreams

    • Experience the dhamma (teachings)
    • Follow the footsteps of my philanthropic ancestors
    • Get RIT Sayas & Alumni connected electronically and physically
    • Compile Oral & Written History of our alma mater
    HM 1
    HM 2
    HM 3
    HM 4
    HM 5
    HM 6
    HM 7
    HM 8
    HM 9
    HM 10
    HM 11
    HM 12
    HM 13
    HM 14
    HM 15
    HM 16
    HM 17
    HM 18

    Realization of My Wishes and Dreams

    History of Myanmar Engineering Education

    • Member of HMEE-2012 Project
    • U Ohn Khine and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEEBook
    HMEE
    CD Supplement

    TBSA

    • Past Vice President, TBSA
    • Past Editor, Dhammananda Newsletter
    • Contributing Editor, “Homage to Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa”
    • Edited books of Sayadaws

    Computer Courses

    • Co-authored Lecture Guides and References at UCC, DCS and ICST
    UCC

    5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival

    • Panelist for two sessions
    • Poetry (with Award Winning Poet from UK)
    • Education
    ILF

    Sample Poems and Translations

    Poem 1
    Poem 2
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    Translation 1
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    Translation 2

    Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife

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    Encyclopedia

    RIT EE Association

    EC of RIT EE
    Hlyat Sit Sar Saung Committee

    RUBC 90th Anniversary Magazine

    RUBC

    Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP)

    SPZP-2000

    Commemorative Newsletter

    Appreciation by Alumni

    Received Appreciation Award at

    • First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000
    • Alumni Gathering in August 2016
    • NorCal RIT AA Dinner in September 2016
    Award 1
    Distinguished Toastmaster
  • RIT Sayas & Alumni

    RIT Sayas & Alumni

    by Hla Min

    Updated: September 2026

    RIT Sayas

    U Ba Toke

    • Professor & Head of Engineering Mathematics
    • later — Associate Dean, Assumption University, Bangkok
    U Ba Toke 1
    U Ba Toke 2

    Daw Nyein

    • Retired as Head of RIT Physics Department
    • Passed away at 102 years
    Daw Nyein 1
    Daw Nyein 2

    RIT Alumni

    • Dr. San Oo (EP67) and Daw Than Yi (EP70) are Literary Lovers & Publishers
    Dr. Sann Oo, Daw Than Yi / Maubin Ma Shwe Than
    Friends 4
    Friends 5
    Friends 6
    • Nyunt Maung San (C70) : Vocalist
    • Emma Myint (ChE70) : Minthamee
    Nyunt Maung San, Tin Tin Myint / Emma
    • San Lin / Maung Lu Pay (M87)
    Norcal 1
    • Alumni Gathering in SF Bay Area
    NorCal
    • NorCal RITAA Meeting
    NorCal 3
    • NorCal RITAA Summer Pucnic
    NorCal 4
    • Donation to YTU Library Modernization Project
    NorCal 5

  • Messenger

    Messenger

    by Hla Min

    Update : September 2026

    RIT Community

    • Served as a messenger for the RIT & Engineering Community for 27 years.

    Newsletter

    Newsletter
    • RIT Alumni International Newsletter was started in April 1999. Served as Chief Editor. In the early days, many RIT sayas and alumni provided articles, news & photos.
    Messenger 2

    RIT website

    Maurice, HM, KMZ, Benny
    • U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) designed & implemented ex-rit.org website.
    • I served as Editor and Content Provider of the website.
    • Several hundred accessed the first RIT website.
    • The website played an important part for planning and implementing First RIT Grand Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) held in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
    • Some traveled from Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Australia & New Zealand to attend SPZP-2000.
    SPZP-2000

    Membership

    • Founding member, RIT Alumni International
    • Founding member, NorCal RITAA
    • Life member, RITAA
    • Life member, BAPS
    • Life member, RUBC
    • Member, HMEE Project
    • Former Docent, Computer History Museum
    • Former member, ACM & SF Bay Area Chapter
    • Former member, IEEE (CS)
    NorCal RITAA

    Sharing News

    • Able to share news — good, sad and bad.
    • Jara and Byadi have caused a decline in health of sayas and alumni. Marana has claimed the lives of several especially during the pandemic.
    • Some sayas and alumni are Gone But Not Forgotten. The GBNF list for 69ers has 137 members.
    • With the event of social media, the number of RIT related pages grew. There are many silent readers and few active contributors.

    Fact Checking

    • Being a messenger is not easy.
    • When an alumni asked me to relay the demise of U Ne Win Myint (Victor Win, ChE66), I double checked before posting the news. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Even then, someone who is near & dear to Jean (Mrs. Victor) claimed that Ko Victor was hospitalized, but had not passed away. The claim confused some alumni before the sad news was confirmed & details of the last journey were published.
    Victor (Center)
    • When Dr. Tin Hlaing, former Principal of Maritime Studies, passed away in Singapore, an alumni posted Condolence message in the Facebook pages to the family of Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63). Saya became a Tone Kyaw.
    Dr. Tin Hlaing
    • There are fact checking websites. They have reports about Urban Myths & Legends.

    Concerns

    • Some sayas & alumni want privacy. They do not want news of their visits or failing health to be relayed. We have to respect their concerns.
    • There are many posts by sayas, alumni & friends. The posts may be public, restricted or private. We have to be careful before sharing or re-posting them.
    • Most people do not have the time & energy to read long posts. A post should have an interesting & informative message.
    • As my mentors said, “The message is usually much more important than the messenger.”

    Thanks

    • The RIT Spirit is alive and well.
    • Kudos to sayas, alumni, sponsors, donors, volunteers & well wishers.

    Updates

    • I belong to various circles.
    • I have posted about them in my FB pages and website.
  • Among My Souvenirs

    Among My Souvenirs

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 2026

    Golden Jubilee

    • Celebrated GJ with a Soon Kyway at Singapore Chan Myei Yeik Tha
    • Received GJ present from Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) and Ma Kyu in Singapore
    • Ko Khin Maung Zaw / KMZ (EC76, UCC) mailed a GJ present from Kirkland, Washington

    Present from KMZ

    Birthday Wishes

    Birthday Wishes
    • Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay on August 20, 2016.
    • He prepared electronic & hard copy of the birthday wishes.
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    Awards & Birthday Cards
    • Another set was for attendees, who had not sent wishes by e-mail.
    • Thanks to the sayas, colleagues and friends for a memorable gathering.

    Appreciation from Alumni in US & Canada

    • Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend the soonkyway, but he requested Maurice to donate a food dish for him & his family.
      Sayagyi’s message was read by Maurice.
    • Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the appreciation award at Half Moon Bay soonkwyay and gathering.
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    Appreciation Award

    From NorCal RITAA Dinner in Dec 2016

    • Alumni Appreciation Award was signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair, BOD), Gordon Kaung (M83, President) and U Thaung Nyunt (M87, Secretary).
    Award 2
    • Saya U Myat Htoo presented the award to me at the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner, 2016.

    From SPHS in 1963

    There were five Paulians in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty. They received Collegiate Scholarship.

    SPHS63
    • Dr. Khin Maung U (Retired from FDA, USA) – 1st
    • Dr. Min Oo (Retired Maths Professor in Canada) – 2nd
    • Dr. Myo San (Freddie, Surgeon, GBNF) – 3rd
    • Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, Professor in IM & Malaysia) – 4th
    • Dr. Thein Wai (Migrated to USA after graduation) – 5th
    • U Hla Min (Retired Software Engineer) – 7th
    7th place
    • Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Cardiologist) – 9th
    • U Maung Maung Kyi (Dip Ing, GBNF) – 11th
    • U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69, GBNF) – 13th
    • Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Retired Doctor in UK) – 17th

    From Toastmasters International

    DTM 1
    DTM 2
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    Hall of Fame

    Awards

    • CC (Competent Communicator)
    • ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze)
    • ACS (Advanced Communicator Silver)
    • ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold)
    • CL (Competent Leader)
    • ALB (Advanced Leader Bronze)
    • ALS (Advanced Leader Silver)
    • DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)

    I served as

    • Club Officer
    • Area Governor
    • Club Coach
    • Contest Chair
    • Ambassador
    • Guest Speaker
    • Test Speaker
    • Team Builder (for Excellent Leadership)

    MP3 players

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    Mug & CD Player

    Dhamma Talks & Lectures

    • Received MP3 player with dhamma talks from U Khin Maung Tun, SDYF President
      at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles

    Also received MP3 players from

    • Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt
    • My sisters
    • Dhamma friends

    Each player has Paritta Pali (protective verses) and dhamma talks by different sayadaws.

    From my Life Savers

    Coffee mug with photos

    My beloved grandchildren gave it as present for Grand Father’s Day

    Books

    Dhamma & Bawa

    For writing, translating, editing or proof-reading

    I edited or proof-read books written by

    • Sayadaws (U Silananda, U Jotalankara)
    • Sayas (Des Rodgers)
    • Friends (U Aung Zaw).

      They provided me copies of their books.

    Book Presents

    I received books from others. They include

    • “Life Journey of Maths Professor U Ba Toke” : autographed copy
    U Ba Toke
    • “Myanmar in my life-time”
      by BBS U Khin Zaw — air mailed from Australia by U Wint Khin Zaw
    Book by U Khin Zaw
    • Book honoring Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint — air mailed from Australia by Dr. TOKM
    TOKM
    • Centennial for U Khin Maung Latt & Daw Khin Myo Chit —
      Two books by Junior Win
    • Books by U Ye Sint (former Editor of Dhammananda Newsletter) : His works; Pathan Dethana (Dhamma Dana by his siblings)
    • U Kesala (Chief Resident monk, Alodaw Pyie Monastery in Arizona) : Dhamma Q&A; Several other books
    • “Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho”
      by Shwe Ky May Hnin —
      Given to me at San Francisco Bay Area Talk
    Book by Shwe Ku May Hnin
    • Books by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) —Collection of Poems; Collection of Articles
    Saya Moe
    • Book by Saya U Nyunt Htay —
      Collection of Swel Daw Poems
    RIT Poets
    • Books by Nyan Oo Maung
      (aka Mudita Shwe Kyaung Sayadaw U Nyanika)
    • Books by various sayadaws in Bay Area & beyond : Beelin Sayadaw, U Dhammapiya, U Gosita, Dhamma Bheri Sayadaw, Aung San Tat Oo Sayadaw, Thamanay Kyaw
    • Books by Dr. San Oo, Daw Than Yi and family
    • “Yahandar and Poke Ko Htoo Myar” by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing — in the 80’s for translating several of his “Dhamma Duta” articles
    • Books by Sayawun Tin Shwe
      — Given by his daughter Tyn Tyn Aye during her UCC studies
    • U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar : U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin, Collection Bagan poems (by Zawgyi, translated by Ah May Thar).
    • Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt believes in a revolving library.
      Gave me several books that he enjoyed reading.
    • 8-8-88 by Dat Pone Htein Win — Received at 5th ILF
    • Books by Members of Professional Spakers Association (PSA) : Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing, Kaythri Kyaw …

    Publications

    Contributing Editor for “90th Anniversary Issue of the Founding of RUBC” (2013)

    Wrote articles and/ or poems for

    • Guardian
    • Working People’s Daily
    • Forward Magazine
    • Veda Magazine
    • Pan Magazine
    • Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
    Encyclopedia
    • BAPS Newsletter
    • RIT Alumni Newsletter (Special issue for SPZP-2000)
    Newsletter
    • “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010
    SDY Sar Saung
    • “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for Shwe YaDu
    SDY Magazine

    U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for HMEE-2012.

    CDs

    Received raw and formal CDs and DVDs for the various RIT Gatherings.

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    DVD
  • Memories — 8

    Memories — 8

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 2026

    Hla Min

    Historian

    Oral and Written Historian of my alma mater with the help of sayas, sayamas, and alums who shared their walks down memory lane and precious photos to be published in the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” (1999 – present).

    Class of 69

    Our Class is unique in the following sense.

    Four Government Examinations

    • Took the last ever 7th Std Government exam in 1960.
    • Took the first ever 9th Std — High School Final Only Exam — in March 1962. Except for English, we had to answer all subjects in Burmese. Under the tight security imposed by the 17-man Revolutionary Council, we completed the exam.
    • To our surprise and dismay, the HSF examination for Rangoon Division was annulled. Had given my text books. Had to re-take the HSF exam in August 1962.
    • Took the 10th Std — Matric (only) Exam — in May 1963.
      1263 students from Rangoon.
      Khin Maung U (SPHS) stood first in the whole of Burma.
      He was followed by Min Oo (SPHS, 2nd), Myo San (Freddie, SPHS, 3rd, GBNF), Nyunt Wai (Victor, SPHS, 4th), Thein Wai (SPHS, 5th), Kenny Wong (MEHS, 6th) and Hla Min (SPHS, 7th).
    SPHS63
    • SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty. They were awarded Collegiate Scholarship for 75 Kyats a month.

    Guinea Pig of Education Systems

    • The education system wanted us to spend one more year in school before attending the university.
    • Is it our fate or destiny to serve as guinea pigs of Educators?

    I.Sc. (A) at Leik Khone

    • Attended the last ever I. Sc.(A) classes at “Leik Khone လိပ်ခုံး” on Prome Road. Leik Khone was used by Faculty of Engineering before it moved to Gyogone.
    Leik Khone
    • Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, GBNF), Kyaw Wynn, Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF) and I — joined RUBC. Our crew was Senior Novices Runner-up at the Monsoon Regatta. Earned Full Greens at the end of the season.
    • Due to security reasons (following the Anniversary protests of 7th July), the Annual Regatta was cancelled, but Sithu U Tin (President, RUBC) decided to hold the Dinner gathering for the 40th Anniversary at Orient Club in Kandawgyi. Souvenir Magazine was compiled by Sithu U Tin (GBNF), U Po Zon (GBNF) and U Tin Htoon.
    RUBC 40th Anniversary
    • Took the last ever I. Sc.(A) exam at the designated high schools.
    • Most of Rangoon University (except Medical and Engineering Colleges) were suspended following the fateful anniversary celebration of “7th July and the demolition of the historic Rangoon University Students’ Union”.
    • Those who were a year senior to us in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us. We lost 1.5 precious years.

    School Closure

    • Before the universities reopened, scholarship bids (mostly to Soviet Union and East Bloc nations) were opened to students who are 18+ years old. I did not qualify. Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF) and Kyaw Wynn received scholarship to study Engineering at Dresden University in GDR.

    New Education System

    • The then new “University Education System” replaced the “old” model of Rangoon University with several Faculties : Arts, Science, Social Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law.
    • The system created institutes such as Rangoon Institute of Technology, Institute of Medicine, Institute of Economics, and Institute of Education.
    • RASU (Rangoon Arts and Science University) and MASU (Manadalay Arts and Science University) were the core left from the Rangoon University and Mandalay University.
    • In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to the first ever 1st B.E., 2nd B.E., and 3rd B.E. classes.
    RIT Grads (1969 & 1987)
    • Ma Than Yi (Maubin Ma Shwe Than, EP70) has blogged about her reminiscences of 1st B.E.
    • Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) and Ko Ohn Khine (M70) have described the academic and extra-curricular activities for ’64 to ’70.
    Zaw Min (Standing 2nd from Right)
    • The list of 400+ students who entered 1st BE has been compiled by Ko Ohn Khine and team. Notable alumni from that class have also been portrayed in their Golden Jubilee Magazine published in November, 2014.
    Ohn Khine
    • The list of 300+ students who entered 2nd BE has been compiled by Ko Aung Min (M69) and team. 69ers had major reunions for 30th Anniversary (in 1999), 40th Anniversary (in 2009), SPZP-2012, Pseudo-Golden Jubilee (for the admission to RIT) in 2014, True Golden Jubilee (for graduation) z& SPZP in December, 2019. Sad to note that more than 40% from the class are GBNF.
    Aung Min (Right)
    • The authorities used I.Sc (A) results to admit students to 2nd B.E. I was at the top of the list followed by Taing Oke and Kenny Wong.
    • I was selected Luyechun (Outstanding Student) along with Ko Sein Shwe (4th BE), Ko Zaw Min (1st BE), and Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (Margaret, 2nd BE, RIT selected in track and Field). In the summer of 1965, we attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp with Luyechuns from other universities and institutes, and high school.
    Luyechun
    • Several high school Luyechuns (e.g. Ma Pwint Than, Uttam Singh, Ko Aung Win, Ko Win Myint) joined RIT two years later.

    Difficult Choices

    EE69
    • Had to decide Major before attending 3rd BE. Civil and Mechanical were the top choices. Many joined RIT faculty after graduation.
    • 80+ students — Ko Thein Swe (GBNF), Ko Khin Maung Win (GBNF), Ko Aung Kyaw Pe, Ko Tun Aung Gyaw, Ko Toung and I — chose to major in Electrical. Joined by some seniors. Some took sabbatical or were hit by the infamous 75% attendance rule, or by the strict moderation (failing a minor subject even though the average was 2.5+)
    • Had to decide before attending 5th BE. Ratio of EP (Power) to EC (Communication) was 3:1.
      Rationale was that EP had a reasonably good market with EPC being the chief employer of EP graduates. EC had a limited market with PTC, BBS, DCA, and MOC/MOGE.
    • Many top students such as Ko Thein Swe, Ko Khin Maung Win and Ko Aung Kyaw Pe chose to major in EP. After graduation, most joined EPC and other corporations.
    • 13 or so students such as Ko Tun Aung Gyaw, Ko Toung and I chose to major in EC. Ma Tin Tin (Ann), the lone female EE student, chose EC. Ko Than Lwin (Henry) joined the faculty. Some worked for DCA, MOC and Schlumberger. A couple migrated to the US.

    Universities’ Computer Center

    • At one Burma Research Conference, Saya U Soe Paing presented a paper on digital computers zand logic. Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) requested Saya U Soe Paing to help him with the UCC project to be submitted to UNDP).
    • Saya U Soe Paing requested top EC students to join his project. The proposal, vetting, and approval of UNDP projects took a long time; so many students took available jobs.
    • When the project was finally approved by UNDP, UCC was established at Thamaing College Campus. Dr. Chit Swe became the founder/director.
      U Soe Paing, U Myo Min, and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), became co-founders and Managers. After volunteering for a considerable time, Ko Tun Aung Gyaw and I joined UCC as the first batch of employees.
    UCC
    • For details, read “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” by U Soe Paing, my interview with Mandalay Gazette and my series of articles “Memories of UCC”.
    Mandalay Gazette

    Activities

    • In my Newsletter Updates, I mentioned some of my extra-curricular activities.
    • Class Representative, Magazine Committee member, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT Electrical Engineering Association.
    • Last ever elected Treasurer and Vice Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club. Due to the changes in policy, I was denied to become Captain (as originally stipulated by RUBC rules). Higher authorities installed a committee of sayas to oversee RUBC.
    • As a member of the RIT Rowing team, I attended the “Appreciation” Ceremony by the RIT Sports Council, then chaired by Saya U Maung Maung Than. Applauded the accomplishments of multi-sports athletes such as Ko Aung Khin (M 67), Saw Maung Maung Htwe (Class of 70), Ko Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T 68), and Inter Institute Champions (Badminton, Chinlon, Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weight lifting & Body Building).
    • Served as EC & editor of RIT English Association. Represented 2nd BE in a debate along with Ko Myo Tun (Bobby), and Ko Khin Maung Win (Roland Thein). The 1st BE team led by Ahmed Soorma won. Received “Rhyming Dictionary” as a prize. Gave my dictionary to Ashin Ananda (Rev. F. Lutvig, Poet Laureate).
    • Founding member of RIT Chess Association along with the accomplished players like Ko Aung Than, Ko Maung Maung, Ko Thet Lwin (Henry) and visiting Soviet lecturers.
    • Joined Universities’ Training Corps (UTC) for a while before the schedule conflicts with rowing.
    • Sai Kyaw Aye (part-time BBS) invited us to learn and sing “Auld Lang Syne” in Shan.
    • Wrote short notes for “Hset Hmu Thadin Zin” and articles for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung” & “RIT English Bulletin”.
    • In July 1969, I wrote a poem “Men on the Moon” to honor the Apollo 11 mission. It was published in the Guardian daily newspaper. A copy was sent by Mr. Hall (USIS) to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
    • In December 1969, Daw Khin Swe Hla asked me to translate a short story “Nge Thay Loe” by Sayagyi U Thu Kha for publishing as the Sunday Supplement for Working People’s Daily (WPD). My translation “Still So Young” earned me 50 kyats. U Thu Ka was given an honorarium of 50 kyats. In those days, 1 US dollar was worth 5 to 6 kyats.
    • In my Newsletter Updates, I mentioned about my dreams — to get the sayas and alums reconnected electronically and physically, and to repay the metta and cetana of my mentors. U Soe Paing was a driving force, and Ko Khin Maung Zaw worked long weekends to set up http://www.ex-rit.org
    • Was a saya at UCC, DCS and ICST. Attended the 5th and 6th Arcariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST and UCSY.
    • I am not a saya at RIT. I was not eligible for the world wide SPZPs.
    • I was deeply moved when Saya U Moe Aung visited Ko Tin Aung Win’s house after SPZP-2007 and accompanied us to the air port. Before SPZP-2012, Saya gave me two vintage RIT Annual Magazines from his private collection and other gifts.
    • Dr. Soe Thein (C75), web master & videographer of SPZP-2007, invited me to the Civil Reunion & SPZP. He invited me to the C75 gathering before SPZP-2012.
    • I had contact with Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72) via Facebook.
      M72 group (WHO, Ko Myint Pe, …) invited me to join the M72 gathering and mini-SPZP.
      Event was solemn, because Ko Khin Maung Toe had passed away. “Thamudaya Kyaung” DVD is among my souvenirs.
    • Smiles from my mentors, and “random acts of kindness” help me burn midnight oil and keep on going the extra mile.
    • I would like to end by paying tribute to the countless sayas, sayamas, and alums who have kept the RIT Spirit alive and well.

    Tribute

    The following provide different perspectives of our beloved alma mater.

    • RIT Annual Magazines
      Chief Editors include Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) and Saya U Moe Aung. Publishers include U Hla and Saya U Thet Lwin. Limited edition of 23 (or so) RIT Annual Magazines was reprinted for SPZP-2012
    • Discipline-wide magazines such as “Hlat Sit Sar Saung” (published by the RIT Electrical Engineering Association with Saya U Moe Aung as Chief Editor and Publisher)
    • Weekly “Hset Hmu Thadin Zin” founded by Ko Win Thein (M 67, GBNF) and associates
      An alum couple archived several years worth of Hset Hmu Thadin Zin
    • “Cartoon Box” founded by Ko Myint Pe (M 72) with the patronage of Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (“Phone Ko”, C64, cartoonist for Kye Mon newspaper and several magazines) and Saya U Aung Myint (Pet 69, creator of “Kyant Ba Hone”, GBNF)
    • Ko Myint Pe & team compiled cartoons from Cartoon Box, Hset Hmu Thadin Zin, and RIT Annual Magazines for the commemorative issue of “RIT Cartoons” for SPZP-2012.
      Three (or so) generations of Cartoon Box authors set up a booth at SPZP-2012 and autographed books for sale.
    • HMEE — History of Myanmar Engineering Education
      by Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) and team. Sayagyi U Ba Than, U Thaw Kaung (Chief Librarian, Rangoon University Central Library), and U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) provided historical photos & documents
    • The companion CD to the HMEE-2012 Book was compiled by Ko Ohn Khine (M 70) and me
    • RIT web sites
      http://www.ex-rit.org designed by Ko Khin Maung Zaw & http://www.rit-alumni.info designed by Ko Wunna Ko Ko
    • Commemorative web pages for SPZP-2000 include 64 “Count down to the Reunion”, 36 “Post-Reunion” articles, & “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem
    • Early “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” by me were posted in http://www.ex-rit.org (now dormant)
    • Subsequent “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” by Ko Hla Min (EC 69) were posted in http://www.rit-alumni.info (now dormant)
    • RIT-related Facebook Pages
      Saya U Moe Aung,
      Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF)
      Ma Than Yi (EP70),
      Ko Ohn Khine (M70),
      Ko Saw Lin (C71, GBNF),
      Ko Myint Pe (M72),
      Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72),
      Ko Khin Maung Lwin (M87)
    • Commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000″ edited by me & team
    • Commemorative issues of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 edited & published by Saya U Moe Aung and team
    • Commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPZP-2016
    • “Shwe YaDu Magazine” edited by Ko Khin Maung Lay (M70) & team was published in conjunction with the Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of the combined 1st BE intake of ’64 and ’65
    • “Thamudaya Kyaung (Parts One and Two)” DVD : Based on the poems by Maung Sein Win (Padeegone); Played and sung by Ko Khin Maung Toe (GBNF)
    • Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint
      According to Saya U Moe Aung, the term “Swel Daw Yeik” became an official synonym for RIT, its predecessors and successors at the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1970. Ma Mya Than Win (Minthamee) and Ko Myint Pe (Lu Shwin Daw) were members of the Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint.
    • Gee Ta See Sar (Musical evening) : Ko Kyaw Oo (pianist, GBNF), Ko Yu Swan (Don min), Sayama “Emma” Tin Tin Myint, Ko Kyaw Htin (“Chee Hte Nu Nu Kyaw”), Ko Than Myaing, Ko Tin Maung Aye, Ko Soe Aung and Ko La Min are some of the performers at the early Gee Ta See Sar’s
    • Saya U Moe Aung, Saya U Thet Lwin, Saya U Saw Tun (“Saw Lu”), Saya Dr. Taing Oke (“Yin Maung”), U Toee Maung, U Than Po (GBNF) are some of the “Zat Saya” and/or composers.
    • U Thet Lwin‘s compositions include “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo Kun Yeik Kho” (granted a “Dat Pyar” by Burma Broadcasting Service). The song has been sung at the various RIT-related gatherings such as Singapore Thingyan and world-wide SPZPs.The song was sung in the ceremony (on December 1, 2019) to kick off the Rangoon University Centennial Celebration.

    Thoughts

    Hla Min
    • To paraphrase the Curator of Smithsonian Museum, “There is no unique history. It is not uncommon to have parallel competing and often contradictory histories of an event.”
    • Feel free to revise my recollections of my RIT days and my contributions as an informal historian.

  • Down Memory Lane

    Down Memory Lane

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 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

    My Photos

    They were taken in

    • Rangoon, Burma
    • Mt. Fuji
    • USA
    • Half Moon Bay, California
    HM 1
    HM 2
    HM 3
    Dhamma Volunteers
  • Retire / Re-tire

    Retire / Re-tire

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 2026

    Steeve’s Advice

    Steeve
    • U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70, GBNF) is a Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs.
    • He said, “You should not retire.
      You may re-tire (as in re-threading a tire). We will try to support you and your projects.

    Retired

    I am retired from working to make ends meet.

    Re-tiring

    • I am re-tiring as long as my physical and mental health permit.
    • Took a few on-line courses (for credit)
      Too taxing and slow
      Opted to audit 100+ courses (covering many subjects)
    • Listen to one or more Blinkist every day
    • Listen to selected Podcasts every day
    • Ride stationary bike for 30+ minutes every day
    • Write or revise 10+ posts every day.