Category: GBNF

  • Mg Mg Kyi & Rimon Than

    Mg Mg Kyi & Rimon Than

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Nov 2025

    Mg Mg Kyi

    • Eldest son of Dr. Mg Mg and Daw Kyi Kyi
    • Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1963. Stood 11th in the whole of Burma and won Collegiate Scholarship.
    • Joined Rangoon Universities’ Boat Club. Our Paulian crew — Mg Mg Kyi, Hla Min, Kyaw Win, Willie Soe Mg and Myint Thein (cox) — was Senior Novices Runners-up in the Monsoon Regatta. All became RUBC Full Green.
    • Rangoon University was closed citing security concerns after the protests of the 1st Anniversary of 7th July. Mg Mg Kyi and Kyaw Win applied for Government Scholarship to study Engineering at Dresden University.
    • Mg Mg Kyi received the Masters (equivalent) in Chemical Engineering with specialization in Pulp and Paper.
    • He worked for PPIC (notably Sittang and Yay Ni Paper Mills).
    • He found his love Khin May Than (Che72). They raised two sons — Rimon Than & Khemar Than.
    • The family moved to Wales, UK.

    Dr. Rimon Than

    Rimon
    • Elder son of U Maung Maung Kyi and Daw Khin May Than.
    • Medical Doctor / Specialist
    • Experienced Mountain Climber
    • Squadron Leader in Royal Aut Force
    • Accomplished “Rescue Team Leader”.
    • Sadly, he passed away on February 15, 2013 during a mountaineering training in Scotland due to an avalanche.

    See BBC news at

    <http://www.bbc.co.uk/…/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-214690…>.

    • Mg Mg Kyi and Khin May Than were visiting Yangon at the time. They had to fly back to Wales to attend the funeral service with military honors.

    Ogmore by the sea

    • Mg Mg Kyi and Khin May Than were deeply hurt by the untimely loss of their elder son.
    • Their younger son (Dr. Khemar Than) moved back from Japan to be close to his parents.
    • MMK and KMT gave their house to Khemar, and moved to Ogmore-by-the-sea.
    • MMK invited me to see his new home.

    Visit to Wales

    In 2017, we visited UK.

    My cousin nephew Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) drove us to Wales to visit Mg Mg Kyi and Khin May Than at their new home Ogmore-by-the-sea.

    See the posts about the mini-gathering.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is mmk-1.jpg
    Maung Maung Kyi

    Updates

    • Dr. “Peter” Khin Tun (MRCP, Former Associate Dean of Oxford University) was a victim of Covid-19 and the lax Guidelines of NIH. He passed away on April 13, 2020. The news and TV coverage about the sad story led to reevaluation of procedures and support for NIH doctors and staff combating Covid.
    • Maung Maung Kyi passed away peacefully in November 2024. His younger sisters — Dr. Kyi Kyi Hla, Daw Khin Thitsar and Dr. Khin Sabai — performed Soon Kwyay Dana for the 1st Anniversary of Maung Maung Kyi’s demise.
    Soon Kyway

    Memories

    Khin Sabai, Khin May Than & Mg Mg Kyi
    Top Matriculates from SPHS 1963
    SPHS Std VIII (A)
    Mg Mg Kyi 1
    Mg Mg Kyi 2
  • Htay Lwin Nyo

    Htay Lwin Nyo

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Nov 2025

    Highlights

    • Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1968
    • Admitted as a Top Student to Rangoon Institute of Technology
    • Selected RIT Luyechun (Outstanding Student)
    • Graduated with B.E (Electrical Power) in 1974
    • Studied M.Sc (Computer Science) at UCC
    • Received Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University, USA
    • Last job was Part-time Teacher at EE Dept, San Jose State University
    • Passed away at his home (See Newspaper)
    • Per request from SJSU, the Burmese Community in the SF Bay Area helped with the Last Journey of HLN
    • I wrote a Tribute to HLN. (See Poem)
    • I had the honor to start the Incinerator, and later help scatter HLN’s ashes at Santa Cruz. (See my posts in BAPS Newsletter and ex-RIT web site).

    LYC

    Sad News

    News

    My Tribute

    Tribute to Dr. HTAY LWIN NYO (EP74, ex-ucc)

    Part-time Professor, EE, SJSU

    (1951 July – 2000 April)

    H e was a genius, a researcher, a friend

    T eaching was his passion to the very end

    A jack of all trades, a doctorate of one

    Y ou name it, he knows it! there’s a lot he has done

    L ong ago he gave away a patent for a dollar

    W ith a heart so big and true, real worthy of a scholar

    I nvest, movie script, cook, paint, car repair, …

    N ever showed off wealth and prizes; he’s a gem so rare

    N ews of his death — alone at home — rocked throughout the land

    Y oung, old were shocked, but they all flocked to give a helping hand

    O n this day in May of Y2K we pray from the bottom of our heart

    “Htay Lwin Nyo, we’re proud to say

    that though you’ve passed away

    you’ve done a huge part

    to unite kindred spirits

    your legacy is here to stay.”

    Memories

    BAPS Newsletter
    HLN 1
    HLN 2
  • GBNF

    GBNF

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Oct 2025

    Gone But Not Forgotten

    • Conventional wisdom says, “Pyauk thor thu shar hlyin tway. Thay thor thu kyar hlyin mae.” ပျောက်သောသူ ရှာလျှင်တွေ့။ သေသောသူ ကြာလျှင်မေ့။ One may find a lost person. One tends to forget those who have passed away.
    • Unconventional wisdom says, “We should maintain GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) lists as part of the Written History of our beloved alma mater, our mentors and colleagues.”
    • We use GBNF in the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and in my Posts.
      Other posts may provide additional information for the entries in the GBNF (by period or year) posts.
    • Others use RIP (Rest in Peace), and BFHA (Bound For Higher Abode)

    First RIT Website

    U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) set up three GBNF pages on ex-RIT.org web site :

    • GBNF for sayas and sayamas
    U Ba Hli
    • GBNF for alumni
    • GBNF for spouses

    I used GBNF in the last stanza of my poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” for SPZP-2000. The poem was reprinted as the Back Cover of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2000. It was only reprinted by the Class of 69 and Combined 1st BE intake of 64 and 65.

    Poem for SPZP-2000

    GBNF for RIT Class of 69

    The GBNF list is maintained by U Aung Min (M69) and team.

    There are 138 entries in the GBNF list. About 20 succumbed to Covid.

    About 320 students entered the first ever 2nd BE in 1964. The list includes a few seniors who took sabbatical in their study and ended up as our classmates. Over 40% of our former classmates have passed away.

    69ers GBNF

    EE69ers

    There were 13 EC69ers. The following have passed away :

    • U Kyaw Soe (DCA)
    • U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, Schlumberger)
    U Aung Thu Yein
    • U Chit Tin (MOGE)
    U Chit Tin & Maung Kabar
    • U Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada)
    • Sai Aik Yee

    Several EPers are also GBNF. They include

    • Khin Maung Win (Sargalay)
    Khin Maung Win (Sargalay)
    • Thein Swe (3rd BE Luyechun)
    • Aung Gyi Shwe (Track & Field)
    • Soe Win (Basketball)
    • Khin Win (Weightlifting)
    • Abdul Rauf

    Golden Jubileees

    Due to the decline of health of 69ers, the group chose to have two Golden Jubilees : the first in 2014 to celebrate the admission to RIT, and the second in December 2019 to celebrate the graduation of most members in 1969.

    GBNF for RIT Class of 70

    U Ohn Khine (M70) reported close to 130 entries in the GBNF list of the Class of 70.

    Tommy Shwe, Cho Aye, Peter Pe and Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) were among the Top Ten students from the class. They are now GBNF.

    Tommy Shwe
    Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein)
    Cho Aye

    Over 450 students entered the first ever 1st BE.

    GBNF from PPBRS

    Most of my sayas and sayamas from PPBRS have passed away.

    U Kyaw Zaw & Daw Khin Khin Aye

    Among my PPBRS classmates, Myo Set (son of actor Tha Gaung Gyi) was the first to pass away. He perished in a car accident. Myint Sein (Veda) and Myat Hla Sein (Movie Tech) are among the recent GBNF from PPBRS.

    Myat Hla Sein

    GBNF from SPHS

    Most of my sayas and sayamas from SPHS have passed away. Sayadaw Beatson (Physics, Boy Scouts) is still active and strong.

    SPHS Sayas

    Among my SPHS classmates, Min Thaw (Gilbert, SPHS63) is among the early ones to pass away. Dr. Myo San (Freddie), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie), Tin Tun, Maung Maung Kyi, Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi), Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung), Aung Chaw (Victor) are among the GBNF from SPHS63.

    Myo San (Freddie)
    Maung Maung Kyi
    Soon Kyaw by Kyaw Wynn

    GBNF from UCC & ICST

    Several of my sayas, colleagues and former students have passed away.

    CO Hla Min (Pauk Si) is an early GBNF from UCC. U Aung Zaw, Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, U Maung Maung Lay (Ah Ba), U Aung Myint and U Maung Maung Gyi are among the recent GBNF from UCC.

    Dr. Chit Swe & U Aung Zaw
    Dr. Tin Maung & Daw Nge Ma Ma Than
    U Maung Maung Lay & U Maung Maung Gyi
    CO U Hla Min, U Aung Myint, U Aung Zaw

    Relatives

    • Dr. “Cherry” Khin Kyi Nyunt
    U Tin U, Dr. Cherry, Peter
    • Dr. “Peter” Khin Tun
    • U Tin Tun
    • Daw “Peggy” Than Than Yee
    • Dr. Khin Yi Than
    • Daw Aye May
    • Daw Hla Hla Myint
    • Dr. Myo Tint
    Dr. Myo Tint
    • Saya U Ba Than
    U Ba Than
    • Daw “Betty” Myint Thwe
    Daw Myint Thwe
    • Saya U Tin U
    U Tin U
    • U “Charlie” Thein Han
    U Thein Han

    Tone Kyaw တုံးကျော်

    One should have Samvegha (sense of urgency) after hearing the sad news. When my namesake Hla Min (Pauk Si, SPHS64, EP70) passed away in his mid-thirties, we were shocked since he seemed strong and did not wear jackets (mandated for UCC employees entering the Computer Room). He would often be seen in sport shirts. He passed away with a few months of being diagnosed with liver problem. The consultant doctor was Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64, IM71). Ko Pauk Si was not a drinker, but other causes inflicted his liver. I became a Tone Kyaw when two government departments where I had given Guest Lectures on Computers and Applications tried to send me “Lwan Thu Pan Khwe” လွမ်းသူ့ပန်းခွေ

    U Han Sein (C69) became a Tone Kyaw when the Organizers of the 30th Anniversary of Graduation inadvertently listed him in the GBNF list of the Class of 69. The organizers were unaware that U Han Sein was detained by the authorities after the 8-8-88 event. He resurfaced two decades later with the declaration of Amnesty.

    Han Sein

    Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63) became a Tone Kyaw when his namesake Saya Dr, Tin Hlaing (formerly of Maritime Studies) passed away. Some alumni had to revoke the wrong announcement.

    Dr. Tin Hlaing

    Obituary

    Dr. Maung Maung Kha

    Dr. Mg Mg Kha

    Dr. Chit Swe

    Dr. Chit Swe

    Dr. Mg Di

    Dr. Mg Di

    Daw Hla May

    Daw Hla May

  • 2025 GBNF

    2025 GBNF

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Oct 2025

    Gone But Not Forgotten

    in 2025

    • Sayama Daw Yin Yin Mya (Australia)
    • Daw Aye San (California)
    • Uncle U Thein Han (Maryland)
    • Saya U Tin U (Yangon)
    • U Kyi Toe (California)
    • Saya Dr. U Win (California)
    • Sayama Dr. Daw Khin Nwe Soe (California)
    • Ashin Ukkamsa (C69, Myanmar)
    • U Kyin Lwin (M69, Myanmar)

    Daw Yin Yin Mya

    • Former Head, RIT English
    • Passed away in Australia on Oct 20, 2025
    Daw Yin Yin Mya
    Daw Yin Yin Mya

    U Tin U

    Obituary

    Memories of U Tin U

    Family members
    U Tin U & Siblings

    U Thein Han

    • Former Systems Engineer, IBM Burma
    • Passed away in Springfield, Maryland in September 2025
    • He celebrated his 96th birthday on March 1, 2025
    U Thein Han 1
    U Thein Han 2

    Dr. U Win

    • Former staff, Geography Department, Rangoon University
    • Passed away in Salinas, California, USA on 9th September, 2025
    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

    • Played for several bands
    • Shades
    • LPJ
    • Thamankyar
    • Playboy
    VKN 1
    VKN 2
    Obituary
    With musicians & music lovers
  • U Tin U

    U Tin U

    • Scholar Athlete
    • Survived a Kidnapping (with intent to kill him)
    • Had good memory and strong hands until his final days
    Tin U
    • Passed away in Yangon on August 19, 2025
    • He was 96 years young.

    Obituary

    Obituary

    Final Journey

    • Attended by Family members, relatives and friends
    Invitation for Yet Le Soon Kyway
    Aye Aye Khin (Daughter)
    Thin Thiri Tun (Granddaughter)

    Academic & Experience

    • BSCE (Oregon State University)
    • MSCE (Yale University)
    • Former Part-time Lecturer, Civil
    • Former Director, Clark & Grieg
    • Former Advisor, InterKiln
    • Former Advisor, PWD Architect Group 2
    • Oldest & Most Senior Past Captain, Rangoon University Boat Club
    • Past Captain, Rangoon Golf Club
    • Former Treasurer, Burma Society of Civil Engineers

    Family

    U Tin U, Aye Aye Khin, Daw Cherry, Ye Myint, Peter

    Spouse

    Dr. Cherry 1
    • Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (Cherry) — passed away in November 2019
    • She did Nutrition Research at BMRI.

    Children

    Peter & his mom Dr. Cherry
    Family & Relatives
    Aye Aye. Dr. Cherry, Dr. Peter, U Tin U
    Family & Relatives 2
    Daw San San Aye, U Tin U, Dr. Ye Myint& Dr. Aye Sandar
    • Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, MRCP, Former Associate Dean of Oxford University, passed away in April 2020) & Daw Winmar;
    • Daw Aye Aye Khin (B.Com, CPA) & U Tin Tun (passed away in May 2020)
    • Dr. Ye Myint (Fellowship training in Intensive Care and Anesthesia, Took care of his father’s health in the final days) & Daw San San Aye
    YM 1
    YM 2
    YM 3

    Grandchildren

    • Min Ko & Prudence
    • Ye Aung
    • Dr. Aye Sandar
    • Thin Thiri Tun
    • Dr. Khin Sandy Tun

    Great Grandchildren

    • Su Wai Tun
    • Hnin Wai Tun
    Peter, Winmar, Ye Aung, Min Ko

    Siblings

    U Tin U, Ruby, Father U Chan Sein, Betty
    Ba Than, Myo Tint, Myo Min, Thaung Lwin, Tin Htoon, Tin U
    U Tin Htoon, U Tin U, U Ba Than, U Thaung Lwin, Dr. Myo Tint
    Six Siblings
    • U Ba Than (Scholarship Winner in 1947, Gold Medalist for I.Sc in 1949, Alumnus of Imperial College, Retd. Prof. of Mech. Engg) — GBNF
    • Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby)
    • Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, B.Com, Spouse of Dr. F Ba Hli) — GBNF
    • Dr. Myo Tint (3rd in Burma in 1952, RUBC Captain) — GBNF
    • U Tin Htoon (A60, RUBC Captain, ARAE Champion, SEAP Silver Medalist in Yachting)
    • U Myo Min (1st in I.Com & B.Com, Chartered Acct, UCC Co-founder)
    • U Thaung Lwin (Scholarship Winner in 1960, First in EC66, RUBC Captain)
    • Daw Cho Cho Hlaing (CRO, German Diploma)

    Highlights

    • Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1946
    • Represented RUBC at the 1948 Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi with Pe Nyun, Pe Thein and Khin Maung Wint
    1948 Independence Day Regatta

    Rowing

    • Four brothers — Tin U, Myo Tint, Tin Htoon & Thaung Lwin — are RUBC Captain & Gold
    • Two other brothers — Ba Than and Myo Min — are RUBC Green
    Tin U & Thaung Lwin
    RUBC Captains
    • Photo shows Five RUBC Captains. Sein Htoon (Cox) is a cousin; he is 1960 ARAE Champion

    Most Senior Past Captain

    • Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club (1948 – 49)
    RUBC
    • As the Most Senior and Oldest Past Captain of RUBC, U Tin U was invited to open the RUBC Centennial Celebration in 2023
    RUBC Centennial

    Bridge

    • Played with friends (e.g Richard Po Ohn)
    • Played with Uncle and two cousins

    Golf

    • Past Captain, RGC
    • Played with senior (e.g U Yaw Hlaing) & junior (e.g U Soe Paing) partners until his early 80s

    Memories

    • Relaxing in the garden
    Tin U
    • Visit
    With Than Htut

    Interviews

    • For RGC (Rangoon Golf Club)
    • For HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education)
    • For his grandson Min Ko

    Kidnap Survivor

    • See account by his son Dr. Khin Tun (Peter)

    Yahan Khan

    Yahan Khan

    Garawa

    • SPZP-2012
    SPZP-2012
    • PWD Architect 2 Group
    PWD 1
    PWD 2
    PWD 3

    Birthday Presents

    • Photo Album for 90th birthday by Tin Htoon & Htaik San
    • Photo Cards for several birthdays by Tin Htoon & family
    Birthday Card from U Tin Htoon & family

    Posts

    • ARAE Champions
    • Ba Than
    • BSCE
    • GBNF
    • HMEE
    • Matriculates
    • RUBC
    • Tin Htoon
    • UCC
  • Tin Hla (EP69)

    Tin Hla (EP69)

    by Hla Min & Aung Min

    Updated : Oct 2025

    • Passed away on January 10, 2012
    • GBNF # 59
    EE Group in 2009

    Sad News

    • Ko Tin Hla (EP 69) passed away on 10th January 2012 of cancer, which has spread over most of his organs, originally started on his lungs. He was suffering from cancer and was operated four months ago.
    • His funeral will be on the 12th January 2012 at Yae Wai (13.00 hr).
    • He is the No. 59 on GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) list.
    • Ko Shwe, Myint Maung. Win Maung, Aung Gyi Shwe, Myint Thein Kabar, and I went and met his family yesterday.
    • May I remind you to take care of your health.

    With Metta and best regards.
    Aung Min (M 69)

    From Ivan Lee (M69)

    It is sad news. I was very close with him at the RIT second and third years. I named him Tommy, resident from Myoung-Mya. I met him at the Bassein college first year. He had a younger brother. When his father passed away in Rangoon, I remembered he and I seated together at the front, next to the driver of the funeral car at Rangoon Chinatown. At my RIT 69er welcome party in Yangon in Nov. 2006, that was the last time I saw him.

    I am sending my deepest condolence to his family, and wish him be merry whatever he is going to be.

    Again, it is an universal rule, we can keep going to lose one after another, will never ever to add any single one more into our network, regardless what, we must regard [and help] one another. And take care of our health, not others assistance, but ourselves desirability.

    God bless all of our beloved classmates , alumni, respectful Sayas.

    Best regards
    Ivan Lee
    USA

    From U Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69)

    Dear all,

    Very sad to hear the demise of him.

    Aung K P

    From U Sein Myint (EP69)

    Dear All,

    Very sad to hear from Aung Min regarding Ko Tin Hla from Myoung-Mya.

    He is very near to Myint Mg (Bu Gyi). We were very near when doing this and that. Kristian Lal also together with him.

    Sein Myint (K K Wong)

    From U Thein Swe (EP69)

    Dear Ko A Min and all,

    Well done! Thanks for your annual and, occasional reports [about the ’69er Health Care Fund]. Once a friend is forever the friend. The older we become the more we should recognize our classmates no matter whether alive or deceased, in high or low profile. Please extend my words of thanks to Ko Shwe, Moe Hein, Myo Nyunt, Myint Sein, Kyaw Zin, Myint Thein, etc for their activities regardless of old age.

    There are some outstanding classmates of the year 2011 viz: Ivan Lee @ Khin Maung Oo (USA, Kyaukme, M), unnamed classmate from USA,. Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Tx, Germany).

    With metta
    Thein Swe

    From U Sein Tin (M69)

    Dear Ko Aung Min and the rest,

    Thank you for your annual report of Health Care Fund and activities. You are right. We are at the sun set time. We need both physical and mental support to each other.

    You have done well. I support you.

    With regards,
    Sein Tin [Omega]

    Updates

    • At one time, the Class of 69 had median age of 69 and the GBNF list was 69.
    • At present the Class of 69 has a median age of 78 / 79 and the GBNF list is 138.
    • Note that several people in the post — Aung Gyi Shwe, “Kabar” Myint Thein and Thein Swe — are now GBNF.
    • Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) donated $300 to the 69er Health Care Fund. Per her request, she was listed as a “classmate in the US”. She is the lone female EE graduate in 1969. She migrated to the US. She earlier told the 69ers of her volunteer work for immigrants and/or seniors. She attended the Golden Jubilee Celebration in 2019 and donated $1000.
  • GBNF

    GBNF

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Oct 2025

    Gone But Not Forgotten

    • Conventional wisdom says, “Pyauk thor thu shar hlyin tway. Thay thor thu kyar hlyin mae.” ပျောက်သောသူ ရှာလျှင်တွေ့။ သေသောသူ ကြာလျှင်မေ့။ One may find a lost person. One tends to forget those who have passed away.
    • Unconventional wisdom says, “We should maintain GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) lists as part of the Written History of our beloved alma mater, our mentors and colleagues.”
    • We use GBNF in the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and in my Posts.
      Other posts may provide additional information for the entries in the GBNF (by period or year) posts.
    • Others use RIP (Rest in Peace), and BFHA (Bound For Higher Abode)

    First RIT Website

    U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) set up three GBNF pages on ex-RIT.org web site :

    • GBNF for sayas and sayamas
    U Ba Hli
    • GBNF for alumni
    • GBNF for spouses

    I used GBNF in the last stanza of my poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” for SPZP-2000. The poem was reprinted as the Back Cover of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2000. It was only reprinted by the Class of 69 and Combined 1st BE intake of 64 and 65.

    Poem for SPZP-2000

    GBNF for RIT Class of 69

    The GBNF list is maintained by U Aung Min (M69) and team.

    There are 138 entries in the GBNF list. About 20 succumbed to Covid.

    About 320 students entered the first ever 2nd BE in 1964. The list includes a few seniors who took sabbatical in their study and ended up as our classmates. Over 40% of our former classmates have passed away.

    69ers GBNF

    EE69ers

    There were 13 EC69ers. The following have passed away :

    • U Kyaw Soe (DCA)
    • U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, Schlumberger)
    U Aung Thu Yein
    • U Chit Tin (MOGE)
    U Chit Tin & Maung Kabar
    • U Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada)
    • Sai Aik Yee

    Several EPers are also GBNF. They include

    • Khin Maung Win (Sargalay)
    Khin Maung Win (Sargalay)
    • Thein Swe (3rd BE Luyechun)
    • Aung Gyi Shwe (Track & Field)
    • Soe Win (Basketball)
    • Khin Win (Weightlifting)
    • Abdul Rauf

    Golden Jubileees

    Due to the decline of health of 69ers, the group chose to have two Golden Jubilees : the first in 2014 to celebrate the admission to RIT, and the second in December 2019 to celebrate the graduation of most members in 1969.

    GBNF for RIT Class of 70

    U Ohn Khine (M70) reported close to 130 entries in the GBNF list of the Class of 70.

    Tommy Shwe, Cho Aye, Peter Pe and Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) were among the Top Ten students from the class. They are now GBNF.

    Tommy Shwe
    Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein)
    Cho Aye

    Over 450 students entered the first ever 1st BE.

    GBNF from PPBRS

    Most of my sayas and sayamas from PPBRS have passed away.

    U Kyaw Zaw & Daw Khin Khin Aye

    Among my PPBRS classmates, Myo Set (son of actor Tha Gaung Gyi) was the first to pass away. He perished in a car accident. Myint Sein (Veda) and Myat Hla Sein (Movie Tech) are among the recent GBNF from PPBRS.

    Myat Hla Sein

    GBNF from SPHS

    Most of my sayas and sayamas from SPHS have passed away. Sayadaw Beatson (Physics, Boy Scouts) is still active and strong.

    SPHS Sayas

    Among my SPHS classmates, Min Thaw (Gilbert, SPHS63) is among the early ones to pass away. Dr. Myo San (Freddie), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie), Tin Tun, Maung Maung Kyi, Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi), Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung), Aung Chaw (Victor) are among the GBNF from SPHS63.

    Myo San (Freddie)
    Maung Maung Kyi
    Soon Kyaw by Kyaw Wynn

    GBNF from UCC & ICST

    Several of my sayas, colleagues and former students have passed away.

    CO Hla Min (Pauk Si) is an early GBNF from UCC. U Aung Zaw, Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, U Maung Maung Lay (Ah Ba), U Aung Myint and U Maung Maung Gyi are among the recent GBNF from UCC.

    Dr. Chit Swe & U Aung Zaw
    Dr. Tin Maung & Daw Nge Ma Ma Than
    U Maung Maung Lay & U Maung Maung Gyi
    CO U Hla Min, U Aung Myint, U Aung Zaw

    Relatives

    • Dr. “Cherry” Khin Kyi Nyunt
    U Tin U, Dr. Cherry, Peter
    • Dr. “Peter” Khin Tun
    • U Tin Tun
    • Daw “Peggy” Than Than Yee
    • Dr. Khin Yi Than
    • Daw Aye May
    • Daw Hla Hla Myint
    • Dr. Myo Tint
    Dr. Myo Tint
    • Saya U Ba Than
    U Ba Than
    • Daw “Betty” Myint Thwe
    Daw Myint Thwe
    • Saya U Tin U
    U Tin U
    • U “Charlie” Thein Han
    U Thein Han

    Tone Kyaw တုံးကျော်

    One should have Samvegha (sense of urgency) after hearing the sad news. When my namesake Hla Min (Pauk Si, SPHS64, EP70) passed away in his mid-thirties, we were shocked since he seemed strong and did not wear jackets (mandated for UCC employees entering the Computer Room). He would often be seen in sport shirts. He passed away with a few months of being diagnosed with liver problem. The consultant doctor was Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64, IM71). Ko Pauk Si was not a drinker, but other causes inflicted his liver. I became a Tone Kyaw when two government departments where I had given Guest Lectures on Computers and Applications tried to send me “Lwan Thu Pan Khwe” လွမ်းသူ့ပန်းခွေ

    U Han Sein (C69) became a Tone Kyaw when the Organizers of the 30th Anniversary of Graduation inadvertently listed him in the GBNF list of the Class of 69. The organizers were unaware that U Han Sein was detained by the authorities after the 8-8-88 event. He resurfaced two decades later with the declaration of Amnesty.

    Han Sein

    Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63) became a Tone Kyaw when his namesake Saya Dr, Tin Hlaing (formerly of Maritime Studies) passed away. Some alumni had to revoke the wrong announcement.

    Dr. Tin Hlaing
  • Ba Than

    Ba Than

    by Hla Min

    Update : Oct 2025

    Highlights

    U Ba Than 3
    • Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1947, and won Collegiate Scholarship.
    • In 1949, he won Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in the Intermediate of Science exam.
    • RUBC Full Green
    • Studied B.Sc (Special) in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London University
    • Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
    • Per request from Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Interim Dean of Engineering), he helped build the Engineering Library
    • As a requirement for promotion, he did Masters at Imperial College
    • Retired as Professor of Mechanical Engineering
    Mech Engg Sayas
    • Saya is an early supporter of the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) project.
      Donated his photo albums.
      Cooperated with U Thaw Kaung to allow U Soe Paing & team to access the archives of Rangoon University Central Library.
    HMEE book (2012)
    • He also interviewed his elder brother U Tin U for HMEE project. U Tin U taught part-time at the Civil Engineering Department, and served as Treasurer of Burma Society of Civil Engineers.

    Family

    U Ba Than & Daw Mya Mya
    • He is the second son of U Chan Sein and Daw Cheng Kim.
    • Siblings : U Tin U, Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Daw Myint Thwe (Betty), Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin, Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
    • Spouse : Daw Mya Mya
    • Son : U Ye Than
    • Daughter-in-law : Daw Lwin Mar Oo
    • Grand children : Aung Myo Myint, Ei Khine
    U Ba Than 2
    U Ba Than 1

    Winner Inn

    • U Ye Than and Daw Lwin Mar Oo ran “Winner Inn”.
    • Later, their children Aung Myo Myint and Ei Khin expanded the services provided by Winner Inn (notably W Bistro)
    Winner Inn

    Birthdays

    • Celebrations
    Birthday
    Soon Kyway
    • Before the pandemic, he invited colleagues and former students to his Birthday Soon Kyway at Yaw Sayadaw’s Monastery.
    • U Tin Htoon (A60, younger brother) compiled a Photo Album for Saya’s 90th Birthday
    U Ba Than
    • Donated all of the Garawa Money to various social & religious associations.
    • Passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.
    U Ba Than & Family

    90+ Club Members

    • Four of the nine siblings are members of the 90+ Club like their mother.
    • U Tin U (eldest) passed away on Aug 19, 2025 — a few weeks after his 96th birthday. He was the most senior Past Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). He was Past Captain of RGC (Rangoon Golf Club). He was also the oldest Yale University alumni from Burma.
    • U Ba Than (2nd oldest) passed away after his 94th birthday.
    • Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby, 3rd) celebrated her 93rd birthday on Aug 31, 2025.
    • Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, 4th) passed away two months before her 91st birthday.
  • Saya Allen Htay

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Sept 2025

    SPZP-2000
    SF Bay Area RIT Alumni Advisory Group

    Saya Allen Htay (C58) is a founding member of RIT Alumni International and served as its President.

    He wrote “Brother, can you spare US $500 and more?” for the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (aka SPZP-2000).

    Saya retired thrice, but his former students coaxed him to un-retire twice.

    With the help of U Maurice Chee (M75), Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to YTU Library. The dedication ceremony took place at YTU on February 26, 2016.

    Saya Allen Htay & Daw Mu Mu Kin
  • In memory of Saya Allen

    In memory of Saya Allen

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Sept 2025

    SPZP-2000
    SF Bay Area RIT Alumni Advisory Group

    Saya Allen Htay (C58) is a founding member of RIT Alumni International and served as its President.

    He wrote “Brother, can you spare US $500 and more?” for the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (aka SPZP-2000).

    Saya retired thrice, but his former students coaxed him to un-retire twice.

    With the help of U Maurice Chee (M75), Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to YTU Library. The dedication ceremony took place at YTU on February 26, 2016.

    Saya Allen Htay & Daw Mu Mu Kin