Category: GBNF

Samvega
by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

Urgency
- It is a Pali word meaning “Sense of urgency”. We’ve heard it many times especially when we attended the last journey of our loved ones.
- We feel the pain even when the dearly departed are in their 80s. The pain grows when we learn that someone young (not so old) had passed away.
- We feel shocked and upset when we hear about the untimely demise. My cousin nephew Dr. Peter Tun warned about lack of PPE, but he succumbed to Covid.
Gone But Not Forgotten (GBNF)
- The list of GBNF for RIT 69ers is now 128. About 40% of our classmates are no longer with us. Covid claimed about 20.
- U Sein Win (Win Kyaw, C69) was an expert in Palmistry. His spouse is a professional Palmist. Not sure whether he knew his life span, but he is GBNF.
- U Myint Sein was a former classmate at PPBRS. He was Principal of BARB. He later founded Idea Astrology. Not sure whether he informed his spouse and son about his life span or his sudden demise, but he is also GBNF.
- My uncle was sent as a state scholar to Japan during the Second World War. He was in Hiroshima & Nagasaki before both cities were ravaged by the Atomic Bombs. He was lucky. His luck ran out when he was sentenced to seven years by a kangaroo court during the Adhamma Era. The UN Human Rights Rapporteur pleaded with the government to release him. Sadly, he passed away early (because of the harsh environment & treatment). His siblings all lived to be 80+ years. The eldest sister lived to be 94.
Dr. Khin Tun (Peter)

Dr. Peter Tun
- He is the elder son of my cousin U Tin U. He became one of the early doctors in UK to fall victim to COVID-19. He is an MRCP and a former Associate Dean of Oxford University. He at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. His ward needed PPE, but he was told that they would be supplied when there is a case. He replied, “It would be too late”. Sad to say, he passed away on April 12, 2020. Could his life been saved?
- The news shocked not just his immediately family, but many around the world. BBC and the newspapers in UK have reported several heroes who died in the battle fighting COVID-19.
- Should Samvega sink in?
May 28, 2025
Boundary Road School
by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

Background
- PPBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School) was opened at 109 Boundary Road by Daw Tin Tin Aye. She was succeeded by her younger sister Daw Khin Khin Aye (Teacher Ah Mar) as Principal. Daw Yi Yi (second sister) taught Infant (A) / Higher KG. They are all GBNF.
- The school was renamed PBRS (Private Boundary Road School) after it opened classes for Middle School and High School.
Daw Khin Khin Aye

U Kyaw Zaw & Daw Khin Khin Aye

Obituary
- Siblings : Daw Tin Tin Aye (Founder of PPBRS), Daw Yi Yi, U Thin Tu
- Spouse : U Kyaw Zaw
  Studied Motion Pictures Industry as a States Scholar in the US
- Children : Thane Myint, Kyaw Thein, Mo Mo
- Taught at PPBRS. Became Principal
- Extended the school to teach Middle School and High School. School was renamed PBRS.
- After nationalization, she worked as Township Education Officer for Bahan.
Students

Most students were from nearby places : Windermere, Inya, Golden Valley / Lowis, Myenigone, San Chaung

Among the alumni are
- Tin Maung Thant (son of UNSG U Thant)
- Francis Ohn Maung (son of Arzani U Ohn Maung)
- Dr. Flora Aye & Shirley Aye
- Bonzo, Bonnie, Ruby & Pearl Kun alone
- Elizabeth Kyaw Tun (Ph.D. in English, daughter of Saya U Kyaw Tun)
- Kenneth San & Margaret San (moved from Taung Gyi)
- Ma Pyone Khin (daughter of U Ba Yoke)
- My siblings and cousins
- A1 Family Members
A1 Family Members

The movie pioneers in Burma include four brothers : A1 U Tin Nwe, U Nyi Pu, U Maung Maung Soe, and A1 U Tin Maung.

A1 was earlier known as “Myanmar Ah Swe“.

U Tin Nwe
- U Hla Bu (son-in-law)
  Children : Margie (Ma Aung Si), Stanley (A1 Than Htut), Freddie (A1 Thein Htut, Sat Su), Bobby (Aung Myint, Thamankyar Ko Myint), Sai Wunna (GBNF)
- U Thein Zaw (actor)
- U Hla Myo (directed several movies with Nyunt Win)
U Nyi Pu
- Founded Ma Weik Za Do Films (produced “Thamankyar”)
- Daughter attended PPBRS.
- Sayamagyi Daw Khin Khin Aye (Teacher Ah Mar) supported her former students to direct and produce “Thamankyar“.
  Twin brothers Than Htut and Thein Htut were Director and Cinematigrapher. Toe Nyunt, Aung Myint and Wunna were Actors. Than Win was the author.
U Maung Maung Soe
- Real name : U Tin Pe
- Actor, Director and Producer
- Son-in-law : U Maung Maung has his own Studio.
- Children : Rosalind (Ma Pyi Aye), Richard, Glory (Khin Than Nu)
U Tin Maung
- Was Actor before he turned Director and Producer.
- Children : Phylis, Eileen
Daw Khin Myint
- Sister of U Tin Nwe, U Nyi Pu, U Maung Maung Soe and U Tin Maung
- Spouse : J Maung Sein
- Son : U Tin Yu (Director); Grand Children : Zelma Yu, Zaw Min Yu, Zin Thi Yu
- Daughter : Daw Marlar (spouse of U Mya Maung);
  Grand Children : Peggy, Winnie (Win Mar), Ted (Toe Nyunt). Rosebelle (Sandar, Sar Oo), Mya Zaw (Fuji)
Some members

Since A1 extended family is huge, I do not know all members.
- Ma Pyi Aye graduated in 1966 with Architecture.
- Aung Myint (Thamankyar Ko Myint) graduated in 1970 with Mining Engineering.
Thamankyar Movie Poster

Thamankyar Ko Myint 1

Thamankyar Ko Myint 2
- Than Win graduated in 1970 with Textile Engineering. He married Zelma Yu.
- Win Mar won the Academy Award for her role in “Pho Pyone Cho”. She became a doctor, and did not pursue a career in movies.
- Sar Oo won the Academy Award for her role in “Hne Hmar Ah The”.
- Toe Nyunt became known as “Shwe Gaung Byaung”.
- Thein Htut became known as “Sat Su”.
- Aung Chein, nephew of U Hla Bu, was selected Luyechun. He graduated in 1972 with Mechanical Engineering.
Other PPBRS Alumni
- Patail Clan
- Arif Clan
- Myat Hla Sein (GBNF) & Chit Mya Sein (children of U Chin Sein)
- Myo Set (GBNF, son of Thar Gaung Gyi)
- Han Tun (SPHS63, DSA), Nyunt Shwe, Hlaing Mi Mi, Sein Hlaing (GBNF), Myo Hlaing & Htoo Hlaing
- Nay Win (GBNF, MEHS63, M69)
- Saw Oo, Kyi Kyi Tin & Tin Tin Aye
- Pansy & Tommy San
- Robert & Dolly Gale
- Freddie & Sonny Maung
- San Aung, Mya Aung, Than Aung & May Aung
- Aye Maung Than (Admin, PBRS Group)
- Mya Hlaing (Admin, PBRS Group)
May 28, 2025
Tin Maung Lay (M69)

by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

Soul Mate

He found his love Margaret when he visited his former classmate and friend U Kyaw Sint (Edward Tai, T69er, Tennis & Soccer, GBNF) in Southern California. She is the younger sister of Elizabeth (GBNF, spouse of U Kyaw Sint) and a cousin of U Tun Aung (Jeffery, EC68, GBNF).

Long Separation

He moved to California, but spent most of his time working abroad (in Europe and Middle East). He came back home only for the breaks.

Since they are well off and did not have children, a suggestion to retire was made.

Final Trip

He agreed to retire, but his boss & friend asked him for a final trip to train / handover.

He passed away unexpectedly — before he could retire — on a Friday (which was Sabbath & Holiday in the country). His company tried its best to have his body flown back to California.

He was a Health Enthusiast and worked out daily. Kyaw Sint was also health conscious. Both were felled by Byadi ဗျာဓိ and Marana မရဏ. May they rest in peace.

May 26, 2025
GBNF from UCC
by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025
- Dr. Chit Swe — Founder & Director of UCC
  There are several posts about Saya.
Dr. Chit Swe
- U Ko Ko Lay — Co-founder
  He served as Operations Manager, Scientific Applications Manager, Professor at DCS and ICST
- Dr. Tin Maung
  He succeeded Saya Chit as Director of UCC. During his tenure, Department of Computer Science (DCS) and Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) were established. He served as the inaugural Rector of ICST
- CO U Hla Min — Operations
  Joined UCC as Chief Operator. He attended a post-graduate course in UK, where he met his beloved one. He is an early casualty (passing away at the tender age of 30+).
- U Aung Zaw — Systems Programmer, Systems Division
  Taught at UCC, CSO, Assumption University and in Sydney. Wrote two books “Bawa and Dhamma” and “Cetana Thi Thar Kan”
- U Mya Thein — Business Applications
  Joined the Department of Commerce, Institute of Economics. Transferred to UCC as Business Applications Programmer. Retired as Business Applications Manager. Taught at UCC, DCS, ICST, and ITBMU (International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University).
- Daw Nge Ma Ma Than — Business Applications
  Taught at UCC,DCS, ICST
- U Kyaw Nyein — Scientific Applications
  Joined UCC as Scientific Applications Programmer. Taught Numerical Methods. Joined UNV.
- U Win Naing — Scientific Applications
  Science Scholar for Mathematics. Attended the 1st batch of M.Sc. (CS) with the Systems Option. Scientific Applications Programmer.
- U Soe Myint — Operations; Retired as Pro-Rector of ICST.
- U Maung Maung Gyi — Operations
- U Maung Maung Lay — Operations
- Daw Hla Hla Win — Operations
- Daw Kyu Kyu Lwin — Operations; Moved to Social Security Board
- Daw Win May Thaung — Operations
- U Aung Myint — Engineer, Systems Division
- U Shein Soe Myint (EC83) — Systems Division
  Passed away in Singapore while doing his doctorate
- U Aung Aung Thein — Systems Division; Colleague of U Kyaw Zwar Soe
- U Myint Aung — Admin Department
- Daw Khin Lay Myint — Admin Department
- U Khin Maung Aye (M73) — 1st batch of M.Sc. (CS) with Applications Option
- Daw Khin Mya Swe — Attended M.Sc. (CS)
- Daw Khin Toe Nyein — Attended M.Sc. (CS)
- U Thein Tan — Attended M.Sc. (CS)
- Daw Thida Aung — M.Sc. (CS); Classmate of Daw Thida Khin
- Daw Khin San Hlaing (Cynthia) — She joined UCC as Librarian. She attended M.Sc. (CS) She worked at (or attended) AIT (Asian Institute of Technology) She migrated to Australia
May 25, 2025
Sayas and Colleagues
by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

There is a related post “GBNF : Sayas” with details of selected sayas.

Deans and Rectors
- U Ba Hli (Dean)
U Ba Hli
- Dr. Htin Aung (Interim Dean)
- Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Interim Dean)
- U Po Tha (Interim Dean)
- U Yone Moe (RIT Rector, BIT Dean)
- U Khin Aung Kyi (RIT Rector)
- U Maung Maung Than (RIT Rector)
Architecture
- U Tha Tun (A, Part-time)
  Passed away on 13th Sept. 1974
- U Kyaw Min (A, Part-time)
- Sai Yee Leik (A)
- Dr. Koung Nyunt (A)
- U Shwe (A)
Civil
- H Num Kok (C)
- U Min Wun (C)
- Allen Htay (C)
- U Aye Win Kyaw (C)
- Madan Chand (C)
- U Kyaw San (C, Part-time)
Chemical and Chemistry
- U Khin Aung Kyi (ChE)
- U Kyaw Tun (ChE, Chem)
- Dr. Maung Maung Win (ChE)
- U Ohn Maung (ChE)
- Daw Than Than (Chem)
Electrical
- Dr. F Ba Hi (EE, Part-time)
- U Kyaw Tun (EE)
- C. Ping Lee (EE)
- U Sein Hlaing (EE)
- U Tin Swe (EE)
- U Sein Win (EE)
- U Thein Lwin (EE)
- Dr. San Tint (EE)
- U Soe Min (EE)
- U Chin Way (EE)
- U Nyi Nyi (EE)
- U Tin Shwe (EE)
- U Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan, EE)
- Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee (EE)
English
- Sao Kan Gyi (Eng)
- Joe Ba Maung (Eng)
Mechanical
- U Ba Than (M)
- U Tin Hlaing (M)
- U Khin Maung (M)
- U Myo Win (M)
- U Han Tun (M)
- U Soe Lwin (M)
- S Arya (M)
- S Kyaw Aye (M)
- Dr. Chan Nyein (M)
- U Thein Tun Aung (M)
- U Tin Maung Oo
Metallurgy
- U Thit (Met)
- Dr. Saw Pru (Met)
- Dr. Khin Maung Win (Met)
- U Aung Hla Tun (Met)
Mining
- U Soe Khaw (Min, Part-time)
- U Soon Sein (Min)
- U Win Kyaing (Min / Pet)
- U Chit Htun (Min)
- U Kyaw Tint (Min)
- U Aung Myint (Pet)
Physics
- Daw Nyein (Phy)
- U Hlwan Moe (Phy)
- U Saw Hlaing (Phy)
- Daw May Than Nwe (Phy)
Textile
- U Maung Maung Than (T)
- U Shwe Yi (T)
- Julie Han (T)
- Daw Tin Tin Ohn (T)
- U Hla Shwe (T)
UCC
- Dr. Tin Maung (UCC)
- U Ko Ko Lay (UCC)
- U Hla Min (CO, UCC)
- U Aung Zaw (UCC)
- U Mya Thein (UCC)
- U Kyaw Nyein (UCC)
- U Soe Myint (UCC)
- U Shein Soe Myint (UCC)
- U Aung Aung Thein (UCC)
- U Ba Than Aye (Myo Myint Lay, UCC)
- U Myint Aung (UCC)
- Daw Aye Aye Kyi (UCC)
- Daw Win May Thoung (UCC)
- Daw Khin Lay Myint (UCC)
- Daw Hla Hla Win (UCC)
- Daw Khin Toe Nyein (UCC)
- Daw Kyu Kyu Lwin (UCC)
- U Win Htein (PWD) : managed EE systems at UCC
- Dr. Kyaw Thein (ICST)
PBRS
- U Kyaw Zaw (PBRS)
- Daw Khin Khin Aye (PBRS)
- U Tin Maung Thant (PBRS)
SPHS
- Saya U Sein (SPHS)
- Saya D’Cruz (SPHS, Australia)
- Brother Clementian (SPHS)
- Ms. A Benjamin (SPHS)
- Mrs. V. Boudville (SPHS)
- Miss Hong Kong (Ameilia Kyi, SPHS)
- Saya U Pe Tin (SPHS)
- Saya U Nge (SPHS)
- Saya U Kyaw Sein (SPHS)
Doctors
- Dr. Mohan
- Dr. Daw Khin Than Nu
- Dr. Mya Tu
- Dr. Thein Toe
- Dr. Htut Saing (Harry)
- Dr. Kyaw Win
- Dr. Min Aung
- Dr. Byron Law Yone
- Dr. Nyunt Win (Eddie)
- Dr. Aung Thwin
- Dr. Myo San
- Dr. Yi Thway
- Dr. Htut Kyaw Win
May 25, 2025
U Soe Khaw

U Soe Khaw

Part-time Lecturer, Mining Engineering

EDUCATION B.S., Mining Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, U.S.A. 1950
Honors: Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. M.S., Mining Engineering, Missouri School of Mines, University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri 1952.

EXPERIENCE
1953 – 1964 Service with the Ministry of Mines, Govt of Burma. Entry as Asst. Inspector of Mines, then promoted to Inspector, Chief Inspector, Director of Mines, and Deputy Dir. General PMDC
1954 – 1955 As Visiting Lecturer taught Mining Courses at the BOC Engineering College, Rangoon University **
1971 – 1984 Service with United Nations ESCAP in Bangkok as Economic Affairs Officer (P-4) and rising to Chief of Mineral Resources Section (p-5).

Note: (**)
In 1954, BOC Engineering College campus was located south of the Rangoon University estate between Prome Hall and the Teachers Training College on Prome Road. It consisted of modest single storied buildings. In addition to degree courses in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical engineering, Mining courses were offered for the first time during that year.
At Dean Sayagyi Tan Ba Hli’s request, Ministry of Mines assigned me as part time Lecturer to teach Mining Engineering courses. U Soon Sein was later transferred from the Mines Department to the University and taught mining courses full time.

Warm regards, U Soe Khaw

Editor’s Note:

Saya U Soe Khaw passed away about two years ago at the tender age of 90+
He is a cousin of Sayama Sheila Saing (RIT English) and Dr. Harry Saing (ARAE Champion in 1958 and 1960).

May 24, 2025
Daw Khin Khin Gyi (GBNF)
- Passed away in San Francisco Bay Area.
- Studied in USA for her Master’s in History.
- Taught History in Burma and USA
- Was asked to help with the “Burmese Conversation” course (e.g. for training in the US).
- Pre-deceased by Ko Lynn Maung (elder son) and Khin Aye Thet (younger daughter).
- Dr. Khin Nyo Thet (elder daughter, GBNF), Dr. Lynn Aung Thet (younger son) and grand children attended the funeral service.
- Attendees include
  Daw Mu Mu Kin (spouse of Saya Allen Htay)
  Saya U Tin Htut
  Benny Tan
  Charlie and Diana Tseng
  Dr. Tin Wa.
- Donations were given to Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA) for “Aye-Thet Scholarship” Fund that was founded 20+ years ago in memory of Khin Aye Thet to support the Summer Youth Dhamma Classes
May 24, 2025
Sayas and Colleagues
by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

Dean
- U Ba Hli
U Ba Hli
- Dr. Htin Aung
- Dr. Maung Maung Kha
- Dr. Tha Hla
- U Po Tha
Rector
- U Yone Moe
- U Maung Maung Than
- U Khin Aung Kyi
Architecture
- U Tha Tun
  Passed away on 13th Sept. 1974
- U Kyaw Min
- Sai Yee Leik
- Dr. Koung Nyunt
Civil
- H Num Kok
- U Aye Win Kyaw
- U Min Wun
- Dr. Win Thein
- Allen Htay
- Madan Chand
Chemical and Chemistry
- U Khin Aung Kyi
- Dr. Maung Maung Win
- U Kyaw Tun
- Daw Than Than
Electrical
- Dr. F Ba Hi
- U Kyaw Tun
- C. Ping Lee
- U Sein Hlaing
- U Tin Swe
- U Sein Win
- U Thein Lwin
- Dr. San Tint
- U Soe Min
- U Chin Way
- U Nyi Nyi
- U Tin Shwe
- U Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan)
- Daw Mya Mya Than
English
- Sao Kan Gyi
- Joe Ba Maung
Mechanical
- U Tin Hlaing
- U Khin Maung
- U Myo Win
- U Han Tun
- U Soe Lwin
- U Kyaw Sein
- Dr. Chan Nyein
Metallurgy
- U Thit
- Dr. Saw Pru
- Dr. Khin Maung Win
- U Aung Hla Tun
Mining
- U Soe Khaw
- U Soon Sein
- U Win Kyaing
- U Kyaw Tint
Physics
- Daw Nyein
- U Hlwan Moe
- U Saw Hlaing
- Daw May Than Nwe
Textile
- U Maung Maung Than
- U Shwe Yi
- Dr. Julie Han
- Daw Tin Tin Ohn (Amy)
- U Hla Shwe
UCC
- Dr. Chit Swe
- Dr. Tin Maung
- U Ko Ko Lay
- U Hla Min (CO)
- U Aung Zaw
- U Mya Thein
- U Kyaw Nyein
- U Win Naing
- U Soe Myint
- U Maung Maung Gyi
- U Maung Maung Lay
- U Aung Myint
- U Shein Soe Myint
- U Aung Aung Thein
- U Ba Than Aye (Myo Myint Lay)
- U Myint Aung
- Daw Aye Aye Kyi
- Daw Win May Thoung
- Daw Khin Lay Myint
- Daw Hla Hla Win
- Daw Khin Mya Swe
- Daw Khin Toe Nyein
- Daw Kyu Kyu Lwin
- Daw Thida Aung
PBRS
- U Kyaw Zaw
- Daw Khin Khin Aye
- U Tin Maung Thant
- U Myat Hla Sein
- U Myint Sein
SPHS
- U Sein
- Cecil D’Cruz
- Brother Austin
- Brother Charles
- Brother Clementian
- Brother Felix
- Ms. A Benjamin
- Mrs. V. Boudville
- Miss Hong Kong (Ameilia Kyi)
- U Pe Tin
- U Nge
- U Kyaw Sein
- U San Thein
Doctors
- Dr. Mohan
- Dr. Daw Khin Than Nu
- Dr. Mya Tu
- Dr. Thein Toe
- Dr. Harry Saing
- Dr. Aung Thwin
- Dr. Myo San
- Dr. Freddie Sein
May 24, 2025
Win Kyaing
by Ohn Khine & Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

U Ohn Khine (M70) wrote
- After reading Saya U Myo Myint Sein’s lively article in Swel Daw Yeik magazine, my mind raced back to the good and happy RIT student days.
- I still remember the tall and stout Saya with his famous mustache and boisterous voice. If I can rely on my memory, he taught us (70 batch) Industrial Management in the Fourth year.
- He taught us from the Book titled “Parkinson’s Law” written by C. Northcote Parkinson.
- Going back again to Saya U Myo Myin Sein’s article on the trip to USSR, I can imagine Saya U Win Kyaing in a very uncomfortable and awkward situation, but still can laugh out loud over the situation.
- I would like to take this opportunity to ask belated forgiveness from Saya U Win Kyaing for lovingly calling him “Koung Kee” behind his back. Saya looked somewhat like Nguyễn Cao Kỳ (a Vietnamese leader) .
- May his soul rest in peace.
Editor’s Notes :
- Saya is the younger brother of U Wah Kyu (Ko Maurice’s father)
- He advised Ko Maurice to study Mechanical Engineering.
- On behalf of Saya, his spouse Sayama Daw Muriel Tun Gyaw attended SPZP-2000.
May 24, 2025
Daw Than Than (Chem)

Sayama taught at the Chemistry Department in RIT. She is the spouse of Saya U Kyaw Tun, who served at both RIT ChE and Chemistry departments. He is the saya of several ChE sayas and early alumni.

After retirement, they relocated to Canada. Their son pursued graduate studies in Canada.

Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) wrote :

In trying to get in touch with Saya a few days ago, I learned from their son who is in Canada that Saya Ma Daw Than Than passed away December 5th, 2004. Saya is in Yangon right now. Saya Ma was diagnosed to have Cancer a few years back and they went back recently to see if they could receive better medical care back home.

Hope you can post it at our ex-RIT web site for friends, students and colleagues to know

May 24, 2025