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.
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.
Maung Maung Kyi
Updates
Dr. “Peter” Khin Tun (MRCP, Former Associate Dean of OxfordUniversity) 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 1963SPHS Std VIII (A) Mg Mg Kyi 1 Mg Mg Kyi 2
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 KywayAye 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 & RelativesAye Aye. Dr. Cherry, Dr. Peter, U Tin UFamily & Relatives 2Daw 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, BettyBa 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 TintSix 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 LwinRUBC 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 1PWD 2PWD 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
U Ba Than
With 90th Birthday Present (Photo Album)Young U Ba ThanAt Saya Pu Zaw Pwe with Sayagyi U Ba TokeDouble Dana : Donated Garawa money to selected CharitiesPartial List of DonationsIn Singapore for medical check upWith former students, who came to pay respectAt Winner Inn
U Aung Min (M69) and team maintain the GBNF list for 69ers(2nd BE intake in 1964). Over 40% of the 69ers are GBNF. About 20 members succumbed to Covid.
U Ohn Khine (M70) and team maintain the GBNF list for 1st BE intake in 1964. About 140 members are GBNF.
Saya U Ba Than
Saya U Ba Than is Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering. He was an early supporter of HMEE project. He donated his Garawa money to various charitable associations.
Steeve Kay
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70) is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP. He is Chair of Kay Family Foundation.
Saya U Min Wun
Saya U Min Wun retired as Professor of Civil Engineering. He was a member of the Myanmar Pyet Ka Dein Ah Phwe. He was advisor for the Regional College Project and Pagan Restoration Project. He passed away in California, USA.
U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) and team occasionally published the GBNF list for M72.
Ma Ma Pat
Ma Ma Pat (spouse of Saya U Myo Myint Sein) passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2022. Saya Myo celebrated his 91st birthday on October 1, 2022.
Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt, Dr. Peter Khin Tun
Three family members of U Tin U passed away within a few months. Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (spouse) — November, 2019 Dr. Peter Khin Tun (elder son) — April 2020 U Tin Tun (son-in-law) — May 2020
Saya U Aung Hla Tun, Retired Associate Professor of Metallurgical Engineering passed away in February 2022. He was Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine. He led the History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project. He won the National Literary Award.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF)
U Tun Aung (Jefferey, EC68) is a founding member and past President of BASES. He passed away in October 2021.
U Tun Aung (GBNF)
U Soe Myint Lwin (EP68) played Soccer for Burma, RU & RIT. He was EC of the Burma Women’s Soccer Federation. He passed away in 2017.
Memorial Service for U Soe Myint LwinSoon Kwyay Invitation for U Soe Myint Lwin
I Zeyar Lin (69er) passed away in 2018
I Zeyar Linn (69er)Saya H Num Kok Saya H Num Kok
Saya H Num Kok is a Saya of our Sayas. He passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA in his late 90s.
Saya Allen Htay
Saya Allen Htay (C58) is a founding member and President of RIT Alumni International which hosted SPZP-2000. He passed away in California, USA.
Dr. Win Thein
Saya Dr. Win Thein (C58) retired as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering.
U Khin Maung Win (Sid, C58) passed away in USA. He is a classmate of Sayas Allen Htay, Dr. San Hla Aung and Dr. Win Thein.
Class of Civil 1958Han Sein
U Han Sein (C69) represented RIT in Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and Basketball. He was a Prisoner of Conscience for 17 years.
Benedict Sia
U Myat Swe (Benedict Sia, M75) passed away in Taiwan. He is a life member of Alumni Association. He donated a Shwe YaDu bench.
Aung Gyi Shwe
U Aung Gyi Shwe (EE69er) was Secretary of RIT Track and Field Association. He also played soccer and enjoyed weightlifting.
Aye Lwin
U Aye Lwin (M69) was Secretary of RIT Annual Magazine Committee & RIT Mechanical Engineering Association.
Win Thein
U Win Thein (M67) founded Set Hmu Thadin Zin. He was an Organizer for Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn and several RIT events.
U Khin Maung Myint (John Tint, M72) Burma, RU & RIT passed away in 2020
John Tint
U Thein Lwin (M72) Captain, RIT Soccer passed away in 2022
U Thein LwinKo Thein LwinSoon Kwyay Invitation U Thein LwinM72 GBNF
Some passed away due to old age and natural causes. Sad to learn that many succumbed to the pandemic. See related posts for details (life and achievement …)
Class of 59
U Bo Gyi
Uzin U Bo Gyi (A59) Designer of Daw Khin Kyi Mausoleum
Class of 68
Sayama Daw Mya Mya Than (EP68)
U Zaw Win (Cyril, EP68)
U Saw Win (EP68)
Class of 69
Thein Maung
The GBNF list is maintained by U Aung Min (M69) and his team
So sad and alarming
U Soe Myint Thein (E) : #113
U Tin Shwe (C69) : #112 & spouse
Nan Su Su (T69) : #111 & spouse
Saya U Kyaw Tint (Min69) : #110
U Thein Maung (M69) : #109
Saw Tobias Kittim Ku (A69) : #108
U Aung Gyi Shwe (EP) : #107
U Chit Pe (M69) : #106
U Khin Maung Gyi (M69) : #105
U Soe Win (M69) : #104
U Thein Swe (EP69) : #103
U Tun (Met 69) : #102
U Aung Myint (C) : #101
U Tin Aye (A Rauf, EP69) : #100
U Yi Pin (Mg Mg Kaung, M69) : #99
U Tin Sun (C69) : #98
Class of 70
U Wara
Sayadaw U Wara (U Win Paing, ChE70) : #111
U Win Kyi (Kyar Zan, C, 64 Intake) : #110
U Hla Min (C, 64 Intake, SuperOne) : #109
U Khin Maung Maung (C70) : #108
Ko Soe (M70, Sittang Mill) : #107
U Aung Myint (Eric, C70)
U Min Maung (Mg Mg, MAuto70)
Maung Par (Pet70)
Class of 71
U Kyaw Maung (Min71)
U Ye Gaung (Pet71)
U Hla Min (C71, Intake of 64)
Willie Ko Shwe (SPHS65)
Class of 72
U Ngwe Htun (C72)
U Hla Maung (C72)
U Myo Myint Pe (ChE72)
U Khin Maung Myint (John Tint, M72)
Freda Tin Swe Aye (ChE72)
Tommy Win (66 Intake)
U Pe Aye (66 Intake)
U Than Tun Zan (66 Intake, EP76)
U Soe Myint (Shwe Thwar, M72)
Class of 73
U Ko Ko Gyi (C73)
U Aung San (C73)
U Soe Win (C73)
U Win Kyi (C73)
Class of 74
U Tin Aung (C74)
U Soe Than (C74)
U Kyaw Thaung (C74)
U Myo Thant (C74)
U Maung Maung Myint (C74)
U Aung Htut (C74)
Md Zubai (M74)
Daw Ni Ni Than (M74)
U Nay Win (Tommy, Met74)
U Win Myint (Myeik, ChE74)
U Kyaw Kyaw (M/EP74)
Class of 75 – 79
U Myat Swe (Benedict Sia, M75)
U Aung Kyaw Myint (C77)
U Khine Tin (C77)
Daw May Kyi (EP78)
U Myat Lay (C78)
U Win Maung (C79)
U Win Myint Htay (C79)
U Robin Thet Naing (C79)
U Nyunt Aung (Mn7x)
Daw Kyi Kyi Win (T)
U Than Sin Myint (Met)
Class of 80 – 89
U Soe Naing Aung (C80)
Daw San Myint (C80)
Daw Khin Khin Oo (C80)
U Thar Hlaing (C80)
U Myo Thant (C80)
U Khin Sein (M80)
U Ba Thein (C82)
U Tint Lwin (C82)
U Min Lwin Pe (C83)
U Nay Win (C83)
U Kyi Win (C83)
U Hla Myo Aung (C83)
U Ko Ko Su (EP83)
U Myo Win (C84)
U Tin Maung Myint (C84)
U Tin Win (C84)
U Min Min Soe (C85)
U Tin Oo (C85)
U Tun Thein (C85)
U Toe Aung (C85)
U Soe Lwin (C85)
U Tint Wai (C85)
U Win Nyunt (M86)
U Aung Min (C86)
U Win Sein (C86)
U Latt Myint Naing (C86)
U Kyaw Lin Oo (C87)
Daw San San Myint (C87)
Class of 9O – 99
U Tin Oo (C91)
Dr. Tin Tin Win (C92)
U Than Htay (C92)
U Aung Min (C92)
U Nyan Tun (C94)
U Tin Maung Myint (C95 Jan)
U Tun Zaw (C96)
U Zaw Tun (C96)
U Htay Aung Tint (C98)
U Myo Win / Myo Myo (C98)
U Than Win Tun (Bldg Dip 99)
U Khin Aung Lin (83 Intake)
Class of 2000 – 2009
U Tint Lwin Oo (C03 Apr)
U Ko Ko Aung (C03 Apr)
U Kyaw Naing Thu (C04)
Spouses of Alumni
Spouse of U Aye Thein (EP69)
Spouse of U Hla Shwe (T69)
Spouse of U Thein Swe (EP69)
Spouse of U Yi Pin (M69)
Spouse of Sa Maung Maung (EP69)
Spouse of Daw Aung (ChE79)
Spouse of U Kyaw Sint (T70)
Spouse of U Win Aung (M70)
Spouse of Nan Su Su (T69)
Spouse of U Tin Shwe (C69)
Sayas and Sayamas (From RIT and Other Universities)
U Kyaw Tint (Mining)
U Soe Lwin (Mech)
Daw Khin Saw Tint (Eng)
Dr. Kyaw Win (Pro Rector)
Daw Mya Mya Than (EP)
U Khin Maung Maung (Civil)
Dr. Mi Sandar Mon (Mech)
U Nyunt Yin (Physics)
Dr. Win Thein (Civil)
U Ngwe Tun (Civil)
U Ko Ko Lay (Maths)
Dr. Khin Maung Win (Maths)
Daw Kyin Kyin (Maths)
U Kyin Ko (Maths)
Dr. Zin Aung (Physics)
U Kyaw Tun (ChE & Chem)
Dr. Tin Win (David, Chem)
U Tin Aung Han (Geology)
Robert Thein Tun (YU English)
U Win Maung (DGHE)
Dr. Robert Tun Maung (Rector)
Dr. Mie Mie Thet Thwin (Rector, UCSY)
Daw Khin Ann Mon (ICST)
Dr. Maung Maung Sein (Surgeon)
Relatives & friends
Dr. Myo Tint (Cousin)
Daw Aye May (Cousin)
Daw Maibelle Maw
Daw Thiri Nyunt We (UCC)
U Aung Win (Alex)
Dr. Soe Min Thein (Soe Aung)
U Khin (father of U Soe Myint, UCC, UN)
Daw Khin Pyone Kyi (Mother of Daw Kyi Kyi Aye)
Daw Tin May (Mother of Daw Mi Mi Aung)
Mother of Daw Phyu Phyu Kyaw (UCC)
Brother of U Kyi Shane (M83)
Brother and SIL of Don Min U Yu Swan
Sister and BIL of U Moe Myint (M76) Sister of Daw Moh Moh Han (A77)
Mother, Aunt and Brother of U Hlaing Myint (UCC)
Son of Daw Khin Saw Tint (Eng)
Daughter of Tobias Kittim Ku (A69)
Sister of Daw Khin Toe Myint (Zoo)
Father of Daw Nwe Ni Tun (ICST)
Father of Daw Thin Thu Naing (ICST)
Father of Daw Win Pa Pa Ko (ICST)
Brother of L Shark Moon (C67)
Sister of U Soe Lwin (EC66)
Khamee Khamets of U Soe Lwin (EC66)
Brother of U Aung Win (Owen, M71)
Son of U Khin Zaw (Chem)
Son of U Win Maung (Point)
Father of U Tin Oo (M87)
Uncle, aunt and two cousins of Daw Tin Tin Cho
Brother, cousin and Khameee Khamets of U Win Thein (SLRD)
When the Group founded RIT Alumni International, he served as President.
SPZP-2000 Organizers
He was a Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. His article “Brother, can you afford $500 and more?” saved the organizers from U Nyo Win’s Act.
He took me to a BAPS picnic. He demonstrated “Burmese Goodbye” by taking an hour to greet alumni on the way back to his car.
To avoid monotony, he takes a different route going out and coming back. He did not mind missing an exit; he would simply make a turn at the next one.
He, Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Ko Ko Aye (GBNF), Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me would meet monthly to have Coffee / Tea & Dosa တိုရှည် and chat.
Sometimes, Dr. San Lin would come down from Santa Rosa to see Saya U Soe Khaw (GBNF). Saya Allen & I would join them for lunch gathering, which extended until dinner.
Saya is interested in Comparative Religion & Culture. Saya U Aung’s anecdote mentioned Saya Allen’s visit to a mosque and Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore.
He supervised the C73 Final Year project, where his two students used the UCC computer.
Saya survived two Strokes, but succumbed to the one at the MEHS Reunion in Las Vegas. He joined his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin (MEHS57) to the Reunion.
Saya did not live long enough to see his four grandsons.
May Saya rest in peace.
Two Sayas
Brief Bio
Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin
Born in Mandalay, attended St. Joseph English Convent and St. Peter’s Boys’ School in Mandalay and the Methodist High School in Rangoon.
Graduated B Sc (Engg) in Civil Engineering in 1958 from Rangoon University and joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer in the same year at the invitation of Prof T Ba Hli, then Dean of Engineering.
Awarded the Burmese Government State Scholarship for study in the United States from 1960 to 1963, and the US Government Fulbright Travel Grant.
Received the degree of Master of Engineering from Harvard University in 1963, specializing in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.
Returned to Burma and joined the newly formed Rangoon Institute of Technology in Gyogon.
Served as Lecturer in Civil Engineering from 1964 to 1975, except from 1966 to 1968 which was spent on advanced study in Hydraulics Engineering in the Netherlands at Delft Technical University under UNESCO assistance program for Burma.
Immigrated to USA in 1975. Currently working at the California Department of Transportation as Project Engineer.
Married to Mu Mu Kin in 1971 and have two surviving children, Myo Lynn and Thuzar Kin. Mu Mu works at TIBCO Software Inc in Palo Alto to supplement the family income.
Work Experience:
Soils Engineer: Mueser Rutledge Wentworth and Johnston, New York, NY, 1975-1978.
Washington DC Metro Subway Project. Civil Engineer: International Engineering Company, Inc, San Francisco, CA, 1978-1983.
USAID Bangladesh Fertilizer Warehouses Construction Project.
Senior Staff Engineer: Morrison Knudsen Corporation, San Francisco, CA, 1984-1996.
DOE Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project.
Principal Research Associate: Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 1997.
DOE Yucca Mountain High Level Radioactive Materials Repository Project.
Transportation Engineer: California Department of Transportation, Oakland, CA, 1999-.
My dear parents gave me birth and brought me up to be a good son. My teachers taught me everything else I know. My land of birth, Myanmar, through the sweat and hard work of its citizens supported and paid for my engineering education and my studies abroad. To each and everyone I am obligated and I give my thanks. For it is narrated in Al-Hadith that one who does not thank one another in this life even for little favors is unworthy to thank the Lord for the big favor.
Updates
Saya retired twice.
He was coaxed by his former students to un-retire twice.
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) requested Saya to work at the Lawrence Livermore Lab at UC Berkeley.
Later, Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) requested Saya to work as Consultant for CalTrans.
He passed away before his final retirement.
There are four grandchildren. One has Allen as the first name. Another has Allen as the middle name.
Founding member of RIT Alumni International and served as its President.
Best known for his article, “Brother, can you afford US$500?”
In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Sayas’ books to YTU Library. She also offered scholarship to eligible YTU students via NorCal RITAA.
His friends sometimes call him “Htay Bo Htay”
Enrolled at Harvard University, but also attended some courses at MIT (e.g. “SCHEME” / Lexically scoped Lisp)
Loves to program his calculator using Reverse Polish Notation
Per Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, Saya Allen Htay is the eldest of five siblings (three brothers and two sisters). Youngest brother and youngest sister predeceased Younger brother is in Yangon. Younger sister in the US East Coast.
Civil 1958
Class photo was sent by Saya Allen Htay
Dr San Hla Aung helped to identify classmates
U Khin Maung Win (Sidney Chen, GBNF) supplied the photograph.
Class of Civil 58
Sitting: (1) U Pu (2) Dr. Aung Gyi (3) U Min Wun (4) U Ba Hli (5) Mr. Redpath (6) U Ngwe Thein (7) Mr. Eswara (8) Mr. Num Kock
1st Row: (1) Khin Maung (2) Than Aung (3) Htay Aung (4) Khin Maung Lwin (5) Kyaw Tin (6) Win Thein (7) Chit Pe (8) Shwe Tun Maung (9) Win Maung (10) Thein Lwin (11) Tun Yi (12) Than Pe
2nd Row: (1) V. Kumar (2) Kyaw Hoe (3) Allen Htay (4) Ba Hnin Chit (5) Kyaw Mya (6) Kyaw Din (7) Irwin Myaing (8) Chit Aye (9) Maung Maung (10) Nolan Wu (11) Morgan Singar
3rd Row: (1) Patrick George (2) Oscar Shirazee (3) Hla Shwe (4) Aung Par Thein (5) Saw Lwin (6) San Hla Aung (7) Shwe Win (8) Douglas Hoe (9) Sidney Chen
Notes
There was a mini-gathering at SPZP-2000. The attendees include
Mr. Num Kok (Portland, Oregon, GBNF)
Dr. Aung Gyi (Ottawa, Canada)
U Min Wun (Los Angeles, California, GBNF)
U Allen Htay (Mountain View, California, GBNF)
Dr. San Hla Aung (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Mr. Oscar Shirazee (Middle East)
When Sidney Chen’s health was failing, his daughter requested us to let his classmates and friends know that he was eager to regain contact with them. Sadly, he passed away.
Mr. Oscar and U Aye Win Hlaing used to work in Iran many years ago. Mr. Oscar’s spouse is the sister of U Ngwe Zoe (Peter, SPHS57, GBNF).
Due to schedule conflicts, Saya Dr. San Hla Aung could not attend some SPZPs. He retired at the age of 80. He is now free to attend many SPZPs.
Saya Dr. Win Thein (GBNF) succeeded Saya U Min Wun as Professor and Head of the Department. Except for a warning sign from an early Medical check up, Saya was healthy. He finally passed away in Yangon. His sister has donated Saya’s Garawa money to selected Charities.
Brother, can you afford Five Hundred Dollars?
And many weekends spent away from your family as well? If you can then you probably are a member of the RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe organizing committee.
It all began one day several months ago when we met over lunch at Benny Tan’s home in Hillsborough. Ko Hla Min and Ko Khin Maung Zaw among the lunch party had started the RIT Alumni website and were receiving enthusiastic responses. Hearing that the duo were carrying on the project all by themselves we decided to throw in our moral and financial support to assure its survival, realizing that it was providing a needed service for the RIT alumni to locate and communicate with each other. Every one present, ten of us at that time, took out our checkbooks and wrote out one hundred dollars each, with promises of more as needed. We informally called ourselves the RIT Alumni Bay Area Group. I was asked to be the group leader.
After that fateful event we continue to have regular meetings, hosted in turn at the homes of some among group members: Ko Hla Min, Maurice Chee, Ko Myat Htoo, Ko Thein Aung, and most recently Dr Nyo Win. Did I leave out any one? Ah yes! Ko Myint Swe and San San Swe. All the while the membership continues to grow and our objective keeps on changing from support of the website to some vague dream of a future RIT alumni organization on a global scale and finally settled on a plan for RIT Alumni Grand Reunion at the beginning of the 21st Century. Ko Hla Min broached the idea to include Saya Pu Zaw Pwe as part of the Grand Reunion in keeping with the Myanmar custom of honoring one’s teachers. As our plan jelled we got carried away by our own excitement and started talking about holding the reunion before the end of the Year 2000. After all, ending one millennium successfully augers well for success in the next millennium.
Before we fully realized what we were up to we have found an ideal site, the Embassy Suites Hotel conference hall near the San Francisco International Airport, and found ourselves making a commitment for a definite date, 28 October 2000 and a attendance fee of fifty dollars, a modest amount to encourage maximum number of Alumni to participate. The minimum capacity of the conference hall is 200 seats and we were required to make down payment and sign a rental and service agreement based on 200 seats. Our most optimistic estimate at the time was 100 attendees. If the attendance is low that means the Bay Area Group, as the Organizing Committee was not in force at the time, will have to make up the short fall. Which could amount to as much as five thousand dollars, or five hundred dollar from each group member. We hesitated a moment to reflect on what that means to us individually in terms of diminished spending power. But, in the end our attachment to RIT and the engineering profession, our sincere desire to meet the Sayas and class mates from whom we were separated for long over came us. We will accept the risks.
Thus was born the preparations in full swing for the Grand RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Others must tell the rest of the story – of struggles, compromises, and elations along the way and from participants themselves what it means to be present at the defining moment in the history of RIT Alumni.
Allen Htay, RIT Alumni International – Bay Area Group RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe Organizing Committee
Appreciation of SPZP-2000
Hello All:
Thanks and Congratulations for a well organized and well executed event. I believe we all went to bed early Sunday night irrespective of the change back to Standard Time (from Daylight Savings Time according to the rule “Spring forward, Fall back”) , and no doubt slept soundly and very happy, knowing full well what happened during the past three days is more than what we dared to dream. I for one took the Monday off and forgot lunch because I woke up so late. But what is one missed lunch!
Allen Htay
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Dear Ko Maung Maung Than (M79):
Thanks for your note of appreciation for the RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Everybody chipped in: the sayas, organizers, committee members, helpers, supporters like you which we were very fortunate to have, the alumni and general guests and well-wishers. We won’t be able to host an event of this magnitude and importance if any of the components were missing.
Success belongs to everyone.
Thanks again for your generous support
Allen Htay
Remembering Saya Allen Htay
From Saya U Thit
Dear Colleagues and students
I am very sad to hear that Allen Htay passed away.
I have known Allen Htay since the early 1950s when we were both students at Methodist High School, Yegyaw, East Yangon. He was one year junior to me.
We were together again in the late 1950s when we were both Assistant Lecturers at B.O.C. Engineering College. During that time he and I together with Saya Num Kock and Saya U Aung Khin went for an excursion to visit Lawpita Hydroelectric Plant construction site near Loikaw, in Kayah State.
While I was living on the R.I.T. campus in the early 1960s he moved to a house just across the street from us.
I will always remember him coming to our house many times in the evenings for a chat with my family.
The last time I saw him was at the 2004 Saya Puzawpwe in Yangon.
He will be sadly missed by many of his friends and students.
May his soul rest in Peace.
Maung Thit (Metallurgy) Melbourne, Australia
From the alumni in Australia
By Ko “Henry” Thet Tun
Our sincere and deepest condolences to Saya U Allen Htay & family for the demise of Saya.
From the RIT Alumni Australia & Myanmar Engineering Association of Australia Inc.
From Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) and Daw Lily (T72)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
We are very much saddened by the departure of Saya Allen Htay. Please convey our heartfelt condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. His good nature and kind demeanor will always live in our memory and that of those who loved him.
While we will all miss Saya Allen very much, I hope all his loved ones can find some slight comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended.
Very Sincerely, Tin Win and Lily.
From Ko Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Without the RIT Alumnu Updates, I would not have known about the passing of our (me and George Peters) final year thesis supervisor Saya U Allen Htay.
Thank you for your regular as well as supplement updates.
Please convey our deepest condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of great loss and sadness.
Best regards, Dennis (Kyaw Thu) (C73) and Alice U
Editor’s Notes: Dennis and Alice have relocated to Canada.
From Saya U Soe Paing and Daw Saw Yu Tint
My friend Allen Htay (GBNF)
Some years ago I wrote an article for the ex-RIT.org about my saya friends at RIT which included Allen Htay.
I met Allen Htay when I joined the 1st Year BSc (Engg) class at the Faculty of Engineering at Leikkhone in 1958 .Ko San Hla Aung was our drawing instructor for the main majors (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), and Allen Htay was the instructor for the rest.
In December1958, I went on State Scholarship to Stanford University. When I returned home after completing my studies, I found myself on the same ship S S Warickshire from Liverpool to Yangon with Allen Htay, Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri Eng) and Ko Ko Lay (UCC). There was also another Myanmar Ko Than Pe, a Chartered Accountant, on the ship. Those days it was customary for the Government to send the returning scholars by ship.
We normally had our meals together seated at the Chief engineer’s table. After dinner we would play bridge to spend the time. Ko Ko Lay partnered with Ko Tin Maung Nyunt and Allen Htay and Ko Than Pe took turns as my partner against them. We played almost every night after dinner and all of us became very good friends.
We got back to Yangon in October 1963. Allen Htay rejoined RIT. I was posted to RIT in January 1964 and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt in March 1964 and so we were together again. When I got married and moved into the RIT staff quarters I was at 16F, Allen Htay at 16E and Ko Tin Maung at 16D. We visited each others house very often. We also became friendly with Allen Htay’s brothers and sisters.
I have attached a photo taken during Thingyan 1966 with Allen Htay (2nd from left) and his youngest brother (extreme right).
I left RIT for UCC and the UN, and Allen Htay and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt went to the United States. All of us met gain in the Bay Area in 1985, 2001 and 2010. I saw Allen Htay at the RIT reunions in 2004 (Yangon), 2007 and 2010 (Singapore).
He could not make it to the 2012 reunion in Yangon because of his health. He was a mild mannered soft spoken gentleman and we will all miss him. May he rest in peace.
Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s Spouse)
“Let me count the ways [to love]” by Elizabeth Browning is a poem present by Ma Ma Mu to Saya Allen.
Donations in Saya Allen’s Memory
In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin
donated Saya’s books to YTU Library
provided cabinets for Saya’s books
sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students
Ko Maurice Chee (M75) coordinated the donation of books.
NorCal RITAA and some volunteer alumni from Yangon coordinated the selection of scholarship recipients.
Worked briefly at Namtu mines before joining Electrical Engineeering Department at Rangoon University
Reunion
Saya of our sayas. His students include Saya U Sein Hlaing and Saya U Tin Swe
Requested C Ping Lee (father of Dr. Win Aung M62) to join EE department. HE U Than Aung asked Saya C Ping Lee (his former student at SPHS) to head Technical & Vocational Training Directorate and to improve curriculum (e.g GTI).
President of RIT Electrical Engineering Association
RIT EE Association
Patron of Hlyat Sit Sar Saung Committee
Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
Taught “Principles of Electrical Engineering” to non-engineering students. Sayas who later taught the course include Sayas U Myo Kyi & U Moe Aung.
Told a class that suitors of his lovely daughters must be doctors (medical or Ph.D). Anecdote was recounted by “Doctor” Tin Aung Win (spouse of Dorothy Kyaw Tun) for SPZP-2000. Saya’s elder daughter Elizabeth (Dr. Daw Tin Nu) has a Doctorate in English.
After retirement, Saya visited Australia
Passed away peacefully in Yangon
Spouse passed away during our RIT days. We attended her memorial service at Saya’s home.
Updates
Several EE sayas are GBNF.
For SPZP-2010, I wrote “A Sad & Short Clip : EE Sayas”.
Dr. Khin Nyo Thet (GBNF) and FamilyMa Nyo and Thor
By Thor Win Aye
We’re coming to the end now. We’ve said our I love you’s and have started saying our goodbyes, or if you like, our farewells and until-next-times.
But while I have you, let me say thank you for all your love, attention, lessons learned and patience along the way. Thank you for fighting all these long years to stay alive.
Cancer three times in one life? It just doesn’t seem fair. And well it’s not.
You’re a good person who has spent her life in the service of others. A caretaker and healer of our youth, as a pediatrician. A dedicated, dutiful daughter who sacrificed to care for her mother, no matter the cost. A leader and the center of our Burmese community, helping recent immigrants find work, help, housing and most importantly a connection to their community. You were the mom on the block that gave all my friends hugs, kisses, meals, rides and love. Everybody loved you. And how could they not? We were so lucky to have you.
You’re the most important person in my life. I cannot imagine a world, my world without you. But in the same breath, I see how much pain and suffering you’ve already endured. I can see your energy draining and see that the things that once brought you happiness, are now belabored and joyless. I’ll miss your brutally honest feedback, your big warm hugs, your delicious cooking but more than anything, I’ll miss your Unconditional love. No matter what I did, where we were or how long we’d been apart, I knew you’d be thinking about me and missing me too. You’d always support and love me, with no strings attached. I’ve been so blessed to have you in my life.
But Mom, if you’re ready to go. I’m ready to let you. I’ll miss you every day for the rest of my life. Go in peace and with our love and blessings.
You’ll always be in my heart. I love you.
Notes
Ma Nyo(Dr. Khin Nyo Thet)
Sept. 17, 1946 – May 3, 2021
Matriculated from Methodist English High School (MEHS) in 1963
MBBS from Institute of Medicine (2) in 1970
MD, Pediatrician
Hobbies Tennis, Pickle Ball, Music, Dancing, Bridge, Mah Jong
Parents Professor Dr. Kyaw Thet and Sayama Daw Khin Khin Gyi (Pioneer History Teachers)
Siblings U Lyn Maung Thet (GBNF), Dr. Lyn Aung Thet (Athlete Scholar), Daw Khin Aye Thet (GBNF)
Spouse Dr. “Lyn” Swe Aye (Lynston Than Maung) Author, Translator, Editor, Musician, Athlete
Co-founder of “Aye Thet Scholarship” with spouse Awarded at TBSA “Summer Dhamma School” at Dhammananda Vihara
Children Mimi Thabye Aye, Thor Win Aye
Thor Win Aye was an early recipient of the Scholarship / Award. He wrote an article for the Dhammananda Newsletter. He also gave Guest Lectures at the TBSA Summer Dhamma School.
Messages
Alice and Ma Nyo
Dr. Khin Nyo Thet, My dear courageous friend who succumbed to cancer, I will miss you . You will always be in my prayers. I love you tha-nge-gyin. May you rest in peace. Saw Yu Tint (Alice)
Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. May she Rest In Peace in a higher abode. Khin Maung Htay (Tommy Htay), Than Than Htay and family.
Goodbye Dearest Friend Nyo Nyo, So glad to catch up last year. As the saying goes ” ရှေ့ကသွားလေတော့နောက်ကလိုက်ခဲ့မယ်”. We will be following you, the one who left ahead. Love you. Desiree
My dear cousin NyoNyo, May you rest in peace . My deep and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Maureen Khin
I’m so sad to hear that Nyo has passed away. She was so strong and brave right till the end. My deepest condolences to Ko Swe Aye and family. Rest in Peace, Nyo, you are suffering no more. Toni Than
My beloved sister, you were my hero and my confidant. I will miss you so much. I admired you most for your caring nature towards family and friends, your extraordinary energy, amazing courage and strength. You will always be in my heart and my prayers. May you reside in a more peaceful and higher abode. Khin Mae Hla
Thank you for all your remembrances and condolences, Lyn Swe Aye, Mimi Thabyay and Thor
Given current size limitations on gatherings, a family-only service will be held at Skylawn Cemetery in San Mateo.
A memorial service may be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Theravada Buddhist Society of America (Aye-Thet Scholarship Fund), 17450 S. Cabrillo Hwy. Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
An Old Paulian is a former student of St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon.
SPHS was founded by De La Salle Brothers in 1860.
The school was nationalized on April 1, 1965. It became No. 6 Botathaung State High School.
GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
Year of Matriculation is stated wherever possible
Alphabetical Order
Alan Khoo / Than Win : 54
Alan Saw Mg / Khin Maung Bo : 63
Edwin Ngwe / Aye Ngwe (L), Alan Saw Maung / Khin Maung Bo (3rd from L), Victor Chaw / Aung Chaw (5th from left, Arthur Kyi / Aung Kyi (3rd from R), Tin Tun (2nd from R) are GBNF
Alfred Saw Mg / Khin Maung Maung : 64
Arthur Kyi / Aung Kyi : 63
Aung Chaw / Victor Chaw : 63
Aung Khin : 63
Aung Kyi / Arthur Kyi : 63
Aung Lwin Nyo : 70
Aung Myint : 64
Aung Thu Yein / Brownie Way : 63
Brownie Way / Aung Thu Yein
Aung Thwin : 63
Aye Kyaw : 64
Aye Ngwe / Edwin Ngwe : 63
Brownie Way / Aung Thu Yein : 63
Chit Po Po : 63
Eddie Khoo / Kyi Win : 57
Edward Tai / Kyaw Sint : 63
Edwin Ba Hein / Yi Thway : 65
Edwin David : 63
Edwin Ngwe / Aye Ngwe : 63
Freddie Ba San / Myo San : 63
Freddie Sein : 63
Gerald Sein / San Maung : 54
Gilbert Thaw / Min Thaw : 63
Han Kyu Pe : 64
Han Shein / Hla Moe : 56
Han Tin : 56
Han Tun Maung : 60
Henry Saw Naing : 60
Hla Min / Pauk Si : 64
Hla Moe / Han Shein : 56
Hla Myint / Michael : 60
Hla Myint (Snow)
Htay Lwin Nyo : 68
John Tin Win : 58
John Tint / Khin Maung Myint : 66
Khin Maung Aye : 61
Khin Maung Bo / Alan Saw Maung : 63
Khin Maung Lay : 61
Khin Maung Htun : 58
Khin Maung Maung / Alfred Saw Maung : 64
Khin Maung Myint / John Tint : 66
Ko Ko Lay : 56
Kyaw Khin : 63+
Kyaw Lwin Nyo :
Kyaw Phone Myint / Victor Kyaw Phyo : 64
Kyaw Sein Hla : 65
Kyaw Sint / Edward Tai : 63
Kyi Swan : 58
Kyi Win / Eddie Khoo : 57
L Shark Moon : 60
Maung Maung Aye : 63
Maung Maung Gyi (Dr) : 63
Maung Maung Gyi / Henry Than Htay / Thein Tan : 64
Maung Maung Khant : 66
Maung Maung Kyi : 63
Maung Maung Myint
Maung Maung Kyi
Maung Maung Myint Kyaw : 65
Maung Maung Thaung : 63
Michael Hla Myint : 60
Michael Yeo / Oo Thwin : 54
Micky Tan / Thein Aung : 59
Min Thaw / Gilbert Thaw : 63
Mya Maung : 5x
Myint Sein / Bobby : 64
Myint Soe : 62
Myint Thein : 62
Myint Thin : 65
Myo San / Freddie Ba San : 63
Freddie (Right)
Ngwe Zoe / Peter Gale : 57
Nyunt Tin : 52
Oo Thwin / Michael Yeo : 54
Peter Gale / Ngwe Zoe : 57
Phillip Ba Maung : 63
Raymond Ba Phyu / Sein Lwin
San Maung / Gerald Sein : 54
Saw Naing / Henry : 60
Sein Lwin / Raymond Ba Hpyu
Sein Tin : 5x
Shwe Zan Aung : 63
Soe Aung : 65
Soe Nyunt : 65+
Sonny Yone Sein : 63+
Sydney Khant : 63+
Than Toe : 60
Than Win / Alan Khoo : 54
Thein Aung / Micky Tan : 59
Thet Tun : 58
Tin Hlaing : 59
Tin Nwe : 63
Tin Tun : 63
Tin Tun
Tin Win : 58
Tint Kyi : 67
U Wara / Win Paing : 64
U Wara
Win Myint : 58
Win Paing / U Wara : 64
Winston Sein Maung : 65
Victor Chaw / Aung Chaw : 63
Victor Kyaw Phyo / Kyaw Phone Myint : 64
Yi Thway / Edwin Ba Hein : 65
Updates
SPHS was nationalized in 1965.
A few joined SPHS, but matriculated from No. 6 Botathaung State High School
Some (who have two names) are listed with an asterisk