Category: GBNF

  • Memories (5)

    Memories (5)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 2026

    Sayadaws

    Mogok Sayadaw U Vimala

    • Vipassana Teacher
    Mogok

    Sayadaw U Thitthila

    • Pali Scholar
    • Gave dhamma talks and courses in UK and Europe
    U Thitthila

    U Jotika

    • EP73 Graduate
    • Author and Dhamma Lecturer

    Relatives

    U Myo Myint, Daw Tin Tin Win and Dr. Khin Win Myint

    U Myo Myint, Daw Tin Tin Win, Dr. Khin Win Myint

    Gathering in Sydney, Australia

    Htay Aung, Tin Tin Hlaing

    Memories

    MARB

    • Guest Lecturer
    • Myanmar Astro Research Bureau
    Veda

    Mild Injury

    • About a decade ago, had a mild injury in the left hand
    • Need Physical Therapy
    Self
    Rel 1

    SF Bay Area

    • RIT Sayas and Alumni in the San Francisco Bay Area
    • Guest : Dr. Tin Hlaing (Singapore)
    • Saya Allen Htay and Saya U San Tun have passed away
    SF Bay Area

    Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF)

    • Collegiate Scholarship Winner in 1963; 11th in Burma
    • Alumnus of Dresden University : Chemical Engineering with Specialty in Pulp and Paper
    • Worked for Sittang & Ye Nay Paper Mills in Burma; Paper Mills in Wales
    • Spouse : Khin May Than (ChE72)
    • Sons : Dr. Rimon Than (RAF Squadron Leader, GBNF); Dr. Khemar Than
    MMK, KMT, Rimon

    Dr. Freddie Ba San / Myo San (GBNF)

    • Collegiate Scholarship Winner in 1963; Third in Burma
    • Surgeon
    FBS

    Myint Thin (GBNF)

    • SPHS65, M71
    • RIT Luyechun
    • Rowed for RIT
    • Alumnus of Halliburton
    • Passed away in Singapore
    MT

    Dr. Soe Win

    • SPHS58; First in Burma in 1958
    • Chemistry Honors from RU
    • Ph.D from Imperial College, London University
    • Retired Rector, YUFL
    • Spouse : Daw May Saw Lwin (Chemistry Professor)
    DSW1
    DSW 2
    DSW 3

    Madan Chand (GBNF)

    • Matriculated from Myitkyina and joined 1st BE in November 1964. He was wrongly posted to G-Hall (residence for female students).
    • Stood Second in the Class of C70. He joined the RIT Civil Engineering Department along with U Aung and U Aye Win Kyaw (GBNF).
    Madan Chand, U Aye Win Kyaw & U Aung
    Madan Chand & Sheila
    • Also worked for PPFC.
    • He moved to USA. He worked for the Illinois Dept. of Transportation.
    • Often visited the Chan Myei Meditation Center in Springfield, Illinois. Visited Southern California to see sayas, former colleagues, friends and relatives.
    • Spouse : Sheila
    • Vijay B. Chand posted news of his father’s demise on the morning of December 9, 2022, and about his Last Journey on December 12, 2022.
  • Memories (4)

    Memories (4)

    by Hla Min

    Update : September 2026

    For Easy Listening

    Around the World

    Bundle of Joy

    • Myee / Grand child
    Myee

    Relatives

    • Beloved Parents
    • Parents-in-law
    • Aunts and Uncles
    • Siblings
    • Nephews and Nieces
    • Cousins
    Rel 1
    Rel 2
    Rel 3
    Rel 4
    Rel 5
    Rel 6
    Rel 7
    Rel 8

    Friends

    Win Latt
    Alumni
    Alumni / SDYF
    69ers
    69ers
    SPZP-2012
    Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Nyunt Nyunt Wai

    Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF)

    Dr. Koung Nyunt
    • A67
    • Secretary, RIT Photography Association
    • Pen name : Kogyi Koung
    • Doctorate from Japan. Found his love life “Moe Moe”.
    • Due to immigration laws in Myanmar & Japan, the family decided to move to Auckland, New Zealand.
    • Organizer for RIT events in New Zealand.
    • Wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter

    Articles

    • Two Forgotten Songs from RIT. One is a favorite of Saya U Tha Tun (Head of Department).
      Another is about Ma Ma Q & her fans (sayas and alumni).
    • Photo essay on Kyaik Hti Yo Development. Saya U Min Wun wrote a supplement article for the Project.
    • Letter to Thagyar Min to second his favorable opinion on Naw Louisa Benson (Miss Burma & movie actress).
    • About some paintings
    • Quoted Reverend F Lutvig (Ashin Ananda, Laureate Poet) in his articles.

    Contact

    • He passed away, but Moe Moe kept contact with Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70) and other alumni in Australia.

    (1) Forgotten Songs of RIT

    by Kogyi Koung

    First Song

    It was one afternoon in the early May of 1963. Someone was singing a prewar semi-classic song from the second floor of RIT main building. In 1963, RIT buildings were relatively new and that semi-classic song caused a little bit of discomfort for the freshmen [equivalent to 3rd BE] located on the first floor. The song continued as,
    (. hmain: njou. njou. sain: lou. je . njou pja ji hmaung che . to: dan: kalei: nanbei: ga swe . e:di jwa be: kwe…)

    The meaning is: Dull and gloomy cloud override at the horizon; Indistinct brown and dim bluish vision of a wood jetting out from that end is my village … *Note: The title of the song is ‘Htamin: mjein mjein sa: me’ i.e., “ထမင်းမြိန်မြိန်စားမယ် Enjoying the meal with relish”. The duet song was first performed by prewar famous singers Ou’ O: Ba Thaung and Sein Party. Later many other singers have rendered their own versions of the song.

    We saw an old man singing the song while he was painting watercolor on a huge art paper. He was painting the landscape described in the song. Amazingly the picture was full of life and the song was telling the story. Everybody stopped in front of his office on the second floor and looking with wonder and singing with him.

    After a while we asked him, “Sayagyi, who are you and which department do you belong to?”
    He replied, “I am U Tha Tun, Head of the Department of Architecture”. Oh, my God! How stupid that we, the freshmen of Architecture, don’t even know the head of our department. As time passed, we learned more about ‘The Great U Tha Tun’.

    When we became senior students, U Tha Tun’s health deteriorated so much that Saya U Myo Myint Sein (Raymond, A58) stepped up as a ‘Kagemusha’ [Japanese for “shadow-warrior”]. UMMS, as acting head, took care of everything about the department. Young and energetic Saya UMMS found that it was not easy to steer the department as Captain of Architecture’s Flag Ship. There were lots of problems for a relatively young department in RIT.

    One such problem occurred during our final year. Two of the most experienced Sayas of architecture left the department and went abroad [for enhancing their careers]. They were (a) Saya U Sein Maung (with elegant moustache) has long experience in Rangoon City Development Corporation. He taught each and every detail of the development of Rangoon. (b) Saya M.B. Raschid (son of U Raschid, minister of many affairs under Prime Minister U Nu). He taught with all his professional experience and perfect pronunciation of King’s Burmese with ‘zagaboun စကားပုံ’ proverbs. Sometimes he corrected our broken Burmese.

    Saya UMMS, Head of the department, not only had lost his right and left hand men, but also there was a danger that the notorious Koung Nyunt and Kyaw Thein (both A67) might not finish their Architecture degrees.

    After a long struggle, Saya UMMS stabilized the flagship of Architecture and its direction. A pioneer of the Architecture of RIT, Professor U Myo Myint Sein handed over the headship to Dr. Maung Kyaw in early 80’s. In the late 80’s Dr. Lwin Aung (A59) took over.

    Second Song

    For creative and original works, Architects cannot design during the office hours. It is also true [to a lesser degree] for the students of architecture. During the lectures and tutorial hours we [as students] have to follow what they have taught. After school hours [mostly after 4 or 5 pm], we start to create and test our design ideas. Note that for other students and staff of RIT, such periods are the pleasure and relaxation time.

    There were only a few girls in Architecture, but the one in our studio is especially alluring beauty and glamorous face. She was so popular that she became known as the queen of the student-architects. We called her Ma Ma Q.

    Most of the evenings many senior students and young eligible bachelors and/or sayas visit our studio. Some stay late into the evenings. At that time we sang a song named ‘Saga: ta’ kathou’ i.e., Language University, by Khin Yu May.

    Because in the song, one part said ‘dage lar te. Ko Ko. kwe ja hmar ba lou lou’ i.e., really coming Ko Ko, out of sight he is sth in the air.

    Ma Ma Q didn’t know the meaning, but the visiting Ko Kos were annoyed by our song. They politely requested us to stop singing. At that time the notorious KN and KT asked ‘hse’ kjei:’ i.e., extortion money about 2-3 kyats from the Ko Kos and went to U Chit tea shop. This continued for days and weeks.

    When the Ko Kos are not visiting our studio, we sang the following song, instead of Ma Ma Q. i.e., Third Song. (Note. Extract from Shwe Kyi: nyo song by Daw Ngwe Myaing)
    ‘Diga nei. nya hpjin. lar ma te. so: joun ya hmar lar: akou Kja.ma ne. ne: te. Shwe kyi: nyo Shwe kyi: nyo Shwe kyi: nyo’
    “To-night coming you said so, may I believe Ako.. Near the blessed golden crow, golden crow, golden crow…”

    (2) Article (Sept/Nov 2000)

    With all of those excellent works and flying colours for Saya Pu Zaw Pwe, your organizing committee is a living history of RIT. Our Sayas, Sayamas and Saya-Gyis have contributed their unlimited knowledge to affect and benefit our lives. Many of our Sayas and colleagues have sent their thanksgiving letters to your web site.

    I feel guilty in staying quietly at a corner of the Southern Hemisphere. Actually I am busy, because of my article ‘Wanna Migrate to New Zealand, 3/15/00’ that you published on the ex-rit web site. After that article, I got many inquires/contacts by e-mail and direct phone calls, especially from SE Asia. In July there are 133 migrants and in September 28 migrants are now in Auckland, and expecting another over 50 in November 2000. All speak the common language “Burmese” with their own native accents. Now I know our Sayas and colleagues speak “King’s Burmese” in RIT.

    I would like to honor my Sayas with a poem from our forefathers-cum-engineers how they had built a city.


    Title: ‘SHWE PYI GYI’ (Golden Capital City)

    Sweet sound of drums and silver bells
    Coming from the Palace
    Can be heard reverberating in the air
    And I can see the palace roofs,
    The graduated turrets and buildings
    Encompassed by haze.
    And, my dear girl, I can still faintly see
    The silhouettes of a high pagoda
    Reaching nearly to the clouds
    And of super-imposed roofs (i.e., pyathat)
    Oh my dear, don’t you hear
    A melodious sound of small bells
    Coming from the golden monastery?
    Our golden capital city must be near.
    (By U Ku: 1827-1895 Translated by Rev. Friedrich V. Lustig)

    Dear Sayas and colleagues,

    We see not only the Panoramic Photo of golden capital city of our ancient time, but can hear the sound-scape with audio-visual scene. Silhouettes effect of high pagoda in the haze has shown the air perspective of city skyline. We try to sketch the imaginary scene of ancient city in the architectural studios of RIT in the middle of 60’s. The discussion topic of ‘Ancient City Skyline’ is not only interested by the architectural students, but also from various students of other departments from RIT.

    This is the starting point to form the ‘RIT Photographic Club’. According to my diary, first general meeting was chaired by Saya U Myo Myint Sein on Saturday, 1 May 1965 at the Department of Architecture. The general meeting selected Professor U Myo Myint Sein as President of RIT Photographic Club and the author as the secretary.

    After forming the executive committee, the club took part in various activities and many outstanding photographers from the club took major prizes from Burma Photographic Society and Myawadi Magazine. e.g., Ko San Aung, M74 is the owner of the famous ‘Photo Lab USA’, (i.e., initials for U San Aung) in Yangon is originally from this club. Kjei: zu: tin: bar-de, many thanks for my Sayas and colleagues

    Koung Nyunt (Auckland, New Zealand).

    (3) Letter to Tha-gyar-min

    by Kogyi Koung

    Date: Thursday, 14 April 2011 (3:40pm. Thin-gyan Akya-ne.)
    P.O. Box; Top of the never used RIT water tower
    Ashe. Jo. Koun (East Gyogone): RIT Compound, Insein, Rangoon, Burma

    Dear Your Majesty the Sovereign of Tawadein dha တာဝတိံသာ

    As from the beginning of 1960’s our RIT is like the last paradise on earth, with all enjoyments, teachings, preaching, learning, playing sports and friendship never sails away. Kogyi Koung recollects the stories at the time of 60’s RIT and retold the fairy-tales to our Bushido-Burmans at gatherings in Auckland, NZ. However, the young generations of Maha Bandoola do not believe the stories, and they whispered by themselves that Kogyi Koung is now ‘Yin yin galay Yuu-nay-pyi-de’ ယဉ်ယဉ်ကလေး ရူးနေ ပြီတဲ့

    Your Majesty the Tha-gyar-min-gyi please take this message to Tawadein dha and explain to my late Sayas and colleagues there, that my stories are not fabricated.

    I have the evidences. For example, I have sent a message to RIT alumni update (February 6, 2010) as follows,

    Dear U Hla Min,

    It is sad news for our elder brothers at RIT, especially those who reside at E and F block during the beginning of 60’s.

    A term called “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” မပြောမရှိကြနဲ့ဟေ့ was coined at that time. When I visited my elder brother [U Than Soe, M63] at E block (when I was at Leik-khone I.Sc). I heard somebody shout “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” Then I looked outside. Everybody lined up at corridor and they were looking at a far side on top of the entrance hall that is attached to a two story house.

    I could not believe my eyes. She was a beauty queen, who had Miss Burma two times excising physical training on the porch. I noted down in my diary and the rallying cry “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” She is Naw Louisa Benson Craig. Now she has left our brothers’ heart at age 69.

    Yours etc. (“Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.”)

    When I retold that story here at Auckland, everybody laughed like ‘Wa:lone kwe:aung ye kya de”. I said it is not a joke. I have evidence.

    Also, Kogyi Koung explained about the following, written by Maung Maung Hla, a Karen pastor in Rangoon who was close to Naw Louisa during her youth, remembered her aloud : “She had a little mole on her cheek and she had a kind heart. She was also a very good singer.”

    This statement has no evidence.

    However, Tha-gyar-min-gyi if you find Naw Louisa at Tawadein dha, please ask if what I wrote is true?

    (4) Architecture Students and Staff

    I have an old group photo taken about the end of 1963, and all the known information are printed. Inside the brackets are where about of the person [at the time of the post].

    Top of the photo:

    Department of Architecture
    Rangoon Institute of Technology
    1963 ~ 64

    Bottom of the photo:

    Front row, L to R

    • Jim Lim (3rd. Year) [?]
    • Ma Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, 1st.Year) [San Francisco, California, US]
    • U Myo Myint Sein B.Arch (Rgn) M. Arch (Mch) [Los Angeles, California, US]
    • U Tha Tun B.Sc, F.R.I.B.A. (Fellowship of Royal Institute of British Architects), A.A. Dip (Lond.), A.M.T.P.I.(Associate Member of Town Planning Institute), F.I.B.A., Head of Department [Deceased on 13 September 1974]
    • U Yone Mo B.Sc (Hon) Rgn, B.Sc (Engg)Lond, A.C.G.I, A.M.I. Mech.E, A.M.I.Loco.E, Principal [Deceased]
    • Mr. S. Ozhegov, Cand. Of Arch, Master of Fine Arts, UZBEK, U.S.S.R [Moscow]
    • Miss Rosalind Maung (Ma Pyi Aye, 2nd Year) [Rangoon]
    • Htin Myaing (Ben, 2nd Year) [New York, US]

    2nd. Row, L to R

    • Tun Thein (1st Year) [Los Angeles, California, US]
    • Tin Aung (2nd Year) [Melbourne, Australia]
    • Yaco B.E. Mayet (3rd Year) [?]
    • Than Tun (3rd Year) [Rangoon]
    • Sonny Chin (2nd Year) [?]
    • Hla Thein (1st Year) [New York, US]
    • E. I. Jeewa (3rd Year) [?]
    • Aung Pa Win (1st Year) [Chicago, Illinois, US]

    Back Row, L to R

    • Aung Kyaw Min (3rd Year) [Rangoon]
    • M. (Ku?) hlgh (2nd Year) [?]
    • Than Htike (3rd Year) [Warsaw, Poland]
    • William Chen (2nd Year) [?]
    • C. E. Munnee (1st Year) [?]
    • Koung Nyunt (1st Year) [Auckland, New Zealand, GBNF]
    • Kyaw Thein (1st Year) [Deceased 22 April 2001]

    Absentees:

    • Win Myint (1st Year) [Rangoon]
    • Win Naing (1st Year) [?]

    Note:

    1st Year B. Arch, 10 students (8 passed and 2 failed)
    2nd Year B. Arch, 5 students (3 passed and 2 failed)
    3rd Year B. Arch, 6 students (3 passed and 3 failed)
    Several Architecture students failed in of a subject from other departments. There was no moderation. If one gets 49% or less of the grade, the student has to repeat all subjects next year.

    Editor’s Note

    I cannot find the photo mentioned by Kogyi Koung.

    The early sayas and sayamas of the Architecture Department include :

    • U Thar Tun (GBNF)
    • Pi-thu-kar Kyaw Min (GBNF)
    • U Myo Myint Sein (USA)
    • U Bilal Raschid (USA)
    • Dr. Maung Kyaw (GBNF)
    • Dr. Lwin Aung (Retired as Pro-Rector)
    • Artist/Bagyee Aung Soe
    • U Maung Maung
    • U Sein Maung (Stanley Ba Pe)
    • U Maung Maung Phone Myint
    • Dr. Koung Nyunt (GBNF)
    • U Hla Than (Retired as Rector)
    • Daw Min Thet Mon (Pamela Myo Min, Retired Professor)
    • Daw Swe Swe Aye
    • U Maung Hlaing
    • Sai Yee Leik (GBNF)

  • News Update သာရေး နာရေး

    by Hla Min

    Updated : August 2026

    Recent Losses

    Saya U Lay Aung (M/Auto64)

    • Retired Mech Engg Lecturer
    • Taught at RIT and Assumption University
    • Was active in RIT Buddhist Association
    • Passed away in Yangon
    • Ko Moe Zaw and Ma May Hlaing organized the Last Journey for Saya U Lay Aung
    • Ko Maung Maung Lay and Ko San Lin (မောင်လူပေ) shared their memories of Saya
    U Lay Aung

    Ko Lin Kyi (C74)

    • Ko Lin Kyi / Ronald Lwee
    • Passed away in Northern California.
    • သက်ပျောက်ဆွမ်း was offered at Kusalakari Monastery in Spady Rd, Fremont, California

    Three 69ers

    • Ko Thaung Htay (C69er) passed away in Myanmar
    • Ko Kyaw Naing (69er) passed away in Myanmar
    • Ko Win Thein Zaw / Wai Lu (Min69) passed away in Myanmar
    Ko Win Thein Zaw
    Obituary
    Last Journey
    Win Thein Zaw

    Dana

    • Maung Mar Ga & team : Eradication of Starvation
    Ma Myint Myint & Maung Mar Ga
    • Ko Maung Maung Lay & Ma Khin Nyunt Yee : Medicine
    Maung Maung Lay & Khin Nyunt Yee
    • Ko Ivan Lee (M69) : $3600 to MASTAA
    Ivan Lee & Saya U Aung Khin
    • Fred Thetgyi (M69) : requested Ko Aung Min & team to donate on his behalf for ဝမ်းရောဂါ ကာကွယ်ရေး
    Fred Thetgyi, HM, Saya U Aung Khin, Ivan Lee
    • Saya Ko Ye Myint (ChE70) : K40 Lakhs for Health Care of eligible sayas and sayamas
    ChE မိသားစု
  • 2011

    2011

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    Naing Win (M70)

    Passed away in Yangon in January, 2011. His spouse Polly Win (Polly Ba San) represented Burma in swimming. I met her at A Lo Daw Pyie Kyaung, Apache Junction, Arizona.

    Kyaw Nyein (UCC)

    Passed away in March 2011 because of heart failure. He was not feeling well and was going downstairs for the toilet when he collapsed. They took him to RGH and he passed away in the emergency room.

    Yin Kyu (M/Ag67)

    • Passed away on 26th April, 2011 at 8:45 am.
    • Worked for Public Works (Construction Corporation) as superintending engineer and retired in 2006.
    • Died of kidney failure, based on diabetes.

    Chit Po Po (M69)

    Chit Po Po

    Win Boh (Robert, EC69) wrote :

    • It is with my great sadness, to inform you that our close friend Ko Chit Po Po (M69, beloved husband of Dr. Daisy Saw) passed away at Asia-Taw Win Private Hospital YGN on 15 Jan 2011 Saturday early morning.
    • I have phoned his brother-in-Law Stanley Saw (M71) in New Zealand to convey our 69ers’ condolence.
    • His daughter Thiri Po in Sydney will be leaving soon to YGN for funeral.
    • Kindly pass on this message to Ko Chit Po Po’s friends far and near.

    Thein Swe (EP69) wrote :

    • It is sad news. Ko Chit Po Po (M69, ex-irrigation, tall and smiling Yangonite) passed away.
    • He and his brother (Dr ?) U Chit Ko Ko were close friends of my spouse’s brothers.
    • Before he went back to Yangon he stayed in Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand, etc. After he quit Irrigation Dept he ran an engineering (medium sized) company of Installation and Services for Air-cons and refrigerators, etc. in Lanmadaw Township.
    • He was a friendly classmate.
    • Unwillingly or in sadness we have to lose another friend.

    Tin Myint (John, M69) wrote :

    • It is a shock to me in hearing the sad news of Ko Chit Po Po, who was a very close friend, co-worker and also my lunch mate in the Irrigation Department at 81/2 mile workshop location.
    • He and I and another classmate rode the same Mazda car to work and coming back from work everyday.
    • He and I ate our lunch everyday.
    • I still remember vividly that during lunch time, after opened his lunch box and discovered fried shrimps, he would offered me his jumbo shrimps and skipped his lunch.
    • I enjoyed shrimps while he had no interest in shrimps.
    • He and I usually had one e-mail/year with exception of having two e-mails the most.
    • This year I received his e-mail once and I tried to have more e-mails and more info from him.
    • Now I received this sad news.

    Aung Thu Yein (EC69) wrote :

    Our Colleague/Comrade/Friend – Chit Po Po,

    • We will miss you.
    • Just talking about you a few days ago.
    • Why so fast?
    • Why so sudden !!!

    True Friends – Their Top 10 Characteristics (By Martin Sawdon)

    1. When you forget the song in your heart, a friend is someone who sings it back to you. (Helen Steiner)
    2. A friend’s support is unconditional: when the going gets tough a friend is right there beside you.
    3. A friend has seen you at your worst and loves you even so.
    4. A friend is someone with whom you can share secrets in confidence.
    5. You can phone a friend for help even in the middle of the night.
    6. A friend is honest with you, deflates your ego and inflates your Self.
    7. A friend shares your sense of humor, provides nourishment and inspiration for the mind.
    8. A friend is drawn to you not for what you are but who you are.
    9. When you share your wildest dreams, a friend is someone who replies, quote, How can I help? unquote.
    10. Thinking about Needs and Values, once you have recognized those Needs which,satisfied, enable you to be the best person you possibly can be, a friend will help you get them met.

    Sein Tin (“Omega”, Pathein, M 69) wrote :

    • We are feeling very sorry like you.
    • Our ages are at the sunset.
    • So take care of our health first and last.

    Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M 69) wrote :

    Dr. Daisy Saw and family:

    • Please accept my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
    • We will remember him forever.

    Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, ChE69) wrote :

    • I have a photo, which was taken at our gathering on 17 March 2010 by 69ers for KCPP’s visit to Singapore.
    • We were all very happy to meet him then!!

    Editor’s Notes :

    • Ko Chit Po Po is an expert at playing Burmese Harp.
    • I met Zeyar Po, Ko CPP’s son, in Sydney in 2006 along with his maternal uncle Ko Stanley Saw.
    • Ko Chit Po Po represented RIT in rowing along with Ko Aung Lwin (Jasper Wu, Canada), Ko Aung Tun Oo (Dennis Smithers, Australia), Ko Wunna Sithu (US) and me.
  • Daw Myint Thwe

    Daw Myint Thwe

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    She passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia.

    Daw Myint Thwe (Center)

    Spouse : Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)

    Daw Myint Thwe (Seated 3rd from Right)

    Fourth of nine siblings : Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Ba Than (M, GBNF), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon (A60), Saya U Myo Min (UCC), U Thaung Lwin (EC66), Daw Cho Cho Hlaing

    Daw Myint Thwe (Seated 2nd from Right)

    Children : Ma Tin Tin Hlaing (UCC) & Ko Htay Aung (EC80, UCC), Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83, UCC), Min Thet Tun (GBNF)

    Daw Myint Thwe (2nd row; 3rd from Left)

    Service

    Daw Mya Mya Win (Alison) gave a eulogy.

    Daw Myint Thwe (Seated Center)
    Betty 1
    Betty 2
    Betty 3
    Betty 4
    Betty 5

    Birthday

  • Peter, QE & Prince Phillip

    Peter, QE & Prince Phillip

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    Visit

    Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip visited Royal Berkshire Hospital where Dr. Peter Tun (Khin Tun) was working.

    Hospital
    Queen’s Visit

    Letter from Windsor Castle

    When Peter passed away untimely as an early victim of Covid in April 2020, his son Ye Lay wrote a letter to the Queen.

    Peter’s family was surprised and delighted to receive an official letter from the Queen’s office.

    Letter

    Gone But Not Forgotten

    Prince Phillip passed away at the age of 99.

    Queen Elizabeth passed away at the age of 96.

    Dr. Peter Khin Tun passed away at the tender age of 62.

    Posts

    • Covid
    • GBNF
    • Peter Tun — Chronicles
    • Relatives

    Memories

    Peter, Win Mar & sons
  • U Tin U

    U Tin U

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    • 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

    U Ba Than

    With 90th Birthday Present (Photo Album)
    Young U Ba Than
    At Saya Pu Zaw Pwe with Sayagyi U Ba Toke
    Double Dana : Donated Garawa money to selected Charities
    Partial List of Donations
    In Singapore for medical check up
    With former students, who came to pay respect
    At Winner Inn

    Young & Old

    U Tin U & U Ba Than
  • Gone But Not Forgotten

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    • 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 Lwin
    Soon 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 1958
    Han 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 Lwin
    Ko Thein Lwin
    Soon Kwyay Invitation U Thein Lwin
    M72 GBNF
  • GBNF 2021

    GBNF 2021

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    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)
    • Brother-in-law of U Wint Khin Zaw (A)
    • Brother of U Tin Nwe (C68)
    • Brother of Dr. U Win (Geography)

    Miscellaneous

    • Dr. Khin Nyo Thet
    • Daw Khin Yi (Spouse of Dr. Than Tun)
    • Dr. Shwe Tun & Daw Mi Mi
    • Dr. Sein Maung (Banking)
    • Dr. Naga Thein Hlaing (Surgeon)
    • Dr. Myint Oo (Community Health)
    • U San Ma Tu (Comedian)
    • Tekkatho Aye Mg (Reggie Ba Oo, Musician)
    • Aung Cheint (Kabyar)
    • Maung Moe Thu (Author)
    • Several Ah Nu Pyinnya Shin
    U Soe Lwin
    Daw Kyi Kyi Win
    Dr. Khin Nyo Thet
  • Saya Allen Htay

    Saya Allen Htay

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    Saya U Aung Khin, Saya Allen, Daw Mu Mu Kin

    Memories of Saya Allen

    SF Bay Area Alumni Group
    • He was the Leader of SF Bay Area Group.
    Bay Area Alumni
    • 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-.
    • Toll Bridge Program- Project Development/Project Controls.

    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 C58
    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

    ____

    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).

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    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

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    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.

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    Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s spouse)
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    Meeting
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