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.
U Ohn Khine (M70) and team maintain the GBNF list for 1st BE intake in 1964.
About 140 members are GBNF.
Peter Pe, Steeve Kay, Tommy Shwe and Cho Aye, who were among the Top Matriculates, have passed away.
Peter Pe
Peter represented RIT in Swimming and Water Polo. He passed away unexpectedly in 5th BE.
Steeve Kay
Steeve Kay
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70) is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP. He is Chair of Kay Family Foundation.
Tommy Shwe
Tommy Shwe
Tommy played Badminton for RIT. Before graduation, he left for Taiwan. He later moved to USA. He was a successful Entrepreneur (with three Masters). Sadly, he was killed by his handyman.
Cho Aye
He and Win Lwin (M69) represented RIT in the All Universities Expedition to Mount Victoria. He also volunteered for the activities of Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
Cho Aye
Sayas & Family Members
Saya U Ba Than
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.
Saya U Min Wun
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.
Ma Ma Pat
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.
Saya U Tin U’s Family
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
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF)
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.
Electrical Engineering
U Tun Aung
U Tun Aung
U Tun Aung (Jefferey, EC68) is a founding member and past President of BASES.
He passed away in October 2021.
U Soe Myint Lwin
Memorial Service for U Soe Myint Lwin
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.
Soon Kwyay Invitation for U Soe Myint Lwin
Other EE68
Sayama Daw Mya Mya Than
Zaw Win / Cyril
Thein Zaw / Joe Chow / Ah Yoke
Civil Engineering
Saya H Num Kok
Saya H Num Kok Saya H Num Kok
Saya H Num Kok is a Saya of our Sayas.
He was President of RIT Track & Field Association.
He passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA in his late 90s.
Saya Allen Htay (C58)
Saya Allen Htay
Saya Allen Htay (C58) was the leader of the SF Bay Area RIT Alumni Advisory Group.
He is a founding member and President of RIT Alumni International which hosted SPZP-2000.
He is known for his article, “Brother, can you afford $500 and more?”
He passed away in California, USA.
Saya Dr. Win Thein (C58)
Dr. Win Thein
Saya Dr. Win Thein (C58) retired as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering.
In his memory, his sister offered dana to Alumni Association, Swel Daw Yeik Foundation, Health care for Sayas and Sayamas.
U Khin Maung Win (C58)
Class of Civil 1958
U Khin Maung Win (Sid, C58) helped annotate the Class Photo with Saya Allen Htay and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung.
He passed away in USA
U Han Sein (C69)
Han Sein
U Han Sein (C69) represented RIT in Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and Basketball.
He was a Prisoner of Conscience for 17 years.
Uzin Aung Chaw (C69)
Uzin Aung Chaw
Mechanical Engineering
U Win Thein (M67)
Win Thein
Founder, Set Hmu Sar Saung
Co-founder, RIT Mechanical Engineering Magazine
Organizer, RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin
I Zeyar Lin (M69)
I Zeyar Lin
He passed away in 2018
U Aye Lwin (M69)
Aye Lwin
U Aye Lwin (M69) was Secretary of RIT Annual Magazine Committee & RIT Mechanical Engineering Association.
U Khin Maung Myint (M72)
U Khin Maung Myint (John Tint, M72) was Burma, RU & RIT Selected in Soccer.
He passed away in 2020
John Tint
U Thein Lwin (M72)
U Thein Lwin (M72) Captain, RIT Soccer passed away in 2022
Daw Helen Lim, 88+ years young passed away. She is the mother of Margaret Lim and Daisy Lim. She is the aunt of Saya U “Charlie” Hla Myint (M 65), U Michael Lim (C74), Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75) and Dr. San Lwin Lin (EC77).
Daw Kyin Shwe, 98+ years young, passed away at 7 am on February 8, 2014. She is the mother of U Nyunt Tin (M 70, RIT table tennis), Daw May Win Kyi (my primary school classmate), the late Daw Khin Pa Pa (Mrs. Sein Yaung, M 67), and U Nyunt Tun (Khamee khamet of Daw Kyu Kyu Lin).
U Soe Win Thaw Mechanical 1987 ( 1991 ) passed away on 7th Feb, 2014
Daw Khin Khin Aye
June 2014
Daw Khin Khin Aye Her elder sister Daw Tin Tin Aye founded Private Primary Boundary Road School (PPBRS). She taught at PPBRS and later became the Principal. She extended the school to teach Middle School and High School. The school was renamed PBRS. After nationalization, she worked as Township Education Officer for Bahan.
Ko Yin Kyu (M69, age 67), Mech/Agri RIT 69er passed away today (26th April, 2011) at 8/45 am.
His funeral will be on 28 April, 2011 at Yae Wai.
He worked for Public Works (Construction Corporation) as superintending engineer and retired in 2006.
He died of kidney failure, based on diabetes.
He had been hospitalized since 3rd April at the Shwegonedine Hospital.
With Metta. Aung Min (M69)
Comments
Danny (Tint Lwin, M69) wrote :
Dear Ko Aung Min, So sorry to hear that Ko Yin Kyu has passed away. Did anybody visit him when was hospitalised?
Ivan (Khin Maung Oo, M69) wrote :
Hi dear classmates: It is sad, sad sad, we need contribute our Nar Ye fund for his funeral and for supporting his family. It is the best we can do now. Another suggestion to our dear classmate to evaluate our balancing life. * The longer we stay, the more this kind of sad news will hear, the less of our classmate counting, so value our relationship and childhood friends. * Life is short, don’t stretch your exhaustion brain and still-healthy body working. Enough is enough, take the retirement at or before 65 years old. * You must know exactly to Love YOURSELF, it sounds selfish, but be practical. Don’t lie to yourself , be honest yourself.
Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, ChE69) wrote :
My condolences for the family of Ko Yin Kyu’s family. Yes I agree totally with Ivan, to cherish our friends and families in our sunset years. At the same time doing good deeds while we can.
69ers who passed away in 2011
Aung Naing (Bahadhur, Min)
Chit Htun (Min)
Yin Kyu (M)
Updates
As of July 2025, there are 138 members in the 69er GBNF list
U Shwe Kyaw (BIT Volleyball Selected)Daw Khin Toe Myint
Graduated in 1963 with Mechanical Engineering
He and U Aye (M62) played together in Ramanya Hall volleyball team during 1959-60 season.
Represented BIT and RU in Volleyball (along with U Aye M62)
Joined the Air Force and became a Pilot.
He was Air Force Captain (Officiating Major) when he perished in a plane crash.
Survived by Sayama Daw Khin Toe Myint (Zoology) and two children. Sayama is a dhamma friend. Her son U Thet Win Kyaw played the Drums at SPZP-2000.
U Shwe Zan Aung (SPHS63)
Std VIII B in SPHS
Matriculated from SPHS in 1963
Joined the Army and went to the front several times
His grandfather was afraid of losing another grandson prematurely. He requested SZA to leave the army and promised to provide financial support in exchange for peace of mind. His grandfather supported SZA’s family for a long time.
Finally joined a ship as a radio operator
Perished at sea when the ship sunk
Dr. Shwe Tun Kyaw
He and his spouse took early retirement from their medical practice in UK.
They volunteered as Assistant Teachers in several bi-lingual (Burmese and English) Goenka Center retreats.
He is a classmate of my younger sister. I met him at the house of Audrey Wong (C84), a volunteer for the Northern California Goenka Center.
Matriculated with Distinctions in Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
In November 1964, he was admitted as a top Student to RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology) along with Zaw Min, Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Peter Pe (GBNF) and Cho Aye (GBNF).
Graduated in 1970 with BE (Bachelor of Engineering) with specialization in EC (Electrical Communications).
Moved to California, USA.
MSEE (Master of Science in Electrical Engineering) from Stanford University
MBA (Master in Business Administration) from Pepperdine University
Steeve 2
Experience
Worked in the Electronics Industry as IC (Integrated Circuit) Designer.
Per request from his younger sister Dr. Kay, he co-founded QTC and served as CEO (Chief Executive Officer). See Souvenir book for the Silver Jubilee of QTC.
QTC was acquired for a sizable sum. Became a Serial Entrepreneur & Philanthropist. Founded Eleok, Teehub & Kay Family Foundation.
Traveled to the Holy Places of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism & Islam to study Comparative Religion.
Visited prominent historic sites. Tried to trace his roots dating back ten or more generations.
Philanthropist
Founded CABA (Charitable Alliance of Burmese Associations). A notable CABA donation was to Disaster Relief Fund help the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Burma. Details can be found in the reports prepared by Benny Tan (M70) who served as a CABA administrator.
Established KFF (Kay Family Foundation) to support a wide range of support. KFF donated to Universities (Stanford, Harvard, UC Irvine …), Research Institutes and Libraries. KFF sponsored the visit of Myanmar Education Delegation to California. KFF provided a Matching Donation of $30000 for the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
He never forgot his roots. He wanted to show his appreciation for his schools, mentors, classmates and schoolmates.
KFF sponsored the publication of the “Centennial of Hwa Kyone School” and its Sequel.
He has donated $200000+ (via CABA and KFF) to RIT-related activities.
In October 2000, he donated $3000 to the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and became the first Golden Sponsor. He also sponsored the subsequent SPZPs (Saya Pu Zaw Pwes) at Singapore in December 2002, April 2007 and December 2010; at Yangon in December 2004, December 2012 and 2016.
In 2004, he set up the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas” with a pledge of $50000.
Final Years
In 2018, he was diagnosed with a medical problem. His doctors recommended to work from home and avoid long travels.
He requested Benny and me to organize a special Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on his behalf. For details, see my post about that event.
Started writing books to share his expertise and memories.
HlaMin 