Category: GBNF

  • GBNF 2017

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    • U Boon Pin : 19th Mar 2017 — father of San Lin (Robert, EC73, UCC)
    Boon Pin
    • Dr. Aung Thwin (Alfred, SPHS63, USA) : Mar 2017
    Aung Thwin
    • Kyaw Swe Thet (M)
    • Saya U Myo Win (Melvyn, M65, Australia)
    Myo Win (3rd)
    • U Aung Myint (M67, USA)
    • U Tin Myint (M69, USA)
    Tin Myint
    • U Myint Thein (Kabar, M69)
    Kabar
    • U Chit Tin (EC69)
    • Saya U Thein Lwin (EE, Singapore)
    • Sayama Daw May Than Nwe (Phy, Singapore)
    • Dr. Myo San (Freddie, SPHS63)
    • U Myint Sein (Bobby, SPHS64)
    • Saw Yan Naing (C68) : 3rd Dec 2017

    U Boon Pin (Class of 48/49)

    U Boon Pin (Class of 48/49), father of San Lin (Robert, EC73), passed away peacefully in Taiwan on March 19, 2017. Graduated with combined Mechanical & Electrical Option. Retired as Deputy Chief Engineer of Railways.

    Dr. Aung Thwin (SPHS63)

    Matriculated from SPHS in 1963. Member of Hiking & Mountaineering Club.

    Graduated from Institute of Medicine (2). Member of Rangoon University Boat Club.

    Successful OG in Southern California.

    U Myo Win (M/Ag65)

    U Myo Win & members of the RIT Auto Club

    Saya rowed for RIT. Co-managed RIT Auto Club. He & Saya U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) oversaw RIT Gathering in Sydney in 2006 (and more).

    U Aung Myint (M67)

    Worked with U Win Thein (M67, GBNF) on “Set Hmu Thadin Zin” and Mechanical Magazine. He passed away in Northern California, USA.

    U Myint Thein (Kabar, M69)

    Yet Lei Invitation for Kabar

    Core organizer for 69ers. Found his health deteriorating while doing medical check up and treatment in Singapore, India and Yangon. Passed away on 24th Oct 2017

    U Chit Tin (Bo Chit, EC69)

    U Myint Thein & U Chit Tin

    Moved back to Yangon after working in Singapore for several years.

    There were only 12 who graduated with Electrical Communications in 1969. Four are now GBNF. U Kyaw Soe, U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie), U Oo Kyaw Hla and U Chit Tin have left us.

    Succumbed to liver cancer on (9 November, 2017) 1:30 pm at his home. Per his wish, the services were performed the same day.

    Two Fallen Comrades (Ko Chit Tin and Ko Myint Thein)

    Ko Chit Tin and Ko Myint Thein (Kabar) are remembered by their 69er classmates. They passed away within five weeks.

    From Ashin Pannagavesaka

    GBNF. We are also bound to follow our dear friends, sooner or later.

    From David Myint Thein

    We can’t say when, but, definitely, we have to follow Maung Kabar and Bo Chit one day.

    From Tobias Ku

    Just a matter of time. Sooner or later we’ll be seeing each other again. Come heaven or hell. RIP KCT.

    From Zau Lai

    What will be will be. After 20 years the most we all (RIT 69ers) will be gone. From dust to dust. Care one another while we are still here on this earth. My father and my mother were gone. I also must be gone when the time comes. I have no plan to say “No”.

    From Ngwe Tun Tun

    It is a universal truth my friend KAGS. We must follow this path now and then.

    From Ko Thein Swe (EP69)

    We (Saw Aung (Rakhine), Zaw Win M69, Nyaung Oo, now Thailand, Ko Chit Tin and I) were together studying in I.Sc A in Mandalay university before joining RIT.

    From Ko Aung Khin (EP68)

    Please convey my condolences to the family of U Chit Tin.

    From Ko Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69)

    Very sad to hear the demise of our friend, Ko Chit Tin. It was a shocking news.

    From Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69)

    To meet, to love and to part, c’est la vie!!!
    So my dear friends do send me flowers when I leave.

    From Ko Aung Myint (M69)

    Saddened to hear the demise of our friend Ko Chit Tin. I met him a few times in Singapore when he was working there.

    My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.

    U Saw Yan Naing (C69)

    U Saw Yan Naing (Bo Bo, C69) was a room mate of Ko Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) at RIT. Both were from Meikhtila. After graduation, he moved to Mandalay. We had not seen him after graduation. He married a cousin of Ko Tun Aung Gyaw.

    U Tin Myint (M69)

    U Tin Myint hosted U Tint Lwin (Singapore)

    U Tin Myint (L. Tan Choy, John T Lee, M69, USA) matriculated from Taunggyi. He was Luyecun for 4th BE. He represented RIT in Table Tennis.

    Married Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel, T69), who played basketball for RIT. They settled in Union City, California. Their daughter (a medical doctor) asked me to give a short address at the funeral service of Ko Tin Myint.

    Dr. Myo San (Freddie, SPHS63)

    Myo San (Seated right)

    Dr. Myo San (Freddie Ba San, SPHS63, IM1 70) stood 3rd in Burma in Matric of 1963. He became a surgeon, but had to take early retirement.

    U Myint Sein (SPHS64)

    U Myint Sein

    Attended Private Primary Boundary Road School (PPBRS) before moving to St. Paul’s High School (SPHS). Matriculated in 1964 and studied B.Com at the Institute of Economics. He is a cousin brother of U Nyunt Tin (M70, RIT Table Tennis).

    Served as Principal of BARB (Burma Astro Research Bureau). He taught Medical Astrology at the School of Indigenous Medicine (Taing Yin Saya Pyinnya) in Mandalay. Later founded “Idea Astrology”.

    He is GBNF.

    Daw Than Than

    Sayama Daw Than Than (Chemisty) is the spouse of Saya U Khin Maung Myint (Chemistry, GBNF) and the mother of Ko Wynn Myint Aung (EC76). She was healthy, but unexpectedly succumbed to pneumonia. She passed away exactly one year after her younger son died.

    U Kyaw Zaw

    U Kyaw Zaw is the spouse of Sayama Daw Khin Khin Aye (Past Principal, Boundary Road School). He was States Scholar in the early 50s. He studied Motion Pictures (technology …) in the USA. He is the father of Bohmu Thane Myint (spouse of Ma Khin Than Nu (Glory, EC70)).

    Kyaw Zaw
    U Htin Paw

    Dr. Barry Paw (MD, Ph.D)

    Only child of Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF, Past President of BEA, Past President of TBSA). Dr. Barry is Harvard medical school Professor, Boston children Hospital co founder. Succumbed to a heart attack on Dec 29 in Denver when he flew back from Australia after visiting his aunt and her spouse who passed away unexpectedly. Dr. Barry had to arrange the funeral services of his uncle.

    Posts

    • GBNF (Overview)
    • GBNF (Talk)
    • GBNF (By Calendar Year)
    • GBNF (By Class)
    • GBNF (Sayas)
    • GBNF (SPHS)
    • GBNF (UCC)
  • U Tha Tun

    by Than Tun

    Updated : May 2026

    Compiled by his disciple U Than Tun (Arch 65)

    The biography was read in commemoration of his 100th birthday (held in Kemmendine).

    Sayagyi U Tha Tun was born on 4 October 1899.

    He received

    • B.Sc. degree from Yangon University in 1921
    • A.A. dip. from London in 1926
    • F.R.I.B.A. (Fellowship of Institute of British Architects) and A.M.T.P.I. (Associate Member of Town Planning Institute) in 1936

    He is the only person who got F.R.I.B.A. as a Myanmar citizen up to date (in 1999). So his degree in full is : B.Sc., A.A.Dip.(London), F.R.I.B.A., A.M.T.P.I.

    Back in Myanmar he worked as Executive Engineer (Planning) in National Housing Board and Town & City Development Trust.

    From 1941-1945, he worked as City Architect and Government Architect in Public Works Department.

    From 1954-58, he taught “History Of Architecture” at the Rangoon University Engineering department.

    From 1960-1963, he was Head of Department of Architecture in BIT/RIT.

    His works in Yangon include

    • Medical College 1 in Yangon.
    • Inya Hall, Thiri Hall,
    • Many other private houses
    • [Contributed his labor in] many religious buildings all over Myanmar.

    He also won first prize in design competition for the renovation of Shwe Maw Daw Pagoda (Pegu) which was destroyed by an earthquake.

    He lived for 75 years and passed away on 13th Sept. 1974 in Yangon.

    Whenever he was invited to a meeting or a gathering of Architects, he always tried to attend and used to say his favorite words:
    “A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER”

    Before he died, he sent a message to a meeting of S.S.A. and the following are the excerpts from his message.

    ” THE ART AND CULTURE REST ON THE FUTURE OF SOCIETY OF STUDENTS ARCHITECTS. I EXHORT TO THE SPIRIT OF S.S.A. TO CREATE A HISTORY AND I RENDER A HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS FOR PROMOTION OF ARCHITECTS IN BURMA”

    Updates

    • U Than Tun is now GBNF

    Posts

    • Architecture
    • Kogyi Koung
    • Than Tun (Names)
    • Two Forgotten Songs of RIT
  • GBNF 2013

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Than Myint (’64 Intake)

    Dear Friends,

    Sad to inform that Than Myint (’64 first year intake Roll No. 168) had passed away on 23rd January 2013 at Asia Royal Clinic. The funeral was at Ye Way cemetery on 25th January. I knew about his demise from the newspaper. He was a musician and vocalist, and a Burmese Guitar virtuoso.

    U San Htay (B. E. Metallurgy)

    1973 Batch.
    Retired Brigadier General passed away on 24 March 2013 in Victoria hospital.
    His remains were cremated at Yay Way cemetery on 26 March 2013, 2 p.m.

    Bohmu Myint Swe (Retd)

    BE Civil (78 Batch) passed away on March 22, 2013.

    Maung Htay wrote:

    I am very upset. I know him. His nick name GiGi. He performed half man and half woman show on RIT concert. We lived in Thamine Hostel together when we are in RIT.

    Saya Allen Htay (C58)

    Says Allen Htay

    From Ben Aye Maung (Htin Myaing, A66)

    Dear Muriel,

    It is with great sadness to learn that your beloved husband Saya Allen Htay passed away on 19 March 2013. I just found out from the RIT Alumni newsletter.

    Please accept my deep & sincere condolences to you & your daughters.

    Saya Allen was a gentle kind hearted person as well as a good compassionate teacher. He will be sadly missed by all his friends, colleagues and students.

    Please be consoled by the Buddhist philosophy of the Law of impermanence and that we will all have to part with our loved ones one day.

    With deep sorrow,
    Ben Aye Maung

    PS
    The last time we all met together was in happy times at the Bangkok MEHS Reunion in 2008. I still have the group photo which included us & some other friends, that you sent me, which will serve as a fond memory.

    From Saya U Min Wun (C)

    Today I found out that Saya Allen Htay has recently passed away. I would like to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to Ma Mu and her family.

    In 1957 when I taught the Final Year CE class I noticed a group of highly intelligent students and Allen Htay was one of them. When he graduated the next year he was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer together with Ko San Hla Aung and Ko Win Thein.

    Allen Htay was later sent abroad to Harvard University to study Soil Mechanics. He then left R.I.T. to work abroad. Later on he joined CalTrans [California Department of Transportation] until he retired due to his illness. The other day one of my RIT colleagues reminded me of the longevity of most of the senior CE staff, beginning from Saya Nam Kock, Dr. Aung Gyi, Dr. San Hla Aung, Dr. Win Thein, Allen Htay, and me. All of us are approaching and/or surpassing 80.

    Now one of us is already gone and he’ll be missed.

    From Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A 67)

    My deepest & sincere condolences to Ma Ma Mu & Family.
    You will be deeply missed by all of us.

    Saya RIP.

    Khin Khin Kyu (A 67)

    From Saya U Myo Win (Melvyn, M/Ag 65)

    Dear Muriel & family,

    Please accept our heartfelt deepest condolences and sorrow. Allen is one of our nicest sayas and he is always smiling and a happy person.

    He will be greatly missed by all Myanmar engineers.

    Myo & Nu Win ( Melvyn Ba Tin & Noreen Aungyaw)

    From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L. Tin Htun, EE 59)

    Dear Ko Hla Min:

    We are greatly saddened to learn about the passing of our beloved friend and colleague Mr. Allen Htay. Please convey our deep condolence and sympathy to all members of his family.

    Sincerely,
    Chris and Pam Lee

    From Saya U Nyo Win (M65)

    Maurice and All,

    Please convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to Allen’s family. Please include me in any and all arrangements for the funeral.

    With great sadness,
    [Saya Dr.] Nyo Win (M 65)

    From Saya KC Chiu (ChE63)

    Hi Maurice,

    I am saddened by the bad news. Please convey my condolences to Daw Mu Mu and her family and let me know the funeral arrangement once it is confirmed. Also count me in your arrangement of expressing our grieve. Thank you.

    Regards,
    [Saya] KC Chiu (ChE 63)

    From U Saw Linn (C71)

    Sad News.

    Saya Allen Htay passed away on 19-03-2013.

    From U Win Khaing (M75)

    Dear U Saw Lin

    Pls convey my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family of Saya Allen Htay.

    With regards
    U Win Khaing President MES

    From Saya U Moe Aung (EE63)

    Saya was a very gentle and soft-spoken person.

    Please convey my deepest condolences to his wife Daw Mu Mu Khin and family.

    From Sai Tun Aye (Min70)

    Very sad to hear this news.

    Please convey my condolences to saya’s family.

    From U Myint Pe (M72)

    Very sad to hear about SAYAR’s news.

    From U Aung Kyaw Myat

    Deep Condolences to Saya’s Family.

    From U Kyaw San Win

    He is genius and good teacher for us.
    We miss him forever.
    This is life.
    Please convey our condolences to his bereaved family.

    From Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65)

    I can still remember Saya’s soft-spoken manner of conducting lectures. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.

    From Saya U Tin Lin (ChE72)

    May you rest in PEACE Saya Allen Htay!
    My deepest condolence to saya’s family.
    This is the final journey of our life to pass through one day.

    From U Hla Thaung

    Very sorry to know that.
    Saya, may you rest in peace!
    My deep condolence to Saya’s family.

  • GBNF 2025

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    U Pyinnyadipa

    • Patron, Panditarama Monastery
    • Former Chief Sayadaw, Hse Mile Gone Monastery
    • Former Chief Sayadaw, Tathagata Meditation Center, San Jose, California, USA
    • Passed away in Yangon on June 18, 2025
    • I was Interpreter for some of Sayadaw’s talks (at TMC)

    Daw Myint Thwe

    Daw Myint Thwe
    • Passed away in Sydney, Australia
    • Spouse : Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)
    • Daughter : Tin Tin Hlaing (ex-UCC)
    • Sons : Tha Hlaing (EC83, ex-UCC), Min Thet Tun (GBNF)
    • U Sein Tin (EC75, ex-UCC) created a video for the Memorial Service
    • Daw Mya Win (Alison, BBS, former classmate) gave a Eulogy

    Maung Kaung

    • 1st BE Intake of 64
    • M71
    • GBNF #143
    • U Ohn Khine & team maintain the GBNF list for the Class

    Kaung Aye (Peter)

    • Studied M.Sc (Computer Science) at UCC
    • Passed away in Sydney, Australia
    • Spouse : Theresa Wong
    • Aung Ngwe Tun (Glen) & ex-UCC group posted photos & videos of the last journey
  • Htay Lwin Nyo

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Young HLN

    LYC

    Sad News

    News

    My Tribute

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

    Part-time Professor, EE, SJSU

    (1951 July – 2000 April)

    H e was a genius, a researcher, a friend

    T eaching was his passion to the very end

    A jack of all trades, a doctorate of one

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

    L ong ago he gave away a patent for a dollar

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Htay Lwin Nyo, we’re proud to say

    that though you’ve passed away

    you’ve done a huge part

    to unite kindred spirits

    your legacy is here to stay.”

  • Koung Nyunt

    by Hla Min & Kogyi Koung

    Update : May 2026

    Highlights

    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)

    Posts

    • Architecture
    • By Saya U Myo Myint Sein
    • By U Tin Htoon
    • By U Thet Win
    • U Bo Gyi
    • U Kin Maung Yin
  • A Life to Remember

    by Hla Min & Oxford Sayadaw

    Update : May 2026

    Dr. Peter Khin Tun (MRCP)

    • Passed away in UK on April 13, 2020 at the age of 62.
    Peter
    • Early victim of Covid-19 & Lax rules of the Health System
    • Four years as Associate Dean at Oxford University
    Dr. Peter Khin Tun and Ma Win Mar
    • Daw Win Mar (spouse) recovered after two weeks of treatment at the hospital.
    • Two sons : Min Ko (Michael) & Ye Aung (William)
    At Min Ko’s wedding
    • Michael presented the case to TV & Newspapers. William prepared the Obituary and also sang at Peter’s service.

    From Oxford Sayadaw

    Dakagyi Dr Peter Khin Tun,

    From now on, it will not be my priority to remember that you lived 62 years, but rather how many thousands of life you have touched and nurtured. People are remembered for what they did for others, not how long they live. Ultimately, it is your exemplary selfless service to the many that will be inscribed in many hearts. Since we came to know each other in London in 1996, you have watched proudly your two boys grow up and achieve some standing of their own. As you always wished, I will take care of them spiritually so they can serve many souls as you have. Have a good rebirth.

    With metta,

    Oxford Sayadaw

    Updates

    • Peter’s demise prompted changes in the Health System.
    • Peter did not live long enough to see the daughters of Min Ko.
  • 2025 GBNF

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Gone But Not Forgotten

    in 2025

    • Sayama Daw Yin Yin Mya (Australia)
    • Daw Aye San (California)
    • Uncle U Thein Han (Maryland)
    • Saya U Tin U (Yangon)
    • U Kyi Toe (California)
    • Saya Dr. U Win (California)
    • Sayama Dr. Daw Khin Nwe Soe (California)
    • Ashin Ukkamsa (C69, Myanmar)
    • U Kyin Lwin (M69, Myanmar)
    • Saya U San Tun (M59, USA)

    Daw Yin Yin Mya

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

    U Tin U

    Obituary

    Memories of U Tin U

    Family members
    U Tin U & Siblings

    U Thein Han

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

    Dr. U Win

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

    Dhamma Friends

    Daw Aye Aye Lyn

    Daw Aye Aye Lyn

    U Kyi Toe

    • Spouse : Daw Than Nyein
    • Children : Su Kyi & Kyi Phyu

    Musicians

    Victor Khin Nyo

    • Played for several bands
    • Shades
    • LPJ
    • Thamankyar
    • Playboy
    VKN 1
    VKN 2
    Obituary
    With musicians & music lovers
  • Peter — May 6, 2020

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Nick Prolix Comix

    Comix

    Nick (Artist / Teacher) drew Peter’s portrait with the message :

    RIP Peter Tun, associate specialist in neurorehabilitation at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading

    Min Ko commented :

    Oh wow! That’s my dad! That’s amazing!

    Nick Prolix replied :

    So pleased to be able to do something in tribute to the amazing work of folks like your dad none of whom should have lost their lives doing their jobs. Lovely to know he was an artist himself and thank you again for reaching out

    Posts

    • Dr. Peter Tun (Chronicle)
    • U Tin U
  • Peter — April 28, 2020

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Complaints

    There have been several complaints to NHS particularly about the shortage of PPE and the accountability over the guidelines.

    NHS Secretary Matt Hancock says he feels ‘deep sense of duty’ to those infected while at work. He announced 60,000 Pounds payout to families of health staff who die of coronavirus.

    Min Ko’s response :

    There needs to be accountability over the guidelines. I would rather have my Dad than money, absolutely, 100%

    The Guardian

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/27/families-health-staff-die-coronavirus-get-60000-payouts-matt-hancock

    Families of health staff who die of coronavirus to get £60,000 payouts

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/28/britain-holds-minutes-silence-in-tribute-to-coronavirus-dead

    Britain holds minute’s silence in tribute to coronavirus dead

    Politicians and public across UK remember key workers who have died during pandemic

    Good News about Win Mar

    Peter, Win Mar & Min Ko

    Min Ko (Michael Tun) wrote :

    Just spoke to May May.
    It looks like they will be able to send her home tomorrow.
    Also there was a 1 minute silence for NHS workers who lost their lives and doctors and nurses came into May May’s room to pay tribute and do the 1 minute silence with her.

    Dr. Ye Myint wrote :

    We spoke to Ma Win Mar few minutes ago. She is well. Her voice is stronger and can eat reasonably well. No fever for the last few days. Not required for O2 today. There was one minute silence for National heroes who paid their lives working in hospitals ( NHS). Many doctors and nurses ( including Ko Ko’s ward nurses), came to her room and many people had to stand outside her room along the corridors for 1 minute silence to honour Ko Ko ( Peter). Ma Win Mar will go home about 10 am tomorrow morning.

    Updates

    • Min Ko is now a proud father of two daughters.
    • Win Mar, family and friends helped rebuild houses for the earthquake victims in Myanmar.

    Memories

    Peter, Win Mar & sons