Category: GBNF

by Hla Min

Updated : May 2026

Memories

• His friends sometimes called him “Htay Bo Htay”
• Saya is the eldest of five siblings. Youngest brother & youngest sister predeceased him. Younger brother is in Yangon. Younger sister in the US East Coast.

Thingyan

C58

• Graduated with Civil Engineering in 1958
• Classmates : Dr. San Hla Aung, Dr. Win Thein (GBNF), Khin Mg Win (Sid, GBNF), Oscar Sharazee

RIT Saya

• Joined Civil Engg Dept as Assistant Lecturer
• Masters from Harvard; Also took courses at MIT (e.g. “SCHEME” / Lexically scoped Lisp)

• Programmed his calculator using Reverse Polish Notation

• Promoted to Lecturer
• President, RIT Photography Association
• Supervised C73 Final Year project, where his students — Dennis Mackey & George Peters — used UCC computer.

UN Project

• Advisor in Bengladesh

SF Bay Area

• Leader of SF Bay Area Group, which formed “RIT Alumni International”

• Founding member & President of RIT Alumni International

• Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. His article “Brother, can you afford $500 and more?” saved the organizers from U Nyo Win’s Act.
• Took me to BAPS picnic. Demonstrated “Burmese Goodbye” by taking an hour to greet alumni on the way back to his car.
• To avoid monotony, he took 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’s visit to a mosque & Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore.

• Saya retired twice.
• Was coaxed by his former students to un-retire twice. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) requested him to work at the Lawrence Livermore Lab at UC Berkeley. Later, Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) requested him to work as Consultant for CalTrans.
• Passed away before his final retirement.

Health

• Survived two Strokes.
• Succumbed to the Stroke at the MEHS Reunion in Las Vegas. He accompanied his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin (MEHS57) to the Reunion.
• Did not live long enough to see his four grandsons. Two have “Allen” in their names.
• May he rest in peace.

Donations

• In Saya’s memory, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Sayas’ books to YTU Library. She also offered scholarship to eligible YTU students via NorCal RITAA.

Brief Bio

• 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.

Civil 1958

• Class photo was sent by Saya Allen
• Dr San Hla Aung helped to identify classmates
• U Khin Maung Win (Sidney Chen, GBNF) supplied the photograph.

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)
• Allen Htay (Mountain View, California, GBNF)
• Dr. San Hla Aung (New Orleans, Louisiana)
• 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 & Head of the Department. Except for a warning sign from an early Medical check up, he was healthy. He 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 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) & 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) & Alice U

Editor’s Notes:
Dennis & Alice moved to Canada.

From Saya U Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint

My friend Allen Htay (GBNF)

Some years ago I wrote an article for the ex-RIT.org about my saya friends at RIT which included Allen Htay.

I met Allen Htay when I joined the 1st Year BSc (Engg) class at the Faculty of Engineering at Leikkhone in 1958 .Ko San Hla Aung was our drawing instructor for the main majors (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), and Allen Htay was the instructor for the rest.

In December1958, I went on State Scholarship to Stanford University. When I returned home after completing my studies, I found myself on the same ship S S Warickshire from Liverpool to Yangon with Allen Htay, Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri Eng) and Ko Ko Lay (UCC). There was also another Myanmar Ko Than Pe, a Chartered Accountant, on the ship. Those days it was customary for the Government to send the returning scholars by ship.

We normally had our meals together seated at the Chief engineer’s table. After dinner we would play bridge to spend the time. Ko Ko Lay partnered with Ko Tin Maung Nyunt and Allen Htay and Ko Than Pe took turns as my partner against them. We played almost every night after dinner and all of us became very good friends.

We got back to Yangon in October 1963. Allen Htay rejoined RIT. I was posted to RIT in January 1964 and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt in March 1964 and so we were together again. When I got married and moved into the RIT staff quarters I was at 16F, Allen Htay at 16E and Ko Tin Maung at 16D. We visited each others house very often. We also became friendly with Allen Htay’s brothers and sisters.

I have attached a photo taken during Thingyan 1966 with Allen Htay (2nd from left) and his youngest brother (extreme right).

I left RIT for UCC and the UN, and Allen Htay and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt went to the United States. All of us met gain in the Bay Area in 1985, 2001 and 2010. I saw Allen Htay at the RIT reunions in 2004 (Yangon), 2007 and 2010 (Singapore).

He could not make it to the 2012 reunion in Yangon because of his health. He was a mild mannered soft spoken gentleman and we will all miss him. May he rest in peace.

Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s Spouse)

“Let me count the ways [to love]” by Elizabeth Browning is a poem present by Ma Ma Mu to Saya Allen.

Donations in Saya Allen’s Memory

In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin

• donated Saya’s books to YTU Library
• provided cabinets for Saya’s books
• sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students

Ko Maurice Chee (M75) coordinated the donation of books.

NorCal RITAA and some volunteer alumni from Yangon coordinated the selection of scholarship recipients.

Related Posts

• C58
• Civil Engineering
• RIT Alumni International
• RIT Sayas
• SF Bay Area Alumni
• SPZPs

by Hla Min

Updated : May 2026

Term & Usage

• We use GBNF for those who are Gone But Not Forgotten.
• Some use RIP (Rest in Peace), BFHA (Bound For Heavenly Abode) and similar terms.

GBNF Posts

• GBNF by Calendar Year
• GBNF of RIT Sayas
• GBNF of RIT Alumni
• GBNF of Organizers
• GBNF of Sponsors & Donors
• GBNF for SPHS
• GBNF for UCC
• GBNF (General — Sayadaws, Doctors, Family members, Friends)

• Some Groups (e.g 69ers, 1st BE Intake of 64) maintain GBNF lists.

Class of 58

• Saya U Htin Paw (EE), Saya U Ba Nyunt (EE), Saya Allen Htay (C), Saya Dr. Win Thein (C) & U Khin Maung Win (Sid, C) are some GBNF from the Class

Saya Allen Htay (C)

• Founding member & President of RIT Alumni International which hosted SPZP-2000.
• Passed away in California, USA.
• See Posts

Dr. Win Thein (C)

• Retired as Professor & Head of Civil Engineering.
• His sister donated Saya’s Garawa money to various charities.
• See Posts

Class of 59

• U Bo Gyi (C), Saya U Tin Hlaing (M) are some GBNF from the Class
• See Posts

Class of 60

• U Kin Maung Yin (A), Saya Dr. Maung Maung Win (ChE), U Than Tin (M) … are some GBNF from the Class
• See Posts

Class of 61

• Dr. San Tint (EE), Daw Tin Tin Ohn (T), Dr. Julie Han (T) … are some GBNF from the Class
• See Posts

Class of 62

• Saya S. Arya (M) … are some GBNF from the Class
• See Posts

Class of 63

• U Myint Lwin (Henry, C), Saya U Soe Lwin (M), U Shwe Kyaw (M), U Soe Min (EE), U Nyi Nyi (EE), U Chin Way (EE) … are some GBNF from the Class
• See Posts

Class of 64

• U Than Tun (A), Saya U Win Maung (C) … are some GBNF from the Class
• See Posts

Class of 65

• Saya U Kyaw Sein (M), Saya U Myo Win (M) … are some GBNF from the Class
• See Posts

Class of 66

• U Ne Win Myint (ChE) …
• U Saw Lwin has a list of GBNF for C66
• See Posts

Class of 67

• Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A), U Win Thein (M), U Kyaw Oo (M), U Aung Myint (M), Saya Dr. Chan Nyein (M), Saya U Tin Maung Oo (M), Daw Nancy (EC), U Myint Kyaw (EC) are some GBNF from the Class
• See Posts

U Win Thein (M)

• Founded Set Hmu Thadin Zin.
• Organizer for Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn and several RIT events.

Class of 68

• Saya Sai Yee Leik (A), Saya U Myint Soe (C), Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE), U Tun Aung (Jeffrey, EC), U Thein Zaw (Joe, EC), U Soe Myint Lwin (EP), U Saw Win (EE), Daw Mya Mya Than (EP) are some GBNF from the Class
• See posts

U Tun Aung (Jefferey, EC)

• Founding member and past President of BASES.
• Passed away on October 5, 2021.
• See Posts

U Soe Myint Lwin (EP)

• Played Soccer for Burma, RU & RIT.
• Was EC of the Burma Women’s Soccer Federation.
• Passed away in 2017.
• See Posts

69ers

• In November 1964, three Intakes were admitted to RIT.
• Most from the 2nd BE Intake graduated in 1969.
• They and former classmates — some who left earlier & some who Sabbatical — are called 69ers (or RIT Class of 69++).

• U Aung Min (M69) & team maintain the GBNF list for 69ers.
• Over 40% of the 69ers are GBNF.
• About 20 members succumbed to Covid.
• See posts

U Han Sein (C)

• Represented RIT in Swimming, Water Polo, Diving & Basketball.
• Prisoner of Conscience for 17 years.

U Aye Lwin (M)

• Secretary of RIT Annual Magazine Committee & RIT Mechanical Engineering Association.
• Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.

Class of 70

(Intake of 64)

• U Ohn Khine (M70) and team maintain the GBNF list the Group.
• About 140 members are GBNF.
• Four top students from the Intake — Tommy Shwe, Cho Aye, Peter Pe & Steeve Kay — are GBNF
• See posts

Class of 71

• Did not receive official GBNF list
• U Myint Thin (M71), Daw Than Than Yi (T71) are some GBNF from the Class
• See posts

Class of 72

M72

Mg Mar Ga occasionally posted the GBNF list.

• Kham Shan
• Khin Maung Myint (John Tint)
• Khin Maung Oo
• Khin Maung Tin
• Khin Maung Toe
• Kyaw Kyaw Aung
• Kyaw Kyaw Maw
• Kyaw Moe
• Kyaw Myint Than
• Kyaw San Tun
• John Tint
• Soe Myint (Phone Gyi)
• Soe Myint (Shwe Thwar)
• Soe Myint Aung
• Soe Than
• Tha Tun
• See Posts

ChE72

• Myo Myint Pe
• Aye Aye Kyaw
• See posts

EE72

• Nyunt Nyunt Yee
• Khin Soe
• See Posts

Class of 73 – 76

• U Khin Maung Aye (M) … from the Class of 73
• Sai Aung Thurein (EC), Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP), U Sann Aung (M)… from the Class of 74
• U Win Khaing (M), U Than Po (M), U Myat Swe (Benedict) … from the Class of 75
• U Aung Myint Thein (C), U Wynn Myint Aung (EC) … from the Class of 76

Sayagyis

• Several passed away in their 90s
• Some former Head of Departments — U Tha Tun (A), U Min Win (C), Dr. Win Thein (C), Khin Aung Kyi (ChE, Rector), Dr. Maung Maung Win (ChE), U Sein Hlaing (EE), U Sein Win (EP), Dr. San Tint (EC), U Ba Than (M), Dr. Chan Nyein (M), U Thit (Met), Dr. Saw Pru (M), U Soe Khaw (Min), U Soon Sein (Min), U Maung Maung Than (T) — are GBNF
• See posts for each Department

Mr. H Num Kok (C)

• Saya of our Sayas.
• Taught Drawing to Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun & U Khin Aung Kyi.
• Attended SPZP-2000 and selected PZPs & Reunions
• Passed away in his late 90s in Portland, Oregon, USA
• See posts

U Ba Toke

• Saya of our Sayas.
• Taught Maths to U Ba Than, Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun & U Khin Aung Kyi
• Rector of MASU
• Voluntarily asked for Transfer to RIT Maths Dept
• Associate Dean, Assumption University
• Passed away on December 2, 2020 — the day after RU Centennial, but a few days short of his Centennial Birthday on December 26.
• See posts

U Ba Than

• Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering
• Early supporter of HMEE project
• Annual Birthday Soon Kyway at Yaw Sayadaw’ Kyaung on October 2. Before the pandemic, invited colleagues & former students to the Soon Kyway.
• 69ers (mostly Mech) paid homage to him annually around his birthday.
• Donated Garawa money to charities & associations
• Passed away shortly after his 94th birthday
• See Posts

U Min Wun

• Retired Professor of Civil Engineering
• Member of Myanmar Pyet Ka Dein Ah Kyan Pay Ah Phwe.
• Advisor for the Regional College Project & Pagan Restoration Project.
• Attended Annual Lunch Gathering of sayas and senior alumni (mostly from Southern California).
• Passed away a few days after the “farewell” Lunch Gathering
• See Posts

HMEE

• Team published HMEE book in 2012
• Saya U Aung Hla Tun, Ko Aung Moung (M73) and Ko Thant Zin (M82) are now GBNF
• See posts

U Aung Hla Tun (Met)

• Retired Associate Professor of Metallurgical Engineering
• Passed away in February 2022.
• Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazine
• Led the History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project.
• Won the National Literary Award.
• See Posts

Sponsors

• There were five Golden Sponsors for SPZP-2000
• David Ko (Tin Myint, M67) and Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70) are now GBNF

David Ko (M67)

• Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000
• $3000 for SPZP-2012
• Sponsor & Donor for NorCal RITAA

Steeve Kay (EC70)

• Had successful careers as IC Designer, Founder & CEO of QTC, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
• Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP
• Chair, Kay Family Foundation
• Donated more than $200000 to RIT related activities.
• See Posts

Family Members

Ma Ma Pat (GBNF)

• Spouse of Saya U Myo Myint Sein
• Passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2022.
• The day before, Saya Myo celebrated his 91st birthday.
• See Posts

U Tin U’s Family

• Three family members passed away within a few months.
• Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (spouse) — November, 2019
• Dr. Peter Khin Tun (elder son) — April 13, 2020
• U Tin Tun (son-in-law) — May 2020
• See Posts

Sports

• U Soe Myint Lwin (EP68), U Kyaw Sint (T69er), John Tint (M72), U Thein Lwin (M72) are some Soccer Selected who are GBNF
• U Han Sein (C69) and U Aung Gyi Shwe (EE69er) are some Multiple Sports Athletes who are GBNF

U Aung Gyi Shwe (EE69er)

• Secretary of RIT Track and Field Association.
• Played soccer and enjoyed weightlifting.

U Khin Maung Myint (John Tint, M72)

• Soccer selected for Burma, RU & RIT passed away in 2020

U Thein Lwin (M72)

• Captain, RIT Soccer
  passed away in 2022

by Hla Min

Updated : May 2026

January 2019

Dr. Chan Nyein (M67)

Passed away on 23rd Jan 2019

July 2019

• Yan Pyae (Kenneth Than Khin, M72)
• Shwe Tha (Ronnie Tha Htoon, EC82-83)

August 2019

• Myint Htwe (Bo Hmu, Intake of 64/65)

Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe

• Pioneer of Computer Systems, Application and Education in Burma
• Retired Rector of RASU
• I have written several articles about my mentor
• Passed away in Sydney Australia in 2019 at the age of 88

by Hla Min

Updated : May 2026

• There are numerous posts about those who are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).

69ers

• 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.

Class of 70 (Intake of 64)

• U Ohn Khine (M70) and team maintain the GBNF list for 1st BE intake in 1964. About 140 members are GBNF.

U Ba Than (GBNF)

• He is Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering.
• He was an early supporter of HMEE project.
• He donated his Garawa money to various charitable associations.
• See Posts

Sleeve Kay (EC70, GBNF)

• He had successful careers as IC Designer, Founder & CEO of QTC, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
• He is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP.
• He is Chair of Kay Family Foundation.
• He donated more than $200000 to RIT related activities.
• See Posts

U Min Wun (GBNF)

• He 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.
• See Posts

M72 (GBNF)

• U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) and team occasionally published the GBNF list for M72.

• Kham Shan
• Khin Maung Myint (John Tint)
• Khin Maung Oo
• Khin Maung Tin
• Khin Maung Toe
• Kyaw Kyaw Aung
• Kyaw Kyaw Maw
• Kyaw Moe
• Kyaw Myint Than
• Kyaw San Tun
• John Tint
• Soe Myint (Phone Gyi)
• Soe Myint (Shwe Thwar)
• Soe Myint Aung
• Soe Than
• Tha Tun
• See Posts

Ma Ma Pat (GBNF)

• She is the spouse of Saya U Myo Myint Sein.
• She passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2022.
• The day before, Saya Myo celebrated his 91st birthday.
• See Posts

U Tin U’s Family

• Three family members 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
• See Posts

U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF)

• 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.
• See Posts

U Tun Aung (Jefferey, EC68, GBNF)

• He is a founding member and past President of BASES.
• He passed away on October 5, 2021.
• See Posts

U Soe Myint Lwin (EP68, GBNF)

• He played Soccer for Burma, RU & RIT.
• He was EC of the Burma Women’s Soccer Federation.
• He passed away in 2017.
• See Posts

I Zeyar Lin (69er, GBNF)

• He passed away in 2018

H Num Kok (GBNF)

• He is a Saya of our Sayas.
• He passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA in his late 90s.
• See Posts

Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)

• He is a founding member and President of RIT Alumni International which hosted SPZP-2000.
• He passed away in California, USA.
• See Posts

Dr. Win Thein (C58, GBNF)

• He retired as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering.
• His sister donated Saya’s Garawa money to various charities.
• See Posts

U Khin Maung Win (Sid, C58, GBNF)

• He passed away in USA.
• He is a classmate of Sayas Allen Htay, Dr. San Hla Aung and Dr. Win Thein.

U Han Sein (C69, GBNF)

• He represented RIT in Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and Basketball.
• He was a Prisoner of Conscience for 17 years.

U Myat Swe (Benedict Sia, M75, GBNF)

• Brother-in-law of Roland Chen (Kyi Aung, ChE73).
• He passed away in Taiwan.
• He is a life member of Alumni Association.
• He donated a Shwe YaDu bench.

U Aung Gyi Shwe (EE69er, GBNF)

• He was Secretary of RIT Track and Field Association.
• He also played soccer and enjoyed weightlifting.

U Aye Lwin (M69, GBNF)

• He was Secretary of RIT Annual Magazine Committee & RIT Mechanical Engineering Association.
• He attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.

U Win Thein (M67, GBNF)

• He 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, GBNF)

• Soccer selected for Burma, RU & RIT passed away in 2020

U Thein Lwin (M72, GBNF)

• Captain, RIT Soccer
  passed away in 2022

by Hla Min

Updated : July 2025

2004

• Daw Than Than (Chem, GBNF) passed away on December 5th, 2004. She taught at the Chemistry Department in RIT. Her spouse U Kyaw Tun also taught Chemical Engineering Students.

2011

• Ko Chit Po Po passed away in January, 2011. He is an Old Paulian. He represented RIT in rowing. Talented harpist
  Spouse : Dr. Daisy Saw

• Ko Naing Win (M70) passed away in Yangon in January, 2011
  Spouse : Polly Win (Polly Ba San, Burma Swimming)
• Ko Myint Swe (Chemical 69, Myingyan native, Spouse of Swe Swe Oo ) passed away (11am, 3 Feb, 2011 ) at the Shin Pargu Hospital.

• Ko 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.

• Ko Hla Tun (EP 1971) passed away in March 2011. Joined RIT from GTI; Former head of vocational technical school in Rangoon. Migrated to Singapore in 1992
  Spouse : Daw Murang Kha Taung (C 1970)
• Ko Yin Kyu (age 67), Mech/Agri RIT 69er passed away on 26th April, 2011 at 8/45 am.
  Retired from Public Works (Construction Corporation) as superintending engineer in 2006. Died of kidney failure, based on diabetes. Had been hospitalized since 3rd April at the Shwegonedine Hospital.
• Maung Maung Myo Min (EcE95Sep) passed away at his house in Yangon at 1:53PM on 25th April 2011. Left behind Myo Myo, his wife, a young daughter and a young son.
• Ko Pyie Phyo Swe (Civil 2003) peacefully departed on Sunday (1:34pm) 03 April 2011 at Changi Hospital, Singapore.
  Spouse : Ma Lin Nandar Han (C 2003)
• Saw Htoo Htoo Baw (Boris, Baw Gyi) – Mechanical (Sept 1995) passed away on 02 July 2011, at National University Hospital (NUS) of Singapore.
  Was in ICU for 5 days.
  Had diabetic shock and his pancreas had problem.
• Ko Aung Naing (Bahadur, Mining 1969) passed away on 14 August, 2011 at the age of 70. He was the Principal of the GTI (Taungyi / Aye Thar Yar).
• U Aung Htay (M68) passed away on 9th November, 2011.
  Known as “Zat Sayagyi” in RIT.
• Ko Chit Htun (Mining) passed away at the age of 68 on 19 December 2011 (Monday).
  Was a lecturer at YIT.

2012

• Ko Aung Thu Yein (EC69) passed away in March 2012,
• Ko Khin Maung Toe passed away in Singapore on November 14, 2012. M72 group offered to host Ko Khin Maung Toe’s last journey.

RIT Alumni International Newsletter

We are deeply saddened to learn that U Khin Maung Toe did not live long enough to attend and entertain at M 72 Reunion and SPZP-2012.

He was an icon for the music world. Several sayas and remember love his songs.

M72 is known for the unity and strength and the passion for the alma mater.

THAMUDAYA KYAUNG (original and sequel) was written by the famed poet PADEEGONE SEIN WIN and the musical rendition was provided by U Khin Maung Toe with the accompaniment of MIZZIMA HLAING. Miss International and her friends volunteered to take part in the DVD. Little did we realize that the work would the final tribute given to RIT by U Khin Maung Toe.

Even as he lay in the Singapore hospital, U Khin Maung Toe showed his patience and courage to face the journey’s end. He twice offered robes to the Sayadaws at the Burmese Buddhist Temple, and clearly said “SADHU, SADHU, SADHU”. He remembered his RIT friends and requested that he wish to see the FULL THAMUDAYA DVD. His friends felt glad to know that U Khin Maung Toe was alert and thoughtful, but felt sad that he might be bidding them FAREWELL.

Translation of a Kabyar

Composed by Maung Sein Win (Padeegone)
Modified by Ko Wynn Htain Oo

Though we would like to be together eternally;

by the laws of Sankahara (conditioned things that are impermanent);

we have to let you go;

ahead of us, our dearest friend.

You have coaxed us to practice vipassana (insight) meditation; and you also showed and led by example.

Because of the samvega (urgency [for getting on the path for liberation]) that arose out of our sadness, we are thankful.

We feel that you will satisfied for having instilled samvega in us.

Sayas

• U Han Tun (Mechanical) passed away on 16th September 2012). His body was donated to MC 2 as per his desire by his family.

• U Hla Thwin (Mechanical) passed away alone at his home. Nobody knew about his demise. It took 5 days before someone learned about his death. So sad.

by Hla Min

Updated : May 2026

U Ba Hli

• First native Dean to head the Faculty of Engineering of Rangoon University.

• Per request from Sayagyi U Aung Khin, Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (EE, GBNF) wrote about his beloved father for the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000.
• Passed away in his house on U Wisara Road in Rangoon.
• Three Generation of engineers : U Ba Hli (C), son Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (EE, MIT), grandson U Tha Hlaing (EC83)

Dr. Maung Maung Kha

• Interim Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University
• Longest tenured Rector : Rangoon University, Rangoon Arts and Science University, University of Distance Learning
• Plays the violin well. Used to accompany Saya U Ba Kyi (famous Artist and “translator/composers of songs”) singing “Hne Yauk Hte Nay Chin De” in Myanmar/Burmese and English

U Yone Mo

• Retired Chief Engineer at Burma Railways
• Dean, Faculty of Engineering (then known as BIT)
• Rector, RIT
• Proponent of taking naps to keep one healthy
• Saya U Kyaw Sein experienced the gentle nature of Sayagyi and wrote
• comments under Sayagyi’s photo in the RIT Alumni Facebook Pages.
• Children : David, Elizabeth, Steven, Kyaw Moe (Phillip, M72, GBNF), Esther

U Kyaw Tun

• Saya of our sayas.
• Worked at Nam Tu before joining the Department of Electrical Engineering
• Continued teaching until his retirement
• Recruited Saya C. Ping Lee to join EE department in 1950.
• “Doctor” Tin Aung Win wrote a short note about his beloved father-in-law.
• Passed away in Burma after visiting his daughter Dorothy in Australia.

C. Ping Lee

• Alumnus of University of Washington
• Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, BOC College

• U Kyaw Tun requested him to join the EE Department
• Former students include Saya U Sein Hlaing (GBNF)
• Dr. Win Aung (M 62) wrote about his father in the “Post Reunion” series of SPZP-2000.
• U Htin Paw (EE 58), U Aw Taik Moh (C54) and Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) shared their memories of their Saya.
• He passed away in Berkeley, CA in 1987.

U Than Lwin (Eric)

• Lecturer, Economics, Faculty of Social Science
• Adjunct Librarian, Social Science Library
• Visiting Lecturer at BIT

U Maung Maung (M.E.E) (B.P.I.)

• Research Engineer with UBARI
• There were several connections between BIT/RIT and UBARI. Some who went for further studies on UBARI scholarship later joined BIT/RIT as full-time or part-time sayas.

U Sein Hlaing

• Professor of Electrical Engineering
• Alumnus of MIT
• Taught at BIT/RIT until retirement.
• Passed away a few years after retirement.
• Spouse : Sayama Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee (EE, GBNF)

U Kyaw Min (1933 – 1999)

• Eldest son of Wunna Kyaw Htin U Ba Gyaw and Daw Aye Kyi.
• Alumnus of MIT
• Part-time saya at Architecture Department.
• Pen name : “Bi Thu Kar” Kyaw Min.
• EC member of Burma Astro Research Bureau (BARB)
• Passed away at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, the 1st of July 1999 at the Rangoon General Hospital
• He was receiving treatment for a liver ailment since March 1998.

U Tin Hlaing

• Joined Mechanical Engineering Department after graduating in 1959.
• Received Masters from Purdue University.
• Head, Agricultural Engineering (Sub-Department of Mechanical Engineering)
• Managed the Hockey Team of All Universities & Institutes
• Saya U Aung Khin wrote “A tribute to Saya U Tin Hlaing” for SPZP-2000.

U Win Kyaing

• Received his Masters from the Colorado School of Mines
• Head of Petroleum Engineering (Sub-Department of Mining Engineering)
• Nick name : “Ngu Yin Kong Kee”.
• Spouse : Sayama Daw Muriel Tun Gyaw

Sao Kan Gyi

• Taught English at RIT
• Helped organize the English Debate

• Alias : Tony Mangrai
• Pen name : “Khemarat”
• Siblings : Sao Khemar Wadi (Buddy), Sao Yan Naing, Sao Yan Paing

U Chin Way

• Saya at EE Department
• Active in SPARK
• Was offered a job promptly by his interviewers after learning that their boss U Tun Aung (Jeffrey, EC68, GBNF) was a student of Saya.
• Passed away in the US.

U Win Maung

• Joined Civil Engineering Department after graduating in 1964.

• Active as a “Lan Zin Lu Nge” Organizer.

Daw Tin Tin Ohn (Amy Thwin)

• Joined the Textile Engineering Department after graduating in 1961.
• She was among the pioneering female engineering students.
• Passed away in the mid-1990s of cancer.
• Her younger sister Daw Ni Ni Thwin (Dolly, T64) also passed away in the late 1990s.

Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee

• Joined Electrical Engineering Department after graduating with EP (Electrical Power) in 1972.
• Head of Electrical Engineering (Power) Department at YIT
• Widow of Saya U Sein Hlaing (EE, GBNF)
• Passed away om Jan 05, 2000.

Deans GBNF

• U Ba Hli (RU)
• Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Interim)
• Dr. Tha Hla (Interim)
• U Po Tha (Interim)
• Dr. Htin Aung (Interim)
• U Yone Mo (BIT)

Electrical GBNF

• U Sein Hlaing
• U Kyaw Tun
• C Ping Lee
• U Tin Swe
• Dr. Freddie Ba Hli
• U Sein Win
• U Htin Paw
• U Ba Nyunt
• Dr. San Tint
• U Chin Way
• U Soe Min
• U Nyi Nyi
• U Thein Lwin
• U Tin Shwe
• U Kyaw Naing
• Daw Mya Mya Than

Civil GBNF

• U Num Kok
• U Min Wun
• Allen Htay
• U Win Maung
• U Myint Soe
• U Aye Win Kyaw
• Madan Chand

Chemical GBNF

• U Khin Aung Kyi
• Dr. Maung Maung Win
• U Kyaw Tun
• Daw Aye Aye Kyaw
• U Ohn Maung

Textile GBNF

• U Maung Maung Than
• U Shwe Yi
• Charlie Kaw
• Dr. Julie Han
• Daw Tin Tin Ohn (Amy Thwin)
• U Hla Shwe

Mechanical GBNF

• U Ba Than
• U Tin Hlaing
• Dr. Chan Nyein
• U Han Tun
• U Khin Maung
• U Myo Win
• U Kyaw Sein
• U Hla Thwin
• S. Arya
• S. Kyaw Aye
• U Tin Maung Oo
• U Thein Tun Aung

Metallurgy GBNF

• U Thit
• Dr. Saw Pru
• Dr. Khin Maung Win
• U Aung Hla Tun

Mining GBNF

• U Soe Khaw
• U Soon Sein
• U Kyaw Tint

Architecture GBNF

• U Tha Tun
• U Kyaw Min
• U Shwe

• Sai Yee Laik

Maths GBNF

• U Ba Toke
• U Sein Shan
• Dr. Saw Tin

Physics GBNF

• Daw Nyein
• U Hlwan Moe
• Daw May Than Nwe
• U Saw Hlaing

Chemistry GBNF

• Daw Than Than

Burmese GBNF

• U Tein Kyi

Political Science GBNF

• U Tha Din

Visiting Sayas GBNF

• U Than Lwin
• U Tin Nyunt