HlaMin

Category: HMEE

  • Aw Taik Moh

    Aw Taik Moh

    by Hla Min & Aw Taik Moh

    Update : September 2026

    RUESU Magazine

    Brief Bio

    • Wrote the article “BOC College Student” for RIT Alumni International Newsletter
    • Business Manager for the publication of Rangoon University Engineering Students’ Union Annual Magazine in 1952-53.
    • Graduated in 1954 with Civil Engineering
    • MS from MIT as a recipient of the “Twinning Program” proposed by Saya U Ba Hli
    • Attended SPZP-2000 held in San Francisco. He requested to be seated with Sayagyis.

    Letter in 2012

    My dear Ko Aung Gyi:

    I tried to e-mail you several times in the past few months but they didn’t get through. I was wondering where have you been and how were you doing.

    By the way, as I am unable to attend the great Reunion myself, I have two important proposals for you to consider and, if you thought appropriate, present to the Reunion Organizing Committee:

    (1) That at the start of the reunion the whole body of attendees should pay respects to Sayagyi U Ba Hli and Dr. Murray P. Horwood from MIT who were instrumental in getting scholarships and admissions for Burmese graduates and students to MIT, Harvard (San Tun Aung and Nelson Chin graduated from there), Cornell (Kyit In [Min Wun] and Kyaw Win), Michigan State, Ann Arbor & East Lansing, Lehigh, even UCLA (my R.U. College of Engineering classmate graduate Ohn Ghine went there) etc. As you know, Dr. Horwood headed the team of professors from MIT to RU Eng. College back in the 1950’s – – that’s how it got started for the Burmese boys like myself to come to the U.S. for further studies.

    (2) I believe that this similar kind of arrangement with MIT or other institutions could and should be made with the Myanmar govt and RIT now for Myanmar to catch up with the world. If you have a chance to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, please tell her about this proposal. Education and higher education, esp. technical and medical, is extremely important for Myanmar students and graduates and for the country, and no one should overlook this.

    Thank you very much for your time and consideration of the above.

    My best wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to you and your family and all our Sayas, colleagues and friends at the Reunion, in Myanmar and overseas. Please take a lot of pictures at the reunion for me!

    Aw Taik Moh

    1954 B.Sc. Civil Engineering, R.U. Eng. College

    M.C.P.(City Planning) M.I.T. 1957

    P.S. Since I attended the last reunion in San Francisco many years ago the RIT Committee lost contact with me, otherwise I would have contributed something to the “Book” they are now publishing about the history of the university (which I heard of from Dr. Chris Lee). I want to let you and the Committee know that I have an original copy of the R.U. Engineering Students’ Union Magazine, published in 1953 – in both Burmese and English – for which I was a Business Manager when I was a 3rd year engineering student. It has the photos of Sayagyi U Ba Hli and the entire faculty and Dr. Horwood and all the students.

    Updates

    • RUESU published six Annual Magazines
    • Saya U Moe Aung was Editor of the magazine for 1960 – 61

    Posts

    • BOC College Graduate
    • Magazines
    • RUESU
    • SPZP
    • U Ba Hli
  • Association of Engineers in Burma after World War

    Association of Engineers in Burma after World War

    by Hla Min, U Tin U & U Ba Than

    Update : September 2026

    History of Myanmar Engineering Education

    • There were interviews for the HMEE-2012 project.
    • The account about the Association of Engineers in Burma after World War was told by Saya U Tin U and recorded by Saya U Ba Than.
    • The Association was re-instituted about 1955-56.
    • President : Sayagyi U Ba Hli (Dean of Engineering, University of Rangoon)
    • Honorary Secretary : Saya U Soon Sein (Professor, Mining)
    • Honorary Treasurer : Saya U Tin U (Part time Lecturer, Civil)

    U Tin U

    U Tin U
    • Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1946.
    • Attended Rangoon University before going for studies in the USA.
    • Captain & Gold of Rangoon University Boat Club in 1948.
      Represented RUBC in the Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi in 1948 along with Dr. Pe Nyun, Dr. Pe Thein and Khin Maung Wint (Bobby).
    • Received BCSE from the University of Oregon and MCSE from Yale University.
    • Upon his return to Burma, he worked in the industry and taught part-time at the Civil Engineering department.
    • Past Captain of Rangoon Golf Club
    • Oldest & Most Senior Past Captain of RUBC
    • Retired as Advisor of PWD Group.

    U Ba Than

    U Ba Than
    • 1947 : Matriculated from St. John’s Dio and won Collegiate Scholarship.
    • 1949 : Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in the Intermediate of Science exam
    • RUBC Full Green
    • Studied Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London University
    • Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
    • As a requirement for promotion, he did his Masters at Imperial College
    • Retired as Professor of Mechanical Engineering
    • Early supporter of HMEE-2012 project. Donated his photo albums. Requested U Thaw Kaung to allow U Soe Paing & team to access the archives of Rangoon University Central Library.
    • Before the pandemic, he invited former colleagues and students to his Birthday Soon Kyaw at Yaw Sayadaw’s Monastery.
    • He donated back all of the Garawa Money to various social and religious associations.
    • He is now GBNF.

    Updates

    • HMEE book was published in December 2012. Copies of the book were donated to Universities’ Central Library and YTU Library.
    • U Tin U lost his spouse Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt in November 2019, his elder son Dr. Peter Khin Tun in April 2020 and his son-in-law U Tin Tun in May 2030. He will celebrate his 96th birthday on August 3, 2025.
    • U Ba Than passed away after his 94th birthday in 2024.

    Posts

    • Associations
    • HMEE
    • Interviews
    • Sayas
  • Tone Kyaw တုံးကျော်

    Tone Kyaw တုံးကျော်

    by Hla Min

    Updated : September 2026

    U Lin (M66)

    • Saya U Lin became the latest Tone Kyaw when Mg Mar Ga mistakenly posted that he (instead of Saya U Lay Aung M64) had passed away.

    U Han Sein (C69)

    U Han Sein
    • He represented RIT in Swimming, Water Polo, Diving & Basketball.
    • In 1999, the 69ers organized a Reunion and Pu Zaw Pwe for the 30th Anniversary of Graduation. The organizers compiled an address / phone book for the 69ers and also listed GBNF. He was inadvertently listed as GBNF.
    • Only close friends knew that he was whisked away by Adhamma authorities and sentenced to 20 years in a kangaroo court for his involvement in 8-8-88 related activities. He was released after 17 years when “Lut Nyein Chan Thar Kwint လွတ်ငြိမ်းချမ်းသာခွင့်” was proclaimed.
    • He was a Tone Kyaw. He suffered losses & relations during and after his imprisonment.
    • He did not lose heart. He attended 69er gatherings regularly and served as photographer. He tried out camera tricks (e.g. creating twins) and posts the photos on the RIT69ers FB page.
    • He is active as Leader (“A Pho Gyi အဖိုးကြီး”) for the social & religious activities in the Latha လသာ area.
    • His birthday is on May 24.
    • He succumbed to Covid in 2020.

    Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63)

    Dr. Tin Hlaing
    • Joined Mechanical Engineering Department in 1963.
    • His friends called him “Byte” Tin Hlaing or “R” Tin Hlaing, since there was a senior Saya U Tin Hlaing (M59, GBNF) who headed the Agri Engineering sub-Department.
    • The elder saya passed away untimely because he could not get access to the two dialysis machines (reserved for VIP) and he could not get passport / visa in time to get medical treatment abroad. Those were the days.
    • Dr. Tin Hlaing moved to Singapore. He co-chaired SPZP-2002.
    • A few years ago, he became a Tone Kyaw. Another Dr. Tin Hlaing (Marine Technology) passed away in Singapore. A few alumni sent condolences to Saya.

    Hla Min

    U Hla Min
    • My name sake matriculated from St Paul’s High School in 1964 and graduated with EE in 1970. He was one year junior to me at SPHS and RIT. He joined UCC as Chief Operator (CO). He taught Programming at Worker’s College.
    • He appeared healthy and strong, but unfortunately he passed away at the tender age of 30+.
    • During his hospitalization, he was taken care of by his former classmate Dr. Min Lwin (SPHS64).
    • Many were not aware that there were two Hla Min (Old Paulian, RIT alumni, UCC employee/saya).
    • Two government departments — Coop သမဝါယမ Training School, Trade ကုန်သွယ်ရေး Training School, where I had given guest lectures — inquired UCC how they can send “Lwan Thuu Pann Khwe လွမ်းသူ့ပန်းခွေ wreath) for me.
    • We went to Kyandaw ကြံတော Cemetery for Ko Pauk Si’s Last Journey. He earned the nickname at SPHS, because he would eat Pauk Si ပေါက်စီ from the vendor who had borrowed money from his father and did not pay back in cash.
    • Moe Hein (Ajala, ChE69, who represented RIT in swimming & water polo) looked at me as if I was a Ghost. He said, “I had taken the day off to bid you farewell. I did not hear any news from your brother (who worked at DI/HIC) and felt sorry for you. If I don’t show up, there might not be people at your funeral.”
    • Those who are young might not have heard about the Nigerian rabble-rouser / trouble maker named Ajala.
      Moe Hein, with his loud voice, can overwhelm supporters from other teams in the Inter-Institute tournaments.

    Tin Tun & Tin Htoon

    • This is not a case of Tone Kyaw. It caused some confusion.
    • A Burmese name may be spelled differently in English. e.g Tun, Htun & Htoon for ထွန်း
    • Ko Tin Tun, who married U Tin Htoon’s niece (Aye Aye Khin), passed away in Yangon on the morning of May 22, 2020.
    • Saya U Thein Tan (C64) and Ko Sann Tun Ni (Sushi owner) asked for clarification. They were relieved to find out that it was not U Tin Htoon (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC, Goenka’s devotee / organizer).

  • Universities and Institutes

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Apr 2026

    Brief history

    • The RU Act of 1920 was passed on December 1, 1920 to establish the University of Rangoon with Rangoon College and Judson College as the constituent Colleges. There were only three Faculties: Science, Arts and Law
    • On December 5, 1920, some RU students staged a strike to protest the 1920 RU Act for not being overreaching. The first RU Students’ Strike was later celebrated as “Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay”. The Strike gave birth to National Schools and “Ah Myotha Kaw Leik (National College)”. The Strike also caused the higher authorities to amend the “RU Act of 1920”.
    • In 1924, some Faculties (Engineering, Forestry, Social Science and Medicine) were added.

    Celebrations

    • Due to the war, the RU Silver Jubilee could not be celebrated in 1945. It was celebrated in the 1950s.
    • In 1970, the Golden Jubilee of the founding of RU was celebrated. A magazine was published to commemorate the event.
    • In Deember 2019, the pre-Celebration for the RU Centennial took place. In 2020, due to Covid, the RU Centennial was celebrated with restrictions.

    Positions and Pay Scales

    • The list is not exhaustive.
    • The pay scales are samples for the early days.

    Gazetted Officer

    • Those who earn 350 (and CLA) or higher
    • 450 (Base Pay) in the newer system
    • Promotion, deputation, transfer, and leave are published in the [Burma] Gazette

    Selection Grade

    • Those who earn 800+ Kyats
    • Entitled to buy 10% of salary at “Staff Shop”

    Administrators

    • Chancellor : Prime Minister or his appointee; U Nu attended Convocations and gave speeches.
    • Vice-Chancellor : Chief Justice U Bo Gyi served for two terms at Rangoon University. U Ko Lay (Zeyar Maung) was the Vice Chancellor of Mandalay University.
    • Rector : Dr. Htin Aung was the first native Rector of Rangoon University. Dr. Hla Myint, Dr. Tha Hla, U Kar and Dr. Maung Maung Kha were the early Rectors.
    • Pro-Rector : introduced in the 80s. U Ba Than Haq was the first Pro-Rector of RASU.
    • Principal : in charge of a College; U Pe Maung Tin was the first native Principal of Rangoon College.
    • Dean : in charge of a Faculty; U Ba Hli was the first native Dean of Engineering.
    • Registrar : U Htin Si and U Yu Khin were the early Registrars of Rangoon University.

    Head of Department : (e.g. at RIT in the 60s)

    • Large departments are headed by a Professor
    • Sub-departments are headed by a Lecturer
    • Supporting departments may be headed by an Assistant Lecturer.

    Professor : 1300+ Kyats

    Associate Professor : introduced in the 80s
    (1000 – 50 – 1200 Kyats)
    for minimum, annual increment and maximum

    Lecturer :
    800 – 50 – 1200 Kyats (for Lecturers before the 80s)
    800 – 50 – 1000 Kyats (for Lecturers in the 80s)

    Assistant Lecturer : 350 (and CLA) – 25 -700 Kyats
    and CLA (Cost of Living Allowance) was 89 Kyats (or so)
    The “adjusted” pay was 439 Kyats (or so)
    So, Assistant Lecturer : 450 – 25 – 700 Kyats (after the period when CLA was dropped)

    Instructor : 450 – 25 – 700 Kyats (introduced for the Institutes in the 60s)
    The pay scale is the same as Assistant Lecturer.
    It takes longer to become a Lecturer.

    Demonstrator :
    Early days : 200 (and CLA) => 297 Kyats (or so)
    Later : 320 Scale
    Supervises lab

    Tutor :
    Early days : 200 (and CLA) => 297 Kyats (or so)
    Later : 320 Scale
    Supervises lab and/or tutorials

    Lecturing Tutor :
    100 Kyats additional

    Ad hoc Tutor :
    Early days : 100+ Kyats

    Editor’s Notes :

    • For better or for worse, there have been several changes to the Education System. Pro-Rector and Associate Professor were introduced in the 80s.
      Some departments now have several Professors. There are Universities with a single Institute of College. There are 30+ Technological Universities.
    • Due to the decline in the buying power of the money, it is difficult for most teaching staff to survive with the salaries (and occasional pay raises). In 2018, a Professor told me that she earned about K5 Lakhs, of which a sizable amount is spent on transportation.

  • Thiha Latt

    by U Hla Min

    Updated : Apr 2026

    • Textile Engineer
    • RIT Faculty Member
    • Author
    • Editor
    • Coordinator for Publications
    • Cartoonist — Last maintainer of RIT Cartoon Box
    TL 1
    TL 2

    HMEE-2012 Project

    TL 3

    Swel Daw Yeik Magazine Editors

    TL 4
    TL 5

    Cartoonists

    TL 6
    TL 7

  • U Tin U 2

    by Hla Min

    Update : Feb 2026

    Highlights

    U Tin U at SPZP-2012
    • Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1946.
    • Attended Rangoon University before going for studies in the USA.
    • Represented RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) in the Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi in 1948. His crew mates were Pe Nyun (Dick San Pe, later Orthopedic Surgeon & Lead for operating Ma Nan Soe & Ma Nan San); Pe Thein (Tom San Pe, later Minister of Health & Education) and Khin Maung Wint (Bobby Tin, later Commander of Artillery).
    1948 Independence Day Regatta
    • Received BSCE (Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering) from Oregon State University.
    • Received MSCE (Master of Science in Civil Engineering) from Yale University.
    • Upon his return to Burma, he joined Clark & Greig (well-known Construction Company) and became a Director.
    • He taught part-time at the Civil Engineering department.
    • He later served as Advisor for Inter-kiln and PWD Architecture (2) Group.
    • Past Captain of Rangoon Golf Club
    • Oldest & Most Senior Past Captain of RUBC; He was invited to open the Centennial Celebrations of RUBC in 2023

    Family

    • He is the oldest child of U Chan Sein and Daw Cheng Kim.

    Nine Siblings

    • U Tin U, U Ba Than, Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Daw Myint Thwe (Betty), Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin, Daw Cho Cho Hlaing

    Spouse

    • Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt (Cherry Tin Gyi) — worked for Medical College and BMRI (Burma Medical Research Institute); passed away in November 2019

    Elder son

    • Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) — MRCP; former Associate Dean of Oxford University); succumbed to Covid on April 13, 2020
    • Spouse : Daw Win Mar —survived Covid; was hospitalized for 2 weeks
    • Children : Min Ko (Michael), Ye Aung (William)
    • See : Chronicles of Peter Tun (Apr – May 2020)

    Daughter

    • Daw Aye Aye Khin — B.Com, CPA; took care of her father till the final day
    • Spouse : U Tin Tun — passed away in May 2020
    • Children : Thin Thiri Tun, Dr. Khin Sandy Tun

    Younger son

    • Dr. Ye Myint — Specialist in Intensive Care & ; flew to Yangon to take care of his ailing father
    • Spouse : Daw San San Aye
    • Child : Dr. Aye Sandar
    U Tin U & Family
    U Tin U 3

    Interviews

    HMEE

    • Gave an Interview for HMEE Project about BSCE (Burma Society of Civil Engineers)
    • Recorded by Saya U Ba Than
    • The Association was re-instituted about 1955-56.
    • President :
      Sayagyi U Ba Hli (Dean of Engineering, University of Rangoon, GBNF)
    • Honorary Secretary :
      Saya U Soon Sein (Professor, Mining, GBNF)
    • Honorary Treasurer :
      Saya U Tin U (Part time Lecturer, Civil)

    Rangoon Golf Club

    • As Past Captain of RGC, he gave an interview to the media (newspaper / magazine)

    90+ Club

    • Four of the nine siblings are members of the 90+ Club like their mother.
    • U Tin U (eldest) passed away on Aug 19, 2025 — a few weeks after his 96th birthday. He was the most senior Past Captain of RUBC. He was also the oldest Yale University alumni from Burma.
    • U Ba Than (2nd oldest) passed away after his 94th birthday.
    • Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby, 3rd) celebrated her 93rd birthday on Aug 31, 2025.
    • Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, 4th) passed away two months before her 91st birthday.

    Photo Albums

    U Tin Htoon has compiled several photo albums for

    • his mother Daw Cheng Kim
    • U Tin U’s 90th birthday
    • U Ba Than’s 90th birthday
    • Dr. Daw “Ruby” Win Hlaing’s 90th birthday
    • Dr. “Peter” Khin Tun’s untimely demise

    He sent out Photo Cards for the birthdays of older siblings and U Thein Han (Uncle Charlie).

  • NorCal RITAA

    NorCal RITAA

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    President

    Saya George
    • Saya George (U Maung Maung, ChE66) was the first President
    • Gordon (U Kaung Kaung Oo, M83) : Past President
    • U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) : Past President
    • U Tin Maung Win (C86) : current President

    BOD Chair

    • U Stanlislau (Stan, M67) was first BOD Chair
    • Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) : current BOD Chair

    Contacts

    • Web site : U Tin Maung Win (C86) & team
    • FaceBook page : U San Lin (M87) & team
    • Evite : Myint Swe (EP74) & team
    • MailChimp : Edward Saw (EC85) & team

    Finance

    • Extremely low overhead / expenses (due to hosts, sponsors and donors)
    • Awards (plaques, certificates)
    • NorCal RITAA pens
      donated by Edward Saw (EC85) & U Myint Swe (EP74)

    Activities

    • Face to face Meetings
    Meeting
    • Summer Picnic and/or Annual Dinner
    Picnic
    • NorCal RITAA Scholarships
    • YTU Library Modernization
    YTU Library Modernization
    • Ad hoc committee to address sharing of knowledge & expertise with alumni in USA & Myanmar

    AGM

    • There have been several AGMs.
    • Some meetings have Election.
    • U Tun Shwe (ChE72) recorded a video at one AGM.

    2018

    • Soon offered to the monks at Mudita Shwe Kyaung
    • Mohinga, desserts … for all attendees
    • Meeting headed by Saya U Nyo Win (M65) & Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
    • U Nyunt Than (M84) acted as Master of Ceremonies.
    • Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, BOD Chair, Board) gave an Opening Speech. He later handed out awards to Sponsors & Donors.
    • Gordon (M83) and Lillian (EC83) survived the raging fires in Napa, but they had to wait three weeks before returning to their “Home Sweet Home”. They donated to the Scholarship Fund and also encouraged their Classmates (U Kyaw Myint, Daw Ni Ni Sein …) to pledge or donate.
    • Saya U Nyo Win accepted the award for Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60).
    • List of donors/sponsors is maintained by U Ko Ko Zin (M84) & U Myint Swe (EP74).

    Annual Dinners

    2016

    NorCal RITAA
    U Myat Htoo
    Entertainment

    2023

    • Resumed Annual Dinner Gathering (after the pandemic)
    Annual Dinner

    2024

    • Celebrated three Anniversaries
    • Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar
    • 60th Anniversary of RIT
    • Silver Jubilee of RIT Alumni Newsletter
  • Scholarship & Stipend

    Scholarship & Stipend

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Scholarship

    1963

    SPHS63
    • In 1963, ten from our class from SPHS received the Collegiate Scholarship of 75 Kyats per month.
    • After paying 15 Kyats for the school fees, those who attend as day scholars have 60 Kyats to spend.
    • Sad to note that Dr. Myo San (Freddie Ba San), U Maung Maung Kyi & U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way) are GBNF.
    • The number of scholarships awarded vary with the scholastic years.
    • In the mid 1950s, the top 25 students were awarded scholarships of 60 Kyats.
      There was no tuition fees for attending college.

    Changes

    • In 1960, the top 100 students were awarded scholarships. SPHS had 24 scholarship winners.
    SPHS60
    • In 1963, students from the private schools have to be in the top 40 to be awarded scholarships.

    Stipend

    • In the early days, some medical students were awarded Army Stipend.
    • After graduation, they became commissioned officers.
    • In the 1960s and the early 1970s, stipends were given to eligible students.
    • One student who attended Dental College in 1973 said, “I received a monthly stipend of 75 Kyats. I paid 57 Kyats for the hostel fees, and 15 Kyats for the school fees. I use the remaining 3 Kyats for riding buses. The short trips cost five or ten pyas.”

    YTU

    • Scholarships and stipends are being awarded by various organizations to YTU students.
    • Before the pandemic, NorCal RITAA awarded scholarships to eligible YTU students. A student was typically given $1000 for an academic year.
    • Note that the purchasing power of Kyat has changed drastically over the years.
    • Thanks to the Ko Htu’s and Ko Hta’s for making a difference in the lives of selected YTU students.
  • Mechanical Sayas

    Mechanical Sayas

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    Mech Sayas
    • The photo was probably taken in the late 1980s.
    • There were only two Sayamas among the 40 or so Mechanical Engineering Sayas & Sayamas.

    The following sayas are GBNF

    • U Maung Maung Than
    • U Ba Than
    • U Aung Than
    • S. Arya
    • U Khin Maung
    • U Soe Lwin
    • U Kyaw Sein
    • U Tin Maung Oo
    • Dr. Chan Nyein
    • U Thein Tun Aung
    • U Hla Thwin
    • S Kyaw Aye

    Comments

    • The photo does not include U Tin Myint, Dr. Lu Aye and U Zaw Hein Kyaw — all M80. They were doing postgraduate studies in Melbourne, Australia.
    • Dr. Jesse Htwe was in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2000, but she did not attend SPZP-2000.
    • I met several Mech sayas at the SPZPs and Mech Gatherings (as Guest) in Yangon.

  • Social and Reading Club

    Rangoon University used to have Social and Reading Clubs.

    Burma Institute of Technology

    BIT S&R Club

    In 1961, the RU Faculty of Engineering moved to the Gyogone Campus and was called BIT. Saya U Yone Mo was Dean.

    Saya U San Tun joined Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer in 1959. He did his Masters at MIT. Upon his return, he taught at BIT. He served as a Hall Tutor along with U Maung Maung Win (M), U San Tint (EE) and U Shwe Yi (Tex).

    Saya U Kyaw Tun served as Hall Warden.

    The photo of the BIT S&R Club Executive Committee for 1962 – 63 was provided by Saya U San Tun.