It was a decision I made 50 years ago that resulted in an association with an institution that has developed from its incipient stage to a full-fledged Institute of Higher Learning. Of course the decision was not mine alone since youths in those days were required to follow the tradition of seeking the guidance and advice of parents, teachers and relatives. I was fortunate enough to have an uncle who was the Professor of Chemistry and gave me valuable advice. Besides, motivation was needed to go for a career, which required two more years of study beyond the B.A. or B.Sc. courses. At that time Burma was independent for just two years and we, the youth of the country, were imbued with a spirit of challenge and sacrifice. Being masters of our own destiny, we had a vision of a united country of fertile fields, humming factories and busy highways. So I chose to apply for admission to B.O.C. College. Actually the name of the college was B.O.C. College of Engineering and Mining with a Principal as its head. The last principal was Mr. Pendril Davies. At this stage I would like to beg the reader’s forgiveness if my recollections are in error and please feel free to correct me. 50 years is a long time. University of Rangoon subsequently took over the College and it became the Faculty of Engineering with a Dean as its head. Sayagyi U Tan Ba Hli was the dean in 1950.
The requirement for admission was that an applicant must have taken the combination — Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry — in the Intermediate of Science (I.Sc.) class and pass with an aggregate of 50%. There were just over 100 students in my First Year Engineering class, including those who signed up for the fast-track New Course in 1949 and absorbed into regular class when it was discontinued. All First and Second Year students have to take common courses, irrespective of whether one wants to go for Civil, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering. Those are the only disciplines in the Faculty. Only after passing the Second Year did we have a choice. Thus, I found myself in 1950 joining an institution which nurtured me intellectually as well as socially and helped me establish a common bond of friendship and loyalty with my fellow engineers and students, when I morphed from student to teacher.
Maung Sein Win (Padeegone) remembers Ko Win Myint Maung submitting articles and poems for Set Hmu Thadin Zin and joining the “Nay Moon Tei Group” organized by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
Ko Win Myint Maung wrote short stories with the pen name Moe Khet.
Due to the policies of accepting only item under a pen name, he submitted a Kabyar with the pen name N Jar Thaing.
NJT entered the “Lone Chin Publishing” two years ahead of Maung Sein Win (Padeegone), but was two years late entering the “Magazine Circle“.
Both served on the Magazine Committees for Swel Daw Yeik Magazines for SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu 2014 and SPZP-2016.
Saya U Moe Aung felt that N Jar Thaing was having some medical problems in 2014.
Saya sensed some seriousness when N Jar Thaing could not make it to the photo shoot in 2016.
Saya has posted photos about the mini-gatherings of the RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins for the period 2012 – 2016.
N Jar Thaing is GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
NJT, Saya and Ma Sandar SPZP 2012Swel Daw Yeik Magazine (2012)Magazine for Shwe YaDu (2014)201420162016
During our RIT days, most if not all Departments have Associations. The activities (especially fund raisers) vary.
Ko Win Thein (GBNF) co-founded Set Hmu Thadin Zin and Mech Engg Magazine.
Win Thein
Ko Aye Lwin (GBNF) served as Secretary of Mech Association and Secretary of the Inaugural RIT Annual Magazine.
Aye Lwin
Ko Shwe Win, Mehm Ye Win and Ko Hla Min served as Secretary of EE Association. Saya U Moe Aung was Chief Editor of Hlyat Sit Sar Saung. Ko Sann Oo, Ko Myo Myint and Ma Than Yi were Associate Editors.
RIT EE Aassociation
Ko Myo Khin and Ko Saw Lin (GBNF) served as Secretary of Civil Association. They displayed Wall Posters.
Badminton U Thein Lwin, Sai Kham Pan, Myint Sein, Bishnu Shahi …
Basketball U Thein Han, Soe Win, Tommy …
Chess Aung Than, Maung Maung, Thet Lwin …
Chinlon U Maung Maung Than, Tin Shein, Htin Aung …
Hiking & Mountaineering Win Lwin, Cho Aye, Bae Oo …
Hockey Dr. Tin Hlaing, Owen Khoo …
Rowing U Sein Win, Dr. San Hla Aung, U Tin Htut, Myo Myint, Than Htut, Thaung Lwin, Hla Min, Sein Myint, Win Naing, Chit Po Po, Htein Win, Aung Tun Oo, Wunna Sithu, Maung Tun, Kyin Tun …
Soccer Kyaw Htin, Soe Myint Lwin, Kyaw Sint, John Tint, Myo Nyunt, Khin Maung Lay …
Swimming U Sein Win, Dr. San Hla Aung, U Hla Myint, Htay Aung, Han Sein, Moe Hein, Sein Myint, Win Maung, Win Aung, Peter Pe, Wunna Sithu …
Table Tennis Saya Mao Toon Siong, Stan Liou, Maung Maung / Sin Gyi, Win Myint, Tin Myint, Nyunt Tin …
Tennis U Tu Myint, Soe Tha, Tun Kyi, Kyaw Nyunt, James Than …
Thaing U Tin Maung Nyunt, Tun Aung Gyaw, Min Din …
Track & Field U Num Kok, Aung Gyi Shwe, Maung Maung Htwe, Aung Khin, Sai Thein Maung, Khin Maung Lay, Nan Khaming, Lei Lei Chit, Khin Than Myint Tin …
U Khin Maung Zaw : KMZ (EC76) Webmaster of first RIT website
Daw Mai Khin Nyunt : Rosie Gyi (ChE71) Editor, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung
U Moe Aung : Saya (EE63) Tekkatho Moe War (Laureate Poet)
U Myint Pe : Cartoon Box (M72) Lu shwin daw Seik Kyee
U Nyunt Htay : Saya (Met73) Maung Nyunt Htay (Ah Htet Min Hla)
U Ohn Khine : Gaing Gyi (M70) Intake of 64 & 65; HMEE
U San Lin : Maung Lu Pay (M87) Norcal RITAA
Dr. Soe Thein : Saya (C75) Webmaster, Singapore SPZP
U Thein Htut : ex-UCC, Mdy (EC83) IT expert
U Thein Ngwe : Ko Thein (Tokyo) (ChE76) Co-founder, RITAJ
U Tin Aung Win : Oscar (M69) 69er, HIC
U Tin Lin : Saya (ChE72) Annotated Pon Tu; Singapore SPZP
U Tin Myint : Saya (M80) Posted artifacts
U Win Thein Zaw : Wai Lu (Min69) Took Optional Burmese
U Wynn Htain Oo : Mg Mar Ga (M72) Super Fundraiser
U Moe AungU Wynn Htain Oo and U Myint PeU Ohn Khine and Daw Mae Khin NyuntU Khin Maung ZawU Ko Ko KyiDr. Soe TheinU Myint PeU Wynn Htain OoU Aung MyaingU Tin Aung WinU San LinU Khin Maung Zaw
On June 30, 1963, the OPA (Old Paulians Association) invited the top students from the Matriculation to attend the dinner.
I stood 7th in the whole of Burma in the Matriculation examination held in May 1963.
Burmese American Professionals Society
Lifetime Member of BAPS
Volunteered as a Contributing Editor of the BAPS Newsletter.
RIT Alumni International
Founding member of RIT Alumni International.
Served as Chief Editor of the RIT Alumni International Newsletter for 22+ years.
A commemorative edition of the Newsletter was published for SPZP-2000.
Soon Kyway in 2016
In August 2016, U Maurice Chee (M75) organized a birthday soon kwyay at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California.
On behalf of the Alumni, Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the “Alumni Appreciation Award”.
Retirement Soon Kway of Ko Maurice Chee
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) designed the first RIT web site. He came down from Seattle to attend the Retirement Soon Kway of Ko Maurice Chee (M75).
The picture was taken at a sea food restaurant overlooking the San Francisco Bay (within sight of SFO — San Francisco International Airport).
Ko Benny Tan (M70), Ko Maurice and Ko KMZ are Core Organizers of SPZP-2000.
Toastmasters International
I am a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)
Miscellaneous
Past Vice President of TBSA Editor, Dhammananda Newsletter Master of Ceremonies, Memorial Service for Sayadaw U Silannanda Contributing Editor, “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda”
RIT and its successors have produced many distinguished authors and/or Laureate Poets.
Tekkatho Moe War
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War, EE 63)’s works include
Editor of RUESU (Rangoon University Engineering Students Union) Magazine
Chief Editor of “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung” (published the EE Association)
Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazines (for a decade or so)
Chief Editor of commemorative “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” (for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, and SPZP-2010)
Chief Editor of commemorative “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” (for Shwe YaDu and SPZP-2016)
“Swel Daw Yeik Foundation News/Updates”
Articles and Poems in newspapers, journals, magazines
Author and/or Co-author of Books (Poems, Articles)
Ma Sandar
Daw Cho Cho Tin (Ma Sandar, A 71) won several National Literary Awards. She donated several of her books to SPZP-2012, the Golden Jubilee, and selected “G Hall Thus”. Her spouse, U San Maung (A 7x) served as an editor of the “GJ” issue for the combined 1st BE intake of ’64 and ’65.
U Myint Pe
U Myint Pe (“Cartoon”, “Lushwindaw Seik Kyi”, M 72) is a co-founder of the famed “RIT Cartoon Box” with Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (“Phone Ko”, C 64) and Saya U Aung Myint (“Kyant Ba Hone”, Pet 69). He and fellow “Cartoon Box” alums (such as Mann Be (a) Aw Pi Kye) compiled a commemorative book for SPZP-2012 and a commemorative pamphlet for GJ.
U Thiha Latt
Saya U Thiha Latt (T8x) is a Cartoon Box alum. He coordinated the publishing/printing of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine”, “Cartoon Selections”, “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar”, …
Other Notable Authors, Poets and Composers
N. Jar Thaing served as contributing author & editorial adviser of various RIT publications.
Maung Sein Win (Padeegone)
Saya U Taing Oke (“Yin Maung”)
Saya U Thet Lwin (composer of “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo Kun Yeik Kho”)
In November 1964, the RIT English Department was established to teach first year and second year B.E and B. Arch
Sayama Terry (Daw Yin Yin Mya) was Assistant Lecturer and Head of the Department. She was a Beauty Queen. She migrated to Australia.
Sayama Daw Sheila Saing was Assistant Lecturer and Deputy Head of the Department. Spouse : Dr. Zin Aung (Physics) Siblings : Dr. Harry Saing (Htut Saing), Dr. Victor Saing (Aye Kyaw), Dr. Shirley Saing (Khin Kyi Ohn) Saya and Sayama moved to Thailand and taught at Assumption University.
Sayama Naw Charity Sein U later became Head of the RIT English Department. Met her briefly at SPZP-2012.
Sayama Toni Than is a cousin of Ko Thet Tun (Henry, M 75). Parents : U Sett Khaing and Daw Sarah Tin Gyi Spouse : U Nyi Than (retired Ambassador) Youngest aunt : Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (Cherry Tin Gyi), spouse of Saya U Tin U. Khamee Khamet : Saya U Win Mra. Met her briefly at SPZP-2012 and several times in 2019.
Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (Ann) published several books/booklets. Bilingual author. Wrote an article about her mother and two aunts. Parents : ICS U Ba Tint and Daw Khin Saw Mu (Khit San Kabyar) Uncles : ICS U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Myint U Myint Thein Dr. Htin Aung Brother : U Nay Oke Tint (St. Paul’s)
Met Sayama Muriel Spouse : Saya U Aung (Alphoso) They visited Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt in Milpitas, California. We had a couple of lunch gatherings.
Saya Des Named Desmond Rodgers Prefers to be called Des Our main English teacher in 2nd BE. Chief Editor of the RIT English Association Newsletter. Core organizer of the Debates between the 1st BE and 2nd BE students. Played soccer for the RIT Saya team. Accomplished musician : guitarist and vocalist, a regular on the BBS Variety Show. Played and sang with Saya U Win Mra (Burma’s Elvis Presley in his younger days).
Scrabble Champion at the tournaments held at Guardian premises and YMCA Moved to UK and Canada Taught “English as a Specialty Language” Published two books Wrote a long article for “RIT Alumni International Newsletter“.
.Scrabble Champion for both singles and doubles.Did post-graduate studies in the UK.Moved to Canada.Taught “English as a Specialty Language” and other English courses.Set up a consultancy firmPublished a book on English words that have been “selected” from contemporary news media and magazines. I helped catch some typos (which would go into an amendment).Saya air-mailed me the book, but I received an opened package from the Post. Saya sent again with “registered” post (including insurance). It cost more than the sales price of the book. Thanks.Had minor medical problems.Shared his memories in the RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
Saya U Khin Scrabble Champion at the tournaments held at Guardian premises and YMCA Organizer, RIT Scrabble Chambers Dictionary and Jones Pronouncing Dictionary were used to confirm/deny the word challenges. They were always present on Saya’s desk. Moved to Taiwan Wrote a letter in 2016.
Saya U Win Mra was the fourth son ICS U Shwe Mra (Chief Secretary, later UN expert). Burma’s Pole Vault Champion before he was asked to “retire” by the doctors. He and Saya Des played guitars and sang (e.g. BBS Variety Show). Won or placed in Burma’s Elvis Presley contest. Joined the Foreign Service. He was Myanmar’s Ambassador to the United Nations. He is Chair of the Myanmar Human Rights Commission.
Saya Joe Ba Maung was Burma’s Tennis Champion in Singles, Mens’ Doubles (with U Than Lwin) and Mixed Doubles (with Sayama Daw Ruby Kha). Saya joined Burma Railways. He was a victim of 8-8-88 purges.
Khemarat was the pen name of Saya Sao Kangyi Tony). Brothers : Sao Yan Naing, Sao Yan Paing
Saya U Kyaw Lwin Hla transferred to UNDP. Brother : U Kyaw Lwin Hla
U Khin’s Letter
Dear Hla Min,
I have been an ardent “fan” of your RIT Newsletter updates ever since you included me in your mailing list at the suggestion of Des Rodgers many many years ago.
You have made a great contribution to the RIT community by bringing the RIT alumni, sayas and sayamas together through your reports, messages, photos, etc. in the RIT Newsletter and also through your persistent efforts in carrying on the good work against all odds. Who is going to fill your shoes after you retire?
I spent the best years of my life (1964 ~ 1968) at the RIT and I cherish the good old days I had at the RIT with my former colleagues at the English Department such as Saya Desmond Rodgers, Saya U Win Mra, Saya U Joe Ba Maung, Saya Sao Kangyi (deceased), Saya U Kyaw Lwin Hla, Sayama Daw Tin Tin Mya (Terry), Sayama Daw Charity Sein U, Sayama Daw Khin May Lwin (Muriel), Sayama Daw Tin Tin Oo (Toni), Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (Anne), among others; my former colleagues at other engineering departments and non-engineering departments such as Saya U Tin Maung (Civil), Saya U Christopher Maung (Civil), Saya Allen Htay (civil), Saya Dr K.C. Khoo (Chemical), among others; and my former students Tin Tin Myint (Emma), Khin Phyu Latt (Christine), Tin Tin Hla (Su Tin), Sai Kham Sang, Pamela Myo Min, George Lim, among others.
I hope you will have a great time at the birthday party that will be hosted in your honor on August 20th (2016) at Half Moon Bay, California, by your former classmates, colleagues, sayas and sayamas.
I shall also be wishing you a happy birthday in absentia from this part of the world, and hope you will have many happy and healthy returns of the day in the years to come.
Sincerely yours,
Lucian Chen (Saya U Khin)
Three Sisters
Article about Daw Khin Mya Mu, Daw Khin Saw Mu and Daw Tin Saw Mu
Rangoon University was founded in 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as its constituent colleges.
RU celebrated Golden Jubilee in 1970, Diamond Jubilee in 1995, and Centennial in 2020
Engineering
Engineering courses were first offered in 1924.
The first courses were for Civil Engineering.
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering courses were offered in the 1940s.
Mining, Chemical, Textile, Metallurgy and Architecture courses were offered in the 1950s.
Intermediate Course and Colleges
Intermediate courses were initially offered in the Main Campus.
Later, Yankin College was opened for Science students.
Hteedan College was opened for Arts [and Social Science] students.
Colleges were opened in Mandalay, Taunggyi, Moulmein (Mawlamyine), Bassein (Pathein), Myitkyina, …
In some years (probably due to the insurgency in some parts of Burma), students have to sit the “combined” Intermediate examination.
Otherwise, they have to sit for Inter (A) and Inter (B) exams separately.
Even then, there were two chances to pass the exam. The first exam was usually held in March. The second (aka supplementary) exam was usually held in June. The “compart” (compartmental) system requires a student to re-take only the subjects they have failed.
Stipends and awards (Gold and Silver medals, …) are eligible only for students who pass all subjects in the first exam.
Those who aspire to become engineers have to pass I.Sc. with 50+ marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
According to U Aw Taik Moh (C54) and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), they had to take a bike or walk to the Main Campus to attend Mathematics [and Geology] classes.
Saya U Ba Toke taught Mathematics to several engineering students (who later became sayas).
Grapevine says that the Second Year of Engineering (equivalent to 4th BE) and 2nd MBBS were the “filters” (or “stumbling blocks”) for engineering and medical students. Some decided to change their study to Pure Science or Arts.
Leik Khone
Leik Khone was attended by engineering students until the school relocated in 1961 to Gyogone as BIT (Burma Institute of Technology).
We were the last batch to attend Leik Khone as an I.Sc.(A) student.
My spouse attended Leik Khone for 1st MBBS (and more).
HlaMin 