It was on May of 1964 Myanmar Kyats 50 and 100 were ceased to to be legal tender and became worthless by the stroke of U Ne Win pen. This made most of the salary workers poor because they lost all their modest savings. U Aung Khin, Manager of IBM World Trade Corporation (Burma) received a call from the Deputy Director, Ministry of Finance to come see him in regard to IBM machines rented by the Government Departments. U Aung Khin took me along when he went and saw the Deputy Director and we were told to help them with the tabulation of the currencies received from the citizens by using IBM DP Machines.
The government gave the citizens 7 days to surrender the demonetized 50 and 100 Kyat notes to the receiving stations in the villages, Townships and Districts in Myanmar. This gigantic operation was given to U Than Tu, Chief Account Officer of Rangoon Port Authority office. U Than Tu then made University of Rangoon the operation center for this job. It was a 24/7 day and night non-stop operation at the University.
IBM Engineers then had to move IBM DP Machines used by the War Office and National Planning Department to Convocation Building and class rooms. We had to recruit new English typists and train them as operators for 024 and 056 Punch card machines.
The student Recreation Center donated by Fulbright Association, USA was converted into a Dinning Hall for the workers of this operation. Free transportation and meal was provided to workers by the government, IBM’ers were also given meal coupons for breakfast and lunch.
U Aung Khin and I had discussion with U Ba Nyein, Board Member of Union Bank of Burma and U Than Tu in regard to the type of statements they would like to have to enable us to design the IBM Card and to program DP Machines for printing the required statements. The operation was a success and the government received the statements they want.
IBM Data Processing Machines
IBM Accounting Machines used for printing statements by programming the control panel on the side of the machine. These machines were used during the Demonetization of Kyats 100 and 50 notes. The lower machine is a Sorter to sort cards.
We are organizing a milestone birthday (soonkway) and appreciation celebration for our alumni icon U Hla Min at Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA), Half Moon Bay on August 20, 2016 from 9:00AM to 3:00 PM.
I will be sponsoring my signature Indian (Chicken) and Chinese (baby back spare rib ) Dan Pauk, Benny (Mohingar), Saya Maung Maung (samosa), Daw San San Swe (Chin-Paung-Kyaw), Ko Hla Kyi (Bannana Dessert), Ko Gordon Kaung and Lillian Kaung (a tray of desserts).
You are welcome to sponsor, contribute and volunteer to help with the event.
To provide adequate foods, please send in your RSVP to mcmauchee@gmail.com by August 7, 2016.
Please come and join us to celebrate this special day with a mindful and cheerful party and we look forward to seeing you all to show our appreciation to U Hla Min for taking care of RIT newsletter as Chief Editor for the past seventeen years.
Saya U Tin Htut will be flying in from Los Angeles to attend the RIT mini-gathering. Saya was a member of the Organizing Committee for SPZP-2000. He is a co-founder and Past President of BASES.
Event address
Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA) 17450 S. Cabrillo Highway, CA 94019 Half Moon Bay CA 94019 U.S.A Phone: 650-712-9165
I have been asked whether they can bring friends and family members to Ko Hla Min’s birthday celebration at TBSA, Half Moon bay, on August 20, 2016. The answer is Yes, per the Myanmar tradition any ah hlu ah tan is open to all well beings (alumni, non-alumni, friends and dhamma friends of Ko Hla Min).
With metta, Maurice Chee, M75
Appreciation
From Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59)
Dear U Hla Min,
We regret that we will not be able to join the celebration of your birthday at the Theravada Buddhist Society of America on August 20, 2016.
There is no doubt that the attendance will be large and all the Burmese foods will be mouth-watering and delicious. We are sure all the attendees will have a good time and leave the celebration venue with a fond memory.
We admire you for all the good deeds and sacrifices you have been doing over the past decade for the benefits to oversea Burmese immigrants not only in the bay area, Southern California, the United States and over various parts of the world. Keep up the good work!
We expect to meet you at the annual Nor Cal RITAA dinner on September 17,2016. We wish you a happy birthday and our best regards to your beloved Daw Sein Yee.
Sain Fone & Sylvia
From Salim Mayet (M67)
Dear U Hla Min,
Wish you a very happy birthday. I admire you for all the hard work you have been doing for more than a decade to keep us informed about RIT sayagyis, sayamas and other members. Thank you.
Salim Mayet (M 67)
From Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
(a) May I wish to your beloved grand daughter “Grace”.
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE TO COME
No doubt that she will become a smart little adorable girl. My grandson will be two years in coming Sept. He gives us hope and happiness. Each and every movement is interesting and adorable for us. I’m sure you and Ma Sein feel the same.
(b) Many Happy Returns of the Day. Wish you could spend your life per your wish with Dhamma, family and friends.
Have a nice and memorable gathering.
With Metta,
Rosie
From Saya U Khin (Lucien Chen, RIT English, Taipei)
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 Yin Yin 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 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)
From Saya U Tin Htut (M60, Los Angeles)
Yes, I will be glad to join you all in the celebration.
Tin Htut
From Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) and spouse
Dear Ko Hla Min,
See you at the Half Moon Bay Monastery this Saturday.
Thanks for your dedication and untiring effort in keeping us all in touch with alumni all around the world.
Also wishing you the very best on your Birthday and many more to come.
Best regards, George & Eng Eng Chan
From Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70) and Angelina
Dear Ko Hla Min,
You’ve spent years sharing your amazing memories and wonderful writing ability with all of us from RIT, YIT, etc.
I like to thank you for sharing your wonderful RIT spirit and making a positive difference for so many people. Time is the most precious thing and you have generously shared your time and talents with all of us year after amazing year.
Congratulations and all the best to you on your milestone birthday. May you live long, happy and healthy and may all your dreams and wishes come true.
All the best, Benny and Angelina Tan
From Gordon Kaung (M83) and Lillian Kaung (EC83)
Hello Saya Hla Min:
We wish you the happiest of B-days, and many many more to come!
We will bring a bottle of premium iNapaWine for you and ama to enjoy at your B-day (we know ama will definitely enjoy our premium wine to stay healthy, and take good care of you).
With lots of metta, Gordon and Lillian Kaung Wine Maker
From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L Tin Htun, EE59)
Dear Ko Hla Min:
From reading the recent emails in your “Update”, tomorrow will be a great “Happy Birthday Bonanza Party” for you. It will surely be a fun, exciting and memorable event for all attendees.
We wish you a wonderful Happy Birthday and many many more returns.
Best regards, Chris and Pam Lee
U Myint Soe (M79)
He emailed me three photos.
U Soe Thu (C98)
He e-mailed me the Group Photo taken in front of U Silananda Hall at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay.
U Chan Min, who rowed for the Institute of Economics, became a monk at Dhammananda Vihara after his retirement. His crew members include U Htin Kyaw (Peter) and U Soe Thinn. He also attended the computer classes at UCC in Rangoon.
From U Tha Aung (M79) & Daw Kinsa Maw-Naing (ChE79)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Happy Birthday and to say thank you for all your efforts in keeping RIT alumni connected globally. Even though we don’t have much to say, we always follow your updates.
May you have a happy healthy long life and lots of ku-tho.
With metta from Tha Aung & Kinsa
Editor’s notes :
Appreciate your work hosting mini reunions in Canada and for volunteering as SPZP2016 representatives. Sayamagyi Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing was my English teacher in I Sc(A).
From Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67)
Happy Birthday Ko Hla Min and cutie pie!
I appreciate all you hard work and dedication to RIT Alumni newsletter.
Sorry I cannot attend the event.
Thanks for your appreciation
Dear Sayas and Colleagues,
It is truly amazing to be appreciated by sayas and alumni. The following are examples.
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma called from Canada to wish my Cutie Pie and me. They also sponsored “Tohu Thoke တို့ဟူးသုတ်” for the attendees. Sayagyi sent Maurice his congratulatory message for me to be read at the soon kyway gathering. See the following section for details.
Saya U Tin Htut flew in from Southern California.
Ko San Lin (M 87, “Maung Lu Pay”) took time off from work to attend the soon kyway.
Ko Kyaw Myint (M 83) delegated his “Flower shop” to his assistant to attend the soon kyway.
Ko Myint Soe (M79), who recently had knee surgery, requested Ko Aung Myint Oo (EC 84) to give him and his spouse a ride to the soon kyway.
Due to tight multiple schedules, Angelina & Benny Tan (M 70) came in separate cars so that Benny can have more time with his sayas and colleagues.
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M 60) will celebrate his 80th birthday in December. Saya only drive local short distance, so he asked Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) to give him a ride.
Daw Mu Mu Kin, spouse of Saya Allen Htay, had tears in her eyes. She said that Saya would wish to be at the RIT mini-gatherings. She gave me silk neck ties that were bought (but never worn) by Saya. She shares the birthday on August 18 with my Cutie Pie.
Maurice ordered a genericcake to celebrate Daw Mu Mu Kin, Ko Myint Swe (EP 74) and other August born.
Maurice hand crafted a custom “birthday greetings” card with extracts from the birthday greetings from the RIT updates. The messages from Saya Dr. San Hla Aung, Ko Tha Aung & Ma Kinsa Maw-Naing came in too late to be incorporated into the gigantic card.
Maurice spent countless days organizing the event. Following the tradition of his late father Uncle U Wah Kyu, he also prepared custom birayani (dan bauk ဒန်ပေါက်).
Charlie Tseng (EC70) and Diana Tseng (ChE71) ordered two large birthday cakes.
The full list of food donors and sponsors is maintained by Maurice.
Johnson Lim (cousin of Robert San Lin) needs a human walking “cane” (his beloved spouse). They are regular food donors at most events.
Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75) rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She brought “Kyee Oh See Kyet ကြေးအိုးဆီချက်”. She also gave a ride to two Textile grads: Ko Than Htay (T75) and Ma Bibsu (T76).
Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She and Saya U Myo Min fetched Saya U Tin Htut (her elder brother) at the air port and also brought him to the Half Moon Bay monastery.
Gordon Kaung (M 83) and Lillian Kaung (EC 83) drove close to 3 hours from Napa. They also brought a bottle of iNapa Premium wine and desserts.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) spent a decade or so as President of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America) at Half Moon Bay monastery. Today was a sort of “welcome back” for him and Ma Ku (Daw Hnin Maung Maung).
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE 66) is a Past President of NorCal RIT Alumni Association and a founding member of RIT Alumni International. He and Daw Eng Eng (sister of Saya U Myat Thwin, ChE 66) brought samoosa.
There were a few young and not so young alumni at the event. They include Ko Soe Thu (C98) and Ma Thandar.
Saya U Nyo Win (M65) and spouse were caught in the traffic.
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) and Sandra (M76) brought their daughter.
Dr. Myint Thein (M73) talked about his “Htaik Htar ထိပ်ထား” Daw Nyo Nyo Win (T73) and provide examples of “Applied English” (e.g. “air cut” for stroke).
Award
Award
Received appreciation award for helping the sayas and alumni to get connected via the RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates since 1999.
It was the second award from the RIT Community.
I received the first award at SPZP-2000 along with Maurice and KMZ.
Compiled for the HMEE Book with အုန်းခိုင် (M70) Ohn Khine
CD
HMEE စာအုပ် ကို RU စာကြည့်တိုက် မှာလှူ Donated HMEE book to Universities Central Library & YTU Library
Book Donation
Highlights
1964 မှာ 2nd BE တက်ခဲ့ Admitted to 2nd BE as Top student (Roll Number One)
2nd BE
လူရည်ချွန် — 1965 Summer (အင်းလေး) Selected Luyechun (Outstanding Student) to the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the Summer of 1965
Luyechun
Organizer, SPZP-2000 First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe Received “Alumni Appreciation Award”
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Received three Alumni Appreciation Awards (a) at SPZP-2000 (b) from worldwide alumni in Aug 2016 (c) from Northern California RIT Alumni Association in Sep 2016
First native Professor of Mechanical Engineering at RIT.
Studied at Lehigh University and a Canadian University.
Moved to Canada.
Gave the go-ahead signal for SPZP-2000
Wrote articles for RIT Updates & HMEE
Trip to Windsor, Canada
In July 2015, Ivan Lee (M69) provided his car & gas for a whirlwind trip to Canada and East Coast of USA.
Fred Thetgyi (M69) drove most of the trip & also took photos.
With Saya & Ivan Souvenir
Visited Saya U Aung Khin (Former Professor of Mechanical Engineering) in Windsor, Canada
Saya not only prepared breakfast for us but also gave us mementos.
(2) Saya Allen Htay
Highlights
SPZP-2000
Leader, SF Bay Area Alumni
Founder & President of RIT Alumni International, which hosted SPZP-2000
Wrote, “Brother, can you afford $500 and more?” — resulted in Golden Sponsors for SPZP-2000
In Saya’s Memory
Donation
Daw Mu Mu Kin donated saya’s books to YTU Library.
She also provided financial assistance to eligible YTU students
(3) Saya U Aung Hla Tun
Highlights
U Aung Hla Tun
Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine
Associate Professor of Metallurgical Engineering
Resident Elder of the Church of Holy Christ
Leader, HMEE Project & Book
Published two books. He won National Literature Award for the first book.
In Saya’s Memory
U Nyunt Htay (Met73) & team published a book honoring Saya.
A former student later published a book for Centennial of Engg Edu.
(4) My Souvenirs
Awards
Award in Aug 2016
Received Alumni Appreciation Award three times : at SPZP-2000; at Half Moon Bay Soon Kyway & Gathering in Aug 2016; at Annual Dinner of NorCal RIT AA in Sept 2016
Award in Sept 2016
Collegiate Scholarship in 1963
SPHS63
Luyechun in Summer of 1965
LYC in 1965
DTM Award received in 2017
DTM
Greeting Card
Card
Electronic greeting card was printed by Maurice Chee and given to me at the Soon Kwyay gathering at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California
I pay respect to သင်ဆရာThin Saya, မြင်ဆရာMyin Saya and ကြားဆရာ Kyar Saya.They taught me all I knew.
I would like to thank my mentors who directly or indirectly taught me Communication (Oral and Written) and Languages (English, Burmese, …)
Last but not the least, a million thanks to my “လက်ဦးဆရာများ Let Oo Sayas” (my beloved parents).
My Parents
Learning English
I fondly remember the days that I had to study
Tom Thumb’s Essays
A Student’s Companion
Oxford English Dictionary (OED — various sizes and editions),
Chamber’s Dictionary (used in Scrabble tournaments)
Rhyming Dictionary
Word Power/Vocabulary in six weeks, 21 days, …
Idioms (present from my uncle)
They helped me improve my writing and communication skills.
Thanks to all the authors, who are my implicit teachers.
Still learning (especially during the “Shelter at Home” due to the COVID-19 Pandemic)
Listen to the daily offering by Blinkist.com
Listen to selected podcasts
Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) ဒေါက်တာချစ်ဆွေ
Sayagyi was my mentor at UCC.
He invited over renowned computer scientists led by Professor Harry D. Huskey, Pioneer in Computer Hardware, Software and Teaching and mathematicians (e.g. Professor Frank Harary, Expert in Graph Theory) to Rangoon to hold seminars and to design courses in computer science and applications. Michael Stonebraker (then at UC Berkeley) gave a short course on Ingres (an early Relational Data Base Management System) at UCC. A few years back, he won the prestigious “ACM Turing Award” (which is considered as the equivalent of Nobel Prize in Computing).
He taught us to use CPM/PERT (Critical Path Method / Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) for the various projects.
Saya asked me to assist in several of his projects : translator/ reviewer for CTK (Children’s Treasury of Knowledge), editor for “High School Mathematics”, and TOSS (Team Of System Specialists).
Saya passed away in November 2019, but his Legacy as Pioneer for Computer Systems, Application and Education in Burma will last forever.
Sydney 2006
U Soe Paing(EE, UCC) ဦးစိုးပိုင်
U Soe Paing
My mentor at RIT and UCC
He, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) taught degree and diploma courses in computer science. They also conducted courses in computer programming, computer orientation, to name a few.
The sayas asked me to be their assistant.
Saya also allowed Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and me to co-author texts, guides and manuals used at UCC.
Publications
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Guardian Thanks to U Soe Myint (Chief Editor)
Working People’s Daily (WPD) Thanks to U Ko Lay (Chief Editor) and Daw Khin Swe Hla (Editor)
Forward magazine Thanks to Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Ka, Chief Editor) and U Sein Hla (Editor)
Pan magazine Burmese publication
Veda magazine Published by BARB
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2012 and Shwe YaDu (2014) Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
RUBC magazine Commemorate issue for 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC
RUBC
BAPS Newsletter Contributing Editor
Dhammananda Newsletter Contributing Editor
Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda Contributing Editor
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife Contributor to the Burmese American section of the 3-volume encyclopedia
Encyclopedia
National Foreign Languages Center Language Expert for the Burmese Language Project (Reading and Listening Comprehension)
RIT Alumni International Newsletter Contributing Editor for 26 years
hlamin.com 3000+ articles
Facebook Owner, Admin or Moderator of selected Facebook Groups
VideoBroadcasts Archived in Facebook and my You Tube Channel
Volunteering
I gained experience by volunteering as
Several organizations in Myanmar and USA
EC, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT EE Association
RIT EE Association
Contributing Editor of RIT English Newsletter
Treasurer and Vice Captain of RUBC
Translator / Interpreter at Meditation Retreats
Organizer, SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
Coordinator, World wide SPZPs in Singapore and Myanmar
Docent at the Computer History Museum (at Mountain View, California
Contributing Editor of the materials taught at the Summer Dhamma Camp at Dhammananda Vihara (at Half Moon Bay
Area Governor, Club Coach, Contest Chair, Test Speaker, Club Ambassador at Toastmasters International
Editor of several publications by Sayadaws (e.g. U Jotalankara) and friends (e.g. U Aung Zaw)
Language expert at National Language Center
Administrator and/or Moderator of selected Facebook Pages
Owner and content creator of selected web sites (e.g. hlamin.com)
Parents and Ancestors
Parents
Last but not the least, my heartfelt thanks to my beloved parents and their philanthropic forebears for instilling me the passion to help humanity in general and to my alma mater. They believed that “Any thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well.”
Pay Back ကျေးဇူးဆပ်
My beloved spouse told me that I should pay back to my alma mater, mentors and my beloved land.
She reminded me that I should take care of my health to enjoy quality time with our Life Savers : Chit Sa Noe and Po Lone.
I had paid back to my alma mater RIT where I studied from 1964 – 1969 by volunteering as Messenger and Organizer for 26 years. e.g. For SPZP-2000, I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post_Reunion”.
In 2018, I wrote “Memories of UCC”. I wrote a Summary for the magazine to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ICST.
To commemorate the 19th anniversary (in April 2018) for “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and the 45th wedding anniversary (in June 2018), I wrote several hundred posts covering a variety of topics.
Since then, I have completed 2600+ posts. Revised most of them with feedback provided by my readers including Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor), Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint & U Khin Maung Zaw.
In April/May 2019, I celebrated 20th Anniversary as Founder-Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
In November 2019, I was invited as a Panelist to the 5th ILF (Irrawaddy Literary Festival) held in Mandalay.
In December 2019, I attended the SPZP and Reunion Dinner of RIT 69er’s Golden Jubilee of graduation.
I was invited to attend the 6th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST / UCSY and the Annual mini-gathering of UCC Alumni.
In January 2020, I was invited as a Special Guest for the 2020 PSA (Public Speakers’ Association) Tour to six cities in Upper Myanmar.
I am continuing with adding / revising posts for hlamin.com and share some of them via Facebook pages (e.g. Life Long Learning, RIT Updates, RU Centennial) and my You Tube Channel.
I am a Dreamer. I believe, “If one can dream, others will fulfill.”
Updates
Several of those mentioned in the post are GBNF.
In 2024, NorCal RITAA celebrated the 60th Anniversary of RIT and the Centennial of Myanmar Engineering Education.
Rowed for the Institute of Economics, His crew members include U Htin Kyaw (Peter) and U Soe Thinn.
Attended the computer classes at UCC in Rangoon.
Became a monk at Dhammananda Vihara (Half Moon Bay) after his retirement.
U Tha Aung (M79) and Daw Kinsa Maw-Naing (ChE79)
Hosted mini reunions in Canada
Volunteer as SPZP2016 representatives.
Sayamagyi Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing was my English teacher in I Sc(A).
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Happy Birthday and to say thank you for all your efforts in keeping RIT alumni connected globally. Even though we don’t have much to say, we always follow your updates.
May you have a happy healthy long life and lots of ku-tho.
with metta from Tha Aung & Kinsa
Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67, SPHS61)
Happy Birthday Ko Hla Min and cutie pie! I appreciate all you hard work and dedication to RIT Alumni newsletter. Sorry I cannot attend the event.
Thanks for your appreciation
Dear Sayas and Colleagues,
It is truly amazing to be appreciated by sayas and alumni. he following are some examples.
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Daw Emma called from Canada to wish my Cutie Pie and me. They also sponsored “Tohu Thoke” for the attendees. Sayagyi sent Ko Maurice his congratulatory message for me to be read at the soon kyway gathering. See the following section for details.
Saya U Tin Htut flew in from Southern California.
Ko San Lin (M 87, “Maung Lu Pay”) took “time off” from work to attend the soon kyway.
Ko Kyaw Myint (M 83) delegated his “Flower shop” to his assistant to attend the soon kyway.
Ko Myint Soe (M79), who recently had knee surgery, requested Ko Aung Myint Oo (EC 84) to give him and his spouse a ride to the soon kyway.
Due to tight multiple schedules, Angelina and Ko Benny Tan (M 70) came in separate cars so that Ko Benny can have more time with his sayas and colleagues
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M 60) will celebrate his 80th birthday in December, 2016. Saya only drive local short distance, so he asked Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) to give him a ride.
Daw Mu Mu Khin, spouse of Saya Allen Htay, had tears in her eyes. She said that Saya would wish to be at the RIT mini-gatherings. She gave me silk neck ties that were bought (but never worn) by Saya Allen. She shares the birthday on August 18 with my grand daughter.
Ko Maurice ordered a cake to celebrate August Born including Daw Mu Mu Kin and Ko Myint Swe (EP 74).
Ko Maurice hand crafted a custom “birthday greetings” card with extracts from the birthday greetings from the RIT updates. The messages from Saya Dr. San Hla Aung, Ko Tha Aung, Ma Kinsa Maw-Naing came in too late to be incorporated into the gigantic card.
Ko Maurice spent countless days organizing the event. Following the tradition of his late father Uncle U Wah Kyu, Ko Maurice also prepared custom birayani (dan bauk).
Ko Charlie Tseng (EC 70) and Ma Diana Tseng (ChE 71) ordered two large birthday cakes for me.
The full list of food donors and sponsors are maintained by Ko Maurice.
Ko Johnson Lim (cousin of Ko Robert San Lin) needs a human walking “cane” (his beloved spouse). They are regular food donors at most events.
Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75) rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She brought “Kyee Oh See Kyet”. She also gave a ride to two Textile grads: Ko Than Htay (T75) and Ma Bibsu (T76).
Saya Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung also rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She and Saya U Myo Min fetched Saya U Tin Htut (Daw KKCM’s elder brother) at the air port and also brought him to the Half Moon Bay monastery.
Ko Gordon Kaung (M 83) and Ma Lillian Kaung (EC 83) drove 2+ hours from Napa. They also brought a bottle of iNapa Premium wine and also some desserts.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C 68) spent a decade or so as President of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America) at half Moon Bay monastery. It was a sort of “welcome back” for Saya and Ma Ku (Daw Hnin Maung Maung).
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE 66) is a Past President of Northern California RIT Alumni Association and a founding member of RIT Alumni International. He and Daw Eng Eng (sister of Saya U Myat Thwin, ChE 66) brought samoosa.
There were a few young and not so young alumni at the event. They include Ko Soe Thu (C98) and Ma Thandar.
Saya U Nyo Win (M 65) and spouse were caught in the traffic.
Saya U Thein Aung (Met 72) and Sandra (M 76) brought their daughter.
Dr. Myint Thein (M 73) talked about his “Htaik Htar” Daw Nyo Nyo Win (T 73) and provide examples of “Applied English” (e.g. “air cut” for stroke).
Her gentle exhortation: “Eyes have you and you see not. Ears have you and you hear not.”
Ancestors
Thanks to my philanthropic ancestors
Donated in cash and kind for building and/or restoring pagodas, schools, hospitals & monasteries
Offered food, e.g Sa Tu Ditha at Shwe Dagon Tabaung Festival
Provided medicine, e.g for burns)
Gave stipend, e.g to bright but needy students
I am following their footsteps by giving back to my beloved land, mentors, benefactors & alma mater
Family Members
My spouse
Thanks to my family members
They supported my volunteer work for several decades.
My beloved spouse wrote articles for Dhammanda Newsletter with the pen name “Neikban Zaw”.
My niece Dr. Khine Zin Oo gave me a surprise gift: tripod with remote control.
Poets & Artists
Thanks to the contributors of “Poetic Art”.
Tekkatho Moe War : Saya U Moe Aung
Saya Moe
Okpo Maung Yin Maung : Saya U Aung Myaing
Okpo & Bagyee
Maung Nyunt Htay (Ah Htet Min Hla) : Saya U Nyunt Htay
Nyunt Htay
Win Myint (M72) : U Win Myint
Bagyee Myat Myo Myint : U Myo Myint
Miscellaneous
Thanks to Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Nyunt Wai, Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, several sayas, colleagues, friends and literary lovers for contributing and/or reviewing my posts.
Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67, SPHS61) posted the list of videos with the links. He also commented on optimization of the talks.
U Tin Aung Win (Oscar, M69, Sacred Heart63) gave me rides to the Golden Jubilee celebrations — Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in the morning and Reuinion Dinner in the evening — in 2019. See my posts for a more comprehensive list of those who provided me transportation,
U Htun Aung (EP70) and spouse Daw Pwint Than (EP71, High school Luyechun in 1964 and 1965) gave me a dhamma book at SPZP-2016.
Saya Dr. Kyaw Tint (Physics, Author) was a Science Scholar, Past President of BADA, and is an entrepreneur. He provided info on Science Scholars and selected topics.
U Ye Sint taught Physics in Myanmar before moving to USA. He was Vice President, Board of Director, Contributing Editor of “Dhammananda Newsletter” and “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silandabhivsmsa” book at TBSA. He gave book presents to me.
Eddie Shein (U Aung Kyaw Myint) matriculated from SPHS and graduated from RIT. His hobbies include Palmistry & Astrology. He invited us to the wedding reception of his daughter (specialist medical doctor in Australia). It was a mini-reunion of alumni from SPHS and RIT.
U Maung Maung Kyi (my classmate at SPHS & Leik Khone, my crew mate at RUBC and Best Man at my wedding) and his spouse Daw Khin May Than (ChE72) hosted us at Ogmore-by-the-sea in Wales, UK.
U Win Latt authored WinHoro at UCC under my supervision. He has a Master in Computer Science. He runs a software company named SysMagic. He worked in Myanmar, Singapore & Thailand. He hosted me during my first visit to Singapore and treated us during my visit to Bangkok in 2024.
Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC, CSO, Author) gave me two of his books : “Bawa and Dhamma”, and “Cetana Thi Thar Kan”. He studied M.Sc. (Computer Science) at Southampton University, UK. He taught CS at UCC, Assumption University in Bangkok and at a college in Sydney, Australia.
U Aung Myint (UCC, SPHS64, Physics) transferred from RIT EE Lab to UCC Systems Division. He was Maintenance Engineer and a victim of the 33 question survey following 8-8-88. He taught Courses (e.g Programmable Logic Controllers). He and his son took us to Tanyin / Syriac to visit the Yay Le Phaya and Thabawa Dhamma Yeik Tha. His hobbies include Palmistry and Astrology. He wrote Bedin programs on the ICL 1902S computer at UCC.
U Ngwe Soe (Silver, UCC, AGTI, Japanese Diploma, Physics) was among the young UCC employees. He did sea faring briefly before working for projects around the world. He showed us around Singapore. He and his spouse Daw Nu Nu Yee hosted us for two nights at their home in Jahore, Malaysia. Ma Nu is the sister of U Khin Maung Thwe (RIT69er, GBNF).
U Hlaing Myint (UCC, CS) is the nephew of Saya Dr. San Tint (retired Professor of EC / Electronics, YTU). He helped with the maintenance of my car in the early days at UCC. He gave me rides in his newest car during my previous trip to Yangon. He was an eligible bachelor for a long time. He is now a proud father.
Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72, Poet) is contributor and coordinator of “Poetic Art”. He recorded several songs (including “Till the end of the world”). His son gave him software for video editing. He and his spouse Daw Gyn Yu (ChE72) hosted sayas and alumni visiting Bangkok (especially for medical checkup).
Sayar Khin Maung Oo (Master Mariner) taught in Myanmar and Malaysia. He and his spouse Daw Tin Tin Win provide volunteer service (e.g shopping, cooking) for Myanmar crew members (notably those who do not have visas to get off their ships at the Port of Houston, Texas).
U Win Thein (Padamyar Winhtein) stood first in his Mathematics Major class in 1966. He wrote for magazines and journals (pen name : Maung Nyo). He is a Moderator for “Fun with Learning” FB Group.
U Sann Tun Ni (Las Vegas) owns a sushi business. He worked for Heavy Industries, and as a Tourist Guide (for Japanese) before moving to USA. He is a Gawpaka at the Las Vegas monastery.
Dr. Myint Tun (Henry Cho Tun, SPHS60) scored the highest marks in I.Sc(A) and I.Sc(B) Combined. He urged me to “Carry On”.
Saya U Min Wun (GBNF) was Professor and Head of Civil Engineering at RIT and Member of the Myanmar Pyetkadein Ah Kyan Pay Ah Phwe. Saya retired from Caltans at the tender age of 80 to have time for meditation. He was interviewed by the newspaper and Internet TV in Southern California. Saya wrote several articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
U Khin Maung Myint (M71) rowed for RIT. He stays active by running and mountaineering.
SMART Group of Companies (U Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing and team) for hosting me twice during my visit to Myanmar from November 2019 to January 2020.
Admin and Moderator
Sagar Pariye Dr. Nyunt Wai (SPHS63, Fourth in Burma)
MARB U Kyaw Myint, Dr. Aung Myin Bo
Team Old School IT U Kyaw Zeya
YUBC Old Members U Zeyar Linn
Swel Daw Yeik U Khin Maung Lwin
Gangaw Taw Yar Pyie (RU Centennial) Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin, U Aung Mon
P.B.R.S Group U Aye Maung Than, U Mya Hlaing
Friends of Sayar Khin Maung Oo U Khin Maung Oo
SF Bay Area Myanmar Community and Cultural Center U Cho Oo, U Kyaw Kyaw Soe
Fun with Learning Padamyar Winhtein, U Khin Maung Zaw
I pay respect to Thin Saya (သင်ဆရာ), Myin Saya (မြင်ဆရရာ) and Kyar Saya (ကြားဆရာ). They taught me all I knew.
I would like to thank my mentors who directly or indirectly taught me Communication (Oral and Written) and Languages (English, Burmese, …)
Last but not the least, a million thanks to my “Let Oo Sayas” (လက်ဦးဆရာများ my beloved parents).
My Parents
Learning English
I had to read / study
Tom Thumb’s Essays
A Student’s Companion
Oxford English Dictionary” (OED — various sizes and editions),
Chamber’s Dictionary (used in Scrabble tournaments)
Rhyming Dictionary
Word Power/Vocabulary in [six weeks, 21 days, …]
Idioms (book present from my cousin uncle)
They helped me improve my writing and communication skills.
Thanks to all the authors, who are my implicit teachers.
Learning new things daily
Listen to the daily offering by Blinkist.com
Listen to selected podcasts
Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF)
Sydney 2006
My mentor at UCC
Invited renowned computer scientists led by Harry D. Huskey, Pioneer in Computer Hardware, Software & Teaching, and Mathematicians (e.g. Frank Harary, Expert in Graph Theory) to Rangoon to hold seminars and to design courses in computer science and applications. Michael Stonebraker (then at UC Berkeley) gave a short course on Ingres (early Relational Data Base Management System). He laterwon the prestigious “ACM Turing Award” (equivalent of Nobel Prize in Computing).
Taught us to use CPM/PERT (Critical Path Method/Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) for the projects.
Asked me to assist his projects : translator / reviewer for CTK (Children’s Treasury of Knowledge), editor for “High School Mathematics”, and TOSS (Team Of System Specialists).
Passed away in November 2019, but his Legacy as Pioneer for Computer Systems, Application and Education in Burma will last forever.
U Soe Paing(EE, UCC)
U Soe Paing
My mentor at RIT & UCC
Together with U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), they taught degree and diploma courses in computer science, and also conducted courses in computer programming, computer orientation, to name a few.
Saya U Soe Paing allowed U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and me to co-author texts, guides and manuals used at UCC.
Publications
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Guardian Thanks to U Soe Myint (Chief Editor)
Working People’s Daily (WPD) Thanks to U Ko Lay (Chief Editor) and Daw Khin Swe Hla (Editor)
Forward magazine Thanks to Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Ka, Chief Editor) and U Sein Hla (Editor)
Pan magazine Burmese publication
Veda magazine Published by BARB
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2012 and Shwe YaDu (2014) Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
RUBC magazine Commemorate issue for 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC
RUBC
BAPS Newsletter Contributing Editor
Dhammananda Newsletter Contributing Editor
Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda Contributing Editor
Book
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife Contributor to the Burmese American section of the 3-volume encyclopedia
Encyclopedia
National Foreign Languages Center Language Expert for the Burmese Language Project (Reading and Listening Comprehension)
RIT Alumni International Newsletter Contributing Editor for 26 years
hlamin.com 2500+ articles
Facebook Owner, Admin or Moderator of selected Facebook Groups
VideoBroadcasts Archived in Facebook and my You Tube Channel
Volunteer
I gained experience by volunteering
Several organizations in Myanmar and USA
EC, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT EE Association
RIT EE Association
Contributing Editor of RIT English Newsletter
Treasurer & Vice Captain of RUBC
Translator & Interpreter at Meditation Retreats
Organizer, SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
Coordinator, World wide SPZPs in Singapore & Myanmar
Docent at the Computer History Museum (at Mountain View, California)
Contributing Editor of the materials taught at the Summer Dhamma Camp at Dhammananda Vihara (at Half Moon Bay)
Area Governor, Club Coach, Contest Chair, Test Speaker & Club Ambassador at Toastmasters International
Editor of publications by Sayadaws (e.g. U Jotalankara) and friends (e.g. U Aung Zaw)
Language expert at National Foreign Language Center
Administrator and/or Moderator of selected Facebook Groups
Owner & content creator of selected web sites (e.g. hlamin.com)
Parents and Ancestors
My Parents
Last but not the least, my heartfelt thanks to my beloved parents and their philanthropic forebears for instilling me the passion to help humanity in general and to my alma mater. They believed that “Any thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well.”
Pay Back
My beloved spouse told me that I should pay back to my alma mater, mentors and my beloved land.
She reminded me that I should take care of my health to enjoy quality time with our Life Savers.
I had paid back to my alma mater RIT where I studied from 1964 – 1969 by serving as Messenger & Organizer for 26 years. e.g. For SPZP-2000, I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” & 36 “Post_Reunion”.
In 2018, I wrote “Memories of UCC”. I wrote a Summary for the magazine to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ICST.
To commemorate the 19th anniversary (in April 2018) for “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and the 45th wedding anniversary (in June 2018), I wrote several hundred posts covering a variety of topics.
Since then, I have completed 2500+ posts. I have revised most of them with feedback provided by my readers.
In April 2019, I celebrated 20th Anniversary as Founder-Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
In November 2019, I was invited as a Panelist to the 5th ILF (Irrawaddy Literary Festival) held in Mandalay.
In December 2019, I attended the SPZP and Reunion Dinner of RIT 69er’s Golden Jubilee of graduation.
I was invited to attend the 6th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST / UCSY and the Annual mini-gathering of UCC Alumni.
In January 2020, I was invited as a Special Guest for the 2020 Public Speakers’ Association (PSA) Tour to six cities in Upper Myanmar.
I am adding / revising posts for hlamin.com and share some of them via Facebook groups (e.g. Life Long Learning, RIT Updates) and my YouTube Channel (@hmin3664)
YouTube Channel to access my videos
I am a Dreamer. I believe, “If one can dream, others will fulfill.”
HlaMin 