HlaMin

Category: RIT

Engineering Schools in Burma

  • Myo Khin, Dr.

    Myo Khin, Dr.

    by Hla Min

    Update : July 2025

    Highlights

    Dr. Myo Khin 1
    • Paulian
    • Past Secretary, RIT Civil Engineering Association
    Past Secy of RIT Civil
    • Graduated from RIT in 1970 with Civil Engineering
    • Received Masters and Doctorate from Japan
    • Retired as Professor from a Japanese University.
    • Consultant for selected Japanese companies.
    • Helped Civil Engg grads from Myanmar get internship and/or job in Japan
    • In 2017, Saya and Daw Mya Nwe (Winsome, C73) donated K100 Lakhs to the YTU Modernization Project.
    Donation
    • He had a Stroke.
    • Praying for a speedy recovery.

    Dr. Myo Khin wrote :

    Dear U Hla Min, Thank you very much for your kind and favorable phrases for my donation to the RIT library. This is the token of my feeling to my home university. Up till now I have helped around 50 grads from RIT and other TUs in Myanmar with respectable engineering jobs in Japan. Moreover this is totally free of any charges or obligations. Only one request I made is “please try hard and prove yourself” and this will lead to the next recruitment for your juniors back in Myanmar.

    Updates

    • After treatment & rehab, he recovered from the Stroke reported in the post.
    • We had frequent conversation.
    • He had another Stroke.
    • He is happy to become a father-in-law.
    Pon Tu by Bagyee Myat Myo Myint
  • Highlights (1961 – 65)

    Highlights (1961 – 65)

    by Hla Min

    Update : July 2025

    1961

    Female Engineers

    • Mi Mi Lay (Tex)
    • Julie Han (Tex)
    • Yin Yin Kyi (Tex)
    • Pauline Reynolds (ChE)
    • Tin Tin Ohn / Amy (Tex)

    Burma Institute of Technology

    U Yone Mo
    U Sein Hla

    In the 1961 – 62 Academic Year, the Faculty of Engineering of Rangoon University moved to the Gyogone Campus.

    It was named Burma Institute of Technology (BIT).

    Sayas & Sayamas

    U Yone Mo served as Dean.

    U Sein Hla served as Registrar.

    Newly minted sayas & sayamas include U Aung Soe (C), U Maung Maung Win (M), Daw Tin Tin Ohn (T) & Daw Julie Han

    Matriculation & HSF

    In 1961, the last Matric & High School Final exam took place. Those who pass the exam could attend the University.

    In 1962, there were separate exams for Matric & HSF. Those who pass HSF had to take the Matric exam in order to attend the University.

    2nd SEAP Games

    RU athletes in 2nd SEAP Games
    • In December 1961, Burma hosted the 2nd South East Asian Peninsular Games.
    • Burma placed First (according to the Tally of Medals) in the Games. Burma was dominant in Track & Field, Swimming & Diving (to name a few).
    • About 20 students Rangoon University represented Burma in the Games. Several won Gold Medals : Tun Mra (4 x 100 meters relay), Soe Mra (Pole Vault), Kyaw Han (Volleyball), Richard Yu Khin (Yachting).
    • Ko Richard (GBNF) provided the group photo. He also wrote about the swimming training with Ko Tin Maung Ni under a Japanese coach.
    • Met Ko Tun Mra, Ko Khin Maung Latt & Ko Tin Myint (GBNF) at the RUBC/YUBC Annual Regatta in December 2019. Ko Tun Mra mentioned that he, Ko Kyaw Mra (GBNF), Ko Soe Mra & Ko Tun Naung represented Burma in the first SEAP Games held in Bangkok in 1959.

    1962

    Coup d’etat

    • On March 2, 1962, a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat. Sao Shwe Thaik’s son was killed.
    • Mahn Win Maung (President), U Nu (Prime Minister), U Myint Thein (Chief Justice), several high ranking officers & Sawbwas were imprisoned.
    • U Myint Thein was among the first to be detained and the last to be released. He was given only a part day off to attend the last journey of his spouse Daw Phwa Hmi (pioneer Burmese female barrister).
    • Sama Duwa Sinwa Naung had been selected to succeed Mahn Win Maung as the President, but the Coup ended the democratic parliamentary system.
    Sama Duwa Sin Wa Naung

    HSF Exam

    • The HSF exam results for Rangoon Division was annulled claiming a leakage of exam questions.
    • The students had to retake the HSF exam in August, 1962.

    Dark Days in July

    • There were two Dark Days.
    • Student protesters faced indiscriminate shooting on July 7, 1962. The newspapers & Myanmar Ah Than said that there were 17 victims.
    • Ko Aung Khin who was killed by a stray bullet on his way back from RUBC to his home in Windermere Road was listed as the 17th casualty.
    • On July 8, 1962, the revered RU Student Union Building was demolished.

    1963

    Matric Exam

    SPHS63 Scholarship Winners
    • Most exams were held in March. However, the Matric exam in 1963 was held in May.
    • St. Paul’s High School had five students in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.

    Anniversary of 7th July

    • In July 1963, the first Anniversary of 7th July 1962 was celebrated with posters, pamphlets & magazines.
    • Some time later, the higher authorities announced the closure of most schools except the Faculty of Medicine & the Faculty of Engineering.

    Rangoon University Boat Club

    Dinner to celebrate the RUBC 40th Anniversary
    • Annual Regatta was canceled citing security reasons.
    • Sithu U Tin (President) decided not to cancel the Dinner commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC by Sit Arthur Eggar (Law Professor).

    1964

    Scholarship for USSR & East Bloc

    • Soviet Union and East Bloc nations offered scholarships for undergraduates & graduates.
    • Some classmates (who were concerned about how long the schools will close) applied & were accepted.
    • Maung Maung Kyi studied Chemical Engineering (specializing in Pulp & Paper) at Dresden University, GDR.

    New Education System

    Shwe YaDu
    • Enacted in November 1964
    • The reorganization saw former Faculties as independent Institutes with their own Rector and Registrar. The remaining faculties of Rangoon University became Rangoon Arts & Science University (RASU).
    • Under the new Education system, BIT became Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT). It had autonomy. U Yone Mo served as Rector. U Soe Thein (former student leader) served as Registrar.
    • Matriculates were admitted to the fresher classes at the Universities & Institutes using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA).
    • The marks for each subject were converted to an ILA score (1 – 20). Those who have a balanced score can have a higher ILA than someone who has high marks in most subjects but a low score in one subject.
    • There were name changes to the degrees offered, e.g B.E instead of B.Sc.(Engg)
    • Majors were introduced.
    • LL.B was offered.

    Luyechun

    • The program was initiated in the Summer of 1964.
    • Outstanding students from middle school and high school was chosen as Luyechun. They were sent to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp.
    • Oke Soe Kha (MEHS), Win Aung (TTC) and Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw) were some High School Luyechuns.

    1965

    Nationalization

    • On April 1, 1965 private schools were nationalized.
    • St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) became No. 6 Botathaung State High School.
    • Methodist English High School (MEHS) became No. 1 Dagon State High School.

    Luyechun Camps

    Inlay Luyechun
    • The Luyechun program was extended to students of Universities & Institutes in the summer of 1965.
    • I was selected as RIT Luyechun along with Ko Sein Shwe, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin, and Ko Zaw Min. We were sent to the newly opened Inlay Khaung Daing Camp was added.
    • The Rangoon Combined Camp was the meeting point for those from Ngapali Camp and Inlay Camp.

    Updates

    • There were more changes in the Education System.
    • Some were name changes : RIT to YIT & YTU
    • There were more closures to Schools.
    • There were more Coup d’etat — in 1988 & 2021
    • Burma hosted 5th SEAP Games in 1969.
    • The Luyechun Program ended in 1988.

    Posts

    • Calendar
    • Education Systems
    • Exams
    • Luyechun
    • Memories of a 69er
    • Rangoon University
    • SEAP Games
  • Tekkatho

    Tekkatho

    by Hla Min

    Updated : July 2025

    Matric

    • Less than 10% passed the Matric exam in the early days.
    • A few (e.g U Ba Khin who stood First in Burma) chose to work instead of attending RU.
    • It was an honor to prefix one’s name with Tekkatho တက္ကသိုလ် or University.
    • Khin Nyo wrote: Absolutely right. I think in 1957 only 2% Passed and the total is 20000.
      Even dancer AmarSein was conferred with the title Thekkatho Amar Sein by the Rector Dr Tha Hla.

    Tekaktho Moe War (U Moe Aung)

    U Moe Aung

    Student Days

    • Matriculated from St. John’s Dio.
    • EC, RU Kalaung Ah Thin
    RU Association
    • Editor, RUESU Annual Magazine for 1960 – 61
    RUESU Magazine

    RIT Days

    • Electrical Engineering Saya at RIT
    EE Sayas
    U Moe Aung & U Sein Maung
    • Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazine
    • Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
    • Co-leader, Swel Daw Yeik Troupe (Ah Nyeint, Htee Yein, Ta Bin Daing Ah Ka) at RU Golden Jubilee in 1970

    Singapore Days

    • Worked in Singapore
    • Chair, SPZP-2002 & SPZP-2010 (in Singapore)
    • Editor / Publisher, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010
    • Organizer, Alumni Activities (e.g Thingyan)

    Post Retirement

    • Moved back to Myanmar
    • Taught refresher courses (e.g. Electrical Saftey) at Electrical Inspectorate
    • Kept mind alert by writing poems & articles in weekly publications
    • Patron, SDYF; Composed & performed SDY Song
    • Entertainment for SPZP-2012 & SPZP-2016

    Publications

    • Distinguished Writer, Poet, Editor & Publisher
    • Editor, RUESU Annual Magazine
    • Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazine for more than a decade
    • Chief Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
    • Chief Editor, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010 in Singapore
    • Chief Editor, Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu in 2014 & SPZP-2016 in Yangon
    • Kabyars — solo; with RIT poets; with former EC members of RU Kalaung Ah Thinn
    Book 1
    Book 2
    Book 3
    Book 4
    • Books — Collection of articles; Collection of poem
  • Tin Maung Nyunt

    Tin Maung Nyunt

    by Hla Min

    Updated : July 2025

    Highlights

    • Born in Mogok
    • Attended I.Sc at Mandalay University
    • Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1960
    • Worked for Joint Venture Corporation (JVC) formed by relatives
    • Found an advertisement in a newspaper to apply for a Government Scholarship.
    • Selected to study Agricultural Engineering in USA
    • Received Masters from Virginia Tech
    • Came back to Burma on an Ocean Liner with Saya Allen Htay (GBNF), Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) & U Than Pe. They became close friends on the two-month long journey.

    M/Agri Saya at RIT

    • Upon his return, he was assigned to Agricultural Institute in Yezin. Before reporting for duty, he visited RIT.
    • Sayagyi U Ba Than asked if he would like to join Agri Sub-Department of Mechanical Engineering. Sayagyi said that some students were not at ease following lectures given by visiting Soviet lecturers via interpreters.
    • President, RIT Thaing
    • Played Defender on RIT Saya Soccer team

    Life after RIT

    • Worked in Thailand & USA

    USA

    • Attended RIT Alumni Gatherings
    U Tin Maung Nyunt 1
    • Donated $500 for the Training Component of YTU Library Modernization project.
    U Tin Maung Nyunt’s Donation
    • He is a day older than Saya Allen. Their birthdays are December 30 & 31.
    • Monthly Breakfast Gathering with Saya Allen, U Ko Ko Aye, Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me. Saya Allen & U Ko Ko Aye are now GBNF.
    U Tin Maung Nyunt & Saya Allen
    • Saya U Soe Paing visited him in Milpitas, California. We had a lunch gathering at a restaurant.
    U Tin Maung Nyunt 2
    • He enjoyed Hiking & Tennis, but had to suspend due to Jara and Byadi
    • Volunteer for establishing Taungpulu Kaba Aye Monastery in Northern California.

    Updates

    • He had operations (one quite early and another a few years back).
    • He listens to selected Dhamma talks.

    Posts

    • Books
    • Dhamma
    • Gatherings
    • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aung Thu Yein

    Aung Thu Yein

    by Hla Min

    Updated : July 2025

    Highlights

    ATY
    • Alias : A Nyo & Brownie Way
    • Younger brother of Dr. Thet Htar Way
    • Classmate at SPHS, I.Sc & RIT.

    ATY (Standing 2nd from right)

    St. Paul’s High School

    • Classmates in Std VIII(A), IX(A) and X(A).
    • In the lower classes, he was in Section (C). I was in Section (D).
    • Stood 13th in the whole of Burma in the Matric exam of 1963.
    • Won Collegiate Scholarship. Only 40 of the 100 scholarship awards were given to students from private schools.
    • SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the top Twenty. Khin Maung U (1st), Min Oo (2nd), Myo San (Freddie, 3rd), Nyunt Wai (Victor, 4th), Thein Wai (5th), Hla Min (7th), Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny, 9th), Maung Maung Kyi (11th), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, 13th), Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, 17th).
    • Has a soft heart.
    • Before the Matric exam, he read several subjects to Nyunt Wai (Victor), who was sick & could not study. Brownie could take credit for Victor’s success. Victor stood 4th in Burma & became medical professor in IM & Malaysia.

    Dr. Nyunt Wai wrote :

    Being my best friend since standard IV, I could write volumes about him. For now only two points: (1) my friend was called “ANyo”(Brownie) because he had much darker complexion compared with his elder brother (very fair complexion); this contrast repeated in the case of his two sons; (2) the brown brothers passed away years ahead of their fairer counterparts.

    University Days

    • We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone in 1963. We took the Science Option.
    • After a long closure citing Security Concerns following the July 7th Anniversary, a new Education System was established in November 1964.
    • Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE at the Gyogone Campus.
    • Chose Electrical Engineering as Major & EC (Electrical Communications) as Option.
    EE69
    • Played Soccer and Tennis
    ATY 3
    • Learned to smoke — trying to fend off mosquitoes in the RIT rest rooms.
    • Learned social drinking from his classmates (e.g “Robert” Win Boh) after the last paper of the RIT final exam.

    After Graduation

    • One of 13 EC Graduates
    • Had a successful career at MOC/Schlumberger, & several foreign assignments.
    • Became a heavy smoker & drinker. Felt lonely after the loss of spouse & eldest son.
    • Had minor & not-so-minor health problems.
    • Quit drinking & smoking for some time, but he still felt the urge.

    Last Meeting (in March 2012)

    • I visited Yangon to take part in preparations for SPZP-2012 (scheduled for December).
    • Zaw Lai came to see me. We decided to surprise Brownie. He trusted people. He did not lock his house. He closed the gate & boarded Zaw Lai’s car.
    • Zaw Lai coaxed him to take a couple of drinks.
    • That dinner at Zaw Lai’s apartment would be remembered as Brownie’s farewell.
    • Brownie did not show up at the 69er breakfast gathering at Royal Rose. The gathering was cut short when we learned that Brownie was in ICU and that the 69er HCF organizers would go to see him.
    • Kyaw Zin took Win Lwin, Khin Maung Bo & me to the ICU. Brownie’s son, who is a medical doctor, said that Brownie was not ready for another operation. We left with samvegha that he could very well be No 61 (on Aung Min’s GBNF list). Win Lwin told me to meditate and also “do something for yourself”.
    • I spent several days at the Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung as a monk. Sayadaw U Wara (ChE70) was my preceptor.
    • During that period, Brownie remained unconsciousness and he finally succumbed.
    • My 69er friends notified Brownie’s demise to my siblings, but requested not to notify me at the monastery.
      They did not want to disrupt my meditation practice.

    May Brownie be able to share my merits.

    Ah Hmya, ah hmya, ah hmya.

    Updates

    Samvegha

    • Three Scholarship winners from SPHS63 — Brownie, Freddie & Maung Maung Kyi — are GBNF
    • Five EC69ers — Kyaw Soe, Brownie, Chit Tin, Oo Kyaw Hla & Sai Aik Yee — are GBNF
    • 128 69ers (over 40% of the Class) are GBNF. The GBNF list is maintained by Aung Min (M69) & team
    • Several RIT EE Sayas — U Kyaw Tun, U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, U Thein Lwin, Dr. San Tint, U Soe Min, U Chin Way & U Nyi Nyi — are GBNF. For SPZP-2010, I wrote “A Sad & Short Clip : EE Sayas”. Two sayas — U Thein Lwin & U Nyi Nyi — have passed away since the article was published.
    RIT EE Sayas

    Posts

    • 69er
    • EE69er
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Memories of a 69er
    • SPHS63
  • Four Attendees at SPZP-2012

    Four Attendees at SPZP-2012

    by Hla Min

    Updated : July 2025

    SPZP-2012

    2012 နှစ် ဆရာပူဇော်ပွဲ

    • SPZP-2000 was held in USA
    • SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010 were held in Singapore
    • SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 & SPZP-2016 were held in Yangon

    ပွင့်လင်းခေတ် — First True Home Coming

    SPZP-2012
    • SPZP-2012 was held at Gyogone Campus ကြို့ကုန်း ကျောင်းဝင်း
    • U Aye Myint (EP72) did not forget his alma mater. He helped realize the Home Coming.

    1964 က ပထမနှစ် ကျောင်းသား သုံးယောက်

    ဦးသောင်းစိန် (Steeve Kay, EC70)

    Steeve
    • Admitted to 1st BE as a top student in Nov 1964
    • Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs
    • Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
    • Kay Family Foundation
    • Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas
    • Donated $200000 + to RIT projects
    • He is now GBNF

    ဦးချိုလင်း (Yu Beng, Benny Tan, M70)

    Benny
    • Admitted to 1st BE in Nov 1964
    • Entrepreneur
    • Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs
    • Co-chair of SPZP 2000

    ဦးအုန်းခိုင် (Ohn Khine, M70)

    Ohn Khine
    • Admitted to 1st BE in Nov 1964
    • Organizer for SPZP & SDYF
    • CD Supplement for HMEE book
    • Co-author of “RIT Days 1964 – 1970”

    1964 က ဒုတိယနှစ်ကျောင်းသား

    ဦးလှမင်း (Hla Min, EC69)

    Hla Min
    • Admitted to 2nd BE as a top student in Nov 1964
    • Lifelong Learner
    • RIT Alumni Newsletter and Updates (1999 – present)
    • Organizer for SPZPs
    • CD Supplement for HMEE book
    • Admin & Moderator of selected FB pages and website

    Posts

    • Alumni
    • Gatherings
    • Noble Tradition
    • Paying back to our alma mater

  • Tin Maung Nyunt

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    1960s

    • Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1960
    • Worked for JVC (Joint Venture Corporation) formed by some relatives
    • Found an ad in a newspaper & applied for State Scholarship to study Agricultural Engineering in the USA
    • Came back to Burma on the same Ocean Liner with Saya Allen Htay, Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Ko Ko Lay and U Than Pe. They became close friends on the two-month long journey.

    M/Agri Saya at RIT

    • Upon his return, he was assigned to Agricultural Institute in Yezin. Before reporting, he visited RIT.
    • Sayagyi U Ba Than asked him if he would like to join the Agri Sub-Department of the Mechanical Engineering Department. Sayagyi said that some students were not at ease at following the lectures given by the visiting Soviet lecturers via interpreters.

    Life after RIT

    • Worked in Thailand & USA.
    • Attended RIT Alumni Gatherings
    U Tin Maung Nyunt 1
    • Donated $500 for the training component of the YTU library project.
    U Tin Maung Nyunt’s Donation
    • He is a day older than Saya Allen Htay. Their birthdays are December 30 & 31.
    U Tin Maung Nyunt & Saya Allen
    • Saya U Soe Paing visited him in Milpitas, California.
    U Tin Maung Nyunt 2

    Memories

    • President of RIT Thaing
    • Played on RIT Saya Soccer team
    • Enjoyed Hiking & Tennis, but had to suspend due to Jara (Aging) and Byadi (Declining Health).
    • Volunteer for establishing Taungpulu Kaba Aye Monastery in Northern California
    • Member, Kappiya Karaka
    • Used to meet over Breakfast monthly with Saya Allen (GBNF), U Ko Aye (GBNF), Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me.

    Posts

    • Alumni
    • Associations
    • Gatherings
    • RIT Sayas
    • Sports
  • U Ba Toke & U Ba Than

    U Ba Toke & U Ba Than

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Garawa

    • U Ba Than usually visits and pay homage to his saya U Ba Toke at least once every year.
    • Both are our Sayagyis.

    January 2017

    • Pansy (Thynn Thynn, ChE 74) asked her daughter & son-in-law to pick up Saya U Ba Than (86 years), Saya U Tin Htut (79 years) and me to see her father Sayagyi U Ba Toke (96 years).
    • Sayagyi has some problems with mobility & vision, but his mind remains crisp & clear.
    • He was born on Dec 26, 1920. Rangoon University opened on Dec 1, 1929. They are “Phwa Bet Taws”.
    • Sayagyi deferred celebrating his birthday so that three of his grandchildren abroad could come back & join the celebration.
    • Sayagyi is pre-deceased by his beloved spouse, daughter (Kitty) and son (Soe Win).
    • He has six remaining children : Betty, Ye Myint, Nellie, Pansy, Tammy & Debbie
    • Pansy has offered transportation (within Rangoon) to Sayas who want to visit her father

    Book

    Book
    • A detailed account of Sayagyi has been covered by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (“Maung Thin Char”).
    • I received an autographed copy during a previous visit. The book may need a reprint.

    Memories

    SPZP-2000

    • Ko Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas) donated a roundtrip ticket to invite a Saya from Myanmar to attend SPZP-2000.
    • Debbie (Saya’s youngest daughter) relayed Saya’s wish to attend SPZP-2000.
    • Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) offered accommodation for Saya, Ko Ye Myint & spouse.
    • Several sayas and alumni donated towards Saya’s expenses for the trip. Some offered to show Saya around the SF Bay Area.
    SPZP-2000
    SF Bay Area

    SPZP-2007

    • Saya was asked about Longevity.
    • Saya recounted his experience in USSR. The host said, “Do not worry about the noise upstairs. It’s my 100+ years young uncle quarreling with his fourth wife. They will make peace soon”.

    SPZP-2012 & 2016

    • Saya needed assistance to attend the SPZPs.
    • Even some younger Sayas needed wheelchair.

    RU Centennial

    • Due to pandemic, most events were broadcast or held online.
    • Saya passed away on Dec 2, 2020 — the day after the RU Centennial.

    GBNF

    • Sayagyi U Ba Toke passed away a few days short of his Centennial birthday
    U Ba Toke
    • U Ba Than passed away after his 94th birthday
    U Ba Than
    • Dr. Khin Maung Swe passed away in his 80s
    Dr. Khin Maung Swe
  • Major Donor : Daw Myint Myint (C69)

    Major Donor : Daw Myint Myint (C69)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Admirable Couple

    • U Htein Win (M66) & Daw Myint Myint are entrepreneurs and philanthropists.
    • They founded Myit Che International Trading Company.
    • They donated to RIT-related activities and selected charities.
    Daw Myint Myint

    Proud Supporter

    • Regular attendee at the 69er Gatherings $ hosted some.
    • Major donor to the 69er Health Care Fund along with Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69) and U Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP69)
    • In memory of U Htein Win, she donated K100 Lakhs to the 69er Health Care Fund.
    Donation 1

    Breakfast Gathering

    • Hosted the August Breakfast Gatherings at Royal Rose (Taw Win Hnin Si) Restaurant to celebrate her birthday.
    • In August 2018, the co-host was U Soe Thein (Peter)
    • In August 2019, the co-host was U Than Oo.
    Daw Myint Myint and U Soe Thein

    Lunch Gathering

    A few years back, she hosted a Lunch Gathering at Western Park Royal, Kandawgyi to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie Hoe, T69, Germany).

    Welcome lunch gathering for Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai

    Annual Dinner Gathering

    69er Annual Dinner was often held at M3.

    She sponsored at least one table at Annual Dinner for the past few years.

    YTU Library Modernization

    In 2017, she donated K100 Lakhs for YTU Library Modernization Project.

    Donation 2

    Memories

    • Civil Group at 40th Anniversary (in 2009)
    2009
    • Donation to YTU Library Modernization Project; Donation accepted by U Wynn Htain Oo, Nan Khin Nwe & team
    Myint 1
    Myint 2
    Myint 3
    • At 69er Monthly Breakfast Gathering; U Aung Min is a core Organizer; Swe Swe Kyaw Zin (daughter of U Kyaw Zin) brought 69er Caps & 69er Hats donated by UKZ
    69er BFG
  • Aging

    Aging

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Senior

    I felt uncomfortable to be addressed as “Ah Ba”, “Pho Pho” and to be offered assistance (e.g. wheelchair).

    I now feel OK to use wheelchair at air ports and to have people assist me when I climb up & down hill slopes. I had a couple of bike rides on dirt roads.

    I enjoy senior discounts for trains, buses & restaurants.

    I hope that my mental faculties will remain sharp and strong.

    Jara (old age) caught even the sport stars like Sayagyi U Ba Toke.

    Sayagyi U Ba Toke

    Phwa Bet Taw

    Saya is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the first Rangoon University Students’ Strike in December 1920.

    SPZP-2000

    In 2000, Theingi (Saya’s youngest daughter) conveyed us Saya’s wishes to attend SPZP-2000. U Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas) had donated a round trip ticket. Several sayas & alumni donated expenses. Details can be found in “Count down to the Reunion” articles.

    SPZP-2000

    Birthdays

    Saya 2

    He celebrates his birthdays with his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

    Saya‘s birthday

    Longevity

    Saya gave a speech in SPZP-2007 about “Longevity”. He visited a house in USSR where the 80+ year old host explained about the noise up stairs. “Don’t worry. It’s my 100+ year old uncle quarelling with his fourth wife. They will make amends.”

    Garawa

    During my visits to Yangon, I paid respect to Saya.

    U Ohn Khine (M70) gave me a ride in 2012. Saya gave us autographed book. We enjoyed Sayagyi’s accounts. He was a football star, a leader of the Burma Olympic Delegation, and an excellent teacher. Up to his early 80s, he could walk to the Shwe Dagon pagoda with his friends. In his 90s, Sayagyi lost some mobility, eye sight and hearing, but he was determined to attend SPZPs.

    Book

    In 2016, Saya’s son U Ye Myint and daughter Daw Thynn Thynn (Pansy) made arrangements to give us rides to and back from Saya’s house.

    U Ba Toke

    In 2018, I called Ma Theingi and asked about Sayagyi. She mentioned that Sayagyi is healthy but because he had lost most teeth, she has to listen carefully to grasp his message.

    Saya passed away on December 2, 2020. It was the day after RI U Centennial. It was a few days short of his Centennial Birthday on December 26.

    U Ba Toke 2
    U Ba Toke 3
    U Ba Toke 5