HlaMin

Category: RIT

Engineering Schools in Burma

  • Alumni 1

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Paying respect

    • Paying respect to Sayas is a tradition that is unique to Myanmar.
    • The tradition is alive and well.
    • There have been seven world wide SPZPs :
      SPZP-2000 (US)
      SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, SPZP-2010 (Singapore)
      SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 (Yangon)
    • I was fortunate to be a Core Organizer for SPZP-2000 and a Coordinator for the remaining SPZPs.
    SPZP-2000

    Alumni

    Many alumni are active in the following:

    • SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation)
    • RITAA (RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association)
    • NorCal RITAA (in the US)
    • MES
    • MEC
    • HMEE-2018

    History

    • “History of Myanmar Engineering Education” was published in 2012.
    • The project’s initiators included Saya U Soe Paing, Sayagyi U Ba Than and several sayas and alumni (See Acknowledgement in the Book)
    • Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team compiled the book.
    • Ko Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE-2012 book
    • The draft for the first two sections were prepared by Saya U Soe Paing and team.
    • Ko Ohn Khine translated Section 1 and summarized Section 2. The translations have been revised by Saya U Soe Paing.
    • Saya U Aung hla Tun gave the copyright to RITAA.
    • HMEE-2018 project is headed by Saya U Aung Hla Tun.
      Project will revise / enhance the HMEE-2012 book.
      Will cover the History of Engineering and Industries.

    YTU Library Modernization Project

    A decent Library is a requirement of the accreditation of YTU by Asean (and beyond).

    Donations — large and small — are coming in.
    Thanks to U Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Ma Nan Khin Nwe (83 Intake) and team.

    The donors include

    • U Khin Maung Tun (T78)
    • Dr. Myo Khin (C70) and Daw Mya Nwe (C73)
    • Daw Myint Myint (C69)
    • Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
    • James Shwe (M76) and Annette Shwe (A75)
    • NorCal RITAA
    • Alumni from Singapore, Australia and New Zealand

    Archive

    • The Library could have a section to help remember our beloved alma mater, our sayas and alumni activities.
    • Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi endorsed Ko Benny Tan’s proposal to archive the mementos.
    • Requested class representatives to record gatherings / activities.

    Health Care Funds

    • “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas”
    • “Eye examination and assistance Fund provided by U Khin Maung Tun”.
    • Balance of both funds have been handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
    • Other funds include 69er HCF, EE69er HCF, and those administered by the classes and groups (e.g. Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65)

    Resources

    • RIT related Facebook pages
    • RIT related Google groups
    • hlamin.com

    Saya Allen Htay (C58)

    • Leader of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group
    • Co-founded “RIT Alumni International” which hosted SPZP-2000 and served as President.
    • His article “Brother, can you spare US $500?” is a classic.
    • Daw Mu Mu Khin hosted a lunch in memory of Saya on December 31, 2017.
    • In memory of Saya Allen, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to the YTU library.
      Also sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students.
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is allen-htay-1.jpg
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is allen-htay-2.jpg

    Golden Sponsors

    • U Thaung Sein (Steeve, EC70)
    • U Benny Tan (M70)
    • U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69)
    • U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67)
    • U Maung Maung Than (M79)

      The five Golden sponsors and other donors made sure U Nyo Win’s Act (requiring the organizers to chip in if SPZP-2000 will not have the minimum number of attendees) will not be needed.

    2019

    • Completed two decades as Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
    • Compiled posts for the Golden Jubilee of 69ers
      Attended both events on December 14, 2019

    2020

    • Writing and revising posts in hlamin.com
    • Request help to transform into digital and/or printed books for posterity

  • SPHS 1

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Saya U Soe Paing (SPHS56, EE, UCC) wrote :

    From the 7th standard to Matriculation I remember the following:

    Saya Ba Myaing (Physics), Saya Tun Shwe and Saya Sein (Burmese), Bro Hubert (Chemistry), Bro Felix, Bro Charles, and Bro Gerald (English).
    Mr Machado and Saya Dawson (Math), Mr Barker and Mr Illife (Physics).

    Editor’s Notes:

    The Paing siblings — Dr. Myo Paing (SPHS54), U Soe Paing (SPHS56), U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, SPHS64) and U Kyaw Paing — attended SPHS.
    

    U Aung Win (Owen) wrote :

    I read many articles about the old staff of SPHS but I never came across anyone mentioning Bro. Charles. During our KG days in SP, we had one Bro. Charles, if you all remember him. He was a very kind-hearted Bro. and he loved the school kids and treated us well. Whatever happened to him, I wonder, after we left SPHS.

    Owen Khoo (Aung Win, M71, SPHS 1953 – 1957)

    Editor’s notes :

    • Three siblings — U Than Win (Alan Khoo, SPHS54), U Kyi Win (Eddie Khoo, SPHS57) and U Aung Win (Owen Khoo) — attended SPHS. Owen also attended Darjeeling.
    • I joined SPHS in Std. IV.
    • I do not know the sayas and sayamas who taught KG and Stds I – III.
    • Boarders can add the names of the Brothers and sayas that I have missed.
    • Brother Benedict (who taught a younger class) was a good soccer player.
    • Brother Gerald was the SPHS Band Master. He often rode a horse.
    • There was a Brother in charge of the SPHS Book Shop, and several Brothers in charge of the Boarders.
    • Some Brothers went on “rotation duty” to St. Peter’s (Mandalay), St. Albert’s (Maymyo), St. Patrick’s (Moulmein), …

    Brother Clementian

    Brother Clementian “retired” as Brother Director, but kept on teaching Mathematics until he passed away. The funeral cortege spanned from SPHS to Tamwe Christian Cemetery. Some cars had not left SPHS when the service began at the Cemetery.

    Brother Austin

    In addition to having a class library, Brother Austin (our Class teacher for Std. X A, “the carrot”) would take us to the SPHS library (with books donated by Ford Foundation, Asia Foundation …). Everyone has to borrow a book and write a critique. In addition to teaching English, he also taught the “Morals and Manners” class. Anyone who can recite the selected poems is free to “skip the remainder of the class”. The top reciters were rewarded: an 8 mm movie of a soccer match from UK, or a ticket to “1960 Rome Olympics” (special show at Thamada Cinema). He abhors plagiarism and unprofessional work. “Don’t waste my time and your time”. After nationalization, he moved to Malaysia to continue teaching at a De La Salle School.

    Brother Xavier

    Brother Xavier (our Class Teacher for Std IX A, and English teacher for Std VIII and IX, “the stick”) would penalize students for making grammatical mistakes. For the dictation test, he would start with 100 marks and then subtract 10 marks for each mistake. A classmate ended with -230 (minus 230) marks shown “in red” in his report card. According to Ko Zaw Min, Brother Xavier would not continue his “brash style” at St. Albert’s. After nationalization, he moved to UK and supposedly “left the order”.

    Brother Felix

    Brother Felix moved back to Germany. He had e-mail communications with some Old Paulians (notably Richard G. Boudville, Australia, son of Sayama V. Boudville).

    Two Sibling Brothers

    • After nationalization, the native Brothers remained in Burma.
    • Brother Joseph decided to become Father Joseph.
    • His younger brother remained Brother Anthony and was one of the “senior sayas” at SPHS Saya Pu Zaw Pwes along with Saya U San Thein and Saya Beatson.

    Authors

    • Saya George Chapman published notes for English.
    • Saya U Htay Myint (Patheda) published notes for History.

    Distinguished Paulians

    Sayagyi U Ba Khin stood first in his Matriculation class. He is known as an outstanding Vissapana teacher. His dhamma lineage starts with Ledi Sayadaw and Saya Thet. His dhamma students include Saya S. N. Goenka.

    ICS U Tin Tut, Dr. Ba Han, Dr, Ba Maw, and U Chan Tun are Old Paulians.

    According to Dr. Win Aung (M62), his father Saya C. Ping Lee (EE, GBNF) was a Paulian and a student of Saya U Than Aung (father of Saya Alphonso [Mg Nge, Mg Aung] and Charlie [Ko Cho]). When U Than Aung became Minister of Education in the AFPFL Government, he recruited his former student Saya C. Ping Lee to head the Technical & Vocational Department.

    Saya Pu Zaw Pwes

    After nationalization, SPHS became No. (6) SHS Botathaung.

    There are two SPZPs: one for the “Paulians” and another for SHS(6).

    Some (e.g. Eddie Ba Oo [Tin Aung Moe]) who were in the lower classes when SPHS was nationalized would attend both gatherings.

  • Tekkatho

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Matriculation

    • 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

  • Engineering Library

    by Hla Min

    Update : May 2026

    Faculty of Engineering အင်ဂျင်နီယာမဟာဌာန

    Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Interim Dean) asked U Ba Than to help with the Engineering Library.

    U Ba Than

    RIT Library ရန်ကုန်စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ်စာကြည့်တိုက်

    Daw Myint Myint Khin

    Daw Myint Myint Khin was Assistant Librarian at the Faculty of Social Science Library. She became Librarian at the Rangoon Institute of Technology.

    The Library was located on the Ground Floor.

    Several years later, the Library was relocated to a two-storey building near A Block.

    Sadly, it was not maintained well.

    YTU Library

    The YTU Library Upgrading / Modernization Project was initiated as a Requirement for Accreditation of YTU.

    Alumni worldwide donated for the project.

    Daw Myint Myint ဒေါ်မြင့်မြင့်

    • Donated K150 Lakhs
    Daw Myint Myint (C69)

    Dr. Myo Khin & Daw Mya Nwe ဒေါက်တာမျိုးခင် နှင့် ဒေါ်မြနွယ်

    • Donated K100 Lakhs
    Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C) & Daw Mya Nwe

    Training Component စာကြည့်တိုက်မှူးများသင်တန်းတက်ရောက်ရန်

    • Saya George (U Mg Mg) provided $500 as seed money
    • Saya U Myat Thwin, Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt and others donated
    • Total : $3000+
    Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE)
    Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M)

    Other Donations

    • BASES — Members & Friends
    • NorCal RITAA
    • Many individuals
    • Several groups
    • See posts by Wynn Htain Oo & Nan Khin Nwe

  • Soe Paing

    by Hla Min

    Update : May 2026

    Paing Brothers

    Family

    • Parents : ICS U Paing & Daw Oo Yin
    • Siblings : Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, GBNF), U Kyaw Paing
    • Spouse : Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69)
    • Children : Two sons & One daughter
    • Grandchildren : 3

    Education & Work

    • Mmatriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in Burma and won Collegiate Scholarship.
    • At the Convocation of 1958, he won two Gold Medals — one for Highest Total Marks in I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B); and another for Joint Highest Marks in Maths for I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
    • Received a States Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
    • Joined the RIT Electrical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
    • Helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe found Universities’ Computer Center.
    • Transferred to UCC as Manager for Systems Division. He later also managed Operations Division.
    • Received M.Sc.(Computer Science) from Southampton University in UK.
    • Worked for UNDP Projects in several countries.

    Mentor

    • My mentor at RIT & UCC.
    • Allowed U Aung Zaw & me to co-author Texts, User Guides and Manuals for use at UCC.

    HMEE

    • Early supporter of the HMEE project.
    • Prepared a draft for the HMEE book and handed it to Saya U Aung Hla Tun & team.
    • He and U Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 of the HMEE Book and summarized Section 2.

    Posts

    Post from March 2011

    I went to the University Central Library and managed to get scanned photos from the Engg Student Annual Magazines 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas, students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.

    U Sein Hlaing (Prof EE) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L starting 1952-53. Saya U Tin Swe was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team. Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain. U Khin Si (husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile) and U Tin Si (U Khin Si’s brother and tennis doubles partnership that won RU as well as national championships) were members of the Prome hall team.

    The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by the Prime Minister at that time U Ba Swe.

    In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD, PWC, CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.

    I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.

    U Ba Than has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.

    Post from May 2000

    The mention of RIT, BIT, and BOC college in the first newsletter bring back memories of our good old days in Rangoon University. Although we did not graduate from Rangoon University, we had a really great two and a half years there before we went for studies aroad under government scholarship.

    Our first year 1956-1957 was in Yankin College. Yankin was a campus of RU for first year science students. It is now Yankin State High School No. XX? Hteedan was for the 1st year arts students. Our second year I.Sc. was at the RU campus itself which we refer to as Main. The Arts students have classes at Judson. That time the new Social Science Building (now Institute of Economics) was completed. We had our second year ISc exams in that new building.

    Then it is our 1st year B.Sc. Engineering course at the new Faculty of Engineering in Prome Road (now Institute of Medicine I). We attended for six months till December 1958. That campus was designed and built especially for the Faculty of Engineering. Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Departments were there but Chemical, Textile, etc. were in the old BOC building at the back.

    The 1st year classes were from 7 to 9 a.m. for Mathematics. We then have a one hour break and we start the engineering courses at 10 a.m. We usually have a snack during the break at a small cafe between Tagaung and Prome Halls. Those halls were only for engineering students then. The mathematics (Pure & Applied) lecturers were from India hired under contract. We had three engineering courses: Building Materials taught by Mr. Tan Ba Hli (the Dean of Engineering himself). Heat Engines taught by U Aung Khin. Principles of Electrical Engineering taught by U Kyaw Tun. We had EE lab with Ko Htin Paw and Ko Ba Nyunt as lab instructors. We also had engineering drawing with Ko San Hla Aung and Allen Htay (for Chem, Tex, etc.) as instructors.

    Those were the days when Rangoon University was one of the best universities in SE Asia and Asia. It also had a really nice campus.

    RIT Saya Soccer Team

    Reading about communications from Richard Khoo (Dr. Aung Soe, C61) and seeing the list of Sayas in the 1966-67 Handbook brings back memories of our soccer team.

    As I remember it was from 1964 to 1968 or 1969. We played against (i) the senior students of different majors Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc. (ii) the sayas at GTI and Natmauk Technical Institute (iii) the Burma Air Force officers.

    We also played in the annual tournament for RIT Staff. The staff teams are the Sayas, Workshop staff, Lab staff, Hostel staff and the youth team from the RIT compound.

    As I remember (other Sayas & graduates may correct me) these were the people in the team.

    Goalkeepers :

    • Richard Khoo (Civil)
    • Maurice Kyaw Zaw (Chemistry),
    • Sein Myint/Ah Sein (Petroleum)

    Defenders :

    • Ko Maung Maung Than (Textile)
    • Ko Aung Soe (Math)
    • Ko Aung Hla Tun (Met)
    • Ko Sann Tint (Elect)
    • Christopher Maung (Civil)
    • U Tin Swe (Elect)
    • Ko Tin Win (Mech)

    Midfielders :

    • Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri)
    • Desmond Rogers (English)
    • Ko Khine Oo (Elect)
    • Ko Maung Maung Win (Mech)
    • Ko Tin Hlaing II (Mech)

    Forwards :

    • Ko Pike Htwe (Chemistry)
    • Ko Aung (Math)
    • Ko Tin Hlaing I (Agri)
    • Ko Soe Min (Elect)
    • Ko Kyin Soe (Auto)
    • myself (Elect)

    We rarely practiced but we enjoyed playing the games. We split games with the GTI sayas & the Air Force officers. We beat the Natmauk sayas and we won more than we lost in the RIT staff tournament. But I am sure we lost more than we won against the final year students. Would appreciate comments on this; especially on the names I missed in the team.

    Updates

    • Wrote articles about his experiences as a State Scholar, Saya, UCC Co-founder & UN Advisor. They can be read from SCRIB-D.
    • Gave an interview to MASTAA.
    • Had recovered after medical treatment.

    Posts

    • Computer Pioneers in Burma
    • EE Sayas
    • HMEE
    • Memories of UCC
    • Paing Family

  • HIC

    by Hla Min & Tin Aung Win

    Update : May 2026

    Zoom Meeting

    • U Myint Thein Lwin (M62)
    • U Than Htut (M67, RUBC Gold)
    • U Tin Aung Win (M69)
    • U Ohn Khine (M70)
    • U Ye Myint (EP72)
    Zoom Participants

    Gatherings

    • Before the pandemic, some HIC Alumni had lunch gatherings

    Updates

    • U Aye (M62) — retired from FAO; provided feedback & info for my posts
    • U Thein Aung (M72) — moved to Singapore; wrote episodes for “Once upon a time at RIT”
    • U Kyaw Myint (EP72) — founded “Good Morning Bakery”; donated food at selected RIT Gatherings
    • U Khin Maung Cho (M73) — Retd. Minister
    • U Sann Tun Ni — founded “Sunny Sushi” in Las Vegas; Gawpaka at LV monastery
  • 2018 Gathering

    2018 Gathering

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Monthly BFG

    • Before the pandemic, 69ers had Monthly Breakfast Gatherings usually at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose).
    • Some celebrate Birthdays & Wedding Anniversaries at the gathering.
    • Han Sein, Uzin Bobby and several 69ers took photos and shared them on FB.
    • 20 classmates left us in 2021. Some in the group photo — Toby, Thein Swe, Aye Lwin, Han Sein, Aung Gyi Shwe — are GBNF.
    69er Group
    David, Aye Lwin, Oscar, Tin Maung Aye, Aye Thein
    • Aung Min & team organized a monthly meeting .
    • Win Boh (Robert, Australia) was a special guest at the meeting. Surinder Singh (Australia) had a schedule conflict.
    • Kyaw Nyunt brought back presents given by Fred Thetgyi (Philadephia) to the meeting, and organized a “Lucky Draw”.
    • Han Sein was happy testing special effects (e.g. to create “twins”) with his phone camera.
    • Tin Aung Win offered me car rides : to the meeting and back. On the way back, we chatted with Aye Lwin and Kyaw Zin on the car.
    • Aye Lwin was Secretary of RIT Mechanical Association and RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin. He was a member of the committee for printing and publishing Set Hmu Magazine (by Mechanical Engineering Association) and RIT Annual Magazine. He attended the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles with his daughter and son.
    • Harry Tin Htut, Oscar, Aung Min, Uzin Bobby and Tin Maung Aye posted photos in “RIT69ers” and “RIT Updates” Facebook pages.

    Posts

    • 69er
    • Gatherings
    • GBNF
    • Memories

  • Metallurgical Engineering

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Metallurgical Engineering ဆရာ ဆရာမတချို့

    • Mr. H S Sastri : taught an early course.
    Met 1
    • ဦးသစ် (ကွယ်လွန်) U Thit was Head of the Department. He passed away in Melbourne, Australia.
    Met 2
    • ဒေါက်တာစောဖြူ (ကွယ်လွန်) Dr. Saw Pru received Doctorate from Germany. He succeeded Saya U Thit as Head of Department. He passed away in Yangon. Some believe that he was reborn as the son of his nephew U Khin Aung Shwe.
    Met 3
    • ဦးသန်းတင် U Than Tin : He studied in USA. He served as Interim Head of Department. He moved to the USA (East Coast and later to Southern California). We invited him to SPZP-2000, but he could not attend.
    • ဒေါက်တာခင်မောင်ဝင်း (ကွယ်လွန်) Dr. Khin Maung Win : He taught at Mandalay University and worked at UBARI. He received Doctorate from USA. He served as Head of Department before becoming DG of Technical, Agricultural & Vocational Training. He passed away in Yangon.
    Met 4
    • ဦးအောင်လှထွန်း (ကွယ်လွန်) U Aung Hla Tun : He retired as Associate Professor. He published two books. He won the National Literary Award for the first book. He was Chief Editor for the RIT Annual Magazine. He was the Leader of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) Project. He passed away in Yangon. His former students published a book in his memory.
    Met 5
    • ဦးဖေဝင်း U Pe Win : He was Professor before he became Rector of YTU.
    Met 6
    • Victoria Simon : She retired as Professor.
    Met 7
    • ဦးတင်မောင်ညွန့် U Tin Maung Nyunt : He retired as Professor.
    Met 8
    • ဦးဝင်းကျော် U Win Kyaw : He taught at RIT before moving to the Ministry of Mines. He represented RIT in Rowing. He attended the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles and the gathering hosted by iNapa Winery.
    U Win Kyaw 1
    U Win Kyaw 2
    • ဦးသိန်းအောင် U Thein Aung : He taught at RIT before moving to the USA. He retired from Lawrence Livermore Lab. He represented RIT in Weightlifting & Body Building. He was Mr. RIT in 1968. His mentor was Bohmu Maung Maung (first Maung Bamar). He is a founding member of RIT Alumni International. He was an organizer and co-emcee at SPZP-2000. He had a reunion with U Win Kyaw & U Nyunt Htay at the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles and the gathering hosted by iNapa Winery.
    U Thein Aung
    SPZP-2000
    Hand over Salwei to Mg Mar Ga
    • ဦးညွန့်ဌေး U Nyunt Htay : He retired as Associate Professor. He is a poet. He is a contributor to “Poetic Art” Series organized by U Aung Myaing (Okpo Maung Yin Maung) and U Myo Myint (Bagyee Myat Myo Myint). He was Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine and Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung. He attended the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles and the gathering hosted by iNapa Winery. During my visit to Yangon before the pandemic, he hosted a Dinner Gathering for U Ye Myint, U Win Kyaw and me.
    U Nyunt Htay
    Poet
    Editor

    Posts

    • GBNF
    • HMEE
    • Metallurgical Engineering
    • RIT Annual Magazine
    • Sayas

  • Civil Engineering

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Early Days

    First classes offered in 1924 to two sets of students : B.Sc. graduates for a “compressed” 3-year course and eligible I.Sc. passed for a regular 4-year course. Details can be found in the article by U Hla Maung (1928 grad) for RU Golden Jubilee Magazine in 1970; and the History of Myanmar Engineering Education book published in 2012. The early sayas were British and Indian.

    RIT Alumni Newsletter

    RIT Alumni Newsletter and ex-rit.org published several articles by Civil alumni & sayas. They include articles by U Aw Taik Moh (C54), Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), Mr. Allen Htay (C58, GBNF), U Myint Khine (C63), Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun, …

    Civil Engineering Sayas

    U Ba Hli

    • First native Dean of Engineering
    • Former Professor of Civil Engineering & Principal of GTI
    • Proposed “Twinning Program” between Faculty of Engineering and prestigious US Universities

    U Mya Han

    • Professor before moving to industry
    • His company interned & hired Civil Engineers

    Dr. Aung Gyi

    • BS and MS from MIT, and his doctorate from University of Alberta.
    • Retired as Rector
    • Gave a key note speech at SPZP-2000 emphasizing the importance of Health and Emotional Intelligence.
    • I was an Ei Hmyaung at two dinner gatherings in Myanmar given to Saya and Daw Emma.
    • Hosted us during our visit to Canada.

    U Min Wun

    • Taught Surveying in our 2nd BE class in 1964
    • Retired as Professor & Head of Civil
    • BS from MIT; MS from Cornell — Photogrammetry
    • Founding member & VP of BARB. His expertise include Astronomy and Astrology.
    • Early supporter of RIT Alumni Newsletter

    C58

    Saya Allen Htay (GBNF), Saya Dr. San Hla Aung and Saya Dr. Win Thein (GBNF) are C58

    Allen Htay

    • MS from Harvard University
    • Leader, SF Bay Area Alumni Group
    • President, RIT Alumni International
    • Organizer, SPZP-2000)
    • His article “Brother, can you afford $500?” resulted in Golden Sponsors & Donors for SPZP-2000.
    • President, RIT Photography Association
    • Retired & unretired twice in the USA.

    Dr. San Hla Aung

    • MS from MIT
    • Doctorate from Tulane University
    • Taught until the age of 80.
    • Line Judge at RUBC regattas.
    • President of RIT Rowing
    • President, RIT Swimming

    Dr. Win Thein

    • Retired as Professor & Head
    • Several batches of students donated medical expenses for Saya
    • His sister donated most of the Garawa money to charities in Saya’s memory

    C61

    Dr. Aung Soe (C61)

    • Led Practical sessions for our 2nd BE Surveying
    • Saya soccer team
    • Attended SPZP-2000

    U Myint Lwin (C61)

    • Younger brother of Saya H Num Kok
    • Rowed for Engineering
    • Attended SPZP-2000

    C62 – C63

    • U Tauk Lin — moved to USA
    • U Kyi (C63) — moved to USA
    • Kyi Kong Tham (C63) — moved to USA
    • Christopher Maung
    • U Tin Maung
    • U Ngwe Tun (GBNF)

    C64

    U Thein Tan (C64)

    • Rowed for Engineering
    • Retired as Rector of MTU

    U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C64)

    • Phone Ko — famous cartoonist
    • Patron of RIT Cartoon Box

    Dr. Ohn Myint (C64)

    • Moved to Irrigation
    • Worked for World Bank

    U Win Maung (C64, GBNF)

    • Organizer, Lanzin Lu Nge

    C65 – C68

    • U Myint Soe (C68, GBNF)
    • U Myat Htoo (C68) — moved to USA

    Organizers

    Saya U Hla Myint Thein (C69), Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C70) and U Saw Lin (C71) served as Secretary of the RIT Civil Association.

    U Hla Myint Thein entered family business. He is Advisor to Hse Mile Gone monastery.

    Dr. Myo Khin and Daw Mya Nwe (C73) donated K100 lakhs for YTU Library Modernization.

    U Saw Lin was a Core Organizer for SPZP-2012. He wore multiple hats : Head of Security & Logistics, Chief Editor of commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazine, Coordinator for Reprint of 23 RIT Annual Magazines …

    Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) served as President of TBSA and BADA. He is a founding member of RIT Alumni international and served as emcee for SPZP-2000. He is also a founding member of Norcal RITAA and Chair of BOD. He wrote, played and sung a parody of “Lost Neikban” at 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.

    C69ers

    Several C69ers joined the faculty. They include U Nyi Hla Nge, Dr. Htin Aung, Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Khin Maung Tint, U Hla Myint, U Hla Myint Thein …

    U Nyi Hla Nge — Professor, Rector, Dy. Minister

    Dr. Htin Aung — Chinlon selection; Played badminton and soccer; Retired as Professor

    Dr. Khin Maung Win — Retired as Associate Professor; Taught in Malaysia

    U Khin Maung Tint —- Secretary of RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin; Found a Minthamee as his soul mate

    U Hla Myint and U Hla Myint Thein have successful business. They Consult selected monasteries

    Daw Myint Myint — Major donor to 69er Health Care Fund & 69er activities; Donated K150 Lakhs to YTU Library Modernization proj

    U Han Sein (GBNF) represented RIT in Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Basketball; Sentenced to 20 years by Adhamma authorities; Served 17 years. Since most 69ers were unaware, he was listed as GBNF in the Group’s Address Book (for the 30th Anniversary of Graduation); Became a Tone Kyaw; Succumbed to Covid

    GBNF List

    GBNF list include Sayas :

    Saya H Num Kok
    • H Num Kok
    • Allen Htay
    • Dr. Win Thein
    • U Ngwe Tun
    • U Win Maung
    • U Myint Soe
    • U Aye Win Kyaw
    • Madan Chand
    • U Khin Maung Maung
    • …

    Miscellaneous

    • Part time sayas include U Tin U, Percy Lao, Dr. San Lin, U Kyaw San (GBNF) …
    • Burma selected include Kyaw Htin (soccer) …
    • U Aye Win Kyaw (C70, GBNF) was a founding member and EC of BARB.
    • U Aung (C70, Maung Aw) was involved in providing help to selected schools.
    • Madan Chand (C70) was wrongly assigned to G-hall.
    • Dr. Soe Thein (C75) was organizer and web master for SPZP-2007.
    Saya U Ba Hli
    Dr. Aung Gyi
    U Min Wun
    SPZP-2000
    Saya U Tin U
    Saya Allen Htay
    Dr. San Hla Aung
    Dr. Win Thein

    Posts

    • Dr. Aung Gyi
    • U Ba Hli
    • BOC College Graduate
    • Brother, can you afford $500 and more?
    • C58
    • Civil Engineering
    • U Min Wun
    • SPZP

  • Mech Engg Sayas

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    U Ba Than

    U Ba Than
    • Won Collegiate Scholarship in the Matric of 1947
    • Won Gold medal in 1949 for highest score in I.Sc. exams
    • BS (Special) from Imperial College, London University
    • Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
    • Received scholarship to do MS at Imperial College
    • Promoted to Lecturer
    • Succeeded Saya U Aung Khin as Professor & Head of Mechanical
    • Wrote memoirs for his grand children and distributed to attendees at his 78th birthday celebrations.
    • Early supporter of HMEE project. Hosted a meeting for the project. Donated photos for use by the project. Requested Saya U Thaw Kaung to provide access of UCL archives to Saya U Soe Paing and team.
    • Offered Birthday Soon Kyway annually on Oct 2nd.
    • Passed away after his 94th birthday

    U Aung Khin

    U Aung Khin
    • Matriculated in 1948
    • Chem Prof U Po Tha advised him to study Engineering.
    • Received scholarship to study BS & MS at Lehigh University.
    • Joined Faculty as Assistant Lecturer
    • Promoted to Lecturer
    • Later became Professor and Head
    • Also has MS from Canada
    • Moved to Canada
    • During a visit to the SF Bay Area, he gave green light to the Bay Area RIT Alumni Group to host SPZP-2000.
    • Wrote several articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter.
    • In July 2925, Sayagyi allowed us to stay at his home in Windsor, Canada. He provided Mohinga & Ah Kyaw for breakfast, and souvenirs (e.g plaque for holding keys).
    • Sayagyi stays in shape by playing golf and tennis.

    U Tin Hlaing (M59, GBNF)

    U Tin Hlaing
    • Joined Faculty after graduation
    • MS from Purdue University
    • Became Lecturer & Head of Agricultural Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical)
    • Played soccer & tennis
    • Managed All-Universities Hockey team
    • He had kidney problem. Did not have access to dialysis machines (available only to VIPs). Did not receive passport in time to go abroad for treatment. Passed away.

    U San Tun (M59)

    U San Tun
    • Joined Faculty after graduation
    • MS from MIT
    • Became Lecturer & Head of Automobile Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical).
    • Moved to USA
    • President of BEA (Bay Area Burmese Engineers Association). BEA merged with BASTS to become BAPS.
    • Invited us on several occasions (e.g his birthday, his son’s wedding).
    • Attended most Alumni gatherings (e.g Retiree lunch).
    • Recuperating from a Stroke

    U Kyin Soe

    • MS from University of Illinois.
    • Served as Professor & Rector

    U Tin Htut (M60)

    U Tin Htut
    • Joined Faculty twice : the first time after graduation, and the second time after “an unexpected Waso in Insein”.
    • Past Captain & Gold of RUBC.
    • Moved to USA
    • Co-founded BASES and served as President.
    • Financial Controller for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
    • Donated K100 lakhs for YTU Library Modernization.
    • Also donated to SDYF & Mechanical Group.

    U Tun Shwe (M60)

    U Tun Shwe
    • Patron, Alumni Association & SDYF
    • Ovada at PZPs

    U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60)

    U Tin Maung Nyunt
    • President of RIT Chinlon
    • Moved to USA
    • Donated $500 for YTU Library Modernization Project

    More Sayas

    Seniors

    • U Pu studied at Lehigh. He left the Faculty
    • U Ko Gyi (GBNF) studied in USA. He taught at the Faculty. Moved to USA. Attended SPZP-2000.

    Sayas (1961 & later)

    • U Maung Maung Win (M61) : Managed RIT Automobile Club with Saya U Myo Win
      Moved to Australia
      Wrote series of articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter
    • S. Arya (M62, GBNF) : Cute accent
    S. Arya
    • Mao Toon Siong (M62) : Burma Champion & Coach in Table Tennis
    • Dr. Tin Win (M62) : Past President of BASES, Organizer for 2015 LA Reunion
    • U Khin Maung (M, GBNF)
    • U Phone Myint (M) : Workshop Superintendent
    • Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63) : Co-chair of SPZP-2002
    • U Soe Lwin (M63, GBNF)
    U Soe Lwin
    • U Han Tun (M63, GBNF)
    • S. Kyaw Aye (M63)
    • U Win (M63) : Transport provider for U Ba Than
    • U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto 64) : UN assignments in China; Patron of TDS (Theravada Dhamma Society)
    • U Myo Win (Melvyn, M/Ag65, GBNF) : RIT Automobile Association; Rowing; Moved to Australia ; Co-chair, Alumni Dinner Gathering in 2006
    • U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) : RIT Swimming & Water Polo;
      Moved to Australia; Co-chair, Alumni Dinner Gathering in 2006
    • U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) : Moderator of FB pages; Moved to Singapore
    • Dr. Kyaw Sein (M65) : Retired Professor at YTU & Malaysian University
    • Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65) : Retired Executive at High tech companies in US and Taiwan; Founding member of RIT Alumni International; SPZP-2000 Organizer
    • U Lin (M66) : Rowing; RIT Buddhist Association; Patron of Yangon SPZPs
    • Dr. Chan Nyein (M67, GBNF)
      : Minister
    • U Tin Maung Oo (M67, GBNF)
      Dep Workshop Superintendent
    • U Thein Tun Aung (M, GBNF)
    • U Than Myint (M) : Singapore Polytechnic
    • U Khin Maung Tin (M69) : Maritime Institute
    • U Aung Myint (M69) : Singapore Polytechnic
    • Mehm Aye Chan (M69) : Agency for seafarers

    Senior Alumni

    • U Aye (M62) : BIT & RU Volleyball, HIC/FAO
    • U Sein Htoon (M63) : Captain & Gold of RUBC, 1960 ARAE Champion
    • U Than Soe (M63) : RUBC Gold
    • L Than Myint (M63) : RUBC Gold
    • U Shwe Kyaw (M63, GBNF) : RU Volleyball
    • U Win Thein (M67) : Set Hmu Tha Din Zin
    • U Than Htut (M67) : RUBC Gold
    • U Tin Myint (David, M67, GBNF) : Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 & SPZP-2012
    • U Htay Aung (M69) : Swimming and Water Polo
    • Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69) : Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 & SPZP-2007, Patron of MASTAA, Major donor of 69er HCF
    • Benny Tan (M70) : Co-chair, SPZP-2000, Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZP, RIT Alumni International
    • U Ohn Khine (M70) : Volunteer for HMEE, SDYF, SPZP
    • U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) : Super Fund Raiser
    • U Myint Pe (M72) : Cartoon Box
    • U Nyan Win Shwe (M72) : SPZP-2007
    • John Tint (Khin Maung Myint, M72, GBNF) : Soccer
    • U Myo Myint (M74) : Pon Tu Specialist
    • U Win Khaing (M75, GBNF) : SPZP-2004, Minister
    • Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, M75) : SPZP-2000, RIT Alumni International, Norcal RITAA
    • U Hla Win (M73/75) : Ygn SPZPs, BARB/MARB
    • Maung Sein Win (Padeegone, M72/75) : Distinguished Author / Poet

    Posts

    • Alumni
    • All Mech Gatherings
    • GBNF
    • HMEE
    • SPZP