I am following the noble tradition of honoring pioneers and outstanding people. I am trying my best to present their achievements and contributions. I an privileged to have known many seniors, contemporaries and juniors.
Who’s Who, Twentieth Century Impressions of Burma, Five Minute Biographies တွေ ကို နည်းယူပြီး ကျွန်တော် က Old Burma တုန်းက ထူးချွန်သူ တွေ ကို မှတ်တမ်းတင် ဂုဏ်ပြု နေတဲ့ ရှေ့မှီ နောက်မှီ (ဘေးမှီ) သူတယောက်ပါ။
I volunteered as a Docent at the Computer History Museum (CHM) for two years. CHM’s programs include Hardware & Software Artifacts, Exhibits, Oral History, Lectures, Panels and Award Ceremonies.
The Old Burma Group has posts about History, Notable (Famous as well as Notorious) people. I appreciate the invaluable posts as a reader and contributor.
Old Burma Group ဟာလည်း သမိုင်း နဲ့ ထူးချွန် / ဆိုးသွမ်း (Famous as well as Notorious) ကို မှတ်တမ်း တင် နေ တဲ့ အဖွဲ့ မို့ Contributor တယောက် အနေ နဲ့ ဝမ်းသာ ကြည်နူး မိပါတယ်။
I request the Group Administrator and Moderators to approve my posts.
ကျွန်တော် ရဲ့ posts တွေကို တင်ပြခွင့်ပြုပါ Admin နဲ့ Moderator များ ခင်ဗျာ။
ကျွန်တော် က I am
Founder & Chief Editor of RIT Alumni Newsletter
Owner & Admin of RIT Updates FB Group
Member of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) : အဖွဲ့ဝင်၊
ကံ့ကော်မြေ (တက္ကသိုလ်ရာပြည့်) Former Moderator of RU Centennial Group : Moderator ငြိမ်း၊
U Myo Myint (Retired Deputy General Manager of Burma Railways) is an accomplished Painter, Cover Designer and Cartoonist. He drew Pon Tu’s of selected RIT Sayas, Sayamas, and colleagues. I am honored to receive his present.
ပန်းချီ မြတ်မျိုးမြင့် ရဲ့ လက်ဆောင် မွန် Pon Tu gift from Bagyee Myat Myo Myint / U Myo Myint (M)
Pon Tu
1964 – 65 Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT)
I was admitted to 2nd BE (Bachelor of Engineering) in November 1964.
The photo was taken at the Gyogone campus.
2nd BE student
1964 – 65 ရန်ကုန်စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ် ဒုတိယနှစ် သင်တန်းသား 2nd BE Student at Rangoon Institute of Technology
1965 Summer Inlay Luyechun Camp
I was selected as Luyechun (Outstanding Student).
The photo was taken at the Welcome Ceremony by the Head of Shan States.
LYC
1965 နွေရာသီ အင်းလေး ခေါင်တိုင် လူရည်ချွန် စခန်း တက္ကသိုလ် နဲ့ အထက်တန်း လူရည်ချွန်များ Inlay Khaung Daing Luyechun Camp in the Summer of 1965
1969 December Poem for 5th SEAP Games
Burma hosted the 2nd SEAP Games in 1961, and the 5th SEAP Games in 1969.
The photo shows a page from the Forward Magazine. Maung Thaw Ka (Bohmu Ba Thaw, GBNF) was Chief Editor of the magazine.
Forward
Forward မဂ္ဂဇင်း — ဒီဇင်ဘာ 1969 ပဥ္စမ အကြိမ် အရှေ့တောင်အာရှ ကျွန်းဆွယ်ပွဲ အတွက် ကဗျာ စပ်ဆို ခဲ့ Poem about the 5th SEAP Games
Mid 1970s Universities’ Computer Center (UCC), Rangoon
The photo was taken with the Teachers and Students of CPC (Computer Programming Course).
Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) succeeded Dr. Chit Swe (UCC Founder, GBNF) as Director of UCC.
UCC
တက္ကသိုလ်များ ကွန်ပျူတာ ဌာန က ပို့ချတဲ့ သင်တန်း တခု Computer Course at Universities’ Computer Center (UCC), Thamaing College Campus
1999 Aprilto 2025 Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
2005++ Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa
U Silananda
ဆရာတော် ဦးသီလာနန္ဒာဘိဝံသ (ပါချုပ်ဆရာတော်) အထိမ်းအမှတ် မော်ကွန်းစာစောင်အတွက် အဖွဲ့ဝင် & စာတည်း Contributing Editor for the Book published in memory of Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa
2010 December Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in Singapore
SDY Sar Saung
2010 စင်ကာပူ မှာ ကျင်းပတဲ့ စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ် ဆရာပူဇော်ပွဲ အထိမ်း အမှတ် စွယ်တော်ရိပ်စာစောင် Wrote an article “A Sad and Short Clip: EE Sayas” for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010 in Singapore
HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Project) HMEE Book published in 2012
HMEE
မြန်မာနိုင်ငံ အင်ဂျင်နီယာ ပညာရေး သမိုင်း ပြုစု တဲ့ အဖွဲ့ Member of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE Book published in 2012 Copies of the Book were donated to Libraries
CD
2012 နှစ် မှာ ထုတ်ဝေခဲ့တဲ့ မြန်မာနိုင်ငံ အင်ဂျင်နီယာပညာရေး သမိုင်း စာအုပ် ရဲ့ နောက်ဆက်တွဲ စီဒီ CD Supplement for the HMEE Book Photos and articles (in English) to supplement the articles (in Burmese) in the HMEE Book
ရန်ကုန်စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ် ရွှေရတု အထိမ်းအမှတ်စွယ်တော်ရိပ် မဂ္ဂဇင်း (2014) Wrote an article “Memories of a 69er” for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu 2014
2016 September Alumni Appreciation Award
Award
2019 December RUBC 96th Anniversary Regatta
Regatta
RUBC 96th Anniversary & Regatta (2019) U Tin Myint (GBNF), U Sein Htoon, U Khin Maung Latt, U Hla Min
2019 December Golden Jubilee of Graduation of RIT 69ers
GJ
2019 — 1969 နှစ် ဘွဲ့ရ အင်ဂျင်နီယာများ ရဲ့ ရွှေရတု မနက်ပိုင်း — ကြို့ကုန်း မှာ ဆရာပူဇော်ပွဲ 2019 — Golden Jubilee of Graduation for RIT 69ers Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe at Gyogone Campus
They were the humble, hard working classmates of EE69ers who usually shared knowledge with each other when someone could not catch up lectures/text-books. The great photo was taken in August 1969.
, Sein Myint (EP, Ygn, S’pore), Saw Edison (EP, ex-fertilizer, Aussie), Khin Win (EP, ex-paper mill, GBNF), Soe Win (EP, ex-Namtu mine, Mawlamyaing, Basketball, GBNF), Yee Htun (EP, now in Yangon), Aung Than (EP, ex-fertilizer, So-sie), Mehm Ye Win (EC, Mawlamyaing, ex-telecoms), Maung Ko (EC, Bogalay, ex-MOGE), Kyi Win (EP, Kyaw Gyi, ex-txt mill, -EO, Meiktila), Sai Aik Yee (EC, now in Ygn fighting diabetes), Tun Aung Gyaw (EC, Meiktila, ex-UCC, US), (Robert) Win Boh (EC, ex-DCA, Aussie), Hla Min(EC,ex-UCC, US), Khin Maung Bo (EP, now in Ygn)
2nd Row
Aung Thu Yein (EC, Ygn, ex-MOGE, -Schlumberger, GBNF), Abdul Rauf (EP, ex-fertilizer, now in Ygn), Sai Kham Pan (EP, Badminton,Taung-gyi, ex-Distiller), Tun Oo Khaing (EP, Rakhine, ex-Paper mill, GBNF), Hla Paik (EP, Chaung Oo, ex-EPC), Chit Tin (EC, Nyaung Oo, ex-MOGE, GBNF), Sa Maung Maung (EP, Thaton, ex-Paper mill), Mg Shwe (EP,ex-EPC), Oo Kyaw Hla (EC, ex-MOGE, Canada?), Sai Hwet @ Myat Soe Lwin (EP, now in Ygn), Aung Kyaw Pe (EP, ex-EPC, long time S’pore, sometime M’ysia), Khin Mg @ Hasan (EP, Saudi Arabia)
Front Row
Sayas U Moe Aung, U (Saw) Khaing Oo, U Ba Myint, U Soe Paing, U Kyaw Tun (GBNF), U Sein Hlaing (GBNF), U Tint Swe (GBNF), U Ba Lwin, U Sein Win(GBNF), U Thein Lwin (S’pore, GBNF), U Tin Shwe (GBNF), U Sein Maung, Ma Tin Tin (EC, US)
Happy to send precious memory re-caller.
Absentees:
Kyaw Sein (EP69, Myingyan, ex-cement mill, S’pore), Kyaw Soe (EC, deceased).
There are other elect classmates (63/64 intakes or 69/70/71 grads) such as Minn Aung @ Hla Thoung (EP 70, ex-cement mill, S’pore), Ko Toung (US), Surinder Singh (EP, Taung-gyi, Aussie), Aung Than (EP ? or quit. Pyinmana, playing cards), Than Htay (EP 70?, Dawei,Tavoy, ex-EPC), Ko Thoung? (EP?, ex-PWC), Win Mg (quit before graduate, ex-DCA,-private air line), Tin Shwe (EP70?, Taungthar,ex-EPC), Aye Thaw (repeater EP, Kyaukpadaung, ex-EPC), Ba Oak(repeater, Shwe Bo, ex-EPC), Khin Mg Tint (repeater, Windwin-Meiktila, ex-EPC), Moe Hein (EP70?, Meiktila, ex-Jute dept), (Michael) Thein Htun (repeater, ex-sailor, jolly), Kyi Shwin(repeater, ex-astrologer) as far as I remember.
Ko Aung Thu Yein (EC69, now GBNF) wrote :
Ko Thein Swe,
A Brilliant Effort. In fact it is a time frame. We’ll keep it as long as we live. And we want our offspring and relatives to keep it and pass it on. First our Metta to our Parents/Guardians. Then to our mentors whoever they are. Without them we’ll never be Smart Engineers. We were blessed to be in that group. And our Buddhist Philosophy. Some of us have left and we’ll follow them suit later or sooner. While we are breathing let us be together near or far. Carry on. Well done!
Chan Thar Ko Sake Myare Bar Zay,
Editor’s Notes :
After retirement, several Sayas and alumni relocated (e.g. from Singapore and Thailand back to Myanmar).
Some spend part of the year visiting their children and grandchildren in US, UK, Singapore and Hong Kong
Several EE 69ers including Ko Thein Swe are now GBNF.
Matriculates had to study two years of Intermediate Classes.
Those aspiring to become Engineers had to pass the I.Sc. (Intermediate of Science) classes with 50+ marks in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. They then study four years at the Engineering College for their B.Sc. (Engg) degree.
RU
Rangoon University was opened on 1st December 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as constitutent colleges. There were only three Faculties: Arts, Science and Law.
First Strike
The First RU Students’ Strike started on 5th December 1920 to protest the deficiencies of the 1920 RU Act. It led to the opening of National Schools and National College. It also forced amendments to the RU Act (notably in 1923).
Engineering Classes
In 1924, the inaugural engineering classes were opened.
Details can be found in the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) book published in 2012. Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF, National Literary Award winner, former Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine) served as Leader and Principal Auhor of the book. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE book.
Engineering students have to attend
I.Sc.(A)
I.Sc.(B)
1st Year of Engineering
2nd Year of Engineering
3rd Year of Engineering
4th & Final Year of Engineering
Engineering Departments
Architecture
Chemical
Civil
Electrical
Mechanical
Metallurgy
Mining
Textile.
Civil was the earliest Discipline. Mechanical and Electrical Disciplines were offered next. In the mid and late 1950s, five more Disciplines were added.
New Education System
In November 1964, RU was reorganized. Several Faculties became autonomous Institutes.
RIT
The Faculty of Engineering (known also as the Burma Institute of Technology) became Rangoon Institute of Technolgy with U Yone Moe (former Dean of BIT) as Rector and U Soe Thein (former Ta-Ka-Tha Leader) as Registrar.
Three Batches
In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to RIT.
ILA (Intelligence Level Agregate) was used to admit 400+ Matriculates to the 1st BE. ILA was controversial.
300+ students who had passed the I.Sc.(A) examination were admitted to the 2nd BE.
About 200 students who had passed the I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE.
Classes
In the New Education System, the Classes are called
1st BE
2nd BE
3rd BE
4th BE
5th BE
6th & Final BE. BE stands for Bachelor of Engineering.
For Architects, the Classes are called BArch (Bachelor of Architecture).
RIT69ers
Guinea Pigs
The Group is jokingly eferred to the Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems.
Most took the Last ever 7th Standard Government exam in March 1960.
They took the First ever 9th Standard (HSF/ High School Final Only) exam in March 1962. Those from Rangoon had to take the exam with Security Forces patroling the streets after the Coup d’etat on March 2nd by the Revolutionary Council. They had to retake the HSF exam in August 1962 because the Higher Authorities said that there were question leakage.
They took the 10th Standard (Matriculation Only) exam in May 1963.
In sum, they had to take three or four Government exams before being admitted to the University. In contrast, my older brother had to take only two exams : 7th Std. exam in March 1955, and the HSF & Matriculation exam in March 1957.
They took the Last ever I.Sc.(A) exam at various schools, since most classes at Rangoon University, Mandalay University and Intermediate Colleges were suspended (for an unspecified period).
Some classmates (e.g. Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF, SPHS63, 11th in Matric) applied Scholarship to study abroad, since he was the eldest in the family and did not want to burden his parents.
After a long wait, some of my Leik Khone classmates (e.g. Aung Min (M69)) were admitted to 2nd BE in November 1964. There were 300 + students. The admission was based on the I.Sc.(A) exam marks. A few decided to study BArch.
For the 2nd BE, the students had to study English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Drawing, Surveying, Materials and Processes, Sociology & Workshop.
Starting with the 3rd BE, the students had to choose their Discipline. Civil and Mechanical were the top choices with 100+ students. Electrical had 70+ students. Chemical and Textile had 15+ students. Mining, Metallurgy and Architecture had 10 (or so) students.
For 5th BE, EE students had to chose the Option: EP (Electrical Power) and EC (Electrical Communications)
Most 69ers graduated in 1969 after passing 6th BE. Some took sabbatical, and graduated a year or two later.
The 69ers worked mainly in the Government departments and Industry. Some worked for private companies and family business. A few moved abroad.
Some 69ers (e.g. Dave Saluja and Win Maung) left before graduation.
Membership
The members include (a) those who entered 2nd BE in 1964 (b) those who graduated in 1969 (c) those who studied a year or more with the above
The Group is also known as 69ers, the RIT Class of 69 and the Class of RIT 69++ .
Gatherings
The first formal Reunion of the Group occurred in 1999. It also was instrumental for the development of the RIT Alumni Newsletter, the inaugural ex-rit website, and the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000).
30th Anniversaryin 1999
In 1999, Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel), Ko Sein Myint, Ko Sein Win (“Nar Yee”), and several 69ers organized the reunion for the “30th Anniversary of Graduation” and also a mini-SPZP. Ko Tint Lwin e-mailed me a report. Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice) e-mailed me photos.
Saya U Soe Paing e-mailed me about several mini-gatherings in Yangon (e.g. with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi).
Ko Tint Lwin (M69) wrote :
Thank you very much for your write-up about our 1999 “30th Anniversary of Graduation”. Actually. it all started in 1996 when I visited Burma and had dinner with a few of my close friends, including, Ko Shwe, Ko Win Mg, Ko Ye Pinn, Gabar Ko Myint Thein, etc. During dinner somebody mentioned that in 3 years time it would be 30 years since we graduated. Out of the blues I suggested to have a reunion in 1999. Everybody laughed as it was so far away. When I came back to Singapore and told Ko Sein Myint and Dickie they also laughed and told me that I must be crazy to think about so far away. However, time flies and in either late 1998 or early 1999 at Ko Win Htein’s funeral wake, some of our friends remembered the reunion proposal. They quickly formed a committee and organised the very first reunion at ‘Sait Taing Kya Restaurant. After the event I wrote you a report, Alice sent you a few photos and the rest is history.
40th Anniversaryin 2009
The Class of 69 organized the “40th Anniversary of the Graduation” in 2009.
Golden Jubilee of Admissionin 2014
The “Golden Jubilee of the admission to 2nd BE” was celebrated in 2014, because the 69ers were concerned with the declining health of members and that some may not be able to make it to the True Golden Jubilee of graduation in 2019.
Golden Jubilee of Graduation in 2019
The Class of 69 celebrated the true Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) in December 2019.
Acariya Pu Zwe Pwe was held at the Assembly Hall on Gyogone Campus.
The Reunion Dinner and Entertainment was held at the former Office Compound of Ko Aung Min.
Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) had a “Home Coming” after her graduation.
Many were unaware that the gathering would be a final one for some (especaially those who would succumb to Covid).
My Contributions
RIT Alumni Newsletter
I started “RIT Alumni (Abroad) Newsletter” to share RIT-related news (such as the mini-gatherings) and solicited contact information (in the form a spread sheet) from interested sayas and alumni.
“RIT” stands not only for Rangoon Institute of Technology, but all the engineering schools that precede or succeed it. RIT is a place holder for the RU Faculty of Engineering, Burma Institute of Technology, Yangon Institute of Technology, Yangon Technological University and various Technological Universities in Myanmar.
The name was changed to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” to include alumni in Burma and the rest of the world.
A commemorative issue was published for SPZP-2000.
RIT Web Site
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) designed and implemented the first RIT web site.
I served as Content Provider and Editor of the web site. I composed the “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem. I posted 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post Reunion”.
Ko Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69), Ko Aung Myint (M69, Singapore) and the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) provided some financial help to operate the web site.
“RIT Alumni International” hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) in October 2000.
SPZP
The term “Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” was chosen over “Saya Ga Daw Pwe” (which has religious connotation) so that alumni professing various faiths can pay respect to their former sayas / mentors.
There has been seven world wide SPZPs: SPZP-2000 in USA, SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore, SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016 in Yangon.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, SPZP-2020 was cancelled.
I have been an Organizer and/or Facilitator for the SPZPs.
My “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem was published in the Commemorative Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Saya U Moe Aung reprinted the poem as the Back Cover of Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002.
My poem “SWE DAW YEIK” was published in the Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2007.
My article “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” was published in the Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010.
Zau Lai (EP69) wrote :
Thank you, Ko Hla Min, for your writings. If it’s not for you there will be no records and history of RIT. I am reading interestingly all your writings all the time. When we all are gone your writing will live on.
Aung Min (M69) wrote :
So thanks for your recordings. Appreciations.
Food For Thought
Aging, Health and GBNF
At one moment, the Class of 69 had a median age of 69, and the list of GBNF has 69 members.
That symmetry no longer holds. The Class of 69 has a median age of 79, and the list of GBNF has 128!(or so) members. Over 40% have passed away.
In the latter half of 2021, twenty 69ers passed away. 18 were victims of Covid.
Declining Health
The attendees at the mini-gatherings have decreased. Some could not drive, and had to ask their family members to take them to the gatherings. Some had major or minor operations, and need time to recover fully. Some had medical problems for some time (e.g. a year or two).
Retirement
Most are retired or semi-retired. A few did not retire or did not have the chance to retire.
Ko Tin Maung Lay (M69) worked in Europe and Middle East. So he came back to California only on home leave.
His spouse wanted him to retire.
He agreed but his boss requested him to perform a meticulous “hand-over” before retiring.
He had daily work outs and supposedly had no known major health problems.
He passed away in Dubai on a Friday (holiday in the country). His company and colleagues tried extra hard to make sure that his body could be flown back to Southern California, USA.
69er HCF (Health Care Fund)
U Aung Min (M69, Chair), U Shwe (EP69, Secretary) and team are the core volunteers for the 69er HCF. The team sends out monthly, quarterly and annual reports (including Donations, Income, Expenditure, GBNF)
Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69), Daw Myint Myint (C69) and U Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP69) are some of the major donors to HCF.
Most 69ers donate at the 69er Gatherings (e.g. Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si / Royal Rose Restaurant).
Ko Ivan Lee (M69) wrote :
Dear Classmates,
Recently rather than optimistic good news, we heard spreading pessimistic health concern news mostly. It clearly indicates that we are aging higher and health is going down lower and lower. I can imagine 5 years from now how many will be terribly survived. I am kind of depressed that sooner or later we will be meeting THERE. At this moment all I can express is to wish our classmates who are in sickness to recover ASAP.
Ivan Lee (M69)
Paying Homage to Saya U Ba Than (GBNF)
Saya U Ba Than and U Aung Min
U Tin Maung Soe (Tommy, EP69, GBNF)
Khin Maung Win (EP69, GBNF)
Known fondly as “Sargalay” and “Nutty”
Usually finished Mechanical drawings in about an hour and still get Grade 5.
Later changed his name to “Lada” and “Galon”
Training partner for Sai Kham Pan (EP69, Burma Selected in Badminton)
Badminton selection at the Township level
U Khin Maung Win (RIP)
A69
Aung Khin After working in Botswana, he and Tin Tin Hla (A70) moved to Seattle, Washington, USA to be near their daughters and grand children. He attended the Golden Jubilee on December 14, 2019 in Yangon
Kyaw Kyaw He belonged to an elite group who married before graduation.
Myo Tun (Bobby) Won essay contests as Errol Than Tun. After retirement from PWD, he became Ashin Pannagavesaka. He is an editor of Pa Auk Sayadaw’s books and a dhamma librarian at the Mawlamyine Pa Auk Taw Ya. He went on dhamma dhuta missions (e.g. to Vietnam).
Tobias K. Ku, Saw (Tobi, GBNF) He attends 69er monthly breakfast gatherings. Passed away in 2021.
Thet Htun He moved to Taiwan.
Thwin Thwin Aye Hmi, Daw (Olive) Used to play chinlon with her classmates. Spouse : U Han Zaw. Met both last at the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012 (preceding SPZP-2012).
Tin Maung Hla (GBNF) Had some medical problems (which hopefully had gone away).
ChE69
Aung Min Oo
Aung San
Aye Aye Kyu, Daw
Ceril Shair (USA) ?
Khan Za Lan
Khin Maung Win
Kyaw Minn (Ei Kun, Singapore)
Kyaw Min (Albert)
Moe Hein (Ajala, Swimming and Water Polo)
Myat Tun
Myint Ko
Myint Myint Aye, Daw
Myo Khin, Dr. (Japan)
Mehm Myo Min
Soe Win
Swe Swe Oo, Daw
Taing Oke, Dr. (Japan)
Yi Yi Khaing, Daw (Vilma, Singapore)
C69
Aung Chaw (Victor, Ashin Okkantha)
Aung Kyaw Nyein (USA)
Aung Myint
Aung Than
Aung Win
Ba Than Chit (Saw Myint Naing)
Han Sein (“Tone Kyaw”, Swimming and Water Polo, GBNF)
Hla Myint
Hla Myint Thein (Patrick Aye)
Htay Aung (Canada)
Htay Myint
Htin Aung, Dr. (Chinlone)
Khin Aung (Taiwan)
Khin Maung
Khin Maung Aye
Khin Maung Myint (Mandalay)
Khin Maung Tint
Khin Maung Win, Dr. (Donald Ba Pe)
Kyaw Min Thein (Kenneth)
Kyaw Naing (Kyaw Thwin)
Kyaw Thein
Kyaw Tint
Li Li Wai, Daw
Maung Kyaw
Myint Aung
Myo Khin, Dr. (Japan)
Myo Nyunt
Myo Win
Myo Chit
Myint Myint, Daw
Nyi Hla Nge
Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
Phone Kyaw (Mandalay)
Phor Daw Khan
Sam Nithang (Samuel, USA)
Saw Lwin
San Linn
Saw Yan Naing (GBNF)
Sein Tun
Soe Myint
Soe Tint
Than Htwe
Than Oo
Thaung Htay
Thaung Htwe, Daw
EE l69
Abdul Rauf (GBNF)
Aung Gyi Shwe (Track and Field, Soccer, GBNF)
Aung Kyaw Pe (Singapore, Myanmar)
Aung Than
Aung Thu Yein (GBNF)
Aye Thein (Volleyball)
Ba Oak
Bishnu Shahi (Badminton, Nepal, GBNF)
Chit Tin (GBNF)
Dave Singh Saluja (Thailand)
Hla Min (Rowing, USA)
Hla Paik
Hla Tun
Khin Maung Hassan (Saudi Arabia. USA)
Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, GBNF)
Khin Maung Soe
Khin Maung Tint
Khin Maung Nyo (GBNF)
Khin Maung Win Sargalay, GBNF)
Khin Maung Win (Roland)
Krishnan Lal (Australia)
Kyaw Sein (Ashley Woo, Kyaukme)
Kyaw Sein (Singapore)
Kyaw Soe (GBNF)
Kyaw Win
Kyaw Zin (visiting Australia)
Kyi Shwin
Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi)
Kyin Hwet
Maung Toung (Tom, USA)
Maung Kaung
Maung Ko
Maung Maung (Volleyball, EE69er HCF)
Maung Shwe (69er HCF, EE69er HCF)
Mehm Paw Oo (GBNF)
Mehm Aung Tin
Min Aung (Hla Thaung)
Min Lwin
Min Thaw (Gilbert, GBNF)
Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet)
Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
Myo Aung (GBNF)
Myo Hein (GBNF)
Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada, GBNF)
Sai Aik Yee (GBNF)
Sai Kham Pan
Sai Kyaw Aye
Saw Aung
Saw Edison
Saw Lwoi Lwin Thaw (?)
Sein Myint (K K Wong)
Soe Myint
Soe Myint Thein (GBNF)
Soe Thein (Peter)
Tan Chaung Yin (USA)
Thar Kyaw
Than Hla (Cyril)
Than Htay
Than Lwin (Henry)
Than Myint
Thein Swe (GBNF)
Thein Tun (Michael)
Thet Lwin
Tin Maung Soe (Tommy, GBNF)
Tin Oo
Tin Shwe
Tin Tin, Daw (Anne, USA)
Tun Aung Gyaw, Dr. (USA)
Victor Lwin
Win Boh (Robert, Australia)
Win Maung (Lake)
Ye Win, Mehm
Yi Tun
Zau Lai, Duwa
M69
Aye Lwin (GBNF) Secretary of RIT Mechanical Engineering Association Editor of RIT Annual Magazine Attended RIT Alumni Gathering in Los Angeles in 2015
Aung Myint Joined Faculty after graduation Taught at Singapore Poly Lives in New Zealand and Singapore Hobbies : Painting, Motivational Messages
Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung) Joined Faculty after graduation Worked at sea before founding his own company
Htay Aung Outstanding swimmer. Won 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and Cross-lake. Burma selected in water polo for 1969 SEAP Games Spouse : Than Than (Burma Champion sprinter)
Khin Maung Aye Joined Defense Industries Pen name : Maung Hmut
Khin Maung Tin Joined Faculty after graduation Taught at RIT and Marine Engineering Institute
Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee) Post graduate studies in USA Professional Engineer for New York and New Jersey Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000 Major donor to 69er Health Care Fun Host for RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey for more than a decade
Tint Lwin (Daniel) Grad studies in Canada Retired Associate Professor from NTU Guitarist / Vocalist
Aung Naing (Bahadhur, GBNF)
Chit Pe (GBNF)
Chit Po Po (GBNF)
Dicky (Win Naing, GBNF)
Khin Maung Gyi (GBNF)
Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF)
Myint Sein (Badminton, HCF, GBNF)
Myint Thein (David)
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF)
Ngwe Soe (Walter)
Sein Win (GBNF)
Soe Win (GBNF)
Than Myaing
Than Win
Tin Aung (GBNF)
Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
Tin Htut (Seafarer)
Tin Htut (Harry)
Tin Maung Aye (Accordion)
Tin Myint (John Lee, GBNF)
Yin Kyu (GBNF)
Met69
Myint Kyi
Maung Tun (GBNF)
Ohn Kyaw
Sai Aung Win (Mandalay)
Sai Kyaw Myint
Tin Aung
Min69
Aung Win
Chit Htun (GBNF)
Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)
Kyaw Tint (GBNF)
Khin Maung Gyi
Mya Win
Tin Maung (oldest)
Tin Win (Hosted the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012)
Win Thein Zaw (Wai Lu)
Pet69
Aung Myint (Kyant Ba Hone, GBNF)
Kyaw Din
Kyaw Than (Magwe)
Kyaw Myint
Myint Maung
Myint Swe
Paw Mya
T69
Aung Thein (USA)
Aye Aye Kyi, Daw
Cho Cho, Daw
Hla Shwe (GBNF)
Hla Thaung
Hla Tun (Japangyi, GBNF)
Jimmy Kyin (GBNF)
Kyaw Min (Mandalay)
Kyi San (Win Maung, Mandalay)
Lyo Kyin Sein, Daw (Mabel Lee, USA)
Lin Lin Aung, Daw (Singapore)
Myo Myint Thein
Nan Su Su, Daw (GBNF)
Naw Mu Mu Aye, Daw
Nyunt Nyunt Wai, Daw (Millie Hoe, Germany)
San Kyi, Daw (USA?)
San San Myint, Daw (Helen Wu, USA)
Saw Yu Tint, Daw (Alice)
Sein Sein Maw
Than Win
Thet Myint
Tin Tun Aung
Tint Swe (Zeegone)
Recollections of a 69er
I wrote an article for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine in 2014 for RIT Shwe YaDu (Golden Jubilee of the then New Education System).
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as the Chief Editor.
Article 1Article 2Article 3
1969 Calendar
Published for the Universities and Institutes
1969 Calendar
Some Memories
Alice visiting the San Francisco Bay Area
Alice visited her son and family in the San Francisco Bay Area
She took time off to attend the Literary Talks by Min Ko Naing and Aw Pe Kye
With Alice
69ers at a gathering hosted by Ivan Lee (New Jersey)
Ivan has hosted annual gatherings at his house for RIT and UCC Alumni.
The timing is chosen to conincide with the visits of Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing to the area.
Fred (Pennsylvannia), TAG (Massachussetts), HM (California), Alice (Myanmar), Tom (Connecticut) and Ivan (New Jersey) had a mini-gathering.
Ivan is co-founder and Patron of MASTAA (based in New York). MASTAA has broadcast interviews with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Soe Paing and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung. MASTSAA members and friends donated for COVID-19 relief (prevention and treatment) in USA and Myanmar.
Ivan is a major donor to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) along with Daw Myint Myint and U Sein Myint.
In New Jersey
Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si
Before the pandemic, 69ers had monthly breakfast gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose Restaurant).
At Taw Win Hnin SiMyo Nyunt, Ngwe Soe (Walter), Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Uzin Myo Tun (Bobby), Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung), Soe Thein (Peter), Albert Kyaw Min
Annual Dinner at M3
For several years, the Annual Dinner and Entertainment was held at M3.
Albert and Danny are two regular performers (guitar and vocal).
Best Friends Forever 1Best Friends Forever 2
Danny’s visit to San Francisco
Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) showed Danny around the SF Bay Area.
Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin hosted a dinner for Danny at a restaurant in Castro.
Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) and Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel)
Speaking at John Lee’s Memorial Service
Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) passed away.
His daughter (a medical doctor) requested me to share my memories.
Ko Tin Myint’s Service
Maung Maung Kaung (Yi Pinn) in Dawei
Yi Pinn is busy with his projects in Dawei.
Some time back, his spouse passed away in Yangon. He rushed to Yangon, but had to self-Q. He could not be present at his spouse’s last journey.
He later succumbed to Covid.
Yi Pinn
Donation by Daw Myint Myint
Daw Myint Myint is a major donor to the 69er HCF.
She also hosted or sponsored lunch and dinner gatherings. e.g. Welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie) at Westin Park Hotel
She donated twice for YTU Library Modernization Project. e.g. K100 Lakhs once
Daw Myint Myint’s donation receiptDaw Myint Myint and Nan Khin Nwe
69ers celebrated the True Golden Jubilee of Graduation on December 14, 2019.
Before the pandemic, they used to meet at least once every month.
Several 69ers have hosted or co-hosted the breakfast, lunch and dinner gatherings. The Mike Khes (Po So Chins) often entertain with live and Karaoke music.
The photos were taken by several 69ers.
Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose)
During my visit to Yangon in January and February 2018, I was host and guest of several 69 gatherings.
69ers in February 2018Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Tin Maung Aye (Accordion), Aye Thein (Volleyball) David Myint Thein (Rowing), Aye Lwin (RIT Magazine)
The restaurant is owned by U Soe Nyunt (Old Paulian, GBNF), who managed to get the “SPHS Honor Roll” after SPHS got hospitalized.
Attendees range from the 30’s and 40’s to 60’s (or more depending on the health and availability). For example, Soe Thein (Peter Myint Maung) has to ask his daughter to drive to the gatherings.
69ers usually book two adjacent rooms and turn them into a single large room for holding the monthly breakfast gatherings.
There are hosts to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries, and sometimes welcome classmates visiting from overseas.
Win Maung (Lake) had to pick up U Okkantha (Uzin Victor Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills) to attend the gatherings.
Those who spend time outside Yangon (e.g. Zau Lai, Myitkyina) have to come a long way to meet, greet and fete with their former classmates.
Several annual gatherings were held at M3.
Tun Tin, Aung Gyi Shwe, Sa Maung Maung, Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
M3
Myint Pe, Kyaw Nyunt, Ma Thaung Htwe, Ma Myint Myint, Saw Yu Tint
The 69ers book around 10 tables. They are provided a stage for the Karaoke and Live Music.
U Tint Lwin (Daniel) can play the lead, rhythm, bass and drums. Saya U Win Mra taught Daniel and his brothers to play guitar, and encouraged them to set up their own band. He is also a vocalist.
U Kyaw Min (Albert) is proud to be called “Elvis”. He has sung in gatherings (with international companies).
U Win Boh (Robert) played in various gatherings in Australia and Myanmar.
Some 69ers (Tin Maung Aye, Than Myaing, Khin Maung Tint, Aye Lwin, Win Lwin, Myo Nyunt, …) were RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins and organizers, but some have given up their hobbies to spend quality time with their loved ones.
“Pho Pho” U Aung Min and “Ah Pho Gyi Tone Kyaw” U Han Sein (GBNF) are some of the regulars at the 69er gatherings.
Crystal Jade
Around SPZP-2012, an ad hoc lunch gathering was held to meet some 69ers from overseas (attending the SPZP-2012).
U Tin Win (Mining) footed the bill.
The attendees (who had bought the lunch tickets) agreed to donate the ticket sales to the 69er Fund.
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF), Sein Myint, Win Maung, Hla Min Ko Shwe, Daniel Tint Lwin, Sein Tun, Ohn Khine (M70), Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet), Aung Min
In 2016, there was an ad hoc breakfast gathering to welcome U Sein Myint and me, and to bid farewell to Daniel.
Westin Park
Daw Myint Myint (C69) hosted a lunch gathering to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
Others
There have been gatherings at may other places including Shwe Bei, Bone Kyaung (or nearby shop), Cafe on Saya San Lann, YTU Assembly Hall, …
69ers held the Golden Jubilee of Graduation on December 14, 2019 at the YTU Assembly Hall. The Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe had 30+ sayas and sayamas.
GJ in 2019
This post & related posts should bring back sweet memories.
They might instill Samvega (Sense of Urgency) noting that more than 40% of 69ers (128 members) are GBNF
Contents
Membership
Status
Major & Mini Reunions
1964
1965 – 1969
1970 – 1998
1999 : 30th Anniversary of Graduation
2009 : 40th Anniversary of Graduation
2014 : 50th Anniversary of Admission to RIT
2019 : Golden Jubilee of Graduation
Reunion in 2017
Mingalars in 2018
More than 5 decades ago
F-Block Soccer
Gatherings
Health Care Fund
A69
M69
C69
EE69
Other 69ers
Mingalars in Sept 2018
Athletes
Mini-gathering in New Jersey, USA
Memories
Membership
Most members
matriculated in 1963
attended the last I.Sc.(A)
were admitted to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964
graduated in 1969
Some members
took sabbatical and graduated in later years
left RIT before graduation
are seniors who took sabbatical
have medical problems
are GBNF.
Status
There were originally 300+ members (close to 320).
The GNBF list has grown over the years.
In December 2017, there were 79 members.
In June 2018, the list had 82.
In May 2019, the list had 88.
In 2020 & 2021, 18 succumbed to Covid.
In June 2025, the list had 128.
Old version of GBNF List
Major & Mini Reunions
Anniversaries
1999 : 30th Anniversary of Graduation
2009 : 40th Anniversary of Graduation
2014 : 50th Anniversary of Admission to RIT (first ever 2nd BE)
2019 : True Golden Jubilee (Dec 14, 2019 at YTU Assembly Hall)
Mini Reunions
Monthly Breakfast Gathering
Welcoming members visiting from abroad
Annual Dinner & Entertainment
1964
With the introduction of the then new Education Systems, 320+ students who had passed the I.Sc.(A) exams were admitted to the first ever 2nd BE.
2nd BE
1965 – 1969
The members had to choose the major. There were eight Engineering Departments :
Architecture
Chemical
Civil
Mechanical
Metallurgy
Mining
Electrical
Textile
Many schose Civil and Mechanical.
Electrical Engineering students have to chose Option EP (Power) or EC (Communications) in 5th BE.
In 1969, 30+ EP and 12 EC students graduated.
Four EC graduates : U Kyaw Soe, U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie) U Chit Tin & U Oo Kyaw Hla are GBNF.
1970 – 1998
Most worked for the Government Departments (EPC, HIC, Irrigation, PWD, PTC, RIT, …)
Some worked for private companies & family business.
A few moved overseas to study or work.
1999 : 30th Anniversary of Graduation
Some 69ers organized a Reunion & PZP to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Graduation. U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) e-mailed me about the Reunion. Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) and Saya U Soe Paing e-mailed me photos of the Reunion and some other gatherings in Yangon. Some organizers such as U Sein Win (Nar Yee) & U Kyaw Than are now GBNF.
RIT Alumni Newsletter
I started the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in April, 1999.
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) designed & implemented http://www.ex-rit.org a month or two later. I was the Editor & Content Provider for the web site. Several sayas and alumni submitted articles, news & photos.
RIT Alumni International was formed with Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) as President@. The main objective was to host the First RIT Grand Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
I wrote the “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem, 64 posts on “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 posts on “Post-Reunion”.
2009 : 40th Anniversary of Graduation
The celebration took place on January 30, 2019.
Electrical
EE69
Chit Tin, Tun Oo Khine, Aung Thuyein, Thein Swe, Khin Maung Win, Aung Gyi Shwe … are GBNF
Mechanical
M69
Myint Thein (Kabar), Sein Win, Soe Win, Kyaw Nyunt, Yi Pinn … are GBNF
Civil
C69
Textile & Chemical
T69 & ChE69
Hla Shwe is GBNF.
2014 : 50th Anniversary of Admission to RIT
Shwe YaDuPhoto Disc
2019 : Golden Jubilee of Graduation
Reunion & Pu Zaw Pwe
It took place on December 14, 2019 at the YTU Assembly Hall.
PZP in 2019
Attendees from overseas include
Hla Min (USA)
Aung Khin (USA)
Tin Tin (Ann, USA)
Tint Lwin (Daniel, Singapore)
Lin Lin Aung (Singapore)
Dinner & Entertainment
It was held at U Aung Min’s old office in PWD compound.
Reunion in 2017
Place : Diamond Hall, M3 Food Center, Bahan
Date : December 22, 2017
Time : starting at 5:30 pm
Organizers : U Aung Min (M69) & team
Records : Photos & Videos to be uploaded to the RIT 69ers Facebook Pages.
Benefits for attending the event:
Lots of Fun
Vitamin F (for Friendship)
Vitamin LL (for Long Life)
Food (Buffet)
Drinks (wine/whisky/ Beer/soft / plain tea etc.)
Entertainment : opening song, KTV, lucky draw & parcel game
Sharing memory of your youth
Feel free to contribute (from zero to infinity)
We welcome your idea to make the event more fruitful, exciting, and memorable
Mingalars in Sept 2018
U Aung Min (M69) wrote :
First Mingalar
This is the invitation to all disciplines of RIT69ers to come and wish for good health and well being of our friend Ko Ngwe Tun Tun (C69).
His birthday was on the 6th September.
He will host the breakfast gathering as follows.
Venue: Royal Rose (Taw Win Hnin Si) Restaurant
Time: 7 to 8:30 am
Date: 30 September (Sunday)
Second Mingalar
Sayagyi U Ba Than (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering) will turn 88 on 2 October 2018.
There will be Saya Puzawpwe (by all disciplines) to pay homage to Sayagyi at his place (Winner Inn) after our breakfast gathering.
The event is open to all.
Your participation is highly appreciated.
Contributions for Garawa are welcome.
More than 5 decades ago
by Tin Aung Win (M69)
Six friends. Four have passed away.
L to R, Khin Sein, Tin Aung (GBNF), Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Sein Win (GBNF), Thein Maung (GBNF), Soe Win (GBNF)
F-Block Soccer
F Block Soccer Team
The photo was shared by Myint Maung (Bugyi, EP69) with the help of Win Maung (Lake).
Kabar, Brownie & Tun Oo Khine are GBNF.
Gatherings
69ers have several types of gatherings:
Monthly breakfast gathering
M69ers meet at Royal Rose Restaurant (Taw Win Hnin Si). They are joined by classmates from other disciplines such as Civil (e.g. Han Sein), Chemical (e.g. Albert Kyaw Min), Electrical (e.g. Ko Shwe), Textile (e.g. Saw Yu Tint) and Architecture (e.g. Uzin Bobby).
Usually, there is a host to celebrate an event (Birthday, Anniversary).
For several years, EE69ers met at least every two months.
69er Health Care Fund
I was invited to a meeting held at U Aung Min’s house. We had Mohinga.
Ad hoc gatherings
Welcoming visiting classmates from overseas
Dana by classmates from overseas
Garawa to Sayagyi U Ba Than (around his birthday : October 2) by M69 and some from other disciplines. The Garawa for 2018 took place at Winner Inn on September 30, 2018.
The venues for the gatherings include Kandawgyi Westin Royal, Crystal Jade Restaurant, Shwe Bei & Royal Rose Restaurant.
There may be breakfast or lunch gatherings.
Anniversary gathering
In 1999, there was a gathering and mini-SPZP to celebrate the 30th
Anniversary of Graduation. U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) and Daw Saw Yu Tint
(Alice, T69) e-mailed me about the event. I informed the sayas and
alumni in a Newsletter (which became known as RIT Alumni International
Newsletter).
Sad to note that some organizers for that event (U Kyaw Than, U “NarYi” Sein Win …) are GBNF
In 2009, the group celebrated the 40th Anniversary.
In 2014, the group celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Admission to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964.
The true Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) was held on December 14, 2019 at the YTU Assembly Hall.
Health Care Funds
69er HCF
U Aung Min (M69) is Chair.
He sends out monthly and quarterly reports for Income, Expenditure & GBNF list.
Donors
Major donors include
Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69, New Jersey)
U Sein Myint (EP69, Singapore)
Daw Myint Myint (C69)
Many donate once or more at the 69er Gatherings and for special celebrations.
Volunteers for the 69er HCF
Aung Min (M)
Myo Nyunt (C)
Zau Lai (EE)
Kyaw Zin (EE)
Myint Thein (M, GBNF)
Ko Shwe (EE)
Myint Sein (M, GBNF)
Kyaw Nyunt (M, GBNF)
Sein Win (Pet)
Yee Pinn (Maung Maung Kaung, M, GBNF)
“David” Myint Thein (M)
Win Lwin (M)
Chit Tin (EE, GBNF)
Aung Gyi Shwe (EE)
Ma Myint Myint (C)
Ma Thaung Htwe (C)
Kyaw Min Thein (C)
Moe Hein (ChE)
“Albert” Kyaw Min (ChE)
Hla Shwe (Tex, GBNF)
Sai Kyaw Myint (Met)
For Upper Burma/Myanmar
Myint Aung (M, GBNF)
Sein Tun (C)
For overseas
Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, ChE)
Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, Tex)
Tint Lwin (Daniel, M)
Hla Min (EC)
Ivan (Khin Maung Oo, M)
Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP)
Win Boh (Robert, EC)
Myo Khin, Dr. (C)
EE69er HCF
U Sein Myint is a major donor of the fund.
The donors’ list is maintained by Sa Maung Maung (EP69) with the help of U Shwe (EP69).
Chit Tin, Aung Thu Yein (Brownie), Tun Oo Khine, Khin Maung Win, Aung Gyi Shwe, Tommy, Soe Win, Abdul Rauf, Thein Swe, & Oo Kyaw Hla are GBNF.
Sa Maung Maung, Myint Maung, & Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet) take part in the 69er gatherings.
A69
There were seven in the class. See Post
Kyaw Kyaw
Thet Tun : moved to Taiwan
Myo Tun (Bobby, Ashin Pannagavesaka) : Itinerant Bhikkhu See Post
Tobias K Ku (Toby, GBNF) : succumbed to Covid
Aung Khin : worked in Botswana; moved to Seattle, Washington
Thwin Thwin Aye Hmi (Olive)
Tin Maung Hla (GBNF) : Proponent of Abhidhamma
M69
M69ers pay respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than every year around his birthday (October 2). They are joined by other 69ers as time permits.
Ivan Lee (M69)
He is a major donor for the 69er Health Care Fund.
Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000
Hosts Annual gathering of RIT and UCC sayas & alumni at his house in New Jersey.
Life time Platinum at Bridge (competitive card game).
PEs from New York State and New Jersey.
Had a private company.
Has 11 family members (two daughters, two son-in-laws, six grand children).
See Posts
U Tin Tun (M69, GBNF)
He was my classmate in Std IV(D) of St. Paul’s High School. Like most transfer students, the Brothers put me in Section D. He was the top student in our section. I was a close second.
For various reasons, he did not find much time to study for the Matriculation. He rebounded in I.Sc.(A) and at RIT.
He was called “Phone Gyi”. His beloved mother would bring lunch and feed him. He was the envy of most students, who had to bring their lunch or buy lunch with their pocket money (typically 25 pyas).
He studied Naval Architecture. Even after retirement, he taught interested students.
U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69)
Daniel
Younger brother of Saya U Thein Lwin (EE)
Matriculated from MEHS
Retired Associate Professor, NTU, Singapore
Organizer of the 69er SPZPs
Guitarist and Vocalist
See Posts
U Aung Min (M69)
Aung Min
He was my classmate in I.Sc.(A). Our roll numbers were close.
Chair of the 69er HCF and a core organizer for 69er events.
See Posts
U Tin Shein (M69)
We were in Saya Des’s section in 2nd BE.
He is also called “Phone Gyi”.
He was a member of the RIT Chinlon team that won the Inter Institute tournament.
U Htay Aung (M69)
Burma Selected
Burma Selected in Water Polo for 5th SEAP Games.
Star swimmer & Captain of RIT water polo team.
Won several events (mostly free style) : 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and 2000m cross lake (from RUBC to Dubern).
His spouse Daw Than Than was Burma Selected sprinter, SEAP & Asian Games Champion.
U Tin Htut (Harry, M69)
Harry
Wrote under several pen names including Mon Yu.
Matriculated from Sacred Heart High School.
Senior 69er
Stays fit by doing exercises (e.g. Tai Chi) and singing songs.
U Aung Myint (M69)
Taught at RIT & Singapore Polytechnic.
Spends time between Singapore & New Zealand.
Hobbies including Painting & Sharing motivational messages.
U Kyaw Nyunt (M69, GBNF)
Represented RIT in Tennis. The team won the Inter-Institute Tournament.
Kyaw Nyunt
He often visited his son in the US.
Saw I Zeyar Linn (M69)
He is GBNF.
U Myint Thein (Kabar, M69, GBNF)
One of two Myint Theins in the Class of 69.
One was named Maung Kabar after the cartoon character of our younger days.
During one of my visits to Yangon, he picked me up to attend the Monthly Breakfast Gathering of the 69ers.
He was an active organizer for the 69ers.
He had medical examination in Singapore and India. He became weak to have a transplant.
He passed away in Yangon.
Thirty five or so 69ers were present for Kabar’s Last Journey.
His spouse predeceased him.
He raised his large extended family well.
His family invited the 69ers to the Yet Lei Soon Kwyay.
Kabar in 2009Soon Kwyay for Kabar Five Myints
U Tin Myint (M69, GBNF)
U Tin Myint (John T Lee, Lee Tan Choy, M69) passed awayin California.
He was Luyechun for 4th BE. He played Table Tennis for RIT.
TM
From Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice)
It was in 2015 at Fremont phonegyi kyung. I was leaving when he called out “Alice pyan pyee lar?” I nodded and waved him goodbye without realizing that would be my last for him!! Dear Ko Tin Myint may you rest in peace. And Lyo I am so very sorry. Please accept our deepest condolences.
From U Thein Swe (GBNF)
I remembered, when we stayed in C hostel-hall during RIT days, the tiger-skin (belongs to KoTin Myint) was stolen. He did not get angry and continued to boil tea- water.
From U Myo Min
Ko Tan Choy (Ko Tin Myint) is my intimate friend. Rest in peace, my dear.
From U Kyaw Thein
Rest in Peace.
From David Myint Thein
Rest In Peace, Ko Tin Myint. Lyo Kyin Sein was my classmate when we were attending I.Sc A at Myitkyina Intermediate College and reached RIT together in 1964. Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family
From Robert Win-Boh
He came to Benny Tan (M70)’s house to pick me up. He drove to halfmoon bay monastery & along the southern coast of S.F on my second last visit to USA in 2009. He was a close friend during RIT days. Rest in peace my friend John TM & deepest condolences to Mabel LKS + family from Rob W-B Australia.
From U Han Sein (GBNF)
RIP.
From Duwa Zau Lai
I am really sorry to hear the news of Ko Tin Myint. I remember that he was a good player of table tennis. His better half Lyo K S is one of our Myitkyina crowd. My sincere condolences to the bereaved family.
From Sai Kyaw Myint
Rest in Peace, Tan Choy. He was class mate when we were in Taunggyi. Lyo Kyin Sein was my room mate in first list in R I T 63-64. Both of they are very close friends of us. I’m so sad to hear it.
From U Aung Min
Sadness, Astonishment, Condolences & Remembrances. MIXED UP in my heart. REST IN PEACE Ko Tin Myint (GBNF 80)
Hi friends It is ALARMING ALARMING ALARMING. We have made a record. RIT69ers lost 4 classmates within 66 days.
Take Care
From U Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
Rest in Peace.
From U Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF)
Surprise …… RIP. KTM.
From Naw Mu Mu Aye
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to my friend Lyo and family. May Ko Tin Myint’s soul rest in peace.
From U Kyaw Min Thein
RIP
U Chit Po Po (M69, GBNF)
He rowed for RIT. He was an excellent Harpist.
CPP
U Win Boh (Robert, EC69) wrote :
It is with my great sadness, to inform you that our close friend Ko Chit Po Po (M69, beloved husband of Dr. Daisy Saw) passed away at Asia-Taw Win Private Hospital YGN on 15 Jan 2011 Saturday early morning.
I have phoned his brother-in-Law Stanley Saw (M71) in New Zealand to convey our 69ers’ condolence.
His daughter Thiri Po in Sydney will be leaving soon to YGN for funeral.
Kindly pass on this message to Ko Chit Po Po’s friends far and near.
U Thein Swe (EP69, GBNF) wrote :
It is sad news. Ko Chit Po Po (M69, ex-irrigation, tall and smiling Yangonite) passed away.
He and his brother (Dr ?) U Chit Ko Ko were close friends of my spouse’s brothers.
Before he went back to Yangon he stayed in Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand, etc. After he quit Irrigation Dept he ran an engineering (medium sized) company of Installation and Services for Air-cons and refrigerators, etc. in Lanmadaw Township.
He was a friendly classmate.
Unwillingly or in sadness we have to lose another friend.
U Tin Myint (John, M69, GBNF) wrote :
It is a shock to me in hearing the sad news of Ko Chit Po Po, who was a very close friend, co-worker and also my lunch mate in the Irrigation Department at 81/2 mile workshop location.
He, I and another classmate rode the same Mazda car to work and coming back from work everyday.
He and I ate lunch everyday.
I still remember vividly that during lunch time, after opened his lunch box and discovered fried shrimps, he would offer me his jumbo shrimps and skip his lunch.
I enjoyed shrimps while he had no interest in shrimps.
He and I usually had one e-mail/year with exception of having two e-mails the most.
This year I received his e-mail once and I tried to have more e-mails and more info from him.
Now I received this sad news.
U Aung Thu Yein (EC69, GBNF) wrote :
Our Colleague/Comrade/Friend – Chit Po Po,
We will miss you.
Just talking about you a few days ago.
Why so fast?
Why so sudden !!!
U Sein Tin (“Omega”, Pathein, M 69) wrote :
We are feeling very sorry.
Our ages are at the sunset.
So take care of our health first and last.
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M 69) wrote :
Dr. Daisy Saw and family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
We will remember him forever.
Daw Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, ChE69) wrote :
I have a photo, which was taken at our gathering on 17 March 2010 by 69ers for KCPP’s visit to Singapore.
We were all very happy to meet him then!!
C69
Daw Myint Myint (C69)
She and her spouse U Htein Win (M66) are successful entrepreneurs.
She is a major donor to the 69er Health Care Fund.
She is also a major donor for the YTU Modernization Project.
She sponsored several tables at the 69er gatherings.
See Posts
U Myo Nyunt (C69)
He, his daughter and his son-in-law are RIT alumni. His grand daughter is attending 2nd Year classes at YTU. They cover Three Generations. See Post
U Han Sein (C69, GBNF)
He is a Tone Kyaw. See Post
U Nyi Hla Nge (C69)
He is a retired Deputy Minister.
He served as Professor of Civil Engineering and Rector of YTU.
He is a Past President of MES.
He was awarded Wunna Kyaw Htin.
He is an eligible bachelor.
Saw Yan Naing (C69, GBNF)
U Aung Min (M69), Chair, 69er HCF posted:
Sad news
One of our classmates Saw Yan Naing @ Bo Bo C69 (Meikhtila) passed away at Mandalay on 3 December, 2017.
He got stroke on January this year and became paralyzed.
May his soul rest peace
Take care all
EE69 (EP & EC)
Classmates
300+ students were admitted to first ever 2nd BE in 1964.
80+ students chose to study EE.
There were 40+ students in the Final Year (for EP & EC). See Post
13 studied EC. 12 graduated, while one took sabbatical.
EE69
EP69
Abdul Raof (EP69, GBNF)
Younger brother of Saya S Kyaw Aye
Matriculated from Sacred Heart
Senior 69er
U Myint Maung (EP69)
Fondly called “Bu”.
Played Volleyball.
Junior 69er
Eligible bachelor
Sai Kham Pan (EP69)
SKPInter-Institute Champs
Burma Selected in Badminton
He was Number Two in Singles and Number One with Sagaing Kyi Nyunt in Doubles.
Led RIT to win Inter-Institute Tournament
U Sein Myint (EP69)
SM
Represented RIT in Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo
Major donor of the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and EE69er HCF
Lives in Singapore. Often travels to USA and Yangon to spend time with his grand children.
His daughter gave a soon kway at Half Moon Bay, California when his youngest grand child turned one year old.
Present at the soon kwyay was U Thein Zaw (Joe Chow, EC68) & his spouse (niece of Saya U San Tun); U Tin Myint (John Lee, M69, GBNF) & Daw Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel Lee, T69).
Attended NorCal RITAA gatherings.
EC69
In 1969, twelve students graduated with EC (Electrical Communications). Four are GBNF.
U Hla Min (California, USA)
Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (Massachusetts, USA)
U Toung (Connecticut, USA)
Daw Tin Tin (Anne, Southern California, USA)
U Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada, GBNF)
U Win Boh (Robert, Australia)
Saya U Than Lwin (Henry)
U Maung Ko
U Kyaw Soe (GBNF)
U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, GBNF)
U Chit Tin (GBNF)
Zarnee Tun (EC78) wrote :
Nine years after Ec (Electronic) were 30 candidates for 78 batch. Me also one them Zarnee Tun nephew of saya U Ba Than & son of advocate U Tun Tin (Frankie Wong)
U Aung Thu Yein (EC69, GBNF)
Collegiate Scholarship Winners from SPHS in 1963
SPHS 63 (Aung Thuyein is second from right)
The group photo shows :
Standing (L to R) :
Hla Min (7th)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, 17th)
Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, 4th)
Thein Wai (5th)
Maung Maung Kyi (11th)
Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, 13th)
Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Maung Maung, 9th)
Seated (L to R) :
Min Oo (Kenneth Min Oo Khine, 2nd)
Khin Maung U (George Khin Maung, 1st)
Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd)
Best Friends
Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way) is the younger brother of Dr. Thet Htar Way (GBNF).
He read notes to his best friend Nyunt Wai (Victor), who fell sick before the Matriculation exam.
Nyunt Wai stood 4th in the Matriculation exam. Aung Thu Yein stood 13th. Both won the Collegiate Scholarships of K75 per month along with eight of their classmates.
Studies and Career
He was one of the 12 students who graduated with Electrical Communications degree in 1969.
He is seen third from right in the back row of the Group Photo taken in 2009 (30th Anniversary of Graduation).
F Block Soccer Team
He played soccer for the F Block team. He can be seen third from left in the back row. Sad to note that Myint Thein (Kabar, M69, 2nd from left) and Tun Oo Khine (EP69, rightmost) are GBNF.
He worked at MOC & Schlumberger.
Smoking & Drinking
Before attending RIT, he was a non-smoker and a non-drinker.
He started smoking at RIT to warn off mosquitoes in the rest room of the hostel.
He accompanied some of his hostel friends to celebrate with drinks after taking the mid-term and final examinations.
Farewell
During one of my visits to Yangon in 2012, Zau Lai picked me up first and then Brownie.
Brownie jumped into the car without changing into new clothes and without locking his home and gate. He trusted people.
Due to his medical conditions, his doctor has advised him to stop smoking and drinking.
Seeing his long lost friends and with the persuasion of Duwa Zau Lai, Brownie found an excuse to take a drink “just one more time”.
Last Days
The Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Royal Rose (Taw Win Hnin Si) had bad news. We learned that Brownie had slipped and fell a his home. His son (a medical doctor) rushed him to the RGH Neurological Ward.
After the gathering, several of us visited the RGH Neurological Ward.
I spent a few days as a temporary monk at Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung with U Wara (Win Paing, ChE70) as my preceptor.
The 69ers learned about the demise of Brownie, but they chose not to inform me and disrupt my meditation practice at the monastery.
U Chit Tin (EC69, GBNF)
U Chit Tin (EC69, Nyaung Oo) succumbed to liver cancer on (9 November, 2017) 1:30 pm at his home. Per his wish, the services were performed the same day.
He worked for MOGE before moving to Singapore. After retirement, he moved back to Myanmar. He is the third of the EC69 to pass away.
I met him in Singapore and at the 69er Gatherings in Yangon.
Condolences can be found in the GBNF post.
From Ivan Lee
Dear 69er Classmates
We all are 70s, be aware of it. Recently and lately all we see our internal news is deepest condolences and sad events.
We are all on the same boat and not too much we can do against the natural phenomenon.
However what I would like to say is:
Yesterday, let bygone be bygone, forget it.
Today, our glory mature is at last moment, cherish it.
Tomorrow, right and wrong, up or down, wait and see it.
Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles us.
Best Regards, Ivan (M69), New Jersey, USA
Athletes
Track and Field
Aung Gyi Shwe (GBNF)
Khin Than Myint Tin (Margaret)
Badminton
Sai Kham Pan (Burma selected)
Myint Sein
Bishnu Shahi
Basketball
Soe Win (Captain of RIT team, GBNF)
Tommy (GBNF)
Han Sein (GBNF)
Lyo Kyin Sein
Chess
Aung Than
Chinlon
Tin Shein
Htin Aung
Rowing
Hla Min (last elected EC of RUBC)
Sein Myint
Win Naing (Dicky, GBNF)
Win Maung (Lake)
Soccer
Kyaw Sint (GBNF)
Myo Nyunt
Aung Gyi Shwe (GBNF)
Swimming and Water Polo
Htay Aung (Burma selected)
Sein Myint
Moe Hein
Hla Kyaing
Win Maung (Lake)
Han Sein (GBNF)
Table Tennis
Tin Myint (GBNF)
Tennis
Kyaw Sint (GBNF)
Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF)
Than Htay
Volleyball
Saw Edison
Sa Maung Maung
Myint Maung (Bu)
Aye Thein
Weightlifting and Body Building
Jimmy Kyin (GBNF)
Khin Win (GBNF)
Myint Soe
Mini-gathering in New Jersey, USA
Ivan Lee (M69) was interviewed by a reporter for his experience as an amateur Real Estate developer. His daughter and son-in-law are among the top Real Estate developers in the East Coast. His grand daughter also wrote about Ivan’s life journey. He has two daughters and six grand children.
Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) is my classmate & Sayagadaw. She visits New Jersey, UK and Singapore. Alice has three children and three grand children.
U Toung (Tom, EC69) has two children. He spends time in Hong Kong to be with his grand child.
Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) worked on multiple projects. He has five children and six grand children.
For the past several years, Ivan has hosted the RIT-UCC gathering at his house in New Jersey, USA. The timing is chosen so that Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing can participate. Ko Toung often hosts a second gathering (if he is not in Hong Kong). Frederick Thetgyi, Ko Sein Tin, Ko Aung Myint and several 69ers have attended one or more gatherings.
TAG, Ivan, Alice, Tom
Miscellaneous
Albert Kyaw Min (ChE69), Daniel Tint Lwin (M69) & Robert Win Boh (EC69) are guitarists and vocalists.
Several musicians have retired : Ngwe Soe (Walter), Tin Maung Aye, Than Myaing
Daw Myint Myint (C69), Ivan Lee (M69) and U Sein Myint (EP69) are the major donors to the 69er HCF.
69ers have updated the Address Book three times by U Aung Min (M69) & team.
Several 69ers are former sayas at RIT. They are busy during the SPZP season (especially November and December).
In April 1999, I started sharing news of selected Alumni and Gatherings via e-mail.
It was called RIT Alumni (Abroad) Newsletter.
Several readers suggested a more inclusive name : RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
Special Issue for
SPZP-2000
Page 1 of Special Issue
In October 2000, the First RIT Alumni Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) was held in the San Francisco Bay Area.
We published a Special Issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Editors
I was the Chief Editor. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) and Henry Lim (U Aung Myint) were Editors.
I wrote “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem and the Editorial.
Authors authors
Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)
Saya U Aung Khin
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
Saya Dr. Nyo Win (M65)
Saya U Myo Win (M/Ag65, GBNF)
Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF)
U Hla Min (EC69)
Benny Tan (M70)
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72)
Dr. Myint Thein (M73)
Maurice Chee (M75)
U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76)
Contents
Page 2 of Special IssuePage 3 of Special IssuePage 4 of Special IssuePage 5 of Special IssuePage 6 of Special IssuePage 7 of Special IssuePage 8 of Special IssuePage 9 of Special IssuePage 10 of Special IssuePage 11 of Special IssuePage 12 of Special IssuePage 13 of Special IssuePage 14 of Special IssuePage 15 of Special IssuePage 16 of Special Issue
Archives
U Khin Maung Zaw archived the early newsletters in ex-rit org website.
U Wunna Ko Ko archived the later newsletters in RitAlumniInfo website.
Both websites are no longer active.
Contributing Editor
I volunteered as a Contributing Editor for the following newsletters
RIT English Association Newsletter
BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) Newsletter
Dhammananda Newsletter published by TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America)
HlaMin 