The 1969 RIT Graduates Reunion was held in Rangoon/Yangon, Burma/Myanmar on Saturday, 20 February 1999 at Sait-Teng-Kya Restaurant near Kandawgyi lake.
Idea
The idea was mooted three years ago when a few of us were having dinner together and thought of having a gathering in 1999. After that most of us have forgotten about the idea until around the end of November 1998 when a group of our friends led by Ko Yee Pinn (Tavoy), Ko Myint Maung (aka “Bu”, RIT Volleyball selected), Ko Shwe, Ko Win Lwin, etc. decided to have a grand re-union in February 1999. They also decided that to be more meaningful we should invite our Sayas to pay them respect as well and, hence, it became the reunion cum Saya-ga-daw-pwe.
Attendees
On that very day the guest trickled in starting from about 4.00 p.m at the restaurant. The guests were required to fill in their names and contact numbers. The organizers promised to compile the name list and send to everybody who attended. By 6.00 p.m. about 30 Sayas and about 120 of our graduates were in the restaurant. The master-of-ceremony, Ko Win Lwin, announced the start of the ceremony.
Speeches
The programme started off with a few speeches, led by Nyi Hla Nge, representing the graduates in Rangoon, followed by Danny, representing the graduates overseas, Sai Aung Win, representing graduates outside Rangoon and last but not the least, by Saya U Kyin Soe, representing all the Sayas.
Paying respect
After that we gave respect to the Sayas. All the Sayas were seated on the stage and all of us sat on the floor. Some gifts were distributed to the Sayas followed by photo taking session and then the sumptuous dinner began.
Dinner & Entertainment
About 9 to 10 dishes were served but, most of us were too excited to notice what we were eating. Halfway through the dinner some of us went up the stage and sang some songs for entertainment. Even all the ladies, led by Alice and Naw Mu Mu Aye were on the stage as well. The crowd went wild.
Vow
The party ended at about 9.30 p.m. with some of the graduates not so sober. It was indeed a memorable gathering and we all vowed to meet again in December 2000 at place and date to be announced early next year. Three cheers to the organizers and those who have one way or the other help in making this event a great success.
1969
Updates
How time flies.
The Class of 69 celebrated the 30th anniversary reunion in 1999. The correspondence (Ko Daniel Tint Lwin, Ma Alice Saw Yu Tint, …) was partly responsible for the establishment of the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and the first ex-RIT web site.
40th Anniversary Reunion in 2009
2009
Golden Jubilee of Admission in 2014
2014
Golden Jubilee of Graduation in 2019
2019
U Aung Min (M69) is Chair of 69er Health Care Fund. He and his team maintain the GBNF list.
GBNF
Several Octogenarians — U Tin Maung, Harry Tin Htut, Uzin Bobby, Uzin Aung Chaw, U Ngwe Tun, U Win Thein Zaw, U Ngwe Soe, Albert Kyaw Min, Mehm Aye Chan, U Kyaw Zin, Robert Win Boh, U Tin Aung Win …
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).
U Htein Win (M66) & Daw Myint Myint (C69) are entrepreneurs and philanthropists.
They founded Myit Che International Trading Company.
They donated to RIT-related activities and selected charities.
Proud Supporter
Regular attendee at the 69er Gatherings $ hosted some.
Major donor to the 69er Health Care Fund along with Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69) and U Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP69)
In memory of U Htein Win, she donated K100 Lakhs to the 69er Health Care Fund.
Donation 1
Breakfast Gathering
Hosted the August Breakfast Gatherings at Royal Rose (Taw Win Hnin Si) Restaurant to celebrate her birthday.
In August 2018, the co-host was U Soe Thein (Peter)
In August 2019, the co-host was U Than Oo.
Daw Myint Myint and U Soe Thein
Lunch Gathering
A few years back, she hosted a Lunch Gathering at Western Park Royal, Kandawgyi to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie Hoe, T69, Germany).
Welcome lunch gathering for Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai
Annual Dinner Gathering
69er Annual Dinner was often held at M3.
She sponsored at least one table at Annual Dinner for the past few years.
YTU Library Modernization
In 2017, she donated K100 Lakhs for YTU Library Modernization Project.
Donation 2
Memories
Civil Group at 40th Anniversary (in 2009)
2009
Donation to YTU Library Modernization Project; Donation accepted by U Wynn Htain Oo, Nan Khin Nwe & team
Myint 1Myint 2Myint 3
At 69er Monthly Breakfast Gathering; U Aung Min is a core Organizer; Swe Swe Kyaw Zin (daughter of U Kyaw Zin) brought 69er Caps & 69er Hats donated by UKZ
Ko Yin Kyu (M69, age 67), Mech/Agri RIT 69er passed away today (26th April, 2011) at 8/45 am.
His funeral will be on 28 April, 2011 at Yae Wai.
He worked for Public Works (Construction Corporation) as superintending engineer and retired in 2006.
He died of kidney failure, based on diabetes.
He had been hospitalized since 3rd April at the Shwegonedine Hospital.
With Metta. Aung Min (M69)
Comments
Danny (Tint Lwin, M69) wrote :
Dear Ko Aung Min, So sorry to hear that Ko Yin Kyu has passed away. Did anybody visit him when was hospitalised?
Ivan (Khin Maung Oo, M69) wrote :
Hi dear classmates: It is sad, sad sad, we need contribute our Nar Ye fund for his funeral and for supporting his family. It is the best we can do now. Another suggestion to our dear classmate to evaluate our balancing life. * The longer we stay, the more this kind of sad news will hear, the less of our classmate counting, so value our relationship and childhood friends. * Life is short, don’t stretch your exhaustion brain and still-healthy body working. Enough is enough, take the retirement at or before 65 years old. * You must know exactly to Love YOURSELF, it sounds selfish, but be practical. Don’t lie to yourself , be honest yourself.
Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, ChE69) wrote :
My condolences for the family of Ko Yin Kyu’s family. Yes I agree totally with Ivan, to cherish our friends and families in our sunset years. At the same time doing good deeds while we can.
69ers who passed away in 2011
Aung Naing (Bahadhur, Min)
Chit Htun (Min)
Yin Kyu (M)
Updates
As of July 2025, there are 138 members in the 69er GBNF list
Ivan Lee (M69) invited several 69ers to get together at his house in New Jersey around June of 2015. U Aung Myint and U Sein Tin could not make it to the 2015 mini-reunion.
Fred Thetgyi (M69)
Lives in Philadelphia
Joined the 2015 mini-reunion
Drove most of the 1800+ mile trip in Ivan’s Mercedes
Except when his batteries went out, he took pictures at the mini-reunion and the trip.
He would appear only in a fraction of the photos, when someone else (Ivan, a waiter, or a stranger) took the photo.
Phil 1Phil 2Phil 3Phil 4Phil 5Phil 6Phil 7Phil 8Phil 9
New Jersey
Main Host : Ivan
Other hosts : Saya U Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint
Ivan took us on a short trip to New York
Ivan showed us around New Jersey
For several years, Ivan had hosted the RIT-UCC Gathering with Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing as Guests of Honor.
Photo shows two Sayas and six 69ers — Fred, TAG, HM, Alice, Toung / Tom and Ivan
New Jersey
Niagara Falls
On the way to Canada
Took photos from the US side & the Canada side
Niagara Fall
Windsor, Canada
Host : Sayagyi U Aung Khin
Saya patiently waited for our arrival.
Saya let me and my spouse spend the night in his Guest room. Ivan and Fred stayed at a motel.
Saya prepared Mohinga and Ah Kyaw for breakfast.
He gave us mementos.
U Aung KhinSaya U Aung Khin Memento
Toronto
Brief sight seeing
Saya Des Rodgers had earlier invited to drop by his house, but our schedule did not have slack time.
Napean, Canada
Host: Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma
Saya drove us around Toronto
We spent two nights at Saya’s house.
Dr. Aung Gyi
Took a quick trip to Thousand Islands. Ma Ma Emma bought a gift for my Myee
Thousand Islands
Shrewberry, Massachussetts
Hosts : Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) & Daw Khin Maw Maw
Since they were renovating their home, U TAG hosted us at a hotel.
Visit MIT & Harvard University
U TAGDinner
Trumbull, Connecticut
Hosts : U Toung (Tom, EC69) and Daw Khin Myint
Visit Yale University
Visit Pizza place frequented by the young Bill Clinton
Ko ToungPlace frequented by young Bill Clinton
Philadelphia
Hosts : Fred Thetgyi (M69) & Eunice
Dropped by to see Fred’s elder sister
Visit Pake Forge and Liberty Bell;
Visit my last remaining uncle U Thein Han in Maryland
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.
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, …
HlaMin 