At Ko Benny’s houseSoon Kyway on August 20, 2016Award & Birthday GreetingsSaya U Myat Htoo presented the AwardBirthday card (from sayas & alumni) & two cakes (by Charlie & Diana Tseng)Birthday CardWelcoming Saya U Soe Paing to SF Bay AreaAt Half Moon Bay monasterySF Bay Area RetireesRetireesWelcoming Sayas Dr. San Hla Aung and U Tin HtutWith Ko Tun Shwe & Ko Myint Thein (Soon Hoe)Saya Dr. Aung Gyi received Pon Tu (by Bagyee Myat Myo Myat) carried by Saya Ko Nyunt HtaySF Bay Area alumniGathering hosted by Steeve Kay 40th anniversary of arrival in USAWith Steeve Kay (Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs)With Class of 71 at Indian restaurantSPZP-2012 at Gyogone CampusAt SPZP-2012 with Sayas George & U Myat HtooAt Feel restaurant hosted by Ko Saw Lin (GBNF)
Matriculated from St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo in 1964.
Had a very high ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate)
Admitted to the first ever 1st BE as Roll Number One.
Selected RIT Luyechun for the 1965 Summer Camp at Inlay.
His outspoken remarks about the Camp drew the ire of higher authorities.
Graduated with Electrical Power in 1970.
After working in the industry, he moved to the USA.
Studied Electronics in the USA
Added “Nawaday” to his name.
Shared his memories of RIT to the Google group of “the Combined Intake of 1st BE for 1964 and 1965”.
Ko Ohn Khine (M70)
Ohn Khine
Matriculated from St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay in 1964.
Took a combination of Science and Arts subjects
Had good ILA score to be admitted to RIT.
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1970
Worked for Heavy Industries Corporation
Created and maintained the the Google group of “the Combined Intake of 1st BE for 1964 and 1965”.
Volunteer for SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016, HMEE-2012, HMEE-2018, Swel Daw Yeik Foundation and several RIT-related activities.
Gave me rides during my visits to Yangon.
Co-author
Filled the “missing pieces” in Ko Zaw Min’s accounts.
Ko Hla Min (EC69)
Hla Min
Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1963.
Stood 7th in the whole of Burma
Received Collegiate Scholarship
Top in the Science Option of I.Sc.(A) examination
Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964 as Roll Number One.
Selected Luyechun for the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the Summer of 1965
Graduated with Electrical Communications in 1969.
Started the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in 1989 and have maintained it for 26 years.
Administrator or Moderator of selected Facebook pages.
Own web site hlamin.com
Had the honor to edit the draft version of “Memories by Ko Zaw Min Nawaday & Ko Ohn Khine” which was first posted as Google Docs for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
Published the edited document as a series of articles in “RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates”.
Introduction
Intakes in 1964
There were three intakes at the Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) when the new education system started in 1964. Eligible students were admitted to the 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes. They are also known as
Class of ’70 (1st BE Intake in 1964) Matriculates were admitted using the ILA
Class of ’69 (2nd BE Intake in 1964) Those who had passed I.Sc.(A) with Science Option were admitted in order of merit
Class of ’68 (3rd BE Intake in 1964) Those who had passed I.Sc.(B) with Science Option were admitted in order of merit
The RIT Rector was U Yone Mo and the Registrar was U Soe Thein.
The Class of ’70
It comprised of the first year intake students in 1964. There were 494 registered students, of which 67 were female. Most graduated in 1970. Some took sabbatical for a year or two. A few left RIT before graduation. The GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) reached 138 at the end of May 2025.
Matriculates entered the first ever 1st BE classes. ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) was used for the vetting of applicants. In the system, a score of 1 to 20 was assigned to map the marks for each subject. The ILA score (rather than the raw marks) was used to determine the eligibility of the students admitted to an institute.
Under the old education system, matriculates had to attend I.Sc. (A) classes. There were restrictions on the subjects taken at Inter classes to be eligible for Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, etc. For example, one must pass the I.Sc. with at least 50 marks in Maths, Physics and Chemistry to attend the 1st Year Engineering Classes (3rd BE in the new system).
Under the new education system, there were no restrictions on the subjects taken in Matric exam. As such, many students who passed Matric with combined Science and Arts subjects and even those with pure Arts subjects were able to attend RIT. For example, Ko Ohn Khine passed the Matric exam with an odd combination of Maths, Chemistry and Geography.
Some are unfortunate to lose one or both parents in their youth.
Some are fortunate to have one or both parents in their 90’s and beyond.
A few had a parent over 100.
Mother of Ivan Lee (M69)
Ivan is a Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 & SPZP-2007. He is an early supporter of the first RIT web site. He is a major donor for the 69er Health Care Fund.
He lost his father when he was young. His mother raised the children and also managed to stay healthy beyond the Century mark.
Ivan e-mailed us when his mother turned 100. It had the birthday card sent to his mother from the 43rd US President George W. Bush.
Ivan e-mailed again when his mother turned 101. It had the birthday card sent to his mother from the 44th US President Barack Obama.
We heard sad news from Ivan the following year. His mother passed away at the age of 102. She was alert until the final days. She played two hours of Mah Jong daily.
Let Oo Saya လက်ဦးဆရာ
I am fortunate to have parents who lived beyond 80, but not fortunate enough to have them around to see and appreciate my posts.
My Parents
My beloved mother
She lost her mom a few days after her birth. She made up for her loss by giving her metta (unbounded love) and cetana to the children and grandchildren. She kept a list of all the birthdays and anniversaries, and would be usually the first to wish. Even though she had maids, she would get up early & prepare breakfast for us. She also supervised the homework of her children, nephews and nieces.
I paid homage to her in my Newsletter & Updates for SPZP-2000.
My beloved father
My beloved father
He was a youth when he was given only three months more to live by the then best doctors in Rangoon. He had a Near Death Experience. His younger brothers cried thinking that he had died.
My dad told his brothers : “I was walking happily along a bund when a holy man stopped me and said, “Young man, you have to do sasana work. Do not go beyond this point.” Sensing that I was reluctant to end my walk, the man pushed me.”
Luckily, an indigenous medicine man named “Ga Doke Saya Gyi” treated my dad and even parted some of his medical knowledge.
He built pagodas starting with Dat Paung Zon Aung Min Gaung Pagoda (ဓာတ်ပေါင်းစုံအောင်မင်းခေါင်စေတီ). His photo hangs in the Hall along with his grandparents who who bought the land where the pagoda was built.
He also helped renovate pagodas.
I paid homage to him in my Newsletter & Updates for SPZP-2000.
My parents
During my school days, they gave me 25 pyas as pocket money. They wanted to make sure that I study hard. They would give bonus prizes only when I excelled in the exams.
They provided us :
Remington English typewriter
Olympia Burmese typewriter
Dictionaries
Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan (Encyclopedia)
Reader’s Digest Magazine & Books
Student’s Companion
A book for Idioms
Grammar : Wren and Martin
King’s English : Fowler & Fowler
How and Why
Fun with Mathematics
Classics Illustrated
Junior Classics Illustrated
Bedin : Saya Maukဆရာမောက်
Palmistry : Cheiro
History : Second World War
Sports equipment
Bicycle
Scooter
Car
My beloved parents would have smiled to hear my grand daughter say, “Who’s your doctor? What happened?” after I returned from a clinic. She added, “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you. I love you.”
Two lovely grand children
She must have inherited the loving kindness of her great grand parents.
She won the Super Reader and Scholastic Achievement Awards. She loves Swimming, Soccer, Basketball, Singing, Playing music, Dancing and Painting.
My grand son is athletic. He plays competitive Soccer. He loves Cycling, Kung Fu, Basketball, Swimming, Piano and Video Games. He is sociable.
Poem and Song
I would like to share a poem and a variant of a song that I learnt in my youth.
Father (Poem)
Be kind to your father For when you were young Who loved you as friendly as he He caught the first accent That fell from your tongue And joined in the heavenly glee.
Be kind to your father For now he is old His hair intermingled with grey His footsteps are feeble Once fearless and bold Your father is passing away.
The version that we learned at school use archaic words like Thee, Thou, Thy and Locks. I have replaced them by the current usage : You, You, Your and Hair.
Mother (Song)
M is for the mercy she possesses O means only that she’s growing old T is for her tender sweet caresses H is for her heart of purest gold E means every thing she’s done to save me R means right and right she’ll always be
Put them all together They spell MOTHER A word that means a world to me.
M is for the million things she gave me O means that I owe her all I owe T is for the tears she shed to raise me H is for the hands that touch and hold E means every thing she taught me R means rare and special she’ll always be
Put them all together They spell MOTHER A word that means a world to me.
In some countries, there is Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
For us, everyday is Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Parent’s Day.
Dear beloved parents, I’m sure you will be in the good abodes. I want to thank you for your unbounded love and for your belief “Every thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well”.
Provided seed money for designing memorabilia to be given to sayas & sayamas attending SPZP-2000, commemorative T-shirts to the organizers and volunteers, and to raise fund by selling the surplus items.
Attended SPZPs in USA, Singapore and Yangon.
With Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein, EC70)
Around 2019, he had medical problems. He could not travel far, but continued conducting his business & philanthropy from home.
Multiple projects to implement (including writing books), but he finally succumbed to Jara, Byadi & Marana.
May he rest in peace.
Best Friends Forever
69ers meet monthly for breakfast at Taw Win Hnin Sni (Royal Rose).
There was a pause during the pandemic. About 20 members passed away (mostly due to Covid).
Annual Dinner gatherings at Panda, M3 and U Aung Min’s former office in PWD compound
Celebrated Anniversaries in 1999, 2009, 2014 and 2019.
Pu Zaw Pwe in 2019Golden Jubilee of Graduation
They have gatherings to welcome 69ers from overseas. e.g. Daw Myint Myint (C69) hosted a lunch gathering at Kandawgyi Westin Park Hotel to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
During my visits, U Ohn Khine (M70) gave me rides to SPZP & HMEE-2012 meetings and selected 69er gatherings.
With 69ers and Ko Ohn Khine (M70)
SPZP-2016
Both the Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and the Alumni Reunion & Entertainment were held at the Gyogone Campus.
Free food was provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner to all attendees.
Kudos to the Organizers, Sponsors, Donors, Volunteers and Supporters for making SPZP-2000 unique & memorable.
At SPZP-2016
All Mech Gathering
U Thant Zin (M82, GBNF, son of Saya U Sein Shan) invited me to All-Mechanical Gathering held at Dolphin.
U Hla Win and Daw Mar Mar Yee were co-emcee at the event.
At All Mech Gathering
Sayas & Sayamas at SPZP
U Tin U, Daw Khin Swe Aye (Emily), Daw Myint Myint Khaing at SPZP
U Tin U matriculated in 1946. He received BSCE from the University of Oregon and MSCE from Yale University. Upon his return, he taught part-time at the Civil Engineering Department at the RU Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon. He is the most Senior Past Captain of RUBC. He is the oldest of nine siblings. Two younger brothers Saya U Ba Than (Gold Medalist in 1948) and Dr. Myo Tint (3rd in Burma in 1952 Matric exam) have passed away.
U Ba Than (Leftmost)
Daw Khin Swe Aye graduated with Physics Honors in 1962 along with Daw May Than Nwe (GBNF) and my elder sister Daw Khin Than Nwe. Sad to learn that she had vision impairment.
Daw Myint Myint Khaing is the daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing. She transcribed the interview tapes recorded by her spouse Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) for the book on Sayagyi U Ba Toke and his life journey. Sayagyi gave autographed copies of the book to U Ohn Khine and me. Sayagyi is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the First RU Students’ Strike in 1920. Sayagyi passed away on 2nd December 2020 (a few days short of his Centennial birthday).
Due to time & resource constraints, only a fraction of the materials could be described in the book “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar”
CD Supplement
U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled references, articles in English and photos that were not covered in the book into a CD.
We attempted to cover as much historical data and articles as possible.
Materials for non-Burmese readers
Part 1 of the HMEE book was translated by U Ohn Khine (M 70). Saya Des Rodgers corrected the contextual and usage errors.
Part 2 is not a complete translation of the Burmese text. To avoid duplication of some materials (e.g. lengthy tables), we have chosen to present a summary & overview.
Archives from the SPZPs: SPZP-2000 (San Francisco), SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 (Singapore), and SPZP-2004 (Yangon)
Photo Albums
From ex-RIT web sites, RIT Alumni Facebook Pages, Sayagyi U Ba Than, Saya U Soe Paing and U Myo Myint (EC67)
History of the Engineering Departments
By Dr. Aung Gyi (Rector), U Min Wun (C), U Aung Khin (M), U Soe Khaw (Min), U Thit (Met), U Myo Myint Sein (A)
Selected Posts
Excerpts from “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” from 1999 – 2012 by U Hla Min (EC 69)
Interviews
Saya U Tin U, Saya U Ba Than and Saya U Khin Aung Kyi gave interviews for HMEE-2012 project.
Proofreaders
Saya U Soe Paing, U Ohn Khine and I proof read HMEE-2012 and provided corrections (e.g. RIT Luyechun list did not contain 1965), but they was not enough time to do all the corrections.
HMEE projects
Saya U Aung Hla Tun is the leader for HMEE-2012 and HMEE-2018 Projects.
HMEE-2018 will cover revisions and extensions to HMEE-2012.
Due to the pandemic and Saya’s demise, HMEE-2018 is in limbo.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Despite my imperfect memory, I have morphed into an Oral and Written Historian of my alma mater with the help of sayas, sayamas, and alums who shared their walks down memory lane and precious photos to be published in the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” (1999 – present). Thanks.
Class of 69 is unique
Our Class is unique in the following sense.
Four Government Examinations
Took the last ever 7th Std Government exam in 1960.
Took the first ever 9th Std — High School Final Only Exam — in March 1962. Except for English, we had to answer all subjects in Burmese. Under the tight security imposed by the 17-man Revolutionary Council, we completed the exam.
To our surprise and dismay, the HSF examination for Rangoon Division was annulled. Had given my text books. Had to re-take the HSF exam in August 1962.
Took the 10th Std — Matric (only) Exam — in May 1963. 1263 students from Rangoon. Khin Maung U (SPHS) stood first in the whole of Burma. He was followed by Min Oo (SPHS, 2nd), Myo San (Freddie, SPHS, 3rd, GBNF), Nyunt Wai (Victor, SPHS, 4th), Thein Wai (SPHS, 5th), Kenny Wong (MEHS, 6th) and Hla Min (SPHS, 7th).
SPHS63
SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty. They were awarded Collegiate Scholarship for 75 Kyats a month.
Guinea Pig of Education Systems
The education system wanted us to spend one more year in school before attending the university.
Is it our fate or destiny to serve as guinea pigs of Educators?
I.Sc. (A) at Leik Khone
Attended the last ever I. Sc.(A) classes at “Leik Khone လိပ်ခုံး” on Prome Road. Leik Khone was used by Faculty of Engineering before it moved to Gyogone.
Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, GBNF), Kyaw Wynn, Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF) and I — joined RUBC. Our crew was Senior Novices Runner-up at the Monsoon Regatta. Earned Full Greens at the end of the season.
Due to security reasons (following the Anniversary protests of 7th July), the Annual Regatta was cancelled, but Sithu U Tin (President, RUBC) decided to hold the Dinner gathering for the 40th Anniversary at Orient Club in Kandawgyi. Souvenir Magazine was compiled by Sithu U Tin (GBNF), U Po Zon (GBNF) and U Tin Htoon.
RUBC 40th Anniversary
Took the last ever I. Sc.(A) exam at the designated high schools.
Most of Rangoon University (except Medical and Engineering Colleges) were suspended following the fateful anniversary celebration of “7th July and the demolition of the historic Rangoon University Students’ Union”.
Those who were a year senior to us in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us. We lost 1.5 precious years.
School Closure
Before the universities reopened, scholarship bids (mostly to Soviet Union and East Bloc nations) were opened to students who are 18+ years old. I did not qualify. Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF) and Kyaw Wynn received scholarship to study Engineering at Dresden University in GDR.
New Education System
The then new “University Education System” replaced the “old” model of Rangoon University with several Faculties : Arts, Science, Social Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law.
The system created institutes such as Rangoon Institute of Technology, Institute of Medicine, Institute of Economics, and Institute of Education.
RASU (Rangoon Arts and Science University) and MASU (Manadalay Arts and Science University) were the core left from the Rangoon University and Mandalay University.
In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to the first ever 1st B.E., 2nd B.E., and 3rd B.E. classes.
RIT
Ma Than Yi (Maubin Ma Shwe Than, EP70) has blogged about her reminiscences of 1st B.E.
Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) and Ko Ohn Khine (M70) have described the academic and extra-curricular activities for ’64 to ’70.
The list of 400+ students who entered 1st BE has been compiled by Ko Ohn Khine and team. Notable alumni from that class have also been portrayed in their Golden Jubilee Magazine published in November, 2014.
The list of 300+ students who entered 2nd BE has been compiled by Ko Aung Min (M69) and team. 69ers had major reunions for 30th Anniversary (in 1999), 40th Anniversary (in 2009), SPZP-2012, Pseudo-Golden Jubilee (for the admission to RIT) in 2014, True Golden Jubilee (for graduation) z& SPZP in December, 2019. Sad to note that more than 40% from the class are GBNF.
The authorities used I.Sc (A) results to admit students to 2nd B.E. I was at the top of the list followed by Taing Oke and Kenny Wong.
I was selected Luyechun (Outstanding Student) along with Ko Sein Shwe (4th BE), Ko Zaw Min (1st BE), and Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (Margaret, 2nd BE, RIT selected in track and Field). In the summer of 1965, we attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp with Luyechuns from other universities and institutes, and high school.
Luyechun
Several high school Luyechuns (e.g. Ma Pwint Than, Uttam Singh, Ko Aung Win, Ko Win Myint) joined RIT two years later.
Difficult Choices
Had to decide Major before attending 3rd BE. Civil and Mechanical were the top choices. Many joined RIT faculty after graduation.
80+ students — Ko Thein Swe (GBNF), Ko Khin Maung Win (GBNF), Ko Aung Kyaw Pe, Ko Tun Aung Gyaw, Ko Toung and I — chose to major in Electrical. Joined by some seniors. Some took sabbatical or were hit by the infamous 75% attendance rule, or by the strict moderation (failing a minor subject even though the average was 2.5+)
Had to decide before attending 5th BE. Ratio of EP (Power) to EC (Communication) was 3:1. Rationale was that EP had a reasonably good market with EPC being the chief employer of EP graduates. EC had a limited market with PTC, BBS, DCA, and MOC/MOGE.
Many top students such as Ko Thein Swe, Ko Khin Maung Win and Ko Aung Kyaw Pe chose to major in EP. After graduation, most joined EPC and other corporations.
13 or so students such as Ko Tun Aung Gyaw, Ko Toung and I chose to major in EC. Ma Tin Tin (Ann), the lone female EE student, chose EC. Ko Than Lwin (Henry) joined the faculty. Some worked for DCA, MOC and Schlumberger. A couple migrated to the US.
EE69
Universities’ Computer Center
At one Burma Research Conference, Saya U Soe Paing presented a paper on digital computers zand logic. Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) requested Saya U Soe Paing to help him with the UCC project to be submitted to UNDP).
Saya U Soe Paing requested top EC students to join his project. The proposal, vetting, and approval of UNDP projects took a long time; so many students took available jobs.
When the project was finally approved by UNDP, UCC was established at Thamaing College Campus. Dr. Chit Swe became the founder/director. U Soe Paing, U Myo Min, and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), became co-founders and Managers. After volunteering for a considerable time, Ko Tun Aung Gyaw and I joined UCC as the first batch of employees.
UCC
For details, read “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” by U Soe Paing, my interview with Mandalay Gazette and my series of articles “Memories of UCC”.
Mandalay Gazette
Activities
In my Newsletter Updates, I mentioned some of my extra-curricular activities.
Class Representative, Magazine Committee member, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT Electrical Engineering Association.
Last ever elected Treasurer and Vice Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club. Due to the changes in policy, I was denied to become Captain (as originally stipulated by RUBC rules). Higher authorities installed a committee of sayas to oversee RUBC.
As a member of the RIT Rowing team, I attended the “Appreciation” Ceremony by the RIT Sports Council, then chaired by Saya U Maung Maung Than. Applauded the accomplishments of multi-sports athletes such as Ko Aung Khin (M 67), Saw Maung Maung Htwe (Class of 70), Ko Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T 68), and Inter Institute Champions (Badminton, Chinlon, Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weight lifting & Body Building).
Served as EC & editor of RIT English Association. Represented 2nd BE in a debate along with Ko Myo Tun (Bobby), and Ko Khin Maung Win (Roland Thein). The 1st BE team led by Ahmed Soorma won. Received “Rhyming Dictionary” as a prize. Gave my dictionary to Ashin Ananda (Rev. F. Lutvig, Poet Laureate).
Founding member of RIT Chess Association along with the accomplished players like Ko Aung Than, Ko Maung Maung, Ko Thet Lwin (Henry) and visiting Soviet lecturers.
Joined Universities’ Training Corps (UTC) for a while before the schedule conflicts with rowing.
Sai Kyaw Aye (part-time BBS) invited us to learn and sing “Auld Lang Syne” in Shan.
Wrote short notes for “Hset Hmu Thadin Zin” and articles for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung” & “RIT English Bulletin”.
In July 1969, I wrote a poem “Men on the Moon” to honor the Apollo 11 mission. It was published in the Guardian daily newspaper. A copy was sent by Mr. Hall (USIS) to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
In December 1969, Daw Khin Swe Hla asked me to translate a short story “Nge Thay Loe” by Sayagyi U Thu Kha for publishing as the Sunday Supplement for Working People’s Daily (WPD). My translation “Still So Young” earned me 50 kyats. U Thu Ka was given an honorarium of 50 kyats. In those days, 1 US dollar was worth 5 to 6 kyats.
In my Newsletter Updates, I mentioned about my dreams — to get the sayas and alums reconnected electronically and physically, and to repay the metta and cetana of my mentors. U Soe Paing was a driving force, and Ko Khin Maung Zaw worked long weekends to set up http://www.ex-rit.org
Was a saya at UCC, DCS and ICST. Attended the 5th and 6th Arcariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST and UCSY.
I am not a saya at RIT. I was not eligible for the world wide SPZPs.
I was deeply moved when Saya U Moe Aung visited Ko Tin Aung Win’s house after SPZP-2007 and accompanied us to the air port. Before SPZP-2012, Saya gave me two vintage RIT Annual Magazines from his private collection and other gifts.
Dr. Soe Thein (C75), web master & videographer of SPZP-2007, invited me to the Civil Reunion & SPZP. He invited me to the C75 gathering before SPZP-2012.
I had contact with Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72) via Facebook. M72 group (WHO, Ko Myint Pe, …) invited me to join the M72 gathering and mini-SPZP. Event was solemn, because Ko Khin Maung Toe had passed away. “Thamudaya Kyaung” DVD is among my souvenirs.
Smiles from my mentors, and “random acts of kindness” help me burn midnight oil and keep on going the extra mile.
I would like to end by paying tribute to the countless sayas, sayamas, and alums who have kept the RIT Spirit alive and well.
Tribute
The following provide different perspectives of our beloved alma mater.
RIT Annual Magazines Chief Editors include Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) and Saya U Moe Aung. Publishers include U Hla and Saya U Thet Lwin. Limited edition of 23 (or so) RIT Annual Magazines was reprinted for SPZP-2012
Discipline-wide magazines such as “Hlat Sit Sar Saung” (published by the RIT Electrical Engineering Association with Saya U Moe Aung as Chief Editor and Publisher)
Weekly “Hset Hmu Thadin Zin” founded by Ko Win Thein (M 67, GBNF) and associates An alum couple archived several years worth of Hset Hmu Thadin Zin
“Cartoon Box” founded by Ko Myint Pe (M 72) with the patronage of Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (“Phone Ko”, C64, cartoonist for Kye Mon newspaper and several magazines) and Saya U Aung Myint (Pet 69, creator of “Kyant Ba Hone”, GBNF)
Ko Myint Pe & team compiled cartoons from Cartoon Box, Hset Hmu Thadin Zin, and RIT Annual Magazines for the commemorative issue of “RIT Cartoons” for SPZP-2012. Three (or so) generations of Cartoon Box authors set up a booth at SPZP-2012 and autographed books for sale.
HMEE — History of Myanmar Engineering Education by Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) and team. Sayagyi U Ba Than, U Thaw Kaung (Chief Librarian, Rangoon University Central Library), and U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) provided historical photos & documents
The companion CD to the HMEE-2012 Book was compiled by Ko Ohn Khine (M 70) and me
Commemorative web pages for SPZP-2000 include 64 “Count down to the Reunion”, 36 “Post-Reunion” articles, & “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem
Early “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” by me were posted in http://www.ex-rit.org (now dormant)
Subsequent “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” by Ko Hla Min (EC 69) were posted in http://www.rit-alumni.info (now dormant)
RIT-related Facebook Pages Saya U Moe Aung, Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) Ma Than Yi (EP70), Ko Ohn Khine (M70), Ko Saw Lin (C71, GBNF), Ko Myint Pe (M72), Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Ko Khin Maung Lwin (M87)
Commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000″ edited by me & team
Commemorative issues of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 edited & published by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPZP-2016
“Shwe YaDu Magazine” edited by Ko Khin Maung Lay (M70) & team was published in conjunction with the Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of the combined 1st BE intake of ’64 and ’65
“Thamudaya Kyaung (Parts One and Two)” DVD : Based on the poems by Maung Sein Win (Padeegone); Played and sung by Ko Khin Maung Toe (GBNF)
Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint According to Saya U Moe Aung, the term “Swel Daw Yeik” became an official synonym for RIT, its predecessors and successors at the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1970. Ma Mya Than Win (Minthamee) and Ko Myint Pe (Lu Shwin Daw) were members of the Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint.
Gee Ta See Sar (Musical evening) : Ko Kyaw Oo (pianist, GBNF), Ko Yu Swan (Don min), Sayama “Emma” Tin Tin Myint, Ko Kyaw Htin (“Chee Hte Nu Nu Kyaw”), Ko Than Myaing, Ko Tin Maung Aye, Ko Soe Aung and Ko La Min are some of the performers at the early Gee Ta See Sar’s
Saya U Moe Aung, Saya U Thet Lwin, Saya U Saw Tun (“Saw Lu”), Saya Dr. Taing Oke (“Yin Maung”), U Toee Maung, U Than Po (GBNF) are some of the “Zat Saya” and/or composers.
U Thet Lwin‘s compositions include “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo Kun Yeik Kho” (granted a “Dat Pyar” by Burma Broadcasting Service). The song has been sung at the various RIT-related gatherings such as Singapore Thingyan and world-wide SPZPs.The song was sung in the ceremony (on December 1, 2019) to kick off the Rangoon University Centennial Celebration.
Thoughts
Hla Min
To paraphrase the Curator of Smithsonian Museum, “There is no unique history. It is not uncommon to have parallel competing and often contradictory histories of an event.”
Feel free to revise my recollections of my RIT days and my contributions as an informal historian.
HlaMin 