Category: Anniversaries

History of Myanmar Engineering Education
by U Ohn Khine (M 70)

Implementation to improve Engineering Education

To improve the university education as a whole, including engineering, the government laid down plans for the enhancement of engineering education. The Burmese government approached Technical Co-operation Administration (TCA) of the United States of America (USA) in the 50’s to get aid for the development of engineering education.

At the same time, efforts were made to offer more engineering disciplines at the faculty, to have more local qualified teachers, to have more buildings to accommodate the increasing number of students, and to get up to date and complete machinery and equipment for the test laboratories. Most of the teaching staff at that time were British and contract lecturers from India.

After Burma gained independence, Professor Davies who was Dean and other foreign teaching staffs left the Faculty in 1950. U Ba Hli, Principal of Insein Government Technical Institute (GTI), was appointed as the first local Dean of the Faculty. U Ba Hli, a far-sighted educator, did a lot to develop the engineering education during his tenure as Dean from 1950 to 1958.

The program to increase the teaching staff at the Faculty of Engineering started in 1952. Under the twinning program with TCA, two visiting professors from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) arrived in 1952. They were later followed by others. At the same time, to have more qualified local teaching staff, outstanding students from the 2nd year engineering class were selected and sent to MIT, Lehigh University, etc., for further studies to attain Masters degrees. Those selected were to be appointed as assistant lecturers when they came back.

Furthermore those who graduated from the Faculty with flying colors were also appointed as teachers. There were instances of appointing some locals who had graduated from foreign universities.

Requirement of teaching staff at the Faculty during 1952 to 1959 was fulfilled by the visiting professors and lecturers from UK and USA under TCA program and by hiring Indian nationals from India on contract basis as teaching staff.

Nurturing of Local Teaching Staff with Post-graduate Degrees

When the Rangoon University Engineering Department opened, there were very few teaching staff and the department had to be run with British and Indian teachers. This situation continued up till the Second World War, when the department had to close down.

When the department reopened after the war in 1947, the situation at first was the same as in pre-war era. After the Independence, teaching staff from UK and India, including Dean Prof. D. Pindri Davies went back in 1950.

U Ba Hli, Principal of Insein GTI, became Dean of the Faculty of Engineering in 1950. As he was a far–sighted person, he laid down plans to improve the quality of engineering education. One of the plans was a twinning program under TCA to get more teaching staff. He contacted UK universities and MIT to get help for the recruitment of qualified teaching staff. At the same time, some outstanding students were sent abroad for further studies with the aim of appointing them as teaching staff upon their return. Dean U Ba Hli jointly acted as Professor of Civil Engineering and taught Sanitary Engineering.

Sayagyi U Ba Hli played a major part in the offering of more engineering disciplines besides the existing civil, electrical and mechanical engineering. From the 1953-54 academic year, Mining, Chemical, Metallurgy and Textile engineering courses could be offered. Architecture was offered later. Sending student scholars to UK and USA was also a part of U Ba Hli’s plans to recruit qualified teaching staff. We had to acknowledge and record these efforts of our Sayagyi to develop and improve the engineering education system in Burma.

According to the photo in the 1951-52 academic year RUESU Annual Magazine, there were about 200 students from 1st to 4th year. There were 63, 55, 44 and 34 students in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year respectively. Number of teaching staff including Dean was 11. (Appendix 2 F), with 5 Indian and 6 (including Workshop Superintendent) local staff members. The ratio of student to staff was 18:1 at that time. In 1952-53 academic year, the number of students was 163 and teaching staff was 12. Among the teaching staff, five were local staff. There was a workshop superintendent, four Indian lecturers, and two visiting professors from MIT. The student teacher ratio was 13.6 :1. It can be seen that there were not enough teachers. The ratio of local to foreign teachers was nearly one.

Ko Aung Gyi, a second year student was awarded a scholarship in June 1953, and went to MIT in September 1953 to get graduate as well as post graduate studies in Civil Engineering. Ko Kyit In (later named U Min Wun) was also sent to MIT with Ko Aung Gyi to study Civil Engineering. Ko Maung Maung Than was sent to Lowell University to study Textile Engineering. They were allowed to work one year after graduation so as to have exposure and experience, before coming back and joining the Faculty as Assistant Lecturers. U Freddie Ba Hli, son of Dean U Ba Hli was in MIT for his doctorate in Electrical Engineering when Ko Aung Gyi and other scholars arrived there. Because of his generous help, the newcomers could study at MIT without any inconveniences. Ko Khin Aung Kyi (Chemical), Ko Sein Hlaing (Electrical) were sent to MIT also. The other scholars who studied later at MIT were Ko Percy Lau, Ko Win Htein, Ko Kyaw Min, Ko Kyaw Thein, Ko Aung Kywe and Ko Sein Hla.

U Win Htein, U Kyaw Min both architects were part-time lecturers at Architecture department of RIT. U Kyaw Thein worked as an engineer at Construction Corporation after obtaining the masters degree and later transferred to Civil Engineering department at RIT as a lecturer. U Sein Hla joined CC and later became Registrar of RIT during the time when U Yone Moe was Rector.

Two visiting professors from MIT, Mr. Daniel D.Streeter Jr., S.B., S.M., (MIT) for Mechanical Engineering department and Dr. Murray P. Horwood, Director, MIT Education Project, Professor of Sanitary Engineering, arrived in 1952-53 to help solve the shortage of teachers at the Faculty. Dean U Ba Hli put his utmost efforts to achieve Education Project aids and resulted in the arrival of two visiting professors. More visiting professors and lecturers came in the following years.

At the same time graduates from the Faculty were also recruited as teaching staff. U Sein Hlaing was the first to be appointed. As there were plans to offer more engineering disciplines in the near future, some outstanding students sent to MIT and Lehigh University for further studies. The aim was to appoint these scholars as teaching staff at the Faculty when they come back, thus fulfilling the requirement of local teaching staffs.

Ko Aung Khin a mechanical engineering student was sent to Lehigh in 1951. Ko Aung Gyi and Ko Kyit In both civil engineering students were sent to MIT and Ko Maung Maung Than was sent to Lowell University in 1952.

The standard of engineering education at that time was quite high and was recognized by MIT.

Following is an excerpt from Dr. Aung Gyi’s article

I am describing all these things to point out the fact that the standard of engineering education in Burma at that time was quite good. None of us had to go through the entrance examination to get into MIT. They trusted our grades and our education standard. Maybe the visiting Professor Horwood from MIT was quite impressed with the Faculty of Engineering and put a good word for us to the MIT admission authorities.

Ko Thit, a second year student was also sent to Lehigh University in US to study Metallurgy Engineering. U Tin Swe, assistant lecturer at the Faculty was sent to Michigan University for a masters degree in electrical engineering.

Mining, Chemical, Metallurgy, Textile Engineering and Architecture departments were opened at the Faculty in 1953, 1954 and 1955. The number of engineering students increased substantially during these years. There were more than 400 first year engineering students in 1955-56 academic year. Due to these increase in students, it was inevitable to have more teaching staffs. To solve this, teaching staff from India were hired on contract basis. Visiting professors and lecturers from US and UK were called in to help solve this shortage. Even those who obtained degrees from abroad on their own were also appointed.

According to the photos of the 1956-57 annual magazine, there were 29 teaching staff at the Faculty. Among them 14 were Indian nationals, and 6 locals who obtained their degrees from abroad. They were U Ba Than (Mechanical), U Kyaw Tun (Electrical), U Soon Sein (Mining), U Percy Lau (Civil), and U Ngwe Thein (Geology). U Than Tin (Metallurgy) and U Win Kyaing (Mining) were appointed after 1958.

Visiting lecturers from UK and US at that time were Mr. R.D.Neale (B.E., M.I.e.E. (Men), A.I.E.E., M.N.Z.I.E., Senior lecturer Electrical ), Mr. Redpath ( B.Sc. (Engg) (London). A.M.I.Mech.E. Senior lecturer in Mechanical), Mr. G.H. Calder (B.S. M.B.A. Harvard, D.C.S., D.B.A. India) Visiting professor in Business administration. Mr. Skelton (Mech) and Mr. Johnson (Architect) also joined as visiting lecturers later.

U Aung Khin, U Sein Hlaing and U Tin Swe came back in 1956 and were appointed as assistant lecturers. U Aung Gyi, U Min Wun (U Kyit In), U Khin Aung Kyi, U Maung Maung Than and U Thit came back in 1957 and joined the Faculty as assistant lecturers. All of them except U Thit were promoted to lecturers in 1958.

A considerable number of B.Sc.(Engg.) graduates were appointed as assistant lecturers starting from the end of 1959.. State scholars under Colombo Plan were also sent abroad for further studies up till 1964. U Ba Than (Mech) to UK, U Thit (Met) to Australia, U San Hla Aung (Civil) to MIT, U Tin Hlaing (Mech) to US, U Mung Maung Win (Chem) to US, U Allen Htay (Civil) to US, U Soe Paing (Elec) to US and Daw Julie Han (Tex) to US. U Aung Gyi went to Alberta University, Canada, for his doctorate in Civil Engineering.

When the new Burma Institute of Technology was opened at Gyogone campus in 1961, visiting professors and lecturers from USSR came and helped the teaching at most of the departments lasting about two to three years.

There were a total of 55 teaching staff at the Faculty according to the list published by the Education department in September 1964. (Appendix 2-G)

Editor’s notes:

With the support of Sayagyi U Ba Than and Saya U Thaw Kaung, Chief Librarian of the Rangoon University Central Library, Saya U Soe Paing compiled materials. Most articles and correspondences from the early periods were in English. Based on Saya U Soe Paing’s work, the editorial team headed by Saya U Aung Hla Tun, former Editor-in-chief of RIT Annual Magazines and also a National Literary Award winner, wrote the book in Myanmar/Burmese.
U Ohn Khine and I prepared the companion CD for the book. It included photos (too many to be incorporated into the book), bio of Sayas and sayamas, articles for the SPZPs, and excerpts from my Updates.

by Hla Min

• There are 3000+ articles in my web site hlamin.com
• It is difficult if not impossible to revise all the articles.
  
• Note that the events described here mostly cover my personal journey as a University Student.
• Other events (e.g. from 1946 to 1970s) are covered in other Posts.
• I have honored Outstanding Matriculates (e.g. from 1951 to 1965) in other Posts.

1963

Guinea Pigs

We took the first ever Matriculation Only examination in 1963.

Paulians took 5 places among the Top Five, 7 places among the Top Ten, and 10 places among the Top Twenty.

• Khin Maung U (1st)
• Min Oo (2nd)
• Myo San (3rd, GBNF)
• Nyunt Wai (4th)
• Thein Wai (5th)
• Hla Min (7th)
• Johnny Maung Maung (Aung Kyaw Zaw, 9th)
• Maung Maung Kyi (11th)
• Aung Thu Yein (13th, GBNF)
• Frank Gale (Khin Maung Zaw, 17th)

We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) class at Leik Khone.

Following the “Anniversary of 7th July, 1962” events, the major parts of the Universities (in Rangoon, Mandalay, …) were closed “for an unspecified period”.

Engineering and Medical Classes were spared at that time.

Subsequently, those who were only one year senior to us in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us (the Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems).

RUBC

We joined Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC).

We — the Paulians Crew — were Runners-up for Senior Novices.
Maung Maung Kyi (Bow)
Hla Min (2)
Kyaw Wynn (3)
Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, Stroke, GBNF)
Myint Thein (Cox)

We were awarded Full Green.

40th Anniversary Gathering

• Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon (A60) compiled the Souvenir Magazine for the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC.
• Due to Security Concerns, the 40th Anniversary Annual Regatta was cancelled.
• President Sithu U Tin and the Patrons decided to hold the “40th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC” at a hotel in Kandawgyi.

Burma Institute of Technology

• My elder brother and several of my sayas graduated from the Burma Institute of Technology (BIT) in 1963.
• They were from the second batch of BIT.
• The degree conferred was B.Sc. (Engg).

1964

Education System

• The New Education System was implemented in November, 1964.
• Most Faculties of the University of Rangoon became autonomous Institutes with their own Rectors.
  
• The Youth Affairs Department implemented Luyechun (Outstanding Students) Program in the Summer of 1964.
• Eligible students from 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Standards were chosen to attend the Ngapali Shwe Wah Gyaing Camp in the Summer of 1964.

Rangoon Institute of Technology

In November 1964, three batches of students entered RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology).

• 400+ were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using the controversial ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate)
  Ko Zaw Min was admitted as Roll Number One.
• 300+ who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) examination were chosen by merit to attend the first ever 2nd BE.
  Ko Hla Min was admitted as Roll Number One.
• About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE (formerly 1st year Engineering).

RUBC

• Elected as Honorary Treasurer of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club).
  I had to report to Professor William Paw (President of RUBC).
• Last Executive Committee member to be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
• Served as Vice Captain the following year.
• However, the higher authorities prevented me from becoming RUBC Captain by throwing away the Bye Laws and implementing their ad-hoc rules (e.g. selecting instead of electing Captain)

Matriculation

• Cherry Hlaing (Than Than Tin, St. John’s Convent) stood First in Burma.
  She would be admitted as Roll Number One to IM(1).
  She would be selected Luyechun for the Inlay Camp in the summer of 1965.
• Her grand father U Hoke Sein and her father U Saw Hlaing were also First in Burma.
• Her two children would also be First in Family.
• The record of five family members (spanning four generations) standing First in Burma is an enviable record that will not be broken.
  
• Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS64) had four distinctions and the same “raw” score, but his performance in Burmese caused him a lower ILA than Cherry.
• Aung Win Chiong (SPHS64) has the next best “raw” score.
  He had a perfect ILA score of 50, and was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One.
• Maurice Hla Kyi (Min Lwin, SPHS64) was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two.

1965 – 1969

Matriculation in 1965

• Bernard Khaw (SPHS65) had four distinctions (with 80+ marks in English) and stood First in Burma.
  Due to the revised policy (e.g. 3 NRC requirement), he could not apply for professional courses.
  He moved to USA and/or Canada.
• Aung Myint (SPHS65) had the second best “raw” marks.
  He and his twin brother Maung Aye moved to USA.
• Winston Sein Maung (SPHS65, GBNF) had the third best “raw” marks.
• Cherry Than Tin had the fourth best “raw” marks.
  She was admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (2).
• Yi Thwe (SPHS65) was admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (1).
• Paing Soe (Freddie, SPHS65) had same marks as Yi Thwe.
  He was admitted as Roll No (2) to MC (1).
• Forty four Paulians were admitted to MC in 1965.
  They are from the Last Batch of True Paulians.
• After Nationalization, St. Paul’s High School was renamed as No. (6) Botathaung State High School.

Nationalization

The consequences of the Coup d’etat include

• Disappearance of Democracy
• Nationalization of industry and schools
• Indiscriminate demonetization
• Increased censorship
• With every turmoil (effecting “National Security”), the universities, institutes and schools were suspended.

After the schools were nationalized, St. Paul’s High School became No. (6) Botathaung State High School. Some Brothers left Burma. A few indigenous Brothers remained in Ady Road. Brother Joseph was ordained as Father Joseph.

Luyechun

• The Luyechun Program was extended to include Universitites and Institutes in the Summer of 1965.
• I attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Lu Ye Camp in the summer of 1965 along with U Sein Shwe, Daw Khin Than Myint Tin and U Zaw Min Nawaday.
• MC(1) sent Cherry Hlaing, Khin Maung U, Anita Aye Pe and Kyaw Sein Koe (Victor, GBNF).

RIT

There were eight engineering departments

• Architecture
• Chemical
• Civil
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Metallurgy
• Mining
• Textile

Most departments have associations. The RIT Mechanical Engineering Association was active. U Win Thein (M67, GBNF) was a Prime Mover. He co-founded Set Hmu Thadinzin and Mechanical Magazine. He co-organized activities.

The RIT Sports Council was headed by Saya U Maung Maung Than. U Maung Maung (Burma Selected in soccer) was Sports Officer. The associations for the various sports was headed by a saya.

Several RIT students were Burma Selected. They include Sai Kham Pan (Badminton) and Htay Aung (Swimming and Water Polo).

Saya Mao Toon Siong (former Burma Champion) was National Coach for Table Tennis. He also coached the RIT team which won the Inter-Institute Championship.

Electrical Sayas

• In those days, the Electrical Engineering was headed by Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor and Head).
• The senior sayas included U Kyaw Tun (saya of our sayas), U Tin Swe and U Sein Win.
• There were about 20 sayas. Five (or so) were on deputation for further studies abroad.
• For details, see “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas“

EC and EP

There were two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power). Per advice in the industry, only a quarter of the students were accepted for EC.

• There were 80+ EE students in the beginning.
  Tin Tin (Anne) was the lone female EE student.
• At the end, there were 40+ EE students left.
• The EP students outnumbered the EC students 3 by 1.
• Several bright students played safe by choosing EP (which provided a job guarantee).

• We studied EC (Electrical Communications).
• Eleven of us graduated in 1969.
• Three (Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin) are now GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) at this time.
  
• A few years later, EC became Electronics Engineering.
• A few decades later, Electronics Engineering and Electrical Power became full-fledged departments.

Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :

AFAIK, EC was the hardest and strictest discipline at the RIT in those days as we’ve been told. Some even asked us why we had to go there. Of course, I am not going to mention the easiest discipline there, but we joked like, “they had 109 students and 110 passed the exam”. I do not mean any disrespect to Sayas and friends from other majors!! At times, it made us wonder why were we there for god’s sake. CRAZY TIMES!!! Indeed.

Volunteer

I served as

• Treasurer & Vice Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club)
• Class Representative, Joint Secretary & Secretary of RITEE (Rangoon Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Association)
• Member of Committee for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”
• Editor of the Bulletin published by RIT English Association
• Member of UTC, Rowing, Scrabble, and Chess Assocations /Clubs
• Free lance writer (articles, poems, translations)
  My poem “Men on the Moon” was sent to NASA by USIS, and it was published in the Guardian newspaper in July 1969

400+ students were admitted.

Some did not report for the classes.

Some left RIT before graduation.

120+ are GBNF

The post is based on the Spreadsheet compiled by U Ohn Khine (M70).

Feel free to provide corrections and additional information.

Students

1. Zaw Min (Nawaday, EP70, MS, USA)

RIT Luyechun

Participated in English Debate

Wrote “RIT Days 1964 – 1970”

Worked in Electronics Industry

Retired in Las Vegas, Nevada

2. Tommy Shwe (GBNF)

Played Badminton for RIT

Left before graduation to Taiwan

Passed away in California, USA

3. Cho Aye (M70, GBNF, 2018)

Represented RIT Hiking & Mountaineering in the All Universities & Institutes Expedition to Mount Victoria

Organizer, Combined 1st BE Intake for 1964 and 1965

4. Peter Pe (GBNF, 1969, accident)

Represented RIT in Swimming and Water Polo

Fell from a horse

Brother of Saya Nita Pe

5. Salai Myo Myint (C70)

—-

6. Aung Myint (C70, USA)

7. Myint Myint Sein (Diana, M70, Canada)

Performed dance at SPZP-2000

8. Kyaw Win Maung (ChE70)

RIT Luyechun

9. Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70, USA, GBNF)

Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

CEO, Kay Family Foundation

Donated $200000+ to RIT-related activities

Passed away in California, USA

10. Win Maung (M70)

—-

11. S Joseph Aung (M70)

12. Myo Myint (M70)

13. Maung Maung (M70)

14. ???

15. Tin Maung Win (M70, Singapore)

—-

16. Win Tint (Patrick Hla Pe, EP70)

17. Nay Aung (M70)

18. Thaung Htike (EC70)

19. Ma Kyin Myint (E 70)

20. Maung Aung (C70, USA)

—-

21. Johnnie Bott

22. Htun Kyaw (EC70)

23. Zaw Win (C70, Australia)

24. Sai Aung Min (M70)

25. Than Lwin (EP70)

—-

26. Lin Zaw Min (Walter Tan, M70, USA)

Past BOD, Norcal Ritaa

Participated in English Debate

27. Aung Nyein

28. Kyaw Soe Oo

29. Aung Htoo

30. Tin Aye (M70)

—-

31. Win Aung (M70)

32. Kyaw Win

33. Tin Win

34. Kyaw Tin

35. Albert Trutwein

—-

36. Kyaw Nyunt

37. Sonny Yeo (M70)

38. Ma Hnin Yee (C70)

39. Khin Maung Lay (Mutu, M71)

40. Ma Khin Hme (Margaret, M70)

—-

41. Maung Maung Gyi (Victor Jones, C70)

42. Ma Cho Cho Saw (ChE70)

43. Myo Win Thein (Patrick Fong, C70)

44. Maung Kaung (M71)

45. Nay Win (T70)

—-

46. Kyaw Phone Myint (Victor Kyaw Phyo, M71, GBNF)

47. Myo Nyunt

48. Tin Ohn (M70)

49. Nyunt Shwe

50. Myo Myint

—-

51. Stanley Lim

52. Naw Hta Khaw (EP70)

53. Aung Khin (Lee Wee Kee, C7?)

54. Naing Win (M70, GBNF)

55. Sai Aung Hla (M70)

—-

56. Yee Yee Myint (C70)

57. Thein Win (M/Ag70)

58. Mya Daung (M/Ag71)

59. Win Htut (C70)

60. Lay Myint (C7?)

—-

61. Ma Win Yee (?7?)

62. Than Htwe (Mn70)

63. Ye Chit Pe (M70)

64. ???

65. Khin Maung Kyaw (M/Auto70)

—-

66. Khin Maung Pun (Pet70)

67. Hla Htun (M/Ag70)

68. Myo Thaw (Freddie Thaw)

69. Tin Aung (EP70)

70. Than Htun (M70)

—-

71. Aung Kyan (M/Auto70)

72. Ma Khin Phyu Win (C?)

73. Sai Maung Lin (M/Ag70)

74. Aung Htun (M7?)

75. Thet Win (M70, USA)

—-

76. Ma Thit Thit Aye (EP7?)

77. Maung Maung Lwin (C71)

78. Htun Swe (Terrence Lee, Pet7?)

79. Win Htay (Walter Cheng Lyan, M70, USA)

80. Kyaw Min Aung

—-

81. Myint Aung (M70)

82. Hla Min (Pauk Si, E 70, GBNF)

83. Htay Naing (?)

84. Ye Myint (ChE70)

85. Ba Kyaw (C70)

—-

86. Aung Lwin (M70)

87. Han Tha Myint (EC70)

88. Soe Win (EC70)

89. Madan Chand (C70, USA)

90. Ohn Thaung (C70)

—-

91. Thaung Htun (Robin Chu, M7?)

92. Hla Myint (Met7?)

93. Maung Maung Myint (M7?)

94. Soe Tint (Nevil Kyi Maung, C7?)

95. Maung Maung Thaw (EP70)

—-

96. Aung Thein (M70)

97. Maung Maung Than (M/Ag70)

98. Soe Win (M71)

99. Nyunt Tin (M70)

100. Le Le Win (Lillian, M71)

—-

101. Win Thein (?)

102. Nan Lwin (EP70)

103. Ma Myo Myat Myint (M70)

104. Myat Khine (M7?)

105. Thaung Han (?)

—-

• Received an awesome gift from Bagyee Myat Myo Myint, (Distinguished Artist and Pon Tu Specialist).
  
• He was gracious to spare my Grey Hair and Wrinkles and make me look young and vibrant.
  
• He put his heart into every painting — both inanimate and animate objects — and produce priceless Collectibles.

Comments

• U Moe Aung
  Exquisitely marvelous.
  
• U Zaw Winn
  Awesome
  
• U Aung Myaing
  Both lips and eyes are wearing gracious smile.
  Wonderful !
  My respect to both of you, Ko Hla Min and Ko U Myo Myint.
  
• U Tin Aung Win
  Very impressive!
  
• U Aung Min
  One of the best Pon Tu
  
• U “Daniel” Tint Lwin
  Great portrait of a great man.
  Good
  
• U Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
  You’re amazing.
  Don’t forget it
  
• Ashin Siri
  Beautiful Art ပါ ဒကာကြီး
  
• Than Win
  အမှတ်တရ save ထားလိုက်မယ်သူငယ်ချင်းရေ
  
• Rita Chan
  What a great picture တော်တော်တူတယ်နော်
  
• Aye Khin
  Great picture
  
• U Hla Myint RIT
  V. V. Nice
  Be mindful
  
• Tin May Lwin
  Very nice!!!
  
• U Maung Maung Thant
  Looks really good
  
• Sann Ni
  Very nice Arts, especially the talking eyes
  
• Rosie Mai Khin Nyunt
  Very very nice painting.
  
• Mu Mumyint
  Looks really good sayar.
  Be healthy.
  
• Khin Maw
  Awesome
  
• Tin Aung Win
  Very nice “Pon Tu”.
  Thanks,Bagyee Myat Myo Myint.
  
• San Tint Tint Zaw
  Love it
  
• Kyaw Thura
  ေလးစားလ်က္ပါ ဆရာႀကီး
  
• Hla Lay
  That’s Great
  
• Maung Htay
  Good looking Saya.
  
• Thane Oke Kyaw Myint
  Very good portrait
  
• Thet Hta Su
  Looks great
  
• Myint Myint Than
  Nice shot
  
• Khin Sabai
  Looking good
  
• Nwe Ni Tun
  တူတယ် ဆရာ
  
• Thein Han
  Excellent painting.
  
• Sein Yie
  The best!!!

Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) and team published commemorate issues of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for

• SPZP-2002
• SPZP-2007
• SPZP-2010

†Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002

Sample pages from SPZP-2002 edition are shown.

Editorial

Saya wrote the editorial “Essence of SPZP”.

Publication Team

• Saya U Moe Aung served as the Chief Editor of the Sar Saung.
• U Ohn Khin and U Toe Toe Aung served as Editors for the Burmese section.
• U John Rao and Dr. Soe Thein served as Editors for the English section.
• U Aung Kyaw Thaik and U Nyan Win Aung helped with the Layout and Typesetting.

My Poem

My poem “SAYA PUZAW PWE” (written for SPZP-2000) was reprinted on the back cover of the Sar Saung for SPZP-2002.

• Still So Young (Working People’s Daily)
  Translation of a short story by U Thu Kha
• Men on the Moon (Guardian)
  Poem honoring the Apollo 11 Mission to the Moon in July 1969
• Phaungdaw-u Festival (Working People’s Daily)
  Thadinkyut celebrations at Inlay Lake in Shan State
• The Great Gandhiji (Working People’s Daily)
  Poem honoring the Centennial of the Apostle of Non-violence
• To The Fallen Warrior (Forward Magazine)
  Poem honoring the writers and poets who fought for Independence
• Calendars (BAPS Newsletter)
  Overview of Burmese Calendar and other Calendars
• A Sea Burial for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (BAPS Newsletter)
  Last Journey for the alumnus of RIT and UCC

Still So Young (Working People’s Daily)

• Short Story by U Thu Kha
• Translated by Maung Hlaing Phyo (Hla Min)
• Daw Khin Swe Hla (Editor) wanted a “young” translator (for a change)
• Received fifty kyats for the translation
• Saya U Thu Kha was given “Garawa” money of fifty kyats
  

Men On The Moon (Guardian)

• Poem honoring the Apollo 11 Mission in July 1969
• Historic Landing in Tranquility Bay (Far side of the Moon)
• Mission Commander : Neil Armstrong
• Lunar Module Pilot : Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin
• Command Module Pilot : Michael Collins
• Published in the Guardian Daily newspaper
• Copy sent by Mr. Hall (USIS) to NASA

Phaungdaw-u Festival (Working People’s Daily)

• Annual celebrations at Phaungdaw-u Pagoda in Inle / Inlay (Southern Shan States)
• Published in the Thadinkyut Supplement (WPD)

The Great Gandhiji (Working People’s Daily)

• Commemorate the Centenary of the birth of “The Apostle of Non-violence”
• Mohandas K. Gandhi / Mahatma Gandhi

To The Fallen Warrior (Forward Magazine)

• Honoring the Sarsodaws / Writers who struggled for Burma’s Independence
• Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Kha) was the Chief Editor
• U Sein Hla was the Editor
• Received fifteen kyats for the poem
• Illustrator received fifty kyats

Calendars (BAPS Newsletter)

• Types of Calendars
• Burmese / Myanmar Calendar
• Henry Lim was the Chief Editor
• I was a Contributing Editor

A Sea Burial for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (BAPS Newsletter)

• Last journey of Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74, UCC)
• I had the honor to press the incinerator at the Crematorium
• We accompanied Dr. Swe Aye and Dr. Khin Nyo Thet for scattering the ashes into the waters in Santa Cruz Bay, California
• Published in BAPS Newsletter and RIT Alumni International Newsletter

• She is an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
  She owns “Myit Makha International Trading Co.”
• She donated more than K200 Lakhs to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund).
• She sponsored many activities:
  69er monthly Breakfast gathering,
  Lunch gathering (e.g to welcome Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Germany)),
  Several tables at 69er Annual Dinner and Entertainment

• She donated K150 Lakhs for YTU Library Modernization project.

Feedback

U Ngwe Tun (C69) wrote :

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu. Thank so much Daw Myint Myint. You are the great donor of69ers and also taking pride of you on behalf of69 civil students. May God Bless you always.

Uzin Bobby Myo Tun (A69) wrote :

Daw Myint Myint … your generosity and metta is greatly appreciated by all your fellow RIT69ERs

Dr. Soe Thein (C75) wrote :

Congratulations
For her dedication to the community

by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

SPZP–2000

Formal and Informal Gatherings

• USA hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
• The Celebrations kicked off with an Informal “Welcome” Dinner / Gathering” at a Sea Food Restaurant.
  The Main event was the Reunion and SPZP at Embassy Suites Hotel near San Francisco International Airport.
  The Family event was the “Farewell” Lunch / Gathering at a High School.
  

Donors

• Saya Allen Htay‘s article, “Can you spare US$500 and more?” was a major factor for having Donors — large and small — for SPZP-2000.
• In particular, there were Five Golden Sponsors.
  Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70, Southern California)
  Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70, Northern California)
  Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69, New Jersey)
  David Ko (U Tin Myint, GBNF, M67, Northern California)
  U Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas)
  

SPZP-2000 Organizers

U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76, web master) copied the names/tags from the very first posting from his album.

Sitting L-R: Saya U Mya Htoo (Civil 68), U Benny Tan (Yu Beng, Mech 70), Saya KC Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, Chem 63), U Hla Min (EC 69) Editor Extraordinaire, Saya U Allen Htay (GBNF, Civil 58), Saya U Nyo Win (Dr. K H Chen, Mech 65), Saya U Tin Htut (Mech 60), Saya U Maung Maung (George, Chem 66), Daw San San Nyunt (Sandra, Mrs. Thein Aung, Mech 76)

Standing L-R: U Soe Aung (Mech 75), U Gordan Kaung (Kaung Kaung Oo, Mech 83), U Myint Swe (EP 74), U Anthony Ng (Aye Tun, Mech 76), U Mya Thwin (Phillip, EP 75), U Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, Mech 75), U Thura Thant Zin (Mech 76), Sayalay U Thein Aung (James, Met 72), U Myint Lwin (Henry Chee, GBNF, Civil 63), U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76), Daw Yi Yi Khaing (Audrey Wong, Civil 84), Daw San San Swe (Mrs Myint Swe, EC74)

All of them, except KMZ, live in various cities across Northern and Southern California. KMZ lives in a city near Seattle, Washington State.

Publications

• The Commemorative Issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” was published for SPZP-2000.
  I served as Chief Editor.
  Henry Lim (U Aung Myint, BAPS) and U Thein Aung (Met72) volunteered as Associate Editors.
  Maurice Chee (M75) served as Publisher (in addition to being Co-Chair, Working Committee; Financial Controller; Logistics Head)
• It featured articles by Sayas and Alumni.
  
• My poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” was published in the Newsletter as well as in the ex-RIT website (designed and implemented by U Khin Maung Zaw). Several sayas and alumni contributed to the two series :
  64 “Countdown to the Reunion” articles
  and
  36 “Post-Reunion” articles
  

SAYA PUZAW PWE
Poem by Hla Min

S eems like it was only yesterday
A t our alma mater in a land far away
Y ou taught us to work, play, laugh, even cry
A nd coaxed us, forced us to aim for the sky

P roblems in real life, lab, computation, survey
U nderstand concepts, design, display, …
Z eal, zest, ardor, grit, passion to make it “our day”
A rchitects, engineers, we’ve come here to say
W e honor your metta, your cetana — we fully can’t repay

P resently we meet, alum from five decades we greet
W ith memories true, fond, sweet
E cstatic yet sad that the GBNF could not join this memorable fete

Notes

• The term “SAYA GADAW PWE” has religious connotations.
• Since the SPZP-2000 organizers and attendees profess different religions, the term SAYA PUZAW PWE (meaning honoring the mentors and paying respect to them for their metta and cetana) was chosen.
  
• GBNF means “Gone But Not Forgotten“.
• As of November 1, 2021, the GBNF list for the Class of 69 is 115 (about a third).
• Of the 20 (or so) EE sayas of our RIT days, almost half are GBNF.

Singapore SPZPs

• Singapore hosted SPZPs in December 2002, April 2007 and December 2010.
• Saya U Moe Aung was Chair of SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010.
• U Nyan Win Shwe (William, M72) chaired SPZP-2007.
  
• Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” was published for each SPZP.
  Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as Chief Editor.
• My poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” was reprinted on the Back Cover of SPZP-2002 Sar Saung.
• My poem “SWE DAW YEIK” was printed in SPZP-2007 Sar Saung.
  In my later writings, I use SWEL DAW (following Saya’s usage) instead of SWE DAW.
• My article “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” was published in SPZP-2010 Sar Saung”.

Yangon SPZPs

• Yangon hosted SPZPs in December 2004, December 2012 and December 2016.
• There was a slight earthquake on the day of SPZP-2004.
• A follow-up SPZP was scheduled for Yangon in December 2006, but changes in Political Climate dictated the SPZP to be rescheduled for Singapore in April 2007 (around Thingyan).
  
• SPZP-2012 was the first to be held at the Gyogone Campus.
• Thanks to H.E. U Aye Myint (EP72) for his initiative to bring back glory to our beloved alma mater, and to the sayas, sayamas, and alumni who made the “Home Coming Reunion” possible.
• There were tears of joys.
• On a sad note, the higher authorities transferred U Aye Myint to another Ministry before he could help the alma mater to the fullest extent.
• SPZP-2012 led to the founding of Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF), the Shwe YaDu Celebrations (with the planting of 50 Swel Daw Bins), and the RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association (ARITA) — to name a few.