The First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was hosted by RIT Alumni International in October 2000. It was a formal two day event. On October 29, the Reunion Dinner and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held at Embassy Suites Hotel. On October 30, a lunch gathering was held for the sayas, alumni, volunteers and family members.
Archives
Set of DVDs Converted from the VHS Tape (recorded at SPZP-2000)
Commemorative Issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” Chief Editor : U Hla Min Associate Editors : U Thein Aung and Henry Lim
RIT website : Special web pages for SPZP-2000 Webmaster : U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) Content Provider and Editor : U Hla Min
Countdown to the Reunion 64 posts by U Hla Min
Post-Reunion 36 posts by U Hla Min
Photos by official photographers and volunteer alumni
Organizers
RIT Alumni International President : Saya Allen Htay
Working Committee Co-chairs : Benny Tan and Maurice Chee
It was founded by San Francisco Bay Area Alumni led by Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) and several interested alumni (notably U Khin Maung Zaw, EC76, webmaster based in Seattle Washington).
The founding members include Saya K C Chiu (ChE63), Saya U Nyo Win (M65), Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66), U Hla Min (EC69), Benny Tan (M70), Saya U Thein Aung (Met72), Maurice Chee (M75), U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) and Gordon Kaung (M83).
The primary objective was to host the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP).
In the early days, we had volunteers to collect data and activities for selected Classes and Areas. The Class representatives include Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) and U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69). The Area representatives include U Thet Tun (Henry, M75) for Australia, and Dr. Myo Khin (C70) for Japan.
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) worked four-hour days, spent weekends and nights on the RIT website project. It was a reason for the success of SPZP-2000. KMZ moved to Microsoft and later founded a loving family. Version 2.0 of the promised web remained a vaporware.
Some of the costs for the web site were donated by the founding members of RIT Alumni International, U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69) from New Jersey, U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) and Saya U Aung Myint (M69) from Singapore
Organizers for SPZP-2000
The founding members of RIT Alumni International were the core organizers. Benny Tan and Maurice Chee were co-chairs of the Working Committee. Saya Allen Htay and Saya U Nyo Win headed the Steering Committee. Selected sayas and alumni from NorCal and SoCal served as members of the committees.
Saya U Nyo Win (M65) proposed a law saying that the core organizers would pitch in as much as $500 if there were insufficient attendees for SPZP-2000. Thanks to Saya Allen Htay’s classic article, “Brother, can you spare US $500?”, U Nyo Win’s Law was not enacted.
Five Golden Sponsors for SPZP-2000 showed up. The first was U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70, SoCal) f, who donated $3000. The next were Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70, NorCal), U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67, NorCal, GBNF) and U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69, New Jersey), who each donated $1000. Last but not the least was U Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas), who donated a round-trip ticket to sponsor a saya to attend SPZP-2000.
Three Groups sponsored Sayagyi U Ba Toke (Maths, saya of our sayas), Saya U Khin Aung Kyi (ChE, former Rector) and Saya Dr. San Tint (EE) to attend SPZP-2000. Sad to note that all three sayas are GBNF.
Sayagyi Dr. Ba Hli, Saya Allen Htay (C58), Saya U San Tun (M59), Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67), Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67) and several other sayas and alumni contributed photos to the Photo Gallery.
Sharing memories were enable in the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and ex-rit.org web pages. The features include: Letters to the Editor; Looking for; GBNF for Sayas and Sayamas; GBNF for Alumni; GBNF for Spouses
Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli, Sayagyi U Aung Khin, Sayagyi U Min Wun, Saya Allen Htay, Saya Dr. San Hla Aung, Saya U Soe Paing, Dr. Myint Thein (M73) and several other sayas and alumni wrote articles for the Newsletter and web site.
I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post-Reunion”. I incorporated the emails and correspondences from sayas and alumni.
Benny Tan designed mementos (mugs, tee-shirts, calculator/clocks, …) for SPZP-2000. He ordered them with special discount from his suppliers (of his Gift Shop at the SFO International Airport). Some were given to eligible attendees (per request of Steeve Kay, who provided the seed money for the project). Others were put on sale for fund raising.
There was a Commemorative Issue of the RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000. Hla Min served as Chief Editor. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) and Henry Lim volunteered as Associate Editors. U Thein Aung compiled the biographies of sayagyis.
SPZP-2000 would not have been possible with the support of spouses, family members and well-wishers. Several provided the Culinary expertise for pre-SPZP and post-SPZP activities
Saya U Aung Khin is Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department.
Saya U Win Kyaing and Saya U Tin Hlaing (M59) are GBNF.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun headed the HMEE-2012 project and is continuing with the HMEE-2018 project.
Saya U Phone Myint (Workshop Superintendent) is enjoying post-retiring by visiting his children overseas.
Saya U Tin Htut (M60, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) taught Industrial Management. The subject was earlier taught by Visiting Lecturers from the Institute of Economics. He moved to the USA where he worked most of the time except for a stint with the UN project overseas. He co-founded BASES with U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David, who studied in the USA as a Burmese States Scholar). During his visits to Myanmar, Saya donated K100 Lakhs for the YTU Modernization Project, K10 Lakhs for Swel Daw Yeik Foundation and to the All-Mechanical Gathering.
U Cho Aye (M70, GBNF) finished First in every year in Mechanical Engineering. He and U Win Lwin took part in climbing Mount Victoria.
Benny Tan (Tan Eu Beng, M70) is a successful entrepreneur in the USA. He is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for the SPZPs. He is a major donor for the Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
U Ohn Khine (M70) is a volunteer for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016, SDYF events, and HMEE-2012 and HMEE-2018 Projects. He is the moderator for the Google Group of the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65. He translated Section One of the HMEE-2012 book and summarized Section Two of the book. During my visits to Yangon, he gave me rides to attend the meetings for SPZP and HMEE.
Ko Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, Ko Maurice Chee in August 2016.
He prepared electronic and hard copy of the birthday wishes.
Another set was for attendees, who had not sent wishes by e-mail.
Thanks to the sayas, colleagues and friends for a memorable gathering.
Appreciation from Sayas and Alumni in US and Canada
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend the soonkyway, but he requested Ko Maurice Chee to donate a food dish for him and his family. Sayagyi’s message was read by Ko Maurice.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the appreciation award at Half Moon Bay soonkwyay and gathering (August 2016).
From NorCal RITAA Dinner in December 2016
Alumni Appreciation Award from NorCalRITAA
The award was signed by
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair, BOD)
U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon Kaung, M83, President)
U Thaung Nyunt (M87, Secretary)
Saya U Myat Htoo presented the award to me at the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner, 2016.
From SPHS in 1963
Collegiate Scholarship winners from SPHS in 1963
There were seven Paulians in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
Dr. Khin Maung U (Retired from FDA, USA) – 1st
Dr. Min Oo (Retired Maths Professor in Canada) – 2nd
Dr. Myo San (Freddie, Surgeon, GBNF) – 3rd
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, Professor in IM and Malaysia) – 4th
Dr. Thein Wai (Migrated to USA after graduation) – 5th
U Hla Min (Retired Software Engineer) – 7th
Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Cardiologist) – 9th
U Maung Maung Kyi (Dip Ing, Retiree in Wales, GBNF) – 11th
U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69, GBNF) – 13th
Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Retired Doctor in UK) – 17th
From Toastmasters International
Awards
CC (Competent Communicator)
ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze)
ACS (Advanced Communicator Silver)
ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold)
CL (Competent Leader)
ALB (Advanced Leader Bronze)
ALS (Advanced Leader Silver)
DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)
I served as
Club Officer
Area Governor
Club Coach
Contest Chair
Ambassador
Guest Speaker
Test Speaker
Team Builder (for Excellent Leadership)
From my Life Savers
Coffee mug with photos
My beloved grandchildren gave me a present for Grand Father’s Day.
Drawings
On several occasions
Books
For writing, translating, editing or proof-reading
I edited or proof-read some books written by
Sayadaws (U Silananda, U Jota)
Sayas (Saya Des Rodgers) and
Friends (Saya U Aung Zaw).
They provided me copies of their books.
Book Presents
I also received copies from others. They include
“Myanmar in my life-time” Book by BBS U Khin Zaw air mailed from Australia by U Wint Khin Zaw
Book honoring Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint air mailed from Australia by Dr. TOKM
Centennial for U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit Two books given by Junior Win, twin sister of Maung Yit
Books by U Ye Sint (former Editor of Dhammanda Newsletter) His works Pathan Dethana (Dhamma Dana by his siblings)
U Kesala (Chief Resident monk, Alodaw Pyie Monastery in Arizona) Dhamma Q&A Several other books
“Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho” Book by Shwe Ky May Hnin Given to me at the San Francisco Bay Area Talk
Books by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) Collection of Poems Collection of Articles
Book by Saya U Nyunt Htay Collection of Swel Daw Poems
Books by Nyan Oo Maung Currently known as “Mudita Shwe Kyaung Sayadaw U Nyanika
Books by various sayadaws in the Bay Area and beyond U Dhammapiya U Gosita Dhamma Bheri Sayadaw Aung San Tat Oo Sayadaw Thamanay Kyaw
Books by Dr. San Oo, Daw Than Yi and family
“Yahandar and Poke Ko Htoo Myar” Book by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing (in the 80’s for translating several of his “Dhamma Duta” articles)
Books by Sayawun (Dr.) Tin Shwe Given by his daughter Tyn Tyn Aye during her UCC studies
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar. U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin Collection Bagan poems (by Zawgyi, translated by Ah May Thar).
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt believes in a “revolving library”. Gave me several books that he enjoyed reading.
8-8-88 Book by Dat Pone Htein Win Given at 5th ILF in Mandalay
Books by Members of Professional Spakers Association (PSA) Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing Kaythri Kyaw …
Magazines
Editor for “90th Anniversary Issue of the Founding of RUBC” (2013)
Wrote poems and articles for
RIT Alumni International Newsletter (for SPZP-2000)
“Swel Daw Yeik Sarsaung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010
“Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu”
U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for HMEE-2012.
CDs
Received “raw” and formal CDs and DVDs for the various RIT Gatherings.
Many years ago, I asked a journalist how he could write a weekly column. He replied, “As long as one have friends and there are things to see, it’s not difficult to write even daily.”
I started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in 1989. I asked at least three times if someone wanted to take over as the volunteer messenger, writer and editor. Even my fiercest critics would not step up.
I have completed 22 years of my service to my alma mater, mentors and colleagues. The smiles on the faces of my former teachers, and occasional pat on the back by my colleagues give me “second wind” and the energy to “go the extra mile.”
During a visit to Yangon, I spent three days writing “Memories of UCC.” My former student called, “You should take time off and enjoy your stay in Burma. You can continue writing when you get back to the USA. I suggest that you should spend two nights and three days in Bagan. She pledged air ticket and hotel stay as Garawa.” It was my second trip to the ancient city. Things have changed a lot since my quick trip to Bagan and Nyaung Oo many years ago.
Upon my return to the USA, I started writing Trivia posts based on what I learned from my Thin Saya, Myin Saya and Kyar Saya.
I was happy when I hit the 100 mark, then 500, 1000 and 1500.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (SPHS60, Sixth in Burma) added memories of his father, uncles and aunts. I learned more about the seven siblings : U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Myint, U Myint Thein, Dr Htin Aung, Daw Khin Mya Mu, Daw Khin Saw Mu and Daw Tin Saw Mu. I also learned about Dr. TOKM’s former students who are Professors and talented writers.
Dr. Nyunt Wai (SPHS63, Fourth in Burma) added many entries to the “Names” series. He added the names of medical professionals, artists, writers, and statesmen.
Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63, First in Burma) shared his writings on Dhamma teachings and Medical Research.
Dr. Richard Yu Khin (MEHS61, SEAP Gold Medalist) wrote about swimmers and the Japanese coach. He also shared photos : MEHS 61, University Athletes who represented Burma in 2nd SEAP Games RU Pagan Road Residents. He has two FB pages. One is about Sailing. He won Gold for Yachting. Another is about his former classmates, neighbors, Economics, …
I paraphrased several posts from RITAA, NorCal RITAA, SDYF.
The GBNF posts — old and new — have the most hits.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote : Please keep on writing
Thein Swe (GBNF, RIT 3rd BE Luyechun) wrote : I appreciate your writing and thanks a lot for it.
by Ko Zaw Min and Ko Ohn Khine Edited by Ko Hla Min
Ko Zaw Min (EP70) matriculated from St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo in 1964.
Had a very high ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) and was 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 EP (Electrical Power) in 1970.
After working in the industry, he moved to the USA.
Studied Electronics in the USA
Added “Nawaday” to his name.
Several years ago, he shared his memories of RIT to the Google group of “the Combined Intake of 1st BE for 1964 and 1965”.
Ko Ohn Khine (M70) matriculated from St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay in 1964.
Took a combination of Science and Arts subjects and had good ILA score to be admitted to RIT.
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1970
Worked for HI (Heavy Industries).
Created and maintained the the Google group of “the Combined Intake of 1st BE for 1964 and 1965”.
Volunteered for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016, HMEE-2012 and HMEE-2018, Swel Daw Yeik Foundation and several RIT-related activities.
Gave me rides during my visits to Yangon.
Filled the “missing pieces” in Ko Zaw Min’s accounts.
Ko Hla Min matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1963.
Received Collegiate Scholarship for standing 7th in the whole of Burma.
Finished 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 21 years.
Administrator or Moderator of selected Facebook pages.
Maintain two web sites hlamin.com and lifelonglearning140.wordpress.com
Had the honor to edit the draft versions “Memories by Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) and Ko Ohn Khine (M70)”, 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”.
Three 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 first ever 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes. They are also known as
the Class of ’70 (1st BE Intake in 1964) Matriculates were admitted using the ILA
the Class of ’69 (2nd BE Intake in 1964) Those who had passed I.Sc.(A) with Science Option were admitted in order of merit
the Class of ’68 (rd 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
The Class of ‘70 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 61 at the end of 2011. The number is growing towards 100.
The matriculates entered the first ever 1st BE classes. The controversial 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, the 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 Mathematics, 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 Matriculation exam. As such, many students who passed Matriculation 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 Matriculation examination with an odd combination of Mathematics, Chemistry and Geography.
He is an RIT Associate. He left before graduation to the US. After volunteering as BAPS Newsletter Editor for several years, he founded and published “Shwe Padauk” magazine in Northern California. He later published “Dawinthee (Durian)” magazine. His doctors advised him to rest. Luckily, he had a transplant donor and is now in good health. The two publications are just memories for him.
Dr. Maung Maung Kyi
He is a classmate of my cousin sister at IM(1).
He has undergone three phases
Swimmer
Doctor
Journalist
He founded Mandalay Gazette in Southern California. A column in that publication is an interview with a well-known or distinguished Myanmar.
For ease of readability, the three columns of two half-pages are posted as six segments.
U Khin Maung Myint (ChE71) and Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie Gyi, ChE71) were among the students admitted to 1st BE class at the Rangoon Institute of Technology.
They have shared the list published in the Guardian Newspaper.
The list showed admission to Architecture Chemical Civil Electrical Mechanical Metallurgy Mining Textile
U Wunna Sithu (EC71) represented RIT in Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo. He was admitted as Roll No. (1) for 1st BE (Electrical). He started rowing at Marine Youth and then joined RUBC. He is an RUBC Gold. He worked for DCA. After retirement, he moved to the USA.
U Myint Thin (M71) represented RIT in Rowing. He was admitted as Roll No. (1) for 1st BE (Mechanical). He was selected Luyechun. He worked in Singapore and Malaysia.
HlaMin 