B.S., Mining Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, U.S.A. 1950
Honors: Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society.
M.S., Mining Engineering, Missouri School of Mines, University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri 1952.
Experience
1953 – 1964 Service with the Ministry of Mines, Govt of Burma. Entry as Asst. Inspector of Mines, then promoted to Inspector, Chief Inspector, Director of Mines, and Deputy Dir. General PMDC
1954 – 1955 As Visiting Lecturer taught Mining Courses at the BOC Engineering College, Rangoon University
1971 – 1984 Service with United Nations ESCAP in Bangkok as Economic Affairs Officer (P-4) and rising to Chief of Mineral Resources Section (p-5).
Notes
In 1954, BOC Engineering College campus was located south of the Rangoon University estate between Prome Hall and the Teachers Training College on Prome Road. It consisted of modest single storied buildings. In addition to degree courses in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical engineering, Mining courses were offered for the first time during that year.
At Dean Sayagyi Tan Ba Hli’s request, Ministry of Mines assigned U Soe Khaw as part time Lecturer to teach Mining Engineering courses.
U Soon Sein was later transferred from the Mines Department to the University and taught Mining courses full time.
I am following the noble tradition of honoring pioneers and outstanding people. I am trying my best to present their achievements and contributions. I an privileged to have known many seniors, contemporaries and juniors.
Who’s Who, Twentieth Century Impressions of Burma, Five Minute Biographies တွေ ကို နည်းယူပြီး ကျွန်တော် က Old Burma တုန်းက ထူးချွန်သူ တွေ ကို မှတ်တမ်းတင် ဂုဏ်ပြု နေတဲ့ ရှေ့မှီ နောက်မှီ (ဘေးမှီ) သူတယောက်ပါ။
I volunteered as a Docent at the Computer History Museum (CHM) for two years. CHM’s programs include Hardware & Software Artifacts, Exhibits, Oral History, Lectures, Panels and Award Ceremonies.
The Old Burma Group has posts about History, Notable (Famous as well as Notorious) people. I appreciate the invaluable posts as a reader and contributor.
Old Burma Group ဟာလည်း သမိုင်း နဲ့ ထူးချွန် / ဆိုးသွမ်း (Famous as well as Notorious) ကို မှတ်တမ်း တင် နေ တဲ့ အဖွဲ့ မို့ Contributor တယောက် အနေ နဲ့ ဝမ်းသာ ကြည်နူး မိပါတယ်။
I request the Group Administrator and Moderators to approve my posts.
ကျွန်တော် ရဲ့ posts တွေကို တင်ပြခွင့်ပြုပါ Admin နဲ့ Moderator များ ခင်ဗျာ။
ကျွန်တော် က I am
Founder & Chief Editor of RIT Alumni Newsletter
Owner & Admin of RIT Updates FB Group
Member of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) : အဖွဲ့ဝင်၊
ကံ့ကော်မြေ (တက္ကသိုလ်ရာပြည့်) Former Moderator of RU Centennial Group : Moderator ငြိမ်း၊
U Myo Myint (Retired Deputy General Manager of Burma Railways) is an accomplished Painter, Cover Designer and Cartoonist. He drew Pon Tu’s of selected RIT Sayas, Sayamas, and colleagues. I am honored to receive his present.
ပန်းချီ မြတ်မျိုးမြင့် ရဲ့ လက်ဆောင် မွန် Pon Tu gift from Bagyee Myat Myo Myint / U Myo Myint (M)
Pon Tu
1964 – 65 Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT)
I was admitted to 2nd BE (Bachelor of Engineering) in November 1964.
The photo was taken at the Gyogone campus.
2nd BE student
1964 – 65 ရန်ကုန်စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ် ဒုတိယနှစ် သင်တန်းသား 2nd BE Student at Rangoon Institute of Technology
1965 Summer Inlay Luyechun Camp
I was selected as Luyechun (Outstanding Student).
The photo was taken at the Welcome Ceremony by the Head of Shan States.
LYC
1965 နွေရာသီ အင်းလေး ခေါင်တိုင် လူရည်ချွန် စခန်း တက္ကသိုလ် နဲ့ အထက်တန်း လူရည်ချွန်များ Inlay Khaung Daing Luyechun Camp in the Summer of 1965
1969 December Poem for 5th SEAP Games
Burma hosted the 2nd SEAP Games in 1961, and the 5th SEAP Games in 1969.
The photo shows a page from the Forward Magazine. Maung Thaw Ka (Bohmu Ba Thaw, GBNF) was Chief Editor of the magazine.
Forward
Forward မဂ္ဂဇင်း — ဒီဇင်ဘာ 1969 ပဥ္စမ အကြိမ် အရှေ့တောင်အာရှ ကျွန်းဆွယ်ပွဲ အတွက် ကဗျာ စပ်ဆို ခဲ့ Poem about the 5th SEAP Games
Mid 1970s Universities’ Computer Center (UCC), Rangoon
The photo was taken with the Teachers and Students of CPC (Computer Programming Course).
Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) succeeded Dr. Chit Swe (UCC Founder, GBNF) as Director of UCC.
UCC
တက္ကသိုလ်များ ကွန်ပျူတာ ဌာန က ပို့ချတဲ့ သင်တန်း တခု Computer Course at Universities’ Computer Center (UCC), Thamaing College Campus
1999 Aprilto 2025 Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
2005++ Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa
U Silananda
ဆရာတော် ဦးသီလာနန္ဒာဘိဝံသ (ပါချုပ်ဆရာတော်) အထိမ်းအမှတ် မော်ကွန်းစာစောင်အတွက် အဖွဲ့ဝင် & စာတည်း Contributing Editor for the Book published in memory of Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa
2010 December Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in Singapore
SDY Sar Saung
2010 စင်ကာပူ မှာ ကျင်းပတဲ့ စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ် ဆရာပူဇော်ပွဲ အထိမ်း အမှတ် စွယ်တော်ရိပ်စာစောင် Wrote an article “A Sad and Short Clip: EE Sayas” for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010 in Singapore
HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Project) HMEE Book published in 2012
HMEE
မြန်မာနိုင်ငံ အင်ဂျင်နီယာ ပညာရေး သမိုင်း ပြုစု တဲ့ အဖွဲ့ Member of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE Book published in 2012 Copies of the Book were donated to Libraries
CD
2012 နှစ် မှာ ထုတ်ဝေခဲ့တဲ့ မြန်မာနိုင်ငံ အင်ဂျင်နီယာပညာရေး သမိုင်း စာအုပ် ရဲ့ နောက်ဆက်တွဲ စီဒီ CD Supplement for the HMEE Book Photos and articles (in English) to supplement the articles (in Burmese) in the HMEE Book
ရန်ကုန်စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ် ရွှေရတု အထိမ်းအမှတ်စွယ်တော်ရိပ် မဂ္ဂဇင်း (2014) Wrote an article “Memories of a 69er” for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu 2014
2016 September Alumni Appreciation Award
Award
2019 December RUBC 96th Anniversary Regatta
Regatta
RUBC 96th Anniversary & Regatta (2019) U Tin Myint (GBNF), U Sein Htoon, U Khin Maung Latt, U Hla Min
2019 December Golden Jubilee of Graduation of RIT 69ers
GJ
2019 — 1969 နှစ် ဘွဲ့ရ အင်ဂျင်နီယာများ ရဲ့ ရွှေရတု မနက်ပိုင်း — ကြို့ကုန်း မှာ ဆရာပူဇော်ပွဲ 2019 — Golden Jubilee of Graduation for RIT 69ers Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe at Gyogone Campus
SPHS
Std VI (D)
Saya U Pe Tin’s Class
Saya U Pe Tin was a Subject Teacher in Std. V(D) and our Class Teacher in Std. VI(D). He gave out three awards (a) for highest marks (b) for best handwriting (c) for စာရိတ္တ
Ms. Amelia Kyi / Miss Hong Kong taught us English in Std. VI(D) and Std. VII(D). She would fine 50 pyas for failing in her tests and exams. My daily allowance was 25 pyas. She would often reward 50 pyas to those who scored well in her tests.
Sayagyi hosted us for two days during our trip to Canada in July 2015.
He enjoys talking about the RIT days. His account “Coconut Episode” was published in the Swel Daw Yeik Sar saung for SPZP-2002.
Due to schedule conflicts, he could not make it to the soon kyway on August 20, 2016, but he asked Maurice to order Tohu Thoke. He sent a message to Maurice to be read at the gathering.
Ko Hla Min & family, & Friends,
First of all I would like to mention that I am sorry I was not able to be there for Happy Birthday celebration for Ko Hla Min with all of you. I miss the opportunity of sharing the good time, laughter and the good food with my friends. Although I am not there in person for this joyful occasion, I want you to know that my heart and thoughts are with all of you.
Having said all of the above, I would like to express my deep appreciation and thanks to Ko Hla Min for his years of dedicated and selfless service to keep us informed and connected; and at the same time for keeping the “RIT SPIRIT” alive. I am quite sure all of the RIT Alumni also appreciate and are grateful for this excellent service like me. In recognition of this outstanding community service, I understand that Northern California RIT Alumni is giving Ko Hla Min some kind of an award for which he deserves. I hope that Ko Hla Min will be able to continue this service for years to come, as I feel that no other person may be able to carry out this task better than he does.
I really do not know how old Ko Hla Min is now. The number is irrelevant; what’s important is that he is still healthy and active and he still looks young. With this happy thought my wife and I wish Ko Hla Min “Happy Birthday”.
May you all be happy, healthy, prosperous and free from all harm. Please enjoy your joyful get-together.
With abundant Metta Aung Gyi
From Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Here’s wishing you all the happiness and the best of everything on your Birthday and praying for many many more returns of the Day.
Thanks also for your tireless effort and devotion towards keeping the website alive and flourishing, and letting all of us alumni stay connected. Kudos for a great job so well done!
With boundless metta, San Hla Aung
From Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59)
Dear U Hla Min,
We regret that we will not be able to join the celebration of your birthday at the Theravada Buddhist Society of America on August 20, 2016.
There is no doubt that the attendance will be large and all the Burmese foods will be mouth-watering and delicious. We are sure all the attendees will have a good time and leave the celebration venue with a fond memory.
We admire you for all the good deeds and sacrifices you have been doing over the past decade for the benefits to oversea Burmese immigrants not only in the bay area, Southern California, the United States and over various parts of the world. Keep up the good work!
We expect to meet you at the annual Nor Cal RITAA dinner on September 17,2016. We wish you a happy birthday and our best regards to your beloved Daw Sein Yee.
Sain Fone & Sylvia
From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L Tin Htun, EE59)
Dear Ko Hla Min:
From reading the recent emails in your “Update”, tomorrow will be a great “Happy Birthday Bonanza Party” for you. It will surely be a fun, exciting and memorable event for all attendees.
We wish you a wonderful Happy Birthday and many many more returns.
Best regards, Chris and Pam Lee
From Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
Founder & Past President of BASES
Organizer for SPZP-2000
Saya will attend the soon kyway on August 20, 2016 and the Annual Dinner of Northern California RIT Alumni Association on September 17, 2016. Thanks.
Yes, I will be glad to join you all in the celebration. Tin Htut
From Saya U Soe Paing (my mentor at RIT and UCC)
Happy 70th Birthday and best wishes for many more birthdays to come.
SP
From Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) and Daw Lily Win (T72)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
We wish you a very happy Birthday and many more years with good health, prosperity and contentment.
Best regards, Tin Win and Lily
From Saya KC Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63)
Ko Hla Min,
Happy birthday to you. Your voluntary service in keeping RIT alumni connected is unprecedented and commendable. You deserve the honorable commendation party to be held on 8/20/2016 at Half Moon Bay. If I didn’t move to Southern California last year, I would not miss it for the world. Happy birthday again and many more to come.
Regards, KC Chiu
From Saya Dr. Nyo Win (M65)
Past President of BAPS
Founding member of RIT Alumni International
Founding member & BOD for NorCal RIT AA
Saya Allen Htay’s article, “Brother, can you afford US $500?” refers to “U Nyo Win Act” for SPZP-2000. The Act did not need to be implemented thanks to the Golden Sponsors : U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70), U Yu Beng (Benny Tan, M70), U Khin Maung oo (Ivan Lee, M69), U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67) and U Maung Maung Than (M79) and the numerous sponsors.
Hello Ko Hla Min,
We all are expecting and waiting for the up coming celebration of your birthday at Half Moon Bay Monastery this Saturday [August 20, 2016]. It’s going to be one of its kind in our RIT alumni community, and surely on the day of the celebration you will be overwhelmed by all the alums, sayas, sayamas, friends and well wishers. I’d like to wish you beforehand a very happy birthday and looking forward to seeing you at the celebration party.
Warmest regards, [Saya Dr.] Nyo Win (ME 65)
From Saya Dr. Kyaw Sein (M65)
Dear U Hla Min,
Best wishes for your Birthday and many happy returns of the day from this day onwards and far beyond.May good health, happiness, prosperity and success be always with your whole family.
With warm and sincere regards Kyaw Sein. Prof. Dr. University of Malaysia Mechatronics
From Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) & spouse
Dear Ko Hla Min,
See you at the Half Moon Bay Monastery this Saturday.
Thanks for your dedication and untiring effort in keeping us all in touch with alumni all around the world.
Also wishing you the very best on your Birthday and many more to come.
Best regards. George & Eng Eng Chan
From King Wong (Victor, C66)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
All good and kind words are spoken by others.
My tongue is tied and twisted. All I can say ” Happy Birthday to You “
BTW, also Happy Birthday to adorable Grace.
Best Regards King Wong (Victor)
From Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A67)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Thank you so much for keeping RIT spirit well and healthy all the time.
Appreciate all your hard work and time well spent. I regret that I can’t come to your BD celebration since I will be out of town that day.
Wishing you many many more returns. Enjoy yourself and be healthy every day.
Best regards Ann K K Kyu
Editor’s Note: Daw KKK sent a birthday gift with Maurice.
From U Saim Mayet (M67)
Dear U Hla Min,
Wish you a very happy birthday. I admire you for all the hard work you have been doing for more than a decade to keep us informed about RIT sayagyis, sayamas and other members. Thank you.
Salim Mayet (M 67)
From Saya U Myat Htoo (C 68)
Dear U Hla Min,
I would like to thank you for your dedication towards our alma mater by sacrificing your precious time and your tireless work over a decade and a half to connect all alumni around the world. Your work is unbelievably amazing and you are the inspiration for all of us.
I am very happy that I will be joining you to celebrate your birthday at Half Moon Bay Monastery where you and I among other Board of Directors helped Sayadaw U Silananda successfully develop TBSA Meditation Center to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the western world and beyond.
With ananda metta, [Saya U] Myat Htoo
Editor’s notes: Saya served for a decade or so as President of TBSA. He supervised the Last Journey for Sayadaw U Silananda. He scattered Sayadaw’s ashes into the San Francisco Bay near the Golden Gate Bridge. He plays the ukelele well. He enjoys golf & tennis. He is a Past President of BADA.
Sayadaw U Okkantha (C69)
Happy happy birthday.
Ashin Oakkantha (Victor Aung Chaw).
Editor’s notes: Sayadaw was my classmate at SPHS and RIT.
From Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70) and Angelina
Dear Ko Hla Min,
You’ve spent years sharing your amazing memories and wonderful writing ability with all of us from RIT, YIT, etc.
I like to thank you for sharing your wonderful RIT spirit and making a positive difference for so many people. Time is the most precious thing and you have generously shared your time and talents with all of us year after amazing year.
Congratulations and all the best to you on your milestone birthday. May you live long, happy and healthy and may all your dreams and wishes come true.
All the best, Benny and Angelina Tan
From Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
(a) May I wish to your beloved grand daughter “Grace”. HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE TO COME
No doubt that she will become a smart little adorable girl. My grandson will be two years in coming Sept. He gives us hope and happiness. Each and every movement is interesting and adorable for us. I’m sure you and Ma Sein feel the same.
(b) Many Happy Returns of the Day. Wish you could spend your life per your wish with Dhamma, family and friends.
Have a nice and memorable gathering.
With Metta, Rosie
From U San Lin (Robert, EC73, Texas)
Grace is brilliant.
I can imagine how proud and happy you are.
Wishing you a happy birthday too.
Robert [San Lin]
FromMaurice Chee (M75)
Past President of BAPS
Founding member & Treasurer of RIT Alumni International
Chaired Working Committee (with Benny) for SPZP-2000
Financial Controller & Publisher of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
Great organizer.
The following is an update [as of August 12, 2016] on alumni members attending and bringing yummy authentic Burmese cuisines:
Ko Hla Min and family of 5
Dhamma friends of Ko Hla Min 10 to 15
Dr Aung Gyi – Tohu Toke (Sayegyi cannot make it but he will send me his speech to be read on his behalf).
Saya U Tin Htut & Mrs
U Myo Min & Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung
U Tin Maung Nyunt
Saya Myat Htoo & spouse – Ohn-no Kyauk Chau
Benny & Angelina Tan – Monhinga
Saya Nyo Win & spouse – Si Tha min
Saya Maung Maung & Eng Eng- samosa
Sayalay U Thein Aung & 3 – mango pickle to compliment the Dan Pauk plus curry dishes
Maurice & Mary Chee – Dan Pauk
Gordon & Lillian Kaung – Dessert
Ko Myint Swe & Daw San San Swe – Chin Baung Gyaw to compliment the Dan Pauk
Walter Tan & Angela – Naan-Gyi-Toke
Charlie & Diana Tseng – Birthday Cake
Edward Saw – Chinese egg custard
Alex Khoo – Sa-nwin-ma-kin and “Mont-Kywe-thee
Ko Kyaw Myint & 1 – falooda
Daw Khin Mya Yee – Pe Pyoke (Salad or Fry TBD and maybe Thee Song Hin)
Ko Hla Kyi & 3 – Nga Pyaw Baung (Banana dessert) ;
Ko Hla Kyi & company is kind enough to sponsor forks, spoons, napkins, plates and bowls as well as volunteering for erecting the tents, tables, chairs and cleanup.
Ko Thaung Nyunt
Daw Mu Mu Kin Htay – Let Phet Toke
Patrick Naing & Mimi
Ko Mya Thwin & spouse – fried small dried shrimp sesame noodle
Ma Thandar Aye & spouse
Dr Myint Thein aka Maung Ba Thein, nickname: Insein Zay Kaung
Daw Khin Khin Win & spouse
Ko Myint Soe
U Yu Ket (Edward Saw)
Stan & Lu Lu Liou
Ko Soe Thu & spouse
Ko San Lin & family
Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75)
Her nickname is “Baw Lone”. She represented RIT in volleyball. She will bring Si Kyet (may be Kyee Oh Si Kyet). Thanks.
From U Myint Soe (M79)
Three photos
From Gordon Kaung (M83) and Lillian Kaung (EC83)
Hello Saya Hla Min:
We wish you the happiest of B-days, and many many more to come!
We will bring a bottle of premium iNapaWine for you and ama to enjoy at your B-day (we know ama will definitely enjoy our premium wine to stay healthy, and take good care of you).
With lots of metta, Gordon and Lillian Kaung Wine Maker
From Saya U Khin (Lucien Chen, RIT English, Taipei)
Dear Hla Min,
I have been an ardent “fan” of your RIT Newsletter updates ever since you included me in your mailing list at the suggestion of Des Rodgers many many years ago.
You have made a great contribution to the RIT community by bringing the RIT alumni, sayas and sayamas together through your reports, messages, photos, etc. in the RIT Newsletter and also through your persistent efforts in carrying on the good work against all odds. Who is going to fill your shoes after you retire?
I spent the best years of my life (1964 ~ 1968) at the RIT and I cherish the good old days I had at the RIT with my former colleagues at the English Department such as Saya Desmond Rodgers, Saya U Win Mra, Saya U Joe Ba Maung, Saya Sao Kangyi (deceased), Saya U Kyaw Lwin Hla, Sayama Daw Yin Yin Mya (Terry), Sayama Daw Charity Sein U, Sayama Daw Khin May Lwin (Muriel), Sayama Daw Tin Tin Oo (Toni), Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (Anne), among others; my former colleagues at other engineering departments and non-engineering departments such as Saya U Tin Maung (Civil), Saya U Christopher Maung (Civil), Saya Allen Htay (civil), Saya Dr K.C. Khoo (Chemical), among others; and my former students Tin Tin Myint (Emma), Khin Phyu Latt (Christine), Tin Tin Hla (Su Tin), Sai Kham Sang, Pamela Myo Min, George Lim, among others.
I hope you will have a great time at the birthday party that will be hosted in your honor on August 20th at Half Moon Bay, California, by your former classmates, colleagues, sayas and sayamas.
I shall also be wishing you a happy birthday in absentia from this part of the world, and hope you will have many happy and healthy returns of the day in the years to come.
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)
Coxed the Old Paulian crew which won Senior Novices at the RUBC Regatta in 1954. The crew members : U Tun Shein (Willie Saing, Stroke), M Hla Min (Moosaji, No. 3), Dr. Than Nyunt (George, No. 2) and Sao Hso Holm (Sawbwa Lay, Box). He and three crew members later became RUBC Gold.
Served as Captain of RUBC. Due to heavy involvement in RUBC, he decided to take a sabbatical.
RUBC Captain
Engineering
Attended 1st Year Engineering at BOC College in 1955.
Graduated B.Sc (Mechanical Engineering), University of Rangoon in March 1960.
Joined the Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon (Leik-Khone) as Assistant Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering in May 1960.
Attended Technische Hochschule Darmstadt, W. Germany in 1961/62 as a state scholar.
Worked as a Manager in Rangoon Textile Mills Co. Ltd. from 1962 – 65.
Rejoined the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, RIT in September 1965.
Studied Engineering Production at the University of Birmingham, UK in 1968/69.
On return to RIT, lectured Industrial Management to 5th and Final Year students.
USA
Immigrated to the USA in May 1978.
Worked in the Aircraft Division, Northrop Corporation, Hawthorne, CA in August 1978.
With Leave of Absence from Northrop, worked as UNIDO Project Management Adviser in Khartoum, Sudan in 1981/82.
Retired early from Northrop in September 1992.
Family
Wife: Irene
Children: Saynne Tin Htut and Aung Aye Htut.
Grand children : Three
Parents
His parents were entrepreneurs in the Textile industry (e.g. Khit Ah Kyaik ခေတ်အကြိုက် Nylon), production & distribution of movies (e.g. Ah Myotha Yoke Shin, အမျိုူသားရုပ်ရှင် Carlton Cinema)
Rowing
Served as Captain of RUBC as a student, and later as a Saya Administrator.
Organizer of RUBC Jubilee and Anniversary regattas.
BASES
Despite having a bypass heart surgery, he was actively involved in BASES, which he co-founded with U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David, GBNF).
SPZP
Member of the Steering Committee for SPZP-2000.
SPZP-2000
Ccontributed not only to the Saya Pu Zaw Pwe fund, but also to the special fund for inviting Sayagyi U Ba Toke from Myanmar.
Alumni Reunion
Financial Controller for the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Maurice Chee
Ma Irene was Maurice’s teacher in Methodist English High School. Saya was Maurice’s lecturer in the 5th B.E. “Industrial Management” course. All the skills learnt were used effectively by Maurice, Financial Controller for the “Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” and aPublisher of the “RIT Alumni Newsletter” Special Issue.
The Metallurgy Department was established in 1954 with the assistance of contract staff from India. Mr. H.S. Shastri was the first head of department and Mr. A.C. Agrawal was an assistant lecturer.
I was awarded a government scholarship to study Metallurgy at Lehigh University in 1954, when I was a second year student of Civil Engineering in Rangoon. (Incidentally, it was at Lehigh that I first met Sayas U Aung Khin and U Pu.), I returned home in 1957 after completing my bachelor’s degree and joined the department as assistant lecturer. Saya U Saw Pru joined the department as an assistant lecturer in 1958.
I was awarded a Colombo Plan Fellowship in 1959 for further studies at the University or Queensland, Australia, and came back in 1961 after finishing my master’s degree. I was promoted to lectureship in 1962,
Saya U Than Tin joined the department in 1960 and left for U.S. after a few years. There were visiting lecturers from U.S.S.R., namely, Mr. Charlichev from 1961 to 1963 and Mr. Chalpanov from 1963 to 1965.
Sayas U Aung Hla Tun, U Pe Win and Dr. Khin Maung Win joined the department in 1965, 1966 and 1967 respectively. There were also part-time teaching staff from time to time from UBARI, such as U Khin Maung and U Nyunt.
I left the department in 1968 to go to Australia.
The continuing history of the Metallurgy Department after 1968 can best be written by Saya U Aung Hla Tun,
Notes (by Hla Min)
Saya taught “Materials and Processes” in our 2nd BE class in 1964. He attended some SPZPs & Metallury gatherings in Myanmar. He moved to Melbourne, Australia.
Saya’s successors include Dr. Saw Pru (GBNF), U Than Tin & Saya Dr. Khin Maung Win (GBNF).
Pon Tu of Dr. Khin Maung Win
Updates (by Hla Min)
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) was the lead author for HMEE projects.
U Aung Hla Tun
Sayas U Win Kyaw (Met71, RUBC), U Thein Aung (Met72, Mr. RIT68) & U Nyunt Htay (Met73, Poet/Editor) had a micro-reunion in 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles and at the iNapa Winery in Northern California.
iNapa Winery
Metallurgy is taught as “Materials Science” in the US.
“I love you because” (sung by Jim Reeves) was a hit played by Burma Broadcasting Service (BBS).
I wrote a light version of the song.
I did not have a Home Minister at that time to edit or veto it.
I love you because (Lyrics)
I love you because you always stand dear every time I opened up the door You’re always there to help me eat my jam dear I love you more because you never snore.
No matter When you’re sleeping or awake dear You’re pretty as the craters on the moon I love you every minute of the hour dear Because you said You’d cry beside my tomb
I love you because my pocket’s lighter every time you shop around the town I love you because you’re a great fighter But you promised you would never knock me down
Take These Chains (Parody by HlaMin)
“Take these chains” was a song that was played often by BBS.
Thamankyar Ko Myint (Mn70) sang a Burmese song using the tune.
I tried to parody the song.
Take these chains (Lyrics)
Take these chains from my legs and set me free And the rope that ties me to this tree If you really pity me let me drink a glass of Zee Take these chains from my legs and set me free
I’m charged with murder of a tiny, little flea “Cruel” said the judge and he would not hear my plea. So, if you really pity me let me sip a cup of tea Take these chains from my legs and set me free
Take this scarf from my eyes and let me see If your waist still measures twenty three When I’m free I’ll marry you Even barrel shape will do Take these chains from my legs and set me free
Lost Neikban RIT (Parody by U Myat Htoo)
U Myat HtooLost Neikban
U Myat Htoo wrote a parody on “Pyauk Sone Nay Thaw Neikban Bon” (the song by Sai Kham Leik and Sai Htee Saing).
Played the Ukelele and sang the song at the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, and at NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner.
Won Gold medal in 1949 for highest score in I.Sc. exams
BS (Special) from Imperial College, London University
Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
Received scholarship to do MS at Imperial College
Promoted to Lecturer
Succeeded Saya U Aung Khin as Professor & Head of Mechanical
Wrote memoirs for his grand children and distributed to attendees at his 78th birthday celebrations.
Early supporter of HMEE project. Hosted a meeting for the project. Donated photos for use by the project. Requested Saya U Thaw Kaung to provide access of UCL archives to Saya U Soe Paing and team.
Offered Birthday Soon Kyway annually on Oct 2nd.
Passed away after his 94th birthday
U Aung Khin
U Aung Khin
Matriculated in 1948
His uncle Chem Prof U Po Tha advised him to study Engineering.
Received scholarship to study BS & MS at Lehigh University.
Joined Faculty as Assistant Lecturer
Promoted to Lecturer
Later became Professor and Head
Also has MS from Canada
Moved to Canada
During a visit to the SF Bay Area, he gave green light to the Bay Area RIT Alumni Group to host SPZP-2000.
Wrote several articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter.
In July 2015, Sayagyi allowed us to stay at his home in Windsor, Canada. He provided Mohinga & Ah Kyaw for breakfast, and souvenirs (e.g plaque for holding keys).
Sayagyi stays in shape by playing golf and tennis.
U Tin Hlaing (M59, GBNF)
U Tin Hlaing
Joined Faculty after graduation
MS from Purdue University
Became Lecturer & Head of Agricultural Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical)
Played soccer & tennis
Managed All-Universities Hockey team
He had kidney problem. Did not have access to dialysis machines (available only to VIPs). Did not receive passport in time to go abroad for treatment. Passed away.
U San Tun(M59)
U San Tun
Joined Faculty after graduation
MS from MIT
Became Lecturer & Head of Automobile Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical).
Moved to USA
President of BEA (Bay Area Burmese Engineers Association). BEA merged with BASTS to become BAPS.
Invited us on several occasions (e.g his birthday, his son’s wedding).
Attended most Alumni gatherings (e.g Retiree lunch).
Had a Stroke
Passed away in California.
In his memory, Ma Ma Sylvia donated K40 Lakhs to the Health Care Fundv
U Kyin Soe
U Kyin Soe
MS from University of Illinois.
Served as Professor, Rector and DG
He is healthy, but do not go out for social gatherings
U Tin Htut (M60)
U Tin Htut
Joined Faculty twice : the first time after graduation, and the second time after “an unexpected Waso in Insein”.
Past Captain & Gold of RUBC.
Moved to USA
Co-founded BASES and served as President.
Financial Controller for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Donated K100 lakhs for YTU Library Modernization.
Also donated to SDYF & Mechanical Group.
He celebrated his 89th birthday.
He also moved back to his old house to be near his friends.
U Tun Shwe (M60)
U Tun Shwe
Patron, Alumni Association & SDYF
Gave Ovada at PZPs
Did a series of interviews for the 60th Anniversary of RIT
U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60)
U Tin Maung Nyunt
President of RIT Chinlon
Moved to USA
Donated $500 for YTU Library Modernization Project
Celebrated 90th birthday in December 2025
More Sayas
Seniors
U Pu studied at Lehigh. He left the Faculty
U Ko Gyi (GBNF) studied in USA. He taught at the Faculty. Moved to USA. Attended SPZP-2000.
Sayas (1961 & later)
U Maung Maung Win (M61) : Managed RIT Automobile Club with Saya U Myo Win (GBNF). Moved to Australia. Wrote series of articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
U Maung Maung Win
S. Arya (M62, GBNF) : Cute accent
S. Arya
Mao Toon Siong (M62) : Burma Champion & Coach in Table Tennis
Dr. Tin Win (M62) : Past President of BASES, Organizer for 2015 LA Reunion
U Khin Maung (M, GBNF)
U Phone Myint (M) : Workshop Superintendent; Visits his children overseas
Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63) : Co-chair of SPZP-2002; Lives in Singapore; Visits his daughter in East Coast of USA
U Soe Lwin (M63, GBNF)
U SoeLwin
U Han Tun (M63, GBNF)
S. Kyaw Aye (M63, GBNF)
U Win (M63) : Transport provider for U Ba Than; Has medical problem
U Lay Aung (M64, GBNF) : Patron, RIT Buddhist Association
U Lay Aung
U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto 64) : UN assignments in China; Patron of TDS (Theravada Dhamma Society); Not active after his spouse passed away
U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Kyaw Myint
U Myo Win (Melvyn, M/Ag65, GBNF) : RIT Automobile Association; Rowing; Moved to Australia ; Co-chair, Alumni Dinner Gathering in 2006
U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) : RIT Swimming & Water Polo; Moved to Australia; Co-chair, Alumni Dinner Gathering in 2006
U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) : Moderator of FB pages; Moved to Singapore
Dr. Kyaw Sein (M65) : Retired Professor at YTU & Malaysian University
Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65) : Retired Executive at High tech companies in US and Taiwan; Founding member of RIT Alumni International; SPZP-2000 Organizer
U Lin (M66) : Rowing; RIT Buddhist Association; Patron of Yangon SPZPs; Has medical problem
Dr. Chan Nyein (M67, GBNF) : Minister
U Tin Maung Oo (M67, GBNF) Dep Workshop Superintendent
U Thein Tun Aung (M, GBNF)
U Than Myint (M) : Singapore Polytechnic
U Khin Maung Tin (M69) : Maritime Institute
U Aung Myint (M69) : Singapore Polytechnic; NZ and Singapore
Mehm Aye Chan (M69) : Agency for seafarers
Senior Alumni
U Aye (M62) : BIT & RU Volleyball, HIC/FAO
M62
U Sein Htoon (M63) : Captain & Gold of RUBC, 1960 ARAE Champion
U Sein Htoon
U Than Soe (M63) : RUBC Gold
L Than Myint (M63) : RUBC Gold
U Shwe Kyaw (M63, GBNF) : RU Volleyball
U Win Thein (M67) : Set Hmu Tha Din Zin
U Than Htut (M67) : RUBC Gold
U Tin Myint (David, M67, GBNF) : Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 & SPZP-2012
U Htay Aung (M69) : Swimming and Water Polo
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69) : Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 & SPZP-2007, Patron of MASTAA, Major donor of 69er HCF
Benny Tan (M70) : Co-chair, SPZP-2000, Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZP, RIT Alumni International
U Nyo Win, Benny, Maurice
U Ohn Khine (M70) : Volunteer for HMEE, SDYF, SPZP
U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) : Super Fund Raiser
U Myint Pe (M72) : Cartoon Box
U Nyan Win Shwe (M72) : SPZP-2007
John Tint (Khin Maung Myint, M72, GBNF) : Soccer
U Myo Myint (M74) : Pon Tu Specialist
U Win Khaing (M75, GBNF) : SPZP-2004, Minister
Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, M75) : SPZP-2000, RIT Alumni International, Norcal RITAA
U Hla Win (M73/75) : Ygn SPZPs, BARB/MARB
Maung Sein Win (Padeegone, M72/75) : Distinguished Author / Poet
Before the pandemic, 69ers had Monthly Breakfast Gatherings usually at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose Restaurant).
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, Kyaw Nyunt, Tin Tun — 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 / Oscar 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. He is now GBNF.
Harry Tin Htut, Oscar, Aung Min, Uzin Bobby and Tin Maung Aye posted photos in “RIT69ers” and “RIT Updates” Facebook pages.
Update
The gatherings were suspended during the pandemic.
Recently, the BFG was for July and August Combined. Transportation Restriction and Medical Problems may be reasons for changing the Schedule from Monthly to Bimonthly (once every two months).
The 69er GBNF list now has 146 members. The recent entries include Mehm Ye Win (EC), Ko Tin Swe (Zeegone, Tex) and Ko Win Thein Zaw (Min).
Most members graduated in 1970. Some left RIT before graduation. A few took Sabbatical & graduated later.
U Ohn Khine (M70) reports the Gone But Not Forgotten (GBNF) list periodically.
An entry contains
Name (Alias or nickname)
Roll Number in 1st BE
Major/Discipline
Date of demise (if known)
Status
As ofJune 20, 2025, there were 143 entries in the GBNF list.
Tommy Shwe 2 : RIT Selection for Badminton; Moved to Taiwan & USA; Kidnapped & murdered by his Handyman
Tommy Shwe
Cho Aye 3 Mech 7/8/18 : RIT Hiking & Mountaineering; Organizer for the Group
Cho Aye (Standing rightmost)
Peter Pe 4 Mech : RIT Swimming & Water Polo; Fell off from a horse
Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) 8 Elec : Entrepreneur; Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP; Philanthropist; Steeve & Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas; CABA; Kay Family Foundation
Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Victor Jones 41 Civil
Ne Win 45 Tex
Tin Ohn 49 Mech
Naing Win 54 Mech : Spouse Polly Ba San was Burma Selected in Swimming
Mya Daung 58 Mech/Agri
Lay Myint 60 Civil
Khin Maung Pun 66 Petro ?/10/16 : Named after his birthplace Papun
Myo Thaw 68 5/15
Aung Kyan 71 Mech/Auto
Thet Win 75 Mech
Hla Min (Pauk Si) 82 Elec : Chief Operator at UCC; Passed away in his 30s
Mg Mg Myint (Japu Sein) 93 Mech : RIT Selection for Soccer
Soe Tint (Nevil Kyi Mg) 94 Civil
Mg Mg Than 97 Mech 8/7/18
Le Le Win (Lilian Tha Mya) 100 Mech
Nan Lwin 102 Elec
Myat Khine (Tha Aye) 104 Mech
Han Kyu Pe 110 Arch : Paulian
Than Tun (Ivan Win) 114 Mech/Agri
Aung Win 120 Chem
Aye Thin 122 Chem
Chit Khin 124 Arch 23/6/15
Than Sein 130 Mech
Aung Kyi 135 Mech
Khin Mg Saan 139 Civil
Ko Ko Tin (Winston Hla Mg) 141 Mech
Saw Pae Pae 143 Met
Win Maw (George Hock) 146
Ma Yin Shwe Tun 150 Tex
Myat Myat Moe 154 Arch
Ma Htay Htay Win (Marlene Mg Mg) 158 Chem
Than Myint 168 23/1/13
Myint Thein 172 Mech
Phone Thwin 177 Min
Than Nyunt Win 181 Civil
Khin Mg Kyu 183 Mech
Win Thein 185 Elec
Ma Khin Mya Oo 188 Met
Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan) 191 Elec : RIT EE Saya
Mg Mg Yu 194 Mech/Agri
Tin Aye 195 Mech/Agri
Htike Nyan 198 Elec 26/10/15
Aung Khin 203 Mech
Kyi May Nwae 206 Met
Tin Win 209 Chem
Myat Swe (Myint Swe) 215 Elec 22/3/15
Kyaw Win Mhan 234 Arch
Ma Yaw Ze 243 Chem
Hla Shwe 247 Mech Lar Gyi
Min Thant (Maurice Bo Ni) 254 Elec
Tin Win (Arthur) 256 Mech
Aung Htay 277 Civil
Michael Shein Myint 280 Chem
Mar Mar 292 Civil
Thein Htun 304 Mech 29/8/18
Mg Mg Oo 312 PP
Myo Tint (Stanley Hla) 313 PP
Mg Mg Swe 314 Mech ?/1/18
Min Swe 318 Mech
Ye Myint Aung 323 Mech
Toe Nyunt 326 Elec
Tin Ko 330 Met
Aung Law Ha 342 Mn 30/1/16
Ma Tin Tin 348 Mech/Agri
Kyaw Swe Thet 354 Mech 2017
Kan Myint 371 Mech
Aye Than 385 Elec 25/4/16
Khin Soe 388
Khin Than Win 389 Tex 3/9/18 : Silver Pearl Diary co-owner
