Wrote about the SPZP-2000 experience in the Post Reunion series.
U Myat Htoo (Right)NorCal RITAA
Founding member of NorCal RITAA.
Chair of BOD (Board of Directors).
One of the hosts for NorCal RITAA meetings. He would invite the attendees to take a boat ride on the nearby man-made lake. Would also arrange a karaoke session.
Past President of Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA)
President of Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA) for a decade. Led the procession for the scattering of ashes of Sayadaw U Silananda into the San Francisco Bay near the Golden Gate Bridge.
Lost Neikan RIT
Wrote a parody on “Pyauk Sone Nay Thaw Neikban Bon” (the song by Sai Kham Leik and Sai Htee Saing).
LA Reunion
Played the Ukelele and sang the song described above at the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Ukelele
Donation
Donated Life Vests to 20 teachers in the town of Paletwa in Chin Special Division, Myanmar.
The teachers risked their lives daily crossing Kaladan river to teach children on the other side of the town.
One teacher was killed in a boat mishap in surging waters during heavy rains. A life jacket would have saved her life.
Golden Jubilee
On May 20, 2018, the BOD (Board of Directors) and EC (Executive Committee) members of NorCal RITAA threw a surprise party to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair of BOD) and Daw Hnin Maung Maung (Ma Ku, “Nyima Lay”).
According to Saya, he was the youngest in his family and wanted a younger sibling (preferably a sister).
He found an innocent 9 year old neighbor (and family friend).
Most took Engineering courses after passing I.Sc.(B) in 1963 & graduated with BE in 1967.
Electrical
U Myo Myint (EC)
RUBC Gold
Member of Engineering Crew that won Inter-Institute Eights.
Retired from PPIC
Vice Chair of the Magazine Committee for RUBC 90th Anniversary Issue
Submitted Photos for HMEE Project
U Win Myint (EC)
Member of RIT Table Tennis team that won the Inter-Institute Trophy
Moved to California, USA
Daw Yi Yi Aung (EC)
RIT EE Association
Spouse : U Win Kyaing (M, GBNF)
Nancy Hla Aung (EC, GBNF)
Director, Ya Tha Cho
Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Maywaddy Tun Tun (EP)
Spouse : U Sein Shwe (M67)
Chein Hoke (EC)
Also known as Kyaw Naing
U Soe Tha (EC)
RIT Tennis
RIT EE Association
PTC
Minister
Dr. Sann Oo (EP)
Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
EPC
Owner, East and West Parami Hospital
Dr. Thein Tun (EP)
Old Paulian
EPC
U Ye Win (EP, GBNF)
Secretary, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung Publication
EE67
Photo : U Myo Myint (EC67)
Aung Than
Henry Khoo
Hla Aung
Khin Naing / Cheng Hoke
Ko Ko Gyi
Kyaw Win
Maung Maung
Myint Kyaw (GBNF)
Myint Myint Than / Nancy Hla Aung (GBNF)
Myo Myint
San Oo, Dr.
Soe Tha
Thein Tun, Dr.
Win Myint
Yi Yi Aung
Mechanical
U Win Thein (M, GBNF)
Founded Set Hmu Thadin Zin.
VP, RIT Mechanical Association
Co-founded Mechanical Magazine
Helped organize gatherings & trips (e.g for Ah Nu Pyinnya Shin).
Founder : Ya Tha Cho
U Than Htut (M)
Than Htut
RUBC Gold
Treasurer / Secretary at RUBC
Member of Engineering Crew that won Inter-Institute Eights
Retired from HIC
Provided a list of M67
Stan Liou (M)
Stan
Member of RIT Table Tennis team that won the Inter-Institute Trophy.
Moved to California, USA
Founding member, NorCal RITAA. Served as Chair, BOD
U Kyaw Oo (M, GBNF)
Pianist
Rowing
Moved to USA
U Win Kyaing (M, GBNF)
Rowing
Spouse : Daw Yi Yi Aung (EC67)
U Sein Shwe (M)
Sein Shwe (Standing 3rd from Right)
Old Paulian
RIT Luyechun in Summer 1965
Spouse : Maywaddy Tun Tun (EP67)
U Tun Kyi (M, GBNF)
RIT Tennis : Doubles with U Soe Tha (EC)
Dr. Chan Nyein (M, GBNF)
Obituary
Saya
Doctorate from Imperial College, London University
Minister
U Tin Myint (M, GBNF)
David
David Ko
Sittang Paper Mill
Moved to California, USA
Entrepreneur
Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000
Sponsor for SPZP-2012
U Tin Maung Oo (M, GBNF)
Tin Mg Oo (Right)
Saya
Assistant Workshop Superintendent
Moved to California, USA
U Aung Myint (M, GBNF)
Helped U Win Thein with “Set Hmu Thadin Zin” & Mechanical Engineering Magazine.
Worked for UNICEF before moving to USA.
Passed away in November, 2017.
“Ah Yone Soon” in his memory was offered by the family members, relatives & friends to resident monks at Mudita Shwe Kyaung, Hayward, California on December 3, 2017.
U Sein Yaung (M)
Moved to California
Architecture
Dr. Koung Nyunt (A, GBNF)
Saya
Doctorate from Japan
Secretary, RIT Photography Association
Pen name: Kogyi Koung
Wrote articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter
Organizer, RIT Alumni in New Zealand
Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A)
Moved to California, USA
Brother : U Thein Han (Maths, Burma Selected in Basketball)
U Tun Thein (A)
Moved to California, USA
Brother : U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF)
U Kyaw Thein (A)
Saya
U Win Myint (A)
Spouse: Daw Pyi Aye, A66)
Chemical
U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE)
Old Paulian
Saya
Moved to Thailand & East Coast of USA
Provided ChE Class Photos
U Myat Lwin (ChE, GBNF)
Member of RIT Table Trnnis team that won the Inter-Institute Trophy
Civil
U Maung Maung (C)
Member of RIT Table Tennis team that won the Inter-Institute Trophy
Dennis Mackey (Kyaw Thu, C73) and George Peters (C73) did their final year project at UCC. Their supervisor was Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF).
George moved to Perth, Australia. I met him at the RIT Reunion Dinner in Sydney, Australia in 2006.
Dennis moved to Auckland, New Zealand. He reported about the alumni activities in NZ along with Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF) and Stanley Saw (Myo Lwin, M71).
After retirement, Dennis moved to Canada.
In late 2018, Dennis paid respect to Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi.
EC73
U San Lin (Robert, EC73) and Daw Hla Myint (Marina, EC73)
Robert’s father (Chan Boon Pin) graduated with Mechanical and Engineering Combined Degree from the Faculty of Engineering in 1948 – 49.
Robert studied M.Sc. (Computer Science) at UCC.
He worked in Singapore and the US.
After retirement, he moved to Dallas, Texas to be near his son and grand children.
San Lin
U Htun Aung Kyaw (HAK, EC73)
Htun Aung Kyaw (HAK) and Tun Aung Gyaw (TAG) are variant spellings of the same Burmese name.
Excellent golfer.
Worked for Schlumberger before moving to Sydney, Australia.
M73
Dr. Myint Thein (M73)
Doctorate from Georgia Institute of Technology (aka Georgia Tech) in Atlanta.
Pen name : Ba Thein (Atlanta)
Wrote several articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
Dr. L Sein Myint (M73)
Younger brother of L Than Myint (M63, RUBC Gold)
Doctorate from the UK
Spends time in the US, Myanmar & Australia.
Helped organize the first Alumni Reunion in the East Coast of the US.
U Khin Maung Aye (MEHS67, M73)
Took Applications Option for his M.Sc. (Computer Science).
GBNF.
U Myo Myint (M)
He is from the Class of 73. He took sabbatical and graduated in 1974. He retired as Deputy Chief Engineer of Burma Railways.
He has connections with the Class of 72. His spouse is a cousin of U Myo Myint Pe (ChE72). He shared a dinner table with Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72).
He designed and drew covers for RIT Annual Magazines and the commemorative issues of Swel Daw Yeik Magazines.
He drew Pon Tus of sayas and sayamas, and gave most of them as presents at the SPZPs or RIT gatherings. He sent via Lu Kyone some Pon Tus for the overseas sayas.
He also drew Oil Paintings and sold (or auctioned) them and gave the proceeds to the SPZP funds.
Sample paintings are shown here.
U Hla Win (M)
Veda sayas
He is from the Class of 73. He took sabbatical and graduated in 1975.
Served as Master of Ceremonies for All Mechanical Gathering; Gatherings for the Class of 73, 74 and 75
Core organizer for SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016.
Upon his return from USA, he was assigned to the Department of Mining Engineering at BOC College to teach part-time and to act as Head of the Department.
He was succeeded by Saya U Soon Sein as full-time saya and Head.
U Soe Khaw worked at the Ministry of Mines.
After retirement, he worked for UN assignments overseas.
He then migrated to the USA.
He was a Patron of selected monasteries in the San Francisco Bay Area.
He was healthy even in his early 90s.
Last Journey
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) wrote :
U Soe Khaw, (RIT Part-time Lecturer – Mining), passed away peacefully on February 14, 2018 at 4:45 pm per Michael Khaw, his son.
Ph 408-737-0238. 1082 Noriega Ave, Sunnyvale, Ca 94086
Memorial Service
Date : February 24, 2018 (Sunday) Time : 10:30 AM Place : Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC) 1215 Lucretia Avenue San Jose, CA 95122 Contact : 1 (408) 977 0300 or 1(408) 294 4536
Soon offering : 11:15 AM Lunch for guests : 11:30 AM Dhamma talk : 12:30 PM
Matriculated from St. John’s Diocesan Boys High School.
Attended Rangoon University.
EC member of the Rangoon University Writers Club in 1959 – 60.
Editor of the RUESU (Rangoon University Engineering Students Union) Annual Magazine.
Graduated with Electrical Engineering in 1963
Joined the Faculty at RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology).
Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine
Chief Editor of the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung published by the RIT Electrical Engineering Association
Wrote poems and articles for various magazines & journals
Authored or co-authored five books
Worked in Singapore and chaired two Saya Pu Zaw Pwes — SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010 — in Singapore.
He and his team published Commemorative Issues of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for three Saya Pu Zaw Pwes — SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 — in Singapore.
After retirement, moved back to Yangon.
Helped published Commemorative Issues of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu (in 2014) and SPZP-2016
Founding member and Patron of SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation).
Still writes poems and articles.
U Moe Aung
Literary Work
Pen name : Tekkatho Moe War
Mentor : Daung Nwe Swe
Composed hundreds of Kabyars (poems). Some (e.g. Shwe YaDu Lann) took four days of contemplation. Composed some Kabyars “Let Tann” (extemporaneously)
Published several books. Some are compilation of articles and poems.
Editor for RUESU Magazine
Chief Editor of the RIT Annual Magazines, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung, Swel Daw Yeik Magazine, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
Columnist for Weekly Eleven Journal
I translated some of saya’s poems and articles:
Search for beauty posted in “Poetic Art Series”
Bagan Heritage in honor of recognition by UNESCO
Shwe YaDu Lann for the RIT Golden Jubilee
To the Shwe Duo in memory of Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66) and Saya U Hla Shwe (T69)
Kabyar Let Saung A precious gift
Computer in my heart
…
Sea of Men
Kabyar Let Saung
by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) Translated by Hla Min
String of attachment — then in its infancy grew beyond proportion — on her birthday to express my deepest feelings — while courting her I gave “Sho Whet The Pho” (Mystery/Thriller) Magazine as a birthday gift to my beloved.
We shared our metta with true devotion
I presented a golden ring to my yee-sar as a birthday gift.
Hand in hand we entered the “married” land on her birthday past the Honeymoon I presented Goya fragrance as a birthday gift
Traveling together Often facing dark nights Yonder looked thick and rough
Goal seemed distant [and not straight] [Tired and] weary [Often] look but could not see
Struggle just to keep alive Despite the challenges I feel I owe my beloved a nice birthday gift
But … Precious jewels are out of reach I can only offer a gift from my heart
Kabyar inexpensive — not meaning to underrate her love
Will she accept as a priceless treasure?
___________________________________
RUESU
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Thanks to Saya U Soe Paing for his great endeavour in visiting the UCL (Universities’ Central Library) numerous times [in January 2012] to gather and record invaluable information relating to RIT (and BOC college of Engineering as well). And thanks to you for archiving all through your emails and keeping all RITians gelled together.
Only when did Saya U Soe Paing mention Engineering Students’ Magazines, that I happen to recall one Engineering Students’ Magazine in which I was part of it. That was in Academic Year 1960-1961. I was still an Electrical Engineering Student at that time (2nd year, or, by the present calling, 4th year). At Rangoon University (Main University) they had a University Students’ Union (in Burmese, Thud Meg-ga is translated as Union), and we had correspondingly an Engineering Students’ Union as well at our Faculty of Engineering at Leik-Khone (Dome), Prome Road.
At that time I met one Ko Hla Tin (Civil) who was my senior and several years older than me, staying at Prome Hall which was adjacent to Leik Khone, only separated by a fence. He was an avid poet (pen name Kay-tu Win Tint, from Taunggoo) and I used to visit his room at Prome Hall to talk about poems and literature during lunch or break times. I also met one senior (can’t recall his name, I think Ko Sein Hlaing) who was the Secretary of the Students’ Union. After some lively discussions, we decided to issue an Engineering Students’ Union Annual Magazine and they made me the Chief Editor. The Magazine consisted of two sections, Burmese and English, of which Saya U Aung Khin (Mech) was the English Editor.
I still have the 1960-61 issue neatly tucked in a cupboard in Yangon.
Now I remember that Ko Sein Hlaing (EE?) is still in Yangon, helping to look after his grand children, but not in good health. Ko Sein Hlaing’s daughter was my daughter’s very close friend since their childhood days. We met once in Singapore about 12 years back.
Dear Ko Hla Min, this is the time to reminisce and be happy about the good old days and try to fly back with whatever time machine we could get hold of. Time really flies and we should realize that our days are numbered.
SHWE duo Blossom in unison Disappear together Free from complaint Even with thin breath Showed mark [of courage and wisdom] Never wavered … Pressed by burden At the awaited turn [of journey’s end] Body — inheritance [from previous lives] Succumbs [to failing health] Yet, “Wei-nyin” is fresh, alive and hovering.
Translated by Hla Min
___________________________________
Shwe YaDu Lann
Shwe YaDu Lann
Shwe YaDu Lann
Poem by Tekkatho Moe War Translation by Hla Min
Shwe YaDu Lann Let it be rough [but it’s tough]. Flowers are blossoming again. Fear not the summer Care not the rain [drops] or the thick fogs & darkness or if winter’s not true to its form
Shwe YaDu Lann Let it be rough. No gentle stream flowing Fear not high winds Care not dense clouds Topsy turvy [come what may] Can paddle upstream With strong mind & conviction Place where heroes [Thu Ye Kaungs] are produced.
Swel Daw Myaing Dann Shwe YaDu Lann is a start [of a journey] To raise the Banner loftily to the skies, to the Zenith displaying our thitsar (vow of truth and integrity)
HLA MIN (Editor, Newsletter Updates, USA)
___________________________________
The (Hidden) Power of Kabyar
Kabyar is animate But [it’s life is] not just a [fleeting] morn
Kabyar is a weapon But not for destroying the world
Kabyar is key For liberation and independence But not devoid of principles [and morals]
Kabyar has power Hidden but efficient & effective Like sharp-pointed spear-head Can thrust into [the heart of] a power-maniac Cause trembling, shivering, throbbing & anguished pain
Poem in Burmese by Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung) Translated by Hla Min
Wrote several articles for the 69er Golden Jubilee Magazine RIT Thaing Exhibition RIT Nicknames
Spouse (Mu Aye) is a cousin of Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC69, Australia)
Retired Member of Parliament of Pyitthu Hluttaw Oversaw Committees related to Mining and Natural Resources.
Surprised us at an ad hoc breakfast gathering with Uzin Aung Chaw, Ko Sein Myint, Ko Myint Maung, Ko Win Maung, Ko Shwe, Ko Maung Maung, Ko Myat Soe Lwin …
69ers
Kyaw Tint (Min69)
Kyaw Tint
Youngest, smartest and most stubborn among the 14 students in Min69.
Joined the Faculty
Received Masters from Australia.
Prisoner of Conscience.
Wrote an article in the 69er Golden Jubilee magazine.
GBNF #110 Passed away in September 2021
Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)
Khin Kyaw Nyein
RIT Volleyball Selected
Taught/coached female Volleyball players (e.g. Ma Tin Aye, C73)
Also good at Soccer, Dobat & Dancing.
He is GBNF #117 Passed away in January 2022
Khin Maung Gyi (Min69)
One of two Khin Maung Gyi in the Class of 69.
Room mate of Ko Chit Pe (M69, GBNF)
Still have dark hair (hopefully original)
Mech KMG (GBNF) passed away in 2021.
Tin Win (Min69)
Hosted some 69er gatherings.
He was Honorary Consul for Switzerland.
Min69 (GBNF)
Aung Naing (Bahadhur) : Aug 14, 2011, #055, GTI Principal (Taunggyi), Yangon
Chit Htun
Chit Htun : Dec 11, 2011, #058, YIT Lecturer, Yangon
Heis an organizer of the Combined 1st BE intake of 64 and 65. He is a bilingual writer, poet and translator.
Aung Myint (Thamankyar Ko Myint)
Thamankyar
He is a member of the A1 Family. He is an actor, composer, vocalist, guitarist and production manager. Sad to note that his younger brother Sai Wunna passed away.
Ko Zaw Winn and friends
Mining Engineering
The first course was given at the BOC College in 1954.
U Soe Khaw (GBNF)
U Soe Khaw
Received BS from UC Berkeley and MS from Minnesota School of Mines.
Served as Part-time lecturer and Head of the newly established Mining Department at BOC College.
Wrote an article for HMEE project.
After working for the Ministry of Mines and UN projects, he moved to USA.
Attended SPZP-2000.
Saya Allen Htay (GBNF) and Dr. San Lin asked me to join a micro-gathering with Saya U Soe Khaw. It started before lunch and ended after dinner.
U Soon Sein (GBNF)
Received MS from Colorado School of Mines.
Mawgunwin Third Grade.
Succeeded U Soe Khaw as Head of Department.
Retired as Professor.
Spoke to him before SPZP-2000. Per advice from his doctors, he declined the invitation to attend SPZP-2000.
There were several gatherings during my visit to Yangon in January, 2018.
Mini-gathering hosted by me
69er Monthly Gathering
UCC gathering hosted by the Myints
5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST and UCSY
Lunch gathering hosted by MARB sayas
Mini-gathering hosted by me
Host : Me
During my visits to Myanamar, several friends gave me rides.
U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:
U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
Yours truly
Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.
A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).
Standing:
U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)
Seated :
U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)
Sharing Merits
I hosted the mini-gathering.
I also donated to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and the EE69ers HCF.
Ko Tin Hla (EP 69) passed away on 10th January 2012 of cancer, which has spread over most of his organs, originally started on his lungs. He was suffering from cancer and was operated four months ago.
His funeral will be on the 12th January 2012 at Yae Wai (13.00 hr).
He is the No. 59 on GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) list.
Ko Shwe, Myint Maung. Win Maung, Aung Gyi Shwe, Myint Thein Kabar, and I went and met his family yesterday.
May I remind you to take care of your health.
With Metta and best regards. Aung Min (M 69)
From Ivan Lee (M69)
It is sad news. I was very close with him at the RIT second and third years. I named him Tommy, resident from Myoung-Mya. I met him at the Bassein college first year. He had a younger brother. When his father passed away in Rangoon, I remembered he and I seated together at the front, next to the driver of the funeral car at Rangoon Chinatown. At my RIT 69er welcome party in Yangon in Nov. 2006, that was the last time I saw him.
I am sending my deepest condolence to his family, and wish him be merry whatever he is going to be.
Again, it is an universal rule, we can keep going to lose one after another, will never ever to add any single one more into our network, regardless what, we must regard [and help] one another. And take care of our health, not others assistance, but ourselves desirability.
God bless all of our beloved classmates , alumni, respectful Sayas.
Best regards Ivan Lee USA
From U Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69)
Dear all,
Very sad to hear the demise of him.
Aung K P
From U Sein Myint (EP69)
Dear All,
Very sad to hear from Aung Min regarding Ko Tin Hla from Myoung-Mya.
He is very near to Myint Mg (Bu Gyi). We were very near when doing this and that. Kristian Lal also together with him.
Sein Myint (K K Wong)
From U Thein Swe (EP69)
Dear Ko A Min and all,
Well done! Thanks for your annual and, occasional reports [about the ’69er Health Care Fund]. Once a friend is forever the friend. The older we become the more we should recognize our classmates no matter whether alive or deceased, in high or low profile. Please extend my words of thanks to Ko Shwe, Moe Hein, Myo Nyunt, Myint Sein, Kyaw Zin, Myint Thein, etc for their activities regardless of old age.
There are some outstanding classmates of the year 2011 viz: Ivan Lee @ Khin Maung Oo (USA, Kyaukme, M), unnamed classmate from USA,. Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Tx, Germany).
With metta Thein Swe
From U Sein Tin (M69)
Dear Ko Aung Min and the rest,
Thank you for your annual report of Health Care Fund and activities. You are right. We are at the sun set time. We need both physical and mental support to each other.
You have done well. I support you.
With regards, Sein Tin [Omega]
Updates
At one time, the Class of 69 had median age of 69 and the GBNF list was 69.
At present the Class of 69 has a median age of 78 / 79 and the GBNF list is 138.
Note that several people in the post — Aung Gyi Shwe, “Kabar” Myint Thein and Thein Swe — are now GBNF.
Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) donated $300 to the 69er Health Care Fund. Per her request, she was listed as a “classmate in the US”. She is the lone female EE graduate in 1969. She migrated to the US. She earlier told the 69ers of her volunteer work for immigrants and/or seniors. She attended the Golden Jubilee Celebration in 2019 and donated $1000.
HlaMin 