Category: RIT

Engineering Schools in Burma

69ers — BFF & Young at Heart
by Hla Min

Updated : Oct 2025

Old Education System
- Matriculates had to study two years of Intermediate Classes.
- Those aspiring to become Engineers had to pass the I.Sc. (Intermediate of Science) classes with 50+ marks in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. They then study four years at the Engineering College for their B.Sc. (Engg) degree.
RU

Rangoon University was opened on 1st December 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as constitutent colleges. There were only three Faculties: Arts, Science and Law.

First Strike

The First RU Students’ Strike started on 5th December 1920 to protest the deficiencies of the 1920 RU Act. It led to the opening of National Schools and National College. It also forced amendments to the RU Act (notably in 1923).

Engineering Classes

In 1924, the inaugural engineering classes were opened.

Details can be found in the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) book published in 2012. Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF, National Literary Award winner, former Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine) served as Leader and Principal Auhor of the book. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE book.

Engineering students have to attend
- I.Sc.(A)
- I.Sc.(B)
- 1st Year of Engineering
- 2nd Year of Engineering
- 3rd Year of Engineering
- 4th & Final Year of Engineering
Engineering Departments
- Architecture
- Chemical
- Civil
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Metallurgy
- Mining
- Textile.
Civil was the earliest Discipline.
Mechanical and Electrical Disciplines were offered next.
In the mid and late 1950s, five more Disciplines were added.

New Education System

In November 1964, RU was reorganized. Several Faculties became autonomous Institutes.

RIT

The Faculty of Engineering (known also as the Burma Institute of Technology) became Rangoon Institute of Technolgy with U Yone Moe (former Dean of BIT) as Rector and U Soe Thein (former Ta-Ka-Tha Leader) as Registrar.

Three Batches

In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to RIT.

ILA (Intelligence Level Agregate) was used to admit 400+ Matriculates to the 1st BE. ILA was controversial.

300+ students who had passed the I.Sc.(A) examination were admitted to the 2nd BE.

About 200 students who had passed the I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE.

Classes

In the New Education System, the Classes are called
- 1st BE
- 2nd BE
- 3rd BE
- 4th BE
- 5th BE
- 6th & Final BE. BE stands for Bachelor of Engineering.
For Architects, the Classes are called BArch (Bachelor of Architecture).

RIT69ers

Guinea Pigs

The Group is jokingly eferred to the Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems.
- Most took the Last ever 7th Standard Government exam in March 1960.
- They took the First ever 9th Standard (HSF/ High School Final Only) exam in March 1962.
  Those from Rangoon had to take the exam with Security Forces patroling the streets after the Coup d’etat on March 2nd by the Revolutionary Council.
  They had to retake the HSF exam in August 1962 because the Higher Authorities said that there were question leakage.
- They took the 10th Standard (Matriculation Only) exam in May 1963.
- In sum, they had to take three or four Government exams before being admitted to the University.
  In contrast, my older brother had to take only two exams : 7th Std. exam in March 1955, and the HSF & Matriculation exam in March 1957.
- They took the Last ever I.Sc.(A) exam at various schools, since most classes at Rangoon University, Mandalay University and Intermediate Colleges were suspended (for an unspecified period).
- Some classmates (e.g. Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF, SPHS63, 11th in Matric) applied Scholarship to study abroad, since he was the eldest in the family and did not want to burden his parents.
- After a long wait, some of my Leik Khone classmates (e.g. Aung Min (M69)) were admitted to 2nd BE in November 1964. There were 300 + students. The admission was based on the I.Sc.(A) exam marks. A few decided to study BArch.
- For the 2nd BE, the students had to study English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Drawing, Surveying, Materials and Processes, Sociology & Workshop.
- Starting with the 3rd BE, the students had to choose their Discipline. Civil and Mechanical were the top choices with 100+ students.
  Electrical had 70+ students.
  Chemical and Textile had 15+ students. Mining, Metallurgy and Architecture had 10 (or so) students.
- For 5th BE, EE students had to chose the Option: EP (Electrical Power) and EC (Electrical Communications)
- Most 69ers graduated in 1969 after passing 6th BE. Some took sabbatical, and graduated a year or two later.
- The 69ers worked mainly in the Government departments and Industry. Some worked for private companies and family business. A few moved abroad.
- Some 69ers (e.g. Dave Saluja and Win Maung) left before graduation.
Membership

The members include
(a) those who entered 2nd BE in 1964
(b) those who graduated in 1969
(c) those who studied a year or more with the above

The Group is also known as 69ers, the RIT Class of 69 and the Class of RIT 69++ .

Gatherings

The first formal Reunion of the Group occurred in 1999. It also was instrumental for the development of the RIT Alumni Newsletter, the inaugural ex-rit website, and the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000).

30th Anniversary in 1999

In 1999, Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel), Ko Sein Myint, Ko Sein Win (“Nar Yee”), and several 69ers organized the reunion for the “30th Anniversary of Graduation” and also a mini-SPZP. Ko Tint Lwin e-mailed me a report. Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice) e-mailed me photos.

Saya U Soe Paing e-mailed me about several mini-gatherings in Yangon (e.g. with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi).

Ko Tint Lwin (M69) wrote :

Thank you very much for your write-up about our 1999 “30th Anniversary of Graduation”. Actually. it all started in 1996 when I visited Burma and had dinner with a few of my close friends, including, Ko Shwe, Ko Win Mg, Ko Ye Pinn, Gabar Ko Myint Thein, etc. During dinner somebody mentioned that in 3 years time it would be 30 years since we graduated. Out of the blues I suggested to have a reunion in 1999. Everybody laughed as it was so far away. When I came back to Singapore and told Ko Sein Myint and Dickie they also laughed and told me that I must be crazy to think about so far away. However, time flies and in either late 1998 or early 1999 at Ko Win Htein’s funeral wake, some of our friends remembered the reunion proposal. They quickly formed a committee and organised the very first reunion at ‘Sait Taing Kya Restaurant. After the event I wrote you a report, Alice sent you a few photos and the rest is history.

40th Anniversary in 2009

The Class of 69 organized the “40th Anniversary of the Graduation” in 2009.

Golden Jubilee of Admission in 2014

The “Golden Jubilee of the admission to 2nd BE” was celebrated in 2014, because the 69ers were concerned with the declining health of members and that some may not be able to make it to the True Golden Jubilee of graduation in 2019.

Golden Jubilee of Graduation in 2019

The Class of 69 celebrated the true Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) in December 2019.

Acariya Pu Zwe Pwe was held at the Assembly Hall on Gyogone Campus.

The Reunion Dinner and Entertainment was held at the former Office Compound of Ko Aung Min.

Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) had a “Home Coming” after her graduation.

Many were unaware that the gathering would be a final one for some (especaially those who would succumb to Covid).

My Contributions

RIT Alumni Newsletter
- I started “RIT Alumni (Abroad) Newsletter” to share RIT-related news (such as the mini-gatherings) and solicited contact information (in the form a spread sheet) from interested sayas and alumni.
- “RIT” stands not only for Rangoon Institute of Technology, but all the engineering schools that precede or succeed it.
  RIT is a place holder for the RU Faculty of Engineering, Burma Institute of Technology, Yangon Institute of Technology, Yangon Technological University and various Technological Universities in Myanmar.
- The name was changed to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” to include alumni in Burma and the rest of the world.
- A commemorative issue was published for SPZP-2000.
RIT Web Site
- Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) designed and implemented the first RIT web site.
- I served as Content Provider and Editor of the web site.
  I composed the “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem. I posted 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post Reunion”.
- Ko Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69), Ko Aung Myint (M69, Singapore) and the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) provided some financial help to operate the web site.
- “RIT Alumni International” hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) in October 2000.
SPZP

The term “Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” was chosen over “Saya Ga Daw Pwe” (which has religious connotation) so that alumni professing various faiths can pay respect to their former sayas / mentors.
- There has been seven world wide SPZPs:
  SPZP-2000 in USA,
  SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore,
  SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016 in Yangon.
- Due to COVID-19 pandemic, SPZP-2020 was cancelled.
I have been an Organizer and/or Facilitator for the SPZPs.

My “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem was published in the Commemorative Newsletter for SPZP-2000.

Saya U Moe Aung reprinted the poem as the Back Cover of Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002.

My poem “SWE DAW YEIK” was published in the Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2007.

My article “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” was published in the Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010.

Zau Lai (EP69) wrote :

Thank you, Ko Hla Min, for your writings. If it’s not for you there will be no records and history of RIT. I am reading interestingly all your writings all the time. When we all are gone your writing will live on.

Aung Min (M69) wrote :

So thanks for your recordings.
Appreciations.

Food For Thought

Aging, Health and GBNF

At one moment, the Class of 69 had a median age of 69, and the list of GBNF has 69 members.

That symmetry no longer holds. The Class of 69 has a median age of 79, and the list of GBNF has 128!(or so) members. Over 40% have passed away.

In the latter half of 2021, twenty 69ers passed away. 18 were victims of Covid.

Declining Health

The attendees at the mini-gatherings have decreased. Some could not drive, and had to ask their family members to take them to the gatherings. Some had major or minor operations, and need time to recover fully. Some had medical problems for some time (e.g. a year or two).

Retirement

Most are retired or semi-retired. A few did not retire or did not have the chance to retire.
- Ko Tin Maung Lay (M69) worked in Europe and Middle East. So he came back to California only on home leave.
- His spouse wanted him to retire.
- He agreed but his boss requested him to perform a meticulous “hand-over” before retiring.
- He had daily work outs and supposedly had no known major health problems.
- He passed away in Dubai on a Friday (holiday in the country). His company and colleagues tried extra hard to make sure that his body could be flown back to Southern California, USA.
69er HCF (Health Care Fund)

U Aung Min (M69, Chair), U Shwe (EP69, Secretary) and team are the core volunteers for the 69er HCF. The team sends out monthly, quarterly and annual reports (including Donations, Income, Expenditure, GBNF)

Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69), Daw Myint Myint (C69) and U Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP69) are some of the major donors to HCF.

Most 69ers donate at the 69er Gatherings (e.g. Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si / Royal Rose Restaurant).

Ko Ivan Lee (M69) wrote :

Dear Classmates,

Recently rather than optimistic good news, we heard spreading pessimistic health concern news mostly.
It clearly indicates that we are aging higher and health is going down lower and lower.
I can imagine 5 years from now how many will be terribly survived.
I am kind of depressed that sooner or later we will be meeting THERE.
At this moment all I can express is to wish our classmates who are in sickness to recover ASAP.

Ivan Lee (M69)

Paying Homage to Saya U Ba Than (GBNF)

Saya U Ba Than and U Aung Min

U Tin Maung Soe (Tommy, EP69, GBNF)

Khin Maung Win (EP69, GBNF)
- Known fondly as “Sargalay” and “Nutty”
- Usually finished Mechanical drawings in about an hour and still get Grade 5.
- Later changed his name to “Lada” and “Galon”
- Training partner for Sai Kham Pan (EP69, Burma Selected in Badminton)
- Badminton selection at the Township level
U Khin Maung Win (RIP)

A69
- Aung Khin
  After working in Botswana, he and Tin Tin Hla (A70) moved to Seattle, Washington, USA to be near their daughters and grand children. He attended the Golden Jubilee on December 14, 2019 in Yangon
- Kyaw Kyaw
  He belonged to an elite group who married before graduation.
- Myo Tun (Bobby)
  Won essay contests as Errol Than Tun. After retirement from PWD, he became Ashin Pannagavesaka. He is an editor of Pa Auk Sayadaw’s books and a dhamma librarian at the Mawlamyine Pa Auk Taw Ya. He went on dhamma dhuta missions (e.g. to Vietnam).
- Tobias K. Ku, Saw (Tobi, GBNF)
  He attends 69er monthly breakfast gatherings.
  Passed away in 2021.
- Thet Htun
  He moved to Taiwan.
- Thwin Thwin Aye Hmi, Daw (Olive)
  Used to play chinlon with her classmates.
  Spouse : U Han Zaw.
  Met both last at the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012 (preceding SPZP-2012).
- Tin Maung Hla (GBNF)
  Had some medical problems (which hopefully had gone away).
ChE69
- Aung Min Oo
- Aung San
- Aye Aye Kyu, Daw
- Ceril Shair (USA) ?
- Khan Za Lan
- Khin Maung Win
- Kyaw Minn (Ei Kun, Singapore)
- Kyaw Min (Albert)
- Moe Hein (Ajala, Swimming and Water Polo)
- Myat Tun
- Myint Ko
- Myint Myint Aye, Daw
- Myo Khin, Dr. (Japan)
- Mehm Myo Min
- Soe Win
- Swe Swe Oo, Daw
- Taing Oke, Dr. (Japan)
- Yi Yi Khaing, Daw (Vilma, Singapore)
C69
- Aung Chaw (Victor, Ashin Okkantha)
- Aung Kyaw Nyein (USA)
- Aung Myint
- Aung Than
- Aung Win
- Ba Than Chit (Saw Myint Naing)
- Han Sein (“Tone Kyaw”, Swimming and Water Polo, GBNF)
- Hla Myint
- Hla Myint Thein (Patrick Aye)
- Htay Aung (Canada)
- Htay Myint
- Htin Aung, Dr. (Chinlone)
- Khin Aung (Taiwan)
- Khin Maung
- Khin Maung Aye
- Khin Maung Myint (Mandalay)
- Khin Maung Tint
- Khin Maung Win, Dr. (Donald Ba Pe)
- Kyaw Min Thein (Kenneth)
- Kyaw Naing (Kyaw Thwin)
- Kyaw Thein
- Kyaw Tint
- Li Li Wai, Daw
- Maung Kyaw
- Myint Aung
- Myo Khin, Dr. (Japan)
- Myo Nyunt
- Myo Win
- Myo Chit
- Myint Myint, Daw
- Nyi Hla Nge
- Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
- Phone Kyaw (Mandalay)
- Phor Daw Khan
- Sam Nithang (Samuel, USA)
- Saw Lwin
- San Linn
- Saw Yan Naing (GBNF)
- Sein Tun
- Soe Myint
- Soe Tint
- Than Htwe
- Than Oo
- Thaung Htay
- Thaung Htwe, Daw
EE l69
- Abdul Rauf (GBNF)
- Aung Gyi Shwe (Track and Field, Soccer, GBNF)
- Aung Kyaw Pe (Singapore, Myanmar)
- Aung Than
- Aung Thu Yein (GBNF)
- Aye Thein (Volleyball)
- Ba Oak
- Bishnu Shahi (Badminton, Nepal, GBNF)
- Chit Tin (GBNF)
- Dave Singh Saluja (Thailand)
- Hla Min (Rowing, USA)
- Hla Paik
- Hla Tun
- Khin Maung Hassan (Saudi Arabia. USA)
- Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, GBNF)
- Khin Maung Soe
- Khin Maung Tint
- Khin Maung Nyo (GBNF)
- Khin Maung Win Sargalay, GBNF)
- Khin Maung Win (Roland)
- Krishnan Lal (Australia)
- Kyaw Sein (Ashley Woo, Kyaukme)
- Kyaw Sein (Singapore)
- Kyaw Soe (GBNF)
- Kyaw Win
- Kyaw Zin (visiting Australia)
- Kyi Shwin
- Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi)
- Kyin Hwet
- Maung Toung (Tom, USA)
- Maung Kaung
- Maung Ko
- Maung Maung (Volleyball, EE69er HCF)
- Maung Shwe (69er HCF, EE69er HCF)
- Mehm Paw Oo (GBNF)
- Mehm Aung Tin
- Min Aung (Hla Thaung)
- Min Lwin
- Min Thaw (Gilbert, GBNF)
- Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet)
- Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
- Myo Aung (GBNF)
- Myo Hein (GBNF)
- Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada, GBNF)
- Sai Aik Yee (GBNF)
- Sai Kham Pan
- Sai Kyaw Aye
- Saw Aung
- Saw Edison
- Saw Lwoi Lwin Thaw (?)
- Sein Myint (K K Wong)
- Soe Myint
- Soe Myint Thein (GBNF)
- Soe Thein (Peter)
- Tan Chaung Yin (USA)
- Thar Kyaw
- Than Hla (Cyril)
- Than Htay
- Than Lwin (Henry)
- Than Myint
- Thein Swe (GBNF)
- Thein Tun (Michael)
- Thet Lwin
- Tin Maung Soe (Tommy, GBNF)
- Tin Oo
- Tin Shwe
- Tin Tin, Daw (Anne, USA)
- Tun Aung Gyaw, Dr. (USA)
- Victor Lwin
- Win Boh (Robert, Australia)
- Win Maung (Lake)
- Ye Win, Mehm
- Yi Tun
- Zau Lai, Duwa
M69
- Aye Lwin (GBNF)
  Secretary of RIT Mechanical Engineering Association
  Editor of RIT Annual Magazine
  Attended RIT Alumni Gathering in Los Angeles in 2015
- Aung Myint
  Joined Faculty after graduation
  Taught at Singapore Poly
  Lives in New Zealand and Singapore
  Hobbies : Painting, Motivational Messages
- Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung)
  Joined Faculty after graduation
  Worked at sea before founding his own company
- Htay Aung
  Outstanding swimmer.
  Won 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and Cross-lake.
  Burma selected in water polo for 1969 SEAP Games
  Spouse : Than Than (Burma Champion sprinter)
- Khin Maung Aye
  Joined Defense Industries
  Pen name : Maung Hmut
- Khin Maung Tin
  Joined Faculty after graduation
  Taught at RIT and Marine Engineering Institute
- Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee)
  Post graduate studies in USA
  Professional Engineer for New York and New Jersey
  Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000
  Major donor to 69er Health Care Fun
  Host for RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey for more than a decade
- Tint Lwin (Daniel)
  Grad studies in Canada
  Retired Associate Professor from NTU
  Guitarist / Vocalist
- Aung Naing (Bahadhur, GBNF)
- Chit Pe (GBNF)
- Chit Po Po (GBNF)
- Dicky (Win Naing, GBNF)
- Khin Maung Gyi (GBNF)
- Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF)
- Myint Sein (Badminton, HCF, GBNF)
- Myint Thein (David)
- Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF)
- Ngwe Soe (Walter)
- Sein Win (GBNF)
- Soe Win (GBNF)
- Than Myaing
- Than Win
- Tin Aung (GBNF)
- Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
- Tin Htut (Seafarer)
- Tin Htut (Harry)
- Tin Maung Aye (Accordion)
- Tin Myint (John Lee, GBNF)
- Yin Kyu (GBNF)
Met69
- Myint Kyi
- Maung Tun (GBNF)
- Ohn Kyaw
- Sai Aung Win (Mandalay)
- Sai Kyaw Myint
- Tin Aung
Min69
- Aung Win
- Chit Htun (GBNF)
- Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)
- Kyaw Tint (GBNF)
- Khin Maung Gyi
- Mya Win
- Tin Maung (oldest)
- Tin Win (Hosted the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012)
- Win Thein Zaw (Wai Lu)
Pet69
- Aung Myint (Kyant Ba Hone, GBNF)
- Kyaw Din
- Kyaw Than (Magwe)
- Kyaw Myint
- Myint Maung
- Myint Swe
- Paw Mya
T69
- Aung Thein (USA)
- Aye Aye Kyi, Daw
- Cho Cho, Daw
- Hla Shwe (GBNF)
- Hla Thaung
- Hla Tun (Japangyi, GBNF)
- Jimmy Kyin (GBNF)
- Kyaw Min (Mandalay)
- Kyi San (Win Maung, Mandalay)
- Lyo Kyin Sein, Daw (Mabel Lee, USA)
- Lin Lin Aung, Daw (Singapore)
- Myo Myint Thein
- Nan Su Su, Daw (GBNF)
- Naw Mu Mu Aye, Daw
- Nyunt Nyunt Wai, Daw (Millie Hoe, Germany)
- San Kyi, Daw (USA?)
- San San Myint, Daw (Helen Wu, USA)
- Saw Yu Tint, Daw (Alice)
- Sein Sein Maw
- Than Win
- Thet Myint
- Tin Tun Aung
- Tint Swe (Zeegone)
Recollections of a 69er
- I wrote an article for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine in 2014 for RIT Shwe YaDu (Golden Jubilee of the then New Education System).
- Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as the Chief Editor.
Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

1969 Calendar
- Published for the Universities and Institutes
1969 Calendar

Some Memories

Alice visiting the San Francisco Bay Area
- Alice visited her son and family in the San Francisco Bay Area
- She took time off to attend the Literary Talks by Min Ko Naing and Aw Pe Kye
With Alice

69ers at a gathering hosted by Ivan Lee (New Jersey)
- Ivan has hosted annual gatherings at his house for RIT and UCC Alumni.
- The timing is chosen to conincide with the visits of Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing to the area.
- Fred (Pennsylvannia), TAG (Massachussetts), HM (California), Alice (Myanmar), Tom (Connecticut) and Ivan (New Jersey) had a mini-gathering.
- Ivan is co-founder and Patron of MASTAA (based in New York).
  MASTAA has broadcast interviews with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Soe Paing and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung.
  MASTSAA members and friends donated for COVID-19 relief (prevention and treatment) in USA and Myanmar.
- Ivan is a major donor to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) along with Daw Myint Myint and U Sein Myint.
In New Jersey

Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si
- Before the pandemic, 69ers had monthly breakfast gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose Restaurant).
At Taw Win Hnin Si

Myo Nyunt, Ngwe Soe (Walter), Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Uzin Myo Tun (Bobby), Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung), Soe Thein (Peter), Albert Kyaw Min

Annual Dinner at M3
- For several years, the Annual Dinner and Entertainment was held at M3.
- Albert and Danny are two regular performers (guitar and vocal).
Best Friends Forever 1

Best Friends Forever 2

Danny’s visit to San Francisco
- Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) showed Danny around the SF Bay Area.
- Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin hosted a dinner for Danny at a restaurant in Castro.
Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) and Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel)

Speaking at John Lee’s Memorial Service
- Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) passed away.
- His daughter (a medical doctor) requested me to share my memories.
Ko Tin Myint’s Service

Maung Maung Kaung (Yi Pinn) in Dawei
- Yi Pinn is busy with his projects in Dawei.
- Some time back, his spouse passed away in Yangon.
  He rushed to Yangon, but had to self-Q.
  He could not be present at his spouse’s last journey.
- He later succumbed to Covid.
Yi Pinn

Donation by Daw Myint Myint
- Daw Myint Myint is a major donor to the 69er HCF.
- She also hosted or sponsored lunch and dinner gatherings.
  e.g. Welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie) at Westin Park Hotel
- She donated twice for YTU Library Modernization Project.
  e.g. K100 Lakhs once
Daw Myint Myint’s donation receipt

Daw Myint Myint and Nan Khin Nwe
October 19, 2025
69er Grads Reunion in 1999
by Tint Lwin & Hla Min

Update : Oct 2025

69ers
- Most 69ers matriculated in 1963
- Attended last ever I.Sc(A)
- Admitted to first ever 2nd BE in November 1964
- Graduated in 1969
1969

EE69ers

EE69ers in 1969

69ers Reunion in 1999

30th Anniversary

The 1969 RIT Graduates Reunion was held in Rangoon/Yangon, Burma/Myanmar on Saturday, 20 February 1999 at Sait-Teng-Kya Restaurant near Kandawgyi lake.

Idea

The idea was mooted three years ago when a few of us were having dinner together and thought of having a gathering in 1999. After that most of us have forgotten about the idea until around the end of November 1998 when a group of our friends led by Ko Yee Pinn (Tavoy), Ko Myint Maung (aka “Bu”, RIT Volleyball selected), Ko Shwe, Ko Win Lwin, etc. decided to have a grand re-union in February 1999. They also decided that to be more meaningful we should invite our Sayas to pay them respect as well and, hence, it became the reunion cum Saya-ga-daw-pwe.

Attendees

On that very day the guest trickled in starting from about 4.00 p.m at the restaurant. The guests were required to fill in their names and contact numbers. The organizers promised to compile the name list and send to everybody who attended. By 6.00 p.m. about 30 Sayas and about 120 of our graduates were in the restaurant. The master-of-ceremony, Ko Win Lwin, announced the start of the ceremony.

Speeches

The programme started off with a few speeches, led by Nyi Hla Nge, representing the graduates in Rangoon, followed by Danny, representing the graduates overseas, Sai Aung Win, representing graduates outside Rangoon and last but not the least, by Saya U Kyin Soe, representing all the Sayas.

Paying respect

After that we gave respect to the Sayas. All the Sayas were seated on the stage and all of us sat on the floor. Some gifts were distributed to the Sayas followed by photo taking session and then the sumptuous dinner began.

Dinner & Entertainment

About 9 to 10 dishes were served but, most of us were too excited to notice what we were eating. Halfway through the dinner some of us went up the stage and sang some songs for entertainment. Even all the ladies, led by Alice and Naw Mu Mu Aye were on the stage as well. The crowd went wild.

Vow

The party ended at about 9.30 p.m. with some of the graduates not so sober. It was indeed a memorable gathering and we all vowed to meet again in December 2000 at place and date to be announced early next year. Three cheers to the organizers and those who have one way or the other help in making this event a great success.

1969

Updates
- How time flies.
- The Class of 69 celebrated the 30th anniversary reunion in 1999. The correspondence (Ko Daniel Tint Lwin, Ma Alice Saw Yu Tint, …) was partly responsible for the establishment of the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and the first ex-RIT web site.
- 40th Anniversary Reunion in 2009
2009
- Golden Jubilee of Admission in 2014
2014
- Golden Jubilee of Graduation in 2019
2019
- U Aung Min (M69) is Chair of 69er Health Care Fund. He and his team maintain the GBNF list.
GBNF
- Several Octogenarians — U Tin Maung, Harry Tin Htut, Uzin Bobby, Uzin Aung Chaw, U Ngwe Tun, U Win Thein Zaw, U Ngwe Soe, Albert Kyaw Min, Mehm Aye Chan, U Kyaw Zin, Robert Win Boh, U Tin Aung Win …
October 19, 2025
DAG — Memories

by Dr. Aung Gyi

Updated : Oct 2025

Dr. Aung Gyi

I matriculated in 1949 and entered the University of Rangoon and stayed in Ava Hall and took the Intermediate of Science (ISc) courses. The courses were: English, Burmese, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (Pure and Applied Maths). We needed to take these courses for two years in order to go to the engineering studies. I remember having a great time in the first year as we did not have to take the examination at the end of the first year for some unknown reason. But we had to take the examination at the end of the second year for all the subject matters that were taught to us for the whole two years. It was a tough examination at the end of the second year as we had to study a lot. We had physics and chemistry examination papers, two mathematics papers, English and Burmese papers, physics lab practical exam and chemistry lab practical exam within a period of 15 to 20 days in the hot month of March. Only about 60% of the students passed through the first time. The passing grade for each subject was 40%. Fortunately the University authorities in those days were understanding and kind enough to give the failed students what they called compartmental examination again in May/June for the failed subjects. Given a second chance like that, a lot of students passed the examination this time around. The Faculty of Engineering admitted the students, including the students who passed the ISc exam. under the compartmental system, with a passing grade of at least 40% for each of ISc subjects and the average passing grade for all the subjects combined of 50%.

I was quite fortunate to have good teachers in my ISc days. I remember that Saya U Than Tin gave good lectures in physics. Saya U Thein Nyunt was good as well in teaching us chemistry. Needless to say the experiments that I had to do in physics and chemistry labs were interesting as they were all new to me.The maths teachers I remember were Professor U Aung Hla, Sayagyi U Kar, Sayagyi U Ba Toke, two Indian lecturers with the same last name Chowdhury. I forgot their first names. One Chowdhury was bald headed and the other had a lot of hair.They were teaching, I think, under contract with the Rangoon University. These very good teachers, I had to say, gave me a good foundation in mathematics. The English teachers were very good too. They were Saya U Kan Gyi and Sayama E. Kan Gyi. The only Burmese teacher I remember was Saya U Hla Maung who could make a boring topic into an interesting lecture. I owe a lot of gratitude to these wonderful teachers.

I joined the first year engineering class in 1951-1952 academic year, having satisfied the entrance requirements of the Faculty of Engineering mentioned above. The academic year , I think was from June to February with about one month break in October. So far as I know there was a “new course engineering” at the Faculty of engineering right after the World War ll. I do not know what the entrance requirement for this new course was.

I stayed in Prome Hall like most of the other engineering students in those days, as it was situated close to the B.O.C. College of Engineering building where we had classrooms, laboratories, and workshop for our engineering courses. A few engineering students however stayed in Tagaung Hall which was in the same Prome road campus of the Rangoon University as Prome Hall. Both of these hostels were timber buildings and they could easily get burnt down; but I was happy to see that they are still standing there when I visited Yangon in 2010. These two Halls gave accommodations to all engineering students, even to some students from Rangoon at that time, as there were vacancies and as the total engineering student population was not that big. If my guess is correct, I think there were about 350 to 400 students for 4 years of all engineering disciplines, out of which there were about 75 1st year engineering students. The system in place at that time was in such a way that the students had to take common courses in the first 2 years and branched out into different disciplines of choice, starting from 3rd year.

I remember that as first year engineering students, we still had to take mathematics classes from 7:00 am to 9:00 am at the main campus where we had taken the Intermediate of Science courses. I remember getting up early in the morning in Prome Hall ,and taking a walk along the road, what we called as “Padaukpin lane” or “Thaton lane”, and through Thaton Hall and Ava Hall , for the mathematics classes at the main campus. All of us then rushed back to B.O.C. College of Engineering from the main campus after 9:00 am to take theengineering classes, which included lectures, practical laboratory work, workshop practice, and drawing classes, starting from 10:00 am. We normally finished our classes around 4:00 pm. The total contact hours of learning for engineering students were about 30 hours per week. If my memory is correct, it was difficult to get an engineering degree in 6 years after matriculation. Somewhere along the way some of us failed for one reason or the other, and had to repeat a class.The passing grade for each subject, which included workshop training at the Engineering Faculty was 40% and the average passing grade for all the subjects combined was 50%. When I passed my 1st year engineering in April/May 1952 I noticed that about 15% of my classmates were left behind to repeat the 1st year engineering.

I do not remember all of my teachers at that time. I can only recall that Saya Num Kock was in charge of 1st year engineering drawing, Saya Jaidka taught us ” building materials and construction”, Saya Ketrepal gave lectures and practical laboratory training in “heat engines”, Sayagyi U Kyaw Tun / Saya C. Ping Lee taught us “electrotechnology” in the classroom and in the laboratory. In addition to the lectures, laboratory work and drawing, all of us had to take workshop training in carpentry, blacksmith, welding, and in machine shop. The medium of teaching was English. We were also encouraged to take some practical training with some engineering organization during the summer vacation. I am not quite sure , but I think Ko Chit was an assistant at the blacksmith shop, and U Ba Sein was an assistant in the electrical lab. I think Mr P. Davis was the workshop superintendent. The classrooms , laboratory facilities, the workshop facilities that I had attended were good and adequate. The library I visited some time was full of good engineering books, magazines and journals. I could imagine that with its qualified teaching staff and good teaching facilities, the Faculty of Engineering was producing the qualified engineers needed by the country at that time.

I do not know what was the total number of teachers we had at the Faculty of Engineering at that time. I could guess that the student/teaching staff ratio was about 20:1 from the number of teachers and from the number of students I had seen. I noticed that there were few Burmese nationals teaching staff at the Faculty, and most of the teachers were from India and UK. It seems that, right after the World War II, there was shortage of qualified teaching staff from Burma at higher education/University level as a whole. Sayagyi Professor U Ba Hli was Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and I believe he received his post graduate degree from a British University. He was quite far-sighted and tried to broaden and improve the engineering education by having some kind of twinning arrangements with not only a British University but also with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA (M.I.T). I remember as a student that there was a visiting Professor called Professor Horwood from M.I.T at the Faculty; and I think he gave us lectures on sanitary engineering. Sayagyi U Ba Hli must have planned to increase the number of engineering disciplines that were given at the Faculty from civil, mechanical and electrical engineering to other disciplines as well, such as Mining, Chemical, Metallurgy, Textile engineering and Architecture. I understood this plan came into fruition in 1954/1955. He must have also planned to send the Burmese nationals to UK, USA and as qualified teaching staff at the Faculty at a later date. I therefore take this opportunity to put on record that a big credit is due to the late Sayagyi U Ba Hli for his contribution to the improvement of engineering education in Myanmar.

October 16, 2025
Soe Paing
by Hla Min

Updated : Oct 2025

U Soe Paing

U Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint

U Soe Paing, U & Mrs. Hla Min

Name: U Soe Paing

Qualification: BS (Stanford), MS (Stanford), MSc. Computer Science (Southampton)

Department: Electrical Communications
Position: Assistant Lecturer, (Jan 1964 to March 1971)
Reason for Leaving: Joined Universities’ Computer Center in April 1971.

Engineering Alumni: Attended First Year Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University from June to December, 1958.
Reason for Leaving: Awarded State Scholarship to study in USA.

Occupation: Data Processing Adviser (Retired)

Organization: United Nations

Updates
- Saya was my mentor at RIT and UCC.
- He offered me and Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC, GBNF) to be his co-authors. We wrote programming texts, manuals and guides.
- Saya was a prime mover to get the “RIT Alumni International Newsletters” and http://www-ex-rit.org started.
- Saya would mention that I am a “Shay Hmi; Nauk Hmi. ရှေ့မှီ၊ နောက်မှီ”
- Sayagadaw added: “Bay Hmi ဘေးမှီ as well’.
- Saya wrote articles for the RIT Newsletter and selected journals & magazines. They can be accessed via SCRIB-D
- He also gave an interview for MASTAA
SP 2

SP 3

SP 4

SP 5

SP 6

SP 7

SP 8

SP 9

SP 10

SP 11
October 16, 2025
U Tin U
- Scholar Athlete
- Survived a Kidnapping (with intent to kill him)
- Had good memory and strong hands until his final days
Tin U
- Passed away in Yangon on August 19, 2025
- He was 96 years young.
Obituary

Obituary

Final Journey
- Attended by Family members, relatives and friends
Invitation for Yet Le Soon Kyway

Aye Aye Khin (Daughter)

Thin Thiri Tun (Granddaughter)

Academic & Experience
- BSCE (Oregon State University)
- MSCE (Yale University)
- Former Part-time Lecturer, Civil
- Former Director, Clark & Grieg
- Former Advisor, InterKiln
- Former Advisor, PWD Architect Group 2
- Oldest & Most Senior Past Captain, Rangoon University Boat Club
- Past Captain, Rangoon Golf Club
- Former Treasurer, Burma Society of Civil Engineers
Family

U Tin U, Aye Aye Khin, Daw Cherry, Ye Myint, Peter

Spouse

Dr. Cherry 1
- Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (Cherry) — passed away in November 2019
- She did Nutrition Research at BMRI.
Children

Peter & his mom Dr. Cherry

Family & Relatives

Aye Aye. Dr. Cherry, Dr. Peter, U Tin U

Family & Relatives 2

Daw San San Aye, U Tin U, Dr. Ye Myint& Dr. Aye Sandar
- Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, MRCP, Former Associate Dean of Oxford University, passed away in April 2020) & Daw Winmar;
- Daw Aye Aye Khin (B.Com, CPA) & U Tin Tun (passed away in May 2020)
- Dr. Ye Myint (Fellowship training in Intensive Care and Anesthesia, Took care of his father’s health in the final days) & Daw San San Aye
YM 1

YM 2

YM 3

Grandchildren
- Min Ko & Prudence
- Ye Aung
- Dr. Aye Sandar
- Thin Thiri Tun
- Dr. Khin Sandy Tun
Great Grandchildren
- Su Wai Tun
- Hnin Wai Tun
Peter, Winmar, Ye Aung, Min Ko

Siblings

U Tin U, Ruby, Father U Chan Sein, Betty

Ba Than, Myo Tint, Myo Min, Thaung Lwin, Tin Htoon, Tin U

U Tin Htoon, U Tin U, U Ba Than, U Thaung Lwin, Dr. Myo Tint

Six Siblings
- U Ba Than (Scholarship Winner in 1947, Gold Medalist for I.Sc in 1949, Alumnus of Imperial College, Retd. Prof. of Mech. Engg) — GBNF
- Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby)
- Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, B.Com, Spouse of Dr. F Ba Hli) — GBNF
- Dr. Myo Tint (3rd in Burma in 1952, RUBC Captain) — GBNF
- U Tin Htoon (A60, RUBC Captain, ARAE Champion, SEAP Silver Medalist in Yachting)
- U Myo Min (1st in I.Com & B.Com, Chartered Acct, UCC Co-founder)
- U Thaung Lwin (Scholarship Winner in 1960, First in EC66, RUBC Captain)
- Daw Cho Cho Hlaing (CRO, German Diploma)
Highlights
- Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1946
- Represented RUBC at the 1948 Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi with Pe Nyun, Pe Thein and Khin Maung Wint
1948 Independence Day Regatta

Rowing
- Four brothers — Tin U, Myo Tint, Tin Htoon & Thaung Lwin — are RUBC Captain & Gold
- Two other brothers — Ba Than and Myo Min — are RUBC Green
Tin U & Thaung Lwin

RUBC Captains
- Photo shows Five RUBC Captains. Sein Htoon (Cox) is a cousin; he is 1960 ARAE Champion
Most Senior Past Captain
- Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club (1948 – 49)
RUBC
- As the Most Senior and Oldest Past Captain of RUBC, U Tin U was invited to open the RUBC Centennial Celebration in 2023
RUBC Centennial

Bridge
- Played with friends (e.g Richard Po Ohn)
- Played with Uncle and two cousins
Golf
- Past Captain, RGC
- Played with senior (e.g U Yaw Hlaing) & junior (e.g U Soe Paing) partners until his early 80s
Memories
- Relaxing in the garden
Tin U
- Visit
With Than Htut

Interviews
- For RGC (Rangoon Golf Club)
- For HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education)
- For his grandson Min Ko
Kidnap Survivor
- See account by his son Dr. Khin Tun (Peter)
Yahan Khan

Yahan Khan

Garawa
- SPZP-2012
SPZP-2012
- PWD Architect 2 Group
PWD 1

PWD 2

PWD 3

Birthday Presents
- Photo Album for 90th birthday by Tin Htoon & Htaik San
- Photo Cards for several birthdays by Tin Htoon & family
Birthday Card from U Tin Htoon & family

Posts
- ARAE Champions
- Ba Than
- BSCE
- GBNF
- HMEE
- Matriculates
- RUBC
- Tin Htoon
- UCC
October 16, 2025
Tin Hla (EP69)
by Hla Min & Aung Min

Updated : Oct 2025
- Passed away on January 10, 2012
- GBNF # 59
EE Group in 2009

Sad News
- 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.
October 11, 2025
Ba Than
by Hla Min

Update : Oct 2025

Highlights

U Ba Than 3
- Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1947, and won Collegiate Scholarship.
- In 1949, he won Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in the Intermediate of Science exam.
- RUBC Full Green
- Studied B.Sc (Special) in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London University
- Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
- Per request from Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Interim Dean of Engineering), he helped build the Engineering Library
- As a requirement for promotion, he did Masters at Imperial College
- Retired as Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Mech Engg Sayas
- Saya is an early supporter of the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) project.
  Donated his photo albums.
  Cooperated with U Thaw Kaung to allow U Soe Paing & team to access the archives of Rangoon University Central Library.
HMEE book (2012)
- He also interviewed his elder brother U Tin U for HMEE project. U Tin U taught part-time at the Civil Engineering Department, and served as Treasurer of Burma Society of Civil Engineers.
Family

U Ba Than & Daw Mya Mya
- He is the second son of U Chan Sein and Daw Cheng Kim.
- Siblings : U Tin U, Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Daw Myint Thwe (Betty), Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin, Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
- Spouse : Daw Mya Mya
- Son : U Ye Than
- Daughter-in-law : Daw Lwin Mar Oo
- Grand children : Aung Myo Myint, Ei Khine
U Ba Than 2

U Ba Than 1

Winner Inn
- U Ye Than and Daw Lwin Mar Oo ran “Winner Inn”.
- Later, their children Aung Myo Myint and Ei Khin expanded the services provided by Winner Inn (notably W Bistro)
Winner Inn

Birthdays
- Celebrations
Birthday

Soon Kyway
- Before the pandemic, he invited colleagues and former students to his Birthday Soon Kyway at Yaw Sayadaw’s Monastery.
- U Tin Htoon (A60, younger brother) compiled a Photo Album for Saya’s 90th Birthday
U Ba Than
- Donated all of the Garawa Money to various social & religious associations.
- Passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.
U Ba Than & Family

90+ Club Members
- Four of the nine siblings are members of the 90+ Club like their mother.
- U Tin U (eldest) passed away on Aug 19, 2025 — a few weeks after his 96th birthday. He was the most senior Past Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). He was Past Captain of RGC (Rangoon Golf Club). He was also the oldest Yale University alumni from Burma.
- U Ba Than (2nd oldest) passed away after his 94th birthday.
- Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby, 3rd) celebrated her 93rd birthday on Aug 31, 2025.
- Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, 4th) passed away two months before her 91st birthday.
October 2, 2025
Steeve Kay
by Hla Min

Updated : Oct 2025

Announcement from Chapman University

Steeve 1

Steeve 2

Steeve 3

Highlights
- Thaung Sein
- Attended Hwa Kyone. Sponsored publication of Hwa Kyone Centennial Magazine
- Attended GTI briefly
- Took Language Courses
- Matriculated with Distinctions in Maths, Physics & Chemistry.
- Admitted to 1st BE in Nov 1964 with Roll No. 8
- Graduated with Electrical Communications in 1970
- Moved to USA
- Successful careers as IC Designer, CEO of QTC, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
- Never forgot his Roots, Alma Mater, Mentors & Motherland. He sang “Shwe Mi” at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Special Name
- An administrator entered the name as Steeve (instead of Steve). He appreciated the name for being special.
Education
- MS from Stanford University
- MBA from Pepperdine University
Work & Experience

S 1

S 2

S 3

S 4
- Electronics Engineer : Designer of Power IC Chip
- Co-founder & CEO, QTC Management : His sister Dr. Lay Kay had patents for processing disability claims & requested Steeve to found QTC.
- After private investors showed interest in his company, he retired but continued to lead a multiple-purpose career
- Visiting places of the world’s leading religions
- Incubating projects of young professionals
- Supporting education (e.g. as trustee of UC Irvine & selected Colleges)
- Maintaining diverse business portfolio
- Helping those in need (via Kay Family Foundation & CABA)
- Continue paying back the metta & cetana of his mentors
  as Golden Sponsor of RIT Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwes,
  Helen and Steeve Kay Health Care Fund for the RIT Sayas and Sayamas.
From the SPZP-2000 Archives

RIT Poet Laureate Ko Hla Min:

I must admit that I was suffering from a Monday morning “hangover”, having been intoxicated with emotional overdose over the reunion weekend [in October 2000].

Judging from the post-reunion emails I read, I am not alone. What a reunion!

By all measures, it was a success and did satisfy the alumni’s tremendous pent-up desire to reconnect with each other after many decades of separation. The dedication of the members of the organizing committee is second to none.

With the assistance of his lovely wife, Benny Tan devoted practically full-time to this project for several months. I had a first-hand experience to see how meticulous he was when he was designing the RIT T-shirt. It came out a winner!

I do appreciate the sensitivity the organizing committee displayed in making this event non-religious and non-political. Otherwise, it would have been very difficult for me to attend. The only regret is that I failed to locate the whereabouts of my buddy Ko Aung Min of Taunggyi (ME 70). I heard he went to Singapore, but so far my search has ended in “no find”.

Now that the grand reunion is over, everybody is slowly recovering from the “hangover”. The big question is who would go to Singapore in 2002, and how do we go about doing it?

With best regards,
Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein)

Sponsor / Host of Gatherings

Steeve (Center) at Benny’s house

SPZP-2012

Steeve (Center) in Yangon
- SPZPs (starting with SPZP-2000 in US)
- 40th Anniversary of “Arrival in US”
Celebrating 40th Anniversary of Arrival in USA
- Celebrating the Success of QTC
- Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe(s) for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64
- 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015
- Special PZP and Reunion in Yangon (after doctors advised against Long Trips)
Special Reunion & PZP
September 30, 2025
69ers — BFF & Young at Heart
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Old Education System
- Matriculates had to study two years of Intermediate Classes.
- Those aspiring to become Engineers had to pass the I.Sc. (Intermediate of Science) classes with 50+ marks in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. They then study four years at the Engineering College for their B.Sc. (Engg) degree.
RU

Rangoon University was opened on 1st December 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as constitutent colleges. There were only three Faculties: Arts, Science and Law.

First Strike

The First RU Students’ Strike started on 5th December 1920 to protest the deficiencies of the 1920 RU Act. It led to the opening of National Schools and National College. It also forced amendments to the RU Act (notably in 1923).

Engineering Classes

In 1924, the inaugural engineering classes were opened.

Details can be found in the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) book published in 2012. Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF, National Literary Award winner, former Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine) served as Leader and Principal Auhor of the book. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE book.

Engineering students have to attend
- I.Sc.(A)
- I.Sc.(B)
- 1st Year of Engineering
- 2nd Year of Engineering
- 3rd Year of Engineering
- 4th & Final Year of Engineering
Engineering Departments
- Architecture
- Chemical
- Civil
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Metallurgy
- Mining
- Textile.
Civil was the earliest Discipline.
Mechanical and Electrical Disciplines were offered next.
In the mid and late 1950s, five more Disciplines were added.

New Education System

In November 1964, RU was reorganized. Several Faculties became autonomous Institutes.

RIT

The Faculty of Engineering (known also as the Burma Institute of Technology) became Rangoon Institute of Technolgy with U Yone Moe (former Dean of BIT) as Rector and U Soe Thein (former Ta-Ka-Tha Leader) as Registrar.

Three Batches

In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to RIT.

ILA (Intelligence Level Agregate) was used to admit 400+ Matriculates to the 1st BE. ILA was controversial.

300+ students who had passed the I.Sc.(A) examination were admitted to the 2nd BE.

About 200 students who had passed the I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE.

Classes

In the New Education System, the Classes are called
- 1st BE
- 2nd BE
- 3rd BE
- 4th BE
- 5th BE
- 6th & Final BE. BE stands for Bachelor of Engineering.
For Architects, the Classes are called BArch (Bachelor of Architecture).

RIT69ers

Guinea Pigs

The Group is jokingly eferred to the Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems.
- Most took the Last ever 7th Standard Government exam in March 1960.
- They took the First ever 9th Standard (HSF/ High School Final Only) exam in March 1962.
  Those from Rangoon had to take the exam with Security Forces patroling the streets after the Coup d’etat on March 2nd by the Revolutionary Council.
  They had to retake the HSF exam in August 1962 because the Higher Authorities said that there were question leakage.
- They took the 10th Standard (Matriculation Only) exam in May 1963.
- In sum, they had to take three or four Government exams before being admitted to the University.
  In contrast, my older brother had to take only two exams : 7th Std. exam in March 1955, and the HSF & Matriculation exam in March 1957.
- They took the Last ever I.Sc.(A) exam at various schools, since most classes at Rangoon University, Mandalay University and Intermediate Colleges were suspended (for an unspecified period).
- Some classmates (e.g. Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF, SPHS63, 11th in Matric) applied Scholarship to study abroad, since he was the eldest in the family and did not want to burden his parents.
- After a long wait, some of my Leik Khone classmates (e.g. Aung Min (M69)) were admitted to 2nd BE in November 1964. There were 300 + students. The admission was based on the I.Sc.(A) exam marks. A few decided to study BArch.
- For the 2nd BE, the students had to study English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Drawing, Surveying, Materials and Processes, Sociology & Workshop.
- Starting with the 3rd BE, the students had to choose their Discipline. Civil and Mechanical were the top choices with 100+ students.
  Electrical had 70+ students.
  Chemical and Textile had 15+ students. Mining, Metallurgy and Architecture had 10 (or so) students.
- For 5th BE, EE students had to chose the Option: EP (Electrical Power) and EC (Electrical Communications)
- Most 69ers graduated in 1969 after passing 6th BE. Some took sabbatical, and graduated a year or two later.
- The 69ers worked mainly in the Government departments and Industry. Some worked for private companies and family business. A few moved abroad.
- Some 69ers (e.g. Dave Saluja and Win Maung) left before graduation.
Membership

The members include
(a) those who entered 2nd BE in 1964
(b) those who graduated in 1969
(c) those who studied a year or more with the above

The Group is also known as 69ers, the RIT Class of 69 and the Class of RIT 69++ .

Gatherings

The first formal Reunion of the Group occurred in 1999. It also was instrumental for the development of the RIT Alumni Newsletter, the inaugural ex-rit website, and the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000).

30th Anniversary in 1999

In 1999, Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel), Ko Sein Myint, Ko Sein Win (“Nar Yee”), and several 69ers organized the reunion for the “30th Anniversary of Graduation” and also a mini-SPZP. Ko Tint Lwin e-mailed me a report. Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice) e-mailed me photos.

Saya U Soe Paing e-mailed me about several mini-gatherings in Yangon (e.g. with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi).

Ko Tint Lwin (M69) wrote :

Thank you very much for your write-up about our 1999 “30th Anniversary of Graduation”. Actually. it all started in 1996 when I visited Burma and had dinner with a few of my close friends, including, Ko Shwe, Ko Win Mg, Ko Ye Pinn, Gabar Ko Myint Thein, etc. During dinner somebody mentioned that in 3 years time it would be 30 years since we graduated. Out of the blues I suggested to have a reunion in 1999. Everybody laughed as it was so far away. When I came back to Singapore and told Ko Sein Myint and Dickie they also laughed and told me that I must be crazy to think about so far away. However, time flies and in either late 1998 or early 1999 at Ko Win Htein’s funeral wake, some of our friends remembered the reunion proposal. They quickly formed a committee and organised the very first reunion at ‘Sait Taing Kya Restaurant. After the event I wrote you a report, Alice sent you a few photos and the rest is history.

40th Anniversary in 2009

The Class of 69 organized the “40th Anniversary of the Graduation” in 2009.

Golden Jubilee of Admission in 2014

The “Golden Jubilee of the admission to 2nd BE” was celebrated in 2014, because the 69ers were concerned with the declining health of members and that some may not be able to make it to the True Golden Jubilee of graduation in 2019.

Golden Jubilee of Graduation in 2019

The Class of 69 celebrated the true Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) in December 2019.

Acariya Pu Zwe Pwe was held at the Assembly Hall on Gyogone Campus.

The Reunion Dinner and Entertainment was held at the former Office Compound of Ko Aung Min.

Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) had a “Home Coming” after her graduation.

Many were unaware that the gathering would be a final one for some (especaially those who would succumb to Covid).

My Contributions

RIT Alumni Newsletter
- I started “RIT Alumni (Abroad) Newsletter” to share RIT-related news (such as the mini-gatherings) and solicited contact information (in the form a spread sheet) from interested sayas and alumni.
- “RIT” stands not only for Rangoon Institute of Technology, but all the engineering schools that precede or succeed it.
  RIT is a place holder for the RU Faculty of Engineering, Burma Institute of Technology, Yangon Institute of Technology, Yangon Technological University and various Technological Universities in Myanmar.
- The name was changed to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” to include alumni in Burma and the rest of the world.
- A commemorative issue was published for SPZP-2000.
RIT Web Site
- Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) designed and implemented the first RIT web site.
- I served as Content Provider and Editor of the web site.
  I composed the “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem. I posted 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post Reunion”.
- Ko Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69), Ko Aung Myint (M69, Singapore) and the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) provided some financial help to operate the web site.
- “RIT Alumni International” hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) in October 2000.
SPZP

The term “Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” was chosen over “Saya Ga Daw Pwe” (which has religious connotation) so that alumni professing various faiths can pay respect to their former sayas / mentors.
- There has been seven world wide SPZPs:
  SPZP-2000 in USA,
  SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore,
  SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016 in Yangon.
- Due to COVID-19 pandemic, SPZP-2020 was cancelled.
I have been an Organizer and/or Facilitator for the SPZPs.

My “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem was published in the Commemorative Newsletter for SPZP-2000.

Saya U Moe Aung reprinted the poem as the Back Cover of Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002.

My poem “SWE DAW YEIK” was published in the Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2007.

My article “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” was published in the Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010.

Zau Lai (EP69) wrote :

Thank you, Ko Hla Min, for your writings. If it’s not for you there will be no records and history of RIT. I am reading interestingly all your writings all the time. When we all are gone your writing will live on.

Aung Min (M69) wrote :

So thanks for your recordings.
Appreciations.

Food For Thought

Aging, Health and GBNF

At one moment, the Class of 69 had a median age of 69, and the list of GBNF has 69 members.

That symmetry no longer holds. The Class of 69 has a median age of 79, and the list of GBNF has 128!(or so) members. Over 40% have passed away.

In the latter half of 2021, twenty 69ers passed away. 18 were victims of Covid.

Declining Health

The attendees at the mini-gatherings have decreased. Some could not drive, and had to ask their family members to take them to the gatherings. Some had major or minor operations, and need time to recover fully. Some had medical problems for some time (e.g. a year or two).

Retirement

Most are retired or semi-retired. A few did not retire or did not have the chance to retire.
- Ko Tin Maung Lay (M69) worked in Europe and Middle East. So he came back to California only on home leave.
- His spouse wanted him to retire.
- He agreed but his boss requested him to perform a meticulous “hand-over” before retiring.
- He had daily work outs and supposedly had no known major health problems.
- He passed away in Dubai on a Friday (holiday in the country). His company and colleagues tried extra hard to make sure that his body could be flown back to Southern California, USA.
69er HCF (Health Care Fund)

U Aung Min (M69, Chair), U Shwe (EP69, Secretary) and team are the core volunteers for the 69er HCF. The team sends out monthly, quarterly and annual reports (including Donations, Income, Expenditure, GBNF)

Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69), Daw Myint Myint (C69) and U Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP69) are some of the major donors to HCF.

Most 69ers donate at the 69er Gatherings (e.g. Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si / Royal Rose Restaurant).

Ko Ivan Lee (M69) wrote :

Dear Classmates,

Recently rather than optimistic good news, we heard spreading pessimistic health concern news mostly.
It clearly indicates that we are aging higher and health is going down lower and lower.
I can imagine 5 years from now how many will be terribly survived.
I am kind of depressed that sooner or later we will be meeting THERE.
At this moment all I can express is to wish our classmates who are in sickness to recover ASAP.

Ivan Lee (M69)

Paying Homage to Saya U Ba Than (GBNF)

Saya U Ba Than and U Aung Min

U Tin Maung Soe (Tommy, EP69, GBNF)

Khin Maung Win (EP69, GBNF)
- Known fondly as “Sargalay” and “Nutty”
- Usually finished Mechanical drawings in about an hour and still get Grade 5.
- Later changed his name to “Lada” and “Galon”
- Training partner for Sai Kham Pan (EP69, Burma Selected in Badminton)
- Badminton selection at the Township level
U Khin Maung Win (RIP)

A69
- Aung Khin
  After working in Botswana, he and Tin Tin Hla (A70) moved to Seattle, Washington, USA to be near their daughters and grand children. He attended the Golden Jubilee on December 14, 2019 in Yangon
- Kyaw Kyaw
  He belonged to an elite group who married before graduation.
- Myo Tun (Bobby)
  Won essay contests as Errol Than Tun. After retirement from PWD, he became Ashin Pannagavesaka. He is an editor of Pa Auk Sayadaw’s books and a dhamma librarian at the Mawlamyine Pa Auk Taw Ya. He went on dhamma dhuta missions (e.g. to Vietnam).
- Tobias K. Ku, Saw (Tobi, GBNF)
  He attends 69er monthly breakfast gatherings.
  Passed away in 2021.
- Thet Htun
  He moved to Taiwan.
- Thwin Thwin Aye Hmi, Daw (Olive)
  Used to play chinlon with her classmates.
  Spouse : U Han Zaw.
  Met both last at the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012 (preceding SPZP-2012).
- Tin Maung Hla (GBNF)
  Had some medical problems (which hopefully had gone away).
ChE69
- Aung Min Oo
- Aung San
- Aye Aye Kyu, Daw
- Ceril Shair (USA) ?
- Khan Za Lan
- Khin Maung Win
- Kyaw Minn (Ei Kun, Singapore)
- Kyaw Min (Albert)
- Moe Hein (Ajala, Swimming and Water Polo)
- Myat Tun
- Myint Ko
- Myint Myint Aye, Daw
- Myo Khin, Dr. (Japan)
- Mehm Myo Min
- Soe Win
- Swe Swe Oo, Daw
- Taing Oke, Dr. (Japan)
- Yi Yi Khaing, Daw (Vilma, Singapore)
C69
- Aung Chaw (Victor, Ashin Okkantha)
- Aung Kyaw Nyein (USA)
- Aung Myint
- Aung Than
- Aung Win
- Ba Than Chit (Saw Myint Naing)
- Han Sein (“Tone Kyaw”, Swimming and Water Polo, GBNF)
- Hla Myint
- Hla Myint Thein (Patrick Aye)
- Htay Aung (Canada)
- Htay Myint
- Htin Aung, Dr. (Chinlone)
- Khin Aung (Taiwan)
- Khin Maung
- Khin Maung Aye
- Khin Maung Myint (Mandalay)
- Khin Maung Tint
- Khin Maung Win, Dr. (Donald Ba Pe)
- Kyaw Min Thein (Kenneth)
- Kyaw Naing (Kyaw Thwin)
- Kyaw Thein
- Kyaw Tint
- Li Li Wai, Daw
- Maung Kyaw
- Myint Aung
- Myo Khin, Dr. (Japan)
- Myo Nyunt
- Myo Win
- Myo Chit
- Myint Myint, Daw
- Nyi Hla Nge
- Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
- Phone Kyaw (Mandalay)
- Phor Daw Khan
- Sam Nithang (Samuel, USA)
- Saw Lwin
- San Linn
- Saw Yan Naing (GBNF)
- Sein Tun
- Soe Myint
- Soe Tint
- Than Htwe
- Than Oo
- Thaung Htay
- Thaung Htwe, Daw
EE l69
- Abdul Rauf (GBNF)
- Aung Gyi Shwe (Track and Field, Soccer, GBNF)
- Aung Kyaw Pe (Singapore, Myanmar)
- Aung Than
- Aung Thu Yein (GBNF)
- Aye Thein (Volleyball)
- Ba Oak
- Bishnu Shahi (Badminton, Nepal, GBNF)
- Chit Tin (GBNF)
- Dave Singh Saluja (Thailand)
- Hla Min (Rowing, USA)
- Hla Paik
- Hla Tun
- Khin Maung Hassan (Saudi Arabia. USA)
- Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, GBNF)
- Khin Maung Soe
- Khin Maung Tint
- Khin Maung Nyo (GBNF)
- Khin Maung Win Sargalay, GBNF)
- Khin Maung Win (Roland)
- Krishnan Lal (Australia)
- Kyaw Sein (Ashley Woo, Kyaukme)
- Kyaw Sein (Singapore)
- Kyaw Soe (GBNF)
- Kyaw Win
- Kyaw Zin (visiting Australia)
- Kyi Shwin
- Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi)
- Kyin Hwet
- Maung Toung (Tom, USA)
- Maung Kaung
- Maung Ko
- Maung Maung (Volleyball, EE69er HCF)
- Maung Shwe (69er HCF, EE69er HCF)
- Mehm Paw Oo (GBNF)
- Mehm Aung Tin
- Min Aung (Hla Thaung)
- Min Lwin
- Min Thaw (Gilbert, GBNF)
- Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet)
- Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
- Myo Aung (GBNF)
- Myo Hein (GBNF)
- Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada, GBNF)
- Sai Aik Yee (GBNF)
- Sai Kham Pan
- Sai Kyaw Aye
- Saw Aung
- Saw Edison
- Saw Lwoi Lwin Thaw (?)
- Sein Myint (K K Wong)
- Soe Myint
- Soe Myint Thein (GBNF)
- Soe Thein (Peter)
- Tan Chaung Yin (USA)
- Thar Kyaw
- Than Hla (Cyril)
- Than Htay
- Than Lwin (Henry)
- Than Myint
- Thein Swe (GBNF)
- Thein Tun (Michael)
- Thet Lwin
- Tin Maung Soe (Tommy, GBNF)
- Tin Oo
- Tin Shwe
- Tin Tin, Daw (Anne, USA)
- Tun Aung Gyaw, Dr. (USA)
- Victor Lwin
- Win Boh (Robert, Australia)
- Win Maung (Lake)
- Ye Win, Mehm
- Yi Tun
- Zau Lai, Duwa
M69
- Aye Lwin (GBNF)
  Secretary of RIT Mechanical Engineering Association
  Editor of RIT Annual Magazine
  Attended RIT Alumni Gathering in Los Angeles in 2015
- Aung Myint
  Joined Faculty after graduation
  Taught at Singapore Poly
  Lives in New Zealand and Singapore
  Hobbies : Painting, Motivational Messages
- Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung)
  Joined Faculty after graduation
  Worked at sea before founding his own company
- Htay Aung
  Outstanding swimmer.
  Won 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and Cross-lake.
  Burma selected in water polo for 1969 SEAP Games
  Spouse : Than Than (Burma Champion sprinter)
- Khin Maung Aye
  Joined Defense Industries
  Pen name : Maung Hmut
- Khin Maung Tin
  Joined Faculty after graduation
  Taught at RIT and Marine Engineering Institute
- Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee)
  Post graduate studies in USA
  Professional Engineer for New York and New Jersey
  Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000
  Major donor to 69er Health Care Fun
  Host for RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey for more than a decade
- Tint Lwin (Daniel)
  Grad studies in Canada
  Retired Associate Professor from NTU
  Guitarist / Vocalist
- Aung Naing (Bahadhur, GBNF)
- Chit Pe (GBNF)
- Chit Po Po (GBNF)
- Dicky (Win Naing, GBNF)
- Khin Maung Gyi (GBNF)
- Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF)
- Myint Sein (Badminton, HCF, GBNF)
- Myint Thein (David)
- Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF)
- Ngwe Soe (Walter)
- Sein Win (GBNF)
- Soe Win (GBNF)
- Than Myaing
- Than Win
- Tin Aung (GBNF)
- Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
- Tin Htut (Seafarer)
- Tin Htut (Harry)
- Tin Maung Aye (Accordion)
- Tin Myint (John Lee, GBNF)
- Yin Kyu (GBNF)
Met69
- Myint Kyi
- Maung Tun (GBNF)
- Ohn Kyaw
- Sai Aung Win (Mandalay)
- Sai Kyaw Myint
- Tin Aung
Min69
- Aung Win
- Chit Htun (GBNF)
- Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)
- Kyaw Tint (GBNF)
- Khin Maung Gyi
- Mya Win
- Tin Maung (oldest)
- Tin Win (Hosted the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012)
- Win Thein Zaw (Wai Lu)
Pet69
- Aung Myint (Kyant Ba Hone, GBNF)
- Kyaw Din
- Kyaw Than (Magwe)
- Kyaw Myint
- Myint Maung
- Myint Swe
- Paw Mya
T69
- Aung Thein (USA)
- Aye Aye Kyi, Daw
- Cho Cho, Daw
- Hla Shwe (GBNF)
- Hla Thaung
- Hla Tun (Japangyi, GBNF)
- Jimmy Kyin (GBNF)
- Kyaw Min (Mandalay)
- Kyi San (Win Maung, Mandalay)
- Lyo Kyin Sein, Daw (Mabel Lee, USA)
- Lin Lin Aung, Daw (Singapore)
- Myo Myint Thein
- Nan Su Su, Daw (GBNF)
- Naw Mu Mu Aye, Daw
- Nyunt Nyunt Wai, Daw (Millie Hoe, Germany)
- San Kyi, Daw (USA?)
- San San Myint, Daw (Helen Wu, USA)
- Saw Yu Tint, Daw (Alice)
- Sein Sein Maw
- Than Win
- Thet Myint
- Tin Tun Aung
- Tint Swe (Zeegone)
Recollections of a 69er
- I wrote an article for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine in 2014 for RIT Shwe YaDu (Golden Jubilee of the then New Education System).
- Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as the Chief Editor.
Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

1969 Calendar
- Published for the Universities and Institutes
1969 Calendar

Some Memories

Alice visiting the San Francisco Bay Area
- Alice visited her son and family in the San Francisco Bay Area
- She took time off to attend the Literary Talks by Min Ko Naing and Aw Pe Kye
With Alice

69ers at a gathering hosted by Ivan Lee (New Jersey)
- Ivan has hosted annual gatherings at his house for RIT and UCC Alumni.
- The timing is chosen to conincide with the visits of Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing to the area.
- Fred (Pennsylvannia), TAG (Massachussetts), HM (California), Alice (Myanmar), Tom (Connecticut) and Ivan (New Jersey) had a mini-gathering.
- Ivan is co-founder and Patron of MASTAA (based in New York).
  MASTAA has broadcast interviews with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Soe Paing and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung.
  MASTSAA members and friends donated for COVID-19 relief (prevention and treatment) in USA and Myanmar.
- Ivan is a major donor to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) along with Daw Myint Myint and U Sein Myint.
In New Jersey

Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si
- Before the pandemic, 69ers had monthly breakfast gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose Restaurant).
At Taw Win Hnin Si

Myo Nyunt, Ngwe Soe (Walter), Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Uzin Myo Tun (Bobby), Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung), Soe Thein (Peter), Albert Kyaw Min

Annual Dinner at M3
- For several years, the Annual Dinner and Entertainment was held at M3.
- Albert and Danny are two regular performers (guitar and vocal).
Best Friends Forever 1

Best Friends Forever 2

Danny’s visit to San Francisco
- Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) showed Danny around the SF Bay Area.
- Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin hosted a dinner for Danny at a restaurant in Castro.
Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) and Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel)

Speaking at John Lee’s Memorial Service
- Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) passed away.
- His daughter (a medical doctor) requested me to share my memories.
Ko Tin Myint’s Service

Maung Maung Kaung (Yi Pinn) in Dawei
- Yi Pinn is busy with his projects in Dawei.
- Some time back, his spouse passed away in Yangon.
  He rushed to Yangon, but had to self-Q.
  He could not be present at his spouse’s last journey.
- He later succumbed to Covid.
Yi Pinn

Donation by Daw Myint Myint
- Daw Myint Myint is a major donor to the 69er HCF.
- She also hosted or sponsored lunch and dinner gatherings.
  e.g. Welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie) at Westin Park Hotel
- She donated twice for YTU Library Modernization Project.
  e.g. K100 Lakhs once
Daw Myint Myint’s donation receipt

Daw Myint Myint and Nan Khin Nwe
September 19, 2025
Class of 1973
by Hla Min

Updated : Sept 2025

EP73

U Jotika
- ဦးနေထွန်း / ဦးဇောတိက
- Author
- Dhamma duta missions
U Jotika 1

U Jotika 2

U Ohn Kyaw
- Pathan Lectures
- Photo taken in Southern California
U Ohn Kyaw 1

U Ohn Kyaw 2

C73

Dennis Mackey (C73) and George Peters (C73)

Dennis

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.
- EC and Saya at MARB
September 14, 2025