The Class celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the admission in 1967.
Hovercraft Project
Six final year M73 students (including U Hla Win and U Khin Maung Cho) did their project on Hovercraft under the supervision of Saya U Tu Myint.
M73 Project
John Rao organized a mini-gathering during my visit to Singapore to meet Saya U Tu Myint and selected M73 members headed by U Hla Win (formerly known as “Roll No. 1”). Saya had retired as Director from Singapore Polytechnic.
I met U Khin Maung Cho at my nephew’s house warming party in Yangon. He was a junior colleague of my elder brother at HIC.
Saya U Moe Aung arranged for a media interview (partly online and partly face-to-face) with the Hovercraft team members.
UCC Alumni
U San Lin (Robert) & Daw Hla Myint (Marina) in Dallas, Texas
U San Lin (Robert, EC73), U Htun Aung Kyaw (HAK, EC73) and U Khin Maung Aye (M73, GBNF) attended M.Sc. (Computer Science) course at UCC.
Robert worked for Texas Instruments in Singapore and was transferred to Texas. He worked for Tech Companies until retirement. He and his spouse Marina (Daw Hla Myint, EC73) hosted the first leg of our trip to Texas. They have a son (medical doctor) and two grandchildren.
HAK worked for Schlumberger before moving to Australia. I met him and his spouse (medical doctor) during our visit to Sydney in 2006.
U Khin Maung Aye (GBNF) worked for Railways Computing Section.
Ph.D’s
Dr. Myint Thein (M73) received his doctorate from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA. He wrote articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter with the pen name Ba Thein (Atlanta). His spouse is Daw Nyo Nyo Win (T73).
Dr. Myint Thein
Dr. L. Sein Myint (M73) received his doctorate from UK. He co-hosted the first RIT Alumni Reunion in East Coast.
East Coast Reunion
Dhamma Lecturers
U Jotika
Sayadaw U Jotika (EE73) is a distinguished lecturer and author. He spent a vasa at Taung Pulu Kaba Aye monastery in Northern California. He made Dhamma Duta missions to Singapore and USA.
U Ohn Kyaw (EP73) has visited and shared dhamma in the USA. He also had a mini-reunion in Los Angeles with his former classmates.
ChE73
U Kyi Aung (Roland Chen, ChE73) submitted the Class Photo for the first ex-rit website.
ChE73
Ko Roland offered to give us a ride to attend gatherings hosted by Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72) and Daw Gyn Yu (ChE72). He shared some anecdotes. One was “why he was offered to test ride the M73 hovercraft”. Another one was about his Final Year Computer Programming Class taught by Dr. Maung Maung Win (GBNF). He did all the assignments at UCC. At the final exam, he saw a single question “If you have done the assignments, leave them in the exam hall”. His two friends (who had not diligently done their assignments) were caught by surprise.
During my visit to YTU, I met U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) and Sayama Daw Thida (Physics).
WHO explained about the YTU Library Modernization Project. He took us to the Alumni Association Office & the Saya’s corner. He told us that Swel Daw Yeik Foundation had purchased three wheel chairs for use by sayas attending the SPZPs held at YTU. They will be maintained by the Alumni Association.
Daw Thida joined the RIT Physics Department in 1971. She was a core member of the team for “Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha’s Centennial Birthday” celebration.
Posts
Associations
BIT to YTU
Education Systems
Updates
The pandemic caused disruption to projects. There were restrictions on travel.
Alumni worldwide donated to the YTU Modernization Project. Two phases were completed.
WHO is busy as Maung Mar Ga
Daw Thida & U Oo Khin Maung helped celebrate the Centennial of U San Tha Aung
Son Myo Lynn Htay (Electrical Engineer) has two sons : Alyn and Daniel
Daughter Thuzar Kin Htay has two sons : Reed and Miles
Alyn, Dhaniel, Reed, Daw Mu Mu Kin, Miles
SF Bay Area RIT Alumni
Contributions
Leader, SF Bay Area RIT Alumni Group
SF Bay Area Alumni
Founding member & President, RIT Alumni International
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Organizer, SPZP-2000
His article, “Brother, can you afford US$500?” helped with Fund Raising of SPZP-2000 with five Golden Sponsors — Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70, GBNF), Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70), David Ko (Tin Myint, M67, GBNF), Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69), Maung Maung Than (M79) — and many donors.
Gatherings
A 1A 2A 3
Donation to YTU library
In memory of Saya Allen, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated books and book shelves to YTU Library.
Maurice Chee (M75) coordinated the shipment of Saya’s books.
D 1D 2D 3D 4D 5D 6D 7
Financial Aid for eligible YTU students
In memory of Saya Allen, Daw Mu Mu Kin provided Financial Aid for eligible YTU students.
NorCal RITAA and ARITA coordinated with the selection of students.
Thank you [HM
and KMZ] for all the updates. I enjoy reading them and can feel the
excitement and enthusiasm of the participants and the organizers. I wish
I could be there for the REUNION and visit my old haunts in the Bay
Area.
The least I can do is to contribute something about the Sayas who will be attending the SPZP-2000 Reunion. I would like to say something about Saya U Ba Toke and my friend Sayas Allen Htay and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt.
Saya U Ba Toke
U Ba Toke
I am very happy to hear that Saya U Ba Toke will be making the trip to the Bay Area. Saya U Ba Toke was our Math Saya in I.Sc.(A) at Yankin College in 1956 and I.Sc.(B) at Main University in 1957. He was a lecturer and Sayagyi U Kar who also taught us in 1957 was the Professor. He was a very good lecturer. I still cannot believe how he can write pages of notes on the blackboard in a very nice handwriting. I think he became Professor of Mathematics in 1958 when U Kar retired. I remember that in 1958 we had to request him for recommendations to apply for places in universities in the States. He gave me a great recommendation for which I am still very grateful. I met him again when he joined RIT as the Professor of Mathematics before I moved to UCC. The last time I saw him was some months back at the funeral of the father-in-law of Dr. Khin Maung Win (Met) and the father of Khin Than Nwe (T62).
Allen Htay
Allen Htay
Allen Htay was a brand new Saya when we joined the Engineering College in Leik Khone in 1958. I remember him teaching Engineering Drawing to the Chemical & Textile first year students like Khin Than Nwe (T62) and my high school friend Richard Than Se (ChE62). I met him again in August 1963 when we took the same ship SS Warickshire from Liverpool on the way back home.
Ko Tin Maung Nyunt
Tin Maung Nyunt
Ko Tin Maung Nyunt, Ko Ko Lay (UCC, GBNF), and Ko Than Pe (Chartered
Accountant, ADB) were also on the ship. We spent about two months on the
ship with about 4 weeks in Colombo. We played ping pong [table tennis]
and swam in the pool during the day. We played Bridge [card game] every
night after dinner with Ko Tin Maung Nyunt and Ko Ko Lay as partners and
myself partnering either Allen Htay or Ko Than Pe. We went on land at
Port Said (at the start of the Suez Canal), Port Sudan and Aden in the
Red Sea, and Colombo, Kandy and Nuwara Elyia in Sri Lanka. All of us
became very good friends.
On arrival home in 1963 Allen Htay
rejoined RIT in Gyogone. I was then assigned to the RIT Electrical
Engineering Department in January 1964. We were together again when Ko
Tin Maung Nyunt joined the Agricultural Engineering Department some
months later. Ko Tin Maung Nyunt was one of our regulars on the Saya
Football Team. We remained good friends as all of us stayed in the RIT
estate. Ko Tin Maung Nyunt then left for the US via Thailand. I joined
the UCC in 1971. Allen Htay then left for the US. The last time all of
us got together was in 1988 in the Bay Area.
I am also glad to
hear that my old colleagues from the EE Dept Ko Sann Tint (another Saya
Football Team regular) and Ko Sein Maung will be attending the reunion.
Please pass on my best regards to my Sayas, colleagues, friends,
students and all participants.
Congratulations to you, the organizers and to a successful REUNION.
Editor’s Notes
U Soe Paing was my mentor at RIT and UCC.
During my visits to Yangon, I paid respect to U Ba Toke. Sayagyi is a Phwa Bet of Rangoon University and the First RU Students’ Strike in December, 1920.
Saya Allen Htay (GBNF), Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Ko Ko Aye (GBNF), Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and I used to meet once a month.
Mother raised the family. She lived to 102 years. Stayed active by playing Mah Jong daily.
Spouse Ivy (GBNF) : In her memory, Ivan built a school in Kyaukme
Two daughters
Six grandchildren
RIT
Attended I.Sc(A) classes at Pathein.
Admitted to 2nd BE in Nov 1964
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1969
While attending RIT, he had a private business selling Kyauk Me Laphet Chauk
Earned more than enough to pay for hostel fees and car expenses
Moved to USA
USA
Studied Masters in New York
PE (Professional Engineer) for New York and New Jersey
Entrepreneur
Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000
Sponsored Naw Mu Mu Aye to attend SPZP-2007
Major donor for the 69er Health Care Fund
Donated PCs to YTU (via U Nyi Hla Nge)
Life time Platinum for Bridge Competitive Card Game
Play Accordion and Harmonica
Host
For several years, he hosted the annual RIT-UCC Gathering The timing was chosen to coincide with visits by Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing
Trip to Canada
Invited us in 2015. Organized a whirlwind trip to Canada to pay homage to Saya U Aung Khin in Windsor and Saya Dr. Aung Gyi in Napean, Ottawa. Provided car and gas. Drove part of the trip. The major portion of the trip was handled by Fred Thetgyi (M69). Visited Massachusetts (Host : Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw, EC69) and Connecticut (Host : U Toung / Tom, EC69) on the way back.
U Aung Khin Dr. Aung Gyi
In June 2018, he organized another trip to Canada for selected sayas (e.g. Dr. Tin Win, U Aung Myint) and alumni.
Founded MASTAA and served as CEO
Golden Sponsor
On the morning of October 5, 2000, Ivan called me and asked how he can support the “RIT Alumni International” Activities. He earlier donated $360 to cover the hard costs of running the http:/www.ex-rit.org web site for a year.
He had written a check of $1200. He would donate $1000 to the SPZP and $200 to the Alumni General Fund. When I thanked him, he said,
“I’m not donating to your pocket. I’m donating for a good cause. The time you’ve put in definitely much more than $1200. I want you guys to set up a formal organization and a permanent fund”.
He became a Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000. There were five Golden Sponsors:
David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67, GBNF)
Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69)
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70, GBNF)
Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70)
U Maung Maung Than (M79)
Study & Work
Ivan wrote to Daniel Tint Lwin (M69), Saya U Aung Myint (M69) and KMZ (EC76, Web master).
I have been staying at East Brunswick, New Jersey, USA for a long time. EB is a small nice town between New York City (40 miles south) and Philadelphia (60 miles).
I got my MIME in 1976 from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, New York City. I hold both New York State and New Jersey State Professional Engineering (PE) licenses.
Back in 1974, I worked as a nuclear engineer in a Nuclear Power Plant. By 1982, I was working as a senior mechanical engineer at the major chemical/petrochemical plants. I performed planning, scheduling, design, specification, procurement, construction management, client interfacing, trouble shooting, etc. —
In 1988. I purchased the engineering and construction firm where I was chief engineer and operation manager.
In 1992 I purchased a garden apartment with 46 units and established a realty company.
In 1996 I purchased a co-generation power plant which produces power and steam/hot water to the hospitals, but this one was not doing great, so I gave up within two years.
I slowed down my engineering and construction business in 1998. The only business I am working part time is the real estate business. I own two office buildings and two single family houses. I have a beach house at the NJ shore and spend most summer there.
I have two adult daughters. The elder one graduated from Cornell University with Mechanical Engineering Degree and is working as a financial institution at Wall Street in NYC. The younger one graduated from an artist college and is doing photo for Amazon website advertisement in New York City. My wife is from Burma as well. We never returned there, since we immigrated.
I spend my time purchasing/selling stocks daily, managing the real estate business and playing Bridge [a card game]. That is my hobby. I am a Bronze Life Master in ACBL (American Contract Bridge League).
That is my life. I would like to add one more thing. When my wife and I came to USA, all we had was $60 plus $1200 air tickets loan from Pan Am.
Most of our classmates and friends are smart, intelligent, and willing to work. But a few have business mind to motivate or establish their wealth. I will talk with you more if you are interested.
Talking about donation : last year, I proposed to the Myanmar Ambassador in Washington, DC, to donate my engineering documents, books, technical catalogs, etc to Myanmar. The offer was not accepted.
Does RIT have email address? I’d like to email to the staff of RIT. I like to say “Hello” to Naw Mu Mu Aye (T69). I heard she is the Head of Textile Department at RIT.
His Philosophy
In another e-mail, Ivan wrote :
I have helped at least 75 relatives people immigrate to USA. I have sponsored at least 200 relatives, classmate, friends to USA without spending a penny to the lawyer. I had provided air tickets fees, lodging facilities, food, and transportation. I also helped most of them look for suitable jobs for most of them. I also arranged their children to go to school. This is not an easy assignment, need a huge heart to do that. My wife is of tremendous help in doing these projects. It took us more than 10 years on a consistent basis to do the projects.
I donated about $1,000,000 to my childhood school via Ko Aung Myint back in 1991/92. The school has 1000 students. They have named their assembly hall after me.
The message I’d like to offer is “When you are available, you should be able to contribute your assets (including knowledge, money, personal involvement) back to the society”.
HlaMin 