His friends call him “Duwa”. They also appreciate his mastery of the Myanmar Language as illustrated in his blogs.
He shares his time in Yangon and Myitkyina. He hosted a mini-gathering (Aung Thu Yein (GBNF), Thein Swe (GBNF), …, me and my spouse) at his house in Yangon. He took some 69ers (e.g. Win Maung) to visit his house in Myitkyina.
He tries to attend the 69er gatherings even he has to drive a long way from Myitkyina.
He is from the elite company of Proud Great Grandparents. Bo Lwin Swe (EE61) is another member of the elite Group. Saya U Ba Toke (GBNF) and Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (GBNF) were also from the elite Group.
He is also a proud grandfather. Zau Ding Aung ( Danny Zau Mun), one of his twin grand sons won gold in the Myanmar Taekwando Federation President Cup Championship (Tournament ) held on 30 Nov. 2018.
In our days, EE (Electrical Engineering) Department offered two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power).
Saya U Sein Hlaing (GBNF) served as inaugural Professor of Electrical Engineering.
It took several decades before EC (also known as EcE and Electronics Engineering) and EP became departments. Saya U Sein Win (GBNF) served as inaugural Professor of Electrical Power. Saya Dr. San Tint (GBNF) served as inaugural Professor of Electronics Engineering.
Ko Thein Swe (EP69, GBNF, 3rd BE Luyechun) annotated the Group Photo taken in 1969. I have updated the comments to reflect the change of status of the sayas and classmates.
EE69ers used to have gatherings in addition to the 69er Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Gatherings.
In addition to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund), there is EE69er HCF. Ko Sein Myint (EP69, RIT Rowing, Swimming & Water Polo) is a major donor to 69er HCF along with Ma Myint Myint (C69) and Ko Ivan Lee (M69). Ko Sein Myint is also a major donor to EE69er HCF.
Great Photo taken in August 1969
by Ko Thein Swe (EP69, GBNF)
EE69er
They were the humble, hard working classmates of EE69ers who usually shared knowledge with each other when someone could not catch up lectures/text-books. The great photo was taken in August 1969.
4th Row, L to R:-
Myint Swe (EP, Mogoke, ex-Steel mill, GBNF)
Thein Swe (EP, Meiktila, RIT Luyechun for 3rd BE, lost spouse, GBNF)
Aye Thein (EP, Mawlamyaing, ex-glass mill, Volleyball for RIT EE, lost spouse)
Sai Kham Pan (EP, Burma Selected for Badminton, Taunggyi, ex-Distiller)
Tun Oo Khaing (EP, Rakhine, ex-Paper mill, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung, GBNF)
Hla Paik (EP, Chaung Oo, ex-EPC)
Chit Tin (EC, Nyaung Oo, ex-MOGE, GBNF)
Sa Maung Maung (EP, Thaton, ex-Paper mill, Volley for RIT EE, EE69er HCF, lost spouse)
Mg Shwe (EP, ex-EPC, Treasurer of 69er HCF, EE69er HCF)
Oo Kyaw Hla (EC, ex-MOGE, Canada, GBNF)
Sai Hwet @ Myat Soe Lwin (EP, now in Ygn)
Aung Kyaw Pe (EP, ex-EPC, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia)
Khin Mg @ Hasan (EP, Saudi Arabia)
Front Row : Mostly Sayas
U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War, Author, Editor, Publisher)
U (Saw) Khaing Oo
U Ba Myint (Retired Pro-Rector)
U Soe Paing (ex-UCC, retired from UN)
U Kyaw Tun (Saya of our sayas, President of RIT EE, GBNF)
U Sein Hlaing (EE Professor, GBNF)
U Tint Swe (Former Footballer for Prome Hall, Tennis, GBNF)
U Ba Lwin
U Sein Win (President of RIT Swimming, President of RIT Rowing, later EP Professor, GBNF)
U Thein Lwin (President of RIT Badminton, Singapore, GBNF)
U Tin Shwe (ex-ABAC, Uzin, GBNF)
U Sein Maung (ex-ABAC, attended SPZP-2000)
Ma Tin Tin @ Anne (EC, US)
Happy to send precious memory re-caller.
Absentees: Kyaw Sein (EP69, Myingyan, ex-cement mill, Singapore), Kyaw Soe (EC, ex-DCA, GBNF) Ko Toung @ Tom (EC, USA)
There are other Electrical classmates (63/64 intakes or 69/70/71 grads) such as
Minn Aung @ Hla Thoung (EP, ex-cement mill, Singapore
Surinder Singh (EP, Taung-gyi, Australia)
Aung Than (EP ? or quit. Pyinmana, playing cards and chess)
Than Htay (EP, Dawei, RIT Tennis, ex-EPC)
Ko Thoung? (EP?, ex-PWC)
Win Mg (RIT Swimming & Rowing, left for Bristol Tech College before graduation, ex-UBA, ex-private air line)
Tin Shwe (EP, Taungthar, ex-EPC)
Aye Thaw (EP, Kyaukpadaung, ex-EPC)
Ba Oak (EP, Shwe Bo, ex-EPC)
Khin Mg Tint (EP, Windwin-Meiktila, ex-EPC)
Myo Hein (EP, Meiktila, ex-Jute dept)
Thein Htun @ Michael (ex-sailor, jolly)
Kyi Shwin (ex-astrologer)
as far as I remember.
Regards and with Metta Thein Swe
Comments
After retirement, several Sayas and alumni moved back (e.g. from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand) to Myanmar.
Some spend part of the year visiting their children and grandchildren in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, UK, USA, etc.
Ko Aung Thu Yein (EC69, GBNF) wrote :
Ko Thein Swe,
A Brilliant Effort. In fact it is a time frame. We’ll keep it as long as we live. And we want our offspring and relatives to keep it and pass it on. First our Metta to our Parents/Guardians. Then to our mentors whoever they are. Without them we’ll never be Smart Engineers.We were blessed to be in that group. And our Buddhist Philosophy. Some of us have left and we’ll follow them suit later or sooner. While we are breathing let us be together near or far. Carry on. Well done! Chan Thar Ko Sake Myare Bar Zay,
Cheers, Aung Thu Yein
Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC69) wrote :
George (Lake) Win Maung left for Bristol Tech College as State Scholar to become Aeronautical Engr Radar & Radio License> He served with UBA (Union of Burma Airways) later known as BAC (Burma Airways Corporation ). He did not join DCA (Department of Civil Aviation. Saya U Soe Min (GBNF) & Robert Win-Boh joined DCA in 1970. Ko Kyaw Soe EC 68/69 (GBNF) & Ko Wunna Sithu EC 71 joined in 1972. Many others like Ko Kyaw Myo @ Uno EC 72 joined DCA in 1976/77 to become Aeronautical Airworthiness Officer (Instruments) & lately Dy Minister of T & C.
အထက်ပါခေါင်းစဉ်အောက်တွင် … ချန်လှပ်ထား၍ မဖြစ်သော ကဏ္ဍတခုမှာ ကျေးဇူးရှင်ဆရာ(ကြီး) တို့နှင့်ပတ်သက်၍ ကျွန်တော် ထိတွေ့မှတ်သားရသည့်အမှတ်ထင်ထင် အကြောင်းရာအချို့ဟု ကျွန်တော် သုံးသပ်ပါသည်။— with Mg Mar Ga and U Hla Min.
Thanks for your birthday wishes. I really appreciate it. I am lucky to have good friends and good former students like you in my life. Hope I will be able to see you in person some time in future.
I was nominated to lecturer-position by Sayagyi U Yone Mo within a month of my return from overseas. However, due to some hiccups, the promotion was delayed by 7 month. U Kyin Soe and I became lecturers with the pay scale 800-50-1200. Those who got promoted later as lecturers got only 800-40-1000 according to the revised pay scale. U Kyin Soe became Rector of RIT (after I left for Australia in 1980). I find that he is very honest and straight forward but a bit short-tempered because he is a man who always stands up for principle.
I was given added responsibility as Workshop Superintendent of RIT workshop when U Phone Myint and U Tin Maung Oo went to Japan on study leave for a couple of years. I did something regarding the workmen’s benefit for which they were really thankful to me. Our workshop consisted of machine shop (Saw Jimmy), carpentry (U Hla Maung), fitting, black smith (U Hla Maung and U Chit), welding. Every student had to do practical training in these shops for a couple months in rotation in their first and second year.
I also served as a member of all universities magazine committee. We had to read and pass all the articles, poems and cartoons; without our signatures nothing would/could be published.
I remember that we had in every department translation groups to translate technical terms aiming to publish a technical dictionary to which we all have to sit once a week in our respective department, arguing a lot to approve each and every word of technical term for suitable meaning in Burmese when the new system was introduced. I would not have a clue what happened to that effort and work whether it had been successfully compiled or discarded totally when I left for Australia in Oct 80.
I was also given another job with a very splendid name Dy. Director of UNDP project, constructing a new building near the Metallurgy Department, RIT. It was still being built unfinished when I left for Australia.
Overseas Employment Opened For Students
Many of our graduates especially Mechanical and Electrical find hard to find jobs within Burma. They were encouraged to form Shaysaung Cooperatives (ရှေ့ဆောင်သမဝါယမ) for Mechanical and Moe Gyo Cooperatives (မိုးကြိုးသမဝါယမ) for Electrical on the campus with a couple of sayars, who took control and oversee of necessary disciplines. I took charge of Shaysaung as president for a number of years. Later U Win, Dr Tin Hlaing and U Thein Tun Aung continued in that capacity.
Since 1970 many engineering graduates started leaving for overseas job because engineering jobs were scarce within the country. Many embarked to grab whatever job they could have their hands on especially in Singapore, Malaysia and USA etc. Thanks to the CETANA စေတနာ and genuine input of well trained qualified sayars and teachers that most of the graduates found suitable and well-paid jobs in many private and public sectors overseas. I met personally those Ex-RIT graduates in many of my travel to many countries and to my surprise many came and wished me all the best whenever they heard about any sayars visiting their place. Also they never stayed away but always show their sincerity and generosity, treating the visiting sayars with lunch or dinner in their honour. Personally I am really delighted and enjoyed their company and their love and respect even though we have been separated for more than 30-40 years since we left the Institute. That is to keep the ever beaconing of RIT torch and I would like to urge everyone connected to RIT to keep the RIT tradition undistinguished and undiminished so long as we live.
I had another yearning desire to become warden of the hostels. Later I was fortunate enough because the Rector Sayagyi Dr U Aung Gyi, who thought heads of departments were busy with office-work, stopped appointing heads of departments but appointed able and capable lecturers. Thereby I got the job with added financial remuneration, free accommodation and free telephone. I was appointed twice for the same position for two successive terms. I remember many worked under me as hall tutors like U Nyi Hla Nge, U Khin Maung Tint, U Maung Oo, U Khin Maung Win etc. All of them are very polite, cooperative and respectful. U Nyi Hla Nge later became Rector of the Institute but he still showed his respect when I met him in April 07 Ex-RIT Sayar Pu Zaw Pwe. U Shwe Yi, Dr San Tint, Dr Tin Hlaing and U Thein Tan also became wardens and I had the opportunity to work alongside with them.
We had a program introduced by the Revolutionary Government to promote and educate labourers and peasants with engineering knowledge. Many RIT staff took part to deliver through the Burmese Broadcasting Service, Kamayut. I took turns several times together with U Thit, Dr Tin Haling, U Aung Hla Tun etc.
When Sayagyi U Aung Khin left the department for Canada in ’78, U Ba Than became the head of department and as he lives outside the RIT campus I was given the responsibility to assume and officiate the duty of the head of department during his absence. Many Mechanical students who were looking for overseas jobs with many shipping companies came to me to sign and recommend their papers. I helped them immediately on the spot. Later they even came to my house when they needed help. That is the reason I made many students very happy and they never forget my assistance. They always show their love and respect because I made the door of the department always open for them.
I remember the time we went practical training during our summer holidays for two months in our second and third years to enhance and widen our theoretical knowledge. If we missed any one of them it had to be repeated as a prerequisite for degree. I got my practical training first time in the Moulmein Dockyard and second time in Alone Dockyard (Sin Ma Leik), Kyimyin Daing Rangoon. Many times the faculty members were sent to supervise the training. I remember the time we went Upper Burma, Thayetmyo and Syriam with Sayagyi U Aung Khin, U Tin Hlaing, U Tu Myint, Dr Tin Win etc. I found it was really enjoyable because we had a good social interaction with staff and students which really cemented our friendship until this day even though we left the Institute years and years ago by choice. Also I remember second year Civil engineering students went to Maymyo for their survey training under the supervision of enthusiastic and energetic teachers and leaders. Everyone knows that we are very fortunate to enjoy students-teachers relationship which is admirable and worthwhile to everyone because even though I left the Institute more than 30 years ago, I am surprised when I met many Ex-RIT students not only from Mechanical department but from other disciplines as well came and wished me with love and respect to which I felt greatly satisfied and honoured. I met many more than 30 with their spouses in LA on 3 Oct ’10 and also in San Francisco on Oct ’10 and also many students again in Feb. ’11 to Washington DC.
I must admit that my service with the Institute for more than 20 years, teaching and working in many walks of life I come to know many teachers, students, workmen and their families etc. the friendship with them gives me delight and pleasure until today. It seems to me that my mind is always there enjoying their true friendship and the glimpse of those familiar faces with me always wherever I go.
Most of the workmates, comrades and colleagues are very friendly showing their love and respect not only while we were back then in RIT but until today whenever and wherever we meet occasionally and accidentally at the time of gathering like the Sayar Pu Zaw Pwe sponsored by the Ex-RIT students all over the world and many times on our own private visit to different countries like New Zealand, America, Singapore, Thailand and also back in Burma etc. We all love our Institute and we honour it because not only we acquired sufficient knowledge very useful to find employment for our livelihood but also we learn to respect and love one another; many find life very nice and easy because many overseas companies in advanced countries recognised and employed most of the RIT graduates for their benefit as well as for our own who left home for better lives and new future for our off-springs. I attended more than three times the Ex-RIT Reunion where I met many old comrades and colleagues and old students who showed the same love and respect while we were back then in RIT. It is so wonderful and worth remembering for their warm responses. Every time I attended I was asked to deliver a speech as a sign of respect to which I appreciated very much.
SPORT AND OTHER SOCIAL ACTIVITY
While we were in RIT we played soccer in many friendly matches between Mechanical and Civil, Electrical and other minor departments and most of us enjoyed playing. Most of the time Sayagyi Dr U Aung Gyi, U Tin Hlaing, U Soe Paing, U Kyin Soe, Dr U Tin Hlaing, Saw Christopher Maung, Dr U San Tint, U Saw Pru, U Maung Maung Win were a few names as keen enthusiasts. (Note: As I cannot remember all the names I’d like to ask U Soe Paing to add a few more.)
Some also played tennis among who were Dr U Aung Gyi, Dr Khin Maung Win, Dr Tin Hlaing, U Tin Hlaing, U Tu Myint U Tin Htut etc as regulars. I remember Dr Tin Hlaing, U Myo Win and I played badminton regularly in the badminton court on the campus.
Many Russian staff came together with the gift of the building and they taught in some specialised fields and also acted as interpreters. They also taught Russian language to interested students in the evening where many attended to learn new language, is commendable.
Occasionally we had debates sponsored by the Burmese language association which invited some notable and well-known authors and sometimes I acted as chairman on the occasion in the hall fully filled to the capacity attended by most of the students who really enjoyed.
Musical entertainments with many famous entertainers and celebrities were invited for students’ enjoyment and entertainment by the same association and also the administration arranged movies shown in the hall during weekend in the evening for the students and employee dependents for their recreation. Most of the hall tutors and wardens, security officers kept vigil with their eyes opened to maintain law and order.
Sometimes in 1963 during summer holidays U Tin Hlaing (M-deceased) and two of his mates followed me to my home town Moulmein to see different places namely Amherst, Thambyuzayat, where the Military Cemetery for thousands of soldiers who died fighting the Japanese during WWII and also to one big island Belugyun just opposite Moulmein across the River Salween where my family spent many years during WWII.
When we were students the hostel and food cost us only K50 per month and the education was free for everybody. And the scholarship and stipend was also K50 and also we had stipend board in RIT comprising of heads of departments and other senior teachers including myself to listen to applicants’ life story so that our judgement and assessment would be fair and lenient in awarding and rewarding stipend to most deserving students.
The department encouraged students with excellent idea of invention and innovation of something new and I remember that our head of department took keen interest in those students and teachers who guided and supervised a certain group of students to experiment on hovercraft and I think the project was successful. Thanks to the valuable input of Sayagyi U Aung Khin, U Tin Hlaing, U Tu Myint.
Despite my imperfect memory, I have morphed into an Oral and Written Historian of my alma mater with the help of sayas, sayamas, and alums who shared their walks down memory lane and precious photos to be published in the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” (1999 – present). Thanks.
Class of 69 is unique
Our Class is unique in the following sense.
Four Government Examinations
Took the last ever 7th Std Government exam in 1960.
Took the first ever 9th Std — High School Final Only Exam — in March 1962. Except for English, we had to answer all subjects in Burmese. Under the tight security imposed by the 17-man Revolutionary Council, we completed the exam.
To our surprise and dismay, the HSF examination for Rangoon Division was annulled. Had given my text books. Had to re-take the HSF exam in August 1962.
Took the 10th Std — Matric (only) Exam — in May 1963. 1263 students from Rangoon. Khin Maung U (SPHS) stood first in the whole of Burma. He was followed by Min Oo (SPHS, 2nd), Myo San (Freddie, SPHS, 3rd, GBNF), Nyunt Wai (Victor, SPHS, 4th), Thein Wai (SPHS, 5th), Kenny Wong (MEHS, 6th) and Hla Min (SPHS, 7th).
SPHS63
SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty. They were awarded Collegiate Scholarship for 75 Kyats a month.
Guinea Pig of Education Systems
The education system wanted us to spend one more year in school before attending the university.
Is it our fate or destiny to serve as guinea pigs of Educators?
I.Sc. (A) at Leik Khone
Attended the last ever I. Sc.(A) classes at “Leik Khone လိပ်ခုံး” on Prome Road. Leik Khone was used by Faculty of Engineering before it moved to Gyogone.
Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, GBNF), Kyaw Wynn, Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF) and I — joined RUBC. Our crew was Senior Novices Runner-up at the Monsoon Regatta. Earned Full Greens at the end of the season.
Due to security reasons (following the Anniversary protests of 7th July), the Annual Regatta was cancelled, but Sithu U Tin (President, RUBC) decided to hold the Dinner gathering for the 40th Anniversary at Orient Club in Kandawgyi. Souvenir Magazine was compiled by Sithu U Tin (GBNF), U Po Zon (GBNF) and U Tin Htoon.
RUBC 40th Anniversary
Took the last ever I. Sc.(A) exam at the designated high schools.
Most of Rangoon University (except Medical and Engineering Colleges) were suspended following the fateful anniversary celebration of “7th July and the demolition of the historic Rangoon University Students’ Union”.
Those who were a year senior to us in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us. We lost 1.5 precious years.
School Closure
Before the universities reopened, scholarship bids (mostly to Soviet Union and East Bloc nations) were opened to students who are 18+ years old. I did not qualify. Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF) and Kyaw Wynn received scholarship to study Engineering at Dresden University in GDR.
New Education System
The then new “University Education System” replaced the “old” model of Rangoon University with several Faculties : Arts, Science, Social Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law.
The system created institutes such as Rangoon Institute of Technology, Institute of Medicine, Institute of Economics, and Institute of Education.
RASU (Rangoon Arts and Science University) and MASU (Manadalay Arts and Science University) were the core left from the Rangoon University and Mandalay University.
In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to the first ever 1st B.E., 2nd B.E., and 3rd B.E. classes.
RIT
Ma Than Yi (Maubin Ma Shwe Than, EP70) has blogged about her reminiscences of 1st B.E.
Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) and Ko Ohn Khine (M70) have described the academic and extra-curricular activities for ’64 to ’70.
The list of 400+ students who entered 1st BE has been compiled by Ko Ohn Khine and team. Notable alumni from that class have also been portrayed in their Golden Jubilee Magazine published in November, 2014.
The list of 300+ students who entered 2nd BE has been compiled by Ko Aung Min (M69) and team. 69ers had major reunions for 30th Anniversary (in 1999), 40th Anniversary (in 2009), SPZP-2012, Pseudo-Golden Jubilee (for the admission to RIT) in 2014, True Golden Jubilee (for graduation) z& SPZP in December, 2019. Sad to note that more than 40% from the class are GBNF.
The authorities used I.Sc (A) results to admit students to 2nd B.E. I was at the top of the list followed by Taing Oke and Kenny Wong.
I was selected Luyechun (Outstanding Student) along with Ko Sein Shwe (4th BE), Ko Zaw Min (1st BE), and Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (Margaret, 2nd BE, RIT selected in track and Field). In the summer of 1965, we attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp with Luyechuns from other universities and institutes, and high school.
Luyechun
Several high school Luyechuns (e.g. Ma Pwint Than, Uttam Singh, Ko Aung Win, Ko Win Myint) joined RIT two years later.
Difficult Choices
Had to decide Major before attending 3rd BE. Civil and Mechanical were the top choices. Many joined RIT faculty after graduation.
80+ students — Ko Thein Swe (GBNF), Ko Khin Maung Win (GBNF), Ko Aung Kyaw Pe, Ko Tun Aung Gyaw, Ko Toung and I — chose to major in Electrical. Joined by some seniors. Some took sabbatical or were hit by the infamous 75% attendance rule, or by the strict moderation (failing a minor subject even though the average was 2.5+)
Had to decide before attending 5th BE. Ratio of EP (Power) to EC (Communication) was 3:1. Rationale was that EP had a reasonably good market with EPC being the chief employer of EP graduates. EC had a limited market with PTC, BBS, DCA, and MOC/MOGE.
Many top students such as Ko Thein Swe, Ko Khin Maung Win and Ko Aung Kyaw Pe chose to major in EP. After graduation, most joined EPC and other corporations.
13 or so students such as Ko Tun Aung Gyaw, Ko Toung and I chose to major in EC. Ma Tin Tin (Ann), the lone female EE student, chose EC. Ko Than Lwin (Henry) joined the faculty. Some worked for DCA, MOC and Schlumberger. A couple migrated to the US.
EE69
Universities’ Computer Center
At one Burma Research Conference, Saya U Soe Paing presented a paper on digital computers zand logic. Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) requested Saya U Soe Paing to help him with the UCC project to be submitted to UNDP).
Saya U Soe Paing requested top EC students to join his project. The proposal, vetting, and approval of UNDP projects took a long time; so many students took available jobs.
When the project was finally approved by UNDP, UCC was established at Thamaing College Campus. Dr. Chit Swe became the founder/director. U Soe Paing, U Myo Min, and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), became co-founders and Managers. After volunteering for a considerable time, Ko Tun Aung Gyaw and I joined UCC as the first batch of employees.
UCC
For details, read “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” by U Soe Paing, my interview with Mandalay Gazette and my series of articles “Memories of UCC”.
Mandalay Gazette
Activities
In my Newsletter Updates, I mentioned some of my extra-curricular activities.
Class Representative, Magazine Committee member, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT Electrical Engineering Association.
Last ever elected Treasurer and Vice Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club. Due to the changes in policy, I was denied to become Captain (as originally stipulated by RUBC rules). Higher authorities installed a committee of sayas to oversee RUBC.
As a member of the RIT Rowing team, I attended the “Appreciation” Ceremony by the RIT Sports Council, then chaired by Saya U Maung Maung Than. Applauded the accomplishments of multi-sports athletes such as Ko Aung Khin (M 67), Saw Maung Maung Htwe (Class of 70), Ko Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T 68), and Inter Institute Champions (Badminton, Chinlon, Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weight lifting & Body Building).
Served as EC & editor of RIT English Association. Represented 2nd BE in a debate along with Ko Myo Tun (Bobby), and Ko Khin Maung Win (Roland Thein). The 1st BE team led by Ahmed Soorma won. Received “Rhyming Dictionary” as a prize. Gave my dictionary to Ashin Ananda (Rev. F. Lutvig, Poet Laureate).
Founding member of RIT Chess Association along with the accomplished players like Ko Aung Than, Ko Maung Maung, Ko Thet Lwin (Henry) and visiting Soviet lecturers.
Joined Universities’ Training Corps (UTC) for a while before the schedule conflicts with rowing.
Sai Kyaw Aye (part-time BBS) invited us to learn and sing “Auld Lang Syne” in Shan.
Wrote short notes for “Hset Hmu Thadin Zin” and articles for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung” & “RIT English Bulletin”.
In July 1969, I wrote a poem “Men on the Moon” to honor the Apollo 11 mission. It was published in the Guardian daily newspaper. A copy was sent by Mr. Hall (USIS) to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
In December 1969, Daw Khin Swe Hla asked me to translate a short story “Nge Thay Loe” by Sayagyi U Thu Kha for publishing as the Sunday Supplement for Working People’s Daily (WPD). My translation “Still So Young” earned me 50 kyats. U Thu Ka was given an honorarium of 50 kyats. In those days, 1 US dollar was worth 5 to 6 kyats.
In my Newsletter Updates, I mentioned about my dreams — to get the sayas and alums reconnected electronically and physically, and to repay the metta and cetana of my mentors. U Soe Paing was a driving force, and Ko Khin Maung Zaw worked long weekends to set up http://www.ex-rit.org
Was a saya at UCC, DCS and ICST. Attended the 5th and 6th Arcariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST and UCSY.
I am not a saya at RIT. I was not eligible for the world wide SPZPs.
I was deeply moved when Saya U Moe Aung visited Ko Tin Aung Win’s house after SPZP-2007 and accompanied us to the air port. Before SPZP-2012, Saya gave me two vintage RIT Annual Magazines from his private collection and other gifts.
Dr. Soe Thein (C75), web master & videographer of SPZP-2007, invited me to the Civil Reunion & SPZP. He invited me to the C75 gathering before SPZP-2012.
I had contact with Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72) via Facebook. M72 group (WHO, Ko Myint Pe, …) invited me to join the M72 gathering and mini-SPZP. Event was solemn, because Ko Khin Maung Toe had passed away. “Thamudaya Kyaung” DVD is among my souvenirs.
Smiles from my mentors, and “random acts of kindness” help me burn midnight oil and keep on going the extra mile.
I would like to end by paying tribute to the countless sayas, sayamas, and alums who have kept the RIT Spirit alive and well.
Tribute
The following provide different perspectives of our beloved alma mater.
RIT Annual Magazines Chief Editors include Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) and Saya U Moe Aung. Publishers include U Hla and Saya U Thet Lwin. Limited edition of 23 (or so) RIT Annual Magazines was reprinted for SPZP-2012
Discipline-wide magazines such as “Hlat Sit Sar Saung” (published by the RIT Electrical Engineering Association with Saya U Moe Aung as Chief Editor and Publisher)
Weekly “Hset Hmu Thadin Zin” founded by Ko Win Thein (M 67, GBNF) and associates An alum couple archived several years worth of Hset Hmu Thadin Zin
“Cartoon Box” founded by Ko Myint Pe (M 72) with the patronage of Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (“Phone Ko”, C64, cartoonist for Kye Mon newspaper and several magazines) and Saya U Aung Myint (Pet 69, creator of “Kyant Ba Hone”, GBNF)
Ko Myint Pe & team compiled cartoons from Cartoon Box, Hset Hmu Thadin Zin, and RIT Annual Magazines for the commemorative issue of “RIT Cartoons” for SPZP-2012. Three (or so) generations of Cartoon Box authors set up a booth at SPZP-2012 and autographed books for sale.
HMEE — History of Myanmar Engineering Education by Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) and team. Sayagyi U Ba Than, U Thaw Kaung (Chief Librarian, Rangoon University Central Library), and U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) provided historical photos & documents
The companion CD to the HMEE-2012 Book was compiled by Ko Ohn Khine (M 70) and me
Commemorative web pages for SPZP-2000 include 64 “Count down to the Reunion”, 36 “Post-Reunion” articles, & “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem
Early “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” by me were posted in http://www.ex-rit.org (now dormant)
Subsequent “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” by Ko Hla Min (EC 69) were posted in http://www.rit-alumni.info (now dormant)
RIT-related Facebook Pages Saya U Moe Aung, Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) Ma Than Yi (EP70), Ko Ohn Khine (M70), Ko Saw Lin (C71, GBNF), Ko Myint Pe (M72), Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Ko Khin Maung Lwin (M87)
Commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000″ edited by me & team
Commemorative issues of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 edited & published by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPZP-2016
“Shwe YaDu Magazine” edited by Ko Khin Maung Lay (M70) & team was published in conjunction with the Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of the combined 1st BE intake of ’64 and ’65
“Thamudaya Kyaung (Parts One and Two)” DVD : Based on the poems by Maung Sein Win (Padeegone); Played and sung by Ko Khin Maung Toe (GBNF)
Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint According to Saya U Moe Aung, the term “Swel Daw Yeik” became an official synonym for RIT, its predecessors and successors at the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1970. Ma Mya Than Win (Minthamee) and Ko Myint Pe (Lu Shwin Daw) were members of the Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint.
Gee Ta See Sar (Musical evening) : Ko Kyaw Oo (pianist, GBNF), Ko Yu Swan (Don min), Sayama “Emma” Tin Tin Myint, Ko Kyaw Htin (“Chee Hte Nu Nu Kyaw”), Ko Than Myaing, Ko Tin Maung Aye, Ko Soe Aung and Ko La Min are some of the performers at the early Gee Ta See Sar’s
Saya U Moe Aung, Saya U Thet Lwin, Saya U Saw Tun (“Saw Lu”), Saya Dr. Taing Oke (“Yin Maung”), U Toee Maung, U Than Po (GBNF) are some of the “Zat Saya” and/or composers.
U Thet Lwin‘s compositions include “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo Kun Yeik Kho” (granted a “Dat Pyar” by Burma Broadcasting Service). The song has been sung at the various RIT-related gatherings such as Singapore Thingyan and world-wide SPZPs.The song was sung in the ceremony (on December 1, 2019) to kick off the Rangoon University Centennial Celebration.
Thoughts
Hla Min
To paraphrase the Curator of Smithsonian Museum, “There is no unique history. It is not uncommon to have parallel competing and often contradictory histories of an event.”
Feel free to revise my recollections of my RIT days and my contributions as an informal historian.
Parents : Chiu Foke Yin and Moy Mei Lan in Mogok, Burma.
Graduated with B. Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Rangoon in 1961. Awarded two gold medals.
The Todarmal Talwar Memorial Gold Medal for obtaining highest aggregates of the four examinations leading to the degree of B. Sc. in Engineering and
The U Kyaw Sein Gold Medal for standing first in the Final B. Sc. Civil Engineering Examination of March 1961.
Begin teaching career in 1961 as an Assistant Lecturer, Civil Engineering Department, Burma Institute of Technology.
In 1963 married to Twee Kyi Moy (Myint Khin), who worked in the Accounts Department of R.I.T. from 1963 to 1977.
In 1965 went to German Democratic Republic for further studies. In 1971
obtained Doctor of Science (Dr.-Ing.) in the Fundamentals of Geodesy
from the Dresden Technical University. Returned to Burma in 1972 and was
promoted to Lecturer in the Civil Engineering Department in the same
year.
In 1978 immigrated to the United States of America. In the
same year worked as a Civil Engineer with DeLeuw, Cather & Company.
Up to present still working with the same company as a Principal Civil
Engineer. DeLeuw, Cather & Company becomes part of Parsons
Transportation Group of Parsons Corporation.
Editor’s Note:
Saya played on the RIT Sayas soccer team.
Saya and his brothers U Soe Thein and Saya K C Chiu attended SPZP-2000. Sayagadaw was a bit disappointed when memorabilia were handed out to RIT sayas and sayamas and not to office staff members.
Despite having medical problems, he still writes poems and articles
Sample Kabyar
Achievements
He is a distinguished poet, writer, editor and publisher. He wrote for newspapers, magazines and journals. He has compiled and published collections of his works.
His mentor was Daung Nwe Swe (Laureate Poet).
He served as an all-round volunteer for the publication of Annual Magazine of RUESU (Rangoon University Engineering Students Union).
He served as Chief Editor and/or Publisher of the following (and more) :
RIT Annual Magazines;
Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (for RIT EE Association);
Commemorative issues of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, and SPZP-2010;
Commemorative issues of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Swe YaDu and SPZP-2016
Saya U Moe Aung
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)
During those years from 1962 to 1980, I made true and genuine friendship with four colleagues : Dr. Tin Win (M62), U Win (M63), U Myo Win (M/Ag65) and Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63). I call them my “Awesome Foursome”. Even to this day, we have with constant correspondence.
Dr. Tin Win
Students
The students came from different parts of the country. Those from Rangoon attended their classes from home using bus. Those from out of town applied for accommodation. Most got except a few unfortunate ones. Those who did not get accommodation lived in nearby houses with families paying for food and lodging. Having worked for several years with students as hall tutor and warden, I learned many things about their nature, habit and character.
Some students were expelled from hostels for not observing rules and regulation. I overheard that those who got kicked out of the hostels were like getting bonus because they did not have to pay any hostel fees but they could even take refuge with their mates and come down and eat with them after buying a dish from nearby food court serving all sorts of food — Burmese, Chinese and Indian. Rice was served freely for them without any restriction as most of the wardens and hall tutors gave a blind eye. U Chit’s Moke-Hin-Gha and Ma Tin Aye’s food stalls were very popular. If dishes at the hostel dinning hall were not too good or we had to spend only 25 pyas or so, to buy a decent dish of fried sausage or egg even mixed with tomatoes from the wives of butlers who set up a make-shift stall just outside the dining hall. There were many food stalls all along near the dinning halls so that if they found tasteless and lost appetite it is within their reach. We could sometimes invite our day-students friends to join us for a lunch at RIT dining hall.
Electrical clocks installed at RIT were maintained by Ko Khin Mg Yin (tall and a bit skinny but friendly and helpful guy). U Ba Lin was the buyer and U Aung Than was U Thet Lwin’s assistant for any odd jobs. Hostel fees are 57 Kyats a month only. Monthly scholarship/stipend allowance was 75 kyats a month.
I remember G-Block was meant for single-man teachers and staff from 1961 to 1964 but with the introduction of the new Education system about 30% of the student population was woman students. To help reduce stress & pressure of finding accommodation the administration arranged in such away that man-teachers were given notice to leave the block for woman students for convenience. Since then G-Block became woman students’ hostel for a long time under woman warden Dr. Daw Thaung Khin.
I also remember the time when we were sent to regional areas a couple of times to supervise the final exam when all the universities and institutes were closed down because of student unrest.
We have also annual sports celebrated for student recreation for dual progress in health, friendship and wisdom and many students participated and staff and employees supervised and helped to successful event and victory. It’s difficult to know and acknowledge all for their participation and/or successes in RIT sports.
Reunions
Many of my superiors and other friends and family, comrades and colleagues welcome us and extend as their invitation stands until we make it happen. That shows that our RIT comradeship and friendship is still alive and well with generosity, hospitality and sincerity. I don’t think I can find such genuine friendship in other institutes and universities. We are very cohesive like adhesive as we deem friends like priceless diamond that we can confide whatever and a warm shoulder to lean and cry our heart-out and it is a very rare commodity to find.
July 1998
Allow me to express my gratitude to the “awesome foursome” for their sincerity, hospitality and honesty that I learned through our genuine friendship. I was holidaying in Queensland along Surfers Paradise in July 1998, and on our return journey we stopped a couple days in Wagga Wagga, U Myo Win’s town. He showed his hospitality with open arms in his residence. He also took us to many interesting places. Earlier he and his wife visited our place a couple of times when he passed through Melbourne on his trips. Dr Tin Win and his siblings, nephews and nieces about 9 while visiting many towns and cities in their Australian tour, he tried his best to come and see me and had a wonderful time together over lunch. Dr Tin Win has a very sentimental value about Melbourne because he got his doctorate from Melbourne University. U Myo Win and wife also tried to be with us from Wagga Wagga which is about 650KM from us.
July 2001
Dr Tin Win, his sisters and siblings came all the way down to Australia in July 2001. He made his effort to see me after more than 20 years. As we had not seen each other after we left the Institute, we spent the whole afternoon over lunch together with U Myo Win and his spouse who came all the way from Wagga Wagga, NSW about 650KM in a different State.
December 2002
I went to the Dec 2000 Ex-RIT Reunion for several reasons. Firstly, I am filled with gratitude and appreciation to someone’s Cetana and Myitta even for a small morsel of food. Secondly, I had not seen my awesome foursome together in one place after we left RIT some 30 years ago.
April 2007
In April 2007 one of my old students John Rao from Singapore invited into his family home for a week while we were attending the Ex-RIT reunion. U Aung Myint and his wife invited both families of me and Dr Tin Win to visit their home in Auckland, New Zealand in Mar08 for a week. Dr Tin Win could not make it because of his neck surgery. U Aung Myint and his wife took us to many places in North Island and we really enjoyed the trip for which we thanked them from the bottom of our hearts.
March 2009
Sometime in March 2009, U San Tun (M59) and wife and other about 20 in a group of tourists from the USA were traveling to New Zealand and Australia. As I had not seen him for more than 40 years since he left RIT in Aug 1968, I tried and organised many of my mates to help him. U Henry Thet Tun (M75) in Sydney, U Myo Win in Canberra and U Myint Lwin in Auckland, New Zealand complied. U San Tun came to Melbourne also to meet me and we had a wonderful time together over lunch after a long break more than 40 years.
September 2010
In Sept 2010 Dr Tin Win and Lily invited us to LA for a couple of weeks, taking us to Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard, … Las Vegas and San Francisco. I think it was the best trip ever because it gave us opportunity to meet many old students in Los Angeles and San Francisco and their spouses showing their genuine hospitality and generosity. This is because of our unique tradition of love and respect to our elders and teachers. In San Francisco, I met U San Tun again and another mate U Tin Maung Nyunt that I had not seen for more than 40 years. I would like to acknowledge with sincere appreciation to Dr Tin Win and Lily for their hospitality and generosity that such quality and qualification of respect and attachment is very hard to find as it is really a rare commodity.
I was fortunate to be an organizer for the RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes.
The first SPZP was held in San Francisco, California, USA in 2000.
The Singapore alumni hosted the SPZPs in 2002, 2007 and 2010.
The Myanmar alumni hosted the SPZPs in 2004, 2012 and 2016. The next SPZP scheduled for December 2020 was postponed due to the pandemic.
The precious memories are shared by alumni — young and old, far and near, weak and strong — via pictures, anecdotes, poems (in both Burmese and English).
SPZP Organizers
Sharing is Caring
There are many Subject Matter Experts (SME) in the group. They can share their knowledge, experience and wisdom.
Sayas and Sayamas Retired, Semi-retired, Active
Family members of Sayas and Sayamas Children, Grand children and Great grandchildren
Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins Cartoonists Composers Dancers (Minthas, Minthamees) Journalists Lu Shwin Daws Musicians Vocalists Zat Sayas
Athletes Burma Selected University Selected Selection for Halls, Disciplines and Classes
Authors
Bloggers
Organizers and/or Executive Committee Members Annual Dinner Associations Magazine Social and Reading Club Student Union
HlaMin 