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
My saya at RIT. He taught Mechanical Drawing and Strength of Materials.
Gave me rides to RIT in his white Zephyr. Several thought I was his nephew.
My cousin. His father is my mom’s elder brother. His mother is my dad’s elder sister.
Had many photo albums. He would show them to me and former students.
Several years ago, he has a Stroke. His family members hired nurses & assistants to speed up his recuperation.
His son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren provided him with tender, loving care.
His physical and mental health declined in his 90s.
He passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.
Brief Bio
U Ba Than 2
Born on October 2, 1930.
He is the second among nine siblings.
Siblings : U Tin U, U Ba Than (GBNF), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Daw Myint Thwe (GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin, Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
Wedding of U Ba Than & Daw Mya Mya
Spouse : Daw Mya Mya
Son : U Ye Than (Winner Inn)
DIL : Daw Lwin Mar Oo
Grandchildren : Aung Myo Myint & Ei Khine
Family members
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1947. Won Collegiate Scholarship.
In 1949, received Gold Medal for Highest Marks in I.Sc (Combined).
Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College, London University
Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
Colombo Plan Scholar to study Masters in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College
Promoted to Lecturer
Retired as Professor
Early supporter of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education). Hosted inaugural meeting. Donated photos.
Invited former colleagues & students to his Birthday Soon Kyway
Donated almost all of the Garawa money to selected charities.
Passed away shortly after his 94th birthday.
Garawa
Paid respect to Saya U Ba Toke
Paying respect to U Ba Toke
By 69ers
U Aung Min (M69) & team would organize 69ers to pay respect to Saya around his Birthday.
Earlier events were at Winner Inn.
The photo below was taken at Saya’s new house.
69ers visiting Saya
By M75
Maurice Chee, U Win Khaing (GBNF) and several M75 had a reunion. They then visited Winner Inn to pay respect to Saya.
M75
78th Birthday in 2008
78th birthdayMessage
He distributed his Memoirs.
A page from his memoirs
82nd Birthday in 2012
82nd birthday in 2012Birthday Soon Kyway in 2012
90th Birthday in 2020
He received a Photo Album from his younger brother U Tin Htoon (A60).
Photo Album
Double Dana
He donated the Garawa money that he had received from the SPZPs to charities
Provided seed money for designing memorabilia to be given to sayas & sayamas attending SPZP-2000, commemorative T-shirts to the organizers and volunteers, and to raise fund by selling the surplus items.
Attended SPZPs in USA, Singapore and Yangon.
With Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein, EC70)
Around 2019, he had medical problems. He could not travel far, but continued conducting his business & philanthropy from home.
Multiple projects to implement (including writing books), but he finally succumbed to Jara, Byadi & Marana.
May he rest in peace.
Best Friends Forever
69ers meet monthly for breakfast at Taw Win Hnin Sni (Royal Rose).
There was a pause during the pandemic. About 20 members passed away (mostly due to Covid).
Annual Dinner gatherings at Panda, M3 and U Aung Min’s former office in PWD compound
Celebrated Anniversaries in 1999, 2009, 2014 and 2019.
Pu Zaw Pwe in 2019Golden Jubilee of Graduation
They have gatherings to welcome 69ers from overseas. e.g. Daw Myint Myint (C69) hosted a lunch gathering at Kandawgyi Westin Park Hotel to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
During my visits, U Ohn Khine (M70) gave me rides to SPZP & HMEE-2012 meetings and selected 69er gatherings.
With 69ers and Ko Ohn Khine (M70)
SPZP-2016
Both the Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and the Alumni Reunion & Entertainment were held at the Gyogone Campus.
Free food was provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner to all attendees.
Kudos to the Organizers, Sponsors, Donors, Volunteers and Supporters for making SPZP-2000 unique & memorable.
At SPZP-2016
All Mech Gathering
U Thant Zin (M82, GBNF, son of Saya U Sein Shan) invited me to All-Mechanical Gathering held at Dolphin.
U Hla Win and Daw Mar Mar Yee were co-emcee at the event.
At All Mech Gathering
Sayas & Sayamas at SPZP
U Tin U, Daw Khin Swe Aye (Emily), Daw Myint Myint Khaing at SPZP
U Tin U matriculated in 1946. He received BSCE from the University of Oregon and MSCE from Yale University. Upon his return, he taught part-time at the Civil Engineering Department at the RU Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon. He is the most Senior Past Captain of RUBC. He is the oldest of nine siblings. Two younger brothers Saya U Ba Than (Gold Medalist in 1948) and Dr. Myo Tint (3rd in Burma in 1952 Matric exam) have passed away.
U Ba Than (Leftmost)
Daw Khin Swe Aye graduated with Physics Honors in 1962 along with Daw May Than Nwe (GBNF) and my elder sister Daw Khin Than Nwe. Sad to learn that she had vision impairment.
Daw Myint Myint Khaing is the daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing. She transcribed the interview tapes recorded by her spouse Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) for the book on Sayagyi U Ba Toke and his life journey. Sayagyi gave autographed copies of the book to U Ohn Khine and me. Sayagyi is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the First RU Students’ Strike in 1920. Sayagyi passed away on 2nd December 2020 (a few days short of his Centennial birthday).
The photos were taken by several 69ers : Aung Min, Bobby Myo Tun (Ashin Pannagavesaka), Han Sein (Ah Pho Gyi, GBNF), Kyaw Min (Albert), Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF), Myo Nyunt, Sein Myint, Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Tin Maung Aye, Tin Htut (Harry), Tint Lwin (Danny), Zau Lai (Duwa) …
Types of Gatherings
Monthly Breakfast Gathering
Ad hoc Lunch Gathering to welcome alumni from overseas
Annual Dinner and Entertainment
Anniversaries : 30th Anniversary of Graduation in 1999, 40th Anniversary of Graduation in 2019, 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of Admission in 2014, 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of Graduation in 2019
New and Old — Now and Then
Lately
9 Sponsors — Record
Photographer — Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
Earlier
Some are no longer with us.
A Pho Gyi — Han Sein
Chit Pe
Thein Maung
Garawa to U Ba Than
Graduation
Time flies
Chit Pe, Kyaw Nyunt, Aung Gyi Shwe … are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
2014
2015
2017
2018
2019
Graduation Golden Jubilee
Dec 2022
August 2023
September အလှူရှင်
ဦးငွေထွန်း၊
ဦးတင်ရှိန်၊
ဦးသန်းဝင်း၊
ဦးချမ်းငြိမ်း၊
ဒေါ်ခင်သန်းမြင့်တင်၊
ဦးစောမြင့်နိုင်၊
ဦးဖေဟန်ထွန်း
U Zaw Win (Thailand)
Albert Kyaw Min
Dear RIT 69++friends
ဖိတ်ကြားအပ်ပါတယ်
September breakfast gathering သို့ မပျက်မကွက် ကြွရောက်ကြပါခင်ဗျား။
M69ers meet at Royal Rose Restaurant (Taw Win Hnin Si). The restaurant is owned by U Soe Nyunt (Old Paulian, GBNF).
They are joined by classmates from other disciplines. They include Civil (e.g. Ko Han Sein), Chemical (e.g. Ko Albert Kyaw Min), Electrical (e.g. Ko Shwe), Textile (e.g. Saw Yu Tint), Architecture (e.g. Uzin Bobby Myo Tun), …
There are hosts to celebrate events (Birthday, Anniversary, …).
Meeting for 69er Health Care Fund
I was invited to a meeting held at U Aung Min’s house. We had Mohinga.
Welcome gathering
Some gatherings took place at Kandawgyi Western Park. I attended a gathering hosted by Daw Myint Myint (C69) to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
Some gatherings take place the Royal Rose Restaurant. Daw Lin Lin Aung (T69, Singapore) hosted the Breakfast gathering to welcome her former classmates.
Anniversary gathering
In 1999, there was a gathering and mini-SPZP to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Graduation. U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) and Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) e-mailed me about the event. I informed the sayas and alumni in a Newsletter (which became known as RIT Alumni International Newsletter).
Sad to note that some organizers for that event (U Kyaw Than, U “NarYi” Sein Win …) are GBNF
In 2009, the group celebrated the 40th Anniversary.
In 2014, the group celebrated the Golden Jubilee (GJ) of Admission to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964.
The true Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) is planned for 2019)
Class of 70 and 71
The group is known as the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
The group has held monthly breakfast gathering (usually at Sein Hlyan) for two decades.
The Sein Hlyan restaurant was run by U Han Tun Maung (Old Paulian, GBNF), who was a multi-sports athlete. UHTM was active in Old Paulian’s Association (OPA), Kokkine Swimming Club, Archery, and Equestrian.
Class of 72
M72
M72 group is the most active in the Class of 72. It used to have lots of mini-gatherings.
The group decided to have less mini-gatherings and donate more to the RIT-related projects (such as Library Modernization).
The Group holds an annual Reunion and SPZP, where they invite all the eligible sayas and sayamas who have taught them. The Group also has honorary members from the other disciplines.
Mini-gathering in Southern California
U Ohn Kyaw (EP73) is a friend and disciple of his former classmate U Jotika. He visited Southern California and a side trip to the San Francisco Bay Area to hold Abhidhamma classes and discussion.
Mini-gathering in Los Angeles
The photo was taken at a mini-gathering. Attendees include U Win Htay (Walter, M70), Daw Thida Swe (Met72), U Ohn Kyaw (EP73) & spouse, Saya U Tin Htut (M60) and U Than Saung (M72).
128 (40% of the 69ers) have passed away. They are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
Some 69ers (e.g U Aye Thein) lost their spouses.
Some 69ers have medical conditions.
69ers celebrated 30thAnniversary of Graduation (in 1999), 40th Anniversary of Graduation (in 2009), Golden Jubilee of Admission (in 2014), Golden Jubilee of Graduation (in 2019).
During the pandemic, the Monthly Breakfast Gatherings were suspended.
Hope there will be regular gatherings as well as Annual Dinner & Entertainment and more Anniversaries.
Kudos to the Sponsors, Donors, Organizers & Volunteers for the 69er activities.
On June 22, 2025 Mehm Aye Chan @ Ohn Mg (M69) donated K10 Lakhs to the 69er HCF. The donation was accepted by Daw Myint Myint on behalf of the HCF Committee.
The term “alumni” applies to both male & female students.
It refers to former students (not necessarily graduates) of a school, college or university.
It may also refer to former employees of a company or corporation.
Most Universities have
Alumni Associations
Office of Alumni Relations
RIT Alumni International
Bay Area Alumni Advisory Group
It was formed in 1999 with the primary objective of planning and implementing the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe).
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) served as President.
The members include Saya K C Chiu (U Tin Aung), Saya U Nyi Win, Saya George (U Maung Maung), Saya U Myat Htoo, U Hla Min, Benny Tan, Saya James (U Thein Aung), Maurice Chee, U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) & Gordon Kaung.
The RIT Alumni International Newsletter was published in April, 1999.
The Newsletter was posted on two RIT web sites, Facebook groups & Google group.
RIT Alumni Newsletter
The Newsletter & Updates cover
the good and sad news of sayas, sayamas and alumni
micro-gatherings, mini-gatherings, gatherings (by class and/or discipline), world wide Reunions and SPZPs
articles
photos
NorCal RIT AA
Northern California RIT Alumni Association was formed about a decade ago as a continuation of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group & RIT Alumni International.
NorCal RITAA
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) served as the first President. His successors include Gordon Kaung (M83), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) & U Tin Maung Win.
Stan Liou (M67, Table Tennis) served as the first Chair of BOD (Board of Directors). His successor is Saya U Myat Htoo (C68).
U Thaung Nyunt (M87), U Myint Swe (EP74), U Tin Maung Win (C86) & Maung Maung Moe Zaw (Met02) served as Secretary for different terms.
The list of past and present EC members is listed in Facebook Group and the website.
Activities before the pandemic
It provided scholarship for the children of alumni in the USA.
It worked closely with RITAA in Yangon to provide scholarship for eligible YTU students.
It facilitated to raise funds for YTU Library Modernization Project. It donated $3000 for the training of Library Staff. It also provided the first installment of $6650 for the sign board & general fund.
Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya Allen Htay’s books to YTU Library. In memory of Saya Allen, she also provided scholarships to YTU students.
RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association
After the Coup d’etat in 1962, most associations were banned.
During the Pwint Linn Era, restrictions were lifted.
Our alma mater
RITAA stands for RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association.
U Tin Latt (M85) served as the President of the Interim EC.
After RITAA was register, the AGM elected U Myo Aye to succeed U Tin Latt.
It has helped with the fund raising for the YTU Library Modernization Project.
Due to time & resource constraints, only a fraction of the materials could be described in the book “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar”
CD Supplement
U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled references, articles in English and photos that were not covered in the book into a CD.
We attempted to cover as much historical data and articles as possible.
Materials for non-Burmese readers
Part 1 of the HMEE book was translated by U Ohn Khine (M 70). Saya Des Rodgers corrected the contextual and usage errors.
Part 2 is not a complete translation of the Burmese text. To avoid duplication of some materials (e.g. lengthy tables), we have chosen to present a summary & overview.
Archives from the SPZPs: SPZP-2000 (San Francisco), SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 (Singapore), and SPZP-2004 (Yangon)
Photo Albums
From ex-RIT web sites, RIT Alumni Facebook Pages, Sayagyi U Ba Than, Saya U Soe Paing and U Myo Myint (EC67)
History of the Engineering Departments
By Dr. Aung Gyi (Rector), U Min Wun (C), U Aung Khin (M), U Soe Khaw (Min), U Thit (Met), U Myo Myint Sein (A)
Selected Posts
Excerpts from “RIT Alumni International Newsletter Updates” from 1999 – 2012 by U Hla Min (EC 69)
Interviews
Saya U Tin U, Saya U Ba Than and Saya U Khin Aung Kyi gave interviews for HMEE-2012 project.
Proofreaders
Saya U Soe Paing, U Ohn Khine and I proof read HMEE-2012 and provided corrections (e.g. RIT Luyechun list did not contain 1965), but they was not enough time to do all the corrections.
HMEE projects
Saya U Aung Hla Tun is the leader for HMEE-2012 and HMEE-2018 Projects.
HMEE-2018 will cover revisions and extensions to HMEE-2012.
Due to the pandemic and Saya’s demise, HMEE-2018 is in limbo.
