Seated : U Soe Paing, U Thein Lwin (GBNF), U Tin Swe (GBNF), U Sein Hlaing (Professor, GBNF), U Kyaw Tun (GBNF), U Sein Win (GBNF), U San Tint (GBNF)
Standing : U Soe Min (GBNF), U Chin Way (GBNF), U Win Tin, U Ba Myint, U Nyi Nyi (GBNF), U Moe Aung, U Sein Maung
Studying abroad : U Myo Kyi, U Ba Lwin, U Tin Maung Thein
Absentee: U Khine Oo
I wrote “A short and sad clip : EE Sayas” for the commemorative issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010. Saya U Moe Aung suggested the title of my article.
Sayagyis & senior sayas
Source : Saya U Myo Kyi (EE59)
1. U Kyaw Tun 1950 – 1971 (started teaching at BOC College) 2. U C Ping Lee 1950 – 1952 3. U Sein Hlaing 1954 – 1986 4. U Tin Swe 1954 – 1998 5. Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (Part time) 1959 6. U Htin Paw 1958 – 1959 7. U Ba Nyunt 1958 – 1959 8. Dr. A. E. Guile (Colombo Plan) 1959 – 1960 9. U Myo Kyi 1959 – 2002 10. Dr. Ba Lwin 1959 – 1994 11. U L. Tin Htun 1959 – 1960 12. Teoh Chin Koon 1959 – 1960 13. U Sein Win 1960 – 1994 14. Dr. San Tint 1961 – 2002 15. Mr. Zagarosky (Russian) 1962 – 1963 16. Dr. Ba Myint 1963 – 2000 17. U Sein Maung 1963 – 1994 18. U Khine Oo 1963 – 1996 19. Dr. Win Tin 1963 – 1990 20. U Moe Aung 1963 – 1990 21. U Chin Way 1963 – 1968 22. U Soe Min 1963 – 1965 23. U Nyi Nyi 1963 – 1965 24. U Thein Lwin 1964 – 1972 25. U Soe Paing 1964 – 1971 26. U Tin Maung Thein 1965 – 1990 27. U Tin Shwe (Ashin Wi thu ta) 1966 – 1996 28. Daw Mya Mya Than 1968 – 2003 29. U Than Lwin 1970 – 1994 30. U Kyaw Lwin 1970 – 1991 31. U Tin Win 1972 – 1980 32. U Thein Dan 1973 – 1997 33. U Khin Soe 1973 – 1982 34. Daw Khin Aye Win 1973 – 2009 35. Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee 1973 – 2000 36. U Kyaw Aung (U Kyin Phyuu) 1973 – 37. U Aung Than (U Ah Chun) 1973 – 2004 38. Daw Khin Swe Oo 1974 – 2002 39. U Clement Sadhana 1976 – 2010 40. Daw Than Than Win 1976 – 2012 41. Daw Khin Tint 1981 – 2008 42. U Myint Oo 1982 – 1990 43. Daw Khin Ma Ma Soe 1982 – 2008
Editor’s Notes
U Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan, EC70) is GBNF.
U Ko Ko Kyi (EC72) later worked in Malaysia and Canada.
More EE Sayas (Electronics and Power)
U Win Khaing Moe
U Maung Maung Latt
Daw Lei Lei Yee
Daw Khin Sandar Tun
Daw Khin Lay Wai
Daw Zin Mar Oo
Daw Khaing Khaing Kyaw
Daw Thazin Phyu
Daw Myint Myint Lwin
Daw Lei Lei Win
Daw Thidar Than (1)
Daw Mya Mya Aye
Daw Myint Myint Than
Daw Tin Tin Naing
Daw Sint Sint Win
Daw Thandar Naing
Daw Khin Swe Lwin
Daw Myint Myint Mon
Daw Nilar Aung
U Zaw Min Naing
Daw Moe Nilar
Daw Khin Moe Yee
Daw Kaythi Khaing
Daw Ah Tar Mon
Daw Ni Ni Thein Htay Pe
Daw Thidar Than (2)
U Thein Htay
U Tun Oo
Daw Aye Aye Mar
Daw Ni Ni Win
Daw San Myint Yee
U Aung Naing
Daw Naing Naing Maw
U Ananda
Daw Lei Lei Sein
Daw Min Min Myat
Daw Thi Thi Soe
Daw Mar Mar Lwin
Daw Su Myat Htut
Daw Win Lein Aye
Daw Han Thu Lwin
Daw Yin Yin Htwe
Daw Naing Naing Win
Daw Khin Kyu Kyu Win
Daw Cho Cho Aung
Daw Tin Tin Aye
Daw Ni Mar Nwe Aung
Daw Ei Ei Khin
Daw Kyaaw Khin
U Zaw Min Aung
Daw Aye Thinn Naing
Daw Nwe Ni Aye
U Soe Naing
Daw Phyu Phyu Moe
Daw Marlar Kyaw
Daw Aye Aye Thinn
EE Association (1965 – 66)
EE Association for 1965-66
Seated : Ma Pwint Than, Ma Yi Yi Aung, U Sein Win (Vice President), U Kyaw Tun (President), Ko Shwe Win (Secretary), Ma Mya Mya Than, Ma Mo Mo Yi
Middle row : Ko Thein Swe, Ko Soe Than, U Sein Maung (Auditor), U Soe Paing, U San Tint, U Moe Aung (Treasurer), U Thein Lwin, U Soe Min
Last row : Ko Nyunt Pe, Ko Ye Win, Mehm Ye Win, Ko Kyaw Swe Win, Ko Hla Min, Ko Myo Myint, Ko Hla Thaung, Ko Aung Khin, Ko Soe Win, Ko Tin Than
I served as a EC member.
Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (1965 – 66)
Seated : Ma Mo Mo Yi, Ma Than Yi (Associate Editor), U Moe Aung (Chief Editor), U Kyaw Tun (Patron), Ko Ye Win (Secretary), Ma Yi Yi Aung
Standing : Ko Sann Oo (Associate Editor), Ko Thein Tun, Ko Hla Min, Ko Myo Myint (Associate Editor), Ko Soe Tha, Ko Soe Win, Mehm Ye Win
I served as a member.
Saya U Sein Win (GBNF)
He is the younger brother of Dr. Tin U (Medical Superintendent, Rangoon Children’s Hospital) and Dr. Saw Lwin.
He was a top student at the University of Michigan. His friends jokingly called him “Khone Swa Khone Swa” referring to his brisk walking style.
He served as Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering.
When the EE Department was reorganized into EC (Electrical Communications, also known as EcE and Electronics Engineering) and EP (Electrical Power), he served as Professor of EP. Saya Dr. San Tint served as Professor of EC.
Grapevine says that Saya is an absent minded Professor. He married late. One day, he drove Sayagadaw to Bogyoke Market. He taught (or discussed with) his students for quite some time and almost forgot to pick up Sayagadaw. There are variations on this anecdote regarding the place (e.g. Hledan Zay).
He served as Technical Advisor for UCC. He worked closely with U Win Htein (Purdue University, EE at PWD, GBNF) for the design and maintenance of the Electrical Systems (including Motor Alternator, Diesel Generator, Air conditioning) at UCC.
He served as Line Judge at the RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) Regattas. He managed the RIT Swimming and Water Polo team.
He stays fit by swimming regularly (even when he was visiting Singapore on a business trip).
He has a vast knowledge. Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) remembers Saya U Sein Win discussing about Civil Engineering and other subjects.
U Tin Shwe (EE) hosted the Dec 2022 Gathering at Royal Rose Restaurant.
U Tin Shwe
Attendees
Zau Lai (Myitkyina) attended the gathering along with 27 members.
About 30 – 40 members regularly attended the Gatherings before the pandemic, and much more were present at 30th, 40th and 50th (Golden Jubilee) Anniversaries.
Some pledged to attend the 60th Anniversary and beyond.
Status
120 members are GBNF.
Oldest : U Tin Maung (87 years)
Young Ones : 75+ years
Several have Medical problems with varying degrees.
Ashin Pannagavesaka is an Itinerant Bikkhu and an avid photographer.
A few (e.g TAG, Albert) are still working happily.
TAG recently sang ဘဝသံသရာ in the MASTAA zoom meeting.
Received his doctorate from Japan. Also found his love life “Moe Moe”.
Due to the immigration laws in Myanmar and Japan, the family finally decided to move to Auckland, New Zealand.
Organizer for RIT events in New Zealand.
Wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter
One article is about two Forgotten Songs from RIT. One song is a favorite of Saya U Tha Tun (Head of Department). Another song is about a Belle Ma Ma Q & her fans (sayas and alumni).
Wrote a photo essay on Kyaik Hti Yo Development. Saya U Min Wun wrote a supplement article for the Project.
Wrote a letter to the Thagyar Min to second his favorable opinion on Naw Louisa Benson (Miss Burma & movie actress).
Wrote about some paintings.
Quoted Reverend F Lutvig (Ashin Ananda, Laureate Poet) in his articles.
He passed away, but “Moe Moe” kept contact with Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70) and other alumni in Australia.
Forgotten Songs of RIT
by Kogyi Koung
First Song
It was one afternoon in the early May of 1963. Someone was singing a prewar semi-classic song from the second floor of RIT main building. In 1963, RIT buildings were relatively new and that semi-classic song caused a little bit of discomfort for the freshmen [equivalent to 3rd BE] located on the first floor. The song continued as, (. hmain: njou. njou. sain: lou. je . njou pja ji hmaung che . to: dan: kalei: nanbei: ga swe . e:di jwa be: kwe…)
The meaning is: Dull and gloomy cloud override at the horizon; Indistinct brown and dim bluish vision of a wood jetting out from that end is my village … *Note: The title of the song is ‘Htamin: mjein mjein sa: me’ i.e., “Enjoying the meal with relish” . The duet song was first performed by prewar famous singers Ou’ O: Ba Thaung and Sein Party. Later many other singers have rendered their own versions of the song.
We saw an old man singing the song while he was painting watercolor on a huge art paper. He was painting the landscape described in the song. Amazingly the picture was full of life and the song was telling the story. Everybody stopped in front of his office on the second floor and looking with wonder and singing with him.
After a while we asked him, “Sayagyi, who are you and which department do you belong to?” He replied, “I am U Tha Tun, Head of the Department of Architecture”. Oh, my God! How stupid that we, the freshmen of Architecture, don’t even know the head of our department. As time passed, we learned more about ‘The Great U Tha Tun’.
When we became senior students, U Tha Tun’s health deteriorated so much that Saya U Myo Myint Sein (Raymond, A58) stepped up as a ‘Kagemusha’ [Japanese for “shadow-warrior”]. UMMS, as acting head, took care of everything about the department. Young and energetic Saya UMMS found that it was not easy to steer the department as Captain of Architecture’s Flag Ship. There were lots of problems for a relatively young department in RIT.
One such problem occurred during our final year. Two of the most experienced Sayas of architecture left the department and went abroad [for enhancing their careers]. They were (a) Saya U Sein Maung (with elegant moustache) has long experience in Rangoon City Development Corporation. He taught each and every detail of the development of Rangoon. (b) Saya M.B. Raschid (son of U Raschid, minister of many affairs under Prime Minister U Nu). He taught with all his professional experience and perfect pronunciation of King’s Burmese with ‘zagaboun’ proverbs. Sometimes he corrected our broken Burmese.
Saya UMMS, Head of the department, not only had lost his right and left hand men, but also there was a danger that the notorious Koung Nyunt and Kyaw Thein (both A67) might not finish their Architecture degrees.
After a long struggle, Saya UMMS stabilized the flagship of Architecture and its direction. A pioneer of the Architecture of RIT, Professor U Myo Myint Sein handed over the headship to Dr. Maung Kyaw in early 80’s. In the late 80’s Dr. Lwin Aung (A59) took over.
Second Song
For creative and original works, Architects cannot design during the office hours. It is also true [to a lesser degree] for the students of architecture. During the lectures and tutorial hours we [as students] have to follow what they have taught. After school hours [mostly after 4 or 5 pm], we start to create and test our design ideas. Note that for other students and staff of RIT, such periods are the pleasure and relaxation time.
There were only a few girls in Architecture, but the one in our studio is especially alluring beauty and glamorous face. She was so popular that she became known as the queen of the student-architects. We called her Ma Ma Q.
Most of the evenings many senior students and young eligible bachelors and/or sayas visit our studio. Some stay late into the evenings. At that time we sang a song named ‘Saga: ta’ kathou’ i.e., Language University, by Khin Yu May.
Because in the song, one part said ‘dage lar te. Ko Ko. kwe ja hmar ba lou lou’ i.e., really coming Ko Ko, out of sight he is sth in the air.
Ma Ma Q didn’t know the meaning, but the visiting Ko Kos were annoyed by our song. They politely requested us to stop singing. At that time the notorious KN and KT asked ‘hse’ kjei:’ i.e., extortion money about 2-3 kyats from the Ko Kos and went to U Chit tea shop. This continued for days and weeks.
When the Ko Kos are not visiting our studio, we sang the following song, instead of Ma Ma Q. i.e., Third Song. (Note. Extract from Shwe Kyi: nyo song by Daw Ngwe Myaing) ‘Diga nei. nya hpjin. lar ma te. so: joun ya hmar lar: akou Kja.ma ne. ne: te. Shwe kyi: nyo Shwe kyi: nyo Shwe kyi: nyo’ “To-night coming you said so, may I believe Ako.. Near the blessed golden crow, golden crow, golden crow…”
Article (Sept/Nov 2000)
With all of those excellent works and flying colours for Saya Pu Zaw Pwe, your organizing committee is a living history of RIT. Our Sayas, Sayamas and Saya-Gyis have contributed their unlimited knowledge to affect and benefit our lives. Many of our Sayas and colleagues have sent their thanksgiving letters to your web site.
I feel guilty in staying quietly at a corner of the Southern Hemisphere. Actually I am busy, because of my article ‘Wanna Migrate to New Zealand, 3/15/00’ that you published on the ex-rit web site. After that article, I got many inquires/contacts by e-mail and direct phone calls, especially from SE Asia. In July there are 133 migrants and in September 28 migrants are now in Auckland, and expecting another over 50 in November 2000. All speak the common language “Burmese” with their own native accents. Now I know our Sayas and colleagues speak “King’s Burmese” in RIT.
I would like to honor my Sayas with a poem from our forefathers-cum-engineers how they had built a city.
Title: ‘SHWE PYI GYI’ (Golden Capital City)
Sweet sound of drums and silver bells Coming from the Palace Can be heard reverberating in the air And I can see the palace roofs, The graduated turrets and buildings Encompassed by haze. And, my dear girl, I can still faintly see The silhouettes of a high pagoda Reaching nearly to the clouds And of super-imposed roofs (i.e., pyathat) Oh my dear, don’t you hear A melodious sound of small bells Coming from the golden monastery? Our golden capital city must be near. (By U Ku: 1827-1895 Translated by Rev. Friedrich V. Lustig)
Dear Sayas and colleagues,
We see not only the Panoramic Photo of golden capital city of our ancient time, but can hear the sound-scape with audio-visual scene. Silhouettes effect of high pagoda in the haze has shown the air perspective of city skyline. We try to sketch the imaginary scene of ancient city in the architectural studios of RIT in the middle of 60’s. The discussion topic of ‘Ancient City Skyline’ is not only interested by the architectural students, but also from various students of other departments from RIT.
This is the starting point to form the ‘RIT Photographic Club’. According to my diary, first general meeting was chaired by Saya U Myo Myint Sein on Saturday, 1 May 1965 at the Department of Architecture. The general meeting selected Professor U Myo Myint Sein as President of RIT Photographic Club and the author as the secretary.
After forming the executive committee, the club took part in various activities and many outstanding photographers from the club took major prizes from Burma Photographic Society and Myawadi Magazine. e.g., Ko San Aung, M74 is the owner of the famous ‘Photo Lab USA’, (i.e., initials for U San Aung) in Yangon is originally from this club. Kjei: zu: tin: bar-de, many thanks for my Sayas and colleagues
Koung Nyunt (Auckland, New Zealand).
Letter to Tha-gyar-min
by Kogyi Koung
Date: Thursday, 14 April 2011 (3:40pm. Thin-gyan Akya-ne.) P.O. Box; Top of the never used RIT water tower Ashe. Jo. Koun (East Gyogone): RIT Compound, Insein, Rangoon, Burma
Dear Your Majesty the Sovereign of Tawadein dha တာဝတိံသာ
As from the beginning of 1960’s our RIT is like the last paradise on earth, with all enjoyments, teachings, preaching, learning, playing sports and friendship never sails away. Kogyi Koung recollects the stories at the time of 60’s RIT and retold the fairy-tales to our Bushido-Burmans at gatherings in Auckland, NZ. However, the young generations of Maha Bandoola do not believe the stories, and they whispered by themselves that Kogyi Koung is now ‘Yin yin galay Yuu-nay-pyi-de’ ယဉ်ယဉ်ကလေး ရူးနေ ပြီတဲ့
Your Majesty the Tha-gyar-min-gyi please take this message to Tawadein dha and explain to my late Sayas and colleagues there, that my stories are not fabricated.
I have the evidences. For example, I have sent a message to RIT alumni update (February 6, 2010) as follows,
Dear U Hla Min,
It is sad news for our elder brothers at RIT, especially those who reside at E and F block during the beginning of 60’s.
A term called “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” မပြောမရှိကြနဲ့ဟေ့ was coined at that time. When I visited my elder brother [U Than Soe, M63] at E block (when I was at Leik-khone I.Sc). I heard somebody shout “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” Then I looked outside. Everybody lined up at corridor and they were looking at a far side on top of the entrance hall that is attached to a two story house.
I could not believe my eyes. She was a beauty queen, who had Miss Burma two times excising physical training on the porch. I noted down in my diary and the rallying cry “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” She is Naw Louisa Benson Craig. Now she has left our brothers’ heart at age 69.
Yours etc. (“Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.”)
When I retold that story here at Auckland, everybody laughed like ‘Wa:lone kwe:aung ye kya de”. I said it is not a joke. I have evidence.
Also, Kogyi Koung explained about the following, written by Maung Maung Hla, a Karen pastor in Rangoon who was close to Naw Louisa during her youth, remembered her aloud : “She had a little mole on her cheek and she had a kind heart. She was also a very good singer.”
This statement has no evidence.
However, Tha-gyar-min-gyi if you find Naw Louisa at Tawadein dha, please ask if what I wrote is true?
Architecture Students and Staff
I have an old group photo taken about the end of 1963, and all the known information are printed. Inside the brackets are where about of the person [at the time of the post].
Top of the photo:
Department of Architecture Rangoon Institute of Technology 1963 ~ 64
Bottom of the photo:
Front row, L to R
Jim Lim (3rd. Year) [?]
Ma Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, 1st.Year) [San Francisco, California, US]
U Myo Myint Sein B.Arch (Rgn) M. Arch (Mch) [Los Angeles, California, US]
U Tha Tun B.Sc, F.R.I.B.A. (Fellowship of Royal Institute of British Architects), A.A. Dip (Lond.), A.M.T.P.I.(Associate Member of Town Planning Institute), F.I.B.A., Head of Department [Deceased on 13 September 1974]
U Yone Mo B.Sc (Hon) Rgn, B.Sc (Engg)Lond, A.C.G.I, A.M.I. Mech.E, A.M.I.Loco.E, Principal [Deceased]
Mr. S. Ozhegov, Cand. Of Arch, Master of Fine Arts, UZBEK, U.S.S.R [Moscow]
Miss Rosalind Maung (Ma Pyi Aye, 2nd Year) [Rangoon]
Htin Myaing (Ben, 2nd Year) [New York, US]
2nd. Row, L to R
Tun Thein (1st Year) [Los Angeles, California, US]
Tin Aung (2nd Year) [Melbourne, Australia]
Yaco B.E. Mayet (3rd Year) [?]
Than Tun (3rd Year) [Rangoon]
Sonny Chin (2nd Year) [?]
Hla Thein (1st Year) [New York, US]
E. I. Jeewa (3rd Year) [?]
Aung Pa Win (1st Year) [Chicago, Illinois, US]
Back Row, L to R
Aung Kyaw Min (3rd Year) [Rangoon]
M. (Ku?) hlgh (2nd Year) [?]
Than Htike (3rd Year) [Warsaw, Poland]
William Chen (2nd Year) [?]
C. E. Munnee (1st Year) [?]
Koung Nyunt (1st Year) [Auckland, New Zealand, GBNF]
Kyaw Thein (1st Year) [Deceased 22 April 2001]
Absentees:
Win Myint (1st Year) [Rangoon]
Win Naing (1st Year) [?]
Note:
1st Year B. Arch, 10 students (8 passed and 2 failed) 2nd Year B. Arch, 5 students (3 passed and 2 failed) 3rd Year B. Arch, 6 students (3 passed and 3 failed) Several Architecture students failed in of a subject from other departments. There was no moderation. If one gets 49% or less of the grade, the student has to repeat all subjects next year.No block selected.
Editor’s Note :
I cannot find the photo mentioned by Kogyi Koung.
The early sayas and sayamas of the Architecture Department include :
U Thar Tun (GBNF)
Pi-thu-kar Kyaw Min (GBNF)
U Myo Myint Sein (USA)
U Bilal Raschid (USA)
Dr. Maung Kyaw (GBNF)
Dr. Lwin Aung (Retired as Pro-Rector)
Artist/Bagyee Aung Soe
U Maung Maung
U Sein Maung (Stanley Ba Pe)
U Maung Maung Phone Myint
Dr. Koung Nyunt (GBNF)
U Hla Than (Retired as Rector)
Daw Min Thet Mon (Pamela Myo Min, Retired Professor)
On October 2, 2008, the former students of Sayagyi U Ba Than (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering) was honored with a special Birthday & Garawa ceremony.
Retired from a University in Wagga Wagga, Australia.
Wrote a letter for SPZP-2000
Requested Australian agencies to help YTU.
RIT Auto Club
RIT Auto Club
He and U Maung Maung Win managed the Club.
Ko Hla Oo and fellow members of the RIT Auto Club bade farewell to Saya U Myo Win. There were 25 or so members. The group provided a receipt for the gathering.
Receipt
I reported the event in RIT Alumni Newsletter, RIT Updates group and my web site hlamin.com
Several shared the Receipts photo for nostalgia & the good old times when one Pound was traded for 13 Kyats and one US Dollar was traded for 5 – 6 Kyats. Some wanted to show the “Believe it or not” item to the younger generation.
RIT69ers’ mini get-together gathering at Kruwa Nam Tip Thai Food Restaurant at Phosein road on 21st December 2003.
Standing :
Yi Pinn (M), Win Lwin (M), Maung Maung (E), Win Maung (E), Sein Tun (M), Kyaw Zin (E), Thein Swe (E), Ye Gaung (M), Khin Maung Gyi (M), Myint Maung (E), Maung Swe (E),
Seated :
Tin Maung Aye (M), Myint Thein (Kabar, M), Htay Aung (M), Dickie (M), Myint Thein (David, M), Aung Min (M), Zaw Lai (E).
69ers
Yee Pinn (Maung Maung Kaung, GBNF) lost his wife to COVID-19 in 2020. He passed away in 2021.
Win Lwin : Secretary of RIT Hiking & Mountaineering Association. He and Cho Aye (M70, GBNF) represented RIT for the All Universities and Institutes Trip to climb Mount Victoria.
Sa Maung Maung played Volleyball for RIT EE. He served as Joint Treasurer of the RIT EE69er HCF (Health Care Fund). He recently lost his wife.
Win Maung (“Lake”) represented RIT in Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo. After retirement as Aviation Engineer, he ran his family business in Bago.
Sein Tun Worked at Sea for some time
Kyaw Zin Spent time between Sydney and Yangon
Thein Swe (GBNF) was RIT Luyechun for 3rd BE. He lost his wife Dolly Sein a few years back. He passed away in 2021.
Ye Gaung
Khin Maung Gyi (GBNF) passed away in 2021 due to Covid.
Myint Maung (Bu) played Volleyball for RIT EE. He is among the youngest in the Class. He is an Eligible Bachelor.
Maung Shwe served as Treasurer for 69er HCF and EE69er HCF.
Tin Maung Aye played Accordion for RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Athin. He co-hosted a breakfast gathering with January born : Uzin Bobby and Alice Saw Yu Tint.
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF) passed away a few years back.
Htay Aung represented Burma in 1969 SEAP Games as Water Polo Selected. Served as Secretary of RIT Swimming. Represented RIT in Swimming and Water Polo
Win Naing (Dickie, GBNF) represented RIT in Rowing. Passed away in Singapore a few years ago
Myint Thein (David) is an alumnus of St. Columban’s High School in Bhamo.
Aung Min is the Chair of 69er HCF and Core Organizer of 69er Gatherings.
Zaw Lai (Duwa) spends time between Myitkyina and Yangon.
Over 40% from the Class of 69 are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
RIT69ers had a mini-gathering at Kruwa Nam Tip Thai Food Restaurant at Pho Sein road on 21st December 2003.
Standing : Yee Pin (Maung Maung Kaung, M, GBNF), Win Lwin (M), Maung Maung (E), Win Maung (E), Sein Tun (M), Kyaw Zin (E), Thein Swe (E, GBNF), Ye Gaung (M), Khin Maung Gyi (M, GBNF), Myint Maung (E), Maung Shwe (E)
Sitting : Tin Maung Aye (M), Myint Thein (Kabar, M, GBNF) Htay Aung (M), Dickie (M, GBNF), Myint Thein (David, M), Aung Min (M), Zaw Lai (E)
Update
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF) was an organizer of the 69er group. He passed away in Yangon after undergoing medical checkup in Singapore and India.
Kabar (Myint Thein)
Win Naing (Dickie, GBNF) represented RIT in Rowing. He passed away in Singapore.
Dicky Tan (Win Naing)
Maung Maung Kaung (Yee Pin, GBNF) did business mostly in Dawei. His spouse passed away in 2020. He passed away in 2021. Both succumbed to Covid.
Yee Pin (Maung Maung Kaung)
Thein Swe (GBNF) was RIT Luyechun in 3rd BE. He annotated the EE69 Group Photo. He passed away in Yangon in 2021.He earlier lost his spouse Dolly Sein.
Thein Swe (rightmost)
Khin Maung Gyi (GBNF) passed away in Yangon in 2021.
Khin Maung Gyi
Zau Lai has his business in Myitkyina. He drives 1000+ miles to attend selected gatherings in Yangon. He is a proud Great Grand Father.
Zau Lai
Kyaw Zin, Tin Maung Aye, Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF), Than Myaing, Sein Tin, Myo Nyunt, Kyaw Min Thein, Thein Swe (GBNF) & Aung Myint travel abroad (e.g. Australia, Singapore, UK, USA, New Zealand) to spend quality time with their children.
Myint Maung (Bu) is one of the youngest in the class. He played Volleyball for RIT EE. He is still an eligible bachelor.
Aung Min and Ko Shwe are core members of the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund). They also organize the monthly breakfast gatherings. There are ad hoc gatherings to welcome 69ers visiting from overseas.
Aung Min (Right)
Many have given up competitive sports & hobbies : hiking & mountaineering (Win Lwin), volleyball (Maung Maung, Myint Maung), swimming (Htay Aung, Sein Myint, Win Maung), accordion (Tin Maung Aye)
At the recent gathering, Aung Gyi Shwe (GBNF) could not remember Toby (Tobias Kittim Ku, GBNF) and attributed the incident to forgetting his glasses or having a senior moment. Both passed away in 2021.
We were Guinea Pigs of the Education System. We had to take the Government Exam four times before entering University. We effectively lost a year of our lives.
7th Std
Took the last 7th Standard Government exam in 1960. Some SPHS classmates took the 7th Std Exam in the previous year as external candidates. They then transferred to other schools. Some passed the Combined HSF & Matric exam. They were admitted to the University two years ahead of us.
9th Std
Took the HSF Only exam in March 1962. Answered all HSF subjects in Burmese (except English).We studied Yupa Beda ရူပဗေဒ (Physics), Dhatu Beda ဓာတုဗေဒ (Chemistry) and Thin Char သင်္ချာ (Maths) in Burmese. The Yupa Beda text was written by Dr. Maung Maung Kha and U San Tha Aung.
We had to take the exam with Security Guards patrolling (following the Coup d’etat on March 2, 1962). The exam was cancelled citing that the examination questions were leaked.
We had to retake the HSF Only exam in August 1962. Chu Pu Thein had the highest score for Physics. After passing Matric, he left to study in Italy. Maung Maung Kyi had the highest score for Chemistry. During the RU closure, he received States Scholarship to study Chemical Engineering (with specialty in Pulp and Paper) at Dresden University, Germany. Upon his return, he worked for Sittaung Paper Mill and PPIC. He moved to Wales, UK. He is now GBNF.
Maung Maung Kyi
10th Std
Took the Matric Only exam in May 1963. Answered subjects in English (except Burmese). We studied Physics, Chemistry and Maths in English.
The Physics text was by Sen and Gupta. SPHS library had Physics books by Sears and Zemansky (donated by Ford Foundation and/or Asia Foundation).
The Chemistry text was by Menon.
The Maths texts include Algebra (by Hall and Knight), Sequence Geometry and Trigonometry (by Siddon and Hughes).
Brother Clementian used several Maths Books (e.g. Tutorial Algebra and Study Guides).
The pass rate was relatively low. In the Matric of 1963, 1263 students passed from the Rangoon Division. The results were published in divisions : First Division (60+ marks average), Second Division (50+ marks average) and Third Division (40+ marks average).
The results were published in order of merit. It was not easy for students to find out if they had passed the exam and in what Division. It was a nightmare for those who failed the exam.
SPHS 63
100 Scholarships were awarded. Those from private schools (e.g. St. Paul’s High School) received Scholarships only if they are among the Top Forty.
St. Paul’s had Five students in the Top Five,Seven in the Top Ten, Ten in the Top Twenty.
I.Sc (A)
Took the Science Option for I.Sc.(A) classes that were being offered the Intermediate Colleges.
Those from Rangoon Division attended the RU Intermediate College known as “Leik Khone”.
Roll Numbers were based on the last names. Ko Aung Min’s Roll Number was B115. Mine was B116. Ko Than Myaing was B120. We shared lectures and tutorials.
Citing security reasons following student protests for sad events on 7th July & 8th July in 1962, hostel students were forced to return home. Classes with the exception of Medical and Engineering Colleges were suspended until further notice.
The I.Sc.(A) exam was taken at State High Schools.
Education System
In November 1964, a new System was introduced. The system of having Faculties under a University was disbanded.
Most Faculties (Engineering, Medicine, Social Science) became autonomous Institutes with their own Rectors.
The Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA) was used to decide the admission of Matriculates into the Universities and Institutes. It effectively caused the end of “Freedom to study” where several Top students chose their passion of study : Anthropology, Architecture, Biology, Burmese, Chemistry, Commerce, Economics, Engineering, English, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Law, Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, …
One High School Luyechun with a low ILA was forced to study Philosophy. Some who had high ILA taking Arts subjects and/or Hybrid Combinations were admitted to the Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT).
Education Ministry
Colonel Hla Han was the “Pyinnyar Ye Tar Wun Khan” ပညာရေးတာဝန်ခံ (later renamed Minister of Education ပညာရေးဝန်ကြီး). He was among the early LMPs to take the Bridge Course to become MBBS.He succeeded Commodore Than Pe (RUBC President), who was the first Revolutionary Council member to pass away.
Dr. Nyi Nyi (former Professor of Geology) was the “Pyinnyar Ye Ah Twin Wun” ပညာရေးအတွင်းဝန် (Secretary, later renamed Deputy Minister of Education ပညာရေး ဒု ဝန်ကြီး).
Controversial rules (ILA, 3 NRC …) caused disruption to the academic and profession careers of several students (e.g. Bernard Khaw who was First in Burma in 1965).
RIT Management
U Yone Moe (Retired Chief Engineer of Burma Railways) became the first RIT Rector. He started his tenure with Burma Institute of Technology (BIT) as Dean of Engineering, Rangoon University.
U Soe Thein, former Ta-ka-tha student leader, became RIT Registrar. He later became Director of Higher Education.
There were eight Engineering Departments: (1) Civil (2) Mechanical (3) Electrical (4) Chemical (5) Textile (6) Mining (7) Metallurgy (8) Architecture.
There were several supporting Departments: (1) Maths (2) Physics (3) Chemistry (4) English (5) Burmese …
Admission
In November 1964, three batches of students attended 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes under the New Education System.
400+ students were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA). Their backgrounds range from (a) Pure Science (b) Pure Arts (c) Hybrid (some Science and some Arts subjects).
300+ students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) exam were admitted to the first ever 2nd BE class. They had attended the Intermediate Colleges (under Rangoon or Mandalay University).
About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE class. They had attended the Intermediate Colleges (under Rangoon or Mandalay University). There were a few who had taken sabbatical in the old 1st year of Engineering.
The monthly tuition was 15 kyats — payable as 30 kyats every two months.
Scholarship winners and stipend holders receive a monthly allowance of 75 kyats — 60 kyats net after paying the tuition.
The Class of 69++
Of the students admitted to 2nd BE, there were most students in Civil & Mechanical, moderate in Electrical, and much less in Chemical, Textile, Mining, Metallurgy and Architecture.
Most graduated in 1969. A few left before graduation. Some took sabbatical, and graduated a year or two later.
The Class of 69 (or 69++) consists of (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.
30th Anniversary
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. Daniel 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).
RIT 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.
I use “RIT” to stand not only for Rangoon Institute of Technology, but to all the engineering faculty, colleges and institutes that precede or succeed it.
The name was changed to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” to include alumni in Burma and the rest of the world.
RIT Web Site
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) designed and implemented the first RIT web site.
Ivan Lee (Ko Khin Maung Oo, M69), Ko Aung Myint (M69, Singapore) and the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58) provided some financial help to operate the web site.
“RIT Alumni International” hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
SPZP
There has been seven world wide SPZPs: SPZP-2000 in USA, SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010 in Singapore, SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 & SPZP-2016 in Yangon.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled .
40th Anniversary
69ers organized the “40th Anniversary of the Graduation” in 2009.
Golden Jubilee of Admission
The “Golden Jubilee of the admission to 2nd BE” was celebrated in 2014, because 69ers were concerned with the declining health of members.
True Golden Jubilee (of Graduation)
The Pu Zaw Pwe was held at the Assembly Hall in the Gyogone Campus.
Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) made her first visit back after graduation. She donated to the Event and the 69er Health Care Fund. She also attended the Reunion and Dinner organized by Ko Aung Min at the Compound of his former office.
Sad to note that several who attended the Golden Jubilee events are now GBNF.
Declining Health of Members
At one time, the Class of 69 had a median age of 69, and the list of GBNF has 69 members.
The symmetry no longer holds. The Class of 69 has a median age of 78, and the list of GBNF has 128 members.
Attendees at the mini-gatherings have decreased. Some could not drive, and had to ask family members or friends to take them to the gatherings. Some had operations, and need time to recover. Some had serious medical problems.
Most are retired or semi-retired. A few did not retire or did not have the chance to retire.
Ko Tin Maung Lay (M69)’s spouse wanted him to retire, 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.
We were sad to learn of his untimely demise 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.
Comments & Final Thoughts
Let’s hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.
U Aung Min (M69), U Shwe (EP69) and team are the core volunteers for the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund).
Ivan Lee (M69), U Sein Myint (EP69) & Daw Myint Myint (C69) are some of the major donors to HCF.
Saya U Ba Than and U Aung Min
Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) added :
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.
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)
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 R I T. I am reading interestingly all your writings all the time. When we all are gone your writing will live on.
HlaMin 