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.
Standing: Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66), U Hla Min (EC69), Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met72), Saya Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65), Saya U Myat Htoo (C68), Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70)
Seated : U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83), Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF), Saya Dr. Tin Aung (K C Chiu, ChE63), Maurice Chee (U Hla Myint Thein, M75)
Founding Members
The San Francisco Bay Area RIT Alumni met at the house of Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70) a couple of times to discuss the formation of “RIT Alumni International” to support the Newsletter and web site, and to consider the holding of a Grand Reunion and SPZP. They served as members of the Working Committee and Steering Committee for SPZP-2000.
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
Saya was the leader of the group. He served as President of “RIT Alumni International”, which organized the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000. His classic article, “Brother, can you afford US $500?” was partly responsible for five Golden Sponsors, and the generous donations by sayas and alumni.
He “retired” three times. His former students (U Thein Aung and U Myat Htoo) coaxed him to un-retire twice.
Saya did not recover from a debilitating stroke to spend time with his grand children. One grandson had “Allen” as his first name. Another had “Allen” as his middle name.
Saya K C Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63)
Saya K C (Seated 3rd from Left)
He is the brother of Saya Dr. Aung Soe (C61).
He is a Past President of BEA.
After retirement, he relocated to Southern California.
Saya KC wrote : In early ‘80, Dr. Tin Win was working in Houston and came to the Bay Area on business trip. Dr. Tin Win was visiting me at home while Lily and I were discussing BEA matter. I believed they were meant for each other. The rest is history.
Saya Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65)
Dr. Nyo Win (Seated 3rd from Right)
He is a Past President of BAPS.
He was a Core Organizer for SPZP-2000.
He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA and served as a member BOD (Board of Directors.
He retired after working in high technology companies in the Silicon Valley and Taiwan.
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)
Saya George (Right)
He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA and served as the inaugural President.
He organized a fund raiser for the “Staff Training” component of “YTU Library Modernization”.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
U Myat Htoo
He is a Past President of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America) and BADA (Burmese American Democratic Alliance).
He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA and served three terms as Chair, BOD of NorCal RITAA.
He was co-emcee of SPZP-2000.
He plays the ukelele and piano. One of his favorites is a parody of Sai Htee Saing’s song, “Lost Neikban”.
U Hla Min (Life Long Learner, EC69)
He has completed 26 years as Founder and Chief Editor of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter“.
He served as Editor and Content Provider of RIT Alumni websites.
Per suggestion of U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70), he chose to re-tire (re-thread) rather than retire.
Per suggestion of family members, sayas and friends, he decided to pay back to his alma mater(s): RIT and UCC.
He wrote 40+ postings of “Memories of UCC” in three days during his vacation to Myanmar.
He is Owner and Admin of hlamin.com web site and several Facebook groups.
He broadcast 220+ Educational Videos on selected topics.
Benny Tan (Tan Eu Beng, M70)
SPZP-2000 Orgsnizers
He succeeded Saya Dr. Nyo Win as President of BAPS.
He is a successful entrepreneur.
He is a multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs.
He designed the banner and mementos for SPZP-2000.
He is now having quality time with his six grand children and also taking trips and cruises around the world.
Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met72)
He won Mr. RIT in 1968. His mentor was Commander Maung Maung, who won Mr. Burma in 1947. A few years back, he handed over the “Sa-Lwe” (for Mr. RIT68) to U Wynn Htain Oo (M72).
He was co-emcee of SPZP-2000.
He served as Contributing Editor for BAPS Newsletter and as Associate Editor of the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter.
Maurice Chee(Hla Myint Thein, M75)
Maurice (Right)
He succeeded Benny as President of BAPS.
He wore multiple hats for SPZP-2000. He was the Co-Chair of the Working Committee (with Benny). He was the Financial Controller. He was the Publisher of the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”. He did the name tags. He also coordinated the culinary experts for the follow-up lunch gathering.
He is a founding member and Past Vice President of NorCal RITAA.
In August 2016, he organized the Soon Kway gathering at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay for my birthday and to recognize my volunteer work.
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76)
UCC-RIT gathering
He belongs to three circles — St. Paul’s High School, RIT and and UCC — like Saya U Soe Paing and me.
He took the group photo.
He designed and implemented http://www.ex-rit.org website, which contributed to the planning and implementation of SPZP-2000. Many contributed to “Count down to the Reunion” and “Post Reunion” pages. I wrote 64 posts for “Count down to the Reunion” and 36 posts for “Post Reunion”.
He was then an eligible bachelor. He worked four 10-hour days and had a three day weekend.
He designed and implemented the first RIT web site, which was largely responsible for the success of SPZP-2000.
He promised to have Version 2.0 of the web (with better features).
Luckily for him, he moved to the challenging and lucrative job at Microsoft, and also became blessed with a wonderful family.
U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon Kaung, M83)
iNapa Winery
He was the youngest member of the group.
He founded “Mechanical Solutions” in San Francisco.
He and his spouse Lillian Kaung (EC83) later set up iNapa Winery and hosted several RIT-related gatherings.
He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA. He succeeded Saya U Maung Maung as President.
They also donated Premium Wine bottles for several events (e.g. the Annul Dinner and Summer Picnic for NorCal RITAA, 2005 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles). Their winery survived two fires.
Admitted to 1st BE as a top student along with Zaw Min, Tommy Shwe, Cho Aye and Peter Pe.
Graduated with B.E (Electrical Comminication) in 1970.
Migrated to USA.
Received MS from Stanford University and MBA from Pepperdine University.
Had successful careers as IC Designer, Co-founder & CEO of QTC Management, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist.
Steeve’s Dreams
Dream 1A & 1BDream 2 & 3
Special Reunion & PZP
The Combined 1st BE intake of 64 & 65 hosted annually at least one Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
Steeve Kay (EC70), Benny Tan (M70) and U Tha Htay (M70) were major Donors / Sponsors.
In 2006, Steeve requested Benny Tan and me to organize the event on his behalf. Due to his health, he could not travel to Yangon to host the event.
U Ohn Khine took me to U Win Htay’s office to meet the volunteers / organizers of “Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 & 65”. I asked the group to help realize Steeve’s request. U Win Htay & team agreed to copy the SPZP-2000 DVD & the commemorative issue of the RIT Alumni Newsletter to be provided in the Gift Package.
We requested U Khin Maung Kay (Mutu) to serve as Master of Ceremonies.
We requested Benny and Saya U Win Mra (English) to speak
I gave the Keynote at the event.
Sayas and Sayamas were offered mementos and Garawa money.
Thant Zin, Ohn Khine, Zaw Win
Special Gathering
U Hla Min and Benny spoke at the event
Greetings
Welcome to this gathering! Today is a special gathering organized by the 64/65 intakes and sponsored by the Steeve and Helen Kay Saya Health Fund. Today’s event complements last month’s 64/65 intake held an Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe and tomorrow’s seventh RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.
Appreciation
In addition to paying our respect to the sayas and sayamas, today we would also like to present to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70) an appreciation award for his continued support. Although Steeve Kay migrated to the US in 1971 to pursue his dreams, he never forgot his roots, his alma mater and his friends. Over the past 17 years, Steeve has made various contributions totaling $200,000. Highlights of those contributions are as follows:
Golden Sponsor for SPZPs
Steeve
As you recall, the first ever RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in the year 2000. It was started by a group of RIT students in San Francisco, among them Ko Benny Tan and me. I remember when I sent out the invitation flyers, we received a $1,000 check from Steeve. Later, he donated $3,000 as seed money to assist with fundraising efforts. Throughout the years, Steeve has supported multiple world-wide reunions and SPZP as a golden sponsor.
Health Care Fund
In June 2005, Steeve set-up a $50,000 Saya Health Care Fund administered by U Win Khaing of MES and his administrative committee. Many saya/sayamas attending today have benefited from that fund. Steeve Kay also helped to set-up a second fund, administered by the 64/65 intakes, as a supplemental retirement fund for the sayas and sayamas.
Kay Family Foundation
In May 2013, Kay Family Foundation, a philanthropic foundation set-up by Steeve Kay, sponsored the MoST (Ministry of Science and Technology) delegation to visit Centers of Excellence in California. The delegation was headed by the late Dr. Ko Ko Oo and Professor Nyi Hla Nge.
2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Last year, in October 2015, Steeve Kay donated $30,000 in matched funds to hold the RIT in Southern California, Los Angeles. During the gathering, he sang a Burmese folk song ‘Shwe Me’ to express his feeling towards Myanmar, the land where he spent his youth growing up.
Health concerns
This year, Steeve Kay’s own health fell ill. We wish him good health. Instead of attending the RIT Grad Reunion himself, he asked Ko Benny to hold a gathering and Pu Zwe Pwe this year. Ko Benny consulted with his classmates and decided that December 28, 2016 – the day preceding the Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe – seemed to be the right time. The classmates, in turn, would like to honor their life-long friend and sponsor of numerous RIT-related activities.
History and Philanthropy of Steeve
The history of Steeve and his philanthropic work should be recorded and preserved for posterity.
Every saya and sayama will be presented with a gift package from Steeve. It will include:
A short biography of Steeve
The commemorative issue of the RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
A two-set DVD of SPZP-2000
A CD of photos and articles related to SPZP and RIT-related activities
A monetary gift of K1 lakh for each saya and sayama, and an additional K1 lakh for sayagyis
Agenda
Today’s event covers three parts:
Paying respect to the sayas and sayamas who taught the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
A mini-gathering of the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
Appreciation award to be presented to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70)
Ko Khin Maung Lay will be the emcee.
Selected sayas and alumni will recall Steeve’s work and their importance and impact to the RIT community.
In Latin, there are four terms to specify students.
alumnus : male student
almuna : female student
alumni : male students
alumnae : female students
Alumni (Modern usage)
Alumni
Alumni now applies to all four cases mentioned above.
It refers to all 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
It was formed in 1999 with the primary objective of planning and implementing the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe).
SPZP-2000
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) served as the President.
The RIT Alumni International Newsletter was published in April, 1999.
The Newsletter was posted on the two RIT web sites, FB groups and Google group.
RIT Alumni Newsletter
The Newsletter and 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
Northern California RIT Alumni Association
NorCal RITAA
It was formed about a decade ago as a continuation of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group and RIT Alumni International.
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) served as the first President. His successors include U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83) and U Aung Myint Oo (EC84). U Tin Maung Win (C86) is the current President.
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) and U Tin Maung Win (C86) served as Secretary for the different terms. The current Secretary is Maung Maung Moe Zaw (Met02).
NorCal RITAA has a website and FB group.
The pandemic caused a pause in the activities. Earlier, 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 pledged for the sign board and general fund.
Daw Mu Mu Kin has 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
Our alma mater (with name changes)
RITAA is a short name for RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association. WHO often refers to it as ARITA.
U Tin Latt (M85) was the Interim President. He is succeeded by U Myo Aye, who was elected at the AGM.
It has helped with the fund raising for the YTU Library Modernization Project.
His father observed his birthday by taking eight precepts.
Saya also followed the tradition until his health required taking medicine in the morning, afternoon, evening and night.
U Tin Maung Nyunt
Birthday Soon Kyway
Saya U Ba Than (GBNF), his son (U Ye Than) and Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, R69) pledged Annual Birthday Soon kyway at the specified monastery : Yaw Sayadaw’s monastery, Panditarama Shwe Taung Gone, and Par Chote Sayadaw’s Kyaung .
U Ba Than’s message on his 78th birthday in 2008One of U Ba Than’s Soon Kyway
Before the pandemic, Saya invited former colleagues and students to his Birthday Soon Kwyay on October 2nd at Yaw Sayadaw’s Kyaung.
One of Ko Ye Than’s Soon Kyway
Ye Than (Winner Inn) would celebrate the birthday on January 1 at Shwe Taung Gone Panditarama.
Alice would offer soon at Par Chote Sayadaw’s Kyaung.
Daw Saw Yu Tint and Saya U Soe Paing
Food for thought
I do not know how people born on February 29 celebrate. Do they celebrate once every four years? Do they celebrate on February 28 or March 1? U Ngwe Soe wrote : For the Burmese, they can celebrate using the Burmese Calendar.
Most twins share the birthday, but in some exceptional cases, their birthdays differ. The day, month or even the year may be different. One twin was born near midnight on December 31, 2020 and another was born in the early hour of January 1, 2021. The odds were 1 in two million births.
Some companies and communities celebrate birthdays collectively (e.g those born in a specified month).
Some Oldies do not know the date of birth and/or the time of birth (needed for natal horoscopes). Some were told by the elders that they were born at “Soon Khan Chein ဆွမ်းခံချိိန်”, “Nay Htunn Ta Phyar နေထန်းတဖျား” or “Kon Tin Thin Baw Site ကုန်တင်သင်္ဘောဆိုက်”.
A few sense Samvegha သံဝေဂ that one more year has passed.
Some review their merits and demerits for the year since their last birthday.
Some parents celebrate monthly or quarterly when their toddlers are young and innocent.
Daw Saw Yu Tint’s grandson asked for half-year birthday present.
Some oldies forgot to wish their loved ones. Blame it on Aging and Memory Loss.
In a group of 30+ people, it is highly likely that at least a pair will have the same birth month and day (but not the year). You may refresh your “Probability and Statistics” knowledge.
It will take a few thousand of people (not including twins) to have a pair that have the exact birthday (year, month, day).
