Category: RIT

Engineering Schools in Burma

  • Eddie Teoh (M64)

    Eddie Teoh (M64)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    Dear Ko Hla Min,

    Khin Thein Yi and I are appreciative of the great amount of time and devotion spent by ALL the organizers, volunteers and spouses towards this Re-Union effort. Thank you much y’all!

    Your success was AWESOME! Imagine a crowd of 300+ Burmese ex-RIT alumni and spouses in this foreign country, and most of them apparently successful in their own way. Makes me feel proud of the whole bunch; this mixed with melancholia to think of the loss of much needed brainpower, guts and grits that our motherland did not utilize.

    Heart touching also was the sight of former students paying their respects to the Sayagyis of old; this revered old custom of ours is so so different from the new culture that we have immersed ourselves in, for the last (twenty-eight for me) years.

    Many sayagyis were there, but in spirit they also represented all our other teachers from kindergarten to graduation. We reminisced also about Sayas Ba Hli, Sein Hlaing, Ba Than, Saw Pru, Simon, Chit (Blacksmith), Hla Myint, professors sent thru the Colomo Plan, the Russian professors, some of them I remember by face but have forgotten the names (shame on me!) and many others. Julie Han was sobbing with joy at the end of this ceremony; my throat was all choked up as I wiped the tears from my eyes. THANK YOU ALL MY SAYAS AND SAYAMAS.

    Wow! I suddenly realized that it was several decades since I graduated. It is strange to perceive that many of the RIT sayas graduated after us.

    In my first year Engineering, Saya Allen Htay and Saya San Hla Aung freshly graduated taught “Geometrical & Mechanical Drawing” class for less than a year before they went to study in the U.S.A.

    Before we came, we looked at the roster, it seems that there were so few of my contemporaries attending, and that we would feel at a loss. Not so. All the RITians behaved like one big family. Faces and names that we had forgotten for decades were refreshed. Some of the guys were hardly recognizable. Suddenly, we are much younger again. I greeted some of the guys with a “Hey fella”, like it was only yesterday when we were attending RIT.

    Quick Impressions:

    • Loo Yap May screaming when she saw Khin Thein Yi.
    • Some of these ladies are very un-Burmese-like, with their kisses and huggings and screamings. Ha! Ha!
    • Saya Num Pon actually blushing, when I mentioned about the girl that was chasing him, when we went on our summer training in B.O.C. Chauk.
    • Benny Tan’s collection of memorabilia from RIT days, including Spott’s “Machine Design” and slide rule. I think Saya Ko Ko Gyi introduced that text to us.
    • Did not get a chance to say “Hi” to Ko Tin Htoon (Arch 60). Hi! Ko Tin Htoon.
    • Old friend Saya Say Teong (Tin Maung) visiting us from Burma. Must be a big shot there.
    • Many faces I remember, but cannot place their names.
    • Forcible body removal of photographers, so that the official photographer can get a good shot with his wide angle camera.
    • That Daniel [Tint Lwin] from Singapore sings good. Yup! Daniel, you organize for over 500 people, we will be there. Daniel, say “Hi” to Nellie.
    • Jeffrey Kamdar handing out friendship pens.
    • Aw Taik Moh (C1954) still working and looking chipper.
    • Learnt that Mya Thwin’s wife Suzie is ex-Methodist. My alma mater.
    • Teary-eyed Reggie Wu.
    • We think of Amy Thwin (Tin Tin Ohn), Dolly Thwin (Ni Ni Thwin), sisters (both ex-RIT) who have both passed away.
    • Anthony recounts how six Chem. Es including Saya Chwan, Willie, Moy and two others pooled enough money to immigrate one to the U.S., and pulling the next guy in when financially able. Admirable.
    • And so on, and so on, and so on, and so on (Remember English Tutor Saya Pereira??). Physics – Saya Bharadwaja

    One gripe. Time went by too fast. One dinner (what did we eat, I forgot) and one picnic was not sufficient to see or greet some of the friends long forgotten. We had several sub-parties and get-togethers – buffet at Lee’s, lunch at Benny Tan’s beautiful abode (congrats Benny and wife – you are the American dream come true), tea at Saya Allen Htay and Muriel’s house at the tip of Silicon Valley), lunch at Julie Han’s niece’s, dinner with a few Chem.Es graced by Saya Khin Aung Kyi, brunch at George Chen’s, San ‘Frisco tour with Saya Khin Aung Kyi. We still could not get enough of it.

    Like my friend (my class-mate, my co-worker, my sibling rival) Dr. Tin Win says, “It sure is hard to come back to work”. Aw shucks! We gotta get back to reality and normal life.

    Goodnight, and thanks again y’all.

    Eddie (M64) & Khin Thein Yi (ChE65)

    Editor’s notes:
    The fifteen Teoh siblings are named alphabetically from Albert (the eldest) to Oscar (the youngest). U Cecil (C63) and U Eddie (M64) are RIT alumni. They rank 3rd and 5th among the siblings.

  • Benny Tan (M70)

    Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70) is a founding member of RIT Alumni International, which hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) in October 2000.

    He hosted meetings of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni including the one that led to the formation of RIT Alumni International.

    He wore multiple hats for SPZP-2000

    • Golden Sponsor
    • Co-chair of the Working Committee
    • Designer of SPZP Banner, commemorative Mug, Calculator / Clock, and T-shirt

    Along with Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70), he is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs and for his class gatherings.

    He wrote “Traveling through the Time Machine” for RIT Alumni Newsletter

  • Textile Engineering

    U Maung Maung Than (GBNF) received BS from Clemson and MS from Lowell. In 1957 he became Lecturer and Head of Textile Department. He became Professor. He succeeded U Khin Aung Kyi as Rector. He retired as DG of DHE. He served as Advisor for the Engineering School at DSA.He was Chair of RIT Sports Committee. He played Chinlon and Saung (Burmese Harp).

    Some Senior Sayas and Sayamas

    U Shwe Yi (GBNF) taught until retirement. He served as Professor. I met his daughter-in-law who was attending the SF Bay Area Literary Talks as a Speaker.

    Daw Tin Tin Ohn (Amy Thwin, T61, GBNF) was from the first batch of female engineers. Her father U Thwin served as Principal of Boundary Road Technical School.

    Dr. Julie Han (T61, GBNF) served as Vice President of TBSA and led the Fund Raising for Dhammananda Vihara. She attended SPZP-2000.

    Naw Mu Mu Aye (T69) retired as Professor.

    U Hla Shwe (T69, GBNF) retired as Associate Professor. Saya U Moe Aung wrote “To The Shwe Duo” in memory of U Tin Shwe (EP66) and him.

    Some Senior Alumni

    Daw Yin Kyi and two classmates (T61)

    Daw Khin Than Nwe (T62)

    Daw Nyunt Nyunt Zaw (T68)

    T69ers include U Kyaw Htin (Chi Hte Nu Nu Kyaw), U Hla Tun (Japangyi, GBNF), U Aung Thein, U Tint Swe, Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice), Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie), Daw Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel), Daw Lin Lin Aung, Daw San San Myint (Helen), Daw San Kyi

    T70 include U Kyaw Sint (Soccer, Tennis, GBNF), Daw Lei Lei Myaing

    T71 include Reggie Kyaw Nyunt, Daw Than Than Yi (GBNF)

  • Win Kyaing

    Win Kyaing

    by Ohn Khine & Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    U Ohn Khine (M70) wrote

    • After reading Saya U Myo Myint Sein’s lively article in Swel Daw Yeik magazine, my mind raced back to the good and happy RIT student days.
    • I still remember the tall and stout Saya with his famous mustache and boisterous voice. If I can rely on my memory, he taught us (70 batch) Industrial Management in the Fourth year.
    • He taught us from the Book titled “Parkinson’s Law” written by C. Northcote Parkinson.
    • Going back again to Saya U Myo Myin Sein’s article on the trip to USSR, I can imagine Saya U Win Kyaing in a very uncomfortable and awkward situation, but still can laugh out loud over the situation.
    • I would like to take this opportunity to ask belated forgiveness from Saya U Win Kyaing for lovingly calling him “Koung Kee” behind his back. Saya looked somewhat like Nguyễn Cao Kỳ (a Vietnamese leader) .
    • May his soul rest in peace.

    Editor’s Notes :

    • Saya is the younger brother of U Wah Kyu (Ko Maurice’s father)
    • He advised Ko Maurice to study Mechanical Engineering.
    • On behalf of Saya, his spouse Sayama Daw Muriel Tun Gyaw attended SPZP-2000.
  • U Aung Naing (Min69)

    Sad News in 2011

    Dear Ko Hla Min,

    Ko Aung Naing (Bahadur) Mining Engineer, our batch passed away on 14 August, 2011 at the age of 70.

    He was the Principal of the GTI (Taungyi / Aye Thar Yar).

    His funeral will be held on 4 PM today at Yaewai.

    With Metta,
    Aung Min (69 Mech)

    69ers who passed away in 2011

    • Aung Naing (Bahadhur, Min)
    • Chit Htun (Min)
    • Yin Kyu (M)
  • March 5, 2011

    Dear Sayas and Colleagues,

    Saya U Soe Paing scanned selected magazines from the University Central Library.

    U Soe Paing

    In 2010, Ko Thein Swe (GBNF) emailed an old and asked if people can recognize the names and faces in the photo.

    Thein Swe (Rightmost)

    From Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC)

    I went to the Univ Central Library on Tuesday and managed to get scanned photos from the Eng Student Annual Magazines 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas, students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.

    • U Sein Hlaing (Prof EE) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L starting 1952-53.
    • Saya U Tin Swe was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team.
    • Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain.
    • U Khin Si husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile; U Tin Si, U Khin Si’s brother and tennis doubles partnership that won RU as well as national championships were members of the Prome hall team.

    The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by the Prime Minister at that time U Ba Swe.

    In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD,PWC,CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.

    I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.

    U Ba Than has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.

    Best wishes
    SP

    Editor’s notes

    • An academic year usually spans two years. To save space and time, I had loosely used the end year (e.g. 69) instead of the start year and end year (e.g. 68 – 69).
    • In the early days, there were no “Instructors” (but only “Assistant Lecturers”) for the Faculty of Engineering. They are Gazetted officers.
    • Some of our sayas applied for States Scholarship before graduation. Some joined the faculty and were selected to do post-graduate studies.
    • The Halls would aggressively seek outstanding athletes (footballers, tennis players, rowers, …).
    • U Chan Tha is also RUBC Past Captain and Gold.
    • Bohmu Percy Maung Maung and his younger brother Ko Hugh are old crocs. Ko Percy is a class mate of Saya U Soe Paing at SPHS and Stanford.
    • Saya Dr. Yan Naing Lwin used to have a copy of the “Burmese state scholars in ’54”. The list includes Saya U Sein Hlaing, and Saya U Tin Swe.
    • Ko Benny Tan (M 70) used to have a copy of the “RIT Handbook” for 6x. I published the list of permanent and part-time sayas and sayamas in one of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” updates.
    • Saya U Moe Aung (EE) used to have old copies of “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung” and RIT Annual magazines. He served as Chief Editor for both publications.
    • The late Saya Charlie Kaw (Tex) is believed to have brought along with him the projects of his final year students.
    • Hope sayas, sayamas and alums might be able to contribute to the “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar” project.
    • Mr. Robert Hole had memory loss and was not able to write for HMEE-2012. His daughters taught at UCC, ICST and UCSY.
  • Still So Young 69ers

    U Aung Min (M69)

    Aung Min, Danny & Albert
    • He is a core organizer for the Class of 69.
    • He is Chair of 69er Health Care Fund.
    • He and his team maintain the GBNF list.
    • He loves to sing.

    Guitarist / Vocalist

    • Albert Kyaw Min (“Elvis”) is a Mike Khe.
    • He performs at Birthdays, Weddings, 69er Gatherings and Pulp & Paper Meetings.
    • Daniel Tint Lwin (Singapore) can play Lead, Rhythm & Bass. He can sing Solo, Duet & Group. He performed at SPZPs.
    • Robert Win Boh performed in Australia and at the 69er Gatherings. He is hibernating.

    Ivan Lee

    • He is a major donor to the 69er Heath Care Fund.
    • He is a multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs.
    • He hosted RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey.
    • He is founder & past CEO of MASTAA.
    • He donated to schools in Kyaukme in memory of Ivy.
    Ivan
    Ivy
    • He celebrates with his two daughters and six grand children.
    Ivan and family

    Three Belles

    Three Belles
    • Ma Myint Myint
    • Ma Myint Myint Aye
    • Ma Thaung Htwe
  • 2017 Nov Gathering

    U Than Win hosted the 69er Breakfast gathering
    • Date : November 26, 2017
    • Place : Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose) Restaurant
    • Major Sponsor : U Than Win (M)

    Attendees

    • There were 50+ attendees
    • Saya Dr. Myo Khin (Japan)
    • U Sein Myint (Singapore)
    • U Shwe
    • U Aung Min
    • U Aung Kyaw Pe
    • U Than Win (Host)
    • U Tin Htut / Harry
    • Albert Kyaw Min
    • U Tin Aung Win / Oscar
  • 69er Donors

    Daw Myint Myint (C69)

    • Major donor of the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund)
    • Also a major donor for the “YTU Modernization Project”.
      Donated K150 Lakhs.
    • Sponsored several tables for the 69er gatherings e.g. welcoming Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69, Germany) at Western Park Royal, and the Annual Dinner at M3.
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Ivan-and-family-1.jpg
    Ivan

    Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69)

    • Major donor of the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund)
    • Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000 and SPZP-2007
    • Hosted RIT-UCC Gatherings (with Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing as Honored Guests) in his New Jersey home.
    • Co-founded MASTAA. Served as CEO
    • Organized two Trips to visit Canada and pay respect to
      Saya U Aung Khin in Windsor and Saya Dr. Aung Gyi in Napean.

    Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP69)

    Sein Myint (Leftmost)
    • Major donor of the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund)
    • Also Major Donor of EE69er HCF (Health Care Fund)
    • Represented RIT in Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo

    U Tin Win (Min69)

    • Donated for a couple of 69er Gatherings
    • e.g. at Lunch Gathering at Crystal Jade (around a SPZP)

    Miscellaneous

    • There are many donors — large and small.
    • Some donate at the 69er Gatherings e.g. Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si
  • Interview by Mandalay Gazette

    • Mandalay Gazette was founded by U Maung Maung Kyi who had three careers as a Swimmer, a Medical Doctor in Burma and a Journalist & Organizer in Southern California.
    • It featured Interviews with selected Burman (Myanmar).
    Interview
    Interview 1 of 6
    Interview 2 of 6
    Interview 3 of 6
    Interview 4 of 6
    Interview 5 of 6
    Interview 6 of 6

    Memories

    Pon Tu gift from Bagyee Myat Myo Myint
    DTM 1
    DTM 2