Doctorate from Japan. Found his love life “Moe Moe”.
Due to immigration laws in Myanmar & Japan, the family decided to move to Auckland, New Zealand.
Organizer for RIT events in New Zealand.
Wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter
Articles
Two Forgotten Songs from RIT. One is a favorite of Saya U Tha Tun (Head of Department). Another is about Ma Ma Q & her fans (sayas and alumni).
Photo essay on Kyaik Hti Yo Development. Saya U Min Wun wrote a supplement article for the Project.
Letter to Thagyar Min to second his favorable opinion on Naw Louisa Benson (Miss Burma & movie actress).
About some paintings
Quoted Reverend F Lutvig (Ashin Ananda, Laureate Poet) in his articles.
Contact
He passed away, but Moe Moe kept contact with Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70) and other alumni in Australia.
(1) 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., “ထမင်းမြိန်မြိန်စားမယ် 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 စကားပုံ’ 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…”
(2) 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).
(3) 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?
(4) 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.
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)
Win LattAlumniAlumni / SDYF69ers69ersSPZP-2012Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Nyunt Nyunt Wai
Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF)
Dr. Koung Nyunt
A67
Secretary, RIT Photography Association
Pen name : Kogyi Koung
Doctorate from Japan. Found his love life “Moe Moe”.
Due to immigration laws in Myanmar & Japan, the family decided to move to Auckland, New Zealand.
Organizer for RIT events in New Zealand.
Wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter
Articles
Two Forgotten Songs from RIT. One is a favorite of Saya U Tha Tun (Head of Department). Another is about Ma Ma Q & her fans (sayas and alumni).
Photo essay on Kyaik Hti Yo Development. Saya U Min Wun wrote a supplement article for the Project.
Letter to Thagyar Min to second his favorable opinion on Naw Louisa Benson (Miss Burma & movie actress).
About some paintings
Quoted Reverend F Lutvig (Ashin Ananda, Laureate Poet) in his articles.
Contact
He passed away, but Moe Moe kept contact with Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70) and other alumni in Australia.
(1) 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., “ထမင်းမြိန်မြိန်စားမယ် 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 စကားပုံ’ 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…”
(2) 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).
(3) 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?
(4) 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.
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)
In memory of her brother Dr. Win Thein, Daw San Kyi donated to selected charities
Dr. Myo Khin & Daw Mya Nwe
Dr. Myo Khin & Daw Mya Nwe
They donated K100 Lakhs for YTU Library modernization.
They helped find employment in Japan for eligible YTU graduates
Benny Tan
Benny Tan
He is a multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs.
He was co-Chair of the Working Committee for SPZP.
He designed SPZP Banner and mementos : T-shirt, Mug, Calendar / Clock.
He was Facilitator for “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas”.
He has MS from UC Berkeley and was Senior Engineer at Public Utilities Commission.
He and Angelina opened a Gift Shop at SFO. They ended up with 14 Gift Shops.
They founded “Tan Enterprise”
U Maung Maung Lay & Daw Khin Nyunt Yi
U Maung Maung Lay & Daw Khin Nyunt Yi
He was active in “RIT Buddhist Association”.
They are major donors of medicine.
He posted handwritten notes of Saya U Thet Lwin (composer of Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo).
Sayas
Sayas 1Saya Dr. Aung Gyi 1Saya Dr. Aung Gyi 2Saya Dr. Aung Gyi 3Saya U Aung Khin 1Saya U Aung Khin 2Present from Saya U Aung KhinSaya U Min Wun 1Saya U Min Wun 2Saya Allen HtaySaya Allen Htay Saya U Ba ThanU Myo Myint Sein U Nyo Win Dr. Tin Maung (UCC)U Aung Hla TunU Moe Aung Dr. Tin WinDr. Ba Lwin U Htun Aung Kyaw Daw Tin Tin Win U Myat HtooU Kyaw TunChE SayasDr. Khin Maung SweDaw Myint Myint KhaingEE Sayas U Ba TokeDr. Kyaw Thet, Daw Khin Khin GyiU Myo Min (UCC)U Myo MinU Myo MinU Tin Htut, Dr. Tin Win Mao Toon SiongDr. Zaw Win (Maths)U Thiha LattU Soe Paing Dr. Kyaw SeinU Tin Win U Soe Paing, U Tun Aung GyawU Kyin Soe 1U Kyin Soe 2Dr. Soe Win, Daw May Saw Lwin Saw Christopher
Winner Inn is run by Saya U Ba Than’s family : son Ye Than, daughter-in-law Win Mar Oo, grandson Aung Myo Myint and granddaughter Ei Khine.
U Ba Than
Before the family moved to a new residential home (a little bit further down Than Lwin Road), Saya would entertain his relatives (visiting from abroad), former colleagues and students at Winner Inn.
Gatherings
An informal gathering took place at Winner Inn in January 2017. Attendees include Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, GBNF) & Daw Win Mar, U Hla Win, U Aung Moung (GBNF), my spouse and me
U Aung Moung came to see Saya U Ba Than and Daw Win Mar. It’s a small world. Win Mar’s older brother was a childhood friend of U Aung Moung.
Sadly, U Aung Moung passed away in 2018. He was active in HMEE, SDYF and several social and religious organizations. Several monks arranged their own transportation to attend U Aung Moung’s last journey at Yay Way.
Dr. Peter Khin Tun (GBNF)
Peter would usually come back to Yangon before January 12 to celebrate his mother Dr. Kyi Kyi Nyunt’s birthday. His father U Tin U is the elder brother of Saya U Ba Than.
Peter would host some celebrations (e.g. engagement party of his elder son Min Ko) at Winner Inn.
Sad to report that Peter was an early victim of Covid and lax UK Hospital policies about PPE. He passed away on April 13, 2020 (which was Easter Monday & start of Thingyan). The sad news is covered in BBC and some UK newspapers.
His spouse Win Mar recovered after two weeks of treatment at the hospital.
On a bright note, Peter was given awards posthumously and the UK hospital systems adopted better procedures.
In the 1961 – 62 Academic Year, the Faculty of Engineering of Rangoon University moved to the Gyogone Campus.
It was named Burma Institute of Technology (BIT).
Sayas & Sayamas
U Yone Mo served as Dean.
U Sein Hla served as Registrar.
Newly minted sayas & sayamas include U Aung Soe (C), U Maung Maung Win (M), Daw Tin Tin Ohn (T) & Daw Julie Han
Matriculation & HSF
In 1961, the last Matric & High School Final exam took place. Those who pass the exam could attend the University.
In 1962, there were separate exams for Matric & HSF. Those who pass HSF had to take the Matric exam in order to attend the University.
2nd SEAP Games
RU athletes in 2nd SEAP Games
In December 1961, Burma hosted the 2nd South East Asian Peninsular Games.
Burma placed First (according to the Tally of Medals) in the Games. Burma was dominant in Track & Field, Swimming & Diving (to name a few).
About 20 students Rangoon University represented Burma in the Games. Several won Gold Medals : Tun Mra (4 x 100 meters relay), Soe Mra (Pole Vault), Kyaw Han (Volleyball), Richard Yu Khin (Yachting).
Ko Richard (GBNF) provided the group photo. He also wrote about the swimming training with Ko Tin Maung Ni under a Japanese coach.
Met Ko Tun Mra, Ko Khin Maung Latt & Ko Tin Myint (GBNF) at the RUBC/YUBC Annual Regatta in December 2019. Ko Tun Mra mentioned that he, Ko Kyaw Mra (GBNF), Ko Soe Mra & Ko Tun Naung represented Burma in the first SEAP Games held in Bangkok in 1959.
1962
Coup d’etat
On March 2, 1962, a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat. Sao Shwe Thaik’s son was killed.
Mahn Win Maung (President), U Nu (Prime Minister), U Myint Thein (Chief Justice), several high ranking officers & Sawbwas were imprisoned.
U Myint Thein was among the first to be detained and the last to be released. He was given only a part day off to attend the last journey of his spouse Daw Phwa Hmi (pioneer Burmese female barrister).
Sama Duwa Sinwa Naung had been selected to succeed Mahn Win Maung as the President, but the Coup ended the democratic parliamentary system.
Sama Duwa Sin Wa Naung
HSF Exam
The HSF exam results for Rangoon Division was annulled claiming a leakage of exam questions.
The students had to retake the HSF exam in August, 1962.
Dark Days in July
There were two Dark Days.
Student protesters faced indiscriminate shooting on July 7, 1962. The newspapers & Myanmar Ah Than said that there were 17 victims.
Ko Aung Khin who was killed by a stray bullet on his way back from RUBC to his home in Windermere Road was listed as the 17th casualty.
On July 8, 1962, the revered RU Student Union Building was demolished.
1963
Matric Exam
SPHS63 Scholarship Winners
Most exams were held in March. However, the Matric exam in 1963 was held in May.
St. Paul’s High School had five students in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
Anniversary of 7th July
In July 1963, the first Anniversary of 7th July 1962 was celebrated with posters, pamphlets & magazines.
Some time later, the higher authorities announced the closure of most schools except the Faculty of Medicine & the Faculty of Engineering.
Rangoon University Boat Club
Dinner to celebrate the RUBC 40th Anniversary
Annual Regatta was canceled citing security reasons.
Sithu U Tin (President) decided not to cancel the Dinner commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC by Sit Arthur Eggar (Law Professor).
1964
Scholarship for USSR & East Bloc
Soviet Union and East Bloc nations offered scholarships for undergraduates & graduates.
Some classmates (who were concerned about how long the schools will close) applied & were accepted.
Maung Maung Kyi studied Chemical Engineering (specializing in Pulp & Paper) at Dresden University, GDR.
New Education System
Shwe YaDu
Enacted in November 1964
The reorganization saw former Faculties as independent Institutes with their own Rector and Registrar. The remaining faculties of Rangoon University became Rangoon Arts & Science University (RASU).
Under the new Education system, BIT became Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT). It had autonomy. U Yone Mo served as Rector. U Soe Thein (former student leader) served as Registrar.
Matriculates were admitted to the fresher classes at the Universities & Institutes using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA).
The marks for each subject were converted to an ILA score (1 – 20). Those who have a balanced score can have a higher ILA than someone who has high marks in most subjects but a low score in one subject.
There were name changes to the degrees offered, e.g B.E instead of B.Sc.(Engg)
Majors were introduced.
LL.B was offered.
Luyechun
The program was initiated in the Summer of 1964.
Outstanding students from middle school and high school was chosen as Luyechun. They were sent to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp.
Oke Soe Kha (MEHS), Win Aung (TTC) and Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw) were some High School Luyechuns.
1965
Nationalization
On April 1, 1965 private schools were nationalized.
St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) became No. 6 Botathaung State High School.
Methodist English High School (MEHS) became No. 1 Dagon State High School.
Luyechun Camps
Inlay Luyechun
The Luyechun program was extended to students of Universities & Institutes in the summer of 1965.
I was selected as RIT Luyechun along with Ko Sein Shwe, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin, and Ko Zaw Min. We were sent to the newly opened Inlay Khaung Daing Camp was added.
The Rangoon Combined Camp was the meeting point for those from Ngapali Camp and Inlay Camp.
Had good memory and strong hands until his final days
Tin U
Passed away in Yangon on August 19, 2025
He was 96 years young.
Obituary
Obituary
Final Journey
Attended by Family members, relatives and friends
Invitation for Yet Le Soon KywayAye Aye Khin (Daughter)Thin Thiri Tun (Granddaughter)
Academic & Experience
BSCE (Oregon State University)
MSCE (Yale University)
Former Part-time Lecturer, Civil
Former Director, Clark & Grieg
Former Advisor, InterKiln
Former Advisor, PWD Architect Group 2
Oldest & Most Senior Past Captain, Rangoon University Boat Club
Past Captain, Rangoon Golf Club
Former Treasurer, Burma Society of Civil Engineers
Family
U Tin U, Aye Aye Khin, Daw Cherry, Ye Myint, Peter
Spouse
Dr. Cherry 1
Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (Cherry) — passed away in November 2019
She did Nutrition Research at BMRI.
Children
Peter & his mom Dr. Cherry Family & RelativesAye Aye. Dr. Cherry, Dr. Peter, U Tin UFamily & Relatives 2Daw San San Aye, U Tin U, Dr. Ye Myint& Dr. Aye Sandar
Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, MRCP, Former Associate Dean of Oxford University, passed away in April 2020) & Daw Winmar;
Daw Aye Aye Khin (B.Com, CPA) & U Tin Tun (passed away in May 2020)
Dr. Ye Myint (Fellowship training in Intensive Care and Anesthesia, Took care of his father’s health in the final days) & Daw San San Aye
YM 1 YM 2 YM 3
Grandchildren
Min Ko & Prudence
Ye Aung
Dr. Aye Sandar
Thin Thiri Tun
Dr. Khin Sandy Tun
Great Grandchildren
Su Wai Tun
Hnin Wai Tun
Peter, Winmar, Ye Aung, Min Ko
Siblings
U Tin U, Ruby, Father U Chan Sein, BettyBa Than, Myo Tint, Myo Min, Thaung Lwin, Tin Htoon, Tin U U Tin Htoon, U Tin U, U Ba Than, U Thaung Lwin, Dr. Myo TintSix Siblings
U Ba Than (Scholarship Winner in 1947, Gold Medalist for I.Sc in 1949, Alumnus of Imperial College, Retd. Prof. of Mech. Engg) — GBNF
Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby)
Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, B.Com, Spouse of Dr. F Ba Hli) — GBNF
Dr. Myo Tint (3rd in Burma in 1952, RUBC Captain) — GBNF
U Tin Htoon (A60, RUBC Captain, ARAE Champion, SEAP Silver Medalist in Yachting)
U Myo Min (1st in I.Com & B.Com, Chartered Acct, UCC Co-founder)
U Thaung Lwin (Scholarship Winner in 1960, First in EC66, RUBC Captain)
Daw Cho Cho Hlaing (CRO, German Diploma)
Highlights
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1946
Represented RUBC at the 1948 Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi with Pe Nyun, Pe Thein and Khin Maung Wint
1948 Independence Day Regatta
Rowing
Four brothers — Tin U, Myo Tint, Tin Htoon & Thaung Lwin — are RUBC Captain & Gold
Two other brothers — Ba Than and Myo Min — are RUBC Green
Tin U & Thaung LwinRUBC Captains
Photo shows Five RUBC Captains. Sein Htoon (Cox) is a cousin; he is 1960 ARAE Champion
Most Senior Past Captain
Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club (1948 – 49)
RUBC
As the Most Senior and Oldest Past Captain of RUBC, U Tin U was invited to open the RUBC Centennial Celebration in 2023
RUBC Centennial
Bridge
Played with friends (e.g Richard Po Ohn)
Played with Uncle and two cousins
Golf
Past Captain, RGC
Played with senior (e.g U Yaw Hlaing) & junior (e.g U Soe Paing) partners until his early 80s
Memories
Relaxing in the garden
Tin U
Visit
With Than Htut
Interviews
For RGC (Rangoon Golf Club)
For HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education)
For his grandson Min Ko
Kidnap Survivor
See account by his son Dr. Khin Tun (Peter)
Yahan Khan
Yahan Khan
Garawa
SPZP-2012
SPZP-2012
PWD Architect 2 Group
PWD 1PWD 2PWD 3
Birthday Presents
Photo Album for 90th birthday by Tin Htoon & Htaik San
Photo Cards for several birthdays by Tin Htoon & family
Birthday Card from U Tin Htoon & family
U Ba Than
With 90th Birthday Present (Photo Album)Young U Ba ThanAt Saya Pu Zaw Pwe with Sayagyi U Ba TokeDouble Dana : Donated Garawa money to selected CharitiesPartial List of DonationsIn Singapore for medical check upWith former students, who came to pay respectAt Winner Inn
There are now 280+ confirmed attendees (of which 250+ have paid and the rest saying that the “check is on the way”). The list is growing. Although we posted the invitations on the web, e-mailed to alumni that we know, and even sent invitation packages to several alumni by snail mail, almost every day, I get a message saying “I’ve just learnt that there is an ex-rit web site” or “I just got a fax from a friend about the Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and I’d like to know if there are any tickets left”.
There are some people who do not have Internet access. There are several who switch their ISPs and their e-mail addresses. There are a few people who do have computers but rarely open their e-mail box; if you send e-mail to them you’ll get “Mail Box Quota Exceeded”. For whatever reason, there are still people who are unaware that alumni from five decades will meet at the Embassy Suites hotel in Gateway Boulevard, South San Francisco on the evening of October 28, 2000. The family members will join the alumni in a picnic on October 29, 2000.
Our webmaster, KMZ, will come to the Bay Area on October 27, 2000. There will probably be lots of pre- and post- Reunion gatherings.
Will I be able to remember the 400 – 500 names (some alumni have 2 or even 3 names) of the attendees? Or as Myint Myint Sein (a) Diana (M70) says, “Will we be able to recognize our friends?” Our teachers used to say that they first recognize the best and the restless/energetic in the class. Then, gradually they focus on the quiet and the timid students.
It’s easier to remember people as a group. So, here we go:
CLASS OF 68
Ko Aung Khin (EP 68), formerly of EPC [spent most of his time at the Lawpita Hydro-electric Power Station], recently became a PE and a proud grandfather. He was known as the “LA Tha-gyee” (village head) since he knew a lot of people in the Los Angeles area. He was an EC member of the RIT Electrical Engineering Association, and a past Vice-President of BAPS.
His seating preference: We (Ko Aung Khin and Ma Win May) would like to sit together with our 1968 batch, Ko Tun Aung (a) Jeffrey (EC68) and his wife from LA, Ko Min Maung (EP68) and his wife from Seattle, and Saya U San Tint if it is possible.
Ko Tun Aung was EC1 [the roll numbers then were given in honor of merit]. His wife Ma Thuza was a well known movie actor.
When Saya U Chin Way (EE) first came to the US, Ko Tun Aung asked him to apply for a job at his department. As the story goes, the interviewer(s) asked if Saya knew anyone there. Saya said that he only knew Ko Tun Aung, who used to be student back home. The interview ended there and then.
Congratulations, Ko Tun Aung for paying back the metta and cetana of his saya(s). Sad to say, Saya U Chin Way had passed away.
Ko Myat Htoo (C68), co-chair, Steering Committee, wrote:
Thank you so much for sending me Krishna Rao’s phone no. I spoke with him in length yesterday and gave him my other classmates’ phone nos. He left Burma right after graduation in ’68. My last night’s phone call to him was our first contact in 32 years. I found out that he got divorced from his wife of 18 years recently and just had a heart bypass surgery a month ago and he is still recuperating.
Ko Myat Htoo (Civ 68) joined the Civil department upon graduation. He is now a Branch Chief with CalTrans (California Transportation). He is serving his second term as President of TBSA. He will be hosting Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58).
CLASS OF 70
Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP 70) writes: Will it be possible to seat Ko Ye Myint (EP72) and spouse, Ko Myo Khin (C70) and spouse, with me and my wife?
Ko Zaw Min was Roll No. 1 for the ’64 intake of the first ever 1st BE and was a “Luyechun” (Outstanding Student). The “Luyechun” project started the year before for middle school and high school. It was extended to the University students in the Inlay Khaung Daing summer camp in 1965.
Ko Zaw Min was a top student in EP. Ko Thaung Sein (a) Steeve Kay and Charlie Tseng were the top of the EC class.
After relocating to the US, Ko Zaw Min switched to Electronics specializing in Component Design. He has relocated from New York to the Bay Area.
Ko Ye Myint is Saya U Ba Toke’s son. One of Ko Ye Myint’s sons is an EE working in Singapore. Another is expected to graduate from AU [formerly ABAC] also with a degree in EE.
Saya U Ba Toke retired from AU last year. He will be attending the Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. His sponsors include Ko Zaw Min, Ko Maung Maung Than (M79), Ko Mya Thwin (Philip, EE75), Saya Allen Htay (C58) and Saya U Tin Htut (M60).
Ko Myo Khin (C70) and Ma Mya Mya Nwe (C73) will attend. They will be staying at the Embassy Suites. Ko Myo Khin, along with the late Ko Win Thein (M67), were among the top organizers at RIT. Ko Myo Khin joined the Civil department upon graduation. He later taught at the Japanese universities.
The following is a message forwarded by Ko Zaw Win (C70) who will not be able to attend the Reunion:
Dear Ko Myo Khin
How are you and your family? I think both of you must be counting your days for the trip to US for the Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. It’s a rare and a great occasion for all the graduates of RIT who were out of the mother country for different reasons to meet at this ‘Pwe” and for a reunion.
Unfortunately circumstances do not allow me to participate in the grand occasion. Please send my greetings to all our friends when you meet them.
At present in Sydney, Australia the whole town is bubbling with Olympic activities while I am trying to finish the three project reports which were due last month. Sometimes I really long for those old times where we can simply lay on our backs and enjoy the slow flow of events with ample of free time. I really now understand that “Life is a struggle” everywhere. Life is also short and enjoy it while you can, with metta towards others.
CLASS OF 74
Ma San San Swe (San San Nwe, EC 74) wrote:
Would there be any seating arrangements? Is it possible to ask for seating with a few of our friends in one table? They are :-
1. Yee Yee Win; San Francisco 2. Ko Tin Aung Win & Dorothy; Sydney, Australia 3. Suzie, husband [Saya U Myat Thwin] & son [Raymond]; Houston, Texas 4. Ko Myint Swe & San San; Cupertino
Thanks, Sansan
For the 1st BE intake of ’68 (mostly graduated in ’74), Ko Htay Lwin Nyo was No. 1 followed by Ma San San, Ko Ne Win Maw, Ko Myint Swe, Sai Aung Thurein in the top of the class.
An ode to Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (part-time Professor, SJSU) can be found in the “HLN Memorial Pages”.
Ko Myint Swe (EP74) and Ma San San moved last Thanksgiving to the Bay Area. They have both volunteered for the Organizing Committee of the Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. They hosted a lunch meeting some time back. Ko Myint Swe works for AMD and has to travel frequently to Austin, Texas, and elsewhere. He enjoys playing golf and tennis.
Ko Tin Aung Win is a brother-in-law of Saya U Myo Win (M65). He will be bringing a letter and photos from Saya U Myo Win. Dorothy is an RIT associate. She is the younger daughter of the late Sayagyi U Kyaw Tun (EE).
Daw Yee Yee Win was shocked when he learned about HLN’s untimely death. She was one of the donors to the HLN Memorial Fund along with the Swe(s) and Ma Suzie.
Ma Suzie Lin (formerly Suzie Yea) wrote that she could hear the laughing and talking in the RIT corridors as she browsed the ex-rit web site pages. Her letter to the Editor and Web Master is straight from the heart. Saya U Myat Thwin (Kuesan Lin, ChE66) won several scholastic awards from the US even when he was studying at RIT. Not wishing to miss the big Reunion — thanks in part to the phone call by Saya U Maung Maung7 (George, ChE66) — the Lin(s) decided to buy three tickets to bring along Raymond.
With metta, Hla Min
_____________________________________________ Countdown to the Reunion (2) _____________________________________________
Note : I posted 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post-Reunion” for SPZP-2000. Countdown (2) was posted on September 19, 2000
Dear Sayas and Colleagues,
Since the alumni attending the Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw span five decades, we need help from representative(s) of each decade to highlight that era and to introduce the alumni. I’ll try my best to give an overall demographics of the alumni attending the first ever Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.
Saya H Num Kok
Saya H. Num Kok (Civil) and Saya U Ba Toke (Maths) are the most senior sayas [by age] among those attending the Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. They also taught most of the sayas and senior alumni. Two brothers of Saya U Num Kok are also alumni. H. Num Fatt has not registered for the Reunion, but H. Num Pon (a) Saya U Myint Lwin (C61) will be at the Reunion. For many years, Saya U Num Kok acted as line judge at the RUBC8 regattas. Saya U Myint Lwin rowed for the Faculty of Engineering.
Saya U Ba Toke
Saya U Ba Toke taught mathematics to the engineering students. Saya later served as Professor of Mathematics at the Rangoon University, Rector at MASU, and as Professor of Mathematics at RIT. He retired last year from Assumption University (formerly ABAC), Bangkok, Thailand. While at RIT, Saya U Ba Toke chaired numerous organizations including “Thu-khu-ma a-nu-pyin-nya” (Fine arts) and sports.
The sponsors of Saya U Ba Toke include Saya U Tin Htut (M60), Saya Allen Htay (C58), Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70), Ko Maung Maung Than (M79), and Ko Mya Thwin (Philip, EE75).
E-mail I received earlier from Saya U Myint Lwin
Dear Hla Min:
Thank you for your e-mail and the invitation to the RIT Reunion. It should be a memorable event. I will put the date in my calendar. I taught at RIT as Assistant Lecturer in CE from June 1961 to October 1962.
I visited RIT and the Rangoon University Boat Club in March 1999. RIT was closed at that time, but I was able to visit with Rector of RIT and Head of Civil Engineering Department. I look forward to the event. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Have a great day!
Myint Lwin Structural Design Engineer FHWA
Engineer Athletes
The engineering students are known for their athletic prowess. Here is a sampling from the attendees of the Reunion:
Saya U Tin Htut (M60, Past RUBC Captain and Gold)
U Tin Htoon (A60, Past RUBC Captain and Gold) won numerous trophies at the RUBC regattas, the National Championships, FEARA (Far East Amateur Rowing Association) and ARAE (Amateur Rowing Association of the East) regattas — Venables Bowls for Coxless Pairs in Calcutta 1958, and Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in Colombo 1960. He won a silver medal for sailing in the SEAP games.
Ko Htein Win (Richard Taw, “Chauk Pay”, M70) tended the shallow end goal for the RIT water polo team. He also represented RIT in rowing.
Ko Htaik San (Henry Kao, M81) and Ko Thura Thant Zin (M76) are RUBC Golds. They won gold medals at FEARA regattas.
Among those who represented RIT include Saya U Myint Lwin (C61), U Than Soe (RUBC Gold, M63), Ko Khin Maung Lay (T 68), Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76), …
Saya Dr. San Hla Aung served as timekeeper and/or starter at the RUBC regattas.
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) and Ko Thura Thant Zin (M76) played as last defender and goalie of the RIT Hockey team. KMZ served as TTZ’s coach in hockey. TTZ served as KMZ’s coach in rowing.
Ko Kyaw Sint (Edward Tai, T70) is a multi-discipline sportsman. He was the Junior National Champion in tennis, a Full Green in rowing, and University First Eleven in soccer.
Ko Jimmy Kyin (GBNF, T69), Ko Thein Aung (Met 72) and Ko Than Htike (M71) represented RIT in the weightlifting and bodybuilding contests. A picture of the youthful “Mr. University” can be seen in the “Photo Gallery”.
Ko Khin Maung Lay (T68) represented RIT in track and field, soccer and rowing. He was a member of the University [Second] Eleven.
Count down to SPZP-2012 (15) __________________________________________________
Saya U Moe Aung wrote :
Dear U Hla Min
This is with reference (Update Sept 5, 2012) to your emotional feelings about not being a Saya at RIT and people being not aware of you as a Post Master and an Editor.
It is very natural that with the generation gap growing wider and wider with each passing decade, the middle-aged or the younger people will definitely not- or not wish to- know who their preceding generations are and how they fared or are faring.
Only with the exception of a few who possess strong desires to master some language (e.g. English, Burmese) and to acquire in-depth knowledge and writing skills to become a writer or poet, I believe that not many wish to take up interest in these fields.
Please correct me if my viewpoint is wrong. Since we are living in a modern hi-tech world, especially in capitalist countries, most people tend to chase after monetary gains first and place others last.
But, people who know you will not hesitate to shower their praise on you, because they acknowledge that you have sacrificed a vast portion of your time and energy throughout the years to get RITians connected and feel at home. If I were sitting near or at the same dinner table as you, I am sure I would have done the same thing like Saya Dr Myo Khin and Saya Dr Soe Thein did.
Since I did not see you at the SPZP 2007 dinner night, I thought that it was my duty to call on you the next day and that was why I saw you off at the Airport with Ko Tin Aung Win at the wheel. I remembered that day because it was raining heavily and I was soaked.
For me, U Hla Min, you deserve to be deemed a writer and a poet, because you don’t need to write hundreds to become one. There were some instances of some famous poets who wrote only a few poems in their lifetime.
My memory doesn’t permit me to recall distinctly but only vaguely the ones you wrote. During that period I myself wrote some poems in English and they got published in “The Guardian” Magazine.
We all know you were a Saya at UCC, DCS and ICST. I would like to take this opportunity to mention that my brother-in-law Ko Hla Min (same name) was your former pupil. The last time when you visited Singapore, I heard Ko Hla Min went to meet you.
Well, U Hla Min, this is Life! and whatever will be, will be (Que Sera Sera).
But as you mentioned, let us share our memories of our beloved Swel Daw Yeik with never ending love and passion.
Let us embrace SPZP 2012 Yangon together!
Regards [Saya U] Moe Aung
Editor’s notes:
Thanks Saya for your kind words.
Saya’s mentors include the famed Sayagyi Daung Nwe Swe. In his student days and later as a faculty member, Saya not only served as the [Chief] Editor, but also supervised the printing of the Sar Saungs and Magazines. Saya has published poems in both Burmese and English. Saya’s recent contributions include Chair of SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010, and the Chief Editor and/or Publisher of the commemorative issues of the “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” and “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine”.
Sayagyi U Kyaw Tun, Saya U Myo Kyi, and Saya U Moe Aung are some EE sayas, who taught “Principles of Electrical Engineering” to non-EE students.
Countdown to SPZP-2012 (81) ____________________________________________
Attended the SPZP-2012 Main Committee Meeting presided by U Win Khaing.
To minimize traffic congestion and parking problems, attendees to SPZP-2012 are requested to car-pool, take buses or taxis.
3000 – 4000 attendees are expected for the morning event.
There will be four groups of sayas and sayamas for the “paying respect” ceremony.
2500 or more attendees are expected to attend the evening event. Tickets are available at K15000 per person. Dinner buffet and entertainment (by the famed Swel Daw Yeik Troupe) are provided.
Review of the Final Draft for the “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar” has begun. The printing is scheduled on or around December 16, 2012.
Two Cartoon Boxes will be on display at SPZP-2012. Commemorative “RIT Cartoon Collection” will be on sale at K2000. Several RIT Cartoon Sayas have volunteered to demo their expertise.
The Swel Daw Yeik Magazine committee will have a meeting on or around December 16, 2012. The team is headed by U Saw Linn (C 71) and includes distinguished writers such as Ma Sandar, N. Jar Thaing, and Maung Sein Win (Padeegone).
Copies of 23 vintage “RIT Annual Magazines” will also be on sale. Each magazine costs K3000. The whole set is available at K65000.
Countdown to SPZP-2012 (82) ____________________________________________
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66, President, NorCal RITAA)
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Vice President)
Saya Dr. Tin Aung (K. C. Chiu, ChE 63)
U Hla Min (EC69)
U Benny Tan (M70)
Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met72)
U Robert Hla Thein (M72)
Daw San San Nyunt (Sandra, M76)
U Nyunt Than (M86)
Saya U Maung Maung has requested U Win Khaing (M 75, Chair, SPZP-2012; President, MES) to have a meeting at 3:30 p on December 29, 2012.
U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70)
He is a Multiple SPZP Sponsor at the highest level).
He will give a 5-minute presentation/announcement at SPZP-2012.
He provided the “seed money” (US$3000+) for SPZP-2000.
He has pledged US$5000 for SPZP-2012.
His other charitable donations include “Relief for Cyclone Nargis victims” (via CABA), “Helen and Steeve Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas”, Golden (and above) sponsorship for all the RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes,
U Yu Beng (Benny Tan, M70)
He is a Multiple SPZP Sponsor)
He will also attend SPZP-2012
He co-chaired the Working Committee with U Hla Myint Thein (Maurice Chee, M 75) for SPZP-2000.
He designed the SPZP Banner, and the commemorative T-shirt, mug for SPZP-2000.
He is currently enjoying his third career as a proud grandfather taking care of the grand kids.
Sayas and Sayamas
Most sayas and sayamas from overseas and out of town will converge to Yangon around December 26 – 28.
Some have accepted the two-night stay (for December 29 and 30) provided by the SPZP-2012 organizers/committees/sponsors.
Sayagyi U Aung Khin (M) and Saya U Tin Htut (M 60) will stay at Winner Inn. Sayagyi U Ba Than (M) will welcome them personally at the air port before taking them to Winner Inn
Main events
Main events for SPZP-2012 will be held on December 30, 2012.
Morning: Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (paying respect to four tiers/groups of sayas and sayamas) in the RIT/YIT/YTU Gyogone Campus
Lunch (probably Birayani/Danbauk and refreshments) will be provided to all attendees
Some souvenirs will be provided to the “registered” attendees
Exhibition booths: photos, cartoon boxes, vintage RIT magazines, list of sponsors/volunteers, ….
Items on sale:
“History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar” by Saya U Aung Hla Tun and Ah Phwe,
Commemorative issue of “SWEL DAW YEIK MAGAZINE” by U Saw Linn (C 71) and Ah Phwe,
RIT Cartoons by U Myint Pe (M 72) and Ah Phwe
Souvenirs (ball pens, key chains, calendars, …)
Evening:
Reunion Dinner at Convention Center on Min Dhamma Road
Ticket: K15000 per person
Buffet dinner
Group of 10 sayas/alums may request to be seated at the same table
Entertainment (include the famed SWEL DAW YEIK AH NYEINT, …)
Special request: Please “car-pool” or take public transportation to minimize traffic congestion and parking problems.
Volumes 1 – 3 of the RIT Annual Magazine were published during Sayagyi U Yone Moe’s tenure; Volumes 4 – 7 were published during Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi’s tenure; and Volumes 8 – 16 were published during Sayagyi U Khin Aung Kyi’s tenure.
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi served as Chief Editor for the first three volumes. Saya U Aung Hla Tun served as Chief Editor for the next four volumes. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as Chief Editor for nine volumes.
Seven years would pass without the publication of RIT Magazine.
The name “SWEL DAW YEIK” first came into prominent use in 1970 as a synonym for RIT and the Engineering Colleges and Institutes. Rangoon University was established in 1920 and the Golden Jubilee was celebrated in 1970. I had a minor role as a volunteer on the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Ye Committee”. Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi (then Professor of Civil Engineering) and Saya U Thet Lwin (then teaching Burmese at the Institute of Economics) had major roles on the Main/Preparation Committee. Later, they would rejoin forces as Rector and Registrar of RIT.
I was Editor of the Commemorative RIT Alumni International Newsletter for SPZP-2000. Saya U Moe Aung was Editor/Publisher of the Commemorative SWEL DAW YEIK SAR SAUNG for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, and SPZP-2010. Saya printed my poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” as the back cover for the 2002 Sar Saung and another poem “SWE DAW YEIK” for the 2007 Sar Saung. Saya also renamed my article about “A Short and Sad Clip : EE Sayas” and printed in the 2010 Sar Saung.
Saya suggested the name SWEL DAW YEIK MAGAZINE for SPZP-2012. The 400-page magazine should quench the literary thirst of the sayas, sayamas, and alums. Autographed copies of the magazines will be available on or before SPZP-2012.
Mark your calendars for December 30, 2012 for the grandest SPZP ever.
Countdown to SPZP-2012 (88) _________________________________________________
Volumes 1 – 3 of the RIT Annual Magazine were published during Sayagyi U Yone Moe’s tenure; Volumes 4 – 7 were published during Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi’s tenure; and Volumes 8 – 16 were published during Sayagyi U Khin Aung Kyi’s tenure.
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi served as Chief Editor for the first three volumes. Saya U Aung Hla Tun served as Chief Editor for the next four volumes. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as Chief Editor for nine volumes.
Seven years would pass without the publication of RIT Magazine.
The name “SWEL DAW YEIK” first came into prominent use in 1970 as a synonym for RIT and the Engineering Colleges and Institutes. Rangoon University was established in 1920 and the Golden Jubilee was celebrated in 1970. I had a minor role as a volunteer on the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Ye Committee”. Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi (then Professor of Civil Engineering) and Saya U Thet Lwin (then teaching Burmese at the Institute of Economics) had major roles on the Main/Preparation Committee. Later, they would rejoin forces as Rector and Registrar of RIT.
I was Editor of the Commemorative RIT Alumni International Newsletter for SPZP-2000. Saya U Moe Aung was Editor/Publisher of the Commemorative SWEL DAW YEIK SAR SAUNG for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, and SPZP-2010. Saya printed my poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” as the back cover for the 2002 Sar Saung and another poem “SWE DAW YEIK” for the 2007 Sar Saung. Saya also renamed my article about “A Short and Sad Clip : EE Sayas” and printed in the 2010 Sar Saung.
Saya suggested the name SWEL DAW YEIK MAGAZINE for SPZP-2012. The 400-page magazine should quench the literary thirst of the sayas, sayamas, and alums. Autographed copies of the magazines will be available on or before SPZP-2012.
Mark your calendars for December 30, 2012 for the grandest SPZP ever.
U Ba Than usually visits and pay homage to his saya U Ba Toke at least once every year.
Both are our Sayagyis.
January 2017
Pansy (Thynn Thynn, ChE 74) asked her daughter & son-in-law to pick up Saya U Ba Than (86 years), Saya U Tin Htut (79 years) and me to see her father Sayagyi U Ba Toke (96 years).
Sayagyi has some problems with mobility & vision, but his mind remains crisp & clear.
He was born on Dec 26, 1920. Rangoon University opened on Dec 1, 1929. They are “Phwa Bet Taws”.
Sayagyi deferred celebrating his birthday so that three of his grandchildren abroad could come back & join the celebration.
Sayagyi is pre-deceased by his beloved spouse, daughter (Kitty) and son (Soe Win).
He has six remaining children : Betty, Ye Myint, Nellie, Pansy, Tammy & Debbie
Pansy has offered transportation (within Rangoon) to Sayas who want to visit her father
Book
Book
A detailed account of Sayagyi has been covered by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (“Maung Thin Char”).
I received an autographed copy during a previous visit. The book may need a reprint.
Memories
SPZP-2000
Ko Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas) donated a roundtrip ticket to invite a Saya from Myanmar to attend SPZP-2000.
Debbie (Saya’s youngest daughter) relayed Saya’s wish to attend SPZP-2000.
Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) offered accommodation for Saya, Ko Ye Myint & spouse.
Several sayas and alumni donated towards Saya’s expenses for the trip. Some offered to show Saya around the SF Bay Area.
SPZP-2000SF Bay Area
SPZP-2007
Saya was asked about Longevity.
Saya recounted his experience in USSR. The host said, “Do not worry about the noise upstairs. It’s my 100+ years young uncle quarreling with his fourth wife. They will make peace soon”.
SPZP-2012 & 2016
Saya needed assistance to attend the SPZPs.
Even some younger Sayas needed wheelchair.
RU Centennial
Due to pandemic, most events were broadcast or held online.
Saya passed away on Dec 2, 2020 — the day after the RU Centennial.
GBNF
Sayagyi U Ba Toke passed away a few days short of his Centennial birthday
HlaMin 