HlaMin

Category: RIT

Engineering Schools in Burma

  • U Tin U

    U Tin U 1
    U Tin U 2

    U Tin U is the eldest of nine siblings including Saya U Ba Than (GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Tun (A60), U Myo Min (UCC) and U Thaung Lwin (EC66).

    He matriculated in 1946 and attended Rangoon University. His classmates include Dr. Pe Nyun (GBNF), Dr. Pe Thein (GBNF) and Saya U Sein Hlaing (GBNF).

    RUBC Captain

    He is Past Captain and Gold of Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC).

    He is Past Captain of Rangoon Golf Club (RGC).

    He received his BSEE from Oregon State University and MSEE from Yale University. Upon his return to Burma, he taught Part-time at the Civil Engineering Department at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon.

    He celebrated his 95th in August 2024.

    A miracle happened many years ago.

    Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, son of U Tin U) wrote:

    He had an experience of being kidnapped by his company driver who hired “insurgents” with criminal records, to do the job. They came to his office at Lewis street, and pretended to be from military intelligence in mufti. They asked him to come along with them for questioning. They ask the office driver to drive the company jeep up to A1 compound near 9th mile and let the driver to get off at a bus stop with a letter to give my mother.

    One of them took the driver seat and continued driving out of the city passing Mingaladon airport. When their jeep went past the Mingaladon Military Intelligence Centre (Yay Kyi Ine), my father became suspicious. There was a road block near Hmawbi by luck, and the kidnappers tried and overtook the battle tanks in a convoy on the road. An off duty military police stopped the car, giving my father a chance to ask for help; my father reached the car key from the back seat and threw away. The military police asked my father to drive instead and was later freed, after being taken to the military commander and the police station.

    In the mean time my mother, who was doing research at Insein Railway Hospital, received a ransom letter at 11 am to bring 60,000 Kyats in a jute bag, wearing a red longyi to a road corner, near “Ar-lain-nga-sint” pagoda in “Mingaladon”, by 3 pm the same day. The kidnappers’ plan was to torture and kill my father whether they received the ransom or not. The grudge was for sacking the driver who took sick leave, and went to work in another company to get 2 salaries.

    Was it a miracle?

    Or, was it a series of coincidences?

    U Tin U overcame a death threat.

    He continued working and enjoying Golf and the 19th hole celebrations. Even to this day, he keeps fit by watering plants in the garden and taking his daily dose of Scotch Whiskey.

    He looks healthier than his younger brother Sayagyi U Ba Than.

  • Htin Aung, Dr.

    Htin Aung, Dr.

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    Dr. Htin Aung 1
    Dr. Htin Aung
    • Principal of Rangoon College.
    • First native Rector of the University of Rangoon.
    • Per Dr. Yan Naing Lwin, Dr. Htin Aung accompanied Prime Minister U Nu to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1954.
    • Vice Chancellor, RU
    • After retirement, Dr. Htin Aung was appointed Ambassador to Ceylon.
      Per U Tin Htoon, Dr. Htin Aung greeted the RUBC team and also provided transportation to visit Kandy.
    • Per Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, his Ba Dwe was recalled back to Burma by the Foreign Office. One day, the then Number One asked Saya what he was doing in Burma and that he did not ask the Foreign Office to recall him.
      Saya went to UK to continue his research and writing.
    • Old alumni may have studied Saya’s books such as “Thirty Burmese Tales” and “Burmese Drama”.
    • Saya is a scholar, a prolific writer, a historian and a folklorist.
    • Saya’s siblings:
      ICS U Tin Tut,
      Dean of Law U Kyaw Myint,
      Chief Justice U Myint Thein,
      Kyauksar expert Daw Khin Mya Mu,
      Khit San poet Daw Khin Saw Mu,
      English lecturer Daw Tin Saw Mu

    Feedback from Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint

    • [Ba Dwe] Dr Htin Aung did not get an ambassador post. He was Called a Minister (current title is Minister Counselor) and the office in Ceylon was under the Embassy in New Dehli.
    • Sometime later, on one occasion, Ne Win said, “Where is Saya Htin Aung?”
      Thi Han immediately called Dr Htin Aung to come back.
    • Ba Dwe could not find out why. It took nearly six months to see Ne Win. On meeting Ne Win, Ne Win asked why he had come back. Ba Dwe explained about being called back and that he could not go back as another person had been sent. Ne Win told him he did not call back [from Ceylon]. He was thinking of his teacher and was just asking where was. Wasn’t it like Shwe Pyin Nyi Naung?
    • He asked Ba Dwe what he could do for him. Ba Dwe asked to leave Burma for Oxford. He left to be Fellow of St Anthony’s College.
    • The other dignitaries to be awarded honorary degrees were Prince Souphanouvong of Cambodia and Emperor Haile Salasie of Ethiopia together with my father in 1958.
    • I had a photo of my father receiving the honorary LLD which he never used from PM U Ba Swe.
    U Kyaw Myint

  • Meeting Places

    Taw Win Hnin Si

    Swe Swe Kyaw Zin presented Caps & Hats on behalf of her father U Kyaw Zin (EP69)
    Cap
    Hat

    The Class of 69 usually meet for the monthly breakfast gathering at Royal Rose Restaurant.

    The restaurant is owned by U Soe Nyunt (SPHS66). He recovered the SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) Honor Roll, which went missing after the Nationalization.

    Sein Hlyan

    The Intake of 65 (aka as the Class of 71) usually meet for their monthly gathering at Sein Hlyan.

    The restaurant was owned by U Han Tun Maung, a multiple sports athlete. He

    • played Football for SPHS
    • competed in Inter-School Track & Field
    • served as President of OPA (Old Paulians’ Association) and Kokkine Swimming Club
    • His family owned a stable and his pet horse was “Sein Hlyan”.

    Miscellaneous

    • Panda
    • Western Park
    • M3
    • Shwe Bei
    • Morning Star

  • Dr. San Oo and Daw Than Yi

    Sar Pay Chit Thu Myar

    Dr. Sann Oo (EP67) and Daw Than Yi (Maubin Ma Shwe Than, EC70) served as Associate Editors for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung“, Journal published by RIT EE Association. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) was Chief Editor and Publisher. I was a member of the RIT EE Association and the Magazine Committee.

    Ko Sann Oo & Ma Than Yi

    Activities

    • They joined EPC.
    Ma Than Yi
    • After retirement, they established a “East and West Parami” Poly Clinic and a Publishing House.
    • They published several books mostly for the love of Sar Pay and not necessarily for financial gains.
    • Their first publication was a reprint of “Kabar Phyu” (science fiction) by Journal Kyaw Tint Swe, father of Dr. Sann Oo.
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is sann-oo.jpg
    Publishers

    Another publication was by William, their grandson (then about 10 years old).

    With Tekkatho Moe War
    • Despite aches and pains, she still enjoys dancing. She performed with her oldie pals at SPZP.
    Couple
  • HAK and TAG

    HAK and TAG

    They are the same in Burmese.

    Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (SPHS61, ChE67) submitted several ChE Group photos. He taught at RIT before moving to Thailand and the USA.

    U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67)

    U Htun Aung Kyaw (EC73) was a top student of his class. He added M.Sc. (Computer Science) offered by UCC in conjunction with the Department of Mathematics, Rangoon University. He migrated to Australia. He was known as HAK at UCC.

    Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) is a member of “Generation Zero” of UCC. Details can be found in my posts reminiscing the days at UCC, DCS and ICST. He is active with multiple projects. He was known as TAG at UCC.

    TAG
  • RIT Alumni in Japan in 2002

    RIT Alumni in Japan in 2002

    • Dr. Taing Ok (ChE69)
    Taing Oke
    • Dr. Myo Khin (C70) & Daw Winsome (C73)
    Myo Khin
    • Daw Thin Thin Naing (Burmese dept 1970-78)
    • Ma than aye (1975-met)
    • Ma khin hnin yi (1976-ch)
    • Ma aye aye swe (1996-mech)
    • Ma moe thi da htwe (1994-mech)
    • Ma khin myint (1982-arch)
    • Ma sein sein (1975-ch)
    • Ma dwe ya (1986-Ec)
    • ko kyaw shwe (76-mining)
    • ko thein ngwe (76-ch)
    • ko hla phone (85-elec)
    • ko aung zaw min (93-mech)
    • ko sun lin oo (1992)
    • ko han htay (85-ch)
    • ko myint swe (87-arch)
    • ko soe min thu ya (95-civil)
    • ko kyi moe lwin (91-mech)
    • ko nyan tin (85-Ec)
    • ko aung ko min (97-elec)
    • ko win myint (86-Ec)
    • ko moe oo (87-mech)
    • ko aung myint(87-civil)
    • ko myint lwin (86-Ec)
    • ko nyan win (87-Ec)
    • ko win pe (86-Ec)
    • ko ba nyein (79-civil)
    • ko than htite zaw (96-mech)
    • ko maung maung tun (84-elec)
    • ko min swe (77-civil)
    • ko soe tint naing (85-elec)
    • ko soe oo (86-mech)
    • ko moe sun (86-mech)
    • ko win kyaw(87-elec)
    • ko khin maung hein (81-mech)
    • ko ko (86-mech)
    • ko min zaw (86-mech)
    • ko kyi win (86-Ec)
    • ko htun htun win (99-Ec)
    • ko aung lin (70-mech)
    • Dr kyaw kyaw (75-ch)

    If you want to contact someone or our group, please contact me.

    Sayama daw thin thin naing & I attended ex-rit2002 singapore reunion&sayapuzawpwe. We donated US$700 for it.

    With regards,

    thein ngwe (ChE 76)

  • M69ers in 2009

    • Group photo taken at the 40th Anniversary of the Graduation of the Class of 69
    • Sayas S. Arya, U Soe Lwin and U Han Tun are now GBNF
    • Yi Pinn, Sein Win, Kyaw Nyunt, Khin Maung Gyi, Thein Maung, Chit Pe, Aye Lwin, Kyaw Nyunt, Myint Thein (Kabar) … are GBNF



  • Maung Maung Kha, Dr.

    Maung Maung Kha, Dr.

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    • Fondly known as “Saya Kha“
    • Completed his doctorate in Meteorological Physics from the UK.
    • Worked briefly at the Directorate of Meteorology
    • Transferred to the Department of Physics at the University of Rangoon.
    • Early native Professor of Physics at the University of Rangoon
    • Served as Interim Dean at the Faculty of Engineering.
    • Rector of the University of Rangoon.
    • Established the University Distance Learning (Correspondence Course) and served as Rector
    • Longest tenure Rectors
    • Spouse : Daw Khin Soe Tin (Ruby Kha, Sayama and Tennis Champion)
    • Children :
      Dr. Oak Soe Ka (UK),
      Mamie Kha,
      Maythi Kha (USA)
      Dr. Myat Mon Kha (USA)
    • Excellent violinist
      Accompanied U Ba Kyi singing “Only Two” (Hna Yauk Hte Nay Chin De)
    • Former colleagues and students celebrated the Centennial of Saya Kha.
    • Related posts
      Rangoon University
      Rectors
      Physics
      Saya Kha Hall
    Saya Kha and Family
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is dr.-maung-maung-kha-1.jpg
    Obituary

    Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha, Saya Dr. Tha Hla and Saya Dr. Hla Myint were some of the early Burmese State Scholars sent to the UK for their Doctorates in Meteorological Physics, Geology and Economics. The sayas served as Professors and as Rector of the University of Rangoon.

    Saya Kha attended the Regattas at Rangoon University Boat Club and presented the trophies to the winning teams. I was a Master of Ceremonies at several regattas. I am a Life Member of RUBC, and the last Executive Committee member to be democratically elected at the General Meeting. I served as Honorary Treasurer and Vice Captain, but the higher authorities changed the rules and prevented me from becoming Captain.

    Dr. Oak Soe Kha

    • Also known as Dr. Alvin Oak Soe Kha
    • Eldest child and only son of Saya Kha
    • Selected Luyechun for the inaugural Camp at Ngapali in the summer of 1964.
    • Matriculated from MEHS in 1964.
    • Represented the Institute of Medicine (1) in Swimming and Water Polo.
      Their team led by Lyn Aung Thet won Inter-Institute Water Polo competition.
    • After retirement, spend time in Yangon and UK
    • Honorary Paulian (present at the Paulian gatherings)
    • Had mixed emotions after reading the posts from Yar Pyay Group. He was sad to know that his former classmate and neighbor Maureen Aung Khin (daughter of Saya U Aung Khin (former Professor of Chemistry) left this world at an early age. He was glad to hear that his best friend Robert Aung Khin is alive and well.
    • Shared sweet memories. Experienced first hand Saya U Ba Kyi (renowned artist) sing his beautiful translation of “Hna Yauk Hte Nay Chin Dei” (Only Two, Darling) to the accompaniment of the violin by his father Saya Kha. The sayas were Patrons of the “Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn”.
    • Saya Kha was the longest tenured Rector (Rangoon University, RASU and University Distance Learning)
    • His mother Sayama Daw Khin Soe Tin (Ruby Kha) was National Tennis Champion of Mixed Doubles with Joe Ba Maung. Saya Joe was also Singles Champion, and Men’s Doubles Champion with U Than Lwin. Saya taught English at RIT before transferring as Manager to Burma Railways. Saya was in charge of the Sports Program of Burma Railways. He was one of the early casualties of 8-8-88 movement.
    • Related posts
      Sports
      Swimming
      Tennis

    Dr. Oak Soe Kha (Alvin) is the son of Sayagyi Dr. Maung Maung Kha. He was selected for the first Lu Ye Chun Camp in the summer of 1964.

    In the following year, the Lu Ye Chun Program was extended to the students of Universities and Institutes. The Program ended in 1988. A few years back, an association was formed for the Lu Ye Chuns from 1964 to 1988. There have been formal and informal Reunions of the Lu Ye Chuns.

    Some Luyechuns are GBNF. They include Dr. Kyaw Sein Koe, Dr. Than Sit, Dr. Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Daw Khin Aye Than, Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EE), U Tin Myint and H.E. U Myint Thaung.

  • Dean

    Rangoon University has several Faculties (each with its Dean).

    For example, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering

    First native Dean

    • U Ba Hli
      Earlier served as Professor of Civil Engineering and Principal of GTI.

    Interim Dean

    • U Po Tha
    • Dr. Tha Hla
    • Dr. Maung Maung Kha

    Dean of BIT

    • U Yone Mo
      Later became Rector of RIT
    U Ba Hli

  • Sayas at Harvard University

    • In the early and mid 50s, 400+ Burmese State Scholars studied in the USA.
    • There were programs to cover several disciplines : Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, …, Sports and Physical Education, Movie Technology.
    • Under the “Twinning Program between the Faculty of Engineering and the prestigious universities in the USA” proposed by Sayagyi U Ba Hli, first native Dean of Engineering and Professor of Civil Engineering, engineering students (e.g. Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun, U Khin Aung Kyi) and engineering sayas (e.g. U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe) were selected as State Scholars to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies at US Universities.
    • Two prestigious universities (MIT and Harvard) are quite close.
    • Several sayas attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
    • Dr. F Ba Hli (GBNF) received Sc.D (Doctor of Science) in EE (Electrical Engineering).
      He mentored Dr. Aung Gyi and U Min Wun.
      He served as DG of UBARI, Advisor at the Ministry of National Planning, and Board Member and External Examiner at UCC.
      He passed away in Sydney, Australia.
    • U Sein Hlaing (GBNF) received MSEE from MIT.
      He retired as Professor and Head of the Electrical Engineering Department at RIT.
      He passed away a couple of years after retirement.
    • Dr. Aung Gyi received BSCE and MSCE from MIT.
      He retired as Rector of RIT.
      He moved to Canada.
    • U Min Wun received BSCE from MIT and MSCE from Cornell University.
      He retired as Professor and Head of the Civil Engineering Department at RIT.
      He moved to California, USA.
    • U Khin Aung Kyi (GBNF) received BS and MS in Chemical Engineering from MIT.
      He retired as Rector of RIT.
      He passed away at the tender age of 89.
    • Later MIT alumni include Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) and U San Tun (M59).
    • Several sayas attended Harvard University.
    • U Ba Toke received AM in Mathematics from Harvard University.
      He served as Professor of Mathematics at RASU and Rector of MASU.
      He voluntarily transferred to RIT as Professor of (Engineering) Mathematics.
      He will celebrate his 100th birthday on December 26, 2020.
      His life journey and achievements have been recorded in a book by his former student and colleague Tekkatho Maung Thin Char (Dr. Khin Maung Swe, GBNF).
    • U San Tha Aung (GBNF) received AM in Physics from Harvard University.
      He passed away while serving as Director General of Higher Education.
    • Later Harvard alumni include U Allen Htay (C58, GBNF).

    Group Photo

    The group photo of the sayas attending the two universities was taken at Harvard.

    An Education Delegation was visiting Harvard at the time.

    Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (Emeritus Professor of Physics, Western Illinois University) wrote :

    When we arrived the US first time in 1955 we had a few days in Boston before leaving for New York. We met all the Sayas you mentioned except Dr. Freddie Ba Hli who had returned to Burma. There were about 140 Burmese State Scholars in 1955 when I arrived.

    The summer of 1955 in August we visited Harvard & MIT again. We met Saya U Ba Toke at Harvard. Also, Daw Thein Nyunt & Daw Tin Saw Mu who were visiting the States.-