USA hosted the FirstRIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
The Celebrations kicked off with an Informal “Welcome” Dinner / Gathering” at a Sea Food Restaurant. The Main event was the Reunion and SPZP at Embassy Suites Hotel near San Francisco International Airport. The Family event was the “Farewell” Lunch / Gathering at a High School.
Donors
Saya Allen Htay‘s article, “Can you spare US$500 and more?” was a major factor for having Donors — large and small — for SPZP-2000.
In particular, there were Five Golden Sponsors. Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70, Southern California) Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70, Northern California) Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69, New Jersey) David Ko (U Tin Myint, GBNF, M67, Northern California) U Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas)
SPZP-2000 Organizers
SPZP-2000
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76, web master) copied the names/tags from the very first posting from his album.
Sitting L-R: Saya U Mya Htoo (Civil 68), U Benny Tan (Yu Beng, Mech 70), Saya KC Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, Chem 63), U Hla Min (EC 69) Editor Extraordinaire, Saya U Allen Htay (GBNF, Civil 58), Saya U Nyo Win (Dr. K H Chen, Mech 65), Saya U Tin Htut (Mech 60), Saya U Maung Maung (George, Chem 66), Daw San San Nyunt (Sandra, Mrs. Thein Aung, Mech 76)
Standing L-R: U Soe Aung (Mech 75), U Gordan Kaung (Kaung Kaung Oo, Mech 83), U Myint Swe (EP 74), U Anthony Ng (Aye Tun, Mech 76), U Mya Thwin (Phillip, EP 75), U Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, Mech 75), U Thura Thant Zin (Mech 76), Sayalay U Thein Aung (James, Met 72), U Myint Lwin (Henry Chee, GBNF, Civil 63), U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76), Daw Yi Yi Khaing (Audrey Wong, Civil 84), Daw San SanSwe (Mrs Myint Swe, EC74)
All of them, except KMZ, live in various cities across Northern and Southern California. KMZ lives in a city near Seattle, Washington State.
Publications
The Commemorative Issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” was published for SPZP-2000. I served as Chief Editor. Henry Lim (U Aung Myint, BAPS) and U Thein Aung (Met72) volunteered as Associate Editors. Maurice Chee (M75) served as Publisher (in addition to being Co-Chair, Working Committee; Financial Controller; Logistics Head)
It featured articles by Sayas and Alumni.
My poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” was published in the Newsletter as well as in the ex-RIT website (designed and implemented by U Khin Maung Zaw). Several sayas and alumni contributed to the two series : 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” articles and 36 “Post-Reunion” articles
SAYA PUZAW PWE Poem by Hla Min
S eems like it was only yesterday A t our alma mater in a land far away Y ou taught us to work, play, laugh, even cry A nd coaxed us, forced us to aim for the sky
P roblems in real life, lab, computation, survey U nderstand concepts, design, display, … Z eal, zest, ardor, grit, passion to make it “our day” A rchitects, engineers, we’ve come here to say W e honor your metta, your cetana — we fully can’t repay
P resently we meet, alum from five decades we greet W ith memories true, fond, sweet E cstatic yet sad that the GBNF could not join this memorable fete
Notes
The term “SAYA GADAW PWE” has religious connotations.
Since the SPZP-2000 organizers and attendees profess different religions, the term SAYA PUZAW PWE (meaning honoring the mentors and paying respect to them for their metta and cetana) was chosen.
GBNF means “Gone But Not Forgotten“.
As of November 1, 2021, the GBNF list for the Class of 69 is 115 (about a third).
Of the 20 (or so) EE sayas of our RIT days, almost half are GBNF.
Singapore SPZPs
Singapore hosted SPZPs in December 2002, April 2007 and December 2010.
Saya U Moe Aung was Chair of SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010.
U Nyan Win Shwe (William, M72) chaired SPZP-2007.
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” was published for each SPZP. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as Chief Editor.
My poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” was reprinted on the Back Cover of SPZP-2002 Sar Saung.
My poem “SWE DAW YEIK” was printed in SPZP-2007 Sar Saung. In my later writings, I use SWEL DAW (following Saya’s usage) instead of SWE DAW.
My article “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” was published in SPZP-2010 Sar Saung”.
Yangon SPZPs
Yangon hosted SPZPs in December 2004, December 2012 and December 2016.
There was a slight earthquake on the day of SPZP-2004.
A follow-up SPZP was scheduled for Yangon in December 2006, but changes in Political Climate dictated the SPZP to be rescheduled for Singapore in April 2007 (around Thingyan).
SPZP-2012 was the first to be held at the Gyogone Campus.
Thanks to H.E. U Aye Myint (EP72) for his initiative to bring back glory to our beloved alma mater, and to the sayas, sayamas, and alumni who made the “Home Coming Reunion” possible.
There were tears of joys.
On a sad note, the higher authorities transferred U Aye Myint to another Ministry before he could help the alma mater to the fullest extent.
SPZP-2012 led to the founding of Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF), the Shwe YaDu Celebrations (with the planting of 50 Swel Daw Bins), and the RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association (ARITA) — to name a few.
According to Saya U Moe Aung (EE 63, Tekkatho Moe War), the term “Swel Daw Yeik” was first accepted as a synonym for RIT in 1970 (Golden Jubilee of the establishment of Rangoon University).
Saya is an outstanding writer/poet, editor/publisher, “Ah Nu Pyinnyar Shin”, …
“Swel Daw Yeik Bulletin” was published by Saya U Moe Aung and his team of editors.
“Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint” is a premier feature of the RIT-related gatherings (e.g. Singapore Thingyan, World wide SPZPs).
“Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” was published for SPZP-2000, SPZP-2007, and SPZP-2010 held in Singapore.
“Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” was published for SPZP-2012, SPZP-2014 and SPZP-2016.
“Swel Daw Yeik Foundation” evolved from brain storming sessions for helping past, present, and future Burmese/Myanmar engineers. The initial scope is to provide (some) health care to all sayas and sayamas (60+ years, 7+ years of service) using the interest money (only) of the Health Care Fund.
For several years, Ma Khine Khine Win and friends) have provided funds to supplement (e.g. K50,000 per saya/sayama) the dana offering by SDYF.
Later, Ko Aung Khine and friends (Swel Daw Thway Ah Phwe) supplemented K100000 for eligible saya/sayama.
Designed the covers of RIT Annual Magazines and the commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazines.
Displayed his paintings at SPZP-2016 and donated the proceeds of the sales of his paintings to the Organizing Committee. He let U Myo Aung and me join for a group photo. Thanks.
Drew Pon Tus of sayas and sayamas and gave them as “Garawa” gift.
Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) compiled the Pon Tu of about 70 sayas and sayamas. Saya U Tin Lin (ChE72) annotated the photos. The post is re-posted in RIT Updates. The following are some Pon Tu from that Album
Architecture Sayas
U Myo Myint Sein (A)
Chemical Engg Sayas
U Khin Aung Kyi (Ch, Rector)Dr. Maung Maung Win (Ch, GBNF)Daw Tin Myint (Ch)U Myat Thwin (Ch)U Maung Maung (George, Ch)U Htun Aung Kyaw (Ch)Dr. Taing Oke (Ch)U Tin Lin (Ch)
Civil Engg Sayas
Dr. Aung Gyi (C, Rector)U Min Wun (C)U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C)U Nyi Hla Nge (C, Rector, Dy Min)Dr. Htin Aung (C)Dr. Myo Khin (C)
Electrical Engg Sayas
U Sein Hlaing (E)U Myo Kyi (E)U Ba Myint (E)U Moe AungU Thein Dan (E)
Mechanical Engg Sayas
U Aung Khin (M) U Ba Than (M) U Tin HtutU Maung Maung Win (M)Dr. Tin Win (M)S Arya (M, GBNF)S Kyaw Aye (M)U Win (M)Dr. Tin Hlaing (M)U Phone Myint (M)U Kyaw Sein (M, GBNF)U Tu Myint (M)U Tin Maung Oo (M, GBNF)U Khin Maung Tin (M)U Aung Myint (M)
Metallurgy Sayas
U Aung Hla Tun (Met)Dr. Khin Maung Win (Met, GBNF)U Pe Win (Met, Rector)U Tin Maung Nyunt (Met)U Win Kyaw (Met)U Thein Aung (Met)U Nyunt Htay (Met)U Mya Tin U (Met)
Mining & Pet Sayas
U Aung Than (Min)Dr. Thein Hlyne (Min)U Myint Soe (Min)U Win Kyaing (Pet)
Textile Sayas
U Maung Maung Than (T, Rector, GBNF)U Shwe Yee (Tex)
He was my classmate from I.Sc(A) at Leik Khone. Our Roll Numbers were B115 and B116.
He is Chair of the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and Core Organizer of 69er activities.
He maintains the GBNF list for 69ers. The list has 124 members (about 40% of the class).
Major donors of the 69er HCF
They include Daw Myint Myint (C69), U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69, New Jersey, USA) and U Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP69, Singapore). Many 69ers also donated — large or small, one-time or recurring — to the 69er HCF. Several 69ers donated back part or full the financial support provided by 69er HCF.
U Zaw Min (Nawaday, EP70)
He is the primary author of “RIT Days (1964 – 70)”. U Ohn Khine (M70) added some details. I edited the long article and published it in my newsletter and website.
He hosted Saya U Ba Toke and son U Ye Myint (EP72) for SPZP-2000.
U Ohn Khine (M70)
He was volunteer / organizer for SPZP, SDYF, Alumni Association, HMEE and the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
During my visits to Yangon, he gave me rides to attend the meetings and gatherings.
He and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE book.
He translated Section 1 of the book and summarized Section 2.
Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC)
He was my mentor at RIT EE and UCC.
He helped Saya Dr. Chit Swe found UCC.
He wrote articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter.
He and his team compiled articles and photos (from the archives of RU Central Library). He wrote the draft for HMEE book. He also revised U Ohn Khine’s translation and summary.
I have published both versions in my Newsletter and website.
U Aye (M62)
He knows many alumni from the 1950s to 1964.
He represented RU and BIT in Volleyball.
He competed in Track & Field and Soccer.
He knows prominent non-alumni (mostly from St. Patrick’s HS, Mudon, Moulmein and Tenasserim Division, RU).
U Myint Than (M71)
He represented RIT in Rowing and Chinlon.
He posted several photos. He was cox of the RIT Female crew which won the Inter-Institute Coxed Fours.
Feedback
* U Aye (M62) wrote :
The last time I participated in Track and field was in 1958 Inter college and Universities competition held in Mawlamyine. I stood third in Triple Jump. I participated as a member of Mawlamyine College team then.
During 1953-56, our St Patrick’s HS volleyball teams (A&B) participated in Mawlamyine township championship tournaments. Others teams were Mawlamyine college team, Kyaimaraw & Police team, 3rd Burriff team among others.
The last time I played soccer was in 1959-60 Ramanya hall team. Our captain was Ko Than Aung(GBNF). Ko Shwe Kyaw(M63), GBNF, Ko Tun Nyunt(Forestry), GBNF, Ko Hla Myint(M62), GBNF.
HMEE-2012 (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) covers a list of early Engineering graduates.
U Hla Maung (from the second batch) wrote about his experiences in the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee Magazine in 1970. Excerpts of his article appear in the HMEE magazine.
RU was established in December 1920. In response to the Boycott of the RU Act, RU decided to extend the offerings.
The plan to offer Engineering was implemented in 1923.
The initial classes were opened in 1924.
Two groups were admitted.
The first group consists of B.Sc graduates (to attend a “compressed” 3-year Engineering course).
The second group consists of eligible students who has passed I.Sc (to attend the “regular” 4-year course).
Note that the first group graduated only a few months ahead of the second group.
According to Saya Bilal Raschid (A), his cousin uncle was an early graduate.
RU Centennial FB pages has photos of two certificates (I.Sc and B.Sc. Engg) of U Kyaw Sein (former Chief Engineer of Housing Board). He was an early graduate. His son-in-law Dr. Myint Han (SPHS 59) taught part time at Chemical Engineering Department at RIT.
Hope relatives of the early alumni can provide details.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun — National Literary Award winner, Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazines, Lead for HMEE-2012 and HMEE-2018
Saya UAung Myaing (Okpo Maung Yin Maung) : Organizer & Contributor, Poet Art Series
U Hla Min — Author, Poet, Translator, Newsletter Editor, Personal Web, FB Groups
DawCho Cho Tin (Ma Sandar) — National Literary Award Winner
Ko Ko (Set Hmu)
U Kyaw Oo (C71) — National Literary Award Winner, Publisher
Saya UMoe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) — Laureate Poet, Author, Chief Editor and/or Publisher RUESU Annual Magazine, RIT Annual Magazine, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung, Swel Daw Yeik Magazine
UMyo Tun (Bobby, Errol Than Tun, A69, now Uzin) won essay contests sponsored by “Dawlay’s Circle” of the Guardian Daily. The original Dawlay was Daw Khin Swe Hla (who moved to WPD). The later “Dawlays” include Mr. Tim Marshall and Mr. P. Aung Khin (Paul).
Saya UNyunt Htay (Maung Nyunt Htay, Ah Htet Min Hla) — Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung, Poet
Maung Sein Win (Padeegone) — Laureate Poet and author
Saya Dr. Taing Oke (Yin Maung) Won the Sarpay Beikbein Sarpay Su (manuscript award) and subsequently the Ah Myo Thar Sarpay Su (National Literary Award).