For HMEE-2012 project, U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold) submitted several photos including the “Reunion of the Class of 48 and 49” photo. The class included
U Boon Pin Graduated with Mech/Elect combined major Retired Deputy Chief Engineer, Burma Railways Father of Ko “Robert” San Lin, EC 73)
U Soe Aung Chief Engineer, PWD Father of Daw “Janet” Thynn Thynn Khaing, EP 70)
U Po Han Deputy Minister Father of Saya U Khin Aung Han
U Min Han Father of U Nyein Min (C79)
U Gym Kho Uncle of U Myo Myint, EC 67)
Early Sayas
Many are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
U Kyaw Tun is a saya of our sayas. He started teaching Electrical Engineering at BOC College. Father of Dr. Elizabeth Kyaw Tun (Daw Tin Nu, English) and Daw Dorothy Kyaw Tun Saya jokingly said that his son-in-laws must be doctors. Ko Tin Aung Win recounted in one of the “Countdown to the Reunion” how he became known as Dr. Tin Aung Win.
C. Ping Lee taught EE at BOC College. He transferred as Director of Technical and Vocational Training. Dr. Win Aung (M62) wrote an article in memory of his father.
H Num Kok taught Civil Engineering at BOC College. President of RIT Track and Field Association Line Judge at RUBC Regattas Elder brother of H Num Fatt (EE60) and H Num Pon (Myint Lwin, C61)
U Soe Khaw was Head and Part-time Lecturer of Mining at BOC College. Moved to Thailand and USA.
U Soon Sein took over as full-time saya and Head of Mining department. Moved to USA
U Ba Hli First native Dean of Engineering Proposed the “Twinning Program” between RU and prestigious universities in the USA Dr. Freddie Ba Hli wrote an article in memory of his father.
U Yone Mo First Rector of RIT Father of Kyaw Moe (M72, GBNF)
Dr. Aung Gyi Rector Moved to Canada Gave a key note speech at SPZP-2000
U Khin Aung Kyi Rector At SPZP-2000, he paid physical respect to his sayas: Saya H Num Kok and Saya U Ba Toke.
U Maung Maung Than Rector Chair, RIT Sports Council
U Tin U attended Rangoon University in 1946. He is a Past Captain and Gold of Rangoon University Boat Club. He studied BSCE at Oregon State University and MSCE at Yale University. He taught part-time at the Civil Engineering Department, U Tin U (C) gave an interview to Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) and U Htin Myaing (A66) for the HMEE-2012 project.
Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (retired Adviser of National Planning, retired Director General of UBARI) taught part-time at EE department and also served as external examiner at UCC. He wrote an article about his father in the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP 2000.
U Min Wun did his BSCE at MIT along with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi. He thanked Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (ScD) for helping and encouraging them during their stay at MIT. He did his MS at Cornell University and specialized in Photogrammetry. His interests also included Western and Eastern astronomy and astrology. He served as Adviser on the “Myanmar Pyeikkadein Ah Phwe”. He was an early contributor to the newsletter updates.
Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char) published a book on the life/journey of Sayagyi U Ba Toke (retired Rector of MASU, retired Professor of Mathematics at RIT). It has a section about Sayagyi missing the March exam due to his participation in a student strike camp and passing all the subjects in the supplementary/compartmental examination in June/July. Since the stipends/scholarships were considered only for those who passed the March exam, Sayagyi decided to forgo his dream of becoming an engineer and instead pursue an Honors program in Mathematics. Sayagyi is a “Phwa Bet Taw” of Rangoon University Act (1920) and the first RU Student Strike (1920).
U Aung Hla (Maths), his spouse (Daw May Than), and his son (Ko Mya Than) are all talented musicians. Sayagyi also annotated Burmese music.
U Kar (Maths), father of Saya Dr. Tin Maung (Maths, UCC/ICST, GBNF), served as Minister of Education in the Caretaker Government.
U Hla Maung (Burmese) taught Abhidhamma in his spare time. Several of the courses were held at the premises of Daw Khin Than Nwe’s parents. Saya served as member of the “Myanmar Sar Commission” and as “Naing gan daw kaung si win”.
Notes
Several pioneer engineers (e.g. Saygyi U Kyaw Tun, EE) studied at UK for associate and full membership of the organizations (e.g. AMIEE). Some did their B.Sc. and/or Special Honors (which is a requisite for entering the Masters program).
Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (WIU) had a copy of the Burmese/Myanmar state scholars studying in the US universities and institutes around ’54 – ’55. The list was published in a very early update and includes Saya U Sein Hlaing (EE) and Saya U Tin Swe (EE).
Ko Tin Hla (EP 69) passed away on 10th January 2012 of cancer, which has spread over most of his organs, originally started on his lungs. He was suffering from cancer and was operated four months ago.
His funeral will be on the 12th January 2012 at Yae Wai (13.00 hr).
He is the No. 59 on GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) list.
Ko Shwe, Myint Maung. Win Maung, Aung Gyi Shwe, Myint Thein Kabar, and I went and met his family yesterday.
May I remind you to take care of your health.
With Metta and best regards. Aung Min (M 69)
From Ivan Lee (M69)
It is sad news. I was very close with him at the RIT second and third years. I named him Tommy, resident from Myoung-Mya. I met him at the Bassein college first year. He had a younger brother. When his father passed away in Rangoon, I remembered he and I seated together at the front, next to the driver of the funeral car at Rangoon Chinatown. At my RIT 69er welcome party in Yangon in Nov. 2006, that was the last time I saw him.
I am sending my deepest condolence to his family, and wish him be merry whatever he is going to be.
Again, it is an universal rule, we can keep going to lose one after another, will never ever to add any single one more into our network, regardless what, we must regard [and help] one another. And take care of our health, not others assistance, but ourselves desirability.
God bless all of our beloved classmates , alumni, respectful Sayas.
Best regards Ivan Lee USA
From U Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69)
Dear all,
Very sad to hear the demise of him.
Aung K P
From U Sein Myint (EP69)
Dear All,
Very sad to hear from Aung Min regarding Ko Tin Hla from Myoung-Mya. He is very near to Myint Mg (Bu Gyi). We were very near when doing this and that. Kristian Lal also together with him.
Sein Myint (K K Wong)
From U Thein Swe (EP69)
Dear Ko A Min and all,
Well done! Thanks for your annual and, occasional reports [about the ’69er Health Care Fund]. Once a friend is forever the friend. The older we become the more we should recognize our classmates no matter whether alive or deceased, in high or low profile. Please extend my words of thanks to Ko Shwe, Moe Hein, Myo Nyunt, Myint Sein, Kyaw Zin, Myint Thein, etc for their activities regardless of old age.
There are some outstanding classmates of the year 2011 viz: Ivan Lee @ Khin Maung Oo (USA, Kyaukme, M), unnamed classmate from USA,. Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Tx, Germany).
With metta Th Swe
From U Sein Tin (M69)
Dear Ko Aung Min and the rest,
Thank you for your annual report of Health Care Fund and activities. You are right. We are at the sun set time. We need both physical and mental support to each other.
You have done well. I support you.
With regards, Sein Tin [Omega]
Updates
At one time, the Class of 69 had median age of 69 and the GBNF list was 69.
At present the Class of 69 has a median age of 78 / 79 and the GBNF list is 138.
Note that several people in the post — Aung Gyi Shwe, “Kabar” Myint Thein and Thein Swe — are now GBNF.
Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) donated $300 to the 69er Health Care Fund. Per her request, she was listed as a “classmate in the US”. She is the lone female EE graduate in 1969. She migrated to the US. She earlier told the 69ers of her volunteer work for immigrants and/or seniors. She attended the Golden Jubilee Celebration in 2019 and donated $1000.
The following is a sampling of “Six degrees of Separation”. It also illustrates “Associative Memory”.
U Sein
Saya U Sein taught Burmese at SPHS (St. Paul’s High School). His students include Saya U Thet Lwin (Ngwe Hlinne, composer of “Mya Kyun Nyo” song that was sung at the Opening Ceremony of Yar Pyay Ah Kyo)”. The song was first recorded as a “Dat Pya” at Myanmar Ah Than (Burma Broadcasting Service). It was first sung by U Mya Thein and group. It was also sung by the RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins in Singapore (fondly known as the “Pon Chan Chan Group” led by Don Min U Yu Swan).
U Thet Lwin
U Thet Lwin is the maternal uncle of Ko Sein Tin (EC75) who volunteered at UCC while waiting for permission to move to Australia.
U Kyaw Sein (4th in Bottom row)
Saya Sein’s brother-in-law (Saya U Kyaw Sein) was Class teacher for a different section. He taught us as a relieving saya.
Dr. Soe Win
Saya Sein’s son Saya Dr. Soe Win (SPHS58) stood first in Burma in the Matric exam of 1958. Saya studied Chemistry Honors at RU and did his doctorate at Imperial College, University of London. He retired as Rector of YUFL.
U Yu Khin & Richard Yu Khin
IFL (Institute of Foreign Languages) was co-founded by Saya U Yu Khin. He and Dr. Daw Phay are parents of Dr. Marie Yu Khin and Dr. Richard Yu Khin. IFL evolved into YUFL.
Dr. Daw Phay was personal physician of my paternal aunt (mother of U Tin U, U Ba Than, Dr. Ruby Win Hlaing, Daw Betty Myint Thwe, Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin & Cho Cho Hlaing).
Ko Richard’s aunt was a close friend of Dr. Ruby.
Ko Richard won a Gold for Yatching at the 2nd SEAP Games with U Maung Maung Lwin (former Burma weight lifting champion, Commodore of Rangoon Sailing Club).
Ko Richard trained along side Ko Tin Maung Ni and swimming stars under a Japanese Swimming Coach.
U Myo Min
At SPHS, Dr. Soe Win was a classmate of my cousin (Saya U Myo Min, UCC) and my brother-in-law (U Khin Maung Htun, Patron of OPA, GBNF). During his studies in the UK, Saya was given help by U Mya Maung and U Myo Min.
Aung Mion, Dr. Soe Win, Daw May Saw Lwin, Nyi Thet Lwin
Finally met Saya and Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin (MEHS57) during my visit to Myanmar from November 2019 to January 2020. Their elder son Ko Aung Mon attended TTC Practicing School together with my nephews and nieces.The younger son Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin is a surgeon in UK. Nyi Nyi’s daughter Ei Lwin achieved grade 9 in all of the nine subjects that she sat in the recent, 2019, GCSE exams. Following grandpa’s footsteps almost sixty years later!
Robert Sein (SPHS58) stood second in Burma in the Matriculation of 1958. He studied Physics Honors at RU. His classmates include Sayama Daw May Than Nwe (Joyce, spouse of Saya U Thein Lwin), Sayama Daw Khin Swe Aye (Emily, spouse of Saya U Hlwan Moe) and my sister Sayama Daw Khin Than Nwe. Finally met Ko Robert at the soon kwyay in memory of my brother-in-law.
Ko Robert’s sister (Wendy Sein) was our school mate at the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone. Wendy’s spouse Dr. Thein Htut (RUBC Gold) rowed with our cousins at RUBC. Dr. Thein Htut’s sister (Daw Tin Tin Aye) was a close friend of my sister.
Daw Myint Myint Tin (Pearl Ba Tin, MEHS58) stood Third in the Matriculation of 1958. Her spouse was known as “Sargalay” to his Paulian friends.
Ma Pearl’s brother (Melvyn, U Myo Win, M/Ag65) taught Agricultural Engineering at RIT and at Wagga Wagga University in Australia. He managed the RIT Automobile Club. He rowed as a saya for RIT.
Saya’ Melvyn’s spouse (Ma Noreen Aung Gyaw) taught English at RU. Her brothers are H.E. U Nyi Than (spouse of Sayama Toni) and U Tin Aung Win (spouse of Dorothy Kyaw Tun).
Dorothy’s father (U Kyaw Tun) is a saya of our sayas. Dorothy’s sister (Elizabeth) was my classmate at PPBRS.
Dr. Sargalay’s sister (Audrey) was a classmate of my sister-in-law at St. Philomena’s Convent.
Audrey’s spouse (Michael Aye) was a classmate of two cousins at SPHS.
Updates
Several people in the posts are now GBNF. Some passed away early. A few passed away recently.
There are several GBNF posts — some by Calendar Year.
I believe in that to be a good teacher one needs to equip oneself to the utmost and to keep ahead of the profession that he loves and adores. Conversation with a number of people outside the teaching profession adheres to the uncommon knowledge that a teacher only needs to prepare his teaching script once only and repeat that throughout his life time! That is a ‘fallacy’, and I have seen many that came into the teaching profession with that kind of an attitude!
Incidentally, I did not join the teaching profession by accident. My freshman year at the Mandalay University, being let loose after a sojourn with the ‘brothers’, at the Catholic School, my freshman class at college appears paradise with beautifully, posh dressed up girls always in the front rows, enticed us to became a little boisterous, whistling and throwing paper ‘rockets’. It was in the chemistry lecture theater that got Dr. Mitra’s attention. He looked up at our group and mumbled a few words and stopped staring at the class. The hall went silent! He then started, “I think a group of boys are not paying attention, I’m sorry to say that I have ‘failed’, please tell me, is it boring?, is it not understandable of what I’m trying say or do you all think that it is just non-sense? Every night I work very hard, to know each of you and think of how I’m going to perform my lecture with the help of the apparatus right here in front of me so that you should not forget what I’m trying to teach you and make you all happy and I repeated to myself that this will be my best lecture!” His last words became very emotional, Head down he began to sob, silently and then he let out “I’m sorry please forgive me, this should not have happened and this will not happen again!”. And he continued with a very, very silent class. Immediately after the class we went to his office and apologized to him of our behavior, of not out of disrespect, just hoping to accrue some pleasure and that we respected him very much and we will never ever do this sort of a thing anymore anywhere. He was happy that we came to see him. In my thoughts ‘I think I want to be a teacher like him’. In the next chemistry class we wrote an apology note to the class, Dr. Mitra glanced at it, cleaned the board, smiled and said thank you.
In ‘Teaching Architecture’, I believe in two things, first equip yourself, next plan a creative highway path for the students to proceed and guide them along to their destinations.
UNDER MY WATCH 1963-1980:
I took over the Department of Architecture in September of 1963. I was shown to my office on the second floor of the main RIT building on the west wing. My office is facing east, located in the center of the west wing, along the corridor. I was introduced to my Department of Architecture by the registrar U Sein Hla, “that’s your Department…!” absent with students at that time and no sign of visible teaching staff per se! Is the Department of Architecture in ‘shambles’? Where is everyone? Almost in the state of disintegration! Disheartened? Not at all, I took it as a great challenge!
It appears that most of the RIT faculty and the registrar himself was aware that I would be joining the RIT Faculty. The TIME magazine’s cover story about my boss MINORU YAMASAKI mentioned that a Burmese architect working on high profile buildings with him. Also in September a write up and a photo of us my boss Yamasaki and I appeared on the front pages of the Yangon news papers. It also mentioned that I will be joining the RIT faculty. I believe they were also very curious of why I came back!
I started to get busy, very busy with the lectures, curriculum, and trying to organize the ‘department!’. Yes there were students, 1st. yr., 2nd.yr and 3rd.yr. Architectural staff?, one Russian lecturer who appears to be conducting the studio courses. Other cognate courses were taught by the Civil, Electrical and Mechanical engineering departments. The other Russian lecturer had left after completing his assignment and we await his replacement while the students are left unattended. I was young and very enthusiastic and accepted the challenge with pride.
As I took on the challenge, ignorant of the political situation of the country and also the administrative challenges, I started to work on refining the curriculum and looking out for recruiting the most important architectural faculty. No one was interested or available locally. Soviet faculty was available on a two year contract, therefore I requested three more to fill the gap. I contacted my good friend Bilal Raschid and he was very willing to help me out as a Part time lecturer. Incidentally after a year I received a letter from my friend in Israel, Hubert Law Yone, a graduate in electrical engineering from Stanford and went to Israel and completed the graduate studies in architecture and working in Tel a Aviv. He wants to join my faculty. I got so excited of having a faculty with diverse knowledge and experience that I straight away requested the ministry to recruit my friend. Nothing happenned for a while and when I put in my queries I was politely told about the “situation’. So I got the message! Don’t rush, study the situation first!.
REFINING & UPGRADING THE CURRICULUM: The Concept of Architectural Education.
The Architecture encompasses many factors. Including: A very creative patronized Art Form combined with Science, Technology, Engineering and the Environment! Therefore in order to meet these basic requirements, a curriculum must be designed to fulfill the demands.
The basic thought on the Architectural studies is to teach and guide the students the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and the Environment, and in the Patronized Art Form, mostly guide the students to think and themselves be in control of what their thoughts are on Spaces and Forms, based on the patrons’/clients’ requirements.
Therefore the Curriculum is grouped into courses: a) Sciences, Engineering and Technology. These courses to be catered by our allied Science and Engineering Departments. b) Environment, Creative Art Form. These courses will be conducted by the Architectural Department plus specialized experts from numerous government/private departments, in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops, studios/lab work and field work.
In our Department of Architecture like in most schools of architecture, final year students must prepare a Thesis and defend his work to the Thesis Jury at the end of the term. This is good and preferred by all students of Architecture and planning all over the world. We all have no doubts that this method for us was very good.
The concept of ‘motivational teaching’, comes into play of how to get students involved in their own learning and making things happen. I revised and changed the curriculum on Theoretical and Planning courses with terminal examination into eliminating the examination system and introduced the seminar/workshop system with a ‘Term Paper’ to be submitted at the mid/end of the course. The whole idea behind this is for the students to understand and perceive the reality of ‘learning’, searching, ‘thinking’, analyzing, ‘using’, and ‘making it happen’. After a few lectures/seminars when the students become acquainted with the course work he/she will submit his/her choice of three topics (in consultation with outside departments) and brief the outline to his/her lecturer. After the approval of the selected topic the student will research/study/analyzed and present the term paper outline, chapter by chapter for interaction with the lecturer and the class. At the end of the term it will be finalized and presented as a final Term Paper. This was a big change and a very successful change! It also keeps the faculty to be updating on all aspects.
THE SIX YEAR CURRICULUM:
The first two years were grouped into two categories. 1. Refinement of language Burmese/English, Basic Science and Elementary Engineering, Lab and Workshop. 2. Tools to be used in the development of Spaces and Forms. That is Sketches, Drawing and Drafting, and Delineation etc.
The mid two years are very crucial years where the student is introduced to be creative and encouraged to develop basic Spaces and Forms based on the two years of their learning. Emphasis is put on applied engineering and technological aspects on simple Forms and Spaces.
The final two years are very important. Basically this will be the final assault to proceed on to the real world of architecture. Forty percent of the fifth year is devoted to completion of all engineering requirements and sixty percent of the time is devoted to studio projects and seminars which are mostly related to each other. In the final year the first term forty percent is devoted Planning and Specifications and sixty percent is devoted to studio projects.
Studio courses: The studios are opened twenty four hours, seven days a week and the students are encouraged to work in the studio as much as possible. This is where the interaction between the faculty and students and students to students plus visiting mentors interact. This inter action is driven by virtue of immense ‘desire’ into acquiring and sharing ideas, thoughts, knowledge and experiences which is most beneficial to all students and the staff.
This is the concept for the six year Architectural curriculum. The details are flexible and are geared towards achieving the best goals.
THE FACULTY:
Under my watch there were five Soviet senior lecturers: Mr. Orzegov, Mr. Dorofeiev, Mr. Rodionov, Mr. Ushakov and Mr. Karakovtsky. All of them were able to communicate in English. They all conducted the studio work, drawing, drafting, delineation and project design. Later on Mr. Bilal Raschid joined our faculty and took over senior students’ studio projects. In the mid sixties I recruited U Kyaw, U Lwin Aung and U Hla Myint, followed by U Kyaw Thein, U Koung Nyunt and U Sai Yee Leik. U San Tun Aung took care of the planning courses & the Artist U Aung Soe took care of the life drawing and the allied art courses as part time lecturers. Later in the early seventies we recruited U Hla Than and Daw Min Thet Mun, followed by U Kyaw Win. This took care of our six year courses for the time being. However there was an urgent need to upgrade the qualifications and knowledge of our local faculty to re place the Soviet staff. Due to financial problems State Scholarships was unavailable and foreign scholarship was hard to come by. However we were able to send U Kyaw to Poland, & U Lwin Aung to Russia for Doctoral programs in planning. U Hla Myint to Australia for Architectural Engineering, U Kyaw Thein design & U Koung Nyunt Landscape to Japan. We were offered a nine months training program from England and Japan in lieu of our requested scholarship for an advanced degree program. We had no choice at that time, so we sent Daw Min Thet Mun for interior design to England and U Kyaw Win woodworking technology to Japan. In the mean time I had recruited U Thein Myint a physics graduate as a Lab Assistant with an inclination to coach him to become an acoustics lecturer. He was sent to England to be trained in acoustical studies and on his return he assisted in teaching acoustical courses.
Later in the mid seventies we recruited U Shwe, U Than Tin Aung followed by U Tin Kyi Hlaing. By the mid seventies all the Soviet Staff have return to their Institutions and our faculty members were back with their Ph. D.s and Masters degrees and we were full ahead with our programs manned by our own scholars.
LIBRARY:
Another basic tool are the books and examples of works by other great architects. It should be readily available in need of time when working in the studio. We organized an architectural library with our volunteer staff and students and set up a library next to the studios. In co-operation with our librarian Daw Myint Myint Khin I signed out all the architectural books for our Arch. library. The honor, respect and credit go to our student librarian Ko Win Myint, he ran the library like a professional gaining great respect from our RIT librarian, staff and students alike. We also had a good collection of color slides of American, European and Soviet modern architectural works. The slides were so good that the Soviet lecturers when returning back on home leave, would borrow the slides to present it in their lectures at their Institutes. I donated many slides and two slide projectors to the library.
PRINTING/PHOTOGRAPHIC/LAB/WOODWORK SHOP:
Printing Lab: We inherited a very old blue printing machine, probably seen the BOC Engineering years. However it is in working order and Mr. Darwood the estate draftsman taught U Kyaw Thoung to operate the machine! Later on we bought a new ozalid printing machine and U Kyaw Thoung became an expert on printing.
Photographic Lab: Mr. Orzegov started the dark room in his house for his personal research work and later on with the Soviet Embassy’s donation a photo lab was created in our department together with printers, enlargers and chemicals all set up with a dark room. This lab became very useful to our students for their term paper and thesis report work. Credit goes to U Koung Nyunt for organizing and running the Lab. Again U Kyaw Thoung became an expert in helping the students in preparation for their term paper and thesis reports.
Woodwork shop: Related to the community college program under the ministry of education, our department was responsible for Arts & Crafts and Woodworking Technology courses to be set up in some of the community colleges where teak wood is abundant. The Japanese Government provided the equipment which was set up at the original canteen building opposite our Department building. It would have been an ideal shop for staff and students to make architectural models. However, service staff was not provided by our ministry therefore we were not able to allow students or staff to operate the machines as it can be very hazardous if not handled appropriately. This project was not successful.
Our Lab Staff: We had a good Lab staff that benefited the students and the staff. They assisted the students in the studio work, in preparation of their term papers, reports and theses, including formatting, typing, printing and binding etc. Without our Lab staff field work would not have been as successful as it was. It became a mobile academic entity planned and organized the transportation including lodging, messing and the learning center on site at the field. Credit goes to our lab staff, led by U Thein Myint, U Kyaw Thoung, Naw Ar Mu Cho, Saw Donald, U Nyi Bu and Saw Yaw Tha.
FIELD WORK:
,Field work is very important for the benefit of the profession. Architecture is dynamic entity, always in motion! As sciences and technology advances architectural design concepts virtually becomes more flexible, adaptable and convertible. Therefore field work and surveys of buildings are the essential part of the profession. The Department of Architecture emphasizes on the importance of field work in the three most crucial areas. (1) The Architectural culture, traditional Spaces and Forms, lifestyles and the arts. (2) Survey and measured drawings of classical buildings. Study/research of their architectural values, needs and usages. Analysis of their work and summary of findings. (3) Exploratory mission, prior to working on a term paper or a thesis project a student embarks on this mission to gather all the crucial aspects of his or her interest in the project. Almost all the studies/research, reports and projects performed by the department of architecture are linked to the work performed in the field.
FACULTY PRACTICE:
Internationally most architectural faculty members are encouraged to practice professionally in their profession. This is to acquaint the students linked to the real world of the profession! In the USA I would estimate 50% of the faculty would obtain a license to practice the profession and would have a limited practice. The others who are not interested in the architectural practice would perform studies/research analysis and publication. The faculty is encouraged to at least engage oneself on an allied work. At one time it was publish or perish! I was on the verge of discussing/encouraging our staff, on the topic of engaging oneself on an allied work or private practice when one day I had a knock on my door. It was the Counselor from the Indonesian Embassy. I was surprised to see a foreigner, an Embassy staff at my door! I was trying to explain to him that we were not permitted to see. Suddenly he smiled and said ‘I have been introduced to you by your Ministry and with their blessing I’m here to request your help!’. I verified. The ministry permitted me to help the Embassy for their projects and allows me to personally accept any remuneration according to international standards. That was my first project, followed by the Australian Embassy and the US AID projects. Since I was permitted to practice, I told my staff that they are welcome to practice as long as they do not neglect their responsibilities. It was a good thing for the students and staff.
ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS AND PROJECTS:
After a few months at the department I was requested by the education ministry, to submit a conceptual proposal for the Rangoon University Student’ Union at its original site. I submitted a model of the building. The discussion was not what I had expected. Security reasons were given not to go ahead. Architecturally, too western! I was too embedded with American thinking that I had forgotten all about ‘Tradition & Architecture’ that I had been working on. That was a good lesson learned! Immediately I embarked on the study/research program on the cultural and architectural background of the country. The study/research by the department was performed by the faculty and most of the times the students were involved. Field work includes, Pyu, Bagan, Mandalay, Mrauk-U. Inlay etc., assisted by the Archeology Department. Measured drawings on Bagan was printed and published. Research papers were read at the Burma Research Conference. ‘The Monastic Institutions of Later Kon-Boung Period’ and The Classical Houses of Myanmar’ were published in the seventies. The Archeology Department provided funds and two monasteries were repaired. Many projects were performed by the Department of Architecture and is listed in the appendix section of this story. However, I should mention three most important projects. 1. The conceptual proposal for The Master Plan of The Legislative Center & The Peoples Park, Yangon. This was a very important project as the Prime Minister U Sein Win, requested that I personally present this project to U Ne Win, Chairman of the Government. It was a very enriching discussion lasted many hours. The next day I was informed that it was approved for construction. 2. The conceptual proposal for the Ministry of Health, Sports Center for Yangon. 3. The Ministry of Education, Extension Education Center Head Office, Yangon. This projects includes: design, construction and turn over to the Rector.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
In any of the extracurricular activities involving architects, the topic always leads to the exchange of thoughts, be it design or culture. The major event of the year would be the annual dinner. Since our student population was not that much we had organized the dinner and entertainment on the lawn of my house. The students organized everything and the whole department, the friends of the students, mentors and friends of the department were mostly invited. In one of the events U Khin Maung Yin, the architect/artist/movie maker volunteered to show his movie ‘Hna-Ma-Let-Shaut_Nay -Lay_Dawt’, a very arty movie. However, in one of the scenes: early misty very quiet morning village scene the pae-byoke the’ with the basket on her head screaming pae-byoke…pae-byoke…pae-byoke the street with the background of huts came into focus and suddenly the background music of Beethoven’s fifth symphony came out with a bang and the music overpowered the whole audience! The audience went silent and a second later a sarcastic laughter and clapping, with a question “what is this”. It was a great lesson for the students, staff and the visitors! Conflict of cultures: scenes of images and sound, lack of coordination, harmony, rhythm and movements. It shows the sensitivities of the students. Every year the students would have a saya puzaw pwe, all together or class by class. It was an occasion that the students will never pass and surprisingly non Buddhist students also took part in the celebration. Association of Student Architects. Chaired by the Head of the Department and run by the student body. ASA was involved in all occasions. One thing that was very beneficial and useful for the senior students mostly fifth and sixth years who took part in the “bull sessions” I use to have in my house. The students and staff would get together one evening in a year and talk about architecture, design, planning and technology! I was surprised that in the late eighties one of the students reminded me of the ‘bull sessions’ we had at RIT. He says that he could never forget how valuable it was for them all along.
SUMMARY:
This is a story of the Architectural education 1963-1980 in a nutshell. I’m sure that there must have been many important episodes that went unnoticed. Also there must have been many many ‘the good & the bad’. However it must have been miniscule.
I’m glad and proud that I took up the challenge and stayed on at RIT for seventeen years!, and I’m proud of our students with numerous divergent interest: student affairs, politics, business, arts & culture, etc., Now most of them are now leaders and have contributed towards the development of the country in planning cities, neighborhoods, communities, estates, buildings, factories, bridges, dams and most important of all is being involved. Some are even in politics as advisors to the government and also to the opposition party. They have made history and we are proud of them. They are teachers, mentors a motivational entity to the next generation of RIT/YTU/MTU/? alumnus. This is the success of the Department of Architecture. Gone but not forgotten are our devoted staff, Dr. Maung Kyaw, U Hla Myint, U Kyaw Thein, U Sai Yee Leik, U Thein Myint and U Kyaw Thoung. As RIT is always in our minds so also will they be.
I was permitted to resign after paying the government K50,000 to the Union Bank Myanmar. I physically left RIT grounds on the 10th of January 1981. Sad to go but still attached to RIT.
I pay respect to သင်ဆရာThin Saya, မြင်ဆရာMyin Saya and ကြားဆရာ Kyar Saya.They taught me all I knew.
I would like to thank my mentors who directly or indirectly taught me Communication (Oral and Written) and Languages (English, Burmese, …)
Last but not the least, a million thanks to my “လက်ဦးဆရာများ Let Oo Sayas” (my beloved parents).
My Parents
Learning English
I fondly remember the days that I had to study
Tom Thumb’s Essays
A Student’s Companion
Oxford English Dictionary (OED — various sizes and editions),
Chamber’s Dictionary (used in Scrabble tournaments)
Rhyming Dictionary
Word Power/Vocabulary in six weeks, 21 days, …
Idioms (present from my uncle)
They helped me improve my writing and communication skills.
Thanks to all the authors, who are my implicit teachers.
Still learning (especially during the “Shelter at Home” due to the COVID-19 Pandemic)
Listen to the daily offering by Blinkist.com
Listen to selected podcasts
Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) ဒေါက်တာချစ်ဆွေ
Sayagyi was my mentor at UCC.
He invited over renowned computer scientists led by Professor Harry D. Huskey, Pioneer in Computer Hardware, Software and Teaching and mathematicians (e.g. Professor Frank Harary, Expert in Graph Theory) to Rangoon to hold seminars and to design courses in computer science and applications. Michael Stonebraker (then at UC Berkeley) gave a short course on Ingres (an early Relational Data Base Management System) at UCC. A few years back, he won the prestigious “ACM Turing Award” (which is considered as the equivalent of Nobel Prize in Computing).
He taught us to use CPM/PERT (Critical Path Method / Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) for the various projects.
Saya asked me to assist in several of his projects : translator/ reviewer for CTK (Children’s Treasury of Knowledge), editor for “High School Mathematics”, and TOSS (Team Of System Specialists).
Saya passed away in November 2019, but his Legacy as Pioneer for Computer Systems, Application and Education in Burma will last forever.
Sydney 2006
U Soe Paing(EE, UCC) ဦးစိုးပိုင်
U Soe Paing
My mentor at RIT and UCC
He, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) taught degree and diploma courses in computer science. They also conducted courses in computer programming, computer orientation, to name a few.
The sayas asked me to be their assistant.
Saya also allowed Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and me to co-author texts, guides and manuals used at UCC.
Publications
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Guardian Thanks to U Soe Myint (Chief Editor)
Working People’s Daily (WPD) Thanks to U Ko Lay (Chief Editor) and Daw Khin Swe Hla (Editor)
Forward magazine Thanks to Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Ka, Chief Editor) and U Sein Hla (Editor)
Pan magazine Burmese publication
Veda magazine Published by BARB
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2012 and Shwe YaDu (2014) Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
RUBC magazine Commemorate issue for 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC
RUBC
BAPS Newsletter Contributing Editor
Dhammananda Newsletter Contributing Editor
Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda Contributing Editor
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife Contributor to the Burmese American section of the 3-volume encyclopedia
Encyclopedia
National Foreign Languages Center Language Expert for the Burmese Language Project (Reading and Listening Comprehension)
RIT Alumni International Newsletter Contributing Editor for 26 years
hlamin.com 3000+ articles
Facebook Owner, Admin or Moderator of selected Facebook Groups
VideoBroadcasts Archived in Facebook and my You Tube Channel
Volunteering
I gained experience by volunteering as
Several organizations in Myanmar and USA
EC, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT EE Association
RIT EE Association
Contributing Editor of RIT English Newsletter
Treasurer and Vice Captain of RUBC
Translator / Interpreter at Meditation Retreats
Organizer, SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
Coordinator, World wide SPZPs in Singapore and Myanmar
Docent at the Computer History Museum (at Mountain View, California
Contributing Editor of the materials taught at the Summer Dhamma Camp at Dhammananda Vihara (at Half Moon Bay
Area Governor, Club Coach, Contest Chair, Test Speaker, Club Ambassador at Toastmasters International
Editor of several publications by Sayadaws (e.g. U Jotalankara) and friends (e.g. U Aung Zaw)
Language expert at National Language Center
Administrator and/or Moderator of selected Facebook Pages
Owner and content creator of selected web sites (e.g. hlamin.com)
Parents and Ancestors
Parents
Last but not the least, my heartfelt thanks to my beloved parents and their philanthropic forebears for instilling me the passion to help humanity in general and to my alma mater. They believed that “Any thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well.”
Pay Back ကျေးဇူးဆပ်
My beloved spouse told me that I should pay back to my alma mater, mentors and my beloved land.
She reminded me that I should take care of my health to enjoy quality time with our Life Savers : Chit Sa Noe and Po Lone.
I had paid back to my alma mater RIT where I studied from 1964 – 1969 by volunteering as Messenger and Organizer for 26 years. e.g. For SPZP-2000, I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post_Reunion”.
In 2018, I wrote “Memories of UCC”. I wrote a Summary for the magazine to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ICST.
To commemorate the 19th anniversary (in April 2018) for “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and the 45th wedding anniversary (in June 2018), I wrote several hundred posts covering a variety of topics.
Since then, I have completed 2600+ posts. Revised most of them with feedback provided by my readers including Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor), Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint & U Khin Maung Zaw.
In April/May 2019, I celebrated 20th Anniversary as Founder-Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
In November 2019, I was invited as a Panelist to the 5th ILF (Irrawaddy Literary Festival) held in Mandalay.
In December 2019, I attended the SPZP and Reunion Dinner of RIT 69er’s Golden Jubilee of graduation.
I was invited to attend the 6th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST / UCSY and the Annual mini-gathering of UCC Alumni.
In January 2020, I was invited as a Special Guest for the 2020 PSA (Public Speakers’ Association) Tour to six cities in Upper Myanmar.
I am continuing with adding / revising posts for hlamin.com and share some of them via Facebook pages (e.g. Life Long Learning, RIT Updates, RU Centennial) and my You Tube Channel.
I am a Dreamer. I believe, “If one can dream, others will fulfill.”
Updates
Several of those mentioned in the post are GBNF.
In 2024, NorCal RITAA celebrated the 60th Anniversary of RIT and the Centennial of Myanmar Engineering Education.
U Soe PaingU Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint U Soe Paing, U & Mrs. Hla Min
Name: U Soe Paing
Qualification: BS (Stanford), MS (Stanford), MSc. Computer Science (Southampton)
Department: Electrical Communications Position: Assistant Lecturer, (Jan 1964 to March 1971) Reason for Leaving: Joined Universities’ Computer Center in April 1971.
Engineering Alumni: Attended First Year Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University from June to December, 1958. Reason for Leaving: Awarded State Scholarship to study in USA.
Occupation: Data Processing Adviser (Retired)
Organization: United Nations
Updates
Saya was my mentor at RIT and UCC.
He offered me and Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC, GBNF) to be his co-authors. We wrote programming texts, manuals and guides.
Saya was a prime mover to get the “RIT Alumni International Newsletters” and http://www-ex-rit.org started.
Saya would mention that I am a “Shay Hmi; Nauk Hmi. ရှေ့မှီ၊ နောက်မှီ”
Sayagadaw added: “Bay Hmi ဘေးမှီ as well’.
Saya wrote articles for the RIT Newsletter and selected journals & magazines. They can be accessed via SCRIB-D
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.
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
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 March 1, 2024. the GBNF list for the Class of 69 is 128 (about 40%).
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.
SPZP-2016 was a FREE All Day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) at the Gyogone Campus.
Due to the pandemic, SPZP-2000 was cancelled.
Not sure if there will be a SPZP (as comprehensive as SPZP-2016) in a foreseeable future.
Jara, Byadi and Marana have hit many sayas and alumni.
I matriculated in 1949 and entered the University of Rangoon and stayed in Ava Hall and took the Intermediate of Science (ISc) courses. The courses were: English, Burmese, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (Pure and Applied Maths). We needed to take these courses for two years in order to go to the engineering studies. I remember having a great time in the first year as we did not have to take the examination at the end of the first year for some unknown reason. But we had to take the examination at the end of the second year for all the subject matters that were taught to us for the whole two years. It was a tough examination at the end of the second year as we had to study a lot. We had physics and chemistry examination papers, two mathematics papers, English and Burmese papers, physics lab practical exam and chemistry lab practical exam within a period of 15 to 20 days in the hot month of March. Only about 60% of the students passed through the first time. The passing grade for each subject was 40%. Fortunately the University authorities in those days were understanding and kind enough to give the failed students what they called compartmental examination again in May/June for the failed subjects. Given a second chance like that, a lot of students passed the examination this time around. The Faculty of Engineering admitted the students, including the students who passed the ISc exam. under the compartmental system, with a passing grade of at least 40% for each of ISc subjects and the average passing grade for all the subjects combined of 50%.
I was quite fortunate to have good teachers in my ISc days. I remember that Saya U Than Tin gave good lectures in physics. Saya U Thein Nyunt was good as well in teaching us chemistry. Needless to say the experiments that I had to do in physics and chemistry labs were interesting as they were all new to me.The maths teachers I remember were Professor U Aung Hla, Sayagyi U Kar, Sayagyi U Ba Toke, two Indian lecturers with the same last name Chowdhury. I forgot their first names. One Chowdhury was bald headed and the other had a lot of hair.They were teaching, I think, under contract with the Rangoon University. These very good teachers, I had to say, gave me a good foundation in mathematics. The English teachers were very good too. They were Saya U Kan Gyi and Sayama E. Kan Gyi. The only Burmese teacher I remember was Saya U Hla Maung who could make a boring topic into an interesting lecture. I owe a lot of gratitude to these wonderful teachers.
I joined the first year engineering class in 1951-1952 academic year, having satisfied the entrance requirements of the Faculty of Engineering mentioned above. The academic year , I think was from June to February with about one month break in October. So far as I know there was a “new course engineering” at the Faculty of engineering right after the World War ll. I do not know what the entrance requirement for this new course was.
I stayed in Prome Hall like most of the other engineering students in those days, as it was situated close to the B.O.C. College of Engineering building where we had classrooms, laboratories, and workshop for our engineering courses. A few engineering students however stayed in Tagaung Hall which was in the same Prome road campus of the Rangoon University as Prome Hall. Both of these hostels were timber buildings and they could easily get burnt down; but I was happy to see that they are still standing there when I visited Yangon in 2010. These two Halls gave accommodations to all engineering students, even to some students from Rangoon at that time, as there were vacancies and as the total engineering student population was not that big. If my guess is correct, I think there were about 350 to 400 students for 4 years of all engineering disciplines, out of which there were about 75 1st year engineering students. The system in place at that time was in such a way that the students had to take common courses in the first 2 years and branched out into different disciplines of choice, starting from 3rd year.
I remember that as first year engineering students, we still had to take mathematics classes from 7:00 am to 9:00 am at the main campus where we had taken the Intermediate of Science courses. I remember getting up early in the morning in Prome Hall ,and taking a walk along the road, what we called as “Padaukpin lane” or “Thaton lane”, and through Thaton Hall and Ava Hall , for the mathematics classes at the main campus. All of us then rushed back to B.O.C. College of Engineering from the main campus after 9:00 am to take theengineering classes, which included lectures, practical laboratory work, workshop practice, and drawing classes, starting from 10:00 am. We normally finished our classes around 4:00 pm. The total contact hours of learning for engineering students were about 30 hours per week. If my memory is correct, it was difficult to get an engineering degree in 6 years after matriculation. Somewhere along the way some of us failed for one reason or the other, and had to repeat a class.The passing grade for each subject, which included workshop training at the Engineering Faculty was 40% and the average passing grade for all the subjects combined was 50%. When I passed my 1st year engineering in April/May 1952 I noticed that about 15% of my classmates were left behind to repeat the 1st year engineering.
I do not remember all of my teachers at that time. I can only recall that Saya Num Kock was in charge of 1st year engineering drawing, Saya Jaidka taught us ” building materials and construction”, Saya Ketrepal gave lectures and practical laboratory training in “heat engines”, Sayagyi U Kyaw Tun / Saya C. Ping Lee taught us “electrotechnology” in the classroom and in the laboratory. In addition to the lectures, laboratory work and drawing, all of us had to take workshop training in carpentry, blacksmith, welding, and in machine shop. The medium of teaching was English. We were also encouraged to take some practical training with some engineering organization during the summer vacation. I am not quite sure , but I think Ko Chit was an assistant at the blacksmith shop, and U Ba Sein was an assistant in the electrical lab. I think Mr P. Davis was the workshop superintendent. The classrooms , laboratory facilities, the workshop facilities that I had attended were good and adequate. The library I visited some time was full of good engineering books, magazines and journals. I could imagine that with its qualified teaching staff and good teaching facilities, the Faculty of Engineering was producing the qualified engineers needed by the country at that time.
I do not know what was the total number of teachers we had at the Faculty of Engineering at that time. I could guess that the student/teaching staff ratio was about 20:1 from the number of teachers and from the number of students I had seen. I noticed that there were few Burmese nationals teaching staff at the Faculty, and most of the teachers were from India and UK. It seems that, right after the World War II, there was shortage of qualified teaching staff from Burma at higher education/University level as a whole. Sayagyi Professor U Ba Hli was Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and I believe he received his post graduate degree from a British University. He was quite far-sighted and tried to broaden and improve the engineering education by having some kind of twinning arrangements with not only a British University but also with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA (M.I.T). I remember as a student that there was a visiting Professor called Professor Horwood from M.I.T at the Faculty; and I think he gave us lectures on sanitary engineering. Sayagyi U Ba Hli must have planned to increase the number of engineering disciplines that were given at the Faculty from civil, mechanical and electrical engineering to other disciplines as well, such as Mining, Chemical, Metallurgy, Textile engineering and Architecture. I understood this plan came into fruition in 1954/1955. He must have also planned to send the Burmese nationals to UK, USA and as qualified teaching staff at the Faculty at a later date. I therefore take this opportunity to put on record that a big credit is due to the late Sayagyi U Ba Hli for his contribution to the improvement of engineering education in Myanmar.
HlaMin 