ဦးသစ် (ကွယ်လွန်) U Thit was Head of the Department. He passed away in Melbourne, Australia.
Met 2
ဒေါက်တာစောဖြူ (ကွယ်လွန်) Dr. Saw Pru received Doctorate from Germany. He succeeded Saya U Thit as Head of Department. He passed away in Yangon. Some believe that he was reborn as the son of his nephew U Khin Aung Shwe.
Met 3
ဦးသန်းတင် U Than Tin : He studied in USA. He served as Interim Head of Department. He moved to the USA (East Coast and later to Southern California). We invited him to SPZP-2000, but he could not attend.
ဒေါက်တာခင်မောင်ဝင်း (ကွယ်လွန်) Dr. Khin Maung Win : He taught at Mandalay University and worked at UBARI. He received Doctorate from USA. He served as Head of Department before becoming DG of Technical, Agricultural & Vocational Training. He passed away in Yangon.
Met 4
ဦးအောင်လှထွန်း (ကွယ်လွန်) U Aung Hla Tun : He retired as Associate Professor. He published two books. He won the National Literary Award for the first book. He was Chief Editor for the RIT Annual Magazine. He was the Leader of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) Project. He passed away in Yangon. His former students published a book in his memory.
Met 5
ဦးဖေဝင်း U Pe Win : He was Professor before he became Rector of YTU.
Met 6
Victoria Simon : She retired as Professor.
Met 7
ဦးတင်မောင်ညွန့် U Tin Maung Nyunt : He retired as Professor.
Met 8
ဦးဝင်းကျော် U Win Kyaw : He taught at RIT before moving to the Ministry of Mines. He represented RIT in Rowing. He attended the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles and the gathering hosted by iNapa Winery.
U Win Kyaw 1U Win Kyaw 2
ဦးသိန်းအောင် U Thein Aung : He taught at RIT before moving to the USA. He retired from Lawrence Livermore Lab. He represented RIT in Weightlifting & Body Building. He was Mr. RIT in 1968. His mentor was Bohmu Maung Maung (first Maung Bamar). He is a founding member of RIT Alumni International. He was an organizer and co-emcee at SPZP-2000. He had a reunion with U Win Kyaw & U Nyunt Htay at the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles and the gathering hosted by iNapa Winery.
U Thein AungSPZP-2000Hand over Salwei to Mg Mar Ga
ဦးညွန့်ဌေး U Nyunt Htay : He retired as Associate Professor. He is a poet. He is a contributor to “Poetic Art” Series organized by U Aung Myaing (Okpo Maung Yin Maung) and U Myo Myint (Bagyee Myat Myo Myint). He was Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine and Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung. He attended the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles and the gathering hosted by iNapa Winery. During my visit to Yangon before the pandemic, he hosted a Dinner Gathering for U Ye Myint, U Win Kyaw and me.
First classes offered in 1924 to two sets of students : B.Sc. graduates for a “compressed” 3-year course and eligible I.Sc. passed for a regular 4-year course. Details can be found in the article by U Hla Maung (1928 grad) for RU Golden Jubilee Magazine in 1970; and the History of Myanmar Engineering Education book published in 2012. The early sayas were British and Indian.
RIT Alumni Newsletter
RIT Alumni Newsletter and ex-rit.org published several articles by Civil alumni & sayas. They include articles by U Aw Taik Moh (C54), Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), Mr. Allen Htay (C58, GBNF), U Myint Khine (C63), Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun, …
Civil Engineering Sayas
U Ba Hli
U Ba Hli
First native Dean of Engineering
Former Professor of Civil Engineering & Principal of GTI
Proposed “Twinning Program” between Faculty of Engineering and prestigious US Universities
U Mya Han
Professor before moving to industry
His company interned & hired Civil Engineers
Dr. Aung Gyi
BS and MS from MIT, and his doctorate from University of Alberta.
Retired as Rector
Gave a key note speech at SPZP-2000 emphasizing the importance of Health and Emotional Intelligence.
I was an Ei Hmyaung at two dinner gatherings in Myanmar given to Saya and Daw Emma.
Hosted us during our visit to Canada.
U Min Wun
Taught Surveying in our 2nd BE class in 1964
Retired as Professor & Head of Civil
BS from MIT; MS from Cornell — Photogrammetry
Founding member & VP of BARB. His expertise include Astronomy and Astrology.
Early supporter of RIT Alumni Newsletter
C58
Saya Allen Htay (GBNF), Saya Dr. San Hla Aung and Saya Dr. Win Thein (GBNF) are C58
AllenHtay
MS from Harvard University
Leader, SF Bay Area Alumni Group
President, RIT Alumni International
Organizer, SPZP-2000)
His article “Brother, can you afford $500?” resulted in Golden Sponsors & Donors for SPZP-2000.
President, RIT Photography Association
Retired & unretired twice in the USA.
Dr. San Hla Aung
MS from MIT
Doctorate from Tulane University
Taught until the age of 80.
Line Judge at RUBC regattas.
President of RIT Rowing
President, RIT Swimming
Dr. Win Thein
Retired as Professor & Head
Several batches of students donated medical expenses for Saya
His sister donated most of the Garawa money to charities in Saya’s memory
C61
Dr. Aung Soe (C61)
Led Practical sessions for our 2nd BE Surveying
Saya soccer team
Attended SPZP-2000
U Myint Lwin (C61)
Younger brother of Saya H Num Kok
Rowed for Engineering
Attended SPZP-2000
C62 – C63
U Tauk Lin — moved to USA
U Kyi (C63) — moved to USA
Kyi Kong Tham (C63) — moved to USA
Christopher Maung
U Tin Maung
U Ngwe Tun (GBNF)
C64
U Thein Tan (C64)
Rowed for Engineering
Retired as Rector of MTU
U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C64)
Phone Ko — famous cartoonist
Patron of RIT Cartoon Box
Dr. Ohn Myint (C64)
Moved to Irrigation
Worked for World Bank
U Win Maung (C64, GBNF)
Organizer, Lanzin Lu Nge
C65 – C68
U Myint Soe (C68, GBNF)
U Myat Htoo (C68) — moved to USA
Organizers
Saya U Hla Myint Thein (C69), Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C70) and U Saw Lin (C71) served as Secretary of the RIT Civil Association.
U Hla Myint Thein entered family business. He is Advisor to Hse Mile Gone monastery.
Dr. Myo Khin and Daw Mya Nwe (C73) donated K100 lakhs for YTU Library Modernization.
U Saw Lin was a Core Organizer for SPZP-2012. He wore multiple hats : Head of Security & Logistics, Chief Editor of commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazine, Coordinator for Reprint of 23 RIT Annual Magazines …
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) served as President of TBSA and BADA. He is a founding member of RIT Alumni international and served as emcee for SPZP-2000. He is also a founding member of Norcal RITAA and Chair of BOD. He wrote, played and sung a parody of “Lost Neikban” at 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
C69ers
Several C69ers joined the faculty. They include U Nyi Hla Nge, Dr. Htin Aung, Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Khin Maung Tint, U Hla Myint, U Hla Myint Thein …
U Nyi Hla Nge — Professor, Rector, Dy. Minister
Dr. Htin Aung — Chinlon selection; Played badminton and soccer; Retired as Professor
Dr. Khin Maung Win — Retired as Associate Professor; Taught in Malaysia
U Khin Maung Tint —- Secretary of RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin; Found a Minthamee as his soul mate
U Hla Myint and U Hla Myint Thein have successful business. They Consult selected monasteries
Daw Myint Myint — Major donor to 69er Health Care Fund & 69er activities; Donated K150 Lakhs to YTU Library Modernization proj
U Han Sein (GBNF) represented RIT in Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Basketball; Sentenced to 20 years by Adhamma authorities; Served 17 years. Since most 69ers were unaware, he was listed as GBNF in the Group’s Address Book (for the 30th Anniversary of Graduation); Became a Tone Kyaw; Succumbed to Covid
GBNF List
GBNF list include Sayas :
Saya H Num Kok
H Num Kok
Allen Htay
Dr. Win Thein
U Ngwe Tun
U Win Maung
U Myint Soe
U Aye Win Kyaw
Madan Chand
U Khin Maung Maung
…
Miscellaneous
Part time sayas include U Tin U, Percy Lao, Dr. San Lin, U Kyaw San (GBNF) …
Burma selected include Kyaw Htin (soccer) …
U Aye Win Kyaw (C70, GBNF) was a founding member and EC of BARB.
U Aung (C70, Maung Aw) was involved in providing help to selected schools.
Madan Chand (C70) was wrongly assigned to G-hall.
Dr. Soe Thein (C75) was organizer and web master for SPZP-2007.
Saya U Ba HliDr. Aung GyiU Min WunSPZP-2000Saya U Tin USaya Allen HtayDr. San Hla Aung Dr. Win Thein
Siblings : Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, GBNF), U Kyaw Paing
Spouse : Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69)
Children : Two sons & One daughter
Grandchildren : 3
Education & Work
Mmatriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in Burma and won Collegiate Scholarship.
At the Convocation of 1958, he won two Gold Medals — one for Highest Total Marks in I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B); and another for Joint Highest Marks in Maths for I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
Received a States Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
Joined the RIT Electrical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
Helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe found Universities’ Computer Center.
Transferred to UCC as Manager for Systems Division. He later also managed Operations Division.
Received M.Sc.(Computer Science) from Southampton University in UK.
Worked for UNDP Projects in several countries.
Mentor
My mentor at RIT & UCC.
Allowed U Aung Zaw & me to co-author Texts, User Guides and Manuals for use at UCC.
HMEE
Early supporter of the HMEE project.
Prepared a draft for the HMEE book and handed it to Saya U Aung Hla Tun & team.
He and U Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 of the HMEE Book and summarized Section 2.
Posts
Post from March 2011
I went to the University Central Library and managed to get scanned photos from the Engg Student Annual Magazines 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas, students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.
U Sein Hlaing (Prof EE) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L starting 1952-53. Saya U Tin Swe was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team. Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain. U Khin Si (husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile) and U Tin Si (U Khin Si’s brother and tennis doubles partnership that won RU as well as national championships) were members of the Prome hall team.
The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by the Prime Minister at that time U Ba Swe.
In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD, PWC, CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.
I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.
U Ba Than has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.
Post from May 2000
The mention of RIT, BIT, and BOC college in the first newsletter bring back memories of our good old days in Rangoon University. Although we did not graduate from Rangoon University, we had a really great two and a half years there before we went for studies aroad under government scholarship.
Our first year 1956-1957 was in Yankin College. Yankin was a campus of RU for first year science students. It is now Yankin State High School No. XX? Hteedan was for the 1st year arts students. Our second year I.Sc. was at the RU campus itself which we refer to as Main. The Arts students have classes at Judson. That time the new Social Science Building (now Institute of Economics) was completed. We had our second year ISc exams in that new building.
Then it is our 1st year B.Sc. Engineering course at the new Faculty of Engineering in Prome Road (now Institute of Medicine I). We attended for six months till December 1958. That campus was designed and built especially for the Faculty of Engineering. Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Departments were there but Chemical, Textile, etc. were in the old BOC building at the back.
The 1st year classes were from 7 to 9 a.m. for Mathematics. We then have a one hour break and we start the engineering courses at 10 a.m. We usually have a snack during the break at a small cafe between Tagaung and Prome Halls. Those halls were only for engineering students then. The mathematics (Pure & Applied) lecturers were from India hired under contract. We had three engineering courses: Building Materials taught by Mr. Tan Ba Hli (the Dean of Engineering himself). Heat Engines taught by U Aung Khin. Principles of Electrical Engineering taught by U Kyaw Tun. We had EE lab with Ko Htin Paw and Ko Ba Nyunt as lab instructors. We also had engineering drawing with Ko San Hla Aung and Allen Htay (for Chem, Tex, etc.) as instructors.
Those were the days when Rangoon University was one of the best universities in SE Asia and Asia. It also had a really nice campus.
RIT Saya Soccer Team
Reading about communications from Richard Khoo (Dr. Aung Soe, C61) and seeing the list of Sayas in the 1966-67 Handbook brings back memories of our soccer team.
As I remember it was from 1964 to 1968 or 1969. We played against (i) the senior students of different majors Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc. (ii) the sayas at GTI and Natmauk Technical Institute (iii) the Burma Air Force officers.
We also played in the annual tournament for RIT Staff. The staff teams are the Sayas, Workshop staff, Lab staff, Hostel staff and the youth team from the RIT compound.
As I remember (other Sayas & graduates may correct me) these were the people in the team.
Goalkeepers :
Richard Khoo (Civil)
Maurice Kyaw Zaw (Chemistry),
Sein Myint/Ah Sein (Petroleum)
Defenders :
Ko Maung Maung Than (Textile)
Ko Aung Soe (Math)
Ko Aung Hla Tun (Met)
Ko Sann Tint (Elect)
Christopher Maung (Civil)
U Tin Swe (Elect)
Ko Tin Win (Mech)
Midfielders :
Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri)
Desmond Rogers (English)
Ko Khine Oo (Elect)
Ko Maung Maung Win (Mech)
Ko Tin Hlaing II (Mech)
Forwards :
Ko Pike Htwe (Chemistry)
Ko Aung (Math)
Ko Tin Hlaing I (Agri)
Ko Soe Min (Elect)
Ko Kyin Soe (Auto)
myself (Elect)
We rarely practiced but we enjoyed playing the games. We split games with the GTI sayas & the Air Force officers. We beat the Natmauk sayas and we won more than we lost in the RIT staff tournament. But I am sure we lost more than we won against the final year students. Would appreciate comments on this; especially on the names I missed in the team.
Updates
Wrote articles about his experiences as a State Scholar, Saya, UCC Co-founder & UN Advisor. They can be read from SCRIB-D.
Helped Civil Engg grads from Myanmar get internship and/or job in Japan
In 2017, Saya and Daw Mya Nwe (Winsome, C73) donated K100 Lakhs to the YTU Modernization Project.
Donation
He had a Stroke.
Praying for a speedy recovery.
Dr. Myo Khin wrote :
Dear U Hla Min, Thank you very much for your kind and favorable phrases for my donation to the RIT library. This is the token of my feeling to my home university. Up till now I have helped around 50 grads from RIT and other TUs in Myanmar with respectable engineering jobs in Japan. Moreover this is totally free of any charges or obligations. Only one request I made is “please try hard and prove yourself” and this will lead to the next recruitment for your juniors back in Myanmar.
Updates
After treatment & rehab, he recovered from the Stroke reported in the post.
In the lower classes, he was in Section (C). I was in Section (D).
Stood 13th in the whole of Burma in the Matric exam of 1963.
Won Collegiate Scholarship. Only 40 of the 100 scholarship awards were given to students from private schools.
SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the top Twenty. Khin Maung U (1st), Min Oo (2nd), Myo San (Freddie, 3rd), Nyunt Wai (Victor, 4th), Thein Wai (5th), Hla Min (7th), Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny, 9th), Maung Maung Kyi (11th), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, 13th), Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, 17th).
Has a soft heart.
Before the Matric exam, he read several subjects to Nyunt Wai (Victor), who was sick & could not study. Brownie could take credit for Victor’s success. Victor stood 4th in Burma & became medical professor in IM & Malaysia.
Dr. Nyunt Wai wrote :
Being my best friend since standard IV, I could write volumes about him. For now only two points: (1) my friend was called “ANyo”(Brownie) because he had much darker complexion compared with his elder brother (very fair complexion); this contrast repeated in the case of his two sons; (2) the brown brothers passed away years ahead of their fairer counterparts.
University Days
We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone in 1963. We took the Science Option.
After a long closure citing Security Concerns following the July 7th Anniversary, a new Education System was established in November 1964.
Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE at the Gyogone Campus.
Chose Electrical Engineering as Major & EC (Electrical Communications) as Option.
EE69
Played Soccer and Tennis
ATY 3
Learned to smoke — trying to fend off mosquitoes in the RIT rest rooms.
Learned social drinking from his classmates (e.g “Robert” Win Boh) after the last paper of the RIT final exam.
After Graduation
One of 13 EC Graduates
Had a successful career at MOC/Schlumberger, & several foreign assignments.
Became a heavy smoker & drinker. Felt lonely after the loss of spouse & eldest son.
Had minor & not-so-minor health problems.
Quit drinking & smoking for some time, but he still felt the urge.
Last Meeting (in March 2012)
I visited Yangon to take part in preparations for SPZP-2012 (scheduled for December).
Zaw Lai came to see me. We decided to surprise Brownie. He trusted people. He did not lock his house. He closed the gate & boarded Zaw Lai’s car.
Zaw Lai coaxed him to take a couple of drinks.
That dinner at Zaw Lai’s apartment would be remembered as Brownie’s farewell.
Brownie did not show up at the 69er breakfast gathering at Royal Rose. The gathering was cut short when we learned that Brownie was in ICU and that the 69er HCF organizers would go to see him.
Kyaw Zin took Win Lwin, Khin Maung Bo & me to the ICU. Brownie’s son, who is a medical doctor, said that Brownie was not ready for another operation. We left with samvegha that he could very well be No 61 (on Aung Min’s GBNF list). Win Lwin told me to meditate and also “do something for yourself”.
I spent several days at the Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung as a monk. Sayadaw U Wara (ChE70) was my preceptor.
During that period, Brownie remained unconsciousness and he finally succumbed.
My 69er friends notified Brownie’s demise to my siblings, but requested not to notify me at the monastery. They did not want to disrupt my meditation practice.
May Brownie be able to share my merits.
Ah Hmya, ah hmya, ah hmya.
Updates
Samvegha
Three Scholarship winners from SPHS63 — Brownie, Freddie & Maung Maung Kyi — are GBNF
Five EC69ers — Kyaw Soe, Brownie, Chit Tin, Oo Kyaw Hla & Sai Aik Yee — are GBNF
128 69ers (over 40% of the Class) are GBNF. The GBNF list is maintained by Aung Min (M69) & team
Several RIT EE Sayas — U Kyaw Tun, U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, U Thein Lwin, Dr. San Tint, U Soe Min, U Chin Way & U Nyi Nyi — are GBNF. For SPZP-2010, I wrote “A Sad & Short Clip : EE Sayas”. Two sayas — U Thein Lwin & U Nyi Nyi — have passed away since the article was published.
RIT Alumni helped establish the following Associations in California :
BEA
Burmese / Bay Area Engineers Association
Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF) was a founding member of BEA & served as the First President. He was President of TBSA. He wrote articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter & SPZP-2000.
U Htin Paw
Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59) succeeded U Htin Paw as President. He invited us to his birthday party & his son’s wedding reception. He had a Stroke. He is recuperating.
U San Tun
Saya K C Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63) succeeded U San Tun as President. He proposed the idea of forming BEA with sayas and alumni in the SF Bay Area. Lily (T73) agreed to be Secretary.
K C (Right)Lily (Seated, Center)
BEA merged with BASTS into BAPS.
BAPS
Burmese American Professional Society
Saya U Nyo Win (Dr. K H Chen, M65) served as the first President of BAPS. He also served as Editor of BAPS Newsletter.
U Nyo Win (2nd)
Benny Tan (Tan Yu/Eu Beng, M70) succeeded U Nyo Win as President
Benny
Maurice Chee (U Hla Myint Thein, M75) succeeded Benny Tan as President
Maurice (Seated Right)
The Three became founding members of RIT Alumni International and Core Organizers for SPZP-2000.
BASES
Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists
Saya U Tin Htut (M60), U Tin Htway (M59) and U “David” Tun Tin founded BASES. They adapted the BAPS bye-laws and added the needs for those in Southern California.
U Tin Htut
Several sayas and alumni served President, VP, Secretary, Advisor & EC member. They include U Tin Htway (M59), Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L Tin Htun, EE59), Saya U Tin Htut (M60), Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62), U Tun Aung (Jefferey, EC68), U Aung Khin (EP68), U Tin Nwe (Milton, C68), U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68), U Thura Thant Zin (M76) & U Win Naing (Michael, M81)
Thura
RIT Alumni International
SF Bay Area Alumni Group
Founded by the SF Bay Area Alumni Group led by Saya Allen Htay.
SF Bay Area Alumni
To host SPZP-2000
To support RIT Alumni Newsletter (founded by U Hla Min, EC69), and the first RIT website (designed & implemented by U Khin Maung Zaw, EC76).
U Hla Min
Saya Allen served as President.
Maurice served as Treasurer. He and Benny chaired the Working Committee for SPZP-2000. They wore multiple hats for SPZP-2000.
Founding members included Saya Allen (C58), Saya K (ChE63), Saya Nyo (M65), Saya George (ChE66), Saya Myat Htoo (C68), Hla Min (EC69), Benny (M70), Saya Thein Aung (Met72), Maurice (M75), KMZ (EC76) and Gordon (M83).
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Several more sayas and alumni (including BAPS and BASES members) volunteered for SPZP-2000.
Norcal RITAA
Founded to continue the Vision & Mission of RIT Alumni International.
NorCal RITAA
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) served as the first President. Successors : Gordon Kaung (M83), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) and U Tin Maung Win (C76)
Saya U Maung Maung
Stan Liou (M67) served as first Chair of BOD (Board of Directors). Successor : Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
YTU Library
Activities: Financial support for children of alumni in Norcal & for eligible YTU students; Support for YTU Library Modernization; Annual Dinner and/or Picnic; Coordinated with BASES for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay on August 20, 2016.
He prepared electronic & hard copy of the birthday wishes.
Awards & Birthday Cards
Another set was for attendees, who had not sent wishes by e-mail.
Thanks to the sayas, colleagues and friends for a memorable gathering.
Appreciation from Alumni in US & Canada
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend the soonkyway, but he requested Maurice to donate a food dish for him & his family. Sayagyi’s message was read by Maurice.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the appreciation award at Half Moon Bay soonkwyay and gathering.
Appreciation Award
From NorCal RITAA Dinner in Dec 2016
Alumni Appreciation Award was signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair, BOD), Gordon Kaung (M83, President) and U Thaung Nyunt (M87, Secretary).
Award 2
Saya U Myat Htoo presented the award to me at the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner, 2016.
From SPHS in 1963
There were five Paulians in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty. They received Collegiate Scholarship.
SPHS63
Dr. Khin Maung U (Retired from FDA, USA) – 1st
Dr. Min Oo (Retired Maths Professor in Canada) – 2nd
Dr. Myo San (Freddie, Surgeon, GBNF) – 3rd
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, Professor in IM & Malaysia) – 4th
Dr. Thein Wai (Migrated to USA after graduation) – 5th
U Hla Min (Retired Software Engineer) – 7th
7th place
Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Cardiologist) – 9th
U Maung Maung Kyi (Dip Ing, GBNF) – 11th
U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69, GBNF) – 13th
Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Retired Doctor in UK) – 17th
From Toastmasters International
DTM 1DTM 2Hall of Fame
Awards
CC (Competent Communicator)
ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze)
ACS (Advanced Communicator Silver)
ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold)
CL (Competent Leader)
ALB (Advanced Leader Bronze)
ALS (Advanced Leader Silver)
DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)
I served as
Club Officer
Area Governor
Club Coach
Contest Chair
Ambassador
Guest Speaker
Test Speaker
Team Builder (for Excellent Leadership)
MP3 players
Mug & CD Player
Dhamma Talks & Lectures
Received MP3 player with dhamma talks from U Khin Maung Tun, SDYF President at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Also received MP3 players from
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt
My sisters
Dhamma friends
Each player has Paritta Pali (protective verses) and dhamma talks by different sayadaws.
From my Life Savers
Coffee mug with photos
My beloved grandchildren gave it as present for Grand Father’s Day
Books
Dhamma & Bawa
For writing,translating, editing or proof-reading
I edited or proof-read books written by
Sayadaws (U Silananda, U Jotalankara)
Sayas (Des Rodgers)
Friends (U Aung Zaw).
They provided me copies of their books.
Book Presents
I received books from others. They include
“Life Journey of Maths Professor U Ba Toke” : autographed copy
U Ba Toke
“Myanmar in my life-time” by BBS U Khin Zaw — air mailed from Australia by U Wint Khin Zaw
Book by U Khin Zaw
Book honoring Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint — air mailed from Australia by Dr. TOKM
TOKM
Centennial for U Khin Maung Latt & Daw Khin Myo Chit — Two books by Junior Win
Books by U Ye Sint (former Editor of Dhammananda Newsletter) : His works; Pathan Dethana (Dhamma Dana by his siblings)
U Kesala (Chief Resident monk, Alodaw Pyie Monastery in Arizona) : Dhamma Q&A; Several other books
“Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho” by Shwe Ky May Hnin — Given to me at San Francisco Bay Area Talk
Book by Shwe Ku May Hnin
Books by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) —Collection of Poems; Collection of Articles
Saya Moe
Book by Saya U Nyunt Htay — Collection of Swel Daw Poems
RIT Poets
Books by Nyan Oo Maung (aka Mudita Shwe Kyaung Sayadaw U Nyanika)
Books by various sayadaws in Bay Area & beyond : Beelin Sayadaw, U Dhammapiya, U Gosita, Dhamma Bheri Sayadaw, Aung San Tat Oo Sayadaw, Thamanay Kyaw
Books by Dr. San Oo, Daw Than Yi and family
“Yahandar and Poke Ko Htoo Myar” by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing — in the 80’s for translating several of his “Dhamma Duta” articles
Books by Sayawun Tin Shwe — Given by his daughter Tyn Tyn Aye during her UCC studies
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar : U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin, Collection Bagan poems (by Zawgyi, translated by Ah May Thar).
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt believes in a revolving library. Gave me several books that he enjoyed reading.
8-8-88 by Dat Pone Htein Win — Received at 5th ILF
Books by Members of Professional Spakers Association (PSA) : Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing, Kaythri Kyaw …
Publications
Contributing Editor for “90th Anniversary Issue of the Founding of RUBC” (2013)
Wrote articles and/ or poems for
Guardian
Working People’s Daily
Forward Magazine
Veda Magazine
Pan Magazine
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
Encyclopedia
BAPS Newsletter
RIT Alumni Newsletter (Special issue for SPZP-2000)
Newsletter
“Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010
SDY Sar Saung
“Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for Shwe YaDu
SDY Magazine
U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for HMEE-2012.
CDs
Received raw and formal CDs and DVDs for the various RIT Gatherings.
In the beginning, there was no RIT and of course no BEs. There was only the BOC College [of Engineering], Rangoon University. Saya Ba Hli was the Dean of Engineering. The degree conferred was B.Sc. (Engg).
Saya Allen Htay remembers that the Dean wanted every engineering student to attend at least one common course with his/her senior batch. Thus, by the time one graduates, everyone will be familiar with three batches: one’s own, one senior, and one junior.
Then, for a brief period, there was BIT (B for Burma). In anticipation for the opening of more engineering institutes the name was changed to RIT R for Rangoon).
Feedback (by Saya Dr. Aung Soe): In the summer of 1961 BIT/RIT was born. It was also the time that I started my teaching career.
Several years back, RIT became YIT (Y for Yangon). Now, there’s an MIT (M for Mandalay) and an engineering branch of DSA. The latest name for RIT is YTU (Yangon Technological University).
It’s been a looong time since I had to sit at the last row [according to the seating plan — you cannot take the exams unless you have 75% attendance] of the “Surveying” course taught by Saya U Min Wun; the field work was supervised by Saya U Aung Soe. I noticed that I could no longer read the blackboard and became “four eyes”.
I started compiling a list of RIT alumni and ex-faculty after I received emails from Saya U Soe Paing (from UK, after his four month visit to Burma). See “Saya’s corner”.
I received encouraging words. Better still, a lot of people including Saya K C Chiu (ChE63), Saya U Myat Htoo (C68), Ko Aung Khin (EP68), Ko Tint Lwin (Danny, M69), Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69), Lei Lei Myaing (Amy, T70), Than Than Yi (T71). Saya Ko Thein Aung (James, Met 72), Ko San Lin (Robert, (EC 73), Ko Maurice Chee (M75), Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76), Ko Hla Kyi (EC77), Ko San Myint Thane (Sammy, EC79), Ko Aung Win Myint (Kevin, EC80), Ko Aung Myint Oo (EC84), Ko Yu Ket (Edward, EC85), Ko Nyunt Than (M86) contributed to the list. They have also become the de facto class reps.
On most Internet newsgroups, there are 20 – 100 readers for every writer. In our case, we have more contributors and active readers who provide useful feedback. The list has grown to 250+, and still growing.
I gained (or re-gained) contact with my Sayas (including Sayagyi U Min Wun and Saya Dr. Aung Soe), classmates, and schoolmates. Also, I learned that there have been semi-reunions and reunions in California, Singapore, Sydney, and Yangon.
I hope this newsletter will serve as a starting point for a “Virtual (world-wide) reunion” and also bring back fond memories. Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myat Htoo and Ko Tint Lwin (Danny) have promised to write in the forthcoming newsletters.
Feedback: The list has grown, within a day, to 280+.
SAYA’S CORNER
From UK, Saya U Soe Paing (EC) writes: During our recent visit to Burma, I saw Ko Tin Htut in Rangoon. He told us that Dr Aung Gyi would be visiting Burma. We managed to contact Dr Aung Gyi and we had a small get together at our house. The following came. Dr Aung Gyi and Ma Emma, Dr Khin Maung Win (Metallurgy) and Margaret, Ko Kyin Soe & Chit Chit, Ko Sein Win (Electrical Power), Soe Min (my classmate and ex Instructor in RIT) and Dr. Than Htaike (Chemical Engineering). Han Tin (Rector of the Institute of Education) was also there.
Played golf with Ko Maung Maung Than. He is now the advisor at the DSA Engineering college in Maymyo. They have appointed retired RIT sayas. S. Arya is one of them and I met him in town. Also saw Ko Thein Lwin in Rangoon and Ko Tu Myint & Myitzu in Singapore.
From Singapore, Saya U Tu Myint (Mech) writes: Thanks for the info. Nice to talk about the good old days. I think it’s a good idea to keep Old RIT Colleagues informed, especially when we are getting old. Awaiting for more news. Perhaps scan in some photos.
From Los Angeles (California), Sayagyi U Min Wun (Civil) writes: Ko Hla Min, what a surprise to get in touch with you again after such a long time. Sorry for this late response. My pc was disconnected from the Network after Y2K Remediation. Anyhow, my name has already been included in the Ex-RIT listing. Thanks for the long list. Please keep in touch.
From Chicago (Illinois), Saya Dr. Aung Soe (Civil) writes: Ko Hla Min: Thanks for the list. U Chin Way from LA passed away a few years ago. Aung Myint Thwin, one of my students, is in Singapore. I was told Aye Win Kyaw, ex civil staff, is also in Singapore. … Thanks for the photo [of the RIT Sayas; photo credit: Saw Yu Tint (Alice)]. With certainty I can name the followings: U Ba Than, U Sein Win, U San Tint, U Tin Maung
Saya U Soe Paing (EC) adds: Here are the names of the RIT Sayas in the picture:
Front row L to R: Ko Kyaw Thein(C) {picture not really clear}, Ko Shwe Yi (Tex), Ko Myo Kyi (E), Ko Sann Tint (E), Ko Sein Win (E), U Ba Than (M), U Sein Shan (Math), Ko Khin Maung (M), Ko Kyin Soe (Auto/Mech), Ko Ba Myint (E).
Back row L to R: Christopher Maung (C), S. Arya (M), U Kyaw (A), Ko Phone Myint (Workshop), Ko Soe Minn (E), Ko Tin Maung (C), Ko S. Kyaw Aye (M), Ko Han Tun (M), Ko Kyaw Sein I (M), Ko Kyi (M), Ko Soe Lwin (M), Ko Tin Win(C), Ko Kyaw Win (Mining or Petroleum).
ALUMNI NOTES
From Danville (California), Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) writes: I would like to make a proposition that I hope you will agree. Why don’t we organize an “Old RIT Colleagues/Graduates” get-together sometime in this Summer? Saya Allen Htay and myself were talking about it a couple of weeks ago. Actually, we have done a similar gathering of Civil Engineers in San Francisco about twelve years ago while Dr. Aung Gyi and Mama Emma were visiting us. I think it’s about time to have a gathering for RIT graduates of all principles. My suggestion is to do it in San Francisco since I think it has a biggest concentration of RIT graduates. We could ask U Nyo Win and Maurice Chee for their help. This is just my thought.
From Japan, Saya Dr. Myo Khin (Ci70) writes: You have done a great job for the RIT old boys and teachers. I’ve been in Japan for ten years already and doing the same job as teaching at the University. This coming October 1999, I will be attending the ACI fall convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Please say hello to all our friends and Sayas in the states.
From Singapore, Ko Tint Lwin (Danny) (M69) writes: We had a great 30th re-union of our 1969 RIT Graduates in Rangoon, Burma on Feb. 20, 1999. About 120 of the graduates and about 30 lecturers attended. We really had a great time. The organizers told us that starting from year 2000, our 1969 graduates would have a re-union dinner every last Saturday in December every year. That’s a good idea and we can pass the word around and we could try to plan our holidays accordingly.
From UK, Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) adds: There was a saya ga daw pwe (paying respects to the teachers) by the 1969 RIT graduates. We have pictures of the sayas and of course the RIT graduates.
From Benicia (California), Saya Ko Thein Aung (Met72) writes: I am so glad to read the message about our old teachers get together party in Burma. KC Chiu (ex-faculty, Chem), brother of Dr Aung Soe (C), had actively organized Dr Aung Gyi’s welcome party back in 1986 in Bay area and Saya U Aung Khin party last year. He is a founding member of BEA (Burmese Engineers Association) and also a Past President. He is preparing a list to send it to you.
From Vallejo (California), Saya Dr. KC Chiu (ChE63) writes: Ko Hla Min: I am impressed by the list you have assembled. I would like to suggest the followings: – delete the name of the deceased alumni – delete the Type column and use an * to identify ex-faculty – list the official name and put the name used in RIT as alias – except for some sayas, confirm the year of graduation from RIT (include BOC college, BIT, etc.) Attached is a list of RIT alumni in the US that come to my mind. Naturally, it will have some repeat in your list. We used to have an old list of RIT alumni in the bay area, I will try to find it. Thanks.
From UK, Ko Nyunt Aung (C73) writes: Dear U Hla Min, Thank you for sending me the list. It will be more helpful if you can provide us with more detail (i.e. full address, telephone nos & email address) so we can contact to those we knew. I do not know about the rest, but I am willing to include me details.
From Daly City (California), Gordon Kaung (M83) writes: I heard that you are compiling the e-mail info. of former RIT colleagues. It is very good idea and a clever way to keep in-touch one another. We can also discuss via e-mail to do good for our former school RIT including donating technical books and so on.
From Potomac (Maryland), Lei Lei Myaing (T70) writes: Special thanks to Ko Johnny for the compiling all information. I had the opportunity to take Sayas U Khin Maung Win and U Maung Maung Than sightseeing in Washington, D.C. when they visited the U.S. a few years ago. I also met Saya U Min Wun at a friend’s place in Virginia. Saya looked the same as before! I enjoyed seeing the former RIT list growing and getting to see the Sayas’ picture that Alice and Saya U Soe Paing sent. I am fortunate to see my former Textile and Chemical engineer friends whenever I visit Rangoon; the last gathering was at the Bon-Kyaung restaurant in Kokine. I also happened to bump into Alice at the Mingaladon airport!
Gone but not forgotten (GBNF)
Faculty U Sein Hlaing (Professor, Electrical) U Chin Way (Electrical) Alumni Ko Kyaw Oo (Mech 67) Duga Raj (Civil 68)
With metta, Hla Min
Editor’s Note:
I have completed 20 years as a volunteer editor of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter & Updates”. While I still have a reasonably good memory and good health, I am sharing my experience, knowledge and memories (especially of the Good Old Days). My postings can be found in (a) e-mails (b) Lifelonglearning140.wordpress.com (web site) (c) hlamin.com (web site) (d) RIT-update@Googlegroups (d) FB pages for (i) RIT Updates (ii) Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (iii) NorCal RITAA (iv) RIT69ers (v) Team Old School IT (vi) PBRS Group Special thanks to my family members who wholehearted support “Paying Back to my Alma Mater”.
Worked for Joint Venture Corporation (JVC) formed by relatives
Found an advertisement in a newspaper to apply for a Government Scholarship.
Selected to study Agricultural Engineering in USA
Received Masters from Virginia Tech
Came back to Burma on an Ocean Liner with Saya Allen Htay (GBNF), Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) & U Than Pe. They became close friends on the two-month long journey.
M/Agri Saya at RIT
Upon his return, he was assigned to Agricultural Institute in Yezin. Before reporting for duty, he visited RIT.
Sayagyi U Ba Than asked if he would like to join Agri Sub-Department of Mechanical Engineering. Sayagyi said that some students were not at ease following lectures given by visiting Soviet lecturers via interpreters.
President, RIT Thaing
Played Defender on RIT Saya Soccer team
Life after RIT
Worked in Thailand & USA
USA
Attended RIT Alumni Gatherings
U Tin Maung Nyunt 1
Donated $500 for the Training Component of YTU Library Modernization project.
U Tin Maung Nyunt’s Donation
He is a day older than Saya Allen. Their birthdays are December 30 & 31.
Monthly Breakfast Gathering with Saya Allen, U Ko Ko Aye, Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me. Saya Allen & U Ko Ko Aye are now GBNF.
U Tin Maung Nyunt & Saya Allen
Saya U Soe Paing visited him in Milpitas, California. We had a lunch gathering at a restaurant.
U Tin Maung Nyunt 2
He enjoyed Hiking & Tennis, but had to suspend due to Jara and Byadi
Volunteer for establishing Taungpulu Kaba Aye Monastery in Northern California.
He had operations (one quite early and another a few years back).
HlaMin 