Category: RIT

Engineering Schools in Burma

U Ba Than’s Classmates

U Ba Than, Dr. Kyaw Aung and U Lin Thein Maung

On 16 Aug 2018, Dr U Kyaw Aung, Consultant Radiologist, RGH (Retired) and U Lin Thein Maung, Myanmar Navy (Retired) were invited by Sayagyi U Ba Than to have a mini-gathering at Winner Inn.

They were 2nd Standard Classmates of U Tin U and U Ba Than in 1941 at Diocesan Boys’ School, Pagoda Rd, Rangoon.

U Win Thein Maung, twin brother of U Lin Thein Maung, is GBNF.

May 10, 2025
U Ba Than’s Classmates

U Ba Than, Dr. Kyaw Aung and U Lin Thein Maung

On 16 Aug 2018, Dr U Kyaw Aung, Consultant Radiologist, RGH (Retired) and U Lin Thein Maung, Myanmar Navy (Retired) were invited by Sayagyi U Ba Than to have a mini-gathering at Winner Inn.

They were 2nd Standard Classmates of U Tin U and U Ba Than in 1941 at Diocesan Boys’ School, Pagoda Rd, Rangoon.

U Win Thein Maung, twin brother of U Lin Thein Maung, is GBNF.

May 10, 2025
HMEE-2012
Team
- Saya U Aung Hla Tun (Team leader)
- Pyone Pyone Oo
- Ohn Khine
- Aung Moung (GBNF)
- Nay Myo Naing
- Tin Tun Aung
- Swe Than
- Htay Maung
- Hla Win
- Thi Ha Latt
- Thant Zin
- Hla Min (USA)
HMEE-2012 (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) was published in time for SPZP-2012. I was a member of the team.

The pictures were taken at a meeting for HMEE-2012.

HMEE-2012 Team

Due to resource constraints, some topics were deferred for a follow up project. Several articles and photos were compiled by U Ohn Khine (M70) and me for CD supplement for the book.

U Aung Hla Tun

Saya U Aung Hla Tun (Met) is a National Literary Award winner. He led the team for HMEE-2012. He will also lead the follow up project HMEE-2018.

Saya is a Resident Elder at the Holy Cross Church on Inya Road.

The members and volunteers for HMEE-2018 are requested to attend the meeting.

Dear Sir,

You are cordially invited to attend and discuss at 2nd meeting for HMEE part 2

21/7/2018 [Saturday] 15:30

at Holy Cross Church,104 Inya Road.

With regards,

Thant Zin (M82)

HMEE
May 10, 2025
History Book
Saya U Aung Hla Tun
- Saya retired from the RIT Metallurgy Department as Associate Professor.
- He served as Chief Editor of the RIT Annual Magazines.
- He won the National Literary Award.
- He headed the HMEE-2012 project and published the book “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar”.
Book

Supplementary CD
- Saya was offered by Swel Daw Yeik Foundation to undergo the Annual Medical Checkup in 2012.
- Saya is an Elder at the Holy Cross Church in Inya Lake. Saya hosted several HMEE-2012 and HMEE-2018 meetings at his office.
HMEE-2012

HMEE-2012 Team

HMEE-2018
May 10, 2025
HMEE-2018

H.E. U Khin Maung Cho (M73) donated books covering the history of selected plants and factories to Myanmar Engineering Council (MEC) and HMEE-2018 project.

U Charlie Than, President of MEC, handed over the books to the HMEE-2018 project led by Saya U Aung Hla Tun.

HMEE-2012

Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team compiled a History Book in 2012. The sayas attending SPZP-2012 received the Book. Some books were put on sale. Some books were given to YTU and selected libraries.

Due to time and resource constraints, the HMEE-2012 project was scoped.

HMEE-2018

HMEE-2018 project will revise the History Book published in 2012, and will also compile additional books to cover the topics that were deferred by the HMEE-2012 project.

MEC has pledged support for HMEE-2018 project.

The alumni associations and/or interested alumni groups overseas (e.g. Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe and USA) are requested to provide photos and articles about their activities and some write up of the achievements of the sayas and alumni in their country/region.

May 10, 2025
BSCE
b.c.s.e
- B.S.C.E stands for Burmese Society of Civil Engineers
Article
- The article was published in the RUESU (Rangoon University Engineering Student Union) Annual Magazine.
- It was scanned by Saya U Soe Paing and volunteers for the “History of Myanmar Engineering Education (HMEE) prject.
- Saya U Kyit In (U Min Wun) received BSCE from MIT and MSCE from Cornell University.
  He retired as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering, and moved to USA.
Article from RUESU Annual Magazine

Article from RUESU Annual Magazine

Saya U Min Wun
- Three brilliant Engineering students — U Min Wun, U Aung Gyi and U Maung Maung Than — from Rangoon University were sent as the first batch of State Scholars to study in the prestigious universities in the USA under the “Twinning Program” proposed by Sayagyi U Ba Hli and supported by Professor Horowitz (MIT).
- Upon return from the USA, U Min Wun was appointed Assistant Lecturer along with U Aung Gyi.
- They became Lecturers a year later.
- Saya retired from RIT as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering.
- Saya moved to the USA.
- He worked at CalTrans (California Transportation) till he reached the age of 80.
May 10, 2025
Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins
This is a supplement to the post named “Talents”.

RIT has an active “Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn”.

The list is not exhaustive.
- Zat Sayas
- Composers
- Musicians
- Vocalists
- Minthas
- Minthamees
- Lu Shwin Daws
- Background setting, lightning, sound
- Authors (including Laureate Poets)
- Cartoonists
Zat Sayas
- Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
- Saya U Saw Tun (Saw Lu)
- Saya Dr. Taing Oke (Yin Maung)
- U Toee Maung (Ko Toee — Myit Che)
- U Than Po
- U Myint San (Tet Tu)
- U Aung Kyaw Myint (Ba Kyaw)
Composers (and Lyricists)
- Saya U Thet Lwin (Maung Ngwe Hlinne)
- U Khin Maung Toe
- U Ye Lwin (Mizzima Hlinne)
- U Than Po
- Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
- Maung Sein Win (Padeegone)
Musicians
- U Kyaw Oo (Piano)
- U Tin Tun (Piano)
- Daw Cho Cho (Piano)
- U Than Po (Pattala)
- U Myint San (Pattala)
- U Yu Swan (Don Min)
- Shwe Zin Ma (Saung)
- U Tin Maung Aye (Accordion)
- U Than Myaing (Violin?)
- U Tin Aung Moe (Bass Guitar)
- Myanmar Saing Waing (let by Htet Arkar)
- Khit Thit (Modern music) Group
Vocalists
- Singapore Pon Chan Chan Group
- M72 U2 Group
- Swel Daw Yeik Troupe
- Performers on Main Stage (Lu Gyi Sin)
- Performers on Other Stage (Lu Nge Sin)
Minthas and Minthamees

See Photo for the latest group

Three or more generations starting with those who performed at the 1970 Rangoon University Golden Julibee, the several SPZPs and the fresher group.

Lushwin Daws
- U Kyaw Htin (Chee Hte Nu Nu Kyaw) and group
- U La Min and group
- U Myint Pe (Seik Kyee) and group
- U Myint San (Tet Tu) and group
- Awbar and group
Authors
- Saya U Aung Hla Tun
- Saya U Moe Aung and his proteges (who worked on the commemorative Sar Saungs and Magazines)
- Saya Dr. Taing Oke
- Maung Sein Win (Padeegone)
- Daw Cho Cho Tin (Ma Sandar)
- U Kyaw Oo (C71) : Award winning author
Cartoonists
- Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (“Phone Ko”)
- Saya U Aung Myint (“Kyant Ba Hone”)
- U Myint Pe
- Four generations of “RIT Cartoon Box” maintainers and contributors
- Aw Pi Kye
- Joker
- Maung Yit
May 10, 2025
U Khin Aung Kyi
Brief Bio
- Born of parents U San Shwe and Daw Than Tin in 1933
- Attended the East Rangoon Methodist School in Rangoon
- Matriculated in 1949 from East Rangoon Methodist
  Stood Seventh in the First Division
  Received the Collegiate Scholarship awarded by the Government.
- Attended I.Sc (A) and I.Sc (B) in (1949 and 1950).
- Continued to study in BOC College of Engineering
  Took Mechanical Engineering.
- Upon completion of Second year Mechanical Engineering,
  he was selected as a Government sponsored Scholar in the Spring of 1954
  at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA.
- Completed the Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1956.
- Received his Masters of Science Degree also in Chemical Engineering in 1957.
  In his Masters course he was enrolled in the coveted Chemical Engineering Practice School.
- Went back to Burma in 1957
- Appointed Lecturer and Head of Department in Chemical Engineering.
- In 1959 he married Daw Mya Mya Than, daughter of U Sein Nyo and Daw Than Yin.
- Appointed full Professorship in 1966
- Promoted to Rectorship in 1977.
- Very active as a consultant from the academia in the design and construction of the two fertilizer plants (Sale and Kyun Chaung); the Sittang Paper Mill and other various state owned chemical plants.
- Retired from the Rector’s position in 1988.
- Because of his passion for teaching he could not stay retired for long and continued working in Thailand at the Rangsit University as a Professor. He is the only foreigner accepted in the Thai Institute of Chemical Engineering.
- Passed away in 2020
Editor’s Notes

For SPZP-2012, Saya U Khin Aung Kyi gave an interview.
- Chemical Engineering courses were initially offered with contract sayas from India.
- When the then newly minted Saya taught, there was “testing of nerves” by some students.
- After Saya mentioned that an Indian saya would be brought in if the noisy atmosphere persists.
  That solved the problem.
May 10, 2025
Awards
August 2016

Birthday Soon Kway

Birthday Greetings
- Ko Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, Ko Maurice Chee in August 2016.
- He prepared electronic and hard copy of the birthday wishes.
- 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 Sayas and Alumni in US and Canada
- Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend the soonkyway, but he requested Ko Maurice Chee to donate a food dish for him and his family.
  Sayagyi’s message was read by Ko Maurice.
- Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the appreciation award at Half Moon Bay soonkwyay and gathering (August 2016).
From NorCal RITAA Dinner in December 2016

Alumni Appreciation Award from NorCalRITAA

The award was signed by
- Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair, BOD)
- U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon Kaung, M83, President)
- U Thaung Nyunt (M87, Secretary)
Saya U Myat Htoo presented the award to me at the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner, 2016.

From SPHS in 1963

Collegiate Scholarship winners from SPHS in 1963

There were seven Paulians in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
- 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 and Malaysia) – 4th
- Dr. Thein Wai (Migrated to USA after graduation) – 5th
- U Hla Min (Retired Software Engineer) – 7th
- Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Cardiologist) – 9th
- U Maung Maung Kyi (Dip Ing, Retiree in Wales, GBNF) – 11th
- U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69, GBNF) – 13th
- Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Retired Doctor in UK) – 17th
From Toastmasters International

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)
From my Life Savers

Coffee mug with photos

My beloved grandchildren gave me a present for Grand Father’s Day.

Drawings

On several occasions

Books

For writing, translating, editing or proof-reading

I edited or proof-read some books written by
- Sayadaws (U Silananda, U Jota)
- Sayas (Saya Des Rodgers) and
- Friends (Saya U Aung Zaw).
  
  They provided me copies of their books.
Book Presents

I also received copies from others. They include
- “Myanmar in my life-time”
  Book by BBS U Khin Zaw
  air mailed from Australia by U Wint Khin Zaw
- Book honoring Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint
  air mailed from Australia by Dr. TOKM
- Centennial for U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit
  Two books given by Junior Win, twin sister of Maung Yit
- Books by U Ye Sint (former Editor of Dhammanda 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”
  Book by Shwe Ky May Hnin
  Given to me at the San Francisco Bay Area Talk
- Books by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
  Collection of Poems
  Collection of Articles
- Book by Saya U Nyunt Htay
  Collection of Swel Daw Poems
- Books by Nyan Oo Maung
  Currently known as “Mudita Shwe Kyaung Sayadaw U Nyanika
- Books by various sayadaws in the Bay Area and beyond
  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”
  Book by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing
  (in the 80’s for translating several of his “Dhamma Duta” articles)
- Books by Sayawun (Dr.) 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
  Book by Dat Pone Htein Win
  Given at 5th ILF in Mandalay
- Books by Members of Professional Spakers Association (PSA)
  Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing
  Kaythri Kyaw
  …
Magazines

Editor for “90th Anniversary Issue of the Founding of RUBC” (2013)

Wrote poems and articles for
- RIT Alumni International Newsletter (for SPZP-2000)
- “Swel Daw Yeik Sarsaung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010
- “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu”
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.
May 10, 2025
Dedication
- Many years ago, I asked a journalist how he could write a weekly column.
  He replied, “As long as one have friends and there are things to see, it’s not difficult to write even daily.”
- I started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in 1989.
  I asked at least three times if someone wanted to take over as the volunteer messenger, writer and editor. Even my fiercest critics would not step up.
- I have completed 22 years of my service to my alma mater, mentors and colleagues.
  The smiles on the faces of my former teachers, and occasional pat on the back by my colleagues give me “second wind” and the energy to “go the extra mile.”
- During a visit to Yangon, I spent three days writing “Memories of UCC.”
  My former student called, “You should take time off and enjoy your stay in Burma. You can continue writing when you get back to the USA. I suggest that you should spend two nights and three days in Bagan. She pledged air ticket and hotel stay as Garawa.”
  It was my second trip to the ancient city.
  Things have changed a lot since my quick trip to Bagan and Nyaung Oo many years ago.
- Upon my return to the USA, I started writing Trivia posts based on what I learned from my Thin Saya, Myin Saya and Kyar Saya.
- I was happy when I hit the 100 mark, then 500, 1000 and 1500.
- Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (SPHS60, Sixth in Burma) added memories of his father, uncles and aunts.
  I learned more about the seven siblings : U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Myint, U Myint Thein, Dr Htin Aung, Daw Khin Mya Mu, Daw Khin Saw Mu and Daw Tin Saw Mu.
  I also learned about Dr. TOKM’s former students who are Professors and talented writers.
- Dr. Nyunt Wai (SPHS63, Fourth in Burma) added many entries to the “Names” series.
  He added the names of medical professionals, artists, writers, and statesmen.
- Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63, First in Burma) shared his writings on Dhamma teachings and Medical Research.
- Dr. Richard Yu Khin (MEHS61, SEAP Gold Medalist) wrote about swimmers and the Japanese coach.
  He also shared photos :
  MEHS 61,
  University Athletes who represented Burma in 2nd SEAP Games
  RU Pagan Road Residents.
  He has two FB pages.
  One is about Sailing. He won Gold for Yachting.
  Another is about his former classmates, neighbors, Economics, …
- I paraphrased several posts from RITAA, NorCal RITAA, SDYF.
- The GBNF posts — old and new — have the most hits.
- Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote : Please keep on writing
- Thein Swe (GBNF, RIT 3rd BE Luyechun) wrote : I appreciate your writing and thanks a lot for it.
May 10, 2025