HlaMin

Category: RIT

Engineering Schools in Burma

  • Unsung Heroes

    • Daw Pyone Pyone Oo and team interviewed selected sayas and sayamas for the “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar”.
    • U Htay Maung (M75) selected the Burmese fonts for use with the History project. He and his team transcribed Saya U Aung Hla Tun’s handwritten notes for word processing and type setting.
    • U Thant Zin (M82, GBNF), son of Saya U Sein Shan, volunteered not only for the History Project, but for the SDYF, SPZPs and the All Mechanical Gatherings.
    • U Moe Myint (M76), Daw Moh Moh Han (A77) and their ‘Pon Chan Chan” pals helped with the Entertainment Program of most SPZPs held in Singapore and Yangon.
    • Saya Dr. Soe Thein (C75) served as web master for the Singapore SPZP web site and the Singapore Civil Engineering web site. His son volunteered as a photographer or videographer.
    • Saya U Soe Myint (Min83) served as Joint Secretary for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016. As Patron of RIT Buddhist Association, he helped compile Ovada of the sayas and sayamas.

  • Mementos

    Kyauk Si Bagyee
    Tee Shirt
    Mug
    Mug

    SPZP-2000

    Hosts

    • RIT Alumni International
    • Led by Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
    • Benny Tan (M70, Co-Chair, Working Committee)
    • Maurice Chee (M75, Co-Chair, Working Committee)
    • Khin Maung Zaw (EC76, Webmaster, RIT web site)
    • Hla Min (EC69, Content Provider of web site, Chief Editor of RIT Alumni Newsletter)
    • …

    Golden Sponsors

    • Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70, Southern California)
    • Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70, Northern California)
    • Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69, New Jersey)
    • David Ko (Tin Myint, M67, Northern California, GBNF)
    • Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas)
    • Thanks to many other Donors — Large or Small, Young or Old, Far or Near, Cash or Kind

    Memorabilia

    • SPZP Banner : Designed by Benny Tan
      Handed over to Daniel Tint Lwin (M69, on behalf of Singapore Alumni)
    • Kyauk Si Bagyee : Ordered by Maurice Chee
      Present for senior sayas and sayamas
      The rest put up for Fundraising Sale
    • Mug : Designed by Benny Tan
      Present for most (if not all) attendees
    • Tee Shirt : Designed by Benny Tan
      Present for all sayas and sayamas
      Present for SPZP-2000 Volunteers
      The rest put up for Fundraising Sale
    • Calculator/Clock : Designed by Benny Tan
      Present for senior sayas and sayamas
    • Bio of Sayas :
      Compiled by Thein Aung (James, Met72)
    • RIT Alumni International Newsletter :
      Chief Editor : Hla Min
      Associate Editors : Thein Aung, Henry Lim

    SPZP and Reunion Dinner

    • Embassy Suites Hotel
    • San Francisco
    • October 28, 2000
    • Saya Dr. Aung Gyi (Keynote)
    • Saya U Ba Toke (Speech & Blessings)
    • Saya U Aung Khin (Speech)
    • Saya U Myo Myint Sein (Speech)
    • Saya U Min Wun (Speech)
    • Entertainment
      Band
      Sayas and Alumni

    Pre and Post Gatherings

    • October 27, 2000
      Welcoming Sayas and Alumni at Seafood Restaurant in San Mateo
    • October 29, 2000
      Farewell Brunch at a High School in Daly City

    Comments

    • Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) was a Core Organizer of SPZP-2000.
      He designed and implemented the inaugural RIT web site and set up special web pages for SPZP-2000.
      He posted two memorabilia from SPZP-2000.
    • Ko Benny used part of Steeve Kay’s donation to order his designs for RIT mug, RIT tee shirt, RIT calculator/clock and SPZP banner.
      I still wear the RIT tee shirt posted by KMZ.
    • Ko Maurice ordered RIT Kyauk Si Bagyee.
      Several were given to sayas.
      The rest were sold for fund raising.
      I bought one.
      KMZ posted a photo of his.
    • Ko Thein Ngwe posted a photo taken in from of the RU Burmese Department Library.
      Myanmar Sar Mi Thar Su erected a bust of Saya U Pe Maung Tin (Founder of the Department and mentor of Theikpan Maung Wa, Zawgyi and Minthuwun).
    • I love history.
    • I was a Docent of the Computer History Museum.
    • I was a member of HMEE-2012 project.
      Ko Ohn Khine and I compiled the CD supplement of the HMEE book.
    • I have served for 22+ years as Founder / Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
    • I posted 64 Countdown to the Reunion and 36 Post Reunion for SPZP-2000.
    • I have archived and updated many posts about my alma mater, mentors, colleagues and friends.
    • Time is running out.
    • Please help compile both informal and formal history of our alma mater via photos, essays, and videos.
    • Together we can preserve the glory of the Good Old Days and the Sad Dark Days.
    • Wishing all of you a prosperous and Happy New Year.

    Gathering hosted by Steeve Kay
    Newsletter
    Organizers
  • A69

    A69

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    B.Arch grads class of ‘69

    Convocation on 10th January 1970.

    Rangoon Institute of Technology.

    Saw Tobias Kittim Ku (GBNF), Kyaw Kyaw, Thwin Thwin Aye Hmi, Myo Tun, Aung Khin, Thet Tun.

    LtoR – Saya U Sai Yee Leik (GBNF), Saw Tobias Kittim Ku (GBNF), Thet Tun, Saya U Maung Maung Hpone Myint, Myo Tun.

  • Talented Engg and CS Students

    Photo from August 2017

    In August 2017, RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association and several donors — including U Khin Maung Tun (President, SDYF), U Tin Oo (EC92), U Aung Myaing (ChE72) and Daw Gyn Yu (ChE72) — honored not only the YTU students but also Computer Science & Technology students for their success in an International Competition.

  • Dr. Chit Swe

    Highlights

    Dr. Chit Swe, Daw Khin Khin Latt and two youngest sons
    Dr. Chit Swe & Daw Khin Khin Latt
    Dr. Chit Swe
    Dr. Chit Swe at Pu Zaw Pwe
    Dr. Chit Swe with UCC alumni in Sydney
    Dr. Chit Swe with UCC Donlaba
    • Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe is a Pioneer of Computer Systems, Education and Applications in Burma.
    • He founded Universities’ Computer Center (UCC).
    • He retired as Rector of Rangoon Arts and Science University (RASU).
    • He continued teaching and supervising graduate students in Thailand and Australia.
    • He passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia in November 2019.

    Sayagyi’s Family

    • Sayagadaw Daw Khin Khin Latt,
    • Five children (Dr. Daw Moe Thu, U Thu Ta, Dr. Kyaw Thu, Dr. Swe Latt, U Chit Khin)
    • Seven grandchildren and
    • Three great grand children

    Dr. Chit Swe and Daw Khin Khin Latt fondly named their younger sons as Swe Latt and Chit Khin.

    Obituary

    Soon Kwyay

    In memory of Saya, soon kwyay was offered in Sydney, Australia and Pyinmana, Myanmar

    Soon Kwyay in Sydney
    Soon Kyway in Ela
    Thanks from the family

    Condolences

    Hundreds (and may be Thousands) have expressed their sadness for the loss of Sayagyi in the newspapers and in the Facebook pages.

    The following is a sampling.

    U Ba Than (M.A., Retired Director General, Thuwanna), Saya Chit’s classmate in 1947 at the first I.Sc.(A) class offered at Mandalay University and was a fellow teacher, is saddened by the loss of “Ko Chit Swe”.

    Thin Char Mi Thar Su of the University of Yangon is indebted to Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe for his dedication to the dissemination of Mathematics

    Myanmar Naing Gan Thin Char Ah Thinn offers condolences to the family members of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (Retired Rector) and Sayagyi U Aung Sein (Retired Associate Professor)

    ex-UCC Mi Tha Su (UCC Alumni) expresses their sorrow to the Founder of Computers and Computer Education in Burma. Members from Myanmar and beyond (e.g. Singapore, USA, Australia) can never forget Sayagyi and his passion for transforming his students from good to better and great professionals, educators, researchers, and socially responsible citizens of the world.

    U Win Thein (Padamyar Winhtein) has updated Wikipedia to include Saya’s pioneering work.

    Saya U Aung Zaw (AZ) spent five decades or so under the tutelage of Saya Chit. He organized mini-PZPs for Saya Chit. I attended one gathering in 2006.

    UCSY Facebook page remembers Saya as the pioneer Saya for Computer Education in Burma / Myanmar.

    I have honored my mentor Saya Chit in my newsletter, Facebook pages and my personal websites hlamin.com and lifelonglearning140.wordpress.com

    Saya Dr. Khin Maung Win wrote about Sayagyi in moemaka

    Sayama Daw Si Si also wrote about Sayagyi.

    Thanks from the Family

    The Family could not reply individually to the condolence messages.

    Interviews

    Sayagyi’s son Dr. Swe Latt has posted videos / links of Sayagyi’s interviews in

    • Sydney, Australia
    • Yangon, Myanmar
      Broadcast as part of the RU Centennial Celebrations

  • 2019 Gatherings

    • Before the pandemic, 69ers used to have Monthly Breakfast Gatherings usually at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose Restaurant).
    • Some 69ers offered to host the Gathering to celebrate their Anniversaries, Birthdays …
    • U Aung Min (M69, Chair of 69er HCF) is a Core Organizer of the 69er activities including the Annual Dinner Gatherings and the Golden Jubilee Celebrations
    • Over 40% of the class are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).

  • RITAA

    Overview

    During the Adhamma Era, many associations (especially student and alumni organizations) were not allowed.

    With the dawning of the Pwint Linn Era, RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association was allowed to register, but many alumni were not aware of the association and its objectives. Only a few actively participated in the formative events. There was virtually no fund to operate.

    Then, things started to click.

    The office space for the Alumni Association was provided by YTU

    Donations — large and small — were received (mostly for the YTU Library Modernization Project which is a requirement for the Accreditation)

    Membership (Life membership for K60000) grew.

    Saya’s Corner was established.

    Staff and Volunteers helped with the regular and ad hoc projects

    Young alumni came forward to help with the leadership

    U Wynn Htain Oo’s post

    His post is based on RITAA Report. I provided annotations.

    • Alumni Association is a requirement to get YTU accredited.
    • First step to establish RITAA started in March 2016 with the help of YTU Management and the Organizers of Shwe YaDu Celebration
    • Drafting and approval of Bye Law
    • Implementation Committee
    • Interaction with MEC
    • Visit by evaluators from Asian Pacific Engineering Association
    • Role in SPZP-2016 Planning and Implementation
    • Registration
    • Criteria for the accreditation of Post graduate courses
    • 2018 Graduates to be assessed by Asia Pacific Engineering Association
    • Fund raising for YTU Library Modernization
    • Travel grant for staff to undergo Library Training in Singapore
    • Trying to fulfill requirements for Accreditation
    • Financial aid for eligible needy YTU students
    • Teacher’s Corner (for recreation)
    • Finding donors to support RIT athletic associations
    • Finding donors to support Maker Space (of YTU Student Union)

    Commitment

     U Myo Aye (President, RITAA) donated K5 Lakhs for the Fund to pay salary to RITAA employees.

    U San  Kyu (Vice President), U Aung Khaing (General Secretary), U Kaung Myat Soe (Joint Secretary), and U Maung Maung Than (Joint Auditor) donated K2 Lakhs each.

    Fund 

  • U Win Maung

    Rowing medal by Lake Win Maung

    U Win Maung (T70, USA)

    • He is from the Class of 69. He contracted TB and had to take a year off.
    • His friends call him “A Yo Phaya”.

    U Win Maung (George Tun, UBA)

    • He is from the Class of 69. He left RIT before graduation to get License in the field of Aviation Maintenance from the UK.
    • His younger sister is Sayama Daw Khin Swe Aye (Winnie, ChE70).
    • His friends call him “Lake”.
    • He represented RIT in rowing, swimming and water polo. He is a Back Stroke specialist. He completed Inya Lake cross lake (2000 meters) using Back Stroke.
    • During my visits to Yangon, he provided me transportation.

    U Win Maung (SPHS63)

    • He was a Boarder.
    • He played in the School Band.

    U Win Maung (De La Salle)

    • I met him when he was in the San Francisco Bay Area.
    • He was a member of BADA.
    • His younger sister is Dr. Agatha (IM1 79er).

    Mahn Win Maung (President)

    • He was the Third President of the Union of Burma. He was detained on March 2, 1962 by the Revolutionary Council which staged a Coup d’etat.
    • He had a few misfortunes : one with a parachute jump and another during a horse ride.

    U Win Maung (Soccer)

    • He played for the Burma soccer team.

    U Win Maung (Zat Mintha)

    • He is a younger son of Shwe Mann Tin Maung.

    U Win Maung (Min Yu Way)

    • He is a distinguished writer and publisher.
    • In primary school, I received the translation of Aesop’s Fables
      (by Min Yu Way and Ngwe Tar Yi) as a prize.

  • Sayas S. Arya and S. Kyaw Aye

    by Saya U Tin Myint (M80)

    အာအိုင်တီ ကျောင်းနေဖက်တွေနဲ့ ဒီနေ့လုပ်ဖြစ်တဲ့ ကုသိုလ်လေးများ

    အသက် ၈၆ နှစ် ရှိနေပြီဖြစ်တဲ့ Mr S Arya ကို အိမ်တိုင်ရာရောက်သွားကန်တော့။

    ဆရာကြီးက home made ginger tea နဲ့ ပါပလာကြော်ရယ် နာမည်မခေါ်တတ်တဲ့ နန်တစ်မျိုးရယ်ကျွေးပါတယ်၊ အဖွဲ့သားများ အားပါးတစ်ရ အားပေးခဲ့ကြပါတယ်။

    ပြီးတော့…

    အသက် ၇၈ နှစ် ရှိနေပြီဖြစ်တဲ့ Mr. S. Kyaw Aye ကို အိမ်တိုင်ရာရောက် သွားကန်တော့။

    ဆရာတစ်ယောက် ၃၅၀,၀၀၀ စီ ကန်တော့နိုင်ပါတယ်။

    Notes

    Dr. Myint Thein (M73) wrote about Saya Arya and his memorable accent.

    Saya S. Kyaw Aye is the brother of our classmate Adbul Raof (EP69).

    Saya Arya passed away on the morning of March 13, 2021.

  • Alumni

    Latin terms

    There are four terms to describe students

    • alumnus : former male student
    • alumni : former male students
    • alumna : former female student
    • alumnae : former female students

    The students may or may not graduate from the school.

    Current usage

    The term “alumni” covers all former students.

    Most universities have

    • alumni organization
    • alumni building
    • department to support alumni activities
    NorCal RITAA

    NorCal RITAA

    It is an alumni organization based in Northern California. For several years before the pandemic, NorCal RITAA provided scholarship to eligible YTU students.

    RITAA

    It stands for RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association.
    It is also known as ARITAA.

    It provided support for Yangon SPZPs and the YTU Library Modernization Project.

    Life membership costs 60,000 Kyats.