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
He also gave an interview for MASTAA
UCC Gathering at Saya’s House
SP 2
Lovely Couple
SP 3
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe
SP 4
RIT alumni in Singapore
With U Tu Myint, Daniel Tint Lwin, James Than With U Tint Swe & Vilma Khaing
Visit to California
With Saya U Tin Mg Nyunt, U & Mrs. Hla MinWith U & Mrs. Tin Mg Nyunt
UCC Gathering at MICT Park
With UCC Alumni
Leaving for UN Assignment
At Mingalardon airport
ICST Pu Zaw Pwe
U Thein Oo, Dr. Pike Tin, Saya U Soe Paing, U Hla Min, Dr. Kyaw Thein
Some are unfortunate to lose one or both parents in their youth.
Some are fortunate to have one or both parents in their 90’s and beyond.
A few had a parent over 100.
Mother of Ivan Lee (M69)
Ivan is a Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 & SPZP-2007. He is an early supporter of the first RIT web site. He is a major donor for the 69er Health Care Fund.
He lost his father when he was young. His mother raised the children and also managed to stay healthy beyond the Century mark.
Ivan e-mailed us when his mother turned 100. It had the birthday card sent to his mother from the 43rd US President George W. Bush.
Ivan e-mailed again when his mother turned 101. It had the birthday card sent to his mother from the 44th US President Barack Obama.
We heard sad news from Ivan the following year. His mother passed away at the age of 102. She was alert until the final days. She played two hours of Mah Jong daily.
Let Oo Saya လက်ဦးဆရာ
I am fortunate to have parents who lived beyond 80, but not fortunate enough to have them around to see and appreciate my posts.
My Parents
My beloved mother
She lost her mom a few days after her birth. She made up for her loss by giving her metta (unbounded love) and cetana to the children and grandchildren. She kept a list of all the birthdays and anniversaries, and would be usually the first to wish. Even though she had maids, she would get up early & prepare breakfast for us. She also supervised the homework of her children, nephews and nieces.
I paid homage to her in my Newsletter & Updates for SPZP-2000.
My beloved father
My beloved father
He was a youth when he was given only three months more to live by the then best doctors in Rangoon. He had a Near Death Experience. His younger brothers cried thinking that he had died.
My dad told his brothers : “I was walking happily along a bund when a holy man stopped me and said, “Young man, you have to do sasana work. Do not go beyond this point.” Sensing that I was reluctant to end my walk, the man pushed me.”
Luckily, an indigenous medicine man named “Ga Doke Saya Gyi” treated my dad and even parted some of his medical knowledge.
He built pagodas starting with Dat Paung Zon Aung Min Gaung Pagoda (ဓာတ်ပေါင်းစုံအောင်မင်းခေါင်စေတီ). His photo hangs in the Hall along with his grandparents who who bought the land where the pagoda was built.
He also helped renovate pagodas.
I paid homage to him in my Newsletter & Updates for SPZP-2000.
My parents
My parents
During my school days, they gave me 25 pyas as pocket money. They wanted to make sure that I study hard. They would give bonus prizes only when I excelled in the exams.
They provided us :
Remington English typewriter
Olympia Burmese typewriter
Dictionaries
Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan (Encyclopedia)
Reader’s Digest Magazine & Books
Student’s Companion
A book for Idioms
Grammar : Wren and Martin
King’s English : Fowler & Fowler
How and Why
Fun with Mathematics
Classics Illustrated
Junior Classics Illustrated
Bedin : Saya Maukဆရာမောက်
Palmistry : Cheiro
History : Second World War
Sports equipment
Bicycle
Scooter
Car
My Myees
My beloved parents would have smiled to hear my grand daughter say, “Who’s your doctor? What happened?” after I returned from a clinic. She added, “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you. I love you.”
Two lovely grand children
She must have inherited the loving kindness of her great grand parents.
She won the Super Reader and Scholastic Achievement Awards. She loves Swimming, Soccer, Basketball, Singing, Playing music, Dancing and Painting.
My grand son is athletic. He plays competitive Soccer. He loves Cycling, Kung Fu, Basketball, Swimming, Piano and Video Games. He is sociable.
Poem and Song
I would like to share a poem and a variant of a song that I learnt in my youth.
Father (Poem)
Be kind to your father For when you were young Who loved you as friendly as he He caught the first accent That fell from your tongue And joined in the heavenly glee.
Be kind to your father For now he is old His hair intermingled with grey His footsteps are feeble Once fearless and bold Your father is passing away.
The version that we learned at school use archaic words like Thee, Thou, Thy and Locks. I have replaced them by the current usage : You, You, Your and Hair.
Mother (Song)
M is for the mercy she possesses O means only that she’s growing old T is for her tender sweet caresses H is for her heart of purest gold E means every thing she’s done to save me R means right and right she’ll always be
Put them all together They spell MOTHER A word that means a world to me.
M is for the million things she gave me O means that I owe her all I owe T is for the tears she shed to raise me H is for the hands that touch and hold E means every thing she taught me R means rare and special she’ll always be
Put them all together They spell MOTHER A word that means a world to me.
In some countries, there is Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
For us, everyday is Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Parent’s Day.
Dear beloved parents, I’m sure you will be in the good abodes. I want to thank you for your unbounded love and for your belief “Every thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well”.
Attended Hwa Kyone. Sponsored publication of Hwa Kyone Centennial Magazine
Attended GTI briefly
Took Language Courses
Matriculated with Distinctions in Maths, Physics & Chemistry.
Admitted to 1st BE in Nov 1964 with Roll No. 8
Graduated with Electrical Communications in 1970
Moved to USA
Successful careers as IC Designer, CEO of QTC, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Never forgot his Roots, Alma Mater, Mentors & Motherland. He sang “Shwe Mi” at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Special Name
An administrator entered the name as Steeve (instead of Steve). He appreciated the name for being special.
Education
MS from Stanford University
MBA from Pepperdine University
Work & Experience
S 1S 2S 3S 4
Electronics Engineer : Designer of Power IC Chip
Co-founder & CEO, QTC Management : His sister Dr. Lay Kay had patents for processing disability claims & requested Steeve to found QTC.
After private investors showed interest in his company, he retired but continued to lead a multiple-purpose career
Visiting places of the world’s leading religions
Incubating projects of young professionals
Supporting education (e.g. as trustee of UC Irvine & selected Colleges)
Maintaining diverse business portfolio
Helping those in need (via Kay Family Foundation & CABA)
Continue paying back the metta & cetana of his mentors as Golden Sponsor of RIT Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwes, Helen and Steeve Kay Health Care Fund for the RIT Sayas and Sayamas.
From the SPZP-2000 Archives
RIT Poet Laureate Ko Hla Min:
I must admit that I was suffering from a Monday morning “hangover”, having been intoxicated with emotional overdose over the reunion weekend [in October 2000].
Judging from the post-reunion emails I read, I am not alone. What a reunion!
By all measures, it was a success and did satisfy the alumni’s tremendous pent-up desire to reconnect with each other after many decades of separation. The dedication of the members of the organizing committee is second to none.
With the assistance of his lovely wife, Benny Tan devoted practically full-time to this project for several months. I had a first-hand experience to see how meticulous he was when he was designing the RIT T-shirt. It came out a winner!
I do appreciate the sensitivity the organizing committee displayed in making this event non-religious and non-political. Otherwise, it would have been very difficult for me to attend. The only regret is that I failed to locate the whereabouts of my buddy Ko Aung Min of Taunggyi (ME 70). I heard he went to Singapore, but so far my search has ended in “no find”.
Now that the grand reunion is over, everybody is slowly recovering from the “hangover”. The big question is who would go to Singapore in 2002, and how do we go about doing it?
With best regards, Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein)
Sponsor / Host of Gatherings
Steeve (Center) at Benny’s houseSPZP-2012Steeve (Center) in Yangon
SPZPs (starting with SPZP-2000 in US)
40th Anniversary of “Arrival in US”
Celebrating 40th Anniversary of Arrival in USA
Celebrating the Success of QTC
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe(s) for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64
2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015
Special PZP and Reunion in Yangon (after doctors advised against Long Trips)
Ko Tin Hla (EP69) 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
The GBNF list currently has 146 members.
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.
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 San Lin / Robert (EC 73)
U Soe Aung Chief Engineer, PWD Father of Daw Thynn Thynn Khaing / Janet (EP 70)
U Po Han Deputy Minister Father of Saya U Khin Aung Han
U Min Han Father of U Kyaw Kyaw and 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).
RIT69ers had a mini-gathering at Kruwa Nam Tip Thai Food Restaurant at Pho Sein road on 21st December 2003.
Standing : Yee Pin (Maung Maung Kaung, M, GBNF), Win Lwin (M), Maung Maung (E), Win Maung (E), Sein Tun (M), Kyaw Zin (E), Thein Swe (E, GBNF), Ye Gaung (M), Khin Maung Gyi (M, GBNF), Myint Maung (E), Maung Shwe (E)
Sitting : Tin Maung Aye (M), Myint Thein (Kabar, M, GBNF) Htay Aung (M), Dickie (M, GBNF), Myint Thein (David, M), Aung Min (M), Zaw Lai (E)
Update
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF) was an organizer of the 69er group. He passed away in Yangon after undergoing medical checkup in Singapore and India.
Kabar (Myint Thein)
Win Naing (Dickie, GBNF) represented RIT in Rowing. He passed away in Singapore.
Dicky Tan (Win Naing)
Maung Maung Kaung (Yee Pin, GBNF) did business mostly in Dawei. His spouse passed away in 2020. He passed away in 2021. Both succumbed to Covid.
Yee Pin (Maung Maung Kaung)
Thein Swe (GBNF) was RIT Luyechun in 3rd BE. He annotated the EE69 Group Photo. He passed away in Yangon in 2021.He earlier lost his spouse Dolly Sein.
Thein Swe (rightmost)
Khin Maung Gyi (GBNF) passed away in Yangon in 2021.
Khin Maung Gyi
Zau Lai has his business in Myitkyina. He drives 1000+ miles to attend selected gatherings in Yangon. He is a proud Great Grand Father.
Zau Lai
Kyaw Zin, Tin Maung Aye, Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF), Than Myaing, Sein Tin, Myo Nyunt, Kyaw Min Thein, Thein Swe (GBNF) & Aung Myint travel abroad (e.g. Australia, Singapore, UK, USA, New Zealand) to spend quality time with their children.
Myint Maung (Bu) is one of the youngest in the class. He played Volleyball for RIT EE. He is still an eligible bachelor.
Aung Min and Ko Shwe are core members of the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund). They also organize the monthly breakfast gatherings. There are ad hoc gatherings to welcome 69ers visiting from overseas.
Aung Min (Right)
Many have given up competitive sports & hobbies : hiking & mountaineering (Win Lwin), volleyball (Maung Maung, Myint Maung), swimming (Htay Aung, Sein Myint, Win Maung), accordion (Tin Maung Aye)
At the recent gathering, Aung Gyi Shwe (GBNF) could not remember Toby (Tobias Kittim Ku, GBNF) and attributed the incident to forgetting his glasses or having a senior moment. Both passed away in 2021.
[Special in 1924] Eligible B.Sc. graduates are admitted to the “accelerated” program (3 year course)
[Common in the old system] Students who passed the I.Sc. (Intermediate of Science) with Science Option and scored 50+ points in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are admitted to the four year course.
Short-lived in the Old system
Eligible students who passed the Matriculation are admitted to the “special” six year course.
Due to resources (logistics …), the students were transferred” before they graduated to the “default” program.
November 1964
Three batches of students were admitted to RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology) under the then new Education System.
200 (or so) students joined the first ever 3rd BE Class. Most of them completed their I.Sc.(B) with the Science Option
320 (or so) students joined the first ever 2nd BE Class. Most of them completed their I.Sc.(A) with the Science Option
450 (or so) students joined the first ever 1st BE Class. Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA) system was used for admission. There were students with (a) all Science (b) all Arts (c) Hybrid
Regional College Era
After finishing two years at a Regional College, eligible students were admitted to 3rd BE classes.
Mother raised the family. She lived to 102 years. Stayed active by playing Mah Jong daily.
Spouse : Ivy (GBNF) — In her memory, Ivan built a school in Kyaukme
Two daughters
Six grandchildren
RIT
Attended I.Sc(A) classes at Pathein.
Admitted to 2nd BE in Nov 1964
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1969
While attending RIT, he had a private business selling Kyauk Me Laphet Chauk
Earned more than enough to pay for hostel fees and car expenses
Moved to USA
USA
Studied Masters in New York
PE (Professional Engineer) for New York and New Jersey
Entrepreneur
Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000
Sponsored Naw Mu Mu Aye to attend SPZP-2007
Major donor for the 69er Health Care Fund
Donated PCs to YTU (via U Nyi Hla Nge)
Life time Platinum for Bridge Competitive Card Game
Play Accordion and Harmonica
Host
For several years, he hosted the annual RIT-UCC Gathering The timing was chosen to coincide with visits by Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing
Trip to Canada
Invited us in 2015. Organized a whirlwind trip to Canada to pay homage to Saya U Aung Khin in Windsor and Saya Dr. Aung Gyi in Napean, Ottawa. Provided car and gas. Drove part of the trip. The major portion of the trip was handled by Fred Thetgyi (M69). Visited Massachusetts (Host : Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw, EC69) and Connecticut (Host : U Toung / Tom, EC69) on the way back.
U Aung Khin Dr. Aung Gyi
In June 2018, he organized another trip to Canada for selected sayas (e.g. Dr. Tin Win, U Aung Myint) and alumni.
Founded MASTAA and served as CEO
Golden Sponsor
On the morning of October 5, 2000, Ivan called me and asked how he can support the “RIT Alumni International” Activities. He earlier donated $360 to cover the hard costs of running the http:/www.ex-rit.org web site for a year.
He had written a check of $1200. He would donate $1000 to the SPZP and $200 to the Alumni General Fund. When I thanked him, he said,
“I’m not donating to your pocket. I’m donating for a good cause. The time you’ve put in definitely much more than $1200. I want you guys to set up a formal organization and a permanent fund”.
He became a Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000. There were five Golden Sponsors:
David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67, GBNF)
Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69)
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70, GBNF)
Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70)
U Maung Maung Than (M79)
Study & Work
Ivan wrote to Daniel Tint Lwin (M69), Saya U Aung Myint (M69) and KMZ (EC76, Web master).
I have been staying at East Brunswick, New Jersey, USA for a long time. EB is a small nice town between New York City (40 miles south) and Philadelphia (60 miles).
I got my MIME in 1976 from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, New York City. I hold both New York State and New Jersey State Professional Engineering (PE) licenses.
Back in 1974, I worked as a nuclear engineer in a Nuclear Power Plant. By 1982, I was working as a senior mechanical engineer at the major chemical/petrochemical plants. I performed planning, scheduling, design, specification, procurement, construction management, client interfacing, trouble shooting, etc. —
In 1988. I purchased the engineering and construction firm where I was chief engineer and operation manager.
In 1992 I purchased a garden apartment with 46 units and established a realty company.
In 1996 I purchased a co-generation power plant which produces power and steam/hot water to the hospitals, but this one was not doing great, so I gave up within two years.
I slowed down my engineering and construction business in 1998. The only business I am working part time is the real estate business. I own two office buildings and two single family houses. I have a beach house at the NJ shore and spend most summer there.
I have two adult daughters. The elder one graduated from Cornell University with Mechanical Engineering Degree and is working as a financial institution at Wall Street in NYC. The younger one graduated from an artist college and is doing photo for Amazon website advertisement in New York City. My wife is from Burma as well. We never returned there, since we immigrated.
I spend my time purchasing/selling stocks daily, managing the real estate business and playing Bridge [a card game]. That is my hobby. I am a Bronze Life Master in ACBL (American Contract Bridge League).
That is my life. I would like to add one more thing. When my wife and I came to USA, all we had was $60 plus $1200 air tickets loan from Pan Am.
Most of our classmates and friends are smart, intelligent, and willing to work. But a few have business mind to motivate or establish their wealth. I will talk with you more if you are interested.
Talking about donation : last year, I proposed to the Myanmar Ambassador in Washington, DC, to donate my engineering documents, books, technical catalogs, etc to Myanmar. The offer was not accepted.
Does RIT have email address? I’d like to email to the staff of RIT. I like to say “Hello” to Naw Mu Mu Aye (T69). I heard she is the Head of Textile Department at RIT.
His Philosophy
In another e-mail, Ivan wrote :
I have helped at least 75 relatives people immigrate to USA. I have sponsored at least 200 relatives, classmate, friends to USA without spending a penny to the lawyer. I had provided air tickets fees, lodging facilities, food, and transportation. I also helped most of them look for suitable jobs for most of them. I also arranged their children to go to school. This is not an easy assignment, need a huge heart to do that. My wife is of tremendous help in doing these projects. It took us more than 10 years on a consistent basis to do the projects.
I donated about $1,000,000 to my childhood school via Ko Aung Myint back in 1991/92. The school has 1000 students. They have named their assembly hall after me.
The message I’d like to offer is “When you are available, you should be able to contribute your assets (including knowledge, money, personal involvement) back to the society”.
Presidential Fellowship in Teaching Innovation, Lamar University, 2015
Presidential Fellowship in Teaching Innovation, Lamar University, 2014
Presidential Fellowship in Research, Lamar University, 2014
Tim Kendall Memorial Prize, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand, 1991
Pi Tau Sigma, Honors Society of Mechanical Engineers
Ivan Lee (M69, co-Founder and Patron of MASTAA) wrote
Kendrick has been with MASTAA, USA since June 2019.
He was an invaluable member of our team.
He was the heart and soul of our team in promoting Myanmar students who want to study abroad. His information was vital to our organization’s Students Info page. His contribution to MASTAA can be seen on Students Info page at MASTAA.ORG website.
He left his beloved wife Khin Khin Hla and two adult sons. Khin Khin Hla is also an RIT Alumni 1984 B.Engg Civil as well as AIT Alumni 1991 M. Engg Water Resources
The funeral service will take place on January 20, 2021.
Our condolences for this tragic loss and wish Dr. Kendrick Aung, RIP.
Phyu Phyu Kyaw (ex-UCC) wrote :
KTA came & joined us (Methodist English High School / No. 1 Dagon SHS : K Class) when Ye Myat Soe (ex-UCC), his wife Ohnmar Aung (our classmate) & daughter visited Los Angeles in September, 2019.
We had the Class Gathering in Las Vegas. All were from K Class (starting from Lower KG to High School).
KTA was a Top Student since he was young.
Learnt that KTA is a cousin of Ko Aung Zaw Myint (ex-UCC). Both have the nick name “Gaung Gyi”.
Ko Soe Myint (President, MASTAA) wrote :
I will offer Soon and three sets of robes to Sayadaws (in New York) in memory of Dr. Kyaw Than Aung, and share merits with him.
Ko Wint Khin Zaw (Sydney, Australia) wrote :
I felt unjustifiable by the shocking news of a very untimely loss of our AIT contemporary Burmese Engineering Scholar, Prof. Dr Kyaw Than Aung. He was our academic idol and the pride of Burmese students body at the time as the first Burmese Awardee at AIT, the first chess champion and a runner-up table tennis champ. He also helped any Burmese students who found difficulty academically. He was a good friend and one of the smartest Burmese persons I have ever met. I could recall our table tennis games and watching World Cup Soccer matches together at the Student Union parlour. We lost contact since 1990s then a few years ago he and family visited Sydney so we met again as a pleasant reunion. He said he will come again but ….
So long Ko Kyaw Than Aung …
Our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Ma Khin Khin Hla and sons. Our metta and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ko Maw Lin, President of AMA (Association of Myanmar Architects) and Chief Editor of ‘Pyithu Ayay’ journal wrote :
Dr. Kendrick Aung, 60, passed away on 01/13/2021 in Seabrook, TX, USA. He was born on June 5th, 1961 in Yangon, Myanmar to U Than Aung and Daw Nyunt Nyunt. Dr. Kendrick Aung is survived by: his wife, Khin-Khin Hla Aung; sons, Raymond Aung and Andrew Aung; brothers, Dr. Khin Zaw Aung and Dr. Min Zaw Aung; sisters-in-law, Daw Theingi Swe and Dr. Aye Aye Yee, and numerous family members and friends. He earned a Ph.D (Aerospace) from University of Michigan, M.Eng (Energy Tech) from Asian Institute of Technology, B.Eng (Mechanical) from Rangoon Institute of Technology, and matriculated from No. (1) Dagon State High School in Yangon. Dr. Kendrick Aung worked as an Interim Department Chair & Professor for Lamar University located in Beaumont, TX. He had a passion for teaching, books, Chess and loved to travel with family and friends.
There will be a Visitation for Dr. Kendrick on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E Medical Center Blvd Webster, TX 77598. Those wishing to send flowers in Dr. Kendrick Aung’s memory should be directed https://www.kemahflorist.com or by calling 281-532-6933 and having them sent to the Crowder Funeral Home – Webster, TX.
Condolences
Daddy (Ko Ko Gyi) I love you and will miss you forever. Whatever I do, I am thinking you are next to me. you will be always with me in my heart. I greatly appreciated the time we were together. Don’t want to let you go but please go freely. Share all the merit we did with you. Amya-amya-amya, sadu sadu sadu Khin Khin Hla
Dad We love you and miss you, thank you for everything you have done for us and the community. Aung family
We understand that we own nothing in this world. Everything surrounding us are only temporary. Only the love we have in our hearts will remain forever. Those we Love don’t go away, they Walk beside us Every Day. Unseen, Unheard, but Always Near, So Loved, So Missed, So Very Dear. So Thar Thar, you may be gone prematurely, but you are going to be with us forever! Your eldest brother Ko Ko Ni, Ma Theingi & Chan (Khin ZawAung)
Please take care Thar Thar wherever you are Hope to see you again in next life. You left so early…………… Amya-amya-amya Your elder brother Ko Latt (Dr. Min Zaw Aung)
I am totally broken hearted my baby brother. I didn’t know that our last Zoom in December was your way of saying good-bye. Want to remember you as someone who was full of motivation inspiration and a brilliant mind. I am sure you knew that you were very much loved by all of us. . You are in my prayers sweetheart and may you look down from heaven to share the merits. amya amya amya.. thar thar yay Your big sister Ma Ma Aye xxx (Aye Aye Yee)
Though I got to know you very briefly , just for a span of 3 years or so when you came to stay with us, you were like a younger brother that we never had ; for ma ma aye and I. I will not forget you. You will be sadly missed thar thar. Than Than Yee
Compiled information from people close to Dr. Aung and shared it to selected Facebook groups. The original post is archived in my web site hlamin.com and updated periodically. Sad to lose a young all-round (academic, athletic and community services) star who had brightened the lives of many. May Dr. Aung rest in peace. Hla Min (Life Long Learner)
May you be peaceful at much higher realm Ko Kyaw Than Aung. You will be dearly missed by all of us. Our deepest condolences and sympathy to Khin Khin, Raymond and Andrew at Seabrook, Texas and all the bereaved family members elsewhere. With metta Wint Thanda & Tharlon (Wint Khin Zaw)
Our condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Boyce family (Mee Mee)
So sad your early departure my friend (our high school class mate @ Dagon 1) Please accept my sincere condolences to my friend family. You will be missed. Rest in Peach my friend. Sincerely Phyu Phyu Kyaw (Los Angeles)
So sorry for your loss. I know this must be a very difficult and demanding time for you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept my condolences. Ohnmar nyunt (SHS1 Dagon)
So sorry for your loss. I was saddened to hear my friend kyaw Than Aung Passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept my condolences. Ohn Mar Nyunt
I am so sorry and saddened by the news of losing my friend from Dagon 1. Please accept my sincere condolences. I will remember the great time we all had with our childhood friends in Las Vegas in October 2019. Rest In Peace my friend. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Zaw Lwin
Dear Ko Kyaw Than Aung, Recently we met you at San Francisco after the graduation (1983 -Mech). You are talented, honest and having beautiful mind and so lovely. When I heard about you, I was shocked and very sad. Please accept my condolence . Where ever you go, May you be healthy, happy, wealthy, peaceful and attain the highest wisdom! You will be always in our heart! With All the Best Wishes, Kyi Shein (83-Mechanical)
I am grateful to have shared memorable-days with Saya Ko Kyaw Than Aung while studying in RIT and AIT. Will always remember you Saya! Engshwe
It’s so hard saying goodbye to you. Our condolences and prayers to you and your family. You will deeply be missed, rest in peace. Chu family from LA
To Uncle Ken, My heart is heavy, there are no words to describe how sad I am. I still can’t believe that you are no longer here with us, you will always be in our hearts and thoughts. You are like second father to me growing up with Raymond. Thank you for always caring for me and teaching me. You inspired me with all of your achievements. I will always cherish and remember the time that I had with you from growing up as a kid and the family vacations we had together. You are gone too soon.. My family and I will miss you so much, Rest in Peace Stephanie Chu
Dear Aung Family, We are very sorry to hear of the lose of Dr. Aung. He’s a brilliant Professor whom will be missed by many hear at Lamar University. I wish to thank him for sharing his knowledge with my students. Praying for overwhelming peace during this difficult time for all of your family. LU Family and friends
Dr Kendrick Aung We never forget you. Shu & Sue Chin family
No man is an island, Entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manor of thine own Or of thine friend’s were. Each man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee. [John Donne]
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing, he was kind, intelligent, caring and a wonderful colleague who will be missed. Taken far too soon. Love and condolences to the family. Harley Myler
We are all deeply shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news, and are so sorry for wife and sons’ loss. Kendrick’s untimely departure will be felt very keenly by everyone; not least his students, his colleagues , us and all his friends . Kendrick had so much more to give in this life, and such a beautiful family to enjoy. His premature departure is cruel. May Kendrick rest in peace. With our sincere condolences, Kyaw Thu Ya, Jacqueline, Shan and Thazin (London)
You can shed tears that he is gone, Or you can smile because he lived, You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him Or you can be full of the love that you shared, You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he is gone Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on, You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. Khin Sabai
The Department of Computer Science from Lamar University is deeply saddened of the untimely passing of Dr. Aung. He was a dedicated leader who cared about his students and colleagues. Sincere condolences to Dr. Aung’s family and friends. Stefan Andrei
Dr. Aung Family, My condolences on the passing of Dr. Aung. I’ve had the opportunity to work with him at Lamar University for more than 14 years. He was truly an exceptional person, a great colleague, a favorite teacher, and a true friend! Dr. Aung was a founding member of the Office of Undergraduate Research Advisory Council and played an instrumental role in the development of the program at Lamar. He touched so many lives for the good. I’m honored and blessed to have known Ken! He will be missed badly! With deepest sympathy, Kumer Das (University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana)
My condolences to the Aung family on the passing of Ken. He was an exceptional colleague and a genuinely good person who cared for his students. I have fond memories of the many times we met in the dining hall and discussed how our program offerings could be improved. He was taken too early and will be missed a lot. Srinivas Palanki
Dear Dr. Aung: I am blessed to have a great friend and colleague like you! Thank you very much again for all your kindly help and support at Lamar! You will be always be remembered. RIP!! Qiang Xu
No words can describe my great sadness. Dr. Aung had always been a trusted colleague and true friend for the past 17 years. He was such a brilliant and knowledgeable person. I thought we’d have so many more years and so much more time to talk about curriculums, course contents, travelling, martial-art novels and other books … It just ended too early and too suddenly! My deepest sympathies to Dr. Aung’s family. My heart goes out to you all. Jenny Zhou (Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Lamar University)
Rest In Peace Dr. Aung I will miss you Justin Ho (Hung Ho), Lamar University – Mechanical Engineering Student
My condolences to the Dr. Aung’s family. I have had the opportunity to work with him in Mechanical Engineering at Lamar University for 3 years. He was truly a great colleague, a favorite adviser, and an exceptional person who cared for his students and colleagues. I have lots of good memories with him as we met each other in his office where he advised me how my teaching could be improved. He will be deeply missed, rest in peace. Monayem H. Mazumder (Saginaw Valley State University, Saginaw, Michigan)
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Aung’s passing. He was one of my favorite professors and definitely the most generous with his time. Not sure I would have made it through with his help. Tim Dwyer
My most sincere condolences. Much Love and Prayer for the Family! Dr. Aung was a great mentor. As we grieve him let’s also remember to Celebrate his Life! Carlos A. Caballero (Mechanical Engineering, Lamar University – Class of May 2018)
I am at a loss for words with hearing of the passing of Dr. Aung. He was such a great person and a terrific influence for so many at Lamar. He would always take the time to help his students, and he has helped so many to become successful in their endeavors. My deepest condolences to his family and all the Lamar family as well who will truly miss this great man. Eli Clark
