Less than 10% passed the Matric exam in the early days.
A few (e.g U Ba Khin who stood First in Burma) chose to work instead of attending RU.
It was an honor to prefix one’s name with Tekkatho တက္ကသိုလ် or University.
Khin Nyo wrote: Absolutely right. I think in 1957 only 2% Passed and the total is 20000. Even dancer AmarSein was conferred with the title Thekkatho Amar Sein by the Rector Dr Tha Hla.
Tekaktho Moe War (U Moe Aung)
U Moe Aung
Student Days
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio.
EC, RU Kalaung Ah Thin
RU Association
Editor, RUESU Annual Magazine for 1960 – 61
RUESU Magazine
RIT Days
Electrical Engineering Saya at RIT
EE SayasU Moe Aung & U Sein Maung
Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazine
Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
Co-leader, Swel Daw Yeik Troupe (Ah Nyeint, Htee Yein, Ta Bin Daing Ah Ka) at RU Golden Jubilee in 1970
Singapore Days
Worked in Singapore
Chair, SPZP-2002 & SPZP-2010 (in Singapore)
Editor / Publisher, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010
Organizer, Alumni Activities (e.g Thingyan)
Post Retirement
Moved back to Myanmar
Taught refresher courses (e.g. Electrical Saftey) at Electrical Inspectorate
Kept mind alert by writing poems & articles in weekly publications
Patron, SDYF; Composed & performed SDY Song
Entertainment for SPZP-2012 & SPZP-2016
Publications
Distinguished Writer, Poet, Editor & Publisher
Editor, RUESU Annual Magazine
Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazine for more than a decade
Chief Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
Chief Editor, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010 in Singapore
Chief Editor, Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu in 2014 & SPZP-2016 in Yangon
Kabyars — solo; with RIT poets; with former EC members of RU Kalaung Ah Thinn
Book 1Book 2Book 3Book 4
Books — Collection of articles; Collection of poem
Before the pandemic, 69ers had Monthly Breakfast Gatherings usually at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose).
Some celebrate Birthdays & Wedding Anniversaries at the gathering.
Han Sein, Uzin Bobby and several 69ers took photos and shared them on FB.
20 classmates left us in 2021. Some in the group photo — Toby, Thein Swe, Aye Lwin, Han Sein, Aung Gyi Shwe — are GBNF.
69er Group David, Aye Lwin, Oscar, Tin Maung Aye, Aye Thein
Aung Min & team organized a monthly meeting .
Win Boh (Robert, Australia) was a special guest at the meeting. Surinder Singh (Australia) had a schedule conflict.
Kyaw Nyunt brought back presents given by Fred Thetgyi (Philadephia) to the meeting, and organized a “Lucky Draw”.
Han Sein was happy testing special effects (e.g. to create “twins”) with his phone camera.
Tin Aung Win offered me car rides : to the meeting and back. On the way back, we chatted with Aye Lwin and Kyaw Zin on the car.
Aye Lwin was Secretary of RIT Mechanical Association and RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin. He was a member of the committee for printing and publishing Set Hmu Magazine (by Mechanical Engineering Association) and RIT Annual Magazine. He attended the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles with his daughter and son.
Harry Tin Htut, Oscar, Aung Min, Uzin Bobby and Tin Maung Aye posted photos in “RIT69ers” and “RIT Updates” Facebook pages.
Won Gold medal in 1949 for highest score in I.Sc. exams
BS (Special) from Imperial College, London University
Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
Received scholarship to do MS at Imperial College
Promoted to Lecturer
Succeeded Saya U Aung Khin as Professor & Head of Mechanical
Wrote memoirs for his grand children and distributed to attendees at his 78th birthday celebrations.
Early supporter of HMEE project. Hosted a meeting for the project. Donated photos for use by the project. Requested Saya U Thaw Kaung to provide access of UCL archives to Saya U Soe Paing and team.
Offered Birthday Soon Kyway annually on Oct 2nd.
Passed away after his 94th birthday
U Aung Khin
U Aung Khin
Matriculated in 1948
Chem Prof U Po Tha advised him to study Engineering.
Received scholarship to study BS & MS at Lehigh University.
Joined Faculty as Assistant Lecturer
Promoted to Lecturer
Later became Professor and Head
Also has MS from Canada
Moved to Canada
During a visit to the SF Bay Area, he gave green light to the Bay Area RIT Alumni Group to host SPZP-2000.
Wrote several articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter.
In July 2925, Sayagyi allowed us to stay at his home in Windsor, Canada. He provided Mohinga & Ah Kyaw for breakfast, and souvenirs (e.g plaque for holding keys).
Sayagyi stays in shape by playing golf and tennis.
U Tin Hlaing (M59, GBNF)
U Tin Hlaing
Joined Faculty after graduation
MS from Purdue University
Became Lecturer & Head of Agricultural Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical)
Played soccer & tennis
Managed All-Universities Hockey team
He had kidney problem. Did not have access to dialysis machines (available only to VIPs). Did not receive passport in time to go abroad for treatment. Passed away.
U San Tun(M59)
U San Tun
Joined Faculty after graduation
MS from MIT
Became Lecturer & Head of Automobile Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical).
Moved to USA
President of BEA (Bay Area Burmese Engineers Association). BEA merged with BASTS to become BAPS.
Invited us on several occasions (e.g his birthday, his son’s wedding).
Attended most Alumni gatherings (e.g Retiree lunch).
Recuperating from a Stroke
U Kyin Soe
MS from University of Illinois.
Served as Professor & Rector
U Tin Htut (M60)
U Tin Htut
Joined Faculty twice : the first time after graduation, and the second time after “an unexpected Waso in Insein”.
Past Captain & Gold of RUBC.
Moved to USA
Co-founded BASES and served as President.
Financial Controller for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Donated K100 lakhs for YTU Library Modernization.
Also donated to SDYF & Mechanical Group.
U Tun Shwe (M60)
U Tun Shwe
Patron, Alumni Association & SDYF
Ovada at PZPs
U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60)
U Tin Maung Nyunt
President of RIT Chinlon
Moved to USA
Donated $500 for YTU Library Modernization Project
More Sayas
Seniors
U Pu studied at Lehigh. He left the Faculty
U Ko Gyi (GBNF) studied in USA. He taught at the Faculty. Moved to USA. Attended SPZP-2000.
Sayas (1961 & later)
U Maung Maung Win (M61) : Managed RIT Automobile Club with Saya U Myo Win Moved to Australia Wrote series of articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter
S. Arya (M62, GBNF) : Cute accent
S. Arya
Mao Toon Siong (M62) : Burma Champion & Coach in Table Tennis
Dr. Tin Win (M62) : Past President of BASES, Organizer for 2015 LA Reunion
U Khin Maung (M, GBNF)
U Phone Myint (M) : Workshop Superintendent
Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63) : Co-chair of SPZP-2002
U Soe Lwin (M63, GBNF)
U SoeLwin
U Han Tun (M63, GBNF)
S. Kyaw Aye (M63)
U Win (M63) : Transport provider for U Ba Than
U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto 64) : UN assignments in China; Patron of TDS (Theravada Dhamma Society)
U Myo Win (Melvyn, M/Ag65, GBNF) : RIT Automobile Association; Rowing; Moved to Australia ; Co-chair, Alumni Dinner Gathering in 2006
U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) : RIT Swimming & Water Polo; Moved to Australia; Co-chair, Alumni Dinner Gathering in 2006
U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) : Moderator of FB pages; Moved to Singapore
Dr. Kyaw Sein (M65) : Retired Professor at YTU & Malaysian University
Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65) : Retired Executive at High tech companies in US and Taiwan; Founding member of RIT Alumni International; SPZP-2000 Organizer
U Lin (M66) : Rowing; RIT Buddhist Association; Patron of Yangon SPZPs
Dr. Chan Nyein (M67, GBNF) : Minister
U Tin Maung Oo (M67, GBNF) Dep Workshop Superintendent
U Thein Tun Aung (M, GBNF)
U Than Myint (M) : Singapore Polytechnic
U Khin Maung Tin (M69) : Maritime Institute
U Aung Myint (M69) : Singapore Polytechnic
Mehm Aye Chan (M69) : Agency for seafarers
Senior Alumni
U Aye (M62) : BIT & RU Volleyball, HIC/FAO
U Sein Htoon (M63) : Captain & Gold of RUBC, 1960 ARAE Champion
U Than Soe (M63) : RUBC Gold
L Than Myint (M63) : RUBC Gold
U Shwe Kyaw (M63, GBNF) : RU Volleyball
U Win Thein (M67) : Set Hmu Tha Din Zin
U Than Htut (M67) : RUBC Gold
U Tin Myint (David, M67, GBNF) : Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 & SPZP-2012
U Htay Aung (M69) : Swimming and Water Polo
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69) : Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 & SPZP-2007, Patron of MASTAA, Major donor of 69er HCF
Benny Tan (M70) : Co-chair, SPZP-2000, Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZP, RIT Alumni International
U Ohn Khine (M70) : Volunteer for HMEE, SDYF, SPZP
U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) : Super Fund Raiser
U Myint Pe (M72) : Cartoon Box
U Nyan Win Shwe (M72) : SPZP-2007
John Tint (Khin Maung Myint, M72, GBNF) : Soccer
U Myo Myint (M74) : Pon Tu Specialist
U Win Khaing (M75, GBNF) : SPZP-2004, Minister
Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, M75) : SPZP-2000, RIT Alumni International, Norcal RITAA
U Hla Win (M73/75) : Ygn SPZPs, BARB/MARB
Maung Sein Win (Padeegone, M72/75) : Distinguished Author / Poet
Wrote articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter, SPZPs & HMEE
Memories
U Aung Khin 1U Aung Khin 2U Aung Khin 4
Dr. Tin Win (M62)
See posts : Class of 62, BASES, Mech Engg, 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Memories
Dr. Tin Win 1Dr. Tin Win 2
U Tun Shwe (M60)
Patron, RIT Alumni Association
Patron, SDYF
Provided Certificates & IDs from RU
Sagar Waing (Video to celebrate 60th Anniversary of RIT)
U Tun Shwe 1U Tun Shwe
Updates
Jara, Byadi and Marana have effected Sayas and Sayamas
U Ba Than hosted the first HMEE meeting. He donated photos to HMEE and MES. He invited former colleagues and students to his Birthday Soon Kyway. He passed away after his 94th birthday.
Moved to BIT at Gyogone Campus for 1961 – 62 Academic Year.
B.Sc. (Engg) in 1962
Textile
Daw Khin Than Nwe (T)
Daw Khin Than Nwe 1
Lone female graduate in 1962.
Spouse Dr. Khin Maung Win was Head of Metallurgy Department. Became Director General of Technical, Agricultural & Vocational Training.
Son, two daughters & several grandchildren
Daw Khin Than Nwe 2
Elder sister of two Paulians : Dr. Tin Maung Maung Than (Edward, Political Economics) & Dr. Khin Maung Maung Than (Freddie)
Pon Tu
On behalf of Bagyee Myat Myo Myint, Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) presented a Pon Tu of Dr. Khin Maung Win (Met, GBNF) to Sayagadaw
Mechanical
Saya Mao Toon Siong (M)
Saya MaoSaya Mao and U Hla Min
National Coach of Burma Table Tennis Team
National Table Tennis Champion in Singles and Doubles
Competed in the World Championship in Beijing
Spouse Daw Tin Tin Maw was Chemistry Sayama. They moved to USA.
U Aye (M)
U Aye (HIC, UN/FAO), U Soe and U Tin Win — all M62 —- received their degree certificates from Saya U Yone Mo at Aung San Stadium.
A group of friends at BIT after attending the convocation at the Aung San Stadium in 1962Saya U Yone Mo and M62 graduates
Represented RU & BIT in Volleyball
BIT Volleyball
Retired in Thailand
Provided feedback / info (e.g Grads from 1952 – 1963).
Saya S Arya (M, GBNF)
S Arya (M62)S Arya (M62)Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe
Lovely accent
Remembered by students of his Strength of Materials Tutorial Class, and Ba Thein (Atlanta)
Saya Dr. Tin Win (M)
Dr. Tin Win and Lily
Youngest in the Class, but among the Top
In 1958, Gold Medal for Joint Highest Marks in Maths for Combined I.Sc classes
Past President of BASES
Organizer of 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Competed in the LA Marathon to raise fund to sponsor Sayas for SPZP-2007
Spouse Lily (T72) : Founding member & Secretary of BEA
U Myint Thein Lwin (M)
Retired from DI / HIC
Brother: U Kyaw Thein (DCA, RUBC Captain)
U Hla Kyi (M)
Moved to UK
Daughter married son of U Hlwan Moe & Daw Khin Swe Aye (both Physics)
U Hla Kyi (M) and Dr. Tin Win (M)U Hla Kyi (M) and daughter visiting Los Angeles
Electrical
Saya U Tin Maung Thein (EE)
Eldest son of ICS U Ohn Maung (Arzani)
U Tin Maung Thein
Chemical
U Than Se (Richard, ChE)
SPHS56 : Classmate of U Soe Paing
Moved to USA
U Aung Gyi (Simon, ChE)
Helped publish ChE magazine
Spends time in Australia
Spouse : Daw Yin Yin Kyi (T61)
Civil
Dr. San Lin (C)
Taught part-time at RIT.
Worked at EPC & UN Project in Thailand
Moved to USA
Spouse Dr. Daw Thynn Thynn founded Sae Taw Win 2 Dhamma Center in Sebastopol, California. Replica of Shwe Dagon & surrounding Zedis had Htee Tin Pwe in March, 2022.
USA hosted the FirstRIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
The Celebrations kicked off with an Informal “Welcome” Dinner / Gathering” at a Sea Food Restaurant. The Main event was the Reunion and SPZP at Embassy Suites Hotel near San Francisco International Airport. The Family event was the “Farewell” Lunch / Gathering at a High School.
Donors
Saya Allen Htay‘s article, “Can you spare US$500 and more?” was a major factor for having Donors — large and small — for SPZP-2000.
There were Five Golden Sponsors. Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70, Southern California) Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70, Northern California) Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69, New Jersey) David Ko (U Tin Myint, GBNF, M67, Northern California) U Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas)
SPZP-2000 Organizers
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76, web master) copied the names/tags from the very first posting from his album.
Sitting L-R: Saya U Mya Htoo (Civil 68), U Benny Tan (Yu Beng, Mech 70), Saya KC Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, Chem 63), U Hla Min (EC 69) Editor Extraordinaire, Saya U Allen Htay (GBNF, Civil 58), Saya U Nyo Win (Dr. K H Chen, Mech 65), Saya U Tin Htut (Mech 60), Saya U Maung Maung (George, Chem 66), Daw San San Nyunt (Sandra, Mrs. Thein Aung, Mech 76)
Standing L-R: U Soe Aung (Mech 75), U Gordan Kaung (Kaung Kaung Oo, Mech 83), U Myint Swe (EP 74), U Anthony Ng (Aye Tun, Mech 76), U Mya Thwin (Phillip, EP 75), U Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, Mech 75), U Thura Thant Zin (Mech 76), Sayalay U Thein Aung (James, Met 72), U Myint Lwin (Henry Chee, GBNF, Civil 63), U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76), Daw Yi Yi Khaing (Audrey Wong, Civil 84), Daw San SanSwe (Mrs Myint Swe, EC74)
All of them, except KMZ, live in various cities across Northern and Southern California. KMZ lives in a city near Seattle, Washington State.
Publications
The Commemorative Issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” was published for SPZP-2000. I served as Chief Editor. Henry Lim (U Aung Myint, BAPS) and U Thein Aung (Met72) volunteered as Associate Editors. Maurice Chee (M75) served as Publisher (in addition to being Co-Chair, Working Committee; Financial Controller; Logistics Head)
It featured articles by Sayas and Alumni.
My poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” was published in the Newsletter as well as in the ex-RIT website (designed and implemented by U Khin Maung Zaw). Several sayas and alumni contributed to the two series : 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” articles and 36 “Post-Reunion” articles
SAYA PUZAW PWE Poem by Hla Min
S eems like it was only yesterday A t our alma mater in a land far away Y ou taught us to work, play, laugh, even cry A nd coaxed us, forced us to aim for the sky
P roblems in real life, lab, computation, survey U nderstand concepts, design, display, … Z eal, zest, ardor, grit, passion to make it “our day” A rchitects, engineers, we’ve come here to say W e honor your metta, your cetana — we fully can’t repay
P resently we meet, alum from five decades we greet W ith memories true, fond, sweet E cstatic yet sad that the GBNF could not join this memorable fete
Notes
The term “SAYA GADAW PWE” has religious connotations.
Since the SPZP-2000 organizers and attendees profess different religions, the term SAYA PUZAW PWE (meaning honoring the mentors and paying respect to them for their metta and cetana) was chosen.
GBNF means “Gone But Not Forgotten“.
As of March 1, 2024. the GBNF list for the Class of 69 is 128 (about 40%).
Of the 20 (or so) EE sayas of our RIT days, almost half are GBNF.
Singapore SPZPs
Singapore hosted SPZPs in December 2002, April 2007 and December 2010.
Saya U Moe Aung was Chair of SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010.
U Nyan Win Shwe (William, M72) chaired SPZP-2007.
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” was published for each SPZP. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as Chief Editor.
My poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” was reprinted on the Back Cover of SPZP-2002 Sar Saung.
My poem “SWE DAW YEIK” was printed in SPZP-2007 Sar Saung. In my later writings, I use SWEL DAW (following Saya’s usage) instead of SWE DAW.
My article “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” was published in SPZP-2010 Sar Saung”.
Yangon SPZPs
Yangon hosted SPZPs in December 2004, December 2012 and December 2016.
There was a slight earthquake on the day of SPZP-2004.
A follow-up SPZP was scheduled for Yangon in December 2006, but changes in Political Climate dictated the SPZP to be rescheduled for Singapore in April 2007 (around Thingyan).
SPZP-2012 was the first to be held at the Gyogone Campus.
Thanks to H.E. U Aye Myint (EP72) for his initiative to bring back glory to our beloved alma mater, and to the sayas, sayamas, and alumni who made the “Home Coming Reunion” possible.
There were tears of joys.
On a sad note, the higher authorities transferred U Aye Myint to another Ministry before he could help the alma mater to the fullest extent.
SPZP-2012 led to the founding of Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF), the Shwe YaDu Celebrations (with the planting of 50 Swel Daw Bins), and the RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association (ARITA) — to name a few.
SPZP-2016 was a FREE All Day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) at the Gyogone Campus.
Due to the pandemic, SPZP-2000 was cancelled.
Not sure if there will be a SPZP (as comprehensive as SPZP-2016) in a foreseeable future.
Jara, Byadi and Marana have hit many sayas and alumni.
69ers celebrated the True Golden Jubilee of Graduation on December 14, 2019.
Before the pandemic, they used to meet at least once every month.
Several 69ers have hosted or co-hosted the breakfast, lunch and dinner gatherings. The Mike Khes (Po So Chins) often entertain with live and Karaoke music.
The photos were taken by several 69ers.
Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose)
During my visit to Yangon in January and February 2018, I was host and guest of several 69 gatherings.
69ers in February 2018Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Tin Maung Aye (Accordion), Aye Thein (Volleyball) David Myint Thein (Rowing), Aye Lwin (RIT Magazine)
The restaurant is owned by U Soe Nyunt (Old Paulian, GBNF), who managed to get the “SPHS Honor Roll” after SPHS got hospitalized.
Attendees range from the 30’s and 40’s to 60’s (or more depending on the health and availability). For example, Soe Thein (Peter Myint Maung) has to ask his daughter to drive to the gatherings.
69ers usually book two adjacent rooms and turn them into a single large room for holding the monthly breakfast gatherings.
There are hosts to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries, and sometimes welcome classmates visiting from overseas.
Win Maung (Lake) had to pick up U Okkantha (Uzin Victor Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills) to attend the gatherings.
Those who spend time outside Yangon (e.g. Zau Lai, Myitkyina) have to come a long way to meet, greet and fete with their former classmates.
Several annual gatherings were held at M3.
Tun Tin, Aung Gyi Shwe, Sa Maung Maung, Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
M3
Myint Pe, Kyaw Nyunt, Ma Thaung Htwe, Ma Myint Myint, Saw Yu Tint
The 69ers book around 10 tables. They are provided a stage for the Karaoke and Live Music.
U Tint Lwin (Daniel) can play the lead, rhythm, bass and drums. Saya U Win Mra taught Daniel and his brothers to play guitar, and encouraged them to set up their own band. He is also a vocalist.
U Kyaw Min (Albert) is proud to be called “Elvis”. He has sung in gatherings (with international companies).
U Win Boh (Robert) played in various gatherings in Australia and Myanmar.
Some 69ers (Tin Maung Aye, Than Myaing, Khin Maung Tint, Aye Lwin, Win Lwin, Myo Nyunt, …) were RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins and organizers, but some have given up their hobbies to spend quality time with their loved ones.
“Pho Pho” U Aung Min and “Ah Pho Gyi Tone Kyaw” U Han Sein (GBNF) are some of the regulars at the 69er gatherings.
Crystal Jade
Around SPZP-2012, an ad hoc lunch gathering was held to meet some 69ers from overseas (attending the SPZP-2012).
U Tin Win (Mining) footed the bill.
The attendees (who had bought the lunch tickets) agreed to donate the ticket sales to the 69er Fund.
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF), Sein Myint, Win Maung, Hla Min Ko Shwe, Daniel Tint Lwin, Sein Tun, Ohn Khine (M70), Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet), Aung Min
In 2016, there was an ad hoc breakfast gathering to welcome U Sein Myint and me, and to bid farewell to Daniel.
Westin Park
Daw Myint Myint (C69) hosted a lunch gathering to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
Others
There have been gatherings at may other places including Shwe Bei, Bone Kyaung (or nearby shop), Cafe on Saya San Lann, YTU Assembly Hall, …
HlaMin 