Category: RIT Alumni

  • Hla Min — Pu Zaw Pwe

    Hla Min — Pu Zaw Pwe

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Dec 2025

    SPZP-2016

    SPZP 1
    SPZP 2
    SPZP 3
    SPZP 4

    SPZP-2000

    Newsletter

    Newsletter

    Kyauk Si Bagyee

    Bagyee

    Organizers

    Organizers

    Sayas & Sayama

    Sayas

    EE Sayas & Alumni

    EE Group

    PZP

    Pu Zaw Pwe is a Noble Tradition that is practiced in Burma.

    Thet Kyee PZP is for paying respect to the Elders. The age requirements vary.

    Saya PZP is for paying respect to the sayas and sayamas. Some use the term Acariya PZP.

    Thet Kyee PZP

    In some places, a Senior Day is held. Transportation, Food, Entertainment and Photo-shoot are provided for Old people of all races and creeds.

    Thet Kyee PZP may be held in conjunction with a Festival, e.g Thingyan or Thadinkyut. Buddhists may also pay respect physically to the Elders.

    MES organized Thet Kyee PZP for Senior Engineers and Architects.

    The All-Mechanical Gathering also had a program to pay respect to Thet Kyee Mechanical Engineers.

    Acariya PZP

    Examples :

    Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65

    M72 (and some other Disciplines)

    ICST/UCSY

    Saya PZP

    RIT Alumni International hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, California in October 2000. The term SPZP was chosen over Saya Ga Dawt Pwe so that Alumni of different Faith can pay back the Metta and Cetana of their mentors. I am honored to be a Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. I wrote the poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE”. It was published in the RIT website and the Commemorative Issue of the RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.

    Singapore hosted SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) and team published Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for the SPZPs. My poem was reprinted on the Back Cover of SDYSS-2002. I wrote a poem “SWE DAW YEIK” for SDYSS-2007. I wrote an article “EE Sayas : A Sad and Short Clip” for SDYSS-2010.

    Yangon hosted SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016. Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine was published for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016. U Saw Lin (GBNF) was Chief Editor of SDYM-2012. Saya U Moe Aung was Chief Editor of SPZP-2016. Several Distinguished Authors (e.g Ma Sandar, Maung Sein Win — Padeegone, N Jar Thaing, Aw Pi Kye) also served as Editors.

    Due to the pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled.

    Some of the Organizers and Volunteers of the SPZPs are GBNF. They include Saya Allen Htay, Ko Saw Lin, Ko Aung Moung, Ko Than Sin Myint and Ko Robin.

    Several Sayas are GBNF. They include U Ba Toke, H Num Kok, U Soe Khaw, U Khin Aung Kyi, U Thit, Dr. Mg Mg Win, S Arya, S Kyaw Aye, U Soe Lwin.

    Sayas U Ba Than, U Aung Khin, Dr. Aung Gyi and U Min Win are 90+ years young. Many of our sayas are 80+ years young.

    We hope to see SPZPs in the not so distant future (after the Calamities have ended).

  • Htay Lwin Nyo

    Htay Lwin Nyo

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Nov 2025

    Highlights

    • Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1968
    • Admitted as a Top Student to Rangoon Institute of Technology
    • Selected RIT Luyechun (Outstanding Student)
    • Graduated with B.E (Electrical Power) in 1974
    • Studied M.Sc (Computer Science) at UCC
    • Received Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University, USA
    • Last job was Part-time Teacher at EE Dept, San Jose State University
    • Passed away at his home (See Newspaper)
    • Per request from SJSU, the Burmese Community in the SF Bay Area helped with the Last Journey of HLN
    • I wrote a Tribute to HLN. (See Poem)
    • I had the honor to start the Incinerator, and later help scatter HLN’s ashes at Santa Cruz. (See my posts in BAPS Newsletter and ex-RIT web site).

    LYC

    Sad News

    News

    My Tribute

    Tribute to Dr. HTAY LWIN NYO (EP74, ex-ucc)

    Part-time Professor, EE, SJSU

    (1951 July – 2000 April)

    H e was a genius, a researcher, a friend

    T eaching was his passion to the very end

    A jack of all trades, a doctorate of one

    Y ou name it, he knows it! there’s a lot he has done

    L ong ago he gave away a patent for a dollar

    W ith a heart so big and true, real worthy of a scholar

    I nvest, movie script, cook, paint, car repair, …

    N ever showed off wealth and prizes; he’s a gem so rare

    N ews of his death — alone at home — rocked throughout the land

    Y oung, old were shocked, but they all flocked to give a helping hand

    O n this day in May of Y2K we pray from the bottom of our heart

    “Htay Lwin Nyo, we’re proud to say

    that though you’ve passed away

    you’ve done a huge part

    to unite kindred spirits

    your legacy is here to stay.”

    Memories

    BAPS Newsletter
    HLN 1
    HLN 2
  • 2015 Los Angeles Reunion

    2015 Los Angeles Reunion

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Oct 29, 2025

    Dr. Aung Gyi
    Organizers

    Event

    Reunion
    • RIT Alumni Reunion was held in Los Angeles in 2015.

    Organizers

    • Saya Dr. Tin Win : Past President, BASES; Initiator of the Reunion
    Saya Dr. Tin Win
    • Saya U Tin Htut : Founder & Past President, BASES; Financial Controller
    U Tin Htut
    • U Khin Maung Lay (Henry) : Past President, BASES; Emcee; Entertainment
    U KML (2nd from R), U TTZ (3rd from R)
    • U Thura Thant Zin : Past President, BASES; Optional event was Brunch Gathering at the Campus of his Company.
    Entertainers & TTZ
    • Several alumni and BASES EC members served as Volunteers.

    Sponsor

    Steeve (KFF Founder)
    • Kay Family Foundation (established by Steeve Kay / Thaung Sein EC70) provided a Matching Fund of $30000

    Main Event

    Dr. Aung Gyi
    • Reunion Dinner and Entertainment at Knott’s Berry Farm
    • Speech by Sayas & Organizers
    • Steeve sang “Shwe Mi”
    Attendees 1
    Attendees 2
    Couple

    Posts

    • Alumni
    • BASES
    • Foundations
    • Gatherings
    • NorCal RITAA
  • Celebration in August 2016

    Celebration in August 2016

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Oct 2025

    Alumni Appreciation Award

    Award
    U Myat Htoo & U Hla Min

    U Chan Min

    • Rowed for the Institute of Economics. His crew members include U Htin Kyaw (Peter) and U Soe Thinn.
    • Attended the computer classes at UCC in Rangoon.
    • Became a monk at Dhammananda Vihara (Half Moon Bay) after his retirement.

    U Tha Aung (M79) and Daw Kinsa Maw-Naing (ChE79)

    • Hosted mini reunions in Canada
    • Volunteer as SPZP2016 representatives.
    • Sayamagyi Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing was my English teacher in I Sc(A).

    Dear Ko Hla Min,

    Happy Birthday and to say thank you for all your efforts in keeping RIT alumni connected globally. Even though we don’t have much to say, we always follow your updates.

    May you have a happy healthy long life and lots of ku-tho.

    with metta from Tha Aung & Kinsa

    Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67, SPHS61)

    Happy Birthday Ko Hla Min and cutie pie!
    I appreciate all you hard work and dedication to RIT Alumni newsletter.
    Sorry I cannot attend the event.

    Thanks for your appreciation

    Dear Sayas and Colleagues,

    It is truly amazing to be appreciated by sayas and alumni. he following are some examples.

    • Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Daw Emma called from Canada to wish my Cutie Pie and me. They also sponsored “Tohu Thoke” for the attendees.
      Sayagyi sent Ko Maurice his congratulatory message for me to be read at the soon kyway gathering. See the following section for details.
    • Saya U Tin Htut flew in from Southern California.
    • Ko San Lin (M87, “Maung Lu Pay”) took “time off” from work to attend the soon kyway.
    • Ko Kyaw Myint (M83) delegated his “Flower shop” to his assistant to attend the soon kyway.
    • Ko Myint Soe (M79), who recently had knee surgery, requested Ko Aung Myint Oo (EC84) to give him and his spouse a ride to the soon kyway.
    • Due to tight multiple schedules, Angelina and Ko Benny Tan (M70) came in separate cars so that Ko Benny can have more time with his sayas and colleagues
    • Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) will celebrate his 80th birthday in December, 2016. Saya only drive local short distance, so he asked Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) to give him a ride.
    • Daw Mu Mu Kin, spouse of Saya Allen Htay, had tears in her eyes. She said that Saya would wish to be at the RIT mini-gatherings. She gave me silk neck ties that were bought (but never worn) by Saya Allen. She shares the birthday on August 18 with my grand daughter.
    • Ko Maurice ordered a cake to celebrate August Born including Daw Mu Mu Kin and Ko Myint Swe (EP74).
    • Ko Maurice hand crafted a custom “birthday greetings” card with extracts from the birthday greetings from the RIT updates. The messages from Saya Dr. San Hla Aung, Ko Tha Aung, Ma Kinsa Maw-Naing came in too late to be incorporated into the gigantic card.
    • Ko Maurice spent countless days organizing the event. Following the tradition of his late father Uncle U Wah Kyu, Ko Maurice also prepared custom birayani (dan bauk).
    • Ko Charlie Tseng (EC70) and Ma Diana Tseng (ChE71) ordered two large birthday cakes for me.
    • The full list of food donors and sponsors are maintained by Ko Maurice.
    • Ko Johnson Lim (cousin of Ko Robert San Lin) needs a human walking “cane” (his beloved spouse). They are regular food donors at most events.
    • Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75) rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She brought “Kyee Oh See Kyet”.
      She also gave a ride to two Textile grads: Ko Than Htay (T75) and Ma Bibsu (T76).
    • Saya Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung also rarely attends gatherings. She made an exception this time. She and Saya U Myo Min fetched Saya U Tin Htut (Daw KKCM’s elder brother) at the air port and also brought him to the Half Moon Bay monastery.
    • Ko Gordon Kaung (M83) and Ma Lillian Kaung (EC83) drove 2+ hours from Napa. They also brought a bottle of iNapa Premium wine and also some desserts.
    • Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) spent a decade or so as President of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America) at half Moon Bay monastery. It was a sort of “welcome back” for Saya and Ma Ku (Daw Hnin Maung Maung).
    • Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) is a Past President of Northern California RIT Alumni Association and a founding member of RIT Alumni International.
      He and Daw Eng Eng (sister of Saya U Myat Thwin, ChE66) brought samoosa.
    • There were a few young and not so young alumni at the event. They include Ko Soe Thu (C98) and Ma Thandar.
    • Saya U Nyo Win (M65) and spouse were caught in the traffic.
    • Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) and Sandra (M76) brought their daughter.
    • Dr. Myint Thein (M73) talked about his “Htaik Htar” Daw Nyo Nyo Win (T73) and provide examples of “Applied English” (e.g. “air cut” for stroke).
  • Steeve Kay

    Steeve Kay

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Oct 2025

    Announcement from Chapman University

    Steeve 1
    Steeve 2
    Steeve 3

    Highlights

    • Thaung Sein
    • 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 1
    S 2
    S 3
    S 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)

    Steeve (Center) at Benny’s house
    SPZP-2012
    Steeve (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)
    Special Reunion & PZP
  • Class of 1973

    Class of 1973

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Sept 2025

    EP73

    U Jotika

    • ဦးနေထွန်း / ဦးဇောတိက
    • Author
    • Dhamma duta missions
    U Jotika 1
    U Jotika 2

    U Ohn Kyaw

    • Pathan Lectures
    • Photo taken in Southern California
    U Ohn Kyaw 1
    U Ohn Kyaw 2

    C73

    Dennis Mackey (C73) and George Peters (C73)

    Dennis

    Dennis Mackey (Kyaw Thu, C73) and George Peters (C73) did their final year project at UCC. Their supervisor was Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF).

    George moved to Perth, Australia. I met him at the RIT Reunion Dinner in Sydney, Australia in 2006.

    Dennis moved to Auckland, New Zealand. He reported about the alumni activities in NZ along with Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF) and Stanley Saw (Myo Lwin, M71).

    After retirement, Dennis moved to Canada.

    In late 2018, Dennis paid respect to Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi.

    EC73

    U San Lin (Robert, EC73) and Daw Hla Myint (Marina, EC73)

    • Robert’s father (Chan Boon Pin) graduated with Mechanical and Engineering Combined Degree from the Faculty of Engineering in 1948 – 49.
    • Robert studied M.Sc. (Computer Science) at UCC.
    • He worked in Singapore and the US.
    • After retirement, he moved to Dallas, Texas to be near his son and grand children.
    San Lin

    U Htun Aung Kyaw (HAK, EC73)

    • Htun Aung Kyaw (HAK) and Tun Aung Gyaw (TAG) are variant spellings of the same Burmese name.
    • Excellent golfer.
    • Worked for Schlumberger before moving to Sydney, Australia.

    M73

    Dr. Myint Thein (M73)

    • Doctorate from Georgia Institute of Technology (aka Georgia Tech) in Atlanta.
    • Pen name : Ba Thein (Atlanta)
    • Wrote several articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter.

    Dr. L Sein Myint (M73)

    • Younger brother of L Than Myint (M63, RUBC Gold)
    • Doctorate from the UK
    • Spends time in the US, Myanmar & Australia.
    • Helped organize the first Alumni Reunion in the East Coast of the US.

    U Khin Maung Aye (MEHS67, M73)

    • Took Applications Option for his M.Sc. (Computer Science).
    • GBNF.

    U Myo Myint (M)

    He is from the Class of 73. He took sabbatical and graduated in 1974. He retired as Deputy Chief Engineer of Burma Railways.

    He has connections with the Class of 72. His spouse is a cousin of U Myo Myint Pe (ChE72). He shared a dinner table with Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72).

    He designed and drew covers for RIT Annual Magazines and the commemorative issues of Swel Daw Yeik Magazines.

    He drew Pon Tus of sayas and sayamas, and gave most of them as presents at the SPZPs or RIT gatherings. He sent via Lu Kyone some Pon Tus for the overseas sayas.

    He also drew Oil Paintings and sold (or auctioned) them and gave the proceeds to the SPZP funds.

    Sample paintings are shown here.

    U Hla Win (M)

    Veda sayas
    • He is from the Class of 73. He took sabbatical and graduated in 1975.
    • Served as Master of Ceremonies for All Mechanical Gathering; Gatherings for the Class of 73, 74 and 75
    • Core organizer for SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016.
    • EC and Saya at MARB
  • My University Days (1963 – 69)

    My University Days (1963 – 69)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Sept 2025

    Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)
    • There are about 3000 articles in my web site hlamin.com
    • It is difficult if not impossible to revise all the articles.
    • Note that the events described here mostly cover my journey as a University Student.
    • Other events (e.g. 1946 to 1970s) are covered in other Posts. I have honored Outstanding Matriculates (e.g. f1951 to 1965) in other Posts.

    1963

    Guinea Pigs

    We took the Matriculation Only examination in 1963.

    SPHS63
    Hla Min (7th Place)

    Paulians took 5 places among the Top Five, 7 places among the Top Ten, and 10 places among the Top Twenty.

    • Khin Maung U (1st)
    • Min Oo (2nd)
    • Myo San (3rd, GBNF)
    • Nyunt Wai (4th)
    • Thein Wai (5th)
    • Hla Min (7th)
    • Johnny Maung Maung (Aung Kyaw Zaw, 9th)
    • Maung Maung Kyi (11th, GBNF)
    • Aung Thu Yein (13th, GBNF)
    • Frank Gale (Khin Maung Zaw, 17th)

    We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) class at Leik Khone.

    Following the “Anniversary of 7th July, 1962” events, the major parts of Rangion and Mandalay Universities were closed for an unspecified period.

    Engineering and Medical Classes were spared at that time.

    Subsequently, those who were only one year senior to us in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us (the Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems).

    RUBC

    We joined Rangoon University Boat Club.

    Our Paulians Crew was Runners-up for Senior Novices.
    Maung Maung Kyi (Bow, GBNF)
    Hla Min (2)
    Kyaw Wynn (3)
    Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, Stroke, GBNF)
    Myint Thein (Cox, GBNF)

    We were awarded Full Green.

    Maung Maung Kyi
    Kyaw Wynn (2nd from Left)

    40th Anniversary Gathering

    • President Sithu U Tin, Vice President U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon (A60) compiled the Souvenir Magazine for the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC.
    • Due to Security Concerns, the 40th Anniversary Annual Regatta was cancelled.
    • Sithu U Tin and the Patrons decided to hold the “40th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC” at a hotel in Kandawgyi.
    RUBC 40th Anniversary

    Burma Institute of Technology

    • My elder brother and several of my sayas graduated from the Burma Institute of Technology (BIT) in 1963.
    • They were from the second batch of BIT.
    • The degree conferred was B.Sc. (Engg).

    1964

    Education System

    • The New Education System was implemented in November, 1964.
    • Most Faculties of the University of Rangoon became autonomous Institutes with their own Rectors.
    • The Youth Affairs Department implemented Luyechun (Outstanding Students) Program in the Summer of 1964. Eligible students from 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Standards were chosen to attend the Ngapali Shwe Wah Gyaing Camp in the Summer of 1964.

    Rangoon Institute of Technology

    RIT Student

    In November 1964, three batches of students entered RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology).

    • 400+ were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using the controversial Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA). Ko Zaw Min was admitted as Roll Number One. Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Cho Aye (GBNF), Peter Pe (GBNF) and Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, GBNF) were among the top students.
    • 300+ who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) examination were chosen by merit to attend the first ever 2nd BE. I was admitted as Roll Number One. Taing Oke, Kenny Wong, Tun Aung Gyaw, Tin Tun (GBNF) and Thein Swe (GBNF) were among the top students.
    • About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE (formerly 1st year Engineering). Tun Aung (Jeffrey, GBNF) was a top student.

    RUBC

    • Elected as Honorary Treasurer of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). I had to report to Professor William Paw (President of RUBC).
    • I was the last Executive Committee member to be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
    • Served as Vice Captain the following year.
    • The higher authorities prevented me from becoming RUBC Captain by discarding the Bye Laws and using their ad-hoc rules (e.g. selecting instead of electing Captain)
    • Note : My affection for Rowing & RUBC did not wither. I served as Contributing Editor for the RUBC 90th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine.
    RUBC Souvenir Magazine

    Matriculation

    • Cherry Hlaing (Than Than Tin, St. John’s Convent) and Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS) had the Joint Highest Marks.
    • Based on ILA, Cherry would be admitted as Roll Number One to IM(1). She would be selected Luyechun for the Inlay Camp in the summer of 1965. Her grand father U Hoke Sein and her father U Saw Hlaing were also First in Burma. Her two children would also be First in Family. The record of five family members (spanning four generations) standing First in Burma is an enviable record that will not be broken.
    • Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS64) had four distinctions and the same raw score, but his performance in Burmese gave him a lower ILA than Cherry. He is a Scholar Athlete with proficiency in Swimming, Water Polo, Tennis and Chess. He was selected Luyechun in a subsequent year.
    • Aung Win Chiong (SPHS64) has the next best raw score. He had a perfect ILA score and was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One.
    • Maurice Hla Kyi (Min Lwin, SPHS64) had the 5th highest marks. He was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two.
    Maurice & Aung Win

    1965 – 1969

    Matriculation in 1965

    • Bernard Khaw (SPHS65) had four distinctions (with 80+ marks in English) and stood First in Burma. Due to the revised policy (e.g. 3 NRC requirement), he could not apply for professional courses.
      He majored in Chemistry before moving to USA. He retired as a Chemical Engineer and Pastor.
    Bernard (Center)
    • Aung Myint (SPHS65) had the second best raw marks. He and his twin brother Maung Aye moved to USA and pursued Ph.D
    • Winston Sein Maung (SPHS65, GBNF) had the third best raw marks.
    • Cherry Than Tin had the fourth best raw marks. She was admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (2).
    • Yi Thwe (SPHS65, GBNF) was admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (1).
    • Paing Soe (Freddie, SPHS65) had same marks as Yi Thwe.
      He was admitted as Roll No (2) to MC (1).
    • Forty four Paulians were admitted to MC in 1965. They are from the Last Batch of True Paulians.
    • After Nationalization, St. Paul’s High School was renamed as No. (6) Botathaung State High School.

    Nationalization

    The consequences of the Coup d’etat include

    • Disappearance of Democracy
    • Nationalization of industry and schools
    • Indiscriminate demonetization
    • Increased censorship
    • With every turmoil (effecting “National Security”), the universities, institutes and schools were suspended.

    After the schools were nationalized, St. Paul’s High School became No. (6) Botathaung State High School. Some Brothers left Burma. A few indigenous Brothers remained in Ady Road. Brother Joseph was ordained as Father Joseph.

    Luyechun

    • The program was extended to include Universitites and Institutes in the Summer of 1965.
    • I attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Lu Ye Camp in the summer of 1965 along with U Sein Shwe, Daw Khin Than Myint Tin and U Zaw Min Nawaday.
    LYC 1
    LYC 2
    • MC(1) sent Cherry Hlaing, Khin Maung U, Anita Aye Pe and Kyaw Sein Koe (Victor, GBNF).

    RIT

    There were eight engineering departments

    • Architecture
    • Chemical
    • Civil
    • Electrical
    • Mechanical
    • Metallurgy
    • Mining
    • Textile

    Most departments have associations. The RIT Mechanical Engineering Association was active. U Win Thein (M67, GBNF) was a Prime Mover. He co-founded Set Hmu Thadinzin and Mechanical Magazine. He co-organized activities.

    The RIT Sports Council was headed by Saya U Maung Maung Than (GBNF). U Maung Maung (Burma Selected in soccer) was Sports Officer. The associations for the various sports was headed by a saya.

    Several RIT students were Burma Selected. They include Sai Kham Pan (Badminton) and Htay Aung (Swimming and Water Polo).

    Htay Aung

    Saya Mao Toon Siong (former Burma Champion) was National Coach for Table Tennis. He also coached the RIT team which won the Inter-Institute Championship.

    Saya Mao

    Electrical Sayas

    EE Sayas
    • In those days, the Electrical Engineering was headed by Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor and Head).
    • The senior sayas included U Kyaw Tun (saya of our sayas), U Tin Swe and U Sein Win. All are now GBNF.
    • There were about 20 sayas. Five were on deputation for further studies abroad.
    • I wrote “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” for SPZP-2010. Sayas U Thein Lwin and U Nyi Nyi have since passed away.

    EC and EP

    There were two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power). Per advice in the industry, only a quarter of the students were accepted for EC.

    • There were 80+ EE students in the beginning. Tin Tin (Anne) was the lone female EE student.
    • At the end, there were 40+ EE students left.
    EE69ers
    • The EP students outnumbered the EC students 3 by 1. Several bright students played safe by choosing EP (which provided a job guarantee).
    • We studied EC (Electrical Communications). Twelve of us graduated in 1969.
    • Four EC69ers — Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin and Oo Kyaw Hla — are now GBNF.
    • A few years later, EC became Electronics Engineering.
    • A few decades later, Electronics Engineering and Electrical Power became full-fledged departments.

    Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :

    AFAIK, EC was the hardest and strictest discipline at the RIT in those days as we’ve been told. Some even asked us why we had to go there. Of course, I am not going to mention the easiest discipline there, but we joked like, “they had 109 students and 110 passed the exam”. I do not mean any disrespect to Sayas and friends from other majors!! At times, it made us wonder why were we there for god’s sake. CRAZY TIMES!!! Indeed.

    Volunteer

    I served as

    • Treasurer & Vice Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club)
    • Class Representative, Joint Secretary & Secretary of RITEE (Rangoon Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Association)
    • Member of Committee for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”
    • Editor of the Bulletin published by RIT English Association
    • Member of UTC, Rowing, Scrabble, and Chess Assocations /Clubs
    • Free lance writer (articles, poems, translations)
      My poem “Men on the Moon” was sent to NASA by USIS, and it was published in the Guardian newspaper in July 1969
    Men on the Moon

    Update

    SPZP-2000

    SPZP-2000
    Award 1
    Award 2
    DTM 1
    DTM 2
  • Retirement Option

    Retirement Option

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Reginald (Reynold) Wu and his cousin Victor Wu (Tin Aung, RUBC Gold, GBNF) were members of the Novice crew coxed by my elder brother.

    His older brother Derrick (GBNF) and younger brother Samuel are also RUBC members.

    Reginald wanted to retire, but wanted to spend the four months leave (before retirement) to enjoy (e.g visiting Asia including Burma).

    He passed away unexpectedly during the leave period.

    His spouse did not receive the full compensation since he had not retired.

  • Fatal Pony Ride

    Fatal Pony Ride

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Peter Pe (64 Intake)

    He was among the Top students — along side Zaw Min, Tommy Shwe (GBNF) and Cho Aye (GBNF) — that were admitted to 1st BE in November 1965.

    He is the younger brother of Saya U Nita Pe (Min / Geol).

    He represented RIT in Swimming and Water Polo.

    He fell from a horse and was taken to the hospital. He passed away.

    Ko Zaw Min posted an article about him.

    Emma Myint wrote : He was our classmate. I attended his funeral.

  • Gatherings — Jan 2018

    Gatherings — Jan 2018

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    There were several gatherings during my visit to Yangon in January, 2018.

    • Mini-gathering hosted by me
    • 69er Monthly Gathering
    • UCC gathering hosted by the Myints
    • 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST and UCSY
    • Lunch gathering hosted by MARB sayas

    Mini-gathering hosted by me

    Host : Me

    During my visits to Myanamar, several friends gave me rides.

    U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:

    • U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
    • Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
    • Yours truly

    Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.

    A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).

    Standing:

    • U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
    • U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
    • Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
    • U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
    • U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)

    Seated :

    • U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
    • U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
    • U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
    • U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)

    Sharing Merits

    • I hosted the mini-gathering.
    • I also donated to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and the EE69ers HCF.
    • Ah Hmya, ah hmya, ah hmya