Offered me rides during my visits to Yangon especially to attend meetings for SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016, HMEE-2012, and to selected 69er Breakfast Gatherings.
Spouse is Sayama Daw Khin Swe Aye (Winnie, ChE70)
Younger sister is Sayama Dr. Khin Swe Myint (Physics).
Other Names : Ohn Gaing & Gaing Gyi
Matriculated in 1964 from St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay.
Admitted to 1st BE in November 1964.
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1970.
Founder & moderator of the Google Group “Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65”.
Maintains the GBNF list for the Class of 70.
Joined HIC (Heavy Industries Corporation).
Volunteer for SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016, SDYF, Shwe YaDu & HMEE, Reunion &Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
Publication
U Ohn Khine and I compiled the CD Supplement for HMEE-2012.
Translated Section One of HMEE-2012 into English.
Summarized Section Two of HMEE-2012.
Co-authored “RIT Days” article with U Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70).
I edited their joint long article and published in “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”.
It was also reprinted in the Golden Jubilee magazine by the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
Souvenirs from SPZPSPZP-2000 OrganizersSPZP-2000 SayasSPZP-2000 EE Sayas and Alumni
PZP ပူဇော်ပွဲ
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 သက်ကြီးပူဇော်ပွဲ
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 အာစရိယပူဇော်ပွဲ
Examples :
Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
M72 (and some other Disciplines)
ICST/UCSY
Saya PZP ဆရာပူဇော်ပွဲ
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).
When 69ers compiled the Contact List in 1999, he was inadvertently listed as GBNF. The compilers were unaware that he had been sentenced by a Kangaroo Court to 20 years.
He was released after 17 years, but he lost his family.
Did not lose heart စိတ်ဓာတ်မကျ
Active in 69er Gatherings as a photographer
Happy testing Special Effects on his camera
Photographer
Leader in Latha Township
Latha Ah Pho Gyi
Byadi & Marana ဗျာဓိ မရဏ
Covid partly caused his demise.
Condolences
Tin Aung Win wrote
We miss you, Mr. Photographer.
David Myint Thein wrote
Gone But Not Forgotten, may his soul rest in peace !
Has the largest number of alumni. Many worked in Myanmar. Some worked overseas, but returned to Myanmar after retirement.
During the Adhamma Era, there was no Alumni Association in Myanmar. The Alumni in the US & Singapore set up Alumni Associations and hosted Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes in 2000 (USA) & 2002 (Singapore).
Yangon hosted SPZP-2004 in December 2004 as a piggy-back to the ASEAN Engineering Conference. The mild earth quake did not deter the attendees.
There were hopes that Yangon could continue to hold SPZP in 2006 and beyond. The change in the political climate in Myanmar dashed the hopes. Singapore Alumni hosted SPZPs in April 2007 & December 2010. The two year interval between the SPZPs went up to two and a half years.
U Aye Myint (EP72) never forgot his roots and his alma mater. Requested help from the sayas and alumni to help our beloved alma mater to former glory. Initiated the process to have engineering classes reopen at the Gyogone Campus and also to make a true Home Coming for the attendees of SPZP-2012. There were tears of joy from the alumni. The Garawa ceremony was held at the Gyogone Campus. The Reunion Dinner and Entertainment Program was held at MICT Park.
SPZP-2012
Around SPZP-2012, Sayagyi U Aung Khin and Sayagyi U Ba Than served as Patrons of the newly formed Mechanical Engineers Association.
All Mech Gathering
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) and team had discussions before, during and after SPZP-2012 to form Swel Daw Yeik Foundation with the objective of helping eligible sayas. SDYF was established in 2013.
SDYF
Shwe YaDu celebrations were held in 2014 with the planting of 50 Swel Daw Bins. Shwe YaDu benches were donated by alumni in Myanmar and overseas.
Shwe YaDu
RITAA helped host SPZP-2016. It was an All-Day Event at the Gyogone Campus. There was free food (for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) and entertainment.
SPZP-2016
In early 2016, the bye-laws of RITAA (RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association) were developed and approved by core volunteers. The Association was registered. A Working Committee with U Tin Latt as President was formed to help short term projects. Annual Membership costs K12000. Life Membership costs K60000.
Fund raising was led by U Wynn Htain Oo and Daw Nan Khin Nwe.
RITAA
In 2018, the first Annual General Meeting of RITAA elected Executive Committee members for the 2018 – 2020 term with U Myo Aye as President. He succeeded U Tin Latt, who served as Interim President before the AGM was called.
RITAA is a true Alumni Association. Although sayas and alums served as President and Executive Committee members in Myanmar Engineering Society (MES), MES is not an Alumni Association. MES is not even an NGO. It is simply an NPO.
Singapore
Has the largest alums outside of Myanmar. The RIT Alumni in Singapore helped organize three SPZPs in December 2002, April 2007, and December 2010.
SPZP-2002
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War, EE63) chaired SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010. He and his team published the commemorative issues of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, and SPZP-2010. After retirement, Saya moved back to Myanmar. He is Patron of SDYF & RITAA.
U Nyan Win Shwe (William, M72) chaired SPZP-2007.
Organizers for the SPZPs include Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63), Saya U Tin Hlaing (ChE65, GBNF), U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69), Sayama Daw Tin Tin Myint (ChE70), Saya U Aung (C70), Saya U Tin Lin (ChE72), Saya Dr. Soe Thein (C75), U Moe Myint (M76), and Ko Maung Aunt (M).
The Singapore Alumni lent helping hand for the SPZPs in Yangon. Ko Zaw Tun Naing (Aero95) was the point of contact in Singapore for SPZP-2012.
There used to be Civil and Electrical Engineering web sites for the Singapore RIT Alumni.
Dr. Soe Thein volunteered as Web Master for the SPZP-2007 web site and the Singapore Civil web site. He moved back to Myanmar.
Thailand
There is no Alumni Association in Thailand.
Several sayas including U Ba Toke and U Khin Aung Kyi taught in Thailand. Dr. Win Tin served as Associate Dean at Assumption University. U Sein Maung (EE63), U Tin Shwe (EP66, GBNF) and many others taught at Assumption University & Rengsit University.
Some alumni such as U Win Hlaing (C68) also taught in Thailand.
Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72) & Daw Gyn Yu (ChE72) hosted micro-gatherings for the sayas and alumni visiting Bangkok especially for medical check up and treatment.
Ko Aung Myaing, Ma Gyn Yu, Bagyee Myat Myo Myint
Australia
There is no formal RIT Alumni Association in Australia.
The alumni participate in Myanmar Engineering Association of Australia (MEAA). U Thet Tun (M75) and U Sein Win (C80) are Past Presidents of MEAA.
Sydney 2006
The alumni in Sydney used to have a picnic and a dinner every year.
Sayas in Australia
U Thit (Met, GBNF)
U Myo Win (M, GBNF)
U Hla Myint (Charlie, M)
U Maung Maung Win (M)
Daw Yin Yin Mya (English)
Alumni in Australia
Win Boh (Robert, EC69)
Surinder Singh (EP)
Htay Aung (Victor, EC80)
Sein Tin (Johnny, EC75)
Sai Aung Thurein (EC74, GBNF) and Khin Swe Oo (EP74)
Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70) and Aye Win Hlaing (La La, Abel, EP)
Sein Win (C80) and spouse
Thet Tun (Henry, M75)
Htun Aung Kyaw (EC73)
Tha Hlaing (EC83)
George Peters (C73)
Tin Aung Win & Dorothy Kyaw Tun
Wint Khin Zaw (A79)
New Zealand
Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF), Stanley Saw (Myo Lwin, M71), & Dennis Mackey (Kyaw Thu, C73, now in Canada) used to report RIT Alumni Activities in New Zealand.
Kogyi Koung
Saya U Aung Myint (M69) lives in Singapore & New Zealand.
Patrick Saw & his spouse are alumni.
Japan
Taing Oke
U Thein Ngwe (Ko Thein Tokyo, ChE76) founded RITAJ (RIT Alumni in Japan). He was helped by U Win Myint (EC83) for some time. He mentioned that there are younger alumni in Japan, but they are not active in RITAJ.
Saya Dr. Taing Oke (ChE69) is still teaching in Japan.
After retirement, Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C70) consulted three Japanese companies. He traveled several times to Myanmar on business trip. He helped find jobs for young engineers. He is undergoing rehab to treat Stroke. Spouse : Daw Winsome (Mya Nwe, C73)
U Win Myint (EC83)
Myo KhinWinsome & Myo Khin
Canada
U Tha Aung & Daw Kinsa Maw Naing organized alumni gatherings in Canada. They later worked on projects in Myanmar.
Sayas in Canada
Dr. Aung Gyi (Rector)
Dr. Aung Gyi
U Aung Khin (M)
U Aung Khin
U Kyaw Myint (T)
Des Rodgers (English)
U Ko Ko Kyi (EC72)
Alumni in Canada
U Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey, C73)
U Htay Aung (C69)
U Htein Win (Chauk Pay, M70, RIT swimming, water polo & rowing)
U Aung Lwin (Jasper Wu, C70, RIT rowing)
U Aung Myint Thwin (C76, GBNF)
U Tha Aung (M79)
Daw Kinsa Maw-Naing (ChE79)
U Zaw Oo (M)
UK
U Nyi Nyi (EE63, Saya, GBNF)
U Myint Khine (Norman, C63)
Daw Tin Tin Win (Yvonne)
Daw Khin May Than (ChE72)
Khin May Than
Dr. Aung Shein (C72, Saya)
U Nyunt Aung (C73)
Daw Sandar Bo (C73)
Daw Aye Aye Than (Pauk Pauk)
Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice) often visits UK to see her daughter and grandchild.
Taiwan
Saya U Khin (Lucien Chen, RIT English)
Saya Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65) worked in the USA and Taiwan. He travels regularly to Taiwan.
Two siblings of Roland Chen (U Kyi Aung, ChE73, USA) are in Taiwan. The three siblings donated Shwe YaDu benches.
Benedict Sia (U Myat Swe, M75) — Donated K2 Lakhs for YTU Library Modernization project. Life member of ARITA.
Benedict
USA
RIT Alumni International
SF Bay Area Alumni
Alumni in the USA formed “RIT Alumni International” with the main objective of hosting SPZP-2000.
SPZP-2000
Founder/members include
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
Saya U San Tun (M59)
Saya K C Chiu (ChE63)
U Myint Lwin (Henry, C63, GBNF)
Saya U Nyo Win (M65)
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
U Hla Min (EC69)
Benny Tan (M70)
Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met 72)
Maurice Chee (M75)
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76)
Gordon Kaung (M83)
But, it was dormant for some time.
NorCal RITAA
Northern California RIT Alumni Association was formed over a decade ago
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) served as President. Successors : Gordon Kaung (M83), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) and U Tin Maung Win (C76).
Stan Liou(M67)served as Chair of the Board of Directors (BOD). Succesor : Saya U Myat Htoo.
Alumniin Northern California
Some may have relocated.
There are varying degrees of activity.
Some were active as members of EC (Executive Committee) and BOD (Board of Directors), but then they decided to take a break.
Some donated money, but due to schedule conflicts, they might not make it to the AGM (Annual General Meeting), Dinner, Picnic and ah hoc gatherings (e.g. welcoming visiting sayas and alumni).
Some might have dropped in once or twice out of curiosity or because of “Ah Nar Dei” attitude.
Alex Khoo (Aung Kyaw, C80) : Younger brother of Henry Khoo (EC67). Attends most gatherings and also provide food dana.
Alfred Yaung (Sein Yaung, M67) : Attends some gatherings. Make donations to NorCal RITAA. He felt sad when his beloved spouse Daw Pa Pa — sister of U Nyunt Tin (M70) — passed away. U Nyunt Tin introduced him to a Dhamma friend. They ended up being soul mates & partners in Vipassana Meditation.
Aik Kyu (Steven Wang) : Attended some gatherings, but does have time to commit to be an EC or BOD. Invited NorCal RITAA members to meet his mother, who was visiting her children. He & his siblings donated a Dhamma Room at Mudita Shwe Kyaung in memory of their parents.
* Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) is a founding member & President of RIT Alumni International. I have written several posts about his life & legacy. His article, “Brother, can you spare US $500?” is a classic for SPZP-2000. In Saya’s memory, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to YTU Library. She also provided Scholarships for eligible YTU students.
Saya Allen Htay (GBNF)
Anthony Ng (Aye Tun, M76) : Top fund raiser for several social & religious organizations in the SF Bay Area. Jokingly said that he had to buy a lot of raffle & dinner tickets from other organizations. Took part in the monthly luncheon for the Retirees in the Bay Area.
Audrey Wong (Yi Yi Khaing, C84) : Volunteered her culinary expertise for the Picnic (second day optional event) at SPZP-2000. Donated $300 per year to NorCal RITAA for the past two years. Organizer for the retreats at Norfolk, California
Aung Htet Naing (Aaron) : Inactive
Aung Kyin : Inactive.
Aung Myint Oo (EC84) : President of NorCal RITAA.
Aung Zaw Maung (Pet78) : was EC & BOD of Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA). Was Editor of Dhammananda Newsletter and Web Master of TBSA web site.
Aye Aye Myint : cousin of Audrey. Attends some gatherings. Her daughter won scholarship provided by NorCal RITAA.
* Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70) : Founding member of RIT Alumni International. Hosted several meetings at his house. Chaired Working Committee of SPZP-2000. Designed Banner. Negotiated with Embassy Suites for the gathering and his suppliers for the mementos (Mug, Calendar/Clock, Tee shirt). Multiple Golden Sponsor for the SPZPs. Major donor for the activities of the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65. Past President of BAPS. Now taking a break to have quality time with his six grand children. Took part in the monthly luncheon for the Retirees in the Bay Area.
Benny (Right)
Bony (C02) : Joint Secretary, NorCal RITAA
Charlie Tseng (EC70) & spouse Diana Tseng (ChE71) : Attended gatherings. Took part in the monthly luncheon for the Retirees in the Bay Area.
Darren Lee (M62, GBNF) : passed away on December 21, 2108. Attended 2018 Summer Picnic hosted by NorCal RITAA.
David Ko (Tin Myint, M67, GBNF) : was Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000. Donated $3000 for SPZP-2012. Hosted a table at 2015 NorCal RITAA Dinner to invite sayas & guests from Southern California. Donated to selected monasteries in the SF Bay Area. Employed several Burmese for his company (which he has sold).
Dennis Chee (Thein Tun Aung, EP75) : EC member of NorCal RITAA. Visited Yangon and gave talks on “Traffic Signals and Control”.
Dennis S. Lin (San Naing, M83) : Some gatherings were held at “Burma Kitchen” run by Dennis and his spouse.
Diana Tseng (ChE71) :,She and Charlie ordered two Birthday Cakes for me at the Soon Kway Gathering at Dhammananda Vihara (Half Moon Bay, California) in August 2016 hosted by Maurice Chee.
Edward Saw (Yu Ket, EC85) : Treasurer / Auditor of NorCal RITAA. Runs the MailChimp to inform alumni in the SF Bay Area. Gave me rides (e.g to Southern California to attend the BASES Dinner, a Kathein and a Literary Talk).
George Chan (Maung Maung, ChE66)
* George Chan (Maung Maung, ChE66) : Founding member of RIT Alumni International. Founder & Past President of NorCal RITAA. Provided $500 as seed money for the “Training Component” of the YTU Library Modernization Project. He is classmate & brother-in-law of Saya U Myat Thwin.
Gordon Kaung (M83)
* Gordon Kaung (Kaung Kaung Oo, M83) : Youngest founding members of RIT Alumni International. Founded Mechanical Solutions. He & spouse Lillian (EC83) founded iNapa Winery. Hosted several gatherings at their winery. Provided tour to visiting sayas (including Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, U Tin Myint, U Win Kyaw, U Nyunt Htay). Completed two terms as President of NorCal RITAA, but stayed on as BOD. During the Napa wild fires in 2017, they had to move out for three weeks. Luckily, there was no damage. They had another scare in 2019. There were some damages.
Han Win Chou : Inactive
Hein Hein : Inactive
Henry Chee (Myint Lwin, C63, GBNF) : good vocalist. Had to take care of his spouse and son who had medical problems.
Hin Lok Kung (Win Myint, RIT Table Tennis) and his team mates “Sin Gyi”, Stan Liou & Myat Lwin won the Inter-Institute Championship. Their coach was Saya Mao Toon Siong, former National Champion for Singles and Doubles.
Hla Kyi (C) : founding member of a non-profit to provide health care in Myanmar.
Hla Kyi (EC77) : EC member for NorCal RITAA. Volunteered to distribute fruits from his neighbors.
Hla Min
* Hla Min (EC69) : Jack of all trades and Master of some. Founding member of RIT Alumni International & NorCal RITAA. Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter for 26 years. Has a website hlamin.com
Hla Tin : He & his spouse were active in the first term of NorCal RITAA.
*!James Wu (Thein Aung, Met72, Mr. RIT68) : co-emcee of SPZP-2000. Associate Editor for the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000.
Joe Chow (Thein Zaw, Ah Yoke, EC68, GBNF) : Good vocalist & dancer. Spouse is a niece of U San Tun. He is a cousin of U Num Kok’s spouse.
John T Lee (Tin Myint, M69, RIT Table Tennis, GBNF) : His friends call him “Tan Choy”. Luyechun in 4th BE.
John Yeo (Aung Thein, M71, GBNF) : attended the lunch gathering for Retirees. Cancer survivor.
* K C Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63, moved to Southern California) : Past President of BEA, which merged with BASTS into BAPS.
Kenneth Kay : Took videos of some Gatherings
Khin Hnin Yee : attended some gatherings, but was not active in the Alumni organizations.
Khong Him Chan (Win Maung, T70) : attended some gatherings, but was not active in the Alumni organizations.
* Kim Hong Chen (Dr. Nyo Win, M65) : founding member of RIT Alumni International & NorCal RITAA. Organizer for SPZP-2000. BOD of NorCal RITAA
Ko Ko Zin (M84) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Treasurer of NorCal RITAA for two terms. Now Auditor. Spouse : Thida Kaung (sister of Gordon)
Kyaw Myint (M83) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. He was Auditor of NorCal RITAA.
Kyaw Paw Oo : Younger brother of U Kyaw Teza (Terrence). He is inactive.
Kyaw Than (Maung Maung, EC85) : Inactive
Kyaw Win : Inactive
Kyi Kong Tham (U Kyi, C63) : attended some gatherings.
Kyi Shane (M83) : volunteered for selected monasteries in the Bay Area. Attended & helped most Nar Yay.
Kyu Kyu Lin (T75, Bawlone, Volleyball) : donated to NorCal RITAA.
Leigh K Lin (Wah Wah, EC83) : spouse of Dennis. They own “Burma Kitchen”.
Lilian Kaung (EC83) : spouse of Gordon. They own iNapa Winery. She is also an IT Professional.
Linda Shieh (Yee Yee) : an agent for an Insurance & Financial Company. She donated to NorCal RITAA.
Mabel Lee (Lyo Kyin Sein, T69, Basketball) : spouse of John T Lee (GBNF). They attended some gatherings.
Mao Toon Siong (M62, Burma Table Tennis Champion and Coach) : competed in the World Championship for Table Tennis in Peking.
* Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, M75) : founding member of RIT Alumni International & NorCal RITAA. Co-chair of the Working Committee for SPZP-2000. Financial Controller, Logistics Manager & Publisher of the commemorative issue of RIT Alumni International Newsletter for SPZP-2000. Past President of BAPS. Treasurer of RIT Alumni International. Past Vice President of NorCal RITAA. Organizer of monthly lunch gathering for Retirees in the Bay Area. He occasionally provided Dan Bauk (Chicken or Beef) to the Retirees.
Maung Maung Shwe : Inactive
Maung Yit (Maung Maung Win, Moe Ma Ka, EC93) : helped with the FB and web site.
May Than Htay (ChE92) : spouse of Maung Yit. They donated $1500 for the YTU Scholarship offered by NorCal RITAA.
Moon Lee : Inactive
* Myat Htoo (C68) : founding member of RIT Alumni International & NorCal RITAA. Co-emcee for SPZP-2000. Chair of BOD at NorCal RITAA. Past President of TBSA, where he served for a decade. Past President of BADA. Played ukelele and sang his parody “Lost Neik Ban (RIT version)”.
Myint Myint Thein (C74) : volunteered at several monasteries in the Bay Area and beyond. Leader of the Chanting Group. Donated to her class.
Myint Myint Yee (ChE73) : volunteered at several monasteries in the Bay Area. Spouse : U Tun Shwe. They donate food at selected events. They moved to Virginia.
Myint Soe (M79) : attended gatherings; donated to NorCal RITAA.
Myint Swe (EP74) : Secretary of NorCal RITAA for two terms. Current Vice President. He and spouse San San donated to the YTU Scholarship Fund of NorCal RITAA.
Myint Thein (Ba Thein Atlanta, M73) : His writings are fun to read.
Myint Wai (Met74) : was active in American Burmese Cab Drivers Association. Has relocated.
Ni Ni Sein (EC83) : donated $1000 for the Scholarship Fund.
Nilar Myint : Inactive
Nyunt Than (M86) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Past Associate Secretary. Past President of BADA.
Patrick Chin (Patrick Fong, C70) : attended some gatherings (e.g. welcoming Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi). Younger brother of Henry (U Nyan Shein), who was a Patron for TDS.
Patrick Ho (EE72) : brother of Diana.
Philip Thwin (Mya Thwin, EP75) : attended some gatherings.
Pyone Wynn : Inactive
Raymond Shia : Inactive
Robert Thein (M72) : Past President of Kusalakari Association. Visited YTU and donated some equipment.
Roland Chen (Kyi Aung, ChE73) : Provided class photos to the RIT web site. Donated to NorCal RITAA
Ronald K Lwee (Lin Kyi, C74) : Inactive
Saya U San Tun
Sain Fone Wong (San Tun, M59) : Head of Automobile Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical). Worked for Bectel Corporation until he retired. Past President of BEA. Close to Saya U Aung Khin. They traveled to China at the time when Saya U Kyaw Myint was working for UN.
San Lin (Maung Lu Pay, M87) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Auditor. Blogger.
San San Swe (EC74) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Displays her culinary expertise at the gatherings (especially Face-to-face meetings at their home).
Sandy Ma (C80) : Inactive
Shark Moon Lam (C67, GBNF) : attended some gatherings. He rowed for RIT.
Shin Hwa Ho (Hla Kyaing, M69, RIT Swimming & Water Polo). Met him at the welcome lunch for Dicky Tan (Win Naing, GBNF)
Stan Liou (M67, RIT Table Tennis) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Past Chair of BOD. Active with his other Alumni Association. He, Ko Win Myint, “Sin Gyi” and Myat Lwin (GBNF) won the Inter-Institute Championship. Saya Mao Toon Siong, Burma Selected & National Coach, managed the RIT team.
Susan Tan Luo : Inactive
Win Myint, Stan & Hla Min
Than Shwe : Inactive
Than Soe (M63) : RUBC Gold; Elder brother of Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF)
Thein Shwe : Inactive
Thanda Aye : helped the Fund raising team. Now busy with work and child.
Thaung Nyunt (M86) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Past Secretary & VP.
Thin Thin Naing : Inactive
Tin Kyaw : attended some gatherings.
U Tin Maung Nyunt
Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) : donated $500 for “Training Component” of the YTU Library Modernization Project.
Tin Shwe (C) : Inactive
Tint Lwin Oo : Inactive
Trixie Tan : Met her at the Soon Kyway by Ko Aung Myaing & Ma Gyn Yu
Tun Shwe (ChE72) : Volunteer for selected monasteries in the Bay Area. He & spouse Myint Myint Yee were food donors. Excellent videographer. Moved to Virginia.
Tun Shwe (Standing Rightmost)
Victor Win (Ne Win Myint, ChE66, GBNF) : Past President of BADA. Member of Complete Count Committee at 2010 US Census.
Victor (C), George (R)
Walter Tan (M70) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Past BOD.
Walter Thein-yu Tham : Inactive
William Hsiao : Inactive
Willy Chow (Wai Lin) : Inactive
Win Htut : I met him last at the SF Bay Area Talk. Took picture together with Aw Pi Kye.
Yo Shu (Yee Yee Win, EC74) : classmate of Myint Swe & San San Swe. Attended some gatherings & made donations.
Zaw Lwin (Andrew, M87) : EC member in TDS. Classmate of Eng Shwe & San Lin. They have gatherings to welcome their classmates visiting the SF Bay Area.
Zaw Min (EP70, moved to Nevada) : Wrote a long article covering 1st BE to Final Year. The missing pieces were filled by Ohn Khine.
BAPS, BASES, East Coast Gathering, NJ Reunions
Some alumni participate in BAPS (in Northern California) and BASES (in Southern California).
Saya Dr. Nyo Win, Benny Tan and Maurice Chee are Past Presidents of BAPS.
Saya U Tin Htut and U Tin Htway are co-founders & Past Presidents of BASES. U Tun Aung (Jeffrey), Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L. Tin Tun), Saya Dr. Tin Win, U Khin Maung Lay (Henry) U Thura Thant Zin and U Tin Nwe (Milton) are Past Presidents.
Los Angeles hosted the 2015 Alumni Gathering. Steeve Kay (EC70, Chair of KFF) was the matching sponsor for US $30,000. Saya Dr. Tin Win, Saya U Tin Htut, U Khin Maung Lay and U Thura Thant Zin were core Organizers. U Htaik San (Henry) helped with interviews.
Two mini-gatherings (one in DC area, and another near Niagara Falls) were held for the RIT Alums in East Coast.
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo) has hosted RIT-UCC gatherings for several years. The last gathering was on June 30, 2018. Ivan co-founded MASTAA,
Other Countries
Some alumni are known to have worked or resided in other countries :
Botswana : Aung Khin (A69) & Tin Tin Hla (A70) worked there. They moved to Seattle.
Brunei : Ye Lin Oo
Cambodia : Chit Po Po’s spouse (Dr. Daisy Saw) worked there
China : Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto)
Germany : Nyunt Nyunt Wai, Phyo
Iran : Oscar Sharazee & Aye Win Hlaing worked there
Jamaica
Kuwait : Saya U Soe Paing was UN Advisor
Malaysia : Dr. Kyaw Sein, Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Ko Ko Kyi
Qatar : Tin Maung Lay
Russia : Phyo, Tin Maung Lay
Saudi Arabia : Khin Maung (Hasan)
Updates
Sayagyis
U Aung Khin, Dr. Aung Gyi, U Myo Myint Sein are some Sayagyis who are 90+ years young.
GBNF
Several sayas and alumni are GBNF.
Ko Aung Min (M69) & team maintain the GBNF list for 69ers
Ko Ohn Khine (M70) & team maintain the GBNF list for 1st BE Intake of 64
Occasionally receive Sad News / Obituary.
Due to Privacy concerns, we may not receive Sad News in a timely fashion. In some cases, we receive Confirmation after a few months.
Residency
Some sayas and alumni may have relocated (especially after retirement).
Ko Soe Win (EC70, UCC, PTC) passed away in Yangon.
GBNF #151 : Intake of 64
Soe Win (Left)
Meeting in Sept 2026
Hosts : Ko Khin Maung Myint (ChE71) and Rosie Mai Khin Nyunt (ChE71)
Preparation for forthcoming Acariya Pu Zaw
RG 1RG 2RG 3RG 4RG 5RG 6RG 7RG 8
Earlier Meeting
Cho Aye (Standing rightmost)
Steeve Kay
Roll No 8 in 1st BE
BE (EC) in 1970
MS from Stanford University
MBA from Pepperdine University
Entrepreneur
Philanthropist
Chair, Kay Family Foundation
Donated $200000+ to RIT-related activities
Multiple Golden Sponsor, SPZP
Passed away in Southern California
Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los AngelesSteeve and Benny
Benny
BE (Mech) in 1970
MS from UC Berkeley
Entrepreneur
Philanthropist
Founding member, RIT Alumni International
Co-chair, SPZP-2000
Past President, BAPS
Retiree in SF Bay Area
BennyBenny
RIT Days (1964 – 70)
Authors : Zaw Min (EP70) and Ohn Khine (M70)
Editor : Hla Min (EC69)
Zaw Min
Matriculated from St. Albert’s High School in 1964.
Admitted as Roll No to 1st BE. He was followed by Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Cho Aye (GBNF) and Peter Pe (GBNF)
Luyechun for Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the Summer of 1965
BE (EP) in 1970
Worked for HIC (briefly) and Ceramics corporation
Moved to USA
Added Nawaday to his name
Studied Electronics and Management
Worked in East Coast and California.
Hosted Sayagyi U Ba Toke and Ko Ye Myint during their visit to attend SPZP-2000
Retiree in Las Vegas
Zaw Min (standing 2nd from left)
Ohn Khine
Matriculated from St. Peter’s High School in 1964
BE (Mech) in 1970
HIC Alumnus
Member, HMEE Project; Compiled CD Supplement for ths HMEE book (with Ko Hla Min); Translated Section 1 and Summarized Section (revised by Saya U Soe Paing)
Moderator, Google Group; maintains GBNF list
Gave me rides to attend meetings for HMEE and SPZP
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering from RIT in 1967.
Worked at Sittaung Paper Mill.
Moved to USA. Became a successful Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Co-founded “M & Ko”. Hired several Burmese (including RIT graduates) in the SF Bay Area. Sponsored “Ya-han-khan” (ordination) ceremonies for his employees.
Did not forget his roots. Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000. Donated $3000 to SPZP-2012. Donated to NorCal RITAA and sponsored table for the Annual Dinner.
Donated to the general and building funds of various monasteries in the Bay Area. One was in memory of his spouse Daw Sein Yone.
Played Table uTennis
Built audio equipment to play Vinyl Records with high fidelity
Became a Vegetarian
Retired after Serial Entrepreneurship. Joined the Bay Area Retirees’ monthly lunch gathering.
Passed away on February 22, 2021.
Mavis Ko donated $2000 to NorCal RITAA in David’s memory.
Article fromBAPS Newsletter
Edison Paw wrote the success story of two RIT alumni : David Ko (M68) & Benny Tan (M70)
Thanks to BAPS, Maurice Chee (Past President), Henry Lim (Former Chief Editor) & Edison Paw for permission to reprint the article
David Ko
Mr. David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67) has a successful mechanical components manufacturing firm in Union City. He co-founded the business back in 1978 with a partner from Croatia. The two partners have since expanded their business. With approximately 100 employees, they currently occupy 72,000 sq. feet of space for their warehousing and manufacturing operations. The company is continuously growing at a rate of 5-25% per year. Ninety percent of their employees started out as trainees in their shop. BAPS [and RIT Alumni International] would like to congratulate Mr. Ko for his hard work, his dedication to his employees and his contribution to the community.
Besides his successful business, David and his late wife, Daw Sein Yone, have three wonderful and promising children, two daughters and one son in all. The eldest daughter is working on her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of California at Santa Barbara and is expected to start her internship this year. Their second child is in his second year at the Stanford University Medical School studying for his MD and Ph.D. program. Their third daughter is studying hair design at the Vidal Sassoon Academy.
Mr. Ko emigrated to the U.S with his family in 1973 and they have been living in Fremont since 1976. He worked at the Raychem Company for five years before opening his own business. His interest in machining and tools started early in his life when he read Popular Mechanics and Mechanics Illustrated. He graduated in mechanical engineering [in 1967] from the Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) in Burma. He is one of a few Asian Americans who are not only trained machinists but also professionals in their own right. Inspired by their keen interests in mechanical devices and accessories, they learned, for the most part, on their own and developed their skills. However he had to overcome many obstacles that other minorities and immigrants encounter. In the late seventies, there were few Asian American machinists. David was constantly asked by his customers whether he was a machinist, if he knew how to operate a machine, and where he acquired the skills.
David and his partner continue to thrive in this very cyclical business mainly because they take good care of their employees, re-invest their earnings into their business, re-invent themselves, and expand their business cautiously. Competition in the mechanical components business continues to be fierce because of new improvements in technology. In many ways, David compares technological advances in the machine industry to those of the software industry. Every year new models come on the market. These new products work faster and give you a whole lot of functions and features. Just as David manages his family and nurtures them carefully, he manages to nurture his business relationship with his partner and his employees quite successfully.
David, Congratulations to you and your family!!! You are a role model to everyone! It shows that the United States is truly a land of opportunities. Hard work and perseverance can and do lead to success. David and his company are always looking for trainees.
Sayagyi hosted us for two days during our trip to Canada in July 2015.
He enjoys talking about the RIT days. His account “Coconut Episode” was published in the Swel Daw Yeik Sar saung for SPZP-2002.
Due to schedule conflicts, he could not make it to the soon kyway on August 20, 2016, but he asked Maurice to order Tohu Thoke. He sent a message to Maurice to be read at the gathering.
Ko Hla Min & family, & Friends,
First of all I would like to mention that I am sorry I was not able to be there for Happy Birthday celebration for Ko Hla Min with all of you. I miss the opportunity of sharing the good time, laughter and the good food with my friends. Although I am not there in person for this joyful occasion, I want you to know that my heart and thoughts are with all of you.
Having said all of the above, I would like to express my deep appreciation and thanks to Ko Hla Min for his years of dedicated and selfless service to keep us informed and connected; and at the same time for keeping the “RIT SPIRIT” alive. I am quite sure all of the RIT Alumni also appreciate and are grateful for this excellent service like me. In recognition of this outstanding community service, I understand that Northern California RIT Alumni is giving Ko Hla Min some kind of an award for which he deserves. I hope that Ko Hla Min will be able to continue this service for years to come, as I feel that no other person may be able to carry out this task better than he does.
I really do not know how old Ko Hla Min is now. The number is irrelevant; what’s important is that he is still healthy and active and he still looks young. With this happy thought my wife and I wish Ko Hla Min “Happy Birthday”.
May you all be happy, healthy, prosperous and free from all harm. Please enjoy your joyful get-together.
With abundant Metta Aung Gyi
From Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Here’s wishing you all the happiness and the best of everything on your Birthday and praying for many many more returns of the Day.
Thanks also for your tireless effort and devotion towards keeping the website alive and flourishing, and letting all of us alumni stay connected. Kudos for a great job so well done!
With boundless metta, San Hla Aung
From Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59)
Dear U Hla Min,
We regret that we will not be able to join the celebration of your birthday at the Theravada Buddhist Society of America on August 20, 2016.
There is no doubt that the attendance will be large and all the Burmese foods will be mouth-watering and delicious. We are sure all the attendees will have a good time and leave the celebration venue with a fond memory.
We admire you for all the good deeds and sacrifices you have been doing over the past decade for the benefits to oversea Burmese immigrants not only in the bay area, Southern California, the United States and over various parts of the world. Keep up the good work!
We expect to meet you at the annual Nor Cal RITAA dinner on September 17,2016. We wish you a happy birthday and our best regards to your beloved Daw Sein Yee.
Sain Fone & Sylvia
From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L Tin Htun, EE59)
Dear Ko Hla Min:
From reading the recent emails in your “Update”, tomorrow will be a great “Happy Birthday Bonanza Party” for you. It will surely be a fun, exciting and memorable event for all attendees.
We wish you a wonderful Happy Birthday and many many more returns.
Best regards, Chris and Pam Lee
From Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
Founder & Past President of BASES
Organizer for SPZP-2000
Saya will attend the soon kyway on August 20, 2016 and the Annual Dinner of Northern California RIT Alumni Association on September 17, 2016. Thanks.
Yes, I will be glad to join you all in the celebration. Tin Htut
From Saya U Soe Paing (my mentor at RIT and UCC)
Happy 70th Birthday and best wishes for many more birthdays to come.
SP
From Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) and Daw Lily Win (T72)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
We wish you a very happy Birthday and many more years with good health, prosperity and contentment.
Best regards, Tin Win and Lily
From Saya KC Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63)
Ko Hla Min,
Happy birthday to you. Your voluntary service in keeping RIT alumni connected is unprecedented and commendable. You deserve the honorable commendation party to be held on 8/20/2016 at Half Moon Bay. If I didn’t move to Southern California last year, I would not miss it for the world. Happy birthday again and many more to come.
Regards, KC Chiu
From Saya Dr. Nyo Win (M65)
Past President of BAPS
Founding member of RIT Alumni International
Founding member & BOD for NorCal RIT AA
Saya Allen Htay’s article, “Brother, can you afford US $500?” refers to “U Nyo Win Act” for SPZP-2000. The Act did not need to be implemented thanks to the Golden Sponsors : U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70), U Yu Beng (Benny Tan, M70), U Khin Maung oo (Ivan Lee, M69), U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67) and U Maung Maung Than (M79) and the numerous sponsors.
Hello Ko Hla Min,
We all are expecting and waiting for the up coming celebration of your birthday at Half Moon Bay Monastery this Saturday [August 20, 2016]. It’s going to be one of its kind in our RIT alumni community, and surely on the day of the celebration you will be overwhelmed by all the alums, sayas, sayamas, friends and well wishers. I’d like to wish you beforehand a very happy birthday and looking forward to seeing you at the celebration party.
Warmest regards, [Saya Dr.] Nyo Win (ME 65)
From Saya Dr. Kyaw Sein (M65)
Dear U Hla Min,
Best wishes for your Birthday and many happy returns of the day from this day onwards and far beyond.May good health, happiness, prosperity and success be always with your whole family.
With warm and sincere regards Kyaw Sein. Prof. Dr. University of Malaysia Mechatronics
From Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) & spouse
Dear Ko Hla Min,
See you at the Half Moon Bay Monastery this Saturday.
Thanks for your dedication and untiring effort in keeping us all in touch with alumni all around the world.
Also wishing you the very best on your Birthday and many more to come.
Best regards. George & Eng Eng Chan
From King Wong (Victor, C66)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
All good and kind words are spoken by others.
My tongue is tied and twisted. All I can say ” Happy Birthday to You “
BTW, also Happy Birthday to adorable Grace.
Best Regards King Wong (Victor)
From Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A67)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Thank you so much for keeping RIT spirit well and healthy all the time.
Appreciate all your hard work and time well spent. I regret that I can’t come to your BD celebration since I will be out of town that day.
Wishing you many many more returns. Enjoy yourself and be healthy every day.
Best regards Ann K K Kyu
Editor’s Note: Daw KKK sent a birthday gift with Maurice.
From U Saim Mayet (M67)
Dear U Hla Min,
Wish you a very happy birthday. I admire you for all the hard work you have been doing for more than a decade to keep us informed about RIT sayagyis, sayamas and other members. Thank you.
Salim Mayet (M 67)
From Saya U Myat Htoo (C 68)
Dear U Hla Min,
I would like to thank you for your dedication towards our alma mater by sacrificing your precious time and your tireless work over a decade and a half to connect all alumni around the world. Your work is unbelievably amazing and you are the inspiration for all of us.
I am very happy that I will be joining you to celebrate your birthday at Half Moon Bay Monastery where you and I among other Board of Directors helped Sayadaw U Silananda successfully develop TBSA Meditation Center to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the western world and beyond.
With ananda metta, [Saya U] Myat Htoo
Editor’s notes: Saya served for a decade or so as President of TBSA. He supervised the Last Journey for Sayadaw U Silananda. He scattered Sayadaw’s ashes into the San Francisco Bay near the Golden Gate Bridge. He plays the ukelele well. He enjoys golf & tennis. He is a Past President of BADA.
Sayadaw U Okkantha (C69)
Happy happy birthday.
Ashin Oakkantha (Victor Aung Chaw).
Editor’s notes: Sayadaw was my classmate at SPHS and RIT.
From Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70) and Angelina
Dear Ko Hla Min,
You’ve spent years sharing your amazing memories and wonderful writing ability with all of us from RIT, YIT, etc.
I like to thank you for sharing your wonderful RIT spirit and making a positive difference for so many people. Time is the most precious thing and you have generously shared your time and talents with all of us year after amazing year.
Congratulations and all the best to you on your milestone birthday. May you live long, happy and healthy and may all your dreams and wishes come true.
All the best, Benny and Angelina Tan
From Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
(a) May I wish to your beloved grand daughter “Grace”. HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE TO COME
No doubt that she will become a smart little adorable girl. My grandson will be two years in coming Sept. He gives us hope and happiness. Each and every movement is interesting and adorable for us. I’m sure you and Ma Sein feel the same.
(b) Many Happy Returns of the Day. Wish you could spend your life per your wish with Dhamma, family and friends.
Have a nice and memorable gathering.
With Metta, Rosie
From U San Lin (Robert, EC73, Texas)
Grace is brilliant.
I can imagine how proud and happy you are.
Wishing you a happy birthday too.
Robert [San Lin]
FromMaurice Chee (M75)
Past President of BAPS
Founding member & Treasurer of RIT Alumni International
Chaired Working Committee (with Benny) for SPZP-2000
Financial Controller & Publisher of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
Great organizer.
The following is an update [as of August 12, 2016] on alumni members attending and bringing yummy authentic Burmese cuisines:
Ko Hla Min and family of 5
Dhamma friends of Ko Hla Min 10 to 15
Dr Aung Gyi – Tohu Toke (Sayegyi cannot make it but he will send me his speech to be read on his behalf).
Saya U Tin Htut & Mrs
U Myo Min & Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung
U Tin Maung Nyunt
Saya Myat Htoo & spouse – Ohn-no Kyauk Chau
Benny & Angelina Tan – Monhinga
Saya Nyo Win & spouse – Si Tha min
Saya Maung Maung & Eng Eng- samosa
Sayalay U Thein Aung & 3 – mango pickle to compliment the Dan Pauk plus curry dishes
Maurice & Mary Chee – Dan Pauk
Gordon & Lillian Kaung – Dessert
Ko Myint Swe & Daw San San Swe – Chin Baung Gyaw to compliment the Dan Pauk
Walter Tan & Angela – Naan-Gyi-Toke
Charlie & Diana Tseng – Birthday Cake
Edward Saw – Chinese egg custard
Alex Khoo – Sa-nwin-ma-kin and “Mont-Kywe-thee
Ko Kyaw Myint & 1 – falooda
Daw Khin Mya Yee – Pe Pyoke (Salad or Fry TBD and maybe Thee Song Hin)
Ko Hla Kyi & 3 – Nga Pyaw Baung (Banana dessert) ;
Ko Hla Kyi & company is kind enough to sponsor forks, spoons, napkins, plates and bowls as well as volunteering for erecting the tents, tables, chairs and cleanup.
Ko Thaung Nyunt
Daw Mu Mu Kin Htay – Let Phet Toke
Patrick Naing & Mimi
Ko Mya Thwin & spouse – fried small dried shrimp sesame noodle
Ma Thandar Aye & spouse
Dr Myint Thein aka Maung Ba Thein, nickname: Insein Zay Kaung
Daw Khin Khin Win & spouse
Ko Myint Soe
U Yu Ket (Edward Saw)
Stan & Lu Lu Liou
Ko Soe Thu & spouse
Ko San Lin & family
Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75)
Her nickname is “Baw Lone”. She represented RIT in volleyball. She will bring Si Kyet (may be Kyee Oh Si Kyet). Thanks.
From U Myint Soe (M79)
Three photos
From Gordon Kaung (M83) and Lillian Kaung (EC83)
Hello Saya Hla Min:
We wish you the happiest of B-days, and many many more to come!
We will bring a bottle of premium iNapaWine for you and ama to enjoy at your B-day (we know ama will definitely enjoy our premium wine to stay healthy, and take good care of you).
With lots of metta, Gordon and Lillian Kaung Wine Maker
From Saya U Khin (Lucien Chen, RIT English, Taipei)
Dear Hla Min,
I have been an ardent “fan” of your RIT Newsletter updates ever since you included me in your mailing list at the suggestion of Des Rodgers many many years ago.
You have made a great contribution to the RIT community by bringing the RIT alumni, sayas and sayamas together through your reports, messages, photos, etc. in the RIT Newsletter and also through your persistent efforts in carrying on the good work against all odds. Who is going to fill your shoes after you retire?
I spent the best years of my life (1964 ~ 1968) at the RIT and I cherish the good old days I had at the RIT with my former colleagues at the English Department such as Saya Desmond Rodgers, Saya U Win Mra, Saya U Joe Ba Maung, Saya Sao Kangyi (deceased), Saya U Kyaw Lwin Hla, Sayama Daw Yin Yin Mya (Terry), Sayama Daw Charity Sein U, Sayama Daw Khin May Lwin (Muriel), Sayama Daw Tin Tin Oo (Toni), Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (Anne), among others; my former colleagues at other engineering departments and non-engineering departments such as Saya U Tin Maung (Civil), Saya U Christopher Maung (Civil), Saya Allen Htay (civil), Saya Dr K.C. Khoo (Chemical), among others; and my former students Tin Tin Myint (Emma), Khin Phyu Latt (Christine), Tin Tin Hla (Su Tin), Sai Kham Sang, Pamela Myo Min, George Lim, among others.
I hope you will have a great time at the birthday party that will be hosted in your honor on August 20th at Half Moon Bay, California, by your former classmates, colleagues, sayas and sayamas.
I shall also be wishing you a happy birthday in absentia from this part of the world, and hope you will have many happy and healthy returns of the day in the years to come.
“I love you because” (sung by Jim Reeves) was a hit played by Burma Broadcasting Service (BBS).
I wrote a light version of the song.
I did not have a Home Minister at that time to edit or veto it.
I love you because (Lyrics)
I love you because you always stand dear every time I opened up the door You’re always there to help me eat my jam dear I love you more because you never snore.
No matter When you’re sleeping or awake dear You’re pretty as the craters on the moon I love you every minute of the hour dear Because you said You’d cry beside my tomb
I love you because my pocket’s lighter every time you shop around the town I love you because you’re a great fighter But you promised you would never knock me down
Take These Chains (Parody by HlaMin)
“Take these chains” was a song that was played often by BBS.
Thamankyar Ko Myint (Mn70) sang a Burmese song using the tune.
I tried to parody the song.
Take these chains (Lyrics)
Take these chains from my legs and set me free And the rope that ties me to this tree If you really pity me let me drink a glass of Zee Take these chains from my legs and set me free
I’m charged with murder of a tiny, little flea “Cruel” said the judge and he would not hear my plea. So, if you really pity me let me sip a cup of tea Take these chains from my legs and set me free
Take this scarf from my eyes and let me see If your waist still measures twenty three When I’m free I’ll marry you Even barrel shape will do Take these chains from my legs and set me free
Lost Neikban RIT (Parody by U Myat Htoo)
U Myat HtooLost Neikban
U Myat Htoo wrote a parody on “Pyauk Sone Nay Thaw Neikban Bon” (the song by Sai Kham Leik and Sai Htee Saing).
Played the Ukelele and sang the song at the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, and at NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner.
Most members graduated in 1970. Some left RIT before graduation. A few took Sabbatical & graduated later.
U Ohn Khine (M70) reports the Gone But Not Forgotten (GBNF) list periodically.
An entry contains
Name (Alias or nickname)
Roll Number in 1st BE
Major/Discipline
Date of demise (if known)
Status
As ofJune 20, 2025, there were 143 entries in the GBNF list.
Tommy Shwe 2 : RIT Selection for Badminton; Moved to Taiwan & USA; Kidnapped & murdered by his Handyman
Tommy Shwe
Cho Aye 3 Mech 7/8/18 : RIT Hiking & Mountaineering; Organizer for the Group
Cho Aye (Standing rightmost)
Peter Pe 4 Mech : RIT Swimming & Water Polo; Fell off from a horse
Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) 8 Elec : Entrepreneur; Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP; Philanthropist; Steeve & Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas; CABA; Kay Family Foundation
Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Victor Jones 41 Civil
Ne Win 45 Tex
Tin Ohn 49 Mech
Naing Win 54 Mech : Spouse Polly Ba San was Burma Selected in Swimming
Mya Daung 58 Mech/Agri
Lay Myint 60 Civil
Khin Maung Pun 66 Petro ?/10/16 : Named after his birthplace Papun
Myo Thaw 68 5/15
Aung Kyan 71 Mech/Auto
Thet Win 75 Mech
Hla Min (Pauk Si) 82 Elec : Chief Operator at UCC; Passed away in his 30s
Mg Mg Myint (Japu Sein) 93 Mech : RIT Selection for Soccer
Soe Tint (Nevil Kyi Mg) 94 Civil
Mg Mg Than 97 Mech 8/7/18
Le Le Win (Lilian Tha Mya) 100 Mech
Nan Lwin 102 Elec
Myat Khine (Tha Aye) 104 Mech
Han Kyu Pe 110 Arch : Paulian
Than Tun (Ivan Win) 114 Mech/Agri
Aung Win 120 Chem
Aye Thin 122 Chem
Chit Khin 124 Arch 23/6/15
Than Sein 130 Mech
Aung Kyi 135 Mech
Khin Mg Saan 139 Civil
Ko Ko Tin (Winston Hla Mg) 141 Mech
Saw Pae Pae 143 Met
Win Maw (George Hock) 146
Ma Yin Shwe Tun 150 Tex
Myat Myat Moe 154 Arch
Ma Htay Htay Win (Marlene Mg Mg) 158 Chem
Than Myint 168 23/1/13
Myint Thein 172 Mech
Phone Thwin 177 Min
Than Nyunt Win 181 Civil
Khin Mg Kyu 183 Mech
Win Thein 185 Elec
Ma Khin Mya Oo 188 Met
Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan) 191 Elec : RIT EE Saya
Mg Mg Yu 194 Mech/Agri
Tin Aye 195 Mech/Agri
Htike Nyan 198 Elec 26/10/15
Aung Khin 203 Mech
Kyi May Nwae 206 Met
Tin Win 209 Chem
Myat Swe (Myint Swe) 215 Elec 22/3/15
Kyaw Win Mhan 234 Arch
Ma Yaw Ze 243 Chem
Hla Shwe 247 Mech Lar Gyi
Min Thant (Maurice Bo Ni) 254 Elec
Tin Win (Arthur) 256 Mech
Aung Htay 277 Civil
Michael Shein Myint 280 Chem
Mar Mar 292 Civil
Thein Htun 304 Mech 29/8/18
Mg Mg Oo 312 PP
Myo Tint (Stanley Hla) 313 PP
Mg Mg Swe 314 Mech ?/1/18
Min Swe 318 Mech
Ye Myint Aung 323 Mech
Toe Nyunt 326 Elec
Tin Ko 330 Met
Aung Law Ha 342 Mn 30/1/16
Ma Tin Tin 348 Mech/Agri
Kyaw Swe Thet 354 Mech 2017
Kan Myint 371 Mech
Aye Than 385 Elec 25/4/16
Khin Soe 388
Khin Than Win 389 Tex 3/9/18 : Silver Pearl Diary co-owner
The Class of 69 (mostly M69) paid respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than on October 1, 2017. U Aung Min organized the visit.
Sayagyi’s birthday is October 2.
U Ba Than
The group attended the birthday celebration ceremony and received blessing from sayargyi. The group handed over garawa birthday gifts that they had collected before and on the monthly breakfast gathering held earlier that day.
Sayagyi U Ba Than
Sayagyi usually performs dana with the Garawa money he received for his birthday and for attending the SPZPs and mini-SPZPs.
Sayagyi has supported various charitable associations for the needy, the sick, the blind, the deaf and dumb, old people and “Nar Ye” . They include
Little Sisters for the Poor
U Hla Tun Foundation
Jivitadana ဇီဝိတဒါန
Hnin Si Gone Bo Bwa Yeik Tha နှင်းဆီကုန်းဘိုးဘွားရိပ်သာ
Mary Chapman
Kyaw Thu Nar Ye (နာရေး အဖွဲ့)
Medical Clinics
On his Birthday every year, Sayagyi offers “soon kwyay” ဆွမ်းကျွေး at Yaw Sayadaw’s monastery.
The Soon kwyay held on October 2, 2017 was attended by sayas, alumni, relatives and friends.
Updates
During the pandemic, physical gatherings were put on hold. Celebrations were done virtually, e.g via Zoom
U Tin Htoon compiled a Photo Album for Sayagyi’s 90th birthday in 2020.
U Ba Than
Sayagyi passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.
