Saya U Aung Khin in MexicoFred, Hla Min, Saya U Aung Khin, Ivan in Windsor, Canada
Dr. Aung Gyi (C, Rector)
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi visiting San Francisco Bay AreaSaya Dr. Aung Gyi at iNapa Winery
U Min Wun (C)
U Tin Htoon, U Ohn Kyaw and Saya U Min WunSaya U Min Wun at Dhamma discussion in Southern California
U Tin U (C)
Saya U Tin U and familySaya U Tin U (Interview by RGC)
U Ba Than (M)
Saya U Ba Than, U Hla Min, Saya Dr. San Hla Aung Medical treatment in SingaporeU Ba Than, Dr. Tin Hlaing, U Tu Myint, Maurice, Ko Tin Aung Win, Ko Soe Win Thant
U Myo Myint Sein (A)
Saya U Myo Myint Sein, Saya Dr. Tin Win, Saya U Maung Maung at NorCal RITAA Dinner
Dr. Win Thein (C)
Saya Dr. Win Thein and C58
U Ngwe Tun (C)
U Thet Lwin (Registrar)
Saya U Thet Lwin and former students
U Tin Maung Nyunt (M)
U Kyaw Myint (M)
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, Saya U Kyaw Myint, Hla Min, U Myint Lwin (Henry, GBNF)
U Soe Paing (EE, UCC)
Saya U Soe Paing visiting Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt
U Moe Aung (EE)
U Moe Aung, U Khin Maung Tun
U Shwe Hlaing (Maths)
U Shwe Hlaing
U Aung Hla Tun (Met)
U Ba Myint (EE, Pro-Rector)
U Aung Hla Tun, Khine Khine Win, U Ba Myint
U Tin Htut (M)
U Tin Lin (Ch)
Nan Khin Nwe, U Tin Lin
U Kaung (M)
U Kaung, Hla Min at Mingalardon airport
U Hla Myint (Maths)
U Nyunt Yin (Phy)
Dr. Tin Win (M)
U Tun Shwe (M)
U San Tun (M)
Dr. Nyo Win (M)
U Myat Htoo (C)
U Thein Tan (C, Rector)
S Kyaw Aye (M)
U Aung Myint (Pet)
U Linn (M)
U Kyaw Tun (Ch)
Dr. Maung Maung Win (Ch)
Dr. Taing Oke (Ch)
U Maung Maung (Ch)
U Win Kyaw (Met)
U Win Kyaw
U Nyunt Htay (Met)
Saya U Nyunt Htay, Saya U Win Kyaw at iNapa Winery
U Tin Myint (M)
U Tin Myint
U Maung Maung Win (M)
Saya U Maung Maung Win, Saya U Myo Win and RIT Auto Club Members
U Kyaw Sein (M)
Saya U Kyaw Sein
U Hla Myint Thein (C)
Saya U Hla Myint Thein and Daw Myint Myint Than’s Dana for their 45th Anniversary
On May 20, 2018, the BOD (Board of Directors) and EC (Executive Committee) members of NorCal RITAA (Northern California Rangoon Institute of Technology Alumni Association) threw a surprise party to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair of BOD) and Daw Hnin Maung Maung (Ma Ku, “Nyima Lay”).
According to Saya U Myat Htoo, he was the youngest in his family and wanted a younger sibling (preferably a sister).
Saya found an innocent 9 year old neighbor (and family friend).
Sayagyi U Ba Toke is a Phwa Bet Taw of (a) Rangoon University (established by the 1920 Rangoon University Act (b) First Strike of Rangoon University students (later celebrated as Ah Myo Thar Aung Pwe Nay). All three events occurred in December 1920.
Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char) interviewed Sayagyi.
The interview covered six audio tapes. They were transcribed by Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing).
With the support of the Rangoon University Mathematics Association, they compiled and published the book as an 80+ Birthday present for Sayagyi.
During my visits to Yangon, I visited and paid respect to Sayagyi.
Sayagyi gave Ko Ohn Khine (M70) and me autographed copies of the book.
Sadly both Sayas are GBNF.
Sayagyi passed away on December 2, 2020 (the day after the Rangoon University Centennial Celebrations). It was a few days ahead of his 100th Birthday.
Saya U Min Wun matriculated from Taung Dwin Gyi in 1949.
His close friends called him “Kyit In”.
His brothers include Dr. Kyi Soe and Dr. Aung Win (BDS).
His early sayas include U Mu, father of Daw Khin Maw Maw (spouse of Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69)).
Saya U Min Wun, Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Maung Maung Than were the first group of engineering students to benefit from the “Twinning Program” to attend prestigious universities in the USA.
Saya U Min Wun did his BS at MIT and his MS (specializing in Photogrammetry) at Cornell University.
Upon their return to Burma, Saya joined Civil Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer and was promoted a year later to Lecturer.
Saya retired as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering and relocated to the USA.
Per request of his former students, Saya worked at CalTran (California Transportation) until he reached 80.
In our 2nd BE in 1964, Saya taught “Surveying”. He used the “reverse” seating plan (starting with Roll Number One from the back row to the highest roll numbers in the front row. He enforced a strict attendance policy. Some students joking said, “Min Win yin Nga htwet”. “
Saya was one of the early readers of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”. He wrote several articles for the Newsletter.
Saya is healthy. He practices Vipassana meditation. But his spouse who has a medical problem requested Saya not to go on long trips (e.g. PZPs in Myanmar). His former students sent Garawa money to saya via those traveling to Southern California.
Contributions
Advisor, Myanmar Pyeikkadein Ah Kyan Pay Ah Phwe
Supplement to the Kyaik Hti Yo Project (The original original photo essay was done by Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF)).
Bagan Restoration
History of RIT Civil Engineering Department (The article appeared on the CD supplement of HMEE-2012 book)
Interview by Aung Zay Internet TV (based in Southern California)
[Alvin Oke Soe Kha] : I experienced first hand when Uncle U Ba Kyi sang ”ႏွစ္ ေယာက္ ထဲ ေန ျခင္တယ္” and my father Dr. Maung Maung Kha accompanied uncle on violin.
There were fund raisers to hold Centennial celebrations for Saya Kha. Saya U Oo Khin Maung and Sayama Daw Thida were volunteer organizers along with several others.
U Ba Toke
Saya was born in December 1920 and is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the first RU Student strike.
His life journey has been written in the book by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char).
Taught at Mandalay University, Rangoon University, Rangoon Institute of Technology and Assumption University (Bangkok).
Played soccer. Managed RU Sports in general and Soccer tournaments in particular.
Leader of the Burma Olympic team.
Healthy and active until his mid-80s.
Likes to share his memories, but his health declined after turning 90.
Registrars
U Htin Si
U Yu Khin
Daw Sein Sein
U Thet Lwin
Maung Ngwe Hlinne is the pen name of Saya U Thet Lwin, who taught Burmese at the Institute of Economics and later transferred to RIT as Registrar.
He is a distinguished Composer. His songs include “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo”.
[Saya Dr. Soe Win] : My father Saya Sein was U Thet Lwin‘s Burmese teacher at St. Paul’s High School.
Early Sayas
Dr. Hla Thwin was Professor of Psychology.
Dr. Maung Shein was Lecturer of Economics before becoming Deputy Minister.
U Than Aung taught Burmese in the early days at St. Paul’s. Served as Minister of Education in the AFPFL government. Requested his former student C. Ping Lee (EE saya at the Faculty of Engineering) to head the Technical Education and Vocational Training Department.
Censorship
Readers [of the RASU Annual Magazine for 1975 -76] came up with several hidden messages.
In July 1963, several pamphlets were distributed during the first anniversary of 7th July. Citing security reasons, the schools (with the exception of Medicine and Engineering) were closed for almost a year. A new Education system was implemented in November 1964.
The censorship intensified in the later years.
My articles had to be approved by three Chief Editors of the newspapers (two Burmese and one English).
My poem for the Sar So Daw Nay was accepted by the Assistant Editor in charge of the Working People’s Daily (WPD) Supplement. She showed me the preview (block ready to be printed). The higher authorities refused to give the green light since my poem referenced Ananda Thuriya’s epic work “Dhammata”.
Nomination
At the centennial celebrations of some universities, the alumni and staff were asked to nominate events and people to be honored as the 100 items associated with the school.
The members could propose a list of items about their alma mater.
Philosophy
Philosophy means love of wisdom.
Under the new Education System introduced in November 1964, students with low ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) were forced to study Philosophy.
Scholarship / Stipend
The scholarship and stipend holders received 75 kyats a month (60 kyats after paying the school fees).
Those who stayed at hostels had to pay about 57 kyats a month.
One kyat could get long bus rides, decent food, comics, and cartoons.
Early Mathematicians
Some mathematicians served as Pyinnya Mingyi
Some wrote textbooks for middle and high schools.
RU Main Campus
Some are blessed to be born or lived on the campus.
Some are honored to call the campus their home.
I only had the chance to visit the houses of some sayas.
RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
USA in 2000
Singapore in 2002, 2007 and 2010
Yangon in 2004, 2012, 2016 and 2020
Rangoon University Boat Club
In 1923, Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) was founded by Sir Arthur Eggar (Professor of Law), who pledged a third of his salary for the operation of the Club.
U Nyo (Philanthropist) sponsored RUBC Club as part of his donations to the RU Estate.
The 40th Anniversary was celebrated in 1963 with a souvenir program containing the history of RUBC, list of Captains and EC members, list of RUBC Golds (compiled by Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon). The photo of the Anniversary Dinner appears in another post.
There were other celebrations such as 50th, 60th, …
For the 90th Anniversary, there were two publications. The souvenir program displayed in the post, and a reprint of the Autobiography of Sir Arthur Eggar.
Dr. Harry Saing
In the early days, University students excel at academic and sports.
Dr. Harry Saing represented Burma in Rowing, Hockey and Cricket and represented the Faculty of Medicine in Track and Field, and Football. He is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC, and is two time Champion of ARAE (Amateur Rowing Association of the East).
He and Saya Dr. Pe Nyun (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) operated Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San (the first set of conjoined twins) at the Rangoon Children Hospital.
Dr. Harry served as Professor of Pediatric Surgery at the Hong Kong University. He also served as Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club, which hosted FEARA (Far East Amateur Rowing Association) Regattas. According to Ko Htaik San (Henry Kao), Dr. Harry provided physical and moral support to the RUBC crews competing at FEARA regattas.
Sadly, he is GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten). I wrote about his in the Souvenir Magazine.
Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered into the waters near his second favorite Rowing Club (after his favorite RUBC).
Tun Naung
One was a star sprinter. He represented Burma in the First SEAP Games in Bangkok in 1959, and the Second SEAP Games in Rangoon in 1961. His team mates include Tun Mra (Sprint), Kyaw Mra (Hurdles) and Soe Mra (Pole Vault).
Tekkatho Tun Naung would often play with the mandolin on his back. He is a co-founder of Stereo Khit.
SEAP Games
Burma hosted the Second SEAP games in1961. About twenty Rangoon University students represented Burma in the games.
Burma also hosted the Fifth SEAP Games in 1969.
[Nyunt Nyunt Tin] : I was in the 7th standard at Myoma National High School (Rangoon) and participated Kabyaluk dance. The team of 400 high school girl students danced Kabyaluk at the opening ceremony. Never forget, ever.
Football / Soccer
U Than Win (Captain of the team, later Director of Sports and Physical Education)
U Chan Tha (Captain of the Prome Hall team, also Past Captain and Gold of RUBC)
Collegian Nay Win, Kenneth Shein, Tun Kyi and Dr. Tint Lwin played for RU First Eleven under coach Saya Nyein.
Tennis
Saya Joe Ba Maung taught English at RIT before transferring to Burma Railways. Saya was Burma Tennis Champion in Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles (with Than Lwin) and Mixed Doubles (with Sayama Ruby Kha)
Sports Officer
Several Burma Selected and University Selected became Sports Officers.
U Ba Maung (Soccer, RASU)
U Maung Maung (Soccer, RIT)
U Thet Win (Diving, Eco)
Tekkatho
In the early days, less than 10 percent passed the Matriculation examination. It was an honor to prefix one’s name with Tekkatho 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.
Daw May Saw Lwin
TQ Saya Hla Min for including our photo in your post.
I think you would be happy (but not surprised) to learn that our granddaughter Ei Lwin, Dr Nyi Thet Lwin’s daughter achieved grade 9 in all of the nine subjects that she sat in the recent, 2019, GCSE exams. Following grandpa’s footsteps almost sixty years later!
Dr. Soe Win (SPHS58) stood First in Burma in the Matriculation of 1958.
Prizes
There were 20 or so prizes awarded at the RU Convocation.
Most prizes are for outstanding graduates.
Some prizes are for those who excelled at the Intermediate Classes.
The University prizes include Matthew Hunter Gold Medal.
Books
There are several books about Rangoon University and the university life of students.
Shwe Ku May Hnin wrote “Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho“.
Studied Chemical Engineering and Mathematics in the USA.
Taught Engineering Mechanics in our 2nd BE class. Students love the free-body diagrams with half arrows.
Wore jeans and smoked quite a lot.
Quit smoking and wore taik pone. A dramatic change.
Taught ALGOL and some computer subjects in the planning phase of the UCC Project.
Students felt sad when they learned that their favorite saya was to be transferred to Pathein (Bassein) College.
As recounted by U Zaw Min Nawaday, there was a farewell party where U Tha Htay read the message in Burmese and U Khin Maung Win (Roland Thein) read the message (drafted by ZMN) in English.
Many years later, Saya served as External Examiner at UCC.
After retirement, Saya spent time in Myanmar and UK (with his daughter).
U Ohn Khine (M70) was able to give Garawa money of the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 64 to Saya, and took pictures.
Saya Allen Htay’s books [donated by Daw Mu Mu Khin]
Ko Maurice Chee’s books
Ko Victor Wong (King Wong)’s books
Talks
Ko Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein) PE system
Dr. L Sein Myint Fire codes and safety
Ko Dennis Chee (Thein Htun Aung) Traffic Control
ChE sayas Seminar
Sayas and Alumni
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Min Wun and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) Articles about RIT and Civil Engg
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) Founding member and President of RIT Alumni International, which hosted SPZP-2000 His article, “Brother, can you afford US $500?” led to five Golden Sponsors and many donors — large and small
Saya U Aung Khin, Saya U Ba Than and Saya U Maung Maung Win (M61) Memoirs
Saya U Khin Aung Kyi Interview about Chemical Engg
Saya U Myo Myint Sein and Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF) Articles about Architecture and Dept
Saya U Soe Khaw (GBNF) Brief history of Mining Engg
Saya U Thit (GBNF) Brief History of Metallurgy Dept
Saya U Myo Kyi (EE59) List of EE sayas
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (Met) Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazines Leader, HMEE-2012 project Leader, HMEE-2018 project
Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) Compiled and wrote draft for HMEE-2012 project Wrote articles about RIT and UCC
Saya U Moe Aung (EE63) Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazines Chief Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung Chair, SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010 Commemorative SDY Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 Commemorative SDY Magazine for Shwe YaDu, SPZP-2016 articles and poems refresher courses at Electrical Inspectorate
69ers Monthly breakfast gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose) Special events for 30th, 40th, GJ and 50th Anniversaries U Aung Min and team (69er Health Care Fund) U Shwe and team (EE69er Health Care Fund) U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69) : Golden sponsor for SPZP-2000 and organizer of annual RIT-UCC Gatherings in New Jersey, USA
Class of 70 and 71 (aka Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65) Annual Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes Health care for sayas and selected classmates Monthly gathering at Sein Hlyan (reminder by U Khin Maung Than and U Soe Khine)
Sayama Daw Tin Tin Myint (Emma, ChE70) Co-founder of Dana Sri Lanka Co-founder of Triple Gems Publication Singapore Pon Chan Chan Group with Don Min U Yu Swan (M67)
U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70) Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas CABA (Charitable Alliance of Burmese Americans) KFF (Kay Family Foundation)
U Yu Beng (Benny Tan, M70) Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP CABA
U Ohn Khine (M70) Volunteer for SPZP, SDYF, Shwe YaDu, HMEE-2012, HMEE-2108 Compiled Supplemental CD for HMEE book with U Hla Min (EC69) Translated Section 1 of HMEE book Summarized Section 2 of HMEE book
U Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) Memories of RIT 64 – 70 (with “hnan phyu” by U Ohn Khine)
Daw Than Yi (EP70) Associate Editor of Hlyat Sit Sar Saung with Dr. San Oo (EP67) Wrote books and articles with the pen name “Maubin Ma Shwe Than”
U Soe Aung (M/Auto70) Secretary, RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin
U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) Patron of RITAA Patron of SDYF Fund raising for SPZP, GJ, YTU Library Modernization M72 Gatherings
U Myint Pe (M72) Lu Shwin Daw “Seik Kyee” Revival of Cartoon Box Compilation of selected RIT Cartoons MES and YE
M73 Final year Hovercraft project H.E. U Khin Maung Cho, U Hla Win and team (supervised by Saya U Tu Myint)
U Myo Myint (M74) Pon Tus, Paintings and cartoons Donation from sales at Exhibit
H.E. U Win Khaing (M75) RUBC Gold Past President, MES Organizer for SPZP-2004 and SPZP-2012
U Than Po (M75) Piano, Pattala Composer and Zat Saya
Daw Mar Mar Yee (M75) Htee Yein (RU Golden Jubilee) Minthamee (SDY Ah Nyein) Vocals with paino accompaniment by U Tin Tun (M71)
U Tin Latt (M84) Blog of SDYF and RITAA
U Khin Maung Lwin (“Kyet Taw”) Class of 87 & 91, Golf
Nan Khin Nwe (M92, Intake of 83) Fund raiser for YTU Library Modernization, SPZP and other projects
Retirees in the San Franncisco Bay Area Monthly lunch gathering organized by Ko Maurice Chee (M75)
Oldies in Singapore monthly lunch or dinner Some regulars are now GBNF e.g. Saya U Thein Lwin Some are now having health problems e.g. Saya U Kyaw Sein Attendees usually include Saya U Tu Myint, Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing, U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69), U Myint Thin (M71), U Nyan Win Shwe (M72), U Tin Aung Win (M73)
Brother Austin, Brother Xavier and Miss Hong Kong (Amelia Kyi) taught us English at St. Paul’s High School.
Relieving teachers include Saya Lewis and Saya Tims.
Intermediate College
Daw Tinsa Maw Naing and Daw Khin Kyi Kyi taught English in our last ever I.Sc(A) class at Leik Khone in 1963.
Daw Tin Sa Maw Naing
Dr. Ba Maw (Sayama’s father) was a Lecturer in English in the early days at Rangoon University and was Adipati during the World War.
Bo Yan Naing (Sayama’s spouse) was a member of Thirty Comrades.
For some time Daw Tinsa was kept under surveillance and/or jailed by the authorities.
Sayama later moved to US to spend time with her children.
Kinsa Maw Naing (Sayama’s daughter) and Ko Tha Aung were core organizers for RIT Alumni gatherings in Canada.
RIT
We joined 2nd BE in November 1964. We had to study nine subjects including English.
English Department
RIT English Department Daw Yin Yin Mya (Terry, former Beauty Queen) was Head of Department. She later moved to Australia.
Daw Sheila Saing (brother of Drs. Harry, Victor and Shirley) was Deputy Head of Department. She and Dr. Zin Aung later moved to Thailand.
After a screening test, I was assigned to Saya Desmond Rodger’s class. Saya prefers “Des”. His hobbies include Scrabble, Music and Soccer. He performed at BBS. Saya later moved to UK and Canada where he studied and/or taught “English as a Specialty Language”. He published two books in Canada. I was a proof reader for his book on Vocabulary. He wrote articles for our Newsletter. It has details of his colleagues and former students.
U Win Mra was Pole Vaulting Champion and Burma’s Elvis Presley. He and Saya Des performed at BBS. Saya was Ambassador to several countries and UN. He served as Chair of Myanmar Human Rights Commission. Ko Khin Maung Lay (Mutu) was a member.
U Khin and Saya Des organized the RIT Scrabble Club and contests. They won prizes at the Scrabble tournaments at Guardian and YMCA. U Khin kept Chambers Dictionary and Jones Pronunciation Dictionary – used to verify challenge in Scrabble games — on his desk. Saya moved to Taiwan. He wrote an article for our newsletter.
Joe Ba Maung (GBNF) was National Tennis Champion for Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles. He moved to Burma Railways. He was forced to retire after 8-8-88.
Sao Kan Gyi (Tony, GBNF) wrote columns with the pen name Khemarat. He and Saya Des organized the Debate between 1st BE and 2nd BE. Ahmed Soorma, Roland Thein (Khin Maung Win), Bobby Myo Tun, Walter Tan and Ko Zaw Min were some of the contestants.
U Kyaw Lwin Hla joined UNDP.
Naw Charity Sein U retired as Professor.
Daw Khin Saw Tint (Ann, GBNF) is a bilingual author. She was a great grandmother.
Daw Tin Tin Oo (Tony) joined her husband (who retired as Ambassador) on his foreign office assignments.
Daw Muriel and U Aung (Alfonso) moved to Thailand.
I may have missed some. Several more (e.g Daw Kin Kin Chit Maung) joined the department in later years.
HlaMin 