He matriculated from SPHS in 1953 and won the Collegiate Scholarship.
All four siblings — Sein Tin (GBNF), Mya Maung (GBNF), Tin Htut, Than Toe (GBNF) — are Paulians.
He attended the Faculty of Engineering and graduated with Mechanical Engineering. He joined the Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
He did postgraduate studies in Germany and Birmingham University.
When his parents needed help to run their business, he complied. Sadly, his father U Chit Maung, his eldest brother U Sein Tin and saya were taken into custody for several months. There were no formal charges.
After completing his Waso at Insein, he rejoined Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer. New Sayas had to join as Instructors.
Taught Industrial Management. Earlier, the subject was taught by Visiting Lecturers from Faculty of Social Science & Institute of Economics.
Rowing
Past Captain & Gold of RUBC
Won Senior Novices twice : first as Rower and later as Cox of the All Paulian Crew with Tun Shein (Willie Saing), Than Nyun (George), M Hla Min (Moosajee) and Sao Hso Holm (Sawbwa Lay). Four members became RUBC Gold.
Served as Administrator of YUBC for several years
USA
Joined Northrop and also helped several alumni to join the company
Took Sabbatical to work for UN
Founded BASES with U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David, GBNF). He is a Past President.
Financial Controller for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Helped with SPZP-2000 held in San Francisco.
Came to SF Bay Area to attend RIT gatherings and to have family reunion with his sisters.
Hosted me at his new house. Took me to BASES Dinner and La Puente Monastery the following day (where there was a Soon Kwyay followed by Literary Talks).
Donations
K100 lakhs to YTU Library Modernization Project
K10 lakhs to SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation)
Donated to All Mechanical Gathering
Memories
SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015 Reunion in Los Angeles2015 Reunion in Los Angeles
Donations
DonationU Tin Htut and U Wynn Htain Oo
Singapore
U Tin Htut, U Mg Mg Win, Dr. Tin Win & U Aung MyintU Tin Htut in SingaporeU Tin Htut in Singapore
New Zealand
U Tin Htut in NZ
SF Bay Area
U Tin Htut in SF Bay Area
RUBC Golds
RUBC Past Captains and/or Gold
Update
He has moved back to his old house to be near his former colleagues and friends.
Served as Secretary, RIT Civil Engineering Association
Past Secy of RIT Civil
Graduated from RIT in 1970 with Civil Engineering
Received Masters and Doctorate from Japan
Retired as Professor from a Japanese University
Consultant for selected Japanese companies
Helped Civil Engg grads from Myanmar get internship and/or job in Japan
In 2017, he and Daw Mya Nwe (Winsome, C73) donated K100 Lakhs to the YTU Modernization Project.
Donation
He had a Stroke.
Praying for a speedy recovery.
Dr. Myo Khin wrote :
Dear U Hla Min, Thank you very much for your kind and favorable phrases for my donation to the RIT library. This is the token of my feeling to my home university. Up till now I have helped around 50 grads from RIT and other TUs in Myanmar with respectable engineering jobs in Japan. Moreover this is totally free of any charges or obligations. Only one request I made is “please try hard and prove yourself” and this will lead to the next recruitment for your juniors back in Myanmar.
Update
After treatment & rehab, he recovered from the Stroke reported in the post. He was able to walk and drive.
We had frequent conversation. He said that his daughter told her dogs to call him “Pho Pho” ဖိုးဖိုး
He had another Stroke. I had conversations with Winsome about the recovery.
Mother : Daw Oo Yin (daughter of Sir Po Tha & Lady Tha)
Sons : Myo Paing, Soe Paing, Win Paing, Kyaw Paing
Dr. Myo Paing (SPHS54)
Medical doctor & researcher (at BMRI)
Early assignment was Malaria Campaign
Champion golfer.
U Soe Paing (SPHS56)
U Soe Paing
In the Matric exam of 1956, he stood 13th in Burma and won a Collegiate Scholarship.
In 1958, he received two Gold medals : one for Highest Total Marks for I.Sc (Combined) & another for Joint Highest Marks in Maths for I.Sc (Combined).
While attending Engineering classes at RU, he received State Scholarship to study Electrical Engineering at Stanford University in the USA.
Received BS and MS in EE (Electrical Engineering) from Stanford University.
Upon his return, he joined the EE Department at RIT as Assistant Lecturer. He helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe with the UCC project.
Transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division.
After reorganization, he also managed the Operations Division.
Received M.Sc. in Computer Science from University of Southampton, UK.
Taught CS courses at UCC. He co-authored Programming Texts, Lecture Guides and Manuals with U Aung Zaw and me.
Worked for UN projects in several countries.
Wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” and his experiences as a States Scholar and UN Advisor. They can be read from SCRIB-D
After retirement, Saya spent time playing golf & practicing vipassana meditation.
During his UCC days, he served as a Golf Correspondent. I helped him type about the competition at RGC (Rangoon Golf Club) and BGC (Burma Golf Club) and submit to the English newspapers.
Visited RUCL. Compiled material for HMEE Project & prepared a Draft. Translated Section 1 of the HMEE book and summarized Section 2.
Gave an interview to MASTAA
U Win Paing (SPHS64)
U Wara 1U Wara 2U Wara 3
Won Golf Championships with his younger brother U Kyaw Paing.
After finishing the finals for ChE (Chemical Engineering) exam in 1970, he became a monk.
Served as Taik Oke for about four decades before becoming Chief Resident Monk of Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung Sayadaw.
Known as Sayadaw U Wara.
He is now GBNF.
U Kyaw Paing (SPHS67)
Represented Burma in the Putra Cup.
Lawyer and entrepreneur.
U Khin Maung Zaw (SPHS70, EC76) wrote :
For number of years, I was the carrier-cum-postman to bring Saya U Soe Paing’s typed golf news to the WPD, Working Peoples’ Daily at Theingbyu Street! Just one of the chores I had in those days.
I remember jokingly asked Sayadaw U Wara how he felt seeing the (18th??) hole over the fence from the Sunlun Kyaung’s “Thein”. The new golf course was built for VIPs inside Kabaaye, and that particular hole was seen from the “Thein” သိမ်less than 40-50 yards, of course over the fence.
Updates
Nyi Lynn Seck created a family tree for Sir Po Tha
From the 7th standard to Matriculation I remember the following:
Saya Ba Myaing (Physics), Saya Tun Shwe and Saya Sein (Burmese), Bro Hubert (Chemistry), Bro Felix, Bro Charles, and Bro Gerald (English). Mr Machado and Saya Dawson (Math), Mr Barker and Mr Illife (Physics).
Editor’s Notes:
The Paing siblings — Dr. Myo Paing (SPHS54), U Soe Paing (SPHS56), U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, SPHS64) and U Kyaw Paing (SPHS67) — attended SPHS.
U Soe Paing taught at RIT Electrical Engineering. He co-founded UCC and transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division. He is a UN Retiree.
U Aung Win (Owen)
I read many articles about the old staff of SPHS but I never came across anyone mentioning Bro. Charles. During our KG days in SP, we had one Bro. Charles, if you all remember him. He was a very kind-hearted Bro. and he loved the school kids and treated us well. Whatever happened to him, I wonder, after we left SPHS.
Owen Khoo (Aung Win, M71, SPHS 1953 – 1957)
Editor’s notes :
Three siblings — U Than Win (Alan Khoo, SPHS54), U Kyi Win (Eddie Khoo, SPHS57) and U Aung Win (Owen Khoo) — attended SPHS. Owen also attended Darjeeling before studying Mechanical Engineering at RIT.
I joined SPHS in Std. IV. I do not know the sayas and sayamas who taught KG and Stds I – III. Boarders can add the names of the Brothers and sayas that I have missed.
Brother Benedict (who taught a younger class) was a good soccer player.
Brother Gerald was the SPHS Band Master. He often rode a horse.
There was a Brother in charge of the SPHS Book Shop, and several Brothers in charge of the Boarders.
Some Brothers went on “rotation duty” to St. Peter’s HS (Mandalay), St. Albert’s HS (Maymyo), St. Patrick’s HS (Moulmein), …
After nationalization, Bro Charles moved to UK. There is a post by U Kyaw Win (Thonegwa) about his visit to see Bro Charles.
Brother Clementian
Bro Clementian
He was Brother Director at St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay.
At St. Paul’s High School, he taught Mathematics. He would not allow Bro Director and Sub-Director to come near his class.
He gave class work, home work and tests (e.g three questions for an hour). Since the government exam had six questions for three hours, many Paulians finished the exam early and still got Distinction.
He would hold special session for those who failed his tests.
When he passed away, many former students paid respect. The funeral cortege spanned from SPHS to Tamwe Christian Cemetery. Some cars had not left SPHS when the service began at the Cemetery.
Brother Austin
Bro Austin (standing 3rd from left)
He was our Class Teacher for Std. X(A) and also the School Library.
He taught us English using the “Carrot” technique.
He would take us to the SPHS library (with books donated by Ford Foundation, Asia Foundation …). Everyone has to borrow a book and write a critique.
He also taught the “Morals and Manners” class. Anyone who can recite the selected poems is free to “skip the remainder of the class”. The top reciters were rewarded: a book from the Class Library, and on a rare occasion a ticket to “1960 Rome Olympics” (special show at Thamada Cinema).
He abhors plagiarism and unprofessional work. “Don’t waste my time and your time”.
After nationalization, he moved to Malaysia to continue teaching at a De La Salle School.
Brother Xavier
Bro Xavier
He was our Class Teacher for Std IX(A), and English teacher for Std VIII and Std IX using “the stick” technique.
He would penalize students for making grammatical and spelling errors. For grading a test, he would start with 100 marks and then subtract 10 marks for each mistake. A classmate had -230 marks shown in his report card.
According to Ko Zaw Min, Brother Xavier would not continue his “brash style” at St. Albert’s.
After nationalization, he moved to UK and presumably left the order.
Brother Felix
Bro Felix
He was Brother Director.
After nationalization. he moved back to Germany. He had e-mail communications with some Old Paulians (notably Richard G. Boudville, Australia, son of Sayama V. Boudville).
There is a post by U Kyaw Win (Thonegwa) about his visit to see Bro Felix.
Two Sibling Brothers
After nationalization, the native Brothers remained in Burma.
Brother Joseph decided to become Father Joseph.
His younger brother remained Brother Anthony and was one of the “senior sayas” at SPHS Saya Pu Zaw Pwes along with Saya U San Thein and Saya Beatson.
Authors
Saya George Chapman published notes for English.
Saya U Htay Myint (Patheda) published notes for History.
Distinguished Paulians
U Ba Khin stood first in Burma his Matriculation class. He became the first native Auditor General. He is an outstanding Vissapana teacher. His dhamma lineage starts with Ledi Sayadaw and Saya Thet. His dhamma students include Saya S. N. Goenka.
ICS U Tin Tut was the first ICS by Invitation. He accompanied Bogyoke as Advisor to UK. He served as Finance Minister.
Dr. Ba Han was Dean of Law and Lexicographer
Dr. Ba Maw was Lecturer in English at RU. He was Adipati.
U Chan Tun was Patron of OPA (Old Paulians’ Association).
According to Dr. Win Aung (M62), his father Saya C. Ping Lee (EE, GBNF) was a Paulian and a student of Saya U Than Aung (father of Saya Alphonso [Mg Nge, Mg Aung] and Charlie [Ko Cho]). When U Than Aung became Minister of Education in the AFPFL Government, he recruited his former student Saya C. Ping Lee to head the Technical & Vocational Department.
St. Paul’s Museum has a display of eminent Old Paulians.
Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
After nationalization, SPHS became No. 6 SHS Botathaung.
There used to be two SPZPs: one for the “Paulians” and another for SHS(6).
Some (e.g. Eddie Ba Oo / Tin Aung Moe) who were in the lower classes when SPHS was nationalized would attend both gatherings.
Doctorate from Japan. Found his love life “Moe Moe”.
Due to immigration laws in Myanmar & Japan, the family decided to move to Auckland, New Zealand.
Organizer for RIT events in New Zealand.
Wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter
Articles
Two Forgotten Songs from RIT. One is a favorite of Saya U Tha Tun (Head of Department). Another is about Ma Ma Q & her fans (sayas and alumni).
Photo essay on Kyaik Hti Yo Development. Saya U Min Wun wrote a supplement article for the Project.
Letter to Thagyar Min to second his favorable opinion on Naw Louisa Benson (Miss Burma & movie actress).
About some paintings
Quoted Reverend F Lutvig (Ashin Ananda, Laureate Poet) in his articles.
Contact
He passed away, but Moe Moe kept contact with Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70) and other alumni in Australia.
(1) Forgotten Songs of RIT
by Kogyi Koung
First Song
It was one afternoon in the early May of 1963. Someone was singing a prewar semi-classic song from the second floor of RIT main building. In 1963, RIT buildings were relatively new and that semi-classic song caused a little bit of discomfort for the freshmen [equivalent to 3rd BE] located on the first floor. The song continued as, (. hmain: njou. njou. sain: lou. je . njou pja ji hmaung che . to: dan: kalei: nanbei: ga swe . e:di jwa be: kwe…)
The meaning is: Dull and gloomy cloud override at the horizon; Indistinct brown and dim bluish vision of a wood jetting out from that end is my village … *Note: The title of the song is ‘Htamin: mjein mjein sa: me’ i.e., “ထမင်းမြိန်မြိန်စားမယ် Enjoying the meal with relish”. The duet song was first performed by prewar famous singers Ou’ O: Ba Thaung and Sein Party. Later many other singers have rendered their own versions of the song.
We saw an old man singing the song while he was painting watercolor on a huge art paper. He was painting the landscape described in the song. Amazingly the picture was full of life and the song was telling the story. Everybody stopped in front of his office on the second floor and looking with wonder and singing with him.
After a while we asked him, “Sayagyi, who are you and which department do you belong to?” He replied, “I am U Tha Tun, Head of the Department of Architecture”. Oh, my God! How stupid that we, the freshmen of Architecture, don’t even know the head of our department. As time passed, we learned more about ‘The Great U Tha Tun’.
When we became senior students, U Tha Tun’s health deteriorated so much that Saya U Myo Myint Sein (Raymond, A58) stepped up as a ‘Kagemusha’ [Japanese for “shadow-warrior”]. UMMS, as acting head, took care of everything about the department. Young and energetic Saya UMMS found that it was not easy to steer the department as Captain of Architecture’s Flag Ship. There were lots of problems for a relatively young department in RIT.
One such problem occurred during our final year. Two of the most experienced Sayas of architecture left the department and went abroad [for enhancing their careers]. They were (a) Saya U Sein Maung (with elegant moustache) has long experience in Rangoon City Development Corporation. He taught each and every detail of the development of Rangoon. (b) Saya M.B. Raschid (son of U Raschid, minister of many affairs under Prime Minister U Nu). He taught with all his professional experience and perfect pronunciation of King’s Burmese with ‘zagaboun စကားပုံ’ proverbs. Sometimes he corrected our broken Burmese.
Saya UMMS, Head of the department, not only had lost his right and left hand men, but also there was a danger that the notorious Koung Nyunt and Kyaw Thein (both A67) might not finish their Architecture degrees.
After a long struggle, Saya UMMS stabilized the flagship of Architecture and its direction. A pioneer of the Architecture of RIT, Professor U Myo Myint Sein handed over the headship to Dr. Maung Kyaw in early 80’s. In the late 80’s Dr. Lwin Aung (A59) took over.
Second Song
For creative and original works, Architects cannot design during the office hours. It is also true [to a lesser degree] for the students of architecture. During the lectures and tutorial hours we [as students] have to follow what they have taught. After school hours [mostly after 4 or 5 pm], we start to create and test our design ideas. Note that for other students and staff of RIT, such periods are the pleasure and relaxation time.
There were only a few girls in Architecture, but the one in our studio is especially alluring beauty and glamorous face. She was so popular that she became known as the queen of the student-architects. We called her Ma Ma Q.
Most of the evenings many senior students and young eligible bachelors and/or sayas visit our studio. Some stay late into the evenings. At that time we sang a song named ‘Saga: ta’ kathou’ i.e., Language University, by Khin Yu May.
Because in the song, one part said ‘dage lar te. Ko Ko. kwe ja hmar ba lou lou’ i.e., really coming Ko Ko, out of sight he is sth in the air.
Ma Ma Q didn’t know the meaning, but the visiting Ko Kos were annoyed by our song. They politely requested us to stop singing. At that time the notorious KN and KT asked ‘hse’ kjei:’ i.e., extortion money about 2-3 kyats from the Ko Kos and went to U Chit tea shop. This continued for days and weeks.
When the Ko Kos are not visiting our studio, we sang the following song, instead of Ma Ma Q. i.e., Third Song. (Note. Extract from Shwe Kyi: nyo song by Daw Ngwe Myaing) ‘Diga nei. nya hpjin. lar ma te. so: joun ya hmar lar: akou Kja.ma ne. ne: te. Shwe kyi: nyo Shwe kyi: nyo Shwe kyi: nyo’ “To-night coming you said so, may I believe Ako.. Near the blessed golden crow, golden crow, golden crow…”
(2) Article (Sept/Nov 2000)
With all of those excellent works and flying colours for Saya Pu Zaw Pwe, your organizing committee is a living history of RIT. Our Sayas, Sayamas and Saya-Gyis have contributed their unlimited knowledge to affect and benefit our lives. Many of our Sayas and colleagues have sent their thanksgiving letters to your web site.
I feel guilty in staying quietly at a corner of the Southern Hemisphere. Actually I am busy, because of my article ‘Wanna Migrate to New Zealand, 3/15/00’ that you published on the ex-rit web site. After that article, I got many inquires/contacts by e-mail and direct phone calls, especially from SE Asia. In July there are 133 migrants and in September 28 migrants are now in Auckland, and expecting another over 50 in November 2000. All speak the common language “Burmese” with their own native accents. Now I know our Sayas and colleagues speak “King’s Burmese” in RIT.
I would like to honor my Sayas with a poem from our forefathers-cum-engineers how they had built a city.
Title: ‘SHWE PYI GYI’ (Golden Capital City)
Sweet sound of drums and silver bells Coming from the Palace Can be heard reverberating in the air And I can see the palace roofs, The graduated turrets and buildings Encompassed by haze. And, my dear girl, I can still faintly see The silhouettes of a high pagoda Reaching nearly to the clouds And of super-imposed roofs (i.e., pyathat) Oh my dear, don’t you hear A melodious sound of small bells Coming from the golden monastery? Our golden capital city must be near. (By U Ku: 1827-1895 Translated by Rev. Friedrich V. Lustig)
Dear Sayas and colleagues,
We see not only the Panoramic Photo of golden capital city of our ancient time, but can hear the sound-scape with audio-visual scene. Silhouettes effect of high pagoda in the haze has shown the air perspective of city skyline. We try to sketch the imaginary scene of ancient city in the architectural studios of RIT in the middle of 60’s. The discussion topic of ‘Ancient City Skyline’ is not only interested by the architectural students, but also from various students of other departments from RIT.
This is the starting point to form the ‘RIT Photographic Club’. According to my diary, first general meeting was chaired by Saya U Myo Myint Sein on Saturday, 1 May 1965 at the Department of Architecture. The general meeting selected Professor U Myo Myint Sein as President of RIT Photographic Club and the author as the secretary.
After forming the executive committee, the club took part in various activities and many outstanding photographers from the club took major prizes from Burma Photographic Society and Myawadi Magazine. e.g., Ko San Aung, M74 is the owner of the famous ‘Photo Lab USA’, (i.e., initials for U San Aung) in Yangon is originally from this club. Kjei: zu: tin: bar-de, many thanks for my Sayas and colleagues
Koung Nyunt (Auckland, New Zealand).
(3) Letter to Tha-gyar-min
by Kogyi Koung
Date: Thursday, 14 April 2011 (3:40pm. Thin-gyan Akya-ne.) P.O. Box; Top of the never used RIT water tower Ashe. Jo. Koun (East Gyogone): RIT Compound, Insein, Rangoon, Burma
Dear Your Majesty the Sovereign of Tawadein dha တာဝတိံသာ
As from the beginning of 1960’s our RIT is like the last paradise on earth, with all enjoyments, teachings, preaching, learning, playing sports and friendship never sails away. Kogyi Koung recollects the stories at the time of 60’s RIT and retold the fairy-tales to our Bushido-Burmans at gatherings in Auckland, NZ. However, the young generations of Maha Bandoola do not believe the stories, and they whispered by themselves that Kogyi Koung is now ‘Yin yin galay Yuu-nay-pyi-de’ ယဉ်ယဉ်ကလေး ရူးနေ ပြီတဲ့
Your Majesty the Tha-gyar-min-gyi please take this message to Tawadein dha and explain to my late Sayas and colleagues there, that my stories are not fabricated.
I have the evidences. For example, I have sent a message to RIT alumni update (February 6, 2010) as follows,
Dear U Hla Min,
It is sad news for our elder brothers at RIT, especially those who reside at E and F block during the beginning of 60’s.
A term called “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” မပြောမရှိကြနဲ့ဟေ့ was coined at that time. When I visited my elder brother [U Than Soe, M63] at E block (when I was at Leik-khone I.Sc). I heard somebody shout “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” Then I looked outside. Everybody lined up at corridor and they were looking at a far side on top of the entrance hall that is attached to a two story house.
I could not believe my eyes. She was a beauty queen, who had Miss Burma two times excising physical training on the porch. I noted down in my diary and the rallying cry “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” She is Naw Louisa Benson Craig. Now she has left our brothers’ heart at age 69.
Yours etc. (“Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.”)
When I retold that story here at Auckland, everybody laughed like ‘Wa:lone kwe:aung ye kya de”. I said it is not a joke. I have evidence.
Also, Kogyi Koung explained about the following, written by Maung Maung Hla, a Karen pastor in Rangoon who was close to Naw Louisa during her youth, remembered her aloud : “She had a little mole on her cheek and she had a kind heart. She was also a very good singer.”
This statement has no evidence.
However, Tha-gyar-min-gyi if you find Naw Louisa at Tawadein dha, please ask if what I wrote is true?
(4) Architecture Students and Staff
I have an old group photo taken about the end of 1963, and all the known information are printed. Inside the brackets are where about of the person [at the time of the post].
Top of the photo:
Department of Architecture Rangoon Institute of Technology 1963 ~ 64
Bottom of the photo:
Front row, L to R
Jim Lim (3rd. Year) [?]
Ma Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, 1st.Year) [San Francisco, California, US]
U Myo Myint Sein B.Arch (Rgn) M. Arch (Mch) [Los Angeles, California, US]
U Tha Tun B.Sc, F.R.I.B.A. (Fellowship of Royal Institute of British Architects), A.A. Dip (Lond.), A.M.T.P.I.(Associate Member of Town Planning Institute), F.I.B.A., Head of Department [Deceased on 13 September 1974]
U Yone Mo B.Sc (Hon) Rgn, B.Sc (Engg)Lond, A.C.G.I, A.M.I. Mech.E, A.M.I.Loco.E, Principal [Deceased]
Mr. S. Ozhegov, Cand. Of Arch, Master of Fine Arts, UZBEK, U.S.S.R [Moscow]
Miss Rosalind Maung (Ma Pyi Aye, 2nd Year) [Rangoon]
Htin Myaing (Ben, 2nd Year) [New York, US]
2nd. Row, L to R
Tun Thein (1st Year) [Los Angeles, California, US]
Tin Aung (2nd Year) [Melbourne, Australia]
Yaco B.E. Mayet (3rd Year) [?]
Than Tun (3rd Year) [Rangoon]
Sonny Chin (2nd Year) [?]
Hla Thein (1st Year) [New York, US]
E. I. Jeewa (3rd Year) [?]
Aung Pa Win (1st Year) [Chicago, Illinois, US]
Back Row, L to R
Aung Kyaw Min (3rd Year) [Rangoon]
M. (Ku?) hlgh (2nd Year) [?]
Than Htike (3rd Year) [Warsaw, Poland]
William Chen (2nd Year) [?]
C. E. Munnee (1st Year) [?]
Koung Nyunt (1st Year) [Auckland, New Zealand, GBNF]
Kyaw Thein (1st Year) [Deceased 22 April 2001]
Absentees:
Win Myint (1st Year) [Rangoon]
Win Naing (1st Year) [?]
Note:
1st Year B. Arch, 10 students (8 passed and 2 failed) 2nd Year B. Arch, 5 students (3 passed and 2 failed) 3rd Year B. Arch, 6 students (3 passed and 3 failed) Several Architecture students failed in of a subject from other departments. There was no moderation. If one gets 49% or less of the grade, the student has to repeat all subjects next year.
Editor’s Note
I cannot find the photo mentioned by Kogyi Koung.
The early sayas and sayamas of the Architecture Department include :
U Thar Tun (GBNF)
Pi-thu-kar Kyaw Min (GBNF)
U Myo Myint Sein (USA)
U Bilal Raschid (USA)
Dr. Maung Kyaw (GBNF)
Dr. Lwin Aung (Retired as Pro-Rector)
Artist/Bagyee Aung Soe
U Maung Maung
U Sein Maung (Stanley Ba Pe)
U Maung Maung Phone Myint
Dr. Koung Nyunt (GBNF)
U Hla Than (Retired as Rector)
Daw Min Thet Mon (Pamela Myo Min, Retired Professor)
Win LattAlumniAlumni / SDYF69ers69ersSPZP-2012Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Nyunt Nyunt Wai
Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF)
Dr. Koung Nyunt
A67
Secretary, RIT Photography Association
Pen name : Kogyi Koung
Doctorate from Japan. Found his love life “Moe Moe”.
Due to immigration laws in Myanmar & Japan, the family decided to move to Auckland, New Zealand.
Organizer for RIT events in New Zealand.
Wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter
Articles
Two Forgotten Songs from RIT. One is a favorite of Saya U Tha Tun (Head of Department). Another is about Ma Ma Q & her fans (sayas and alumni).
Photo essay on Kyaik Hti Yo Development. Saya U Min Wun wrote a supplement article for the Project.
Letter to Thagyar Min to second his favorable opinion on Naw Louisa Benson (Miss Burma & movie actress).
About some paintings
Quoted Reverend F Lutvig (Ashin Ananda, Laureate Poet) in his articles.
Contact
He passed away, but Moe Moe kept contact with Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70) and other alumni in Australia.
(1) Forgotten Songs of RIT
by Kogyi Koung
First Song
It was one afternoon in the early May of 1963. Someone was singing a prewar semi-classic song from the second floor of RIT main building. In 1963, RIT buildings were relatively new and that semi-classic song caused a little bit of discomfort for the freshmen [equivalent to 3rd BE] located on the first floor. The song continued as, (. hmain: njou. njou. sain: lou. je . njou pja ji hmaung che . to: dan: kalei: nanbei: ga swe . e:di jwa be: kwe…)
The meaning is: Dull and gloomy cloud override at the horizon; Indistinct brown and dim bluish vision of a wood jetting out from that end is my village … *Note: The title of the song is ‘Htamin: mjein mjein sa: me’ i.e., “ထမင်းမြိန်မြိန်စားမယ် Enjoying the meal with relish”. The duet song was first performed by prewar famous singers Ou’ O: Ba Thaung and Sein Party. Later many other singers have rendered their own versions of the song.
We saw an old man singing the song while he was painting watercolor on a huge art paper. He was painting the landscape described in the song. Amazingly the picture was full of life and the song was telling the story. Everybody stopped in front of his office on the second floor and looking with wonder and singing with him.
After a while we asked him, “Sayagyi, who are you and which department do you belong to?” He replied, “I am U Tha Tun, Head of the Department of Architecture”. Oh, my God! How stupid that we, the freshmen of Architecture, don’t even know the head of our department. As time passed, we learned more about ‘The Great U Tha Tun’.
When we became senior students, U Tha Tun’s health deteriorated so much that Saya U Myo Myint Sein (Raymond, A58) stepped up as a ‘Kagemusha’ [Japanese for “shadow-warrior”]. UMMS, as acting head, took care of everything about the department. Young and energetic Saya UMMS found that it was not easy to steer the department as Captain of Architecture’s Flag Ship. There were lots of problems for a relatively young department in RIT.
One such problem occurred during our final year. Two of the most experienced Sayas of architecture left the department and went abroad [for enhancing their careers]. They were (a) Saya U Sein Maung (with elegant moustache) has long experience in Rangoon City Development Corporation. He taught each and every detail of the development of Rangoon. (b) Saya M.B. Raschid (son of U Raschid, minister of many affairs under Prime Minister U Nu). He taught with all his professional experience and perfect pronunciation of King’s Burmese with ‘zagaboun စကားပုံ’ proverbs. Sometimes he corrected our broken Burmese.
Saya UMMS, Head of the department, not only had lost his right and left hand men, but also there was a danger that the notorious Koung Nyunt and Kyaw Thein (both A67) might not finish their Architecture degrees.
After a long struggle, Saya UMMS stabilized the flagship of Architecture and its direction. A pioneer of the Architecture of RIT, Professor U Myo Myint Sein handed over the headship to Dr. Maung Kyaw in early 80’s. In the late 80’s Dr. Lwin Aung (A59) took over.
Second Song
For creative and original works, Architects cannot design during the office hours. It is also true [to a lesser degree] for the students of architecture. During the lectures and tutorial hours we [as students] have to follow what they have taught. After school hours [mostly after 4 or 5 pm], we start to create and test our design ideas. Note that for other students and staff of RIT, such periods are the pleasure and relaxation time.
There were only a few girls in Architecture, but the one in our studio is especially alluring beauty and glamorous face. She was so popular that she became known as the queen of the student-architects. We called her Ma Ma Q.
Most of the evenings many senior students and young eligible bachelors and/or sayas visit our studio. Some stay late into the evenings. At that time we sang a song named ‘Saga: ta’ kathou’ i.e., Language University, by Khin Yu May.
Because in the song, one part said ‘dage lar te. Ko Ko. kwe ja hmar ba lou lou’ i.e., really coming Ko Ko, out of sight he is sth in the air.
Ma Ma Q didn’t know the meaning, but the visiting Ko Kos were annoyed by our song. They politely requested us to stop singing. At that time the notorious KN and KT asked ‘hse’ kjei:’ i.e., extortion money about 2-3 kyats from the Ko Kos and went to U Chit tea shop. This continued for days and weeks.
When the Ko Kos are not visiting our studio, we sang the following song, instead of Ma Ma Q. i.e., Third Song. (Note. Extract from Shwe Kyi: nyo song by Daw Ngwe Myaing) ‘Diga nei. nya hpjin. lar ma te. so: joun ya hmar lar: akou Kja.ma ne. ne: te. Shwe kyi: nyo Shwe kyi: nyo Shwe kyi: nyo’ “To-night coming you said so, may I believe Ako.. Near the blessed golden crow, golden crow, golden crow…”
(2) Article (Sept/Nov 2000)
With all of those excellent works and flying colours for Saya Pu Zaw Pwe, your organizing committee is a living history of RIT. Our Sayas, Sayamas and Saya-Gyis have contributed their unlimited knowledge to affect and benefit our lives. Many of our Sayas and colleagues have sent their thanksgiving letters to your web site.
I feel guilty in staying quietly at a corner of the Southern Hemisphere. Actually I am busy, because of my article ‘Wanna Migrate to New Zealand, 3/15/00’ that you published on the ex-rit web site. After that article, I got many inquires/contacts by e-mail and direct phone calls, especially from SE Asia. In July there are 133 migrants and in September 28 migrants are now in Auckland, and expecting another over 50 in November 2000. All speak the common language “Burmese” with their own native accents. Now I know our Sayas and colleagues speak “King’s Burmese” in RIT.
I would like to honor my Sayas with a poem from our forefathers-cum-engineers how they had built a city.
Title: ‘SHWE PYI GYI’ (Golden Capital City)
Sweet sound of drums and silver bells Coming from the Palace Can be heard reverberating in the air And I can see the palace roofs, The graduated turrets and buildings Encompassed by haze. And, my dear girl, I can still faintly see The silhouettes of a high pagoda Reaching nearly to the clouds And of super-imposed roofs (i.e., pyathat) Oh my dear, don’t you hear A melodious sound of small bells Coming from the golden monastery? Our golden capital city must be near. (By U Ku: 1827-1895 Translated by Rev. Friedrich V. Lustig)
Dear Sayas and colleagues,
We see not only the Panoramic Photo of golden capital city of our ancient time, but can hear the sound-scape with audio-visual scene. Silhouettes effect of high pagoda in the haze has shown the air perspective of city skyline. We try to sketch the imaginary scene of ancient city in the architectural studios of RIT in the middle of 60’s. The discussion topic of ‘Ancient City Skyline’ is not only interested by the architectural students, but also from various students of other departments from RIT.
This is the starting point to form the ‘RIT Photographic Club’. According to my diary, first general meeting was chaired by Saya U Myo Myint Sein on Saturday, 1 May 1965 at the Department of Architecture. The general meeting selected Professor U Myo Myint Sein as President of RIT Photographic Club and the author as the secretary.
After forming the executive committee, the club took part in various activities and many outstanding photographers from the club took major prizes from Burma Photographic Society and Myawadi Magazine. e.g., Ko San Aung, M74 is the owner of the famous ‘Photo Lab USA’, (i.e., initials for U San Aung) in Yangon is originally from this club. Kjei: zu: tin: bar-de, many thanks for my Sayas and colleagues
Koung Nyunt (Auckland, New Zealand).
(3) Letter to Tha-gyar-min
by Kogyi Koung
Date: Thursday, 14 April 2011 (3:40pm. Thin-gyan Akya-ne.) P.O. Box; Top of the never used RIT water tower Ashe. Jo. Koun (East Gyogone): RIT Compound, Insein, Rangoon, Burma
Dear Your Majesty the Sovereign of Tawadein dha တာဝတိံသာ
As from the beginning of 1960’s our RIT is like the last paradise on earth, with all enjoyments, teachings, preaching, learning, playing sports and friendship never sails away. Kogyi Koung recollects the stories at the time of 60’s RIT and retold the fairy-tales to our Bushido-Burmans at gatherings in Auckland, NZ. However, the young generations of Maha Bandoola do not believe the stories, and they whispered by themselves that Kogyi Koung is now ‘Yin yin galay Yuu-nay-pyi-de’ ယဉ်ယဉ်ကလေး ရူးနေ ပြီတဲ့
Your Majesty the Tha-gyar-min-gyi please take this message to Tawadein dha and explain to my late Sayas and colleagues there, that my stories are not fabricated.
I have the evidences. For example, I have sent a message to RIT alumni update (February 6, 2010) as follows,
Dear U Hla Min,
It is sad news for our elder brothers at RIT, especially those who reside at E and F block during the beginning of 60’s.
A term called “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” မပြောမရှိကြနဲ့ဟေ့ was coined at that time. When I visited my elder brother [U Than Soe, M63] at E block (when I was at Leik-khone I.Sc). I heard somebody shout “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” Then I looked outside. Everybody lined up at corridor and they were looking at a far side on top of the entrance hall that is attached to a two story house.
I could not believe my eyes. She was a beauty queen, who had Miss Burma two times excising physical training on the porch. I noted down in my diary and the rallying cry “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” She is Naw Louisa Benson Craig. Now she has left our brothers’ heart at age 69.
Yours etc. (“Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.”)
When I retold that story here at Auckland, everybody laughed like ‘Wa:lone kwe:aung ye kya de”. I said it is not a joke. I have evidence.
Also, Kogyi Koung explained about the following, written by Maung Maung Hla, a Karen pastor in Rangoon who was close to Naw Louisa during her youth, remembered her aloud : “She had a little mole on her cheek and she had a kind heart. She was also a very good singer.”
This statement has no evidence.
However, Tha-gyar-min-gyi if you find Naw Louisa at Tawadein dha, please ask if what I wrote is true?
(4) Architecture Students and Staff
I have an old group photo taken about the end of 1963, and all the known information are printed. Inside the brackets are where about of the person [at the time of the post].
Top of the photo:
Department of Architecture Rangoon Institute of Technology 1963 ~ 64
Bottom of the photo:
Front row, L to R
Jim Lim (3rd. Year) [?]
Ma Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, 1st.Year) [San Francisco, California, US]
U Myo Myint Sein B.Arch (Rgn) M. Arch (Mch) [Los Angeles, California, US]
U Tha Tun B.Sc, F.R.I.B.A. (Fellowship of Royal Institute of British Architects), A.A. Dip (Lond.), A.M.T.P.I.(Associate Member of Town Planning Institute), F.I.B.A., Head of Department [Deceased on 13 September 1974]
U Yone Mo B.Sc (Hon) Rgn, B.Sc (Engg)Lond, A.C.G.I, A.M.I. Mech.E, A.M.I.Loco.E, Principal [Deceased]
Mr. S. Ozhegov, Cand. Of Arch, Master of Fine Arts, UZBEK, U.S.S.R [Moscow]
Miss Rosalind Maung (Ma Pyi Aye, 2nd Year) [Rangoon]
Htin Myaing (Ben, 2nd Year) [New York, US]
2nd. Row, L to R
Tun Thein (1st Year) [Los Angeles, California, US]
Tin Aung (2nd Year) [Melbourne, Australia]
Yaco B.E. Mayet (3rd Year) [?]
Than Tun (3rd Year) [Rangoon]
Sonny Chin (2nd Year) [?]
Hla Thein (1st Year) [New York, US]
E. I. Jeewa (3rd Year) [?]
Aung Pa Win (1st Year) [Chicago, Illinois, US]
Back Row, L to R
Aung Kyaw Min (3rd Year) [Rangoon]
M. (Ku?) hlgh (2nd Year) [?]
Than Htike (3rd Year) [Warsaw, Poland]
William Chen (2nd Year) [?]
C. E. Munnee (1st Year) [?]
Koung Nyunt (1st Year) [Auckland, New Zealand, GBNF]
Kyaw Thein (1st Year) [Deceased 22 April 2001]
Absentees:
Win Myint (1st Year) [Rangoon]
Win Naing (1st Year) [?]
Note:
1st Year B. Arch, 10 students (8 passed and 2 failed) 2nd Year B. Arch, 5 students (3 passed and 2 failed) 3rd Year B. Arch, 6 students (3 passed and 3 failed) Several Architecture students failed in of a subject from other departments. There was no moderation. If one gets 49% or less of the grade, the student has to repeat all subjects next year.
Editor’s Note
I cannot find the photo mentioned by Kogyi Koung.
The early sayas and sayamas of the Architecture Department include :
U Thar Tun (GBNF)
Pi-thu-kar Kyaw Min (GBNF)
U Myo Myint Sein (USA)
U Bilal Raschid (USA)
Dr. Maung Kyaw (GBNF)
Dr. Lwin Aung (Retired as Pro-Rector)
Artist/Bagyee Aung Soe
U Maung Maung
U Sein Maung (Stanley Ba Pe)
U Maung Maung Phone Myint
Dr. Koung Nyunt (GBNF)
U Hla Than (Retired as Rector)
Daw Min Thet Mon (Pamela Myo Min, Retired Professor)
Rice is the staple food of Burma. What about Mohinga မုန့်ဟင်းခါး ?
Most people eat Mohinga for breakfast. A few can eat Mohinga any time of the day — breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast in Windsor
In 2015, Ivan Lee (M69, New Jersey), Fred Thetgyi (M69, Philadelphia), my spouse and I (from California) visited Windsor, Canada to pay respect to Sayagyi U Aung Khin (Former Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering at the Rangoon Institute of Technology.
Sayagyi’s Mohinga
Sayagyi allowed my spouse and I to sleep at his guest room. He got up early to prepare Mohinga and Ah Kyaw အကျော် (Fries) for breakfast for the four of us. He also gave us mementos from Windsor.
Cost of Mohinga
During our younger days, plain Mohinga used to cost 15 pyas. With Ah Kyaw, we would pay 25 pyas.
Special recipe
Most vendors cannot match the taste of the Buthee Kyaw ဗူးသီးကျော် using a formula by a cousin aunt to accompany the Mohinga cooked by my beloved father and his assistants.
The best part is that we do not have to pay for the sumptuous “all you can eat” meal.
Variety
There are a variety of ways to prepare and cook Mohinga.
Some variables are
choice of fish ငါး အမျိုးအစား : Hinthada ဟင်္သာတ uses up to three kinds of fish. Some places use minimal fish. A few — notably Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74, GBNF) — tried to have a layman’s Mohinga using canned fish.
choice of “San Hmont” ဆန်မှုန့် or “Pei Hmont” ပဲမှုန့်
use of “Ngan Pya Yay” ငံပြာရည် and condiments
some add ကြက်သွန်ဥ & ငှက်ပျောဖတ်နုနု
mode of cooking for a small group or a large group of people
how to keep it fresh (without getting spoiled due to inclement weather).
Mohinga Story
There’s a story that is near and dear to me.
My spouse’s maternal grandma အဖွား was oblivious to the political, social & economic changes. Every morning, she would call a grand child. She would open her little purse inside a big purse, and then unwrap two or three layers of paper to get her money. She would dole out ten pyas ဆယ်ပြား to buy Mohinga for her.
One day she could not finish a spoonful of Mohinga. Her breath slowly faded with her head resting on my lap. There was no sigh. She passed away gently.
My spouse belongs to the elite company of Mohinga lovers. She enjoys Mohinga for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mohinga Lover
I have a fear စိုးရိမ်ပူပန်စိတ် for the day when she might refuse to have Mohinga & follow her grandma.
Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University & the First RU Students’ Strike in December 1920
Passed away on December 2nd, 2020 the day following the RU Centennial, but a few days before his Centennial Birthday on December 26th.
Obituary
Education & Experience
Graduate of Mandalay University, Rangoon University and Harvard University
Professor of Maths, RASU
Rector, MASU
Professor of Maths, RIT
Associate Dean, Assumption University, Bangkok
RU Sports Council
Leader, Burma Team to Tokyo Olympics
Family 1Family 2ConvocationInvitation
Birthday Celebrations
Saya celebrated his birthdays with his children, grand children and great grand children
U Ba Toke (Birthday)
Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char) interviewed Sayagyis. Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khine transcribed the tapes. The book was published by RU Thin Char Mi Thar Su as a birthday present for Sayagyi.
U Ba Toke (Book)Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char)Daw Myint Myint Khine
U Ba Than’s visits
U Ba Than, retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering, paid respect to his mentor Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year.
The group photo was taken on one visit. Sayagyi’s daughter Pansy Thin (ChE74) provided transportation for Saya U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut and me.
U Ba Toke & U Ba Than
Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
Sayagyi attended RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes starting with the inaugural SPZP in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
Sayagyi missed a SPZP in Singapore due to Sayagadaw’s failing health.
