Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1947, and won Collegiate Scholarship.
In 1949, he won Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in the Intermediate of Science exam.
RUBC Full Green
Studied B.Sc (Special) in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London University
Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
Per request from Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Interim Dean of Engineering), he helped build the Engineering Library
As a requirement for promotion, he did Masters at Imperial College
Retired as Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Mech Engg Sayas
Saya is an early supporter of the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) project. Donated his photo albums. Cooperated with U Thaw Kaung to allow U Soe Paing & team to access the archives of Rangoon University Central Library.
HMEE book (2012)
He also interviewed his elder brother U Tin U for HMEE project. U Tin U taught part-time at the Civil Engineering Department, and served as Treasurer of Burma Society of Civil Engineers.
Family
U Ba Than & Daw Mya Mya
He is the second son of U Chan Sein and Daw Cheng Kim.
Siblings : U Tin U, Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Daw Myint Thwe (Betty), Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin, Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
Spouse : Daw Mya Mya
Son : U Ye Than
Daughter-in-law : Daw Lwin Mar Oo
Grand children : Aung Myo Myint, Ei Khine
U Ba Than 2U Ba Than 1
Winner Inn
U Ye Than and Daw Lwin Mar Oo ran “Winner Inn”.
Later, their children Aung Myo Myint and Ei Khin expanded the services provided by Winner Inn (notably W Bistro)
Winner Inn
Birthdays
Celebrations
Birthday Soon Kyway
Before the pandemic, he invited colleagues and former students to his Birthday Soon Kyway at Yaw Sayadaw’s Monastery.
U Tin Htoon (A60, younger brother) compiled a Photo Album for Saya’s 90th Birthday
U Ba Than
Donated all of the Garawa Money to various social & religious associations.
Passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.
U Ba Than & Family
90+ Club Members
Four of the nine siblings are members of the 90+ Club like their mother.
U Tin U (eldest) passed away on Aug 19, 2025 — a few weeks after his 96th birthday. He was the most senior Past Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). He was Past Captain of RGC (Rangoon Golf Club). He was also the oldest Yale University alumni from Burma.
U Ba Than (2nd oldest) passed away after his 94th birthday.
Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby, 3rd) celebrated her 93rd birthday on Aug 31, 2025.
Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, 4th) passed away two months before her 91st birthday.
Qualification: BS (Stanford), MS (Stanford), MSc. Computer Science (Southampton)
Department: Electrical Communications Position: Assistant Lecturer, (Jan 1964 to March 1971) Reason for Leaving: Joined Universities’ Computer Center in April 1971.
Engineering Alumni: Attended First Year Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University from June to December, 1958. Reason for Leaving: Awarded State Scholarship to study in USA.
Occupation: Data Processing Adviser (Retired)
Organization: United Nations
Updates
Saya was my mentor at RIT and UCC.
He offered me and Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC, GBNF) to be his co-authors. We wrote programming texts, manuals and guides.
Saya was a prime mover to get the “RIT Alumni International Newsletters” and http://www-ex-rit.org started.
Saya would mention that I am a “Shay Hmi; Nauk Hmi. ရှေ့မှီ၊ နောက်မှီ”
Sayagadaw added: “Bay Hmi ဘေးမှီ as well’.
Saya wrote articles for the RIT Newsletter and selected journals & magazines. They can be accessed via SCRIB-D
He also gave an interview for MASTAA
UCC Gathering at Saya’s House
SP 2
Lovely Couple
SP 3
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe
SP 4
RIT alumni in Singapore
With U Tu Myint, Daniel Tint Lwin, James Than With U Tint Swe & Vilma Khaing
Visit to California
With Saya U Tin Mg Nyunt, U & Mrs. Hla MinWith U & Mrs. Tin Mg Nyunt
UCC Gathering at MICT Park
With UCC Alumni
Leaving for UN Assignment
At Mingalardon airport
ICST Pu Zaw Pwe
U Thein Oo, Dr. Pike Tin, Saya U Soe Paing, U Hla Min, Dr. Kyaw Thein
Had good memory and strong hands until his final days
Tin U
Passed away in Yangon on August 19, 2025
He was 96 years young.
Obituary
Obituary
Final Journey
Attended by Family members, relatives and friends
Invitation for Yet Le Soon KywayAye Aye Khin (Daughter)Thin Thiri Tun (Granddaughter)
Academic & Experience
BSCE (Oregon State University)
MSCE (Yale University)
Former Part-time Lecturer, Civil
Former Director, Clark & Grieg
Former Advisor, InterKiln
Former Advisor, PWD Architect Group 2
Oldest & Most Senior Past Captain, Rangoon University Boat Club
Past Captain, Rangoon Golf Club
Former Treasurer, Burma Society of Civil Engineers
Family
U Tin U, Aye Aye Khin, Daw Cherry, Ye Myint, Peter
Spouse
Dr. Cherry 1
Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (Cherry) — passed away in November 2019
She did Nutrition Research at BMRI.
Children
Peter & his mom Dr. Cherry Family & RelativesAye Aye. Dr. Cherry, Dr. Peter, U Tin UFamily & Relatives 2Daw San San Aye, U Tin U, Dr. Ye Myint& Dr. Aye Sandar
Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, MRCP, Former Associate Dean of Oxford University, passed away in April 2020) & Daw Winmar;
Daw Aye Aye Khin (B.Com, CPA) & U Tin Tun (passed away in May 2020)
Dr. Ye Myint (Fellowship training in Intensive Care and Anesthesia, Took care of his father’s health in the final days) & Daw San San Aye
YM 1 YM 2 YM 3
Grandchildren
Min Ko & Prudence
Ye Aung
Dr. Aye Sandar
Thin Thiri Tun
Dr. Khin Sandy Tun
Great Grandchildren
Su Wai Tun
Hnin Wai Tun
Peter, Winmar, Ye Aung, Min Ko
Siblings
U Tin U, Ruby, Father U Chan Sein, BettyBa Than, Myo Tint, Myo Min, Thaung Lwin, Tin Htoon, Tin U U Tin Htoon, U Tin U, U Ba Than, U Thaung Lwin, Dr. Myo TintSix Siblings
U Ba Than (Scholarship Winner in 1947, Gold Medalist for I.Sc in 1949, Alumnus of Imperial College, Retd. Prof. of Mech. Engg) — GBNF
Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby)
Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, B.Com, Spouse of Dr. F Ba Hli) — GBNF
Dr. Myo Tint (3rd in Burma in 1952, RUBC Captain) — GBNF
U Tin Htoon (A60, RUBC Captain, ARAE Champion, SEAP Silver Medalist in Yachting)
U Myo Min (1st in I.Com & B.Com, Chartered Acct, UCC Co-founder)
U Thaung Lwin (Scholarship Winner in 1960, First in EC66, RUBC Captain)
Daw Cho Cho Hlaing (CRO, German Diploma)
Highlights
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1946
Represented RUBC at the 1948 Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi with Pe Nyun, Pe Thein and Khin Maung Wint
1948 Independence Day Regatta
Rowing
Four brothers — Tin U, Myo Tint, Tin Htoon & Thaung Lwin — are RUBC Captain & Gold
Two other brothers — Ba Than and Myo Min — are RUBC Green
Tin U & Thaung LwinRUBC Captains
Photo shows Five RUBC Captains. Sein Htoon (Cox) is a cousin; he is 1960 ARAE Champion
Most Senior Past Captain
Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club (1948 – 49)
RUBC
As the Most Senior and Oldest Past Captain of RUBC, U Tin U was invited to open the RUBC Centennial Celebration in 2023
RUBC Centennial
Bridge
Played with friends (e.g Richard Po Ohn)
Played with Uncle and two cousins
Golf
Past Captain, RGC
Played with senior (e.g U Yaw Hlaing) & junior (e.g U Soe Paing) partners until his early 80s
Memories
Relaxing in the garden
Tin U
Visit
With Than Htut
Interviews
For RGC (Rangoon Golf Club)
For HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education)
For his grandson Min Ko
Kidnap Survivor
See account by his son Dr. Khin Tun (Peter)
Yahan Khan
Yahan Khan
Garawa
SPZP-2012
SPZP-2012
PWD Architect 2 Group
PWD 1PWD 2PWD 3
Birthday Presents
Photo Album for 90th birthday by Tin Htoon & Htaik San
Photo Cards for several birthdays by Tin Htoon & family
U Soe Paing, U Win Paing (U Wara), Dr. Myo Paing, U Kyaw Paing
Family
Parents : ICS U Paing & Daw Oo Yin
Siblings : Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, GBNF), U Kyaw Paing
Spouse : Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69)
Children : Two sons & One daughter
Grandchildren : 3
Education & Work
He matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in Burma and won the Collegiate Scholarship.
At the Convocation of 1958, he won two Gold Medals — one for the Highest Total Marks in I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B); and another for Joint Highest Marks in Mathematics for I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
He received a States Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
He joined the RIT Electrical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
He helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe found Universities’ Computer Center. He transferred to UCC as Systems Manager in charge of Systems Division. He later also managed the Operations Division.
He received M.Sc.(Computer Science) from Southampton University in UK.
He worked for UNDP Projects in several countries.
Mentor
He was my mentor at RIT and UCC. He allowed U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and me to co-author Texts, User Guides and Manuals for use at UCC.
HMEE
He was an early supporter of the HMEE project. He prepared a draft for the HMEE book and handed it to Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF) & team. He and U Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 of the HMEE Book and summarized Section 2 of the book.
Posts
Post from March 2011
I went to the University Central Library and managed to get scanned photos from the Engg Student Annual Magazines 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas, students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.
U Sein Hlaing (Prof EE) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L starting 1952-53. Saya U Tin Swe was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team. Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain. U Khin Si (husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile) and U Tin Si (U Khin Si’s brother and tennis doubles partnership that won RU as well as national championships) were members of the Prome hall team.
The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by the Prime Minister at that time U Ba Swe.
In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD, PWC, CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.
I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.
U Ba Than has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.
Post from May 2000
The mention of RIT, BIT, and BOC college in the first newsletter bring back memories of our good old days in Rangoon University. Although we did not graduate from Rangoon University, we had a really great two and a half years there before we went for studies aroad under government scholarship.
Our first year 1956-1957 was in Yankin College. Yankin was a campus of RU for first year science students. It is now Yankin State High School No. XX? Hteedan was for the 1st year arts students. Our second year I.Sc. was at the RU campus itself which we refer to as Main. The Arts students have classes at Judson. That time the new Social Science Building (now Institute of Economics) was completed. We had our second year ISc exams in that new building.
Then it is our 1st year B.Sc. Engineering course at the new Faculty of Engineering in Prome Road (now Institute of Medicine I). We attended for six months till December 1958. That campus was designed and built especially for the Faculty of Engineering. Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Departments were there but Chemical, Textile, etc. were in the old BOC building at the back.
The 1st year classes were from 7 to 9 a.m. for Mathematics. We then have a one hour break and we start the engineering courses at 10 a.m. We usually have a snack during the break at a small cafe between Tagaung and Prome Halls. Those halls were only for engineering students then. The mathematics (Pure & Applied) lecturers were from India hired under contract. We had three engineering courses: Building Materials taught by Mr. Tan Ba Hli (the Dean of Engineering himself). Heat Engines taught by U Aung Khin. Principles of Electrical Engineering taught by U Kyaw Tun. We had EE lab with Ko Htin Paw and Ko Ba Nyunt as lab instructors. We also had engineering drawing with Ko San Hla Aung and Allen Htay (for Chem, Tex, etc.) as instructors.
Those were the days when Rangoon University was one of the best universities in SE Asia and Asia. It also had a really nice campus.
RIT Saya Soccer Team
Reading about the communications from Richard Khoo (Dr. Aung Soe, C61) and seeing the list of Sayas in the 1966-67 handbook brings back memories of our soccer team.
As I remember it was from 1964 to 1968 or 1969. We played against (i) the senior students of different majors Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc. (ii) the sayas at GTI and Natmauk Technical Institute (iii) the Burma Air Force officers.
We also played in the annual tournament for RIT Staff. The staff teams are the Sayas, Workshop staff, Lab staff, Hostel staff and the youth team from the RIT compound.
As I remember (other Sayas & graduates may correct me) these were the people in the team.
Goalkeepers :
Richard Khoo (Civil)
Maurice Kyaw Zaw (Chemistry),
Sein Myint/Ah Sein (Petroleum)
Defenders :
Ko Maung Maung Than (Textile)
Ko Aung Soe (Math)
Ko Aung Hla Tun (Met)
Ko Sann Tint (Elect)
Christopher Maung (Civil)
U Tin Swe (Elect)
Ko Tin Win (Mech)
Midfielders :
Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri)
Desmond Rogers (English)
Ko Khine Oo (Elect)
Ko Maung Maung Win (Mech)
Ko Tin Hlaing II (Mech)
Forwards :
Ko Pike Htwe (Chemistry)
Ko Aung (Math)
Ko Tin Hlaing I (Agri)
Ko Soe Min (Elect)
Ko Kyin Soe (Auto)
myself (Elect)
We rarely practiced but we enjoyed playing the games. We split games with the GTI sayas & the Air Force officers. We beat the Natmauk sayas and we won more than we lost in the RIT staff tournament. But I am sure we lost more than we won against the final year students. Would appreciate comments on this; especially on the names I missed in the team.
Pu Zaw Pwe is a Noble Tradition that is practiced in Burma.
Thet Kyee PZP is for paying respect to the Elders. The age requirements vary.
Saya PZP is for paying respect to the sayas and sayamas. Some use the term Acariya PZP.
Thet Kyee PZP
In some places, a Senior Day is held. Transportation, Food, Entertainment and Photo-shoot are provided for Old people of all races and creeds.
Thet Kyee PZP may be held in conjunction with a Festival, e.g Thingyan or Thadinkyut. Buddhists may also pay respect physically to the Elders.
MES organized Thet Kyee PZP for Senior Engineers and Architects.
The All-Mechanical Gathering also had a program to pay respect to Thet Kyee Mechanical Engineers.
Acariya PZP
Examples :
Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
M72 (and some other Disciplines)
ICST/UCSY
Saya PZP
RIT Alumni International hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, California in October 2000. The term SPZP was chosen over Saya Ga Dawt Pwe so that Alumni of different Faith can pay back the Metta and Cetana of their mentors. I am honored to be a Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. I wrote the poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE”. It was published in the RIT website and the Commemorative Issue of the RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Singapore hosted SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) and team published Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for the SPZPs. My poem was reprinted on the Back Cover of SDYSS-2002. I wrote a poem “SWE DAW YEIK” for SDYSS-2007. I wrote an article “EE Sayas : A Sad and Short Clip” for SDYSS-2010.
Yangon hosted SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016. Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine was published for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016. U Saw Lin (GBNF) was Chief Editor of SDYM-2012. Saya U Moe Aung was Chief Editor of SPZP-2016. Several Distinguished Authors (e.g Ma Sandar, Maung Sein Win — Padeegone, N Jar Thaing, Aw Pi Kye) also served as Editors.
Due to the pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled.
Some of the Organizers and Volunteers of the SPZPs are GBNF. They include Saya Allen Htay, Ko Saw Lin, Ko Aung Moung, Ko Than Sin Myint and Ko Robin.
Several Sayas are GBNF. They include U Ba Toke, H Num Kok, U Soe Khaw, U Khin Aung Kyi, U Thit, Dr. Mg Mg Win, S Arya, S Kyaw Aye, U Soe Lwin.
Sayas U Ba Than, U Aung Khin, Dr. Aung Gyi and U Min Win are 90+ years young. Many of our sayas are 80+ years young.
We hope to see SPZPs in the not so distant future (after the Calamities have ended).
Please allow me to use your forum to express my great sorrow on learning of Saya U Myo Win’s demise.
We certainly lost a valuable person while engaged in his professional life. His exuberance and optimism knew no bounds. I had the privilege of enjoying U & Mrs Myo Win’s hospitality at Wagga Wagga on my tour of Australia.
My deepest condolences to Noreen and family.
[Sayagyi U] Aung Khin
Canada
From the Teoh family
On behalf of the Teoh family, and the rest of MEHS schoolmates, we offer our sincere condolences to Melvin’s family.
Melvin and Pearl Ba Tin are fellow graduates of the original Methodist English High School (MEHS) of Rangoon.
In 1972, when I was leaving for the U.S., my mother-in-law recommended/sponsored me to be a monk at Mahasi Sayadaw’s Sasana Yeiktha, Rangoon for 10 days.
Started meditating there, I was surprised to meet Melvin who was also in monkhood. The two of us, the evil two, caused much consternation with some senior monks, because we presented them with provocative and/or audacious (Western style) questions.
We were summoned to the presence of the Mahasi Sayadawgyi himself. We explained that as young engineers, we were naturally precocious (and suspicious) of any assumptions and beliefs unless backed up by solid proof research data. We could not design machinery, without knowing the qualities and of steel, etc.
The Sayadawgyi advised us to attain wisdom and the truth of Nirvana for ourselves thru further meditation. He gave us the example of a tortoise trying to explain to the rest of the fishes, the phenomena of a desert dry land. Seek further and ye shall find.
I really remember and thankful for that my life changing 10 day retreat and Melvin was part of that.
Melvin, my friend, I miss you. May you attain Nirvana soon.
Edward Teoh (M 64) & Khin Thein Yi (Chem 65), Houston, Texas
From Saya Dr. San Hla Aung
Dear U Hla Min,
I am so saddened by the unexpected news of Saya Melvin U Myo Win’s passing away. I met and talked with him briefly during the 2016 SPZP in Yangon and he was looking just fine then. I have known Melvin’s family for a long time and am now joining them in their sorrow.
Kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to Melvin’s wife Noreen, sister Pearl, and their families on the recent loss of a beloved husband, brother, and head of the family.
My prayers also for Melvin to reach a higher abode in his next existence.
Thanking you,
[Saya Dr.] San Hla Aung [C58]
From Saya Dr. Nyo Win
I’m saddened to learn about Melvin’s passing away. Melvin and I were from the class of 65 ME. We both joined the faculty after graduation. He taught in the Agri Dept and I in the ME. I remembered well his smile and friendly chats wherever we got together. I want to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Melvin’s family. May you Rest In Peace.
[Saya Dr.] Nyo Win [M65]
From Saya Dr. Tin Win
Dear Ko Hla Min,
I am very sad to learn that U Myo Win had left us. I was away visiting my eldest sister who is in Hospital in Houston, TX, and was very much surprised to see the sad news when I got home last night.
I spent over a year sharing an apartment with Ko Myo Win, Ko Aung Soe (Math), and Dr. Ko Lay (Mandalay MC) in 1968-9 while he studied for M.Sc. at Melbourne University, Australia. We also worked together in the ME Department at RIT until 1976. He then pursued a successful academic career in Australia. He put in a lot of effort to help bring/apply Australian Technology to Agricultural practices in Myanmar while he was working, and after retiring.
He was always optimistic, had a very good nature, and was liked by everyone. He was a good husband and father, and a very proud grandfather. He was also very friendly and always ready to help anyone. I remember him always enjoying tinkering with his cars as well as those of his friends.
He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
My deepest condolences to Noreen and family.
[Saya Dr.] Tin Win [M62]
From Maurice Chee
We are saddened to learn the passing away of saya U Myo Win.
He was our saya for the fluid mechanics lab.
Please convey my deepest condolences and sympathy to sayakadaw and family.
May saya rest in peace.
Maurice Chee, M75
From Saya Charlie Hla Myint
Ko Tin Aung Win,
Can you please pass our heartfelt condolences to Saya U Myo Win’s family?
The sad news came in yesterday from an early morning call from Ko Henry Thet Tun.
It came in as a shock because I never heard of U Myo Win’s condition prior.
Melvin, Dr Kyaw Sein, U Kyaw Sein et al are class mates of mine & we graduated in 1965 and our group joined Mechanical Engineering Dept same day.
Our prayers for a transition to a higher plane of existence to U Myo Win’s soul.
Saya (Charlie) Hla Myint (M65)
Sydney
From Stanley Saw
I am deeply saddened to learn of Saya U Myo Win passing away.
We remember the several RIT functions in Sydney where we discussed interesting developmental projects.
Our heartfelt condolences to Ma Ma Nu and family, Ko Tin Aung Win and Dorothy.
Stanley [Saw, M71] and Sandra
(Auckland. New Zealand)
From Saya Dr. Kyaw Sein
I am very much surprised and shocked to learn that my best friend Melvin Ba Tin had passed away so suddenly. When I last met him at SPZP 2016 he seemed to be in very good health alert and energetic.
We were together and very intimate since the time we started studying at Yankin College. He is two months younger than me.
I just called Noreen Aung Kyaw (Nu Nu Yee) and felt so sorry with an aching heart.
I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy and most deepest condolences to Noreen and family.
May his soul rest in peace.
From U Hla Oo
Saya U Myo Win taught us a couple of subjects in our third and fourth year mechanical classes. He was the patron of our Automobile Club at RIT Mechanical Engineering Dept and he left RIT for FIJI in 1978. The attached was the group photo taken at his farewell party given by our Automobile Club.
I still remember when we asked him if he would be coming back to RIT and Burma he showed us the visible star sign on the success line on his left palm and said he was going to achieve better future overseas. We were all surprised that we did not know he knew Palmistry well too. Later I found out he became a lecturer or a professor at Charles Sturt University in Waga Waga of Australia.
I ended up in Australia in late 1980s but I never had a chance to meet him again as he was in Waga Waga at 700 km away from Sydney where I used to live. When I had to visit Charles Sturt in late 2000s I didn’t meet him there as he was already retired and living in Canberra by then.
Rest in Peace Saya,
Hla Oo (Mech 1980)
Updates (by Hla Min)
Saya U Kyaw Sein is now GBNF.
The receipt from Saya U Myo Win’s farewell has been shared by readers of various FB groups.
Born from my parents U Ba Pu and Daw Aye Kyi in Namtu, Northern Shan States, Burma.
Education
Matriculated in 1949 from Myoma High School in Rangoon.
After passing the 1st year engineering, BOC College of Engineering, Rangoon University in 1952, went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Mass., USA as a State scholar to join the second year engineering classes there.
Was in Dean’s list during the studies in MIT; and obtained B.S.(Civil Engineering) in 1955 and M.S.(Civil Engineering) in 1956.
Work
After working as a junior engineer in Tippetts- Abbett-MacCarthy- Stratton Engineers, New York and Green Engineering Co., Boston for a year, returned to Burma in 1957.
Joined the Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University as an Assistant Lecturer.
Promoted to Lecturer and Head of the Department of Civil Engineering in 1958.
Marriage
Got married to Daw Mya Mya Mue in 1959. (Have a daughter and a son and two grand children from daughter who all live in Canada now.)
Doctorate
Went to the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on Colombo Plan Scholarship in 1963 for further studies. Obtained Ph.D (Civil Engineering) specializing in structural engineering in 1965 from the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
Promotions
Returned to Burma in 1965 and promoted to Professor and Head of Civil Engineering Department in 1966.
Promoted to Rector of Rangoon Institute of Technology in 1971.
UNESCO
Left Burma to join UNESCO as Programme Specialist in Applied Sciences in 1977 in Unesco Regional Office in New Delhi, India.
IDRC
Migrated to Ottawa, Canada to join the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canadian Research funding Agency in Ottawa as an Associate Director in 1981.
Was then assigned to IDRC Regional Office in Singapore as Principal Program Officer from 1989 to 1992.
Was transferred to IDRC Regional Office in New Delhi as Principal Program Officer in 1992.
Was promoted to Regional Representative for IDRC Regional Office in New Delhi in 1995.
Retired from IDRC in June 1997 and now settled down in Nepean, Ontario, Canada with wife.
I look forward to seeing you all soon.
With Metta, Aung Gyi
Updates (by Hla Min)
Welcome dinner for SPZP-2000
U Thein Aung (Met72, Saya) was Associate Editor for the commemorative issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000. He compiled the biographies of the sayas and sayamas attending SPZP-2000. He also served as co-emcee.
Saya has four grandchildren.
I was a guest on two occasions (around SPZPs) hosted by Ko Wai Lwin in Yangon (a) one for Ma Ma Emma’s birthday (b) another for welcoming Sayagyi DAG and other sayas at U Nyan Tun U’s residence.
Met Saya during his trips to California
Asian Heritage Museum
We spent a few nights at Ivan’s house. Saya & Ma Ma were also there to attend the RIT-UCC gathering hosted by Ivan
NJ Gathering
Ko Ivan, Ko Fred, my spouse and I stayed at Saya’s house for two nights in 2015. Thanks.
Some 69ers hosted a breakfast gathering at “Crystal Jade” to welcome Ko Sein Myint (EP69, Singapore) and me.
Farewell
They bade farewell to Ko Tint Lwin (M69), who had to go back to Singapore to take care of his elder brother Saya U Thein Lwin (EE) and Sayama Daw May Than Nwe (Joyce).
Transportation
Ko Ohn Khine (M70 took me to the breakfast gathering.
During my visits, he also took me to meetings for SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 & “History of Myanmar Engineering Education (HMEE)” Project.
Attendees
Ko Shwe
Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel)
Ko Sein Tun
Ko Ohn Khine
Ko Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet)
Ko Aung Min
Ko Myint Thein (Kabar)
Ko Sein Myint
Ko Win Maung (“Lake”)
Ko Aung Min — Chair of the 69er HCF and a core organizer for 69er gatherings.
Breakfast at Taw Win Hnin Si
69ers hold a monthly breakfast gathering at “Royal Rose Restaurant (Taw Win Hnin Si တော်ဝင်နှင်းဆီ)”.
Ko Aung Min (M69) & team gave me two mementos: a sports jacket and a Tee shirt with the 69er Logo.
Major donors to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and the 69er Annual Dinner were also given commemorative Tee shirts.
Orders for the sports jacket and Tee shirt were taken from interested 69ers.
The group photo shows
At Taw Win Hnin Si
L to R : Ko Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Ko Ngwe Soe (Walter), Ko Myint Thein (Kabar), Ko Hla Min, Ko Tin Maung Aye, Ko Win Lwin, Ko Tin Tun
EE69er breakfast gathering
EE69er Gathering
The group photo shows :
Standing : Ko Maung Maung, Ko Thein Swe, Ko Shwe
Seated : Ko Hla Min, Ko Than Hla (Cyril)
Ko Shwe is Treasurer for the 69er HCF and the EE 69er HCF.
Ko Maung Maung played volleyball at RIT. He is Joint Treasurer of the EE 69er HCF.
At Winner Inn
Winner Inn
The photo was taken at Winner Inn.
Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) came to pay respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke
U Ba Toke
The photo was taken at Sayagyi U Ba Toke’s house.
Daw Thynn Thynn (Pansy, ChE74, daughter of Sayagyi) sent a car to Winner Inn to pick up Saya U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut (M60) and me.
U Ba Than pays respect to Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke is a “Phwa Bet” of Rangoon University and the First RU Students’ Strike in December 1920.
Sayagyi has eight children (of which two passed away), many grandchildren and some great grand children.
At Dhammananda Vihara
Half Moon Bay
Ko Sein Myint’s daughter and son-in-law offered soon to the resident monks of the Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay (in Northern California, USA) for the first birthday of their daughter.
Ko Sein Myint has five children and four grand children.
Attendees include Ko Tin Myint (John Lee, M69) and Ma Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel Lee, T69).
Updates
U Ba Toke, U Ba Than, U Thein Lwin, Daw May Than Nwe, Kabar, Ko Thein Swe & Ko Tin Myint are now GBNF.
HlaMin 