Category: RIT Saya

  • U Aung Khin and U San Tun

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Sayagyi U Aung Khin

    U Aung Khin

    Brief Bio

    • He enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon in 1950. At that time, one must pass the I.Sc. with good grades to pursue engineering courses.
    • He left the Third Year B.Sc. (Engg) class in 1952 upon being selected as a State Scholar to study at Lehigh University in the US.
    • He received B.S.M.E. and M.S.M.E. degrees and returned in 1956 to join the staff at the Faculty of Engineering as an Assistant Lecturer.
    • He was promoted to Lecturer & Head of Mechanical Engineering.
    • He was awarded the Colombo Scholarship in 1962 to pursue post-graduate studies at Toronto University. He received the M.A.Sc. degree and returned in 1967 to continue teaching at Rangoon Institute of Technology.
    • He served as Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering.
    • In 1976, Saya resigned from the Institute in 1976 and emigrated to Canada.
    • He retired in 1998 after working for twenty one years in Canada.
    • His post-retirement sojourns can be found in the article written for SPZP-2000 (Special Issue).
    • One his trips was taken with Saya U San Tun to China and Myanmar.
    • He stays fit by playing tennis and golf.

    Visits

    • Saya’s visits to the SF Bay Area had tremendous impact.
    • One visit resulted in the formation of BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) — a merger of BEA (Burmese Engineers Association) and BASTS (Burmese American Science and Technology Society).
    • Another visit resulted in a dinner meeting where the Bay Area Alumni Group led by Saya Allen Htay decided unanimously to hold the First Ever Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe on October 28-29 week end.
    • In 2012, Saya U Tin Htut (M60) invited Sayagyi to his house in Los Angeles. After spending some quality time with former colleagues and students, Sayagyi and Saya U Tin Htut flew to Yangon to attend SPZP-2012 and the opening of a Mechanical Chapter of MES.
    • In 2015, Sayagyi hosted my spouse and I during our visit to Windsor, Canada. He cooked Mohinga and ah kyaw အကြော် for Ko Ivan Lee (M69), Ko Frederick Thetgyi (M69), my spouse and I. He also gave us souvenirs.
    • Later, Ko Ivan organized another trip. Three cars of RIT sayas and alumni drove to Windsor to pay respect to Sayagyi.
    Saya U Aung Khin in Canada

    Saya U Aung Khin’s Posts

    • Mechanical Engineering Post 1950
    • Tribute to U Tin Hlaing
    • On the road to the Millenium
    • Introduction to the article about Sayagyi U Ba Hli
    • Brief History of Mechanical Engineering Department

    Saya U San Tun

    U San Tun
    • Graduated with B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Rangoon University in 1959.
    • Joined the Mechanical Engineering Department as an Assistant Lecturer.
    • Received Masters from MIT, USA in 1962.
    • 1962 – 1964 Assistant Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, RIT
    • 1964 – 1968 Lecturer in Mechanical/Automobile Engineering, RIT
    • 1968 – 1974 Contract Engineer, Cone Company, Burlingame, California
    • 1974 – 1999 Bechtel Corporation, San Francisco, California
    • Retired in August 1999

    Editor’s notes

    • U San Tun served as Head of Automobile Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical Engineering).
    • He kept in contact with Sayagyi U Aung Khin. They went on some trips including the one to China where Saya U Kyaw Myint (M 65) was working on UN assignments.
    • Saya U San Tun invited me to his birthday party and to the wedding reception of his son.
    • Saya attended the Retirees’ Lunch Gathering organized by Maurice Chee.
    • Some time back, Saya had a stroke. He is now recuperating.
  • Maths Sayas

    Maths Sayas

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    U Sein Shan (GBNF)

    U Sein Shan
    • During our RIT days, he was Lecturer & Head of the RIT Maths Department.
    • He passed away in October 2006.
    Condolences
    • He is the father of Ko Thant Zin (M82, GBNF), volunteer of RIT-related organizations and activities.

    Yan Gyi Aung wrote :

    Sayar U Sein Shan was my most familiar Mathematics Sayar since BIT period 1961-62. At that time engineering students were only about over 100. Female students were only two, one each at Textile and Chemical Department.

    He was the President of Point 22-Rifle Club of BIT and I was the Secretary.We usually went to South Okkalapa Shooting Range and practiced.

    While he was suffering from heart disease at his home in about 1999 in Mayangone, I frequently went to his house and encouraged him.Also when taking treatment at RGH hospital, at Cardiac Hall No 19/20, I went to him carrying boiled rice and some eatables as breakfast.

    Very remarkable and historic event he did was while Major Subjects (Lines, such as Civil, Chemical, etc) performed Respect paying ceremonies to the respective department Sayars, Mathematics Department had no such ceremony. Mathematics Department always had no ceremony at that time. So Sayar U Sein Shan invited all the engineering students at the Daily News Paper that he would celebrate a friendship dinner to serve all engineering students with Danbauk rice at the Nawarat Hotel in 2000, I think. Very peculiar Sayar was!

    Dr. Saw Tin (GBNF)

    Some time back, we met the Saya’s younger brother, who had studied at RIT & UCC. He became a monk at Pa Auk monastery. He was visiting Half Moon Bay monastery. He participated in the consecration of a Sima (သိမ်) in Southern California.

    He told us that Saya lost memory (e.g. to eat) during his final days. His spouse Daw Thida, who is a cousin of Ko Daniel Tint Lwin (M69), was busy taking care of saya. She learned too late that she had a medical problem.

    Dr. Saw Tin & Daw Thida
    Obituary

    Both passed away within a month or two.

    As an assistant of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe, I worked with several sayas from the Maths Departments — including Saya Dr. Saw Tin — for High School Mathematics & CTK (Children’s Treasury of Knowledge).

    Dr. Yan Naing Lwin wrote :

    My deepest condolences !
    He was at UI-Urbana in 1985-86 as a Fulbright Scholar, in the Math Dept .
    This was after Ko Chit Swe & 5 Fulbright Scholars have visited UI in 1982 for six months. I had arranged their visit with US Embassy help in Rangoon in 1982.
    I saw Ko Saw Tin at his residence in Rgn in 2000 . I did not know about his demise until today.

    Daniel Tint Lwin wrote :

    Thank you Ko Hla Min. Yes, I dearly miss my cousin, Thida, and her husband, Dr Saw Tin. This picture was taken from the book Yangon Echoes which Saya U Soe Paing showed me.

    The book Yangon Echos featured unique places in Yangon and the Pinlon residence, where my cousin was staying, was also featured.

    Yangon Echoes
  • Sayas and Alumni

    Sayas and Alumni

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    U Moe Aung, U Kyaw Sein, U Ohn Maung

    U Kyaw Sein, U Moe Aung, U Ohn Maung
    • U Moe Aung (EE63) †lost mobility for a while, but has recovered. He is active writing articles & poems, and giving lectures at Electrical Inspectorate.
    • U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) ††was active with RIT-related Facebook pages. He passed away in Singapore.
    • ††U Ohn Maung (ChE68, GBNF) has a medical condition (e.g. memory loss). He passed away in Singapore.
    • Swel Daw Yeik Foundation provided annual Garawa money to Sayas U Kyaw Sein & U Ohn Maung for health care.

    U Khin Maung Tun (T78, SDYF)

    U Khin Maung Tun (Right)
    • He is President of Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
    • Donated K2000+ Lakhs to SDYF and RIT-related activities
    • Hosted lunch meetings for SDYF
    • During his visit to the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, he gave me an MP3 player loaded with dhamma talks

    U Myo Myint (Bagyee, M73)

    • He is retired Dy GM of Burma Railways.
    • Drew cover designs for the RIT Annual Magazines and the commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazines.
    • Drew Pon Tus of many sayas and sayamas, and selected friends.
    • Donated proceeds of the paintings from his Gallery at the SPZP to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation and RIT Alumni Association.

    U Myint Swe (EP74)

    • He worked in Singapore and USA.
    • Founding member of NorCal RITAA.
    • Served as Secretary & Vice President

    U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) & U Tin Maung Win (C86)

    • U Aung Myint Oo is a founding member and Past President of NorCal RITAA.
    • U Tin Maung Win is a founding member and President of NorCal RITAA. He and his spouse sponsored scholarship for an eligible YTU student

    U Tin Maung Aye Htoo

    • He and fellow alumni in Nay Pyi Taw raised fund for Alumni Association in general and the YTU Library Project in particular
    • Handed over the donations to Nan Khin Nwe

    U Thant Zin (M82), U Ohn Khine (M70) & U Zaw Winn (Min71)

    • U Thant Zin is the son of Saya U Sein Shan (GBNF). Volunteer for SPZP, RITAA, HMEE and All-Mechanical. He passed away in a car accident.
    • U Ohn Khine is the founder / moderator of the Google group for “Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65”. During my visits, he provided rides to attend SPZP & HMEE meetings and to selected gatherings. Translated Section One of the HMEE-2012 Book, and summarized Section Two of the book. He and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE-2012 Book.
    • U Zaw Winn (Zinyaw gyi, Min71) is an organizer for the “Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65”.
    • Photo was taken at the special Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe hosted by U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70)

    U Tin Myint (M75, GBNF)

    He is seen handing over his donation to Nan Khin Nwe.

    Daw Than Yi (EP70)

    • Pen name : Maubin Ma Shwe Than)
    • She is an author and publisher
    • Editor of “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung” published by RIT EE Association along
    • Blogged about her days at RIT and EPC
    • She and Dr. San Oo (EP67) reprinted a science fiction by Journal Kyaw Tint Swe (Dr. San Oo’s father). They published a book by William (eldest Myee).

    U Myo Aye (M92) & U Tin Latt (M85)

    U Myo Oo, U Wynn Htain Oo, U Tin Latt
    • U Tin Latt headed the Executive Committee of RITAA for the initial period
    • The torch was passed to U Myo Aye after the First Annual General Meeting and Election
    • U Wynn Htain Oo is Patron and Fund raiser of RITAA

    U Hla Kyi (M62)

    Visit 1
    Visit /
    • He is a class mate of Saya Dr. Tin Win
    • His daughter’s spouse is the son of Saya U Hlwan Moe (GBNF) and Sayama Daw Khin Swe Aye (Emily).
    • Photo (taken during his visit to Southern California) was provided by Saya U Tin Htut (M60).

    U Thaung Lwin (EC66)

    U Thaung Lwin
    • He is the younger brother of Saya U Tin U, Saya U Ba Than (GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon (A60) & Saya U Myo Min (UCC)
    • Past Captain and Gold of RUBC like U Tin U, Dr. Myo Tint & U Tin Htoon. U Ba Than & U Myo Min are RUBC Full Green.
    • Classmates : Aung Min, Soe Lwin, Khin Maung Oo (Robert Gale)
    • Worked for IBM Burma and Chartered Semiconductors in Singapore

    69ers

    RIT days
    Breakfast Gathering
    • 69ers have monthly breakfast gathering (usually at Taw Win Hnin Si)
    • Also have ad hoc meetings (e.g. Annual Dinner at M3)
    • Pay homage to Saya U Ba Than on or around October 2nd
    • U Tin Shein (“Phone Gyi”, Chinlon) and U Pe Han Tun are Khamee Khamet
    • One photo shows Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Tin Maung Aye, Aye Thein, David Myint Thein, Aye Lwin
    • U Tun Tin handed over the donation of his friends (some in Australia) to Daw Khin Kyi Foundation
    • Celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Graduation in 1999, 40th Anniversary of Graduation in 2009, 50th Anniversary of Admission to RIT in 2014, and the True Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) on December 14, 2019
    • 88 members including Shastri are GBNF
    Khamee Khamets
    Tun Tin
    BFF
    T69 in 2009

    U Than Tun (A65, GBNF)

    • He is the elder brother of U San Maung (A71) and a nephew of Sayadaw U Silananda.
    • He read the biography of Saya U Tha Tun (pioneer Burmese architect) and co-authored the article with Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF).
    • He visited Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) in Northern California.
    • U Myat Htoo took him on a lightning trip to Southern California to meet U Tin Htoon (A60) & back to Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, Northern California.

    U Thar Htay, Benny, U Thant Zin, U Hla Win & U Myint Toe

    Steeve’s gathering

    Steeve Kay (EC70) requested Benny Tan (M70) to host — on his behalf — a special Reunion & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe in December 2016.

    U Khin Maung Lay (Mutu) served as Master of Ceremonies.

    I recounted Steeve’s philanthropy in general and to his alma mater and alumni in general. With the help of U Win Htay, we compiled a booklet including the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000, and selected news and articles about the “Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65”.

    Benny spoke on behalf of the alumni.

    Saya U Win Mra (RIT English) spoke on behalf of the sayas.

    On behalf of Steeve, the committee members (such as Rosie Mai Khin Nyunt) offered Garawa money of K2 Lakhs to the sayagyis and sayamagyis, and K1 Lakh to the sayas and sayamas.

    The attendees include

    • U Thar Htay (M70) : major donor to the Aariya Pu Zaw Pwes held by the group
    • Benny Tan (M70) : multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs and the class PZPs along with Steeve
    • U Hla Min (EC69) : Guest speaker at the PZP
    • U Hla Win (M73) and U Thant Zin (M82) : volunteers with the Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund
    • U Myint Toe (M71)

    U Thein Kyaing (T72)

    U Thein Kyaing
    • He (George, T72) is a classmate of Daw Khin Htar Yee (Lily).
    • He and his spouse Daw Tin Tin Hlaing (MBBS) gave away their daughter Eileen (MD)

    U Tin Oo (M87) & U Kyaw Hlaing (M86)

    Tin Oo
    Tin Oo
    • U Tin Oo (Richard, M87) donated to SPZPs, SDYF and RITAA. His company sponsored gift bags for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016. He also sponsored Technical and Management Talks. During my visit, he hosted a lunch gathering for me, and he gave me a ride on another occasion to attend a family gathering.
    • U Kyaw Hlaing (M86) served as Treasurer for SDYF. His group helped the eligible and needy students (who did not receive “full” stipend from NorCal RITAA).

    Tazaungdaing

    T 1
    T 2
    T 3
    T 4
    • Daw Myint Myint Than (C71, GBNF) and Daw Tin Aye (C73)!published photos of some Tazaungdaing events.
    • One event took place in the Gyogone Campus.
    • One event took place at the Shwe Dagon Pagoda.

    Belles in the ’70s

    • Min Thet Mon (Pamela Myo Min)
    • Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine)
    • Than Than Yi (GBNF)
    • Tin Tin Myint (Emma Myint)
    • Aye Aye Than (Pauk Pauk)
    • Aye Aye Tun
    • Jessie Htwe
    • Nilar Mya Aung
    • Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie)
    • Sandi Hlaing

    Still Belles

    At Panda
    • Rosie
    • Emma
    • Christine
    • Mar Mar Yee

    Sayas & Alumni in Singapore

    S 1
    • Saya U Thein Lwin (EE, GBNF) was President of RIT Badminton. He is an alumni of Lehigh University. He retired after teaching at RIT and Singapore Polytechnic. He is the elder brother of U Myo Myint (ChE from US), U Kyi Lwin (George, C67), U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) and U Thet Lwin (Henry, EE72).
    • Sayama Daw May Than Nwe (Joyce, GBNF) stood first in the Physics Honors class in 1962. Her classmates include Dr. Sein Tun, Sayama Daw Emile Ba Aye and Sayama Daw Khin Than Nwe.
    • Saya and Sayama passed away within a few months of each other. Their daughter is a Professor and a former swimming champion.
    • Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) was active in RIT-related Facebook pages.
    • Saya U Tu Myint (Winston) supervised the “Hovercraft” project for the M73 students.
    • U Nyan Win Shwe (William, M72) chaired SPZP-2007.
    • U Myint Thin (Peter, M71, GBNF) was a Luyechun. He rowed for RIT.
    • U Tin Aung Win (M73) is one of the members to greet Saya U Ba Than and send off
    Singapore
    • U Win Naing (Dicky Tan, M69, GBNF) passed away in Singapore.
    • U Thein Swe (EP69, GBNF) was then working in Singapore.
    • U Myint Thein (Kabar, M69, GBNF) was then visiting Singapore.
    • U Tin Swe (ChE66) & Daw Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, ChE69)

    Seniors at MES

    • MES holds “Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe” for engineers and architects who are 75+ years old.
    • Sayadaw Dr. Lwin Aung (A59, retired Pro-Rector)
    • Sayadaw U Bo Gyi (A59, talented pianist, architect for Daw Khin Kyi Mausoleum)
    Thet Kyee PZZp

    Senior Metallurgists

    Sr. Met

    Aung Khin & Myo Nyunt

    AK & MN
    • U Aung Khin (A69) & Daw Tin Tin Hla (A70) retired from Botwana and moved to Seattle to be near their daughters and grandchildren.
    • U Myo Nyunt (C69) & spouse visited their second son (working in Seattle) almost every year. They also made side trips.

    Aung Myint

    • U Aung Myint (Min71) is the younger brother of A1 Than Htut and A1 Thein Htut (twin brothers who won prizes at the Myawadday Photo Contest, and later became movie directors).
    • He became known as Thamankyar Ko Myint.
    • He is a good guitarist and vocalist.

    Some attendees at SPZP-2000

    SPZP-2000
    • Sai Tun Aye : Canada
    • Dr. Myo Khin : Japan
    • U Tin Myint (John) and Lyo : California
    • Maung Toung (Tom) and Ma Khin Myint (Kim) : Connecticut
    • U Tint Lwin (Daniel) : Singapore

    U Soe Myint Lwin (EP68, GBNF)

    Soe Myint Lwin
    Obituary of Soe Myint Lwin
    • He served as and Executive Committee Member of RIT EE Association.
    • He played soccer for the Universities, EPC & Burma.
    • After retirement, he was active with the Myanmar Soccer Federation.
    • He received an award for his social work and leadership.

    Tin Aung Win (Oscar)

    Tin Aung Win

    Aung Min

    Aung Min
    • U Aung Min (M69) is Chair of 69er Health Care Fund.
    • He is a Pho Pho.

    Than Htaik & Aung Win

    TH & AW
    • U Than Htike (M70)
    • U Aung Win (Owen, M71)

    Sann Naing’s Soon Kyway at HMB

    • U San Naing (M83) owns Burma Kitchen.
    • He and his siblings celebrated their mother’s birthday with a Soon Kyway at Dhammanda Vihara, Hlaf Moon Bay.

    Soe Aung & Zaw Win

    • U Soe Aung (M/Auto70) served as Secretary of RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin. He is seen at a Conference.
    • U Zaw Win (Zin Yaw, Min71) and U Soe Aung are organizers of the “Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 amd 65”. They love writing and giving lectures.
    Soe Aung 1
    Soe Aung 2
    Soe Aung 3
    Zaw Win

    Shwe Zin Ma

    • She is a musician, a Zat sayama and Minthamee
    SZM

    Soon Kyway for Kabar

    Stan Liou (M67, UTC)

    • He was a member of the RIT Table Tennis Team that won the Inter-Institute Trophy along with Maung Maung (“Sin Gyi”) and Win Myint.
      Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62, Burma Champion, National Coach) managed the team.
    • He joined UTC
    • Founding member & Past BOD Chair of NorCal RITAA
  • U Soe Khaw

    U Soe Khaw

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    U Soe Khaw (Left)

    Part-time Lecturer, Mining Engineering

    Education

    • B.S., Mining Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, U.S.A. 1950
    • Honors: Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society.
    • M.S., Mining Engineering, Missouri School of Mines, University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri 1952.

    Experience

    • 1953 – 1964 Service with the Ministry of Mines, Govt of Burma. Entry as Asst. Inspector of Mines, then promoted to Inspector, Chief Inspector, Director of Mines, and Deputy Dir. General PMDC
    • 1954 – 1955 As Visiting Lecturer taught Mining Courses at the BOC Engineering College, Rangoon University
    • 1971 – 1984 Service with United Nations ESCAP in Bangkok as Economic Affairs Officer (P-4) and rising to Chief of Mineral Resources Section (p-5).

    Notes

    In 1954, BOC Engineering College campus was located south of the Rangoon University estate between Prome Hall and the Teachers Training College on Prome Road. It consisted of modest single storied buildings. In addition to degree courses in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical engineering, Mining courses were offered for the first time during that year.

    At Dean Sayagyi Tan Ba Hli’s request, Ministry of Mines assigned U Soe Khaw as part time Lecturer to teach Mining Engineering courses.

    U Soon Sein was later transferred from the Mines Department to the University and taught Mining courses full time.

    Updates

    • U Soe Khaw and U Soon Sein are now GBNF

    Memories

    Memorial Service for Saya’s Spouse

    • Soon Kyway at Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC)
    • Attended by Dhamma friends
    Dhamma friends

    Posts

    • Associations
    • GBNF
    • HMEE
    • Mining Engineering
    • SPZP
  • Dr. Aung Soe (C61)

    Dr. Aung Soe (C61)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Aung Soe (Right)

    Parents : Chiu Foke Yin and Moy Mei Lan in Mogok, Burma.

    Graduated with B. Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Rangoon in 1961. Awarded two gold medals.

    • The Todarmal Talwar Memorial Gold Medal for obtaining highest aggregates of the four examinations leading to the degree of B. Sc. in Engineering and
    • The U Kyaw Sein Gold Medal for standing first in the Final B. Sc. Civil Engineering Examination of March 1961.

    Begin teaching career in 1961 as an Assistant Lecturer, Civil Engineering Department, Burma Institute of Technology.

    In 1963 married to Twee Kyi Moy (Myint Khin), who worked in the Accounts Department of R.I.T. from 1963 to 1977.

    In 1965 went to German Democratic Republic for further studies. In 1971 obtained Doctor of Science (Dr.-Ing.) in the Fundamentals of Geodesy from the Dresden Technical University. Returned to Burma in 1972 and was promoted to Lecturer in the Civil Engineering Department in the same year.

    In 1978 immigrated to the United States of America. In the same year worked as a Civil Engineer with DeLeuw, Cather & Company. Up to present still working with the same company as a Principal Civil Engineer. DeLeuw, Cather & Company becomes part of Parsons Transportation Group of Parsons Corporation.

    Editor’s Note:

    Saya played on the RIT Sayas soccer team.

    Saya and his brothers U Soe Thein and Saya K C Chiu attended SPZP-2000. Sayagadaw was a bit disappointed when memorabilia were handed out to RIT sayas and sayamas and not to office staff members.

  • U Moe Aung

    U Moe Aung

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Education

    U Moe Aung
    • Matriculated from St. John’s Dio.
    • Enjoyed being goalkeeper in soccer and performing in concerts & recitals
    • Attended Yankin College & Faculty of Engineering.
    • EC member of the RU Kalaung Ah Thin (တက္ကသိုလ်ကလောင်အသင်း)
    RU Literary Club
    • Editor of RUESU Annual Magazine for 1960 – 61
    RUESU Magazine

    RIT Saya

    • After graduation, he joined the Electrical Engineering Department
    EE Sayas
    • Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazines
    • Chief Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (လျှပ်စစ်စာစောင်)

    Singapore

    • Later worked in Singapore
    • Chair, SPZP-2002 & SPZP-2010
    • Chief Editor, Swel Saw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010

    Home Sweet Home

    • Moved back to Yangon
    Saya Moe
    • Co-founder, Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
    • Chief Editor, Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu (2024) & SPZP-2016
    • Performed at SPZPs (e.g sang SDYF Song)
    Saya Moe
    • Despite having medical problems, he still writes poems and articles
    Sample Kabyar

    Achievements

    He is a distinguished poet, writer, editor and publisher. He wrote for newspapers, magazines and journals. He has compiled and published collections of his works.

    His mentor was Daung Nwe Swe (Laureate Poet).

    He served as an all-round volunteer for the publication of Annual Magazine of RUESU (Rangoon University Engineering Students Union).

    He served as Chief Editor and/or Publisher of the following (and more) :

    • RIT Annual Magazines;
    • Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (for RIT EE Association);
    • Commemorative issues of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, and SPZP-2010;
    • Commemorative issues of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Swe YaDu and SPZP-2016
    Saya U Moe Aung

    The (hidden) power of Kabyar

    Kabyar is animate

    But [it’s life is] not just a [fleeting] morn

    Kabyar is a weapon

    But not for destroying the world

    Kabyar is key

    For liberation and independence

    But not devoid of principles [and morals]

    Kabyar has power

    Hidden but efficient & effective

    Like sharp-pointed spear-head

    Can thrust into [the heart of] a power-maniac

    Cause trembling, shivering, throbbing & anguished pain

    Poem in Burmese by Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung)

    Translated by Hla Min

    Publications

    Book 1
    Book 2
    Book 3
    Book 4
    Magazine 1

    Posts

    • Kabyar
    • RIT EE
    • SDYF
    • SDY Magazine
    • SDY Sar Saung
    • SPZP
  • Comrades & Students

    Comrades & Students

    by Mg Mg Win

    Updated : June 2025

    By U Maung Maung Win (M61)

    U Maung Maung Win

    Comrades

    During those years from 1962 to 1980, I made true and genuine friendship with four colleagues : Dr. Tin Win (M62), U Win (M63), U Myo Win (M/Ag65) and Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63). I call them my “Awesome Foursome”. Even to this day, we have with constant correspondence.

    Dr. Tin Win

    Students

    The students came from different parts of the country. Those from Rangoon attended their classes from home using bus. Those from out of town applied for accommodation. Most got except a few unfortunate ones. Those who did not get accommodation lived in nearby houses with families paying for food and lodging. Having worked for several years with students as hall tutor and warden, I learned many things about their nature, habit and character.

    Some students were expelled from hostels for not observing rules and regulation. I overheard that those who got kicked out of the hostels were like getting bonus because they did not have to pay any hostel fees but they could even take refuge with their mates and come down and eat with them after buying a dish from nearby food court serving all sorts of food — Burmese, Chinese and Indian. Rice was served freely for them without any restriction as most of the wardens and hall tutors gave a blind eye. U Chit’s Moke-Hin-Gha and Ma Tin Aye’s food stalls were very popular. If dishes at the hostel dinning hall were not too good or we had to spend only 25 pyas or so, to buy a decent dish of fried sausage or egg even mixed with tomatoes from the wives of butlers who set up a make-shift stall just outside the dining hall. There were many food stalls all along near the dinning halls so that if they found tasteless and lost appetite it is within their reach. We could sometimes invite our day-students friends to join us for a lunch at RIT dining hall.

    Electrical clocks installed at RIT were maintained by Ko Khin Mg Yin (tall and a bit skinny but friendly and helpful guy). U Ba Lin was the buyer and U Aung Than was U Thet Lwin’s assistant for any odd jobs. Hostel fees are 57 Kyats a month only. Monthly scholarship/stipend allowance was 75 kyats a month.

    I remember G-Block was meant for single-man teachers and staff from 1961 to 1964 but with the introduction of the new Education system about 30% of the student population was woman students. To help reduce stress & pressure of finding accommodation the administration arranged in such away that man-teachers were given notice to leave the block for woman students for convenience. Since then G-Block became woman students’ hostel for a long time under woman warden Dr. Daw Thaung Khin.

    I also remember the time when we were sent to regional areas a couple of times to supervise the final exam when all the universities and institutes were closed down because of student unrest.

    We have also annual sports celebrated for student recreation for dual progress in health, friendship and wisdom and many students participated and staff and employees supervised and helped to successful event and victory. It’s difficult to know and acknowledge all for their participation and/or successes in RIT sports.

    Reunions

    Many of my superiors and other friends and family, comrades and colleagues welcome us and extend as their invitation stands until we make it happen. That shows that our RIT comradeship and friendship is still alive and well with generosity, hospitality and sincerity. I don’t think I can find such genuine friendship in other institutes and universities. We are very cohesive like adhesive as we deem friends like priceless diamond that we can confide whatever and a warm shoulder to lean and cry our heart-out and it is a very rare commodity to find.

    July 1998

    Allow me to express my gratitude to the “awesome foursome” for their sincerity, hospitality and honesty that I learned through our genuine friendship. I was holidaying in Queensland along Surfers Paradise in July 1998, and on our return journey we stopped a couple days in Wagga Wagga, U Myo Win’s town. He showed his hospitality with open arms in his residence. He also took us to many interesting places. Earlier he and his wife visited our place a couple of times when he passed through Melbourne on his trips. Dr Tin Win and his siblings, nephews and nieces about 9 while visiting many towns and cities in their Australian tour, he tried his best to come and see me and had a wonderful time together over lunch. Dr Tin Win has a very sentimental value about Melbourne because he got his doctorate from Melbourne University. U Myo Win and wife also tried to be with us from Wagga Wagga which is about 650KM from us.

    July 2001

    Dr Tin Win, his sisters and siblings came all the way down to Australia in July 2001. He made his effort to see me after more than 20 years. As we had not seen each other after we left the Institute, we spent the whole afternoon over lunch together with U Myo Win and his spouse who came all the way from Wagga Wagga, NSW about 650KM in a different State.

    December 2002

    I went to the Dec 2000 Ex-RIT Reunion for several reasons. Firstly, I am filled with gratitude and appreciation to someone’s Cetana and Myitta even for a small morsel of food. Secondly, I had not seen my awesome foursome together in one place after we left RIT some 30 years ago.

    April 2007

    In April 2007 one of my old students John Rao from Singapore invited into his family home for a week while we were attending the Ex-RIT reunion. U Aung Myint and his wife invited both families of me and Dr Tin Win to visit their home in Auckland, New Zealand in Mar08 for a week. Dr Tin Win could not make it because of his neck surgery. U Aung Myint and his wife took us to many places in North Island and we really enjoyed the trip for which we thanked them from the bottom of our hearts.

    March 2009

    Sometime in March 2009, U San Tun (M59) and wife and other about 20 in a group of tourists from the USA were traveling to New Zealand and Australia. As I had not seen him for more than 40 years since he left RIT in Aug 1968, I tried and organised many of my mates to help him. U Henry Thet Tun (M75) in Sydney, U Myo Win in Canberra and U Myint Lwin in Auckland, New Zealand complied. U San Tun came to Melbourne also to meet me and we had a wonderful time together over lunch after a long break more than 40 years.

    September 2010

    In Sept 2010 Dr Tin Win and Lily invited us to LA for a couple of weeks, taking us to Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard, … Las Vegas and San Francisco. I think it was the best trip ever because it gave us opportunity to meet many old students in Los Angeles and San Francisco and their spouses showing their genuine hospitality and generosity. This is because of our unique tradition of love and respect to our elders and teachers. In San Francisco, I met U San Tun again and another mate U Tin Maung Nyunt that I had not seen for more than 40 years. I would like to acknowledge with sincere appreciation to Dr Tin Win and Lily for their hospitality and generosity that such quality and qualification of respect and attachment is very hard to find as it is really a rare commodity.

  • EE Sayas

    EE Sayas

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    1965 – 66

    Seated : U Soe Paing, U Thein Lwin (GBNF), U Tin Swe (GBNF), U Sein Hlaing (Professor, GBNF), U Kyaw Tun (GBNF), U Sein Win (GBNF), U San Tint (GBNF)

    Standing : U Soe Min (GBNF), U Chin Way (GBNF), U Win Tin, U Ba Myint, U Nyi Nyi (GBNF), U Moe Aung, U Sein Maung

    Studying abroad : U Myo Kyi, U Ba Lwin, U Tin Maung Thein

    Absentee: U Khine Oo

    I wrote “A short and sad clip : EE Sayas” for the commemorative issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010. Saya U Moe Aung suggested the title of my article.

    Sayagyis & senior sayas

    Source : Saya U Myo Kyi (EE59)

    1. U Kyaw Tun 1950 – 1971 (started teaching at BOC College)
    2. U C Ping Lee 1950 – 1952
    3. U Sein Hlaing 1954 – 1986
    4. U Tin Swe 1954 – 1998
    5. Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (Part time) 1959
    6. U Htin Paw 1958 – 1959
    7. U Ba Nyunt 1958 – 1959
    8. Dr. A. E. Guile (Colombo Plan) 1959 – 1960
    9. U Myo Kyi 1959 – 2002
    10. Dr. Ba Lwin 1959 – 1994
    11. U L. Tin Htun 1959 – 1960
    12. Teoh Chin Koon 1959 – 1960
    13. U Sein Win 1960 – 1994
    14. Dr. San Tint 1961 – 2002
    15. Mr. Zagarosky (Russian) 1962 – 1963
    16. Dr. Ba Myint 1963 – 2000
    17. U Sein Maung 1963 – 1994
    18. U Khine Oo 1963 – 1996
    19. Dr. Win Tin 1963 – 1990
    20. U Moe Aung 1963 – 1990
    21. U Chin Way 1963 – 1968
    22. U Soe Min 1963 – 1965
    23. U Nyi Nyi 1963 – 1965
    24. U Thein Lwin 1964 – 1972
    25. U Soe Paing 1964 – 1971
    26. U Tin Maung Thein 1965 – 1990
    27. U Tin Shwe (Ashin Wi thu ta) 1966 – 1996
    28. Daw Mya Mya Than 1968 – 2003
    29. U Than Lwin 1970 – 1994
    30. U Kyaw Lwin 1970 – 1991
    31. U Tin Win 1972 – 1980
    32. U Thein Dan 1973 – 1997
    33. U Khin Soe 1973 – 1982
    34. Daw Khin Aye Win 1973 – 2009
    35. Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee 1973 – 2000
    36. U Kyaw Aung (U Kyin Phyuu) 1973 –
    37. U Aung Than (U Ah Chun) 1973 – 2004
    38. Daw Khin Swe Oo 1974 – 2002
    39. U Clement Sadhana 1976 – 2010
    40. Daw Than Than Win 1976 – 2012
    41. Daw Khin Tint 1981 – 2008
    42. U Myint Oo 1982 – 1990
    43. Daw Khin Ma Ma Soe 1982 – 2008

    Editor’s Notes

    • U Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan, EC70) is GBNF.
    • U Ko Ko Kyi (EC72) later worked in Malaysia and Canada.

    More EE Sayas (Electronics and Power)

    • U Win Khaing Moe
    • U Maung Maung Latt
    • Daw Lei Lei Yee
    • Daw Khin Sandar Tun
    • Daw Khin Lay Wai
    • Daw Zin Mar Oo
    • Daw Khaing Khaing Kyaw
    • Daw Thazin Phyu
    • Daw Myint Myint Lwin
    • Daw Lei Lei Win
    • Daw Thidar Than (1)
    • Daw Mya Mya Aye
    • Daw Myint Myint Than
    • Daw Tin Tin Naing
    • Daw Sint Sint Win
    • Daw Thandar Naing
    • Daw Khin Swe Lwin
    • Daw Myint Myint Mon
    • Daw Nilar Aung
    • U Zaw Min Naing
    • Daw Moe Nilar
    • Daw Khin Moe Yee
    • Daw Kaythi Khaing
    • Daw Ah Tar Mon
    • Daw Ni Ni Thein Htay Pe
    • Daw Thidar Than (2)
    • U Thein Htay
    • U Tun Oo
    • Daw Aye Aye Mar
    • Daw Ni Ni Win
    • Daw San Myint Yee
    • U Aung Naing
    • Daw Naing Naing Maw
    • U Ananda
    • Daw Lei Lei Sein
    • Daw Min Min Myat
    • Daw Thi Thi Soe
    • Daw Mar Mar Lwin
    • Daw Su Myat Htut
    • Daw Win Lein Aye
    • Daw Han Thu Lwin
    • Daw Yin Yin Htwe
    • Daw Naing Naing Win
    • Daw Khin Kyu Kyu Win
    • Daw Cho Cho Aung
    • Daw Tin Tin Aye
    • Daw Ni Mar Nwe Aung
    • Daw Ei Ei Khin
    • Daw Kyaaw Khin
    • U Zaw Min Aung
    • Daw Aye Thinn Naing
    • Daw Nwe Ni Aye
    • U Soe Naing
    • Daw Phyu Phyu Moe
    • Daw Marlar Kyaw
    • Daw Aye Aye Thinn

    EE Association (1965 – 66)

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ee-association-2.jpg
    EE Association for 1965-66

    Seated : Ma Pwint Than, Ma Yi Yi Aung, U Sein Win (Vice President), U Kyaw Tun (President), Ko Shwe Win (Secretary), Ma Mya Mya Than, Ma Mo Mo Yi

    Middle row : Ko Thein Swe, Ko Soe Than, U Sein Maung (Auditor), U Soe Paing, U San Tint, U Moe Aung (Treasurer), U Thein Lwin, U Soe Min

    Last row : Ko Nyunt Pe, Ko Ye Win, Mehm Ye Win, Ko Kyaw Swe Win, Ko Hla Min, Ko Myo Myint, Ko Hla Thaung, Ko Aung Khin, Ko Soe Win, Ko Tin Than

    I served as a EC member.

    Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (1965 – 66)

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ee-magazine-1.jpg

    Seated : Ma Mo Mo Yi, Ma Than Yi (Associate Editor), U Moe Aung (Chief Editor), U Kyaw Tun (Patron), Ko Ye Win (Secretary), Ma Yi Yi Aung

    Standing : Ko Sann Oo (Associate Editor), Ko Thein Tun, Ko Hla Min, Ko Myo Myint (Associate Editor), Ko Soe Tha, Ko Soe Win, Mehm Ye Win

    I served as a member.

    Saya U Sein Win (GBNF)

    He is the younger brother of Dr. Tin U (Medical Superintendent, Rangoon Children’s Hospital) and Dr. Saw Lwin.

    He was a top student at the University of Michigan. His friends jokingly called him “Khone Swa Khone Swa” referring to his brisk walking style.

    He served as Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering.

    When the EE Department was reorganized into EC (Electrical Communications, also known as EcE and Electronics Engineering) and EP (Electrical Power), he served as Professor of EP. Saya Dr. San Tint served as Professor of EC.

    Grapevine says that Saya is an absent minded Professor. He married late. One day, he drove Sayagadaw to Bogyoke Market. He taught (or discussed with) his students for quite some time and almost forgot to pick up Sayagadaw. There are variations on this anecdote regarding the place (e.g. Hledan Zay).

    He served as Technical Advisor for UCC. He worked closely with U Win Htein (Purdue University, EE at PWD, GBNF) for the design and maintenance of the Electrical Systems (including Motor Alternator, Diesel Generator, Air conditioning) at UCC.

    He served as Line Judge at the RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) Regattas. He managed the RIT Swimming and Water Polo team.

    He stays fit by swimming regularly (even when he was visiting Singapore on a business trip).

    He has a vast knowledge. Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) remembers Saya U Sein Win discussing about Civil Engineering and other subjects.

  • Kogyi Koung

    Kogyi Koung

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF)

    Dr. Koung Nyunt
    • Secretary, RIT Photography Association
    • Pen name : Kogyi Koung
    • Received his doctorate from Japan. Also found his love life “Moe Moe”.
    • Due to the immigration laws in Myanmar and Japan, the family finally decided to move to Auckland, New Zealand.
    • Organizer for RIT events in New Zealand.
    • Wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter
    • One article is about two Forgotten Songs from RIT. One song is a favorite of Saya U Tha Tun (Head of Department).
      Another song is about a Belle Ma Ma Q & her fans (sayas and alumni).
    • Wrote a photo essay on Kyaik Hti Yo Development. Saya U Min Wun wrote a supplement article for the Project.
    • Wrote a letter to the Thagyar Min to second his favorable opinion on Naw Louisa Benson (Miss Burma & movie actress).
    • Wrote about some paintings.
    • Quoted Reverend F Lutvig (Ashin Ananda, Laureate Poet) in his articles.
    • He passed away, but “Moe Moe” kept contact with Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70) and other alumni in Australia.

    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., “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’ 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…”

    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).

    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?

    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.No block selected.

    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)
    • Daw Swe Swe Aye
    • U Maung Hlaing
    • Sai Yee Leik (GBNF)
  • EE Sayas & Alumni

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Dr. San Tint

    • Attended SPZP-2000 in SF Bay Area
    • KMZ (EC76) and U Min Maung (EP68) invited Saya to visit Seattle, Washington.
    Dr. San Tint

    EE PZP

    There have been several PZPs. The sayas and sayamas include

    • U Soe Paing
    • U Moe Aung
    • U Tin Maung Thein
    • Dr. Ba Lwin
    • U Myo Kyi
    • Daw Mya Mya Than (GBNF)
    • U Ba Myint
    • U Sein Maung
    • U Khaing Oo
    PZP 1
    PZP 2
    PZP 3
    PZP 4
    PZP 5
    PZP 6

    EP EC 71

    • U Tin Win (EC71) & friends

    U Moe Aung

    • Interview
    • Kabyar
    • Garawa by former students
    Interview
    Art of SPZP
    Garawa 1
    Garawa 2

    HE U Aye Myint (EP72)

    • Did not forget his roots
    • Initiated Homecoming in 2012