Category: RIT Saya

by Soe Paing

Updated : June 2025

by Saya U Soe Paing (EE)

Thank you [HM and KMZ] for all the updates. I enjoy reading them and can feel the excitement and enthusiasm of the participants and the organizers. I wish I could be there for the REUNION and visit my old haunts in the Bay Area.

The least I can do is to contribute something about the Sayas who will be attending the SPZP-2000 Reunion. I would like to say something about Saya U Ba Toke and my friend Sayas Allen Htay and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt.

Saya U Ba Toke

I am very happy to hear that Saya U Ba Toke will be making the trip to the Bay Area. Saya U Ba Toke was our Math Saya in I.Sc.(A) at Yankin College in 1956 and I.Sc.(B) at Main University in 1957. He was a lecturer and Sayagyi U Kar who also taught us in 1957 was the Professor. He was a very good lecturer. I still cannot believe how he can write pages of notes on the
blackboard in a very nice handwriting. I think he became Professor of Mathematics in 1958 when U Kar retired. I remember that in 1958 we had to request him for recommendations to apply for places in universities in the States. He gave me a great recommendation for which I am still very grateful. I met him again when he joined RIT as the Professor of Mathematics before I moved to UCC. The last time I saw him was some months back at the funeral of the father-in-law of Dr. Khin Maung Win (Met) and the father of Khin Than Nwe (T62).

Allen Htay

Allen Htay was a brand new Saya when we joined the Engineering College in Leik Khone in 1958. I remember him teaching Engineering Drawing to the Chemical & Textile first year students like Khin Than Nwe (T62) and my high school friend Richard Than Se (ChE62). I met him again in August 1963 when we took the same ship SS Warickshire from Liverpool on the way back home.

Ko Tin Maung Nyunt

Ko Tin Maung Nyunt, Ko Ko Lay (UCC, GBNF), and Ko Than Pe (Chartered Accountant, ADB) were also on the ship. We spent about two months on the ship with about 4 weeks in Colombo. We played ping pong [table tennis] and swam in the pool during the day. We played Bridge [card game] every night after dinner with Ko Tin Maung Nyunt and Ko Ko Lay as partners and myself partnering either Allen Htay or Ko Than Pe. We went on land at Port Said (at the start of the Suez Canal), Port Sudan and Aden in the Red Sea, and Colombo, Kandy and Nuwara Elyia in Sri Lanka. All of us became very good friends.

On arrival home in 1963 Allen Htay rejoined RIT in Gyogone. I was then assigned to the RIT Electrical Engineering Department in January 1964. We were together again when Ko Tin Maung Nyunt joined the Agricultural Engineering Department some months later. Ko Tin Maung Nyunt was one of our regulars on the Saya Football Team. We remained good friends as all of us stayed in the RIT estate. Ko Tin Maung Nyunt then left for the US via Thailand. I joined the UCC in 1971. Allen Htay then left for the US. The last time all of us got together was in 1988 in the Bay Area.

I am also glad to hear that my old colleagues from the EE Dept Ko Sann Tint (another Saya Football Team regular) and Ko Sein Maung will be attending the reunion. Please pass on my best regards to my Sayas, colleagues, friends, students and all participants.

Congratulations to you, the organizers and to a successful REUNION.

Editor’s Notes

U Soe Paing was my mentor at RIT and UCC.

During my visits to Yangon, I paid respect to U Ba Toke. Sayagyi is a Phwa Bet of Rangoon University and the First RU Students’ Strike in December, 1920.

Saya Allen Htay (GBNF), Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Ko Ko Aye (GBNF), Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and I used to meet once a month.

Posts

• RIT Sayas
• SPZP-2000

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Introduction

• My saya at RIT. He taught Mechanical Drawing and Strength of Materials.
• Gave me rides to RIT in his white Zephyr. Several thought I was his nephew.
• My cousin. His father is my mom’s elder brother. His mother is my dad’s elder sister.
• Had many photo albums. He would show them to me and former students.
• Several years ago, he has a Stroke. His family members hired nurses & assistants to speed up his recuperation.
• His son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren provided him with tender, loving care.
• His physical and mental health declined in his 90s.
• He passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.

Brief Bio

• Born on October 2, 1930.
• He is the second among nine siblings.
• Siblings : U Tin U, U Ba Than (GBNF), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Daw Myint Thwe (GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin, Daw Cho Cho Hlaing

• Spouse : Daw Mya Mya
• Son : U Ye Than (Winner Inn)
• DIL : Daw Lwin Mar Oo
• Grandchildren : Aung Myo Myint & Ei Khine

• Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1947. Won Collegiate Scholarship.
• In 1949, received Gold Medal for Highest Marks in I.Sc (Combined).
• Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College, London University
• Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
• Colombo Plan Scholar to study Masters in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College
• Promoted to Lecturer
• Retired as Professor
• Early supporter of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education). Hosted inaugural meeting. Donated photos.
• Invited former colleagues & students to his Birthday Soon Kyway
• Donated almost all of the Garawa money to selected charities.
• Passed away shortly after his 94th birthday.

Garawa

Paid respect to Saya U Ba Toke

By 69ers

U Aung Min (M69) & team would organize 69ers to pay respect to Saya around his Birthday.

Earlier events were at Winner Inn.

The photo below was taken at Saya’s new house.

By M75

Maurice Chee, U Win Khaing (GBNF) and several M75 had a reunion. They then visited Winner Inn to pay respect to Saya.

78th Birthday in 2008

He distributed his Memoirs.

82nd Birthday in 2012

90th Birthday in 2020

He received a Photo Album from his younger brother U Tin Htoon (A60).

Double Dana

He donated the Garawa money that he had received from the SPZPs to charities

• Jivitadana
• Little Sisters for the Poor
• Mary Chapman’s school for Deaf & Dumb
• …

Paying respect to Saya U Ba Toke

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

U Sein Shan (GBNF)

• During our RIT days, he was Lecturer & Head of the RIT Maths Department.
• He passed away in October 2006.

• 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.

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.

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

U Moe Aung, U Kyaw Sein, 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)

• 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 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)

• 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)

• 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

• 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

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 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)

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• Rosie
• Emma
• Christine
• Mar Mar Yee

Sayas & Alumni in Singapore

• 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

• 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)

Senior Metallurgists

Aung Khin & Myo Nyunt

• 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

• 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)

• 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)

Aung Min

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

Than Htaik & Aung Win

• 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.

Shwe Zin Ma

• She is a musician, a Zat sayama and Minthamee

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

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

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

Posts

• Associations
• GBNF
• HMEE
• Mining Engineering
• SPZP

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

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.

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Education

• 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)

• Editor of RUESU Annual Magazine for 1960 – 61

RIT Saya

• After graduation, he joined the Electrical Engineering Department

• 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

• 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)

• Despite having medical problems, he still writes poems and articles

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

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

Posts

• Kabyar
• RIT EE
• SDYF
• SDY Magazine
• SDY Sar Saung
• SPZP

by Mg Mg Win

Updated : June 2025

By U Maung Maung Win (M61)

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.

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.

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)

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)

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.