Alumnus of Rangoon University and Southampton University, UK
RASU, UCC, CSO, ABAC
Worked at RASU Maths Department. Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe asked him if he wished to join UCC.
Became Systems Programmer at UCC and did Masters in Computer Science at Southampton University, UK
At UCC, he wrote lecture guides and user manuals with me under the guidance of Saya U Soe Paing (Manager of Systems Division & later also Operations Division).
Known for his humor and satire (e.g Thingyan Sar)
Also wrote Kabyars and articles.
Taught at UCC and CSO before moving to Thailand. Ko Myint Oo took him to Assumption University where he was offered a job on the spot.
Sydney
Moved to Sydney, Australia and continued teaching Computer Science and Applications.
UCC gathering hosted by Saya Zaw
Hosted mini-gatherings to pay respect to Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe and Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli.
UCC gathering hosted by Saya Zaw
Spouse
His spouse Daw Kyawt is a culinary expert and donor of her kidney to Saya Zaw as a priceless gift.
Books
Dhamma & Bawa
He wrote two books “Dhamma and Bawa” and “Cetana Thi Thar Kan”.
Cetana Thi Thar Kan
I am honored to be a reviewer / editor for both books and a contributor of a section for the second book.
He shared his memories about his sayas (Dr. Chit Swe, U Sein Min, U Tin Hlaing, Dr. Kyaw Thein, Dr. Khin Maung Swe, …).
After graduation, he worked as Systems Engineer for IBM (International Business Machines) Burma, which rented / leased Unit Record Machines to selected Government Departments.
Children : Saya Dr. Tin Maung and Sayama Daw Thein.
U Aung Hla
(18/Apr/1896 to 13/Dec/1983)
Passed away at the age of 88.
Professor of Maths, RU
Dean of Arts, RU
Accomplished musician
Annotated 25 Burmese songs.
Spouse : Daw May Than was a nationally known singer.
Son : U Mya Than played the lead guitar & piano.
U Po Thon
(27/Jul/1899 to 23/Nov/1982)
Passed away at the age of 84.
Pyinnya Mingyi ပညာမင်းကြီး
Supervised & published Maths texts for use in schools.
U Net
(15/Jan/1918 to 26/Feb/2003)
Passed away at the age of 86.
Professor of Maths, MASU
Feather of Daw Khin Mar Mar (Physics & UCC) & grandfather of Wunna Ko Ko, webmaster of second RIT web site.
U Ba Toke
(26/Dec/1920 to 2/Dec/2020)
Book
Phwa Bet Taw ဖွားဘက်တော် of “Rangoon University” and “First RU Student Boycott” (which is celebrated as “Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay” အမျိုးသားအောင်ပွဲနေ့ )
Professor of Maths, RASU
Rector, MASU
Professor of Maths, RIT
Vice Chair of Maths, Assumption University
Mandalay University Soccer Selected
Chinlon expert
Vice chair, RU Sports Council
Led the Burmese Olympic team to Tokyo in 1964.
Gave interviews (three C-90 tapes) and documents (4 files) to Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char). The book was published in April 2010 & was distributed on Sayagyi’s 90th birthday.
Updates
Many sayas — including those mentioned in the post are GBNF.
Other GBNF sayas include Dr. Chit Swe, Dr. Tin Maung, Dr. Saw Tin, Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Tin Hlaing, U Sein Min, U Ko Lay & U Aung Sein
After graduation, he worked as Systems Engineer for IBM (International Business Machines) Burma, which rented / leased Unit Record Machines to selected Government Departments.
Later moved to USA
Retired from Montgomery County in Maryland
Posts
Demonetization of K100 Note
Do you believe in luck?
My Barber
My Life Journey
My Stories
Aunt
Uncle & Aunt
Taught at Psychology Department at Rangoon University
Events described here cover my journey as a University Student
Other events (e.g. 1946 to 1970s, Top Matriculates) are covered elsewhere
1963
Took Matric Only exam in May
Most exams were held in March
SPHS63Hla Min (7th Place)
Collegiate Scholarship
Paulians had 5 in the Top Five, 7 in the Top Ten, and 10 in the Top Twenty
Khin Maung U (1st in Burma)
Min Oo (2nd)
Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd, GBNF)
Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, 4th)
Thein Wai (5th)
Hla Min (7th)
Johnny Maung Maung (Aung Kyaw Zaw, 9th)
Maung Maung Kyi (11th, GBNF)
Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, 13th, GBNF)
Frank Gale (Khin Maung Zaw, 17th)
Leik Khone
Attended last ever I.Sc.(A) class at Leik Khone.
Following the “Anniversary of 7th July, 1962” events, most classes at Rangoon & Mandalay Universities were closed for an unspecified period.
Engineering & Medical Classes were spared at that time.
As a result, those who were a year senior in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us (Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems).
RUBC
Joined Rangoon University Boat Club.
Paulian Crew was Runner-up for Senior Novices.
Maung Maung Kyi (Bow, GBNF)
Hla Min (2)
Kyaw Wynn (3)
Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, Stroke, GBNF)
Myint Thein (Cox, GBNF)
We were awarded Full Green.
Maung Maung KyiKyaw Wynn (2nd from Left)
40th AnniversaryGathering
President Sithu U Tin, VP U Po Zon & U Tin Htoon compiled Souvenir Magazine for the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC
Due to Security Concerns, the 40th Anniversary Annual Regatta was cancelled
Sithu U Tin & the Patrons decided to hold the “40th Anniversary Dinner of the founding of RUBC” at Orient Hotel in Kandawgyi
RUBC 40th Anniversary
Burma Institute of Technology
My elder brother and several sayas graduated from BIT in 1963.
They were from the second batch of BIT.
The degree conferred was B.Sc. (Engg).
1964
Education System
New Education System was implemented in November 1964.
Most Faculties of the Rangoon University became Institutes with their own Rectors.
Youth Affairs Department implemented Luyechun (လူရည်ချွန်) Program in the Summer of 1964. Eligible students from 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th Standards were chosen to attend Ngapali Shwe Wah Gyaing Camp in the Summer of 1964.
Rangoon Institute of Technology
RIT Student
In November 1964, three batches of students entered RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology).
400+ were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA). Zaw Min was admitted as Roll Number One. Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Cho Aye (GBNF), Peter Pe (GBNF) & Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, GBNF) were among the top students.
300+ who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) exam were chosen by merit to attend the first ever 2nd BE. I was admitted as Roll Number One. Taing Oke, Kenny Wong, Tun Aung Gyaw, Tin Tun (GBNF) & Thein Swe (GBNF) were among the top students.
About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) exam were admitted to the 3rd BE. Tun Aung (Jeffrey, GBNF) was a top student.
RUBC
Elected Honorary Treasurer
Had to report to Professor William Paw (President)
Last Executive Committee member to be elected at the Annual General Meeting
Served as Vice Captain the following year
Higher authorities prevented me from becoming RUBC Captain by discarding the Bye Laws and using their ad-hoc rules (e.g. selecting instead of electing Captain)
My affection for Rowing & RUBC did not wither. I served as Contributing Editor for the RUBC 90th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine in 2013
RUBC Souvenir Magazine
Matriculation
Cherry Hlaing (Than Than Tin, St. John’s Convent) and Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS) had Joint Highest Marks.
Based on ILA, Cherry was admitted as Roll Number One to IM(1). Was selected Luyechun in summer of 1965. Grandfather U Hoke Sein & father U Saw Hlaing were First in Burma.
Lyn Aung Thet had four distinctions and joint Highest Marks. He had lower ILA than Cherry. Scholar Athlete who excelled in Swimming, Water Polo, Tennis & Chess. Was Luyechun in a later year.
Aung Win Chiong (SPHS64) has the next best raw score. Had perfect ILA score. Admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One.
Maurice Hla Kyi (Min Lwin, SPHS64) had the 5th highest marks. Admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two.
Maurice & Aung Win
1965 – 1969
Matriculationin 1965
Bernard Khaw (SPHS65) had four distinctions (with 80+ marks in English) and stood First in Burma. Due to the revised policy (e.g. 3 NRC requirement), he could not apply for professional courses. Majored in Chemistry before moving to USA. Retired as a Chemical Engineer & Pastor.
Bernard (Center)
Maung Aye (SPHS65) had second best raw marks. He and his twin brother moved to USA
Winston Sein Maung (SPHS65, GBNF) had third best raw marks
Cherry Than Tin had fourth best raw marks. She was admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (2)
Yi Thwe (SPHS65, GBNF) had 5th best raw marks. Admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (1)
Paing Soe (Freddie, SPHS65) had same marks as Yi Thwe. Admitted as Roll No (2) to MC (1)
Forty four Paulians were admitted to MC in 1965. They are from the Last Batch of True Paulians.
Nationalization
Consequences of Coup d’etat include
End of Democracy
Nationalization of industry & schools
Indiscriminate demonetization
Increased censorship
With every turmoil (effecting “National Security”), the universities, institutes and schools were suspended.
SPHS
The schools were nationalized on April 1, 1965.
St. Paul’s High School became No. (6) Botathaung State High School. Some Brothers left Burma. A few indigenous Brothers remained in Ady Road. Brother Joseph was ordained as Father Joseph.
Luyechun
Program was extended to include Universitites & Institutes in Summer of 1965
I attended Inlay Khaung Daing Lu Ye Camp in the summer of 1965 along with Ko Sein Shwe, Khin Than Myint Tin and Zaw Min
LYC 1LYC 2
MC(1) sent Cherry Hlaing, Khin Maung U, Anita Aye Pe and Kyaw Sein Koe (Victor, GBNF).
RIT
Eight engineering departments
Architecture
Chemical
Civil
Electrical
Mechanical
Metallurgical
Mining
Textile
Most departments have associations. The RIT Mechanical Engineering Association was active. Ko Win Thein (M67, GBNF) was a Prime Mover. He co-founded Set Hmu Thadinzin & Mechanical Magazine. He organized activities.
RIT Sports Council was headed by Saya U Maung Maung Than (GBNF). U Maung Maung (Burma Selected in soccer) was Sports Officer. The associations for the various sports were headed by sayas.
Several RIT students were Burma Selected. They include Sai Kham Pan (Badminton) and Htay Aung (Water Polo).
Htay Aung
Saya Mao Toon Siong (former Burma Champion) was National Coach for Table Tennis. He also coached RIT team which won the Inter-Institute Championship.
Saya Mao
Electrical Sayas
EE Sayas
Electrical Engineering was headed by Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor & Head).
Senior sayas included U Kyaw Tun (saya of our sayas), U Tin Swe & U Sein Win. All are now GBNF.
There were about 20 sayas. Five were on deputation for further studies abroad.
I wrote “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” for SPZP-2010. Sayas U Thein Lwin and U Nyi Nyi have since passed away.
EC and EP
There were two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power). Per advice from the industry, only a quarter of students were accepted for EC.
80+ EE students in 3rd BE.
40+ EE students graduated in 1969
EE69ers
EP students outnumbered EC students 3 by 1. Several bright students played safe by choosing EP (which provided a job guarantee).
We studied EC (Electrical Communications). Twelve of us graduated in 1969.
Five EC69ers — Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin, Oo Kyaw Hla & Sai Aik Yee — are now GBNF.
Several years later, EC became Electronics Engineering.
A few decades later, Electronics Engineering and Electrical Power became full-fledged departments.
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :
AFAIK, EC was the hardest and strictest discipline at the RIT in those days as we’ve been told. Some even asked us why we had to go there. Of course, I am not going to mention the easiest discipline there, but we joked like, “they had 109 students and 110 passed the exam”. I do not mean any disrespect to Sayas and friends from other majors!! At times, it made us wonder why were we there for god’s sake. CRAZY TIMES!!! Indeed.
Volunteer
I served as
Treasurer & Vice Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club)
Class Representative, Joint Secretary & Secretary of RITEE (Rangoon Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Association)
Member of Committee for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”
Editor of the Bulletin published by RIT English Association
Member of UTC, Rowing, Scrabble, and Chess Assocations / Clubs
Free lance writer (articles, poems, translations). My poem “Men on the Moon” was sent to NASA by USIS, and it was published in the Guardian newspaper in July 1969
Men on the Moon
Updates
Some joined the Faculty. Some worked in the Industry. A few worked for private or family business. Some moved overseas.
Danny suggested to have a Class Reunion. It was realized as 30th Anniversary of Graduation & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe in 1999.
I started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in April 1999. It partially helped to have SPZP-2000.
SPZP-2000 Orgsnizers
69er Health Care Fund was established. Ko Aung Min is current Chair. He and his team maintain the finances & activities.
GBNF List
69ers hold monthly Breakfast Gatherings (except during the pandemic). They have major Reunions in 1999, 2009, 2014 and 2019.
40th Anniversary (2009)Golden Jubilee of Admission (2014)50th Anniversary (2019)
Awards
Received Alumni Appreciation Awards in October 2000, August 2016 and September 2016.
Wanted her daughters — Hazel, Olive & May — to have experience like her at the Inya Hall.
Hazel & May spent a year at Inya Hall as room mates. Olive had to stay at the Hall for medical students.
Fund raiser
Danced three roles in the fund raiser for the Tekkatho Dhammayone. Her cousin Saya U Lu Pe Win (Pali and Kyauksar Scholar) directed the play. The rehearsal was assisted by U Nyi Pu (First male actor in a Burmese movie).
Play
Was honored at the Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe (Paying homage to the elders) held at the Tekkatho Dhammayone.
Her account was published in the Golden Jubilee Sar Saung of Inya Hall.
A1 Film
Myanmar Ah Swe Film evolved into A1 Film.
A1 U Tin Nwe & his family are known as Producers, Directors & Actors.
U Nyi Pu founded Maha Weikzardo Film.
U Tin Pe (Maung Maung Soe) founded Maung Maung Soe Film.
A1 U Tin Maung acted alongside May Shin and other lead female actors before becoming a Director/Actor.
Daw Khin Myint’s son U Tin Yu & son-in-law U Mya Maung are Director & Producer.
Feedback
Thit Yine (alumnus of Yegyaw Methodist) wrote : Dr. Hla Shwe (Boon Chiong) stood First in the Matriculation examination of 1953 from Yegyaw Methodist, and that his class mate Ohn Khin stood Second. Yegyaw Methodist was well known before the Nationalization of schools.
Thit Yine and Ko Ko shared the names of sayas (e.g. U Aung Myint, U Khin Zaw, U Ko Lay) who taught in the late 50s and early 60s.
Po Shwe Kyu wrote : Credit to Saya Hla Min as being the most prolific writer in this group, and his archives and chronicles will be of greatest help to coming generations. Drs. Hla Shwe & Tin Maung returned to Burma around 1962-63. I don’t know Dr Hla Shwe but Dr. Tin Maung also resided at the Chummery during my short stay there. Chummery is a “Saya Lu Pyo Saung”.
Myo Thaik wrote : Sayama Daw Khin Aye passed away last year. His cousin uncle Dr. Myint Thein won a Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in Chemistry in the I.Sc. examination, and later became the first Myanmar to received Ph.D in Nuclear Chemistry in the USA. He is currently staying with his son in Texas. He also wrote about “A Che A Nay Kaung” and “Ma Khan Chin Seik” that led him and his uncle cousin Dr. Win Naing to pursue their dreams to have doctorates.
Myo Thaik wrote : Dr. Hla Shwe is Emeritus Professor, East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylvannia, and then moved to California.
First in Burma
I knew that several SPHS students stood First in Burma in the Matric exam. They include
U Ba Khin (Vipassana teacher, first native Auditor General)
George Chapman (SPHS51)
Dr. Nyunt Tin (SPHS52)
Koon Yin Chu (Phillip, SPHS54)
Dr. Soe Win (SPHS58)
Dr. Frankie Ohn (SPHS59
Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63)
Bernard Khaw (SPHS65)
I was aware that students from other schools also scored Top in the some years.
St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay
Methodist English High School (MEHS)
St. John’s Convent
Yegyaw Mthodist
Sacred Heart
Thanks to those who provided additional info and/or corrections
GBNF & Tone Kyaw
I have to be very careful in specifying persons as GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
There are at least three Tone Kyaw (person believed to have died) including me.
When my name sake CO U Hla Min (Chief Operator at UCC, who appeared healthier than me) passed away in his mid-30s, two Training Departments (from Co-op and Trade) inquired UCC where they could send a “Lwan Thu Pann Kway” (wreath) for me. My former class mate Moe Hein (Ajala with an extremely loud voice) was surprised when he saw me at the Kyandaw Cemetery. He said, “I have taken a day off to come here. I wondered why your brother did not tell that you had passed away.” I became a Tone Kyaw.
U Han Sein (C69, Ah Pho Gyi) was sentenced to 20 years for his alleged involvement in 8-8-88. His classmates, who were organizing the 30th Reunion of Graduation, inadvertently listed him as GBNF. He became a Tone Kyaw. He was released after 16 years (with the Amnesty Proclamation), but sadly, his family had been broken. He recently celebrated his 10 years of regained freedom.
When Dr. Tin Hlaing (Marine Technology) passed away in Singapore, some RIT inadvertently sent condolences to Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63), who became a Tone Kyaw.
Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo Kun Yeik Kho
The song was first recorded as a “Dat Pya” at Myanmar Ah Than (Burma Broadcasting Service). It was first sung by U Mya Thein and group. U Thet Lwin received 100 Kyats for his composition, and he treated his fellow Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins.
In a TV interview, Saya played the song.
The song has been sung in many events including the SPZPs (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe) of RIT Alumni.
The Singapore “Pon Chan Chan Group” led by Don Min U Yu Swan recorded the song.
The song was also sung at the Ceremony on December 1, 2019 to kick off the RU Centennial.
The various versions can be listened from the Facebook Posts and You Tube.
Land marks
Thit Pope Pinn is recognized by the Yangon Heritage Society.
The tree was there even before the founding of the University of Rangoon, and it survived Cyclone Nargis.
A few readers expressed displeasure to see the wired fences and the inexplicable disappearance of landmarks.
The Convocation Hall is another land mark.
Eons ago, the Prime Minister of the Union of Burma served as Chancellor of the University of Rangoon, and also delivered “Commencement Speech” at the graduation.
I posted the program of the 1958 Convocation which listed about 30 prize winners (Gold Medals, Silver Medals and Books).
U Soe Paing, my mentor at RIT and UCC, received two Gold medals (after paying 150 Kyats for each Gold Medal, because the original endowments no longer covered the “rising cost” of Gold for the Medals). He had the highest score for I.Sc. (A) and (B) combined. He had the joint highest Maths score for I.Sc. exams — with two other students.
In 1962, Dr. Myint Tun (Henry Cho Tun) won the Gold Medal for the highest score for I.Sc.(A) and (B) combined. U Myat Thwin (ChE66) beat him by one point for the highest score in Mathematics for I.Sc.(A) and (B) combined.
Autograph
Ma Chit Swe (Hazel Kyaw Zaw’s mother) was a Junior I.A. (Intermediate of Arts) student in 1936. Hazel has posted her mother’s autograph.
Daw Hla Myint, a close friend of Hazel’s mom, wrote a lovely poem. Many were unaware of her talent. She had to leave the University before graduation to get married to U Tu Maung. Saya U Tu Myint (Winston Tu Maung) was our saya at RIT and later taught at Singapore Polytechnic until retirement. Dr. Hla Maung (Ronald Tu Maung, MEHS65) moved to the UK. Her siblings include Dr. Pe Nyun (Pediatric Surgeon, who led the operation of conjoined twins Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San), Dr. Pe Thein (Professor and Retired Minister), Daw Ivy San Pe and Daw Flora San Pe.
The Second World War started in 1939 in Europe and spread to Asia.
The University of Rangoon suspended classes for three years : 1943 – 1945.
Per Sayagyi U Ba Toke, there were some make-shift classes at the ad-hoc University in Mogul (Shwe Bon Tha) Street. He taught Mathematics there.
1946
Rangoon University was reopened in 1946.
Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor, EE), Dr. Pe Nyun (Pediatric Surgeon) and Dr. Pe Thein (Professor, Minister) attended Rangoon University in 1946.
Panglong Conference
1947
Pinlon Sar Choke (Panglong Agreement) was signed on February 12, 1947. Some ethnic races did not attend the Pinlon Conference.
Nine Arzanis — Bogyoke Aung San, Thakin Mya, Deedok U Ba Cho, Mahn Ba Khaing, Sao San Htun (Mong Pawn Sawbwa), U Ba Win, U Razak, ICS U Ohn Maung and Yebaw Ko Htwe — were mercilessly gunned down at the Secretariat on July 19, 1947. All except Sao San Htun (who was hospitalized with fatal wounds and died on July 20, 1947) perished that day. Three ministers including Bagan U Ba Gyan escaped.
1948 and 1949
Burma gain Independence on January 4, 1948 at 4:20 AM. Sao Shwe Thike / Thaik became the first President of the Union of Burma. U Nu became the first Prime Minister.
Two factions — White Flag led by Thakin Than Tun and Red Flag led by Thakin Soe — of the Burma Communist Party (BCP) went underground. There was several groups in the armed rebellion.
For a short period of time, the Burmese government was called “Yangon Ah So Ya“.
Thanks in part to the arms sent by neighboring India, and the volunteer RU students, the planned conquest of Rangoon was derailed. The tide was turned, and Burma was back on the road to normalcy,
The Union of Burma had a bi-caramel parliament.
1950s
Dr. Ba U served as the second President. In his book “My Burma”, he considers himself as the first President elected in accordance with the Constitution of the Union of Burma. The general public considers him as the Second President (who succeeded Sao Swe Thike).
Many States Scholars were sent to the prestigious universities in the USA and UK to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies. In 1954, there were 400 Burmese State Scholars (many from the “Twinning Program” proposed by Sayagyi U Ba Hli). Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Maung Maung Than were the early recipients of the “Twinning Program” to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies at prestigious universities (e.g. MIT, Cornell). Upon their return, they supplemented and later replaced the foreign sayas. Some worked for government departments and the Industry.
The split in the AFPFL (Anti-Facist People’s Freedom League) party into Clean AFPFL [Thant Shin] and Stable AFPFL [Ti Mye] caused the handover to the “Ein Saunt Ah Soe Ya” (Caretaker Government) in 1958. Some (e.g. U Nu) consider the event as the first Coup d’etat.
The RU Act of 1920 was passed on December 1, 1920 to establish the University of Rangoon with Rangoon College and Judson College as the constituent Colleges. There were only three Faculties: Science, Arts and Law
On December 5, 1920, some RU students staged a strike to protest the 1920 RU Act for not being overreaching. The first RU Students’ Strike was later celebrated as “Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay”. The Strike gave birth to National Schools and “Ah Myotha Kaw Leik (National College)”. The Strike also caused the higher authorities to amend the “RU Act of 1920”.
In 1924, some Faculties (Engineering, Forestry, Social Science and Medicine) were added.
Celebrations
Due to the war, the RU Silver Jubilee could not be celebrated in 1945. It was celebrated in the 1950s.
In 1970, the Golden Jubilee of the founding of RU was celebrated. A magazine was published to commemorate the event.
In Deember 2019, the pre-Celebration for the RU Centennial took place. In 2020, due to Covid, the RU Centennial was celebrated with restrictions.
Positions and Pay Scales
The list is not exhaustive.
The pay scales are samples for the early days.
Gazetted Officer
Those who earn 350 (and CLA) or higher
450 (Base Pay) in the newer system
Promotion, deputation, transfer, and leave are published in the [Burma] Gazette
Selection Grade
Those who earn 800+ Kyats
Entitled to buy 10% of salary at “Staff Shop”
Administrators
Chancellor : Prime Minister or his appointee; U Nu attended Convocations and gave speeches.
Vice-Chancellor : Chief Justice U Bo Gyi served for two terms at Rangoon University. U Ko Lay (Zeyar Maung) was the Vice Chancellor of Mandalay University.
Rector : Dr. Htin Aung was the first native Rector of Rangoon University. Dr. Hla Myint, Dr. Tha Hla, U Kar and Dr. Maung Maung Kha were the early Rectors.
Pro-Rector : introduced in the 80s. U Ba Than Haq was the first Pro-Rector of RASU.
Principal : in charge of a College; U Pe Maung Tin was the first native Principal of Rangoon College.
Dean : in charge of a Faculty; U Ba Hli was the first native Dean of Engineering.
Registrar : U Htin Si and U Yu Khin were the early Registrars of Rangoon University.
Head of Department : (e.g. at RIT in the 60s)
Large departments are headed by a Professor
Sub-departments are headed by a Lecturer
Supporting departments may be headed by an Assistant Lecturer.
Professor : 1300+ Kyats
Associate Professor : introduced in the 80s (1000 – 50 – 1200 Kyats) for minimum, annual increment and maximum
Lecturer : 800 – 50 – 1200 Kyats (for Lecturers before the 80s) 800 – 50 – 1000 Kyats (for Lecturers in the 80s)
Assistant Lecturer : 350 (and CLA) – 25 -700 Kyats and CLA (Cost of Living Allowance) was 89 Kyats (or so) The “adjusted” pay was 439 Kyats (or so) So, Assistant Lecturer : 450 – 25 – 700 Kyats (after the period when CLA was dropped)
Instructor : 450 – 25 – 700 Kyats (introduced for the Institutes in the 60s) The pay scale is the same as Assistant Lecturer. It takes longer to become a Lecturer.
Demonstrator : Early days : 200 (and CLA) => 297 Kyats (or so) Later : 320 Scale Supervises lab
Tutor : Early days : 200 (and CLA) => 297 Kyats (or so) Later : 320 Scale Supervises lab and/or tutorials
Lecturing Tutor : 100 Kyats additional
Ad hoc Tutor : Early days : 100+ Kyats
Editor’s Notes :
For better or for worse, there have been several changes to the Education System. Pro-Rector and Associate Professor were introduced in the 80s. Some departments now have several Professors. There are Universities with a single Institute of College. There are 30+ Technological Universities.
Due to the decline in the buying power of the money, it is difficult for most teaching staff to survive with the salaries (and occasional pay raises). In 2018, a Professor told me that she earned about K5 Lakhs, of which a sizable amount is spent on transportation.
Was offered as an Option by the Economics Department, Rangoon University.
Became a separate Department under the Faculty of Social Science
Later became a Department of the Institute of Economics.
Saw William Paw
Professor William Paw
During our University days, Professor William Paw was President of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). As Treasurer, I had to go to his office several times .
The earlier RUBC Presidents were Sir Arthur Eggar (founder), Commodore Than Pe, U Tun Thaung and Sithu U Tin.
He was also President of the RU Sports Council.
Dr. Khin Maung Kyi
He attended Rangoon University as a monk.
He is known for his debates and writings.
He taught at Commerce Department and later headed the Research Department.
He later taught in Malaysia and Singapore. I visited Saya in Singapore to hand over a parcel/present by Saya U Myo Min (UCC).
Dr. Khin Maung Kyawe (Jimmy)
It is his preferred spelling over “Kywe”.
I first met him when my cousin uncle Saya U Than Lwin (Eric, GBNF) took me to the Social Science Library. My uncle taught Economics and also served as Librarian. He would give rides to the sayas including Sayas Jimmy and Dr. Maung Shein.
I met him again in the mid 80’s as Head of BERB (Burma Education Research Bureau). I attended several meetings at BERB.
Dr. Mya Than
Dr. Mya Than & Daw Yee May Kaung
He taught at PBRS before going for postgrad overseas.
His spouse Daw Yee May Kaung is the younger daughter of Sithu U Kaung. She was the last Treasurer of Burma Research Society.
They moved to Singapore and later Thailand.
U Myo Min (UCC)
U Myo Min
He won medals for standing first in I.Com and also in B.Com. (Accounting).
He became a Chartered Account and worked for IBM UK.
Per request from his mother and Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe, he came back to Burma to help with the UCC Project. He co-founded UCC with Sayas Dr. Chit Swe, U Soe Paing and U Ko Ko Lay. He taught classes at the Institute of Economics.
He later taught at Nangyang Technical Institute in Singapore and worked for Seagate Technologies & Connors in California, USA.
U Mya Thein & U Thein Oo
They transferred to UCC as Business Application Programmer/Analyst.
U Mya Thein (GBNF) retired as Manager of Business Applications. He also taught ITBMU.
U Thein is Founder & CEO of Ace Computers.
Commerce Graduate Association
Per request of Ko Kyi Soe and Ko Aung Myin, I helped with a course (Mathematics of Finance & related topics) conducted by Commerce Graduate Association (CGA).
U Chan Min
Uzin Chan Min
He represented Institute of Economics in Rowing and Chinlon.
He was the de facto leader for the Institute of Economics Rowing teams (including former President U Htin Kyaw).
He attended courses at UCC. He worked at EPC and later moved to USA.
After retirement, U Chan Min decided to become a monk. For the transition, he asked me to be a temporary monk with him for a week (or so).
He stays mostly at Dhammananda Vihara in Half Moon Bay, California. Per request from his brother Dr. Patheda Tin (NASA), Uzin spent vassa (waso retreat) at the Chan Myei Yeiktha in Springfield, Illinois.
Some of his former B.Com classmates include U Kun Pe (brother of Dr. Nyi Nyi), U Ohn Myint, U Kyi Khin, U Soe Myint (GBNF) and U Ye Myint (father of Zayanda).
HlaMin 