Rangoon University Engineering Students’ Union is separate from Rangoon University Students’ Union (RUSU).
It published seven Annual Magazines.
Magazine for 1952 – 53
U Aw Taik Moh (C54) was a member of the Magazine Committee for 1952-53.
The scanned pages show some sayas.
U Ba Hli
U Ba Hli was the first native Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University. He proposed the “Twinning Program” with the prestigious universities in the USA.
Sayas 1
U Aung Hla was Professor of Mathematics.
C. Ping Lee (Old Paulian) was Lecturer in Electrical Engineering. He is the father or Dr. Win Aung (M62).
Sayas 2
U Sein Hlaing was Assistant Lecturer in Electrical Engineering.
H Num Kok was Assistant Lecturer in Civil Engineering. He is a saya of our sayas (e.g. Dr. Aung Gyi)
U Hla Tin was Assistant Lecturer in Civil Engineering.
B. Aung Gyaw was Workshop Superintendent.
There were visiting Professors (e.g from MIT).
Professor Murray Horwood recommended brilliant Burmese Engineering Students to study at MIT.
Received his doctorate in Meteorological Physics from Imperial College, London University.
Worked briefly at the Directorate of Meteorology before transferring to the Department of Physics at the Rangoon University.
Early native Professor of Physics at Rangoon University.
Interim Dean at the Faculty of Engineering
Rector of the Rangoon University, RASU & University of Distance Learning
U San Tha Aung (GBNF)
U San Tha Aung
He is an alumnus of Harvard University.
Co-authored High School Physics texts (in Burmese and English)
Director General of Higher Education.
Early doctorates from USA
Dr. Hla Shwe (Boon Chiong, first in Burma in 1953), Dr. Tin Maung and Dr. Tin Aung received their doctorates from the USA.
Dr. Hla Shwe and Dr. Tin Maung moved to the USA.
Dr. Tin Aung
Dr. Tin Aung
Professor and Head of the Physics Department, RASU
He was on an educational tour in the USA when his colleagues elected him as Patron of the All Universities’ Teachers Association for the 8-8-88 movement.
After his return, he was forced to resign immediately.
He recently had a replacement pace maker.
Some Sayas and Sayamas
Daw Nyein (GBNF) : Retired as Head of the RIT Physics; Lived to 101 years
Daw May Than Nwe (Joyce, GBNF) First in Physics Honors in 1962 Spouse : Saya U Thein Lwin Classmates : Dr. Sein Tun (GBNF), Robert Sein, Daw Khin Than Nwe, Daw Khin Swe Aye (Emily) She and her spouse passed away within a few months of each other in Singapore.
U Hlwan Moe (GBNF) Succeeded Daw Nyein as Head of RIT Physics Spouse : Daw Khin Swe Aye Son : Dr. Moe Aye (UK)
Daw Khin Swe Aye (Emily) Spouse : U Hlwan Moe
U Tha Hlaing Taught at RIT for two decades Gave Ovada at SPZP-2007 in Singapore along with Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
U Kyaw Myint (GBNF) Retired as Director General of Higher Education; We spent some time together as Guest Speakers for the Ngapali Luyechun Camp in 1988. Has a Foundation named after him
U Kyaw Myint Foundation
U Kyaw Mya Thein (GBNF) Retired as Pro-Rector of ICST/UCSY; Coined the word “Kar Ku La Thin Char” for Calculus; Passed away in Singapore.
U Tin Oo Hlaing (Principal) Interpreter for Saddhammaransi Sayadaw’s Dhamma Duta to USA
U Kaung Nyunt (GBNF) Principal of RC2 Spouse : PPBRS alumni Daughter : Khaing Khaing Nyunt (UCC)
U Thein Aung (Micky, SPHS59, GBNF) : RUBC Gold in 1962; Met him during his visit to California.
Dr. Htin Aung (Japan, GBNF) Sacred Heart; Sixth in Burma in the Matric of 1957; Twin brother : Dr. Htin Kyaw
Dr. Htin Kyaw : Sacred Heart; First in Burma in the Matric of 1957
U Thein Htut : Saya Micky asked him to be athletic trainer for RUBC selected
U Saw Hlaing (Principal, Director, GBNF): First met him as organizer of Thu Ka Kari သုကကာရီ association on Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Last met him at the Ministry of Education.
U Kin Sein (Director) : He was at the Ministry in charge of vetting state scholarships
Mehm Than Thoung : First in Physics Honors in 1961; RUBC Gold in 1961; Retired Rector of Distance Learning; Currently spending time at a meditation center
Dr. Soe Myint Win (Electronics / Engineering, GBNF) : Gawpaka at a monastery in Northern California; Helped found the Northern California Physics Association
Daw May Su (GBNF) : She and her spouse Saya U Ba Nyunt (EE, MOGE) visited their daughter and grand children in Northern California.
Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (Canada) : Taught at RIT. Worked in Singapore & Canada
Dr. Aye Thein Kyaw (Canada, GBNF)
Dr. Tin Maung Aye (USA)
Dr. Soe Tint (USA)
Dr. Myint Thein
Dr. Myint Kyi (Pro-Rector, IMBTU) : Met him at the Final Journey of Sayadaw U Silananda
U Kyaw Khin (USA)
U Kyaw Win (USA, GBNF)
U Ye Sint (USA)
Dr. Kyaw Tint (USA)
Dr. Win Naing (USA)
Mr. Bharadwaja (wrote the Lab manuals)
Daw Khin Mar Mar (daughter of Sayagyi U Net) studied Computer Science
Dr. Khin Swe Myint hosted a Physics conference in Mandalay with the help of Dr. Khin Maung Maung (Professor and Chair of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Mississippi).
Miscellaneous
Frankie Ohn (Dr. Hla Ngwe Tin) stood first in the Matric exam of 1959. He founded a company in Southern California & sold it.
Harry Wang (Dr. Than Myint) stood Joint Third in the Matric exam of 1956.
Dr. Yan Naing Lwin : Emeritus Professor & Chair of Physics at WIU, Macomb. He helped many Burmese to study at WIU
Ko Soe Lwin (son of Dr. Maung Lwin) & Ko Myint Thein were selected Physics Luyechun in the Sunmer of 1965
Chu Pu Thein (SPHS63) scored the highest marks for Physics in the first ever High School Final Only exam in 1962. Due to restrictions, he could not apply to the professional institutes and left to study in Italy.
Dr. Khin Maung U received 99 marks for Physics in the first ever Matric exam in 1963. He scored a perfect 100, but the Chief Invigilator reluctantly subtracted a point.
There was a Centennial Celebration for Saya Kha. Saya U Oo Khin Maung and Sayama Daw Thida were some of the volunteer organizers.
Sayama Daw Thida wrote :
Dear Sayar U Hla Min, You have collected many facts regarding with Universities especially YU and RIT. I appreciate your nice memory. I worked at YU Physics Department about twelve years (Early 1978 to mid 1989), at RIT Physics Department about six years (1971 to 1976) and YIT/YTU Engineering Physics Department about eight years (1993 to 2001). I think the days of YU are very beautiful before 1963. I missed those days because I was high school student at that time. My days at YU are very ordinary. The posts written about early days of YU are very interesting. That’s why I request “Nyi” (Nyi Thet Lwin) to collect those posts as a book. I also thank you for your interesting posts. I look forward to reading your posts. Thanks again Sayar.
Burma hosted the Second SEAP games in 1961. About twenty Rangoon University students represented Burma in the games.
Fifth SEAP Games
Burma also hosted the Fifth SEAP Games in 1969.
[Nyunt Nyunt Tin] : I was in the 7th standard at Myoma National High School (Rangoon) and participated Kabyaluk dance. The team of 400 high school girl students danced Kabyaluk at the opening ceremony. Never forget, ever.
Six belles held the signs for the competing nations (visitors in alphabetical order followed by the host nation).
Sign bearers for Fifth SEAP Games
Laos
Singapore
Thailand
Malaysia
Vietnam
Burma
Rangoon University
Convocation
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma attended Convocations as Chancellor of the University.
Pro Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Pro Vice Chancellor also attended Convocations. Their roles are described in “Order of Procedure”.
Some dignitaries receive honorary degrees.
Convocation
Rectors
Dr. Htin Aung (First native Rector) Retired as Vice Chancellor Outstanding author
Dr. Hla Myint Economist and Educator
U Kar Served as Minister in the Caretaker Government
Dr. Tha Hla Geologist Retired from United Nations
Dr. Maung Maung Kha Meteorological Physicist Longest tenure among the Rectors
Saya Kha
Dr. Maung Maung Kha served as
Professor and Head of the Physics Department
Interim Dean, Faculty of Engineering
Rector, University of Rangoon Saya has the longest tenure among the Rectors
Spouse : Teacher Ruby (also won the National Mixed Doubles Championship in Tennis)
Children : One son, three daughters
[Alvin Oke Soe Kha] : I experienced first hand when Uncle U Ba Kyi sang “နှစ်ယောက်ထဲနေချက်တယ်” and my father Dr. Maung Maung Kha accompanied uncle on violin.
There were fund raisers to hold Centennial celebrations for Saya Kha. Saya U Oo Khin Maung and Sayama Daw Thida were volunteer organizers along with several others.
Saya Kha and family
U Ba Toke
U Ba Toke
Book published to celebrate his 80th birthday by the Thin Char Mithar Su သင်္ချာမိသားစု
Saya was born on 26th December 1920. He is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the first RU Student Strike.
His life journey has been written in the book by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char).
Spouse : passed away around 2001
Children : Two sons & Six daughters. Sadly, one son and one daughter are GBNF
Taught at Mandalay University, Rangoon University, Rangoon Institute of Technology and Assumption University (Bangkok)
Professor of Mathematics, Rangoon University
Rector, Mandalay Arts and Science University
Voluntarily transferred to RIT as Professor of Mathematics
Played soccer Managed RU Sports (including Soccer tournaments)
Leader of the Burma Olympic team
Was healthy and active until his mid-80s Walked at weekends to Shwe Dagon Pagoda
Likes to share his memories
Health declined after turning 90
Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC)
Brief History
In 1923, RUBC was founded by Sir Arthur Eggar (Professor of Law), who pledged a third of his salary for the operation of the Club.
Part of U Nyo’s donation to RU Estate Fund was used to build the RUBC Clubhouse.
The Club was ravaged during the War.
After the war, Old Members and supporters rebuilt the Club.
The President of the Union of Burma donated the Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Eights
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma donated the Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Fours
RUBC competed in Inter-Varsity (e.g. with Calcutta University), ARAE and FEARA Regattas.
The 40th Anniversary was celebrated in 1963 with a souvenir program containing the history of RUBC, list of Captains and EC members, list of RUBC Golds (compiled by Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon). The photo of the Anniversary Dinner appears in another post.
There were other celebrations such as 50th and 60th.
For the 90th Anniversary, there were two publications. The souvenir program displayed in the post, and a reprint of the Autobiography of Sir Arthur Eggar.
U Chan Tha
U Chan Tha
He is a multiple sports athlete.
Past Captain and Gold of RUBC
Captain of Prome Hall Soccer team (which won Inter-Hall Tournament for three years)
Played soccer for RU & SAMB
Dr. Harry Saing
Harry Saing
In the early days, University students excel at academic and sports.
Harry Saing represented Burma in Rowing, Hockey and Cricket and represented the Faculty of Medicine in Track and Field, and Football.
He is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC, and is two time Champion of ARAE (Amateur Rowing Association of the East).
He and Saya Dr. Pe Nyun (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) operated Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San (the first set of conjoined twins) at the Rangoon Children Hospital.
He served as Professor of Pediatric Surgery at the Hong Kong University. He also served as Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club, which hosted FEARA (Far East Amateur Rowing Association) Regattas. According to Ko Htaik San (Henry Kao), Dr. Harry provided physical and moral support to the RUBC crews competing at FEARA regattas.
Sadly, he is GBNF. I wrote about him in the 90th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine.
Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered into the waters near his second favorite Rowing Club (after his favorite RUBC).
U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn
U Thant succeeded Daj Hammarskjold as the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) and served for two terms.
After retirement, he was writing memoirs when his health failed.
His body was brought back to Burma, but no high ranking personnel except a Deputy Minister was present at the Mingalardon air port.
U Thant
The disrespect for Burma’s Son resulted in “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn”.
Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo
Maung Ngwe Hlinne is the pen name of Saya U Thet Lwin, who taught Burmese at the Institute of Economics and later transferred to RIT as Registrar.
He is a distinguished Composer. His songs include “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo”.
[Saya Dr. Soe Win] : My father Saya Sein was U Thet Lwin’s Burmese teacher at St. Paul’s High School.
Mya Kyun NyoU Thet Lwin (Maung Ngwe Hlinne)
Early Registrars
U Htin Si
U Yu Khin
Daw Sein Sein
Early Sayas
Dr. Hla Thwin : Professor of Psychology
Dr. Maung Shein : Lecturer of Economics, Deputy Minister, World Bank
U Than Aung : taught Burmese in the early days at St. Paul’s. Served as Minister of Education in the AFPFL government. Requested his former student C. Ping Lee (EE saya) to head the Technical Education and Vocational Training Department.
Censorship
Readers wrote that the RASU Annual Magazine for 1975 -76 had hidden messages.
In July 1963, several pamphlets were distributed during the first anniversary of 7th July. Citing security reasons, the schools (with the exception of Medicine and Engineering) were closed for almost a year. A new Education system was implemented in November 1964.
The censorship intensified in the later years.
My articles had to be approved by three Chief Editors of the newspapers (two Burmese and one English).
My poem for the Sar So Daw Nay was accepted by the Assistant Editor in charge of the Working People’s Daily (WPD) Supplement. She showed me the preview (block ready to be printed). The higher authorities refused to give the green light since my poem referenced Ananda Thuriya’s epic work “Dhammata”.
Nomination
At the centennial celebrations of some universities, the alumni and staff were asked to nominate events and people to be honored as the 100 items associated with the school.
Philosophy
It means love of wisdom.
Under the new Education System introduced in November 1964, students with low ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) were forced to study Philosophy.
Scholarship / Stipend
The scholarship and stipend holders received 75 kyats a month (60 kyats after paying the school fees).
Those who stayed at hostels had to pay about 57 kyats a month.
One kyat could get long bus rides, decent food, comics, and cartoons.
RU Main Campus
Some are blessed to be born or lived on the campus.
Some are honored to call the campus their home.
I only had the chance to visit the houses of some sayas.
RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
USA in 2000
Singapore in 2002, 2007 and 2010
Yangon in 2004, 2012, 2016 and 2020
Tun Naung
Tun Naung (Noel Tin) was a star sprinter. He represented Burma in the First SEAP Games in Bangkok in 1959, and the Second SEAP Games in Rangoon in 1961. His team mates include Tun Mra (Sprint), Kyaw Mra (Hurdles) and Soe Mra (Pole Vault).
Tekkatho Tun Naung would often play with the mandolin on his back. He is a co-founder of Stereo Khit.
Soccer
U Than Win (Captain of the team, later Director of Sports and Physical Education)
U Chan Tha (Captain of the Prome Hall team, also Past Captain and Gold of RUBC)
Collegian Nay Win, Kenneth Shein and Tun Kyi played for RU First Eleven under coach Saya Nyein.
Tennis
Joe Ba Maung taught English at RIT before transferring to Burma Railways. He was Burma Tennis Champion in Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles (with Than Lwin) and Mixed Doubles (with Sayama Ruby Kha)
Sports Officer
Several Burma Selected and University Selected became Sports Officers.
U Ba Maung (Soccer, RASU)
U Maung Maung (Soccer, RIT)
U Thet Win (Diving, Eco)
Tekkatho
In the early days, less than 10 percent passed the Matric exam. It was an honor to prefix one’s name with Tekkatho or University.
Khin Nyo wrote : absolutely right. I think in 1957 only 2% Passed and the total is 20000. Even dancer AmarSein was conferred with the title Thekkatho Amar Sein by the Rector Dr Tha Hla.
Prizes
20 or so prizes were awarded at the RU Convocation.
Most prizes are for outstanding graduates.
Some prizes are for those who excelled at the Intermediate Classes.
The University prizes include Matthew Hunter Gold Medal.
Books
There are several books about Rangoon University and the university life of students.
Shwe Ku May Hnin wrote “Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho”.
Less than 10 percent passed the Matriculation exam in the early days.
It was an honor to prefix one’s name with Tekkatho တက္ကသိုလ် or University.
Khin Nyo wrote: Absolutely right. I think in 1957 only 2% Passed and the total is 20000. Even dancer AmarSein was conferred with the title Thekkatho Amar Sein by the Rector Dr Tha Hla.
Tekaktho Moe War (U Moe Aung)
U Moe Aung
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio.
EC of RU Kalaung Shin Ah Thin
RU Association
Editor, RUESU Annual Magazine
RUESU Magazine
Taught Electrical Engineering at RIT.
EE SayasU Moe Aung & U Sein Maung
Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazine
Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
Worked in Singapore
Chair, SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010
After retirement, moved back to Myanmar
Taught refresher courses (e.g. Electrical Saftey) at Electrical Inspectorate.
Publications
Kept mind alert by writing poems and articles in the weekly publications.
Distinguished Writer, Poet, Editor and Publisher.
Editor, RUESU Annual Magazine
Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazines for more than a decade.
Chief Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
Chief Editor, Commemorative issues of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore
Chief Editor, Commemorative issues of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPZP-2016 in Yangon
Published Kabyars (one book for solo, another book by RIT poets and another by former EC members of Tekkatho Kalaung Ah Thinn)
Rosie Gyi (Mai Khin Nyunt) posted about her father U Khin Maung Gyi BA, BCS, BL
The comments mentioned two other BCS : U Sein Maung (father of Austin) and U Maung Maung Kyi.
Old (some rare) Photos
Prome Hall Soccer Team (winner of Inter-Hall tournament for two years in the early 1950s)
Final Year Engineering Students in 1948 and 1949 (taken at their Reunion at Inya Lake)
Soccer teams Which played friendly match with a visiting Indian team Which won the Merdeka Tournament Which won tournaments at various levels
SEAP Games RU Athletes who represented Burma in the Second SEAP Games in 1961 RU Belles who carried the Placards of the competing nations in the Fifth SEAP Games in 1969
RUBC Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi in 1948 Four brothers and cousin (who are all Past Captain and Gold) ARAE Champions in 1958 and 1960
Some Sayas who are GBNF Saya U Pe Maung Tin Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha Saya U San Tha Aung Saya Mr. Kangyi (English) Saya U Kaung Nyunt Saya U Wun (Minthuwun) …
He was Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at Rangoon University.
Later, RU established Philosophy and Psychology as separate departments.
Origin
Philosophy is derived from “Phil” (Love of) and “sophy” (wisdom).
Usage
Advanced degrees often have “Philosophy” (to mean “Love of wisdom”).
Ph.D (Doctorate in Philosophy)
M.Phil (Master of Philosophy)
Disrespect
Under the then new Education System (starting in 1964), some students with low ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) were assigned to study Philosophy.
The Education System led to the end of well-rounded / liberal education in Burma.
Ko Win Myint, who was a High School Luyechun from Myeik (Mergui), was assigned to study Philosophy, but he did not lose heart and eventually became a computer professional.
Dr. Khin Maung Win
Professor of Philosophy
Later : Minister of Education in the BSPP era.
U San Lwin
Lecturer
He was also known as author (e.g. famous Philosophers), hypnotist, movie director, and monk (discussing comparative religion)
HlaMin 