First native Professor at the Department of Geology.
Served as Interim Dean of Engineering.
Served as Rector, Rangoon University.
Retired after serving as UN Advisor in several countries.
Found jobs for several Burmese expatriates in Thailand.
Known for his discipline and integrity.
U Thadu, famous writer & director, tried to get “concession” from the Film Censor Board. Saya refused. U Thadu had to resubmit the film. U Thadu was surprised to learn that his movie received the Academy award (with the “blessing” of Saya). Saya told U Thadu that the two incidents are different, and that he had no grudge or bias.
Gave lessons on drinking. Told his guests, “You can choose whiskey, beer or any drink from the cabinets, but don’t let ‘Ah Yet’ become your master. Don’t add water/soda in the whiskey if you want good taste.”
Led by example. His jeep drove to meet the rowdy students trying to follow Ajala, the Nigerian agitator and was able to calm them.
Fought for his colleagues and students. When a Minister (in charge of the State Scholar Board) tried to “blacklist” is student Dr. Nyi Nyi for his political views, Saya offered to resign if his student was “punished”. During the minister’s trip overseas, the State Scholar Board selected Dr. Nyi Nyi.
Dr. Maung Thein
Informed his students (including Ko Soe Myint) about the Computer Science degree courses being offered at UCC (under the aegis of RU Mathematics Department) and encouraged them to study Computer Science and Applications.
Transferred to Mandalay University. He asked Ko Soe Myint and me to give lectures for his staff (during the summer vacation). We overheard some young sayas thinking out loud, “Why is Saya Thein asking the two UCC guys to waste our free time?”
Became Professor at RASU. He asked UCC to conduct a short course at Mandalay Hall. Ko Soe Myint, I and a few others ran the course. Rumors spread that a young Minthamee from UCC would be teaching. Wonder what the reaction was when Pale Shein (Pearl), daughter of soccer star Kenneth Shein, showed up.
U Ba Maw
Met Saya U Ba Maw, a lecturer, during our short course conducted at MASU.
Learned that U Ba Maw was being chastised by the higher authorities for collaborating research with foreigners. U Ba Maw and his students came cross ancient fossils (of Ramapiticus …) during their survey trip near Kyaukse. A US researcher, who heard the news, flew in to Burma, took photos and published about U Ba Maw’s findings. The news broke to US magazines (Time and/or Newsweek).
Dr. Nyi Nyi
Dr. Nyi Nyi
Protege of Dr. Tha Hla
Served as Deputy Minister of Education
Chair, UCC Project Implementation
Retired after working for UN
Pen name : Oak Aw
U Ba Than Haq
Served as Professor.
Retired as Pro-Rector.
RASU Geology
Geology Sayas
Miscellaneous
Geology offered “Gems” specialization. U Khin Maung Lay (GBNF) was an early graduate with the specialization.
Geology Department offered Diploma in Applied Geology (DAG) in the Thamaing Campus.
U Soe Myint (UCC) and Daw Win Win Than (UCC) studied Geology and Computer Science.
RIT aspect
According to U Aw Taik Moh (C54), the Civil Engineering students (living in Prome Hall) had to go to the main Campus to take Geology. Since the students were late and did not pay attention, most of them ended up with C or C-
RIT had Geology as a supporting department.
U Ngwe Thein was Head of Geology.
I had a micro-reunion with Saya [Maung] San (who shopped at the Junior section at a Departmental Store in London during his studies in the UK) at SPZP-2012. He worked at RIT and in Bangkok.
First native Professor at the Department of Geology.
Served as Interim Dean of Engineering.
Served as Rector, Rangoon University.
Retired after serving as UN Advisor in several countries.
Found jobs for several Burmese expatriates in Thailand.
Known for his discipline and integrity.
U Thadu, famous writer & director, tried to get “concession” from the Film Censor Board. Saya refused. U Thadu had to resubmit the film. U Thadu was surprised to learn that his movie received the Academy award (with the “blessing” of Saya). Saya told U Thadu that the two incidents are different, and that he had no grudge or bias.
Gave lessons on drinking. Told his guests, “You can choose whiskey, beer or any drink from the cabinets, but don’t let ‘Ah Yet’ become your master. Don’t add water/soda in the whiskey if you want good taste.”
Led by example. Saya’s jeep drove to meet the rowdy students trying to follow Ajala, the Nigerian agitator and was able to calm them.
Fought for his colleagues and students. When a Minister (in charge of the State Scholar Board) tried to “blacklist” is student Dr. Nyi Nyi for his political views, Saya offered to resign if his student was “punished”. During the minister’s trip overseas, the State Scholar Board selected Dr. Nyi Nyi.
Dr. Maung Thein
Informed his students (including Ko Soe Myint) about the Computer Science degree courses being offered at UCC (under the aegis of RU Mathematics Department) and encouraged them to study Computer Science and Applications.
Transferred to Mandalay University. He asked Ko Soe Myint and me to give lectures for his staff (during the summer vacation). We overheard some young sayas thinking out loud, “Why is Saya Thein asking the two UCC guys to waste our free time?”
Became Professor at RASU. He asked UCC to conduct a short course at Mandalay Hall. Ko Soe Myint, I and a few others ran the course. Rumors spread that a young Minthamee from UCC would be teaching. Wonder what the reaction was when Pale Shein (Pearl), daughter of soccer star Kenneth Shein, showed up.
U Ba Maw
Met Saya U Ba Maw, a lecturer, during our short course conducted at MASU.
Learned that U Ba Maw was being chastised by the higher authorities for collaborating research with foreigners. U Ba Maw and his students came cross ancient fossils (of Ramapiticus …) during their survey trip near Kyaukse. A US researcher, who heard the news, flew in to Burma, took photos and published about U Ba Maw’s findings. The news broke to US magazines (Time and/or Newsweek).
Dr. Nyi Nyi
Protege of Dr. Tha Hla
Served as Deputy Minister of Education
Chair, UCC Project Implementation
Retired after working for UN
Pen name : Oak Aw
U Ba Than Haq
Served as Professor.
Retired as Pro-Rector.
Miscellaneous
Geology offered “Gems” specialization. U Khin Maung Lay (GBNF) was an early graduate with the specialization.
Geology Department offered Diploma in Applied Geology (DAG) in the Thamaing Campus.
U Soe Myint (UCC) and Daw Win Win Than (UCC) studied Geology and Computer Science.
RIT aspect
According to U Aw Taik Moh (C54), the Civil Engineering students (living in Prome Hall) had to go to the main Campus to take Geology. Since the students were late and did not pay attention, most of them ended up with C or C-
RIT had Geology as a supporting department.
U Ngwe Thein was Head of Geology.
I had a micro-reunion with Saya [Maung] San (who supposedly shopped at the Junior section at a Departmental Store in London during his studies in the UK) at SPZP-2012. He worked at RIT and in Bangkok.
Rangoon University Act took effect of December 1, 1920.
Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College and Judson College as the constituent Colleges.
Rangoon University had
Chancellor (Adipati),
Vice Chancellor
Pro Vice Chancellor
Rector
Registrar
Deans
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma served as the Chancellor. He would attend the “Convocation” and give a speech. Later, some Ministers served as Chancellors.
The road leading to the Convocation Hall is named “Chancellor Road”.
A senior official (e.g. Justice U Bo Gyi) served as Vice Chancellor.
A senior professor (e.g. Dr. Htin Aung) served as Rector.
A senior Saya (e.g. Saya Htin Si) served as a Registrar.
RU had several Faculties :
Science
Arts
Social Science
Engineering
Medicine
…
Early State Scholars
Dr. Tha Hla, Dr. Maung Maung Kha, and Dr. Hla Myint were among the early scholars sent to UK to study for their doctorates. They later headed the Geology, Physics and Economics Departments.
U Ba Hli
Saya U Ba Hli was the first native Dean of Engineering. He studied in India and UK. Saya served as Principal and Civil Professor at GTI before he transferred to RU.
Saya U Ba Hli is credited with the “Twinning Program” with prestigious universities in the US. Beneficiaries of the program include engineering students (Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun, U Maung Maung Than, U Aung Khin, U Khin Aung Kyi, U Thit, U Soe Paing, U Ko Ko Lay …), sayas (U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Allen Htay, Dr. San Hla Aung, U Htin Paw, U San Tun, U Tin Hlaing … ), and eligible graduates (U Aw Taik Moh …).
U Ba Hli
U Yone Mo
U Yone Mo studied Honors at RU and engineering in UK. At that time, membership and associate membership of the engineering societies were valued for non-academic positions and jobs.
After retirement from Burma Railways, he became Dean of BIT and later Rector of RIT.
Requirement for Lectureship
A Masters Degree is usually needed to become a Lecturer.
Some sayas did a second round of studies to complete their Masters and get promoted to Lecturers.
Burmese Department
In the early days, there was a Pali Department, but no Burmese Department.
Saya U Pe Maung Tin (Pali) proposed and succeeded in the founding of the Burmese Department at RU. His students : ICS U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa), U Thein Han (Zawgyi) and U Wun (Minthuwun) spearheaded the “Khit San Sar Pay”. We had to study the works of all four in high school (and beyond).
Minthuwun’s poems and his classic short story (Bagyi Aung Nyar De) were translated into English by U Ohn Pe (Tet Toe), U Khin Zaw (“K) … and the collection was published in both Burmese and English.
U Pe Maung Tin, U E Maung, and U Wun, served as Professor of Burmese Department.
U Myo Min (Nwe Soe, Professor of English) was also involved in the Khit San Sar Pay.
Further Reading
Details of the early departments and pioneer says can be found in the RU Golden Jubilee Magazine, the 90th Anniversary Issues
Bogyoke Aung San Son : U Aung San Oo (SPHS59, alumnus of Imperial College) Daughter : Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (MEHS, alumna of Oxford University) Aung San Lin passed away at an early age
Thakin Mya
Deedok U Ba Cho Grandchildren : Dr. Khin Hla Cho and Daw Khin Myint Cho
Mahn Ba Khaing Daughter : Daw Myint Myint Khaing (Mathematics)
Sao San Tun (Mong Pawn Sawbawa) Son : Sao Hso Holm (English Honors, Law)
U Ba Win Son : Dr. Sein Win (Mathematics)
U Razak Son : U Tin Myint (GBNF, Geology) Son : U Hla Kyi (Geology)
ICS U Ohn Maung Dons : U Tin Maung Thein (EE), Francis Ohn Maung, Dr. Min Myint (IC)
Ko Htwe
Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing transcribed the interview tapes for the book about Sayagyi U Ba Toke. Met Saya U Tin Maung Thein at the Saya Pu Zaw Pwes. Daw Khin Myint Cho attended UCC. Met U Tin Myint and U Hla Kyi at the RUBC/YUBC Annual Regatta in December 2019.
Rangoon University Estate include the following with name changes and/or structural changes over the years.
Rangoon College
Judson College (formerly Baptist College)
BOC College (of Engineering)
Convocation Hall
Administrative Offices
Housing for sayas
Hostels for male and female students
RUSU (Rangoon University Students’ Union) Donated by U Nyo
RU Gymnasium Donated by Chan Chor Khine (second son of Chan Mah Phee and Daw Aye Mya)
RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) Founded by Law Professor Sir Arthur Eggar (who pledged a third of his salary for the operations) Club House donated by U Nyo
Recreation Center (Chess, Basketball, Table Tennis, Badminton, Fine Arts …)
Tekkatho Dhammayone Fund raising concert by Inya Hall residents (including Daw Su, mother of Daw May Saw Lwin)
Sanatorium (Tekkatho Hospital)
RU Swimming Pool
Soccer fields
Tennis courts
Libraries
Buildings for Class rooms and Labs
Canteens
RU Library Donor
Raja Dr. S. Ramanatha Reddiar(b. 1871-1932) L.L.D.(Honoris Causa), F.R.U
The Estate was managed by the Estate Engineer and his team.
U Nyo, a philanthropist, was a major donor for the RU Estate. His donations were used to build RUSU and RUBC. He was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by RU.
RUSU has an important role in the History of Burma. It was the training ground for students, who later shone as regional and national leaders. Sadly, the building was demolished on 8th July 1962.
Sir Arthur Eggar, Law Professor, pledged/donated a third of his salary for RUBC. Monetary support from Dr. U Nyo and other patrons accelerated the growth of RUBC into a reputable rowing club in Burma (and beyond).
In the early days, it was convenient and not so costly to attend RU even for those who do not have scholarships and stipends. In addition to have a reasonably good quality of education (as shown by the high success rate of Burmese scholars), there was ample time and opportunity to participate and excel in sports, hobbies (SPARK, aero-modeling, so-ka-yay-tee, public speaking, debates, …)
RU produced doctors, engineers, scientists, social scientists … who were also outstanding for their extra-curricular activities.
It is sad to see students forgoing their dreams because of the need to make “long” commutes and without the choice of “affordable” housing (hostel, …) . Many students cannot afford the time to participate and excel in sports and hobbies.
A reasonably good environment / program might nurture “Jack of all trades and Master of some”.
Posted messages from the autograph (1939) of her mother Ma Chit Swe.
It reinforced the concept of “Six degrees of separation” (in the early days) and “Four (or less) degrees of separation” (in the Internet age).
Many of her mother’s friends had children who became schoolmates (some senior, a few classmates and some junior) of Hazel.
During my visit to Yangon in late 2019 and early 2010, Hazel invited me to a mini-gathering with Saya Dr. Soe Win, Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin, and her friends.
We met again at the lunch given by Saya and Sayama to celebrate their 49th Anniversary.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the First RU Students’ Strike. He passed away on December 2, 2020. It was a day after the RU Centennial, but a few days before his 100th Birthday (December 26).
Sayama Daw Hla May (Anne, English) passed away earlier. She was 100 (or so).
Golden Jubilee
Saya Dr. Soe Win (retired Rector of YUFL) and Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin (retired Professor of Chemistry) celebrated their Golden Anniversary on November 7, 2020.
Contributors
Nice to read the memories of
Dr. Daw Khin Kyi (OG, daughter of former RU Vice Chancellor Justice U Bo Gyi, sister of former BIT Registrar U Sein Hla …),
Dr. Maung Maung Nyo (National Literary Award winner, Life time achievement Award …),
Dr. Khin Maung Nyo (Chemistry, Author, …)
and the writings (articles, kabyars …) by numerous “Not so young, not so old” readers
Early contributors include
Po Shwe Kyu
Thit Yaing
U Khin Zaw
U Tin Aye
Dr. Myo Thant
Dr. Nwe Oo
Min Oo
Yadanar Thu
Win Myint (Myeik)
Hazel Kyaw Zaw
Padamyar Winhtein
Gone But Not Forgotten (GBNF)
Several sayas and alumni passed away recently.
They include
U Khin Aung Kyi (former Rector of RIT)
Dr. Kyaw Thein (former Rector of ICST)
U Ngwe Tun (former Lecturer of Civil Engineering)
U Han Sein (C69, Prisoner of Conscience) He was sentenced to 20 years and served 17 years
About twenty Rangoon University students represented Burma in the games. They include: Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra, Soe Mra and Tun Naung — Track and Field Kyaw Han — Volleyball Than Lwin and Mu Mu Khin — Tennis Richard Yu Khin — Yachting Aye Kyaw and Derek Lynsdale — Swimming
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).
HlaMin 