Rangoon University was founded in 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as its constituents.
Intermediate Classes
In the early days, Rangoon University offered Intermediate Courses. They were known as Inter (A) and Inter (B).
The Science Option is available for I.Sc. (Intermediate of Science).
The Arts Option is available for I.A (Intermediate of Arts).
Intermediate courses were initially offered in the Main Campus.
In the mid and late 50’s, the Yankin College and the Htee Dan College served the First Year Intermediate classes.
The Pure Science, Engineering and Medical students attended Yankin College. My brother U Sein Htoon attended Yankin in 1957 along with Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin. My sister Daw Khin Than Nwe attended Yankin in 1958 along with Saya Dr. Soe Win.
The Arts and Social Science students attended Htee Dan College. My cousin U Myo Min attended Hteedan in 1958.
BOC, Main and Leik Khone
After completing the I.Sc. classes, the engineering students attended BOC College for their main subjects and took some courses (e.g. Mathematics, Geology) at the Main Campus.
Later, the engineering students attended Leik Khone (Dome) and its extensions for their main subjects and spent some time (e.g. workshop) at BOC College.
Leik Khone is a place holder for the Dome and the nearby buildings used for Admin and Teaching).
Saya U Tin Htut (M60) and U Tin Htoon (A60) were from the last batch of engineering students to attend classes at Leik Khone (before the opening of Burma Institute of Technology at Gyogone Campus).
In 1961, the Faculty of Engineering moved to the Gyogone Campus. It was also known as Burma Institute of Technology (BIT). The first batch of BIT graduated in 1962.
The I.Sc classes were moved to Leik Khone (which used to be under the Faculty of Engineering). Those aspiring to become medical doctors take the “A: option. Those aspiring to become engineers and scientists take the “B” option.
We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) classes at Leik Khone in 1963.
Our teachers for our I.Sc.(A) classes included
Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing (English) — spouse of Bo Yan Naing
Daw Khin Kyi Kyi (English)
Daw Po (Burmese) — sayama at the 1965 Inlay Lu YeChun Camp, retired as Professor of Burmese
U Khin Zaw (Mathematics) — later headed Maths Department at Worker’s College
Mr. Chowdry (Mathematics)
Daw Khin Ma Ma (Mathematics) — Sayama and her spouse U Soe Nyunt taught Mathematics at DSA
U Min Than Thaung (Physics) — RUBC Gold, retired as Rector of Long Distance Learning
Daw Khin Khin Su (Physics)
Daw Khin Aye (Chemistry)
Some of my friends attended I.A. Intermediate of Arts) and I.Com (Intermediate of Commerce) classes at BOC College.
New Education System
Under the new Education System, the Faculty of Medicine became Institute of Medicine(s). The 1st MBBS Jr. and Sr. classes were held at Leik Khone. My spouse attended at Leik Khone.
Leik Khone also housed the offices of the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE). Saya U San Tha Aung and Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi were the early Director Generals for Higher Education.
Intermediate Colleges
Intermediate Colleges were opened in
Mandalay
Taunggyi
Moulmein (Mawlamyine)
Bassein (Pathein)
Myitkyina
…
Some of them became full-fledged Universities.
EarlyExaminations
In some years (probably due to the insurgency in some parts of Burma), students have to sit the “combined” Intermediate examination.
Otherwise, they have to sit for Inter (A) and Inter (B) exams separately.
Even then, there were two chances to pass the exam.
The first exam was usually held in March.
The second (aka supplementary) exam was usually held in June.
The “compart” (compartmental) system requires a student to re-take only the subjects they have failed.
Stipends and awards (Gold and Silver medals, …) are eligible only for students who pass all subjects in the first exam.
EarlyEngineering Courses
Per Sayagyi U Aung Khin (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering) : Those who aspire to become engineers have to pass I.Sc. with 50+ marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
According to U Aw Taik Moh (C54) and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), they had to take a bike or walk to the Main Campus to attend Mathematics and/or Geology classes (usually from 7AM to 9AM). They then had to attend Engineering Courses at the B.O.C College from 10 AM.
Saya U Ba Toke taught Mathematics to several engineering students (including Saya Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Khin Aung Kyi).
Grapevine says that the Second Year of Engineering (equivalent to 4th BE) and 2nd MBBS were the “filters” (or “stumbling blocks“) for engineering and medical students. Some decided to change their study to Pure Science or Arts.
A three storey building and a “Leik Khone” were constructed in the mid 1950s on Prome Road.
The architect envisioned a Htee (Umbrella), but the Burmese saw the roof top as “Leik Khone”).
Per Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), the new building was opened by Prime Minister U Ba Swe.
Some engineering classes were taught at the new building. Some classes (e.g. Workshop) were taught at the BOC College.
The “Leik Khone” was used mainly as Assembly Hall.
It was also used for Exhibitions and Entertainment (e.g. Louis Armstrong).
One building was used for Admin Office (of the Dean) Hangout for Sayas Library
Sad to note that the Dome deteriorated and “collapsed” (probably due to maintenance problems).
During a period, students at the University of Rangoon [and Mandalay] attended Intermediate (A) classes for a year, but they did not have to take the examination.
They then attended Intermediate (B) classes for a year. They then take the examination for both courses.
Compart System
There used to be two examinations for a class. The students have two chances to pass.
The first examination was usually held in March. Those who pass all subjects are eligible to apply for stipends and grants.
Those who pass at least three subjects have to take the remaining subjects in the second examination, which was usually held in June.
Saya U Ba Toke
Saya was born in December, 1920.
He attended Mandalay University.
He joined the Students’ Strike Camp, and missed the first examination held in March.
The strike ended, and Saya took all the subjects in the second examination and passed.
He wanted to attend the Faculty of Engineering in Rangoon, but he needed a stipend. He could not get the stipend because he did not take the first examination.
Saya’s teachers persuaded him to take Mathematics Honors in Mandalay.
Dr. Tint Lwin
He took the Pure Science option for I.Sc.
He attended engineering classes for a while, but he changed his mind to study Medicine. He took the classes needed to study medicine (e.g. Biology) and the supplementary exams. Finally, he was admitted to the MBBS classes.
During his university days, he was Goalkeeper for the University First Eleven. He team mates include Collegian Nay Win, Tun Kyi and Kenneth Shein.
Hazel Kyaw Zaw has posted some more messages from her mother’s autograph (from 1939). 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.
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.
Ma Chit Swe’s autograph
Several sayas — Two U Khin Zaw (one from Mathematics and one from Chemistry), U Kyaw (Geography, Principal), Daw Khin Aye, Dr. Aung Myint, Dr. Tin Win (Alan), U Aung Zaw (UCC) — taught at Worker’s College.
Saya U Kyaw (Principal, Worker’s College) is the father of Ko Myo Nyunt (Harry Kyaw, SPHS63) and Ma San San Kyaw (UCC). During my visits to Yangon, Dr. Kyaw Min (SPHS65) would take to me the OPA mini-gatherings where Ko Harry is the de facto senior / leader. Recently, the group donated to the Molecular Laboratory Workforce and Mobile Swab Collection Team (for COVID-19 testing) of DMR.
U Khin Zaw (Chemistry) has shared his memories (good, bad, funny, sad) about the school, teachers, friends and the decline of the Education System.
Even in the early days, several sayas (including Sayagyi U Ba Toke) told the story of a star athlete who spelled KAWPHY for COFFEE and failed the interview even though he was guaranteed a pass if he could get one letter correct.
There are several poets and writers.
Min Oo wrote a long kabyar covering events and activities during his stay at RU.
Yadanar Thu posted some kabyars that she had published for the reunions and Pu Zaw Pwes.
Than Than Mu recounted her memories as a student at Education, and later as “Sar Sit Sayama”.
Some posted mementos. They include an old post card and a key chain that were bought at a store inside the Recreation Center.
A few attended the make-shift Convocation at the Kyaikkasan Ground.
Those who graduated in 1962 attended the Convocation at Kyaikkasan in 1963.
Some refused to attend because the Convocation held outside the Campus.
There were some who had to wait for several years after graduation to attend the Convocation. They were then married and had to beg for extra tickets for the family members (spouse, children, in-laws).
Some wrote about their friends who were scared of Practical examination and Viva, and how some fellow students helped them.
Many early members taught or studied Chemistry.
A reason may be that the group was founded by Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin and U Aung Mon, who are sons of Saya Dr. Soe Win and Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin.
The membership is quite diverse.
Sayama Daw Khin May (English) is one of the recent GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten). Her siblings/relatives include Sayama Daw Phwa Yin (Former Head of English), Saya U Tin Lwin (Pali) and Sayama Daw Sein Sein (Registrar, Director).
The GBNF has grown. Some recent casualties include U Myat Hla Sein (Movie Technology) and Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char).
Suggestion
There are 1000+ posts and many of them has invaluable photos.
There are tens of thousands of posts.
It’ll be nice if the photos can be organized into albums with relevant titles. It will help if the group or some sponsors decide to compile the posts into digital and printed books to commemorate the Centennial of the University of Rangoon in 2020. It will be an excellent pay back to the alma mater and the mentors.
I created albums in the group last year, but have not updated them. Some photos need to have proper credits (especially if they are to be used in publications).
In the 1950s, Prome Hall teams (football, basketball, volleyball) were considered as Engineering team as the hall recruited prominent sportsmen when they joined the Faculty. U Aye (M62) was recruited for volleyball from Mandalay hall.
Prome Hall Soccer Team
Prome Hall Soccer Team won the Inter-Hall Tournament for two consecutive years (1950 – 51) and (1951 – 52).
Standing Extreme L – U Tint Swe (Jimmy Sein, C55, GBNF) was from St Patrick’s HS, Moulmein. He later became DyDG Vocational Schools. He played in RU team. 2nd from L — Saya U Tin Swe (EE53) was a prominent footballer from Bago Hall before joining the Faculty of Engg and moved to Prome Hall. He also played tennis. Center- Sam Singh Mahindar (C52) was from Moulmein. His brother B. Singh, RU and Tenasserim goalkeeper. He was from St Patrick’s HS, Moulmein. Tin Si was also an excellent player in Tennis and Badminton
Sitting Middle L – U Taik Ain (C54, GBNF) was from Mudon. He was RU Tennis champion single and double. He became SE at CC. U Chan Tha was Captain of the team. He also played soccer for RU and SAMB. He is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC. U Win Kyu (C52) was from Taunggyi. He became SE CC. R – U Thaung (C55) was from Taunggyi. He became SE CC.
Sitting Front Khin Si was also an excellent Tennis player.
During a period, students at the University of Rangoon attended Inter (A) for a year, but they did not have to take the examination.
They attended Inter (B) for a year.
They then took the examination for both courses.
Second Type
For a class (e.g. Inter (B)), a student has two chances to pass, because there was a “main” examination and a “supplementary” examination.
The first examination was usually held in March. Those who pass all subjects are eligible to apply for stipends and grants.
Those who pass the minimum (e.g. three subjects) have to re-take the remaining subjects in the supplementary examination, which was usually held in June.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke
Effect of Compart System
Saya joined the Student Strike and missed the main examination.
Took all subjects in the supplementary examination and passed.
Wanted to study engineering at the University of Rangoon, but he would need stipend or grant. Since he missed the main examination, he was not eligible to apply for stipend or grant.
His teachers persuaded him to study Mathematics in Mandalay University.
Received his Masters (thanks to his mentor) during the War.
Joined the University of Rangoon. Taught Mathematics to the engineering students.
Served as Professor of Mathematics at RASU before being promoted to Rector at MASU.
After a few years, he voluntarily asked to be transferred as Professor of Mathematics at RIT.
Life Journey
U Maung Maung Than (M79) donated a round-trip ticket for a saya from Myanmar to attend SPZP-2000. Several sayas and alumni sponsored Saya to attend SPZP-2000.
Saya is a Phwa Bet Taw of “University of Rangoon” and the “First RU Students’ Strike” in December 1920.
His life journey can be read in the book by Maung Thin Char (Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe).
Executive Committee member of Burma Research Society.
The Myanmar Sar Community honored Sayagyi with a bust in December 2019. Daw Tin Tin Myaing (Brenda, Sayagyi’s daughter) attended the ceremony. Met her at the Winner Inn. Sad to learn that her spouse succumbed to COVID-19 in UK a few months ago.
In our middle school we had to study “Myanmar Thadda / Burmese Grammar” written by Sayagyi.
Sayagyi translated two early Sermons : Dhammacakkapavatana Sutta and Anatta Lekkhana Suttana into English. The three-language edition of the Suttas was published by U Tha Win.
Saya’s early students ICS U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa) U Thein Han (Zawgyi) U Wun (Minthuwun)
Dr. Htin Aung
Dr. Htin Aung
Principal of Rangoon College.
First native Rector of the University of Rangoon.
Per Dr. Yan Naing Lwin, Dr. Htin Aung accompanied Prime Minister U Nu to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1954. After retirement, Dr. Htin Aung was appointed “Amassador” to Ceylon.
Per Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, his Ba Dwe was recalled back to Burma by the Foreign Office. One day, the then Number One asked Saya what he was doing in Burma and that he did not ask the Foreign Office to recall him. Saya went to UK to continue his research and writing.
Old alumni may have studied Saya’s books such as “Thirty Burmese Tales” and “Burmese Drama”.
Saya is a scholar, a prolific writer, a historian and a folklorist.
Saya’s siblings: ICS U Tin Tut, Dean of Law U Kyaw Myint, Chief Justice U Myint Thein, Kyauksar expert Daw Khin Mya Mu, Khit San poet Daw Khin Saw Mu, English lecturer Daw Tin Saw Mu
Early Burmese Scholars to the UK
Dr. Hla Myint (Economics), Dr. Tha Hla (Geology) and Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Meteorological Physics) in the UK about the same time.
They later became Professor and Head of Department in their disciplines. They retired as Rector of the University of Rangoon.
Dr. Hla Myint
Dr. Hla Myint continued as Researcher / Scholar / Administrator in UK.
Ther is an Economic Theory with Saya’s name.
Dr. Tha Hla
Dr. Tha Hla served as UN Advisor in several countries and settled in Thailand.
There are several anecdotes about Saya. Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) knows the details.
During his stay in Thailand (while waiting for a US visa), U Tin Maung Nyunt was recommended by Dr. Tha Hla to be a proof reader for the Nation newspaper.
Saya offered U Tin Maung Nyunt (and several other Burmese) his collection of Whiskey and drinks, but added, “Do not spoil Whiskey by adding water or soda. You can drink “Ah Yet”, but never let Ah Yet” drink you.”
When a minister protested the States Scholarship for Saya’s bright but left-leaning student, Saya did not back out. He pushed the nomination through during a period when the minister was away.
Saya calmly convinced the students and crowd (following the agitator Ajala) to disperse
Director Thar Du was not happy when Saya recommended some parts of the movie to be revised. Thar Du was surprised when Saya voted his movie for an Academy Award. Saya explained that the two cases needed different consideration.
Dr. Maung Maung Kha
Saya Kha and family
Shwe Ku May Hnin remembered Saya Kha’s smile when a student (from the Social and Reading Club) asked him, “Saya, will you continue the tradition of Di Tha Par Mauk Kha Saya giving away his beautiful daughters to brilliant students?”.
A member of this group remembered Saya Kha’s smile and forgiveness when he was inadvertently hit by a student (who had to take classes at Workers’ College and come to the Main Campus for practical sessions). The young sayas U Thein Aung (Micky) and U Thein Htut scolded the offender and his companions for not knowing Sayagyi.
Per Dr. Alvin Oak Soe Kha, Saya Kha is the longest serving Rector (known for his compassion).
U Yone Mo
After retirement from Burma Railways, U Yone Mo served as Dean of Engineering at BIT (Burma Institute of Technology)
Under the new Education System, he became the Rector of RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology).
U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) remembers how his friends were having fun with the “Ye Punn”. Saya U Yone Mo saw them and said with a smile, “Young men, you can go to the University Swimming Pool or to the Inya Kan (Lake)”.
Saya Allen Htay (C58) told us that Sayagyi established the weekly “Yoke Shin” at the Assembly Hall.
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi (then Professor of Civil Engineering) remembered seeing a letter from U Yone Mo (Rector) sent to U Yone Mo (Parent of a son who happened to visit his gambling friends at the hostel). Saya told the Admin to stow away the letter.
Ko Zaw Min Nawaday knows Sayagyi and his spouse very well. Sayagyi and Dr. Aung Gyi were in May Myo during one summer. Sayagyi asked Dr. Aung Gyi and Ko Zaw Min to accompany him. They ate Khauk Swe. Sayagyi reminded them gently not to tell about his “Khauk Swe” appetite to Sayagadaw.
Historian
According to a Historian from Smithsonian, “There is no single correct history. There are often competing and contradicting histories.”
The duty of a historian is to present facts and not opinions.
It is up to the reader to read the historical documents critically and make his/her judgement.
Authenticity
During the Adhamma Era, sayas sayamas and students were forced to “Let Oak Chi” to visiting Taing Hmus and Higher.
One exception was Saya U Hla Shwe (Textile 69) who continued teaching saying, “This is my duty. I can only come when the class is done.”
When U Hla Shwe fell ill, a blogger recounted the episode, and several who did not know U Hla Shwe donated for his medical expenses.
Censorship
At one period, there was excessive censorship.
My story and translation “A Man of Infinite Valor” about Ananda Thuriya was censored. “Dhammata” poem was a taboo. The Higher Authorities did not like the line “One [person] must face destruction for another to prosper”.
No publication (e.g. poem) must refer to the “sun” and “sun set”.
I wrote computer articles for the Guardian. The articles had to be approved by a group of three Chief Editors (U Soe Myint, Chief Editor of Guardian and Chief Editors of two Myanmar newspapers).
With the “Pwint Linn” Era, several books and photos (which would not pass censorship) are available.
Htein Win (Dat Pone) had to wait several decades before he could publish two books : one about “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn” and another about “8-8-88 Ah Yay Ah Khin”.
Studied Chemistry at Rangoon University and Imperial College, University of London
Retired as Rector of Yangon University Foreign Languages (YUFL)
Earlier served as Principal of Pyay College (now Pyay University) and Administrator of Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST)
Spouse : Daw May Saw Lwin (Retired Professor of Chemistry) Married in 1970 around the RU Golden Jubilee They will celebrate their Golden Jubilee in 2020 around the RU Centennial
Father : Saya U Sein (SPHS)
Sons : U Aung Mon and Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin
Related Posts : Old Paulians Top Matriculates (1951 – 1965) Chemistry
Daw May Saw Lwin
Attended Methodist English High School (MEHS)
Matriculated in 1957
Studied Chemistry at Rangoon University
Retired as Professor of Chemistry
Parents : U Saw Lwin and Daw Su
Siblings : Dr. Hazel Saw Lwin and Olive Saw Lwin
Spouse : Dr. Soe Win (Retired Rector of YUFL) Married in 1970 around the RU Golden Jubilee They will celebrate their Golden Jubilee in 2020 around the RU Centennial
Sons : U Aung Mon and Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin
Related Posts A Triumphant Return Top Matriculates (1951 – 1965)
UAung Mon
Founding member and Moderator of the Yar Pyay Group
Fondly known as “Aung“
Elder son of Dr. Soe Win and Daw May Saw Lwin
Studied EcE (Electronics Engineering) at YTU and IT in Singapore
Works in Singapore.
Was an organizer for EcE (Electronics Engineering) Reunion and SPZP
Spouse : Dr. Lay May Yin
Related posts Dana for Saya Dr. San Tint
Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin
Founding member and Admin of the Yar Pyay Group
Fondly known as “Nyi Nyi“
He was brought up on the RU Main Campus.
He wanted to learn first hand accounts about the University of Rangoon and its descendants.
Works as a Surgeon in UK
Parents : Saya Dr. Soe Win and Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin
Spouse : Dr. Swe Khin Tun
Daughter : Ei Lwin achieved grade 9 in all of the nine subjects that she sat in the 2019 GCSE exams in the UK. Following grandpa’s footsteps almost sixty years later!
Related posts RU Diamond Jubilee
SayaU Sein
Son : Dr. Soe Win
Taught Burmese at SPHS
He was our Burmese teacher in High School
Healso taught Burmese to Saya U Thet Lwin (Ngwe Hlinne, Composer of “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo Kun Yeik Kho”).
Related posts SPHS Sayas
SayaU Kyaw Sein
Nephew : Dr. Soe Win
Taught several subjects (including Mathematics) in Middle School at SPHS
He was Class Teacher for a different section in Std. VII
He also taught us as a Relieving Teacher.
Win Myint (Myeik) mentioned that Saya is his father-in-law.
Related Posts SPHS Sayas
Daw Su
First resident of Inya Hall
Performed several roles in the Fund raising Concert for Tekkatho Dhammyone
Honoree of the Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwes of Inya Hall and Tekkatho Dhammayone
Spouse : U Saw Lwin
Daughters : Dr. Hazel Saw Lwin, Olive Saw Lwin, and May Saw Lwin
Wanted her daughters to stay at Inya Hall. Olive Saw Lwin and May Saw Lwin spent a year at Inya Hall. Hazel Saw Lwin (medical student) had to stay at the specified hostel.
HlaMin 