Category: RU

Intermediate College

Daw Khin Khin Aye taught us Chemistry in I.Sc (A) class at Leik Khone in 1963.

Rangoon Institute of Technology

We joined 2nd BE at RIT in November 1964. We had to take nine subjects including Chemistry.

RIT Chemistry

U Kyaw Tun was an early saya who taught Chemistry (e.g Paper Chemistry) at the Chemical Engineering Department. When RIT Chemistry was opened, Saya helped manage it.

Daw Thaung Khin taught us in 2nd BE. She left for Canada on a scholarship to pursue Doctorate.

Some Sayas and Sayamas

• Daw Than Than (Spouse of U Kyaw Tun, GBNF)
• Daw Win Win (later Professor at Magwe)
• Daw May Chit
• Daw Amar Sein
• …
• U Maurice Kyaw Zaw
• U Pike Htwe
• U Khin Maung Nyo (later Ph. D & author)
• …

SPHS

Saya Cecil D’Cruz (GBNF) taught us Chemistry at St. Paul’s High School.

Brother Joseph (later Father Joseph, GBNF) showed some Chemistry experiments in the school laboratory.

Miscellaneous

Early native Professors at RU

• U Po Tha (Uncle of Mech Professor U Aung Khin)
• U Aung Khin (Passed away in Malaysia)
• Dr. Ko Ko Gyi

Senior Sayas & Sayamas

• U Khin Maung Myint & Daw Than Than (Passed away in US)
• Dr. Mehm Thet San (Minister)
• Dr. Mehm Tin Mon (Bilingual author)
• Dr. Ohn Gyaw
• Dr. Than Than Nyein
• U Nyunt Win & Dr. Khin Mar Tun
• U Yu Htay
• Dr. Soe Win & Daw May Saw Lwin
• Dr. Tin Win (David, GBNF)
• Dr. Myint Tun (Henry)
• Dr. U Aung Myint
• Dr. U Aung
• Dr. Tin Win (Alan)
• Dr. Myint Oo
• …

RIT Alumni

Telecom Alumni

• Mehm Ye Win (EC69) served as Secretary of RIT Electrical Engineering Association.
  He was Chief Engineer (of Yangon Telephone).
  
• U Han Tha Myint (EC70) was Deputy Chief Engineer of Yangon Telephone.
  He was forced to retire after 8-8-88.
  He joined NLD.
  Father : U Thein Pe Myint

Zarnee Tun wrote : I am also MPT engineer also services for 16 years my seniors are CE U Ye Win and Dy CE U Han Tha Myint at Yangon Telephone 40th street as Digital switching project engineer. They know me as their junior.

Sittang Paper Mill Alumni

Several 69ers worked at Sittang Paper Mill

• Ko Albert Kyaw Min
• Ko Tin Maung Aye
• Ko Kyaw Zin
• Ko Chit Pe
• Ko Tin Shein
• Sa Maung Maung
• …

Others include

• Ko Win Thein (M67, GBNF)
• Ko Tin Myint (David Ko, M67)
• Ko Maung Maung Kyi (Dip. Ing, Wales, UK)

Donation by Daw Myint Myint (C69)

• Major donor to the 69er Health Care Fund
• Major Donor to the YTU Library Modernization Project
  Receipt of an early donation in 2017

I have added comments to some photos.

Article by Saya Dr. Maung Maung Nyo

U Pe Maung Tin, Dr. Htin Aung, Dr. Hla Myint, Dr. Maung Maung Kha, Ludu Daw Ah Mar, Daw Khin Myo Chit, Dr. Daw Khin Mya, M.A. Daw Ohn

Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin (Pali and Burmese Scholar) convinced RU to have a separate Burmese Department. He was the first native Principal of Rangoon College.
Dr. Htin Aung served as Principal of Rangoon College, Rector and Vice Chancellor of Rangoon University. He is a distinguished author. He is a Historian and Folklorist.
Dr. Hla Myint is a distinguished Economist. He served as Rector of Rangoon University.
Dr. Maung Maung Kha served as Professor of Physics. He is the longest tenured Rector.

RU produced outstanding female authors and educators.
Ludu Daw Ah Mar is considered as a “Literary Mother” by many journalists and writers.
Daw Khin Myo Chit won International awards for her writings.
Dr. Daw Khin Mya was a pioneer of Education in Burma.
M.A. Daw Ohn was an early female post-graduate in Burma.

Col. Min Sein, Dr, Ba Than, Dr. Ko Gyi, Dr. Daw Yin May

They are some of the Medical Pioneers in Burma.
Col. Min Sein and Dr, Daw Yin May are parents of Dr. Thein Htut (RUBC Gold, Australia).
Dr. Ba Than is the father of Georgie, Kitty and Amy. He ran the hospital (during the Japanese Occupation) which treated Bogyoke Aung San, Bogyoke Ne Win and Thakin Than Tun. He served as Rector of IM(1) and founded “Zwe Ah Nyeint”.
Dr. Ko Gyi served as MS of EENT. He is the father of Ko Tin Oo, Ko Aung Khin (GBNF) and Dr. Thein Wai.

Bogyoke Aung San: Architect of Burma’s Independence

Dr. Ba U : President of the Union of Burma

Dr. Ba U wrote “My Burma”. He claimed to be the “first” President to be elected according to the Constitution. Many consider him to be the “second” President, who succeeded Sao Shwe Thaik.

Rangoon University Student’s Union EC for 1935 – 36

Oway Magazine Committee Members (1936)

U Ba Hein and U Hla Shwe : Student Leaders

U Thant (UNSG) : Burma’s Son

Dr. Tha Hla

Dr. Tha Hla served as Professor of Geology, Interim Dean of Engineering, and Rector. He retired after serving as Advisor on UN projects. I heard some good stories about Dr. Tha Hla from a saya (who received help and advice during his stay in Thailand from Sayagyi).

Dr. Nyi Nyi

He served as Professor of Geology and as Secretary / Deputy Minister of Education (which implemented the then “New” Education System including the controversial ILA System, and the reorganization of RU into several Institutes).

He also chaired the UCC Project Management Committee.

After retirement, he worked for UN.

Mya Than Tint

He is known as an outstanding Translator.

Dr. Maung Maung Nyo is a medical doctor, professor and an award winning author.
He wrote an article about eminent alumni from Rangoon University.
RU produced scholars, leaders, authors — to name a few.
Examples:

• Dr. Ko Ko Gyi (Colonel, IM(2), Educator)
• Thakin Ba Sein (Political Leader)
• U Ba Swe (Former Prime Minister)
• Theikpan Maung Wa (ICS U Sein Tin, Author)
• Thein Pe Myint (Political Leader, Author)
• Bogyoke Kyaw Zaw (Thirty Comrades)
• Maung Htin (Author)
• Zaw Gyi (U Thein Han, Poet, Chief Librarian
• Dr. Kyaw Thet (Professor of History)

U Pe Maung Tin, Dr. Htin Aung, Dr. Hla Myint, Dr. Maung Maung Kha, Ludu Daw Ah Mar, Daw Khin Myo Chit, Dr. Daw Khin Mya, M.A. Daw Ohn

• Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin (Pali and Burmese Scholar) convinced RU to have a separate Burmese Department.
  He was the first native Principal of Rangoon College.
• Dr. Htin Aung served as Principal of Rangoon College, and Rector of Rangoon University.
  He is a distinguished Author, Historian and Folklorist.
• Dr. Hla Myint is a distinguished Economist.
  He served as Rector of Rangoon University.
• Dr. Maung Maung Kha served as Professor of Physics.
  He is the longest tenured Rector.
  He served as Rector of RU, RASU and University of Distance Learning.
• Ludu Daw Ah Mar is considered as a “Literary Mother” by many journalists and writers.
• Daw Khin Myo Chit won International awards for her writings.
• Dr. Daw Khin Mya was a pioneer of Education in Burma.
• M.A. Daw Ohn was an early female post-graduate in Burma.

Col. Min Sein, Dr, Ba Than, Dr. Ko Gyi, Dr. Daw Yin May

• They are some of the Medical Pioneers in Burma.
• Col. Min Sein (Dean) and Dr. Daw Yin May (OG) are parents of Dr. Thein Htut (RUBC Gold, Australia).
• Dr. Ba Than (Surgeon) is the father of Georgie, Kitty and Amy.
  He ran the hospital (during the Japanese Occupation) which treated Bogyoke Aung San, Bogyoke Ne Win and Thakin Than Tun.
  He served as Rector of IM(1) and founded “Zwe Ah Nyeint”.
• Dr. Ko Gyi served as MS of EENT.
  He is the father of Ko Tin Oo, Ko Aung Khin (GBNF) and Dr. Thein Wai.

Bogyoke Aung San: Architect of Burma’s Independence

Dr. Ba U : President of the Union of Burma

• Dr. Ba U wrote “My Burma”.
  He claimed to be the “first” President to be elected according to the Constitution.
  Many consider him to be the “second” President, who succeeded Sao Shwe Thaik.

Rangoon University Student’s Union EC for 1935 – 36

Oway Magazine Committee Members (1936)

U Ba Hein and U Hla Shwe : Student Leaders

U Thant (UNSG) : Burma’s Son

Dr. Tha Hla

• Dr. Tha Hla served as Professor of Geology, Interim Dean of Engineering, and Rector.
  He retired after serving as Advisor on UN projects.
  I heard some good stories about Dr. Tha Hla from a saya (who received help and advice during his stay in Thailand from Sayagyi).

Dr. Nyi Nyi

• Dr. Nyi Nyi was a mentee of Dr. Tha Hla.
• He served as Professor of Geology and as Secretary / Deputy Minister of Education (which implemented the then “New” Education System including the controversial ILA System, and the reorganization of RU into several Institutes).
• He chaired the UCC Project Management Committee.
• After retirement, he worked for UN.

Mya Than Tint

• He is kan outstanding Translator.

Article by U Htin Kyaw

Dalaban (former President U Htin Kyaw) wrote about the early use of Burmese / Myanmar terms related to University. He presented

* Thuriya (Sun) newspaper from 1930 about the naming of terms (e.g University, Principal) in Burmese / Myanmar
* Cover of College magazine (1930)
* Matriculation Certificate of his father Saya U Wun (Minthuwun)

Other articles

• Early sayas
  U Pe Maung Tin, U Aung Hla …
  
• Selected departments
  
• Exhibits
  Magazines, Journals, Newspapers, Photos, Bios …
  
• Gatherings
  Reunion, Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe …
  
• Ah Nyeints
  from various Schools
  
• Competitions
  Posters, Paintings …
  
• Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins

Prominent Burmese

U Win Aung (Maung Aung Mon, Win Aung Gyi, BBS, VOA) wrote articles about Dr. Htin Aung (first native Rector of RU) and several prominent Burmese (e.g. Mahn Win Maung, former President of the Union of Burma). During his BBS days, he announced soccer matches from Aung San Stadium.

In the RU Centennial Group

There are many

• Photos
• Kabyars
• Articles
  by readers spanning several generations.

TV stations

Broadcasts include

• RU -themed songs
• Interview with Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe
  Retired Rector, Pioneer of Computer Systems, Application and Education in Burma
• Interview with Saya U Tin Oo Hlaing
  After his retirement, Saya served as translator / interpreter for Saddhammaransi Sayadaw.

Rangoon University (RU)

• In a broad sense, RU is the ancestor of the 300 (or so) educational institutions in Myanmar.
• RU is more than the Main Campus (originally shared by Judson College and some Faculties of Rangoon College).
• RU is more than the 8 (or so) Departments (e.g Law) in December 1920.

• RU was a highly ranked university (backed up by its staff and students excelling in their studies in UK, USA, …).
• Students from other countries came to study at RU.

• RU was the alma mater of Leaders (e.g Bogyoke Aung San, UNSG U Thant), Diplomats, Scholars, Professionals, Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins, Athletes …

• In the early days, the Top Matriculates pursued their passion.
• There was no pressure to study selected disciplines (to be considered as Professionals).
  
• Dr. Hla Shwe (First in Burma in 1953) studied Physics
• Koon Yin Chu (Phillip Chu, First in Burma in 1954) studied Architecture
• Dr. Htin Kyaw (First in Burma in 1957) studied Physics
• Dr. Soe Win (First in Burma in 1958) studied Chemistry
• Dr. Frankie Ohn (First in Burma in 1959) studied Physics
• Dr. Min Oo (Second in Burma in 1963) studied Mathematics

Changes

• There have been several “New” Education Systems, several name changes and several institutions.
• Several students were effected by the use of the controversial ILA to admit matriculates to universities.
• There were stories about the higher authorities “pressuring” the sayas to let “all students” pass.
• There were reports about inadequate equipment and extremely long commutes to “remote” places (without adequate housing for staff and students).

Hope

Hope the noble RU tradition can be maintained at all the universities and institutions in Myanmar.

Fresher Welcome

• Pat Tin-Win had the courage to request Sayagyi Dr. Ba Than (who was Medical Superintendent of the Japan Khit Say Yone Gyi, Rector of IM(1) and founder of the Zwe Ah Nyeint) to play Myamangiri on the harp, and allow the recording to be used for her friend Rosie to dance at the 1964 Chemistry Fresher Welcome.
  
• Sayagyi complied.

Extracurricular Activities

• Those who chose to stay in hostels have fond memories of the various functions (e.g. by Thahaya and Sar Phutt Ah Thinn — Social and Reading Clubs), the Inter-Hall and Inter-Institute Sporting Events (e.g. at Aung San Stadium).
  
• Per Daw Nyunt Nyunt Tin, she was a Day Scholar, but she spent a lot of time at Marlar Hall (known not just for beauties but for the excellent sports teams).
  
• Some tried Rowing at the Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC).
  The pioneer female rowers were from the Institute of Economics and RASU (partly because they are close to RUBC). They were later joined from other Institutes (e.g. RIT, IM(1), Education).
  RUBC was founded by Sir Arthur Eggar (Law Professor) in 1923. Details of RUBC can be found in the 90th Anniversary Issue (published in 2013). RUBC allowed female members in the mid 1960s. Pioneer female members were mostly from Institute of Economics (e.g. Ma Khin Mya), RASU (e.g. Jill Gaudoin /Aye) and some from other institutes.

• Some remember the musical evenings and nights by Pho So Chins.
  Tekkatho Tun Naung (then a Dental College Student, Luyechun for the Summer Camp of 1965 at Inlay) would play mandolin in front of the Ladies’ Halls (e.g. Inya Hall). He would later co-found the Stereo Khit.
  
• Related posts
  Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins
  RUBC
  Social and Reading Club
  
  

U Tin U

• He matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1946. He entered Rangoon University in along with Dr Pe Nyun (GBNF), Dr. Pe Thein (GBNF) and U Sein Hlaing (GBNF).
• He represented RUBC at the Independence Day Regatta in Kandawgyi and became RUBC Gold.
• He is the Oldest and Most Senior among the Past RUBC Captains who are alive.
• He celebrated his 95th birthday on August 3, 2024.
• He lost his spouse (Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt), elder son (Dr. “Peter” Khin Tun in UK) and son-in-law (U Tin Tun) within a span of several months (starting late 2019 to May 2020).
• He received his BSCE from Oregon State University and MSCE at Yale University.
• He taught part-time at Rangoon University.
• He worked as Director and/or Advisor for Clark & Greig, Inter-Kiln and PWD.

Dr. Pe Nyun (GBNF)

• He entered Rangoon University in 1946 along with U Tin U and Dr. Pe Thein.
• He represented RUBC at the Independence Day Regatta in Kandawgyi and became RUBC Gold.
• He served as Secretary and later as Captain of RUBC.
• He was Chief Pediatric Surgeon at the Rangoon Children Hospital.
• He and Dr. Harry Saing (Htut Saing, RUBC Captain and Gold) performed the first surgery on conjoined twins (Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San) in Burma.
• He passed away in Canada.
• His family set up “Dr. Pe Nyun Award” for outstanding Pediatric Surgeons.

Dr. Pe Thein (GBNF)

• He entered Rangoon University in 1946 along with U Tin U and Dr. Pe Nyun.
• He represented RUBC at the Independence Day Regatta in Kandawgyi and became RUBC.
• Professor
• Minister of Health and Education

U Sein Hlaing (GBNF)

• He entered Rangoon University in 1946
• He was the Top graduate in Electrical Engineering in 1952.
• He joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer.
• He received his MSEE from MIT.
• He was promoted to Lecturer and later as Professor and Head of Electrical Engineering

• In the early days, several Burmese State Scholars studied in UK and USA.
• Dr. Hla Myint, Dr. Tha Hla and Dr. Maung Maung Kha received their doctorates in Economics, Geology and Meteorological Physics from UK.
  They served as Professors and later as Rectors at Rangoon University.

• Dr. Daw Thin Kyi was early female doctorate from US. She retired as Professor of Geography Department.

• In the 1950s, undergraduate and graduate students were sent to USA under the “Twinning Program” between RU and prestigious universities in the USA.
  Saya U Ba Hli, first native Dean of Engineering, is credited for the proposal.
• Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Maung Maung Than formed the first batch of Engineering students to be sent as State Scholars in the US.
  After completing their BS and MS, they joined the Faculty of Engineering.
  They retired as Professors and/or Rectors.
• U Sein Hlaing and U Tin Swe were among the Engineering sayas to be sent as State Scholars in the US.
• In 1954, there were 400+ Burmese State Scholars in the US.
  Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (Emeritus Professor of Western Illinois University) had a list.

• In the 1960s (especially during the BSPP regime), most Burmese state scholars were selected to study in socialist and communist countries.

• One day, a group of state scholars (who had been chosen to do their Diplom and Candidate of Science) were surprised and delighted to learn that they will have to do their Masters and Doctorates in the UK.
• What happened?
  Had their luck changed unexpectedly?
  
• Grapevine says that four Burmese state scholars in Dresden, German Democratic Republic (GDR) formed an association and led protests in front of the Burmese Embassy claiming that the “Burmese Way to Socialism” is weak.
• The student leaders were routed back to Burma via Moscow, USSR.
• The higher authorities decided to send less scholars to the socialist and communist countries to prevent or minimize hard-core cadres.

Saya U Thein Tan (C74, Retired Rector of MTU) added :

U Hla Min, it is not only cause for diverting state scholars to UK and Canada. We engineers and Physics graduates and forestry graduates are chosen to study in USSR. We had our passport in hand and applied for visa . Then there were no reply for about a month. They gave back our passports. Later on I learnt that our government had denounced the invasion of Czechoslovak by Warsaw group is illegal. After some time we and Physics graduates are sent to UK. Forestry graduates are sent to Canada instead of USSR.

• Pagan Road had residence for senior sayas and sayamas.
• The original post was by Ma Hta Cho Wun (Rosaline), daughter of Saya U Wun (Minthuwun).
• The photo was re-posted by Dr. Richard Yu Khin (MEHS61, SEAP Gold Medalist for Sailing).
  
• The group photo was taken in December 1958.
  
• It featured the children of
  (a) Saya U Wun (Minthuwun)
  Burmese Professor, Visiting Professor at Osaka U, Head of Translation, Lexicographer, Laureate Poet
  (b) Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi)
  Chief Librarian, RU Central Library, Laureate Poet
  (c) Saya U Myo Min (Nwe Soe)
  English Professor, Author of Archway Reader
  (d) Saya U Yu Khin
  Registrar, Dean, Former Burma Badminton Champion for Doubles, Chair of RU Sports
  
• Some of them became Ph.Ds and Medical Doctors.