Category: Trips

Visit to Myanmar — 2018
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Jan & Feb 2018

Had a wonderful time in Myanmar in January and February, 2018.
- 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe for ICST/UCSY
ICST SPZP
- Paid respect to Saya U Soe Paing
- Paid respect to Saya U Moe Aung
- Last rites at Ye Way for Ko Aung Moung (M73)
U Aung Moung
- Guest lecture at UCSY
- Guest lecture at MARB
- Guest lectures at private monk university
- Monthly meeting of 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
- RITAA meeting (includes Opening Ceremony of Teacher’s Corner
- Discussion with Ko Wynn Htain Oo and Sayama Daw Thida
- 69er breakfast gathering organized by Ko Shwe (EP69)
- Birthday celebration by Ko Tin Mg Aye (M69)
- Birthday soon kway by Ko Kyaw Win (SPHS63, Germany) for Uzin Victor Aung Chaw
- UCC lunch gathering hosted by Ko Soe Myint and Ko Sein Myint
- Gatherings with relatives
- Meeting old friends
ICST

The 5th Acariya PuZaw Pwe of ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) and UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon) was held in January 2018.

Former students from UCC (Universities’ Computer Center), DCS (Department of Computer Science) and ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) requested me to attend the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY.

San Yin Myint (Samanta), one of the organizers for the Pu Zaw Pwe, is a niece of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF) and a cousin of Ko Maurice Chee (M75).

Per arrangement of Samantha, Saw Yan Naing picked me up. He is the son of Dr. Saw Naing (Leslie), a nephew of Dr. Myo Khin and a cousin of Ko Soe Lin Maung (ex-UCC).

Gave a short speech as a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”.

The SPZP was held in five batches. As a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”, I covered some milestones of the Introduction of Computers to Burma under the leadership of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe.

Ma Nge (Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, GBNF) attended the SPZP.

ICST/UCSY published a commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of UCC. I wrote “Paying Back to My Alma Mater” (a summary of the 30+ posts about UCC) for the issue.

UCSY

Gave a guest lecture at UCSY a week later.

Spent several days of my vacation to write and post “Memories of UCC”.

I also wrote an abridged version for publication in the 30th Anniversary of UCSY.

UCC

Sayama Mu Mu Myint is a senior alumni of UCC and DCS. She requested her husband to drive a long way from their home to hand over the “token garawa” from an earlier “Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe”.

Soe Lin Maung hosted a lunch micro-gathering (despite his busy schedule).

Ko Sein Myint (EC76, ex-UCC) and Ko Soe Myint (KSM, ex-UCC) hosted a lunch gathering at Kone Myint Tha. Ko Aung Myint (AM), Ko Win Myint (Bo Waing) and Ma Nu Nu Aung were also present. We then walked to Saya U Soe Paing’s house and paid respect to Saya (who was having a problem with his spine). Friends of Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69, MEHS 63) advised Saya to undergo a surgery in Singapore.

RIT

Met Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War), Ko Wynn Htain Oo (Mg Mar Ga, M72), Ko Ohn Khine (Gaing Gyi, M70), several members of RITAA, and 69ers.

69er Gatherings

Attended three breakfast gatherings with the 69ers.

Donated US$100 (part to 69er HCF and part to EE 69er HCF).

I hosted the gathering (mostly EE) with Uzin Aung Chaw (C) and Wei Lu (Met) as guests.

Mini-gathering hosted by me

Mini-gathering hosted by me

During my visits back home, several friends gave me rides.

U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:
- U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
- Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
- Yours truly
Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.

A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).

Standing:
- U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
- U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
- Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
- U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
- U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)
Seated :
- U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
- U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
- U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
- U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)
Second Gathering

Ko Tin Maung Aye (M, Accordion) hosted a gathering to celebrate his birthday.

Third Gathering

The gathering on February 24, 2018 was to welcome Ko Win Boh (Robert) and Ko Surinder Singh — both from Australia. Unfortunately, Ko Surinder could not wrap up his trip to Upper Burma to be in time for the 69er gathering. Ko Kyaw Nyunt organized a lucky draw with presents given by Ko Frederick Thetgyi.

Trips

Tiring, but interesting and entertaining to take three trips.

Phyu Phyu Kyaw (UCC) offered to sponsor me to spend two nights at a hotel in Bagan Myo Thit. Had been a long time since I visited Bagan / Nyaung Oo.

A sayadaw asked if I would like to attend a consecration ceremony for “Lyaung Daw Mu” (Reclining Pagoda) near the bank of Mu River (in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing).

My beloved wife wanted to do dana at Hinthada for her ancestors.

Learned a lot

I learned a lot from the trips by being a good listener and also experiencing the conditions (infrastructure, culture, …) in different parts of Myanmar.

Cost more to take a taxi to and from the “Long distance bus station” than to travel by an air-conditioned bus.

Takes a lot longer to take the short cut road than to take the longer paved road. It’s worse if one is not aware of unfinished repair work on a dirt road : sharp rocks, pot holes, …

Ha Lin (Old Capital of Pyu) is a Cultural Heritage, but there are no decent roads leading there.

Someone commented : “Most of us just make quick trips to pagodas. Several tourists hire motorbikes to explore both Old and New Bagan (and beyond). They take photos with professional cameras.”

SPHS

Kyaw Wynn (SPHS63) is cousin of Saya U Tin Htut (M) and Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung (E).

He rowed No. (3) on the Bow side in our Senior Novice crew.

He hosted a birthday soon kwyay gathering at Shwe Ba ရွှေဘ (အောင်သုခ) Saing. Offered soon to Uzin Aung Chaw (C69) and donated to Uzin’s dhamma projects. Ordered lunch for his old classmates (some of whom I have not seen since our University days). Attendees include Ko Than Win (M69), Ko Tin Tun (M69), Ko Khin Maung Bo (Alan, EP69, GBNF), Ko Aung Kyi (Arthur, “motorcycle” guy, GBNF), Ko Aye Ngwe (Edwin), and Ko Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, UK).

Updates
- Some are now GBNF.
- Dr. Kyaw Thein succumbed to Covid.
- Uzin Aung Chaw, Aung Kyi, Khin Maung Bo and Tin Tun (all SPHS63) have passed away.
- Aung Myint and Nge Ma Ma Than (ex-UCC) are also GBNF.
- The GBNF list for 69ers currently has 139 members.
October 11, 2025
Visit to Myanmar — 2018
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

ICST SPZP

U Aung Moung

Had a wonderful time in Myanmar in Janaury and February, 2018.
- 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe for ICST/UCSY
- Paid respect to Saya U Soe Paing
- Paid respect to Saya U Moe Aung
- Last rites at Ye Way for Ko Aung Moung (M73)
- Guest lecture at UCSY
- Guest lecture at MARB
- Guest lectures at private monk university
- Monthly meeting of 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
- RITAA meeting (includes Opening Ceremony of Teacher’s Corner
- Discussion with Ko Wynn Htain Oo and Sayama Daw Thida
- 69er breakfast gathering organized by Ko Shwe (EP69)
- Birthday celebration by Ko Tin Mg Aye (M69)
- Birthday soon kway by Ko Kyaw Win (SPHS63, Germany) for Uzin Victor Aung Chaw
- UCC lunch gathering hosted by Ko Soe Myint and Ko Sein Myint
- Gatherings with relatives
- Meeting old friends
ICST

The 5th Acariya PuZaw Pwe of ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) and UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon) was held in January 2018.

Former students from UCC (Universities’ Computer Center), DCS (Department of Computer Science) and ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) requested me to attend the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY.

San Yin Myint (Samanta), one of the organizers for the Pu Zaw Pwe, is a niece of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF) and a cousin of Ko Maurice Chee, M75.

Per arrangement of Samantha, Ko Saw Yan Naing came and picked me up. He is the son of Dr. Saw Naing (Leslie), a nephew of Dr. Myo Khin and a cousin of Ko Soe Lin Maung (ex-UCC).

Gave a short speech as a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”.

The SPZP was held in five batches. As a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”, I covered some milestones of the Introduction of Computers to Burma under the leadership of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe.

Ma Nge (Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, GBNF) attended the SPZP.

ICST/UCSY published a commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of UCC. I wrote “Paying Back to My Alma Mater” (a summary of the 30+ posts about UCC) for the issue.

San Yin Myint (at SPZP-2000)

UCSY

Gave a guest lecture at UCSY a week later.

Spent 3 (or more) days of my vacation to write and post “Memories of UCC”. I also wrote an abridged version for publication in the 30th Anniversary of UCSY. They can be read at hlamin.com

UCC

Sayama Mu Mu Myint is a senior alumni of UCC and DCS. She requested her husband to drive a long way from their home to hand over the “token garawa” from an earlier “Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe”.

Soe Lin Maung hosted a lunch micro-gathering (despite his busy schedule).

Ko Sein Myint (EC76, ex-UCC) and Ko Soe Myint (KSM, ex-UCC) hosted a lunch gathering at Kone Myint Tha. Ko Aung Myint (AM), Ko Win Myint (Bo Waing) and Ma Nu Nu Aung were also present. We then walked to Saya U Soe Paing’s house and paid respect to Saya (who was having a problem with his spine). Friends of Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69, MEHS 63) advised Saya to undergo a surgery in Singapore.

RIT

Met Saya U Moe Aung, Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Ko Ohn Khine (M70), several members of RITAA, and 69ers.

69er Gatherings

Attended three breakfast gatherings with the 69ers.

Donated US$100 (part to 69er HCF and part to EE 69er HCF).

I hosted the gathering (mostly EE) with Uzin Aung Chaw (C) and Wei Lu (Met) as guests.

Mini-gathering hosted by me

During my visits to Myanamar, several friends gave me rides.

U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:
- U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
- Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
- Yours truly
Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.

A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).

Standing:
- U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
- U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
- Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
- U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
- U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)
Seated :
- U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
- U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
- U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
- U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)
Second Gathering

Ko Tin Maung Aye (M, Accordion) hosted a gathering to celebrate his birthday.

Third Gathering

The gathering on February 24, 2018 was to welcome Ko Win Boh (Robert) and Ko Surinder Singh — both from Australia. Unfortunately, Ko Surinder could not wrap up his trip to Upper Burma to be in time for the 69er gathering. Ko Kyaw Nyunt organized a lucky draw with presents given by Ko Frederick Thetgyi.

Trips

Tiring, but interesting and entertaining to take three trips.

Phyu Phyu Kyaw (UCC) offered to sponsor me to spend two nights at a hotel in Bagan Myo Thit. Had been a long time since I visited Bagan / Nyaung Oo.

A sayadaw asked if I would like to attend a consecration ceremony for “Lyaung Daw Mu” (Reclining Pagoda) near the bank of Mu River (in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing).

My beloved wife wanted to do dana at Hinthada for her ancestors.

Learned a lot

I learned a lot from the trips by being a “good” listener and also experiencing the conditions (infrastructure, culture, …) in different parts of Myanmar.

Cost more to take a taxi to and from the “Long distance bus station” than to travel by an air-conditioned bus.

Takes a lot longer to take the “short cut” road than to take the longer “paved” road. It’s worse if one is not aware of “unfinished” repair work on a dirt road : sharp rocks, pot holes, …

Ha Lin (Old Capital of Pyu) is a Cultural Heritage, but there are no “good” roads leading there.

Someone commented : “Most of us just make quick trips to pagodas. Several tourists hire motorbikes to explore both Old and New Bagan (and beyond). They take photos with professional cameras.”

SPHS

Kyaw Wynn (SPHS63) is cousin of Saya U Tin Htut (M) and Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung (E).

He rowed No. (3) on the Bow side in our Senior Novice crew.

He Hosted a birthday soon kwyay gathering at Shwe Ba Saing. Offered soon to Uzin Aung Chaw (C69) and donated to Uzin’s dhamma projects. Ordered lunch for his old classmates (some of whom I have not seen since our University days). Attendees include Ko Than Win (M69), Ko Tin Tun (M69), Ko Khin Maung Bo (Alan, EP69, GBNF), Ko Aung Kyi (Arthur, “motorcycle” guy, GBNF), Ko Aye Ngwe (Edwin), and Ko Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, UK).
August 13, 2025
Visit — Inlay
Poem
- My poem “Phaung daw-u Festival” was published in the Thadinkyut Supplement of the Working People’s Daily (WPD).
- I received Fifteen Kyats for the poem.
- U Ko Lay was the Chief Editor of WPD.
- Daw Khin Swe Hla was Assistant Editor of WPD.
Visits

First Visit
- My first visit was as Luyechun to the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the summer of 1965.
- Ko Sein Shwe, Ko Zaw Min and Ma Khin Than Myint Tin were the other RIT Luyechuns.
- See related posts on “Luyechun”.
Inlay Luyechun

Inlay Luyechun (Casual Dress)

Second Visit
- My second visit was as a guest of Peter Pe (Aung Kyaw, SPHS) in October, 1965.
- Maung Maung Aye decided to join us.
- We were greeted at Nyang Shwe by Thar Oo (Shan Pyay).
- We stayed for a week in Inn Paw Khone in Inlay Lake.
- Peter’s cousins (including a medical doctor) hosted us.
- We attended the Phaung Daw-u Festival.
- We then visited Taunggyi to see Peter’s uncle U Maung Maung Latt (Ah Matt Choke of Nyaung Shwe Sawbwa).
- We attended the Mee Bone Byan Pwe.
Third Visit
- My third visit was in the mid 2010’s via a Tour Company which arranged a Tour Guide, and car, a private boat and a night stay at a hotel in the Lake.
- The photo shows a rainbow in the background.
- We were sad to see the declining state of Inlay (e.g. water level).
- We spent some time in Taunggyi and the nearby cave in Ho Pone.
Rainbow over Inlay

Fourth Visit
- My fourth visit was in January 2020 as the last leg of a one week PSA (Professional Speakers Association) 2020 Tour.
- We stayed at a hotel near Inlay Lake.
- Two PSA members gave a short course to the hotel employees.
- Some went for the Hot Air Balloon ride. Some opted for a boat ride in the Inlay Lake.
August 8, 2025
Trips in 2019
by Hla Min

Update : July 2025
- Singapore, Malaysia & Myanmar before the Pandemic
- Thanks to hosts, sponsors and organizers
5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival

Late October to Early November
- In late October 2019, I visited former classmates, colleagues & students in Singapore.
- Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) & Ma Kyu were our main hosts.
- Ko Ngwe Soe (Silver, UCC) & Ma Nu hosted us at their second home in Jahore. Silver took us to Melecca. Earlier he took us to Sentosa which was about to bring down the Lion Statue. He also wanted to jolt my memory of the “Myo Putt Ya Htar”.
- There were mini gatherings :
  69ers, M73 group with their Saya U Tu Myint, ex-UCC and ex-ICST.
- There were micro gatherings : Boe & Ma Phyu, Ma Pale & Ko Ye.
- Ko Zaw Tun & Ma Kyu offered Soon at their house in addition to regular ones at Singapore Chan Myay Monastery.
Early November
- In early November, we continued our trip. KK picked me up at Mingalardon airport and placed me at a hotel. He hosted two gatherings : speakers & coaches.
- We flew to Mandalay to attend the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival. I was a panelist at two sessions : one on Education and another on Poetry.
- During a break, Ko Thein Htut (UCC) took me on a quick trip around Sagaing & Mandalay
- Received autographed copy from Htein Win (Dat Pon). He had to wait a long time before he could publish his photos and articles about two Dark Moments in Burma : U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin & 8-8-88.
Mid November to End of December
- There were several gatherings back in Yangon in November and December, 2019.
RIT Gatherings
- RIT 69er Monthly Breakfast Gathering
- Golden Jubilee of 69ers (Main event at Gyogone Campus, Reunion Dinner organized by Ko Aung Min at his old office compound)
- Lunch hosted by Ko Tin Win (Min69)
- Guest of Class of 72 (M72 Annual Gathering & PZP, additional : Indian Lunch, Chinese Dinner)
- Guest at All Mechanical Gathering
- Dinner by Ko Nyunt Htay (Met73)
- Birthday Lunch by Ko Myint Toe (M71) & Ma Nwe (Met74)
UCC / ICST Gatherings
- Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of UCSY/ICST
- Several ex-UCC gatherings
  (MICT, Sweetie, Soon Kyway by Ko Soe Win & KZ, …)
SPHS Gatherings
- Wedding of Eddie Shein’s daughter
- Soon for Uzin Saya Beatson
RUBC
- RUBC Annual Regatta
- Attendees include :
  U Tin U (Most Senior Past Captain), U Maung Maung Than Tun (Oldest Past Captain, GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain, GBNF), U Sein Htoon (Past Captain), U Myo Myint (Gold), U Tun Mra, U Tin Myint (GBNF), Dr. Thein Hlyne …
MARB
- Visited new Building
- Thai Tarot Master donated Air Conditioners
Sun Lun
- Meditation sessions
- Received two books from Junior Win about her grand parents U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit
Miscellaneous
- 49th Anniversary of Saya Dr. Soe Win & Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin
- Thar Yay (သာရေး) Zeyar
- Nar Yay (နာရေး) Ma Cherry
- Other gatherings :
  Ma Hazel,
  my friends,
  my spouse’s friends…
- Thanks for the rides :
  Ko Ohn Khine,
  Ko Win Maung (Lake),
  Ko Tin Aung Win (Oscar),
  Ko Tin Win,
  Ko Ye Myint,
  Ko Aung Myin Bo,
  younger son of Y Patail
  …
Posts
- 5th ILF
- 69ers
- Anniversaries & Celebrations
- Gatherings
- UCC, DCS & ICST
- Visits
July 17, 2025
Trips
by Hla Min

Update : July 2025

Before the pandemic
- Singapore
- Malaysia (briefly)
- Myanmar
- Thanks to hosts, sponsors & organizers
Late October (2019)
- Visited former classmates, colleagues & students in Singapore
Hosts
- Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) & Ma Kyu were our main hosts
- Ko Ngwe Soe (Silver, UCC) & Ma Nu hosted us at their second home in Jahore.
  Silver took us to Melecca.
  Earlier he took us to Sentosa which was about to bring down the Lion Statue. He also wanted to jolt my memory of the “Myo Putt Ya Htar မြို့ပတ်ရထား”.
Gatherings

Mini gatherings
- 69ers
- M73 group with their Saya U Tu Myint
- ex-UCC & ex-ICST
Micro gatherings
- Boe & Ma Phyu
- Ma Pale & Ko Ye
- Ko Zaw Tun & Ma Kyu offered Soon at their house (in addition to the regular ones at the Singapore Chan Myay Monastery).
Early November
- Continued our trip
- KK picked me up at the Mingalardon air port and placed me at a hotel.
- KK hosted two gatherings : mostly professional speakers and coaches.
ILF
- Flew to Mandalay to attend the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival. I was a Panelist at two sessions : one on Education and another on Poetry.
Panelist
- During a break, Ko Thein Htut (UCC) took me on a quick trip around Sagaing & Mandalay.
- Did not meet Ko Kyaw Kyaw Soe. He had to take a trip to see his ailing son.
- Received an autographed copy from Ko Htein Win (Dat Pon).
  He had to wait a long time before he could publish his photos and related articles about two Dark Moments in Burma : U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin and 8-8-88.
Mid November to End of December
- There were several gatherings back in Yangon in November and December, 2019.
RIT Gatherings
- RIT 69er Monthly Breakfast Gathering
- Golden Jubilee of 69ers (Main event at Gyogone Campus, Reunion Dinner organized by Ko Aung Min at his old office compound)
GJ of Graduation
- Lunch hosted by Ko Tin Win (Min)
- Guest of the Class of 72 (M72 Annual Gathering and PZP, additional : Indian Lunch, Chinese Dinner)
- Guest at All Mechanical Gathering /Dinner
All Mech Gatherinng
- Dinner by Ko Nyunt Htay
Ko Nyunt Htay

UCC / ICST Gatherings
- Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of UCSY/ICST
ICST PZP
- Several ex-UCC gatherings
  (MICT, Sweetie’s apartment, Soon Kyway by Ko Soe Win & KZ, …)
Sweetie

SPHS Gatherings
- Wedding of Eddie Shein’s daughter
- Soon for Uzin Saya Beatson
With Sayadaw Beatson

RUBC
- RUBC Annual Regatta
RUBC
- Attendees include :
  U Tin U (Most Senior Past Captain), U Maung Maung Than Tun (Oldest Past Captain, GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain, GBNF), U Sein Htoon (Past Captain), U Myo Myint (Gold), U Tun Mra, U Tin Myint (GBNF), Dr. Thein Hlyne …
MARB

Veda
- Visited the new Building
- Thai Tarot Master donated Air Conditioners
Sun Lun
- Some meditation sessions
- Received two books from Mi Mi Win (Junior Win) about her grand parents U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit
Miscellaneous
- Birthday Lunch by Ko Myint Toe & Ma Nwe
- 49th Anniversary of Saya Dr. Soe Win and Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin
- Thar Yay (Zeyar’s house warming …)
- Nar Yay (Ma Cherry’s demise…)
- Other gatherings :
  Ma Hazel,
  my friends,
  my spouse’s friends…
- Thanks for the rides :
  Ko Ohn Khine,
  Ko Win Maung (Lake),
  Ko Tin Aung Win (Oscar),
  Ko Tin Win,
  Ko Ye Myint,
  Ko Aung Myin Bo,
  younger son of Y Patail
  …
Updates
- There were restrictions (for Travel & Gatherings) during the pandemic.
- Eighteen 69ers & several family members succumbed to Covid
- Some ex-UCC — U Mg Mg Lay, U Mg Mg Gyi, U Aung Myint — are GBNF.
Posts
- 69ers
- Gatherings
- Literary Talks & Festivals
- Pu Zaw Pwes
- UCC Alumni
- Visits
July 14, 2025
2018 NJ Gathering & Canada Trip
by Hla Min & Ivan

Update : July 2025

NJ Gathering
- For many years, Ivan Lee (M69) hosted Annual RIT-UCC gathering at his New Jersey home.
- The Guests usually included Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Soe Paing, RIT alumni (e.g Fred Thetgyi) and UCC alumni (e.g Soe Myint) mostly from the East Coast). Some — Tun Aung Gyaw, Sein Myint — are alumni of RIT and UCC
- In June 2018, the special guests included Saya Dr. Tin Win & Daw Lily from Southern California, Saya U Aung Myint from New Zealand and Daniel Tint Lwin from Singapore.
- Ivan suggested repeating the Whirlwind Road Trip taken in July 2015 to visit Sayagyi U Aung Khin in Windsor and Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi in Napean, Ottawa.
Visit Sayagyi U Aung Khin

On 23rd June, 2018, the following visited Sayagyi U Aung Khin in Windsor, Canada.
- Saya U Tin Win (M62)
- Daw Lily Win (Khin Hta Yee, T72)
- Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67)
- Saya U Aung Myint (M69)
- Ivan Lee (M69)
- Fred Thet Gyi (M69)
- U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69)
Paying respect to Sayagyi U Aung Khin

UAK 1

UAK 2

UAK 3

Updates
- At a later meeting, the attendees proposed to form MASTAA
Initial MASTAA Team
- Ivan — CEO and Chair
- Sein Myint (EC76, UCC) — Vice Chair
- Soe Myint (UCC) — President
MASTAA Interviews
- Saya Dr. Aung Gyi
- Saya Dr. San Hla Aung
- Saya U Soe Paing
July 11, 2025
Visits
by Hla Min

Update : July 2025

(1) Ngapali

Poem

Ngapali
- My poem “The Ngapali Beach” was published in Forward Magazine
- Received 15 Kyats for the poem
- Illustrator received 50 Kyats
- Bohmu Ba Thaw was Chief Editor of the Forward Magazine. He jokingly asked me if I would be interested to join his staff.
- U Sein Hla was Assistant Editor
Three Visits
- My first visit was during my student days with my cousin Ko Thaung Lwin & friends. We stayed at U Tha Gyaw Wai’s Bungalow (managed by my uncle U Thet Toe).
- At a nearby bungalow was the Amyotha Yoke Shin movie crew with U San Maung (Gerald, RUBC Gold & Coach). They were shooting a film starring Wah Wah Win Shwe and directed by U Min Naing. Ko Gerald asked me if I would be interested to join them on the way back to Rangoon via Taung Goke.
- The ride on the truck over the Taung Goke Pass was rough and tough. At Taung Goke, we were hosted by a cinema owner. He offered the movie audience a free show if they could translate the Burmese titles into English. One submission was “Fly away bitter bird” (Pyan Lay dei Nget Khar ပျံလေတဲ့ဌက်ခါး).
- The rest of the trip involved a boat ride after a long delay and a train ride.
- My second visit was with my beloved spouse & two young sons. We stayed at Amyotha Yoke Shin Bungalow managed by U Mya Maung, elder brother of Saya U Tin Htut (M).
- My third visit was as Guest Lecturer for Ngapali Luyechun Camp in 1988. I spent some time chatting with other Guest Lecturers including Saya U Kyaw Myint (DG of Higher Education, former Physics Professor at Mandalay).
- I know a few people who have taken annual trips to Ngapali.
(2) Inlay

Poem

Poem 2
- My poem “Phaung daw-u Festival” was published in the Thadinkyut Supplement of the Working People’s Daily (WPD).
- Received 15 Kyats for the poem
Four Visits

Inlay Luyechun
- My first visit was as Luyechun to Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the summer of 1965.
- My second visit was as a guest of Peter Pe (SPHS) in October, 1965. Maung Maung Aye decided to join us. We were greeted at Nyaung Shwe by Thar Oo (Shan Pyay).
- We stayed for a week in Inn Paw Khone in Inlay Lake. Peter’s cousins (including a medical doctor) hosted us. We attended the Phaung Daw-u Festival.
- We then visited Taunggyi to see Peter’s uncle U Maung Maung Latt (Ah Matt Choke အမတ်ချုပ်of Nyaung Shwe Sawbwa ညောင်ရွှေစော်ဘွား). We attended the Mee Bone Byan Pwe မီးပုံးပျံပွဲ
- My third visit was in the mid 2010’s via a Tour Company which arranged a Tour Guide, and car, a private boat and a night stay at a hotel in the Lake.
- The photo shows a rainbow in the background.
Rainbow over Inlay
- Sad to see the declining state of Inlay (e.g. low water level). We also spent some time in Taunggyi and the nearby cave in Ho Pone.
- My fourth visit was in January 2020 as the last leg of PSA 2020 Tour. We stayed at a hotel near Inlay Lake. Two PSA members gave a short course to the hotel employees. Some went for the Hot Air Balloon ride. Some opted for a boat ride in the Inlay Lake.
(3) Sydney

In June 2006, I visited Sydney, Australia to attend three mini-gatherings.
- Annual Dinner of Engineers
  mostly RIT Alumni
Engg Dinner in Sydney
- Gathering hosted by Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC) to pay respect to Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (Founder of UCC) and Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (National Advisor, Board Member of UCC)
UCC Alumni in Sydney
- Lunch for Old Paulians in Olympic Park by Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe, Geology)
- Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83) is the son of Dr. Freddie Ba Hli and my cousin Daw Myint Thwe. He gave me the book “This is Sydney” as a present.
Book Present

(4) Niagara Falls
- Visited Nigara Falls twice.
- My first visit to Niagara Falls two decades ago from the US side.
- Ko Mya Aung, Ko Tin Ohn, Ko Mg Mg Myint and I rented a car and made a quick trip.
- My second visit to Niagara Falls was made in July 2015.
- Ivan Lee (M69) provided his Mercedes for a trip to Canada and the East Coast of USA.
- Fred Thetgyi (M69) drove most of the journey so that Ivan could rest. On the way to Windsor, Canada, we visited Niagara Falls from the Canadian side.
Niagara 1

Niagara 2

Niagara 3

Niagara 4

(5) UK

England

Peter
- Hosts : Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) & Daw Win Mar (Reading, England)
Wales

Mg Mg Kyi
- Hosts : U Maung Maung Kyi & Daw Khin May Than (Ogmore-by-the-sea, Wales)
- See posts
(6) Texas

Hosts

Dr. Ba Han
- Dr. Ba Han & Daw Lillian (Fort Worth)
San Lin
- U San Lin & Daw Hla Hla Myint (Dallas)
Myo Tin & KZO
- U Myo Tin & Dr. Khine Zin Oo (Temple)
(7) Seattle

KMZ
- U Khin Maung Zaw (Side trips to Oregon & Vancouver)
(8) East Coast

Maryland

East Coast Reunion
- Dr. L Sein Myint
U Thein Han
- U Thein Han & family
- U Wynn Myint Aung & family
Washington, D.C.
- U Htin Lin & family
Tri-State
- U Aung Thu (New York)
Fred, Ivan, Tom
- Ivan Lee (New Jersey) : Side trip to Canada & East Coast
- Tom Liu & family (Connecticut)
Pennsylvania
- Fred Thetgyi & family
Massachusetts

TAG, Maw
- Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw & Daw Khin Maw Maw (also Cape Cod for their son’s wedding)
(9) SoCal

U Tin Htut
- Saya U Tin Htut & Daw Irene
Steeve
- Steeve Kay (QTCM & KFF)
U Aung Khin
- U Aung Khin & Daw The The
- Daw Phyu Phyu Kyaw
U Tin Htoon, KMZ
- U Tin Htoon & Daw Helen
- Ed Saw
(10) Canada

U Aung Khin
- Sayagyi U Aung Khin (Windsor)
Dr. Aung Gyi
- Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma (Napean)
- U Zaw Oo (Vancouver)
(11) Singapore

Win Latt
- U Win Latt
TAW
- U Tin Aung Win & Daw Wah
Ngwe Soe
- U Ngwe Soe & Daw Nu Nu Yee (Side trip to Jahore & Malecca)
Kyu, Pale
- U Zaw Tun & Daw Kyu Kyu
- Pale Shein & Ko Ye
KMM
- U Khin Maung Myint
(12) Myanmar

5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival

ILF
- Host : ILF Board
2020 Myanmar PSA Tour
- Host : U Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing & family
(13) Visit to Burma by Foreign Leaders
- During our younger days, three N’s : Nu (Burma), Nehru (India) and Nasser (Egypt) celebrated the Burmese New Year (Thingyan Festival). They helped found the Non-Aligned Movement.
- Other leaders such as David Ben Gurion (Israel), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) and Daj Hammarskjold (UNSG) also visited Burma.
Nehru (India)

Photos : Compiled by Win Aung Gyi (Maung Aung Mon)

Nehru and Indira Gandhi (India)

Chou En Lai (China)

Chou En Lai

Ben Gurion

Daj Hammarskjold

Posts
- Festivals
- Gatherings
- SPZP
- Trips
- Vacation
July 11, 2025
Sydney (2006)
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Gatherings

In 2006, I visited Sydney, Australia to attend
- RIT Alumni Gathering
- UCC Alumni Gathering
- BOB (Brothers’ Old Boys) Gathering.
RIT Gathering

RIT Gathering
- Saya U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) and Saya U Myo Win (M/Ag65) co-chaired the RIT Alumni Gathering.
- Organizers include U Thet Tun (Henry, M75), U Wint Khin Zaw (A79), and U Sein Win (C80).
- Attendees include Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli, RIT Alumni & family members, U Aung Zaw (UCC) and some Doctors
- Ko Htay Aung (EC80) provided tickets to attend the Gathering.
UCC Gathering

UCC Gathering
- Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC) hosted the UCC Alumni Gathering at his house.
- Ma Kyawt cooked Mohinga.
- We paid respect to Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli and Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe
BOB Gathering
- Dr. Than Naing (Bonnie Kywe, SPHS66, Geology Professor) hosted the BOB Gathering at the Olympic Park built for 2000 Summer Olympics.
- Attendees include Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (from Canberra), U Win Boh (Robert from Queensland), U Htay Aung (Victor), Stanley Saw (from New Zealand) and Philip Smythe (Burma Selected in Swimming & Diving).
- Ko Bonnie invited U Pantra.
Updates
- Several are now GBNF. They include Dr. Freddie Ba Hli & Daw Myint Thwe, Dr. Chit Swe, U Aung Zaw and U Myo Win.
- Most RIT alumni were from Sydney. A few from Perth & Auckland (New Zealand) attended the Alumni Gathering.
June 30, 2025
Texas (May 8 – 10, 2019)
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Trip Plan

We had frequent flyer miles with United Air Lines.

Booked round trip flight from SJC (San Jose, California) to DFW (Dallas / Fort Worth in Texas) via DEN (Denver, Colorado) after consulting with Dr. Ba Han (SPHS66, IM1 73, who lives in Fort Worth) and U San Lin (Robert, MEHS67, EC73, UCC, who lives in Dallas).

There are several twin cities in the USA. They include
- Dallas & Fort Worth (in Texas)
- Minneapolis & St. Paul (in Minnesota)
- Seattle & Tacoma (in Washington)
DFW is an International air port near Dallas and Fort Worth.

Dallas also has a local airport named “Love Field” (which is used mainly by Southwest Airlines).

Robert agreed to pick us up at the DFW air port and host for two nights.

Dr. Ba Han agreed to host the remainder of the trip, and also show us around selected cities in Texas.

Break from FB

I did not take my lap top.

I did not log in to FB for the duration of the trip.

May 8, 2019

We flew from SJC to DEN on the morning of May 8, 2019.

At the DEN airport, we learned that “due to thunderstorms, only a limited number of inbound flights to DFW were allowed.” The estimated time of departure from DEN was adjusted twice. After more than two hours delay, the plane took off and landed in DFW about two hours later.

Robert and his spouse Daw Hla Myint (Marina, EC73) picked us up at DFW. They treated us to a Texas BBQ (Barbecue). We learned that Robert had become a vegetarian, but would occasionally order BBQ for his grandson.

They hosted us for two nights.

May 9, 2019

They showed us around Dallas (including the infamous depository used by Oswald, the ranch used in the TV series “Dallas”, and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Robert

Robert studied at RIT & UCC. He worked for TI (Texas Instruments) in Singapore. He was relocated to TI in Houston. He retired in 2018 and moved to Dallas to be near his son Dr. Vincent & two grandsons.

Vincent and his wife are medical doctors. They hosted a dinner near the swimming club of their elder son.

U Boon Pin

U Boon Pin and wife

Robert’s father U Boon Pin is a 1948 – 49 classmate of U Soe Aung (PWD) and U Gyn Kho (PWD, Dr. Ba Han’s uncle). He retired as Deputy Chief Engineer of Railways.

Robert’s mom passed away in Taiwan in 2020. She has two sisters. One married Albert Teoh (the eldest of 15 Teoh siblings). Another is the mother of Johnson Lim (C7x).

May 10, 2019

Dr. Ba Han joined us for lunch at the Dallas Chinese temple that offers excellent vegetarian dishes for a suggested donation of $7.

He then drove us to Temple to meet our common niece — daughter of his elder brother U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold) and my elder sister Sayama Daw Tin Tin Win (RIT Chemistry).

My niece Dr. Khine Zin Oo & her spouse U Myo Tin treated us a dinner at a restaurant which offered dishes from Texas and Louisiana.

Posts
- Texas (May 8 – 10, 2019)
- Texas (May 11 – 13, 2019)
- Texas (May 14 – 16, 2019)
- Texas (May 17 – 19, 2019)
June 30, 2025
Texas (May 11 – 13, 2019)
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Places

We visited
- Temple
- Austin
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Fredericksburg
May 11, 2019

The weather reports indicated heavy rains and floods in parts of Texas (e.g. Houston) on May 11, 2019.

So we decided to visit Austin that day. My niece Dr. Khine Zin Oo and her husband U Myo Tin took us to Austin Sitagu and the Austin Capitol.

Austin Sitagu

Austin 1

We offered soon to the resident monks (including an American monk). Several meals were prepared by a former Sushi shop owner from California.

The visitors included
- Dr. Doris Maung Oo : spouse of Thura Tin Maung Aye (BAF, GBNF)
- her daughter (classmate of my elder son at TTC)
- her son-in-law
- niece (daughter of Dr. Alice Maung Oo).
State Capitol

Austin Capitol 1

Austin Capitol 2

We joined the tour at the Austin Capitol (which at one time claimed to the tallest among the Capitols in the USA).

The tour guide explained the six flags of Texas and showed us the two chambers and the Dome.

May 12, 2019

Dr. Ba Han took us to Houston to see NASA and to visit our cousin U Oo Thwin (Michael, alumnus of Rutger’s University).

NASA

There were two tram rides at NASA.

One tram took us to the Mission Control room.

We were not aware that the Mission Control room had been emptied (as part of the renovation for the Golden Jubilee of the Apollo 11 flight in July, 1969). The docent highlighted the importance of Mission Control for the NASA missions in general and the Apollo missions in particular.

Another tram took us to the Training Facility of the astronauts. There were several interesting items on display.

Both tram rides stopped at the “Rockets site” with three vintage rockets.

U Oo Thwin (Michael)

We paid respect to our cousin Ko Michael (son of my maternal uncle) at his house. He has five children and some grand children. His eldest daughter Capy (who had moved back from Seattle after her mother passed away) and his younger son Nyi Nyi were there that day.

His friends include Sao Aung Myint (John Khun Kyi).

May 13, 2019

Dr. Ba Han took us to San Antonio and Fredericksburg.

The tourist attractions at San Antonio are the Alamo (which gained fame in the Davy Crockett movie) and the River Walk beside a man-made canal (with a depth of 3 to 5 feet). We took a book ride.

We visited National Museum of the Pacific War at Fredericksburg, Texas. One exhibit was dedicated to Admiral Nimitz. He and Dwight D. Eisenhower were the two five star generals during Second World War. One exhibit was funded by the George H W Bush foundation. A two-day pass for seniors cost $12.

We returned to Fort Worth.

Fort Worth

Daw Tin Tin Aye (Lillian, T72) is known as a “Ah Phwa” to several Myanmar (Mon, Chin, …) families in Fort Worth. She is happy providing social services especially to the new comers. Due to her busy schedule, she could not join Dr. Ba Han for the trip to Temple, Austin, Houston, …

During her visit to Yangon, “Good Morning” Kyaw Myint took her to the M72 Reunion.

Lillian keeps in touch with her close friends from T72, but she cannot recall the names of several sayas and others from the Class of 72.

Dr. Ba Han’s family

Dr. Ba Han (SPHS66, IM1 73) is the younger brother of U Win Htein (SPHS56, Purdue, PWD), U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold) and U Myint Thein (B.Com, cox of our Novice crew) & the elder brother of Daw Myint Myint Thein (Susan, DAC).

He has a daughter Hester (who is a teacher) and two grand children.
His younger son Harry is doing internship at a hospital in San Francisco.

He retired twice (once in New York and once in Texas).

He has come out of retirement and is now working (some weeks from home and some weeks on-site).

During our trip, he delegated most tasks to his assistant, but he still had to take phone calls and/or “Telepresence”.

He belongs to a big extended family. He is a cousin-uncle of U Aung Win (Owen, M71).

Posts
- Texas (May 8 – 10, 2019)
- Texas (May 11 – 13, 2019)
- Texas (May 14 – 16, 2019)
- Texas (May 17 – 19, 2019)
June 30, 2025