Saya Dr. Chit Swe founded UCC (Universities’ Computer Center) with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF). The UCC staff and students address the founding members as Saya Chit, Saya Paing, Saya Myo and Saya Lay.
U Soe PaingU Myo MinU Ko Ko Lay
Projects
I have written about Saya Chit in several of my posts. He is a Pioneer and a believer of Life Long Learning, Knowledge Transfer, Leapfrogging Technology and the Talents of the Burmese sayas and students. He is my mentor. More importantly, he allowed me to work on most of his projects (including Preparation for the UCC Project, High School Mathematics Curriculum Change, Children’s Treasury of Knowledge, and Team of System Specialists).
Vision
Saya Chit ensured that there would be a component in the UCC Project to invite short term and long term Computer Scientists and Educators to UCC. Professor Harry D Huskey (Past ACM President and a Computing Pioneer) was given the sub contract to help with the academic and professional courses being given at UCC.
Saya Chit made sure that the post-graduate diploma (DAC) and post-graduate Computer Science courses were given under the “Mathematics Department” until a separate CS Department could be opened.
Passion
Saya Chit served as Director of UCC in addition to being Professor of Mathematics.
He moved back to RASU, but never lost his passion about his pet baby UCC.
Saya retired as Rector of RASU. He then relocated to Thailand and Australia. Saya continued supervising graduate students in Australia. He is still passionate about UCC, Computers and Education in Burma and beyond.
Dr. Tin Maung
Saya Chit was succeeded by Saya Dr. Tin Maung as Director of UCC.
Saya Dr. Tin Maung retired as Rector of ICST.
DCS
During Saya Tin Maung’s tenure, the Department of Computer Science (DCS) was established under RASU. Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) was Professor. U Tun Aung Gyaw served as Associate Professor. I was a Lecturer.
The Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) was established in 1988 with Saya Dr. Tin Maung as Rector.
There were initially four Departments :
Hardware Technology (with U Tun Aung Gyaw as Associate Professor and Head)
Software Technology (with Yours Truly as Associate Professor and Head)
Information Systems (with Saya U Ko Ko Lay as Professor and Head)
Computational Mathematics
30 students were admitted to the first B.Sc (Computer Science) course.
15 students were admitted to the first B.Sc. (Computer Technology) course.
ICST later became UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon).
Gatherings
There have been gatherings to
celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the founding of UCC
celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the founding of ICST
5th Acariya Puzaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY in January 2018
6th Acariya Puzaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY in December 2019
In January 2018, I was invited as the Generation Zero Member to attend the ICST/UCSY hosted the 5th Acariya Puzaw Pwe and give a short speech.
During my visit to Yangon in January and February of 2018, I spent almost three whole days writing “Memories of UCC”. I had provided Word and PDF files, but the UCSY sayamas suggested that I should submit a shorter version for the commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary has come out.
For some people, childbirth is not so difficult. The Teoh family raised 15 children named alphabetically from “A” (Albert Teoh) to “O” (Oscar Teoh”).
For some, childbirth is not so easy. We have read about Saya Dr. Pike Tin’s mother. We will read about U TAG’s mother.
No Breast Feeding
U TAG’s mother supposedly breast fed her children. Sadly, they passed away.
When U TAG was born, his mother decided not to breastfeed him.
U TAG grew up healthy.
He served as Joint Secretary of RIT Thaing Club with Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) as President
He has a younger brother and sister.
Always A Child
U TAG’s father thinks and treats U TAG as a child — even after he got married and had children.
Grape vine says that his father visited him while he was volunteering at UCC. At night his father checked if U TAG was tucked up in a blanket.
Phobia
U TAG’s phobia is fear of being haunted.
When UCC was housed in Mandalay Hall, there were stories about students. who after being killed in the demonstrations (e.g. 7th July), were rambling as ghosts in and around Mandalay Hall.
U TAG would ask someone to accompany him to the restroom at night.
Update
U TAG received his doctorate in Computer Science from UIUC (University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign).
He is having quality time with his five children and six grandchildren.
He is a workaholic.
He worked full time often on multiple projects.
He hosted us at Cape Cod where the wedding reception of his younger son was held. We were surprised to learn that he was on call. Too much သံယောဇဉ် on his work.
Some time back he was at work, when his spouse had a medical emergency at home. It was lucky because their daughter, who had an appointment with her mother, arrived on time to call the ambulance.
He is retired, but he still gives seminars and tutorials on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and NLP (Natural Language Processing).
Memories of UCC (35)
Veda Kyaung Oke
U Myint Sein
U Myint Sein (Bobby, SPHS 64, B. Com 68, BARB, IDEA Astrology, GBNF) is my childhood friend.
We attended PPBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School) and SPHS (St. Paul’s High School).
He became the Principal at BARB (Burmese Astro Research Bureau). He later founded IDEA Astrology.
He asked me if I can help him to speed up some Veda processes (e.g. generation of a Natal Horoscope, also known as Zartar).
I had two students — Ko Win Latt and Ko Zaw Tun — who were willing to take the Veda challenge.
Win Latt
Ko Win Latt owned a computer and was also an excellent programmer.
Under my supervision and with the guidance of Ko Myint Sein, Ko Win Latt came up with three versions of the Horoscope program.
He named them WinHoro V3, V6 and V9 (for Versions 3, 6, and 9).
I am not sure whether he believed in တြင်း (three and its multiples) and နဝင်း (nine and its multiples).
V3 produces the “basic” horoscope with Yathi (Rasi), Bawa and Nawin (Navamsa). It is also known as “Tri Cekka Zartar” တြိစက္ကဇာတာ referring to the three parts. It takes some time (a few minutes to an hour) if done manually.
V6 produces a better horoscope.
V9 produces the best horoscope.
He later conducted computer classes and managed a computer company called Sysmagic.
BASIC
BASIC (Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) is a programming designed by Professors John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz for use with the Dartmouth College Time Sharing System.
Bill Gates and Paul Allen implemented “Tiny BASIC” for the MITS Altair microprocessor kit.
BASICA (Advanced BASIC), GWBASIC (Gee Whiz BASIC) and APPLESOFT became variants of BASIC for PCs.
Zaw Tun
One needs expert knowledge to interpret a Zartar.
Ko Zaw Tun (now in Singapore sharing his time with Programming and volunteering at Singapore Chan Mei Yeik Tha ချမ်းမြေ့ရိပသာ used PROLOG (language for Logic Programming) to implement the Bedin (Astrology ဗေဒင်) Rules.
He tested his program with several sets of data.
He was surprised when his program said that “the Two Year Old is a rich person (possibly a Millionaire)”.
He thought that there must be a bug.
It turned out that the Two Year Old is the grand son of a wealthy Sawbwa (Saophalong, Shan noble စော်ဘွား), who decided that his grandson should inherit his wealth.
Aung Myint Oo
Ko Aung Myint Oo (EC84, ex-UCC) re-implemented WinHoro using “C” language on the Window PCs.
IDEA Astrology
After retiring from BARB, U Myint Sein founded IDEA Astrology and served as its Principal.
Ko Zaw Tun is in touch with some of the alumni of that school.
For some time, U Myint Sein also taught Medical Astrology at the “School for Indigenous Medical Practitioners (Taing Yin Say Sayas)”.
Sad to note that my good friend passed away peacefully a few years back. He supposedly had “Si Chet Khauk Swe ဆီချက်ခေါက်ဆွဲ” in North Okkalapa that morning on his final day. He came back home and watched TV. He apparently had a heart attack.
I met Ko Myint Sein’s son on January 24, 2018. He told me of his “Kan Soe Kan Kaung” experience. He was taking time off from his ship to study for Chief Mate examination when Ko Myint Sein passed away unexpectedly. He was unlucky (Kan Soe) to lose his father, but was lucky (Kan Kaung) to be present at his father’s last journey.
Memories of UCC (36)
Some COBOL Programmers
U Soe Thein (Joe Thein)
Joe had a disability, but that did not prevent him to have a good life and career.
He completed training courses from ICL (including COBOL programming).
He joined UCC as an off-line operator.
He transferred to the Business Application Division as a prorammer.
He became one of the COBOL teachers with Judy and Japan Sayagyi.
U Aung Hlaing (Japan Sayargyi)
He is the younger brother of U Tun Hlaing, Dr. Tha Hlaing and Dr. Nyunt Hlaing.
His wife worked for the Foreign Ministry and was assigned to Japan.
He accompanied her and worked in Japan as a COBOL programmer.
Saya U Soe Paing met him during his training (sponsored by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and implemented by Fujitsu and other Japanese computer companies.
Saya U Soe Paing asked U Aung Hlaing if he would like to join UCC upon his return to Burma.
Daw Nwe Nwe Win (Judy)
Judy
Judy was a star athlete at RASU.
At UCC, she would often be the sixth player on the men’s team.
She used to hang around a lot with Daw Nge Ma Ma Than (Ma Nge).
One day, some one approached Judy and Ma Nge with two envelopes. He said, “It’s for both of you”. Guess what? Inside each envelope was a “Yee Zar Sar”.
Judy and Ma Nge remained “twins” until U Myint Swe managed to get the favor of Ma Nge.
It would take some more time before a young knight named U Myint Zaw would ask Judy to tie the knot.
Memories of UCC (37)
U San Myint Thane (Sammy)
Sammy asked his brother Dr. Thein Toe Thane in the US to send him books (including the one by Klingman) and a Microprocessor Tool kit for use in his Final Year Project.
Sammy was interested in microprocessors.
He and Kelvin Leigh used the microprocessor kit to build a microcomputer system with selected capabilities.
They ran demonstration programs on the assembled microprocessor system.
After completing his project, Sammy donated the books to Saya U Kyaw Lwin (EE, GBNF) for using as reference in Saya’s courses (e.g. Digital Electronics).
Sammy spent some time at UCC while waiting to migrate to the United States.
Sammy and Kelvin migrated to the US.
Duality
Klingman discusses “Hardware Software Duality”.
The concept of Duality can be found in Mathematics and Logic.
The “Line-Point Duality” says that “Two intersecting lines determine a point. Two points determine a line [which passes through both]”. In this Geometric aspect, Line and Point are Duals.
De Morgan’s Theorems in “Set Theory” and “Boolean Algebra” are Duals.
In Set Theory, Union and Intersection are Duals.
In Boolean Algebra, AND (Conjunction) and OR (Disjunction) are Duals.
Klingman said that “Any hardware can be implemented in software. Any software can be implemented in hardware.”
There are trade-offs to consider whether to use hardware, software, firmware or a combination.
Life after UCC
His mother wanted him to get married and was willing to arrange, but he set the requirements too high.
The bride must be young, intelligent, and able to play Classical and Modern music.
Finally, by applying some “Relaxation Techniques”, Sammy became a loving spouse and a caring father of twins.
Sammy hosted me at his house in Texas, California. He was then an eligible bachelor.
I met Sammy again at the RIT Alumni Reunion in the East Coast in 2009. Sammy was requested by Ko Nyein Min (C79) to help organize the Reunion.
He was an entrepreneur in his school days. He supposedly paid his school fees from his winnings from “Ta Chut Hmout တချပ်မှောက်” SHOW or FIVE CARD POKER) and similar games. With great control and having excellent strategies, he was never victimized by “over-emotional” card players.
He was also good in sports : as a “lifter” in volleyball and as a “smasher” in table tennis.
He joined the Department of Commerce, Institute of Economics as tutor and later transferred to UCC as Application Programmer. His mentors include Saya Dr. Khin Mg Kyi (who attended the University as a monk & is known for his debating style). He is equally good as his mentor and may be even better.
He did further studies in the UK.
He found his soul mate Than Than Tint at UCC. They and their family members (son, daughter-in-law) operate ACE and its subsidiaries. He co-founded MCC (“training & services” company) with a fellow alumni/saya (U Tin Win Aung). He and his spouse have served in various capacities (President …) in Computer Organizations such as MCF (Myanmar Computer Federation).
He is an example of “Great men are short”.
Notes
Some young people might not realize that Burma had talented people in Arts, Science, Social Science, Medicine, Engineering, and Fine Arts.
The following is a partial list of World Class Economists.
● Dr. Solomon served as Dean at Stanford University and Economic Adviser in the Nixon Administration.
● Dr. Hla Myint is revered at Oxford University.
● Dr. Tun Thin was one of the pioneers at the Faculty of Social Science, University of Rangoon. He is highly regarded by IMF (International Monetary Fund) and World Bank.
● Dr. Tun Wai is a renowned Economist.
● Dr. Ronald Findlay was a Gold Medalist at MIT. He served as Research Professor at the Institute of Economics. He then served as Dean at Columbia University.
Memories of UCC (10)
Feedback
U Zaw Tun (Singapore) wrote : Saya, we should produce a book after you are done.
Sayama Daw Mu Mu Myint (Professor, UCSY) wrote : ICST/UCSY will celebrate the 30th Anniversary in March, 2018. A magazine will be published to commemorate the Anniversary.
U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76, Designer and Web Master of the “original” ex-RIT web site) wrote : KJ , thanks much for posting these old stories, sharing with the rest. We really had many interesting and amazing characters there in those days. We, the three so-called musketeers, made things much more interesting, pushed the envelope so to speak. But thanks to all the Sayas – Saya Paing, Saya Myo, Saya Lay and seniors like you, UTAG etc, we were able to do whatever we felt like it there. I know for sure that we offended many people there, but with the great rapport and support from many of you, our mischievous acts, intentionally or not, were pretty much forgiven. Like I said a few times here, those were the good old days.I would like to thank all of you for what we did there, and sincerely ask for your forgiveness if we, especially myself, indeed offended any of you. I am indebted to all of you. Sayas, seniors, contemporaries, as well as some juniors, as I learned a lot while I was there.
U Tin Win (EC71, RIT, UCC, FRI) wrote : In my days in UCC, UTAG was CE and ICL computer’s printer was line printer and it could print only 120 char/line. To get 160 char/line, UTAG modified the line printer by joining the original plastic printer shaft with another short shaft. One day, he came to the engineering workshop and said he would modify it. First he cleaned the desk workplace where he would join the shafts. At that time, one apprentice engineer (Ko Khin Maung) came into the room and saw UTAG cleaning the desk. Then, KKM, shouted, “Whoo!.. actually modification of printer is just Cleaning the desk”.
Daw Myint Myint Thein (Susan) phoned : I felt young again reading about the good old days at UCC.
Memories of UCC (11)
Mra Tun (Programmer & Musician)
Mra is Arakanese for Mya.
He owns a set of equipment — Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Bass Guitar, a set of Drums, and audio equipment — to form and lead a band. He was the leader of a band called TAMPS. The band’s name is formed from the initials of the members : Tin Aung, Austin Xavier, Mra Tun, Pierpont Morgan and Sidney Sann Aung.
He was a Mathematics major and joined UCC as an applications programmer. There were some difficulties in finding a suitable university in the United Kingdom. He received an offer from the University of Belfast, Northern Ireland but there was violence notably in connection with IRA [Irish Republican Army].
He ended up migrating to the United States. He continued to jam with the local bands in Southern California.
Notes :
The UNITED KINGDOM is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Mra worked as an independent consultant and as a contractor for IBM. Most of his projects are related to maintaining or enhancing COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language), considered as a “dead language” by some. Recently, he had a project assignment in Sacramento, the Capital of California. He came down to meet and greet Saya Paing at Rafi’s house.
His spouse Mary Hundley is the sister of Bo Bo Han (Tony Hundley, vocalist).
Memories of UCC (12)
Some Revisions
In my original posts, I used abbreviations and nicknames. They may be cryptic to those who had not worked or studied at UCC. For example, I would use “Saya Chit” to refer to Saya Dr. Chit Swe, Founder/Director of UCC and my mentor. In the revised posts, I have added actual names and terms.
I have a reasonably good memory, but it is far from perfect. When I am “in the flow” or “in the zone”, words flow off my mind with ease. I do not rely on notes and documentation for the posts. There can be unintentional errors, typos, and omissions.
Some Connections
Using the feedback, I have corrected the posts. The following are some who had connections to UCC and its employees.
Ko Tauk Tun (Micky)
He was a volunteer for the UCC project.
Ko Ba Than Aye (Myo Myint Lay, GBNF)
He was a volunteer for the UCC project. He joined the Army.
Ko Myint Oo
He was a volunteer Assistant of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe. He transferred to the Phaung Gyi Training School.
CharlieTseng(EC70)
Saya Paing had recruited him, but he managed to migrate to the United States before the UCC employees were “selected and validated” by PSC (Public Services Commission).
Ko Charlie formed a company called VersaSoft with a product that is supposedly easier to use than comparative software such as D-Base software.
His spouse Ma Diana Tseng (ChE71) worked for a Division of IBM (International Business Machines).
Ko Charlie pays respect to Saya Paing whenever Saya visits the San Francisco Bay Area.
LucasLee (Sein Tun, SPHS66)
He is a classmate of Ko Charlie Cheah (Myint Lwin, Burma Judo Champion) at SPHS.
Ko Lucas studied Physics. He volunteered when UCC was stationed at Mandalay Hall in the main campus.
He migrated to the USA. He joined the armed forces and received training in electronics. Later, as a Veteran, he was offered a job at HP (Hewlett Packard). He had a liver transplant many years ago and is doing well.
Ko Toung (Tom Liu, EC69)
He attended some courses at Mandalay Hall. He migrated to the United States. He did graduate studies about the same time as Ko Khin Maung Oo (Ivan, M69). He lives in Trumbull, Connecticut.
He is retired and often travels to Hong Kong to spend time with his son and grandchildren.
He hosted a leg of our Trip to Canada and East Coast of USA. He took us to visit Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. He gave us lunch at a restaurant frequented by the young Bill Clinton.
Ko Toung at the restaurant frequented by young Bill ClintonYale University Campus
Memories of UCC (13)
Saya Dr. Tin Maung(GBNF)
He is the son of Saya Kar (Maths), who served as Minister of Education in the Caretaker Government. His brothers include U Aye Mg and Dr. Thein Mg (EENT).
He joined the Department of Mathematics as Tutor. He went for further studies in UK. Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer.
He succeeded Saya Chit as Director of UCC.
Department of Computer Science (DCS)
During his tenure, DCS was established with U Ko Ko Lay as Professor.
U Tun Aung Gyaw (TAG) was Associate Professor.
I was Lecturer.
Institute of Computer Science and Technology
In 1987, ICST was established with Saya Dr. Tin Maung as Rector.
There were four Departments :
● Hardware Technology ● Software Technology ● Information Systems [IS] ● Computational Mathematics.
Saya U Ko Ko Lay was Professor of Information Systems.
Saya TAG was Associate Professor of Hardware Technology.
I was Associate Professor of Software Technology.
Bachelor degree courses in CS (Computer Science) and CT (Computer Technology) were given. In the first batch, there were 30 CS and 15 CT students.
Some Alumni of ICST
I met Mi Hnin Thin Myaing (Roll Number One in CS) at Sae Taw Win 2 Dhamma Center, Sebastopol, California. She was then a “Major” in the US Navy. She is a Dental Surgeon. A few years back, her mother showed me the photo of MHTM and proudly said that she had become a Navy Commander (equivalent of Lieutenant Colonel).
I have lost contact with Ye Htut Aung (a top student in CT and a Luyechun). He was a DBA in Southern California.
During my visit to Sydney in 2006, Aye Aye Kyaw Zin (daughter of my classmate U Kyaw Zin [EP69]), Su Su Hlaing and Win Pe treated me to dinner.
I met several CS and CT students in Singapore. One said, “You were telling a lot of jokes. I did not learn much.”
San Yin Myint [Samantha, 2nd Batch] attended the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe as a guest of her cousinMaurice Chee (U Hla Myint Thein, M75, co-Chair of SPZP-2000). Her aunts Dr. Betty Chu (Pathologist, GBNF) and Daw Muriel Tun Gyaw (Principal of No. (2) Latha SHS) were also present as Guests in that event in October, 2000. I was Chief Editor of “RIT Alumni Newsletter”, which is partly responsible for getting the sayas and alumni get reconnected electronically and physically. SYM and her friends invited me to their gathering during my past visits. She invited me to attend the 5th ICST/UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe held on January 14, 2018.
Notes
Saya U Aung Zaw used to comment that I digress a lot. Many people may be surprised to know that I grew up reading encyclopedias and dictionaries and listening to “real life” stories (that are often stranger than fiction). Since I belong to several circles (RIT, UCC, SPHS, BRS), I tend to throw in links and cross-references.
Saya Dr. Tin Maung continued to implement the Vision and Mission set by the UCC Founders, and managed to go further. We miss you. Saya did not live long enough to see 26 batches (from ICST and UCSY) host the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on January 14, 2018. The 4th Pu Zaw Pwe took place in 2011. San Yin Myint and her friends posted a “Live” Facebook session of the Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe. Saya Dr. Kyaw Thein, Saya Dr. Maung Maung Htay, Saya U Myint Swe, Sayama Judy and I gave short speeches at the Pu Zaw Pwe.
Memories of UCC (14)
Saya Dr. F Ba Hli
He received Sc.D . (Doctor of Science) from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). At MIT, he helped fresh scholars including Dr. Aung Gyi and U Min Wun acclimatize with the environment and studies.
His father Sayagyi U Ba Hli served as the first native Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University. Sayagyi U Ba Hli is credited with the idea of “TWINNING” RU with prestigious Universities (such as MIT and Harvard) in the United States, and for sending State Scholars to pursue undergraduate and graduate programs with the “goal” of replacing Contract Lecturers (e.g. from India) with native sayas.
Saya served as Director General of UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute) and Advisor for the Ministry of National Planning. He was a prime supporter of UCC Project. He served as a member of the Board of Directors and as an External Examiner for the Computer Science graduates.
Ko Htay Aung and Ma Tin Tin Hlaing
Ko Htay Aung (Victor, EC80) is a nephew of Saya U Sein Hlaing . His spouse Ma Tin Tin Hlaing is the daughter of Dr. F Ba Hli and Daw Myint Thwe (sister of U Tin U, U Ba Than, U Myo Min …). Ko Htay Aung and team programmed a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) to print Burmese characters on the Cromemco System Three micro-computer. He worked on Burmese Word Processing for Wang Computers. He migrated to Australia.
For several years, he came back to Yangon to volunteer as an interpreter for the “10-day Meditation Retreat for Foreign Yogis” at the Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha.
Ma Tin Tin Hlaing and her younger brother Ko Thar Hlaing (EC83, classmate of KMD founder Ko Thaung Tin) are UCC alumni.
Notes
During my visit to Sydney (Australia) in 2006, Saya U Aung Zaw hosted a UCC reunion and mini-PZP (Pu Zaw Pwe) for Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe and Sayagyi Dr. F Ba Hli.
Memories of UCC (15)
Saya U Sein Win(Technical Advisor, GBNF)
He is the younger brother of Dr. Tin U (Medical Superintendent of Children’s Hospital) and Dr. Saw Lwin.
He was a top student at the University of Michigan. His fellow students gave him a nickname : “Hopping” (Khone Swa) Sein Win for his agility.
He served as Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering (EE) at RIT.
When EE Department was formally reorganized into EC (Electrical Communications, AKA also known as EcE and Electronics Engineering) and EP (Electrical Power), he served as Professor of EP.
Grape vine says that he is an absent minded Professor. He married late. One day, he drove Sayagadaw to a market. He taught (or discussed with) his students for quite some time and almost forgot to pick up Sayagadaw.
He served as Technical Advisor for UCC. He worked closely with U Win Htein (SPHS56, Purdue University, PWD, GBNF) for the design and maintenance of the Electrical Systems (including Motor Alternator, Diesel Generator, Air conditioning …) at UCC.
He served as Line Judge at the RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) Regattas.
He stays fit by swimming regularly (even when he was visiting Singapore on a business trip). He was President of the RIT Swimming Club.
Saya is a Genius. He has a vast knowledge. Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) remembers Saya U Sein Win discussing and/or debating about several subjects including Civil Engineering.
U Win Htein(GBNF)
He was a classmate of Saya U Soe Paing and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) at SPHS.
Several Paulians were chosen as State Scholars to study in the USA. Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Ko Ko Lay and Bohmu Percy Maung Maung (GBNF) chose to study at Stanford University. U Win Htein chose to study Electrical Engineering at Purdue University.
Grapevine says that he had problem with colors. So, instead of reading the color code on the resistors, he would measure them.
Offered Academic & Professional Courses in Computer Science, Computer Technology and Computer Applications
UCC Founders
Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF)
U Soe Paing
U Myo Min
U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF)
Saya Dr. Chit Swe
Saya Chit in 2006
He founded UCC with the help of U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay.
U Soe Paing
U Soe Paing
He was my mentor at RIT and UCC. He contributed news and articles to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”.
He also wrote the draft for the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) book.
U Myo Min
U Myo Min
He was working as Systems Analyst for IBM in UK when Saya Dr. Chit Swe requested him (via Saya Myo’s mother) to help co-found UCC
U Ko Ko Lay
U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF)
He served as Operations Manager and Scientific Applications Manager at UCC, Professor at the Department of Computer Science and at the Institute of Computer Science and Technology.
Still So Young And Passionate: Saya Chit (Dr. Chit Swe)
Even in his late 80’s, Saya had an active mind and a burning desire to payback to Myanmar.
He supervised Burmese students in Australia with their research and theses.
He studied Mathematics at Mandalay University. His contemporaries include Dr. Maung Di and U Khin Maung Tint (Tekkatho Phone Naing).
He did graduate studies at Imperial College (University of London) , Glasgow University and the University of Liverpool in the UK.
During his studies at Imperial College, Saya U Ba Than (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering, RIT, GBNF) was his room mate.
Saya was Head of Mathematics Department at the Institute of Economics when he proposed to the Ministry of Education to acquire a computer for research and teaching. Dr. Nyi Nyi requested saya to extend the scope of his proposal to cover selected universities and institutes. The UCC project was born.
It would take several years before UNDP would approve to fund the UCC project. UNESCO would act as the Executing Agency.
Mandalay Hall
Dr. Chit Swe succeeded U Ba Toke as Professor of Mathematics Department at RASU. He recruited volunteers to help plan for the implementation of UCC. He received permission to use Mandalay Hall as the temporary home for UCC.
Sayas — Dr. Chit Swe, U Soe Paing, U Myo Min, U Ko Ko Lay and several others — conducted courses on Computer Fundamentals & Programming, Systems Analysis and Design, and Numerical Methods.
Thamaing College Campus
UCC moved over to Thamaing College Campus as a neighbor to RC2 (Regional College Two). Dr. Chit Swe became the Founder and Director of UCC. U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay became Managers in charge of Systems Division, Applications Division, and Operations Division.
After reorganization, Applications Division was split into Business Applications Division and Scientific Applications Division.
Saya’s Vision
Saya was a pioneer and an advocate of “Technology Transfer”, “Leapfrogging Technology”, “Knowledge Sharing”, and TOSS (Team of System Specialists).
Saya is modest. During a trip to Chauk Htat Yone (Six Storey Office), the admin would “ignore” him and would pay respect to Ko Myint Oo (his student and volunteer assistant), who was well dressed and was carrying a suitcase.
Saya insisted a Component in the UCC Project Plan to invite the elite Computer Scientists and Practitioners including
(a) two Past Presidents of the prestigious ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) : Professor Harry Huskey (UCSC) and Professor Anthony Ralston (SUNY Buffalo),
(b) a future ACM Turing Award Winner (considered as the Nobel Prize for Computing) : Professor Michael Stonebraker (UCB) to UCC and jump start courses in Computer Science and Applications.
Misconception
Saya thought that I had served as an Editor for a newspaper. I had written articles, poems and translations for Guardian, WPD (Working People’s Daily) newspapers and Forward Magazine.
Upon learning that I was an RIT graduate volunteering for the UCC Project Maung Thaw Ka (Bohmu Ba Thaw, Chief Editor of Forward Magazine, GBNF) suggested that I should join his staff.
In my 3rd BE, editors from NAB (News Agency Burma) headed by Tet Toe (U Ohn Pe, Chief Editor) invited me to join their staff.
My parents supported my hobbies, but they wanted to make sure that I have a good education and a decent job.
I became a writer for Saya’s projects:
High School Mathematics Curriculum Development
Children’s Treasury of Knowledge (CTK)
Planning for computerization of Government Departments
Team of System Specialists (TOSS).
Saya believed in me and gave the opportunity to take challenges.
Life After UCC
After UCC, Saya served as Rector of RASU, but his passion for his “Dream Child” and his care for his former students never diminished.
After retirement, Saya taught at Assumption University — formerly known as ABAC (Assumption Business and Accounting College) — in Bangkok, Thailand.
Saya later relocated to Sydney, Australia and served as Visiting Professor of Macquarie University. Several Burmese completed their doctorates under his supervision.
Reunion With Saya In Australia
In June 2006, I visited Sydney, Australia to attend several gatherings:
RIT alumni gathering headed by Saya U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) and Saya U Myo Win (Melvin, M65, GBNF)
UCC alumni gathering at Saya U Aung Zaw’s house where we paid homage to Saya Dr. Chit Swe and Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (National Planning Adviser & Board Member of UCC)
Old Paulians gathering at Olympic Park organized by Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe, SPHS66, Geology70)
Saya’s Present
Saya asked me to give a lecture or seminar to interested young people in Sydney. He then presented me with his hat. I hope that Saya’s hat can “transfer” his brilliant thinking into my head.
Visits
In the past years, Saya visited Singapore and Myanmar and shared his wisdom, knowledge and experience.
He has minor health problems, but his mind is sharp as ever.
Saya Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF)
Dr. Tin Maung
His father Saya Kar was Minister of Education in the Caretaker Government and Rector of Rangoon University.
Saya joined the Department of Mathematics as Tutor. He went for further studies in UK. Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer.
He succeeded Saya Dr. Chit Swe as Director of UCC. During his tenure, DCS (Department of Computer Science) was established with U Ko Ko Lay as Professor and U Tun Aung Gyaw as Associate Professor.
In 1987, ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) with Saya as Rector. There were four Departments : (a) Hardware Technology (b) Software Technology (c) Information Systems (d) Computational Mathematics. U Ko Ko Lay was Professor of Information Systems. U Tun Aung Gyaw was Associate Professor for Hardware Technology. I was Associative Professor of Software Technology. Bachelor degree courses in Computer Science (CS) and Computer Technology (CT) were given. In the first batch, there were 30 CS and 15 CT students.
Saya Dr. Tin Maung continued to implement the Vision and Mission set by the UCC Founders, and managed to go further.
He did not live long enough to see 26 batches (from ICST and UCSY) host the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on January 14, 2018. San Yin Myint (Samanta, cousin of Ko Maurice Chee) and her friends posted a “Live” Facebook session of the Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe. Dr. Kyaw Thein (GBNF), Dr. Maung Maung Htay, U Myint Swe, Daw Nwe Nwe Win (Judy) and I gave short speeches at the Pu Zaw Pwe.
Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF)
He matriculated from SPHS in 1956 along with Saya U Soe Paing), U Win Htein (GBNF), Bohmu Percy Maung Maung (GBNF), Saya U Ba Min and U Than Se (Richard, ChE62).
He is the elder brother of U Than Htut (M67, RUBC Gold), Maw (BDS) and Zaw (RUBC Gold, GBNF).
He studied BSCE and MSCE at Stanford University in the US.
He joined PWD as Assistant Engineer.
He was recruited by his friend U Soe Paing to help with the UCC Project in general and the design and implementation of UCC Building in particular.
He transferred to UCC as Operations Division Manager.
He served as Scientific Applications Division Manager.
He received Masters in Systems Engineering from the University of Lancaster, UK.
Professor at the Department of Computer Science (DCS)
Professor of Information Systems (IS) at the Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST)
He enjoyed playing tennis, soccer and volleyball.
He has an excellent command of English
He passed away in the early 1990s.
Dr. San Tint and U Shein Soe Myint (both GBNF)
Dr. San Tint (EE61) was my saya at RIT. He served as External Examiner for Computer Science students at UCC and DCS.
U Shein Soe Myint (EC83) is a classmate of U Thaung Tin (KMD, former Minister) and my cousin nephew U Thar Hlaing. He joined UCC, DCS and ICST as a graduate student, engineer and later saya. He was studying for his doctorate at NUS when he unexpectedly passed away.
The picture was taken at a mini-reunion of RIT & UCC alumni during my visit to Singapore.
Standing : Dr. San Tint (3rd from left), U Shein Soe Myint (5th from left)
Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)
He received Sc.D. (Doctor of Science) from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). At MIT, Saya helped “fresh” scholars including Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Min Wun acclimatize with the environment and studies.
He served as DG (Director General) of UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute) and Advisor for the Ministry of National Planning. He was a supporter of UCC Project and served as a member of the Board of Directors and as an External Examiner for the Computer Science graduates.
Daw Myint Thwe (Saya’s spouse) is the sister of Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Ba Than (M, GBND), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing, Dr Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon (A60), Saya U Myo Min (UCC), U Thaung Lwin (EC66) and Daw Cho Cho Hlaing.
Saya’s children — Ma Tin Tin Hlaing and Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83) — are UCC alumni.
During my visit to Sydney (Australia) in 2006, Saya U Aung Zaw hosted a UCC reunion and mini-PZP (Pu Zaw Pwe) for Saya Dr. F Ba Hli and Saya Dr. Chit Swe. Saya Chit gave me his hat. Ko Tha Hlaing gave me a book “This is Sydney”.
Ko Htay Aung (Victor, EC80) is a nephew of Saya U Sein Hlaing. He is the spouse of Ma Tin Tin Hlaing (Saya FBH’s daughter). Ko Htay Aung and team “programmed” a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) to print Burmese characters on the Cromemco System Three micro-computer. He worked on Burmese Word Processing for Wang Computers. He migrated to Australia. For the past few years, he came back to Yangon to volunteer as an interpreter for the “10-day Mediation Retreat for Foreign Yogis” at the Mahasi Sasana Yeik Tha.
I pay respect to သင်ဆရာThin Saya, မြင်ဆရာMyin Saya and ကြားဆရာ Kyar Saya.They taught me all I knew.
I would like to thank my mentors who directly or indirectly taught me Communication (Oral and Written) and Languages (English, Burmese, …)
Last but not the least, a million thanks to my “လက်ဦးဆရာများ Let Oo Sayas” (my beloved parents).
My Parents
Learning English
I fondly remember the days that I had to study
Tom Thumb’s Essays
A Student’s Companion
Oxford English Dictionary (OED — various sizes and editions),
Chamber’s Dictionary (used in Scrabble tournaments)
Rhyming Dictionary
Word Power/Vocabulary in six weeks, 21 days, …
Idioms (present from my uncle)
They helped me improve my writing and communication skills.
Thanks to all the authors, who are my implicit teachers.
Still learning (especially during the “Shelter at Home” due to the COVID-19 Pandemic)
Listen to the daily offering by Blinkist.com
Listen to selected podcasts
Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) ဒေါက်တာချစ်ဆွေ
Sayagyi was my mentor at UCC.
He invited over renowned computer scientists led by Professor Harry D. Huskey, Pioneer in Computer Hardware, Software and Teaching and mathematicians (e.g. Professor Frank Harary, Expert in Graph Theory) to Rangoon to hold seminars and to design courses in computer science and applications. Michael Stonebraker (then at UC Berkeley) gave a short course on Ingres (an early Relational Data Base Management System) at UCC. A few years back, he won the prestigious “ACM Turing Award” (which is considered as the equivalent of Nobel Prize in Computing).
He taught us to use CPM/PERT (Critical Path Method / Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) for the various projects.
Saya asked me to assist in several of his projects : translator/ reviewer for CTK (Children’s Treasury of Knowledge), editor for “High School Mathematics”, and TOSS (Team Of System Specialists).
Saya passed away in November 2019, but his Legacy as Pioneer for Computer Systems, Application and Education in Burma will last forever.
Sydney 2006
U Soe Paing(EE, UCC) ဦးစိုးပိုင်
U Soe Paing
My mentor at RIT and UCC
He, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) taught degree and diploma courses in computer science. They also conducted courses in computer programming, computer orientation, to name a few.
The sayas asked me to be their assistant.
Saya also allowed Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and me to co-author texts, guides and manuals used at UCC.
Publications
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Guardian Thanks to U Soe Myint (Chief Editor)
Working People’s Daily (WPD) Thanks to U Ko Lay (Chief Editor) and Daw Khin Swe Hla (Editor)
Forward magazine Thanks to Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Ka, Chief Editor) and U Sein Hla (Editor)
Pan magazine Burmese publication
Veda magazine Published by BARB
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2012 and Shwe YaDu (2014) Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
RUBC magazine Commemorate issue for 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC
RUBC
BAPS Newsletter Contributing Editor
Dhammananda Newsletter Contributing Editor
Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda Contributing Editor
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife Contributor to the Burmese American section of the 3-volume encyclopedia
Encyclopedia
National Foreign Languages Center Language Expert for the Burmese Language Project (Reading and Listening Comprehension)
RIT Alumni International Newsletter Contributing Editor for 26 years
hlamin.com 3000+ articles
Facebook Owner, Admin or Moderator of selected Facebook Groups
VideoBroadcasts Archived in Facebook and my You Tube Channel
Volunteering
I gained experience by volunteering as
Several organizations in Myanmar and USA
EC, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT EE Association
RIT EE Association
Contributing Editor of RIT English Newsletter
Treasurer and Vice Captain of RUBC
Translator / Interpreter at Meditation Retreats
Organizer, SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
Coordinator, World wide SPZPs in Singapore and Myanmar
Docent at the Computer History Museum (at Mountain View, California
Contributing Editor of the materials taught at the Summer Dhamma Camp at Dhammananda Vihara (at Half Moon Bay
Area Governor, Club Coach, Contest Chair, Test Speaker, Club Ambassador at Toastmasters International
Editor of several publications by Sayadaws (e.g. U Jotalankara) and friends (e.g. U Aung Zaw)
Language expert at National Language Center
Administrator and/or Moderator of selected Facebook Pages
Owner and content creator of selected web sites (e.g. hlamin.com)
Parents and Ancestors
Parents
Last but not the least, my heartfelt thanks to my beloved parents and their philanthropic forebears for instilling me the passion to help humanity in general and to my alma mater. They believed that “Any thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well.”
Pay Back ကျေးဇူးဆပ်
My beloved spouse told me that I should pay back to my alma mater, mentors and my beloved land.
She reminded me that I should take care of my health to enjoy quality time with our Life Savers : Chit Sa Noe and Po Lone.
I had paid back to my alma mater RIT where I studied from 1964 – 1969 by volunteering as Messenger and Organizer for 26 years. e.g. For SPZP-2000, I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post_Reunion”.
In 2018, I wrote “Memories of UCC”. I wrote a Summary for the magazine to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ICST.
To commemorate the 19th anniversary (in April 2018) for “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and the 45th wedding anniversary (in June 2018), I wrote several hundred posts covering a variety of topics.
Since then, I have completed 2600+ posts. Revised most of them with feedback provided by my readers including Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor), Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint & U Khin Maung Zaw.
In April/May 2019, I celebrated 20th Anniversary as Founder-Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
In November 2019, I was invited as a Panelist to the 5th ILF (Irrawaddy Literary Festival) held in Mandalay.
In December 2019, I attended the SPZP and Reunion Dinner of RIT 69er’s Golden Jubilee of graduation.
I was invited to attend the 6th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST / UCSY and the Annual mini-gathering of UCC Alumni.
In January 2020, I was invited as a Special Guest for the 2020 PSA (Public Speakers’ Association) Tour to six cities in Upper Myanmar.
I am continuing with adding / revising posts for hlamin.com and share some of them via Facebook pages (e.g. Life Long Learning, RIT Updates, RU Centennial) and my You Tube Channel.
I am a Dreamer. I believe, “If one can dream, others will fulfill.”
Updates
Several of those mentioned in the post are GBNF.
In 2024, NorCal RITAA celebrated the 60th Anniversary of RIT and the Centennial of Myanmar Engineering Education.
He is an alumnus of St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon University, Stanford University and Southampton University.
He taught at RIT Electrical Engineering.
He co-founded UCC. He transferred to UCC as Manager, Systems Division. He later also managed Operations Division.
He is fondly called Saya Paing at UCC.
Saya and Sayagadaw hosted several gatherings for UCC alumni.
He retired from UN after serving as Technical Advisor for several countries.
Currently, he lives in New Jersey, USA.
UCC Alumni
Family
One day, the people on the UCC ferry shouted, “Saya Paing”. To their amazement, ICS U Paing (Saya’s father) came out.
Saya U Soe Paing is the second son of ICS U Paing and Daw Oo Yin (Daughter of Sir Po Tha and Lady Tha).
The Paing Brothers — Dr. Myo Paing (Medical Researcher, SPHS54), Saya U Soe Paing (SPHS56), U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, SPHS64, ChE70) and U Kyaw Paing (SPHS67) are Old Paulians.
They are also excellent golfers and Champions at RGC (Rangoon Golf Club) and BGC (Burma Golf Club). U Kyaw Paing is a Putra Cup Player.
Saya volunteered as a reporter for Golf News. I typed the news. Khin Maung Zaw delivered the news to Guardian and/or WPD.
St. Paul’s High School
Saya matriculated from SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) in 1956 along with U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), U Win Htein (GBNF), Percy Maung Maung (GBNF), U Than Se / Richard Khoo and U Ba Min.
He stood 13th in Matriculation and was awarded Collegiate Scholarship.
Rangoon University
At the 1958 RU Convocation, Saya won two Gold Medals for excellence in the Intermediate of Science.
He scored the highest marks in the I.Sc. examinations.
He scored the highest marks in Mathematics in I.Sc. along with two other students.
Since the original endowment for the Gold Medals did not cover the rising cost of Gold, Saya’s family had to give K150 for each Gold Medal.
He rowed and coxed at RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). He won prizes including the Inter-Hall Fours.
Stanford University
Saya was selected as a States Scholar to attend Stanford University along with Saya U Ko Ko Lay and Bohmu Percy.
Saya received his BS and MS in EE (Electrical Engineering).
Saya did programming for his studies and also worked part-time as computer operator.
RIT Electrical
Upon his return to Burma, Saya joined the EE Department as Assistant Lecturer. His sponsor was UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute).
At a research congress held in the Main Campus, Saya presented a paper covering Digital Logic and Circuits, Dr. Chit Swe was impressed. Through Saya U Nyi Nyi (EE saya, who moved to the UK), Saya Paing gained contact with Saya Chit. The rest is history.
Saya Paing would help Saya Chit with the UCC Project.
It would take a few years before the UCC Project got approved by UN and funded by UNDP.
Saya U Soe Paing in 2009
UCC – RIT Connection
Saya Paing promised Saya Chit to recruit his top students to join the UCC Project, but the long delay of the Project to get funded made the task difficult.
Ko Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), Ko Hla Min (SPHS63, EC69) and Ko Soe Win (EC70) joined UCC as Maintenance Engineers.
Ko Hla Min (Pauk Si, SPHS64, EP70, GBNF) joined UCC as Chief Operator.
Ko Aung Myint (SPHS64, GBNF) transferred from the RIT EE Laboratory to join UCC as Maintenance Technician.
UCC
Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division. He managed Maintenance Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, System Programmers and Software Librarian (to name a few).
He did another Masters (this time in Computer Science) at Southampton University in UK.
He would later manage the Operations Division as well.
Saya allowed Ko Aung Zaw and me to co-author Lecture Guides and Training Manuals for use at UCC.
UN
Saya served as Project Manager / Advisor for UN projects in several countries.
Further Reading
For a detailed story of Saya’s life and work at RIT, UCC and overseas as a UN Advisor, read his articles in English and Burmese. They are available in SCRIB_D.
Saya wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga”
Sayagadaw and Classmate
UCC Gathering at MICT ParkSaya U Soe Paing visiting California
Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, MEHS63, T69) was my classmate at RIT.
She and Saya Paing have hosted several UCC mini-gatherings at their house.
At one of the gatherings in 2007, Ko Po (U Htin Kyaw, Peter Wun) not only attended the gathering, but gave me a ride back home. He also briefly mentioned about his four-month detention.
UCC Gathering
After retirement
Saya U Soe Paing in New Jersey (2018)
After retiring from the UN, Saya would visit UK, USA and Singapore to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
During his trips to New Jersey, there would be several UCC-RIT gatherings.
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69) has hosted the annual RIT-UCC gatherings for a decade or so. He would invite Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Ma Ma Emma to stay at his house. The timing is chosen to coincide with Saya Paing’s visit to New Jersey.
Saya is healthy, but he had two operations : by-pass heart surgery, and surgery for the back
Saya meditates and plays golf. Saya stopped both activities when he had a minor ailment (hurting his back and leg). Per advice of Alice’s medical friends (MEHS Alumni), Saya had a surgery in Singapore.
Saya currently lives in New Jersey, USA.
ICST PZPAt Dr. Rafiul’s house in Fremont Saya, me and my spouse
Dr. Chit SweU Soe PaingU Myo MinU Ko Ko LayU Aung Zaw, U Soe Win, U Tun Aung Gyaw, U Hla Min, U Kyaw Thein visiting Stonehenge
Introduction
In the early days, there were no computers in Burma. IBM (International Business Machines) based in the USA and ICL (International Computers Limited) based in the UK had presence in Burma. Both companies were not ready to introduce computers to Burma. They were content with leasing unit-record equipment (calculators, tabulators, …) using punched cards. The managers and their staff were highly paid compared to the Government employees.
In the early sixties, Burma Railways wanted to upgrade to an ICL computer, but the Coup d’etat in 1962 and subsequent restriction of foreign currency exchange & budget planning rules effectively derailed the project.
Dr. Chit Swe
In the mid sixties, Dr. Chit Swe, Head of the Maths Department at the Institute of Economics, proposed the need of a computer for teaching and research to a Dr. Nyi Nyi, Secretary / Deputy Minister of Education. Dr. Nyi Nyi suggested the scope to be extended for a computer to serve the staff and selected students of the Universities and Institutes. Thus, the UCC Project was conceived. It was approved in 1970 with UNDP as the Funding Agency and UNESCO as the Execution Agency.
Dr. Chit Swe later became Professor at Mathematics at RASU (Rangoon Arts and Science University). He offered space at the Mathematics Department for the early volunteers of the UCC Project. He then obtained permission to use Mandalay Hall for use by the UCC Project before the UCC Building could be completed in Thamaing College Campus.
UCC Founders
Dr. Chit Swe, U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) co-founded UCC.
Dr. Chit Swe served as the Founder/Director of UCC. He initiated the academic and training programs. He stressed the importance of technology transfer, leapfrogging technology, knowledge sharing (internally and externally), and challenging the staff and students to try their best.
He requested U Soe Paing (RIT Electrical Engineering) to help design and implement the UCC project. He inquired the mother of Saya U Myo Min (Chartered Accountant working as Systems Analyst at IBM UK) if U Myo Min would be interested to come back to Burma and help with the UCC project. U Soe Paing recruited his friend Saya U Ko Ko Lay (PWD, GBNF) to help with the UCC project in general and with the UCC Building Design and Implementation in particular.
On April 1, 1971, U Soe Paing transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division; U Myo Min joined UCC as Manager of Applications Divison; and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) transferred to UCC as Manager of Operations Division,
I was a member of Generation Zero along with my mentors and U Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), who was the earliest and longest volunteer of the UCC Project.
Dr. Chit Swe retired as Rector of RASU. He moved to Bangkok and Sydney. He passed away in 2019.
U Soe Paing left UCC in the eighties to pursue a career as Technical Adviser and Consultant for the UN projects in several countries.
U Myo Min migrated to USA. He taught briefly at the Nanyang Technical Institute in Singapore. He retired after serving as a Principal for Seagate Technology and Conner.
Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) succeeded Dr. Chit Swe as Director of UCC. During his tenure, the Department of Computer Science (DCS) was established at RASU. U Ko Ko Lay served as Professor and Head of the Department.
Subsequently, the Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) was established with Dr. Tin Maung as Rector. U Ko Ko Lay served as Professor and Head of Information Technology. U Tun Aung Gyaw served as Associate Professor and Head of Hardware Technology. U Hla Min served as Associate Professor and Head of Software Technology. Some sayas from UCC and RASU taught Computational Mathematics.
Courses at UCC
Dr. Chit Swe was Founder/Director of UCC and Professor of Mathematics Department at RASU. He arranged UCC to conduct degree and post-graduate diploma courses under the aegis of the Department of Mathematics, RASU. UCC also conducted training courses for computer users. Dr. Chit Swe was succeeded as Director of UCC by Saya U Tin Maung.
Several distinguished Professors from US, UK and Europe lectured at UCC.
The postgraduate degree and diploma courses given under the aegis of Department of Mathematics include M.Sc. (CS) and DAC (Diploma in Automatic Computing).
UCC Course
The Courses for computer users include
COC (Computer Orientation Course)
CPC (Computer Programming Course)
Elective for Honors and Post-graduate in other disciplines
Intensive training (e.g. for the Population Census Data ProcessinSpecial training (e.g. for those selected as State Scholars)
Planning (e.g. for departments intending to purchase computers)
Teaching & Training
U Aung Zaw
Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and U Hla Min wrote
Introduction to Computers
Introduction to Computer Programming
Lecture Guides
Manuals Books
UCC Gatherings
Over the years, I attended several mini-gatherings and gatherings hosted by UCC sayas and alumni.
Yangon
Saya U Soe Paing regular hosts gatherings (usually dinner meeting) at his house. Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) was my class mate. She also attended CPC course. U Thein Oo, Daw Than Than Tint, Daw Tin May Lwin and several others help organize the gatherings. U Thein Oo, U Htin Kyaw, U Aung Aung and several others provided us transportation to or from Saya Paing’s house.
UCC gathering at U Soe Paing’s house
UCC 40th Anniversary Gathering
The “40th Anniversary of UCC” was the Reunion of Staff, Teachers (Past and Present) and Students. Saya Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) was represented by his spouse and daughter.
There was fun and laughter, music and dances, and good old memories.
Daw Ngwe Tin, Aye Aye Myint and sisters, Maung Myint, who maintained the UCC building rooms were among the attendees.
Among those present at the gathering, U Soe Myint, U Aung Myint, Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, Daw Khin Lay Myint and several others are GBNF.
UCSY Gathering
In January 14, 2018, I attended the 5th UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe as “Generation Zero” representative and the “Most Senior” (not by age). Several attendees started their studies and/or careers at UCC.
Sao Yan Naing, son of Dr. Saw Naing (Wesley, SPHS59), gave me a ride to the Pu Zaw Pwe. He is a nephew of Dr Myo Khin (C70) and a cousin of Soe Lin Maung (UCC).
Sydney in 2006
During my visit to Sydney, Australia in 2006, I met several UCC alumni. Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and Ma Kyawt organized a Reunion and mini-PZP for Saya Dr. F Ba Hli (GBNF) and Saya Dr. Chit Swe. They were helped by U Sein Myint Maung, Daw Khin Aye Mu, U Htay Aung (Victor) and Daw Tin Tin Hlaing to name a few. I met Daw Thanda Htwe and “UCC Pha Yaung Daing”.
U Sein Tin hosted a dinner and also created a short music video.
USA
Dr. Raiful Ahad (Fremont, California), U Khin Zaw (Cupertino, California), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) & Daw Thida Khin (Fremont, California), U Sein Myint (EC76) & Daw Sao Mon Sint (New Jersey), and U Toung (EC69, Connecticut) hosted UCC gatherings (especially to welcome and alumni visiting US).
U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69) hosts an annual joint gathering for UCC and RIT sayas and alumni at his home in New Jersey.
Singapore
U Tin Aung Win (C80), U Zaw Tun and Daw Pale Shein organized buffet gathering. U Aung Aung & Daw Kyin Mya are regulars at the gatherings. U Shein Soe Myint (EC83) is GBNF.
Some (e.g. U Win Latt, Daw Myint Myint Thein) have relocated.
Sojourn in Singapore
Activities
Table Tennis (Ping Pong)
U Thein Oo and U Saung Tin (CSO) are excellent players.
Volleyball
U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), U Kyaw Nyein (GBNF) and U Thein Oo are excellent players. Rafiul Ahad (who was third in Burma in Hurdles) hurt his knee in a volleyball match. Daw Nwe Nwe Win (Judy) is often the sixth member of an all-male team.
Soccer / Football
UCC team played ad hoc match against other teams (in and around Hlaing Campus).
UCC Dobat
U Win Hlaing played the Dobat. Others (e.g. Maung Myint, U Hla Pe) would play Wah Let Khote (bamboo clapper) and Ya Gwin.
Donlaba / Yahan Khan
UCC used to celebrate Thingyan and Su Paung Donlaba.
Dr. Chit Swe, Win Maung, Hla Min, Tun Aung Gyaw, Soe Myint, Khin Maung Aye, Daw Khin Khin Latt
UCC had a Su Paung Donlaba for several years at Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung and other monasteries. The Donlaba monks would be offered Soon at the UCC Thingyan. There would also be Water Throwing and occasionally “Ye Pet Khan” to selected mandats.
Ad Hoc Trips
U Aung Zaw (GBNF) led some trips (e.g. to Maw Tin Zun).
Four Decade Old Photo taken at the Convocation Hall
Ko Win Hlaing
Ko Henry Maung Maung (Census, GBNF)
Ma Kyu Kyu Lwin (GBNF)
Ma Khin Si Thoung (USA)
Ma Khin Khin Win (Five Star Line – USA)
Ma Phyu Phyu Win (Singapore)
Ma Win May Thaung (GBNF)
Ma Tin Tin Yi (Port Authority)
Ma Hla Hla Win (GBNF)
Ko Aung Myint (GBNF)
Ko Soe Myint (Sunlun, M72, GBNF)
GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
Dr. Chit Swe Founder/Director of UCC
U Ko Ko Lay Longest tenured Co-founder of UCC; Professor at DCS and ICST
Dr. Tin Maung Director of UCC; Rector of ICST
Dr. Kyaw Thein Rector of ICST
U Hla Min (SPHS64, EP70) Chief Operator
U Maung Maung Gyi (SPHS64, Phy68) Chief Operator
U Maung Maung Lay (St. Albert’s, Ah Ba) Operator
U Aung Myint (SPHS64, Phy68) Maintenance Engineer, Systems Division
U Soe Myint (M72, DAC) Pro-Rector, ICST
U Shein Soe Myint (EC83, MSc(CS)) Passed away while doing his doctorate in Singapore
U Mya Thein Business Applications Manager; Visiting lecturer at ITBMU (International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University)
Myanmar American Science and Technology Alumni Association
Based in East Coast, USA
Published several interviews
U Soe PaingU Soe Paing, U & Mrs. Hla Min
U Soe Paing
Note : Comments in italics are provided by Hla Min.
I have written many articles on the History of Computerization in Myanmar. ** Most can be read from SCRIB-D.
However many people have not read them. MASTAA has requested me do an interview. ** It is tentatively planned for July 19, 2020 (at 10 PM. EST). It will be morning in Yangon, Myanmar.
Facts are very important because there are some people who want to twist them to their advantage. Especially since the project was very successful in introducing computers and computer education in the country.
I was with the project right from its inception. ** Sad to report that Saya Dr. Chit Swe and U Ko Ko Lay have passed away.
I would like to go over the facts.
When and how I got involved in UCC Computer project
Took programming and DP courses at Stanford University.
Around 1962, there was no CS Department or CS courses. ** Professor George Forsythe later founded and Chaired the CS Department at Standford.
Computer programming was given by Mathematics Department as part of Numerical Analysis
Introduction to Data Processing was given by Industrial Engineering Dept
Worked as part time computer operator for the Stanford Computation Center.
Joined Electrical Engineering Department, RIT as Assistant Lecturer in January 1964, RIT was closed. As part of the staff development program, I gave lectures to Elect Engg staff on computers and programming.
Ko Nyi Nyi (Instructor in Elect Eng Dept) told Dr Chit Swe, Head of Maths Dept at the Institute of Economics who was preparing to start a project with the assistance of the UN to install a computer.
Dr Chit Swe and U Hla Myint (Maths Dept) came to recruit me to assist them in the computer project.
Immediately agreed and joined the project preparation team.
Ko Nyi Nyi and Dr. Than Htaik (Chem Eng Dept) also joined the team.
At that time Unit Record Machines using punched cards (both IBM and ICL) were used in Burma by the Railways, Central Economics and Statistics Department (CSED), Records Office Burma Army.
At one point all the Unit Record Machines were centralized in one place (Burma Machines Corporation??) and then decentralized again. ** Per U Thein Han, IBM unit record machines were used in the first Demonatization. The machines were set up in Rangoon University (e.g. Convocation Hall).
Burma Railways wanted to replace their Unit Record Machines with a computer and was requesting funds from the government. ** However, the nationalization followed by tight control of foreign exchange caused the request to be denied.
Preparation for the UCC project(1965 – 70)
The UNDP in Yangon and the Goverment agreed to explore the possibility of having a UNDP funded UNESCO executed project of installing a computer at the Institute of Economics.
In 1965 Dr Abou Taleb from Egypt visited Burma at the Institute of Economics for one month as a UNESCO consultant on the formulation of the project. He had discussions with the project team, the concerned persons at the Directorate of Higher Education and other government departments, UNDP personnel and managers of IBM (** U Aung Khin) and ICL (** U Kyaw Tha).
Dr Abou Taleb prepared a report that was submitted to the UNESCO and UNDP.
Around 1968 UNDP mission composed of Professor Owens of Columbia University and Mr Talbot of UNDP HQs came to Burma (Institute of Economics) to write a project proposal for the UNDP/UNESCO Computer Project. The mission had discussions with the project team, the concerned persons at Higher Education and other government departments, UNDP personnel and managers of IBM and ICL.
The report and the project proposal were submitted to UNDP, UNESCO and the Government.
It was agreed to implement the UNDP funded, UNESCO executed Computer project.
The project document for the UNDP/UNESCO Universities’ Computer Center Project was signed in 1970.
Preparation for the establishment of UCC
In 1969 the project preparation team office moved to the Maths Department, RASU.
The Government decided to establish the Universities’ Computer Center directly under the Department of Higher Education.
A new building was to be constructed for the Center on the Hlaing Campus.
The project preparation team started to develop the organizational structure, budget, as well as the design for the building.
Ko Tun Aung Gyaw (UTAG) joined the project preparation team.
A temporary office / room was given to the project preparation team on the 3rd /top floor of the RASU Maths Dept. The Maths department still provided the logistics support. Saya U Maung Maung Tin of the RASU Maths Department was extremely helpful to the project preparation team.
The UCC organization structure consists of the Director at its head advised by the Board of Management. Under the Director are three technical divisions: Operations, Systems, Applications and an Administrative Support Section. One Manager heads each division.
Operations division consists of the Computer Operations section and the Data Preparation section.
Systems Division consists of the Systems Hardware section and the Systems Software section.
Applications Division consists of the Scientific Applications section and the Business Applications section.
The UCC organization structure was approved by the government and the Board of Management was formed.
Dr. Chit Swe was appointed Director of UCC in addition to his duties as Professor.
The Board of Management was formed with Dr Nyi Nyi, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education as Chairman and Dr. Chit Swe as Secretary. The members include U Thet Tun, DG of CSED; U Win Pe, Research Dept, Planning; U Nyunt Maung, Dy Director, Finance; Dr Khin Maung Kyi, Inst of Economics, Dr Aung Gyi, RIT; etc
The UCC building on Hlaing Campus was to be designed and built by the Public Works Corporation. It was designed by the Chief Architect U Aung Myint. The team also met my high school and Stanford friend Ko Ko Lay who was a structural engineer there.
Ko Myo Min returned from the UK after studying as a Charted Accountant and working (** as Systems Analyst) at IBM UK.
Ko Ko Lay, Ko Myo Min and other volunteers joined the project preparation team. The volunteers are Ko Win Myint (Gyi) etc.
The three managers were recruited.
I transferred to UCC from RIT as Systems Engineer/Manager of the Systems Division of UCC on April 1971.
Ko Ko Lay transferred from Public Works/Construction Corporation as Manager of the UCC Operations Division.
Ko Myo Min joined as Manager of the Applications Division.
1st April 1971 is considered as the start of UCC.
The first batch of other staff were recruited and appointed. UTAG and Johnny Hla Min joined as Maintenance Engineers.
UCC was given a temporary office on the third floor of the Mandalay Hall.
The project preparation team organized courses in computers, programming and applications for the staff of Universities and government departments.
Choice of the computer
In October 1970, Dr Chit Swe went to UNESCO, Paris to participate in the selection of the computer for the project.
ICL 1900 series was chosen over IBM.
IBM was only willing to supply the IBM 360 and not the recently introduced IBM 370.
Dr Chit Swe then went on to London for discussions with ICL. ICL gave a more powerful version 1902S for the same price.
Installation of the Computer and start of UCC
In 1972 UCC moved to its new building on Thamaing Campus.
The site preparation for the computer and environmental equipment started.
A firm from the UK was subcontracted by ICL to do the site preparation.
The ICL 1902S computer was delivered and moved into the computer room to start the installation process.
ICL resident Maintenance Engineer Gaber Khalef (Egypt) and the ICL resident Software Expert Ian Shearer (UK) arrived and took up their responsibilities.
Acceptance trials for the ICL 1902S started on 25 February 1973, and formally completed on 8 March.
Professor Huskey arrived on 4 March and took part in the acceptance of the ICL 1902S.
The original UCC organization was meant to be minimal and mainly for a one shift per day start.
However due to the Census and more than expected use, volunters were paid minimum salary wages (which can be authorized by the Director) used to do the required support work.
Computer Use
The Board of Management decided to process the 1973 Population Census on the UCC computer.
Training of the Census Programmers conducted at UCC.
Alic Heinrici (UK, the ICL FILAN (ICL Census Tabulation system)) expert came from September to November to train Census and UCC Programmers in FILAN to be used in Census Tabulation.
The processing of the Burma Population Census started in May 1974.
The data entry was done in the Census Dept (old Rowe Co. Building) with over 100 rented keypunches from IBM.
The morning shift (8:00am – 4:00pm) was reserved for UCC. The evening shift (4:00pm – 12:00am) and night shift (12:00am-8:00am) were reserved for Census processing. At the start the Census processing did not take the two shifts.
Saturdays were reserved for Maintenance and the center was closed on Sundays.
ICL experts and UCC senior staff designed the Census Processing System containing Sequence and Completeness check (PLAN), Consistency checks (FORTRAN), Tabulation (FILAN).
UCC staff also supervised the processing.
Burma Railways, Central Economics and Statistics Department (CSED)/(CSO), Records Office Burma Army (ROBA) converted some of their Unit Record Machines applications on to the computer. Railways passenger and goods statistics; CSED Health and Trade Statistics; ROBA Miltary records.
RIT final year students implemented projects. Civil Engg: Structural Engineering, Astronomical Calculations, Electrical: Power System Analysis, Electronic Circuit Analysis.
Computer Education
The project preparation team organized courses in computers, programming and applications for the staff of Universities and government departments. (1971)
Preparations start for the MSc Computer Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Automatic Computing (DAC) to be given under the Mathematics Department, RASU. (1973)
Start of the MSc Computer Science and DAC courses. (1974)
There were three options under the MSc course : Computer Systems, Computer Oriented Operations Research Techniques and Computational Mathematics. Coursework plus dissertation/thesis.
DAC course was 2 years part-time from 7:00 am to 9:00 am.
Entrance Aptitude Tests for all applicants meeting the University requirements for post graduate studies.
The six months part time course (the predecessor to the full time 4 months course ) was started for the staff of the government departments and universities in 1976. It consisted of Introduction to Programming with FORTRAN, Mathematics and Statistics, COBOL Programming, Systems Analysis & Design.
The UCC Staff and visiting experts taught most of the courses. However Maths sayas helped out in the MSc and DAC courses. U Hla Myint and Dr Kyaw Nyunt in Computational Mathematics; U Soe Nyunt and Dr Pike Tin in OR courses.
Paid and unpaid volunteers were expected to attend the courses according to their ability and wishes.
Expert Services
The University of California at Santa Cruz(UCSC) was given the expert subcontract under the project. Professor Harry D. Huskey Chairman of the Department of Computer Science at UCSC and the well known pioneer in computers (in the development of the first electronic computer ENIAC at the University of Pennslyvania) was the coordinator of the contract. ** He co-authored the first Computer Handbook. His students include Nickaus Wirth (inventor of Pascal and Modula). He is a Past President of ACM and a Fellow of ACM, IEEE and CHM.
The UCSC expert subcontract was to provide four long term (4x12m) experts and a few short term (1m) experts, in addition to yearly visits by Professor Huskey.
Long Term Experts : Mr Sheldon Bachus (Systems Analysis & Design, 1973) Dr. Malcolm Atkinson (Computer Science Expert, 1974) Dr. Paul Keogh (Operations Research Expert, 1974) Mr. Bjorn Hustaad (Simulation, 1977)
Short Term Experts : World renowned people able to visit and give lectures for one month.
Professor Anthony Ralston Professor and Head of the Computer Science Department of the State University of New York (SUNY) in Buffalo, NY USA , and Past President of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) came as a one month short term expert in Computer Science. He introduced Structured Programming to UCC, Burma and even to the long term expert in Computer Science. (1975).
Professor Foreman Acton of Princeton University, Princeton NJ USA came as a one month short term expert in Numerical Analysis and conducted training courses .(1975)
Professor Peter Wegner of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island came as a one month short term expert in Computer Science and conducted training courses in Automata Theory.(1975)
Professor Wilde of Stanford University, Operations Research (1976)
Professor Leon Lasdon of University of Michigan, Operations Research (1976).
Professor Michael Stonebraker, University of California (Berkeley), INGRES Relational Database, Database 1977)
UN Experts
Dr. Shafeek Saleeb(Egypt) arrived to take up his assignment as Chief Technical Adviser of the UCC project. (1974)
Mr. Jan Rademaker (Netherlands) arrived to take up his assignment as an associate expert in Computer Applications under the UCC project. (1975)
Further Development
More memory, 2 disk drives and card reader supplemented by the Census project.
For scientific and engineering applications a flat bed Calcomp plotter was acquired.
For teaching purposes Professor Huskey advised to get an on line time sharing mini computer system like most American Universities. A PDP-11/70 mini computer system was acquired.
Prof Huskey also lectured on micro processors and micro computers. UCC decided to get a microcomputer for trying out. Chose Cromemco (** System Three). Very good except for the 8” disk drive problems. A lot of experience gained.
Government relaxed on buying microcomputers for the govt departments. Many acquired Cromemco and started their applications on microcomputers.
Since UCC is to be used mainly for training the Board proposed the establishment of a National Computer Center for use by government departments.
Siblings : Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, GBNF), U Kyaw Paing
Spouse : Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69)
Children : Two sons & One daughter
Grandchildren : 3
Education & Work
Mmatriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in Burma and won Collegiate Scholarship.
At the Convocation of 1958, he won two Gold Medals — one for Highest Total Marks in I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B); and another for Joint Highest Marks in Maths for I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
Received a States Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
Joined the RIT Electrical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
Helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe found Universities’ Computer Center.
Transferred to UCC as Manager for Systems Division. He later also managed Operations Division.
Received M.Sc.(Computer Science) from Southampton University in UK.
Worked for UNDP Projects in several countries.
Mentor
My mentor at RIT & UCC.
Allowed U Aung Zaw (GBNF) & me to co-author Texts, User Guides and Manuals for use at UCC.
HMEE
Early supporter of the HMEE project.
Prepared a draft for the HMEE book and handed it to Saya U Aung Hla Tun & team.
He and U Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 of the HMEE Book and summarized Section 2.
Posts
Post from March 2011
I went to the University Central Library and managed to get scanned photos from the Engg Student Annual Magazines 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas, students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.
U Sein Hlaing (Prof EE) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L starting 1952-53. Saya U Tin Swe was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team. Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain. U Khin Si (husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile) and U Tin Si (U Khin Si’s brother and tennis doubles partnership that won RU as well as national championships) were members of the Prome hall team.
The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by the Prime Minister at that time U Ba Swe.
In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD, PWC, CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.
I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.
U Ba Than has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.
Post from May 2000
The mention of RIT, BIT, and BOC college in the first newsletter bring back memories of our good old days in Rangoon University. Although we did not graduate from Rangoon University, we had a really great two and a half years there before we went for studies aroad under government scholarship.
Our first year 1956-1957 was in Yankin College. Yankin was a campus of RU for first year science students. It is now Yankin State High School No. XX? Hteedan was for the 1st year arts students. Our second year I.Sc. was at the RU campus itself which we refer to as Main. The Arts students have classes at Judson. That time the new Social Science Building (now Institute of Economics) was completed. We had our second year ISc exams in that new building.
Then it is our 1st year B.Sc. Engineering course at the new Faculty of Engineering in Prome Road (now Institute of Medicine I). We attended for six months till December 1958. That campus was designed and built especially for the Faculty of Engineering. Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Departments were there but Chemical, Textile, etc. were in the old BOC building at the back.
The 1st year classes were from 7 to 9 a.m. for Mathematics. We then have a one hour break and we start the engineering courses at 10 a.m. We usually have a snack during the break at a small cafe between Tagaung and Prome Halls. Those halls were only for engineering students then. The mathematics (Pure & Applied) lecturers were from India hired under contract. We had three engineering courses: Building Materials taught by Mr. Tan Ba Hli (the Dean of Engineering himself). Heat Engines taught by U Aung Khin. Principles of Electrical Engineering taught by U Kyaw Tun. We had EE lab with Ko Htin Paw and Ko Ba Nyunt as lab instructors. We also had engineering drawing with Ko San Hla Aung and Allen Htay (for Chem, Tex, etc.) as instructors.
Those were the days when Rangoon University was one of the best universities in SE Asia and Asia. It also had a really nice campus.
RIT Saya Soccer Team
Reading about communications from Richard Khoo (Dr. Aung Soe, C61) and seeing the list of Sayas in the 1966-67 Handbook brings back memories of our soccer team.
As I remember it was from 1964 to 1968 or 1969. We played against (i) the senior students of different majors Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc. (ii) the sayas at GTI and Natmauk Technical Institute (iii) the Burma Air Force officers.
We also played in the annual tournament for RIT Staff. The staff teams are the Sayas, Workshop staff, Lab staff, Hostel staff and the youth team from the RIT compound.
As I remember (other Sayas & graduates may correct me) these were the people in the team.
Goalkeepers :
Richard Khoo (Civil)
Maurice Kyaw Zaw (Chemistry),
Sein Myint/Ah Sein (Petroleum)
Defenders :
Ko Maung Maung Than (Textile)
Ko Aung Soe (Math)
Ko Aung Hla Tun (Met)
Ko Sann Tint (Elect)
Christopher Maung (Civil)
U Tin Swe (Elect)
Ko Tin Win (Mech)
Midfielders :
Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri)
Desmond Rogers (English)
Ko Khine Oo (Elect)
Ko Maung Maung Win (Mech)
Ko Tin Hlaing II (Mech)
Forwards :
Ko Pike Htwe (Chemistry)
Ko Aung (Math)
Ko Tin Hlaing I (Agri)
Ko Soe Min (Elect)
Ko Kyin Soe (Auto)
myself (Elect)
We rarely practiced but we enjoyed playing the games. We split games with the GTI sayas & the Air Force officers. We beat the Natmauk sayas and we won more than we lost in the RIT staff tournament. But I am sure we lost more than we won against the final year students. Would appreciate comments on this; especially on the names I missed in the team.
Updates
Wrote articles about his experiences as a State Scholar, Saya, UCC Co-founder & UN Advisor. They can be read from SCRIB-D.
HlaMin 