2 year Memorial for Saya Dr. Chit Swe at Sydney Australia & Elar, Pyinmana by Daw Khin Khin Latt, Dr. Moe Thu & U Nay La, U Thu Ta & Daw War War Aung, Dr. Kyaw Thu & Khin Su Hlaings, Dr. Swe Latt & Daw Phyo Phyo Aung, U Chit Khin & Mrs. Lin Tranh
Memorial Soon Kyway
Dana for Saya U Aung Zaw
Yet Le (7 day) Memorial
by Daw Nan Kyawt (Tint Tint Wai), Daw San Tint Tint Zaw & family, U Ant Bwe Zaw, U Nyan Htet Zaw & family
by U Zaw Tun & friends (Singapore)
by Daw Pyone Yee & Family (Myanmar)
Donations in Thanatpin, Myanmar
In memory of Saya Zaw by Daw Nan Kyawt & Family, U Tun Aung Gyaw & Family, U Myint Lwin & Family
Lights for a zedi & neighborhood in Thanatpin for Two Nights
Drinking Water for the residents for Two Days
Ah Hlu for residents and visitors from neighboring villages
AZ 1AZ 2
Donation by ex-UCC to Foundation (supported by Saya Zaw & Family)
Saya U Soe Paing
Saya Dr. Maung Maung Htay
U Soe Myint
U Sein Myint
Daw Kyin Kyin Htay
Daw San Yu Hlaing
Daw Swe Swe Than
U Win Pe
U Nyunt Than
U Aung Zaw Maung
…
Memorial for C73 GBNF
U Kyaw Lin (Organizer of Civil Engineering Gatherings)
He founded UCC with the help of U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF).
U Soe Paing
U Soe Paing, 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 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 (the first Computer Institution in Burma).
U Ko Ko Lay
U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) 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
He is the son of Saya Kar, who served as Minister of Education in the Caretaker Government. 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 (GBNF) and U Shein Soe Myint (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.
Robert Win Boh (EC69) wrote :
I used to visit Dr FBH & his dear wife (RIT Saya U Ba Than’s sister) who are Ma TTH’s parents – to pay homage regularly before Saya Dr FBH passed away.
Saya was fond of my present bought for them from Canberra Return Trip with Ko Aye Win Hlaing (EE) and Ma Phyu Phyu Latt (A71). It is a small woolen blanket hand woven by aged people and sold for charity at the Mid Way Market from Canberra.
Saya always put the blanket on his lap when he watched TV news.
Ma Ma Mi (Daw Khin Khin Latt) is from Sagaing. She wanted Saya Chit (Dr. Chit Swe) to be a Yahan (temporary monk) at a monastery in Sagaing Hills. Some monastery compounds are named after the towns in Irrawaddy Delta.
Ko Myint Oo and I offered to be temporary monks with Saya Chit.
Ordination
There are two phases to become a monk :
(a) Novitiation (ရှင်ပြု Shin Pyu) or “Lower Ordination” to become a “Ko Yin” (ကိုရင် novice)
(b) “Thane Wyn” or “Higher Ordination” in a Sima (သိမ် Thane) to become an Upazin ဥပဇင်း
At least five monks are needed to conduct the “Higher Ordination”.
In Yangon, the ceremony takes 15 – 30 minutes.
The final part is an Exhortation by the Preceptor. As Mentor to the newly ordained monk, the Preceptor shares his knowledge and gives advice.
When the Preceptor learned that Saya Chit is a renowned Professor and the Founder/Director of UCC, he gave “extra” attention by exhorting for “close to three hours”. Sayadaw enjoyed illuminating Saya Chit.
Since I could barely squat, I was “offered” a pillow to rest my knees and I was allowed to “kneel down” on the pillow.
Tourist Guide for a day
After a week of monk hood, we returned to our lay life sans (without) our hair.
Ko Myint Oo is a social animal. He knew two Guides from “Tourist Burma”. At least one of them was new. They had a reasonably tough assignment. They had to guide an American student (in his senior year at a New York University) trying to write a first-hand report about the Buddhist artifacts in Mandalay and Sagaing.
The Guides requested help from Ko Myint Oo. Ko Myint Oo shunted and in a moment I became a volunteer tourist guide explaining (to the best of my knowledge) Buddhism & rites and rituals.
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 supposedly content with leasing unit-record equipment (calculators, tabulators, …) using punched cards (which were “reused” as wrappers of “zee thee htokes”). The companies maintained the machines with their staff. U Aung Khin was the IBM representative in Burma. U Kyaw Tha was the ICL representative in Burma. They were highly paid compared to the Government employees. Due to the policies then in place, IBM might not have “incentives” to introduce computers and computing technology to Burma.
In the early sixties, Saw McCarthy Gyaw (Burma Railways) wanted to “upgrade” to an ICL computer, but the Coup d’etat in 1962 and subsequent restriction of foreign currency exchange (and budget planning rules) “effectively derailed” the idea of “computerization in Burma”.
In the mid sixties, Saya Chit (Dr. Chit Swe) was Head of the Mathematics Department at IE (Institute of Economics). Saya Chit proposed the need of a computer for teaching and research to Saya Nyi Nyi (Dr. Nyi Nyi, then Secretary [Deputy Minister] of Education). Saya 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”. Saya Chit later became Professor at Mathematics at RASU. Saya offered space at the Mathematics Department for the early volunteers of the UCC Project. Saya later obtained permission to use Mandalay Hall for use by the UCC Project before the UCC Building could be completed in Thamaing College Campus.
Saya Chit 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. Saya Chit requested Saya Paing (U Soe Paing) to help design and implement the UCC project. Saya Chit also inquired the mother of Saya Myo (U Myo Min), who was working at IBM UK after completing his CA (Chartered Accountant) if Saya Myo would be interested to come back to Burma and help with the UCC project. Saya Paing “recruited” his friend Saya Lay (U Ko Ko Lay, GBNF) to help with the UCC project in general and with the UCC Building Design and Implementation in particular.
It took a long time for UCC up and running. UNDP would be the Funding Agency. UNESCO would be the Executing Agency. Saya Paing’s articles can be downloaded from SCRIB-D.
Note : For several years, Saya Paing tried to recruit his top students — including my cousin U Thaung Lwin (EC66) — to help with the project and become the pioneer computer engineers.
U Thaung Lwin, who was “Top of his class”, received an offer to join IBM BURMA. It was Good News and Bad News. The Good News was that he was offered a reasonably high salary (based on the then salary of engineers joining the Government Departments). The Bad News was that he would have to wait a long time until the first computer was purchased and installed at the CSO Computer Section, He had to maintain the “leased” Unit Record Machines for several years.
Saya TAG (Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw, EC69) was the first and longest volunteer for the UCC Project. Saya Paing transferred from the Department of Electrical Engineering (EE) at RIT to UCC as Manager of the Systems Division. Saya Lay transferred from PWD to UCC. Saya Myo joined UCC. The three served as Managers for Systems, Operations, Applications (Scientific, Business …) .
I was fortunate enough to be a member of GENERATION ZERO along with my mentors and Saya TAG. Saya Paing left UCC in the eighties to pursue a career as Technical Adviser and Consultant for the UN projects in several countries. Saya has documented his experiences from the early States Scholarship in the USA to the UN assignments.
Since there are blanks to be filled in the history of UCC, DCS ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) and UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon), several people asked me to take the challenge or at the very least motivate others to share their experience and journey regarding IT in Burma. Relying on (a) my memory, which is reasonably good but imperfect, (b) my story telling skills which I inherited from my father, “THIN SAYA”, “MYIN SAYA”, and “KYAR SAYA”, (c) my training in “Communication and Leadership” from Toastmasters International to become a DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster), (d) my experience as a freelance writer, editor, translator, editor, coach, mentor, I have tried my best to prepare material in the form of readable chunks. I am confident that other interested sayas and alumni will help enhance the document with photos and anecdotes.
GBNF
The following is a partial list of GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) from UCC. Some descriptions are brief. Some entries have been covered in detail in other posts.
Dr. Chit Swe — Founder-Director of UCC; Saya passed away in Sydney Australia in 2019
Dr. Chit Swe
Dr. Tin Maung — Succeeded Saya Chit as Director of UCC; During his tenure, Department of Computer Science & Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) with Saya as Rector were established.
U Ko Ko Lay — Co-founder of UCC; Saya served as Operations Manager, Scientific Applications Manager, Professor at DCS and ICST
U Aung Zaw — Wrote lecture guides and manuals with Saya Paing and me; Taught at UCC, CSO, Asssumption Univeristy and Sydney; Passed away in Sydney, Australia in 2021.
U Mya Thein — Transferred from the Department of Commerce, Institute of Economics to UCC as Business Applications Programmer; Retired as Business Applications Manager; Taught at UCC, DCS and ICST, but also at ITBMU (International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University).
U Kyaw Nyein — Scientific Applications Programmer; Taught Numerical Methods and/or Numerical Analysis; Joined UN; During a UN assignment, his team was relocated due to war/conflict in the area.
U Win Naing — Science Scholar; 1st batch of M.Sc. (CS) with Systems Option; Scientific Applications
U Hla Min (EP70) — Chief Operator; Attended post-graduate course in UK, where he met his beloved; Early casualty (passed away at the tender age of 30+).
U Soe Myint (M72) — Retired as Pro-Rector of ICST
U Khin Maung Aye (M73) — 1st batch of M.Sc. (CS) with Applications Option; Railways
U Myint Aung (Admin) — Would often drive the E-2000 ferry.
Daw Khin Lay Myint (Admin) — Joined UCC as Secretary; Became BC.
U Shein Soe Myint (EC83) — Served in various capacities (Engineering, Teaching …); Passed away in Singapore while doing his Ph.D.
U Thein Tan — Attended M.Sc.; Close friend of U Zaw Tun.
U Aung Aung Thein — served in various capacities at UCC (Engineering, Teaching)
Daw Kyu Kyu Lwin — Ad hoc Tutor for Mathematics; Operator / Job Assembler; Transferred to SSB (Social Security Board) Computer Section.
Daw Win May Thaung — Operator / Job Assembler; Cousin: Ronnie Hla Maung (SPHS)
Daw Khin Mya Swe — M.Sc. (CS); Passed away in Lesotho
Daw Khin Toe Nyein — M.Sc. (CS); Classmate: Daw Pale (Pearl) Shein.
Daw Khin San Hlaing (Cynthia) — UCC Librarian.; M.Sc. (CS); Worked at (or attended) AIT; Passed away in Australia
Daw Nge Ma Than — Taught at UCC, DCS and ICST; Prisoner of Conscience; Spouse : U Myint Swe.
Daw Aye Aye Kyi — Operator / Job Assembler;Spouse: U Han Nyunt (SPHS)
U Maung Maung Gyi — Chief Operator
U Maung Maung Lay — Computer Operator
U Aung Myint — Computer Engineer
U Soe Thein — Business Applications Programmer
Courses at UCC
UCC Course
Saya Chit was Founder/Director of UCC and Professor of Mathematics Department at RASU. Saya Chit 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. Several distinguished Professors from US, UK and Europe lectured at UCC as part of the “UCC Project”.
Saya Chit was succeeded as Director of UCC by Dr. Tin Maung (son of U Kar).
Academic courses
The courses given under the aegis of Department of Mathematics include :
M.Sc. (CS)
DAC
Courses for computer users
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 Processing)
Special training (e.g. for those selected as State Scholars)
Planning (e.g. for departments intending to purchase computers)
Three Win Myint
There were three people at UCC (Universities’ Computer Center) named Win Myint.
Win Myint (1)
U Win Myint and U Maung Maung Lay
He was a High School Luyechun from Beik (Mergui). He was caught off guard when the then new Education System used the ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) to determine the admission to the Universities and Institutes. He found himself studying Philosophy along with others who supposedly had “low” ILA scores.
Instead of using the marks directly, the ILA uses a “distribution” of the marks for each subject and gives a score from 1 to 20. The ILA system helped students with balanced marks. By having marks in the top tier for each subject, a student can get a good score.
But a student with low marks in a subject (e.g. Burmese or English) would be penalized by the ILA system.
Philosophy is derived from Phil (love of) and Sophy (Wisdom). The highest degree is called Ph.D (Doctorate of Philosophy). It is ironic that students with low ILA scores were forced to major in Philosophy.
Ko Win Myint is an exception. He was determined to pursue a challenging career. Since he wanted to learn and work with computers, he enhanced his typing skills for both English and Burmese. It was a requirement for the position of Secretary at the newly formed UCC.
Grapevine says that his interview at PSC (Public Services Commission) was fast and smooth. When he said, “I am Bet Thar (or similar meaning ‘I am from Beik (Mergui)’”, the PSC Chairman who was from Beik validated Ko Win Myint’s appointment as Secretary.
He not only typed very fast, but he learned Computer Science and Applications quickly and proficiently. He became a programmer.
Win Myint (2)
He majored in Mathematics and received Masters.
He was from SLR Settlement and Land Record dept.
He got appointment in UCC as programmer and then got UNV post at PG.
Win Myint (3)
He operated the cyclostyle (Gestener). The lecture guides were printed mostly on Sittaung paper and some on the Ye Ni paper.
Lecture Guides
“Introduction to Computers”, “Introduction to Computer Programming” and several Guide Books were written by Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Aung Zaw and me. We thank Ko Win Myint (1) and Ko Win Myint (3) for the production.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote :
I had a different story about getting a job. I had only done 8 month internship, one of the tutors in medicine was transferred out. When Saya U Ba Than asked whom the professors wanted to replace her, they asked for me. I was called in by the Rector about posting me as tutor. When I told him I could not join not having finished my internship, he was so upset that “You want to erase with your feet, what I has written by hand”. I was made to report for duty. I went back and with the professor’s permission, I returned to finish my internship to get my medical registration.
Soon, my friends and I had to go for interview with PSC. The Chairman of PSC was U Khin Maung Phyu. Both he and Dr U Ba Than were classmates with my father. As I went in U Ba Than said to U Khin Maung Phyu, “Ko Khin Maung Phyu, he is Ko Kyaw Myint’s son and I have already posted him to Department of Medicine.” U Khin Maung Phyu said, “How is your father?” I replied that my father was good. Then he said that I could go !!! Must be the shortest interview in PSC.
History
I love history including History of Computing and History of Myanmar Engineering Education.
Why should we study History? Dr. Than Tun said, “So that one would not be stupid or dumb.” There’s an old adage, “History repeats itself”.
A historian presents facts. He should not give his opinion.
The historian from Smithsonian said, “There is no single correct history. There are often multiple competing histories.”
I am grateful to my spouse, who said “You should pay back to your alma mater and your country.”
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) said that I should record my oral stories and put them to print for posterity. UCSY sayamas requested me to write for 30th Anniversary of ICST/UCSY.
My beloved parents said, “Any thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well”.
I have shared my memories about the early days of Computing in Burma.
I am revising the posts.
I hope that the readers will help “fill in the blanks” and correct errors and inconsistencies. Collectively, we can turn the posts into a reasonably good document worthy of printing (or at least publish as an e-book).
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote :
When we conducted the Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Study, the data analysis was from me at UCC. Ko Ronnie Myo Min and many UCC staff helped us with the data analysis.
Dr. TOKM added :
The next project we did was “Risk Approach in Delivery of MCH Care”. We did a prospective study on the risk of mothers dying during pregnancy and child birth. As the outcome was measured by “relative risk” and “absolute risk” it was much easier to analyse the data.
Our team used 1MB handheld Sinclair computer for our study. Our team did not have monitors nor printers. Your nephew Peter (Khin Tun) worked out RR and AR on Sinclair, read the result on Saya U Tin U’s old TV and copied out the results by hand. Peter still had a copy of the final report. I left my copy at home and got lost.
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 40th Anniversary Gathering
It was the Reunion of Staff, Teachers (Past and Present) and Students.
Daw Ngwe Tin, Aye Aye Myint and sisters, Maung Myint, who maintained the UCC building rooms were among the attendees.
Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) was represented by Sayagadaw and Saya’s daughter.
There was fun and laughter, music and dances, and good old memories.
Daw Khin Lay Myint joined UCC as Secretary and then worked as Administrator Officer. She is now GBNF.
U Soe Myint (M72) joined UCC as Operator. He served as Shift Lead, expert in Mechanical Drawing and AutoCAD, and retired as Pro-Rector of ICST. He is also 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 (SPHS59), gave me a ride to the Pu Zaw Pwe. He is a nephew of Dr Myo Khin & a cousin of Soe Lin Maung (UCC).
Sydney in 2006
During my visit to Sydney in 2006, I met several UCC alumni.
Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and Daw Kyawt organized a Reunion and mini-PZP for Saya Dr. F Ba Hla (GBNF) & Saya Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF). They were helped by U Sein Myint Maung & Daw Khin Aye Mu, U Htay Aung (Victor) & 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), U Khin Zaw (Cupertino), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) and Daw Thida Khin (Fremont), 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).
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 moved from Singapore.
Activities
Table Tennis (Ping Pong)
U Saung Tin (CSO) and U Thein Oo are excellent players.
Volleyball
Rafiul Ahad (who was 3rd in Burma in Hurdles) hurt his knee. Daw Nwe Nwe Win (Judy) is often the sixth member of an all-male team.
Soccer
UCC team (including Saya U Ko Ko Lay & U Kyaw Nyein) played 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
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 led some trips (e.g. to Maw Tin Zun).
Soul Mates
Some found their soul mates while working or studying at UCC.
Aung Aung & Kyin Mya
Aung Myint Oo & Thida Khin
Boe Ba Shan & Phyu Phyu Win
Kyaw Zwa Than (Jaws) & Khin Khin Kyu (K-cube)
Htay Aung & Tin Tin Hlaing
Myint Oo & Tin Tin Hla
Myint Swe & Nge Ma Ma Than
Myint Zaw & Nwe Nwe Win (Judy)
Sein Myint (Bei Gyi) & Sao Mon Sint (Cindy)
Sein Myint Maung & Khin Aye Mu
Soe Than & Wai Wai Than
Than Maung Maung & Khin Si Thoung
Thaung Tin & Tin Tin Aye
Thein Oo & Than Than Tint
Win Hlaing & Thida Kyi
Win Myint & Nu Nu Aung
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) wrote :
Ko Soe Myint Gyi was one of the very humble people I have ever known. He spoke very soft, never see him angry nor heard him raise his voice. Even though I am some years junior to him (he’s M72 and me EC76) he always treated me with dignity and respect. I really miss him, may his beautiful soul rest in peace.
Anniversary Soon Kway
U Thein Oo and Daw Than Than Tint Soon Kway at Yaw Sayadaw’s Kayung Daik.
Attendees include
Saya U Soe Paing and Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69)
U Myint Swe
Daw Tin Moe We (Sweetie)
Daw Myint Myint Thein (Susan)
Soon Kyway
Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (GBNF)
He matriculated from SPHS in 1968. Hewas admitted as Roll Number One to 1st BE. He was selected RIT Luyechun.
He graduated among the top of the EP74 class.
He studied Computer Science at UCC.
He received a Ph.D. in EE from Syaracuse University, New York.
His final job was as Part Time Professor at San Jose State University (SJSU).
He used the spare time for his hobbies : (a) Tinkering old cars (b) Painting (c) Cooking (d) Stock Market (e) Writing movie scripts
He did not miss a class. When he did not show up for a few classes, the students were alarmed and requested SJSU authorities to check his home. They found the doors locked. After a few days, they broke in to find him lifeless on his bed. Postmortem indicated an aneurysm.
Since he was single and had no next-o-kin in the USA, SJSU asked the Burmese Community to help. Members of the “RIT Alumni International” and BAPS helped with the fund raising for the final journey of HLN.
I was honored to push the incinerator, and later to scatter the ashes in the ocean. There was no next-of-kin of HLN in the USA. KMZ remembered that Kyaw Swa Than (Jaws, UCC) was HLN’s cousin. The missing link was supplied by some alumni (including Ko Ko Kyi). KMZ set up special web page for HLN. My poem was also posted there. I wrote about HLN’s Sea Burial for BAPS Newsletter.
HLN Memorial Pages
U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76, KMZ) set up the “HLN Memorial Pages” in the ex-RIT web site (which is now defunct). I wrote a poem “HTAY LWIN NYO“.
BAPS Newsletter
I also wrote “A Sea Burial for Professor Htay Lwin Nyo” for the BAPS Newsletter and the RIT web site.
Ko Ko Kyi (EC72) wrote :
Ko Hla Min, sad to read about Htay Lwin Nyo’s sea burial. I played a small part in notifying his first cousin Myo San Than in Toronto, when my brother called me from Birmingham, UK and informed me about HLN’s demise. Apparently, someone from California had contacted a friend of my brother’s and asked him to inform me, as he knew that HLN had a cousin living in Toronto. I informed HLN’s cousin Myo San Than, who called his elder brother living in Winnipeg, Canada. Subsequently, this cousin went to the US for HLN’s funeral. HLN was a good friend of mine, although he was two years my junior at RIT.
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :
I was actually a former classmate of HLN’s younger brother Aung Lwin Nyo in St. Paul’s High School [SPHS (6) Botataung]. All their brothers were OPs, HLN was 2 years senior to us, Old Paulians. I did not know HLN that well until we met again, the third time, at UCC. Of course he was part of our rival group while at RIT. Both of us ended up in US, he was several years earlier than me.
We met again when he moved to West Coast, namely San Jose, California while I was in Seattle. We visited him in San Jose, went Yosemite among other places, he visited us in Seattle, went up to Vancouver, Canada. Couple of years moved, he became upset with me for a reason unknown to me at the time, refused to take my calls. I eventually met him on one of my visits to California, forced him to tell me why he did not want to talk to me any longer. According to him, there were some rumors back in Yangon about his demise, his parents were very upset and he surmise that it could have been me who spread these rumors. I had to swear to him that those were nothing to do with me at all, as I lost contact with everyone, family and friends, back in Burma at that time.
So one could imagine my despair when I received a call, a year or so later, from Maurice Chee (M75) that HLN was found dead in his apartment, asking me if I knew him and also requested me to make an announcement on www,ex-rit,org site. I had to explain Maurice the background story, told him I would not do so until I have a solid information. I ended up calling HLN’s head of department at SJSU, San Jose State University. She assured me that they went to HLN’s apartment, broke it inside with the help of the Police. Sad news indeed. While Maurice Chee, Ko Banny Tan (M70), U Hla Min and RIT Alumni at BAPS, Bay Area alumni group, started working on the funeral, I called a friend, HLN’s cousin, in Manitoba, Canada, Kyaw Zwa Than (ex-UCC), to get the contact of HLN’s family back in Rangoon. I finally spoke with the elder brother, Ko Kyaw Lwin Nyo, who requested us to proceed with the funeral.
PS: I met HLN’s elder brother for the first time, this passed November 2018, at the OPA, Old Paulians’ Association, dinner. My OP friends told me that Aung Lwin Nyo met similar fate, passed away while in his bed some years back. Myo San Than (as mentioned in U Ko Ko Kyi’s comment) is the younger brother of Kyaw Zwa Than. KZT’s family : KZT, his wife KCube (Khin Khin Kyi) and their two sons, Alex and Nicholas, have since moved to Denver, Colorado, USA.
Daw Nge Ma Ma Than (GBNF)
Ma Nge (Theresa, GBNF) is the youngest child of U Aung Than (brother of Boyoke Aung San & Arzanee U Ba Win).
She matriculated from MEHS.
She graduated from RASU.
She studied and taught at UCC, DCS and ICST.
At UCC, she and Judy (Nwe Nwe Win) were considered as “UCC Twins”. Grapevine says that some guy approached them and gave each a copy of his “Yee Zar Sar” (love letter).
She found her love life U Myint Swe (ex-UCC).
During the Adhamma Era, she, her brother and U Myint Swe were detained by the higher authorities.
She became a Prisoner of Conscience.
I last met her at the 5th Acariya Puzaw Pwe of ICST.
Her health declined, but she kept on smiling. She did not complain about the aches and pains.
U Myint Swe reported the journal of her hospitalization and medical treatment.
Even in her final days, her thoughts were with former Prisoners of Conscience.
Ma Nge at the hospitalMa Nge and her cousin
U Soe Myint (M72, GBNF)
M72 friends call him “Phone Gyi Soe Myint”. At UCC, he is known as “Sunlun Soe Myint”.
His father U Thein Nyunt (Retired Secretary of Religious Affairs) was a friend and an early devotee of Sayadaw U Vinaya. U Soe Myint also served as Kappiya from his younger days.
He came to see me during my last visit and shared his knowledge about U Lokanatha (Italian American monk) and how he provided financial support to buy the land for Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung. He gave me a “Chone Hte” (for monk) to take back to the US.
On a subsequent visit to Yangon, we were sad to learn of his untimely demise.
On the fateful day, he made two trips to the Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung monastery, because he forgot his donation on his first trip. He also visited his nephew & niece who were having dialysis treatment. May be because of his karma or because of the trips he took that day, he passed away around 3 AM.
Four Decade Old Photo
Win Hlaing
Henry Maung Maung (Census, GBNF)
Kyu Kyu Lwin (GBNF)
Khin Si Thoung (Busi Baung – USA)
Khin Khin Win (Five Star Line – USA)
Phyu Phyu Win (Singapore)
Win May Thaung (GBNF)
Tin Tin Yi (Port Authority)
Hla Hla Win (Wa – GBNF)
Aung Myint (AM, GBNF)
Soe Myint (Sunlun, M72, GBNF)
Seven of the eleven in the photo are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
Annotation by KMZ, AM, Judy, Sweetie
Epilog
Computer Science and Technology is continually evolving.
There are two (or more) early definitions of Computer Science.
Computer Science is the study of phenomena surrounding Computing.
Computer Science is the study of Algorithms and Data Structures.
The first definition has the same flavor as a definition of Physics. It is general to say, “Physics is the study of natural phenomena.”
The second definition might sound restrictive, but it still covers a lot of topics and application.
There is a book called “PROGRAM = ALGORITHMS + DATA STRUCTURES”.
Professor Donald Knuth (Stanford University) thought that he could finish his 7-volume book “THE ART OF COMPUTER PROGRAMMING” in a couple of years. It was an under-estimate of the growth of Computers, Computer Science and Applications. It took over two decades to complete and revise the first three volumes and part of the fourth volume. One reason was that his book contributed to the growth of the Design and Analysis of Algorithms.
I have covered some topics in the early days of Computing in general and UCC in particular.
I missed out several people. I mentioned many names, but did not elaborate on some of them.
I did not cover in-depth the PDP configuration and use, the introduction of PCs, and robots.
It would take a long time and I would not be able to fill in all the blanks.
I believe an idea that characterizes Jules Verne. “If one can dream, others can fulfill”.
I had a personal experience to support that idea. In 1999, I started “RIT International Newsletter” and dreamed that sayas and alumni will get reconnected electronically and physically. With the help of sponsors (including five Golden Sponsors), able and dedicated sayas and alumni, volunteers, supporters and well-wishers, the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe) was held in San Francisco in October 2000. The world-wide SPZPs were subsequently held in Singapore in 2002, 2007 and 2010, and in Yangon in 2004, 2012 and 2016.
I have paid back to RIT.
I am now paying back to UCC, DCS and ICST.
Thanks to my family members for supporting me in the endeavors to pay back to the institutions and my mentors that helped me develop to where I am today.
I am confident that sayas and alumni of UCC, ICST & UCSY will enhance my posts into a document that historians will envy.
Qualification: BS (Stanford), MS (Stanford), MSc. Computer Science (Southampton)
Department: Electrical Communications Position: Assistant Lecturer, (Jan 1964 to March 1971) Reason for Leaving: Joined Universities’ Computer Center in April 1971.
Engineering Alumni: Attended First Year Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University from June to December, 1958. Reason for Leaving: Awarded State Scholarship to study in USA.
Occupation: Data Processing Adviser (Retired)
Organization: United Nations
Updates
Saya was my mentor at RIT and UCC.
He offered me and Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC, GBNF) to be his co-authors. We wrote programming texts, manuals and guides.
Saya was a prime mover to get the “RIT Alumni International Newsletters” and http://www-ex-rit.org started.
Saya would mention that I am a “Shay Hmi; Nauk Hmi. ရှေ့မှီ၊ နောက်မှီ”
Sayagadaw added: “Bay Hmi ဘေးမှီ as well’.
Saya wrote articles for the RIT Newsletter and selected journals & magazines. They can be accessed via SCRIB-D
He also gave an interview for MASTAA
UCC Gathering at Saya’s House
SP 2
Lovely Couple
SP 3
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe
SP 4
RIT alumni in Singapore
With U Tu Myint, Daniel Tint Lwin, James Than With U Tint Swe & Vilma Khaing
Visit to California
With Saya U Tin Mg Nyunt, U & Mrs. Hla MinWith U & Mrs. Tin Mg Nyunt
UCC Gathering at MICT Park
With UCC Alumni
Leaving for UN Assignment
At Mingalardon airport
ICST Pu Zaw Pwe
U Thein Oo, Dr. Pike Tin, Saya U Soe Paing, U Hla Min, Dr. Kyaw Thein
He taught Numerical Analysis and Numerical Methods.
He passed away on February 28, 2011.
In his youth, he was active playing soccer and volleyball.
His friendly smile will be missed by all.
Aging and declining health had a toll on U Kyaw Nyein and his spouse. He had diabetes for a long time without control/treatment. His kidney began to fail around October, 2010. Doctors recommended preparation for dialysis, which is minor operation on his vein/arteries on his hand, but he wanted to try alternative medicine (e.g. Chinese medicine).
UCC alumni set up a health care fund to help him, but he was either too “Arr Nar De” or too frail to do dialysis.
He lost memory and could not recognize his colleagues. His wife had limited mobility on her left hand. People in Yangon wanted her to go for therapy but it was not easy for them to visit therapists on their own.
U Kyaw Nyein (AFPFL)
U Kyaw Nyein (AFPFL)
He was a Minister (of Home Affairs) in the AFPFL government.
He was a leader of the Swe-Nyein Faction (aka Ti Mye တည်မြဲဖဆပလ)
U Kyaw Nyein (BSPP)
He was Minister (of Education) and in the BSPP government.
U Kyaw Nyein (USIS)
He invited us to use the USIS library.
He is the third son of Myoma Sayagyi U Ba Lwin.
U Kyaw Nyein (Franklin)
He is the younger brother of U Wah Kyu (Maurice Chee’s father) and Saya U Win Kyaing.
HlaMin 