Category: UCC

  • MASTAA Interview

    MASTAA Interview

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    U Soe Paing
    U 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.

    Updates

    MASAA recorded & broadcast interviews by

    • Dr. Aung Gyi
    • Dr. San Hla Aung
    • U Soe Paing

    Posts

    • Associations
    • Interviews
    • Memories of UCC
    • Paing Brothers
  • Paing Family

    Paing Family

    by Hla Min

    Update : June 2026

    U Paing & Siblings

    ဦးပိုင် ညီအကိုမောင်နှမများ

    U Paing & Siblings
    • Daw Ma Ma Tin ဒေါ်မမတင်
    • U Saing ဦးဆိုင်
    • U Hlaing ဦးလှိုင်
    • U Paing ဦးပိုင်
    • Daw Ma Ma Lay ဒေါ်မမလေး
    • U Chan Maung Kun ဦးချမ်းမောင်ကွမ်း
    • Bogyi Hla Maung ဗိုလ်ကြီးလှမောင်
    • U Sein Yoe ဦးစိန်ရိုး
    • U Yan Way ဦးရန်ဝေး

    Family

    Father : ICS U Paing

    Mother : Daw Oo Yin (daughter of Sir Po Tha & Lady Tha)

    Sons : Myo Paing, Soe Paing, Win Paing, Kyaw Paing

    Dr. Myo Paing (SPHS54)

    • Medical doctor & researcher (at BMRI)
    • Early assignment was Malaria Campaign
    • Champion golfer.

    U Soe Paing (SPHS56)

    U Soe Paing
    • In the Matric exam of 1956, he stood 13th in Burma and won a Collegiate Scholarship.
    • In 1958, he received two Gold medals : one for Highest Total Marks for I.Sc (Combined) & another for Joint Highest Marks in Maths for I.Sc (Combined).
    • While attending Engineering classes at RU, he received State Scholarship to study Electrical Engineering at Stanford University in the USA.
    • Received BS and MS in EE (Electrical Engineering) from Stanford University.
    • Upon his return, he joined the EE Department at RIT as Assistant Lecturer. He helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe with the UCC project.
    • Transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division.
    • After reorganization, he also managed the Operations Division.
    • Received M.Sc. in Computer Science from University of Southampton, UK.
    • Taught CS courses at UCC. He co-authored Programming Texts, Lecture Guides and Manuals with U Aung Zaw and me.
    • Worked for UN projects in several countries.
    • Wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” and his experiences as a States Scholar and UN Advisor. They can be read from SCRIB-D
    • After retirement, Saya spent time playing golf & practicing vipassana meditation.
    • During his UCC days, he served as a Golf Correspondent. I helped him type about the competition at RGC (Rangoon Golf Club) and BGC (Burma Golf Club) and submit to the English newspapers.
    • Visited RUCL. Compiled material for HMEE Project & prepared a Draft. Translated Section 1 of the HMEE book and summarized Section 2.
    • Gave an interview to MASTAA

    U Win Paing (SPHS64)

    U Wara 1
    U Wara 2
    U Wara 3
    • Won Golf Championships with his younger brother U Kyaw Paing.
    • After finishing the finals for ChE (Chemical Engineering) exam in 1970, he became a monk.
    • Served as Taik Oke for about four decades before becoming Chief Resident Monk of Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung Sayadaw.
    • Known as Sayadaw U Wara.
    • He is now GBNF.

    U Kyaw Paing (SPHS67)

    • Represented Burma in the Putra Cup.
    • Lawyer and entrepreneur.

    U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) wrote :

    For number of years, I was the carrier-cum-postman to bring Saya U Soe Paing’s typed golf news to the WPD, Working Peoples’ Daily at Theingbyu Street! Just one of the chores I had in those days.

    I remember jokingly asked Sayadaw U Wara how he felt seeing the (18th??) hole over the fence from the Sunlun Kyaung’s “Thein”. The new golf course was built for VIPs inside Kabaaye, and that particular hole was seen from the “Thein” less than 40-50 yards, of course over the fence.

    Updates

    • Nyi Lynn Seck created a family tree for Sir Po Tha

    Posts

    • Medical Research
    • Priests & Sayadaws
    • SPHS
    • UCC Founders
  • UCC History

    UCC History

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    Dr. Chit Swe
    U Soe Paing
    U Myo Min
    U Ko Ko Lay
    U 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)
    • U Soe Thein
      Business Applications Programmer
    • U Kyaw Nyein
      Scientific Applications Programmer; Numerical Methods & Analysis; UNV
    • U Win Naing (Maths73, MSc (CS))
      Science Scholar; Scientific Applications Programmer
    • U Myint Aung
      Superintendent, Admin Department
    • Daw Khin Lay Myint
      Secretary; Branch Clerk, Admin Department
    • U Aung Aung Thein
      He served in various capacities at UCC (Engineering, Teaching)
    • Daw Kyu Kyu Lwin
      Job controller, Operations Division; transferred to SSB (Social Security Board) Computer Section.
    • Daw Win May Thaung
      Offline operator, Operations Division
    • Daw Khin Mya Swe (M.Sc. (CS))
      Programmer; Passed away in Lesotho
    • Daw Khin Toe Nyein (M.Sc. (CS))
      Programmer
    • Daw Thida Aung (M.Sc. (CS))
      Programmer
    • Daw Khin San Hlaing (Cynthia)
      Librarian; attended M.Sc. (CS); worked at or attended AIT; migrated to Australia
    • Daw Nge Ma Ma Than (DAC)
      Taught at UCC, DCS and ICST; Prisoner of Conscience
    • U Khin Maung Aye (M73, M,Sc. (CS))
      Worked for Railways Computer Section
    Htay Lwin Nyo
    • Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74, M.Sc.(CS))
      Doctorate from Syracuse University; Passed away at SJSU
    • Sai Aung Thurein (EC74, M.Sc.(CS)))
      Worked in Singapore and Australia.

    Updates

    ICST was succeeded by UCSY (University of Computer Studies, Yangon) and COE (Center of Excellence).

    Several articles were published in the Souvenir Magazine for the 30th Anniversary of ICST.

    Saya U Soe Paing’s articles (e.g. “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga” can be read in SCRIB-D.

    U Hla Min’s “Memories of UCC” can be read in hlamin.com

  • Ma Nge

    Ma Nge

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    Highlights

    Ma Nge
    • Nge Ma Ma Than (ငယ်မမသန်း), Theresa Aung Than
    • Youngest daughter of U Aung Than, elder brother of Bogyoke Aung San
    • Matriculated from MEHS (Methodist English High School).
    • Studied at RASU and UCC
    • Taught at UCC, DCS and ICST
    • Found her soul mate U Myint Swe at UCC
    Ma Nge, Ko Myint Swe & ASSK
    • In the Adhamma era, Ma Nge, Ko Myint Swe & her elder brother became “Prisoners of Conscience”.
    • They later supported former POCs and taught IT to the needy.
    • Her health deteriorated, but her strong spirit never declined. Even in her final days, she commiserated with her former political prisoners.
    Ma Nge 2
    • Passed away at Pinlon Hospital on April 24, 2018 at 12:20 PM
    Obituary

    Posts

    • Computer Science & Technology
    • Memories of UCC
    • Names
  • Soe Paing

    Soe Paing

    by Hla Min

    Update : June 2026

    Paing Brothers

    Family

    • Parents : ICS U Paing & Daw Oo Yin
    • 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 & 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.
    • Gave an interview to MASTAA.
    • Had recovered after medical treatment.

    Posts

    • Computer Pioneers in Burma
    • EE Sayas
    • HMEE
    • Memories of UCC
    • Paing Family
  • UCC Gatherings

    UCC Gatherings

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    At Saya U Soe Paing’s house

    Saya U Soe Paing’s house

    Over the years, I attended several mini-gatherings and gatherings hosted by UCC sayas and alumni.

    Saya U Soe Paing hosted gatherings (usually dinner meeting) at his house. Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69) was my class mate. She also attended CPC course.

    U Thein Oo, Daw Tin May Lwin and several others help organize the gatherings. U Thein Oo, U Htin Kyaw, Aung Aung and several others provide transportation to or from Saya’s house.

    40th Anniversary

    There was fun and laughter at UCC’s 40th Anniversary Gathering.

    ICST SPZP

    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.

    Saw Yan Naing, son of Dr. Saw Naing (Wesley, SPHS59), gave me a ride to the Pu Zaw Pwe. SYN is a nephew of Dr Myo Khin. He is a cousin of Soe Lin Maung (UCC).

    Gatherings in USA

    Dr. Rafiul Ahad, Ko Khin Zaw,, Ko Aung Myint Oo & Ma Thida Khin, Ko Sein Myint & Sao Mon Sint (Cindy) and Ko Toung hosted UCC gatherings (especially to welcome and alumni visiting US). Ivan Lee hosts an annual joint gathering for UCC and RIT sayas and alumni at his home in New Jersey.

    Gatherings in Singapore

    Ko Tin Aung Win, Ko Zaw Tun and Pale Shein organized buffet gatherings. Ko Aung Aung & Ma Kyin Mya are regulars at the gatherings. Some have moved to Thailand and Myanmar.

    Gatherings in Australia

    Sydney

    Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF), Ko Sein Myint Maung & Khin Aye Mu, Ko Htay Aung & Tin Tin Hlaing organized the gatherings. I met Thandar Htwe Htwe and Khin May Thet.

    Ko Sein Tin created a short music video during my visit to Oz in 2006.

  • ICST & UCSY

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    Dr. Chit Swe

    UCC

    Dr. Chit Swe

    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 Paing
    U Myo Min
    U 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.

  • UCC Memories (9 -15)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    Memories of UCC (9)

    U Thein Oo (Ah Thay Lay)

    He was an entrepreneur in his school days. He supposedly paid his school fees from his winnings from “Ta Chut Hmout” (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). Saya Ah Thay Lay is equally good as his mentor and may be even better.

    Saya did further studies in the United Kingdom. Saya found his soul mate Daw 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 from UCC alumni

    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)

    Some may not know Mra (Arakanese for Mya), but 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)

    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 he flow” or in “the zone”, words flow off my mind with ease. I am not relying on notes and documentation for the posts. There will 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.

    Charlie Tseng (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.

    Lucas Lee (Sein Tun, SPHS66)

    He is a classmate of Ko Charlie (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 United States. 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 took us to visit Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

    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, Dr. Thein Mg (EENT). 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 Chit as Director of UCC.

    Department of Computer Science

    During his tenure, DCS was established with Saya Lay as Professor and Saya TAG as Associate Professor. I was Lecturer.

    Institute of Computer Science and Technology

    In 1987, ICST was established with Saya as Rector.

    There were four Departments :

    ● Hardware Technology
    ● Software Technology
    ● Information Systems [IS]
    ● Computational Mathematics.

    Saya 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 shehad became 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 Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya 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. Saya was a top student at the University of Michigan. His fellow students gave Saya a nickname : “Hopping” (Khone Swa) Sein Win for his agility. Saya served as Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering (EE) at RIT. When EE Department was “formally split” into EC (Electrical Communications, AKA also known as EcE and Electronics Engineering) and EP (Electrical Power), Saya served as Professor of EP.

    Grape vine says that Saya 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.

    Saya served as Technical Advisor for UCC. He worked closely with U Win Htein (SPHS, Purdue University, PWD, GBNF) for the design and maintenance of the Electrical Systems (including Motor Alternator, Diesel Generator, Air conditioning …) at UCC.

    Saya 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 and Water Polo team.

    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.

    Grape vine says that he had problem with colors. So, instead of reading the color code on the resistors, he would measure them.T

  • UCC Memories (34 – 37)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    Memories of UCC (34)

    Childbirth

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    Saya Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw
    • 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 read about Saya Dr. Pike Tin’s mother.
    • Now, we will read about Saya Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw’s mother.

    No Breast Feeding

    • Saya TAG’s mother supposedly breast fed her children.
    • Sadly, they passed away.
    • When Saya TAG was born, his mother decided not to breastfeed him.
    • Saya TAG grew up healthy.
    • He served as Joint Secretary of RIT Thaing Club with Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) as President.
    • Saya TAG became the “eldest” child.
    • He has a younger brother and sister.

    Always A Child

    • Saya’s father thinks and treats Saya TAG as a child even after Saya got married and had children.
    • Grape vine says that Saya’s father visited him while Saya was volunteering at UCC.
    • At night Saya’s father checked if Saya was tucked up in a blanket.

    Phobia

    • Saya 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.
    • Saya would ask someone to accompany him to the restroom at night.

    Update

    • Saya is having quality time with his five children and four grandchildren.
    • Saya is a workaholic.
    • Saya is still working full time often on multiple projects.
    • Saya 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 Than Yaw Zin on his work.
    • Some time back Saya 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.

    Memories of UCC (35)

    Veda Kyaung Oke

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    U Myint Sein (Veda Principal)
    • U Myint Sein (Bobby, SPHS 64, B. Com 68, 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

    • U 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 Ta Rin (three and its multiples) and Na Win (nine and its multiples).
    • V3 produces the “basic” horoscope with Yathi (Rasi), Bawa and Nawin (Navamsa). It is also known as “Tri Cekka Zartar” 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.
    • U Zaw Tun (now in Singapore sharing his time with Programming and volunteering at Singapore Chan Mei Yeik Tha) used PROLOG (language for Logic Programming) to implement the Bedin (Astrology) 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), who decided that his grandson should inherit his wealth.

    Aung Myint Oo

    U 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 a private school named Idea Astrology.
    • U 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” in North Okkalapa that morning on his final day. He came back home and watched TV. He apparently had a heart attack.
    • I met U 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 U 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)

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    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 some 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

    • Sammy’s mother wanted Sammy to get married and was willing to arrange, but Sammy 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 several years ago. Sammy was requested by U Nyein Min (C79) to help organize the Reunion.
  • University Days (1963 – 69)

    by Hla Min

    Update : June 2026

    Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)
    • 2500+ articles in my web site hlamin.com
    • Difficult to revise all articles
    • Events described here cover my journey as a University Student
    • Other events (e.g. 1946 to 1970s, Top Matriculates) are covered elsewhere

    1963

    • Took Matric Only exam in May
    • Most exams were held in March
    SPHS63
    Hla Min (7th Place)

    Collegiate Scholarship

    • Paulians had 5 in the Top Five, 7 in the Top Ten, and 10 in the Top Twenty
    • Khin Maung U (1st in Burma)
    • Min Oo (2nd)
    • Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd, GBNF)
    • Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, 4th)
    • Thein Wai (5th)
    • Hla Min (7th)
    • Johnny Maung Maung (Aung Kyaw Zaw, 9th)
    • Maung Maung Kyi (11th, GBNF)
    • Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, 13th, GBNF)
    • Frank Gale (Khin Maung Zaw, 17th)

    Leik Khone

    • Attended last ever I.Sc.(A) class at Leik Khone.
    • Following the “Anniversary of 7th July, 1962” events, most classes at Rangoon & Mandalay Universities were closed for an unspecified period.
    • Engineering & Medical Classes were spared at that time.
    • As a result, those who were a year senior in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us (Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems).

    RUBC

    • Joined Rangoon University Boat Club.
    • Paulian Crew was Runner-up for Senior Novices.
    • Maung Maung Kyi (Bow, GBNF)
    • Hla Min (2)
    • Kyaw Wynn (3)
    • Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, Stroke, GBNF)
    • Myint Thein (Cox, GBNF)
    • We were awarded Full Green.
    Maung Maung Kyi
    Kyaw Wynn (2nd from Left)

    40th Anniversary Gathering

    • President Sithu U Tin, VP U Po Zon & U Tin Htoon compiled Souvenir Magazine for the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC
    • Due to Security Concerns, the 40th Anniversary Annual Regatta was cancelled
    • Sithu U Tin & the Patrons decided to hold the “40th Anniversary Dinner of the founding of RUBC” at Orient Hotel in Kandawgyi
    RUBC 40th Anniversary

    Burma Institute of Technology

    • My elder brother and several sayas graduated from BIT in 1963.
    • They were from the second batch of BIT.
    • The degree conferred was B.Sc. (Engg).

    1964

    Education System

    • New Education System was implemented in November 1964.
    • Most Faculties of the Rangoon University became Institutes with their own Rectors.
    • Youth Affairs Department implemented Luyechun (လူရည်ချွန်) Program in the Summer of 1964. Eligible students from 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th Standards were chosen to attend Ngapali Shwe Wah Gyaing Camp in the Summer of 1964.

    Rangoon Institute of Technology

    RIT Student

    In November 1964, three batches of students entered RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology).

    • 400+ were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA). Zaw Min was admitted as Roll Number One. Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Cho Aye (GBNF), Peter Pe (GBNF) & Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, GBNF) were among the top students.
    • 300+ who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) exam were chosen by merit to attend the first ever 2nd BE. I was admitted as Roll Number One. Taing Oke, Kenny Wong, Tun Aung Gyaw, Tin Tun (GBNF) & Thein Swe (GBNF) were among the top students.
    • About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) exam were admitted to the 3rd BE. Tun Aung (Jeffrey, GBNF) was a top student.

    RUBC

    • Elected Honorary Treasurer
    • Had to report to Professor William Paw (President)
    • Last Executive Committee member to be elected at the Annual General Meeting
    • Served as Vice Captain the following year
    • Higher authorities prevented me from becoming RUBC Captain by discarding the Bye Laws and using their ad-hoc rules (e.g. selecting instead of electing Captain)
    • My affection for Rowing & RUBC did not wither. I served as Contributing Editor for the RUBC 90th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine in 2013
    RUBC Souvenir Magazine

    Matriculation

    • Cherry Hlaing (Than Than Tin, St. John’s Convent) and Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS) had Joint Highest Marks.
    • Based on ILA, Cherry was admitted as Roll Number One to IM(1). Was selected Luyechun in summer of 1965. Grandfather U Hoke Sein & father U Saw Hlaing were First in Burma.
    • Lyn Aung Thet had four distinctions and joint Highest Marks. He had lower ILA than Cherry. Scholar Athlete who excelled in Swimming, Water Polo, Tennis & Chess. Was Luyechun in a later year.
    • Aung Win Chiong (SPHS64) has the next best raw score. Had perfect ILA score. Admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One.
    • Maurice Hla Kyi (Min Lwin, SPHS64) had the 5th highest marks. Admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two.
    Maurice & Aung Win

    1965 – 1969

    Matriculation in 1965

    • Bernard Khaw (SPHS65) had four distinctions (with 80+ marks in English) and stood First in Burma. Due to the revised policy (e.g. 3 NRC requirement), he could not apply for professional courses.
      Majored in Chemistry before moving to USA. Retired as a Chemical Engineer & Pastor.
    Bernard (Center)
    • Maung Aye (SPHS65) had second best raw marks. He and his twin brother moved to USA
    • Winston Sein Maung (SPHS65, GBNF) had third best raw marks
    • Cherry Than Tin had fourth best raw marks. She was admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (2)
    • Yi Thwe (SPHS65, GBNF) had 5th best raw marks. Admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (1)
    • Paing Soe (Freddie, SPHS65) had same marks as Yi Thwe.
      Admitted as Roll No (2) to MC (1)
    • Forty four Paulians were admitted to MC in 1965. They are from the Last Batch of True Paulians.

    Nationalization

    Consequences of Coup d’etat include

    • End of Democracy
    • Nationalization of industry & schools
    • Indiscriminate demonetization
    • Increased censorship
    • With every turmoil (effecting “National Security”), the universities, institutes and schools were suspended.

    SPHS

    • The schools were nationalized on April 1, 1965.
    • St. Paul’s High School became No. (6) Botathaung State High School. Some Brothers left Burma. A few indigenous Brothers remained in Ady Road. Brother Joseph was ordained as Father Joseph.

    Luyechun

    • Program was extended to include Universitites & Institutes in Summer of 1965
    • I attended Inlay Khaung Daing Lu Ye Camp in the summer of 1965 along with Ko Sein Shwe, Khin Than Myint Tin and Zaw Min
    LYC 1
    LYC 2
    • MC(1) sent Cherry Hlaing, Khin Maung U, Anita Aye Pe and Kyaw Sein Koe (Victor, GBNF).

    RIT

    Eight engineering departments

    • Architecture
    • Chemical
    • Civil
    • Electrical
    • Mechanical
    • Metallurgical
    • Mining
    • Textile

    Most departments have associations. The RIT Mechanical Engineering Association was active. Ko Win Thein (M67, GBNF) was a Prime Mover. He co-founded Set Hmu Thadinzin & Mechanical Magazine. He organized activities.

    RIT Sports Council was headed by Saya U Maung Maung Than (GBNF). U Maung Maung (Burma Selected in soccer) was Sports Officer. The associations for the various sports were headed by sayas.

    Several RIT students were Burma Selected. They include Sai Kham Pan (Badminton) and Htay Aung (Water Polo).

    Htay Aung

    Saya Mao Toon Siong (former Burma Champion) was National Coach for Table Tennis. He also coached RIT team which won the Inter-Institute Championship.

    Saya Mao

    Electrical Sayas

    EE Sayas
    • Electrical Engineering was headed by Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor & Head).
    • Senior sayas included U Kyaw Tun (saya of our sayas), U Tin Swe & U Sein Win. All are now GBNF.
    • There were about 20 sayas. Five were on deputation for further studies abroad.
    • I wrote “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” for SPZP-2010. Sayas U Thein Lwin and U Nyi Nyi have since passed away.

    EC and EP

    There were two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power). Per advice from the industry, only a quarter of students were accepted for EC.

    • 80+ EE students in 3rd BE.
    • 40+ EE students graduated in 1969
    EE69ers
    • EP students outnumbered EC students 3 by 1. Several bright students played safe by choosing EP (which provided a job guarantee).
    • We studied EC (Electrical Communications). Twelve of us graduated in 1969.
    • Five EC69ers — Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin, Oo Kyaw Hla & Sai Aik Yee — are now GBNF.
    • Several years later, EC became Electronics Engineering.
    • A few decades later, Electronics Engineering and Electrical Power became full-fledged departments.

    Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :

    AFAIK, EC was the hardest and strictest discipline at the RIT in those days as we’ve been told. Some even asked us why we had to go there. Of course, I am not going to mention the easiest discipline there, but we joked like, “they had 109 students and 110 passed the exam”. I do not mean any disrespect to Sayas and friends from other majors!! At times, it made us wonder why were we there for god’s sake. CRAZY TIMES!!! Indeed.

    Volunteer

    I served as

    • Treasurer & Vice Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club)
    • Class Representative, Joint Secretary & Secretary of RITEE (Rangoon Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Association)
    • Member of Committee for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”
    • Editor of the Bulletin published by RIT English Association
    • Member of UTC, Rowing, Scrabble, and Chess Assocations / Clubs
    • Free lance writer (articles, poems, translations). My poem “Men on the Moon” was sent to NASA by USIS, and it was published in the Guardian newspaper in July 1969
    Men on the Moon

    Updates

    • Some joined the Faculty. Some worked in the Industry. A few worked for private or family business. Some moved overseas.
    • Danny suggested to have a Class Reunion. It was realized as 30th Anniversary of Graduation & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe in 1999.
    • I started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in April 1999. It partially helped to have SPZP-2000.
    SPZP-2000 Orgsnizers
    • 69er Health Care Fund was established. Ko Aung Min is current Chair. He and his team maintain the finances & activities.
    GBNF List
    • 69ers hold monthly Breakfast Gatherings (except during the pandemic). They have major Reunions in 1999, 2009, 2014 and 2019.
    40th Anniversary (2009)
    Golden Jubilee of Admission (2014)
    50th Anniversary (2019)

    Awards

    • Received Alumni Appreciation Awards in October 2000, August 2016 and September 2016.
    • Received Distinguished Toastmaster in 2017
    Award 1
    Award 2
    DTM 1
    DTM 2