He is an alumnus of St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon University, Stanford University and Southampton University.
He taught at RIT Electrical Engineering.
He co-founded UCC. He transferred to UCC as Manager, Systems Division. He later also managed Operations Division.
He is fondly called Saya Paing at UCC.
Saya and Sayagadaw hosted several gatherings for UCC alumni.
He retired from UN after serving as Technical Advisor for several countries.
Currently, he lives in New Jersey, USA.
UCC Alumni
Family
One day, the people on the UCC ferry shouted, “Saya Paing”. To their amazement, ICS U Paing (Saya’s father) came out.
Saya U Soe Paing is the second son of ICS U Paing and Daw Oo Yin (Daughter of Sir Po Tha and Lady Tha).
The Paing Brothers — Dr. Myo Paing (Medical Researcher, SPHS54), Saya U Soe Paing (SPHS56), U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, SPHS64, ChE70) and U Kyaw Paing (SPHS67) are Old Paulians.
They are also excellent golfers and Champions at RGC (Rangoon Golf Club) and BGC (Burma Golf Club). U Kyaw Paing is a Putra Cup Player.
Saya volunteered as a reporter for Golf News. I typed the news. Khin Maung Zaw delivered the news to Guardian and/or WPD.
St. Paul’s High School
Saya matriculated from SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) in 1956 along with U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), U Win Htein (GBNF), Percy Maung Maung (GBNF), U Than Se / Richard Khoo and U Ba Min.
He stood 13th in Matriculation and was awarded Collegiate Scholarship.
Rangoon University
At the 1958 RU Convocation, Saya won two Gold Medals for excellence in the Intermediate of Science.
He scored the highest marks in the I.Sc. examinations.
He scored the highest marks in Mathematics in I.Sc. along with two other students.
Since the original endowment for the Gold Medals did not cover the rising cost of Gold, Saya’s family had to give K150 for each Gold Medal.
He rowed and coxed at RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). He won prizes including the Inter-Hall Fours.
Stanford University
Saya was selected as a States Scholar to attend Stanford University along with Saya U Ko Ko Lay and Bohmu Percy.
Saya received his BS and MS in EE (Electrical Engineering).
Saya did programming for his studies and also worked part-time as computer operator.
RIT Electrical
Upon his return to Burma, Saya joined the EE Department as Assistant Lecturer. His sponsor was UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute).
At a research congress held in the Main Campus, Saya presented a paper covering Digital Logic and Circuits, Dr. Chit Swe was impressed. Through Saya U Nyi Nyi (EE saya, who moved to the UK), Saya Paing gained contact with Saya Chit. The rest is history.
Saya Paing would help Saya Chit with the UCC Project.
It would take a few years before the UCC Project got approved by UN and funded by UNDP.
Saya U Soe Paing in 2009
UCC – RIT Connection
Saya Paing promised Saya Chit to recruit his top students to join the UCC Project, but the long delay of the Project to get funded made the task difficult.
Ko Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), Ko Hla Min (SPHS63, EC69) and Ko Soe Win (EC70) joined UCC as Maintenance Engineers.
Ko Hla Min (Pauk Si, SPHS64, EP70, GBNF) joined UCC as Chief Operator.
Ko Aung Myint (SPHS64, GBNF) transferred from the RIT EE Laboratory to join UCC as Maintenance Technician.
UCC
Saya transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division. He managed Maintenance Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, System Programmers and Software Librarian (to name a few).
He did another Masters (this time in Computer Science) at Southampton University in UK.
He would later manage the Operations Division as well.
Saya allowed Ko Aung Zaw and me to co-author Lecture Guides and Training Manuals for use at UCC.
UN
Saya served as Project Manager / Advisor for UN projects in several countries.
Further Reading
For a detailed story of Saya’s life and work at RIT, UCC and overseas as a UN Advisor, read his articles in English and Burmese. They are available in SCRIB_D.
Saya wrote “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga”
Sayagadaw and Classmate
UCC Gathering at MICT ParkSaya U Soe Paing visiting California
Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, MEHS63, T69) was my classmate at RIT.
She and Saya Paing have hosted several UCC mini-gatherings at their house.
At one of the gatherings in 2007, Ko Po (U Htin Kyaw, Peter Wun) not only attended the gathering, but gave me a ride back home. He also briefly mentioned about his four-month detention.
UCC Gathering
After retirement
Saya U Soe Paing in New Jersey (2018)
After retiring from the UN, Saya would visit UK, USA and Singapore to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
During his trips to New Jersey, there would be several UCC-RIT gatherings.
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69) has hosted the annual RIT-UCC gatherings for a decade or so. He would invite Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Ma Ma Emma to stay at his house. The timing is chosen to coincide with Saya Paing’s visit to New Jersey.
Saya is healthy, but he had two operations : by-pass heart surgery, and surgery for the back
Saya meditates and plays golf. Saya stopped both activities when he had a minor ailment (hurting his back and leg). Per advice of Alice’s medical friends (MEHS Alumni), Saya had a surgery in Singapore.
Saya currently lives in New Jersey, USA.
ICST PZPAt Dr. Rafiul’s house in Fremont Saya, me and my spouse
Dr. Chit SweU Soe PaingU Myo MinU Ko Ko LayU Aung Zaw, U Soe Win, U Tun Aung Gyaw, U Hla Min, U Kyaw Thein visiting Stonehenge
Introduction
In the early days, there were no computers in Burma. IBM (International Business Machines) based in the USA and ICL (International Computers Limited) based in the UK had presence in Burma. Both companies were not ready to introduce computers to Burma. They were content with leasing unit-record equipment (calculators, tabulators, …) using punched cards. The managers and their staff were highly paid compared to the Government employees.
In the early sixties, Burma Railways wanted to upgrade to an ICL computer, but the Coup d’etat in 1962 and subsequent restriction of foreign currency exchange & budget planning rules effectively derailed the project.
Dr. Chit Swe
In the mid sixties, Dr. Chit Swe, Head of the Maths Department at the Institute of Economics, proposed the need of a computer for teaching and research to a Dr. Nyi Nyi, Secretary / Deputy Minister of Education. Dr. Nyi Nyi suggested the scope to be extended for a computer to serve the staff and selected students of the Universities and Institutes. Thus, the UCC Project was conceived. It was approved in 1970 with UNDP as the Funding Agency and UNESCO as the Execution Agency.
Dr. Chit Swe later became Professor at Mathematics at RASU (Rangoon Arts and Science University). He offered space at the Mathematics Department for the early volunteers of the UCC Project. He then obtained permission to use Mandalay Hall for use by the UCC Project before the UCC Building could be completed in Thamaing College Campus.
UCC Founders
Dr. Chit Swe, U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) co-founded UCC.
Dr. Chit Swe served as the Founder/Director of UCC. He initiated the academic and training programs. He stressed the importance of technology transfer, leapfrogging technology, knowledge sharing (internally and externally), and challenging the staff and students to try their best.
He requested U Soe Paing (RIT Electrical Engineering) to help design and implement the UCC project. He inquired the mother of Saya U Myo Min (Chartered Accountant working as Systems Analyst at IBM UK) if U Myo Min would be interested to come back to Burma and help with the UCC project. U Soe Paing recruited his friend Saya U Ko Ko Lay (PWD, GBNF) to help with the UCC project in general and with the UCC Building Design and Implementation in particular.
On April 1, 1971, U Soe Paing transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division; U Myo Min joined UCC as Manager of Applications Divison; and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) transferred to UCC as Manager of Operations Division,
I was a member of Generation Zero along with my mentors and U Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), who was the earliest and longest volunteer of the UCC Project.
Dr. Chit Swe retired as Rector of RASU. He moved to Bangkok and Sydney. He passed away in 2019.
U Soe Paing left UCC in the eighties to pursue a career as Technical Adviser and Consultant for the UN projects in several countries.
U Myo Min migrated to USA. He taught briefly at the Nanyang Technical Institute in Singapore. He retired after serving as a Principal for Seagate Technology and Conner.
Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) succeeded Dr. Chit Swe as Director of UCC. During his tenure, the Department of Computer Science (DCS) was established at RASU. U Ko Ko Lay served as Professor and Head of the Department.
Subsequently, the Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) was established with Dr. Tin Maung as Rector. U Ko Ko Lay served as Professor and Head of Information Technology. U Tun Aung Gyaw served as Associate Professor and Head of Hardware Technology. U Hla Min served as Associate Professor and Head of Software Technology. Some sayas from UCC and RASU taught Computational Mathematics.
Courses at UCC
Dr. Chit Swe was Founder/Director of UCC and Professor of Mathematics Department at RASU. He arranged UCC to conduct degree and post-graduate diploma courses under the aegis of the Department of Mathematics, RASU. UCC also conducted training courses for computer users. Dr. Chit Swe was succeeded as Director of UCC by Saya U Tin Maung.
Several distinguished Professors from US, UK and Europe lectured at UCC.
The postgraduate degree and diploma courses given under the aegis of Department of Mathematics include M.Sc. (CS) and DAC (Diploma in Automatic Computing).
UCC Course
The Courses for computer users include
COC (Computer Orientation Course)
CPC (Computer Programming Course)
Elective for Honors and Post-graduate in other disciplines
Intensive training (e.g. for the Population Census Data ProcessinSpecial training (e.g. for those selected as State Scholars)
Planning (e.g. for departments intending to purchase computers)
Teaching & Training
U Aung Zaw
Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and U Hla Min wrote
Introduction to Computers
Introduction to Computer Programming
Lecture Guides
Manuals Books
UCC Gatherings
Over the years, I attended several mini-gatherings and gatherings hosted by UCC sayas and alumni.
Yangon
Saya U Soe Paing regular hosts gatherings (usually dinner meeting) at his house. Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) was my class mate. She also attended CPC course. U Thein Oo, Daw Than Than Tint, Daw Tin May Lwin and several others help organize the gatherings. U Thein Oo, U Htin Kyaw, U Aung Aung and several others provided us transportation to or from Saya Paing’s house.
UCC gathering at U Soe Paing’s house
UCC 40th Anniversary Gathering
The “40th Anniversary of UCC” was the Reunion of Staff, Teachers (Past and Present) and Students. Saya Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) was represented by his spouse and daughter.
There was fun and laughter, music and dances, and good old memories.
Daw Ngwe Tin, Aye Aye Myint and sisters, Maung Myint, who maintained the UCC building rooms were among the attendees.
Among those present at the gathering, U Soe Myint, U Aung Myint, Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, Daw Khin Lay Myint and several others are GBNF.
UCSY Gathering
In January 14, 2018, I attended the 5th UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe as “Generation Zero” representative and the “Most Senior” (not by age). Several attendees started their studies and/or careers at UCC.
Sao Yan Naing, son of Dr. Saw Naing (Wesley, SPHS59), gave me a ride to the Pu Zaw Pwe. He is a nephew of Dr Myo Khin (C70) and a cousin of Soe Lin Maung (UCC).
Sydney in 2006
During my visit to Sydney, Australia in 2006, I met several UCC alumni. Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and Ma Kyawt organized a Reunion and mini-PZP for Saya Dr. F Ba Hli (GBNF) and Saya Dr. Chit Swe. They were helped by U Sein Myint Maung, Daw Khin Aye Mu, U Htay Aung (Victor) and Daw Tin Tin Hlaing to name a few. I met Daw Thanda Htwe and “UCC Pha Yaung Daing”.
U Sein Tin hosted a dinner and also created a short music video.
USA
Dr. Raiful Ahad (Fremont, California), U Khin Zaw (Cupertino, California), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) & Daw Thida Khin (Fremont, California), U Sein Myint (EC76) & Daw Sao Mon Sint (New Jersey), and U Toung (EC69, Connecticut) hosted UCC gatherings (especially to welcome and alumni visiting US).
U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69) hosts an annual joint gathering for UCC and RIT sayas and alumni at his home in New Jersey.
Singapore
U Tin Aung Win (C80), U Zaw Tun and Daw Pale Shein organized buffet gathering. U Aung Aung & Daw Kyin Mya are regulars at the gatherings. U Shein Soe Myint (EC83) is GBNF.
Some (e.g. U Win Latt, Daw Myint Myint Thein) have relocated.
Sojourn in Singapore
Activities
Table Tennis (Ping Pong)
U Thein Oo and U Saung Tin (CSO) are excellent players.
Volleyball
U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), U Kyaw Nyein (GBNF) and U Thein Oo are excellent players. Rafiul Ahad (who was third in Burma in Hurdles) hurt his knee in a volleyball match. Daw Nwe Nwe Win (Judy) is often the sixth member of an all-male team.
Soccer / Football
UCC team played ad hoc match against other teams (in and around Hlaing Campus).
UCC Dobat
U Win Hlaing played the Dobat. Others (e.g. Maung Myint, U Hla Pe) would play Wah Let Khote (bamboo clapper) and Ya Gwin.
Donlaba / Yahan Khan
UCC used to celebrate Thingyan and Su Paung Donlaba.
Dr. Chit Swe, Win Maung, Hla Min, Tun Aung Gyaw, Soe Myint, Khin Maung Aye, Daw Khin Khin Latt
UCC had a Su Paung Donlaba for several years at Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung and other monasteries. The Donlaba monks would be offered Soon at the UCC Thingyan. There would also be Water Throwing and occasionally “Ye Pet Khan” to selected mandats.
Ad Hoc Trips
U Aung Zaw (GBNF) led some trips (e.g. to Maw Tin Zun).
Four Decade Old Photo taken at the Convocation Hall
Ko Win Hlaing
Ko Henry Maung Maung (Census, GBNF)
Ma Kyu Kyu Lwin (GBNF)
Ma Khin Si Thoung (USA)
Ma Khin Khin Win (Five Star Line – USA)
Ma Phyu Phyu Win (Singapore)
Ma Win May Thaung (GBNF)
Ma Tin Tin Yi (Port Authority)
Ma Hla Hla Win (GBNF)
Ko Aung Myint (GBNF)
Ko Soe Myint (Sunlun, M72, GBNF)
GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
Dr. Chit Swe Founder/Director of UCC
U Ko Ko Lay Longest tenured Co-founder of UCC; Professor at DCS and ICST
Dr. Tin Maung Director of UCC; Rector of ICST
Dr. Kyaw Thein Rector of ICST
U Hla Min (SPHS64, EP70) Chief Operator
U Maung Maung Gyi (SPHS64, Phy68) Chief Operator
U Maung Maung Lay (St. Albert’s, Ah Ba) Operator
U Aung Myint (SPHS64, Phy68) Maintenance Engineer, Systems Division
U Soe Myint (M72, DAC) Pro-Rector, ICST
U Shein Soe Myint (EC83, MSc(CS)) Passed away while doing his doctorate in Singapore
U Mya Thein Business Applications Manager; Visiting lecturer at ITBMU (International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University)
Myanmar American Science and Technology Alumni Association
Based in East Coast, USA
Published several interviews
U Soe PaingU Soe Paing, U & Mrs. Hla Min
U Soe Paing
Note : Comments in italics are provided by Hla Min.
I have written many articles on the History of Computerization in Myanmar. ** Most can be read from SCRIB-D.
However many people have not read them. MASTAA has requested me do an interview. ** It is tentatively planned for July 19, 2020 (at 10 PM. EST). It will be morning in Yangon, Myanmar.
Facts are very important because there are some people who want to twist them to their advantage. Especially since the project was very successful in introducing computers and computer education in the country.
I was with the project right from its inception. ** Sad to report that Saya Dr. Chit Swe and U Ko Ko Lay have passed away.
I would like to go over the facts.
When and how I got involved in UCC Computer project
Took programming and DP courses at Stanford University.
Around 1962, there was no CS Department or CS courses. ** Professor George Forsythe later founded and Chaired the CS Department at Standford.
Computer programming was given by Mathematics Department as part of Numerical Analysis
Introduction to Data Processing was given by Industrial Engineering Dept
Worked as part time computer operator for the Stanford Computation Center.
Joined Electrical Engineering Department, RIT as Assistant Lecturer in January 1964, RIT was closed. As part of the staff development program, I gave lectures to Elect Engg staff on computers and programming.
Ko Nyi Nyi (Instructor in Elect Eng Dept) told Dr Chit Swe, Head of Maths Dept at the Institute of Economics who was preparing to start a project with the assistance of the UN to install a computer.
Dr Chit Swe and U Hla Myint (Maths Dept) came to recruit me to assist them in the computer project.
Immediately agreed and joined the project preparation team.
Ko Nyi Nyi and Dr. Than Htaik (Chem Eng Dept) also joined the team.
At that time Unit Record Machines using punched cards (both IBM and ICL) were used in Burma by the Railways, Central Economics and Statistics Department (CSED), Records Office Burma Army.
At one point all the Unit Record Machines were centralized in one place (Burma Machines Corporation??) and then decentralized again. ** Per U Thein Han, IBM unit record machines were used in the first Demonatization. The machines were set up in Rangoon University (e.g. Convocation Hall).
Burma Railways wanted to replace their Unit Record Machines with a computer and was requesting funds from the government. ** However, the nationalization followed by tight control of foreign exchange caused the request to be denied.
Preparation for the UCC project(1965 – 70)
The UNDP in Yangon and the Goverment agreed to explore the possibility of having a UNDP funded UNESCO executed project of installing a computer at the Institute of Economics.
In 1965 Dr Abou Taleb from Egypt visited Burma at the Institute of Economics for one month as a UNESCO consultant on the formulation of the project. He had discussions with the project team, the concerned persons at the Directorate of Higher Education and other government departments, UNDP personnel and managers of IBM (** U Aung Khin) and ICL (** U Kyaw Tha).
Dr Abou Taleb prepared a report that was submitted to the UNESCO and UNDP.
Around 1968 UNDP mission composed of Professor Owens of Columbia University and Mr Talbot of UNDP HQs came to Burma (Institute of Economics) to write a project proposal for the UNDP/UNESCO Computer Project. The mission had discussions with the project team, the concerned persons at Higher Education and other government departments, UNDP personnel and managers of IBM and ICL.
The report and the project proposal were submitted to UNDP, UNESCO and the Government.
It was agreed to implement the UNDP funded, UNESCO executed Computer project.
The project document for the UNDP/UNESCO Universities’ Computer Center Project was signed in 1970.
Preparation for the establishment of UCC
In 1969 the project preparation team office moved to the Maths Department, RASU.
The Government decided to establish the Universities’ Computer Center directly under the Department of Higher Education.
A new building was to be constructed for the Center on the Hlaing Campus.
The project preparation team started to develop the organizational structure, budget, as well as the design for the building.
Ko Tun Aung Gyaw (UTAG) joined the project preparation team.
A temporary office / room was given to the project preparation team on the 3rd /top floor of the RASU Maths Dept. The Maths department still provided the logistics support. Saya U Maung Maung Tin of the RASU Maths Department was extremely helpful to the project preparation team.
The UCC organization structure consists of the Director at its head advised by the Board of Management. Under the Director are three technical divisions: Operations, Systems, Applications and an Administrative Support Section. One Manager heads each division.
Operations division consists of the Computer Operations section and the Data Preparation section.
Systems Division consists of the Systems Hardware section and the Systems Software section.
Applications Division consists of the Scientific Applications section and the Business Applications section.
The UCC organization structure was approved by the government and the Board of Management was formed.
Dr. Chit Swe was appointed Director of UCC in addition to his duties as Professor.
The Board of Management was formed with Dr Nyi Nyi, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education as Chairman and Dr. Chit Swe as Secretary. The members include U Thet Tun, DG of CSED; U Win Pe, Research Dept, Planning; U Nyunt Maung, Dy Director, Finance; Dr Khin Maung Kyi, Inst of Economics, Dr Aung Gyi, RIT; etc
The UCC building on Hlaing Campus was to be designed and built by the Public Works Corporation. It was designed by the Chief Architect U Aung Myint. The team also met my high school and Stanford friend Ko Ko Lay who was a structural engineer there.
Ko Myo Min returned from the UK after studying as a Charted Accountant and working (** as Systems Analyst) at IBM UK.
Ko Ko Lay, Ko Myo Min and other volunteers joined the project preparation team. The volunteers are Ko Win Myint (Gyi) etc.
The three managers were recruited.
I transferred to UCC from RIT as Systems Engineer/Manager of the Systems Division of UCC on April 1971.
Ko Ko Lay transferred from Public Works/Construction Corporation as Manager of the UCC Operations Division.
Ko Myo Min joined as Manager of the Applications Division.
1st April 1971 is considered as the start of UCC.
The first batch of other staff were recruited and appointed. UTAG and Johnny Hla Min joined as Maintenance Engineers.
UCC was given a temporary office on the third floor of the Mandalay Hall.
The project preparation team organized courses in computers, programming and applications for the staff of Universities and government departments.
Choice of the computer
In October 1970, Dr Chit Swe went to UNESCO, Paris to participate in the selection of the computer for the project.
ICL 1900 series was chosen over IBM.
IBM was only willing to supply the IBM 360 and not the recently introduced IBM 370.
Dr Chit Swe then went on to London for discussions with ICL. ICL gave a more powerful version 1902S for the same price.
Installation of the Computer and start of UCC
In 1972 UCC moved to its new building on Thamaing Campus.
The site preparation for the computer and environmental equipment started.
A firm from the UK was subcontracted by ICL to do the site preparation.
The ICL 1902S computer was delivered and moved into the computer room to start the installation process.
ICL resident Maintenance Engineer Gaber Khalef (Egypt) and the ICL resident Software Expert Ian Shearer (UK) arrived and took up their responsibilities.
Acceptance trials for the ICL 1902S started on 25 February 1973, and formally completed on 8 March.
Professor Huskey arrived on 4 March and took part in the acceptance of the ICL 1902S.
The original UCC organization was meant to be minimal and mainly for a one shift per day start.
However due to the Census and more than expected use, volunters were paid minimum salary wages (which can be authorized by the Director) used to do the required support work.
Computer Use
The Board of Management decided to process the 1973 Population Census on the UCC computer.
Training of the Census Programmers conducted at UCC.
Alic Heinrici (UK, the ICL FILAN (ICL Census Tabulation system)) expert came from September to November to train Census and UCC Programmers in FILAN to be used in Census Tabulation.
The processing of the Burma Population Census started in May 1974.
The data entry was done in the Census Dept (old Rowe Co. Building) with over 100 rented keypunches from IBM.
The morning shift (8:00am – 4:00pm) was reserved for UCC. The evening shift (4:00pm – 12:00am) and night shift (12:00am-8:00am) were reserved for Census processing. At the start the Census processing did not take the two shifts.
Saturdays were reserved for Maintenance and the center was closed on Sundays.
ICL experts and UCC senior staff designed the Census Processing System containing Sequence and Completeness check (PLAN), Consistency checks (FORTRAN), Tabulation (FILAN).
UCC staff also supervised the processing.
Burma Railways, Central Economics and Statistics Department (CSED)/(CSO), Records Office Burma Army (ROBA) converted some of their Unit Record Machines applications on to the computer. Railways passenger and goods statistics; CSED Health and Trade Statistics; ROBA Miltary records.
RIT final year students implemented projects. Civil Engg: Structural Engineering, Astronomical Calculations, Electrical: Power System Analysis, Electronic Circuit Analysis.
Computer Education
The project preparation team organized courses in computers, programming and applications for the staff of Universities and government departments. (1971)
Preparations start for the MSc Computer Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Automatic Computing (DAC) to be given under the Mathematics Department, RASU. (1973)
Start of the MSc Computer Science and DAC courses. (1974)
There were three options under the MSc course : Computer Systems, Computer Oriented Operations Research Techniques and Computational Mathematics. Coursework plus dissertation/thesis.
DAC course was 2 years part-time from 7:00 am to 9:00 am.
Entrance Aptitude Tests for all applicants meeting the University requirements for post graduate studies.
The six months part time course (the predecessor to the full time 4 months course ) was started for the staff of the government departments and universities in 1976. It consisted of Introduction to Programming with FORTRAN, Mathematics and Statistics, COBOL Programming, Systems Analysis & Design.
The UCC Staff and visiting experts taught most of the courses. However Maths sayas helped out in the MSc and DAC courses. U Hla Myint and Dr Kyaw Nyunt in Computational Mathematics; U Soe Nyunt and Dr Pike Tin in OR courses.
Paid and unpaid volunteers were expected to attend the courses according to their ability and wishes.
Expert Services
The University of California at Santa Cruz(UCSC) was given the expert subcontract under the project. Professor Harry D. Huskey Chairman of the Department of Computer Science at UCSC and the well known pioneer in computers (in the development of the first electronic computer ENIAC at the University of Pennslyvania) was the coordinator of the contract. ** He co-authored the first Computer Handbook. His students include Nickaus Wirth (inventor of Pascal and Modula). He is a Past President of ACM and a Fellow of ACM, IEEE and CHM.
The UCSC expert subcontract was to provide four long term (4x12m) experts and a few short term (1m) experts, in addition to yearly visits by Professor Huskey.
Long Term Experts : Mr Sheldon Bachus (Systems Analysis & Design, 1973) Dr. Malcolm Atkinson (Computer Science Expert, 1974) Dr. Paul Keogh (Operations Research Expert, 1974) Mr. Bjorn Hustaad (Simulation, 1977)
Short Term Experts : World renowned people able to visit and give lectures for one month.
Professor Anthony Ralston Professor and Head of the Computer Science Department of the State University of New York (SUNY) in Buffalo, NY USA , and Past President of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) came as a one month short term expert in Computer Science. He introduced Structured Programming to UCC, Burma and even to the long term expert in Computer Science. (1975).
Professor Foreman Acton of Princeton University, Princeton NJ USA came as a one month short term expert in Numerical Analysis and conducted training courses .(1975)
Professor Peter Wegner of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island came as a one month short term expert in Computer Science and conducted training courses in Automata Theory.(1975)
Professor Wilde of Stanford University, Operations Research (1976)
Professor Leon Lasdon of University of Michigan, Operations Research (1976).
Professor Michael Stonebraker, University of California (Berkeley), INGRES Relational Database, Database 1977)
UN Experts
Dr. Shafeek Saleeb(Egypt) arrived to take up his assignment as Chief Technical Adviser of the UCC project. (1974)
Mr. Jan Rademaker (Netherlands) arrived to take up his assignment as an associate expert in Computer Applications under the UCC project. (1975)
Further Development
More memory, 2 disk drives and card reader supplemented by the Census project.
For scientific and engineering applications a flat bed Calcomp plotter was acquired.
For teaching purposes Professor Huskey advised to get an on line time sharing mini computer system like most American Universities. A PDP-11/70 mini computer system was acquired.
Prof Huskey also lectured on micro processors and micro computers. UCC decided to get a microcomputer for trying out. Chose Cromemco (** System Three). Very good except for the 8” disk drive problems. A lot of experience gained.
Government relaxed on buying microcomputers for the govt departments. Many acquired Cromemco and started their applications on microcomputers.
Since UCC is to be used mainly for training the Board proposed the establishment of a National Computer Center for use by government departments.
Siblings : Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, GBNF), U Kyaw Paing
Spouse : Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69)
Children : Two sons & One daughter
Grandchildren : 3
Education & Work
Mmatriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in Burma and won Collegiate Scholarship.
At the Convocation of 1958, he won two Gold Medals — one for Highest Total Marks in I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B); and another for Joint Highest Marks in Maths for I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
Received a States Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
Joined the RIT Electrical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
Helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe found Universities’ Computer Center.
Transferred to UCC as Manager for Systems Division. He later also managed Operations Division.
Received M.Sc.(Computer Science) from Southampton University in UK.
Worked for UNDP Projects in several countries.
Mentor
My mentor at RIT & UCC.
Allowed U Aung Zaw (GBNF) & me to co-author Texts, User Guides and Manuals for use at UCC.
HMEE
Early supporter of the HMEE project.
Prepared a draft for the HMEE book and handed it to Saya U Aung Hla Tun & team.
He and U Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 of the HMEE Book and summarized Section 2.
Posts
Post from March 2011
I went to the University Central Library and managed to get scanned photos from the Engg Student Annual Magazines 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas, students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.
U Sein Hlaing (Prof EE) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L starting 1952-53. Saya U Tin Swe was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team. Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain. U Khin Si (husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile) and U Tin Si (U Khin Si’s brother and tennis doubles partnership that won RU as well as national championships) were members of the Prome hall team.
The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by the Prime Minister at that time U Ba Swe.
In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD, PWC, CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.
I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.
U Ba Than has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.
Post from May 2000
The mention of RIT, BIT, and BOC college in the first newsletter bring back memories of our good old days in Rangoon University. Although we did not graduate from Rangoon University, we had a really great two and a half years there before we went for studies aroad under government scholarship.
Our first year 1956-1957 was in Yankin College. Yankin was a campus of RU for first year science students. It is now Yankin State High School No. XX? Hteedan was for the 1st year arts students. Our second year I.Sc. was at the RU campus itself which we refer to as Main. The Arts students have classes at Judson. That time the new Social Science Building (now Institute of Economics) was completed. We had our second year ISc exams in that new building.
Then it is our 1st year B.Sc. Engineering course at the new Faculty of Engineering in Prome Road (now Institute of Medicine I). We attended for six months till December 1958. That campus was designed and built especially for the Faculty of Engineering. Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Departments were there but Chemical, Textile, etc. were in the old BOC building at the back.
The 1st year classes were from 7 to 9 a.m. for Mathematics. We then have a one hour break and we start the engineering courses at 10 a.m. We usually have a snack during the break at a small cafe between Tagaung and Prome Halls. Those halls were only for engineering students then. The mathematics (Pure & Applied) lecturers were from India hired under contract. We had three engineering courses: Building Materials taught by Mr. Tan Ba Hli (the Dean of Engineering himself). Heat Engines taught by U Aung Khin. Principles of Electrical Engineering taught by U Kyaw Tun. We had EE lab with Ko Htin Paw and Ko Ba Nyunt as lab instructors. We also had engineering drawing with Ko San Hla Aung and Allen Htay (for Chem, Tex, etc.) as instructors.
Those were the days when Rangoon University was one of the best universities in SE Asia and Asia. It also had a really nice campus.
RIT Saya Soccer Team
Reading about communications from Richard Khoo (Dr. Aung Soe, C61) and seeing the list of Sayas in the 1966-67 Handbook brings back memories of our soccer team.
As I remember it was from 1964 to 1968 or 1969. We played against (i) the senior students of different majors Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc. (ii) the sayas at GTI and Natmauk Technical Institute (iii) the Burma Air Force officers.
We also played in the annual tournament for RIT Staff. The staff teams are the Sayas, Workshop staff, Lab staff, Hostel staff and the youth team from the RIT compound.
As I remember (other Sayas & graduates may correct me) these were the people in the team.
Goalkeepers :
Richard Khoo (Civil)
Maurice Kyaw Zaw (Chemistry),
Sein Myint/Ah Sein (Petroleum)
Defenders :
Ko Maung Maung Than (Textile)
Ko Aung Soe (Math)
Ko Aung Hla Tun (Met)
Ko Sann Tint (Elect)
Christopher Maung (Civil)
U Tin Swe (Elect)
Ko Tin Win (Mech)
Midfielders :
Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri)
Desmond Rogers (English)
Ko Khine Oo (Elect)
Ko Maung Maung Win (Mech)
Ko Tin Hlaing II (Mech)
Forwards :
Ko Pike Htwe (Chemistry)
Ko Aung (Math)
Ko Tin Hlaing I (Agri)
Ko Soe Min (Elect)
Ko Kyin Soe (Auto)
myself (Elect)
We rarely practiced but we enjoyed playing the games. We split games with the GTI sayas & the Air Force officers. We beat the Natmauk sayas and we won more than we lost in the RIT staff tournament. But I am sure we lost more than we won against the final year students. Would appreciate comments on this; especially on the names I missed in the team.
Updates
Wrote articles about his experiences as a State Scholar, Saya, UCC Co-founder & UN Advisor. They can be read from SCRIB-D.
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 1U Wara 2U 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 (SPHS70, 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” သိမ်less than 40-50 yards, of course over the fence.
Updates
Nyi Lynn Seck created a family tree for Sir Po Tha
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.
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)
