My saya at RIT. He taught Mechanical Drawing and Strength of Materials.
Gave me rides to RIT in his white Zephyr. Several thought I was his nephew.
My cousin. His father is my mom’s elder brother. His mother is my dad’s elder sister.
Had many photo albums. He would show them to me and former students.
Several years ago, he has a Stroke. His family members hired nurses & assistants to speed up his recuperation.
His son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren provided him with tender, loving care.
His physical and mental health declined in his 90s.
He passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.
Brief Bio
U Ba Than 2
Born on October 2, 1930.
He is the second among nine siblings.
Siblings : U Tin U, U Ba Than (GBNF), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Daw Myint Thwe (GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin, Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
Wedding of U Ba Than & Daw Mya Mya
Spouse : Daw Mya Mya
Son : U Ye Than (Winner Inn)
DIL : Daw Lwin Mar Oo
Grandchildren : Aung Myo Myint & Ei Khine
Family members
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1947. Won Collegiate Scholarship.
In 1949, received Gold Medal for Highest Marks in I.Sc (Combined).
Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College, London University
Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
Colombo Plan Scholar to study Masters in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College
Promoted to Lecturer
Retired as Professor
Early supporter of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education). Hosted inaugural meeting. Donated photos.
Invited former colleagues & students to his Birthday Soon Kyway
Donated almost all of the Garawa money to selected charities.
Passed away shortly after his 94th birthday.
Garawa
Paid respect to Saya U Ba Toke
Paying respect to U Ba Toke
By 69ers
U Aung Min (M69) & team would organize 69ers to pay respect to Saya around his Birthday.
Earlier events were at Winner Inn.
The photo below was taken at Saya’s new house.
69ers visiting Saya
By M75
Maurice Chee, U Win Khaing (GBNF) and several M75 had a reunion. They then visited Winner Inn to pay respect to Saya.
M75
78th Birthday in 2008
78th birthdayMessage
He distributed his Memoirs.
A page from his memoirs
82nd Birthday in 2012
82nd birthday in 2012Birthday Soon Kyway in 2012
90th Birthday in 2020
He received a Photo Album from his younger brother U Tin Htoon (A60).
Photo Album
Double Dana
He donated the Garawa money that he had received from the SPZPs to charities
Provided seed money for designing memorabilia to be given to sayas & sayamas attending SPZP-2000, commemorative T-shirts to the organizers and volunteers, and to raise fund by selling the surplus items.
Attended SPZPs in USA, Singapore and Yangon.
With Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein, EC70)
Around 2019, he had medical problems. He could not travel far, but continued conducting his business & philanthropy from home.
Multiple projects to implement (including writing books), but he finally succumbed to Jara, Byadi & Marana.
May he rest in peace.
Best Friends Forever
69ers meet monthly for breakfast at Taw Win Hnin Sni (Royal Rose).
There was a pause during the pandemic. About 20 members passed away (mostly due to Covid).
Annual Dinner gatherings at Panda, M3 and U Aung Min’s former office in PWD compound
Celebrated Anniversaries in 1999, 2009, 2014 and 2019.
Pu Zaw Pwe in 2019Golden Jubilee of Graduation
They have gatherings to welcome 69ers from overseas. e.g. Daw Myint Myint (C69) hosted a lunch gathering at Kandawgyi Westin Park Hotel to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
During my visits, U Ohn Khine (M70) gave me rides to SPZP & HMEE-2012 meetings and selected 69er gatherings.
With 69ers and Ko Ohn Khine (M70)
SPZP-2016
Both the Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and the Alumni Reunion & Entertainment were held at the Gyogone Campus.
Free food was provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner to all attendees.
Kudos to the Organizers, Sponsors, Donors, Volunteers and Supporters for making SPZP-2000 unique & memorable.
At SPZP-2016
All Mech Gathering
U Thant Zin (M82, GBNF, son of Saya U Sein Shan) invited me to All-Mechanical Gathering held at Dolphin.
U Hla Win and Daw Mar Mar Yee were co-emcee at the event.
At All Mech Gathering
Sayas & Sayamas at SPZP
U Tin U, Daw Khin Swe Aye (Emily), Daw Myint Myint Khaing at SPZP
U Tin U matriculated in 1946. He received BSCE from the University of Oregon and MSCE from Yale University. Upon his return, he taught part-time at the Civil Engineering Department at the RU Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon. He is the most Senior Past Captain of RUBC. He is the oldest of nine siblings. Two younger brothers Saya U Ba Than (Gold Medalist in 1948) and Dr. Myo Tint (3rd in Burma in 1952 Matric exam) have passed away.
U Ba Than (Leftmost)
Daw Khin Swe Aye graduated with Physics Honors in 1962 along with Daw May Than Nwe (GBNF) and my elder sister Daw Khin Than Nwe. Sad to learn that she had vision impairment.
Daw Myint Myint Khaing is the daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing. She transcribed the interview tapes recorded by her spouse Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) for the book on Sayagyi U Ba Toke and his life journey. Sayagyi gave autographed copies of the book to U Ohn Khine and me. Sayagyi is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the First RU Students’ Strike in 1920. Sayagyi passed away on 2nd December 2020 (a few days short of his Centennial birthday).
The photos were taken by several 69ers : Aung Min, Bobby Myo Tun (Ashin Pannagavesaka), Han Sein (Ah Pho Gyi, GBNF), Kyaw Min (Albert), Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF), Myo Nyunt, Sein Myint, Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Tin Maung Aye, Tin Htut (Harry), Tint Lwin (Danny), Zau Lai (Duwa) …
Types of Gatherings
Monthly Breakfast Gathering
Ad hoc Lunch Gathering to welcome alumni from overseas
Annual Dinner and Entertainment
Anniversaries : 30th Anniversary of Graduation in 1999, 40th Anniversary of Graduation in 2019, 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of Admission in 2014, 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of Graduation in 2019
New and Old — Now and Then
Lately
9 Sponsors — Record
Photographer — Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
Earlier
Some are no longer with us.
A Pho Gyi — Han Sein
Chit Pe
Thein Maung
Garawa to U Ba Than
Graduation
Time flies
Chit Pe, Kyaw Nyunt, Aung Gyi Shwe … are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
2014
2015
2017
2018
2019
Graduation Golden Jubilee
Dec 2022
August 2023
September အလှူရှင်
ဦးငွေထွန်း၊
ဦးတင်ရှိန်၊
ဦးသန်းဝင်း၊
ဦးချမ်းငြိမ်း၊
ဒေါ်ခင်သန်းမြင့်တင်၊
ဦးစောမြင့်နိုင်၊
ဦးဖေဟန်ထွန်း
U Zaw Win (Thailand)
Albert Kyaw Min
Dear RIT 69++friends
ဖိတ်ကြားအပ်ပါတယ်
September breakfast gathering သို့ မပျက်မကွက် ကြွရောက်ကြပါခင်ဗျား။
M69ers meet at Royal Rose Restaurant (Taw Win Hnin Si). The restaurant is owned by U Soe Nyunt (Old Paulian, GBNF).
They are joined by classmates from other disciplines. They include Civil (e.g. Ko Han Sein), Chemical (e.g. Ko Albert Kyaw Min), Electrical (e.g. Ko Shwe), Textile (e.g. Saw Yu Tint), Architecture (e.g. Uzin Bobby Myo Tun), …
There are hosts to celebrate events (Birthday, Anniversary, …).
Meeting for 69er Health Care Fund
I was invited to a meeting held at U Aung Min’s house. We had Mohinga.
Welcome gathering
Some gatherings took place at Kandawgyi Western Park. I attended a gathering hosted by Daw Myint Myint (C69) to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
Some gatherings take place the Royal Rose Restaurant. Daw Lin Lin Aung (T69, Singapore) hosted the Breakfast gathering to welcome her former classmates.
Anniversary gathering
In 1999, there was a gathering and mini-SPZP to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Graduation. U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) and Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) e-mailed me about the event. I informed the sayas and alumni in a Newsletter (which became known as RIT Alumni International Newsletter).
Sad to note that some organizers for that event (U Kyaw Than, U “NarYi” Sein Win …) are GBNF
In 2009, the group celebrated the 40th Anniversary.
In 2014, the group celebrated the Golden Jubilee (GJ) of Admission to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964.
The true Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) is planned for 2019)
Class of 70 and 71
The group is known as the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
The group has held monthly breakfast gathering (usually at Sein Hlyan) for two decades.
The Sein Hlyan restaurant was run by U Han Tun Maung (Old Paulian, GBNF), who was a multi-sports athlete. UHTM was active in Old Paulian’s Association (OPA), Kokkine Swimming Club, Archery, and Equestrian.
Class of 72
M72
M72 group is the most active in the Class of 72. It used to have lots of mini-gatherings.
The group decided to have less mini-gatherings and donate more to the RIT-related projects (such as Library Modernization).
The Group holds an annual Reunion and SPZP, where they invite all the eligible sayas and sayamas who have taught them. The Group also has honorary members from the other disciplines.
Mini-gathering in Southern California
U Ohn Kyaw (EP73) is a friend and disciple of his former classmate U Jotika. He visited Southern California and a side trip to the San Francisco Bay Area to hold Abhidhamma classes and discussion.
Mini-gathering in Los Angeles
The photo was taken at a mini-gathering. Attendees include U Win Htay (Walter, M70), Daw Thida Swe (Met72), U Ohn Kyaw (EP73) & spouse, Saya U Tin Htut (M60) and U Than Saung (M72).
RU was founded in December 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as Constituent Colleges.
Golden Jubilee in 1970
RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins took part in the Entertainment Program with “Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint စွယ်တော်ရိပ်အငြိမ့်”, “Htee Yein ထီးယိမ်း” and “Ta Bin Daing Ah Ka တပင်တိုင်အက”. Saya U Moe Aung and Saya U Saw Tun headed the Swel Daw Yeik Troupe.
RIT performers at RU GJ
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and U Thet Lwin were Chair and Secretary of a Committee. They later reunited as Rector and Registrar of RIT.
I was a volunteer member of “Zay Saing Nay Yar Cha Htar Yay” committee.
Diamond Jubilee in 1995
MERB (Myanmar Education Research Bureau) produced a documentary about RU Sports (Soccer, Track & Field, Weightlifting).
U Tin Nyo was the Producer.
Saya U Nyein (RU Soccer Coach) was the Commentator.
Hemar Nay Win shared memories of her father Collegian Nay Win.
Mra Brithers
U Tun Mra was Captain of RU Track & Field Association. He, his brothers Kyaw Mra & Soe Mra, and Tun Naung competed in the First and Second SEAP Games. They won medals.
2nd SEAP Games
U Myo Nyunt represented Burma in Weightlifting.
RU Centennial in 2020
U Aung Mon, Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin and friends created a Facebook group for the Centennial. I was a Moderator and Contributor.
Saya U Moe Aung and former members of RU Ka Laung Shin Ah Phwe published two Kabyar books.
RU Centennial MagazineCentennial MagazineRU Centennial Book Promotion
“Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo” was sung at the opening ceremony.
Composer Maung Ngwe Hlinne (U Thet Lwin)
Due to the pandemic, there were mostly Virtual Presentations.
Rangoon Institute of Technology
Shwe YaDu in 2014
Renovation of Gyogone Campus
Planting of 50 Swel Daw Bin
Shwe YaDu Lann Kabyar by Tekkatho Moe War Translation by Hla Min
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine Cover by Bagyee Myat Myo Myint
RIT69ers
30th Anniversary in 1999
I reported the event and other news in my e-mails (which became known as RIT Alumni Newsletter).
40th Anniversary in 2009
See Post for Group Photos
EE69ersM69ers at 40th Anniversary (2009)
Shwe YaDu (of Admission) in 2014
2014 Shwe YaDu
50th Anniversary (GJ) in 2019
GJ of 69er Graduation 1GJ of 69er Graduation 2
Ma Tin Tin (EC69, USA) had a Homecoming. She donated to the event and 69er HCF.
Ko Aung Min (M69) & team published a magazine
Rangoon University Boat Club
RUBC was founded in 1923 by Law Professor Sir Arthur Eggar, who pledged a third of his salary for the operating costs.
RU Estate built the Club House with the funds provided by U Nyo.
40th Anniversary in 1963
The Annual Regatta was canceled citing Security concerns.
The Anniversary Dinner was held at a hotel in Kandawgyi.
The Souvenir Magazine was compiled by Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon (A60).
The Souvenir Magazine Committee comprised of U Tin Htoon (A60, Chair), U Myo Myint (EC67, Vice Chair), U Htaik San (Henry, M81, Secretary) and members.
I was a Contributing Editor. I wrote three articles and Prelude for each section.
Centennial in 2023
U Tin U, the Oldest and Most Senior Past Captain, presided at the Opening Ceremony.
Universities’ Computer Center
Golden Jubileein 2021
After several years of preparation (starting from the mid-1960s), the UCC project was approved in 1971.
Sayas U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) found Universities’ Computer Center.
Other Anniversaries
Centennial of First RU Students’ Strike (in 2020)
Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma (in 2024)
128 (40% of the 69ers) have passed away. They are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
Some 69ers (e.g U Aye Thein) lost their spouses.
Some 69ers have medical conditions.
69ers celebrated 30thAnniversary of Graduation (in 1999), 40th Anniversary of Graduation (in 2009), Golden Jubilee of Admission (in 2014), Golden Jubilee of Graduation (in 2019).
During the pandemic, the Monthly Breakfast Gatherings were suspended.
Hope there will be regular gatherings as well as Annual Dinner & Entertainment and more Anniversaries.
Kudos to the Sponsors, Donors, Organizers & Volunteers for the 69er activities.
On June 22, 2025 Mehm Aye Chan @ Ohn Mg (M69) donated K10 Lakhs to the 69er HCF. The donation was accepted by Daw Myint Myint on behalf of the HCF Committee.
The term “alumni” applies to both male & female students.
It refers to former students (not necessarily graduates) of a school, college or university.
It may also refer to former employees of a company or corporation.
Most Universities have
Alumni Associations
Office of Alumni Relations
RIT Alumni International
Bay Area Alumni Advisory Group
It was formed in 1999 with the primary objective of planning and implementing the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe).
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) served as President.
The members include Saya K C Chiu (U Tin Aung), Saya U Nyi Win, Saya George (U Maung Maung), Saya U Myat Htoo, U Hla Min, Benny Tan, Saya James (U Thein Aung), Maurice Chee, U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) & Gordon Kaung.
The RIT Alumni International Newsletter was published in April, 1999.
The Newsletter was posted on two RIT web sites, Facebook groups & Google group.
RIT Alumni Newsletter
The Newsletter & Updates cover
the good and sad news of sayas, sayamas and alumni
micro-gatherings, mini-gatherings, gatherings (by class and/or discipline), world wide Reunions and SPZPs
articles
photos
NorCal RIT AA
Northern California RIT Alumni Association was formed about a decade ago as a continuation of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group & RIT Alumni International.
NorCal RITAA
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) served as the first President. His successors include Gordon Kaung (M83), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) & U Tin Maung Win.
Stan Liou (M67, Table Tennis) served as the first Chair of BOD (Board of Directors). His successor is Saya U Myat Htoo (C68).
U Thaung Nyunt (M87), U Myint Swe (EP74), U Tin Maung Win (C86) & Maung Maung Moe Zaw (Met02) served as Secretary for different terms.
The list of past and present EC members is listed in Facebook Group and the website.
Activities before the pandemic
It provided scholarship for the children of alumni in the USA.
It worked closely with RITAA in Yangon to provide scholarship for eligible YTU students.
It facilitated to raise funds for YTU Library Modernization Project. It donated $3000 for the training of Library Staff. It also provided the first installment of $6650 for the sign board & general fund.
Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya Allen Htay’s books to YTU Library. In memory of Saya Allen, she also provided scholarships to YTU students.
RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association
After the Coup d’etat in 1962, most associations were banned.
During the Pwint Linn Era, restrictions were lifted.
Our alma mater
RITAA stands for RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association.
U Tin Latt (M85) served as the President of the Interim EC.
After RITAA was register, the AGM elected U Myo Aye to succeed U Tin Latt.
It has helped with the fund raising for the YTU Library Modernization Project.
In April and May of 1999, I received a series of e-mails from Saya U Soe Paing, my mentor at RIT & UCC, and Sayagadaw Alice (Saw Yu Tint, T69) about the mini-reunions in Yangon and Singapore.
U Soe Paing & Alice
Newsletter
I created an e-mail newsletter and passed on the news to several ex-faculty and alumni. They, in turn, forwarded the newsletter to their sayas, friends, and colleagues. The mailing list soon numbered 200+.
My Dreams
In my e-mails, I recounted my dreams: • to have the sayas, alumni and associates connected • to have mini-reunions, reunions, and eventually a Grand Union
Reach Out
KMZ
Thanks to Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76), our web master, we were able to reach out to faculty, alumni & associates in 30+ countries. They number 800+. The Guest Book entries express surprise, delight, nostalgia, pride, camaraderie, etc. One of my dreams has been fulfilled.
Photo Gallery
Several mini-reunions and reunions have taken place. Some are documented in the “Photo Gallery” section. • ’69 Grads • ’64 Intakes • Alumni in Australia • Alumni in New Zealand • Alumni in UK • Alumni in Singapore • Alumni in Canada • Dinners in honor of Sayas U Num Kock, Dr. Aung Gyi, U Aung Khin, etc.
Grand Reunion
The idea was accepted from the start, but the question of logistics was a crucial factor.
Have we reached a critical mass?
How easily can we reach out to faculty, alumni and associates from all over the world about such an event?
How can we raise enough money to sponsor the event?
The idea was discussed in detail during Saya U Aung Khin’s visit to the Bay Area. October 28-29 weekend was tentatively chosen to have a “Reunion and Homage”.
Later, during the discussion between the Northern California alumni and Southern California alumni, the term “Saya Pu Zaw Pwe ဆရာပူဇော်ပွဲ” meaning “honoring all sayas” was chosen over “Saya Ga Daw Pwe ဆရာကန်တော့ပွဲ” which has religious connotations. “Saya Ga Daw Pwe” remains an optional event.
In the subsequent meetings, the Steering Committee, Working (aka Executive) Committee, and subcommittees were formed.
Finally, several members showed commitment by purchasing tickets. The money was used as non-refundable deposit for reserving “Embassy Suites Hotel” rooms for the main event.
Several alumni and associates have also donated money and presents to the “Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” fund. Amounts, big or small, are welcome.
We sincerely hope that the forthcoming “Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” will be a resounding success.
First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, USA
Kyauk Si Bagyee
Commemorative web pages (thanks to KMZ)
T shirtMug 1Mug 2
Commemorative Issues of the Newsletter by U Hla Min and team
64 Countdown to the Reunion posts
36 Post-Reunion posts
2002
Second RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Reprinted my “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem as Back Cover
2004
Third RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
Mild earthquake did not rattle the attendees
2007
Fourth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed a poem
2009
40th Anniversary of 69er Graduation
2010
Fifth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed an article : Sad and short clip — EE sayas
2012
Sixth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
True “Home Coming” in the Gyogone Campus
Special publication : History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar by Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team ( U Ohn Khine and I prepared the supplemental CD for the book
Special publication: Selected RIT Cartoons
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by U Saw Lin and team
Reprints: Limited number of RIT Annual Magazines
2013
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Contributions for various projects
Health care for the sayas and sayamas
“Saya Geha” as long term project
2014
Shwe YaDu
Shwe YaDu
50th Anniversary of the opening of RIT in 1964
Golden Jubilee of Admission to RIT for 69ers
Planted 50 Swel Daw Bins
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by Saya U Moe Aung and team Contributed an article : “Recollections of a 69er”
Paved Shwe YaDu lane and set up Swel Daw Yeik benches
Translated Saya U Moe Aung’s Shwe YaDu poem
Shwe YaDu Lann
2015
RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Mini-gatherings in Northern California
Gathering at iNapa Winery
2016
RIT/YIT/YTU Alumni Association
Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
10000+ attendees (expected)
Free food and fun (all day and all night long)
Received two “RIT Alumni Appreciation Awards”
Award 1Award 2
2019
Pre RU Centennial events
Moderator for RU Centennial Web Page
Panelist for 5th Irawaddy Literary Festival
ILF
Golden Jubilee for 69ers Graduation
GJ for 69ers
2020
Due to pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled
Low key celebration of RU Centennial
Broadcast 220+ educational videos
2021 – 2023
Lost some sayas, classmates and schoolmates
Updating / Organizing posts
Mostly Online gatherings
2024
Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar
