Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70) is a founding member of RIT Alumni International, which hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) in October 2000.
He hosted meetings of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni including the one that led to the formation of RIT Alumni International.
He wore multiple hats for SPZP-2000
Golden Sponsor
Co-chair of the Working Committee
Designer of SPZP Banner, commemorative Mug, Calculator / Clock, and T-shirt
Along with Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70), he is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs and for his class gatherings.
He wrote “Traveling through the Time Machine” for RIT Alumni Newsletter
At the picnic following the SPZp-2000 Reunion dinner, Saya Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (Professor and Head of Physics Department, WIU, Macomb, Illinois, USA) gave me a printed copy of the list of Burmese state scholars studying in the US [as of December, 1954].
In addition to our sayas such as U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, U Win Kyaing, U Thit, the list contains
U Maung Maung Than (GBNF) received BS from Clemson and MS from Lowell. In 1957 he became Lecturer and Head of Textile Department. He became Professor. He succeeded U Khin Aung Kyi as Rector. He retired as DG of DHE. He served as Advisor for the Engineering School at DSA.He was Chair of RIT Sports Committee. He played Chinlon and Saung (Burmese Harp).
Some Senior Sayas and Sayamas
U Shwe Yi (GBNF) taught until retirement. He served as Professor. I met his daughter-in-law who was attending the SF Bay Area Literary Talks as a Speaker.
Daw Tin Tin Ohn (Amy Thwin, T61, GBNF) was from the first batch of female engineers. Her father U Thwin served as Principal of Boundary Road Technical School.
Dr. Julie Han (T61, GBNF) served as Vice President of TBSA and led the Fund Raising for Dhammananda Vihara. She attended SPZP-2000.
Naw Mu Mu Aye (T69) retired as Professor.
U Hla Shwe (T69, GBNF) retired as Associate Professor. Saya U Moe Aung wrote “To The Shwe Duo” in memory of U Tin Shwe (EP66) and him.
Some Senior Alumni
Daw Yin Kyi and two classmates (T61)
Daw Khin Than Nwe (T62)
Daw Nyunt Nyunt Zaw (T68)
T69ers include U Kyaw Htin (Chi Hte Nu Nu Kyaw), U Hla Tun (Japangyi, GBNF), U Aung Thein, U Tint Swe, Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice), Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie), Daw Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel), Daw Lin Lin Aung, Daw San San Myint (Helen), Daw San Kyi
T70 include U Kyaw Sint (Soccer, Tennis, GBNF), Daw Lei Lei Myaing
T71 include Reggie Kyaw Nyunt, Daw Than Than Yi (GBNF)
U Myo Win (Melvin Ba Tin, M/Ag65, GBNF) taught at RIT and later at Wagga Wagga, Australia.
He represented RIT in Rowing.
He also supervised the RIT Auto Club.
Per Ko Hla Oo, he and fellow members of the RIT Auto Club bade farewell to Saya U Myo Win. There were 25 or so members. The group provided a receipt for the gathering.
I had reported the event in RIT Alumni International Newsletter (which I founded in 1999) and also in the RIT Update Facebook book page (which is a Secret / Private group with 1600+ members) and also in my web site hlamin.com (which has 2000 or so posts).
I created the “Receipts” album. I captioned the photo “Old Receipt (when Kyat still had good value)”.
The album had been seen by 1000+ members.
Many have shared them (some for nostalgia for the good old times when one Pound was traded for 13 Kyats and one US Dollar was traded for 5 – 6 Kyats, and some to show to the younger generation as “Believe it or not” item).
It is not easy to publish and/or maintain Burmese newspaper, journal or magazine overseas.
Golden Padauk
U Aung Myint (Henry Lim) left RIT before graduation.
Served as Chief Editor of the BAPS Newsletter.
Also served as Associate Editor of the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni International Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Published bilingual Golden Padauk Magazine in the SF Bay Area.
Doctors advised him to take a break while waiting for kidney transplant.
Briefly published trilingual Durian Magazine.
Ahara
The Ahara Magazine that was published in Japan.
U Kyaw Win helped with the publication before moving to the SF Bay Area. He gave me some issues of the magazine.
For some time, he moved back to Burma.
Saw him at a Fund Raiser at Newark Pavilion.
Mandalay Gazette
U Maung Maung Kyi was a swimmer and a medical doctor in his younger days in Burma.
He founded Mandalay Gazette in Southern California with the help of his spouse and colleagues.
Myanmar Gazette
Ko Kai (Thakin Kai Bwor) joined RIT in the 80s. He experienced three years of school closure due to Security Concerns. Graduated with Mechanical in the early 90s.
Moved to Japan and settled in USA.
Helped Mandalay Gazette.
Later founded Myanmar Gazette with his spouse.
The free distribution of the Gazette is supported in part by paid advertisements (doctors, dentists, insurance agents, realtors, …).
The online version can be downloaded (e.g from SCRIB-D).
He is a saya of our sayas. He passed away peacefully in his 90s.
Condolences
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi wrote :
I am very sad to know that Saya U Num Kock has passed away.
He was my Saya teaching us “Drawing” when I attended first year engineering in Rangoon University in 1951. He was a very nice and gentle person. So far as I remember he was never angry or upset about anything. He was a hard worker and also a helpful person.
Please send my heartfelt condolences to his family. Thank you.
Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) wrote :
I am so saddened to learn belatedly of Sayagyi U Num Kock’s passing away. Sayagyi was one of my earliest sayas in Engineering. Sayagyi taught me Building Drawing in my second year engineering at the B.O.C. College and also supervised our surveying practical exercises. Sayagyi was always very kind and patient towards us and we all loved and respected him.
Please convey my heartfelt condolences to Sayagyi’s wife and family.
Several alumni remember Saya teaching Soil Mechanics.
Memories
Old Crocs remember Saya’s service as Line Judge at the RUBC Regattas.
U Myo Nyunt (C69) remembers Saya not only as his teacher, but also for guiding the RIT Track and Field Association as President.
At the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe held in the USA in October 2000, Saya U Khin Aung Kyi paid homage to his two sayas : Saya U Num Kok and Saya U Ba Toke.
A few years back, Saya U Num Kok visited Yangon. He was given a Welcome Gathering by his former colleagues and students. He brought back a banner and hung it in his house in Portland, Oregon, USA>
Men On The Moon In honor of Apollo 11 mission in July 1969
The Apostle of Non-violence For the Centennial of Mahatma Gandhi
To The Fallen Warrior Scholars who fought for Burma’s Independence
The Ngapali Beach Vacation with friends Vacation with family Guest lecturer at Shwe Wah Gyaing Luyechun Camp in 1988
The Phaungdaw-u Festival Inlay Khaung Daing Luyechun Camp in `1964 Vacation with friends Vacation with family
SAYA PUZAW PWE Written for the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco in October 2000
HTAY LWIN NYO Written for an alumnus of RIT and UCC who passed away unexpectedly in San Jose, California
Men On The Moon by Hla Min
The Eagle made a soft descent And perfect rendezvous Does not the module represent A fantasy come true
To travel through that cold void space To have that faith in science To face death squarely in the face Yes, man acted with defiance
Man set foot on an alien world In July Sixty Nine That small step from the bravest man Was a giant leap for mankind
The walk in one sixth gravity Rock samples from the moon Three men who spoke with brevity For science what a boon
No event can ever equal That sublime unique mission The Apollo’s triumph will make the people Extend their own vision
Are we not brothers here on earth So let us all unit There will be heaven here on earth If we all cease to fight
The Apostle Of Non-violence By Hla Min
A man of true principle With spirit invincible He sacrificed his pleasures Faith and freedom were his treasures
No arms did he carry No threats made him tarry No torture or prison Could change his decision
He led all protests Despite threats and arrests All races and creeds Revered his deed
He could not see his dreams come true The whole world grieves his loss too Though he cared not for fame His name will indeed remain In history, O Great Gandhiji
To The Fallen Warrior By Hla Min
You fought your foes not with your bows But with a mighty pen You sang a song and made us long To free this sacred land
“Look at the colonialist tyrants They’ve made a living hell Let’s drive these murderous giants Brothers, fight and rebel
If you have faith in the Lone Star Against the red background I say Independence will not be too far” Why your advice was too sound
But you died somewhere on duty Before Burma blossomed in dawn So you could not share the real beauty Of freedom now that you’re gone
The Ngapali Beach By Hla Min
The intriguing splendor of the East Where the soft wind melts your heart Where lavish nature gives you a feast And a truly cool refreshing bath
Mountainous tides roll in like thunder Then lie helpless on the shore Fishing boats rush out all set to plunder The ocean’s unending store
To sit under a shady palm To drink a cup of juicy milk To see the raging waters turn Into undulating silk
A variety of multi-colored shells Lay on the fine grain sand No place on earth can match the spell Of this enchanted strand
The luring dragons bid you “Welcome” To this real paradise There’s lots of fun, excitement, beauty What’s more there left to advertise?
The Phaungdaw-u Festival By Hla Min
Phaungdaw-u, oh Burma’s grandeur Can truly make our hearts sublime Its mystic charm and rhyme-less splendor Have firmly stood the test of time
It lies deep in the heart of people It gives them courage and inspiration No wonder this festival has no equal It promises joy and veneration
On board the Karaweik so scintillating Stood the four images of Lord Buddha For the Noble Truth are we vindicating? What lies deep under the completed tour?
But one statue was left behind Because in writings we do find That should it ever leave the shrine There will be thunder and storm Thus a happy reunion on the morn of the full moon of Thadinkyut
From floating islands the leg rowers came To take part in the race With their muscular frame, with might and main Their oars flashing at a rapid pace
Festivities last all night long Dances to the company of ozi and gong Oh, prayers that fill the cool evening air May loving kindness prevail everywhere
SAYA PUZAW PWE By Hla Min
Seems like it was only yesterday At our alma mater in a land far away You taught us to work, play, laugh, even cry And coaxed us, forced us to aim for the sky
Problems in real life, lab, computation, survey Understand concepts, design, display, … Zeal, zest, ardor, grit, passion to make it “our day” Architects, engineers, we’ve come here to say We honor your metta, your cetana — we fully can’t repay
Presently we meet, alum from five decades we greet With memories true, fond, sweet Ecstatic yet sad that the GBNF could not join this memorable fete
HTAY LWIN NYO By Hla Min
Tribute to Dr. HTAY LWIN NYO (ex-rit, ex-ucc) Part-time Professor, EE, SJSU (1951 July – 2000 April)
He was a genius, a researcher, a friend Teaching was his passion to the very end A jack of all trades, a doctorate of one You name it, he knows it! there’s a lot he has done
Long ago he gave away a patent for a dollar With a heart so big and true, real worthy of a scholar Invest, movie script, cook, paint, car repair, … Never showed off wealth and prizes; he’s a gem so rare
News of his death — alone at home — rocked throughout the land Young, old were shocked, but they all flocked to give a helping hand On this day in May of Y2K we pray from the bottom of our heart
“Htay Lwin Nyo, we’re proud to say that though you’ve passed away you’ve done a huge part to unite kindred spirits your legacy is here to stay.”
At the picnic following the SPZP-2000 Reunion dinner, Saya Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (Professor and Head of Physics Department, WIU, Macomb, Illinois, USA) gave me a printed copy of the list of Burmese state scholars studying in the US [as of December, 1954].
In addition to our sayas such as U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, U Win Kyaing, U Thit, the list contains
1. Thein Wah (Civil) 2. Maung Maung (Elec) 3. Tin Nyunt (Chem), Yale 4. Tin Hlyne (M), Columbia 5. Htun Aung (ChE), Georgia Tech 6. Thin Tu (C), Michigan 7. Htun Thein (C), Michigan 8. Tin Nyo (M), Michigan State 9. Hla Hmi (Mn), Colorado 10. Hla Gyaw (ChE), Brooklyn Poly 11. Maung Maung Tun (ChE), Philadelphia Tex 12. Tin Tun Aung (M), Brooklyn Poly 13. Kyaw Win (M), Brooklyn Poly 14. Ko Ko Lay (M), Carnegie Tech 15. Mya Than Tun (Mech), Brooklyn Poly 16. Maung Maung Thaung (M), Brooklyn Poly 17. … more …
EI may stand for Emotional Intelligence. It is often expressed as EQ (E Quotient).
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi gave a Key Note at SPZP-2000 on the importance of EI and EQ.
Electrical Inspectorate
EI may stand for Electrical Inspectorate. Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF) worked at EI before moving to the USA. The Chief Elecrical Inspector used to be Visiting Lecturer at RIT. EI conducts Basic courses and Refresher courses. Saya U Moe Aung taught at several of the courses.
Thank you very much to all of you (Organizing members and the participants) for the unforgettable grand event “SPZP and RIT Reunion 2000” at San Francisco.
Let me express the most exciting moment for me at the event. Earlier, I have learned from your “Countdown to the Reunion” articles that there were some questions about the agenda, especially about the Saya Ga Daw Pwe which is a tradition/practice for the Buddhists. Later the organizing committee members arranged it as an optional for the attendees.
On that great evening of October 28, I arrived just in time from the other hall into the main hall to participate in my most anticipated moment. I jumped into the event from behind the other participants. For a few seconds, all of us struggled willingly with joy for a tiny spot to pay homage to our Sayagyis. Each of us did it successfully in a thrilling moment. To pay homage all my Sayagyis together in this place and time was an extraordinary opportunity for all of us. It does not matter for me – their religion – whether they directly taught me, indirectly, or did not – whether I have seen them before or not. Sayas are Sayas. Whoever they were/are. There is no problem. Our Sayas and Sayamas have done a grand – unparalleled accomplishments to our Mother “Rangoon Institute of Technology”, to our Mother Country , and to our lives.
One more special excitement for me was, I noticed that there were non-Buddhists not only on the stage among the Sayas but also on the floor among the engineers who were proudly paying homage with strong eagerness to our Sayagyis. Immediately after we paid homage, I saw many of us ‘Great Engineers’, some with tears of joy, bowing their heads, rushed to the Sayagyis sitting on the stage, touched, and held their Saya’s hands with excitement. I guessed that some of these fore-rushers were in their 60’s and trembling with exultation. I learned that SPZP is not only for young engineers.
The event was very enthusiastic and swift. [Let me say,] it was also a little chaotic and informal. However, this kind of chaotic atmosphere was the real unforgettable “Unique Essence” of our once-in-a-life-time SPZP and Reunion, 2000.
With Respect, Ba Thein, Atlanta
Editor’s note: On the eve, we had an informal gathering at an “all you can Japanese, Korean and Chinese buffet”. There we saw some of our Sayagyis revering their Sayas. At the Reunion dinner, the main event, and the picnic the following day, we saw more instances. Sayagyi U Khin Aung Kyi paying respect to his Sayas — Sayagyi U Ba Toke (Maths) and Sayagyi U Num Kok (Civil) — is awesome and inspiring. Earlier I received e-mails telling me the difference of Asian and Western cultures, e.g. how one calls one’s professors by their first name, and hinting that “it would be awkward for non-Asian spouses to witness/understand the SPZP”. Fortunately, we did not hear any complaints at the event.
HlaMin 