- Vissudhimaggarasa
- An abridged edition of Bhikku Nyanamoli’s translation by :
- Dr. Ottara Nyana
- Head of the Birmingham Buddhist Vihara, UK
- Publisher : Triple Gems Publication
- First edition : 2011
- PART I : VIRTUE (Sila)
- Chapters 1 – 2
- PART II : CONCENTRATION (Samadhi)
- Chapters 3 – 13
- PART II : UNDERSTANDING (Panna)
- Chapters 14 – 23
- Index
- Glossary
- Tables
Blog
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The Path Of Purification
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March 5, 2011
Dear Sayas and Colleagues,
Saya U Soe Paing scanned selected magazines from the University Central Library.
U Soe Paing In 2010, Ko Thein Swe (GBNF) emailed an old and asked if people can recognize the names and faces in the photo.
Thein Swe (Rightmost) From Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC)
I went to the Univ Central Library on Tuesday and managed to get scanned photos from the Eng 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; 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.
Best wishes
SPEditor’s notes
- An academic year usually spans two years. To save space and time, I had loosely used the end year (e.g. 69) instead of the start year and end year (e.g. 68 – 69).
- In the early days, there were no “Instructors” (but only “Assistant Lecturers”) for the Faculty of Engineering. They are Gazetted officers.
- Some of our sayas applied for States Scholarship before graduation. Some joined the faculty and were selected to do post-graduate studies.
- The Halls would aggressively seek outstanding athletes (footballers, tennis players, rowers, …).
- U Chan Tha is also RUBC Past Captain and Gold.
- Bohmu Percy Maung Maung and his younger brother Ko Hugh are old crocs. Ko Percy is a class mate of Saya U Soe Paing at SPHS and Stanford.
- Saya Dr. Yan Naing Lwin used to have a copy of the “Burmese state scholars in ’54”. The list includes Saya U Sein Hlaing, and Saya U Tin Swe.
- Ko Benny Tan (M 70) used to have a copy of the “RIT Handbook” for 6x. I published the list of permanent and part-time sayas and sayamas in one of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” updates.
- Saya U Moe Aung (EE) used to have old copies of “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung” and RIT Annual magazines. He served as Chief Editor for both publications.
- The late Saya Charlie Kaw (Tex) is believed to have brought along with him the projects of his final year students.
- Hope sayas, sayamas and alums might be able to contribute to the “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar” project.
- Mr. Robert Hole had memory loss and was not able to write for HMEE-2012. His daughters taught at UCC, ICST and UCSY.
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RU 11
Geology
Dr. Tha Hla
Dr. Tha Hla - Ph.D. in Geology in UK
- First native Professor at the Department of Geology.
- Served as Interim Dean of Engineering.
- Served as Rector, Rangoon University.
- Retired after serving as UN Advisor in several countries.
- Found jobs for several Burmese expatriates in Thailand.
- Known for his discipline and integrity.
- U Thadu, famous writer & director, tried to get “concession” from the Film Censor Board. Saya refused. U Thadu had to resubmit the film. U Thadu was surprised to learn that his movie received the Academy award (with the “blessing” of Saya). Saya told U Thadu that the two incidents are different, and that he had no grudge or bias.
- Gave lessons on drinking.
Told his guests, “You can choose whiskey, beer or any drink from the cabinets, but don’t let ‘Ah Yet’ become your master. Don’t add water/soda in the whiskey if you want good taste.” - Led by example. His jeep drove to meet the rowdy students trying to follow Ajala, the Nigerian agitator and was able to calm them.
- Fought for his colleagues and students. When a Minister (in charge of the State Scholar Board) tried to “blacklist” is student Dr. Nyi Nyi for his political views, Saya offered to resign if his student was “punished”. During the minister’s trip overseas, the State Scholar Board selected Dr. Nyi Nyi.
Dr. Maung Thein
- Informed his students (including Ko Soe Myint) about the Computer Science degree courses being offered at UCC (under the aegis of RU Mathematics Department) and encouraged them to study Computer Science and Applications.
- Transferred to Mandalay University. He asked Ko Soe Myint and me to give lectures for his staff (during the summer vacation). We overheard some young sayas thinking out loud, “Why is Saya Thein asking the two UCC guys to waste our free time?”
- Became Professor at RASU. He asked UCC to conduct a short course at Mandalay Hall. Ko Soe Myint, I and a few others ran the course. Rumors spread that a young Minthamee from UCC would be teaching. Wonder what the reaction was when Pale Shein (Pearl), daughter of soccer star Kenneth Shein, showed up.
U Ba Maw
- Met Saya U Ba Maw, a lecturer, during our short course conducted at MASU.
- Learned that U Ba Maw was being chastised by the higher authorities for collaborating research with foreigners. U Ba Maw and his students came cross ancient fossils (of Ramapiticus …) during their survey trip near Kyaukse. A US researcher, who heard the news, flew in to Burma, took photos and published about U Ba Maw’s findings. The news broke to US magazines (Time and/or Newsweek).
Dr. Nyi Nyi
Dr. Nyi Nyi - Protege of Dr. Tha Hla
- Served as Deputy Minister of Education
- Chair, UCC Project Implementation
- Retired after working for UN
- Pen name : Oak Aw
U Ba Than Haq
- Served as Professor.
- Retired as Pro-Rector.
RASU Geology
Geology Sayas Miscellaneous
- Geology offered “Gems” specialization. U Khin Maung Lay (GBNF) was an early graduate with the specialization.
- Geology Department offered Diploma in Applied Geology (DAG) in the Thamaing Campus.
- U Soe Myint (UCC) and Daw Win Win Than (UCC) studied Geology and Computer Science.
RIT aspect
- According to U Aw Taik Moh (C54), the Civil Engineering students (living in Prome Hall) had to go to the main Campus to take Geology. Since the students were late and did not pay attention, most of them ended up with C or C-
- RIT had Geology as a supporting department.
- U Ngwe Thein was Head of Geology.
- I had a micro-reunion with Saya [Maung] San (who shopped at the Junior section at a Departmental Store in London during his studies in the UK) at SPZP-2012. He worked at RIT and in Bangkok.
-
Geology
Dr. Tha Hla
Dr. Tha Hla - Ph.D. in Geology in UK
- First native Professor at the Department of Geology.
- Served as Interim Dean of Engineering.
- Served as Rector, Rangoon University.
- Retired after serving as UN Advisor in several countries.
- Found jobs for several Burmese expatriates in Thailand.
- Known for his discipline and integrity.
- U Thadu, famous writer & director, tried to get “concession” from the Film Censor Board. Saya refused. U Thadu had to resubmit the film. U Thadu was surprised to learn that his movie received the Academy award (with the “blessing” of Saya). Saya told U Thadu that the two incidents are different, and that he had no grudge or bias.
- Gave lessons on drinking.
Told his guests, “You can choose whiskey, beer or any drink from the cabinets, but don’t let ‘Ah Yet’ become your master. Don’t add water/soda in the whiskey if you want good taste.” - Led by example.
Saya’s jeep drove to meet the rowdy students trying to follow Ajala, the Nigerian agitator and was able to calm them. - Fought for his colleagues and students.
When a Minister (in charge of the State Scholar Board) tried to “blacklist” is student Dr. Nyi Nyi for his political views, Saya offered to resign if his student was “punished”. During the minister’s trip overseas, the State Scholar Board selected Dr. Nyi Nyi.
Dr. Maung Thein
- Informed his students (including Ko Soe Myint) about the Computer Science degree courses being offered at UCC (under the aegis of RU Mathematics Department) and encouraged them to study Computer Science and Applications.
- Transferred to Mandalay University. He asked Ko Soe Myint and me to give lectures for his staff (during the summer vacation). We overheard some young sayas thinking out loud, “Why is Saya Thein asking the two UCC guys to waste our free time?”
- Became Professor at RASU. He asked UCC to conduct a short course at Mandalay Hall. Ko Soe Myint, I and a few others ran the course. Rumors spread that a young Minthamee from UCC would be teaching. Wonder what the reaction was when Pale Shein (Pearl), daughter of soccer star Kenneth Shein, showed up.
U Ba Maw
- Met Saya U Ba Maw, a lecturer, during our short course conducted at MASU.
- Learned that U Ba Maw was being chastised by the higher authorities for collaborating research with foreigners. U Ba Maw and his students came cross ancient fossils (of Ramapiticus …) during their survey trip near Kyaukse. A US researcher, who heard the news, flew in to Burma, took photos and published about U Ba Maw’s findings. The news broke to US magazines (Time and/or Newsweek).
Dr. Nyi Nyi
- Protege of Dr. Tha Hla
- Served as Deputy Minister of Education
- Chair, UCC Project Implementation
- Retired after working for UN
- Pen name : Oak Aw
U Ba Than Haq
- Served as Professor.
- Retired as Pro-Rector.
Miscellaneous
- Geology offered “Gems” specialization.
U Khin Maung Lay (GBNF) was an early graduate with the specialization. - Geology Department offered Diploma in Applied Geology (DAG) in the Thamaing Campus.
- U Soe Myint (UCC) and Daw Win Win Than (UCC) studied Geology and Computer Science.
RIT aspect
- According to U Aw Taik Moh (C54), the Civil Engineering students (living in Prome Hall) had to go to the main Campus to take Geology. Since the students were late and did not pay attention, most of them ended up with C or C-
- RIT had Geology as a supporting department.
- U Ngwe Thein was Head of Geology.
- I had a micro-reunion with Saya [Maung] San (who supposedly shopped at the Junior section at a Departmental Store in London during his studies in the UK) at SPZP-2012. He worked at RIT and in Bangkok.
-
Volunteers for SPZP-2012
- U Ohn Khine (M 70)
Ohn Khine - U Saw Lin (C 71, GBNF)
Saw Lin - Daw Hla Thi (Tex 72)
- U Aung Myo Khin (M 71)
- Daw Pyone Pyone Oo (C 79)
- U Myo Myint (M 72)
- U Myint Soe (Pet 72)
- U Ko Ko Gyi (C 73)
- U Aung Moung (M 73, GBNF)
- U Nyunt Htay (Met 73)
- U Toe Maung (C 74)
- Daw San San (C 79)
- U Win Khaing (M 75)
- U Than Win (Pet 75)
- U Htay Maung (M 75)
- U Tin Tun Aung (M 75)
- U Than Po (M 75)
- Daw Khin Saw Mu (EP 74)
- U Zaw Min (M 75)
- U Hla Win (M 75)
- U Myint Aung ( 78)
- U Win Htay (M 78)
- U Myint Wai (A 79)
- Daw Hla Htay Aung (A 79)
- U Soe Myint (Min 83)
- U Aung Win (C 84)
- U Win Khaing Moe (EE 84)
- U Aung Kyi Soe (M 85)
- Daw Kyi Kyi Pyone (M 86)
- U Kyaw Hlaing (M 86)
- U Tin Maung Naing (M 87)
- U Tin Oo (M 87)
- U Myint Naing (EE 91)
- U Zaw Naing (EE 96)
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SPZP Organizers
SPZP-2000
- RIT Alumni International
SPZP-2000 SPZP-2002, 2007, 2010
- Alumni in Singapore
SPZP-2004, 2012, 2016
- Alumni in Myanmar
RIT : placeholder
RIT stands not only for Rangoon Institute of Technology, but all preceding and succeeding Engineering Schools in Burma / Myanmar
- Engineering Department, RU
- BOC College of Engineering, RU
- Faculty of Engineering, RU
- Burma Institute of Technology (BIT)
- Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT)
- Yangon Institute of Technology (YIT)
- Yangon Technological University (YTU)
…
-
Souvenirs
- DVDs from the SPZPs
- RIT Alumni International Newsletter
Special Issue for SPZP-2000
Newsletter - Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung
Commemorative issues for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, SPZP-2010
- Swel Daw Yeik Magazine
Commemorative issues for SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu, SPZP-2016 - History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar
Published in 2012 - Photo Albums
- Address Books
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Epilog (UCC)
Computer Science (CS) and Computer Technology (CT) evolve.
Definitions
The following are two early definitions of CS.
- CS is the study of phenomena surrounding Computing.
- CS is the study of Algorithms and Data Structures.
The first definition has the same flavor as a definition of Physics. It is general to say, “Physics is the study of natural phenomena.”
The second definition might sound restrictive, but it still covers a lot of topics and application.
There is a book called “Program = Algorithms + Data Structures”.
Professor Donald Knuth (Stanford University) thought that he could finish his 7-volume book “The Art of Computer Programming” in a couple of years. It was an under-estimate of the growth of Computers, Computer Science and Applications. It took over two decades to complete and revise the first three volumes and part of the fourth volume. One reason was that his book contributed to the growth of the Design and Analysis of Algorithms.
Final Thoughts
I have covered some topics in the early days of Computing in general and UCC in particular.
I missed out several people. I mentioned many names, but did not elaborate on some of them.
I did not cover in-depth the PDP configuration and use, the introduction of PCs, and robots.
It would take a long time and I would not be able to fill in all the blanks.
I believe in an idea that characterizes Jules Verne. “If one can dream, others can fulfill”.
I had a personal experience to support that idea. In 1999, I started “RIT International Newsletter” and dreamed that sayas and alumni will get reconnected electronically and physically. With the help of sponsors (including five Golden Sponsors), able and dedicated sayas and alumni, volunteers, supporters and well-wishers, the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe) was held in San Francisco in October 2000. The world-wide SPZPs were subsequently held in Singapore in 2002, 2007 and 2010, and in Yangon in 2004, 2012 and 2016.
Newsletter SPZP-2000 Organizers I had paid back to RIT.
I now have a chance to pay back to UCC.
Thanks to my family members for supporting me in the endeavors to pay back to the institutions and my mentors that helped me develop to where I am today.
I hope that sayas and alumni of UCC, ICST and UCSY will enhance my document into one that professional historians will envy.
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Buddhist Association
- Saya Dr. Thein Hlyne
Dr. Thein Hlyne (Center) - Saya U Lin (M66)
U Lin (2nd from Right) - Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66, GBNF)
U Tin Shwe - Saya U Soe Myint (Min83)
- U Kyi Twe (A70)
- U Maung Maung Lay
- U Myint Soe (M79)
- U Sein Win (C80)
- U Maung Maung Lay
The Association’s activities include
- Kathein robe offering
- Library of books on Buddhism
- Ovada of sayas and sayamas
attending SPZP-2012
attending SPZP-2016
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Class of 1975
M75
- Hla Myint Thein (Maurice)
- Win Khaing (GBNF)
- Than Po (GBNF)
- Mar Mar Yee
- Hla Win
- Zaw Min
- Ohn Win (Raymond)
- Khin Maung Win
- …
M75 Maurice Chee (M75)
Maurice 1 
Maurice 2 
Maurice 3 SPZP-2000 - Maurice Chee (U Hla Myint Thein, M75) is a founding member of RIT Alumni International, which hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
- He wore multiple hats: co-Chair of the Working Committee, Financial Controller, Publisher of the Commemorative Issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000.
- He is also a founding member of Northern California RIT Alumni Association and served as Vice President.
- He is a Past President of BASES.
- He coordinated and also donated books for the YTU Library.
- He gave presentations at YTU Mechanical Engineering Department.
U Win Khaing (M75, GBNF)
- Former Minister
- Past President, MES
- Organizer of SPZP-2004 and SPZP-2012
- RUBC Gold
- CEO, United Engineering
U Than Po (M75, GBNF)
- Zat Sayagyi
- Organizer of SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016
Daw Mar Mar Yee (M75)
Mar Mar Yee - Minthamee
- Emcee of Gatherings
C75
Dr. Soe Thein (C75)
Soe Thein - Web Master for SPZP-2007
- Organizer of SPZP-2002, SPZP-2004 and SPZP-2007
