There is no standard way of representing Burmese names in English. “U” and “Oo” (ဦး) are spelling variants.
SPHS Std. VIII (A)SPHS63Top Matriculates
Khin Maung U, Dr. (SPHS63) — First in Burma in the Matriculation examination of 1963; Multiple Luyechun; Due to changes in the Education System, he had to do his Masters locally; Later received Fellowships from UK and MD from Australia; Retired from FDA in the USA; Gawpaka at MD monastery; Interpreter for dhamma courses and meditation retreats; Spouse: Dr. Nyunt Nyunt Wai
Khin Mg Oo / Ivan
Khin Maung Oo (Ivan, M69) — Did MS in USA; PEs for New York and New Jersey; Entrepreneur; Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs; Major donor for 69er HCF; Hosted annual gatherings for RIT and UCC Alumni; Founder and CEO of MASTAA; Spouse: Ivy
Khin Maung Oo –– PBRS Alumnus; Master Mariner; Taught in Burma and Malaysia; Lives in Houston; Spouse: Tin Tin Win
Khin Maung Oo (EC66) — Alumnus of PPBRS and SPHS; BPI; Moved to USA
Khin Maung Htun (SPHS58, GBNF) — PPFC; Patron of OPA and OPA Buddhist Association
Khin Maung Latt (GBNF) — Taught English at RU and his private school; Chief Editor of WPD; Spouse : Khin Myo Chit; Son: Dr. Khin Maung Win
U Khin Maung Latt and Dr. Khin Maung Win
Khin Maung Latt — AFPFL Minister; Sons: U Khin Maung Gyi (English), U Khin Maung Lay (M70).
Khin Maung Latt (M63) — Member of 4×100 m relay team that set the RU record; Represented the Faculty of Engineering in Rowing. Soccer and Track & Field; Brother: Khin Maung Lay (T68)
Khin Maung Latt — Saya; Maths
Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68) — Represented RIT in Soccer, Rowing, Track & Field.; Past Secretary of RIT Track & Field; Past President of BASES; Emcee for BASES and 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles; Excellent cook and vocalist; Brother : U Khin Maung Latt (M63)
Khin Maung Lay (Mu Tu, M70) — RIT Soccer; Organizer and MC for the 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65; Principal of Labor School; Member of Myanmar HRC; Father: H.E U Khin Maung Latt
Khin Maung San (Tommy, GBNF) — Marlar Confectionery
Khin Maung Saw
Khin Maung Sein
Khin Maung Shwe
Khin Maung Soe (Tommy, EE69er) — Basketball
Khin Maung Swe, Dr. (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF)
Khin Maung Than (SPHS, M71)
Khin Maung Than (Kenneth, GBNF) — CMA
Khin Maung Thaung
Khin Maung Thaw
Khin Maung Thein — Minister
Khin Maung Thint (A) — Saya
Khin Maung Thwin
Khin Maung Tin (M69) — Saya
Khin Maung Tin, Dr. —BMRI
Khin Maung Tint (C69) — Saya
Khin Maung Toe (GBNF) — Musician
Khin Maung U, Dr. (SPHS63, First in Burma)
Khin Maung Win, Dr. (Pathology, GBNF)
Khin Maung Win, Dr. (Maths, GBNF)
Khin Maung Win, Dr. (Cardiologist)
Khin Maung Winm Dr, (Donald, C69) — Saya
Khin Maung Win (EP69, Sargalay, GBNF)
Khin Maung Win (EE69er, Roland Thein)
Khin Maung Win (ChE69)
Khin Maung Wint — RUBC Gold
Khin Maung Yee
Khin Maung Yin (A60, Kin Maung Yin, GBNF) — Director; Artist
Khin Maung Yin — Dy. Minister; Daughter : Dr. Lay May Yin
Khin Maung Zaw (SPHS70, EC76) — Microsoft; Founding member of RIT Alumni International, which hosted SPZP-2000; Designed and implemented the first RIT website.
Khin Maung Zaw (SPHS61, EP77)
Khin Maung Zaw, Dr. (Frank, SPHS63) — 17th in Burma
Khin May
Khin May Aung
Khin May Aye
Khin May Than
Khin Ni
Khin Ni Ni Thein
Khin Nyein
Khin Nyo, Colonel — Member of the Revolutionary Council; Sons: Myint Lwin Nyo, Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74), Aung Lwin Nyo and Kyaw Lwin Nyo
Khin Nyo (Eco) — Rowing; Registrar
Khin Nyo — RIT Reporter
Khin Nyunt
Khin Nu
Khin Ohn
Khin Oo
Khin Oo May
Khin Pe Gyi
Khin Sabai
Khin San
Khin San, Daw
Khin San Myint, Daw
Khin San Thaung, Daw
Khin Sein
Khin Si Thaung, Daw — UCC; TSC
Khin Soe
Khin Soe Myint
Khin Soe Nyunt
Khin Soe Tin, Daw — Sayama
Khin Swe Aye, Daw (Winnie, ChE70) — Sayama
Khin Swe Myint
Khin Swe Myint, Dr. — Sayama; Physics
Khin Swe Thaung, Daw
Khin Than
Khin Than Aye
Khin Than Myint
Khin Than Myint Tin
Khin Than Nu
Khin Than Nyunt
Khin Than Nwe (Margaret, T62)
Khin Than Nwe (Physics) — Sayama
Khin Than Nwe, Dr. (Chemistry)– CSO
Khin Than Nwe (Myint Myint)
Khin Thein, Dr. (Victor) — Won Golds for Yachting at SEAP Games
Khin Thein Yi
Khin Thitsar
Khin Tun, Dr. (Peter, MRCP, UK) — Former Associate Dean of Oxford University; Succumbed to Covid
Khin Win
Khin Win May
Khin Win Myint
Khin Win Than
Khin Win Yi
Khin Yi
Khin Yi Than
Khin Yu May
Khin Yu Swe
Khin Zaw (“K”) — First Chief Librarian of Rangoon University Central Library; Founder / Director of Myanmar Ah Than (Burma Broadcasting Service)
Khin Zaw (Mathematics) — Saya; RU and Workers’ College
We were Guinea Pigs of the Education System. We had to take the Government Exam four times before entering University. We effectively lost a year of our lives.
7th Std
Took the last 7th Standard Government exam in 1960. Some SPHS classmates took the 7th Std Exam in the previous year as external candidates. They then transferred to other schools. Some passed the Combined HSF & Matric exam. They were admitted to the University two years ahead of us.
9th Std
Took the HSF Only exam in March 1962. Answered all HSF subjects in Burmese (except English).We studied Yupa Beda ရူပဗေဒ (Physics), Dhatu Beda ဓာတုဗေဒ (Chemistry) and Thin Char သင်္ချာ (Maths) in Burmese. The Yupa Beda text was written by Dr. Maung Maung Kha and U San Tha Aung.
We had to take the exam with Security Guards patrolling (following the Coup d’etat on March 2, 1962). The exam was cancelled citing that the examination questions were leaked.
We had to retake the HSF Only exam in August 1962. Chu Pu Thein had the highest score for Physics. After passing Matric, he left to study in Italy. Maung Maung Kyi had the highest score for Chemistry. During the RU closure, he received States Scholarship to study Chemical Engineering (with specialty in Pulp and Paper) at Dresden University, Germany. Upon his return, he worked for Sittaung Paper Mill and PPIC. He moved to Wales, UK. He is now GBNF.
Maung Maung Kyi
10th Std
Took the Matric Only exam in May 1963. Answered subjects in English (except Burmese). We studied Physics, Chemistry and Maths in English.
The Physics text was by Sen and Gupta. SPHS library had Physics books by Sears and Zemansky (donated by Ford Foundation and/or Asia Foundation).
The Chemistry text was by Menon.
The Maths texts include Algebra (by Hall and Knight), Sequence Geometry and Trigonometry (by Siddon and Hughes).
Brother Clementian used several Maths Books (e.g. Tutorial Algebra and Study Guides).
The pass rate was relatively low. In the Matric of 1963, 1263 students passed from the Rangoon Division. The results were published in divisions : First Division (60+ marks average), Second Division (50+ marks average) and Third Division (40+ marks average).
The results were published in order of merit. It was not easy for students to find out if they had passed the exam and in what Division. It was a nightmare for those who failed the exam.
SPHS 63
100 Scholarships were awarded. Those from private schools (e.g. St. Paul’s High School) received Scholarships only if they are among the Top Forty.
St. Paul’s had Five students in the Top Five,Seven in the Top Ten, Ten in the Top Twenty.
I. Sc (A)
Took the Science Option for I.Sc.(A) classes that were being offered the Intermediate Colleges.
Those from Rangoon Division attended the RU Intermediate College known as “Leik Khone”.
Roll Numbers were based on the last names. Ko Aung Min’s Roll Number was B115. Mine was B116. Ko Than Myaing was B120. We shared lectures and tutorials.
Citing security reasons following student protests for sad events on 7th July & 8th July in 1962, hostel students were forced to return home. Classes with the exception of Medical and Engineering Colleges were suspended until further notice.
The I.Sc.(A) exam was taken at State High Schools.
Education System
In November 1964, a new System was introduced. The system of having Faculties under a University was disbanded.
Most Faculties (Engineering, Medicine, Social Science) became autonomous Institutes with their own Rectors.
The Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA) was used to decide the admission of Matriculates into the Universities and Institutes. It effectively caused the end of “Freedom to study” where several Top students chose their passion of study : Anthropology, Architecture, Biology, Burmese, Chemistry, Commerce, Economics, Engineering, English, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Law, Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, …
One High School Luyechun with a low ILA was forced to study Philosophy. Some who had high ILA taking Arts subjects and/or Hybrid Combinations were admitted to the Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT).
Education Ministry
Colonel Hla Han was the “Pyinnyar Ye Tar Wun Khan” ပညာရေးတာဝန်ခံ (later renamed Minister of Education ပညာရေးဝန်ကြီး). He was among the early LMPs to take the Bridge Course to become MBBS.He succeeded Commodore Than Pe (RUBC President), who was the first Revolutionary Council member to pass away.
Dr. Nyi Nyi (former Professor of Geology) was the “Pyinnyar Ye Ah Twin Wun” ပညာရေးအတွင်းဝန် (Secretary, later renamed Deputy Minister of Education ပညာရေး ဒု ဝန်ကြီး).
Controversial rules (ILA, 3 NRC …) caused disruption to the academic and profession careers of several students (e.g. Bernard Khaw who was First in Burma in 1965).
RIT Management
U Yone Moe (Retired Chief Engineer of Burma Railways) became the first RIT Rector. He started his tenure with Burma Institute of Technology (BIT) as Dean of Engineering, Rangoon University.
U Soe Thein, former Ta-ka-tha student leader, became RIT Registrar. He later became Director of Higher Education.
There were eight Engineering Departments: (1) Civil (2) Mechanical (3) Electrical (4) Chemical (5) Textile (6) Mining (7) Metallurgy (8) Architecture.
There were several supporting Departments: (1) Maths (2) Physics (3) Chemistry (4) English (5) Burmese …
Admission
In November 1964, three batches of students attended 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes under the New Education System.
400+ students were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA). Their backgrounds range from (a) Pure Science (b) Pure Arts (c) Hybrid (some Science and some Arts subjects).
300+ students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) exam were admitted to the first ever 2nd BE class. They had attended the Intermediate Colleges (under Rangoon or Mandalay University).
About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE class. They had attended the Intermediate Colleges (under Rangoon or Mandalay University). There were a few who had taken sabbatical in the old 1st year of Engineering.
The monthly tuition was 15 kyats — payable as 30 kyats every two months.
Scholarship winners and stipend holders receive a monthly allowance of 75 kyats — 60 kyats net after paying the tuition.
The Class of 69++
Of the students admitted to 2nd BE, there were most students in Civil & Mechanical, moderate in Electrical, and much less in Chemical, Textile, Mining, Metallurgy and Architecture.
Most graduated in 1969. A few left before graduation. Some took sabbatical, and graduated a year or two later.
The Class of 69 (or 69++) consists of (a) those who entered 2nd BE in 1964 (b) those who graduated in 1969 (c) those who studied a year or more with the above.
30th Anniversary
In 1999, Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel), Ko Sein Myint, Ko Sein Win (“Nar Yee”), and several 69ers organized the reunion for the “30th Anniversary of Graduation” and also a mini-SPZP. Daniel e-mailed me a report. Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice) e-mailed me photos.
Saya U Soe Paing e-mailed me about several mini-gatherings in Yangon (e.g. with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi).
RIT Newsletter
I started “RIT Alumni (Abroad) Newsletter” to share RIT-related news (such as the mini-gatherings) and solicited contact information (in the form a spread sheet) from interested sayas and alumni.
I use “RIT” to stand not only for Rangoon Institute of Technology, but to all the engineering faculty, colleges and institutes that precede or succeed it.
The name was changed to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” to include alumni in Burma and the rest of the world.
RIT Web Site
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) designed and implemented the first RIT web site.
Ivan Lee (Ko Khin Maung Oo, M69), Ko Aung Myint (M69, Singapore) and the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58) provided some financial help to operate the web site.
“RIT Alumni International” hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
SPZP
There has been seven world wide SPZPs: SPZP-2000 in USA, SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010 in Singapore, SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 & SPZP-2016 in Yangon.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled .
40th Anniversary
69ers organized the “40th Anniversary of the Graduation” in 2009.
Golden Jubilee of Admission
The “Golden Jubilee of the admission to 2nd BE” was celebrated in 2014, because 69ers were concerned with the declining health of members.
True Golden Jubilee (of Graduation)
The Pu Zaw Pwe was held at the Assembly Hall in the Gyogone Campus.
Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) made her first visit back after graduation. She donated to the Event and the 69er Health Care Fund. She also attended the Reunion and Dinner organized by Ko Aung Min at the Compound of his former office.
Sad to note that several who attended the Golden Jubilee events are now GBNF.
Declining Health of Members
At one time, the Class of 69 had a median age of 69, and the list of GBNF has 69 members.
The symmetry no longer holds. The Class of 69 has a median age of 80 and the list of GBNF has 146 members.
Attendees at the mini-gatherings have decreased. Some could not drive, and had to ask family members or friends to take them to the gatherings. Some had operations, and need time to recover. Some had serious medical problems.
Most are retired or semi-retired. A few did not retire or did not have the chance to retire.
Ko Tin Maung Lay (M69)’s spouse wanted him to retire, but his boss requested him to perform a meticulous hand-over before retiring.
He had daily work outs and supposedly had no known major health problems.
We were sad to learn of his untimely demise in Dubai on a Friday (holiday in the country). His company and colleagues tried extra hard to make sure that his body could be flown back to Southern California, USA.
Final Thoughts
Let’s hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.
U Aung Min (M69), U Shwe (EP69) and team are the core volunteers for the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund).
Ivan Lee (M69), U Sein Myint (EP69) & Daw Myint Myint (C69) are some of the major donors to HCF.
Saya U Ba Than and U Aung Min
Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) added :
Thank you very much for your write-up about our 1999 “30th Anniversary of Graduation”. Actually. it all started in 1996 when I visited Burma and had dinner with a few of my close friends, including, Ko Shwe, Ko Win Mg, Ko Ye Pinn, Gabar Ko Myint Thein, etc. During dinner somebody mentioned that in 3 years time it would be 30 years since we graduated. Out of the blues I suggested to have a reunion in 1999. Everybody laughed as it was so far away. When I came back to Singapore and told Ko Sein Myint and Dickie they also laughed and told me that I must be crazy to think about so far away. However, time flies and in either late 1998 or early 1999 at Ko Win Htein’s funeral wake, some of our friends remembered the reunion proposal. They quickly formed a committee and organised the very first reunion at ‘Sait Taing Kya Restaurant. After the event I wrote you a report, Alice sent you a few photos and the rest is history.
Ko Ivan Lee (M69) wrote :
Dear Classmates,
Recently rather than optimistic good news, we heard spreading pessimistic health concern news mostly.
It clearly indicates that we are aging higher and health is going down lower and lower.
I can Imagine 5 years from now how many will be terribly survived.
I am kind of depressed that sooner or later we will be meeting THERE.
At this moment all I can express is to wish our classmates who are in sickness to recover ASAP.
Ivan Lee (M69)
Zau Lai (EP69) wrote :
Thank you, Ko Hla Min, for your writings. If it’s not for you there will be no records and history of R I T. I am reading interestingly all your writings all the time. When we all are gone your writing will live on.
Burma hosted the Second SEAP games in 1961. About twenty Rangoon University students represented Burma in the games.
Fifth SEAP Games
Burma also hosted the Fifth SEAP Games in 1969.
[Nyunt Nyunt Tin] : I was in the 7th standard at Myoma National High School (Rangoon) and participated Kabyaluk dance. The team of 400 high school girl students danced Kabyaluk at the opening ceremony. Never forget, ever.
Six belles held the signs for the competing nations (visitors in alphabetical order followed by the host nation).
Sign bearers for Fifth SEAP Games
Laos
Singapore
Thailand
Malaysia
Vietnam
Burma
Rangoon University
Convocation
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma attended Convocations as Chancellor of the University.
Pro Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Pro Vice Chancellor also attended Convocations. Their roles are described in “Order of Procedure”.
Some dignitaries receive honorary degrees.
Convocation
Rectors
Dr. Htin Aung (First native Rector) Retired as Vice Chancellor Outstanding author
Dr. Hla Myint Economist and Educator
U Kar Served as Minister in the Caretaker Government
Dr. Tha Hla Geologist Retired from United Nations
Dr. Maung Maung Kha Meteorological Physicist Longest tenure among the Rectors
Saya Kha
Dr. Maung Maung Kha served as
Professor and Head of the Physics Department
Interim Dean, Faculty of Engineering
Rector, University of Rangoon Saya has the longest tenure among the Rectors
Spouse : Teacher Ruby (also won the National Mixed Doubles Championship in Tennis)
Children : One son, three daughters
[Alvin Oke Soe Kha] : I experienced first hand when Uncle U Ba Kyi sang “နှစ်ယောက်ထဲနေချက်တယ်” and my father Dr. Maung Maung Kha accompanied uncle on violin.
There were fund raisers to hold Centennial celebrations for Saya Kha. Saya U Oo Khin Maung and Sayama Daw Thida were volunteer organizers along with several others.
Saya Kha and family
U Ba Toke
U Ba Toke
Book published to celebrate his 80th birthday by the Thin Char Mithar Su သင်္ချာမိသားစု
Saya was born on 26th December 1920. He is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the first RU Student Strike.
His life journey has been written in the book by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char).
Spouse : passed away around 2001
Children : Two sons & Six daughters. Sadly, one son and one daughter are GBNF
Taught at Mandalay University, Rangoon University, Rangoon Institute of Technology and Assumption University (Bangkok)
Professor of Mathematics, Rangoon University
Rector, Mandalay Arts and Science University
Voluntarily transferred to RIT as Professor of Mathematics
Played soccer Managed RU Sports (including Soccer tournaments)
Leader of the Burma Olympic team
Was healthy and active until his mid-80s Walked at weekends to Shwe Dagon Pagoda
Likes to share his memories
Health declined after turning 90
Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC)
Brief History
In 1923, RUBC was founded by Sir Arthur Eggar (Professor of Law), who pledged a third of his salary for the operation of the Club.
Part of U Nyo’s donation to RU Estate Fund was used to build the RUBC Clubhouse.
The Club was ravaged during the War.
After the war, Old Members and supporters rebuilt the Club.
The President of the Union of Burma donated the Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Eights
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma donated the Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Fours
RUBC competed in Inter-Varsity (e.g. with Calcutta University), ARAE and FEARA Regattas.
The 40th Anniversary was celebrated in 1963 with a souvenir program containing the history of RUBC, list of Captains and EC members, list of RUBC Golds (compiled by Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon). The photo of the Anniversary Dinner appears in another post.
There were other celebrations such as 50th and 60th.
For the 90th Anniversary, there were two publications. The souvenir program displayed in the post, and a reprint of the Autobiography of Sir Arthur Eggar.
U Chan Tha
U Chan Tha
He is a multiple sports athlete.
Past Captain and Gold of RUBC
Captain of Prome Hall Soccer team (which won Inter-Hall Tournament for three years)
Played soccer for RU & SAMB
Dr. Harry Saing
Harry Saing
In the early days, University students excel at academic and sports.
Harry Saing represented Burma in Rowing, Hockey and Cricket and represented the Faculty of Medicine in Track and Field, and Football.
He is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC, and is two time Champion of ARAE (Amateur Rowing Association of the East).
He and Saya Dr. Pe Nyun (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) operated Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San (the first set of conjoined twins) at the Rangoon Children Hospital.
He served as Professor of Pediatric Surgery at the Hong Kong University. He also served as Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club, which hosted FEARA (Far East Amateur Rowing Association) Regattas. According to Ko Htaik San (Henry Kao), Dr. Harry provided physical and moral support to the RUBC crews competing at FEARA regattas.
Sadly, he is GBNF. I wrote about him in the 90th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine.
Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered into the waters near his second favorite Rowing Club (after his favorite RUBC).
U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn
U Thant succeeded Daj Hammarskjold as the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) and served for two terms.
After retirement, he was writing memoirs when his health failed.
His body was brought back to Burma, but no high ranking personnel except a Deputy Minister was present at the Mingalardon air port.
U Thant
The disrespect for Burma’s Son resulted in “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn”.
Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo
Maung Ngwe Hlinne is the pen name of Saya U Thet Lwin, who taught Burmese at the Institute of Economics and later transferred to RIT as Registrar.
He is a distinguished Composer. His songs include “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo”.
[Saya Dr. Soe Win] : My father Saya Sein was U Thet Lwin’s Burmese teacher at St. Paul’s High School.
Mya Kyun NyoU Thet Lwin (Maung Ngwe Hlinne)
Early Registrars
U Htin Si
U Yu Khin
Daw Sein Sein
Early Sayas
Dr. Hla Thwin : Professor of Psychology
Dr. Maung Shein : Lecturer of Economics, Deputy Minister, World Bank
U Than Aung : taught Burmese in the early days at St. Paul’s. Served as Minister of Education in the AFPFL government. Requested his former student C. Ping Lee (EE saya) to head the Technical Education and Vocational Training Department.
Censorship
Readers wrote that the RASU Annual Magazine for 1975 -76 had hidden messages.
In July 1963, several pamphlets were distributed during the first anniversary of 7th July. Citing security reasons, the schools (with the exception of Medicine and Engineering) were closed for almost a year. A new Education system was implemented in November 1964.
The censorship intensified in the later years.
My articles had to be approved by three Chief Editors of the newspapers (two Burmese and one English).
My poem for the Sar So Daw Nay was accepted by the Assistant Editor in charge of the Working People’s Daily (WPD) Supplement. She showed me the preview (block ready to be printed). The higher authorities refused to give the green light since my poem referenced Ananda Thuriya’s epic work “Dhammata”.
Nomination
At the centennial celebrations of some universities, the alumni and staff were asked to nominate events and people to be honored as the 100 items associated with the school.
Philosophy
It means love of wisdom.
Under the new Education System introduced in November 1964, students with low ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) were forced to study Philosophy.
Scholarship / Stipend
The scholarship and stipend holders received 75 kyats a month (60 kyats after paying the school fees).
Those who stayed at hostels had to pay about 57 kyats a month.
One kyat could get long bus rides, decent food, comics, and cartoons.
RU Main Campus
Some are blessed to be born or lived on the campus.
Some are honored to call the campus their home.
I only had the chance to visit the houses of some sayas.
RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
USA in 2000
Singapore in 2002, 2007 and 2010
Yangon in 2004, 2012, 2016 and 2020
Tun Naung
Tun Naung (Noel Tin) was a star sprinter. He represented Burma in the First SEAP Games in Bangkok in 1959, and the Second SEAP Games in Rangoon in 1961. His team mates include Tun Mra (Sprint), Kyaw Mra (Hurdles) and Soe Mra (Pole Vault).
Tekkatho Tun Naung would often play with the mandolin on his back. He is a co-founder of Stereo Khit.
Soccer
U Than Win (Captain of the team, later Director of Sports and Physical Education)
U Chan Tha (Captain of the Prome Hall team, also Past Captain and Gold of RUBC)
Collegian Nay Win, Kenneth Shein and Tun Kyi played for RU First Eleven under coach Saya Nyein.
Tennis
Joe Ba Maung taught English at RIT before transferring to Burma Railways. He was Burma Tennis Champion in Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles (with Than Lwin) and Mixed Doubles (with Sayama Ruby Kha)
Sports Officer
Several Burma Selected and University Selected became Sports Officers.
U Ba Maung (Soccer, RASU)
U Maung Maung (Soccer, RIT)
U Thet Win (Diving, Eco)
Tekkatho
In the early days, less than 10 percent passed the Matric exam. It was an honor to prefix one’s name with Tekkatho or University.
Khin Nyo wrote : absolutely right. I think in 1957 only 2% Passed and the total is 20000. Even dancer AmarSein was conferred with the title Thekkatho Amar Sein by the Rector Dr Tha Hla.
Prizes
20 or so prizes were awarded at the RU Convocation.
Most prizes are for outstanding graduates.
Some prizes are for those who excelled at the Intermediate Classes.
The University prizes include Matthew Hunter Gold Medal.
Books
There are several books about Rangoon University and the university life of students.
Shwe Ku May Hnin wrote “Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho”.
Eligible students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) were admitted to the 3rd BE class at RIT in November 1964.
Most graduated in 1968.
In the old system, 3rd BE was called the First Year of Engineering.
U Myat Htoo (C68, GBNF)
Passed away in Northern California
U Myat Htoo
Passed I. Sc.(B) exam from Mandalay University.
Taught at RIT Civil Engineering Department.
Moved to the USA
Worked mainly for CalTrans (California Transportation) until retirement
Founding Member, RIT Alumni International
Organizer & Co-Emcee at SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
Founding Member, Norcal RITAA; Chair of BOD
Past President, Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)
Past President, Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA)
U Myint Soe (C68, GBNF)
U Myint Soe
SPHS62
Known as “Maung Kabar”.
RIT Saya
U Tin Nwe (Milton, C68)
SPHS62
Moved to California, USA
Past President, BASES
U Tun Aung (Jeffery, EC68, GBNF)
U Tun Aung
MEHS62
Suggested the name “BASES”
Past President, BASES
Brought commemorative pens to SPZP-2000
When the interviewers learned that U Tun Aung was a former student of U Chin Way (EE), they ended the interview and offered Saya a job.
Spouse : Thuza (Former Movie Star)
Passed away in 2021
U Thein Zaw (EC68, GBNF)
Aka Joe Chow & Ah Yoke
Retired after working for Telecommunications Company in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Passed away peacefully at 6:50 AM on June 29, 2019.
Spouse: Niece of U San Tun (M59)
U Soe Myint Lwin (EP68, GBNF)
Soe Myint LwinObituary
EC, RIT EE Association
Played Soccer for Burma, EPC and RIT
Retired from EPC as DyCE
Patron, Women’s Soccer
Upon retirement he was active in soccer; became Technical Director/Team Leader with the Football federation. He was awarded “Excellent Performance in Social Field (Third Class)” in January 2008.
Daw Mya Mya Than (EP68, GBNF)
Sayama
Passed away in 2021
U Aung Khin (EP68)
U Aung Khin (Standing Left)
Old Paulian
Worked at Lawpita
Moved to California, USA
Helped alumni visiting or migrating to Los Angeles
Before and after retirement, he offered his expertise to several monasteries
U Min Maung (EP68)
Also known as U Myint Thein Aung
Moved to Seattle, Washington, USA
U Saw Win (EP68, GBNF)
U Saw Win
Passed away in 2021
U Zaw Win (EP68, GBNF)
Also known as Cyril
Passed away in 2021
Sai Yee Laik (A68, GBNF)
Lone student in the Class; U Myo Myint Sein would say, “Sai Yee Laik was first & last in A68”.
Saya
Worked in Singapore
U Ohn Maung (ChE68, GBNF)
Ohn Maung
SPHS62
Saya
Moved to Singapore
Had some memory loss
Daw Nyunt Nyunt Zaw (T68, GBNF)
Nickname : Double Size
Spouse : Victor Ohn Maung (Guitarist, mentor of young musicians)
Brother: Ricky Zaw (Steel Guitarist, Vocalist)
U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68)
U Khin Maung Lay (Seated 2nd from Right)
Aka Henry & Kywe Gyi
Past Secretary, RIT Track and Field Association
Represented RIT in Track and Field, Soccer, Rowing
Past President and Emcee, BASES
Organizer and Emcee, 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Received his doctorate in Meteorological Physics from Imperial College, London University.
Worked briefly at the Directorate of Meteorology before transferring to the Department of Physics at the Rangoon University.
Early native Professor of Physics at Rangoon University.
Interim Dean at the Faculty of Engineering
Rector of the Rangoon University, RASU & University of Distance Learning
U San Tha Aung (GBNF)
U San Tha Aung
He is an alumnus of Harvard University.
Co-authored High School Physics texts (in Burmese and English)
Director General of Higher Education.
Early doctorates from USA
Dr. Hla Shwe (Boon Chiong, first in Burma in 1953), Dr. Tin Maung and Dr. Tin Aung received their doctorates from the USA.
Dr. Hla Shwe and Dr. Tin Maung moved to the USA.
Dr. Tin Aung
Dr. Tin Aung
Professor and Head of the Physics Department, RASU
He was on an educational tour in the USA when his colleagues elected him as Patron of the All Universities’ Teachers Association for the 8-8-88 movement.
After his return, he was forced to resign immediately.
He recently had a replacement pace maker.
Some Sayas and Sayamas
U Tha Hlaing, Daw Nyein
Daw Nyein (GBNF) : Retired as Head of the RIT Physics; Lived to 101 years
Daw May Than Nwe
Daw May Than Nwe (Joyce, GBNF) — First in Physics Honors in 1962; Spouse : Saya U Thein Lwin (EE, GBNF); Classmates : Dr. Sein Tun (GBNF), Robert Sein, Daw Khin Than Nwe, Daw Khin Swe Aye (Emily); She and her spouse passed away within a few months of each other in Singapore.
U Hlwan Moe (GBNF) — Succeeded Daw Nyein as Head of RIT Physics; Spouse : Daw Khin Swe Aye / Emily; Son : Dr. Moe Aye (UK)
Daw Khin Swe Aye
Daw Khin Swe Aye / Emily — Spouse : U Hlwan Moe
U Tha Hlaing Taught at RIT for two decades Gave Ovada at SPZP-2007 in Singapore along with Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
U Kyaw Myint (GBNF) Retired as Director General of Higher Education; We spent some time together as Guest Speakers for the Ngapali Luyechun Camp in 1988. Has a Foundation named after him
U Kyaw Myint Foundation
U Kyaw Mya Thein (GBNF) — Retired as Pro-Rector of ICST/UCSY; Coined the word “Kar Ku La Thin Char” for Calculus; Passed away in Singapore.
U Tin Oo Hlaing (Principal) — Interpreter for Saddhammaransi Sayadaw’s Dhamma Duta to USA
U Kaung Nyunt (GBNF) — Principal of RC2; Spouse : PPBRS alumni; Daughter : Khaing Khaing Nyunt (UCC)
U Thein Aung (Micky, SPHS59, GBNF) : RUBC Gold in 1962; Met him during his visit to California.
Dr. Htin Aung (Japan, GBNF) : Sacred Heart; Sixth in Burma in the Matric of 1957; Twin brother : Dr. Htin Kyaw
Dr. Htin Kyaw : Sacred Heart; First in Burma in the Matric of 1957
U Thein Htut : Saya Micky asked him to be athletic trainer for RUBC selected
U Saw Hlaing (Principal, Director, GBNF): First met him as organizer of Thu Ka Kari သုကကာရီ association on Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Last met him at the Ministry of Education.
U Kin Sein (Director) : He was at the Ministry in charge of vetting state scholarships
Mehm Than Thoung : First in Physics Honors in 1961; RUBC Gold in 1961; Retired Rector of Distance Learning; Currently spending time at a meditation center
Dr. Soe Myint Win (Electronics / Engineering, GBNF) : Gawpaka at a monastery in Northern California; Helped found the Northern California Physics Association
Daw May Su (GBNF) : She and her spouse Saya U Ba Nyunt (EE, MOGE) visited their daughter and grand children in Northern California.
Dr. Zin Aung (GBNF) : Medalist for Physics Hons; RU; Assumption University
Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (Canada) : Taught at RIT. Worked in Singapore & Canada
Dr. Aye Thein Kyaw (Canada, GBNF)
Dr. Tin Maung Aye (USA)
Dr. Soe Tint (USA)
Dr. Myint Thein
Dr. Myint Kyi (Pro-Rector, IMBTU) : Met him at the Final Journey of Sayadaw U Silananda
U Kyaw Khin (USA)
U Kyaw Win (USA, GBNF)
U Ye Sint (USA)
Dr. Khin Maung Maung (USA)
Dr. Patheda Tin (USA)
Dr. Kyaw Tint (USA)
Dr. Win Naing (USA)
Mr. Bharadwaja (wrote the Lab manuals)
Daw Khin Mar Mar (daughter of Sayagyi U Net) studied Computer Science
Dr. Khin Swe Myint hosted a Physics conference in Mandalay with the help of Dr. Khin Maung Maung (Professor and Chair of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Mississippi).
Miscellaneous
Frankie Ohn (Dr. Hla Ngwe Tin) stood first in the Matric exam of 1959. He founded a company in Southern California & sold it.
Harry Wang (Dr. Than Myint) stood Joint Third in the Matric exam of 1956.
Dr. Yan Naing Lwin : Emeritus Professor & Chair of Physics at WIU, Macomb. He helped many Burmese to study at WIU
Ko Soe Lwin (son of Dr. Maung Lwin) & Ko Myint Thein were selected Physics Luyechun in the Sunmer of 1965
Chu Pu Thein (SPHS63) scored the highest marks for Physics in the first ever High School Final Only exam in 1962. Due to restrictions, he could not apply to the professional institutes and left to study in Italy.
Dr. Khin Maung U received 99 marks for Physics in the first ever Matric exam in 1963. He scored a perfect 100, but the Chief Invigilator reluctantly subtracted a point.
There was a Centennial Celebration for Saya Kha. Saya U Oo Khin Maung and Sayama Daw Thida were some of the volunteer organizers.
Sayama Daw Thida wrote :
Dear Sayar U Hla Min, You have collected many facts regarding with Universities especially YU and RIT. I appreciate your nice memory. I worked at YU Physics Department about twelve years (Early 1978 to mid 1989), at RIT Physics Department about six years (1971 to 1976) and YIT/YTU Engineering Physics Department about eight years (1993 to 2001). I think the days of YU are very beautiful before 1963. I missed those days because I was high school student at that time. My days at YU are very ordinary. The posts written about early days of YU are very interesting. That’s why I request “Nyi” (Nyi Thet Lwin) to collect those posts as a book. I also thank you for your interesting posts. I look forward to reading your posts. Thanks again Sayar.
Seated : U Soe Paing, U Thein Lwin (GBNF), U Tin Swe (GBNF), U Sein Hlaing (Professor, GBNF), U Kyaw Tun (GBNF), U Sein Win (GBNF), U San Tint (GBNF)
Standing : U Soe Min (GBNF), U Chin Way (GBNF), U Win Tin, U Ba Myint, U Nyi Nyi (GBNF), U Moe Aung, U Sein Maung
Studying abroad : U Myo Kyi, U Ba Lwin (GBNF), U Tin Maung Thein
Absentee: U Khine Oo
I wrote “A short and sad clip : EE Sayas” for the commemorative issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010. Saya U Moe Aung suggested the title of my article.
Sayagyis & senior sayas
Source : Saya U Myo Kyi (EE59)
1. U Kyaw Tun 1950 – 1971 (started teaching at BOC College) 2. U C Ping Lee 1950 – 1952 3. U Sein Hlaing 1954 – 1986 4. U Tin Swe 1954 – 1998 5. Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (Part time) 1959 6. U Htin Paw 1958 – 1959 7. U Ba Nyunt 1958 – 1959 8. Dr. A. E. Guile (Colombo Plan) 1959 – 1960 9. U Myo Kyi 1959 – 2002 10. Dr. Ba Lwin 1959 – 1994 11. U L. Tin Htun 1959 – 1960 12. Teoh Chin Koon 1959 – 1960 13. U Sein Win 1960 – 1994 14. Dr. San Tint 1961 – 2002 15. Mr. Zagarosky (Russian) 1962 – 1963 16. Dr. Ba Myint 1963 – 2000 17. U Sein Maung 1963 – 1994 18. U Khine Oo 1963 – 1996 19. Dr. Win Tin 1963 – 1990 20. U Moe Aung 1963 – 1990 21. U Chin Way 1963 – 1968 22. U Soe Min 1963 – 1965 23. U Nyi Nyi 1963 – 1965 24. U Thein Lwin 1964 – 1972 25. U Soe Paing 1964 – 1971 26. U Tin Maung Thein 1965 – 1990 27. U Tin Shwe (Ashin Wi thu ta) 1966 – 1996 28. Daw Mya Mya Than 1968 – 2003 29. U Than Lwin 1970 – 1994 30. U Kyaw Lwin 1970 – 1991 31. U Tin Win 1972 – 1980 32. U Thein Dan 1973 – 1997 33. U Khin Soe 1973 – 1982 34. Daw Khin Aye Win 1973 – 2009 35. Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee 1973 – 2000 36. U Kyaw Aung (U Kyin Phyuu) 1973 – 37. U Aung Than (U Ah Chun) 1973 – 2004 38. Daw Khin Swe Oo 1974 – 2002 39. U Clement Sadhana 1976 – 2010 40. Daw Than Than Win 1976 – 2012 41. Daw Khin Tint 1981 – 2008 42. U Myint Oo 1982 – 1990 43. Daw Khin Ma Ma Soe 1982 – 2008
Editor’s Notes
U Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan, EC70) is GBNF.
U Ko Ko Kyi (EC72) later worked in Malaysia and Canada.
More EE Sayas (Electronics and Power)
U Win Khaing Moe
U Maung Maung Latt
Daw Lei Lei Yee
Daw Khin Sandar Tun
Daw Khin Lay Wai
Daw Zin Mar Oo
Daw Khaing Khaing Kyaw
Daw Thazin Phyu
Daw Myint Myint Lwin
Daw Lei Lei Win
Daw Thidar Than (1)
Daw Mya Mya Aye
Daw Myint Myint Than
Daw Tin Tin Naing
Daw Sint Sint Win
Daw Thandar Naing
Daw Khin Swe Lwin
Daw Myint Myint Mon
Daw Nilar Aung
U Zaw Min Naing
Daw Moe Nilar
Daw Khin Moe Yee
Daw Kaythi Khaing
Daw Ah Tar Mon
Daw Ni Ni Thein Htay Pe
Daw Thidar Than (2)
U Thein Htay
U Tun Oo
Daw Aye Aye Mar
Daw Ni Ni Win
Daw San Myint Yee
U Aung Naing
Daw Naing Naing Maw
U Ananda
Daw Lei Lei Sein
Daw Min Min Myat
Daw Thi Thi Soe
Daw Mar Mar Lwin
Daw Su Myat Htut
Daw Win Lein Aye
Daw Han Thu Lwin
Daw Yin Yin Htwe
Daw Naing Naing Win
Daw Khin Kyu Kyu Win
Daw Cho Cho Aung
Daw Tin Tin Aye
Daw Ni Mar Nwe Aung
Daw Ei Ei Khin
Daw Kyaaw Khin
U Zaw Min Aung
Daw Aye Thinn Naing
Daw Nwe Ni Aye
U Soe Naing
Daw Phyu Phyu Moe
Daw Marlar Kyaw
Daw Aye Aye Thinn
EE Association (1965 – 66)
EE Association for 1965-66
Seated : Ma Pwint Than, Ma Yi Yi Aung, U Sein Win (Vice President), U Kyaw Tun (President), Ko Shwe Win (Secretary), Ma Mya Mya Than, Ma Mo Mo Yi
Middle row : Ko Thein Swe, Ko Soe Than, U Sein Maung (Auditor), U Soe Paing, U San Tint, U Moe Aung (Treasurer), U Thein Lwin, U Soe Min
Last row : Ko Nyunt Pe, Ko Ye Win, Mehm Ye Win, Ko Kyaw Swe Win, Ko Hla Min, Ko Myo Myint, Ko Hla Thaung, Ko Aung Khin, Ko Soe Win, Ko Tin Than
I served as a EC member.
Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (1965 – 66)
Seated : Ma Mo Mo Yi, Ma Than Yi (Associate Editor), U Moe Aung (Chief Editor), U Kyaw Tun (Patron), Ko Ye Win (Secretary), Ma Yi Yi Aung
Standing : Ko Sann Oo (Associate Editor), Ko Thein Tun, Ko Hla Min, Ko Myo Myint (Associate Editor), Ko Soe Tha, Ko Soe Win, Mehm Ye Win
I served as a member.
Saya U Sein Win (GBNF)
He is the younger brother of Dr. Tin U (Medical Superintendent, Rangoon Children’s Hospital) and Dr. Saw Lwin.
He was a top student at the University of Michigan. His friends jokingly called him “Khone Swa Khone Swa” referring to his brisk walking style.
He served as Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering.
When the EE Department was reorganized into EC (Electrical Communications, also known as EcE and Electronics Engineering) and EP (Electrical Power), he served as Professor of EP. Saya Dr. San Tint served as Professor of EC.
Grapevine says that Saya is an absent minded Professor. He married late. One day, he drove Sayagadaw to Bogyoke Market. He taught (or discussed with) his students for quite some time and almost forgot to pick up Sayagadaw. There are variations on this anecdote regarding the place (e.g. Hledan Zay).
He served as Technical Advisor for UCC. He worked closely with U Win Htein (Purdue University, EE at PWD, GBNF) for the design and maintenance of the Electrical Systems (including Motor Alternator, Diesel Generator, Air conditioning) at UCC.
He served as Line Judge at the RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) Regattas. He managed the RIT Swimming and Water Polo team.
He stays fit by swimming regularly (even when he was visiting Singapore on a business trip).
He has a vast knowledge. Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) remembers Saya U Sein Win discussing about Civil Engineering and other subjects.
