Moved to BIT at Gyogone Campus for 1961 – 62 Academic Year.
B.Sc. (Engg) in 1962
Textile
Daw Khin Than Nwe (T)
Daw Khin Than Nwe 1
Lone female graduate in 1962.
Spouse Dr. Khin Maung Win was Head of Metallurgy Department. Became Director General of Technical, Agricultural & Vocational Training.
Son, two daughters & several grandchildren
Daw Khin Than Nwe 2
Elder sister of two Paulians : Dr. Tin Maung Maung Than (Edward, Political Economics) & Dr. Khin Maung Maung Than (Freddie)
Pon Tu
On behalf of Bagyee Myat Myo Myint, Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) presented a Pon Tu of Dr. Khin Maung Win (Met, GBNF) to Sayagadaw
Mechanical
Saya Mao Toon Siong (M)
Saya MaoSaya Mao and U Hla Min
National Coach of Burma Table Tennis Team
National Table Tennis Champion in Singles and Doubles
Competed in the World Championship in Beijing
Spouse Daw Tin Tin Maw was Chemistry Sayama. They moved to USA.
U Aye (M)
U Aye (HIC, UN/FAO), U Soe and U Tin Win — all M62 —- received their degree certificates from Saya U Yone Mo at Aung San Stadium.
A group of friends at BIT after attending the convocation at the Aung San Stadium in 1962Saya U Yone Mo and M62 graduates
Represented RU & BIT in Volleyball
BIT Volleyball
Retired in Thailand
Provided feedback / info (e.g Grads from 1952 – 1963).
Saya S Arya (M, GBNF)
S Arya (M62)S Arya (M62)Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe
Lovely accent
Remembered by students of his Strength of Materials Tutorial Class, and Ba Thein (Atlanta)
Saya Dr. Tin Win (M)
Dr. Tin Win and Lily
Youngest in the Class, but among the Top
In 1958, Gold Medal for Joint Highest Marks in Maths for Combined I.Sc classes
Past President of BASES
Organizer of 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Competed in the LA Marathon to raise fund to sponsor Sayas for SPZP-2007
Spouse Lily (T72) : Founding member & Secretary of BEA
U Myint Thein Lwin (M)
Retired from DI / HIC
Brother: U Kyaw Thein (DCA, RUBC Captain)
U Hla Kyi (M)
Moved to UK
Daughter married son of U Hlwan Moe & Daw Khin Swe Aye (both Physics)
U Hla Kyi (M) and Dr. Tin Win (M)U Hla Kyi (M) and daughter visiting Los Angeles
Electrical
Saya U Tin Maung Thein (EE)
Eldest son of ICS U Ohn Maung (Arzani)
U Tin Maung Thein
Chemical
U Than Se (Richard, ChE)
SPHS56 : Classmate of U Soe Paing
Moved to USA
U Aung Gyi (Simon, ChE)
Helped publish ChE magazine
Spends time in Australia
Spouse : Daw Yin Yin Kyi (T61)
Civil
Dr. San Lin (C)
Taught part-time at RIT.
Worked at EPC & UN Project in Thailand
Moved to USA
Spouse Dr. Daw Thynn Thynn founded Sae Taw Win 2 Dhamma Center in Sebastopol, California. Replica of Shwe Dagon & surrounding Zedis had Htee Tin Pwe in March, 2022.
St. John Baptist De La Salle founded the Order in the Catholic Church.
A Brother takes three vows:
Chasity
Loyalty
Poverty
The mission of the Brothers is to promote Education.
They build De La Salle Schools in several Countries.
De La Salle Schools in Burma
First Two Schools
In 1860, De La Salle Brothers set up St. Patrick’s High School in Moulmein (Mawlamyaing).
A few months later, the Brothers set up St. Paul’s High School in Rangoon (Yangon).
Celebrations
Centennial Celebrations were held in 1960.
Sesquicentennial Celebrations were held in 2010.
Schools & Badges
De La Salle Schools
St. Patrick’s High School, Moulmein
St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon
St. Paul’s HS BadgeSt. Paul’s HS Blazer Coat
St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay
St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo
St. Joseph’s High School, Loikaw
St. Columban’s High School, Bhamo
De La Salle School, Twante
B.O.B
Brothers’ Old Boys
Former Students of De La Salle Schools
A senior did not like being called B.O.B
Paulians
Students from St. Paul’s HS are known as Paulians.
Former students are known as Old Paulians. They include
U Ba Khin — Auditor General, Vipassana Teacher
U Tin Tut — First ICS by Invitation
U Tin Tut
U Chan Htoon — Justice
Dr. Ba Han — Law Professor, Lexicographer
Dr. Ba Han
Dr. Ba Maw — RU English Lecturer, Politician, Adipati
U Than Aung — SPHS Burmese Teacher, AFPFL Minister of Education
SPHS Honor Roll
Honor Roll
During our school days, St. Paul’s HS displayed an Honor Roll with Outstanding Matriculates starting from the 1950s.
U Ba Khin stood First in Matric in the Pre-war days.
Post-war saw SPHS heading the top list for most academic years. The following Paulians stood First in Burma in the Matric exam.
George Chapman (1951)
Dr. Nyunt Tin (1952) — heading Top Two
Koon Yin Chu (1954)
Dr. Soe Win (1958) — heading Top Two
Dr. Frankie Ohn (1959) — heading Top Four
Dr. Khin Maung U (1963) — heading Top Five
After nationalization, the Honor Roll disappeared.
It was recovered by Ko Soe Nyunt (Taw Win Hnin Si, SPHS66).
It is now displayed in St. Paul’s Museum.
Old Paulian’s Association
During our school days, Old Paulian’s Association (OPA) was inside the school compound.
SPHS63OPA Invitation
Dinner in 1963
On 30th June 1963, ten of us were invited to the Annual OPA Dinner.
Khin Maung U (1st)
Min Oo (2nd)
Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd, GBNF)
Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, 4th)
Thein Wai (5th)
Hla Min (7th)
Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Maung Maung, 9th)
Maung Maung Kyi (11th, GBNF)
Aung Thuyein (Brownie Way, 13th, GBNF)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, 17th)
After Nationalization
On 1st April 1965, private schools were nationalized. Non-native Brothers moved left Burma. e.g Bro Charles to UK, Bro Felix to Germany, Bro Austin to Malaysia.
SPHS became No. 6 Botathaung State High School.
OPA moved out of the school compound. Sadly, OPA allowed non-Paulians to join for billiards and drinks.
Revival
It took some time before Old Paulians — mostly from late 50s and early 60s — took over OPA and organized Reunions & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes.
OPA also awarded prizes to the children of Old Paulians who had done well academically (mostly in high school).
OPA held Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes yearly.
Pu Zaw Pwe Invitation
SPHS Sayas & Sayamas
SPHS Brothers & Sayas
Some joined SPHS from KG. They would know more sayas & sayamas than me.
SPHS Sayas & Sayamas
After standing second in 3rd standard at PPBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School), I transferred to Std. IV (D) at SPHS. As Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint noted, most of the transfer students were placed in Section (D).
Sections (A) & (B) were reserved for bright students and some Catholics.
I had to be in the Top Two for four consecutive years, before I was assigned to Section (A) in Std. VIII.
My Class Teachers include :
Ms. A Benjamin (IVD)
Mrs. V Boudville (VD)
U Pe Tin (VID)
U Nge (VIID)
Brother Anthony (VIIIA)
Brother Xavier (IXA)
Brother Austin (XA)
Ms. Amelia Kyi
(Miss Hong Kong)
She taught us English in VI and VII Standards. She would fine 25 pyas for failing the weekly test. However, she would reward 50 pyas for topping the test. My daily pocket money was 25 pyas.
Brother Xavier
He taught us English in VIII and IX. He would mark a dictation test starting out with 100 and then subtracting 10 for every spelling error. One of my classmates ended with -130.
He would also punish (often with a cane) for making grammatical mistakes.
For some reason, Brother Xavier stopped being strict after he transferred from St. Paul’s to St. Albert’s.
After Nationalization, he moved back to UK. He supposedly left the Order.
Brother Austin
He taught us English in X. He also taught “Morals and Manners” for the period when the Catholic students studied Catechism. He was School Librarian and also in charge of the 8mm projector. Every week, he would take us to the School Library (which had books donated by Ford Foundation & Asia Foundation), ask us to check out a book and write a review over the weekend.
For “Morals and Manners” class, he would ask us to recite poems from the book. The first three who recited perfectly could take “time off for the rest of the period”. I was lucky to win a few special prizes : a ticket to see “1960 Rome Olympics” documentary at Thamada (President) cinema, and a book covering North America (complete with history and atlas).
He abhorred plagiarism. He said, “It’s okay if you do not have time to finish your homework. But don’t copy other’s works. It’s a waste of time for you and me.”
Contrary to his expectations, I did not end up in the Top Three. I stood 7th.
After Nationalization, Brother Austin moved to a De La Salle School in Malaysia, and continued teaching until his demise.
Saya Sein
He was our Burmese teacher in High School. He taught us “Mingala Pa Pun Lu Na Ta Tu Ti Sein Ta Ti Ti Mingala” as an example of giving the meaning of Pali words. He is the father of Dr. Soe Win (1st in Burma in 1958, Chemistry Saya, Administrator at ICST, Retired Rector of YUFL)
Saya Kyaw Sein (brother in law of Saya Sein) taught VII(A) and was our relieving teacher.
Subject Teachers
Brother Clementian — Maths
Brother Joseph — Lab
Saya Beatson — Physics
Saya D’Cruz — Chemistry
Saya Nyunt Maung — Burmese & Art Subjects
Saya Htay Myint — History & Geography
Saya Htwe — Art Subjects
Relieving Teachers
Saya Lewis — English
Saya Timms — English
Saya Kyaw Khin — Maths
Saya Johnny Myo — Maths
Saya M. Hla Min — Physics
Saya Hla Myint — Physics
Saya Kyaw Oo — Class Teacher from different section
Saya Aye — Class Teacher from different section
Saya San Thein — Class Teacher from different section
SPHS VI DSPHS VIII AVIII B
Updates
Some schools have an associated Juniorate or Seminary.
Three classmates — Bernard Taylor, Edwin David & Anthony Lourdes — became Priests.
Most of our sayas are GBNF. The exception is Uzin Beatson (former Physics teacher & Scout master).
Uzin Beatson & former students
U Aye (M62) matriculated from St. Patrick’s HS. He posted some photos and mentioned some Outstanding students.
Some students joined St. Paul’s HS but matriculated from No. 6 Botathaung SHS.
St. Paul’s Museum was opened on the recent St. Paul’s Day (29th June). U Nay Oke (St. Paul’s) is a Patron of OPA.
Nay Oke
St. Peter’s HS students were 1st, 2nd and Joint 3rd in the Matric of 1956.
Albertians — Zaw Min & Tommy Shwe — were admitted as Top Students to RIT in November 1964.
David Myint Thein (M69) and Khin Maung Myint (M70) matriculated from St. Columban’s HS.
Selected by Matthew Hunter to take the entrance exam to study M.B.,B.S. at Calcutta University;
F.R.C.S — Royal College (Edin)
F.A.C.S — American College
F.I.C.S — International College
Police Surgeon
MS, RGH (during the Japanese Occupation)
Rector, IM (1)
Shan Lay (ရှမ်းလေး Soccer)
Zwe A Nyeint ဇွဲအငြိမ့်
Children : Kyaw Than (Georgie), Khin May Than (Kitty), Khin May Aye (Amy)
See book by Dr. Myint Swe
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Dr. U E
Dr. U E
M.B.,B.S.(Rgn.)
L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S (Lond.)
D.T.M.&H. (Edin.)
F.R.C.P (Edin.)
Rector, IM(2)
Children : Bertie, Shirley, Babsy
GBNF
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Dr. Maung Maung Gyi
Dr. Maung Maung Gyi
M.R.C.S. (Eng.)
L.R.C.P. (Lond.)
Rector, Mandalay IM
GBNF
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Dr. Ko Gyi
Ophthalmologist
Medical Superintendent of EENT Hospital
Children : Tin Oo, Glory, Aung Khin, Thein Wai
GBNF
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Col. Min Sein
Dean, Medical College
Spouse : Dr. Daw Yin May
Children : Dr. Thein Htut, Tin Tin Aye
GBNF
Dr. Daw Yin May
First recipient of Fellowship in three Disciplines
MS, Dufferin Hospital
Spouse : Col. Min Sein
Children : Dr. Thein Htut, Tin Tin Aye
GBNF
Dr. Maung Gale
Dean of the Rangoon Medical College from 1959 – 1962
Translated Grey’s Anatomy to Burmese and handed over the manuscripts to Dr Norma Saw.
GBNF
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Dr. Khin Maung Win
Pathologist
DG of ME
Head of Medical Board to examine those chosen for States Scholarship
GBNF
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Dr. Mya Tu
Dr. Mya Tu
Founder-Director of Burma Medical Research Institute (BMRI) which later became DMR.
Compiled the Magnum Opus (“Who’s who in Medicine in Burma?”) with his spouse Khin Thet Hta.
Passed away in Australia
See post by Dr. TOKM
Dr. Tin U
Initiated the study of Pediatrics in Burma as a separate discipline.
Medical Superintendent of Rangoon Children’s Hospital.
See post by Dr. TOKM
Dr. P. R. Mohan
Dr. Mohan
Served in the Burma Army Medical Corps from 1939 – 1945 as a medical officer in Burma theater, and discharged as a Major at the completion of World War II.
Passed away in USA in 2005. He was 88 yrs old.
Dr. Mohan & Dr. Daw Hnin Yi
Dr. Mohan and Dr. Daw Hnin Yi (Rosie) are remembered by several former students and colleagues.
See posts by Dr. TOKM, Timmy & Mona
Dr. Nay Win
MS, Psychiatric Hospital
Spouse : Dr. Daw Khin Si
GBNF
Dr. Nay WinDaw Khin Si
Dr. Pe Nyun
Pe Nyun & Pe Thein at 1948 Independence Day Regatta
Past Captain & Gold, RUBC
Pediatric Surgeon
Led team to operate conjoined twins (Ma Nan Soe & Ma Nan San)
Wrote Memoirs for family members & relatives
Passed away in Canada
Brother : Dr. Pe Thein
Dr. Pe Thein
RUBC Gold
Professor
Retired Minister of Health & Education
Passed away
Brother : Dr. Pe Nyun
Spouse : Dr. Kyu Kyu Swe
Dr. Htut Saing (Harry Saing)
Dr. Harry Saing
Second Lead to operate conjoined twins (Ma Nan Soe & Ma Nan San)
All-round athlete : Burma Selected in Cricket, Hockey & Rowing
Past Captain & Gold, RUBC
1958 ARAE Champion for Coxless Pairs
1960 ARAE Champion for Coxed Fours
Worked at RCH and Hong Kong
Passed away in Hong Kong
Siblings : Sheila, Victor, Shirley
See posts & my article in RUBC 90th Anniversary Magazine
Dr. Thein Toe
Headed Nutrition Research at BMRI / DMR
Spouse : Khin Thitsar
Passed away in UK
Dr. Thein Toe and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry)
Dr. Kyaw Win
Army Doctor / Bogyoke
Ambassador to UK and US
Spouse : Kyi Kyi Chit Maung
Sons : Htut Kyaw Win, Aung Kyaw Win
See post by Dr. TOKM
Dr. Daw Khin Than Nu
Pioneer of Neonatal Care in Burma
Regularly attended IM(1) Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
Left to visit her son Win Htut in the USA
When she passed away, Win Htut gave a soon kwyay in her memory at Mettananda Vihara.
Dr. TheinHtut
RUBC Gold
Moved to Australia
Spouse : Wendy Sein
Dr. Nyunt Win (Eddie Tha Win)
Neurologist
Moved to Australia
Spouse : Marie Yu Khin
GBNF
Dr. Daw Kyin Yee
Worked in Myanmar before following her spouse Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto64) to Beijing where he was working for UN.
Relocated to USA and volunteered for meditation retreats.
GBNF
Dr. Aung Khin Sint
Medical doctor with a passion for “Public Health”
Won the National Literary Award for his book on the “Awareness and Prevention of Diseases”
Deputy Director with the Ministry of Health
Led protests in the 8-8-88 movement
Vilified for his criticism of the “unconstitutional” proposals and for running as an MP for the NLD in the 1990 elections
GBNF
SPHS59
Dr. Khin Maung Gyi (Kevin)
The Gardener
(A tribute to all teachers)
Let me introduce to our teacher Who is also a guardian and preacher Guiding and nurturing from a youthful age To raise us up with a healthy image.
As soon as the morning bell tolls He started his routine – heart and soul Never does he skips a single day Sickness and malady are kept at bay.
He may be tired, his voice may whimper His zest and zeal, nothing gets dimmer Never to be seen in fits or rage Happy and contented on not so high a wage.
His loving kindness is like a mountain Goodwill from him flows like a fountain He looks after us as one of his own His empathy towards us is very well known.
Hearing the success of his ‘daughters and sons’ He beams as though ‘a war was won’ He is now overjoyed and highly thrilled His life seems to be thus fulfilled.
SPHS60
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint
TOKM 1TOKM 2
Top Paulian in his class, and stood 6th in the Matric exam.
Founded the group “Alumni of the Institute of Medicine in Myanmar (Overseas)”
Wrote about his mentors (Aba U Hla Myint, Dr. Tin U) and other trail blazers.
His former students published a book for his 70th birthday.
Dr. Min Lwin
Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Than Toe
Sports Medicine
Rehabilitation
Admin, RUBC
GBNF
Dr. Saw Naing (Henry)
Professor
GBNF
SPHS61
Dr. Kyaw Win (Robin Ban)
Stood 2nd in Burma
Moved to Australia
SPHS63
Dr. Khin Maung U
SPHS
Stood 1st in Burma. First student to have almost perfect score in Maths, Chemistry and Physics with 299 marks out of the possible 300. Grapevine says that Chief Examiner of Physics reluctantly took back a mark.
Retired from FDA
Sharing KMU Medical Reports
Scholarship Winners
Dr. Myo San (Freddie)
Stood 3rd in Burma
Early retirement as Surgeon
GBNF
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor)
Stood 4th in Burma
Retired as Professor of Physiology
Taught at IM & Malaysia
Published “50 Kauk Kyaung Kabyars”
Dr. Thein Wai
Stood 5th in Burma
Moved to USA after graduation
Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Mg Mg)
Stood 9th in Burma
Army Doctor / Cardiologist
Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale)
Stood 17th in Burma
Retired Medical Doctor / Examiner / Registrar (in UK)
SPHS64
Maurice & Aung Win
Dr. Aung Win Chiong
Had second highest “raw” score behind Dr. Cherry Hlaing & Dr. Lyn Aung Thet.
Had perfect ILA score & was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One.
Now retired
Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice)
Admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two
Surgeon (with Practice in UK and Myanmar)
SPHS65
Paulian Doctors
Dr. Yi Thway (Edwin)
Fifth highest marks
Admitted to IM(1) as Roll Number (1)
Passed away in UK
Spouse : Kyi Kyi Hla (BDS)
Dr. Paing Soe (Freddie)
Had same marks as Dr. Yi Thway.
Admitted to IM(1) as Roll Number (2)
Medical Research
Thanks to TOKM (Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint) and VNW (Dr. Victor Nyunt Wai) for their input and feedback.
Dr. Mya Tu
Founded Burma Medical Research Institute (BMRI). BMRI later became Directorate of Medical Research (DMR). DMR had branches in Upper and Lower Burma.
Served as Director General.
Was a physiologist.
He and his spouse compiled a directory of medical professionals in Burma.
Passed away at the age of 91 in Australia.
Dr. Thein Htut & Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint gave eulogies at Saya’s service.
Dr. Aung Than Ba Tu
Fondly known as ATBT
Succeeded Dr. Mya Tu.
Requested UCC to give lectures on computing at BMRI. I was a Guest Lecturer.
In his 90s, he is still active, giving talks and participating in the editorial team of a certain journal.
Dr. Khin Maung Tin
MS of the Rangoon University Sanatorium.
Succeeded Dr. ATBT.
Specialized in liver diseases
Passed away the earliest (heard it was a heart attack)
Survived by Dr Daw Htay Kyi, a TB specialist.
Dr. May May Yi
Met Sayama at the Inlay Luyechun camp in the summer of 1965.
Physiologist
Professor of Physiology at the Institute of Medicine.
Became DG at BMRI.
GBNF
Dr. Than Shwe
Microbiologist
After retirement, he moved to USA.
He stays active by guiding high school students for their SAT tests.
Dr. Paing Soe
Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1965.
Selected Luyechun.
DG of DMR.
Retired as Deputy Minister of Health.
Researchers
Dr. Thein Toe (GBNF)
Dr. Cho Nwe Oo
Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (GBNF)
Dr. Htay Htay (GBNF)
Dr. Khin Maung U
Dr. Kyaw Min (Retired as Acting DG)
Group photo : Young researchers (BMRI- DMR)
Medical Researchers
L to R: U Aung Myint, Dr Htay Htay, Saya (Prof Mya Tu), Dr Myo Thein, U Ba Aye (statistician), Dr Pe Thaung Myint (sports medicine), Dr Htin Kyaw (physiologist).
It is a Pali word meaning “Sense of urgency”. We’ve heard it many times especially when we attended the last journey of our loved ones.
We feel the pain even when the dearly departed are in their 80s. The pain grows when we learn that someone young (not so old) had passed away.
We feel shocked and upset when we hear about the untimely demise. My cousin nephew Dr. Peter Tun warned about lack of PPE, but he succumbed to Covid.
Gone But Not Forgotten (GBNF)
The list of GBNF for RIT 69ers is now 128. About 40% of our classmates are no longer with us. Covid claimed about 20.
U Sein Win (Win Kyaw, C69) was an expert in Palmistry. His spouse is a professional Palmist. Not sure whether he knew his life span, but he is GBNF.
U Myint Sein was a former classmate at PPBRS. He was Principal of BARB. He later founded Idea Astrology. Not sure whether he informed his spouse and son about his life span or his sudden demise, but he is also GBNF.
My uncle was sent as a state scholar to Japan during the Second World War. He was in Hiroshima & Nagasaki before both cities were ravaged by the Atomic Bombs. He was lucky. His luck ran out when he was sentenced to seven years by a kangaroo court during the Adhamma Era. The UN Human Rights Rapporteur pleaded with the government to release him. Sadly, he passed away early (because of the harsh environment & treatment). His siblings all lived to be 80+ years. The eldest sister lived to be 94.
Dr. Khin Tun (Peter)
Dr. Peter Tun
He is the elder son of my cousin U Tin U. He became one of the early doctors in UK to fall victim to COVID-19. He is an MRCP and a former Associate Dean of Oxford University. He at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. His ward needed PPE, but he was told that they would be supplied when there is a case. He replied, “It would be too late”. Sad to say, he passed away on April 12, 2020. Could his life been saved?
The news shocked not just his immediately family, but many around the world. BBC and the newspapers in UK have reported several heroes who died in the battle fighting COVID-19.
In the lower classes, he was in Section (C). I was in Section (D).
Stood 13th in the whole of Burma in the Matric exam of 1963.
Won Collegiate Scholarship. Only 40 of the 100 scholarship awards were given to students from private schools.
SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the top Twenty. Khin Maung U (1st), Min Oo (2nd), Myo San (Freddie, 3rd), Nyunt Wai (Victor, 4th), Thein Wai (5th), Hla Min (7th), Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny, 9th), Maung Maung Kyi (11th), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, 13th), Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, 17th).
Has a soft heart.
Before the Matric exam, he read several subjects to Nyunt Wai (Victor), who was sick & could not study. Brownie could take credit for Victor’s success. Victor stood 4th in Burma & became medical professor in IM & Malaysia.
Dr. Nyunt Wai wrote :
Being my best friend since standard IV, I could write volumes about him. For now only two points: (1) my friend was called “ANyo”(Brownie) because he had much darker complexion compared with his elder brother (very fair complexion); this contrast repeated in the case of his two sons; (2) the brown brothers passed away years ahead of their fairer counterparts.
University Days
We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone in 1963. We took the Science Option.
After a long closure citing Security Concerns following the July 7th Anniversary, a new Education System was established in November 1964.
Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE at the Gyogone Campus.
Chose Electrical Engineering as Major & EC (Electrical Communications) as Option.
EE69
Played Soccer and Tennis
ATY 3
Learned to smoke — trying to fend off mosquitoes in the RIT rest rooms.
Learned social drinking from his classmates (e.g “Robert” Win Boh) after the last paper of the RIT final exam.
After Graduation
One of 13 EC Graduates
Had a successful career at MOC/Schlumberger, & several foreign assignments.
Became a heavy smoker & drinker. Felt lonely after the loss of spouse & eldest son.
Had minor & not-so-minor health problems.
Quit drinking & smoking for some time, but he still felt the urge.
Last Meeting (in March 2012)
I visited Yangon to take part in preparations for SPZP-2012 (scheduled for December).
Zaw Lai came to see me. We decided to surprise Brownie. He trusted people. He did not lock his house. He closed the gate & boarded Zaw Lai’s car.
Zaw Lai coaxed him to take a couple of drinks.
That dinner at Zaw Lai’s apartment would be remembered as Brownie’s farewell.
Brownie did not show up at the 69er breakfast gathering at Royal Rose. The gathering was cut short when we learned that Brownie was in ICU and that the 69er HCF organizers would go to see him.
Kyaw Zin took Win Lwin, Khin Maung Bo & me to the ICU. Brownie’s son, who is a medical doctor, said that Brownie was not ready for another operation. We left with samvegha that he could very well be No 61 (on Aung Min’s GBNF list). Win Lwin told me to meditate and also “do something for yourself”.
I spent several days at the Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung as a monk. Sayadaw U Wara (ChE70) was my preceptor.
During that period, Brownie remained unconsciousness and he finally succumbed.
My 69er friends notified Brownie’s demise to my siblings, but requested not to notify me at the monastery. They did not want to disrupt my meditation practice.
May Brownie be able to share my merits.
Ah Hmya, ah hmya, ah hmya.
Updates
Samvegha
Three Scholarship winners from SPHS63 — Brownie, Freddie & Maung Maung Kyi — are GBNF
Five EC69ers — Kyaw Soe, Brownie, Chit Tin, Oo Kyaw Hla & Sai Aik Yee — are GBNF
128 69ers (over 40% of the Class) are GBNF. The GBNF list is maintained by Aung Min (M69) & team
Several RIT EE Sayas — U Kyaw Tun, U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, U Thein Lwin, Dr. San Tint, U Soe Min, U Chin Way & U Nyi Nyi — are GBNF. For SPZP-2010, I wrote “A Sad & Short Clip : EE Sayas”. Two sayas — U Thein Lwin & U Nyi Nyi — have passed away since the article was published.
In the 1961 – 62 Academic Year, the Faculty of Engineering of Rangoon University moved to the Gyogone Campus.
It was named Burma Institute of Technology (BIT).
Sayas & Sayamas
U Yone Mo served as Dean.
U Sein Hla served as Registrar.
Newly minted sayas & sayamas include U Aung Soe (C), U Maung Maung Win (M), Daw Tin Tin Ohn (T) & Daw Julie Han
Matriculation & HSF
In 1961, the last Matric & High School Final exam took place. Those who pass the exam could attend the University.
In 1962, there were separate exams for Matric & HSF. Those who pass HSF had to take the Matric exam in order to attend the University.
2nd SEAP Games
RU athletes in 2nd SEAP Games
In December 1961, Burma hosted the 2nd South East Asian Peninsular Games.
Burma placed First (according to the Tally of Medals) in the Games. Burma was dominant in Track & Field, Swimming & Diving (to name a few).
About 20 students Rangoon University represented Burma in the Games. Several won Gold Medals : Tun Mra (4 x 100 meters relay), Soe Mra (Pole Vault), Kyaw Han (Volleyball), Richard Yu Khin (Yachting).
Ko Richard (GBNF) provided the group photo. He also wrote about the swimming training with Ko Tin Maung Ni under a Japanese coach.
Met Ko Tun Mra, Ko Khin Maung Latt & Ko Tin Myint (GBNF) at the RUBC/YUBC Annual Regatta in December 2019. Ko Tun Mra mentioned that he, Ko Kyaw Mra (GBNF), Ko Soe Mra & Ko Tun Naung represented Burma in the first SEAP Games held in Bangkok in 1959.
1962
Coup d’etat
On March 2, 1962, a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat. Sao Shwe Thaik’s son was killed.
Mahn Win Maung (President), U Nu (Prime Minister), U Myint Thein (Chief Justice), several high ranking officers & Sawbwas were imprisoned.
U Myint Thein was among the first to be detained and the last to be released. He was given only a part day off to attend the last journey of his spouse Daw Phwa Hmi (pioneer Burmese female barrister).
Sama Duwa Sinwa Naung had been selected to succeed Mahn Win Maung as the President, but the Coup ended the democratic parliamentary system.
Sama Duwa Sin Wa Naung
HSF Exam
The HSF exam results for Rangoon Division was annulled claiming a leakage of exam questions.
The students had to retake the HSF exam in August, 1962.
Dark Days in July
There were two Dark Days.
Student protesters faced indiscriminate shooting on July 7, 1962. The newspapers & Myanmar Ah Than said that there were 17 victims.
Ko Aung Khin who was killed by a stray bullet on his way back from RUBC to his home in Windermere Road was listed as the 17th casualty.
On July 8, 1962, the revered RU Student Union Building was demolished.
1963
Matric Exam
SPHS63 Scholarship Winners
Most exams were held in March. However, the Matric exam in 1963 was held in May.
St. Paul’s High School had five students in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
Anniversary of 7th July
In July 1963, the first Anniversary of 7th July 1962 was celebrated with posters, pamphlets & magazines.
Some time later, the higher authorities announced the closure of most schools except the Faculty of Medicine & the Faculty of Engineering.
Rangoon University Boat Club
Dinner to celebrate the RUBC 40th Anniversary
Annual Regatta was canceled citing security reasons.
Sithu U Tin (President) decided not to cancel the Dinner commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC by Sit Arthur Eggar (Law Professor).
1964
Scholarship for USSR & East Bloc
Soviet Union and East Bloc nations offered scholarships for undergraduates & graduates.
Some classmates (who were concerned about how long the schools will close) applied & were accepted.
Maung Maung Kyi studied Chemical Engineering (specializing in Pulp & Paper) at Dresden University, GDR.
New Education System
Shwe YaDu
Enacted in November 1964
The reorganization saw former Faculties as independent Institutes with their own Rector and Registrar. The remaining faculties of Rangoon University became Rangoon Arts & Science University (RASU).
Under the new Education system, BIT became Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT). It had autonomy. U Yone Mo served as Rector. U Soe Thein (former student leader) served as Registrar.
Matriculates were admitted to the fresher classes at the Universities & Institutes using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA).
The marks for each subject were converted to an ILA score (1 – 20). Those who have a balanced score can have a higher ILA than someone who has high marks in most subjects but a low score in one subject.
There were name changes to the degrees offered, e.g B.E instead of B.Sc.(Engg)
Majors were introduced.
LL.B was offered.
Luyechun
The program was initiated in the Summer of 1964.
Outstanding students from middle school and high school was chosen as Luyechun. They were sent to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp.
Oke Soe Kha (MEHS), Win Aung (TTC) and Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw) were some High School Luyechuns.
1965
Nationalization
On April 1, 1965 private schools were nationalized.
St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) became No. 6 Botathaung State High School.
Methodist English High School (MEHS) became No. 1 Dagon State High School.
Luyechun Camps
Inlay Luyechun
The Luyechun program was extended to students of Universities & Institutes in the summer of 1965.
I was selected as RIT Luyechun along with Ko Sein Shwe, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin, and Ko Zaw Min. We were sent to the newly opened Inlay Khaung Daing Camp was added.
The Rangoon Combined Camp was the meeting point for those from Ngapali Camp and Inlay Camp.
HlaMin 