HlaMin

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  • Std. VIIIA (1961)

    • Fifty students attended Std. VIII(A) at St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) for the academic year 1960 – 61.
    • Most matriculated in 1963.
    • Many are now retired or semi-retired.
    • Some have passed away.
    • Lost contact with many.
      Hope they and their relatives & friends can provide updates.
    • Thanks to Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt) and U Than Win for the information about Dr. Nyunt Naing (Kock Leong, GBNF)

    Sitting : Win Kywe (William), Alan Saw Maung (Khin Maung Bo), Brother Anthony, Saya Sein, Brother Felix, Saya Nyunt Maung, Saya Beatson, Brother Xavier, Thein Wai (Fifth in Burma), Min Oo (Kenneth, Second in Burma)

    First Row (Standing) : Stanley Shwe Gyi (Thein Lwin), Hla Min (Seventh in Burma), Han Tun, Tommy Chit Maung (Naing Win), Tun Tun Aung (Tommy), Herbert K C L, Kock Leong (Nyunt Naing, GBNF), Brownie Way (Aung Thu Yein, GBNF, 13th in Burma), Tommy Aung, Bernard Taylor, Gallant Leong (Han Thein)

    Second Row : Richard Lim, Sean Young, Edward Chow, Khin Maung Htay, Freddie Ba San (Myo San, GBNF, Third in Burma), Victor Chaw (Aung Chaw, Ashin Ukkamsa), Maung Maung Kyi (11th in Burma), Henry Wong (Than Win), Nay Lin, Eddie Nyunt, Robert Kyi (San Maung), Than Win

    Third Row : Arthur Kyi (Aung Kyi), George Khin Maung (Khin Maung U, First in Burma), Victor Nyunt (Nyunt Wai, Fourth in Burma), Sebastian Law Kee, Win Maung, Than Htay, Edwin David (GBNF), Orlando Thein, Jerry Hin Hwa (Htin Paw), Edwin Ngwe (Aye Ngwe), Peter Pe (Aung Kyaw)

    Fourth Row : Bo Ni, Kyaw Wynn, Robert Myint Win, Caesar Yang (Yin Kyi), Aung Khin (GBNF), Aung Kyee Myint, Chu Pu Thein, Anthony Lourdes, Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, GBNF), Tin Tun, Richard Pe, xxx

    Teachers

    • Brother Anthony was our Class Teacher and taught Mathematics.
      He is the younger brother of Brother Joseph (later known as Father Joseph)
    • Saya U Sein taught us Burmese from VIII to X Standard.
      He is the father of Dr. Soe Win (First in Burma in 1958, Retired Rector of YUFL).
    • Brother Felix was Brother Director
      He passed away in Germany.
    • Saya U Nyunt Maung taught Arts subjects.
      He could also teach Burmese and Mathematics (e.g. at Sacred Heart).
    • Saya Beatson taught Science subjects.
      Taught Physics in High School.
      He was Scout Master.
      After retirement, he became a Sayadaw.
    • Brother Xavier taught English.
      He used aggressive scoring and harsh penalty.
      A few students received MINUS scores in his tests.
      After Nationalization, he left the Order and moved back to the UK

    Classmates

    • Hope someone can add (for the missing names marked with xxx).
    • Feel free to provide feedback, suggestions and information.
      It’s been Six Decades.
    • Some are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
      Aung Khin
      Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way)
      Edwin David
      Freddie Ba San (Myo San)
      Richard Lim
      Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe)
      …
    • Several won Collegiate Scholarships in the Matriculation of 1963.
      Dr. Khin Maung U (Retired from FDA, First)
      Dr. Min Oo (Double Doctorate in Mathematics, Retired from McMasters University, Second)
      Dr. Myo San (Freddie Ba San, Retired Surgeon, GBNF, Third)
      Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, Retired Professor, Taught in Burma and Malaysia, Fourth)
      Dr. Thein Wai (Moved to USA after graduation, Fifth)
      U Hla Min (Retired Software Engineer, Seventh)
      U Maung Maung Kyi (Retired Chemical Engineer / Pulp & Paper, Moved to Wales, Eleventh)
      U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, Retired Electronics Engineer, GBNF, Thirteenth)
    • Two other Scholarship holders were not from VIII A
      Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Maung Maung, Transferred from St. Peter’s, Ninth)
      Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, Moved to Section A in High School, Seventeenth)
    • Three classmates planned to become Catholic Priests.
    • Bernard Taylor was a Missionary Priest in Philippines.
      He moved back to Mandalay.
    • Edwin David (GBNF) became Priest of St. Mary’s Cathedral.
    • Not sure what happened to Anthony Lourdes.
    • Some were members of the SPHS Marching Band.
      Bo Ni (Drummer) : had a twin brother Bo Kyi (also Drummer)
      Win Maung : cousin of Than Htay
      Bernard Taylor : became a missionary
      Orlando Thein : became a doctor
      Jerry Hin Hwa (Htin Paw) : football Captain; became a newspaper editor
      Herbert KCL (Khai Ching Lian) : need information
      …
    • Some were Football (Soccer) Selected
      Jerry Hin Hwa (Captain of the football team)
      Eddie Nyunt : need information
      …
    • Some studied Medicine
      Khin Maung U
      Myo San (Freddie Ba San, GBNF)
      Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt) : Taught 35 years in Myanmar and 12 years in Malaysia
      Thein Wai
      Win Kywe
      Orlando Thein
      Tun Tun Aung
      Stanley Shwe Gyi (Thein Lwin)
      Kock Leong (Nyunt Naing, GBNF) : Per Victor and Than Win, his house was ransacked during the riots
      …
    • Some studied Engineering & Computer Science
      Hla Min
      Maung Maung Kyi (Alumni of Dresden University, Sittaung Paper Mill)
      Than Win
      Aung Chaw (Victor Chaw) : became a monk (Ashin Ukkamsa) after retirement
      Khin Maung Bo (Allan Saw Maung)
      Than Htay : need information
      Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, GBNF) : retired from MOC & Schlumberger
      Kyaw Wynn : hosted Birthday Soon Kyway (for Uzin Aung Chaw) and invited Paulian friends : Allan Saw Maung, Arthur Kyi, Edwin Ngwe, Than Win, Tin Tun …
    • Some applied for States Scholarship (when the Universities were “suspended” in 1963 to late 1964)
      Maung Maung Kyi
      Kyaw Wynn
      Tommy Chit Maung
      …
    • A few Lucky Ones (e.g. Robert Kyi, Edward Chow) took the Government Seventh Standard earlier as external candidates.
      They left SPHS to take the last ever HSF & Matriculation examination.
    • Some had similar names
      Two Than Win (One is also called Henry)
      Two Tommy Aung (One is also called Tun Tun Aung)
    • Peter Pe (Aung Kyaw) acted in a movie.
      In late 1965, he invited Dr. Maung Maung Aye and me to visit Inlay and Taunggyi.
    • Richard Lim (GBNF) became a Soothsayer.
      His family owned Tourist Tavern.
    • Han Tun, Aung Khin (GBNF) and Richard Pe attended DSA.
      Han Tun moved to Australia.
      Aung Khin had two Kidney Transplants.
      Richard Pe : need information
    • Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, GBNF) attended the First Batch of BDS.
      He was the Timing Stroke of the SPHS Crew at RUBC.
      The crew members were Kyaw Wynn (3), Hla Min (2), Maung Maung Kyi (Bow) and Myint Thein (Cox, SPHS62).
      The crew was Runner-up for Senior Novices.
      All were awarded Full Green.
    • Some won Luyechun Award.
      Khin Maung U (Multiple times)
      Min Oo (Multiple times; Also selected as Luyechun Staff Saya)
      Hla Min (RIT Luyechun, Summer of 1965)
      Aung Kyee Myint (Agri Luyechun, Summer of 1965)
      …
    • Chu Pu Thein scored the highest marks for Physics in the HSF examination of 1962.
      Due to the discriminatory rules, he could not apply for professional courses and left to study in Italy.
    • Maung Maung Kyi scored the highest marks for Chemistry in the HSF examination of 1962.
      He also scored Distinction in Chemistry in the Matriculation and I.Sc.(A) examinations.
      When the Universities were suspended, he applied for States Scholarship.
      He studied Chemical Engineering (with Pulp & Paper as Specialty) from Dresden University in Germany.
    • Khin Maung U scored 100 in Mathematics and Chemistry, and a “mere” 99 in Physics in the Matriculation examination of 1963.
      He was given a 100 in Physics before getting a mark reduced (not to set a precedent for perfect score).
      He taught at IM(1) and some US Universities.
      He worked at BMRI/DMR and FDA.
      He published KMU Reports.
      He translated Dhamma Books (e.g. by D. Nandamalabhivamsa) and Talks.
      He is a Gawpaka at a monastery / meditation center in Maryland, USA.
    • Min Oo is a Genius in Mathematics.
      He received two Doctorates from Germany.
      He taught in Germany and Canada.

  • Notes on SPHS

    Saya U Soe Paing (SPHS56, EE, UCC) wrote :

    From the 7th standard to Matriculation I remember the following:

    Saya Ba Myaing (Physics), Saya Tun Shwe and Saya Sein (Burmese), Bro Hubert (Chemistry), Bro Felix, Bro Charles, and Bro Gerald (English).
    Mr Machado and Saya Dawson (Math), Mr Barker and Mr Illife (Physics).

    Editor’s Notes:

    The Paing siblings — Dr. Myo Paing (SPHS54), U Soe Paing (SPHS56), U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, SPHS64) and U Kyaw Paing — attended SPHS.
    

    U Aung Win (Owen) wrote :

    I read many articles about the old staff of SPHS but I never came across anyone mentioning Bro. Charles. During our KG days in SP, we had one Bro. Charles, if you all remember him. He was a very kind-hearted Bro. and he loved the school kids and treated us well. Whatever happened to him, I wonder, after we left SPHS.

    Owen Khoo (Aung Win, M71, SPHS 1953 – 1957)

    Editor’s notes :

    • Three siblings — U Than Win (Alan Khoo, SPHS54), U Kyi Win (Eddie Khoo, SPHS57) and U Aung Win (Owen Khoo) — attended SPHS. Owen also attended Darjeeling.
    • I joined SPHS in Std. IV.
    • I do not know the sayas and sayamas who taught KG and Stds I – III.
    • Boarders can add the names of the Brothers and sayas that I have missed.
    • Brother Benedict (who taught a younger class) was a good soccer player.
    • Brother Gerald was the SPHS Band Master. He often rode a horse.
    • There was a Brother in charge of the SPHS Book Shop, and several Brothers in charge of the Boarders.
    • Some Brothers went on “rotation duty” to St. Peter’s (Mandalay), St. Albert’s (Maymyo), St. Patrick’s (Moulmein), …

    Brother Clementian

    Brother Clementian “retired” as Brother Director, but kept on teaching Mathematics until he passed away. The funeral cortege spanned from SPHS to Tamwe Christian Cemetery. Some cars had not left SPHS when the service began at the Cemetery.

    Brother Austin

    In addition to having a class library, Brother Austin (our Class teacher for Std. X A, “the carrot”) would take us to the SPHS library (with books donated by Ford Foundation, Asia Foundation …). Everyone has to borrow a book and write a critique. In addition to teaching English, he also taught the “Morals and Manners” class. Anyone who can recite the selected poems is free to “skip the remainder of the class”. The top reciters were rewarded: an 8 mm movie of a soccer match from UK, or a ticket to “1960 Rome Olympics” (special show at Thamada Cinema). He abhors plagiarism and unprofessional work. “Don’t waste my time and your time”. After nationalization, he moved to Malaysia to continue teaching at a De La Salle School.

    Brother Xavier

    Brother Xavier (our Class Teacher for Std IX A, and English teacher for Std VIII and IX, “the stick”) would penalize students for making grammatical mistakes. For the dictation test, he would start with 100 marks and then subtract 10 marks for each mistake. A classmate ended with -230 (minus 230) marks shown “in red” in his report card. According to Ko Zaw Min, Brother Xavier would not continue his “brash style” at St. Albert’s. After nationalization, he moved to UK and supposedly “left the order”.

    Brother Felix

    Brother Felix moved back to Germany. He had e-mail communications with some Old Paulians (notably Richard G. Boudville, Australia, son of Sayama V. Boudville).

    Two Sibling Brothers

    • After nationalization, the native Brothers remained in Burma.
    • Brother Joseph decided to become Father Joseph.
    • His younger brother remained Brother Anthony and was one of the “senior sayas” at SPHS Saya Pu Zaw Pwes along with Saya U San Thein and Saya Beatson.

    Authors

    • Saya George Chapman published notes for English.
    • Saya U Htay Myint (Patheda) published notes for History.

    Distinguished Paulians

    Sayagyi U Ba Khin stood first in his Matriculation class. He is known as an outstanding Vissapana teacher. His dhamma lineage starts with Ledi Sayadaw and Saya Thet. His dhamma students include Saya S. N. Goenka.

    ICS U Tin Tut, Dr. Ba Han, Dr, Ba Maw, and U Chan Tun are Old Paulians.

    According to Dr. Win Aung (M62), his father Saya C. Ping Lee (EE, GBNF) was a Paulian and a student of Saya U Than Aung (father of Saya Alphonso [Mg Nge, Mg Aung] and Charlie [Ko Cho]). When U Than Aung became Minister of Education in the AFPFL Government, he recruited his former student Saya C. Ping Lee to head the Technical & Vocational Department.

    Saya Pu Zaw Pwes

    After nationalization, SPHS became No. (6) SHS Botathaung.

    There are two SPZPs: one for the “Paulians” and another for SHS(6).

    Some (e.g. Eddie Ba Oo [Tin Aung Moe]) who were in the lower classes when SPHS was nationalized would attend both gatherings.

  • Associates

    Associates

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    U Tin Swe (GBNF)

    U Tin Swe

    Saya U Tin Swe was a Power User at UCC. He supervised Ko Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69) for his Master’s thesis. Saya worked with Power Distribution & Analysis programs. Saya also collaborated with his former students including Dr. San Oo (EP67).

    He was wrongly called as U Tint Swe, U Tin Shwe and U Tin Shwe Gyi.

    He is the brother of U Nan Wai (a famous Painter).

    He was a member of the Prome Hall Football (Soccer) team which won the Inter-Hall Soccer Tournament for three consecutive years. U Chan Tha was Captain of the team and University First Eleven, and Past Captain & Gold of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club).

    Saya also played Tennis.

    Saya graduated with EE in 1953. He was one year junior to Saya U Sein Hlaing.

    Saya pursued his graduate studies in the USA. Upon his return, he became a Lecturer.

    In the early days, there were few Professorships. Saya passed away before the creation of separate EC and EP Departments.

    Saya Allen Htay (GBNF)

    Saya Allen Htay (C58) joined the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University as an Assistant Lecturer.

    He studied his Masters at Harvard University. On the return journey by an ocean liner, he played Bridge with Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt and Saya U Ko Ko Lay. They became close friends.

    Saya loves RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) and Scheme (Lexically scoped LISP).

    He supervised the Final Year Thesis for U Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey, C73) and George Peters. The program for the Thesis was run on the ICL1902S Computer at UCC.

    U Myint Sein (GBNF)

    U Myint Sein attended PPBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School), SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) and IE (Institute of Economics). He is a cousin brother of U Nyunt Tin (M70, RIT Table Tennis).

    He served as Principal of BARB (Burma Astro Research Bureau). He taught Medical Astrology at the School of Indigenous Medicine (Taing Yin Saya Pyinnya) in Mandalay. He later founded “Idea Astrology”.

    He is my childhood friend. As Principal at BARB, he asked me if I can help him to speed up some Veda processes (e.g. generation of a Natal Horoscope).

    I assigned two students Ko Win Latt and Ko Zaw Tun to develop computer programs for the Veda projects.

    Ko Win Latt

    Ko Win Latt owned a computer and was also an excellent programmer. Under my supervision and with the guidance of U Myint Sein, Ko Win Latt came up with three versions. He named then WinHoro V3, V6 and V9.

    V3 produces the “basic” horoscope with Yathi (Rasi), Bawa and Nawin (Navamsa). It is also known as “Tri Cekka Zatar” referring to the three parts. It takes some time (a few minutes to an hour) if done manually.

    V6 produces a “better” horoscope.

    V9 produces the “best” horoscope.

    WinHoro was implemented using BASIC (an interpretive language).

    BASIC

    • BASIC (Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) was designed by Professors Kemeny & Kurtz for use with the Dartmouth College Time Sharing System (CSS).
    • Bill Gates and Paul Allen implemented “Tiny BASIC” for the MITS Altair. They co-founded Microsoft.
    • BASICA, GWBASIC and variants became a popular language for microcomputers and PCs.

    Ko Zaw Tun

    One needs expert knowledge to “interpret” a Zartar. Ko Zaw Tun used Prolog (language for Logic Programming) to implement the Bedin Rules. He tested his program with several sets of data. He was surprised when his program said that “the Two Year Old is a rich person (possibly a Millionaire)”. He thought that there must be a bug. It turned out that the Two Year Old is the grand son of a wealthy Sawbwa, who decided that his grand son should inherit his wealth.

    Sad News

    Sad to note that my good friend U Myint Sein is GBNF. It was good news and bad news for his son, who was back in Yangon to take examination for Master Mariner. He lost his father, but was present at his father’s last journey.

    U San Myint Thane

    U San Myint Thane (Sammy, EC79) asked his brother Dr. Thein Toe Thane in the USA to send him some books and a Microprocessor tool kit for use in his Final Year Project. Sammy and Kelvin used the microprocessor tool kit and ran demo on the assembled microprocessor.

    Sammy spent some time at UCC while waiting to migrate to the USA.

    Duality

    • The concept of Duality can be found in Mathematics and Logic.
    • The “Line-Point Duality” says that “Two intersecting lines determine a point. Two points determine a line [which passes through both]”. In this Geometric aspect, Line and Point are duals.
    • De Morgan’s Theorems in “Set Theory” and “Boolean Algebra” are duals.
    • The book by Klingman discussed “Hardware Software Duality”. He said that “Any hardware can be implemented in software. Any software can be implemented in hardware.”
    • There are trade-offs to consider whether to use hardware, software, firmware or a combination.

    Great Expectations and Relaxation Techniques

    Sammy’s mother wanted Sammy to get married and was willing to find suitable candidates, but Sammy set the requirements too high. She must be young, intelligent, and able to play Classical and Modern music.

    Finally, by applying some “Relaxation Techniques”, Sammy became a loving spouse and a caring father of twins.

    Charlie Tseng

    • Saya U Soe Paing had recruited Charlie Tseng (EC70), but he managed to migrate to the United States before the UCC employees were “selected and validated” by PSC (Public Services Commission).
    • Charlie formed a company called VersaSoft (somewhat similar to the D-Base software). His spouse Diana (ChE71) is a Chemical Engineer and worked for a Division of IBM (International Business Machines).
    • Charlie pays respect to Saya Paing whenever Saya visits the San Francisco Bay Area.

    Ko Toung

    • Ko Toung (Tom, EC69) attended some courses at Mandalay Hall.
    • He migrated to the United States. He did post graduate studies about the same time as U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan, M69).
    • He lives in Trumbull, Connecticut.
    • He is retired and often travels to Hong Kong to spend time with his son and grand child(ren).
    • He took us to visit Yale University.

    Others

    There are probably several who spent some time at UCC. They include

    • Lucas Lee (Physics; Moved to US; Armed Forces Veteran; Worked at HP; Had liver transplant)
    • U Myint Oo (Later worked at Phaung Gyi Thin Dan)
    • U Tauk Tun (Mickey)
    • U Ba Than Aye (Myo Myint Lay, GBNF) joined the Army and died in a car accident

  • Track and Field

    Burma Selected

    Once upon a time, Burma was known as a “power house” of athletics in SEAP games. Burma placed first in the 2nd SEAP Games held in Rangoon, Burma. Some competed in Asia and in the Olympics.

    Myee Tone Naw (Marathon), Shim bwe gam (10K), Ko Soe Win (sprint & relay), Ko Kyaw Mra (hurdles), Ko Soe Mra & Ko Maung Maung Mra (pole vault), Ko Jimmy Crampton (800m, 1500m) are some well-known male T&F stars.

    Gracie Carr (100m and long jump), Jennifer Tin Lay (shot put), Than Than (Sprint), Khin Khin Hwe (Coach), Ma Weik Pan (Marathon) are some well-known female T&F stars.

    Inter-School and Inter-College / Institute

    In the early days, there were T&F competitions as part of the Annual Sports (e.g. in SPHS), Inter-school Tournaments. Some (e.g. Ko Jimmy Crampton) went on to shine as a Burma Selected. Ko Kyaw Mra, Ko Kyaw Khin … later chose to become National Coach.

    It is sad to learn that many students (at the present time) would not (or could not) give some time to train and excel in sports in addition to being good in their studies.

    Scholar Athletes

    In the early days, there were several people who were excellent in their studies and in their hobby sports.

    For example, Dr. Htut Saing (Harry Saing, Pediatric Surgeon) served as Captain of RUBC. He won with U Tin Htoon (A60) in Coxless Pairs in 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta. He won with U Victor Htun Shein, U Sunny Teng, U Tin Htoon (A60) and U Sein Htoon (M63) in Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo. He was Burma Selected in Hockey and Cricket, and represented the Faculty of Medicine in T&F and soccer. He assisted Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick San Pe, Pediatric Surgeon, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) for the first ever operation in Burma to separate conjoined twins (Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San). He later taught at the University of Hong Kong, and also served as a Patron for the Hong Kong Rowing Club. Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered in the waters near the Hong Kong Rowing Club.

    In Our Days

    Even in our days, there were several people who were good in sports and studies. Ko Htay Aung (M69), Sai Kham Pan (EP69), Ko Wunna Sithu (EC71), Ko Victor Aung Myin (M72) are some examples.

    Ko Aung Gyi Shwe, Ko Myo Nyunt, and Ma Khin Than Myint are some T&F selected from the Class of 69.

    The Class of 70 was represented in RIT and/or Inter-Institute by the following :

    source : Ko Ohn Khine (M70) and Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70)

    • Sai Thein Maung (100m, Triple Jump, RIT Goalkeeper, organizer of Intake of 64 & 65)
    • Shein Kee Gae GBNF Track & Field (Long Distance runner)
    • Saw Mg Mg Htwe Track & Field (ran a challenge race in Mandalay early this year)
    • Oo Myint (Mn) Track & Field
    • Win Naing Track & Field
    • Ma Lei Lei Chit (Ch) Track & Field
    • Ma Nan Khaming (A) Track & Field
    • Maung Maung Thaw (E) Track & Field, and Boxing

    Ko Aung Khin (M66) is a multiple-sports athlete. He won the Inter-Institute High Jump by beating the Burma selected from RASU. He also represented RIT in soccer, volley ball, basketball, and hiking.

    Ko Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68), and Ko Victor Aung Myin (M72) are also star athletes.

    Early Days (Pre-Internet)

    Before the advent of TV and the Internet, one has to follow sports via newspapers, radio and later TV.

    I won a ticket from my “Morals and Manners” class teacher to see 1960 Rome Olympics Documentary at Thamada (President) Cinema. Armin Harry (Germany) won the 100m and 200m. Rafer Johnson (US) won the Decathlon. Abebe Bikila (Ethiopia) won the Marathon while running bare foot. He would successfully defend his title in 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

    I was able to watch the 1972 Munich Olympics on a color TV (in UK).

    Fast forward

    Usain Bolt retired as the “fastest man”.

    Hope we will see well-rounded student athletes in Myanmar again.

  • Early Colleges and Courses

    • A University may consist of several colleges.
    • Rangoon University was founded in 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as its constituents.

    Intermediate Classes

    • In the early days, Rangoon University offered Intermediate Courses.
      They were known as Inter (A) and Inter (B).
    • The Science Option is available for I.Sc. (Intermediate of Science).
    • The Arts Option is available for I.A (Intermediate of Arts).
    • Intermediate courses were initially offered in the Main Campus.
    • In the mid and late 50’s, the Yankin College and the Htee Dan College served the First Year Intermediate classes.
    • The Pure Science, Engineering and Medical students attended Yankin College.
      My brother U Sein Htoon attended Yankin in 1957 along with Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin.
      My sister Daw Khin Than Nwe attended Yankin in 1958 along with Saya Dr. Soe Win.
    • The Arts and Social Science students attended Htee Dan College.
      My cousin U Myo Min attended Hteedan in 1958.

    BOC, Main and Leik Khone

    • After completing the I.Sc. classes, the engineering students attended BOC College for their main subjects and took some courses (e.g. Mathematics, Geology) at the Main Campus.
    • Later, the engineering students attended Leik Khone (Dome) and its extensions for their main subjects and spent some time (e.g. workshop) at BOC College.
    • Leik Khone is a place holder for the Dome and the nearby buildings used for Admin and Teaching).
    • Saya U Tin Htut (M60) and U Tin Htoon (A60) were from the last batch of engineering students to attend classes at Leik Khone (before the opening of Burma Institute of Technology at Gyogone Campus).
    • In 1961, the Faculty of Engineering moved to the Gyogone Campus.
      It was also known as Burma Institute of Technology (BIT).
      The first batch of BIT graduated in 1962.
    • The I.Sc classes were moved to Leik Khone (which used to be under the Faculty of Engineering).
      Those aspiring to become medical doctors take the “A: option.
      Those aspiring to become engineers and scientists take the “B” option.

    We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) classes at Leik Khone in 1963.

    Our teachers for our I.Sc.(A) classes included

    • Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing (English) — spouse of Bo Yan Naing
    • Daw Khin Kyi Kyi (English)
    • Daw Po (Burmese) — sayama at the 1965 Inlay Lu YeChun Camp, retired as Professor of Burmese
    • U Khin Zaw (Mathematics) — later headed Maths Department at Worker’s College
    • Mr. Chowdry (Mathematics)
    • Daw Khin Ma Ma (Mathematics) — Sayama and her spouse U Soe Nyunt taught Mathematics at DSA
    • U Min Than Thaung (Physics) — RUBC Gold, retired as Rector of Long Distance Learning
    • Daw Khin Khin Su (Physics)
    • Daw Khin Aye (Chemistry)

    Some of my friends attended I.A. Intermediate of Arts) and I.Com (Intermediate of Commerce) classes at BOC College.

    New Education System

    Under the new Education System, the Faculty of Medicine became Institute of Medicine(s). The 1st MBBS Jr. and Sr. classes were held at Leik Khone. My spouse attended at Leik Khone.

    Leik Khone also housed the offices of the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE). Saya U San Tha Aung and Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi were the early Director Generals for Higher Education.

    Intermediate Colleges

    Intermediate Colleges were opened in

    • Mandalay
    • Taunggyi
    • Moulmein (Mawlamyine)
    • Bassein (Pathein)
    • Myitkyina
    • …

    Some of them became full-fledged Universities.

    Early Examinations

    • In some years (probably due to the insurgency in some parts of Burma), students have to sit the “combined” Intermediate examination.
    • Otherwise, they have to sit for Inter (A) and Inter (B) exams separately.
    • Even then, there were two chances to pass the exam.
    • The first exam was usually held in March.
    • The second (aka supplementary) exam was usually held in June.
    • The “compart” (compartmental) system requires a student to re-take only the subjects they have failed.
    • Stipends and awards (Gold and Silver medals, …) are eligible only for students who pass all subjects in the first exam.

    Early Engineering Courses

    • Per Sayagyi U Aung Khin (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering) : Those who aspire to become engineers have to pass I.Sc. with 50+ marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
    • According to U Aw Taik Moh (C54) and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), they had to take a bike or walk to the Main Campus to attend Mathematics and/or Geology classes (usually from 7AM to 9AM). They then had to attend Engineering Courses at the B.O.C College from 10 AM.
    • Saya U Ba Toke taught Mathematics to several engineering students (including Saya Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Khin Aung Kyi).
    • Grapevine says that the Second Year of Engineering (equivalent to 4th BE) and 2nd MBBS were the “filters” (or “stumbling blocks“) for engineering and medical students. Some decided to change their study to Pure Science or Arts.
    • A three storey building and a “Leik Khone” were constructed in the mid 1950s on Prome Road.
    • The architect envisioned a Htee (Umbrella), but the Burmese saw the roof top as “Leik Khone”).
    • Per Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), the new building was opened by Prime Minister U Ba Swe.
    • Some engineering classes were taught at the new building.
      Some classes (e.g. Workshop) were taught at the BOC College.
    • The “Leik Khone” was used mainly as Assembly Hall.
    • It was also used for Exhibitions and Entertainment (e.g. Louis Armstrong).
    • One building was used for
      Admin Office (of the Dean)
      Hangout for Sayas
      Library
    • Sad to note that the Dome deteriorated and “collapsed” (probably due to maintenance problems).
    • The land mark is now a memory.

  • Palmistry

    Video Broadcast on September 30, 2020

    John Warner

    • better known as Cheiro (Palmistry, Numerology, Books)
    • Count Louis Hamon

    U Ba Than (Physical Education)

    • Warned a family friend of a fatal accident
    • The friend replied that he survived a car accident and had scars of his face.
      He was going back to Dawei on his father’s schooner, and upon his return to Rangoon would become a temporary monk.
    • Sad to note that he tried to help the crew mates after the schooner sank, probably got exhausted and “lost his grip” before the rescue ship came.

    Ava House : Book shop

    • A fellow shopper recounted a “bad” reading by a palmist
    • The palmist interpreted the square on the Line of Fate as good fortune.
    • The shopper ended up in a jail cell.

    Colleague

    • Auxiliary line “bridged” the broken life line
    • Needed several grafts for the foot injury while riding at the “end” of the bus (which was “rammed” by a car following it)
    • He had come back from a forest monastery where he practiced as a temporary monk

    Sein Win (C69, Win Kyaw, GBNF)

    • He was a serious amateur Palmist.
    • Read many books on Palmistry
    • His consultant was a professional palmist.
    • They tied the knot.

    Miscellaneous

    • Benham
      “Scientific” study
    • Associations in some countries
    • Indian text “for fun or profit”
      Map palm readings to astrology
    • Myanmar palmists
      Saya Sandra
      Bogalay U Kywe
      U Kyaw Min
      …

  • Poetic Art Series

    Broadcast on September 21, 2020

    • Kabyar
      Poem by RIT Alumni and/or Sayas
    • Illustration
      by Artist Myat Myo Myint (U Myo Myint)
    • Translation into English
      by U Hla Min

    Creativity

    • Convergence of technologies and disciplines

    Collaboration

    • Tekkatho Moe War
      Saya U Moe Aung (EE63)
    • Okpo Maung Yin Maung
      Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72)
    • Maung Nyunt Htay (Ah Htet Min Hla)
      Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73)
    • “Ka Byaung”
      U Win Myint (M72)
    • Maung Sein Win (Padeegone)
      Winner of S.E.A Write Royal Award
    • Myat Myo Myint
      U Myo Myint, Illustration
    • Life Long Learner (U Hla Min)
      Translator

    Objective

    • Highlight the Myanmar traditions and beliefs
      (e.g Dana : Sharing and Caring, search for beauty, noble livelihood)
      to the world through “Poetic Art”

  • Poetic Art

    Video Broadcast on September 21, 2020

    Objective

    • Highlight the Myanmar traditions and beliefs
      (e.g Dana : Sharing and Caring, search for beauty, noble livelihood) to the world through “Poetic Art”

    Creativity and Collaboration

    • Convergence of technologies and disciplines
    • Kabyar / Poem by RIT Alumni and/or Sayas
    • Illustration by Artist Myat Myo Myint (U Myo Myint)
    • Translation into English by U Hla Min

    Contributors

    • Tekkatho Moe War
      Saya U Moe Aung (EE63)
    • Okpo Maung Yin Maung
      Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72)
    • Maung Nyunt Htay (Ah Htet Min Hla)
      Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73)
    • “Ka Byaung”
      U Win Myint (M72)
    • Maung Sein Win (Padeegone)
      Winner of S.E.A Write Royal Award
    • Myat Myo Myint
      U Myo Myint, Illustration
    • Life Long Learner (U Hla Min)
      Translator

  • National Foreign Language Center

    Video Broadcast on September 8, 2020

    NFLC and Burmese

    • University of Maryland
      Established NFLC in 1986
    • Portal
      For resources
    • Burmese Language Project (in 2008)
      Served as Burmese Language Expert
      Listening Comprehension
      Sample : Win Pe Lwe Eik (Win Pe’s Bag)
      Reading Comprehension
      Sample : Short story by U Po Kyar

    Schools / Centers teaching Burmese

    • SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) in UK
      Dr. Hla Pe (Former Professor of Burmese)
      John O’Kell (U Hla Thein, Former Lecturer of Burmese)
      Early Burmese Word Processor for Macintosh
      Used transliteration for inputting Burmese text
    • NIU (Northern Illinois University) in USA
      U Kyaw Hlaing (Former saya at Burmese Center)
      U Saw Tun (Professor of Burmese)
      Dr. Than Tun (Former Visiting Professor of History and Research)
      Daw May Kyi Aye (Former Library in charge of Burmese section of the Asian Collection)
    • Cornell University
      Myanmar Sayama teaching in Burmese and French Departments
    • University of Hawaii
      U Kyaw Hlaing taught Burmese at the Summer School
    • UC Berkeley
      Kenneth Wong teaches Basic Burmese courses

    Burmese Publications in the USA

    • Shwe / Golden Padauk
      Formerly published by Henry Lim and team in Northern California
    • Mandalay Gazette
      Published by Dr. Maung Maung Kyi and team in Southern California
    • Myanmar Gazette
      Published by Ko Kai and team in Southern California

    Miscellaneous

    • Ahara Magazine (published in Japan)
    • Mizzima (published in India)
    • Some studies in learning multiple foreign languages
    • Make mistakes as much as possible and early as possible in learning a language

  • History

    Video Broadcast

    Definition

    Studied history to 8th standard

    Saya “Padetha” U Htay Myint

    Yazawin vs. Thamaing

    *****

    Some Historians

    G H Luce

    “Chit Dukkha” U Ba Nyunt

    Dr. Kyaw Thet

    Dr. Than Tun

    Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt

    Bohmugyi Ba Shin

    Daw Mya Sein

    Dr. Daw Yi

    Daw Kyan

    Daw Khin Khin Gyi

    *****

    Miscellaneous

    History of Civilization

    Computer History Museum (CHM)

    History of Myanmar Engineering Education (HMEE)

    Debates and discussions about Myanmar Thamaing