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  • EE69er

    by Hla Min

    Update : 11th October 2026

    • In our days, EE (Electrical Engineering) Department offered two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power).
    • Saya U Sein Hlaing (GBNF) served as inaugural Professor of Electrical Engineering.
    • It took several decades before EC (also known as EcE and Electronics Engineering) and EP became departments. Saya U Sein Win (GBNF) served as inaugural Professor of Electrical Power. Saya Dr. San Tint (GBNF) served as inaugural Professor of Electronics Engineering.
    • Ko Thein Swe (EP69, GBNF, 3rd BE Luyechun) annotated the Group Photo taken in 1969.
      I have updated the comments to reflect the change of status of the sayas and classmates.
    • EE69ers used to have gatherings in addition to the 69er Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Gatherings.
    • In addition to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund), there is EE69er HCF.
    • Ko Sein Myint (EP69, RIT Rowing, Swimming & Water Polo) is a major donor to 69er HCF along with Ma Myint Myint (C69) and Ko Ivan Lee (M69). Ko Sein Myint is also a major donor to EE69er HCF.

    Great Photo taken in August 1969

    by Ko Thein Swe (EP69, GBNF)

    EE69er

    They were the humble, hard working classmates of EE69ers who usually shared knowledge with each other when someone could not catch up lectures/text-books. The great photo was taken in August 1969.

    4th Row, L to R:-

    • Myint Swe (EP, Mogoke, ex-Steel mill, GBNF)
    • Thein Swe (EP, Meiktila, RIT Luyechun for 3rd BE, lost spouse, GBNF)
    • Aye Thein (EP, Mawlamyaing, ex-glass mill, Volleyball for RIT EE, lost spouse)
    • Khin Maung Nyo (EP, Inle, Innthar, GBNF)
    • Khin Maung Win (EP, Kathar, Sar-ga-lay, ex-EPC, GBNF)
    • Than Lwin @ Henry (EC, ex-lecturer, Ygn, Gaung-gyi)
    • Kyaw Zin (EP, ex-Paper mill, ex-EO)
    • Khrishan Lal (EP, Australia)
    • Tin Hla (EP, Myaungmya, ex-EPC, GBNF)
    • Myint Maung (EP, Minbu, Bugyi, ex-EPC, Volleyball for RIT EE, Eligibale bachelor)
    • Zau Lai (EP, Myitkyina, Kachin, ex-PWC, ex-EO, Entreprenuer)
    • Bishnu Shahi (EP, Nepalese, RIT Badminton, GBNF)

    3rd Row:

    • Sein Myint @ K K Wong (EP, Ygn, Singapore, Calfornia; RIT Selected for Swimming, Water Polo, Rowing; 69er HCF; EE69er HCF)
    • Saw Edison (EP, ex-fertilizer, Australia)
    • Khin Win (EP, ex-paper mill, RIT Weightlifing, GBNF)
    • Soe Win (EP, ex-Namtu mine, Mawlamyaing, RIT Basketball Captain, GBNF)
    • Yee Htun (EP, now in Yangon)
    • Aung Than (EP, ex-fertilizer, So-sie)
    • Mehm Ye Win (EC, Mawlamyaing, ex-telecoms, Secretary of RIT EE)
    • Maung Ko (EC, Bogalay, ex-MOGE)
    • Kyi Win @ Kyaw Gyi (EP, ex-Textile mill, ex-EO, Meiktila; Taught EE to seafarers)
    • Sai Aik Yee (EC, GBNF)
    • Tun Aung Gyaw (EC, Ph.D in CS; Meiktila, Joint Secretary of RIT Thaing, ex-UCC, USA)
    • Win Boh (Robert, EC, ex-DCA, Australia)
    • Hla Min(EC, ex-UCC, Secretary of RIT EE, Vice Captain of RUBC, RIT Alumni International, NorCal RIT AA, Distinguished Toastmaster, USA)
    • Khin Maung Bo @ Alan Saw Mg (EP, GBNF)

    2nd Row:

    • Aung Thu Yein @ Brownie (EC, Ygn, 13th IN matriculation, ex-MOGE, ex-Schlumberger, GBNF)
    • Abdul Rauf @ Tin Aye (EP, ex-fertilizer, GBNF)
    • Sai Kham Pan (EP, Burma Selected for Badminton, Taunggyi, ex-Distiller)
    • Tun Oo Khaing (EP, Rakhine, ex-Paper mill, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung, GBNF)
    • Hla Paik (EP, Chaung Oo, ex-EPC)
    • Chit Tin (EC, Nyaung Oo, ex-MOGE, GBNF)
    • Sa Maung Maung (EP, Thaton, ex-Paper mill, Volley for RIT EE, EE69er HCF, lost spouse)
    • Mg Shwe (EP, ex-EPC, Treasurer of 69er HCF, EE69er HCF)
    • Oo Kyaw Hla (EC, ex-MOGE, Canada, GBNF)
    • Sai Hwet @ Myat Soe Lwin (EP, now in Ygn)
    • Aung Kyaw Pe (EP, ex-EPC, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia)
    • Khin Mg @ Hasan (EP, Saudi Arabia)

    Front Row : Mostly Sayas

    • U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War, Author, Editor, Publisher)
    • U (Saw) Khaing Oo
    • U Ba Myint (Retired Pro-Rector)
    • U Soe Paing (ex-UCC, retired from UN)
    • U Kyaw Tun (Saya of our sayas, President of RIT EE, GBNF)
    • U Sein Hlaing (EE Professor, GBNF)
    • U Tint Swe (Former Footballer for Prome Hall, Tennis, GBNF)
    • U Ba Lwin
    • U Sein Win (President of RIT Swimming, President of RIT Rowing, later EP Professor, GBNF)
    • U Thein Lwin (President of RIT Badminton, Singapore, GBNF)
    • U Tin Shwe (ex-ABAC, Uzin, GBNF)
    • U Sein Maung (ex-ABAC, attended SPZP-2000)
    • Ma Tin Tin @ Anne (EC, US)

    Happy to send precious memory re-caller.

    Absentees:
    Kyaw Sein (EP69, Myingyan, ex-cement mill, Singapore),
    Kyaw Soe (EC, ex-DCA, GBNF)
    Ko Toung @ Tom (EC, USA)

    There are other Electrical classmates (63/64 intakes or 69/70/71 grads) such as

    • Minn Aung @ Hla Thoung (EP, ex-cement mill, Singapore
    • Surinder Singh (EP, Taung-gyi, Australia)
    • Aung Than (EP ? or quit. Pyinmana, playing cards and chess)
    • Than Htay (EP, Dawei, RIT Tennis, ex-EPC)
    • Ko Thoung? (EP?, ex-PWC)
    • Win Mg (RIT Swimming & Rowing, left for Bristol Tech College before graduation, ex-UBA, ex-private air line)
    • Tin Shwe (EP, Taungthar, ex-EPC)
    • Aye Thaw (EP, Kyaukpadaung, ex-EPC)
    • Ba Oak (EP, Shwe Bo, ex-EPC)
    • Khin Mg Tint (EP, Windwin-Meiktila, ex-EPC)
    • Myo Hein (EP, Meiktila, ex-Jute dept)
    • Thein Htun @ Michael (ex-sailor, jolly)
    • Kyi Shwin (ex-astrologer)

      as far as I remember.

    Regards and with Metta
    Thein Swe

    Comments


    After retirement, several Sayas and alumni moved back (e.g. from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand) to Myanmar.

    Some spend part of the year visiting their children and grandchildren in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, UK, USA, etc.

    Ko Aung Thu Yein (EC69, GBNF) wrote :

    Ko Thein Swe,

    A Brilliant Effort. In fact it is a time frame. We’ll keep it as long as we live. And we want our offspring and relatives to keep it and pass it on. First our Metta to our Parents/Guardians. Then to our mentors whoever they are. Without them we’ll never be Smart Engineers.We were blessed to be in that group. And our Buddhist Philosophy. Some of us have left and we’ll follow them suit later or sooner. While we are breathing let us be together near or far. Carry on. Well done!
    Chan Thar Ko Sake Myare Bar Zay,

    Cheers,
    Aung Thu Yein

    Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC69) wrote :

    George (Lake) Win Maung left for Bristol Tech College as State Scholar to become Aeronautical Engr Radar & Radio License> He served with UBA (Union of Burma Airways) later known as BAC (Burma Airways Corporation ). He did not join DCA (Department of Civil Aviation.
    Saya U Soe Min (GBNF) & Robert Win-Boh joined DCA in 1970.
    Ko Kyaw Soe EC 68/69 (GBNF) & Ko Wunna Sithu EC 71 joined in 1972.
    Many others like Ko Kyaw Myo @ Uno EC 72 joined DCA in 1976/77 to become Aeronautical Airworthiness Officer (Instruments) & lately Dy Minister of T & C.

    Related Posts

    • 30th Anniversary of 69ers in 2009
    • RIT EE Association
    • Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
    • A Sad and Short Clip: EE Sayas
  • Buddhist Councils in Burma သံဂါယနာ

    Buddhist Councils in Burma သံဂါယနာ

    by Hla Min

    Update : 11th October 2026

    According to the Theravada Buddhist tradition, there are six Buddhist Councils. The last two were held in Burma.

    Mandalay မန္တလေး

    Ripley’s “Believe it or not” named U Khanti Kyauksar (inscriptions) of the Fifth ပဥ္စမ Buddhist Council (Synod) held in Mandalay as the “Largest Book” in the world.

    The Council was held to celebrate the 2400th Year in Sasana Era.

    King Mindon was the Sponsor.

    Kaba Aye ကမ္ဘာအေး

    U Nu & Sir U Thwin were prime movers for the Sixth ဆဌ Buddhist Council, which was held to celebrate the 2500th Year in Sasana Era.

    Mahasi Sayadaw မဟာစည်ဆရာတော် acted as the Questioner.

    Mingun Sayadaw မင်းကွန်းတရာတော် acted as the Reciter & Responder.

    Mahasi & Mingun Sayadaws

    The Guinness Book of World Records listed Tipialkadara Sayadaw Ashin Vicittathara as having an outstanding memory — the best at that time [in 1954]. Sayadaw served as the Chief Reciter (a la Ashin Upali and Ashin Ananda at the First Buddhist Council) at the Sixth Buddhist Council held at KabaAye (World Peace) Pagoda in Rangoon, Burma from 1954 – 1956.

    Sayadaw could memorize, recall, and give exposition on 8027 pages of the Buddhist Scriptures known as Tipitaka / “Three Baskets” :

    • Vinaya – ဝိနည်း Rules of monastic conduct
    • Sutta – သုတ္တန် Buddha’s discourses
    • Abhidhamma – အဘိဓမ္မာ Ultimate reality)

    He took the 2nd – 5th Tipitakadara examinations and passed with distinction in both oral and written parts. Sayadaw served as an examiner for the first Tipikadara examination. Sir U Thwin requested him to take the examination. The rest is history.

  • UCC — Founders

    by Hla Min

    Updated : 10th October 2026

    • UCC was founded by Sayas Dr. Chit Swe, U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay.
    • They are also known as Saya Chit (ချစ်), Saya Paing (ပိုင်), Saya Myo (မျိုး) and Saya Lay (လေး).
    • Among the founders, Saya Lay has the longest tenure at UCC, DCS and ICST, but he was the earliest to pass away.

    Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF)

    Dr. Chit Swe
    • Pioneer of Computer Systems, Applications & Education in Burma
    • Founder & Director of UCC
    • Former Rector, RASU
    • Taught & Supervised Maths in Rangoon, Mandalay, Bangkok & Sydney
    • Visiting Professor, Macquarie University, Australia
    • I have written several posts about Saya. See Posts

    U Soe Paing

    U Soe Paing

    One day, the people on the UCC ferry shouted, “Saya Paing”. To their amazement, ICS U Paing (Saya’s father) came out. U Paing’s spouse Daw Oo Yin is the daughter of Sir Po Tha.

    He is the second son of U Paing. He and his siblings Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, ChE70) and U Kyaw Paing (Putra Cup Player) are excellent golfers and Champions at RGC (Rangoon Golf Club) and BGC (Burma Golf Club).

    Hevmatriculated from SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) in 1956 along with Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), U Win Htein (PWD, GBNF). Bohmu Percy (Navy), U Richard Than Se (ChE), and U Ba Min (Astronomy & Maths).

    He stood 13th in Matriculation and was awarded Collegiate Scholarship.

    In 1958, he received two Gold Medals. One was for highest Total Marks in I.Sc exams. Another was for joint highest marks in Maths in I.Sc exams.

    He rowed and coxed at RUBC. He won prizes including the Inter-Hall Fours.

    He was selected as a States Scholar to attend Stanford University along with U Ko Ko Lay and Bohmu Percy. He received his BS and MS in EE (Electrical Engineering). He did programming for his studies and also worked part-time as computer operator.

    Upon his return to Burma, he joined the EE Department as Assistant Lecturer. His sponsor was UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute).

    At a research congress held in the Main Campus, he presented a paper covering Digital Logic and Circuits. Dr. Chit Swe was impressed. Through U Nyi Nyi (EE saya, who moved to the UK), Saya Paing gained contact with Dr. Chit Swe. The rest is history.

    He promised Saya Chit to recruit his top students to join the UCC Project, but the long delay of the Project to get funded made the task difficult.

    He did another Masters (this time in Computer Science) at Southampton University in UK.

    For a detailed story of Saya’s life and work at RIT, UCC and overseas as a UN Advisor, read his articles in English and Burmese. They are available in SCRIB_D.

    Sayagadaw & Classmate

    Saya U Soe Paing in California
    Saya U Soe Paing in New Jersey (2018)
    Saya U Soe Paing in 2009

    Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) was my classmate at RIT.

    She and Saya have hosted several UCC mini-gatherings at their house.At one of the gatherings in 2007, Ko Po (U Htin Kyaw, Peter Wun) not only attended the gathering, but gave me a ride back home. He also briefly mentioned about his four-month detention.

    After retirement

    After retiring from the UN, Saya visited UK and USA to spend time with his children & grandchildren.

    During his trips to New Jersey, there would be several UCC-RIT gatherings.

    Saya meditates and plays golf (for specific days of the week). He paused both activities when he had a minor ailment (hurting his back and leg).

    Per advice of Sayagadaw’s medical friends, Saya had a surgery in Singapore.

    Saya has resumed playing golf. He now uses a golf cart ant the Seniors’ Tee.

    U Myo Min

    U Myo Min

    He matriculated from SPHS in 1958. He is a class mate of Dr. Soe Win (Retired Rector, YUFL)

    He is the younger brother of Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Ba Than (M), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing, Daw Myint Thwe, Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon (A60). He is the elder brother of U Thaung Lwin (EC66) and Daw Cho Cho Hlaing.

    He is my cousin. His father is my maternal uncle, who passed away in his fifties. His mother is my paternal aunt, who lived to be 94.

    He won medals for standing first in I.Com (Intermediate of Commerce) and B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce). He majored in Accounting.

    He completed CA (Chartered Accountant) in the UK and worked as Computer Systems Analyst for IBM UK for 4+ years.

    One day, he had a call from his mother. She asked Saya if he wanted to come back to Burma to help Dr. Chit Swe the UCC Project.

    Saya was studying and working in UK when his father passed away.

    He returned to Burma and joined UCC as Applications Division Manager.

    Later, he gracefully allowed U Ko Ko Lay to manage the Scientific Applications Division. He was contented to be the Business Application Manager.

    He taught not only at UCC but also at the Institute of Economics and other Departments.

    He studied and passed the Abhidhamma “Thingyo” course.

    He did his Masters in Systems Engineering at the University of Lancaster in UK.

    Life After UCC

    He moved to Singapore and US. He retired after working for Seagate Technology and Connor.

    He is an avid reader and an accomplished conversationalist.

    His spouse is Daw Kin Kin Chit Maung (RIT English, UNESCO, sister of Saya U Tin Htut (M60). They attend several meditation retreats every year (in San Jose, California and at Hse Mile Gone monastery).

    Dr. Soe Win wrote :

    In addition to being a classmate at matriculation (St Paul’s), Ko Myo Min and his roommate Ko Mya Maung (another Paulian) welcomed me in London and took me to the flat in the same house, which they had kindly rented for me (and Ko Tin Maung Thein, another Paulian and electrical engineer). Ko Mya Maung later became his brother-in-law. Ko Myo Min is a super-likeable person who has now immersed himself in Vipassana practice.

    KMZ wrote :

    One episode stood out every time I thought about Saya Myo and Ma Ma Kin.

    Some point in my life at UCC, I became a Passport expert, a complex process those days. I learned of all the processes including where to go for what, how much ‘tea money’ to pay to who at what point etc. This knowledge was acquired following many friends went through those processes.

    Ma Ma Kin was working at UNICEF, and one day Saya Myo summoned me to help with the passport for her as she needed it to go to BKK. Some of you might remember the forms, “ကိုယ် ရေး ရာဇဝင်” to be filled out 7 copies. Saya Myo and Ma Ma Kin came from very large family, so was both sides of their parents. Saya Myo has 9 siblings. Ma Ma Kin has 8 siblings. I do not exactly recall who filled in these forms, it could have been me, 6 sets of all names, work, addresses in 7 copies.

    U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF)

    Saya U Ko Ko Lay
    • He matriculated from SPHS in 1956 along with U Soe Paing, U Win Htein, Bohmu Percy Maung Maung, U Ba Min and U Than Se (Richard).
    • He is the elder brother of U Than Htut (M67, RUBC Gold), Maw and Zaw (RUBC Gold, GBNF).
    • He studied BSCE and MSCE at Stanford University in the US.
    • Upon his return to Burma, he joined PWD as Assistant Engineer.
    • He was recruited by his friend U Soe Paing to help with the UCC Project in general and the design and implementation of UCC Building in particular.
    • He transferred to UCC as Operations Division Manager and later served as Scientific Applications Division Manager.
    • At UCC, he is fondly called as Saya Lay.
    • He studied Systems Engineering at the University of Lancaster in the UK.
    • He was Professor at the Department of Computer Science.
    • He was Professor of Information Systems at the Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST).
    • He enjoyed playing tennis, soccer and volleyball.
    • He has an excellent command of English.
    • He passed away in the early 1990s.

    Adelyne Hpyu Hpyu Aung wrote :

    Miss our Saya Lay. အဆူခံရတာတွေလဲ မမေ့ပါ

  • Names — Chit ချစ်

    Names — Chit ချစ်

    by Hla Min

    Update : 10th October 2026

    • Chit, Dr. — Secretary of BSPP
    • Chit — Blacksmith; RIT Workshop
    • Chit — Tea shop in RU Main Campus
    • Chit, Daw
    • Chit Aung (Charlie, M69)
    • Chit Chit, Daw
    • Chit Hlaing — Commissioner of Excise
    • Chit Hlaing — Co-author of “Myanmar Socialist Lanzin”
    • Chit Hlaing — Navy Commander
    • Chit Kaung
    • Chit Khin — Movie director.
    • Chit Khin— Youngest child of Dr. Chit Swe and Daw Khin Khin Latt
    • Chit Khine — Secretary, Rangoon Turf Club
    • Chit Khine — Saya; Physics
    • Chit Ko Ko — Bohmu; Secretary of the Revolutionary Council & associated government.
    • Chit Ko Ko
    • Chit Lwin
    • Chit Maung — Movie actor and director.
    • Chit Maung, Journal Kyaw — Journalist and publisher; Spouse : Journal Kyaw Ma Ma Lay
    • Chit Maung — Entrepreneur; Businesses include Amyotha Yoke Shin, Carlton Cinema, Khit Ah Kyaik Nylon, U Chit Maung & Sons.
    • Chit Myaing — Colonel; Last of the 17 member Revolutionary Council to pass away; Ambassador to Yugoslavia and the UK; Moved to the USA; Supported Sayadaw U Kelasa; Brothers : Chit Hlaing, Chit Pyaing; Daughter : Amy Chit Myaing (Lei Lei Myaing, T70) retired from IMF.
    • Chit Nyi Nyi
    • Chit Oo Nyo — Author and lecture
    • Chit Pe (M69, GBNF) — Succumbed to Covid
    • Chit Po Po (M69) — RIT Rowing; Harp
    • Chit Sabai — Vocalist
    • Chit San Win — Author
    • Chit Sein
    • Chit Shwe
    • Chit Soe — Swimmer, Diplomat
    • Chit Swe, Dr. — Founder Director of UCC; Rector, RASU; Supervised students in Burma, Bangkok and Sydney
    Dr. Chit Swe in Sydney with his former students
    • Chit Swe, Sandaya — Composer and pianist
    • Chit Swe — Lecturer in Political Science (during BSPP era)
    • Chit Than — Thaing Saya
    • Chit Thaung — Minister in the Care Taker Government
    • Chit Thein — Author of High School Chemistry
    • Chit Tin (EC69, GBNF) — Worked for MOC/MOGE and in Singapore.
    • Chit Tin — Spouse of my cousin aunt.; He was never sick; The other is U Kwee Si (Ah Yoe Ku Saya, father of Ko Sein and Ko Shein); Both passed away the very day they sort of “fell sick”.

    Names with Chit in middle or end

    • Ba Chit
    • Myo Chit
    • Pe Chit
    • Sein Chit
  • Names — Aung Kyaw Myint အောင်ကျော်မြင့်

    Names — Aung Kyaw Myint အောင်ကျော်မြင့်

    by Hla Min

    Update : 10th October 2026

    Aung Kyaw Myint (Eddie Shein)

    Eddie
    • Matriculated from SPHS63
    • Attended IM(2)
    • Transferred to RIT
    • Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1970
    • Hobbies include astrology and palmistry.

    Aung Kyaw Myint, H.E

    • He escaped death when only one of the bombs set up at the Mausoleum by the North Korean agents went off.
    • Six members of the South Korean delegation and the Kyemon reporter died.

    Aung Kyaw Myint

    • Attended computer classes at UCC
    • Worked on computer projects (e.g. Forest Reserve Inventory).
  • Steeve’s message in 2000

    Steeve’s message in 2000

    by Hla Min

    Updated : 10th October 2026

    Steeve Kay သောင်းစိန်

    SPZP-2000

    • RIT Alumni International hosted the First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
    • It started with a Welcome Dinner at a seafood restaurant for attendees.
    Welcome Dinner
    • The Reunion Dinner & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held at the Enbassy Suites Hotel near SFO (International Airport).
    SPZP-2000
    • A family Lunch gathering at a High School bade farewell to the SPZP attendees, organizers and volunteers.

    Steeve’s Message following SPZP-2000

    RIT Poet Laureate Ko Hla Min:

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is steeve-kay-1.jpg
    Steeve Kay 1

    I must admit that I was suffering from a Monday morning “hangover”, having been intoxicated with emotional overdose over the reunion weekend [in October 2000].

    Judging from the post-reunion emails I read, I am not alone. What a reunion!

    By all measures, it was a success and did satisfy the alumni’s tremendous pent-up desire to reconnect with each other after many decades of separation. The dedication of the members of the organizing committee is second to none.

    With the assistance of his lovely wife, Benny Tan devoted practically full-time to this project for several months. I had a first-hand experience to see how meticulous he was when he was designing the RIT T-shirt. It came out a winner!

    I do appreciate the sensitivity the organizing committee displayed in making this event non-religious and non-political. Otherwise, it would have been very difficult for me to attend. The only regret is that I failed to locate the whereabouts of my buddy Ko Aung Min of Taunggyi (M70). I heard he went to Singapore, but so far my search has ended in “no find”.

    Now that the grand reunion is over, everybody is slowly recovering from the “hangover”. The big question is who would go to Singapore in 2002, and how do we go about doing it?

    With best regards,
    Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein)

    Editor’s notes

    Steeve Kay 2
    • Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70) is a multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs. He donated $200000+ to RIT-related projects and events.
    Steeve Kay 3
    • He attended GTI for a while before joining the first ever 1st BE class in 1964.
    • Received MSEE from Stanford University and MBA from Pepperdine University.
    • At the request of his sister, who is a medical doctor who had patents for processing disability claims, he decided to transform from a successful electronics designer to the CEO of QTC Management.
    • After private investors showed interest in his company, he retired, but continued to lead a multiple-purpose fourth career: (a) visiting the places of the world’s leading religions
      (b) establishing Kay Family Foundation (c) incubating the projects of young professionals
      (d) supporting education (e.g. as trustee of University of California at Irvine)
      (e) maintaining a diverse business portfolio
      (f) helping those in need
      (g) continue paying back the metta and cetana of his mentors — as Golden Sponsor of RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes, Helen and Steeve Kay Health Care Fund for the RIT Sayas and Sayamas.
    • Steeve is now GBNF.
  • Interviews

    Interviews

    by Hla Min

    Update : 10th October 2026

    Interview by HMEE

    Several Sayas were interviewed for the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Ecucation) Project.

    Saya U Tin U

    • U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) interviewed U Tin U (C).
    • U Tin U joined RU in 1946 and attended Engineering classes before studying in the USA.
    • BS in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University
    • MS in Civil Engineering from Yale.
    • He taught Part-time at Rangoon University while working for a private Construction Company.
    • Treasurer, BSCE (Burma Society of Civil Engineers)
    • He is the Most Senior & Oldest Past Captain of RUBC and Past Captain of RGC.

    U Khin Aung Kyi (GBNF)

    U Khin Aung Kyi
    • U Ohn Khine (M70) and team interviewed Saya U Khin Aung Kyi.
    • He joined RU in 1949 and attended Engineering classes before studying in the USA.
    • BS and MS in Chemical Engineering at MIT.
    • He served as Professor and Head of Chemical Engineering, and as Rector of RIT (1977 – 1988).

    Interview by Gazettes

    • Mandalay Gazette and Myanmar Gazette interviewed selected Sayas and Alumni.
    • U Maung Maung Kyi founded Mandalay Gazette.
    • Thakin Kai Bhor is Chief Editor and Publisher of Myanmar Gazette. He earlier served as Editor and Technical Advisor for Mandalay Gazette.
    • I was interviewed by Mandalay Gazette several years ago.
    Mandalay Gazette
    • Saya U Min Wun and Saya Dr. Tin Win were interviewed by Myanmar Gazette.

    Interview by AZMTV

    • U Htaik San (Henry Kao, M81) is Past President of Burmese Associations in Southern California.
    • He is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC.
    • He and his spouse helped run AZMTV. They and their team interviewed selected sayas and alumni who attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
    • Henry sent me links to the videos (published in You Tube). I have posted the links.

    Saya U Min Wun

    • He joined RU in 1949 and attended Engineering classes before studying in the USA.
    • BS from MIT and MS frim Cornell.
    • He served as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering before moving to USA.
    • He retired from Caltrans at the age of 80.
    • He was a member of Myanmar Pyeik Ka Dein Ah Phwe.
    • He wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
    • Saya passed away in Southern California.

    Saya U Myo Myint Sein (A58)

    • He is from the first batch of Architecture graduates.
    • He received MS from Michigan.
    • He served as Professor and Head of Architecture before moving to USA.
    • He served as Consultant / Lecturer and also authored books.
    • He wrote for Swel Daw Yeik Magazine and HMEE.
    • He played soccer for Engineering and RU.
    • He was President of RU ConBro Association.

    Life Journey of Saya U Ba Toke

    • Tekkatho Maung Thin Char တက္ကသိုလ်မောင်သင်္ချာ Saya (Dr. Khin Maung Swe, GBNF) interviewed Sayagyi U Ba Toke (GBNF).
    • The tapes were transcribed by his spouse Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing ဒေါ်မြင့်မြင့်ခိုင်daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing အာဇာနည်မန်းဘခိုင်)
    • The book was sponsored by RU Thin Char Ah Thinn ရန်ကုန်တက္ကသိုလ်သင်္ချာမိသားစုas a birthday present for Sayagyi.

    Interview by Yangon Media

    Saya U Thet Lwin (Maung Ngwe Hlinne)

    • He matriculated from St. Paul’s High School.
    • He taught Burmese at the Institute of Economics.
    • He transferred to RIT as Registrar.
    • He retired as Director from DHE.
    • He received a Dat Pya and a remuneration of K100 for his song “Mya Kyun Nyo”. The song has been sung at RU Centennial and SPZPs. He played the song for a special TV program.
    • Patron of RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn
    • Publisher of RIT Annual Magazine

    Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)

    • He matriculated from St. John’s Dio.
    • He was Editor of RUESU Annual Magazine and learned first hand about early Printing systems.
    • Poet
    • Author of five books
    • Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung (for SPZPs in 2002, 2007 and 2010) and Swel Daw Yeik Magazine (for Shwe YaDu 2014 and SPZP-2016).
    • He was interviewed for TV and Journals.
  • RIT Days (1965 – 70)

    RIT Days (1965 – 70)

    by Zaw Min and Ohn Khine

    Updated : 10th October 2026

    Edited by Hla Min

    Introduction

    Zaw Min (EP70)

    Zaw Min (Standing 2nd from Right)
    • Matriculated from St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo in 1964.
    • Had a high ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) and was admitted to the first ever 1st BE as Roll Number One.
    • Selected RIT Luyechun for the 1965 Summer Camp at Inlay. His outspoken remarks about the Camp drew the ire of higher authorities.
    • Graduated with Electrical Power (EP) in 1970.
    • After working in the industry, he moved to the USA.
    • Studied Electronics in the USA
    • Added “Nawaday” to his name.
    • Several years ago, he shared his memories of RIT to the Google group of “the Combined Intake of 1st BE for 1964 and 1965”.

    Ohn Khine (M70)

    Ohn Khine
    • He matriculated from St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay in 1964.
    • Took a combination of Science and Arts subjects and had good ILA score to be admitted to RIT.
    • Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1970
    • Worked for Heavy Industries Corporation (HIC),
    • Created and maintained the the Google group of “the Combined Intake of 1st BE for 1964 and 1965”.
    • Volunteered for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016, HMEE-2012 and HMEE-2018, Swel Daw Yeik Foundation and several RIT-related activities.
    • Gave me rides during my visits to Yangon.
    • Filled the missing pieces in Ko Zaw Min’s accounts.

    Hla Min (EC69)

    Hla Min (DTM)
    Hla Min (Pon Tu)
    • He matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1963. Stood 7th in Burma and received Collegiate Scholarship.
    • Finished Top in the Science Option of I.Sc.(A) examination
    • Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964 as Roll Number One.
    • Selected Luyechun for the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the Summer of 1965
    • Graduated with Electrical Communications in 1969.
    • Started the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in 1989 and have maintained it for 26 years.
    • Administrator or Moderator of selected Facebook pages.
    • Maintain web sites :
      hlamin.com &
      myanmar2021.wordpress.com
    • Had the honor to edit the draft versions “Memories by Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) and Ko Ohn Khine (M70)”, which was first posted as Google Docs for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
    • Published the edited document as a series of articles in “RIT Alumni Newsletter and Updates”.

    Three Intakes in 1964

    The new education system started in 1964. Eligible students were admitted to the 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes. They are also known as

    • Class of ’70 (1st BE Intake in 1964) : Matriculates were admitted using the ILA
    • Class of ’69 (2nd BE Intake in 1964) : Those who had passed I.Sc.(A) with Science Option were admitted in order of merit
    • Class of ’68 (3rd BE Intake in 1964) : Those who had passed I.Sc.(B) with Science Option were admitted in order of merit

    The RIT Rector was U Yone Mo and the Registrar was U Soe Thein.

    U Yone Mo

    Class of ’70

    It comprised of the first year intake students in 1964. There were 494 registered students, of which 67 were female. Most graduated in 1970. Some took sabbatical and graduated later. A few left RIT before graduation. The GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) list is maintained by Ko Ohn Khine & team.

    The matriculates entered the first ever 1st BE classes. The ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) was used for the vetting of applicants. In the system, a score of 1 to 20 was assigned to map the marks for each subject. The ILA score (rather than the raw marks) was used to determine the eligibility of the students admitted to an institute.

    Under the old education system, the matriculates had to attend I.Sc. (A) classes. There were restrictions on the subjects taken at Inter classes to be eligible for Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, etc. For example, one must pass the I.Sc. with at least 50 marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry to attend the 1st Year Engineering Classes (3rd BE in the new system).

    Under the new education system, there were no restrictions on the subjects taken in Matriculation exam. As such, many students who passed Matriculation with combined Science and Arts subjects and even those with pure Arts subjects were able to attend RIT. For example, Ko Ohn Khine passed the Matriculation exam with the combination of Maths, Chemistry and Geography.

    Class of ‘69

    Most members matriculated in 1963. They attended I.Sc(A) with the Science Option : Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

    Eligible students were admitted to 2nd BE in November 1964.

    Most graduated in 1969. Some took Sabbatical and graduated later. A few left RIT before graduation. The GBNF list is maintained by Ko Aung Min (M69) & team.

    Class of ‘68

    Most matriculated in 1962. They attended I.Sc(A) and I.Sc(B) with the Science Option : Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

    Eligible students were admitted to 3rd BE in November 1964.

    Most graduated in 1968. Some took Sabbatical and graduated later. A few left RIT before graduation. There is no official maintainer for the GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) list.

  • Service to RIT Community

    Service to RIT Community

    by Hla Min

    Updated : 10th October 2026

    Messenger

    Since April 1999, I have served as a messenger, a story teller and a record keeper of the RIT Community.

    It would not be possible without the support from my beloved spouse. She attended SPZPs and selected gatherings.

    My beloved spouse

    In the beginning

    Full of Excitement

    Many sayas and alumni contributed news, articles, photos, jokes, cartoons, suggestions and comments.

    They were excited to get reconnected electronically and physically.

    Down Memory Lane

    Kogyi Koung

    Several enjoyed walking down memory lane. Kogyi Koung (Dr. Koung Nyunt, A67, GBNF) wrote about several topics. They include

    • Lost songs from RIT : one by Sayagyi U Tha Tun ဦးသာထွန်း, another for Ma Ma Q မမကြူ
    • Letter to Thagyarmin သိကြားမင်း about Naw Louisa Benson
    • Kyaik Hti Yo Development Project ကျိုက်ထီးရိုး

    University Days

    Saya U Aung Khin, U Aw Taik Moh, Saya Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Min Wun (GBNF), Saya Dr. San Hla Aung, Saya U Soe Paing, U Tin Htoon, U Myint Khine (Norman), Ko Htay Aung (Victor) and several others wrote about their University Days (Yankin College, Main Campus, BOC College, Leik Khone, Gyogone Campus).

    Photo Contributors

    The following provided Class Photos, Group Photos and other interesting photos.

    • Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)
    • Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) & classmates
    • Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF)
    • Saya U San Tun (M59, GBNF)
    • Saya L. Tin Tun (Chris, M59)
    • Saya Krishna (M59)
    • U Soe Thein (EE60)
    • U Tin Htoon (A60) & classmates
    • Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67)
    • U Thein Swe (EE69, GBNF) & classmates
    • U Aung Min (M69) & classmates
    • Benny Tan (M70) & classmates
    • U Kyi Aung (Roland, ChE73)
    • Dr. L Sein Myint (M73) & classmates
    • U Myint Swe (EP74), Daw San San (EC74) & classmates

    We have acknowledged the Contributions in my Newsletter Updates, my Facebook groups and my website.

    Fast forward

    SPZP-2000 Organizers
    • I am the Last Guy Standing from the Organizers of SPZP-2000.
    • Several are spending quality time with their families (especially Myees).
    • The RIT webmasters (Ko Khin Maung Zaw & Ko Wunna Ko Ko) became extremely busy after getting lucrative jobs. The websites became inactive.

    SPZPs

    • There were seven Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2016.
    • SPZP-2020 was canceled due to the pandemic.
    • There will probably be no more RIT Gathering that can equal SPZP-2016 (using any Metric).

    Jara, Byadi & Marana ဇရာ၊ ဗျာဓိ၊ မရဏ

    • Many sayas, organizers, sponsors & donors, alumni are GBNF.
    • 45% of 69ers are GBNF. About 20 passed away in 2020. 18 succumbed to Covid.
    • Not so senior sayas and alumni are having medical problems in the sunset of their lives.
    • Loss of memory & balance are becoming common.

    Pleaded for Help, but …

    • One said he wished he were 30 years younger to help me.
    • Another suggested providing some incentives to interested “New Blood” to keep my project alive and eventually take over.
    • I am hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst.
    • I have categorized and tagged my posts for easier access.
    • I have laid down the foundation for “Memories of our alma mater, mentors and alumni” Project.
    • I am confident that some passionate sayas & alumni will fulfill my Dreams.

    Thanks

    • Kudos to all who have kept the RIT Spirit alive and well.

    Related Posts

    • Memories of 69er, CHM, PBRS, RIT, RUBC, SPHS, SPZPs, Toastmasters, UCC
    • My Beliefs
    • My Passion
    • My Writings
  • Mon Sayadaw မွန်ဆရာတော်

    Mon Sayadaw မွန်ဆရာတော်

    by Hla Min

    Updated : 10th October 2026

    U Thilawunta (1912 – 2011) ဦးသီလဝန္တ

    Mon Sayadaw
    • Known fondly as “Mon Sayadaw မွန်ဆရာတော်”
    • Dat Paung Zon Sayadaw ဓာတ်ပေါင်းစုံ ဆရာတော် from 1949

    Dat Poung Zon Pagoda

    • In 1948, my father, his siblings and dhamma friends (e.g U Kyaw Myint) built the Dat Paung Zon Pagoda and Monastery.
    My parents
    • My elder brother was ordained as a novice. He volunteered as a Construction Helper.

    DPZ Sayadaw

    • He served as the Chief Abbot of the Dat Paung p Aung Min Gaung monastery on Windermere Road, Rangoon, Burma from 1949.

    Trip to USA

    Pagoda in Allegheny
    • At the invitation of U Thant, Sayadaw traveled to the US (via the ocean liner – predating the days of air travel) and built a pagoda on the Allegheny Mountains.

    Ananda Bodhi

    • In 1958, Leslie Dawson, Canadian of Irish and Scottish descent, asked Mon Sayadaw to be his mentor.
    • Dawson traveled to Bodh Gaya, India to rejoin the Sayadaw and received ordination as a samanera (novice monk).
    • He continued on to Burma where he was ordained as Anandabodhi bhikkhu at the Shwedagon temple, Rangoon (21 Dec 1958).
    • Ananda Bodhi had followers in Canada and New Zealand, most of whom have visited Sayadaw and the Dat Paung Zon pagoda. Two of them also ordained as Buddhist monks with Mon Sayadaw as preceptor.
    • Ananda Bodhi became a Tibetan Master with the name Namgyal Rinpoche in 1971, but continued to preach dhamma from Theravada, …

    Pagodas around the world

    Mon Sayadaw built pagodas in the several countries including USA, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.

    DPZ 1
    DPZ 2
    DPZ 3
    DPZ 4
    DPZ 5
    DPZ 6

    Suggested Reading

    Details of Sayadaw’s dhamma duta missions can be found in the official biography (in Burmese and English) and the web pages of his disciples (e.g Dr. Steven K H Aung).