RIT Alumni helped establish the following Associations in California :
BEA
Burmese / Bay Area Engineers Association
Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF) was a founding member of BEA & served as the First President. He was President of TBSA. He wrote articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter & SPZP-2000.
U Htin Paw
Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59) succeeded U Htin Paw as President. He invited us to his birthday party & his son’s wedding reception. He had a Stroke. He is recuperating.
U San Tun
Saya K C Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63) succeeded U San Tun as President. He proposed the idea of forming BEA with sayas and alumni in the SF Bay Area. Lily (T73) agreed to be Secretary.
K C (Right)Lily (Seated, Center)
BEA merged with BASTS into BAPS.
BAPS
Burmese American Professional Society
Saya U Nyo Win (Dr. K H Chen, M65) served as the first President of BAPS. He also served as Editor of BAPS Newsletter.
U Nyo Win (2nd)
Benny Tan (Tan Yu/Eu Beng, M70) succeeded U Nyo Win as President
Benny
Maurice Chee (U Hla Myint Thein, M75) succeeded Benny Tan as President
Maurice (Seated Right)
The Three became founding members of RIT Alumni International and Core Organizers for SPZP-2000.
BASES
Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists
Saya U Tin Htut (M60), U Tin Htway (M59) and U “David” Tun Tin founded BASES. They adapted the BAPS bye-laws and added the needs for those in Southern California.
U Tin Htut
Several sayas and alumni served President, VP, Secretary, Advisor & EC member. They include U Tin Htway (M59), Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L Tin Htun, EE59), Saya U Tin Htut (M60), Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62), U Tun Aung (Jefferey, EC68), U Aung Khin (EP68), U Tin Nwe (Milton, C68), U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68), U Thura Thant Zin (M76) & U Win Naing (Michael, M81)
Thura
RIT Alumni International
SF Bay Area Alumni Group
Founded by the SF Bay Area Alumni Group led by Saya Allen Htay.
SF Bay Area Alumni
To host SPZP-2000
To support RIT Alumni Newsletter (founded by U Hla Min, EC69), and the first RIT website (designed & implemented by U Khin Maung Zaw, EC76).
U Hla Min
Saya Allen served as President.
Maurice served as Treasurer. He and Benny chaired the Working Committee for SPZP-2000. They wore multiple hats for SPZP-2000.
Founding members included Saya Allen (C58), Saya K (ChE63), Saya Nyo (M65), Saya George (ChE66), Saya Myat Htoo (C68), Hla Min (EC69), Benny (M70), Saya Thein Aung (Met72), Maurice (M75), KMZ (EC76) and Gordon (M83).
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Several more sayas and alumni (including BAPS and BASES members) volunteered for SPZP-2000.
Norcal RITAA
Founded to continue the Vision & Mission of RIT Alumni International.
NorCal RITAA
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) served as the first President. Successors : Gordon Kaung (M83), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) and U Tin Maung Win (C76)
Saya U Maung Maung
Stan Liou (M67) served as first Chair of BOD (Board of Directors). Successor : Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
YTU Library
Activities: Financial support for children of alumni in Norcal & for eligible YTU students; Support for YTU Library Modernization; Annual Dinner and/or Picnic; Coordinated with BASES for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay on August 20, 2016.
He prepared electronic & hard copy of the birthday wishes.
Awards & Birthday Cards
Another set was for attendees, who had not sent wishes by e-mail.
Thanks to the sayas, colleagues and friends for a memorable gathering.
Appreciation from Alumni in US & Canada
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend the soonkyway, but he requested Maurice to donate a food dish for him & his family. Sayagyi’s message was read by Maurice.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the appreciation award at Half Moon Bay soonkwyay and gathering.
Appreciation Award
From NorCal RITAA Dinner in Dec 2016
Alumni Appreciation Award was signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair, BOD), Gordon Kaung (M83, President) and U Thaung Nyunt (M87, Secretary).
Award 2
Saya U Myat Htoo presented the award to me at the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner, 2016.
From SPHS in 1963
There were five Paulians in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty. They received Collegiate Scholarship.
SPHS63
Dr. Khin Maung U (Retired from FDA, USA) – 1st
Dr. Min Oo (Retired Maths Professor in Canada) – 2nd
Dr. Myo San (Freddie, Surgeon, GBNF) – 3rd
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, Professor in IM & Malaysia) – 4th
Dr. Thein Wai (Migrated to USA after graduation) – 5th
U Hla Min (Retired Software Engineer) – 7th
7th place
Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Cardiologist) – 9th
U Maung Maung Kyi (Dip Ing, GBNF) – 11th
U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69, GBNF) – 13th
Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Retired Doctor in UK) – 17th
From Toastmasters International
DTM 1DTM 2Hall of Fame
Awards
CC (Competent Communicator)
ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze)
ACS (Advanced Communicator Silver)
ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold)
CL (Competent Leader)
ALB (Advanced Leader Bronze)
ALS (Advanced Leader Silver)
DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)
I served as
Club Officer
Area Governor
Club Coach
Contest Chair
Ambassador
Guest Speaker
Test Speaker
Team Builder (for Excellent Leadership)
MP3 players
Mug & CD Player
Dhamma Talks & Lectures
Received MP3 player with dhamma talks from U Khin Maung Tun, SDYF President at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Also received MP3 players from
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt
My sisters
Dhamma friends
Each player has Paritta Pali (protective verses) and dhamma talks by different sayadaws.
From my Life Savers
Coffee mug with photos
My beloved grandchildren gave it as present for Grand Father’s Day
Books
Dhamma & Bawa
For writing,translating, editing or proof-reading
I edited or proof-read books written by
Sayadaws (U Silananda, U Jotalankara)
Sayas (Des Rodgers)
Friends (U Aung Zaw).
They provided me copies of their books.
Book Presents
I received books from others. They include
“Life Journey of Maths Professor U Ba Toke” : autographed copy
U Ba Toke
“Myanmar in my life-time” by BBS U Khin Zaw — air mailed from Australia by U Wint Khin Zaw
Book by U Khin Zaw
Book honoring Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint — air mailed from Australia by Dr. TOKM
TOKM
Centennial for U Khin Maung Latt & Daw Khin Myo Chit — Two books by Junior Win
Books by U Ye Sint (former Editor of Dhammananda Newsletter) : His works; Pathan Dethana (Dhamma Dana by his siblings)
U Kesala (Chief Resident monk, Alodaw Pyie Monastery in Arizona) : Dhamma Q&A; Several other books
“Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho” by Shwe Ky May Hnin — Given to me at San Francisco Bay Area Talk
Book by Shwe Ku May Hnin
Books by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) —Collection of Poems; Collection of Articles
Saya Moe
Book by Saya U Nyunt Htay — Collection of Swel Daw Poems
RIT Poets
Books by Nyan Oo Maung (aka Mudita Shwe Kyaung Sayadaw U Nyanika)
Books by various sayadaws in Bay Area & beyond : Beelin Sayadaw, U Dhammapiya, U Gosita, Dhamma Bheri Sayadaw, Aung San Tat Oo Sayadaw, Thamanay Kyaw
Books by Dr. San Oo, Daw Than Yi and family
“Yahandar and Poke Ko Htoo Myar” by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing — in the 80’s for translating several of his “Dhamma Duta” articles
Books by Sayawun Tin Shwe — Given by his daughter Tyn Tyn Aye during her UCC studies
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar : U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin, Collection Bagan poems (by Zawgyi, translated by Ah May Thar).
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt believes in a revolving library. Gave me several books that he enjoyed reading.
8-8-88 by Dat Pone Htein Win — Received at 5th ILF
Books by Members of Professional Spakers Association (PSA) : Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing, Kaythri Kyaw …
Publications
Contributing Editor for “90th Anniversary Issue of the Founding of RUBC” (2013)
Wrote articles and/ or poems for
Guardian
Working People’s Daily
Forward Magazine
Veda Magazine
Pan Magazine
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
Encyclopedia
BAPS Newsletter
RIT Alumni Newsletter (Special issue for SPZP-2000)
Newsletter
“Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010
SDY Sar Saung
“Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for Shwe YaDu
SDY Magazine
U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for HMEE-2012.
CDs
Received raw and formal CDs and DVDs for the various RIT Gatherings.
Standing: Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66), U Hla Min (EC69), Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met72), Saya Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65), Saya U Myat Htoo (C68), Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70)
Seated : U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83), Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF), Saya Dr. Tin Aung (K C Chiu, ChE63), Maurice Chee (U Hla Myint Thein, M75)
Photographer : U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76)
Founding Members
Met at Benny’s house several times
Discussed the formation of “RIT Alumni International” to support the Newsletter and web site
Decided to hold a Grand Reunion and SPZP in October 2000
SPZP-2000
Served as members of the Working Committee and Steering Committee for SPZP-2000
Saya Allen Htay (GBNF)
Saya Allen
Leader of the group
President of “RIT Alumni International”, which organized the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
His classic article, “Brother, can you afford US $500?” was partly responsible for five Golden Sponsors, and the generous donations by sayas and alumni.
Retired three times. His former students U Thein Aung & U Myat Htoo coaxed him to un-retire twice.
Saya Allen’s grandsons
Saya did not recover from a debilitating stroke. Did not live long enough to spend time with his grand children. One grandson had “Allen” as his first name. Another had “Allen” as his middle name.
Saya K C Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung)
Saya K C
Brother of Saya Dr. Aung Soe (C61)
Past President of BEA
After retirement, he relocated to Southern California.
He wrote : In early ‘80, Dr. Tin Win was working in Houston and came to the Bay Area on business trip. Dr. Tin Win was visiting me at home while Lily and I were discussing BEA matter. I believed they were meant for each other. The rest is history.
Saya Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen)
Saya Nyo
Past President of BAPS
Core Organizer for SPZP-2000
Founding member of NorCal RITAA and served as a member BOD (Board of Directors)
Retired after working in high technology companies in the Silicon Valley & Taiwan
Saya U Maung Maung (George)
Saya George (Left)
Founding member of NorCal RITAA and served as the inaugural President.
Organized a fund raiser for the “Staff Training” component of “YTU Library Modernization”.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
U Myat Htoo
Past President of Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)
Past President of Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA)
Founding member of NorCal RITAA; Served three terms as Chair, BOD of NorCal RITAA
Co-emcee of SPZP-2000
Plays the ukelele and piano. A favorite song is theparody of “Lost Neikban”.
U Hla Min (Life Long Learner)
Hla Min
Completed 26 years as Founder and Chief Editor of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”
Editor and Content Provider of RIT Alumni websites
Chose to re-tire (re-thread) rather than retire (per Steeve’s suggestion)
Decided to pay back to his alma mater(s): RIT and UCC (per advice of spouse, sayas, colleagues & friends)
Wrote 40+ postings of “Memories of UCC” in three days during his vacation to Myanmar.
Owner, Admin and Moderator of hlamin.com web site & several Facebook groups.
Screenshot
Broadcast 220+ Educational Videos on selected topics. Channel for YouTube is @hmin3664
Benny Tan (Tan Eu Beng)
Benny (Right)
Succeeded Dr. Nyo Win as President of BAPS.
Successful entrepreneur.
Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs.
Designed the banner and mementos for SPZP-2000.
Now spending quality time with six grand children and taking trips & cruises around the world.
Saya U Thein Aung (James)
Set Hmu Maung
Mr. RIT in 1968. His mentor was Commander Maung Maung (Mr. Burma in 1947). A few years back, he handed over the “Sa-Lwe” for Mr. RIT68) to U Wynn Htain Oo (M72).
Co-emcee of SPZP-2000
Contributing Editor for BAPS Newsletter
Associate Editor of the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter
Maurice Chee(Hla Myint Thein)
Maurice
Succeeded Benny as President of BAPS.
Wore multiple hats for SPZP-2000. Co-Chair of the Working Committee with Benny; Financial Controller; Published the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni Newsletter”; Did name tags; Coordinated the culinary experts for the follow-up lunch gathering.
Founding member & Past Vice President of NorCal RITAA.
In August 2016, he organized the Soon Kway gathering at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay for my birthday and to recognize my volunteer work.
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ)
KMZ (Second from Right)UCC-RIT Gathering
Belongs to three circles — St. Paul’s High School, RIT and and UCC — like Saya U Soe Paing and me.
Took the group photo
Designed and implemented http://www.ex-rit.org website, which contributed to the planning & implementation of SPZP-2000. Many contributed to “Count down to the Reunion” and “Post Reunion” pages. I wrote 64 posts for “Count down to the Reunion” and 36 posts for “Post Reunion”.
Was then an eligible bachelor; Worked four 10-hour days & had a three day weekend
His RIT web site was largely responsible for the success of SPZP-2000. Promised to have Version 2.0 of the web (with better features). Could not fulfill his promise.
Luckily for him, he moved to the challenging and lucrative job at Microsoft, and also became blessed with a wonderful family.
U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon Kaung)
Gordon (Center)
Youngest member of the group
Founded “Mechanical Solutions” in San Francisco
He and his spouse Lillian Kaung (EC83) later set up iNapa Winery & hosted RIT-related gatherings. The Winery survived two fires.
Founding member of NorCal RITAA; Succeeded U Maung Maung as President
NorCal RIT Alumni Association
Donated Premium Wine bottles for selected events (e.g. the Annul Dinner and Summer Picnic for NorCal RITAA, 2005 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles).
There are two kidneys, but some people can live with one kidney.
U Khin Maung Maung
U Aung Zaw Maung (Pet78, ex-UCC) mentioned that his father lived for 40 years with one good kidney.
Daw Kyawt
U Aung Zaw & Daw Kyawt
Daw Tint Tint Wai (Daw Kyawt) donated a kidney to her spouse U Aung Zaw. She is doing fine. After a decade, U Aung Zaw passed away. The kidney that she donated was still doing fine.
Dialysis
U Tin Hlaing
U Tin Hlaing
Saya U Tin Hlaing (M59, GBNF) was Head of the Agricultural Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical Engineering). Had kidney problem, but he did not have access to the two dialysis machines that were for VIP in Burma. Applied for passport and visa to have medical treatment abroad, but he did not receive them in time.
Cases
Based on the severity, the frequency and number of dialysis sessions.
Most patients have to visit a hospital or clinic.
A few had to perform dialysis at home.
Transplant
U Aung Zaw
U Aung Zaw (2nd from Right)
Saya U Aung Zaw (ex-UCC) is indebted to his spouse Daw Kyawt, who donated her kidney. The love story can be read in Saya Zaw’s first book “Dhammaand Bawa ဓမ္မနဲ့ ဘဝ”. I wrote the Foreword.
Dhamma & Bawa
He published a second book “Cetana Thi Thar Kan စေတနာ သည်သာ ကံ” which has a section written by me based on his ideas.
Cetana Thi Thar Kan
Henry Lim
RIT Alumni Newsletter
U Aung Myint (Henry Lim) served as Chief Editor of the BAPS Newsletter and an Associate Editor of the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000. He founded the “Golden Padauk” and “Durian” magazines in the San Francisco Bay Area, but at his doctors’ advice, he stopped publishing the magazines to preserve his health. Luckily, he found a match for his kidney transplant. He had a renewed life full of oversea travels.
Aung Khin
Aung Khin (Last Row 5th from Left)
U Aung Khin (SPHS 63, GBNF) is the second son of Dr. Ko Gyi (MS of EENT hospital). He had two kidney transplants and succumbed while he was trying to have a third transplant.
Have spent 27 years (from 1999) paying back to my alma mater & my mentors
Thanks to my family members for their support.
1963
SPHS63
Received award given by SPHS for passing Matriculation (7th in Burma) Won Collegiate Scholarship
7th in Matriculation examination of 1963
Attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone
Senior Novices Runner-up at RUBC Monsoon Regatta with Willie Soe Maung (Stroke, GBNF), Kyaw Wynn (3), Maung Maung Kyi (Bow, GBNF) & Myint Thein (Cox, GBNF)
Attended RUBC 40th Anniversary Dinner hosted by Sithu U Tin (President, GBNF) at Kandawgyi
Received Full Green
1964 – 1969
Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964 as the Top Student
2nd BE
Selected RIT Luyechun in the Summer of 1965 and attended the LYC Camp at Inlay Khaung Daing.
Luyechun
Joint Secretary, Secretary & Magazine Committee, RIT EE Association
RIT EE
Treasurer and Vice Captain, RUBC
Editor, Newsletter published by RIT English Association
Started free lance writing (article, poem, translation …)
My poem “Men on the Moon” was published in the Guardian in July 1969
Poem
1970 – 1998
Generation Zero member of UCC (Universities’ Comouter Center) Hardware & Software Engineer Senior Systems Programmer Manager, Business Applications
UCC
Senior Lecturer, Computer Science, DCS (Department of Computer Science)
Associate Professor, Software Technology, ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology)
Worked for several high tech companies in Silicon Valley
1999
NewsletterChief Editor, RIT Alumni Newsletter
Started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”
It started with the news and photos of some gatherings back in Burma. (a) 30th Anniversary of the Graduation of the Class of 69 [reported by Ko Daniel Tint Lwin and Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice). (b) Mini-gathering with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and other sayas and senior alumni (reported by Saya U Soe Paing)
2000
SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000 First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, USA Core Organizer
Content Provider & Editor for the First RIT Web Site designed and implemented y KMZ / Khin Maung Zaw (EC76)
Special Web Pages for SPZP-2000
Commemorative Issue of the Newsletter for SPZP-2000 Chief Editor) Composed “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem
64 Countdown to the Reunion posts
36 Post-Reunion posts
2002
SPZP-2002 Second RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team Reprinted my “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem as Back Cover
2004
SPZP-2004 Third RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
Mild earthquake did not rattle the attendees
2007
SPZP-2007 Fourth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team Contributed a poem “SWE DAW YEIK”
2010
SPZP-2010 Fifth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team Contributed an article “Sad and short clip — EE sayas”
2012
SPZP-2012 Sixth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon Traveled twice (in March and December) to help with the SPZP
True “Home Coming” in the Gyogone Campus
With Steeve Kay (Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs)
Special publication : History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar by Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team. Ko Ohn Khine (M70) and I prepared the supplemental CD for the book.
Special publication: Selected RIT Cartoons
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by U Saw Lin and team
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by Saya U Moe Aung and team; I wrote an article “Recollections of a 69er”
Memories of a 69er (published in Swel Daw Yeik Magazine in 2014)
Paved Shwe YaDu lane and set up Swel Daw Yeik benches
Translated Saya U Moe Aung’s Shwe YaDu poem
2016
RIT/YIT/YTU Alumni Association Life Member
SPZP-2016 Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
10000+ attendees
Free food and fun (all day and all night long)
Platinum Jubilee for the Class of 69 Hosted by some 69ers for their friends (in their sunset)
Alumni Appreciation Award (received for the second time)
Soonkway at Half Moon Bay Monastery (organized by U Maurice Chee) Received Alumni Appreciation Award from alumni worldwide
Annual Dinner by Northern California RIT Alumni Association Received plaque signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (Chair, BOD), U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, President), and U Thaung Nyunt (Secretary)
Alumni Appreciation Award(received for the third time)
Attended SPZP-2016 and Platinum Jubilee of the Class of 69
SPZP-2016
2017
Attended Post-SPZP2016 Gatherings
Award Distinguished Toastmaster
DTM
2018
Memories of UCC 40+ posts
Trivia : 1000+ posts (on going) Several readers said that the posts are more than Trivia
Archived newsletters and posts in my website hlamin.com
2019
Panelist, 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
ILF
Golden Jubilee, RIT 69ers
GJ
Attended several gatherings and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes
2020
Invited to join the PSA 2020 Tour to Upper Burma
Broadcast Short talks (Videos) Archived in Facebook and Youtube
Moderator & Contributor RU Centennial Facebook Group
2021 – 2023
Due to pandemic, outdoor activities were put on hold
Overseas travel required certificate of Covid vaccine
Revise articles
Write new articles
Short Trips to Singapore, Thailand & Laos
2024 – present
In 2024, we celebrated (a) Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar (b) 60th Anniversary of RIT (c) Silver Jubilee of RIT Alumni Newsletter
In 2025, updating posts.
My educational videos can be accessed from YouTube. Search for @hmin3664
Over the years, I attended several mini-gatherings and gatherings hosted by UCC sayas and alumni.
Saya U Soe Paing hosted gatherings (usually dinner meeting) at his house. Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69) was my class mate. She also attended CPC course.
U Thein Oo, Daw Tin May Lwin and several others help organize the gatherings. U Thein Oo, U Htin Kyaw, Aung Aung and several others provide transportation to or from Saya’s house.
40th Anniversary
There was fun and laughter at UCC’s 40th Anniversary Gathering.
ICST SPZP
In January 14, 2018, I attended the 5th UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe as “Generation Zero” representative and the “Most Senior” (not by age). Several attendees started their studies and/or careers at UCC.
Saw Yan Naing, son of Dr. Saw Naing (Wesley, SPHS59), gave me a ride to the Pu Zaw Pwe. SYN is a nephew of Dr Myo Khin. He is a cousin of Soe Lin Maung (UCC).
Gatherings in USA
Dr. Rafiul Ahad, Ko Khin Zaw,, Ko Aung Myint Oo & Ma Thida Khin, Ko Sein Myint & Sao Mon Sint (Cindy) and Ko Toung hosted UCC gatherings (especially to welcome and alumni visiting US). Ivan Lee hosts an annual joint gathering for UCC and RIT sayas and alumni at his home in New Jersey.
Gatherings in Singapore
Ko Tin Aung Win, Ko Zaw Tun and Pale Shein organized buffet gatherings. Ko Aung Aung & Ma Kyin Mya are regulars at the gatherings. Some have moved to Thailand and Myanmar.
Gatherings in Australia
Sydney
Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF), Ko Sein Myint Maung & Khin Aye Mu, Ko Htay Aung & Tin Tin Hlaing organized the gatherings. I met Thandar Htwe Htwe and Khin May Thet.
Ko Sein Tin created a short music video during my visit to Oz in 2006.
Saya Dr. Chit Swe founded UCC (Universities’ Computer Center) with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF). The UCC staff and students address the founding members as Saya Chit, Saya Paing, Saya Myo and Saya Lay.
U Soe PaingU Myo MinU Ko Ko Lay
Projects
I have written about Saya Chit in several of my posts. He is a Pioneer and a believer of Life Long Learning, Knowledge Transfer, Leapfrogging Technology and the Talents of the Burmese sayas and students. He is my mentor. More importantly, he allowed me to work on most of his projects (including Preparation for the UCC Project, High School Mathematics Curriculum Change, Children’s Treasury of Knowledge, and Team of System Specialists).
Vision
Saya Chit ensured that there would be a component in the UCC Project to invite short term and long term Computer Scientists and Educators to UCC. Professor Harry D Huskey (Past ACM President and a Computing Pioneer) was given the sub contract to help with the academic and professional courses being given at UCC.
Saya Chit made sure that the post-graduate diploma (DAC) and post-graduate Computer Science courses were given under the “Mathematics Department” until a separate CS Department could be opened.
Passion
Saya Chit served as Director of UCC in addition to being Professor of Mathematics.
He moved back to RASU, but never lost his passion about his pet baby UCC.
Saya retired as Rector of RASU. He then relocated to Thailand and Australia. Saya continued supervising graduate students in Australia. He is still passionate about UCC, Computers and Education in Burma and beyond.
Dr. Tin Maung
Saya Chit was succeeded by Saya Dr. Tin Maung as Director of UCC.
Saya Dr. Tin Maung retired as Rector of ICST.
DCS
During Saya Tin Maung’s tenure, the Department of Computer Science (DCS) was established under RASU. Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) was Professor. U Tun Aung Gyaw served as Associate Professor. I was a Lecturer.
The Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) was established in 1988 with Saya Dr. Tin Maung as Rector.
There were initially four Departments :
Hardware Technology (with U Tun Aung Gyaw as Associate Professor and Head)
Software Technology (with Yours Truly as Associate Professor and Head)
Information Systems (with Saya U Ko Ko Lay as Professor and Head)
Computational Mathematics
30 students were admitted to the first B.Sc (Computer Science) course.
15 students were admitted to the first B.Sc. (Computer Technology) course.
ICST later became UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon).
Gatherings
There have been gatherings to
celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the founding of UCC
celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the founding of ICST
5th Acariya Puzaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY in January 2018
6th Acariya Puzaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY in December 2019
In January 2018, I was invited as the Generation Zero Member to attend the ICST/UCSY hosted the 5th Acariya Puzaw Pwe and give a short speech.
During my visit to Yangon in January and February of 2018, I spent almost three whole days writing “Memories of UCC”. I had provided Word and PDF files, but the UCSY sayamas suggested that I should submit a shorter version for the commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary has come out.
HlaMin 