Pat Tin-Win had the courage to request Sayagyi Dr. Ba Than (who was Medical Superintendent of the Japan Khit Say Yone Gyi, Rector of IM(1) and founder of the Zwe Ah Nyeint) to play Myamangiri on the harp, and allow the recording to be used for her friend Rosie to dance at the 1964 Chemistry Fresher Welcome.
Sayagyi complied.
Extracurricular Activities
Saing Waing
Those who chose to stay in hostels have fond memories of the various functions (e.g. by Thahaya and Sar Phutt Ah Thinn — Social and Reading Clubs), the Inter-Hall and Inter-Institute Sporting Events (e.g. at Aung San Stadium).
Per Daw Nyunt Nyunt Tin, she was a Day Scholar, but she spent a lot of time at Marlar Hall (known not just for beauties but for the excellent sports teams).
Some tried Rowing at the Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC). The pioneer female rowers were from the Institute of Economics and RASU (partly because they are close to RUBC). They were later joined from other Institutes (e.g. RIT, IM(1), Education). RUBC was founded by Sir Arthur Eggar (Law Professor) in 1923. Details of RUBC can be found in the 90th Anniversary Issue (published in 2013). RUBC allowed female members in the mid 1960s. Pioneer female members were mostly from Institute of Economics (e.g. Ma Khin Mya), RASU (e.g. Jill Gaudoin /Aye) and some from other institutes.
Some remember the musical evenings and nights by Pho So Chins. Tekkatho Tun Naung (then a Dental College Student, Luyechun for the Summer Camp of 1965 at Inlay) would play mandolin in front of the Ladies’ Halls (e.g. Inya Hall). He would later co-found the Stereo Khit.
Related posts Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins RUBC Social and Reading Club
Sayagyi is a former Rector of RIT and former Professor and Head of Textile Engineering Department.
Passed away at Bahosi Hospital in Yangon, Myanmar in November 2012.
Along with Dr. Aung Gyi and U Min Win, he was one of the earliest beneficiaries of the “Twinning Program” proposed by Sayagyi U Ba Hli.
Chaired the RIT Sports Council
Loves playing Chinlon and music.
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) added :
I vividly remember the days where I used to hang out with Saya U Maung Maung Than at Ko Maung Maung’s office အားကစားမွူး near Textile Dept. Saya U Hla Shwe (Textile, GBNF) and Saya U Win Maung (Civil) were among frequent visitors, we played darts there, had some good times there.
One time he lamented that he had to refrain from drinking in the evening due to an alert from the authorities on possible student unrest.
Only much later, I found out that he was a very good close friend of my cousin during their college days.
Saya visited Myanmar. The alumni from 63 to 69 hosted a welcome party for Saya at Western Park Hotel.
I met Saya at the Mingalardon Air port. We were waiting for the plane from China Air Lines to come in. It was delayed by about 30 minutes.
Plane delay
Saya became worried. Saya’s flight Yangon -> Taipei -> Los Angeles -> Seattle has about 1 hour to catch the connecting flight to LA. The air line told Saya not to worry.
On the contrary, my flight Yangon -> Taipei -> San Francisco would require to spend 6+ hours in Taipei waiting for the connecting flight.
At Taipei
Saya rushed to catch the connecting flight to Los Angeles.
I had time to kill at the Taipei air port before taking the flight to San Francisco.
We heard lots of Burmese voices around. Among them was an 84-year old Pastor from Vancouver. At the transit counter, James gave an entertaining talk about Ngapi. In the early days, he had to hide Ngapi from the Canadians because they would not withstand the smell. Now, he has to hide Ngapi from the Canadians, who like Ngapi (and other Myanmar food).
I wish I were “Tekkatho Phone Naing” or “Thawda Swe” to be able to write short and long stories about their friends and the people they meet.
Update
U Myo Nyunt (C69) visits his elder son in Seattle, Washington. He would have a gathering with Saya U Kaung.
This morning “AMAY” [my beloved mother-in-law who I fondly address as mother] nearly slipped and fell while stepping out of her bedroom. To regain balance, she tried to reach and hold the cabinet beside her bed as support. In the process, she accidentally hit and broke the glass of the cabinet. When AMAY came out of the room, I immediately held her hand and examined for bruises and cuts. Fortunately, there was none and I was relieved.
These days I hear about several accidents due to carelessness and loss of attention for a short while. The other day, a friend was walking in front of his house and noticed some ongoing repair work for the drain. He tried to avoid hitting the repair area, but slipped and fell into the drain. Luckily, he escaped disaster with a few scratches on his hand.
In a village in Thone Gwa Township, an electrical accident occurred. A person was bathing in front of his house when he touched a wire connected to the water pump. He had a shock and fainted, and eventually passed away.
This nation has seen numerous lives being lost by “electrocution”. The main cause is poverty. If someone retorted with “What’s the connection?”, I will present hard facts. Use of outdated and dangerous electrical appliances to this very day, reliance on low-quality and obsolete electrical systems and standards, and lack of knowledge and basic education of the users contribute to the accidents and often loss of lives. Broken power lines also have caused deaths by striking people in the way.
Accidents happen daily and in numbers, so it is somewhat miraculous for AMAY not to be injured by broken glass.
AMAY is really not that old. She is one year away from celebrating her 100th birthday.
She can walk, but needs someone to assist her. She likes to frequent her bedroom by herself. So we have to watch her movements closely. After she is helped to sit at the dinner table, she does not need further assistance. She eagerly reads the newspapers and journals (ahead of me) and has interest in the latest news. Due to a slight eyesight problem, she cannot read the fine print. She reads aloud the headlines and the large print. One can say that AMAY is well informed and that she stays abreast of the changing times.
Since I displayed special attention of her hand, AMAY took a thousand Kyat note from her pocket and gave me as a reward. She added, “Spend as you wish”. I gave a lightweight smile.
After AMAY had her lunch, we had a general conversation. I mentioned that there have been two car thefts in Kamayut and Hlaing lately, and that some poor people might have to steal to survive. AMAY replied, “The government is responsible. High officials also steal, isn’t it? [May be not directly.] Their subordinates steal and …”
“AMAY. Making car owners sad and tearful is definitely not good. The case of the other thefts is somewhat different, AMAY.”
“Now, look. A man from Dagon Seik Kan Township committed suicide by hanging. He is supposedly addicted to alcohol.” AMAY said.
“Drinking has become a fashion and fad. What’s wrong with that?”
“In our days, people stay away from alcohol. The other day, my nephew came to see me and told about Bama girls drinking beer (or similar) in the pub with the men. OMG.”
“But, AMAY. It’s their KHIT (era).”
“What KHIT? Why does the government allowing everyone to become drunkards? Does it not have laws to prohibit drinking?”
I dare not continue the conversation. I decided to shut my mouth.
“Sigh … sigh … So ruthless. Supposedly happened on THAN THU MA street. Near the fowl (hens, ducks) market. Every month, at least one patient (sick person) is disposed there. The families who left them could no longer take care of them. So ruthless. Have people lost their compassion?”
I did not know what to say.
AMAY who can keep abreast of the modern times. AMAY still possesses an active brain and acute reasoning.
So, what was AMAY thinking when she, out of Metta and Cetana, rewarded me with a thousand Kyat note to buy and eat whatever I wish? In this case, I believe AMAY is unaware of the economics [high cost of living, inflation, poverty, …] of the present era. Her mind must have regressed several decades back to the good, old times. Si Chet [noodles] cost Nga Mu (50 pyas). Bei Oo Pauk Si [bun with meat and duck egg] cost Ta Mutt (25 pyas). A cup of tea Ta Mutt. Khauk Swel Kyaw [Fried noodles] cost Thone Mutt (75 pyas). And so on. AMAY might be thinking of the prices that we knew in our younger days.
The [diminishing economic] status of our nation has been shown by the One Thousand Kyat Note that AMAY rewarded me. I would remark that the Note had written a piece of history [of our once golden land].
Why worry? A plate of Khauk Swe Kyaw (Fried noodles) sells at Two Thousand Kyats. To please AMAY, I will order half a plate [to the surprise of the owner] and eat to my delight without showing any guilt or shame.
String of attachment — then in its infancy grew beyond proportion — on her birthday to express my deepest feelings — while courting her I gave “Sho Whet The Pho” (Mystery/Thriller) Magazine as a birthday gift to my beloved.
We shared our metta with true devotion
I presented a golden ring to my yee-sar as a birthday gift.
Hand in hand we entered the “married” land on her birthday past the Honeymoon I presented Goya fragrance as a birthday gift
Traveling together Often facing dark nights Yonder looked thick and rough
Goal seemed distant [and not straight] [Tired and] weary [Often] look but could not see
Struggle just to keep alive Despite the challenges I feel I owe my beloved a nice birthday gift
But … Precious jewels are out of reach I can only offer a gift from my heart
Kabyar inexpensive — not meaning to underrate her love
U Myint Sein attended Private Primary Boundary Road School (PPBRS)
Mmoved to St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) and matriculated in 1964
Studied B.Com at the Institute of Economics (IE).
He is a cousin brother of U Nyunt Tin (M70, RIT Table Tennis).
Served as Principal of BARB (Burma Astro Research Bureau). Requested me to develop Bedin programs. I supervised Ko Win Latt and Ko Zaw Tun for the Bedin program development.
Taught Medical Astrology at the School of Indigenous Medicine (Taing Yin Saya Pyinnya) in Mandalay.
He founded “Idea Astrology”.
Dr. Aung Win Chiong and Dr. Min Lwin
In the Matriculation of 1964, Dr. Cherry Hlaing and Dr. Lyn Aung Thet had the highest marks. They are considered Joint First in the examination.
The controversial ILA system was used to admit students to the Universities and Institutes. Dr. Cherry Hlaing who had an ILA score of 50 was admitted as the Top student to IM(1). She was also selected Tekkatho Luyechun for Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the summer of 1965.
Dr. Lyn Aung Thet had four distinctions, but his Burmese scores were not high enough to get the perfect ILA score of 50. He was an multi-athlete and led IM(1) in Swimming and Water Polo. He was elected Luyechun in a subsequent year.
Dr. Aung Win (Lam Peng Chiong, SPHS64) was a few marks behind Dr. Cherry Hlaing and Dr. Lyn Aung Thet. So, many consider him to be Third in Matriculation (based on marks). But, he also had an ILA of 50 and was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One (top student).
An Indian student was Fourth.
Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64) was Fifth. He was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two.
Others from SPHS 1964
U Aung Myint (UCC)
U Khin Maung Maung (Alfred, GBNF)
U Maung Maung Gyi (Henry, UCC, GBNF)
SPHS 1965
Last Batch before Nationalization
Top Matriculates
Bernard Khaw (Highest marks)
Maung Aye (Second Highest marks)
Winston Sein Maung (Third Highest marks)
Dr. Yi Thway (Fifth Highest marks, Admitted as Roll Number One to IM1)
Dr. Paing Soe (Freddie, Joint Fifth Highest marks, Admitted as Roll Number Two to IM1)
• Ko Myint Swe (EP 74) & Ma San San Swe (EC 74) Cupertino, CA, USA • Ko Min Maung (EP 68) Bellevue, WA, USA • Ko Hla Min (EC 69) Sunnyvale, CA, USA • Ko Philip Mya Thwin (EP 75) Daly City, CA, USA • Ko Aung Khin (EP 68) Woodland Hills, CA, USA • Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC 76) Seattle, WA, USA • Ko Myo Thant (EP 74) Houston, TX, USA • Daw Yee Yee Win (EP 74) San Francisco, CA, USA
For Saya U Khin Aung Kyi (Chemical)
• Mr. Ken Wong (ChE 59) California • Dr. Min Kwan Tham (a) U Kyaw Than (ChE 62) Oklahoma • Mr. Willy Chow (a) U Way Lin (ChE 62) California • Mr. Pan Lam Moy (ChE 62) California • Dr. K. C. Chiu (a) U Tin Aung (ChE 63) California • Mr. Anthony Kyam (a) U Kyaw Win (ChE 63) Illinois • Mr. David Tay (ChE 63) California • Daw Khin Thein Yee (ChE 65) Texas • Mr. Tan Chor Kheng (ChE 65) California • Mr. Kuen San Lin (a) U Myat Thwin (ChE 66) Texas • Mr. Swenam Lee (ChE 66) Pennsylvania • Mr. George Chan (a) U Maung Maung (ChE 66) California • Ms. Yap May Hoe (ChE 67) California • Mr. Abdul Ganni (ChE 67) Pennsylvania • Mr. Thomas Tham (ChE 67) Georgia • Mr. Swee Sein Tan (ChE 67) California • Mr. Kenneth Law (ChE 67) California • Mr. Kyaw Win (ChE 67) California • Mr. George Leong (a) Ko Aung Kyaw Zaw (ChE 67 Illinois • Dr. Ariff Mehter (ChE 67) Kentucky • Mr. Han Win Chow (ChE 68) California • Mr. Meenu Singh (ChE 68) Kentucky • Ms. Diana Tseng (ChE 71) California • Mr. Haneef Bharoocha (ChE 71) New Jersey • Mr. Oscar Tun Shwe (a) Ko Maung Maung (ChE 72) Utah • Ms. Trixie Tan (ChE 72) California • Mr. Aung Myaing ++ (ChE 72) Thailand • Daw Gyn Yu ++ (ChE 72) Thailand • Ms. Jeanne Saldanha (ChE 74) Kentucky • Mr. Richard Khoo (a) Ko Kyaw Lin (ChE 75) California
For Saya U Ba Toke (Math)
• Ko Maung Maung Than (Mech 79) Rancho Viejo, TX, USA • Ko Zaw Min Nawady (EP 70) Fremont, CA, USA • Saya Allen Htay (Civil) Mountain View, CA, USA • Saya U Tin Htut (Mech) Torrance, CA, USA • Ko Philip Mya Thwin (EP 75) Daly City, CA, USA • Ko Johnny Than Myint (Mech 71) Sylmar, CA, USA
Editor’s notes:
Several young alums from the 80’s hosted Saya Dr. San Tint.
Upon his return to Myanmar, Saya Dr. San Tint handed over the books (donated by the overseas alums) to RIT. Saya donated to “Zi Wi Ta Da Na” hospital as dana offering for the overseas alums. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu.
ChEs sponsored Sayagyi U Khin Aung Kyi and spouse to attend SPZP-2000. The list of donors is impressive.
Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62) showed Sayagyi U Ba Toke around. Many other alumNI paid homage to Sayagyi at the then new house of Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) in Hayward, California.
The members of South East Asian Peninsular Games include
Burma
Cambodia
Laos
Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam
The 1st SEAP Games was held in Bangkok, Thailand in 1959.
Second SEAP Games
University Athletes for 2nd SEAP Games
2nd SEAP Games was held in Rangoon, Burma in December 1961.
Aung San Stadium was the main venue.
University Student Athletes
About 20 University Students represented Burma in the Games. Dr. Richard Yu Khin (MEHS61), son of Saya U Yu Khin (Dean of RU), provided the photo.
Swimming
Burma placed first in the medal standings.
Tin Maung Ni won 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4x100m freestyle relay, and 4×100 medley relay. Rangoon University and Burma Champion. Joined the Navy. Won Gold at the Asian Games. Competed in the Olympics.
His team mates — Mya Thee, Aung Than, Maung Kyi — also dominated the other events.
Aye Kyaw (cousin of Dr. Hla Yee Yee) and Derek Lynsdale represented Burma in swimming.
Table Tennis
Mao Toon Siong (M62) was Burma Champion for Singles and Doubles in Table Tennis.
Later served as National Coach.
Tennis
Mu Mu Khin (Daphne Tha Dok, Tennis) Later married Than Lwin (Tennis)
Track and Field
Burma placed first in the medal standings.
Three Mra brothers — Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra and Soe Mra — won Gold Medals.
Tun Mra won a Gold in the 4×100 m relay with Soe Win (Burma Champion) as anchor. Tun Naung (RU) was a member.
Kyaw Mra won the Hurdles.
Soe Mra won the Pole Vault.
Yachting
Richard Yu Khin won Gold in Yachting with U Maung Maung Lwin (Commodore, Rangoon Sailing Club)
Fifth SEAP Games
Held in Rangoon in 1969.
Burma won several Golds for Weightlifting and Yachting.
HlaMin 