During our RIT days, there were about 20 sayas at the Electrical Engineering Department
The Department offered two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power).
Several decades later EC and EP became Departments with their own Professors and Heads. EC is also known as EcE or Electronics Engineering.
The Group photo shows 15 sayas. One was absent for the Photo Shoot. A few were on doing further studies abroad.
For SPZP-2010 held in Singapore, I wrote an article “A Short and Sad Clip : EE Sayas” for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung. Saya U Moe War (Tekkatho Moe War, Chief Editor) suggested the Title.
U Thein Lwin and U Nyi Nyi (who passed away a few years back) were not covered in the article.
Article from SPZP-2010Article (continued)Article (End)
U Kyaw Tun
Engg Students
Group photo of the “Reunion in January 1980 of the Final Year Engineering Students in 1948 and 49” showed Sayagyi.
Joined the Department of Electrical Engineering
Continued teaching until his retirement.
Recruited Saya C. Ping Lee to join EE department in 1950.
Children : Dr. Elizabeth (Daw Tun Nu, Ph.D in English), Dorothy
“Doctor” Tin Aung Win wrote about his beloved father-in-law.
C. Ping Lee
C. Ping Lee
Recruited by Saya U Kyaw Tun to join Electrical Engineering, BOC College.
Transferred to the Directorate of Technical Education and Vocational Training at the request of H.E. U Than Aung (his Burmese teacher at St. Paul’s).
Dr. Win Aung (M 62) wrote about his beloved father in the “Post Reunion” series of SPZP-2000.
Articles by Dr. Win Aung, Saya U Htin Paw (EE 58), U Aw Taik Moh (C54), Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) have references to Saya C. Ping Lee.
Saya passed away in Berkeley, CA in 1987.
Former students included the late Professor U Sein Hlaing.
U Sein Hlaing
U Sein Hlaing
Top in the class of 1952
MSEE from MIT
Professor of Electrical Engineering
Taught at BIT/RIT until retirement
Passed away a few years after retirement
U Tin Swe
U Tin Swe was member of the Prome Football Team
MSEE from the University of Michigan.
Excellent in Soccer and Tennis.
Early Power User at the Universities’ Computer Center (UCC).
U Sein Win
U Sein Win
MSEE from the University of Michigan
Worked at the famous Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Technical Consultant for the UCC Project.
President of RIT Swimming, Water Polo and Diving
President of RIT Rowing
Line Judge at RUBC Regattas
Dr. Freddie Ba Hli
Dr. F Ba Hli in Sydney, 2006
Sc.D in EE from MIT
Director General, UBARI
Taught part time at EE Department
Retired as National Advisor at the Ministry of National Planning and Finance
Member, UCC Advisory Board
External Examiner, UCC
Passed away in Sydney, Australia in his 90s
U Thein Lwin
Saya U Thein Lwin’s birthday in Singapore
MSEE from Lehigh University
Saya taught at RIT and Singapore Polytechnic
President, RIT Badminton Association
Dr. San Tint
Dr. San Tint
Taught until retirement
External Examiner, UCC
Attended SPZP-2000
U Soe Min
After training in UK, transferred to DCA (Directorate of Civil Aviation)
U Chin Way
Joined RIT in 1963
Active in SPARK
Was offered a job [promptly] by his interviewers after learning that their boss U Tun Aung (Jeffrey, EC68) was a student of Saya
Passed away in the USA
U Nyi Nyi
Joined RIT in 1963
Introduced U Soe Paing to Dr. Chit Swe
Passed away in UK
U Tin Shwe
U Tin Shwe
Joined RIT in 1966
Taught at RIT and ABAC
Became monk after retirement
His demise is lamented in “To the Shwe Duo” (Poem by Tekkatho Moe War, Translation by Hla Min)
U Kyaw Lwin
Hobbies : Rowing, Piano
RIT EightsRIT Eights
Daw Mya Mya Than
Joined RIT in 1968
Passed away
Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee
Joined RIT in 1972
Widow of Saya U Sein Hlaing
Head of Electrical Engineering (Power) Department at RIT/YIT/MIT.
Passed away on Jan 05, 2000
U Myo Kyi
U Myo Kyi
Joined EE Faculty in 1959.
Provided two lists of EE sayas : one for Senior sayas and another for Junior sayas
Was on deputation when the EE Sayas Group photo was taken.
Provided video for the 60th Anniversary of RIT.
Dr. Ba Lwin
Dr. Ba Lwin
Joined EE Faculty in 1959.
Was on deputation when the EE Sayas Group photo was taken.
Provided video for the 60th Anniversary of RIT.
U Tin Maung Thein
U Tin Maung Thein
Eldest son of Arzani U Ohn Maung.
Joined EE Faculty in 1962.
Was on deputation when the EE Sayas Group Photo was taken.
There were several gatherings during my visit to Yangon in January, 2018.
Mini-gathering hosted by me
69er Monthly Gathering
UCC gathering hosted by the Myints
5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST and UCSY
Lunch gathering hosted by MARB sayas
Mini-gathering hosted by me
Host : Me
During my visits to Myanamar, several friends gave me rides.
U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:
U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
Yours truly
Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.
A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).
Standing:
U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)
Seated :
U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)
Sharing Merits
I hosted the mini-gathering.
I also donated to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and the EE69ers HCF.
The Second World War started in 1939 in Europe and spread to Asia.
The University of Rangoon suspended classes for three years : 1943 – 1945.
Per Sayagyi U Ba Toke, there were some make-shift classes at the ad-hoc University in Mogul (Shwe Bon Tha) Street. He taught Mathematics there.
1946
Rangoon University was reopened in 1946.
Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor, EE), Dr. Pe Nyun (Pediatric Surgeon) and Dr. Pe Thein (Professor, Minister) attended Rangoon University in 1946.
Panglong Conference
1947
Pinlon Sar Choke (Panglong Agreement) was signed on February 12, 1947. Some ethnic races did not attend the Pinlon Conference.
Nine Arzanis — Bogyoke Aung San, Thakin Mya, Deedok U Ba Cho, Mahn Ba Khaing, Sao San Htun (Mong Pawn Sawbwa), U Ba Win, U Razak, ICS U Ohn Maung and Yebaw Ko Htwe — were mercilessly gunned down at the Secretariat on July 19, 1947. All except Sao San Htun (who was hospitalized with fatal wounds and died on July 20, 1947) perished that day. Three ministers including Bagan U Ba Gyan escaped.
1948 and 1949
Burma gain Independence on January 4, 1948 at 4:20 AM. Sao Shwe Thike / Thaik became the first President of the Union of Burma. U Nu became the first Prime Minister.
Two factions — White Flag led by Thakin Than Tun and Red Flag led by Thakin Soe — of the Burma Communist Party (BCP) went underground. There was several groups in the armed rebellion.
For a short period of time, the Burmese government was called “Yangon Ah So Ya“.
Thanks in part to the arms sent by neighboring India, and the volunteer RU students, the planned conquest of Rangoon was derailed. The tide was turned, and Burma was back on the road to normalcy,
The Union of Burma had a bi-caramel parliament.
1950s
Dr. Ba U served as the second President. In his book “My Burma”, he considers himself as the first President elected in accordance with the Constitution of the Union of Burma. The general public considers him as the Second President (who succeeded Sao Swe Thike).
Many States Scholars were sent to the prestigious universities in the USA and UK to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies. In 1954, there were 400 Burmese State Scholars (many from the “Twinning Program” proposed by Sayagyi U Ba Hli). Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Maung Maung Than were the early recipients of the “Twinning Program” to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies at prestigious universities (e.g. MIT, Cornell). Upon their return, they supplemented and later replaced the foreign sayas. Some worked for government departments and the Industry.
The split in the AFPFL (Anti-Facist People’s Freedom League) party into Clean AFPFL [Thant Shin] and Stable AFPFL [Ti Mye] caused the handover to the “Ein Saunt Ah Soe Ya” (Caretaker Government) in 1958. Some (e.g. U Nu) consider the event as the first Coup d’etat.
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.
Saya Chit moved back to RASU, but never lost his passion about his pet baby UCC.
Saya retired as Rector of RASU. Saya then relocated to Thailand and Australia. Saya continued supervising graduate students in Australia. Saya 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, brother of U Than Htut M67) 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.
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.
He founded UCC with the help of U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF).
U Soe Paing
U Soe Paing, was my mentor at RIT and UCC. He contributed news and articles to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”. He also wrote the draft for the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) book.
U Myo Min
U Myo Min was working as Systems Analyst for IBM in UK when Saya Dr. Chit Swe requested him (via Saya Myo’s mother) to help co-found UCC (the first Computer Institution in Burma).
U Ko Ko Lay
U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) served as Operations Manager and Scientific Applications Manager at UCC, Professor at the Department of Computer Science and at the Institute of Computer Science and Technology.
Still So Young And Passionate: Saya Chit (Dr. Chit Swe)
Even in his late 80’s, Saya had an active mind and a burning desire to payback to Myanmar.
He supervised Burmese students in Australia with their research and theses.
He studied Mathematics at Mandalay University. His contemporaries include Dr. Maung Di and U Khin Maung Tint (Tekkatho Phone Naing).
He did graduate studies at Imperial College (University of London) , Glasgow University and the University of Liverpool in the UK.
During his studies at Imperial College, Saya U Ba Than (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering, RIT, GBNF) was his room mate.
Saya was Head of Mathematics Department at the Institute of Economics when he proposed to the Ministry of Education to acquire a computer for research and teaching. Dr. Nyi Nyi requested saya to extend the scope of his proposal to cover selected universities and institutes. The UCC project was born.
It would take several years before UNDP would approve to fund the UCC project. UNESCO would act as the Executing Agency.
Mandalay Hall
Dr. Chit Swe succeeded U Ba Toke as Professor of Mathematics Department at RASU. He recruited volunteers to help plan for the implementation of UCC. He received permission to use Mandalay Hall as the temporary home for UCC.
Sayas — Dr. Chit Swe, U Soe Paing, U Myo Min, U Ko Ko Lay and several others — conducted courses on Computer Fundamentals & Programming, Systems Analysis and Design, and Numerical Methods.
Thamaing College Campus
UCC moved over to Thamaing College Campus as a neighbor to RC2 (Regional College Two). Dr. Chit Swe became the Founder and Director of UCC. U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay became Managers in charge of Systems Division, Applications Division, and Operations Division.
After reorganization, Applications Division was split into Business Applications Division and Scientific Applications Division.
Saya’s Vision
Saya was a pioneer and an advocate of “Technology Transfer”, “Leapfrogging Technology”, “Knowledge Sharing”, and TOSS (Team of System Specialists).
Saya is modest. During a trip to Chauk Htat Yone (Six Storey Office), the admin would “ignore” him and would pay respect to Ko Myint Oo (his student and volunteer assistant), who was well dressed and was carrying a suitcase.
Saya insisted a Component in the UCC Project Plan to invite the elite Computer Scientists and Practitioners including
(a) two Past Presidents of the prestigious ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) : Professor Harry Huskey (UCSC) and Professor Anthony Ralston (SUNY Buffalo),
(b) a future ACM Turing Award Winner (considered as the Nobel Prize for Computing) : Professor Michael Stonebraker (UCB) to UCC and jump start courses in Computer Science and Applications.
Misconception
Saya thought that I had served as an Editor for a newspaper. I had written articles, poems and translations for Guardian, WPD (Working People’s Daily) newspapers and Forward Magazine.
Upon learning that I was an RIT graduate volunteering for the UCC Project Maung Thaw Ka (Bohmu Ba Thaw, Chief Editor of Forward Magazine, GBNF) suggested that I should join his staff.
In my 3rd BE, editors from NAB (News Agency Burma) headed by Tet Toe (U Ohn Pe, Chief Editor) invited me to join their staff.
My parents supported my hobbies, but they wanted to make sure that I have a good education and a decent job.
I became a writer for Saya’s projects:
High School Mathematics Curriculum Development
Children’s Treasury of Knowledge (CTK)
Planning for computerization of Government Departments
Team of System Specialists (TOSS).
Saya believed in me and gave the opportunity to take challenges.
Life After UCC
After UCC, Saya served as Rector of RASU, but his passion for his “Dream Child” and his care for his former students never diminished.
After retirement, Saya taught at Assumption University — formerly known as ABAC (Assumption Business and Accounting College) — in Bangkok, Thailand.
Saya later relocated to Sydney, Australia and served as Visiting Professor of Macquarie University. Several Burmese completed their doctorates under his supervision.
Reunion With Saya In Australia
In June 2006, I visited Sydney, Australia to attend several gatherings:
RIT alumni gathering headed by Saya U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) and Saya U Myo Win (Melvin, M65, GBNF)
UCC alumni gathering at Saya U Aung Zaw’s house where we paid homage to Saya Dr. Chit Swe and Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (National Planning Adviser & Board Member of UCC)
Old Paulians gathering at Olympic Park organized by Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe, SPHS66, Geology70)
Saya’s Present
Saya asked me to give a lecture or seminar to interested young people in Sydney. He then presented me with his hat. I hope that Saya’s hat can “transfer” his brilliant thinking into my head.
Visits
In the past years, Saya visited Singapore and Myanmar and shared his wisdom, knowledge and experience.
He has minor health problems, but his mind is sharp as ever.
Saya Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF)
Dr. Tin Maung
He is the son of Saya Kar, who served as Minister of Education in the Caretaker Government. Saya joined the Department of Mathematics as Tutor. He went for further studies in UK. Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer.
He succeeded Saya Dr. Chit Swe as Director of UCC. During his tenure, DCS (Department of Computer Science) was established with U Ko Ko Lay as Professor and U Tun Aung Gyaw as Associate Professor.
In 1987, ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) with Saya as Rector. There were four Departments : (a) Hardware Technology (b) Software Technology (c) Information Systems (d) Computational Mathematics. U Ko Ko Lay was Professor of Information Systems. U Tun Aung Gyaw was Associate Professor for Hardware Technology. I was Associative Professor of Software Technology. Bachelor degree courses in Computer Science (CS) and Computer Technology (CT) were given. In the first batch, there were 30 CS and 15 CT students.
Saya Dr. Tin Maung continued to implement the Vision and Mission set by the UCC Founders, and managed to go further.
He did not live long enough to see 26 batches (from ICST and UCSY) host the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on January 14, 2018. San Yin Myint (Samanta, cousin of Ko Maurice Chee) and her friends posted a “Live” Facebook session of the Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe. Dr. Kyaw Thein (GBNF), Dr. Maung Maung Htay, U Myint Swe, Daw Nwe Nwe Win (Judy) and I gave short speeches at the Pu Zaw Pwe.
Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF)
He matriculated from SPHS in 1956 along with Saya U Soe Paing), U Win Htein (GBNF), Bohmu Percy Maung Maung (GBNF), Saya U Ba Min and U Than Se (Richard, ChE62).
He is the elder brother of U Than Htut (M67, RUBC Gold), Maw (BDS) and Zaw (RUBC Gold, GBNF).
He studied BSCE and MSCE at Stanford University in the US.
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.
He served as Scientific Applications Division Manager.
He received Masters in Systems Engineering from the University of Lancaster, UK.
Professor at the Department of Computer Science (DCS)
Professor of Information Systems (IS) 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.
Dr. San Tint (GBNF) and U Shein Soe Myint (GBNF)
Dr. San Tint (EE61) was my saya at RIT. He served as External Examiner for Computer Science students at UCC and DCS.
U Shein Soe Myint (EC83) is a classmate of U Thaung Tin (KMD, former Minister) and my cousin nephew U Thar Hlaing. He joined UCC, DCS and ICST as a graduate student, engineer and later saya. He was studying for his doctorate at NUS when he unexpectedly passed away.
The picture was taken at a mini-reunion of RIT & UCC alumni during my visit to Singapore.
Standing : Dr. San Tint (3rd from left), U Shein Soe Myint (5th from left)
Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)
He received Sc.D. (Doctor of Science) from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). At MIT, Saya helped “fresh” scholars including Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Min Wun acclimatize with the environment and studies.
He served as DG (Director General) of UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute) and Advisor for the Ministry of National Planning. He was a supporter of UCC Project and served as a member of the Board of Directors and as an External Examiner for the Computer Science graduates.
Daw Myint Thwe (Saya’s spouse) is the sister of Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Ba Than (M, GBND), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing, Dr Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon (A60), Saya U Myo Min (UCC), U Thaung Lwin (EC66) and Daw Cho Cho Hlaing.
Saya’s children — Ma Tin Tin Hlaing and Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83) — are UCC alumni.
During my visit to Sydney (Australia) in 2006, Saya U Aung Zaw hosted a UCC reunion and mini-PZP (Pu Zaw Pwe) for Saya Dr. F Ba Hli and Saya Dr. Chit Swe. Saya Chit gave me his hat. Ko Tha Hlaing gave me a book “This is Sydney”.
Ko Htay Aung (Victor, EC80) is a nephew of Saya U Sein Hlaing. He is the spouse of Ma Tin Tin Hlaing (Saya FBH’s daughter). Ko Htay Aung and team “programmed” a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) to print Burmese characters on the Cromemco System Three micro-computer. He worked on Burmese Word Processing for Wang Computers. He migrated to Australia. For the past few years, he came back to Yangon to volunteer as an interpreter for the “10-day Mediation Retreat for Foreign Yogis” at the Mahasi Sasana Yeik Tha.
Robert Win Boh (EC69) wrote :
I used to visit Dr FBH & his dear wife (RIT Saya U Ba Than’s sister) who are Ma TTH’s parents – to pay homage regularly before Saya Dr FBH passed away.
Saya was fond of my present bought for them from Canberra Return Trip with Ko Aye Win Hlaing (EE) and Ma Phyu Phyu Latt (A71). It is a small woolen blanket hand woven by aged people and sold for charity at the Mid Way Market from Canberra.
Saya always put the blanket on his lap when he watched TV news.
Dr. Khin Nyo Thet (GBNF) and FamilyMa Nyo and Thor
By Thor Win Aye
We’re coming to the end now. We’ve said our I love you’s and have started saying our goodbyes, or if you like, our farewells and until-next-times.
But while I have you, let me say thank you for all your love, attention, lessons learned and patience along the way. Thank you for fighting all these long years to stay alive.
Cancer three times in one life? It just doesn’t seem fair. And well it’s not.
You’re a good person who has spent her life in the service of others. A caretaker and healer of our youth, as a pediatrician. A dedicated, dutiful daughter who sacrificed to care for her mother, no matter the cost. A leader and the center of our Burmese community, helping recent immigrants find work, help, housing and most importantly a connection to their community. You were the mom on the block that gave all my friends hugs, kisses, meals, rides and love. Everybody loved you. And how could they not? We were so lucky to have you.
You’re the most important person in my life. I cannot imagine a world, my world without you. But in the same breath, I see how much pain and suffering you’ve already endured. I can see your energy draining and see that the things that once brought you happiness, are now belabored and joyless. I’ll miss your brutally honest feedback, your big warm hugs, your delicious cooking but more than anything, I’ll miss your Unconditional love. No matter what I did, where we were or how long we’d been apart, I knew you’d be thinking about me and missing me too. You’d always support and love me, with no strings attached. I’ve been so blessed to have you in my life.
But Mom, if you’re ready to go. I’m ready to let you. I’ll miss you every day for the rest of my life. Go in peace and with our love and blessings.
You’ll always be in my heart. I love you.
Notes
Ma Nyo(Dr. Khin Nyo Thet)
Sept. 17, 1946 – May 3, 2021
Matriculated from Methodist English High School (MEHS) in 1963
MBBS from Institute of Medicine (2) in 1970
MD, Pediatrician
Hobbies Tennis, Pickle Ball, Music, Dancing, Bridge, Mah Jong
Parents Professor Dr. Kyaw Thet and Sayama Daw Khin Khin Gyi (Pioneer History Teachers)
Siblings U Lyn Maung Thet (GBNF), Dr. Lyn Aung Thet (Athlete Scholar), Daw Khin Aye Thet (GBNF)
Spouse Dr. “Lyn” Swe Aye (Lynston Than Maung) Author, Translator, Editor, Musician, Athlete
Co-founder of “Aye Thet Scholarship” with spouse Awarded at TBSA “Summer Dhamma School” at Dhammananda Vihara
Children Mimi Thabye Aye, Thor Win Aye
Thor Win Aye was an early recipient of the Scholarship / Award. He wrote an article for the Dhammananda Newsletter. He also gave Guest Lectures at the TBSA Summer Dhamma School.
Messages
Alice and Ma Nyo
Dr. Khin Nyo Thet, My dear courageous friend who succumbed to cancer, I will miss you . You will always be in my prayers. I love you tha-nge-gyin. May you rest in peace. Saw Yu Tint (Alice)
Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. May she Rest In Peace in a higher abode. Khin Maung Htay (Tommy Htay), Than Than Htay and family.
Goodbye Dearest Friend Nyo Nyo, So glad to catch up last year. As the saying goes ” ရှေ့ကသွားလေတော့နောက်ကလိုက်ခဲ့မယ်”. We will be following you, the one who left ahead. Love you. Desiree
My dear cousin NyoNyo, May you rest in peace . My deep and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Maureen Khin
I’m so sad to hear that Nyo has passed away. She was so strong and brave right till the end. My deepest condolences to Ko Swe Aye and family. Rest in Peace, Nyo, you are suffering no more. Toni Than
My beloved sister, you were my hero and my confidant. I will miss you so much. I admired you most for your caring nature towards family and friends, your extraordinary energy, amazing courage and strength. You will always be in my heart and my prayers. May you reside in a more peaceful and higher abode. Khin Mae Hla
Thank you for all your remembrances and condolences, Lyn Swe Aye, Mimi Thabyay and Thor
Given current size limitations on gatherings, a family-only service will be held at Skylawn Cemetery in San Mateo.
A memorial service may be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Theravada Buddhist Society of America (Aye-Thet Scholarship Fund), 17450 S. Cabrillo Hwy. Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
Daw Myint Thwe (Seated 3rd from Right)Daw Myint Thwe (Center)Daw Myint Thwe (2nd row; 3rd from Left)Daw Myint Thwe (Seated Center)Daw Myint Thwe (Seated 2nd from Right)
She passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia.
Spouse : Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)
Fourth of nine siblings : Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Ba Than (M, GBNF), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon (A60), Saya U Myo Min (UCC), U Thaung Lwin (EC66), Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
Children : Ma Tin Tin Hlaing (UCC) & Ko Htay Aung (EC80, UCC), Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83, UCC), Min Thet Tun (GBNF)
Private Boundary Road School Daw Ku Paw, Daw Kywe, Daw Yi Yi, Daw Khin Khin Aye
St. Paul’s High School Ms. A Benjamin, Mrs. V Boudville, Ms. Amelia Kyi (Miss Hong Kong), Brother Xavier, Brother Austin
I.Sc. (A) Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing, Daw Khin Khin Kyi
2nd BE Mr. Des Rodgers (Primary), Sao Kan Gyi, U Khin, U Win Mra
Saya Des
Saya Des
Our main English Teacher in our 2nd BE Class in 1964 – 65.
Chief Editor of the RIT English Association Newsletter.
Core organizer of debates (in English) between 1st BE and 2nd BE students. e.g. “Money is the Root of All Evils” “Are we happier than our forefathers?”
Played on the RIT Saya soccer team.
Accomplished musician : guitarist and vocalist, a regular on the BBS Variety Show. Would often play with Saya U Win Mra (Burma’s Elvis Presley in his younger days).
Won Singles and Doubles tournaments in Scrabble. Held at Guardian, YMCA and RIT.
Did post-graduate studies in the UK.
Moved to Canada.
Taught “English as a Specialty Language” and other English courses.
Set up a consultancy firm
Published a book on English words that have been “selected” from contemporary news media and magazines. I helped catch some typos (which would go into an amendment).
Conducted on-line courses to students (mostly outside Canada).
Published two books.
The first book selected words from the contemporary publications (news media and magazines), provided definitions and usage. Synonyms and antonyms are given.
Sent his book by air mail. Sadly, I received only the envelope. So he sent a second time using registered/insured option. The mailing costs are prohibitive. Cost more than the sales price of the book.
E-mailed back typos in the book to Saya. They will be corrected in a future edition.
HlaMin 