Blog

State Scholars
- In the early days, several Burmese State Scholars studied in UK and USA.
- Dr. Hla Myint, Dr. Tha Hla and Dr. Maung Maung Kha received their doctorates in Economics, Geology and Meteorological Physics from UK.
  They served as Professors and later as Rectors at Rangoon University.
Dr. Hla Myint

Dr. Maung Maung Kha

Dr. Tha Hla
- Dr. Daw Thin Kyi was early female doctorate from US. She retired as Professor of Geography Department.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi

U Sein Hlaing

U Min Wun

U Maung Maung Than
- In the 1950s, undergraduate and graduate students were sent to USA under the “Twinning Program” between RU and prestigious universities in the USA.
  Saya U Ba Hli, first native Dean of Engineering, is credited for the proposal.
- Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Maung Maung Than formed the first batch of Engineering students to be sent as State Scholars in the US.
  After completing their BS and MS, they joined the Faculty of Engineering.
  They retired as Professors and/or Rectors.
- U Sein Hlaing and U Tin Swe were among the Engineering sayas to be sent as State Scholars in the US.
- In 1954, there were 400+ Burmese State Scholars in the US.
  Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (Emeritus Professor of Western Illinois University) had a list.
- In the 1960s (especially during the BSPP regime), most Burmese state scholars were selected to study in socialist and communist countries.
- One day, a group of state scholars (who had been chosen to do their Diplom and Candidate of Science) were surprised and delighted to learn that they will have to do their Masters and Doctorates in the UK.
- What happened?
  Had their luck changed unexpectedly?
- Grapevine says that four Burmese state scholars in Dresden, German Democratic Republic (GDR) formed an association and led protests in front of the Burmese Embassy claiming that the “Burmese Way to Socialism” is weak.
- The student leaders were routed back to Burma via Moscow, USSR.
- The higher authorities decided to send less scholars to the socialist and communist countries to prevent or minimize hard-core cadres.
Saya U Thein Tan (C74, Retired Rector of MTU) added :

U Hla Min, it is not only cause for diverting state scholars to UK and Canada. We engineers and Physics graduates and forestry graduates are chosen to study in USSR. We had our passport in hand and applied for visa . Then there were no reply for about a month. They gave back our passports. Later on I learnt that our government had denounced the invasion of Czechoslovak by Warsaw group is illegal. After some time we and Physics graduates are sent to UK. Forestry graduates are sent to Canada instead of USSR.
May 11, 2025
Boundary Road School
PPBRS

I attended PPBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School) located at 109 Boundary Road (now known as Dhamma Zedi), Rangoon. After passing Third Standard, I moved to Sr. Paul’s High School.

Teachers
- PPBRS was founded by Daw Tin Tin Aye, elder sister of Daw Yi and Daw Khin Khin Aye.
- Daw Khin Khin Aye (Teacher Ah Mar) succeeded Daw Tin Tin Aye as Principal. She later added classes for Middle School and High School and renamed the school as PBRS (Private Boundary Road School).
- PPBRS has a Boy Scouts Troupe with Ko Bo Ni (Min Kyaw Min) as the Scout Master. Later, Min Kyaw Min would serve as Broadcaster, Journalist and Tuition Saya.
- I did not like to attend classes.
- Teacher Ku Paw (who was my class teacher in Infant (C) / Lower KG) was nice, but she decided to join her spouse in their armed struggle.
- My mother credited “Teacher Kywe” (who was my class teacher in Infant (B) / Middle KG) for transforming me into a Life Long Learner. My mother asked me to pay respect to Teacher Kywe every year. Teacher Kywe would proudly introduce me to her students.
- Sad to note that most of my teachers have passed away.
Myint Sein (Bobby)

Myint Sein

He made his name as Principal of BARB (Burma Astro Research Bureau) and later as Founder of Idea Astrology.

He attended PPBRS. He matriculated from SPHS (St. Paul’s High School). He studied B.Com at IE (Institute of Economics).

He had some business, but his passion was to study and teach Medical Astrology. Several medical doctors studied astrology with his guidance. Some asked for his second opinion about serious medical cases.

Many years ago, he asked if I could help do Veda computations on calculators and computers. And also teach his assistants and senior students at BARB. Under my supervision, Win Latt wrote Win Horo to prepare Zartar (Natal Horoscope). Zaw Tun wrote a program to perform basic analysis of the Zartar.

A few years back, I visited him at his house. He was consulting close friends at home. He had prepared a book on Medical Astrology and taught at the School of Indigenous Medicine as a Visiting Professor.

Sadly, he passed away.

His elder brother U Myint Kyi and his younger sister had passed away earlier.

According to his son, who was back in Yangon to prepare and take his examination for Master Mariner, Myint Sein seemed to have no serious medical problems. He passed out after watching TV.

Ko Myint Swe (Monty) added that Myint Sein had brunch at Okkalapa before he headed home.

PPBRS Concert

I was dressed up as a sailor. We sang, “When I was a sailor …”.

I do not remember what others wore or sang.

Aye Aye Myint wrote :

When I was a sailor boy …when I was a sailor boy …..when I was a sailor boy…..sailing on the sea ..

Khin Maung Oo wrote :

I remember Tin Maung Thant (son of UNSG U Thant) as husband of Winnie Cho (daughter of Teacher Cho) in one concert.

PBRS

Daw Khin Khin Aye extended PPBRS to have middle school and high school so that her three children do not have to attend other schools.

The school’s name became PBRS (Private Boundary Road School).

There is a Facebook group for PBRS alumni.

Dr. Mya Than

U Mya Than taught at PBRS before he went for his doctoral studies. He later worked at Singapore and Thailand.

Ko Thane Myint (elder son of Daw Khin Khin Aye) & Ma Khin Than Nu (Glory) visited Dr. Mya Than & Daw Yee May Kaung in Bangkok.

Dr. Mya Than, Thane Myint, Khin Than Nu, Yee May Kaung
May 11, 2025
Old Paulian Gatherings
Bernard Khaw
- He stood First in Burma in the Matriculation of 1965. He could not apply for professional courses. He majored in Chemistry.
- He moved to US. He studied Chemical Engineering.
- After retirement, he served as a Pastor.
- He visited Myanmar and met Old Paulians.
- Seated : Tin Maung Maung Than, Bernard Khaw, Myint Toe
  Standing : Myint Swe, Maung Maung Myint (GBNF), Kyaw Sein Hla (GBNF)
Dr. Myint Tun (Henry Cho Tun, SPHS60) wrote :
- I started teaching soon after I graduated with Chem Hons (5 years) and was teaching Bernard and many bright students who couldn’t take up Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, etc.
- They were the best group of matriculates who chose chemistry as their major subject. Teaching them gave me great motivation and satisfaction.
- I met Bernard and some of his friends in LA in 1990 at one of their homes.
  That was the last time I saw them.
  Most were doing very well.
SPHS63 Mini-gathering

Frank worked in the UK, but he came back often to see his mother and his elder sisters. He would join the mini-gathering of SPHS63 classmates.

Freddie was the earliest to pass away. Tin Tun and Alan are now GBNF.

Seated : Myo San (Freddie Ba San, GBNF), Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, GBNF), Tin Tun (GBNF)

Standing : Kyaw Wynn, Than Win, Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale)
May 11, 2025
Std I(B) 1960 – 61

Photo : Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) and friend

KMZ wrote :

In our picture all of us were pretty much in the school’s uniform, a white short sleeve shirt and a dark colored shots. Some of us were wearing ties, mostly bow ties. The Std. VII (D) picture (provided by Uzin Aung Chaw), taken a year prior, had all wearing casual, even some with longyis, patterned shirts.

Was there any school uniform restrictions, probably, for the lower classes? Just curious.

Editor’s note:

SPHS required students to wear UNIFORM on specified days and occasions.

U Aung Myint (SPHS64) wrote:

Good as well as clear picture. Amazing for your 60 years storage.

May 11, 2025
Brothers’ Old Boys
Alumni of De La Salle Schools
- St. Patrick’s High School, Moulmein
- St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon
- St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay
- St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo
- St. Columban’s High School, Bhamo
- St. Joseph’s High School, Loikaw
- DLS School, Twante
B O B (in 1959)

B O B gathering in 1959

B O B (Twante)

B O B (Twante)

Scholarship winners (SPHS63)

Scholarship winners from SPHS63

SPHS Logo (with motto “Hard work Conquers Everything”)

SPHS Badge

SPHS became Yangon Heritage Site

Newspaper article

Newspaper article

YHS Plaque

Plaque

Dr. Soe Win (SPHS58, First in Burma, Rector of YUFL, son of Saya Sein)

Dr. Soe Win
May 11, 2025
Champions
Athletics

Myee Tun Naw was Burma and SEAP Champion for Marathon.

Mra Brothers

The Mra brothers — Tun Mra (sprint), Kyaw Mra (hurdles) and Soe Mra (Pole Vault) — represented Burma in the 1st and 2nd SEAP Games. They won Gold and Silver Medals.

1969 SEAP Games

Sumbwegan was Burma and SEAP Champion for 5000 and 10000 meters. He succeeded Myee Tun Naw as Marathon Champion.

Jimmy Crampton was Burma and SEAP Champion for 1500 meters.

Gracie Carr, Ma Tin Pu, Ma Khin Htay, and Jennifer Tin Lay were Burma Champions in Track and Field.

Boxing

Kyar Ba Nyein was a Boxing Champion in the early days. He trained several boxers who became National Champions.

Thein Myint and Tin Tun were Burma Boxing Champions. They represented Burma in SEAP, Asian Games and Olympics.

Judo

Many Judo champions were from the Army.

Myint Lwin (Charlie) and Tin Maung Aye were RU and Burma Champions

Rowing

The list of RUBC Golds can be found in the 90th Anniversary Issue of the founding of RUBC.

There is a Facebook group for YUBC Old Members.

U Tin Htoon and Dr. Harry Saing won the Venables Bowl for coxless pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta.

ARAE Champions

U Tin Htoon, Dr. Harry Saing, Victor Htun Shein, Sunny Teng and U Sein Htoon won the Willingdon Trophy for coxed fours at the 1960 ARAE Eegatta in Colombo.

Soccer

Suk Bahadhur played soccer for Shan States, Army and Burma. He was Captain of the Burma Selected. He was also chosen as a Asian All Star.

Other Asian All Stars include
- Maung Maung
- Khin Maung Tun (Goal)
- Tin Aung (Goal)
Swimming

Tin Maung Ni (GBNF) swam for Rangoon University, Navy and Burma. He won several Gold Medals at the SEAP Games and the Asian Games.

Table Tennis

Mao Toon Siong

Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62) was Burma Singles and Doubles Champion in Table Tennis. He represented Burma in SEAP, Asian Games and Wold Championship. He served as Coach of the National Table Tennis team.

Tennis

Joe Ba Maung (GBNF) was Burma Singles Champion in Tennis. He was Burma Doubles Champion with Than Lwin. He was Mixed Doubles Champion with Sayama Ruby Kha.

Than Lwin succeeded Joe Ba Maung as Burma Singles Champion. His spouse Mu Mu Khin represented RU and Burma in the Second SEAP Games.

Later, Maung Maung Lay (Ah Pu Lay) became Burma Singles Champion in Tennis. He was Burma Doubles Champion with Than Htut.

Ba Than Nyunt wrote :

(U) Tin Maung Ni won Gold medals not only in SEAP games but also in two successive Asian Games. If my recall is right, he is from Bhan Maw, Kachin State.

KMZ wrote :

Jimmy Crampton is an OP, Old Paulian. If my memory serves me one of his running partners was non other than our own Dr. Rafiul Ahad, ex-UCC.

Dr. Richard Yu Khin wrote :

I was on the swim team with Tin Maung Ni who is a gentleman. Ten of us were trained by Mr. Matsuda who was on the Japanese national swim team. Mr. Matsuda was manager of a Japanese company in Rangoon. He made us swim six 50 metres sprints, with one minute interval. The time difference for the 1st and 6th sprints — the decline curve should be limited. This was the first time we had scientific training in swimming. Tin Maung Ni was the only Asian, other than Japanese, to win a gold medal in swimming at the Asian Games. The US Embassy provided a goodwill tour of USA for Tin Maung Ni. He is from the Kachin State.
May 11, 2025
Rowing Notes 5
- Old members of Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) are fondly known as Old Crocs (or Crocodiles).
- They cherish the motto “Row till you are dead” and the RUBC Song “Pull long and steady …”.
FEARA Regatta
- During our RUBC days, there was an “Old Members Race” at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas.
- The contestants range from young Old Members to the iconic Past Champions.
- Some Old Crocs notably U San Maung (Gerald, GBNF) and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry, GBNF) served as RUBC Coach.
  Dr. Harry Saing usually rowed as Bow, but he led the RUBC crew in 1962 as Timing Stroke and Coach. U Win Kyi (GBNF) rowed as No. 7. Brand new Golds were awarded to Myo Tin, Htain Lin, Winston Tun Thoung, Myo Myint, Micky Tan (GBNF) and Victor Wu (GBNF).
  U San Maung told his mentees (including aspiring Golds) to practice with the Fixed Tub before rowing the boats.
- Mr. C H Chan (GBNF), U Kyaw Thein (GBNF), U Tin U, Dr. Pe Nyun (GBNF), U Maung Maung Than Tun (GBNF), U Chan Tha (GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htut, Dr. Harry Saing (GBNF), Dr. Than Nyun (George), U Tin Htoon, U Han Tin (GBNF), Dr. Tin Wa, U Sein Htoon, U Thaung Lwin, U Myo Tin and U Zaw Lin are some of the Past Captain & Gold of RUBC.
RUBC Captains
- U Tun Shein (Willie), Dr. Donald Chan, Dr. Thein Htut, Dr. Eddie Hla Min, Jimmy Saw Lwin (GBNF), U Tun Aung (George), U Win Kyi (GBNF), U Than Tin (GBNF), Maurice Tun Thoung, Mya Maung (Min Aung), Victor Htun Shein (GBNF), Sunny Teng, G Ko Lay (GBNF), L Than Myint, U Than Soe, U Myo Myint and U Than Htut are some of the RUBC Golds.
- A list of Captain and/or Gold can be found in the Souvenir Magazines.
40th Anniversary
- I was the last Executive Committee member to be elected democratically (and not selected by the higher authorities). I served as Treasurer and Vice Captain, and some “powers to be” prevented me from becoming Captain.
90th Anniversary
- I served as Contributing Editor of the Souvenir Magazine for the RUBC 90th Anniversary. I wrote Prelude for each section. I wrote three articles.
Souvenir Magazine
- I also donated for reprinting Sir Aurthur Eggar’s autobiography.
Autobiography
- The old crocs have their mini-reunions where ever possible. They also share memories of the precious photos (e.g. of U Chan Tha, Jimmy Saw Lwin, …)
- When RUBC was destroyed due to the ravages of war, the Old Crocs rebuilt the Club and provided physical, financial and spiritual support to the members to compete against the best from neighboring countries.
- Dr. Htut Saing (Harry) would fully support the RUBC crews competing in the FEARA Regatta in Hong Kong.
- Sad to note that there was apparently some disjoint between the really young members (who are busy with the competitions) and the really Old Members (especially who travel from abroad to attend the events).
- Hope YUBC members have better rapport with the Old Crocs.
May 11, 2025
Rowing Notes 4
Memories
- When RUBC was destroyed due to the ravages of war, the Old nembers rebuilt the Club and provided physical, financial and spiritual support to the members to compete against the best from neighboring countries.
Club house
- During our younger days, there is an “Old Members Race” at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas. Contestants range from young Old Members to Past Champions.
- Old Crocs have mini-reunions.
- Some (via their children) share memories.
  U Maung Maung Than Tun (GBNF)
  U Chan Tha (GBNF)
  U Tun Shein
  Jimmy Saw Lwin (GBNF)
U San Maung / Gerald Sein (GBNF)
- Past Secretary and RUBC Gold
- Brothers : Henry, Hardy
- Would find time from his work as Production Manager of “Amotha Yoke Shin”, and come down to RUBC to mentor the members (especially the aspiring Golds).
- Mandate “fixed tub” practice for the members
Dr. Htut Saing / Harry Saing (GBNF)
- Past Captain and Gold of RUBC
- Siblings : Sheila, Victor, Shirley
- Won the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta with U Tin Htoon
- Won the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo with U Tin Htoon, Sunny Teng , Victor Htun Shein and U Sein Htoon
ARAE Champions
- Usually rowed as Bow
- As an exception, he served as Timing Stroke and Coach for the RUBC Eights in 1962.
  U Win Kyi (RUBC Gold) rowed as No. (7).
  There were seven new Golds in that crew : Myo Tin (William), Htain Linn and Mehm Myo Thaung (Maurice) for the Stroke side, Myo Myint, Oung Kyaing and Thein Aung (Micky Tan) for the Bow side and Tin Aung (Victor Wu, Cox).
- Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick, Past Secretary and Gold of RUBC) and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry) were Pediatric Surgeons at the Rangoon Children Hospital.
  They operated on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San (conjoined twins)
- Continued working and teaching in Hong Kong.
- Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club.
- Supported RUBC crews in FEARA Regatta at Hong Kong
- GBNF
Dr. Harry Saing (on the right)

U Chan Tha (GBNF)
- Multi-talented athlete.
- Represented the University of Rangoon in Rowing and Soccer.
- Burma Selected in Soccer.
- Past Captain and Gold of RUBC
U Chan Tha

Wedding of U Maung Maung Than Tun’s Grand Daughter
- There was a mini-reunion of Old Crocs (Old Members of Rangoon University Boat Club) in December 12, 2017.
- Host : Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun (retired Ambassador, Gold, Oldest RUBC Past Captain) and family
- Event: Wedding of U MMTT’s grand daughter (daughter of U Hla Maw Tun, Past Secretary)
- Attendees :
  U Tun Shein (Willie, RUBC Gold),
  Dr. Than Nyun (George, Past Captain and Gold),
  U Tin Htoon (A60, Past Captain and Gold).
Activities

Many attended the Regattas and the meetings of OMA (Old Members Association)
- U Tin U (Most senior Past Captain)
- U Maung Maung Than Tun (Oldest Past Captain)
- Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain)
- U Tin Htut (Past Captain)
- Dr. Than Nyun (Past Captain)
- U Tin Htoon (Past Captain)
- Dr. Tin Wa (Past Captain)
- U Sein Htoon (Past Captain)
- U Thaung Lwin (Past Captain)
- U Htaik San (Henry, Past Captain)
- U Tun Shein (Willie, Past Secretary)
- Dr. Donald Chan (Gold)
- U Tun Aung (George, Gold)
- U Myo Myint (Gold)
- U Than Htut (Gold)
- U Thura Thant Zin (Gold)
- U Thant Kyaw (Gold)
- U Tin Myint (GBNF)
- U Tun Mra
- U Hla Kyi
- U Hla Myint (Michael)
Several contributed articles, photos and financial support for printing the 90th Anniversary Issue, and for reprinting Sir Arthur Eggar’s biography.

Sad to note that there was some disjoint between the really young members (who are busy with the competitions) and the really Old Members (especially who travel from abroad to attend the events).
May 11, 2025
U Maung Maung Than Tun
U Maung Maung Than Tun (GBNF)
- Oldest among the surviving Past Captains of RUBC.
- Retired Ambassador.
- Founding member of Burma Rowing Federation.
- He and his younger son Aung Khine is the first Pair of Father-Son who are Captain and Gold of RUBC.
- His elder son Hla Maw Tun was Gold and Past Secretary of RUBC.
- He is a few months older than U Tin U, most Senior among the surviving Past Captains.
- U Tin U is now the Oldest and most Senior among the surviving Past Captains of RUBC.
May 11, 2025
HMEE Meeting in Mar 2012

Ko Ohn Khine (M70) took me to Saya U Aung Hla Tun’s place on Inya Road to attend the “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar” meeting.

The book was published in time for SPZP-2012 in December, 2012.

Ko Ohn Khine and I compiled a CD supplement for the History Book.

The early supporters for the project include Sayagyi U Ba Than and Saya U Soe Paing.

May 11, 2025