“K” is the pen name of BBS U Khin Zaw (Founder and Director of Burma Broadcasting Service / Myanmar Ah Than). He was assisted by his cousin U Pe Thaw. His mentees include “Aba” U Than Myint.
U Khin Zaw & U Than Myint
He served as Chief Librarian of Rangoon University Central Library. Saya Zaw Gyi (U Thein Han, Laureate Poet) succeeded him as Chief Librarian.
Librarian & Author
He wrote about Burmese Music. He listened to Burmese Classical Songs and wrote international notation for them.
Writing notes for Burmese songs
He explained to visiting musicians (Duke Ellington, Count Bassie …) about Burmese Musical Instruments.
He translated poems by Saya Minthuwun and Saya Zaw Gyi.
“K”, Zawgyi & Minthuwun
Several years back, U Wint Khin Zaw mailed me a book authored by his father. The book’s title unfortunately had to be changed from Burma to Myanmar (in my time) per order of the Censorship Board for Publications. Due to absence of Grandfather’s Clause, books with Burma in the title could not be reprinted without changing it to Myanmar. (e.g books by Maurice Collis and Daw Khin Myo Chit).
U Wun (Minthuwun), U Khin Zaw (“K”) and U Thein Han (Zawgyi)
Three Authors
U Khin Zaw
U Khin Zaw
Chief Librarian of Rangoon University
He founded BBS (Burma Broadcasting Service, Myanmar Ah Than) and served as its Director.
Wrote “Burma in My Life-time”.
Compiled notes for Burmese Classical songs.
Collaborated with Minthuwun for “Burmese Nursery Rhymes”.
U Thein Han
U Thein Han
He studied Burmese and Library Science. For many years, he served as Chief Librarian of Rangoon University Library and Rangoon University Central Library (RUCL).
National Literary Award winner
Sar Pay Beik Mun Award winner
U Wun
U WunU Wun & Htin KyawBook about Minthuwun by his son U Htin Kyaw
U Wun headed the Translation Department at Rangoon University.
He served as Professor of Burmese at RU, and as Visiting Professor at Osaka University.
He is a Lexicographer. He compiled the Myanmar Abhidan. He worked with Professor Harada (Chit Man Nwe) and team on the Japanese-Burmese Dictionary.
Khit San Sar Pay
Zawgyi and Minthuwun are Laureate Poets. They co-founded Khit San Sar Pay with Theikpan Maung Wa (ICS U Sein Tin). The three were the early students of Saya U Pe Maung Tin (Pali and Burmese Scholar, first native Principal of Rangoon College).
Libraries
In the early days, some Faculties of RU had libraries.
Under the then new Education System, most Universities and Institutes had their libraries.
The main library was known as RUCL (RU Central Library).
Saya Zawgyi has a bust honoring him as the Librarian of RU Library and RUCL.
Daw Myint Myint Khin and U Thaw Kaung were Assistant Librarians for the Faculty of Social Science.
Daw Myint Myint became RIT Librarian.
U Thaw Kaung became RUCL Librarian.
Broadcasting
U Khin Zaw was assisted by his cousin U Pe Thaw and his wife.
U Than Myint was his mentee.
U Kyaw Nyein, U Hla Bu & Daw Olive, Alison Tun Ngwe, Daw Than Hnit and others produced high quality programs.
Several BBS members were offered assignments and permanent positions at BBC and VOA.
“K”
U Khin Zaw
“K” wrote a semi-autobiography in “Burma In My Time”. The title had to be changed “Myanmar In My Time” for the reprint. Ko Wint Khin Zaw mailed me a copy of his father’s book.
He transcribed Burmese Classical songs.
U Khin Zaw transcribing Burmese song
“K” provided the music and some translations for “Maung Khway Boh” nursery songs. The work is based on kabyars by Minthuwun.
For Maung Khway
He hosted visiting musicians.
U Khin Zaw and Duke EllingtonU Khin Zaw explaining about Saing WaingU Khin Zaw and Count Basie
Minthuwun’s works
Dalaban (U Htin Kyaw) wrote several articles about his father Minthuwun (e.g Burmese terms for RU, Departments and Disciplines).
Book about Minthuwun by his son U Htin Kyaw
Minthuwun compiled the Burmese Dictionary.
He collaborated with Chit Mann Nwe & team at Osaka University on the Japanese-Burmese Dictionary.
Minthuwun compiled a list of Outstanding Burmans (in their fields).
Aspiring poets studied “Su Tu Pyu” and other books by Minthuwun.
He collaborated with U Khin Zaw on Burmese Nursery Songs.
For Maung KhwaySample Song
Zawgyi’s Kabyars
Zawgyi’s kabyars are recited around the world not only by renowned speakers but also children (e.g contest for reciting kabyars).
There is a PBS documentary about Saya’s famous kabyar (Bedar Lann) with the translation by Dr. Lyn Swe Aye.
Still So Young (Translation) “Nge Thay Loh” — Short story by Thu Kha (Author, Director, Actor) I received fifty kyats for the translation. U Thu Kha was given fifty kyats.
Men on the Moon (Poem) Honoring the Apollo 11 Mission in July 1969 Mr. Hall (USIA) forwarded my poem to NASA.
Phaungdaw-uFestival (Poem) Thadinkyut Festival at Inlay Lake, Shan State Inlay is known for the floating islands and leg rowers. Inlay Khaung Daing Camp hosted Luyechuns.
The Great Gandhiji (Poem) Centennial of the Apostle of Non-violence Born Mohandas Gandhi, he was also called “Mahatma”
To The Fallen Warrior (Poem) Honoring the writers who fought for Burma’s Independence
Calendars (Concept) There are various Calendars. The Burmese Calendar is luni-solar, socio-religious calendar.
Sea Burial for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (Event) Part-time Professor of Electrical Engineering, San Jose State University passed away alone at his home. Per request from the Professor and Head of EE Department, the Burmese Community in the San Francisco Bay Area helped with the Final Journey. I had the honor to push the incinerator and also to join Dr. Swe Aye and Dr. Khin Nyo Thet to scatter the ashes in the waters off Santa Cruz.
Still So Young (Translation)
Still So Young
Short story : “Nge Thay Loh” by Thu Kha
Translation : “Still So Young” by Maung Hlaing Phyo (Hla Min)
Publication : Modern Burmese Writings, Working People’s Daily
Men On The Moon (Poem)
Author : Hla Min
Honoring the Apollo 11 Mission in July 1969
Astronauts : Neil Armstrong (Mission Commander) Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin (Lunar Module Pilot) Michael Collins (Command Module Pilot)
Landing : Tranquility Bay (on the Moon)
Publication : Guardian Daily Newspaper
Men on the Moon
Phaungdaw-uFestival (Poem)
Author : Hla Min
Thadinkyut Festival at Inlay Lake, Shan State
Publication : Thadinkyut Supplement Working Peoples’ Daily
Phaungdaw-u Poem about Phaungdaw-u Festival
The Great Gandhiji (Poem)
Author : Hla Min
Centennial of the Apostle of Non-violence
Publication : Working Peoples’ Daily October 1, 1969
Gandhi
To The Fallen Warrior (Poem)
Auhor : Hla Min
In honor of the Sarsodaes / Writers who fought for Burma’s Independence
Publication : Forward Magazine
To the Fallen Warrior
Calendars (Concept)
Article by Hla Min
Publication : BAPS Newsletter
Article on Calendars
Sea Burial for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (Event)
Author : Hla Min
Publications :
BAPS Newsletter and RIT Alumni International Newsletter
Founded in the SF Bay Area : Saya K C Chiu discussed the idea with several sayas and alumni.
Later merged with BASTS (Burmese American Science and Technology Society) to become BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society)
Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF)
U Htin PawService for U Htin Paw 1Service for U Htin Paw 2
Inaugural President of BEA
Wrote a series of articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter engineering student engineering saya States Scholar engineer in Burma and USA
Won two Gold Medals His family had to subsidize K150 for each Gold Medal
Joined RIT Electrical Engineering Department after graduation in 1958 along with U Ba Nyunt
Received MSEE from Michigan University
Upon return to Burma, worked for UBARI (which provided the Scholarship) and taught part time at EE Department. Later transferred to EI (Electrical Inspectorate).
Past President of TBSA Attended SPZP-2000, but had to leave early due to his spouse’s health.
Saya U San Tun (M59)
U San TunM59 Class PhotoSocial & Reading Club, BITGathering in SF Bay Area 1Gathering in SF Bay Area 2Gathering in SF Bay Area 3Gathering in SF Bay Area 4Gathering in SF Bay Area 5
U San Tun lost his spouse unexpectedly, but was lucky to find Daw Sylvia to take care of him and his children.
U San Tun and Saya U Aung Khin visited China at the request of Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto64)
U San Tun invited us to his birthday, the wedding of his son, and to his home.
U San Tun is a regular attendee of SF Bay Area Retirees’ Lunch gatherings.
Photos
Also known as Sain Fone Wong
Past President of BEA
Won Gold Medal Met another Gold Medalist Dorothy Tham (GBNF, sister of Saya Kyi Kong Tham (C63)). They have a daughter and a son.
Joined RIT Mechanical Engineering Department after graduation in 1959
Received MS from MIT
Served as Head of Automobile Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical)
Saya Dr. K C Chiu (ChE63)
Saya K C (Seated 3rd from Left)
Also known as U Tin Aung
Brother of Saya Dr. Aung Soe (C61)
Co-founder and Past President of BEA
Organizer for SPZP-2000
After retirement, he moved from San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles
Lily Win (T72)
Lily (Standing rightmost)
Also known as Khin Htar Yee
Co-founder and Past Secretary of BEA
Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) was in SF Bay Area on a business trip from Texas. He met his soul mate Lily (presumably at a BEA meeting with KC).
SPZP-2000
Honoring BEA & BAPS Officers at SPZP-2000
Former Officers of BEA and BAPS were honored.
Notes
U Htin Paw is the father of Dr. Barry Paw (GBNF), elder brother of U Tun Thein (A67) and maternal uncle of Robert Hla Thein (M72).
Dr. Barry Paw (MD, PhD, Researcher) passed away on the return flight from Australia to USA. He went to pay respect to his maternal aunt, but unexpectedly had to arrange the last journey for his aunt’s spouse.
U Htin Paw donated $2000 to Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay in memory of Dr. Julie Han (T61, GBNF, Past VP and Fundraiser of TBSA).
U San Tun lost his spouse unexpectedly, but was lucky to find Daw Sylvia to take care of him and his children.
U San Tun and Saya U Aung Khin visited China at the request of Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto64)
U San Tun invited us to his birthday, the wedding of his son, and to his home.
U San Tun is a regular attendee of SF Bay Area Retirees’ Lunch gatherings.
Helped with the Final Journey of Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74, UCC, Syracuse University).
Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (Luyechun) Standing
Notes
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) took us to a BAPS picnic to meet members who wanted to support the ex-rit website. He demonstrated the “Burmese Farewell” by taking a long time to get back to the car.
Saya Allen (Middle)
Daniel is the son of Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62, Burma Champion & National Coach in Table Tennis).
Edison wrote about David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67, GBNF) and Benny Tan in “Profile of BAPS Member” section of BAPS Newsletter
BAPS honored Dr. Nyo Win and Henry Lim (U Aung Myint, Chief Editor of BAPS Newsletter) at the Appreciation Dinner.
Ko Henry left RIT before graduation. He volunteered as Associate Editor along with Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) for the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Ko Maurice displayed his Culinary Expertise during his Tenure as BAPS President. He also organized Workshops.
နိုင်ငံရေး စီးပွားရေး အတ္တဘီလူးများကို RIT ကျောင်းသားဟောင်းတစုက သနားကြင်နာစွာ သတိပေးလိုက်တဲ့ ကဗျာသရုပ်ဖေါ် တစ်ခုပါ။
Here is a clear and kind reminder to “every politically and economically greedy giant-headed monster” from a group of alumni of Rangoon Institute of Technology, Myanmar.
HlaMin 