In November 1964, the RIT English Department was established to teach first year and second year B.E and B. Arch
Sayama Terry (Daw Yin Yin Mya) was Assistant Lecturer and Head of the Department. She was a Beauty Queen. She migrated to Australia.
Sayama Daw Sheila Saing was Assistant Lecturer and Deputy Head of the Department. Spouse : Dr. Zin Aung (Physics) Siblings : Dr. Harry Saing (Htut Saing), Dr. Victor Saing (Aye Kyaw), Dr. Shirley Saing (Khin Kyi Ohn) Saya and Sayama moved to Thailand and taught at Assumption University.
Sayama Naw Charity Sein U later became Head of the RIT English Department. Met her briefly at SPZP-2012.
Sayama Toni Than is a cousin of Ko Thet Tun (Henry, M 75). Parents : U Sett Khaing and Daw Sarah Tin Gyi Spouse : U Nyi Than (retired Ambassador) Youngest aunt : Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (Cherry Tin Gyi), spouse of Saya U Tin U. Khamee Khamet : Saya U Win Mra. Met her briefly at SPZP-2012 and several times in 2019.
Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (Ann) published several books/booklets. Bilingual author. Wrote an article about her mother and two aunts. Parents : ICS U Ba Tint and Daw Khin Saw Mu (Khit San Kabyar) Uncles : ICS U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Myint U Myint Thein Dr. Htin Aung Brother : U Nay Oke Tint (St. Paul’s)
Met Sayama Muriel Spouse : Saya U Aung (Alphoso) They visited Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt in Milpitas, California. We had a couple of lunch gatherings.
Saya Des Named Desmond Rodgers Prefers to be called Des Our main English teacher in 2nd BE. Chief Editor of the RIT English Association Newsletter. Core organizer of the Debates between the 1st BE and 2nd BE students. Played soccer for the RIT Saya team. Accomplished musician : guitarist and vocalist, a regular on the BBS Variety Show. Played and sang with Saya U Win Mra (Burma’s Elvis Presley in his younger days).
Scrabble Champion at the tournaments held at Guardian premises and YMCA Moved to UK and Canada Taught “English as a Specialty Language” Published two books Wrote a long article for “RIT Alumni International Newsletter“.
.Scrabble Champion for both singles and doubles.Did post-graduate studies in the UK.Moved to Canada.Taught “English as a Specialty Language” and other English courses.Set up a consultancy firmPublished 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).Saya air-mailed me the book, but I received an opened package from the Post. Saya sent again with “registered” post (including insurance). It cost more than the sales price of the book. Thanks.Had minor medical problems.Shared his memories in the RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
Saya U Khin Scrabble Champion at the tournaments held at Guardian premises and YMCA Organizer, RIT Scrabble Chambers Dictionary and Jones Pronouncing Dictionary were used to confirm/deny the word challenges. They were always present on Saya’s desk. Moved to Taiwan Wrote a letter in 2016.
Saya U Win Mra was the fourth son ICS U Shwe Mra (Chief Secretary, later UN expert). Burma’s Pole Vault Champion before he was asked to “retire” by the doctors. He and Saya Des played guitars and sang (e.g. BBS Variety Show). Won or placed in Burma’s Elvis Presley contest. Joined the Foreign Service. He was Myanmar’s Ambassador to the United Nations. He is Chair of the Myanmar Human Rights Commission.
Saya Joe Ba Maung was Burma’s Tennis Champion in Singles, Mens’ Doubles (with U Than Lwin) and Mixed Doubles (with Sayama Daw Ruby Kha). Saya joined Burma Railways. He was a victim of 8-8-88 purges.
Khemarat was the pen name of Saya Sao Kangyi Tony). Brothers : Sao Yan Naing, Sao Yan Paing
Saya U Kyaw Lwin Hla transferred to UNDP. Brother : U Kyaw Lwin Hla
U Khin’s Letter
Dear Hla Min,
I have been an ardent “fan” of your RIT Newsletter updates ever since you included me in your mailing list at the suggestion of Des Rodgers many many years ago.
You have made a great contribution to the RIT community by bringing the RIT alumni, sayas and sayamas together through your reports, messages, photos, etc. in the RIT Newsletter and also through your persistent efforts in carrying on the good work against all odds. Who is going to fill your shoes after you retire?
I spent the best years of my life (1964 ~ 1968) at the RIT and I cherish the good old days I had at the RIT with my former colleagues at the English Department such as Saya Desmond Rodgers, Saya U Win Mra, Saya U Joe Ba Maung, Saya Sao Kangyi (deceased), Saya U Kyaw Lwin Hla, Sayama Daw Tin Tin Mya (Terry), Sayama Daw Charity Sein U, Sayama Daw Khin May Lwin (Muriel), Sayama Daw Tin Tin Oo (Toni), Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (Anne), among others; my former colleagues at other engineering departments and non-engineering departments such as Saya U Tin Maung (Civil), Saya U Christopher Maung (Civil), Saya Allen Htay (civil), Saya Dr K.C. Khoo (Chemical), among others; and my former students Tin Tin Myint (Emma), Khin Phyu Latt (Christine), Tin Tin Hla (Su Tin), Sai Kham Sang, Pamela Myo Min, George Lim, among others.
I hope you will have a great time at the birthday party that will be hosted in your honor on August 20th (2016) at Half Moon Bay, California, by your former classmates, colleagues, sayas and sayamas.
I shall also be wishing you a happy birthday in absentia from this part of the world, and hope you will have many happy and healthy returns of the day in the years to come.
Sincerely yours,
Lucian Chen (Saya U Khin)
Three Sisters
Article about Daw Khin Mya Mu, Daw Khin Saw Mu and Daw Tin Saw Mu
During his tenure as Minister of Science and Technology, he initiated and/or implemented programs to restore RIT to its former glory and to allow “True Home Coming” at the Gyogone Campus in December 2012.
He was transferred to another Ministry before he could help his alma mater more (e.g. get accredited at the ASEAN level and beyond).
He attended SPZP-2012 and gave a speech.
He and fellow EE72 students paid respect to the EE Sayas in December, 2017.
When we organized the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000, we were told that RIT is a dying breed. Someone reminded us that Class Reunions are held as part of the Home Coming at the campuses.
Tears of sorrow fell from many sayas and alumni when they learned that their alma mater has been branded as a “Thabon Kyaung” (by U Thaung and his toadies) and that the Swel Daw Bins had been decimated.
Many felt that they would never see their alma mater in good shape again.
U Aye Myint (EP72, Minister for Science and Technology) did not forget his roots. He made possible the True Home Coming at the Gyogone Campus in 2012. Sadly for us, he was posted to another Ministry before he could help his alma mater to the fullest.
According to Saya U Moe Aung (EE 63, Tekkatho Moe War), the term “Swel Daw Yeik” was first accepted as a synonym for RIT in 1970 (Golden Jubilee of the establishment of Rangoon University).
Saya is an outstanding writer/poet, editor/publisher, “Ah Nu Pyinnyar Shin”, …
“Swel Daw Yeik Bulletin” was published by Saya U Moe Aung and his team of editors.
“Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint” is a premier feature of the RIT-related gatherings (e.g. Singapore Thingyan, World wide SPZPs).
“Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” was published for SPZP-2000, SPZP-2007, and SPZP-2010 held in Singapore.
“Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” was published for SPZP-2012, SPZP-2014 and SPZP-2016.
“Swel Daw Yeik Foundation” evolved from brain storming sessions for helping past, present, and future Burmese/Myanmar engineers. The initial scope is to provide (some) health care to all sayas and sayamas (60+ years, 7+ years of service) using the interest money (only) of the Health Care Fund.
For several years, Ma Khine Khine Win and friends) have provided funds to supplement (e.g. K50,000 per saya/sayama) the dana offering by SDYF.
Later, Ko Aung Khine and friends (Swel Daw Thway Ah Phwe) supplemented K100000 for eligible saya/sayama.
Designed the covers of RIT Annual Magazines and the commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazines.
Displayed his paintings at SPZP-2016 and donated the proceeds of the sales of his paintings to the Organizing Committee. He let U Myo Aung and me join for a group photo. Thanks.
Drew Pon Tus of sayas and sayamas and gave them as “Garawa” gift.
Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) compiled the Pon Tu of about 70 sayas and sayamas. Saya U Tin Lin (ChE72) annotated the photos. The post is re-posted in RIT Updates. The following are some Pon Tu from that Album
Architecture Sayas
U Myo Myint Sein (A)
Chemical Engg Sayas
U Khin Aung Kyi (Ch, Rector)Dr. Maung Maung Win (Ch, GBNF)Daw Tin Myint (Ch)U Myat Thwin (Ch)U Maung Maung (George, Ch)U Htun Aung Kyaw (Ch)Dr. Taing Oke (Ch)U Tin Lin (Ch)
Civil Engg Sayas
Dr. Aung Gyi (C, Rector)U Min Wun (C)U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C)U Nyi Hla Nge (C, Rector, Dy Min)Dr. Htin Aung (C)Dr. Myo Khin (C)
Electrical Engg Sayas
U Sein Hlaing (E)U Myo Kyi (E)U Ba Myint (E)U Moe AungU Thein Dan (E)
Mechanical Engg Sayas
U Aung Khin (M) U Ba Than (M) U Tin HtutU Maung Maung Win (M)Dr. Tin Win (M)S Arya (M, GBNF)S Kyaw Aye (M)U Win (M)Dr. Tin Hlaing (M)U Phone Myint (M)U Kyaw Sein (M, GBNF)U Tu Myint (M)U Tin Maung Oo (M, GBNF)U Khin Maung Tin (M)U Aung Myint (M)
Metallurgy Sayas
U Aung Hla Tun (Met)Dr. Khin Maung Win (Met, GBNF)U Pe Win (Met, Rector)U Tin Maung Nyunt (Met)U Win Kyaw (Met)U Thein Aung (Met)U Nyunt Htay (Met)U Mya Tin U (Met)
Mining & Pet Sayas
U Aung Than (Min)Dr. Thein Hlyne (Min)U Myint Soe (Min)U Win Kyaing (Pet)
Textile Sayas
U Maung Maung Than (T, Rector, GBNF)U Shwe Yee (Tex)
The idea of Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF) was proposed by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) to his former students (mostly who were RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins) before, during and after SPZP-2012.
SDYF was established in 2013 with core volunteers and supporters.
U Khin Maung Tun (T78) pledged/donated K1000+ Lakhs to jump start the noble cause of providing health care to eligible sayas and sayamas. He graciously accepted to be President of SDYF.
Saya U Moe Aung drafted the Bye Laws for SDYF in time for the Second Executive Member (EC) Meeting.
SDYF has provided financial support for
Hospitalization
Annual Medical Check up (extending the activities started by “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas”)
Vision Care (extending the activities started by “U Khin Maung Tun and Family Eye Care Fund”)
[With approval] Annual grant to sayas and sayamas requiring assisted care
[With approval] Sayas and sayamas requiring frequent visit to medical clinics
[With approval] Ad-hoc grant for sayas and sayamas for the loss of limbs
U Tin Latt (M85) had earlier written a report of SDYF Activities.
He was my classmate from I.Sc(A) at Leik Khone. Our Roll Numbers were B115 and B116.
He is Chair of the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and Core Organizer of 69er activities.
He maintains the GBNF list for 69ers. The list has 124 members (about 40% of the class).
Major donors of the 69er HCF
They include Daw Myint Myint (C69), U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69, New Jersey, USA) and U Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP69, Singapore). Many 69ers also donated — large or small, one-time or recurring — to the 69er HCF. Several 69ers donated back part or full the financial support provided by 69er HCF.
U Zaw Min (Nawaday, EP70)
He is the primary author of “RIT Days (1964 – 70)”. U Ohn Khine (M70) added some details. I edited the long article and published it in my newsletter and website.
He hosted Saya U Ba Toke and son U Ye Myint (EP72) for SPZP-2000.
U Ohn Khine (M70)
He was volunteer / organizer for SPZP, SDYF, Alumni Association, HMEE and the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
During my visits to Yangon, he gave me rides to attend the meetings and gatherings.
He and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE book.
He translated Section 1 of the book and summarized Section 2.
Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC)
He was my mentor at RIT EE and UCC.
He helped Saya Dr. Chit Swe found UCC.
He wrote articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter.
He and his team compiled articles and photos (from the archives of RU Central Library). He wrote the draft for HMEE book. He also revised U Ohn Khine’s translation and summary.
I have published both versions in my Newsletter and website.
U Aye (M62)
He knows many alumni from the 1950s to 1964.
He represented RU and BIT in Volleyball.
He competed in Track & Field and Soccer.
He knows prominent non-alumni (mostly from St. Patrick’s HS, Mudon, Moulmein and Tenasserim Division, RU).
U Myint Than (M71)
He represented RIT in Rowing and Chinlon.
He posted several photos. He was cox of the RIT Female crew which won the Inter-Institute Coxed Fours.
Feedback
* U Aye (M62) wrote :
The last time I participated in Track and field was in 1958 Inter college and Universities competition held in Mawlamyine. I stood third in Triple Jump. I participated as a member of Mawlamyine College team then.
During 1953-56, our St Patrick’s HS volleyball teams (A&B) participated in Mawlamyine township championship tournaments. Others teams were Mawlamyine college team, Kyaimaraw & Police team, 3rd Burriff team among others.
The last time I played soccer was in 1959-60 Ramanya hall team. Our captain was Ko Than Aung(GBNF). Ko Shwe Kyaw(M63), GBNF, Ko Tun Nyunt(Forestry), GBNF, Ko Hla Myint(M62), GBNF.
The photo of five RIT Alumni was taken at the San Francisco Bay Area Literary Talks 2018.
Myint Soe
Win Htut
Aw Pi Kyeh
San Lin (Maung Lu Pay)
Hla Min
Aw Pi Kyeh gave a talk titled “Made in Myanmar”. He is President of the Myanmar Cartoonists Association. During his RIT days, he served as Secretary of the RIT Cartoonists Association. He was a contributor and maintainer of the “RIT Cartoon Box” (which was an old telephone kiosk/booth with cartoons pasted from the inside).
Ko Myint Soe and Ko San Lin are among the sponsors of the Talks.
Ko Win Htut asked an attendee to take the group photo with his camera. Thanks.
HMEE-2012 (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) covers a list of early Engineering graduates.
U Hla Maung (from the second batch) wrote about his experiences in the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee Magazine in 1970. Excerpts of his article appear in the HMEE magazine.
RU was established in December 1920. In response to the Boycott of the RU Act, RU decided to extend the offerings.
The plan to offer Engineering was implemented in 1923.
The initial classes were opened in 1924.
Two groups were admitted.
The first group consists of B.Sc graduates (to attend a “compressed” 3-year Engineering course).
The second group consists of eligible students who has passed I.Sc (to attend the “regular” 4-year course).
Note that the first group graduated only a few months ahead of the second group.
According to Saya Bilal Raschid (A), his cousin uncle was an early graduate.
RU Centennial FB pages has photos of two certificates (I.Sc and B.Sc. Engg) of U Kyaw Sein (former Chief Engineer of Housing Board). He was an early graduate. His son-in-law Dr. Myint Han (SPHS 59) taught part time at Chemical Engineering Department at RIT.
Hope relatives of the early alumni can provide details.
HlaMin 