Here is another poetic art of a group of alumni of Rangoon Institute of Technology, Myanmar.
It depicts the innate nature of Myanmar people.
C Civil, M Mechanical, EC Electrical Communication
by Win Myint
by Hla Min
Thank you very much to all of you (Organizing members and the participants) for the unforgettable grand event “SPZP and RIT Reunion 2000” at San Francisco.
Let me express the most exciting moment for me at the event. Earlier, I have learned from your “Countdown to the Reunion” articles that there were some questions about the agenda, especially about the Saya Ga Daw Pwe which is a tradition/practice for the Buddhists. Later the organizing committee members arranged it as an optional for the attendees.
On that great evening of October 28, I arrived just in time from the other hall into the main hall to participate in my most anticipated moment. I jumped into the event from behind the other participants. For a few seconds, all of us struggled willingly with joy for a tiny spot to pay homage to our Sayagyis. Each of us did it successfully in a thrilling moment. To pay homage all my Sayagyis together in this place and time was an extraordinary opportunity for all of us. It does not matter for me – their religion – whether they directly taught me, indirectly, or did not – whether I have seen them before or not. Sayas are Sayas. Whoever they were/are. There is no problem. Our Sayas and Sayamas have done a grand – unparalleled accomplishments to our Mother “Rangoon Institute of Technology”, to our Mother Country , and to our lives.
One more special excitement for me was, I noticed that there were non-Buddhists not only on the stage among the Sayas but also on the floor among the engineers who were proudly paying homage with strong eagerness to our Sayagyis. Immediately after we paid homage, I saw many of us ‘Great Engineers’, some with tears of joy, bowing their heads, rushed to the Sayagyis sitting on the stage, touched, and held their Saya’s hands with excitement. I guessed that some of these fore-rushers were in their 60’s and trembling with exultation. I learned that SPZP is not only for young engineers.
The event was very enthusiastic and swift. [Let me say,] it was also a little chaotic and informal. However, this kind of chaotic atmosphere was the real unforgettable “Unique Essence” of our once-in-a-life-time SPZP and Reunion, 2000.
With Respect,
Ba Thein, Atlanta
We appreciate the cetana of the following alumni who felt that the RIT Alumni International should have activities beyond the First ever RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.
They are honored as “Golden Sponsors” of SPZP-2000.
Sai Kham Pan (EC69) was Burma Selected. He would bring back shuttle cocks, which were “still good” but discarded at the Training Camp, for his hostel mates. He was then Number Two in Singles, and Number One in Doubles with Kyi Nyunt (Sagaing, Burma Champion). Due to tight schedules for some tournaments overseas, he had to take books along to study for the examinations.
He had excellent foot work and strong wrists. He needed training partners at RIT. Ko Myint Sein (M69, GBNF) was his partner in training and in competition. Ko Khin Maung Win (Sargalay, EP69, GBNF) was his “reliable” training partner. SKP would give Sargalay 10+ bonus points for the 15 point game.
Bishnu Shasi (EE69er, GBNF) was also a good Badminton player.
Tommy Shwe (1st BE Intake of 64, GBNF) was also a good player. He left RIT before graduation to Taiwan and later moved to USA.
Khin Maung Zaw wrote:
There was another student, couple of years behind, who played badminton and also a long distance runner. I believe he’s from Textile. Unfortunately, I could not recall his name. We used to hand out at Athletic officer Ko Maung Maung’s office in those days.
Some in the following photos are GBNF.
by Hla Min
Updated : May 2025
UCC (Universities’ Computer Center) was founded by Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF).
ထွန်း အောင် ကျော်
He attended the ICLETC (International Computer Limited Training Center). During the break, he visited Salisbury, Stone Henge, Southampton and a Safari Park.
He participated in the UCC Yahan Khan and practiced meditation at the Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung monastery.
He and Daw Khin Maw Maw celebrated their Golden Anniversary in 2022.
They have two sons, three daughters and six grandchildren.
He hosted Ivan Lee (M69), Frederick Thetgyi (M69), me and my spouse. He showed us around MIT and Yale University.
In 2024, NABEA (North America Burmese Engineers Association) invited him to be a Guest Speaker at the Conference in Houston, Texas. He spoke about the “Impact of Artificial Intelligence”.
ဇနီး Ivy — လွန်ခဲ့တဲ့ 17 နှစ် က ကွယ်လွန်
HlaMin 