On July 19, 1947, Bogyoke Aung San & several ministers were gunned down.
Memories of my cousin
Daw Myint Thwe
Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, now GBNF) was born on July 19, 1934.
She was celebrating her birthday on July 19, 1947 when the sad news were announced via the sirens. The birthday celebration was put on hold.
Arzanis
Bogyoke Aung SanArzani Nay
Bogyoke Aung San — Untimely death at the age of 32
Thakin Mya — Minister without Portfolio; “Deputy Prime Minister”; Leader of AFPFL faction
Deedok U Ba Cho — Journalist; Publisher
Mahn Ba Khaing — saved Bogyoke from the British police
Sao San Htun (Mongpawn Sawbwa) — died the following day at the hospital
U Ba Win — Elder brother of Bogyoke; Father of Dr. Sein Win
U Razak — Early graduate from National College; Principal of National School in Mandalay
ICS U Ohn Maung — Was asked to give a presentation on behalf of Saw San Po Thin
Yebaw Ko Htwe — Body guard of U Razak
Absentees & Survivors
Three ministers (U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Nyein & Saw San Po Thin) did not attend the meeting on July 19, 1947.
U Tin Tut became a victim of political assassination shortly after Independence. He was already assigned to be Burmese Ambassador of the United Kingdom.
U Kyaw Nyein and U Ba Swe led Ti Mye (တည်မြဲ Stable AFPFL faction). They lost the No-confidence motion against U Nu and the Thant Shin (သန့်ရှင်း Clean AFPFL faction). The AFPFL split led to Caretaker Government (pseudo Coup d’etat).
Saw San Po Thin was on a tour of duty.
According to Phaw Kaung ဖေါ်ကောင် Ba Nyunt, he could not find U Nu (Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies) at his office.
A few ministers (Pagan U Ba Gyan, U Aung Zan Wai, Pyaw Bwe U Mya …) who were seated at the far side of the meeting table escaped.
U Ba Gyan is the elder brother of U Ba Shan (Secretary of Maths Curriculum Committee). He sat down on the floor but was holding the edge of the table. He had a gunshot wound on a finger.
U Aung Zan Wai was a signer of the Pinlon (Panlong) Agreement.
Pyaw Bwe U Mya’s spouse is a distant cousin of Bogyoke. His plan to have more security at the Secretariat was turned down by Bogyoke.
Bogyoke’s body guards include Natmauk Phone Kyaw (writer) and Bo Tun Hla (Tekkatho Nay Win, writer & actor). Bo Tun Hla and Deputy Secretary U Tin Ohn were in an adjoining room in the Secretariat. Dr. Tin Wa (son of U Tin Ohn) was interviewed by BBC Burmese program.
Family members & relatives of Arzanis
U Aung San Oo, Aung San Lin (GBNF) and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi — children of Bogyoke
Dr. Khin Hla Cho & Daw Khin Myint Cho (UCC) — grand children of Deedok U Ba Cho
Daw Myint Myint Khaing (Maths Sayama) — daughter of Mahn Ba Khaing. She transcribed the tapes for the book about Saya U Ba Toke. Her spouse Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char) interviewed Saya and wrote the book.
Sao Hso Holm & Sao Khai Pha — sons of Sao San Tun. Sao Hso Holm was First Class English Honors and had two Law degrees. He was a regular columnist for WPD Supplement on Modern Burmese Writings. In 1962, the Sawbwas requested his legal services. He was detained by the Revolutionary Council. After serving in the Education Ministry, he and his family migrated to Australia.
Saya Dr. Sein Win (Maths) — son of U Ba Win
U Tin Myint (GBNF) & U Hla Kyi — sons of U Razak. Both are Geologists and Old Members of RUBC.
Saya U Tin Maung Thein (EE), Francis & Saya Dr. Min Myint (Chem) — sons of U Ohn Maung
Daw Nge Ma Ma Than (UCC) — niece of Bogyoke & U Ba Win; She became a Prisoner of Conscience.
Arzani Beikman / Martyrs’ Mausoleum
In our younger days, we walked to Shwe Dagon Pagoda on Saturdays.
We would occasionally stop by at the “Arzani Beikman” (Martyr’s Mausoleum). Nine Oke Gu’s were on display. Four Oke Gus flanked on each side of Bogyoke’s Oke Gu.
Near the Beikman were two more Oke Gu’s : one for ICS U Tin Tut and another for Bo Sein Hman.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint’s article about the “Empty Tomb” mentioned that his Bagyee U Tin Tut was cremated at the special crematorium set up at Kyandaw Cemetery and that his ashes were scattered into a river.
Fast forward.
The “attempted massacre of Chung Doo Wan and his party” was carried out by three North Korean agents.
One set of bombs did not go off and thus spared the lives of the Burmese contingent led by Minister U Aung Kyaw Myint. U Soe Min, Deputy Director of Myanmar Ah Than TV, was hit by shrapnel, but he survived. The award winning Kyemon reporter, who switched duties to cover the event, was killed.
The higher authorities dictated the design of the new Arzani Beikman. No roofs were placed on top of the monolithic “Gu”. Some architects posted about their role in the project.
Several writers noted that the then Number One never attended the ceremonies. A few hinted that he was a member of the Thakin Ba Sein faction of AFPFL and had some grudges for those from the Thakin Mya faction. He banned horse racing for the public and closed the Rangoon Turf Club. He supposedly had fun (e.g. attending derbies) most July in UK.
Protocol change
Over the years, the protocol changed. The families of the fallen leaders were no longer invited to State functions and dinners.
First tier leaders did not attend the Martyrs’ Day functions. Only Second tier leaders showed up as token of duty.
The family members of the Arzanis were not allowed time to pay physical respect. They were given time only to lay the “Lwan Thu Pann Khwe”.
At one time, the public was barred from paying respect, and those who tried were detained.
The Martyr’s day regained importance during the Pwint Linn era,
Articles, books and documentaries
I have read several articles (e.g. by Tekkatho Nay Win).
I read the earlier edition of the book “Who killed Aung San?” by Kin Oung (former Naval Officer living in Australia). His father U Tun Hla Oung arrested Galon U Saw. His father-in-law U Thaung Sein (then Secretary of Insein Prison, later Justice) kept watch of U Saw so that U Saw and his team can be tried by a Special Tribunal headed by U Kyaw Myint (father of Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint).
I saw the BBC’s production titled, “Who REALLY killed Aung San?”
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote: On the BBC Programme, U Kin Oung, was interviewed. He is the author of three editions of “Who killed Aung San”. The fourth edition was more comprehensive as he had access to government documents thanks to freedom of information act. The last version was titled “Eliminate the Elite”.
Kin Oung’s book
Notes
I wrote “AUNG SAN” for Bogyoke’s Centennial in 2015.
Bo Tun Hla (Tekkatho Nay Win, Bogyoke’s PSO) wrote memoirs in the Arzani Nay Supplement.
The articles in Kyemon and several posts on the Internet groups reiterated the values of the fallen leaders.
Thakin Mya was considered as Deputy Prime Minister.
Deedok U Ba Choe was a distinguished journalist and a “Hin Lay Oh”.
Daw Marie Hla Taw drove Bogyoke to Mahn Ba Khaing’s place (preventing Bogyoke’s arrest by the police). Mahn Ba Khaing helped Bogyoke get back to the safe area.
Sao San Htun was hospitalized. He passed away (the following day) on July 20, 1947. There is a hospital in Taunggyi named in his honor.
U Ba Win was a dedicated teacher. He entered politics late to support Bogyoke (his younger brother & former student). His son Dr. Sein Win served as Prime Minister of the Burmese Government in exile.
U Razak (Principal) was highly regarded by staff & students of Amyotha Kyaung (National High School). Several sayadaws from Mandalay nominated him to be Minister of Education.
Ko Htwe (U Razak’s yebaw) was gunned down by the assassins during their exit.
According to Dr. Tin Wa, his father U Tin Ohn was in an adjoining room in the Secretariat. U Ohn Maung (who was in the room earlier) was requested by Bogyoke to make a presentation.
Per Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, gun shots were fired at his father’s house. The family members laid low and were not hurt. U Kyaw Myint was then Head of the tribunal that tried Galon U Saw. It was another episode in the “Who killed Aung San?”
Mounting evidence — from declassified documents — suggest the involvement of several British politicians and officers in the murder of Arzanis.
July 19, 1947 was a Dark Moment in the history of Burma. July 7 and July 8, 1962 would join as Dark Moments in Burma.
Received the official DVD of the 40th Anniversary gathering & mini-SPZP of the class of ’69. It took about two hours to view the DVD.
Myint Thein (Maung Kabar, GBNF) — a core organizer who offered the use of his office for the preparation meetings — looked as young as ever.
It is difficult to recognize some faces and remember their real and nick names. Except for thin, grey or dyed hair, a few have changed much over the years.
Ko Aung Min, Master of Ceremonies, appeared to have gained some weight.
Ko Thein Swe (GBNF) described the event in his e-mail.
Sayas who attended the event
U Ba Than (M)
U Khin Aung Kyi (ChE, former Rector)
U Thit (Met, Melbourne, Australia)
U Myo Myint Sein (Arch, California, US),
U Thein Lwin (EE, Singapore)
U Soe Paing (my mentor at RIT & UCC)
U Moe Aung (EE, Tekkatho Moe War, Chief Editor of “Swe Daw Yeik Sar Saung”, “Hylat Sit Sar Saung)
U Ba Myint (EE, former Pro-Rector)
U Khine Oo (EE)
U S. Kyaw Aye (M, elder brother of Abdul Rauf)
U Han Tun (M, GBNF)
Dr. Thaung Myint (Maths)
Dr. Kyaw Win (Pet)
Daw Tin Myint (ChE)
Some sayas (e.g. Saya U Shwe Hlaing) could not make it to the event.
Saya U Khin Aung Kyi, Saya U Thein Lwin and Saya U Moe Aung gave short speeches on behalf of the sayas and sayamas.
In the DVD, the commentator mentioned the name and department of the saya/sayama.
We wish he had thrown in more names of the attendees [not just the presenters & the performers] so that we can match the names and faces of our long lost classmates.
Some words by 69ers
Ko Khin Maung Tin (M69)
Ko Nyi Hla Nge (C69)
Ko Myint Thein (Maung Kabar, M69, GBNF)
Ko Daniel Tint Lwin (M69)
Ko Robert Win Boh (EC69)
Ko Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69)
Ko Aung Myint (Pathein, M69)
Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (Magaret Aung Tin, M 69)
Entertainment
Saya U Khin Aung Kyi
Saya U Moe Aung
Albert Kyaw Min (several Burmese & English songs)
Ko Khin Maung Nyunt
Ko Hla Shwe
Maung Kabar Myint Thein
Daniel Tint Lwin
Robert Win Boh
Naw Mu Mu Aye & company
Myo Nyunt
David Myint Thein
Aung Min
Sargalay Khin Maung Win
Aye Lwin
and several organizers took part in the musical/dance entertainment.
General
The commentator noted that unlike other batches who studied 4 years or 6 years, most intake of 2nd BE in ’64 spent 5 wonderful years at RIT.
Uzin Myo Tun (Bobby) was in good company with Saw Tobius Kittum Ku (Toby) and Ko Khin Maung Hla.
Optimists say they will take part in the Golden Jubilee in 2019.
Conservatives suggest meeting several times before then.
Realists note that the GBNF list has 39 [at that time constituting 11% of the class.]
Kudos to the organizers, sponsors, and well-wishers for keeping the RIT spirit alive and well.
Editor’s Notes in 2021
Posted Group photos (with captions) taken in 2009. Thanks to the organizers who provided the photos.
Several sayas are now GBNF.
Several 69ers are now GBNF. The GBNF list is 113 .
There was a pseudo Golden Jubilee in 2014 to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the Admission to RIT in November 1964.
The true Golden Jubilee for Graduation was celebrated in 2019.
G 1G 2G 3G 4
Updates
Several — Harry Tin Htut, Albert Kyaw Min, Uzin Bobby, Uzin Aung Chaw, Tun Tun, Oscar, Kyaw Zin, Robert — have become Octogenarians. Tin Maung is the oldest.
Several sayas and alumni are now GBNF.
Saya U Ba Than passed away after his 94th birthday.
69er GBNF list has 128 members. Over 40% classmates have passed away. 18 succumbed to Covid.
Most took Engineering courses after passing I.Sc.(B) in 1963 & graduated with BE in 1967.
Electrical
U Myo Myint (EC)
RUBC Gold
Member of Engineering Crew that won Inter-Institute Eights.
Retired from PPIC
Vice Chair of the Magazine Committee for RUBC 90th Anniversary Issue
Submitted Photos for HMEE Project
U Win Myint (EC)
Member of RIT Table Tennis team that won the Inter-Institute Trophy
Moved to California, USA
Daw Yi Yi Aung (EC)
RIT EE Association
Spouse : U Win Kyaing (M, GBNF)
Nancy Hla Aung (EC, GBNF)
Director, Ya Tha Cho
Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Maywaddy Tun Tun (EP)
Spouse : U Sein Shwe (M67)
Chein Hoke (EC)
Also known as Kyaw Naing
U Soe Tha (EC)
RIT Tennis
RIT EE Association
PTC
Minister
Dr. Sann Oo (EP)
Editor, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
EPC
Owner, East and West Parami Hospital
Dr. Thein Tun (EP)
Old Paulian
EPC
U Ye Win (EP, GBNF)
Secretary, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung Publication
EE67
Photo : U Myo Myint (EC67)
Aung Than
Henry Khoo
Hla Aung
Khin Naing / Cheng Hoke
Ko Ko Gyi
Kyaw Win
Maung Maung
Myint Kyaw (GBNF)
Myint Myint Than / Nancy Hla Aung (GBNF)
Myo Myint
San Oo, Dr.
Soe Tha
Thein Tun, Dr.
Win Myint
Yi Yi Aung
Mechanical
U Win Thein (M, GBNF)
Founded Set Hmu Thadin Zin.
VP, RIT Mechanical Association
Co-founded Mechanical Magazine
Helped organize gatherings & trips (e.g for Ah Nu Pyinnya Shin).
Founder : Ya Tha Cho
U Than Htut (M)
Than Htut
RUBC Gold
Treasurer / Secretary at RUBC
Member of Engineering Crew that won Inter-Institute Eights
Retired from HIC
Provided a list of M67
Stan Liou (M)
Stan
Member of RIT Table Tennis team that won the Inter-Institute Trophy.
Moved to California, USA
Founding member, NorCal RITAA. Served as Chair, BOD
U Kyaw Oo (M, GBNF)
Pianist
Rowing
Moved to USA
U Win Kyaing (M, GBNF)
Rowing
Spouse : Daw Yi Yi Aung (EC67)
U Sein Shwe (M)
Sein Shwe (Standing 3rd from Right)
Old Paulian
RIT Luyechun in Summer 1965
Spouse : Maywaddy Tun Tun (EP67)
U Tun Kyi (M, GBNF)
RIT Tennis : Doubles with U Soe Tha (EC)
Dr. Chan Nyein (M, GBNF)
Obituary
Saya
Doctorate from Imperial College, London University
Minister
U Tin Myint (M, GBNF)
David
David Ko
Sittang Paper Mill
Moved to California, USA
Entrepreneur
Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000
Sponsor for SPZP-2012
U Tin Maung Oo (M, GBNF)
Tin Mg Oo (Right)
Saya
Assistant Workshop Superintendent
Moved to California, USA
U Aung Myint (M, GBNF)
Helped U Win Thein with “Set Hmu Thadin Zin” & Mechanical Engineering Magazine.
Worked for UNICEF before moving to USA.
Passed away in November, 2017.
“Ah Yone Soon” in his memory was offered by the family members, relatives & friends to resident monks at Mudita Shwe Kyaung, Hayward, California on December 3, 2017.
U Sein Yaung (M)
Moved to California
Architecture
Dr. Koung Nyunt (A, GBNF)
Saya
Doctorate from Japan
Secretary, RIT Photography Association
Pen name: Kogyi Koung
Wrote articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter
Organizer, RIT Alumni in New Zealand
Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A)
Moved to California, USA
Brother : U Thein Han (Maths, Burma Selected in Basketball)
U Tun Thein (A)
Moved to California, USA
Brother : U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF)
U Kyaw Thein (A)
Saya
U Win Myint (A)
Spouse: Daw Pyi Aye, A66)
Chemical
U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE)
Old Paulian
Saya
Moved to Thailand & East Coast of USA
Provided ChE Class Photos
U Myat Lwin (ChE, GBNF)
Member of RIT Table Trnnis team that won the Inter-Institute Trophy
Civil
U Maung Maung (C)
Member of RIT Table Tennis team that won the Inter-Institute Trophy
I matriculated in 1949 and entered the University of Rangoon and stayed in Ava Hall and took the Intermediate of Science (ISc) courses. The courses were: English, Burmese, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (Pure and Applied Maths). We needed to take these courses for two years in order to go to the engineering studies. I remember having a great time in the first year as we did not have to take the examination at the end of the first year for some unknown reason. But we had to take the examination at the end of the second year for all the subject matters that were taught to us for the whole two years. It was a tough examination at the end of the second year as we had to study a lot. We had physics and chemistry examination papers, two mathematics papers, English and Burmese papers, physics lab practical exam and chemistry lab practical exam within a period of 15 to 20 days in the hot month of March. Only about 60% of the students passed through the first time. The passing grade for each subject was 40%. Fortunately the University authorities in those days were understanding and kind enough to give the failed students what they called compartmental examination again in May/June for the failed subjects. Given a second chance like that, a lot of students passed the examination this time around. The Faculty of Engineering admitted the students, including the students who passed the ISc exam. under the compartmental system, with a passing grade of at least 40% for each of ISc subjects and the average passing grade for all the subjects combined of 50%.
I was quite fortunate to have good teachers in my ISc days. I remember that Saya U Than Tin gave good lectures in physics. Saya U Thein Nyunt was good as well in teaching us chemistry. Needless to say the experiments that I had to do in physics and chemistry labs were interesting as they were all new to me.The maths teachers I remember were Professor U Aung Hla, Sayagyi U Kar, Sayagyi U Ba Toke, two Indian lecturers with the same last name Chowdhury. I forgot their first names. One Chowdhury was bald headed and the other had a lot of hair.They were teaching, I think, under contract with the Rangoon University. These very good teachers, I had to say, gave me a good foundation in mathematics. The English teachers were very good too. They were Saya U Kan Gyi and Sayama E. Kan Gyi. The only Burmese teacher I remember was Saya U Hla Maung who could make a boring topic into an interesting lecture. I owe a lot of gratitude to these wonderful teachers.
I joined the first year engineering class in 1951-1952 academic year, having satisfied the entrance requirements of the Faculty of Engineering mentioned above. The academic year , I think was from June to February with about one month break in October. So far as I know there was a “new course engineering” at the Faculty of engineering right after the World War ll. I do not know what the entrance requirement for this new course was.
I stayed in Prome Hall like most of the other engineering students in those days, as it was situated close to the B.O.C. College of Engineering building where we had classrooms, laboratories, and workshop for our engineering courses. A few engineering students however stayed in Tagaung Hall which was in the same Prome road campus of the Rangoon University as Prome Hall. Both of these hostels were timber buildings and they could easily get burnt down; but I was happy to see that they are still standing there when I visited Yangon in 2010. These two Halls gave accommodations to all engineering students, even to some students from Rangoon at that time, as there were vacancies and as the total engineering student population was not that big. If my guess is correct, I think there were about 350 to 400 students for 4 years of all engineering disciplines, out of which there were about 75 1st year engineering students. The system in place at that time was in such a way that the students had to take common courses in the first 2 years and branched out into different disciplines of choice, starting from 3rd year.
I remember that as first year engineering students, we still had to take mathematics classes from 7:00 am to 9:00 am at the main campus where we had taken the Intermediate of Science courses. I remember getting up early in the morning in Prome Hall ,and taking a walk along the road, what we called as “Padaukpin lane” or “Thaton lane”, and through Thaton Hall and Ava Hall , for the mathematics classes at the main campus. All of us then rushed back to B.O.C. College of Engineering from the main campus after 9:00 am to take theengineering classes, which included lectures, practical laboratory work, workshop practice, and drawing classes, starting from 10:00 am. We normally finished our classes around 4:00 pm. The total contact hours of learning for engineering students were about 30 hours per week. If my memory is correct, it was difficult to get an engineering degree in 6 years after matriculation. Somewhere along the way some of us failed for one reason or the other, and had to repeat a class.The passing grade for each subject, which included workshop training at the Engineering Faculty was 40% and the average passing grade for all the subjects combined was 50%. When I passed my 1st year engineering in April/May 1952 I noticed that about 15% of my classmates were left behind to repeat the 1st year engineering.
I do not remember all of my teachers at that time. I can only recall that Saya Num Kock was in charge of 1st year engineering drawing, Saya Jaidka taught us ” building materials and construction”, Saya Ketrepal gave lectures and practical laboratory training in “heat engines”, Sayagyi U Kyaw Tun / Saya C. Ping Lee taught us “electrotechnology” in the classroom and in the laboratory. In addition to the lectures, laboratory work and drawing, all of us had to take workshop training in carpentry, blacksmith, welding, and in machine shop. The medium of teaching was English. We were also encouraged to take some practical training with some engineering organization during the summer vacation. I am not quite sure , but I think Ko Chit was an assistant at the blacksmith shop, and U Ba Sein was an assistant in the electrical lab. I think Mr P. Davis was the workshop superintendent. The classrooms , laboratory facilities, the workshop facilities that I had attended were good and adequate. The library I visited some time was full of good engineering books, magazines and journals. I could imagine that with its qualified teaching staff and good teaching facilities, the Faculty of Engineering was producing the qualified engineers needed by the country at that time.
I do not know what was the total number of teachers we had at the Faculty of Engineering at that time. I could guess that the student/teaching staff ratio was about 20:1 from the number of teachers and from the number of students I had seen. I noticed that there were few Burmese nationals teaching staff at the Faculty, and most of the teachers were from India and UK. It seems that, right after the World War II, there was shortage of qualified teaching staff from Burma at higher education/University level as a whole. Sayagyi Professor U Ba Hli was Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and I believe he received his post graduate degree from a British University. He was quite far-sighted and tried to broaden and improve the engineering education by having some kind of twinning arrangements with not only a British University but also with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA (M.I.T). I remember as a student that there was a visiting Professor called Professor Horwood from M.I.T at the Faculty; and I think he gave us lectures on sanitary engineering. Sayagyi U Ba Hli must have planned to increase the number of engineering disciplines that were given at the Faculty from civil, mechanical and electrical engineering to other disciplines as well, such as Mining, Chemical, Metallurgy, Textile engineering and Architecture. I understood this plan came into fruition in 1954/1955. He must have also planned to send the Burmese nationals to UK, USA and as qualified teaching staff at the Faculty at a later date. I therefore take this opportunity to put on record that a big credit is due to the late Sayagyi U Ba Hli for his contribution to the improvement of engineering education in Myanmar.
The Seventh Worldwide Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held at the Gyogone Campus in December 2016.
There was free food for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
SPZP 1SPZP 2SPZP 3SPZP 4
SPZP-2000
Newsletter
Newsletter — frontNewsletter — back
Kyauk Si Bagyee
Bagyee
Organizers
Organizers
Sayas & Sayama
Sayas
EE Sayas & Alumni
EE Group
PZP
Pu Zaw Pwe is a Noble Tradition that is practiced in Burma.
Thet Kyee PZP is for paying respect to the Elders. The age requirements vary.
Saya PZP is for paying respect to the sayas and sayamas. Some use the term Acariya PZP.
Thet Kyee PZP
In some places, a Senior Day is held. Transportation, Food, Entertainment and Photo-shoot are provided for Old people of all races and creeds.
Thet Kyee PZP may be held in conjunction with a Festival, e.g Thingyan or Thadinkyut. Buddhists may also pay respect physically to the Elders.
MES organized Thet Kyee PZP for Senior Engineers and Architects.
The All-Mechanical Gathering also had a program to pay respect to Thet Kyee Mechanical Engineers.
Acariya PZP
Examples :
Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
M72 (and some other Disciplines)
ICST/UCSY
Saya PZP
RIT Alumni International hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, California in October 2000. The term SPZP was chosen over Saya Ga Dawt Pwe so that Alumni of different Faith can pay back the Metta and Cetana of their mentors. I am honored to be a Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. I wrote the poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE”. It was published in the RIT website and the Commemorative Issue of the RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Singapore hosted SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) and team published Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for the SPZPs. My poem was reprinted on the Back Cover of SDYSS-2002. I wrote a poem “SWE DAW YEIK” for SDYSS-2007. I wrote an article “EE Sayas : A Sad and Short Clip” for SDYSS-2010.
Yangon hosted SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016. Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine was published for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016. U Saw Lin (GBNF) was Chief Editor of SDYM-2012. Saya U Moe Aung was Chief Editor of SPZP-2016. Several Distinguished Authors (e.g Ma Sandar, Maung Sein Win — Padeegone, N Jar Thaing, Aw Pi Kye) also served as Editors.
Due to the pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled.
Some of the Organizers and Volunteers of the SPZPs are GBNF. They include Saya Allen Htay, Ko Saw Lin, Ko Aung Moung, Ko Than Sin Myint and Ko Robin.
Several Sayas are GBNF. They include U Ba Toke, H Num Kok, U Soe Khaw, U Khin Aung Kyi, U Thit, Dr. Mg Mg Win, S Arya, S Kyaw Aye, U Soe Lwin.
Sayas U Ba Than, U Aung Khin, Dr. Aung Gyi and U Min Win are 90+ years young. Many of our sayas are 80+ years young.
We hope to see SPZPs in the not so distant future (after the Calamities have ended).
First native Dean to head the Faculty of Engineering of Rangoon University
Transferred to the Faculty of Engineering, RU from GTI (Government Technical Institute) where he was Principal and Professor of Civil Engineering
Credited for the “Twinning Program” between the Faculty of Engineering, RU and the prestigious universities in the USA
Per request from U Aung Khin (retired Professor & Head of Mechanical Engineering), Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (EE) — the only son — wrote about his beloved father for the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000. It has been re-posted in the newsletter updates and in the RIT Alumni Facebook Pages. Sayagyi passed away in his house on U Wisara Road in Rangoon.
Doctorate in Meteorological Physics from Imperial College, London University
Professor & Head of Physics Department at Rangoon University
Interim Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University
Longest tenured Rector
Rector of Rangoon University
Rector of RASU
Rector of University of Distance Learning
Plays the violin well
Accompanied U Ba Kyi (Artist, translator/composer of songs”) singing “Hne Yauk Hte Nay Chin De” in Burmese and English
Passed away in Yangon in 2005.
Centennial celebrations for his birthday were held in 2015.
Early Rectors
Dr. Htin Aung (RU)
Dr. Hla Myint (RU)
Dr. Tha Hla (RU)
U Kar (RU)
Dr. Maung Maung Kha (RU, RASU)
U Yone Mo (RIT)
Dr. Aung Gyi (RIT)
U Khin Aung Kyi (RIT)
U Maung Maung Than (RIT)
U Yone Mo
U Yone Mo
Retired Chief Engineer, Burma Railways
In 1961, the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University moved to Gyogone and had a new name Burma Institute of Technology (BIT).
Appointed Dean of Engineering at the BIT Gyogone Campus
Under the new Education System, BIT became an autonomous Institute with the name Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT). He became the Rector.
Proponent of taking power naps
U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) remembers how his friends were having fun with the “Ye Punn ရေပန်း” (Water Foundation). Saya saw them, but did not scold them. He said with a smile, “Young men, you can go to the University Swimming Pool or to the Inya Kan ကန် (Lake)”.
Established the weekly “Yoke Shin ရုပ်ရှင်” at the Assembly Hall.
Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor of Civil Engineering) remembered seeing a letter from U Yone Mo (Rector) sent to U Yone Mo (Parent of a son who happened to visit his gambling friends at the hostel). Dr. Aung Gyi told the Admin to stow away the letter.
Ko Zaw Min Nawaday knows Sayagyi & his spouse (Daw Elizabeth Yone Mo, High Ranking Nurse at RGH and a close friend of Daw Khin May Than) very well. Sayagyi and Dr. Aung Gyi were in May Myo during one summer. Sayagyi asked Dr. Aung Gyi and Ko Zaw Min to accompany him. They ate Khauk Swe. Sayagyi reminded them not to tell about his “Khauk Swe” appetite to Sayagadaw.
Dr. Aung Gyi
Dr. Aung Gyi
Succeeded U Yone Mo as Rector
Rector (1971 – 1977)
See Posts
Memories of Dr. Aung Gyi
Speech at SPZP-2000
Coconut Episode
U Khin Aung Kyi
U Khin Aung Kyi
Stood 7th in Burma in the Matriculation of 1949
He did his B S and M S at MIT
Professor of Chemical Engineering at RIT
Succeeded Dr. Aung Gyi as Rector
Taught at Rengsit University in Bangkok, Thailand
Provided interview for HMEE-2012 Project
U Maung Maung Than
U Maung Maung Than
BS in Textile Engineering from Clemson University and MS from Lowell University
Professor & Head of Textile Engineering Department, RIT
Rector, YIT
DG, DHE
Chair, RIT Sports Council
Hobbies : Chinlon, Music
Helped establish Engineering at Defense Services Academy
Dr. Henry Cho Tun (Myint Tun) wrote:
I’m going to add a few things about Saya U Mg Mg Than. I’m very close to him and the family and the son is my student. We are all golfers and both of them are very good. Saya MM Than is as good as Saya Soe Paing and plays with clubs that are custom made for him. Hope the following would be useful additions. Thank you
He did his B S at Clemson and M S at Lowell.
He joined BIT in 1957 as lecturer -Head of Textile Engineering Department at BOC college
1964 was appointed Professor at RIT
Served as Rector, 1990-1992
Director General of The Department of Higher Education 1992-1994 and retired
Served as Director of Studies at DSTA (Defense Services Technical Academy)
I wrote an article for the Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2010 held in Singapore.
Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung) was Chief Editor & Publisher of the Sar Saung. He suggested the title “A Short and Sad Clip : EE Sayas”.
GBNF
In 2010, seven sayas — U Kyaw Tun, U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, U San Tint, U Soe Min & U Chin Way in the EE Group photo — had passed away.
Two more — U Thein Lwin & U Nyi Nyi — are now GBNF.
Not in picture
U Myo Kyi, U Ba Lwin & U Tin Maung Thein were on Deputation
U Khine Oo missed the photo shoot
U Kyaw Tun graduated in 1948-49 and joined the EE Department. He is the most senior among the EE Sayas.
U Kyaw Tun recruited C Ping Lee, father of Dr. Win Aung (M62), to join the EE Department. Per request from H.E. U Than Aung, father of Saya U Aung, C Ping Lee transferred to head the Directorate of Technical Education and Vocational Training.
U Sein Hlaing matriculated in 1946 and finished Top in his class of 52. He joined the EE Department as Assistant Lecturer. He studied MS at MIT. Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer & Head of the EE Department. He served as Professor until his retirement.
U Tin Swe matriculated in 1947. He was a member of the Prome Hall Soccer team which won the Inter-Hall Trophy for three consecutive years. He joined the EE Department in 1953 as Assistant Lecturer. He studied MS at the University of Michigan. Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer. He played good tennis. He was an early Power User at the Universities’ Computer Center (UCC).
U Sein Win studied his BSEE and MSEE at the University of Michigan. He served as President of RIT Swimming Club, President of RIT Rowing Club, Line Judge at RUBC Regattas, and Technical Advisor for UCC. He retired as Professor of EP Department at YTU.
Dr. San Tint joined the EE Faculty in 1961. He played soccer for the RIT Saya team. He served as External Examiner for UCC. Hevretired as Professor of EC Department at YTU. His former students performed Pyinnya Dana in Saya’s memory.
U Chin Way was active in SPARK. He migrated to the USA.
U Soe Min transferred to DCA.
U Thein Lwin retired from Singapore Polytechnic, but he was active helping students desiring to study in Singapore. He was President of the RIT Badminton Club. He managed the RIT team comprising of Sai Kham Pan (EP69), which won the Inter-Institute Trophy. He and Sayagadaw Daw May Than Nwe (RIT Physics) are now GBNF.
U Soe Paing was my mentor at RIT & UCC. He retired from UN after managing IT projects at various countries. He wrote about his experiences as a States Scholar, as Systems Manager at UCC and as UN Technical Advisor. He spends his retirement visiting UK and USA, playing golf and practicing vipassana meditation at Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung where his younger brother U Wara (U Win Paing, ChE70) is the Sayadaw. Saya had some operations for his heart and his back problems, but he is still active.
Dr. Win Tin was active in SPARK and as entrepreneur. He served as Associate Dean of Engineering at Assumption University.
Note: Scan of Page 23 is missing in the post.
U Ba Myint retired as Pro-Rector of YTU.
U Sein Maung taught at Assumption University. He attended SPZP-2000 at the invitation of Daw Lily Win (T72, spouse of Saya Dr. Tin Win M62).
U Myo Kyi (EE59) & Dr. Ba Lwin (EE59) are the two most seniors among the EE sayas. I met U Myo Kyi at the meetings (Alumni Association, SPZP, MES). I met Dr. Ba Lwin during his visit to the USA to see his daughter Thiri Lwin.
U Moe Aung chaired SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010. He and his team published the commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010. After retirement, hevmoved back to Yangon. He is Patron of SDYF and several RIT-related activities. He is a Laureate Poet. He is active writing poems (often “Let Tann”) and articles (mostly on EE). Hevpublished two books and co-authored several books.
U Khine Oo was absent in the group photo taken around mid-1966. He took some computer courses before going abroad as states scholar.
U Nyi Nyi moved to UK. He is now GBNF.
U Tin Maung Thein was studying in the UK. He later taught in Thailand.
U Tin Shwe (EP66) joined EE Department after graduation. He taught and RIT and ABAC. He wrote an article about his final year days in the commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2010. He became a monk, and served as Dhamma Librarian. Sady, he passed away.
U Moe Aung wrote “To the Shwe Duo” in the memory of U Tin Shwe and U Hla Shwe (T69). I translated the poem and published in my RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates.
During one of visits to Yangon, U Myo Kyi provided two lists of EE sayas. One lists the senior sayas and the other lists the junior sayas.
EE 68 – 74
Daw Mya Mya Than (EP68) is now GBNF.
U Than Lwin (Henry, EC69) was my classmate. He became an EE saya.
U Kyaw Naing (EC70, GBNF), U Tin Win (EC71), U Ko Ko Kyi (EC72), Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee (EP72, GBNF) & Daw Khin Swe Oo (EC74) are some of my juniors. They became EE sayas.
There are two U Tin who received the “Sithu” award.
One is Architect, whose children include Commander Khin Maung Bo, U Khin Maung Thint and U Khin Maung Wint.
Another served as Fourth President of RUBC. When all schools except Medical and Engineering were closed in 1963, the Annual Regatta was canceled citing security reasons. He decided to hold the 40th Anniversary Dinner at Orient Hotel in Royal Lakes (Kandawgyi). U Tin, U Po Zon & U Tin Htoon (A60) compiled the history of RUBC for the Souvenir Program. His elder son Dr. Nyunt Tin (SPHS) stood first in Burma in 1952. His younger son Saya U Han Tin is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC. He taught English at IM(2), where he recruited his students to join RUBC. He later became Professor and/or Rector at the Institute of Education.
Myanmar Ah Lin U Tin
Owner and/or publisher of the Burmese newspaper မြန်မာ့အလင်း သတင်းစာ
Thakin Tin
Leader of the Nu-Tin နု-တင် (သန့်ရှင်း) faction during the AFPFL ဖဆပလ split with the Swe-Nyein ဆွေငြိမ်း (တည်မြဲ)faction
TIN AUNG
Saya Dr. Tin Aung (RASU)– Retired Professor of Physics
Dr. Tin Aung (Patrick, IM1 79) — Past President of USBMA
Tin Aung — Goalkeeper, Burma & Asia Selected
Tin Aung (M69, GBNF) — Top student
Tin Aung (Victor Tan, Tekkatho Phone Kywe) — Author and entrepreneur
Tin Aung (BARB)
Tin Aung Cho
Tin Aung Hein — High ranking BSPP member; Father of Daw Yi Yi Aung (EC67)
TIN AUNG WIN
Tin Aung Win (M69)
Tin Aung Win (M73) — Singapore
Tin Aung Win (Tom) — Australia
Tin Aung Win (C80, UCC) — Singapore
TIN AYE
Tin Aye — Burma selected in soccer.
Tin Aye (Abdul Rauf, EP69, GBNF) — succumbed to Covid.
Daw Tin Aye (C73) — Volleyball Selected for Civil; Rowing Selected for RIT; Her team won the Inter-Institute Fours for RIT.
M. Tin Aye — outstanding artist
Tin Bo — Second son of U Tin Ohn
Tin Han — Burma Soccer Selected
TIN HLA
Tin Hla (EP69, GBNF)
Tin Hla (BSPP)
Tin Hla (Labor) — USA
TIN HLAING
Saya U Tin Hlaing (M59, GBNF) — Head of Agri Engg sub-department of Mechanical; Alumnus of Purdue University; President of All Universities and Institutes Hockey Team
U Tin Hlaing (M59)
Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63, co-Chair of SPZP2002) — Singapore
U Tin Hlaing (SPHS59, ChE65, GBNF) — Singapore
Dr. Tin Haing (Ye Kyaung Theik Pan, GBNF) — Singapore
Saya U Tin Hlaing (Professor of Mathematics)
U Tin Hlaing (Ledwin Thar Saw Chit) — MASU Luyechun; Lifetime Achievement Award
U Tin Hlaing (Railways) — Father of Daw San Yu Hlaing
U Tin Htet Sein (Physics & Electronics)
TIN HTOO
Dr. Tin Htoo (Geography)
U Tin Htoo (Chemistry)
U Tin Htoo Sein (Navy)
TIN HTOON / TUN
U Tin Htoon (A60) –Past Captain and Gold of RUBC; ARAE Champion in 1958 and 1960; Silver Medalist in SEAP Games Yachting; Compiler of Souvenir Magazines; Co-founder of Triple Gems Publication; Director of Pariyatti Association; Architect for Thiripyitsaya Hotel in Bagan; Architect for Burmese Buddhist Temple (BBT) in Singapore; Organizer & Fundraiser for Goenka projects
U Tin Tun (SPHS63, M69)
U Tin Tun (M70) –Pianist; Pattala;
U Tin Tun (RASU, RUBC)
U Tin Tun — Spouse : Daw Aye Aye Khin
TIN HTUT
Saya U Tin Htut (M60) — Past Captain and Gold of RUBC; Co-founder of BASES in Southern California; Organizer of SPZP-2000; Financial Controller of the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Sayas U Tin Htut (M60) and Dr. Tin Win (M62)
Saya U Tin Htut (Commerce).
U Tin Htut (M69)
U Tin Htut (Harry, Mon Yu, M/Ag69)
U Tin Htut (Harry)
U Tin Kyaing
U Tin Kyi
U Tin Latt
U Tin Lin
U Tin Lwin — Pali Professor
TIN MAUNG
Bohmu Tin Maung (Myat Htan) — Scholars to Japan during the Occupation; Author
Bohmu Tin Maung (Hmu Tin) — Evangelist for Non-smoking; Wrote technical articles
U Tin Maung (Hinthada) — Maternal uncle of my spouse.
Dr. Tin Maung (UCC, former Rector of ICST, GBNF) — Succeeded Dr. Chit Swe as Director of UCC
A1 U Tin Maung (Actor and Director)
Shwe Mann Tin Maung (Zat Mintha)
U Tin Maung (Katha, Min69)
TIN MAUNG AYE
U Tin Maung Aye (M69, Accordion)
Dr. Tin Maung Aye (Physics)
Thura Tin Maung Aye (Retired Air Force Colonel)
U Tin Maung Aye (Aristotle Chee) : brother of Maurice, David and Jason
U Tin Maung Latt
U Tin Maung Lay (M69, GBNF)
TIN MAUNG LWIN
U Tin Maung Lwin (Kenneth)
U Tin Maung Lwin (RUBC)
U Tin Maung Lwin (TBSA)
TIN MAUNG MAUNG
U Tin Maung Maung
Dr. Tin Maung Maung Than (Edward)
U Tin Maung Maung Zaw
U Tin Maung Naing
TIN MAUNG NYUNT
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) –Taught Agricultural Engineering at RIT; Donated to YTU Library and several other projects.
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (Met70) –Retired Professor of Metallurgical Engineering
U Tin Maung Oo (M67) — Dy. Superintendent, RIT Workshop
U Tin Maung Soe
U Tin Maung Swe
U Tin Maung Than
U Tin Maung Thant
U Tin Maung Thein
Dr. Tin Maung Wai
U Tin Maung Win
TIN MAY
Daw Tin May
Daw Tin May Lwin — Sayama at UCC, DCS and IC at RITST
Daw Tin May Soe (ChE70) — Sayama at RIT
U Tin Mo — Third son of U Tin Ohn
TIN MOE
U Tin Moe (Ba Gyan) — Poet
Daw Tin Moe Lwin — Model and Master of Ceremony at RIT events.
Daw Tin Moe Wae (UCC)
Daw Tin Moe Wae (Vocalist)
TIN MYINT
U Tin Myint (Geology, GBNF) — Cox of two or more Senior Novices Winners; Son of Arzani U Razak; Brother of U Hla Kyi; Brother-in-law of U Khin Maung Latt (M62) and U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68))
U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67, GBNF) — Entrepreneur; Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000
U Tin Myint (John Lee, M69, GBNF) –4th BE Luyechun; RIT Tennis
Daw Tin Myint (ChE66) — Retired Professor of RIT Chemical Engineering Department
U Tin Myint (M75, GBNF, Singapore)– Donor for RIT events
U Tin Myint (M80) — RIT Saya; Industry
U Tin Nyein (UCC)
TIN NYO
U Tin Nyo — Eldest son of U Tin Ohn
U Tin Nyo (BERB)
TIN NYUNT
Saya U Tin Nyunt (Commerce) — Visiting lecturer at RIT for Industrial Management)
U Tin Nyunt (movie star) — Contemporary of Shwe Ba
Champion Tin Nyunt (performer)
U Tin Nyunt (Former teacher, author)
TIN OO
Bogyoke Tin Oo (NLD) — Former Commander in Chief of Defense Services
“Myet Hman” Tin Oo (MI) — Former MI Chief; BSPP
S2 Tin Oo — Perished in an air accident
U Tin Oo (M87)
U Tin Oo Hlaing — Principal
U Tin Oo Thaung — Keyboard
U Tin Ohn (RUBC)
U Tin Ohn (Physics, UCC, UN)
Bogyoke Tin Pe (RC)
U Tin Pe (Maung Maung Soe, Actor & Director)
Daw Tin Po
U Tin Sein
U Tin Shein (Phone Gyi, M69) — RIT Chinlon.
Dr. Daw Tin Soe
U Tin Soe (Navy Rowing)
TIN SHWE
Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66)
Dr. Tin Shwe — Author, Publisher
TIN SWE
Saya U Tin Swe (EE)
Daw Tin Swe Aye (ChE72)
TIN THAN
U Tin Than (EE71)
Dr. Tin Than Myint — Psychiatrist
Dr. Mehm Tin Thaung (Dennis) — RUBC
U Tin Thein (DCA, RUBC) — Told jokes at the Old Members party following the RUBC Regattas. Sample : “I was the Brain. He was the Brawn. Together, we dominated the Coxless Pairs.”
TIN TIN
Daw Tin Tin — Former spouse of U Ne Win
Daw Tin Tin (Ann, EC69)
Daw Tin Tin Aye (UCC) — Studied at UCC and moved USA; Spouse : Day Day
Daw Tin Tin Aye (UCC, KMD) — Spouse : U Thaung Tin (EC83, UCC, KMD)
Daw Tin Tin Aye (TTC)
Daw Tin Tin Aye — Daughter of Colonel Min Sein and Dr. Daw Yin May
Dr. Tin Tin Hla — Past President of USBMA.
Daw Tin Tin Hla (A70, USA)
Dr. Tin Tin Hlaing (Helen)
Daw Tin Tin Hlaing (UCC)
Dr. Daw Tin Tin Hmun
Daw Tin Tin Myint (Emma, ChE70) — Sayama, Minthamee, Co-founder of Dana Sri Lanka); She and her spouse Don Min U Yu Swan (M68) head the Singapore Pon Chan Chan Group.
Daw Tin Tin Nu
Daw Tin Tin Nwe
Daw Tin Tin Nyo
Daw Tin Tin Nyunt
Daw Tin Tin Oo
Daw Tin Tin Pyone
Daw Tin Tin Sein
Daw Tin Tin Shein
Daw Tin Tin Swe
Daw Tin Tin Wai
Daw Tin Tin Win (Chem)
Daw Tin Tin Win (Texas)
TIN TUT
ICS U Tin Tut — Victim of political assassination in 1949; First ICS by invitation; Diplomat & Foreign Minister; Journalist; Brigadier in the Army Reserve; Brother of U Kyaw Myint, U Myint Thein, Dr. Htin Aung Daw Khin Mya Mu, Daw Khin Saw Mu, Daw Tin Saw Mu
TIN U
Prof. U Tin U (RCH) — Burma’s first professor of child health & Medical Superintendent of the Rangoon Children’s Hospital; WHO Visiting Prof of Paediatrics, Dhaka Bangladesh, Member of WHO Technical Advisory Committee on Child Health, Author of Seven books in Burmese on child health, President of the Myanmar Cross Society, Director General of Medical Education, Director General of Health
U Tin U
U Tin U (RUBC, RGC) — BS from Oregon State University and MS from Yale University; Part-time Lecturer at Civil Engineering Department; Oldest and the Most Senior among the active Past Captains of RUBC; Pas tCaptain of RGC (Rangoon Golf Club).
Dr. Tin Wa (SPHS57) — Fourth son of U Tin Ohn; Past Captain and Gold; Professor at the University of San Francisco; Hobbies; Painting, Sculling
TIN WIN
U Tin Win (M59) — Saya; Entrepreneur
U Tin Win (M62) — BIT Volleyball
U Tin Win (M62)
Dr. Tin Win (M62) — Saya; Past President of BASES; Organizer of 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
U Tin Win (Min69) — Honorary Consul of Switzerland; Sponsor of some 69er Gatherings
U Tin Win (T70) — Silver pearl Dairy; Food donor for Class 70 and Class 71 Gatherings
