Maung Yin Maung — Character in the first Burmese novel by James Hla Kyaw
Okpo
Okpo MaungYin Maung — Pen name of Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72); He and fellow RIT poets published a collection of poems about “Swel Daw”; Organizer & Contributor of “Poetic Art Series”
Oo Yin, Daw
Po Yin
San Yin, Daw — Spouse: Maung Maung Htay
San Yin Myint, Daw (Samantha) — Second batch B.Sc. (CS) from ICST; Parents; L Kyee Myin, Dr. Josie
My poem “The Ngapali Beach” was published in Forward Magazine
Received 15 Kyats for the poem
Illustrator received 50 Kyats
Bohmu Ba Thaw was Chief Editor of the Forward Magazine. He jokingly asked me if I would be interested to join his staff.
U Sein Hla was Assistant Editor
Three Visits
My first visit was during my student days with my cousin Ko Thaung Lwin & friends. We stayed at U Tha Gyaw Wai’s Bungalow (managed by my uncle U Thet Toe).
At a nearby bungalow was the Amyotha Yoke Shin movie crew with U San Maung (Gerald, RUBC Gold & Coach). They were shooting a film starring Wah Wah Win Shwe and directed by U Min Naing. Ko Gerald asked me if I would be interested to join them on the way back to Rangoon via Taung Goke.
The ride on the truck over the Taung Goke Pass was rough and tough. At Taung Goke, we were hosted by a cinema owner. He offered the movie audience a free show if they could translate the Burmese titles into English. One submission was “Fly away bitter bird” (Pyan Lay dei Nget Khar ပျံလေတဲ့ဌက်ခါး).
The rest of the trip involved a boat ride after a long delay and a train ride.
My second visit was with my beloved spouse & two young sons. We stayed at Amyotha Yoke Shin Bungalow managed by U Mya Maung, elder brother of Saya U Tin Htut (M).
My third visit was as Guest Lecturer for Ngapali Luyechun Camp in 1988. I spent some time chatting with other Guest Lecturers including Saya U Kyaw Myint (DG of Higher Education, former Physics Professor at Mandalay).
I know a few people who have taken annual trips to Ngapali.
Inlay
Poem
Poem 2
My poem “Phaung daw-u Festival” was published in the Thadinkyut Supplement of the Working People’s Daily (WPD).
Received 15 Kyats for the poem
Four Visits
Inlay Luyechun
My first visit was as Luyechun to Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the summer of 1965.
My second visit was as a guest of Peter Pe (SPHS) in October, 1965. Maung Maung Aye decided to join us. We were greeted at Nyaung Shwe by Thar Oo (Shan Pyay).
We stayed for a week in Inn Paw Khone in Inlay Lake. Peter’s cousins (including a medical doctor) hosted us. We attended the Phaung Daw-u Festival.
We then visited Taunggyi to see Peter’s uncle U Maung Maung Latt (Ah Matt Choke အမတ်ချုပ်of Nyaung Shwe Sawbwa ညောင်ရွှေစော်ဘွား). We attended the Mee Bone Byan Pwe မီးပုံးပျံပွဲ
My third visit was in the mid 2010’s via a Tour Company which arranged a Tour Guide, and car, a private boat and a night stay at a hotel in the Lake.
The photo shows a rainbow in the background.
Rainbow over Inlay
Sad to see the declining state of Inlay (e.g. low water level). We also spent some time in Taunggyi and the nearby cave in Ho Pone.
My fourth visit was in January 2020 as the last leg of PSA 2020 Tour. We stayed at a hotel near Inlay Lake. Two PSA members gave a short course to the hotel employees. Some went for the Hot Air Balloon ride. Some opted for a boat ride in the Inlay Lake.
Sydney
In June 2006, I visited Sydney, Australia to attend three mini-gatherings.
Annual Dinner of Engineers mostly RIT Alumni
Engg Dinner in Sydney
Gathering hosted by Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC) to pay respect to Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (Founder of UCC) and Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (National Advisor, Board Member of UCC)
UCC Alumni in Sydney
Lunch for Old Paulians in Olympic Park by Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe, Geology)
Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83) is the son of Dr. Freddie Ba Hli and my cousin Daw Myint Thwe. He gave me the book “This is Sydney” as a present.
Book Present
Niagara Falls
Visited Nigara Falls twice.
My first visit to Niagara Falls two decades ago from the US side.
Ko Mya Aung, Ko Tin Ohn, Ko Mg Mg Myint and I rented a car and made a quick trip.
My second visit to Niagara Falls was made in July 2015.
Ivan Lee (M69) provided his Mercedes for a trip to Canada and the East Coast of USA.
Fred Thetgyi (M69) drove most of the journey so that Ivan could rest. On the way to Windsor, Canada, we visited Niagara Falls from the Canadian side.
Niagara 1
Niagara 2Niagara 3Niagara 4
UK
England
Peter
Hosts : Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) & Daw Win Mar (Reading, England)
Wales
Mg Mg Kyi
Hosts : U Maung Maung Kyi & Daw Khin May Than (Ogmore-by-the-sea, Wales)
See posts
Texas
Hosts
Dr. Ba Han
Dr. Ba Han & Daw Lillian (Fort Worth)
San Lin
U San Lin & Daw Hla Hla Myint (Dallas)
Myo Tin & KZO
U Myo Tin & Dr. Khine Zin Oo (Temple)
Seattle
KMZ
U Khin Maung Zaw (Side trips to Oregon & Vancouver)
East Coast
Maryland
East Coast Reunion
Dr. L Sein Myint
U Thein Han
U Thein Han & family
U Wynn Myint Aung & family
Washington, D.C.
U Htin Lin & family
Tri-State
U Aung Thu (New York)
Fred, Ivan, Tom
Ivan Lee (New Jersey) : Side trip to Canada & East Coast
Tom Liu & family (Connecticut)
Pennsylvania
Fred Thetgyi & family
Massachusetts
TAG, Maw
Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw & Daw Khin Maw Maw (also Cape Cod for their son’s wedding)
SoCal
U Tin Htut
Saya U Tin Htut & Daw Irene
Steeve
Steeve Kay (QTCM & KFF)
U Aung Khin
U Aung Khin & Daw The The
Daw Phyu Phyu Kyaw
U Tin Htoon, KMZ
U Tin Htoon & Daw Helen
Ed Saw
Canada
U Aung Khin
Sayagyi U Aung Khin (Windsor)
Dr. Aung Gyi
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma (Napean)
U Zaw Oo (Vancouver)
Singapore
Win Latt
U Win Latt
TAW
U Tin Aung Win & Daw Wah
Ngwe Soe
U Ngwe Soe & Daw Nu Nu Yee (Side trip to Jahore & Malecca)
Kyu, Pale
U Zaw Tun & Daw Kyu Kyu
Pale Shein & Ko Ye
KMM
U Khin Maung Myint
Myanmar
5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
ILF
Host : ILF Board
2020 Myanmar PSA Tour
Host : U Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing & family
Visit to Burma by Foreign Leaders
During our younger days, three N’s : Nu (Burma), Nehru (India) and Nasser (Egypt) celebrated the Burmese New Year (Thingyan Festival). They helped found the Non-Aligned Movement.
Other leaders such as David Ben Gurion (Israel), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) and Daj Hammarskjold (UNSG) also visited Burma.
Nehru (India)
Photos : Compiled by Win Aung Gyi (Maung Aung Mon)
Attended Hwa Kyone. Sponsored publication of Hwa Kyone Centennial Magazine
Attended GTI briefly
Took Language Courses
Matriculated with Distinctions in Maths, Physics & Chemistry.
Admitted to 1st BE in Nov 1964 with Roll No. 8
Graduated with Electrical Communications in 1970
Moved to USA
Successful careers as IC Designer, CEO of QTC, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Never forgot his Roots, Alma Mater, Mentors & Motherland. He sang “Shwe Mi” at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Special Name
An administrator entered the name as Steeve (instead of Steve). He appreciated the name for being special.
Education
MS from Stanford University
MBA from Pepperdine University
Work & Experience
S 1S 2S 3S 4
Electronics Engineer : Designer of Power IC Chip
Co-founder & CEO, QTC Management : His sister Dr. Lay Kay had patents for processing disability claims & requested Steeve to found QTC.
After private investors showed interest in his company, he retired but continued to lead a multiple-purpose career
Visiting places of the world’s leading religions
Incubating projects of young professionals
Supporting education (e.g. as trustee of UC Irvine & selected Colleges)
Maintaining diverse business portfolio
Helping those in need (via Kay Family Foundation & CABA)
Continue paying back the metta & cetana of his mentors as Golden Sponsor of RIT Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwes, Helen and Steeve Kay Health Care Fund for the RIT Sayas and Sayamas.
From the SPZP-2000 Archives
RIT Poet Laureate Ko Hla Min:
I must admit that I was suffering from a Monday morning “hangover”, having been intoxicated with emotional overdose over the reunion weekend [in October 2000].
Judging from the post-reunion emails I read, I am not alone. What a reunion!
By all measures, it was a success and did satisfy the alumni’s tremendous pent-up desire to reconnect with each other after many decades of separation. The dedication of the members of the organizing committee is second to none.
With the assistance of his lovely wife, Benny Tan devoted practically full-time to this project for several months. I had a first-hand experience to see how meticulous he was when he was designing the RIT T-shirt. It came out a winner!
I do appreciate the sensitivity the organizing committee displayed in making this event non-religious and non-political. Otherwise, it would have been very difficult for me to attend. The only regret is that I failed to locate the whereabouts of my buddy Ko Aung Min of Taunggyi (ME 70). I heard he went to Singapore, but so far my search has ended in “no find”.
Now that the grand reunion is over, everybody is slowly recovering from the “hangover”. The big question is who would go to Singapore in 2002, and how do we go about doing it?
With best regards, Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein)
Sponsor / Host of Gatherings
Steeve (Center) at Benny’s houseSPZP-2012Steeve (Center) in Yangon
SPZPs (starting with SPZP-2000 in US)
40th Anniversary of “Arrival in US”
Celebrating 40th Anniversary of Arrival in USA
Celebrating the Success of QTC
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe(s) for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64
2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015
Special PZP and Reunion in Yangon (after doctors advised against Long Trips)
USA hosted the FirstRIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
The Celebrations kicked off with an Informal “Welcome” Dinner / Gathering” at a Sea Food Restaurant. The Main event was the Reunion and SPZP at Embassy Suites Hotel near San Francisco International Airport. The Family event was the “Farewell” Lunch / Gathering at a High School.
Donors
Saya Allen Htay‘s article, “Can you spare US$500 and more?” was a major factor for having Donors — large and small — for SPZP-2000.
There were Five Golden Sponsors. Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70, Southern California) Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70, Northern California) Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69, New Jersey) David Ko (U Tin Myint, GBNF, M67, Northern California) U Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas)
SPZP-2000 Organizers
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76, web master) copied the names/tags from the very first posting from his album.
Sitting L-R: Saya U Mya Htoo (Civil 68), U Benny Tan (Yu Beng, Mech 70), Saya KC Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, Chem 63), U Hla Min (EC 69) Editor Extraordinaire, Saya U Allen Htay (GBNF, Civil 58), Saya U Nyo Win (Dr. K H Chen, Mech 65), Saya U Tin Htut (Mech 60), Saya U Maung Maung (George, Chem 66), Daw San San Nyunt (Sandra, Mrs. Thein Aung, Mech 76)
Standing L-R: U Soe Aung (Mech 75), U Gordan Kaung (Kaung Kaung Oo, Mech 83), U Myint Swe (EP 74), U Anthony Ng (Aye Tun, Mech 76), U Mya Thwin (Phillip, EP 75), U Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, Mech 75), U Thura Thant Zin (Mech 76), Sayalay U Thein Aung (James, Met 72), U Myint Lwin (Henry Chee, GBNF, Civil 63), U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76), Daw Yi Yi Khaing (Audrey Wong, Civil 84), Daw San SanSwe (Mrs Myint Swe, EC74)
All of them, except KMZ, live in various cities across Northern and Southern California. KMZ lives in a city near Seattle, Washington State.
Publications
The Commemorative Issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” was published for SPZP-2000. I served as Chief Editor. Henry Lim (U Aung Myint, BAPS) and U Thein Aung (Met72) volunteered as Associate Editors. Maurice Chee (M75) served as Publisher (in addition to being Co-Chair, Working Committee; Financial Controller; Logistics Head)
It featured articles by Sayas and Alumni.
My poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” was published in the Newsletter as well as in the ex-RIT website (designed and implemented by U Khin Maung Zaw). Several sayas and alumni contributed to the two series : 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” articles and 36 “Post-Reunion” articles
SAYA PUZAW PWE Poem by Hla Min
S eems like it was only yesterday A t our alma mater in a land far away Y ou taught us to work, play, laugh, even cry A nd coaxed us, forced us to aim for the sky
P roblems in real life, lab, computation, survey U nderstand concepts, design, display, … Z eal, zest, ardor, grit, passion to make it “our day” A rchitects, engineers, we’ve come here to say W e honor your metta, your cetana — we fully can’t repay
P resently we meet, alum from five decades we greet W ith memories true, fond, sweet E cstatic yet sad that the GBNF could not join this memorable fete
Notes
The term “SAYA GADAW PWE” has religious connotations.
Since the SPZP-2000 organizers and attendees profess different religions, the term SAYA PUZAW PWE (meaning honoring the mentors and paying respect to them for their metta and cetana) was chosen.
GBNF means “Gone But Not Forgotten“.
As of March 1, 2024. the GBNF list for the Class of 69 is 128 (about 40%).
Of the 20 (or so) EE sayas of our RIT days, almost half are GBNF.
Singapore SPZPs
Singapore hosted SPZPs in December 2002, April 2007 and December 2010.
Saya U Moe Aung was Chair of SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010.
U Nyan Win Shwe (William, M72) chaired SPZP-2007.
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” was published for each SPZP. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as Chief Editor.
My poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” was reprinted on the Back Cover of SPZP-2002 Sar Saung.
My poem “SWE DAW YEIK” was printed in SPZP-2007 Sar Saung. In my later writings, I use SWEL DAW (following Saya’s usage) instead of SWE DAW.
My article “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” was published in SPZP-2010 Sar Saung”.
Yangon SPZPs
Yangon hosted SPZPs in December 2004, December 2012 and December 2016.
There was a slight earthquake on the day of SPZP-2004.
A follow-up SPZP was scheduled for Yangon in December 2006, but changes in Political Climate dictated the SPZP to be rescheduled for Singapore in April 2007 (around Thingyan).
SPZP-2012 was the first to be held at the Gyogone Campus.
Thanks to H.E. U Aye Myint (EP72) for his initiative to bring back glory to our beloved alma mater, and to the sayas, sayamas, and alumni who made the “Home Coming Reunion” possible.
There were tears of joys.
On a sad note, the higher authorities transferred U Aye Myint to another Ministry before he could help the alma mater to the fullest extent.
SPZP-2012 led to the founding of Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF), the Shwe YaDu Celebrations (with the planting of 50 Swel Daw Bins), and the RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association (ARITA) — to name a few.
SPZP-2016 was a FREE All Day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) at the Gyogone Campus.
Due to the pandemic, SPZP-2000 was cancelled.
Not sure if there will be a SPZP (as comprehensive as SPZP-2016) in a foreseeable future.
Jara, Byadi and Marana have hit many sayas and alumni.
Steeve, Benny, Ohn Khine, Hla MinNews CoverageSPZP-2012SPZP-2012SPZP-2016U Lin Ovada
Thane Myint (PBRS, DSA) — Served in the Air Force, and in the Myanmar Delegation to the UN; Manager of he Myanmar Olympic Team for Seoul Olympics; Parents : Kyaw Zaw, Khin Khin Aye
Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, Dr. (SPHS60, IM1 67, Pediatrician) — See Posts
Thant
Thant — UN Secretary General
Thant Thaw Kaung, Dr.
Thant Sin, Dr.
Thant Zin — See Post
Thant Zin Ohn
Thaung
Thaung — Boxing
Thaung — Secretary; Brother: Thant
Thaung — Aung Bala, Kyemon
Thaung Aye
Thaung Dan, Bogyoke — BAF
Thaung Han — Artist
Thaung Han (Physics) — RUBC
Thaung Htut — Minister
Thaung Kyaw Nyein — Father: Kyaw Nyein
Thaung Lwin (EC66) — Past Captain and Gold of RUBC
Thaung Lwin, Thura / Michael Maung Maung (SPHS63, DSA) — Railways; Dy Min
Thaung Myint, Dr. — Saya; RIT Mathematics
Thaung Nyunt — NorCal RITAA
Thaung Sein / Steeve Kay (EC70) — Entrepreneur, Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZP
Thein Aung (James K Wu, “Myo Daw”, Met 72) — Mr. RIT in 1968; Founding member of RIT Alumni International; Organizer & Associate Editor of “RIT Alumni Newsletter” for SPZP-2000
Thein Aung (M72)
Thein Han, Dr. (Alexander Sia, IM1 79er)
Thein Han — Zawgy; Co-founded Khit San Sar Pay; Chief Librarian of RU Central Library
Thein Han — Systems Engineer at IBM in Rangoon before moving to the USA
A1 Thein Htut (PBRS) — Actor; Director
Thein Htut, Dr. — RUBC Gold; Parents : Colonel Min Sein, Daw Yin May; Spouse : Wendy
Thein Htut (Physics, RASU)
Thein Htut (EC83) worked for UCC before moving to private industry.
Thein Htut, Dr (Clement) — Saya; Dental
Thein Lwin (Stanley Shwe Gyi, SPHS63)
Thein Lwin (EE, GBNF) — President of RIT Badminton
Thein Lwin (M70, Hluttaw)
Thein Maung, Dr, (EENT)
Thein Maung (M69)
Sai Thein Maung, Sai (C70) — Soccer, Track and Field
Thein Maung (Htin Lin) — Writer; Children: Soe Myint, Soe Win, Kyaw Zaw, Khin Zaw
Thein Oo — Commerce; UCC, MCI, Ace
Thein Oo Po Saw (Ernest Po Saw) — Nuclear Physics, DSA
Thein Tan (C64) — Rector of MTU
Thein Tan, Twante — Vocalist
Thein Tan, Myanmar Pyay — Musician
Thein Tan (UCC)
Thein Tan (Maung Maung Gyi, UCC, GBNF)
Thein Tun, Dr. (SPHS61, EP67) — Doctorate from Australia
Thein Tun, Dr. (IM1)
Thein Tun, Bohmu Dr. (GBNF)
TheinPe — Character in Zawana’s novel Kaw Lwik Jin / Ja Bo
Thein Pe (Thein Pe Myint)– Author and politician
Thein Sein — Former President of Myanmar
Thein Wa, Daw — Owned a bookstore
Thein Wai, Dr. (SPHS63, IM2) stood fifth in Matriculation in 1963; Moved to
Thet
Thet — Vipassana Teacher, Mentor of Sayagyi U Ba Khin
De La Salle Brothers is an Order in the Catholic Church. The mission is to promote education.
A Brother is one who has taken three vows : Chasity Loyalty and Poverty.
De La Salle Schools in Burma
The De La Salle Brothers founded the following schools in Burma.
De La Salle Schools
St. Patrick’s High School in Moulmein
St. Paul’s High Schools in Rangoon
St. Peter’s High School in Mandalay
St. Albert’s High School in Maymyo
St. Joseph’s High School in Loikaw
St. Columban’s High School in Bhamo
De La Salle School in Twante.
B.O.B
Alumni of Brother Schools
The Brothers refer to their former students as Brothers’ Old Boys.
ConBro
Alumni of Convent Schools and Brother Schools in Burma.
Old Paulian
An Old Paulian is an alumni of St. Paul’s High School (SPHS).
OPA is Old Paulians Association.
Old Paulians include
U Tin Tut (first Burmese ICS by invitation)
U Chan Htoon (Politician and law practitioner)
Dr. Ba Han (Compiler of the U Ba Han Dictionary)
Dr. Ba Maw (Adipati)
U Than Aung (Education Minister in AFPFL government)
U Ba Khin (renowned Vipassana teacher and mentor of S. N. Goenka)
Dr. U Ba Than (Rector of IM(1) and founder of Zwe Ah Nyeint)
Father and Son
Saya Sein was our Burmese teacher in high school.
His son Dr. Soe Win stood first in Burma in the Matriculation of 1958. Studied Chemistry Honors Doctorate from Imperial College, University of London. Retired Rector of YUFL.
Honor Roll
SPHS Honor Roll
During our school days, St. Paul’s High School displayed an Honor Roll with the outstanding Matriculates starting from the 1950s.
Prior to Honor Roll
Sayagyi U Ba Khin (Vipassana Meditation Teacher) was first in Burma in the Pre-war days.
Honor Roll
The Post-war saw SPHS heading the top list for most academic years. The following stood First in Burma in their Matriculation class.
George Chapman (1951)
Dr, Nyunt Tin (1952)
Koon Yin Chu (1954)
Dr. Soe Win (1958)
Dr. Frankie Ohn (1959)
Dr. Khin Maung U (1963)
After nationalization, the Honor Roll disappeared. It was recovered by a junior Paulian U Soe Nyunt (Taw Win Hnin Si).
Post Honor Roll
Bernard Khaw (1965)
My memories of SPHS
Std. VIII (A)
Our teachers include
Brother Felix (Brother Director)
Brother Anthony (Class Teacher)
Brother Xavier
Saya Sein
Saya U Nyunt Maung
Saya Beatson
SPHS VIII A
My school mates from Std. VIII(B)
Awards for outstanding Matriculates in 1963
Invitation to the OPA Annual Dinner in 1963
Mini-gathering of SPHS63 in Yangon
Aye Ngwe (Edwin Ngwe)
Kyaw Wynn (Host for his Birthday Dana)
Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung)
Hla Min
Aung Chaw (Victor Chaw, Uzin Okkantha)
Than Win
Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi)
Tin Tun
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale)
St. Paul’s Bakery and Confectionery
Old Paulian’s Association
During our school days, the Old Paulian Association (OPA) was inside the school compound.
In 1963, ten of us were invited to the Annual OPA Dinner.
Khin Maung U (1st)
Min Oo (2nd)
Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd)
Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, 4th)
Thein Wai (5th)
Hla Min (7th)
Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Maung Maung, 9th)
Maung Maung Kyi (11th)
Aung Thuyein (Brownie Way, 13th)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, 17th)
SPHS Sayas and Sayamas
After nationalization, the OPA moved out. Sadly, OPA allowed non-Paulians to “join” for billiards and drinks.
Some joined SPHS from KG. They would know more sayas and sayamas than me.
Some Paulians (mostly SPHS63 – 65) offer Soon to Uzin Beatson at a selected restaurant.
After standing second in 3rd standard at PPBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School), I transferred to Std. IV (D) at SPHS. As Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint noted, most of the transfer students were placed in Section (D).
Sections (A) and (B) were reserved mostly for the bright students.
I had to be in the Top Two for four consecutive years, before I was assigned to Section (A) in Std. VIII.
My Class Teachers include :
Ms. A Benjamin (IVD)
Mrs. V Boudville (VD)
U Pe Tin (VID)
U Nge (VIID)
Brother Anthony (VIIIA)
Brother Xavier (IXA)
Brother Austin (XA)
Ms. Amelia Kyi (“Miss Hong Kong”) taught us English in VI and VII Standards. She would fine 25 pyas for failing the weekly test. However, she would reward 50 pyas for topping the test. My daily pocket money was 25 pyas.
Brother Xavier taught us English in VIII and IX. He would mark a dictation test starting out with 100 and then subtracting 10 for every spelling error. One of my classmates ended with -130. For some reason, the Albertians said that Brother Xavier stopped being strict after he transferred from St. Paul’s to St. Albert’s.
After Nationalization, Brother Xavier moved back to the UK. He subsequently left the Order.
Brother Austin taught us English in X. He also taught “Morals and Manners” for the period when the Catholic students studied Catechism. He was the School Librarian and also in charge of the 8mm projector. Every week, he would take us to the School Library (which had books donated by Ford Foundation and Asia Foundation), ask us to check out a book and then write a review over the weekend.
For the “Morals and Manners” class, he would ask us to recite poems from the book. The first three who recited perfectly could take “time off for the rest of the period”. I was lucky to win a few special prizes : a ticket to see “1960 Rome Olympics” documentary at Thamada (President) cinema, and a book covering North America (complete with history and atlas).
He abhorred plagiarism. He said, “It’s okay if you did not time to finish your homework. But don’t copy other’s works. It’s a waste of time for you and me.”
Contrary to his expectations, I did not end up in the Top Three.
After Nationalization, Brother Austin moved to a De La Salle School in Malaysia, and continued teaching until his demise.
Saya Sein was our Burmese teacher in High School. He taught us “Mingala Pa Pun Lu Na Ta Tu Ti Sein Ta Ti Ti Mingala” as an example of giving the meaning of Pali words. Saya Sein is the father of Dr. Soe Win (Chemistry, ICST, Retired Principal of UFL)
Saya Kyaw Sein (brother in law of Saya Sein) taught VII(A) and was our relieving teacher.
There were several subject teachers and relieving teachers. They include :
Brother Clementian
Brother Joseph
Saya Beatson
Saya D’Cruz
Saya Nyunt Maung
Saya Htay Myint
Saya Htwe
Saya Lewis
Saya Timms
Saya Kyaw Khin
Saya Johnny Myo
Saya M. Hla Min
Saya Hla Myint
Saya Kyaw Oo
Saya Aye
Saya San Thein
Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe
It took some time, before the Old Paulians — mostly from the late 50s and early 60s — took over the OPA and organized Reunions and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes. OPA also awarded prizes to the children of Old Paulians who had done well academically (mostly in high school).
After Nationalization, St. Paul’s High School was renamed as No. (6) Botahtaung State High School.
The Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes are generally held in “Aung Kyaw Khan Ma (Hall)”.
The Reunion Dinners are held at a selected restaurant.
Among the sayas and sayamas of our times, only Saya Beatson (now Uzin) remains.
Some Old Paulians (from SPHS63 – 65) occasionally offer Soon to Uzin Beatson.
It is an Order in the Catholic Church founded by John Baptist De La Salle. A Brother has to take three vows:
Chasity
Loyalty
Poverty
The mission of the Brothers is to promote education.
De La Salle Schools in Burma
St. Patrick’s High School (Moulmein)
St. Paul’s High School (Rangoon)
St. Paul’s
St. Peter’s High School (Mandalay)
St. Albert’s High School (Maymyo)
St. Joseph’s High School (Loikaw)
St. Columban’s High School (Bhamo)
De La Salle School (Twante)
SomeSt. Pat Alumni
H.E. Dr. Mehm Thet San
Ko Ko Gyi (Tenessarim, Customs, Burma)
M Singh (RU Soccer)
U Aye (M62, BIT and RU Volleyball)
Jimmy Sein (Tint Swe , C55) Prome Hall/RU (Soccer)
Pway Ain(Htay Aung) RU (Soccer)
U Win Naing (George Hoke Wan) Stood fourth in Burma in Matriculation 1953.
Peter Shein (GBNF) Stood Tenth in Burma in Matriculation 1953
U Maung Maung (M54) Outstanding student 1953-54 Gold Medalist, first in his class of M54. FAO Project Manager
B Singh (RU Soccer)
U Soe Myint RU Soccer Captain (in mid sixties)
Sayadaw U Jotika
U Ngwe Zoe (Peter Gale, Medical Technologist)
U Kyaw Thu (Dennnis Mackey, C73)
SomeOld Paulians
ICS U Tin Tut
U Chan Htoon
Dr. Ba Han
Dr. Ba Maw
H.E. U Than Aung
Vipassa Sayagyi U Ba Khin
U Kyaw Win (Gawsa)
C. Ping Lee (EE)
Some Peterites
U Ye Myint
U Thaung Tin
U Khin Maung Than
H.E. Dr. Kyaw Myint
U Thein Tan
U Myo Min (Monty Han)
Des Rodgers
Albertians
Mehm Than Thoung (Maurice, RUBC Gold)
U San Aung (Sonny)
Victor Htun Shein (RUBC Gold)
U Zaw Min Nawaday
Mehm Tin Thoung (Freddie)
Dr. Robin Chan
Gordon Htun Shein
Saw Maung Maung Htwe
St. Columban Alumni
U Myint Thein (David)
Twante De La Salle Alumni
U Win Maung
SPHS Honor Roll
During our school days, St. Paul’s High School displayed an Honor Roll with the outstanding Matriculates starting from the 1950s.
Sayagyi U Ba Khin stood First in Matriculation in the Pre-war days.
The Post-war saw SPHS heading the top list for most academic years. The following stood First in Burma in their Matriculation class.
George Chapman (1951)
Dr. Nyunt Tin (1952)
Koon Yin Chu (1954)
Dr. Soe Win (1958) — heading the Top Two
Dr. Frankie Ohn (1959) — heading the Top Four
Dr. Khin Maung U (1963) — heading the Top Five
After nationalization, the Honor Roll disappeared.
It was recovered by Ko Soe Nyunt (Taw Win Hnin Si, SPHS66).
Old Paulian’s Association
During our school days, the Old Paulian Association (OPA) was inside the school compound.
In 1963, ten of us were invited to the Annual OPA Dinner.
Khin Maung U (1st)
Min Oo (2nd)
Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd)
Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, 4th)
Thein Wai (5th)
Hla Min (7th)
Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Maung Maung, 9th)
Maung Maung Kyi (11th)
Aung Thuyein (Brownie Way, 13th)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, 17th)
After nationalization, the OPA moved out. Sadly, OPA allowed non-Paulians to “join” for billiards and drinks.
It took some time, before the Old Paulians — mostly from the late 50s and early 60s — took over the OPA and organized Reunions and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes. OPA also awarded prizes to the children of Old Paulians who had done well academically (mostly in high school).
SPHS Sayas and Sayamas
Some joined SPHS from KG. They would know more sayas and sayamas than me.
After standing second in 3rd standard at PPBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School), I transferred to Std. IV (D) at SPHS. As Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint noted, most of the transfer students were placed in Section (D).
Sections (A) and (B) were reserved mostly for the bright students.
I had to be in the Top Two for four consecutive years, before I was assigned to Section (A) in Std. VIII.
My Class Teachers include :
Ms. A Benjamin (IVD)
Mrs. V Boudville (VD)
U Pe Tin (VID)
U Nge (VIID)
Brother Anthony (VIIIA)
Brother Xavier (IXA)
Brother Austin (XA)
Ms. Amelia Kyi (“Miss Hong Kong”) taught us English in VI and VII Standards. She would fine 25 pyas for failing the weekly test. However, she would reward 50 pyas for topping the test. My daily pocket money was 25 pyas.
Brother Xavier taught us English in VIII and IX. He would mark a dictation test starting out with 100 and then subtracting 10 for every spelling error. One of my classmates ended with -130. For some reason, the Albertians said that Brother Xavier stopped being strict after he transferred from St. Paul’s to St. Albert’s.
After Nationalization, Brother Xavier moved back to the UK. He subsequently left the Order.
Brother Austin taught us English in X. He also taught “Morals and Manners” for the period when the Catholic students studied Catechism. He was the School Librarian and also in charge of the 8mm projector. Every week, he would take us to the School Library (which had books donated by Ford Foundation and Asia Foundation), ask us to check out a book and then write a review over the weekend.
For the “Morals and Manners” class, he would ask us to recite poems from the book. The first three who recited perfectly could take “time off for the rest of the period”. I was lucky to win a few special prizes : a ticket to see “1960 Rome Olympics” documentary at Thamada (President) cinema, and a book covering North America (complete with history and atlas).
He abhorred plagiarism. He said, “It’s okay if you did not time to finish your homework. But don’t copy other’s works. It’s a waste of time for you and me.”
Contrary to his expectations, I did not end up in the Top Three.
After Nationalization, Brother Austin moved to a De La Salle School in Malaysia, and continued teaching until his demise.
Saya Sein was our Burmese teacher in High School. He taught us “Mingala Pa Pun Lu Na Ta Tu Ti Sein Ta Ti Ti Mingala” as an example of giving the meaning of Pali words. Saya Sein is the father of Dr. Soe Win (Chemistry, ICST, Retired Principal of UFL)
Saya Kyaw Sein (brother in law of Saya Sein) taught VII(A) and was our relieving teacher.
There were several subject teachers and relieving teachers. They include :
