I have created 30+ albums using the photos from the posts (with credit given to the source where ever possible) and the photos from my archives.
The Primary sources include Newspapers (e.g. Kyemon), Encyclopedias (e.g. Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan), Biographies (e.g. by Maung Aung Mon (a) Win Aung Gyi), Books (e.g. Collection of Kabyars), Brochures (e.g. Convocation), Magazines (e.g. Annual Magazines), Sar Saungs.
I have added relevant comments from the posts, and have added additional information.
With the help of specialist volunteers (e.g. Subject Matter Experts), they can be transformed into “Photo Essays” or articles in a digital book or e-books.
I have covered several subjects and departments.
The albums are not exhaustive and may not be mutually exclusive. e.g. The photos of Saya U Pe Maung Tin, Saya Dr. Htin Aung, Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi) and Saya U Wun (Minthuwun) appear in several albums.
Geography
L. D. Stamp
Professor Laurence Dudley Stamp taught Geography at Rangoon University and the University of London.
He authored several books and articles (e.g. Land Use).
One book was a prescribed text in Burma in the early days.
He lectured to the first year students at LSE (London School of Economics) instead of delegating to his assistants. His rationale : “A major subject can be taught by any qualified teacher, but a minor subject should be introduced by a motivated, senior teacher. The class could be the sole exposure in their academic career; so it is important to give the students an excellent overview of the subject.”
Geography learned at school
We had to take World Geography and Burmese Geography in Middle School (then 5th to 7th standard). We sat for the last ever Government examination for 7th standard in 1960.
In 8th standard, we learned about Contouring and Climatic Interpretation.
Geography Teachers
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi is the first native Professor of Geography. She is also one of the early female Professors at Rangoon University.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi
U Kyaw moved to Workers’ College as Principal.
Dr. Tin Htoo was a senior lecturer. .
I worked as a volunteer assistant for Saya U Hla Htun Aung, who was in charge of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yee Committee” for the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 1970. Among those who applied for permits include U Maung Maung Tar (Academy winning actor, trying to sell his line of make up) and the Playboys (Than Naing, Thein Tan, …)
Saya Dr. U Win attended UCC before going for his graduate studies in the US. He is an expert on Geographical Information Systems (GIS). He was the last speaker for the conferences held by Burma Research Society (BRS). The higher authorities entered the room and announced that “BRS has been disbanded”.
U Win blogged about his former sayas and sayamas.
After the Education System changes in 1964 and post-1988, there are many more Rectors and Professors.
Myint Myint Khine and her friends have posted photos of the senior sayamas and sayas.
Honor
I am trying to honor Outstanding Burmese in general, and RU Alumni in particular.
Enhanced the list compiled by Saya U Wun (Minthuwun) of “Outstanding Burmese who are First in their field”.
Enhanced another list “Early Female Scholars who did post-graduate degrees (mainly in the UK)” with those who studied in USA and elsewhere (using information and feedback from my sayas and friends).
Continually updated the list of Top Matriculates (from the Old System).
Wrote about outstanding athletes (in Soccer, Swimming, Rowing, Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, …)
Need Subject Matter Experts (SME) to help payback to our alma mater: Photo Exhibitions / Photo Essays Books / Kabyars / Cartoons / Movies / Songs related to RU Digital books (PDF files, e-books) Commemorative Magazines and Sar Saungs
[Alvin Oke Soe Kha] : I experienced first hand when Uncle U Ba Kyi sang ”ႏွစ္ ေယာက္ ထဲ ေန ျခင္တယ္” and my father Dr. Maung Maung Kha accompanied uncle on violin.
There were fund raisers to hold Centennial celebrations for Saya Kha. Saya U Oo Khin Maung and Sayama Daw Thida were volunteer organizers along with several others.
U Ba Toke
Saya was born in December 1920 and is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the first RU Student strike.
His life journey has been written in the book by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char).
Taught at Mandalay University, Rangoon University, Rangoon Institute of Technology and Assumption University (Bangkok).
Played soccer. Managed RU Sports in general and Soccer tournaments in particular.
Leader of the Burma Olympic team.
Healthy and active until his mid-80s.
Likes to share his memories, but his health declined after turning 90.
Registrars
U Htin Si
U Yu Khin
Daw Sein Sein
U Thet Lwin
Maung Ngwe Hlinne is the pen name of Saya U Thet Lwin, who taught Burmese at the Institute of Economics and later transferred to RIT as Registrar.
He is a distinguished Composer. His songs include “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo”.
[Saya Dr. Soe Win] : My father Saya Sein was U Thet Lwin‘s Burmese teacher at St. Paul’s High School.
Early Sayas
Dr. Hla Thwin was Professor of Psychology.
Dr. Maung Shein was Lecturer of Economics before becoming Deputy Minister.
U Than Aung taught Burmese in the early days at St. Paul’s. Served as Minister of Education in the AFPFL government. Requested his former student C. Ping Lee (EE saya at the Faculty of Engineering) to head the Technical Education and Vocational Training Department.
Censorship
Readers [of the RASU Annual Magazine for 1975 -76] came up with several hidden messages.
In July 1963, several pamphlets were distributed during the first anniversary of 7th July. Citing security reasons, the schools (with the exception of Medicine and Engineering) were closed for almost a year. A new Education system was implemented in November 1964.
The censorship intensified in the later years.
My articles had to be approved by three Chief Editors of the newspapers (two Burmese and one English).
My poem for the Sar So Daw Nay was accepted by the Assistant Editor in charge of the Working People’s Daily (WPD) Supplement. She showed me the preview (block ready to be printed). The higher authorities refused to give the green light since my poem referenced Ananda Thuriya’s epic work “Dhammata”.
Nomination
At the centennial celebrations of some universities, the alumni and staff were asked to nominate events and people to be honored as the 100 items associated with the school.
The members could propose a list of items about their alma mater.
Philosophy
Philosophy means love of wisdom.
Under the new Education System introduced in November 1964, students with low ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) were forced to study Philosophy.
Scholarship / Stipend
The scholarship and stipend holders received 75 kyats a month (60 kyats after paying the school fees).
Those who stayed at hostels had to pay about 57 kyats a month.
One kyat could get long bus rides, decent food, comics, and cartoons.
Early Mathematicians
Some mathematicians served as Pyinnya Mingyi
Some wrote textbooks for middle and high schools.
RU Main Campus
Some are blessed to be born or lived on the campus.
Some are honored to call the campus their home.
I only had the chance to visit the houses of some sayas.
RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
USA in 2000
Singapore in 2002, 2007 and 2010
Yangon in 2004, 2012, 2016 and 2020
Rangoon University Boat Club
In 1923, Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) was founded by Sir Arthur Eggar (Professor of Law), who pledged a third of his salary for the operation of the Club.
U Nyo (Philanthropist) sponsored RUBC Club as part of his donations to the RU Estate.
The 40th Anniversary was celebrated in 1963 with a souvenir program containing the history of RUBC, list of Captains and EC members, list of RUBC Golds (compiled by Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon). The photo of the Anniversary Dinner appears in another post.
There were other celebrations such as 50th, 60th, …
For the 90th Anniversary, there were two publications. The souvenir program displayed in the post, and a reprint of the Autobiography of Sir Arthur Eggar.
Dr. Harry Saing
In the early days, University students excel at academic and sports.
Dr. Harry Saing represented Burma in Rowing, Hockey and Cricket and represented the Faculty of Medicine in Track and Field, and Football. He is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC, and is two time Champion of ARAE (Amateur Rowing Association of the East).
He and Saya Dr. Pe Nyun (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) operated Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San (the first set of conjoined twins) at the Rangoon Children Hospital.
Dr. Harry served as Professor of Pediatric Surgery at the Hong Kong University. He also served as Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club, which hosted FEARA (Far East Amateur Rowing Association) Regattas. According to Ko Htaik San (Henry Kao), Dr. Harry provided physical and moral support to the RUBC crews competing at FEARA regattas.
Sadly, he is GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten). I wrote about his in the Souvenir Magazine.
Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered into the waters near his second favorite Rowing Club (after his favorite RUBC).
Tun Naung
One was a star sprinter. He represented Burma in the First SEAP Games in Bangkok in 1959, and the Second SEAP Games in Rangoon in 1961. His team mates include Tun Mra (Sprint), Kyaw Mra (Hurdles) and Soe Mra (Pole Vault).
Tekkatho Tun Naung would often play with the mandolin on his back. He is a co-founder of Stereo Khit.
SEAP Games
Burma hosted the Second SEAP games in1961. About twenty Rangoon University students represented Burma in the games.
Burma also hosted the Fifth SEAP Games in 1969.
[Nyunt Nyunt Tin] : I was in the 7th standard at Myoma National High School (Rangoon) and participated Kabyaluk dance. The team of 400 high school girl students danced Kabyaluk at the opening ceremony. Never forget, ever.
Football / Soccer
U Than Win (Captain of the team, later Director of Sports and Physical Education)
U Chan Tha (Captain of the Prome Hall team, also Past Captain and Gold of RUBC)
Collegian Nay Win, Kenneth Shein, Tun Kyi and Dr. Tint Lwin played for RU First Eleven under coach Saya Nyein.
Tennis
Saya Joe Ba Maung taught English at RIT before transferring to Burma Railways. Saya was Burma Tennis Champion in Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles (with Than Lwin) and Mixed Doubles (with Sayama Ruby Kha)
Sports Officer
Several Burma Selected and University Selected became Sports Officers.
U Ba Maung (Soccer, RASU)
U Maung Maung (Soccer, RIT)
U Thet Win (Diving, Eco)
Tekkatho
In the early days, less than 10 percent passed the Matriculation examination. It was an honor to prefix one’s name with Tekkatho or University.
Khin Nyo wrote : absolutely right. I think in 1957 only 2% Passed and the total is 20000. Even dancer AmarSein was conferred with the title Thekkatho Amar Sein by the Rector.Dr Tha Hla.
Daw May Saw Lwin
TQ Saya Hla Min for including our photo in your post.
I think you would be happy (but not surprised) to learn that our granddaughter Ei Lwin, Dr Nyi Thet Lwin’s daughter achieved grade 9 in all of the nine subjects that she sat in the recent, 2019, GCSE exams. Following grandpa’s footsteps almost sixty years later!
Dr. Soe Win (SPHS58) stood First in Burma in the Matriculation of 1958.
Prizes
There were 20 or so prizes awarded at the RU Convocation.
Most prizes are for outstanding graduates.
Some prizes are for those who excelled at the Intermediate Classes.
The University prizes include Matthew Hunter Gold Medal.
Books
There are several books about Rangoon University and the university life of students.
Shwe Ku May Hnin wrote “Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho“.
Pat Tin-Win had the courage to request Sayagyi Dr. Ba Than (who was Medical Superintendent of the Japan Khit Say Yone Gyi, Rector of IM(1) and founder of the Zwe Ah Nyeint) to play Myamangiri on the harp, and allow the recording to be used for her friend Rosie to dance at the 1964 Chemistry Fresher Welcome. Sayagyi complied.
Related posts Gatherings
Extracurricular Activities
Saing Waing
Those who chose to stay in hostels have fond memories of the various functions (e.g. by Thahaya and Sar Phutt Ah Thinn — Social and Reading Clubs), the Inter-Hall and Inter-Institute Sporting Events (e.g. at Aung San Stadium).
Per Daw Nyunt Nyunt Tin, she was a Day Scholar, but she spent a lot of time at Marlar Hall (known not just for beauties but for the excellent sports teams).
Some tried Rowing at the Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC). The pioneer female rowers were from the Institute of Economics and RASU (partly because they are close to RUBC). They were later joined from other Institutes (e.g. RIT, IM(1), Education). RUBC was founded by Sir Arthur Eggar (Law Professor) in 1923. Details of RUBC can be found in the 90th Anniversary Issue (published in 2013). RUBC allowed female members in the mid 1960s. Pioneer female members were mostly from Institute of Economics (e.g. Ma Khin Mya), RASU (e.g. Jill Gaudoin /Aye) and some from other institutes.
Some remember the musical evenings and nights by Pho So Chins. Tekkatho Tun Naung (then a Dental College Student, Luyechun for the Summer Camp of 1965 at Inlay) would play mandolin in front of the Ladies’ Halls (e.g. Inya Hall). He would later co-found the Stereo Khit.
Related posts Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins RUBC Social and Reading Club
Much water has passed under the bridge and there were the usual as well as the unusual ups and downs! We were in Pyay during the turbulent times of 1988, which was under Section 144 and therefore relatively quiet while the rest of our country was undergoing the trials and tribulations of the “four eights…. 8-8-88 ” ! We were very fortunate, our family, as well as the staff and students of Pyay College as we all managed to get by unscathed by the turn of events which had caused so much turmoil and heartbreak throughout much of our beloved country!
Our return could be termed triumphant. … our elder son Aung had done well in Pyay in the Matriculation Exam of 1988, the younger son, Nyi, would soon be attending high school in Yangon, having lost one year of study as had all the other students in Myanmar! And to top it all, personally, after many mishaps ( perhaps to be expanded on later), after what definitely was an extremely lengthy twenty seven years as an Assistant Lecturer, I was returning in high spirits as I had been promoted to be a Lecturer in Chemistry at the prestigious University of Yangon!
We were back in Yangon by the beginning of the month of May 1990 and we stayed for a short while at a place nearby the University. To work again at a place which I could call my second home was really special, but to get to live there, on Campus, was to propel me to seventh heaven! (As all Buddhists know, there are only six levels in the abode of the Nats in the thirty one planes of existence!) And that was what really happened! My better half and the head of our household (actually ‘ head of the family ‘ has a better ring to it) had applied for accommodation / quarters on Campus and Number 4, Short Road, just a few steps from the famed Judson Church, was assigned to be our home.
And so it was, we moved there on the 7th of July 1990, (mindful of the seventh of July, that unforgettable day in 1962), thirty years ago today, and we lived there happily, not ever after, as in the fairy tales, but for fifteen long fruitful years, each member of our family enjoying the shelter, shade and comfort that happy and (for us,) huge house gave us and in return contributing to society as best as we knew how .
There are several ways to help navigate the large repository of topics.
The Admin can pin a post as an announcement. The announcement can be updated with “What’s new?” or similar messages.
The posts can be classified into appropriate topics. Then, a reader can view posts related to a selected topic.
One may search posts using an appropriate keyword.
One may save a post. One can later access the saved post. Note, however that Facebook will send reminder of unopened saved posts.
One may share a post. One can add additional information about the shared post.
Some posts
Thann Htutt Aung wrote some posts (e.g. landmarks including buildings and roads) and shared several posts (including the Hostels and their notable occupants, victorious RU soccer team from the prewar days, memories of former Soccer Selection U Aung Khin, logo from the RU Golden Jubilee).
Some remembered their classmates who were denied admission to the professional institutes because of the 3-NRC rule.
Several took three more years to complete their studies. The schools were closed following the 8-8-88. There were no convocations for 1988, 1989 and 1990.
Some remembered attending Thabawa Theikpan (Natural Science) Campus in Thamaing. The name fell out of use. It was later known as RC(2), one of the three Regional Colleges in Yangon.
The admission procedures change with the several “New Education System”. The controversial ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) was used to admit matriculates in 1964. The three year performance (Matriculation and Two years in Regional College) was used to decide the study of the students.
“Special” Honors courses took five years (Intermediate followed by three years of specialization in a subject).
“General” Honors courses took four years (Intermediate followed by two years of specialization in a subject).
General Honors (Options : Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
Physics Honors
Saya Mehm Than Thoung was top in 1960 – 61.
Sayama Daw May Than Nwe was top in 1961 – 62. Her classmates include Sayama Daw Khin Swe Aye, Sayama Daw Khin Than Nwe, Saya Dr. Sein Tun and Robert Sein.
Dr. Hla Ngwe Tin (Frankie Ohn, First in Burma in the Matriculation of 1959), Dr. Tun Than, Dr. Soe Yin and U Kyaw Kyaw Shein were from the final batch 1962 – 63.
Mathematics Honors
Need info for 1960 – 61.
Saya Dr. Kyaw Thein was top in 1961 – 62.
Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing), Sayama Daw Kyi Kyi Aung, Saya Dr. Sein Win and U Oo Tha were from the final batch 1962 – 63.
Chemistry Honors
Need info for 1960 – 61.
Saya Dr. Soe Win was top in 1961 – 62.
Need info for 1962 – 63.
Sein YaDu (Diamond Jubilee in 1995)
Aung Mon, Saya Dr. Soe Win, Sayama May Saw Lwin, Nyi Thet Lwin
At that time, the four family members were affiliated with different Universities and Institutes.
Saya Dr. Soe Win (YUFL)
Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin (Chemistry, RASU)
Ko Aung Mon (EC, YTU)
Ko Nyi Thet Lwin (IM 1)
At present, Saya and Sayama are retired. They will celebrate their Golden Jubilee soon. Ko Aung Mon did graduate studies in IT and works in Singapore. Ko Nyi Thet Lwin is a surgeon in UK.
Saya U Khin Maung Thint (Jimmy Tin) taught the early batches.
The first batch of Architects including Saya U Myo Myint Sein graduated in 1958. Saya did Masters postgraduate studies in the US. U Myo Myint Sein (Raymond) succeeded Saya U Tha Tun as Head of the Architecture Department. After retirement from RIT as Professor, he moved to the USA.
The second batch including Saya Dr. Lwin Aung and U Bo Gyi graduated in 1959. Dr. Lwin Aung worked in the industry for several years before joining the Faculty. Saya Dr. Lwin Aung (A59) served as Professor of Architecture, and Pro-Rector of YTU (Yangon Technological University). After retirement, he became a monk.
The third batch including Koon Yin Chu (Phillip), U Tin Htoon, U Aung Kyee Myint and U Kin Maung Yin graduated in 1960.
Koon Yin Chu (Phillip Chu, SPHS54) stood First in Burma in the Matriculation of 1954. He stood First again in the graduating class of Architects in 1960.
U Bo Gyi (A59), U Tin Htoon (A60) and U Aung Kyee Myint (A60) founded Architects Incorporated.
U Bo Gyi was an accomplished pianist and modeller (e.g. sculpture) and was the senior of the three partners. He designed the Daw Khin Kyi Mausoleum., and was “set aside” by higher authorities for his work. After retirement, he become a monk.
U Tin Htoon (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) is an ARAE Champion. He and Dr. Harry Saing won the Venables Bowl for coxless pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta. He, Dr. Harry Saing, Victor Htun Shein, Sunny Teng and U Sein Htoon won the Willingdon Trophy for coxed fours at the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo. He and U Hla Khin (Navy / Defense) won Silver medal for Yatching at the SEAP Games. U Tin Htoon retired after working in Myanmar, Singapore and USA.
A few years later, the company was folded. The three Amigos joined PWD (Public Works Department).
U Aung Kyee Myint retired as Chief Architect of PWD.
U Kin Maung Yin (Modern Art, Director of “Hna Ma Let Shor Nay Lay Dawt”), Paw Oo Thet, Director Win Pe and several artists frequented Architects Incorporated.
U Kin Maung Yin used Black and White imagery, Classical Music and minimal dialog in his movie “Hna Ma Let Shawt Ney Lay Dawt” (which attracted some Westerners), but it was the first occurrence where the “First Day First Show” did not sell out.
HlaMin 