Blog

August 2016

Birthday Soon Kway

• Ko Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, Ko Maurice Chee in August 2016.
• He prepared electronic and hard copy of the birthday wishes.
• Another set was for attendees, who had not sent wishes by e-mail.
• Thanks to the sayas, colleagues and friends for a memorable gathering.

Appreciation from Sayas and Alumni in US and Canada

• Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend the soonkyway, but he requested Ko Maurice Chee to donate a food dish for him and his family.
  Sayagyi’s message was read by Ko Maurice.

• Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the appreciation award at Half Moon Bay soonkwyay and gathering (August 2016).

From NorCal RITAA Dinner in December 2016

Alumni Appreciation Award from NorCalRITAA

The award was signed by

• Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair, BOD)
• U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon Kaung, M83, President)
• U Thaung Nyunt (M87, Secretary)

Saya U Myat Htoo presented the award to me at the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner, 2016.

From SPHS in 1963

Collegiate Scholarship winners from SPHS in 1963

There were seven Paulians in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.

• Dr. Khin Maung U (Retired from FDA, USA) – 1st
• Dr. Min Oo (Retired Maths Professor in Canada) – 2nd
• Dr. Myo San (Freddie, Surgeon, GBNF) – 3rd
• Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, Professor in IM and Malaysia) – 4th
• Dr. Thein Wai (Migrated to USA after graduation) – 5th
• U Hla Min (Retired Software Engineer) – 7th
• Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Cardiologist) – 9th
• U Maung Maung Kyi (Dip Ing, Retiree in Wales, GBNF) – 11th
• U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69, GBNF) – 13th
• Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Retired Doctor in UK) – 17th

From Toastmasters International

Awards

• CC (Competent Communicator)
• ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze)
• ACS (Advanced Communicator Silver)
• ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold)
• CL (Competent Leader)
• ALB (Advanced Leader Bronze)
• ALS (Advanced Leader Silver)
• DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)

I served as

• Club Officer
• Area Governor
• Club Coach
• Contest Chair
• Ambassador
• Guest Speaker
• Test Speaker
• Team Builder (for Excellent Leadership)

From my Life Savers

Coffee mug with photos

My beloved grandchildren gave me a present for Grand Father’s Day.

Drawings

On several occasions

Books

For writing, translating, editing or proof-reading

I edited or proof-read some books written by

• Sayadaws (U Silananda, U Jota)
• Sayas (Saya Des Rodgers) and
• Friends (Saya U Aung Zaw).
  
  They provided me copies of their books.

Book Presents

I also received copies from others. They include

• “Myanmar in my life-time”
  Book by BBS U Khin Zaw
  air mailed from Australia by U Wint Khin Zaw
  
• Book honoring Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint
  air mailed from Australia by Dr. TOKM
  
• Centennial for U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit
  Two books given by Junior Win, twin sister of Maung Yit
  
• Books by U Ye Sint (former Editor of Dhammanda Newsletter)
  His works
  Pathan Dethana (Dhamma Dana by his siblings)
  
• U Kesala (Chief Resident monk, Alodaw Pyie Monastery in Arizona)
  Dhamma Q&A
  Several other books
  
• “Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho”
  Book by Shwe Ky May Hnin
  Given to me at the San Francisco Bay Area Talk
  
• Books by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
  Collection of Poems
  Collection of Articles
  
• Book by Saya U Nyunt Htay
  Collection of Swel Daw Poems
  
• Books by Nyan Oo Maung
  Currently known as “Mudita Shwe Kyaung Sayadaw U Nyanika
  
• Books by various sayadaws in the Bay Area and beyond
  U Dhammapiya
  U Gosita
  Dhamma Bheri Sayadaw
  Aung San Tat Oo Sayadaw
  Thamanay Kyaw
  
• Books by Dr. San Oo, Daw Than Yi and family
  
• “Yahandar and Poke Ko Htoo Myar”
  Book by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing
  (in the 80’s for translating several of his “Dhamma Duta” articles)
  
• Books by Sayawun (Dr.) Tin Shwe
  Given by his daughter Tyn Tyn Aye during her UCC studies
  
• U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar.
  U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin
  Collection Bagan poems (by Zawgyi, translated by Ah May Thar).
  
• Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt believes in a “revolving library”.
  Gave me several books that he enjoyed reading.
  
• 8-8-88
  Book by Dat Pone Htein Win
  Given at 5th ILF in Mandalay
  
• Books by Members of Professional Spakers Association (PSA)
  Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing
  Kaythri Kyaw
  …

Magazines

Editor for “90th Anniversary Issue of the Founding of RUBC” (2013)

Wrote poems and articles for

• RIT Alumni International Newsletter (for SPZP-2000)
• “Swel Daw Yeik Sarsaung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010
• “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu”

U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for HMEE-2012.


CDs

Received “raw” and formal CDs and DVDs for the various RIT Gatherings.

• Many years ago, I asked a journalist how he could write a weekly column.
  He replied, “As long as one have friends and there are things to see, it’s not difficult to write even daily.”
• I started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in 1989.
  I asked at least three times if someone wanted to take over as the volunteer messenger, writer and editor. Even my fiercest critics would not step up.
• I have completed 22 years of my service to my alma mater, mentors and colleagues.
  The smiles on the faces of my former teachers, and occasional pat on the back by my colleagues give me “second wind” and the energy to “go the extra mile.”
• During a visit to Yangon, I spent three days writing “Memories of UCC.”
  My former student called, “You should take time off and enjoy your stay in Burma. You can continue writing when you get back to the USA. I suggest that you should spend two nights and three days in Bagan. She pledged air ticket and hotel stay as Garawa.”
  It was my second trip to the ancient city.
  Things have changed a lot since my quick trip to Bagan and Nyaung Oo many years ago.
• Upon my return to the USA, I started writing Trivia posts based on what I learned from my Thin Saya, Myin Saya and Kyar Saya.
• I was happy when I hit the 100 mark, then 500, 1000 and 1500.
• Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (SPHS60, Sixth in Burma) added memories of his father, uncles and aunts.
  I learned more about the seven siblings : U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Myint, U Myint Thein, Dr Htin Aung, Daw Khin Mya Mu, Daw Khin Saw Mu and Daw Tin Saw Mu.
  I also learned about Dr. TOKM’s former students who are Professors and talented writers.
• Dr. Nyunt Wai (SPHS63, Fourth in Burma) added many entries to the “Names” series.
  He added the names of medical professionals, artists, writers, and statesmen.
• Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63, First in Burma) shared his writings on Dhamma teachings and Medical Research.
• Dr. Richard Yu Khin (MEHS61, SEAP Gold Medalist) wrote about swimmers and the Japanese coach.
  He also shared photos :
  MEHS 61,
  University Athletes who represented Burma in 2nd SEAP Games
  RU Pagan Road Residents.
  He has two FB pages.
  One is about Sailing. He won Gold for Yachting.
  Another is about his former classmates, neighbors, Economics, …
• I paraphrased several posts from RITAA, NorCal RITAA, SDYF.
• The GBNF posts — old and new — have the most hits.
• Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote : Please keep on writing
• Thein Swe (GBNF, RIT 3rd BE Luyechun) wrote : I appreciate your writing and thanks a lot for it.

Series of Articles

• First BE (1964 – 65)
• Second BE (1965 – 66)
• Third BE (1966 – 67)
• Fourth BE (1967 – 68)
• Fifth BE (1968 – 69)
• Sixth BE (1969 – 70)

by Ko Zaw Min and Ko Ohn Khine

Edited by Ko Hla Min

• Ko Zaw Min (EP70) matriculated from St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo in 1964.
• Had a very high ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) and was admitted to the first ever 1st BE as Roll Number One.
• Selected RIT Luyechun for the 1965 Summer Camp at Inlay.
• His outspoken remarks about the Camp drew the ire of higher authorities.
• Graduated with EP (Electrical Power) in 1970.
• After working in the industry, he moved to the USA.
• Studied Electronics in the USA
• Added “Nawaday” to his name.
• Several years ago, he shared his memories of RIT to the Google group of “the Combined Intake of 1st BE for 1964 and 1965”.
  
• Ko Ohn Khine (M70) matriculated from St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay in 1964.
• Took a combination of Science and Arts subjects and had good ILA score to be admitted to RIT.
• Graduated with Mechanical Engineering in 1970
• Worked for HI (Heavy Industries).
• Created and maintained the the Google group of “the Combined Intake of 1st BE for 1964 and 1965”.
• Volunteered for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016, HMEE-2012 and HMEE-2018, Swel Daw Yeik Foundation and several RIT-related activities.
• Gave me rides during my visits to Yangon.
• Filled the “missing pieces” in Ko Zaw Min’s accounts.

• Ko Hla Min matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1963.
• Received Collegiate Scholarship for standing 7th in the whole of Burma.
• Finished Top in the Science Option of I.Sc.(A) examination
• Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964 as Roll Number One.
• Selected Luyechun for the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the Summer of 1965
• Graduated with Electrical Communications in 1969.
• Started the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in 1989 and have maintained it for 21 years.
• Administrator or Moderator of selected Facebook pages.
• Maintain two web sites
  hlamin.com
  and
  lifelonglearning140.wordpress.com
• Had the honor to edit the draft versions “Memories by Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) and Ko Ohn Khine (M70)”, which was first posted as Google Docs for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
• Published the edited document as a series of articles in “RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates”.
  

Three Intakes in 1964

There were three intakes at the Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) when the new education system started in 1964. Eligible students were admitted to the first ever 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes. They are also known as

• the Class of ’70 (1st BE Intake in 1964)
  Matriculates were admitted using the ILA
• the Class of ’69 (2nd BE Intake in 1964)
  Those who had passed I.Sc.(A) with Science Option were admitted in order of merit
• the Class of ’68 (rd BE Intake in 1964)
  Those who had passed I.Sc.(B) with Science Option were admitted in order of merit

The RIT Rector was U Yone Mo and the Registrar was U Soe Thein.

The Class of ’70

The Class of ‘70 comprised of the first year intake students in 1964. There were 494 registered students, of which 67 were female. Most graduated in 1970. Some took sabbatical for a year or two. A few left RIT before graduation. The GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) reached 61 at the end of 2011. The number is growing towards 100.

The matriculates entered the first ever 1st BE classes. The controversial ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) was used for the vetting of applicants. In the system, a score of 1 to 20 was assigned to “map” the marks for each subject. The ILA score (rather than the”raw” marks) was used to determine the eligibility of the students admitted to an institute.

Under the old education system, the matriculates had to attend I.Sc. (A) classes. There were restrictions on the subjects taken at Inter classes to be eligible for Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, etc. For example, one must pass the I.Sc. with at least 50 marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry to attend the 1st Year Engineering Classes (3rd BE in the new system).

Under the new education system, there were no restrictions on the subjects taken in Matriculation exam. As such, many students who passed Matriculation with combined Science and Arts subjects and even those with pure Arts subjects were able to attend RIT. For example, Ko Ohn Khine passed the Matriculation examination with an odd combination of Mathematics, Chemistry and Geography.

Burmese Publications in the US

U Aung Myint (Henry Lim)

He is an RIT Associate. He left before graduation to the US. After volunteering as BAPS Newsletter Editor for several years, he founded and published “Shwe Padauk” magazine in Northern California. He later published “Dawinthee (Durian)” magazine. His doctors advised him to rest. Luckily, he had a transplant donor and is now in good health. The two publications are just memories for him.

• U Khin Maung Myint (ChE71) and Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie Gyi, ChE71) were among the students admitted to 1st BE class at the Rangoon Institute of Technology.
• They have shared the list published in the Guardian Newspaper.
• The list showed admission to
  Architecture
  Chemical
  Civil
  Electrical
  Mechanical
  Metallurgy
  Mining
  Textile
  
• U Wunna Sithu (EC71) represented RIT in Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo.
  He was admitted as Roll No. (1) for 1st BE (Electrical).
  He started rowing at Marine Youth and then joined RUBC. He is an RUBC Gold.
  He worked for DCA.
  After retirement, he moved to the USA.
  
• U Myint Thin (M71) represented RIT in Rowing.
  He was admitted as Roll No. (1) for 1st BE (Mechanical).
  He was selected Luyechun.
  He worked in Singapore and Malaysia.

Civil and Electrical

Mechanical

Chemical, Mining, Textile, Metallurgy

Architecture