Blog

  • 1964

    Video Broadcast on December 9, 2020

    Matriculation of 1964

    • Dr. Cherry Hlaing (Than Than Tin, SJC)
      Tie in highest marks with Dr. Lyn Aung Thet
      Based on ILA, admitted to IM(1) as Roll Number One
    • Dr. Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS)
      Tie in highest marks with Dr. Cherry Hlaing
      Lost the tie breaker using ILA
    • Dr. Aung Win Chiong (SPHS)
      Second highest marks after Dr. Cherry Hlaing and Dr. Lyn Aung Thet
      Based on ILA, admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One
    • Indian Lady
      Third highest marks
    • Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS)
      Fourth highest marks
      Based on ILA, admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two

    Education System

    • The then New Education System was established in November 1964
    • Most Faculties of Rangoon University became autonomous Institutes with their own Rectors

    Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT)

    • Three batches of students were admitted to RIT in November 1964
    • Eligible matriculates were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using the controversial ILA.
      Ko Zaw Min (St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo) was admitted as Roll Number One.
    • Eligible students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) examination were admitted to the first ever 2nd BE in order of merit (using marks).
      Ko Hla Min was admitted as Roll Number One.
    • Eligible students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the first ever 3rd BE.
      In the old system, the class was known as First Year Engg .

    Luyechun (LYC)

    • The first Luyechun Camp was opened in the Summer of 1964 at Shwe Waj Gyaing Camp in Ngapali.
    • Outstanding students from 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th standards were selected as LYC.
    • The following are some students who were selected LYC
      Ma Pwint Than (9th Std, Loikaw)
      Ko Kyaw Zaw (9th Std, TTC)
      Ko Win Aung (10th Std, TTC)
      Ko Oke Soe Kha (10th Std, MEHS)
    • Some went on to become Multiple LYC

    Olympics

    • Sayagyi U Ba Toke led the Burmese Contingent to the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan

    RUBC

    • The last ever AGM elected the following EC :
    • Ko Myo Tin (William Hone) : Captain
    • Ko Htain Lin : Vice Captain
    • Ko Zaw Lin : Honorary Secretary
    • Ko Hla Min : Honorary Treasurer

    Demonetization

    • The first of three Demonetization (with increasing severity) occurred in 1964.
    • The public was ordered to take K100 and K50 notes to the specified locations within a week.
    • Amounts greater than K4200 would be taxed.
    • Each family would get up to K500 (in other denominations) initially.
    • IBM Unit record machines were moved to the RU Convocation Hall to register the currency notes being “surrendered” and calculate the amount to be given back (after taxes)
    • 78% of the money were given back.
      The public “lost” 22% of the money.
    Ko Hla Min
  • 1963

    Video Broadcast on December 9, 2020

    Matriculation in 1963

    • Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS) : First in Burma
      MD and several Fellowships
      Multiple Luyechun from IM(1)
      Medical Researcher
      Retired from FDA in the USA
    • Dr. Min Oo (SPHS) : Second
      Luyechun : as student and later as staff
      Two doctorates in Mathematics from Germany
      Retired from McMasters University in Canada
    • Dr. Myo San (Freddie Ba San, GBNF) : Third
      Took early retirement as a Surgeon
    • Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor) : 4th
      Professor of Physiology at IM
      Also taught in Malaysia
    • Dr. Thein Wai : 5th
      Moved to USA
    • Hla Min (EC69): 7th
      First in Science Option for I.Sc.(A)
      Taught at UCC, DCS and ICST
    • Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Maung Maung) : 9th
      Retired Army Doctor / Specialist
    • Maung Maung Kyi : 11th
      Primary degree in Chemical Engineering and M.Sc. in Pulp and Paper from Dresden, Germany
      Also known as Dip. Ing
    • Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, EC69, GBNF) : 13th
      Electrical Communications
      Worked for MOC and Schlumberger
    • Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale) : 17th
      Retired after practicing Medicine in UK

    SPHS had

    • Five in the Top Five
    • Seven in the Top Ten
    • Ten in the Top Twenty
    • One studied Mathematics
    • Three studied Engineering and/or Computer Science
    • Six studied Medicine
    • Two (Myo San and Aung Thu Yein) are GBNF

    Other top students include

    • Kenny Wong (MEHS) : 6th
    • Dr. Winnie Aung (Branch Convent) : 8th
    • Dr. Khin Tun (St. John’s Dio) : 12th

    RUBC in 1963

    SPHS crew

    • Senior Novices Runner Up in RUBC Monsoon Regatta of 1963
    • Awarded Full Green
    • 40th Anniversary Regatta was cancelled citing Security
    • Dinner held at hotel in Kandawgyi / Royal Lake

    Long Closure of Schools

    • Attended last ever I.Sc(A) class at Leik Khone in 1963
    • Higher authorities did not appreciate the magazines, pamphlets and posters commemorating the Anniversary of 7th July
    • All classes (with the exception of Medicine and Engineering) were closed.
    • Due to policy changes, we lost at least 1.5 years of our lives :
      Taking the 10th Standard Examination
      Closure of schools before another new Education System
  • 1956 and 1957

    Video Broadcast on December 6, 2020

    Matriculation in 1956

    • U Ye Myint (St. Peter’s, Mandalay) stood First in Burma.
    • U Thaung Tin (St. Peter’s) was Second.
    • U Khin Maung Than (St. Peter’s) was Joint Third with Dr. Than Myint (Harry, Physics, SPHS).
    • U Soe Paing (RIT, UCC, UN) won Collegiate Scholarship.
    • Other Matriculates include
      U Ko Ko Lay (PWD, UCC, DCS, ICST, GBNF)
      U Win Htain (PWD, GBNF)

    RUBC in 1956

    • Union of Burma Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Fours
    • Inaugural event in 1956
      CLC Fours
      CURC Fours
      RUBC Fours
    • Union of Burma President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Fours
      Replaced U Nyo’s Challenge Cup
    • Inaugural Event in 1956
      CLC and CURC Combined Eights
      RUBC Eights

    Matriculation in 1957

    • Dr. Htin Kyaw (Physics, Younger Twin, Sacred Heart) stood First in Burma
    • Nellie Liu (MEHS) stood Second.
    • Dr. Htin Aung (Physics, Elder Twin, SH, GBNF) stood Sixth.
    • Other Matriculates include
      Daw May Saw Lwin (Ch)
      Daw Mu Mu Kin, Spouse of Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
      U Sein Htoon (M63, RUBC Captain and Gold, ARAE Champion in 1960, President of Burma Rowing Federation)
      Dr. Tin Wa (Ch / Pharmaceuticals, RUBC Captain and Gold)
      Dr. K C Chiu (Tin Aung, ChE63, President of BEA)

    RU in 1957

    • Dr. Hla Myint (Mack, ChE57) is from the first batch of ChE graduates in Burma
  • 1952 and 1953

    Video Broadcast on December 5, 2020

    See “Class of 1952 – 56” for engineers who graduated in that period.

    Matriculation in 1952

    Dr. Nyunt Tin (SPHS, GBNF)

    • First in Burma in 1952
    • Physician
    • Father : Sithu U Tin (President, RUBC, GBNF)
    • Brother : Saya U Han Tin (Captain, RUBC, GBNF)

    Dr. Myo Tint (TTC)

    • Third in Burma in 1952
    • RUBC Captain
    • Medical Superintendent, Workers’ Hospital

    Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)

    • Lecturer, RIT
    • MS from Harvard
    • President, RIT Alumni International

    Dr. San Hla Aung (C58)

    • Lecturer, RIT
    • Professor of Practice, Tulane
    • MS from MIT
    • Ph.D from Tulane

    Dr. Win Thein (C58)

    • Professor, RIT

    U Htin Paw (EE58)

    • Assistant Lecturer, RIT
    • MS from Michigan
    • UBARI
    • EI
    • President, BEA
    • President, TBSA

    U Ba Nyunt (EE58)

    • Assistant Lecturer, RIT
    • MS
    • MOC

    Matriculation in 1953

    Dr. Hla Shwe (Boon Chiong, YM)

    • First in Burma in 1953
    • Professor of Physics
    • Dean

    U Ohn Khin (YM) stood Second in Burma

    Dr. Kyaw Win (GBNF)

    • RUBC
    • Physician
    • Brigadier General
    • BMH
    • Research
    • Ambassador

    Dr. Thein Toe (GBNF)

    • BMRI
    • Nutrition Group Leader
    • WHO Assignment
    • Passed away in U.K.
    Saya Allen Htay (Front center)
  • 1950 and 1951

    Video Broadcast on December 5, 2020

    Matriculation in 1950

    Bilal Raschid (C56, A)

    • Studied Architecture in the UK
    • Taught Architecture at RIT
    • Father : H.E U Raschid (Ta Ka Ta and Ba Ka Tha Leader)
    • Spouse : Daw Tin Tin Nu

    U Ko Aye (Ch)

    • Chemist
    • RU Chemistry
    • BPI
    • USA
    • Spouse : Daw Violet Zaw

    Matriculation in 1951

    Collegian Nay Win

    • Burma Soccer Selected
    • Best Player
    • Academy Award
    • Spouse : Daw Khin Marlar

    U Tun Kyi

    • Soccer Selected
    • Engineering
    • RU
    • Railways
    • Burma

    U Kenneth Shein

    • Soccer Selected
    • RU
    • Railways
    • Burma
    • Daughter : Pearl (Pale)

    Dr. Tint Lwin

    • RU Goalie
    • Anesthesiologist
    • Gawpaka, Kusalakari
    • Spouse : Daw Myint Myint Kyi
  • 1946 and 1947

    Video Broadcast on December 4, 2020

    Matriculation in 1946

    • U Tin U (C)
      RUBC Captain
      BS from Oregon State, MS from Yale
      Part-time Lecturer in Civil Engineering
      Director of selected companies
      RGC Captain
    • Dr. Pe Nyun (GBNF)
      RUBC Captain
      Pediatric Surgeon
      Leader of team that operated the conjoined Twins : Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San
      Moved to Canada
    • Dr. Pe Thein (GBNF)
      RUBC Gold
      Professor
      Minister of Health and Education
    • U Sein Hlaing (EE52, GBNF)
      MS from MIT
      Professor
    U Tin U

    Matriculation in 1947

    • U Ba Than (M)
      RUBC Green
      Highest score in Intermediate classes Combined
      BS and MS from Imperial College, University of London
      Professor
    • Dr. Myint Soe
      Highest score for Intermediate of Arts / Social Science
      President, Burma Club (in Singapore)
      Lawyer
    • U Tin Swe (EE53, GBNF)
      Prome Hall Soccer Team
      MS from Michigan
      Retired as Lecturer
    • Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF)
      Mathematics from Mandalay University
      B.Sc. (Special) from Imperial College, University of London
      MS from Glasgow
      Ph.D. in Mathematical Statistics from Liverpool
      Founder / Director, UCC
      Rector, RASU
      Supervised Research Students in Thailand and Australia
    U Ba Than
  • 1946 and 1947

    Video Broadcast on December 4, 2020

    Matriculation in 1946

    • U Tin U (C)
      RUBC Captain
      BS from Oregon State, MS from Yale
      Part-time Lecturer in Civil Engineering
      Director of selected companies
      RGC Captain
    • Dr. Pe Nyun (GBNF)
      RUBC Captain
      Pediatric Surgeon
      Leader of team that operated the conjoined Twins : Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San
      Moved to Canada
    • Dr. Pe Thein (GBNF)
      RUBC Gold
      Professor
      Minister of Health and Education
    • U Sein Hlaing (EE52, GBNF)
      MS from MIT
      Professor
    U Tin U

    Matriculation in 1947

    • U Ba Than (M)
      RUBC Green
      Highest score in Intermediate classes Combined
      BS and MS from Imperial College, University of London
      Professor
    • Dr. Myint Soe
      Highest score for Intermediate of Arts / Social Science
      President, Burma Club (in Singapore)
      Lawyer
    • U Tin Swe (EE53, GBNF)
      Prome Hall Soccer Team
      MS from Michigan
      Retired as Lecturer
    • Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF)
      Mathematics from Mandalay University
      B.Sc. (Special) from Imperial College, University of London
      MS from Glasgow
      Ph.D. in Mathematical Statistics from Liverpool
      Founder / Director, UCC
      Rector, RASU
      Supervised Research Students in Thailand and Australia
    U Ba Than
  • Female Engineering Students

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    Brief History

    • Before 1958, there were no female engineering students. The first female student Ms. S Begum studied Architecture, but she left for India before graduation.
    • In the early 1960’s, there were a handful of female engineering students. In 1961, five female students graduated : Tin Tin Ohn (T61, GBNF), Julie Han (T61, GBNF), Yin Yin Kyi (T61, moved to Australia), Mi Mi Lay (T61) and Pauline Reynolds (ChE61, moved to Thailand).
    Pauline Reynolds
    • In November 1964, there were about 100. Several stayed at G-Hall (which was formerly assigned to young sayas.)
    • Thazin Hall became the second hostel for female students.
    • In the past few years, part of the A – E Block now houses young female students. It was a topic for Ko Myint Pe’s cartoon.

    Nan Khin Nwe

    Nan Khin Nwe

    She is from the 83 Intake. Since the schools were closed for three years, she graduated in 1992. Many alumni lost three years of their precious lives.

    She volunteered as a Fund Raiser for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016. She then became a major Fund Raiser for
    (a) RITAA (including YTU Library Modernization)
    (b) SDYF
    (c) Intake of 83 (including provision of equipment and medicine for cancer patients)

    Nan Khin Nwe

    She helped with the selection for Scholarships awarded by NorCal RITAA. In the group photo she stood in the back row along with the seven young recipients. To her surprise and delight, Nan Khin Nwe was mistaken by some viewers as a young YTU student.

    She compiled Kabyars and some prose for the Second G-Hall Thu Reunion.

    G-Hall Thu Reunions

    The first G-Hall Reunion was held on 28th January 2018.  The backdrops were provided by Khin Maung Kyi and the photos were taken by Eric Foo. 

    The second G-Hall Reunion was held on 24th November 2018. There was lots of food and fun. Posters displayed short stories and poems written by G-Hall Thu’s and their admirers.

    Second G-Hall Thu Reunion

    • The Second G-Hall Thu Reunion is not only for G-Hall Thu but friends and admirers.
    • In response to Nan Khin Nwe’s request, several G-Hall Thu and some admirers submitted poems and short stories to be displayed (and possibly distributed as mementos) at the Reunion.
    • Despite the jokes and cartoons about “Pone Ma Lar Yoke Soe Gyan Daw Myo”, many G-Hall residents are “Madee Chaw”.
    • Over a dozen — including a couple of males — have composed poems about G-Hall. Some prefer to ink their feelings as prose.

    Khine Khine Win

    Young RIT alumni in Singapore (including Khine Khine Win) are trying their best to help their alma mater.

    Many alumni feel sad about the decline of the Education System in Myanmar and about the attempt by the Adhamma regime to destroy the Swel Daw Bins and the indomitable RIT (Swel Daw Yeik) Spirit.

    Our alma mater may not rank high in the academic world, but the tradition and culture (e.g. SPZPs, paying back the metta and cetana of the mentors) remain.

    Vedana stands for feeling. There are pleasant feelings, unpleasant feelings, and not-pleasant & not-unpleasant (probably neutral) feelings.

    U San Lin (Maung Lu Pay, M87)

    U San Lin (Maung Lu Pay, M87) has consolidated the postings by Nan Khin Nwe and me.

    Editor’s Notes :

    RIT has produced Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins in general, and Laureate Poets (such as Tekkatho Moe War, Maung Sein Win [Padeegone]) in particular.

    We appreciate the excellent Kabyars from the G-Hall Thu Myar. They can be displayed as wall posters, flyers and may be even booklets at the forthcoming G-Hall Reunion.

    G-Hall Thu

    G => Gorgeous girls (at their prime)

    H => Highly intelligent and creative (decades after graduation)
    A => Ambitious, articulate
    L => Lively rebuttals to the jokers and cartoonists
    L => Love me dearly OR “Beware, our T-square”

    T => Talented poets
    H => Home of the Belles
    U => Union of five Balas : Kaya, Nyana, Bawga, Meikta, Caritta

    Tazaungdaing

    Thanks to sayas and alumni for sharing the photos from the G-Hall Tazaungdaing.

  • SPZP-2012 attendees from Overseas

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    Several sayas and alums attended SPZP-2012. It was not easy to find classmates and schoolmates among the 3000+ crowd.

    The following list is not exhaustive.

    Canada

    • Sayagyi U Aung Khin
    U Aung Khin
    • Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi
    Dr. Aung Gyi
    • U Tha Aung
    • Daw Kinsa Maw Naing

    USA

    • Saya U Myo Myint Sein
    • Saya U L. Tin Htun (Dr. Christopher Lee)
    • Saya U Tin Htut
    • Saya Dr. Aung Soe
    • Saya Dr. Tin Aung (K. C. Chiu)
    • Saya U Maung Maung
    • Saya U Myat Htoo
    • Saya U Thein Aung
    • U Hla Min
    • U Robert Hla Thein
    • U Myint Soe (Henry)
    • U Aung Myint Oo
    • U Nyunt Than
    • U Khin Maung Aye
    • Daw Lei Lei Myaing (Amy)
    • Daw Thynn Thynn Khaing (Janet)
    • U Toung (Tom)
    • U Khin Maung Zaw
    • U Wynn Myint Aung

    Singapore

    • Saya U Moe Aung
    • Saya U Tu Myint
    • Saya U Aung Myint
    • Saya U Tin Lin
    • Saya U Ye Myint
    • U Tint Lwin (Danny)
    • Daw Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma)
    • U Khin Maung Aye
    • U Khin Sein
    • U Tin Maung Win
    • Daw Moh Moh Yee
    • Pon Chan Chan Group
    • Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint and Entertainment Group members

    Malaysia

    • Saya Dr. Khin Maung Win (Donald)

    Japan

    • Saya Dr. Myo Khin
    • Daw Mya Mya Nwe (Winsome)
    • Saya Dr. Taing Oke

    Thailand

    • Saya U Maung San
    • Saya U Aung Myaing
    • Daw Gyn Yu

    Australia

    • Saya U Myo Win (Melvyn)
    • Saya U Maung Maung Win
    • U Aye Win Hlaing (Abel, La La)
    • Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine)
    • U Tin Aung Win
    • Daw Dorothy Kyaw Tun
    • U Michael Po Saw
    • U Thet Tun (Henry)
    • U Htay Aung (M75)
    • Daw San Yu May (M75)
    • Daw Thazin Myint (A75)
    • U Sein Win (C80)
    • Daw San San Oo (C80)
  • ICST Rectors

    ICST Rectors

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF)

    Dr. Tin Maung

    Saya is the son of Saya Kar, who served as Minister of Education in the Caretaker Government.

    He joined the Department of Mathematics as Tutor. He went for further studies in UK. Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer.

    He succeeded Saya Dr. Chit Swe as Director of UCC.

    During his tenure, DCS (Department of Computer Science) was established with Saya U Ko Ko Lay as Professor and Saya U Tun Aung Gyaw as Associate Professor.

    In 1987, ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) was established with Saya as Rector.

    There were four Departments :

    • Hardware Technology
    • Software Technology
    • Information Systems
    • Computational Mathematics

    U Ko Ko Lay was Professor and Head of Information Systems.
    U Tun Aung Gyaw was Associate Professor and Head of Hardware Technology.
    U Hla Min was Associate Professor and Head of Software Technology.

    Bachelor degree courses in CS and CT were given. In the first batch, there were 30 CS and 15 CT students.

    Saya continued to implement the Vision and Mission set by the UCC Founders, and managed to go further.

    Saya did not live long enough to see 26 batches (from ICST and UCSY) host the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on January 14, 2018.

    Dr. Kyaw Thein (GBNF)

    Dr. Kyaw Thein succeeded Dr. Tin Maung as ICST Rector. He is also known as Saya Thein.

    Saya Thein told the attendees of the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw that I (U Hla Min) was Generation Zero, Bo Htay (Dr. Maung Maung Htay) was Generation One, and he was Generation Two.

    Saya was a fledgling tutor in the Mathematics Department in 1963. He was a top student in his Honors Class (1958 – 1962). He held Tutorial for the topics taught by Saya U Khin Zaw, Saya Choudry and Sayama Daw Khin Ma Ma in our I.Sc.(A) class at Leik Khone in 1963.

    I was top of I.Sc. (A) and joined the first ever 2nd BE class at RIT in Gyogone.

    We crossed our paths again when U Tun Aung Gyaw, U Soe Win and I drove down to Southampton University to see Saya U Soe Paing and U Aung Zaw.

    Saya was doing his Ph.D. Saya is an expert on Differentiable Manifold (and related topics).

    Saya and U Aung Zaw joined us to see Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, and a Safari.

    As Saya Chit’s assistant and general hand, I worked on several projects (e.g. High School Mathematics, Children’s Treasury of Knowledge) with the Mathematics sayas.

    Saya became Principal of Sittwe College.

    Saya succeeded Dr. Tin Maung as Rector of ICST.

    Dr. Pyke Tin

    Dr. Pyke Tin succeeded Dr. Kyaw Thein as ICST Rector. He is also known as Saya Pyke.

    Saya’s name literally “remain on a net”. Saya’s mother had a few miscarriages. When Saya was conceived, his mother wanted to make sure that Saya would be born safe and sound. She performed a Yadaya requiring someone close to her hold a net and catch Saya.

    He received his Ph.D from Monash University, Australia. He is an expert on Stochastic Processes and related topics. He served as Reviewer for research papers.

    I had the opportunity to audit the “Linear Programming” course by Saya and learn his teaching style.

    I also worked with Saya and others (Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Sein Min and U Soe Nyunt) on the “new” High School Mathematics Project.