Rangoon University Boat Club (1948 – 49)
Photo : collections of “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar”
Provided by Sayagyi U Tin U (C, RUBC Captain & Gold) and Sayagyi U Ba Than (M)
Blog
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Rowing 4
Sir Arthur Eggar
RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) was founded in 1923 by Sir Arthur Eggar (Law Professor), who pledged a third of his salary for the operation of the club.
Sir Arthur rowed at Cambridge University.
He is also known for Egg-Bairn Rowing Style.
He was impressed by the Burmese Laung rowers. He wanted to provide Rangoon University Students access to the Western style of rowing.
Details can be found in
- Autobiography of Sir Arthur Eggar (reprinted in 2013 by selected Old Members)
- Commemorative Issue for the 40th Anniversary (compiled by Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon)
- Commemorative Issue for the 90th Anniversary (compiled by the team with U Tin Htoon (Chair), U Myo Myint (Vice Chair), U Htaik San (Henry, Secretary))
- My web site hlamin.com
U Nyo
U Nyo donated to the University of Rangoon to help establish the RU Estate (including the RU Student Union Building and the RUBC Club House).
He also sponsored the U Nyo Cup for the Inter-Club Coxed Eights.
In the mid 1950s, the President of the Union of Burma donated the President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Eights. The President’s Cup replaced U Nyo’s Cup.
Challenge Cups by RUBC
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma (who is also Chancellor of the University of Rangoon Donated the Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Fours. The inaugural event was contested by
- Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC)
- Calcutta University Rowing Club (CURC)
- Calcutta Lake Club
Sir Arthur Eggar donated a Pewter Cup for the winner of Senior Novices event
See the 40th Anniversary and 90th Anniversary Commemorative Issues for a list of Challenge Cups awarded at RUBC / YUBC.
ARAE Regattas
Venable’s Bowl for Coxless Pairs
RUBC crew of Ko Tin Htoon and Dr. Harry Saing won at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta, India
Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours
RUBC “B” crew of Ko Tin Htoon, Dr. Harry Saing, Victor Htun Shein, Sunny Teng and Ko Sein Htoon won at the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Columbo, Ceylon / Sri Lanka
Contestants from other ARAE Clubs wondered why the supposedly better crew was named “B”.
During the trials at RUBC, some higher authorities selected the Coxed Fours. They decided to have a “Best of Three” race for Coxless Pairs between the top two Pairs :
- Ko Tin Htoon (S) and Ko Harry (B)
- Victor Htun Shein (S) and Sunny Teng (B)
After winning one race each, the two Pairs “protested” to the higher authorities. The deal was stuck. The two Pairs were “selected” to compete in two events : Coxless Pairs and (more importantly) as RUBC “B” team for Coxed Fours. The rest is history.
FEARA Regattas
The regattas took place in Hong Kong, Singapore, …
In 1959, RUBC was represented by Tun Shein (Willie), Win Kyi, Tin Htoon, Harry Saing, San Maung (Gerald) and Hla Min (Eddie)
In 1961, RUBC was represented by Tin Wa, Tin Htoon, Harry Saing, Victor Htun Shein, Win Kyi, Tun Shein (Willie) and Hla Min (Eddie)
FEARA had Sculls, Coxed Pairs and Coxed Fours.In the late 1970s and early 1980s, RUBC teams took part in Junior as well as Senior events.
RUBC in the Early Days
Dues
- Annual subscription (typically 10 kyats)
- Life Member (after a 5 year membership)
- Fee for Rag Regatta, Monsoon Regatta and Annual Regatta (typically 2 kyats per event)
President
- President
Sir Arthur Eggar was elected as Life Time President.
His successors include Commodore Than Pe, U Tun Thoung, Sithu U Tin
- Vice President
Executive Committee (EC) Members
- The Executive Committee is elected at the AGM (Annual General Meeting) by the voting members.
- Election is usually for Honorary Treasurer (default Entry Level)
unless there are vacancies due to resignation - Usually, one starts as Treasurer. He gets promoted to Secretary (or the next vacant position) in the subsequent AGMs. It may take up to four years to become RUBC Captain.
- RUBC follows “Robert’s Rule of Order”
- Captain
Give speech at the award ceremony of the regatta (excellent training for Public Speaking) - Vice Captain
- Honorary Secretary
- Honorary Treasurer
Dark Moments
In the then new Education System, the Bye Laws of RUBC were not followed.
Some time later, the Roll of Honor (listing ECs and Golds) and Sir Arthur Eggar’s bust disappeared.
Six Siblings
U Tin U and three younger brothers Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon and U Thaung Lwin are Past Captain and Gold of RUBC. Two other younger brothers Saya U Ba Than (retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering) and Saya U Myo Min (who helped Saya Dr. Chit Swe establish Universities’ Computer Centre) are Full Green.
Independence Day Regatta in 1948 Two San Pe Brothers
Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick) and Dr. Pe Thein (Tom) became RUBC Golds along with U Tin U and Bobby Tin when they represented RUBC at the Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi in 1948.
Dr. Pe Nyun is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC. He is a distinguished Pediatric Surgeon. He led the team to operate on the conjoined twins — Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San — with Dr. Htut Saing (Harry) as Second Lead. After retirement, he moved to Canada. He is now GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
Dr. Pe Thein is Gold. He served as Professor and later as Minister of Health and Education. He is also GBNF.
Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun and sons
Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun is the oldest among the Past Captains who are alive. He is older than U Tin U by a few months. After graduation, he joined the Burma Navy (headed by Commodore Than Pe, Past President of RUBC). He did post graduate study at RU and also served as Captain of RUBC in the early 1950s.
His elder son Ko Hla Maw Tun is Past Secretary and RUBC Gold.
His younger son Ko Aung Khine is Past Captain and RUBC.
Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun and Ko Aung Khine hold the RUBC record for the first Father and Son who are Past Captain and RUBC Gold.
Bogyoke Than Pe and Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun helped found
* Defense Services Boat Club
* Burma Rowing FederationBohmu later helped found
* Marine Youth (Ye Gyaung Lu Nge)
Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun also served as Myanmar Ambassador.
U Sein Htoon and son
U Sein Htoon and Ko Zeyar Linn form the Second Father and Son who are Past Captain and RUBC Gold.
U Sein Htoon was Cox of the RUBC crew — U Tin Htoon, Dr. Harry Saing, Victor Htun Shein and Sunny Teng — which won the Willingdon Tropy for Coxed Fours at the 1960 ARAE (Amateur Rowing Association of the East) Regatta at Colombo.
He is Past President of the Burma Rowing (later Myanmar Rowing and Canoeing Federation).
Generations
On Facebook, I had correspondence from
* Hla Maw Tun (Son of Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun)
* Lin Tun (Son of U Tun Shein / Willie Saing)
.* Nay Myo Thura (Son of U Win Kyi and Grandson of my Sayama “Miss Hong Kong”)
* Son of U Tin Aung (Victor Wu)
At the YUBC 96th Anniversary Regatta, I met
- Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun and Hla Maw Tun
- U Tin U, Dr. Myo Tint
- U Sein Htoon, U Myo Myint and Zeyar Lin
- Dr. Thein Hylne
- U Tin Myint, U Hla Kyi and U Khin Maung Latt
- U Tun Mra
- U Thant Kyaw
- Freesia Htun
- Aung Kyaw Win (Son of Dr. Kyaw Win)
- Aung Kyaw Zaw (Son of U Kyaw Zaw / Harry)
- young member interested in Yangon Heritage Society
- several Old and Not so old Members
RUBC turns Co-ed
RUBC only had male members from 1923 to 1963.
Ma Khin Mya (Susan, Eco, GBNF) and Ma Jill Gaudoin (RASU, spouse of Ko Pyi Aye) are some of the early female members of RUBC.
In the comments, Ma Jill said that she will send photos of her rowing days with Ko Pyi Aye when he visits Yangon in mid 2020. Thanks.
RIT, Education and IM also had female teams.
The photos and an article about the first regatta featuring female rowers appear in the 90th Anniversary Issue.
I posted photos provided by Ma Khin Mya in my newsletter updates, FB pages and my web site.
My Writings
I have paid back to my alma mater and my mentors by writing about the schools that I attended and sharing my knowledge and memories.
I was the last democratically elected EC member from the 1960s. The higher authorities denied me the Captaincy, but they could not dampen my spirit to honor the pioneers, the prime movers and the lovers of history.
I have 2000+ posts in my web site
hlamin.comI have written about
- PPBRS / PBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School)
- SPHS (St. Paul’s High School)
- RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology)
- UCC (Universities’ Computer Center)
- RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club)
- Posts (article, poem, translation, “Fun with Learning”)
For the Commemorative Issue of the 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC, I wrote
* three articles
* prelude for each sectionThanks to my Thin Sayas, Myin Sayas and Kyar Sayas, and all who provided news and photos.
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Rowing 3
RUBC 1958 RBC
Rangoon Boat Club (RBC) was a private club for mostly British and Anglo members.
Sir Arthur Eggar founded Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) to provide access to Burmese University students.
In the pre-war days, there were Inter Club Challenge matches between RBC and RUBC.
RUBC / YUBC
Rangoon University was founded on December 1, 1920 under the RU Act of 1920, and had Rangoon College and Judson College as the constiutent colleges.
RU had several Faculties : Arts, Science, Social Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law …
Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) was founded in 1923.
In November 1964, the new Education System was established. Rangoon University was reorganized into RASU and several Institutes with their own Rectors. RUBC became Tekkatho Myar Hlay Hlaw Ah Thin (Rangoon Universities [and Institutes] Boat Club).
Female members were admitted in 1965 making RUBC a co-ed Club. Ma Khin Mya (Susan Lee, GBNF) and Ma Jill Gaudoin (spouse of Ko Pyi Aye) are some of the pioneer female members.
Following the mandatory name change, RUBC became YUBC.
Navy / Defense
Commodore Than Pe and Boh Hmu Maung Maung Than Tun helped establish the Navy / Defense Boat Club.
The first crew was made up of Navy men.
- Sein Kyaing (Stroke)
- Hla Khin (3)
- Soe Wai (2)
- Pe Thein (Bow, Judo)
- P.O. (Petty Officer) San Myint (Cox)
Tin Soe replaced Pe Thein at Bow.
Additional members were recruited from Navy, Army … to represent the Defense Services Club.
Bohmu Dr. Hla Min (Eddie, RUBC Golden Cox) later coxed some Defense crews.
Burma proposed to have Rowing as an event in the 1961 SEAP Game. Presumably there was not enough quota. But the Defense Services team gained knowledge and expertise from the RUBC team (which had won two trophies from ARAE).
Ko Sein Kyaing later won several events in the National Championship. He managed to meet Sam Medora (ARAE Sculls Champion) and beat him in a friendly match.
Ko Hla Khin won a Silver medal in Yatching in the SEAP Games with Ko Tin Htoon (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC).
Ye Gyaung Lu Nge
Marine Youth Rowing Club provided access to high school students.
Several RUBC members learned rowing at Ye Gyaung Lu Nge.
- Aye Lwin
- Kyi Aye
- Min Aung
- Ronnie Tun Nyein
- Wunna Sithu
- Gyee Thaung
- Tommy Htun Shein
- Soe Win
- Win Than Oo
Burma Rowing Federation
Commodore Than Pe, Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun and some RUBC Executives helped found the Burma Rowing Federation.
Ko Sein Htoon is Past President of the Federation (which later included other forms of Rowing e.g. Burmese Laung, Canoe, Kayak …).
Miscellaneous
RUBC competed against Burmese Laung and the Inlay Lake rowers.
In the 1950s and 1960s, RUBC competed in Inter-Varsity races mostly with CURC (Calcutta University Rowing Club).
In the mid 1950s, RUBC invited CURC and Calcutta Lake Club to the Annual Regatta to compete for the President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Eights and the Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Fours.
RUBC crews competed in the ARAE and FEARA Regattas.
I contributed a Prelude for each section in the 90th Anniversary Issue of the founding of RUBC.
I also wrote
- RUBC Trivia
- A Tribute to Ko Harry Saing
- part of long articles
Hope the old and new members will compile a comprehensive history for the Centennial Celebrations in 2023.
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Rowing 2
RUBC Challenge Cups 1964
The last Annual General Meeting (AGM) of RUBC took place in 1964. The following were elected.
- Myo Tin (William Hone) : Captain
- Htain Lin : Vice Captain
- Zaw Lin : Secretary
- Hla Min : Treasurer
Ko Myo Tin and Ko Htain Lin became RUBC Gold in 1962.
Since the two Tin Maung Lwin resigned, Ko Htain Lin ran for Vice Captain and Ko Zaw Lin ran for Secretary.
I ran for Treasurer.
I had to report to Professor William Paw (Commerce), Vice President.
Membership
The annual membership dues was Ten Kyats.
Those who had been members for five years are eligible to become Life Members.
There were some new members who had rowed at Ye Gyaung Lu Nge (Marine Youth).
Aye Lwin and Kyi Aye were among the top rowers from Ye Gyaung Lu Nge.
Training and Regattas
Ko Htain Lin is the son of Saya U Kyi (Forestry). He would bike to the club every day and take care of the training for novices.
With the help of volunteers, we had to organize the regattas.
- Rag Regatta
- Monsoon Regatta
- Annual Regatta.
Rag Regatta is an all-day competition. I wrote about Rag Regatta in the newspapers. The father of Ko Khin Maung Aye (Novice) was elated thinking it was a prestigious event.
Winners of the novice event are seeded for the next regatta (usually the Monsoon Regatta).
Rag Regattas often has a special event- Captain’s crew versus Vice Captain’s crew
- Executive Committee versus non-Officers
Except for the Coxed Eights which are rowed over 200 yards from Dubern Beach to RUBC, most events are rowed over 750 yards (for the Monsoon Regatta) and 1000 yards (for the Annual Regatta).
Drinks and snacks (samoosa) are offered at the Monsoon Regatta.
Catering is provided at the Annual Regatta (held on the Regatta Island).
RUBC members may also compete in the Independence Day Regatta and the National Championship.
Old Newsletter from the mid 1950s
In the mid 1950s RUBC had a newsletter edited by Ko Harry Saing. It had news, records and predictions about the regattas.
- Three time winner of Senior Novices as crew and cox
- Winner of three events at a regatta
- Winner of one event at three regattas
- Winner of events by rowing as Bow and Stroke
- Club record for the events
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Rowing 1
RUBC Regatta in the mid 1950s 1963
In 1963, we matriculate from SPHS and attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone (Intermediate Collee of the University of Rngoon).
We joined RUBC.
- Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, Stroke)
- Kyaw Wynn (3)
- Hla Min (2)
- Maung Maung Kyi (Bow)
- Myint Thein (Cox)
Willy’s older brother is Ko Johnny Soe Maung (Tin Soe). His younger brothers (Nyunt Soe, Chit Soe) and sisters (Sally Soe, Mary Soe, …) are Burma Selected in Swimming.
Kyaw Wynn is a cousin of Ko Mya Maung, Ko Tin Htut, Ko Than Toe and Dat Pon Ko Sann Aung.
My uncle, four cousins, my brother and two nephews are Past Captain and Gold.
Maung Maung Kyi’s younger brothers — Maung Maung Khant and Maung Maung Thant — rowed for Ye Gyaung Lu Nge (Marine Youth) while they were studying at St. Paul’s High School.
Ko Myint Thein’s elder brother (Ko Myo Myint) is RUBC Gold (1962).
We were Runner Up for Senior Novices.
We were awarded Full Green.
Club Office Bearers for 1963 – 64
- Sithu U Tin (President)
- U Po Zon (Vice President)
- U Tha Htin (Vice President)
- Prof. William Paw (Vice President)
- Thaung Lwin (Captain)
- Myo Tin (Vice Captain)
- Tin Maung Lwin (1) (Secretary)
- Tin Maung Lwin (2) (Treasurer)
There are two Tin Maung Lwin.
The Secretary is the brother of Tin Maung Latt.
The Treasurer is also known as Kenneth Lwin.
RUBC 40th Anniversary Dinner
Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon compiled the RUBC history and records for the Commemorative Issue of the 40th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC. Several Old Members reviewed and provided feedback.
Citing security concerns, the Annual Regatta was cancelled by higher authorities.
Sithu U Tin gave the go ahead for the Annual Dinner to celebrate the 40th Anniversary at a hotel in Kandawgyi.
The President’s Challenge Cup (filled with cocktail) was passed around.
With the cool breeze, at least one attendee passed out before saying “Easy Oars”.
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RUBC (9)
RUBC Regatta in the mid 1950s 1963
In 1963, we matriculate from SPHS and attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone (Intermediate Collee of the University of Rngoon).
We joined RUBC.
- Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, Stroke)
- Kyaw Wynn (3)
- Hla Min (2)
- Maung Maung Kyi (Bow)
- Myint Thein (Cox)
Willy’s older brother is Ko Johnny Soe Maung (Tin Soe). His younger brothers (Nyunt Soe, Chit Soe) and sisters (Sally Soe, Mary Soe, …) are Burma Selected in Swimming.
Kyaw Wynn is a cousin of Ko Mya Maung, Ko Tin Htut, Ko Than Toe and Dat Pon Ko Sann Aung.
My uncle, four cousins, my brother and two nephews are Past Captain and Gold.
Maung Maung Kyi’s younger brothers — Maung Maung Khant and Maung Maung Thant — rowed for Ye Gyaung Lu Nge (Marine Youth) while they were studying at St. Paul’s High School.
Ko Myint Thein’s elder brother (Ko Myo Myint) is RUBC Gold (1962).
We were Runner Up for Senior Novices.
We were awarded Full Green.
Club Office Bearers for 1963 – 64
- Sithu U Tin (President)
- U Po Zon (Vice President)
- U Tha Htin (Vice President)
- Prof. William Paw (Vice President)
- Thaung Lwin (Captain)
- Myo Tin (Vice Captain)
- Tin Maung Lwin (1) (Secretary)
- Tin Maung Lwin (2) (Treasurer)
There are two Tin Maung Lwin.
The Secretary is the brother of Tin Maung Latt.
The Treasurer is also known as Kenneth Lwin.
RUBC 40th Anniversary Dinner
Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon compiled the RUBC history and records for the Commemorative Issue of the 40th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC. Several Old Members reviewed and provided feedback.
Citing security concerns, the Annual Regatta was cancelled by higher authorities.
Sithu U Tin gave the go ahead for the Annual Dinner to celebrate the 40th Anniversary at a hotel in Kandawgyi.
The President’s Challenge Cup (filled with cocktail) was passed around.
With the cool breeze, at least one attendee passed out before saying “Easy Oars”.
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Awards
August 2016
Birthday Soon Kway
Birthday Greetings - 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.
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Dedication
- 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.
- Many years ago, I asked a journalist how he could write a weekly column.
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RIT Days (1965 -1970)
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.
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Mandalay Gazette
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.
Dr. Maung Maung Kyi
He is a classmate of my cousin sister at IM(1).
He has undergone three phases- Swimmer
- Doctor
- Journalist
He founded Mandalay Gazette in Southern California. A column in that publication is an interview with a well-known or distinguished Myanmar.
For ease of readability, the three columns of two half-pages are posted as six segments.
HlaMin 