Several factors (e.g. Terman, Shockley) led to the birth of Silicon Valley.
Terman
Professor [later Dean] Frederick Terman joined Stanford University instead of the more established ones in the East (e.g. MIT) because of his health.
He is known for
encouraging his students such as Hewlett,Packard and the Varian brothers to become entrepreneurs
leasing land owned by the University to the fledgling companies
making agreements with the companies to hire his students and/or send employees to attend courses at the University.
The entrepreneurship (initiated by Professor Terman) lives on.
HP,Yahoo, Google and several other companies were founded by Stanford alumni.
Shockley
William Shockley (Nobel Prize winner for co-inventing the transistor) moved to California and and set up “Shockley Labs”.
He was brilliant but eccentric. He was not so good at nurturing his employees.
The “Traitorous Eight (including Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore)” left the company to join Fairchild semiconductors.
Noyce and Moore later co-founded Intel (Integrated Electronics) with Andy Grove.
Some Thoughts
In the early days of computing, manufacturers of magnetic devices (core memory, tapes, disks and drums) than silicon [dioxide based] devices.
Some said that “Magnetic Valley” might be a more appropriated name than “Silicon Valley”.
Harvard, MIT, and Cornell produced early computers (e.g. Mark I) and disciplines (e.g. Time sharing system, AI Lab, Computer Graphics, Machine Vision).
Their alumni also founded computer companies along Boston Route 66.
Could the East Coast have its Silicon Valley?
DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) hosted the Boston Computer Museum.
Over the years, several cities and counties claim to be part of the Silicon Valley.
What defines the Culture of Silicon Valley? Start up / innovation? Moving around companies?
Swimmers trained by Mr. Matsuda in 1959 include Derek Lynsdale (backstroke), Aye Kyaw (Hla Yee Yee’s cousin) and Willie Huie (breast-stroke). A few years ago saw photo of Thet Win at Kokine Swimming Club, and Aung Than who is working as swim coach in Bangkok. Derek Lynsdale’s mother was a Lecturer at Rangoon University who moved to a university in East Africa subsequent to military coup in 1962. Aye Kyaw was Tin Maung Ni’s deputy in the Burma Navy.
Cambridge University Home club of Sir Arthur Eggar
RBC (Rangoon Boat Club) Exclusive for Europeans and Anglo-Burmese
RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) Founded in 1923 by Sir Arthur Eggar (Law Professor, RU) Sir Arthur pledged one-third of his salary for the Clubs operation Sir Arthur donated a Challenge Cup (Pewter and brooches) for the Senior Novices U Nyo’ s donation to RU Estate helped build the RUBC Club House U Nyo donated a Challenge Cup (for the Inter-Club Eights)
RUBC
Defense Services Rowing Club Initially from Burma Navy
Marine Youth (Ye Gyaung Lu Nge)
Regattas
Rag Regatta One day event Finalists for the Novices race are seeded for Monsoon Regatta
Monsoon Regatta
Annual Regatta
Inter-Varsity e.g. CURC
ARAE e.g. Calcutta, Colombo
FEARA e.g. Hong Kong, Singapore
Challenge Cups
President’s Challenge Cup For Inter-Club Coxed Eights
Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup For Inter-Club Coxed Fours
Commemorative Publications
40th Anniversary Issue (in 1963) Sithu U Tin U Po Zon U Tin Htoon
90th Anniversary Issue (in 2013) U Tin Htoon (Chair) U Myo Myint (Vice Chair) U Htaik San (Henry Kao, Secretary) U Hla Min (Contributing Editor) …
Sir Arthur Eggar’s Autobiography Reprint funded by selected Old Members
Old Members
Old members of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) are fondly known as Old Crocs (or Crocodiles).
When RUBC was destroyed due to the ravages of war, the Old Crocs rebuilt the Club and provided physical, financial and spiritual support to the members to compete against the best from neighboring countries.
During our younger days, there is an “Old Members Race” at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas. The contestants range from young Old Members to the iconic Past Champions.
The Old Crocs have their mini-reunions where ever possible. They also share memories of the precious photos (e.g. of U Chan Tha, Jimmy Saw Lwin, …)
U San Maung(GBNF)
U San Maung (Gerald Sein, GBNF) is a Past Secretary and RUBC Gold. He is the elder brother of U Yan Shin (Hardy). He would find time from his work as Production Manager of “Amotha Yoke Shin”, and come down to RUBC to mentor the members (especially the aspiring Golds). He would mandate “fixed tub” practice for the members.
Dr. Htut Saing (Harry, GBNF)
Dr. Htut Saing (Harry Saing, GBNF) is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC. He was ARAE Champion twice :
the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta with U Tin Htoon (A60)
the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo with U Tin Htoon (A60), Sunny Teng (relocated to Canada), Victor Htun Shein (GBNF) and U Sein Htoon (M63, Cox)
He usually rowed as Box on the RUBC crews. As an exception, he served as Timing Stroke and Coach for the RUBC Eights in 1962. U Win Kyi (RUBC Gold, son of Miss Hong Kong (Ms. Amelia Kyi) rowed as No. (7). There were seven new Golds in that crew : Myo Tin (William Hone), Htain Linn and Mehm Myo Thaung (Maurice) for the Stroke side, Myo Myint (EC67), Oung Kyaing and Thein Aung (Micky Tan) for the Bow side and Tin Aung (Victor Wu, Cox).
Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry) are Pediatric surgeons at the Rangoon Children Hospital. They are known for operating on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San.
Dr. Htut Saing continued working and teaching in Hong Kong. He became Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club. He would fully support the RUBC crews competing in the FEARA Regatta in Hong Kong.
Dr. Thein Toe and Dr. Htut Saing
Reunion
U Tin U, U Maung Maung Than Tun, Saya U Tin Htut, Saya Dr. Than Nyunt (George), U Tin Htoon, Dr. Donald Chan, U Tun Shein (Willie), U Tun Aung (George), U Sein Htoon, Dr. Tin Wa, U Myo Myint, U Thura Thant Zin, U Htaik San (Henry), and several Old Crocs attended Regattas (especially the 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC).
Most of them contributed articles, photos and financial support for printing the commemorative issue, and for reprinting Sir Aurthur Eggar’s biography.
Sad to note that there was some disjoint between the really young members (who are busy with the competitions) and the really Old Members (especially who travel from abroad to attend the events).
My Journey
Senior Novices Runner-up (in 1963) Myint Soe (Willie Soe Maung, Stroke, GBNF) Kyaw Wynn (3) Hla Min (2) Maung Maung Kyi (Bow) Myint Thein (Cox)
Honorary Treasurer (1964 – 65)
Vice Captain (1965 – 66)
Contributing Editor for 90th Anniversary Issue (in 2013) Prelude for each section Three articles
Donated for reprint of Sir Arthur’s Autobiography
Memories of RUBC Series in YUBC Old Members Facebook Group
Named after a place called Badminton, where the game flourished
Players
Rudy Hartono (Indonesia)
Competitive players from Malaysia (especially Doubles)
Saya U Yu Khin (Dean, Chair, RU Sports Council)
Saya U Thein Lwin (EE, President, RIT Badminton)
Maung Hla (RU, 2nd SEAP Games)
Sagaing Kyi Nyunt (Burma, SEAP, Bronze in Asian Games)
Sai Kham Pan (2nd in Singles, 1st in Doubles, Burma Selected) Star of RIT team that won Inter-Institute Trophy
U Myint Kyi (RIT)
Bishnu Shahi (RIT)
U Aye (M62) wrote :
Myint Tun from Prome Hall ( 1958-59) was a third year B. Arch student. He was runners up in the National Championship, was a Burma selected player in Badminton. He later joined GE. He was one of my senior colleagues at Prome Hall. He was in room 94, while I was in room 108.
“Raw data” is processed to transform it into information.
The processes typically include
validation / verification
collection
organization
analysis
summary
presentation
Technical papers are subject to reviews.
On the contrary, there are
misinformation
disinformation
fake news
deep fake videos
unreliable reports
rumors which can spread like viruses on the Internet and the Social Media.
Red Ribbon Campaigns are not effective against authorities who do not treasure Metta (Unbounded love), Karuna (Compassion) and Mudita (Altruistic Joy).
Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) is much more effective, but it requires the participants not to get distracted by fake news and false hopes.
Posts include those by children and grandchildren of Sayas
Dr. Maung Maung Kha
U Ba Toke
U Hla Shwe
U Kyaw
U Aung Khin
Dr. Chit Swe
U Wun (Minthuwun)
Dr. Kyaw Thein
U San to name a few
Photos
In the early days, there were a handful of professional photographers. They had busy days and lots of income at the Graduation Ceremonies. Some (e.g Mg Mg Hnyutt) employed relatives and friends for the ad hoc assignments (shooting and developing films).
The graduates and their families could only take photos with their own cameras outside the Convocation Hall.
Some who forgot to buy (or chose not to buy) their graduation photos found them on Boards / Posters with “teasing” captions.
Now, even children can take photos and videos with smart devices (phones, pads, …).
They would smile when we talk about using Box Cameras, Yashica Mat and black and white film rolls (typically 12 and 24 prints). Many could not afford professional cameras with high quality lens and filters.
Thet Shay Sayama Daw Khin Kyi Kyi (Physics) passed away at the age of 100.
She is the beloved spouse of U Thein Pe Myint (Author, Politician).
Her son U Han Tha Myint (EC70) was a Senior Engineer at PTC. He was a victim of 8-8-88.
Her daughter Daw Kyi Tha Myint is a Physics sayama.
There are several posts / condolence pages for Sayama.
Alumni News
Thamankyar Ko Myint (Aung Myint, Mining 70)
has shared his old songs (e.g Pei Byote) for his friends on the Internet.
Per request, he provided three songs for use in the Yar Pyie broadcasts.
He is busy with assignments (e.g dubbing) without the help of some members his recording team.
VIDEOS
In time for the Tekkatho Yar Pyay, I managed to make 100+ Daily Educational Broadcasts.
The latest i a video on SCHOLAR ATHLETES
Broadcast : #103 November 27, 2020
RU Soccer
Saya Nyein (Coach)
Many played for Burma
U Than Win Captain Director, SPED
U Chan Tha Captain, Prome Hall Soccer Burma Selected Also RUBC Captain and Gold
Collegian Nay Win Won Best Player award Academy winner
U Tun Kyi and U Kenneth Shein Teams mates of Collegian Nay Win Played for Railways and Burma
Posts on RU and Burma Soccer
U Aung Khin Scored winning goal for Burma in Asian Games
U Ba Maung Sports Officer Played for RU amd Burma
U Gary Maung Maung Played for Customs and Burma
RUBC Gold
U Thet Toe (C H Chan) Advocate Most Senior Past Captain (before his demise)
James Barrington (ICS) Permanent Representative to UN Ambassador
Dr. Ronald Lwin (San Lwin) Physician
Balwant Singh Commissioner of Pegu Division U.N. Security
U Tin U Part-time Lecturer, Civil Engineering Director of several companies Most Senior Past Captain
U Mg Mg Than Tun Navy Commander Ambassador Oldest Past Captain (a few months older than U Tin U)
Dr. Pe Nyun Pediatric Surgeon Leader of team that operated on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San (conjoined twins)
Dr. Pe Thein Professor Minister of Health and Education
Dr. Harry Saing (Htut Saing) Pediatric Surgeon Deputy Leader of team that operated on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San ARAE Champion in 1958 and 1960 Burma Selected in Hockey and Cricket rack and Field, Soccer and Rowing selection for Faculty of Medicine
U Tin Htoon Architect ARAE Champion in 1958 and 1960 Silver medalist for Yachting in SEAP Games Compiler for 40th and Chair of 90th Anniversary of RUBC Magazines
Tin Htoon and Harry Saing won the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta
Tin Htoon, Harry Saing, Victor Htun Shein, Sunny Teng and Sein Htoon won the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours at the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo.
Miscellaneous
I served as Contributing Editor for the 90th Anniversary of RUBC.
I wrote articles and broadcast videos on various sports.
I did not cherish going to school at an early age. It was not fun to use slate. All that changed when a caring Karen Christian Teacher named “Teacher Kywe” magically transformed me into a dutiful student with an inquiring mind. I later did well in academics. I won the Collegiate Scholarship in 1963. I was selected Luyechun (Outstanding Student) from the Rangoon Institute of Technology in the Summer of 1965.
Kha Lay Ah Thinn
Some time back, my cousin sister said, “I still have the paper with the song that you wrote for Kha Lay Ah Thinn.” When we were young, there was no Internet or TV. The Burma Broadcasting Service (BBS) would broadcast for specified hours in the morning, afternoon, evening and night. We spend a lot of time outdoors. One hangout was the corner in our uncle’s compound. Someone came up with the idea that we should form a “Kha Lay Ah Thinn”. I was chosen to be the “Okkahta” (President). I am not a composer, but that did not prevent me from trying out a “Theme Song”. The music and lyrics were not spectacular, but I would have earned a nod for moving out of my comfort zone. We did not have fund. Our uncles, aunts and elder cousins decided to help with the fund raiser. There was the renowned “Bu Thee Gyaw & Ah Chin”. It may be a sign that I would become an organizer.
Myees
With Myees
The elder Myee is in Fourth Grade. Her hobbies include Reading, Writing, Swimming, Gymnastics and Music. The younger Myee is in First Grade. His hobbies include Video Games, Kung Fu, Soccer, Swimming and Music. They have lots of books, educational kits and toys. They enjoy their weekends by visiting libraries, zoos, play grounds, gyms, and children museums. They like TV, You Tube and taking photos.
U Tun Shwe (ChE72) volunteered as the videographer for the Northern California RIT Alumni Association Gathering held at Mudita Shwe Kyaung in Hayward, California
Saya U Maung Maung (ChE66), U Win Maung (T 70), and several other alums took pictures. Saya KC Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63) could not attend because of slight fever, but he sent Sayagadaw to the Reunion to accompany U L. Shark Moon (C 67).
Saya U San Tun (M59, former Head of Auto Engg) was the “senior” among the attendees followed by U Myint Lwin (Henry, C63), U King Wong (Victor, C66) and several from the mid-60s.
U Zaw Lwin (M87) was among the youngest attendees. He recalled that the final exams were suspended after two subjects. They had to take the remaining subjects a month or so later.
U Tun Shwe took the video of almost all attendees twice, and made sure they say their name, discipline, and graduation date (if applicable]). Some attendees completed their studies elsewhere (e.g. in the US).
21 sayas and alums agreed to be members of the Steering and Working Committees.
The Executive Committee members (e.g. President, VPs, Secretaries, Treasurers, Auditors) will be elected at the meeting (to be held in a few weeks).
Saya U Maung Maung told the attendees that 2012 SPZP and Grand Reunion will be held on the weekend of December 29 (Saturday) and December 30 (Sunday) and to watch out for details from the Organizing Committee.
U Maurice Chee (M75) talked briefly about the “old” RIT Alumni International that was founded to organize SPZP 2000. He said that he would cook “Danbauk” for the Steering/Working Committee meeting, and others could bring desserts.
U Stanislau Liou (M67, RIT Table Tennis ) mentioned that he had been the President of his [High School] Alumni Association for 6 years. The members like to have 3 or 4 gatherings (such as picnic and dinner) a year.
At the General meeting Saya U Maung Maung was elected President of NorCal RITAA. U Stan Liou was elected Chair of the BOD (Board of Directors).
Some updates
Subsequent Presidents include U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon Kaung, M83) and U Aung Myint Oo (EC84)
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) is the current Chair of BOD.
NorCal RITAA Dinner was held in 2016 and 2019.
NorCal RITAA Summer Picnic was held in 2017 and 2018.
NorCal RITAA has funded scholarships for (a) children of alumni in the US (b) eligible YTU students For details, visit the web site and FB pages.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, there are no major activities in 2020.
Dr. Nyunt Wai commented that Message should be more important than Messenger (e.g. media, format).
Keynote speakers also emphasize on the importance of Message. What is the key take away from the Keynote Speech? Videos, slides, humor … are entertaining, but without a memorable idea to act upon, a speech is usually not memorable.
Story Telling is powerful, informative, aspiring, educational, entertaining …
Books, movies, music, arts, history, archaeology, … leverage the art of Story Telling.
Thanks to my Thin Sayas, Myin Sayas and Kyar Sayas for helping me learn and develop the art of Story Telling.
HlaMin 