Before the advent of digital cameras and smart phones, it was not simple and cheap to take photos (let alone process them).
In my younger days, I had a Box Camera, and later Yashica Mat. Unlike my uncle and a cousin brother who are experts in developing films (in a dark room), I had to pay 25 to 50 pyas per print at a Studio (e.g. Ahuja). Later, there emerged professional photographers (e.g. Maung Maung Nhyat and his brothers) and freelance photographers (e.g. Dat Pone San Aung, Dhatu Kyaw Lynn, Maung Maung Soe).
Only those who won contracts had permission to take official photos at the Convocations. It was not compulsory to take and pay for the photos. Some, who did not order the photos, found their photos being displayed as examples of “Do not walk like this” and similar fun messages.
In the posts, there are individual photos and group photos (e.g. fresher welcome, farewell, graduation, newspaper clippings). Some have captions and dates. It is sad to note that some photos remind of people that are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
In the early days, Color photos had to be sent abroad for processing. Our wedding photos were taken with the color film given to me by my elder brother. They were then sent to a friend who was studying abroad. The color photos faded over time.
With the advances in technology, even small children can take reasonably good photos. The photos can be edited (e.g. crop, color-adjusted).
Some unscrupulous people have “doctored” photos and presented them as “evidence” of news. One unethical researcher “duplicated” data to “get favorable results”.
Dr. Thwe Oo (UK)
Shared her memories of growing up (until she matriculated) in the Main Campus.
Described the harrowing experience of the “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin” (especially the fear for her father’s safety).
Her father Saya U Khin Maung Nyunt (History, Assistant Registrar under Rector Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha and Registrar Sayama Daw Sein Sein) was Warden of Sagaing Hall at the time. Per Sayagyi’s request, he and his Hall Tutors tried to persuade the throng of student protesters — some holding sharp objects — marching on to the Convocation Hall, but to no avail. They had to go along with the crowd and try to minimize the crowd inflicting damage on the Campus property.
She fondly remembers her father play tennis with his close friend Joe Ba Maung (Burma Tennis Champion in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles).
She also had good rapport with the Swimming Instructors and friends at the University Swimming Pool.
Her mother is Sayama Daw Mya Mya Nu (Zoology, fondly known as Mya Lay of the “Lay Sisters”). Her aunts are Tin Lay, May Lay and Than Lay.
Dr. Nyan Taw (SPHS63)
Matriculated in 1963 from St. Paul’s High School.
RUBC Gold
Joined the Zoology Department
Did his graduate studies in Marine Biology in Tasmania, Australia.
Worked for PPFC (People’s Pearl and Fisheries Corporation)
Worked overseas on UN and Government projects.
He is happy to see posts about the simple but heroic act in 1941 (before he was born). His mother Daw Marie Hla Taw helped Bogyoke Aung San escape the net of the Police Commissioner who had placed Five Rupee / Kyat reward on Bogyoke. An actress has been selected to portray his mother in the movie about Bogyoke.
Htein Win
Took photos of the Ah Yay Ah Khin (mostly from a saya’s house in the Main Campus).
Gave the photos to some friends and to an organization overseas (for storage).
With the Pwint Linn era, he was able to get back the archived photos from overseas.
Managed to get articles from some of the participants in the Ah Yay Ah Khin.
Ko Khin Maung Zaw bought a book from Myanmar and then mailed it to me.
In November 2019. I was invited to attend the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Mandalay. I met Ko Htein Win who had a book stall at the Festival. He gave me an autographed copy of the book about 8-8-88.
Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST)
University of Computer Studies in Yangon (UCSY)
ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) was founded in 1988. It was later renamed as UCSY (University of Computer Studies in Yangon). The 30th Anniversary was celebrated in Yangon on March 20, 2018.
Saya U Soe Paing was my mentor at RIT and UCC. Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) helped Saya Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF) found UCC (Universities’ Computer Center). The details can be found in Saya Paing’s article “Computer Ah Sa UCC Ga).
We used to call our four Sayagyis as Saya Chit, Saya Paing, Saya Myo and Saya Lay.
UCC Project was conceived in the mid-60s when Saya Chit headed the Mathematics Department at the Institute of Economics. The initial scope was to get a grant for a digital computer for IE, but the scope was expanded to cover selected Universities and Institutes.
The UCC Department was launched in 1970 with Saya Chit as Founder/Director and the three sayas as Managers of Computer Systems, Computer Operations and Computer Applications departments.
I posted 40+ blogs on “Memories of UCC” during a trip to Myanmar and also wrote a “summary” for use by UCSY.
Computer courses (academic, training, orientation …) were given at UCC under the leadership of Saya Chit (who served a dual role as UCC Director and Mathematics Professor) and the help of visiting Professors (mostly Computer Scientists) from US, UK, Europe …
Saya Chit was succeeded by Saya Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF), who continued and elaborated on Saya Chit’s Vision and Mission.
Saya Chit later retired as Rector of RASU, taught for some time in Bangkok, and migrated to Australia. Saya Chit continued to supervise Burmese/Myanmar doing graduate studies in Oz.
In 2006, we paid respect to Saya Chit and Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (former DG of UBARI, former Natjonal Advisor, UCC Board Member, GBNF) at Saya Zaw’s house with Mohinga and delicacies prepared by Ma Kyawt. Saya gave me his hat. Hope that hat can transfer Saya’s brain and work ethics to yours truly.
Saya Chit was a room mate of Saya U Ba Than during their study days in UK.
DCS (Department of Computer Science) was established with Saya Lay as Professor, U TAG (EC69) as AP, and yours truly as Lecturer.
ICST was founded in 1988 with Saya DTM as Rector, Saya Lay as Professor, U TAG and yours truly as AP, and several others as Lecturers.
Laughter is the best medicine (Feature in Reader’s Digest)
It takes less nerves to smile than to frown.
A Cartoon a day keeps the blues away.
Cartoons have no age boundaries.
EarlyCartoonists
Shwe Ta Lay
U Ba Gyan
U Heng Soon
U Aung Shein
U Pe Thein
U Than Kywe
U Ba Htwe
U Kyaw San (“Ka Sa”)
…
They published Cartoons in Burmese and English newspapers, magazines, books, …
The “Cartoon Festival” was held in U Ba Gyan Street (around Tazaung Daing).
In the mid 1950s, there was a rift between the two factions of AFPFL. Some cartoonists took sides and a “price war” started. The cartoons, which sold for 60 pyas were then given away at bargain prices (any where between 10 and 50 pyas).
There were two Gates during our RIT days. The RIT Main Gate was named “U Lu Paw” Gate (at the suggestion of Ko Win Thein (M67, GBNF). The Side Gate used by those that came be Bus and Rail was known as “Sin Ye Thar” Gate.
Ko Myint Soe (C68, GBNF) and Ko Myint Thein (M69, GBNF) are fondly called Maung Kabar or Kabar.
About a decade ago, my spouse paid K10,000 for xeroxed copy of old cartoons published in the Rangoon Times. Some are political satire.
Engineer Cartoonists
There may have been engineer/cartoonists before Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C 64), Saya U Aung Myint (Pet 69, GBNF) and U Myint Pe (M 72).
U Khin MaungPhone Ko
Saya U Moe Aung (EE 63) mentioned that Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko made his name in the media (e.g. Kye Mon Daily) with his “Vietnam” cartoons.
His signature “Phone Ko” emphasized the “Na Gyee” (Big Na).
He was a Patron of the RIT Cartoon Box.
He moved to Singapore.
Ko Kyant / Aung Myint
U Aung Myint
Saya U Aung Myint (Pet69) is known for “Kyant Ba Hone“. The character looks superficially like Nick Kelly, but the contents are different.
He served as President of the RIT Cartoonists Association.
He was a Patron of the RIT Cartoon Box.
He was called “Delta Tun Shein” for his likeness to Saya U Tun Shein (Mathematics).
Two of his early cartoons were about “Kar Ku La Thin Char” (Calculus) and the now obsolete “Slide Rule“.
“Ah Ba, Kar Ku La Thin Char is fascinating. If you differentiate a Lada, you get a Sargalay. If you integrate a Sargalay, you get a Lada.”
“Ah Ba, Slide Rule is fascinating.” “Lu Galay, Show me how to add 2 and 3 with your slide rule. “Ah Ba, I cannot do it.” “Then, show me how to subtract 2 from 3 with your slide rule.” “Ah Ba, I cannot do it.” “Lu Galay, Throw away your useless slide rule.”
U Myint Pe
U Myint Pe (M72) has several hobbies.
He is one of the “Mike Khe” and “Pho So Chin”. He is admin of U70 musical group.
He performed as Lu Shwin Daw Seik Kyee of the Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint at the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 1970.
Under the patronage of Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko and Saya U Aung Myint, U Myint Pe implemented the RIT Cartoon Box using an old telephone kiosk for posting RIT-related cartoons (weekly).
U Myint Pe’s sample cartoon
RIT Cartoon Box
The tradition was maintained by three (or more) generations of Cartoon Boxers.
Cartoon Box was “ordered close” by authorities after 1988.
The organizers of “Cartoon Box” spanning several years finally had a Grand Union prior to SPZP-2012. Most met face to face for the first time. They compiled selected cartoons from the RIT publications (Set Hmu Thadin Zin, Annual Magazines, Sar Saungs) for a book to commemorate SPZP-2012 and to re-display the Cartoon Box. Many manned the booth at SPZP-2012 and autographed the cartoon books.
The history of Cartoon Box is published in the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for SPZP-2012. U Myint Pe was a Contributing Editor.
Collection of RIT Cartoons was published in time for SPZP-2012. During my visit to Yangon in March 2012, U Saw Lin (C73, GBNF) gave me a xeroxed copy of “Selected RIT Cartoons”.
Pamphlet of RIT Cartoons distributed at Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPZP-2016.
Aw Pi Kye
Aw Pi Kyeh (Mann Bei) served as Secretary of the RIT Cartoonists Association. He later headed the Myanmar Cartoonists Association.
I met him twice during his visit to US : first at the San Francisco Bay Area Literary Talks in Fremont, Northern California and later in Los Angeles, Southern California.
Aw Pi Kye’s Sample Cartoon
Miscellaneous
Joker was also a contributor.
Joker’s Sample CartoonRIT Cartoonists
Saya U Thiha Latt was one of the last “Cartoon Box” organizers. He also helped with the design/type setting of “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar”, “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine”, and “RIT Cartoon Collection”.
Bagyee Myat Myo Myint
U Myo Myint (Bagyee Myat Myo Myint) is known for his Cover Designs, Pon Tus and Paintings. He also drew some cartoons for the RIT Magazine. One of them reminded me of three female friends who were known as “Half Size”, “Full Size” and “Double Size”. Sadly two : Sayama Daw Mya Mya Than (EP68) and Daw Nyunt Nyunt Zaw (T68) are GBNF. Another reminded of the several “Pho So Chin” and “Mike Khe” in the USA, Australia, Singapore and Myanmar. Yet another reminded me of some classmates who excel in extra curricular activities so much that they bade farewell to RIT before graduation.
There were dozens of RIT/YIT/YTU cartoonists. U Myint Pe published a partial list.
Maung Yit (Maung Maung Win, MoeMaKa) is one of the junior members of RIT Cartoon Box Contributors.
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) attended St. Paul’s High School (SPHS). He graduated after SPHS was nationalized and renamed as No. (6) Botahtaung SHS State High School.
Due to disturbances, the convocation for his class took place in March of 1977. For simplicity (and consistency) we call his class as “Class of 76”.
He played as the last defender in the RIT Hockey Team. Many from the team played for the University and All-Institutes Team. He coached Ko Thura Thant Zin, who was goalkeeper for the team. At RUBC, Ko Thura Thant Zin (RUBC) coached KMZ.
He helped Ko Maung Maung Hnyut and his brothers (who were major players for the Graduation Photos).
Hockey team
UCC
KMZ volunteered for some time at UCC. He usually did not need to bring his lunch (only an empty lunch box and a spoon). Several friends and some “ah ma gyis” would provide lunch for KMZ.
He would take some courses at UCC, but flatly refused to do some assignments (e.g. COBOL).
Moving abroad
He worked in Singapore and then migrated to US. He has been in the Seattle region since his arrival in the US.
When my company subsidized my vacation trip (for the successful completion of the project), we visited KMZ at his old house. He showed us around (including a day trip to Vancouver, Canada). He showed me his wine cellar. Since I do not drink, I ended up with his concoction (“ginger beer (or similar) with ice cream”).
SPZP-2000
SPZP
We were lucky when we were planning for SPZP-2000. He was working four 10-hour week with the Technology and Architecture Group of Nordstrom (where he had the time and luxury to play around with several computer systems).
Too bad for KMZ, he accepted the call of Saya U Soe Paing and me to set up a web site for RIT sayas and alumni. He would spend countless nights and weekends to code the web site.
At SPZP-2000, he promised to have Version 2.0 of the web site.
Good for KMZ, he had a wonderful job at Microsoft and also started a wonderful family.
Initially, bad for us, he no longer had the time for RIT Updates.
Post retirement
Finally, good for us, he has retired and is providing tags and comments for my postings.
He visited the San Francisco Bay Area in March 2018 to attend the retirement soon kyway of Ko Maurce Chee (M75). There was a pre-soon kwyay gathering at a Sea Food Restaurant in San Mateo.
Presents
He mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar. One is about “U Thant Ah Ye Ah Khin” compiled by Htein Win (Photo). The other is a “tran-composition” of Saya Zaw Gyi’s poems about Pagan by Ah May Thar.
He gave us a special present on our Golden Jubilee.
I met three 1964 Matriculates on March 16, 2018 at the gathering hosted by Dr. Zaw Lin (David Chee).
Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice, SPHS64)
He spends time in the UK and Myanmar. He is visiting California. He is a cousin of U Win Maung (“Lake”) and Sayama Daw Khin Swe Aye. He stood 5th in the Matriculation of 1964 and was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two (based on the ILA).
Dr. Aung Win (Lam Peng Chiong, SPHS64)
He is a retired Medical Doctor in Northern California. He was a few marks behind Dr. Cherry Hlaing and Dr. Lyn Aung Thet in the Matriculation of 1964. His ILA was perfect score and was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One (based on the ILA).
Dr. Winnie Tan (SJC64)
Spouse of Dr. Aung Win
She is a co-founder of the ConBro (Convent and Brother Schools), which meets in San Francisco. Dr. Daisy Saw and Mabel Sha are the other founder members.
Dr. Ruby
She lives in Hong Kong and is visiting her sons in Northern California. She mentioned that her cousin Dr Cherry Hlaing is in the East Coast to attend her daughter’s graduation.
Dr. Cherry Hlaing (SJC64)
She was admitted to IM(1) as Roll Number One (with a perfect ILA score). She was selected as Luyechun for Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the summer of 1965.
Her grandfather (U Hoke Sein), her father (U Saw Hlaing), her son and daughter also stood first in Burma. This is a record that is hard to be broken : four generations and five firsts.
Dr. Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS64)
He had four distinctions, but his score for Burmese was not sufficient to get a perfect ILA score. He was an all-round athlete and led the IM(1) team in swimming and water polo. He is a good tennis and chess player. He was selected Lu Ye Chun in a subsequent year.
Dr. Cho Cho Tin
She is the other Matriculate in 1964 with four distinctions. She moved to the UK.
During the Adhamma Era, many associations (especially student and alumni organizations) were not allowed.
With the dawning of the Pwint Linn Era, RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association was allowed to register, but many alumni were not aware of the association and its objectives. Only a few actively participated in the formative events. There was virtually no fund to operate.
Then, things started to click.
The office space for the Alumni Association was provided by YTU
Donations — large and small — were received (mostly for the YTU Library Modernization Project which is a requirement for the Accreditation)
Membership (Life membership for K60000) grew.
Saya’s Corner was established.
Staff and Volunteers helped with the regular and ad hoc projects
Young alumni came forward to help with the leadership
U Wynn Htain Oo’s post
His post is based on RITAA Report. I provided annotations.
Alumni Association is a requirement to get YTU accredited.
First step to establish RITAA started in March 2016 with the help of YTU Management and the Organizers of Shwe YaDu Celebration
Drafting and approval of Bye Law
Implementation Committee
Interaction with MEC
Visit by evaluators from Asian Pacific Engineering Association
Role in SPZP-2016 Planning and Implementation
Registration
Criteria for the accreditation of Post graduate courses
2018 Graduates to be assessed by Asia Pacific Engineering Association
Fund raising for YTU Library Modernization
Travel grant for staff to undergo Library Training in Singapore
Trying to fulfill requirements for Accreditation
Financial aid for eligible needy YTU students
Teacher’s Corner (for recreation)
Finding donors to support RIT athletic associations
Finding donors to support Maker Space (of YTU Student Union)
Commitment
U Myo Aye (President, RITAA) donated K5 Lakhs for the Fund to pay salary to RITAA employees.
U San Kyu (Vice President), U Aung Khaing (General Secretary), U Kaung Myat Soe (Joint Secretary), and U Maung Maung Than (Joint Auditor) donated K2 Lakhs each.
He is from the Class of 69. He contracted TB and had to take a year off.
His friends call him “A Yo Phaya”.
U Win Maung (George Tun, UBA)
He is from the Class of 69. He left RIT before graduation to get License in the field of Aviation Maintenance from the UK.
His younger sister is Sayama Daw Khin Swe Aye (Winnie, ChE70).
His friends call him “Lake”.
He represented RIT in rowing, swimming and water polo. He is a Back Stroke specialist. He completed Inya Lake cross lake (2000 meters) using Back Stroke.
During my visits to Yangon, he provided me transportation.
U Win Maung (SPHS63)
He was a Boarder.
He played in the School Band.
U Win Maung (De La Salle)
I met him when he was in the San Francisco Bay Area.
He was a member of BADA.
His younger sister is Dr. Agatha (IM1 79er).
Mahn Win Maung (President)
He was the Third President of the Union of Burma. He was detained on March 2, 1962 by the Revolutionary Council which staged a Coup d’etat.
He had a few misfortunes : one with a parachute jump and another during a horse ride.
U Win Maung (Soccer)
He played for the Burma soccer team.
U Win Maung (Zat Mintha)
He is a younger son of Shwe Mann Tin Maung.
U Win Maung (Min Yu Way)
He is a distinguished writer and publisher.
In primary school, I received the translation of Aesop’s Fables (by Min Yu Way and Ngwe Tar Yi) as a prize.
HlaMin 