Many of us (siblings and cousins) grew up in “Ein Gyi” (အိမ်ကြီး Big House).
Later my father and his siblings built their houses in the Compound.
Beloved Parents
P 1P 2My father
Supported us to have a decent education
My Let Oo Saya
Wrote about them in several posts : Father, Mother, Beloved Parents, Countdown to SPZP
Collegiate Scholarship
HM 3
Stood Seventh in Burma in the Matric exam of 1963.
Awarded Collegiate Scholarship of 75 Kyats per month
Honored by the school (St. Paul’s High School) and the alumni association (Old Paulian Association)
Additional information can be found in posts related to SPHS
RIT Days
Attended Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) from 1964 to 1969
Additional information can be found in my post “Memories of a 69er”
RIT Student
HM 1
Passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) exam
Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964
320+ classmates.
Sad to note that 128 are GBNF
In Aung Min (M69) & team maintain the GBNF list
EE Association
EE Association
EC (Class Representative) of the RIT Electrical Engineering Association. Ko Shwe Win was the Secretary.
Later : Joint Secretary & Secretary
EE Magazine
EE Magazine
Member of the Committee for the publication of “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) was Chief Editor
Ko San Oo, Ma Than Yi and Ko Myo Myint were Associate Editors.
Luyechun
Luyechun
Selected to attend the Inlay Khaung Daing Luyechun Camp in the Summer of 1965.
Ko Sein Shwe, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin & Ko Zaw Min were also selected as RIT LYC.
RUBC
Magazine
Willie Soe Maung (Stroke), Kyaw Wynn (3), Hla Min (2), Maung Maung Kyi (Bow) and Myint Thein (Cox) were Senior Novices Runners-up in the Monsoon Regatta in 1963. Three — Willie, MMK & MT — are now GBNF
Awarded Full Green at the end of the season
Elected Honorary Treasurer in the last ever General Election
Became Vice Captain the following year
I was denied to be Captain by the higher authorities who abolished the Bye Laws
Contributing Editor for the 90th Anniversary Issue of RUBC Magazine in 2013. Wrote the Prelude for each section. Also wrote three articles.
My Beloved Spouse
HM 2
Caring mother of two sons, and and Grandmother of two lovely Myees
Golden Jubilee in June, 2023.
Three Generations
HM 5HM 6
My parents
My spouse and I
Elder son
Anniversaries
HM 4HM 7
Some friends hosted lunch or dinner for our birthdays and wedding anniversaries.
The First Rangoon University Students’ Strike took place on December 5, 1920 to protest the limitations of the Rangoon University Act of 1920.
The movement led to the establishment of Amyotha Kyaung (National School) and Amyotha Kaw Leik (National College).
The Burmese date — 10th Waning Day of Tazaung Mon Month in Burmese Era 1282 — is used for the Celebration of Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay.
There is a difference of 638 years in the Gregorian and Burmese Calendars. Note that the Gregorian New Year falls on January 1, while the Burmese New Year falls around April 17. A correction is needed for the period January 1 to April 17.
To convert from AD to BE, subtract 638. e.g. 1920 – 638 = 1282
To convert from BE to AD, add 638. e.g. 1282 + 638 = 1920
A commemorative stamp for the Golden Jubilee of Amyotha Aung Pwe Nay is shown below.
Ah Myo Tha Nay Golden Jubilee Stamp
Aung San
He was born on February 13, 1915.
His Zartar name (per his natal horoscope) was Htain Lin.
His formal name is Aung San (which rhymes with Aung Than : name of his elder brother).
Bogyoke Aung San led a Burmese delegation to London in 1947. He signed the Aung San – Atlee Agreement (Sar Choke).
He was assassinated on July 19, 1947 along with Ministers (Thakin Mya, Deedok U Ba Cho, Mahn Ba Khaing, Mongpawn Sawbwa Sao San Htun, U Ba Win U Razak), ICS U Ohn Maung and Yebaw Ko Dway.
Centennial Celebrations were held in 2015. I wrote “A-U-N-G S-A-N” for the Centennial Celebration held in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Bogyoke Aung San in London, 1947
Australia in 2016
In 2016, I visited Sydney, Australia to attend three gatherings : RIT Alumni, UCC Alumni, De La Salle Schools Alumni (mostly Paulians)
The Annual Dinner of Myanmar Engineers (mostly RIT alumni) was organized by Saya U Hla Myint (M65), Saya U Myo Win (M65) and the Executive Committee and members of MEAA (U “Henry” Thet Tun, U Sein Win and U Wint Khin Zaw). The attendees included Sayagyi D. Freddie Ba Hli (National Advisor for the Ministry of Planning, former DG of UBARI, GBNF). Sayas and sayamas who could not attend include U Thit (Metallurgy), U Maung Maung Win (M61) and Daw Yin Yin Mya (English). The spouses of several alumni are medical doctors.
Gathering in Australia (2016)
Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC, CSO, ABAC, GBNF) and Ma Kyawt hosted a UCC Pu Zaw Pwe for Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (Founder of UCC, Pioneer of Computer Education and Application in Burma, GBNF) and Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (Board Member of UCC Project, GBNF).
Saya Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe, SPHS 66, Geology 70) hosted a lunch gathering in the Olympic Park for the alumni of De La Salle Schools (e.g. St. Paul’s, St. Peter’s, St. Albert’s) in Burma. Attendees included Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (SPHS6) who flew in from Brisbane, Ko Myo Lwin (Stanley Saw, SPHS65, M71, New Zealand). The entertainer was U Pantra (Moe Ma Ka Sydney, Pattla expert).
All Mechanical Gatherings
The first gathering was held in 2016. The Master of Ceremonies were U Hla Win and Daw Mar Mar Yee.
Annual gatherings were held in subsequent years.
The following is the invitation for the gathering in 2018 held at Dolphin Restaurant.
All Mech Gathering Invitation 2018
The Gathering for 2019 was moved to a restaurant in Pyithu Yin Pyin near Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Attendees paid respect to Thet Kyee Sayas and Engineers (80+ years young).
Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
He joined the Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering in 1958 as an Assistant Lecturer.
Masters from Harvard University
Upon return to Burma, he was promoted to Lecturer.
Also studied in Netherlands.
Worked for UN project in Bangladesh.
Moved to USA.
Leader of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group and President of RIT Alumni International.
Core organizer for SPZP-2000 (First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe) in San Francisco, California in October 2000.
His article “Brother, can you spare US $500?” led to five Golden Sponsors and many donors — large and small.
He retired twice, but came out of retirement because his former students offered him jobs. He passed away while working for CalTrans (California Transportation).
In his memory, his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to YTU Library. She also provided financial aid to eligible YTU students.
Saya Allen Htay
Aung Moung (M73, GBNF)
U Ba Than (former Professor of Mechanical Engineering) suffered a great loss when Ko Aung Moung passed away.
Ko Aung Moung was a core volunteer for SPZPs, HMEE project, and several RIT-related activities.
He also volunteered for several monasteries. Many monks offered to come by themselves to the Final Journey at Yay Way.
Aung Moung
Aw Pi Kyeh
“RIT Cartoon Box” was founded by U Myint Pe (M72) with Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (“Phone Ko”, C65) and Saya U Aung Myint (“Kyant Ba Hone”, Pet 79) as Patrons.
Four (or more) generations of Cartoonists ran “RIT Cartoon Box”.
The Box was closed after 8-8-88.
A popular cartoonist was “Mann Bei”. He served as Secretary of RIT Cartoonists Association. Gained fame as “Aw Pi Kyeh”. Became President of Myanmar Cartoonists Association.
During his tour to USA, I met him twice : once in Northern California (at the beginning of his trip) and once in Southern California (at the end of the trip).
Aw Pi Kyeh 1Aw Pi Kyeh 2
Autographs
There were at least two sets of autographs in the RU Centennial Facebook Group.
One posted by Hazel Kyaw Zaw (about her mother Daw Chit Swe’s autograph)
Another posted by Audrey Than (about her role models including UNSG U Thant)
Aung Pyie (Khin Maung Myint, Writer)
For RU Centennial, there were posts about some notable Burmese / Myanmar authors, poets, academicians and politicians.
In the early days, there were no computers in Burma. IBM (International Business Machines) based in the USA and ICL (International Computers Limited) based in the UK had presence in Burma. Both companies were not ready to introduce computers to Burma. They were supposedly content with leasing unit-record equipment (calculators, tabulators, …) using punched cards. The managers (U Aung Khin and U Kyaw Tha) and their staff were highly paid compared to the Government employees.
In the early sixties, Burma Railways wanted to upgrade to an ICL computer, but the Coup d’etat in 1962 and subsequent restriction of foreign currency exchange (and budget planning rules) effectively derailed the project.
Project
Dr. Chit Swe
In the mid sixties, Dr. Chit Swe (Head of the Maths Department at the Institute of Economics) proposed the need of a computer for teaching and research to Dr. Nyi Nyi (Deputy Minister of Education). Dr. Nyi Nyi suggested the scope to be extended for a computer to serve the staff and selected students of the Universities and Institutes. Thus, the UCC Project was conceived. It was approved in 1970 with UNDP as the Funding Agency and UNESCO as the Execution Agency.
Dr. Chit Swe later became Professor at Maths at RASU (Rangoon Arts and Science University). He offered space at the Maths Department for the early volunteers of the UCC Project. He then obtained permission to use Mandalay Hall for use by the UCC Project before the UCC Building could be completed in Thamaing College Campus.
UCC Founders
Dr. Chit Swe, U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay founded UCC.
Dr. Chit Swe served as the Founder/Director of UCC. He initiated the academic and training programs. He stressed the importance of technology transfer, leapfrogging technology, knowledge sharing (internally and externally), and challenging the staff and students to try their best.
He requested U Soe Paing (RIT Electrical Engineering) to help design and implement the UCC project.
He inquired the mother of U Myo Min (Chartered Accountant working as Systems Analyst at IBM UK) if U Myo Min would be interested to come back to Burma and help with the UCC project.
U Soe Paing recruited his friend U Ko Ko Lay (PWD, GBNF) to help with the UCC project in general and with the UCC Building Design and Implementation in particular.
April 1, 1971
U Soe Paing transferred to UCC as Manager of Systems Division.
U Myo Min joined UCC as Manager of Applications Divison.
U Ko Ko Lay transferred to UCC as Manager of Operations Division,
I was a member of Generation Zero along with my mentors and U Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69), who was the earliest and longest volunteer of the UCC Project.
Tenure
Dr. Chit Swe retired as Rector of RASU. He moved to Bangkok and Sydney. He passed away in 2019.
U Soe Paing left UCC in the eighties to pursue a career as Technical Adviser and Consultant for the UN projects in several countries.
U Myo Min migrated to USA. He taught briefly at the Nanyang Technical Institute in Singapore. He retired after serving as a Principal for Seagate Technology and Conner.
U Ko Ko Lay had the longest tenure among the UCC Founders. He served as Manager of Operations, Manager of Scientific Applications, Professor at the Department of Computer Science, and Professor of Information Technology. Sadly, he was the first to pass away among the four Founders.
Dr. Tin Maung
He succeeded Dr. Chit Swe as Director of UCC.
DCS
During his tenure, the Department of Computer Science was established at RASU. U Ko Ko Lay served as Professor & Head of the Department. U Tun Aung Gyaw was Associate Professor. I was Lecturer.
ICST
Subsequently, the Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) was established with Dr. Tin Maung as Rector.
U Ko Ko Lay served as Professor and Head of Information Technology.
U Tun Aung Gyaw served as Associate Professor and Head of Hardware Technology.
I served as Associate Professor and Head of Software Technology.
Some sayas from UCC and RASU taught Computational Mathematics.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Dr. Chit Swe (Founder)
U Ko Ko Lay (Founder)
Dr. Tin Maung (UCC Director, ICST Rector)
Dr. Kyaw Thein (ICST)
U Hla Min (SPHS64, EP70) : Initial Chief Operator
U Maung Maung Gyi (SPHS64, Phy68) : Chief Operator
U Maung Maung Lay (St. Albert’s, Ah Ba) : Operator
U Aung Myint (SPHS64, Phy68) Maintenance Engineer
U Soe Myint (M72, DAC) : Pro-Rector, ICST
U Shein Soe Myint (EC83, MSc(CS)) : Passed away in Singapore while doing Ph.D
U Mya Thein : 3rd Business Applications Manager; Visiting lecturer at ITBMU
Daw Kyu Kyu Lwin : Job controller; transferred to Social Security Board Computer Section
Daw Win May Thaung : Offline operator
Daw Khin Mya Swe (M.Sc. (CS)) : Programmer; Passed away in Lesotho
Daw Khin Toe Nyein (M.Sc. (CS)) : Programmer
Daw Thida Aung (M.Sc. (CS)) : Programmer
Daw Khin San Hlaing (Cynthia) Librarian; attended M.Sc. (CS); worked at AIT; Passed away in Australia
Daw Nge Ma Ma Than (DAC) : Taught at UCC, DCS and ICST; Prisoner of Conscience.
Courses at UCC
Dr. Chit Swe was Founder/Director of UCC and Professor of Maths at RASU.
He arranged UCC to conduct degree and post-graduate diploma courses under the aegis of RASU Maths Department.
UCC also conducted training courses for computer users.
Dr. Chit Swe was succeeded as UCC Director by Dr. Tin Maung.
Several distinguished Professors from US, UK and Europe lectured at UCC.
The postgraduate degree and diploma courses given under the aegis of Maths Department include M.Sc. (CS) and DAC
The Courses for computer users include
Computer Orientation Course (COC)
Computer Programming Course (CPC)
Elective for Honors and Post-graduate in other disciplines
Intensive training (e.g. for Population Census Data Processing)
Special training (e.g. for those selected as State Scholars)
Planning (e.g. for departments intending to purchase computers)
UCC Courses
Win Myint’s
There were three people at UCC named Win Myint.
Win Myint (1)
U Win Myint and U Maung Maung Lay
He was a High School Luyechun from Beik (Mergui). He was caught off guard when the then new Education System used ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate) to determine the admission to the Universities & Institutes. He found himself studying Philosophy along with others who had low ILA scores.
Instead of using the marks directly, the ILA uses distribution of the marks for each subject and gives a score from 1 to 20. The ILA system helped students with balanced marks. By having marks in the top tier for each subject, a student can get reasonably good score.
But a student with low marks in one or two subjects (e.g. Burmese and English) would be penalized by the ILA system.
Philosophy is derived from Phil (love of) and Sophy (Wisdom). The highest degree is called Ph.D (Doctorate of Philosophy). It is ironic that students with low ILA scores were forced to major in Philosophy.
Ko Win Myint Gyi is an exception. He was determined to pursue a challenging career. Since he wanted to learn and work with computers, he enhanced his typing skills for both English and Burmese. It was a requirement for the position of Secretary at the newly formed UCC.
Ko Win Myint’s interview at PSC (Public Services Commission) was fast and smooth. When he said, “I am Bet Thar (or similar) meaning ‘I am from Beik (Mergui)’”, the PSC Chairman who was from Beik validated Ko Win Myint’s appointment as Secretary.
He not only typed very fast, but he learned Computer Science and Applications quickly and proficiently. He became a programmer.
Win Myint (2)
He majored in Mathematics and received Masters.
He worked for SLR (Settlement and Land Record) department.
He got appointment in UCC as programmer.
He was initially UNV at PG.
After working on UN projects, he returned home.
Win Myint (3)
He operated the cyclostyle (Gestener). The lecture guides were printed mostly on Sittaung (Sittang paper) and some on the Ye Ni paper.
Lecture Guides
Some may remember “Introduction to Computers”, “Introduction to Computer Programming” and several Guide Books by Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Aung Zaw and me. We thank Ko Win Myint (1) and Ko Win Myint (3) for the production.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote :
I had a different story about getting a job. I had only done 8 month internship, one of the tutors in medicine was transferred out. When Saya U Ba Than asked whom the professors wanted to replace her, they asked for me. I was called in by the Rector about posting me as tutor. When I told him I could not join not having finished my internship, he was so upset that “You want to erase with your feet, what I has written by hand”. I was made to report for duty. I went back and with the professor’s permission, I returned to finish my internship to get my medical registration.
Soon, my friends and I had to go for interview with PSC. The Chairman of PSC was U Khin Maung Phyu. Both he and Dr U Ba Than were classmates with my father. As I went in U Ba Than said to U Khin Maung Phyu, “Ko Khin Maung Phyu, he is Ko Kyaw Myint’s son and I have already posted him to Department of Medicine.” U Khin Maung Phyu said, “How is your father?” I replied that my father was good. Then he said that I could go !!! Must be the shortest interview in PSC.
History
I Love History
I was a Docent at Computer History Museum.
I was a member of the History of Myanmar Engineering Education project. I and U Ohn Khine (M70) compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE book.
Why study History?
Dr. Than Tun said, “So that one would not be stupid or dumb.”
There’s an old adage, “History repeats itself”.
The historian from Smithsonian said, “There is no single correct history. There are often multiple competing histories.”
A historian should present facts and not give opinions.
My spouse said “You should pay back to your alma mater and your country.”
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) said that I should record my oral stories and put them to print for posterity.
UCSY sayamas requested me to help with the commemorative issue for the 30th Anniversary of ICST/UCSY.
My beloved parents said, “Any thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well”.
I have shared my memories about the early days of Computing in Burma.
I revise the posts as time and energy permit.
I hope that the readers will help “fill in the blanks” and correct errors and inconsistencies.
We can transform the posts into a historical document worthy of printing (or at least publish as an e-book).
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote :
When we conducted the Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Study, the data analysis was from me at UCC. Ko Ronnie Myo Min and many UCC staff helped us with the data analysis.
Dr. TOKM added :
The next project we did was “Risk Approach in Delivery of MCH Care”. We did a prospective study on the risk of mothers dying during pregnancy and child birth. As the outcome was measured by “relative risk” and “absolute risk” it was much easier to analyse the data.
Our team used 1MB handheld Sinclair computer for our study. Our team did not have monitors nor printers. Your nephew Peter (Khin Tun) worked out RR and AR on Sinclair, read the result on Saya U Tin U’s old TV and copied out the results by hand. Peter still had a copy of the final report. I left my copy at home and got lost.
Gatherings
Over the years, I attended several mini-gatherings and gatherings hosted by UCC sayas and alumni.
Yangon
Saya U Soe Paing regular hosts gatherings (usually dinner meeting) at his house. Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) was my class mate. She also attended CPC course.
U Thein Oo, Daw Than Than Tint, Daw Tin May Lwin and several others help organize the gatherings.
U Thein Oo, U Htin Kyaw, U Aung Aung and several others provided us transportation to or from Saya Paing’s house.
UCC 40th Anniversary Gathering
The “40th Anniversary of UCC” was the Reunion of Staff, Teachers (Past and Present) and Students.
Daw Ngwe Tin, Aye Aye Myint and sisters, Maung Myint, who maintained the UCC building rooms were among the attendees.
Saya Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) was represented by Sayagadaw and Saya’s daughter.
There was fun and laughter, music and dances, and good old memories.
Daw Khin Lay Myint joined UCC as Secretary and then worked as Administrator Officer. She is now GBNF.
U Soe Myint (M72) joined UCC as Operator. He served as Shift Lead, expert in Mechanical Drawing and AutoCAD, and retired as Pro-Rector of ICST. He is also GBNF.
UCSY Gathering
In January 14, 2018, I attended the 5th UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe as “Generation Zero” representative and the “Most Senior” (not by age). Several attendees started their studies and/or careers at UCC.
Sao Yan Naing, son of Dr. Saw Naing (Wesley, SPHS59), gave me a ride to the Pu Zaw Pwe. SYN is a nephew of Dr Myo Khin. He is a cousin of Soe Lin Maung (UCC).
Sydney in 2006
During my visit to Sydney, Australia in 2006, I met several UCC alumni.
Saya U Aung Zaw and Ma Kyawt organized a Reunion and mini-PZP for Saya Dr. F Ba Hla and Saya Dr. Chit Swe. They were helped by U Sein Myint Maung and Daw Khin Aye Mu, U Htay Aung (Victor) and Daw Tin Tin Hlaing to name a few. I met Daw Thanda Htwe and “UCC Pha Yaung Daing”.
U Sein Tin hosted a dinner and also created a short music video.
USA
Dr. Raiful Ahad (Fremont, California), U Khin Zaw (Cupertino, California), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) and Daw Thida Khin (Fremont, California), U Sein Myint (EC76) and Daw Sao Mon Sint (New Jersey) and U Toung (EC69, Connecticut) hosted UCC gatherings (especially to welcome and alumni visiting US).
U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69) hosts an annual joint gathering for UCC and RIT sayas and alumni at his home in New Jersey.
Singapore
U Tin Aung Win (C80), U Zaw Tun and Daw Pale Shein organized buffet gathering. U Aung Aung, and Daw Kyin Mya are regulars at the gatherings.
U Shein Soe Myint (EC83) is GBNF.
Some (e.g. U Win Latt, Daw Myint Myint Thein) have moved (temporarily or permanently) to Myanmar.
Activities
Table Tennis (Ping Pong)
U Saung Tin (CSO) and U Thein Oo are excellent players.
Volleyball
Rafiul Ahad (who was 3rd in Burma in Hurdles) hurt his knee. Daw Nwe Nwe Win (Judy) is often the sixth member of an all-male team.
Soccer (Football)
UCC team (including Saya U Ko Ko Lay and U Kyaw Nyein) played ad hoc match against other teams (in and around Hlaing Campus).
UCC Dobat
U Win Hlaing played the Dobat. Others (e.g. Maung Myint, U Hla Pe) would play Wah Let Khote (bamboo clapper) and Ya Gwin.
Donlaba
UCC used to celebrate Thingyan and Su Paung Donlaba.
Dr. Chit Swe, Win Maung, Hla Min, Tun Aung Gyaw, Soe Myint, Khin Maung Aye, Daw Khin Khin Latt
UCC had a Su Paung Donlaba for several years at Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung and other monasteries.
The Donlaba monks would be offered Soon at the UCC Thingyan.
There would also be Water Throwing and occasionally “Ye Pet Khan” to selected mandats.
Ad Hoc Trips
U Aung Zaw led some trips (e.g. to Maw Tin Zun).
Soul Mates
Some found their soul mates while working or studying at UCC.
Aung Aung & Kyin Mya
Aung Myint Oo & Thida Khin
Boe Ba Shan & Phyu Phyu Win
Kyaw Zwa Than (Jaws) & Khin Khin Kyu (K-cube)
Htay Aung & Tin Tin Hlaing
Myint Oo & Tin Tin Hla
Myint Swe & Nge Ma Ma Than
Myint Zaw & Nwe Nwe Win (Judy)
Sein Myint (Bei Gyi) & Sao Mon Sint (Cindy)
Sein Myint Maung & Khin Aye Mu
Soe Than & Wai Wai Than
Than Maung Maung & Khin Si Thoung
Thaung Tin & Tin Tin Aye
Thein Oo & Than Than Tint
Win Hlaing & Thida Kyi
Win Myint & Nu Nu Aung
U Soe Myint (M72, GBNF)
The M72 friends call him “Phone Gyi Soe Myint”.
At UCC, he is known as “Sunlun Soe Myint”.
His father U Thein Nyunt (Retired Secretary of Religious Affairs) was a friend and an early devotee of Sayadaw U Vinaya. U Soe Myint also served as Kappiya from his younger days.
He came to see me during my last visit and shared his knowledge about U Lokanatha (Italian American monk) and how he provided financial support to buy the land for Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung.
He gave me a “Chone Hte” (for monk) to take back to the US.
On a subsequent visit to Yangon, we were sad to learn of his untimely demise.
On the fateful day, he made two trips to the Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung monastery, because he forgot his donation on his first trip. He also visited his nephew and niece who were having dialysis treatment. May be because of his karma or because of the trips he took that day, he passed away around 3 AM.
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) wrote :
Ko Soe Myint Gyi was one of the very humble people I have ever known. He spoke very soft, never see him angry nor heard him raise his voice. Even though I am some years junior to him (he’s M72 and me EC76) he always treated me with dignity and respect. I really miss him, may his beautiful soul rest in peace.
Anniversary Soon Kway
U Thein Oo and Daw Than Than Tint Soon Kway at Yaw Sayadaw’s Kayung Daik.
Attendees include
Saya U Soe Paing and Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69)
U Myint Swe
Daw Tin Moe We (Sweetie)
Daw Myint Myint Thein (Susan)
Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo
He matriculated from SPHS in 1968.
He was admitted as Roll Number One to 1st BE. He graduated among the top of the EP74 class.
He studied Computer Science at UCC.
He received a Ph.D. in EE from Syaracuse University, New York.
His final job was as Part Time Professor at San Jose State University (SJSU).
He used the spare time for his hobbies : (a) Tinkering old cars (b) Painting (c) Cooking (d) Stock Market (e) Writing movie scripts
He did not miss a class. When he did not show up for a few classes, the students were alarmed and requested SJSU authorities to check his home. They found the doors locked. After a few days, they broke in to find Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo lifeless on his bed. Postmortem indicated an aneurysm.
Since Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo was single and had no next-o-kin in the USA, SJSU asked the Burmese Community to help. Members of the “RIT Alumni International” and BAPS helped with the fund raising for the final journey of HLN.
I was honored to push the incinerator, and later to scatter the ashes in the ocean. There was no next-of-kin of HLN in the USA. KMZ remembered that Kyaw Swa Than (Jaws, UCC) was HLN’s cousin. The missing link was supplied by some alumni (including Ko Ko Kyi). KMZ set up special web page for HLN. My poem was also posted there. I wrote about HLN’s Sea Burial for BAPS Newsletter.
Memorial Pages
U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76, KMZ) set up the “HLN Memorial Pages” in the ex-RIT web site (which is now defunct). I wrote a poem “HTAY LWIN NYO“.
BAPS Newsletter
I also wrote “A Sea Burial for Professor Htay Lwin Nyo” for the BAPS Newsletter and the RIT web site.
Ko Ko Kyi (EC72) wrote :
Ko Hla Min, sad to read about Htay Lwin Nyo’s sea burial. I played a small part in notifying his first cousin Myo San Than in Toronto, when my brother called me from Birmingham, UK and informed me about HLN’s demise. Apparently, someone from California had contacted a friend of my brother’s and asked him to inform me, as he knew that HLN had a cousin living in Toronto. I informed HLN’s cousin Myo San Than, who called his elder brother living in Winnipeg, Canada. Subsequently, this cousin went to the US for HLN’s funeral. HLN was a good friend of mine, although he was two years my junior at RIT.
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :
I was actually a former classmate of HLN’s younger brother Aung Lwin Nyo in St. Paul’s High School [SPHS (6) Botataung]. All their brothers were OPs, HLN was 2 years senior to us, Old Paulians. I did not know HLN that well until we met again, the third time, at UCC. Of course he was part of our rival group while at RIT. Both of us ended up in US, he was several years earlier than me.
We met again when he moved to West Coast, namely San Jose, California while I was in Seattle. We visited him in San Jose, went Yosemite among other places, he visited us in Seattle, went up to Vancouver, Canada. Couple of years moved, he became upset with me for a reason unknown to me at the time, refused to take my calls. I eventually met him on one of my visits to California, forced him to tell me why he did not want to talk to me any longer. According to him, there were some rumors back in Yangon about his demise, his parents were very upset and he surmise that it could have been me who spread these rumors. I had to swear to him that those were nothing to do with me at all, as I lost contact with everyone, family and friends, back in Burma at that time.
So one could imagine my despair when I received a call, a year or so later, from Maurice Chee (M75) that HLN was found dead in his apartment, asking me if I knew him and also requested me to make an announcement on www,ex-rit,org site. I had to explain Maurice the background story, told him I would not do so until I have a solid information. I ended up calling HLN’s head of department at SJSU, San Jose State University. She assured me that they went to HLN’s apartment, broke it inside with the help of the Police. Sad news indeed. While Maurice Chee, Ko Banny Tan (M70), U Hla Min and RIT Alumni at BAPS, Bay Area alumni group, started working on the funeral, I called a friend, HLN’s cousin, in Manitoba, Canada, Kyaw Zwa Than (ex-UCC), to get the contact of HLN’s family back in Rangoon. I finally spoke with the elder brother, Ko Kyaw Lwin Nyo, who requested us to proceed with the funeral.
PS: I met HLN’s elder brother for the first time, this passed November 2018, at the OPA, Old Paulians’ Association, dinner. My OP friends told me that Aung Lwin Nyo met similar fate, passed away while in his bed some years back. Myo San Than (as mentioned in U Ko Ko Kyi’s comment) is the younger brother of Kyaw Zwa Than. KZT’s family : KZT, his wife KCube (Khin Khin Kyi) and their two sons, Alex and Nicholas, have since moved to Denver, Colorado, USA.
Daw Nge Ma Ma Than (GBNF)
Ma Nge (Nge Ma Ma Than, Theresa, GBNF) is the youngest child of U Aung Than (brother of Boyoke Aung San and Arzanee U Ba Win).
She matriculated from MEHS.
She graduated from RASU.
She studied and taught at UCC, DCS and ICST.
At UCC, she and Judy (Nwe Nwe Win) were considered as “UCC Twins”. Grapevine says that some guy approached them and gave each a copy of his “Yee Zar Sar” (love letter).
She found her love life U Myint Swe (ex-UCC).
During the Adhamma Era, she, her brother and U Myint Swe were detained by the higher authorities.
She became a Prisoner of Conscience.
I last met her at the 5th Acariya Puzaw Pwe of ICST.
Her health declined, but she kept on smiling. She did not complain about the aches and pains.
U Myint Swe reported the journal of Ma Nge’s hospitalization and medical treatment.
Even in her final days, her thoughts were with former Prisoners of Conscience.
Ma Nge at the hospitalMa Nge and her cousin
Four Decade Old Photo
Win Hlaing
Henry Maung Maung (Census, GBNF)
Kyu Kyu Lwin (GBNF)
Khin Si Thoung (Busi Baung – USA)
Khin Khin Win (Five Star Line – USA)
Phyu Phyu Win (Singapore)
Win May Thaung (GBNF)
Tin Tin Yi (Port Authority)
Hla Hla Win (Wa, GBNF)
Aung Myint (AM, GBNF)
Soe Myint (Sunlun, M72, GBNF)
Seven of the eleven in the photo are Gone But Not Forgotten.
DAC Grads
Epilog
Computer Science and Technology is continually evolving.
There are two (or more) early definitions of Computer Science.
Computer Science is the study of phenomena surrounding Computing.
Computer Science is the study of Algorithms and Data Structures.
The first definition has the same flavor as a definition of Physics. It is general to say, “Physics is the study of natural phenomena.”
The second definition might sound restrictive, but it still covers a lot of topics and application.
There is a book called “PROGRAM = ALGORITHMS + DATA STRUCTURES”.
Professor Donald Knuth (Stanford University) thought that he could finish his 7-volume book “THE ART OF COMPUTER PROGRAMMING” in a couple of years. It was an under-estimate of the growth of Computers, Computer Science and Applications. It took over two decades to complete and revise the first three volumes and part of the fourth volume. One reason was that his book contributed to the growth of the Design and Analysis of Algorithms.
I have covered some topics in the early days of Computing in general and UCC in particular.
I missed out several people. I mentioned many names, but did not elaborate on some of them.
I did not cover in-depth the PDP configuration and use, the introduction of PCs, and robots.
It would take a long time and I would not be able to fill in all the blanks.
I believe an idea that characterizes Jules Verne. “If one can dream, others can fulfill”.
I had a personal experience to support that idea. In 1999, I started “RIT International Newsletter” and dreamed that sayas and alumni will get reconnected electronically and physically. With the help of sponsors (including five Golden Sponsors), able and dedicated sayas and alumni, volunteers, supporters and well-wishers, the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe) was held in San Francisco in October 2000. The world-wide SPZPs were subsequently held in Singapore in 2002, 2007 and 2010, and in Yangon in 2004, 2012 and 2016.
I had paid back to RIT.
I now have a chance to pay back to UCC, DCS and ICST.
Thanks to my family members for supporting me in the endeavors to pay back to the institutions and my mentors that helped me develop to where I am today.
I dream that sayas and alumni of UCC and ICST/UCSY will enhance my document into one that professional historians will envy.
Founded SysMagic with branches in Thailand & Singapore.
He was host during my first visit to Singapore.
He later moved to Yangon & Thailand.
U Ngwe Soe / Silver
Ngwe Soe (Right)
Worked for Systems Division at UCC.
After a brief stint as seafarer, he joined Siemens in Singapore.
He hosted me during my first and a later visit.
He & Nu Nu Yee (sister of U Khin Maung Thwe EE69er) took us to their home in Jahore. He drove us to Melecca.
He retired after working for various projects overseas.
Ngwe Soe (Center)
U Tin Aung Wynn
Ko TAW (Left)
Studied Masters in Computer Science at UCC.
Taught courses at UCC.
Moved to Singapore.
Taught Multi-media and other subjects at a Polytechnic.
Spouse Ma Wah is a doctor.
They hosted me in April 2007, when I attended SPZP-2007.
He co-organized lunch gatherings during my visits.
The photo was taken in 2019 when he took us to his home for home-cooked lunch.
U Zaw Tun
Zaw Tun
Studied Masters in Computer Science at UCC
He & spouse Kyu Kyu Hlaing hosted us during our visits.
Rretired after managing Programming Projects for a shipping company.
Gawpaka of Singapore Chan Myei Yeiktha.
Daw Pale Shein
Seated : Pale, Kyu Kyu Hlaing & Pale’s GK
Studied Masters in Computer Science at UCC
Hosted me for part of my last trip. The stay was cut short when Covid hit some of her family members.
Organized sightseeing & gatherings
Ying (Sree Wunna Mangrai)
Studied Masters in Computer Science at UCC
She & her spouse invited us to a lunch gathering. We were joined by Ko Aye Kyaw.
UCC & ICST alumni
Met them at the gatherings (e.g Ko Zaw Tun’s house, Indian & Chinese restaurants, West Coast)
Some may have moved out of Singapore
In Alphabetical Order
Ko Aung Aung & Ma Kyin Mya
Ko Aung Khine Cho
Ma Aye Aye Than
Ko Aye Kyaw
U Boe Ba Shan & Daw Phyu Phyu Win
Ko Hla Min (Lay)
Ma Hpyu Hpyu Aung
Ko Khin Maung Aye
Ma Khin Myint Cho
Ko Kyaw Htay
Ma Myint Myint Thein
Ko Nay Myo Aung
Ma Nilar Thein
U Ngwe Soe & Daw Nu Nu Yee
Ma Pale Shein
Ma San Yi
Ko Shein Soe Myint (GBNF)
U Than Lwin & Daw Khin Swe Oo
Ko Tin Aung Win
Ko Tin Htun Saing
Ko Win Latt
Ying (Sree Wunna Mangrai)
Ko Zaw Tun
Veda
U Myint Sein (Principal of BARB, GBNF) requested me to develop computer programs for Veda.
I supervised the Veda projects by Ko Win Latt and Ko Zaw Tun.
Myint Sein
Ko Win Latt wrote Win Horo. The lowest version was used to generate natal horoscope. The higher versions were used by BARB sayas for advanced astrological calculations.
Ko Zaw Tun wrote a Prolog program for evaluating the Zartars. He was surprised when the zartar of a young (may be 2 year old) resulted in the prediction of a very person. He later learned that the child was a recipient of wealth from his Sawbwa grand father.
After receiving their M.Sc.(Computer Science), both taught computing at their private schools. They later moved overseas.
During my initial visit to Singapore, I stayed at Ko Win Latt’s apartment. He later spent in time in Bangkok and Yangon.
During my later visits, Ko Zaw Tun and Ma Kyu hosted us. They also organized ex-UCC gatherings.
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ)
KMZ
Attended St. Paul’s High School. In 1965, SPHS was nationalized and became No. (6) Botathaung State High School. He matriculated in 1970.
Joined RIT and graduated with Electrical Communication. The option is known as EC, EcE & Electronics Engineering. Due to school closure, there were two convocations in 1977. Those from March 77 are called “Class of 76” (the intended year of graduation).
Played Hockey for “All Institutes” team.
Rowed for RIT at RUBC.
Spent a few years at UCC before moving to Singapore and then USA.
In 1999, he designed and implemented the first ex-RIT web site & served as its webmaster.
Alumnus of SPHS, RIT and UCC
KMZ wrote :
KJ, thanks much for posting these old stories, sharing with the rest. We really had many interesting and amazing characters there in those days. We, the three so-called musketeers, made things much more interesting, pushed the envelope so to speak. But thanks to all the Sayas – Saya Paing, Saya Myo, Saya Lay and seniors like you, UTAG etc, we were able to do whatever we felt like it there. I know for sure that we offended many people there, but with the great rapport and support from many of you, our mischievous acts, intentionally or not, were pretty much forgiven.Like I said a few times here, those were the good old days.I would like to thank all of you for what we did there, and sincerely ask for your forgiveness if we, especially myself, indeed offended any of you. I am indebted to all of you. Sayas, seniors, contemporaries, as well as some juniors, as I learned a lot while I was there.
U Tin Win
U Tin Win (Seated Right)
Taught at RIT EE before to Systems Division at UCC
Worked at Forest Reserve Inventory
U Tin Win wrote :
In my days in UCC, U TAG was CE and ICL computer’s printer was line printer and it could print only 120 char/line. To get 160 char/line, UTAG modified the line printer by joining the original plastic printer shaft with another short shaft. One day, he came to the engineering workshop and said he would modify it. First he cleaned the desk workplace where he would join the shafts. At that time, an apprentice engineer (Ko Khin Maung) came into the room and saw U TAG cleaning the desk. Then, KKM, shouted, “Whoo! .. actually modification of printer is just Cleaning the desk”.
Myint Myint Thein (Susan)
Susan & Ma Nge
Younger sister of U Win Htein (PWD, GBNF), who was in charge of the maintenance of electrical equipment at UCC
Early DAC (Diploma in Automatic Computing)
Worked at FERD at National Planning before moving to Singapore
After retirement, she moved back to Yangon.
Myint Myint Thein wrote :
I felt young again reading about the good old days at UCC.
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering from RIT in 1967.
Worked at Sittaung Paper Mill.
Moved to USA. Became a successful Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Co-founded “M & Ko”. Hired several Burmese (including RIT graduates) in the SF Bay Area. Sponsored “Ya-han-khan” (ordination) ceremonies for his employees.
Did not forget his roots. Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000. Donated $3000 to SPZP-2012. Donated to NorCal RITAA and sponsored table for the Annual Dinner.
Donated to the general and building funds of various monasteries in the Bay Area. One was in memory of his spouse Daw Sein Yone.
Played Table uTennis
Built audio equipment to play Vinyl Records with high fidelity
Became a Vegetarian
Retired after Serial Entrepreneurship. Joined the Bay Area Retirees’ monthly lunch gathering.
Passed away on February 22, 2021.
Mavis Ko donated $2000 to NorCal RITAA in David’s memory.
Article fromBAPS Newsletter
Edison Paw wrote the success story of two RIT alumni : David Ko (M68) & Benny Tan (M70)
Thanks to BAPS, Maurice Chee (Past President), Henry Lim (Former Chief Editor) & Edison Paw for permission to reprint the article
David Ko
Mr. David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67) has a successful mechanical components manufacturing firm in Union City. He co-founded the business back in 1978 with a partner from Croatia. The two partners have since expanded their business. With approximately 100 employees, they currently occupy 72,000 sq. feet of space for their warehousing and manufacturing operations. The company is continuously growing at a rate of 5-25% per year. Ninety percent of their employees started out as trainees in their shop. BAPS [and RIT Alumni International] would like to congratulate Mr. Ko for his hard work, his dedication to his employees and his contribution to the community.
Besides his successful business, David and his late wife, Daw Sein Yone, have three wonderful and promising children, two daughters and one son in all. The eldest daughter is working on her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of California at Santa Barbara and is expected to start her internship this year. Their second child is in his second year at the Stanford University Medical School studying for his MD and Ph.D. program. Their third daughter is studying hair design at the Vidal Sassoon Academy.
Mr. Ko emigrated to the U.S with his family in 1973 and they have been living in Fremont since 1976. He worked at the Raychem Company for five years before opening his own business. His interest in machining and tools started early in his life when he read Popular Mechanics and Mechanics Illustrated. He graduated in mechanical engineering [in 1967] from the Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) in Burma. He is one of a few Asian Americans who are not only trained machinists but also professionals in their own right. Inspired by their keen interests in mechanical devices and accessories, they learned, for the most part, on their own and developed their skills. However he had to overcome many obstacles that other minorities and immigrants encounter. In the late seventies, there were few Asian American machinists. David was constantly asked by his customers whether he was a machinist, if he knew how to operate a machine, and where he acquired the skills.
David and his partner continue to thrive in this very cyclical business mainly because they take good care of their employees, re-invest their earnings into their business, re-invent themselves, and expand their business cautiously. Competition in the mechanical components business continues to be fierce because of new improvements in technology. In many ways, David compares technological advances in the machine industry to those of the software industry. Every year new models come on the market. These new products work faster and give you a whole lot of functions and features. Just as David manages his family and nurtures them carefully, he manages to nurture his business relationship with his partner and his employees quite successfully.
David, Congratulations to you and your family!!! You are a role model to everyone! It shows that the United States is truly a land of opportunities. Hard work and perseverance can and do lead to success. David and his company are always looking for trainees.
RIT is known for its cartoonists in general and “Cartoon Box” in particular.
Ko Myint Pe (M72) co-founded “Cartoon Box”. The Patrons were Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C64, “Phone Ko”, Vietnam Cartoons) and Saya U Aung Myint (Pet69, “Kyant Ba Hone”, GBNF).
Khin Maung Phone KoAung Myint
Aw Pi Kyeh (“Mann Bei”) served as Secretary of RIT Cartoonists Association and later as President of Myanmar Cartoonists Association.
The cartoonists compiled a special issue of “Selected RIT Cartoons” for SPZP-2012. They also published Cartoon Brochures for Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPP-2016.
Chancellor
The Rangoon University Act of 1920 stated that roles of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor.
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma is also the Chancellor of Rangoon University.
The road leading to the RU Convocation Hall is called the Chancellor Road.
College, Council (RU Act of 1920)Chancellor (RU Act of 1920)
Prime Minister U Nu gave the Chancellor’s speech at the Convocation of Rangoon University in November / December 1961.
Chancellor Speech (1961)
For a period (especially citing Insecurity), the gates to the Chancellor Road were closed or closely guarded.
The Yar Pyae Ak Kyo (Pre-RU Centennial) began in December, 2019.
Some of the RU Centennial events for took place at the Convocation Hall, Recreation Center and the Universities’ Central Library.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, there were often restrictions. Some events were recorded in the Campus, and broadcast later via Myanmar Ah Than.
Chancellor Road
Coup
Coup d’etat by the 17-man Revolutionary Council took place on March 2, 1962.
Commodore Than Pe (President of RUBC) was appointed Minister of Health and Education. He passed away shortly afterwards.
Colonel Hla Han succeeded Commodore Than Pe as Minister of Health and Education. He became Chair of the Rangoon University Council.
Col. Hla Han
Chou En Lai
The Chinese Prime Minister visited Burma and took part in the ThingyanFestival.
Chou En Lai
Convocation
The Convocation is mostly held at the Convocation Hall.
Exceptions include the ad hoc Convocation ceremonies at Kyaikkasan and Aung San Stadium.
Some graduates had to wait a few years to attend their Convocation.
Convocation HallConvocation 196363 – 64 – 65 at KyaikkasanConvocation 1977
Collegian
He was known as “Pa Pu”, “Nay Dun” and “Nay Win (B.A.)”.
Joined the Navy before attending RU.
Represented RU and Burma in Soccer.
U Chin Sein auditioned him for the leading role of Collegian (movie based on Zawana’s novel). He became known as “Collegian Nay Win”.
Collegian Nay Win
Cross Lake
Swimmers participate in the Cross Lake event held in the Inya Lakes.
The 2000 yard course runs from Dubern Beach to RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club).
Nyunt Nyunt Tin posted a photo of her Gold Medal.
From RIT, the winners included Htay Aung (M69, Burma Selected for Water Polo)
Founding member and first Prime Minister of Israel.
Awarded an honorary degree from Rangoon University.
Diamond Jubilee
RU Diamond Jubilee 1995
The RU Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in 1995.
Dr. Soe Win (IFL), Daw May Saw Lwin (Chemistry), Ko Aung Mon (YIT) and Ko Nyi Thet Lwin (IM1) were staying in the Main Campus, but affiliated with four different Universities and institutes
First Day Cover and Stamps
First Day Cover (RU Diamond Jubilee)50 Pyas Stamp (RU Diamond Jubilee)Two Kyats Stamp (RU Diamond Jubilee)
