The account about the Association of Engineers in Burma after World War was told by Saya U Tin U and recorded by Saya U Ba Than.
The Association was re-instituted about 1955-56.
President : Sayagyi U Ba Hli (Dean of Engineering, University of Rangoon)
Honorary Secretary : Saya U Soon Sein (Professor, Mining)
Honorary Treasurer : Saya U Tin U (Part time Lecturer, Civil)
U Tin U
U Tin U
Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1946.
Attended Rangoon University before going for studies in the USA.
Captain & Gold of Rangoon University Boat Club in 1948. Represented RUBC in the Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi in 1948 along with Dr. Pe Nyun, Dr. Pe Thein and Khin Maung Wint (Bobby).
Received BCSE from the University of Oregon and MCSE from Yale University.
Upon his return to Burma, he worked in the industry and taught part-time at the Civil Engineering department.
Past Captain of Rangoon Golf Club
Oldest & Most Senior Past Captain of RUBC
Retired as Advisor of PWD Group.
U Ba Than
U Ba Than
1947 : Matriculated from St. John’s Dio and won Collegiate Scholarship.
1949 : Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in the Intermediate of Science exam
RUBC Full Green
Studied Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London University
Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
As a requirement for promotion, he did his Masters at Imperial College
Retired as Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Early supporter of HMEE-2012 project. Donated his photo albums. Requested U Thaw Kaung to allow U Soe Paing & team to access the archives of Rangoon University Central Library.
Before the pandemic, he invited former colleagues and students to his Birthday Soon Kyaw at Yaw Sayadaw’s Monastery.
He donated back all of the Garawa Money to various social and religious associations.
He is now GBNF.
Updates
HMEE book was published in December 2012. Copies of the book were donated to Universities’ Central Library and YTU Library.
U Tin U lost his spouse Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt in November 2019, his elder son Dr. Peter Khin Tun in April 2020 and his son-in-law U Tin Tun in May 2030. He will celebrate his 96th birthday on August 3, 2025.
U Ba Than passed away after his 94th birthday in 2024.
After retirement, he and Tin Tin Hla (A70) moved to Seattle, Washington, USA to be near their daughters and grand children.
Attended 69er Golden Jubilee of Graduation on December 14, 2019 in Yangon.
Kyaw Kyaw
Member of elite group who married before graduation.
Myo Tun (Bobby)
Johnian
Studied in UK twice. During his high school days, he received BOC Scholarship to study in the UK, but the program discontinued around 1962.
Finished GCE. Had to take some subjects in Matric to attend Rangoon University.
Won essay contests as Errol Than Tun.
Assisted P Aung Khin (Guardian) with Supplement & Scrabble Tournament
Joined PWD
Received State Scholarship to pursue Masters in the UK.
After retirement, he became Ashin Pannagavesaka. He served as an editor of Pa Auk Sayadaw’s books and a dhamma librarian at the Mawlamyine Pa Auk Taw Ya. He later taught at selected monasteries. He went on dhamma dhuta missions (e.g. to Vietnam).
Tobias Kittim Ku & Uzin Bobby Myo Tun
Saw Tobias Kittim Ku (Tobi, GBNF)
Albertian
Sang “Kawthoolei” at RIT games
Attended 69er monthly breakfast gatherings.
Passed away due to Covid. His daughter also succumbed to Covid.
Thet Htun
Moved to Taiwan.
Thwin Thwin Aye Hmi (Olive)
Played chinlon with her A69 classmates
Spouse : U Han Zaw
Met them last at Lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012
Tin Maung Hla (GBNF)
Expert in Abhidhamma studies.
Although his health was failing, he attended the monthly Breakfast Gathering to bid farewell to his former classmates.
Per his request, his family hosted the BFG after his demise.
On behalf of TBSA, please allow me to offer our condolences to you and your family on the passing of our inspirational woman, founder of Aye-Thet Scholarship Program, Dr. Khin Nyo Thet.
I was privileged to meet her occasionally and had a great time socializing with her. She was an amazing woman. Not only she was admired by me but many other people. Every time I met her, she offered me positive energy with encouraging words, her willpower with positive energy was way above many of us. Most importantly, she was a wonderful mom who can see the benefit of youth learning Theravada Buddhism is vital to our USA-born kids.
Thank you! Ma Ma Nyo. Thank you!
Many words I can add about her endlessly. I will miss her dearly.Please allow us to send you all our condolences, along with the best memories and sharing of our good deeds to her. May she rest in a better stage of being…
May she be on the path of Nirvana… We share all our merit dedicated to her. Sadhu…Sadhu…Sadhu….
With best regards, Daniel Bomya (U Thein Swe, President of TBSA)
Sad News
Dr. Khin Nyo Thet passed away peacefully, at her home in the San Francisco Bay Area, surrounded by her husband, Dr. Lyn Swe Aye, and her children, Mimi Thabyay Aye and Thor Wynn Aye, on May 3rd, 2021.
Born in Rangoon, Burma on Sept. 17, 1946 to Dr. Kyaw Thet and Daw Khin Khin Gyi, she is survived by her brother, Dr. Lyn Aung Thet – (Dr Khin Mae Hla) and predeceased by her elder brother, Lyn Maung Thet, and younger sister, Khin Aye Thet.
She grew up and was educated in Rangoon, with an interlude in the USA while her parents completed their postgraduate studies at Yale. She graduated from the Institute of Medicine II, Rangoon, and immigrated to the USA, where she specialized in Pediatrics.
She established a private medical practice in San Jose, California where over several decades, she enjoyed nurturing relationships with generations of patients. Fearless, honest, warm and generous, as a teenager she sang in a girl group on the radio, and she loved to light up the dance floor. She took up competitive tennis, and later pickle ball, leading her teams on to victory. She also loved hosting bridge and mahjong groups.
She helped many people, both professionally and privately. With her husband, she founded the Aye-Thet Scholarship Fund which sponsors an annual summer camp for children, focusing on Buddhism and Meditation at the Dhammananda Theravada Monastery in Half Moon Bay, California.
Given current size limitations on gatherings, a family-only service will be held at Skylawn Cemetery in San Mateo. A memorial service may be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the
Theravada Buddhist Society of America (Aye-Thet Scholarship Fund), 17450 S. Cabrillo Hwy. Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Tribute by Thor Wynn Aye
**Khin Nyo Thet passed away peacefully, surrounded by her husband, Lyn Swe Aye and her children Mimi Thabyay Aye and Thor Wynn Aye on May 3rd, 2021 in Foster City, California.**
We’re coming to the end now. We’ve said our I love you’s and have started saying our goodbyes, or if you like, our farewells and until-next-times.
But while I have you, let me say thank you for all your love, attention, lessons learned and patience along the way. Thank you for fighting all these long years to stay alive.
Cancer three times in one life? It just doesn’t seem fair. And well it’s not.
You’re a good person who has spent her life in the service of others. A caretaker and healer of our youth, as a pediatrician. A dedicated, dutiful daughter who sacrificed to care for her mother, no matter the cost. A leader and the center of our Burmese community, helping recent immigrants find work, help, housing and most importantly a connection to their community. You were the mom on the block that gave all my friends hugs, kisses, meals, rides and love. Everybody loved you. And how could they not? We were so lucky to have you.
You’re the most important person in my life. I cannot imagine a world, my world without you.
But in the same breath, I see how much pain and suffering you’ve already endured. I can see your energy draining and see that the things that once brought you happiness, are now belabored and joyless.
I’ll miss your brutally honest feedback, your big warm hugs, your delicious cooking but more than anything, I’ll miss your Unconditional love. No matter what I did, where we were or how long we’d been apart, I knew you’d be thinking about me and missing me too. You’d always support and love me, with no strings attached. I’ve been so blessed to have you in my life.
But Mom, if you’re ready to go. I’m ready to let you.
I’ll miss you every day for the rest of my life. Go in peace and with our love and blessings.
You’ll always be in my heart. I love you.
Birthday Celebration for Dr. Lyn Aung Thet
March 16, 2021 By Dr. Khin Mae Hla
Ma Ma Shirley and Ko Robert brought home cooked gourmet dinner to Ko Swe Aye and Ma Nyo’s house for Lyn Aung’s birthday celebration: yummy whole duck roast, French onion soup, ravioli pasta, steamed crab, shrimp scampi, and chocolate cake from the famous Ettores bakery.
After this most scrumptious lunch we all went to Bayshore park for a stroll and did some bird watching along the shore of the bay. The tide was up so not as many shorebirds were seen like on the previous evening we went by ourselves when there were so many feeding in the flats at low tide.
My favorite love duet was sung by Ko Swe Aye and Ma Nyo.
From Dr. Lyn Swe Aye
Thank you to all our friends for your unfailing support through the hard times, your kind words and condolences. Friday, when we laid our beloved Nyo to rest, was a sunny day. We had a quiet ceremony. In her life, she found joy and gave joy. Now, peace.
Messages
Desiree Tin :
Lynston, You are such a wonderful husband and so Nyo Nyo found joy and give joy. I’m sure she is resting in peace at a higher abode now. Sharing the merits of the good deeds on her behalf.
Bo Zaw Win :
Thadu Thadu Thadu
Yasmin Vanya :
My thoughts and prayers with you all during this sad time. Her kindness, generosity and beautiful smile will never be forgotten! Please take care Ko Swe Aye.
Peggy Nut :
Thank you to you, Mi Mi and Thor for the tireless care, love, etc you all provided through hard times. It was a joy to see Ma Ma Nyo smiling on the family trips. She is an exceptional human being for all that she did in her life. Everyone will remember MMN and miss her. We are glad that Mi Mi and Thor are living in same State to comfort you. Plus all your wonderful friends are in California are reachable.
Thethar M Thwe :
My warm thoughts are with you Uncle Swe Aye, MiMi and Thor, as you are passing through this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Yin Mar :
Please take good care of yourself Uncle Aye. It has been a tough week for you. Auntie is an exceptional person and she will be missed by many. May her spirit rest in peace and may she be somewhere in this universe or at a “Kaung Ya Bone Yauk Ba Ze”. My thoughts and good wishes to you and your family.
Alison Hong Freeman :
Nyo was a special woman! We loved spending time with her. Sending our love to you, Mimi and Thor.
Mra Tun :
May she Rest In Peace.
Richard Myint :
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family for the past week or so. Life will go on. Stay strong!
Winsome Tun :
She gave so much love and joy to family and friends close to her and she deserve peace in a higher abode. Thiri and I donated to the nunnery as well as to 25 old folks living on my Mingaladon estate, rice, oil, milk packets, cookies for Ma Ma yesterday. We already miss her dearly. I would like you, Thapyae and Thor to know that You can count on us whenever you need anything. Please treat us as part of your family.
Ye Hla :
Just as family and friends joyfully welcome home, loved one returns afar, their own good deeds welcome those that have performed them as they go from this life to the next! Dhammapada 220
She used to follow my post on Dhamma Birth and rebirth endless rounds, seeking in vain I hastened on find who framed this edifice Birth incessantly! What a misery အနေဂဇာတင်ဂါထာ
Than Than Hman :
My heartfelt condolences to Ko Swe Aye, Thor n Thabyay. May God bless you all with peace and comfort.
Marshall Moran :
Lyn, so sorry for your loss.
Sherlie Bwa :
Please take good care of yourself, Ko Swe Aye. We will get-together. We all love you.
Lay Khine :
No words can describe how sorry I am for your loss. Pleas Accept my Deepest Sympathy.
Alvin Oak Soe Kha :
Ma Ma Nyo will be very sadly missed. May Ma Nyo Rest in Peace. Full respect from me, Ko Swe Aye for being a dutiful, loving and supportive husband to Ma Nyo throughout the years.
Cynthia Tin :
Ma Nyo had meaningful life. Have no words how much I’m sad. Also no words to say how much I thank both of you.
Merrylin Zaw-Mon :
You are so right. She was a very special person that emanated joy and shared it with everyone. That’s why she was loved by many and will be forever missed. I am so grateful I got to spend precious time with you and her. It was a precious gift she left me with. Thinking of you and hope to see you in the near future.
Ye Gaung :
Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with you all for your loss! She was our big sister to our family and will be in our memory forever. May she R.I.P.!
Yi Yi Myint Rossiter :
Rest in Peace my dear Ma Nyo. I will miss you forever.
Connie Wu :
My condolences to you and your family, she was a warrior and will be missed!!
Aung-Win Chiong :
Dear KSA, Mimi and Thor, we’re thinking and praying for you all. Ma Nyo was a positive, wonderful and lovely person. Nice to see that you all are so close and caring towards one another. We shall always remember the great times we had at your home, singing, dancing filled with laughter and great foods. Love Winnie and Lam Peng
Updates
HLN
Ko Swe Aye and Ma Nyo helped with “Htay Lwin Nyo’s Last Journey”.
Ko Swe Aye and Ma Nyo established “Aye Thet Scholarship”. The program grew to 150+ students attending the Summer Dhamma Camp at Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay. Ko Swe Aye and Thor have given Guest Lectures at the Camp.
Doctorate from Japan. Found his love life “Moe Moe”.
Due to immigration laws in Myanmar & Japan, the family decided to move to Auckland, New Zealand.
Organizer for RIT events in New Zealand.
Wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter
Articles
Two Forgotten Songs from RIT. One is a favorite of Saya U Tha Tun (Head of Department). Another is about Ma Ma Q & her fans (sayas and alumni).
Photo essay on Kyaik Hti Yo Development. Saya U Min Wun wrote a supplement article for the Project.
Letter to Thagyar Min to second his favorable opinion on Naw Louisa Benson (Miss Burma & movie actress).
About some paintings
Quoted Reverend F Lutvig (Ashin Ananda, Laureate Poet) in his articles.
Contact
He passed away, but Moe Moe kept contact with Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70) and other alumni in Australia.
(1) Forgotten Songs of RIT
by Kogyi Koung
First Song
It was one afternoon in the early May of 1963. Someone was singing a prewar semi-classic song from the second floor of RIT main building. In 1963, RIT buildings were relatively new and that semi-classic song caused a little bit of discomfort for the freshmen [equivalent to 3rd BE] located on the first floor. The song continued as, (. hmain: njou. njou. sain: lou. je . njou pja ji hmaung che . to: dan: kalei: nanbei: ga swe . e:di jwa be: kwe…)
The meaning is: Dull and gloomy cloud override at the horizon; Indistinct brown and dim bluish vision of a wood jetting out from that end is my village … *Note: The title of the song is ‘Htamin: mjein mjein sa: me’ i.e., “ထမင်းမြိန်မြိန်စားမယ် Enjoying the meal with relish”. The duet song was first performed by prewar famous singers Ou’ O: Ba Thaung and Sein Party. Later many other singers have rendered their own versions of the song.
We saw an old man singing the song while he was painting watercolor on a huge art paper. He was painting the landscape described in the song. Amazingly the picture was full of life and the song was telling the story. Everybody stopped in front of his office on the second floor and looking with wonder and singing with him.
After a while we asked him, “Sayagyi, who are you and which department do you belong to?” He replied, “I am U Tha Tun, Head of the Department of Architecture”. Oh, my God! How stupid that we, the freshmen of Architecture, don’t even know the head of our department. As time passed, we learned more about ‘The Great U Tha Tun’.
When we became senior students, U Tha Tun’s health deteriorated so much that Saya U Myo Myint Sein (Raymond, A58) stepped up as a ‘Kagemusha’ [Japanese for “shadow-warrior”]. UMMS, as acting head, took care of everything about the department. Young and energetic Saya UMMS found that it was not easy to steer the department as Captain of Architecture’s Flag Ship. There were lots of problems for a relatively young department in RIT.
One such problem occurred during our final year. Two of the most experienced Sayas of architecture left the department and went abroad [for enhancing their careers]. They were (a) Saya U Sein Maung (with elegant moustache) has long experience in Rangoon City Development Corporation. He taught each and every detail of the development of Rangoon. (b) Saya M.B. Raschid (son of U Raschid, minister of many affairs under Prime Minister U Nu). He taught with all his professional experience and perfect pronunciation of King’s Burmese with ‘zagaboun စကားပုံ’ proverbs. Sometimes he corrected our broken Burmese.
Saya UMMS, Head of the department, not only had lost his right and left hand men, but also there was a danger that the notorious Koung Nyunt and Kyaw Thein (both A67) might not finish their Architecture degrees.
After a long struggle, Saya UMMS stabilized the flagship of Architecture and its direction. A pioneer of the Architecture of RIT, Professor U Myo Myint Sein handed over the headship to Dr. Maung Kyaw in early 80’s. In the late 80’s Dr. Lwin Aung (A59) took over.
Second Song
For creative and original works, Architects cannot design during the office hours. It is also true [to a lesser degree] for the students of architecture. During the lectures and tutorial hours we [as students] have to follow what they have taught. After school hours [mostly after 4 or 5 pm], we start to create and test our design ideas. Note that for other students and staff of RIT, such periods are the pleasure and relaxation time.
There were only a few girls in Architecture, but the one in our studio is especially alluring beauty and glamorous face. She was so popular that she became known as the queen of the student-architects. We called her Ma Ma Q.
Most of the evenings many senior students and young eligible bachelors and/or sayas visit our studio. Some stay late into the evenings. At that time we sang a song named ‘Saga: ta’ kathou’ i.e., Language University, by Khin Yu May.
Because in the song, one part said ‘dage lar te. Ko Ko. kwe ja hmar ba lou lou’ i.e., really coming Ko Ko, out of sight he is sth in the air.
Ma Ma Q didn’t know the meaning, but the visiting Ko Kos were annoyed by our song. They politely requested us to stop singing. At that time the notorious KN and KT asked ‘hse’ kjei:’ i.e., extortion money about 2-3 kyats from the Ko Kos and went to U Chit tea shop. This continued for days and weeks.
When the Ko Kos are not visiting our studio, we sang the following song, instead of Ma Ma Q. i.e., Third Song. (Note. Extract from Shwe Kyi: nyo song by Daw Ngwe Myaing) ‘Diga nei. nya hpjin. lar ma te. so: joun ya hmar lar: akou Kja.ma ne. ne: te. Shwe kyi: nyo Shwe kyi: nyo Shwe kyi: nyo’ “To-night coming you said so, may I believe Ako.. Near the blessed golden crow, golden crow, golden crow…”
(2) Article (Sept/Nov 2000)
With all of those excellent works and flying colours for Saya Pu Zaw Pwe, your organizing committee is a living history of RIT. Our Sayas, Sayamas and Saya-Gyis have contributed their unlimited knowledge to affect and benefit our lives. Many of our Sayas and colleagues have sent their thanksgiving letters to your web site.
I feel guilty in staying quietly at a corner of the Southern Hemisphere. Actually I am busy, because of my article ‘Wanna Migrate to New Zealand, 3/15/00’ that you published on the ex-rit web site. After that article, I got many inquires/contacts by e-mail and direct phone calls, especially from SE Asia. In July there are 133 migrants and in September 28 migrants are now in Auckland, and expecting another over 50 in November 2000. All speak the common language “Burmese” with their own native accents. Now I know our Sayas and colleagues speak “King’s Burmese” in RIT.
I would like to honor my Sayas with a poem from our forefathers-cum-engineers how they had built a city.
Title: ‘SHWE PYI GYI’ (Golden Capital City)
Sweet sound of drums and silver bells Coming from the Palace Can be heard reverberating in the air And I can see the palace roofs, The graduated turrets and buildings Encompassed by haze. And, my dear girl, I can still faintly see The silhouettes of a high pagoda Reaching nearly to the clouds And of super-imposed roofs (i.e., pyathat) Oh my dear, don’t you hear A melodious sound of small bells Coming from the golden monastery? Our golden capital city must be near. (By U Ku: 1827-1895 Translated by Rev. Friedrich V. Lustig)
Dear Sayas and colleagues,
We see not only the Panoramic Photo of golden capital city of our ancient time, but can hear the sound-scape with audio-visual scene. Silhouettes effect of high pagoda in the haze has shown the air perspective of city skyline. We try to sketch the imaginary scene of ancient city in the architectural studios of RIT in the middle of 60’s. The discussion topic of ‘Ancient City Skyline’ is not only interested by the architectural students, but also from various students of other departments from RIT.
This is the starting point to form the ‘RIT Photographic Club’. According to my diary, first general meeting was chaired by Saya U Myo Myint Sein on Saturday, 1 May 1965 at the Department of Architecture. The general meeting selected Professor U Myo Myint Sein as President of RIT Photographic Club and the author as the secretary.
After forming the executive committee, the club took part in various activities and many outstanding photographers from the club took major prizes from Burma Photographic Society and Myawadi Magazine. e.g., Ko San Aung, M74 is the owner of the famous ‘Photo Lab USA’, (i.e., initials for U San Aung) in Yangon is originally from this club. Kjei: zu: tin: bar-de, many thanks for my Sayas and colleagues
Koung Nyunt (Auckland, New Zealand).
(3) Letter to Tha-gyar-min
by Kogyi Koung
Date: Thursday, 14 April 2011 (3:40pm. Thin-gyan Akya-ne.) P.O. Box; Top of the never used RIT water tower Ashe. Jo. Koun (East Gyogone): RIT Compound, Insein, Rangoon, Burma
Dear Your Majesty the Sovereign of Tawadein dha တာဝတိံသာ
As from the beginning of 1960’s our RIT is like the last paradise on earth, with all enjoyments, teachings, preaching, learning, playing sports and friendship never sails away. Kogyi Koung recollects the stories at the time of 60’s RIT and retold the fairy-tales to our Bushido-Burmans at gatherings in Auckland, NZ. However, the young generations of Maha Bandoola do not believe the stories, and they whispered by themselves that Kogyi Koung is now ‘Yin yin galay Yuu-nay-pyi-de’ ယဉ်ယဉ်ကလေး ရူးနေ ပြီတဲ့
Your Majesty the Tha-gyar-min-gyi please take this message to Tawadein dha and explain to my late Sayas and colleagues there, that my stories are not fabricated.
I have the evidences. For example, I have sent a message to RIT alumni update (February 6, 2010) as follows,
Dear U Hla Min,
It is sad news for our elder brothers at RIT, especially those who reside at E and F block during the beginning of 60’s.
A term called “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” မပြောမရှိကြနဲ့ဟေ့ was coined at that time. When I visited my elder brother [U Than Soe, M63] at E block (when I was at Leik-khone I.Sc). I heard somebody shout “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” Then I looked outside. Everybody lined up at corridor and they were looking at a far side on top of the entrance hall that is attached to a two story house.
I could not believe my eyes. She was a beauty queen, who had Miss Burma two times excising physical training on the porch. I noted down in my diary and the rallying cry “Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.” She is Naw Louisa Benson Craig. Now she has left our brothers’ heart at age 69.
Yours etc. (“Ma-pyo: mashi.ja ne he.”)
When I retold that story here at Auckland, everybody laughed like ‘Wa:lone kwe:aung ye kya de”. I said it is not a joke. I have evidence.
Also, Kogyi Koung explained about the following, written by Maung Maung Hla, a Karen pastor in Rangoon who was close to Naw Louisa during her youth, remembered her aloud : “She had a little mole on her cheek and she had a kind heart. She was also a very good singer.”
This statement has no evidence.
However, Tha-gyar-min-gyi if you find Naw Louisa at Tawadein dha, please ask if what I wrote is true?
(4) Architecture Students and Staff
I have an old group photo taken about the end of 1963, and all the known information are printed. Inside the brackets are where about of the person [at the time of the post].
Top of the photo:
Department of Architecture Rangoon Institute of Technology 1963 ~ 64
Bottom of the photo:
Front row, L to R
Jim Lim (3rd. Year) [?]
Ma Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, 1st.Year) [San Francisco, California, US]
U Myo Myint Sein B.Arch (Rgn) M. Arch (Mch) [Los Angeles, California, US]
U Tha Tun B.Sc, F.R.I.B.A. (Fellowship of Royal Institute of British Architects), A.A. Dip (Lond.), A.M.T.P.I.(Associate Member of Town Planning Institute), F.I.B.A., Head of Department [Deceased on 13 September 1974]
U Yone Mo B.Sc (Hon) Rgn, B.Sc (Engg)Lond, A.C.G.I, A.M.I. Mech.E, A.M.I.Loco.E, Principal [Deceased]
Mr. S. Ozhegov, Cand. Of Arch, Master of Fine Arts, UZBEK, U.S.S.R [Moscow]
Miss Rosalind Maung (Ma Pyi Aye, 2nd Year) [Rangoon]
Htin Myaing (Ben, 2nd Year) [New York, US]
2nd. Row, L to R
Tun Thein (1st Year) [Los Angeles, California, US]
Tin Aung (2nd Year) [Melbourne, Australia]
Yaco B.E. Mayet (3rd Year) [?]
Than Tun (3rd Year) [Rangoon]
Sonny Chin (2nd Year) [?]
Hla Thein (1st Year) [New York, US]
E. I. Jeewa (3rd Year) [?]
Aung Pa Win (1st Year) [Chicago, Illinois, US]
Back Row, L to R
Aung Kyaw Min (3rd Year) [Rangoon]
M. (Ku?) hlgh (2nd Year) [?]
Than Htike (3rd Year) [Warsaw, Poland]
William Chen (2nd Year) [?]
C. E. Munnee (1st Year) [?]
Koung Nyunt (1st Year) [Auckland, New Zealand, GBNF]
Kyaw Thein (1st Year) [Deceased 22 April 2001]
Absentees:
Win Myint (1st Year) [Rangoon]
Win Naing (1st Year) [?]
Note:
1st Year B. Arch, 10 students (8 passed and 2 failed) 2nd Year B. Arch, 5 students (3 passed and 2 failed) 3rd Year B. Arch, 6 students (3 passed and 3 failed) Several Architecture students failed in of a subject from other departments. There was no moderation. If one gets 49% or less of the grade, the student has to repeat all subjects next year.
Editor’s Note
I cannot find the photo mentioned by Kogyi Koung.
The early sayas and sayamas of the Architecture Department include :
U Thar Tun (GBNF)
Pi-thu-kar Kyaw Min (GBNF)
U Myo Myint Sein (USA)
U Bilal Raschid (USA)
Dr. Maung Kyaw (GBNF)
Dr. Lwin Aung (Retired as Pro-Rector)
Artist/Bagyee Aung Soe
U Maung Maung
U Sein Maung (Stanley Ba Pe)
U Maung Maung Phone Myint
Dr. Koung Nyunt (GBNF)
U Hla Than (Retired as Rector)
Daw Min Thet Mon (Pamela Myo Min, Retired Professor)
Visited former classmates, colleagues & students in Singapore
Hosts
Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) & Ma Kyu were our main hosts
Ko Ngwe Soe (Silver, UCC) & Ma Nu hosted us at their second home in Jahore. Silver took us to Melecca. Earlier he took us to Sentosa which was about to bring down the Lion Statue. He also wanted to jolt my memory of the “Myo Putt Ya Htar မြို့ပတ်ရထား”.
Gatherings
Mini gatherings
69ers
M73 group with their Saya U Tu Myint
ex-UCC & ex-ICST
Micro gatherings
Boe & Ma Phyu
Ma Pale & Ko Ye
Ko Zaw Tun & Ma Kyu offered Soon at their house (in addition to the regular ones at the Singapore Chan Myay Monastery).
Early November
Continued our trip
KK picked me up at the Mingalardon air port and placed me at a hotel.
KK hosted two gatherings : mostly professional speakers and coaches.
ILF
Flew to Mandalay to attend the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival. I was a Panelist at two sessions : one on Education and another on Poetry.
Panelist
During a break, Ko Thein Htut (UCC) took me on a quick trip around Sagaing & Mandalay.
Did not meet Ko Kyaw Kyaw Soe. He had to take a trip to see his ailing son.
Received an autographed copy from Ko Htein Win (Dat Pon). He had to wait a long time before he could publish his photos and related articles about two Dark Moments in Burma : U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin and 8-8-88.
Mid November to End of December
There were several gatherings back in Yangon in November and December, 2019.
RIT Gatherings
RIT 69er Monthly Breakfast Gathering
Golden Jubilee of 69ers (Main event at Gyogone Campus, Reunion Dinner organized by Ko Aung Min at his old office compound)
GJ of Graduation
Lunch hosted by Ko Tin Win (Min)
Guest of the Class of 72 (M72 Annual Gathering and PZP, additional : Indian Lunch, Chinese Dinner)
Guest at All Mechanical Gathering /Dinner
All Mech Gatherinng
Dinner by Ko Nyunt Htay
Ko Nyunt Htay
UCC / ICST Gatherings
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of UCSY/ICST
ICST PZP
Several ex-UCC gatherings (MICT, Sweetie’s apartment, Soon Kyway by Ko Soe Win & KZ, …)
Sweetie
SPHS Gatherings
Wedding of Eddie Shein’s daughter
Soon for Uzin Saya Beatson
With Sayadaw Beatson
RUBC
RUBC Annual Regatta
RUBC
Attendees include : U Tin U (Most Senior Past Captain), U Maung Maung Than Tun (Oldest Past Captain, GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain, GBNF), U Sein Htoon (Past Captain), U Myo Myint (Gold), U Tun Mra, U Tin Myint (GBNF), Dr. Thein Hlyne …
MARB
Veda
Visited the new Building
Thai Tarot Master donated Air Conditioners
Sun Lun
Some meditation sessions
Received two books from Mi Mi Win (Junior Win) about her grand parents U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit
Miscellaneous
Birthday Lunch by Ko Myint Toe & Ma Nwe
49th Anniversary of Saya Dr. Soe Win and Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin
Thar Yay (Zeyar’s house warming …)
Nar Yay (Ma Cherry’s demise…)
Other gatherings : Ma Hazel, my friends, my spouse’s friends…
Thanks for the rides : Ko Ohn Khine, Ko Win Maung (Lake), Ko Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Ko Tin Win, Ko Ye Myint, Ko Aung Myin Bo, younger son of Y Patail …
Updates
There were restrictions (for Travel & Gatherings) during the pandemic.
Eighteen 69ers & several family members succumbed to Covid
Some ex-UCC — U Mg Mg Lay, U Mg Mg Gyi, U Aung Myint — are GBNF.
Matriculated from St. Columban’s High School, Bhamo
His crew at RUBC comprised of Win Naing (Dicky, Cox, GBNF), Sein Tun, Fred Thetgyi and Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung)
Celebrated 40+ Wedding Anniversaries
David Myint Thein wrote : Great memories. Thank you so much for posting. Actually, crews have to follow the instructions of their cox, but, as we were same batch and close friends, we ignored Dicky’s voice and shouted back at him, especially Sein Tun. Ha, ha, but we were so happy to go to the Rangoon University Boat Club and rowing with our great cox, Dicky.
Myint Thein (Maung Kabar, M69)
Kabar (Front : Second from Left)Kabar in SingaporeKabar’s Last Journey
Organizer for 69er activities
Had medical exam in Singapore and India. To decide on treatment plans
Passed away in Yangon
Myint Thein (CJ)
Chief Justice, Union of Burma
Ambassador to China
Author / Translator; Pen name: MMT
Spouse: Daw Phwa Hmee (first Burmese Female Barrister at Law)
Siblings : U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Myint, Dr. Htin Aung, Daw Khin Mya Mu, Daw Khin Saw Mu, Daw Tin Saw Mu
We were in the same section in I.Sc (A) because Roll Numbers were based on Last Name. His Roll No. was B115. Mine was B116. B stands for Science Option. We did not choose the Bio Option (with the A prefix).
Chair, 69er Heath Care Fund
Super Organizer of 69er Activities
Called “Sein” Aung Min, “Platinum” Aung Min & “Rare Earth” Aung Min because he is extremely precious.
Aung Min (EC66)
Aung Min (EC66)
He had a micro-reunion in Singapore with his former classmate U Thaung Lwin.
Aung Min (Pet73)
Passed away in April 2019
Had medical treatment in Thailand & in an ICU in Yangon. Was told 60% chance of recovery.
Aung Min (Pet)
Aung Min (Phy)
Saya of our I.Sc(A) class in 1963
Aung Min (Thakin)
Went underground with his spouse
Returned & practiced indigenous medicine.
Spouse stayed behind.
Sein Aung Min
Zat Min Tha ဇာတ်မင်းသား
Saying
အောင် မင်း လွန် ရာ ကျ မယ်
Aung Min Gaung
Street အောင်မင်းခေါင်လမ်း
Pagoda in Windermere ဓာတ်ပေါင်းစုံအောင်မင်းခေါင်စေတီ
HlaMin 