After graduation, he worked as Systems Engineer for IBM (International Business Machines) Burma, which rented / leased Unit Record Machines to selected Government Departments.
Later moved to USA
Retired from Montgomery County in Maryland
Posts
Demonetization of K100 Note
Do you believe in luck?
My Barber
My Life Journey
My Stories
Aunt
Uncle & Aunt
Taught at Psychology Department at Rangoon University
Spouse of Dr. Peter Tun (Khin Tun, my cousin nephew)
During our visit to UK in September 2017, they hosted us
Peter & Win Mar
Peter was working at the NHS hospital and at a private clinic. He would show us around late in the evening (e.g. River Thames).
Tribute to Peter
Trip to Wales
On the week end Peter drove us to Ogmore-by-the-sea in Wales to visit Maung Maung Kyi & Khin May Than.
Trip to Ogmore-by-the-sea
Guide
She would be our guide during the week days.
We took bus and train to see Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace & tourist attractions. Since she had been to those places many times, she would patiently wait for us near the entrance / exit gate. As seniors, we received discount on the bus and train fares.
She keeps fit by massaging her feet in a bucket full of salt. She also climbs up and down the stairs to do her chores (cooking, washing, drying clothes in the backyard).
Chefs
Both are outstanding Chefs.
She is selective in eating food. She prefers Burmese specialties over Chinese, Indian & British food (with the exception of “Fish and Chips” sold at the shop owned by Peter’s assistant).
Love Story
With young Min Ko
She would tell stories (esp. to my spouse).
When she was working as a teacher in Hlegu, Peter would come over with a food container. Guess what. Peter brought mashed potatoes not knowing that she did not have appetite for non-Burmese food.
Later, they regained contact by chance at the Chauk Htutt Yone (6-storey Govt. office).
Peter asked her for a date.
He handed over a 7-page “Yee Zar Sar”. Win Mar appreciated the Open Book approach. Peter listed his puppy love, current & potential suitors.
Peter agreed to settle in Mezaligone. They spent a long time there.
Peter’s sayas & friends finally suggested him to study for MRCP.
2020
Covid
In late March, Peter told me that COVID-19 had hit UK, but Reading did not have many cases.
Nevertheless, he showered every day (before & after work) as a precaution.
He treasured Win Mar’s health.
Then, we heard bad news. Five of Peter’s patients tested positive for COVID-19. Peter was asked to “self isolate” at his home.
Per his brother, sister & nieces, Peter felt confident that he would be victorious.
After a week, Peter’s health declined and was admitted to ICU.
A few days later, Win Mar had fever and cough. Min Ko & Ye Lay (who could not visit the house due to the “self-isolation”) called ambulance. The medics checked Win Mar and suggested to wait a few days.
Hospitalization
Peter passed away on April 13.
Win Mar was taken to the hospital for observation & treatment.
Her health and appetite returned. She requested “Fish and Chips”. It was a sign that she still have a good memory. Her friends (esp. Ma Theingi) cooked Burmese meals.
She was discharged on April 29.
She was able to attend the service for Peter on April 30.
She spoke with Cho Cho Hlaing (Peter’s youngest aunt) in the video conference, “Peter was born on a Monday and passed away on a Monday. He must have run out of his life span. KAN KONE LOH SONE THWAR DA. ကံကုန်လို့ ဆုံးသွားဒါ”
Win Mar now has close company of of her sons Ye Lay and Min Ko (who still had lease for a flat 5 minutes away).
They offered One Month Soon Kyway to Birmingham Sayadaw U Ottara Nyana.
They also celebrated Ye Lay’s birthday a few days later.
Peter & Win Mar at Min Ko’s Wedding Reception
Updates
After attending Min Ko’s wedding reception, Peter’s relatives — aunt, uncle, brother, cousins — had a gathering in Sydney.
Peter chose to fly back to UK to take care of his patients. Sadly, he might have been infected by a patient.
Peter was looking forward to his retirement and the day when he would be a proud grandpa.
Win Mar has a consolation prize. She could spend quality time with her two granddaughters.
In the 1961 – 62 Academic Year, the Faculty of Engineering of Rangoon University moved to the Gyogone Campus.
It was named Burma Institute of Technology (BIT).
Sayas & Sayamas
U Yone Mo served as Dean.
U Sein Hla served as Registrar.
Newly minted sayas & sayamas include U Aung Soe (C), U Maung Maung Win (M), Daw Tin Tin Ohn (T) & Daw Julie Han
Matriculation & HSF
In 1961, the last Matric & High School Final exam took place. Those who pass the exam could attend the University.
In 1962, there were separate exams for Matric & HSF. Those who pass HSF had to take the Matric exam in order to attend the University.
2nd SEAP Games
RU athletes in 2nd SEAP Games
In December 1961, Burma hosted the 2nd South East Asian Peninsular Games.
Burma placed First (according to the Tally of Medals) in the Games. Burma was dominant in Track & Field, Swimming & Diving (to name a few).
About 20 students Rangoon University represented Burma in the Games. Several won Gold Medals : Tun Mra (4 x 100 meters relay), Soe Mra (Pole Vault), Kyaw Han (Volleyball), Richard Yu Khin (Yachting).
Ko Richard (GBNF) provided the group photo. He also wrote about the swimming training with Ko Tin Maung Ni under a Japanese coach.
Met Ko Tun Mra, Ko Khin Maung Latt & Ko Tin Myint (GBNF) at the RUBC/YUBC Annual Regatta in December 2019. Ko Tun Mra mentioned that he, Ko Kyaw Mra (GBNF), Ko Soe Mra & Ko Tun Naung represented Burma in the first SEAP Games held in Bangkok in 1959.
1962
Coup d’etat
On March 2, 1962, a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat. Sao Shwe Thaik’s son was killed.
Mahn Win Maung (President), U Nu (Prime Minister), U Myint Thein (Chief Justice), several high ranking officers & Sawbwas were imprisoned.
U Myint Thein was among the first to be detained and the last to be released. He was given only a part day off to attend the last journey of his spouse Daw Phwa Hmi (pioneer Burmese female barrister).
Sama Duwa Sinwa Naung had been selected to succeed Mahn Win Maung as the President, but the Coup ended the democratic parliamentary system.
Sama Duwa Sin Wa Naung
HSF Exam
The HSF exam results for Rangoon Division was annulled claiming a leakage of exam questions.
The students had to retake the HSF exam in August, 1962.
Dark Days in July
There were two Dark Days.
Student protesters faced indiscriminate shooting on July 7, 1962. The newspapers & Myanmar Ah Than said that there were 17 victims.
Ko Aung Khin who was killed by a stray bullet on his way back from RUBC to his home in Windermere Road was listed as the 17th casualty.
On July 8, 1962, the revered RU Student Union Building was demolished.
1963
Matric Exam
SPHS63 Scholarship Winners
Most exams were held in March. However, the Matric exam in 1963 was held in May.
St. Paul’s High School had five students in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
Anniversary of 7th July
In July 1963, the first Anniversary of 7th July 1962 was celebrated with posters, pamphlets & magazines.
Some time later, the higher authorities announced the closure of most schools except the Faculty of Medicine & the Faculty of Engineering.
Rangoon University Boat Club
Dinner to celebrate the RUBC 40th Anniversary
Annual Regatta was canceled citing security reasons.
Sithu U Tin (President) decided not to cancel the Dinner commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC by Sit Arthur Eggar (Law Professor).
1964
Scholarship for USSR & East Bloc
Soviet Union and East Bloc nations offered scholarships for undergraduates & graduates.
Some classmates (who were concerned about how long the schools will close) applied & were accepted.
Maung Maung Kyi studied Chemical Engineering (specializing in Pulp & Paper) at Dresden University, GDR.
New Education System
Shwe YaDu
Enacted in November 1964
The reorganization saw former Faculties as independent Institutes with their own Rector and Registrar. The remaining faculties of Rangoon University became Rangoon Arts & Science University (RASU).
Under the new Education system, BIT became Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT). It had autonomy. U Yone Mo served as Rector. U Soe Thein (former student leader) served as Registrar.
Matriculates were admitted to the fresher classes at the Universities & Institutes using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA).
The marks for each subject were converted to an ILA score (1 – 20). Those who have a balanced score can have a higher ILA than someone who has high marks in most subjects but a low score in one subject.
There were name changes to the degrees offered, e.g B.E instead of B.Sc.(Engg)
Majors were introduced.
LL.B was offered.
Luyechun
The program was initiated in the Summer of 1964.
Outstanding students from middle school and high school was chosen as Luyechun. They were sent to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp.
Oke Soe Kha (MEHS), Win Aung (TTC) and Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw) were some High School Luyechuns.
1965
Nationalization
On April 1, 1965 private schools were nationalized.
St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) became No. 6 Botathaung State High School.
Methodist English High School (MEHS) became No. 1 Dagon State High School.
Luyechun Camps
Inlay Luyechun
The Luyechun program was extended to students of Universities & Institutes in the summer of 1965.
I was selected as RIT Luyechun along with Ko Sein Shwe, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin, and Ko Zaw Min. We were sent to the newly opened Inlay Khaung Daing Camp was added.
The Rangoon Combined Camp was the meeting point for those from Ngapali Camp and Inlay Camp.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) successfully sent Apollo-11 to land men on the moon and bring them safely back to the earth (as envisioned by JFK).
Apollo 11
Neil Armstrong — Civilian Commander; First man on the moon
Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin — Lunar Module Pilot; Second man on the moon
Michael Collins — Command Module Pilot
My Poem
The poem honoring the Apollo 11 Mission was published in the Guardian newspaper.
A copy of the poem was given to Mr. Hall (USIS), who forwarded it to NASA and the astronauts.
Updates
Neil Armstrong became a University Professor
For some time, Buzz Aldrin was depressed for not being the first to set foot on the Moon. He later competed in “Dancing with the Stars”.
Michael Collins reply to interviewers : “The mission needed three astronauts. I am 1/3 of the success.” He wrote a book.
Apollo 13 had a technical problem. The saga was recounted in a book and a movie.
Apollo 17 had a Scientist Astronaut.
A mini-history was published based on the interviews with Astronauts.
Fifth month in the old Roman Calendar, and it had 30 days. The month was given an extra day and renamed in honor of Julius Caesar.
Seventh month in the Gregorian Calendar.
My father’s birthday
My beloved fatherMy parents
Born on 1st July.
Passed away in his 80s.
Men on the Moon
Apollo 11 Mission
Eagle (Lunar Module) landed in Tranquility Bay on the Moon on July 20, 1969.
Neil Armstrong (Mission Commander) was the first to land on the moon.
Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin (Lunar Module Pilot) was the second to land on the moon.
Michael Collins (Command Module Pilot) circled the Moon and waited for his crew mates to return from the Moon.
I wrote a poem “Men on the Moon”. A copy was sent by Mr. Hall (Information Officer, USIA) to NASA. The poem was published in the Guardian.
Men on the Moon
US Independence
4th of July
Martyrs’ Day
July 19, 1947
Bogyoke Aung San, six ministers, a Secretary and a bodyguard were assassinated.
Translation of Invictus Aung San
Nine Arzanis were gunned down on July 19, 1947. Eight perished that day. One succumbed a day later.
Arzanis
Bogyoke Aung San passed away at the tender age of 32 Children : U Aung San Oo, Aung San Lin (GBNF), Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Thakin Mya. : Considered as Deputy Prime Minister
Deedoke U Ba Cho : Minister, Journalist ; Grand children : Dr. Khin Hla Cho, Daw Khin Myint Cho
Mahn Ba Khaing : Transported Bogyoke (saved & brought by Marie Hla Taw) back; Daughter : Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing
Mong Pawn Sawbwa Sao San Htun : passed away in the hospital on July 20, 1947; has a hospital named after him; Son Sao Hso Holm
U Ba Win : Bogyoke’s elder brother; Son Dr. Sein Win
U Razak : Nominated by monks; Former Principal of National School; Sons U Tin Myint & U Hla Kyi
ICS U Ohn Maung : Dy. Secy; Was asked to report on behalf of his minister; Sons U Tin Maung Thein, Francis & Dr. Min Min
Yebaw Maung Htwe : U Razak’s bodyguard
There are books (e.g. “Who killed Aung San?”, Eliminate the Elite” by Kin Oung) and documentaries (e.g. “Who really killed Aung San?” by BBC program) about the fateful event.
Eliminate the Elite
Dark days in July 1962
According to the newspapers, 17 died on July 7, 1962.
Ko Aung Khin was stuck by a stray bullet as he was returning from RUBC to his home in Windermere Road. He was listed as the 17th victim.
Anniversary celebration of 7th July in 1963 ended with the closure of Universities with the exception of the Faculties of Medical and Engineering.
The revered Student Union was demolished on July 8, 1962.
Selected by Matthew Hunter to take the entrance exam to study M.B.,B.S. at Calcutta University;
F.R.C.S — Royal College (Edin)
F.A.C.S — American College
F.I.C.S — International College
Police Surgeon
MS, RGH (during the Japanese Occupation)
Rector, IM (1)
Shan Lay (ရှမ်းလေး Soccer)
Zwe A Nyeint ဇွဲအငြိမ့်
Children : Kyaw Than (Georgie), Khin May Than (Kitty), Khin May Aye (Amy)
See book by Dr. Myint Swe
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Dr. U E
Dr. U E
M.B.,B.S.(Rgn.)
L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S (Lond.)
D.T.M.&H. (Edin.)
F.R.C.P (Edin.)
Rector, IM(2)
Children : Bertie, Shirley, Babsy
GBNF
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Dr. Maung Maung Gyi
Dr. Maung Maung Gyi
M.R.C.S. (Eng.)
L.R.C.P. (Lond.)
Rector, Mandalay IM
GBNF
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Dr. Ko Gyi
Ophthalmologist
Medical Superintendent of EENT Hospital
Children : Tin Oo, Glory, Aung Khin, Thein Wai
GBNF
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Col. Min Sein
Dean, Medical College
Spouse : Dr. Daw Yin May
Children : Dr. Thein Htut, Tin Tin Aye
GBNF
Dr. Daw Yin May
First recipient of Fellowship in three Disciplines
MS, Dufferin Hospital
Spouse : Col. Min Sein
Children : Dr. Thein Htut, Tin Tin Aye
GBNF
Dr. Maung Gale
Dean of the Rangoon Medical College from 1959 – 1962
Translated Grey’s Anatomy to Burmese and handed over the manuscripts to Dr Norma Saw.
GBNF
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Dr. Khin Maung Win
Pathologist
DG of ME
Head of Medical Board to examine those chosen for States Scholarship
GBNF
See article by Dr. Mg Mg Nyo
Dr. Mya Tu
Dr. Mya Tu
Founder-Director of Burma Medical Research Institute (BMRI) which later became DMR.
Compiled the Magnum Opus (“Who’s who in Medicine in Burma?”) with his spouse Khin Thet Hta.
Passed away in Australia
See post by Dr. TOKM
Dr. Tin U
Initiated the study of Pediatrics in Burma as a separate discipline.
Medical Superintendent of Rangoon Children’s Hospital.
See post by Dr. TOKM
Dr. P. R. Mohan
Dr. Mohan
Served in the Burma Army Medical Corps from 1939 – 1945 as a medical officer in Burma theater, and discharged as a Major at the completion of World War II.
Passed away in USA in 2005. He was 88 yrs old.
Dr. Mohan & Dr. Daw Hnin Yi
Dr. Mohan and Dr. Daw Hnin Yi (Rosie) are remembered by several former students and colleagues.
See posts by Dr. TOKM, Timmy & Mona
Dr. Nay Win
MS, Psychiatric Hospital
Spouse : Dr. Daw Khin Si
GBNF
Dr. Nay WinDaw Khin Si
Dr. Pe Nyun
Pe Nyun & Pe Thein at 1948 Independence Day Regatta
Past Captain & Gold, RUBC
Pediatric Surgeon
Led team to operate conjoined twins (Ma Nan Soe & Ma Nan San)
Wrote Memoirs for family members & relatives
Passed away in Canada
Brother : Dr. Pe Thein
Dr. Pe Thein
RUBC Gold
Professor
Retired Minister of Health & Education
Passed away
Brother : Dr. Pe Nyun
Spouse : Dr. Kyu Kyu Swe
Dr. Htut Saing (Harry Saing)
Dr. Harry Saing
Second Lead to operate conjoined twins (Ma Nan Soe & Ma Nan San)
All-round athlete : Burma Selected in Cricket, Hockey & Rowing
Past Captain & Gold, RUBC
1958 ARAE Champion for Coxless Pairs
1960 ARAE Champion for Coxed Fours
Worked at RCH and Hong Kong
Passed away in Hong Kong
Siblings : Sheila, Victor, Shirley
See posts & my article in RUBC 90th Anniversary Magazine
Dr. Thein Toe
Headed Nutrition Research at BMRI / DMR
Spouse : Khin Thitsar
Passed away in UK
Dr. Thein Toe and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry)
Dr. Kyaw Win
Army Doctor / Bogyoke
Ambassador to UK and US
Spouse : Kyi Kyi Chit Maung
Sons : Htut Kyaw Win, Aung Kyaw Win
See post by Dr. TOKM
Dr. Daw Khin Than Nu
Pioneer of Neonatal Care in Burma
Regularly attended IM(1) Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
Left to visit her son Win Htut in the USA
When she passed away, Win Htut gave a soon kwyay in her memory at Mettananda Vihara.
Dr. TheinHtut
RUBC Gold
Moved to Australia
Spouse : Wendy Sein
Dr. Nyunt Win (Eddie Tha Win)
Neurologist
Moved to Australia
Spouse : Marie Yu Khin
GBNF
Dr. Daw Kyin Yee
Worked in Myanmar before following her spouse Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto64) to Beijing where he was working for UN.
Relocated to USA and volunteered for meditation retreats.
GBNF
Dr. Aung Khin Sint
Medical doctor with a passion for “Public Health”
Won the National Literary Award for his book on the “Awareness and Prevention of Diseases”
Deputy Director with the Ministry of Health
Led protests in the 8-8-88 movement
Vilified for his criticism of the “unconstitutional” proposals and for running as an MP for the NLD in the 1990 elections
GBNF
SPHS59
Dr. Khin Maung Gyi (Kevin)
The Gardener
(A tribute to all teachers)
Let me introduce to our teacher Who is also a guardian and preacher Guiding and nurturing from a youthful age To raise us up with a healthy image.
As soon as the morning bell tolls He started his routine – heart and soul Never does he skips a single day Sickness and malady are kept at bay.
He may be tired, his voice may whimper His zest and zeal, nothing gets dimmer Never to be seen in fits or rage Happy and contented on not so high a wage.
His loving kindness is like a mountain Goodwill from him flows like a fountain He looks after us as one of his own His empathy towards us is very well known.
Hearing the success of his ‘daughters and sons’ He beams as though ‘a war was won’ He is now overjoyed and highly thrilled His life seems to be thus fulfilled.
SPHS60
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint
TOKM 1TOKM 2
Top Paulian in his class, and stood 6th in the Matric exam.
Founded the group “Alumni of the Institute of Medicine in Myanmar (Overseas)”
Wrote about his mentors (Aba U Hla Myint, Dr. Tin U) and other trail blazers.
His former students published a book for his 70th birthday.
Dr. Min Lwin
Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Than Toe
Sports Medicine
Rehabilitation
Admin, RUBC
GBNF
Dr. Saw Naing (Henry)
Professor
GBNF
SPHS61
Dr. Kyaw Win (Robin Ban)
Stood 2nd in Burma
Moved to Australia
SPHS63
Dr. Khin Maung U
SPHS
Stood 1st in Burma. First student to have almost perfect score in Maths, Chemistry and Physics with 299 marks out of the possible 300. Grapevine says that Chief Examiner of Physics reluctantly took back a mark.
Retired from FDA
Sharing KMU Medical Reports
Scholarship Winners
Dr. Myo San (Freddie)
Stood 3rd in Burma
Early retirement as Surgeon
GBNF
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor)
Stood 4th in Burma
Retired as Professor of Physiology
Taught at IM & Malaysia
Published “50 Kauk Kyaung Kabyars”
Dr. Thein Wai
Stood 5th in Burma
Moved to USA after graduation
Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Mg Mg)
Stood 9th in Burma
Army Doctor / Cardiologist
Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale)
Stood 17th in Burma
Retired Medical Doctor / Examiner / Registrar (in UK)
SPHS64
Maurice & Aung Win
Dr. Aung Win Chiong
Had second highest “raw” score behind Dr. Cherry Hlaing & Dr. Lyn Aung Thet.
Had perfect ILA score & was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One.
Now retired
Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice)
Admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two
Surgeon (with Practice in UK and Myanmar)
SPHS65
Paulian Doctors
Dr. Yi Thway (Edwin)
Fifth highest marks
Admitted to IM(1) as Roll Number (1)
Passed away in UK
Spouse : Kyi Kyi Hla (BDS)
Dr. Paing Soe (Freddie)
Had same marks as Dr. Yi Thway.
Admitted to IM(1) as Roll Number (2)
Medical Research
Thanks to TOKM (Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint) and VNW (Dr. Victor Nyunt Wai) for their input and feedback.
Dr. Mya Tu
Founded Burma Medical Research Institute (BMRI). BMRI later became Directorate of Medical Research (DMR). DMR had branches in Upper and Lower Burma.
Served as Director General.
Was a physiologist.
He and his spouse compiled a directory of medical professionals in Burma.
Passed away at the age of 91 in Australia.
Dr. Thein Htut & Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint gave eulogies at Saya’s service.
Dr. Aung Than Ba Tu
Fondly known as ATBT
Succeeded Dr. Mya Tu.
Requested UCC to give lectures on computing at BMRI. I was a Guest Lecturer.
In his 90s, he is still active, giving talks and participating in the editorial team of a certain journal.
Dr. Khin Maung Tin
MS of the Rangoon University Sanatorium.
Succeeded Dr. ATBT.
Specialized in liver diseases
Passed away the earliest (heard it was a heart attack)
Survived by Dr Daw Htay Kyi, a TB specialist.
Dr. May May Yi
Met Sayama at the Inlay Luyechun camp in the summer of 1965.
Physiologist
Professor of Physiology at the Institute of Medicine.
Became DG at BMRI.
GBNF
Dr. Than Shwe
Microbiologist
After retirement, he moved to USA.
He stays active by guiding high school students for their SAT tests.
Dr. Paing Soe
Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1965.
Selected Luyechun.
DG of DMR.
Retired as Deputy Minister of Health.
Researchers
Dr. Thein Toe (GBNF)
Dr. Cho Nwe Oo
Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (GBNF)
Dr. Htay Htay (GBNF)
Dr. Khin Maung U
Dr. Kyaw Min (Retired as Acting DG)
Group photo : Young researchers (BMRI- DMR)
Medical Researchers
L to R: U Aung Myint, Dr Htay Htay, Saya (Prof Mya Tu), Dr Myo Thein, U Ba Aye (statistician), Dr Pe Thaung Myint (sports medicine), Dr Htin Kyaw (physiologist).
St. John Baptist De La Salle founded the Order in the Catholic Church.
A Brother takes three vows:
Chasity
Loyalty
Poverty
The mission of the Brothers is to promote Education.
They build De La Salle Schools in several Countries.
De La Salle Schools in Burma
First Two Schools
In 1860, De La Salle Brothers set up St. Patrick’s High School in Moulmein (Mawlamyaing).
A few months later, the Brothers set up St. Paul’s High School in Rangoon (Yangon).
Celebrations
Centennial Celebrations were held in 1960.
Sesquicentennial Celebrations were held in 2010.
Schools & Badges
De La Salle Schools
St. Patrick’s High School, Moulmein
St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon
St. Paul’s HS BadgeSt. Paul’s HS Blazer Coat
St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay
St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo
St. Joseph’s High School, Loikaw
St. Columban’s High School, Bhamo
De La Salle School, Twante
B.O.B
Brothers’ Old Boys
Former Students of De La Salle Schools
A senior did not like being called B.O.B
Paulians
Students from St. Paul’s HS are known as Paulians.
Former students are known as Old Paulians. They include
U Ba Khin — Auditor General, Vipassana Teacher
U Tin Tut — First ICS by Invitation
U Tin Tut
U Chan Htoon — Justice
Dr. Ba Han — Law Professor, Lexicographer
Dr. Ba Han
Dr. Ba Maw — RU English Lecturer, Politician, Adipati
U Than Aung — SPHS Burmese Teacher, AFPFL Minister of Education
SPHS Honor Roll
Honor Roll
During our school days, St. Paul’s HS displayed an Honor Roll with Outstanding Matriculates starting from the 1950s.
U Ba Khin stood First in Matric in the Pre-war days.
Post-war saw SPHS heading the top list for most academic years. The following Paulians stood First in Burma in the Matric exam.
George Chapman (1951)
Dr. Nyunt Tin (1952) — heading Top Two
Koon Yin Chu (1954)
Dr. Soe Win (1958) — heading Top Two
Dr. Frankie Ohn (1959) — heading Top Four
Dr. Khin Maung U (1963) — heading Top Five
After nationalization, the Honor Roll disappeared.
It was recovered by Ko Soe Nyunt (Taw Win Hnin Si, SPHS66).
It is now displayed in St. Paul’s Museum.
Old Paulian’s Association
During our school days, Old Paulian’s Association (OPA) was inside the school compound.
SPHS63OPA Invitation
Dinner in 1963
On 30th June 1963, ten of us were invited to the Annual OPA Dinner.
Khin Maung U (1st)
Min Oo (2nd)
Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd, GBNF)
Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, 4th)
Thein Wai (5th)
Hla Min (7th)
Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Maung Maung, 9th)
Maung Maung Kyi (11th, GBNF)
Aung Thuyein (Brownie Way, 13th, GBNF)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, 17th)
After Nationalization
On 1st April 1965, private schools were nationalized. Non-native Brothers moved left Burma. e.g Bro Charles to UK, Bro Felix to Germany, Bro Austin to Malaysia.
SPHS became No. 6 Botathaung State High School.
OPA moved out of the school compound. Sadly, OPA allowed non-Paulians to join for billiards and drinks.
Revival
It took some time before Old Paulians — mostly from late 50s and early 60s — took over OPA and organized Reunions & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes.
OPA also awarded prizes to the children of Old Paulians who had done well academically (mostly in high school).
OPA held Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes yearly.
Pu Zaw Pwe Invitation
SPHS Sayas & Sayamas
SPHS Brothers & Sayas
Some joined SPHS from KG. They would know more sayas & sayamas than me.
SPHS Sayas & Sayamas
After standing second in 3rd standard at PPBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School), I transferred to Std. IV (D) at SPHS. As Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint noted, most of the transfer students were placed in Section (D).
Sections (A) & (B) were reserved for bright students and some Catholics.
I had to be in the Top Two for four consecutive years, before I was assigned to Section (A) in Std. VIII.
My Class Teachers include :
Ms. A Benjamin (IVD)
Mrs. V Boudville (VD)
U Pe Tin (VID)
U Nge (VIID)
Brother Anthony (VIIIA)
Brother Xavier (IXA)
Brother Austin (XA)
Ms. Amelia Kyi
(Miss Hong Kong)
She taught us English in VI and VII Standards. She would fine 25 pyas for failing the weekly test. However, she would reward 50 pyas for topping the test. My daily pocket money was 25 pyas.
Brother Xavier
He taught us English in VIII and IX. He would mark a dictation test starting out with 100 and then subtracting 10 for every spelling error. One of my classmates ended with -130.
He would also punish (often with a cane) for making grammatical mistakes.
For some reason, Brother Xavier stopped being strict after he transferred from St. Paul’s to St. Albert’s.
After Nationalization, he moved back to UK. He supposedly left the Order.
Brother Austin
He taught us English in X. He also taught “Morals and Manners” for the period when the Catholic students studied Catechism. He was School Librarian and also in charge of the 8mm projector. Every week, he would take us to the School Library (which had books donated by Ford Foundation & Asia Foundation), ask us to check out a book and write a review over the weekend.
For “Morals and Manners” class, he would ask us to recite poems from the book. The first three who recited perfectly could take “time off for the rest of the period”. I was lucky to win a few special prizes : a ticket to see “1960 Rome Olympics” documentary at Thamada (President) cinema, and a book covering North America (complete with history and atlas).
He abhorred plagiarism. He said, “It’s okay if you do not have time to finish your homework. But don’t copy other’s works. It’s a waste of time for you and me.”
Contrary to his expectations, I did not end up in the Top Three. I stood 7th.
After Nationalization, Brother Austin moved to a De La Salle School in Malaysia, and continued teaching until his demise.
Saya Sein
He was our Burmese teacher in High School. He taught us “Mingala Pa Pun Lu Na Ta Tu Ti Sein Ta Ti Ti Mingala” as an example of giving the meaning of Pali words. He is the father of Dr. Soe Win (1st in Burma in 1958, Chemistry Saya, Administrator at ICST, Retired Rector of YUFL)
Saya Kyaw Sein (brother in law of Saya Sein) taught VII(A) and was our relieving teacher.
Subject Teachers
Brother Clementian — Maths
Brother Joseph — Lab
Saya Beatson — Physics
Saya D’Cruz — Chemistry
Saya Nyunt Maung — Burmese & Art Subjects
Saya Htay Myint — History & Geography
Saya Htwe — Art Subjects
Relieving Teachers
Saya Lewis — English
Saya Timms — English
Saya Kyaw Khin — Maths
Saya Johnny Myo — Maths
Saya M. Hla Min — Physics
Saya Hla Myint — Physics
Saya Kyaw Oo — Class Teacher from different section
Saya Aye — Class Teacher from different section
Saya San Thein — Class Teacher from different section
SPHS VI DSPHS VIII AVIII B
Updates
Some schools have an associated Juniorate or Seminary.
Three classmates — Bernard Taylor, Edwin David & Anthony Lourdes — became Priests.
Most of our sayas are GBNF. The exception is Uzin Beatson (former Physics teacher & Scout master).
Uzin Beatson & former students
U Aye (M62) matriculated from St. Patrick’s HS. He posted some photos and mentioned some Outstanding students.
Some students joined St. Paul’s HS but matriculated from No. 6 Botathaung SHS.
St. Paul’s Museum was opened on the recent St. Paul’s Day (29th June). U Nay Oke (St. Paul’s) is a Patron of OPA.
Nay Oke
St. Peter’s HS students were 1st, 2nd and Joint 3rd in the Matric of 1956.
Albertians — Zaw Min & Tommy Shwe — were admitted as Top Students to RIT in November 1964.
David Myint Thein (M69) and Khin Maung Myint (M70) matriculated from St. Columban’s HS.
I am trying to emulate their philanthropy by sharing my knowledge & expertise.
Sharing Knowledge & Expertise
Jack of All Trades; Master of Some
Proponent of Youth Leadership
Sharing Knowledge & Expertise gained as
Software Engineer / Craftsman
Consultant
Distinguished Toastmaster
Author & Blogger
Translator & Interpreter
Editor of newsletters & books
Folklorist & Historian
Recording history of our beloved land
Love history
HMEE TeamHMEE Book
Was Member of “History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project”. U Ohn Khine (M70) & I compiled CD supplement for HMEE book.
Was Docent at the “Computer History Museum” in Mountain View, California, USA.
CHM
Published 2500+ posts
Broadcast 220 Short Talks from August 2020 to February 2021. Can be viewed using @hmin3664 on YouTube
YouTube Channel for my videos
Hope that my posts &videos will be helpful to scholars and historians in Myanmar and beyond.
Wrote articles, reviews, poems & translations for
National Foreign Language Center at University of Maryland, College Park : Burmese Language Lessons (Listening and Reading)
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife ABC-CIO Press : Can access my articles from Google Books.
Encyclopedia
MoeMaKa : Online Publication
RIT Alumni Newsletter : from April 1999 – present
RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung : Poems for SPZP-2002 & 2007; Article in SPZP-2010
SDY Sar Saung for SPZP-2002
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine : Article for Shwe Yadu 2014
SDY Magazine for Shwe YaDu 2014
History of Myanmar Engineering Education : U Ohn Khine (M70) & I compiled CD Supplement for HMEE Book
CD for HMEE Book
BAPS Newsletter : Contributing Editor
BAPS Newsletter
Dhammananda Newsletter : Contributing Editor for Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California & Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)
Dhammananda Newsletter
Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silanandabhimvama : Contributing Editor & Member of Publications Committee
Homage to U Silananda
Rangoon University Boat Club : Contributing Editor for 90th Anniversary Issue
RUBC Magazine
Guardian Newspaper : Poems (e.g. Men on the Moon); Articles (e.g. Computers and Applications) in English
Men on the Moon
Working People’s Daily (WPD) : Poems (e.g. Phaung daw-u Festival); Translation (e.g. Still So Young) in English
Phaungdaw-u Festval
Forward Magazine : Poems (e.g. To the Fallen Warrior) in English
To the Fallen Warrior
Veda Magazine (ဝေဒ) : Articles for Burma Astro Research Bureau
Pan Magazine (ပန်) : Articles in Burmese
High School Mathematics Project : Member of Editorial Team
Team of System Specialists : Computer Education & Application
Set Hmu Thadin Zin (စက်မှုသတင်းစဉ်) : Short notes
Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (လျှပ်စစ်စာစောင်) : Article for RIT EE
I have volunteered for
Computer History Museum
History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project
Toastmasters International
SF Bay Area ACM Chapter
2010 Census Count Committee
RIT Alumni International
NorCal RIT Alumni Association
Tathagata Meditation Center
Theravada Buddhist Society of America
Souvenirs
Dream Big or Small
“If one person can dream, others will fulfill”
The saying is attributed to Jules Verne who dreamed & wrote about space ships, submarines, and travel around the globe.
My Earlier Dream
SPZP-2000
Was to connect or re-connect Sayas, Colleagues & Friends physically and electronically.
We successfully organized the First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco, California in October 2000.
Six more World-wide Reunion and SPZP took place. Singapore in 2002, 2007 & 2010. Yangon in 2004, 2012 & 2016. Due to pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled.
Started RIT Alumni International Newsletter in April 1999.
Served as Content Provider & Editor for ex-RIT websites : first one by KMZ (UKhin Maung Zaw, now retired from Microsoft) and second one by Wunna Ko Ko (then at SAS).
Both ex-RIT websites are now inactive.
My Later Dream
Was to record Oral & Written History of our Alma Mater and our Beloved Land.
Set up hlamin.com (to archive old posts, add new posts and revise selected posts).
Requested SPZP-2000 Organizers, interested sayas & alumni to record gatherings.
Requested Subject Matter Experts & interested readers to review and enhance selected posts.
U Kyaw Phone Myint (Victor Kyaw Phyo) passed away in Myanmar.
KPM 2 Kyaw Phone Myint 1
Singapore
Maurice Chee’s mother-in-law passed away in Singapore.
Soon Kyway
Soon kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California, USA in memory of U Wah Kyu (father of Maurice Chee) who passed away four years ago.
Attendees include Saya U San Tun (M59), Walter Tan (M70), Charlie Tseng (EC70), U Aung Thein (John, M72), U Aye Tun (Anthony, M76) and U Khin Zaw (UCC)
NorCal RITAA
Saya U Myat Htoo invited selected sayas and alumni (who were active with RIT-related activities in California) to attend the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner on November 16, 2019.
Gordon Kaung (Past President) has RSVPed and also pledged donation.
U Ba Than
Saya U Ba Than will celebrate his 89th birthday on or around October 2, 2019.
Publications
Original writings are being solicited for the magazine to be published in February 2020 for the Centennial of the founding of Rangoon University. The deadline is mid-October 2019.
Selected old poems will be compiled into a Kabyar Book to commemorate the RU Centennial
Golden Jubilees
Class of 69 (for the GJ of Graduation in 1969)
Class of 75 (for the GJ of Admission to RIT in 1969)
HlaMin 