RU Intermediate of Science from 1961 – 1963 : We attended the last I.Sc.(A) class at Leik Khone
Institute of Medicine (1) from 1963 : My spouse attended 1st MBBS and 2nd MBBS at Leik Khone
Several events were held in the Dome, e.g. visiting orchestra from the USA
Later had Administration Offices (for Department of Higher Education)
Leik Khone 1Leik Khone 2Leik Khone 3Leik Khone 4
Los Angeles
In 2015, the RIT Alumni Reunion was held in Los Angeles, California.
LA 2015
For several years, there was a mini-gathering to pay respect to Saya U Min Wun (Civil, GbNF). Dr. San Lin (C62) offered my spouse and I to join him on one occasion. He drove most of the trip. We stayed at the house of U Aung Khin (EP68) and Daw The.
Los Angeles (with U Min Wun)
Law
When the University of Rangoon was established in December 1920, it had the Department of Law.
AdoniramJudson was an American Baptist Missionary to Burma.
He and his team members compiled the English-Burmese and Burmese-English Dictionaries, and translated the Bible.
Judson Dictionary
Third Edition1922 Edition
Judson College
In 1920, Judson College became a constituent college of the University of Rangoon.
Judson
Japanese Surrender
The Japanese Occupation lasted about three years.
Several Burmese that were born during the period are known as “Japun” or “Japungyi”.
An ad-hoc University was opened on Mogul (Shwe Bontha) Street. Sayagyi U Ba Toke taught Mathematics at that University.
“Japun Khiit Say Yone” was run by Dr. Ba Than (Medical Superintendent). His assistants include Dr. Myint Swe (father of Gilbert) and Dr. Maung Maung (father of Ko Maung Maung Kyi).
March 27, 1945 is the official date of the “Taw Hlan Yay”. Bohmu Ba Htoo started a few days earlier.
Japan gave Reparation Aid, which was used in part for the Lawpita Hydroelectric Power Plant.
JICA set up projects (e.g. hospital) and training/study programs.
Japanese Surrender
Jokes
Dave Singh Saluja (SPHS, RIT, Rama Enterprise in Bangkok) had a collection of 100+ joke books.
U Sein Win Joke
Saya U Sein Win was known as “Khone Swa” during his studies at the University of Michigan in the USA.
He enjoys swimming, rowing and debates.
He left his brand new spouse at Scott Market (Bogyoke Zay). Saya went back to RIT, and had a long discussion with his students. The students asked, “How is Sayagadaw?” The reply : “Let’s end the discussion. It’s past time I should have picked her up at the Zay”.
Uzin Bobby Myo Tun (A69) wrote :
Classic example of ‘the absent-minded professor!’
U Aung Myint (Sonny, SPHS64, UCC) added :
I heard about that (absent mindedness of Sayar U Sein Win) from some of the students or from the Lab staffs while I was in EC lab: What I heard was a little different. What I heard was ” He parked at Hledan Zay his wife went for buying. He was waiting inside the car. Suddenly he got an idea of taking Hair cut nearby instead of waiting for a long time. After hair cutting he forgot everything and drove the car alone. I don’t know if that is true or not. I don’t even remember from whom I heard that story.
The following are inscriptions found on the Buildings of the University of Rangoon.
Note that some old inscriptions use “V” instead of “U”.
Inscription 1922
Inscription for RU Library
Inscription 1927
ICST
The Institute of Computer Science and Technology was established in 1987. Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) was the first Rector.
Its predecessors include UCC (Universities’ Computer Center) and DCS (Department of Computer Science).
Its successor is UCSY (University of Computer Studies in Yangon).
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe at ICST
There have been five Pu Zaw Pwes.
The recent ones took place in January 2018 and December 2019.
30th Anniversary of ICST
The event took place in March 2018.
ICST 2ICST 4ICST 3ICST 1
Invictus
Bogyoke Aung San translated Henley’s poem and published in the Oway Magazine.
Invictus
IM
In the early days, there was RU Faculty of Medicine.
Three Institute of Medicine were opened in 1964.
Institute of Medicine (1) Rector : Dr. Ba Than
Dr. Ba Than
Institute of Medicine (2) Rector : Dr. U E
Dr. U E
Mandalay Institute of Medicine Rector : Dr. Maung Maung Gyi
Dr. Maung Maung Gyi
IM1 79ers
They matriculated in 1971.
Due to school closures, they graduated in 1979.
IM1 79er
Inlay
In the summer of 1965, I attended the Inlay “Khaung Daing” Luyechun Camp as the first batch of University Luyechuns. The Program started in 1964 with the Ngapali Camp and folded in 1988.
In October 1965, Ko Aung Kyaw (Peter Pe, SPHS) invited Ko Maung Maung Aye and me to a trip to In Paw Khone (village in Inlay) and Taunggyi. We were guests of his cousin (a medical doctor in Inlay) and his uncle U Maung Maung Latt (former Ah Matt Choke of Nyaung Shwe Sawbwa in Taunggyi). We attended the famous Phaung Daw-u Festival.
Poem
In 2016, we took a package tour and visited Inlay. We were sad to see the decline in the environment, but were glad to see good hotels in and around Inlay.
In January 2020, the Myanmar Professional Speakers Association (PSA) 2020 tour ended in a hotel beside the Inlay lake.
Inlay
Inya Hall
Daw Su is the spouse of U Saw Lwin.
She was the first occupant of Room No. (1) in Inya Hall.
They have three daughters : Hazel Saw Lwin, Olive Saw Lwin and May Saw Lwin.
Daw Su danced several roles for the fund raiser of University Dhammayone.
She was interviewed for the Commemorative Issues for Inya Hall and the University Dhammayone.
Inya Hall 1Inya Hall 2Inya Hall 3
Intake of 64 Arch
Some classes are referred to the year of Admission / Intake.
Three batches of students were admitted in November 1964 to study Architecture.
Saya Sai Yee Leik (GBNF) was the lone student for the Class of A68.
There were seven students — Kyaw Kyaw, Aung Khin, Myo Tun (Bobby), Tobias Kittim Ku (GBNF), Thet Tun, Thwin Thwin Aye Hmi (Olive) and Tin Maung Hla (GBNF) — for the Class of A69.
Christine Latt, Pamela Myo Min, Tin Tin Hla, Hla Than, Khin Maung Maung and Kyaw Win Hman (GBNF) are from the Class of A70.
Intake of 64 Arch
Ivan
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69) moved to the USA.
He has successful careers as a Professional Engineer in two states (New York and New Jersey) and as Entrepreneur.
He is a Life Time Platinum for Bridge (Card game).
He is a Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 and SPZP-2007.
He is a major donor for the RIT 69er Health Care Fund.
For a decade (or more) he sponsored the Annual RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey for Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Soe Paing, RIT alumni and UCC alumni.
In 2015, he hosted us for two weeks and organized a whirl wind trip to Canada to pay respect to Sayagyi U Aung Khin (in Windsor, Canada), Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi (in Napean, Canada) and to visit Buffalo, Niagara, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York on the way. Ivan provided his car and fuel. Frederick Thetgyi drove most of the trip and also took photographs.
He is a founding member of MASTAA and served as its CEO.
With Ivan Lee and Dr. Aung Gyi
IC
Industrial Chemistry was first taught by Dr. Than Htaik and his colleagues.
Eligible IC graduates could join RIT to study ChE (Chemical Engineering).
IC 1969 – 73IC Garawa
Posts
Independence Day Regatta in 1948 (by U Tin U)
Independence Day Regatta in 1959 (by U Tun Shein, Dr. Tin Wa and Dr. Thein Htut)
Spouse : Daw Khin Mya Mu (Kyauk sar expert, Thamadi Myo Wun)
English
U Myo Min (Nwe Soe) was an early Professor of English at the University of Rangoon.
Some early Lecturers include Dr. Ba Maw, Saya Kan Gyi, Ms. Maggie Chin Cheng, Daw Thein Nyunt, U Ohn Khin and Daw Than May.
U Win Pe was an early Honors graduate. His pen names include Mya Zin, Po Yazar, Epsilon, Sagar Daung Zar
Under the then new Education System, English Departments were opened at the various Universities and Institutes. Daw Yin Yin Mya headed the RIT English Department. Sheila Saing was the Deputy Head.
English 83 84 aEnglish 83 84 bEnglish 83 84 c
Engineering
The First RU Students’ Strike resulted in the amendment of the RU Act of 1920 to offer Engineering and other professional courses.
The first Engineering courses were offered in 1924.
Civil Engineering was the first Department.
The early departments at the Faculty of Engineering include Architecture, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Metallurgy, Mining and Textile
For details, see “History of Myanmar Engineering Education” published in 2012.
HMEE BookCD Supplement
Electrical Engineering
Some early students studied “Electrical and Mechanical Engineering” for a joint degree.
Later, students could major in Electrical Engineering (EE)
EE offered two options : EP (Electrical Power) and EC (Electrical Communications).
Many years later, EP and EC became separate departments. EC is also called EcE and Electronics Engineering
EE Sayas in the 1960s
EE Sayas
During our days, there were about 20 sayas in the RIT EE Department. A few were on deputation (doing postgrad studies abroad).
The group photo had 14 sayas. U Kyaw Tun, U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, U Thein Lwin, Dr. San Tint, U Soe Min, U Chin Way and U Nyi Nyi are now GBNF.
I wrote an article “A sad and short clip : EE Sayas” in the Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010 held in Singapore.
EE Sayas and Alumni at SPZP-2000
The First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was hosted by RIT Alumni International in October 2000.
The Group Photo shows the EE sayas and Alumni at SPZP-2000 in San Francisco, California, USA.
SPZP-2000
EE72 PZP
EE72
EE stands for EC and EP.
H.E. U Aye Myint (EP72) did not forget his roots. He wanted his alma mater to gain glory as in the hey days. He made possible the True “Home Coming” (SPZP-2012) at the Gyogone Campus.
H.E. U Kyaw Myo (Uno Myo Min) was named after the United Nations Organization. They share the same birthday in October.
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) and U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) are seen with the EE Alumni at the EE 72 PZP.
EE85 PZP
PZP
U Soe Paing was my mentor at RIT and UCC. He recruited me to join UCC.
U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) is a Laureate Poet and author. He chaired SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore. He published Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saungs for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010. He is a Patron of Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
U Tin Maung Thein (EE62) is the eldest son of ICS U Ohn Maung (Arzani).
U Myo Kyi (EE59) and Dr. Ba Lwin (EE59) are the most senior among the EE sayas that are still alive.
There are many EE sayamas and female students. During our days, we had a single female EE classmate : Tin Tin. Daw Mya Mya Than (EP68, GBNF) was an early EE sayama.
Exam Results
EE 62
In the early days, exam results were posted at the respective Universities.
Some results were published in the daily newspapers.
Matriculation results were announced by Myanmar Ah Than.
Exam Results in 1962
Eco
The Faculty of Social Science offered subjects such as Commerce, Economics and Statistics.
Under the new Education System, the Institute of Economics was established.
The term “Eco” may refer to Economics Department or the Institute.
Burma had distinguished Economists, Commerce Professors and Statisticians.
The photo shows the Track and Field team from the Institute of Economics.
Eco T&F
The Institute of Economics had three (or more) female crews when RUBC became Co-Ed. Some (e.g. Ma Khin Mya) went on to be RUBC Gold.
Young volunteer doctors (e.g. Dr. Kyaw Min) provided transportation to the elderly doctors to a Center where they can enjoy the day (with their favorite activities)
Daw Myint Myint Khin
Daw Sein Sein(GBNF)
Retired Director, DHE
Former Registrar, RASU
Daw Sein Sein
Daw Su (GBNF)
First resident of Inya Hall
Performed Dances in Fund Raiser for Tekkatho Dhammayone
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.
