Blog

SPHS Teachers & Classmates
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Std. VIIIA (SPHS) in 1961

Teachers
- Brother Anthony (Class teacher) : taught Mathematics
- Saya U Sein (Burmese teacher, GBNF) : Father of Saya Dr. Soe Win (retired Rector of YUFL); Also taught Burmese in Matric.
- Brother Felix (Brother Director, GBNF) : After nationalization, moved to Germany and passed away there. Thonegwa Kyaw Win visited him.
- Saya U Nyunt Maung (Arts subjects teacher) : Taught Maths in Sacred Heart
- Saya Beatson (Science subjects teacher) : Became a monk
- Brother Xavier (English teacher) : Also taught English in 9th standard. After nationalization, moved to UK and presumably left the Order.
Dr. Khin Maung U

OPA Dinner

Khin Maung U
- First in Burma in the Matric exam in 1963; Won Collegiate Scholarship
- Had perfect scores of 100 in Maths & Chemistry and a score of 99 in Physics. Grapevine says that one point was deducted from the initial score.
- Multiple Luyechun at IM(1)
- Due to changes in the Edu System, he had to do M.Sc. (Med Sc) locally. Top students from earlier years studied in UK as State Scholars.
- His persistence paid off. Got Fellowships from UK and MD from Australia
- Retired from Food & Drug Administration in the USA
- Translator/interpreter for dhamma courses & meditation retreats.
- Wore thick glasses since his younger days.
- Classmate in Stds VIII(A), IX(A) and X(A). We were in different sections in the lower classes.
Dr. Min Oo (Kenneth)
- Stood second in Burma in the Matric exam in 1963. Won Collegiate Scholarsip.
- Some saw him reading a German book before entering the hall to take the Matric exam.
- Scored distinctions in English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
- Chose to study Maths at RASU.
- Saya U Aung Sein (Maths) saw Min Oo get out of the Tutorial classes after a few minutes and yet had perfect score. He decided to give challenging questions for a Tutorial. Min Oo took longer time than the easier Tutorials, but most of the other students could not get a passing grade.
- A Tuition Saya (now GBNF) challenged his students. “Ask your teachers to solve the problem. I will give you free tuition if you can provide the correct answer.” One student asked Min Oo, who was enjoying a card game. Min Oo scribbled the answer during the card game. The Tuition Saya was disappointed. He did not keep his promise to give the student free tuition.
- Attended Tekkatho Luyechun Camps twice.
Min Oo (Seated Right)
- In the Summer of 1965, he was chosen as Luyechun among second year RASU students.
- In the Slummer of 1968, he was chosen as a Saya for the Tekkatho Luyechun camp.
- As a multiple Tekkatho Luyechun from IM(1), Dr. Khin Maung U was present at both camps. He remembers Min Oo with a cigar trying to look like a Sayagyi.
- Min Oo received two doctorates in Maths from Germany. He taught at McMasters University in Canada. He voluntarily retired in 2015.
- He was one of the young students in the class, but also among the brightest.
- Classmate in Stds VIII(A), IX(A) & X(A). We were in different sections in the lower classes.
- He often visited his daughter in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dr. Myo San (Freddie, GBNF)

Khin Mg Zaw, Myo San, Khin Mg U
- Stood third in Burma in the Matric of 1963. Won Collegiate Scholarship.
- He had studied phonetics. He had read lots of English books.
- He scored distinctions in English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
- He was older than us. That might have given him a slight advantage in the early years.
- He gave me a quiz. “How do you pronounce GHOTI?” I gave an answer which he corrected as “FISH”. He had read George Bernard Shaw, who posed the quiz as an example of eccentricity in English. GH is phonetically equivalent to F as in ROUGH. O is phonetically equivalent to I as in WOMAN. TI is phonetically equivalent to SH as in ATTENTION. Thus, GHOTI is phonetically equivalent to FISH.
- He became a surgeon, but the stress caused him to take early retirement.
- Sadly, he passed away.
- Classmate in Stds VIII(A), IX(A) & X(A), We were in different sections in the lower classes.
Collegiate Scholarship Holders

In 1963, students from private schools had to be in the Top Forty to be eligible for Collegiate Scholarship.

SPHS had ten students in the Top Twenty. Min Oo studied Maths.
Hla Min, Maung Maung Kyi & Aung Thu Yein studied Engineering. Khin Maung U, Myo San, Nyunt Wai, Thein Wai, Aung Kyaw Zaw & Khin Maung Zaw studied Medicine.
Myo San, Maung Maung Kyi and Aung Thu Yein are GBNF
- First : Dr. Khin Maung U (Medical Researcher, FDA, USA)
- 2nd : Dr. Min Oo (Maths Professor, McMasters University, Canada)
- 3rd : Dr. Myo San (Surgeon, GBNF)
- 4th : Dr. Nyunt Wai (Physiology Professor in IM & Malaysia)
- 5th: Dr. Thein Wai (Moved to USA)
- 7th: U Hla Min (Lifelong Learner; Software Engineer, Silicon Valley)
- 9th: Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Specialist, Base Military Hospital)
- 11th : U Maung Maung Kyi (Dip. Ing in Pulp & Paper, Wales, UK, GBNF)
- 13th : U Aung Thu Yein (EC, Schlumberger, GBNF)
- 17th: Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Medical Doctor, UK)
SPHS63

In the group photo

Seated (L to R) : Min Oo, Khin Maung U, Myo San (GBNF)

Standing (L to R) : Hla Min, Khin Maung Zaw, Nyunt Wai, Thein Wai, Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF), Aung Thu Yein (GBNF), Aung Kyaw Zaw

Updates

Kyaw Wynn’s Birthday
- Offered soon to Ashin Ukkamsa (Victor, Aung Chaw)
- Lunch to SPHS63 Classmates
SPHS63
- Aye Ngwe (Edwin)
- Kyaw Wynn — Host
- Khin Maung Bo (Allan, GBNF)
- Hla Min
- Aung Chaw (Victor, Ashin Ukkamsa)
- Than Win
- Aung Kyi (Arthur, GBNF)
- Tin Tun (Phone Gyi, GBNF)
- Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, UK)
Sayadaw Beatson
- Taught Physics at SPHS
- Scout Master
- After retirement, became a monk
- Paulians — Myo Nyunt (Harry), Atom Hla & team — offered soon to Sayadaw
Sayadaw Beatson

Paulians offering Soon
- La Min
- Nyunt Wai (Victor)
- Sayadaw Beatson
- Nyan Taw (Dicky)
- Hla Min
- Than Win
- Aung Kyi (Arthur)
Sein Nyunt (Swe Set)
- Classmate in Stds IV(D), V(D) & VI(D)
- Shared names & status of former classmates. Several are GBNF. Hla Myint (Snow Makeup), Maung Maung Thaung, Sonny Yone Sein, Sydney Khant, Tin Tun are some who have passed away
Posts
- De La Salle
- Memories
- OPA
- Pu Zaw Pwe
- SPHS
June 21, 2025
Class of 70
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025
- 450+ Matriculates were admitted to 1st BE in November 1964 based on ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate).
Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70)

Steeve hosted a Reunion & PZP for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
- Admitted as Roll No. (8) to 1st BE in Nov 1964.
- Graduated with EC in 1970
- Moved to USA. An immigration officer spelled his name as Steeve instead of Steve. He kept the name with the variant unconventional spelling.
- Masters from Stanford University
- Designer of Power IC Chip
- Per his younger sister’s request, co-founded QTC
- MBA from Pepperdine University
- QTC was bought by an investment company. Steeve became a multi-millionaire
- Established Kay Family Foundation. Steeve became an outstanding philanthropist.
- He never forgot his roots, his alma mater, his mentors and his friends.
- A short biography — summarized as three dreams — was published by the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65, and also in “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”.
- Details can be found in the commemorative issue celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the founding of QTC.
Three Dreams of Steeve Kay

Steeve Kay

First Dream of Steeve Kay

Second and Third Dreams of Steeve Kay

Team Builder

40th Anniversary of arrival in the USA

In 2011, Steeve hosted a gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his arrival in the US. The gathering was coordinated by his daughter Elanor. She arranged a visit to Teehub (which provides incubation for aspiring innovators).

Attendees include :
- Chris Lee, Dr. (EE59) & spouse
- Sam Chin (ChE62) & spouse
- Henry Khoo (EC67)
- Hla Min (EC69) & spouse
- Benny Tan (M70) & spouse
- Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) & spouse
- Htin Aung (Richard, M70)
- Zaw Htun, Dr. (BDS) & spouse
Benny, Zaw Min & Richard were Steeve’s classmates from RIT.

Henry picked up Steeve on his arrival in San Francisco, California, USA.

Saya Chris Lee, Sam Chin and Dr. Zaw Htun were active in the Burmese American organizations in Southern California.

QTC

His younger sister Dr. Lay Kay had patents related to the medical and legal processes to handle disability claims. She requested Steeve to co-found QTC and serve as CEO.

Two decades later, QTC was bought by a group of investors making the two siblings multi-millionaires.

They did not forget their roots. Steeve set up the Kay Family Foundation. His sister set up the B K Kee Foundation in memory of her mother. Their foundations have provided support for education, medical research, areas inflicted by disasters (e.g. Cyclone Nargis) and much more.

Aspirations & Actions

Steeve took time to trace his roots. He also joined expeditions to visit the holy sites of Four Religions.

He is a Trustee and/or Board Member of several US universities.

He is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for the SPZPs. He set up the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas”. He hosted a delegation from the Ministry of Science and Technology to visit selected universities and research institutions in California.

There were some proposals that did not materialize. He offered to set up a Computing Laboratory and promote Leapfrogging Technology for engineering sayas and students in Myanmar. He offered to provide air fare and expenses for Sayagyis willing to share their experience in Myanmar. He requested some support from the Myanmar side (e.g. taking care of the security and maintenance of the Laboratory and providing accommodation for the visiting Sayagyis), but due to the bureaucracy of the then authorities, the proposals were not materialized.

When his health started to decline, he could not take long trips or wait too long for responses to his proposals. He requested the balance of his Health Care Fund to be transferred to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.

He delegated his children to run KFF and his enterprise. He still has desires to help his beloved home land. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, USA

Kay Family Foundation provided $30000 for the Alumni Reunion. Steeve sang Shwe Mi during his presentation.

LA 2015

Sponsorships

He provided the seed money for holding the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) in San Francisco. California, USA in October 2000.

He became a Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs.

He established the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas”. The balance fund has recently been handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.

He and Kay Family Foundation donated US $200,000+ for RIT-related causes.

He hosted several gatherings in the USA and Yangon.

U Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70)

Zaw Min entered 1st BE as Roll Number One (Top student). He was selected Luyechun for Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the Summer of 1965.

In the USA, he studied Electronics and also changed his name to Zaw Min Nawaday.

He was the main author of the article covering the six years at RIT. U Ohn Khine was the co-author.

The article was first posted in the Google Group for “Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65”. I edited the article.

The revised versions have been published in (a) the Golden Jubilee Magazine for the combined group (b) RIT Updates and (c) hlamin.com website

Benny Tan (Tan Eu Beng, M70)

Benny beside Steeve’s picture
- Founding member of RIT Alumni International
- Hosted meetings of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni including the one that led to the formation of RIT Alumni International
- Wore multiple hats for SPZP-2000 — Golden Sponsor; Co-chair of the Working Committee; Designer of SPZP Banner, commemorative Mug, Clock & T-shirt
- Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPz and for his class gatherings.
- Wrote “Traveling through the Time Machine”.
U Ohn Khine (M70)

U Ohn Khine
- Volunteer for SDYF, SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu 2014, SPZP-2016, & HMEE Projects
- Co-authored “RIT Days (1964 – 70)”.
- Translated Section One of HMEE-2012 into English.
- Summarized Section Two of HMEE-2012.
- We compiled the CD Supplement for HMEE book
- He offered me rides during my visits to Yangon (especially to attend meetings for SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 and HMEE-2012).
M70 Class Photo

M70
- U Aung Khin (Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department) moved to Canada
- U Win Kyaing, U Tin Hlaing (M59) & U Aung Hla Tun are GBNF
- U Phone Myint is enjoying post-retirement by visiting his children overseas.
- U Tin Htut (M60, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) taught I
- Cho Aye is now
- Benny
- U
1st BE Intake in 1964

Most members of the group graduated in 1970.
Some left RIT before graduation.
A few took Sabbatical and graduated a year or two later.

U Ohn Khine (M70) reports the Gone But Not Forgotten (GBNF) list periodically.

Each entry contains
- Name
- Roll Number in 1st BE
- Major/Discipline
- Date of demise (if known)
- Other name (e.g. nickname)
As of June 30, 2023, there were 125 entries in the GBNF list.
- Cho Aye3 Mech 7/8/18
- Peter Pe 4 Mech
- Victor Jones 41 Civil
- Ne Win 45 Textile
- Tin Ohn 49 Mech
- Naing Win 54 Mech
- Mya Daung 58 Mech(Agri)
- Lay Myint 60 Civil
- Khin Maung Pun 66 Petro ?/10/16
- Myo Thaw 68 5/15
- Aung Kyan 71 Mech (Auto)
- Thet Win 75 Mech
- Hla Min 82 Elec Pauk Si
- Mg Mg Myint 93 Mech Japu Sein
- Soe Tint 94 Civil Nevil Kyi Mg
- Mg Mg Than 97 Mech 8/7/18
- Le Le Win 100 Mech Lilian Tha Mya
- Nan Lwin 102 Elec
- Myat Khine 104 Mech Tha Aye
- Han Kyu Pe 110 Archi
- Than Tun 114 Mech (Agri) Ivan Win
- Aung Win 120 Chemical
- Aye Thin 122 Chemical
- Chit Khin 124 Archi 23/6/15
- Than Sein 130 Mech
- Aung Kyi 135 Mech
- Khin Mg Saan 139 Civil
- Ko Ko Tin 141 Mech Winston Hla Mg
- Saw Pae Pae 143 Met
- Win Maw (George Hock) 146
- Ma Yin Shwe Tun 150 Textile
- Myat Myat Moe 154 Archi
- Ma Htay Htay Win 158 Chemical Marlene Mg Mg
- Than Myint 168 23/1/13
- Myint Thein 172 Mech
- Phone Thwin 177 Mining
- Than Nyunt Win 181 Civil
- Khin Mg Kyu 183 Mech
- Win Thein 185 Elec
- Ma Khin Mya Oo 188 Met
- Kyaw Naing 191 Elec Sin Gwan
- Mg Mg Yu 194 Mech (Agri)
- Tin Aye 195 Mech (Agri)
- Htike Nyan 198 Elec 26/10/15
- Aung Khin 203 Mech
- Kyi May Nwae 206 Met
- Tin Win 209 Chemical
- Myat Swe (Myint Swe) 215 Electrical 22/3/15
- Kyaw Win Mhan 234 Arch
- Ma Yaw Ze 243 Chemical
- Hla Shwe 247 Mech Lar Gyi
- Min Thant 254 Elec Maurice Bo Ni
- Tin Win 256 Mevh Arthur
- Aung Htay 277 Civil
- Michael Shein Myint 280 Chemical
- Mar Mar 292 Civil
- Thein Htun 304 Mech 29/8/18
- Mg Mg Oo 312 PP
- Myo Tint 313 PP Stanley Hla
- Mg Mg Swe 314 Mech ?/1/18
- Min Swe 318 Mech
- Ye Myint Aung 323 Mech
- Toe Nyunt 326 Elec
- Tin Ko 330 Met
- Aung Law Ha 342 Mn 30/1/16
- Ma Tin Tin 348 Mech (Agri)
- Kyaw Swe Thet 354 Mech 2017
- Kan Myint 371 Mech
- Aye Than 385 Elec 25/4/16
- Khin Soe 388
- Khin Than Win 389 Textile 3/9/18
- Maung Maung 398 Textile 31/8/14
- John Krasu 402 Mar 2016
- Shein Kee Gae 407 Elec
- Ohn Kywe 408 Elec
- Kan Win 409 Mech
- Win Aung 413
- Onward Taw 419
- Sein Sein 418 Textile 19/2/15
- Tin Oo 428 Archi
- Nay Daung 435 Civil
- Oo Myint 445 Mining
- Khin Mg Shwe 446 Kenneth
- Thein Han 463 Elec 18/5/12
- Hla Kyaing 467 Mining
- Tin Win 475
- Zaw Nyein 482 Tex 10/2/14
- Myo Nyunt Saw 485 Elec
- Mya Thaung 487 Mining Ye Baw Pae Hlaw
- Sai Maung Lin 73 Mech
- Maung Myint 332 Tex
- Htay Lwin 367
- Stanley Lim 51
- Aye Win Kyaw 169 Civil
- Zin Maung Oo 328 Civil
- Khin Nyo 352
June 20, 2025
BASES
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Background
- Name suggested by U Tun Aung (Jeffery, EC68, GBNF)
U Tun Aung
- Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists
- Southern California, USA
Founders
- Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
U Tin Htut
- U Tin Htway (M59)
- U Tun Tin (David, GBNF)
Past Presidents
- U Tin Htut
- U Tin Htway
- U Tun Tin
- U Tun Aung ( Jefferey, EC68, GBNF)
- Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62)
Dr. Tin Win
- Saya Dr. Chris Lee (EE59)
- U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68)
- U Tin Nwe (Milton, C68)
- U Thura Thant Zin (M76)
U Thura Thant Zin 1

U Thura Thant Zin 2

With Dance Troupe
- John Huntley
Activities
- Fundraiser
  Kyan Yay (Sugar Cane Drink)
  Htamane
  Food & Desserts
BAP Booth selling Sugar Cane Drink
- Annual Dinner & Entertainment
- Trips
- Helped 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015 Reunion 1

2015 Reunion 2

2015 Reunion 3
- Active in Activities sponsored by SCBA (Southern California Burmese Associations)
Notes
- Many members are RIT alumni. Some volunteered for SPZP-2000 held in San Francisco.
- U Aung Khin (EP68) is Past Vice President
- James Shwe (M76) is a Donor and EC.
- U Khin Maung Lay (Henry) served as Emcee for BAPS gatherings and 2015 Alumni Reunion. He was Secretary of RIT Track & Field Association. He represented RIT in Soccer, Rowing and T&F. He loves Cooking.
- I attended BASES gatherings as Guest of EC and/or Saya U Tin Htut.
- Mra Tun (UCC, TAMPS) and Ricky Zaw are guitarists & vocalists. Ricky’s sister is Nyunt Nyunt Zaw (T68, GBNF).
2015 Reunion
- NorCal RITAA invited selected BASES EC to the gatherings.
NorCal RITAA Dinner

Posts
- Alumni
- Associations
- Fund Raising
- Gatherings
June 20, 2025
iNapa Winery
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Background
- NAPA is known for its fine wineries.
- Gordon Kaung (M83) took several courses in Winery.
- He & Lillian (EC83) set up iNapa Winery.
- iNapa Winery has hosted several RIT gatherings.
Gathering in 2015
- It was a follow up to the 2015 Los Angeles Reunion.
- Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) invited Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma to Northern California.
- iNapa Winery hosted lunch and dinner gathering to welcome Sayagyi & some sayas — U Win Kyaw (Met71) & U Nyunt Htay (Met73) — visiting from Myanmar.
iNapa Winery 1

iNapa Winery 2

iNapa Winery 3

Other Gatherings
- NorCal RITAA meetings
- U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67, GBNF)
- U Tin Myint (M80, ex-Saya)
- Alumni from overseas & out of state
- Birthday for U Myo Myint Sein
June 20, 2025
Tin Htut
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Highlights

U Tin Htut
- Matriculated from SPHS in 1953.
- Won Senior Novices at the RUBC Regatta in 1953.
- Coxed the Old Paulian crew which won Senior Novices at the RUBC Regatta in 1954. The crew members : U Tun Shein (Willie Saing, Stroke), M Hla Min (Moosaji, No. 3), Dr. Than Nyunt (George, No. 2) and Sao Hso Holm (Sawbwa Lay, Box).
  He and three crew members later became RUBC Gold.
- Served as Captain of RUBC.
  Due to heavy involvement in RUBC, he decided to take a sabbatical.
RUBC Captain

Engineering
- Attended 1st Year Engineering at BOC College in 1955.
- Graduated B.Sc (Mechanical Engineering), University of Rangoon in March 1960.
- Joined the Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon (Leik-Khone) as Assistant Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering in May 1960.
- Attended Technische Hochschule Darmstadt, W. Germany in 1961/62 as a state scholar.
- Worked as a Manager in Rangoon Textile Mills Co. Ltd. from 1962 – 65.
- Rejoined the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, RIT in September 1965.
- Studied Engineering Production at the University of Birmingham, UK in 1968/69.
- On return to RIT, lectured Industrial Management to 5th and Final Year students.
USA
- Immigrated to the USA in May 1978.
- Worked in the Aircraft Division, Northrop Corporation, Hawthorne, CA in August 1978.
- With Leave of Absence from Northrop, worked as UNIDO Project Management Adviser in Khartoum, Sudan in 1981/82.
- Retired early from Northrop in September 1992.
Family

Wife: Irene

Children: Saynne Tin Htut and Aung Aye Htut.

Grand children : Three

Editor’s Notes

His parents were entrepreneurs in the Textile industry (e.g. Khit Ah Kyaik ခေတ်အကြိုက် Nylon), production & distribution of movies (e.g. Ah Myotha Yoke Shin, အမျိုူသားရုပ်ရှင် Carlton Cinema)

Served as Captain of RUBC as a student, and later as a Saya Administrator.

Organizer of RUBC Jubilee and Anniversary regattas.

Despite having a bypass heart surgery, he was actively involved in BASES, which he co-founded with U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David, GBNF).

Member of the Steering Committee for SPZP-2000.

SPZP-2000

Ccontributed not only to the Saya Pu Zaw Pwe fund, but also to the special fund for inviting Sayagyi U Ba Toke from Myanmar.

Financial Controller for the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles

Ma Irene was Maurice’s teacher in Methodist English High School. Saya was Maurice’s lecturer in the 5th B.E. “Industrial Management” course. All the skills learnt were used effectively by Maurice, Financial Controller for the “Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” and aPublisher of the “RIT Alumni Newsletter” Special Issue.

Donation

Saya’s donations include
- K10 Lakhs to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
- K100 to YTU Library Project
- All Mechanical Gathering
- RUBC Gathering
June 20, 2025
Pearl In My Heart
by Hla Min & Tekkatho Moe War

Updated : June 2025

Saya Moe

Saya U Moe Aung & Hla Min
- In February 2015, Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) gave me an autographed copy of his book.
Autographed copy

Cover

Musings by Tekkatho Moe War and Maung Sein Win (Padeegone)

Updates
- Saya is feeling the effects of Jara & Byadi.
- He still writes articles & kabyars daily.
- Saya authored or co-authored several books.
Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Posts
- Kabyar
- Poem
- Publications
- Tekkatho Moe War
June 20, 2025
Memories of U Tin Htut
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Brief Bio
- Alumnus of SPHS, RU Faculty of Engineering, Birmingham University & German University
- Joined Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer after graduating in 1960
- His parents needed help to run their business. He complied. Three family members — his father U Chit Maung, his eldest brother U Sein Tin and saya — were taken into custody for several months.
- After completing his Waso at Insein, he rejoined Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer. New Sayas had to join as Instructors.
- Taught Industrial Management. Earlier, the subject was taught by Visiting Lecturers from Faculty of Social Science & Institute of Economics.
Rowing
- Past Captain & Gold of RUBC
- Won Senior Novices twice : as Rower and as Cox of the All Paulian Crew with Tun Shein (Willie), Than Nyun (George), M Hla Min (Moosajee) & Sao Hso Holm (Sawbwa Lay)
- Served as Administrator of YUBC for several years
USA
- Joined Northrop and also helped several alumni to join the company
- Took Sabbatical to work for UN
- Founded BASES with U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David, GBNF). He is a Past President.
- Financial Controller for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
- Helped with SPZP-2000 held in San Francisco.
- Came to SF Bay Area to attend RIT gatherings and to have family reunion with his sisters.
- Hosted me at his new house. Took me to BASES Dinner and La Puente Monastery the following day (where there was a Soon Kwyay followed by Literary Talks).
Donations
- K100 lakhs to YTU Library Modernization Project
- K10 lakhs to SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation)
- Donated to All Mechanical Gathering
Memories
- SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
- 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015 Reunion in Los Angeles

2015 Reunion in Los Angeles
- Donations
Donation

U Tin Htut and U Wynn Htain Oo

U Tin Htut
- Singapore
U Tin Htut, U Mg Mg Win, Dr. Tin Win & U Aung Myint

U Tin Htut in Singapore

U Tin Htut in Singapore
- New Zealand
U Tin Htut in NZ
- SF Bay Area
U Tin Htut in SF Bay Area
- RUBC Golds
RUBC Past Captains and/or Gold

Posts
- BASES
- RIT Sayas
- RUBC
- SPZP
June 20, 2025
Dr. Aung Gyi
by Dr. Aung Gyi & Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Former Rector, RIT

DAG

Nativity

Born from my parents U Ba Pu and Daw Aye Kyi in Namtu, Northern Shan States, Burma.

Education

Matriculated in 1949 from Myoma High School in Rangoon.

After passing the 1st year engineering, BOC College of Engineering, Rangoon University in 1952, went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Mass., USA as a State scholar to join the second year engineering classes there.

Was in Dean’s list during the studies in MIT; and obtained B.S.(Civil Engineering) in 1955 and M.S.(Civil Engineering) in 1956.

Work

After working as a junior engineer in Tippetts- Abbett-MacCarthy- Stratton Engineers, New York and Green Engineering Co., Boston for a year, returned to Burma in 1957.

Joined the Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University as an Assistant Lecturer.

Promoted to Lecturer and Head of the Department of Civil Engineering in 1958.

Marriage

Got married to Daw Mya Mya Mue in 1959. (Have a daughter and a son and two grand children from daughter who all live in Canada now.)

Doctorate

Went to the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on Colombo Plan Scholarship in 1963 for further studies. Obtained Ph.D (Civil Engineering) specializing in structural engineering in 1965 from the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

Promotions

Returned to Burma in 1965 and promoted to Professor and Head of Civil Engineering Department in 1966.

Promoted to Rector of Rangoon Institute of Technology in 1971.

UNESCO

Left Burma to join UNESCO as Programme Specialist in Applied Sciences in 1977 in Unesco Regional Office in New Delhi, India.

IDRC

Migrated to Ottawa, Canada to join the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canadian Research funding Agency in Ottawa as an Associate Director in 1981.

Was then assigned to IDRC Regional Office in Singapore as Principal Program Officer from 1989 to 1992.

Was transferred to IDRC Regional Office in New Delhi as Principal Program Officer in 1992.

Was promoted to Regional Representative for IDRC Regional Office in New Delhi in 1995.

Retired from IDRC in June 1997 and now settled down in Nepean, Ontario, Canada with wife.

I look forward to seeing you all soon.

With Metta,
Aung Gyi

Updates (by Hla Min)

Welcome dinner for SPZP-2000
- U Thein Aung (Met72, Saya) was Associate Editor for the commemorative issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000. He compiled the biographies of the sayas and sayamas attending SPZP-2000. He also served as co-emcee.
- Saya has four grandchildren.
- I was a guest on two occasions (around SPZPs) hosted by Ko Wai Lwin in Yangon (a) one for Ma Ma Emma’s birthday (b) another for welcoming Sayagyi DAG and other sayas at U Nyan Tun U’s residence.
- Met Saya during his trips to California
Asian Heritage Museum
- We spent a few nights at Ivan’s house. Saya & Ma Ma were also there to attend the RIT-UCC gathering hosted by Ivan
NJ Gathering
- Ko Ivan, Ko Fred, my spouse and I stayed at Saya’s house for two nights in 2015. Thanks.
Saya’s house
June 20, 2025
Whirlwind Trip
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025
- In July 2015, Ivan Lee (M69) invited us to stay at his home in New Jersey. Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma were also invited to spend a few days before going back to Canada.
- Conversation with Sayagyi and Ivan was interesting. Ivan had an expensive hearing aid, but he did not use it. So, several questions and answers had to be repeated.
- Ivan took us to selected places in New Jersey & New York. We saw a victory parade of the victorious US women soccer team.
- Ivan hosted the RIT-UCC gathering at his house.
- Ivan asked Fred to join us in the whirl wind tour of Canada and US East Coast.
- Ivan provided his car (Mercedes) & gas for the trip.
  Fred drove most of the trip.
- Stopped at Buffalo & Niagara Falls before heading to Windsor.
Niagara

Visit to Canada

Windsor

Windsor 1

Windsor 2
- We arrived at the house of Sayagyi U Aung Khin a few hours late. Sayagyi was calm and smiling. We had a brief conversation before Ivan and Fred left for a nearby hotel.
  Sayagyi graciously let my spouse and I spend the night in his guest room.
- Sayagyi prepared Mohinga and Ah Kyaw for breakfast for all of us.
- We paid respect to Sayagyi.
- He asked us to choose a souvenir from Windsor.
Ottawa
- We went to Ontario, but did not have the time to visit Saya Des.
- We drove around and headed to Napean (in Ottawa Province) to visit Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma.
DAG 1
- Sayagyi shared his memories and jokes.
- We all stayed at Sayagyi’s house.
- Sayagyi showed us around Ottawa.
DAG 2
- He then took us to a Thousand Islands for a boat trip.
Massachusetts

TAG 1
- On the way back, we visited Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) and Daw Khin Maw Maw in Massachusetts.
- They live about 50 miles from Boston.
- Since they were renovating their house, they put us up at a hotel.
TAG 2
- We visited MIT, Harvard and selected places in the area.
Connecticut

Toung 1
- The next leg took us to Trumbull, Connecticut. U Toung (EC69) and Daw Khin Myint hosted us.
Toung 2
- They took us to see Yale and a restaurant where Bill Clinton used to hang out.
Rest of the Stay
- Then, it was “Home Sweet Home” for Ivan.
Side Trip
- Fred later took us to see his second sister in Philadelphia.
  Sad to note that Ma Kathleen passed away recently in November, 2021.
- We stayed at Fred’s house.
- He showed us around. We bought souvenir coins from Liberty Bell.
- He drove us to Maryland to see my lone remaining uncle.
- Then, we headed back to New Jersey.
Thanks to our hosts for the memorable trip
- Sayagyi U Aung Khin
- Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi
- Ivan
- Fred
- U TAG
- Ko Toung
June 20, 2025
Elections
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

1960 Election

U Nu
- Pyidaungsu Party won. U Nu became Prime Minister of the Union of Burma for the Third and Last time.
- Several military officers (who used power to support the Losing Party) were purged.
- The 17 man Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat on March 2, 1962. According to Kyemon U Thaung, six of them did not have access to high level information / decision.
- Burma lost its hard fought Independence.
Sham Elections
- During the BSPP era, there were Sham Elections. Mostly single candidate nominated by BSPP. Voters had to choose White (Yes) or Black (No).
- During one BSPP Convention, the then Number One did not get the Top Vote. A purge followed. Those suspected of “Election Fraud” were criminalized with ludicrous charges. The MI Chief and his followers became extremely powerful. Eventually they were detained or dismissed.
- Jump Promotions and Purges led to many Toadies. e.g a Commander who baby sit the grand kids of his Boss.
Past Elections
- In September 1988 General Saw Maung took over. He promised to hold free and fair elections and that the soldiers will return to the Barracks.
  Citing medical reasons, he was forced out & replaced by a Ruthless Dictator.
- The National League for Democracy won the 1990 Elections. The results were nullified. The majority of elected representatives were detained.
- The military rule — accompanied by Nepotism, Cronyism & Terrorism — established a hand crafted Constitution in 2008 to ensure impunity for their Crimes and an unfair advantage to the past, present & future Thugs.
- 2010 Election was virtually uncontested. Some Toadies helped the military by posing as Opposition.
- 2015 and 2020 Elections were won convincingly by NLD (National League for Democracy).
June 20, 2025