Dr. Tin Win, son of U Kwet Kaw and Daw Hla Yi, was a Maths Gold Medalist in 1958 I.Sc. Exams. He stood first in 1962 batch of B.Sc. Mech. Eng. graduates. After working at Mandalay Brewery and Distillery for a year, he joined RIT as an Assistant Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering Department in 1963. He left for Melbourne University, Australia, in 1966 and obtained the doctorate degree in 1971. In 1972, he was promoted to Lecturer and worked at RIT till 1977 when he left for USA.
After working six months at Gardner Denver in Dallas, Texas, he joined Brown & Root (Halliburton Company) in Houston and became Head of Mechanical and Piping Department in 1988. Since 1992, he has been working as a Project Manager, currently in Subsea Engineering Division of Brown & Root Energy Services Business Unit.
He married Lily (Khin Htar Yee, T72) in 1984, and both of them will be attending the RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.
Updates (by Hla Min)
Saya is Past President of BASES
Was interviewed by Mandalay Gazette
Ran the Los Angeles Marathon to raise fund for SPZP-2007
Core organizer for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Ma Rosie, his sister, worked for RIT Chemistry department from 1965 to 1976
Penny, another sister, is from the class of 70
Lily was Founding member & Secretary of BEA (in Northern California) before she moved to Texas
After retirement, he and Lily relocated to Los Angeles (Southern California).
Lily’s sister is from the class of A73.
Myint Thin (Standing rrightmost)
Myint Thin (M71, GBNF) is a multiple RIT Luyechun. He rowed for RIT. He sponsored Sayagyi U Ba Than to SPZP-2007 in Singapore. He worked in Singapore and Malaysia.
The corresponding letters from the Upper Case and Lower Case are known as Allographs. e.g. A and a
Many English words were derived from Latin which had 23 letters.
In Old English, the letters V and U are allographs.
The early Printing presses use the letter V (instead of U, e.g. VNIVERSITY as in the Inscription shown). Based on context, the V is pronounced as U.
The letter W is written in some old languages as UU or VV and is pronounced as “Double U”.
Some stone inscriptions from Rangoon University has FOVNDATION & VNIVERSITY. They stand for FOUNDATION & UNIVERSITY (since U and V are allographs).
Dark Days
There were many Dark Days in the History of Burma.
7th July 1962 saw indiscriminate shooting at the student protesters. The official tally was 17 dead. Ko Aung Khin was hit by a stray bullet as he was returning home in Windermere Road from RUBC.
8th July 1962 saw the revered RU Student Union Building demolished. The two highest ranking officials said that they did not give the orders. Some people reported hearing strange sounds and seeing strange images in or near the residence halls (e.g. Mandalay Hall). Some believe that there might be ghosts.
In 1963, there were pamphlets & Sar Saungs commemorating the anniversary of 7th July. The higher authorities gave ultimatum to the hostel students to leave. All classes except those from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Engineering were closed. The final examinations were held locally (e.g. at State High Schools). The schools were reopened in November 1964 under a new Education System.
In mid-1960s, Nationalization and Demonetization crippled the “Rice Bowl of Asia”.
The use of the ILA system and the 3 NRC rule created a Tier System among the Once Equal Disciplines. A sayagyi told his students, “If all of you go to medical and engineering, there will be not enough talent left to cover other important fields.”
There were some exceptions. Min Oo (in 1963) and Zaw Win (a few years later) stood Second in the whole of Burma in the Matric exam. They both chose to study Maths & received Doctorates from Germany. Dr. Min Oo retired from McMasters University in Canada. He earlier taught in Germany and in the USA as visiting professor. Dr. Zaw Win is GBNF.
“Burmese Way to Socialism (Despotism, Nepotism)” created Second & Third Class Citizens. Shortage of rice (unheard of in the “Rice Bowl of Asia”) caused unease. The problem was redirected to create a riot known as “Tayoke Bama Ah Yay Ah Khinn”.
“U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin” in 1974 can be read in a book with rare photos. Htein Win Sar Pay has published books about the two Ah Yay Ah Khinn. Ko Khin Maung Zaw mailed me a copy of “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn”. At the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival, Ko Htein Win gave me a copy of the 8-8-88 Ah Yay Ah Khinn.
There were several more closure of the schools. Many students lost three precious years of their lives (1988, 1989 and 1990). There were no clases, exams and Convocation for three years. The 1st BE Intake of 1983 graduated in 1992. Those who failed the 6th BE in 1987 had to repeat in 1991.
Dr. Tin Aung
In August 1988, Dr. Tin Aung (Physics) and U Tun Aung Chain (History) were in the USA as members of the Burmese Education Delegation. Dr. Tin Aung was elected in abstentia as a Patron of the “Sayas and Sayamas from All Universities & Institutes”. Upon his return to Burma, he was forced to resign. Some time back, Dr. Tin Aung had to replace the pacemaker. His former students from Myanmar & Overseas donated for his health expenses.
Presidential Fellowship in Teaching Innovation, Lamar University, 2015
Presidential Fellowship in Teaching Innovation, Lamar University, 2014
Presidential Fellowship in Research, Lamar University, 2014
Tim Kendall Memorial Prize, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand, 1991
Pi Tau Sigma, Honors Society of Mechanical Engineers
Ivan Lee (M69, co-Founder and Patron of MASTAA) wrote
Kendrick has been with MASTAA, USA since June 2019.
He was an invaluable member of our team.
He was the heart and soul of our team in promoting Myanmar students who want to study abroad. His information was vital to our organization’s Students Info page. His contribution to MASTAA can be seen on Students Info page at MASTAA.ORG website.
He left his beloved wife Khin Khin Hla and two adult sons. Khin Khin Hla is also an RIT Alumni 1984 B.Engg Civil as well as AIT Alumni 1991 M. Engg Water Resources
The funeral service will take place on January 20, 2021.
Our condolences for this tragic loss and wish Dr. Kendrick Aung, RIP.
Phyu Phyu Kyaw (ex-UCC) wrote :
KTA came & joined us (Methodist English High School / No. 1 Dagon SHS : K Class) when Ye Myat Soe (ex-UCC), his wife Ohnmar Aung (our classmate) & daughter visited Los Angeles in September, 2019.
We had the Class Gathering in Las Vegas. All were from K Class (starting from Lower KG to High School).
KTA was a Top Student since he was young.
Learnt that KTA is a cousin of Ko Aung Zaw Myint (ex-UCC). Both have the nick name “Gaung Gyi”.
Ko Soe Myint (President, MASTAA) wrote :
I will offer Soon and three sets of robes to Sayadaws (in New York) in memory of Dr. Kyaw Than Aung, and share merits with him.
Ko Wint Khin Zaw (Sydney, Australia) wrote :
I felt unjustifiable by the shocking news of a very untimely loss of our AIT contemporary Burmese Engineering Scholar, Prof. Dr Kyaw Than Aung. He was our academic idol and the pride of Burmese students body at the time as the first Burmese Awardee at AIT, the first chess champion and a runner-up table tennis champ. He also helped any Burmese students who found difficulty academically. He was a good friend and one of the smartest Burmese persons I have ever met. I could recall our table tennis games and watching World Cup Soccer matches together at the Student Union parlour. We lost contact since 1990s then a few years ago he and family visited Sydney so we met again as a pleasant reunion. He said he will come again but ….
So long Ko Kyaw Than Aung …
Our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Ma Khin Khin Hla and sons. Our metta and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ko Maw Lin, President of AMA (Association of Myanmar Architects) and Chief Editor of ‘Pyithu Ayay’ journal wrote :
Dr. Kendrick Aung, 60, passed away on 01/13/2021 in Seabrook, TX, USA. He was born on June 5th, 1961 in Yangon, Myanmar to U Than Aung and Daw Nyunt Nyunt. Dr. Kendrick Aung is survived by: his wife, Khin-Khin Hla Aung; sons, Raymond Aung and Andrew Aung; brothers, Dr. Khin Zaw Aung and Dr. Min Zaw Aung; sisters-in-law, Daw Theingi Swe and Dr. Aye Aye Yee, and numerous family members and friends. He earned a Ph.D (Aerospace) from University of Michigan, M.Eng (Energy Tech) from Asian Institute of Technology, B.Eng (Mechanical) from Rangoon Institute of Technology, and matriculated from No. (1) Dagon State High School in Yangon. Dr. Kendrick Aung worked as an Interim Department Chair & Professor for Lamar University located in Beaumont, TX. He had a passion for teaching, books, Chess and loved to travel with family and friends.
There will be a Visitation for Dr. Kendrick on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E Medical Center Blvd Webster, TX 77598. Those wishing to send flowers in Dr. Kendrick Aung’s memory should be directed https://www.kemahflorist.com or by calling 281-532-6933 and having them sent to the Crowder Funeral Home – Webster, TX.
Condolences
Daddy (Ko Ko Gyi) I love you and will miss you forever. Whatever I do, I am thinking you are next to me. you will be always with me in my heart. I greatly appreciated the time we were together. Don’t want to let you go but please go freely. Share all the merit we did with you. Amya-amya-amya, sadu sadu sadu Khin Khin Hla
Dad We love you and miss you, thank you for everything you have done for us and the community. Aung family
We understand that we own nothing in this world. Everything surrounding us are only temporary. Only the love we have in our hearts will remain forever. Those we Love don’t go away, they Walk beside us Every Day. Unseen, Unheard, but Always Near, So Loved, So Missed, So Very Dear. So Thar Thar, you may be gone prematurely, but you are going to be with us forever! Your eldest brother Ko Ko Ni, Ma Theingi & Chan (Khin ZawAung)
Please take care Thar Thar wherever you are Hope to see you again in next life. You left so early…………… Amya-amya-amya Your elder brother Ko Latt (Dr. Min Zaw Aung)
I am totally broken hearted my baby brother. I didn’t know that our last Zoom in December was your way of saying good-bye. Want to remember you as someone who was full of motivation inspiration and a brilliant mind. I am sure you knew that you were very much loved by all of us. . You are in my prayers sweetheart and may you look down from heaven to share the merits. amya amya amya.. thar thar yay Your big sister Ma Ma Aye xxx (Aye Aye Yee)
Though I got to know you very briefly , just for a span of 3 years or so when you came to stay with us, you were like a younger brother that we never had ; for ma ma aye and I. I will not forget you. You will be sadly missed thar thar. Than Than Yee
Compiled information from people close to Dr. Aung and shared it to selected Facebook groups. The original post is archived in my web site hlamin.com and updated periodically. Sad to lose a young all-round (academic, athletic and community services) star who had brightened the lives of many. May Dr. Aung rest in peace. Hla Min (Life Long Learner)
May you be peaceful at much higher realm Ko Kyaw Than Aung. You will be dearly missed by all of us. Our deepest condolences and sympathy to Khin Khin, Raymond and Andrew at Seabrook, Texas and all the bereaved family members elsewhere. With metta Wint Thanda & Tharlon (Wint Khin Zaw)
Our condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Boyce family (Mee Mee)
So sad your early departure my friend (our high school class mate @ Dagon 1) Please accept my sincere condolences to my friend family. You will be missed. Rest in Peach my friend. Sincerely Phyu Phyu Kyaw (Los Angeles)
So sorry for your loss. I know this must be a very difficult and demanding time for you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept my condolences. Ohnmar nyunt (SHS1 Dagon)
So sorry for your loss. I was saddened to hear my friend kyaw Than Aung Passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept my condolences. Ohn Mar Nyunt
I am so sorry and saddened by the news of losing my friend from Dagon 1. Please accept my sincere condolences. I will remember the great time we all had with our childhood friends in Las Vegas in October 2019. Rest In Peace my friend. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Zaw Lwin
Dear Ko Kyaw Than Aung, Recently we met you at San Francisco after the graduation (1983 -Mech). You are talented, honest and having beautiful mind and so lovely. When I heard about you, I was shocked and very sad. Please accept my condolence . Where ever you go, May you be healthy, happy, wealthy, peaceful and attain the highest wisdom! You will be always in our heart! With All the Best Wishes, Kyi Shein (83-Mechanical)
I am grateful to have shared memorable-days with Saya Ko Kyaw Than Aung while studying in RIT and AIT. Will always remember you Saya! Engshwe
It’s so hard saying goodbye to you. Our condolences and prayers to you and your family. You will deeply be missed, rest in peace. Chu family from LA
To Uncle Ken, My heart is heavy, there are no words to describe how sad I am. I still can’t believe that you are no longer here with us, you will always be in our hearts and thoughts. You are like second father to me growing up with Raymond. Thank you for always caring for me and teaching me. You inspired me with all of your achievements. I will always cherish and remember the time that I had with you from growing up as a kid and the family vacations we had together. You are gone too soon.. My family and I will miss you so much, Rest in Peace Stephanie Chu
Dear Aung Family, We are very sorry to hear of the lose of Dr. Aung. He’s a brilliant Professor whom will be missed by many hear at Lamar University. I wish to thank him for sharing his knowledge with my students. Praying for overwhelming peace during this difficult time for all of your family. LU Family and friends
Dr Kendrick Aung We never forget you. Shu & Sue Chin family
No man is an island, Entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manor of thine own Or of thine friend’s were. Each man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee. [John Donne]
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing, he was kind, intelligent, caring and a wonderful colleague who will be missed. Taken far too soon. Love and condolences to the family. Harley Myler
We are all deeply shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news, and are so sorry for wife and sons’ loss. Kendrick’s untimely departure will be felt very keenly by everyone; not least his students, his colleagues , us and all his friends . Kendrick had so much more to give in this life, and such a beautiful family to enjoy. His premature departure is cruel. May Kendrick rest in peace. With our sincere condolences, Kyaw Thu Ya, Jacqueline, Shan and Thazin (London)
You can shed tears that he is gone, Or you can smile because he lived, You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him Or you can be full of the love that you shared, You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he is gone Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on, You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. Khin Sabai
The Department of Computer Science from Lamar University is deeply saddened of the untimely passing of Dr. Aung. He was a dedicated leader who cared about his students and colleagues. Sincere condolences to Dr. Aung’s family and friends. Stefan Andrei
Dr. Aung Family, My condolences on the passing of Dr. Aung. I’ve had the opportunity to work with him at Lamar University for more than 14 years. He was truly an exceptional person, a great colleague, a favorite teacher, and a true friend! Dr. Aung was a founding member of the Office of Undergraduate Research Advisory Council and played an instrumental role in the development of the program at Lamar. He touched so many lives for the good. I’m honored and blessed to have known Ken! He will be missed badly! With deepest sympathy, Kumer Das (University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana)
My condolences to the Aung family on the passing of Ken. He was an exceptional colleague and a genuinely good person who cared for his students. I have fond memories of the many times we met in the dining hall and discussed how our program offerings could be improved. He was taken too early and will be missed a lot. Srinivas Palanki
Dear Dr. Aung: I am blessed to have a great friend and colleague like you! Thank you very much again for all your kindly help and support at Lamar! You will be always be remembered. RIP!! Qiang Xu
No words can describe my great sadness. Dr. Aung had always been a trusted colleague and true friend for the past 17 years. He was such a brilliant and knowledgeable person. I thought we’d have so many more years and so much more time to talk about curriculums, course contents, travelling, martial-art novels and other books … It just ended too early and too suddenly! My deepest sympathies to Dr. Aung’s family. My heart goes out to you all. Jenny Zhou (Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Lamar University)
Rest In Peace Dr. Aung I will miss you Justin Ho (Hung Ho), Lamar University – Mechanical Engineering Student
My condolences to the Dr. Aung’s family. I have had the opportunity to work with him in Mechanical Engineering at Lamar University for 3 years. He was truly a great colleague, a favorite adviser, and an exceptional person who cared for his students and colleagues. I have lots of good memories with him as we met each other in his office where he advised me how my teaching could be improved. He will be deeply missed, rest in peace. Monayem H. Mazumder (Saginaw Valley State University, Saginaw, Michigan)
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Aung’s passing. He was one of my favorite professors and definitely the most generous with his time. Not sure I would have made it through with his help. Tim Dwyer
My most sincere condolences. Much Love and Prayer for the Family! Dr. Aung was a great mentor. As we grieve him let’s also remember to Celebrate his Life! Carlos A. Caballero (Mechanical Engineering, Lamar University – Class of May 2018)
I am at a loss for words with hearing of the passing of Dr. Aung. He was such a great person and a terrific influence for so many at Lamar. He would always take the time to help his students, and he has helped so many to become successful in their endeavors. My deepest condolences to his family and all the Lamar family as well who will truly miss this great man. Eli Clark
Professor Emeritus & Head of Civil Engineering at Rangoon Institute of Technology
Nativity
Born, brought up, and schooled in Taungdwingyi, Magwe Division, Myanmar, by my parents Saw Boon Koke (aka) U Win Myint and Daw Kyin Toke.
Family
Named as Maung Kyit Ing, the eldest son of six, three younger brothers (two Medical Doctors and one Head Master of State High School) and two younger sisters (one Medical Doctor and one Director of Education).
Married to Daw Khin Myint Myint.
Have two sons (Nicholas, a Medical Doctor and Daniel, a Computer Analyst) and one daughter (Penthea, a Medical Doctor), and three grand daughters.
Residence
Currently living with my spouse at 5947 Loma Avenue, Temple City, California 91780-1924, U.S.A.
Academic Career
School Leaving Certificate from Taungdwingyi State High School and Matriculated, 1948
University of Rangoon: Intermediate of Science, 1950
B.O.C. College: 1st Year B.Sc. Engineering, 1951
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): BS (Civil Engineering), 1955
Cornell University: MS (Civil Engineering) with Major in Geodesy and Photogrammetry, 1956
Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon, 1957-1961
Colombo Plan Professor, University College, London, 1974-1975
Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT), once also known as Burma Institute of Technology (BIT), Department of Civil Engineering, 1961-1988
Accomplishments
Professor & Head of Department of Civil Engineering, more than 31 years of service as educator and administrator at RIT, (1957-1988)
Director of Regional Colleges Development Project (Burmese Counterpart to Foreign Experts) (1978-1982), helped establish 20 Regional Colleges all over Burma
Chairman of Civil Engineering Construction Cooperative (CECC) (1976-1982), created job opportunity and On-the-Job-Training (OJT) for RIT and University Graduates, a Consultant Firm engaging the expertise of Faculty and Laboratory Staffs
Consultant Member of the Myanmar National Calendar Advisory Committee (1972-1988), helped revise and update Traditional Calendar Computation and Compilation Methods
Member of the Advisory Committee for Restoration of Bagan (1975-1988), helped strengthen Bagan Monuments (Stupas & Pagodas) and establish Photogrammetric Resources for rapid and precise mapping of Bagan Monuments.
Editor’s notes
Saya taught “Surveying” in my 2nd B.E. course
He is an expert in both Western & Eastern Astronomy, Western & Eastern Astrology.
He served on the “Myanmar Calendar Advisory Board” for many years.
He wrote an article, which complements/augments Kogyi Koung’s narrative of the “Kyaikhtiyo Project”.
He also wrote about “Bagan restoration” and “Civil Engineering Department”.
He retired from Caltrans when he was about 80 years young.
He passed away in Southern California.
Memories
Attended SPZP-2000 & gave speech
Welcome Dinner for SPZP-2000
Alumni mostly from SoCal meet annually for Lunch gathering with Saya. Dr. San Lin invited us to one gathering.
Saya & former students
Dr. Aung Soe led the practical for Saya’s course on Surveying.
U Min Wun Professor Emeritus, Civil Engineering, RIT
U Min Wun
When I read the article on “Kyaik Hti Yo Development Project” (KHYDP) by Dr. Koung Nyunt, Arch 67 – New Zealand, it brings me lots of fond memories and remind me of the “Good Old Days” of my tenure at the then R.I.T. It urges me to write this supplemental article.
There are many attractive sites in Myanmar for pilgrims, such as
• “Ah Laung Daw Katha Pha” to the west of Monywa, • “Popa Taung Kalat” and “Mount Popa” north of Kyauk Pa Daung, • “Pin Da Ya Hlaing Gu” near Nyaung Shwe in Shan State, • “U Daung Taung” near Inlay Lake in Shan State, • “Mrauk U” and “Wei Tha Li” in Rakkhine State, • “Kyaik Hti Yo” in Mon State, … and so on, just to mention a few.
These pilgrimage sites are our “National Wilderness Heritages”. A Wilderness is a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed, and the changes will occur primarily through natural disturbance, and minimum human influence. This is not the case with Kyaik Hti Yo, and many of the above pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, where human encroachment and activity are becoming noticeable.
On your way up the Kyaik Hti Yo Trek, after the Nga Gar Lain climb, the first sight of the Gilded Stupa-Topped Boulder, resembling a Hermit’s Head, floating on top of a Stone Pillar, appears in vista vision. At that time, a thrilling feeling of achievement and excitement is beyond description and all the physical tiredness seems to have dissolved and melted away in the bodily blood stream. During the Pagoda Festival Season, this scenario was usually hidden from view by a long row of bamboo huts along the last ridge toward the Kyaik Hti Yo Pagoda Plateau. Many smaller boulders along the ridge were painted in white for advertising the vendors.
To the East of the Pagoda Plateau many bamboo huts align the smaller ridges with waterless bathrooms in the back and human wastes are dumped along the slopes, creating ugly and unsanitary sites for parasites, and causing unpleasant smell in the air. Water is a scarce property and it is a luxury to afford a shower.
With the blessing of the venerable “Me Byaw Sayadaw”, the Kyaik Hti Yo Pagoda Trustees (KHYPT), requested me to prepare a Project Report for the development of Kyaik Hti Yo and its Environment. The Project was sponsored by the KHYPT under the auspices of the Kyaik Hto Township Party and Council. The Project Development Team (PDT) was formed with the following volunteer Team Leaders: Dr. Koung Nyunt, ( Dept of Architecture, R.I.T.); Dr. San Lin and U Hla Thein (Electric Power Corporation, E.P.C.); Dr. Kyaw Latt, (National Housing Board, N.H.B.); U Tint Lwin (?), (Dept of Geology, R.A.S.U.); U Aye Win Kyaw, (Dept of Civil Engineering, R.I.T.).
And volunteer members from R.I.T., E.P.C., N.H.B., R.A.S.U., too numerous to mention and I do hope they will excuse me.
Preservation of Wilderness : Dr. Koung Nyunt and his team had prepared many good recommendations to preserve Kyaik Hti Yo and its environment by maintaining the natural landscapes and scenic beauty, and to preserve it as a Wilderness Area. (See Slide #16 of Kyaik Htiyo Album, KHA. Dr. Kyaw Latt is the Second from the Left, looking away from camera.)
Zoning : The team lead by Dr Kyaw Latt had prepared useful Zoning Maps, with guidelines for enforcement, to demarcate Kyaik Hti Yo Plateau for Resting Huts, Food Stalls, Souvenir Boutiques, Photographers, etc.
Hydro-power : The Hydropower Team lead by Dr. San Lin & U Hla Thein made a feasibility study for Micro-hydro Power Project, for lighting, for pumping water to the Pagoda Plateau level for water supply and sanitation purposes. U Hla Thein will design the turbine and manufacture it locally. (See Slide #29 of KHA.)
Geological Survey : U Tint Lwin and his team made a general geological survey of Hyaik Hti Yo Pagoda Site. A detailed study of the Stone Pillar and the Hermit-Head Boulder was conducted. Disposed “Food Offerings” were found at the foot of the Stone Pillar and many “rodent holes” were also observed. These holes became small piping tunnels for runoff water to drain deeper and quicker into the ground, causing erosion and exposing the base of the Stone Pillar. This process was gradually endangering the stability of the Stone Pillar, which is “supposed” to support the 160-ton Hermit-Head Boulder on top of it. A concrete slab was poured around the base of the Stone Pillar and discarding of “Food Offerings” at the base was at once prohibited. Several hairline cracks were observed at the top of the Stone Pillar and “Water Offerings” to the Stupa on top of the Boulder was prohibited temporarily until the hair line cracks were sealed with apoxy resin. (See Slide # 25 of KHA.)
Civil Engineering : U Aye Win Kyaw and his surveying team were very ingenious to determine the volume of the Hermit-Head Boulder and its weight, which was calculated to be approximately 160 tons. The center of gravity of the Boulder was determined to be 6 to 9 inches away from the vertical axis of the “Contact Point” with the Stone Pillar, giving an impression of being on the verge of falling off. The Boulder seems to be afloat and can be rocked back and forth about a shifting “Contact Point” on top of the Stone Pillar. A rope can be pulled through this “Contact Point”, without getting crushed, by rocking the Boulder gently. And it seems to defy the Law of Gravity, thus making it both a terrestrial and a celestial “Wonder”. (See Slides #13, #22, and #24 of KHA.)
Many field trips were organized by each team to do site investigations both during Kyaik Hti Yo Festival Season (beginning at the end of the Buddhist Lent and ending on the Lunar New Year Day) and off the Festival Season. According to an age-old saying, the author should become rich because he had made more than “Three Trips to Kyaik Hti Yo Pagoda”, at least nine trips. The age-old saying is, perhaps, true, because many of the PDT members and volunteers are now abroad living comfortably or enjoying a retirement life.
A feasibility report was submitted to the Kyaik Hti Yo Pagoda Trustees in 1982. Since then I have not been to Kyaik Hti Yo Pagoda Festival. I have learned that there are many improvements to make Kyaik Hti Yo a Tourist Attraction. We should, however, keep in our mind that the “Wilderness” of Kyaik Hti Yo should be protected and valued for its unique ecological, historical, religious, scientific and experiential resources.
Note :
Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67) and Sayagyi U Min Wun are GBNF.
Was studying Mechanical Engineering when he was offered to study MET at Lehigh University in the US.
Completed BS & joined Faculty as Assistant Lecturer
Received MS from Melbourne University
Became Lecturer & Head of Metallurgy Department
Taught “Materials and Processes” in our 2nd BE class. He would throw chalk at the noisy student(s).
Moved to Australia.
Sent condolences via the RIT Alumni Newsletter when Saya Allen Htay (C58) passed away. He was a bit senior to Saya Allen during their high school in Yegyaw.
Wrote a brief history of the Metallurgy Department for HMEE project. He suggested other Met sayas to cover more (after he left RIT).
Attended selected Reunion and PZPs in Yangon.
Dr. Saw Pru (GBNF)
He succeeded U Thit as Head of Department
Ko Thein Ngwe (ChE76) posted an article about “လူဝင်စား” It mentioned that Saya chose to be reborn as a son of his nephew Ko Khin Aung Shwe.
U Than Tin
He studied in US.
Acting Head of Department
After teaching for several years, he moved to US.
I spoke with him briefly before SPZP-2000.
Dr. Tin Win said that U Than Tin moved from East Coast to Los Angeles
Dr. Khin Maung Win (GBNF)
Dr. Khin Maung Win
B.Sc. from Mandalay University
Worked at Mandalay U and later at UBARI in Rangoon.
Went on a government scholarship to USA to get his MS and PhD in Metallurgy.
Joined RIT Met
Later became DG of Technological Agricultural and Vocational Education.
U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF)
U Aung Hla Tun HMEE
Retired as Associate Professor
Published two books
Won National Literary Award for his first book.
Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine
He & his team published the History of Myanmar Engineering Education book in 2012. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for the book.
Saya led HMEE-2012 & HMEE-2018 projects.
Some Senior Sayas
U Pe Win : Professor and Rector
U Tin Maung Nyunt (Met70) : Retired as Professor. Note that U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) taught Agricultural Engineering.
Daw Victoria Simon (Met70) : Retired as Professor. Her father was Workshop Superintendent.
U Win Kyaw (Met71) : Rowing; Moved to Ministry of Mines in 1982
Win Kyaw
U Thein Aung (Met72) : Mr. RIT in 1968; SPZP-2000 (co-emcee, Associate Editor), Lawrence Livermore Lab
Thein Aung
U Nyunt Htay (Met73) : High school Luyechun, Poet, Chief Editor of Mudita Myanmar)
Nyunt Htay
Miscellaneous
U Win Kyaw, U Thein Aung & U Nyunt Htay had a micro-reunion at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles and at the iNapa Winery Lunch & Dinner hosted by Gordon Kaung (M83) and Lillian Kaung (EC83).
U Nyunt Htay hosted a Dinner for U Win Kyaw, U Ye Myint and me during my visit to Yangon (from Nov 2019 to Jan 2020). He also gave me the Kabyar book (by five RIT sayas / alumni) and the Mudita Sar Saung (which featured the kabyars of him and Saya U Moe Aung).
Younger sayas and sayamas include Dr. Naing Naing Aung (Met91, who organized seminars).
Served as Foreign Minister, Brigadier of a Reserve Army, Journalist and Publisher.
Perished when a bomb (placed under his car) exploded. There were investigations, but no conclusive results were reported.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint posted photos and articles about his Ba Gyi (e.g. The Empty Tomb).
“Ba Gyi Aung Nyar Dei” (a famous short story by Minthuwun (Saya U Wun) has implicit references to U Tin Tut.
U Kyaw Myint
U Kyaw Myint
Barrister, Judge of Supreme Court, Head of Tribunal that tried Galon U Saw, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Politician, Head of private Law firm that defended several people accused by the BSPP government).
Stood first in Burma from Central with distinctions in all subjects. Sadly, he was expelled from the University of Rangoon for attending his mother’s funeral and earned the ire of the Principal and his father. His saga is recounted in a series of posts by his son Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint.
Dhamma friend of my beloved parents. They built Dat Paung Zon Aung Min Gaung pagoda and supported “Mon” Sayadaw U Thilawanta.
Brief Bio of U Kyaw Myint
U Myint Thein
Chief Justice of the Union of Burma
On March 2, 1962, a Coup D’etat took place. Arrested along the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, several Sawbwas and high ranking officials. During his detainment, he was allowed only one day off to attend the funeral of his spouse Daw Phwa Hmi (an early Burmese female to be called to the Bar in the UK).
Ambassador to China
Outstanding author and translator
Pen name : “MMT” (for Maung Myint Thein). His works were heavily censored.
Dr. Htin Aung
Dr. Htin Aung
Principal of Rangoon College
First native Rector of the Rangoon University
Prolific writer covering history, folklore and several topics
“Burmese Drama” & “Thirty Burmese Tales” were prescribed texts
Daw Khin MyaMu
Lecturer in Burmese
Thamadu Myo Win (family court judge)
Expert in Kyauk Sar (stone inscriptions)
Spouse : Professor U E Maung
Her handwritten manuscripts were not published due to lack of fonts, and were ultimately lost
Daw Khin Saw Mu
Daw Khin Saw Mu
Early student of Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin
Khit San Poet
Spouse : ICS U Ba Tint
Children : Daw Khin Saw Tint (RIT English, bilingual writer) and U Nay Oke Tint (St. Paul’s, TED-x InyaLake speaker, successful tuition saya, Chair of the Myanmar Board for organizing the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival)
HlaMin 