The term “alumni” applies to both male & female students.
It refers to former students (not necessarily graduates) of a school, college or university.
It may also refer to former employees of a company or corporation.
Most Universities have
Alumni Associations
Office of Alumni Relations
RIT Alumni International
Bay Area Alumni Advisory Group
It was formed in 1999 with the primary objective of planning and implementing the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe).
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) served as President.
The members include Saya K C Chiu (U Tin Aung), Saya U Nyi Win, Saya George (U Maung Maung), Saya U Myat Htoo, U Hla Min, Benny Tan, Saya James (U Thein Aung), Maurice Chee, U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) & Gordon Kaung.
The RIT Alumni International Newsletter was published in April, 1999.
The Newsletter was posted on two RIT web sites, Facebook groups & Google group.
RIT Alumni Newsletter
The Newsletter & Updates cover
the good and sad news of sayas, sayamas and alumni
micro-gatherings, mini-gatherings, gatherings (by class and/or discipline), world wide Reunions and SPZPs
articles
photos
NorCal RIT AA
Northern California RIT Alumni Association was formed about a decade ago as a continuation of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group & RIT Alumni International.
NorCal RITAA
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) served as the first President. His successors include Gordon Kaung (M83), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) & U Tin Maung Win.
Stan Liou (M67, Table Tennis) served as the first Chair of BOD (Board of Directors). His successor is Saya U Myat Htoo (C68).
U Thaung Nyunt (M87), U Myint Swe (EP74), U Tin Maung Win (C86) & Maung Maung Moe Zaw (Met02) served as Secretary for different terms.
The list of past and present EC members is listed in Facebook Group and the website.
Activities before the pandemic
It provided scholarship for the children of alumni in the USA.
It worked closely with RITAA in Yangon to provide scholarship for eligible YTU students.
It facilitated to raise funds for YTU Library Modernization Project. It donated $3000 for the training of Library Staff. It also provided the first installment of $6650 for the sign board & general fund.
Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya Allen Htay’s books to YTU Library. In memory of Saya Allen, she also provided scholarships to YTU students.
RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association
After the Coup d’etat in 1962, most associations were banned.
During the Pwint Linn Era, restrictions were lifted.
Our alma mater
RITAA stands for RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association.
U Tin Latt (M85) served as the President of the Interim EC.
After RITAA was register, the AGM elected U Myo Aye to succeed U Tin Latt.
It has helped with the fund raising for the YTU Library Modernization Project.
In April and May of 1999, I received a series of e-mails from Saya U Soe Paing, my mentor at RIT & UCC, and Sayagadaw Alice (Saw Yu Tint, T69) about the mini-reunions in Yangon and Singapore.
U Soe Paing & Alice
Newsletter
I created an e-mail newsletter and passed on the news to several ex-faculty and alumni. They, in turn, forwarded the newsletter to their sayas, friends, and colleagues. The mailing list soon numbered 200+.
My Dreams
In my e-mails, I recounted my dreams: • to have the sayas, alumni and associates connected • to have mini-reunions, reunions, and eventually a Grand Union
Reach Out
KMZ
Thanks to Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76), our web master, we were able to reach out to faculty, alumni & associates in 30+ countries. They number 800+. The Guest Book entries express surprise, delight, nostalgia, pride, camaraderie, etc. One of my dreams has been fulfilled.
Photo Gallery
Several mini-reunions and reunions have taken place. Some are documented in the “Photo Gallery” section. • ’69 Grads • ’64 Intakes • Alumni in Australia • Alumni in New Zealand • Alumni in UK • Alumni in Singapore • Alumni in Canada • Dinners in honor of Sayas U Num Kock, Dr. Aung Gyi, U Aung Khin, etc.
Grand Reunion
The idea was accepted from the start, but the question of logistics was a crucial factor.
Have we reached a critical mass?
How easily can we reach out to faculty, alumni and associates from all over the world about such an event?
How can we raise enough money to sponsor the event?
The idea was discussed in detail during Saya U Aung Khin’s visit to the Bay Area. October 28-29 weekend was tentatively chosen to have a “Reunion and Homage”.
Later, during the discussion between the Northern California alumni and Southern California alumni, the term “Saya Pu Zaw Pwe ဆရာပူဇော်ပွဲ” meaning “honoring all sayas” was chosen over “Saya Ga Daw Pwe ဆရာကန်တော့ပွဲ” which has religious connotations. “Saya Ga Daw Pwe” remains an optional event.
In the subsequent meetings, the Steering Committee, Working (aka Executive) Committee, and subcommittees were formed.
Finally, several members showed commitment by purchasing tickets. The money was used as non-refundable deposit for reserving “Embassy Suites Hotel” rooms for the main event.
Several alumni and associates have also donated money and presents to the “Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” fund. Amounts, big or small, are welcome.
We sincerely hope that the forthcoming “Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” will be a resounding success.
Many events are covered in my posts & Newsletter Updates.
The following are some highlights for 1963 – 2025.
Spent five years studying at RIT.
Have spent 26 years paying back to my alma mater and my mentors.
Thanks to my family members for their support.
1963
Matric Exam
Took Matric Only exam in May
Stood 7th in the whole of Burma. Honored at a ceremony at St. Paul’s High School.
7th in Burma
Won the Collegiate Scholarship of 75 kyats a month
Scholarship Winners
OPA invited us to the Annual Dinner on June 30.
OPA Dinner
A newspaper clipping describing the Dinner is shown below. From R to L : Khin Maung U, Min Oo, Myo San, Nyunt Wai, Thein Wai, me & Maung Maung Kyi
SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten and ten in the Top Twenty in the Matric exam of 1963. Myo San (Freddie, 3rd), Maung Maung Kyi (11th) and Aung Thu Yein (13th) are now GBNF.
All our SPHS teachers except Saya Beatson (Physics, Boy Scout) are GBNF. Saya became a monk.
Inter A
Attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) classes at Leik Khone.
Rowing
Joined Rangoon University Boat Club with fellow Paulians Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF), Kyaw Wynn and Willie Soe Maung (GBNF). Our crew was Runners up for the Senior Novices. We were awarded Full Green.
Citing Security Concerns, the RUBC 40th Anniversary Regatta was canceled. Following the 7th July Anniversary protests, the University courses except Medicine & Engineering were suspended. The hostel students were ordered to return to their homes.
Sithu U Tin (President, GBNF) decided not to cancel the RUBC 40th Anniversary Dinner at Orient Hotel in Kandawgyi. Several members are now GBNF.
1964 – 1969
The I.Sc(A) exam was held at the High Schools.
RIT
2nd BE
Attended first ever 2nd BE class at Rangoon Institute of Technology in November 1964.
I was admitted as the Top student based on the I.Sc(A) exam marks.
Luyechun
Luyechun
Selected Luyechun in 2nd BE. Attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the summer of 1965 along with Ko Sein Shwe, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin and Ko Zaw Min.
The Luyechun program was started in the summer of 1964 with students from 7th to 10th Standards. In 1965, the program also included students from Universities & Institutes.
Some Luyechuns — Kyaw Sein Koe (IM1), Khin Aye Than (Chemistry), Tun Naung (Dental), Than Sit (Sagaing) and Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Myingyan) — are now GBNF.
Associations
Served as Joint Secretary, Secretary & Magazine Committee member of the RIT EE Association
RIT EE Association
Served as the last ever officially elected Treasurer and Vice Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club. The higher authorities abolished the Bye laws and prevented me from becoming RUBC Captain.
Writing
Started free lance writing (article, poem, translation …)
Published the poem “Men on the Moon” in Guardian newspaper in July 1969. USIA sent a copy of the poem to NASA and the astronauts.
Men on the Moon
Graduation
Graduated with B.E (EC).
Of the 13 classmates, 12 graduated. Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin & Oo Kyaw Hla are now GBNF.
EE69
1970 – 1998
Work
UK
Universities’ Computer Center (UCC) : Computer Engineer, Sr. Systems Programmer, Business Application Manager
UCC Course
Department of Computer Science (DCS) : Senior Lecturer
Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) : Associate Professor
Tech Companies in the Silicon Valley : Member, Senior Member & Principal Member of Technical Staff
Publications & Projects
Articles & translations in Guardian, Working Peoples’ Daily (WPD), Forward Magazine, Veda ဝေဒ Magazine, and Pan ပန် Magazine.
Assisted Saya Dr. Chit Swe’s projects including High School Mathematics, Children’s Treasury of Knowledge (CTK), Team of System Specialists (TOSS)
Wrote Computer Science, Programming & Lecture guides and UCC manuals with Saya U Soe Paing and Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF).
U Soe Paing
Per request from U Myint Sein (Principal, BARB), I assigned Ko Win Latt and Ko Zaw Tun Veda projects and supervised them. Their programs are used by Veda sayas, students & practitioners.
With Veda Sayas
1999
Newsletter
Newsletter
Started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”
It started with the news and photos of some gatherings back in Burma. (a) 30th Anniversary of the Graduation of the Class of 69 — reported by Ko Daniel Tint Lwin and Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice) (b) Mini-gathering with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and other sayas and senior alumni — reported by Saya U Soe Paing
2000
SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, USA in October 2000
Commemorative web pages (thanks to KMZ)
Commemorative Issue of the RIT Alumni International Newsletter by me and team
My Poem
64 Countdown to the Reunion posts
36 Post-Reunion posts
2002
SPZP-2002
Second RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung”
by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Reprinted my “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem as Back Cover
2004
SPZP-2004
Third RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
Mild earthquake did not rattle the attendees
2006
Three Gatherings in Sydney
Visited Sydney, Australia to attend three gatherings
RIT Alumni Dinner organized by Saya U Hla Myint, Saya U Myo Win (GBNF) & team
RIT Gathering
UCC Alumni Gathering hosted by Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and Daw Kyawt
UCC Gathering
BOB Gathering at Olympic Park organized by Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe)
2007
SPZP-2007
SPZP-2007
Fourth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed a poem “SWE DAW YEIK”
UCC Gathering
UCC gathering in Yangon hosted by Saya U Soe Paing& Daw Saw Yu Tint
Ko Soe Myint & Ma Nge are now GBNF.
UCC Gathering
2010
SPZP-2010
Fifth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed an article : Sad and short clip — EE sayas
2012
SPZP-2012
SPZP-2012
Sixth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
True “Home Coming” in the Gyogone Campus
Special publication : History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar by Saya U Aung Hla Tun & team (Ko Ohn Khine & I compiled the CD supplement for the book)
Publication: Selected RIT Cartoons
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by U Saw Lin & team
Limited reprints of 23 RIT Annual Magazines
2013
SDYF
SDYF
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Contributions for various projects
Health care for the sayas and sayamas
Soon Kyway
For Golden Jubilee
Gifts from KMZ, Zaw Tun & Kyu Kyu
2014
RIT Shwe YaDu
GJ of Admission
50th Anniversary of the opening of RIT in 1964
Planted 50 Swel Daw Bins
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by Saya U Moe Aung & team (Contributed an article : “Recollections of a 69er”)
Paved Shwe YaDu lane and set up Swel Daw Yeik benches
Translated Saya U Moe Aung’s Shwe YaDu poem
2016
SPZP-2016
RIT/YIT/YTU Alumni Association
Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
10000+ attendees
Free food and fun (all day and all night long)
Platinum Jubilee for the Class of 69
Hosted by some 69ers for their friends (in their sunset)
Appreciation Awards
Soonkway at Half Moon Bay Monastery (organized by U Maurice Chee)
HMB
Received Alumni Appreciation Award from alumni worldwide
Award 1
Annual Dinner by Northern California RIT Alumni Association
NorCal RITAA
Received plaque signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (Chair, BOD), U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, President), and U Thaung Nyunt (Secretary)
Award 2
Gatherings
Attended SPZP-2016 and Platinum Jubilee of the Class of 69
SPZP-2016
2017
Post-SPZP
Attended Post-SPZP2016 Gatherings
DTM
Awards : Distinguished Toastmaster
2018
UCC & ICST
Attended 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY
Memories of UCC : 40+ posts
Trivia : 2000+ posts
Archived and revised posts in hlamin.com
2019
69er GJ
Golden Jubilee of Graduation of the Class of 69
ILF
Panelist, 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
2020
PSA Tour in Jan 2020
After announcement of pandemic in Feb 2020, many social activities were paused.
2021 – 2023
Visits
Short visits (e.g Singapore, Malaysia)
NorCal RITAA
Some social activities were resumed.
2024
Visits
Short visits to Thailand and Laos
Attended EE85 Reunion as Guest of Edward Saw (Yu Ket).
Celebrations
NorCal RITAA celebrated Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma & 60th Anniversary of RIT
Saya U Nyunt Htay, Mg Mar Ga & team organized the recording of video messages of some sayas & sayamas. They can be accessed from YouTube channel & website of NorCal RITAA.
2025
Hla Min
Still have good physical & mental health.
Updating posts in my website
Thanks
My ancestors
My Beloved FatherMy beloved parentsMy parents & Mother-in-law
Abhidhamma Newsletter Volume 1 Number 3 (April 1999) Adviser: Venerable U Silananda Editor: Maung Tin-Wa (Ph.D.) Editorial Board: James Cameron, U Aye Cho, Aung Khin (M.D.). Marc F. Lierberman (M.D.), Yan Naing Lwin (Ph.D.), Sarah E, Marks, Tin Than Myint (M.D.), Bach Dong Nhut, U Han Nyo, Phil Rohrer, Larry Rosenberg, Anna Spievogel (M.D., Ph.D.), Tin Myo Than (M.D.), Hla N. Tin (Ph.D.), Rita Adelman BGraphic Designer: Scott Jordan Transcribing and Word Processing: Pat McMahon Published by the Abhidhamma Study Group of Dhammachakka Meditation Center, Berkeley, C.A.
He enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon in 1950. At that time, one must pass the I.Sc. with good grades to pursue engineering courses.
He left the Third Year B.Sc. (Engg) class in 1952 upon being selected as a State Scholar to study at Lehigh University in the US.
He received B.S.M.E. and M.S.M.E. degrees and returned in 1956 to join the staff at the Faculty of Engineering as an Assistant Lecturer.
He was promoted to Lecturer & Head of Mechanical Engineering.
He was awarded the Colombo Scholarship in 1962 to pursue post-graduate studies at Toronto University. He received the M.A.Sc. degree and returned in 1967 to continue teaching at Rangoon Institute of Technology.
He served as Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering.
In 1976, Saya resigned from the Institute in 1976 and emigrated to Canada.
He retired in 1998 after working for twenty one years in Canada.
His post-retirement sojourns can be found in the article written for SPZP-2000 (Special Issue).
One his trips was taken with Saya U San Tun to China and Myanmar.
He stays fit by playing tennis and golf.
Visits
Saya’s visits to the SF Bay Area had tremendous impact.
One visit resulted in the formation of BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) — a merger of BEA (Burmese Engineers Association) and BASTS (Burmese American Science and Technology Society).
Another visit resulted in a dinner meeting where the Bay Area Alumni Group led by Saya Allen Htay decided unanimously to hold the First Ever Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe on October 28-29 week end.
In 2012, Saya U Tin Htut (M60) invited Sayagyi to his house in Los Angeles. After spending some quality time with former colleagues and students, Sayagyi and Saya U Tin Htut flew to Yangon to attend SPZP-2012 and the opening of a Mechanical Chapter of MES.
In 2015, Sayagyi hosted my spouse and I during our visit to Windsor, Canada. He cooked Mohinga and ah kyaw အကြော် for Ko Ivan Lee (M69), Ko Frederick Thetgyi (M69), my spouse and I. He also gave us souvenirs.
Later, Ko Ivan organized another trip. Three cars of RIT sayas and alumni drove to Windsor to pay respect to Sayagyi.
Saya U Aung Khin in Canada
Saya U Aung Khin’s Posts
Mechanical Engineering Post 1950
Tribute to U Tin Hlaing
On the road to the Millenium
Introduction to the article about Sayagyi U Ba Hli
Brief History of Mechanical Engineering Department
Saya U San Tun
U San Tun
Graduated with B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Rangoon University in 1959.
Joined the Mechanical Engineering Department as an Assistant Lecturer.
Received Masters from MIT, USA in 1962.
1962 – 1964 Assistant Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, RIT
1964 – 1968 Lecturer in Mechanical/Automobile Engineering, RIT
1968 – 1974 Contract Engineer, Cone Company, Burlingame, California
1974 – 1999 Bechtel Corporation, San Francisco, California
Retired in August 1999
Editor’s notes
U San Tun served as Head of Automobile Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical Engineering).
He kept in contact with Sayagyi U Aung Khin. They went on some trips including the one to China where Saya U Kyaw Myint (M 65) was working on UN assignments.
Saya U San Tun invited me to his birthday party and to the wedding reception of his son.
Saya attended the Retirees’ Lunch Gathering organized by Maurice Chee.
Some time back, Saya had a stroke. He is now recuperating.
During our RIT days, he was Lecturer & Head of the RIT Maths Department.
He passed away in October 2006.
Condolences
He is the father of Ko Thant Zin (M82, GBNF), volunteer of RIT-related organizations and activities.
Yan Gyi Aung wrote :
Sayar U Sein Shan was my most familiar Mathematics Sayar since BIT period 1961-62. At that time engineering students were only about over 100. Female students were only two, one each at Textile and Chemical Department.
He was the President of Point 22-Rifle Club of BIT and I was the Secretary.We usually went to South Okkalapa Shooting Range and practiced.
While he was suffering from heart disease at his home in about 1999 in Mayangone, I frequently went to his house and encouraged him.Also when taking treatment at RGH hospital, at Cardiac Hall No 19/20, I went to him carrying boiled rice and some eatables as breakfast.
Very remarkable and historic event he did was while Major Subjects (Lines, such as Civil, Chemical, etc) performed Respect paying ceremonies to the respective department Sayars, Mathematics Department had no such ceremony. Mathematics Department always had no ceremony at that time. So Sayar U Sein Shan invited all the engineering students at the Daily News Paper that he would celebrate a friendship dinner to serve all engineering students with Danbauk rice at the Nawarat Hotel in 2000, I think. Very peculiar Sayar was!
Dr. Saw Tin (GBNF)
Some time back, we met the Saya’s younger brother, who had studied at RIT & UCC. He became a monk at Pa Auk monastery. He was visiting Half Moon Bay monastery. He participated in the consecration of a Sima (သိမ်) in Southern California.
He told us that Saya lost memory (e.g. to eat) during his final days. His spouse Daw Thida, who is a cousin of Ko Daniel Tint Lwin (M69), was busy taking care of saya. She learned too late that she had a medical problem.
Dr. Saw Tin & Daw ThidaObituary
Both passed away within a month or two.
As an assistant of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe, I worked with several sayas from the Maths Departments — including Saya Dr. Saw Tin — for High School Mathematics & CTK (Children’s Treasury of Knowledge).
Dr. Yan Naing Lwin wrote :
My deepest condolences ! He was at UI-Urbana in 1985-86 as a Fulbright Scholar, in the Math Dept . This was after Ko Chit Swe & 5 Fulbright Scholars have visited UI in 1982 for six months. I had arranged their visit with US Embassy help in Rangoon in 1982. I saw Ko Saw Tin at his residence in Rgn in 2000 . I did not know about his demise until today.
Daniel Tint Lwin wrote :
Thank you Ko Hla Min. Yes, I dearly miss my cousin, Thida, and her husband, Dr Saw Tin. This picture was taken from the book Yangon Echoes which Saya U Soe Paing showed me.
The book Yangon Echos featured unique places in Yangon and the Pinlon residence, where my cousin was staying, was also featured.
Rangoon University ရန်ကုန်တက္ကသိုလ် celebrated the Golden Jubilee ရွှေရတု in 1970.
RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins အနုပညာရှင်များ debuted the “Swel Daw Yeik Troupe” with “Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint စွယ်တော်ရိပ်အငြိမ့်” , “Htee Yein ထီးယိမ်း” & “Ta Bin Daing Ah Ka တပင်တိုင်အက”.
Htee Yein
The terms “Swel Daw”, “Swel Daw Bin” and “Swel Daw Yeik” became the official synonyms for RIT and its predecessors.
I had a minor role as Volunteer for the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yay Committee စျေးနေရာချထားရေးကော်မတီ”.
Dr. Aung Gyi (then, Professor of Civil Engineering) was Chair and U Thet Lwin (then at Eco) was Secretary of one of the main Committees. They reunited later as Rector and Registrar of RIT.
Dr. Aung Gyi & Arch Students
1999
30th Anniversary of 69ers
The celebration took place in Yangon.
It led to the founding of the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” by me, ex-rit web site by KMZ, and SPZP-2000 in the USA by SF Bay Area RIT Alumni.
NewsletterSPZP-2000 Organizers
2009
40th Anniversary of 69ers
C69EE69M69T69 & ChE69
Group photos from the event have been posted in the RIT 69ers, RIT Update pages, and hlamin.com
2014
Shwe YaDu
Golden Jubilee of the Education System introduced in November 1964.
Shwe YaDu
Pseudo Golden Jubilee of 69ers
It was the Golden Jubilee for Admission to the first ever 2nd BE at RIT in November 1964.
2019
True Golden Jubilee of 69ers
69er GJ
Dec 19 Morning : Reunion & PZP at Gyogone Campus
Dec 19 Evening : Dinner & entertainment at Ko Aung Min’s old office in PWD kCompound.
Close to ninety of our former classmates are GBNF.
Several seniors are 75+ years young but are physically and mentally strong as ever.
2020
U Ba Toke
U Ba Toke
Sayagyi was a Phwa Bet Taw of “RU” and “First RU Student Strike” (honored as “Ah Myotha Aung Pwe Nay”) in December 1920.
Rangoon University was established on December 1, 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as the Constituent Colleges,
13 Kyaung Tha Gyis led the first RU Students Strike on December 5, 1920. The Strike contributed to the reform of the RU Act of 1920.
Saya was born on Dec 26, 1920. He passed away on Dec 2, 2020.
RU Centennial
RU kicked off the Pre-Centennial celebrations in Dec 2019.
There were commemorative publications and exhibitions leading to the Centennial celebrations in Dec 2020.
Due to pandemic, several events had limited attendance; they were broadcast on TV for the public.
HMEE-2018
Saya U Aung Hla Tun headed the HMEE-2012 team which published the History book for SPZP-2012. Due to resource constraints, several topics and articles were deferred.
Saya is also head of the HMEE-2018 team, which is preparing to revise the HMEE-2012 book and compile books on Engineering & Industry in Myanmar.
Due to the pandemic and Saya’s demise, the project is in limbo.
Colonel Hla Han was the “Pyinnyar Ye Tar Wun Khan” (ပညာရေးတာဝန်ခံ later renamed Minister of Education). He succeeded Commodore Than Pe (RUBC President), who was the first Revolutionary Council member to pass away.
Deputy Minister
Dr. Nyi Nyi was the “Pyinnyar Ye Ah Twin Wun” (ပညာရေးအတွင်းဝန် Secretary, later renamed Deputy Minister of Education).
RIT Management
U Yone Mo
U Yone Moe was Rector. He started his tenure with BIT (Burma Institute of Technology) as “Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University”, and became the first Rector of RIT.
U Soe Thein, former Ta-ka-tha တကသ student leader, was Registrar.
RIT Departments
There were eight Engineering Departments: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Textile, Mining, Metallurgy & Architecture.
There were several supporting Departments: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, English & Burmese.
Admission to RIT
In November 1964, three batches of students attended the first ever 1st BE, 2nd BE & 3rd BE (formerly, 1st year of Engineering) under the then New Education System.
450+ students were admitted to 1st BE using the ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate). The background ranges from Pure Science, Pure Arts & Hybrid (with some Science and some Arts subjects).
320+ students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) exam were admitted to the first ever 2nd BE class. They had attended the Intermediate Colleges (e.g. under Rangoon University or Mandalay University).
About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) exam were admitted to the first ever 3rd BE class. They had attended the Intermediate Colleges. There were a few who had taken sabbatical in the old 1st year of Engineering.
Fees, Scholarships and Stipends
The monthly tuition was 15 kyats.
Scholarship winners & stipend holders receive a monthly allowance of 75 kyats (60 kyats net after paying the tuition).
The Class of 69++
Disciplines
Of the 320+ students admitted to 2nd BE, there were 100+ students in Civil & Mechanical, 70+ students in Electrical, 15+ students in Chemical & Textile, and 10 (or less) students in Mining, Metallurgy & Architecture.
Most graduated in 1969. A few left before graduation. Some took sabbatical and graduated later.
The Class of 69 (or 69++) consists of
(a) those who entered 2nd BE in 1964 (b) those who graduated in 1969 (c) those who studied a year or more with the above.
30th Anniversary
In 1999, Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel), Ko Sein Myint, Ko Sein Win (“Nar Yee”), and several 69ers organized the reunion for the “30th Anniversary of Graduation” and also a mini-SPZP. Daniel e-mailed me a report. Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice) e-mailed me photos.
Saya U Soe Paing e-mailed me about several mini-gatherings in Yangon (e.g. with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi).
RIT Newsletter
I started “RIT Alumni (Abroad) Newsletter” to share RIT-related news (such as mini-gatherings) and solicited contact information (in the form a spread sheet) from interested sayas & alumni. I use “RIT” to stand not only for Rangoon Institute of Technology, but to all the engineering faculty, colleges and institutes that precede or succeed it.
The name was changed to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” to include alumni in Burma and the rest of the world.
RIT Web Site
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) designed and implemented the first RIT web site. Ivan Lee (Ko Khin Maung Oo, M69), Ko Aung Myint (M69, Singapore) and the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58) provided some financial help to operate the web site.
“RIT Alumni International” hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
SPZP
There has been seven world wide SPZPs: SPZP-2000 in USA, SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010 in Singapore, SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 & SPZP-2016 in Yangon.
40th Anniversary
M69EE69C69
The Class of 69 organized the “40th Anniversary of the Graduation” in 2009.
Golden Jubilee of Admission
Shwe YaDu
The “Golden Jubilee of the admission to 2nd BE” was held in 2014 because 69ers were concerned with the declining health of members and that some might not make it to the Golden Jubilee of graduation in 2019.
Declining Health of Members
At one moment, the Class of 69 had a median age of 69, and the GBNF list has 69 members.
The symmetry no longer holds. In 2025, the median age is around 79 and the GBNF list has 128 members.
Attendees at the mini-gatherings have decreased. Some could not drive, and had to ask their family members to take them to the gatherings. Some had operations, and need time to recover fully. Some had medical problems.
Most are retired or semi-retired. A few did not retire or did not have the chance to retire.
Ko Tin Maung Lay (M69)’s spouse wanted him to retire, but his boss requested him to perform a hand-over before retiring. He had daily work outs and had no known major health problems. We were sad to learn of his untimely demise in Dubai on a Friday (holiday in the country). His company & colleagues tried extra hard to make sure that Ko Tin Maung Lay’s body could be flown back to Southern California, USA.
Let’s hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. U Aung Min (M69), U Shwe (EP69) & team are the core volunteers for the 69er Health Care Fund.
Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69), U Sein Myint (EP69) & Daw Myint Myint (C69) are major donors to HCF.
Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) added :
Thank you very much for your write-up about our 1999 “30th Anniversary of Graduation”. Actually. it all started in 1996 when I visited Burma and had dinner with a few of my close friends, including, Ko Shwe, Ko Win Mg, Ko Ye Pinn, Gabar Ko Myint Thein, etc. During dinner somebody mentioned that in 3 years time it would be 30 years since we graduated. Out of the blues I suggested to have a reunion in 1999. Everybody laughed as it was so far away. When I came back to Singapore and told Ko Sein Myint and Dickie they also laughed and told me that I must be crazy to think about so far away. However, time flies and in either late 1998 or early 1999 at Ko Win Htein’s funeral wake, some of our friends remembered the reunion proposal. They quickly formed a committee and organised the very first reunion at ‘Sait Taing Kya Restaurant. After the event I wrote you a report, Alice sent you a few photos and the rest is history.
Ko Ivan Lee (M69) wrote :
Dear Classmates,
Recently rather than optimistic good news, we heard spreading pessimistic health concern news mostly.
It clearly indicates that we are aging higher and health is going down lower and lower.
I can Imagine 5 years from now how many will be terribly survived.
I am kind of depressed that sooner or later we will be meeting THERE.
At this moment all I can express is to wish our classmates who are in sickness to recover ASAP.
Ivan Lee (M69)
Zau Lai (EP69) wrote :
Thank you, Ko Hla Min, for your writings. If it’s not for you there will be no records and history of R I T. I am reading interestingly all your writings all the time. When we all are gone your writing will live on.
Aung Min (M69) added :
So thanks for your recordings.
Appreciations.
Golden Jubilee of Graduation
The Class of 69 celebrated the true Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) in December 2019.
First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, USA
Kyauk Si Bagyee
Commemorative web pages (thanks to KMZ)
T shirtMug 1Mug 2
Commemorative Issues of the Newsletter by U Hla Min and team
64 Countdown to the Reunion posts
36 Post-Reunion posts
2002
Second RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Reprinted my “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem as Back Cover
2004
Third RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
Mild earthquake did not rattle the attendees
2007
Fourth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed a poem
2009
40th Anniversary of 69er Graduation
2010
Fifth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed an article : Sad and short clip — EE sayas
2012
Sixth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
True “Home Coming” in the Gyogone Campus
Special publication : History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar by Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team ( U Ohn Khine and I prepared the supplemental CD for the book
Special publication: Selected RIT Cartoons
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by U Saw Lin and team
Reprints: Limited number of RIT Annual Magazines
2013
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Contributions for various projects
Health care for the sayas and sayamas
“Saya Geha” as long term project
2014
Shwe YaDu
Shwe YaDu
50th Anniversary of the opening of RIT in 1964
Golden Jubilee of Admission to RIT for 69ers
Planted 50 Swel Daw Bins
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by Saya U Moe Aung and team Contributed an article : “Recollections of a 69er”
Paved Shwe YaDu lane and set up Swel Daw Yeik benches
Translated Saya U Moe Aung’s Shwe YaDu poem
Shwe YaDu Lann
2015
RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Mini-gatherings in Northern California
Gathering at iNapa Winery
2016
RIT/YIT/YTU Alumni Association
Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
10000+ attendees (expected)
Free food and fun (all day and all night long)
Received two “RIT Alumni Appreciation Awards”
Award 1Award 2
2019
Pre RU Centennial events
Moderator for RU Centennial Web Page
Panelist for 5th Irawaddy Literary Festival
ILF
Golden Jubilee for 69ers Graduation
GJ for 69ers
2020
Due to pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled
Low key celebration of RU Centennial
Broadcast 220+ educational videos
2021 – 2023
Lost some sayas, classmates and schoolmates
Updating / Organizing posts
Mostly Online gatherings
2024
Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar
The first RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in San Francisco, California, USA in October of 2000. I am honored to be a member of the RIT Alumni International that hosted SPZP-2000.
SPZP-2000 Organizers
I founded the RIT Alumni International Newsletter in 1999 and have served as its Editor and Content Provider for 26 years. I have repaid the metta and cetana of my mentors.
Seven SPZPs
There have been seven RIT Grand Reunion and SPZPs (also known as World Wide SPZPs). They are
SPZP-2000 : US in October 2000
SPZP-2002 : Singapore in December 2002
SPZP-2004 : Yangon in December 2004
SPZP-2007 : Singapore in April 2007
SPZP-2010 : Singapore in December 2010
SPZP-2012 : Yangon at the Gyogone Campus in December 2012 (True Home Coming). The Reunion dinner was held at MICT Park
SPZP-2016 : Yangon. A free All Day Event at the Gyogone Campus with exhibitions, and two stages.
Note : SPZP-2020 was canceleddue to the pandemic.
Publications
For SPPZ-2000, I served as Chief Editor for the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni Newsletter”.
For SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010, Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as Chief Editor of the commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung”. Saya also served as Chief Editor of the commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for Shwe YaDu 2014 and SPZP-2016.
U Saw Linn (C71, GBNF) served as Chief Editor of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for SPZP-2012.
Other special publications for SPZP-2012 are
HMEE-2012 (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) by Saya U Aung Hla Tun & team. I was a member. U Ohn Khine and I compiled a CD supplement for the book.
Selected RIT Cartoons by U Myint Pe (M72) and fellow cartoonists
HlaMin 