After passing Third Standard at PPBRS, I applied as a Transfer Student to SPHS where my older brother Sein Htoon (SPHS57) was studying for his Matriculation exam.
Badge & Motto
Preferences for Admission
Those aspiring to become Brother or Father (Priest)
Catholic
Those having a Paulian in the family
Those wishing to be a Boarder
Those willing to start from Lower KG
For Transfer students (a) Must be a Top student (b) Preferably attended an allied school (c) If not, willing to start at a lower class
Standard IV(D)
I was accepted by SPHS because I stood Second in 3rd Std at PPBRS & my brother was a Paulian.
However, I was assigned to IV(D) taught by Ms. A Benjamin. See Dr. TOKM’s post about “Section D”
Tin Tun (M69, GBNF) was my classmate. His mum would come & feed him at lunch break.
Norman Thant Zin’s mother (Mrs. Stiles) taught a different section.
Sections A & B were considered good sections for the class.
My Class Teachers
Ms A Benjamin : IV(D)
Ms V Boudville : V(D)
U Pe Tin : VI(D)
U Nge : VII(D)
Brother Anthony : VIII(A)
Brother Xavier : IX(A)
Brother Austin : X(A)
Most of my teachers (class, subject and relieving) are GBNF.
Learning English
How did I learn English? Not so easily.
Ms Hong Kong (Amelia Kyi)
She taught us English in VI and VII standards using the carrot & the stick.
My daily pocket money was 25 pyas. I would be fined 50 pyas if I failed in a weekly English test, but I would be rewarded 50 pyas if my scores are super.
VI D : Saya U Pe Tin, Brother Anthony, Ms. Hong Kong
Brother Xavier
He taught us English in VIII and IX standards mostly using red ink & the stick.
He would give 100 marks (perfect score) for any paper or test & then subtract 10 marks for each error (spelling, grammar …).
One of my classmates received -230 (minus 230) written in red in his report card.
He would ask a student to stand on the chair or kneel in front for blatant violations of Grammar.
According to Ko Zaw Min (St. Albert’s 64), Brother Xavier stopped using the brute-force techniques at St. Albert’s HS.
VIII A :
Brother Austin
He taught us English and “Morals and Manners” in X standard mostly using the carrot.
He was a Librarian for SPHS Library.
He said, “Don’t copy from your friends. You’ll waste your time and my time.”
He reminded me not to write very small. He would reduce score for writing small.
He would reward students who could recite verses from “Morals and Manners” by letting them “time off” for the rest of the period and handing out surprise gifts (e.g. a UK or European soccer match played with his 8mm camera). I won a ticket to see “1960 Summer Olympics at Rome” at the Thamada (President) Cinema.
I am not sure if these kind of incentives will be effective in the present time.
Sayas 1Sayas 2Sayas 3
Support
from parents
They bought books, magazines, cartoons, and comics in Burmese and English. Most of them cost less than two kyats.
We had two typewriters : a new Olympia typewriter for Burmese, and an old Remington typewriter for English.
They and my uncles maintain private libraries.
Matriculation
Roll of Honor
SPHS had a Roll of Honor for the outstanding Matriculates from 1951 – 1963.
Roll of Honor
SPHS63
SPHS63OPA Dinner
In the Matric exam of 1963, SPHS had five students in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
Khin Maung U — 1st in Burma
Min Oo — 2nd
Myo San (Freddie) — 3rd
Nyunt Wai (Victor) — 4th
Thein Wai — 5th
Hla Min — 7th
Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny) — 9th
Maung Maung Kyi — 11th
Aung Thu Yein (Brownie) — 13th
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank) — 17th
OPA (Old Paulian Association) invited the Collegiate Scholarship Winners to the Annual Dinner.
Update
The schools were nationalized on April 1, 1965. SPHS was renamed as No. (6) State High School, Botathaung.
Several SPHS alumni are GBNF. They include Myo San (Freddie), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie), Maung Maung Kyi, Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe), Aye Ngwe (Edwin), Aung Chaw (Victor), Tin Tun, Aung Kyi (Arthur), Khin Maung Bo (Allan).
KMB, AK & TT are GBNF
Most of my teachers are GBNF. Uzin Beatson was the last to pass away.
She taught us English in VI and VII standards using the carrot & the stick.
My daily pocket money was 25 pyas. I would be fined 50 pyas if I failed in a weekly English test, but I would be rewarded 50 pyas if my scores are super.
VI D : Saya U Pe Tin, Brother Anthony, Ms. Hong Kong
Brother Xavier
He taught us English in VIII and IX standards mostly using red ink & the stick.
He would give 100 marks (perfect score) for any paper or test & then subtract 10 marks for each error (spelling, grammar …).
One of my classmates received -230 (minus 230) written in red in his report card.
He would ask a student to stand on the chair or kneel in front for blatant violations of Grammar.
According to Ko Zaw Min (St. Albert’s 64), Brother Xavier stopped using the brute-force techniques at St. Albert’s HS.
VIII A :
Brother Austin
He taught us English and “Morals and Manners” in X standard mostly using the carrot.
He was a Librarian for SPHS Library.
He said, “Don’t copy from your friends. You’ll waste your time and my time.”
He reminded me not to write very small. He would reduce score for writing small.
He would reward students who could recite verses from “Morals and Manners” by letting them “time off” for the rest of the period and handing out surprise gifts (e.g. a UK or European soccer match played with his 8mm camera). I won a ticket to see “1960 Summer Olympics at Rome” at the Thamada (President) Cinema.
I am not sure if these kind of incentives will be effective in the present time.
Sayas 1Sayas 2Sayas 3
Support
from parents
They bought books, magazines, cartoons, and comics in Burmese and English. Most of them cost less than two kyats.
We had two typewriters : a new Olympia typewriter for Burmese, and an old Remington typewriter for English.
Her sisters Daw Yi Yi & Daw Khin Khin Aye assisted her.
Daw Khin Khin Aye later became Principal. She also added middle and high school classes so that her children do not have to attend other schools.
PPBRS was renamed as PBRS.
Daw Khin Khin Aye
Classes
The lowest classes were Infant (C), (B) & (A). They correspond to Lower, Middle & Higher Kindergarten.
Memories
I was not keen to go to school.
Had to get up early.
Had to use slates, paper and pencil (unlike gizmos available to present day kids).
Teacher Kywe (a motherly Karen Christian) transformed me into a Lifelong Learner.
After passing High School, my mom asked me to visit Teacher Kywe. Teacher Kywe proudly introduced me to her students. That was my Micro-SPZP.
Note about SPZP
Saya Gadaw Pwe has a religious connotation. Saya Pu Zaw Pwe transcends religions. Several organizers & Golden Sponsors of SPZP-2000 do not profess Buddhism, but they all want to pay back to their mentors for their metta, karuna and cetana.
Classmates include
Nay Win (MEHS63, M69, GBNF)
Elizabeth Kyaw Tun (Ph.D in English)
Han Tun (SPHS63 & DSA)
Kenneth San & Margaret San
Several from Film Community (A1 Than Htut, A1 Thein Htut, Toe Nyunt, Thamankyar Ko Myint, Myat Hla Sein …)
Seniors include
Flora Aye
Tin Maung Thant (son of U Thant)
Francis Ohn Maung
Bonzo Kun Lone
Bonnie Kun Lone
Prizes
Thermos Flask for reciting “Mingalar Kabyar”
Fairy Tales
Translation of Aesop’s Fables by Min Yu Way & Ngwe Tar Yi
Siblings : Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, GBNF), U Kyaw Paing
Spouse : Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69)
Children : Two sons & One daughter
Grandchildren : 3
Education & Work
Mmatriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1956. He stood 13th in Burma and won Collegiate Scholarship.
At the Convocation of 1958, he won two Gold Medals — one for Highest Total Marks in I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B); and another for Joint Highest Marks in Maths for I.Sc.(A) and I.Sc.(B).
Received a States Scholarship to study BSEE and MSEE at Stanford University.
Joined the RIT Electrical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
Helped Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe found Universities’ Computer Center.
Transferred to UCC as Manager for Systems Division. He later also managed Operations Division.
Received M.Sc.(Computer Science) from Southampton University in UK.
Worked for UNDP Projects in several countries.
Mentor
My mentor at RIT & UCC.
Allowed U Aung Zaw (GBNF) & me to co-author Texts, User Guides and Manuals for use at UCC.
HMEE
Early supporter of the HMEE project.
Prepared a draft for the HMEE book and handed it to Saya U Aung Hla Tun & team.
He and U Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 of the HMEE Book and summarized Section 2.
Posts
Post from March 2011
I went to the University Central Library and managed to get scanned photos from the Engg Student Annual Magazines 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas, students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.
U Sein Hlaing (Prof EE) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L starting 1952-53. Saya U Tin Swe was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team. Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain. U Khin Si (husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile) and U Tin Si (U Khin Si’s brother and tennis doubles partnership that won RU as well as national championships) were members of the Prome hall team.
The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by the Prime Minister at that time U Ba Swe.
In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD, PWC, CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.
I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.
U Ba Than has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.
Post from May 2000
The mention of RIT, BIT, and BOC college in the first newsletter bring back memories of our good old days in Rangoon University. Although we did not graduate from Rangoon University, we had a really great two and a half years there before we went for studies aroad under government scholarship.
Our first year 1956-1957 was in Yankin College. Yankin was a campus of RU for first year science students. It is now Yankin State High School No. XX? Hteedan was for the 1st year arts students. Our second year I.Sc. was at the RU campus itself which we refer to as Main. The Arts students have classes at Judson. That time the new Social Science Building (now Institute of Economics) was completed. We had our second year ISc exams in that new building.
Then it is our 1st year B.Sc. Engineering course at the new Faculty of Engineering in Prome Road (now Institute of Medicine I). We attended for six months till December 1958. That campus was designed and built especially for the Faculty of Engineering. Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Departments were there but Chemical, Textile, etc. were in the old BOC building at the back.
The 1st year classes were from 7 to 9 a.m. for Mathematics. We then have a one hour break and we start the engineering courses at 10 a.m. We usually have a snack during the break at a small cafe between Tagaung and Prome Halls. Those halls were only for engineering students then. The mathematics (Pure & Applied) lecturers were from India hired under contract. We had three engineering courses: Building Materials taught by Mr. Tan Ba Hli (the Dean of Engineering himself). Heat Engines taught by U Aung Khin. Principles of Electrical Engineering taught by U Kyaw Tun. We had EE lab with Ko Htin Paw and Ko Ba Nyunt as lab instructors. We also had engineering drawing with Ko San Hla Aung and Allen Htay (for Chem, Tex, etc.) as instructors.
Those were the days when Rangoon University was one of the best universities in SE Asia and Asia. It also had a really nice campus.
RIT Saya Soccer Team
Reading about communications from Richard Khoo (Dr. Aung Soe, C61) and seeing the list of Sayas in the 1966-67 Handbook brings back memories of our soccer team.
As I remember it was from 1964 to 1968 or 1969. We played against (i) the senior students of different majors Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc. (ii) the sayas at GTI and Natmauk Technical Institute (iii) the Burma Air Force officers.
We also played in the annual tournament for RIT Staff. The staff teams are the Sayas, Workshop staff, Lab staff, Hostel staff and the youth team from the RIT compound.
As I remember (other Sayas & graduates may correct me) these were the people in the team.
Goalkeepers :
Richard Khoo (Civil)
Maurice Kyaw Zaw (Chemistry),
Sein Myint/Ah Sein (Petroleum)
Defenders :
Ko Maung Maung Than (Textile)
Ko Aung Soe (Math)
Ko Aung Hla Tun (Met)
Ko Sann Tint (Elect)
Christopher Maung (Civil)
U Tin Swe (Elect)
Ko Tin Win (Mech)
Midfielders :
Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri)
Desmond Rogers (English)
Ko Khine Oo (Elect)
Ko Maung Maung Win (Mech)
Ko Tin Hlaing II (Mech)
Forwards :
Ko Pike Htwe (Chemistry)
Ko Aung (Math)
Ko Tin Hlaing I (Agri)
Ko Soe Min (Elect)
Ko Kyin Soe (Auto)
myself (Elect)
We rarely practiced but we enjoyed playing the games. We split games with the GTI sayas & the Air Force officers. We beat the Natmauk sayas and we won more than we lost in the RIT staff tournament. But I am sure we lost more than we won against the final year students. Would appreciate comments on this; especially on the names I missed in the team.
Updates
Wrote articles about his experiences as a State Scholar, Saya, UCC Co-founder & UN Advisor. They can be read from SCRIB-D.
Saya Pu Zaw Pwe is a noble Burmese tradition to pay respect to mentors.
RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
Micro-SPZP
Started school at an early age. I was not enthusiastic.
My mother said something. magical happened one day. She thanked Teacher Kywe, a Karen Christian with a warm soul & the skill to transform a normal kid like me into a life long learner.
For several years, my mother asked me to visit Teacher Kywe and pay respect to her. It was an early Micro-SPZP. Her eyes were filled with pride as she introduced her former student to her current students.
SPZP
Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP) transcends religion.
Some said that RIT was a dying breed, but there were several who wanted to keep the RIT Spirit alive & well. They wanted to have sayas & alumni get reconnected electronically via Internet, and physically via Pu Zaw Pwes.
SF Bay Area Alumni Group
RIT Alumni International was formed by the San Francisco Bay Area Group (and KMZ) with the objective to host the First RIT Alumni Reunion & SPZP in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
The term SPZP was chosen over Saya Gadaw Pwe — which had religious connotation — to allow sponsors & alumni who profess different religions to pay back to their mentors for their metta and cetana.
I am honored to be a member of the team that organized SPZP-2000, and SPZPs in Singapore (2002, 2007 & 2010) and Myanmar (2004, 2012 & 2016).
Singapore has a large number of alumni. Its proximity to Myanmar eased the task of inviting sayas to attend SPZPs.
SPZP-2012 was the first true Home Coming. Thanks to U Aye Myint (EP72), who did not forget his alma mater.
U Aye Myint
SPZP-2016 was the first to have a full day event at the Gyogone Campus. RITAA, Sponsors and Donors provided free food & entertainment.
RITAA
The smiles from our beloved sayas and sayamas, and occasional “slap on my back” from my former colleagues, classmates and give me “second wind” even after being a volunteer messenger for 26 years.
KMZ (Right)
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :
The official name of these “Reunions” was one of the many discussions at the very early days of first Reunion committee members under the leadership of Saya Allen Htay. All of us were aware that the “Saya Gadaw Pwe” could somehow be restrictive where you would have many intakes and graduation classes spanning several decades not to mention people transcending various religions.
SPZP, Saya Pu Zaw Pwe, was officially adopted. It turned out well, and was adopted by the consecutive Reunions.
SAYA PU ZAW PWE (Poem)
Poem in Newsletter
S eems like it was only yesterday A t our alma mater in a land far away Y ou taught us to work, play, laugh, even cry A nd coaxed us, forced us to aim for the sky
P roblems in real life, lab, computation, survey U nderstand concepts, design, display, …
Z eal, zest, ardor, grit, passion to make it “our day” A rchitects, engineers, we’ve come here to say W e honor your metta, your cetana — we fully can’t repay
P resently we meet, alum from five decades we greet W ith memories true, fond, sweet E cstatic yet sad that the GBNF could not join this memorable fete
My poem was published on the front page of the commemorative issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Saya U Moe Aung & team reprinted my poem on the back cover of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002 hosted by Singapore alumni.
SPZP-2000 in the USA
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Organizers
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76, web master) copied the names/tags from the very first posting from his album.
Sitting L-R: Saya U Mya Htoo (Civil 68), U Benny Tan (Mech 70), Saya KC Chiu (Chem 63), U Hla Min (EC 69) Editor Extraordinaire, Saya U Allen Htay (Civil 58) GNBF, Saya U Nyo Win (Mech 65), Saya U Tin Htut (Mech 60), Saya George Maung Maung (Chem 66), Daw San San Nyunt @ Mrs. Thein Aung (Mech 76)
Standing L-R: U Soe Aung (Mech 75), U Gordon Kaung (Mech 83), , U Myint Swe (EP 74), U Anthony Ng (Mech 76), U Phillip Mya Thwin (EP 75), U Maurice Chee (Mech 75), U Thura Thant Zin (Mech 76), Sayalay U Thein Aung (Met 72), U Myint Lwin @ Henry Chee (Civil 63), Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76), Daw Yi Yi Khaing @ Audrey Wong (Civil 84), Daw San San @ Mrs Myint Swe (EC74)
All of them, except KMZ, live in cities across Northern & Southern California. KMZ lives in a city near Seattle, Washington State.
Golden Sponsors
We appreciate the cetana of the following alumni who felt that the RIT Alumni International should have activities beyond the First ever RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.
They are honored as “Golden Sponsors” of SPZP-2000.
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70, Southern California) : Donated $1000 initially and later gave an additional $1800.
Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69, New Jersey) : Donated $1200 for the General Fund of RIT Alumni International and for SPZP-2000. Earlier donated $360 for one year’s operating expense of the ex-rit.or web site
David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67, Northern California) : Donated $1000 for SPZP-2000
Benny Tan (Tan Eu Beng, M70, Northern California) : Donated in cash and kind. Designed the memorabilia (Banner, Mug, Calculator/Clock & Tee-shirt). Since he had gift shops, he obtained most memorabilia from his vendors at discount prices.
U Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas) : Donated a Round-trip ticket to Myanmar. By popular acclaim, the ticket was given to Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
Updates
Steeve Kay
Steeve 1Steeve 2
Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs.
Established the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas. In 2019, the balance of the Fund was handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
Founded Kay Family Foundation. KFF sponsored a delegation from Myanmar to visit Universities & Research Institutions in California. KFF provided a matching fund of $30000 for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
LA 2015
Donated $200,000+ over the years to RIT-related activities.
Sponsored the Centennial Publication of Hwa Kyone School.
He is now GBNF
Ivan Lee
Ivan‘s house in NJWith Saya Dr. Aung GyiWith Saya U Aung Khin
Hosted the annual RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey
Sayas at NJ Gathering
Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2007 Sponsored Naw Mu Mu Aye to attend the SPZP
Co-founded MASTAA. Was CEO
David Ko
David
Donated US $3000 to SPZP-2012
DonationAppreciation
Sponsored Dinner Tables at NorCal RITAA Dinner
He is now GBNF
Benny Tan
Benny 1Benny 2Mug
Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs
For SPZP-2000, he used Steeve’s donation as seed money to raise funds. He designed memorabilia to give to sayas, sayamas and selected organizers / volunteers. Some memorabilia were put on sale for attendees at SPZP-2000.
U Maung Maung Than
Could not attend SPZP-2000, but he comunicated with Saya Allen Htay
Supported Saya Dr. Tin Win’s “Run LA Marathon to raise fund for SPZP-2007”
Sponsors for Sayagyi U Ba Toke
U Ba Toke
U Maung Maung Than donated the round trip ticket
U Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) hosted Sayagyi and son U Ye Myint (EP72) at his new house in Hayward, California.
Saya Allen Htay, Saya U Tin Htut, Saya Mao Toon Siong and several sayas and alumni took care of Sayagyi’s stay.
SPZP-2000 : By The Numbers
One
SPZP-2000 : First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP
One round-trip ticket for a saya from Myanmar to attend SPZP-2000. By popular acclaim, Sayagyi U Ba Toke was invited.
Two
Sayas of our sayas
U Num Kok
U Ba Toke
Former RIT Rectors
Dr. Aung Gyi
U Khin Aung Kyi
Major events
Dinner/meeting on Oct 28, 2000
Lunch/picnic on Oct 29, 2000
Organizing Committees
Working Committee : Chaired by Benny Tan and Maurice Chee
Steering Committee (Mostly Sayas)
Three
Outstanding Member Awards
Ko Hla Min (EC69) for the pioneering work of RIT Alumni International website & Editor of RIT Alumni Newsletter
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) for the design, implementation, maintenance & enhancements to http://www.ex-rit.org
Ko Hla Myint Thein (Maurice Chee, M75) Treasurer, Financial Controller & Publisher of RIT Alumni Newsletter
Four
Four intensive months of preparation by the Organizing Committee
Five
Golden Sponsors for SPZP-2000
Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein, EC 70)
Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70)
Ivan Lee (Ko Khin Maung Oo, M69)
Ko Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas)
David Ko (Ko Tin Myint, M67)
Six
Number of years spent at the engineering colleges & institutes by most attendees
Seven
Seven unforgettable hours (5 – 12 pm) at the Reunion and SPZP
Seven sleepless nights per week by Maurice, Benny, …
Eight
Countries represented by the attendees
United States
Canada
Myanmar
Thailand
Singapore
Japan
Australia
New Zealand
Major disciplines at RIT
Civil
Mechanical
Electrical
Mining
Textile
Chemical
Metallurgy
Architecture
36
Number of “Post-Reunion” articles written by Hla Min for SPZP-2000
64
Number of “Count down to the Reunion” articles written by Hla Min for SPZP-2000
100
Number of articles written by Hla Min for SPZP-2000
Singapore SPZPs
SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2012 hosted by the Singapore alums were grander with a huge turn out at main events, publication of the commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saungs by Saya U Moe Aung & teams, first-rate entertainment by the famous Swel Daw Yiek Ah Nyeint and the young-at-heart (“never grow old”) singers and dancers.
SPZP-2002
Saya Moe
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) was Chair. He was also Chief Editor of the Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung.
Websites
Saya Dr. Soe Thein (C75) was a core organizer. He & his team maintained two web sites
One for alumni in Singapore
One for Civil Engineers in Singapore
Singapore Alumni web site contained info for SPZP-2002.
SINGAPORE-2002 Ex-RIT Reunion Dinner Program
7 December 2002 (Saturday)
The second web site contains info for resident and visiting Civil Engineering sayas. Some sayas would stay at the hotels provided by the SPZP-2000 Organizers. Some sayas might stay with their former colleagues or students. The contact info is helpful for arranging gatherings and tours.
Civil Sayas’ Address & Contact Number in Singapore
Organizers
The Second RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was hosted by the sayas and alums in Singapore.
Saya U Moe Aung (Chair), Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing, Sayama Daw “Emma” Tin Tin Myint, Saya U Aung, Saya U Tin Lin, and Saya Dr. Dr. Soe Thein are some core members of SPZP-2002.
The RIT gathering at the Thingyan festival and musical gala at NTU helped with the planning and implementation of SPZP-2002.
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung
SWEL DAW YEIK SAR SAUNG for SPZP-2002 (Singapore).
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) & team published the commemorative issue.
They reprinted my poem (first published in the web pages of http://www.ex-rit and the commemorative newsletter). Thanks.
“Don Min” U Yu Swan, U Moe Myint, Daw Moh Moh Han, U Myint San (“Tet Lu”), U Aung Kyaw Myint (“ko Ba Kyaw”) and many other talented Geeta Ah Nu Pyinnar Shins helped with the entertainment for SPZP-2002.
SPZP-2007
U Nyan Win Shwe (Chair)
Saya U Moe Aung (Chief Editor of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung)
See “SPZP-2007 Diary”
SPZP-2010
Saya U Moe Aung (Chair; Chief Editor of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung)
Yangon SPZPs
SPZP-2004 was held in Yangon, but not at the Gyogone campus. The Tsuanami-related tremors did not deter the sayas and alums from attending SPZP-2004.
SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016 were held at the Gyogone Campus.
SPZP-2012 was the first True Home Coming
SPZP-2016 was the Free All Day Event
SPZP-2004 in Yangon
The following appeared in the ReUnion 2004 Home Page
RIT Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe – 2004 Yangon, Myanmar 26th December 2004
Morning : Saya Pu Zaw Pwe
Date : Sunday, December 26, 2004 Time : 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am Place : Myanmar Convention Center (MCC)
Evening : Dinner & Entertainment
Date : Sunday, December 26, 2004 Time : 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Place : Dusit Inya Lake Hotel
Pu Zaw Pwe Office & Contact
Office : United Engineering Co Ltd Corner of Wayzayantar Road & Yadana Road Thingangyun Township 11071 Yangon MYANMAR
Contact : U Zaw Min (Mechanical 1975) U Hla Win (Mechanical 1975)
The Third RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was hosted by the sayas and alums in Myanmar. U Win Khaing (M 75) & his team (U Zaw Min, U Hla Win) formed the core of the Yangon-2004 SPZP Organizers. An earthquake that morning did not deter the attendees.
SPZP-2012
Tears of Joy
SPZP-2012Attendees
When alums learned that SPZP-2012 will be held at their alma mater (which had been largely neglected and turned into dilapidated building with bushes around), tears of joy fell.
When alums learned that the Stage-3 cancer survivor “Seik Kyi” (Cartoon Myint Pe) and his fellow cartoonists will revive the Cartoon Box, and also publish a collection of “RIT cartoons” (at a modest price of K1500), they was laughter and echoes of “walking down memory lane”.
When alums learned that the multiple ICU visitor Ko Saw Lin (C71) would head not only the main preparation committee of SPZP-2012, but also publish the 350+ page commemorative SWEL DAW YEIK MAGAZINE, reprint limited copies of the 23 vintage RIT Annual magazines, their spirits became high.
When alums learned that Sayagyi U Ba Than, Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team would take the first (scoped but important) step to compile the “History of University Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar”, the importance and uniqueness of SPZP-2012 became evident.
Homage at SPZP-2012
December 30, 2012 saw several Union ministers and deputy ministers sitting on the lawn alongside the alums and paying respect to the sayas and sayamas for their “Arcariya” virtues (irrespective of age and experience). That day saw sayas, sayamas, and alums endure the hot sun to bask in the glory and memories of the hey days. That day saw the re-emergence of RIT glory and the close bond of alums spanning five or more decades.
SPZP-2012 will go down in engineering history as one of the historic and memorable events (which many had feared would not see in their life time).
Thanks to the unsung heroes for carrying on the noble tradition.
SPZP-2016
SPZP-2016U LinBag for attendees
All-Day Free Event was held at the Gyogone Campus.
Free food for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in the morning.
Reunion Dinner & Entertainment took place in the evening.
Updates
Effects of Jara, Byadi & Marana are noticable
Several sayas — U Ba Toke, U Num Kok, U Ba Than, U Khin Aung Kyi, U Min Wun — are now GBNF
Some sponsors — Steeve Kay, David Ko — are now GBNF
Some organizers — Saya Allen Htay, U Win Khaing, U Saw Lin — are now GBNF
SPZP-2020 was canceled due to the pandemic
Some PZPs are conducted online
At some PZPs, attendees pay homage while standing. Sayas remain seated at their tables (do not have to go on stage).
Combine the first letter of each line to spell “SAYA PU ZAW PWE”
The term SAYA PU ZAW PWE was chosen over SAYA GADAW PWE which has religious connotation, so that non-Buddhists can pay respect to their mentors.
There have been seven worldwide SPZPs : USA in 2000, Yangon in 2004, 2012 & 2016, Singapore in 2002, 2007 & 2010. I was organizer for SPZP-2000 and facilitator for the rest.
GBNF
Gone But Not Forgotten
GBNF for 69ers is maintained by U Aung Min (M69) & team
GBNF for 1st BE Intake of 64 (Class of 70) is maintained by U Ohn Khine (M70) & team
Newsletter
Poem for SPZP-2000
S eems like it was only yesterday A t our alma mater in a land far away Y ou taught us to work, play, laugh, even cry A nd coaxed us, forced us to aim for the sky
P roblems in real life, lab, computation, survey U nderstand concepts, design, display, … Z eal, zest, ardor, grit, passion to make it “our day” A rchitects, engineers, we’ve come here to say W e honor your metta, your cetana — we fully can’t repay
P resently we meet, alum from five decades we greet W ith memories true, fond, sweet E cstatic yet sad that the GBNF could not join this memorable fete
He attended the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University and graduated with Architecture in 1960. Note: Koon Yin Chu / Phillip (SPHS54) was 1st in Burma in 1954 and 1st in Architecture in 1960.
He co-founded Architects Incorporated with U Bo Gyi (A59, GBNF) and U Aung Kyee Myint (A60). After nationalization, they joined PWD.
He was Architect of Thiri Pyit Saya Hotel in Bagan and Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore. He also advised several Goenka meditation centers.
He was RUBC Captain and Gold.
He was ARAE Champion twice : Coxless Pairs in 1958 ARAE Regatta at Calcutta, Coxed Fours in 1960 at Colombo.
He also represented RUBC at FEARA and Inter-Varsity races.
He won a Silver medal in Yatching at 1965 SEAP Games.
Newspaper clipping provided by U Tin Htoon
1959 FEARA Regatta
RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) took part in the FEARA (Far Eastern Amateur Rowing Association) Regatta held at Hong Kong in November 1959.
* U Tun Shein (Past Secretary)
U Tun Shein (Willie Saing, SPHS54) is Ko Lin Tun’s father and U Tin Win’s brother. He represented RUBC mostly as Timing Stroke. He is also a Sculler like U San Maung (Gerald). Ko Willie won the Senior Novices in 1954 and became Gold that year. His Senior Novice crew include M. Hla Min (Mossaji, Gold), Than Nyun (George, Captain and Gold), Sao Hso Holm (Saw bwa lay, son of Arzani Sao San Tun) and Tin Htut (cox, multiple Novice winner, Captain and Gold). Four Golds out of Five members.
* U Win Kyi
U Win Kyi (SPHS54) is the son of Sayama Miss Hong Kong (Amelia Kyi, SPHS), the brother of U Min Kyi, and father of Ko Naymyo Thura. He usually rowed as 3 in 4+ (Coxed Fours) and 7 in 8+ (Coxed Eights). His spouse Daw Judy Yang taught at SPHS.
* U Tin Htoon (Past Captain)
U Tin Htoon (SPHS54) rowed as 2 for Ko Jimmy Saw Lwin and Ko Willie Saing in the early days. He later rowed as Timing Stroke and won ARAE trophies :
Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at Calcutta in 1958 with Ko Harry Saing
Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours at Colombo in 1960 with Ko Harry Saing, Ko Victor Htun Shein, Ko Sunny Teng and Ko Sein Htoon.
U Tin Htoon was Editor of the 40th Anniversary Issue and Chair of the 90th Anniversary Issue (where I wrote Prelude for each section, and three articles).
His brothers include
Saya U Tin U (Past Captain)
Saya U Ba Than (Green)
Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain)
Saya U Myo Min (SPHS58, Green)
U Thaung Lwin (SPHS60, Past Captain)
* Dr. Harry Saing (Past Captain)
Ko Harry Saing (Htut Saing, Pediatric Surgeon) rowed mostly as Bow. In the RUBC Annual Regatta of 1962, he rowed as Timing Stroke with U Win Kyi as 7 to train seven brand new Golds : Myo Tin, Micky Tan (Thein Aung), Htain Lin, Oung Kyaing, Winston Tun Thoung (Mehm Myo Thoung), Myo Myint and Tin Aung (Victor Wu).
He is the elder brother of Dr. Victor Saing (Aye Kyaw).
In the 90th Anniversary Issue, I wrote a tribute to Ko Harry as a multi-sports athlete and scholar / professional.
* U San Maung (Past Secretary)
Ko Gerald (San Maung, SPHS54) rowed on the Stroke side before specializing in Sculls.
He served as Club Coach along with Ko Harry.
He is the elder brother of Ko Hardy (Yan Shin).
* Dr. Hla Min
Ko Eddie (Hla Min) was a Golden Cox.
He later coxed Defense crews.
He served BMH (Mingaladon Base Military Hospital) as Orthopedic Surgeon.
ARAE Regattas
1958 Regatta, Calcutta : Tin Htoon (Stroke) and Harry Saing (Bow) won Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs
1960 Regatta, Colombo : Tin Htoon (S), Sunny Teng (3), Victor Htun Shein (2), Harry Saing (B) and Sein Htoon (SPHS57, Cox) won Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours
He matriculated from SPHS in 1953 and won the Collegiate Scholarship.
All four siblings — Sein Tin (GBNF), Mya Maung (GBNF), Tin Htut, Than Toe (GBNF) — are Paulians.
He attended the Faculty of Engineering and graduated with Mechanical Engineering. He joined the Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer.
He did postgraduate studies in Germany and Birmingham University.
When his parents needed help to run their business, he complied. Sadly, his father U Chit Maung, his eldest brother U Sein Tin and saya were taken into custody for several months. There were no formal charges.
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 : first as Rower and later as Cox of the All Paulian Crew with Tun Shein (Willie Saing), Than Nyun (George), M Hla Min (Moosajee) and Sao Hso Holm (Sawbwa Lay). Four members became RUBC Gold.
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 Angeles2015 Reunion in Los Angeles
Donations
DonationU Tin Htut and U Wynn Htain Oo
Singapore
U Tin Htut, U Mg Mg Win, Dr. Tin Win & U Aung MyintU Tin Htut in SingaporeU 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
Update
He has moved back to his old house to be near his former colleagues and friends.
Served as Secretary, RIT Civil Engineering Association
Past Secy of RIT Civil
Graduated from RIT in 1970 with Civil Engineering
Received Masters and Doctorate from Japan
Retired as Professor from a Japanese University
Consultant for selected Japanese companies
Helped Civil Engg grads from Myanmar get internship and/or job in Japan
In 2017, he and Daw Mya Nwe (Winsome, C73) donated K100 Lakhs to the YTU Modernization Project.
Donation
He had a Stroke.
Praying for a speedy recovery.
Dr. Myo Khin wrote :
Dear U Hla Min, Thank you very much for your kind and favorable phrases for my donation to the RIT library. This is the token of my feeling to my home university. Up till now I have helped around 50 grads from RIT and other TUs in Myanmar with respectable engineering jobs in Japan. Moreover this is totally free of any charges or obligations. Only one request I made is “please try hard and prove yourself” and this will lead to the next recruitment for your juniors back in Myanmar.
Update
After treatment & rehab, he recovered from the Stroke reported in the post. He was able to walk and drive.
We had frequent conversation. He said that his daughter told her dogs to call him “Pho Pho” ဖိုးဖိုး
He had another Stroke. I had conversations with Winsome about the recovery.
HlaMin 