UCC was founded by Sayas Dr. Chit Swe, U Soe Paing, U Myo Min and U Ko Ko Lay.
They are also known as Saya Chit (ááťá áş), Saya Paing (áááŻááş), Saya Myo (ááťááŻá¸) and Saya Lay (ááąá¸).
Among the founders, Saya Lay has the longest tenure at UCC, DCS and ICST, but he was the earliest to pass away.
Dr. Chit Swe(GBNF)
Dr. Chit Swe
Pioneer of Computer Systems, Applications & Education in Burma
Founder & Director of UCC
Former Rector, RASU
Taught & Supervised Maths in Rangoon, Mandalay, Bangkok & Sydney
Visiting Professor, Macquarie University, Australia
I have written several posts about Saya. See Posts
U Soe Paing
U Soe Paing
One day, the people on the UCC ferry shouted, “Saya Paing”. To their amazement, ICS U Paing (Sayaâs father) came out. U Paing’s spouse Daw Oo Yin is the daughter of Sir Po Tha.
He is the second son of U Paing. He and his siblings Dr. Myo Paing, U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, ChE70) and U Kyaw Paing (Putra Cup Player) are excellent golfers and Champions at RGC (Rangoon Golf Club) and BGC (Burma Golf Club).
Hevmatriculated from SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) in 1956 along with Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), U Win Htein (PWD, GBNF). Bohmu Percy (Navy), U Richard Than Se (ChE), and U Ba Min (Astronomy & Maths).
He stood 13th in Matriculation and was awarded Collegiate Scholarship.
In 1958, he received two Gold Medals. One was for highest Total Marks in I.Sc exams. Another was for joint highest marks in Maths in I.Sc exams.
He rowed and coxed at RUBC. He won prizes including the Inter-Hall Fours.
He was selected as a States Scholar to attend Stanford University along with U Ko Ko Lay and Bohmu Percy. He received his BS and MS in EE (Electrical Engineering). He did programming for his studies and also worked part-time as computer operator.
Upon his return to Burma, he joined the EE Department as Assistant Lecturer. His sponsor was UBARI (Union of Burma Applied Research Institute).
At a research congress held in the Main Campus, he presented a paper covering Digital Logic and Circuits. Dr. Chit Swe was impressed. Through U Nyi Nyi (EE saya, who moved to the UK), Saya Paing gained contact with Dr. Chit Swe. The rest is history.
He promised Saya Chit to recruit his top students to join the UCC Project, but the long delay of the Project to get funded made the task difficult.
He did another Masters (this time in Computer Science) at Southampton University in UK.
For a detailed story of Saya’s life and work at RIT, UCC and overseas as a UN Advisor, read his articles in English and Burmese. They are available in SCRIB_D.
Sayagadaw & Classmate
Saya U Soe Paing in CaliforniaSaya U Soe Paing in New Jersey (2018)Saya U Soe Paing in 2009
Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69) was my classmate at RIT.
She and Saya have hosted several UCC mini-gatherings at their house.At one of the gatherings in 2007, Ko Po (U Htin Kyaw, Peter Wun) not only attended the gathering, but gave me a ride back home. He also briefly mentioned about his four-month detention.
After retirement
After retiring from the UN, Saya visited UK and USA to spend time with his children & grandchildren.
During his trips to New Jersey, there would be several UCC-RIT gatherings.
Saya meditates and plays golf (for specific days of the week). He paused both activities when he had a minor ailment (hurting his back and leg).
Per advice of Sayagadaw’s medical friends, Saya had a surgery in Singapore.
Saya has resumed playing golf. He now uses a golf cart ant the Seniors’ Tee.
U Myo Min
U Myo Min
He matriculated from SPHS in 1958. He is a class mate of Dr. Soe Win (Retired Rector, YUFL)
He is the younger brother of Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Ba Than (M), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing, Daw Myint Thwe, Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon (A60). He is the elder brother of U Thaung Lwin (EC66) and Daw Cho Cho Hlaing.
He is my cousin. His father is my maternal uncle, who passed away in his fifties. His mother is my paternal aunt, who lived to be 94.
He won medals for standing first in I.Com (Intermediate of Commerce) and B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce). He majored in Accounting.
He completed CA (Chartered Accountant) in the UK and worked as Computer Systems Analyst for IBM UK for 4+ years.
One day, he had a call from his mother. She asked Saya if he wanted to come back to Burma to help Dr. Chit Swe the UCC Project.
Saya was studying and working in UK when his father passed away.
He returned to Burma and joined UCC as Applications Division Manager.
Later, he gracefully allowed U Ko Ko Lay to manage the Scientific Applications Division. He was contented to be the Business Application Manager.
He taught not only at UCC but also at the Institute of Economics and other Departments.
He studied and passed the Abhidhamma “Thingyo” course.
He did his Masters in Systems Engineering at the University of Lancaster in UK.
Life After UCC
He moved to Singapore and US. He retired after working for Seagate Technology and Connor.
He is an avid reader and an accomplished conversationalist.
His spouse is Daw Kin Kin Chit Maung (RIT English, UNESCO, sister of Saya U Tin Htut (M60). They attend several meditation retreats every year (in San Jose, California and at Hse Mile Gone monastery).
Dr. Soe Win wrote :
In addition to being a classmate at matriculation (St Paul’s), Ko Myo Min and his roommate Ko Mya Maung (another Paulian) welcomed me in London and took me to the flat in the same house, which they had kindly rented for me (and Ko Tin Maung Thein, another Paulian and electrical engineer). Ko Mya Maung later became his brother-in-law. Ko Myo Min is a super-likeable person who has now immersed himself in Vipassana practice.
KMZ wrote :
One episode stood out every time I thought about Saya Myo and Ma Ma Kin.
Some point in my life at UCC, I became a Passport expert, a complex process those days. I learned of all the processes including where to go for what, how much ‘tea money’ to pay to who at what point etc. This knowledge was acquired following many friends went through those processes.
Ma Ma Kin was working at UNICEF, and one day Saya Myo summoned me to help with the passport for her as she needed it to go to BKK. Some of you might remember the forms, “áááŻááş ááąá¸ ááŹááááşâ to be filled out 7 copies. Saya Myo and Ma Ma Kin came from very large family, so was both sides of their parents. Saya Myo has 9 siblings. Ma Ma Kin has 8 siblings. I do not exactly recall who filled in these forms, it could have been me, 6 sets of all names, work, addresses in 7 copies.
U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF)
Saya U Ko Ko Lay
He matriculated from SPHS in 1956 along with U Soe Paing, U Win Htein, Bohmu Percy Maung Maung, U Ba Min and U Than Se (Richard).
He is the elder brother of U Than Htut (M67, RUBC Gold), Maw and Zaw (RUBC Gold, GBNF).
He studied BSCE and MSCE at Stanford University in the US.
Upon his return to Burma, he joined PWD as Assistant Engineer.
He was recruited by his friend U Soe Paing to help with the UCC Project in general and the design and implementation of UCC Building in particular.
He transferred to UCC as Operations Division Manager and later served as Scientific Applications Division Manager.
At UCC, he is fondly called as Saya Lay.
He studied Systems Engineering at the University of Lancaster in the UK.
He was Professor at the Department of Computer Science.
He was Professor of Information Systems at the Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST).
He enjoyed playing tennis, soccer and volleyball.
He has an excellent command of English.
He passed away in the early 1990s.
Adelyne Hpyu Hpyu Aung wrote :
Miss our Saya Lay. áĄáá°ááśáááŹáá˝áąáᲠáááąáˇááŤ
Ripley’s “Believe it or not” named U Khanti Kyauksar (inscriptions) of the Fifth Buddhist Council (Synod) held in Mandalay as the “Largest Book” in the world.
Guinness Bookof World Records
Mingun Sayadaw
The Guinness Book of World Records listed Tipitakadara Sayadaw Ashin Vicittathara as having a phenomenal — the best at that time in 1954.
In the First Buddhist Council, Ashin Upali served as the Reciter of Vinaya (Rules of monastic conduct). Ashin Ananda served as the Reciter of Sutta (Buddha’s Discourses) and Abhidhamma (Ultimate Reality).
In the Sixth Buddhist Council held at KabaAye (World Peace) Pagoda in Rangoon, Burma from 1954 – 1956 Ashin Vicittathara served as the Reciter of Vinaya, Sutta and Abhidhamma. He also recited the selected Commentaries.
Sayadaw could memorize, recall, and give exposition on 8000+ pages of the Buddhist Scriptures known as Tipitaka [“Three Baskets”] : Vinaya, Sutta and Abhidhamma at the second to fifth Tipitakadara examinations. He passed with distinction in both oral and written parts.
Sayadaw served as an examiner for the first Tipikadara examination. Sir U Thwin requested him to take the examination. The rest is history.
According to the Theravada Buddhist tradition, there are six Buddhist Councils. The last two were held in Burma.
Mandalay
Ripley’s “Believe it or not” named U Khanti Kyauksar (inscriptions) of the Fifth Buddhist Council (Synod) held in Mandalay as the “Largest Book” in the world.
The Council was held to celebrate the 2400th Year in Sasana Era.
King Mindon was the Sponsor.
Kaba Aye
U Nu & Sir U Thwin were prime movers for the Sixth Buddhist Council, which was held to celebrate the 2500th Year in Sasana Era.
Mahasi Sayadaw áááŹá ááşáááŹááąáŹáş acted as the Questioner.
Mingun Sayadaw áááşá¸áá˝ááşá¸áááŹááąáŹáş acted as the Reciter & Responder.
Mahasi & Mingun Sayadaws
The Guinness Book of World Records listed Tipialkadara Sayadaw Ashin Vicittathara as having an outstanding memory — the best at that time [in 1954]. Sayadaw served as the Chief Reciter (a la Ashin Upali and Ashin Ananda at the First Buddhist Council) at the Sixth Buddhist Council held at KabaAye (World Peace) Pagoda in Rangoon, Burma from 1954 – 1956.
Sayadaw could memorize, recall, and give exposition on 8027 pages of the Buddhist Scriptures known as Tipitaka [“Three Baskets”] :
Vinaya – Rules of monastic conduct
Sutta – Buddha’s discourses
Abhidhamma – Ultimate reality)
He took the 2nd – 5th Tipitakadara examinations and passed with distinction in both oral and written parts. Sayadaw served as an examiner for the first Tipikadara examination. Sir U Thwin requested him to take the examination. The rest is history.
I was requested by his daughter to share memories at the Service.
Service for Tin Myint
Highlights
Born in Taunggyi
Passed away in Union City, California, USA
Names : Lee Tan Choy, John T Lee, Tin Myint
Selected RIT Luyechun for 4th BE
Played Table Tennis for RIT
Hosted Daniel Tint Lwin (M69) during his visit to the SF Bay Area
Tin Myint & Tint Lwin
Spouse : Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel, T69)
John & Mabel
Condolences
From Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice)
It was in 2015 at Fremont phonegyi kyaung, I was leaving when he called out “Alice pyan pyee lar?” I nodded and waved him goodbye without realizing that would be my last for him!! Dear Ko Tin Myint may you rest in peace. And Lyo I am so very sorry. Please accept our deepest condolences.
From U Thein Swe (GBNF in 2021)
I remembered, when we stayed in C hostel-hall during RIT days, the tiger-skin (belonging to KoTin Myint) was stolen. Ko Tin Myint did not get angry and continued to boil tea- water.
From U Myo Min
Ko Tan Choy (Ko Tin Myint) is my intimate friend. Rest in peace, my dear.
From U Kyaw Thein
Rest in Peace.
From David Myint Thein
Rest In Peace, Ko Tin Myint. Lyo Kyin Sein was my classmate when we were attending I.Sc (A) at Myitkyina Intermediate College and reached RIT together in 1964. Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family
From Robert Win-Boh
John T Lee @ Ko Tin Myint (M69) came to Benny Tan (M70)âs house to pick me. He took me to halfmoon bay monastery & along the southern coast of S.F on my second last visit to USA in 2009. He was a close friend during RIT days. Rest in peace my friend John TM & deepest condolences to Mable LKS + family from Rob W-B Australia.
From U Han Sein (GBNF in 2020)
RIP.
From Duwa Zau Lai
I am really sorry to hear the news of Ko Tin Myint. I remember that he was a good player of table tennis. His better half Lyo K S is one of our Myitkyina crowd. My sincere condolences to the bereaved family.
From Sai Kyaw Myint
Rest in Peace, Tan Choy. He was my classmate when we were in Taunggyi. Lyo Kyin Sein was my room mate in first (wrong) list in R I T 63-64. Both of they are very close friends of us. I’m so sad to hear it.
From U Aung Min (Chair, 69er HCF)
Sadness, Astonishment, Condolences and Remembrances MIXED UP in my heart. REST IN PEACE Ko Tin Myint (GBNF 80)
Hi friends
It is ALARMING ALARMING ALARMING We have made a record. RIT69ers lost 4 classmates within 66 days.
Take Care
From U Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
Rest in Peace.
From U Kyaw Nyunt
Surprise …… RIP. KTM.
From Naw Mu Mu Aye
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to my friend Lyo and family. May Ko Tin Myint’s soul rest in peace.
Errol Than Tun (Bobby, Myo Tun, Ashin Pannagavesaka) : Itinerant Bhikku â See Posts
Harold Than Tun (GBNF) : Soccer selected for Rangoon Division in High School
Archie Than Tun (Aye Tun) : Vocalist
youngest son (GBNF)
Uzin Bobby Myo Tun (A69) posted:
Our beloved father U Than Tun, age 98, passed away peacefully on 22-07-2018, 8:05 p.m. at his grandson’s home, Bldg #3, Rm.#13, Aungzabu Str. Kyee-Pwar-Yay Housing Estate, Thingangyun Township, Yangon.
Funeral time at Yay-way crematorium on Tuesday 24th July 2018 will be announced later.
Errol Than Tun (Bobby)
Bobby 1Bobby 2Bobby 3
He studied twice in the UK — first in high school on B.O.C Scholarship and later for his Masters.
He won Essay Contests conducted by Dawlay’s Circle of the Guardian Newspaper.
He was asked to proofread and edit columns for Dawlay’s Circle by P. Aung Khin (who took over from the original Dawlay : Daw Khin Swe Hla).
He was also asked to be a judge at the Scrabble tournaments ran by Guardian.
Thaung — Aung Bala, Chief Editor of Kyemon; Critic; Number One spared him for a while to prove that journalism was not dead; Speaker at the SF Bay Area talks; Published several books and critiques
Thaung — Younger brother of U Thant; Was with U Than in the final days; Brought back U Thant’s body to Rangoon
Thaung — DSA 1st batch; Ambassador to the US; Minister of Science and Technology; Branded our alma mater as “Thabon Kyaung“
HlaMin 