There are two kidneys, but some people can live with one kidney.
U Khin Maung Maung
U Aung Zaw Maung (Pet78, ex-UCC) mentioned that his father lived for 40 years with one good kidney.
Daw Kyawt
U Aung Zaw & Daw Kyawt
Daw Tint Tint Wai (Daw Kyawt) donated a kidney to her spouse U Aung Zaw. She is doing fine. After a decade, U Aung Zaw passed away. The kidney that she donated was still doing fine.
Dialysis
U Tin Hlaing
U Tin Hlaing
Saya U Tin Hlaing (M59, GBNF) was Head of the Agricultural Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical Engineering). Had kidney problem, but he did not have access to the two dialysis machines that were for VIP in Burma. Applied for passport and visa to have medical treatment abroad, but he did not receive them in time.
Cases
Based on the severity, the frequency and number of dialysis sessions.
Most patients have to visit a hospital or clinic.
A few had to perform dialysis at home.
Transplant
U Aung Zaw
U Aung Zaw (2nd from Right)
Saya U Aung Zaw (ex-UCC) is indebted to his spouse Daw Kyawt, who donated her kidney. The love story can be read in Saya Zaw’s first book “Dhammaand Bawa ဓမ္မနဲ့ ဘဝ”. I wrote the Foreword.
Dhamma & Bawa
He published a second book “Cetana Thi Thar Kan စေတနာ သည်သာ ကံ” which has a section written by me based on his ideas.
Cetana Thi Thar Kan
Henry Lim
RIT Alumni Newsletter
U Aung Myint (Henry Lim) served as Chief Editor of the BAPS Newsletter and an Associate Editor of the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000. He founded the “Golden Padauk” and “Durian” magazines in the San Francisco Bay Area, but at his doctors’ advice, he stopped publishing the magazines to preserve his health. Luckily, he found a match for his kidney transplant. He had a renewed life full of oversea travels.
Aung Khin
Aung Khin (Last Row 5th from Left)
U Aung Khin (SPHS 63, GBNF) is the second son of Dr. Ko Gyi (MS of EENT hospital). He had two kidney transplants and succumbed while he was trying to have a third transplant.
Robert W (Bob) Floyd (June 8, 1936 – September 25, 2001)
He attended the University of Chicago. He has two Bachelor degrees. He completed BA in 1953 at the age of 17. He finished BS in 1958 after working and studying part-time.
In most US universities, one needs a doctorate to be an Assistant Professor.
Floyd is an exception. He was appointed Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University in 1965. Stanford University lured him in 1968 and promoted him to Full Professor in 1970. In 1973, he was appointed Chairman, Department of Computer Science at Stanford University. He supervised Ph.D. candidates.
Floyd received numerous awards including the prestigious ACM Turing Award, which is considered the equivalent of a Nobel Prize in Computer Science.
Professor Donald Knuth (ACM Turing Award Winner, Author of “The Art of Computer Programming”, “TeX & MetaFont”) recommended Floyd for the Chair.
Floyd had been a major reviewer of Knuth’s Classic Texts. Knuth said, “Floyd had published 13+ seminal papers. Every one of them is worthy of a Doctorate.”
Graduated with Electrical Engineering in 1958. Received two Gold Medals.
Joined the faculty as Assistant Lecturer in 1958.
Received MSEE from the University of Michigan.
Upon his return to Burma, he joined UBARI which had provided him the States Scholarship.
Transferred to the Electrical Inspectorate.
Taught part-time at EE Department.
Migrated to the USA.
Co-founder and President, BEA
President of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America). When Sayama Dr. Julie Han (Past VP & fund raiser of TBSA) passed away, Saya donated $2000 to TBSA in her memory.
Attended the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP. He have to leave early because his spouse was not feeling well. She passed away after several years of ill health.
Wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter
He passed away a few years back.
Memorial Service
His only son, Dr. Barry Paw (MD, PhD, outstanding researcher), passed away at the tender age of 55. He suffered a heart attack on the flight back from Australia to the US.
Brother : U Tun Thein (A67)
Nephew : U Hla Thein (Robert, M72)
Article in RIT Alumni International Newsletter
Intermediate of Science
The year was 1952, the year you started your first year intermediate (pre-engineering) at Rangoon University. On hindsight I could probably say, those were the young and restless years. Those early years, there was some student political uprising at Rangoon University. I was gassed while staying at the dormitory at Pinya Hall. A week later it was calm and peaceful. Nevertheless, years went by very peacefully. To the upstart, like me, all we knew was to get good grade and some day become a scientist like Albert Einstein. The interest in science was so great that I set my goal to be a great physicist. So with my mind set to become a scientist, I tried very hard to get good grade. Subject in science were all taught by science Lecturers from India. These were the days when Burmese Lecturer in Science was a rare commodity. The only Burmese teaching Mathematics was Saya U Ba Toke. His Upper Burman ascent was so pronounced and unique it was and is giving a ringing sound to my ears even to this days. Well, my assumption was if I get a couple of distinctions in science subjects, I could probably register for an Honor class in Physics and then proceed on to get a PhD degree at some foreign University. So two years past by very easily by keeping my interest in Science. My dream was all shattered when I register to start my honor class in Physics, I was the only one registered for the class. Loneliness overwhelmed me then, and I went on to join my friends for the first year engineering at BOC College. They say BOC college was a desolate place to be for young man.
My First Year Class (1954) (BOC)
It was like hell to start the first year engineering. The day started with the first year black smith course. Lifting a ten-pound hammer was some effort, needless to say pounding the ten-pound hammer at the heated iron rod. The same day, I thought I have made the biggest mistake in my life starting on engineering course. In the back of my mind, I thought of changing back to Physics Honor Course. My physique was not much of a type to do any blue collar work like black smith. However, my family encouraged me to be an engineer, like some our family friends, like U Kyaw Myint who eventually became a railway commissioner. Again, with some kind and friendly persuasions from friends I stick on with the Engineering School. Some Burmese Saya’s that came to my mind were Saya’s U Num Kok, U Eng Hock (Cl. 1955) and U Kyaw Tun. Well, I passed my first year very smoothly with distinction on all subjects. Courses for all first year students were common to all disciplines. U Kyaw Tun was teaching Electro technology and the rest of the courses were by Sayas from East and West Bengal, India. These were the years when picking up Bengali accent English was considered perfect King’s English. The differential calculus was taught by Dr. Sircar and the projectile solution took several pages; and the advanced algebra was taught by Saya U Ba Toke and Saya U Ko Ko Lay.
My Second Year Class (1954) (BOC)
My second year course was a little heavier and all my concentration was in my study hoping that some day I could pickup a scholarship to study in foreign University. Those days, to study in foreign University was just an impossible dream to my country folks, so I was prevented from applying for a state scholarship. There were a few Colombo-Plan lecturers from New Zealand and England teaching engineering courses, so I elected to major in Electrical Engineering. Textbooks from McMillan and Longman publishers were easy to obtain, then. A little while later, I witnessed the first wave of Burmese Scholar came back (U Sein Hlaing , U Tin Swe and U Ba Than) to replace some Bengali’s Saya’s. There after, another wave of scholars arrived to take up their respective staff positions (U Aung Gyi, U Min Wun, U Khin Aung Kyi). The inspiration to study abroad was so great then, that it pushed me to concentrate on my study with high hope that I may be fortunate to be on the staff of Dean U Ba Hli. So I passed my second year very smoothly with distinction on all subjects.
My Third Year Class (1956) (Leik Khone)
So I passed halfway mark and started my third year course. We started at the new facility Leik Khone constructed under Colombo plan. The lecturers Mr. Neale, MIEE and U Kyaw Tun, AMIEE , Mr Redpath, AMIMech.E and U Ba Than teaching styles were very much oriented to British style. I did admired their logical teaching method; unlike U Sein Hlaing who taught us Communication theory, Dr. Freddy Ba Hli who taught us Vacuum tube circuit theory and U Tin Swe who taught us the Symmetrical Component theory for solving three-phase circuit theory. The third year passed by with mostly academically courses oriented for graduate school, with the exception of electro technology taught by Mr. Neale. Well, I passed my third year with distinction on all subjects. These were the years when we still use the K&E slide rules to solve problems in class and in examinations. Still, if I were to design a small building wiring, then, I could have selected a wire size very much non-code wire sides.
My Fourth Year Class (1957) (Leik Khone)
To me even in my final year, my goal was to proceed on for further study in foreign University. Even though we were in the final year, we never knew that there existed a Burmese National Electrical Code of Practice, equivalent to National Electric Code (NEC in USA). With majority of my class mate concentrating on getting a position in one of the many government departments, my concentration of the academic study become much easier and so I passed my final year with distinction on all subjects. Well, I do not want to be a Wun Dauk Min, anyway. Well, I picked up two gold medals on completion of my final year. Todarmal Talwal Gold Medal and J.A Hills Gold Medal. Well, these medals were all subsidized by my family. The Registrar U Yu Khin sent me a notice that if I should elect to receive a real gold medal, I should submit Kyats 150 for each of these medals, since the price of gold had risen higher than when the cash endowments were made. So my family pitched in Kyats 300 for me to receive the two Gold Medals from Chancellor Bogyoke Ne Win. This achievement honor bought me an invitation from the President Bogyoke Ne Win to attend the presidential dinner party at President Palace. Very soon after, I joined the staff of Dean U Ba Hli. The years of young and restless thus ended.
My First Year as Teaching Staff (1958-1959)
Among the graduating classmates Ko Ba Nyunt (Burmah Oil Company) and myself joined the staff of Dean U Ba Hli. Soon there after there were some political wind blowing in the horizon from the staff. The uprising started among the staff was on the subject of setting the criteria for promotion to the lecturer ship at the college of engineering. As an upstart staff member I was also involved in the meeting at Shwedagon Pagoda to scheme up an engineering staff strike. The personal matter was the subject of contention, then. Some how it was resolved peacefully thus avoiding a strike. I was much happier when I picked up a scholarship for further study in USA. It might just be due to Dean U Ba Hli’s letter of recommendation or my academic achievement in obtaining two gold medals and a straight A grade average that bought me a scholarship to do my further study in USA. So I left Rangoon in 1959 for USA to study at University of Michigan.
Years as an Engineer
The year was 1958, I was a young Assistant Lecturer at the Engineering Faculty. Electro-technology Laboratory course was assigned to my colleague U Ba Nyunt and myself. Well, those days, student don’t think much of newly minted young graduate: there were some instances where some students even wrote nasty comments when their Laboratory Reports were not graded at the level they expected. Well, they say, maturity takes years to culture, but in my mind I thought I was not good enough to be their instructor, so these happened. Like a young maturing child, I will take up the issues with Saya Gyi U Ba Hli, who will reprimand the subject students. A few months into the faculty we are to find ourselves to apply for foreign scholarship. To my disappointment there were no scholarships allotted for the engineering college. I went to see Saya Gyi and presented my deep interest to continue serving in the Department. That year, there was no budget provision to staff up the college. As fate would have it, I took the scholarship allotted for UBARI.
Preparation for Foreign Study in 1958
My student year life at BOC College was more of a bookworm. Yes, I did achieved what I aimed for, but I was behind in my social aspect. So my Mum said, now that you have graduated and is leaving for foreign land, I need to fix you up for good to ensure that you would be back at home after your study in USA. Here in Rangoon, I soon found myself betrothed to my present wife. Yes, where is my dream to reach out for the top notch Ph.D degree, I asked myself ? With this marriage knot tied to me, my mind was to get my first graduate Engineering degree and return home. Since I was not to continue with the academic career at the University, my graduate degree would not buy me a good position at the Government Departments. So this was my fate and there was my disappointment in life.
Years at Graduate School in University of Michigan
My Mum had good intention in starting up my matrimonial career; but did hamper all my drive to go further to completing a Ph.D degree. Although, I could achieve the highest honor in my bachelor years, I found myself not so brilliant in doing my graduate study. Nevertheless, I managed to complete my Master Degree in June of 1960 and returned home to work at UBARI.
Years at UBARI
In 1960, I started work at UBARI. I was not doing much engineering, then. So I thought I could do some real engineering work. After three years at UBARI, I moved to work for the Department of Electrical Inspectorate in Secretariat, Rangoon.
Years at Electrical Inspectorate
This department governed the “The Electrical Rules and Regulation“ of Burma. I found Testing and inspecting electrical construction projects to be very challenging. I traveled far into remote areas across entire Burma. I was privileged to be assigned to give a taste of Electricity Rules and Regulations of Burma to the senior year electrical class at RIT. Bringing the graduating year class to get a taste of “National Electric Code“ was a great honor even as a part-time staff faculty member. In 1967, my outlook in life started to change so dramatically.
In some way, the work is a challenge. You do a lot of testing and calibration of protective relays and commissioning of small and large power station. You also do a lot of facility industrial facility commissioning. In addition, you are also chasing electrocution incidents all over Burma.
Article in RIT Alumni International Newsletter
My Fond Memory of the Reunion Dinner and SPZP
The Reunion of ex-RIT graduates and Associates on October 28, 2000 is in everyone eye’s a success at the premier level. It would have been a mission impossible for me to organize a reunion meeting like this in the early eighties. The success of RIT Alumni International was due mainly to engineers who contributed their hard work in the most unselfish way: nobody in the organizing committee cared about who gets the credit for the event’s success. To put the entire success in the right perspective, I can attribute the success to the three pillars on which it stands on: 1. The prosperity achieved by Burmese engineers in the early ninety eighties and nineties 2. The unselfish diligent and hard work from the volunteers and the members of the organizing committee 3. The ease and convenience of communication in the new millennium
In the late ninety sixties when I first landed in this new world, we have very few RIT Alumni who have left their homeland to make their right livelihood (samma-ajiva) in the new world. Most emigrants from Burma left with their Certificate of Identity. Very few numbers hold the Burmese Passport. We have no relatives here to guide us nor do we have the opportunity to tailor and write our resume for employment. Even though some have had US education, lack of work experience in the US was a factor in getting compatible engineering positions. The second drawback we faced was we left Burma flying the Pan Am plane with fare paid for on credit basis. Some friends had to advance the plane fare to enable us to leave Mingaladon Airport. Most Burmese families had to start with a couple of thousand dollars credit hung on their neck to begin their livelihood here. A lot of us tend to look for job opportunities in the civil service arena for stability and security. Most of us started at entry level at around $750 per month for graduate engineer in civil service. It was no rare occurrence to witness some of us having to change to a second career as a restaurant owner from a successful Architectural career in Rangoon. Living under this environment, with not much money to throw around for extra curriculum activities, to organize the kind of Reunion event then was unimaginable.
Things changed gradually after a few years, with hard work and the diligent endowed in each and every one of the first wave of immigrants things have changed. There were new opportunities in the engineering employment to build power plants, industrial and refinery plants that required a large number of engineering job opportunities. From the early eighties people brought in relatives, the second wave of immigrants from Burma. We built up strength from unity and the community spirit grew. The economic growth brought forth the abundance to do charities in the Burmese communities all across the United States. From one single Taungpulu monastery in Boulder Creek we saw almost two to three monasteries in one city to serve the Burmese communities. The baby boomers who came in as babies in the early seventies have grown up to serve the communities as professionals: engineers, doctors, lawyers and some entrepreneurs. In the group of engineers at the reunion we can find a good number of millionaires working to become multi-millionaires. Some us even owned their own companies employing twenty or thirty ex-RIT engineers. Time has changed from Rag to Riches. We can now afford to enjoy life from our hard earned investment. We no longer have to calculate in the back of mind the currency exchange rate on whatever we touch to buy for our daily staples. It reminded me of an instance when we took a new comer to a Bush-Garden on one weekend. The entrance fees was three dollars per person and when we continued on to another Universal Studio, he said that he would rather sit at the entrance and wait for us than spend another $3.00 on entrance fee. That was then, and this is now: US $50.00 per head to a reunion party would be an insurmountable hurdle for a new comer. Still we saw a few new comers at the event, because their resident relatives were rich enough to give them tickets [as gifts] to attend the event.
We even have ex-RIT graduates who were benevolent enough to sponsor a few of their Sayas from outside the US to attend the event. The enabling factor here is the economic wealth of our fellow graduates. So the Rags were then and the Wealth is now: things have changed.
Most of us have inherited our Buddhist heritage: take for instance Mr. Maurice Chee’s e-mail address: alluding his belief on the “Triple-Gems” the Buddhist three jewels: Buddha, Dhamma and Samgha. Believing in Metta (loving kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), Upekkha (balanced mind). These are the kind of people who run the Reunion operation: no one seeks fame and fortune and let alone grabbing credit for the success. In my several dealings with them, like Maurice, Ko Hla Min and K.M. Zaw are all alike: they would always end their e-mail with “With Metta”. The word Metta after all is not a small unit of measurement its true meaning can only be described in combination of two words in English – “Loving Kindness” — and is a very Pure thought. With such people running the show success is boundless. The web page: < http://www.ex-rit.org/rit.asp > is indeed the guiding beacon of Success for the Reunion. K.M.Zaw and Ko Hla Min should each be proud of this success.
One deterrent or restraint in organizing people from far places is communication. In the early seventies and early eighties, you give up before you start to write because the process of communication takes so much hassle: you write, you print, you paste the stamp, you mail the envelope and wait for confirmation after a week. That was then. In the current setting, you e-mail the letter and if willing, you get the answer in an instant. Some of us are more or less holding the mouse five to six hours a day and the e-mail call out “You’ve got mail”. This is now. The ease of communication is indeed a great help, thanks for the help that brought the great success to our reunion. I would like to thank Saya U Aung Khin who gave the go-ahead signal of convening a reunion in the Bay Area and also brought in all the big celebrities like Sayagyi U Ba Toke, Sayagyi U Aung Gyi, and Sayagyi U Khin Aung Kyi. Their support and their attendance had made a big difference and greater success. Last but not the least, the credit goes to the organizing committee members for their inexhaustible hard work and Metta to their Sayas and their fellow graduates. I wish each and every one of our Sayas named in here “Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” should contribute an article to express their appreciation. My good wishes also goes to the Organizing Leadership of the coming event in 2002 in Singapore. Regards and Metta, Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukhitatha ! ! !
When the Group founded RIT Alumni International, he served as President.
SPZP-2000 Organizers
He was a Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. His article “Brother, can you afford $500 and more?” saved the organizers from U Nyo Win’s Act.
He took me to a BAPS picnic. He demonstrated “Burmese Goodbye” by taking an hour to greet alumni on the way back to his car.
To avoid monotony, he takes a different route going out and coming back. He did not mind missing an exit; he would simply make a turn at the next one.
He, Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Ko Ko Aye (GBNF), Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me would meet monthly to have Coffee / Tea & Dosa တိုရှည် and chat.
Sometimes, Dr. San Lin would come down from Santa Rosa to see Saya U Soe Khaw (GBNF). Saya Allen & I would join them for lunch gathering, which extended until dinner.
Saya is interested in Comparative Religion & Culture. Saya U Aung’s anecdote mentioned Saya Allen’s visit to a mosque and Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore.
He supervised the C73 Final Year project, where his two students used the UCC computer.
Saya survived two Strokes, but succumbed to the one at the MEHS Reunion in Las Vegas. He joined his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin (MEHS57) to the Reunion.
Saya did not live long enough to see his four grandsons.
May Saya rest in peace.
Two Sayas
Brief Bio
Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin
Born in Mandalay, attended St. Joseph English Convent and St. Peter’s Boys’ School in Mandalay and the Methodist High School in Rangoon.
Graduated B Sc (Engg) in Civil Engineering in 1958 from Rangoon University and joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer in the same year at the invitation of Prof T Ba Hli, then Dean of Engineering.
Awarded the Burmese Government State Scholarship for study in the United States from 1960 to 1963, and the US Government Fulbright Travel Grant.
Received the degree of Master of Engineering from Harvard University in 1963, specializing in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.
Returned to Burma and joined the newly formed Rangoon Institute of Technology in Gyogon.
Served as Lecturer in Civil Engineering from 1964 to 1975, except from 1966 to 1968 which was spent on advanced study in Hydraulics Engineering in the Netherlands at Delft Technical University under UNESCO assistance program for Burma.
Immigrated to USA in 1975. Currently working at the California Department of Transportation as Project Engineer.
Married to Mu Mu Kin in 1971 and have two surviving children, Myo Lynn and Thuzar Kin. Mu Mu works at TIBCO Software Inc in Palo Alto to supplement the family income.
Work Experience:
Soils Engineer: Mueser Rutledge Wentworth and Johnston, New York, NY, 1975-1978.
Washington DC Metro Subway Project. Civil Engineer: International Engineering Company, Inc, San Francisco, CA, 1978-1983.
USAID Bangladesh Fertilizer Warehouses Construction Project.
Senior Staff Engineer: Morrison Knudsen Corporation, San Francisco, CA, 1984-1996.
DOE Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project.
Principal Research Associate: Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 1997.
DOE Yucca Mountain High Level Radioactive Materials Repository Project.
Transportation Engineer: California Department of Transportation, Oakland, CA, 1999-.
My dear parents gave me birth and brought me up to be a good son. My teachers taught me everything else I know. My land of birth, Myanmar, through the sweat and hard work of its citizens supported and paid for my engineering education and my studies abroad. To each and everyone I am obligated and I give my thanks. For it is narrated in Al-Hadith that one who does not thank one another in this life even for little favors is unworthy to thank the Lord for the big favor.
Updates
Saya retired twice.
He was coaxed by his former students to un-retire twice.
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) requested Saya to work at the Lawrence Livermore Lab at UC Berkeley.
Later, Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) requested Saya to work as Consultant for CalTrans.
He passed away before his final retirement.
There are four grandchildren. One has Allen as the first name. Another has Allen as the middle name.
Founding member of RIT Alumni International and served as its President.
Best known for his article, “Brother, can you afford US$500?”
In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Sayas’ books to YTU Library. She also offered scholarship to eligible YTU students via NorCal RITAA.
His friends sometimes call him “Htay Bo Htay”
Enrolled at Harvard University, but also attended some courses at MIT (e.g. “SCHEME” / Lexically scoped Lisp)
Loves to program his calculator using Reverse Polish Notation
Per Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, Saya Allen Htay is the eldest of five siblings (three brothers and two sisters). Youngest brother and youngest sister predeceased Younger brother is in Yangon. Younger sister in the US East Coast.
Civil 1958
Class photo was sent by Saya Allen Htay
Dr San Hla Aung helped to identify classmates
U Khin Maung Win (Sidney Chen, GBNF) supplied the photograph.
Class of Civil 58
Sitting: (1) U Pu (2) Dr. Aung Gyi (3) U Min Wun (4) U Ba Hli (5) Mr. Redpath (6) U Ngwe Thein (7) Mr. Eswara (8) Mr. Num Kock
1st Row: (1) Khin Maung (2) Than Aung (3) Htay Aung (4) Khin Maung Lwin (5) Kyaw Tin (6) Win Thein (7) Chit Pe (8) Shwe Tun Maung (9) Win Maung (10) Thein Lwin (11) Tun Yi (12) Than Pe
2nd Row: (1) V. Kumar (2) Kyaw Hoe (3) Allen Htay (4) Ba Hnin Chit (5) Kyaw Mya (6) Kyaw Din (7) Irwin Myaing (8) Chit Aye (9) Maung Maung (10) Nolan Wu (11) Morgan Singar
3rd Row: (1) Patrick George (2) Oscar Shirazee (3) Hla Shwe (4) Aung Par Thein (5) Saw Lwin (6) San Hla Aung (7) Shwe Win (8) Douglas Hoe (9) Sidney Chen
Notes
There was a mini-gathering at SPZP-2000. The attendees include
Mr. Num Kok (Portland, Oregon, GBNF)
Dr. Aung Gyi (Ottawa, Canada)
U Min Wun (Los Angeles, California, GBNF)
U Allen Htay (Mountain View, California, GBNF)
Dr. San Hla Aung (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Mr. Oscar Shirazee (Middle East)
When Sidney Chen’s health was failing, his daughter requested us to let his classmates and friends know that he was eager to regain contact with them. Sadly, he passed away.
Mr. Oscar and U Aye Win Hlaing used to work in Iran many years ago. Mr. Oscar’s spouse is the sister of U Ngwe Zoe (Peter, SPHS57, GBNF).
Due to schedule conflicts, Saya Dr. San Hla Aung could not attend some SPZPs. He retired at the age of 80. He is now free to attend many SPZPs.
Saya Dr. Win Thein (GBNF) succeeded Saya U Min Wun as Professor and Head of the Department. Except for a warning sign from an early Medical check up, Saya was healthy. He finally passed away in Yangon. His sister has donated Saya’s Garawa money to selected Charities.
Brother, can you afford Five Hundred Dollars?
And many weekends spent away from your family as well? If you can then you probably are a member of the RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe organizing committee.
It all began one day several months ago when we met over lunch at Benny Tan’s home in Hillsborough. Ko Hla Min and Ko Khin Maung Zaw among the lunch party had started the RIT Alumni website and were receiving enthusiastic responses. Hearing that the duo were carrying on the project all by themselves we decided to throw in our moral and financial support to assure its survival, realizing that it was providing a needed service for the RIT alumni to locate and communicate with each other. Every one present, ten of us at that time, took out our checkbooks and wrote out one hundred dollars each, with promises of more as needed. We informally called ourselves the RIT Alumni Bay Area Group. I was asked to be the group leader.
After that fateful event we continue to have regular meetings, hosted in turn at the homes of some among group members: Ko Hla Min, Maurice Chee, Ko Myat Htoo, Ko Thein Aung, and most recently Dr Nyo Win. Did I leave out any one? Ah yes! Ko Myint Swe and San San Swe. All the while the membership continues to grow and our objective keeps on changing from support of the website to some vague dream of a future RIT alumni organization on a global scale and finally settled on a plan for RIT Alumni Grand Reunion at the beginning of the 21st Century. Ko Hla Min broached the idea to include Saya Pu Zaw Pwe as part of the Grand Reunion in keeping with the Myanmar custom of honoring one’s teachers. As our plan jelled we got carried away by our own excitement and started talking about holding the reunion before the end of the Year 2000. After all, ending one millennium successfully augers well for success in the next millennium.
Before we fully realized what we were up to we have found an ideal site, the Embassy Suites Hotel conference hall near the San Francisco International Airport, and found ourselves making a commitment for a definite date, 28 October 2000 and a attendance fee of fifty dollars, a modest amount to encourage maximum number of Alumni to participate. The minimum capacity of the conference hall is 200 seats and we were required to make down payment and sign a rental and service agreement based on 200 seats. Our most optimistic estimate at the time was 100 attendees. If the attendance is low that means the Bay Area Group, as the Organizing Committee was not in force at the time, will have to make up the short fall. Which could amount to as much as five thousand dollars, or five hundred dollar from each group member. We hesitated a moment to reflect on what that means to us individually in terms of diminished spending power. But, in the end our attachment to RIT and the engineering profession, our sincere desire to meet the Sayas and class mates from whom we were separated for long over came us. We will accept the risks.
Thus was born the preparations in full swing for the Grand RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Others must tell the rest of the story – of struggles, compromises, and elations along the way and from participants themselves what it means to be present at the defining moment in the history of RIT Alumni.
Allen Htay, RIT Alumni International – Bay Area Group RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe Organizing Committee
Appreciation of SPZP-2000
Hello All:
Thanks and Congratulations for a well organized and well executed event. I believe we all went to bed early Sunday night irrespective of the change back to Standard Time (from Daylight Savings Time according to the rule “Spring forward, Fall back”) , and no doubt slept soundly and very happy, knowing full well what happened during the past three days is more than what we dared to dream. I for one took the Monday off and forgot lunch because I woke up so late. But what is one missed lunch!
Allen Htay
____
Dear Ko Maung Maung Than (M79):
Thanks for your note of appreciation for the RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Everybody chipped in: the sayas, organizers, committee members, helpers, supporters like you which we were very fortunate to have, the alumni and general guests and well-wishers. We won’t be able to host an event of this magnitude and importance if any of the components were missing.
Success belongs to everyone.
Thanks again for your generous support
Allen Htay
Remembering Saya Allen Htay
From Saya U Thit
Dear Colleagues and students
I am very sad to hear that Allen Htay passed away.
I have known Allen Htay since the early 1950s when we were both students at Methodist High School, Yegyaw, East Yangon. He was one year junior to me.
We were together again in the late 1950s when we were both Assistant Lecturers at B.O.C. Engineering College. During that time he and I together with Saya Num Kock and Saya U Aung Khin went for an excursion to visit Lawpita Hydroelectric Plant construction site near Loikaw, in Kayah State.
While I was living on the R.I.T. campus in the early 1960s he moved to a house just across the street from us.
I will always remember him coming to our house many times in the evenings for a chat with my family.
The last time I saw him was at the 2004 Saya Puzawpwe in Yangon.
He will be sadly missed by many of his friends and students.
May his soul rest in Peace.
Maung Thit (Metallurgy) Melbourne, Australia
From the alumni in Australia
By Ko “Henry” Thet Tun
Our sincere and deepest condolences to Saya U Allen Htay & family for the demise of Saya.
From the RIT Alumni Australia & Myanmar Engineering Association of Australia Inc.
From Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) and Daw Lily (T72)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
We are very much saddened by the departure of Saya Allen Htay. Please convey our heartfelt condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. His good nature and kind demeanor will always live in our memory and that of those who loved him.
While we will all miss Saya Allen very much, I hope all his loved ones can find some slight comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended.
Very Sincerely, Tin Win and Lily.
From Ko Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Without the RIT Alumnu Updates, I would not have known about the passing of our (me and George Peters) final year thesis supervisor Saya U Allen Htay.
Thank you for your regular as well as supplement updates.
Please convey our deepest condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of great loss and sadness.
Best regards, Dennis (Kyaw Thu) (C73) and Alice U
Editor’s Notes: Dennis and Alice have relocated to Canada.
From Saya U Soe Paing and Daw Saw Yu Tint
My friend Allen Htay (GBNF)
Some years ago I wrote an article for the ex-RIT.org about my saya friends at RIT which included Allen Htay.
I met Allen Htay when I joined the 1st Year BSc (Engg) class at the Faculty of Engineering at Leikkhone in 1958 .Ko San Hla Aung was our drawing instructor for the main majors (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), and Allen Htay was the instructor for the rest.
In December1958, I went on State Scholarship to Stanford University. When I returned home after completing my studies, I found myself on the same ship S S Warickshire from Liverpool to Yangon with Allen Htay, Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri Eng) and Ko Ko Lay (UCC). There was also another Myanmar Ko Than Pe, a Chartered Accountant, on the ship. Those days it was customary for the Government to send the returning scholars by ship.
We normally had our meals together seated at the Chief engineer’s table. After dinner we would play bridge to spend the time. Ko Ko Lay partnered with Ko Tin Maung Nyunt and Allen Htay and Ko Than Pe took turns as my partner against them. We played almost every night after dinner and all of us became very good friends.
We got back to Yangon in October 1963. Allen Htay rejoined RIT. I was posted to RIT in January 1964 and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt in March 1964 and so we were together again. When I got married and moved into the RIT staff quarters I was at 16F, Allen Htay at 16E and Ko Tin Maung at 16D. We visited each others house very often. We also became friendly with Allen Htay’s brothers and sisters.
I have attached a photo taken during Thingyan 1966 with Allen Htay (2nd from left) and his youngest brother (extreme right).
I left RIT for UCC and the UN, and Allen Htay and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt went to the United States. All of us met gain in the Bay Area in 1985, 2001 and 2010. I saw Allen Htay at the RIT reunions in 2004 (Yangon), 2007 and 2010 (Singapore).
He could not make it to the 2012 reunion in Yangon because of his health. He was a mild mannered soft spoken gentleman and we will all miss him. May he rest in peace.
Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s Spouse)
“Let me count the ways [to love]” by Elizabeth Browning is a poem present by Ma Ma Mu to Saya Allen.
Donations in Saya Allen’s Memory
In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin
donated Saya’s books to YTU Library
provided cabinets for Saya’s books
sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students
Ko Maurice Chee (M75) coordinated the donation of books.
NorCal RITAA and some volunteer alumni from Yangon coordinated the selection of scholarship recipients.
We were Guinea Pigs of the Education System. We had to take the Government Exam four times before entering University. We effectively lost a year of our lives.
7th Std
Took the last 7th Standard Government exam in 1960. Some SPHS classmates took the 7th Std Exam in the previous year as external candidates. They then transferred to other schools. Some passed the Combined HSF & Matric exam. They were admitted to the University two years ahead of us.
9th Std
Took the HSF Only exam in March 1962. Answered all HSF subjects in Burmese (except English).We studied Yupa Beda ရူပဗေဒ (Physics), Dhatu Beda ဓာတုဗေဒ (Chemistry) and Thin Char သင်္ချာ (Maths) in Burmese. The Yupa Beda text was written by Dr. Maung Maung Kha and U San Tha Aung.
We had to take the exam with Security Guards patrolling (following the Coup d’etat on March 2, 1962). The exam was cancelled citing that the examination questions were leaked.
We had to retake the HSF Only exam in August 1962. Chu Pu Thein had the highest score for Physics. After passing Matric, he left to study in Italy. Maung Maung Kyi had the highest score for Chemistry. During the RU closure, he received States Scholarship to study Chemical Engineering (with specialty in Pulp and Paper) at Dresden University, Germany. Upon his return, he worked for Sittaung Paper Mill and PPIC. He moved to Wales, UK. He is now GBNF.
Maung Maung Kyi
10th Std
Took the Matric Only exam in May 1963. Answered subjects in English (except Burmese). We studied Physics, Chemistry and Maths in English.
The Physics text was by Sen and Gupta. SPHS library had Physics books by Sears and Zemansky (donated by Ford Foundation and/or Asia Foundation).
The Chemistry text was by Menon.
The Maths texts include Algebra (by Hall and Knight), Sequence Geometry and Trigonometry (by Siddon and Hughes).
Brother Clementian used several Maths Books (e.g. Tutorial Algebra and Study Guides).
The pass rate was relatively low. In the Matric of 1963, 1263 students passed from the Rangoon Division. The results were published in divisions : First Division (60+ marks average), Second Division (50+ marks average) and Third Division (40+ marks average).
The results were published in order of merit. It was not easy for students to find out if they had passed the exam and in what Division. It was a nightmare for those who failed the exam.
SPHS 63
100 Scholarships were awarded. Those from private schools (e.g. St. Paul’s High School) received Scholarships only if they are among the Top Forty.
St. Paul’s had Five students in the Top Five,Seven in the Top Ten, Ten in the Top Twenty.
I.Sc (A)
Took the Science Option for I.Sc.(A) classes that were being offered the Intermediate Colleges.
Those from Rangoon Division attended the RU Intermediate College known as “Leik Khone”.
Roll Numbers were based on the last names. Ko Aung Min’s Roll Number was B115. Mine was B116. Ko Than Myaing was B120. We shared lectures and tutorials.
Citing security reasons following student protests for sad events on 7th July & 8th July in 1962, hostel students were forced to return home. Classes with the exception of Medical and Engineering Colleges were suspended until further notice.
The I.Sc.(A) exam was taken at State High Schools.
Education System
In November 1964, a new System was introduced. The system of having Faculties under a University was disbanded.
Most Faculties (Engineering, Medicine, Social Science) became autonomous Institutes with their own Rectors.
The Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA) was used to decide the admission of Matriculates into the Universities and Institutes. It effectively caused the end of “Freedom to study” where several Top students chose their passion of study : Anthropology, Architecture, Biology, Burmese, Chemistry, Commerce, Economics, Engineering, English, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Law, Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, …
One High School Luyechun with a low ILA was forced to study Philosophy. Some who had high ILA taking Arts subjects and/or Hybrid Combinations were admitted to the Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT).
Education Ministry
Colonel Hla Han was the “Pyinnyar Ye Tar Wun Khan” ပညာရေးတာဝန်ခံ (later renamed Minister of Education ပညာရေးဝန်ကြီး). He was among the early LMPs to take the Bridge Course to become MBBS.He succeeded Commodore Than Pe (RUBC President), who was the first Revolutionary Council member to pass away.
Dr. Nyi Nyi (former Professor of Geology) was the “Pyinnyar Ye Ah Twin Wun” ပညာရေးအတွင်းဝန် (Secretary, later renamed Deputy Minister of Education ပညာရေး ဒု ဝန်ကြီး).
Controversial rules (ILA, 3 NRC …) caused disruption to the academic and profession careers of several students (e.g. Bernard Khaw who was First in Burma in 1965).
RIT Management
U Yone Moe (Retired Chief Engineer of Burma Railways) became the first RIT Rector. He started his tenure with Burma Institute of Technology (BIT) as Dean of Engineering, Rangoon University.
U Soe Thein, former Ta-ka-tha student leader, became RIT Registrar. He later became Director of Higher Education.
There were eight Engineering Departments: (1) Civil (2) Mechanical (3) Electrical (4) Chemical (5) Textile (6) Mining (7) Metallurgy (8) Architecture.
There were several supporting Departments: (1) Maths (2) Physics (3) Chemistry (4) English (5) Burmese …
Admission
In November 1964, three batches of students attended 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes under the New Education System.
400+ students were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA). Their backgrounds range from (a) Pure Science (b) Pure Arts (c) Hybrid (some Science and some Arts subjects).
300+ 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 (under Rangoon or Mandalay University).
About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE class. They had attended the Intermediate Colleges (under Rangoon or Mandalay University). There were a few who had taken sabbatical in the old 1st year of Engineering.
The monthly tuition was 15 kyats — payable as 30 kyats every two months.
Scholarship winners and stipend holders receive a monthly allowance of 75 kyats — 60 kyats net after paying the tuition.
The Class of 69++
Of the students admitted to 2nd BE, there were most students in Civil & Mechanical, moderate in Electrical, and much less in Chemical, Textile, Mining, Metallurgy and Architecture.
Most graduated in 1969. A few left before graduation. Some took sabbatical, and graduated a year or two 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 the mini-gatherings) and solicited contact information (in the form a spread sheet) from interested sayas and 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.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled .
40th Anniversary
69ers organized the “40th Anniversary of the Graduation” in 2009.
Golden Jubilee of Admission
The “Golden Jubilee of the admission to 2nd BE” was celebrated in 2014, because 69ers were concerned with the declining health of members.
True Golden Jubilee (of Graduation)
The Pu Zaw Pwe was held at the Assembly Hall in the Gyogone Campus.
Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) made her first visit back after graduation. She donated to the Event and the 69er Health Care Fund. She also attended the Reunion and Dinner organized by Ko Aung Min at the Compound of his former office.
Sad to note that several who attended the Golden Jubilee events are now GBNF.
Declining Health of Members
At one time, the Class of 69 had a median age of 69, and the list of GBNF has 69 members.
The symmetry no longer holds. The Class of 69 has a median age of 78, and the list of GBNF has 128 members.
Attendees at the mini-gatherings have decreased. Some could not drive, and had to ask family members or friends to take them to the gatherings. Some had operations, and need time to recover. Some had serious 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 meticulous hand-over before retiring.
He had daily work outs and supposedly 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 and colleagues tried extra hard to make sure that his body could be flown back to Southern California, USA.
Comments & Final Thoughts
Let’s hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.
U Aung Min (M69), U Shwe (EP69) and team are the core volunteers for the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund).
Ivan Lee (M69), U Sein Myint (EP69) & Daw Myint Myint (C69) are some of the major donors to HCF.
Saya U Ba Than and U Aung Min
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.
Standing: Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66), U Hla Min (EC69), Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met72), Saya Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65), Saya U Myat Htoo (C68), Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70)
Seated : U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83), Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF), Saya Dr. Tin Aung (K C Chiu, ChE63), Maurice Chee (U Hla Myint Thein, M75)
Founding Members
The San Francisco Bay Area RIT Alumni met at the house of Benny Tan (Tan Yu Beng, M70) a couple of times to discuss the formation of “RIT Alumni International” to support the Newsletter and web site, and to consider the holding of a Grand Reunion and SPZP. They served as members of the Working Committee and Steering Committee for SPZP-2000.
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
Saya was the leader of the group. He served as President of “RIT Alumni International”, which organized the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000. His classic article, “Brother, can you afford US $500?” was partly responsible for five Golden Sponsors, and the generous donations by sayas and alumni.
He “retired” three times. His former students (U Thein Aung and U Myat Htoo) coaxed him to un-retire twice.
Saya did not recover from a debilitating stroke to spend time with his grand children. One grandson had “Allen” as his first name. Another had “Allen” as his middle name.
Saya K C Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63)
Saya K C (Seated 3rd from Left)
He is the brother of Saya Dr. Aung Soe (C61).
He is a Past President of BEA.
After retirement, he relocated to Southern California.
Saya KC wrote : In early ‘80, Dr. Tin Win was working in Houston and came to the Bay Area on business trip. Dr. Tin Win was visiting me at home while Lily and I were discussing BEA matter. I believed they were meant for each other. The rest is history.
Saya Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65)
Dr. Nyo Win (Seated 3rd from Right)
He is a Past President of BAPS.
He was a Core Organizer for SPZP-2000.
He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA and served as a member BOD (Board of Directors.
He retired after working in high technology companies in the Silicon Valley and Taiwan.
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)
Saya George (Right)
He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA and served as the inaugural President.
He organized a fund raiser for the “Staff Training” component of “YTU Library Modernization”.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
U Myat Htoo
He is a Past President of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America) and BADA (Burmese American Democratic Alliance).
He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA and served three terms as Chair, BOD of NorCal RITAA.
He was co-emcee of SPZP-2000.
He plays the ukelele and piano. One of his favorites is a parody of Sai Htee Saing’s song, “Lost Neikban”.
U Hla Min (Life Long Learner, EC69)
He has completed 26 years as Founder and Chief Editor of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter“.
He served as Editor and Content Provider of RIT Alumni websites.
Per suggestion of U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70), he chose to re-tire (re-thread) rather than retire.
Per suggestion of family members, sayas and friends, he decided to pay back to his alma mater(s): RIT and UCC.
He wrote 40+ postings of “Memories of UCC” in three days during his vacation to Myanmar.
He is Owner and Admin of hlamin.com web site and several Facebook groups.
He broadcast 220+ Educational Videos on selected topics.
Benny Tan (Tan Eu Beng, M70)
SPZP-2000 Orgsnizers
He succeeded Saya Dr. Nyo Win as President of BAPS.
He is a successful entrepreneur.
He is a multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs.
He designed the banner and mementos for SPZP-2000.
He is now having quality time with his six grand children and also taking trips and cruises around the world.
Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met72)
He won Mr. RIT in 1968. His mentor was Commander Maung Maung, who won Mr. Burma in 1947. A few years back, he handed over the “Sa-Lwe” (for Mr. RIT68) to U Wynn Htain Oo (M72).
He was co-emcee of SPZP-2000.
He served as Contributing Editor for BAPS Newsletter and as Associate Editor of the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter.
Maurice Chee(Hla Myint Thein, M75)
Maurice (Right)
He succeeded Benny as President of BAPS.
He wore multiple hats for SPZP-2000. He was the Co-Chair of the Working Committee (with Benny). He was the Financial Controller. He was the Publisher of the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”. He did the name tags. He also coordinated the culinary experts for the follow-up lunch gathering.
He is a founding member and Past Vice President of NorCal RITAA.
In August 2016, he organized the Soon Kway gathering at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay for my birthday and to recognize my volunteer work.
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76)
UCC-RIT gathering
He belongs to three circles — St. Paul’s High School, RIT and and UCC — like Saya U Soe Paing and me.
He took the group photo.
He designed and implemented http://www.ex-rit.org website, which contributed to the planning and implementation of SPZP-2000. Many contributed to “Count down to the Reunion” and “Post Reunion” pages. I wrote 64 posts for “Count down to the Reunion” and 36 posts for “Post Reunion”.
He was then an eligible bachelor. He worked four 10-hour days and had a three day weekend.
He designed and implemented the first RIT web site, which was largely responsible for the success of SPZP-2000.
He promised to have Version 2.0 of the web (with better features).
Luckily for him, he moved to the challenging and lucrative job at Microsoft, and also became blessed with a wonderful family.
U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon Kaung, M83)
iNapa Winery
He was the youngest member of the group.
He founded “Mechanical Solutions” in San Francisco.
He and his spouse Lillian Kaung (EC83) later set up iNapa Winery and hosted several RIT-related gatherings.
He is a founding member of NorCal RITAA. He succeeded Saya U Maung Maung as President.
They also donated Premium Wine bottles for several events (e.g. the Annul Dinner and Summer Picnic for NorCal RITAA, 2005 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles). Their winery survived two fires.
Children : Tin Oo, Glory, Aung Khin (GBNF), Thein Wai
Col. Min Sein (GBNF)
Dean, Medical College
Spouse : Dr. Daw Yin May (GBNF)
Children : Dr. Thein Htut (RUBC Gold), Tin Tin Aye
U Maung Gale (GBNF)
Dean of the Rangoon Medical College from 1959 – 1962
He translated Grey’s Anatomy to Burmese and he handed over the manuscripts to Dr Norma Saw.
U Khin Maung Win (GBNF)
Pathologist
DG ME
Head of Medical Board to examine the people chosen for States Scholar.
Dr. Mya Tu (GBNF)
Dr. Mya Tu
Founder-Director of Burma Medical Research Institute (BMRI) which later became DMR.
Compiled the Magnum Opus (“Who’s who in Medicine in Burma?”) with his spouse Khin Thet Hta.
Passed away in Australia
Dr. Tin U (GBNF)
He initiated the study of Pediatrics in Burma as a separate discipline.
Medical Superintendent of Rangoon Children’s Hospital.
Dr. P. R. Mohan (GBNF)
Dr. Mohan
He served in the Burma Army Medical Corps from 1939 – 1945 as a medical officer in Burma theater, and discharged as a Major at the completion of World War II.
He passed away in USA in 2005. He was 88 yrs old.
Dr. Mohan & Dr. Daw Hnin Yi
Dr. Mohan and Dr. Daw Hnin Yi (Rosie) are remembered by several former students and colleagues.
Dr. Pe Nyun (GBNF)
Pe Nyun & Pe Thein at 1948 Independence Day Regatta
Past Captain and Gold, RUBC
Pediatric Surgeon
Led team to operate conjoined twins (Ma Nan Soe & Ma Nan San)
Passed away in Canada
Dr. Pe Thein (GBNF)
RUBC Gold
Professor
Retired Minister of Health and Education
Dr. Htut Saing (Harry Saing, GBNF)
Dr. Harry Saing
Second Lead to operate conjoined twins (Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San)
All-round athlete : Burma Selected in Cricket, Hockey & Rowing
Past Captain & Gold, RUBC
1958 ARAE Champion for Coxless Pairs
1960 ARAE Champion for Coxed Fours
Worked at RCH and Hong Kong
Passed away in Hong Kong
Siblings : Sheila, Victor, Shirley
Dr. Daw Khin Than Nu (GBNF)
Pioneer of Neonatal Care in Burma/Myanmar
She regularly attended the IM(1) Saya Pu Zaw Pwes.
She left to visit her son Ko Win Htut in the USA. When she passed away, Ko Win Htut gave a soon kwyay in her memory at Mettananda Vihara.
Dr. Thein Toe (GBNF)
Headed Nutrition Research at BMRI / DMR
Spouse : Khin Thitsar
Passed away in UK
Dr. Thein Toe and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry)
Dr. Kyaw Win (GBNF)
Army Doctor / Bogyoke
Ambassador to UK and US
Spouse : Kyi Kyi Chit Maung (GBNF)
Sons : Htut Kyaw Win (GBNF), Aung Kyaw Win
Dr. TheinHtut
RUBC Gold
Moved to Australia
Spouse : Wendy Sein
Dr. Nyunt Win (Eddie Tha Win, GBNF)
Neurologist
Moved to Australia
Spouse : Marie Yu Khin (GBNF)
Dr. Daw Kyin Yee (GBNF)
Worked in Myanmar before following her spouse Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto64) to Beijing where he was working for UN.
Relocated to USA and volunteered for meditation retreats.
Dr. Aung Khin Sint (GBNF)
Medical doctor with a passion for “Public Health”
Won the National Literary Award for his book on the “Awareness and Prevention of Diseases“
Deputy Director with the Ministry of Health
Led protests in the 8-8-88 movement
Vilified for his criticism of the “unconstitutional” proposals and for running as an MP for the NLD in the 1990 elections
Dr. Khin Maung Gyi (Kevin, SPHS59)
The Gardener
(A tribute to all teachers)
Let me introduce to our teacher Who is also a guardian and preacher Guiding and nurturing from a youthful age To raise us up with a healthy image.
As soon as the morning bell tolls He started his routine – heart and soul Never does he skips a single day Sickness and malady are kept at bay.
He may be tired, his voice may whimper His zest and zeal, nothing gets dimmer Never to be seen in fits or rage Happy and contented on not so high a wage.
His loving kindness is like a mountain Goodwill from him flows like a fountain He looks after us as one of his own His empathy towards us is very well known.
Hearing the success of his ‘daughters and sons’ He beams as though ‘a war was won’ He is now overjoyed and highly thrilled His life seems to be thus fulfilled.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (SPHS60)
TOKM 1TOKM 2
He was the top Paulian in his class, and stood Sixth in the Matriculation exam.
He founded the group “Alumni of the Institute of Medicine in Myanmar (Overseas)” and wrote about his mentors (Aba U Hla Myint, Dr. Tin U) and other trail blazers.
His former students published a book for his 70th birthday.
Dr. Min Lwin (SPHS60)
Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Than Toe (SPHS60, GBNF)
Rehabilitation
Dr. Kyaw Win (SPHS61)
Also known as Robin Ban
Stood 2nd in Burma
Moved to Australia
Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63)
SPHS
Stood 1st in Burma. First student to have almost perfect score in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics with 299 marks out of the possible 300. Grapevine says that Chief Examiner of Physics reluctantly took back a mark.
Retired from FDA
Sharing KMU Medical Reports
Scholarship Winners
Dr. Myo San (Freddie, SPHS63, GBNF)
Stood Third in Burma
Took early retirement as Surgeon
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, SPHS63)
Stood Fourth in Burma
Retired as Professor of Physiology
Taught at IM and Malaysia
Hobbies : Painting, Writing, “Sagar Pari Ye”
Dr. Thein Wai (SPHS63)
Stood Fifth in Burma
Moved to USA after graduation
Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Mg Mg, SPHS63)
Stood Ninth in Burma
Army Doctor / Cardiologist
Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, SPHS63)
Stood Seventeenth in Burma
Retired Medical Doctor / Examiner / Registrar (in UK)
Dr. Aung Win Chiong (SPHS64)
He had the second highest “raw” score behind Dr. Cherry Hlaing and Dr. Lyn Aung Thet. He had a perfect ILA score and was admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One.
He is now retired. His spouse Dr. Winnie Tan is co-founder of USA Con-Bro Association.
Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice, SPHS64)
Admitted as Roll Number Two to IM(2)
Surgeon (with Practice in UK and Myanmar)
Dr. Yi Thway (Edwin, SPHS65, GBNF)
Fifth highest marks
He was admitted as Roll Number (1) to IM(1).
Passed away in UK
Dr. Paing Soe (Freddie, SPHS65)
He had the same marks as Dr. Yi Thway.
He was admitted as Roll Number (2) to IM(1).
Medical Research
Thanks to TOKM (Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint) and VNW (Dr. Victor Nyunt Wai) for their input and feedback.
Dr. Mya Tu (GBNF)
He founded Burma Medical Research Institute (BMRI). BMRI later became Directorate of Medical Research (DMR). DMR had branches in Upper and Lower Burma.
He served as Director General.
He was a physiologist.
He and his spouse compiled a directory of medical professionals in Burma.
He passed away at the age of 91 in Australia.
Dr. Thein Htut and Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint gave eulogies at Saya’s service.
Dr. Aung Than Ba Tu
He is fondly known as ATBT.
He succeeded Dr. Mya Tu.
He requested UCC to give lectures on computing at BMRI. I was a Guest Lecturer.
In his 90s, he is still active, giving talks and participating in the editorial team of a certain journal.
Dr. Khin Maung Tin (GBNF)
He was MS of the Rangoon University Sanatorium.
He succeeded Dr. ATBT.
He specialized in liver diseases
He passed away the earliest (heard it was a heart attack)
survived by Dr Daw Htay Kyi, a TB specialist.
Dr. May May Yi (GBNF)
I met Sayama at the Inlay Luyechun camp in the summer of 1965.
She is a physiologist.
She was Professor of Physiology at the Institute of Medicine.
She became DG at BMRI.
Dr. Than Shwe
He is a microbiologist.
After retirement, he moved to USA.
He stays active by guiding high school students for their SAT tests.
Dr. Paing Soe
He matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1965.
He was selected Luyechun.
He was DG of DMR.
He retired as Deputy Minister of Health.
Researchers
Dr. Thein Toe (UK, GBNF)
Dr. Cho Nwe Oo
Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (GBNF)
Dr. Khin Maung U (FDA, USA)
Dr. Kyaw Min (Retired as Acting DG)
Group photo : Young researchers (BMRI- DMR)
Medical Researchers
L to R: U Aung Myint, Dr Htay Htay, Saya (Prof Mya Tu), Dr Myo Thein, U Ba Aye (statistician), Dr Pe Thaung Myint (sports medicine), Dr Htin Kyaw (physiologist).
Worked for IBM Burma as System Engineer before moving to USA.
Still has a good memory
Has shared some stories.
Aunt
Younger sister of Dr. Pe Nyun (Pediatric Surgeon)
Taught Psychology at Rangoon University
Studied Library Science in USA
Headed Burmese Section of the Library of Congress
Selected Stories
From March 1, 1929
U Thein Han
It’s been a long journey. I’ve passed the aged barrier of 90. From now on everyday is a bonus for me. My health is the same, no problem. Blood tests results are good. Memory is still sharp. I can drive my car for grocery shopping. I think I will be with you all this year.
I’m living proof that Exercise and Healthy food will keep you in good health and prolong your life. I’ve been doing exercise since I retired in 1994 after I joined HP Senior Center using the Physical Equipment and having lunch at the center. I use light weights (30, 40 lbs) for arm, leg, thigh exercise and walk fast for 1/2 mile (10 minutes) on a Treadmill.
At night before I go to bed, I do Balance exercise 3 times a week given to me by my Physical Therapist.
So Folks, “It’s your life, Exercise, Eat Healthy Food, No Smoking and Drinking, Travel and Enjoy your good life”.
A True Story
When I was working at Montgomery County, Division Of Parking, during my lunch break I took a cab to go to a Chinese Restaurant in Silver Spring [Maryland, USA]. The driver was an African-American from Jamaica. On the way I had a conversation with him and came to know he had a daughter studying at Howard University (African-American University) to be a Lawyer. It happened that my wife was working as a Librarian at Howard University at Washington D.C. so I had a good chat with him. When we arrived at the restaurant I asked him if he had his lunch. He said, “No”. I invited him to have lunch with me. He accepted. I had a long talk with him about Jamaica. After lunch he dropped me at my work.
A few days later while I was walking back from lunch in Silver Spring, it rained heavily. I did not have an umbrella. All of a sudden a car stopped beside me. It was James the Taxi driver that I gave lunch. He told me to hop in and took me to my office. When I asked him, “What is the fare?”, he said, “It’s on the house. No problem”.
When you do a good deed to a person, you will be rewarded back one day with a good deed. This is my true story.
I believe in luck
It was in 1948 during my Rangoon University days I did Nation Newspaper Crossword Puzzle and won 2000 Kyats. At that time the value of Kyat was very good. With the money I won I bought a Jeep costing 3000 Kyats.
My next luck was also during my University days when I went to a movie with my friend Ko Sein Lwin. On the return while I was driving my Jeep with my friend beside me, at the corner of Prome Road and Medical College I, we picked up 800 Kyats which was lying on the Road.
When I arrived in Maryland (USA), I went to Safeway Grocery to buy bread. When I took the bread from the shelf I found $20 on the shelf. It was a great help to me when I was penniless.
Another time was when I was walking on Wheaton Avenue with my son, we found $40 on the street.
During our Burmese Christmas Party I won the door prize which was a Television.
At the Thai King’s Birthday party given by our Thai friend, I won Thai Airways luggage for the door prize.
At our Senior Center I won a Cup as a door prize.
While working at Montgomery County, in 1977, I won 2nd prize of the Maryland Lottery which was $2000, because I hit five numbers out of six numbers. At that time $2000 was a lot of money. The 2nd prize is now one million Dollars.
The 1st prize then was one million Dollars. On 25 August 2018 the 1st prize went up to 522 Million and it was won by 11 employees of a bank because they were lucky.
The 13 Thai Cave Footballers survived because of their luck.
My University friend Billy Wu From Maymyo went back home during a holiday, the UBA Dakota plane crashed due to bad weather, but he was lucky and he survived.
Everyone has luck, but we don’t know when we will be lucky.
My Barber
Ko Aye Pe has been my barber since my University days in 1947 till 1971. He also cut the hair of my two sons. He worked at Varsity Hair Dressing Salon in Bogyoke Aung San Market. We were friends till I left for USA in 1971. He was a kind and obliging person and whenever I travel abroad I brought a shirt for him.
On my first visit back to Myanmar in 2005. I wanted to see him and asked my friend U Hla Soe if he knew Ko Aye Pe’s whereabouts. U Hla Soe told me that he has retired and cuts people hair at his home and gave me his address.
Ko San Aung (Sydney Tin, Ko Pyu) and I took a taxi and went to search for him. We found him living in an apartment near the Old Central Jail behind Medical College 1. He was very happy to see me. He told me he’s retired and he’s working at home and the barber chair that I’m sitting on was given by U Hla Soe. I had a long chat with him and returned back to Winner Inn Hotel.
On my next visit to Myanmar two years later, we went to his apartment but was told by his neighbor that he had moved to Ahlone and gave us the address. We went there and found him living with his niece’s family. When we met him he was BLIND. His niece told him there’s someone to see him but did not tell who we were. I sat down next to him and asked him if he knew who I was. He touched my face with his hand to find out who I was. I then told him that I was Ko Charlie and came back to Myanmar for a visit. When he touched my face with his hand my eyes became wet and I was very sad to see him blind, he must be about 75 years then.
It must have been Cataract which could have been treated and cured, maybe no one told him to see an Eye Doctor or that he may not have the cash for the surgery.
Before we left I gave him Kyats 100,000 for being a good friend who was always willing to cut hair for my kids at home. We then said goodbye to him and returned back to Winner Inn Hotel.
Ko Aye Pe was kind to me when I needed his services and his METTA to me. In return I was able to share what I can with him when he needed it.
HlaMin 