Blog

Interviews
Interview by HMEE

Several Sayas were interviewed for the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Ecucation) Project.

Saya U Tin U
- U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) interviewed U Tin U (C).
- U Tin U joined RU in 1946 and attended Engineering classes before studying in the USA.
- BS in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University
- MS in Civil Engineering from Yale.
- He taught Part-time at Rangoon University while working for a private Construction Company.
- Treasurer, BSCE (Burma Society of Civil Engineers)
- He is the Most Senior & Oldest Past Captain of RUBC and Past Captain of RGC.
U Khin Aung Kyi (GBNF)

U Khin Aung Kyi
- U Ohn Khine (M70) and team interviewed Saya U Khin Aung Kyi.
- He joined RU in 1949 and attended Engineering classes before studying in the USA.
- BS and MS in Chemical Engineering at MIT.
- He served as Professor and Head of Chemical Engineering, and as Rector of RIT (1977 – 1988).
Interview by Gazettes
- Mandalay Gazette and Myanmar Gazette interviewed selected Sayas and Alumni.
- U Maung Maung Kyi founded Mandalay Gazette.
- Thakin Kai Bhor is Chief Editor and Publisher of Myanmar Gazette. He earlier served as Editor and Technical Advisor for Mandalay Gazette.
- I was interviewed by Mandalay Gazette several years ago.
Mandalay Gazette
- Saya U Min Wun and Saya Dr. Tin Win were interviewed by Myanmar Gazette.
Interview by AZMTV
- U Htaik San (Henry Kao, M81) is Past President of Burmese Associations in Southern California.
- He is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC.
- He and his spouse helped run AZMTV. They and their team interviewed selected sayas and alumni who attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
- Henry sent me links to the videos (published in You Tube). I have posted the links.
- Sample link (for Saya U Min Wun’s interview)
Saya U Min Wun
- He joined RU in 1949 and attended Engineering classes before studying in the USA.
- BS from MIT and MS frim Cornell.
- He served as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering before moving to USA.
- He retired from Caltrans at the age of 80.
- He was a member of Myanmar Pyeik Ka Dein Ah Phwe.
- He wrote articles for RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
Saya U Myo Myint Sein (A58)
- He is from the first batch of Architecture graduates.
- He received MS from Michigan.
- He served as Professor and Head of Architecture before moving to USA.
- He served as Consultant / Lecturer and also authored books.
- He wrote for Swel Daw Yeik Magazine and HMEE.
- He played soccer for Engineering and RU.
- He was President of RU ConBro Association.
Life Journey of Saya U Ba Toke
- Tekkatho Maung Thin Char (Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe, GBNF) interviewed Sayagyi U Ba Toke (GBNF).
- The tapes were transcribed by his spouse Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing).
- The book was sponsored by RU Thin Char Ah Thinn as a birthday present for Sayagyi.
Interview by Yangon Media

Saya U Thet Lwin (Maung Ngwe Hlinne)
- He matriculated from St. Paul’s High School.
- He taught Burmese at the Institute of Economics.
- He transferred to RIT as Registrar.
- He retired as Director from DHE.
- He received a Dat Pya and a remuneration of K100 for his song “Mya Kyun Nyo”. The song has been sung at RU Centennial and SPZPs. He played the song for a special TV program.
- Patron of RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn
- Publisher of RIT Annual Magazine
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
- He matriculated from St. John’s Dio.
- He was Editor of RUESU Annual Magazine and learned first hand about early Printing systems.
- Poet
- Author of five books
- Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung, Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung (for SPZPs in 2002, 2007 and 2010) and Swel Daw Yeik Magazine (for Shwe YaDu 2014 and SPZP-2016).
- He was interviewed for TV and Journals.
June 3, 2025
RIT 69ers — Activities
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Milestones
- 1964 — Admitted to first ever 2nd BE
2nd BE student
- 1969 — Most members graduated
69er Grads
- 1999 — 30th Anniversary of Graduation
- 2009 — 40th Anniversary of Graduation
M69 in 2009
- 2014 — Golden Jubilee of Admission
Shwe YaDu
- 2019 — Golden Jubilee of Graduation
GJ of Graduation
- 2024 — RIT 60th Anniversary ; 55th Anniversary of Graduation
BFF — Best Friends Forever

Swe Swe Kyaw Zin (daughter of U Kyaw Zin EP69) presented 69er Caps & Hats at a 69er Monthly Breakfast Gathering.

69er Health Care Fund

U Aung Min (M69) and team manage the 69er Health Care Fund
- ကျန်းမာရေး ရံပုံငွေ Some make lump sum donation. Some donate in installments.
- 40% ကွယ်လွန် Gone But Not Forgotten
Reunion & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe
- On special occasions, the 69ers host the Reunion & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe
- Yearly — Annual Dinner & Entertainment (e.g M3, Panda, U Aung Min’s previous office)
- Monthly — Breakfast Gathering (mostly at Royal Rose Restaurant / Taw Win Hnin Si) ; Could not meet during the Covid pandemic
- Ad hoc — e.g Daw Myint Myint (C69) hosted lunch at Western Park to welcome Nyunt Nyunt Wai / Millie (T69); U Tin Win (Min69) hosted lunch at Crystal Jade for SPZP attendees
အမှတ်တရ လက်ဆောင် ပေးကြ Exchange Gifts

69er Cap
- 69er Cap
69er Hat
- 69er Hat
69er Mug
- 69er Mug
69er Towel
- 69er Towel
- 69er Golden Jubilee Magazine ရွှေရတု စာစောင်
- 69er Address Book
- ပုဆိုး Pasoe
- ထီး Umbrella
- တရားစာအုပ် Dhamma book
June 3, 2025
Lwin (Names)
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025
- Arthur Lwin, Dr. (U Myo Min, EENT)
- Aung Lwin : academy award winner, Director, script writer and actor.
- Aung Lwin (Jasper, C70) : Secretary of RIT Rowing Association.
Aye Lwin
- Aye Lwin (M69, GBNF) : Secretary of the RIT Mechanical Engineering Association; Secretary of the RIT Annual Magazine; He attended the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
- Ba Lwin (Myoma) : Chief Boy Scout of Burma; Ambassador to Ceylon (Sri Lanka); Father of USIS U Kyaw Nyein, U Kyaw Thein Lwin (Navy, Five Star Line), Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (WIU) and U Than Lwin (US State Department).
Dr. Ba Lwin
- Ba Lwin, Dr. (EE59) : He and U Myo Kyi (EE59) are the senior sayas (by seniority) at the EE Department. He visited his daughter and his relatives in the USA.
- Chit Lwin attended UCC.
- Eric Lwin : Younger son of Dr. Kyi Lwin
- Khin Maung Lwin, Dr, (FAME)
- Khin Maung Lwin (Kyet Taw, M87-91 Group)
- Kyi Lwin (George, C67)
- Kyin Lwin (M69, GBNF) was a regular at the 69er Gatherings.
Kyaw Lwin (Seated 2nd from Right)
- Kyaw Lwin (George Saw Lwin, EC64, GBNF) ; pianist and rower. His elder brother Jimmy Saw Lwin is RUBC Gold and a Diplomat.
- Kyaw Lwin (C) : was Minister of Construction. He earlier was a Director General. I was a guest at a dinner reception to honor Dr. Aung Gyi at U Nyan Tun U’s residence. Active and retired Ministers paid respect to Sayagyi and Dr San Hla Aung.
- Kyaw Lwin Hla : taught English at RIT; joined UNDP
- Kyi Lwin, Dr.
- Lwin Aung, Dr. (A59) served as Professor and Head of Architecture Department and retired as Pro-Rector of YTU. He practices Dhamma and also consults for the construction of religious buildings.
Bo Lwin Swe
- Lwin Mar Oo (Winner Inn, W Bistro)
- Lwin Swe, Bo (EE61) is s senior alumni, and a proud Great Grandfahter.
Bo Lwin Swe
- Maung Lwin, Colonel : Former MI Chief and Ambassador to Germany; Father of Toe Lwin (Eco Rowing) and Soe Lwin (RASU Luyechun & amateur astronomer); Founding member of NLD, and Father of Daw Su Su Lwin
- Lwin Oo : Dhamma friend.
- Mar Lwin
- Maung Lwin (Dawei, formerly Tavoy) owned a schooner. Hla Moe (Han Shein), his second son, perished when the schooner sank. Grapevine says that Hla Moe was warned by U Ba Than (Athletic Director and amateur palmist) that he could face a fatal accident. Hla Moe replied that he had survived a car accident (which left scars on his face) and that he would be visiting home via his father’s schooner and then return to Rangoon to become a Donlaba (temporary monk).
- Maung Mae Thit Lwin Kyo So Pwe : welcome party for freshers.
- May Lwin
- Min Lwin, Dr. (SPHS60) : Orthopedic Surgeon. He treated me when I broke a small bone in my left wrist. He made sure that I could attend the wedding reception of my niece.
Min Lwin (2nd from Right)
- Min Lwin, Dr. (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64) stood Fifth in Burma in the Matric exam. He is a cousin of “Lake” Win Maung (George Tun) and Khin Swe Aye (Winnie Tun, ChE70). He treated me long ago when I stepped on a pebble and hurt my left foot.
- Mya Lwin
- Myat Lwin
U Myint Lwin (Standing)
- Myint Lwin (Charlie, UCC) : Burma Judo Champion; Diploma in German from IF. His spouse is a niece of Saya U San Tun (M59).
- Myint Lwin : UCC alumni; moved to Australia
- Myint Lwin Thein, Dr. : his team offered DAG (Diploma in Applied Geology) courses.
- Myo Lwin (RUBC)
- Myo Lwin (RIT, GTI Saya)
- Myo Lwin (Dhamma friend & organizer)
- Nyunt Lwin
- Ohn Lwin
- Pyin Oo Lwin : name for Maymyo
- Ronald Lwin : Elder son of Dr. Kyi Lwin
- San Lwin, Dr. (Ronald Lwin, GBNF) : RUBC Gold; Cardiologist; Father of Sayama Daw Tin May Lwin (UCC).
- San Lwin : Director
- San Lwin : Philosophy; Director; Monk
- San Lwin Tun
- Saw Lwin : Director General at the Department of Higher Education (DHE).
- Saw Lwin : He & Daw Su Su have three daughters — Hazel Saw Lwin, Olive Saw Lwin and May Saw Lwin.
- Saw Lwin : Children — Jimmy Saw Lwin, George Saw Lwin
- Sein Lwin (GBNF) studied in the USA during the time when racial discrimination was prevalent. He served as Professor of Zoology. He is a brother of Daw Khin Than Kywe (Commerce).
- Sein Lwin (Raymond Ba Hpyu, GBNF) : distinguished vocalist; perished in an air plane crash; elder brother of Playboy Than Naing
- Soe Lwin (Mech Saya, GBNF)
- Soe Lwin, Dr. (Dhamma techer)
- Soe Lwin (EC66, Railways)
- Soe Lwin (Physics, Luyechun)
U Soe Myint Lwin
- Soe Myint Lwin (EC68, GBNF) : Burma Selected in Soccer
- Than Lwin (Eric Lwin, GBNF) : studied at LSE; room mate of Dr. Chit Swe; taught Economics at BIT; Lecturer at the Faculty of Social Science; Librarian of the Social Science Library.
- Than Lwin : Burma Tennis Champion
- Than Lwin (EC69) : RIT Saya
- Than Lwin : UCC, CSO, Singapore
- Thaung Lwin (EC66) : RUBC Past Captain and Gold; younger brother of U Tin U, U Ba Than, Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon (A60) and U Myo Min (UCC).
- Thaung Lwin (Michael Maung Maung) : Former Deputy Minister
- Thaung Lwin : former monk
- Thein Lwin (GBNF) : Eldest son of U Maung Gyi & Daw Aw
- Thein Lwin (Stanley Shwe Gyi) : SPHS63
- Thein Lwin : Brother of Daw Mar Lwin
- Thein Lwin (EE, GBNF) : alumnus of Lehigh University, USA; taught at RIT and Singapore Polytechnic; President of RIT Badminton Association.
- Thet Lwin, Dr. (Statistics)
- Thein Lwin (M71, Phyu)
- Thet Lwin (Registrar, RIT; Director, DHE)
- Thet Lwin (Henry, EC72)
- Thet Lwin (UCC)
- Tin Maung Lwin (RUBC) : brother of Tin Maung Latt
- Tin Maung Lwin (Kenneth, RUBC)
- Tin Maung Lwin (TBSA)
- Tin May Lwin (UCC, DCS, ICST)
- Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) : retired Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering from NTU; attended SPZPs and took part in the Entertainment Program as a vocalist; plays the guitar along with Albert Kyaw Min and Robert Win Boh at the 69er gatherings; U Win Mra (RIT English) taught him and his brothers how to play the guitar.
- Wai Lwin (RIT)
- Wai Wai Lwin (Emma, TBSA)
- Win Lwin (M69) : Secretary of RIT Hiking & Mountaineering Association. He and Ko Cho Aye (M70, GBNF) climbed Mount Victoria with the students from other Universities’ and Institutes
- Zaw Lwin : actor
- Zaw Lwin (Andrew, M87) : TDS
June 3, 2025
U Ba Than (2017)

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

City FM

U Ba Than

According to U Thant Zin (M), son of Saya U Sein Shan, City FM broadcast a “Congratulatory” session for Sayagyi U Ba Than’s 87th birthday on October 2nd, 2017 at 7 p.m.

Soon Kyway

Dr. Win Thein, Dr. Thein Hlyne, U Than Po

Saya Dr. Win Thein (C58), Saya Dr. Thein Hylne and U Than Po (M75) attended the birthday soon kwyay of Sayagyi U Ba Than.

June 3, 2025
Literary Talks (2018)
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

SF Bay Area

SF Bay Area Talk
- Speakers : Aw Pi Kyeh & Min Ko Naing
- Sponsors include BADA, BAWA, Citizen of Burma Award, …
- Date : September 15, 2018
- Time : 5pm – 9+ pm
- Place : Swiss Park, Newark, CA
Aw Pi Kyeh

APK 1

APK 2
- Aw Pi Kyeh (Win Naing) is from the Class of 81 and 82.
- As “Mann Bei”, he contributed and managed the RIT Cartoon Box.
- He served as Secretary of the RIT Cartoon Association.
- He spoke about “Made in Myanmar”. He pointed out that his dress is made from neighboring countries. He lamented the loss of countless lives in Cyclone Nargis due to “insufficient knowledge” (e.g. about Disaster Recovery). His talk combines wit, and philosophy.
- During his study at Harvard, he proudly spent US$30 to buy a backpack labeled “Made in Myanmar”. His friend bought a similar backpack but labeled “Made in Sri Lanka”. The seam of his back pack broke after a week. Before his return to Myanmar, his friend gave him his backpack. He felt mad, but accepted it. He went on to use the backpack in Myanmar until it got discolored and his spouse asked him to stop using it.
- The message is that one not only needs Cetana but also the skills to provide “added advantage”. He gave examples of how others (nations and their companies) used our natural resources and our local talents to create products (and often sell them back at profit).
- He also requested those overseas to use “conversion” to understand the “thinking” of those living in Myanmar (possibly most of their lives) as a baby step to help making “Made in Myanmar” proud and reliable.
Min Ko Naing
- Min Ko Naing is the pen name of Paw Oo Tun (author, artist, student activist …).
- He was a 3rd year student at RASU, when he became a student leader of the 8-8-88 movement.
- He visited the San Francisco Bay Area a few years ago and talked about the injustice system and the brutal regimes.
- He gave a talk for the SF Bay Area Annual Talks 2018 along with Aw Pi Kyeh.
- There were some anecdotes about prison life. One political prisoner begged his prison mates to give him a pain reliever. Most people did not have courage to provide one. One had cetana and courage, but lacked medical knowledge. He gave Buspro to the wailing prisoner, who was relieved of pain forever.
- He recounted his observations of the educational and social systems of the countries that he had visited.
- He was impressed with some systems which take the nursery children out into the open and teach lessons from nature, and those that allow students to pursue any combination of subjects provided they envision a problem to solve using the mix.
- He lamented about how most parents and students in Myanmar prepare at all costs for that “all important Matriculation exam” to pursue two or three high profile professions.
- The talk is more suitable for the general audience in Myanmar.
- Kudos to the activist turned evangelist for critical thinking and social change.
Dr. Thynn Thynn wrote : Good observations Ko Hla Min…. I think he was trying to convince that the children in Burma deserve the benefits of open education system the children of the expat audience whom he had tried to seek support for the help of expat Burmese youth community to go in to Burma to help or some sort of set an example for those underprivileged kids in side the country. The talk was only half of what he came to say I think.

Dr. Nyunt Wai wrote : Good to know two of you are good friends. Converging point for technical and medical streams?

Trip to Los Angeles

The hosts choose the first talk to be held in Northern California and the final talk to be held in Southern California.

I had the chance to meet Aw Pi Kyeh twice and to meet Min Ko Naing thrice.

U Yu Ket (Edward Saw, EC85) gave me a ride to Los Angeles. Saya U Tin Htut hosted me and took me to two events :
- Annual dinner of BASES (as his guest)
- La Peunte monastery, which had a festival in the morning
  and the literary talk by Aw Pi Kyeh and Min Ko Naing in the afternoon.
La Puente Monastery

Saya bought a book and received an autographed copy.

Aw Pi Kyeh told us that he did not drink during the Waso, but that he would resume drinking in a few days (at the end of the Buddhist Lent).

Literary Talk at the YSE Fund raiser

The Youth Society of Education invited two guest speakers at their Fund Raiser.

Myinmu Naing Moe
- Myinmu Naing Moe (Ohn Maung) is a poet, vocalist, author and publisher.
- He is a National Literary Award winner.
- He gave a literary talk on “His life and his Kabyas (Poems)”.
- He talked about “Su-Tu-Pyu” paradigm proposed by Sayagyi Minthuwun.
- He gave the background of his early school life, the sacrifice of his beloved mother, a story from Buddha’s time, Saya Zawgyi’s poems, and then recited poems.
May Kyawt Shin

She is a broadcaster, vocalist, and author.
June 3, 2025
Steeve’s message (2000)
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

SPZP-2000
- RIT Alumni International hosted the First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
- It started with a Welcome Dinner at a seafood restaurant for attendees.
Welcome Dinner
- The Reunion Dinner & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held at the Enbassy Suites Hotel near SFO (International Airport).
SPZP-2000
- A family Lunch gathering at a High School bade farewell to the SPZP attendees, organizers and volunteers.
Steeve’s Message following SPZP-2000

RIT Poet Laureate Ko Hla Min:

Steeve Kay 1

I must admit that I was suffering from a Monday morning “hangover”, having been intoxicated with emotional overdose over the reunion weekend [in October 2000].

Judging from the post-reunion emails I read, I am not alone. What a reunion!

By all measures, it was a success and did satisfy the alumni’s tremendous pent-up desire to reconnect with each other after many decades of separation. The dedication of the members of the organizing committee is second to none.

With the assistance of his lovely wife, Benny Tan devoted practically full-time to this project for several months. I had a first-hand experience to see how meticulous he was when he was designing the RIT T-shirt. It came out a winner!

I do appreciate the sensitivity the organizing committee displayed in making this event non-religious and non-political. Otherwise, it would have been very difficult for me to attend. The only regret is that I failed to locate the whereabouts of my buddy Ko Aung Min of Taunggyi (M70). I heard he went to Singapore, but so far my search has ended in “no find”.

Now that the grand reunion is over, everybody is slowly recovering from the “hangover”. The big question is who would go to Singapore in 2002, and how do we go about doing it?

With best regards,
Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein)

Editor’s notes

Steeve Kay 2
- Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70) is a multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs. He donated $200000+ to RIT-related projects and events.
Steeve Kay 3
- He attended GTI for a while before joining the first ever 1st BE class in 1964.
- Received MSEE from Stanford University and MBA from Pepperdine University.
- At the request of his sister, who is a medical doctor who had patents for processing disability claims, he decided to transform from a successful electronics designer to the CEO of QTC Management.
- After private investors showed interest in his company, he retired, but continued to lead a multiple-purpose fourth career: (a) visiting the places of the world’s leading religions
  (b) establishing Kay Family Foundation (c) incubating the projects of young professionals
  (d) supporting education (e.g. as trustee of University of California at Irvine)
  (e) maintaining a diverse business portfolio
  (f) helping those in need
  (g) continue paying back the metta and cetana of his mentors — as Golden Sponsor of RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes, Helen and Steeve Kay Health Care Fund for the RIT Sayas and Sayamas.
June 3, 2025
Buddhist Councils
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

U Silananda

Tipitaka
- It is a Pali term. It is commonly rendered as “Three Baskets” :
- Vinaya (Monastic rules of conduct)
- Sutta (Discourses)
- Abhidhamma (Ultimate reality)
Buddhist Councils
- According to the Theravada tradition, there are six Buddhist Councils.
- The First, Second and Third Councils were held in India.
- The Fourth Council (which recorded the teachings on palm leaves) was held in Ceylon.
- The Fifth Council was held in Mandalay, Burma. U Khanti inscribed the Tipitaka on marble slabs. It was featured as the World’s Largest Book in Ripley’s “Believe it or not”.
- The Sixth Council was held in Rangoon, Burma. Tipitaka was reconfirmed and published as printed texts. Selected Pali texts were also translated into Burmese.
First Buddhist Council

Source : U Silananda
- Date : 3 months and 5 days (Sasana Era)
- Place : Rajagaha (India)
- King : Ajasattha
- Leader : Mahakassapa Thera
- Number of Monks : 500
- Duration : 7 months
- Accomplishment :
  Collected, examined, classified, and recorded orally the Buddha’s Teachings
- Ashin Maha Kassapa acted as the Chief Questioner.
- Ashin Upali recited Vinaya.
- Ashin Ananda recited Sutta and Abhidhamma.
- 500 Arahants confirmed Buddha’s teachings.
References :
- Culavagga-Pali pp. 479 – 490
- Dipavamsa 1.24; 5.4
- Mahavamsa 3.26 – 41
- Vinaya Atthakatha I 2 – 25
- Digha-Attahakatha I 3-26
Second Buddhist Council

Source : U Silananda
- Date : 100 (Sasana Era)
- Place : Vesali (India)
- King : Kalasoka
- Leader : Yasa Thera (Vinaya Athakatths)
  Revata Thera (Mahavamsa)
- Number of Monks : 700
- Duration : 8 months
- Accomplishment :
  Reaffirmed the Texts accepted at the 1st Council after a group of monks tried to relax the rules of discipline (oral)
References :
- Culavagga-Pali pp. 490 – 508
- Dipavamsa 5.30
- Mahavamsa 4.9 – 64
- Vinaya Atthakatha I 25 – 29
Third Buddhist Council

Source : U Silananda
- Date : 234 (Sasana Era)
  310 BC
- Place : Pataliputta (India)
- King : Asoka
- Leader : Mogallaputta-Tissa Thera
- Number of Monks : 1000
- Duration : 9 months
- Accomplishment :
  Reaffirmed the Texts accepted at the previous Councils. The Kattavatthu (5th book of Abdhidhamma) is added (oral)
References :
- Dipavamsa 7.34-43, 44-59
- Mahavamsa 5.228-279
- Vinaya Atthakatha I 29 – 78
Fourth Buddhist Council

Source : U Silananda
- Date : 450 (Sasana Era)
  94 BC
- Place : Alokavihara (Sri Lanka)
- King : Vattagamani Abhaya
- Number of Monks : 500
- Accomplishment :
  Wrote the Buddha’s Teachings together with the Commentaries on palm leaves
References :
- Vajirabuddhitika 543
- Mahavamsa 33.100-101
Fifth Buddhist Council

Source : U Silananda
- Date : April 5, 1871 (*)
- Place : Mandalay (Burma)
- King : Mindon
- Leader : Jagara Thera
- Number of Monks : 2400
- Duration : 5 months (recitation)
  Began on April 14, 1871
  Ended on September 9, 1871
- Accomplishment :
  Reaffirmed the Texts accepted at the previous Councils and wrote them on 729 marble slabs.
References :
- Burmese Chronicles
(*) 1853 – 59 Writing on palm leaves in gold-color ink, ink and stylus – over 200 volumes.

Began writing on marble slabs on October 26, 1859. Ended writing on marble slabs on May 4, 1868. Took 7 years, 6 months and 19 days.

Seven books of Abidhamma on 208 slabs.

Slab size : 5 feet high, 3 feet across, 5 inches thick and about 90 lines long

Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” named it the “Largest Book in the World”.

Sixth Buddhist Council

Source : U Silananda
- Date : May 1954 – 56
- Place : Rangoon (Burma)
- Prime Minister : U Nu
- Leader : Revata Thera
- Number of Monks : 2500
- Duration : Two years for the Pali Texts
- Accomplishment :
  Reaffirmed the Texts accepted at the previous Councils.
  Editions of Pali Texts, Commentaries and Sub-commentaries.
References :
- Sangayana Album
Editor’s Notes :
- The Sixth Buddhist Council was held in Kaba Aye Pagaoda, Rangoon.
- 2500 Sayadaws from Burma and neighboring Theravada Buddhist nations re-confirmed Buddha’s teachings.
- Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhana acted as the Chief Questioner.
Mahasi & Mingun
- Mingun Sayadaw Ashin Vicittacarabhimvamsa acted as the Chief Reciter.
- Mingun Sayadaw’s memory feat was recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records (in the mid-50s).
Tipitaka Examination

Background
- Burma wanted to host the Sixth Buddhist Council.
- The Sayadaws visited neighboring Theravada countries to seek advice and to solicit participation in the Council to celebrate 2500 years of Sasana.
- The Theravada Sayadaws expressed the need for a Tipitaka Sayadaw.
Burma invited interested Sayadawa to sit for Oral and Written Examination over four years (or more)
- Vinaya
- Sutta
- Abhidhamma (Part One)
- Abhidhamma (Part Two)
Mingun Tipitaka Sayadaw U Vicittacara

Mingun Sayadaw
- He served as an Examiner for the first Tipitaka examination.
- One Sayadaw passed the Vinaya, but said that he would not take further examinations to concentrate on his Practice of the Dhamma.
- Sir U Thwin requested Mingun Sayadaw to take the Tipitaka examination as preparation for the Sixth Buddhist Council.
- Mingun Sayadaw passed with Distinction in all subjects, and was awarded “Tipitakadara Bandakarika”.
June 3, 2025
St. Patrick’s High School

By U Aye

Updated : June 2025

It was the first school established by the De La Salle Brothers in Burma.

St. Pat 1

St.Patrick’s HS, Moulmein. Clock Tower and boarding house upstairs, examination hall below.

Photos taken in 2016, when I visited Moulmein

St. Pat 2

St. Pat 3

St. Pat 4

Entrance

Our class photo V B

Our class photo VII Std

Class teacher Bro. Sebastian.
I met him during our first year at Leikkone in 1958-59 while he was attending BAed.

Ko Ko Lay (UCC) first row, sitting second from left.
U Aye (M62), second row, sitting second from right.
B. Singh (RU goalkeeper) third row, first from right.
Myo Lwin (M63), third row third from right.

Absentees : Kyaw Win (M62), Peter Gale.

Bro Canice was Bro Director,
House Master Mr. E. Swarris,
House Capt. Dr. Aung Myin (Eye, passed away in UK around 2018),
U Win Naing (MS pulp and paper)(CRO) third row, fourth from right,
U Aye, third row, third from right.

Our matriculation class 1955-56

Bro Austin, Bro Director,
Bro Wilfrid, Class teacher,
U Tun Shwe ,Myanmar Sar,
Mr. DeMonte, Moral and Manners.

Peter Gale,
Dr. Thet Lwin (Statistics),
B. Singh (RU goalkeeper),
medical doctors Dr JK Sinha (UK), Dr Rafi, Dr Rajani Vora, India,
Capt. Aung Myint, Capt Ya Kyaw, Myo Lwin (M63),
Kyaw Win (M62), John Ba Maung, Russian Lecturer (IFL)

Prof. Khin Zaw (Chemistry),
Saw Alfred Keh (Preacher after graduation, son of pre-WW2, RU footballer Washington Keh),
U Kyi Win (BPI),
U Aye
among others.

St Patrick’s HS football team of late 40s and early 50s

During 1948-49, St Pat’s team beat all other Schools’ Combined team. Some of the team members were-

Bernard Henry – Goalkeeper,

R. S. Pathy, Tin Aye — Fullbacks,

Pway Ain (Htay Aung), Jimmy Innes, Tin Ngwe (Mid-field),

Rama (Rightwinger), Khine Thein, SV Lingham, Jimmy Sein (Tint Swe), B. Boudville (Left winger).

Later Pway Ain (Htay Aung) played for RU, Jimmy Sein (Tint Swe) played for Prome Hall and RU.
Jimmy Innes played for Customs FC in Rangoon first div.

Many played in Friends Union FC in Moulmein first div.

St Patrick’s Alumini, Ko Ko Gyi,
Tenasserim division and Burma selected footballer.

Dennis Mackey (C73) wrote

Thanks for this piece as part of your “Work in Progress”.

Below are photos and notes that I posted on my FB page and on St. Patrick’s HS, Moulmein FB public group page.

April 8, 2017 When I visited former St. Patrick’s High School
https://www.facebook.com/dennis.mackey.kyawthu/posts/506160823105973

My posts – St Patrick’s High School, Moulmein (Public group)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/140542742679500/user/100011361797511

St Patrick’s High School, Moulmein (Public group)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/140542742679500/

June 3, 2025
Alumni
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Latin terms

In Latin, there are four terms to specify students.
- alumnus : male student
- almuna : female student
- alumni : male students
- alumnae : female students
Alumni (Modern usage)

Alumni
- Alumni now applies to all four cases mentioned above.
- It refers to all former students (not necessarily graduates) of a school, college or university.
- It may also refer to former employees of a company or corporation.
Most Universities have
- Alumni Associations
- Office of Alumni Relations
RIT Alumni International
- It was formed in 1999 with the primary objective of planning and implementing the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe).
SPZP-2000
- Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) served as the President.
- The RIT Alumni International Newsletter was published in April, 1999.
- The Newsletter was posted on the two RIT web sites, FB groups and Google group.
RIT Alumni Newsletter

The Newsletter and Updates cover
- the good and sad news of sayas, sayamas and alumni
- micro-gatherings, mini-gatherings, gatherings (by class and/or discipline), world wide Reunions and SPZPs
- articles
- photos
Northern California RIT Alumni Association

NorCal RITAA
- It was formed about a decade ago as a continuation of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group and RIT Alumni International.
- Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) served as the first President. His successors include U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83) and U Aung Myint Oo (EC84). U Tin Maung Win (C86) is the current President.
- Stan Liou (M67, Table Tennis) served as the first Chair of BOD (Board of Directors). His successor is Saya U Myat Htoo (C68).
- U Thaung Nyunt (M87), U Myint Swe (EP74) and U Tin Maung Win (C86) served as Secretary for the different terms. The current Secretary is Maung Maung Moe Zaw (Met02).
- NorCal RITAA has a website and FB group.
- The pandemic caused a pause in the activities. Earlier, it provided scholarship for the children of alumni in the USA. It worked closely with RITAA in Yangon to provide scholarship for eligible YTU students.
- It facilitated to raise funds for YTU Library Modernization Project. It donated $3000 for the training of Library Staff. It also pledged for the sign board and general fund.
- Daw Mu Mu Kin has donated Saya Allen Htay’s books to YTU Library. In memory of Saya Allen, she also provided scholarships to YTU students.
RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association

Our alma mater (with name changes)
- RITAA is a short name for RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association.
  WHO often refers to it as ARITA.
- U Tin Latt (M85) was the Interim President. He is succeeded by U Myo Aye, who was elected at the AGM.
- It has helped with the fund raising for the YTU Library Modernization Project.
Related Posts
- Alumni worldwide
- Appreciation Award
- Gatherings
- GBNF
- SPZPs
June 3, 2025
April 22, 2006
Steeve Kay (EC70)

Steeve (Center)
- U Thaung Sein (Steeve, Multiple Golden Sponsor) called me this morning.
- He had two successful careers: first as an engineer in the semiconductor industry for 15 years, and second as founder and CEO of QTC for 20 years.
- For his third career he launched a consulting firm and an investment firm.
- He will have some free time to pursue his hobbies and help with more non-profit activities in addition to CABA (Charitable Alliance of Burmese Associations) and “Helen and Steeve Kay Health Fund”.
From Saya Allen Htay

Saya Allen (Center)

Hello Ko Benny, Ko Hla Min, Ko Maurice and Ko Khin Zaw:

I am a little slow replying. Mu Mu and I will participate in the Baby Shower for Khin Khin Latt on 4/20/06 at Ko Khin Zaw and Ma Wai’s home.

I do not know what is customary to bring for the baby shower, that is Mu Mu’s department. As for Ko Khin Maung Zaw, I am planning to bring a bar of lavender soap and a tiny bath towel. Any better suggestion?

Best Regards,
Allen Htay

Editor’s note

Khin Khin Latt is the daughter of U Soe Myint and Daw Aida Than Saw. U Soe Myint is the eldest son of U Thein Maung (Htin Lin, National Literary Award winner). He worked as Editor at Working People’s Daily under U Than Saw. He became Chief Editor at the Guardian Daily newspaper.

Ko Zaw Tun Naing and Ko Nyan Win Shwe
ex-rit singapore wrote :

Please be informed that there will be Ex-RIT, Singapore 7th meeting on

Date: April 30, 2006 (Sunday)
Time: 14:00 to 16:00 (2:00pm to 4pm ) after Appreciation Lunch 12pm to 2pm.
Venue: Yunnan Corner, Nanyang Terrace, NTU

Agenda

1. Review 2006 Thingyan
2. Update 2006 Thingyan Account
3. 2006 Thingyan Video Production
4. Define Price for 2006 Thingyan Video
5. Distribution Plan for 2006 Thingyan Video
6. 2007 Sayapuzawpwe discussion
We will discuss how should we celebrate the coming “Ex-RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” in April 2007”. We’ll also form sub committees for actions.
7. Any other matters

Please come forward and give us good ideas. Your attendance is invaluable to EX-RIT, Singapore.

Reprints and rrevisions

I often said, “Reminisce the past, cherish the present, and plan for the future.”

Re-prints of old articles help refresh our memory.

The following are excerpts from a poem:

I shot an arrow into the air
It fell to earth I knew not where.

I breathed a song into the air
It fell to earth I knew not where.

Long long afters in an oak
I found the arrow still unbroke.

And the song from beginning to end
I found it in the heart of a friend.

Value of health
- The other day, a young man in his mid 30’s fell ill for three days and then passed away.
- We do not know the value of health until we get sick.
- The growing list of GBNFs remind us to live meaningful lives and to appreciate simple joys.
June 3, 2025