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.
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.
His father observed his birthday by taking eight precepts.
Saya also followed the tradition until his health required taking medicine in the morning, afternoon, evening and night.
U Tin Maung Nyunt
Birthday Soon Kyway
Saya U Ba Than (GBNF), his son (U Ye Than) and Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, R69) pledged Annual Birthday Soon kyway at the specified monastery : Yaw Sayadaw’s monastery, Panditarama Shwe Taung Gone, and Par Chote Sayadaw’s Kyaung .
U Ba Than’s message on his 78th birthday in 2008One of U Ba Than’s Soon Kyway
Before the pandemic, Saya invited former colleagues and students to his Birthday Soon Kwyay on October 2nd at Yaw Sayadaw’s Kyaung.
One of Ko Ye Than’s Soon Kyway
Ye Than (Winner Inn) would celebrate the birthday on January 1 at Shwe Taung Gone Panditarama.
Alice would offer soon at Par Chote Sayadaw’s Kyaung.
Daw Saw Yu Tint and Saya U Soe Paing
Food for thought
I do not know how people born on February 29 celebrate. Do they celebrate once every four years? Do they celebrate on February 28 or March 1? U Ngwe Soe wrote : For the Burmese, they can celebrate using the Burmese Calendar.
Most twins share the birthday, but in some exceptional cases, their birthdays differ. The day, month or even the year may be different. One twin was born near midnight on December 31, 2020 and another was born in the early hour of January 1, 2021. The odds were 1 in two million births.
Some companies and communities celebrate birthdays collectively (e.g those born in a specified month).
Some Oldies do not know the date of birth and/or the time of birth (needed for natal horoscopes). Some were told by the elders that they were born at “Soon Khan Chein ဆွမ်းခံချိိန်”, “Nay Htunn Ta Phyar နေထန်းတဖျား” or “Kon Tin Thin Baw Site ကုန်တင်သင်္ဘောဆိုက်”.
A few sense Samvegha သံဝေဂ that one more year has passed.
Some review their merits and demerits for the year since their last birthday.
Some parents celebrate monthly or quarterly when their toddlers are young and innocent.
Daw Saw Yu Tint’s grandson asked for half-year birthday present.
Some oldies forgot to wish their loved ones. Blame it on Aging and Memory Loss.
In a group of 30+ people, it is highly likely that at least a pair will have the same birth month and day (but not the year). You may refresh your “Probability and Statistics” knowledge.
It will take a few thousand of people (not including twins) to have a pair that have the exact birthday (year, month, day).
It has the largest number of alumni. Many worked in Myanmar. Some worked overseas, but returned to Myanmar after retirement.
During the Adhamma Era, there was no Alumni Association in Myanmar. The Alumni in the US & Singapore set up Alumni Associations with the major objective of holding Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes in 2000 (USA) & 2002 (Singapore).
Yangon hosted SPZP-2004 in December 2004 as a piggy-back to the ASEAN Engineering Conference. The mild earth quake did not deter the attendees.
There were hopes that Yangon could continue to hold SPZP in 2006 and beyond. The change in the political climate in Myanmar dashed the hopes. Singapore Alumni hosted SPZPs in April 2007 & December 2010. The two year interval between the SPZPs went up to two and a half years.
H.E. U Aye Myint (EP72) never forgot his roots and his alma mater. Requested help from the sayas and alumni to help our beloved alma mater to former glory. Initiated the process to have engineering classes reopen at the Gyogone Campus and also to make a true Home Coming for the attendees of SPZP-2012. There were tears of joy from the alumni. The Garawa ceremony was held at the Gyogone Campus. The Reunion Dinner and Entertainment Program was held at MICT Park.
SPZP-2012
Around SPZP-2012, Sayagyi U Aung Khin and Sayagyi U Ba Than served as Patrons of the newly formed Mechanical Engineers Association.
All Mech Gathering
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) and team had discussions before, during and after SPZP-2012 to form Swel Daw Yeik Foundation with the objective of helping eligibles sayas. SDYF was established in 2013.
SDYF
Shwe YaDu celebrations were held in 2014. It included the planting of fifty Swel Daw Bins. Several Shwe YaDu benches were donated by alumni in Myanmar and overseas.
Shwe YaDu
RITAA hosted SPZP-2016. There was free food & entertainment.
SPZP-2016
In early 2016, the bye-laws of RITAA (RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association) were developed and approved by core volunteers. The Association was registered, and a Working Committee led by U Tin Latt as President was formed to help short term projects such as SPZP-2016. Annual Membership dues was set at K12000. Life Membership dues was set at K60000.
The fund raising was led by U Wynn Htain Oo and Daw Nan Khin Nwe.
RITAA
In 2018, the first Annual General Meeting of RITAA elected Executive Committee members for the 2018 – 2020 term. U Myo Aye is the President. He succeeded U Tin Latt, who served as Interim President before the AGM was called.
Note that ARITA is the true Alumni Association. Although several sayas and alums served as President and Executive Committee members in Myanmar Engineering Society (MES), MES is not an Alumni Association. MES is not even an NGO, but simply an NPO.
Singapore
Singapore has the largest alums outside of Myanmar. The RIT Alumni Association in Singapore has helped organize three SPZPs in December 2002, April 2007, and December 2010.
SPZP-2002
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War, EE63) chaired SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010. He and his team published the commemorative issues of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, and SPZP-2010. After retirement, Saya moved back to Myanmar. He is a Patron of SDYF and ARITA.
U Nyan Win Shwe (William, M72) chaired SPZP-2007.
Organizers for the SPZPs include Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63), Saya U Tin Hlaing (ChE65, GBNF), U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69), Sayama Daw Tin Tin Myint (ChE70), Saya U Aung (C70), Saya U Tin Lin (ChE72), Saya Dr. Soe Thein (C75), U Moe Myint (M76), and Ko Maung Aunt (M).
The association also lent helping hand for the SPZP in Yangon in December 2004. Ko Zaw Tun Naing (Aero 95) was designated as the point of contact in Singapore for SPZP-2012.
There used to be Civil and Electrical Engineering web sites for the Singapore RIT Alumni.
Dr. Soe Thein volunteered as Web Master for the SPZP-2000 web site and the Singapore Civil web site. He moved back to Myanmar.
Thailand
There is no Alumni Association in Thailand.
Several sayas including U Ba Toke (GBNF) and U Khin Aung Kyi (GBNF) taught in Thailand. Dr. Win Tin served as Associate Dean at Assumption University (formerly ABAC). U Sein Maung (EE63), U Tin Shwe (EP66, GBNF) and many other taught at ABAC and other Thai universities (e.g. Rengsit).
Some alumni such as U Win Hlaing (C68, GBNF) also taught in Thailand.
Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72) and Daw Gyn Yu (ChE72) hosted micro-gatherings for the sayas and alumni visiting Bangkok especially for medical check up and treatment.
Ko Aung Myaing, Ma Gyn Yu, Bagyee Myat Myo Myint
Australia
There is no formal RIT Alumni Association in Australia. The alumni participate Myanmar Engineering Association of Australia (MEAA). U Thet Tun (M75) and U Sein Win (C80) are Past Presidents of MEAA.
Sydney 2006
The alumni in Sydney used to have a picnic and a dinner every year.
Sayas in Australia
U Thit (Met, GBNF)
U Myo Win (M, GBNF)
U Hla Myint (Charlie, M)
U Maung Maung Win (M)
Daw Yin Yin Mya (English)
Alumni in Australia
Win Boh (Robert, EC69)
Surinder Singh (EP)
Htay Aung (Victor, EC80)
Sein Tin (Johnny, EC75)
Sai Aung Thurein (EC74, GBNF) and Khin Swe Oo (EP74)
Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70) and Aye Win Hlaing (La La, Abel, EP)
Sein Win (C80) and spouse
Thet Tun (Henry, M75)
Htun Aung Kyaw (EC73)
Tha Hlaing (EC83)
George Peters (C73)
Tin Aung Win and Dorothy Kyaw Tun
Wint Khin Zaw (A)
New Zealand
Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF), U Stanley Saw (Myo Lwin, M71), and U Dennis Kyaw Thu (C73, now in Canada) used to write about the RIT Alumni Activities in New Zealand.
Kogyi Koung
Saya U Aung Myint (M69) lives in Singapore and New Zealand.
Patrick Saw and his spouse are alumni.
Japan
Taing Oke
U Thein Ngwe (Ko Thein Tokyo, ChE76) co-founded RITAJ (RIT Alumni in Japan). He was helped by U Win Myint (EC83) for some time.
U Thein Ngwe mentioned that there are younger alumni in Japan, but they are not active in RITAJ.
Saya Dr. Taing Oke (ChE69) is still teaching in Japan.
After retirement, Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C70) consulted three Japanese companies. He travels several times to Myanmar on business trip. He is now undergoing rehab to treat Stroke. Spouse : Daw Winsome (Mya Nwe, C73)
U Win Myint (EC83)
Myo KhinWinsome & Myo Khin
Canada
U Tha Aung and Daw Kinsa Maw Naing used to organize alumni gatherings in Canada. They were in Myanmar working on projects.
Sayas in Canada
Dr. Aung Gyi (Rector)
Dr. Aung Gyi
U Aung Khin (M)
U Aung Khin
U Kyaw Myint (T)
Des Rodgers (English)
U Ko Ko Kyi (EC72)
Alumni in Canada
U Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey, C73)
U Htay Aung (C69)
U Htein Win (Chauk Pay, M70, RIT swimming, water polo, and rowing)
U Aung Lwin (Jasper Wu, C70, RIT rowing)
U Aung Myint Thwin (C7x)
U Tha Aung (M79)
Daw Kinsa Maw-Naing
U Zaw Oo (M)
UK
U Nyi Nyi (EE63, Saya, GBNF)
U Myint Khine (Norman, C63)
Daw Tin Tin Win (Yvonne)
Daw Khin May Than (ChE72)
Khin May Than
Dr. Aung Shein (C72, Saya)
U Nyunt Aung (C73)
Daw Sandar Bo (C73)
Daw Aye Aye Than (Pauk Pauk)
Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice) often visits UK to see her daughter and grandchild.
Taiwan
Saya U Khin (Lucien Chen, RIT English)
Saya Dr. Nyo Win (K H Chen, M65) worked in the USA and Taiwan. He travels regularly to Taiwan.
Two siblings of Roland Chen (U Kyi Aung, ChE73, USA) are in Taiwan. The three siblings donated Shwe YaDu benches.
Benedict Sia (U Myat Swe, M75, GBNF) is a life member of RITAA. Donated K2 Lakhs for YTU Library Modernization project. Life member of ARITA.
Benedict
USA
RIT Alumni International
SF Bay Area Alumni
Alumni in the USA formed “RIT Alumni International” with the main objective of hosting SPZP-2000.
SPZP-2000
Founder/members include
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
Saya U San Tun (M59)
Saya K C Chiu (ChE63)
U Myint Lwin (Henry, C63, GBNF)
Saya U Nyo Win (M65)
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
U Hla Min (EC69)
Benny Tan (M70)
Saya U Thein Aung (James, Met 72)
Maurice Chee (M75)
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76)
Gordon Kaung (M83)
But, it was dormant for some time.
NorCal RITAA
NorCal RITAA (Northern California RIT Alumni Association) was formed.
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) served as President. Successors : Gordon Kaung (M83), U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) and U Tin Maung Win (C76).
Stan Liou(M67)served as Chair of the Board of Directors (BOD).Succesor : Saya U Myat Htoo.
Alumniin Northern California
Some may have relocated.
There are varying degrees of activity.
Some were active as members of EC (Executive Committee) and BOD (Board of Directors), but then they decided to take a break.
Some donated money, but due to schedule conflicts, they might not make it to the AGM (Annual General Meeting), Dinner, Picnic and ah hoc gatherings (e.g. welcoming visiting sayas and alumni).
Some might have dropped in once or twice out of curiosity or because of “Ah Nar Dei” attitude.
Alex Khoo (Aung Kyaw, C80) Younger brother of Henry Khoo (EC67). Attends most gatherings and also provide food dana.
Alfred Yaung (Sein Yaung, M67) Attends some gatherings and make donations to NorCal RITAA. He felt sad when his beloved spouse Daw Pa Pa (sister of U Nyunt Tin (M70) and U Nyunt Tun) passed away. His brother-in-law introduced him to a Dhamma friend. They ended up being soul mates and partners in Vipassana Meditation.
Aik Kyu (Steven Wang) Attended some gatherings, but does have time to commit to be an EC or BOD. Invited the NorCal RITAA members to meet his mother, who was visiting her children. He and his siblings donated a Dhamma Room at Mudita Shwe Kyaung in memory of their parents.
* Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) Saya is a founding member and President of RIT Alumni International. I have written several posts about his life and his legacy. His article, “Brother, can you spare US $500?” is a classic for SPZP-2000. In Saya’s memory, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to YTU Library. She also provided Scholarships for eligible YTU students.
Saya Allen Htay (GBNF)
Anthony Ng (Aye Tun, M76) Top fund raiser for several social and religious organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jokingly said that he had to buy a lot of raffle and dinner tickets from other organizations. Takes part in the monthly luncheon for the Retirees in the Bay Area.
Audrey Wong (Yi Yi Khaing, C84) Volunteered her culinary expertise for the Picnic (second day optional event) at SPZP-2000. Donated $300 per year to NorCal RITAA for the past two years. Organizer for the retreats at Norfolk, Californi
Aung Htet Naing (Aaron) : Inactive
Aung Kyin : Inactive.
Aung Myint Oo (EC84) : President of NorCal RITAA. Attended ARITA meetings in December 2018.
Aung Zaw Maung (Pet78) : was EC and BOD of Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA). Volunteered as Editor of Dhammananda Newsletter and Web Master of TBSA web site.
Aye Aye Myint : a cousin of Audrey. Attends some gatherings. Her daughter won a scholarship provided by NorCal RITAA.
* Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70) Founding member of RIT Alumni International. Hosted several meetings at his house. Co-chaired the Working Committee of SPZP-2000. Designed the Banner. Negotiated with Embassy Suites for the gathering and his suppliers for the mementos (Mug, Calendar/Clock, Tee shirt). Multiple Golden Sponsor for the SPZPs. Major donor for the activities of the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65. Past President of BAPS. Now taking a break to have quality time with his six grand children. Takes part in the monthly luncheon for the Retirees in the Bay Area.
Benny Tan (M70)
Charlie Tseng (EC70) : attended some gatherings. He and his spouse Diana Tseng (ChE71) take part in the monthly luncheon for the Retirees in the Bay Area.
Darren Lee (M62, GBNF) : passed away on December 21, 2108. Attended the 2018 Summer Picnic hosted by NorCal RITAA. Classmates include Saya Dr. Tin Win and Saya Mao Toon Tsiong. Spouse is a cousin of Angela Tan (spouse of Walter Tan (M70)).
David Ko (Tin Myint, M67, GBNF) : was a Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000. Donated $3000 for SPZP-2012. Hosted a table at the NorCal RITAA Dinner in 2015 to invite sayas and guests from Southern California. Donated to selected monasteries in the San Francisco Bay Area. Employed several Burmese for his company (which he has sold).
Dennis Chee (Thein Tun Aung, EP75) : EC member of NorCal RITAA. Visited Yangon and gave talks on “Traffic Signals and Control”.
Dennis S. Lin (San Naing, M83) Some gatherings are held at “Burma Kitchen” run by Dennis and his spouse.
Diana Tseng (ChE71) She and Charlie ordered two Birthday Cakes for me at the Soon Kway Gathering at Dhammananda Vihara (Half Moon Bay, California) in August 2016 hosted by U Hla Myint Thein (Maurice Chee).
Edward Saw (Yu Ket, EC85) : Treasurer / Auditor of NorCal RITAA. Runs the MailChimp to inform alumni in the San Francisco Bay Area. Gave me rides (e.g to Southern California to attend the BASES Dinner, a Kathein and a Literary Talk).
George Chan (Maung Maung, ChE66)
* George Chan (Maung Maung, ChE66) : founding member of RIT Alumni International. Founder and Past President of NorCal RITAA. Provided $500 as seed money for the “Training Component” of the YTU Library Modernization Project. He is a classmate and brother-in-law of Saya U Myat Thwin.
Gordon Kaung (M83)
* Gordon Kaung (Kaung Kaung Oo, M83) : youngest among the founding members of RIT Alumni International. Founded Mechanical Solutions. He and his spouse Lillian (EC83) founded iNapa Winery. Hosted several gatherings at their winery and provide a tour to visiting sayas (including Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, U Tin Myint, U Win Kyaw, U Nyunt Htay). Completed two terms as President of NorCal RITAA, but is staying on as BOD. During the Napa wild fires in 2017, had to move out for three weeks. Luckily, there was no damage. They had another scare in 2019. There were some damages.
Han Win Chou : Inactive
Hein Hein : Inactive
Henry Chee (Myint Lwin, C63, GBNF) : good vocalist. Had to take care of his spouse and son who had medical problems.
Hin Lok Kung (Win Myint, RIT Table Tennis) and his team mates “Sin Gyi”, Stan Liou & Myat Lwin won the Inter-Institute Championship. Their coach was Saya Mao Toon Siong, former National Champion for Singles and Doubles.
Hla Kyi (C) : founding member of a non-profit to provide health care in Myanmar. Dr. Donald Chan (RUBC Gold) is the President.
Hla Kyi (EC77) : EC member for NorCal RITAA. Volunteered to distribute fruits from his neighbors.
Hla Min
* Hla Min (EC69) : Jack of all trades and Master of some. Founding member of RIT Alumni International and NorCal RITAA. Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter for almost two decades.
Hla Tin He and his spouse were active in the first term of NorCal RITAA.
* James Wu (Thein Aung, Met72, Mr. RIT68) : co-emcee of SPZP-2000. Associate Editor for the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000.
Joe Chow (Thein Zaw, Ah Yoke, EC68, GBNF) : He is a good vocalist and dancer. Spouse is the niece of Saya U San Tun. He is a cousin of Saya U Num Kok’s spouse.
John T Lee (Tin Myint, M69, RIT Table Tennis, GBNF) : His friends call him “Tan Choy”. Luyechun in 4th BE.
John Yeo (Aung Thein, M71, GBNF) : attended the lunch gathering for Retirees. Cancer survivor.
* K C Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63, moved to Southern California) : Past President of BEA, which merged with BASTS into BAPS.
Kenneth Kay : Took videos of some Gatherings
Khin Hnin Yee : attended some gatherings, but was not active in the Alumni organizations.
Khong Him Chan (Win Maung, T70) : attended some gatherings, but was not active in the Alumni organizations.
* Kim Hong Chen (Dr. Nyo Win, M65) : founding member of RIT Alumni International and NorCal RITAA. Organizer for SPZP-2000. BOD of NorCal RITAA
Ko Ko Zin (M84) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Treasurer of NorCal RITAA for two terms. Now Auditor. Spouse : Thida Kaung (sister of Gordon)
Kyaw Myint (M83) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. He was Auditor of NorCal RITAA.
Kyaw Paw Oo : Younger brother of U Kyaw Teza (Terrence). He is inactive.
Kyaw Than (Maung Maung, EC85) : Inactive
Kyaw Win : Inactive
Kyi Kong Tham (U Kyi, C63) : attended some gatherings.
Kyi Shane (M83) : volunteered for selected monasteries in the Bay Area. Attended and helped most Nar Yay.
Kyu Kyu Lin (T75, Bawlone, Volleyball) : donated to NorCal RITAA.
Leigh K Lin (Wah Wah, EC83) : spouse of Dennis. They own “Burma Kitchen”.
Lilian Kaung (EC83) : spouse of Gordon. They own iNapa Winery. She is also an IT Professional.
Linda Shieh (Yee Yee) : an agent for an Insurance & Financial Company. She donated to NorCal RITAA.
Mabel Lee (Lyo Kyin Sein, T69, Basketball) : spouse of John T Lee (GBNF). They attended some gatherings.
Mao Toon Siong (M62, Burma Table Tennis Champion and Coach) : competed in the World Championship for Table Tennis in Peking.
Saya Mao
Mark Wong (Aung Chan) : Inactive
* Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, M75) : founding member of RIT Alumni International and NorCal RITAA. Co-chair of the Working Committee for SPZP-2000. Financial Controller, Logistics Manager and Publisher of the commemorative issue of RIT Alumni International Newsletter for SPZP-2000. Past President of BAPS. Treasurer of RIT Alumni International. Past Vice President of NorCal RITAA. Organizer of monthly lunch gathering for Retirees in the Bay Area. He occasionally provided Dan Bauk (Chicken or Beef) to the Retirees.
Maung Maung Shwe : Inactive
Maung Yit (Maung Maung Win, Moe Ma Ka, EC93) : helping with the FB and web site.
May Than Htay (ChE92) : spouse of Maung Yit. They donated $1500 for the YTU Scholarship offered by NorCal RITAA.
Moon Lee : Inactive
* Myat Htoo (C68) : founding member of RIT Alumni International and NorCal RITAA. Co-emcee for SPZP-2000. He is Chair of BOD at NorCal RITAA. Past President of TBSA, where he served for a decade. PastPresident of BADA. Played the ukelele and sang his parody “Lost Neik Ban (RIT version)”.
Myint Myint Thein (C74) : volunteered at several monasteries in the Bay Area and beyond. Leader of the Chanting Group. Donated to her class.
Myint Myint Yee (ChE73) : volunteered at several monasteries in the Bay Area. Spouse : U Tun Shwe. They donate food at selected events.
Myint Soe (M79) : attended gatherings and also donated to NorCal RITAA.
Myint Swe (EP74) : was Secretary of NorCal RITAA for two terms. He is currently Vice President. He and his spouse donated to the YTU Scholarship offered by NorCal RITAA.
Myint Thein (Ba Thein Atlanta, M73) : His writings are fun to read.
Myint Wai (Met74) : was active in American Burmese Cab Drivers Association. Might have relocated.
Ni Ni Sein (EC83) : donated $1000 for the Scholarship Fund.
Nilar Myint : Inactive
Nyunt Than (M86) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Past Associate Secretary. Past President of BADA.
Patrick Chin (Patrick Fong, C70) : attended some gatherings (e.g. welcoming Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi). Younger brother of Henry (U Nyan Shein), who was a Patron for TDS.
Patrick Ho (EE72) : brother of Diana.
Philip Thwin (Mya Thwin, EP75) : attended some gatherings.
Pyone Wynn : Inactive
Raymond Shia : Inactive
Robert Thein (M72) : Past President of Kusalakari Association. Visited YTU and donated some equipment.
Roland Chen (Kyi Aung, ChE73) : Provided class photos to the RIT web site.
Ronald K Lwee (Lin Kyi, C74) : Inactive
Saya U San Tun
Sain Fone Wong (San Tun, M59) : Head of Automobile Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical). Worked for Bectel Corporation until he retired. Past President of BEA. Close to Saya U Aung Khin. They traveled to China at the time when Saya U Kyaw Myint was working for UN. Joe Chow’s spouse is Saya’s niece.
San Lin (Maung Lu Pay, M87) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Auditor. Blogger.
San San Swe (EC74) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Displays her culinary expertise at the gatherings (especially Face-to-face meetings at their home).
Sandy Ma (C80) : Inactive
Shark Moon Lam (C67, GBNF) : attended some gatherings. He rowed for RIT.
Shin Hwa Ho (Hla Kyaing, M69, RIT Swimming and Water Polo) Met him last at the welcome lunch for Dicky Tan (Win Naing, GBNF)
Stan Liou (M67)
Stan Liou (M67, RIT Table Tennis) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Past Chair of BOD. Active with his other Alumni Association and frequent travel. He, Ko Win Myint, “Sin Gyi” and another member won the Inter-Institute Championship. Saya Mao Toon Siong, Burma Selected and National Coach, managed and coached the winning team.
Susan Tan Luo : Inactive
Than Shwe : Inactive
Than Soe (M63) : RUBC Gold. He is the elder brother of Saya U Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF)
Thein Shwe : Inactive
Thanda Aye : helped the Fund raising team. Now busy with work and child.
Thaung Nyunt (M86) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Past Secretary. He took a break. now VP.
Thin Thin Naing : Inactive
Tin Kyaw : attended some gatherings.
U Tin Maung Nyunt
Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) : donated $500 for “Training Component” of the YTU Library Modernization Project.
Tin Shwe (C) : Inactive
Tint Lwin Oo : Inactive
Trixie Tan : Inactive
U Tun Shwe (ChE72), Daw Myint Myint Yee (ChE73), U Myint Thein (C74)
Tun Shwe (ChE72) : volunteered for selected monasteries in the Bay Area. He and his spouse Daw Myint Myint Yee are food donors for specified events. He is an excellent videographer. Moved to Virginia.
Victor Win (Ne Win Myint, ChE66, GBNF) : Past President of BADA. Volunteered for Complete Count Committee at US Census in 2010.
Walter Tan (M70) : founding member of NorCal RITAA. Past BOD.
Walter Thein-yu Tham : Inactive
William Hsiao : Inactive
Willy Chow (Wai Lin) : Inactive
Win Htut I met him last at the San Francisco Bay Area Talk. We took a picture together with Aw Pi Kye.
Yo Shu (Yee Yee Win, EC74) : classmate of U Myint Swe and Daw San San Swe. Attended some gatherings and make donations.
Zaw Lwin (Andrew, M87) : EC member in TDS. Classmate of Dr. Eng Shwe and U San Lin. They have micro-gatherings to welcome their classmates visiting the San Francisco Bay Area.
Zaw Min (EP70, moved to Nevada) Wrote a long article covering 1st BE to Final Year. The missing pieces were filled by U Ohn Khine. Classmates of Benny Tan and Walter Tan.
BAPS, BASES, East Coast Gathering, NJ Reunions
Some alumni participate in BAPS (in Northern California) and BASES (in Southern California).
Saya Dr. Nyo Win, Benny Tan and Maurice Chee are Past Presidents of BAPS.
Saya U Tin Htut and U Tin Htway are co-founders and Past Presidents of BASES. U Tun Aung (Jeffrey), Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L. Tin Tun), Saya Dr. Tin Win, U Khin Maung Lay (Henry) U Thura Thant Zin and U Tin Nwe (Milton) are Past Presidents.
Los Angeles hosted the 2015 Alumni Gathering. U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70) was the matching sponsor for US $30,000. Saya Dr. Tin Win, Saya U Tin Htut, U Khin Maung Lay and U Thura Thant Zin were some of the Organizers. U Htaik San (Henry) helped with interviews.
Two mini-gatherings (one in DC area, and another near Niagara Falls) were held for the RIT Alums in East Coast.
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo) has hosted RIT-UCC gatherings for several years. The last gathering was on June 30, 2018. Ivan co-founded MASTAA,
Other Countries
Some alumni are known to have worked or resided in other countries :
Botswana : Aung Khin (A69) & Tin Tin Hla (A70) worked there. They moved to Seattle.
Brunei : Ye Lin Oo
Cambodia : Chit Po Po’s spouse (Dr. Daisy Saw) worked there
China : Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto)
Germany : Nyunt Nyunt Wai, Phyo
Iran : Oscar Sharazee & Aye Win Hlaing worked there
Jamaica
Kuwait : Saya U Soe Paing was UN Advisor
Malaysia : Dr. Kyaw Sein, Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Ko Ko Kyi
This newsletter will be brief, since I will simply refer to the “Count
down to the Reunion” series that appear in the special “Reunion Pages”
on this web site. Thanks to the Sayas, colleagues, and friends who
directly or indirectly contributed to the 64 articles in that series.
The following is the first article in the new series “Post Reunion”. Feel free to contribute to this series as well.
Post Reunion (1) “Successful Reunion” and “Homage to my father” October 29, 2000
Dear Sayas and Colleagues,
At this time of writing, several alumni [including KMZ, our web master] and ex-faculty are on their way back to their homes after spending two (or three) wonderful days of their lives at the once-in-a-lifetime Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.
After receiving the Distinguished
Member Award, KMZ promised — in public — his grand plans: a preview of
Version 2 of the RIT Alumni International web site, a special CD-ROM
that will try to cover as comprehensively the Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw
Pwe with the contributions by most if not all of the photographers
(Richard Khoo [ChE75], U Khin Maung, … ), and video men (Dicky Choo,
Ko Khin Maung Win [M75], ….).
Unlike the closing ceremonies of
the Olympics, there was no singing and dancing to the tune of “Auld
Lang Syne” and “Aloha Oe”, but there was a striking resemblance when the
“Reunion and SPZP” banner was lowered and then handed over to Ko Daniel
Tint Lwin (M69), an Associate Professor at NTU in Singapore, who
pledged to try his best to hold the next Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
two years from now. According to Danny, there are 1000+ (mostly young)
alums working and/or studying in Singapore. They had asked Danny to take
videos for the 2-day official (3-day unofficial) event. They cannot
wait a few weeks for the official video to be distributed by Ko Maurice
Chee.
The following are random jottings about a dream come true.
Never before have I witnessed a gathering that surpassed all expectations. Despite the meticulous planning by the Organizing Committee, the Emcees (Master of ceremonies) — Ko Myat Htoo (C68) and Ko Thein Aung (Met72) — found it very hard to follow the schedule.
There was a spontaneous Saya Ga Daw Pwe where many old alums — some in
their 60’s — took part. There was a “follow-the-leader” dance to
complement and compliment the singing talents of Ko Daniel Tint Lwin
(M69), Ma Myint Myint Sein (M70) and Ko Tan Yu Sein [guest and brother
of Ko Benny Tan (a) Tan Yu Beng]. Saya Kris Krishna showed his hidden
talent — playing “Peaceful Myanmar” (Aye Chan Thar De Myanmar Pye) on
his harmonica.
Ko Benny brought the crowd down relating his
futile attempts to get his grades readjusted by Saya Allen Htay, Saya U
Aung Khin, Saya U Min Wun and Saya U Tin Htut. Saya Allen said that “Had
I given you a 5 [equivalent to “A” in the US], you would likely be a
Saya to this day. If I gave you a 4, you would probably be a government
employee. But, my intuition told me that you would be a very successful
enterpreneur, so I gave you a 3.” Saya U Aung Khin — being a taciturn
— replied diplomatically that the “statuette of limitations had run
out”. Saya U Min Wun gave Benny a lengthy lecture (a la “Surveying”
class he taught three decades ago). Saya U Tin Htut would not entertain
any discussion that does not involve stocks.
Although Asians are
known for showing up late for weddings and ceremonies, throngs of alums
showed up early at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Southern San Francisco,
California. I was called in to verify attendees who told the reception
desk volunteers that they had [genuinely] forgotten to bring their
tickets. I saved the day for Ko Anthony Kyam (a) Ko Kyaw Win (a) Ko Joe
Kyin and several other alums and sayas.
Every attendee got at
least a commemorate mug, but a lot of smiles and memories. Several said
that they would not mind even if dinner was not served. Saya U Myo Myint
Sein’s friend — a world renowned architect — told Saya that he would
trade all his gold medals and prizes to be honored in a SPZP tradition.
Saya U Aung Khin gave a synopsis of his post-retirement sojourn round
the world. [For details, see the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter
Special Issue.”] Saya U Min Wun — the last but not the least (and an
eloquent) invited speaker — reminded that without true “cetana”, even
Internet and the modern technologies are not sufficient to hold the
Grand Reunion and SPZP. Saya U Khin Aung Kyi clasped his hands and
verbally (and physically) paid respect to his two Sayas — Sayagyi U Ba
Toke (Maths) and Sayagyi U Num Kok (Civil). Sayagyi U Ba Toke, on behalf
of all the Sayas, prayed that we should all be “wealthy” spiritually
and be “healthy” physically — the two mottos/guidelines he had
treasured all his life. Saya U Aung Gyi’s key note speech touched
lessons of the past, the importance of the present, and well-laid plans
for the future.
On Friday, 27th October, there was an informal
get-together at an all you can eat Japanese, Korean and Chinese buffet
in San Bruno, California. 40+ attendees including two of our Golden
Sponsors: Steeve Kay (a) Ko Thaung Sein (EC 70) and Ko Benny Tan (Mech
70) were present. Both are successful enterpreneurs and CEOs, but they
took their precious time off to support RIT Alumni International and its
activities.
Usually Steeve does not surf the web. When Sarina
Tan (EC 93), who helps Steeve part-time while pursuing her postgrad
degree, informed him about the RIT Reunion and SPZP in general and my
“Count down to the Reunion” articles in particular, Steeve sent in a
check of $1000 for the Saya Pu Zaw Pwe Fund. He later sent in another
check of $2000 to cover the costs of printing RIT Reunion and Saya Pu
Zaw Pwe T-shirts that were designed by Ko Benny. At the Reunion and SPZP
dinner [on Saturday, 28th October 2000], all Sayas and Sayamas — young
and old — were given the memorabilia T-shirts and the wall clocks
(designed and donated by Ko Benny). At the get-together picnic [on
Sunday, 29th October, 2000], the remaining T-shirts were put on sale.
They were sold out in no time. The Sayas and alums proudly sported the
T-shirts.
Steeve told me that he liked the explicit as well as
the sublimal messages — “If one person can dream, others can make the
dream come true”, “Face adversity”, “Be kind to your parents and sayas”,
— that were present in my e-mail articles/updates. He said that at
the end of three days, he is reliving sweet memories of his days at RIT.
Ko Tun Aung (a) Jeffrey (EC 68) brought unannounced
commemorative pens. Now a Director of Engineering in Los Angeles — and
probably one of the highest ranking government employee in Southern
California and may be elsewhere in the US — Ko Tun Aung showed his
appreciation of RIT Alumni International in general and Reunion and SPZP
in particular but his deeds and not words. Ko Tun Aung is a past
President of BASES, the BAPS counterpart in Southern California. The
Reunion and SPZP owe in part to the existence and activities of BAPS and
BASES (which was co-founded by Saya U Tin Htut, U Tin Htway, and U Tun
Tin (David)).
Ko Maurice Chee (M75), co-chair of the Working Committee along with Ko Benny, thanked the spouses and family members. Without their support, who in the world would bet that a world-wide event can be planned and executed within four months. Thanks to our better halves who tolerated long meetings [which often had schedule conflicts with other social events such as offerings at monasteries], and a quick “I love you, honey, but I need to read the latest update about the Reunion and SPZP”.
Sayagadaw Pam Lee (spouse of Saya Chris Lee) — gave me several home grown fruits and an impromptu Gardening 101. “You need TLC [Tender Loving Care} to the trees and plants. You might have to use 50 lb fertilizers two or three times a year.” They also plan to host a future BASES dinner which can be attended by the Northern alums as well.
Nearly all of the alums and some of their spouses said that we had done a great job. Some said that they feel 30 years younger. They requested me to relax for a while, but to keep on writing. Which is why I’m starting a new series “Post Reunion”.
Relieved and overjoyed after being part of a team that gave 200%, I would second what Saya U Myo Myint Sein’s colleague said. From my KG days, I had won numerous prizes and awards, but the recognition from my Sayas, my fellow alums, their spouses and their families is far more precious that all those.
My only regret concerns my multi-talented father, an alum of “Lan-na-bay Tekkatho လမ်းနဘေး တက္ကသိုလ် — the University of Life ဘဝ တက္ကသိုလ်)”.
My Beloved Parents
According to the leading medical doctors of his day, he was given three months to live — at the tender age of 14 or 15 — but a Burmese say-sa-yar gave him a new life and even imparted his knowledge. Though he defied death for nearly seven more decades, he did not live long enough to see his son strive over one and half years not for a degree exam, not for monetary awards, but solely to show that he can follow the footsteps of his father.
Without formal training in Civil Engineering and
Architecture, he built pagodas [including the “Dat Poung Zone Aung Min
Gaung” pagoda], renovated old pagodas and designed and built houses for
himself and his brothers. He was known for his culinary skills and for
organizing “Sa-tu-di-tha” [often at Tabaung festivals of the Great
Shwedagon pagoda]. Like Ko Benny and Ko Maurice, he had a passion for
tools. He told me bed time stories. He taught me astrology, numerology,
…, but most of all he loved and honored all his sayas — thin saya,
myin saya, kyar saya. His sayas loved him and his children. One of his
sayas gave me a special chessboard (and leaded wooden chess pieces) that
he had kept as a treasure for years.
Dear father, where ever
you are [although I believe that you would be in one of the good abodes
in samsara], I’m thankful for for being my first saya. You brought
smiles to countless people. Thanks for passing on that gift to me.
He is a saya of our sayas (including Sayas U Aung Khin, Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Khin Aung Kyi).
He started teaching at Rangoon University before the war.
After retirement, he moved to USA.
He passed away in Portland, Oregon in his late 90s.
Activities
He served as President of RIT Track and Field Association. U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68) was Secretary. U Myo Nyunt (C69) was Joint Secretary.
He served as Line Judge at RUBC Regattas along with Saya U Sein Win and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung.
He attended SPZP-2000. U Khin Aung Kyi paid respect to him and Saya U Ba Toke.
Saya and spouse
He visited Yangon in 2013. Former students hosted a Welcome party at a restaurant for him. They gave him presents including a Banner. U Myo Nyunt saw that Banner when he visited Saya in Portland.
Brothers
His younger brothers H Num Fatt (EE60, Australia) and H Num Pon (Saya U Myint Lwin, C61, USA) are Engineering alumni.
U Myint Lwin rowed for Engineering. He attended SPZP-2000. He was working in SF Bay Area at the time. He later moved to East Coast.
He retired as Professor and Head of Electrical Power EngineeringDepartment.
Before the reorganization of EE Department into EC and EP Departments, he was a Senior Lecturer of the EE Department.
He was a Top Student at Michigan University, where he received his MSEE.
Since the Scholarship’s sponsor was UBARI, he worked there before he transferred to the EE Department at RIT.
His friends called him “Khone Swa Khone Swa” based on his walking style.
EE Sayas
He was President of RIT Swimming Association. He swam even during his business trips to Singapore.
He was also President of RIT Rowing Association. He served as Line Judge at RUBC Regattas along with Saya H Num Kok (GBNF) and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung.
He was Technical Advisor for UCC.
He is an Absent Minded Professor who left behind his spouse at a market. A variant of the ”U Sein Win Joke” was provided by U Aung Myint (RIT, UCC, GBNF).
Saya Dr. San Hla Aung fondly remembers U Sein Win and his extensive knowledge.
His hobbies include Tinkering and repairing equipment, Rowing, Swimming, Snorkeling, Discussing and arguing about selected subjects, and Western Classical Music.
EE Association
Several former students offered to sponsor Saya to attend the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000. He politely declined the offer saying, “I have studied in the USA. Please choose another saya who has not been to the USA.”
Absent Minded Professor
Saya left his brand new spouse at a Zay (presumably Scott Market / Bogyoke Zay). He went back to RIT, and had a long discussion with his students. The students asked, “How is Sayagadaw?” Saya’s reply : “Let’s end the discussion. It’s past time I should have picked her up at the Zay”.
U Aung Myint (SPHS64, UCC, GBNF) wrote :
I heard about that (absent mindedness of Sayar U Sein Win) from some of the students or from the Lab staffs while I was working at the EC lab. What I heard was a little different. What I heard was “He parked at Hledan Zay. His wife went for buying. He was waiting inside the car. Suddenly he got an idea of taking a Hair cut nearby instead of waiting for a long time. After hair cutting, he drove back the car alone [leaving his wife behind].”
I have chosen 1950 as the start of my recollections regarding the state of higher learning in the field of engineering because I was admitted to the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University, in June of that year. Also, Sayagyi U Ba Hli started his first year as Dean of Faculty of Engineering, having transferred from Government Technical Institute at Insein. The requirement for admission was 50% aggregate in Intermediate of Science Examination and there was no limit to the number admitted. There were about 75 students in my First Year, which included fresh admissions, repeat students and a few New Course transfers. I should explain that New Course transfers were those who signed up for the 5-year condensed degree course after matriculation offered in the previous years and which was scrapped in the year of my admission. When I started on my engineering course, it was of four years’ duration, at the end of which the degree of Bachelor of Science (Engineering) was awarded.Since I was a student as well a teacher of engineering, I will attempt to present my perspective of Mechanical engineering education from both sides.
In the first and second years of study, the students had to take courses basic to Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, namely, Geometric, Machine and Building Drawing, Building Construction, Electrotechnology, Heat Engines, Surveying and Workshop. In addition, The Mathematics Department of Rangoon University was responsible for teaching Statics and Dynamics. Only in the third year were the students get to choose their line of engineering, civil,electrical or mechanical. So began my first year classes at the BOC College building. Actually, the first classes started every morning at 7am at the Mathematics Department where we were taught Statics and Dynamics by Dr. Sarkar till 9am. He was an extraordinary teacher and remembers every student by his roll number. Then we began the long trek to BOC College for rest of the classes of the day. Usually, lecture classes preceded before we spend the afternoon in the drawing room, laboratories, survey field or workshop.
The full-time staff of the faculty consisted of Dean and Professor of Civil Engineering Sayagyi U Ba Hli, Lecturer in Civil Engineering Sayagyi Mr. Jaidka, Lecturer in Electrical Engineering Sayagyi U Kyaw Tun, Assistant Lecturer in Civil Engineering Sayagyi Mr. H. Numkok and Superintendent of Workshop Mr. J. P. Law. Part-time lecturers were recruited to meet the goal of satisfying the requirements of the syllabus in each of the three disciplines. First and second year students were taught Building materials and construction by Sayagyi Mr. Jaidka, Electrotechnology by Sayagyi U Kyaw Tun ably assisted by Laboratory technician U Ba Sein in the laboratory, Heat Engines by part-time lecturer U Aung Than, Chief boiler inspector and Drawing by part-time lecturer and later on by Sayagyi Mr. Numkok when it came to Building drawing. Workshop program involved spending one term in each of the four shops, namely, machine, fitting, carpentry and blacksmith. Mr. J. P. Law made sure that students get hands-on experience in the use of tools. He stayed on for one year and was succeeded by U Aung Gyaw. Sayagyi U Ba Hli considered that technically challenged environment required students to be practical and workshop experience as well as summer practical training was essential. First year examination was a relatively easy hurdle for most students whereas the Second year examination was a lot harder and a career make or break event. I managed to get past the hurdle and found myself in the Third year to pursue my choice of Mechanical engineering in June of 1952. There were about twelve of us, all hoping to be an Assistant Engineer holding a civilian job, or a Leutenent in B.E.M.E. who were on army stipend, upon graduation. Third year courses included Heat engines, Theory of machines, Machine design, Electrotechnology, Strength of materials, Hydraulics, Metrology and Industrial management. We finally had a full-time staff in mechanical engineering. He was Mr. Khetrapal who came over from B.O.C. as an Assistant lecturer and he took care of all mechanical engineering subjects. In addition, Sayagyi Mr. Chelk Ping Lee came over from Directorate of Technical education to join the Electrical engineering staff and taught us Electrotechnology. Industrial Management was taught by a contract lecturer from India. We also had a U.S.Visiting professor and he taught us Strength of materials and for the first time we were introduced to the American quiz system of teaching.
About that time, the University focused its attention to modernizing and increasing the number of disciplines in the Faculty of Engineering by upgrading the staff as well as sending state scholars to the U.S. for future staffing. Sayagyi U Kyaw Tun was sent on deputation for post-graduate studies, followed by selection of several state scholars from among the engineering students. The first two were Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Sayagyi U Min Wun, earmarked for Civil engineering, followed by Sayagyi U Pu and me for Mechanical engineering, Sayagyi U Khin Aung Kyi for Chemical Engineering, Sayagyi U Maung Maung Than for Textile engineering, Sayagyi U Sein Hlaing and Sayagyi U Tin Swe for Electrical Engineering, Sayagyi U Kyaw Min for Architecture and Sayagyi U Thit for Metallurgy. We formed the initial group and other sayas were sent abroad for further studies in succeeding years as opportunity arose. I was instructed to leave for the U.S. in late December of 1952 to be in time for the start of the spring semester. So ended my exciting years at the Faculty of engineering and my classmates gave me and Sayagyi U Pu a farewell tea at the Sun Cafe to send us on our way.
I returned in early part of 1956, having obtained the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical engineering, the latter being an essential qualification for promotion to lecturership. Sayagyi U Ba Than had returned earlier from England and Sayagyi U Ba Hli got him working during summer holidays on various tasks such as supervising installation of new laboratory equipment, in preparation for the opening of the new school year. I was appointed as an Assistant lecturer in June. In the three years I was away, rapid and vast changes had taken place. Academically, engineering disciplines increased from three to seven, additions being Chemical engineering,Textile engineering, Mining engineering and Metallurgical engineering. Architecture department was also added to the Faculty. Staffing of the expanded fields of engineering as well as existing ones involved hiring contract teachers from India.Furthermore, additional staffing was provided by Columbo Plan donor countries in the form of visiting lecturers. On the physical side, a brand new complex was built fronting Prome Road by Taylor Woodrow Construction Company, consisting of an assembly hall, known as “Leik Khone”, administrative building and teaching blocks housing drawing rooms, lecturer theatres, classrooms and laboratories. Civil, Electrical and Mechanical engineering departments and Architecture department were located in the new complex. More importantly, Mechanical engineering department benefitted when Colombo Plan aid was channeled to provide laboratory equipment to various departments. A new Applied Mechanics laboratory located in the Mechanical wing was acquired. More modern equipment was added to the Strength of materials laboratory located in the new laboratory block. Heat engines laboratory recieved an educational Gas turbine unit along with other engines hooked up for testing.
I started my teaching career, for which I was earmarked when I was sent abroad for advanced studies, at a time of transition. The Mechanical engineering department had a staff of contract teachers from India and visiting lecturer Mr. W. Redpath from United Kingdom. Workshop Superintendent was Mr. V. Simon. Sayagyi U Ba Hli assigned me to teach First Year Drawing and First Year Heat Engines. Also, I was to assist Mr. Redpath in conducting the Heat Engines laboratories for the Third and Fourth Year students. The number of students admitted to the Faculty had been growing over the years and the size of the First Year Heat Engines class was about 150. Drawing classes were split into sections and limited to about 40 students each. The following year Sayagyi U Pu returned and later on Sayagyi U Ko Ko Gyi joined the staff. However, the contract teachers were leaving and the slack was taken up by the collective effort on the part of all of us. At the same time, attention was directed at modifying the syllabi of various departments to correspond with specialization in the practical field. Decision was made to introduce courses pertinent to a particular field of specialization at earlier stages, split some courses into component specialties or replace with more appropriate course. Subject of Mechanisms was introduced in the Second year. Heat Engines for First and Second years was renamed Thermodynamics to cover fundamental concepts and for senior years was split into Internal Combustion Engines and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Fluid Mechanics replaced Hydraulics. Corresponding expansion of staff was taking place with Sayagyis U San Tun, U Tin Hlaing, U Tun Shwe joining the staff. All of them, along with Sayagyi U Ba Than, were sent abroad later for advanced studies.
In the late 1950’s, we learned that Soviet Union would make a gift of a complete and fully equipped Institute of Technology to be built at Gyogon with skilled and semi-skilled Burmese workers of Public Works Brigade together with Soviet Specialists. The Soviet Union would also provide lecturers in special fields as needed. It was decided that the Faculty of Engineering would be moved to the new location and reconstituted as a separate educational facility at the same time preserving the existing engineering education format and of six years duration with high school matriculates entering the First Year. It was realized that more drawing and laboratory space was required to accommodate the large classes entering the system. So three more buildings were added to the original design and where Mechanical Engineering and Architecture Departments were located. Thus Rangoon Institute of Technology was created as a pre-eminent place of higher learning in the country. Sayagyi U Yone Mo was the first Rector of the Institute. This is where I will end my recounting of events past, sometimes vague, with the dawn of a new decade and hope that it might help those wanting to know the humble beginnings of mechanical engineering education in a place called Myanmar. All of us who taught at, studied or graduated from or otherwise associated with the Institute remember it as a special place and fondly refer to it as R.I.T.
Saya’s visits to the Bay Area had tremendous impact.
One visit resulted in the formation of BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) — a merger of BEA (Burmese Engineers Association) and BASTS (Burmese American Science and Technology Society).
SPZP-2000
Another visit resulted in a dinner meeting where the Bay Area Alumni Group led by Saya Allen Htay decided unanimously to hold the First Ever Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe on October 28-29 week end. For details, see the articles by Saya Allen Htay, Saya U Nyo Win and U Myat Htoo, Ko Benny Tan and Ko Maurice, and Ko Thein Aung.
Saya wrote the Introduction to the article by Dr. Freddie Ba Hli about his father Sayagyi U Ba Hli.
Saya wrote several articles for RIT Alumni Newspaper : His student days at RU; Tribute to Saya U Tin Hlaing (M59); On the Road to the Millennium; Brief history of Mechanical Engineering Department.
Newsletter
Brief Bio
He enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon in 1950. (At that time, one must pass the I.Sc. (Intermediate of Science) with good grades to pursue engineering courses.)
He left the Third Year B.Sc.(Engg) class in 1952 upon being selected as a State’s Scholar to continue the undergraduate studies at Lehigh University.
He received the B.S.M.E. and M.S.M.E. degrees and returned in 1956 to join the staff at the Faculty of Engineering as an Assistant Lecturer.
Saya was awarded the Colombo Scholarship in 1962 to pursue post-graduate studies at Toronto University. He received the M.A.Sc. degree and returned in 1967 to continue teaching at Rangoon Institute of Technology.
Saya served as Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering.
In 1976, he resigned from the Institute in 1976 and emigrated to Canada.
He retired in 1998 after working for twenty one years in Canada.
His post-retirement sojourns can be found in his excellent article written specially for the Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (Special Issue).
Health
Saya stays fit.
He regularly plays golf and tennis.
Saya & daughter
He attended several SPZPs, but now prefers not to travel far except for occasional family gatherings.
Paying respect in 2015
In 2015, Ivan Lee (M69) provided his Mercedes and gas for a whirl wind trip to Canada and the East Coast.
Frederick Thet Gyi (M69) manned the wheels for the major part of the trip.
Sayagyi U Aung Khin hosted me and my spouse for a night’s stay at his house.
Ivan and Fred stayed at a nearby hotel, but spent time chatting with Sayagyi.
We enjoyed the Mohinga and Ah Kyaw prepared by Sayagyi.
He also asked each of us to pick a souvenir from Windsor, Canada.
HlaMin 