Had a wonderful time in Myanmar in January and February, 2018.
5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe for ICST/UCSY
ICST SPZP
Paid respect to Saya U Soe Paing
Paid respect to Saya U Moe Aung
Last rites at Ye Way for Ko Aung Moung (M73)
U Aung Moung
Guest lecture at UCSY
Guest lecture at MARB
Guest lectures at private monk university
Monthly meeting of 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
RITAA meeting (includes Opening Ceremony of Teacher’s Corner
Discussion with Ko Wynn Htain Oo and Sayama Daw Thida
69er breakfast gathering organized by Ko Shwe (EP69)
Birthday celebration by Ko Tin Mg Aye (M69)
Birthday soon kway by Ko Kyaw Win (SPHS63, Germany) for Uzin Victor Aung Chaw
UCC lunch gathering hosted by Ko Soe Myint and Ko Sein Myint
Gatherings with relatives
Meeting old friends
ICST
The 5th Acariya PuZaw Pwe of ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) and UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon) was held in January 2018.
Former students from UCC (Universities’ Computer Center), DCS (Department of Computer Science) and ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) requested me to attend the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY.
San Yin Myint (Samanta), one of the organizers for the Pu Zaw Pwe, is a niece of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF) and a cousin of Ko Maurice Chee (M75).
Per arrangement of Samantha, Saw Yan Naing picked me up. He is the son of Dr. Saw Naing (Leslie), a nephew of Dr. Myo Khin and a cousin of Ko Soe Lin Maung (ex-UCC).
Gave a short speech as a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”.
The SPZP was held in five batches. As a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”, I covered some milestones of the Introduction of Computers to Burma under the leadership of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe.
Ma Nge (Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, GBNF) attended the SPZP.
ICST/UCSY published a commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of UCC. I wrote “Paying Back to My Alma Mater” (a summary of the 30+ posts about UCC) for the issue.
UCSY
Gave a guest lecture at UCSY a week later.
Spent several days of my vacation to write and post “Memories of UCC”.
I also wrote an abridged version for publication in the 30th Anniversary of UCSY.
UCC
Sayama Mu Mu Myint is a senior alumni of UCC and DCS. She requested her husband to drive a long way from their home to hand over the “token garawa” from an earlier “Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe”.
Soe Lin Maung hosted a lunch micro-gathering (despite his busy schedule).
Ko Sein Myint (EC76, ex-UCC) and Ko Soe Myint (KSM, ex-UCC) hosted a lunch gathering at Kone Myint Tha. Ko Aung Myint (AM), Ko Win Myint (Bo Waing) and Ma Nu Nu Aung were also present. We then walked to Saya U Soe Paing’s house and paid respect to Saya (who was having a problem with his spine). Friends of Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69, MEHS 63) advised Saya to undergo a surgery in Singapore.
RIT
Met Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War), Ko Wynn Htain Oo (Mg Mar Ga, M72), Ko Ohn Khine (Gaing Gyi, M70), several members of RITAA, and 69ers.
69er Gatherings
Attended three breakfast gatherings with the 69ers.
Donated US$100 (part to 69er HCF and part to EE 69er HCF).
I hosted the gathering (mostly EE) with Uzin Aung Chaw (C) and Wei Lu (Met) as guests.
Mini-gathering hosted by me
Mini-gathering hosted by me
During my visits back home, several friends gave me rides.
U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:
U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
Yours truly
Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.
A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).
Standing:
U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)
Seated :
U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)
Second Gathering
Ko Tin Maung Aye (M, Accordion) hosted a gathering to celebrate his birthday.
Third Gathering
The gathering on February 24, 2018 was to welcome Ko Win Boh (Robert) and Ko Surinder Singh — both from Australia. Unfortunately, Ko Surinder could not wrap up his trip to Upper Burma to be in time for the 69er gathering. Ko Kyaw Nyunt organized a lucky draw with presents given by Ko Frederick Thetgyi.
Trips
Tiring, but interesting and entertaining to take three trips.
Phyu Phyu Kyaw (UCC) offered to sponsor me to spend two nights at a hotel in Bagan Myo Thit. Had been a long time since I visited Bagan / Nyaung Oo.
A sayadaw asked if I would like to attend a consecration ceremony for “Lyaung Daw Mu” (Reclining Pagoda) near the bank of Mu River (in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing).
My beloved wife wanted to do dana at Hinthada for her ancestors.
Learned a lot
I learned a lot from the trips by being a good listener and also experiencing the conditions (infrastructure, culture, …) in different parts of Myanmar.
Cost more to take a taxi to and from the “Long distance bus station” than to travel by an air-conditioned bus.
Takes a lot longer to take the short cut road than to take the longer paved road. It’s worse if one is not aware of unfinished repair work on a dirt road : sharp rocks, pot holes, …
Ha Lin (Old Capital of Pyu) is a Cultural Heritage, but there are no decent roads leading there.
Someone commented : “Most of us just make quick trips to pagodas. Several tourists hire motorbikes to explore both Old and New Bagan (and beyond). They take photos with professional cameras.”
SPHS
Kyaw Wynn (SPHS63) is cousin of Saya U Tin Htut (M) and Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung (E).
He rowed No. (3) on the Bow side in our Senior Novice crew.
He hosted a birthday soon kwyay gathering at Shwe Ba ရွှေဘ (အောင်သုခ) Saing. Offered soon to Uzin Aung Chaw (C69) and donated to Uzin’s dhamma projects. Ordered lunch for his old classmates (some of whom I have not seen since our University days). Attendees include Ko Than Win (M69), Ko Tin Tun (M69), Ko Khin Maung Bo (Alan, EP69, GBNF), Ko Aung Kyi (Arthur, “motorcycle” guy, GBNF), Ko Aye Ngwe (Edwin), and Ko Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, UK).
Updates
Some are now GBNF.
Dr. Kyaw Thein succumbed to Covid.
Uzin Aung Chaw, Aung Kyi, Khin Maung Bo and Tin Tun (all SPHS63) have passed away.
Aung Myint and Nge Ma Ma Than (ex-UCC) are also GBNF.
The GBNF list for 69ers currently has 139 members.
Matriculates had to study two years of Intermediate Classes.
Those aspiring to become Engineers had to pass the I.Sc. (Intermediate of Science) classes with 50+ marks in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. They then study four years at the Engineering College for their B.Sc. (Engg) degree.
RU
Rangoon University was opened on 1st December 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as constitutent colleges. There were only three Faculties: Arts, Science and Law.
First Strike
The First RU Students’ Strike started on 5th December 1920 to protest the deficiencies of the 1920 RU Act. It led to the opening of National Schools and National College. It also forced amendments to the RU Act (notably in 1923).
Engineering Classes
In 1924, the inaugural engineering classes were opened.
Details can be found in the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) book published in 2012. Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF, National Literary Award winner, former Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine) served as Leader and Principal Auhor of the book. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE book.
Engineering students have to attend
I.Sc.(A)
I.Sc.(B)
1st Year of Engineering
2nd Year of Engineering
3rd Year of Engineering
4th & Final Year of Engineering
Engineering Departments
Architecture
Chemical
Civil
Electrical
Mechanical
Metallurgy
Mining
Textile.
Civil was the earliest Discipline. Mechanical and Electrical Disciplines were offered next. In the mid and late 1950s, five more Disciplines were added.
New Education System
In November 1964, RU was reorganized. Several Faculties became autonomous Institutes.
RIT
The Faculty of Engineering (known also as the Burma Institute of Technology) became Rangoon Institute of Technolgy with U Yone Moe (former Dean of BIT) as Rector and U Soe Thein (former Ta-Ka-Tha Leader) as Registrar.
Three Batches
In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to RIT.
ILA (Intelligence Level Agregate) was used to admit 400+ Matriculates to the 1st BE. ILA was controversial.
300+ students who had passed the I.Sc.(A) examination were admitted to the 2nd BE.
About 200 students who had passed the I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE.
Classes
In the New Education System, the Classes are called
1st BE
2nd BE
3rd BE
4th BE
5th BE
6th & Final BE. BE stands for Bachelor of Engineering.
For Architects, the Classes are called BArch (Bachelor of Architecture).
RIT69ers
Guinea Pigs
The Group is jokingly eferred to the Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems.
Most took the Last ever 7th Standard Government exam in March 1960.
They took the First ever 9th Standard (HSF/ High School Final Only) exam in March 1962. Those from Rangoon had to take the exam with Security Forces patroling the streets after the Coup d’etat on March 2nd by the Revolutionary Council. They had to retake the HSF exam in August 1962 because the Higher Authorities said that there were question leakage.
They took the 10th Standard (Matriculation Only) exam in May 1963.
In sum, they had to take three or four Government exams before being admitted to the University. In contrast, my older brother had to take only two exams : 7th Std. exam in March 1955, and the HSF & Matriculation exam in March 1957.
They took the Last ever I.Sc.(A) exam at various schools, since most classes at Rangoon University, Mandalay University and Intermediate Colleges were suspended (for an unspecified period).
Some classmates (e.g. Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF, SPHS63, 11th in Matric) applied Scholarship to study abroad, since he was the eldest in the family and did not want to burden his parents.
After a long wait, some of my Leik Khone classmates (e.g. Aung Min (M69)) were admitted to 2nd BE in November 1964. There were 300 + students. The admission was based on the I.Sc.(A) exam marks. A few decided to study BArch.
For the 2nd BE, the students had to study English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Drawing, Surveying, Materials and Processes, Sociology & Workshop.
Starting with the 3rd BE, the students had to choose their Discipline. Civil and Mechanical were the top choices with 100+ students. Electrical had 70+ students. Chemical and Textile had 15+ students. Mining, Metallurgy and Architecture had 10 (or so) students.
For 5th BE, EE students had to chose the Option: EP (Electrical Power) and EC (Electrical Communications)
Most 69ers graduated in 1969 after passing 6th BE. Some took sabbatical, and graduated a year or two later.
The 69ers worked mainly in the Government departments and Industry. Some worked for private companies and family business. A few moved abroad.
Some 69ers (e.g. Dave Saluja and Win Maung) left before graduation.
Membership
The members include (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
The Group is also known as 69ers, the RIT Class of 69 and the Class of RIT 69++ .
Gatherings
The first formal Reunion of the Group occurred in 1999. It also was instrumental for the development of the RIT Alumni Newsletter, the inaugural ex-rit website, and the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000).
30th Anniversaryin 1999
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. Ko Tint Lwin 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).
Ko Tint Lwin (M69) wrote :
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.
40th Anniversaryin 2009
The Class of 69 organized the “40th Anniversary of the Graduation” in 2009.
Golden Jubilee of Admissionin 2014
The “Golden Jubilee of the admission to 2nd BE” was celebrated in 2014, because the 69ers were concerned with the declining health of members and that some may not be able to make it to the True Golden Jubilee of graduation in 2019.
Golden Jubilee of Graduation in 2019
The Class of 69 celebrated the true Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) in December 2019.
Acariya Pu Zwe Pwe was held at the Assembly Hall on Gyogone Campus.
The Reunion Dinner and Entertainment was held at the former Office Compound of Ko Aung Min.
Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) had a “Home Coming” after her graduation.
Many were unaware that the gathering would be a final one for some (especaially those who would succumb to Covid).
My Contributions
RIT Alumni 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.
“RIT” stands not only for Rangoon Institute of Technology, but all the engineering schools that precede or succeed it. RIT is a place holder for the RU Faculty of Engineering, Burma Institute of Technology, Yangon Institute of Technology, Yangon Technological University and various Technological Universities in Myanmar.
The name was changed to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” to include alumni in Burma and the rest of the world.
A commemorative issue was published for SPZP-2000.
RIT Web Site
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) designed and implemented the first RIT web site.
I served as Content Provider and Editor of the web site. I composed the “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem. I posted 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post Reunion”.
Ko Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69), Ko Aung Myint (M69, Singapore) and the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) provided some financial help to operate the web site.
“RIT Alumni International” hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) in October 2000.
SPZP
The term “Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” was chosen over “Saya Ga Daw Pwe” (which has religious connotation) so that alumni professing various faiths can pay respect to their former sayas / mentors.
There has been seven world wide SPZPs: SPZP-2000 in USA, SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore, SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016 in Yangon.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, SPZP-2020 was cancelled.
I have been an Organizer and/or Facilitator for the SPZPs.
My “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem was published in the Commemorative Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Saya U Moe Aung reprinted the poem as the Back Cover of Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002.
My poem “SWE DAW YEIK” was published in the Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2007.
My article “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” was published in the Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010.
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 RIT. I am reading interestingly all your writings all the time. When we all are gone your writing will live on.
Aung Min (M69) wrote :
So thanks for your recordings. Appreciations.
Food For Thought
Aging, Health and GBNF
At one moment, the Class of 69 had a median age of 69, and the list of GBNF has 69 members.
That symmetry no longer holds. The Class of 69 has a median age of 79, and the list of GBNF has 128!(or so) members. Over 40% have passed away.
In the latter half of 2021, twenty 69ers passed away. 18 were victims of Covid.
Declining Health
The attendees at the mini-gatherings have decreased. Some could not drive, and had to ask their family members to take them to the gatherings. Some had major or minor operations, and need time to recover fully. Some had medical problems for some time (e.g. a year or two).
Retirement
Most are retired or semi-retired. A few did not retire or did not have the chance to retire.
Ko Tin Maung Lay (M69) worked in Europe and Middle East. So he came back to California only on home leave.
His spouse wanted him to retire.
He agreed 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.
He passed away 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.
69er HCF (Health Care Fund)
U Aung Min (M69, Chair), U Shwe (EP69, Secretary) and team are the core volunteers for the 69er HCF. The team sends out monthly, quarterly and annual reports (including Donations, Income, Expenditure, GBNF)
Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69), Daw Myint Myint (C69) and U Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP69) are some of the major donors to HCF.
Most 69ers donate at the 69er Gatherings (e.g. Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si / Royal Rose Restaurant).
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)
Paying Homage to Saya U Ba Than (GBNF)
Saya U Ba Than and U Aung Min
U Tin Maung Soe (Tommy, EP69, GBNF)
Khin Maung Win (EP69, GBNF)
Known fondly as “Sargalay” and “Nutty”
Usually finished Mechanical drawings in about an hour and still get Grade 5.
Later changed his name to “Lada” and “Galon”
Training partner for Sai Kham Pan (EP69, Burma Selected in Badminton)
Badminton selection at the Township level
U Khin Maung Win (RIP)
A69
Aung Khin After working in Botswana, he and Tin Tin Hla (A70) moved to Seattle, Washington, USA to be near their daughters and grand children. He attended the Golden Jubilee on December 14, 2019 in Yangon
Kyaw Kyaw He belonged to an elite group who married before graduation.
Myo Tun (Bobby) Won essay contests as Errol Than Tun. After retirement from PWD, he became Ashin Pannagavesaka. He is an editor of Pa Auk Sayadaw’s books and a dhamma librarian at the Mawlamyine Pa Auk Taw Ya. He went on dhamma dhuta missions (e.g. to Vietnam).
Tobias K. Ku, Saw (Tobi, GBNF) He attends 69er monthly breakfast gatherings. Passed away in 2021.
Thet Htun He moved to Taiwan.
Thwin Thwin Aye Hmi, Daw (Olive) Used to play chinlon with her classmates. Spouse : U Han Zaw. Met both last at the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012 (preceding SPZP-2012).
Tin Maung Hla (GBNF) Had some medical problems (which hopefully had gone away).
ChE69
Aung Min Oo
Aung San
Aye Aye Kyu, Daw
Ceril Shair (USA) ?
Khan Za Lan
Khin Maung Win
Kyaw Minn (Ei Kun, Singapore)
Kyaw Min (Albert)
Moe Hein (Ajala, Swimming and Water Polo)
Myat Tun
Myint Ko
Myint Myint Aye, Daw
Myo Khin, Dr. (Japan)
Mehm Myo Min
Soe Win
Swe Swe Oo, Daw
Taing Oke, Dr. (Japan)
Yi Yi Khaing, Daw (Vilma, Singapore)
C69
Aung Chaw (Victor, Ashin Okkantha)
Aung Kyaw Nyein (USA)
Aung Myint
Aung Than
Aung Win
Ba Than Chit (Saw Myint Naing)
Han Sein (“Tone Kyaw”, Swimming and Water Polo, GBNF)
Hla Myint
Hla Myint Thein (Patrick Aye)
Htay Aung (Canada)
Htay Myint
Htin Aung, Dr. (Chinlone)
Khin Aung (Taiwan)
Khin Maung
Khin Maung Aye
Khin Maung Myint (Mandalay)
Khin Maung Tint
Khin Maung Win, Dr. (Donald Ba Pe)
Kyaw Min Thein (Kenneth)
Kyaw Naing (Kyaw Thwin)
Kyaw Thein
Kyaw Tint
Li Li Wai, Daw
Maung Kyaw
Myint Aung
Myo Khin, Dr. (Japan)
Myo Nyunt
Myo Win
Myo Chit
Myint Myint, Daw
Nyi Hla Nge
Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
Phone Kyaw (Mandalay)
Phor Daw Khan
Sam Nithang (Samuel, USA)
Saw Lwin
San Linn
Saw Yan Naing (GBNF)
Sein Tun
Soe Myint
Soe Tint
Than Htwe
Than Oo
Thaung Htay
Thaung Htwe, Daw
EE l69
Abdul Rauf (GBNF)
Aung Gyi Shwe (Track and Field, Soccer, GBNF)
Aung Kyaw Pe (Singapore, Myanmar)
Aung Than
Aung Thu Yein (GBNF)
Aye Thein (Volleyball)
Ba Oak
Bishnu Shahi (Badminton, Nepal, GBNF)
Chit Tin (GBNF)
Dave Singh Saluja (Thailand)
Hla Min (Rowing, USA)
Hla Paik
Hla Tun
Khin Maung Hassan (Saudi Arabia. USA)
Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, GBNF)
Khin Maung Soe
Khin Maung Tint
Khin Maung Nyo (GBNF)
Khin Maung Win Sargalay, GBNF)
Khin Maung Win (Roland)
Krishnan Lal (Australia)
Kyaw Sein (Ashley Woo, Kyaukme)
Kyaw Sein (Singapore)
Kyaw Soe (GBNF)
Kyaw Win
Kyaw Zin (visiting Australia)
Kyi Shwin
Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi)
Kyin Hwet
Maung Toung (Tom, USA)
Maung Kaung
Maung Ko
Maung Maung (Volleyball, EE69er HCF)
Maung Shwe (69er HCF, EE69er HCF)
Mehm Paw Oo (GBNF)
Mehm Aung Tin
Min Aung (Hla Thaung)
Min Lwin
Min Thaw (Gilbert, GBNF)
Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet)
Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
Myo Aung (GBNF)
Myo Hein (GBNF)
Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada, GBNF)
Sai Aik Yee (GBNF)
Sai Kham Pan
Sai Kyaw Aye
Saw Aung
Saw Edison
Saw Lwoi Lwin Thaw (?)
Sein Myint (K K Wong)
Soe Myint
Soe Myint Thein (GBNF)
Soe Thein (Peter)
Tan Chaung Yin (USA)
Thar Kyaw
Than Hla (Cyril)
Than Htay
Than Lwin (Henry)
Than Myint
Thein Swe (GBNF)
Thein Tun (Michael)
Thet Lwin
Tin Maung Soe (Tommy, GBNF)
Tin Oo
Tin Shwe
Tin Tin, Daw (Anne, USA)
Tun Aung Gyaw, Dr. (USA)
Victor Lwin
Win Boh (Robert, Australia)
Win Maung (Lake)
Ye Win, Mehm
Yi Tun
Zau Lai, Duwa
M69
Aye Lwin (GBNF) Secretary of RIT Mechanical Engineering Association Editor of RIT Annual Magazine Attended RIT Alumni Gathering in Los Angeles in 2015
Aung Myint Joined Faculty after graduation Taught at Singapore Poly Lives in New Zealand and Singapore Hobbies : Painting, Motivational Messages
Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung) Joined Faculty after graduation Worked at sea before founding his own company
Htay Aung Outstanding swimmer. Won 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and Cross-lake. Burma selected in water polo for 1969 SEAP Games Spouse : Than Than (Burma Champion sprinter)
Khin Maung Aye Joined Defense Industries Pen name : Maung Hmut
Khin Maung Tin Joined Faculty after graduation Taught at RIT and Marine Engineering Institute
Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee) Post graduate studies in USA Professional Engineer for New York and New Jersey Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000 Major donor to 69er Health Care Fun Host for RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey for more than a decade
Tint Lwin (Daniel) Grad studies in Canada Retired Associate Professor from NTU Guitarist / Vocalist
Aung Naing (Bahadhur, GBNF)
Chit Pe (GBNF)
Chit Po Po (GBNF)
Dicky (Win Naing, GBNF)
Khin Maung Gyi (GBNF)
Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF)
Myint Sein (Badminton, HCF, GBNF)
Myint Thein (David)
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF)
Ngwe Soe (Walter)
Sein Win (GBNF)
Soe Win (GBNF)
Than Myaing
Than Win
Tin Aung (GBNF)
Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
Tin Htut (Seafarer)
Tin Htut (Harry)
Tin Maung Aye (Accordion)
Tin Myint (John Lee, GBNF)
Yin Kyu (GBNF)
Met69
Myint Kyi
Maung Tun (GBNF)
Ohn Kyaw
Sai Aung Win (Mandalay)
Sai Kyaw Myint
Tin Aung
Min69
Aung Win
Chit Htun (GBNF)
Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)
Kyaw Tint (GBNF)
Khin Maung Gyi
Mya Win
Tin Maung (oldest)
Tin Win (Hosted the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012)
Win Thein Zaw (Wai Lu)
Pet69
Aung Myint (Kyant Ba Hone, GBNF)
Kyaw Din
Kyaw Than (Magwe)
Kyaw Myint
Myint Maung
Myint Swe
Paw Mya
T69
Aung Thein (USA)
Aye Aye Kyi, Daw
Cho Cho, Daw
Hla Shwe (GBNF)
Hla Thaung
Hla Tun (Japangyi, GBNF)
Jimmy Kyin (GBNF)
Kyaw Min (Mandalay)
Kyi San (Win Maung, Mandalay)
Lyo Kyin Sein, Daw (Mabel Lee, USA)
Lin Lin Aung, Daw (Singapore)
Myo Myint Thein
Nan Su Su, Daw (GBNF)
Naw Mu Mu Aye, Daw
Nyunt Nyunt Wai, Daw (Millie Hoe, Germany)
San Kyi, Daw (USA?)
San San Myint, Daw (Helen Wu, USA)
Saw Yu Tint, Daw (Alice)
Sein Sein Maw
Than Win
Thet Myint
Tin Tun Aung
Tint Swe (Zeegone)
Recollections of a 69er
I wrote an article for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine in 2014 for RIT Shwe YaDu (Golden Jubilee of the then New Education System).
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as the Chief Editor.
Article 1Article 2Article 3
1969 Calendar
Published for the Universities and Institutes
1969 Calendar
Some Memories
Alice visiting the San Francisco Bay Area
Alice visited her son and family in the San Francisco Bay Area
She took time off to attend the Literary Talks by Min Ko Naing and Aw Pe Kye
With Alice
69ers at a gathering hosted by Ivan Lee (New Jersey)
Ivan has hosted annual gatherings at his house for RIT and UCC Alumni.
The timing is chosen to conincide with the visits of Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing to the area.
Fred (Pennsylvannia), TAG (Massachussetts), HM (California), Alice (Myanmar), Tom (Connecticut) and Ivan (New Jersey) had a mini-gathering.
Ivan is co-founder and Patron of MASTAA (based in New York). MASTAA has broadcast interviews with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Soe Paing and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung. MASTSAA members and friends donated for COVID-19 relief (prevention and treatment) in USA and Myanmar.
Ivan is a major donor to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) along with Daw Myint Myint and U Sein Myint.
In New Jersey
Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si
Before the pandemic, 69ers had monthly breakfast gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose Restaurant).
At Taw Win Hnin SiMyo Nyunt, Ngwe Soe (Walter), Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Uzin Myo Tun (Bobby), Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung), Soe Thein (Peter), Albert Kyaw Min
Annual Dinner at M3
For several years, the Annual Dinner and Entertainment was held at M3.
Albert and Danny are two regular performers (guitar and vocal).
Best Friends Forever 1Best Friends Forever 2
Danny’s visit to San Francisco
Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) showed Danny around the SF Bay Area.
Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin hosted a dinner for Danny at a restaurant in Castro.
Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) and Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel)
Speaking at John Lee’s Memorial Service
Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) passed away.
His daughter (a medical doctor) requested me to share my memories.
Ko Tin Myint’s Service
Maung Maung Kaung (Yi Pinn) in Dawei
Yi Pinn is busy with his projects in Dawei.
Some time back, his spouse passed away in Yangon. He rushed to Yangon, but had to self-Q. He could not be present at his spouse’s last journey.
He later succumbed to Covid.
Yi Pinn
Donation by Daw Myint Myint
Daw Myint Myint is a major donor to the 69er HCF.
She also hosted or sponsored lunch and dinner gatherings. e.g. Welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie) at Westin Park Hotel
She donated twice for YTU Library Modernization Project. e.g. K100 Lakhs once
Daw Myint Myint’s donation receiptDaw Myint Myint and Nan Khin Nwe
Saya Allen Htay (C58) is a founding member of RIT Alumni International and served as its President.
He wrote “Brother, can you spare US $500 and more?” for the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (aka SPZP-2000).
Saya retired thrice, but his former students coaxed him to un-retire twice.
With the help of U Maurice Chee (M75), Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to YTU Library. The dedication ceremony took place at YTU on February 26, 2016.
He taught Numerical Analysis and Numerical Methods.
He passed away on February 28, 2011.
In his youth, he was active playing soccer and volleyball.
His friendly smile will be missed by all.
Aging and declining health had a toll on U Kyaw Nyein and his spouse. He had diabetes for a long time without control/treatment. His kidney began to fail around October, 2010. Doctors recommended preparation for dialysis, which is minor operation on his vein/arteries on his hand, but he wanted to try alternative medicine (e.g. Chinese medicine).
UCC alumni set up a health care fund to help him, but he was either too “Arr Nar De” or too frail to do dialysis.
He lost memory and could not recognize his colleagues. His wife had limited mobility on her left hand. People in Yangon wanted her to go for therapy but it was not easy for them to visit therapists on their own.
U Kyaw Nyein (AFPFL)
U Kyaw Nyein (AFPFL)
He was a Minister (of Home Affairs) in the AFPFL government.
He was a leader of the Swe-Nyein Faction (aka Ti Mye တည်မြဲဖဆပလ)
U Kyaw Nyein (BSPP)
He was Minister (of Education) and in the BSPP government.
U Kyaw Nyein (USIS)
He invited us to use the USIS library.
He is the third son of Myoma Sayagyi U Ba Lwin.
U Kyaw Nyein (Franklin)
He is the younger brother of U Wah Kyu (Maurice Chee’s father) and Saya U Win Kyaing.
He offered birthday soon kyway to Uzin Okkantha (Victor, Aung Chaw) and treated his former SPHS63 classmates (some of whom have not seen each other for a long time). The attendees include :
Aye Ngwe (Edwin)
Kyaw Win (“Birthday Boy”)
Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, EP69, GBNF)
Hla Min (EC69)
Uzin Okkantha (Aung Chaw, Victor, C69, GBNF)
Than Win (M69)
Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi, GBNF)
Tin Tun (M69, GBNF)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, IM1 70, UK)
SPHS Novice Crew at RUBC
Maung Maung Kyi (Bow)
Hla Min (No. 2)
Kyaw Win (No. 3, EE)
Willie Soe Mg (Stroke)
Myint Thein (Cox, SPHS 62, B.Com 66)
We were all awarded Full Green.
When the schools were closed following the first Anniversary of 7th July, Kyaw Win and Maung Maung Kyi applied for scholarships to study in Germany.
Maung Maung Kyi received Dip Ing in ChE with Specislization in Pulp and Paper. He worked at Sittaung Paper Mill and PPIC before moving to Wales, UK.
Kyaw Win had a higher calling. He and his friends protested in front of the Burmese Embassy. The higher authorities were alarmed at their movement and recalled back to Burma. Fortunately, he was able to complete his EE in Rangoon.
GBNF
Willie Soe Maung was from the first batch of BDS. He passed away quite early.
Myint Thein passed away after having medical problems for a long time.
He offered birthday soon kyway to Uzin Okkantha (Victor, Aung Chaw) and treated his former SPHS63 classmates (some of whom have not seen each other for a long time). The attendees include :
Aye Ngwe (Edwin)
Kyaw Win (“Birthday Boy”)
Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, EP69)
Hla Min (EC69)
Uzin Okkantha (Aung Chaw, Victor, C69)
Than Win (M69)
Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi)
Tin Tun (M69)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, IM1 70, UK)
SPHS Novice Crew at RUBC
Maung Maung Kyi (Bow)
Hla Min (No. 2)
Kyaw Win (No. 3, EE)
Willie Soe Mg (Stroke)
Myint Thein (Cox, SPHS 62, B.Com 66)
We were all awarded Full Green.
When the schools were closed following the first Anniversary of 7th July, Kyaw Win and Maung Maung Kyi applied for scholarships to study in Germany.
Maung Maung Kyi received Dip Ing in ChE with Specislization in Pulp and Paper. He worked at Sittaung Paper Mill and PPIC before moving to Wales, UK.
Kyaw Win had a higher calling. He and his friends protested in front of the Burmese Embassy. The higher authorities were alarmed at their movement and recalled back to Burma. Fortunately, he was able to complete his EE in Rangoon.
Some inventions are attributed to Serendipity. Three notable examples are
Discovery of X-rays X stands for “Unknown”. German scientist Wilhelm Rontgen discovered X-radiation (unknown type of radiation) on November 8, 1895. Other names include X-ray, Xray and Röntgen radiation.
Discovery of Penicillin Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin in 1928.
3M’s Post-it notes Dr. Spencer Silver, a scientist at 3M, accidentally discovered a weak glue in 1968. Arthur Fry obtained permission from 3M to develop “sticky notes” in 1974.
Kekule’s Dream
Friedrich August Kekulé, a German chemist, was searching for the structure of Benzene, which has six Carbon atoms and six Hydrogen atoms.
In 1865, he had a day-dream where a snake’s head tried to bite its tail. Was an “Aha” moment for him. Figured out the ring shape of the Benzene molecule.
Some use this example as the power of the subconscious mind in solving problems.
Saya Dr. Soe Win wrote :
The structure of benzene is indeed a significant discovery in the history of science.
HlaMin 