Tag: Rangoon University

December 1920 (Talk)
by Hla Min

Updated : Nov 2025

Video Broadcast

Rangoon University

In December 1920, there were three significant events.
- On December 1, 1920, Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College and Judson College as the constituent colleges. The colleges are also known by other names (e.g. Government College, Baptist College)
- On December 5, 1920, the First RU Students’ Strike took place. They protested the 1920 Rangoon University Act as too narrow and restrictive.
- On December 26, 1920, Saya U Ba Toke was born as a Phwa Bet Taw of the above two.
Rangoon University (RU)
- Initially had three Faculties and eight departments (including Law)
- Initially had six professors
- RU gradually extended its offerings (beyond Science and Arts)
- The opening of engineering classes was planned around 1923 and executed in 1924.
- In 1927, the first batch of engineering students (who had Bachelors degree) graduated with the “accelerated courses” option.
- In 1928, the second batch of engineering students (who joined after finishing the I.Sc.) graduated.
- RU was closed from 1942 to 45.
  RU Silver Jubilee was celebrated much later (and without high key).
- RU celebrated the Golden Jubilee (GJ) in 1970. Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor of Civil Engineering) and U Thet Lwin (Burmese saya at the Institute of Economics) were some of the GJ organizers. The RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins took part in the GJ Entertainment Program as “Swel Daw Yeik Troupe“.
  The term “Swel Daw Yeik” became synonymous with RIT [its predecessors and its successors]. Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint (စွယ်တော်ရိပ်အငြိမ့် with Minthamees မင်းသမီး and Lu Shwin Daws လူရွှင်တော်), Htee Yein (ထီးယိမ်း RIT Belles with colorful Parasols) and Da Bin Daing Ah Ka (တပင်တိုင်အက) were hits at the GJ celebration.
  I was a volunteer member of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Hta Yay” subcommittee headed by Saya U Hla Tun Aung (Geography). Those who applied for stalls and/or stage included Actor Maung Maung Tar (promoting his make up) and the then amateur band “Playboys” requesting a high stage (for security concerns).
- RU celebrated the Diamond Jubilee in 1995.
- RU celebrated the “Yar Pyie Ah Kyo” in December 2019. The opening song was “Mya Kyun Nyo” composed by Maung Ngwe Hlinne (Saya U Thet Lwin).
- RU Centennial Celebrations were planned for November and December of 2020.
  Due to the pandemic, many events were held virtually.
  Kyemon and Myanar Ah Lin newspapers featured articles about RU. The TV stations featured interviews, songs …
First RU Students’ Strike
- Eleven “senior” students led the Boycott of the Rangoon University Act of 1920.
- They were unhappy with the restrictions of the RU Act and decided to hold a boycott (strike) on December 7, 1920.
- Due to a news leak, the protests were moved to December 5, 1920.
- The strike resulted in the establishment of Amyotha Kyaung (National Schools) and Amyotha Kaw Leik (National College). The event is celebrated as Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay (National Day).
  The Burmese date (10th Waning day of Tazaungmon) is used for the Celebration.
- Arzani U Razak was an early graduate of the National College. He served as Principal of a National School in Mandalay. He became Minister of Education in Bogyoke Aung San’s cabinet.
- Prime Minister U Nu, United Nations Secretary General U Thant and Ahmyotha Pyinnya Wun / Educator / Writer U Po Kyar are notable sayas from the National Schools.
- The boycott was responsible for the amendments to the RU Act. e.g. opening of schools for engineering and medicine,
- A pillar was set up on Shwe Dagon Pagoda in memory of the Boycott.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke (Dec 26, 1920 – Dec 2, 2020)
- He is one of the oldest and senior sayas. Some senior sayas (e.g. Daw Hla May / Anne Sine) passed away in early 2020.
- Received A.M (Master of Arts in Mathematics) from Harvard University.
- Served as Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer and Professor of Mathematics at RU and RASU.
- Promoted to Rector, MASU.
- With his own volition, he transferred to RIT as Professor of (Engineering) Mathematics.
- As a Saya of engineering sayas (e.g. Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Khin Aung Kyi), he was invited to attend SPZP-2000 and give a speech.
- Saya attended all SPZPs except SPZP-2002 (which he had to forgo due to Sayagadaw’s health).
- Played Chinlon and Soccer.
- Co-chair of RU Sports Council
  Managed the Soccer program.
- Headed the Burmese delegation to the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
- Until his 80s, Saya was active
  (e.g. walk to Shwe Dagon Pagoda with his dhamma friends).
- In his 90s, Saya had physical limitations, but his mental faculty was strong as ever.
- Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) interviewed Saya.
  Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing) transcribed the tapes. The book covering Sayagyi’s Life Journey was published by the RU Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.
- Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy.
Two Sayagyis

U Ba Toke & U Ba Than
- Pu Zaw Pwe (PZP) — paying homage to mentors — is a noble tradition. They are also known as Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
- There have been micro-PZPs, mini-PZPs and grand PZPs.
- Saya U Ba Than (born on October 2, 1930) usually visits and pay homage to his saya Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year.
Paying homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke
- During my visits to Yangon, I paid homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
- On one visit, Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy of “Life Journey of Mathematics Professor Sayagyi U Ba Toke”.
  The book was written by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) based on his interviews with Sayagyi U Ba Toke. It also covers the early Thin Char Sayagyis. The book was published by Rangoon University Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.
- In January 2017, Pansy Ba Toke (Thynn Thynn, ChE 74) asked her son-in-law and daughter to pick up Sayagyi U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut and me at Winner Inn to see her father Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
  Sayagyi had some problems with mobility and vision, but his mind remains crisp and clear.
- Pansy was a member of the Swel Daw Yeik “Htee Yein” at the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee in 1970.She has offered transportation to the Sayas who want to visit her father.
- Sayagyi sometimes defer celebrating his birthday so that his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren — far and near — could join the celebration.
- Sayagyi is pre-deceased by
  his beloved spouse, his second son (Soe Win, 6th out of his 8 children) and his second daughter (Kitty, 3rd out of his 8 children)
U Ba Toke & family
November 2, 2025
Universities and Institutes
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Brief history
- The RU Act of 1920 was passed on December 1, 1920 to establish the University of Rangoon with Rangoon College and Judson College as the constituent Colleges. There were only three Faculties: Science, Arts and Law
- On December 5, 1920, some RU students staged a strike to protest the 1920 RU Act for not being overreaching. The first RU Students’ Strike was later celebrated as “Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay”. The Strike gave birth to National Schools and “Ah Myotha Kaw Leik (National College)”. The Strike also caused the higher authorities to amend the “RU Act of 1920”.
- In 1924, some Faculties (Engineering, Forestry, Social Science and Medicine) were added.
Celebrations
- Due to the war, the RU Silver Jubilee could not be celebrated in 1945. It was celebrated in the 1950s.
- In 1970, the Golden Jubilee of the founding of RU was celebrated. A magazine was published to commemorate the event.
- In Deember 2019, the pre-Celebration for the RU Centennial took place. In 2020, due to Covid, the RU Centennial was celebrated with restrictions.
Positions and Pay Scales
- The list is not exhaustive.
- The pay scales are samples for the early days.
Gazetted Officer
- Those who earn 350 (and CLA) or higher
- 450 (Base Pay) in the newer system
- Promotion, deputation, transfer, and leave are published in the [Burma] Gazette
Selection Grade
- Those who earn 800+ Kyats
- Entitled to buy 10% of salary at “Staff Shop”
Administrators
- Chancellor : Prime Minister or his appointee; U Nu attended Convocations and gave speeches.
- Vice-Chancellor : Chief Justice U Bo Gyi served for two terms at Rangoon University. U Ko Lay (Zeyar Maung) was the Vice Chancellor of Mandalay University.
- Rector : Dr. Htin Aung was the first native Rector of Rangoon University. Dr. Hla Myint, Dr. Tha Hla, U Kar and Dr. Maung Maung Kha were the early Rectors.
- Pro-Rector : introduced in the 80s. U Ba Than Haq was the first Pro-Rector of RASU.
- Principal : in charge of a College; U Pe Maung Tin was the first native Principal of Rangoon College.
- Dean : in charge of a Faculty; U Ba Hli was the first native Dean of Engineering.
- Registrar : U Htin Si and U Yu Khin were the early Registrars of Rangoon University.
Head of Department : (e.g. at RIT in the 60s)
- Large departments are headed by a Professor
- Sub-departments are headed by a Lecturer
- Supporting departments may be headed by an Assistant Lecturer.
Professor : 1300+ Kyats

Associate Professor : introduced in the 80s
(1000 – 50 – 1200 Kyats)
for minimum, annual increment and maximum

Lecturer :
800 – 50 – 1200 Kyats (for Lecturers before the 80s)
800 – 50 – 1000 Kyats (for Lecturers in the 80s)

Assistant Lecturer : 350 (and CLA) – 25 -700 Kyats
and CLA (Cost of Living Allowance) was 89 Kyats (or so)
The “adjusted” pay was 439 Kyats (or so)
So, Assistant Lecturer : 450 – 25 – 700 Kyats (after the period when CLA was dropped)

Instructor : 450 – 25 – 700 Kyats (introduced for the Institutes in the 60s)
The pay scale is the same as Assistant Lecturer.
It takes longer to become a Lecturer.

Demonstrator :
Early days : 200 (and CLA) => 297 Kyats (or so)
Later : 320 Scale
Supervises lab

Tutor :
Early days : 200 (and CLA) => 297 Kyats (or so)
Later : 320 Scale
Supervises lab and/or tutorials

Lecturing Tutor :
100 Kyats additional

Ad hoc Tutor :
Early days : 100+ Kyats

Editor’s Notes :
- For better or for worse, there have been several changes to the Education System. Pro-Rector and Associate Professor were introduced in the 80s.
  Some departments now have several Professors. There are Universities with a single Institute of College. There are 30+ Technological Universities.
- Due to the decline in the buying power of the money, it is difficult for most teaching staff to survive with the salaries (and occasional pay raises). In 2018, a Professor told me that she earned about K5 Lakhs, of which a sizable amount is spent on transportation.
August 22, 2025
GBNF — Sayas
by Hla Min

Updated : July 2025

U Ba Hli

U Ba Hli
- First native Dean to head the Faculty of Engineering of Rangoon University.
Dr. Freddie Ba Hli
- Per request from Sayagyi U Aung Khin, Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (EE, GBNF) wrote about his beloved father for the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000.
- Passed away in his house on U Wisara Road in Rangoon.
- Three Generation of engineers : U Ba Hli (C), son Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (EE, MIT), grandson U Tha Hlaing (EC83)
Dr. Maung Maung Kha

Dr. Maung Maung Kha
- Interim Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University
- Longest tenured Rector : Rangoon University, Rangoon Arts and Science University, University of Distance Learning
- Plays the violin well. Used to accompany Saya U Ba Kyi (famous Artist and “translator/composers of songs”) singing “Hne Yauk Hte Nay Chin De” in Myanmar/Burmese and English
U Yone Mo

U Yone Mo
- Retired Chief Engineer at Burma Railways
- Dean, Faculty of Engineering (then known as BIT)
- Rector, RIT
- Proponent of taking naps to keep one healthy
- Saya U Kyaw Sein experienced the gentle nature of Sayagyi and wrote
- comments under Sayagyi’s photo in the RIT Alumni Facebook Pages.
- Children : David, Elizabeth, Steven, Kyaw Moe (Phillip, M72, GBNF), Esther
U Kyaw Tun

U Kyaw Tun
- Saya of our sayas.
- Worked at Nam Tu before joining the Department of Electrical Engineering
- Continued teaching until his retirement
- Recruited Saya C. Ping Lee to join EE department in 1950.
- “Doctor” Tin Aung Win wrote a short note about his beloved father-in-law.
- Passed away in Burma after visiting his daughter Dorothy in Australia.
C. Ping Lee

C. Ping Lee
- Alumnus of University of Washington
- Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, BOC College
- U Kyaw Tun requested him to join the EE Department
- Former students include Saya U Sein Hlaing (GBNF)
- Dr. Win Aung (M 62) wrote about his father in the “Post Reunion” series of SPZP-2000.
- U Htin Paw (EE 58), U Aw Taik Moh (C54) and Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) shared their memories of their Saya.
- He passed away in Berkeley, CA in 1987.
U Than Lwin (Eric)
- Lecturer, Economics, Faculty of Social Science
- Adjunct Librarian, Social Science Library
- Visiting Lecturer at BIT
U Maung Maung (M.E.E) (B.P.I.)
- Research Engineer with UBARI
- There were several connections between BIT/RIT and UBARI. Some who went for further studies on UBARI scholarship later joined BIT/RIT as full-time or part-time sayas.
U Sein Hlaing

U Sein Hlaing
- Professor of Electrical Engineering
- Alumnus of MIT
- Taught at BIT/RIT until retirement.
- Passed away a few years after retirement.
- Spouse : Sayama Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee (EE, GBNF)
U Kyaw Min (1933 – 1999)
- Eldest son of Wunna Kyaw Htin U Ba Gyaw and Daw Aye Kyi.
- Alumnus of MIT
- Part-time saya at Architecture Department.
- Pen name : “Bi Thu Kar” Kyaw Min.
- EC member of Burma Astro Research Bureau (BARB)
- Passed away at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, the 1st of July 1999 at the Rangoon General Hospital
- He was receiving treatment for a liver ailment since March 1998.
U Tin Hlaing

U Tin Hlaing
- Joined Mechanical Engineering Department after graduating in 1959.
- Received Masters from Purdue University.
- Head, Agricultural Engineering (Sub-Department of Mechanical Engineering)
- Managed the Hockey Team of All Universities & Institutes
- Saya U Aung Khin wrote “A tribute to Saya U Tin Hlaing” for SPZP-2000.
U Win Kyaing

U Win Kyaing
- Received his Masters from the Colorado School of Mines
- Head of Petroleum Engineering (Sub-Department of Mining Engineering)
- Nick name : “Ngu Yin Kong Kee”.
- Spouse : Sayama Daw Muriel Tun Gyaw
Sao Kan Gyi
- Taught English at RIT
- Helped organize the English Debate
- Alias : Tony Mangrai
- Pen name : “Khemarat”
- Siblings : Sao Khemar Wadi (Buddy), Sao Yan Naing, Sao Yan Paing
U Chin Way

U Chin Way
- Saya at EE Department
- Active in SPARK
- Was offered a job promptly by his interviewers after learning that their boss U Tun Aung (Jeffrey, EC68, GBNF) was a student of Saya.
- Passed away in the US.
U Win Maung
- Joined Civil Engineering Department after graduating in 1964.
- Active as a “Lan Zin Lu Nge” Organizer.
Daw Tin Tin Ohn (Amy Thwin)
- Joined the Textile Engineering Department after graduating in 1961.
- She was among the pioneering female engineering students.
- Passed away in the mid-1990s of cancer.
- Her younger sister Daw Ni Ni Thwin (Dolly, T64) also passed away in the late 1990s.
Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee
- Joined Electrical Engineering Department after graduating with EP (Electrical Power) in 1972.
- Head of Electrical Engineering (Power) Department at YIT
- Widow of Saya U Sein Hlaing (EE, GBNF)
- Passed away om Jan 05, 2000.
Deans GBNF
- U Ba Hli (RU)
- Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Interim)
- Dr. Tha Hla (Interim)
- U Po Tha (Interim)
- Dr. Htin Aung (Interim)
- U Yone Mo (BIT)
Electrical GBNF
- U Sein Hlaing
- U Kyaw Tun
- C Ping Lee
- U Tin Swe
- Dr. Freddie Ba Hli
- U Sein Win
- U Htin Paw
- U Ba Nyunt
- Dr. San Tint
- U Chin Way
- U Soe Min
- U Nyi Nyi
- U Thein Lwin
- U Tin Shwe
- U Kyaw Naing
- Daw Mya Mya Than
Civil GBNF
- U Num Kok
- U Min Wun
- Allen Htay
- U Win Maung
- U Myint Soe
- U Aye Win Kyaw
- Madan Chand
Chemical GBNF
- U Khin Aung Kyi
- Dr. Maung Maung Win
- U Kyaw Tun
- Daw Aye Aye Kyaw
- U Ohn Maung
Textile GBNF
- U Maung Maung Than
- U Shwe Yi
- Charlie Kaw
- Dr. Julie Han
- Daw Tin Tin Ohn (Amy Thwin)
- U Hla Shwe
Mechanical GBNF
- U Ba Than
- U Tin Hlaing
- Dr. Chan Nyein
- U Han Tun
- U Khin Maung
- U Myo Win
- U Kyaw Sein
- U Hla Thwin
- S. Arya
- S. Kyaw Aye
- U Tin Maung Oo
- U Thein Tun Aung
Metallurgy GBNF
- U Thit
- Dr. Saw Pru
- Dr. Khin Maung Win
- U Aung Hla Tun
Mining GBNF
- U Soe Khaw
- U Soon Sein
- U Kyaw Tint
Architecture GBNF
- U Tha Tun
- U Kyaw Min
- U Shwe
- Sai Yee Laik
Maths GBNF
- U Ba Toke
- U Sein Shan
- Dr. Saw Tin
Physics GBNF
- Daw Nyein
- U Hlwan Moe
- Daw May Than Nwe
- U Saw Hlaing
Chemistry GBNF
- Daw Than Than
Burmese GBNF
- U Tein Kyi
Political Science GBNF
- U Tha Din
Visiting Sayas GBNF
- U Than Lwin
- U Tin Nyunt
July 20, 2025
Residents of Pagan & Sagaing Road
by Hla Min

Update : July 2025

Residents of Pagan Road

Residence for RU Sayas

Pagan & Sagaing Roads had residence for senior sayas and sayamas of Rangoon University.

Gathering

The original post was by Ma Hta Cho (Rosaline Wun), daughter of Saya U Wun (Minthuwun). The photo was re-posted by Dr. Richard Yu Khin.

The group photo was taken in December 1958. It featured the children of
- Saya U Wun (Minthuwun)
- Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi)
- Saya U Myo Min (Nwe Soe)
- Saya U Yu Khin
Updates
- Most later had M.D and/or Ph.D.
Richard Yu Khin
- Matriculated from MEHS in 1961. Also passed GCE.
- Represented RU and Burma in Yachting at 2nd SEAP Games. Won Gold with U Maung Maung Lwin.
- Left RU to study in the USA. Received Doctorate in Economics from Yale University.
- Passed away in Dallas, Texas.
- Elder sister (Dr. Marie) passed away in Australia.
U Thein Han
- Three daughters are Doctors.
- Dr. Khin Myo Han
- Dr. Khin Hla Han
- Dr. Khin Ohn Han
Saya Zawgyi
- Dr. Khin Myo Han published a book about her father U Thein Han (Zawgyi).
Book about Saya Zawgyi
- The family members, Saya’s colleagues and students created “Zawgyi Prize” and “Ganda Lawka Thingaha Award”.
Minthuwun
- U Nyan Soe : son
- U Htin Kyaw / Dalaban : son
- Daw Hta Cho Wun : daughter
Minthuwun

Book by U Htin Kyaw

U Myo Min
- Dr. Patricia : daughter
- Min Thet Mon (Pamela) : daughter
- Kyaw Myo (Uno) : son
- Dr. Beauty : daughter
U Myo Min
July 17, 2025
University Days (1963 – 69)
by Hla Min

Update : July 2025

Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)
- 2500+ articles in my web site hlamin.com
- Difficult to revise all articles
- Events described here cover my journey as a University Student
- Other events (e.g. 1946 to 1970s, Top Matriculates) are covered elsewhere
1963
- Took Matric Only exam in May
- Most exams were held in March
SPHS63

Hla Min (7th Place)

Collegiate Scholarship
- Paulians had 5 in the Top Five, 7 in the Top Ten, and 10 in the Top Twenty
- Khin Maung U (1st in Burma)
- Min Oo (2nd)
- Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd, GBNF)
- Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, 4th)
- Thein Wai (5th)
- Hla Min (7th)
- Johnny Maung Maung (Aung Kyaw Zaw, 9th)
- Maung Maung Kyi (11th, GBNF)
- Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, 13th, GBNF)
- Frank Gale (Khin Maung Zaw, 17th)
Leik Khone
- Attended last ever I.Sc.(A) class at Leik Khone.
- Following the “Anniversary of 7th July, 1962” events, most classes at Rangoon & Mandalay Universities were closed for an unspecified period.
- Engineering & Medical Classes were spared at that time.
- As a result, those who were a year senior in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us (Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems).
RUBC
- Joined Rangoon University Boat Club.
- Paulian Crew was Runner-up for Senior Novices.
- Maung Maung Kyi (Bow, GBNF)
- Hla Min (2)
- Kyaw Wynn (3)
- Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, Stroke, GBNF)
- Myint Thein (Cox, GBNF)
- We were awarded Full Green.
Maung Maung Kyi

Kyaw Wynn (2nd from Left)

40th Anniversary Gathering
- President Sithu U Tin, VP U Po Zon & U Tin Htoon compiled Souvenir Magazine for the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC
- Due to Security Concerns, the 40th Anniversary Annual Regatta was cancelled
- Sithu U Tin & the Patrons decided to hold the “40th Anniversary Dinner of the founding of RUBC” at Orient Hotel in Kandawgyi
RUBC 40th Anniversary

Burma Institute of Technology
- My elder brother and several sayas graduated from BIT in 1963.
- They were from the second batch of BIT.
- The degree conferred was B.Sc. (Engg).
1964

Education System
- New Education System was implemented in November 1964.
- Most Faculties of the Rangoon University became Institutes with their own Rectors.
- Youth Affairs Department implemented Luyechun (လူရည်ချွန်) Program in the Summer of 1964. Eligible students from 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th Standards were chosen to attend Ngapali Shwe Wah Gyaing Camp in the Summer of 1964.
Rangoon Institute of Technology

RIT Student

In November 1964, three batches of students entered RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology).
- 400+ were admitted to the first ever 1st BE using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA). Zaw Min was admitted as Roll Number One. Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Cho Aye (GBNF), Peter Pe (GBNF) & Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, GBNF) were among the top students.
- 300+ who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) exam were chosen by merit to attend the first ever 2nd BE. I was admitted as Roll Number One. Taing Oke, Kenny Wong, Tun Aung Gyaw, Tin Tun (GBNF) & Thein Swe (GBNF) were among the top students.
- About 200 students who had passed the last ever I.Sc.(B) exam were admitted to the 3rd BE. Tun Aung (Jeffrey, GBNF) was a top student.
RUBC
- Elected Honorary Treasurer
- Had to report to Professor William Paw (President)
- Last Executive Committee member to be elected at the Annual General Meeting
- Served as Vice Captain the following year
- Higher authorities prevented me from becoming RUBC Captain by discarding the Bye Laws and using their ad-hoc rules (e.g. selecting instead of electing Captain)
- My affection for Rowing & RUBC did not wither. I served as Contributing Editor for the RUBC 90th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine in 2013
RUBC Souvenir Magazine

Matriculation
- Cherry Hlaing (Than Than Tin, St. John’s Convent) and Lyn Aung Thet (MEHS) had Joint Highest Marks.
- Based on ILA, Cherry was admitted as Roll Number One to IM(1). Was selected Luyechun in summer of 1965. Grandfather U Hoke Sein & father U Saw Hlaing were First in Burma.
- Lyn Aung Thet had four distinctions and joint Highest Marks. He had lower ILA than Cherry. Scholar Athlete who excelled in Swimming, Water Polo, Tennis & Chess. Was Luyechun in a later year.
- Aung Win Chiong (SPHS64) has the next best raw score. Had perfect ILA score. Admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number One.
- Maurice Hla Kyi (Min Lwin, SPHS64) had the 5th highest marks. Admitted to IM(2) as Roll Number Two.
Maurice & Aung Win

1965 – 1969

Matriculation in 1965
- Bernard Khaw (SPHS65) had four distinctions (with 80+ marks in English) and stood First in Burma. Due to the revised policy (e.g. 3 NRC requirement), he could not apply for professional courses.
  Majored in Chemistry before moving to USA. Retired as a Chemical Engineer & Pastor.
Bernard (Center)
- Maung Aye (SPHS65) had second best raw marks. He and his twin brother moved to USA
- Winston Sein Maung (SPHS65, GBNF) had third best raw marks
- Cherry Than Tin had fourth best raw marks. She was admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (2)
- Yi Thwe (SPHS65, GBNF) had 5th best raw marks. Admitted as Roll No (1) to MC (1)
- Paing Soe (Freddie, SPHS65) had same marks as Yi Thwe.
  Admitted as Roll No (2) to MC (1)
- Forty four Paulians were admitted to MC in 1965. They are from the Last Batch of True Paulians.
Nationalization

Consequences of Coup d’etat include
- End of Democracy
- Nationalization of industry & schools
- Indiscriminate demonetization
- Increased censorship
- With every turmoil (effecting “National Security”), the universities, institutes and schools were suspended.
SPHS
- The schools were nationalized on April 1, 1965.
- St. Paul’s High School became No. (6) Botathaung State High School. Some Brothers left Burma. A few indigenous Brothers remained in Ady Road. Brother Joseph was ordained as Father Joseph.
Luyechun
- Program was extended to include Universitites & Institutes in Summer of 1965
- I attended Inlay Khaung Daing Lu Ye Camp in the summer of 1965 along with Ko Sein Shwe, Khin Than Myint Tin and Zaw Min
LYC 1

LYC 2
- MC(1) sent Cherry Hlaing, Khin Maung U, Anita Aye Pe and Kyaw Sein Koe (Victor, GBNF).
RIT

Eight engineering departments
- Architecture
- Chemical
- Civil
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Metallurgical
- Mining
- Textile
Most departments have associations. The RIT Mechanical Engineering Association was active. Ko Win Thein (M67, GBNF) was a Prime Mover. He co-founded Set Hmu Thadinzin & Mechanical Magazine. He organized activities.

RIT Sports Council was headed by Saya U Maung Maung Than (GBNF). U Maung Maung (Burma Selected in soccer) was Sports Officer. The associations for the various sports were headed by sayas.

Several RIT students were Burma Selected. They include Sai Kham Pan (Badminton) and Htay Aung (Water Polo).

Htay Aung

Saya Mao Toon Siong (former Burma Champion) was National Coach for Table Tennis. He also coached RIT team which won the Inter-Institute Championship.

Saya Mao

Electrical Sayas

EE Sayas
- Electrical Engineering was headed by Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor & Head).
- Senior sayas included U Kyaw Tun (saya of our sayas), U Tin Swe & U Sein Win. All are now GBNF.
- There were about 20 sayas. Five were on deputation for further studies abroad.
- I wrote “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” for SPZP-2010. Sayas U Thein Lwin and U Nyi Nyi have since passed away.
EC and EP

There were two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power). Per advice from the industry, only a quarter of students were accepted for EC.
- 80+ EE students in 3rd BE.
- 40+ EE students graduated in 1969
EE69ers
- EP students outnumbered EC students 3 by 1. Several bright students played safe by choosing EP (which provided a job guarantee).
- We studied EC (Electrical Communications). Twelve of us graduated in 1969.
- Five EC69ers — Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin, Oo Kyaw Hla & Sai Aik Yee — are now GBNF.
- Several years later, EC became Electronics Engineering.
- A few decades later, Electronics Engineering and Electrical Power became full-fledged departments.
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :

AFAIK, EC was the hardest and strictest discipline at the RIT in those days as we’ve been told. Some even asked us why we had to go there. Of course, I am not going to mention the easiest discipline there, but we joked like, “they had 109 students and 110 passed the exam”. I do not mean any disrespect to Sayas and friends from other majors!! At times, it made us wonder why were we there for god’s sake. CRAZY TIMES!!! Indeed.

Volunteer

I served as
- Treasurer & Vice Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club)
- Class Representative, Joint Secretary & Secretary of RITEE (Rangoon Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Association)
- Member of Committee for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”
- Editor of the Bulletin published by RIT English Association
- Member of UTC, Rowing, Scrabble, and Chess Assocations / Clubs
- Free lance writer (articles, poems, translations). My poem “Men on the Moon” was sent to NASA by USIS, and it was published in the Guardian newspaper in July 1969
Men on the Moon

Updates
- Some joined the Faculty. Some worked in the Industry. A few worked for private or family business. Some moved overseas.
- Danny suggested to have a Class Reunion. It was realized as 30th Anniversary of Graduation & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe in 1999.
- I started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” in April 1999. It partially helped to have SPZP-2000.
SPZP-2000 Orgsnizers
- 69er Health Care Fund was established. Ko Aung Min is current Chair. He and his team maintain the finances & activities.
GBNF List
- 69ers hold monthly Breakfast Gatherings (except during the pandemic). They have major Reunions in 1999, 2009, 2014 and 2019.
40th Anniversary (2009)

Golden Jubilee of Admission (2014)

50th Anniversary (2019)

Awards
- Received Alumni Appreciation Awards in October 2000, August 2016 and September 2016.
- Received Distinguished Toastmaster in 2017
Award 1

Award 2

DTM 1

DTM 2
July 13, 2025
Rangoon University Estate
by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

It included the following (with name changes and/or structural changes over the years).
- Rangoon College
- Judson College
- BOC College
- Convocation Hall
- Administrative Offices
- Housing for sayas
- Hostels for male and female students
- RUSU (Rangoon University Students’ Union)
- Sanatorium (Tekkatho Hospital)
- RU Gymnasium
- Tekkatho Dhammayone
- RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club)
- RU Swimming Pool
- Soccer fields
- Tennis courts
- Recreation Center (Chess, Basketball, Table Tennis, Badminton, Fine Arts …)
- Libraries
- Canteens
- …
The Estate was managed by the Estate Engineer and his team.

U Nyo, a philanthropist, was a major donor for RUSU, RU Gymnasium and RUBC. He was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by RU.

RUSU has an important role in the History of Burma. It was the training ground for students, who later shone as regional and national leaders. Sadly, the building was demolished on 8th July 1962.

Sir Arthur Eggar, Law Professor, pledged/donated a third of his salary for RUBC. Monetary support from Dr. U Nyo and other patrons accelerated the growth of RUBC into a reputable rowing club in Burma (and beyond).

In the early days, it was convenient and not so costly to attend RU even for those who do not have scholarships and stipends. In addition to have a reasonably good quality of education (as shown by the high success rate of Burmese scholars), there was ample time and opportunity to participate and excel in sports, hobbies (SPARK, aero-modeling, so-ka-yay-tee, public speaking, debates, …)

RU produced doctors, engineers, scientists, social scientists … who were outstanding for their extra-curricular activities.

It is sad to see students forgoing their dreams because of the need to make “long” commutes and without the choice of “affordable” housing (hostel, …) . It is sad to learn that many students cannot afford the time to participate and excel in sports and hobbies.

A reasonably good “environment / program ” might nurture “Jack of all trades and master of some”.
May 24, 2025