Tag: Steeve Kay

GBNF
by Hla Min

Updated : Oct 2025

Gone But Not Forgotten
- Conventional wisdom says, “Pyauk thor thu shar hlyin tway. Thay thor thu kyar hlyin mae.” ပျောက်သောသူ ရှာလျှင်တွေ့။ သေသောသူ ကြာလျှင်မေ့။ One may find a lost person. One tends to forget those who have passed away.
- Unconventional wisdom says, “We should maintain GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) lists as part of the Written History of our beloved alma mater, our mentors and colleagues.”
- We use GBNF in the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and in my Posts.
  Other posts may provide additional information for the entries in the GBNF (by period or year) posts.
- Others use RIP (Rest in Peace), and BFHA (Bound For Higher Abode)
First RIT Website

U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) set up three GBNF pages on ex-RIT.org web site :
- GBNF for sayas and sayamas
U Ba Hli
- GBNF for alumni
- GBNF for spouses
I used GBNF in the last stanza of my poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” for SPZP-2000. The poem was reprinted as the Back Cover of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2000. It was only reprinted by the Class of 69 and Combined 1st BE intake of 64 and 65.

Poem for SPZP-2000

GBNF for RIT Class of 69

The GBNF list is maintained by U Aung Min (M69) and team.

There are 138 entries in the GBNF list. About 20 succumbed to Covid.

About 320 students entered the first ever 2nd BE in 1964. The list includes a few seniors who took sabbatical in their study and ended up as our classmates. Over 40% of our former classmates have passed away.

69ers GBNF

EE69ers

There were 13 EC69ers. The following have passed away :
- U Kyaw Soe (DCA)
- U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, Schlumberger)
U Aung Thu Yein
- U Chit Tin (MOGE)
U Chit Tin & Maung Kabar
- U Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada)
- Sai Aik Yee
Several EPers are also GBNF. They include
- Khin Maung Win (Sargalay)
Khin Maung Win (Sargalay)
- Thein Swe (3rd BE Luyechun)
- Aung Gyi Shwe (Track & Field)
- Soe Win (Basketball)
- Khin Win (Weightlifting)
- Abdul Rauf
Golden Jubileees

Due to the decline of health of 69ers, the group chose to have two Golden Jubilees : the first in 2014 to celebrate the admission to RIT, and the second in December 2019 to celebrate the graduation of most members in 1969.

GBNF for RIT Class of 70

U Ohn Khine (M70) reported close to 130 entries in the GBNF list of the Class of 70.

Tommy Shwe, Cho Aye, Peter Pe and Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) were among the Top Ten students from the class. They are now GBNF.

Tommy Shwe

Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein)

Cho Aye

Over 450 students entered the first ever 1st BE.

GBNF from PPBRS

Most of my sayas and sayamas from PPBRS have passed away.

U Kyaw Zaw & Daw Khin Khin Aye

Among my PPBRS classmates, Myo Set (son of actor Tha Gaung Gyi) was the first to pass away. He perished in a car accident. Myint Sein (Veda) and Myat Hla Sein (Movie Tech) are among the recent GBNF from PPBRS.

Myat Hla Sein

GBNF from SPHS

Most of my sayas and sayamas from SPHS have passed away. Sayadaw Beatson (Physics, Boy Scouts) is still active and strong.

SPHS Sayas

Among my SPHS classmates, Min Thaw (Gilbert, SPHS63) is among the early ones to pass away. Dr. Myo San (Freddie), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie), Tin Tun, Maung Maung Kyi, Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi), Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung), Aung Chaw (Victor) are among the GBNF from SPHS63.

Myo San (Freddie)

Maung Maung Kyi

Soon Kyaw by Kyaw Wynn

GBNF from UCC & ICST

Several of my sayas, colleagues and former students have passed away.

CO Hla Min (Pauk Si) is an early GBNF from UCC. U Aung Zaw, Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, U Maung Maung Lay (Ah Ba), U Aung Myint and U Maung Maung Gyi are among the recent GBNF from UCC.

Dr. Chit Swe & U Aung Zaw

Dr. Tin Maung & Daw Nge Ma Ma Than

U Maung Maung Lay & U Maung Maung Gyi

CO U Hla Min, U Aung Myint, U Aung Zaw

Relatives
- Dr. “Cherry” Khin Kyi Nyunt
U Tin U, Dr. Cherry, Peter
- Dr. “Peter” Khin Tun
- U Tin Tun
- Daw “Peggy” Than Than Yee
- Dr. Khin Yi Than
- Daw Aye May
- Daw Hla Hla Myint
- Dr. Myo Tint
Dr. Myo Tint
- Saya U Ba Than
U Ba Than
- Daw “Betty” Myint Thwe
Daw Myint Thwe
- Saya U Tin U
U Tin U
- U “Charlie” Thein Han
U Thein Han

Tone Kyaw တုံးကျော်

One should have Samvegha (sense of urgency) after hearing the sad news. When my namesake Hla Min (Pauk Si, SPHS64, EP70) passed away in his mid-thirties, we were shocked since he seemed strong and did not wear jackets (mandated for UCC employees entering the Computer Room). He would often be seen in sport shirts. He passed away with a few months of being diagnosed with liver problem. The consultant doctor was Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64, IM71). Ko Pauk Si was not a drinker, but other causes inflicted his liver. I became a Tone Kyaw when two government departments where I had given Guest Lectures on Computers and Applications tried to send me “Lwan Thu Pan Khwe” လွမ်းသူ့ပန်းခွေ

U Han Sein (C69) became a Tone Kyaw when the Organizers of the 30th Anniversary of Graduation inadvertently listed him in the GBNF list of the Class of 69. The organizers were unaware that U Han Sein was detained by the authorities after the 8-8-88 event. He resurfaced two decades later with the declaration of Amnesty.

Han Sein

Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63) became a Tone Kyaw when his namesake Saya Dr, Tin Hlaing (formerly of Maritime Studies) passed away. Some alumni had to revoke the wrong announcement.

Dr. Tin Hlaing
October 11, 2025
Steeve Kay
by Hla Min

Updated : Oct 2025

Announcement from Chapman University

Steeve 1

Steeve 2

Steeve 3

Highlights
- Thaung Sein
- Attended Hwa Kyone. Sponsored publication of Hwa Kyone Centennial Magazine
- Attended GTI briefly
- Took Language Courses
- Matriculated with Distinctions in Maths, Physics & Chemistry.
- Admitted to 1st BE in Nov 1964 with Roll No. 8
- Graduated with Electrical Communications in 1970
- Moved to USA
- Successful careers as IC Designer, CEO of QTC, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
- Never forgot his Roots, Alma Mater, Mentors & Motherland. He sang “Shwe Mi” at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Special Name
- An administrator entered the name as Steeve (instead of Steve). He appreciated the name for being special.
Education
- MS from Stanford University
- MBA from Pepperdine University
Work & Experience

S 1

S 2

S 3

S 4
- Electronics Engineer : Designer of Power IC Chip
- Co-founder & CEO, QTC Management : His sister Dr. Lay Kay had patents for processing disability claims & requested Steeve to found QTC.
- After private investors showed interest in his company, he retired but continued to lead a multiple-purpose career
- Visiting places of the world’s leading religions
- Incubating projects of young professionals
- Supporting education (e.g. as trustee of UC Irvine & selected Colleges)
- Maintaining diverse business portfolio
- Helping those in need (via Kay Family Foundation & CABA)
- Continue paying back the metta & cetana of his mentors
  as Golden Sponsor of RIT Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwes,
  Helen and Steeve Kay Health Care Fund for the RIT Sayas and Sayamas.
From the SPZP-2000 Archives

RIT Poet Laureate Ko Hla Min:

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

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

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

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

I do appreciate the sensitivity the organizing committee displayed in making this event non-religious and non-political. Otherwise, it would have been very difficult for me to attend. The only regret is that I failed to locate the whereabouts of my buddy Ko Aung Min of Taunggyi (ME 70). I heard he went to Singapore, but so far my search has ended in “no find”.

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

With best regards,
Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein)

Sponsor / Host of Gatherings

Steeve (Center) at Benny’s house

SPZP-2012

Steeve (Center) in Yangon
- SPZPs (starting with SPZP-2000 in US)
- 40th Anniversary of “Arrival in US”
Celebrating 40th Anniversary of Arrival in USA
- Celebrating the Success of QTC
- Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe(s) for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64
- 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015
- Special PZP and Reunion in Yangon (after doctors advised against Long Trips)
Special Reunion & PZP
September 30, 2025
Retire / Re-tire
by Hla Min

Updated : July 2025

Steeve’s Advice

Steeve
- U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70, GBNF) is a Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs.
- He said, “You should not retire.
  You may re-tire (as in re-threading a tire). We will try to support you and your projects.
Retired

I am retired from working to make ends meet.

Re-tiring
- I am re-tiring as long as my physical and mental health permit.
- Took a few on-line courses (for credit)
  Too taxing and slow
  Opted to audit 100+ courses (covering many subjects)
- Listen to one or more Blinkist every day
- Listen to selected Podcasts every day.
- Ride stationary bike for 30+ minutes every day.
- Write or revise 10+ posts every day.
July 24, 2025
Special Meeting on Dec 28, 2016
by Hla Min

Updated : July 2025

Preparation
- U Ohn Khine (M70) took me to the meeting of the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
- Relayed Steeve’s request for a special Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
- Asked help to prepare material for the Gift package to be given at the PZP.
- SPZP-2000 was recorded on a 3-hour tape. I had it converted to a set of two DVDs. U Win Htay & team copied the DVDs to be given to the sayas.
- I was Chief Editor for the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni International Newsletter for SPZP-2000. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) & Henry Lim (Alumnus, Editor of BAPS Newsletter) were Associate Editors. Maurice Chee (M75) was Publisher. U Win Htay & team printed copies of the Newsletter to be given to the sayas.
- Female members of the Combined Intake (e.g. Mai Khin Nyunt) agreed to take care of preparing monetary gifts. Every saya and sayama will receive One Lakh Kyats. Selected sayagyis will receive Two Lakh Kyats.
Event

Speakers

U Hla Min & Benny spoke at the Special Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe hosted by Steeve
- I was the key note speaker.
- Benny spoke on behalf of the alumni.
- U Win Mra spoke on behalf of the sayas and sayamas.
Attendees
- Reserve tables had to be used to accommodate the large number of attendees
- In addition to those from the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65, those who had volunteered for the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas” were also invited
Key Note Address

Welcome to this gathering!

Today is a special gathering organized by the 64/65 intakes and sponsored by the “Steeve and Helen Kay Saya Health Fund”.

Today’s event complements last month’s 64/65 intake held an Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe and tomorrow’s seventh RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.

In addition to paying our respect to the sayas and sayamas, today we would also like to present to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70) an appreciation award for his continued support.

Although Steeve migrated to the US in 1971 to pursue his dreams, he never forgot his roots, his alma mater and his friends.

Over the past 17 years, Steeve has made various contributions totaling $200,000.

Highlights of those contributions are as follows:

SPZP-2000

As you recall, the first ever RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in the year 2000.

It was started by a group of RIT students in San Francisco, among them Ko Benny Tan and me.

I remember when I sent out the invitation flyers, we received a $1,000 check from Ko Thaung Sein.

Later, he donated $3,000 as seed money to assist with fundraising efforts.

Throughout the years, Steeve has supported multiple world-wide reunions and SPZP as a Golden Sponsor.

Health Care Fund

In June 2005, Steeve set-up a $50,000 Saya Health Care Fund administered by U Win Khaing of MES and his administrative committee.

Many saya/sayamas attending today have benefited from that fund.

Steeve also helped to set-up a second fund, administered by the 64/65 intakes, as a supplemental retirement fund for the sayas and sayamas.

MoST Delegation to the US

In May 2013, Kay Family Foundation, a philanthropic foundation set-up by Steeve Kay, sponsored the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) delegation to visit Centers of Excellence in California.

The delegation was headed by the late Dr. Ko Ko Oo and Professor Nyi Hla Nge.

Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles in 2015

Last year, in October 2015, Steeve Kay donated $30,000 in matched funds to hold the RIT in Southern California, Los Angeles.

During the gathering, he sang a Burmese folk song ‘Shwe Me’ to express his feeling towards Myanmar, the land where he spent his youth growing up.

Health Concerns

This year, Steeve Kay’s own health fell ill.

We wish him good health. Instead of attending the RIT Grad Reunion himself, he asked Ko Benny to hold a gathering and Pu Zwe Pwe this year.

Ko Benny consulted with his classmates and decided that December 28, 2016 – the day preceding the Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe – seemed to be the right time.

The classmates, in turn, would like to honor their life-long friend and sponsor of numerous RIT-related activities.

The history of Steeve and his philanthropic work should be recorded and preserved for posterity.

Every saya and sayama will be presented with a gift package from Steeve.

Gift Package
- Short biography of Steeve
- Commemorative issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
- Two-set DVD of SPZP-2000
- CD of photos and articles from SPZP and RIT-related activities
- Monetary gift for each saya and sayama
Event in Three Parts

Today’s event covers three parts:
- Paying respect to the sayas and sayamas who taught the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
- Mini-gathering of the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
- Appreciation award to be presented to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve)
Ko Khin Maung Lay will be the emcee.

Selected sayas and alumni will recall Steeve’s work and their importance and impact to the RIT community.

2015 Reunion in Los Angeles

Hla Min and Benny

Updates
- Steeve had remission for some time.
- He finally passed away.
- He did not complete writing his experiences and thoughts.
July 19, 2025
Donor of $200000+ to RIT-related Activities
by Hla Min

Updated : July 2025

Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70, GBNF)

Steeve 1

Education
- Studied at Hwa Kyone School in Rangoon, Burma.
- Briefly attended GTI (Government Technical Institute).
- Matriculated with Distinctions in Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
- In November 1964, he was admitted as a top Student to RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology) along with Zaw Min, Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Peter Pe (GBNF) and Cho Aye (GBNF).
- Graduated in 1970 with BE (Bachelor of Engineering) with specialization in EC (Electrical Communications).
- Moved to California, USA.
- MSEE (Master of Science in Electrical Engineering) from Stanford University
- MBA (Master in Business Administration) from Pepperdine University
Steeve 2

Experience
- Worked in the Electronics Industry as IC (Integrated Circuit) Designer.
- Per request from his younger sister Dr. Kay, he co-founded QTC and served as CEO (Chief Executive Officer). See Souvenir book for the Silver Jubilee of QTC.
- QTC was acquired for a sizable sum. Became a Serial Entrepreneur & Philanthropist. Founded Eleok, Teehub & Kay Family Foundation.
- Traveled to the Holy Places of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism & Islam to study Comparative Religion.
- Visited prominent historic sites. Tried to trace his roots dating back ten or more generations.
Philanthropist
- Founded CABA (Charitable Alliance of Burmese Associations). A notable CABA donation was to Disaster Relief Fund help the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Burma. Details can be found in the reports prepared by Benny Tan (M70) who served as a CABA administrator.
- Established KFF (Kay Family Foundation) to support a wide range of support. KFF donated to Universities (Stanford, Harvard, UC Irvine …), Research Institutes and Libraries. KFF sponsored the visit of Myanmar Education Delegation to California. KFF provided a Matching Donation of $30000 for the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
- He never forgot his roots. He wanted to show his appreciation for his schools, mentors, classmates and schoolmates.
- KFF sponsored the publication of the “Centennial of Hwa Kyone School” and its Sequel.
- He has donated $200000+ (via CABA and KFF) to RIT-related activities.
- In October 2000, he donated $3000 to the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and became the first Golden Sponsor. He also sponsored the subsequent SPZPs (Saya Pu Zaw Pwes) at Singapore in December 2002, April 2007 and December 2010; at Yangon in December 2004, December 2012 and 2016.
- In 2004, he set up the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas” with a pledge of $50000.
Final Years
- In 2018, he was diagnosed with a medical problem. His doctors recommended to work from home and avoid long travels.
- He requested Benny and me to organize a special Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on his behalf. For details, see my post about that event.
- Started writing books to share his expertise and memories.
- Succumbed to Jara, Byadi & Marana.
Memories

Steeve 3

Steeve 5

Steeve 6
July 19, 2025