Sir U Thwin
Sir U Thwin | |
|---|---|
ဆာဦးသွင် | |
| Born | Thwin 1878 Moulmein, British Burma |
| Died | 1966 (aged 87–88) |
| Nationality | Burmese |
| Other names | The Rice Wizard |
| Occupations |
|
| Spouse | Daw Thein |
Sir U Thwin (Burmese: ဆာဦးသွင်; 1878 – 1966) was a prominent Burmese merchant, philanthropist, and Buddhist lay leader during the British colonial period and the early years of independent Myanmar (Burma). He is recognised for his commercial achievements, his significant contributions to the revitalization and advancement of Burmese Buddhism, and his role in establishing key national institutions.
Early life and education
[edit]Born in Moulmein, British Burma (now Mawlamyine, Myanmar) in 1878 into a prosperous merchant family of Mon descent, U Thwin pursued an early education, successfully completing his FA examination from Rangoon College in 1901.[1] Although he briefly enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program, he soon opted to enter the commercial sector.[1]
Business career
[edit]He commenced his career in rice trading in Rangoon (now Yangon), a field predominantly controlled by British merchants at the time.[1] Despite an initial substantial financial loss, U Thwin persisted. Through astute observation and a deep understanding of market dynamics, he became known as the "Rice Wizard" for his consistent accuracy in predicting rice price fluctuations, which led other Burmese traders to rely on his insights.[1] He subsequently established a rice mill and expanded his diverse business interests.[1]
He is credited as a founder of the Burma Chamber of Commerce (now UMFCCI) in 1919, an organization that continues to represent the private business sector in Myanmar.[1]
Philanthropy
[edit]Sir U Thwin was a devout Buddhist who utilised his considerable wealth to support Burmese Buddhism.[1] His philanthropic endeavors were instrumental in the post-World War II Buddhist revival in the country.[1]
In 1947, he established the Buddhasasana Nuggaha Association in Rangoon.[2] He donated a significant parcel of land on Hermitage Road in Rangoon for the construction of a meditation centre, which would later become the renowned Mahasi Meditation Centre.[2] U Thwin personally invited Mahasi Sayadaw to lead the centre, which subsequently emerged as a pivotal institution for the widespread practice of Vipassana meditation, attracting meditators both from within Myanmar and internationally.[1]
U Thwin was also a key patron of the Tipitakadhara (Bearer of the Tipitaka) examinations, which aimed to preserve and promote the memorisation and comprehension of the entire Buddhist canon.[1] He provided support to respected monks, including Mingun Sayadaw, a highly learned monk known for successfully passing the rigorous Tipitakadhara examination.[1]
Awards and honours
[edit]On 1 January 1941, he was awarded the title of Sir by the British government.[1] The Burmese government awarded him the Thiri Thudhamma Thingaha title in 1950.[1] The King of Thailand also awarded him the Order of the Crown of Thailand.[1]