Historic Arctic Expedition : Myanmar student aboard Russian Nuclear Icebreaker

Grade-10 student Ma Eaint Thu Thu Khin from BEHS No. 1 Dagon, Yangon Region, participated in the “Icebreaker of Knowledge 2025” international Arctic expedition, organized by Rosatom Energy of the Future.

The 10-day scientific voyage, which began in Murmansk, Russia on August 13, reached the geographic North Pole on August 17, and concluded on August 22 with the team’s safe return to Russian shores.

Ma Eaint Thu Thu Khin was one of 66 outstanding students selected from 21 countries, proudly representing Myanmar aboard the 50 Let Pobedy, one of the world’s most powerful nuclear-powered icebreakers. The program, held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Russian nuclear industry and the 500th anniversary of the Northern Sea Route exploration, aimed to promote scientific excellence and international collaboration in nuclear technology and Arctic research.

Participant, Eaint Thu Thu Khin, Grade-10, BEHS.1, Dagon, said " I’ve always been curious about science, exploration, and how knowledge could connect people with different culture. So, I think this Icebreaker knowledge expedition is a perfect chance for me to challenge myself, to learn deeply and also share idea with others who are just as passionate. I think winning this competition is not just an opportunity, it’s about learning and going as a person.”

Despite her young age and limited exposure to nuclear science, Eaint Thu Thu Khin made a remarkable impression. Her victory in the nationwide “Icebreaker of Knowledge” competition, held for Myanmar students aged 14 to 16, earned her this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent the country on an international platform.

Participant, Eaint Thu Thu Khin, Grade-10, BEHS.1, Dagon, said “The steps that I had to go through to win this competition was ­_ there are three stages: the quiz, the seminar and the video presentation. Before competing in this competition, I had to learn about the possible questions that they will ask. I had to read a lot of stuff. I had to search about nuclear technology. And I’m very honoured to have been a participant in this program, and I can’t wait to share my enthusiasm and my idea with others.”

During the expedition, she actively participated in high-level lectures, interactive workshops, and group projects with her international peers. The program included onboard training sessions on nuclear energy, hands-on experiments, and guided tours of the ship’s reactor and navigation systems. She also attended scientific sessions in Moscow and Murmansk, gaining a deeper understanding of the global nuclear industry and its peaceful applications.

The program’s curriculum, developed by Rosatom’s Corporate Academy, covered topics ranging from nuclear energy and policy to Arctic sustainability and space exploration. Students also witnessed autonomous rover trials designed for planetary missions, jointly developed by Rosatom and Roscosmos, under harsh polar conditions.

Myanmar was one of only three ASEAN countries represented in this year’s expedition, alongside Viet Nam and Indonesia, marking a significant milestone in regional youth participation in global scientific initiatives.