OBNINSK, July 1 – The State Nuclear Energy Corporation Rosatom organised the Obninsk Tech Summer Nuclear University 2026 in Obninsk, Russia, from 21 to 27 June 2026. The programme brought together young nuclear enthusiasts from various countries to enhance understanding of nuclear science, technology and its applications towards sustainable development.

The Malaysian delegation consisted of three students, namely Bryan Leow Soon Hong from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Sharon Keri Anak Henable from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) and Winnie Ng Wen Ni from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Their participation was fully sponsored by Rosatom, while the selection and nomination process for the Malaysian representatives was facilitated by MyPOWER Corporation, providing the students with an opportunity to gain international exposure and experience the development of the nuclear industry in Russia.

Throughout the one-week programme, the participants visited several key nuclear institutions, including the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, ROSATOM Technical Academy and the Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant. The programme provided comprehensive exposure to various aspects of the nuclear ecosystem through academic lectures, technical visits and collaborative activities.

At the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, participants attended a series of lectures covering the legal and regulatory knowledge required for nuclear specialists. Other lectures focused on advanced communication technologies, including optical and quantum communication, while reactor innovation was highlighted through discussions on small modular reactors (SMRs). Participants also explored leadership and organisational development through sessions on the development of managers for nuclear organisations, as well as emerging biomedical applications through biofabrication. These sessions highlighted that the nuclear field extends beyond energy generation, involving multidisciplinary areas including technology, medicine, environment, agriculture and law.

In addition, participants took part in the HackAtom Project, an initiative aimed at promoting the ObninskTech programme globally. The project encouraged participants to develop creative approaches in introducing nuclear technology and inspiring future participation in the programme.

The programme also included technical visits to the ROSATOM Technical Academy, where participants gained insights into nuclear security systems and the training methods used to prepare professionals responsible for maintaining safety and security within nuclear organisations. A visit to the Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant further enhanced participants’ understanding of the historical development and operation of nuclear power facilities.

During the IV International Youth Nuclear Forum, participants engaged in discussions, networking sessions and knowledge-sharing activities with young professionals and students from around the world.

Reflecting on the experience, I can confidently say that nuclear is not just energy; it is an ecosystem that covers technology, medicine, environment, law, agriculture and many other fields. This programme provided valuable insights into how Russia promotes the peaceful applications of nuclear technology and serves as an example for Malaysia as the country continues exploring its nuclear development pathway.

The participation in the International Youth Nuclear Forum represents an important step in strengthening nuclear awareness among Malaysian youth and encouraging future collaboration between Malaysia and the global nuclear community.