Myanmar
Pre-Jury

Dr. Mya Thein is an accomplished chemistry educator and science communicator with over four decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. He received his degree in Chemistry from Yangon University and held academic positions ranging from lecturer to professor between 1986 and 2009 at Yangon University and several other universities across Myanmar. During this time, he also contributed as a senior scientist in the Polymer Research Department of the Myanmar Science and Technology Department.

Dr. Mya Thein is currently working at Brainworks International School, where he serves as Head of the Science Department. In 2016, he became actively involved with the Goethe- Institut's Science Film Festival (SFF), engaging students in science outreach and supporting global efforts in science communication and education through this prestigious platform.

Since 2016, Dr. Mya Thein has been an active contributor to the Science Film Festival (SFF), serving as a jury member and leading hands-on science activity workshops. His work spans in-person and online formats including during the pandemic and includes regional collaborations through SEADSTEM and workshops for Goethe-Institut volunteers at Brainworks International School.

A passionate proponent of experiential learning, Dr. Mya Thein believes that science is best learned through exploration, observation, and real-world application. At Brainworks, he has spearheaded a variety of student-centred initiatives including annual science fairs, educational field trips, and his signature program, Science This Week- all of which provide students with rich, practical science experiences that go beyond the classroom.

Sa Samuel is a dedicated community leader and educator with extensive experience in youth leadership, media, and communications within the Church of the Province of Myanmar (Anglican). He has held various leadership roles, including Vice-President of the Anglican Young People's Association at the national level and Head of the Provincial Communication Department. Samuel is also an accomplished English language teacher and freelance filmmaker. He holds a B.A. in English, a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies (BARS), and a Master of Divinity. His skills include video production, digital tools, and exceptional support in community service.

Naw Thin Thant Thant Cho is a dedicated educator with a background in Civil Engineering and language teaching, combining a strong technical foundation with expertise in English Language teaching. Holding a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering and a Diploma in TESOL, she demonstrates a diverse range of academic and professional interests.

Since 2015, she has been actively involved in the education sector, teaching various subjects and nurturing students’ curiosity and critical thinking skills. Currently, she serves as a Primary Science Teacher at the Diplomatic School Yangon, where she delivers engaging lessons and conducts hands-on science experiments to enhance students’ understanding and enthusiasm for learning. She is committed to fostering a positive learning environment while promoting scientific inquiry and critical thinking among students.

April @ Hsu Myat Mon is an experienced educator with a strong background in teaching,
academic leadership, and educational administration. She holds diplomas in Educational
Psychology and Higher Educational Leadership and Administration, along with degrees in
International Relations from Yadanarbon University.

She is responsible and accountable for the key roles as Test Centre Administrator at
Chindwin-PSB IELTS Centre and Head of Academic at Soe San International Online Campus.

April is skilled in classroom management, curriculum planning, and academic operations
across both physical and virtual learning environments. She also holds multiple certifications
in teaching, leadership, and project management.

Thu Thu Shein is a filmmaker and producer from Myanmar, and a co-founder of Third Floor Film Production. A graduate of Cinema and Drama from the National University of Arts and Culture, Yangon, she began her career as a video editor before discovering a passion for documentary through Yangon Film School’s inaugural Art of Documentary Filmmaking course in 2005. Her directorial debut,

A Million Threads—a poetic exploration of women in a traditional weaving competition—won the top prize at the Heinrich Boell Foundation’s Documentary Film Competition in 2007 and continues to screen at festivals, universities, and museums worldwide. She later studied Cinematography in the Master of Cinema and Digital Media program at FAMU in Prague. In 2011, she co-founded Myanmar’s first film festival, Wathann Film Festival, a vital platform for independent filmmakers.