Young Myanmar Researcher Thrives in Dynamic Chinese Academic Environment

A Journey of Growth in China's Academic Landscape

Yin Min Htwe, a former civil servant from Myanmar, has carved out her niche in the academic community of China, currently working as an assistant researcher at the Coconut Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CRICATAS). Situated in Sanya, a picturesque coastal city in Hainan, Yin affectionately refers to China as her second home.

Her journey commenced in 2016 while she was employed in the Biotechnology Department of Myanmar. Upon discovering an opportunity as a visiting scholar in China, she seized the chance. With a PhD in biotechnology from Mandalay Technological University, she applied and was accepted, despite having limited research output at that juncture. Wang Yong, a professor at CRICATAS and Yin's supervisor, noted, "Although her experience was modest, her academic qualifications aligned well with our work, making her a deserving candidate."

Yin’s time at CRICATAS came with its challenges, extending her work hours until midnight occasionally. However, her dedication and rapid execution of tasks marked her as a standout researcher. Her responsibilities included not just data analysis, but also drafting manuscripts and providing feedback, ensuring the seamless progression of projects. Reflecting on her experiences, Yin described her research period as "enriching and transformative," enabling her to enhance her skills in gene mining and data analysis while tackling real-world issues around palm crop improvement.

After three fruitful years as a visiting scholar, Yin transitioned to full-time postdoctoral research. The collaborative and innovative research environment in China resonated with her interests, and she found herself thriving. "The emphasis on applied research here fosters a productive and competitive atmosphere, encouraging researchers to push the boundaries of their scientific fields," she mentioned. Professor Wang expressed confidence in Yin, stating, "She performed admirably during her tenure as a visiting scholar, and we were thrilled to continue our collaboration."

Yin has since demonstrated her capabilities further by being recognized as Class E (full-time) talent by the Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in 2021. Additionally, the research program she leads won the 2024 Fund for Less Developed Regions from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Her academic output includes nine publications in the Science Citation Index, with her modesty shining through as she attributes much of her success to her team’s support. "I’m blessed to have a strong backing from my supervisor and colleagues, and our collective effort is what truly reflects in these publications," she shared.

Beyond research, Yin has embraced life in China and appreciates the warm support she has received. Arriving in Hainan in March 2017, she found herself welcomed by her peers, who guided her through laboratory operations and techniques. "They feel like family to me; their constant support made the transition into a foreign country smooth," she recalled. Likewise, she contributed by assisting her fellow researchers in improving their English.

Since then, Yin has made strides in learning the Chinese language, achieving fluency in Mandarin since she began classes in 2019. "Learning the language allows me to delve deeper into the culture and history of China, and enhances my communication abilities in both academic and everyday settings," she explained.

Yin’s narrative reflects a broader picture of scientific exchange between China and Myanmar. In November, China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) announced the initiation of key projects under the intergovernmental cooperation framework. These initiatives will support 10 programs focused on collaborative research in fields such as agriculture, climate change, and artificial intelligence, backed by a funding pool of 15 million RMB.

The collaboration underscores existing partnerships established through mechanisms like the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center, aimed at technological growth in developing countries, including Myanmar. With continual support, various technological training sessions are organized by Chinese institutions for personnel from these nations.

Yin believes that such cooperative efforts pave the way for knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives, and sharing of advanced technologies. She expresses hope that her dual experiences in Myanmar and China will bridge diverse scientific viewpoints, fostering significant partnerships for future research advancements.