PodCasts
MakerXSpace Girls Inspired STEM Explorers Denmark 2025: A Journey of Discovery
In April 2025, a group of bright young minds from Myanmar embarked on an extraordinary adventure to Denmark. The MakerXSpace Girls Inspired STEM Explorers program took these aspiring scientists, engineers, and innovators on a week-long journey of discovery, learning, and cultural exchange.
Supported by generous sponsors Singapore Airlines and ZADA, Airtumtec, along with Kings Yangon, Network International, and Yangon American International School, this transformative experience aimed to inspire Myanmar's future STEM leaders through hands-on learning, cultural exchange, confidence building, and creating future role models.
The learning experience would not have been possible without the amazing support from the many Danish organisations including Ørsted, Villum Fonden, Lego Foundation, House of Nature Science, High5Girls, Science City Lyngby, Kokkedal School and Udskolingshuset Gentofte.
Organisation supports/sponsors
Our heartfelt appreciation to these supporters and sponsors. Their support made this journey possible.
Their support made this journey possible.
The Facilitators
Ms. Pyae Thiri Thaw
Founder of MakerXSpace
Mr. Andreas Sigurdsson
Director
Ms. No No Thaw
Facilitator
Ms. Hmue Hmue
Facilitator
Ms. Gretchen
Facilitator
The STEM Explorers
May Mon Thel Naing @ Evelyn
Year 8 student at Kings Yangon International School
Avikar
Year 8 student at Kings Yangon International School
Thun Hsu Wadi Myo @ Sofia
Year 8 student at Kings Yangon International School
Shun Thiri Wai @ Suri
Year 8 student at Kings Yangon International School
Nang Mway Phaung@ Alina
Year 8 student at Kings Yangon International School
Lin Leat Shwe Yie @ Angel Lin
Year 8 student at Kings Yangon International School
Hsu Larb Thaddar @ Rosey
Year 8 student at Kings Yangon International School
Myat Thinzar Min Tun @ Alexis Chen
Year 8 student at Kings Yangon International School
Ngwe Thazin Phoo
Grade 8 student at Yangon American International School
Paing Eaidray Kywe
Grade 5 student at Yangon American International School
Kaylie Soh Yee Han
Grade 5 student at Yangon American International School
Nan May Nyunt Sandey Oo
Grade 6 student at Yangon American International School
Yatanar Moe
Grade 6 student at Yangon American International School
Aye Myintmo Maung
Year 10 at Future Kidz International School
Nang Ei Shwe Yee
Year 10 student at Network International School
Shwe Yi Myat Thu
Year 10 student at Network International School
Wint Yati Wai Yan
Year 2 student at Network International School
Program Objectives: Planting Seeds of Innovation
Inspiring Future STEM Leaders
Creating pathways for Myanmar's brightest minds
Hands-on STEM Learning
Building practical skills through immersive workshops
Cultural Exchange
Connecting with Danish experts and students
Confidence Building
Embracing challenges in supportive environments
The program was meticulously designed to provide multi-faceted learning experiences. Through collaborative projects at iconic institutions like LEGO House and Gentofte Makerspace, participants gained invaluable hands-on experience while developing confidence and leadership skills. The cultural exchange component ensured that participants could both absorb Nordic innovation approaches and share Myanmar perspectives, creating a rich bilateral learning environment.
A Proud Moment: Reflections from Our Founder, Pyae Thiri Thaw
"Watching our girls step beyond boundaries, forge meaningful connections, and embrace new challenges has been the most rewarding experience of this journey."
Courage to Explore
The girls quickly adapted to new environments and challenges.
Visible Growth
The transformation in confidence exceeded all expectations.
As founder of MakerXSpace, Thiri's vision of empowering Myanmar's young women through STEM education came to life during this Denmark expedition.
The Journey Begins: From Yangon to Copenhagen
Day 1: Taking Flight
Our adventure began on Sunday, April 6th, as the girls boarded their Singapore Airlines flight from Yangon to Copenhagen via Singapore, generously sponsored by Singapore Airlines.
Day 2: Touchdown in Denmark
After touching down in Copenhagen on Monday, April 7th, the group transferred to Bjerringbro for their first STEM activity at the House of Science.
The excitement was palpable as our young explorers embarked on this life-changing journey. Despite the long flight, their enthusiasm remained high, eager to immerse themselves in the world of Nordic innovation and share their unique perspectives as young women from Myanmar.
First Hands-On Challenges: Igniting Curiosity
Seeds on the Go
Students designed portable seed germination systems, exploring plant biology through hands-on experimentation.
Marble Run Challenge
Teams constructed complex marble tracks using everyday materials, applying physics concepts through creative problem-solving.
Critical Thinking
Challenges required students to analyze problems, test solutions, and refine their approaches.
Team Collaboration
Girls practiced communication skills while sharing ideas across cultural backgrounds.
These initial activities at the House of Science in Bjerringbro sparked immediate engagement. Students embraced the hands-on learning approach, setting a collaborative tone for their STEM journey.
Building Foundations for Creative Thinking
LEGO House Exploration
Our participants discovered the creative potential of LEGO through hands-on exploration at the iconic LEGO House in Billund, engaging with exhibits designed to stimulate innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
LEGO Foundation Campus Tour
The girls gained insights into LEGO's educational philosophy and global impact during an exclusive tour of the LEGO Campus, learning how play-based learning drives innovation across cultures.
LEGO Education Science Preview
In a special opportunity, our young innovators tested unreleased LEGO Education Science products, providing feedback and experiencing cutting-edge educational tools before they reach the market.
Day 3 immersed our participants in the world of LEGO, where they experienced firsthand how structured play can develop critical STEM skills. The day concluded with a personal touch as local students led our girls on a walking tour of Billund, sharing insights about Danish teenage life and creating meaningful cross-cultural connections.

This additional excursion with a bus was kindly supported by Kings Yangon.
LEGO Campus visit
Experiencing Renewable Energy Innovation at Ørsted
Meeting Innovation Leaders
The girls met with Ørsted's innovation team, gaining insights into how one of the world's largest renewable energy companies approaches problem-solving and sustainable development.
Wind Power Immersion
Through state-of-the-art VR technology, participants virtually explored offshore wind farms, experiencing the scale and complexity of renewable energy infrastructure that's typically inaccessible.
Understanding Climate Solutions
The visit provided a comprehensive look at how engineering and innovation can address global climate challenges, inspiring our participants to consider careers in renewable energy.
The morning at Ørsted offered a powerful glimpse into the future of energy, showing how STEM skills directly translate to solving our planet's most pressing challenges. This experience particularly resonated with several participants who expressed interest in bringing sustainable energy solutions back to Myanmar.
Cultural Exchange at Kokkedal School
Our participants engaged in joint problem-solving activities with Danish students, learning different approaches to scientific questions while building cross-cultural understanding.
The activities were designed to highlight both similarities and differences in educational approaches, creating a rich dialogue about learning methodologies.
The exchange provided valuable perspective on different educational systems, with our participants sharing insights about schooling in Myanmar while learning about the Danish approach to education.
This afternoon of collaboration built meaningful connections between students from vastly different backgrounds. Our Myanmar participants gained confidence in sharing their perspectives internationally, while developing an appreciation for the Danish educational emphasis on creativity and critical thinking.
Baking and Bonding at Science City Lyngby
Networking with Science Girls
Eight members of the Science Girls club joined our participants, sharing their experiences as young women interested in STEM fields.
Cross-Cultural Exchange
The kitchen became a laboratory for cultural exchange, with discussions over the making of cakes representing Womens' Fight
The cake-making activity proved to be much more than a fun diversion - it was a clever way to illustrate scientific principles in action while creating a relaxed environment for meaningful connections. Our participants particularly valued meeting Danish peers who shared their passion for science, creating networks that extend beyond the program.
Women in STEM: Learning from Role Models at DTU
Turbulence Research
A female researcher from High5Girls at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) demonstrated her groundbreaking work in turbulence research, explaining complex concepts in accessible ways.
Career Pathways
The scientist shared her personal journey as a woman in technical research, providing honest insights about challenges faced and strategies for success in male-dominated fields.
Practical Advice
Participants received concrete tips for pursuing STEM education and careers, with emphasis on building resilience and finding supportive communities.
This morning session proved particularly impactful as it provided not just technical learning but also addressed the social and personal aspects of being a woman in STEM. Seeing a successful female scientist in her element helped our participants envision potential futures for themselves in research and academia.
Innovation Ecosystem: DTU Skylab
FoodLab Innovation
Exploration of how DTU Skylab supports food-related startups
Startup Ecosystem
Learning about the journey from research to market application
Interactive Science
Hands-on activities at Experimentarium reinforcing theoretical concepts
The afternoon showcased how scientific research translates into real-world applications.
At DTU Skylab's FoodLab, participants learned how universities nurture innovation, seeing the bridge between academic learning and entrepreneurship.
Interactive Science: Experiments Come to Life
Our participants dove into a world of discovery at Experimentarium, where abstract concepts transformed into tangible experiences.
Touching Science
Physical experiments allowed students to feel scientific principles in action, bridging theory and real-world applications.
Collaborative Discovery
Team-based challenges fostered problem-solving skills as girls worked together to tackle complex scientific puzzles.
Making Connections
The immersive environment helped participants connect classroom learning with practical innovation they had seen throughout their journey.
Global Perspective: UN City Copenhagen
Global Challenges
Understanding the nature of worldwide issues like climate change, poverty, and education
Data-Driven Solutions
Learning how the UN develop effective interventions
International Cooperation
Discovering how countries work together to address problems
Local Implementation
Connecting global initiatives to possibilities in Myanmar
The UN City visit broadened participants' perspectives beyond technical STEM fields to see how science and technology contribute to addressing humanity's greatest challenges. The iconic circular building, designed for sustainability, served as a physical example of how design and engineering can align with values of resource conservation. They discussed connections between the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and challenges they've observed in Myanmar, sparking discussions about how their future STEM careers might contribute to national development.
Working in the UN City
Finding Their Voice: Podcast Creation at Gentofte Makerspace
Makerspace Tour
Guided by local students through their creative learning spaces
Podcast Planning
Structuring stories and reflections about the Denmark experience
Recording Session
Capturing thoughts using professional equipment
Knowledge Sharing
Creating content to inspire others back home
The podcast creation activity served multiple purposes: developing technical skills in digital media production, practicing public speaking, and encouraging reflection on the week's experiences. Working in small groups, our participants articulated their most significant learnings and insights, creating a lasting record of their journey.
This project particularly resonated because it transformed participants from passive learners to active creators, empowering them to shape their own narrative about their STEM experiences in Denmark.
Danish Culture: Tivoli Gardens Easter Celebration
Our visit to Tivoli Gardens, the world's third-oldest operating amusement park, provided a delightful immersion in Danish cultural heritage. The Easter celebration offered a perfect blend of traditional customs and modern entertainment, allowing our participants to experience Denmark beyond its technological innovations.
The historic setting, dating back to 1843, contrasted beautifully with the cutting-edge institutions visited earlier in the week, highlighting Denmark's ability to honor tradition while embracing innovation—a valuable perspective for our young STEM explorers.
Personal Discovery: Exploring Copenhagen
Cultural Immersion
The free day allowed participants to explore iconic sites like Nyhavn at their own pace, absorbing Danish culture through architecture, food, and daily life observations.
Independent Navigation
Navigating Copenhagen's streets and public transportation system built confidence and independence, valuable skills that extend beyond the STEM curriculum.
Team Bonding
Shopping and exploration in small groups strengthened friendships formed during the week, creating lasting connections that will support these young women in their future STEM journeys.
This seemingly simple day of exploration represented an important component of the program—allowing participants space for independent discovery and reflection. Many reported that this day helped them integrate their learnings from the structured visits, while the freedom to explore built confidence in navigating unfamiliar environments.
Celebrating Success: Final Reflection
8
Days of Exploration
A transformative week spanning two countries and countless new experiences
12+
STEM Activities
Hands-on learning across multiple disciplines and institutions
25
New Connections
Relationships formed with Danish students, scientists, and industry leaders
18
Inspired Participants
All reporting increased interest in STEM careers
Returning as STEM Ambassadors: The Journey Continues
As our participants boarded their Singapore Airlines flight home on Sunday, April 13th, they carried more than souvenirs—they returned with new perspectives, skills, and the confidence to become STEM ambassadors in their communities. Their journey doesn't end with this program; it transforms into countless new beginnings for young women across Myanmar.
The MakerXSpace Girls Inspired STEM Explorers program demonstrates the profound impact of experiential learning and cultural exchange. By investing in these young women, our sponsors and supporting schools have created a ripple effect that will continue to inspire future generations of Myanmar's female STEM leaders. The seeds planted during this week in Denmark will grow into a forest of innovation, leadership, and positive change.
Girls Inspired STEM Explorers Club: The Next Chapter
The Denmark experience continues at home through our new STEM Explorers Club at MakerXSpace. Our program alumni can join and lead monthly workshops, inspiring the next generation of female innovators.
Applying their international insights while developing leadership skills, ensuring the ripple effect continues throughout Myanmar's educational community.
Peer Mentorship
Program alumni share experiences and lead hands-on STEM activities for younger girls.
Ongoing Projects
Collaborative challenges inspired by International innovation approaches keep learning active year-round.
Community Outreach
Club members become ambassadors, bringing STEM activities to schools throughout Myanmar.
Digital Connections
Regular virtual sessions with partners to maintain international relationships and perspective.