MALAYSIA’S delegation to Russia, led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof., began its working visit with a stop at one of Moscow’s most advanced scientific exhibition spaces — the ATOM Pavilion at VDNKh — a landmark that fuses cutting-edge nuclear technology with immersive education and historical narrative.
Writing in reflection before his departure to St Petersburg, Fadillah described the experience as “eye-opening”, calling the pavilion not only a showcase of technological progress but also a repository of historical consciousness.
“I was warmly received by Elena Mironenko, Managing Director of the Foundation for Supporting Scientific, Educational and Communication Initiatives ATOM, and Aptekarev Vladimir, Deputy General Director for Shipbuilding, Floating Power Units and Marine Engineering at Rosatom Mechanical Engineering,” he said.
Originally constructed during the Soviet era, the ATOM Pavilion has been meticulously reconstructed into a modern seven-storey science and technology complex spanning over 25,000 square metres. It now stands as Russia’s largest educational facility dedicated to nuclear science, boasting more than 1,700 interactive exhibits.
Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said during the visit, the delegation explored a breadth of nuclear developments, from the early Soviet atomic bomb programme and the launch of Lenin — the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker — to the latest innovations such as the VVER-1000 nuclear reactor.
“The exhibition was visual, immersive and interactive, making the learning experience deeply meaningful and accessible,” Fadillah remarked.
One of the highlights, he noted, was the Atomarium, a hands-on experimental zone designed to teach nuclear physics through creative and engaging methods. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the VDNKh complex from a rooftop observation deck.
Architecturally, the pavilion stands out as a marvel in itself — a futuristic design with floating glass facades and high-tech engineering, symbolising the harmony between technological prowess and aesthetic elegance.
“This visit reinforced my belief that technology, when guided by knowledge, values and responsibility, can be a powerful driver for a future that is sustainable, innovative and globally competitive,” Fadillah added.
The visit underscores Malaysia’s growing interest in advanced energy solutions and marks another step in its evolving dialogue with Russia on scientific collaboration and technology-driven development. - June 27, 2025
