Driving innovative forces among women in science

Front row, from left: Dr Ng Foong Leng, Dr Lim, Prof Teo, Prof Cheong, Prof Aini and Prof Lim with the participants

In conjunction with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Malaysia National Chapter (MNC) in collaboration with UTAR Centre for Cancer Research (CCR) organised the 3^rd Women in Science Forum WIS 2020 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 12 February 2020. The forum received about 100 participants from private and public universities as well as research institutions.

OWSD MNC was officially relaunched on 21st August 2019 by UNESCO-OWSD that is based in Trieste, Italy. OWSD MNC complies to the new policies set by UNESCO that forge closer collaboration with OWSD International to enhance women’s capabilities and contributions in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Themed ‘Women: Break the Barrier of 21^st Century’, this annual forum aimed to bring together STEM women from academia and industry to meet, network, and hear about the research of nationally known scientists and mathematicians as well as to inspire and aspire more women towards greater success.

Gracing the forum were former Universiti Putra Malaysia Vice-Chancellor Prof Datin Paduka Dato’ Dr Aini Ideris, Cancer Research Malaysia Chief Executive Officer-cum-Breast Cancer Research Programme Head Prof Datin Paduka Dr Teo Soo Hwang, Founder and Oncode Scientific Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Dr Lim Su Wen, Fion Poon International Sdn Bhd Founder Fion Poon, UTAR Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Dean Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng and UTAR CCR Chairperson Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi.

Prof Cheong (left) and Prof Lim delivering their speeches during the opening ceremony

Prof Cheong in his opening remark said, “This annual forum is an essential platform to gather women in STEM to inspire and aspire more women for greater success. I hope the participants will take this opportunity to learn from the experts who have been in the respective industry for years and whose expertise will provide much guidance to especially the students.”

Prof Lim said, “This association facilitates the changes in our social-economic structure so that we no longer impede the advancement of women in science and technology. It paves the way for women to excel and strive in science and technology. Having OWSD MNC in Malaysia is very important as gender equality is still an issue that persists until today. This forum is initiated to celebrate and highlight the presence and accomplishment of women in their respective fields while providing a platform for women to share their talents, strength and experience as well as to foster an environment which supports the professional and personal development of women.”

Prof Aini sharing the importance of being confident and preparing to face challenges

Prof Aini presented the first talk titled “Women leaders for tomorrow” where she spoke about women’s roles in society, characteristics of a leader, challenges of women, leadership traits and women empowerment. She said, “Everyone is born a leader regardless of your situation because it is how you bring yourself and attitude to become a leader. When things are given to you, take them as opportunities because you will learn to acquire more skills and knowledge as well as to network with people.” Prof Aini urged the women, “When you face challenges in life, remember never ever give up, as time goes, it will be easier to pass a hurdle to another hurdle.”

Prof Teo speaking about changing one’s mindset to overcome the Imposter Syndrome

The second talk was delivered by Prof Teo with the title “How to write a winning research proposal and scientific manuscript for publication”. In her talk, she taught the participants the key to formulate right ideas for research and to network with people as well as to realise the most important thing aside from leadership traits is being “You”. Prof Teo said, “Each of us is given the equal amount of time in a day, thus, it is important for you to use your time wisely and to make the best out of it to build good connections. I think the biggest barrier for women succeeding in science is changing the self-talk and realising what you’re afraid of and what you are willing to put yourself out there to do.”

Dr Lim urging all women to stay true to being themselves

Dr Lim, who is also a UTAR alumna, spoke about “Personality traits for women entrepreneurs”. Dr Lim spoke about personality traits, success and gender inequality in the corporate world and the situations women often faced. She said, “The first step is not to run away from hardships and problem because the path to wisdom requires one to go through hardship. You need to know your strength and the strength of others so that you do not fight alone. Take time to prove your value and you will shine eventually if you persist. Do not forget who you really are, your original intentions and dreams. Be someone who takes action and be the real you because nothing is worth trading your soul.”

Fion showcasing her Batik and Songket creations

The fourth talk titled “My journey as a fashion designer” was presented by Fion Poon. Fion spoke about her journey of becoming who she is today. Fion said, “I have been in this field for years. My experience of being a designer has taught me that being a designer is everything but an easy job. The path of creation is filled with difficulties. Therefore, each piece of artwork contains the creator’s spirit and effort. Before becoming well-known, every designer has to overcome the doubts and mocks from others as well as hardship and numerous tests in life. It is hard to keep persisting without the passion for arts.”

Lier (right) receiving her prize from Prof Lim

Bachelor of Science (Hons) Food Science Year Three student Lier Inn Suang won the Best Final Year Project Award for her project titled “Effects of Drying Methods on BSFP (Hermetia Illucens) about Nutritional Value, Antioxidant Properties and Physiochemical Properties”. Lier studied the Black Soldier Fly (BSFP) or its scientific name known as Hermetia Illucens for her research. She said, “Currently, shrimps are being used as fish meal but the amount of shrimp is getting lesser in the ocean which may affect the ecosystem. Thus, to sustain the aquafeed, this method provides an alternative way to prepare a fish meal while making sure humans are getting enough Omega-3 and protein source. However, the drying method is very important as it will affect the quality and storage life span of the Black Soldier Fly. The most challenging part is rearing the fly from the beginning stage. I think it is important for students to have patience while they work on their final year project and to be persistent to complete the project.”

Lier who took home a certificate and RM100 cash awarded by OWSD MNC added, “I’m grateful for the opportunity given by my Department of Agricultural and Food Science lecturer Dr Ong Mei Kying. This has indeed opened up my mind and allowed me to do further research in this field.”

Hermetia Illucens

Ongoing discussion among (from left) Prof Aini, Prof Teo and Fion Poon, moderated by Prof Lim (third from left)

Participants during Q&A session

Participants engaging in the forum

Clockwise from right: Prof Teo, Fion Poon, Dr Lim and Prof Aini receiving the token of appreciation from Prof Lim for their utmost support towards the event