Science, an adventure
Quest for knowledge: Nur Alia doing fieldwork in the Antarctica.
From collecting mosquito samples in the neighbourhoods of Malaysia to studying bacteria in Antarctica, Dr Nur Alia Johari’s passion for her work has taken her places and given her experiences that have shaped her into an accomplished young scientist and researcher.
A senior lecturer and the head of IMU University’s Advanced Microbiology Collaborative Research Laboratory (AMCRL), Nur Alia focused her doctorate on dengue epidemiology in Malaysia, researching the interconnected web of risk factors.
During her research, she spent a year collecting mosquito larvae twice a month from households in the Klang Valley. She became such a familiar face in these communities that one of the children nicknamed her “mosquito jie-jie” (sister) while her car, filled with hundreds of mosquito larvae samples, was known as the “mosquito mobile”.
A recipient of the 11th Asian Congress of Paediatric Infectious Diseases Young Investigator Award for her study on Streptococcus pneumoniae among young children in Malaysia, Nur Alia said women are major contributors to science and technology.
“We bring just as much value to the field as everyone else. We are scientists and researchers, regardless of gender, with our own strengths and skills that can contribute to the advancement of science.
“The possibilities are endless. Science has broadened a great deal with rapid advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence and big data.”
Finding an area that you’d like to focus your efforts on takes time, she said.
“Explore what each field involves and see if it suits your interests.
“Once you do, it’s a matter of diving headfirst and turning those ideas into reality. That’s where it gets exciting,” she advised.
Shaping cities
Precious space: Camelia (right to left) with fellow Taylor's University academic and 'Kaki Lima Stories' co-author Dr Lee Sze-Ee and board game designer Goh.
Inspired by her personal interest in the country’s public spaces, Taylor’s University Assoc Prof Dr Camelia Kusumo co-authored a book about five-foot ways.
Published in 2023 and heading for its third print, Kaki Lima Stories captures the essence of life along Kuala Lumpur’s iconic five-foot ways through 31 real-life stories, offering readers a glimpse into the diversity and vibrancy of the city.
Last year, Camelia and her team collaborated with board game designer Goh Choon Ean to develop Kaki Lima Downtown KL, a board game based on the book.
The board game has since been showcased at various board game festivals in Asia and Europe, including Spiel Essen in Germany, the world’s largest public fair for board games.
An advocate for community engagement, Camelia led The Nest Project alongside fellow academics and students to create spaces where underserved children could learn, study and collaborate in a comfortable and conducive environment.
A sustainability enthusiast and an urban designer, she believes women architects bring a unique perspective to city planning, prioritising safety, comfort and accessibility.
Encouraging girls to be confident in pursuing careers in architecture, she said women often design from the inside out, ensuring spaces accommodate diverse needs.
“I hope that future generations of women in architecture and urban design will dare to dream.
“Have the confidence to take the step forward. Don’t be discouraged and always be confident in what you can offer as an individual.”
Redefining education
Knowledge sharing: Puteri Sofia presenting on 'Accessing Sustainability Digital Learning Course' at a United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific forum.
Puteri Sofia Amirnuddin’s efforts to integrate augmented reality (AR), neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and gamification into law education have earned her the President’s Award for Transformative Teaching and Learning from Taylor’s University.
As a woman navigating the intersection of technology and academia, Puteri Sofia has encountered her share of challenges, the biggest being the need to balance professional excellence with societal expectations.
“As much as I’ve embraced my roles with passion and determination, the occasional tug of traditional expectations has been a reality, reminding me that many women in similar positions face similar struggles.”
That said, those challenges have shaped her into a stronger, more determined professional.
“They’ve reinforced my commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for the next generation of women in tech-academia.
“Together, we can break down barriers, redefine norms, and continue making meaningful contributions to our fields.”
Revolutionising cancer treatment
Impactful: Prof Yeong overcoming obstacles by demonstrating the value of her work.
Prof Dr Yeong Chai Hong is making groundbreaking strides in medical physics.
Her interest in nuclear medicine, particularly radionuclide therapy, peaked when she contributed to developing the Radioembolisation Samarium-153 Therapy (REST) prototype, designed to treat liver cancer and metastases.
The project earned the Taylor’s University academic the prestigious International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Young Scientist Award in Medical Physics in 2021, making her the first scientist from South-East Asia to receive the award.
“Our goal is to provide this treatment as a more affordable, targeted and effective alternative to conventional cancer therapies, thereby significantly improving both survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients in our country and region.”
As a woman in a predominantly male field, Prof Yeong said she has learnt to overcome obstacles by demonstrating the value of her work and establishing her expertise through results.
“Throughout my career, I’ve remained focused on delivering high-quality work and ensuring that my contributions speak for themselves.
“Over time, I’ve earned the respect of my colleagues, and these challenges have only strengthened my resolve to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in our field.”
Passionate about mentoring, she encouraged young women to take risks and pursue opportunities, even if they seem daunting.
“Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo, seek out mentors and stay true to your passion. Science and medicine need diverse perspectives, and you can make an incredible impact.”
