Grassroots Workshop – Policy on Women’s Leadership in Science, Technology, and Innovation – Malaysia, 2022
In Malaysia, the topic of women’s leadership in science, technology, and innovation was proposed and spearheaded by Associate Professor Dr. Chan Siok Yee. A forum was convened with leaders and experts to explore potential resolutions in this area. The event took place in 2022, alongside the Science Leadership Camp for Young Scientists, hosted by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT).
The forum featured notable leaders, including Dato’ Asma Ismail, Professor Lim Yang Mooi (President of the OWSD Malaysian Chapter), and Professor Leong Wai Yee, a leading figure in engineering who currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at MAHSA University. The session was moderated by Associate Professor Yazrina Yahaya, Deputy Director of AKEPT.
Key highlights from the forum included discussions on courage, legal frameworks, education, decision-making at all levels, economic empowerment, and the emotional and psychological aspects of leadership. These topics were subsequently carried forward into a focus group discussion among young scientists.
On July 11, 2023, a focus group discussion titled “Gateway to Excellence: Myriads” was held at AKEPT, featuring leading experts on policy and women’s leadership. This discussion was part of a leadership training program, and it gathered valuable insights from both male and female young scientists, which were compiled into a comprehensive framework.
These initiatives were made possible through the support of the INGSA-Asia Grassroots Science Advice Promotion Awards, which facilitated this series of events aimed at empowering women in leadership roles within the sciences.
