Inaugural WiSE Program Empowers Women in STEM at IMU University, Persiaran Bukit Jalil
Kuala Lumpur, May 28, 2024 – The inaugural Women in STEM Empowerment (WiSE) program was held at IMU University, Persiaran Bukit Jalil, co-organized by IMU University. The program aimed to create an inclusive ecosystem that brings together industry, institutions, schools, agencies, and corporations to empower women in the STEM field. Themed ‘Cultivating Excellence in Women’s STEM Careers,’ the program attracted approximately 180 participants, ranging from school students to professionals in STEM. Key partners included the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) and Premier Integrated Labs, with additional support from the National Science Center, Anaquin Sdn Bhd, the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia (NAWEM), APU DIGITGAL, and the National STEM Association (NSA).
The program began with welcoming remarks by Datin Paduka Setia Dato’ Dr. Aini Ideris, Pro-Chancellor of IMU University. Opening and partner remarks were delivered by Ir Dr. Nor Ilia Anisa Binti Aris from Leave a Nest and Mdm Nitia Samuel, Chief Strategic Officer of ASM. The keynote address, “Strengthening Women Participation in STEM,” was presented by Professor Datin Paduka Dr. Teo Soo-Hwang, ASM Fellow. Prof. Dr. Winnie Chee, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of IMU University, provided a special sharing session emphasizing the importance of delegation and support systems in empowering women.
Welcoming, opening and partner remarks.
Keynote session and special sharing
During the EmpowerHER Tea Talk, insightful experiences were shared by panellists including Datin Paduka Setia Dato’ Dr. Aini Ideris (IMU University Pro-Chancellor), Assoc. Prof. Eur. Ing. Ts. Ir. Dr. Syuhaida Binti Ismail (Director of Research, MIMA and Chairman of IEM Women Engineers), and Dr. Roziana Ariffin (Consultant Cytogeneticist & Molecular Pathologist at Premier Integrated Labs). The session, moderated by Dr. Yuko Ueno, Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, focused on “Radiant Minds and Resilient Futures in the Professional Sphere.”
The honourable guests were then escorted on a tour of the exhibition, which featured 23 booths from startups, corporations, agencies, and institutions.
Following the lunch break, concurrent workshops were conducted across different tracks:
- Women in STEM: Hosted by the National Science Center, focusing on building a solar car.
- Academy of Sciences Malaysia: Hosting a forum on “Empowering Women to Thrive in STEM Fields.”
- Career Development: APU DIGITGAL guided participants on navigating career choices in a dynamic world.
- Beauty and Health: Anaquin Sdn Bhd led a workshop on DIY masks, facial massage, and natural skincare awareness.
- Entrepreneurship: Hosted by NAWEM.
Other highlighted activities included a showcase by the National Science Center's “Trooperz on the Move”, partner’s presentation, and health checks provided by IMU University.
The program concluded at 4:30 PM with closing remarks by Mr. Abdul Hakim Sahidi, Managing Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia, followed by a token of appreciation to the partners.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all partners, speakers, exhibitors, and participants for making the inaugural WiSE program a success.