4th Women in Science Forum 2021

The “4th WOMEN IN SCIENCE FORUM”, was held in Malaysia to highlight the achievements of women in science. The National University of Malaysia has hosted this virtual Forum on 4th June at 9.30 am (Malaysia time) and jointly organized by the Institute of Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Malaysia Chapter, with the coordination of the organizing Chair Dr. Lubna Alam, who is serving as the Senior Lecturer at the National University of Malaysia and Executive Committee Member of OWSD Malaysia chapter.

The Guest of Honour of the Forum was Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Abdul Wahab bin Mohammad, The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The Forum was officiated by the Chair of OWSD Malaysia chapter, Prof. Ts. Dr. Lim Yang Mooi and the honourable Director of LESTARI, UKM, Prof. Dato’ ChM. Dr. Mazlin bin Mokhtar. The Forum’s keynote speaker was Datuk (Dr) Hafsah Hashim, currently the SME advisor of Bank Islam, Malaysia. The virtual Forum was also attended by guest speakers Datin Paduka Che Asmah Ibrahim, CEO OrphanCare Foundation, Malaysia; Prof. Datin Dr. Norizan Abd Razak Professor, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities UKM and Dato Dr. Madeline Berma, Fellow, Academy of Sciences Malaysia. In addition, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharmin Parveen, Chair, OWSD Bangladesh National Chapter; Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Sharifah Hafizah Syed Ariffin, Acting Director, UTM Academic Leadership and Assoc. Prof. Sr. Dr. Norngainy Mohd Tawil, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia were involved in forum discussion.

This Forum is an annual activity of OWSD Malaysian Chapter with the collaboration of various universities, highlighting the achievements of women in science. The Forum also provides a platform for women to share their strengths, talents, and experiences and foster an environment that supports women’s personal and professional development. In addition, the Forum enhances scientific communication and networking among participants from various backgrounds. The theme of this year’s women in science forum was “Increasing visibility for female creatives”. The Forum included multiple activities, including presentations by guest speakers, forum discussion, and announcement of the best thesis winner.  Additionally, the Forum had a heartfelt video that showcased the background and success story of OWSD Malaysia chapter.

Report by Dr. Lubna Alam.