KUALA LUMPUR: The government will continue to support programmes that promote and foster advancement of women in the science field.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid at the L’oreal-Unesco For Women in Science Award said such initiative would help increase participation among women in the male-dominated field.
“Women only account for only 30 per cent of the world’s researchers and only 3 per cent of noble prize winners in science are women.
“The award marks a significant milestone in science community as it is dedicated to women. In our part, we are continuously working towards improving participation in science through the education, especially, the implementation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum.
“STEM is necessary to drive the country fore and that this effort (the award) will indirectly provide a spectre of job opportunities especially in the science-related field.
“The interest of students’ in pursuing STEM-related subjects depend on the curricular and how lessons are carried out. Currently, science field is perceived as unattractive career path. The problem is that there was lack of push for science subjects between lower and upper secondary education level.
“Thus, the government is carrying out initiatives to overcome this through Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and the education blueprints (Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 and Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint 2015-2025).
“While we are focused in building the country in science field, it is also paramount to preserve environment to ensure a sustainable future for the next generation,” he said, congratulating the three Malaysian recipients, who each received RM30,000 grant to pursue their research.
Founded in 1998, the L’oreal-Unesco for Women in Science partnership was established to recognise women in the field. In its 10th year in Malaysia, the research grants were awarded to 35 outstanding women scientists.
One of this year’s recipients, Dr Wan Wardatul Amani Wan Salim from International Islamic University Malaysia, was selected by the panel of jury for her invention of a portable water quality assessment device which was able to measure the amount of pathogenic bacteria E-coli.
She said the idea came about after visiting the flood-hit area Kuala Krai in Kelantan last year.
“There were non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which helped the residents to get cleaner water supply using filtering devices. I asked them if they know whether the water is safe for consumption or if it contained E-coli.
“The device, which I am currently working on is about 70 per cent completed, will be able to measure the amount of E-coli, instead of merely detecting the presence of the bacteria. It will also able to assist organisations in improving their water filtering system. It will take another year to complete it before patenting process.
“Instead of bringing water samples to the laboratory for tests, we are bringing the technology to the site,” said the Assistant Professor in Biotechnology Department.
She said it’s an important trait for scientists to invent things that can be used to help the masses.
Meanwhile, Dr Normi Mohd Yahaya from Universiti Putra Malaysia is researching metallo-beta-lactamase enzyme, which found to have caused antimicrobial resistance, rendering antibiotic medications less effective.
The other recipient is Dr Oon Chern Ein from Universiti Sains Malaysia who is working on a new synthetic compound that could potentially work to complement chemotherapy to treat resistant colon cancer.