KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus has commemorated a momentous occasion with the launch of its inaugural Women in STEM Day, themed “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science”.
Held on 11 February 2025 in conjunction with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the event served as a flagship initiative to amplify women’s voices in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The event united industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and aspiring professionals in a celebration of women’s invaluable contributions to STEM, while exploring pathways to foster greater inclusivity, leadership and innovation in these critical fields.
Gracing the event was YB Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak. In her compelling keynote address, she emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing women’s participation in STEM and commended Swinburne’s leadership in promoting inclusivity.
“It is imperative that we cultivate an environment where women’s contributions to STEM are recognised, valued and promoted. Initiatives like our partnerships with educational institutions and industry players are designed to provide resources, mentorship and support systems that can unlock potential and drive success,” she said.
YB Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah delivers her speech.
In his welcome address, Swinburne Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho highlighted Swinburne’s steadfast commitment to building a diverse and inclusive STEM ecosystem, fostering innovation and empowering individuals to excel in a technology-driven world.
The event featured an inspiring lineup of distinguished speakers who brought a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives: Ms Malseni Jamal, Head of Integration Management Office for the Formation of One Entity Water Supply in Sarawak, Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak; Ms Madiha Fuad, Founder and CEO of Plusvibes; Ms Sim Ko Sin, Chief Digital Officer, Sarawak Energy Berhad; Dr Khairul Hafiz Sharkawi, Head of Research and Product Development, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation; Datin Runi Anak Sylvester Pungga, Head of Research and Development Division, Forest Department Sarawak; Mr Abdul Najib Azhfar Aini, Marketing and Communication Manager, SOCOE HQ; Ms Linda Tan, Founding Member of LONGi Malaysia Sdn Bhd; and Professor Ida Fatimawati bt Adi Badiozaman, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), School of Research, Swinburne Sarawak.
The Women in STEM Day event was made possible through the generous support of key sponsors, including the Ministry for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak, Sarawak Children’s Early Education Development Council (MPAKS), Yayasan Sarawak, Sarawak Energy Berhad and JobSarawak.
Professor Ida expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors, acknowledging their pivotal role in the event’s success. She said, “The theme ‘Her Voice in Science’ underscores the indispensable role women play in shaping STEM fields. Their contributions are vital for driving inclusive and impactful innovation that addresses society’s diverse needs. This event is a call to empower women of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring they have the opportunities and support to thrive in STEM.”
Ts Dr Lee Sue Han, Chairperson of Women in STEM Day, added, “This event aims to inspire action and ensure that women’s contributions in STEM are valued.”
Tokens of appreciation are presented to speakers and panellists.
The event also presented a series of engaging activities designed to inspire and empower participants. Highlights included:
- Flash talks by Swinburne’s women researchers: These dynamic presentations showcased the groundbreaking work of Swinburne’s female researchers, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighting the university’s dedication to addressing global challenges through innovation.
- Keynote speeches on the theme of “Breaking Barriers in STEM & Innovating for a Sustainable Future”: Speakers shared personal stories of resilience, discussed overcoming challenges and emphasised the transformative potential of STEM in driving sustainability.
- Women’s forums:
- “Challenges and Opportunities for Women in STEM”: This session explored the inspirations behind women’s careers, the obstacles they’ve overcome and strategies for creating more inclusive STEM environments.
- “Mentorship and Leadership for Women in STEM”: Panellists discussed the importance of mentorship in helping women navigate their careers and break through barriers, offering actionable insights for developing effective mentorship programs.
Swinburne Sarawak Women in STEM Day not only celebrated the accomplishments of women in STEM but also reinforced Swinburne’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive, diverse and innovative future in the STEM ecosystem. This landmark event set the stage for future initiatives aimed at driving systemic change and promoting equity in STEM fields.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).