For centuries, women around the world have made important contributions to the 
sciences and advancement of technologies. However, their efforts and 
achievements were often not highlighted as much as they deserved. The 
International Women's Day is celebrated globally to commemorate the 
achievements of women while recognising their contribution towards building a 
sustainable future. In conjunction with International Women's Day, Sunway 
University is celebrating its female scientists who have contributed 
significantly in propelling the University towards being among the top cited 
research universities in Malaysia.

In line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No.5 Gender Equality, 
Sunway University has been a pioneer in this sector and have led the way in 
this aspiration through Goal No.4, the power of Quality Education. The 
University has played a leading role in recognising and acknowledging the role 
of female scientists in the University, the nation and the world in addressing 
global challenges and impact.

Sunway University has female scientists across various sectors such as 
Engineering and Technology, Arts, Medical and Life Sciences, Hospitality and 
Service Management, Mathematical Sciences, Business, English Language and 
Sustainable Development. The University's female researchers collaborate with 
experts locally and internationally by applying their knowledge to satisfy and 
advance human needs at the same time ensure planetary health.

Professor Elizabeth Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Education Group, who 
was recently awarded with UN Women 2021 Asia-Pacific WEPs Regional Awards for 
Leadership Commitment said, "SEG as a whole is committed to gender equality, 
now even more so with our commitment to the UN SDGs. Over the 30 years I have 
been here now, it has been amazing to see the increasing number of women within 
our campus community, especially academics, researchers and leaders. We are 
proud of our women researchers who are paving the way forward in the scientific 
community and believe celebrating their achievements will inspire a generation 
of young female scientists for the future."

Sunway University is also committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable 
Development Goals or the UNSDGs, especially goals no. 4 – Quality Education, 
no. 5 – Gender Equality and no. 10 – Reduced Inequalities. The University 
fosters gender equality as part of many efforts to build an inclusive work 
environment, as they believe men and women bring different strengths to the 
workplace. 

Professor Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director of Sunway Centre For 
Planetary Health said, "It is often said that women hold up half the sky. As a 
medical practitioner, with a long humanitarian and development career, I have 
witnessed the courage, strength and resilience among women in different 
challenging settings. I am constantly reminded that where women are respected 
and where gender equality thrives, the entire community benefits from better 
health outcomes, better education, and stronger community bonds. This is why I 
am now committed to advancing the University's mission towards sustainability, 
of both people and planet as one interconnected system – that is planetary 
health. As a woman, I know that change happens when we are collaborative, 
relational, intuitive, empathetic and focus on results, which are inherent 
qualities of feminist leadership."

Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President of Sunway University stated, "For the 
world to step up to a better future, 100% of humanity needs to be involved." At 
Sunway Education Group, women make up more than 65 percent of the workforce, 
including top management roles. Various policies in place including Flexible 
Work Arrangements for Mothers, Anti-Sexual Harassment, as well as Diversity and 
Inclusion ensures both female and male employees' welfare and wellbeing.


SOURCE: Sunway University

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