Three Malaysian women scientists are turning big ideas into real-world solutions and they’ve got RM30,000 each to make it happen thanks to the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) programme.
Meet the Game-Changers
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Noorfatimah Yahaya – Analytical chemistry whiz at USM, improving antibiotic dosing with machine learning. Her work could make treatments safer, reduce drug resistance, and even launch Malaysia’s first UNASYN therapeutic monitoring system.
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Tan Lling-Ling – Materials scientist redefining solar energy with day-night photocatalysts. Imagine capturing sunlight by day and turning it into fuel by night — sustainable energy goals, unlocked.
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Nurnadiah Zamri – Mathematician & AI researcher, building a hybrid mental health chatbot with emotional analytics and CBT tools. Accessible, culturally smart, and ready to support workplaces and communities across Malaysia.
Why This Matters
FWIS isn’t just an award it’s a launchpad for women in STEM. By funding and mentoring these trailblazers, the programme tackles the gender gap in scientific leadership while inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Since 2006, 60 Malaysian women scientists have been supported with over RM1.5 million and L’Oréal isn’t slowing down.
“By empowering these brilliant women, we’re not just funding research, we’re shaping Malaysia’s science future,” says Tomas Hruska, L’Oréal Malaysia MD.
Big Ideas, Bigger Impact
From smarter healthcare to sustainable energy and mental health tech, these women are proving that science can change lives, not just labs. FWIS is helping Malaysia’s female scientists lead, innovate, and inspire today, and for generations to come.
Discover more: L’Oréal Fondation