What if understanding antibiotics could save thousands of lives?
What if sunlight could power the world even after sunset?
What if AI could understand your emotions before you fall into despair?
These aren’t plotlines from a futuristic sci-fi film, they’re real questions being pursued by three Malaysian women scientists, propelled by the l’oréal-unesco For Women in Science programme. Their ideas are bold, their research is alive, and their breakthroughs signal something electrifying: Malaysia’s next generation of women in STEM isn’t waiting for the future, they’re creating it.
RM30,000 That Moves Science Forward
In 2025, the l’oréal-unesco For Women in Science initiative once again went beyond ceremonial recognition. Each of Malaysia’s awardees received RM30,000, not as a trophy, but as a catalyst.
This funding accelerates their research, opens doors to international networks, and equips them with mentorship that most scientists only dream of in the early stages of their careers. The programme has already nurtured 60 Malaysian women scientists, investing over RM1.5 million since 2006, proof that when you bet on women in science, society wins.
Tomas Hruska, Managing Director of L’Oréal Malaysia, framed it best: supporting these women isn’t just about celebrating their accomplishments, it’s about investing in solutions for tomorrow, and for generations that will inherit the world they’re building today.
Meet Malaysia’s Science Trailblazers
| Scientists | Solutions |
| Noorfatimah Yahaya Healthcare & Antimicrobial Resistance | Imagine being critically ill, reliant on antibiotics, and hoping the dosage is just right. Noorfatimah from Universiti Sains Malaysia is making “hoping” obsolete. By pairing eco-friendly microextraction chemistry with machine learning dosing models, she is transforming how hospitals administer ampicillin-sulbactam to severe patients. Her research promises to cut treatment failures, reduce drug toxicity, and fight a growing enemy. that is antimicrobial resistance. Malaysia may soon have its very first therapeutic drug monitoring service for this antibiotic, thanks to her work. |
| Tan Lling-Lling Renewable Energy That Doesn’t Sleep | Solar power works when the sun shines, Tan Lling-Lling thinks that’s far too boring. Her photocatalyst technology stores solar energy by day and continues producing fuels at night. Hydrogen and methane, generated cleanly, sustainably, and at scale: a dream for energy independence. Her innovation could rewrite energy policy, reduce fossil-fuel reliance, and position Malaysia as a pioneer in sustainable, round-the-clock solar power. |
| Nurnadiah Zamri AI for Emotional Well-Being | Mental health isn’t just numbers, but mathematics is helping. At the intersection of fuzzy logic and emotional analytics, Nurnadiah is creating an AI chatbot that feels more human. It screens emotional signals, suggests CBT-based self-help, and connects users to culturally sensitive teletherapy. Accessible, scalable, stigma-free, her research could change the way Malaysians seek help, especially in workplaces and underserved communities. |
A Movement That Inspires The Next Generation
The l’oréal-unesco model operates on a powerful truth: when young women see role models who look like them, doors open. The Fondation L’Oréal’s global initiative has already backed 4,700 women researchers in more than 140 countries, providing not only funding but visibility, mentorship, and purpose. Their “For Girls in Science” extension takes the mission even further, igniting curiosity early, teaching girls that scientific discovery isn’t reserved for a select few.
From analytical chemistry labs to solar fuels to emotional AI, the 2025 Malaysian awardees remind us that science is not a monolith. It is a mosaic of lived experiences, ideas, and bold visions, especially when women lead.
