by: Associate Professor Dr. Kuryati bt Kipli
edited by: Ahmad Junaidi bin Ahmad Hadzmy
photos by: Fitzpatrick anak Ricky Guing
In conjunction with this year’s Women’s Day celebration, we interviewed 5 remarkable women about the challenges they face as a woman in their field, what inspires them and their advice to other women who are chasing their dreams.
Have you ever wondered how one can balance the intense demands of academia and research while striving for excellence in multiple roles? Balancing the responsibilities of a lecturer, researcher, supervisor, and leader is no small feat. This journey has been marked by intense demands and the constant challenge of maintaining high standards across all responsibilities. However, through clear goal-setting, effective time management, and a commitment to continuous improvement, I have navigated these challenges successfully. Collaboration with colleagues, seeking mentorship, and leveraging the latest technology have been crucial in managing these roles effectively and ensuring sustained success.
Spiritual and emotional well-being play a vital role in staying resilient and grounded. Faith, self-reflection, and maintaining a strong sense of purpose help me stay motivated and navigate challenges with patience and clarity. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being allows me to continue contributing meaningfully while remaining true to my values.
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors—professors, colleagues, and industry professionals—who have guided and supported me. Their guidance has taught me the importance of resilience, forward-thinking, continuous learning, and the value of empowering others.
Achieving true gender equality requires not only empowering women in the workplace but also recognizing their vital roles in families and communities. Organizations should prioritize inclusive policies that offer flexibility, such as remote work options, adaptable schedules, and supportive career progression pathways. These changes enable women to excel both professionally and personally without having to sacrifice one for the other.
One of my proudest moments was leading a research project on a smartphone-based diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening system. This project advanced healthcare technology and aligned with UNIMAS’ vision of being a ‘Community-Driven University for a Sustainable Future.’ It aimed to improve early detection and accessibility to eye screening, particularly for underserved communities. Contributing to its technological advancements and having its impact recognized in R&D was deeply fulfilling and further strengthened my passion for innovation in AIoT and biomedical applications.
However, the most wonderful moment is seeing the success of my students, both in their studies and careers. Their progress, whether by excelling academically, securing impactful careers, or becoming innovators, reinforces my commitment to teaching and supervision. Knowing that I have played a role in shaping their future career direction and empowering them to reach their full potential makes this journey even more rewarding.
My advice to researchers is to find your ‘Big WHY’—the core reason behind your work. It should go beyond just publishing papers or meeting academic goals and be driven by a genuine desire to solve real-world problems or make a meaningful impact. Once you understand your purpose, align it with the right intention. Having a clear WHY and the right intention will keep you motivated and ensure your research is meaningful, ethical, and fulfilling.
Treat every work task as a chance to learn indirectly. Whether it’s routine duties or challenging projects, approach them as opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. For example, when assigned a new project, focus not only on completing it but also on discovering new methods, technologies, or efficient approaches. Additionally, embrace others’ talents and take it as an opportunity for knowledge sharing. Strive to understand the bigger picture—why the task matters, its impact on the organization, and what can be learned from the process. This mindset makes work more meaningful and ensures constant improvement, even without formal training.
Stay resilient, stay curious, remain consistent in your efforts, and never stop learning. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and like-minded individuals who inspire you. See challenges as opportunities for growth, as they will push you to new heights. Most importantly, trust in your abilities and keep moving forward, because your journey is uniquely yours to shape and define.
