International Women's Day 2023

Following the International Women's Day 2023 theme #EmbraceEquity, A*STAR IHPC's female warriors shared their views and experience working in the STEM field and how working mums manage between work and family. 

Give a pat/hug to the best woman who deserves it!

IHPC International Women's Day 2023

“I believe everyone should have equal opportunities to pursue their passions and achieve their full potential, regardless of gender. Gender equality in STEM is crucial not only for social justice but also for economic growth and innovation. When diverse perspectives and experiences are brought to the table, it leads to better problem-solving and more innovative solutions. 
 
As a woman working in STEM, I am deeply committed to promoting gender equality in the workplace. One thing that I feel very lucky and proud of is that I've never experienced gender discrimination in my work, and my research achievements are equally recognised. It's essential that we stand up for gender equality in STEM, and by working together, we can make a difference.”

Dr Zhao Hui

Scientist, Systems Science

Dr Zhao Hui, Scientist, Systems Science
Wang Binfang, Snr Scientist, Electronics & Photonics
“You can’t have everything you want, but you can have the things that really matter to you.”
– Marissa Mayer, President and CEO of Yahoo

“I am always grateful for being able to work in such a flexible working environment that enables me to have a good work-life balance. When my kids were young, I would spent more time with them, and when they grew up, I could spend more time to develop my career.”

Dr Wang Binfang

Senior Scientist, Electronics & Photonics

"Do not think of yourself, think of others; Think of the future that awaits you, Think about what you can do and do not fear anything!"
- Rita Levi Montalcini, Nobel Laureate, Neurologist."

"The International Women’s Day 2023 theme, #EmbraceEquity highlights the need to deepen our efforts to make equal opportunities a tangible reality. As a woman in STEM, I’m genuinely excited to see what the future will offer us without any barriers that prevent us from actively participating in all the matters as well as from being fully represented in any roles.

Serenella Tolomeo, Scientist, Social & Cognitive Computing

I personally never experienced discrimination or exclusion, and, during my professional career, I was always fully recognised for my contributions and abilities. I am truly committed to stand up for any female colleagues, especially the youngest ones. I am glad that more and more young women are joining us in STEM, but still a minority. Their presence brings diversity of perspective and thought to the field, which is so important for progress and innovation. I believe that everyone in her/his field can succeed regardless of their own gender: hard work, skills and perseverance are what matter most. 

Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women at IHPC and A*STAR! 

Serenella Tolomeo is a cognitive neuroscientist and her goal is to integrate neuroscience and mental health research, using neuroimaging and decision-making measures.

Dr Serenella Tolomeo
Scientist, Social & Cognitive Computing 

Jacqueline Tan, Scientist, Materials Science & Chemistry

“Being a first-time mum is hard but add on the challenges of scientific research and I basically feel like I'm struggling to get by every single day. I think the most important things I've learnt are to take care of myself, surround myself with supportive mentors and having good time management. There are only 24 hours a day and also getting ample rest will help recharge you for the rest of the day!”

Dr Jacqueline Tan

Scientist, Materials Science & Chemistry

“As a researcher in the field of Economics where women make up about 20 to 30 percent, she finds it meaningful and empowering to be a representation of how a woman can belong and thrive in the profession. As more efforts are made to challenge gender biases and to #EmbraceEquity, she hopes that the society we live in becomes truly inclusive, in both outcomes and attitudes towards minority groups." 

Dr Tan is a Behavioural and Experimental Economist who is interested in understanding how human decisions are influenced by social concerns for others. People act altruistically, spitefully, reciprocally, or cooperatively, sometimes at the expense of themselves. Her work focuses on how social preferences are modelled and measured, and the factors affecting social behaviour. 

Dr Charmaine Tan

Scientist, Social & Cognitive Computing

Charmaine Tan, Scientist, Social & Cognitive Computing
Rosmin Elsa, Scientist, Electronics & Photonics

“Embracing Equity is also about embracing the imbalances. Creating a balance, therefore, becomes crucial. Balancing one’s career with family, balancing hobbies with routine tasks or even scrutinising different applications of the same research problem are all examples. As a scientist at A*STAR, one lesson that I have learnt is how to better cope with such imbalances. At the end of each day, an optimum balance is struck which gives me more momentum - to think, to learn, to share.”

Dr Rosmin Elsa Mohan

Scientist, Electronics & Photonics

“Juggling career and family responsibilities has been an ongoing challenge for me, but I have learned to manage by practising constant prioritisation with the support from my family and colleagues. As a woman in STEM, I am grateful for the many opportunities for personal and professional development. However, I have also noticed the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, and a shortage of female mentors to guide women through their career journey. Despite these obstacles, I believe that with more support and initiatives, we can overcome them and promote better gender equity in the workplace. I am hopeful that more women will find a clear path forward and thrive in their career.”

Dr Liu Huizhe
Scientist, Electronics & Photonics

Liu Huizhe, Scientist, Electronics & Photonics
Phang Jia Min, Research Engineer, Materials Science & Chemistry
“As a working mother in a stereotypical male-dominated STEM, I am grateful to be greeted with equal opportunity to contribute dedicated work in the research area of my interest. I feel empowered and connected when the working environment fosters open communication, which is how innovation sparks. I believe that everyone, regardless of gender, should pursue their passion, be confident, and demonstrate that they can accomplish great things in the STEM field.”

Phang Jia Min
Research Engineer, Materials Science & Chemistry