SCIENCE isn’t just about discovery — it’s about impact. Prof Ts Dr Shanti Faridah Salleh, director of the Institute of Sustainable and Renewable Energy at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, is turning knowledge into action, championing sustainability and women in STEM.
In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Sarawak Tribune spoke with her about the power of science and its future.
Sarawak Tribune: What inspired you to pursue a career in science, and was there a defining moment that solidified your path?
Shanti: Curiosity has always been my driving force. To me, science is the language of innovation — the key to turning the impossible into reality. Growing up, I was fascinated by how chemistry, physics, and engineering shape our world. But my defining moment came when I realised science was’n’t just about discovery; it was about impact.
Studying sustainability and energy through my bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD opened my eyes to how science could transform economies, uplift communities, and combat climate change. That’s when I knew — my mission was to bridge scientific knowledge with real-world solutions, ensuring innovation served both people and the planet.
Science isn’t confined to labs; it’s woven into daily life. Cooking relies on chemistry, while washing machines, public transport, and energy-efficient buildings exist because of scientific advancements. Once we see science as the invisible force shaping our world, it’s clear — it’s not just a career, but a necessity for progress.
What’s one systemic issue in academia or the STEM industry that still holds women back today?
Nothing should hold women back. I say this because, in my own journey, I’ve been judged by my capability, not my gender. Opportunities came my way based on what I contributed — not outdated assumptions about what I could or couldn’t do as a woman. I am one of the lucky few — recognised for my ability, not my limitations.
But the bigger picture tells a different story. Women make up just 29.2 per cent of the global STEM workforce, and in the Asia-Pacific, only 23.9 per cent of researchers are women — both below the global average (UNDP, 2023). In Malaysia, 57 per cent of science degree holders and 29 per cent of engineering graduates are women, yet only six per cent remain in the industry as professional engineers (JurisTech, 2023).
A key barrier is leadership. Women in STEM don’t lack talent — they face an invisible ceiling, with major decisions still concentrated in the hands of a few. Unconscious bias persists, assuming women will “opt out” due to family commitments or lack the assertiveness to lead.
The narrative must change. Women don’t need to prove they’re as capable as men — we already are. The real question is, are organisations ready to evolve? True equity isn’t just about hiring women; it’s about mentoring, sponsoring, and championing them for leadership. That’s how we fix the system — from within.
Many girls lose interest in science during their teenage years. What do you think can be done to keep them engaged?
We must change how we teach, inspire and connect STEM to girls’ passions. They don’t lose interest because science is too hard — they lose interest because they stop seeing where they fit in.
According to the ASEAN Policy Brief on Women in STEM (2022), girls in the region outperform boys in math and science, yet this rarely translates into STEM careers. Interest is high at ages 12 to 14, but by 17 to 19, only 12 per cent continue in STEM. The main reasons? A lack of female role models, limited career guidance and the perception that STEM isn’t for them.
We need real-world storytelling — showcasing female scientists, engineers, and innovators who are making a difference.
Imagine if every school had guest lectures from women in STEM, hands-on science challenges, or digital platforms where girls could connect with mentors globally. Science should be taught as a superpower — one that solves crises, builds industries, and shapes the future.
To keep girls engaged, we must make science relatable by linking it to real-world impact, increase exposure through mentorship, provide hands-on experiences like coding bootcamps and competitions, create inclusive environments that challenge stereotypes, and leverage digital platforms to connect them with global STEM leaders. And it all needs to start early.
If you could create a global initiative to support women in STEM, what would it focus on and why?
I would launch WOMEN STEM: Innovation Without Limits, a self-sustaining initiative that empowers women to own, shape, and lead STEM industries. Instead of relying on traditional systems, it creates new pathways for women to monetise their expertise, influence policy, and drive real-world impact.
The initiative focuses on three pillars:
• WOMEN STEM Exchange – An AI-powered platform where women scientists and engineers can monetise research, patents, and innovations, directly connecting with investors, universities, and industries.
• WOMEN STEM Living Labs – Hands-on innovation hubs where women tackle real-world challenges in renewable energy, climate resilience, and AI while building leadership experience.
• WOMEN STEM GovLink – A policy and leadership platform ensuring women have a voice in shaping national and global STEM policies.
If science had no funding limits, what dream research project would you pursue?
I would champion the Global Green Solutions Initiative — not just another sustainability project, but a bold transformation making green technologies a right, not a luxury — accessible, affordable, and scalable for all.
With unlimited funding, this isn’t about small changes; it’s about rewiring how we produce, consume, and govern energy.
My focus would be on three game-changing pillars:
• Universal Access to Green Energy — Scaling renewable hydrogen, solar, and wind until they’re cheaper than fossil fuels, ensuring no nation is left behind.
• Science-Driven Policy & Governance — Embedding science at the heart of decision-making, making green energy the default choice for industries, cities, and governments.
• A Circular Green Economy — Ending the take-make-waste model by creating a closed-loop system where waste fuels energy, energy drives efficiency, and efficiency becomes the norm.
Because when science leads, progress isn’t just possible — it’s inevitable.
