August is indeed a month of double joy for the Malaysian Chapter of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). Marking its 8th-year milestone in facilitating the advancement of women in the field of science and technology, the relaunch of OWSD paves the way in empowering more women in the industry.

Held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 21 August, the momentous ceremony also witnessed the launch of OWSD’s new logo. In her welcoming address, OWSD Malaysian Chapter chairman and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) lecturer, Professor Dr Lim Yang Mooi, remarked that the Malaysian Chapter will forge a closer relationship with OWSD International (which is now affiliated with UNESCO) to enhance women’s capabilities and contributions in the field of science in developing nations.

“The OWSD Malaysian Chapter aims to facilitate changes in the socio-economic structure, paving the way for women to excel and thrive in Science and Technology,” she added.

Echoing her observation of how women in science still face obstacles and challenges in their  life, Prof Dr Lim further asserted that “with the government pushing for the increase in women involvement across all sectors, OWSD MNC plays an important role to gather women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and engage them through workshops, seminars and networking opportunities.”

And that is exactly what OWSD International aims to achieve — to create an environment where female scientists can flourish and be influential. In addition to the research training and career development for women scientists throughout the developing world, “the membership provides you an opportunity to meet other women scientists and talk about the challenges that you face as women in science in your countries,” remarked OWSD International representative, Dr Tonya Blowers.

Also present at the launch was UTAR Department of Medicine and Health Sciences Dean Emeritus Professor Dr Cheong Soon Keng.