Novartis Malaysia champions gender parity in STEM industries

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Novartis Malaysia spearheaded a poignant event underscoring the pivotal role of gender parity in cultivating a cohort of women leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) sectors. The event, titled “Women in Healthcare: Empowering Others to Pay it Forward,” served as a platform to honor the invaluable contributions of women in the healthcare domain.

Gathering a distinguished panel of speakers, the event showcased luminaries such as Dr. Mastura Md Yusof, Head of Oncology Services at Pantai Hospital; Grace Tam, Senior Member and Organisation Partner at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS); Elsie Chang, Head of Novartis Corporate Center KL, and Sheena Fong, Therapeutic Area Head, Oncology, Novartis Malaysia.

Central to the discourse was the theme of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), a foundational framework deeply ingrained within Novartis. Elucidating the pertinence of this theme, the panelists deliberated on the pressing need to motivate and empower young minds, particularly in pursuing STEM education and careers. This dialogue resonates against the backdrop of projections by the World Health Organization, anticipating a deficit of 10 million healthcare professionals by 2030, predominantly affecting low- and lower-middle-income nations.

Empower Women in Healthcare and STEM

Dr. Mastura Md Yusof, a distinguished female oncologist, reflected on her journey, recounting the hurdles she surmounted in a traditionally male-dominated field. She remarked, “At the beginning of my career, there were very few female oncologists. Pursuing this field required trainees to commit to various career and study activities, and it was challenging for women to balance household responsibilities and manage a growing family.” Dr. Yusof emphasized the imperative for women to actively drive change, citing her advocacy for increased female representation in professional spheres.

Grace Tam, an indomitable survivor of advanced breast cancer, shared her perspective, emphasizing the transformative potential of STEM innovations in overcoming societal and medical barriers. She underscored the necessity of exposure to female mentors and tailored programs to ignite young women’s passion for STEM, aligning with WAGGGS’ strategic imperatives.

Novartis Malaysia’s Commitment to Inclusion

Elsie Chang and Sheena Fong, representing Novartis, articulated the company’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace environment and ensuring gender equality in caregiving responsibilities. Chang elucidated, “Our initiatives include removing historical salary data during compensation offers, conducting annual pay equity analyses, making necessary adjustments, and transparently communicating individuals’ pay positions compared to benchmarks.” Fong accentuated the importance of initiatives like enhanced paternity leave for male colleagues, fostering equal partnership in parenting responsibilities.

Mohamed Elwakil, Country President for Novartis Malaysia, affirmed the organization’s unwavering dedication to championing gender diversity and equity. He remarked, “At Novartis Malaysia, 67% of our associates are female, with approximately 55% occupying leadership positions. Our sustained effort in promoting DEI plays a role in attracting exceptional women associates and gaining recognition as a Top Employer in Malaysia for five consecutive years.”

In essence, Novartis Malaysia’s resolute commitment to advancing gender parity in STEM industries stands as a beacon of progress, inspiring a generation of women leaders and catalyzing transformative change in healthcare and beyond.