Celebrating women’s impact in science, education, and urban design

As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, we celebrate women who break barriers and inspire change. At Taylor’s University, three outstanding academics are leading the way in their respective fields—urban design, education, and medical physics. Their journeys serve as powerful reminders that resilience, innovation, and passion can transform industries and impact communities.

Shaping Cities with a Woman’s Perspective

For Associate Professor Dr. Camelia Kusumo, architecture is not just about structures—it’s about the people who inhabit them. Her fascination with Kuala Lumpur’s Kaki Lima (five-foot ways) led to the co-authoring of a book capturing the essence of these spaces. “As an architect and academic, we started producing the book by writing some theories and drawing formal and informal activities that took place in Kaki Lima,” she explains. However, it was the human stories that gave the spaces meaning. Inspired by Humans of New York, she interviewed everyday users of these spaces, culminating in a book that is now in its third print.

Taking the initiative further, she collaborated with board game designer Goh Choon Ean to create Kaki Lima Downtown KL, an educational board game launched in 2024. It has since been showcased in Singapore, Taiwan, and Germany’s Spiel Essen—the world’s largest board game fair.

Beyond research and academia, Dr. Camelia actively engages in community initiatives such as The Nest project, which builds learning spaces for underserved children in low-cost housing areas. “Even with a small improvement in quality of space, we have improved children’s active learning while creating a sense of belonging,” she says.

As a woman in architecture, she sees the field as an opportunity for inclusivity and change. “Women tend to design from the inside out, ensuring spaces accommodate diverse needs. I hope that future generations of women in architecture and urban design will dare to dream. Have the confidence to take the step forward.”

Redefining Education through Innovation

Education is undergoing a digital transformation, and Puteri Sofia Binti Amirnuddin is at the forefront of this movement. Her groundbreaking work integrating Augmented Reality (AR), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Gamification into law education earned her the President’s Award for Transformative Teaching and Learning, making her the first law lecturer in Taylor’s School of Law and Governance to achieve this honour.

“Being the first law lecturer back then to be honored with such an accolade was a moment of immense pride. It signified my efforts to revolutionise how law is taught, making it more engaging, innovative, and impactful for our students,” she reflects.

Her transition to Taylor’s Digital in 2023 further cemented her commitment to reshaping education. “This move, though a substantial sacrifice, aligned perfectly with my passion for digital education. We’re not just delivering content; we’re shaping the future of lifelong learning.”

However, navigating the intersection of technology and academia as a woman has not been without challenges. “Balancing the demand for professional excellence with societal expectations has been a reality, reminding me that many women in similar positions face similar struggles,” she shares. Yet, these experiences have strengthened her resolve. “Together, we can break down barriers, redefine norms, and continue to make meaningful contributions to our fields.”

Revolutionising Cancer Treatment

Professor Dr. Yeong Chai Hong’s work in nuclear medicine is transforming cancer treatment. Her research on radionuclide therapy led to the development of the Radioembolisation Samarium-153 Therapy (REST) prototype, designed to treat liver cancer and metastasis. Her contributions earned her the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Young Scientist Award in Medical Physics in 2021, making her the first Southeast Asian scientist to receive the honour.

“Our ultimate goal is to provide this treatment as a more affordable, targeted, and effective alternative to conventional cancer therapies, thereby significantly improving both the survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients,” she says.

Working in a male-dominated field has presented its challenges, but Professor Dr. Yeong has let her work speak for itself. “Throughout my career, I’ve remained focused on delivering high-quality work and ensuring that my contributions speak for themselves. Over time, I’ve earned the respect of my colleagues, and these challenges have only strengthened my resolve to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in our field.”

She is also passionate about mentoring young women in science. “Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo, seek out mentors, and stay true to your passion. Science and medicine need diverse perspectives, and you can make an incredible impact.” Quoting the legendary scientist Marie Curie, she adds, “In science, we must be interested in things, not in persons.”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Women Leaders

This International Women’s Day, Dr. Camelia Kusumo, Puteri Sofia Binti Amirnuddin, and Professor Dr. Yeong Chai Hong exemplify the power of women breaking barriers and shaping the future. From designing inclusive urban spaces to revolutionising education and advancing cancer treatment, their contributions pave the way for future generations.

Their stories are a testament to the limitless possibilities when women are given the platform to innovate, lead, and transform the world. As Dr. Camelia puts it, “Have the confidence to take the step forward.”