Behind the Purchase Orders, Beyond the Mission
Meet Nur Farehah Azhar, the Procurement Specialist keeping Cancer Research Malaysia moving forward.
When people think about cancer research, they often picture scientists in laboratories making groundbreaking discoveries. What many do not see are the dedicated individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring researchers have everything they need to make those breakthroughs possible.
Joining Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) in November 2024, Nur Farehah Azhar brought with her a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. Like many science graduates, she once imagined a career in the laboratory. Instead, she discovered her passion in procurement, where she combines scientific understanding with operational excellence to support cancer research.
Every achievement starts with the courage to take the first step.
As CRMY’s Procurement Specialist, Farehah manages sourcing, purchasing, vendor management and negotiations while ensuring procurement processes are followed. Supporting multiple departments means that every day brings new requests, new challenges and new opportunities to make a difference.
Although procurement often happens behind the scenes, it plays a vital role in ensuring researchers and programme teams receive the equipment, supplies and services they need without unnecessary delays. From sourcing suppliers and comparing quotations to negotiating prices and ensuring compliance, Farehah helps keep CRMY’s operations running smoothly.
Supporting science behind the scenes.
Her background in Chemistry allows her to better understand laboratory products and communicate effectively with researchers and suppliers. This unique combination of scientific knowledge and procurement expertise enables her to make informed decisions while delivering quality and value.
One of Farehah’s proudest achievements has been helping establish the procurement function at CRMY as its first dedicated Procurement Specialist. While the journey has been challenging, it has also been incredibly rewarding and continues to inspire her to learn and grow.
Teamwork starts here.
Colleagues know Farehah not only for her professionalism but also for her warm and approachable personality. Always ready to lend a helping hand, she is someone many turn to for advice or assistance. Whether answering procurement queries or helping colleagues navigate processes, she does so with patience, kindness and a genuine willingness to support others. It is this combination of competence and compassion that makes her a valued member of the CRMY family.
What Farehah enjoys most about working at CRMY is the supportive and collaborative culture. Although she is not directly involved in laboratory research, she takes great pride in knowing that her work contributes to the bigger picture by enabling scientists and researchers to focus on improving the lives of cancer patients.
Running with purpose, united by hope. Proud to stand alongside colleagues and the community supporting the fight against cancer.
Outside work, Farehah enjoys spending quality time with her family, whether cooking together, sharing meals or enjoying simple picnics. Her personal philosophy is straightforward yet inspiring: every problem has a solution. Rather than dwelling on challenges, she believes in understanding the situation, finding practical solutions and moving forward.
Looking ahead, Farehah hopes to continue growing professionally while becoming the best version of herself both at work and at home. She remains grateful for the support she has received since joining CRMY and looks forward to continuing her journey with her colleagues.
Great conversation doesn’t always happen around the meeting table. Sometimes the best ideas are built over a shared meal.
Every discovery, every research breakthrough and every life touched at Cancer Research Malaysia is made possible through a collective effort. While dedicated individuals like Farehah work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep research moving forward, none of it would be possible without the generosity of our donors, supporters and well-wishers.
To everyone who has contributed to our mission, thank you. Your kindness enables our scientists, researchers and support teams to continue advancing cancer research and improving lives. As we strive to make even greater progress, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Every donation, every partnership and every act of support brings us one step closer to a future free from cancer. Together, we can make a lasting difference.