Science Needs More Women: How Passion and Persistence Drive Cancer Research
The world of science has long been driven by curiosity, perseverance, and discovery. But for women in research, the journey often comes with extra hurdles, including navigating career advancement while facing societal expectations regarding family and fighting for equal recognition. Despite these challenges, many female scientists such as Chien-Shiung Wu in physics, Maryam Mirzakhani in mathematics, and Rosalind Franklin in molecular biology, have made groundbreaking contributions that reshaped their respective fields and continue to inspire future generations.
Cancer Research Malaysia’s (CRMY) scientists, Dr Ngoi Soo Mun and Dr Gan Chai Phei, from the Immunology and Immunotherapy Science Unit, are developing Malaysia’s first local cancer vaccine. Despite challenges in funding and resources, their passion for research drives them to make cancer treatment more effective and accessible. From bringing global expertise back home to balancing scientific breakthroughs with personal sacrifices, their journey is proof that commitment to science can lead to life-changing impact.
Dr Ngoi Soo Mun, Senior Scientist
Dr Soo Mun’s journey in science begin when she went to US nearly 20 years go where she worked in some of the world’s most advanced research environments. Yet, something was missing. She realised that for science to truly make a difference, it had to be brought back to communities where it was needed the most. With that in mind, she returned to Malaysia in 2023 to joined CRMY’s Cancer Immunology & Immunotherapy (CII) team.
Yearly Christmas parties for all students, postdocs, staffs and faculty members.
The Santa Claus is one of her professors
Experiencing research abroad gave her firsthand insight into an environment that embraces challenges, values teamwork and sees setbacks as learning opportunities, perspectives that now shape her efforts in developing Malaysia’s first homegrown cancer vaccine.
“In the US, failing isn’t the end of the world but it’s part of learning. Here, we tend to play it safe because we’re afraid of failure. But if we only do what’s guaranteed to work, we won’t be leading in our field. If we only aim for what we know will work, we’ll never push boundaries.”
Malaysia’s first homegrown cancer vaccine project has the potential to revolutionise cancer treatment. While traditional methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy directly kill cancer cells and can be effective, they often come with harsh side effects.
Immunotherapy, on the other hand, takes a different approach. It trains the body’s own immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. This method not only increases effectiveness but also reduces collateral damage to healthy cells, making it a promising alternative. However, the challenge in Malaysia is to make it both affordable and accessible.
Dr Ngoi won a junior faculty travel award to the Annual Conference of the
American Association of Immunologists at Portland, Oregon post Covid
Another major obstacle in research is funding. In countries like the US, resources for scientific innovation are more readily available. Unfortunately, in Malaysia, researchers often have to do more with less. Moreover, there is a cultural tendency to play it safe rather than take risks in scientific research.
Graduated as a PhD at University of Conneticut. The department threw a party to celebrate her graduation.
Dr Soo Mun’s experience has taught her that progress in science is rarely linear and failure is not just inevitable but an essential part of the process. For her, success isn’t only about breakthroughs in the lab. It’s also about being able to explain complex science in simple terms to friends and family. Because by the end of the day, sharing knowledge and engaging in meaningful conversations make the journey even more rewarding.
Dr Gan Chai Phei, Post Doctoral Scientist
Being a mother is hard. But being a mother while pursuing your PhD is a different level of endurance and sheer willpower. Some would get a panic attack or migraine just thinking about juggling research deadlines, sleepless nights with young children, and the constant pressure to perform in both roles.
Dr Chai Phei and her three kids during Terry Fox Run KL 2024
Dr Chai Phei is one of the few women in science who took on the challenge of balancing a career, motherhood, and family life. She admitted there was a time when she considered stopping at a Master’s degree, wondering if a PhD would be too much with a growing family. But as she progressed in her career, she realised that without it, her options for leadership and independent research would be limited.
Her passion for cancer research began during her university years when she worked on isolating anti-cancer compounds from bacteria. That early experience sparked her curiosity about how diseases function at the molecular level and her desire to develop targeted solutions. It was this drive, combined with her growing understanding of research opportunities, that convinced her to push forward despite the challenges.
“There is never a perfect time to continue your studies. But when opportunities come knocking, you have to take them. Otherwise, you will always wonder, ‘What if?’ So, I pushed through, and looking back, I am so glad I did”.
From left, Professor Dr Cheong Sok Ching, Dr Gan Chai Phei and Dr Lim Kue Peng
Just as she secured a PhD scholarship, life threw her another surprise. She found out she was expecting her third child! Her advice to women navigating work, family, and education? Do not be afraid to ask for help. Lean on the people around you, whether it is family, friends, or colleagues. When things feel overwhelming, it is okay to pause, take a breather, or move forward with small steps, whichever feels right for you. Progress is still progress, no matter how slow. The only real setback is staying stuck.
All those sleepless nights and sacrifices were worth it when her team successfully developed Malaysia’s first homegrown cancer vaccine, now ready for clinical trials after nearly 15 years. Seeing the growing interest from investors and recognition from fellow researchers reinforced her belief that determination and teamwork can turn scientific ideas into real solutions for patients.
Finally celebrating her PhD graduation, a journey filled with challenges, growth, and raising her youngest son along the way. Dr Chai Phei is grateful for the love and support that made this milestone possible!
Outside The Lab & Inspiring The Next Generation of Young Scientists:
Soo Mun and Dr Chai Phei find ways to unwind. Dr Soo Mun enjoys DIY projects, finding creativity in building and fixing things beyond the lab. Dr Chai Phei has taken up gardening, appreciating the patience and care it requires, qualities that also define her scientific work.
Like any breakthrough, science does not happen overnight. It is a long and painstaking process where failures often outnumber successes. But both scientists agree that dedication is key. When things do not go as planned, the solution is not to give up but to adapt, refine and push forward, a mindset they hope to instil in future researchers.
As they continue their work in immunotherapy, they hope to inspire more young women to step into the field, not just as scientists but as leaders and changemakers. Their message to aspiring researchers is simple, stay curious, take risks and believe in your potential. Science needs more women who dare to challenge the status quo.
But scientific progress does not happen in isolation. It needs public support, funding and awareness to create real impact. This is why initiatives like Support Our Scientists (SOS) are crucial. They help bridge funding gaps, ensuring researchers like Dr Soo Mun and Dr Chai Phei can focus on what they do best, saving lives through science.
Every contribution, whether through donations, volunteering or simply spreading the word, brings us closer to a future where cancer treatment is more effective, accessible and less daunting. Make your donation here.