From Presence to Power: How Dr Chan Siok Yee Shapes Global Science

Leadership in science shapes research agendas, influences policy and determines whose voices are heard. Yet women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across scientific organizations worldwide. Dr Chan Siok Yee’s journey from a humble upbringings in Malaysia to international leadership shows how women’s presence in decision-making roles transforms not only their careers but the communities and institutions they serve. Her story embodies the spirit of the From Presence to Power campaign, which celebrates women who lead in science.

Humble Roots, Rich Spirit

I was born into a very humble family, sharing a 700‑square‑foot flat with my seven siblings. From a young age, I learned to live with limited space and resources. Despite these modest beginnings, I was given absolute freedom to explore the things I loved in life. I had the space to choose activities without strict instructions from above. I chose drawing, singing, and occasionally joined dancing. All in all, I grew up in an environment where my mother never enforced who I should be. Instead, she gave me the gift of freedom to discover myself, while demonstrating compassion and affection toward others—values I naturally absorbed and carried forward.

Serve to Learn, Learn to Be

I was introduced to the path of charity by a mentor when I was just 10 years old. This became one of the most precious journeys of service learning. Despite being poor myself, I constantly visited homes for the elderly, centers for children with disabilities, and participated in monthly service at charity units, helping organizations engage with the poor, the old, and the needy. Through these experiences, I was taught the essential value of helping and volunteering as an integral part of my life. As I moved into high school and university, I continued to engage in volunteering, recycling, and environmental protection activities. I witnessed how waste materials could be repurposed and creatively transformed into valuable decorations. Thanks to the freedom and “lack of rigid structure” in my upbringing, I was able to pinpoint my passions through the activities I was involved in. It is this precious journey that has enabled and empowered me to pursue the things I am truly passionate about.

Pharmacy profession as a journey of unleashing self-potential

After completing my university studies, I trained in a hospital as a clinical pharmacist. There, I witnessed the journeys of many lives and came to understand the fragility of human existence. Discipline, compliance, and dedication became the core values instilled in me as a healthcare professional. I continued my studies into a PhD because I believed that enriching myself was the key to breaking the vicious cycle of poverty I had experienced. I was fortunate during my PhD to have great mentors and supervisors who entrusted me with the topic I was pursuing. Once again, I was given the freedom to explore within the field of pharmaceutical technology without confined boundaries. It was not until my second year of the PhD that my supervising team and I narrowed the direction of my research. I ultimately completed the PhD based on the niche expertise I had developed during those first two years of postgraduate study. Reflecting on this journey, I realize it was once again the “freedom” that unleashed a creative scientist, grounded in solid science.

Give Back, Grow Together

Thankfully, with funding support from the Malaysian government, I was able to complete my PhD on time. From the very beginning, I carried with me a plan to contribute back to the nation—a natural instinct to give in gratitude for the opportunities I received. Along my career path, mentors appeared at different stages, guiding and pushing me forward to become who I am today. In the early years of my academic career, I was heavily involved in community outreach activities, in line with my passion. Some of my proudest moments include building homes for indigenous communities, inventing STEM modules for schoolchildren, and sharing green practices with industrial partners. Recognition along the way has been deeply meaningful: being selected as a young scientist attendee at the 18th Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting, participating in Malaysia’s CEO@Faculty leadership program, winning the Asian Young Pharmacy Award in 2019, serving as Science Leadership Chair of the Young Scientists Network Malaysia in 2022, and taking on roles such as Editor‑in‑Chief of the Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy and member of the Global Young Academy. These achievements are the result of continuous support from mentors, family, and peers.

Entering the leadership journey on the international stage—as Co‑Chair of the Global Young Academy—I was entrusted by fellow members to lead initiatives that make an impact on society, just as I had done in science education throughout GYA involvements. In 2025, I was honored to be elected as a committee member for capacity building in the International Academic Partnership (IAP), a role that carries the potential to empower broader populations. These experiences have broadened my perspective on international, transdisciplinary, and cross‑cultural collaboration. This journey has taught me that science is not only about expertise, but also about integrating social and community impact to address pressing global issues.

I am truly thankful for all that has unfolded in my journey thus far, even though failures have always been part of the processes. I have tasted rejection, endured setbacks, and faced laughter and ridicule—yet these experiences have been the key ingredients in shaping the resilient and bold personality I carry today.

Talent shines when it’s noticed

Sharing from experience, it is the “gift of freedom” that one should be given in exploring interest in order of unleashing a potential hidden in oneself. Mentors/catalyst/talent spotter, who is able to assist one’s journey is important for a hidden talent to be seen and shined. How do we know if we are one of the talent scouters? Simply practicing compassion and willingness to help, may post us in a place of potential talent scouters. To us as seniors, it may seem trivial to offer a small gesture of kindness. Yet, to those in need, such a gesture can become a leap in their lives—one that impacts not only them, but also the generations that follow.

To conclude, I remain devoted to continuing my passion for contributing to society and supporting those in need, guided by a rigorous scientific mindset and grounded in compassion.