Page 22 - Science@UM365Dec2020

What motivates you to continue to be active and passionate in work and life as a whole?

I guess I like being around people, both young and not so young too. But young minds especially excite
me. They have so much to offer and the challenges they face are in many ways so different and often
even more demanding. Thus, so long as I can in some small way continue to help provide better
environment for them to thrive in, I would like to do so. As a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences (ASM)
and advisor to the ASM-Young Scientists’ Network, I have found a strong platform for such interactions.
ASM is an invaluable think-tank for the government. Over and above all this, I find great joy in knowing
that our nucleus family and extended family continue to care and value our interactions in their lives.
This also means lots of trips overseas and the continued joys of experiencing new and wonderful places,
foods and culture. Such a zest for life as a whole can only continue with The Almighty’s Blessings of
good health for mind, body and soul, yah?

What advice would you give to those who wish to start their career
How do you balance between being a in Science?
scientist, a mother and a wife?
Probably the most crucial factor is to realise that in the future, science
is set to play an even greater role in the world than ever before. As
such choosing a career in science is definitely a solidly correct option.
It is my firm belief that such However, a fundamental proviso for success in science is a thirst for
juggling between various roles knowledge, the ‘whys, hows and wherefores’ of life and all that is
was ONLY possible for me, round us. Science is challenging and will become increasingly more
so, as the boundaries between disciplines slowly become more
because I am blessed with an opaque. So, one would need to be open-minded and ready to absorb
extremely supportive and and tweak ones thinking to keep up and follow new developments
understanding husband and without compromising on the responsible conduct of science. Choose
soulmate. Without his a particular area in science that you particularly like, but be prepared
continuous advice and guidance, to widen your horizons in the course of your career and keep on
learning on the job, while embracing relevant unfolding technologies.
it would have been impossible.
But there was an additional My advice is also to enjoy the Liberal Arts.I have always enjoyed
source of enormous strength literature, music and cultural activities. It is noteworthy that Bill Gates
and support.....my parents and peppers his company’s workplace with board games, easels, music
extended family. The role that instruments etc. He is a firm believer that a creative mind will spark
grandparents and siblings play the flame of innovation and future growth. Yes, don’t ever become just
an absent-minded professor, although perhaps such a person may
in the uphill trajectory for a well be a future Nobel Laureate!! Enjoy life too and work hard to build
scientist, wife and mother is a happy home. Hard-work and discipline are two ingredients essential
immeasurable. I am just so for success…… but today add an additional giddy maxim ‘work smart’,
grateful that I could count on because knowledge is growing at an exponentially giddy rate and
this solid rock for support. must be managed properly. This will surely equip one to forge a truly
successful and happy career in science that should also progress in
leaps and bounds!

S c i e n c e @ U M 3 6 5 2 0