Cover Photo: Imran Sulaiman/Tatler Malaysia
Photo: Imran Sulaiman/Tatler Malaysia
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Stem cell researcher and Cell Biopeutics Resources CEO Dr Jezamine Lim shares what motivates her to forge forward despite failures and rejection
A Google search of Dr Jezamine Lim Iskander's name today produces a mixed bag of results. From news stories praising her as the first woman to receive a PhD in stem cell and tissue engineering from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to articles on her efforts to commercialise mesenchymal stem cell therapy research in Malaysia through her startup, Cell Biopeutics Resources, she’s often labelled with trite expressions like ‘beauty and brains’ or ‘girl boss’.
What’s less talked about is how often Lim has faced rejection in her career, or how many people have tried to discourage her from embarking on stem cell research as a master’s student 12 years ago. Despite numerous setbacks, her steely resilience and tough-as-nails work ethic have been a huge advantage.
“I shift really fast in life,” she says. “If Plan A doesn’t work, I fall back on Plans B, C or D. I’ve learned to be resilient, committed and determined, because if you don’t have those qualities as a researcher, you’ll most likely throw in the towel.”
Related: Words of Wisdom From Dr Jezamine Lim and More Inspiring Malaysians
Above Photo: Imran Sulaiman/Tatler Malaysia
Photo: Imran Sulaiman/Tatler Malaysia
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An affiliate of the Young Scientist Network Malaysia, Lim recently launched a wellness brand, Aemis, with her husband Harith Iskander. Aside from advocating for more women in STEM (sciences, technology, engineering and math) careers, she is a research associate at UKM.
“I was just enrolling an international student from Indonesia the other day and she told me she was inspired to do her master’s in stem cell research because of my story. There are many other girls who messaged me on Instagram or Facebook saying, ‘I want to take this path too but I’m afraid. Could you guide me?’ I do what I can to put them in the right direction. I’m glad to see more young women deciding to enter this career."
Lim shares more insights on how women can have more fulfilling careers in science and her hopes for the future of stem cell research in Malaysia.
Why is stem cell research so important to you?
I am passionate about seeing research in healthcare sciences have real world impact. With the right amount of study and research, human stem cells may one day be used to cure patients with degenerative diseases and provide novel therapeutic possibilities for untreatable diseases like critical limb ischemia, peripheral arterial diseases, and osteoarthritis.
What is the impact you hope Cell Biopeutics Resources could have on healthcare?
In Malaysia, stem cell research is still in its infancy. Most academic institutions are still undergoing animal studies or early phases of clinical trials. At Cell Biopeutics, we have completed our Phase 4 clinical trials, meaning we have completed our safety and efficacy studies. There are many opportunities for the development and use of regenerative medicine therapy (RMT) in clinical settings in Malaysia. Vascular-related diseases, auto-immune illnesses, and osteoarthritis, which affects millions worldwide, are just a few of the chronic diseases that can be treated with stem cell therapy.
Our mission is to produce world class mesenchymal stem cell therapy treatments and stem cell by-products for skin, eyes, and hair care. My goal is to provide ethical and legal stem cell treatments, positioning Malaysia as a hub for cutting-edge technology, which will boost medical tourism and hopefully make cell-based therapy more affordable.
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What are your proudest milestones?
I am truly excited that a Malaysian woman-owned biotech startup managed to raise RM40 million in our seed round. Raising funds was not easy. I met so many venture capitalists who doubted me, thinking I was too young. People have said 'no' to me so many times. But I knew I had to see this through if I wanted this company to create impact.
What has your research career taught you about yourself?
It teaches you resilience. I remember one time I had been working on the live cells for about eight months, and they all died. I had to start from square one. You have no time to sulk, you just go back and start again. It taught me how to do things better. It's good practice for life as a scientist, as a mother, as a wife—I learnt a lot about how to grow as a person.
See also: TechSprint Academy Is Malaysia's First All-Women Coding School
Above Lim recently launched a wellness brand, Aemis, with her husband Harith Iskander
Above The hard-working mum of three says there should be more education in Malaysia on the benefits of stem cell therapy
Lim recently launched a wellness brand, Aemis, with her husband Harith Iskander
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Who was your most influential mentor at UKM?
I had the strictest PhD supervisor. It was around the same time that I was pregnant with Zander and throwing up so many times in a single day. Even though my supervisor had five kids of her own, she was really hard on me, to the point where I had no maternity leave. I was back to work in two weeks. It was very hard for me to accept at that time but upon reflection, if I hadn’t gone back, I’m not sure I would have completed it at all. I still keep in touch with her, and she still gives me great advice though she’s retired now.
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Do you think that 'tough love' approach is necessary in this field?
It can either make or break someone. I cried so often alone in my car that I don’t even remember how many times I did it. I’d switch on my music and break down, let it all out, and then be done. After that, I told myself I would hustle and do better than yesterday. Tough love worked for me, but it might not for others.
What advice would you give aspiring female scientists and researchers in Malaysia?
First, speak up when you are overlooked. Second, invest in peer networks. Those of us who aren't outgoing may find networking awkward or transactional. The truth is that fostering connections with people boosts trust, and with trust the relationship produces better accomplishments. And be authentic. Many people believe that one must go above and beyond to fit in at work, but a woman who has succeeded in STEM is one who has likely brought her true self to work, even if she needs to adjust a little for the workplace.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
More self-love. For a long time, life was all about pleasing the people around me and I neglected myself. I missed out a lot on spending time with friends because I was so focused on my business. Even when I’m watching a movie, I would either read a journal on my phone or do some work at the same time. I used to get by on just two hours of sleep. It was Harith who encouraged me to stop looking at my phone after 10am at night and start sleeping before midnight. These little things helped.
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
