Cover Ho Weang Kee, Premitha Damodaran, and Chong Pei Pei, the visionary ladies addressing the health and well-being of women and girls through technology, research and innovation (Photo: Natalina Zainal)
Ho Weang Kee, Premitha Damodaran, and Chong Pei Pei, the visionary ladies addressing the health and well-being of women and girls through technology, research and innovation (Photo: Natalina Zainal)
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The visionary ladies addressing the health and well-being of women and girls through technology, research and innovation
Acclaimed poet and activist Maya Angelou famously said once: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of sharing the stories of incredible women trailblazers who have both excelled in their chosen industries while sparking long overdue conversations about equality. While some have opened up about their trials and triumphs, many still toil behind-the-scenes with their achievements unseen or known only to a few. It’s time we changed that.
Now in its third year in Malaysia, The Front & Female Awards recognises groundbreaking women who are inspiring progress for women and girls and affecting change for other women through their work and lives.
In December 2024, we opened public nominations for the awards to seek out the individuals who fit this criteria, whether it be advocating for women’s rights or equity, closing gender gaps, driving the female agenda, or blazing a trail and breaking barriers for others to follow.
Presented in partnership with Sime Darby Property, BMW Malaysia, L’Oréal Paris, Lladro and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, The Front & Female Awards ceremony will take place on March 20 in Kuala Lumpur, where we will announce the six winners from these inspiring nominees, identified with the help of our expert voting committee comprising some the most influential names in finance, sports, healthcare, arts, technology, and more in Malaysia.
Read more: Meet the incredible winners of Front & Female Awards Malaysia 2024
Three nominees were shortlisted for this year’s Well-Being Award category—given to an individual whose work addresses the health and well-being of women and girls, whether physical, mental, social, or sexual.
We spoke to these inspiring ladies ahead of the Awards to find out what motivates them and the most rewarding aspects of their work.
Professor Dr Chong Pei Pei
Above Prof. Dr Chong is a professor at Taylor’s University’s School of Biosciences and director at the university’s Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab
Prof. Dr Chong is a professor at Taylor’s University’s School of Biosciences and director at the university’s Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab
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It’s interesting how brilliant innovations often start with solving simple problems. Such was the case for biomedical scientist and Lab Director of Taylor’s University Digital Health & Innovations Impact Lab, Professor Dr Chong Pei Pei. Where others saw a cheap, ear-cleaning tool on Shopee, Chong saw an alternative application of a light bulb device that could potentially help improve sample collection and analysis of pap smear screenings for women in remote and underserved areas.
Years later, Chong co-developed the PapLite Pro in 2024, a patented cervical screening tool designed to improve precision, comfort, and accessibility of pap smear procedures. Her past experience in outreach screening programmes in remote communities convinced Chong to use digital tools and AI technology to improve existing screening tools in women’s health procedures. “I worked with a team of AI researchers to develop a Deep learning algorithm framework for automated detection of cervical cancer pap smear images.”
Tell us your mission statement—what drives your work?
I am driven by my vision of a better world where debilitating diseases can be prevented, detected early and treated so that people can enjoy productive and fulfilling lives. Specifically, my goal is to create solutions for early detection of cancer.
Who inspires you most, and why?
My mother. She is a darling who is selfless, gentle and always bending backwards to help others in need, whether they’re family members, friends or her students. Her dedication and commitment to her work is also admirable. I try to uphold her values and principles in my work and my life too.
Dr Premitha Damodaran
Above Women’s health specialist Dr Premitha Damodaran is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Women’s health specialist Dr Premitha Damodaran is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
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Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Premitha Damodaran is living proof of the phrase, ‘If you want something done, do it yourself’.
In 2022, she and her team at the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia, the Malaysian Menopause Society and the College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology pioneered Malaysia’s first clinical practice guidelines on menopause management, working closely with the Ministry of Health on a comprehensive set of guidelines helping healthcare practitioners to better understand the needs of menopausal women and to have a more directed approach in helping patients through the menopausal transition.
A leading menopausal health advocate, Dr. Premitha Damodaran is the President of the College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Chair of the Menopause and Midlife Women’s Health Committee in Malaysia. In 2024 she actively led nationwide Menopause & Midlife Health Roadshows across Penang, Johor and other states outside the Klang Valley. Through her platform ‘Mend-The-Pause’, she educates women on navigating menopause with confidence. A 2023 FIGO Women’s Award recipient, Premitha continues to drive awareness and improve healthcare for midlife women.
Tell us your mission statement—what drives your work.
Menopausal changes are often underestimated, yet every woman—regardless of her background—deserves an open conversation with her healthcare provider about this important stage of life. My mission is to break the menopause stigma and empower women with knowledge, support, and resources to navigate this transition with confidence and dignity.
What are your philosophies about work and life?
‘No’ is not the final answer. it is just the beginning of a new possibility.
Associate Professor Dr Ho Weang Kee
Above Associate Professor Dr. Ho Weang Kee is associate professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia and a 2024 Wellcome Trust Career Development Award recipient
Associate Professor Dr. Ho Weang Kee is associate professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia and a 2024 Wellcome Trust Career Development Award recipient
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Imagine being able to predict breast cancer in the average Malaysian woman based on certain tiny genetic variations she has. University of Nottingham Malaysia Associate Professor Dr. Ho Weang Kee and her team were recently recognised for their work pioneering breast cancer risk stratification for Asian women—using statistical data to predict breast cancer and ultimately, turn the tables to treat this devastating disease which affects women disproportionately.
Awarded the 2024 Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (RM11.3 million), Ho’s eight-year research programme with Cancer Research Malaysia enhances risk prediction models and screening strategies tailored to diverse Asian populations. Her work bridges critical data gaps, empowering women with precise risk assessments for early detection and prevention. In 2017, Ho was also awarded L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship, receiving a RM30,000 grant for her research. “In research, I often face obstacles such as establishing collaborations, securing resources, and managing limited manpower,” she shares.
“These challenges are ongoing, but with the support of my team, we consistently find alternative solutions, break through roadblocks, bounce back, and keep pushing forward in our pursuit of meaningful scientific progress. I’m deeply inspired by my team at Cancer Research Malaysia, a group of dedicated female scientists who strive to make a meaningful difference in cancer research.”
What happens when women are given a chance at a better life?
By offering mentorship and supporting women’s initiatives, we can build a more inclusive future, where every woman has the opportunity to unlock her full potential, just as I did. When I signed up for a mathematics degree at 20, I envisioned becoming a high school math teacher—never imagining I’d be where I am today. I often ask myself, “Why me?” The truth is, the mentors I encountered along the way, starting from primary school, played a pivotal role in shaping the person I’ve become. Their guidance opened doors I never thought possible. Now, I want to be that same guiding force for other women.
What is most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is the potential to see my research translate into meaningful health outcomes. Knowing that my efforts could contribute to better breast cancer control in Malaysia and improve lives across diverse populations brings a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment.
What drives your efforts in spite of setbacks?
I’m driven by a purpose to advance scientific research that addresses critical health challenges. Through my work in breast cancer risk assessment, I aim to create innovative solutions for diverse populations while mentoring the next generation of scientists to thrive and lead.
Be sure to check out the other nominees shortlisted for the Front & Female Awards 2025:
- The inspiring young leaders under 30 who are fighting for a better Malaysia for women
- The female founders elevating women and girls in Malaysia
- The mavericks advancing the female agenda, from sports to the big screen
- The leaders championing women’s professional development in business, politics and more
- The inspiring change-makers championing women’s equality and rights
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Credits
Photography: Natalina Zainal
Make-Up: Joey Yap and Ler Wan Ning
Hair: Nicole Ng and Angeline Low
Creative Direction: Noemy Zainal
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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.
