Cover Navigating IVF with iMotorbike co-founder Sharmeen Looi, where she shares about embracing openness on the topic (Photo: Fady Younis)
Navigating IVF with iMotorbike co-founder Sharmeen Looi, where she shares about embracing openness on the topic (Photo: Fady Younis)
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Empowering conversations with iMotorbike co-founder, Sharmeen Looi, on normalising and changing the narrative on IVF in the workplace
“There’s a taboo around IVF. Many women go through it in silence, not wanting to talk about it. But I questioned—why should it be a taboo? It’s not anyone’s fault; it’s a medical condition,” shares Sharmeen Looi, co-founder of marketplace iMotorbike, about her experience with in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Looi is a dynamic entrepreneur who has built a career on making calculated decisions and taking bold steps forward. Yet, one of her most defining journeys was outside the boardroom and a deeply personal one.
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Challenging the stigma
Above "It’s not just about taking pills or injections; it’s the lifestyle changes, consistency, and mental focus required," Looi shares about her IVF journey (Photo: Sharmeen Looi)
"It’s not just about taking pills or injections; it’s the lifestyle changes, consistency, and mental focus required," Looi shares about her IVF journey (Photo: Sharmeen Looi)
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From a young age, Looi was aware that she might face fertility challenges. Diagnosed with reproductive health issues early on, she knew that conceiving naturally might not be straightforward for her. So shortly after she married in 2020, Looi embarked on her IVF journey in July 2023 at 34 years old.
Looi approached the process as she would any high-stakes venture—with a methodical mindset, meticulous preparation and an unyielding drive, determined to give herself the best possible chance. She dedicated months to preparing her body—removing cysts, adjusting her lifestyle, and consulting with specialists to optimise her chances.
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So when her doctor told her she had only one viable embryo, she knew the odds were slim. But against all expectations, that single embryo was enough. “It worked on the first transfer, which my doctor said is rare. That was a huge blessing,” she reveals.
But the success of the procedure was only one facet of the story. What struck her most was the silence surrounding IVF, particularly in professional spaces. She wasn’t willing to keep her experience hidden. Instead, she consciously wove it into everyday conversations everywhere she went, creating an atmosphere of openness and understanding.
IVF in the workplace
Above Looi likens the IVF process to running a startup. “Success depends on having the right team,” she says (Photo: Sharmeen Looi)
Looi likens the IVF process to running a startup. “Success depends on having the right team,” she says (Photo: Sharmeen Looi)
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As an entrepreneur, Looi understands the delicate balancing act between personal and professional commitments. She realised very quickly that IVF wasn't just a medical process—it demanded a complete lifestyle shift.
"It’s not just about taking pills or injections; it’s the lifestyle changes, consistency, and mental focus required." Between strict medication schedules, frequent doctor’s appointments, and the emotional highs and lows, every part of her daily routine—including work—was shaped by the IVF process.
It was this all-encompassing nature of IVF that made her decide to be open about everything with her friends, family and colleagues. By sharing her journey, she hoped to normalise conversations about fertility and make it easier for others to acknowledge their own struggles without fear of stigma.
Battling the stigma
Undergoing IVF while managing a business wasn’t just physically demanding—it required emotional agility, a skill she honed through trial and error. “There were moments where I caught myself being overly sensitive,” she admits about her IVF journey. “One instance with a colleague stood out—I conveyed a message that came across poorly. I realised it immediately, apologised, and clarified my intention. Everyone makes emotional decisions sometimes—it’s about how you address them afterward.”
Far from making her seem vulnerable, her openness fostered stronger connections with her team. There was no corporate memo, no grand announcement—just honest conversations. During work hours, she explains, “I had to inject myself at specific times or step away for medications.” Looi shares that by sharing what was happening, people became more understanding.
By talking about IVF, she made space for others to acknowledge their own challenges, professional and personal alike.
When I was younger, I was advised not to talk about my condition, as it might make me ‘less valuable’ as a bride.
Looi’s transparency didn’t always come without resistance. “Mostly from older generations,” she shares. “When I was younger, I was advised not to talk about my condition, as it might make me ‘less valuable’ as a bride.”
But she’s never been one to adhere to outdated mindsets. Before getting married, she was upfront with her husband about her fertility issues, ensuring they were on the same page. His unwavering support proved invaluable throughout her IVF journey.
She believes Malaysia still has a long way to go in making IVF more accessible. “Countries like Denmark, Spain, and the UK offer free first cycles of IVF, and I believe Malaysia could adopt similar initiatives,” she suggests. “The government is taking steps with programs like IVF subsidies under EPF withdrawals. Some insurance providers are also starting to include IVF coverage. Greater awareness and support could encourage more women to consider it.”
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A lesson in resilience
Above If there’s one thing Looi has taken away from this experience, it’s the importance of resilience. “Whether in business or IVF, there will be setbacks, but all you need is one success to make it worthwhile.” (Photo: Sharmeen Looi)
If there’s one thing Looi has taken away from this experience, it’s the importance of resilience. “Whether in business or IVF, there will be setbacks, but all you need is one success to make it worthwhile.” (Photo: Sharmeen Looi)
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Looi likens the IVF process to running a startup. “Success depends on having the right team,” she says. “I had doctors who listened to my goals and worked collaboratively with me. I prepared my body by removing cysts and improving my health. It was a collective effort.”
Her advice to other women considering IVF? “Take the first step. Many hesitate due to societal or family pressures, but being open and proactive makes a huge difference. IVF can be a lonely journey, so it’s crucial to share your experience with supportive people.”
Most importantly, she emphasises self-compassion. “The hardest part was the emotional toll,” she reflects. “Hormonal treatments make you hyper-aware of every decision. I’ve learned to forgive myself for emotional moments and focus on the bigger picture.”
Read more: This entrepreneur is on a quest to simplify fertility solutions
Paving the way for future conversations
Looi’s decision to share about her IVF journey isn’t just about her—it’s about every woman who has silently struggled with fertility challenges.
“Normalize talking about struggles,” she urges. “It helps break stigmas and allows others to learn from your journey.” For many, IVF remains an unspoken battle. But with women like Looi leading the charge, those once-hushed conversations are evolving into powerful dialogues that can potentially change perspectives, workplaces, and, lives.
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Lynette loves travelling and dancing to Latin music almost as much as she enjoys period films and pastry desserts. She is constantly in search of the perfect nude lipstick and finds her best ideas through walks in nature.
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As the Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Malaysia, Lynette leads the content teams for print, digital and social media platforms of the brand. She has over 20 years experience in media, having been editorial director and editor-in-chief for lifestyle titles such as Cleo, ELLE, Esquire, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health.
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