Shangari Devaraj sees the same pattern at the local pharmacies, clinics, and even one of her country’s top hospitals: women dominate her field.
But, it’s males who mainly hold leadership positions.
“As a woman in STEM, I find that both inspiring and frustrating,” says the MS in Cancer Research student at Brunel University of London. “Inspiring, because more women are now recognising the amazing cerebral opportunities in science, but frustrating because we still have to work harder to be seen and heard. Still, that motivates me to keep pushing forward and show that talent and innovation don’t have a gender.”
In 2023, 43.5% of 2022 graduates in Malaysia received a STEM degree, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.
That’s one of the highest STEM enrolments in the world.
Hiring data shows a less positive picture: despite Malaysian women making up a larger proportion of STEM graduates, male STEM graduates are the ones being hired.
They’re seen as less likely to take career breaks or have family commitments by employers. Another survey by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce of Malaysia (ACCCIM) found that 41.3% of respondents expect that expanded maternity leave provisions might make employers less likely to hire women. This is the result of the updated Employment Act in Malaysia that increased maternity leave from 60 to 98 days.
Devaraj is more optimistic. She’s seen first-hand how women, especially those in gruelling roles in the healthcare field, are “incredibly hard-working.” They show “resilience and consistency” while performing tasks that can be demanding and emotionally heavy.
“We bring empathy and patience into our work, especially when dealing with patients who are anxious or scared. That human touch – the ability to care deeply while staying professional – makes a huge difference,” she says. “I wouldn’t say it’s something men can’t do, but women often bring that extra layer of compassion that truly enhances patient care.”
Shangari Devaraj pharmacist with years of experience in local pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals. Source: Shangari Devaraj
Her inspiration for cancer research
When she first joined Sunway Medical Centre, she was posted to the oncology ward. With little to no experience in cancer research, her time there really deepened her understanding of everything patients go through – emotionally, clinically, the whole package of emotions,” she says.
Seeing how pharmacists are crucial to patients during chemotherapy, she became even more passionate about her job. A colleague who went out of her way to make sure every patient – in oncology and elsewhere — understood their treatment inspired Devaraj even more.
That clarity pushed her toward cancer research and ultimately to Brunel University London, where she’s now sharpening her skills in cancer biology, diagnostics and therapy. “The field never stops evolving. Treatments are increasingly personalised, so you’re always learning and questioning,” she says. “It’s challenging, but every small breakthrough feels like it could matter.”
“Cancer research is constantly evolving, and treatments are becoming more patient-based. What works for one person might not work for another. So, you’re always learning, reading, and questioning everything,” she says. “You know it’s tough, but at the same time, it’s exciting because [with] every small discovery, you could one day make a real difference.”
The clinical side is just as important as the emotional side when researching cancer patients, according to Shangari Devaraj. Source: Shangari Devaraj
Devaraj is at the #38 best university in the UK on a British Council Women in STEM scholarship. It covers everything, from tuition fees to travel costs, for exceptional women recipients to complete a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
“When I found out that I’d be selected, I was in complete shock,” Devaraj recalls. ” It was such a happy and proud moment for me, for both me and my family.”
The scholarship helped Devaraj immensely. She didn’t need to worry about her finances, unlike some of her course mates who work part-time to make ends meet.
All she needed to do was find the cure to cancer.
Her colleague was her inspiration to delve deeper into cancer research. Source: Shangari Devaraj
The future of cancer research in Malaysia
Set to graduate in less than half a year more in 2026, Devaraj has big dreams.
From just a few months abroad, she’s already seen how the UK detects and creates awareness about cancer better than Malaysia.
The percentage of cancer cases detected at stages 3 and 4 increased to 65.1% in 2017-2021, according to Ministry of Health Malaysia data.
There’s need for more pharmacists specialising in cancer too. Add that to the fact that there are a lot of rural areas in Malaysia, access to cancer care can be a real challenge
“My master’s in cancer research gives me the deeper science — from molecular biology to treatment innovation,” she says. “I want to bring that knowledge home to strengthen Malaysia’s oncology education and research, and help close the gap between clinical care and research so we can build local expertise that fits our healthcare system.”
She also hopes every Malaysian hospital — public or private — can one day offer the full range of cancer treatments and chemotherapy regimens.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that cancer care goes far beyond medicine,” she says. “It’s empathy, teamwork, and clear communication with patients and their families. Working in oncology showed me how much people rely on understanding and emotional support, not just medication. Sometimes empathy can be as healing as the treatment itself.”
“My master’s gives me the deeper science, from molecular biology to treatment innovation,” she says. “I hope to bring that knowledge home to strengthen oncology education and research. I want to close the gap between clinical care and research so that we can build more local expertise and solutions that fit our healthcare system.”
She also hopes every Malaysian hospital, public or private, can one day offer the full range of cancer treatments and chemotherapy regimes.
But, Devaraj acknowledges that cancer care goes beyond medicine alone.
“It’s about empathy for patients and also teamwork among your colleagues, patients, and their family members,” she says. “I’ve seen how much patients really rely on clear information and also emotional support, not just medication. Working in that kind of environment taught me that empathy and communication can be just as healing as the treatment itself.”
