I was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the eldest of five children and, in many ways, the love child of two worlds: an accountant and a biochemistry and pharmacology graduate whose paths first crossed in Melbourne. From them I inherited not only a sense of discipline and curiosity, but also an early appreciation for global perspectives. Growing up as the eldest fostered in me a deep sense of responsibility and leadership.
My primary school years were spent at Convent Bukit Nanas 2 (CBN2). At 11, I was awarded a full scholarship to Kolej Yayasan Saad, Malaysia’s top independent boarding school, before pursuing A-levels at Kolej Yayasan UEM. In 2007, I moved to the UK to study medicine at the University of Bristol, later completing an MSc and DPhil from the University of Oxford. Throughout my journey as a clinician scientist, I have had the privilege of travelling and working across the UK, the Isle of Man, Kenya, and Nigeria. These experiences, part of a broader journey through more than 35 countries, have broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to global health.
Guiding Values
I take great pride in my academic achievements, but my deepest satisfaction comes from being the eldest sister and supporting my siblings in achieving their academic and career aspirations. For me, success holds little meaning if it is not shared. I firmly believe in pursuing a purpose beyond oneself, recognising that the world does not revolve around any single individual. Within my family and personal life, I actively encourage volunteering and charitable work, promoting acts of kindness during our free time. I try to live with empathy, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in the value of doing good, even when no one is watching.
On Privilege and Hardship
Privilege is a complex and nuanced concept. While I acknowledge the privileges I have had, neither do I seek sympathy for the hardships I have endured (which I have addressed publicly in the past), nor do I feel the need to explain any perceived discrepancies between my experiences and the image others may have of me or my family. These experiences of both privilege and hardship have instilled in me resilience, perspective, and a commitment to addressing inequities faced by others. Above all, I wish the focus to remain on the impact of my work and its contribution to society. I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the many individuals who have supported and helped me along the way, without whom the many positives in my life today would not have been possible.
My Hobbies
Beyond my professional life, I am a massive foodie who delights in exploring cuisines from around the world. I also enjoy travelling, learning languages, and occasionally, painting and writing poetry.
My Career Focus
My clinical work as an Obstetrics & Gynaecology surgeon (specialty registrar), together with my research, focuses on addressing neglected health challenges such as endometriosis and on eliminating harmful practices like female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). I am committed to connecting frontline care with rigorous research, community advocacy, and global health policy to drive systemic, lasting change. In many ways, my career reflects my origins: I strive to bring together two worlds; science and lived experience, to develop solutions that improve lives and promote equity in health.
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Follow meIf you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.
African proverb
