If you Google Dr. Jezamine Lim, you will encounter a blend of stories celebrating her achievements. While often characterized by phrases like ‘beauty and brains’ or ‘girl boss’, the lesser-known chapters of her journey are filled with resilience in the face of rejection and challenges. Despite being discouraged from pursuing stem cell research years ago, Jezamine Lim’s path is marked by her steadfast resolve and tireless work ethic.
“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.”
Let’s get to know this incredible woman and her journey.
She is the First Woman to Earn a PhD in Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering from UKM
Dr. Jezamine Lim Iskander has made history as the first woman to earn a PhD in stem cell and tissue engineering from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Reflecting on her achievement, she notes, “If you stop your work after six years and think your job is just to publish a journal and graduate with no follow-up, it’s going to be a complete waste of time and money.” She believes that genuine enthusiasm for healthcare research is crucial for driving real-world change.
She Grew Up with a Strict Upbringing
Dr. Jezamine Lim credits her success to the unwavering support of her family. “I went to Methodist Girls’ School in Klang, Selangor. At 14, I joined the national junior taekwondo team and I was juggling professional sparring and school. I had limited time for studies, so my parents drafted a study schedule that I had to follow — what and when to study, with an emphasis on mathematics. My father is Chinese, so he was very particular about me doing well in math,” said Jezamine, who is of Chinese-Indian parentage.
She is a Doctor by Training
Jezamine Lim’s journey in medicine began with an MBBS medical degree from Manipal, India, where she faced fierce competition and scarce resources. “The competition was so fierce, and resources were scarce. In a not-so-conducive environment, everybody fought to succeed. It was my mother’s wish that I pursued medicine, and my parents sacrificed a lot to fund my degree — my mother is a dental technician, and my father is in the import-export industry. I realized then I better get serious and pull through,” she recalls.
She is the Founder of Cell Biopeutics Resources
As the founder of Cell Biopeutics Resources, Dr. Jezamine Lim is transforming the landscape of stem cell therapy in Malaysia. Her startup focuses on mesenchymal stem cell treatments, with Phase 4 clinical trials completed, poised to bring regenerative medicine to the forefront. “Our mission is to produce world-class mesenchymal stem cell therapy treatments and stem cell by-products for skin, eyes, and hair care,” she explains. The company’s work aims to treat chronic diseases and position Malaysia as a leader in regenerative medicine.
She Received Numerous Accolades
Dr. Jezamine Lim has received the Distinguished Woman Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award at the World Women Economic & Business Summit, organized by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific. “This award is beyond my expectations, and I am very grateful and appreciative of such recognition by KSI. I hope to inspire women and girls out there to strive towards touching new heights and milestones,” Dr. Lim remarked. Her diverse portfolio has also earned her numerous accolades, including the Entrepreneur and Personaliti Award by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship Malaysia 2019 and the Women and Girls in Science Icon 2019.
She Co-Founded The Hope Branch
Dr. Jezamine Lim’s philanthropic passion is evident through her co-founding of The Hope Branch, an NGO that has impacted over 250,000 underprivileged individuals in Malaysia. This organization played a crucial role during the worst floods in Malaysia and was part of the White Flag Campaign during the pandemic.
She also Co-Founded The Joke Factory
In addition to her scientific achievements, Dr. Jezamine Lim co-founded The Joke Factory, a comedy club in Kuala Lumpur. “It’s a new culture we’re starting, and it’s a very niche business, and I think I’m driven towards businesses like this,” she confesses. The Joke Factory aims to foster a vibrant stand-up comedy culture in Malaysia, drawing inspiration from the established scenes in the UK and US.
She Believes in Empowering Women in STEM: Mentorship and Advocacy
Dr. Jezamine Lim’s influence extends beyond her scientific achievements. She is a passionate advocate for women in STEM, mentoring young women and providing guidance. “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,” she shares. Her advocacy extends to her role as an affiliate of the Young Scientist Network Malaysia, where she actively promotes the participation of women in scientific research.
Dr. Jezamine Lim’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, innovation, and leadership. Her contributions to stem cell research, her advocacy for women in STEM, and her philanthropic efforts continue to inspire the next generation of female leaders to make a meaningful impact on the world.
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