In a field driven by persistence, innovation, and leadership, receiving the WFEO GREE Women in Engineering Award is more than just an accolade—it reflects the growing impact of women in STEM. For Assoc. Prof. EUR. ING. Ts. Ir. Dr. Syuhaida Ismail, this recognition is a personal milestone and a celebration of the progress made by women engineers worldwide.She is also proudly the first Malaysian female to receive this prestigious award, marking a significant achievement for the country’s engineering community.
As an academic at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and currently on secondment as the Director of Research at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA), Assoc. Prof. EUR. ING. Ts. Ir. Dr. Syuhaida has navigated the complexities of engineering, research, and policy-making with resilience. Her journey exemplifies determination and purpose, from breaking barriers in a male-dominated field to balancing a distinguished career with family life.
In this Q&A with UTMNewshub, she shares her thoughts on receiving this recognition, the defining moments of her career, and her vision for the future of engineering and maritime research.
UTM Newshub : What does receiving the WFEO GREE Women in Engineering Award mean to you personally and professionally?
Receiving the WFEO GREE Women in Engineering Award is definitely an honour, not just for me personally but for the many women engineers who continue to break barriers worldwide. This recognition holds deep significance, as I was made understood that many experienced and accomplished women worldwide applied for this award. Being selected at my age is proof that passion, dedication, and the drive to contribute are not limited by seniority; what truly matters is one’s impact and commitment to the field.
I owe this achievement to the unwavering support of my husband, four children, family, students, friends, and mentors. Their encouragement, love, and belief in me have been the foundation of my success, and I am deeply grateful for their role in my journey.
While I have been fortunate to receive several national and international awards, including the APEC-Australia Women in Research Fellowship 2022, the Woman Engineer Award 2024 by IEM, and the MBOT Women Leadership Award 2024, this award carries special meaning. It is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the progress women engineers have made on a global scale. To me, it also highlights the growing presence and influence of women in engineering from Southeast Asia.
In regions where opportunities for women in STEM are still evolving, this award sends a strong message that excellence, innovation, and determination transcend geographical and societal barriers. I hope this recognition inspires more women in engineering to step forward, claim their space, and shape the future of the engineering field.
UTM Newshub : Can you share key moments or challenges in your journey as an engineer that have shaped your career and research focus?
Despite engineering being a historically male-dominated field, I have never viewed my gender as a limitation. Instead, I have seen every challenge as an opportunity to prove my expertise, push boundaries, and pave the way for others.
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was gaining recognition for my ideas and contributions. At times, I had to work twice as hard to earn the same level of respect as my male counterparts. Nonetheless, rather than allowing these obstacles to discourage me, I used them as motivation to demonstrate leadership, resilience, and excellence in my work. I sought mentors, built strong professional relationships, and focused on delivering results that spoke for themselves.
Another significant challenge has been balancing my demanding career with my personal life, especially as a mother of four. Engineering is not just a profession; it is a commitment to problem-solving and innovation, which often requires long hours and continuous learning. To manage both, I have learned to prioritise effectively, set boundaries, and rely on a strong support system. I push myself to put the work-life balance into my vocabulary. My family’s encouragement fuels my drive, and knowing that I am setting an example for my children and community keeps me focused.
Above all, my faith has been a guiding force. I firmly believe that perseverance, sincerity, and trust in Allah’s plan will always lead to success. No matter the challenges, I remain committed to pushing forward, knowing that every step I take helps pave the way for future generations of women in engineering.
UTM Newshub : Your work spans both academia at UTM and research at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia. How do these roles complement each other, and what impact have they had on your contributions to engineering?
Holding dual roles as an academic at UTM and the Director of Research at MIMA has given me a unique advantage i.e. the ability to bridge academic research with real-world policy and industry applications.
At UTM, I focus on undertaking research, mentoring students, and advancing knowledge in engineering and technology. My academic work allows me to explore innovative solutions, develop theoretical frameworks, and nurture the next generation of engineers.
At MIMA, my role is more strategic as I oversee research that directly shapes maritime policies, industry practices, and international collaborations. The maritime sector is crucial to Malaysia’s economy and security, and through MIMA’s policy research, we provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers, especially the Ministry of Transport and stakeholders.
These two roles complement each other seamlessly. My academic background strengthens the depth and rigor of MIMA’s research, while my policy work ensures that academic findings translate into tangible societal impact. By combining both perspectives, I can contribute more effectively to the advancement of engineering, sustainability, and maritime governance.
UTM Newshub :As a woman in engineering, what are your thoughts on gender representation in the field, and what advice would you give to young women aspiring to follow a similar path?
Gender representation in engineering has improved significantly over the years, but there is still a long way to go. Women bring unique perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving approaches to engineering, yet many still face barriers in career advancement, leadership roles, and industry recognition.
To young women aspiring to enter this field, my advice is simple. First, believe in yourself as your skills and ideas are just as valuable as anyone else’s. Second, seek mentorship and learn from those who have walked the path before you. Platforms like LinkedIn, professional organisations, and women in STEM networks can connect you with inspiring role models. Third, embrace leadership opportunities, even when it feels uncomfortable. This can be done by stepping up and taking on challenges. Remember, leadership is built through experience, not just titles.
Fourth, never hesitate to ask for what you deserve. Advocate for yourself and others, and if you have earned a promotion, a raise, or an opportunity, speak up. Finally, do support other women as we rise by lifting others. Encouraging and mentoring fellow women in engineering creates a stronger, more inclusive community.
The most important is that since engineering is a field of innovation, problem-solving, and impact and if you are truly passionate about it, do not let anything hold you back. InsyaAllah your contributions will shape the future.
UTM Newshub : What are your current research interests, and how do you envision your work contributing to the future of engineering and society?
As the Director of Research at MIMA, my primary focus is on coastal and marine sustainability, maritime security, economic development, and technology-driven policy solutions.
One of my most significant achievements has been securing international projects worth nearly USD 4 million—a first for both MIMA and the Ministry of Transport. This shift from government-dependent funding to globally competitive research grants has strengthened MIMA’s financial independence and global reputation.
Additionally, my leadership has positioned MIMA as a key research institution within ASEAN, thus securing opportunities to lead regional projects and present findings at high-level maritime policy meetings. Our work directly influences policy decisions, industry standards, and environmental sustainability efforts in ensuring that Malaysia remains at the forefront of maritime innovation.
Beyond research, I am committed to mentoring and encouraging more women to enter the maritime and engineering fields. By fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking research culture, I hope to inspire future generations of engineers to drive meaningful change.
Ultimately, my vision is to ensure that engineering serves society, not just through technological advancements, but by creating sustainable, inclusive, and globally impactful solutions.
Profile
Assoc. Prof. EUR. ING. Ts. Ir. Dr. Syuhaida Ismail of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is currently on secondment as the Director of Research at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA), a policy research agency under the Ministry of Transport (MOT), where she has made significant contributions to her field while balancing the demands of raising four children. Her research has led to the commercialisation of 120 products derived from her 440 published articles and books. Recently, she received three highly prestigious awards for women: the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) Woman Leadership Award 2024, the Woman Engineer Award 2024 by The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), and the APEC-Australia Women in Research Fellowship Award 2022. Beyond her academic and research achievements, Dr. Syuhaida is a passionate advocate for women empowerment and STEM education, particularly among school children. She currently serves as the Chair of Women Engineers at The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), where she actively champions initiatives to inspire the next generation of female engineers and leaders.