Mae also brings her perspective to the global stage as a member of the ISPE Women in Pharma® International Steering Committee and serves as the Chair of the ISPE Malaysia Affiliate’s Women in Pharma group. In the following video, Mae reflects on how a 2022 volunteering opportunity with the ISPE Malaysia Affiliate led her to help establish the local Women in Pharma Community of Practice—a milestone that has been professionally and personally rewarding. She also shares her optimism about the future of pharma, advice for young professionals, and why joining ISPE opens doors to meaningful growth and opportunities.
Key Insights from Mae: Lessons in Leadership, Curiosity, and Community
“It all started in 2022, when a new volunteering opportunity appeared.”
For Mae, that moment became a turning point. The ISPE Malaysia Affiliate was preparing to launch its local Women in Pharma Community in honor of the Affiliate’s 10th anniversary—a milestone that celebrated progress, unity, and the power of shared purpose. The timing could not have been more meaningful. What began as a single opportunity quickly grew into an experience that shaped Mae both personally and professionally.
From the start, Mae saw how ISPE members embody a common spirit: they act with integrity, embrace collaboration, and lead with curiosity. Being part of Women in Pharma® showed her what it means to work alongside people who share knowledge generously, elevate one another, and strive to make the industry—and the world—better.
How ISPE Supports Member Growth
Mae’s journey reflects the broader ISPE commitment to empowering members in nurturing a culture of lifelong learning and cultivating knowledge-sharing.
Mae experienced this firsthand. “The professional and personal growth has been fulfilling and rewarding ever since—and I’m still learning, still growing,” she reflects.
Looking Ahead: A Future Defined by Possibility
When Mae thinks about what excites her most about the future of the pharma industry, her enthusiasm is unmistakable: “The unprecedented convergence of science, technology, and data,” she notes. “We are moving from a world where we manage disease to one where we can predict, prevent, and potentially cure conditions once considered untreatable.”
This transformation demands professionals who are bold, curious, and committed to doing work that matters—qualities she sees across the ISPE community every day.
Mae’s Advice to Young Professionals
To those just entering the workforce, Mae offers three guiding principles:
- “Stay curious and keep learning. Curiosity fuels innovation, resilience, and lifelong growth.”
- “Seek purpose, not just progression. Titles will come, but meaning is what sustains you.”
- “Build your network early. Mentors, peers, and cross functional relationships will accelerate your career and unlock doors you didn’t know existed.”functional relationships will accelerate your career and unlock doors you didn’t know existed.
An Invitation to Join ISPE
Mae’s experience is a reminder of what becomes possible when you engage deeply, give generously, and stay open to opportunity.
“Join ISPE for a world of endless possibilities and opportunities,” she concludes.
Whether seeking knowledge, connection, or a way to make a meaningful impact, ISPE offers a community where you can grow, contribute, and shape the future of pharmaceutical science and engineering.
