Jane’s story began in a peaceful village nestled in Malacca , where the sun shone brightly in the sky, the soil rich and her father, her greatest hero , worked the land with quiet determination to feed her family. As a farmer, he knew every contour of the fields like the lines on his palm. She would follow him as he walked between the crops, amazed at the precision with which he measured and mixed fertilisers and farm chemicals. While the other children turned away from the sharp smell, Jane leaned in, totally fascinated .
“How could these substances make plants thrive?” This was the million-dollar question that ignited her lifelong interest in Chemistry. However, there was another question, far more personal, that lingered as Jane grew up. “Why did my mother pass away giving birth to my twin and I?”. A loss that left a profound impact on her upbringing, only learning about her mother through the lens and stories of those who knew her. This early loss drew Jane deeply into Biology and Medicine.
Catalysed by Curiosity, Fuelled by Purpose
Jane pursued a bachelor’s degree in Pure Chemistry at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), graduating with First Class Honours. The experience deepened her scientific curiosity—but something else developed during those years; she discovered her deep love and passion for teaching. Watching others grow and helping classmates grasp difficult concepts gave her a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This was when she learned that education is not just a profession; it is a powerful tool for transformation and progress.
Chem night at USM during bachelor’s days in Penang
That belief carried her confidently forward when she was awarded the Ministry of Education Taiwan Scholarship in 2020. With hope and nerves in equal measure during the COVID-19 outbreak, she packed her bags and left Malaysia to begin her PhD at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences. It was a bold leap—into science, uncertainty and the drive to becoming a better version of herself.
In 2022, she fulfilled a childhood dream of studying in the United Kingdom, pursuing a Dual PhD Programme jointly offered by NTHU and the University of Liverpool, in research across Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering & Electronics.
Today, she is an associate fellow of University of Liverpool, working between two globally recognised institutions, developing nanomaterial-based optical biosensors that may one day h with remarkable precision.
A Malaysian Soul in a Global World
Living abroad has deepened her love for home. Whether in a Taiwanese lecture hall or a British lab. She speaks the truth boldly, pursues science and serves others with humility.
“To my fellow Malaysians, never be afraid to dream beyond the borders of your current world. Whether you are walking through muddy farms or high-tech research labs, know that your heart carries a piece of Malaysia. That is your strength.”
“Let us live fully, give generously and love bravely. Because life is too short not to be yourself.”
When she had the chance to share about Malaysia to international audiences at a symposium, Jane took the incredible opportunity to introduce the Baba Nyonya culture, Malaysian cuisine and traditional attire. Above all, Jane actively showcases what Malaysian hospitality truly means through her warm and welcoming personality, as well as practicing mindfulness by accommodating to other beliefs and cultures no matter where she is.
Being in the UK where there is a large population of Malaysians scattered across the country, Jane has been able to connect with the community of Malaysians near her. Connecting with fellow Malaysians abroad is at the core of MyHeart.
Through MyHeart’s Network and Connect feature, our members can easily discover like-minded Malaysians from students, professionals to businesses in an effort to foster these connections that may lead into something greater.
Group photo with the Committee of Liverpool Malaysian Society after their AGM
Despite the demands of international research, Jane is held firm to her roots. In both Taiwan and the UK, she dedicates her time to volunteering with elderly communities, offering not only companionship but also care, conversation and meaningful bonds . To her, true fulfillment comes not from what we achieve, but what we give. These moments of service keep her grounded and reminds her of who she is—a girl from a Malaysian kampung who is learning, not just to be a scientist, but a person of value to others.
On giving back to her Malaysian community, Jane was part of a sharing session conducted for students at USM Penang early this year where she shared her valuable experience pursuing a PhD and her current work.
MyHeart is a platform created to facilitate collaboration across borders, encouraging Malaysians abroad to contribute something impactful for the nation and its talents.
Serving as a volunteer for Memory Walk organized by the Alzheimer’s Society during PhD’s days in UK.
Recognised for Excellence
Committed to perfecting her craft and reaching for the stars, Jane has been recognised through multiple awards and international accolades such as the 2023 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award from NTHU National Tsing Hua University and the 2022 Scientific High-Level Visiting Fellowship (Séjour Scientifique Du Haut Niveau) by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to name a few. Additionally, she has made meaningful contributions to the scientific community through publications in peer-reviewed journals, covering areas such as graphene quantum dots, metal-organic frameworks, gold nanostars and nanozyme-based biosensing.
Lessons in Letting Go and Growing Up
This journey has not been without its challenges. From losing loved ones, plans falling through to things not turning out the way she anticipated. There were seasons of loneliness, grief and doubt. Through it all, Jane has learned to keep moving forward positively, even when the path is unclear.
“I’ve discovered that letting go is a kind of wisdom, and that every relationship—whether lasting or brief—shapes us in its own way. People who genuinely care for you will show it through presence, not promises. We don’t need to force connections or convince others of our worth. What matters most is that we show up fully, give our best, and live without regret”.
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Ending on a Malaysian Note, An Original Pantun by Jane
Di Melaka duduknya sebuah kampung,
Sawah hijau langit biru dikelilingnya.
Sekali-kala berangan si budak kampung,
Belajar luar negara barangkali impiannya.
Menatap bintang di halaman kampung,
Berkelap-kelip seakan berkata-katanya.
Terjadi jua impian si budak kampung,
Khidmat bagi manusia tetap cita-citanya.
Angin sepoi-sepoi suasana tenang,
Umpama pulau bagiku negeri Melaka.
Budi guru keluarga sentiasa dikenang,
Harapkan terbaik selalu bagi mereka.
Want to connect with Malaysians abroad and make an impact? Join the global Malaysian community here on MyHeart and discover the various opportunities available to collaborate on meaningful projects.
