From Lab to Impact: Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail Shares How Emerging Researchers Can Shine

17 October 2025 | IMU Bukit Jalil

Even with her packed schedule as IMU University’s Vice Chancellor and CEO, Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail made time to lead an inspiring session for our emerging researchers—and it’s safe to say, no one left disappointed. Organised by the Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), the sharing was all about building capacity and nurturing talent here at IMU—rooted in our core values, and focused on turning early-career curiosity into long-term, impactful careers.

A few of Prof Asma’s points really stuck with everyone in the room:

• Leadership isn’t about gender—it’s about having the courage to dive in, staying committed, and learning by doing. She encouraged us to start small: take on the tough assignments, tackle big problems, and don’t fear mistakes—they’re just part of the process.
• To stand out in research, think “Blue Ocean Strategy.” Instead of chasing what everyone else is working on, focus on the unmet needs out there—those gaps where we can make a real difference and stay ahead of the pack.
• Aim for “WOW Projects.” Not just any research—work that’s world-class (tackles global challenges), outstanding (solid, clear, and rigorous), and winnable (actually connects with communities and matters to them).
• And when it comes to turning ideas into real impact? Use the “Z-to-A” approach. Start with what the market or people need—like affordable diagnostics that don’t require electricity for low-resource areas—and work backward to the fundamental research that makes it happen.

Ask anyone who was there, and they’ll tell you the session was a boost—practical, relatable, and exactly the push many of us needed:

•  “This was a total game-changer. Learning how to balance impact with impact factor, and how to design research for the ‘bottom billion’—it gave me clear direction. I’m already itching to start my own WOW project.”
•  “Hearing Prof Asma talk about her journey—from scientist to technopreneur, and how TYPHIDOT made it to 18 countries—it hit home that research isn’t just about papers. I want to turn my ideas into solutions that actually help people now.”
•  “She kept saying ‘leadership by doing,’ not just talking—and that really clicked. I’m happy to jump into team roles now, and I’m not scared of mistakes anymore. I know they’re building toward something—whether that’s leading a team later or becoming a trusted expert.”

Let’s be real—every researcher runs into roadblocks: limited resources, people doubting your work, or even just figuring out what your niche is. But Prof Asma had a way of framing it that made those challenges feel manageable:

• Don’t see obstacles as dead ends—see them as detours. Adapt, work with others, and co-create with the communities you’re trying to help (like she did with low-resource diagnostics).
• Start small, but deliver consistently. Prove your work matters first, then scale up—just like she did with that first RM 6000 grant and her molecular lab, which grew into something global.
• And always remember her line: “Success isn’t about how high you climb—it’s about how many people you bring with you.”

This session wasn’t just a talk—it was a spark that lit up exactly what we, as IMU researchers, can be: curious, purpose-driven, and ready to turn small ideas into big change. Let’s hold onto that fire—pour it into our labs, our collaborations, our research. Lead with empathy, not just expertise. See every roadblock as a detour, not a dead end. And above all, remember: our work isn’t just about papers or grants—it’s about serving humanity. That’s the IMU spirit, plain and simple.

What made this moment even more meaningful? We weren’t just listening to one visionary—we had Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, IMU University), Prof Winnie Chee Siew Swee (Director, IRDI), and Prof Ts Dr Mai Chun Wai (Deputy Director, Research Strategy and Innovation, IRDI) right there with them. Their presence wasn’t just a visit; it was a promise. IMU and IRDI don’t “accidentally” grow talent—we build it by design. They’re invested in our journeys, just like Prof Asma is. IMU will now take that spark, that promise, and run with it. We will turn WOW projects into real-world wins.