Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Teoh Kah Yee and I’m almost 23 years old in 2024. I come from a city that is known for two things; tau fu fah and white coffee. Yes, you guessed it – I am from Ipoh, Perak. I was raised there and completed my entire schooling, from kindergarten to high school. After completing my SPM exams, I decided to pursue a Foundation in Science program at Xiamen University Malaysia, where I was fortunate to receive a full scholarship. This opportunity was a big step for me because it was my first taste of life outside my hometown and learning to be independent.
Q: What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in science and becoming a scientist?
My journey into the field of science began during my foundation year, thanks to a lecturer who sparked my interest in chemistry. This initial spark led me to delve deeper into the subject, eventually choosing Pharmaceutical Chemistry for my undergraduate studies. There were moments where I doubted my decision because I wasn’t sure where chemistry would take me. It spans a wide range of possibilities, from crafting materials like nylon to inventing medicines and addressing environmental issues. Then, in April 2019, the world was shocked by the Covid-19. Pandemic. The global crisis brought to light the critical role of science, particularly in the development of vaccines and medications. The overwhelming news coverage highlighted the crucial role of pharmaceutical chemistry in our daily lives. That’s what drove me to pursue a career in this field.
Q: What influenced your decision to do your internship at Cancer Research Malaysia?
I got a call from HR for an interview with Dr Tai Mei Chee, who heads the CPPS (Cancer Prevention & Population Science) department and Dr Aimi, the project manager. During the interview, Dr Mei Chee explained the job roles, which really caught my interest. The role seemed meaningful, not just for patients but for the community too. Plus, there’s occasional travel involved, which sounded like a great chance to learn from different professionals in various places. The interview with Dr Mei Chee and Dr Aimi was pleasant and welcoming. It gave me a good vibe about the company culture at CRMY. With all these factors in mind, I was pretty excited to accept the offer.
Q: Could you take us through your first day at Cancer Research Office office in Subang Jaya?
Before my first day at Cancer Research Malaysia, Ms Tiara Hassan, the Deputy Head of Genetic Counselling and my department supervisor, sent me helpful pictures via WhatsApp to guide me to the newly renovated office. On my first day, I got there at 8 am sharp and it turned out to be the day the office was moving to a new location. I was lucky to start my journey in a newly renovated office.
When I got there, Liza from HR helped me with the onboarding process while Syahril from IT set up my laptop and account quickly. The office vibe was really friendly. I felt warmly welcomed, which made me feel at ease from the start.
At lunchtime, I was invited to join my new colleagues, which was a great chance for us to get to know each other. After a thorough onboarding session I was told I could go home for the day since there weren’t any urgent tasks. I was pleasantly surprised by the flexible working arrangements at CRMY. Instead of staying in the office all day, I could do some reading at home for my convenience.
Q: Over the past 3 months, what significant lessons or skills have you acquired?
Over the past 3 months, I’ve had the opportunity to refine my communication skills. I spend time talking to cancer patients for interview surveys that can last 20 to 30 minutes. These interactions can be complex as patients often deal with a range of emotions and experiential challenges. Which is why it is important to approach these conversations with empathy and kindness, understanding the sensitive nature of their experiences. I’ve been lucky to learn some great communication techniques from Tiara and Heama. Their advice has been helpful in handling these delicate conversations and building strong relationships with the patients I talk to.
Furthermore, I assist Professor Yip Cheng Har, a prominent breast surgeon at SJMC (Subang Jaya Medical Centre) by learning to coordinate with healthcare professionals. This involves effectively communicating and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless patient care.
Q: Have these experiences altered your perspective on life and if so, in what ways?
Before joining Cancer Research Malaysia, I didn’t know much about cancer research, and luckily, cancer hadn’t affected anyone close to me. So, cancer felt distant and unrelated to my life. However, my time at Cancer Research Malaysia changed that. I got to talk to many cancer patients who shared their personal and often tough stories of fighting the disease. Hearing about their struggles made me realise how tough battling cancer can be.
At first, I was puzzled by why some patients didn’t want to know about their risk of getting cancer, even though the information was available for free. I couldn’t understand why anyone would choose to stay in the dark. But as time went on, I began to see things differently. I learned that not everyone is ready to face the possibility of having cancer. Knowing about the risks can be scary and overwhelming, especially when it comes with financial and emotional burdens. Constantly worrying about it can really affect a person’s life. Understanding this has been a big part of my growth in cancer research.
Q: How would you encourage young people to study science?
Science is not just another subject in school, it’s the backbone of our modern world. From the technology in our smartphones to the medicines that keep us healthy, science surrounds us every day. Even the natural wonders, like rainbows, have scientific explanations behind them. I encourage you to find the aspect of science that fascinates you the most. Whether it’s biology, chemistry, physics or any other field, dive deep into it. By diving into your favorite area of science and learning all you can about it, you’ll not only satisfy your curiosity but also have the chance to make a real difference in the world. Don’t just study science, embrace curiosity, wonder and the endless possibilities it holds. Because in the world of science, the only limit is your imagination.
Q: What are your upcoming plans for the near future?
I’m excited about the idea of exploring opportunities in clinical trials and research. While my experience in these areas is limited, I know there’s a lot more to learn. Given the ever-changing nature of these sectors, I am dedicated to ongoing learning and growth.
Also, I’ve always wanted to pursue a master’s degree but I want to gain practical experience in clinical trials or the pharmaceutical industry first. After a few years of work experience, I plan to advance my education further.
Q: What are the achievements and life goals you’re looking to pursue?
I aspire to lead or manage projects that allow me to collaborate with professionals worldwide, focusing on improving healthcare access for rural patients to match urban standards. My goal is to bridge healthcare disparities, ensuring equitable access to essential resources for all individuals, regardless of where they live. My motivation for this comes from my experience working with Cancer Research Malaysia in Teluk Intan, where I saw firsthand the challenges rural communities face in accessing healthcare. I’m determined to reduce these disparities and make healthcare more equitable for everyone.
Q: If given the opportunity, would you consider returning to join the CRMY team?
Yes, I would definitely consider returning to join the Cancer Research Malaysia team because it’s a non-profit organisation that is committed to serving patients’ best interests and offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of cancer research. In my previous role, I frequently engaged with cancer patients for study recruitment where they always expressed genuine gratitude towards Cancer Research Malaysia for conducting studies aimed at assisting them. Being part of the CRMY team was fulfilling, and the sense of fulfillment I experienced was profound and often beyond words.
Kah Yee is one of many interns who have a deep passion for science and instill an interest in science subjects for the new generation.
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