On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we want to take the time to highlight three leaders shaping scientific progress and creating more accessible pathways into STEM.
Sue Choong
Group Regulatory Affairs Director & AMENA
Can you describe your role and how science enables the work you do at iNova every day?
I lead the Regulatory Affairs functions for both Group and AMENA (Asia, Middle East, Europe, and North Africa). My role ensures that patients across these diverse markets have access to safe, effective, and high-quality consumer health products.
I work closely with my teams to oversee submissions, approvals, and lifecycle management, monitor evolving regulations, and engage with health authorities and industry bodies. Our work relies on translating complex scientific data into strategies that support innovation and compliance. Every decision is grounded in data to ensure that benefits outweigh risks and that we consistently deliver products that improve the health and wellbeing of people around the world.
What sparked your interest in this field?
I have been fascinated by science since young and I have always wanted to make a meaningful impact. That led me to pursue a path where I could contribute to improving health outcomes through science.
What advice would you give to young women considering a STEM career?
Just go for it! The sky is your limit. Believe in your ability to contribute and shape the future. Be curious and keep an open mind. I began my career as a medical sales representative before an unexpected opportunity led me into regulatory affairs.
A growth-oriented mindset helps you embrace new challenges and unlock new opportunities.
Joan Ng
Group Quality Director
Can you describe your role and how science enables the work you do at iNova every day?
As Group Quality Director, I oversee quality governance across all markets, ensuring our products and processes meet global standards. At its core, my role is about protecting product integrity and science underpins every assessment and quality decision that we make.
What sparked your interest in this field?
Early in life, I recognised that science and precision have a direct impact on people’s wellbeing. Consumer health products from supplements to medications must enhance quality of life. Knowing that strong quality systems can make a real‑world difference sparked my passion for this field.
I see Quality as a quiet superhero that is always there to protect people, even when no one is watching. It requires courage to make tough decisions and stand for what is right, so we don’t compromise the health and wellbeing of those who rely on our products.
How can we better inspire and enable more women to choose a path in STEM?
I make time for informal mentoring with my team. These can be small conversations where I share my own experiences, celebrate wins, and normalising challenges because I believe these moments can make STEM careers feel more accessible and achievable.
Geron Skeef
Global Patient Safety Associate Director
Can you describe your role and how science enables the work you do at iNova every day?
As the Global Patient Safety Associate Director, I oversee the safety and risk management of our products throughout their lifecycle. Science drives every part of my work from adverse event reporting and signal detection to data evaluation and governance. My team uses evidence-based methods and strong quality processes to identify trends early and act quickly to protect patients.
What sparked your interest in this field?
I find patient safety deeply meaningful because at some point, all of us will either care for someone who becomes a patient or become one ourselves. Knowing this makes ensuring medicines as safe as possible feel purposeful.
Through my early exposure to pharmacovigilance, I gained a deeper understanding of the field, which in turn made patient safety feel both accessible and rewarding.
What advice would you give to young women considering a STEM career?
First, identify a field that genuinely interests you. Your “why” will guide your motivation and speak to people who work in it.
Second, stay curious and develop skills that matter including rational thinking, ethical judgement, and scientific rigour.
And finally, have perseverance. Challenges are part of the journey and overcoming them builds invaluable experience.
