Poised Under Pressure

Stem cell researcher and Cell Biopeutics Resources CEO Dr Jezamine Lim shares what keeps her going in the face of failure and rejection

- Tania Jayatilaka

A Google search of Dr Jezamine Lim Iskander’s name today produces a mixed bag of results. From news stories praising her as the first woman to receive a PhD in stem cell and tissue engineering from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to articles on her efforts to commercialise mesenchymal stem cell therapy research in Malaysia through her startup, Cell Biopeutics Resources, she’s often labelled with expressions like “beauty and brains” or “girl boss”.

What’s less talked about is how often Lim has faced rejection in her career, or how many people have tried to discourage her from embarking on stem cell research as a master’s student 12 years ago. Despite numerous setbacks, her steely resilience and tough-as-nails work ethic have been a huge advantage. “I shift really fast in life,” she says. “If Plan A doesn’t work, I fall back on Plans B, C or D. I’ve learned to be resilient, committed and determined, because if you don’t have those qualities as a researcher, you’ll most likely throw in the towel.”