USM PENANG, 24 January 2022 – Two of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) top female academicians today were appointed as the Head of Clusters in their field of expertise at the Centre for Women Advancement and Leadership (CWAL) UniKL.

They are the Director, Centre for Innovation and Consultation@USM, Professor Dr. Ir. Srimala Sreekantan and Dean, School of Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman.

Srimala was chosen as the Head for Green Technology and Advanced Materials, while Azlinda in Social Development and Well-Being.

Both of them felt honoured with this appointment and consider this a challenge to give their best to the communities, as well as to spearhead the USM name throughout the nation.

The establishment of CWAL UniKL is also in line with the National Women's Policy and the Women Development Action Plan, which is to be knowledgeable and visionary, and developing the potential of and in empowering women in all sectors.

Dr. Jimisiah Jaafar has been appointed as the Director for CWAL, which has 23 clusters, each led by experts in their respective fields.

CWAL also serves as a voice and catalyst for women's aspirations towards empowering themselves in the context of socio-economic development.

Currently, women account for 43% of Heads of Department (HODs - Deans, Directors and Coordinators) in USM.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah