Aimy Lee is currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Penang Science Cluster, a non-profit organization with the mission to build a healthy talent pipeline in Penang, Malaysia by sparking interest in science and technology, inspiring innovation, and cultivating entrepreneurial thinking. She was appointed to this position on June 1, 2022, and is responsible for the organization's operations.

Prior to this, Aimy was a Teach for Malaysia Fellow. Teach for Malaysia is a selective, demanding, and challenging leadership development program with the vision to end educational inequality in Malaysia. Aimy is passionate about education and people development. She currently leads and mentors a team of thirty and has trained numerous teachers during her time with Penang Science Cluster and Teach for Malaysia.

 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Empowering Girls in STEM

The Empowering Girls in STEM project aimed to close the gender gap in STEM education for girls in Malaysia by increasing girls' interest and participation in STEM fields and by encouraging them to pursue careers in these areas. The program provided STEM resources and held workshops and talks to expose girls to careers in STEM, helping to break down barriers to their participation in the field.

Moreover, her project increased gender inclusivity in the STEM field by engaging 344 girls with hands-on experiences, boosting their confidence in STEM, and inspiring them to consider careers in STEM.  

91% of participants reported an increased interest in STEM subjects post-project involvement, and 90% of participants expressed inspiration to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields. 89% indicated an increase in their confidence in tackling STEM-related activities and concepts.  

Interacting with STEM professionals during the project’s workshops and career talks challenged participants’ preconceptions about STEM fields, particularly correcting the notion that STEM careers are unattainable for those from rural backgrounds.

“I like this program because I can learn new things in the STEM field. Overall...this program can train me to think outside the box and can increase my interest in the STEM field.” - Program Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Aimy was a participant in the IVLP Project Hidden No More: Empowering Women Leaders in STEM, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360.

Aimy's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "This project draws inspiration from Pensacola MESS Hall's approach of providing hands-on, self-guided, and more importantly, inexpensive STEM workshops to promote STEM to girls."

U.S. Communities Visited

Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; Pensacola, FL; Chicago, IL

Country: Malaysia

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