UK Royal Society's 1st M'sian scientist: Trust science, believe in the process

Summary

• S Ravigadevi is the first and only Malaysian elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society in the United Kingdom.

• She calls on aspiring scientists to look ahead and collaborate for innovation.

• She says the greater tragedy lies in failing to implement good science for the betterment of humanity and planetary health.

Scientist S Ravigadevi received the best news of her career yesterday when she became the first Malaysian to be elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society, the United Kingdom’s national academy of sciences.

Founded in 1660, the Royal Society only began admitting women in 1945. Ravigadevi will be officially inducted in London on July 11.

“I am 69 now, and I will be inducted into the Royal Society two days before my birthday in July. Best birthday celebration with my family,” the scientific consultant attached to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) told Malaysiakini.

Her message for aspiring scientists is to be open to collaboration.

“Believe in yourself. Believe in the power of science. Also collaborate.

“People are scared to share sometimes, but it is always much better to share. Break the silos and cross-collaborate and that is how I did it.

“Science is global and collaboration accelerates innovation,” Ravigadevi shared.

Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang lauded Ravigadevi’s achievement as a proud moment for Malaysia.

“This recognition is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of what Malaysia stands for under the Malaysia Madani framework, a nation that uplifts prosperity through knowledge and champions sustainability through innovation,” he said in a statement.

Stellar list of accolades

Ravigadevi is one of two pioneering scientists who initiated the Malaysian oil palm biotechnology programme.

The former director of MPOB’s advanced biotechnology and breeding centre is also a fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, and chairs its biological, agricultural, and environmental sciences discipline.

She is also a fellow at the World Academy of Sciences, a member of Mensa - a global community of people with high intelligence, and a founding and council member of the Malaysian Invention and Design Society (Minds).

Ravigadevi is also an inventor listed in more than 40 patents and the author of numerous publications in high-impact journals.

An important milestone in her research was her discovery that palm oil mill effluent, a major environmental burden with over 150 million tonnes produced annually worldwide, contains phenolic bioactive compounds valued for their antioxidant qualities.

Ravigadevi also discovered the scientific basis for the high level of palmitic acid in palm oil and developed genetic strategies to modulate fatty acid composition in oil palm, including for high oleic acid, known for its health benefits and use in various industries.

She also discovered a cold-activated lipase which impacts oil quality in the oil palm.

No special treatments, only equal opportunities

Ravigadevi believes that it’s hard work that leads to success, and one should be able to stand on their own two feet regardless of gender.

“It is important that we are not given special treatment because we are women, and also not sidelined because we are women. If I am recognised, I am recognised for what I have done.

“I think that is always there as a scientist, pushing to be seen, but I have to give credit to MPOB. When I came back from the UK after my PhD, I had the option of joining universities here to become an academic, but I chose to serve with MPOB because I knew there was so little being done at that time.

“A lot of biochemistry was ground zero. Many discoveries were made in MPOB (thereafter), and we were guided by the industry,” she added.

Pursuit of science for humanity and the planet

Ravigadevi said many youths today are reluctant to pursue careers in science because the rewards are not immediately evident, as it all takes time.

She encouraged more participation, highlighting the long-term benefits that scientific works hold for all.

“Some of us are motivated not by financial gain, but by science’s potential to benefit humanity.

“Science shouldn’t merely serve discovery for its own sake, it must accomplish far more. While we often lament insufficient funding, the government does provide support.

“The real issue is that many discoveries become public knowledge yet aren’t adopted or taken seriously, which I consider a significant problem.”

Ravigadevi said the greater tragedy lies in failing to implement good science for the betterment of humanity and planetary health.

“Short-term benefits are often prioritised over long-term advantages, particularly with oil palm, which is a slow-growing tree. Investing resources now to achieve optimal results may not appeal to everyone,” she added.

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