Farida Shah, a leading figure in both TWAS and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), passed away on 1 November at the age of 66. She will be remembered by colleagues worldwide for her clear vision of the importance of science and her hard work in bringing the vision to life.
Prof. Shah was a molecular biologist whose work had a deep impact in her home country of Malaysia. In pioneering research, she explored the biology and genetics of the oil palm, which is Malaysia's main commodity crop. Later, she would be instrumental in setting up biotechnology research institutes and businesses. She took close interest in science education and in mainstreaming women in science and other fields.
Her influence extended far beyond Malaysia. In 2002, she was elected to the ranks of TWAS Fellows; in 2012, she was elected to a three-year term on the TWAS Council. At OWSD, she served two terms at the Asia-Pacific representative on the Executive Board, from 1999 to 2010, and then was elected vice president for the region. She also was a member of the scientific board for the UNESCO International Basic Sciences Programme.
Reaction among her colleagues mixed regret at her passing with profound admiration for her contributions.
"As a member of our Academy and a Council member, she was deeply committed to the cause and objectives of TWAS and for many years she actively supported us," TWAS President Bai Chunli wrote in a letter of condolence to Prof. Shah's family. "Farida was a wonderful human being. She will be sorely missed by all of us."
"Farida was a deeply committed and hard-working member of OWSD," said OWSD President Fang Xin. "We will miss her."
Similar sentiments were expressed by other leaders in both organizations, representing every region in the developing world.
Former TWAS President Jacob Palis of Brazil called her "a dear friend and a great symbol of the presence of women in science." Mohamed H.A. Hassan, current TWAS treasurer and co-chair of IAP - the global network of science academies, called her "a very dedicated TWAS member".
Fellow TWAS Council member Robin Crewe of South Africa said: "She will be remembered for the significant contribution that she made, particularly to the advancement of women."
Council member Harold Ramkissoon of Trinidad & Tobago described her as "a deeply committed person" who "served our Academy with distinction."
"Her dedication to the mission of both OWSD and TWAS will be greatly missed," said TWAS Executive Director Romain Murenzi.
"It's a big shock for TWAS and OWSD," said Rokhsana Abdul Raman of Yemen, who represents the Arab Region on the OWSD Executive Board. "We lost a very energetic person in our organization.... She will be a model for many young scientists and for all of us."
Farida Habib Shah was born 29 June 1948 in Melaka, Malaysia. She obtained her Master's of Science in immunogenetics in 1975 at the University of Malaya and her PhD in molecular biology in 1983 at the School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of New South Wales in Australia. She was the first Malaysian professor of molecular biology at the National University of Malaysia (UKM).
In 2003, she set up and became CEO of Melaka Biotech Corp. and director of the Melaka Institute of Biotechnology. She founded the government-owned Melaka Biotech Holdings, with 4 subsidiary companies.
During her academic career, she authored over 200 papers and presented over 250 papers. He work also focused on developing molecular marker techniques for determining genetic diversity of oil palms and medicinal plants. In addition, she was involved in the development of Jatropha (a flowering plant in the euphorbia family) as alternative feedstock for biodiesel.
Prof. Shah also was founder and president of the Malaysian Molecular and Biotechnology Society. She served as chairperson of the Science and Technology Commission, National Council Women's Organisations in Malaysia, and was founding treasurer of the Malaysian Genetics Society.
In addition to her other work, Prof. Shah had most recently been serving as adjunct professor at the University Malaysia Trengganu.
– Edward W. Lempinen