From estate to lab – a journey of love and perseverance

M Yamunathevi grew up witnessing the hardships of life in Bukit Jalil Estate, where residents relied on boiling river water to make it safe for consumption. The lack of access to clean water instilled a desire in her to develop a better solution. Despite no laboratory nearby, she pursued a doctorate in Bioscience, specializing in Environmental Biotechnology.

Her research focused on wastewater treatment using bacterial-nanocellulose-based technology to remove pollutants like copper from water. This journey from an estate to a doctorate is one of perseverance and love for her community. As the first in her family and among the first from her estate to earn a doctorate, Yamunathevi's story shows that one's background does not limit their potential. She encourages young people to dream big, stay positive, and never give up on their goals.