This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ming Ewe, an accomplished leader in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with over 25 years of experience. Throughout her career, Ming has not only played a crucial role in the successful commercialisation of numerous drugs but has also been a mentor and guide for biotech start-ups. Her journey in science is one of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact on global health. Ming shares her inspirations, a deeply personal career highlight, and thoughts on the challenges and opportunities for women in science today.
What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
I always loved biology at school – I’ve always felt awe and wonder at what we and our bodies can do, the intricacy of how everything is individually so well made and how beautifully it comes together. I also became interested in Genetics which I studied at university, along with the ethics of genetics and national scientific policies (e.g. biological weapons), which gave me a different perspective and a sense of the broader societal responsibility we scientists have. I soon realised that I wanted to use my science in an applied way to help others. I also didn’t have the patience for research(!) and wanted better-suited career prospects.
Are there any women in science who inspire you?
At school, I read about Marie Curie née Skłodowska, who was a Polish and naturalised-French physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person to win a Nobel Prize twice, and the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two scientific fields. I also loved how she contributed to humanitarian efforts during World War I, when she developed mobile radiography units to provide X-ray services to field hospitals.
Current day inspirational women in my industry include Alice Zhang, CEO of Verge Genomics and Nabiha Saklayen, CEO of Cellino Biotech. Both are leading the next generation of tech-bio companies that are using AI and approaching drug development differently. I love how they’re purpose-led, very human,
personable and great communicators. Alice is setting the gold standard in terms of cultivating a conscious company culture, welcoming vulnerability and authenticity over fear, which is greatly needed right now.
Can you describe a moment in your career when you felt particularly proud to be a woman in science?
When my sister was pregnant, we discovered her baby had multiple heart tumours because she had a rare genetic condition. The future was uncertain whether her baby would make it. Once she was born, she was too fragile for surgery, so the doctors experimentally gave her a drug off-label to shrink her heart tumours, which luckily worked. This was the same drug I worked on at the start of my career 20 years earlier, when it was first approved to prevent the rejection of renal transplants. I therefore had no way of guessing how it would resurface in my life and how I would play a role in saving my niece’s life! It was a profoundly moving, spiritual experience that felt like my Purpose was tapping me on the shoulder, begging me to stay, at a time when I was thinking about leaving.
What do you think is the biggest barrier preventing more women from entering or staying in science, and how can we overcome it?
More visible female mentors & role models are emerging—but we need even greater diversity to inspire the next generation. Progress is happening, but we need more to keep the momentum going!
Confidence grows with experience—women can be their own toughest critics, but taking the leap is how we build it!
Prioritising wellbeing is key to success— women tend to be self-critical Perfectionists and High Achievers, often resulting in working long hours to meet their own tough expectations. Being more comfortable with “good enough”, setting boundaries and prioritising self-care is key to having sustainable, fulfilling careers.
Work-life balance is evolving—caring responsibilities are increasingly shared, and flexible working is crucial during this evolution of the digital age where you can work from anywhere.
Your WHY is your superpower—a clear sense of purpose fuels passion, courage, and resilience. When you know why you're here, you can work through any challenge.
Have you encountered any gender-related biases or stereotypes in your career? If so, how have you dealt with them?
I’m lucky to be surrounded by many women in my field, regulatory affairs, in pharma and biotech, but there are still predominantly more men at the top. I did have a male boss who was sexist, where I had to stand my ground and focus him back onto what I was bringing to the role. I have also encountered some women who have deliberately made it harder for other women, including myself, to do my job and progress – possibly because they went through something similar and thought it was a typical rite of passage!
As a female, Chinese first-generation immigrant in the UK, I’ve been very aware of not personally making my gender or race an issue by instead focusing on my talents and potential and learning as much as I can.
Admittedly, one thing that I wasn’t good at the start of my career was negotiation, particularly when it came to pay and redundancy. However, as my career progressed, I learned from male friends and colleagues how to negotiate better and smarter.
What advice would you like to give to young females looking to pursue careers in STEM fields but might feel hesitant?
Seek out role models—find a woman in your dream career and reach out. She might just become your mentor!
Build your support squad—surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, whether it’s family, friends, or peers.
Take the leap! Even if it’s not a perfect fit, every step brings clarity and opens new doors you might never have considered.
A huge thank you to Ming for sharing her experience and powerful advice this International Day of Women and Girls in Science. You can connect with Ming via Linkedin or find out more about her services here.
If you’re looking for your next career move, or looking to de-risk your talent-sourcing for your company, we’re here to help. Give us a call on +44 (0)1892 579 870 or email hello@wentworth.life
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