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From mastering the science of taste to championing women in STEM, this leader is driving change in the industry. She shares her journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and how she’s building opportunities for the next generation of female leaders.
For Kok Mei Fah, Vice President of Creation & Design, IFF Taste, Greater Asia, flavour creation is more than just a profession—it’s an art form rooted in science.
Having spent years in the industry, she has mastered the delicate balance of chemistry, creativity, and consumer expectations, developing iconic tastes that delight millions.
But beyond the lab, as Priya Sunil learns, she is also shaping the industry by championing inclusivity, mentorship, and the advancement of women in STEM — and that's what we are going to get a peek at in this edition of Breaking Barriers.
Q Your career journey in flavour creation is unique and inspiring. What first drew you to this field, and how did you navigate your path to becoming VP of Creation & Design at IFF?
I was first introduced to the world of flavours during my Masters in Biochemistry, with my research focusing on tissue culture and fermentation, specifically on the biosynthesis of an orange compounds. This sparked my curiosity, and when I graduated, IFF was one of the few companies in the flavours space.
What fascinated me the most was the creativity involved in developing flavours and the science behind creating molecules. I also discovered, quite by accident, that I have a highly sensitive sense of taste and smell. This natural ability, combined with my scientific background, fuelled my passion for this field.
Much like creating a piece of art, flavour creation requires an initial impression, but it goes beyond that. It demands finesse and a deeper level of expertise to truly bring a flavour to life.
Flavour creation is a unique blend of science and creativity. I have an intuitive approach when I combine certain elements and can instinctively sense how to enhance them.
Q The flavour & fragrance industry blends both science and creativity. What has your experience been like as a woman in this field, and how have industry perceptions evolved over time?
When I first entered the industry, it was largely male dominated. However, over time, I observed a shift in gender representation particularly in my lab and within the industry. I have seen a significant increase in the number of women in flavour creation, which is encouraging.
The industry has also evolved in its perception of gender roles. While STEM fields have traditionally faced gender imbalances, the flavour and fragrance sector has become more inclusive. I have been fortunate to work in environments where talent is valued above gender, and I believe the industry is moving in the right direction by recognising the contributions of women.
Women bring a unique perspective to this field, particularly in areas that require precision and creativity, and many women excel in this field due to their attention to detail, patience, and creativity, which are essential qualities in flavour development.
Q STEM industries still face significant gender imbalances, with women making up just 29.2% of the workforce. What challenges have you faced as a woman in this space, and how did you overcome them?
One of the key challenges in the flavour industry is understanding consumer preferences, as taste is highly subjective. Additionally, regulatory changes require us to constantly adapt and create flavours that comply with evolving guidelines.
Personally, I have been fortunate not to face major gender-related challenges in my career. When I started, there were very few trained Flavourists, which meant there were many opportunities available. My focus has always been on building strong customer relationships and understanding the local nuances of taste preferences.
Another challenge in the industry is finding specialised talent. The expertise required for this field is highly specific, and skilled professionals can usually only be found within established flavour houses.
Q Beyond your own journey, how do you actively contribute to closing the gender gap and supporting women in STEM?
I strongly believe in creating a supportive work environment for women by acknowledging the multiple roles they play in their personal and professional lives. Providing flexibility and understanding different life stages is essential. When companies recognise and accommodate these needs, women feel valued and are more likely to stay and thrive in their careers.
By fostering an inclusive workplace and offering the necessary support, we can help women advance in STEM fields and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
Q The STEM landscape is evolving, but progress remains slow. What systemic changes or initiatives do you believe are needed to make science and technology more inclusive for women?
From a Singapore perspective, we have made significant progress in providing opportunities for women in STEM. In fact, we now face a challenge in attracting more men to certain fields.
Our society is quite modern in terms of balancing gender roles, but there is always room for improvement.
Systemic changes should focus on mentorship, career development programmes, and policies that promote work-life balance.
By implementing these initiatives, we can ensure that women have equal access to opportunities in science and technology.
Q Mentorship and role models are critical in industries with low female representation. Have there been any key figures who shaped your career, and how do you now mentor the next generation of women in science?
Yes, I am actively involved in mentoring within IFF. Having had a male mentor myself, I understand the value of mentorship in shaping career trajectories. My mentor played a crucial role in showing me that Asians can excel in this field, despite the different cultural expectations and approaches we may have. Now, I strive to pass on that encouragement and guidance to the next generation of women in science. Through mentorship, we can provide the support and motivation needed to help women thrive in STEM careers.
I believe that if you truly love what you do, it will take you far in your career. Passion is the driving force in this field, and it is what will keep you going through challenges. The memories and experiences you gain along the way will stay with you, making the journey incredibly fulfilling.
Q Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of women in STEM, and how do you see your role in shaping that change?
I envision a future where women have equal representation in STEM fields and are recognized for their contributions. The key to achieving this is fostering a culture of inclusion, mentorship, and continuous learning.
As a leader in the industry, I see my role as one of advocacy and mentorship helping to create opportunities for women, supporting their growth, and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.
Q If you could bottle the taste of a specific memory or moment in your life, what would it be and how would you describe its flavour profile?
If I could capture a memory in a flavour, it would be mango. In Asia, there are so many varieties of mango, each with its own distinct characteristics. Creating a mango flavour that resonates with consumers across the region is a challenge because taste perception is highly subjective and before tasting a product, consumers already have an expectation of how a mango should taste like embedded in their minds, somewhat influenced by their experiences and memories.
The ideal mango flavour would be refreshing, juicy, and have a pop of vibrancy. It is rare to achieve the perfect balance, which is why understanding the drivers behind consumer preferences is so important. By identifying what people expect in a mango flavour, we can craft something that truly connects with them.
Photo: Provided
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