IWD 2026: Rashidah Khan-Haqq – Inspiring leadership, mentorship, and diversity
MEET Rashidah Khan-Haqq, Petrojam’s chief chemist. Her leadership sparkles beyond the laboratory and refinery floors. She blends sharp scientific insight with heartfelt commitment to the people around her, proving that a career in chemistry can transform lives as much as it converts oil, plastics, fuels, and other materials.
Her journey began with a spark of curiosity that transitioned from medicine to chemistry once she realised how chemistry threads through everyday life and fuels nearly everything. “People say chemistry is difficult, but problem solving in it is rewarding and fun,” she notes. It’s a mindset she carries into leadership and mentorship.
A firm believer in unlocking human potential, Khan-Haqq champions inclusive practices that ensure women, and especially those from minority groups, have a strong voice and visible pathways to greatness and leadership.
“My goal is to help people from diverse backgrounds grow into their best selves, inside and outside the workplace,” she asserts. “By sharing my journey and practical lab insights, I want girls — especially from diverse backgrounds — to see themselves as future scientists and leaders.”
Drawing from her Muslim faith and family values, Khan-Haqq views giving back as a strategic, impactful act. Her mentorship and outreach are intentionally designed to widen pathways for young women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to celebrate diversity. She supports students through degree completion, postgraduate choices, and career planning, helping them navigate academic and professional transitions with confidence.
Her volunteer work with family and faith community centres involves participating in health fairs and back-to-school drives, supporting access to essential services and demonstrating that science and service go hand-in-hand.
“Although planning and execution can be tiring at times, it is well worth the experience knowing you are aiding in providing access to critical services for people who, for whatever reason, find it difficult to access them,” she says.
Reflecting on the 2026 IWD theme, “Give to Gain”, she notes, “My way of life as a Muslim also teaches the importance of charity and helping others because of your love for the Creator. By giving generously to others, I have learnt many people are more open to positive, or engaging in, positive change. This is my interpretation of 2026 IWD theme – by giving generously we will bring about the positive change which will benefit all of us.”
