Representation matters, says Teh. When young women see others like them succeeding, they’re more likely to believe they can too. — Photo provided
WHEN her Walkman died on her, instead of running to her parents for a new one, Dr Evona Teh decided to open up the portable cassette player and try to fix it herself.
The automotive engineer was eight years old at the time. The beloved Walkman may now be left only in her memories, but that moment of curiosity sparked a powerful lifelong interest in engineering for Teh, which has driven her not only to shine in the male-dominated industry but also become a mentor to other women who want to thrive in this field.
“That hands-on experience solidified my passion for understanding how things work and solving real-world problems, which ultimately led me to pursue engineering,” she recalls.
When she came to a crossroads after completing her SPM, whether to do medicine or engineering, Teh did not hesitate.
“I knew engineering was where I belonged.
“For me, engineering has always been about solving problems and creating impact, and that’s what drives me every day,” says the Selangorian who grew up in Bandar Baru Wangsa Maju.
This fire led her to pursue an engineering degree at Imperial College London on a Malaysian scholarship, followed by a PhD in Human Machine Intelligent Systems under the sponsorship of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Following her graduation, Teh began her career with the British car manufacturer.
After a few years in engineering roles at JLR, Teh recently co-founded its Strategic Foresight team, which focuses on anticipating trends and setting the direction for the company’s future.
“We’re not just thinking about the next five years – we’re envisioning what the world will look like in 2035 and beyond.
“But innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s also about people,” she says, underscoring her quest to increase the number of women pursuing careers in the sector.
Representation matters
An ardent believer in diversity, Teh says inclusivity isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic advantage.
“Inclusion is essential for driving innovation. For me, it’s also about building a better future – one where everyone, regardless of gender or background, has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
“To create more inclusive opportunities, the industry must take intentional steps. This includes implementing mentorship programmes, offering flexible work arrangements, and ensuring women have a seat at the table in leadership and innovation roles.”
Teh also aims to increase the representation of women during the interview process through her role as a professional review interviewer with the Institution of Engineering and Technology in the United Kingdom, showing women that they belong in engineering and can achieve chartership.
“Representation matters – when young women see others like them succeeding, they’re more likely to believe they can too,” she notes.
Last September, Teh was appointed a visiting professor at Imperial College London’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, becoming the first woman awarded by the Royal Academy of Enginee-ring at the university. In this role, she focuses on bridging the gap between academia and industry, showing students how their engineering skills can create real-world impact.
Through her roles at JLR and Imperial College London, Teh mentors early-career engineers as well as students.
She also advocates for increasing female representation in engineering talks, panels, and leadership roles, ensuring that women’s voices are heard and valued.
“I often say, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’. If young women don’t see others like them in the room, how will they know it’s a space they can belong in?
“That’s why I emphasise the importance of volunteering, mentoring, and showing up – not just to give back, but to be visible and show others that opportunities are within reach.”
As she puts it, by sharing her own journey – both the successes and challenges – she aims to inspire resilience and self-belief in others.
“By being visible and acces-sible, I hope to inspire more women to pursue and thrive in engineering careers, showing them that they belong in this field and can make a meaningful impact.”
Recently, Teh became a finalist in the 2025 Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) awards in the UK.
“The mission at WISE is to drive gender parity by empowering women into engineering careers and promoting inclusivity across the sector. This mission resonates with me because of the commitment to promote gender diversity in STEM and such a mission is important for driving innovation and progress in our industry.”
Systemic change
As one of the few women and usually the only non-white female in the room, Teh shares that she has faced various challenges at work, including unconscious biases.
“Systemic changes are needed at every level to increase women’s participation and leadership in engineering. In education, we must inspire girls to pursue STEM subjects early on and provide visible role models who demonstrate that engineering is a viable and rewarding career,” she stresses.
Universities and companies should also collaborate on scholarships, internships, and outreach programmes, while modernising curricula to reflect real-world applications of engineering, making the field more appealing and accessible, Teh adds.
In the workplace, companies need to implement policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible hours and parental leave. Mentorship programmes, leadership training, and sponsorship initiatives are also essential to ensure women have the opportunities and support to advance into senior roles.
Transparency in hiring and promotions meanwhile is critical in creating equal opportunities and fostering trust.
“Ultimately, it’s about creating a culture where women feel valued, supported, and empowered to lead. By addressing these systemic barriers, we can build a more inclusive engineering community that leverages diverse perspectives to drive innovation and progress,” says Teh.
Society can also play a huge role in encouraging young women to pursue engineering and other STEM careers.
“Breaking down stereotypes before they take root is crucial,” she notes.
With more flexibility than ever in the workplace, it’s a great time for women to thrive in STEM – as engineers, doctors, scientists, innovators, tech leaders and entrepreneurs. We need to ensure women have access to resources, mentorship, and community support to achieve their dreams, Teh says.
“My ultimate goal is to inspire the next generation. I want to see more women in innovation roles, driving new technologies and leveraging diversity to excel in demanding roles.
“My message to young women considering a career in engineering is simple: You belong in engineering. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and bring a unique perspective. Take that first step, own your space, and you’ll inspire others along the way.
“I want my children – and all children – to know their worth and see that no dream is out of reach.”
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