At just 26, Jotisri Vasudevan is soaring to new heights, embarking on a fully funded journey to the University of Bristol in the UK, where she will pursue her master’s in science communication for a Better Planet under a Public Service Department (JPA) sponsorship. Her story is one of passion, and a relentless drive to turn dreams into reality, a journey that began in a small town in Banting, Selangor.
Born to Mr. Vasudevan and Mrs. Janagi, with two younger siblings, Veejay and Mahasri, Jotisri grew up in a close-knit family that has called Banting home for four generations. Despite financial struggles, her parents worked tirelessly to provide her and her siblings with opportunities they never had. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for Jotisri’s success, teaching her the value of hard work, and humility.
Her educational journey started at SJKT Telok Datok, a Tamil primary school, where she discovered the power of language and the importance of staying connected to her roots. Studying in Tamil helped her develop a strong foundation, not just academically but also in mastering other languages, giving her the confidence to excel later in life. At SMK Banting, she balanced excellent academic results with co-curricular achievements, paving the way for greater milestones ahead.
Although she faced her first setback when she didn’t secure a matriculation placement despite strong SPM results, Jotisri refused to give up. Instead, she embraced a new opportunity enrolling in a Diploma in Biotechnology at Polytechnic. With the support of her dedicated lecturers, she excelled and was awarded the Director’s Award (Anugerah Pengarah), the highest honour in her programme.
Soon after, she received the Biasiswa YB Menteri Pengajian Tinggi - Pelajar Cemerlang 2021, a prestigious scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education, enabling her to pursue her Degree in Industrial Biotechnology at Universiti Malaysia Pahang. There, she continued to shine consistently earning a spot on the Dean’s List while winning national and international awards, mentoring students, and introducing new global programmes like the Model United Nations (MUN), where her team achieved recognition on international platforms.
It was during her internship at the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC) that Jotisri discovered her true calling science communication. While contributing to The Petri Dish, Malaysia’s first science newspaper, she realised the importance of bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and society. This newfound passion led her to work closely with scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders, equipping her with the skills to translate complex ideas into meaningful conversations.
Her career path continued at Biogenes Technologies, one of Malaysia’s leading biotech startups, where she served as a Science and Media Bio-communication Executive. She contributed to impactful communication strategies while deepening her expertise in connecting science with people.
Jotisri’s dedication opened doors to international opportunities, including a fully funded fellowship in the United States, where she represented Malaysia among over 200 applicants. Traveling to Hawaii, California, and Washington D.C., she explored environmental issues and the role of science communication in solving them. Inspired by this experience, she co-founded NEXUStartups, a youth-led organisation focused on science and environmental communication in Southeast Asia, successfully building a network of nearly 100 alumni and experts across the region.
Back home, her efforts and vision earned her the Inspirational Award from YB Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, an honour recognising individuals who inspire others through their work, values, and impact.
Now, Jotisri is ready to take the next step in her journey pursuing her Master’s at the University of Bristol. Her programme focuses on addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecology while empowering her to communicate these critical issues effectively for a sustainable future.
Reflecting on her journey, Jotisri credits her success to the sacrifices of her parents, the guidance of her mentors, and the power of never giving up. She hopes her story inspires young Malaysians to believe in their dreams, embrace their unique paths, and stay open to opportunities.
“We are not in a race. Never compare your journey with others. Success comes in many forms, and there are countless fields beyond the usual paths society talks about. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep trying - your time will come,” she says with a smile.
From a small-town girl in Banting to a Malaysian representative on the global stage, Jotisri’s journey is a reminder that passion, perseverance, and purpose can take us further than we ever imagined and today, she carries not just her dreams but also the pride of a nation as she begins this exciting chapter in the UK.