Faizah Mohd Noor: Cultivating careers and curiosity through STEM

Why did you choose a STEM career?

My STEM journey started at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, where I got my engineering degree. Many of my lecturers had energy industry experience and their stories, sometimes challenging, always inspiring, sparked my interest in STEM and the world of energy. They made me see engineering not just as a field of study, but as a meaningful way to solve issues that impact everyday life.

Today, I use mathematics to tackle real-world problems and help the business make smarter decisions. Even now, after years in the industry, I’m still discovering new ways in which STEM can open doors for me and allow me to have a role in shaping the future. 

What have been the highlights of your ExxonMobil career so far?

At ExxonMobil Malaysia, I’ve been blessed to grow my career in an environment filled with strong, capable female leaders. They have showed me what’s possible and inspired me to keep raising the bar.

In the early days, I spent extended periods offshore, often as the only woman. That never defined or limited what I could deliver. ExxonMobil has a culture of respect, safety and excellence, and once you step into that environment, it’s all about your contribution and your commitment. That’s something I’ve always appreciated.

From being a site-facing engineer, I moved to the Kuala Lumpur Technology Center (KLTC). It’s a very different environment, but it’s been a smooth and rewarding transition. Working at KLTC has broadened my horizons, opening the door to collaborating with other ExxonMobil teams – locally and around the world, which sometimes means packing a suitcase for business travel!

Can you tell us about the Young Engineer Program (YEP)?

YEP is about bringing STEM to life through hands-on activities, real engineering challenges, and lots of fun. We have run the program for high school students in the Klang Valley and Terengganu and the participating students are incredibly enthusiastic: curious, energetic and always ready to roll up their sleeves and experiment.

You led the YEP. How did that come about?

I’ve always enjoyed engaging with students and helping them discover the fun side of STEM. I volunteered with YEP in 2022 and 2023, and in 2024 I had the chance to support the Energy Education Workshop at Offshore Technology Conference Asia. Those experiences made me want to be a part of YEP – which works with Society of Petroleum Engineers educational content.

I wanted to help create a practical, engaging and memorable learning experience for young people. And I’m lucky in that the organizing committee is an amazing powerhouse of talent that makes every idea possible. 

What does the program aim to achieve?

We’re incredibly fortunate to have strong partnerships with the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Terengganu State Education Department. They helped us build a solid foundation for the program. Without them, YEP wouldn’t be what it is today.

The teaching part is a joy. Our goal is to show students how STEM makes daily life better. And, of course, to make learning fun. Ultimately, we hope to inspire them to be curious and dream bigger. Hopefully we also spark an interest in STEM as a future career.