Engr. Mommy

MANILA, Philippines - The convention mothers are masters of food recipes. But here is one who is a master of the fuel recipe - Mae Ascan, Chemical Engineer and Fuels Scientist for Shell’s Research Centre in Kuala Lumpur and, at the same time, mother of three.

Enjoying Math in her elementary years, and Chemistry and Physics in secondary school led her to the engineering profession.

Under the roof of Shell’s Research Center, Ascan now works as a Fuels Scientist. “I am responsible for designing the recipe for the premium fuel Shell V-Power which caters to customers’ needs in each country. I am responsible for ensuring that we deliver the best fuels that allow our customers to get the most out of every drop,” she narrates.

Prior to this role, she was managing Shell Pandacan’s laboratory and working as the coordinator for the East Asia Oceania laboratories to ensure strict quality control of Shell V-Power within the supply chain.

When she first started in the laboratory, she was the only female in the team of nine. But this was no hindrance to performing her key role in the company. “The day-to-day challenges we have are not linked to being a woman. These are just a part of the job, and I believe it adds flavor to what we do. I take each day as a learning process,” she says.

As much as every dish tastes different from the other, the lady engineer explains that Shell fuels are not the same. “This is why we are always committed to making better fuels for our customers and their cars and why my job is so important. My primary role is to help develop and introduce Shell V-Power in East Asia Oceania. I have to understand and identify the local needs of each country, whilst also working within local regulations,” she notes.

Armed with customer research carried out by the company’s marketing team, the Research Centre in Europe then transforms the data into the building blocks of Shell V-Power.

“The other country-specific factors are taken in to consideration and this is predominantly where I come in. I consider government regulations, the general age of vehicles in a country, engine technology, and the sustainable supply of high performance components. From these, I design the final locally adapted Shell V-Power formula that fits all of these requirements. I also provide technical assistance for launch preparations in any countries where Shell V-Power is due to launch,” Ascan says.

“I have an interesting job as I am exposed to different people and varied cultures. I constantly interact with colleagues of different nationalities and in different time zones which can be tricky at times. Prioritization of responsibility has always been my guiding principle – first things first,” she adds.

On top of being one of the Shell V-Power “Ambassadors” now, Ascan will be actively involved with other markets outside of East Asia Oceania such as the African region. 

With this crucial job on her hands, she shares that every woman simply needs to believe in herself to excel. Filipinas will remain on the right track with passion for work.

Under the roof of their home, Ascan is a mother to Liron, 12, who is keen on becoming an astronomer one day; Danean, 10, who is fascinated to become an artist; and Bram, 7, who interestingly hopes to be an engineer and a professional football player at the same time.

“They have now developed their circle of friends, mostly classmates from the international school and children of fellow Filipino expatriates. My husband, Ruel, is planning on having our own business investment in the Philippines soon,” Ascan shares.

The engineer-mom notes that discipline is on the top of the list when it comes to her kids. “I tend to change my hat depending on the situation but at a young age I try to inspire my kids with the value of discipline and setting priorities. For example, we can enjoy more if we finish all our duties first, like homework or school projects before playing PSP. This means they will have more time to have fun, worry-free. Study should always be the priority,” Ascan says.

“I also encourage my kids to be more vocal, to speak their thoughts, but not answer back to their parents in a disrespectful manner. I have always tried to convey my feelings to them so they will also be open to me on how they feel about something as well,” she adds.