For immediate release (revised May 19, 2022)
ASEAN Member States’ Finalists Announced in 2022 Science Prize for Women
JAKARTA, May 17, 2022 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI), the U.S. government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Underwriters Laboratories announced the ASEAN member states’ finalists to compete in the Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2022. Under the theme, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health and Safety, this year’s competition recognizes ASEAN women scientists for their outstanding work in AI adoption and development to improve the health and safety of more than 662 million people living in Southeast Asia.
Selected from 56 eligible candidates, 13 national finalists will now compete in two categories for the Underwriters Laboratories award of $12,500 to each winner: Mid-career Scientist and Senior Scientist. The runner up finalists will each receive an Honorable Mention and an award of $5,000.
The Mid-career Scientist finalists (45 years old and below) include: Dr. Nur Fajrini Binti Matjalina of Brunei Darussalam, Dr. Roslidar of Indonesia, Dr. Sysavanh Phommachanh of Lao PDR, Dr. Maxine Yen Ling Tan of Malaysia, Dr. Li Jingmei of Singapore, Dr. Supiya Charoensiriwath of Thailand, Dr. Dao Viet Hang of Vietnam.
The Senior Scientist finalists (over 46 years old) are: Dr. Emi Huriyati of Indonesia, Dr. Phonethipsavanh Nouanthong of Lao PDR, Dr. Sok Ching Cheong of Malaysia, Dr. Thein Gi Naing of Myanmar, Dr. Rachel Edita Roxas of the Philippines, Dr. Siriwan Suebnukarn of Thailand.
Currently in its eighth year, the Science Prize for Women strengthens science and technology capacity in ASEAN while promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. It underscores the importance of women’s contributions in improving society in sustainable ways through research across a range of fields. This competition also showcases a successful public-private sector partnership among ASEAN COSTI, USAID, and Underwriters Laboratories – a nonprofit organization dedicated to rigorous, independent research and safety science education through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge.
Bui The Duy, the Chair of ASEAN COSTI said, “Congratulations to all the finalists! Working in a field still traditionally dominated by men, these women have displayed incredible ingenuity and foresight to bring to the region AI technology, which will lead to an improved and more affordable healthcare system and a safer environment. Their work will surely inspire and encourage future generations to further advance the innovative use and widespread adoption of AI, especially now as the region is recovering from the devastating effects of COVID-19.”
“Artificial intelligence has the potential to positively transform health care in the ASEAN region and beyond,” said Dr. Christopher J. Cramer, Underwriters Laboratories senior vice president and chief research officer. “The finalists in this year’s Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women are all working to make that happen, and we are proud to continue our support and recognition of these exceptional scientists.”
“The United States, together with ASEAN COSTI and Underwriters Laboratories, congratulates all the finalists. We commend these researchers’ dedication to advancing complex AI systems to strengthen the region’s healthcare, economy, and security. We hope the prize will inspire future scientists to develop more innovative AI applications and drive innovation in the region,” said Kate Rebholz, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the U.S. Mission to ASEAN.
Looking ahead, representatives from USAID, Underwriters Laboratories, COSTI, and the ASEAN Secretariat will narrow the selection to four regional finalists (two in each category). These four regional finalists will present their research in October when a winner for each category will be selected.
Since 2014, the Science Prize for Women represents an ongoing successful U.S. initiative in support of ASEAN and its 10 member states. As part of the U.S. strategic approach to the Indo-Pacific, USAID partners with ASEAN to promote prosperity and security through economic inclusion, women’s empowerment, and good governance.
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For additional information, contact USAID/ASEAN Communications Specialist, Samara Sanders at: jakartausaidasean@usaid.gov
More information on the competition can be found at: http://scienceprize4women.asean.org.
About ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) brings together Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam in a community united by a common desire and collective will to live in a region of lasting peace, security, and stability, sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and social progress, and to promote ASEAN vital interests, ideals, and aspirations.
About USAID
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) works to promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world through international development programs and disaster assistance. USAID partners to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises, progress beyond assistance, and attain self-reliance.
About Underwriters Laboratories
Underwriters Laboratories Research Organization
The Research organization is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing the Underwriters Laboratories public safety mission through scientific discovery. With best-in-class experts, we are the world’s premier research organization focused on safety science analysis. We conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data and explore at the edges of technology to be the first to uncover and act on emerging risks to human safety.
Underwriters Laboratories Standards and Engagement Organization
The Standards and Engagement organization is a nonprofit advocacy organization that translates data from safety science into practical, action-oriented standards. We convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through public outreach activities and advocate for standards and regulations that result in positive safety changes.