The Science Prize for Women 2025
The Science Prize is a partnership between UL Research Institutes (hereinafter ULRI), UL Standards & Engagement (hereinafter ULSE), the US-ASEAN Business Council (hereinafter USABC), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (hereinafter ASEAN). This year’s Prize is also held in partnership with Google. The Prize continues its commitment to strengthening science and technology capacity and promoting gender equality in the ASEAN region through the annual UL Research Institutes-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women.
This prestigious award recognizes the exceptional contributions of mid-career and senior female scientists from ASEAN member states, celebrating their academic and professional achievements.
The 2025 Science Prize will spotlight female scientists whose work has significantly benefited society through sustainable innovations and who serve as inspiring role models for women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year’s theme is “Generative AI for Smart Water Management,” focusing on the application of generative AI technologies to enhance water resource management, improve efficiency, and address water-related challenges in the ASEAN region.
Winners in both the Senior Scientist and Mid-career Scientist categories will each receive a cash award of $12,500, along with formal recognition from ULRI, ULSE, USABC, Google and ASEAN. Additionally, runner-up finalists in each category will receive an honorable mention and a cash prize of $5,000.
This initiative underscores a commitment to advancing scientific excellence and gender equality while addressing critical environmental challenges through innovative AI-driven solutions for smart water management in Southeast Asia.
About Us
USABC
The US-ASEAN Business Council Inc. (Council) was established in 1984 as a non-profit organization. On behalf of its members, the Council conducts research and analysis of economic, environmental, financial, political, and social, conditions in the ten countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and […]
ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) brings together Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
UL RESEARCH INSTITUTES
UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing public safety through scientific discovery. Since 1894, our research has advanced our mission toward a safer, more secure and sustainable future. Focused on global risks from fire mitigation and air quality to safe energy storage and digital privacy, we conduct rigorous independent research, analyze […]
Generative AI for Smart Water Management
Water is fundamental to life, yet challenges like water scarcity, pollution, inefficient infrastructure, and extreme weather events are growing more severe in the ASEAN region due to rapid urbanization and climate change. These issues threaten the sustainability of resources and the socio-economic stability and well-being of millions. Addressing these complex challenges requires innovative tools and forward-thinking strategies.
The 2025 theme, “Generative AI for Smart Water Management,” explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in reshaping how water is managed, conserved, and distributed across the region. Generative AI, with its ability to analyze complex data, identify patterns, and propose adaptive solutions, offers unparalleled opportunities to address these pressing issues. This year’s theme will focus on several critical areas:
- Real-Time Water Quality Management: Using AI to enhance real-time monitoring and predictive models for water quality, ensuring safer and more efficient water treatment systems.
- Smarter Water Distribution: Leveraging AI to optimize distribution networks, reduce water loss, and ensure equitable access to clean water, even in underserved communities.
- Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction: Employing AI simulations to forecast floods, droughts, and other water-related disasters, enabling communities to prepare for and mitigate impacts effectively.
- Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Incorporating AI into irrigation systems to conserve water while maintaining agricultural productivity, adapting to the unique challenges of each region.
- Informed Policy and Decision-Making: Utilizing AI-driven insights to empower policymakers with actionable data, enabling sustainable and forward-looking water resource planning.
The “Generative AI for Smart Water Management” theme underscores the need for collaboration among researchers, technologists, and decision-makers to harness the power of AI in solving real-world water challenges. By combining cutting-edge technology with local knowledge and innovation, ASEAN can pioneer solutions that ensure a water-secure, sustainable, and resilient future for all.
Current & Past Finalists
2025 Finalists
coming soon
Past Winners
Dr. Neni Sintawardani (Senior Scientist Category) – Indonesia – Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2021 Winner
Dr. Li Hongying (Mid-career Scientist Category) – Singapore – Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2021 Winner
Dr. Yoke Fun Chan – Malaysia – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2020 Winner
Dr. Yan Zhou – Singapore – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women 2019 Winner
Dr. Gay Jane Perez – Philippines – ASEAN US Science Prize for Women 2018 Winner
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep – Vietnam – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women 2017 Winner
Dr. Worajit Setthapun – Thailand – ASEAN – US Science Prize for Women 2016 Winner
Dr. Nuttaporn Pimpha – ASEAN – US Science Prize for Women 2014 Winner
Recent Honorable Mentions:
Dr. Shefaly Shorey – Singapore – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2020 – Honorable Mention 2020
Dr. Mary Donnabelle Balela – Philippines – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women – Honorable Mention 2019
Dr. Samsuzana Abd Aziz – Malaysia – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women – Honorable Mention 2018
Dr. Chong Mei Fong – Malaysia – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women – Honorable Mention 2017
Dr. Sharifah Rafidah Wan Alwi – Malaysia – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women – Honorable Mention 2016
Current and Past ASEAN Member States (AMS) Finalists:
2023
Mid Career Scientist Category
Senior Scientist Category
2022
Mid Career Scientist Category
Senior Scientist Category
2021
Mid Career Scientist Category
Senior Scientist Category
2020
Dr. Chantol Peng – Cambodia – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2020 National Finalist
Dr. Nova Riyanti Yusuf – Indonesia – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2020 National Finalist
Dr. Phonethipsavanh Nouanthong – Lao PDR – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2020 National Finalist
Dr. Ther Wint Aung – Myanmar – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2020 National Finalist
Dr. Thanyanan Reungwetwattana – Thailand – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2020 National Finalist
Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Huyen – Vietnam – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2020 National Finalist
2019
Dr. Sri Suhartini – Indonesia – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2019 National Finalist
Dr. Phetnakhone Xaixongdeth – Lao PDR – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2019 National Finalist
Dr. Suriani Abu Bakar – Malaysia – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2019 National Finalist
Dr. Moe Thanda Kyi – Myanmar – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2019 National Finalist
Dr. Ngoc Lieu Le – Vietnam – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2019 National Finalist
Until 2018
Dr. Janice Lee – Singapore – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2018 National Finalist 2018
Dr. Fitriya N. Dewi – Indonesia – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women – National Finalist 2017
Dr. Reasmey Tan – Cambodia – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women National Finalist 2016