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the Science Prize
The United States Government, in partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Underwriters Laboratories, aims to strengthen ASEAN science and technology capacity and gender equality through an annual Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women (“Prize”). The 2022 Prize will provide promising, ASEAN-national, Mid-career and Senior female scientists with recognition awards from ASEAN and the United States government and Underwriters Laboratories for their academic and professional achievements.
The 2022 Prize will emphasize the role of female scientists who have used their work to improve the society in sustainable ways and have acted as role models for other women learning, working in, and pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This year, the Prize focuses on the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health and Safety.
Along with recognition for their achievements, the winners are eligible to receive a cash award of $12,500 each for both the Senior Scientist and the Mid-career Scientist categories. Additionally, the runner-up finalists in each category will receive an honorable mention and $5,000.
About Us
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
USAID
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful and prosperous world.
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES
Underwriters Laboratories is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the UL public safety mission through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving […]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health and Safety
An aging population and growing global health threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic necessitate strengthening of the health ecosystem in ASEAN, including the health facilities, human resources in the health sector, and the delivery system of the medical treatments to the customers. Artificial intelligence (AI) can play an important role in delivering better and more affordable healthcare services to over 660 million inhabitants of ASEAN. In addition to healthcare, safety-critical AI is being used in a variety of industries, including chemical and process control, maintenance and predictive analytics, and smart home applications. Robust and trustworthy AI systems are critical to the physical safety and security of people.
The use of AI in Southeast Asia is still nascent.[1] Strengthening the region’s AI ecosystem, data governance, and infrastructure, as well as addressing regulations that inhibit AI development could increase the adoption of AI. Further, thorough research is needed not only to advance cutting edge AI technology in areas such as healthcare and workplace safety, but to ensure the responsible application of AI. Through these efforts, enabling greater use of AI could improve the health and safety of millions of people and support COVID-19 economic recovery efforts.
Against this backdrop, the 2022 Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women will focus on AI in health and safety, including the use of AI to bring about positive health or safety outcomes. The prize contest is open to female applicants in two categories (Mid-career and Senior Scientists) who are engaged in research related to AI in health or safety in the region and who may serve as role models for other women working in and pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Applications are welcome from researchers or lecturers in universities or research institutes as well as from scientists/researchers/experts/technologists/innovators from governmental bodies and private sector or even any environmental activists from Civil Society Organizations (CSO) or Non-Government Organizations (NGO).
[1] https://www.kearney.com/digital/article/?/a/racing-toward-the-future-artificial-intelligence-in-southeast-asia
Current & Past Finalists
Recent 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
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 National Finalists:
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