
The Four Regional Finalists are named!
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 2023 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 2023 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 Electrification.
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
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 […]
Electrification
The term “electrification” means converting the way a machine or system operates to the use of electrical power. It has been acclaimed as a key pathway to combatting climate change. Electrification replaces technologies that use fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) with technologies that use electricity as a source of energy and it helps reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from transportation, building, and industrial sectors, which accounts for majority of greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing emissions from these sectors is critical to decarbonizing the economy and, ultimately, mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Electrification is happening all around us through distributed renewable energy systems that can provide fast backup power during natural calamities, making the energy system more resilient.
Electrification of communities leveraging renewable energy can provide electricity access for all, while reducing electricity costs for consumers. Decarbonized and decentralized power generation systems that do not require pricey, massive and logistically challenging transmission networks in remote terrains would further the goal of total electrification particularly in rural communities. Decentralized solar energy solutions are increasingly considered for bringing reliable electricity to communities, especially in climate vulnerable areas. Similarly, the increase in electric vehicle manufacturing is another example of the rise of electrification. In 2021, many leading auto manufacturers have already made significant commitments to producing electric vehicles that will substantially alter their portfolio of cars on the market. Safe adoption and use of electrification will transform societies while reducing the impacts of climate change!
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