Women are no doubt playing big roles in shaping the future of science and technology, which is why their contributions deserve much greater visibility and recognition.
The Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah (YTF) Women In Technology Awards celebrate six women who are making strides in advancing the country’s science and technology sectors while inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps.
The awards ceremony and gala dinner held in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday was graced by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, and the Raja Perempuan of Perlis, Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid.
The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, were also present.
The event was also in conjunction with the celebration of Tuanku Tengku Fauziah’s 80th birthday as well as YTF’s 22nd anniversary.
Held in partnership with the Malaysian Industry-Government Group For High Technology (Might), the awards received a total of 66 nominations across both the junior and senior categories.
Prof Emeritus Datin Paduka Dr Aini Ideris, recognised for her work in poultry vaccine development, received the Women In Technology grand prize in the senior category.
Meanwhile, University Teknologi Petronas (UTP) associate professor Dr Serene Lock Sow Mun received the Women In Technology grand prize in the junior category for her work on advancing cleaner energy production.
The senior category’s Rising Star special award went to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) senior lecturer Prof Dr Suraya Abdul Rashid, while Global Psytech founder Dr Haniza Yon received the Industry Changemaker special award.
In the junior category, the Rising Star special award was claimed by Universiti Malaya (UM) senior lecturer Dr Marlinda Abdul Rahman, while Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) associate professor Dr Afzan Ahmad Zaini received the Industry Changemaker special award.
Inspiring the next generation
Member of YTF’s board of trustees Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the foundation has decided to choose “Women In Technology” as its main thrust of the year due to the ever-evolving world today.
“This is a rapidly changing world, and we must get our women ready to face this challenge – not as followers, but as leaders and shapers of our future,” she said.
A member of the award’s judging panel, Prof Datuk Dr Rofina Yasmin Othman, said the initiative aimed to recognise excellence, increase the visibility of women role models in science and encourage more young women to pursue careers in the field.
“This long-awaited and competitive award is a nationwide initiative to recognise Malaysian women whose leadership, innovation and technological achievements are advancing the country’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem,” she added.
Junior Women In Technology grand prize winner Lock said: “Malaysia has a lot of women scientists with incredible achievements which must be put on stage to be highlighted to inspire the younger generation to pursue their dreams.”
She also stressed on the importance of giving women opportunities to lead, noting that some might lack access to mentors or platforms to demonstrate their leadership capabilities.
Through the awards, YTF hopes to encourage more young people to consider careers in science and technology while spotlighting women who are already actively involved in shaping the country’s future in technology innovation.
