JAKARTA, 17 September 2026 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI), in partnership with UL Research Institutes (ULRI), UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), and the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), is pleased to announce the ASEAN national finalists for this year’s UL Research Institutes-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2026.
This year’s competition focuses on “AI for Advancing Inclusive and Resilient Healthcare in ASEAN” and highlights the groundbreaking research of ASEAN women scientists in applying AI to develop practical health solutions across the region while driving collaboration, fairness, and long-term resilience in the ASEAN healthcare system.
Selected from across ASEAN, the following national finalists will compete in two categories: Mid-Career Scientist (45 years old and younger)andSenior Scientist (46 years old and older).
National Finalists in the Mid-Career Category (45 years old and younger):
- Dr. Elvynna Leong of Brunei Darussalam
- Dr. Sopheak Thet of Cambodia
- Dr. Latifah Nurahmi of Indonesia
- Dr. Uswah Khairuddin of Malaysia
- Dr. May Thu of Myanmar
- Dr. Venus Oliva Cloma-Rosales of the Philippines
- Dr. Na Zhao of Singapore
- Dr. Papis Wongchaisuwat of Thailand
- Dr. Ha Thi Thanh Huong of Viet Nam
National Finalists in the Senior Scientist Category (46 years old and older):
- Dr. Asmah Husaini of Brunei Darussalam
- Dr. Apriningsih of Indonesia
- Dr. Wai Yie Leong of Malaysia
- Dr. Kyae Mhon Htwe of Myanmar
- Dr. Julie Ann A. Salido of the Philippines
- Dr. Joanne Ngeow of Singapore
- Dr. Thantrira Porntaveetus of Thailand
- Dr. Angelina da Costa Fernandes of Timor-Leste
Now in its 12th year, the Science Prize for Women is an annual competition that promotes science, technology, and innovation (STI) capacity in ASEAN while advancing women’s participation and leadership in STEM fields. The Science Prize for Women celebrates the achievements of women scientists across ASEAN, showcasing their vital role in advancing innovation, strengthening resilience, and creating impact in the region.
“COSTI is proud to announce the national finalists for the ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2026. This year’s theme on AI for Advancing Inclusive and Resilient Healthcare in ASEAN reflects ASEAN’s determination to harness cutting-edge technologies and to address pressing regional challenges in alignment with the strategic priorities of APASTI 2026–2035,” said Mr Souksavath Sihaphanya, Chair of ASEAN COSTI 2026. “Our finalists showcase how female women’s leadership in science and technology drives AI innovation and healthcare resilience, safeguarding public health and enhancing quality of life across ASEAN.”
“Congratulations to this year’s national finalists, whose work is a powerful tribute to the ingenuity and leadership of women scientists across Southeast Asia,” said Chris Cramer, Chief Research Officer at UL Research Institutes. “AI for Advancing Inclusive and Resilient Healthcare in ASEAN underscores how cutting-edge science can address urgent public health challenges — and why expanding women’s leadership in science matters to all of us. We are honoured to support this initiative with ASEAN COSTI, the US-ASEAN Business Council, and UL Standards & Engagement, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the region.”
“The US-ASEAN Business Council is pleased to support this year’s Science Prize for Women and congratulate all National Finalists on their achievements,” said Ambassador (ret.) Brian McFeeters, President & CEO, US-ASEAN Business Council. “Their work shows how women scientists across ASEAN are advancing science and technology to address real challenges in their communities. U.S. companies are proud to be long-standing partners in ASEAN’s digital and healthcare development, and we hope this initiative not only serves as a platform to recognize these achievements but also encourages more women across the region to bring new ideas and solutions, ultimately creating meaningful contributions for a more innovative, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN.”
In the next stage of the competition, each national finalist will prepare a three-minute video showcasing their research and demonstrating how their applied technology can deliver tangible impact for communities. A panel of judges from ULRI, ULSE, USABC, and the ASEAN Secretariat will review submissions to select two regional finalists in each category.
The four regional finalists will present their research at the 90th COSTI Meeting to be held in October 2026 in Da Nang, Viet Nam, where one winner and one honourable mention in each category will be announced.
For additional information, please contact scienceprize4women@gmail.com.
More details on the competition and the national finalists can be found at https://scienceprize4women.asean.org.
