UL Research Institutes Announces 2026 ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women Winners
DA NANG (Oct. 15, 2026) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI), in partnership with the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), UL Research Institutes, and UL Standards & Engagement, is proud to announce the winners of the UL Research Institutes’ ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2026.
The Mid-Career Scientist category is awarded to Dr. Ha Thi Thanh Huong of Viet Nam for her groundbreaking work in population-specific AI for equitable brain health. The Senior Scientist Award goes to Dr. Joanne Ngeow of Singapore, recognised for her pioneering research in AI-Enabled Precision Cancer Prevention.
In addition, Dr. Latifah Nurahmi of Indonesia and Dr. Wai Yie Leong of Malaysia received Honourable Mentions for their innovative contributions in rehabilitation robotics for public health, and intelligent biomedical sensing to personalised immersive intervention, respectively. The Mid-Career and Senior Scientist winners will each receive USD 12,500, while Honourable Mentions will receive USD 5,000 in recognition of their achievements.
Now in its twelfth year, the Science Prize for Women celebrates the vital contributions of women scientists across ASEAN. The 2026 theme, “AI for Advancing Inclusive and Resilient Healthcare in ASEAN” highlights how women leaders in science are applying artificial intelligence to transform healthcare delivery, medical research, and health equity across the region.
“We would like to congratulate this year’s winners of the UL Research Institutes’ ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women,” said Souksavath Sihaphanya, Chair of ASEAN COSTI 2026. “As we celebrate the 12th year of the Prize, it reflects an essential platform to showcase the invaluable work of women scientists in driving innovation and sustainable development across our region.”
“The ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women shines a well-deserved spotlight on women scientists whose ingenuity and leadership are helping address some of society’s most important challenges,” said Chris Cramer, Chief Research Officer at UL Research Institutes. “This year’s honourees demonstrate how AI can be harnessed to advance healthcare in ways that are more inclusive, resilient, and responsive to the needs of communities. We congratulate these outstanding scientists and look forward to the impact their work and leadership will continue to have across ASEAN and beyond.”
“The US-ASEAN Business Council is pleased to continue our support for the Science Prize for Women,” said Ambassador (ret.) Brian McFeeters, President & CEO, US-ASEAN Business Council. “U.S. companies have long been partners in ASEAN’s science, technology, and healthcare development. We value the Science Prize as a significant way to recognize women scientists helping to drive this progress, reflecting the depth of talent and innovation across the region. Congratulations to this year’s Winners and Honorable Mentions for your achievements.”
”The ASEAN Secretariat, USABC, ULRI, and ULSE remain committed to continuing their collaboration in recognizing the impactful research of women scientists across ASEAN. Over the past twelve years, the Science Prize for Women has served as a prestigious platform to inspire the next generation of women innovators to drive solutions to pressing global challenges for a more sustainable community across ASEAN and beyond.
About the Science Prize
The Science Prize is a partnership between UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement, and the US-ASEAN Business Council, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This award recognizes the exceptional contributions of mid-career and senior female scientists from all 11 ASEAN member states, celebrating their achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
About UL Research Institutes
UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing public safety through safety science. Building on the UL legacy of working for a safer world since 1894, UL Research Institutes conducts rigorous, independent research, drawing on expertise across fire safety, electrochemical safety, chemical insights, materials discovery, digital safety, and research experiences and education, to prevent harm and save lives. UL Research Institutes publishes its findings openly and works to guide standards bodies, policymakers, and communities in translating scientific insight into decisions, behaviors, standards, and systems that protect infrastructure and people.
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