Malaysian wins Asean-US Science Prize for Women 2020

The head of the Medical Microbiology Department at the Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Medicine, Dr Chan Yoke Fun, was announced as the winner of the Asean-US Science Prize for Women 2020.

In a statement posted on Asean's official website on Monday, Chan (above) also received a US$20,000 (RM82,000) cash award. Honourable mention went to Assistant Professor at Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Dr Shefaly Shorey, who received a US$5,000 (RM20,000) cash award.

Chan focused her research on developing a vaccine to combat a virus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease, as well as brain infection diseases in children. She has also worked with local experts to raise awareness about the dangers and prevention of the virus.

“This award is timely in demonstrating the active role of women in preventive healthcare. It is a recognition for work well done and signifies the opportunity for my team to do more. It has also empowered all Asean women scientists.

“Passion, perseverance and positive thinking help us to achieve greater heights,” said Chan.

Meanwhile, Shorey, who focused her research on preventing depression during pregnancy and early-motherhood, has sought to influence policy-makers to mandate support for maternal and child health in the region.

From her research findings, she developed a free educational app called "Home but Not Alone" to support new parents in managing their stress and deterring post-natal depression.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to represent my country and profession and share my research on promoting women’s health at this international platform.

“Thank you very much to the Asean-US prize committee and the organisers for their wonderful support for making this year’s competition possible despite the ongoing pandemic,” said Shorey.

Both Chan and Shorey presented their research to a panel of judges through a head-to-head pitch competition held in a virtual judging session on Aug 13.

The panel consisted of the Asean Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI) members, representatives from the Asean Secretariat, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and Underwriters Laboratories.

The two finalists had been selected from a pool of ten scientists, who each represented the brightest women scientists working in the field of preventive healthcare, this year’s competition theme.

The Asean-US Science Prize for Women is organised by Asean through COSTI, USAID, and Underwriters Laboratories to recognise promising, early- to mid-career female scientists for their academic and professional achievements.

The competition will continue in 2021 with the theme ‘’Clear Air and Clean Water.’’

- Bernama