JAKARTA, 15 September 2025 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI), in partnership with the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), Google, UL Research Institutes (ULRI), and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), is pleased to announce the national finalists for this year’s ULRI ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2025.
This year’s competition focuses on “Generative AI for Smart Water Management” and highlights the groundbreaking research of ASEAN women scientists in applying artificial intelligence innovations to address water-related challenges. These include improving water quality, advancing water efficiency, and developing resilient solutions for communities vulnerable to climate change.
Selected from across ASEAN, the following national finalists will compete in two categories: Mid-Career Scientist (45 years old and younger) and Senior Scientist (46 years old and older).
National Finalists in the Mid-Career Category (45 years old and younger):
- Dr. Norazanita Shamsuddin of Brunei Darussalam
- Dr. Ruri Prihatini of Indonesia
- Dr. Norasikin Thamrin of Malaysia
- Dr. Mayzonee Ligaray of the Philippines
- Dr. Zhenzhen Yan of Singapore
- Dr. Pattana Tor-ngern of Thailand
National Finalists in the Senior Scientist Category (46 years old and older):
- Dr. Wida Susanty Haji Suhaili of Brunei Darussalam
- Dr. Rozalina Zakaria of Malaysia
- Dr. Rhonalyn Macalalad of the Philippines
- Dr. Chontisa Sukkasem of Thailand
Now in its eleventh 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 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 Science Prize for Women 2025. This year’s theme on Generative AI for Smart Water Management reflects ASEAN’s determination to harness cutting-edge technologies and to address pressing regional challenges,” said Dr. Boediastoeti Ontowirjo, Chair of ASEAN COSTI 2025. “Our finalists showcase on how women’s leadership in science and technology directly contributes to sustainable water management, stronger environmental resilience, and healthier communities across ASEAN.”
“The ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2025 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. “This year’s theme–Generative AI for Smart Water Management–underscores how cutting-edge science and technology can be harnessed to address urgent environmental challenges and strengthen climate resilience. We are honored to support this initiative in collaboration with ASEAN COSTI, the US-ASEAN Business Council, Google, and UL Standards & Engagement. Together, we are championing inclusive innovation that drives sustainable impact across the regions and beyond.”
“The US-ASEAN Business Council and Google are honored to support this year’s Science Prize for Women. We congratulate all the national finalists for their impactful research,” said Amb. (ret.) Brian McFeeters, Interim President & CEO, US-ASEAN Business Council. “U.S. companies have long been partners in ASEAN’s digital transformation, contributing to greater innovation and digital adoption across the region. The Science Prize for Women reflects this same spirit, harnessing technology and empowering women scientists to develop solutions that advance sustainability and inclusive growth for ASEAN’s future.”
For the next phase of the competition, each finalist will prepare a three-minute video showcasing their research and applied technology as a solution with tangible community impact. 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 in October 2025 in Bangkok, where one winner and one honorable mention in each category will be announced.
For additional information, please contact [email protected].