Hanoi (VNA) - The ASEAN Committee of Science, Technology and Innovation (ASEAN COSTI ), The US government, through United States Agency for International Development ( USAID ), and Underwriters Laboratories announced on August 31 the winners of the 2020 ASEAN-United States Science Award for Women Scientists in Preventive Health Care.

The top prize worth $ 20000 went to Dr. Chan Yoke Fun from Malaysia, while Dr. Shefaly Shorey from Singapore took home the honorary prize and $ 5000.

Dr. Chan Yoke Fun, Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaysia, has focused her research on developing a vaccine to fight a virus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease and brain infections in children. In addition, she worked with local experts to raise awareness of the dangers and prevention of the virus.

Dr. Shefaly Shorey, Assistant Professor at the Alice Lee Center for Nursing Studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), is a nursing professional who has focused her research on the prevention of depression in pregnancy and motherhood. She has sought to influence policy makers through her research to mandate support for maternal and child health in the region.

Dr Chan Yoke Fun and Dr Shefaly Shorey were selected among the top 10 national finalists, including Dr Tran Thi Thanh Huyen of the Research Institute. Vinmec on Stem Cell and Gene Technology from Vietnam.

During the regional final held on August 13 two candidates presented their research directly to the jury.

Since its launch in 2014 the ASEAN-United States Science Award for Women Scientists has aimed to honor promising women scientists for their academic and professional achievements. The competition will continue in 2021 on the theme “Fresh air and clean water”. -VNA