KUALA LUMPUR: The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, and the Raja Perempuan of Perlis, Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid, graced the Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah (YTF) Women in Technology Awards 2026 here today.
The awards presentation and gala dinner were held in conjunction with Tuanku Tengku Fauziah's 80th birthday celebration.
Also present were the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, and the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, who is also YTF Royal Patron.
Academician Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Aini Ideris led the six women recognised for their contributions to technology, research, innovation and leadership.
Aini, a former Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) vice-chancellor, won the grand prize in the Senior Women in Technology category, receiving RM30,000.
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) associate professor Dr Serene Lock Sow Mun won the grand prize in the Junior Women in Technology category, receiving RM15,000.
In the senior category, UPM senior lecturer professor Dr Suraya Abdul Rashid received the Special Award – Rising Star, while Global Psytech founder Dr Haniza Yon was named Industry Changemaker. Both received RM10,000 each.
In the junior category, Universiti Malaya senior lecturer Dr Marlinda Ab Rahman received the Special Award – Rising Star, while Universiti Malaysia Sarawak associate professor Dr Afzan Ahmad Zaini was named Industry Changemaker. Each received RM5,000.
The awards recognise women's contributions to technology, raise their visibility and inspire the next generation to pursue excellence in science, technology and innovation.
Members of the YTF Board of Trustees, distinguished guests, and representatives from industry, academia and the technology sector were also present.
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