- Recipients received US$6,600 to advance research and STEM leadership.
- Programme empowers women in STEM, amplifying their voices and global recognition
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) programme is empowering Malaysia’s brightest women scientists, enabling them to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges. This year’s awardees represent the best of Malaysia’s next-generation scientific leaders, addressing critical issues in fields ranging from healthcare and sustainability to mental health, and positioning Malaysia at the forefront of scientific research.
Their work not only tackles the nation’s most urgent challenges but also contributes to the global scientific community. Each recipient has received US$6,600 (RM30,000) in funding, along with upskilling and networking opportunities, supporting the acceleration of their groundbreaking research and fostering the next generation of women leaders in STEM.
Each year, the programme supports women leaders in STEM, ensuring their voices are amplified and their contributions recognised on a global stage. More than just an award, the programme acts as a catalyst for change, fostering long-term impact by addressing the gender gap in scientific leadership and inspiring the next generation of women to lead in research and innovation.
“Tomas Hruska, Managing Director of L’Oréal Malaysia, said, ‘L’Oréal celebrates our 30th anniversary in Malaysia this year, reflecting our continuous commitment to fostering positive change in the country. Throughout this journey, we have been empowering Malaysian women, and we are proud to share that we have supported 60 Malaysian women scientists with over US$330,000 (RM1.5 million) in endowment since 2006.’
‘By supporting these women, we are not just funding their work—we are investing in the future of science, driving real, sustainable impact in Malaysia, and equipping the next generation of leaders to shape tomorrow’s solutions,’ he added.
The awardees driving impact include:
- Noorfatimah Yahaya: An emerging leader in analytical chemistry at Universiti Sains Malaysia, she is developing a rapid, eco-friendly method and machine-learning model to optimise the dosing of the antibiotic UNASYN, aiming to reduce treatment failure, prevent toxicity, and combat antimicrobial resistance in Malaysian hospitals.
- Tan Lling-Lling: A materials scientist advancing solar energy research through photocatalysis – a technology that transforms sunlight into usable fuels such as hydrogen and methane. She is developing a day-night photocatalyst system that stores solar energy during the day and continues producing solar fuels at night, providing a sustainable solution to reduce Malaysia’s reliance on fossil fuels.
- Nurnadiah Zamri: A mathematician and AI researcher advancing digital mental health support in Malaysia through fuzzy mathematics and intelligent emotional analytics. She is creating a hybrid AI mental health chatbot that combines early emotional screening, CBT-based self-help tools, and culturally sensitive teletherapy, offering scalable mental health support while inspiring young women in STEM.
Fondation L’Oréal’s ongoing commitment to supporting women in STEM is helping to build a more inclusive scientific community and advance gender equality in the field. The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme has been pivotal in empowering women scientists and ensuring their work leads to real-world solutions.
This initiative not only benefits researchers but also plays a critical role in fostering the growth of future scientific talent and creating sustainable, long-term change for Malaysia.
For more information about the For Women in Science programme, please visit L’Oréal Fondation.
