Dr Leong Wai Yie (in red outfit) receiving the award from Dr Myo Thein Gyi (fourth from left).
TAR UC was among the institutions of higher learning in the ASEAN region to be in the spotlight at the ASEAN Science and Technology Award 2017. Dr Leong Wai Yie from the Faculty of Engineering ('FOEN') was named as the recipient of the ASEAN Meritorious Service Award (AMSA). She received the award from Dr Myo Thein Gyi, Union Minister, Ministry of Education, Myanmar, during the Gala Dinner held on 19 October 2017 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The award presentation ceremony was held in conjunction with the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology.
The objectives of the ASEAN Science and Technology Awards are to firstly give recognition to the achievements and contributions rendered by scientists and technologies in the region. Secondly, it is a channel to encourage scientists and technologists to reach for further success. The awards also aim to encourage scientists and technologists to publish and patent their work to provide younger scientists with inspiration to reach their fullest potentials. By conferring these awards to deserving scientists, it will also highlight to the general public especially the youth concrete examples of successful careers in science.
Dr Leong was ecstatic when she learnt that she was the recipient of the AMSA. "I got to know about this award nomination through Academy of Sciences Malaysia ('ASM'). I was nominated and endorsed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation ('MOSTI') as one of the nominees from Malaysia. I am very happy to receive this recognition and it is very encouraging to know that young scientists such as myself also stand a chance to be recognised internationally. Although I have received other international awards such as being the first and only Malaysian to win the Australia Queensland Smart State Smart Women Award and recipient of the Australia Queensland University Trailblazer Innovation Award (Champion) 2015, winning the AMSA is truly a great honour," she enthused.
Dr Leong's collection of awards and recognitions is impressive. For 2017 alone, she won the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Malaysian 2017, the AMSA, ASM Top Research Scientist Malaysia Award, i-Proclaim Annual Research Awards Outstanding Scientist – Awards for Publication Excellence and was nominated for the Australia Distinguished Alumni Award 2017.
