KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail and the Raja Perempuan of Perlis, Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Almarhum Tengku Abdul Rashid, graced the Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah (YTF) Women in Technology Awards 2026 here today.
The prestigious awards presentation and gala dinner were held in conjunction with the 80th birthday celebration of Tuanku Tengku Fauziah.
Also in attendance were the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, and the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, who is also YTF Royal Patron.
Academician Emeritus Prof Datin Paduka Setia Datuk Dr Aini Ideris led the list of six women recognised for their outstanding contributions to technology, research, innovation and leadership.
Dr Aini, a former Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) vice-chancellor, won the Grand Prize in the Senior Women in Technology category, taking home a cash prize of RM30,000.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) Associate Professor Dr Serene Lock Sow Mun bagged the Grand Prize in the Junior Women in Technology category, taking home RM15,000.
In the senior category, UPM senior lecturer Prof 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 (UM) senior lecturer Dr Marlinda Ab Rahman received the Special Award – Rising Star, while Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Associate Professor Dr Afzan Ahmad Zaini was named Industry Changemaker. Each received RM5,000.
The awards aim to celebrate women's contributions to technology, raise their visibility and inspire the next generation to pursue excellence in science, technology and innovation.
Also present were members of the YTF Board of Trustees, distinguished guests, and representatives from industry, academia and the technology sector.
-- BERNAMA