Six women honoured at YTF Women in Technology Awards 2026

On the evening of YTF Women in Technology Awards 2026, held in Kuala Lumpur, the royal family of Perlis honoured six women for their achievements in technology, research, innovation and leadership. The event coincided with Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid's 80th birthday.

The six recipients were led by Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Aini Ideris, a former Universiti Putra Malaysia vice-chancellor, who won the grand prize in the Senior Women in Technology category. She received RM30,000. UTP associate professor Dr Serene Lock Sow Mun won the grand prize in the Junior Women in Technology category, also receiving RM15,000.

Dr Suraya Abdul Rashid, a senior lecturer at UPM, received the Special Award – Rising Star in the senior category. Dr Haniza Yon, founder of Global Psytech, was named Industry Changemaker in the same category. Dr Marlinda Ab Rahman, a senior lecturer at Universiti Malaya, received the Special Award – Rising Star in the junior category. Dr Afzan Ahmad Zaini, associate professor at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, was honoured as Industry Changemaker in the junior category.

Each of the winners received a cash prize: RM30,000 for Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Aini Ideris, RM15,000 for Dr Serene Lock Sow Mun, RM10,000 for Dr Suraya Abdul Rashid and Dr Marlinda Ab Rahman, and RM5,000 for Dr Haniza Yon and Dr Afzan Ahmad Zaini.

The awards aim to recognise women's contributions to technology, increase their visibility, and inspire the next generation to excel in science, technology and innovation. The ceremony also boasted the presence of YTF Board of Trustees members, distinguished guests and representatives from industry, academia and the technology sector.