And the latest woman to make history is Dr Chan Yoke Fun, the Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology at Universiti Malaya's Faculty of Medicine.
According to Bernama, Dr Chan was recently announced as the winner of the prestigious Asean-US Science Prize for Women 2020, beating out 250 applicants from 10 countries.
Following her win, Dr Chan will also receive US$20,000 (RM82,957) cash award.
She is currently working on developing a vaccine to combat hand, foot and mouth disease, and brain infection diseases in children.
“Her research has been focusing on enterovirus A71, an emerging virus that causes severe neurological disease and hand, foot and mouth disease,” Asean wrote in a statement.
Dr Chan leads a virology laboratory with research interests in epidemiology and pathogenesis of emerging viruses such as enterovirus A71, chikungunya, and respiratory viruses.
Empowering Other Women In Science
"This award is timely in demonstrating the active role of women in preventive healthcare. It is a recognition for work well done, and signifies the opportunity for my team to do more. It has also empowered all Asean women scientists,” Dr Chan told Bernama.
"Passion, perseverance and positive thinking help us to achieve greater heights."
This isn’t Dr Chan’s first rodeo in collecting international awards as she was the recipient of L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Malaysia Fellowship (2014), L’Oréal-UNESCO International Rising Talent (2015), Young Women Leaders award Category Science and Technology, National Council of Women’s Organizations Malaysia 2015, and Asian Women Entrepreneurs leadership award, Science and Environment. 2019.
Congrats, Dr Chan, on your win! May this award inspire many young female Malaysians out there to believe in themselves and feel encouraged to be woman in science.