Dr. Worajit Setthapun of Thailand (in black) becomes the winner of the 2016 ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women.

She was honoured at the Science and Technology award ceremony held in conjunction with the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology in Cambodia last week for her groundbreaking work in sustainable energy research that benefits the ASEAN region. 

The 25,000 USD annual prize supports promising, early-career female scientists in the ASEAN region and encourages collaboration between ASEAN member states and the United States around sustainable energy solutions. 

Due to the high level of talent identified in this year’s pool, the prize partners awarded a second applicant, Dr. Sharifah Rafidah Wan Alwi of Malaysia with an honourable mention. 

The two women were chosen from over 60 applicants from ASEAN member states and represent the best and the brightest women scientists focusing on sustainable energy. 

Dr. Worajit Setthapun (Thailand) is the Director at the Asian Development Institute for Community Economy and Technology at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. She has extensive experience in developing affordable and appropriate sustainable energy systems to enhance the livelihood and occupation of small and rural communities. She also develops and manages the Chiang Mai World Green City, which is a living laboratory for renewable energy application and green technologies. 

Dr. Sharifah Rafidah Wan Alwi (Malaysia) is an Associate Professor at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Her expansive research covers topics such as CO2 emission reduction in energy utilisation, maximising energy efficiency for industry and buildings, creating bio-energy from rice and palm oil biomass, and creating an integrated design tool that combines renewable energy solutions with traditional fossil fuel-based energy.-VNA