Ha Thi Thanh Huong wins ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women

Associate Professor Ha Thi Thanh Huong of Vietnam has won first prize in the Mid-Career category of the 2026 ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women. The award ceremony took place on October 14 in Da Nang during the 90th session of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-90).

Dr. Huong, who holds a PhD from Stanford University and currently serves as Head of the Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, was recognized for her scientific achievements. In the same category, Dr. Latifah Nurahmi of Indonesia received an honorable mention.

In the Senior category (for researchers aged 46 and older), Dr. Joanne Ngeow of Singapore won first prize, while Dr. Wai Yie Leong of Malaysia received an honorable mention.

Established in 2014, the prize aims to recognize outstanding scientific achievements and promote female participation in STEM fields among scientists from the 11 ASEAN member states. The selection process evaluates scientific excellence alongside mentorship roles.