Dr. Chan receiving the award
In Malaysia, the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science National Fellowship programme is the first of its kind. It was founded in 2006 in the firm belief that the world needs science and science needs women. Every year, three scientists will be honoured for their contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge. A financial assistance of RM30, 000 each will be granted to help them to further their research. It is presented in Life Sciences or Material Sciences in alternating years. L’Oréal –UNESCO for Women in Science International Programme also offers the International Laureate Programme and The International Rising Talent Fellowship. Details can be obtained from www.facebook.com/forwomeninscience.
This 2014 awards were in the field of Life Sciences and there was an overwhelming response of 133 applications.
Dr. Chan’s award is for her research into hand, foot and mouth disease, a common childhood affliction caused by a number of viruses, including the deadly enterovirus A71. Besides Dr. Chan, the other two winners were Dr. Noorhafiza Muhammad from University Malaysia Perlis, who developed angioplasty procedures that are more cost-effective and Dr. Whaizatul Afzan Azmi from University Malaysia Terengganu who created biological pesticides for the oil palm industry.
Dr. Chan Yoke Fun would like to thank the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science program for supporting female scientists. This is a very prestigious award and greatly increases the visibility of women in science. She stressed that women are wonderful multi-taskers who can be a world class scientist, a lovely wife and a wonderful mum. She believes in the 3Ps- passion, perseverance and positive thinking. A short video of her is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sVamP_TrX0
With other winners
