Celebrating Malaysian Women Driving Innovation And Inspiring The Next Generation
A new generation of women is helping shape Malaysia’s future through science, technology and innovation. The Women in Technology Awards 2026 celebrate their achievements while inspiring more women to lead, innovate and create lasting impact
Behind many of Malaysia’s technological breakthroughs are women whose contributions often go quietly unnoticed. Researchers and engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators are shaping industries, developing new technologies, and creating solutions that impact businesses and communities alike.
To recognise these achievements, Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah (YTF) has launched the Women in Technology Awards 2026, a national initiative that celebrates Malaysian women whose leadership, innovation and technological contributions are helping shape the country’s future. The awards are organised in collaboration with the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), which serves as the programme’s Technical Partner.
The initiative is more than an awards programme. It is also a platform to recognise role models, encourage greater participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and inspire more young Malaysians to pursue careers in innovation and technology.
Nominations will be open from 10 August until 5 September 2026. Both self-nominations and nominations submitted by employers, colleagues or industry peers are welcomed. Eligible candidates may come from industry, government agencies, higher education institutions, startups, research organisations and other technology-related sectors.
This year’s awards feature two categories.
The Senior Women in Technology Award recognises women with at least 20 years of professional experience who have made significant contributions to technology-related fields. The recipient will receive RM30,000 and a certificate.
The Junior Women in Technology Award recognises emerging researchers, academics, technologists and innovators aged 35 and below, or those with less than 10 years of professional experience. The recipient will receive RM15,000 and a certificate.
Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah believes the awards are about more than recognising achievements. They are also intended to encourage more Malaysian women to pursue careers in technology, innovation and research, while inspiring future generations to step forward as industry leaders.
In a statement, YTF said the awards recognise both established and emerging women who are shaping the future through research and development, entrepreneurship and technological innovation. Their work not only contributes to business growth but also creates meaningful social impact.
“Through these awards, we hope to celebrate women who are pushing boundaries in technology while inspiring more young Malaysians to pursue excellence in the field. We also extend our appreciation to MIGHT for its partnership in making this initiative possible,” the foundation said.
Nominees will be assessed based on their professional achievements, technological expertise, innovation, leadership, impact on society and industry, contributions towards advancing women in technology, community involvement and their overall contribution to Malaysia’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
Since its establishment in 2004, Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah has championed initiatives that empower women through education, leadership development and capacity building. By partnering with MIGHT, an organisation known for its work in technology, innovation and future-focused ecosystem development, the awards aim to further strengthen Malaysia’s innovation landscape while encouraging more women to take on leadership roles in technology.
For MIGHT, the awards also reflect a broader conversation about the future of innovation in Malaysia.
Its President and Chief Executive Officer, Ts. Rushdi Abdul Rahim, said the initiative builds on insights gathered through MIGHT’s recently launched Futures According to Women report, which explored the aspirations of Malaysian women and the role technology can play in creating a more inclusive future.
“The report gave us valuable insights into the future women hope to see, one where innovation, technology and leadership open more opportunities for everyone,” he said.
“The Women in Technology Awards recognises women who are already making that future a reality. By celebrating their achievements, we hope to inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation, while encouraging them to play a bigger role in shaping Malaysia’s future.”
Award recipients will be announced and honoured during the Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah Gala Dinner on 17 October 2026.
As technology continues to transform industries and redefine the future of work, recognising those who are driving innovation has become increasingly important. Initiatives such as the Women in Technology Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also shine a spotlight on the growing role Malaysian women play in shaping the country’s future through science, technology and innovation.
Nominations can be submitted through the official Women in Technology Awards portal from 10 August to 5 September 2026.
For further enquiries, please contact
Sheriffah Noor Khamseah Al-Idid bt Dato Syed Ahmad Idid, Consultant to Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah on Women in Technology Awards 2026, Consultant Nuclear Power, Venture Capital and Innovation sheriffahkhamseah@gmail.com
Ts Anusha Magendram, Head of Smart C Sustainable City, MIGHT anusha@might.org.my
Article source and picture from PressKL.
