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Hosted by the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES)<\/a>, the award celebrated Ir Prof Dr Leong Wai Yie\u2019s achievements in global capacity building (developing and building knowledge and skills internationally) and commitments to the representation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ir Prof Dr Leong Wai Yie is the Theme-1 Lead<\/a> of the WFEO Committee on Women in Engineering<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ir Prof Dr Leong Wai Yie has made us proud by earning a spot among the 2023 INWES Distinguished Woman in Engineering Award winner. The conferment of the Distinguished Woman in Engineering Award was held from 3 to 6 September 2023 during the award ceremony and the International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ICWES)<\/a> at the Aoteo Centre in Auckland, New Zealand, conferred by Prof Dr Jung Sun Kim, INWES President, attended by Past President of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM)<\/a>, Emeritus Prof. Datuk Ir. Dr. Ow Chee Sheng and his wife. \u201cAt the same time, it highlights the impact of powerful organisations like INWES in creating a revolution for women in science and engineering, as we collectively shape a future defined by progress, inclusivity, and extraordinary accomplishment.\u201d In 2022, Prof Dr Leong Wai Yie has made Malaysia proud by earning a spot among the 2022 World Federation of Engineering Organisation (WFEO) Engineering Award winners during the award ceremony<\/a> in Paris, France. Prof Dr Leong Wai Yie received the WFEO Gree Women in Engineering Award which was conferred by Dr Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences. Prof Leong has been promoting engineering and science through workshops, seminars, publications, media and conferences. <\/p>\n ICWES is the International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists<\/a> \u2013 a triennial conference of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES)<\/a>. ICWES19-Shaping the Future was hosted by the Association for Women in Science (AWIS)<\/a> and Engineering New Zealand<\/a> in Auckland in September 2023. The conference is to share with the world our stories of success of women in science and engineering, and welcome others to share their expertise while exploring our shores.<\/p>\n INWES, AWIS and Engineering New Zealand were delighted to have the opportunity to share our stories of women in science and engineering with the world through ICWES19 (the 19th International Conference for Women Engineers and Scientists), and were excited to invite others to share their expertise while exploring our shores. ICWES19 aims to encourage, support, and advocate for greater gender diversity within traditionally male-dominated STEM career pathways. The conference celebrated and welcomed greater representation of women, non-binary people, and other minority gender identities within STEM, as well as those who advocate for greater diversity.<\/p>\n INWES, a global network of organizations of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)<\/a>, reaching over 60 countries worldwide, seeks to recognise, appreciate, and honour outstanding women who in diverse ways are helping to build a better future for women and girls through active participation in all areas of STEM.<\/p>\n INWES is a not-for-profit global network of organizations of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), representing over 250,000 women from 60 countries around the globe.<\/p>\n INWES is an official non-government organisation partner of UNESCO, holding consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)<\/a> and observer status to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)<\/a>. INWES supports the work of UN Women and the Commission for the Status of Women.<\/p>\n The INWES AWARD is to recognize and honour individual women who have contributed to promoting the core values of INWES and their various fields of STEM. These core values include becoming an influential voice on STEM issues for the benefit of women and girls, gender equity and society, increasing the presence of women and girls in mainstream STEM decision-making bodies, promoting exchange of information, networking, advocacy and opportunities through a number of international, regional events and projects. <\/i> International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES) website<\/a><\/p>\n <\/i> International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ICWES) website<\/a><\/p>\n
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\nFrom left to right: Ir Prof Dr Leong Wai Yie, Prof Jung Sun Kim, INWES President and Nelly Sakyi-Hagan, INWES Awards Committee Chair<\/i>
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\nOn winning the award, Ir Prof Dr Leong Wai Yie said: \u201cI am honoured to receive the INWES Distinguished Woman in Engineering award. This recognition reflects my commitment to setting a path for aspiring women engineers and embodying the transformative spirit that shapes our global landscape.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nThe award is conferred triennially to a woman who is a strong advocate for promoting the active participation of women and girls in engineering at least for the last five years. Be seen to be a role model within her current organization and\/or community and has demonstrated passion in supporting women and girls in engineering and the mission of INWES. And has demonstrated excellence in promoting the engineering field and made significant contributions to the field.<\/p>\n
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\nFrom left to right: Juana Tapel (Philippines), Sylvia Ortega-Azurduy (Bolivia), Jung Sun Kim (Korea), Sylvia S. Kegel (Germany), Nelly Sakyi-Hagan (Kenya) and Wai Yie Leong (Malaysia)<\/i>
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\nProf Leong is currently the Past Chairperson of The Institution of Engineering and Technology<\/a> (IET Malaysia Local Network), IET United Kingdom Council Member, Vice President of International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES) 2020\/2023, and World Federation of Engineering Organisation (Women in Engineering Committee). <\/p>\n
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\nArticle submitted by Ir Prof Dr Leong Wai Yie<\/i>
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\nFor more information:<\/b><\/p>\n