The UK has announced the initial recipients of its ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships, part of the ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls' Education (SAGE) Programme. Launched earlier this year, this new scholarship initiative is designed to tackle gender imbalances in access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and careers in ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste.
Following a rigorous selection process that attracted hundreds of applicants from all ten ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste, the UK is thrilled to announce the first ten recipients of our prestigious scholarships. These exceptional women, each passionate about making a significant impact in STEM—a field where women have historically been underrepresented—have been chosen for their remarkable potential. Globally, women make up just 29.2% of the STEM workforce, despite constituting nearly half of the non-STEM employment sector.
Each recipient will be awarded a fully funded opportunity to pursue a master's degree at one of two renowned UK institutions: the University of Warwick or Imperial College London. They are set to begin their studies in September 2024. We anticipate that these scholars will not only excel in their STEM careers but also serve as inspirational role models and leaders, advocating for and advancing the presence of women in their field.
The first ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships have been awarded to a diverse group of scholars. The recipients are:
- Chou I Heng (Cambodia): MSc Analytical Sciences, University of Warwick
- Alvi Nava (Indonesia): MSc Environmental Technology, Imperial College London
- Onglao Maria Andrea Kristina (Philippines): MSc Environmental Data Science, Imperial College London
- Ng Charlene (Malaysia): MSc Computer Science, University of Warwick
- Thet Win Nandar (Myanmar): MSc Humanitarian Engineering, University of Warwick
- Mohd Rafiq Nafisah (Singapore): MSc Environmental Technology, Imperial College London
- Yoswaris Punnapa (Thailand): MSc Climate Change, Imperial College London
- Lam Ngoc Ngan (Vietnam): MSc Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research, University of Warwick
- Nguyen Ha Phuong Thao (Vietnam): MSc Engineering Business Management, University of Warwick
- Guterres de Sa Benevides Dirce Maria Jose (Timor-Leste): MSc Engineering Business Management, University of Warwick
These exceptional scholars chosen from a highly competitive group of applicants, based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to making impactful contributions to STEM. The ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme, the UK's premier educational initiative in ASEAN, aims to enhance fundamental learning outcomes in literacy and numeracy, support girls and marginalized groups in accessing education, and dismantle gender barriers in digital skills and employment. This programme is designed to empower young women to reach their full potential. The scholarships, developed by the British Council and funded by the UK Government through the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme, reflect this commitment.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, H. E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn said, "This scholarship programme underscores the UK and ASEAN's shared commitment to gender equality and female empowerment in STEM. By supporting girls and marginalised communities in accessing education and improving foundational learning, we aim to bridge the gender gap and foster a more inclusive and innovative future. ASEAN is pleased with the positive outcomes from the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme, which aims to enhance collaboration and mutual benefits between the regions".
Ambassador of the UK to ASEAN, H. E. Sarah Tiffin said, "As an ASEAN Dialogue Partner, the UK is committed to advancing girls' education across ASEAN region through the SAGE programme, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all girls. We are excited to offer this great opportunity to our new scholars. Their talent and dedication is inspirational, and we look forward to seeing how they will shape the future of STEM in ASEAN after studying at the UK's world-class universities".
The ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships support the objectives outlined in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (4, 10, and 17), and the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action 2022–2026. Specifically, they aim to enhance collaboration between UK and ASEAN educational institutions, staff, and students through scholarship initiatives.
