KUALA LUMPUR: Two women experts from Universiti Malaya (UM) have been awarded the Fulbright Malaysia Visiting Scholar 2024-2025 by the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE).
The university said the two were Associate Professor Dr Reena Rajasuriar from the Faculty of Medicine and Professor Dr Siti Nursheena Mohd Zain from the Faculty of Science.
"Dr Reena, a pharmaceutical researcher, will collaborate with Columbia University, New York on an HIV study aimed at improving clinical outcomes for people living with HIV in Malaysia.
"Meanwhile, Siti Nursheena, a parasitologist, will contribute to global efforts in combatting Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at the National Institutes of Health, Washington DC.
"Both scholars bring extensive experience and expertise to their respective projects, highlighting UM's commitment to academic excellence and international cooperation in addressing global challenges," it said in a statement today.
The Fulbright Scholar Programme is sponsored by the United States government to increase mutual understanding and for scholars to engage in international educational exchange.
Both Dr Reena and Siti Nursheena were given special mention at the International Women's Day 2024 event held at the Za'ba Memorial Library in the university here, today.
The event was graced by Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim. Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, and UM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman.
In his speech, Noor Azuan said he strongly believed that education and awareness were fundamental pillars in fostering inclusion and empowering women.
"It is through such endeavours that we can genuinely cultivate an environment where the unique contributions of every individual, irrespective of gender, are recognised, celebrated, and given the platform to flourish."
Meanwhile, he also said initiatives such as the UMentor programme would serve as catalysts in providing women with the necessary support and opportunities to thrive.
The UMentor programme is designed to empower the university community and foster personal and professional development among its staff and students.
It focuses on both various methods of mentoring, with a significant focus on mentoring women.