Themes

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN Member States have seen school closures impacting more than 152 million children in the Southeast Asian region (Thomas, 2022). School closures and the sudden transition from face-to-face to digital modalities have resulted in significant learning loss and socio-emotional challenges for teachers and learners. 

1.1 trillion hours of in-person learning lost

Scientists from Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Singapore clinched the prestigious ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women 2021 for their outstanding professional achievements. Taking the theme of “Clean Water and Clean Air,” the prize sought to recognise women scientists who have made significant strides towards addressing air pollution and facilitating people’s access to safe water and sanitation in the region. The ASEAN talked to the winners, Dr. Li Hongying (midcareer scientist category) and Dr. Neni Sintawardani (senior scientist category), and honourable mention, Dr Aduwati Sali (mid-career scientist category), about their journeys as researchers and their aspirations for women scientists in ASEAN.