JOHOR BAHRU, 7 March—In recognition of her significant contributions to the field of technology, Ts. Dr. Nur Haliza Abdul Wahab, a dedicated computer science lecturer and single mother, has been awarded the Ibu Zain Award 2025 in the Technology category. This award, named after the esteemed educator and advocate for women’s rights, honors outstanding women who have made remarkable impacts in various fields.
Ts. Dr. Nur Haliza, a lecturer at the Faculty of Computing at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has become a prominent figure in the tech community. She is known for her innovative teaching methods and her pioneering research on Blockchain and the Internet of Things, particularly their applications in education. With a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, she has authored numerous papers. She is a frequent speaker at international conferences, advocating for increased inclusivity and representation of women in technology.
Despite the challenges of being a single mother to three children, Ts. Dr. Nur Haliza continues to excel in her academic and research endeavors. Her journey inspires many, demonstrating that balancing family responsibilities with a demanding career through dedication and resilience is possible.
“I am honored to receive the Ibu Zain Award. This recognition is not just for me; it represents all women in technology who strive to break barriers and pave the way for future generations,” she stated during an interview with the Office of Campus Sustainability (UTMCS) in her office this morning. The interview was held in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2025.
The Ibu Zain Award highlights women’s achievements while promoting gender equality across all sectors. This year, the award attracted numerous nominations nationwide, showcasing the profound impact women have on technology and innovation.
Ts. Dr. Nur Haliza also emphasized the importance of mentorship and support systems for aspiring female technologists. She urged educational institutions to cultivate environments that empower young women and encourage their participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
“We need to create a pipeline of women who can contribute to technology and innovation. It is our responsibility to foster that,” she stated.
The award ceremony, attended by esteemed guests from academia, government, and the industry, concluded with a call to action for ongoing efforts toward achieving gender equality in technology.
Ts. Dr. Nur Haliza’s story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with perseverance and passion, women can excel in technology and make a lasting impact on society.
As she continues her journey in academia, Ts. Dr. Nur Haliza plans to expand her expertise beyond computer science to other fields as well. Her work not only champions her field but also underscores the vital role of women in shaping the future of technology.
These initiatives align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education, which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, which supports sustainable industrialization and fosters innovation; and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which aims to strengthen global partnerships to support and achieve the ambitious targets of the SDGs.
