Swinburne Sarawak Researcher Ts Dr Lee Sue Han Receives Global Inspiring Women in Science Award for AI-Driven Biodiversity Innovation
Ts Dr. Lee Sue Han, Head of the Information and Communication Technologies Discipline at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, has received the 2025 Inspiring Women in Science Award in the Scientific Achievement Category. This award is presented by the Nature Awards in collaboration with The Estée Lauder Companies.
Acknowledgement of Contributions
Dr. Lee is noted for being among the few Malaysian researchers to obtain this international accolade, which aims to acknowledge women who make significant contributions to scientific fields and inspire future generations.
Research Highlights
The award highlights her innovative research related to artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of plant biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. Her study exemplifies the application of advanced technology to address global sustainability challenges. Specifically, Dr. Lee utilizes AI, computer vision, and pattern recognition techniques to improve biodiversity monitoring and bolster conservation efforts.
The Importance of AI in Conservation
The recognition reinforces the importance of AI research in biodiversity conservation and underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration that integrates technology, ecology, and sustainability. In her statements, Dr. Lee remarked that this award serves as a platform to motivate more women and girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Innovations in Plant Identification
Dr. Lee’s research includes the development of advanced AI model architectures for plant species identification, addressing challenges related to data scarcity and ecological variations. She has played a significant role in the Pl@ntNet project, which facilitates citizen science and large-scale documentation of plant biodiversity.
Community Involvement
She pointed out the success of the Malaysia Flora Project within the Pl@ntNet framework, which has emerged as a national reference for plant identification, promoting community involvement and encouraging environmental stewardship.
Current Projects
Currently, Dr. Lee leads Swinburne Sarawak’s collaboration in the Pl@ntAgroEco project, which focuses on the integration of AI for sustainable agroecology monitoring. This project emphasizes the essential balance between agricultural productivity and ecosystem health.
Partnerships for Education and Engagement
Additionally, Dr. Lee’s partnership with Sarawak Forestry Corporation aims to develop an advanced AI model for plant identification that supports a park guidance system, enhancing public engagement and education regarding biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring.
Broader Impact and Future Aspirations
Dr. Lee’s achievements illustrate the expanding influence of Swinburne Sarawak in promoting AI innovations aimed at environmental resilience. Her work aligns with the broader objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and positions the university as a key player in research-driven solutions for real-world challenges.
Encouraging Future Generations
In summary, Dr. Lee expressed hope that her recognition encourages young women to explore the significant potential of technology and research in effecting change, stating that innovation thrives through the collaboration of diverse perspectives addressing pressing global issues.
Source: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus.
