Isabelle Yau Li Shuang, a final-year data analytics student at Sunway University, has won the grand prize at the Esri Malaysia Young Scholars Award for a research project analysing healthcare accessibility across Sabah. Her project used geospatial mapping techniques, including terrain-adjusted modelling, to identify districts in the state with the lowest access to healthcare facilities, information that could help guide future investment in clinics and hospitals in underserved areas.

As part of the award, Isabelle will travel to San Diego, California, for full access to the Esri User Conference and the Esri Education Summit, two of the largest gatherings in the world for professionals working in geographic information systems. Her supervisors described the project as a strong demonstration of how data analysis can be applied to real-world public health challenges, particularly in a state like Sabah, where large distances and difficult terrain can make it hard for rural communities to reach medical care. The recognition adds to a growing list of Malaysian students earning international acclaim for projects that combine technical skill with practical, socially useful applications, from healthcare access to environmental sustainability.

Key Details

  • Isabelle Yau Li Shuang, a final-year data analytics student at Sunway University, won the grand prize
  • Award: the Esri Malaysia Young Scholars Award
  • Her project used terrain-adjusted geospatial mapping to analyse healthcare accessibility in Sabah

The Prize

  • A trip to San Diego with full access to the Esri User Conference and Esri Education Summit

Why It Matters

  • Findings could help guide future investment in clinics and hospitals in underserved districts
  • Adds to a growing list of Malaysian students earning international recognition in applied data science