- Aims to equip youth with digital skills to drive innovation, sustainable growth across Asean
- Participants used data analytics to develop solutions aligned with 6 Sustainable Development Goals
The Asean Foundation, in collaboration with SAP, hosted the ninth Asean Data Science Explorers (Asean DSE) 2025 Regional Finals in Kuala Lumpur, where 22 students from secondary and tertiary institutions across the ten Asean member states presented data-driven solutions to address pressing socio-economic challenges in the region.
Using SAP Analytics Cloud, participants showcased how data analytics can be applied to create practical innovations aligned with six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).
Team DataMinions from Lao PDR emerged as regional champions with their Namjai Smart Water Tank, an innovative solution that filters and detects harmful substances in water while alerting communities and authorities to maintain clean water. The project addresses critical water quality issues in Lao PDR, Cambodia and the Philippines. Team Mamamamoodeng from Thailand and Team MyKXLab from Malaysia were named first and second runners-up respectively.
“Seeing the projects of other finalists was truly inspiring and motivated us to further develop our initiative to create a long-lasting impact on Asean. The friendships and invaluable connections forged through this programme will stay with us as we continue improving ourselves as members of the Asean community,” said Palinya Sengdalavong and Kounlasatty Manivong of Team DataMinions.
Malaysia was represented by two finalist teams. Tertiary-level Team MyKXLab from Monash University developed Green Circular Credit Scoring (GCCS) and GreenLoop to address low plastic recycling rates and promote a digital circular economy across Asean.
“In 2024, Asean member states declared a unified commitment to tackle plastic pollution across its entire life cycle. We hope our solutions can enhance lifestyle traceability, promote circular economy adoption and increase recycling rates across Asean — ultimately helping to reduce ocean plastic waste pollution,” said Chiam Kai Li and Lee Xin Yee from Team MyKXLab.
In the secondary category, Team Legendary Production from SMJK Yok Bin created SmartWaste, a mobile app that encourages recycling and enables users to earn from sustainable waste management.
“People across Asean dispose of over 400,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, most of which ends up in landfills. SmartWaste aims to bridge barriers for those who lack time, facilities or awareness, encouraging communities to recycle and reduce landfill waste,” said team members Lim Xin Ying and Lim Wei You.
Data-driven skills are now essential for the future workforce. According to MarketsandMarkets (2022), the global data science platform market is projected to grow from US$95.3 billion (RM403 billion) in 2021 to US$322.9 billion (RM1.4 trillion) by 2026. Yet an Asean Foundation–Google study (2022) found that 72% of underserved youths surveyed had no or low levels of advanced digital skills.
To address this gap, the Asean DSE programme equips participants with practical data analytics experience, preparing them for digital careers and empowering them to apply technology for social good.
The 2025 Regional Finals were supported by the Ministry of Education Malaysia, which played a key role under the Asean Chairmanship 2025. The Ministry’s involvement underscored the importance of fostering digital literacy and readiness among Asean youth for sustainable development in the region.
“The Asean DSE programme is a prime example of how regional collaboration can drive innovation and build critical future skills among our youth,” said Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad, director general, Ministry of Education Malaysia. “By aligning with the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015–2025 (Higher Education), this initiative equips our youth with the tools needed to thrive in the modern workforce and contribute to the region’s sustainable development.”
Dr Piti Srisangnam, executive director of the Asean Foundation, emphasised the programme’s pivotal role, “The Asean DSE programme is a key initiative to nurture young talent across our region. By providing them with digital tools and data skills, we empower them to think critically and innovate solutions to real-world problems, supporting both their personal growth and the development of Asean as a whole.”
As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP remains committed to preparing young people for a rapidly evolving world by focusing on three essential skill sets: entrepreneurial skills, digital skills and 21st-century competencies.
“SAP’s collaboration with the Asean Foundation showcases our commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders with the skills they need to thrive in today’s data-driven world. Through this initiative, we’re fostering innovative tech talent across Southeast Asia, enabling them to drive impactful change,” said Liher Urbizu, president and managing director, SAP Southeast Asia.
Since its launch in 2017, the Asean DSE programme has empowered more than 111,000 young people aged 15 to 30 — including those from underserved communities — and engaged over 3,300 educators across the region, with women making up 55% of participants.
By equipping young talent with digital competencies, the programme supports the Asean Work Plan on Youth 2021–2025, the Asean Work Plan on Education 2021–2025, the Asean Digital Masterplan 2025 and the Asean Digital Economy Framework, which collectively promote the development of a digitally enabled Asean economy and sustainable growth across the region.
Related Articles
Keyword(s) :