The ASEAN Foundation and SAP has been maintaining a strong collaboration in organising social initiatives. Some of which were implemented in 2017. This year, they have once again collaborated for the ASEAN Data Science Explorers’ National Finals, a regional program that aims to catalyse activism among ASEAN university students.
At the Philippine run for the 2019 ASEAN Data Science Explorers’ National Finals, the ASEAN Foundation and SAP SE identified the teams from top universities in the Philippines. These universities include Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), and Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP).
About 624 students from all over the Philippines received training for the SAP Analytics Cloud. During the training, the ASEAN Foundation and SAP provided support for the students to analyse real-time data of ASEAN member nations’ current social and economic crises in creating a solution to address the problems. Two hundred forty-three registrations were submitted for the competition.
The participating teams from various universities presented their storyboards. The winners were chosen based on the relevance and urgency of the topics. These were showcased on their individual storyboards and clarity of their presentations.
Each team harnessed SAP’s Analytic Cloud software in developing the data-driven solutions that focused on six Sustainable Development Goals: good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, and sustainable cities and communities. These solutions can contribute to addressing the most pressing social issues of the region.
Team Sustainablue from ADMU bagged the top price. This team was composed of Krystel Iris de Castro and Anne Nicole Dolfo. The pair presented solutions on how talents can flourish in the digital industry by gearing them with skills necessary for the Industry 4.0 which involves improvements on the educational systems, provision of mid-career training for a successful job transition, and the reconstruction of an integrated ASEAN labour market.
Team Isdabest from DLSU-Manila, which comprised of Patricia Nicole Joyce Cruz and Hannah Dominic Sy, came in second place. Their project highlighted and promoted gender equality in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) industry. The pair presented data and solutions that will help women in getting professions in the STEM industry.
Team Celestial-EX from TIP-Quezon City placed third with their carbon emission management project. The pair highlighted the importance of alleviating the carbon footprint of each ASEAN country by leveraging the power of solar and shifting to electric cars. They have also emphasised the importance of reforestation and usage of CO2 filters and air purifiers.
The grand winner, Team Sustainablue of ADMU, will represent the Philippines in the Regional Finals to be held in Bangkok, Thailand on 8-10 October.
