Filipino and ASEAN youth showcase tech-powered solutions for a sustainable, competitive region
In today’s digital era, data is more than just numbers — it’s power. And for hundreds of young changemakers across Southeast Asia, it’s also a tool to solve some of the region’s most pressing problems.
Held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the ASEAN Data Science Explorers (ASEAN DSE) 2025 Regional Finals brought together the brightest students from 10 ASEAN Member States. Organized by the ASEAN Foundation in collaboration with SAP, the event marked the ninth year of this regional competition that challenges students to turn data into actionable insights supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Data-Driven Ideas for Real-World Impact
Using the SAP Analytics Cloud, the finalists presented innovative projects tackling issues such as hunger, sanitation, sustainable cities, and climate action.
The top honor went to Team DataMinions from Lao PDR, whose project Namjai Smart Water Tank detects harmful substances in water and alerts communities and authorities to ensure clean, safe water access. Their innovation aims to address water quality issues across Lao PDR, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Team Mamamamoodeng from Thailand and Team MyKXLab from Malaysia secured the first and second runner-up spots, respectively.
“Seeing other teams’ projects was so inspiring,” shared Palinya Sengdalavong and Kounlasatty Manivong of Team DataMinions. “This experience encouraged us to keep improving and create a lasting impact for the ASEAN community.”
Filipino Finalists Spotlight the Water Crisis
Representing the Philippines, Team Sharksfin composed of Lizzie Annika Montemayor and Val Allen Eltagonde from Ateneo de Manila University tackled the region’s growing water crisis with their project HydroLink.
The system integrates a groundwater monitoring device with a mobile app and centralized dashboard, helping communities track water quality in real time.
“In areas like Panglao and Los Baños, residents face salinity and bacterial contamination in drinking water,” the team explained. “With HydroLink, we hope to transform a last-mile crisis into a first-mile opportunity for data generation and community empowerment.”
Bridging the Digital Skills Gap in ASEAN
The ASEAN DSE program addresses an urgent challenge: preparing the region’s youth for a data-driven global economy.
A 2022 ASEAN Foundation and Google study revealed that over 72% of underserved youth in ASEAN lack advanced digital skills, even as demand for data-savvy professionals rises. Through workshops and competitions, ASEAN DSE empowers young people especially those from underserved communities to build technical skills, creativity, and confidence in solving regional challenges.
Since its inception in 2017, ASEAN DSE has reached over 111,000 youths and 3,300 educators, with 55% of participants being women highlighting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and equality in tech.
Leaders Champion Digital Readiness
Supported by the Ministry of Education Malaysia under the ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, this year’s regional finals emphasized the importance of digital literacy for sustainable growth.
“The ASEAN DSE programme shows how collaboration can drive innovation and equip youth with future-ready skills,” said Dr. Mohd. Azam Ahmad, Director General of the Ministry of Education Malaysia. “It aligns with Malaysia’s Education Blueprint and prepares our young people to thrive in a digitally connected world.”
Echoing this, Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, described the initiative as a cornerstone in youth empowerment.
“By providing digital tools and data skills, we enable young talents to innovate and contribute to ASEAN’s development,” he said.
Liher Urbizu, President and Managing Director of SAP Southeast Asia, added:
“Our collaboration with ASEAN Foundation reinforces SAP’s mission to empower the next generation with entrepreneurial and digital skills that can drive positive change.”
The Future Is Data-Driven and Youth-Led
The ASEAN DSE 2025 Regional Finals prove that the youth aren’t just future leaders, they’re already shaping solutions today. From fighting climate change to solving water crises, these students are turning insights into impact, data into development, and dreams into action.
For Filipino youth, it’s a reminder that the power to create change lies in curiosity, creativity, and collaboration with data as their strongest ally.