ASEAN Foundation and SAP concluded the ASEAN Data Science Explorers 2025 Regional Finals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as part of the ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 series of events
The ASEAN Foundation, in partnership with SAP, successfully hosted the 9th ASEAN Data Science Explorers (ASEAN DSE) 2025 Regional Finals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 22 student innovators from secondary and tertiary institutions across the 10 ASEAN Member States showcased data-driven solutions addressing the region’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
Using SAP Analytics Cloud, participants demonstrated how data insights and mobile applications can help accelerate progress across six critical 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)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
Team Lao PDR Wins Regional Championship with Water-Innovation Breakthrough
Team DataMinions from Lao PDR was crowned the ASEAN DSE 2025 Regional Champion for their project Namjai Smart Water Tank—a smart system that filters and detects harmful water contaminants and generates alerts for households, NGOs, and authorities. The solution aims to tackle the clean water crisis in Lao PDR, Cambodia, the Philippines, and other ASEAN countries.
Team Mamamamoodeng from Thailand and Team MyKXLab from Malaysia secured first and second runner-up positions, respectively.
“Seeing the inspiring work of other finalists motivates us to push our project even further,” shared Palinya Sengdalavong and Kounlasatty Manivong, members of Team DataMinions. “The friendships and connections formed through this program will continue to shape our journey as part of the ASEAN community.”
Philippine Team Highlights Water Crisis in the Region
Representing the Philippines, Team Sharksfin—composed of Lizzie Annika Montemayor and Val Allen Eltagonde from Ateneo de Manila University—presented HydroLink, a two-part groundwater monitoring solution aligned with SDG 6.
Their project features a field-deployed monitoring sensor connected to a mobile app and centralized dashboard. It seeks to address salinity and bacterial contamination affecting communities in Panglao, Bohol and Los Baños, Laguna, as well as in other ASEAN nations dependent on groundwater such as Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste.
“With HydroLink, we aim to turn a last-mile crisis into a first-mile opportunity for data generation and community empowerment,” the team shared.
Preparing ASEAN Youth for a Data-Driven Future
As the global data science market rises—projected to reach USD 322.9 billion by 2026—ASEAN continues to confront a digital skills gap. A study from the ASEAN Foundation and Google revealed that 72.2% of underserved youth in the region have low-level or no advanced digital skills.
ASEAN DSE aims to bridge this divide by equipping young people with essential digital and data analytics skills, helping them thrive in an evolving workforce.
The 2025 Regional Finals were supported by the Ministry of Education Malaysia, aligning with the ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 initiatives and the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015–2025 (Higher Education). High-level delegates and VIPs from all 10 ASEAN Member States also attended.
“This programme is a powerful example of regional collaboration in developing future-ready youth,” said Ybhg. Dr. Mohd. Azam Ahmad, Director General of the Ministry of Education Malaysia.
A Regional Commitment to Innovation and Inclusion
ASEAN Foundation Executive Director Dr. Piti Srisangnam emphasized the program’s impact:
“By providing young talents with digital tools and skills, we empower them to innovate solutions to real-world challenges and drive ASEAN’s development forward.”
SAP Southeast Asia President and Managing Director Liher Urbizu echoed this commitment, highlighting the partnership’s role in developing the region’s next-generation tech talent.
Since 2017, ASEAN DSE has empowered over 111,000 youth aged 15 to 30—including underserved communities—and engaged 3,300 educators, with women representing 55% of participants. The initiative supports various ASEAN strategies, including the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth and the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025.
