Events like ASEAN Data Science Explorers is an important one because it brings together two important elements – data and skills. I want to congratulate SAP and the ASEAN Foundation for embarking on this project because it highlights the potential of what we can achieve with shared expertise. It’s an example of how industry partners and public institutions can bring together ideas and young talent, and open new doors for a brighter future for all of us.

This year, Viet Nam is chairing ASEAN with the theme “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN” and I am delighted to see how the ASEAN DSE competition fully embodies that spirit by encouraging our youth to be creative and proactive in responding to today’s challenges. Data-driven solutions are key to adapting to the new world generated by the 4th Industrial Revolution.

I believe this initiative is of great importance for ASEAN youth particularly in today’s increasingly digital world. Our young people need both technical skills, such as on data analytics, as well as 21st century skills to succeed amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I wish to thank SAP, therefore, for their valuable contributions to the education and youth sectors of ASEAN. I certainly look forward to working with SAP and the ASEAN Foundation more closely particularly as we shape our post-2020 education and youth agendas.

Aside of course from the prize money, what I valued most is the experience that the ADSE has given to me. It made me realize that I can push myself beyond my limits and compete in an international competition which was one of my dreams. Moreover, it has given me the chance to witness the "Unity in Diversity" of our beloved ASEAN region. I made a lot of ASEAN friends. I also had a chance to immerse in a different culture and share also my culture to them. I will never forget my journey to ADSE starting from day 1. I will never forget the growth that I had, together with my partner, Rusty. And that what really inspires me, that this competition became our garden to grow not just as a student but also as an ASEAN citizen.

I think it's an absolutely amazing platform for youths to learn about the current developments in ASEAN and to contribute to its progress by harnessing data and formulating solutions. Despite not having any data science background, I learnt to obtain meaningful information from the data sets and the SAP software, which I consider a very useful skill for my future. This competition also gave me the confidence that I have the ability to contribute to the growth of ASEAN through my ideas as a student.