Prince Jewel Federe
ASEAN Data Science 2022 Regional Finalist, the Philippines
Machine Learning Specialist, Manulife
For Prince, participating in the ASEAN Data Science Explorers (ASEAN DSE) 2022 was a pivotal moment that reshaped his academic and career trajectory. Representing the Philippines at the Regional Finals, Prince discovered the transformative potential of data science—not just in corporate settings but in addressing global challenges close to his heart, particularly in biological and ecological research.
The experience deepened Prince’s confidence in his data science skills and showed him how powerful collaboration and perspective could be in creating meaningful work. “Through ASEAN DSE, I met incredible people and heard their inspiring stories, which broadened my worldview. It made me realise how interconnected our challenges are and how impactful teamwork can be,” he reflected.
Today, Prince wears multiple hats, showcasing the versatility of his expertise. He graduated as the top student in his BS Computer Science programme and now juggles two impactful roles: as a researcher at the UP Marine Science Institute and a programmer at Manulife. Alongside these achievements, he is pursuing graduate studies, focusing on modelling complex ecological systems to protect marine biodiversity.
The skills Prince honed during ASEAN DSE have proven invaluable. From mastering data storytelling to building connections across diverse disciplines, he credits the programme for his ability to collaborate effectively and clearly present complex findings. “ASEAN DSE gave me the confidence to tackle challenging tasks and the ability to uncover the hidden stories within large datasets,” he said.
In just two years, Prince’s journey has flourished. He’s preparing to attend a UN climate workshop in Sri Lanka, further equipping himself to drive impactful change. Looking back, he acknowledges ASEAN DSE as a key catalyst in his success, inspiring him to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to both science and society.