Zhuan Kee Leong
ASEAN Data Science Explorers 2019 Regional Finalist, Malaysia
PhD Student at Monash University, Malaysia
Data has become an essential tool in today’s world, not just in business but also in research and academia. Inspired by a growing passion for data analytics and research, Zhuan Kee Leong saw the ASEAN Data Science Explorers (ASEAN DSE) 2019 as an opportunity to strengthen his skills and pursue further studies in the field. This ambition has since propelled him to continue his academic journey, and he is now a PhD student in Business Analytics at Monash University, Malaysia.
Leong first discovered ASEAN DSE through his previous school and was immediately drawn to the competition by his passion for data analytics. “I wanted to use my skills to tackle global challenges,” he recalls. The alarming trends in agricultural productivity and food security sparked his curiosity, driving him to dive deeper into the issue and use data analysis to propose solutions. “That curiosity became a powerful motivator, pushing me to work harder and make a real impact.”
His experience in ASEAN DSE not only honed his technical skills but also prepared him for the rigours of a PhD. Leong remembers a crucial moment during the regional finals when judges pointed out that his team’s solution lacked practicality. “That feedback hit hard, but it taught me that solutions must be actionable, not just theoretical,” he explains. This realisation shaped his research approach, pushing him to think critically and design solutions that could be implemented in the real world.
Despite the challenges, Leong’s team, Insignia, managed to win the Malaysia National Finals and proceeded to represent his country in Bangkok, Thailand. Additionally, this achievement has helped him gain visibility and led to opportunities with prominent professors, eventually inspiring him to pursue a PhD. “It planted a seed in me, showing that data and research can drive meaningful change,” he reflects.
Looking back, Leong saw his ASEAN DSE journey as an important foundation for his academic and professional success. “The experience gave me a unique blend of technical and soft skills that helped me stand out in both academia and the job market,” he says. Today, as a PhD student, Leong continues to draw on the lessons from ASEAN DSE to address global challenges and push the boundaries of knowledge.