Date: 7 August 2026
Format: Virtual 
 

Background & Strategic Rationale:

Building upon the outcomes of the global webinar held on 31 March 2026 on AI & Data Science for Sustainable Development, we organised a virtual meet-up on the 7th August, 2026 that aimed to help young people (students, recent graduates and professionals) navigate and better understand the Data driven job and professional environment in the world and particularly in South East Asia.

AI and Data Science isn't just automating tasks anymore — it's starting to shape which skills matter, which roles exist, and how far a degree alone will take you. That's exactly what we unpacked on Friday, 7 August, at a FREE live ZOOM event.

This meet-up sought to provide an interactive platform where selected participants listened and asked questions from leading experts. Dr. Ann Suttiprasit (Thailand) opened with a keynote on navigating the AI and data-driven world, Aseem Andrews (India) followed with a snapshot on where the sustainable development opportunities lie, and then the floor opens into a relaxed, coffee-table-style conversation and Q&A with a panel from Malaysia and Indonesia, hosted by Ioannes Tang (Malaysia).

For more details, read the think-pieces produced by our #DataScienceforDevelopment global project, which document real use – case
examples of how Data Science and AI are being used to take forward Sustainable Development work across the globe.

Read here: LinkedIn Link

The meet-up provided opportunities to ask questions, expert feedback, and collaboration between participants. The event forms part of the broader “Road to October” initiative leading toward the planned in-person up-skilling and innovation event in Malaysia later in 2026.

We warmly encourage students, researchers, innovators, development practitioners, and professionals interested in AI for Sustainable Development to get in touch with us and participate in our collaborative and solutions-oriented initiatives.