ASEAN Data Science Explorer is a regional data analytics competition targeting tertiary students with ASEAN nationality across the 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS). By using SAP Analytics Cloud, the programme requires students to deliver data-driven, innovative, and feasible solutions and recommendations which can address pressing social and economic issues in ASEAN across the six United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, namely (1) Good Health and Well-being, (2) Quality Education, (3) Gender Equality, (4) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (5) Industry Innovation & Infrastructure, and (6) Sustainable Cities and Communities. The solutions that youth will submit are not limited to a campaign, policy, product, service, or volunteering recommendation. Furthermore, entries submitted will be shared with relevant ASEAN bodies for their consideration. 

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ADSE also has a segment of enablement session, data analytics training session using SAP Analytics Cloud targeting secondary students, tertiary students and lecturers across the 10 AMS. Apart from the goal to promote the ADSE competition, the enablement session aims to capacitate students and lecturers with data analytics using SAP Analytics Cloud.

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The over-arching goal of the programme is to build capacity of digital literacy and 21st century skills for youth in the region, which ultimately can bridge the digital divide in the 10 AMS and prepare them for the Digital Economy. Another main goal is to promote ASEAN awareness among youth across the region. This is how ADSE supports the ASEAN Blueprint 2025 in terms of building the innovative and resilient ASEAN Community, not to mention the ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2020 and ASEAN Work Plan on Youth and Education 2016-2020.  ADSE competition is held at the national and regional levels with the national level conducted in the 10 AMS and the regional final hosted by the ASEAN country chairing ASEAN.

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So, at this early of January of 2024, UTP-ASA apply to become the local implementing partner. And from there, the great journey started. Started from March till July, UTP-ASA have successfully achieved the target for the whole programme. The overall implementation of the ASEAN Data Science Explorers Enablement Sessions by the UTP-ASEAN Student Association was successful and well-received. These sessions were meticulously planned and executed, reflecting the commitment and coordination of the organizing team. In total, 41 enablement sessions were conducted, with 25 sessions held on-site and 16 sessions held online. These sessions involved 31 Master Trainers who guided and supported the participants throughout the learning process. The response from students and lecturers was overwhelmingly positive, with 3557 individuals from 29 countries expressing interest in joining the sessions. Out of these, 3223 students and lecturers were selected and empowered as end-beneficiaries. Out of the 3223 students and lecturers participating, 2016 or 63% of them were joining the on-site enablement sessions while the rest 1207 or 37% were joining online enablement sessions. 

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​The recruitment of target underserved youths was facilitated through a collaborative effort with government agencies and universities. Key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), the Department of Higher Education (JPT), and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) played significant roles in promoting the ASEAN Data Science Explorers Program. These agencies helped connect interested universities with the UTP-ASEAN Student Association. The universities then handled the recruitment process using promotional materials provided by the association.

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Based on the comprehensive implementation of the ASEAN Data Science Explorers Enablement Sessions by the UTP-ASEAN Student Association, it is evident that the program has successfully achieved its objectives of training and empowering underserved youths across Malaysia. The dedication and collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including government agencies, universities, and schools, have significantly contributed to the program's success.​

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In summary, the UTP-ASEAN Student Association successfully achieved the set milestones, having trained a total of 3223 students and lecturers from diverse backgrounds and countries such as Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. Despite the stringent criteria, the program reached and empowered 3016 Malaysian underserved youths, fulfilling the objectives of the ASEAN Data Science Explorers Program. In conclusion, the UTP-ASEAN Student Association looks forward to advancing the program's reach and impact, fostering a culture of innovation and empowerment among Malaysian youths through data science education.