Forest Interactive Foundation launches Bayu Hackathon

• To address skills shortage, broaden employment opportunities
• In partnership with Jawala Plantation Industries, MOSTI 

Forest Interactive Foundation has launched Bayu Hackathon, a nation-building programme that focuses on education enrichment in the field of technology to empower future innovators capable of developing innovative ideas and solutions for Sabah.

With the tagline Code, Learn, and Meet, the foundation said in a statement that Bayu Hackathon is now open for registration to Malaysians aged between 20-years and 30-years-old who are university students, fresh graduates, or are currently looking for job opportunities.

Participants who have previously received formal or informal education in tech-related skills, have an eye for design, or have business-related knowledge and experience are encouraged to apply, it said.

Supported by Jawala Plantation Industries and the ministry of science, technology and innovation (Mosti) Sabah, the three-day programme will take place from July 29 to July 31 in Kota Kinabalu.

According to Forest Interactive Foundation, the hackathon aims to foster Sabah's forward-thinkers through intensive hackathon challenges.

It added that this programme will include Career Prep 101, pitching sessions and a career fair that is open to the public.

Johary Mustapha, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Forest Interactive Foundation, said the intent of this hackathon is to drive diverse and inclusive digital growth by equipping the participants with targeted digital skills, broadening employment opportunities, and solving the digital skills shortage in Malaysia. 

“Therefore, we've come together with Jawala Plantation Industries and Mosti Sabah to provide educational platforms that are aligned with industrial demands and ensure our youth are able to keep pace with technological advancements.

“To further encourage the culture of lifelong learning and boost Malaysia's digital economy, we welcome partnerships with academic institutions, developers, entrepreneurs, government institutions, and investors,” Johary said.

Yakub Khan of Mosti Sabah said, “Through this coding or Hackathon activity, youths can be more creative in solving rising problems.

“Mosti also calls on all eligible youths not to miss out on the program since a variety of exciting activities will be conducted such as career exhibitions, career workshops and pitching sessions,” he added.

Abdul Rahman Khan, group CEO & executive director of Jawala Plantation Industries, said, “It is also aligned with Jawala's slogan, Replanting Sabah's Forest for Future Generations, where it expresses our confidence to improve the environment for a bright future ahead,” he said

“We hope this hackathon will gather quality talents across regional backgrounds with diverse solutions to protect Sabah's biodiversity, and consequently improve the state’s environmental well-being,” Abdul Rahman said.

As a part of the hackathon challenge, participants will take part in building an app, game, website, bot, software, or Internet of Things by choosing a selected field.

This includes  disaster management, education, public transport, financial inclusion, electricity and power supply, as well as illegal online trading of wildlife trafficking. 

The foundation said this objective is aligned with the fundamental cornerstone of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on quality education, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, and life on land.

It added that through this immersive hackathon program, participants also have the chance to win cash prizes in the following categories:

1. The Best Overall Project: RM3,000;
2. The Best Idea: RM2,000;
3. The Best Business Pitch: RM1,000; and
4. The Jury's Award: RM1,000

Interested participants may submit their applications here or visit Forest Interactive Foundation's official website at forestcares.org