The first-ever ASEAN-India Hackathon concluded on February 4 with more than 400 students, mentors, and officials from 10 ASEAN countries and India participating. Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank' said that the Hackathon held by Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India is in line with the vision of ASEAN - plan of action on science, technology and innovation (APASTI) 2016-2025.
As per a statement from the Ministry of Education, the ASEAN-India Hackathon 2021 aims at enhancing the cooperation between India and ASEAN countries in science, technology, and education. The teams for the ASEAN countries suggested innovative solutions to overcome the challenges under two broad themes: Blue Economy and Education.
The participating teams consisted of 330 students and 90 mentors. The students were divided in 54 cross-country teams, where each team consists of six students and two mentors. These diverse teams competed on developing the best solution for 11 problem statements provided by various different international organisations and government bodies.
Addressing the participants of Hackathon, Mr Pokhriyal said: “I am very thankful to all ASEAN countries for participating in this first-of-its-kind initiative. For the last three days, all 54 teams have worked really very hard on 11 problem statements and I was informed by juries and mentors that they are very happy with the quality of work done by participants during this Hackathon”.
Mr Pokhriyal and Union Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attended the award ceremony. Due to COVID-19, the Hackathon event was held virtually.
The Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said, “ASEAN India Hackathon offers a unique platform for our youngsters to put their minds and energies together. It is an excellent means to inculcate cooperative spirit among the participants and also exposes them to diverse viewpoints, cultures and work ethics. cutting across national boundaries.”
