Two outstanding students from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Rahul and Natalie, have emerged as part of the Top 8 Malaysian finalists in Huawei’s globally renowned “Seeds for the Future” program.
The program, designed to nurture digital talents, provided the students with a platform to showcase their expertise in advanced technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity.
Their journey reflects a deep commitment to addressing global challenges, particularly those tied to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 13: Climate Action.
A Journey of Excellence
Rahul, a final-year Computer Science and IT student majoring in Network Computing, and Natalie, a fourth-year Software Engineering student, stood out among over 100 Malaysian applicants.
Their selection for the program involved rigorous stages, including research proposal submissions, online courses, and interviews conducted by experts from Huawei Malaysia, Cybersecurity Malaysia, and the Ministry of Higher Education.
The competition culminated in a week-long program in China, where the students collaborated with international participants, learning from industry leaders and exploring the latest in digital technologies.
Speaking about their selection, Natalie shared, “I never expected to make it to the Top 8, especially with so many talented participants.
“When I first applied, I was hesitant because I was worried it might interfere with my academic performance.
“But my mentor encouraged me to leap, and I’m grateful I did.
“This program has changed my perspective on how technology can influence global issues, particularly environmental sustainability.”
Rahul’s path was also deeply personal.
“For me, this was an opportunity to push my boundaries,” he explained.
“I’ve always been passionate about technology, but this program allowed me to combine my technical expertise with leadership and communication skills.
“It was about proving that tech students can excel in areas like public speaking and leadership while contributing to global challenges like climate action.”
Innovating for a Sustainable Future
Both students brought unique projects to the table, addressing the challenges of sustainability and industrial innovation.
Rahul’s research focused on how AI can contribute to environmental sustainability and climate change initiatives.
In his video presentation, he discussed the practical applications of AI in reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and improving waste management systems.
“Technology is not just about solving today’s problems; it’s about shaping the future,” said Rahul.
“AI has the potential to make industries more efficient and less harmful to the environment, which is why I focused on how AI could be applied to climate action.”
Natalie, on the other hand, focused on the continuous advancement of cybersecurity in the context of Sarawak’s digital landscape.
Her research emphasized the importance of protecting digital infrastructure as Malaysia progresses toward becoming a tech-driven economy.
“In a world that’s increasingly dependent on digital solutions, cybersecurity must evolve to match emerging threats.
“My goal was to highlight the strategies needed to safeguard our digital infrastructure while promoting green technology,” said Natalie.
Building Global Connections
The experience was not just about technology; it was also about cultural exchange and leadership development.
During their time in China, both students participated in the Tech4Good competition, which aimed to address social and environmental issues using digital technology.
“Meeting peers from across the Asia-Pacific region was one of the highlights of the program.
“We all came from different backgrounds, but we shared a common goal: to make a positive impact through technology,” said Natalie.
Rahul added, “The mentorship we received was invaluable.
“We had leaders in the tech industry guiding us on how to develop innovative solutions and pitch them to global audiences.
“The collaborative environment pushed us to think creatively and work as a team to address real-world problems.”
A Call to Future Innovators
Both students are eager to pass on their knowledge and experiences to younger generations.
“To all the students out there, don’t be afraid to take that leap.
“Join programs like this.
‘The journey itself is more valuable than the outcome, and you’ll gain skills and connections that will last a lifetime,” said Rahul.
Natalie echoed this sentiment, “This experience has been transformative.
“It’s shown me how much potential we have to make a difference in the world.
If you’re passionate about technology and want to contribute to society, go for it!”
Their success highlights the rising digital talent in Malaysia and emphasizes the role of young leaders in driving the nation’s technological and sustainable development efforts.
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