Singapore – Three cross-border teams emerged as winners at the Singapore International Foundation (SIF)’s Climate Hack 2024 Pitch Day, marking the conclusion of the five-month-long program that commenced in September 2024. The winning teams, composed of 13 young innovators from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the Philippines, impressed judges with their groundbreaking climate solutions.
Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future
More than 300 young participants from 27 countries joined forces to develop technology-driven solutions for climate challenges. Under expert mentorship, they honed their skills in digital technology, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and marketing. The winning ideas emphasized strategic cross-sector collaborations, personalized user experiences, and cost-effective alternatives to existing climate solutions.
Wan Muhamad Asyrad Wan Zaki, a member of the winning team Sustainloop from Malaysia, reflected on the experience: “Our cross-border collaboration—uniting talents from India, Malaysia, and the Philippines—helped us tap into the ASEAN network and scale our business across multiple markets. Working with diverse cultures taught us the value of clear communication, mutual respect, and understanding different perspectives.”
SIF Champions Climate Collaboration
Jaryll Chan, Executive Director of Programmes Division at SIF, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating: “Climate change knows no borders. It affects every nation, every community, and every individual in our interconnected world. At SIF, we are committed to fostering collaborations that drive impactful solutions for a sustainable future.”
On Pitch Day, ten shortlisted teams presented their innovative solutions to a panel of judges. The proposals tackled various environmental challenges, including natural resource management, sustainable land use, eco-friendly transportation, waste reduction, and ecological economics.
Winning Teams and Their Impact
The three victorious teams selected for their innovative solutions are:
- E-Connect (Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines)
- SustainIQ (Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines)
- Sustainloop (India, Malaysia, Philippines)
Additionally, Ecovolve (Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore) won the People’s Choice Award, determined by social media engagement and audience votes on Pitch Day.
A Learning Journey in Singapore
The four winning teams will visit Singapore in March 2025 to deepen their understanding of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, a nationwide movement towards sustainable development. This opportunity will allow them to engage with policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates to refine their ideas and explore avenues for real-world implementation.
Judge Carla Gomez Briones, a Climate and Sustainability Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development, commended the participants, saying: “The ingenuity and depth of thought showcased by these teams are truly inspiring. Their solutions not only address pressing climate concerns but also demonstrate the immense potential of international collaboration.”
Empowering Youth for Climate Action
Sheena Joy Palcis, a member of the E-Connect team from the Philippines, shared her personal growth through the program: “Climate Hack has transformed my ideas into actionable climate solutions. The mentorship and workshops equipped me with practical skills to create a tangible impact.”
Since its inception in 2021, Climate Hack has trained nearly 1,000 young innovators from 24 Asian countries, fostering the development of over 130 digital solutions addressing climate-related issues. The 2024 edition was organized in partnership with Action for Change in Southeast Asia (ActSEA), Kidzstarter, and Temporary Local, with additional support from Cognizant, DataKind Singapore, and TheOneHourProject.
Driving Change Beyond Borders
The success of Climate Hack 2024 underscores the power of youth-driven innovation in tackling global climate challenges. By leveraging technology and cross-border partnerships, these young changemakers are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
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