Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office
The PUP Research Institute for Strategic Foresight and Innovation (RISFI), hosted its segment of the ASEAN AI Hackathon 2026, an initiative that convened student innovators, academic leaders, and partner institutions under the theme “AI for a Resilient ASEAN: Innovation, Sustainability, and Humanity.”
Photo courtesy of: PUP Research Institute for Strategic Foresight and Innovation 'Official' Facebook Page
The event served as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration across Southeast Asia, reinforcing the shared vision of developing responsible and future-ready AI solutions. It gathered key members of the technical committee, including Dr. James Ronald O. Mesina (Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna), PUP Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development, Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin, and Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Gia Nhu (Duy Tan University), highlighting strong inter-institutional partnerships.
Dr. Hang Le, Director of the P2A Secretariat and Vice Provost of Duy Tan University, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in advancing AI innovation. This direction was reinforced by keynote speakers Dr. Ethel Valenzuela, Chair of the ASEAN AI Council, and Prof. Duong Quang Trung, President of the ASEAN Research Network, who underscored the role of artificial intelligence in promoting resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth across ASEAN nations.
A central component of the PUP-hosted activities was the Technical Architecture and Data Ethics Workshop, facilitated by PUP experts Dr. Robert G. de Luna, Engr. Marife A. Rosales, Engr. Orland D. Tubola, and Engr. Tristan L. Velardo. The session focused on responsible AI development, ethical data use, and sustainable technological practices—key considerations in the evolving digital landscape.
Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin, who emphasized the need to sustain academic collaborations and innovation-driven initiatives to ensure a resilient ASEAN. The event recorded significant engagement, with 1,080+ student participants, 240+ registered projects, 100+ institutions, and representation from nine ASEAN countries, reflecting the scale and impact of the initiative.
Aligned with global development priorities, the ASEAN AI Hackathon 2026 contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing competencies in artificial intelligence and innovation; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the promotion of research and technological advancement; and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by encouraging AI-driven solutions to societal challenges. It also upholds SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through its emphasis on data ethics and responsible AI, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening regional cooperation among ASEAN institutions. Through this initiative, the University continues to contribute to the advancement of a collaborative, innovative, and sustainable ASEAN community.
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