APU student, Chin Hong Wei, and his team Anahgat made a global impact at the ASEAN-China-India Youth Leadership Summit by addressing global sustainability solutions.

Chin Hong Wei, a Software Engineering student at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), placed Second with his group Anahgat at the 1st Annual ASEAN-China-India Youth Leadership Summit (ACIYLS) 2023.

Hong Wei, Acsonekham Vongxay, May Su Su San, Lylin Sok, Rubina Darga, and Nguyễn Thành-Thơ led the development of Bin-Novate, a plastic waste management solution for Southeast Asia, under the banner of Anahgat.

Driven by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 11.6, Bin-Novate emerged as a beacon of hope, harnessing the power of modern technology to tackle the region’s plastic waste crisis.

Anahgat’s unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship shone through, as they meticulously crafted a solution that not only addressed the plastic menace but also aligned with Goal 11.

“I am thrilled to be able to share this achievement with APU. I filled up with excitement as my name was called as one of Malaysia’s fifteen representatives.

“Now, I stand among 180 youths from 12 different countries, all united by a common goal — tackling sustainability,” said Hong Wei.

Hong Wei previously won the Best Speakers in the Malaysia and Brunei round of the ACIYLS Sustainability Startathon held at Sunway University in September 2023.

The ACIYLS 2023 platform proved to be a fertile ground for Hong Wei, providing invaluable opportunities to network, learn, and collaborate with experts from diverse fields.

“Interacting with individuals from different countries and industries was truly enriching,” he shared.

“The insights I gained from their experiences have been instrumental in shaping my own approach to sustainability and also established collaborations with experts in agriculture, technology, and other fields.”

Despite the ups and downs of their journey, which included many late-night discussions and challenging brainstorming sessions — the path to success was paved with perseverance and teamwork.

“The camaraderie we shared was the bedrock of our success. We acknowledged, pushed each other, supported each other, and emerged stronger together.

“Communication is key when addressing global problems. The diverse perspectives we shared as individuals on collaboration and sustainable solutions were invaluable,” he asserted.

The ACIYLS 2023 experience has not only fuelled Anahgat’s passion for sustainability but also instilled in them the importance of global collaboration.

With a heart full of gratitude and a mind brimming with newfound knowledge, Hong Wei sets his sights on a future in the sustainability industry, where he aspires to revolutionise world problems through the power of technology.

Besides Hong Wei, Quah Seng Kit, APU Data Analytics student, came in Fifth place with his team United for their innovation, biodegradable films made of rice straw, which contributed to achieving SDG Goal 11.6: Promote sustainable cities and communities.

Lau Joe Ying, Lim Tzu Ming, Ang Weoy Yang, Ang Weoy Yang and Loricson Chia Khai Zhen, students from APU’s Intelligent System, Software Engineering, and Data Analytics programmes also made their way to Singapore to take part in the prestigious ACIYLS 2023.

All of them were chosen to represent Malaysia at the Youth-Leadership Summit as the top 15 winners selected to compete in ACIYLS 2023.

Their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring changemakers, reminding them that with innovation, determination, and a willingness to collaborate, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

APU is proud to have played a part in Hong Wei and other student’s journey, nurturing and providing them with the platform and support they needed to shine as a future leader, empowering them to shape a more sustainable world.