Fourth-year Computer Engineering students Sharina Sodario and Kaye Louise Manilong were 1st-runner up at the ASEAN Data Science Explorers (DSE) National Finals 2024 held on September 5, 2024, at the DLSU Dr. Andrew L. Tan Data Science Institute, McKinley Hills, Taguig.

The USC contingent, dubbed as the Barbie Dream Team, presented their innovative project “EcoFarm Connect,” which proposes an IoT-based smart farming system and a “Shop to Plant” marketplace utilizing SAP technology, offering data-driven solutions to promote sustainable agricultural practices across the ASEAN region. 

Out of 50+ entries nationwide, the team made it to the Top 10 National Finalists, and was the only finalist from the Visayas and Mindanao regions. 

Sodario and Manilong were mentored by Philip Virgil Astillo, Ph.D. and Debbie Bolhano, an ASEAN Master Trainer. 

The ASEAN Data Science Explorers competition is one element of the ASEAN DSE programme that aims to “empower youths across the 10 ASEAN Member States with data analytics skills and other relevant skills such as problem-solving skill, critical thinking skill, analytical thinking skill, collaboration skill, and communication skill.” 

With reporting from the Department of Computer Engineering