Top 10 global semi-finalists at 2024 EY Open Data Science Challenge

Wong Yi Jie, a Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) student, and Khor Yin Loon, a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Honours student from Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, emerged as the top 10 global semi-finalists of the 2024 EY Open Data Science Challenge. The challenge took place online from 1 February 2024 to 6 May 2024.

The team “Double Y” ranked 8th out of 10 global semi-finalists and was shortlisted from over 11,000 registrants. They were also the only Malaysian team to reach this level. Joining them was Liu Ziwei from Universiti Malaya (UM).

Wong (left) and Khor

In Phase 1 of the 2024 EY Open Data Science Challenge, participants were tasked with using high-resolution datasets to model coastal vulnerability and assess tropical storm damage, aiming to help communities develop strategies for mitigating and recovering from severe climatic events. The team’s solution achieved a mean Average Precision (mAP) score of 0.51, significantly surpassing the competition threshold of 0.40 and exceeding the first runner-up among Malaysian teams by six per cent. Their success advanced them to Phase 2, where they created a practical business plan to implement their model for local beneficiaries, focusing on assessing coastal infrastructure damage, vulnerability, socioeconomic impact, and climate change risk for future storms. Their innovative approach and robust modelling earned them a place among the top 10 global semi-finalists, demonstrating their dedication and technical proficiency.

Certificate won by Wong

Certificate won by Khor

The two winners expressed, “Joining the EY Open Science Data Challenge was driven by our collective interest in leveraging data science for addressing global issues like coastal resilience and climate change. Achieving the top 10 global semi-finalists and being the only team from Malaysia to do so was incredibly rewarding. It validates the hard work and dedication we put into developing our model and demonstrates that our approach holds substantial merit on an international stage. Although we didn’t make it to the global finalists, being ranked 8th among such strong competitors was a significant accomplishment.”

Wong and Khor’s success in the 2024 EY Open Data Science Challenge highlights the exceptional talent and expertise in Malaysian universities, particularly in engineering and data science. Their accomplishments brought pride to their institutions and provided valuable insights into coastal resilience and climate change mitigation strategies.

EY Open Science Data Challenge

The EY Open Science Data Challenge offers university students and early-career professionals a chance to utilise data, artificial intelligence, and technology to contribute to a sustainable future for society and the planet. Now in its fourth year, this challenge unites enthusiasts globally to collaborate, form teams, and inspire each other.