Velesto, SEDC to hold VIBES Innovation Challenge finals at Unimas May 20

The hackathon-style competition encourages students to develop innovative solutions addressing critical challenges in technology, sustainability, and industrial development. – Photo by Sora Shimazaki/Pexels
KUCHING (May 17): Velesto Energy Berhad (Velesto) and the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) are set to host the highly anticipated VIBES Innovation Challenge semi-final and finals from May 20 to 21 at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
According to a statement, the hackathon-style competition encourages students to develop innovative solutions addressing critical challenges in technology, sustainability, and industrial development.
Since its launch on March 24, the competition has attracted 151 participants forming 35 teams, all tasked with applying their academic knowledge to solve real-world problems.
The VIBES Innovation Challenge offers a dynamic platform for students to transform their ideas into practical, actionable solutions.
The initiative reflects Velesto's and SEDC's commitment to elevating educational quality, nurturing future workforce capabilities, and supporting Sarawak's vision for sustainable, knowledge-driven economic growth.
Participants have benefited from ideation workshops, mentorship sessions, and expert assessments led by professionals from Velesto, SEDC, and Unimas, enhancing their skills in innovation and problem-solving.
This competition is part of the broader VIBES initiatives, designed to cultivate local talent and foster innovation through hands-on STEM learning experiences.
It aligns with Velesto's and SEDC's shared goal to strengthen Sarawak's innovation ecosystem by equipping future generations with the skills to tackle tomorrow's challenges.
The closing ceremony will be officiated by Deputy Premier and Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Also expected to attend are Velesto President Ir Ts Megat Zariman Abdul Rahim, SDEC General Manager Datu Abdul Hadi Datuk Abdul Kadir, and Unimas Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit.
This initiative, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Dec 5, 2023, contributes to Sarawak's knowledge-driven growth.
It also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 17: Partnerships, emphasising the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving impactful, sustainable outcomes. hackathon lead SEDC Unimas Velesto VIBES Innovation Challenge

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