Climate Hack 2024: Cross-Border Collaboration for Climate Solutions

• 16 teams featured members from different countries, highlighting the power of international collaboration in addressing climate challenges.
• The winning teams will visit Singapore to learn about the country’s sustainable development initiatives, including the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

The Singapore International Foundation (SIF) recently concluded the third edition of Climate Hack, a program aimed at equipping youths in Asia with digital skills to develop tech-driven climate solutions. This year’s event saw the highest number of cross-border teams formed, with over 300 youths from 27 countries participating.

At the Climate Hack 2024 Pitch Day, three winning teams were announced: E-Connect, SustainIQ, and Sustainloop. These teams, comprising youths from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the Philippines, presented innovative solutions focusing on strategic partnerships, personalized user experiences, and cost-effective alternatives. Additionally, Ecovolve from Cambodia, Indonesia, and Singapore received the People’s Choice Award.

Wan Muhamad Asyrad Wan Zaki, a member of Sustainloop from Malaysia, noted: “We formed a cross-border team to tap into the ASEAN network and expand our business across multiple markets. Working with people from different cultures has taught us to value diverse viewpoints, communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings, and respect local customs and practices.”

Jaryll Chan, SIF Executive Director, Programmes Division, emphasized: “Climate change knows no boundaries — it affects every nation, every community, and every individual in our interconnected world. At the SIF, we believe in driving collaborations to develop solutions for a better world.”

Carla Gomez Briones, a judge from the United Nations Development Program, praised the teams’ ingenuity: “The solutions not only address urgent climate issues but also reflect the power of collaboration across borders to create a sustainable future.”

Climate Hack has trained nearly 1,000 youths from 24 countries since its inception in 2021, resulting in the development of 130 digital prototypes and solutions for climate-related challenges.