DAX Challenge 2026 Briefing and Workshop Equips Participants with Data, AI and Analytical Skills
The Data-AI-Experience (DAX) Challenge 2026 Briefing and Workshop was successfully held on 15 August 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. via Google Meet, bringing approximately 220 participants and advisors from across Malaysia. The programme provided participants with essential information, practical guidance, and valuable skills to help them prepare for the upcoming competition.
The DAX Challenge 2026 aims to provide a meaningful platform for school, pre-university and undergraduate students to apply data analytics, artificial intelligence and mathematical thinking to real-world issues. Through this initiative, participants are encouraged to transform data into meaningful insights and innovative solutions that can contribute to society.
This programme was officiated by Associate Professor Dr Mohd Sham Mohamad, Dean of the Centre for Mathematical Sciences (PSM), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA). In his opening remarks, he highlighted the importance of data, artificial intelligence and analytical thinking in addressing real-world challenges and encouraged participants to take full advantage of the DAX Challenge 2026 as a platform to develop their creativity, problem-solving abilities and innovation.
The morning session began with a briefing and introduction to the DAX Challenge 2026, delivered by Dr Sahimel Azwal Sulaiman. The session covered the competition theme, objectives, participating categories, competition requirements, rules and timeline. Participants were also introduced to the key sectors highlighted in the challenge, including Road Safety, Economy, Food Security and Water Sustainability.
This was followed by a session on datasets, evaluation rubrics and a question-and-answer session, conducted by Associate Professor Ts Dr Noryanti Muhammad. Participants received an overview of the available datasets, data sources, appropriate use of competition data, assessment criteria, submission requirements and ethical considerations in the use of artificial intelligence.
The program continued with afternoon session which focused on Practical Workshop and Consultation, led by Dr Nor Azuana Ramli. Through hands-on activities, participants were guided in identifying problems, developing project objectives, preparing and cleaning datasets, conducting data visualisation, developing dashboards and exploring basic forecasting models and AI applications, particularly for the Undergraduate category.
Each session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer sessions allowing participants to seek clarification from the speakers regarding their competition preparation.
The DAX Challenge 2026 Briefing and Workshop was a resounding success and ran smoothly from start to finish. By engaging around 220 students and advisors across Malaysia in practical sessions on data analytics and AI, the event provided a solid foundation for the upcoming competition. It is hoped that all participants gained valuable knowledge, practical skills, and fresh insights to help them develop impactful, innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
The Centre for Mathematical Sciences, UMPSA, looks forward to welcoming all participants to the next stage of the DAX Challenge 2026. It wishes all teams the very best in developing impactful and innovative solutions.
Author: Dr. Sufi Hafawati binti Ideris