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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda has expanded its social impact initiative, Agoda Tech Camp Day, to Malaysia for the first time. This milestone event hosted more than 300 students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia's largest institution of higher education. The students participated in a two-day program designed to upskill the next generation of tech leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) and other critical digital skills.
Since its launch in May 2023, Agoda Tech Camp Day has reached over 2,500 university and high school students across Thailand. Previous editions focused on high-demand technical competencies, including modern front-end frameworks, user-centric design and tooling, and foundational generative AI applications. The program's ongoing success has also garnered key endorsements from Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and was recognized with the U.S. Ambassador's Special Award at the 2025 American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Thailand Corporate Social Impact Awards.
The first edition in Malaysia took place on November 6–7, 2025, at UiTM, featuring hands-on workshops that introduced students to Agoda's innovative use of AI. Participants were also guided on leveraging AI for their academic studies and gained hands-on experience building their own AI-powered search engine. The program was led by over 20 Agoda software engineers, who served as mentors and shared insights. Following the sessions, all participants received an official certificate of attendance issued by Agoda.
"We are excited to bring Agoda Tech Camp Day to Malaysia and grateful for the collaboration with UiTM and valued government partners," said Prashant Singh, VP of Engineering, Information Technology, Agoda. "By sharing the ins and outs of Agoda's innovation mindset and skills, we empower the next generation of Malaysian tech talent to grow and support the nation's digital future."
The expansion of Agoda Tech Camp Day to Malaysia was endorsed by the Ministry of Digital Malaysia and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. The two-day program kicked off with an opening ceremony attended by a high-ranking delegation of leaders, including The Honorable Michelle Ng Mei Sze, Political Secretary to the Digital Minister, Prof. Ts. Dr. Shafinar Haji Ismail, the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management, and Mr. Nik Hishamuddin bin Nik Mohd Yusoff, Head of Tertiary, Digital Talent and Entrepreneurship at MDEC.
On behalf of the Ministry of Digital, The Honorable Michelle Ng Mei Sze, Political Secretary to the Digital Minister, said, "I applaud Agoda's decision to invest in cultivating the next generations of AI talent in Malaysia. It speaks that Agoda has been recognized by Malaysia Digital Status since 2013, thanks to the company's continuous contribution and activities to boost the digital economy of Malaysia. The Agoda Tech Camp Day initiative is in line with Digital Ministry's strategy to transform Malaysia into an AI Nation by 2030."
Prof. Ts. Dr. Shafinar Haji Ismail, the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), added, "Agoda's commitment to developing local talent and creating pathways for students to experience real-world technology careers reflects a deep sense of purpose, one that aligns closely with UiTM's mission of advancing knowledge, empowering communities, and driving national progress through innovation and education."
Building on its recent contribution to Malaysia's ASEAN AI Summit, Agoda remains dedicated to cultivating local talent, scaling responsible AI adoption, and supporting the nation's ambitions as a regional leader in digital innovation and social impact through initiatives like Agoda Tech Camp Day.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda has expanded its social impact initiative, Agoda Tech Camp Day, to Malaysia for the first time. This milestone event hosted more than 300 students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia's largest institution of higher education. The students participated in a two-day program designed to upskill the next generation of tech leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) and other critical digital skills.
Since its launch in May 2023, Agoda Tech Camp Day has reached over 2,500 university and high school students across Thailand. Previous editions focused on high-demand technical competencies, including modern front-end frameworks, user-centric design and tooling, and foundational generative AI applications. The program's ongoing success has also garnered key endorsements from Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and was recognized with the U.S. Ambassador's Special Award at the 2025 American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Thailand Corporate Social Impact Awards.
The first edition in Malaysia took place on November 6–7, 2025, at UiTM, featuring hands-on workshops that introduced students to Agoda's innovative use of AI. Participants were also guided on leveraging AI for their academic studies and gained hands-on experience building their own AI-powered search engine. The program was led by over 20 Agoda software engineers, who served as mentors and shared insights. Following the sessions, all participants received an official certificate of attendance issued by Agoda.
"We are excited to bring Agoda Tech Camp Day to Malaysia and grateful for the collaboration with UiTM and valued government partners," said Prashant Singh, VP of Engineering, Information Technology, Agoda. "By sharing the ins and outs of Agoda's innovation mindset and skills, we empower the next generation of Malaysian tech talent to grow and support the nation's digital future."
The expansion of Agoda Tech Camp Day to Malaysia was endorsed by the Ministry of Digital Malaysia and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. The two-day program kicked off with an opening ceremony attended by a high-ranking delegation of leaders, including The Honorable Michelle Ng Mei Sze, Political Secretary to the Digital Minister, Prof. Ts. Dr. Shafinar Haji Ismail, the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management, and Mr. Nik Hishamuddin bin Nik Mohd Yusoff, Head of Tertiary, Digital Talent and Entrepreneurship at MDEC.
On behalf of the Ministry of Digital, The Honorable Michelle Ng Mei Sze, Political Secretary to the Digital Minister, said, "I applaud Agoda's decision to invest in cultivating the next generations of AI talent in Malaysia. It speaks that Agoda has been recognized by Malaysia Digital Status since 2013, thanks to the company's continuous contribution and activities to boost the digital economy of Malaysia. The Agoda Tech Camp Day initiative is in line with Digital Ministry's strategy to transform Malaysia into an AI Nation by 2030."
Prof. Ts. Dr. Shafinar Haji Ismail, the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), added, "Agoda's commitment to developing local talent and creating pathways for students to experience real-world technology careers reflects a deep sense of purpose, one that aligns closely with UiTM's mission of advancing knowledge, empowering communities, and driving national progress through innovation and education."
Building on its recent contribution to Malaysia's ASEAN AI Summit, Agoda remains dedicated to cultivating local talent, scaling responsible AI adoption, and supporting the nation's ambitions as a regional leader in digital innovation and social impact through initiatives like Agoda Tech Camp Day.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Expands Tech Camp Day to Malaysia, Empowering Local University Students with AI Skills and Tech Innovation
SINGAPORE, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore has been awarded the ASEAN MICE Venue Award 2026 in the Meeting Room Category, a prestigious regional recognition under the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard (AMVS). The award celebrates venues that meet the highest benchmarks for business meetings across Southeast Asia and was officially presented at the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards Ceremony during the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) on 30 January 2026 in Cebu, Philippines.
In 2026, only 41 establishments across all ten ASEAN Member States attained this distinction after undergoing rigorous on-site audits evaluating structural quality, soundproofing, amenities, safety standards and service excellence. Grand Copthorne Waterfront is one of only two hotels in Singapore to receive the award, and one of just three Singapore representatives overall, highlighting its leadership in the regional MICE sector and reinforcing Singapore's standing as a premier MICE destination.
The ASEAN MICE Venue Award – Meeting Room category honours venues that meet rigorous standards in facilities, service, safety and accessibility. This recognition reflects the hotel's commitment to quality and seamless meeting experiences.
Commenting on the achievement, Andrew Tan, General Manager of Grand Copthorne Waterfront, said: "This ASEAN MICE Venue Award is a strong affirmation of our team's dedication to delivering exceptional meeting experiences. It reflects the high standards we uphold across our facilities, service and operations, and reinforces our commitment to continuously innovate and elevate the experience for our clients and partners."
Benedict Ng, Vice President, Operations, Southeast Asia and North America, added:
"Being recognised under the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard places Grand Copthorne Waterfront among the region's most trusted and capable MICE venues. This achievement highlights the strength of our operational excellence and our continued investment in people, infrastructure and technology to support world-class business events."
The accolade follows the hotel's $40 million refurbishment completed at the end of 2023, which significantly enhanced its MICE capabilities. Featuring 6,200 square metres of meetings and events space, including naturally lit meeting rooms and three pillarless ballrooms spanning 1,385 square metres; the hotel is well equipped to support hybrid, in-person and virtual events. Overlooking the Singapore River, its venues offer a distinctive setting paired with state-of-the-art technology and world-class audio-visual facilities, reinforcing its role in elevating regional MICE standards and strengthening Singapore's position as a leading international MICE hub.
Contact:
Claire Chan, Assistant Director of Marketing Communications
Claire.Chan@millenniumhotels.com
Kok Nee Tsu, Assistant Manager of Marketing Communications
neetsu.kok@millenniumhotels.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore Honoured with ASEAN MICE Venue Award 2026
