History:
Launched in 2022, Ocean Hackathon Kuala Lumpur (OHKL) is the first SEA edition of the Ocean Hackathon® initiative. Organized and funded by the Embassy of France to Malaysia, OHKL was conceived with the vision of catalysing innovation by bringing together diverse communities passionate about the oceans, about marine and maritime data and about digital technology.

Mission:
OHKL aims at harnessing the power of data and technology to address the pressing challenges faced by our oceans. The event is built upon several core pillars:

Innovative Problem Solving:
OHKL serves as a platform for participants to tackle ocean-related issues through innovation. Over the course 48 hours, teams work tirelessly to create prototypes and solutions likely to make a meaningful impact on the marine and maritime sectors.

Collaborative Synergy:
The event fosters collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds, including data scientists, engineers, marine scientists, conservationists, and enthusiasts. It provides a unique opportunity for cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Supporting the Ocean Decade:
OHKL is aligned with the goals of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade). It actively contributes to the global effort to enhance our understanding of the oceans and promote sustainable practices.

Empowering Entrepreneurs:
Beyond problem-solving, the event nurtures an entrepreneurial spirit. Participants are encouraged to think creatively and develop solutions that have real-world applications. This creates an avenue for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas.

Enhancing Data Accessibility:
Data providers play a crucial role by improving the accessibility and comprehension of marine data. They actively engage with participants throughout the event, providing guidance and insights to help teams leverage available data effectively.

Global Recognition:
OHKL is part of a vast international network of Ocean Hackathon® events. Winning teams at national events, including Malaysia, have the opportunity to compete at the Grand Finale in Brest, France. This offers a chance for global recognition and the possibility of winning prizes donated by Ocean Hackathon® Ambassadors.

In summary, OHKL is an event that combines innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the oceans. It plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of marine environments and promoting sustainable practices for the benefit of both the local and global communities. It embodies the spirit of collective action and creativity, bringing together like-minded individuals to address the challenges facing our oceans in the 21st century.

Objectives and goals for OHKL:

• Promote Data-Driven Innovation: Encourage participants to leverage marine and maritime data to develop innovative solutions that address pressing challenges in these domains.


• Foster Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration among participants from diverse backgrounds, including data scientists, engineers, marine scientists, and environmentalists, to promote knowledge sharing and cross-disciplinary problem-solving.


• Support Sustainable Ocean Practices: Focus on solutions that contribute to the sustainability of ocean ecosystems and support the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade) goals.


• Empower Entrepreneurs: Provide a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and solutions, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the marine and maritime sectors.


• Enhance Marine Data Accessibility: Encourage data providers to make marine data more accessible, understandable, and usable for participants, thus enhancing the value of available data.


• Identify Solutions to Local Challenges: Address specific challenges faced by the Malaysian marine and maritime community, such as coastal conservation, sustainable fisheries, or marine pollution.


• Nurture a Global Perspective: Connect the OHKL to the broader international Ocean Hackathon® community, enabling participants to gain global recognition and compete at the Grand Finale.


• Promote Environmental Awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting our oceans and marine ecosystems through data-driven solutions and innovation.


• Provide Learning Opportunities: Offer a learning experience where participants can enhance their skills, collaborate with experts, and gain insights into the latest developments in marine data and technology.


• Cultivate a Community: Create a lasting community of ocean enthusiasts, data scientists, and innovators who continue to work together on ocean-related challenges even beyond the event.

These objectives and goals underscore the Malaysia Ocean Hackathon's commitment to advancing the understanding and sustainable use of marine resources, fostering innovation, and making a positive impact on the marine and maritime sectors.