KUALA LUMPUR: Global digital travel platform Agoda has announced the inaugural expansion of its social impact initiative, Agoda Tech Camp Day, into Malaysia. This landmark event hosted over 300 students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia’s largest higher education institution. The programme offered a two-day intensive designed to enhance future-ready skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and other vital digital disciplines.
Since its inception in May 2023, Agoda Tech Camp Day has reached more than 2,500 university and high school students across Thailand. Previous editions have focused on in-demand technical skills, including modern front-end development, user-centred design, innovative tooling, and foundational generative AI applications. The programme’s success has garnered strong support from Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and it was honoured with the U.S. Ambassador’s Special Award at the 2025 American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Thailand Corporate Social Impact Awards.
The Malaysian edition took place on 6–7 November 2025 at UiTM, featuring practical workshops that showcased Agoda’s innovative use of AI. Students received guidance on applying AI in academic contexts and gained hands-on experience in creating their own AI-powered search engines. The sessions were led by over 20 Agoda software engineers, who served as mentors and shared industry insights. All participants were awarded official certificates of attendance issued by Agoda.
“We are thrilled to introduce Agoda Tech Camp Day to Malaysia and thank UiTM and our government partners for their collaboration,” said Prashant Singh, Vice President of Engineering, Information Technology, Agoda. “By sharing Agoda’s innovation mindset and technical skills, we aim to empower Malaysia’s next generation of tech talent to contribute to the nation’s digital future.”
Endorsed by Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital and Ministry of Higher Education, the event was marked by an opening ceremony attended by distinguished leaders, including The Honorable Michelle Ng Mei Sze, Political Secretary to the Digital Minister; Prof. Ts. Dr. Shafinar Haji Ismail, 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.
Commenting on the event, The Honorable Michelle Ng Mei Sze stated, “I commend Agoda’s investment in nurturing Malaysia’s future AI talent. Since gaining Malaysia Digital Status in 2013, Agoda has continually contributed to the country’s digital economy. The Tech Camp Day initiative aligns with the Ministry’s goal to transform Malaysia into an AI Nation by 2030.”
Prof. Ts. Dr. Shafinar Haji Ismail added, “Agoda’s dedication to developing local talent and providing real-world technology experience resonates deeply with UiTM’s mission to advance knowledge, empower communities, and foster innovation for national progress.”
Building on its recent contributions to Malaysia’s ASEAN AI Summit, Agoda remains committed to nurturing local talent, promoting responsible AI adoption, and supporting Malaysia’s ambitions to lead in regional digital innovation and social impact through initiatives like Agoda Tech Camp Day.-pr/BNN
