Computer Science Undergraduates Win the Best Presentation Award at the Hong Kong Techathon 2023

Three Computer Science undergraduate students teamed up and won the Best Presentation Award under the category of Fintech and Web 3.0 at the Hong Kong Techathon 2023. They unleashed their creativity by presenting an AI-based chatbot to provide regulatory advisory services based on Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) regulations, competed against teams from other local universities for seven consecutive days, pitching for seed funding and incubation support.

Ayazhan Kadessova from BSc in Business Computing and Data Analytics programme (Year 2), Baiel Muzuraimov and Destiny Nnanna Uche from BSc in Computer Science programme (Year 2), formed a team called NoDea (meaning "nodes of ideas") and impressed the judges with their innovative and insightful ideas by using a chatbot to answer the complex regulations of HKMA. The chatbot was designed to help companies to ensure compliance with the regulations and prevent unconscious violations of the law. With the power of AI and the emergence of Web 3.0 technology, the team believed this platform could have the potential to be adopted by HKMA and make its complex regulations more accessible.

“This competition provides an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate our consulting and presentation skills in front of an expert audience in the industry. It was a demanding competition, yet provided a truly rewarding experience and valuable feedback on how to further refine our ideas and skills,” said Baiel.

Destiny also highlighted that the team would continue the effort in getting support from the incubation program offered by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP). “We plan to gather a group of computer science schoolmates, together to brainstorm technological ideas for applications in real-world settings.”

Professor Byron Choi, Associate Head (Teaching and Learning) of the Department, and also the Academic Advisor of the students congratulated them on their outstanding accomplishment. He added, “Through taking part in local, regional, and international competitions, we hope our students could apply their knowledge learned in classes, also test their ability to think fast, act decisively, and present confidently, as well as work as part of a team to put their boldest ideas into action.”

Co-organised by the HKSTP and nine local universities, Hong Kong Techathon is a one-week challenge where participants can meet new friends, have fun and work together to bring in a new and possible business solution related to ArtTech and EdTech, Fintech and Web 3.0, Healthcare and GeronTech, and Smart Cities and Sustainability. The competition received a record high number of participations this year, with over 900 participants joining the competition.