Empowering Tomorrow's Talent: Recap of the 2024 SAS Taiwan Academic Hackathon
For decades, SAS Taiwan has been at the forefront of hosting academic events that inspire and challenge students. In 2024, we continued this tradition by recruiting over 250 students for our 1-day hackathon. The event was packed with excitement as participants engaged in preliminary model building in the morning and delivered final presentations in the afternoon, showcasing their skills in data analysis and problem-solving.
SAS Hackathon: More than a Competition
Generative AI is a rapidly growing trend, giving students access to vast amounts of information. However, the key challenge is not just accessing data but knowing how to analyze and use it effectively. This event aims to build a strong foundation in data analysis, enabling students to transform information into actionable insights. By simulating real-world scenarios, the hackathon pushes the boundaries of their innovative thinking, preparing them for the challenges they will face in the future as a data scientist.
SAS AI in the real world
At the core of this event was the introduction of SAS’s Composite AI solution. By integrating multiple AI techniques, we demonstrated how SAS can deliver more comprehensive and accurate insights. We also shared industry examples to illustrate the real-world impact of these solutions. Students had the unique opportunity to see how SAS is applied in various industries and how these same tools could be used to solve their challenge.
Building the foundations of success with SAS training
To ensure participants were well-prepared, we offered online training sessions before the event. These sessions provided an overview of SAS tools and analytics techniques.
During the hackathon, SAS consultants took time to share their experiences, offering valuable insights into the career path of a data scientist. Additionally, the event created a bridge between students and potential employers, as several of SAS’s customers offered job and internship opportunities to standout participants.
Closing Reflections: Hackathon Highlights
The Hackathon was a resounding success. Participants not only showcased their technical skills but also gained valuable insights into how SAS Viya can be applied in real-world scenarios.
Many left the event with a deeper understanding of data science and a clearer path toward their career goals. We encourage all participants and future students to continue exploring the power of SAS and to stay engaged with our community as they pursue their data science journeys.
