The \u201cSmart Logistics Datathon 2025\u201d, organised by the Asian Institute of Supply Chains & Logistics (AISCL) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), concluded successfully at the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy recently. The event aimed to reinforce Hong Kong\u2019s position as a leading international logistics hub with an industry fit to meet the requirements of the next generation, leveraging big data analytics to generate innovative ideas and smart logistics solutions for the industry.<\/p>\r\n
This year\u2019s Datathon attracted 40 student teams, featuring 108 participants. The University League drew 20 teams from top Asian universities, including institutions in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, China. The Secondary School League featured 20 local teams.<\/p>\r\n
At the opening ceremony, Mr Kevin Choi Kit-ming<\/strong>, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People\u2019s Republic of China (HKSAR), expressed his enthusiasm about the diverse backgrounds of the participants. He mentioned the Datathon for bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, allowing young participants to gain hands-on experience in real-world problem-solving through big data analytics and helping to cultivate future talent in the logistics sector. Professor Cheung Wai-man<\/strong>, Director of the AISCL, said: \u201cThe Datathon aligns with the HKSAR Government\u2019s Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development promulgated in 2023, attracting young talents to understand the potential of Hong Kong\u2019s logistics sector and inject new impetus into it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n During the Datathon, student participants undertook a challenging 35-hour non-stop data analysis marathon, working with real-world logistics and transport datasets. Each team presented their findings in a 10-minute session in front of a panel of senior executive judges. After two rounds of adjudication, the winning teams received scholarships sponsored by the Logistics Promotion Funding Scheme, part of the HKSAR Government\u2019s Maritime and Aviation Training Fund (MATF), which is overseen by the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council (LOGSCOUNCIL).<\/p>\r\n In preparation for the competition, the AISCL arranged participants to attend pre-Datathon training workshops sponsored by Alibaba Cloud, focusing on data analytics tools. They also benefited from site visits to large-scale logistics facilities in Hong Kong and talks by industry leaders, sparking fresh ideas and reinforcing Hong Kong\u2019s status as an international logistics hub.<\/p>\r\n AISCL conducted a series of logistics, supply chain management and e-commerce workshops in the weeks before the Datathon. They consisted of classroom lectures, hands-on exercises in AI data analytics and site visits to both traditional and robotic warehouses. Through these workshops, secondary school student participants gained foundational knowledge and had their interest in logistics ignited.<\/p>\r\n Members of the judging panel said they were impressed by the participating teams\u2019 innovative ideas and analysis. Mr Wilson Kwong<\/strong>, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited, commented that the teams performed beyond expectation. Mr William Ho<\/strong>, Executive Director, Corporate Development at Airport Authority Hong Kong, added that the teams\u2019 innovative ideas could be followed up to advance cargo operations at Hong Kong International Airport.<\/p>\r\n At the award ceremony, the presenters, The Honourable Frankie Yick Chi-ming<\/strong>, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Industry Development (SID) at LOGSCOUNCIL and Ms Amy Chan<\/strong>, Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics in the HKSAR, congratulated the winning teams from the University League: Team Nexus of Data @Yonsei (from Yonsei University), Team Insight Igniters (from City University of Hong Kong and CUHK) and Team YouDimSum (from Singapore University of Social Sciences); as well as the winners of Secondary School League: Team MGL (from Heep Yunn School), Team Covi (from Diocesan Girls\u2019 School) and Team Not That Deep (from HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College).<\/p>\r\n Team Nexus of Data @Yonsei, champion of the University League, commented: \u201cWe had an amazing time at the Smart Logistics Datathon 2025. This opportunity enriched my learning and broadened our knowledge of the logistics industry, giving us a clearer view of how data analytics can drive real-world impact. Through this process, I realised that in real-world industries, it\u2019s not just about performing mathematical analysis \u2013 it\u2019s about applying data appropriately and creating meaningful stories from it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n Team MGL, champion of the Secondary School League, shared their excitement: \u201cParticipating in the CUHK Smart Logistics Datathon 2025 was an incredibly rewarding experience for our team. We ventured beyond our comfort zone into uncharted territory, and the outcome was truly transformative. Over the course of 35 hours, we gained invaluable insights into the Hong Kong logistics sector, enhanced our data analysis skills and honed our presentation abilities. We are profoundly grateful to Heep Yunn School and our teacher-in-charge, Mr Chen, for facilitating such an enriching opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\r\n The Smart Logistics Datathon 2025 has marked a significant milestone in promoting innovative thinking and practical skills among the next generation of logistics professionals, further solidifying Hong Kong\u2019s reputation at the forefront of the global logistics industry. The Datathon was given vital support by the HKSAR Government and industry partners including Airport Authority Hong Kong, Alibaba Cloud, Chun Sing Group, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited, Hong Kong International Aviation Academy, Rollship and SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd.<\/p>\r\n