KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Bank (HLB) has launched its virtual hackathon “Can You Hack It” Asean Edition 2021 with its focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects.

       In a statement, the bank said it is calling all budding disruptors to join it to find and co-create innovative solutions focused on ESG.

       This virtual hackathon aims to get creative ideas and unique solutions on how people in the region interpret ESG and how technology can be leveraged to improve digital banking products, services and experiences.

       It said the hackathon is open to all to form up to a three-member team from all Asean countries.

       “Can You Hack It” is designed to allow participants to propose their ideas by solving problem statements provided by the bank, coding and validating them.

       The teams have to demonstrate a working prototype to a panel of HLB executives as well as digital and fintech players.

       With the focus on ESG, this year’s problem statement categories include community banking, community investment, climate-positive financing, socially responsible business and financial literacy.

       Teams are expected to use the likes of big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain, machine learning and machine vision to tackle the problem statements.