KOTEX MALAYSIA #SHECAN FUND WINNER WANTS TO HOLD FIRST WOMEN ONLY AI FESTIVAL, HACKATHON

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- A university student's dream of organising the first women-only AI Festival and hackathon is coming true as she emerged as the main prize winner of the #SheCan fund by Kotex Malaysia.

Nur Arianna Qaisara Abdullah, 19, won a grant worth RM20,000, which she will use to empower women's involvement in the tech industry.

"More and more women are getting involved in the tech industry. Through this event, I want to prove to the world that women can also lead and innovate in the industry, especially in AI," she said when met at the grant presentation ceremony here today.

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The University Malaya Bachelor of Business Administration student, who is the co-founder and chief marketing officer of IntelliLabs, said that they have secured manpower and non-monetary support from several companies.

Nur Arianna Qaisara has also won several international hackathons and plans to hold the AI Festival around the end of this year, involving participants aged 17 to 30.

She is among the 11 winners of the Kotex #SheCan Fund 2024 competition, which offers a total grant of RM105,000.

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The fifth edition of the competition, which was held over two months nationwide, attracted more than 300 entries. It aims to encourage Malaysian girls to share their dreams, break down gender discrimination, and inspire women's advancement, among other things.

This year's fund is an extension of the #SheCanPeriodt campaign, which features a limited edition of the Kotex brand, showcasing the refreshed Kotex Soft and Smooth packaging as a tribute to women who have overcome obstacles and surpassed their limits.

Kotex Malaysia senior brand manager Sarah Chen said that Nur Arianna Qaisara's perseverance, dedication, and clear mission won the judges' hearts, among other things.

"The mission she shared aligns with our purpose, which is breaking the barriers for women in male-dominated industries. She is not only interested in the field of AI but is already active in it. We believe this goal will inspire and have a positive impact on the community," she said, expressing hope that more women will be inspired to pursue their dreams boldly, regardless of the field they choose.

-- BERNAMA