Spice Up Your Life: My Data-Driven Exploration of Penang’s Heritage and Culinary Wonderland

In January, I had the privilege of participating in the two-week Tropical Data Science School (TDSS) organised by the Universiti Sains Malaysia.

The program blended the study of data analytics with cultural immersion, offering a well-rounded experience. Field experts shared their knowledge and insights, guiding us to develop skills in visualising data through powerful tools like Tableau and PowerBI. We also touched on machine learning and neural networks with RStudio and TensorFlow. The combination of theoretical insight and practical application provided a robust foundation to continue developing as a data analyst.

In addition to our technical coursework, we were fortunate to engage with Dr. Hari Narayanan, the former CEO of Motorola Penang, who shared invaluable insights and his wealth of experience in fostering an innovative workplace culture. Our learning extended beyond the classroom as we visited Intel in Malaysia, where we gained firsthand knowledge about their cutting-edge hardware and software developments that have been crucial in advancing agnostic technological growth in our digital landscape.

A standout feature of this journey was our buddies – an incredible group of local students. Beyond serving as cultural ambassadors, they played a pivotal role in guiding us through Malaysia. From answering our questions to sharing invaluable insights, our buddies became a reliable source for navigating the local landscape. The buddies introduced us to various facets of Penang’s unique and diverse cultural tapestry by immersing us in activities such as Batik Canting, Chinese Calligraphy and Holi. Their recommendations for hidden culinary gems added a flavourful touch to our experience, making the entire program unforgettable.

On weekends, we embraced the freedom to explore Penang. One of our journeys led us to Malaysia’s National Park, a captivating forest teeming with wildlife encounters. Commencing at 9 am, we travelled up to the northern point of Penang Island and embarked on an hour-and-a-half hike to the pristine Kerachut Beach, an idyllic stretch of white sand with a Turtle sanctuary at its far end. The beach’s focal point was a long jetty, though the allure of a swim was tempered by the presence of box jellyfish in the waters.

We had arranged for a boat to transport us from Kerachut Beach to Monkey Beach, renowned for the primates that lent it its name. We had been warned by multiple people to guard our belongings closely in the presence of these mischievous inhabitants. The beach was dotted with food stalls and kayak rentals, which allowed us to enjoy the beautiful location.

The Tropical Data Science School (TDSS) left a lasting impression, exposing me to Penang’s rich cultural heritage and deepening my understanding of pivotal technologies within the data science field. The connections I had the privilege to foster with individuals during the program and the diverse places I got to explore have significantly enriched my perspective.

I wholeheartedly recommend TDSS to anyone keen on evolving as a global citizen.

Alicia Hastie
Tropical Data Science School at Universiti Sains Malaysia
Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program (DACKEP) grant recipient