Explore Data Science In Paradise

Last year whilst I was deep into the UTS spring semester I received an email in my inbox: “Explore Data Science In Paradise”. Usually, I would ignore such a bold claim, but eager to procrastinate my work, I read the email and was amazed by the opportunity it provided.

Fast forward a couple months later, and I found myself in the stunning Penang with 22 other UTS students and my amazing buddies at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Through the Tropical Data Science Summer School at USM, I was able to expand my knowledge of a key emerging area in my field while also exploring a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. This was an experience of a lifetime and I would highly recommend students to take up the opportunity next year.

We were greeted at the airport by our buddies holding up signs with our names on them and I immediately felt so welcomed and excited for our experience in Penang. On our first day, we were given a tour of USM and their grounds could not be more different to UTS. The grounds are huge and lush, with greenery everywhere, and even a Mosque.

I was immediately impressed by the sheer qualifications of all our lecturers. Every lecturer had multiple degrees and a PhD, and I could feel their passion in the way they led their classes. Throughout the two weeks, we covered topics from data visualisation to neural network modelling. We even got to visit Intel Penang and learn about how they are harnessing data science and AI. We ended with a presentation showing visualisations on a provided set of data which we had to analyse ourselves using software such as Tableau and Power BI. It was a great introduction to the world of data science.

Throughout our stay, our lectures were mixed with cultural experiences. We were able to do artwork in Batik style, Henna, Holli, and Chinese Calligraphy and learn lots of Malaysian slang such as adding “Lah” to the end of sentences. We could never go a day without using “Jom lah!” (let’s go).

Of course we were able to explore Georgetown and Penang Island after class and on the weekends. My favourite excursion was definitely bike riding through the scenic countryside or riding the world record-holding longest waterslide at the Escape theme park. I tried countless different kinds of Malaysian cuisine, the highlights being learning to eat with our hands with banana leaf rice, roti pisang, and our local Nasi Kandar.

Overall, I came into this trip with no expectations and ended up making many new friends, experiencing a culturally diverse country, and learning about data science! The main thing that made this trip stand out was the incredible buddies from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Our buddies planned all of our excursions and cultural activities and ended up becoming amazing new friends from across the world. We were able to learn about Malaysia from the locals and have authentic experiences. If you ever get the opportunity to participate in the Tropical Data Science School, do it!!!

Caitlin Murphy
Bachelor of Engineering
Tropical Data Science School – Universiti Sains Malaysia
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant