Shah Alam, Malaysia – An international team, which included contributions from Dr. Manuel B. Garcia, Founding Director of EdITH at FEU Institute of Technology, secured the Gold Award at the International E-Content Development Competition 2024 (eCONDEV 2024). The winning entry, titled "GenAI Integrated Design Thinking Tool (ECODE)," was praised for its innovative approach to education. The competition, organized by Universiti Teknologi MARA’s Institute of Continuing Education and Professional Studies (iCEPS), was held from August 20 to 22, 2024.

The project was a collaborative effort involving experts from Taylor's University, Malaysia, LUT University, Finland, and FEU Institute of Technology, Philippines. Dr. Garcia and his team, along with Chockalingam Aravind Vaithilingam, Manee Sangaran Diagarajan, and Murugan Thangiah from Taylor's University, and Ari Happonen from LUT University, developed ECODE, a GenAI-powered design thinking tool that integrates artificial intelligence to enhance creativity and problem-solving in educational contexts.

The GenAI Integrated Design Thinking Tool (ECODE) introduces a cutting-edge solution to streamline the design thinking process, leveraging the power of generative AI to help educators and students alike develop creative solutions to complex challenges. The tool’s adaptability and scalability were key factors in the team’s success, making it a valuable resource for institutions aiming to integrate technology into their curricula.

This award-winning project is a testament to the value of international cooperation in tackling educational challenges. The team’s diverse expertise, spanning multiple countries, contributed to the success of ECODE, highlighting the importance of shared knowledge and global perspectives in advancing education.

The International E-Content Development Competition (eCONDEV) is an annual event that brings together educators, technologists, and innovators from around the world. Organized by UiTM’s iCEPS, the competition provides a platform to showcase groundbreaking ideas that push the boundaries of digital content and learning solutions.

The Gold Award for the GenAI Integrated Design Thinking Tool (ECODE) highlights the team’s commitment to driving innovation in education. This tool represents a significant step forward in how design thinking and artificial intelligence can be combined to create impactful learning experiences.