Between late February and early March 2026, HEX joined the Study Australia Digital Skills Roadshow across Southeast Asia, engaging students in Jakarta, Bangkok, Da Nang, and Manila through hands-on, real-world learning experiences.

Led by Austrade (Australian Trade and Investment Commission), the roadshow brought together leading Australian education institutions to connect with students and respond to the growing demand for digital skills, AI capabilities, and future-ready careers.

For HEX, this was about creating practical learning experiences that spark curiosity and open pathways to global opportunities.

Hands-on learning in action

At HEX, we focus on learning by doing.

Across all four cities, students engaged in interactive workshops where they explored:

• AI tools and real-world applications
• Digital problem solving and innovation thinking
• Pathways into global education and careers

Students responded strongly to this approach, highlighting how practical, engaging, and easy to apply the sessions were in real-world contexts. 

Insights from across Southeast Asia

Each city revealed unique insights into the region’s digital future.

🇮🇩 Jakarta

High energy and strong curiosity, with students actively exploring international education and digital skills. Around 200 students joined the HEX workshops. 

🇹🇭 Bangkok

A diverse audience of students, parents, and educators, showing growing interest in upskilling and global pathways. 

🇻🇳 Da Nang

Lower engagement due to language barriers highlighted an opportunity for more localised and accessible learning experiences. 

🇵🇭 Manila

A highly engaged and promising market, with strong alignment toward digital careers and global education opportunities. 

Key takeaways

1. Practical learning works - Students engage more deeply when learning is interactive and applied.
2. Curiosity is everywhere - There is a strong interest in AI, digital tools, and innovation across the region.
3. Confidence needs to be unlocked - The right environment encourages students to participate and share ideas.
4. Digital skills are a priority - Students clearly see these skills as essential for their future.

Building connections

The roadshow also brought together universities, government representatives, and education partners, opening up opportunities for future collaborations and pathways for students across Southeast Asia.

The impact of the roadshow was also reflected by partners and attendees across the region:

• Cameron Allan, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Thailand and Laos shared highlights from the roadshow and the growing interest in digital skills and Study Australia opportunities
  👉 LinkedIn Post
• Selena Lee from James Cook University highlighted the strong engagement from students exploring global education pathways
  👉 LinkedIn Post
• Bernice, Australian Trade and Investment Commissioner to the Philippines, shared reflections on the energy and participation across the sessions
  👉 LinkedIn Post

These perspectives reinforce the value of creating hands-on, globally connected learning experiences for students across Southeast Asia.

Final thoughts

Across Southeast Asia, one thing is clear.

Young people are ready to build the future. They just need the right opportunities to start.

Looking to empower your students with future-ready digital skills?

HEX partners with schools, universities, and organisations across Southeast Asia to deliver hands-on innovation programs that actually stick.

Let’s build something impactful together.

https://www.startwithhex.com/program/hex-high-accelerator-program