Former breakfast radio announcer, television personality, author and an ambassador for mathematics and science, Adam Spencer, headlines a top line up of talent as emcee at the ASEAN-Australia Codeathon in Sydney from 14 to 16 March.

AUSTRAC, Australia’s financial intelligence agency, will bring together more than 80 future leaders in technology and innovation from across the ASEAN region at the Codeathon to find solutions to tackle terrorism financing and other serious crime in the region.

Participants will undertake a gruelling 32 hours of coding to solve complex challenges focused on the theme of ‘Leveraging innovation to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and cyber risks’. The most innovative solutions could be operationalised by financial intelligence units and law enforcement agencies to overcome current challenges in following the money trail of criminal syndicates around the region.  

Adam Spencer said the ASEAN-Australia Codeathon is an important step towards fostering a strong relationship between government and the finance and technology industries.

"Maths and science are my passion, and it’s exciting to think about how these fields can be used to work towards solving complex world issues, such as cyber security and terrorism financing".

A selected number of mentors from the technology, academic and innovation industries will attend to encourage effective teamwork and steer teams towards developing innovative solutions to challenges.

They include Code like a Girl Co-Founders Ally Watson and Vanessa Doake - an organisation dedicated to providing aspiring tech-savvy girls and young women with the tools, knowledge and support to enter and flourish in the coding world. 

"Coding, collaboration and diversity are at the heart of what we do and we are thrilled at being in a mentorship role at such an important event," said Ms Doake.  

"We’re looking forward to seeing what challenges unfold and working alongside participants to come up with contemporary digital solutions to tackle an issue so prevalent in our times."

AUSTRAC CEO, Nicole Rose PSM, said collaboration will be enriched by participation from a diverse group of mentors.

"We have received interest from a broad spectrum of individuals across Australia and the ASEAN region, from financial crime analysts to coders, chief security officers and many more, which will help us collectively come up with pioneering solutions to combat terrorism financing."

The ASEAN-Australia Codeathon will welcome participants from ASEAN nations and Australia including American Express, ANZ, Australian Federal Police, Australian Taxation Office, CBA, Crown Resorts, Department of Home Affairs, Human Services, Macquarie Group, NAB, PayPal and Westpac. Though registrations have closed, interested parties can stay in touch with live updates via AUSTRAC’s twitter page and following #ASEANinAus and #ASEANCodeathon on Twitter.

Media representatives can register to attend the Codeathon on Eventbrite.

The Codeathon is proud to be associated with the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit 2018.

This event is supported by Thomson Reuters Australia.