In the heart of Dubai, where innovation meets tradition, Purpose in Motion (PIM), in collaboration with Huawei Seeds for the Future, brought together students from seven countries in the Middle East and Central Asia to join the 2023 Tech4Good Accelerator program – a program that is apart of PIM’s TechImpact Accelerator series. The 2023 edition of this program was led by PIM’s Program Director, Melody Su who has taken the time to share with us her experience organizing and participating in this program. Not only has this program marked a significant chapter in her career, this program has further strengthened Melody’s commitment to reshaping education and fostering social impact through technology.
Melody’s Background and Passion for Education
With a background rooted in education and an interest in innovative teaching and learning methodologies, Melody’s journey has been dedicated to understanding the impact of AI and Web3 on the future of education. Her passion extends beyond traditional boundaries, focusing on empowering students through goal-oriented, experience-focused learning. Melody’s commitment to breaking down conventional classroom walls aligns perfectly with PIM’s mission to make education come alive through experiential learning programs.
Melody’s dedication to social impact is not a recent endeavor. Her involvement in various programs and organizations, such as the Beijing Women’s Network (BWN), showcases her commitment to philanthropy. As a former BWN board member, she created social impact programs in collaboration with organizations including but not limited to HAVE Library, Bethel China, Dr. Jane Goodall’s world renowned Roots & Shoots foundation.
Currently a doctoral candidate, Melody’s research on the impact of technology on the future of education further underscores her commitment to addressing issues within the education sector including limited access, high costs, inefficient skill development, and more. At PIM, Melody finds herself surrounded by inspiring individuals at the intersection of education, technology, and sustainability, fostering an environment where impactful programs can thrive and be scaled globally.
Tech4Good Accelerator Program in Dubai
The Tech4Good Accelerator program in Dubai, held in collaboration with Huawei Seeds for the Future, was one of the first projects Melody led as the Program Director at PIM. Sponsored by Huawei and managed by Seeds for the Future, an initiative under Huawei’s Corporate Social Responsibility, the program focused on tech entrepreneurship for social good. Bringing together 40 students from 7 countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, the program aimed to empower the next generation of social entrepreneurs.
Melody emphasizes the importance of bringing individualized experiences to students and the power of differentiated learning, both of which were evident during the Tech4Good Accelerator program. The week-long initiative featured six workshops, two site visits, and collaborations with local partners and mentors from the Middle East and Central Asia. With support from organizations like the UNDP, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, ArabNet, and local UAE partners, the program provided a holistic approach to tech entrepreneurship education.
Global Impact and Collaboration
What set the Tech4Good program apart was its global impact. Melody highlighted the success of the program, attributing it to the diverse talents and expertise brought together to support students. Mentors, judges, and speakers from around the world, including representatives from UNIDO, the Innovation and Digital Development Agency of Azerbaijan, Higher Colleges of Technology, VentureSouq, zwag AI Solutions, and Huawei, contributed to the success of the initiative.
The program’s global reach extended to 100+ countries and impacted 2,500 students in 2023 alone, showcasing PIM’s ability to scale impactful programs worldwide. Melody expressed her joy in witnessing the spark in students throughout the workshops and activities, emphasizing the passion and enthusiasm brought by social impact organizations and educators.
Reflecting on the Tech4Good Accelerator program, Melody shared an inspiring project from Qatar called TactoBraille. This innovative product allows blind individuals to read regular text by creating Braille patterns on their fingertips. Melody emphasized the significance of addressing issues faced by the disabled community, showcasing the power of research and community interaction in creating meaningful solutions. TactoBraille stands as a testament to the transformative potential of technology in enhancing the lives of those with disabilities.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
While celebrating the successes, Melody acknowledged common challenges faced by students, such as a tendency to jump to solutions without thorough market research. Recognizing the importance of understanding the challenges of the target population, Melody stressed the need for grounded solutions that address core issues. Her insights serve as valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs in the social impact space.
As a seasoned educator and mentor, Melody encourages others in the space of social impact, innovation, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy to continue attending conferences, networking, engaging in community events, and maintaining curiosity. She emphasizes the significance of being lifelong learners and having mentors to guide the journey. Melody believes that while educators and mentors inspire others, they too must undergo the process of continuous learning.
A Glimpse into Melody’s Global Perspective
Joining PIM in the same year as the launch of the Tech4Good Accelerator program in Dubai provided Melody with a unique opportunity to expand her global perspective. The program exposed her to the diverse landscapes of the Middle East and Central Asia, allowing her to learn about the challenges faced by communities in countries like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Syria. This firsthand experience has deepened Melody’s commitment to making education more accessible and highlights the importance of understanding the global landscape of educational resources.
As the Tech4Good program continues to inspire aspiring social entrepreneurs, Melody envisions its expansion to more countries around the world in 2024. With a commitment to bringing offline programs to new horizons and engaging more students, the program’s impact is set to grow, leaving a lasting legacy on the intersection of technology, innovation, and social impact.
For more information about PIM’s TechImpact Accelerator including our Tech4Good Dubai program, please visit us at PIM TechImpact Accelerator or contact us at https://www.pimglobal.org/contact-us/.
“ Not only has this program marked a significant chapter in my career, this program has further strengthened my commitment to reshaping education and fostering social impact through technology.”
Melody Su
United States of America
Program Director – Purpose in Motion (PIM)Tech4Good Accelerator (Dubai, UAE)
Jersey-born and California-raised, Melody Su is a proud daughter of Taiwanese immigrants who has spent the past decade on a journey to assist the next generation of young scholars become global participants in society. Growing up, Melody was fortunate to have been exposed to the culture of both the east and west, cherishing the values my parents instilled in me. Melody has lived and worked in five countries, and, while she primarily focused on college counseling, she has also served in a variety of other capacities both in titles and duties.
As a lifelong educator, Melody aims to create environments for students to mindfully seek, critically-think of, and embrace diverse perspectives. After graduating from UCSB with a Bachelors in Sociology and USC with a Masters in Postsecondary Administration & Student Affairs, Melody accepted an opportunity to work as an international admissions counselor in Beijing. For three and a half years, Melody worked in China, connecting with her Chinese cultural roots through living, working, and traveling.
Currently based in Taiwan, Melody continues her mission in bridging the world through storytelling and education with her dual roles as a Program Director at PIM as well as a podcast host for the bilingual channel, Cultural Collision. Through Cultural Collision, Melody co-hosts and interviews people from different walks of life to share their stories with our audience, covering topics such as gender inequality, reverse culture shock, and communication styles. With her mission to create an interconnected world, Melody is eager to be a part of PIM to push forward opportunities for students around the world to actively make real impact through projects and engagement.
