How do we solve the world’s wicked problems – the complex, interwoven challenges that defy simple solutions?

In September, four Deakin Business students and their academic mentor travelled to Bangkok to explore that question at the UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Youth Innovation Hackathon.

As the only Australian team at the event, they joined peers from across the Asia-Pacific to develop innovative, real-world responses to global challenges – all within a tight 24-hour window. Their professionalism and determination stood out, marked by their sharp focus and business-ready approach.

The challenge: balancing cost and sustainability

The team was tasked with finding ways to make palm oil both affordable and sustainable – a truly wicked problem with deeply entangled economic, environmental and human rights dimensions.
Team member Radhini Mendis explained:

‘Our team focused on the issue of unsustainable palm oil sourcing, a complex challenge that links global consumption patterns to deforestation and inequality.’

The constraints were intense. ‘We had to research and present our idea within a very short timeframe,’ Radhini said. ‘It felt like a crash course in innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving in less than 24 hours.’

Palm oil is an essential ingredient in countless products, yet its production often drives deforestation, habitat loss, and human rights abuses. Certification schemes like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) exist, but enforcement remains inconsistent.

Collaborating to beat the challenge

The Deakin team – Rudransh Sharma, Matthew Braim, Taha Kawaguchi and Radhini Mendis – approached the task with energy and curiosity. Acting as Chief Sustainability Officers for a fictional palm oil company, they had to balance economic realities with environmental and social responsibility.

Matthew Braim reflected on the complexity of the issue. ‘One speaker said, “If legislation is the solution, then it’s not a wicked problem.” That really stuck with us,’ he said.

Guided by Deakin academic mentor Dr Ruby Ma, Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) Co-Director, Student Engagement, and supported remotely by Associate Professor Fara Azmat, Director of PRME at Deakin Business School, the team immersed themselves in research and cross-cultural exchange.

‘We met people associated with the RSPO and gained valuable insights into how global supply chains operate,’ said Rudransh Sharma. ‘Speaking with experts, including a sustainability professor from France, broadened our perspective.’

The students also met the Australian Embassy, representative, to UNESCAP, Mr Andrew Evans, Minister, and Deputy Head of Mission, who was impressed that Deakin Business School, had sent a team to participate.

An innovative solution

Their proposal outlined a three-phase project combining AI-driven decision-making with training programs to embed responsible business conduct across the supply chain – aligning directly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

‘Our project balanced cost and sustainability impact by integrating AI and education to address the human rights dimension of the industry,’ said Taha Kawaguchi.

Although the judges’ special mention went to a team from Indonesia, the Deakin students received strong praise for their creativity, clarity, and professionalism.

A transformative experience

The experience offered deep personal and professional growth.

‘By collaborating with individuals from such diverse backgrounds, I learnt how values, traditions, and worldviews shape approaches to sustainability and human rights,’ said Matthew Braim.

‘These exchanges deepened my appreciation for how culture informs business practices and policymaking in different regions and I learnt that you can only discover this when you are present and amongst these discussions.’

For Radhini Mendis, the hackathon reaffirmed the power of collaboration: ‘It was inspiring to see how cross-cultural teamwork can lead to creative and sustainable solutions. I’d highly recommend other students take part in initiatives like this – they offer invaluable exposure, personal growth, and the chance to be part of something bigger.’

Representing Deakin Business School in our region

Trip leader, Dr Ruby Ma, says, ‘Our students proudly represented Deakin Business School in this Hackathon and received extremely positive feedback. We also received many positive comments on our team’s professionalism, both from organisers and participating students.’

Participating in the hackathon was a clear statement of Deakin Business School’s commitment to positive change and to international engagement. ‘It was a great opportunity to learn, connect with others and make a difference in terms of sustainability and PRME,’ says Dr Ma.

Bringing it home

The team is now working to bring the event’s energy back to Deakin. As leaders of the Deakin Business School Student Sustainability Group, they plan to host a local UN hackathon, giving more students the opportunity to take on complex global issues.

It’s a fitting next step for a team whose journey demonstrates the power of learning, collaboration, and purpose-driven innovation.