A group of young Indonesians who graduated from the Coding Camp 2025 powered by DBS Foundation have launched Isyara, an interactive web platform aimed at making sign language learning more accessible and engaging. The initiative responds to the needs of over 2.5 million people with hearing loss in Indonesia, where inclusive communication tools remain limited.
Isyara uses gesture recognition technology and a gamification approach to help users learn Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO) and the Indonesian Sign Language System (SIBI). The platform currently offers materials covering the alphabet, with plans to expand into common words and sentences and establish direct connections with Deaf communities across various regions. The team also intends to introduce Isyara Arena, a multiplayer feature for interactive learning, and has made the platform open-source to encourage wider collaboration.
“Our main goal is not only to make it easier for people to learn sign language but also to make it popular and more widely understood. Sign language is a universal language that everyone should understand, not just a unique skill for the deaf community. With Isyara, we want to develop interest in learning while paving the way for inclusive communication,” said Isyara Team Leader Nauval Gymnasti.
The team behind Isyara includes six students from several universities: Nauval Gymnasti, Davin Ghani Ananta Kusuma, Rizka Alfadilla, and Zidan Dwi Permana from Indonesia University of Education; Dimas Rio Adisaputra from Nurul Fikri Integrated Technology College; and Elisa Oktaviana from Jember State Polytechnic. They developed Isyara as part of their capstone project for Coding Camp 2025 powered by DBS Foundation.
Technical challenges during development led the team to prioritize simplicity and inclusivity in their design. This approach guided their work on both content and methods used within the platform.
"Isyara is a clear example of how Indonesia's young talent can produce solutions that are not only innovative but also have a positive impact on society. Through the Coding Camp powered by DBS Foundation, we want to continue to encourage the creation of works that can inspire and bring broad benefits to support vulnerable communities and promote inclusivity in society, in line with Bank DBS Indonesia's vision as the Best Bank for a Better World," said Mona Monika, Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications PT Bank DBS Indonesia.
Coding Camp powered by DBS Foundation was launched in 2023 as a technology training program designed to prepare participants for roles in technology companies or startups. The curriculum includes technical skills, soft skills training provided by Bank DBS employees—who contributed thousands of hours—and financial literacy education from bank experts. In 2025 alone, one semester of intensive training was provided for 3,000 university and vocational high school students; basic training reached 57,000 digital talents specializing in areas such as Front-End & Back-End development and Machine Learning. The program has resulted in over 30,000 new competency certificates awarded at various levels.
Bank DBS Indonesia runs this program under its sustainability pillar called Impact Beyond Banking. The initiative aims to create positive effects beyond traditional banking activities by supporting digital talent development in Indonesia.
The Coding Camp will return in 2026 with registration opening in October 2025.
DBS operates across Asia with services spanning consumer, SME, and corporate banking sectors. It has received multiple awards for leadership and innovation in digital banking globally. PT Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed by OJK—the national financial authority—and is part of Singapore-based DBS Group Holdings Limited.