The Walt Disney Company, in partnership with global, non-profit organization Destination Imagination, is expanding opportunities in the Asia Pacific for underrepresented students in the creative industry.

In a first for the region, Destination Imagination will be rolling out the "Heroic Innovators Challenge" that will give students access to online resources in Science, Technology and storytelling.

After completing an online program through the NGO's STEM Learning Academy, students between the ages of 16 to 24 will be invited to form teams to address a real-world issue. The challenge is open to students in high schools and universities across Greater China, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Korea.

"At Disney, we know that powerful storytelling plays a huge role in creating unforgettable moments in entertainment. We look forward to supporting greater access to careers in our industries to inspire future storytellers in Asia Pacific," said Luke Kang, president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific.

Leroy Xiao, China Affiliate director of Destination Imagination, meanwhile said that The Heroic Innovators Challenge is an "exciting initiative which will give students the training and tools needed to take on the creative process — from imagination to innovation — and learn idea generation, collaboration and creative thinking."

The program is supported by Disney Future Storytellers, an initiative that aims to inspire the next generation of storytellers and innovators to dream about their future, build their talents and skills, and become who they imagine they can be.