The Great Malaysia AI Hackathon, a groundbreaking initiative uniting academia and industry, has been officially recognised by ASEAN Records for achieving the milestone as the Largest On-Site AI Hackathon Organised by Academia and Industry (Consisting of 1,547 University Students and 194 Industry Professionals; Overall 1,741 Total Registered Participants; 20 Industry Mentors Engaged; and RM110,000 Total Prize Pool).
A Milestone for Malaysia’s AI Leadership
Organised in collaboration with Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS), this achievement marks a major milestone in Malaysia’s growing leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation, talent development, and global recognition.
The hackathon drew an extraordinary 1,741 registered participants, including 1,547 university students and 194 industry professionals, all guided by 20 industry mentors. With a RM110,000 total prize pool, the event became a vibrant platform for innovative ideas, cutting-edge AI applications, and collaboration between academia and industry.
Ministerial Vision & Responsible Innovation
Held at the APU campus, the hackathon was witnessed by YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Malaysia, who emphasised the importance of balancing AI innovation with robust governance:
“While we build infrastructure and encourage AI innovation, we must also establish robust frameworks like the proposed Data Commission to safeguard our citizens’ data and ensure digital trust. Events like the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon bring together the brightest minds under secure and ethical guidelines. That is how Malaysia secures its digital future.”
About the Organisers and Partners
Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)
APU is one of Malaysia’s premier private universities, globally recognised for its strong emphasis on digital and technology education. With industry-driven programmes, world-class facilities, and international partnerships, APU continues to be a hub for nurturing future-ready graduates in AI, computer science, engineering, and beyond.
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
MDEC is the lead agency driving Malaysia’s digital economy forward. By championing innovation, digital adoption, and talent development, MDEC plays a central role in advancing Malaysia’s competitiveness in emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and digital trade.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
As a global leader in cloud computing, AWS provides the infrastructure, AI services, and innovation ecosystem that power digital transformation worldwide. Its partnership in the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon underscores AWS’s commitment to supporting talent development and fostering AI-driven solutions in Malaysia and ASEAN.
What This Means Going Forward
- Proof of Capability: Malaysia is capable of hosting large-scale AI events that unite academia and industry at regional levels.
- Education Strength: Reinforces Malaysia’s strong AI academic foundations, supported by strategic government policy.
- Benchmark for ASEAN: Sets a new standard for future hackathons in scale, mentorship engagement, and prize incentives.
What This Means Going Forward
Proof of Capability: Malaysia is capable of hosting large-scale AI events that unite academia and industry at regional levels.
Education Strength: Reinforces Malaysia’s strong AI academic foundations, supported by strategic government policy.
Benchmark for ASEAN: Sets a new standard for future hackathons in scale, mentorship engagement, and prize incentives.
