APU, in collaboration with AWS and MDEC, celebrates a landmark event with 1,741 participants, setting a new regional benchmark for AI talent development.

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The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), in collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), successfully hosted the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025, officially recognised by the ASEAN Records as the largest on-site AI hackathon jointly organised by academia and industry in the region.

On 20 September 2025, the hackathon brought together 1,741 participants, comprising 1,547 university students and 194 industry professionals. More than 50 private and public institutions of higher learning were represented, including entries from Malaysian students based at Durham University and Cambridge University. With 20 industry mentors engaged and a total prize pool of RM110,000, the event not only broke records but also showcased Malaysia’s growing strength in cultivating AI talent for the digital economy. 

Minister of Digital: Building the AI Nation

The hackathon was officially launched at APU’s Technology Park Malaysia campus by YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, who emphasised the significance of this achievement for Malaysia and the region. 

Gobind Singh underlined the role of AI in transforming societies and industries: “All of us here understand the real impact of AI—how it is already transforming the way we live and work, and how it requires us to build new structures for further digital transformation. AI begins with data. Data must be digitised, stored, and shared effectively. And, of course, we need computing power. Without it, even the best data cannot be used to create meaningful solutions.” 

He congratulated the tri-party organisers, especially APU, stating, “I must congratulate the university for organising this event. I hope to see more such platforms where government, academia, industry, and students come together to showcase talent and solutions not just for Malaysia, but for the world.” 

“We already have the infrastructure, ecosystem, and support. What will make the difference is talent and mindset. With your creativity, drive, and collaboration with industry and government, I am confident Malaysia will emerge as a digital nation, and as the Prime Minister has said, an AI nation by 2030,” he continued. 

APU’s Leadership in Digital Talent Development

The scale and success of the hackathon highlighted APU’s pivotal role as organiser and host. Datuk Parmjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer of APU, noted that the event was the result of strong collaboration with AWS and MDEC. 

“This event is the culmination of a long-standing collaboration and synergy between Amazon Web Services, APU, and MDEC,” he said. “It is therefore especially exciting that this Great Malaysia AI Hackathon has attracted an overwhelming response.” 

Datuk Parmjit also stressed APU’s global standing and commitment to digital education: “APU has been recognised both locally and globally for its high employability. We currently host more than 16,000 students, including 8,000 international students from 130 countries—a diverse and vibrant community indeed. Being at the forefront of digital education, APU was among the first universities in the region to offer an undergraduate degree in Cloud Engineering. This pioneering spirit, together with our partnership with AWS, reflects our shared vision of empowering the next generation of cloud-ready and AI-focused talent.” 

He commended APU’s School of Computing (SoC) for its leadership in making the event possible: “I would like to congratulate my colleagues from the School of Computing—in particular, Associate Professor Dr Tan Chin Ike and his organising committee—for their tireless efforts in making this hackathon a success.” 

AWS: Empowering Builders of the Future

Representing AWS, Mr Peter Murray, Head of Asia Pacific and Japan Go-to-Market, expressed excitement at the scale of participation and the future potential of Malaysia’s talent. 

“Looking around this room today, I see the future tech leaders of Malaysia. Your presence here shows your commitment to building something bigger than yourselves. You are at the forefront of AI acceleration in this country, and you are the generation that will propel Malaysia forward,” he said. 

Murray also announced additional support from AWS for participants: “Originally, we approved US$50 in AWS credits for every sandbox account. But based on the overwhelming response, we’ve decided to double it—so each sandbox account now has US$100 to explore, test, and build. My message to you: think big, build bold, and use every cent to push your ideas further.” 

He noted that during this hackathon, participants could access AWS services like Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Q. 

Murray’s remarks sparked an enthusiastic roar and warm applause from participants seated in the main hall at Auditorium 1, as well as in two overflow halls, reflecting the sheer scale of attendance. 

He urged participants to focus on practical outcomes: “As you work on your challenge statements, keep this in mind—focus on measurable value. Whether it’s for customers, businesses, or communities, ask yourselves, ‘What tangible impact will my solution create?’” 

A Benchmark for Collaboration

The hackathon was strongly supported by MDEC and its Premier Digital Tech Institutions (PDTI) initiative, with industry mentors guiding participants across multiple challenge statements. Beyond the competition, it created opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, networking, and the practical application of emerging technologies. This was made possible through the generous support of the industry sponsors like AxrailAI, Crayon, eCloudValley, Mindzallera, FusionQB, TapWay, G-Asia Pacific, CloudMile, MicroLink, MindHive, and CloudKinetics; alongside valued technology partners like GitLab and enablement partners like Korn Ferry, GenaiFund, JT&Co, and Fun Garden. 

The event also drew the presence of distinguished leaders, including Ir. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, Vice President of Digital Adoption at MDEC; Mr Adrian Marcellus, CEO of MyDigital Corporation; Mr Eldrick Koh, CEO of ASEAN Records, as well as the invited speakers of the Tech Talks, and senior representatives from academia and industry. 

Shaping Malaysia’s Digital Future

The Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025 marks a defining moment for Malaysia’s digital economy. By entering the ASEAN Records, it not only set a new benchmark for hackathons but also underscored Malaysia’s ability to nurture digital talent and attract international recognition. 

The success of the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025 underscores Malaysia’s position as a digital frontrunner in the ASEAN region. By entering the ASEAN Records, it not only sets a new benchmark for hackathons but also underscores Malaysia’s ability to nurture digital talent and accelerate the growth of its digital economy. Most importantly, it marks a proud moment for APU, AWS, and MDEC as they continue to shape the future of technology in Southeast Asia. 

As Malaysia works towards becoming an AI nation by 2030, this record-breaking event demonstrates the collective strength of government, academia, and industry in building an ecosystem that inspires innovation, fosters trust, and empowers the next generation of digital leaders.