KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – 20 SEPTEMBER 2025 — The Great Malaysia AI Hackathon, a pioneering collaboration between academia and industry, has been officially recognised by ASEAN RECORDS for achieving the milestone:
“Largest On-Site AI Hackathon Organised by Academia and Industry.”
This landmark event brought together an extraordinary 1,741 participants, including 1,547 university students and 194 industry professionals, supported by 20 industry mentors and a RM110,000 prize pool.
Strengthening Malaysia’s AI Leadership
Hosted at the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), and co-organised with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) with support from Amazon Web Services (AWS), the hackathon showcased Malaysia’s ability to blend talent development, innovation, and governance in Artificial Intelligence.
The event became a vibrant platform for AI-driven solutions, student innovation, and industry collaboration, further solidifying Malaysia’s role as a regional hub for AI leadership.
Ministerial Vision on Responsible Innovation
The hackathon was witnessed by YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Malaysia, who underscored the balance between progress and responsibility in AI:
“We can emphasise that Malaysia not only has the infrastructure but also the educational expertise and student talent to position the country as a hub for AI education.”
“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 top private universities, globally recognised for its focus on digital and technology education. With strong industry partnerships and international collaborations, APU continues to nurture future-ready graduates in AI, computer science, and engineering.
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
MDEC is the nation’s lead agency driving Malaysia’s digital economy transformation. Through innovation, talent development, and digital adoption, MDEC strengthens Malaysia’s global competitiveness in emerging technologies, including AI and digital trade.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS is a global leader in cloud computing, providing the infrastructure and AI services that power digital transformation worldwide. Its involvement in the hackathon underscores AWS’s commitment to supporting talent development and AI-driven innovation across Malaysia and ASEAN.
What This Means Going Forward
- Proof of Capability: Malaysia has demonstrated the ability to host large-scale AI hackathons that unite academia and industry.
- Education Strength: Reinforces the country’s strong AI education foundation, backed by government support and industry partnerships.
- Benchmark for ASEAN: Establishes a new standard for hackathons in terms of scale, mentorship engagement, and prize incentives.
ASEAN Records congratulates the organisers, partners, and participants of the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon for this defining achievement, which sets a benchmark for AI innovation and collaboration across the region.
