📝 Summary
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has organized the Project 2030: MyAI Future Hackathon, a national-scale initiative to transform Malaysia into a sovereign technology builder. The hackathon brought together 38 finalist teams from 22 institutions to develop AI-driven solutions addressing critical national challenges, with the goal of cultivating graduates who can uplift lives globally. The programme aims to position UTM as a global leader in innovation and sustainability, empowering the next generation of digital architects to define Malaysia’s digital future.
JOHOR BAHRU, May 16 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through its Google Developer Groups (GDG) On Campus chapter, has officially organised the Project 2030: MyAI Future Hackathon, a strategic national-scale initiative designed to transform Malaysia from a technology consumer into a sovereign technology builder. In doing so, the programme directly reinforces the nation’s agenda for digital sovereignty.
Held under the theme “Advancing the Nation, Building Solutions with Google AI,” the hackathon provided a high-intensity platform for students to bridge the gap between academic theory and the rapid execution demands of the global digital economy. The initiative is closely aligned with the Malaysia MADANI framework, the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, and the UTM Strategic Plan 2026-2030, also known as UTM ASCEND 2030.
The programme reached its peak during a high-stakes Demo Day held on May 16, 2026, at the Banquet Hall, UTM. On that occasion, 38 finalist teams presented integrated smart systems engineered to address critical national challenges across five “Grand Challenges” derived from Malaysia’s National Key Result Areas (NKRAs). These challenges encompass agrotech and food security under Padi and Plates; government technology and digital services under Citizens First; healthcare and well-being solutions under Vital Signs; smart cities and mobility under Green Horizon; and fintech and security innovations under Secure Digital.
In executing their solutions, participants drew on Google’s advanced technological ecosystem, including Google AI Studio, Vertex, Gemini, and Antigravity, to build sophisticated systems capable of solving intricate real-world problems, moving well beyond basic interfaces. The journey toward Demo Day began with an intensive developmental phase from 8 March to 15 May 2026, which featured 18 technical workshops and one hackathon, drawing a total of 3,360 participants from 237 institutions across the region.
The 38 finalist teams represented top-tier talent from 22 institutions, including local universities such as Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), as well as Asia Pacific University (APU). The competition also attracted international participants from Bina Nusantara University (BINUS University) in Indonesia and the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, alongside industry representation from companies such as Lenovo.
Addressing participants at the event, UTM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, emphasised that the initiative is a vital realisation of UTM’s motto, “In the Name of God for Mankind.” He noted that the goal is to cultivate graduates who develop solutions capable of uplifting lives across the globe. Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali further emphasised that the programme is designed to become world-class solution providers and digital entrepreneurs who can contribute meaningfully to the future of Malaysia’s economic zones and the broader global digital landscape. He added that the true value of the hackathon lies not merely in competitive results but in the experience, teamwork, and resilience cultivated throughout the process.
Echoing this sentiment, the Director of the MyAI Future Hackathon, Md Samiul Bashar Apon, stated that the initiative reflects the culture of a sovereign builder, one who designs and architects the future through resilience and imagination.
The synergy between academia and industry was further consolidated through the support of key partners, namely Google, TalentCorp, and 1337 Ventures. Industry leaders, including Wei Chung from Google, served as judges, while the winning teams were awarded exclusive mentorship sessions with 1337 Ventures to further develop and refine their solutions.
Ultimately, the Project 2030: MyAI Future Hackathon marks a pivotal milestone in fostering a builder culture within the university. By positioning UTM as a global leader in innovation and sustainability, the programme ensures that the next generation of digital architects is equipped and empowered to define the trajectory of Malaysia’s digital future.
