Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) students made a remarkable impact at the MY Universities Hackathon 2024, a prestigious nationwide event designed to nurture young talent in the Web3 ecosystem. Open to university students across Malaysia, the hackathon provided a platform for forward-thinking problem-solving and innovative project development.

Two APU teams, Team Xypher Coders and Team Edutrain, advanced to the Top 10 finalists after an intense preliminary round on 9th September. At the finals held on 9th November 2024 at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Team Xypher Coders achieved an impressive 2nd place, winning a cash prize of RM1,500 for their groundbreaking project, the Weather AI App. 

The Weather AI App stood out for its creative integration of AI, offering an engaging and practical solution to real-world challenges. By merging ChatGPT with real-time weather data, the app provides accurate, user-friendly weather forecasting, showcasing the versatility of AI in addressing everyday needs. 

“This achievement highlights the quality, innovation, and impact of our project,” shared Mira Praveena, Team Lead for Xypher Coders. “Our AI weather app combines advanced technology with practical usability, reflecting our team’s dedication and collaborative skills. Participating in this hackathon was an extraordinary experience, especially as it was the first for many of us. We are grateful to the organisers for creating such an educational and inspiring platform.” 

The winning team comprised a diverse group of students:

Mira Praveena A/P Kasinathan – Foundation Studies
Imanie Sofea binti Mohd Zulhairi – Foundation Studies
Riteikes A/L A Prakash – Foundation Studies
Sugeetha A/P Kesava Pillai – Diploma in Data Informatics
Mathumita A/P Muraly – Financial Technology (Bachelor’s degree)

They were mentored by Ms T. Tulasi Appalasamy and Mr Tinahar Tiagarajan, both lecturers from APU’s School of Computing (SoC).

Meanwhile, Team Edutrain impressed the judges with their project, EduChain, a decentralised education platform enabling secure, tamper-proof digital certificates. Represented by cybersecurity student Soo Ching Hao and lecturer Nicholas Teh Sek Kit, Team Edutrain received a Merit Certificate for their innovative contribution to the Web3 space. 

“This competition aligns perfectly with APU’s vision of cultivating real-world learning and fostering excellence in technology-driven industries,” said Ms T. Tulasi Appalasamy. “APU teams have showcased exceptional talent and teamwork, and their success is a testament to their hard work and innovation.” 

The MY Universities Hackathon 2024 was organised by HackQuest, USM, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in collaboration with KIP Protocol and Open Campus. Sponsored by the Ethereum Foundation, Road To Devcon, and USM Google Development Student Club, the event featured workshops, office hours with industry experts, and a live demo day, offering participants invaluable hands-on experience in blockchain and Web3 technologies. 

With a total prize pool of RM9,000, the competition emphasised learning, creativity, and collaboration. APU congratulates both Team Xypher Coders and Team Edutrain for their outstanding achievements and commitment to innovation, setting a benchmark for future student successes in technology-driven fields.