TLDR: Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital is collaborating with the Ministries of Education and Higher Education to elevate the nation’s AI academic profile globally. This initiative, underscored by the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025, aims to establish Malaysia as a leading hub for AI education and innovation in Southeast Asia.
The Ministry of Digital in Malaysia is embarking on a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to amplify Malaysia’s academic prowess and achievements in artificial intelligence (AI) on the international stage. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasized Malaysia’s significant local talent in AI education and outlined plans for a program, developed in partnership with international stakeholders, to showcase the country’s capabilities.
Minister Gobind highlighted the opportune timing for engaging with the MOE and MOHE to potentially co-host a global event. This event would serve to underscore Malaysia’s academic strength in AI, demonstrating that the nation possesses not only the necessary infrastructure but also the educational expertise and student talent to establish itself as a prominent hub for AI education.
These remarks were made following the launch of the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025, held at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil. This hackathon, organized in collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and supported by international partners, achieved recognition in the ASEAN Records as the largest on-site AI hackathon in the region.
The event attracted a substantial 1,741 participants, comprising 1,547 university students and 194 industry professionals. This diverse participation fostered a vibrant ecosystem of emerging talent, academia, and industry leaders. The competition offered a prize pool of RM110,000 and involved 20 industry mentors, further underscoring Malaysia’s dedication to cultivating AI skills and fostering innovation. Beyond the competition, the hackathon featured workshops and tech talks that delved into emerging AI trends, practical applications across various sectors, and ethical considerations pertinent to AI development. These sessions provided participants with comprehensive exposure to cutting-edge knowledge and global best practices.
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The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Digital’s broader policy to promote innovation and strengthen Malaysia’s AI ecosystem. By fostering collaboration among the MOE, MOHE, and international partners, the ministry aims to solidify Malaysia’s position as a global AI education hub, showcasing its academic excellence, robust infrastructure, and skilled talent pool. The hackathon’s recognition in the ASEAN Records platform further validates its significance, celebrating outstanding accomplishments and unique feats by individuals and organizations throughout Southeast Asia.
