The Alibaba Cloud Global AI Hackathon held its first Malaysian edition in 2025, following the series’ kickoff in Singapore.
Co-hosted with local technology firm AGMO, the event brought together 250 developers, university students, and entrepreneurs to build AI-driven solutions for real-world challenges sourced directly from Malaysian industries.
Over an intense 48-hour sprint, 75 teams tackled issues including insurance claim inefficiencies, SME financing gaps, and tax compliance.
Participants used Alibaba Cloud’s AI platforms, such as Model Studio, Quick BI, Lingma, and PAI, to develop solutions tailored to local needs.
Teams from the University of Malaya claimed the top three awards with innovations that demonstrated strong technical mastery of Alibaba Cloud’s AI tools.
The judging panel featured representatives from Alibaba Cloud and industry leaders.
These included Lin En Shu, Head of Solutions Architect at Alibaba Cloud Malaysia, Sijukumar Kumaran, Regional Director of Solution Architect for Data and AI (SEA and MEA) at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, Foong Chee Mun, CEO of YTL AI Labs, Ts. Tan Aik Keong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Agmo Group, Leslie Lip, Chief Technology Officer of TNG Digital, and Mohd Alhafidz bin Yahya, Director of AI Innovation Exchange at Malaysia’s National AI Office (NAIO).
The hackathon was supported by 14 partners spanning government agencies, startups, and academic institutions, with more than 20 industry experts contributing as mentors and judges.
“At Alibaba Cloud, we see AI not just as a technology, but as a tool for meaningful problem-solving. This hackathon is about empowering developers to experiment, collaborate, and unlock new ideas that address real-world needs.
We’re proud to support Malaysia’s innovation journey by making advanced tools and resources accessible to those shaping the future.”
said Kun Huang, General Manager of Malaysia at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.
“The Alibaba Cloud AI Hackathon plays an important role in nurturing homegrown talent while advancing Malaysia’s ambition to be a regional leader in artificial intelligence.
From making tax easier for freelancers to improving SME funding access, this is exactly the kind of impact Malaysia needs as we strive towards our goal of accelerating AI adoption in the country,”
said Mohd Alhafidz bin Yahya, who also served as a final-round judge.
