Championing Innovation for a Smarter, More Sustainable Future

Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in technological excellence and innovation. At the recent Varsity Hackathon (VHack) 2025, held on 26 April and hosted by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), two outstanding teams of APU students proudly brought home top accolades, further cementing the university’s position as a powerhouse in technology-driven education. 

Smart City Project Wins 1st Runner-Up and RM5,000 Prize

The spotlight was firmly on a five-member “Team The Try People” from APU’s School of Engineering (SoE) and School of Computing (SoC), who secured the coveted 1st Runner-Up title. Their achievement was accompanied by a cash prize of RM5,000, marking a significant milestone in APU’s participation in this national-level competition. 

The award-winning team comprised Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science (Cyber Security) students Chong Jinn Xiang, Chia Jing Liang, Bryan Low Zhern Yang, and Evin Kor Kar Hei, alongside Kok Jia Yin, a student from the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Software Engineering programme. 

The team was guided by Ms Tan Li June, Lecturer at the School of Computing, and Assistant Professor Ir EUR ING Ts Dr Lau Chee Yong from the School of Engineering. 

Their innovative project proposed a holistic Smart City Management System designed to tackle key urban challenges, including waste management, traffic congestion, and flood and weather prediction.

By integrating real-time data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), the system enables efficient and proactive city operations—ranging from optimised waste collection routes and traffic flow adjustments to advanced alerts for inclement weather conditions. 

Importantly, the project is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. It aims to contribute meaningfully to building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environments. 

The solution not only enhances public safety and infrastructure but also empowers urban planners with data-driven insights for long-term development strategies. 

Excellence in Blockchain Innovation: DeNate Earns Acclaim

In another standout performance, “Team CheeseB” from APU made waves in the Blockchain category, winning the Excellence Award for their cutting-edge solution, DeNate—short for “Decentralised Donate”. 

Comprising three Software Engineering students—Thien Wei Jian, Ivan Wong Hong Zheng, and John Paulose—the team impressed judges with their novel approach to reimagining charitable giving through blockchain technology. 

Mentored by Mr Amad Arshad, Senior Lecturer at the School of Computing, the team designed DeNate as a transparent, secure, and user-engaging donation platform. 

The project features several pioneering components, including real-time donation tracking, milestone-based fund disbursements, NFT-based recognition for top donors, an AI-powered chatbot offering donation forecasts, and interactive dashboards to encourage community engagement. 

By leveraging the power of decentralised systems, DeNate aims to restore trust and increase accountability in the donation ecosystem, ultimately bridging the gap between donors and charitable organisations.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: A Winning Formula

These dual achievements reflect the university’s deep commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration and industry relevance. Associate Professor Ts Dr Tan Chin Ike, Head of the School of Computing, praised the synergy between departments:

“These outstanding achievements at the USM Varsity Hackathon exemplify what we can accomplish when different disciplines come together. The collaboration between our School of Computing and School of Engineering has created a powerful ecosystem where technological innovation meets practical implementation.”

He further added, “Our students have demonstrated not only technical prowess but also the ability to address real-world challenges through multidisciplinary approaches. This success reinforces our commitment to fostering an environment where cross-disciplinary collaboration thrives, preparing our graduates to become versatile problem-solvers ready to make meaningful contributions to society.”

Empowering Future Tech Leaders

The recognition earned at VHack 2025 stands as a testament to APU’s enduring mission: to empower students with the skills, mindset, and opportunities to thrive in an increasingly complex digital world. These accolades not only reflect the quality of education and mentorship provided by APU’s academic staff but also highlight the forward-thinking spirit of its student innovators. 

As the university continues to nurture creativity, foster collaboration, and champion sustainability, its students are proving to be well-equipped to take on the technological challenges of tomorrow—and to shape a better, smarter, and more inclusive world.