Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)'s Department of Computing proudly hosted the Microsoft ASEAN AI for Accessibility (AI4A) Hackathon 2025 – 6th Edition, Regional Edition, held on 19 June 2025. Organised by the Google Developer Student Club (GDSC - UTP), this regional event brought together bright young minds to create innovative, AI-driven solutions that champion accessibility and inclusivity.
Serving as a dynamic platform to bridge technology with real-world impact, the hackathon showcased how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to improve lives, especially for persons with disabilities. Participants were challenged to develop impactful solutions under the theme of accessibility, reflecting UTP's commitment to nurturing future-ready talents capable of transforming society through technology.
The hackathon is open to students in ASEAN countries—Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—with the winner for each country announced on 25th June 2025 by Andrea Della Mattea, President, Microsoft ASEAN.
Winners of the UTP Regional Edition:
Champion: Team Signity
Members: Nur Izzah Nasuha Binti Zulmuksah, Aisyah Maryam Binti Mohamed Hassan, Zahidah Amani Binti Zakaria, Jennet Joyce William, and Nur Athirah Husna Binti Nor Azmi
Project: SIGNITY – An AI-powered sign language translation app that integrates into popular digital platforms and livestreaming tools such as TikTok and Shopee, promoting seamless communication, greater inclusion, and broader accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
1st Runner-Up: Team BIMTalk
Members: Muhammad Firman Hakim Bin Che Ramlee, Muhammad Firdaus Zahin Bin Nurus Sham, Muhammad Amiruddin Hakim Bin Mohammad Din, Muhammad Zahin Syukran Bin Sukeri, and Ahmad Najwan Bin Masnon
2nd Runner-Up: Team MathBuddy
Members: Nur Syammimi Binti Abdul Manan, Aini Zahirah Binti Rokman, Nurain Syafiqah Jannah Binti Md Amin, and Laisa Victor Guivalar
This hackathon not only exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration at UTP, but also underscores the university's ongoing efforts to cultivate future leaders who are socially conscious and tech-savvy.
Congratulations to all winners and participants for their creativity, passion, and commitment to making the digital world more accessible for all.
