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Innovative disaster response app ‘MySelamat’ wins top honours in ASEAN’s largest AI hackathon
In a stunning showcase of innovation and teamwork, Team “Ctrl + Chill” from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) emerged as the Champion of the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025, a record-breaking ASEAN-level competition that drew 1,741 participants from across the region.
Their winning project, “MySelamat”, is an AI-driven natural disaster response system designed to enhance the speed and accuracy of flood rescue operations. By integrating real-time, crowdsourced social media data with AI-powered rescue route planning using the Google Maps API, the system demonstrated remarkable potential to revolutionise how communities respond to natural disasters.
Held in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the hackathon brought together students, professionals, and industry mentors to tackle real-world challenges using artificial intelligence. The competition, recognised by ASEAN Records as the largest on-site AI hackathon jointly organised by academia and industry, underscores Malaysia’s growing prominence as a digital innovation hub.
Triumph at the Forefront of Innovation
Team “Ctrl + Chill”, comprising Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence students—Cheng Kar Meng (Team Lead), Samantha Tee Ker Xin, Charlotte Chen Zi Shan, Ong Ying Xin, and Richard Ong Tze Xin—captured the judges’ attention with their bold concept and seamless execution.
Their project, MySelamat, goes beyond predictive alerts. It combines AI-powered SOS requests, risk-aware navigation, and crowdsourced verification to help victims, rescuers, and authorities coordinate effectively during emergencies.
“Every AI feature in MySelamat was designed not for complexity’s sake, but to strengthen human decision-making during floods,” explained Team Lead Cheng Kar Meng. “We wanted to prove that technology can serve empathy—turning data into life-saving decisions.”
Reflecting on the competition, Cheng added, “Reaching the top 20 finalists out of more than 300 teams was surreal. We spent countless nights refining our idea, perfecting our pitch, and learning from mentors. The final round was intense, but our teamwork and belief in our vision carried us through. Winning was more than a trophy; it was proof that passion and collaboration can create meaningful impact.”
Mentorship that Made a Difference
Behind every great student team is a mentor who brings out their best. Ms Chong Mien May, Senior Lecturer from APU’s School of Computing (Application Cluster), was instrumental in shaping the team’s journey.
“When I first sat down with Team Ctrl + Chill, I was immediately struck by their depth of understanding,” she recalled. “They weren’t just building an app—they were solving a human problem. Their idea of integrating social media data with AI-driven route planning was incredibly forward-thinking.”
She added, “What impressed me most was their agility. They took feedback quickly, refined their presentation, and turned a good idea into a truly exceptional one. Their passion and clarity made them stand out from the rest.”
A Record-Breaking Hackathon
The Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025, officially launched by YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, on 20 September 2025, was not only a competition but a celebration of innovation and collaboration.
Organised by the School of Computing (SoC), and hosted on APU’s campus, the event attracted an astounding number of participants—1,547 university students and 194 industry professionals—competing for a RM110,000 prize pool.
With 20 industry mentors and participation even from Malaysian students studying at Durham University and Cambridge University, the hackathon truly embodied ASEAN’s digital unity.
The launching ceremony was graced by dignitaries, including Mr Peter Murray (AWS), Ir. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad (MDEC), Mr Adrian Marcellus (MyDigital Corporation), Mr Eldrick Koh (ASEAN Records), and Datuk Parmjit Singh (CEO, APU).
The award ceremony was held at AWS Malaysia’s Office on 12 October. In the student track, the runners-up were Team Solo Panda from the University of Malaya and Team Kiwi Birds from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. Meanwhile, the corporate track winners hailed from StoreHub, EPOS, and Duerr Dental.
APU’s Commitment to Nurturing Future Innovators
The hackathon’s success reflected APU’s longstanding commitment to fostering digital talent. The initiative was spearheaded by Associate Professor Dr Tan Chin Ike, Head of the School of Computing, and supported by Mr Amad Arshad, Senior Lecturer and Organising Committee Lead.
“This competition had all the makings of something extraordinary,” said Mr Amad Arshad. “When we conceptualised it, we wanted to bring together students, industry professionals, and cutting-edge technologies under one roof. With AWS and MDEC on board, the event became a powerhouse of creativity and collaboration. The overwhelming response and record participation reaffirm that Malaysia’s youth are ready to lead in the AI revolution.”
Dr Tan also extended his appreciation to the team behind the scenes: “I’m proud of my colleagues and the Organising Committee for their tireless efforts in making this hackathon a success. It reflects APU’s vision to not only produce graduates with technical expertise, but also to instil innovation, teamwork, and leadership.”
Malaysia: A Digital Frontrunner in ASEAN
The triumph of Team Ctrl + Chill, coupled with the massive success of the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025, highlights Malaysia’s strategic progress in digital transformation. By breaking into the ASEAN Records, the event stands as a powerful symbol of how academia-industry collaboration can fuel technological growth and human potential.
As APU, AWS, and MDEC continue to drive such transformative initiatives, Malaysia is not just nurturing coders but shaping the next generation of digital changemakers who will define the region’s future.