It all started on July 2. I was at a press conference in Kuching, just after my keynote at the Sarawak Media Conference 2025. Sarawak’s Deputy State Secretary, Datuk Hii Chang Kee, was seated right beside me.

In front of eight reporters, I blurted out midway, “Hey, let’s do an AI hackathon together!” The idea was simple but a little audacious. We wanted a small, community-driven event, one that was about passion, not corporate directives.

Our goal? To spark a conversation by blending Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage with the cutting-edge possibilities of artificial intelligence. We called it the Sarawak-Singapore Friendship AI Vibe Design Hackathon, a project that began with nothing more than a shared love for creativity and a belief in local talent.

This wasn’t some top-down initiative. There were zero big budgets or glossy campaigns. In fact, as of today, we’re still looking for a sponsor to help us livestream the demo component of our hackathon, and still couldn’t find one. Which was, frankly, a little surprising given all the buzz!

Our team, made up entirely of dedicated volunteers, was driven by passion and a commitment to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem from the ground up. We were dedicated to making this hackathon a world-class experience for our participants, with no one on our team taking a profit. It’s a true grassroots movement, fuelled by the conviction that the most powerful innovation comes from the community itself.

The journey has been a whirlwind of unexpected growth. The media response has been phenomenal, generating over RM 122,000 (US$26,000) in earned media value before the hackathon has even begun. This has been a testament to the compelling narrative we’ve created: that true innovation can be found in the heart of Borneo. We’ve been featured in major international outlets like The Borneo Post, Sarawak Tribune, and also the Singapore Global Network portal. This overwhelming attention proves that our story—a story of local talent and global vision—is resonating far and wide.

Celebrating a truly diverse finalist pool

What we’re most proud of is the incredible diversity of our 40 finalists. They are a living embodiment of the global and local talent we aimed to attract.

• Global vibes: A quarter of our finalists hail from beyond Sarawak’s borders, with participants from Belarus, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UK. This international flavour has brought fresh perspectives and a competitive edge to the event.
• Sarawakian pride: The remaining 75 per cent are proud Sarawakians, representing a beautiful cultural mosaic. Our finalists include 40 per cent Malay, 40 per cent Chinese, 10 per cent Dayak, and 10 per cent from other indigenous groups. This rich blend of backgrounds is exactly what we hoped for, proving that the future of AI is deeply rooted in local identity.
• Gender balance and age diversity: We’re thrilled to have a strong gender split of 40 per cent female and 60 per cent male finalists, showing that AI and design are for everyone. Our participants range from seasoned pros to young, restless minds, with 15 per cent of our talent being under 21 years old.
• A melting pot of skills: Our finalists were chosen for their diverse expertise, which is the perfect recipe for innovative projects. The group is made up of 40 per cent Computer Science majors, 30 per cent from Design and Digital Media, and 30 per cent from other fascinating disciplines like business studies, project management, and even astrology! It’s a testament to our belief that brilliant ideas can come from anywhere.

Some of these finalists are already seasoned pros, with impressive portfolios and awards from other hackathons. They bring a wealth of experience, but it’s their passion that truly sets them apart.

Why a grassroots approach to AI is the future

Our decision to host this hackathon in Sarawak was no accident. We believe that design is in the DNA of all Sarawakians, and with the state government’s clear vision for AI in Borneo, we saw a unique opportunity.

Instead of a top-down approach, which can sometimes feel disconnected from the people it’s meant to serve, we’ve taken a grassroots, community-first strategy. We’re leveraging Sarawak’s true strengths—its heritage, its incredible design sense, and the raw talent of its people—to drive AI development. This bottom-up method to AI and vibe design is something no one has done in Borneo before, and it’s why we’ve been able to capture the attention of the entire region.

Our efforts have also created a powerful win-win for everyone involved. By shining a spotlight on these talented students and entrepreneurs, we are creating future champions for AI education. We’ve seen incredible interest from local universities, many of which are now considering educational licenses for Lovart AI and NewHero AI. This sets the stage for sustainable growth in AI education across the region, with local startups playing a leading role.

Also Read: Wan Wei Soh: Driving AI inclusivity and growth for innovators

Community first, always

This hackathon would not have been possible without the support of early partners and community organisations who believed in the vision when it was just an idea. Their commitment reminded us of the difference between simply sponsoring an event and truly investing in a community.

For us, this journey is a labor of love — 100 per cent driven by volunteers, built for the community, and powered by the belief that AI and design can be tools for social good. As we head toward the grand finale on September 6th, we’re excited to celebrate not just the winners, but the spirit of collaboration that has brought this project to life.

We truly believe that our hackathon will be a milestone event in the Sarawak AI roadmap, a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together.

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

Enjoyed this read? Don’t miss out on the next insight. Join our WhatsApp channel for real-time drops.

Image courtesy: Canva Pro