Varsity Hackathon 2025: A Global Stage for Innovation at USM

USM, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, 26 April 2025 

The Computer Science Society (CSS) USM, in proud

collaboration with the School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and BHEPA USM, successfully hosted the Varsity Hackathon (V HACK) 2025, the fourth

consecutive edition of its prestigious annual international flagship event.

This year’s hackathon marked a remarkable milestone as one of the largest student-led international hackathons in the region, uniting over 450 participants from 56 universities across 19

countries, including Singapore, China, India, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑

Running from 7th March to 26th April 2025, V HACK 2025 featured preliminary rounds, intensive mentorships, final presentations, and culminated in a grand finale on 26th April at Dewan Kuliah S (DK S), USM Gelugor.

The hackathon was held in exclusive collaboration with renowned industry partners, including the Securities Commission

Malaysia (SC), Balaena Quant Sdn. Bhd., and CelcomDigi Berhad, offering participants real-world exposure and professional guidance throughout the competition.

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

This year, participants explored three cutting-edge tracks:

● Fintech & Blockchain

● AI & Data Science

● IoT & Engineering

Each track was supported by three distinct case studies (total of nine), tailored to mirror the

latest trends and challenges in today’s digital economy.

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

The hackathon stood out for its diverse and international panel of mentors and judges, comprising leading experts from academia, industry, and government. Their invaluable guidance helped shape students' projects into impactful, tech-driven solutions to real-world problems.

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

Out of hundreds of teams, 30 teams qualified for the grand final, including 20 USM students

and 86 non-USM students. Notably, a team from Indonesia also reached the finals. The

event drew a physical audience of over 120 people, with additional viewers joining via live

stream.

The winners of V HACK 2025 were:

●Champion: Team HydroNet (Universiti Malaya) –

"Smart Manhole - Revolutionizing Urban Flood Prevention and Drainage Maintenance Efficiency" (RM8,000 prize)

● First Runner-Up: Team The Try People (Asia Pacific University of Innovation and Technology (APU)) –

“Smart City Management System: EcoCity” (RM5,000 prize)

● Second Runner-Up: Team The Interns (Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)) – “Suaunaau” (RM2,500 prize)

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

V HACK 2025 continues to reinforce USM’s commitment to nurturing innovative, globally minded digital talents. Through this platform, students don't just learn — they lead, collaborate, and create solutions that can shape the future.

For more information, follow the official Instagram page

at @vhack.usm or

visit the official website: https://vhackusm.com/