20 November 2024, Pekan – In a landmark event that redefined student innovation, HackathonX 2024, organized by the <b>Persatuan Mahasiswa Teknologi Komputer (PETAKOM)</b>, concluded with resounding success. As the first fully student-led hackathon under PETAKOM's banner, the event left an indelible mark on the academic and tech communities, inspiring a generation of problem-solvers to tackle global challenges head-on.

A Trailblazing Effort in Innovation and Collaboration
Over several months, HackathonX 2024 captivated the imaginations of students from across Malaysia, attracting approximately 120 teams and more than 250 participants from prestigious institutions such as IPTA, IPTS, Polytechnics, and colleges. This unprecedented gathering, spearheaded by Logathepan A/L Muniyappan, showcased the collective brilliance and determination of students united under a single theme: Mission SDG: Code for Change.

By centering on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the hackathon challenged participants to think critically and creatively, delivering tech-driven solutions to real-world issues. The event embodied a powerful blend of purpose and innovation, offering a platform for aspiring technologists to demonstrate their expertise while advancing social and environmental causes.

Empowering Participants Through Strategic Workshops
Preparation was pivotal to the event’s success. PETAKOM hosted two transformative workshops that empowered participants with essential skills:

1. Flutter Workshop (19/10/2024): Delivered by Shatthiya Ganes and Yattish, the grand winner of the Astro-NACSA Coding Challenge (FK Students), this session introduced participants to Flutter, equipping them to build cutting-edge mobile applications.
2. Business Pitching Workshop (20/10/2024): Led by Kamaleswarran Naidu, CEO of Cybersphere Solution (FK student), this workshop offered invaluable insights into crafting compelling business pitches, helping participants effectively present their ideas.

These sessions set the stage for success, bridging technical acumen with the art of persuasion, and providing participants with tools to excel during the hackathon.

A Fierce Competition with Real-World Impact
Spanning from August 13, 2023, to November 20, 2024, HackathonX 2024 was a dynamic journey of discovery and achievement. Teams pushed their limits, creating innovative solutions such as mobile apps, AI-powered tools, and groundbreaking platforms that addressed pressing societal needs.

The event boasted an impressive prize pool of RM40,000, generously contributed by MDEC, Runcloud Education, Cyberview, and Cybersphere Solution. Winners emerged after a rigorous evaluation by esteemed judges, with standout projects earning recognition and rewards:

1. Champion: Tiramissu (Multimedia University) – RM2,500 cash prize + RM5,900 certification (Professional Certificate in Cloud Practitioner for Software Engineers by Runcloud Education).
2. 1st Runner-Up: Code 202 (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)> – RM1,500 cash prize + RM2,900 certification (Advanced Cloud Practitioner Certificate).
3. 2nd Runner-Up: win2gether (Universiti Malaya) – RM900 cash prize + RM2,900 certification (Advanced Cloud Practitioner Certificate).
4. 4th Place: MR LEW (Universiti Sains Malaysia – RM500 cash prize.
5. 5th Place: Naper.io (Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah) – RM300 cash prize.

A Legacy of Leadership, Mentorship, and Collaboration
HackathonX 2024’s success was a testament to the unwavering guidance of its advisors, Ts. Dr. Nabilah Filzah Mohd Radhuan and Ts. Dr. Noor Azida Sahabudin. The dedicated support of Ts. Dr. Nor Saradatul Akmar Binti Zulkifli and Ts. Azma Abdullah, former and current Ketua Pembangunan Pelajar, ensured the event’s seamless execution.

Collaboration was at the heart of HackathonX. Twenty-six student clubs from universities nationwide joined forces with PETAKOM, creating a vibrant ecosystem of ideas, mentorship, and innovation. Experts from academia and the tech industry played pivotal roles, delivering workshops and guiding participants to refine their projects, ensuring that their solutions were both functional and impactful.

A Future Shaped by PETAKOM’s Vision
HackathonX 2024 was more than a competition, it was a movement. It demonstrated the transformative power of student-led initiatives and highlighted the potential of young innovators to create meaningful change.

Looking ahead, PETAKOM is set to amplify this success, envisioning an expanded HackathonX with even greater participation, groundbreaking workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. As the event continues to grow, PETAKOM aims to solidify its position as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in the region.

This is just the beginning for PETAKOM, and the future of hackathons in Malaysia has never looked brighter. Together, we can code for change, one innovation at a time.

#PETAKOMNEXT | #HackathonX2024 | #MissionSDG

Source: PETAKOM