The inaugural National AI Competition 2025 co-organised by Sunway University and Hyperbyte AI brought together some of Malaysia's most promising young talents in AI. Over 2,500 students aged 14–19 from national secondary schools, private and international schools, and pre-university colleges attended the online workshops, resulting in over 600 submissions. The grand finale, held at Sunway University, also witnessed the attendance of Malaysia's Minister of Digital, YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, who came in support of the nation's growing AI ecosystem.

YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo commended the initiative and expressed encouragement over the country’s digital transformation efforts: “Empowering our youth is one of the key steps in building a robust digital talent pipeline in the long term, and it is important for us to create avenues for them to innovate and push boundaries. I am confident that with initiatives such as the National AI Competition, we can ignite a greater passion for AI among our youth — a passion that will drive Malaysia forward as a digitally advanced nation.”
This competition, the largest of its kind for youths in Malaysia, served as a platform for youth to apply their technical skills to real-world challenges, reflecting the growing relevance of AI across various sectors including healthcare, sustainability, education, and public services.

Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Chief Executive Officer of the Sunway Education Group, highlighted the role of education in equipping students with the necessary skills and mindset needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.
“Integrated into the everyday tools and services we use, AI is no longer just for tech experts. It is reshaping the way we live, work, and interact with the world, becoming even more ingrained in our daily lives. This competition is a testament to how young minds, when given the right environment and encouragement, can come out with innovative ideas to solve some of the pressing issues in the world today or as a tool to help or educate people,” she said.
The National AI Competition 2025 reflects the shared commitment of academia, industry, and government to empower the next generation of digital innovators in Malaysia.