National AI Competition 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Competition
The National AI Challenge is Malaysia’s premier artificial intelligence competition for students from the upper-secondary to the pre-university (or equivalent) stage. Co-hosted by Hyperbyte AI and Sunway University, this initiative aims to inspire and support AI application among Malaysian youth. The challenge provides a platform for students to showcase their AI solutions, promoting technological advancement and preparing them for future academic and professional pursuits.
To promote AI knowledge, encourage innovation, and inspire the next generation of tech leaders.
General
- The National AI Challenge consists of two rounds: an online preliminary round and an in-person final. Here’s how it works:
- Registration: Register your team by April 2.
- Competition Topics & AI Masterclass: Receive the competition topics and participate in a free AI masterclass to prepare.
- Build & Submit: Work on your project as a team and submit it for the first round by May 24.
- Finalists will be announced in June and will compete in the final round at Sunway on July 19.
- Refer to the timeline for detailed dates and steps.
- There will be a total of 2 rounds.
- The first round will be conducted fully online.
- Shortlisted participants will be invited to the final round, with transport covered by Sunway.
There are three tracks:
- Technical Track: For students passionate about AI development and creating impactful solutions.
- Art Track: For students passionate about art and exploring new creative possibilities with AI.
- Innovation Track: For problem-solvers passionate about impactful, scalable AI-driven social change.
Refer to the Track page to learn more.
Tentatively, it will be held on July 19, 2025 at Sunway University. Transportation will be provided by Sunway University.
We highly encourage all finalists to attend the final round in person. Sunway will sponsor all reasonable travel costs to ensure your participation. However, if you are absolutely unable to attend (for valid reasons), exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
A total of 60 teams will be shortlisted for the final round at Sunway University.
Finalists will be selected based on the judging criteria specific to their chosen track. A brief overview of the criteria can be found under the track page on our website. Detailed judging guidelines will be included in the competition topics announcement, which will be sent to all registered teams on April 2.
Participation & Registration
Teams of 4 students from upper-secondary to pre-university (or equivalent) stage enrolled in Malaysian-based institutions.
- Check your eligibility.
- Fill up the registration form.
- Registration closes on April 2, 2025 23:59 MYT.
No, registration for the competition is completely free.
No, there is no limit to the number of participants from each school. A school can send multiple teams of 4, participating in different categories and tracks, without any restrictions.
Yes, you can form a team with friends from other schools.
Yes, students from international and private schools are welcome to join!
Yes, non-Malaysians are welcome to participate, even if they do not reside in Malaysia. However, they will need to arrange and cover their own travel to attend the final round if shortlisted.
No, participants can only join one track.
If you think you registered but are not sure, check for a confirmation email. Your team leader and teacher advisor will be added to a WhatsApp group within 5 days after the registration deadline (April 2, 2025). If these updates have not been received, please email us at naic@hyperbyte.ai for assistance.
Yes. A teacher advisor is required.
It depends on the track you choose:
- Generative Art Track and Innovator Track: Coding experience is not required.
- Technical Track: Python coding experience is highly encouraged. If you don’t have experience, we recommend taking a free online course like the Deep Learning AI Python Course (free) to build your skills. Additionally, we will provide workshops covering AI algorithms to support your preparation.
AI Masterclass & Resources
To prepare for the competition:
- Attend the AI Masterclass provided to gain insights and skills.
- Access additional free resources shared by the organizers.
- Yes, the AI Masterclass is free. Each track will have a free AI Masterclass, which contains 2 workshops.
There is only one AI masterclass for each track. Under each AI masterclass, there are 2 workshops.
The AI Masterclass for other tracks will take place at the same time, so you can’t attend them live. However, if you have signed up as a participant, you will have access to the AI Masterclass recordings of other tracks.
Details will be shared closer to the date, but the objective is to ensure you feel fully prepared for your submission.
The date will be announced soon, and reminders will be shared in the WhatsApp group.
Yes, but live attendance is encouraged for Q&A.
The AI Masterclass will be conducted virtually on Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
No, it won’t disqualify you. We highly encourage attending the AI Masterclass as it will help you prepare and allow you to ask questions during the Q&A. However, we understand if you can’t make it. You can watch the recordings later, and even if you choose not to, it will not affect your participation in the competition.
Certificates, Prizes & Recognition
Yes, all participants will receive an e-Certificate of Participation.
The details are still being finalized. Stay tuned for updates!
Logistics & Communication
We will use a WhatsApp community group for team leaders and teacher advisors to share important updates. Additionally, we will send emails directly to participants. Please ensure you regularly check your email inbox (and spam / junk folder) to avoid missing any communications from us.
If you have any further questions, please email naic@hyperbyte.ai or WhatsApp us at +60 19‑917 9356 and we will do our best to help!