KOTA SAMARAHAN: Team AyoKemalai from Indonesia won the Borneo Hack Weekend 2026 championship and took home USD2,500 here yesterday (May 11).
Team SAMSOM from Cambodia secured the second runner-up position with USD1,000, while Malaysian team IZXSIGMA received the consolation prize worth USD500.
Meanwhile, Team Mickey Mouse Club House from Malaysia won the Best AI Award together with USD250 and a hamper, while Team Richi from Malaysia received the People’s Choice Award worth USD250.
The hackathon gathered more than 450 participants from across ASEAN and recorded 103 successful submissions from 250 registered teams.
A total of 18 finalist teams representing six ASEAN countries advanced to the final stage of the competition after undergoing a competitive selection process.
The online preliminary round was held from Feb 14 to March 13 this year, while the in-person finals took place from May 9 to 10 at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
Speaking during the closing ceremony, organising chairperson Alvinash described Borneo Hack Weekend as more than just a hackathon, saying it served as a platform that united ASEAN youth through innovation, collaboration and technology.
He said the programme was first envisioned as an ASEAN-level initiative aimed at bringing together young innovators from across the region to develop impactful solutions through artificial intelligence (AI).
“What began as a vision eventually grew into a platform where we emphasise innovation, sustainability and collaboration across ASEAN,” he said.
According to him, participants displayed determination, resilience and teamwork throughout the 24-hour competition despite working under pressure and strict time constraints.
He added that the hackathon was not only about coding or building prototypes, but also about leadership, adaptability and the courage to think beyond limitations.
Alvinash also highlighted the importance of ASEAN collaboration in addressing future challenges involving sustainability, education, healthcare, food security and digital transformation.
He said initiatives such as Borneo Hack Weekend play an important role in nurturing future innovators, problem-solvers and technology leaders within the region.
He also expressed appreciation to sponsors, judges, mentors and strategic partners for supporting youth-driven innovation and helping make the programme a success.
