NAtional ai competition 2025

FAQ

About the Competition

The National AI Challenge is Malaysia’s premier artificial intelligence competition for secondary school and pre-university students. Co-hosted by The Innovator Academy 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.
    • Theme Announcement & Workshops: Receive the challenge theme and participate in free virtual workshops 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 on June 13 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 costs 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 Track page to learn more.

There are 2 categories:
  • Pre-University Category: Includes STPM, A-Level, diploma, or equivalent students.
  • Secondary School Category: Includes Form 3 – Form 5 (Grade 9-11) or equivalent students.

Within each category, participants can choose from 3 tracks: Technical, Art, or Innovation.

Tentatively on 17 July 2025 at Sunway University. Transportation costs will be covered 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, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis with valid reasons

  • A total of 60 teams will be shortlisted for the final round at Sunway University.

Finalists are selected based on thejudging criteria specific to their chosen track. A brief overview of the criteria can be found under Track >> Judging Criteria on our website. More detailed judging guidelines will be provided in the Challenge Pack, which will be sent to all registered teams on April 2nd.

Participation & Registration

  • Teams of 4 students from Form 3 to Pre-University (or equivalent) in institutions based in Malaysia.
  • Check your eligibility here.
  • Please fill up the registration form
  • Registration closes on 2nd April 23:59 MYT.
  • No, registration for the competition is completely free.
  • Yes, you can join even if you don’t know about AI! We will provide workshops and compile resources to help you prepare for the competition.
  • 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.
  • No, all teams must consist of exactly 4 members.
  • Yes, you can form a team with friends from other schools.
  •  

    Yes, a team can have students from different school levels. However, the team will compete in the category of the highest-level member (e.g., if one member is in Pre-University, the team will compete as a Pre-University team).

  • Yes, students from international and private schools are welcomed!
  • 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 2nd). If these updates have not been received, please email us at [email address] 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 to build your skills. Additionally, we will provide workshops covering AI algorithms to support your preparation.

Workshops & Resources

To prepare for the competition:

  • Attend the free workshops provided to gain insights and skills.
  • Access additional free resources shared by the organizers.
  • Yes, the workshops are free. Each track will have two free workshops. Participants can optionally attend additional paid workshops for further guidance if needed.
  • More information on paid workshops can be found [here]
  • There are 2 workshops for each track
  • The workshops for other tracks will take place at the same time, so you cannot attend them live. However, if you have signed up as a participant, you will have access to the workshop recordings.

  • Details will be shared closer to the date, but the objective is to ensure you feel fully prepared for your submission.

  • The dates will be announced soon, and reminders will be shared in the WhatsApp group.
  • Yes, but live attendance is encouraged for Q&A.
  • The workshops will be conducted virtually on Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
  • No, it won’t disqualify you. We highly encourage attending the workshops as they 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

  • This is still being finalized.
  • The details are still being finalized. Stay tuned for updates!

Logistics & Communication

  • We use a WhatsApp community group for team leaders and teacher advisors to share important updates. Additionally, we send emails directly to participants. Please ensure you regularly check your email inbox (and spam/junk folder) to avoid missing any communication from us.
  • Contact us at [email address/phone number].

If you have any further questions, please email team@rakantutor.org and we will do our best to help!​