In a thrilling display of creativity and technical prowess, students from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) emerged victorious at the Universiti Malaya UM Hackathon, winning a total grand prize of RM10,000 combined. 

The nationwide physical hackathon, organised by the University of Malaya Computer Association, brought together approximately 180 participants from 20 public and private universities across Malaysia. The event featured two domains — Venture Capital and Obstetrics & Gynecology — where APU’s Teams Datapeks, who took on the Venture Capital challenge, and Team Alpacaverse, who tackled Obstetrics & Gynecology, showcased their exceptional talent by clinching first place in both their domains.

Team Datapeks, led by Hoh Shen Yien who is studying BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with a specialism in Data Analytics, developed an AI-driven venture capital management software named "VeloCap." This innovative solution targeted the initial stages of the venture capital process, specifically deal sourcing and due diligence. With intelligent features such as the database manager, ranked deal finder, smart insights identifier and GenieMatch, VeloCap optimises investment decision-making by leveraging data-driven insights. Sharing his excitement, Hoh stated, "VeloCap optimises faster, smarter and data-driven investment decision-making."

Under the leadership of Leo Wai Yei, who is also a student of the BSc (Hons) in Computer Science programme, Team Alpacaverse created "AlpacaCare," an AI-powered health monitoring application designed to support expectant mothers. AlpacaCare delivers personalised knowledge resources and service recommendations throughout the pregnancy journey. This comprehensive solution offers accurate health predictions and tailored recommendations for diet, supplements and lifestyle changes. Leo Wai Yei opined, "The main backing behind the solution was to solve problems with viable solutions."

This hackathon presented students with problem statements and multiple datasets that foster creativity, enhance ICT skills and challenge participants to practically apply their learning. They were encouraged to utilise various machine learning techniques to solve these challenges. The judging criteria for the competition encompassed originality and creativity, impact and value, technical complexity and quality, user experience and design, market penetration and viability, and the quality of presentation and pitching.

The outstanding performances of Team Datapeks and Team Alpacaverse did not go unnoticed. They each received RM5,000 in prize money and certificates to acknowledge their exceptional achievements. 

These exceptional teams have effectively demonstrated their capacity to tackle practical issues using state-of-the-art technology, a testament to APU’s industry-relevant curriculum. 

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