19 October — 1 November 2026 · Malaysia
SDC Hackathon2026
Sustainably Developing Code
Turn an idea into an AI solution for a more sustainable world. Two weeks of building, learning and collaboration — from online creation to a 24-hour final at XMUM.
Organised by Xiamen University Malaysia AI Club & Rotaract Club
Registration deadline: 18 October 2026
AI × SUSTAINABILITY
- Announced prize pool
- RM16,000
- STEM talents expected
- 300+
- Participants per team
- 1–5
- On-site final at XMUM
- 24 hours
Purpose-driven technology
An AI challenge with
the future in mind.
SDC means Sustainably Developing Code. This two-week hybrid hackathon connects artificial intelligence with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, inviting students to tackle real problems with useful, responsible solutions.
Explore challenges that matter to people and the environment. Build a project beyond the classroom, learn from industry mentors and explain your solution to a panel of judges.
AI for sustainable development
Two domains.
Real-world challenges.
Each domain has a problem statement connected to at least one of the 17 SDGs. Teams are randomly assigned a domain when the challenges are revealed on 19 October.
DOMAIN 01
AI + real-world impact
Official challenge announced on 19 October
DOMAIN 02
AI + real-world impact
Official challenge announced on 19 October
Who can join?
- Study level
- Foundation, diploma & undergraduate
- University
- Any university in Malaysia
- Team size
- 1–5 people · Solo entries welcome
- Background
- Any course or faculty
- Experience
- Coders, non-coders & first-timers
Eligibility is based on where you study. International students at Malaysian universities are welcome.
17 goals. Shared possibilities.
From global goals
to a working solution.
All 17 Sustainable Development Goals are in scope. Your assigned challenge provides the focus for your project.
Build beyond the classroom
A project. A network.
A new perspective.
Get a view of industry needs, develop a portfolio project and practise solving a meaningful problem with AI. Meet people who can help you take your ideas further.
Free industry mentoring
Book sessions with industry experts to discuss your solution and its development.
Up to six free workshops
Explore technical topics and learn skills that extend beyond your course.
Tools & credits
Sponsor-provided resources to support your project.
Participation certificate
A free certificate of participation.
Finalist perks
SDC merchandise and meals for the on-site final.
Giveaways
10 × RM50 giveaways listed in the event overview.
19 October — 1 November
Online beginnings.
An on-campus finale.
Build through the preliminary round, earn a place in the final and refine your solution before the 24-hour hackathon.
The physical final takes place at Xiamen University Malaysia in Sepang, Selangor. Pitching and the closing ceremony are on 1 November.
Dates use Malaysia time (MYT, UTC+8). The registration deadline follows the organiser’s current website: 18 October.
- Registration
Registration closes
Complete your team registration through the official SDC website.
- Online
Orientation & challenge reveal
The problem statements are announced online at 8:00 PM MYT. Teams are randomly assigned to one of two domains.
- Online
Preliminary round
Develop your AI solution with your team, join workshops and book mentoring sessions.
- Review
Judging & shortlisting
Industry judges review submissions. Up to 15 teams per domain are shortlisted for the final phase.
- Online
Upgrade round
Shortlisted teams refine their solutions and prepare for the on-campus challenge.
- On campus
24-hour hackathon at XMUM
Build on site with access to mentors, meals and SDC merchandise.
- On campus
Pitching & closing ceremony
Present to industry judges, share your solution and celebrate the winning projects.
Recognition for your work
RM16,000
across two domains.
Each domain has an announced RM8,000 allocation, covering the top five places and ten further finalist teams.
| Award | Cash prize |
|---|---|
| Champion | RM 3,000 |
| 1st runner-up | RM 1,500 |
| 2nd runner-up | RM 1,000 |
| 3rd runner-up | RM 750 |
| 4th runner-up | RM 250 |
| 10 other finalist teams | RM 150 each |
The same allocation applies to Domain 1 and Domain 2. Final prize arrangements are confirmed by the organiser.
The people behind SDC
Organisers & supporters.
Organiser
Xiamen University Malaysia AI Club
Organiser
Rotaract Club of Xiamen University Malaysia
Supporting Rotary clubs
Sponsors & partners
Organisations featured on the official SDC website.
Your next challenge starts here
Bring your team.
Build for a better future.
Registration, payment and competition updates are managed by the SDC organising team. Register through the official event website by 18 October 2026.
Register on the SDC website ↗Entry information
RM50 + RM25 deposit
Normal registration per team · Deposit refundable under the organiser’s terms
Early bird: RM40 + RM25 deposit for the first 20 teams. Check current availability on the registration page.
Event enquiries: sdc.xmumhack@gmail.com
Before you enter
Know your next step.
Who can participate?
Foundation, diploma and undergraduate students currently enrolled at a Malaysian university, from any faculty or nationality. Coders, non-coders and first-time hackathon participants are welcome.
Can I join on my own?
Yes. Team size is 1–5 people, including solo entries. Cross-university teams are welcome. Each person can join only one team; the official rules do not allow member changes after registration.
What are the two challenge domains?
Each domain centres on a real-world or industry problem connected to at least one Sustainable Development Goal. The exact problems are revealed on 19 October, and teams are randomly assigned a domain.
How much does registration cost?
The official website lists a normal fee of RM50 plus a refundable RM25 commitment deposit per team. Early bird registration is RM40 plus the same deposit for the first 20 teams. Check the registration page for current availability and the terms governing the deposit.
How does the final phase work?
Following the online preliminary round, judges shortlist up to 15 teams in each domain. Finalists improve their projects during the online upgrade round before a 24-hour on-site hackathon at Xiamen University Malaysia on 31 October. Pitching and the closing ceremony follow on 1 November.
What support is available?
The event overview includes free industry mentoring, up to six workshops, sponsor-provided credits and tools, and a participation certificate. Finalists receive SDC merchandise and meals. The organiser publishes session schedules and instructions through its official channels.
Where should I find the final rules and submission requirements?
Read the official SDC handbook and terms before registering. The committee publishes challenge-specific instructions through its official website and Discord. Use those instructions for submission formats, judging requirements and any schedule changes.
Event information and artwork are based on the SDC Hackathon 2026 overview. Logos are sourced from the official SDC website, where registration, eligibility and contact details have also been checked. Follow the organiser’s channels for current rules and announcements.
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