9 June 2025 — Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) is hosting the 6th annual Robotic Coding Conquest (RC) 20205, in conjunction with Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE) 2025.
UTB hosted the Microsoft ASEAN AI for Accessibility Hackathon 2025, held at Lecture Theatre 4, UTB. The participants, Pre-University students, presented their projects that addresses real-world accessibility issues using Artificial Intelligence technologies, fostering inclusivity via innovation. Organised in close collaboration with Microsoft Brunei this event was part of a series of events in UTB’s sixth annual Robotic Coding Conquest (RCC).
Present at this event were Yang Mulia Dr. Mohamad Saiful bin Haji Omar, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (External and Industry Relations) and Yang Mulia Mr. Akfash Latibu, Country Manager, Microsoft Brunei. Additional attendees were UTB’s Principal Officers and guests.
The hackathon commenced with welcoming remarks from Yang Mulia Pg Muhammad Nazri bin Pg Haji Ahmad, Head of the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AiML) Laboratory at UTB. “This competition represents UTB’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and critical thinkers,” said Yang Mulia Pg Muhd Nazri bin Haji Ahmad, Head of AIML Lab at UTB in his welcoming remarks. “We are continually impressed by the creativity, dedication, and technical prowess demonstrated by these young talents.”
Seven dynamic teams presented their AI-powered solutions addressing real-world accessibility challenges, each evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges:
• Mr Akfash Latibu, Country Manager, Microsoft Brunei;
• Mr Mohamad Effendy Haji Mohd Jeffery, Lecturer, Kolej IGS;
• Puan Wati Haji Bujang, Consultant and Specialist Speech-Language Therapist, Director of Kidz Discovery World; and
• Pg Dr Hj Azhan bin Pg Hj Ahmad, Lecturer, School of Computing and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Brunei.
Each team presentated their innovation and followed by a Q&A session. The innovations ranged from AI-driven communication aids to intelligent mobility tools, demonstrating not only technical ingenuity but also a profound commitment to inclusivity and societal impact.
The RCC innitiative aligns with UTB’s broader mission to strengthen Brunei’s innovation ecosystem. With support from leading industry partners such as Microsoft Brunei, Shell Deepwater Borneo BV, ITPSS, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, AITI, Asia-Europe Foundation, and the AE4 AI Network, UTB is offering workshops throughout June to equip students with practical skills in AI, robotics, and IoT.
These workshops will culminate in further exciting competitions, including Building Intelligent Machines and the AI and IoT for SDG Hackathon 2025, offering participants unparalleled opportunities to engage with advanced technologies shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
The Microsoft ASEAN AI for Accessibility Hackathon 2025 does not only celebrates innovation but also reinforces a shared commitment to leveraging technology for social good, building a more inclusive digital future for all.
Stay tuned for updates by following UTB’s official Instagram account.
