Introduction

With my final semester results out and only my internship remaining, I realized that my university journey is almost complete. It felt like the right time to pause and look back at what truly shaped my growth as a student and developer. Throughout these years, hackathons became my classroom outside the classroom, a space where I learned by building, collaborated with amazing teams, and pushed myself beyond what lectures ever covered.

How It All Started

My first hackathon ended before it even began. I couldn’t get anything to work, got frustrated, and eventually gave up halfway through. It was discouraging, but it planted a seed of curiosity about what it really takes to build something meaningful under pressure. For the second hackathon, I registered but didn’t show up at first. A few days later, the organizer sent a message saying that submissions were low and that we had a high chance of winning if we submitted something. That small push motivated my team to regroup and finish a project in the final days. To our surprise, we were selected as finalists, but we didn’t win. The disappointment stung, but it also sparked something deeper, the determination to come back stronger.

After that, I started learning beyond the classroom. I spent nights and weekends studying web development, AI, blockchain, and everything else that traditional courses never covered. I joined hackathons again and again, often returning home empty-handed, but each time with new lessons and better instincts.

Everything changed when I met a teammate from Taylor’s University. We worked incredibly well together. Communication was smooth, ideas flowed naturally, and collaboration finally felt effortless. That partnership marked the beginning of a new chapter. We chased our first win with focus and conviction, and when it finally came, it did not stop there. What followed was an incredible streak of 22 consecutive hackathon victories, each one a reflection of how far we had come from that first failed attempt.

Finding My Flow: Learning Through Building

After those early attempts, hackathons slowly became more than just weekend experiments. They turned into my way of learning beyond the classroom. Every event forced me to think fast, adapt to new technologies, and solve problems under tight deadlines. While lectures taught me theory, hackathons showed me how to apply that knowledge in real situations.

I began to see a clear pattern. Each hackathon pushed me to grow in a different way. Some tested my technical skills, others improved my ability to work with a team, communicate ideas, and make quick decisions. I learned how to turn abstract concepts into working prototypes, how to pitch to judges in just a few minutes, and how to collaborate with people from completely different backgrounds.

The more I participated, the more comfortable I became with uncertainty. Hackathons trained me to pick up new frameworks overnight, to fail fast and fix things even faster. They built my confidence not just as a developer, but as a problem solver. Soon, building under pressure felt less intimidating and more like second nature. That was when I realized I had truly found my flow.

The Highlights: Hackathons That Defined My Journey

Over the years, I have been fortunate to participate in many hackathons across Asia and beyond, but a few stand out as milestones that defined my growth and confidence as a builder.

Token2049 Hackathon Singapore 2025
The Token2049 Hackathon was a turning point for me. Held alongside one of the largest crypto conferences in the world, it brought together top builders, investors, and industry leaders from across the Web3 ecosystem. Presenting our project on stage in front of such a large audience was both nerve-racking and thrilling. It was the first time I truly felt the global scale of the builder community and the impact that innovative ideas could have when given the right platform.

ETHGlobal Trifecta 2025
ETHGlobal Trifecta was unlike any other hackathon I had attended. Participation was limited to the top ETHGlobal builders and past winners, with only 300 slots available worldwide. Getting selected itself was an achievement, but managing to secure a win among some of the best developers in the Web3 space felt incredible. The competition was intense, the standards were high, and every project showcased cutting-edge innovation. It reminded me why I love hackathons because they push you to operate at your absolute best.

Eigen Games at ETH Denver 2025
Competing in the Eigen Games during ETH Denver was one of the proudest moments of my journey. Our team won alongside participants from some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford. Seeing my university, TAR UMT, share the same podium as these global institutions was surreal. It proved that talent and dedication can come from anywhere, and it gave me a sense of pride in representing my school and country on an international stage.

Each of these experiences built on the last, shaping me into a more confident and capable builder. While those three events stand out as major milestones, they are part of a much longer journey filled with countless weekends of coding, collaboration, and learning. Below is a collection of the hackathons I have participated in over the years, each representing a unique story, a lesson learned, and a step forward in my growth as a developer.

Behind the Wins: Challenges and Growth

Winning feels great, but what most people do not see are the struggles that come with it. Behind every project submission and prize announcement were nights of debugging until sunrise, missed meals, and moments when the entire project almost fell apart. There were times when nothing worked as planned, when ideas had to be scrapped hours before the deadline, and when exhaustion made it hard to think straight. Those moments tested not only my technical ability but also my patience and teamwork.

Imposter syndrome was another constant companion. Standing beside experienced developers and teams from top universities often made me question whether I truly belonged there. Yet, over time, I learned to turn that feeling into motivation. Instead of comparing myself to others, I focused on improving one skill, one project, and one hackathon at a time. Every failure or setback became a lesson in resilience, resourcefulness, and creative problem-solving.

Working with different teammates also taught me a lot about communication and trust. Not every collaboration went smoothly, but those experiences helped me understand how to manage conflicts, distribute work effectively, and play to everyone’s strengths. The biggest growth did not come from the victories but from the challenges that demanded perseverance and humility.

Beyond Prizes: What Hackathons Taught Me

As I look back, I realize that the most valuable part of hackathons was never the prizes or recognition. It was the process of learning, experimenting, and growing alongside people who shared the same passion for building. Hackathons taught me that ideas only matter when executed, and execution only matters when done with teamwork and clarity of vision.

They also changed the way I think about technology and problem-solving. I learned to break down complex ideas into achievable goals, to design with both users and scalability in mind, and to adapt quickly to new tools and frameworks. These events became a crash course in real-world software development, filled with lessons that no lecture or textbook could have provided.

Most importantly, hackathons showed me the value of community. Every event introduced me to people who inspired me, challenged me, and helped me grow. The friendships, collaborations, and mentorships that formed along the way have been just as meaningful as any trophy. Through them, I learned that innovation thrives when people come together to share knowledge, experiment freely, and lift one another up.

Giving Back to the Community

After years of participating in hackathons, learning from incredible people, and growing through shared experiences, I began to realize that the real value of all these lessons was not just in keeping them to myself but in passing them on. My teammate and I decided to create a space where other students could discover the same opportunities that had transformed our university life.

We started a hackathon community that connected students from universities all across Malaysia. The goal was simple, to help more students explore hackathons with confidence and curiosity. What began as a small chat group soon evolved into an active network where students regularly share alpha updates, tips, and workshops about building projects, pitching ideas, and navigating the Web3 ecosystem. Seeing students grow from curious beginners to confident participants has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.

At the same time, I wanted to make blockchain knowledge more accessible within my own university. This led to the creation of the TARUMT Blockchain Club, a community dedicated to introducing blockchain technology in a practical and approachable way. Through workshops, study sessions, and collaborative projects, we helped students understand concepts that often felt too complex or intimidating. Watching the club grow and seeing members apply what they learned in hackathons and internships has been deeply rewarding.

Giving back to the community reminded me that growth is not only about personal success. It is about creating an environment where others can learn, collaborate, and thrive. The same spirit of openness that defined hackathons became the foundation of how I wanted to contribute by helping others build their own paths in tech.

Looking Ahead: From Campus to the World

As I move beyond university and into the next stage of my journey, I carry all these experiences with me, the lessons from late-night coding sessions, the energy of competitions, and the friendships built along the way. Hackathons have shaped not only my technical skills but also my mindset, teaching me to stay curious, adaptable, and driven by impact.

The next chapter will be about applying everything I have learned on a larger scale. Whether it is building products in the blockchain space, joining startups that innovate, or continuing to mentor new builders, I want to stay close to the same culture of creativity and collaboration that shaped me.

The journey from my first failed hackathon to international wins has taught me that persistence always pays off, and that real success comes from sharing what you know. As I step into the world beyond campus, I hope to continue building, learning, and giving back, just like how it all started.

Final Thoughts

Looking back at this journey, I truly believe that participating in hackathons was one of the best decisions I made during my university life. They pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me to think fast, build creatively, and collaborate with people from all walks of life. Every experience, whether it ended in failure or victory, contributed to who I am today.

None of this would have been possible without the people around me. I am deeply grateful to my friends who always supported me and cheered me on even when things got tough. I want to thank my university, TAR UMT, for providing the space and encouragement to pursue these opportunities, and my lecturers for their patience and understanding whenever I had to reschedule tests or deadlines to compete. To my assignment teammates, thank you for working with me even when I could only join online instead of face to face. And to my hackathon teammates, I am grateful for your trust, determination, and willingness to push through sleepless nights and chase new victories together.

Through all these experiences, one lesson stands out above everything else: if you don’t take risks, you are taking the biggest risk of all. Hackathons are not just about winning prizes; they are about daring to create, to fail, to learn, and to grow.

To my juniors who are still studying, I hope you take that first step and join a hackathon. It might feel intimidating at first, but it will teach you lessons that no classroom ever could. You will meet incredible people, learn skills that last a lifetime, and discover how capable you really are. Take that risk. Build something. And maybe, one day, you will look back just like I am now, proud of how far you have come.

Connect with me

Derek Liew | Instagram | Linktree

Keep building, keep learning, and never be afraid to start small. Every great story begins with one brave decision to try.

TL;DR

Our team secured 3rd place in the largest track at the Consensus Hong Kong Hackathon 2025. Due to a miscommunication, we initially missed our finalist selection but persisted in seeking feedback and ultimately got the chance to pitch on stage, securing both recognition and potential funding. Our project, Grand Theft Aptos (GTA), is an AI-powered open-world game that integrates the Aptos blockchain for dynamic NPC interactions and an in-game economy. By leveraging AI and blockchain, we created NPCs with unique personalities and behaviors, enhancing player immersion. Key takeaways from the event include never giving up on opportunities, always doing thorough research, and asking instead of assuming to avoid logistical mishaps. Moving forward, we will compete in major ETHGlobal hackathons, continuing to showcase Malaysia’s innovation in Web3.

Our Team

Our team consists of Qi Jian from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Jing Yuan and Marcus from Taylor’s University. Derek majors in Data Science, Jing Yuan and Marcus in Cybersecurity and AI. Despite active participation in hackathons, all three maintain first-class honors. Qi Jian and Jing Yuan have won 14 hackathons, including local and international hackathons, with an undefeated streak. Marcus occasionally joins them and has contributed to notable wins. We are interns at ALPHV Technologies, where we developed and maintained cutting-edge tech solutions for clients. For this hackathon, we took on distinct roles, leveraging our specializations to build GTA. Jing Yuan developed smart contract code on the Aptos blockchain, integrating native functions. Derek focused on AI components, creating 3D assets in Blender to implement a multi-agentic system. Marcus led pitching efforts and developed immersive frontend visuals, scraping data from Twitter to enrich our project.

The Journey

We arrived in Hong Kong a day before the hackathon, eager to maximize networking opportunities through Luma’s side events. That evening, we attended a Web3 gathering in Causeway Bay, where we met founders of AI and blockchain companies, exchanging insights on decentralized AI hosting, blockchain wearables, and the future of Web3. The discussions provided fresh perspectives that would prove invaluable for the competition.

The next morning, we arrived early at the hackathon venue, taking time to explore the adjacent Consensus Hong Kong Conference. Unlike Devcon, which is deeply technical, this event had a stronger business focus, allowing us to engage with industry professionals and introduce our universities to key players. We attended sponsor workshops with Aptos, XRP (Ripple), and Polkadot before diving into our hackathon project.

With only 24 hours to build, we worked relentlessly, running on minimal sleep. Meals came from the venue, and budget accommodations kept our focus entirely on the competition. After submitting our project, we took a brief moment to connect with other participants before the pitching session. Initially, we were not selected as finalists, but after seeking feedback from mentors, we learned that we had actually made the list — organizers simply couldn’t locate us in time. This unexpected twist led to our final pitch on stage, where we secured third place in the largest track of the hackathon.

Before heading home, we took a few hours to explore Hong Kong before boarding our flight back to Kuala Lumpur, marking the end of an intense but rewarding experience.

Why We Do This?

Hackathons are more than just competitions, they are opportunities to test our skills, push our limits, and immerse ourselves in the cutting edge of technology. Competing internationally forces us to raise our standards, as teams from around the world bring their best to win and prove themselves on a global stage. The high-stakes environment fuels our drive to innovate and perform at our peak.

While it may seem like we have time to explore, the reality is different. Our focus remains on building, networking, and learning. Universities recognize the value of these events, investing in our participation so we can bring back insights and expertise to share with our peers. Likewise, ALPHV Technologies’ CEO, Daren Tan, supported our journey, understanding that the knowledge and connections we gain contribute to both our professional growth and Malaysia’s tech ecosystem.

Beyond the competition, these experiences expose us to founders, CEOs, and high-level investors whose insights go far beyond what any textbook can teach. We connect with other builders, learn from their challenges, and expand our network in ways that shape our future. Attending Devcon reinforced the importance of global events, especially those in Asia, making Consensus Hong Kong a priority. We are not just here to compete — we are here to represent our universities, our country, and the next generation of innovators.

Our Project

Our project for this hackathon is Grand Theft Aptos. Grand Theft Aptos (GTA) is an open-world game powered by AI-driven NPCs and Aptos blockchain interactions. Inspired by traditional GTA-style games, we wanted to break the limitations of static NPCs by making them dynamic, evolving, and capable of meaningful interactions. Our goal was to create an immersive world where NPCs are not just background characters but unique AI agents with distinct personalities, interests, and real-world behaviors. By integrating blockchain technology, we also introduced real-world economic dynamics, allowing players to interact with NPCs, participate in on-chain events, and shape their own stories.

Our solution combines AI and blockchain to create a truly interactive experience. We use AI-driven NPC generation based on Twitter data, Aptos blockchain for in-game transactions and NFT ownership, and randomized on-chain events for unpredictability. The tech stack includes Next.js for the frontend, Blender for 3D environments, GPT-4o & DALL-E for NPC dialogues and assets, and Move-based smart contracts to power the in-game economy. Features like gas-free transactions, AI-driven interactions, and Web2 logins ensure accessibility, while future expansions include cross-game interoperability, player-driven content, and a continuously expanding game world.

Here is the link to our project’s GitHub repo: Project GitHub

About the Hackathon

The Consensus Hong Kong Hackathon 2025 was organized by EasyA, a platform known for hosting some of the world’s most competitive hackathons, attracting top talent from leading universities and organizations. Given EasyA’s reputation and its strong global hacker community, we saw this as an opportunity to challenge ourselves by competing against elite teams on an international stage. Additionally, with the event being held in Hong Kong, the travel costs were manageable, making it a practical choice for participation.

As the core members of our hackathon team, Jing Yuan and I approached Marcus with the idea of joining the competition. With 2 international hackathon victories between us, we believed that our combined experience, technical expertise, and collaborative synergy would give us a strong chance to compete at the highest level. Motivated by the prospect of testing our skills against some of the best minds in the industry, we committed ourselves fully to this challenge.

More hackathon-related info can be found here: Hackathon Info

Representing Malaysia on the Global Stage

We were immensely proud to compete at such a high-caliber hackathon, where participants came from industry giants and top universities worldwide. Teams flew in from China, Korea, Japan, the United States, Canada, and Russia, while we stood among them as proud representatives of Malaysia, TARUMT, Taylor’s University, and ALPHV Technologies.

The level of competition was staggering. In our Aptos track alone, there were 40 submissions. Tsinghua University secured first place, while a Thiel Fellowship recipient alongside Naver AI took second. These were not just students but elite innovators, engineers, and founders with world-class expertise. Securing third place right behind Tsinghua and the Thiel Fellowship team was a defining moment, proving that Malaysia belongs in the global Web3 innovation scene.

As we analyzed the other track winners, we saw teams backed by Microsoft, TUI, and Weibo, along with founders who had raised millions in funding or had over a decade of experience. Yet, despite facing such formidable competitors, we stood tall and proved our ability to compete at the highest level. This was not just a personal victory. It was a statement that Malaysian talent is ready to thrive on the world stage.

Every hackathon, every sleepless night, and every challenge we have faced led to this moment. This win is not just about what we have achieved but about what we represent — a new wave of Malaysian innovators ready to take on the best and push the boundaries of what is possible. This is just the beginning.

Here are the links to the winning projects: Aptos Track Winners, Ripple Track Winners, Polkadot Track Winners

Key Takeaways

Never Give Up on Any Opportunity

During the hackathon, we faced an unexpected challenge that tested our resilience and determination. Initially, we believed we had lost our chance to pitch, but instead of accepting defeat, we actively sought feedback from the judges at the Aptos booth. This proactive approach revealed that we had actually been selected as finalists and opened doors to future collaboration with Aptos’ business development team.

Rather than settling for a networking opportunity, we knew our project deserved to be seen. Instead of backing down, we pushed for a fair chance to present. Our persistence paid off, and in the end, we secured our rightful place among the finalists.

This experience reinforced a crucial lesson: opportunities are rarely handed to us. We must be willing to chase them. Moving forward, we apply this mindset in every competition, project, and professional endeavor. We now double-check communications, engage directly with organizers, and ensure our presence is known. More importantly, we no longer wait for validation. We seek it out, making sure our hard work and ideas receive the recognition they deserve.

This lesson extends beyond hackathons. Whether in business, academia, or industry collaborations, we have learned that persistence and initiative create opportunities where none seem to exist. Our ability to advocate for ourselves and our work has become one of our greatest strengths, allowing us to not only compete but thrive in high-stakes environments.

Do Your Own Research Before Anything

Our accommodation experience in Hong Kong taught us a valuable lesson about the importance of thorough research. While the hotel we booked seemed decent based on reviews from a single platform, we quickly realized that relying on one source wasn’t enough. The moment we arrived, we understood the importance of verifying information across multiple channels before making a decision.

This experience reshaped how we approach decision-making, not just in travel but in every aspect of our work and projects. Now, before committing to anything — whether it’s choosing a service provider, forming a partnership, or making a major purchase — we take extra steps to cross-check reviews, gather insights from different sources, and evaluate every option critically.

In future hackathons and business ventures, this mindset has proven invaluable. We now conduct deeper due diligence when selecting event venues, sponsors, and even potential collaborators. By applying this principle, we minimize risks, make informed choices, and ensure that every decision aligns with our goals and expectations.

The lesson is clear: never take information at face value. Whether in business, investments, or travel, independent research is crucial. Making informed choices based on multiple perspectives saves time, money, and unnecessary setbacks — allowing us to focus on what truly matters.

Ask, Don’t Assume

Our experience at the hackathon reinforced the importance of clear communication. We assumed the venue would be open for 24 hours, just like previous hackathons we had attended, but when we were asked to leave for the night, we quickly realized assumptions are never a substitute for confirmation.

This experience reshaped how we approach event planning. Now, before any hackathon, conference, or business engagement, we proactively clarify logistics, schedules, and key details with organizers. Whether it’s about accommodation, venue access, or competition rules, we make sure to ask instead of assume. This habit has saved us from unnecessary setbacks and allowed us to stay fully prepared for any situation.

Beyond events, this lesson applies to teamwork, business partnerships, and even technical projects. Clear communication eliminates uncertainty and ensures everyone is aligned. Whether it’s discussing project expectations, negotiating deals, or confirming deliverables, we now prioritize asking the right questions before making any decisions.

Breakthroughs Over Comfort

Every hackathon is a chance to evolve, and we’ve made it a point never to stay in our comfort zone. Instead of sticking to what we already know, we analyze past winners, extract their best practices, and refine our approach each time. From basic 2D games to advanced 3D environments, we constantly push the limits of our creativity and technical skills.

This mindset extends beyond hackathons. In our professional projects, we no longer settle for incremental improvements — we aim for breakthroughs. Whether it’s exploring cutting-edge AI applications, optimizing blockchain interactions, or designing seamless user experiences, we challenge ourselves to take things a step further. The key is to stay adaptable, embrace new perspectives, and never stop innovating.

Winning is rewarding, but real success comes from pushing boundaries. By believing in our capabilities and putting in the effort, we’ve unlocked opportunities that once seemed out of reach. This approach has shaped how we tackle every challenge, ensuring that we always bring something new to the table — whether in competitions, research, or building the future of technology.

Moving Forward

In the coming months, we will proudly represent Malaysia at some of the world’s top hackathons, including ETHGlobal Taipei, ETH Seoul, ETHGlobal Cannes, ETHGlobal New Delhi, and ETH Tokyo. But this journey is about more than just competition. It is a commitment to showcasing Malaysian innovation on a global stage and proving that we can stand alongside the best.

Our success is defined not only by the prizes we earn but by the impact we leave behind. That’s why we are bringing new talent with us, including students, club members, and friends from our communities, offering them the chance to experience these events firsthand. Web3 is more than just a technology; it is a revolution, and we are committed to inspiring more people to discover its limitless possibilities.

We have already introduced 10 newcomers to ETHGlobal Taipei and ETH Seoul, and this is just the start. Through mentorship, workshops, and hands-on experience, we are building a community of future innovators. Our vision is to see more Malaysians take their place in the global Web3 space, not just as participants but as leaders shaping the future of decentralized technology.

To Those Just Starting Out: Keep Going, It’s Worth It

If you’re new to hackathons or struggling to find your place in the world of tech, we’ve been there too. The late nights, the imposter syndrome, the feeling that everyone else is ahead — it’s all part of the journey. But here’s what we’ve learned: success doesn’t come from being the smartest in the room; it comes from showing up, putting in the work, and refusing to quit.

Every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow. Every loss is a lesson. And every small win is a step toward something bigger. When things don’t go as planned, adapt. When you feel like you don’t belong, remember that every expert was once a beginner. Keep building, keep learning, and keep pushing forward.

One day, you’ll look back and realize that the struggles weren’t roadblocks — they were just part of the path to something greater. See you at the top.

Follow Us:

Derek Liew: https://linktr.ee/derek2403
Jing Yuan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jing-yuan-phen-b42266295/
Marcus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-tan-8846ba271/