Tencent Cloud, the cloud computing arm of global technology company Tencent, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have formalised a three-year partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 18 August 2026. The collaboration aims to advance AI education, enhance cloud computing skills, and foster industry-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
The AI CAN DO IT – Tencent Cloud x UTM AI Hackathon 2026 demonstrated how students can apply AI to real-world industry needs. Held from 10 July to 13 August, the five-week programme brought together UTM students to develop solutions for challenges identified by leading local organisations AmBank, Johor Corporation (JCorp), Silverlake and Arkie AI.
The programme recorded more than 300 engagements across recruitment, training and mentoring activities. The Demo Day at UTM Kuala Lumpur also brought together representatives from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Tencent Institute of Games and other industry partners.
The MoU was signed at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur by Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, Vice-Chancellor of UTM, and Poshu Yeung, Senior Vice President, Tencent Cloud International.
Preparing students for an AI-enabled workplace
The Tencent Cloud–UTM collaboration comes as AI proficiency is becoming increasingly important across the workforce. Students and young adults are entering a fast-evolving job market in which AI-supported research, analysis, programming, and ideation are becoming more common.
Students at the Hackathon received both online and in-person training on Tencent WorkBuddy, an AI desktop agent that can assist with research, analysis, and document creation; CodeBuddy, an AI programming suite that supports coding and software development; and Tencent Design Miora, an AI-native creative studio for visual content and design. These AI tools were used as part of their project work, with technical guidance and feedback from industry practitioners. Students’ AI and troubleshooting abilities were tested at the Hackathon by solving real-world problems in a controlled, low-risk environment.
AmBank, JCorp, Silverlake and Arkie AI contributed challenge statements covering financial scam prevention, organisational performance monitoring, and communication and social skills training.
JCorp, for example, asked students to consider how AI could help management identify emerging performance concerns and understand the factors behind them. Arkie AI challenged students to explore how AI-driven role-play and personalised feedback could help people practise communication in a safe environment.
“Much of the AI conversation focuses on access to models and infrastructure. In practice, the harder question is what organisations do with them. The same applies to students. Working on a real brief requires them to make choices, test their assumptions and justify their solution with real-world commercial outcomes. These experiences will become invaluable to students as AI continues to integrate into Malaysian businesses and the wider economy.”
-Jasmine Chan, Partnership Director, Tencent Cloud Malaysia
AI skillsets yielding diverse benefits for students
For students, exposure to AI tools and real industry challenges can strengthen practical problem-solving, communication and technical capabilities that are increasingly relevant across sectors. The hackathon also gave participants opportunities to work across disciplines, receive feedback from industry practitioners and translate ideas into demonstrable solutions.
Team Sleep_Well, which included Ho Yu Xiang from UTM’s Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, was named champion of the AI Agent Track for AI Scam Shield, an AI-powered financial scam prevention platform developed in response to Silverlake’s challenge.
Team Untitled, comprising Ahmad Mohamed Elhassan Seliaman Mohamed and Mohammed Rahbab Chowdhury, won the Game Track with Threshold, a 3D social simulation game designed to help users practise communication skills and build social confidence. Players create an identity, explore an open environment, and interact with AI-driven characters across different scenarios.
Both teams will go on to represent Malaysia at the Tencent Cloud Hackathon Global Finals in Shenzhen, China, in September.
Building a longer-term pathway for AI talent development
The hackathon is one of the early initiatives under the broader three-year collaboration between Tencent Cloud and UTM. The MoU provides a framework for joint research in AI, Cloud Computing, Smart Technologies and Digital Transformation; professional certification; hackathons and innovation programmes; internships and talent development; and exchange and training activities.
“Malaysia’s continued progress in AI will depend on our ability to connect academic learning with the skills and tools used by industry. Through this collaboration, we look forward to giving students and educators more opportunities to build practical capabilities in cloud and AI, while contributing to a stronger national talent pipeline.”
-Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, Vice-Chancellor of UTM
UTM established Malaysia’s first Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in 2024, and its Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence with Honours includes Responsible AI and Ethics. The collaboration supports UTM ASCEND 2030 by expanding opportunities for students and educators to engage with current technologies, industry expertise, and real-world AI applications.
Tencent Cloud
Tencent Cloud is a leading global cloud service provider dedicated to developing innovative technologies and solutions that address real-world challenges and support digital transformation across industries. With a comprehensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud delivers secure, reliable, and high-performance cloud products and services to organisations worldwide. Its technology portfolio encompasses cloud computing, Big Data, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and network security, helping businesses accelerate innovation and improve operational efficiency. Tencent Cloud serves a broad range of industries, including gaming, media and entertainment, financial services, healthcare, real estate, retail, travel and transportation.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a leading research university with a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, engineering, science and technology. With campuses in Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and Pagoh, UTM is committed to advancing education, research and innovation while fostering strong partnerships with industry. Ranked 158th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, the university continues to contribute to national and global development through academic excellence, technological advancement and impactful industry collaboration.
