Five computing students from INTI International College Penang demonstrated innovation and teamwork on both national and global platforms after earning awards in two major technology competitions — the Kibo Robot Programming Challenge (Kibo-RPC) 2025 and the UST Global 24-hour Hackathon (D3CODE 2025), both held in Cyberjaya this September.
At the Kibo-RPC 2025 National Level Competition, organised by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with NASA and coordinated by the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), the team secured second place for their precision programming and control of robotic systems aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The competition required participants to operate Astrobee and Int-Ball robots in a simulated space environment to locate hidden treasures. Teams were assessed on the accuracy, efficiency, and smoothness of their coding and robotic movements.
INTI Penang students present their AI-driven project, EAR-EYE, to judges during the 24-hour UST Global Hackathon (D3CODE 2025) held in Cyberjaya
“Participating in the Kibo-RPC 2025 program has truly broadened our horizons,” said Teh Yao Sheng, one of the team leaders. “From planning to implementation, every step tested our creativity and patience. Seeing our work tested in the space simulator and achieving second place was our proudest moment. It motivated us to go further in the world of STEM.”
His teammate, Cheong Wei Xun, shared the same sentiment. “The Kibo-RPC presented a unique, real-world challenge that sounded incredibly cool and unlike anything we’d done before. We started just for fun, but through teamwork and continuous learning, we achieved something we never expected.”
Building on this success, another group of INTI Penang students proved their creativity at the UST Global 24-hour Hackathon (D3CODE 2025), a worldwide innovation challenge themed “Shaping New Frontiers – Data, Intelligence, and Quantum.” Organised by UST, a global digital transformation solutions company, the hackathon invited participants to develop AI, quantum, and data-driven solutions that address real-world issues with social impact.
The team’s project, EAR-EYE, earned the runner-up position in the Malaysia edition. Designed as an AI-powered mobile app for the elderly, EAR-EYE integrates multiple technologies to enhance safety, independence, and well-being. It reads printed text aloud using Optical Character Recognition (OCR), provides real-time audio alerts for those with hearing loss, detects allergens for dietary safety, and offers companionship through an empathetic AI chatbot.
“Our hackathon journey was a practical lesson in turning an idea into reality,” said Tan Hong Zheng, a member of the team. “The 24-hour challenge was intense but rewarding. We learned to think quickly, work strategically, and push our limits under pressure.”
Teh Yao Sheng, who also took part in the hackathon, added, “We even used AI tools to refine our workflow. This competition changed how we see innovation, not just as creating something new, but as using technology to enhance how we build and think.”
Reflecting on both achievements, Kavitha Thamadharan, Senior Lecturer and Head of Programme at INTI Penang’s School of Computing, commended the students’ ability to apply their learning in practical settings.
“These achievements reflect INTI’s strong focus on experiential learning, STEM excellence, and innovation,” she said. “Our students have shown that they can apply classroom knowledge to solve real-world challenges, whether in programming robots for space missions or designing AI-driven solutions for social good.”
Winners and participants of the UST Global Hackathon (D3CODE 2025) Malaysia edition gather for a group photo after the results announcement
She explained that such competitions develop essential skills beyond technical expertise. “We emphasise hands-on learning and problem-solving through project-based experiences. These platforms prepare students to excel in engineering, technology, and research careers.”
Summing up the significance of these wins, Hemalatha Murugiah, Chief Executive of INTI International College Penang, said, “Winning at both the Kibo-RPC and UST Hackathon reflects the kind of practical, forward-thinking education we strive to provide. It is about helping students translate what they learn into real outcomes, the kind of experience that prepares them for careers in STEM, technology, and beyond.”