AI Hackathon for Public Sector 2026 Concludes, Driving AI Innovation Across Penang's Public Sector
PENANG, 30 Jun 2026 – Digital Penang successfully concluded the AI Hackathon for Public Sector 2026, a capacity-building initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the public sector while empowering government agencies to develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
Organised by Digital Penang in collaboration with strategic partners Ashisuto Global Technologies, main sponsor, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and supported by VSTECS Berhad, the programme brought together civil servants and employees from government-linked organisations (GLCs) across Penang to explore how AI can transform public service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and support data-driven decision-making.
Building AI Capabilities for the Public Sector
The AI Hackathon for Public Sector 2026 was designed to equip participants with practical AI knowledge through hands-on learning and collaborative innovation.
Using no-code and low-code AI platforms, participants were able to design and build AI-powered solutions without requiring prior programming experience. Throughout the programme, they attended a series of workshops, received mentorship from industry experts, and worked closely with facilitators to develop prototypes that addressed genuine operational challenges faced by their respective organisations.
A total of 14 teams participated in the hackathon, with each team presenting its AI solution to a panel of judges during the final pitching session.
The programme demonstrated how AI can be effectively applied within the public sector to enhance service delivery, automate processes, improve productivity, and ultimately create better outcomes for the people of Penang.
Celebrating Innovative AI Solutions
The hackathon concluded with the recognition of outstanding projects that showcased creativity, innovation, and practical application of AI.
Champion
Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB)
GovSTRA Penang – Real-Time Proactive Enforcement on Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA)
The winning solution leverages AI and data analytics to support the proactive monitoring and enforcement of short-term rental accommodations, enabling more efficient regulatory compliance and evidence-based decision-making.
The winning solution leverages AI and data analytics to support the proactive monitoring and enforcement of short-term rental accommodations, enabling more efficient regulatory compliance and evidence-based decision-making.
First Runner-up
Penang Hill Corporation
Funicular Maintenance Inventory Management and Analytics Dashboard
An intelligent dashboard that enhances maintenance planning and inventory management through data analytics, helping improve operational efficiency and resource planning.
An intelligent dashboard that enhances maintenance planning and inventory management through data analytics, helping improve operational efficiency and resource planning.
Second Runner-up
Bahagian DUN, Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang
DUN-Insight: Transforming Digital Hansard Analysis Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)
An AI-powered solution that streamlines the analysis of legislative proceedings, enabling faster information retrieval and deeper insights from Digital Hansard records.
An AI-powered solution that streamlines the analysis of legislative proceedings, enabling faster information retrieval and deeper insights from Digital Hansard records.
Consolation Awards
Penang Green Council (PGC) – PGC Intelligence Platform
Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) – PDL Booking Performance: Data-Driven Growth Strategy
A Collaborative Effort Towards AI-Driven Public Services
Digital Penang extends its sincere appreciation to Amazon Web Services (AWS) as the programme’s Main Sponsor, together with strategic partners Ashisuto Global Technologies and VSTECS Berhad, for their invaluable support in making the programme a success.
We also expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the panel of judges, trainers, mentors, facilitators, organising committee, and everyone working behind the scenes whose expertise, dedication, and commitment played a vital role throughout the programme.
We also expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the panel of judges, trainers, mentors, facilitators, organising committee, and everyone working behind the scenes whose expertise, dedication, and commitment played a vital role throughout the programme.
Speaking on the successful conclusion of the hackathon, Ts. Ng Kwang Ming, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Penang, said:
“The AI Hackathon for Public Sector 2026 demonstrates what is possible when technology, collaboration, and innovation come together. Beyond developing AI prototypes, the programme has empowered participants with practical skills and the confidence to explore new ways of solving challenges within their organisations. We hope these ideas will continue to evolve into impactful solutions that enhance public services and improve the lives of the people of Penang.”
“The AI Hackathon for Public Sector 2026 demonstrates what is possible when technology, collaboration, and innovation come together. Beyond developing AI prototypes, the programme has empowered participants with practical skills and the confidence to explore new ways of solving challenges within their organisations. We hope these ideas will continue to evolve into impactful solutions that enhance public services and improve the lives of the people of Penang.”
Accelerating Penang's Digital Transformation Journey
The AI Hackathon for Public Sector 2026 reflects Digital Penang’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Penang Digital Economy Master Plan (DEMP) 2025–2030, particularly in strengthening digital capabilities and accelerating AI adoption across government agencies.
By equipping public sector officers with emerging digital skills and encouraging cross-agency collaboration, the programme serves as a catalyst for innovation within the public sector while reinforcing Penang’s vision of becoming a leading digital economy hub in the region.
As AI continues to reshape industries and public services, Digital Penang remains committed to fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives, technology serves communities, and digital transformation delivers meaningful impact for all.
By equipping public sector officers with emerging digital skills and encouraging cross-agency collaboration, the programme serves as a catalyst for innovation within the public sector while reinforcing Penang’s vision of becoming a leading digital economy hub in the region.
As AI continues to reshape industries and public services, Digital Penang remains committed to fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives, technology serves communities, and digital transformation delivers meaningful impact for all.
Click here for more information about Digital Penang.