USM, PENANG, 4th December 2025 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is celebrating a significant international triumph as Team FeedRight from Malaysia was crowned the winner of the Ocean Hackathon® 2025 International Grand Finale, held recently in Brest, France.

  

Represented by two students from the USM School of Computer Sciences —Soo Mun Gian and Ang Qi Yuen —alongside students from Asia-Pacific University (APU), Team FeedRight outperformed finalists from nine countries.

 

Their innovative and impactful marine technology solution earned unanimous praise from the international jury.

The winning concept was initially conceived and developed at the USM Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), where foundational research on sustainable aquaculture was conducted.

Team leader Chai Hong Jie first developed an interest in exploring technological solutions to reduce overfeeding in aquaculture — an issue that not only leads to economic losses but also contributes to water pollution — during his time at CEMACS.

Team FeedRight presented an Artificial Intelligence Platform for fish feeding in aquaculture systems, utilising machine learning to track feeding patterns, monitor satiation rates, and provide advanced water-quality assessments.

The platform aims to prevent feed wastage and minimise environmental impact. Judges commended the team for its scientific robustness, strong innovation capability, and solid technical execution, qualities that propelled Malaysia to the forefront of global marine innovation.

This success also reflects the commitment by CEMACS towards advancing ocean research, capacity building, and interdisciplinary innovation through real-world problem-solving. It marks the second time CEMACS has produced a winning idea at the Ocean Hackathon, following its 2022 victory with a project on jellyfish.

The milestone signifies an important step not only for USM but also for Malaysia’s expanding role in global ocean technology and sustainability efforts. It further underscores the growing impact of Ocean Hackathon Kuala Lumpur, which is rapidly emerging as a regional platform for nurturing talent and developing forward-looking solutions for ocean sustainability.

USM extends its appreciation to the French Embassy in Malaysia, APU, CEMACS, mentors, partners, and all supporters who have contributed to this outstanding achievement.

This victory stands as a proud moment for the nation and reinforces USM’s dedication to shaping future leaders in marine science, technology, and innovation, in delivering practical, real-world solutions for ocean sustainability.

CS’s commitment to advancing ocean research, capacity building, and interdisciplinary innovation through real-world problem-solving. It marks the second time CEMACS has produced a winning idea at the Ocean Hackathon, following its 2022 victory with a project on jellyfish.

The milestone signifies an important step not only for USM but also for Malaysia’s expanding role in global ocean technology and sustainability efforts. It further underscores the growing impact of Ocean Hackathon Kuala Lumpur, which is rapidly emerging as a regional platform for nurturing talent and developing forward-looking solutions for ocean sustainability.

USM extends its appreciation to the French Embassy in Malaysia, APU, CEMACS, mentors, partners, and all supporters who contributed to this outstanding achievement.

This victory stands as a proud moment for the nation and reinforces USM’s dedication to shaping future leaders in marine science, technology, and innovation, delivering practical, real-world solutions for ocean sustainability.

Text & Photos: Dr Abe Woo Sau Pinn (CEMACS)