UPDATE: Four Malaysian innovators just raced against the clock at the Gemini 3 Hackathon in Singapore, showcasing how AI can power rapid app development in an intense seven-hour challenge. As teams hustled to build functional demos before the 5:30 p.m. deadline, their creativity and collaboration took center stage.
The hackathon, organized by Google DeepMind and 65labs, drew 189 participants competing for a share of the $100,000 prize pool, with first place earning 30,000 credits. Among the contenders, a team of four friends brought their unique backgrounds to the table, transforming a traditional concept into a digital reality.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., the team set out with an ambitious plan to create a “feng shui” app. This innovative tool aimed to analyze individuals’ outfits and workspaces in real-time using their phone cameras, tapping into the lucrative Singaporean market obsessed with property and wealth accumulation.
By 10:30 a.m., they pivoted to refining their idea due to time constraints, naming their app “Feng Shui Banana.” With Chan Wei Khjan at the helm, the team began prompting Google’s AI, Claude, to generate the workflow and code. The synergy between the team members was palpable; each played a crucial role in ensuring the app aligned with feng shui principles.
As they progressed, challenges emerged. At 11:40 a.m., after receiving the initial codebase, they faced numerous bugs. An error in the camera feature prompted immediate action, with Wei Khjan quickly troubleshooting the issue with Claude’s assistance. By 12 p.m., the team had a rough version of the app, but it was clear that time was slipping away.
Lunch was a brief distraction at 12:20 p.m. as the team stayed glued to their screens, perfecting the app’s functionality. They discovered a new prompting strategy that transformed their interaction with Claude, leading to significant improvements in real-time analysis features by 1 p.m..
As the clock ticked, the team put their app to the test. By 1:20 p.m., they enjoyed a moment of levity over pizza, but the looming deadline kept them focused. Ler-Kuan shifted to workspace feng shui, while Wah Kiang and Benny diligently worked on a demo video.
Late afternoon brought a rush of activity. By 3 p.m., they filmed their project presentation, using Gemini to generate a storyboard and script. The final touches included audio output, which required several iterations to achieve a voice that resonated with a feng shui master’s tone.
When the 5:30 p.m. deadline approached, a palpable sense of urgency filled the room. With just 15 minutes to spare, they finalized their submission, feeling a mix of relief and accomplishment. Although they did not win a prize, the experience was invaluable.
Ler-Kuan reflected on their journey, stating, “Sometimes, the best experiences come from saying ‘yes’ without overthinking.” The hackathon not only fostered innovation but also highlighted the power of teamwork and creativity under pressure.
As the event concluded, participants eagerly shared their experiences and insights, underscoring the growing interest in AI-driven solutions in various sectors. The impact of this hackathon will ripple through Singapore’s tech community and beyond, inspiring future collaborations and innovations.
Stay tuned for more updates on AI advancements and innovation events around the globe.
