[Press Release] Borneo’s First AI Vibe Design Hackathon Launches in Sarawak
Aug 05, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Borneo’s First AI Vibe Design Hackathon Launches in Sarawak
Celebrating Singapore–Sarawak Friendship Through Culture, Creativity, and AI
KUCHING, SARAWAK — On 6th September 2025, Kuching will host Borneo’s inaugural AI Vibe Design Hackathon, a landmark not-for-profit event that fuses technology, art, and cross-cultural collaboration. The hackathon is co-hosted by AIGents of Change (Singapore) and AZAM Sarawak, in partnership with Lovart AI and Newhero AI.
This hackathon is officially supported by the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) and the Singapore Global Network (SGN), a division under the Singapore Economic Development Board.
Makeramai Makerspace proudly joins as the official venue partner, offering its vibrant and creative space in the heart of Kuching as the physical hub for participants to collaborate and innovate. As one of the innovation spaces under the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Makeramai provides facilities for events, workshops, training, multimedia production, and maker-centric activities such as 3D printing and electronics. SDEC plays a key role in advancing Sarawak’s digital and creative ecosystem by supporting grassroots innovation through these state-of-the-art spaces.
Local grassroots support is provided by Kenyalang Dev, a growing community of developers and tech enthusiasts committed to building the future of tech in Sarawak. Far more than a tech hackathon, this hackathon is a cultural celebration where creatives, coders, and community builders from Sarawak and Singapore come together to explore how emerging technologies like AI can support meaningful, emotionally resonant design.
What is Vibe Design?
Vibe Design is an emerging AI-driven design approach that focuses on feeling rather than form. Instead of rigid wireframes or pixel-perfect mockups, Vibe Designers start with a simple yet powerful question: “How do I want people to feel?”
Using generative AI tools, designers articulate moods, emotional outcomes, and aesthetic intentions. The AI then helps bring those ideas to life—proposing layouts, color palettes, animations, and user flows that match the desired “vibe.” It’s an intuitive, story-rich form of design that’s especially resonant in culturally vibrant regions like Borneo.
Official Launch of usei usei cat: The Symbol of Intentional Living
One of the key highlights of the event will be the official launch of usei usei cat—a slow-living, heart-centered mascot that embodies the soul of AI Vibe Design.
The character was created with Lovart AI by Soh Wan Wei, CEO of AI Visionary Society, as the first official use case of the hackathon to demonstrate what’s possible when AI is used to create emotionally grounded and culturally inspired digital IP.
The name combines “usei usei,” a Sarawakian colloquial Malay term meaning “chill” or “slow and steady,” with “kucing,” the Malay word for cat. The result is a lovable character that pays homage to Kuching while inviting a gentler, more intentional way of living and creating.
“There is an usei usei cat in all of us,” says Wan Wei. “That’s why I created Usei Usei World—a space where this gentle character reminds us of the beauty of intentional living. In a world that’s obsessed with hustle, deadlines, and endless productivity, Usei Usei Cat is here to remind us to pause, and breathe.”
Why Sarawak? A Land of Living Design
Sarawak was selected as the host location for this groundbreaking hackathon due to its unique confluence of deep cultural heritage and visionary digital policy. The state is globally known for its artistic richness—from the intricate Pua Kumbu woven by the Iban community to the layered oral storytelling traditions of the Orang Ulu.
This values-based approach—where technology uplifts tradition rather than replaces it—makes Sarawak the ideal launchpad for Boreo’s first AI Vibe Design Hackathon.
AZAM Sarawak: Bridging Innovation and Identity
AZAM Sarawak, the event’s Sarawak-based co-host, views the hackathon as more than a technological milestone. It is a cultural bridge and a platform for youth and creators from both regions to build friendships, exchange ideas, and explore the responsible use of technology to honor identity and solve real-world challenges.
Panel of Judges
Meet our distinguished panel of industry experts and visionary leaders:
- Tim Zhang – CEO of Artflow AI & Newhero AI
With a combined user base of over 2 million, Tim leads the forefront of AI for creativity and productivity. - Shelly Bryant – CEO of TL Insights
A global cross-cultural keynote speaker, Shelly brings rich expertise in media, translation, and storytelling. - Afiq Khatem – CEO of Ibrandium
A digital leadership strategist empowering purpose-driven brands with sustainable innovation. - Aaron Ting – Co-founder of ICP Hub Singapore
A proud Sarawakian and ambassador at the Singapore Internet Governance Forum, Aaron champions blockchain and inclusive digital ecosystems. - Dr Kamree Aziz – CEO of HumanLogica
A Sarawakian pioneer in human-centered technology and culturally grounded AI adoption.
Each of the top 3 winning teams will receive a specially curated Singapore–Sarawak Friendship Gift Box, thoughtfully put together by Sluvi, featuring artisanal self-care products made in Sarawak that celebrate the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
These will be paired with exclusive touches from JOURNEY, an award-winning Singapore brand by TOUCH Community Services, which showcases the creative talents of artists from diverse abilities. Every item featuring JOURNEY artwork directly supports these artists by providing them with income and empowering them towards greater independence.
Event Microsite: https://sarawaksghack.netlify.app/
Media Inquiries & Partnerships
Contact: Soh Wan Wei, AI Visionary Society
Email: [email protected]
