Sea and OpenAI Launch AI Coding Hackathon in Singapore

More than 150 developers and AI builders will gather in Singapore on June 6th to explore how artificial intelligence can transform the way we build software and solve real-world problems.

Sea Limited and OpenAI are joining forces to launch the Sea x OpenAI Codex Hackathon, marking the first regional series of its kind in Asia Pacific. The event brings together developers, students, startups, and technology enthusiasts to experiment with Codex, an AI-powered coding tool that helps programmers work faster and turn ideas into practical solutions.

Participants will tackle over 40 projects during the daylong event at Shopee's Singapore headquarters. Teams will develop AI-driven applications addressing challenges across industries and communities, with hands-on guidance from OpenAI experts throughout the day.

The collaboration reflects a deeper partnership between the two tech giants. Sea has already adopted Codex across its engineering teams, and now they're sharing that experience with the broader developer community.

"Innovation grows stronger when communities can learn, experiment, and build together," said David Chen, Chief Product Officer at Shopee. He emphasized the importance of hands-on experience as AI continues reshaping technology's future.

The Ripple Effect

This Singapore launch is just the beginning. The hackathon series will expand to Indonesia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, creating opportunities for local developer communities across the region to explore AI applications using OpenAI technologies.

The initiative addresses a real need in Southeast Asia's rapidly growing tech ecosystem. By providing access to advanced AI tools and expert guidance, Sea and OpenAI are helping bridge the gap between AI's potential and practical solutions that impact everyday lives.

Winning teams will receive up to $30,000 in OpenAI API credits, with additional prizes including ChatGPT Pro subscriptions for top performers. But the real prize may be the experience itself, as developers gain practical skills in AI-native engineering that could shape their careers and contributions to the region's tech future.

Registration closes May 28th, giving aspiring participants just weeks to sign up for this groundbreaking opportunity. For a region positioned to play a major role in shaping global technology, this hackathon series represents an important step in building local AI expertise and fostering innovation that addresses regional needs.

Southeast Asia's next generation of AI-powered solutions could very well emerge from these collaborative spaces where ideas, talent, and cutting-edge tools come together.