THEY may have started as just four faces in the crowd, but by the end of the competition, the quartet were hailed as bona fide champs.
Contending in the recent Edu@Innovate 2025 International Education Innovation Competition, Bowie Chong Yu Shin, Cheang Zhi Lin, Ian Chin Jun Sheng and Ritchie Boon Win Yew faced stiff competition in the Higher Institution Graduate Students category.
However, that did not stop the Diploma in ICT with a specialism in Data Informatics students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) from clinching both the Gold Award and the Best of Gold Award for their innovative project, titled “Ravana Reimagined: Malaysia’s Wayang Kulit Experience”.
Themed “Empowering Humanity Amidst the Evolving Landscape of Innovation Challenges”, the event, held at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak, from May 19 to 20, saw the team stand out with their artificial intelligence (AI)-driven cultural preservation project.
Their innovation blends technology and tradition through an AI-powered chatbot that reintroduces Maharaja Wana – the Kelantanese Wayang Kulit version of Ravana from the Ramayana.
The chatbot features interactive storytelling, quizzes, a virtual museum, and colouring activities, all aimed at reigniting interest in this traditional art form among the younger generation.
The team had developed the chatbot as part of an assignment for their Introduction to AI module. What began as coursework evolved into a project that showcased how technology can preserve and promote cultural identity.
The inspiration was sparked when the team’s mentor, APU School of Computing (SoC) Assoc Prof Dr Vinothini Kasinathan, introduced them to Wayang Kulit through images from the Malay World Ethnology Museum.
The students soon discovered the nuanced persona of Ravana – portrayed as a villain in Malaysian folklore but revered in Sri Lanka. This duality led to the idea of creating a platform that would both educate and celebrate cultural diversity.
“We aimed to create something fun, interactive and educational,” said Chong, the team leader, in a press release.
Winning at Edu@Innovate 2025 has given the students not only national recognition but also valuable insights and motivation to continue innovating.
“We plan to enter more competitions, gather feedback, and keep improving our chatbot.
“The project has already exceeded our expectations, and we’re excited about its potential,” said Chong.
Endorsed by the Education Ministry, Edu@Innovate 2025 was held in conjunction with the National Seminar on the Future of Academic Programme and the Mini Festival of Ideas Putrajaya@Perak.
