A Strong Malaysian Presence in a Highly Competitive Arena

Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) has once again demonstrated its prowess in robotics and artificial intelligence on the international stage, as four student teams delivered an impressive medal haul at RoboRoarZ Singapore 2026. 

Held from 22 to 23 January 2026 at the prestigious Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), the competition brought together more than 380 young innovators from across Asia, including China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Oman. 

Supported by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Singapore, RoboRoarZ has grown into a premier platform for tertiary-level students to design, build and programme Smorphi robots in response to complex, real-world challenges. 

Competing under the banner of the Asia Pacific Centre of Robotic Engineering (APCORE), alongside two creatively named independent teams, APU students proved that they are not merely participants on the global stage—but formidable contenders. 

Excelling in Artificial Intelligence Strategy 

In the fiercely contested AI League, “APCORE Team 2” secured an outstanding 2nd place finish. The all-female team—Thasne Rames (Mechatronics Engineering), Kalpikaa Ramaiyah (Digital Forensics), Tanusha Tamil Selvan (Cyber Security), Mahallaxmie AR Dharmmanandhan (Cyber Security), and Chan Hui Xin (Mechatronics Engineering)—demonstrated exceptional competence in AI strategy, algorithmic thinking, and machine learning integration. 

Competing against leading institutions from across the region, the team distinguished itself through rigorous model optimisation and strategic problem-solving, reflecting both depth of knowledge and resilience under pressure.

Adding to APU’s success in the AI League, “Team Malaysian Bakuteh Better” earned the prestigious Best Machine Learning Implementation Award. The team—Ng Soon Teck (Computer Engineering), Koh Yon Shan, Quek Kia Hau, Kevin Hoe Jian Vei, and Pang Wei Meng (all Mechatronics Engineering)—was recognised for the technical sophistication and innovative architecture of their machine learning solution. Their award underscores the strength of APU’s interdisciplinary AI training and its emphasis on practical application.

Mastery in Hardware and Autonomous Systems

APU’s strength extended beyond software and algorithms. In the Physical Robot Challenge, the “APCORE Team” clinched 3rd Place through the efforts of Fernandez Tan Jun Xian (Mechatronics Engineering), Low Yinn Ean (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), and Yeo Peng Sian (Electrical and Electronic Engineering).

The team impressed judges with their robust robot design, seamless hardware integration, and precise autonomous navigation. In a field where milliseconds and millimetres determine victory, their technical execution stood out among a highly competitive international cohort.

Meanwhile, “Team Singbakut” achieved a commendable 5th Place in the Robotics Simulation Challenge. Harindraa Shanmugam, Tan Ti Kang, Ho Zu Ming, Ng Yan Hong (Mechatronics Engineering), and How Yong-Heng (Artificial Intelligence) showcased strong programming proficiency and strategic adaptability in the virtual arena, demonstrating that APU’s competitive edge extends across both physical and simulated environments. 

Summary of Achievements

Mentorship that Shapes Champions

Behind every podium finish was a dedicated team of mentors who guided the students technically and mentally through the rigours of international competition. The mentors were Ts Suresh Gobee (Head of APCORE), Ts Dr Arun Seeralan (Assistant Professor, School of Engineering), Dr Adeline Sneha John Chrisastum (Senior Lecturer, School of Computing), and Assistant Professor Ir EUR ING Ts Dr Lau Chee Yong (Programme Leader for Computer Engineering and Lead of the Visionary AI Studio).

Their mentorship reflects APU’s broader institutional philosophy—where experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global benchmarking are integral to student development.

Competing — and Winning — at International Standards

APU’s Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer, Professor Ir EUR ING Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, congratulated the teams on their accomplishments: 

“These victories are the outcome of rigorous preparation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Competing on an international platform such as RoboRoarZ demands not only technical capability but also resilience, strategic thinking, and the courage to innovate under pressure. 

Our students have proven that they are able to meet, and indeed exceed, international standards. They are not simply keeping pace with global advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence but contributing to them. This achievement reflects the calibre of talent we nurture at APU and our commitment to producing graduates who can compete — and win — on the world stage.” 

Powering the Next Generation of Tech Leaders

APU’s success at RoboRoarZ Singapore 2026 reaffirms its position as a leading institution in technology education within the Asia-Pacific region. More importantly, it highlights the competitiveness of its students in an increasingly demanding global landscape. 

As robotics and AI continue to reshape industries worldwide, achievements such as these signal that APU students are not only future-ready—they are future-defining. 

The University looks forward to building on this momentum in upcoming competitions and continuing to inspire the next generation of innovators who will shape the technological frontier.