Organised by APU’s School of Computing (SoC), the AgroLogic Quest: QR-Based Smart Farm AI Rescue Challenge introduced Master Pre-Requisite students to key AI concepts through a fun and interactive smart farming competition that combined problem-solving, teamwork, and real-world applications, demonstrating APU’s commitment to innovative and experiential learning.

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The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Computing (SoC) successfully organised the AgroLogic Quest: QR-Based Smart Farm AI Rescue Challenge on 29 May 2026.

The AgroLogic Quest, marking a significant milestone as the first internal competition specially designed for Master Pre-Requisite students progressing into the Master of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Master of Financial Technology (FinTech) programmes.

Held as part of the Fundamentals of AI module, the competition provided students from diverse academic backgrounds with an exciting and practical introduction to AI before embarking on their postgraduate journey. 

Through an immersive and gamified learning experience, participants were able to explore key AI concepts in a hands-on environment that encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

The initiative was conceived by Associate Professor Ts Dr Vinothini Kasinathan, who also served as the module lecturer for the intake. 

Recognising that many students entering the Master’s programmes did not come from computing backgrounds, she designed AgroLogic Quest to make complex AI concepts more accessible, engaging, and relevant through experiential learning.

Throughout the challenge, students were introduced to fundamental AI principles such as computational thinking, expert systems, rule-based reasoning, problem decomposition, pattern recognition, and algorithmic decision-making.

Rather than learning these concepts solely through theory, participants were given opportunities to apply them in realistic scenarios that reflected real-world AI applications.

The competition built upon earlier learning experiences, including a smart agriculture workshop conducted by SoC Senior Lecturer, Dr Adeline Sneha John Chrisastum and an educational visit to the APU Agro Hub. 

These activities exposed students to emerging agricultural technologies and demonstrated how AI is transforming modern farming practices. 

Equipped with this knowledge, participants were able to tackle the competition’s challenges with greater confidence and understanding.

The success of AgroLogic Quest was made possible through the collaborative efforts of a dedicated organising team comprising Ms Sarimah Samsudin, Ms Thavamalini Sivasamy, and Dr Adeline, who worked closely with Dr Vinothini in planning, coordinating, and facilitating the event. 

Their commitment helped create an engaging and supportive learning environment that encouraged active participation throughout the day.

During the competition, participants took on the role of investigators tasked with diagnosing agricultural problems.

By analysing clues, identifying crop-related issues, and applying logical IF–THEN reasoning, students worked through a series of QR-code-based activities and problem-solving stations to determine the most effective solutions. 

The challenge required teams to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply AI concepts in practical situations, reinforcing the knowledge gained through the Fundamentals of AI module.

The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony celebrating the outstanding achievements of the participating teams. 

The Champion title was awarded to Ajay Kumar Palanisamy and Khoseiila Vijaya Retnam, who impressed the judges with their exceptional teamwork, analytical thinking, and mastery of computational problem-solving. 

Sharika Zareen Riya and Kong Xiangnan secured the First Runner-Up position, while Noman Yaqoob and Gasparyan Karen were named Second Runners-Up for their strong performance throughout the competition.

Reflecting on their experience, Champions Ajay Kumar Palanisamy and Khoseiila Vijaya Retnam described AgroLogic Quest as a rewarding and memorable learning opportunity.

“The competition allowed us to apply AI concepts and IF–THEN logical reasoning to solve real-world smart farming challenges. Winning the competition was a proud achievement that reflected our teamwork, dedication, and problem-solving abilities.

“As students from different countries and backgrounds, it was a valuable opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. We would also like to sincerely thank Dr Vino for her guidance, encouragement, and continuous support throughout this journey.”

Meanwhile, First Runners-Up Sharika Zareen Riya and Kong Xiangnan expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the competition had enhanced both their knowledge and practical understanding of AI. 

They also looked forward to participating in more innovative learning experiences in the future.

Similarly, Noman Yaqoob and Gasparyan Karen shared that the challenge had strengthened their understanding of AI fundamentals while fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence as they prepared to progress into their respective Master’s programmes.

More than just a competition, AgroLogic Quest demonstrated the power of gamification in enhancing AI education. 

By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, the event showcased how innovative teaching approaches can make Artificial Intelligence more accessible, meaningful, and enjoyable for students from non-computing backgrounds.

As the inaugural internal competition for Master Pre-Requisite students, AgroLogic Quest highlighted APU’s continued commitment to innovative teaching and experiential learning.