The AI FutureTech Trail Challenge immersed APU Computing students in six industry-focused learning stations, enabling them to explore real-world AI applications while strengthening their creativity, communication and problem-solving skills.

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As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries and redefine the skills required in the digital economy, the School of Computing (SoC) at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) organised the AI FutureTech Trail Challenge to deepen students’ understanding of AI and its expanding real-world applications. 

Held on 18 June 2026 at the APU campus, the challenge took Computing students on an immersive journey through six specialised stations covering education, game development, agriculture, robotics, psychology and cybersecurity. 

At each station, participants encountered hands-on, knowledge-rich activities that encouraged them to apply AI-based thinking to practical scenarios, examine how emerging technologies are reshaping different sectors and propose innovative solutions to industry-related challenges.

The competition culminated in five teams emerging as the top winners, earning trophies for their creativity, technical understanding and high-quality video productions. 

The organising committee comprised SoC academics Dr Adeline Sneha John Chrisastum, Assoc Prof Ts Dr Vinothini Kasinathan, Ms Thavamalini Sivasamy and Ms Sarimah Samsudin. According to the committee, the challenge was designed as an advanced exploration of AI applications across multiple domains, providing students with learning experiences beyond conventional classroom activities.

“Through this challenge, students gained first-hand exposure to emerging AI technologies, while also enhancing their multimedia, communication and innovative thinking skills,” explained Dr Adeline.

Beyond completing the activities at the six stations, the teams were tasked with producing creative short videos showcasing industry-specific AI use cases. The assignment challenged them to transform complex technological concepts into compelling and accessible content. 

Through this process, students demonstrated not only their understanding of AI, but also their ability to communicate ideas with clarity, confidence and impact. The combination of technical exploration and creative expression reflected their growing readiness to become adaptable, future-focused technologists.

Commending the students for their enthusiasm and ingenuity, Assoc Prof Ts Dr Tan Chin Ike, Head of the School of Computing, said the initiative reflected APU’s commitment to developing technology graduates who are capable of responding to rapid changes in the AI-powered world.

“AI literacy is no longer limited to understanding how a technology works. Future technologists must be able to recognise meaningful applications, evaluate real-world challenges and communicate solutions that create value for people and industries. Through experiences such as the AI FutureTech Trail Challenge, our students are encouraged to explore boldly, think across disciplines and translate their knowledge into purposeful innovation,” he said.

Overall, the challenge provided students with a distinctive platform to discover the future of AI across industries and demonstrate their vision for technology-driven change. 

It also reinforced APU’s mission to nurture forward-thinking technologists who can stay ahead of emerging trends, solve practical problems and shape the AI-powered world of tomorrow with creativity, responsibility and excellence.