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Sime Darby Property logoSime Darby Property presents

Township of Tomorrow

An innovation initiative by Sime Darby Property to transform blueprints into reality.

Sime Darby Property is seeking university talent to shape the next generation of smart townships.

Scroll to DiscoverScroll to DiscoverSime Darby Property University Hackathon. Registration opens 11 September 2026.

Building More Than Townships

Tomorrow's townships demand more than great infrastructure. It requires innovative ideas that improve how people live, work, and connect.

Sime Darby Property is looking beyond buildings to discover bold solutions that create smarter, greener, and more inclusive communities.

Together We Can

  • Drive sustainable township innovation
  • Solve real-world urban challenges
  • Direct access to Sime Darby Property mentors and leadership
  • Turn ideas into impact

Message fromGroup Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

What is Sime Darby Property University Hackathon?

An innovation programme where university students collaborate to solve real challenges faced in future township development.

Over 10–12 weeks, participants will:

  • Explore real business challenges
  • Learn from industry mentors
  • Develop innovative solutions
  • Pitch to Sime Darby Property leaders
Innovation Power

Built by Sime Darby Property, Solved by You

This is more than a competition. Winning solutions are reviewed by Sime Darby Property leadership for potential real-world implementation across the townships we build and operate.

  • Reviewed by leadership

    Your work lands in front of the Sime Darby Property leadership panel — the people shaping our communities.

  • Path to real-world implementation

    Standout solutions are considered for pilot programmes in live Sime Darby Property townships.

  • Mentorship from the builders

    Learn directly from the teams designing, building, and operating today's townships.

Challenge Theme

How might we reimagine the Township of Tomorrow where people, businesses and nature thrive together through innovation, technology and sustainable living?

People

How might we enable every resident to live healthier, safer, more connected and more fulfilling lives?

  1. Community wellbeing
  2. Safety and security
  3. Accessibility and inclusion
  4. Getting around (mobility)
  5. Digital living
  6. Feeling connected to neighbours
  7. Healthy lifestyles

Planet

How might we create townships that regenerate the environment while making sustainable living effortless for communities, residents and businesses?

  1. Waste management
  2. Circular economy (reuse, don't waste)
  3. Energy efficiency
  4. Water conservation
  5. Green transport
  6. Biodiversity
  7. Climate resilience

Who Should Join?

This Challenge welcomes students from universities across Malaysia who are passionate about creating solutions for the future.

No Challenge experience needed. Bring curiosity, creativity, and a passion for solving real problems.

Perfect for students in

  • Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Information Technology
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Business
  • Design
  • Environmental Science
  • Urban Planning
  • Sustainability

Or any multidisciplinary team with innovative ideas.

How It Works

  1. Challenge Launch

    Register and form your team of 3–5 people.

  2. Innovation Sprint

    Research, ideate and develop your solution.

  3. Evaluation

    Present your proposal for expert assessment.

  4. Top 10 Mentoring Sprint

    Selected finalists refine their ideas with industry mentors.

  5. Grand Finale

    Pitch your innovation to Sime Darby Property's leadership panel.

Your Innovation Journey

Key dates for the Sime Darby Property University Hackathon.

Key dates for the Sime Darby Property University Hackathon.
PhaseTimeline
Official Launch11 September 2026
Registration11 September – 8 October 2026
Challenge Briefing9 October 2026
Proposal Submission23 October 2026
Judging Rounds24 – 28 October 2026
Top 10 Announcement28 October 2026
Mentoring Sprint2 – 6 November 2026
Final Submission11 November 2026
Grand Finale14 November 2026
Innovation DayDecember 2026

Win recognition. Gain experience. Shape the future.

Champion

RM6,000

1st Runner-Up

RM3,000

2nd Runner-Up

RM1,500

Consolation Prizes

4th – 10th place

RM500 each

More Than a Hackathon

  • Win cash prizes
  • Earn an internship with Sime Darby Property
  • Develop your idea with our industry experts
  • Turn your solution into a real-world proof of concept
  • Stand out and you could join SDP's Management Associate Programme

Your idea doesn't have to end when the hackathon ends. It could be where your career begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before registering.

How do I apply to join?

Complete the official application form with your full team roster, contact details, and a short introduction. We review submissions on a rolling basis and confirm teams via email.

Do I need a team?

Yes. Form a team of three to five students and appoint a team leader before applying. At least one teammate must be able to code so you can build and demo a working prototype.

I am not a coder. Can I join?

You can, as long as you apply as a team with at least one technical member. Bring your strengths in design, research, business, or storytelling—the Challenge rewards cross-disciplinary teams.

Is it open to non-Malaysians?

Yes. Participants with a valid Malaysian PR, work visa, or student visa who are currently based in Malaysia are welcome to compete.

Is there a registration fee?

None. The programme is completely free for eligible students. The organisers provide the essentials so you can focus on building and pitching.

How does the participation mechanism work?

Students can register on this website. Your team leader then bundles the members into a single submission, selects one track, and submits the idea on behalf of the team. Each member must accept the team invitation before the submission is finalised.

Can we compete in multiple tracks?

Stick to the track that best matches your solution. Teams attempting to submit the same idea to multiple tracks will be asked to choose, and repeated offences may lead to disqualification.

What is the judging criteria?

Judges look for innovative, practical ideas with original thinking and thoughtful design. We also assess business viability, the technical execution of your prototype, and how directly it addresses the challenge theme.

What should my prototype look like?

Develop a prototype that best demonstrates how your solution would work in a real township environment. Examples include:

  • Mobile or web application
  • AI assistant
  • Smart device or IoT concept
  • Interactive dashboard
  • Service prototype
  • Physical model
  • Smart infrastructure concept
  • Digital experience

What makes a great submission?

The solution should be:

  • Innovative
  • User-centred
  • Practical
  • Scalable
  • Sustainable
  • Relevant to future township living

What do we need to pitch?

Your pitch covers two parts:

Mechanism
Explain your solution, how it works, who benefits and why it creates value for the township.
Enabler
Demonstrate how technology enables your solution, enhances the user experience and supports implementation at township scale.

Ready to Build the Township of Tomorrow?

Bring your ideas to life, collaborate with future innovators, and solve meaningful challenges that create lasting impact.

Teams of 3–5 from universities across Malaysia.