Sea and OpenAI Launch Groundbreaking APAC AI Hackathon Series in Singapore This June

Sea Ltd and OpenAI have announced the Sea x OpenAI Codex Hackathon, a new series kicking off in Singapore on June 6, 2026.

This one-day event targets experienced AI developers across Asia-Pacific to build innovative projects using advanced coding agents like Codex.

Event Highlights and Registration

Registration closes on May 28, 2026, with only 40 teams selected for the intense hackathon.

Projects fall into three categories: autonomous and adaptive AI, AI-native products and operations, and deep domain AI.

Prizes include substantial OpenAI API credits—$30,000 for first place, $15,000 for second, and $5,000 for third—plus 12 months of ChatGPT Pro for top five teams' members.

Building on a Strong Partnership

The hackathon builds on Sea's and OpenAI's prior memorandum of understanding from 2025 aimed at accelerating AI in Southeast Asia.

Sea Ltd, known for Shopee, Garena, and SeaMoney, is ramping up AI to enhance its e-commerce and gaming dominance.

Boosting APAC's AI Ecosystem

Beyond Singapore, the series will expand regionally, fostering talent amid a global race for AI expertise.

This initiative signals Southeast Asia's rise as an AI hub, attracting builders amid U.S.-China tech tensions and offering local opportunities over Silicon Valley migration.

For everyday users, it promises smarter shopping apps, personalized gaming, and efficient fintech solutions powered by homegrown AI innovations.

With AI transforming industries, such events democratize access to cutting-edge tools, potentially sparking startups that reshape daily life in APAC.