The Division of Arts and Machine Creativity (AMC) successfully hosted the AMC Hackathon 2025 in November 2025, bringing together students, faculty members and staff for a full day of creative exploration and artistic innovation.
The hackathon officially began on the morning of November 22, when the theme “HKUST” was revealed to participating students, with suggested directions such as "Spirit of HKUST", "HKUST in Nature" and "Ocean Conservation". Given two hours, students set out across the campus to gather creative inspiration in the form of sketches, photographs, videos, and audio recordings. From scenic viewpoints to architectural landmarks and hidden corners, participants explored a wide range of campus locations in search of compelling materials that would later serve as the foundation for their AI-generated creative works.
Following the material collection session, AMC students, faculty members and staff boarded a bus for a well-deserved break—a late-afternoon BBQ social gathering in Sai Kung. Against the backdrop of a brilliant seaview, clear skies, and sandy beaches, participants relaxed and connected over the enticing aromas and flavors of freshly grilled BBQ delicacies, strengthening the sense of community within the Division.
After the event, submitted hackathon works were carefully reviewed and evaluated by a panel of AMC faculty members. The Champion award was presented to Zhenlin DAI for the breathtaking work When Flowers Bloom Across HKUST. The piece reimagines the HKUST campus and its many iconic buildings enveloped in lush, wild vegetation, poetically capturing the interplay of light and shadow of the familiar university in an air of quietude.
AMC Hackathon 2025 Winners
Champion – Zhenlin DAI, When Flowers Bloom Across HKUST
Runner-up – Yutong FU, Red Bird by the Sea
Runner-up – Yihan LIU, Vision．HKUST
The AMC Hackathon 2025 celebrated creativity by leveraging the power of generative AI tools and human imagination. Through observation, exploration, inspiration, and meaningful social interaction, the event underscored the innovative spirit and artistic vision of AMC students, highlighted the Division’s commitment to fostering cross-disciplinary education beyond the classroom, and fueled lasting memories and a renewed passion for all participants.
