UPDATE: Four Malaysian developers just completed a whirlwind seven-hour coding marathon at the Google Gemini 3 Hackathon in Singapore, creating a unique AI-driven app that analyzes feng shui in real time. As the clock ticked down to the 5:30 p.m. deadline, their innovative project showcased the power of collaboration and AI, despite the intense pressure.
Just after sunrise, the team, consisting of Chan Wei Khjan, Chan Ler-Kuan, Loh Wah Kiang, and Lee How Siem (known as Benny), crossed into Singapore with a bold vision — to harness AI for a feng shui app that could assess personal luck based on one’s outfit and workspace. This hackathon, organized by Google DeepMind and 65labs, offered a $100,000 credit prize pool, heightening the stakes for the participants.
The team initially aimed for a comprehensive feng shui app, but time constraints led them to pivot to an app called “Feng Shui Banana.” This new concept uses real-time camera analysis to evaluate clothing colors and workspace arrangements, promising a fresh approach in a city obsessed with property and prosperity.
10:30 a.m.: With the coding session underway, Wei Khjan began giving commands to the AI, Claude, to generate the app’s workflow. As Chan Ler-Kuan ensured the AI’s outputs adhered to feng shui principles, the group diligently worked to refine the codebase. However, the initial results were marred by bugs, which they quickly addressed.
By 12 p.m., the app was functional but required significant adjustments. The team’s prompt strategy proved effective, enabling real-time updates and refining the features. As they tested the app with a live audience, the software accurately identified colors and suggested improvements to enhance feng shui.
Despite the intensity, the team managed to squeeze in a brief lunch and a moment of levity before diving back into the code. As the afternoon progressed, they developed a compelling landing page and finalized the app’s messaging, which emphasized the blend of wisdom and practicality in feng shui.
3 p.m.: The team filmed their demo video, utilizing Gemini to storyboard the scenes and draft the script. With the app nearing completion, they added audio output for users, aiming to replicate the soothing voice of a feng shui master.
As the clock approached 5:30 p.m., the team rushed to finalize their video and submit their project with mere minutes to spare. The exhilarating challenge left them hungry but fulfilled, even without securing a prize.
Reflecting on their experience, Ler-Kuan stated,
“Sometimes, the best experiences come from saying ‘yes’ without overthinking. Innovation starts with curiosity and a little bit of spontaneity.”
The hackathon saw 189 participants create 76 projects, showcasing the innovative spirit at play in Singapore’s tech landscape. As the team concluded their day, the energy and excitement of their journey highlighted the dynamic nature of AI development.
Stay tuned for more updates from the tech scene as we continue to follow the latest innovations emerging from events like the Google Gemini 3 Hackathon.
