MyLayak paves the way forward for Malaysians to check eligibility for subsidies
Four students from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) have developed an app with a difference at a nationwide Smart ID hackathon, presenting a breakthrough digital solution. The app provides a secure pathway for Malaysians to access public services, securely, safely and privately.
The system allows citizens to discover what services and subsidies they qualify for, without repeatedly filling in forms or exposing their sensitive data.
From APU’s School of Computing (SoC), they formed Team J2CH and rose to the top of Malaysia’s highly competitive GODAMLah! 2.0 Smart ID Hackathon. They outshone 186 teams and 701 students from universities and colleges nationwide and clinched the champion title in the security track.
The team comprised three cybersecurity students, Chye Yan Tong, Hong Rui Yi and Jeniffer Su Kai Li, together with a multimedia in technology student, Joan Yee Jie Ni. They were mentored by Chong Mien May, senior lecturer at SoC.
Team J2CH secured the top prize of RM1,500 for their innovative eligibility verification solution.
GODAMLah! 2.0 was a nationwide hackathon centred on Smart ID, exploring how digital identity can power secure, inclusive and innovative services for Malaysia.
The event brought together students, universities and industry partners to build real-world prototypes aligned with Malaysia’s MyDigitalID vision.
Skills needed to develop the app
Participants competed across three tracks, Inclusivity, Innovation and Security, with only the Top 9 teams advancing to the grand finale at Cyberview, Cyberjaya.
Each track was awarded RM1,500 for first place, RM1,000 for second and RM500 for third, along with mentorship and national visibility.
From 186 teams in the preliminary round, only 30 progressed to round two, and nine reached the finals. The journey tested not only technical skills but resilience, clarity of thinking and teamwork under pressure.
In this competitive environment, Team J2CH distinguished themselves with “MyLayak”, a secure and privacy-preserving eligibility verification system.
“MyLayak” enables citizens to verify their eligibility for government programmes through kiosks or digital platforms, without revealing personal information or the eligibility rules themselves. The system supports physical ID cards, making it accessible to elderly users and those without smartphones.
Team lead Su said: “MyLayak” is a eligibility platform built around the idea: “Stop applying. Start receiving.”
“The project required a strong foundation in secure system architecture, zero-trust principles, authentication mechanisms, cryptography and privacy-by-design-areas, directly shaped by APU’s rigorous coursework and hands-on learning approach.
“This win marks APU’s second consecutive championship in the GODAMLah! series, following APU team’s triumph at GODAMLah! 1.0 in January 2025.
“Together, these achievements solidfy APU’s standing as a breeding ground for talent in cybersecurity, digital identity and innovation-driven computing.”
Acknowledging the team’s growth, Chong said: “The greatest value of external competitions lies beyond technical knowledge.
“Students develop real-world skills such as communication, confidence and professionalism as they present ideas to judges and industry experts.
“They learn to think on their feet, manage time under pressure and work effectively as a team. These experiences nurture leadership and responsibility while providing valuable exposure to peers and professionals.
“Ultimately, such competitions shape adaptable, confident individuals ready for future challenges.”
The Sun Malaysia
