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Gabriel Kuek Guan Jie and Rafael Macam, both Year 2 students in the Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) course, recently led Hack Tuah Script to victory at Hack 4 Good 2025. This prestigious hackathon, hosted by the Developer Group at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Computing, brought together nearly 400 participants to tackle real-world challenges faced by non-profit organisations. The team’s project, EmpowerMWH, not only secured first place but also demonstrated the transformative potential of technology in addressing social issues.

Gabriel and Rafael credited Singapore Polytechnic’s Industry Now Curriculum (INC) Pathway for providing the practical skills that helped them build this impactful solution. Through their victory, both of them showed how technology can drive positive change, inspiring other students to use their skills for social good.

Reflecting on the experience, Gabriel shared:

"Stepping foot into an NUS hackathon with nearly 400 participants, I knew I had to give it my all to win. The challenge wasn’t just about showcasing technical prowess – it was about solving real-world problems faced by non-profit organisations. It was an opportunity to make a tangible difference, and that’s what motivated us every step of the way."

This year’s hackathon focused on creating solutions for Muhammadiyah Welfare Home (MWH), a shelter for boys aged 10 to 19. The goal was to enhance MWH’s behavioural reward system—a web-based Minimart and Voucher System—improving how the home recognises and encourages positive behaviour among its residents. The team embraced this challenge with a user-centric approach, ensuring their solution was tailored to the needs of both the residents and the staff.

(From left) Rafael Macam, Gabriel Kuek and their team mates