1.1 The competition is open to participants across three (3) categories:
● Secondary School (Form 4 and 5 students)
● Pre-University (STPM/ Foundation/ Matriculation)
● University (Undergraduate)
1.2 Each team must consist of three (3) to five (5) members.
1.3 Each team must be accompanied by:
● Secondary & Pre-University: One (1) teacher/lecturer as mentor
● University: One (1) academic supervisor/mentor
1.4 Participants are only allowed to register under one category.
2.1 The theme for DAX Challenge 2026 is
“Integrating Data and AI for a Sustainable Pahang.”
2.2 Projects must align with real-world problem domains, including but not limited to:
● Road Safety
● Economy
● Food Security
● Water Sustainability
2.3 Solutions must demonstrate the application of:
● Data analytics
● Visualisation
(For University category) predictive modelling and/or AI techniques
Phase 1: Qualifying Round (60%)
● Evaluation based on submitted materials
● Assessment criteria:
o Data understanding
o Analytical approach
o Visualisation quality
o Innovation
Phase 2: Final Round (40%)
● Selected teams will present in a live pitching session
● Format:
o 5 minutes presentation
o 5 minutes Q&A session
● Evaluation includes:
o Presentation clarity
o Depth of analysis
o Practical impact
o AI integration (for university category)
4.1 Preliminary Submission
Phase 1: Qualifying Round (60%)
● Secondary School & Pre-University Categories
Each team is required to submit:
1. Interactive Dashboard
2. Presentation Video (3-5 minutes)
● University Category
Each team is required to submit:
1. Interactive Dashboard
2. Presentation Video (3-5 minutes)
3. Technical Report / Model Description (including prediction/AI model)
4.2 Final Submission (all category)
Phase 2: Final Round (40%)
1. Pitcher name
2. Picture of group
4.3 Any platform of dashboard is acceptable to be used in this competition. The organiser will only give a workshop on Power BI Dashboard.
5.1 The dataset must:
● Be relevant to Malaysia, which focuses on Pahang.
● Must use any data been provided but not limited which are as follows:
● Road Safety - MIROS
Analyzes accident and traffic data to suggest more effective preventive measures
● Economy - DOSM
Strengthens local economic development through the analysis of business trends, employment and sector growth.
● Food Security - MARDI
Supports the stability of food supply through the analysis of production, demand and supply chain.
● Water Sustainability - PAIP
Optimizes water resource management through the monitoring and analysis of water consumption and supply data.
● Be obtained from other reliable and credible sources (e.g., government agencies, open data portals)
5.2 External/global datasets may be used only as supporting data, not as the primary dataset.
5.3 All data sources must be properly cited.
6.1 All submissions must be prepared in English.
6.2 Submission components must follow:
● Prescribed format (PDF / link submission)
● Naming conventions provided by organiser
6.3 All materials must be submitted via:
● Official platform (Google Drive)
6.4 Late submission penalty:
● A 5% deduction of the total marks will be applied for submissions made within the allowable grace period after the deadline.
● Submissions received beyond the grace period will be automatically disqualified and may not be assessed, except with prior approval from the organising committee under exceptional circumstances.
● The organising committee reserves the right to reject any late submission to ensure fairness and adherence to deadlines.
7.1 General criteria include:
● Problem understanding
● Data quality and preprocessing
● Analytical techniques
● Visualisation and dashboard design
● Innovation and creativity
● Practical relevance and impact
7.2 Additional criteria for university category:
● Predictive modelling accuracy
● Use of AI/advanced analytics
● Technical robustness
7.3 The decision of the judges is final and binding.
DAX 2026 Judging Rubrics can be downloaded here.
8.1 Only 5 shortlisted teams from each category will proceed to the final round.
8.2 Presentation requirements:
● Maximum 5 minutes pitching
● Maximum 5 minutes Q&A
8.3 All team members are encouraged to participate but limited to 1-2 best pitchers in the team.
8.4 Presentations must be conducted in English.
9.1 All work submitted must be original and free from plagiarism.
9.2 Any form of data fabrication, misrepresentation and plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.
9.3 Participants must adhere to ethical data usage and respect for confidentiality and privacy.
10.1 Participants retain ownership of their projects.
10.2 The organiser (PSM, UMPSA) reserves the right to:
● Use submitted materials for academic, promotional, and reporting purposes
● Showcase projects with proper credit to participants
11.1 Awards will be given for:
● First, Second, and Third place (each category)
● Best Pitcher (each category)
● Special Award: AI Excellence Award
● 2 consolation awards (each category)
11.2 All participants will receive:
● E-certificates (participation/finalist/winner)
12.1 The organiser reserves the right to:
● Amend rules and regulations if necessary
● Postpone or cancel the competition due to unforeseen circumstances
13.1 All official communications will be conducted via:
● Official email: dax@umpsa.edu.my
● Programme website/portal: https://dax.umpsa.edu.my/
13.2 Participants are responsible for checking updates regularly and complying with all instructions