By UOW Malaysia 

What begins as a classroom idea can sometimes grow into something far bigger. For 5 students from UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, that idea became a winning startup at the StartupPenang500 (SP500) @ University Program 2025.

Organised by Digital Penang, SP500 is a venture-building program that nurtures university tech founders by guiding them through mentorship, workshops and pitching opportunities. Over an intensive 8-month journey, 15 participating teams from 3 private universities in Penang refined their ideas, validated product-market fit and developed Minimum Viable Products before presenting them to industry mentors and judges.

Among the finalists was Team Nocturnal Tech, consisting of Shaun Koay Xin Shou, Heng Wei Kee, Low Jing Xuan, and Yong Ai Ling from the Bachelor of Computer Science program, along with Liew Chee Yi from the Bachelor of Software Engineering program. The students were assisted and mentored by Dr Wong Khang Siang (Head of Department, Department of Computing), Associate Professor Dr Sim Hock Kheng (Head of Department, Department of Engineering), and Anna Lim Siew Fang (Senior Manager, Career & Placement Centre – Industry Engagement & Career Services), whose guidance helped them turn their concept into a viable and compelling solution.

Through determination, teamwork, and countless late nights spent refining their concept, the team successfully navigated every stage of the program. Their efforts culminated in victory at the grand finale on 27 November 2025, where Team Nocturnal Tech was crowned Grand Champion. The team received RM8,000 in startup funding, providing a valuable boost as they take their venture to the next stage.

Their success is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance and the entrepreneurial spirit of student founders.