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Overnight AI challenge saw 60 participants tackle a series of challenges using OpenAI Codex, with Kay Hng Quek taking the top prize

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 October 2026 – Coupang, a Seattle-based technology company that serves customers in 190 countries and territories, co-hosted an overnight AI hackathon, AI Grand Prix Singapore 2026 (“AI Grand Prix“) with OpenAI. It was presented by Elev8, with Carousell Group as venue partner.

Held from 24 to 25 October 2026 at Carousell Campus, the overnight AI Grand Prix brought together 60 participants, selected from a pool of 150 applicants, to tackle a series of challenges that tested their technical skills, creativity and ability to solve problems under pressure. All participants competed in individual challenges and formed 14 teams for the group challenge. Engagement remained strong through the night, with participants continuing to work on their solutions into the early hours.

From Challenge to Working Solution

Unlike a traditional hackathon centred on a single problem statement, the AI Grand Prix was a multi-challenge competition, requiring them to adapt their approach as the competition progressed. Using OpenAI Codex, participants were tasked with three distinct challenges: Game Hack, which focused on developing creative AI-powered games; Spot the Mismatch, a technical challenge to identify discrepancies in AI-generated product descriptions, images and prices; and Group Hack, in which 14 teams developed AI-powered shopping experiences and solutions. Performance across the challenges was assessed collectively to determine the overall rankings.

Taking the top spot was Kay Hng Quek, who demonstrated strong, consistent problem-solving skills across different technical challenges. He received the Champion’s Builder Kit, a special first-place award comprising a Mac mini, DJI Mic 3 and Elgato Stream Deck Plus, designed to support continued experimentation and creation as an AI builder.

A total of US$13,000 in OpenAI API credits was shared among the winners and OpenAI subscription benefits were also provided to all participants, alongside unlimited Codex usage resets during the event to encourage experimentation with different ideas and approaches. The top 10 participants are scheduled to attend an exclusive networking dinner on 26 October with leadership and technical representatives from Coupang and OpenAI, offering an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences in building with AI.

“AI Grand Prix was an incredible opportunity to push myself beyond my comfort zone and explore what’s possible with AI. The variety of challenges encouraged us to think creatively, adapt quickly and approach problems from different perspectives. What made the experience even more rewarding was being surrounded by talented, passionate builders who shared ideas and inspired one another. I’m grateful to have been part of such an exciting community, and especially for Jerel, my cofounder, who brings out the best in me,” said Kay Hng Quek, overall champion of AI Grand Prix Singapore 2026.

“Technology and innovation are at the heart of how we create better experiences for our customers, and we see tremendous potential for AI to further transform the future of commerce. Singapore is home to an exciting community of engineers and researchers, and we are thrilled to co-host this event with OpenAI to provide a platform for them to come together, experiment and innovate with AI,” said Xin Fu, VP of Engineering at Coupang.

Derrick Choi, Head of Applied AI, Codex (APAC) at OpenAI, said, “AI is changing how software is built, giving developers new ways to accelerate the journey from concept to product. The AI Grand Prix highlighted the breadth of Singapore’s developer community. It was a great opportunity to give builders a chance to try different approaches with Codex and explore how they could use it to tackle real-world problems.”

The AI Grand Prix marks Coupang’s first event with OpenAI and underscores its continued investment in building the future of commerce with AI, while leveraging Singapore’s position at the heart of Southeast Asia’s technology ecosystem.

Hashtag: #Coupang

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Coupang

Coupang is a technology and Fortune 150 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CPNG) that provides retail, restaurant delivery, video streaming and fintech services to customers around the world under brands that include Coupang, Eats, Play, Rocket Now and Farfetch. It operates in over 190 countries and territories around the world.

For more information, visit aboutcoupang.com.

These awards celebrate the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, recognising outstanding achievement, teamwork and corporate excellence. This year’s entrants have contributed to some of Hong Kong’s largest projects, including driving investment into the commercial sector, delivering essential infrastructure and leading sustainable practices.

Guest of Honour, Mr. TAI Sheung Shing, Victor, JP, Under Secretary for Housing, Housing Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, kicked off the ceremony with a speech recognising chartered surveyors for their significant contributions to the built environment. Additionally, the event welcomed Mr. David Lam, JP, Under Secretary for Development, Development Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as a Presentation Guest at the Gala Dinner, to jointly witness this important occasion.

“These awards are about excellence. Excellence in our profession is about much more than a successful transaction, a well-delivered project or an impressive building. It is about the judgement behind a difficult decision. The integrity to give the right advice, even when it is not the easiest advice to give. And the commitment to leave a place, a business or a community better than we found it. ” said Ms. Ada Fung FRICS, Judging Chair of RICS Hong Kong Awards 2026. “For those of us working in Hong Kong, these qualities matter enormously. Our city never stands still, and neither can our profession. We must help clients navigate uncertainty, make better use of our built environment, and turn long-term ambitions into practical results.”

The RICS Annual Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Philip Lo FRICS, a Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Mr. Lo is a former Chairman of Rider Levett Bucknall China and Hong Kong. He is a fellow of RICS and served on the RICS UK Management Board from 2011 to 2016, alongside his extensive leadership roles within RICS Hong Kong. He remains deeply committed to public service, currently holding key roles with the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Housing Society, as well serving as an Adjunct Professor at The University of Hong Kong.

“Our profession is unique. We may not always have our names on the buildings, but we know every building carries our fingerprints. More importantly, through the built environment, we have the opportunity not only to create buildings and infrastructure, but also to shape communities, improve lives and contribute to the long-term development of society. That sense of purpose has always been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.” said Mr. Philip Lo FRICS.

Results of RICS Hong Kong Awards 2026:

Project award categories
1. Commercial Property Project of the Year

• Jones Lang LaSalle Management Services Limited – The Bay Hub

2. Corporate Social Responsibility Project of the Year

• Hong Kong Housing Authority – Diamond Hill Water Feature Park

Team award categories
3. Agency Team of the Year

• JLL – Office Leasing Advisory Team

4. Construction Project Management Team of the Year

• Architectural Services Department & China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited – Design and Construction of Chinese Medicine Hospital and Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute in Hong Kong

5. Facilities Management Team of the Year

• Hang Seng Bank Limited & JLL
• Swire Properties Management Limited – Citygate – Driving Excellence in Facilities Management through Exemplary Sustainability Strategy

6. Property Management Team of the Year

• Nan Fung Property Management – AIRSIDE

7. Quantity Surveying Team of the Year

• Housing Department, HKSAR (Quantity Surveying Section) – SmartCOST+ (Construction Cost Data Management Platform)

8. Refurbishment / Revitalisation Team of the Year

• Architectural Services Department & Yau Lee Construction Company Limited – The Light Public Housing at Vacant School Premises (St. Joseph / Holm Glad / Ma Kam Chan)

9. Research Team of the Year

• Rider Levett Bucknall + Arup – Whole Life Carbon Assessment – Embodied Carbon Intensity Framework in Hong Kong and Mainland China

10. Valuation Team of the Year

• Cushman & Wakefield – Masterminds Behind Development: Shaping Hong Kong’s Future With Valuation Expertise

Special category awards

11. Best Deal of the Year

• Alibaba Group Holding Limited, Cushman & Wakefield – Anchoring the Global Digital Hub: Alibaba & Ant Group’s Overseas Headquarters at One Causeway Bay, facilitated by Cushman & Wakefield
• Jones Lang LaSalle Limited – JLL Capital Markets: Brookfield Asset Management and Uni-China Group Strategic Acquisition of Tsing Yi Industrial Site

12. Environmental Impact Award

• Architectural Services Department – Advancing Net Zero – Toilet Blocks at Pet Garden of Central and Western District Promenade
• Savills Property Management Limited – Kingston International Centre

13. Proptech Innovation of the Year

• Savills Property Management Limited – Smart Control Hub

Individual awards

14. Emerging Achiever of the Year

• Jason Leung MRICS, Assistant Research Director, Head of Land and Housing Research, Our Hong Kong Foundation

15. Lee Ming Kiu, Owen MRICS, Resident Engineer, AECOM

• Woman of the Built Environment Award
• Kathy Lee, Head of Research and Retail Consultancy, Colliers

The full RICS Hong Kong Awards Winners list is available at: https://www.rics.org/training-events/rics-awards/hong-kong-awards

High resolution photos are available at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c2FnfB9S-IXgcfj8SGXAFe6RP16oQFlA?usp=sharing

Notes for editors:

RICS Hong Kong Awards 2026 is sponsored by:

• Headline Sponsor: Hongkong Land Limited
• Premium Sponsor: Swire Properties Limited
• Cocktail Partner: Colliers
• Agency Partner: CBRE Advisory Hong Kong Limited
• Silver Sponsors: Link Asset Management; MOORE
• Supported by: Construction Industry Council

Hashtag: #RICS

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About RICS Hong Kong Awards

The RICS Awards Hong Kong showcases outstanding achievements and developments in Hong Kong’s land, property and construction industries and across the built environment. The awards are open to everyone working within the property profession. The jury panel of the RICS Awards 2026 Hong Kong is formed by fourteen outstanding local industry leaders. Nominated projects have all displayed outstanding performance in professionalism, outcome & achievement, teamwork & collaboration and thought innovation.

About RICS
We are RICS. As a member-led chartered professional body working in the public interest, we uphold the highest technical and ethical standards.

We inspire professionalism, advance knowledge and support our members across global markets to make an effective contribution for the benefit of society. We independently regulate our members in the management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Our work with others supports their professional practice and pioneers a natural and built environment that is sustainable, resilient and inclusive for all.

Winner — Best Deal of the Year

Cushman & Wakefield’s Capital Markets team has been recognized for delivering Hong Kong’s largest office asset transaction since 2021. Facilitating Alibaba Group and Ant Group’s acquisition of their new regional headquarters premises at One Causeway Bay, this landmark HK$7.2 billion deal marks a significant milestone for the city’s commercial real estate market and underscores Hong Kong’s enduring appeal to global technology companies seeking regional headquarters opportunities. It highlights Cushman & Wakefield’s pivotal role as a key link between enterprises of different regions, further solidifying its leading position in complex cross-border transactions. This iconic deal has been widely reported and headlined by more than 100 media outlets globally.

Francis Li, International Director, Vice President and Head of Capital Markets, Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield, said, “This award reflects our team’s market expertise, integrity, and commitment to client outcomes, while adhering to the stringent RICS standards. It also reflects our deep market relationships and dedication to clients, the industry, and contributing to Hong Kong’s continued growth.”

Winner — Valuation Team of the Year

Committed to building a future-ready Hong Kong defined by sustainability, innovation, and lasting value, Cushman & Wakefield’s Valuation & Advisory Services team draws on more than 30 years of hands-on experience across Greater China. It partners with the Hong Kong government and private-sector visionaries to shape the infrastructure and public services that matter — spanning transport, utilities, healthcare facilities, and urban renewal. As a total solution hub, the team connects end-to-end expertise across valuation, advisory, ESG, financing and feasibility to turn ambition into action.

Andrew Chan, Managing Director, Head of Valuation & Advisory Services, Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield, said, “We are deeply honored be named Valuation Team of the Year at the RICS Hong Kong awards for the third consecutive year, marking our fourth “Valuation Team” award in six years. This accolade reflects the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and innovation of our valuation team. Serving major development initiatives, our team is proud to help shape Hong Kong’s future with our valuation expertise. Since 1993, we have continually evolved our capabilities — integrating ESG, sustainability, and emerging asset classes to deliver best-in-class solutions while nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.”

John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, added, “Congratulations to our outstanding teams for demonstrating our progressive spirit and client-first mindset once again. These prestigious accolades reinforce Cushman & Wakefield’s market leadership and brand strength. Moving forward, we will continue to elevate industry standards and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.”

Photos:
Winner – Best Deal of the Year: Hong Kong & China Capital Markets team
Winner – Valuation Team of the Year: Hong Kong Valuation & Advisory Services team

Please click HERE to download high-resolution photos.

Hashtag: #CushmanWakefield

http://www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk
http://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 53,000 employees in nearly 350 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).

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