As the world rapidly digitises, cybercrime has emerged as one of the greatest threats to people, businesses, and governments. The challenge is especially acute in Southeast Asia, where a 2023 United Nations report estimated cyber fraud alone cost the region nearly $40 billion in a single year.
The stakes are rising. By 2030, Southeast Asia’s digital economy is projected to be the fourth largest in the world, worth an estimated USD $2 trillion. Yet as the economy grows, so too does the creativity of cybercriminals — who continue to find new ways to defraud, scam, and exploit our societies. For this digital future to thrive, we must find innovative, collaborative solutions to cybercrime.
In 2025, Vietnam will host the historic UN Convention Against Cybercrime signing in Hanoi. Alongside this event, the UN Cybercrime Hackathon, sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will bring together Southeast Asia’s brightest minds to tackle the issue head-on.
This is your chance to:
Work on real-world cybercrime challenge
Rapidly prototype solutions with impact
Connect with UN experts and industry mentors
Join a regional network of innovators
Compete for an all-expenses-paid trip to Hanoi to showcase your solution during the UN Convention signing
Background
How to Participate
Build a team of 2-6 people
Propose a solution aimed at protecting the Southeast Asian community from cybercrime.
Choose one of the four tracks where your proposal fits:
Detection and Prevention – Tools and technologies to identify and stop scams.
Community Engagement – Campaigns and platforms to raise public awareness.
Secure Communication – Solutions to protect digital interactions.
Policy and Advocacy – Forward-thinking policy proposals to enhance cyber resilience.
Submit your proposal by 29 September 2025.
Fill in the form below for your chance to be part of the Cybercrime Hackathon:
Proposal Details
1. Propose Your Solution
Your solution can take many forms — a website, app, community program, policy intervention, or another innovative approach that Southeast Asian communities, organisations, or governments can use to protect themselves from cybercrime. A strong proposal is original, user-friendly, effective, efficient, and scalable. Submissions must not duplicate existing solutions.
2. Selection and Mentorship
All pitches will be reviewed by the judging panel. Finalist teams will be selected and sponsored to travel to Hanoi for the UN Convention Against Cybercrime. Each finalist team will also be matched with leading cybercrime mentors to refine their ideas and prepare for the in-person Hackathon.
3. The Hackathon in Vietnam
At the in-person Hackathon, finalist teams will further design, develop, and showcase their solutions. Each team will pitch to a panel of judges, and winners will be announced at the conclusion of the event.
Register
Don’t miss your chance to visit Hanoi, innovate alongside the UN cybersecurity community, and showcase your skills to protect the region!
