Initialising · The Empyrean

SPARK*

We don't just build tech.
We build the people who build tech.

Spark* is The Empyrean's outreach programme — bringing real technology experience to students and communities across Southeast Asia.

OUR MISSION

We believe the best way to grow a great team is to grow great people first. Spark* is how we do that — through hackathons, campus workshops, and tech talks that give young talent their first real exposure to building technology that matters.

WHY SPARK*

It started with one workshop.

When we started The Empyrean, the engineers we wanted to hire didn't exist yet — not because there wasn't talent in the region, but because there weren't enough places for that talent to do real work before graduating. Most students we met had built nothing larger than a class assignment.

Spark* is our answer. It's not charity, and it's not recruiting. It's the simple belief that if we want to build serious technology in Southeast Asia, we have to invest in the people who'll build it next. So we run hackathons, teach in classrooms, and bring practitioners into rooms where students can ask them anything.

WHAT WE DO

Three programmes. One purpose.

PROGRAMME / 01

Hackathon Support

We sponsor and organise youth hackathons, providing mentorship, judging, and resources for student teams across the region.

Details →
PROGRAMME / 02

School Workshops

Hands-on sessions at schools and universities — coding, robotics, and design thinking taught by working practitioners.

Details →
PROGRAMME / 03

Tech Talks

Introductory talks on AI, software development, and tech careers for curious young minds, taken seriously.

Details →

OUR COLLABORATIONS

Growing together with leading universities.

UTAR · campus partnership
UNIVERSITY PARTNER

UTAR

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman

Joint hackathons and an ongoing internship pipeline focused on AI and full-stack development.

MORE COMING

Additional university partnerships

We're building relationships with more institutions across Southeast Asia. Get in touch if your school or community wants to collaborate.

JOIN SPARK*

Two ways to get involved.

FOR STUDENTS

Ready to build something real?

Apply to our hackathons, workshops, and mentorship programmes. No prior experience required — just curiosity.

Questions? spark@theempyrean.org

Apply now →

FOR ORGANISATIONS

Bring Spark* to your school or institution.

We collaborate with schools, universities, and community organisations across Southeast Asia. Let's build something with your students.

Partnership enquiries: spark@theempyrean.org

Partner with us →

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Questions, answered.

Who can apply?
Students from any school or university in Southeast Asia. Most of our hackathon participants are undergraduates, but we run workshops for secondary-school students too.
Do I need prior coding experience?
For most programmes, no. Curiosity and willingness to build are enough. Some advanced hackathons have prerequisites — we'll always say so on the application page.
Is there a fee?
No. Spark* programmes are free for participating students. Costs are covered by The Empyrean and our partner organisations.
What languages are programmes run in?
Primarily English, with bilingual support (Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin) at specific events depending on the host institution.
Can my school or organisation partner with Spark*?
Yes. We collaborate with schools, universities, and community groups across the region. Reach out via the contact page and tell us a bit about your students.
How often do you run events?
A few major hackathons per year, plus rolling workshops and tech talks. Follow our Insights page or get in touch to be added to the announcement list.