This is not a competition. Define the challenge. Build the solution. Codex is here to help.
About The Hackathon
Co-hosted by Sea and OpenAI, brought to you by Shopee Viet Nam.
OpenAI and Sea are both building at the frontier of AI - OpenAI through the models and tools that define what's possible, Sea through the products and systems serving hundreds of millions of people across Southeast Asia and beyond. Together, we're investing in Southeast Asia's AI ecosystem - giving the region's best builders a space to push limits and forge what comes next.
Following the initial events in Singapore and Taiwan, the regional Sea x OpenAI Codex Hackathon - Vietnam brings together the best local AI builders who are already building with AI and want to push further. Expect to move fast, make sharp decisions, and come with a problem worth solving.
Push the boundaries of what's possible and compete alongside like-minded innovators!
- 31 October 2026
- Date
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Time
- Shopee Vietnam OfficeHo Chi Minh City
- Location
- Open To
- Students and working professionals who are already comfortable using AI coding tools and shipping production-grade code.
Regional Codex hackathon Vietnam?
Build with Codex
Get hands-on experience using OpenAI Codex to turn ideas into working solutions in an intense build environment.
Push your AI skills further
Challenge yourself to solve a real-world problem, make sharp decisions and build within a single day.
Connect with leading builders
Directly network with engineers, founders, AI practitioners and fellow builders across Vietnam and learn from them.
Win Big
Awarded in OpenAI API credits
Meet Your Guests
Sidharth Sharma
APAC GTM Director, OpenAI
Anh Tran
Country Head, Shopee Vietnam
Kyle Tran
Head of Product, Shopee Vietnam
Build Directions
We're focusing on three directions for this hackathon. Your project can tackle one or span across several - the problem is yours to define.
Key Milestones
Application Period
Submit your team application and project proposal online by 26 September (Saturday), 11:59 PM.
Participation Confirmation
Shortlisted teams will receive official confirmation invites to attend the physical D-Day hackathon.
Hackathon D-Day @ Shopee VN Office
Breakfast, working lunch, tea break, and dinner are fully provided!
- 08:30 AM – 10:00 AMDoors Open, Registration & Hosted Breakfast
- 10:00 AM – 05:00 PMHacking Window (Working Lunch & Tea Break included)
- 05:00 PM – 09:00 PMEvaluation, Dinner, and Winner Announcement
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you register
Anyone can sign up for the event. However, students, developers, AI builders, data scientists, and innovators who are already familiar with AI coding tools and eager to build impact-driven solutions are highly welcomed.
You can participate in teams of 3-4 members.
Applications are submitted online, but shortlisted teams will participate in the physical 1-day hackathon on 31 October 2026 at the Shopee Vietnam Office in Ben Thanh Ward, HCMC.
No, joining the Sea x OpenAI Regional Codex Hackathon is completely free of charge. Meals and refreshments will be provided on D-Day!
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted based on the team's technical background, what they intend to build, and alignment with the hackathon's build directions. Space is limited to 40 teams.
You're welcome to arrive with ideas in mind - but all building must take place on the day. Pre-built code or existing projects shall not be submitted. The build directions shared here are intentionally broad. More context will be provided on the day - come with an open mind and be ready to build from scratch.
Each participant will receive access to Codex during the event. Details on tooling setup will be shared with successful applicants during the event day.
We only support updating team member information ONCE during the registration phase. If you wish to do so, please send a request email to sea-openai-vnhackathon@sea.com by 26 September.
We only provide meals and refreshments on the event day. Please arrange your own transportation and accommodation.
Bring your own device and charger. Besides, please bring your national indentity card or VNeID level 2 for verification purposes when needed.
All teams will present to judges in rotation during Round One. Shortlisted finalists will then present on stage. Teams will be evaluated on problem framing, quality of build, depth of thinking, and how effectively Codex was leveraged in the build process.
Each participating team must strictly consist of 3 to 4 members on-site. If your team drops below 3 members on the event day, your team will unfortunately not be eligible to check in and attend the hackathon. We strongly advise confirming every member's availability before D-Day.