Gamification Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is proud to be a partner of SensARTS 2024 – Game Jam Laut, a unique initiative by the French Embassy in Malaysia that blends creativity, technology, and science to inspire ocean preservation. Building on the success of Ocean Hackathon KL (2022 & 2023) and the SensARTS programme (2023), this friendly competition challenges participants to design functional video game prototypes that highlight marine conservation. Game Jam Laut will be held across four key locations in Malaysia, including Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu, and Penang, with the Sarawak edition hosted by UNIMAS from 27th to 29th September 2024.

In each city, 3–5 multidisciplinary teams will work intensively over 48 hours, drawing inspiration from the research of young scientists (PhD students or post-doctoral researchers). Guided by expert mentors and enriched by masterclasses, teams will create innovative game concepts that merge art, science, and technology. Winning teams from each location will advance to the finals, where they will have five weeks to refine their prototypes before showcasing them during a nationwide public festival on 23rd November 2024. The grand prize—a trip to France—awaits the overall champion, selected through a combination of jury and public votes.

As a partner, UNIMAS reaffirms its commitment to fostering creative learning and environmental stewardship through collaborative, interdisciplinary platforms. Game Jam Laut is made possible through the support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Innovation Fund and the collaboration of esteemed institutions, including MMU, USM-CEMACS, UMT, UM, UMS, and Swinburne University.