Kuala Lumpur – Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has made waves on the international blockchain stage, with its student team clinching a top prize at the prestigious ETHGlobal Taipei 2025.
Students Teh Jun Heng, Lee Yi En, Lee Xin Rou, Htet Aung Hlaing, and Tan Wei Hup, representing the APU Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Club (APUBCC), won first place with their project, ENSpin, an invention meant to fortify the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) ecosystem. A decentralized naming mechanism called ENS makes Ethereum blockchain interactions easier.
By automatically scanning the blockchain and “pinning” ENS-linked files on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), ENSpin solves a crucial problem in decentralized infrastructure and guarantees continuous, dependable access to crucial data. Enhancing the resilience of ENS content is the project’s goal, as suggested by its witty name, which is a play on the word “spin”.
Their triumph occurred during ETHGlobal Taipei’s 36-hour hackathon, in which 115 teams of more than 600 competitors from more than 30 countries raced to advance Ethereum’s decentralized technology.
ENSpin’s triumph not only earned the team US$2,500 (approximately RM11,200) but also cemented APU’s growing reputation in the blockchain community. It follows in the footsteps of APUBCC’s previous success at ETHGlobal Taipei 2024, where another team from the university, led by Vanessa Chan Jia Wei and others, secured multiple awards with their CrossYield project.
Driving the momentum behind APU’s blockchain excellence is Professor Ir Eur Ing Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, the university’s Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer. A fervent supporter of emerging technologies, Dr Vinesh has been instrumental in fostering an innovation-driven environment at APU, with initiatives that extend beyond the campus gates.
“ENSpin’s success reflects APU’s vibrant ecosystem — from real-world industry collaborations to APUBCC’s dynamic workshops, our students are empowered to drive Web3 innovation beyond borders,” said Dr Vinesh. He added that this achievement is part of a broader strategy initiated in 2021, when APU intensified its focus on blockchain, cryptography, and consensus systems.
Today, with over 1,600 members, APUBCC claims the title of the world’s largest tertiary-level blockchain community.
For team lead Teh Jun Heng, the ETHGlobal experience was nothing short of transformative. “Our first ETHGlobal felt like diving into a firestorm — we were constantly tested and pushed beyond our limits,” he recalled.
In order to guarantee that digital assets like as avatars, metadata, and website URLs associated with ENS names continue to be available over time, the team addressed the urgent problem of IPFS file impermanence. However, there were other obstacles to overcome in order to provide a functional prototype in the allotted 36 hours, such as difficult system integration and extreme time constraints.
“Clear communication and smart delegation were key,” Teh said, emphasizing the necessity of flawless teamwork under high-stress conditions.
Beyond the competition, the students gained invaluable insights into ENS and IPFS systems, expanded their professional networks, and engaged directly with industry leaders and developers at the forefront of Web3 innovation.
In addition to their academic studies, the hackathon environment, which was full of excitement, mentorship, and camaraderie, provided a unique chance for hands-on learning. It expanded their professional horizons, improved their problem-solving capabilities, and refined their technical abilities.
Ultimately, ENSpin evolved into more than just a hackathon project — it became a springboard for future innovation. Armed with new skills, confidence, and global recognition, the APU team now looks ahead to even greater contributions to the blockchain space.
