SINGAPORE, 29 September 2017 – Startup Weekend Singapore (SWSG) Mega, one of Southeast Asia’s largest community-organised hackathons, kicked off with over 250 participants coming together for the 54-hour event at NUS University Town.

Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat opened the event with welcome remarks.

SWSG Mega is organised by Startup Weekend, a global network of community leaders and volunteers dedicated to fostering the growth of entrepreneurship in local communities. GIC has partnered them to give more momentum to their effective grounds-up effort.

Lim Chow Kiat, Chief Executive Officer of GIC, said: “GIC is pleased to support SWSG Mega 2017. As an investor, GIC embraces innovation and enterprise. It is our history and our future.”

Durwin Ho Hsu Tian, Lead Organiser for Startup Weekend, highlighted the objectives of SWSG Mega, “The whole event, along with the distinguished judges, experienced mentors, workshops and pitching, is designed to create a robust and powerful catalyst for participants to build their startups and test their ideas”.

Gail Lau Qian Ling, Organiser for Startup Weekend, said, “This weekend is truly a reflection of how united the startup ecosystem is in Singapore and how far we have come as a Smart Nation. Then dare to dream more.”

Over 54 hours from 29 September to 1 October, participants will pitch their ideas, form teams around the top ideas, and build their ideas, with guidance from coaches and mentors. On 1 October, the top 12 teams will pitch to a panel of experienced judges. The winning teams will receive a wide variety of prizes including drones, tech gadgets, start-up courses with certification and co-working memberships.