May 30, 2025
The CIMB Gen AI Hackathon, held on April 19, 2025, at AWS Malaysia’s 35th-floor headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, introduced a fresh approach for banks to identify and engage emerging AI talent.
Unlike a typical coding marathon, this event was a strategic part of CIMB’s broader Forward30 transformation plan, aimed at establishing the bank as an AI-first institution.
The “Hack-to-Hire” theme showcased CIMB’s commitment to assessing candidates through real-time problem-solving challenges, creating a valuable space for participants and CIMB teams to interact and evaluate mutual fit.
This wasn’t just another tech contest. Pedro Uria-Recio, CIMB’s Chief Data and AI Officer, emphasized its purpose:
“The hackathon was part of the plan. It was a step to implement those plans … and there will be more.”
Rather than traditional interviews, CIMB dedicated a full day to hands-on challenges and collaborative sessions with candidates.
“A hackathon beats an interview any day,” Pedro noted. “Spending the whole day together lets us understand each other better.”
From over 570 applicants, 88 participants were selected (57 technical, 31 non-technical), chosen for their practical skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and passion for learning.
“We sought hands-on data experience, an entrepreneurial spirit, and above all, excitement,” Pedro shared.
Passion Over Perfection
Top candidates weren’t always those with the best test results. Often, it was enthusiasm, curiosity, and a hunger for growth that stood out.
“Those who make a difference aren’t the ones who know everything,” Pedro said. “They’re the ones eager to keep learning.”
He highlighted candidates who organized developer meetups or launched weekend startups, showing that CIMB valued innovation and energy beyond coding skills.
CIMB’s AI initiatives aim to equip relationship managers and customer service agents with smarter tools, improving fraud investigation and customer support.
“Investigators work like detectives,” Pedro explained. “Generative AI provides narratives alongside data, saving time and improving results.”
A Fresh Recruitment Model
A unique feature of the hackathon was on-the-spot interviews, with 13 panels (eight technical, five non-technical) enabling direct connections between CIMB and participants.
“It’s a bold move,” Pedro said, “but I want to hire people I’d enjoy working with.”
Technical skills matter, but so do personality and shared enthusiasm.
“Presence, energy, excitement — these all count,” Pedro noted.
Some high scorers missed out due to a lack of human connection, while others who engaged early via email or LinkedIn made a strong impression by thinking like insiders.
Many participants shared inspiring stories — balancing full-time jobs with startups or organizing large developer communities.
“People have lives beyond work, and that’s a strength,” Pedro added. “We want that momentum at CIMB.”
This approach reflects CIMB’s mission to bring creative, dynamic thinkers into its transformation journey.
Looking Ahead
Pedro confirmed the hackathon is just the beginning, with plans for internal events to help employees get hands-on with Gen AI tools.
“Many staff still find AI unfamiliar,” he said. “Internal hackathons make learning fun and practical.”
For Pedro, AI transformation is about empowering people, not replacing them. From better customer service to streamlined operations, the goal is smart augmentation.
The CIMB Gen AI Hackathon demonstrated that recruitment can be engaging, collaborative, and community-driven.
“The people we want are those who love this process,” Pedro said.
“Even if they don’t get hired immediately, they build connections and join a community — which can shape their careers far beyond a job offer.”
As technology advances, CIMB’s approach reminds us that behind every intelligent system are even smarter people.
