Language Events

1. The challenge 

Your challenge is to design and build an innovative GenAI web tool to help students conquer the Putonghua Proficiency Test (PSC). Your solution should empower students to practice their skills, receive AI-driven feedback, and master the official test content in a new and effective way. 

2. About the Putonghua Proficiency Test (PSC) 

To build the best tool, you need to understand the test. The PSC is: 

• The National Standard: The official benchmark for Putonghua proficiency. 

• A 100% Oral Exam: Assessed live by certified national testers, focusing entirely on spoken ability. 

• Structured & Scored: Features five distinct sections and uses the national "Three Levels, Six Grades" scoring system. 

3. Prizes & awards 

Compete for a share of our prize pool and gain recognition for your innovation. We reward effort and excellence at every level. 

• 1st Place Prize: HKD 15000 per team

• 2nd Place Prize: HKD 12000 per team

• 3rd Place Prize: HKD 9000 per team

• Finalist Award (per selected team): HKD 1,000

*Note: Note: There will be only one winning team for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Prizes respectively. The Finalist Award will be granted to the other 7 teams.​

4. Team formation 

• Team size: 4-5 Members 

• Don't have a team? No problem! We welcome individual registrations. After signing up, we will provide dedicated online channels and networking opportunities to help you connect with other participants and form your dream team. 

5. Selection Process 

To ensure a high-quality and focused competition, all registered teams will participate in a selection process based on a project proposal. This helps us identify the most innovative and viable ideas for the hackathon.  

• Submit a project proposal: After forming your team, you will be required to submit a brief project proposal outlining your vision, technical approach, user impact, and team skills.  

• Proposal review: A selection committee will review proposals based on innovation, feasibility, impact, and technical merit.  

• Finalist selection: Based on the review, 10-12 finalist teams will be selected to advance to the main development period. All teams will be notified of their status before the briefing session. 

6. Competition format, choose your track 

We offer a flexible structure to fit your schedule and style. 

• Full track: 2-week preparation & 36-hour development weekend 

• Sprint track: 36-hour development weekend only

7. Registration

Important: Registration is a two-step process. You must complete BOTH steps below:

• Please click here to register.

• Email lcpsc30@ust.hk (Subject: GenAI Hackathon Registration) to confirm your team status:

  • If you have a team: Provide the Full Name, Student ID, and UST Email for all members.

  • If you are an individual: State "No team." We will assign you to a group after the deadline.

The Center for Language Education reserves the right of final interpretation for this event.