Computer engineering students from Khon Kaen University have received a special award at the “True CyberSafe x TrueMoney Hackathon Thailand 2025” for an innovation designed to protect children and youth from online fraud.

The event, held from August 8-11 at True Digital Park under the theme “Hack for a Safer Digital Life,” challenged students and the public to create solutions for a safer digital environment.

The student team, named KidD.DevD., presented their project “AskMeFirst,” which includes a “Hold 5 Minute” feature. The system is designed to analyze the behavior of young users who may be at risk of online scams and allows parents to screen and approve transactions or other critical actions before they are finalized.

For their creative integration of technology and behavioral psychology, the team was presented with the “Psychology Insight” special award. They were one of three teams recognized by the judges for conducting an in-depth analysis of their target audience’s behavior, which resulted in a uniquely effective strategy.

The hackathon attracted over 400 applicants, forming 89 teams. Thirty teams were selected for the final round, where they received intensive mentoring from experts before presenting their projects. The competition aimed to discover innovations that could be developed into businesses in the growing “Crime Tech” sector.

The team from Khon Kaen University consisted of Natsinee Sangchan, Nattapon Jongmeesuk, Pawanrat Uttamat, Pannita Pananant, and Pittaya Puengsujarit. Their achievement underscores the potential of university students to develop impactful digital solutions for the safety of Thai society.