| Hakim Hayat |
POLITEKNIK Brunei yesterday launched a technology camp that it hopes to be a signature programme that will pave the way towards nurturing the development of ICT talents of young Bruneians.
The programme, ‘ICT.INNOV8’, coordinated by the School of Information and Communication Technology (SICT), Politeknik Brunei in collaboration with Google Developers Group Brunei Darussalam, Startup Hub and iCentre was launched in a ceremony held at the iCentre in Anggerek Desa yesterday by guest of honour Simon Leong, member of the Board of Governors of Politeknik Brunei who is also Chairman of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Brunei Darussalam Network.
ICT.INNOV8 will see the participation of over 180 students who will showcase their innovative ideas in ICT applications to a panel of judges in a pitching session and winners will be announced at the end of the four-day programme.
Denis Ho Mun Tai, Politeknik Brunei Director in his welcoming remarks said that ICT.INNOV8, which is held in support of their vision to stir up innovation, aspired to be a signature programme and as another important extra-curricular initiative under the institute’s SICT, which aims to not only contribute to the development of ICT competency but also to nurture aspiring ICT talents in the country.
Denis Ho Mun Tai (L), Politeknik Brunei Director, accompanying Simon Leong, member of the Board of Governors of Politeknik Brunei, who is also Chairman of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Brunei Darussalam Network, to launch the ICT.INNOV8 programme
Haji Azaman bin Haji Suleiman, Founder of the Google Developers Group Brunei Darussalam, speaking at the event. – PHOTOS: HAKIIM HAYAT
He also noted that there have been significant efforts shown by relevant government agencies to drive and empower the youth towards ‘app development’ and entrepreneurship here. “The importance of mobile applications and developments discussed and highlighted in the National Digital Strategy 2016-2020 that has been advocated by the National ICT White Paper,” he said.
Haji Azaman bin Haji Suleiman, Founder of the Google Developers Group Brunei Darussalam, in his speech highlighted that the programme comes very timely as Brunei needs more mobile developers with entrepreneurship awareness to complement the needs of the industry, saying it “will not only contribute to society’s IT literacy but also play an inadvertent yet proactive role in shaping the ICT industries in Brunei Darussalam”.
He further explained that during the programme, participants will be jumpstarted into innovative mobile development for Android operating system using the App Inventor tool. He said the tool developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology is very easy to use by novices and professionals alike to develop mobile applications for Android.
“Participants have been empowered with the skill to create their first Android application using App Inventor and fundamentals of a mobile application. Participants are to create an application with their team, and will pitch their ideas and application. The top five ideas and application will be given prizes,” he explained.
The programme is also sponsored by Tech One Solutions Sdn Bhd and DST, with the support from the IET.
The ceremony yesterday also saw the launching of Politeknik Brunei’s first mobile application ‘PN iLMS’ which has been developed to complement and support the institution’s strong emphasis on “blended teaching and learning” practice. PB iLMS will become a one-stop application for managing and organising learning activities on-the-go for enhancing Politeknik Brunei students’ learning experience.
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