The Samsung AppStar 2012 Grand Finale

Samsung, a global leader in digital convergence and digital media technologies has recently concluded the Samsung AppStar 2012 challenge. The competition provided a platform to Malaysian youth for competing and showcasing their creative, innovative and inventive skills in formulating ideas to develop mobile applications.

The campaign took five months during which Samsung received more than 3,500 applications from over 40 universities and colleges in Malaysia. A panel of judges shortlisted 12 finalists for the AppStar 2012 Finale who proposed different app ideas encompassing location-based reminders, car lock notifications and a security app for protecting women against crime.

After submitting their entries, participants exhibited their ideas to a panel of judges for the primary shortlisting process. The 12 shortlisted teams were then sent to a Samsung bootcamp for learning vital presentation and marketing skills from industry experts, gearing them for the finale. The polished ideas were presented to a panel of judges in the Grand Finale.

According to the head of the Mobile Phone Division, Samsung Malaysia Electronics, Vincent Chong, the Samsung AppStar 2012 challenge is an initiative of the company to incorporate the creative skills of Malaysian youth in the mobile application development process. The company believes that youths are in a perfect position to contribute raw ideas as they are experiencing the ever-changing technological era, every moment. They may provide boundary-pushing innovations, which remain relevant to the customers.

The company believes in providing unique opportunities and the challenge was conducted to provide youths a chance to showcase their creativity in bringing ideas to reality. Furthermore, Samsung AppStar 2012 was an effort of Samsung to develop the local app industry. Vincent also said that Samsung is working to diversify and enhance the application ecosystem providing a wider range of apps selection to enrich the mobile experience.

The winning group was awarded a cash scholarship worth RM24,000 and three Samsung flagship smartphone, the GALAXY S III. The first runner-up received RM12,000 with three units of Samsung GALAXY S III. The second runner-up also received the GALAXY S III (three units) with RM6,000.

It was the Rigel, all-girl team, who won the competition with their application, GYNOID. This application was designed to help women when they are in danger. They can record the surrounding space and send an alert video to their loved ones when they are in danger. This team took home a cash scholarship of RM24,000 and three units of Samsung GALAXY S III smartphone. Importantly, Samsung is looking to develop some of the apps presented by the finalists.

The author attended the Samsung AppStar 2012 grand finale. He appreciates Samsung's efforts for encouraging Malaysian youth in mobile application development industry.