KOTA KINABALU: Forest Interactive Foundation launches Bayu Hackathon, a nation-building program that focuses on education enrichment in the field of technology, to empower future innovators capable of developing innovative ideas and solutions for Sabah.
With the tagline Code, Learn, and Meet, Bayu Hackathon is now open for registration to Malaysians aged between 20-30 years old, are university students, are fresh graduates, or are currently looking for job opportunities.
Additionally, participants who have previously received formal or informal education in tech-related skills, have an eye for design, or have business-related knowledge and experience are encouraged to apply.
Supported by Jawala Plantation Industries and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Sabah, the three-day program will take place from July 29 to July 31, 2022 in Le Meridien, Kota Kinabalu.
With an aim to foster Sabah’s forward-thinkers through intensive hackathon challenges, this program will include Career Prep 101, pitching sessions and a career fair that is open to the public.
Johary Mustapha, Founder & CEO of Forest Interactive Foundation, said:
“The intent of this hackathon program is to drive diverse and inclusive digital growth by equipping the participants with targeted digital skills, broadening employment opportunities, and solving the digital skills shortage in Malaysia. Therefore, we’ve come together with Jawala Plantation Industries and MOSTI Sabah to provide educational platforms that are aligned with industrial demands and ensure our youth are able to keep pace with technological advancements.”
“To further encourage the culture of lifelong learning and boost Malaysia’s digital economy, we welcome partnerships with academic institutions, developers, entrepreneurs, government institutions, and investors,” continued Johary.
“As a collaborative partner with the Forest Interactive Foundation and Jawala, MOSTI express fully supports to the implementation of such programs as it provides the opportunity for youth especially in Sabah to demonstrate and highlight their capability in the field of coding,” said Minister Datuk Yakub Khan from the ministry of Sabah, Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).
He continued: “Through this coding or Hackathon activity, youths can be more creative in solving rising problems. MOSTI also calls on all eligible youths not to miss out on the program since a variety of exciting activities will be conducted such as career exhibitions, career workshops and pitching sessions.”
Abdul Rahman Khan, Group CEO & Executive Director of Jawala Plantation Industries, said:
“The Bayu Hackathon program reflects our continuous commitment to provide a sustainable platform for the young generation to have better career prospects. It is also aligned with Jawala’s slogan, Replanting Sabah’s Forest for Future Generations, where it expresses our confidence to improve the environment for a bright future ahead.”
“Therefore, we hope this hackathon will gather quality talents across regional backgrounds with diverse solutions to protect Sabah’s biodiversity, and consequently improve the state’s environmental well-being,” he continued.
In addition, this program provides participants with the opportunity to harness ideas and creativity, showcase portfolios, and network with industry experts.
As a part of the hackathon challenge, participants will take part in building an app, game, website, bot, software, or IoT (Internet of Things) by choosing a selected field such as disaster management, education, public transport, financial inclusion, electricity and power supply, as well as illegal online trading of wildlife trafficking. This objective is aligned with the fundamental cornerstone of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly on Quality Education (4), Affordable and Clean Energy (7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (8), Reduced Inequalities (10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (11), and Life on Land (15).
Through this immersive hackathon program, participants also have the chance to win cash prizes in the following categories:
- The Best Overall Project: RM3,000
- The Best Idea: RM2,000
- The Best Business Pitch: RM1,000
- The Jury’s Award: RM1,000
Previously in May, the three parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) at MOSTI Sabah’s Wisma Bandaraya in Kota Kinabalu, signaling the sustainable partnership to help fast-track Sabahans’ digital literacy with a high-quality hackathon program.
Interested participants may submit their applications here or visit Forest Interactive Foundation’s official website at forestcares.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Forest Interactive
Founded in 2006, Forest Interactive develops scalable mobile platforms to connect mobile operators, content providers, and game publishers with their subscribers. With over 15 years of industry experience, Forest Interactive has expanded to include a diverse workforce of 20+ nationalities in 16 regional offices.
Delivering content subscription services, digital voucher and e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps for all ages, Forest Interactive operates in more than 30 countries, servicing 90+ mobile operators and 100+ content partners with the capacity to reach over one billion subscribers worldwide. To learn more, visit forest-interactive.com.
About Forest Interactive Foundation
Founded in 2021, Forest Interactive Foundation aims to nurture and develop talents through sustainable initiatives and programs, establishing empowered communities and upholding sustainable environments for our own people and the world’s future innovators in tech. As the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Forest Interactive and a UN Global Compact member, we are committed to accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the following areas:
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Future Innovators
With the goal of developing future innovators in a fast-changing world, we shape initiatives that can help students prepare for a future where they can thrive with technology, one of it being the #seKODlah program.
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People
We strive to bring our company’s culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to the broader community. By harnessing our strengths for social good, we are able to empower marginalized communities in our increasingly connected world.
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Community and Environment
- We are committed to sustainable actions and best practices:
- Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the needs of others.
- Aim for responsible material inputs that are renewable, recyclable, or reusable.
- Bridge public and private partnerships in support of SDG 17.
- Be a part of the climate accelerator program by implementing SBTi in line with the 1.5°C pathway.
Prior to its establishment, Forest Interactive Foundation, through Forest Interactive, has empowered more than 3500 students and 2,000 people in the communities through more than 38 initiatives. Visit forestcares.org to learn more.
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