[Jakarta, Indonesia, April 18, 2024] Today, the winners of 8th Huawei ICT Competition Asia Pacific 2023-2024 were announced at an award ceremony jointly held by Huawei and ASEAN Foundation at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. Under the theme “Connection, Glory, and Future”, the regional competition drew enthusiastic participation from over 6400 students from 14 countries and areas in Asia-Pacific this year.
The ceremony commenced with a formal opening by H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and was distinguished by the presence of ambassadors to ASEAN, as well as representatives from international organizations.
Looking back on the journey, Mr. Simon Lin, President of Huawei Asia Pacific, stated, “Beginning in 2023, we have added a new computing track, together with the network, cloud and innovation track. Moreover, we have designed more interactive activities to enhance the students’ leadership and employment skills. Together with governments, industry, and academia partners, we hope to cultivate future leaders, practitioners, and innovators in this region.”
In a notable achievement, Cebu Institute of Technology – University from the Philippines got the Grand Prize in the Innovation Track. Institut Teknologi Bandung from Indonesia topped the Network Track, while the Grand Prize in the Cloud Track was awarded to Singapore Polytechnic. Moreover, i-Academy from the Philippines emerged as the regional champion in the newly added Computing Track.
Additionally, 16 other teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos PDR, Viet Nam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong (China), and Macao (China) were awarded first, second, and third prizes across the four tracks.
The winners will represent the region at the Global Final of the Huawei ICT Competition in Shenzhen in May 2024.
H.E. Amb. M. I. Derry Aman, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to ASEAN and Chair of the Board of Trustees of ASEAN Foundation, remarked on the critical role of digital skills in today’s economy, “With the rapid pace of technological advancement and the growing demand for digital expertise, it is essential that we empower our youth with the digital skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.”
Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta extended his appreciation to Huawei for being “a committed partner of UNESCO-GSA, and demonstrating its dedication to providing free online certification training for learners worldwide through the Huawei ICT Academy program, cultivating ICT Talents”.
Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation highlighted the essential role of digital literacy, “In ASEAN and across the Asia Pacific, digital literacy and proficiency are not just desirable skills; they are essential for economic growth, social development, and global competitiveness.”
Huawei ICT Competition serves as a dynamic platform for students to engage in healthy competition and idea exchange, meanwhile bolstering their ICT knowledge and practical skills. This initiative not only boosts their innovative capacities but also plays a crucial role in narrowing the digital talent divide. Since its launch in 2016, this year marks the 8th iteration of the competition in the Asia Pacific. Huawei is committed to further expanding its educational impact, with plans to establish 500 ICT Academies that aim to nurture over 200,000 students by 2025.
