9 January 2014 - Code for Charity, a first-of its-kind challenge where students can code for a charitable cause, is happening concurrently at all polytechnics in Singapore (Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic).
Singapore, 9 January 2014 | For Immediate Release
Coding for a good cause - $80,000 pledge from SAP to help needy students
Code for Charity, a first-of its-kind challenge where students can code for a charitable cause, is happening concurrently at all polytechnics in Singapore (Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic). The challenge takes place at the polytechnics' open houses which run from 9 to 11 January 2014. 10,000 prospective students, parents and teachers are expected to be exposed to coding over the three days.
Code for Charity is a new initiative by the infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA). It provides an opportunity for participants, with or without programming knowledge, to take part in coding challenges and in the process, help their less privileged peers. The objective of the Code for Charity is to highlight coding and its importance to people of all ages and from all walks of life. At the same time, participants will have the opportunity to do their part for charity. In its pilot year, the initiative has attained its objective through the partnership with the polytechnics. For future instalments of the Code for Charity, more participants are expected to take part in coding challenges of different forms and sizes.
"As technology becomes increasingly pervasive, benefitting individuals, societies and businesses, coding skill is turning into an essential competency of the next generation of tech professionals. We are excited that more young people are exposed to coding and learning to code. Partnering the polytechnics this year is the first step; IDA will be looking to expand the scope of the challenge, bringing together the aspirations of our young to code for change, and giving back to society. Through Code for Charity, IDA hopes to ignite the interest of more young people in building innovative solutions to address real world problems," said Mr Khoong Hock Yun, Assistant Chief Executive (Infrastructure and Services Development), IDA.
The challenge mechanism for Code for Charity is simple – with each completed challenge, funds will be drawn down and channelled to each polytechnic's needy student fund. The drawn down amount which range from S$20 to S$100 will increase correspondingly to the difficulty of the challenge. SAP is the exclusive partner of this inaugural event, and has pledged close to S$80,000 to be drawn down and donated through the challenges.
Ms Kelly Tan, Managing Director, SAP Singapore said, "We believe that the private sector plays a vital role to build an environment that fosters economic growth. When a child is able to go to school and explore the world through technology, new possibilities are created. When that child grows up to have the confidence to create a different future, the possibilities multiply. Through our contribution to Code for Charity, we want to help students in Singapore discover their potential to create social innovation through technology."
ISSUED BY INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is to develop information technology and telecommunications within Singapore with a view to serve citizens of all ages and companies of all sizes. IDA does this by actively supporting the growth of innovative technology companies and start-ups in Singapore, working with leading global IT companies as well as developing excellent information technology and telecommunications infrastructure, policies and capabilities for Singapore. For more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.
For media clarification, please contact:
Grace CHIANG (Ms)
Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
DID: (65) 6211 3863
Fax: (65) 6211 2227
Email: Grace_CHIANG@imda.gov.sg
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