Samsung Bridging the Youth Into Digital Era

As Samsung Electronics celebrates its 54th global anniversary on November 1st, the company reaffirms its dedication to fostering innovation and bridging the digital divide in the Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) region. With rapid growth in the digital economy, driven by factors such as increasing mobile penetration, a thriving e-commerce market, and a young population of digital natives, Samsung recognizes the importance of empowering youth as consumers and innovators.

One of the key initiatives in this endeavor is the expansion of the “Solve for Tomorrow” (SFT) program, Samsung’s flagship STEM-based student competition. SFT is now available in more SEAO markets, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Samoa, and Tonga, with over 110,000 students and 1,000 schools estimated to benefit from the program this year. The competition encourages students to tackle real-life challenges in areas like environment and sustainability, learning and education, wellness, and healthcare, while also providing training in essential 21st-century skills.

In Australia, the 2021 edition of SFT saw students creating fun videos highlighting social issues and STEM-based solutions. The overall winner, Meg Phillips, designed an RFID-based system to reduce wildlife casualties and improve driver safety. Meanwhile, Samsung New Zealand recently announced its 2023 SFT winners, with innovative submissions like a hydro turbine mechanism by 12-year-old Thomas Costar.

In addition to SFT, Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) equips youth with practical skills in AI, IoT, big data, and coding through training programs, hackathons, and bootcamps. SIC has expanded to Cambodia and Laos in 2023, with over 8,000 students participating from 135 schools across Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Samsung expresses its appreciation for the cooperation and support received from governmental agencies and educational organizations, tailoring these programs to meet the unique education needs of each community and enhancing the learning experience for students.

The company also highlights its commitment to contributing to local communities and education through partnerships with organizations like the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Republic Indonesia and the Institute of Technology Bandung for various digital initiatives.