The Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister, Yang Berhormat Khairy Jamaluddin emphasized the significance of close collaboration among coders and data curators to build a strong foundation of infostructure for individuals like decision-makers and researchers to understand market trends and find solutions to benefit the country.
This is especially so as Malaysia enters the recovery phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is now more than ever that science, data, and technology must take center stage to help the nation mitigate risks and embrace a new norm. With a growing amount of data in today’s world, YB Khairy said that both coders and data curators need to work together to find the best solution to collect, store, use, manage and value research data.
The Minister said this in a video during the opening ceremony of the third leg of the Shopee Code League 2020. This first of its kind Code-from-Home league aims to equip undergraduates and professionals with skills and expertise to prepare them for the new digital-driven economy.
The competition has brought together over 20,000 coders from tech communities and talent across the region – Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China.
The Shopee Code League 2020, which began on 8 June, features a series of weekly competitions in which participants will have the opportunity to work on real datasets and challenges in the internet industry. There will also be more than 50 free online trainings and workshops by leading training institutes such as Coding Lab, General Assembly, and UpLevel.
“We need to further accelerate the use of big data analytics, robotics, and artificial intelligence to innovate and design integrated systems, platforms, and applications that will help people adapt to this new normal,” added Khairy.
He cited an example where robotic solutions have been deployed in designated hospitals to lessen the transmissions of the virus from patients to healthcare workers. The country saw the deployment of the first Malaysian Artificial Delivery Robot that helped deliver food and medicine to Covid-19 patients instead of doctors and nurses.
MOSTI is also spearheading the initiatives under the National Technology Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), which was announced by the Prime Minister under the Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara (PENJANA). NTIS will provide the avenue for researchers, innovators, start-ups, and high-tech entrepreneurs to test their products, business models and delivery mechanisms whilst encouraging the innovation in new fields of cyber, digital, physical, and biological spheres.
“The evolution of technology moves at a rapid pace and technological advancement requires learning on how to code. This event fits well with the nation’s aspiration to enhance talent via networking. MOSTI is happy to be supporting Shopee Code League 2020 as this will further drive the development of the tech community in Malaysia and put them on the same playing field as the region’s best talents,” said Khairy Jamaluddin.
Ian Ho, Regional Managing Director of Shopee said, “Covid-19 has accelerated digital transformation across many markets, including Malaysia. The demand for tech talent remains strong and will continue to increase. As such, Shopee is committed to developing and nurturing the next generation of tech talent to meet this growing demand. Additionally, the Shopee Code League is a timely initiative as the country gears into economic recovery. We hope to play our part by developing a steadfast pipeline of talent who will make a difference in the tech world of tomorrow.”
Shopee Code League 2020 will be held every Saturday; teams can choose the challenges they wish to partake in. Subsequently, the more challenges they take part in, the more points they earn to be on the leaderboard. On top of attractive cash prizes, winners will also have the chance to receive full-time or internship opportunities with Shopee, working alongside experienced tech talents in the region.