Microsoft and SiriVentures kick off “Smart Living with micro:bit” Thailand’s first youth competition to develop a new generation of IoT pioneers

Microsoft Thailand in partnership with SiriVentures, has recently opened submissions for “Smart Living with micro:bit” – Thailand’s first competition where general and vocational students (Pratomsuksa 4 to Mathayomsuksa 6) are encouraged to come up with creative ideas that facilitate and enhance daily life, and develop these ideas into tangible projects using  BBC’s micro:bit code. First announced at Digital Thailand Big Bang 2018, the joint initiative aims to stregnthen youth interest in STEM education,  and encourage them to pursue career paths that ensure success in the digital future.

“Smart Living with micro:bit” competition is a part of Microsoft’s missions to nurture young talents – the future of Thailand –  through technology-driven skills trainings that focus on computational thinking and coding. The initiative is aimed to support Thai youth, and open the door to limitless learning opportunities, through STEM education and careers, which in the long run will help them achieve their goals and overcome digital limitations in the digital economy.

Mr. Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director of Microsoft Thailand, said coding is the backbone of digital workforce development as it enhances systems thinking and problem-solving skills, giving people the ability to understand the issues they face and overcome them.  We are grateful to partner with SiriVentures who share our vision of the future, and we look forward to working together for the good of Thailand and Thai people.

The competition is held in partnership with SiriVentures, a capital venture between Thailand’s major real estate developer Sansiri and Siam Commercial Bank focusing on full-scale research and development to innovate new property technologies. The partnership’s objective is to give children opportunities to learn digital skills with advanced technologies and encourage creativity.

Jirapat Janjerdsak, Chief Technology Officer, SIRIVENTURES, said Smart Living with micro:bit competition will spark genuine interest and show Thai youth  the significant role digital skills play when it comes to enhancing personal wellbeing, family life, and communities.

The winning team of Smart Living with micro:bit will receive THB 30,000 prize, while two  runner-up teams will get THB 15,000 each. The competition is open for students from Pratomsuksa 4 to Mathayomsuksa 6 or vocational institutions. Those interested should apply as a team of 1-3 student members and 1 advisor.  Innovation development ideas and model projects should be submitted in a Word Document format with the maximum length of 10 pages to microbitcompetition@outlook.com today to October 30, 2018.

In November, 10 teams will be selected for semi-final round, and each team will receive a sensor valued THB 5,000 by SiriVentures to further develop their projects. The 10 selected teams will present their projects from sensor kit from “Mini Demo Day” with the consultation from specialist to be ready for final round competition. In December 2018, 10 teams will present their projects as part of “Coding Thailand Tournament” competition held by CodingThailand community.