KUALA LUMPUR, 19 JANUARY 2010 - Malaysian communications firm YTL Communications has offered US$1 million as part of a global challenge to developers.
The ‘mYprize’ Global Developer Challenge was announced recently at the International CES 2010 in Las Vegas. "The unique competition is designed to inspire entrepreneurs and innovators around the world to create exciting new 4G mobile Internet products and services for Malaysian deployment, and further positions the country as a regional centre of 4G excellence," said YTL Communications chief executive officer, Wing K. Lee.
“We believe this challenge is a strategic impetus in propelling Malaysia into a truly cutting-edge incubation centre for 4G innovations,” said Lee.
Lee said developers from around the world could submit their entries (for more details, visit www.myprize.my) until 1 May 2010. "Finalists will be invited to demonstrate their products in person to a panel of expert and community judges. Winners will be announced in September 2010."
He added that cash prizes would be awarded in the following multiple categories:
1. Top Applications: 1st: US$200,000; 2nd: US$120,000; 3rd: US$80,000
2. Top 4G Devices: 1st: US$200,000; 2nd: US$120,000; 3rd:US$80,000
3. Malaysian Only Prize: US$120,000
4. Top Device Idea: US$40,000
5. Top Application Idea: US$40,000
“Winning entries may be developed for mass deployment to customers upon the launch of YTL Communications’ nationwide 4G network in Malaysia in the second half of 2010,” he added.
A new level of mobile Internet experience
“Our YTL 4G Innovation Network expands the 4G ecosystem and enables the next wave of mobile Internet innovations by connecting the best minds across the globe in developing new consumer products via YTL’s nationwide 4G mobile Internet network,” Lee said. “The network is linked with the Clearwire 4G WiMAX Innovation Network in Silicon Valley, a global hotbed for innovations, and provides developers opportunities for commercialisation in Malaysia and beyond. Developers are able to incubate their ideas, with support from the world leaders in mobile Internet, giving people in Malaysia a new level of mobile Internet experience with products and services optimised for a high bandwidth, low latency 4G mobile Internet.”
Malaysian government agency MDeC [Multimedia Development Corporation] chief executive officer, Dato' Badlisham Ghazali, said: “MSC [Multimedia Supercorridor] Malaysia is excited to be witnessing this announcement of mYprize at a global landmark event at CES, as it truly shows the high level of commitment from YTL Communications in establishing a regional Centre of Excellence for 4G Mobile."
