Samsung Electronics launches SPARK11 program to cultivate future Filipino innovators

(L-R) Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. Chief Finance Officer Taekyun Kim, Samsung Research Philippines Managing Director VP Yongduk Hwang, and University of the Philippines Los Baños Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr.

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) believes in the potential of young Filipinos and their skills to make a significant impact on society. With the Philippines’ youthful and dynamic population, Samsung is keen on tapping the Filipino youth and exploring their talents in developing world-class and cutting-edge technologies.

On November 9, 2022, SEPCO and the University of the Philippines Rural High School (UPRHS) jointly introduced the Samsung Philippines Algorithm Research for K11, or SPARK11. The program encourages Filipino students to learn algorithms and software development and be able to use them to help improve their communities.

“With this partnership, we believe that we will be able to help students take a step closer towards their goals and realize their potential”, said Samsung R&D Institute Philippines (SRPH) Managing Director Yongduk Hwang in his opening speech. UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho also expressed his hope to “have a fruitful collaboration not only with Samsung but with South Korea as well for more programs that will empower today’s young talents.”

Skilled engineers from SRPH will teach UPRHS students about algorithms and software development concepts in weekly workshops starting soon after the inaugural event with a session on Java. The initiative will culminate in a contest where students can showcase their ideas and proposals.

Asst. Prof. Mabel S. Buela , University of the Philippines Rural High School Principal

Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr, University of the Philippines Los Baños Chancellor

Fiona Estoperez, Samsung Research Philippines Corporate Citizenship Lead for Education

Meranno Principe Samsung Research Philippines Corporate Citizenship Head

VP Yongduk Hwang, Samsung Research Philippines Managing Director

“Samsung Electronics looks forward to the innovative proposals from the UPRHS students that will be developed through SPARK11’s technical education programs. This is just the beginning of more activities aimed at cultivating the bright young minds of Filipinos and developing future innovators,” SEPCO Chief Financial Officer Taekyun Kim shared.

SRPH Managing Director Yongduk Hwang, SEPCO Chief Financial Officer Taekyun Kim, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr., UPRHS Principal Assistant Professor Mabel S. Buela, and UPRHS student participants all attended the launch event to celebrate the beginning of the program.

For more information on Samsung Philippines’ programs, visit https://news.samsung.com/ph/.