Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced that three new Young Leaders had joined Generation17, an initiative in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support young changemakers working to achieve the 17 Global Goals.^[1] The addition of these three Young Leaders will help educate people about critical global challenges and the solutions needed to deliver a more prosperous future by 2030.

For the first time, Samsung and UNDP conducted an open call that rallied thousands of passionate young people from all over the world to apply to join Generation17. This new group of Generation17 Young Leaders, chosen from a competitive pool of candidates, will add new perspectives to the initiative, and their projects will bring forth new solutions in education, skills and training and health equity.

Mock Yi Jun is one of the newly appointed Young Leaders. Hailing from Singapore, Yi Jun is the co-founder of Advisory Singapore, an online portal dedicated to empowering young people from all walks of life to make informed education and career choices. He is passionate about providing quality education to youth to help them succeed in tomorrow’s economy.

The two other changemakers, Zubair Junjunia from the United Kingdom and Efe Johnson from Nigeria, have also been selected as Young Leaders. Zubair is the founder of ZNotes and Efe is a gender equality activist and founder of Xari Africa.

“I am truly excited about the selection of the three Young Leaders, especially Singapore’s representative Mock Yi Jun. We strongly believe that Yi Jun’s unwavering commitment and expertise will not only inspire the younger generation but also ignite their potential to drive impactful change. At Samsung, our commitment to nurturing and empowering youth runs deep, and we are always looking for opportunities to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to forge a brighter future,” stated Dennis Jang, President of Samsung Electronics Singapore.

“At Advisory Singapore, we believe that every young person, regardless of their family background or schooling history, deserves the opportunity to pursue their aspirations. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of an initiative like Generation17, which is an incredible platform for my team and I to empower individuals, particularly Singaporean youth, to take control of their education and career journeys. My goal is to inspire and support young people, helping them to pursue their aspirations and find meaningful work,” said Mock Yi Jun.

One of the initiatives that Yi Jun will be actively involved in is the Solve for Tomorrow 2023 competition. Aligned with his passion to deliver quality educational and career guidance to youth, the competition aims to give secondary school students the platform and experience needed to unlock their technological potential and help explore their passions. The experience will not only give them the opportunity to cultivate their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, but also help them grow and thrive as global citizens.

Amplifying Youth Leadership on a Global Platform

Samsung and UNDP launched Generation17 in October 2020, with the goal of magnifying the voices of young people accelerating progress for the Global Goals. Since the program’s launch, Samsung and UNDP have gathered 17 Young Leaders across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America who work on issues that touch all 17 of the Global Goals.

Together, Samsung and UNDP provide the Young Leaders with mentorship and the latest Galaxy technology needed to help progress their work. The Young Leaders also have the opportunity to participate in agenda-setting events to help elevate their platforms and connect with global decision-makers. Generation17 Young Leaders have participated in various events over the years, including Samsung’s Unpacked, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, UN ECOSOC Youth Forum, Stockholm +50 and the United Nations General Assembly.

Generation17 is grounded in Samsung and UNDP’s commitment to leveraging technology as a force for good. The two organisations first partnered in 2019 to create the Samsung Global Goals app, an education and donation-based mobile app that educates people about the Global Goals and encourages them to take action just by using their Galaxy devices. Since its launch, the app has been installed on nearly 300 million Galaxy devices worldwide, including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches.

^{[1] The 17 Global Goals, known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 and provide a blueprint to end poverty, protect the environment, reduce economic inequality and ensure peace and justice for all.}

Samsung Members Stars at Galaxy Unpacked with TM Roh

This July, passionate power users from Samsung Members –– from Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) were invited to Join the Flip Side and share in the excitement of seeing Samsung’s new devices unveiled live – the Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Tab S9 series and Galaxy Watch6 series – at the recent Unpacked experience in Seoul.

Read more on the experiences of Patricia Figueroa, Singapore Members Star and full-time IT Manager, who began her tech influencer journey in the 2020s; as well as Calvin Choo and Pichayut Tananchayakul, Members Stars from Malaysia and Thailand respectively, who both enjoy mobile photography on their Galaxy smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Up Close and Personal with the Unpacked Experience

On July 26, Samsung Members Stars gathered at the COEX auditorium in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, for the first-ever live Galaxy Unpacked event held in the home country of Samsung Electronics’ headquarters.

They are part of the few individuals selected to witness the unveiling of the long-awaited Galaxy devices and hear from TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business, on how Samsung has continuously innovated to ensure the latest Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold5 cater for immersive experiences around self-expression, photography, multitasking, with better durability.

Aside from visiting top attractions in Seoul and Busan, our Members Stars were also treated to an exclusive, all-in-one experience which included a tour to Samsung Digital City in Suwon.

They were invited to visit Samsung C-Lab for a sneak peek at innovative projects supported by Samsung Research, as well as the Samsung Innovation Museum to learn more about Samsung’s rich history of innovation and commitment to building a better future.

Samsung Members Stars at the ‘Flip Side Market Seongsu’

But that’s not all! We also invited our Members Stars to the exclusive opening ceremony of one of the seven Galaxy Experience Spaces worldwide, the “Flip Side Market” in the trendy Seongsu neighborhood of Seoul.

Samsung Members Stars creating engaging content at the Flip Side Market, Seongsu

They were one of the first to see and experience the showcase which displayed the evolution of Samsung’s Galaxy Z series, take epic selfies from different angles using the Galaxy Z Flip5’s precise camera at a booth with fun backgrounds and props, and customize their Galaxy Z Flip5 to their liking with the new Flipsuit Case.

Members Stars’ Pick: The Galaxy Z Flip5

Check out how Calvin uses the Galaxy Z Flip5 to create amazing content here!

After experiencing the suite of the latest Galaxy devices, our Members Stars named the Galaxy Z Flip5 at the top of their list of their favorite devices, echoing the sentiments of many users worldwide.

Patricia: The Galaxy Z Flip5 is a head-turner and is testament to Samsung’s innovation over the years, especially looking back to the first Z Flip I had in 2020. Now with the awaited Flex Window or larger cover screen, I think the Galaxy Z Flip will become even more popular and mainstream, while also remaining the gold standard for foldable smartphones for years to come.

Calvin: My favorites are the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra as both devices left me amazed at how slim and light they are while not compromising on the screen size and device performance. Aside from its content creation capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip5 also enables easy access to third party app such as YouTube, WhatsApp, and more applications via the Flex Window – which is a total game-changer and offers an experience that I can’t get on any other smartphone.

Pitchayut: The Galaxy Z Flip5 is super lightweight and pocketable – I find it so easy to use! My favorite feature by far is the FlexCam, which makes accessing the camera and taking 0.5x selfies especially easy, while ensuring excellent quality for both photos and videos.

Join our Samsung community today!

Pichayut taking a selfie with fellow Members Stars at Galaxy Unpacked 2023

The recent Galaxy Unpacked presented a valuable opportunity for Samsung Members Stars to not only get first dibs on the latest Samsung Galaxy devices but also connect with other Members Stars from across the region and worldwide.

For some, it was the first time getting to meet like-minded, passionate individuals who help keep Samsung users inspired and empowered to optimize their Galaxy devices and services on their respective Samsung Members platform.

Through their shared experiences of Unpacked, our Members Stars were united in creating the full experience of what this amazing community is meant to be – sharing love for all things Samsung across cultures and through deepened friendships.

If you have a passion for the value Samsung’s devices deliver, there’s no better time than now to share your unique experiences, knowledge, insights, and connect over common passions on Samsung Members today. Make active contributions and earn a chance to be rewarded with exclusive benefits, content, and experiences as a Samsung Members Star!

The Samsung community includes a great many passionate power users inspired by the innovations that Samsung devices bring to the table, enhancing the experiences of users in their everyday work and play.

The moment you own a Samsung Galaxy device, you’re a Samsung Member.

Accessible through the Samsung Members app, this peer-led space gathers Samsung users to discuss useful tips and tricks and how to make the most of their devices in photography, gaming, and spread their love for Samsung’s devices. The platform also includes a comprehensive FAQ section, access to Samsung expert advisors 24/7 and in-depth Diagnostic scans.

To drive their passions further, every year, around 80 Samsung Members in Southeast Asia & Oceania are invited to be Samsung Members Stars, with exclusive access to Samsung events, benefits, and content, such as Galaxy Unpacked launches, merchandise and insights into Samsung devices and services. For instance, Samsung SEAO recently onboarded its third wave of Members Stars, since the program launched regionally in the second half of 2021.

On 1 July 2023, Members Stars from eight markets across the region were gathered at an exciting, hybrid live and on-ground welcome event. They tuned into a live regional webcast from Singapore and participated in an Ask-Me-Anything session that touched on upcoming events, as well as useful information to support their ongoing Members Stars journey.

Samsung Members Stars enjoying the exclusive swag from the Welcome Event

“The Samsung Members platform is a community that inspires users to fully optimize their Samsung devices and services through the exchange of tips and tricks between members, on top of exclusive experiences, content, and benefits. Forming the bedrock and driving this diverse community are our Samsung Members Stars, who actively share their passions and unique experiences with the wider community, and we want to continue to empower them to do so,” said Sangho Jo, President & CEO of Samsung Electronics, Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Member Stars Spotlight

Here is a spotlight on some of the members who attended this year’s onboarding gathering.

Calvin (@Jun4hong2) from Malaysia won the best team photo, taken with a Galaxy Z Flip5 billboard in Seoul, along with other Member Stars.

A master of content creation, Calvin has been a part of the Samsung Members Stars crew since 2022 and also visited Samsung Members Stars Connect in Seoul recently. As someone who enjoys mastering the art of new transition videos and photography, Calvin often makes beautiful videos encaspulating his memories on his Members Star journey and inspires all to further develop their passions with Samsung Galaxy devices. He recently won Best Unpacked Reporter for his video of his Galaxy Unpacked experience in Seoul as a Samsung Member Star.

Calvin describes the journey of connecting with Samsung Members around the world as a priceless and life-changing experience that he would not trade for anything else. To him, Samsung Members creates a cohesive space to share the excitement for upcoming Samsung devices and features.

Rafsan Halim (@photosbyraffy) from Australia regularly shares photography tips on the Samsung Members platform. 

Doctor, traveler, photographer extraordinaire, Rafsan or Raffy, specializes in using his Galaxy S23 Ultra to capture beautiful slice of life shots in Australia and on his travels, which create a beautiful visual spread on Instagram (@photosbyraffy).  In his spare time, Raffy also creates YouTube Videos and runs a podcast called “randInt with Raffy & Chandra”.

His most enjoyable part of the Members Stars program thus far was visiting the Galaxy Experience Space in Singapore which gave him the chance to build close relationships with fellow Members Stars across Southeast Asia & Oceania.

On the Samsung Members platform, you’ll often see posts from him detailing a step-by-step guide to capturing stunning images using the Expert RAW app, tips on hyperlapse photography, as well as exploring the various Camera modes on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Timmy (@TimmyRose) from the Philippines actively shares tips on using Samsung Galaxy devices to create the best selfies, on the Samsung Members platform.

A Samsung fan since 2004, Timmy is a supermom who enjoys connecting various Samsung devices at home via the SmartThings app, taking care of her family with increased accessibility and convenience.

Recently named Samsung Member Star for the month of June, Timmy is an active contributor on the Samsung Members platform, constantly starting conversations around new features on Samsung’s visual displays and other reasons why she loves Samsung devices.

Catch All the Action as a Samsung Members Star

The action never stops for Samsung Members Stars as every year is packed with the full Samsung experience, such as online regional workshops on mastering mobile photography with Samsung’s Expert RAW app.

Members Stars at 29Rooms with Sangho Jo, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics, Southeast Asia & Oceania

In-person events are the perfect opportunity for Members Stars deep dive into the Samsung ecosystem and connect with this amazing Samsung Members community.

At the start of 2023, we welcomed our region’s Members Stars like Rafsan at the Galaxy Experience Space in Singapore. Aside from witnessing the unveiling of the new Galaxy S23 series, Members Stars were also treated to immersive experiences included a guided Nightography tour along Singapore’s boat quay and an exclusive visit to the instagrammable funhouse, 29Rooms.

Samsung Members Stars at Samsung Digital City in Suwon, South Korea

In May, Calvin and several Members Stars from SEAO were specially invited to a three-day trip to the Samsung Innovation Museum and Samsung Digital City in Suwon, for a behind-the-scenes look at Samsung’s headquarters, and development and testing processes. They also connected with Members Stars from across the world through talks, workshops, and challenges.

Southeast Asia & Oceania Members Stars gathering at their local events

For the year ahead, Members Stars can look forward to being the first to experience exclusive events. From Lunch & Learns held in the Philippines, to photography walks in Indonesia, dedicated Members teams in SEAO are committed to helping this remarkable community grow closer and forge unforgettable experiences.

Join the Samsung Members Crew Today!

Passionate about Samsung’s devices and looking to meet like-minded people? Samsung Members is the perfect, peer-led space, where you can share your unique experiences, knowledge, insights, and connect over common passions.

Wait no more, share your love for all things Samsung, here on Samsung Members today!

Challenging Innovators To Ideate for a Better Future

Following the announcement of its New Environmental Strategy in September 2022, Samsung has been working closely with startups to invest in and develop innovative technologies capable of helping the planet.

To further these efforts, Samsung and XTC have announced the Samsung Climate & Circularity Tech Challenge. This competition, focused on circular economy and climate change, seeks to identify new leading solutions that are in line with the values of Samsung’s New Environmental Strategy.

Participants are encouraged to submit ideas that address resource circularity as related to not only the processing, sorting and extraction phases but also climate change innovation as related to carbon emission measurement and management and carbon emission reduction and offsetting. Selected entries may be considered for implementation into Samsung’s wide range of products and associated manufacturing processes.

The Samsung Climate & Circularity Tech Challenge is open to tech-for-good founders and innovators. Besides having the opportunity to see their ideas form the next generation of home electronics, successful participants will receive exposure on the global stage as well as the potential for investment and corporate strategic partnerships. Winning entries will also be allocated a presence within Samsung’s exhibition at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, U.S.

Those interested in the challenge are able to apply before applications close on August 6 2023 at 11:59 PM PDT (2:59 PM SGT)^[1]. Finalists will be announced on August 28, ahead of a live final event on September 18.

For more information on the challenge, please visit the official website.

^{[1]  The content has been revised as of July 31, 2023 to provide more accurate information.} 

As a global leader in technology and innovation, Samsung aims to lead by example and advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of all women in the workplace. What’s more, research shows that workplaces that excel in DEI drive better outcomes for businesses, including better employee engagement, talent retention and higher financial achievements.

▲ (From left) Clara Han from Corporate VP/Head of Group/Procurement Group 2 at Samsung Electronics, Megan Detwiler from Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Manavi Pathak from Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore (SRI-B), Adam Eaglefield from Samsung U.K. and Maria Fernanda Gonzalez from Samsung Mexico

In celebration of the global holiday, Samsung Newsroom sat down with employees in Asia, North America, Europe, Southwest Asia and Central and South America to share stories about the company’s DEI culture. Check out the interviews below to learn how Samsung is creating a safe and inclusive workspace for all its employees.

Women Supporting Women Through Open Communication

On top of being the Head of Procurement for Samsung’s Visual Display division, Clara Han is also a working mother of two children in elementary school.

“Although there is now growing movement around men participating in parenthood, women still have difficulty building and continuing their careers uninterrupted due to having children,” said Clara. “As a result, Samsung continuously strives to create a culture where employees can be recognized and grow regardless of gender, nationality or age.”

“We are trying to create an environment where each group member understands and acknowledges the individual differences so that everyone can receive the same opportunities, receive a fair evaluation and perform their best in every situation,” said Clara. “Every voice matters, and having an attitude of listening to everyone positively impacts efficiency and performance at work.”

Megan Detwiler, an engineer at Samsung, became involved with Women in Technology at Samsung (WITS) shortly after she started working at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. Within the program, Megan runs various campaigns to help raise awareness about DEI among employees. While she applauded WITS’ professional development opportunities for women, including industry conferences, classes and monthly meetings, for Megan, the most rewarding part of the program was its sense of community.

“Through WITS, I have been able to connect with people across all aspects of the company, meeting people in technical and non-technical roles, at every level of leadership, from technicians and professionals to vice presidents,” said Megan. “People like that at Samsung, especially in WITS, are invested in ensuring you are set up not just to succeed but truly grow and thrive here.”

“WITS helped me find my voice so that I have not only that confidence but also the courage to amplify other women’s voices as well,” said Megan.

Manavi Pathak, Head of Learning and Organizational Development at Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore (SRI-B), is also an active member of the Samsung Women’s Accelerated Network (SWAN). She highlighted how an inclusive workplace successfully meets the needs of the women who work there, noting how Samsung’s DEI initiatives and culture allow talented women to succeed.

“Women are themselves demanding more from work,” said Manavi. “At Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore, we have women’s leadership development programs, diversity hiring goals, day care policies, special leave, flexible schedules and more, all of which have supported my professional development and well as the careers of other woman colleagues at Samsung Research.”

“The COVID-19 crisis has reimagined the way we work. More and more women want to work for companies prioritizing cultural change and improving workplace flexibility, including employee wellbeing, diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Manavi. “Companies that rise to the moment will attract and retain woman leaders.”

Adam Eaglefield, an Engagement Team Manager at Samsung Electronics U.K., is also a member of the Women @Samsung ERG and its Male Allies team. This association runs mentorship and networking programs to develop female talent. He says that to realize DEI, the most important part is that we must not only listen to women but also break through unconscious prejudices and understand each other’s point of view.

“Allyship is fundamental in any cause or movement,” said Adam. “In this case, male allies can champion women in the business and industry in all interactions, from working to see representation at senior levels to ensuring women are represented and heard in everyday meetings.”

“As an ally, I make sure that I actively listen to women and their experiences, frustrations, passions and desires,” said Adam. “We must learn more about one another’s perspectives, and our own privileges and unconscious biases, and most importantly, come together to act in a positive way.”

Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at Samsung Electronics Mexico, is also a member of Women at Samsung (SEM-S). She spoke about why she appreciated working for a company that actively empowers women and embraces equity.

“Samsung has supported me by giving me all the means to grow, not only by providing me with opportunities to grow in leadership roles but also by giving me the tools to go beyond my goals,” said Maria Fernanda. “I can be an empathetic team player that contributes to the development of my other team members.”

“I am confident that with more strong female leaders who can inspire the next generation of women, we will be able to close the gender gap in the tech industry,” said Maria Fernanda.

Lunch Talk & One Table: Gathering Employee Feedback To Improve Women’s Experiences at Work

To create a work environment that anyone can enjoy, Samsung holds annual events and campaigns for employees all over the world to celebrate special DEI days, including International Women’s Day, International Day of People with Disability and World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. For this year’s International Women’s Day, Samsung’s management and female executives will hold a Lunch Talk meeting to discuss ways to improve DEI. Samsung also will have a One Table event hosted by Jong-Hee Han to listen to the concerns faced by female employees, including female developers and working moms, and to discuss ways to foster female leadership.

The ideas discussed at the meetings will then be delivered to the DEI Secretariat and integrated into organization management. The participants and leaders of each organization will discuss how Samsung can make a consistent effort for gender equality and suggest various opinions to management, ranging from employee mindset to systemic improvement for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Global Women’s Week: Celebrating Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Vice Chairman Jong-Hee Han and President and CEO Kye Hyun Kyung deliver a message emphasizing the importance of gender equality and DEI to all employees of the DX Division. Vice Chairman Han underlined the value of diversity, equity and inclusion with his determination to “make an effort to form an organizational culture where all employees from various backgrounds feel that they’re part of the organization.” He emphasized his goal to help employees “fully unleash their potential through equal opportunity.”

▲ Samsung Electronics holds gatherings for female executives and employees around the world , running annual forums and programs for women’s networking and career development.

About 5,000 Samsung worldwide executives and employees worldwide interested in DEI actively participate in Samsung’s 33 ERGs, which offer everything from networking and mentoring to education at ERG. These groups work hard not only to improve the experience of Samsung employees but also to volunteer and give back to the local community. Among them, these large-scale women’s ERGs operate programs for networking and career development of female executives and employees, striving to strengthen women’s capabilities at work.

Every year since 2017, One Family Council has been holding an annual “Pink Box” charity event at Suwon Digital City for young women from low-income families. This year, a “Pink Box” containing DIY keyrings, women’s items and encouraging messages will be delivered to 100 teenagers.

▲ Every year, Samsung Electronics delivers a “Pink Box” containing feminine products for the healthy growth of underprivileged female teenagers.

During the week of International Women’s Day, overseas regional head offices also hold meetings with female employees, DEI webinars with external instructors and panel discussions, in addition to offering vacations for female employees, gift delivery events and more.

Samsung continues to work toward creating a space that goes beyond being just a workplace and fosters employees’ growth by letting them unleash their potential. Samsung’s move toward making an organization where employees and the company can grow together is accelerating the steps toward a better future.

The artworks below were created in collaboration with the Special Designers of KIMUSTUDIO (KIMU), an organization breaking down societal barriers through content. The Special Designers are a team of designers with developmental disabilities who are working to create unique and captivating works of art for the world.

Now, their works of art can be seen on a variety of Samsung Electronics’ art platforms. Samsung and KIMUSTUDIO have come together to unveil a new, special project with the goal of bringing KIMU’s unique, aesthetic pieces and values to the daily lives of consumers. To find out more about the Drawing Diversity Project, Samsung Newsroom met with the project members and learned about the team and how this collaboration came together.

Samsung’s Art Platforms Make Art Accessible in Daily Life

Samsung is bringing art to users’ daily lives by incorporating art into its electronic products through its various art platforms. The platforms include the Samsung Art Store, which is an art subscription service for The Frame, Samsung’s lifestyle TV, Galaxy Themes, which allows users to customize the theme of their Galaxy devices, and Bespoke Atelier, an app that gives users the ability to view artwork on Samsung Family Hub refrigerators.

Art Platform Contents: Simply Consuming Art Expands the Value of D&I

“We thought long and hard about what Samsung’s consumers can do in their daily lives to join us in making a better future,” said Bora Kim from the Corporate Sustainability Center, who planned the Drawing Diversity Project. “We thought that if we can uphold the values of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in our products and services, then our consumers would be able to naturally participate in consuming and spreading these values,” she explained.

“At KIMUSTUDIO, all members complement each other and are placed in roles that utilize their talents and strengths,” said Yeonji Chee from the Corporate Sustainability Center when explaining how the cooperation with KIMUSTUDIO began. “KIMUSTUDIO does not provide one-sided help, but instead encourages everyone to accept the way they are and unleash their talent. Creating artwork in this way coincided with our vision to create a sustainable future through collaboration and mutual growth with various employees, partners and stakeholders.”

“When it comes to this collaboration, we can’t help but mention the quality of the artwork of KIMUSTUDIO,” Chee said. “First of all, we were mesmerized by the distinct works of art that are unique to KIMUSTUDIO. Not only did I personally like the bright colors and charming style of the artworks, but the quality of them was also outstanding and suitable to be presented to our consumers through Samsung’s art platforms,” Chee added.

“The artworks of KIMU break stereotypes that have previously created prejudice in art. They instead help us to provide new perspectives on the differences between people,” Kim said. “We wanted to share KIMU’s artworks, which integrate art and the values of D&I seamlessly, with consumers through Samsung’s products and services,” she said.

When consumers purchase the Special Designers’ artworks on Samsung’s art platforms, a portion of the proceeds are immediately shared with KIMU. In this way, consumers can participate both in promoting the values of D&I in their daily lives while appreciating the beautiful artworks of KIMU.

Sharing the Value of Diversity With the Broader World

KIMU’s artworks are created through a collaboration of many individuals. The Special Designers and other team members work together by utilizing their own unique, artistic talents, including sketching, coloring, design and more. A total of 16 KIMU designers worked together for Samsung’s Drawing Diversity Project.

However, displaying artwork through art platforms is different than displaying artwork in galleries, which was the platform KIMU was most familiar with. The role of the electronic devices that display the artwork and the characteristics of those products, such as where they are usually placed, had to be considered as well. Additionally, the project participants needed to consider how TVs, smartphones and refrigerators are utilized throughout viewers’ daily lives.

“We organized the different styles of artworks considering the unique features of Samsung’s art platforms, which allow artworks to be easily accessible in people’s daily lives,” said CEO of KIMUSTUDIO, Jang-won Nam. “How we create art has been diversified from our existing artworks and we’ve created new patterns, sceneries and artistic objects based on projects that we were working on. As a result, we’ve created artworks that are more artistic and present a new aura.”

The artworks that are usually square-shaped were adjusted according to the specific device sizes, and diverse, new patterns, designs and themes were created as well. Additionally, artwork displayed on refrigerators usually contains nature and animals, giving the impression that the kitchen and external space are connected and creating a more spacious vibe within the home.

“For Bespoke Atelier and the Art Store, we thought of artworks that would go well with the design elements, such as colors and forms that are unique to home appliances,” Hur said. “For Galaxy Themes, which users interact with on a daily basis on their smartphones, we focused on creating trendy colors or styles that suit users’ preferences.”

Although the platform for displaying artwork has changed, the project made an effort to maintain KIMU’s unique vibe. Special Designers Taegyu Lee and ByungHun Song participated in the project and elaborated on the process of creating artwork. “We tried to draw something we like in a unique way and that process was enjoyable,” the designers said.

“The part that makes me the happiest is that the platform for KIMU’s contents has expanded thanks to the collaboration with Samsung, a company that has consumers all over the world,” said Ran Hur, Manager of KIMU’s Bridge Team, who is in charge of hiring Special Designers for partnerships. “We hope KIMU’s artworks will be a positive influence and help KIMU move closer to its goal of breaking down barriers through content.”

Samsung’s Art Platforms Shed Light on the Value of D&I in Different Places

Three business divisions at Samsung participated in this collaborative project, making this collaboration a new challenge for KIMU.

“The direction and value sought by each platform were clear, so coming up with an optimal way to develop them was an enjoyable and valuable experience.” CEO Nam said.

The managers of each business division in charge of exhibiting KIMU’s artworks also explained their perspective on the project.

How Working Together To Create Content Breaks Down Barriers in the World

“KIMU, where the Special Designers and other team members all play an essential role in creating content, shows what D&I is all about,” Bora Kim said.

“With this project, I hope we can also consider the values of D&I and sustainability when planning other services,” said Chee. “I also hope we can continue to expand the diversity of the creators who provide content for Samsung’s various services, as well as its art platforms.”

The values of D&I are present in all of KIMU’s artworks. “This project with Samsung has been special and valuable to each of us,” CEO Nam said. “I’m overwhelmed with joy to have this opportunity to showcase the talents of our designers through their artwork, allowing the values of D&I to be communicated and recognized throughout the world. I hope the distinct aura and stories of KIMU will resonate well with the viewers through the art platforms.”

Looking for a smartphone with a unique form factor designed to help you maximize your life experiences? Look no further than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip4 5G and Galaxy Z Fold4 5G, the latest foldable smartphones that continue to break from convention to deliver performance, durability, and tailored experiences to enhance your everyday work and play.

The Galaxy Z Flip4 5G’s iconic compact form factor helps you level up your pastimes on the go, with its versatile FlexCam, social-worthy camera and enhanced Cover Screen features. Available in Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold, and Blue, the Galaxy Z Flip4 5G is your ultimate self-expression tool.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold4 5G is the perfect multi-tasking powerhouse if you’re looking to bring your A game across a variety of activities. Packed with immersive and flexible displays, PC-like multitasking, and upgraded cameras, the Galaxy Z Fold4 5G which is available in Graygreen, Beige, and Phantom Black, is a stylish choice to help you hone your craft with the ultimate performance.

Read on to learn about the exciting experiences that foldables can bring to your life and find out whether you should Flip or Fold today!

COVID-19 has catalyzed an acceleration of our digital lives. In a COVID-normalized world, evolving needs and changes in lifestyles have led today’s consumers to seek unique digital experiences that combine both convenience and customization.

As 2022 marks the gradual reopening of borders and resumption of economic activities, we – as a global leader in technology – are committed to continue putting users at the heart of our business and laying the groundwork for a new digital future for our consumers, partners and everyone in the region.
 

Enabling smarter digital lives

With growing expectations for digital devices and services to work seamlessly together to fit individual lifestyles, preferences and needs, we have sharpened our focus on providing people-first products and services that better serve these post-pandemic expectations of consumers and organizations.

Homes are now multifunctional spaces, where customizable and intelligent technologies come together to create productive workplaces, home gyms and entertainment hubs – all within the same space. Our ecosystem of connected smart devices such as the Galaxy smartphones, Smart Monitors, and TVs have become even more important tools for productivity and collaboration today. Meanwhile, our SmartThings app and smart home appliances enable busy individuals to automate house chores seamlessly from their Galaxy smartphones.

To enable truly seamless and personalized experiences, we created an open and inclusive ecosystem that allows users to integrate their Samsung devices with favorite products from our partners, offering opportunities for creativity and consumers with endless possibilities.

Creating new customer journeys

The past two years have also spurred us to rethink how we can serve our customers better, while making our devices and services more accessible. COVID-19 has accelerated e-commerce growth, making online shopping a necessity. Meanwhile, the increasingly global outlook and entrenched social sharing habits of consumers have spurred our foray into new brand and retail experiences.

To that end, we have doubled down on efforts to expand and improve our retail channels and experiences. Today, our devices can be experienced and purchased directly from Samsung online stores, through online shopping partners, and even live commerce channels.

We have also invested in new and immersive ways for customers to experience our products online and offline. For example, we have launched augmented reality capabilities to better imagine how our home appliances can fit into homes. This will provide consumers the confidence to purchase our products online and help home owners who have visited our retail showrooms with space planning.

Empowering our younger generation

Recognizing the importance of youth in the Southeast Asia & Oceania (SEAO), which is home to more than half of the world’s young people¹, we have furthered our efforts in understanding and catering to their values, aspirations and needs. Being digital natives who grew up with the internet, these young people are optimizing connected devices and driving online services to shape the digital economy, both as consumers and innovators.

As a champion of innovation, we want to do more in empowering the next generation through our technologies and initiatives. To achieve this, we are running several programs to provide the necessary tools that help to optimize opportunities for youths, and tap into their collective energies as well as insights to shape our products and services.

For example, our team of Future Generation Lab members, consisting of our young employees, actively develop new enticing marketing content and collaborations to better engage with millennial and Gen Z consumers. We also run the Samsung Innovation Campus, which provides youth with training in information and communications technology skills and soft skills, as well as Solve for Tomorrow, a competition that encourages students to create tangible solutions that can solve societal issues – reaching more than 80,000 students in SEAO in 2021.

Here at Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania, we constantly strive to be the trusted brand in creating new experiences for work, play, learning, and everything in between. For the rest of 2022 and beyond, we will continue to push our boundaries and grasp new opportunities, working closely with partners to empower the communities that we operate in.

¹ UNDP, Regional Human Development Report 2016

I have worked my entire career as an engineer, and I have seen many innovations at Samsung that have pushed the limits of what’s possible with smartphones. Our mission is, and always has been, to create technology that makes people’s lives better. Ten years ago, we set out to create a transformative technology by looking at the one thing all smartphones were synonymous with — a flat rectangular display. We asked ourselves a simple question:How can we have it all – a bigger screen and better portability?

We saw an opportunity not only to design a new shape but also to create new experiences that had never been possible with a smartphone before. Overcoming many technological hurdles, we successfully introduced the first-ever Galaxy foldable smartphone in 2019 and have changed the future of our industry ever since.

Last year, we saw almost 10 million foldable smartphones shipped worldwide. That’s an industry increase of more than 300% from 2020, and I predict this fast-paced growth will continue. We are reaching the moment where these foldable devices are becoming widespread and staking a bigger claim in the overall smartphone market.

More importantly, Samsung Galaxy foldables have changed the way we use mobile devices and helped enable better lifestyles for users worldwide.

As Lifestyles Evolve, a New Legacy Unfolds

The world is more connected than ever and is moving at a much faster pace. Work and play intermix, and the lines between the physical and digital world have blurred. Where we turn for work, entertainment, wellness and more has become a single place — our phone. As such, our users need a flexible device to keep up with their daily demands.

The Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Flip deliver on that mandate. Last year, 70% of Galaxy foldable users turned to the Flip to help them see the world from a different point of view. Flip users love owning a device built for self-expression, whether choosing bold color options for their device or taking pictures in a new way with Flex mode.

It’s a different experience with the Fold. Nearly one out of three Galaxy foldable users last year opted for this ultimate productivity device, which has empowered them to do more through hyper-connected, individual computing. Fold users love the multitasking capability of a screen that doubles in size, so they can be more efficient and get things done faster.

Both foldable users have enthusiastically embraced what we have created. Their response is our biggest motivation to push forward, and that’s why we are committed to this journey of seeking new possibilities for mobile innovation.

This year, we’ve made advancements in every detail and opened the new experiences enabled by these behavior-shifting devices. I am excited to see people to discover new ways to do more of the things they love with the new foldable.

Of course, this wouldn’t have been possible without the open collaboration and a shared desire with our partners to continuously bring new innovations to the mobile category. We are working with industry leaders including Google, Microsoft and other carrier partners to expand the experiences that are possible throughout the foldable ecosystem.

Redefining What’s Possible for People Everywhere

Three years ago, Galaxy foldables could be summed up in a single word: radical. Very quickly, however, it became clear that this groundbreaking, flexible design fit perfectly into modern lifestyles. As a result, what was once a novelty three years ago, is now the preferred choice for millions.

At our upcoming Unpacked on August 10th, you’ll see that the impact of our innovation is not only about what technology can do. It’s about what you can do. We’ve once again taken our inspiration from the most important source — Galaxy users — to push the limits of what’s possible.

I can’t wait to show you the potential of our new Samsung Galaxy foldables as the ultimate tool for both productivity and self-expression. Now, you can do more than you ever thought possible, all at once, on one device.

Get ready to unfold your world.