We have said farewell to 2025 and as we look ahead and welcome a new year, I am immensely proud of what our teams across Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) have achieved together so far. To Samsung, the SEAO region is more than a collection of markets; it is a strategic hub of innovation, defined by dynamic growth, cultural diversity, and rapid digital adoption. While commercial targets continued to be important last year, we were also focused on anchoring Samsung as a genuine, long-term partner in SEAO’s development.

To strengthen the fundamentals that we established in 2025, I would like to share three core strategic pillars that will continue to anchor our growth path in 2026: delivering breakthrough innovations, empowering the next generation, and driving transformation for our customers; all underpinned by our commitment to become a truly AI-driven company.

Delivering Breakthrough Innovation through an AI-Driven Future

At Samsung, we believe AI has fundamentally changed how we operate, innovate, and serve our customers. We have embraced a bold vision to be an AI-driven company and are already weaving AI meaningfully into our R&D, product development, operations and user experience.

We first introduced Galaxy AI to the world back in 2024 and we have reinforced our AI leadership in 2025 as we delivered an even broader vision of living with AI. In addition to democratisation, we are driving a new era of multi-modal intelligence. This means ensuring that our hardware and software evolve together, creating devices that do not just process commands, but function as intuitive companions.

At CES 2026, we announced our efforts to create a more unified and personal experience across mobile, visual display, home appliances, and services with our “Companion to AI Living” Vision.

What excited audiences at CES 2026 was how Samsung’s displays, such as the 130-inch Micro RGB, are merging hardware excellence and visual intelligence to create a true entertainment companion for homes. For instance, Samsung’s Vision AI Companion (VAC) uses AI technology to recommend what to watch and even what music to listen to.

Lastly, we introduced our long-term vision for intelligent care driven by Samsung’s integrated device ecosystem. I am truly excited about how we can redefine care from a reactive need to proactive opportunity. We will strive to promote healthier lives by delivering helpful features across AI, phones, appliances, wearables and other connected devices.

Empowering the Next Generation

What also continues to excite me is that the next generation in SEAO will not just be users of technology; they will be creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs who shape how these applications of AI serve their communities.

I believe that technology should serve as a bridge that enables everyone, regardless of background, to connect, create, and thrive. To fully unlock this potential, we have directed our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts towards cultivating and investing in our youth, nurturing the next generation of talent.

Our flagship Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) program empowers young people to drive meaningful change through technology and innovation. In 2025, participation grew by 40% from 2024, with a total of more than 16,900 youth across the region developing solutions to address challenges in their communities. This growth highlights young people’s readiness to apply technology in practical and meaningful ways when given the tools and opportunities.

Last year, the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) actively bridged the regional skills gap by providing advanced information and communications technology (ICT), coding, and AI education across multiple SEAO markets. This approach mirrors our internal capability-building methodology: just as we train our employees through a structured GenAI curriculum, SIC provides youth with a similar roadmap for progression, enabling them to build foundational AI capabilities and progress to working with more complex applications.

These initiatives are more than CSR programs, but strategic investments we are making to contribute and build up the talent pipeline for our region’s AI-driven digital economy.

2026 is set to be a year where we build on this strong momentum with our CSR programs, as we aim to do even more with governments, corporations, schools, NGOs and community partners.

Driving Ecosystem Transformation

Finally, the foundation of a hyper-connected world fuelled by AI agents must be trust. At Samsung, security and privacy are at the heart of our strategy. This principle is increasingly critical as we enter an era of Agentic AI, where intelligent systems do not just respond to commands but anticipate needs and act autonomously on users’ behalf. The power of our “One Samsung” ecosystem ensures that intelligence extends seamlessly from mobile to the entire connected home via SmartThings, protected by Samsung Knox.

We also uphold this standard of trust at the enterprise level. Last year, Samsung Business Experience Studios (BES) were launched in markets including Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. These spaces are designed to help organisations envision how they can adopt innovative Samsung solutions to meet their specific industry challenges. With additional studios set to roll out across Southeast Asia and Oceania, we look forward to more opportunities for collaboration as we partner with enterprises to implement smart and secure solutions for their businesses.

Shaping Our Future Together

My first year leading SEAO has been characterised by our efforts to innovate, empower youth, and transform ecosystems across industries, all anchored in our evolution as an AI leader.

While we are encouraged by what we have achieved so far, our work here is far from over. I invite all our partners, consumers, and regional leaders to continue this journey with us in 2026 and beyond. As we pursue our ambition to establish Samsung as the undisputed leader in AI, we will strive to ensure that AI serves everyone throughout everyday life.

Together, let us shape a future where technology does not just connect devices, but connects people, communities, and possibilities across our vibrant region.

Every day, people navigate unique circumstances that shape how they live and interact with their surroundings. At Samsung, we hold fast to our commitment to enhance daily experiences for everyone; developing solutions and technologies that empower people to experience a more personal and impactful world.

Reflecting on this purpose as we mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we turn the spotlight to inspiring solutions developed by youth in Southeast Asia and Oceania for Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) 2025 — our global flagship corporate social responsibility programme now in its 15^th year. The programme encourages students to address local and global issues using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and we have seen innovative solutions developed by the next generation of changemakers committed to break barriers and drive equity within their communities.

Innovating for Independence in Sports  

Many of us stay healthy, build friendships, and enjoy the thrill of competition and achievement through sports and physical activities. Yet, individuals living with disabilities often face barriers when taking part in such activities.

Inspired by real challenges faced by the community and even close friends around them, some of our SFT teams explored how the intersection of sports and technological innovation can create meaningful opportunities for all to participate and compete. Projects from the Indonesia and Singapore teams were recognised for their innovative and impactful ideas, developed in line with SFT 2025’s new global theme — Social Change Through Sport & Technology — created in collaboration with the International Olympic Community.

 

Designed to help visually impaired runners navigate safely, RunSight combines smart glasses with a camera, earbuds, a computing unit, and a mobile app

 

 

Team LABMINO, winner for the University category in SFT Indonesia, were inspired by a close friend and avid runner who lives with impaired vision due to cataracts. This led them to create RunSight—a wearable device that recognises track lines, detects obstacles and estimates depth in real time. RunSight is designed to work without internet connectivity and with the goal of enabling these individuals to run freely and independently, which may reduce their need for guide runners.

 

Team Pei Pei Hwa Hwa’s Ando Hypohidrosis Vest acts like a “mechanical sweat gland”, helping individuals with hypohidrosis stay cool during outdoor activities

 

In Singapore, Team Pei Pei Hwa Hwa set out to improve outdoor experiences for individuals living with hypohidrosis—a condition that limits the body’s ability to produce enough sweat and regulate heat. In tropical climates, overheating can pose a serious risk, often leaving individuals reliant on ice packs, portable fans, or even surgery to stay cool during outdoor activities. To address this, the team developed the Ando Hypohidrosis Vest, an energy-efficient solution designed to keep the wearer’s back cool by circulating chilled coolant, enabling them to participate in everyday outdoor activities and exercise.

 

 

Bridging Voices, Building Shared Understanding

 

Deaf and hard of hearing individuals often face difficulties with understanding others and being understood. This prompted our Australian SFT winner to create a solution to support clearer communication.

 

Access Lens helps both Deaf and hard of hearing users feel more confident, connected and included in everyday conversations

 

Within Australia’s Deaf and hard of hearing community, accessible and affordable Auslan (Australian sign language) translation tools remain limited. Major Prize SFT winner, Faiz Noorani, created Access Lens, a real-time augmented reality solution that uses smart glasses or a smartphone camera to convert spoken English into Auslan. Designed to run locally, Access Lens enables clearer communications with English speakers while avoiding the common barriers of other translation platforms, such as delays, cloud fees and advertisements. With his AUD 10,000  prize money, Faiz plans to enhance Access Lens’ features, expand its reach and build strategic partnerships to support long-term impact.

 

 

Equitable Medical Access and Early Intervention

 

AI SpineCheck provides a quick and easy way to screen children for scoliosis risk

 

In Thailand, Team AI SpineCheck set out to improve early detection of scoliosis after seeing many high school students needing spinal braces or surgery due to late diagnosis, leading to higher treatment costs for more advanced cases. Current screening methods often depend on medical personnel and can be inaccessible or inconsistent for local communities. AI SpineCheck simplifies this process with an AI-powered platform that analyses photos to assess spinal alignment. This offers a more accessible and convenient way to screen for scoliosis, supporting early intervention and better health outcomes.

 

 

Creating Better Accessibility and User-Centred Design for All

 

A key part of inclusion is not only designing innovations specifically for persons with disabilities, but ensuring everyday products and services meet the needs of all users, regardless of ability. Guided by this philosophy, Samsung devices, appliances and solutions are designed to be inclusive, intuitive and convenient for all.

 

Visibility enhancement settings on the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo

 

Our 2025 Bespoke AI home appliances incorporate more streamlined control experiences that empower all users—including those with limited mobility—towards comfortable and accessible use. With simple voice commands, such as “Open the fridge door”, to cue features like Auto Open Door for refrigerators^[1], or “I’m going to sleep”, to turn off lights and appliances via SmartThings routine once its set up^[2]—users can manage their home hands-free. The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo also features a large, easy-to-read digital display that replaces traditional dials and small text for smoother wash-cycle selection.

 

Guided by an accessibility-first approach, we constantly refine our designs across product development cycles, working closely with users to test and enhance usability. For instance, Samsung added audio guidance, colour inversion or grayscale modes in their screen-equipped appliances for users with visual impairments. To make Samsung appliances easier to navigate, it keeps discovering new ways to enhance accessibility as shown in the award-winning^[3] “Samsung Inclusive Essentials” concept, which aims to standardise sensory cues across products.

 

Building a More Inclusive Future Together

 

By seamlessly weaving intelligent, inclusive technology into everyday life, Samsung ensures that everyone—regardless of ability or environment—can enjoy connected and personalised experiences. From empowering communities through programmes like SFT to embedding accessibility into our products and services, we remain committed to enabling individuals to live more independently and open up more possibilities for people in their daily life.

 

_{^[1] Products and models equipped with the feature may vary by market.}

_{^[2] Requires a wireless network, a Samsung account and the Samsung SmartThings App. Must be manually set up by the user to trigger this command.}

_{^[3] At the 2025 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), Samsung received a Gold Award for its “Samsung Inclusive Essentials” concept in the Concepts & Speculative Design category.}

Team BuddyBot receiving their prize from Leonard Tan Bahroocha, Director of Product and Innovation, Samsung Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Samsung Electronics Singapore crowned Team BuddyBot from Edgefield Secondary School as the overall champion of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025 competition in Singapore. The team, made up of Bella Teo and Shannon Ong, stood out against a field of 90 participating teams with their project, BuddyBot – a smart assistant designed to help young individuals with Down Syndrome build daily living independence to lighten the load on their caregivers. As the winner, Team BuddyBot won $7,000 in cash and $10,000 worth of Samsung products to support the development of their solution. The team will also go on a sponsored trip to Samsung’s headquarters and innovation facilities in South Korea in December.

The second prize went to Team Through Their Eyes from Cedar Girls’ Secondary School for their immersive empathy-building simulation titled Through Their Eyes, which aims to cultivate inclusive and respectful online behaviour among youths. Third place was awarded to Team Pei Pei Hwa Hwa from Pei Hwa Secondary School, who created Ando Hypohidrosis Vests to help individuals who struggle to produce sweat keep cool in warm weather conditions. Team Smart Cane, made up of students from Nanyang Girls’ High School, Chung Cheng High School (Main), Springfield Secondary School and the School of Science and Technology Singapore, won the People’s Choice Award, whose Smart Cane solution for individuals with visual impairments received the highest number of public votes online.

Now into its ninth year, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a youth innovation platform that inspires youth to use technology and creativity to shape a better tomorrow for all. This year’s competition rallies secondary school students to help build a more secure future for Singapore following its SG60 milestone by contributing ideas surrounding four key themes – Environmental Sustainability; Sport, Health and Technology; Inclusivity and Social Harmony; and Digital Readiness and Security. Students can draw inspiration from Samsung’s innovation history, expertise, breakthroughs, and apply the learnings to solve real-world issues to make a positive impact on their country, community and the world.

Impressing the Judges at the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025 Finals

A visual introduction to BuddyBot (left) and key features of the BuddyBot Caregiver App (right).

Inspired to help young individuals with Down Syndrome overcome challenges with executive functioning, Team BuddyBot set out to develop a smart assistant to help such individuals manage their everyday routines more independently. Using a portable, compact device designed for users complemented by a mobile app for caregivers, BuddyBot enables caregivers to break down everyday tasks such as brushing teeth, washing hands and getting dressed into simpler steps via the app, and deliver easy-to-understand instructions through a combination of visual prompts and voice instructions using the compact device.

Beyond serving as a smart assistant that helps individuals with their routines, BuddyBot also taps artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse users’ past actions, to uncover notable patterns in the users’ behaviours (e.g., skipped steps; longer time spent on tasks) and the areas where the users are struggling. By unearthing insights on where users require more support and guidance, the solution can suggest changes to their daily routines and provide timely reminders to help them complete their daily tasks more independently.

“Many young individuals with Down Syndrome face challenges with executive functioning and need constant reminders and support from their caregivers to complete their daily tasks. Our solution, BuddyBot, can help these individuals build independence for their daily routines, and alleviate the burden on their caregivers. By giving families and caregivers a smart assistant that is built with accessibility, empathy and inclusion in mind, we hope to create meaningful impact and help improve the quality of life for families with special needs children,” said Shannon Ong.

“Today, as we face a myriad of complex global and local challenges, it is more important than ever for our youths to step out to champion social change in their respective communities. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow encourages students to think critically about societal issues and harness technology to create meaningful solutions that can make a real difference. I am heartened to see the depth of thinking that each team puts in to create original solutions that address key issues that they personally care about. By inspiring our next generation of leaders to take action and drive change in our society, I believe that they will make a tangible difference and help create a better tomorrow for Singapore,” said Jeffrey Hahn, President of Samsung Electronics Singapore.

Driving Positive Change Through Technology and Innovation

Team Through Their Eyes receiving their prize from Karen Lee, Director of Partnership Lab, National Youth Council (left) and a snapshot of the Through Their Eyes simulation (right).

Team Through Their Eyes from Cedar Girls’ Secondary School secured second place with their project – Through Their Eyes – an empathy simulation that promotes inclusive and respectful online behaviour. Through their solution, the team aims to address the rise of cyberbullying and cancel culture by placing students in everyday scenarios to help them understand how hurtful comments can gradually erode self-esteem and lead to isolation. The simulation incorporates visual and audio effects, an emotional health tracker, and recovery options that teach students coping strategies such as reporting abuse or seeking help. Aimed for implementation during Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons with Samsung Gear virtual reality (VR), laptops and smartphones, the simulation encourages empathy and responsible digital conduct by enabling youths to experience first-hand the long-lasting impact of cyberbullying.

Team Pei Pei Hwa Hwa receiving their prize from Timothy Low, Chief Operating Officer, Tri-Sector Associates (left) and a prototype of their Ando Hypohidrosis Vest (right).

The third prize went to Team Pei Pei Hwa Hwa from Pei Hwa Secondary School, who impressed the judges with their Ando Hypohidrosis Vests that help individuals with hypohidrosis, a condition where one struggles to produce sufficient sweat to keep one’s body temperature in check, manage their condition in Singapore’s sweltering climate. Through their solution, the team aims to help individuals with this condition reduce the risk of heat stroke and other heat related injuries as they go about their daily activities. The vests also empower them with the freedom to move, exercise and live actively without fear of overheating.

Team Smart Cane (left) and sketch of their Smart Cane prototype (right).

Team Smart Cane won the People’s Choice Award after receiving the most online votes for their project, Smart Cane – an innovative attachment designed to transform any traditional cane into a multifunctional mobility aid that enhances safety, independence, and confidence for the visually impaired. Equipped with sensors such as an ultrasonic distance detector, accelerometer, and Bluetooth module, the device detects nearby obstacles, monitors sudden movements, and transmits alerts to a connected smartphone app. Caregivers can track the user’s location and receive instant notifications during emergencies. By offering an affordable and user-friendly solution, the team aims to promote inclusivity and empower visually impaired individuals to navigate their surroundings with greater assurance and freedom.

“Technology has the power to break down barriers and unlock limitless potential for our youth, and the projects presented are testament to how today’s youth are leveraging such skills to shape the future. With opportunities to expand their skillsets and exposure to tech industry leaders, we hope that our youths can gain the confidence to pitch innovative solutions to drive social change and real-world impact,” said Karen Lee, Director of Partnership Lab, National Youth Council, and Solve for Tomorrow 2025 judge.

For more information on the Solve for Tomorrow 2025 competition, see Appendix A or visit https://www.samsung.com/sg/solvefortomorrow/.

Appendix A

About Samsung Solve for Tomorrow

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025 competition in Singapore was launched on 1 July 2025. Designed to ignite the passion for championing social change among youths, the competition provides a platform for secondary school students to express their creativity and passion, and address social issues through technology and innovation.

Competition Overview

Youths aged 12 and above and are full-time Secondary 1 – 5 students in Singapore are eligible for the competition. For students in secondary schools with 6-year Integrated Programme (IP), only full-time students in Secondary 1 – 4 are eligible to participate. The full list of eligible schools is available here.

10 finalist teams were shortlisted to participate in the finals held on 29 October 2025, where they presented their ideas to the following panel of judges:

• Leonard Tan Bahroocha, Director and Head of Product Innovation Team for Samsung Southeast Asia & Oceania
• Karen Lee, Director of Partnership Lab, National Youth Council
• Timothy Low, Chief Operating Officer of Tri-Sector Associates
• Daryl Lee, Head of PR, Social and KOL, Samsung Electronics Singapore

The ideas from the 10 finalist teams were also made available for online voting by the public. The finalist team with the most votes won the People’s Choice Award.

Judging Criteria for Finalist Teams

• 30%: Feasibility – How the solution can be created with technology, and implemented in society to address a present challenge.
• 20%: Creativity – Innovativeness, uniqueness and originality of proposed idea.
• 40%: Impact – Elaboration on the solution’s impact on potential users, and feedback from them on its ability to solve the identified issue.
• 10%: Presentation – Flow and effectiveness of the presentation.

Prizes

• First Prize – Samsung products worth $10,000, $7,000 cash prize, and a trip to South Korea to visit Samsung’s headquarters and innovation facilities
• Second Prize – Samsung products worth S$6,000 and $4,000 cash prize
• Third Prize – Samsung products worth S$3,000 and $2,000 cash prize
• People’s Choice Award: Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Galaxy A56 for each team member

At Samsung, we strive for continuous growth and improvement, while also recognising the importance of empowering the next generation to drive its own innovation and progress. Today, technologies like generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) are fast becoming the transformative technological developments of this era, and we strongly believe in such technologies’ potential in enhancing our capabilities.

I found a recent report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to be quite interesting; the findings revealed global human development progress – a measure of improvements in health, education and income levels according to the UNDP’s Human Development Index (HDI) – has slowed to a 35-year low. While this take is concerning, what follows is unprecedented optimism about AI’s potential – with 60% of respondents worldwide hopeful that AI will create new job opportunities^[1].

We now stand at the edge of a digital divide. As a global technology leader, we are taking on the responsibility to equip all with technology – such as AI – as well as with skills that empower them to co-create meaningful change at scale.

Inspiring Collective Innovation through Human-Centred AI

In the vibrant Southeast Asia & Oceania (SEAO) region, we are already seeing the next generation embracing AI’s potential, not just to shape careers, but also to drive meaningful social change^[2]. These insights align with the UNDP findings that show two-thirds of respondents anticipating the usage of AI in education, health or work within the next year^[1].

At Samsung, initiatives like Solve for Tomorrow (SFT), our global flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, embodies the United Nations’ (UN) call for building an economy where people leverage AI rather than compete against it^[1]. Across SEAO, the 2025 edition of SFT has kicked off in Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia and New Zealand.

The Solve For Tomorrow 2024 Philippines Grand Prize winner hails from Lipa City Science Integrated National High School, with their entry, “Hi-LoWall: A Solar-Powered Rice Husk Fog Wall Utilising Evaporative Cooling”.

Through the competition, participants gain the skills and confidence to tackle complex problems, transforming their ideas into actionable solutions that solve real problems. One such example is Samsung Philippines’ Solve For Tomorrow champion in 2024, where students from Lipa City Science Integrated National High School presented an innovative and water-efficient solution using rice husk biochar fog walls to combat rising heat indices caused by El Niño, which disrupts public school operations.

Our approach to CSR also reflects the UN’s focus on embedding human agency across the full AI lifecycle, from design to deployment^[1]. Through programmes like SFT, we ensure that young innovators remain at the centre of technological solutions, and not just as passive recipients.

Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow

Today, we are also seeing the democratisation of AI underway. Our own youth survey on AI reveals that 9 in 10 youths in SEAO are using AI daily, with the UNDP also reporting similar findings, indicating that 1 in 5 survey respondents are already utilising AI^[1].

Notably, the UNDP highlights that 70% of people in low- and medium-HDI countries expect AI to increase their productivity^[1]. At the same time, our youth survey on AI also highlights that 78% of youths in SEAO are using AI for learning^[2]. These insights reinforce the potential of AI as a bridge to new knowledge and skills, thereby making Samsung’s contributions towards skills development not just beneficial, but essential for regional economic growth and competitiveness.

Creating a future-ready workforce means bridging the digital divide, and ensuring those without easy access to education, technology and upskilling opportunities, have the support they need to both participate in and drive change.

Samsung Innovation Campus is a global education programme that helps youth build advanced IT skills and practical capabilities for better opportunities.

Across the region, we empower young people through initiatives like Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC)^[3], providing information and communications technology education in areas such as Coding & Programming, Internet of Things and AI. By bridging the skills gap and laying a foundation for future employment, we’re contributing to the development of skilled professionals and supporting national goals, such as Indonesia’s digital economy growth, which will need an additional 9 million digital talent by 2030.

In Thailand, our decade-long partnership with the Office of the Vocational Education Commission through the Dual Vocational Education (DVE) programme empowers vocational students with real-world experience and future-ready capabilities. By combining classroom learning with on-the-job training, the programme not only strengthens technical expertise, but also cultivates vital skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. This well-rounded approach ensures that students are fully equipped to succeed and contribute meaningfully to Thailand’s development.

Technology as a Bridge

This commitment to inclusivity extends beyond product design and into how we think about the future of work. As industries evolve and the green economy expands, we must ensure that no one is left behind.

By working closely with government agencies, educators, partners, customers, and the youth who will inherit this future, we are building not just products but responding to the urgent need for new approaches to development, by creating pathways where innovation uplifts communities, and ensuring that everyone has a role in shaping an AI-enhanced future.

_{^[1] Human Development progress slows to a 35-year low according to UN Development Programme report | United Nations Development Programme}

_{^[2] Samsung Insights: Youths in Southeast Asia are High Adopters of AI – Samsung Newsroom Singapore}

_{^[3] Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) is not available in Singapore.}

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced the findings of its 2024 survey on Artificial Intelligence (AI), revealing that Southeast Asian (SEA) youths are not just witnessing the AI revolution, but are also actively shaping it. The survey showed that close to 9 in 10 youths are already using AI in their day-to-day routines, and the primary platform that they use to access AI services is through their mobile devices. This highlights the role and potential of mobile devices in empowering SEA youths today and tomorrow.

The survey, conducted among 884 youths^[1] aged 13 to 24 in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, highlights the profound impact of AI on their lives, ambitions, and aspirations for social change.

CU Kim, President and CEO of Southeast Asia and Oceania for Samsung Electronics, said, “We have always been passionate about enabling the next generation in our region to reach their fullest potential through our innovative technology and our global Corporate Citizenship programmes. This is why we have sought to understand the hopes and aspirations of youths in our region. Our survey findings show that Southeast Asian youths are high adopters of AI and believe in its potential to shape their careers or for driving social good. This reinforces the need to continue to empower the next generation with meaningful AI innovations, and Samsung is committed to helping youths unlock new possibilities, amplify their creativity, and drive positive change in their communities.”

High Adoption of AI among SEA Youth Today

Based on survey findings, AI is no longer a future concept for the SEA youths – it is a present reality empowering them to thrive in all aspects of their lives. A staggering 9 out of 10 youths already incorporate AI tools and services into their daily routines, using such tools for learning, creativity, staying informed, and driving positive changes in their communities. Specifically, the top three daily uses of AI are for learning (78%), for creativity (56%), and to stay informed (38%).

Mobile devices^[2] are central in driving AI usage among this demographic, as it is the preferred way SEA youths use to access AI tools and services. This trend is expected to continue, as more youths expect mobile devices to be their main mode of access to AI in the future. Samsung is at the forefront of this mobile-first era, bringing AI tools and services to all with Galaxy AI, which enhances communication, fosters creativity, and boosts productivity. The new Samsung Galaxy S25 Series is an example of how Samsung continuously sets new standards of what AI smartphones can do, by understanding users’ needs and preferences to provide personalised AI experiences with privacy assured at every turn.

SEA Youth See AI as Catalyst for Shaping Their Future Careers

Youths surveyed are optimistic about the future of work in the age of AI, proactively preparing for new opportunities by developing essential AI skills. While 65% believe AI will create new job opportunities, 81% are also aware that some jobs will inevitably disappear. This awareness has fueled a strong desire for AI skills development, with 70% of youths surveyed expressing a keen interest in upskilling and learning more about AI. More than half of the respondents also feel that AI may change their job fields substantially in the future, reflecting the keen awareness by SEA youths on how AI will shape their career paths.

Through the expansion of intelligent AI features on even more Galaxy devices such as the new Galaxy S25 Series as well as the Galaxy A56 5G, A36 5G and A26 5G, Samsung is committed to empowering even more users by making AI more accessible across various models. Interactive features such as Google’s Circle to Search^[3] and Math Solver in Samsung Notes help create immersive learning environments that bring meaningful educational experiences to life.

Collaborative Action for Responsible AI Among Youth

When asked about what influences their use and perspectives of AI, social media (77%) was ranked as the top encouraging force by SEA youths, followed by technology companies and services (73%), then friends and siblings (57%). As such, building a responsible AI future for youth today requires collaborative action among various groups, as well as creating a safe environment for youths to learn and grow.

Samsung’s approach to AI prioritises security and privacy, as exemplified by features like Personal Data Engine^[4] on the new Galaxy S25 Series. This ensures context-aware, personalised AI experiences with robust protection for user data across the Samsung connected device ecosystem. Across Galaxy devices, innovations such as Knox Vault keep personalised data private and secure while laying the groundwork for youths to boost their productivity and creativity using mobile AI, with complete peace of mind.

Continued investment in AI education and infrastructure is crucial in ensuring equitable access to the benefits of the AI revolution. Samsung is dedicated to this through its global Corporate Citizenship prgorammes such as the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow global contest, which empowers youths to leverage technology for social good.

Winners of Singapore’s Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition harnessed AI technology through SilentGuide—a pair of smart glasses that uses AI-driven speech recognition to transcribe spoken words into real-time subtitles, enabling people with hearing impairments to participate more meaningfully in conversations. Inspired by a classmate with a hearing impairment who struggles to engage in noisy environments, the team developed a solution that functions without an internet connection, and is comfortable to wear, user-friendly and affordable.

By fostering AI literacy and supplying the right innovative tools through these initiatives, more youths will be equipped to thrive in the future world of AI and new technologies.

^[1] The Samsung 2024 Youth Survey on AI was conducted with 884 respondents across five markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore and Thailand, from August to October 2024. Respondents were recruited via snowball sampling and results are based on weighted data for equal representation from each market.

^[2] Includes smartphones and tablets

^[3] Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Requires internet connection. Users may need to update Android and Google app to the latest version. Results may vary depending on visual or audio matches. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Works on compatible apps and surfaces, and with ambient music only. Will not identify music coming through headphones or if phone volume is off.

^[4] The Personal Data Engine functions under the condition that the Personal Data Intelligence menu is on. Analysed data will be deleted once the Personal Data Intelligence menu is turned off. Personal Data Engine recognises select languages and certain accents/dialects, including but not limited to, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Personal Data Engine currently analyses Samsung native applications.

Across Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO), countries face various healthcare challenges, including the prevalence of chronic diseases, uneven healthcare access, rising cost of living, lack of healthcare professionals, and ageing populations.

At Samsung Electronics, we are committed to using technology to drive innovation and create meaningful solutions where they are needed the most. We understand that true progress requires fostering a culture of problem-solving where individuals, especially young innovators, are empowered to develop solutions that make a difference.

Samsung’s Corporate Citizenship initiatives such as the Solve for Tomorrow program is a powerful platform for aspiring innovators to focus their creativity and technological ingenuity on developing innovations that not only benefit their community, but also address societal issues, such as those in healthcare.

This World Health Day, we celebrate our young innovators who are building solutions that aim to address the most pressing healthcare challenges of today.

Young minds, breakthrough solutions

Gabriel refined Pill-Bot through experimentation and testing

Across the SEAO region, students from as young as 12 years old are devising solutions to enhance healthcare accessibility and effectiveness. Gabriel Anthony, a 12-year-old from Whitby Collegiate in New Zealand was awarded first prize in the Year 7 to 10 category at the Solve for Tomorrow New Zealand 2024 competition with his invention, Pill-Bot, an artificial intelligence (AI) medication identifier designed for the visually impaired, inspired by his grandmother’s experience of taking the wrong medication. His innovative approach involves training an AI bot to recognise different types of pills and verbally announcing their names to enable patients, especially those with visual impairment, to identify their medication before consumption.

SilentGuide processes spoken words directed at an individual and transcribes them into subtitles

In Singapore, Team redbluegold made up of Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) students Aiden Lim and Karan Gopu Pillai claimed victory in Singapore’s Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition with SilentGuide—a pair of smart glasses that transcribes spoken words into subtitles, helping people with hearing impairment participate more meaningfully in conversations. Inspired by a classmate with a hearing impairment who had struggled to maintain a two-way conversation in a noisy classroom, the team set out to create a solution that functions without an internet connection, and is comfortable to wear, user-friendly and affordable.

Cough Aid can be used anywhere and at any time, easing access to preliminary screening and boosting the chances of individuals receiving timely treatment

Meanwhile in Thailand, Team Kao Kee’s Cough Aid innovation emerged as one of the finalists in the Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition in Thailand. This web application relies on AI technology to analyse cough sounds and preliminary diagnose respiratory diseases, potentially enabling pre-emptive treatment and better health outcomes. In a region where respiratory conditions remain prevalent, such early-warning systems could prove transformative.

Recognising these talented young minds as a glimpse into the future of industries such as healthcare, participants in the Solve for Tomorrow programme receive mentorship from industry experts, alongside access to innovative technology and resources to help transform their concepts into reality.

Transforming healthcare through technology

Everyday wellness at a glance with Samsung Health^[1]

At Samsung, we believe that technology has the power to enhance everyday life. Galaxy users can benefit from the Energy Score^[2] in the Samsung Heath app^[3], which provides holistic insights through multiple health indicators including sleep, heart health, and physical activity. When paired with the Galaxy Ring, users can enjoy comprehensive health tracking throughout the day and night, enhancing the accuracy and ease of sleep tracking.

The Galaxy Watch series offers more advanced capabilities suited for users interested in a broader spectrum of health insights—from Electrocardiogram (ECG)^[4] to Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)^[5]. Connect these to a Galaxy smartphone, such as the latest Galaxy S25 Series, allows users to receive actionable insights to improve their well-being.

Building a healthier future together

The intersection of youthful innovation and established technology can offer unexpected breakthroughs that address the healthcare challenges of today; solutions that improve accessibility, enhance prevention, and enable early intervention are becoming increasingly vital.

Samsung remains committed to advancing healthcare innovation through a dual approach that includes empowering young problem-solvers through programs like Solve for Tomorrow, while continuing to develop innovations that support users’ wellness goals.

This World Health Day, we celebrate not just the innovations of today, but the possibilities of these innovations—and the brilliant minds behind them—to create a healthier tomorrow for all.

^[1] Devices and screen images are simulated for illustrative purposes. UX/UI may vary depending on software version, model, region and other factors. Samsung Health tracking features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and application should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek medical advice from a medical professional.

^[2] To check the Energy score, the health data tracked from Samsung Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch4 series and later models, excluding Galaxy Fit3) or Samsung Galaxy Ring must be synchronised with the Samsung Health app. Needs at least the previous day’s activity data and sleep, and heart rate data during sleep. 

Energy score and Wellness tips are available on Android phones (Android 11 or above) and requires Samsung Health app (v6.27 or above).

^[3] Requires Samsung Health app version 6.24 or later. Galaxy Watch7 must be paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android 11.

^[4] The ECG feature is only available in select markets. The ECG app is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment. The ECG app is not intended for users with known arrhythmias other than atrial fibrillation or users under 22 years old. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation of a qualified healthcare professional.

^[5] Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and/or application should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician. Do not measure your body composition if you have an implanted pacemaker or other implanted medical devices. Do not measure your body composition if you are pregnant. Measurement results may not be accurate if you are under 20 years old.

Karan Pillai from Team redbluegold tests out a prototype of SilentGuide, a pair of smart glasses that takes in spoken words from an individual’s surroundings and transcribes them into subtitles.

Most of us take the normal function of our five senses for granted. More often than not, it takes a personal encounter with someone who has experienced a loss of their sensory function to truly understand how it is like to be unable to participate actively in social conversations. In Singapore, one in 11 people between the ages of 18 to 74 grapple with hearing loss. The prevalence of self-reported hearing loss is also on the rise, increasing from 1.3% in 2013 to 9.2% in 2023, indicating that more needs to be done to help the growing hearing impaired community bridge existing communication gaps to create a more inclusive society.

For Team redbluegold from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), the winning team of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition, tools that enable individuals with hearing impairment to understand and participate in social interactions should be affordable and accessible to the majority of people who need it. Inspired by an encounter with a classmate with hearing impairment who struggled to maintain a two-way conversation in a noisy classroom, yet lacked access to an affordable solution to overcome his challenges, the team set out to develop a solution that is comfortable to wear, convenient to use and low in cost.

Following several iterations, the team developed SilentGuide – a pair of smart glasses that processes spoken words directed at an individual and transcribes them into subtitles, helping users with hearing impairment understand and actively take part in social conversations. Designed to function independently without an Internet connection, SilentGuide is able to offer timely support to users wherever they go.

“Individuals with hearing impairment are often not able to take in or understand spoken words from the people they are conversing with effectively. As a result, many of them feel isolated in social settings because they cannot participate meaningfully in them. Our hope is that SilentGuide can change all that. We want to help individuals with hearing impairment pick up spoken words easily and understand them in real-time. This way, they can participate more meaningfully in social conversations and be more integrated into our society,” said Karan Pillai from Team redbluegold.

(Clockwise from top left) An earlier prototype for SilentGuide, a student trying out SilentGuide, and the 3D printing process while developing the prototype

Housed within an easily portable and lightweight frame, SilentGuide utilises an I2S Microphone to capture spoken words and transmits the information to a Raspberry Pi 4.  The captured audio is then processed using the Vosk speech recognition toolkit and transcribed into subtitles for on an integrated I2C OLED Screen for the user to read. This empowers users with the ability to understand conversations as it happens, in real-time.

With the convenience and affordability it offers, the solution has the potential to improve communication and social integration for many of the 500,000 individuals with hearing loss in Singapore, helping them lead more connected and fulfilling lives.

Team redbluegold’s Aiden Lim receiving the grand prize from Dennis Jang, President, Samsung Electronics Singapore (2024)

“We want to make use of technology in a way that overcomes existing barriers for individuals with hearing impairment, to help create a more connected and inclusive society. By using augmented reality technology to put spoken words right in front of their eyes, this heightens their awareness of social conversations and makes them feel more included,” said Aiden Lim from Team redbluegold. “The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition gave us the platform and the drive to create our solution. Not only did it bring out the boldness in us to present our idea to an experienced panel of judges, it also showed us that with imagination and determination, we can play a part in helping shape a better future for communities that matter,” added Aiden.

Dennis Jang, President of Samsung Electronics Singapore (2024) and a member of the Solve for Tomorrow 2024 judging panel, remarked, “I am inspired by the creativity, imagination and heart showcased by our youths at this year’s Solve for Tomorrow competition. Their ideas not only reflect a deep passion for creating a better Singapore, they also demonstrate that with boldness and imagination, our youths can truly transform our community and the world.”

About Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Singapore

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Singapore is an annual competition designed to ignite the passion for championing social change among youths. Into its eight edition this year, the competition received 75 entries from over 240 secondary school students, who contributed ideas for social change focusing on five key areas – Environmental Sustainability; Health, Sports and Wellness; Inclusive Harmonious Society; Learning and Education; and Singapore’s Digital Future.

Over the course of the competition, participating teams are encouraged to think deeply about pressing issues in the society, and dream big to come up with new solutions to address them through technology and innovation. The competition provides a platform for students to develop interdisciplinary skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving, as well as expand their Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) knowledge. The goal of the competition is to enable youths to unleash their fullest potential while preparing them for the future workforce.

Finalist and winning teams at the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 grand finale

For more information about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, visit the website.

Celebrating the opening of Olympic Games Paris 2024 in July, Samsung Electronics, Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in mobile technology, launched the digital community “Together for Tomorrow, Enabling People” with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

The digital community consists of programs such as the ‘Solve Challenge‘ where Olympic fans^[1] are invited to vote and select the areas of society, such as education and livelihoods or health and active communities, which they want to improve through sports-based solutions. The results of the vote will then be linked to Samsung Electronics’ ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ theme in 2025.

‘Solve Challenge’ where Olympic fans can choose the theme of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow in 2025.

As part of the launch of the digital community, 10 winning teams from Samsung Electronics’ ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ program were appointed as digital community ambassadors and gathered in Paris.

We had the opportunity to sit down with the representative from Singapore – Christopher Angelo – where he shared his experience in Paris.

Reflections from Digital Community Ambassador – Christopher Angelo

My name is Christopher Angelo, and I am a student at Nanyang Technological University, majoring in Computer Science. I am also the team leader of Team Hearable, the University category winner of Singapore’s ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ program in 2022.

As an ambassador, I had the privilege of showcasing our team’s winning solution, Hearable, to a panel of global experts as part of my various activities in Paris. Through my interactions with industry experts who graciously gave their time to share their feedback and experience, as well as fellow change-makers who were also there to present their respective innovative projects, I not only made new friends, but also gained valuable insights and learnings that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

Here are some key reflections from my time in Paris:

#1: Embracing local innovation

Engaging with digital community ambassadors from other regions highlighted the importance of tackling local community challenges.

It was eye-opening to meet the ambassadors as they all brought their own unique ideas and perspectives. Each ambassador’s presentation was particularly interesting as they highlighted the importance of addressing local challenges with tailored solutions. This opened my mind to the different global challenges that I might not have considered just by limiting my view to within Singapore. It was inspiring to see how innovation can be adapted to meet the specific needs of different regions, showcasing the power of grassroots initiatives in driving positive change.

All in all, it was a unique opportunity to learn from one another, to discover each other’s unique perspectives and approaches, as well as to foster a sense of collective responsibility and motivation to create a better future.

Christopher presenting his team’s winning solution ‘Hearable’ to Benjamin Braun, Chief of Marketing from Samsung Electronics Europe, Mya Thomspon Doelling, Senior Partnerships Manager, Purpose Partnerships Lead from IOC, and Deloitte consultants during a mentoring session in Paris.

#2: The importance of mentorship

It was particularly insightful to have global experts and consultants from Deloitte, a consulting services organisation, and Worldwide Management Consulting Partner to the Olympic & Paralympic Games, assess our team’s proposal. The mentoring session provided invaluable feedback and guidance on how we could further refine and improve Hearable.

The insights shared helped us identify areas for improvement and approach our project with greater creativity and critical thinking and emphasises the value of seeking mentorship and learning from those who have paved the way before us. It was also inspiring to hear about other ambassadors’ winning solutions and feedback they received, which provided us with a broader understanding of innovative problem-solving techniques.

Christopher, together with the other ambassadors and IOC Young Leaders visiting the Olympic and Paralympic experience space by Samsung Electronics at the Olympic Rendezvous @ Samsung located in the Champs-Elysees 125 in Paris.

#3: Young leaders as catalyst for change

One of the activities in Paris was meeting the IOC Young Leaders, which served as a powerful reminder that young leaders have the collective potential as well as influence to make the world a better place.

I was particularly inspired meeting a doctor from the United Kingdom, who founded a charity to support youths in areas of high deprivation on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), helping them achieve physical, mental, and educational success.

Witnessing the passion and dedication of young leaders from around the globe working on their own projects to drive positive change inspired me to continue pursuing my own initiatives and collaborate with others to create a lasting impact.

#4: Resilience in the face of adversity

The journey of innovation is not without its obstacles. As Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This quote resonated with me throughout the program and impressed on me that embracing resilience and perseverance is crucial for overcoming setbacks and continuing to push forward in the pursuit of making a real difference in the world for the better.

While in Paris, visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must!

My experience as a digital community ambassador representing Samsung Electronics at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 was transformative, to say the least. The experience reinforced my belief in the power of youth, collaboration, and innovation, coming together to create a better world. I am grateful for the opportunity to have represented my country, as well as to learn from so many inspiring individuals. I will carry these reflections with me, as I continue to strive for positive change, while encouraging others to do the same.

^[1] Voting is open to public of all ages and ends on September 8, 2024

]]> https://news.samsung.com/sg/inspiring-innovation-in-future-generations-in-southeast-asia-and-oceania?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=direct Tue, 31 Oct 2023 09:43:30 +0000 https://bit.ly/3SmwnL9 By Sangho Jo, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics, Southeast Asia and Oceania

Throughout Samsung’s history, we have made it our mission to devote our talent and technology in creating innovative products and services that contribute to the betterment of global society. As a global leader in technology, we also have a responsibility to leverage our innovations, skill and knowledge to bridge the widening digital divide and give more youths the opportunity to reap the benefits of digitalization.

Within the Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) region, we are seeing rapid growth in the digital economy. This is fueled by factors such as increasing mobile penetration and social media usage, a booming e-commerce market, strong government push towards digitalization, and importantly, a population of young digital natives.

Youths are the future drivers for the region, both as consumers and innovators. As we celebrate Samsung Electronics’ 54^th anniversary globally on November 1^st, we remain committed to empowering our youth to meet the demands of the ever-evolving world, while at the same time, uplifting communities across the SEAO region.

Global programs with local impact

In the spirit of co-prosperity, we are committed to doing our part as a socially and environmentally responsible corporate citizen in the communities that we are in, and as champions of innovation, we continually push ourselves to do better in inspiring the next generation through technology. This year, we are excited to see Solve for Tomorrow (SFT), our global flagship STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) -based student competition, expand to more markets in SEAO, including Indonesia and the Philippines. SFT is also making headway in the Pacific Islands, with Samoa and Tonga kick-starting local editions for the very first time in August this year.

More than 500 students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, participated in a SFT workshop in June 2023.

The 2023 edition of SFT is still ongoing in several SEAO markets, but we are already seeing massive momentum in the region, with projects covering creative solutions to address real-life challenges in a variety of themes including environment and sustainability, learning and education, wellness, and healthcare, and more. Beyond the technical competition element, our young participants also receive training in soft skills required for the future workforce, including the 4Cs of 21^st Century Skills – Communication, Collaboration, Critical thinking, and Creativity.

We estimate that over 110,000 students and over 1,000 schools are benefiting from this program so far this year, through the competition, online and offline workshops, and other SFT-related activities.

Recently, Samsung New Zealand announced its SFT 2023 winners. I am especially heartened by the winning submissions that are the embodiment of why we continue to dedicate our efforts for communities through this program. For example, 12-year old Thomas Costar’s hydro turbine mechanism that helps to generate electricity through household drainage systems – the scientific approach that he took is a great example of perseverance and design thinking.

For the 2021 edition of Solve for Tomorrow in Australia, students were encouraged to create fun videos that presented social issues of personal relevance while highlighting STEM-based solutions. Tasmania-based Meg Phillips emerged as the overall winner, driven by her passion for animal conservation, with an RFID-based system to warn animals of approaching cars, with the aim of reducing wildlife casualties, as well as to keep drivers safe.

Samsung Innovation Campus participants in Cambodia working diligently under the guidance of mentors

Beyond encouraging innovative thinking with SFT, we also want to empower the next generation with practical skills needed for success in an increasingly digital world. This is where Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) comes into play. Through SIC, we want to help youth develop real-world skills in the areas of AI, IoT, big data, and coding through formalized training programs, alongside other activities like Innovation Hackathons and IoT Bootcamps.

Since first launching in Indonesia and Vietnam in 2019, we continue to ramp up our work in SEAO. This year, we are excited to add Cambodia and Laos to the program roster. To date, we estimate that over 8,000 students are participating in the program from 135 schools across Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with significant interest from a number of national universities too. We are encouraged by the incredibly positive feedback received from students on how the SIC program has helped change their perspectives towards data science, as well as helping them better navigate their education journey.

We are immensely appreciative and humbled by all the cooperation, support, and the sharing of information and learnings from the various governmental agencies and educational organizations who have graciously partnered with us on this journey. These partnerships ensure that the local editions are tailored for the unique education needs of each community, enhancing the learning experience for students, and amplify the program’s impact across the region by increasing awareness of it and supporting its rollout in the markets.

There is no doubt that having passion for education played a significant role in the remarkable success that we have achieved in the spirit of co-creation with initiatives like SFT and SIC.

As an added plus, the activation of programs like SFT and SIC created more opportunities for Samsung to further contribute to local communities and education. For example, this year in Indonesia, we signed two agreements, one is with the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Republic Indonesia to roll out the ‘Samsung Digital for Indonesia’ program in support of the local smart madrasah program, and the other one with the Institute of Technology Bandung for developing digital technology on sustainable environmental conservation.

Looking to the next 54 years and beyond

At Samsung, we passionately believe that doing good is in fact, good business. We are committed to ongoing community engagements and impactful contributions, to continue growing with the SEAO region. At the same time, we look forward to working together with future generations of innovators, encouraging them to be bold and push the boundaries of innovation to shape a brighter future – not just for the next 54 years, but for generations to come.

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.}