In February this year, Microsoft and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) collaborated to launch AppsForAsia: Redesigning Development to harness the creativity of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and startups and provide them an avenue to develop the apps needed by government agencies, businesses, non-government organizations and citizens throughout Asia. Now, Microsoft and ADB are proud to announce that the first batch of application prototypes from the Philippines is ready.
Karie Ilagan, Managing Director, Microsoft PH
“Microsoft is delighted in partnering with the Asian Development Bank to drive the application of modern technology in the attempt to alleviate the social challenges around us,” said Karrie Ilagan, Managing Director of Microsoft Philippines.
From more than 30 entries, the top 15 applications were selected by a distinguished panel of mentors from the academe and industry. All the apps that were developed maximized the use of Microsoft technologies such as the cloud platform, Windows Azure. Of these socially relevant apps, the top three was announced in an awarding ceremony held at the ADB’s Philippine office. These top apps include Codetoki, Blood Donors Network, and Leanasset applications.
Codetoki for example is an app that encourages the youth to find employment by matching employers and applicants through a gamified platform for screening and hiring entry level developers. On the other hand, Blood Donors Network helps build and maintain a sustainable community of voluntary blood donors in the Philippines. This helps ensure that everyone has immediate access to safe and adequate supply levels of their blood type in times of need. Lastly, Leanasset is a public transport monitoring system that enables commuters’ quick and convenient access to transportation.
On March 18, Microsoft and ADB has selected the top three apps that will join he Asian Development Bank’s Annual Meeting of its Board of Governors in New Delhi, India in May. The Secretary of the ABB, Mr. Dawson said, “I look forward to welcoming finalists of AppsForAsia to the Annual Meeting where participants from member delegations, private sector representatives, and the academe can experience first hand the innovative solutions that have been developed.”
AppsForAsia is running in other countries namely Australia, Korea, and Malaysia. In the Philippines, this initiative is supported by other esteemed organizations such as IdeaSpace, a program that helps Filipino entrepreneurs develop groundbreaking technologies; Philippine Software Industry Association; Smart DevNet and DOST-UP Enterprise Center for Technopreneurship, a program which has helped many early stage technopreneurs in launching their startups.
The apps of the 15 teams were showcased in an exhibit as part of the awarding ceremony’s program. The mentors who further coached the participants were introduced in the event. Notable representatives including Karrie Ilagan, Managing Director of Microsoft Philippines; John Cann, International Organizations Director for Microsoft Asia; and Chris Morris, Head NGO and Civil Society Center, Asian Development Bank were present to personally congratulate the winners.
Learn more on AppsforAsia: Redefining Development by visiting www.microsoft.com.ph/appsforasia.
