Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR) announced the launch of its fifth annual Mobile Application Contest (MAC 2010). This year’s theme focuses on mobile-related applications with an emphasis on innovation, originality and relevance to the local UAE culture. This initiative is sponsored by Emirates Advanced Investments.
KUSTAR’s MAC initiative provides university students from all over the UAE the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities in developing new mobile phone solutions and applications that meet the evolving requirements of today’s [mobile] consumer. MAC is a great opportunity for students and academics alike to use their creativity in considering the local and regional market’s mobile needs. Participating MAC students can be from communication engineering, computer engineering or computer science backgrounds; however, students from other disciplines are also accepted.
Two 2-day training sessions on developing mobile applications using �Java 2 Micro Edition’ were held early March at KUSTAR’s Sharjah campus, and attracted over 30 students from across the country. An Award ceremony announcing the top three winners will be held on the 15th May 2010 in Abu Dhabi, which will also showcase the short-listed projects. Winners stand the chance to win exciting prizes, including top-of-the-range mobile phones.
Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, KUSTAR’s Interim President, said KUSTAR is committed to building strategic partnerships and launching initiatives that contribute to the development of the UAE’s higher education and scientific research sector. "The contest offers an excellent opportunity for participating university students to sharpen their mobile programming skills and for academics to consider the local and regional market needs in this field".
He added, "MAC has the potential to introduce to the market compelling mobile phone applications that meet the demands of today’s mobile users". He also stressed on the commitment placed in making this year’s event a successful one by attracting and enrolling as many universities as possible throughout the UAE and the Arab world.
MAC is in line with KUSTAR’s objective to emerge as a leading academic institution offering technological training for students. It brings students and professionals together, allows the scholars to improve their existing skill sets, and contributes to enriching the region’s telecommunications sector as well.
