DiGi competition for Malaysian universities to develop energy solutions

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September 17, 2009
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DiGi competition for Malaysian universities to develop energy solutions
Deep Green Challenge for Change launched by Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water

SHAH ALAM, 17 SEPTEMBER 2009: DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd ("DiGi") today launched Deep Green Challenge for Change, a competition that will see teams from Malaysian universities participating in a 6 month-long programme to develop energy solutions.

15 teams from eight (8) Malaysian universities participated in the Challenge for Change programme which kicked off in July, with five (5) teams qualifying for the final round, where they will be expected to design projects that involve renewable energy for rural, underserved communities in Malaysia.

The five (5) finalist teams were announced at the launch of Challenge for Change, officiated by Y.Bhg. Datuk Nor. Azmal Mohd Nasir, Deputy Secretary-General (Green Technology & Water), on behalf of the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water. Also present was Johan Dennelind, DiGi's Chief Executive Officer, along with students and faculty from the eight participating universities.

Challenge for Change is aligned with DiGi's Deep Green programme which addresses energy efficiency within the company's business, and broader areas of sustainability with related stakeholders. Deep Green as a whole includes key initiatives involving DiGi's network, information technology (IT) systems, building and facilities, fleet and initiatives with employees, customers, partners, and the community.

Speaking about the programme at the launch event, Dennelind said, "This competition is one of the ways we are engaging with the community as part of our overall Deep Green commitment. It is a positive step forward to challenge young Malaysians to drive the new, green economy.

"We know the impact that the ICT industry has on carbon emissions, based on our high and increasing dependency on energy. Our Deep Green programme helps us deal with this reality in a positive way, doing things which are good for our business, good for managing our energy costs in coming years, and of course good for the environment."

"Through Challenge for Change, we hope to work with bright, young students from our Malaysian universities, to challenge them to think about new energy solutions, but also provide them with meaningful and insightful guidance on doing so," he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, YB Datuk Nor. Azmal Mohd Nasir said in launching the programme, that it is important for universities to play a role in accelerating knowledge in green technology. "It is apt that a project on green technology connects with a segment of bright, young Malaysians to seek new ideas and approaches on this important issue."

"This is in line with the concept of 1Malaysia which seeks to bring together not only national unity, but in this instance the unity of diverse disciplines of academia, the private and the public sector in the pursuit of excellence in science and green technology," he added.

Challenge for Change
Challenge for Change consists of three (3) phases:

  • Phase 1: Discover, 15 entries focusing on energy efficiency solutions for the mobile telecommunications industry were received from participating universities. Five (5) teams were then selected by a panel of judges to move on to the next phase of the challenge.
  • Phase 2: Develop, the five (5) finalist teams will each be provided with RM5,000 in seed funding, mentoring by DiGi employees and access to relevant partners and industry experts to develop their projects. They will also attend a Development Boot Camp where they will immerse themselves in a variety of issues to help them complete the challenge.
  • Phase 3: Display, finalists will showcase their final projects to the judging panel, highlighting technical and socio-economic benefits of their projects.

TNB Research, Ericsson, Energy Commission, Pusat Tenaga Malaysia and Intel are DiGi's program collaborators in the Challenge for Change. They have assisted as judges of the competition and will be partnering with DiGi in relation to knowledge exchange opportunities for the finalists.

As well as the seed funding, the final winning team(s) will be eligible for cash prizes to the sum of RM70,000, and a study trip as well as the opportunity for management trainee positions with DiGi and the other Challenge for Change program collaborators. The total investment for Challenge for Change will be in the range of RM 1 million.

DiGi is prepared to spend up to RM 100 million over the course of the next three years on initiatives that will support the companies Deep Green agenda.

 

About DiGi
Established in 1995, DiGi is listed on Bursa Malaysia and is part of the global telecommunications provider, Telenor Group. As the first telco to operate a fully digital mobile network in Malaysia, DiGi focuses on delivering excellent customer experience that are simple, innovative and of best value through DiGi Prepaid, DiGi Postpaid and DiGi Business. Customers can now also enjoy a fresh broadband experience with the launch of DiGi's 3G broadband services. Through its corporate initiative, Deep Green, DiGi is committed to a sustainable business that is fiscally and ecologically responsible to all stakeholders.


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Corporate Communications Department.