PRESS RELEASE – CLOSING
FOR RELEASE BY 8 OCTOBER 2010
MAMPU Sets Longest OSS Programming Event Record
The 36-Hour Web Application Development Contest energises team spirit to bring out the inherent strengths of OSS to spur creativity and innovation to the hilt.
KAJANG, MALAYSIA, Oct 8. MAMPU, together with 16 teams comprising 48 contestants, has successfully set a new record, endorsed by the Malaysia Book of Records, for conducting the longest OSS programming contest. This contest spanned 36 continuous hours within the confines of the Main Hall, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Institute, Kajang.
It was a moment of joy when the Founder of Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR), Datuk Danny Ooi officially acknowledged this impressive and record-breaking milestone in his speech during a signing ceremony on Oct 8 to endorse the 36-Hour WebDev Programming Contest as the “Longest OSS Programming Event”.
During the signing ceremony, a certificate endorsing the record was presented by MBOR's Founder to Director General of MAMPU, YBhg Dato' Mohamad Zabidi Bin Zainal. This event was officially witnessed by Minister YB. Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).
This gruelling yet rewarding contest saw sixteen teams of three developers each spend 36 consecutive hours developing a web application on “Office Information System”. All 48 contestants were enshrined with honour in Malaysia's 2010 Book of Records as the record makers.
The contest was officiated by Director General of MAMPU before kicking off at 10.00 p.m on 6 October 2010 and was officially closed by Minister YB. Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) at 10.00 a.m on Oct 8.
The contest is classified into 3 contest categories, namely Government agencies, students and open. The winning team in each contest category will be awarded RM1,500, with the runner-up team receiving RM600. Among the 3 winners, the Best-of-the-Best will receive a bonus award of RM8,500, bringing total winnings for the overall team to RM10,000.
This contest is a major event of Malaysia's premier annual OSS conference, MyGOSSCON 2010, which is scheduled to be held at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on 2-3 November. All contest winners will be announced and will receive their prizes from the Deputy Prime Minister, Y.A.B Tan Sri Datuk Muhiddyin Yassin during the Opening ceremony on 2 November.
This record-making contest was organised by MAMPU to motivate and enhance programming skills, creativity and innovation and to accelerate the growth of local OSS developer communities to build a talent pool of critical skills and expertise for National transformation.
MAMPU strongly believes that this meaningful contest has not only instilled team spirit but also stimulated the inherent energy of OSS that can be leveraged to spur creativity and innovation, which is the key to National transformation. It is the OSS features such as the availability of source code and collaborative development model that present excellent opportunities for learning, experimenting and innovating.
In addition to the 36-Hour OSS WebDev Contest, other highlights of MyGOSSCON 2010 are OpenOffice.org School Competition, Public Sector OSS Case Study, plenaries, tracks and tutorials, OSS Showcase Exhibition with more than 60 booths, Birds of a Feather (BOF) Cocktail, Lightning Talks and OSCC MAMPU new products launch.
About MyGOSSCON
The Malaysian Government Open Source Software Conference (MyGOSSCON) is an event held to support Phase II -Accelerated Adoption of the Malaysian Public Sector OSS Master Plan. This popular event is back again for its fourth consecutive year to highlight the latest trends in OSS following the successes of the last three MyGOSSCON events in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
About Malaysian Administrative Modernisation And Management Planning Unit (MAMPU)
MAMPU, as a key member agency of the Prime Minister's Department, is responsible for implementing modernisation strategies for the Public Sector. MAMPU focuses on initiatives that will upgrade the quality, efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of Malaysian public service. MAMPU advises the Government in the area of management, acts as the central agency for ICT development and automation as well as ICT policy formulation. The OSS Programme for the Public Sector is one such ICT policy, which originated from a Cabinet decision, and is led by MAMPU.
All these initiatives encompass the areas of quality acculturation, organisational development, management integrity, ICT development, and enhancing the relationship between public and private sectors.
For More Information
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Y.B. Dato' Mohamad Zabidi bin Zainal, Director General of MAMPU, please call Madam Tan King Ing at [number remove] or email at tankinging@mampu.gov.my.
