Samsung Electronics, deeply committed to social responsibility, champions impactful initiatives like Samsung Software Academy for Youth in South Korea and the globally reaching Samsung Innovation Campus. These initiatives are not merely educational endeavors, but transformative platforms aimed at arming university students and unemployed graduates with critical skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data. They lay the foundation for the professional growth and advancement of the participating individuals.

Fostering software development talents of South Korea

Samsung Software Academy for Youth (SSAFY) in South Korea reflects Samsung’s commitment to providing an immersive and comprehensive curriculum alongside hands-on training in software development.

Launched in 2018, SSAFY aims to expand the IT ecosystem and improve the employability of young individuals. The program offers education for technical digital skills like software and coding to university graduates seeking employment, spanning a two-semester, one-year program. It goes beyond traditional education by enhancing students’ employability and confidence through job consulting, employee mentoring, and job fairs, creating a tailored environment for successful employment preparation.

Sun-ah Park, a graduate from the 5th batch and current Samsung Electronics employee, initially majored in computer science but joined SSAFY to gain project experience. Applying the latest digital technologies acquired at SSAFY, she undertook multiple assignments, gaining insights into the process of transforming a project from concept to reality. “SSAFY not only taught me technologies like GIT and JIRA but also improved my communication skills through collaboration,” she shared. “The experience at SSAFY has proven invaluable in my job interviews and my current position,” she added.

Do-hyun Kim, a 6th batch graduate with a diploma in economics, secured an IT job through SSAFY. “As I wasn’t from a related major, I knew little about IT companies. The job search journey with SSAFY helped me secure more information about companies and jobs across various fields,” Kim explained.

Jin-hyun Kim from Samsung Electronics' Visual Display (VD) business, who served as an employee mentor at SSAFY, expressed, “Witnessing SSAFY trainees striving for their goals and achieving results was incredibly meaningful. It was especially rewarding to see my mentee secure a job in the same department. I hope the culture of learning and growth continues.”

Inclusive education for young university students

In India, Samsung Innovation Campus has played a role in strengthening the digital capabilities of more than 3,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds, contributing to the alleviation of the digital gap. This initiative equipped them with key technology skills vital for navigating the complex landscapes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The program’s execution, in collaboration with the Electronics Sectors Skills Council of India (ESSCI), leveraged a widespread network of approved training and education partners. Mr. Sanjay, Vice Chancellor at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University where Samsung Innovation Campus was held, stated, “We welcome Samsung Innovation Campus for its role in imparting employment-oriented future tech skills crucial in today’s digital world.”

The first AI Course for students with disabilities

In Spain, Samsung Innovation Campus collaborated with the ONCE Foundation and the University of Malaga to develop the first AI course for students with disabilities. More than 15 students from ONCE Foundation completed the course, presenting projects aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Sonia Trabado, an active participant in the winning project shared, “This course significantly bolstered my confidence in job searches. Its engaging content even motivated me to enroll in the Big Data higher education program at the Complutense University of Madrid.”

From the successful organization of hackathons to collaborative efforts in AI education for students with disabilities, Samsung’s corporate citizenship activities reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity in education and enhancing accessibility for all populations. Samsung will continue to lead positive changes, consistently supporting and empowering future generations.

Reference

• Samsung Software (SW) Academy for Youth website
• Samsung Electronics Newsroom (India), Samsung Innovation Campus Upskills 3,000 Less-Privileged Students Across India in AI, IoT, Big Data and Coding & Programming; Prepares Them For FutureTech Jobs to Drive Digital India
• Samsung Electronics Newsroom (Spain), Samsung, Fundación ONCE y la UMA entregan los diplomas de la primera edición de Samsung Innovation Campus en Inteligencia Artificial para alumnos con discapacidad