Professional Digital Learning for Young Talent

As digital literacy became increasingly essential, many young people are dreaming of growing into professionals in the field of digital technology. Samsung Electronics operates Samsung Innovation Campus in 33 countries worldwide to provide educational programs to support undergraduates and unemployed youth build their skills in digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data, programming and other critical skills. Additionally, in Korea, programs like Samsung SW Academy for Youth (SSAFY) and Junior SW Academy are available to support young people in becoming digital experts. Let’s take a trip around the globe where Samsung is making dreams come true. Bon voyage!

Strengthening Employment Capabilities of youth in South Africa

First stop – South Africa. Samsung Innovation Campus is a key stepping-stone for professional growth in South Africa, to help African youth learn digital skills and grow into experts. In collaboration with Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Samsung aims to curb unemployment rate in Africa.

25 African students who studied AI at Samsung Innovation Campus this year have successfully completed the program. They expressed heartfelt gratitude for the meaningful experience, reflecting on various technical skills they acquired and the practical experiences they gained.

Somila Mdletshe, one of the Samsung Innovation Campus graduates, said, “Exploring AI has been profoundly impactful, providing me with essential skills and invaluable insights that I am excited to apply in the future,” adding, “With this program, I’ve embarked on a journey of learning, growth, and discovery.” Tshililo Mungoni shared her story: “My journey at Samsung Innovation Campus has been transformative, equipping me with AI & data analysis skills.” She went on saying, “We had hands-on and practical experience based on real-world scenarios.”

Dr Thobekani Lose at WSU said, "Samsung Innovation Campus not only provides youth with AI technology knowledge but also trains them to apply it in real-world situations. Through Samsung Innovation Campus, students will be able to achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society as a whole."

Nurturing Young Minds in Indonesia

Next stop is Indonesia – where Samsung Innovation Campus provides the country’s youth with a hybrid-learning program in coding & programming, IoT, and AI. Year after year, more students show a growing interest and participate in the course. Out of approximately 7,000 registered students, a total of 504 participants (126 teams) were selected and given the opportunity to participate in the ‘AI Product Development Bootcamp.’ After participants received 140 hours of AI training, students directly applied AI on their IoT products while improving their technological capabilities.

A ceremony was held to award top teams based on the solutions submitted by students who had completed various training courses. The final champion was the team from Bina Nusantara University in Indonesia, who showcased an ‘AI and IoT based Drowsiness Detection System for Drivers’, which monitors the driver’s alertness using innovative technologies, and provides warnings in risky conditions to prevent potential accidents. In addition, other ideas and solutions presented by participating students, such as idea for improving driving safety, and Smart Glass solution to assist visually impaired individuals, were also highly praised.

Participants of Samsung Innovation Campus in Indonesia shared that overcoming various challenges under the guidance of industry expert mentors was a meaningful experience. They expressed their desire to use the skills they have learned to make a positive impact on society in the future.

Enhancing Digital Expertise of youth in South Korea

Out last stop of the day – South Korea. Samsung SW Academy for Youth (SSAFY) and Junior SW Academy are education programs held in Korea, providing theoretical and practical training to help young software developers hone their skills and grow professionally.

SSAFY is Samsung Electronics' flagship youth education CSR program aimed at expanding the Korean IT ecosystem and enhancing youth employment competitiveness. Since its launch in December 2018, approximately 6,900 individuals have graduated, with around 5,748, or 83%, successfully securing employment.

In January of this year, the 11th cohort of SSAFY began. A total of 1,150 students across five campuses (Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Gumi, Busan/Ulsan/South Gyeongsang Province) underwent intensive software training, collaborative projects, and more, with 8 hours of daily study for a total of 1,600 hours over the course of a year to enhance their development skills.

Jinseok Ok, this year’s SSAFY participant who majored in Fisheries Business Administration, decided to shift his career to data analysis. He said, “Since I had never studied coding before, it was challenging to keep up with the intensive training, but with SSAFY, I was able to go beyond what I ever imagined.” He added, “I’m looking forward to working as a developer based on what I have learned so far.“

Saekyung Cheon, a former nursing school student, decided to join SSAFY after working as a nurse at a university hospital and wanting to create more efficient hospital programs. She explained how she discovered her ambition: “When I first joined SSAFY, I was unsure and felt scared, but as I went through the training process, I gained confidence. I hope to continue developing and grow into a skilled developer.”

References

• Samsung Electronics Newsroom (South Africa), Second Cohort of Students Graduate from WSU-Samsung Innovation Campus
• Samsung Electronics Newsroom (Indonesia), At Samsung Innovation Campus, Students Develop IoT and AI-Based Solutions
• Samsung Electronics Newsroomss, SSAFY “A Shining Growth Story Toward the Dream of Becoming a Developer' CSR Field Documentary Released"