The Android platform represents a disruptive technology that will potentially flatten the competitive environment in the way mobile applications are developed and brought to market. The non-discriminatory nature of ‘Open Source’ puts this cutting edge platform into the hands of a new     generation. The world is flat, and the Android platform can enable Bruneians to compete         effectively in the global ICT market.

On the 12th of November 2007, Google™ announced the Android Developer Challenge. The Challenge is designed to support the developer community and spark innovation on the Android platform by awarding cash prizes ranging from $25,000 to $275,000 to developers whose applications are picked by a panel of judges. The deadline for submissions to this first phase of the Challenge runs from the 2nd January 2008 to 3rd March 2008.

The Android platform is built on industry-standard technologies such as the Linux kernel and Sun's Java programming language. In AITI's view, skills gained and developed in using the Android platform are very marketable and transferrable skills for our local IT workforce. In line with this, AITI plans to announce a Brunei Android Developer Workshop, which is tentatively to be held in February 2008.

The Workshop will be a mix of presentations, a hands-on crash course workshop in developing Android applications, a programme of mentorship for developers and a wrap up workshop for knowledge sharing. This will be open to public. AITI plans to invite individuals from all levels of the ICT industry to attend, developers interested in learning more about the Android platform, and students who are keen to enhance their skills to attend the said workshop.

AITI hopes to collaborate with local ICT trainers. AITI can offer some assistance in developing a programme/syllabus for training related to Android/Java application development. In return, ICT trainers could assist AITI in the mentorship programme. Unfortunately, AITI has limited spots in our mentorship programme. Interested parties may download a pre-registration form below and upon completion, email it to “IT Industry Development Group” <itidg@aiti.gov.bn > for selection.

We hope to see submissions as participants or mentors from Brunei Darusslam in the Android Developer Challenge. But most of all, we hope that these initiatives stir the creative juices and inspire our local workforce. We have developed these programmes to hone skills in problem solving, Java coding and adapting to new technologies. The world is flat, and Bruneians developing with this platform can compete effectively in the global market.

Introducing Android (YouTube video)