Hackathons, which in their infancy were closely associated with the technology start-up culture, have quickly moved into the mainstream world of business as organisations of all sizes across the gamut of industry sectors compete to recruit digital tech talent, come up with innovative ideas and create new products.
While hackathons have become a popular way for companies to develop new apps or solve problems, they have also evolved into networking venues for jobseekers and events where employers can search for talent.
Given a brief by the organisers to solve realistic challenges in either the insurance or media sectors, Classified Post Hackathon participants, working in teams, will be able to demonstrate ways to improve key business performance indicators, enhance efficiency or cost effectiveness. The hackathon will provide a unique opportunity for Hong Kong undergraduate students or graduates with a maximum of two years’ work experience to apply creative problem solving solutions to challenges in the media and insurance sectors. Regardless of whether a project wins, participants have the satisfaction knowing they have created something new and potentially useful.
Mildred AuYeung, group director, human resources, South China Morning Post Publishers, says the Classified Post Hackathon is a great opportunity for young people to test their capacity of working under pressure, learning to solve problems fast and focus on what’s really important. “Taking part in the Classified Post Hackathon will give students the opportunity to boost their CVs, to network with fellow students, meet with industry leaders and gain real-life experience of pitching ideas,” AuYeung explains. At the same time, hackathon participants will also have the opportunity to pick up fresh ideas by working with people with multiple interests and skills.
She also says the hackathon will serve as a platform for corporate sponsors to identify “shining stars” among participants.
The judging panel includes business and technology experts from the South China Morning Post, HKSTP, specialist recruitment firm Peoplebank and the insurance giant, AIA.
As the SCMP progressively transforms into a digital media publishing company, AuYeung, says the Hackathon ties in with its mission to lead the global conversation about China through online digital channels. “As the SCMP breaks news from the mainland globally, digitisation is at the forefront of the driving force, which complements the theme of the hackathon,” says AuYeung.
With media chosen as one of the problem-solving focus areas, AuYeung believes the Classified Post Hackathon will provide a platform for participants to explore digital solutions and products that might be turned into viable business models. For instance, she says it will be challenging and insightful for students studying journalism, engineering, and business management or information systems to develop solutions to solve challenges relating to the SCMP newsroom and process optimisation.
In addition to the chance to win prizes, at the Classified Post Hackathon weekend, participants will have an opportunity to sharpen their technical and soft skills. Importantly, they will be able to add the hackathon experience to their CV, giving them extra employability. Hackathon participation on a CV can indicate to potential employers how an individual is passionate about broadening the scope of their skills and building a career in solving digital pain-points.
Because Classified Post Hackathon participants represent a diverse range of skills, AuYeung believes the event will generate a number of useful innovative ideas and prototypes.
“We expect to meet with young people who are digital-savvy, analytical, possess good research skills and able to see through the challenge and come up with creative ideas,” she says.
