Danial Norjidi
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat has announced that registration is now open for the annual APEC App Challenge, a region-wide coding competition.
In a press statement, the APEC Secretariat shared that the APEC App Challenge is inviting talented software developers and designers from across the APEC region to digitally enable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and other groups with untapped economic potential and encourage participation in global trade.
A joint initiative of United States (US) APEC 2023 and the APEC Secretariat with support from the Asia Foundation and Google, the competition challenges participating teams to build an online tool, platform, mobile site, or app that will help engage MSMEs and other groups with untapped economic potential, and benefit in global digitally enabled trade.
According to information from the organisers, “Solutions should aim to support micro and small businesses, particularly from the following groups: MSMEs, women, minorities, and other groups with untapped economic potential, such as Indigenous Peoples as appropriate, people with disabilities, and those from remote and rural communities.”
The press statement noted that in most APEC economies, over 98 per cent of enterprises are considered to be small businesses which contribute to 60 per cent of total employment.
It also shared that a APEC Policy Support Unit report showed that less than two per cent of all small businesses export goods and most of these businesses are in the services sector.
According to the APEC website, the theme for the 2023 APEC App Challenge is ‘How can we help MSMEs and other groups with untapped economic potential participate in global digitally-enabled trade and the international marketplace?’
“The Internet and digital tools have created new opportunities to build a more inclusive global trade landscape. Digitally-enabled trade significantly reduces the cost of internationalisation, allowing MSMEs and traditionally underrepresented communities such as women, minorities, and other groups with untapped economic potential, such as Indigenous Peoples as appropriate, people with disabilities, and those from remote and rural communities, to connect with global customers and expand beyond their home markets.”
The organisers highlighted that this year’s APEC App Challenge is in line with the 2023 APEC theme of ‘Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All’ and aims to enable MSMEs and other groups with untapped economic potential to seize the unprecedented opportunity to participate in global digitally-enabled trade.
“Digital tools and technology can mitigate trade barriers. By equipping small businesses with digital tools and knowledge, they can fully engage and benefit from digital trade,” said the organisers.
“There are more than 150 million MSMEs in APEC economies, representing around two-thirds of the total job market in the region. They typically contribute between 40 to 60 per cent of APEC economies’ GDP. Studies have shown that digital tools can reduce the cost of exporting for small businesses in the Asia-Pacific region by up to 82 per cent and reduce the time taken in exporting by up to 29 per cent.”
This year’s app challenge will be a hybrid coding event that will include a virtual portion for all participants and an in-person component for selected finalists, the press statement explained.
It was shared that teams with the most compelling application will continue developing their solution through an in-person pitching event in Seattle, Washington, US in August, during the 3rd APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings. The winners will be announced at the upcoming APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting, with cash prizes for winners.
The statement also said that applicants should form teams comprising two to four members representing the same APEC economy. There is no limit to the total number of teams from any one economy.
APEC Secretariat Executive Director Dr Rebecca Sta Maria said, “The Internet and digital tools have created new opportunities to build a more inclusive global trade landscape.”
“Digitally enabled trade significantly reduces the cost of internationalisation, allowing MSMEs and other groups with untapped economic potential to connect with global customers and expand beyond their home markets,” she added.
The statement noted that, as the host of APEC 2023, the US aims to create a resilient and sustainable future for all through its three policy priorities: interconnected, innovative, and inclusive.
“One of our priorities this year is to ensure that economic prosperity is inclusive and broad-based through the promotion of digital trade, e-commerce, and emerging technologies,” said US Senior Official for APEC Matt Murray.
