Usama Hameed Awan
Shenzhen, China: The Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 Global Final concluded with resounding success, spotlighting exceptional talent from around the world. This year’s grand finale, hosted at Huawei’s headquarters in Shenzhen, marked the culmination of an event that attracted over 170,000 students from more than 2,000 universities and colleges across 80 countries and regions. Among them, Pakistan’s team Groc-POS emerged victorious, claiming the prestigious Grand Prize in the Innovation Competition.
The Huawei ICT Competition, now in its 8th edition, stands as a hallmark event organized by Huawei to foster a robust digital economy worldwide. It focuses on emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, big data, Huawei Cloud, and HarmonyOS, serving as a platform to assess students’ innovation, entrepreneurship, and teamwork capabilities. This year’s competition drew participation from more than 170,000 students globally, highlighting its growing significance in the tech industry’s educational landscape.
The competition progressed through national and regional stages, with 27 teams from 16 countries and regions ultimately qualifying for the global final. Representing diverse backgrounds and technological expertise, these teams showcased their innovative solutions and strategic insights across a range of challenges posed by the competition.
Reflecting on the importance of accessibility in digital technologies, Zhou Hong, President of Huawei’s Institute of Strategic Research, said: “To make sure everyone can truly enjoy the benefits of digitalization while such technologies are making radical progress, Huawei believes it is crucial to guarantee that digital technologies are accessible to all.”
The Groc-POS team from Pakistan, comprised of Usama Hameed Awan, Hamza Rehan, Abdullah Khalid, and their project supervisor Miss Sidra Khalid from the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences FAST Islamabad Campus, distinguished themselves with their groundbreaking project. Their innovation, titled “Groc-POS: A Vision powered retail solution ” aimed to revolutionize the retail industry by optimizing inventory management, enhancing customer engagement, and improving operational efficiency through advanced technologies. Their project not only demonstrated technical excellence but also practical application, which resonated strongly with the competition’s judges and audience.
Before their journey to Shenzhen for the global final, the team received crucial support and guidance from Huawei, particularly Ahmed Bilal Masud, Deputy CEO of Huawei Pakistan. His motivational speeches and strategic advice equipped the team with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of the competition. Huawei’s global platform and expertise in digital technologies played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s approach and enhancing its competitive edge on the international stage.
The Groc-POS team expressed profound gratitude towards Huawei for providing them with invaluable opportunities for international exposure and expert guidance in the field of IT. They credited Huawei for not only sponsoring their participation but also for imparting strategic insights and technical expertise that were crucial in their journey to success. The team emphasized that Huawei’s support not only enhanced their project development but also broadened their horizons in the global tech industry, underscoring Huawei’s commitment to nurturing and empowering young talent in the digital age.
Participation in the Huawei ICT Competition not only granted the Groc-POS team invaluable international exposure but also had a profound impact on their academic and professional lives. The experience enriched their university studies by allowing them to apply practical skills to theoretical concepts, and it gave them a significant advantage in job hunting as employers recognized their global achievement. This life-changing event boosted their confidence and ambition, inspiring them to push boundaries and pursue further innovations in the tech industry. The students expressed deep gratitude to Huawei for providing this transformative opportunity, acknowledging that it has opened doors and set a new trajectory for their future endeavours.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s Groc-POS team’s victory at the Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 Global Final highlights their exceptional innovation, showcasing Huawei’s commitment to fostering global talent in digital technologies. This achievement underscores the collaborative spirit and creative ingenuity shaping the future of the global digital economy.
Huawei’s impact transcends competitions like the ICT Competition, deeply influencing the global tech industry with its steadfast dedication to technological advancement and innovation. By continually pushing boundaries in the telecommunications and IT sectors, Huawei sets benchmarks that drive progress and innovation across the industry.
Moreover, Huawei’s commitment to accessibility in digital technologies reflects its broader ethos of inclusivity and sustainability. Through initiatives promoting universal access to digital tools, Huawei aims to bridge the digital divide and empower communities worldwide. This approach not only enhances technological capabilities but also catalyzes social and economic development on a global scale.
In essence, Huawei’s positive contributions extend far beyond technological innovation; they embody a vision of inclusive development and global connectivity. As Huawei navigates the complexities of the digital age, its commitment to excellence and sustainability positions it as a leader in shaping the future of technology and society, striving for a more connected and equitable world.
Writer associated with National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad Campus