KASERTSART SET TO OPEN MOBILE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

The huge growth of mobile devices, especially smart phones and tablet devices, are expected to create a lot of room for mobile applications and software and that means great opportunity for Thai software developers and the software industry, the head of the Department of Computer Engineering at Kasetsart University, Putchong Uthayopas, said. 

According to Nielsen’s “State of the Media: The Mobile Media Report”, the majority of smart-phone owners – about 62 per cent – have downloaded apps on their devices, and games were the top application category in the past 30 days. Currently, 87 per cent of app downloaders have used deal-of-the day websites, like Groupon or Living Social. 

Meanwhile, according to Canalys, app store direct revenue from the sale of apps, in-app purchases and subscriptions across smart phones and pads combined will hit US$14.1 billion (Bt43 billion) by 2012, up 92 per cent from an expected $7.3 billion in 2011, and will reach $36.7 billion by 2015.

“Mobile applications are the future for developers and we want to be a part to help encourage more numbers of Thai mobile developers,” said Putchong.

The centre is scheduled to officially open by late this month. It is expected to be a role model for other universities to set up facilities for their students to develop mobile applications and software.

“We invested about Bt1 million to build the centre, equipped with facilities like hi-speed Internet connection, computer, and mobile devices both smart phones and tablet across platforms,” said Putchong.

Project head Anan Phonphoem said the centre focuses on three mobile platforms – iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. The centre’s main service is to provide facilities, including space, computers and mobile devices like smart phones and tablets, to Kasetsart University’s computer engineering students. 

“We set up this as a value-added service for our students. We are not including it as a part of the main course. Our engineering students, almost 500 students totally, who are interested in mobile development can come to the centre to use our facilities to develop their ideas into real applications,” said Anan. 

Students skilled in mobile application development can use the centre to be their workshop to develop mobile apps and then commercialise the app. 

Putchong added that it aims to encourage about 70 to 80 per cent of the 500 students to be empowered with mobile development skills and be ready to enter the industry as entrepreneurs. The centre aims to not only provide facilities and tools but also training courses in technology and business matters. 

“We will work with the industry to join hands in bringing knowledge of technology and business knowhow to our students as well,” said Putchong.