It is the second time CSU students have won the prestigious technology award, with six students taking out the top honours in the 2002 competition.

This year, Chong Guan Na, Tian Long Lai, Yelly Juhady, Boon Yong Tan, Joe Ee Chan and Teck Huat Tan, CSU students who study through the HELP Institute in Kuala Lumpur blitzed a highly competitive field to take out first and second prize.

The winners were announced at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Monday 7 July.

Entrants were encouraged to develop user-friendly mobile Internet applications with “strong” models that benefit the developer, service provider and consumer.

Na, Lai and Juhady, who claimed first prize, created a multimedia messaging system for General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and third generation (3G) phones, which would enable users to buy gifts via their handpiece and allow for advertising, with special offers available instantly. A security system for electronic card use is also included.

Meanwhile, Tan, Chan and Tan created an integrated order system, from Short Message Service (SMS) to the Internet that would allow consumers to order pizzas and other such products via their phone. It would also enable retail outlets to automatically respond to orders and provide special offers. 

“This win is phenomenal - these students stand out as innovators in this new communications industry. The students also came up against much stronger teams this year,” said CSU School of Information Studies lecturer, Anthony Chan.

“The award gives recognition to local talent who develop inspired applications – the announcement is a fantastic honour for the University.”

Competition entrants were expected to develop models that require no manual, no difficult start-up procedures, an access time of two seconds and an application that would take no more than three clicks to reach the content selected by the user.