By Warren Valdez
DAVAO CITY - Four students of the University of the Philippines (UP)-Mindanao were selected to participate in the 2020 Alibaba Global E-Commerce Talent (GET) Global Challenge launched by the Alibaba Business School.
In a statement on Friday, the Communication and Media Arts program of UP-Mindanao announced that second year Communication and Media Arts students Cyndi Roselle Bustillo, Aladin Intoy Jr., Kristine Ghale Panes, Renz Carl Ybañez, and a second year BS Computer Science student, Jayken Coton won the national qualification to participate in Alibaba’s GET global challenge themed as Digital Solutions during COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019).
The statement bared that their proposal was chosen from more than 250 entries sent worldwide, and was selected to be part of the 60 finalists to proceed in the next phase of the competition.
“Their proposal named ‘Flexeet’ pushes for the development of a free, safe, and reliable work marketplace where people can showcase their skills and talents through video documentation of their work,” it said.
In a text message, one of second year students, Mr. Ybañez clarified that they were chosen “as one of the 60 entries in the Philippine leg of the competition to undergo online training sessions and are set to compete with other teams in the country.
“Hence, we are not yet representing the country in the worldwide competition,” he said.
Meanwhile, based on Alibaba’s website, the GET Challenge aims to develop digital solutions for businesses, individuals, and institutions “impacted by the epidemic,” which would include more than 10 participating countries composing of more than 100 teams throughout a four-round selection.
“It’s more than a competition. It’s a full package journey,” it said.
Throughout the competition period, the GET network will offer participating teams with live-streaming sharing and training sessions, as well as reference kit of the latest case studies.
Individualized one-on-one coaching before the global final will also be offered to the final participants. The global final of the completion is set to be held on August 25.
A cash reward, a trip to Alibaba headquaraters and admission into Alibaba GET Talent Bank await the winning participants.