Codinsanity: Trend Micro opens programming contest

MANILA, Philippines - Trend Micro Inc., a global leader in cloud security, is ready to set ablaze trails to the future of big data optimization, encouraging young, talented individuals to join its annual competition — the Trend Micro Codinsanity 2014 Asia-Pacific Programming Contest. 

Building on last year’s success with two finalist teams representing the Philippines, Trend Micro Codinsanity 2014 challenges again aspiring programmers and for the first time working professionals to creatively solve algorithmic challenges in big data.

Today’s mobile, social and collaborative lifestyles have transformed the way people use technology at home, work, and everywhere else. With the rise of big data — the term used for a large collection of data that is complex for basic database management tools to process — the challenge to secure devices, personal information, and business data has become even more complex.

Whether it is optimizing existing algorithms or formulating new ones, the Trend Micro programming contest provides the ideal testing ground for contestants to push their mind’s boundaries, exploring solutions to better link data sets, refining recommendation engines or adding intelligence to existing processes.

In line with this, the contest provides a platform to showcase innovative applications with market potential and positive social impact.

“Our annual programming contest brings together like-minded individuals with the same passion to solve real-world problems in big data which will form the basis of innovation, productivity and competition,” said Jenny Chang, Trend Micro chief culture officer and co-founder.

“By working with students and working professionals, we gain unique perspectives and new ideas that can help us approach and tackle challenges differently. We are excited about the outcomes of this year’s contest and we welcome students and software programming talents to take part in the contest,” Chang added.

To help contestants prepare for the Trend Micro Codinsanity 2014 Asia Pacific Programming Contest, the company is offering optional coaching services to participating teams from the time of registration to the finals. All coaches are Trend Micro experts based in China, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines.

The winning team of the Trend Micro Asia-Pacific programming contest will not only receive a cash prize of $20,000, but will also undergo an exclusive two-month student internship program with the company. The first runner-up, second runner-up and finalist teams will receive $10,000, $6,000 and $2,000, respectively.

Chang said, “At Trend Micro, we are committed to fostering and grooming the next generation of software programming talents. These young talents are the linchpins of our industry and will help drive innovation, continue Trend Micro’s legacy as the threat defense and cloud security expert, and achieve our vision of making the world a safe enough place to exchange digital information.”

The format of this year’s contest comprises two stages, beginning with an online test and ending with onsite finals held in Taiwan. The programming languages for the contest are C/C++ and Java.

Participating teams will be scored based on  three key criteria — accuracy, performance and speed — for the online test. Consequently, the 10 highest-scoring teams will embark on an all-expense paid trip to Taiwan where they will go against one another in the finals and be judged with the following criteria: creativity, completeness of solution, technicality and presentation.

The registration for Trend Micro Codinsanity 2014 Asia-Pacific Programming Contest is now open for undergraduates and young professionals in the Philippines. For more information on the contest, visit http://contest.trendmicro.com/2014/.