GDG DevFest Kota Kinabalu this November
GDG was formerly known as Google Technology User Group or GTUG, a community organically formed by Google technology enthusiasts. Google then took the initiative to rename it as GDG to show that developers matter to and to foster a community for developers who build on Google’s platforms.
GDG KK is the second GDG group to be set up in Malaysia after GDG Kuala Lumpur (GDG KL), we have the chance to get a short interview with GDG KK Manager, Lorna Timbah.
BC: First of all, tell us the purpose behind setting up Google Developers Group (GDG) here in Kota Kinabalu.
Lorna: I wanted to find an avenue where developers can get together to discuss tools and technology on a purely technical level, and leverage on Google’s free and affordable solutions such as Android SDK, Maps, YouTube, App Engine and so forth.
I found that many developers here in KK are interested in moving into mobile development, and we already have a huge number of web developers on different platforms who are looking for a localised, cohesive way of sharing their ideas.
BC: Before this are there any other groups that have that works like GDG KK? In terms of getting together developers to discuss relevant topics and share ideas?
Lorna: In KK, we have WebCamp KK which used to run technical discussions, but later on re-shifted their focus on inspiring ideas and experiences by our local community here in KK.
There are also open-source groups like Sabah Open Source Group (SOSG), which focuses not only on development matter to them and also on the usage and application of open source tool like Ubuntu. So, us developers are back to square one in terms of looking for a developer community.
BC: Tell us about GDG DevFest Kota Kinabalu that will be happening this November.
Lorna: GDG DevFest is different from the regular GDG meetups in that it brings together developers and presents Google APIs and tools in a creative and innovative way than what is possible beyond typical Google products.
This event will mark the first ever Google DevFest to be held in Kota Kinabalu, endorsed by Google and also sponsored by the Sabah State Government in conjunction with Sabah ICT Month 2013. We also have the Google Student Ambassador (GSA) team from UiTM Sabah to collaborate on this event.
Attendance requires a free registration and is limited to 100 participants. Please check out our official community page on Google+ and GDG DevFest Kota Kinabalu event page for the latest updates on the event and also upcoming GDG KK meetups.
BC: Last question, what would like to see in GDG KK in the future?
I would like to see GDG build a strong and bold group of developers who aren’t afraid of pushing our technology into innovating solutions that have huge applications and implications to how we do things and how we live.
Just turn things that seems mundane or complicated, to something exciting and simple. Solutions that would just blow your mind and say to yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that before?”
- BorneoColours
*12/09/2013: Updated event date to November 16, re-scheduled to the 16th of November 2013 (the week after) as approved by both sponsors (Google & Sabah State Government).
Disclaimer
You are free to comment on this article using a valid Facebook account.
Comments (1)