COME on fair ladies, wherefore art thou? Cometh the hour, cometh the woman. You did not, so it was left to me to carry the flag for the sisterhood of the techie troop.
Why am I all emotional? During the weekend, I had volunteered to represent my superior who had graciously asked me to deputise for him to attend the Google Developer Group Devfest 2013. He was otherwise occupied so sent me with the intention of enabling me, the one female staff member on his team to pick up a pointer or two in redesigning Astro AWANI's website and application.
When I arrived at the event venue at the Cyberview Resort and Spa, registration had already begun. Scanning the crowd, I found that I was one of the very few women attending this conference. Google is never now, and never can be accused of any gender bias – so where are all the women developers?
I wondered why my fellows did not come out that day. Are they not successful? Are they not interested in this field? Is there no motivation for women to get into web/app development? I was motivated to stay until the end with the thought: “I'm getting out of here with something and not leaving until I get it”.
For those unfamiliar with this event, it is basically a knowledge sharing session with the community on the latest Google Developer technologies held worldwide every year. It is also a platform for all developers out there to share their ideas. For Malaysia, this is the fourth time GDG Devfest is being held.
The number of participants for the current GDG Devfest 2013 held in Cyberjaya on the 10th November was astonishing. From all range of age groups and backgrounds, everyone came together under one roof with a sole purpose : to gain some insight on the advancements in the world of Google development.
The opening speech by Sebastian Trzcinski-Clement, Senior Program Manager, Google touched on the wide range of Google Developer API. With the many libraries that these APIs have to offer, you can do anything from designing your own player interface for YouTube to promoting your new restaurant with the Google Maps API.
The conference was split into two tracks, Track 1 and Track 2. Track 1 covered more on Android and Arduino development. Want to control your fan with just a tap of your phone? Then these sessions help participants understand the mechanism behind it.
Corey Scott from Sage42 Apps spoke, Yap Wen Jiun, Android Developer for CodeAndroid Malaysia added his insights and Taylor Ling from AndroidUIUX.com also featured. A detailed demo was also shown on how to code your Android device to integrate Arduino.
Track 2 presented more the business perspective of app development, how to start monetizing your app ideas and how to succeed in creating an app that not only has a high rate in downloads, but also its implications on the promotion of social well-being.
Bikesh Lakhmichand, CEO and founder of 1337 Ventures, pointed out the three motivations in creating a successful app: the idea, the people, and the money. One of the key points highlighted during the presentations was the popularity of 'to do' apps recently in the Google Play Store. One may have an app idea which is similar to 100,000 other people in the world. But has any one of those 100,000 people actually built the app? And if yes, how can one improve that existing app?
The women developers who did show up, they shone. One of them was Tuyen Nguyen, Mobile Developer Advocate for AdMob Google and Loretta Tioiela on Angular JS for gaming development. Knowing that female developers are very rare in general, these sessions threw some light on the output of female developers out there who I certainly will try to emulate.
This is the place for both developers and also entrepreneurs who are looking to increase their technical knowledge as well as to learn the baby steps needed in actualizing really awesome app ideas.
According to the coordinator of the GDG Devfest 2013, Nazrul Kamaruddin, the number of participants has increased more than the previous year and expected to increase in the following years. When asked about future plans for GDG Devfest, Nazrul hopes to introduce something new every year. A final message from Nazrul to all developers out there is: "Always be open, be transparent, share your knowledge, and have fun."
I'dlike to add: hey sistas; come out of your shell yo!
Can't wait for next year's event.
Sarah Khalida
Mon Nov 18 2013
Google Cloud Platform, Google, Android, Chrome and HTML5 were some of the topics discussed during the recent GDG Devfest Kuala Lumpur 2013.
China's PCT international patent applications top world for 5 consecutive years: WIPO chief
China has become the country with the most international patent applications, according to AIPPI President Shoichi Okuyama.
Charles Leclerc wins US Grand Prix; Max Verstappen 3rd after Norris penalty
Charles Leclerc also won the Monaco Grand Prix and Italian Grand Prix this year and sits third in the driver standings.
Australia's Qantas told to pay $114,000 to 3 sacked workers in landmark outsourcing case
Qantas claims the sackings were warranted as a cost-cutting measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After Sinwar's death, Israel aims to lock in strategic gains before US election
Israeli leaders are seeking to reshape regional landscape in Israel's favour and shield its borders from any future attacks, sources said.
Netanyahu told Trump Israel will make decisions based on its interests, PM's office says
Israel is pondering its military reaction to recent Iranian missile strikes.
Ringgit extends positive momentum to open higher against US dollar
The ringgit traded higher against the US Dollar in today's early session, driven by continued buying interest towards the local currency.
BHP faces $47 billion UK lawsuit over Brazilian dam collapse
More than 600,000 Brazilians, 46 local governments, and around 2,000 businesses are suing BHP over the collapse of the dam.
Trump hands out french fries in Pennsylvania, Harris visits Georgia churches
Both candidates were scrambling for votes in the most competitive states.
Brazil's Lula cancels BRICS trip after minor brain hemorrhage from fall
Lula "was advised to avoid long-distance air travel but is otherwise able to carry out his regular duties."
Lebanese flee as blasts hit Beirut, Israel warns of strikes on Hezbollah finance arm
On Sunday Israel said it hit Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters and an underground weapons workshop in Beirut.
87 people killed or missing in northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya, health ministry says
A total of 87 people were killed or missing under the rubble after an Israeli attack on Saturday on northern Gaza's town of Beit Lahiya.
Hundreds of colonists storm Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli protection
Hundreds of Israeli colonists stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday morning during the fourth day of the Jewish Sukkot festival.
ANALYSIS - What could happen if Trump rejects the US election results
If Trump seems to be losing, the delay could let him claim fraud and undermine confidence in election officials.
Motorcycling - Marquez wins Australian MotoGP after intense battle with Martin
The 31-year-old, third in the championship standings, has now won the Australian MotoGP four times in the premier class.
Prabowo takes up Indonesian presidency, vows to tackle corruption, other issues
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto on Sunday took over as president of the world's third-largest democracy, vowing to combat internal issues
Nepal's Sherpas deserve more, says teenager who scaled world's 14 tallest peaks
Sherpas are known for climbing skills that make them the backbone of mountain expeditions.
Inside the underground lab in China tasked with solving a physics mystery
China will soon collect neutrino data, aiming to unravel one of particle physics' biggest mysteries.
Millions in Cuba still without power as major outage persists
Millions of Cubans remain without electricity because of a prolonged outage at the main power plants on the island, Anadolu Agency reported.
Surge in Gaza violence increases famine risk, monitor says
About 1.84 million people across the besieged Palestinian enclave are living through high levels of acute food insecurity.
Israel pounds Beirut and Gaza after rockets hit Israel's north
A drone was launched at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's holiday home.