Prince of Songkla University (PSU), in cooperation with the Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA) will host the global computer programming ACM-ICPC World Finals 2016 in Phuket between 15-20 May 2016, to develop the skills of Thai IT professionals and inspire the young Thai generation. In a press conference held on March 30, 2015 at the Radisson Blu Plaza, Bangkok,

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chusak Limsakul, PSU President, said the University is pleased and honored to host the 40th ACM-ICPC World Finals Competition in 2016, an international competition event involving higher education in computer programming. PSU has organized this event both on the local and on the regional levels since 2009. Attendees regularly come from leading universities in several Asian countries, including China, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South-Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

The event Commission has recognized the potential of Prince of Songkla University and the availability of the stunning hotels and attractions in Phuket province, awarding the honor of hosting the World Finals to PSU next year.

Gen. Sophon Wekkawakyanon, Academic Committee Acting Director of the Software Industry Promotion Agency (Public Organization), said Thailand IT professionals with the skills and potential to be accepted in the international market are considered a valuable resource to drive the Thai software industry. The computer programming competition ACM-ICPC is an activity that SIPA has been supporting continuously for the last 6 years to encourage the Thai students’ talent, and to provide opportunities to exchange knowledge and experience among participants and experts from all over the world. The event also serves as an opportunity to leverage the skills and inspiration of students and Thailand software developers.

Dr. Prajaed Aksornthamkul, Head of Phuket Provincial Governor's Office, as a representative of the Phuket provincial governor, said Phuket aimed to encourage IT leaders in the ASEAN region, and is willing to promote the activities in both the public and private sector and academia, with the sincere hope that this event will be a success and be a representative of Phuket and Thailand.

Participants of ACM-ICPC World Finals 2016 will be joined by contestants and coaches representing the university finals of the event, about 130 teams from around the region, the continent's leading universities around the world, staff and judges, along with foreign media, totaling about 1,300 people.

The opening ceremony will be held at the Arena Theatre, Phuket FantaSea, while Stone Bridge, Phuket will be the venue for competition. The chosen venues are expected to make a big impression on the participants and enhance the reputation of Thailand and Phuket in the fields of education and computer technology. The event is also expected to promote tourism and provide a boost to the economy.

For more information, please contact Mr. Amarin Deemakarn and Mr. Saksun Suwanmanee, coordinators of the ACM-ICPC World Finals 2016 competition, at the Department of Computer Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus. 80 Vichitsongkram Road. Kathu, Phuket, 83120.

Tel: +66 (0) 76 276197, fax: +66 (0) 76 276453

E-mail: amarin@coe.phuket.psu.ac.th, sseksun@coe.psu.ac.th