SKT’s “smart” CSR using robot game event (image: Kobizmedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, June 10 (Korea Bizwire) – In its novel attempt to draw attention to traditional markets which have seen stalling growth in terms of sales volume, SK Telecom has decided to hold a robot game competition for elementary school students at a traditional market in Incheon.
The largest mobile carrier in Korea announced that it would organize the “2014 Sin-gi Market Robot Game Competition” scheduled on June 15 at the traditional market in Incheon, some 30 kilometers west of Seoul.
The company said this will be done as part of its community outreach activities to revitalize the depressed traditional markets; SKT’s robot-themed event seems quite a smart move given that it is well known for its flagship smart robot brands including “Albert” and “Atti.”
The contest jointly prepared by Sin-gi Market and SK Telecom aims to raise children’s understanding on ICT technologies by giving the opportunities for them to toy with the cutting-edge technologies themselves. The competition will be held in three categories of robot soccer” using SK Telecom’s smart robot “Albert,” a robot obstacle race, and “Tales Runner” game competition on a smart gym board device.
South Korea’s Robotics market
Total output of Korea robotics market is USD 1,778 million, which has increased 15% compared with 2011. The Korean government aims to raise market size of Korea robot industry up to USD 19 billion by 2022, to be one of the world leading robot manufacturing countries. (source: Robot World)
Winners will be awarded with various gifts like smart robot Albert, smart gym board, and the Onnuri Gift Card, a gift certificate which can be used in traditional markets.
SKT’s robot-themed event seems quite a smart move given that it is well known for its flagship smart robot brands including “Albert.” (image: SK Telecom)
SK Telecom has led a campaign called “Happy Companionship” to strengthen the competitiveness of traditional markets by introducing ICT technologies. Falling behind in the competition against the big-box retailers, the traditional markets are facing difficulties nowadays.
The mobile telecommunications operator signed a partnership agreement with the market to help its revitalization and raise its competitiveness by providing its latest ICT solutions like My Shop and Smart Flyers, OK Cashbag, market merchants’ own membership programs and ICT experience space in the market.
The robot game competition was planned as part of the cooperation and is expected to improve the image of the traditional markets and to revitalize the market with increased foot traffic. Also, as children directly experience various cutting-edge ICT technologies, they expect educational effects by raising children’s interests in ICT.
An official of the customer service sector at SK Telecom said, “The robot game competition is a new trial for the market and children’s awareness on ICT. We will keep working for the revitalization of the traditional markets and fulfill our social responsibility.”
Written by John Choi (johnchoi@koreabizwire.com)
