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YTL COMMUNICATIONS REWARDS WORLD CLASS 4G INNOVATORS WITH ONE MILLION US DOLLARS

The USD$1,000,000 Global Developer Challenge Spurs Creation of Unique Applications and Devices for Use on YTL’s Nationwide 4G Mobile Internet Network in Malaysia; Establishes the Country as a Regional Centre of Excellence for 4G Mobile Internet Innovation     

LAS VEGAS, January 8, 2010 – YTL Communications Sdn Bhd, a communications provider poised to launch Malaysia’s first nationwide 4G network, today officially announces the USD$1,000,000 ‘mYprize’ Global Developer Challenge at the International CES 2010. The unique competition is designed to inspire entrepreneurs and innovators around the world to create exciting new 4G mobile Internet products and services for Malaysian deployment, and further positions the country as a regional centre of 4G excellence.

‘mYprize’ is a global competition aimed at challenging developers to create original applications and devices for YTL Communications’ nationwide 4G mobile Internet network set to be commercially launched in Malaysia later this year. YTL Communications envisions a modern broadband nation enhanced by the Internet and supports technological innovation. In 2009, it created the YTL 4G Innovation Network and opened a testing centre at Sentul Park near Kuala Lumpur that will help to make the mobile Internet a reality throughout Malaysia. 

Developers can submit their entries from Jan 8, 2010 until May 1, 2010. Ideas will be judged based on criteria such as the originality of the concept and its commercial potential. Finalists will be invited to demonstrate their products in person to a panel of expert and community judges. Winners will be announced in September 2010 and cash prizes will be awarded in multiple categories:

1.     Top Applications:  1st: USD$200,000; 2nd: USD$120,000; 3rd: USD$80,000

2.     Top 4G Devices: 1st: USD$200,000; 2nd: USD$120,000; 3rd: USD$80,000

3.     Malaysian Only Prize:  USD$120,000

4.     Top Device Idea: USD$40,000

5.     Top Application Idea: USD$40,000

Winning entries may be developed for mass deployment to customers upon launch of YTL Communications’ nationwide 4G network in Malaysia in the second half of 2010. Interested developers can go to the ‘mYprize’ portal at www.myprize.my, to learn more details, register and submit their entries online.

“We believe this exciting ‘mYprize’ Global Developer Challenge is a strategic impetus in propelling Malaysia into a truly cutting-edge incubation centre for 4G innovations,” said Wing K Lee, Chief Executive Officer of YTL Communications. “We are confident that the applications and devices will help accelerate our mission of providing affordable, world-class quality products and services that improve the way people in Malaysia learn, work and play.”

“Our YTL 4G Innovation Network expands the 4G ecosystem and enables the next wave of mobile Internet innovations by connecting the best minds across the globe in developing new consumer products via YTL’s nationwide 4G mobile Internet network,” Lee continued.

“The network is linked with the Clearwire 4G WiMAX Innovation Network in Silicon Valley, a global hotbed for innovations, and provides developers opportunities for commercialization in Malaysia and beyond. Developers are able to incubate their ideas, with support from the world leaders in mobile Internet, giving people in Malaysia a new level of mobile Internet experience with products and services optimized for a high bandwidth, low latency 4G mobile Internet.”

At the press announcement was Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, Chief Executive Officer of Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), a Malaysian Government Development Agency, driver of MSC Malaysia’s National ICT initiative.  “MSC Malaysia is excited to be witnessing this announcement of mYprize at a global landmark event at CES, as it truly shows the high level of commitment from YTL Communications in establishing a regional Center of Excellence for 4G Mobile Internet Innovation, thus also promoting and stimulating an innovative culture amongst Malaysians,” said Badlisham. He also expressed his enthusiasm that the competition will generate worldwide interest from anyone with a great idea, as this will also be a platform for Malaysia to produce entrepreneurs and to attract innovators globally.  MSC Malaysia’s presence at the event exemplified collaboration between the public and private sector (MDeC and YTL) in leapfrogging Malaysia into an innovation-led economy as envisioned by the Prime Minister.

About YTL Communications

YTL Communications is the communications arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. A subsidiary and the communications utility of YTL Power International Berhad (YTL Power International), the Company has an approval from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to operate a 2.3 GHz wireless broadband network in Malaysia and intends to use this privilege to provide affordable, world-class services that improve the lives of people across Malaysia. Financial backing from YTL Power International and technological know-how from strategic, best-in-breed partners including: Cisco, Clearwire, GCT and Samsung, will position YTL Communications as a leading player in the telecommunications industry and will lay the foundation for the roll out of a nationwide wireless broadband network in 2010. As a responsible corporate citizen, YTL Communications is committed to bridging the digital divide between the urban and rural communities, improving the quality of life, and supporting efforts to promote technological innovation. For more information, visit: www.ytlcomms.my.

About YTL Power International

YTL Power International is a utility group active across key segments of the utility industry worldwide. Headquartered in Malaysia and listed on Bursa Malaysia (market capitalization RM12.9 billion (USD$3.8 billion) as at 31 October 2009), it operates in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia and Indonesia. Its core businesses include: power generation, retail and transmission, water and sewerage services. YTL Communications represents YTL Power International’s first investment in the communications business. YTL Power International is a subsidiary of YTL Corporation Berhad (“YTL Corporation”).  For more information, visit: www.ytlpowerinternational.com.

About YTL Corporation

YTL Corporation is one of the largest Malaysian based conglomerates listed on the Bursa Malaysia, and together with its five listed entities has a combined market capitalization of about RM30.8 billion (USD$9.1 billion) as at 31 October 2009, and total assets of over RM45 billion (USD$13 billion). The company was listed in 1985, and has also had a secondary listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 1996, being the first Asian (non-Japanese) company to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. YTL Corporation is an integrated infrastructure developer with interests in construction, power generation (in both contracted and merchant markets), cement manufacturing, water and sewerage services, property development, hotel development and management and information technology and e-commerce initiatives, serving over 12 million customers on three continents. For more information, visit: www.ytl.com.my.

About MSC Malaysia

MSC Malaysia is a national initiative spearheaded by the Malaysian Government to promote both the national ICT industry and provide a test-bed for the global ICT industry.  MSC Malaysia provides a conducive enabling environment designed to facilitate companies to harness the full potential of ICT and multimedia technologies.  With its ideal business environment coupled with the availability of talent resources, the MSC Malaysia has attracted participation from major global ICT companies to develop and host their leading-edge technologies in the designated MSC Malaysia Cybercities.  MSC Malaysia also provides the ideal growth environment for Malaysian ICT SMEs to transform themselves into world-class companies. Come explore the unlimited opportunities of the ICT world by locating in MSC Malaysia and be part of our global network of businesses and connected communities. For more information, visit: www.mscmalaysia.my.

The USD$1 Million Challenge

mYprize challenges developers from across the world to create unique applications, content or devices that highlight the benefits of YTL Communications' 4G Network in Malaysia. To motivate developers worldwide to submit prototypes, YTL Communications is offering USD$1 million in prizes to those with the most exciting and creative solutions that serve consumer needs.

Join now to submit your your ideas, or to share, rate and comment on entries submitted by others.

Apart from mYprize, if you join the 4G Innovation Network, you’ll have access to:

• Newsletters – Get the latest news on projects and techniques delivered right to your inbox.
• Competitions – Share, rate or comment and win a prize on any competition which is initiated by YTL Communications.
• Privileges – Get invited to participate in events or product launch.
• Developer forums – Post questions and get answers from experts in the developer community.

Watch the interview below for more information

Join us now

What you need to know

1. The mYprize Competition

mYprize challenges developers from across the world to create unique applications, content or devices that highlight the benefits of YTL Communications’ 4G Mobile Internet Network in Malaysia.

Timeline: The timeline for the competition shall be as follows:

Jan 8 - May 1: Submission of entries and community voting
May 2 - June 1: Community voting only; Submissions closed
June: Judging begins
July: First round of judging complete
August: Second round of judging complete
September: Selection of winners

2. Participation

Before you sign up for the mYprize competition, there are a few rules you should know about: (see full terms and conditions)

• Participants being corporations, academic institutions or individuals aged 18 years or older (excluding persons being adjudged criminal offenders under any national penal system or undischarged bankrupts or any person subject to pending criminal proceedings in any court of law) are welcome to compete either as individuals or as part of teams. In the case of teams or collaborating participants, one person must be designated as the team leader and will be solely responsible for registering and receiving communications from and communicating with YTL Communications Sdn Bhd.
• Malaysian participants, whether domiciled within Malaysia or elsewhere, will be eligible for an additional prize under the Malaysian Citizens’ category
• Current and former employees, officers, contractors and agents of YTL Communications Sdn Bhd, its subsidiaries and equity affiliates, together with members of their immediate families (parent, child, sibling and spouse of each) and those living in their same households, or YTL Communications Sdn Bhd MOU partners involved in the build-out of the 4G Mobile WiMax network and independent contractors supporting the Competition (hereafter referred to as “Related Parties” or a “Related Party”, depending on context), are ineligible to enter and participate in the Competition or be awarded or retain any Competition Prize.
• If a Participant is an employee of a corporation or academic institution, enrolled as a student or representing their employer or academic institution in this Competition, it is their sole responsibility to review, understand and abide by their employer’s or academic institution’s policies regarding eligibility to participate in the Competition
• There is no cost to enter and no purchase required!

3. Prizes

The prizes are outlined in the table below:

(*The Malaysian Prize is open to all Malaysian citizens only holding a valid blue MyKad or identification card issued by the Malaysian Armed Forces or Royal Malaysian Police Force, but NOT to Malaysians with dual- or multiple-citizenship or holders of red MyKads.)

4. Submissions

To enter the Competition, participants will go to www.myprize.my (“or other point of entry”) and follow the instructions for Competition submission. This site will contain all Competition related information. There is no fee to enter this Competition. All entrants must complete and submit the relevant Challenge Entry Application Form on or before May 1, 2010 to compete in this Competition. The Application Form must contain the following:

1. Comprehensive description of the application/device/content through the submission process on www.myprize.my.
2. For all entrants except those entering the ‘Best Idea’ prize Competition: submission of working code, a prototype, or demonstration of the application or device working. This may include: a link to a URL, a video showcasing their solution, schematics or drawings and anything else as may be necessary to establish a comprehensive understanding of the Competition entry in question. To win a prize you will have to demonstrate later in the process that your application or device works – a video or schematics will likely not be enough.
3. Any file inclusions must comply with the following:
• Must contain no profanity and inappropriate language;
• Must be no larger than 7MB in size;
• Must be free of viruses, worms, or other forms of malware;
• Must be in the English Language.

5. Judging process

Applications will be judged in multiple rounds:

• Rounds 1 & 2: YTL Communications’ mYprize Global Developer Challenge allows registered users to vote for their favorite applications/devices/ideas based on the information submitted by entrants. Each registered user may cast one vote during the open voting period, starting January 8, 2010 through June 1, 2010. In addition, YTL Communications will select a panel of expert judges to evaluate submissions. Both the community’s and expert judges’ input will be used to select finalists. Categories for evaluation include areas such as:
• Originality and Impact of Concept: innovative applications/devices that open new capabilities and create values for end users
• Showcasing the benefits of a low latency, high bandwidth 4G mobile Internet
• Community votes or votes from the public shall be persuasive in nature only and shall not be treated as a criteria, condition or guarantee of a particular entry advancing to future or subsequent rounds. The judges’ decision in this matter, taking into account all factors including the number of community votes, shall at all times be absolute.
• Final Round: Finalists will be invited to demonstrate their products in person to a panel of expert and community judges. Submissions that receive the highest scores based on set criteria will be deemed winners in respective categories. In the case of teams, YTL Communications reserves the right, at its sole discretion and after taking into account logistical and/or security considerations, to limit attendance of team members at the Final Round or any other live event to such number as may be most expedient or suitable from a management and operational perspective.

6. Winner Notification

Winners of Competition Prizes will be announced in September, 2010. Winners agree to provide tax filing information within two weeks of notification. By accepting a prize, Winners consent to work with YTL Communications Sdn Bhd to promote their Applications/Devices/Ideas in mutually-agreed-upon programs and venues. Winner’s failure to comply with this paragraph will result in disqualification.

This document does not serve as a substitute for Competition Terms and Conditions

FAQs

1. Who is eligible to compete in this competition?
We’re looking for people from around the globe with smarts, burbling passion, unique outlooks and the ability to make things happen! Oh, and you’ve gotta be at least 18 years old to enter – sorry, legal stuff ;-/ We also welcome teams to submit, though one person will act as team leader for all interactions with YTL Communications.

2. What are the requirements for submission?
Depends on the category, but we’re looking for stunning and useful software applications and devices. We’re also interested in game changing ideas that can be executed, so there’s a category for that. As you go through the brief “add an idea” process it will become clear what exactly we’re looking for you to, well, to invent – like demonstrable hardware prototypes and applications. We welcome all sorts of apps and devices for both consumer and business / enterprise, not to mention non-profits.

3. What are the judging criteria?
We are asking the audience to engage in the process by voting on their favorites, then we’re going to hand things over to a panel of distinguished judges we are assembling who will work with us through a couple rounds of paring back the good ideas and products from the great ones. What will these judges be looking for? Overall, they’ll be eyeing things that strike at the intersection of 4G (high speed, low latency) and mobility. But they’ll key on novel products, impactful applications, new spins on old ideas as well as groundbreaking peeks at the future. Of course presentation counts, as does the amount of work you’ve put into the prototype.

Effort and execution matter, but so does ingenuity. Be bold. Think big. The judges will notice.

4. Will my competition submission be made public?
Surely you want the world to see your work, right? But if you want to restrict part of your submission to judges eyes only then that’s an option.

5. How can I make my submission private?
During the “add an idea” process you will have the option to set privacy rules on attachments to your submission.

6. How does user voting affect my winning of the prize?
We are asking the audience to help us out by voting on their favorites, helping us assess the market for the entries. Don’t worry, we do look at all entries, votes or no votes.

7. How do I prove IPR?
If you have a patent, of course provide that information. If you have other claims to all or parts of your submission you should include that in the submission. If you have further questions on this feel free to send a note to feedback@ytlcomms.my

8. If I win do I retain ownership of my submission once I enter the competition?
YTL will have exclusive rights to market your innovation for twelve months following commercial readiness of your product in Malaysia.

9. Who can I contact with questions?
Questions? No problem – ping us at feedback@ytlcomms.my

10. When will winners be announced?
Winners will be announced in September of 2010.

11. Are there any restrictions on how I use the winnings?
You’ve earned it. The money is yours – no strings attached.

12. Are there taxes on the winnings?
Winning are pre-tax and as such will be subjected to tax rules and regulations pertinent to the contestant(s). Participants should seek advice from their tax advisors if there is any questions. YTL Communications Sdn Bhd will issue competition-related tax reporting, as may be required by applicable laws and regulations. As a condition of winning the competition and receipt and use of any prize, Participants agree to self-report to applicable local taxing authorities, as may be required by local laws.

13. Where can I find the competition terms and conditions?
That’s easy, just click here and we’ll take you to all the details.

14. Why do I have to be 18 or over to enter?
It’s actually a legitimate legal issue having to do with contracts. We’d love to dodge this too, but simply couldn’t.

15. My entry is a device, how do I prove that it works?
Well, we’d like to see a video of it working for starters, but there are variety of ways to put your device on the 4G network – be it through Ethernet port on a WiMAX Gateway, or via WiFi via one of your WiMAX/WiFi mobile router or even though direct integration via a WiMAX test board. This is just some of our ideas, you might expect some specific questions and other requests from those of us running mYprize or our judges. We are welcoming Android- and Web-based applications as well as OSX and Windows. In some cases we will invite entrants send or bring their devices to our test center in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.

16. My entry is an application, how do I prove that it works?
Good question! First, test it out plenty. Next, provide a link to the app or some kind of executable as part of your submission.

17. Can I have a team of my buddies and me?
Certainly teams can enter! Or classes. But we’ll need on person to be the lead, and the team will need to decide how best to divide winnings. Please see Terms & Conditions.

18. I work for a large tech company, can I still submit?
You can submit on behalf of yourself as long as your employer does not prohibit this – better check with them first. We’ll also have to verify you are who you say you are ;-)

19. Can I submit on behalf of my company, even though we're a competitor?
If your company allows you to do this, bring it on! We’re all about getting the coolest, most useful tools and applications into the hands of people in Malaysia.

20. I developed this app for the iPhone... can I enter it here too?
We like the iPhone app capabilities too but 4G is a whole new experience for consumers – our super high-speed, low latency network should give you reason to make significantly cooler and more useful apps. Think about it!

21. What’s the timeline for the competition?
We’re glad you asked! Here it is:

Jan 8 - May 1: Submission of entries and community voting
May 2 - June 1: Community voting only; Submissions closed
June: Judging begins
July: First round of judging complete
August: Second round of judging complete
September: Selection of winners

22. How do IP rights work once I submit? Do I keep ownership?
Absolutely. You have IP rights no matter what. In the case that you win, we only license rights to what you’ve got.

This document does not serve as a substitute for Competition Terms and Conditions

Who we are

We’re building the world’s first mobile internet network, enabled by 4G.

We all want communication freedom in Malaysia. The Internet enables just that, breaking down barriers and encouraging a constant exchange of ideas.

Yet as we rely on it more, the infrastructure needs to grow. We need fast Internet speeds, reliability and nationwide access. For Malaysians to be able to enjoy a truly connected lifestyle, someone’s got to build it.

That's where we come in.

For more information, visit our website.